Sisters Hill Farm feeds multitude

David Hambleton joined Sisters Hill Farm in 1999 and says “there’s nothing more basic and elemental than feeding people.”
Natalia Zukerman
David Hambleton joined Sisters Hill Farm in 1999 and says “there’s nothing more basic and elemental than feeding people.”
STANFORDVILLE — As part of their mission, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of New York hired David Hambleton in 1999 to be the farmer and Director of Sisters Hill Farm in Stanfordville.
The property, known as Hill Crest Farm in the early days of the twentieth century, was willed to the sisters in 1917. They oversaw the property until the 1940s when the land was left fallow. Since 1999, it has flourished under Hambleton’s guidance, whose unique blend of skills and passions has reshaped the landscape, infusing it with innovation, sustainability, and a deep sense of purpose.
Reflecting the sisters’ mission of reverence for the land, women, children, and addressing poverty, it was decided that Hambleton would develop a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program on the farm.
With a degree in environmental studies from Binghamton University and a background in carpentry and cabinet making, Hambleton brought his ecological expertise and a diverse array of practical skills to the task.
What began as a modest endeavor now feeds 400 families, while sharing 10% of the harvest with those in need.
The CSA runs from the last week in May until the first week in November. There is a drop off location at the College of Mount St. Vincent in the Bronx for about 60 participating families and the rest are locals who can choose from a weekly or bi-weekly pick up on the farm.
“We used a sliding scale for years,” explains Hambleton of their pay model, “but now people pay what they are able, so some people pay nothing, and some pay full price. And if you have a hardship, let us know what you can afford.”
Hambleton grew up next to a dairy farm in Thompson Ridge, a hamlet located within the town of Crawford, New York.
“I played in the farm fields and in the woods, chopping down trees, damming up streams, building forts and all that sort of thing. This is kind of like that on the best days,” he laughed.
Farmer David Hambleton at Sisters Hill Farm in Stanfordville where a CSA runs from last week in May to November. Natalia Zukerman
Indeed, it does seem as though Hambleton is still playing. An engineer at heart, he has an eye for design and a knack for problem-solving which has led him to refurbish and create custom-built machinery. From a custom fertilizer drop spreader to refurbished tractors from the 30s and 40s, to mobile high tunnels that maximize space and efficiency, Hambleton’s designs are meticulously crafted, a marriage of function and form. With an artist’s sensibility and a farmer’s pragmatism, Hambleton is constantly tinkering and innovating to improve efficiency and sustainability on the farm.
As a member of the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (C.R.A.F.T.), a collaborative effort of local and biodynamic farms that offers opportunities for apprentices, Hambleton shares his knowledge and expertise with aspiring farmers. The paid position is open to just a few applicants and beyond teaching them by just working on the farm, Hambleton also offers private classes on everything from metal working and wood working to tractor mechanics, to finances and bookkeeping.
There is also housing available on site, so the small group works closely together around the clock.
“We all get along really well and have a lot of similar interests,” said Kiva Carman-Frank, one of this year’s apprentices.
After the first few years living on site as well, Hambleton built his own house across the street from the farm, where he still lives with his wife and two sons. It offers him a bit of space from his work but for Hambleton, farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a way of life rooted in a deep connection to the land.
As part of an ecological agriculture class in college, Hambleton visited a CSA and recalled that the farmer was, “living a life according to his principles and that was something I really wanted to do.” Further reflecting on his work, he shared, “There’s nothing more basic and elemental than feeding people…and I wanted to do something basic and elemental and meaningful.”
To find out more go to www.sistershillfarm.org
David Hambleton with Assistant Farm Manager, Cole Freeman and apprentice Kiva Carman-Frank.Natalia Zukerman
PINE PLAINS — The Pine Plains FFA Ag Fair brought a crowd to the high school on Church Street Saturday, Oct. 11.
Kicking off the day was the annual tractor pull, attracting a dedicated crowd that sat in bleachers and folding chairs for hours watching Allison-Chalmers, International Harvesters and John Deeres compete to pull the heaviest weights.
A large collection of food was on offer from the Pine Plains FFA and each one of the classes in the Pine Plains Central School District. The football team was selling pickles.
Stissing Mountain High School Principal Christopher Boyd enjoyed a dip in the dunk tank to raise money for the Pine Plains teachers’ union-sponsored scholarship.
Stissing Mountain High School Principal Christopher Boyd got dunked several times during his half-hour shift in the dunk tank. Proceeds from the throws benefitted the Photo by Nathan Miller
The Rev. AJ Stack, center right, blessing a chicken at the pet blessing event at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia on Saturday, Oct. 4.
AMENIA — After serving more than five years as Priest-in-Charge of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia, the Rev. AJ Stack announced Tuesday, Oct. 7, that he will resign from the church and Food of Life/Comida de Vida pantry. His last day at his current post will be Sunday, Nov. 2, the conclusion of the Feast of All Saints.
The news was shared in two emails from Stack — one to Food of Life pantry subscribers and volunteers, and another to parish members.
“I write tonight with difficult news, and I wanted you to hear it from me as soon as the Vestry and I had a chance to meet,” he wrote. “After much prayer and careful discernment, I have submitted my resignation to the Vestry as Priest-in-Charge of St. Thomas, and therefore as Executive Director of Food of Life/Comida de Vida.”
Stack provided few details about his departure. At time of publication, he had not announced his next steps but said the decision was “not sudden,” and followed careful consideration over a period of months. He will not be leaving the area or the diocese.
An announcement about his path forward and the transition process is expected soon. In the meantime, Stack said he remains “fully present” at the church, and the food pantry services will continue without interruption.
Stack expressed gratitude for the community and the growth of St. Thomas’ mission during his tenure. “Together we have welcomed new neighbors and strengthened our outreach in meaningful ways,” he said. “I trust that good work will continue.”
He joined St. Thomas in March 2020 and guided the church and community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent interview with The News about the food pantry, Stack estimated that it serves 653 individuals from 156 households each week, highlighting a significant contribution to the community.
The announcement was met with messages of reassurance from pantry volunteers. Jolly Stewart, a Vestry member and volunteer, wrote to the community with words of reassurance following the announcement. “I have complete faith in the strength of the parish of St. Thomas,” she wrote. “Our history shows how we have done this time and again, each time becoming more than what we were before. We can, without a doubt, do this now.”
MILLERTON — Ten candidates for office in the Nov. 4 election will answer questions from Dutchess County voters at a candidate forum on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Annex at the NorthEast-Millerton Library located at 28 Century Blvd.
The forum, which is sponsored by the library, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Candidates for local and county offices will answer questions from residents in attendance or from residents who have submitted questions in advance.
“We’re excited to keep the tradition of the candidate forum going,” said Rhiannon Leo-Jameson, director of the library. “Some years we can’t always get candidates together.”
This year’s forum will include:
Rachele Grieco Cole, a Democrat, and Chris Mayville, a Republican, who both are running uncontested for the North East Town Council;
Casey McCabe, a Democrat, also running uncontested for North East Justice.
Among Dutchess County races:
Tracy MacKenzie, who is endorsed by Republicans and Democrats, is running uncontested for Dutchess County Family Court Judge;
Kara Gerry, a Democrat, and Ned McLoughlin, a Republican, are in a contest for a Dutchess County Court judgeship currently held by McLoughlin.
Chris Drago, D-19, and Tonya Pulver, a Republican, are competing to represent Dutchess County’s19th District seat currently held by Drago.
Democratic incumbent Dan Aymar-Blair and Will Truitt, the Republican chair of the county legislature, are competing for the Dutchess County Comptroller position currently held by Aymar-Blair.
Leo-Jameson is encouraging questions for the candidates to be submitted in advance, which will not be revealed to candidates beforehand. Dutchess County residents may pose questions during the forum. To submit a question on the library’s website, go to the calendar at nemillertonlibrary.org and find the link in the Oct. 24calendar entries.
The format calls for opening statements from the candidates, followed by questions from residents, and candidates will be able to stay after the forum to answer questions personally.
The residence at 35 Amenia Union Road in Sharon was damaged after being struck by the Jeep Grand Cherokee around 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11.
SHARON, Conn. — Emergency crews were called Saturday, Oct. 11, to Amenia Union Road in Sharon for a report of a vehicle into a building with entrapment.
Connecticut State Police reported Charles Teti, 62, was driving his Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on Amenia Union Road when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle veered across the southbound land and exited the roadway where it struck a tree and home. Airbags deployed.
Teti and front seat passenger Aidan Cassidy, 63, sustained serious injuries. Teti was airlifted to Hartford Hospital and Cassidy was transported by ambulance to Sharon Hospital for treatment.
Back seat passenger Shea Cassidy-Teti, 17, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on scene. Cassidy-Teti was a senior at Kent School. He played on the football and tennis teams.
The residence that was struck is located at 35 Amenia Union Road.
The case remains under open investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact Trooper Lukas Gryniuk at Troop B 860-626-1821.