guest commentary

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.

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

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