AMENIA — A new Amenia recreation program kicked off on Monday, Feb. 3, with an invitation to enjoy winter skating at Silo Ridge’s outdoor rink on selected Mondays during February.
Skaters of all ages and varied experience on the ice came to the first session with more anticipated to participate as the word gets out. A warming fire was a popular feature.
The open skating community invitation will be repeated on Feb. 10 and 24. Each session will begin at 3:30 p.m. and continue until closing at 6 p.m. Advance registration is required . For more information, go to www.amenia.ny.gov, or to register, email the Recreation Department at pbogin@ameniany.gov.
“This is a good opportunity for Amenia and Silo Ridge to collaborate and bring events to the town,” said new Amenia Recreation Director Paul Bogin. “This will lead to more events for people to enjoy.”
“It’s been a long time coming,” added Mark Hussey, Director of VIBE at Silo Ridge, responsible for setting the mood of the field club’s atmosphere for its residents. He said he was pleased to see the town being able to use the ice.
New Amenia Recreation Supervisor Paul Bogin was on hand on Monday, Feb. 3, for the first of three Open Rink community events sponsored by the Recreation Department in collaboration with Silo Ridge where the rink is located. The free community skating will be repeated on Monday, Feb. 24, inviting local and area skaters to enjoy using the expansive rink. Registration required.Photo by Leila Hawken
Also attending to the details of the open skate day were Zachary Spencer, outdoor pursuits coordinator and outdoor pursuits attendant Maebal Spencer — no relation.
Their efforts kept the fire pit stoked with wood, and a variety of tasks to ensure the skating experience would be positive for all.
“The more the merrier,” said Zachary Spencer, noting that the open rink idea was under consideration for a long time. “It’s definitely something I support.”
He was pleasantly surprised, he said, to see the local visiting skaters had impressive skating talent, some even managing some figure skating moves.
“It’s good to see the public enjoying it, the town coming together,” Maebel Spencer observed.
“It’s a good vibe,” Hussey added, pleased by the evident sense of community brought about by the event.
Little Sloane Oksenhendler, 4, of Clinton Corners was fearlessly enthusiastic about the experience, not her first time on skates, nor her last.
Finding it fun, she managed to skate along and remain upright with the help of an ingenious “walker” box for use on ice.
“I’m going to invite all of my friends to come skating with me,” Sloane said, adding that she particularly loved how they — the other skaters — do tricks on the ice.
Local skaters enjoyed free skating at the Silo Ridge Ice Rink on Monday, Feb. 3, the first of three planned open rink days sponsored by the Amenia Recreation Department in collaboration with Silo Ridge. The Open Rink program will be repeated on Mondays, Feb. 10 and 24, inviting local and area skaters to enjoy community skating fellowship. Registration is required.Photo by Leila Hawken
Ready for her first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School, Liliana Cawley, 7, would soon join her second grade class, but first she posed for a photo to mark the occasion.Photo by Leila Hawken
Demitasse owner Hayden McIntosh Geer said she is excited by the shift to online sales.
The building that houses Demitasse and neighboring Candy-O’s is on the market, leaving the future uncertain. Geer said she and Richard will continue supporting their favorite Millerton spots, now with more time to enjoy local businesses and neighbors.
Known for its carefully selected gifts and home goods, Demitasse has received frequent praise for its curation. Yet Geer is quick to deflect. “I didn’t know I was creative until I opened the store,” she joked. “When anyone talks about the curation I just point to the makers. They are the ones who create the beautiful items that hold purpose and intention. That’s what made our place special.”
The decision to open a gift shop was never part of a master plan, Geer said. “We found our way as we went along and it happened very organically.” But from day one, she knew she wanted to support marginalized artists and makers.
Demitasse owner Hayden McIntosh Geer, right, and her husband, Richard, sitting on the bench in front of the Main Street storefront. Photo by Jessica Yurko
For example, Sidai Designs, which makes beaded jewelry in Africa, provides work for 120 Maasai women and helps support their communities. Maison d’Haiti, which produces handcrafted goods in Haiti, employs nearly 100 women at fair-trade wages, giving them a reliable income through sales in the U.S. and Haiti.
One of the highlights of having a storefront — and a true testament to what she and her husband had created — came when the editor of a major culture and lifestyle magazine told Geer how much she loved shopping at Demitasse for its quality and mission-driven products.
“I could have quit right there,” Geer joked, reflecting on the highs and lows of the last five years.
Just as thoughtfully as the products were curated, every element of the store reflected care and craftsmanship. Hayden and Richard incorporated their tastes and skills into every nook and cranny, including shelving made from reclaimed wood from their home. Some of those shelves now have a new life at The Beehive, a boutique in Mount Kisco, New York.
Today, their digital shelves continue to highlight a diverse range of makers, with biographical details available on each product listing. The website carries the same aesthetic found in-store, maintaining the mission to support LGBTQ+ makers, environmentally friendly products, and Black- and women-owned businesses.
Looking ahead, Geer says, “We want people to know that if they enjoyed shopping in our store, they’ll love our website.” Shoppers can still expect beautiful gift wrapping and flexible exchange policies, and Geer is offering personal deliveries within driving distance on a limited basis.
Above all, Geer says her heart is full of gratitude for her customers. “They came in, shared life stories and became friends. We love Millerton, and I hope people will remain in touch.”
Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik shows off the new gear. Brand new police cruisers arrived last week.
Olenik worked with The Cruiser’s Division in Mamaroneck, New York, to design the vehicles.
“We really want to thank the Pine Plains Police Department for their tremendous support,” Olenik said. After the fire, “they were the first ones to come forward and offer help.”
The new police cruisers are outfitted with lights with automatically adjusting brightness to best perform in ambient conditions.Photo by Aly Morrissey
Since February, Millerton officers have been borrowing a patrol car from Pine Plains. With the new vehicles now in service, Olenik said he plans to thank Pine Plains officers by treating them to dinner at Four Brothers in Amenia and having their car detailed
