
The 300 year-old Dover Oak in Pawling, Eastern Dutchess County, New York is 22 feet in circumference and 114 feet tall.
Jennifer Almquist
The 300 year-old Dover Oak in Pawling, Eastern Dutchess County, New York is 22 feet in circumference and 114 feet tall.
Twelve stalwart middle schoolers, and their intrepid teachers hike annually through a four-mile section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Eastern Dutchess County, NY. As they wind their way down the path from a sunny apple-tree filled meadow, they come upon the massive 300-year-old Dover Oak. Since the early 1700s, when the Algonquin tribe still walked the land, its life was contained in an acorn. This Eastern White Oak (Quercus alba), the largest on the length of the Appalachian Trail, the 2,180-mile footpath from Georgia to Maine, has been growing strong and steady. A witness to three centuries of its local history, this ancient survivor has withstood the march of time.
It was a sapling in 1778 when General George Washington blockaded Fredericksburgh, New York, with his 13,000 troops (to keep the British in New York City) and established his Headquarters in the house of John Kane in Pawling, a few miles from the Dover Oak. Surely during our Civil War in the 1860s, the now larger oak gave shelter to Union soldiers in NY’s Fifth Regiment. Then in 1916 when W.E.B. Du Bois and other activists met in the historic Amenia Conferences at Troutbeck, whose purpose was to advance the standing of black citizens in America, (culminating in the NAACP), travelers exclaimed at the breadth of the limbs of the Dover Oak. How does a tree survive de-forestation, being chopped up for firewood, disease, air pollution, drought, and now the impact of climate change?
Your journey on the Appalachian Trail begins at the Great Swamp, New York State’s third largest freshwater wetlands. A bridge allows you to cross the Swamp River, and the hardest part of the trek begins as you head up through the woods. Reaching the top of Corbin Hill, your pathway opens onto the sunny farmland following the perimeter of the fields. Carefully walk down the fieldstone steps, then crane your neck to see the massive limbs of a huge, 114-foot tree reaching skywards above you. You have reached the Dover Oak on West Dover Road in Pawling. This magnificent landmark is on the New York State’s Big Tree Registry as the largest Eastern White Oak.
Jennifer Almquist
To stand near it is overwhelming. Embracing the 20-foot circumference is like hugging an elephant. The sunlight filters down endless convolutions of gnarly bark. You might see a gossamer spiderweb undulating in the wind, catching rainbows from the sun. Squirrels and chipmunks gather on its branches. The base of the trunk resembles the foot of a giant elephant. The surrounding soil is tamped down by the feet of many pilgrims who pay homage to this wonder of nature and survival.
Tom Fahsbender, Director of Experiential Education at the Washington (CT) Montessori School and math and science teacher, has been bringing groups of his middle school students on hiking and backpacking trips on various sections of the Appalachian Trail for the past twenty years. “The trail from the AT train stop on Route 22 to Telephone Pioneers shelter is a favorite of my students, mainly because of the Dover Oak. We generally have about 8 to 10 kids, and the hike is rigorous. After we trek up the hill, over the crest and then slog down through some consistently muddy sections, we climb down a few stone steps and suddenly we are confronted by this glorious, monstrous tree. At this point in the hike the kids are pretty tired, but they get so excited being in the presence of this ancient oak. We spend time talking about its age and all the things that it’s seen, we join hands to measure its circumference and pace out the vast reach of its branches, but mostly the students just like being with the tree. They touch its bark and try to find creatures in the crevices or up in the branches. It is, in the truest sense, awesome.”
Tom Fahsbender
A collision between a red Suzuki Forenza and a flatbed truck disrupted the morning commute on Main Street in Millerton on Tuesday, May 13. State Trooper Krystal Paolicelli of Troop K said the Suzuki made a wide right turn onto Route 44 from Dutchess Avenue, causing a crash at the hairpin turn. The disabled Peterbilt flatbed truck was carrying a Fontaine trailer and blocked two-way traffic. Police responded to the call at approximately 8 a.m. No injuries were reported.
Photo by Aly Morrissey
Mickey Stringer of of North East, left, checks in with Chris Virtuoso, volunteering on Saturday, May 12 at the Old Town Garage on South Center Street as a Climate Smart Task Force member. Stringer’s loaded pickup was part of a long line of vehicles along South Center as residents used the opportunity to dispose of air conditioners, mattresses, lumber, and other bulk items. Town Supervisor Christopher Kennan said he didn’t recall seeing such a long line of vehicles in past years.
Webutuck valedictorian Olivia Lopane Wickwire
AMENIA — Well-positioned to move into her college years, Olivia Lopane Wickwire, 17, of Millerton has earned top ranking as Valedictorian of the Webutuck High School Class of 2025. Her devotion to a well-rounded school experience began with her enrollment in Webutuck’s pre-K program.
“It means a lot being valedictorian, especially being best friends with your salutatorian,” Olivia said during an interview on Thursday, April 3. Her friend, Gissel Oros, had been named Salutatorian.
“You know your friend realizes how hard it was to get where you are today. It’s very important to me that other people don’t think it’s an easy thing. Gissel understands what it was like to get here and we did it together.”
Olivia has served as the president of the National Honor Society and co-president of the senior class.
“Good time management is important, along with persistence and dedication,” is Olivia’s advice to all students, but particularly those who will begin as high school freshmen in the fall.
Developing leadership skills has been an important focus for Olivia, exemplified by her service to the community.
“Ever since I was young, I never wanted to be a follower; I wanted to be a leader,” Olivia said. “I just love being able to lead people in the right way and I like being an example and good role model for people.”
Olivia appreciated the small school population at Webutuck and the helpfulness of the teaching staff and the students. Her advice to any entering freshman was to “advocate for yourself.”
Olivia has served as a member and current Treasurer of the high school Climate and Culture Club that works to build morale and nurture the school’s environment. The club organized a Wellness Day in 2024 and administers the program that selects Students of the Month.
Sports have also been a focus for Olivia. She competed on the varsity boys’ golf team and the varsity girls’ softball team, serving as softball team captain. She is a member of the Student Council and Environmental Club.
Outside of school, Olivia volunteers in both the food pantry and the Early Learning Program at the North East Community Center in Millerton.
Planning to study biochemistry at Marist University, Olivia described her relationship with her grandmother, Petrina S. Lopane, who lost her husband at a young age to cancer. Her grandmother’s story motivates her toward a career in medical research.
“She’s my everything; she has inspired me,” she said of her grandmother’s important influence.
Olivia is the daughter of Craig Wickwire and Petrina Lopane of Millerton.
Gissel OrosPhoto provided
AMENIA — Having attended the Webutuck school system since enrolling in Kindergarten, Gissel Oros, 18, of Amenia excelled in her studies from the start, serving as a role model for others, culminating in being named Salutatorian of the Webutuck High School Class of 2025.
“It means a lot to have my best friend, Olivia [Lopane Wickwire], as valedictorian because she understands we worked hard to get where we are now,” Gissel said during an interview on Thursday, April 3.
“Both girls are certainly representative of the school, more than just academically,” said Robert Knuschke, high school principal. “They are involved in many activities, clubs, community service and are very active in leadership roles. There is a reason why they’re the valedictorian and salutatorian; it’s because they’ve put the extra time in.”
Gissel has served as co-president of the senior class and vice president of the National Honor Society.
“Stay on top of your work and be sure to hand work in on time. Don’t wait until the last minute,” Gissel said when asked for her advice to young students just beginning their high school years.
Engaged with the community, Gissel volunteers in the food pantry and early learning program at the North East Community Center in Millerton. Her work has included food delivery for those unable to visit in person, re-stocking supplies and helping with the coat and clothing drive.
Gissel competed on the varsity boys’ golf team and as a member of the varsity girls’ softball team.She is also a member of the Student Council and environmental club.
About leadership, Gissel said, “I’ve always been a follower, but as I’ve grown, I’ve seen it’s more important to be a leader.”
Gissel plans to study Criminal Psychology and Law at the University of Albany. Her career goal was inspired by a criminal justice class she took with Webutuck teacher Douglas Matthews.
“I really enjoyed it. The further I got into the school year, the more I realized I wanted to do this,” she said.
“I’ve always had a passion for Criminal Psychology,” Gissel explained. “I just find it cool knowing how people’s brains work and function. With law, I want to help immigrants who don’t necessarily have someone to rely on. I want to be that person to help them through their legal issues.”
Gissel is the daughter of Arnulfo Oros and Elizabeth Martinez of Amenia.
“My parents have sacrificed so much for me,” Gissel said. “I want to be able to repay them and give them everything they still want.”
Greychurch on Main Street expects to begin Caffeine Academy creative classes by September.
MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton is on the move.
Two weeks ago Tallow, “Real Food, Real Fast” opened in the long vacant McDonald’s, and Mad Rose Gallery expanded next door to 3-5 Main Street to a larger gallery with arts classes and community space for performances and lectures upstairs. The newly painted Greychurch is a reminder that there’s still more to come.
Here’s a quick list.
The former Presbyterian Church on Main Street will become the Caffeine Academy with creative classes in the former Sunday school rooms and a community venue upstairs. Owner Alex That hopes to start offering classes by September.
The owner of 54 Main St., formerly Manna Dew, hopes to open a restaurant by the end of the summer with a new name, menu and expanded outdoor dining.
George Whalen III, President of the Bank of Millbrook, is predicting an opening of the bank’s Millerton branch at 110 Route 44 by the end of June if all goes as planned. The Bank of Millbrook purchased the property from Elizabeth’s Jewelry and Fine Gifts in October 2024 for $890,000.
The Millerton Supermarket is still undergoing renovation with an opening possible by September or October according to Kim Choe. The Choes, owners of the Sharon Market, purchased the former Grand Union in November 2024 for $1.75 million.
Demolition of the Village Department of Public Works on Route 22, which was destroyed by fire on February 3, 2025, is expected very soon, said Mayor Jenn Najdek. Once Dutchess County Health Department approves, a new temporary structure will be constructed to house the well and equipment of the Village Water Department.
A new pay-what-you-can food pantry on 56 South Center St., formerly Hathaway & Young, is planning on opening in the middle of June according to Linda Quella of Tri-Corner Feed. The building was sold for $582,000 in January 2025.
St Patrick’s Church on Church Street was closed ten years ago, but conducted a noontime mass in Irish, Spanish and English on St. Patrick’s Day. A celebration of Ascension Day is planned for May 29 in the burial ground conducted by Father Andrew O’Connor. Elyse Harney is spearheading an effort to reopen the church.