Author Tom Morrison, left, and former Lakeville Journal executive editor Cynthia Hochswender discussed Morrison's newest novel, "Who Put the Bots in The Tort$?" at Noble Horizons Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Author Tom Morrison provided some insight into the creative process behind his series of legal farces at a talk and book signing at Noble Horizons Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Morrison was interviewed by former Lakeville Journal executive editor Cynthia Hochswender about his latest novel, “Who Put the Bots in The Tort$?” and his interest in writing fiction after a 50-year legal career.
Morrison said he wrote a “spy novel” (his emphasis) when he was in the Air Force after law school.
He didn’t know anything about espionage and the manuscript “never saw the light of day.”
Many years later, as he contemplated his retirement, the idea of writing fiction became appealing again.
Only this time he decided to write about something he knew about — lawyers.
Hochswender asked if he had to train himself “not to write a lawyer.”
Morrison said he took some pride in developing a clear and concise writing style during his legal career.
“Tell a story that the judge and jury can understand.”
He said most of his colleagues appreciated his legal writing style, except one “curmudgeon” who referred to it as “Morrison Newsweek style.”
“I took that as a compliment.”
Asked if he uses an editor for his fiction, Morrison said no.
He writes the first draft in pencil on legal pads, and then edits once the manuscript is typed into a computer.
He does have someone who performs copy editing tasks for him.
Hochswender asked about finding an agent and publisher.
Morrison said after he finished the first of the four legal novels, he spent a year sending out inquiries to agents, with no luck.
He then took it to a small publisher he once represented, and they agreed to publish it.
Asked about writers he finds inspiring, Morrison said Joseph Heller’s “Catch 22” made a deep impression on him.
He was amazed by the book’s energy. “Every page was dripping with parody and satire.”
“I’m trying to do to the legal profession what Heller did to the Army Air Corps.”
Ayni Herb Farm will be one of themany local vendors at Foxtrot’s Farm & Friends Market Nov. 22-23 in Stanfordville.
As the days grow shorter and the first hints of winter settle in, galleries, studios, barns, village greens and community halls across the region begin their annual transformation into warm, glowing refuges of light and handmade beauty.
This year’s holiday fairs and DIY workshops offer chances not just to shop, but to make—whether you’re mixing cocktails and crafting ornaments, gathering around a wreath-making table, or wandering markets where makers, bakers, artists and craftspeople bring their best of the season. These events are mutually sustaining, fueling both the region’s local economy and the joy of those who call it home.
This year, there is an especially community-driven spirit to area craft fairs and makers markets. Nowhere is that clearer than at Foxtrot’s first annual Farm & Friends Market, Nov. 22-23 in Stanfordville, a new collaboration between farmers, makers and neighbors designed to bring people together in an intentional, deeply local way.
“Farm & Friends Market is a collaborative, warm and cozy, pre-holiday gathering,” said co-organizer Kate Farrar of Foxtrot Farm & Flowers. “It blends the charm of a winter market with the connection and quality of a local food and makers fair. Think fresh produce, pantry goods, handmade gifts, twinkle lights, good smells, warm beverages and friendly faces.”
Farrar said the aim was to create something “not rushed or overly commercial, but festive, simple and meaningful.” The vendors are people she and co-organizer Anja Rothe, of Fat of the Land Apothecary, already knew and have worked alongside. “If we find success in this collective model, which we hope and plan to, we hope to accept new vendors in years to come,” said Farrar.
To further support the artists and creatives at Farm & Friends Market, vendors don’t pay to be there. “We are collectively hosting a market that is not pay-to-play,” Farrar said. “We build and host this market together in the spirit of collaboration and mutual benefit for the small businesses that make the Hudson Valley so special. If you love small businesses, this is the market to attend.” A weekend raffle will also benefit the Tri-Corner Feed. For more info and a list of vendor, visit: foxtrotfarmflowers.com
Here is a list of other upcoming craft fairs, markets and DIY gatherings to fill your season with creativity, connection and a little magic.
Nov. 21: Craft and Cocktails at the David M. Hunt Library: An evening of crafting and cocktails where participants will have a chance to turn old hardcovers into faux floral displays. Visit huntlibrary.org for more information.
Nov. 22: The Hotchkiss Library in Sharon will host a workshop on making woven holiday cards with Anne Cameron. More info: hotchkisslibrary.libcal.com
Nov. 23: Pre-Thanksgiving Cooking Class: Join chef and owner of Westerly Canteen, Molly Levine for a Thanksgiving cooking class and communal meal at Hammertown in Pine Plains. Info: westerlycanteen.com
Nov. 29–30: Willow Wreath Making at BES in Millerton: all-ages are welcome for this wreath-making workshop using locally sourced decorative materials. More info: shop-bes.com
Nov. 29: Kent’s Sip, Sparkle & Stroll: from 4 to 8 p.m., take a stroll along Main Street in Kent and enjoy the delightful lights, shops, galleries, restaurants and festive cheer.
Nov. 30: Cottage Courses presents a papier-mâché, hand-painted ornament workshop at Troutbeck in Amenia. More info: troutbeck.com
Dec. 7: Make your own holiday wreath at Arethusa Farm Foundation in Litchfield. More info: arethusafarmfoundation.org
Nov. 21–22: Uncle Al’s Thrift Shop’s annual Christmas sale at the St. Joseph School gym in Millbrook. stjosephmillbrookny.org
Nov. 22: Mad Rose Art Market opens in Millerton. This holiday salon of unique and inspired gifts for the holidays is open until Dec. 31 with an opening reception on Nov. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. madrosegallery.com
Nov. 22: Tivoli Artists Gallery Holiday Show & Sale. Handmade gift items in a variety of media on sale. Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Tivoliartistsgallery.com
Nov. 22: 48th Annual Group Holiday Sale, Rhinebeck. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Delamater Inn and Conference Center, this show features a collection of 20 artisans. Also open Nov. 23, 10 a.m. To 4 p.m.
Nov. 23: Noxon Road PTA Craft Fair, LaGrangeville. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this holiday craft fair benefits the Noxon Road Elementary School’s PTA.
Nov. 28: Millerton’s Festival of Lights: from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., get ready for a magical day of holiday cheer. More info: visitmillertonny.com
Nov. 28 – Dec. 31: Holiday Boutique at The Spa at Litchfield Hills is a shopping haven featuring thougtfully curated gifts. Info: Litchfield-spa.com
Nov. 28: Kent Tree Lighting, 4 p.m at Kent Town Hall. Caroling, cocoa, cookies and a visit from Santa.
Nov. 28–30: Basilica Farm & Flea Holiday Market, Hudson. Since 2013, this huge annual event is part timeless flea market, part farmers market, part 21st century craft and design fair. Info: basilicahudson.org
Nov. 29: Barnspace Market at Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield. A great opportunity to discover unique options for your holiday gifting. Info: rblodge.com
Nov. 29 and Dec. 13: Salisbury Handmade at the White Hart ballroom in Salisbury. This annual event features different artisans at each market. Info: artisansale.org
Dec. 5–6: Noble Horizons Holiday Market: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the holiday market at Noble Horizons in Salisbury. On Dec. 6, there’s even storytime with Mrs. Claus! Info: noblehorizons.org
Dec. 6–7 & 13–14: Winter Wonderland Market at Wassaic. Artist alumni and local makers fill the mill with handmade creations and stocking stuffers. Info: wassaicproject.org
Dec. 6–7: Troutbeck Holiday Bazaar. Visit Troutbeck in Amenia for a thoughtful selection of wares from local shops, artists, jewelers and New York City-based boutiques. Info: troutbeck.com
Dec. 6: Santa, Cookie Contest & Tree Lighting, Sharon.
Dec. 13: Holiday Fête at Fiddlestyx in Sharon. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., visit Fiddlestyx for gifts, food and music. Info: fiddlestyx.info
Dec. 13–14: A tavern takeover at Stissing House Craft Feast in Pine Plains. 50 makers and dealers with pottery, baskets, textiles and more, curated with Deborah Needleman. Broth, carols, brooms, whittled spoons and winter cheer. Info: stissinghouse.com
Holiday decorations bring cheer.
I just put the skeletons away — literally — into their neatly labeled Halloween plastic bins, along with the faux cobwebs, flickering lanterns and haunted houses that feature tiny tea lights. As I closed the lid, I found myself eyeing — albeit hesitantly — the Christmas décor.
We just voted, and now I’m sprinting toward Christmas? Too soon? Maybe. But before you judge, hear me out.
As an interior designer with a seasonal division, decorating restaurants, hotels and client homes fills the calendar long before December’s first flakes fall. While many of you are still working your way through leftover trick-or-treat candy, I’m busy fluffing garlands, steaming bows and untangling strings of lights that somehow tie themselves into sailors’ knots. Full inventory assessments are underway, batteries and extension cords are being tested, and by Thanksgiving or shortly after, every wreath, tree and ornament will be perfectly placed.
As for my own holiday décor? Well, it’ll likely go up somewhere between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, when I’ll be tiptoeing through my living room at 2 a.m., stringing lights and hoping I get even half of it up before I run out of time.
This year, I’m seriously considering pulling a page from my freshman daughter’s and college-aged niece’s book. Their bedrooms in our home are already little winter wonderlands — soft fairy lights, flocked mini trees, cozy throws, flannel sheets and all the sparkly magic of the season. It’s less “Santa’s Workshop” and more “quiet snow globe” — peaceful, pretty and brimming with cheer.
And honestly, who couldn’t use a bit more of that?
Truth be told, there’s some science behind it. Studies show that people who decorate earlier tend to be happier. Psychologists say it triggers nostalgic feelings, releases dopamine — the “happy hormone” — and brings back joyful memories from childhood. In other words, twinkling lights really do make life brighter.
Still, not everyone’s on board with decking the halls before the bird’s even in the oven. So, in the spirit of balance, let’s do a deep dive into the pros and cons.
The Pros of Decorating Early.
Longer enjoyment: You’ve spent time, energy and maybe a small fortune on décor — why not enjoy it for more than three weeks?
Less stress: Getting it done early means you can actually relax come December. Imagine that!
Instant cheer: The world feels a little kinder under twinkle lights.
Creative freedom: You’re not rushed. You can style and restyle until it feels just right.
Built-in motivation: Once it’s up, you’ll want to keep everything else organized and tidy. (It’s the decorator’s paradox.)
The Cons of Decorating Early.
Holiday burnout: Start too soon and you might be ready to take it all down before Santa even arrives.
Thanksgiving confusion: A turkey centerpiece under mistletoe just feels ... conflicted.
Peer pressure: Not everyone’s thrilled about jingling bells before mid-November.
Storage shuffle: Early decorating means the Halloween bins and Christmas bins battle for garage space.
Power bills: All those early twinkle lights can add up — financially and electrically.
For me, it’s a toss-up. I’m not hosting Thanksgiving — I do a big bash in October for our traditional Canadian Thanksgiving — so we’ll be at my in-laws’ here in Lakeville. That might give me just the breathing room I need to lean into the sparkle a little sooner.
But really, in the end, it isn’t about when the décor goes up — it’s about what it stirs inside us. The scent of pine, the glow of soft lights, the little moments that slow us down and remind us what we’re grateful for. Whether in November or December, if your holiday décor fills your home with peace and your heart with joy, that’s perfect timing.
Kerri-Lee Mayland is an Emmy award-winning news anchor and designer. She lives in Lakeville.
Black Crust Bakery uses organic, all-natural ingredients to make their bread.
Come to the Center on Main in Falls Village on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m.,for an afternoon treat of fresh sourdough bread, local spreads, a selection of Harney & Sons tea, and good conversation.
Falls Village’s own Black Crust Bakery is also offering holiday-focused sourdough bread and croissants for all of your Thanksgiving (and snacking) needs.
Black Crust Bakery uses organic, non-GMO, high extraction flour combined with an aged sourdough starter, filtered water and Himalayan sea salt. All Black Crust Bakery bread is made by hand. Allowing time for fermentation provides the bread with a deep and complex flavor profile and makes it easier to digest. The bakery offers ancient grains like einkorn and kamut, and because of the minimal processing of these flours, many with gluten sensitivities are able to enjoy these ancient grain loaves.
This is a free event and purchases are not required.
Volunteers with Townscape bring Millerton’s holiday glow to life, stringing lights along Main Street and preparing the towering tree at Routes 22 and 44 for the season.
MILLERTON – When the twinkling holiday lights appear throughout Millerton, it isn’t officials or a team of elves making the magic happen. It’s an all-volunteer group called Townscape, which spends an entire day testing and stringing lights, delivering boxes to businesses and raising every dollar needed to make it happen year after year.
Townscape was founded by Cathy Fenn, Renee Vollen and Jan Gilmor, three residents whose vision and community spirit helped shape the village’s appearance for more than two decades.
“I care about this village deeply. Townscape is my way of helping Millerton be the best it can be,” Fenn said.
Each year, Townscape installs holiday lights on both sides of Main Street across the business district, and on the towering tree at Routes 22 and 44. The lighting of that tree is reserved for the Festival of Lights, which happens right before the parade on the day after Thanksgiving. Donations from supporters cover the cost of installation and maintenance, helping Townscape fill the village with a cheerful winter glow.
“We hear all the time from people that they love coming to Millerton from Thanksgiving through March because it’s the brightest town – because of our lights,” said Townscape volunteer Christopher Baetz, who has volunteered since 2023.
The lights are stored through the winter, and in early November volunteers begin testing strand by strand. Townscape delivers boxes of lights to Main Street businesses so they can decorate their windows.
“As much as we can do, we do ourselves,” said volunteer Claire Goodman, who added that they outsource some of the higher branches to Stafford Tree Service, which assists each year with ladders, cherry pickers and equipment.
New this year is a garland of greenery along the Webatuck bridge, organized by artist and Townscape secretary Teri Goetz.
Originally formed as a volunteer committee in 1998 and officially adopted by the Village of Millerton as nonprofit in 2007, Townscape has long been a force for beautification and community pride.
“It’s not just the lights,” said Fenn. “There’s a lot that goes on between flowers, benches, tables and even serving as an advisory committee of sorts to certain projects in town. We have an absolutely fantastic group of volunteers on Townscape right now.”
