The Amenia Garden Club’s 2026 Real Gardens of Amenia Tour attracted a steady stream of gardening enthusiasts to five local gardens on Saturday, July 11. Owner Maxine Paetro welcomed visitors to Broccoli Hall. Close examination of the photo shows local gardener Liz Faulkner about to pass through the same garden entrance.
The Amenia Garden Club’s 2026 Real Gardens of Amenia Tour attracted a steady stream of gardening enthusiasts to five local gardens on Saturday, July 11. Owner Maxine Paetro welcomed visitors to Broccoli Hall. Close examination of the photo shows local gardener Liz Faulkner about to pass through the same garden entrance.
Leila Hawken
Bill Kroeger of Wassaic contemplates a move against one of the 10 opponents he faced simultaneously during the second multi-chess event in Wassaic on Saturday, July 11.
WASSAIC — Chess master Bill Kroeger defeated 10 opponents in a simultaneous chess match on the Middle Meadow along Main Street on Saturday, July 11, as the community event returned for its second summer.
Players of all ages and skill levels took seats at 10 chess boards, each competing against Kroeger. Once play began, the meadow grew quiet as participants concentrated on their moves. Kroeger ultimately won all 10 matches, though some proved more challenging than others.
“It’s about how to use the Middle Meadow space creatively,” said event organizer Sharon Kroeger, owner of Calsi’s General Store. She said the business has long served as a neighborhood anchor that adapts to the community’s needs.
The Middle Meadow was created after deteriorated buildings in Wassaic’s business district were demolished, leaving an open green space. Kroeger said the community began looking for ways to use it for public gatherings.
“We began to think about how to use the tiny meadow space, perhaps for croquet or even chess,” Kroeger said. “Chess seemed especially appealing because it could bring together people of all ages.”
She said the idea came together in part because her son, Bill, is a chess master who was eager to help organize the event and play the exhibition matches.
“Everyone is gaining something. Bill’s goal is to make it instructive and enjoyable. Someone, one day, may beat him,” Kroeger said.
Kroeger said organizers hope to make the simultaneous chess match an annual tradition. While it may eventually expand, she said growth is not the primary goal.
“We plan to do it every year,” Kroeger said.
Residents of all ages and skill levels tried their hand at chess during the second annual Chess Simultaneous Match on Saturday, July 11, on Wassaic’s Middle Meadow. An instructive community event, all players competed against a single opponent, Bill Kroeger who won every match but made the experience enjoyable for all.Photo by Leila Hawken
Graham Corrigan & Sophie Gardiner
Shareholders of the Sisters Hill Farm Community-Supported Agriculture operation gather after the recent July 4 garlic harvest at the Stanfordville farm.
STANFORDVILLE — Sisters Hill Farm, a Stanfordville property owned by Sisters of Charity of New York, is up for sale.
“We have made the difficult decision to offer our entire property, including Sisters Hill Farm, for sale,” a Sisters of Charity representative said in an email.
The announcement did not include details about the asking price or a public listing.
Sisters Hill Farm is located just east of Route 82. The property, known as Hill Crest Farm in the early twentieth century, was willed to the sisters in 1917. They hired David Hambleton in 1999 to manage the farm. The farm’s community-supported agriculture (CSA) program has grown from 40 members to over 400 under Hambleton’s leadership.
Shares in the CSA entitle members to part of a weekly vegetable harvest — anywhere from 4 to 20 pounds per week — from late May to early November. Payment works on an income-dependent sliding scale, and 10% of the harvest goes to families in need.
For the Sisters of Charity, the farm’s sale is part of a plan to “bring the congregation to completion.” In 2023, a lack of new members forced the Sisters of Charity of New York to announce plans to wind down the congregation. The Sisters Hill news comes as harvest season is picking up steam. Earlier this month, CSA members took part in the annual July 4 garlic harvest.
“We fully intend to complete the current farming season,” the organization said over email. “The farm will continue to operate as planned throughout this season.”
“We are grateful for the many individuals, families, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to the success of Sisters Hill Farm over the years,” the statement continued, “and we remain optimistic that its mission of stewardship and service will endure.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Farmer Dave for his many years of faithful and dedicated service.”
Hambleton declined to comment on the proposed sale, but he did add a note at the end of Sisters Hill’s press release that made the announcement.
“I’m sure you have many questions, and I do as well,” Hambleton wrote. “I’m still processing this.”
“Our mission is to grow healthy food,” he added, “but it’s also about bringing people together.
“It’s about getting people to eat in-season, understanding climate change and the effects it has on our ability to feed ourselves. Members of this farm really get to know what seasonal produce is all about. They get to know their neighbors and community members and make new friends.”
When the Sisters of Charity of New York close their doors, it will mark the end of more than 200 years of service to the poor. The New York chapter began in 1817 as an orphanage, but its early focus on caring for orphans and educating children quickly expanded.
In the time since, the order expanded into advocacy for the homeless, civil rights, immigrants, and senior citizens; education at all levels; pastoral ministry; and peace.
Leila Hawken
AMENIA — The public may now view and comment on a preliminary environmental impact study for a proposed luxury housing subdivision at Keane Stud on Depot Hill Road.
By unanimous vote at its meeting on Wednesday, July 8, the Planning Board set a public hearing date of Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Town Hall to hear residents’ comments on the drafted Preliminary Environmental Impact Study.
Minor changes will need to be incorporated, stipulating that some statements are the opinions of the applicant, adding some technical corrections and a watermark to a Conservation Analysis included in the Appendix to indicate that the information is outdated, having been prepared in 2023.
Proposed Keane Stud subdivision plans for the Depot Hill Road property call for 605 acres to be divided into 23 large agricultural lots.
Aspects of visual and environmental impact have been under study since September 2025, involving meetings between the developer and the town’s visual consultant George Janes. The environmental impact study review is seen as the first step toward completing the environmental review requirements.
Representing the Keane Stud developers at last week’s meeting and throughout the process was attorney Diana Kolev, Partner of DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise Wiederkehr, LLP, of White Plains.
Kolev asked the board to move ahead and approve the scope impact analysis, while Janes indicated that confusion remains about what constitutes completeness, and that the main issue remains the visual analysis.
Janes showed a series of simulations of visual impacts from a variety of possible imagined structures.
Board attorney Victoria Polidoro reminded the board that it needed to determine if the scoping impact analysis is adequate, not whether members agreed with it or not.
Janes commented that the drafted text describes the amount of area being affected by the subdivision within the landscape and then it draws a conclusion.
“What’s it going to look like?” asked Planning Board chair Robert Boyles.
Once the required changes are incorporated into the drafted study, the public will be able to review the document in advance of the September public hearing.
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Eloise Pickering
A traffic cone alerts pedestrians to an uneven sidewalk section in Millbrook.
MILLBROOK — The Village of Millbrook has awarded a construction contract and finalized financing for the final phase of its three-year Franklin Avenue sidewalk improvement project, with work expected to be completed before the start of winter.
At its Wednesday, July 8, meeting, the Village Board awarded a $196,000 construction contract to Scape-Tech Landscape Technology Inc. Rennia Engineering Design is providing engineering and project oversight. The total estimated cost of the project is $227,360.
The final phase will improve the north side of Franklin Avenue between Friendly Lane and Front Street. According to Mayor Peter Doro, the project is focused on safety while bringing the sidewalks into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The focus of the project, and of the grant itself, is ADA accessibility, improving accessibility for the village, handicapped, senior and other populations that need help,” Doro said.
The village received a $125,000 reimbursement grant from Dutchess County to help offset the cost of the work. Trustees also approved up to $250,000 in five-year financing for the project. After grant reimbursement, the village’s share is expected to be about $102,000, with any remaining costs covered through local funding.
The sidewalk-improvement project is expected to be complete by the start of winter. An exact start date has yet to be determined.
Scape-Tech Landscape has previously worked in Millerton, and Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek praised the work.
“They’re fast, efficient and easy to work with,” Najdek said.
Not every concrete slab of the north sidewalk needs restoration, but cracks and irregular steps will be smoothed out and bricks will be replaced with concrete. Additionally, the project includes the removal of one tree along the avenue and updated crosswalks, including repainting.
Doro said businesses along the north side of the avenue will remain open and accessible throughout construction.
Millerton News
NORTH CANAAN — Elihu Carlson, 95, of North Canaan, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026. Born in Winsted, he was predeceased by his beloved wife and the absolute love of his life for 60 years, Doreen Carlson.
A proud Korean War veteran, Elihu was one of the oldest, if not the oldest, members of the Canaan VFW post. He was a man of immense work ethic, working alongside his brother David on the family dairy farm, owning and operating D&E Carlson Excavating & Trucking for over 40 years, and proudly wrenching on countless cars at “Carlson’s Garage.”
Elihu’s greatest legacy is his family. He is survived by his children; Bryon (Cindy) Carlson of North Canaan, Larry Carlson of North Canaan, Mark (Stephanie) Carlson of Southfield, Massachusetts, and Sharon (Don) Oldenburg of Noblesville, Indiana. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren; Shane, Lance, Catherine, Bryon Jr., Michael, Tanya, Justin, Kyle, Jordan, and Zachary, as well as several great-grandchildren.
Together, Elihu and Doreen were pillars of the community. They spent many years volunteering at the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry and dancing with the Mountain Laurel Square Dance Club. When he wasn’t with family, Elihu was in his workshop crafting Christmas ornaments, birdhouses, and game pieces. He passed his love of games down through generations, famously teaching anyone willing to learn how to play Setback, Chicken Foot, and Pay Me.
He will be fondly remembered for cruising Canaan Valley in his beloved blue van, always carrying dog treats in his pocket, and offering his signature “pointer-finger wave” to everyone he passed. The family extends their sincerest gratitude to the staff at Fairview Commons for their exceptional care of “Pop.”
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Graveside Service on Sunday, July 19 at 1:00 p.m. at Carlson Cemetery, Moses Meade Rd, North Canaan, CT. Afterwards, all are welcome to join us at 20 Carlson Road, North Canaan.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Elihu’s legacy of giving by donating to: Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, PO Box 30, North Canaan, CT 06018 and VFW Post 06851.
Millerton News
CORNWALL — John Francis Homan IV has passed away. He was a professional, dapper gentleman personified with indescribable kindness. He told me a story once of being in a terrible place and finding the one positive thing to focus on, the one piece of beauty to hold onto. That is what we have to do in this moment of such a tragic loss.
In 1970, the coldest day recorded on Earth, John was born in Dearborn, Michigan, uphill in the snow, barefoot… ‘course he slips and slides all over the ice, and a couple of perfectly cadenced and coordinated notes later discovers his city, New York City. Luckily, he thaws out in time to find the love of his life, Gregg Hubbard. Together they made a pact to visit every state; they were committed to it, and were one state shy of completing that pact.
John’s dad, aptly called “Big John”, and his brother, Joe Homan, were his anchors – They, along with mom, Marilynn, managed to stoke a gracious nature within John that was beyond measure.
John’s heart also pointed North to Connecticut. I have a history degree now from listening to him tell me of Mohawk Mountain’s importance, George Washington on Bull’s Bridge, and the founding six along with all they accomplished…. down to their heirs sitting on the Supreme Court or herding cattle today. He took enormous pride in this region – he exemplified it and cherished it. For him, finding a house here, with Gregg, was everything, along with the foundation they fostered, community they grew within, and obviously… a pool to forever fix.
I am glossing over quite a few important facts, but I can tell you outlines of John’s whole picture: like his incredible adoration for his family and friends, all the relationships he built up, and the immense joy he encompassed – from belting out Broadway tunes like a pro, to the job he revered, to the way his nieces lit him up with rainbows and sunshine every day.
He often spoke through Rumi, Jung, Aurelius – even Jalen Brunson was in the mix – always a similar theme: confidence within yourself, spiritual resilience, and empathetic compassion when facing the worst life can throw at you. That’s John; he supported and nurtured those around him without judgment or fear, and did so with unwavering respect – unless you were a slow driver, that’s a whole other story.
He loved work, and a tailored suit, as much as the rodeo and a thirst trap tank. He was complicated, deep, and one of the most adventurous, out-of-this-world people I’ve ever encountered.
The world won’t be the same without him, and it wasn’t nearly enough time.
The one piece of beauty I can hold onto is that he is, and always shall be, my friend.
The Memorial Service will be held at UCC of Cornwall, 8 Bolton Hill Road on Aug. 8 at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers we ask that people donate to the Church UCC of Cornwall; they do fabulous outreach in the community, and my friend John was quite involved in that.
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