Townscape of Millerton and North East – 25 years strong

Townscape of Millerton and North East – 25 years strong
Lisa Hermann

If you love the spring flowers at Veterans Memorial Park and on the bridge coming into town; appreciate the many splendid tree plantings everywhere; are cheered by the holiday lights on Main Street during the winter; and enjoy sitting at the benches and tables in Veterans Park — did you know Townscape of Millerton and North East was behind it all for the last 25 years?

Visit our redesigned website to see a visual history of the many projects Townscape has initiated and an acknowledgement of the many volunteer board members who have brought them to fruition. If you would like to get involved, our contact page is townscapemillerton.org/contact.

Townscape was originally founded as an outreach committee in 1998 by Catherine Fenn, Renee Vollen, and Jan Gilmor. It brought together many folks for fun, family-friendly beautification activities, galas, and events. In 2006, Townscape was incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)3. Its mission is to enhance the aesthetic, natural, and historic environment of our town and village.

Townscape not only beautifies our streets and parks, but also acts as a social and financial conduit in support of other local community initiatives. Some of Townscape’s most recent projects include a guide to Accessible Millerton and an online historic walking tour. Both can be found at townscapemillerton.org/explore-millerton.

In 2023, Jeanne Vanecko stepped down after seven years as president. Her contributions to Townscape’s projects are deeply appreciated, especially her oversight of the annual holiday lighting project, and her tireless advocacy for the Accessible Millerton initiative and the wastewater infrastructure plan.

Townscape welcomes Village Board member Lisa Hermann (nee Erdner) as the new president, with the following board of directors: Jeanne Vanecko (vice president), Edie Greenwood (treasurer), Teri Goetz (secretary), Catherine Fenn (founding president), Charlotte Cooper, Claire Goodman, Mitra Walter, Elizabeth Barrett (new member), and Sarah O’Connell (new member). We say goodbye to Pete Hathaway and Karen Pitcher and thank them for their valuable service.

“I look forward to increasing Townscape’s visibility through our website, organizing community events, and finding creative ways to raise funds so we can keep up the good work!” says Lisa Hermann.

If you would like to donate a tree or a bench in memory of a loved one, please contact us. Or perhaps consider making a tax-deductible donation to help continue our work: Send checks to Townscape, PO Box 835, Millerton, NY 12546, or visit our website www.townscapemillerton.org/donate.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

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