Stanford eyes $20,000 grant for municipal compost program

STANFORD — Landfills and incinerators in the United States process enough organic material annually to fill a line of fully-loaded 18-wheelers stretching from New York City to Los Angeles, 10 times, according to a report by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund.

In response, the number of communities with composting programs nationwide has increased 65% in the last five years, and the town of Stanford is considering joining that movement.

The Stanfordville Climate Smart Communities (CSC) board is seeking feedback from residents via an online survey on their level of interest in participating in a composting program in their community if one were to be established.

Wendy Burton, Town of Stanford Supervisor, said there is a grant opportunity from Dutchess County for up to $20,000 to fund a composting project for the initial start-up costs for a food waste drop-off program.

Burton noted that the town Transfer Station is under consideration as the site for a municipal composting project.

“The survey is to test the waters on community interest, and we are also going to speak to our local restaurants and Big Rock,” as well as the local school district, to see if they would be interested in participating, the town supervisor said.

The brief survey asks residents to estimate how much compostable waste they think their household produces weekly, whether they would be interested in education about home composting, community composting, with potential drop off options around town, or a composting pick-up service, age range and number of people in the household.

The Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management recently launched the expanded grant program for municipalities and schools aimed at reducing food and organic waste through composting and at the same time provide convenient composting opportunities to residents.

Composting is a process where organic materials, like kitchen scraps and yard waste, are broken down naturally by microorganisms. These tiny creatures use oxygen, water and the carbon and nitrogen in the materials to create a nutrient-rich soil called compost, which is akin to turning trash into treasure for gardens.

The survey is currently being circulated via the Town of Stanford mailing list. For more information, email wburton@townofstanford.org.

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less