SOAR presents Matilda Jr.

Lola Francoline, Elsie Carr, Eloise Vaughn, Sawyer Rose Turner and Alex Philipp face the first day of school at Crunchem Hall in SOAR’s production of “Matilda Jr.”
Aly Morrissey
Lola Francoline, Elsie Carr, Eloise Vaughn, Sawyer Rose Turner and Alex Philipp face the first day of school at Crunchem Hall in SOAR’s production of “Matilda Jr.”
The Black Box Theater at The Hotchkiss School is a small venue by any measurement, with only around 100 seats. It feels like some sort of miracle when 39 elementary school students manage to not only occupy the living-room sized stage, but execute both choreography and harmony.
The cast and crew of SOAR’s production of “Matilda Jr.” pulled off such a miracle not once but four times between Nov. 22 and 24. They weathered missing costume pieces, unruly hair, and even the brief illness of the lead actor to deliver an uplifting and fun story of a little girl in an abusive situation who not only finds the strength — and telekinetic powers — to stand up for herself, but also inspires her classmates and teacher to do the same.
SOAR is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing enrichment programs to the students of Salisbury Central School. Founded in 2000 by Zena Block, SOAR offers after-school classes, in-school programs, community events and teacher grants. “Matilda Jr.” is the third full-scale musical production put on by SOAR, following “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.” in 2023 and “Annie Jr.” in 2022.
Owen Saylor as Bruce wrestles with Miss Trunchbull’s chocolate cake in SOAR’s production of “Matilda Jr.Aly Morrissey
Each year, the number of students signing up for the musical has grown, presenting some logistical challenges. Previous productions included third through eighth graders, but this year the minimum age was raised to fourth grade due to overwhelming interest.
“I’m just thrilled that 39 kids want to do musical theater,” said Darcy Boynton, one of the directors of the play and Program Liaison of the Board of Directors. “They don’t all fit on the [Salisbury Central School ] cafeteria stage, but we squish them in.
Boynton’s co-director is Stephanie Hahn, a member of SOAR’s Program & Event Committee. The two have worked together on all three productions.
“We didn’t even know each other,” Hahn said. “But we both said 'yes'.”
Boynton and Hahn are volunteers who have dedicated too many hours to count. They both praised Lauren Brown, SOAR’s Executive Director and only paid employee, for her support and dedication. And when asked why they said "yes" to such a venture, their answers were similar.
“I’ve always been a theater person, I love it so much,” said Hahn. “To be able to give these kids this experience is just so rewarding.”
“I believe so strongly in theater education,” Boynton added. “Theater is an essential part of education but it’s thought of as extracurricular. It helps with physical skills, emotional skills, and it creates empathetic people. It’s a team sport without the competition.”
Maris Jenter performed the title role in SOAR’s production of “Matilda Jr.”Aly Morrissey
On the subject of teamwork, it’s worth mentioning the sheer number of adult and teenage volunteers who jumped in to help. More than 20 individuals are listed in the program, along with a half dozen sponsors and organizations. The families of the performers also committed to a robust rehearsal schedule.
Choosing a play with a large ensemble is key to the program’s success.
“Matilda” allowed some of the younger actors to be highlighted as the title character’s rebellious classmates. Maris Jenter, a sixth grader, led the way as Matilda, capturing both the humor and the pathos of the role. Jackson Magyar, another sixth grader, stole every scene he was in as the terrifying Agatha Trunchbull. And Mollie Sosin, an eighth grade veteran of all three productions, shined as Miss Honey, using her quite grown up voice to captivate the audience.
“This is a wonderful group of kids who are so supportive of each other,” Boynton said. “Their enthusiasm is what pulled it together. They really cared about it.”
SOAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more about how
to support them at soarkids.org.
AMENIA — The first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School went smoothly, with teachers enthusiastically greeting the eager young students disembarking from buses. Excitement was measurable, with only a few tears from parents, but school began anyway.
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
AMENIA — While the courage and perseverance of Revolutionary era patriots is well understood and celebrated, the stories of the fate of British loyalists in New York are not as clear.
Seen as the initial event in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Amenia Historical Society will present a talk titled, “The Plight of a Loyalist in Revolutionary New York,” examining the journal of Cadwallader Colden, Jr., spanning the period of 1777-1779. The speaker will be noted author, genealogist and historian Jay Campbell.
The talk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. at the Smithfield Presbyterian Church in Amenia. The handicapped-accessible church is located at 656 Smithfield Valley Road. Refreshments will be served.
Colden was the son of a New York Lieutenant Governor. He was a surveyor, farmer and mercantilist, serving as a judge in Ulster County. His fortunes changed dramatically with the dawn of the Revolutionary War when he remained loyal to the British Crown. His arrest came in 1776, just before the start of his journal.
Campbell is a historian specializing in Hudson Valley history, and the regional stories of Revolutionary era families.
Erin Rollins of Millbrook in the Fashion Feed booth, open year round, at the Millbrook Antiques Mall. All proceeds from Fashion Feeds go to the Food of Life Pantry. As an interior designer by trade, Rollins designed this booth to evoke a high-end department store to align with the designer brands she carries.
MILLERTON — The Townscape 50/50 raffle drawing has collected a pot of more than $7,000.
That raffle drawing will take place this Saturday at 2 p.m. in Veteran’s Park. The moment is not just about picking a winner, but also about reflecting on how far Townscape has come since its humble beginnings in 1998, when founder Catherine Fenn — alongside Renee Vollen and Jan Gilmor — first set out to beautify her beloved village.
Fenn’s connection to Millerton runs deep. “I moved here from the Bronx when I was eight years old and fell in love with the place, even as a child,” she recalled, remembering camping trips at Rudd Pond and enjoying the quiet pace of life.
At 15, her family relocated to southern Connecticut. “My dad didn’t think there was much here for us, so we moved. I left kicking and screaming, literally, and I said, ‘Someday I’m coming back.’”
Years later, after marrying, divorcing, and raising children, Fenn kept that promise. She returned to Millerton and married a childhood friend who was very involved in the fire department. After his passing, Fenn threw herself into her own way of giving back.
“I care about this village deeply. Townscape is my way of helping Millerton be the best it can be,” she said.
What began as an informal effort to gather volunteers and plant flowers eventually blossomed into something larger. “We started with flowers up and down Main Street — barrels of them everywhere. Then it grew into benches, tables, trees and even events. It was such a fun world, a really wonderful organization with so many people involved.”
Fenn’s service to the community extends beyond beautification. She spent roughly two decades on the Planning Board, served as Town Supervisor and worked with the county housing authority. Still, her passion for flowers, trees and landscapes has left the most visible mark on Millerton — shaping not only how the village looks, but how it feels.
In 2006, Townscape became a nonprofit organization. But beautification, Fenn admits, isn’t always the easiest cause to fund. “We’re just putting flowers out — and I shouldn’t say ‘just,’ because to me it’s really important. The trees, the benches, all of it matters. But it’s not high on most people’s list when they think about charitable donations. Still, people have been wonderfully generous over the years.”
This Saturday’s raffle drawing is one way neighbors can show their support. The winner does not have to be present to claim the prize, but those who stop by can enjoy cookies, lemonade and artwork by local creators on display in the park.
MILLBROOK — Local crows should prepare to become highly spooked as planners of Millbrook Community Day, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, have announced that a Scarecrow Contest will be part of the festivities.
Residents are invited to get creative and devise their own renditions of a scarecrow from traditional to whatever imagination might come up with.
Judging criteria will include creativity, including originality, new ideas, or perhaps whether the scarecrow tells a story. Design criteria include the creator’s technique, materials — recycled materials are emphatically a plus — and durability.
Rules include that scarecrows be free-standing, able to stand on their own or with minimal support. No scarecrow can be store-bought. Entries must be able to fit within a 6 x 6 foot space once assembled. A stand is available upon request. Scarecrows must be non-political, family friendly, and in a good-natured spirit.
Entrants are responsible for set-up, scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sept. 20, location to be assigned the week before. Judging will begin at 1 p.m. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m.
For more information and to register to participate, email mba@millbrooknewyork.com or go to www.millbrooknewyork.com/community-day-2025