Trotta’s Fine Wines and Liquors opened nearly 50 years ago in 1975. Barbara Machlin, a staple in the shop, will be retiring when the store closes after a 45 year career.
MILLERTON — The “Liquor store closing, everything is on sale” sign went up on Thursday, Aug. 15 in front of Trotta’s Fine Wine & Liquors next to The Talk of the Town Deli on Route 44.
The store opened in 1975 in the Millerton Plaza almost 50 years ago. For 45 years Barbara Machlin, who will be retiring, has been a fixture in the wine and liquor store, ringing up customers, advising on wine, managing staff, and dealing with traveling liquor reps with something to sell. The Trotta family owns the store and Elizabeth “Betsy” Trotta manages. Asked why the store is closing Robert Trotta simply said, “Time changes a lot of things,” and denied rumors that Talk of the Towne Deli, another Millerton institution, would be closing.
The retiring notice taped to the front door reads, “Everything is 25% off” and thanks Machlin for her service and customers for their patronage. Betsy said there were still lots of red wine and French white on the shelves with customers stocking up on their favorites. “One guy just bought four bottles of Campari,” Betsy said.
Betsy described Machlin as a person she has grown up with who is classy, savvy, meticulous and trustworthy. “She has been the backbone of the store for decades,” she said. “Serving the community.”
Unless a buyer appears by the middle of September who is interested in taking over the operation, Betsy intends to transform the interior of the shop into the new home of Elizabeth’s Jewelry. The Bank of Millbrook is opening a branch in the jewelry shop’s current location on Route 44 pending North East Planning Board approval. “I’m excited that the Bank of Millbrook is coming to Millerton,” Betsy said. “The town can certainly support two. It’s great to give people in the area choices.”
Mad Rose Gallery on Route 44 in the Village of Millerton is decked out with lights and decorations to celebrate the holiday season.
MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton is inviting residents and businesses to enter its annual house decorating contest, with judging now underway through Dec. 28.
Awards will be presented in several categories, including Best Lights, Most Creative, Best Overall and Best Commercial Front.
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges using established criteria. Creativity will be judged based on originality, variety of materials used and the use of homemade vs. commercially made decorations. Appearance will consider color coordination, balance and overall attractiveness, while effort will reflect the time and energy put into preparation and presentation.
Judging will be conducted by drive-by observation between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., and displays must be clearly visible from the street side of the house at night. People and pets may not be included as part of the design.
Winners in each category will receive a gift basket, gift certificates and recognition in The Millerton News. Awards will be distributed on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
The contest is open to residents and businesses in the Village of Millerton and the Town of North East. Entry forms can be obtained from Village Hall or at villageofmillerton-ny.gov.
The Upstate Celtic Allstars perform celtic versions of holiday tunes at Amenia Town Hall on Dec. 15, 2024.
AMENIA — Fast becoming a local holiday tradition, the Amenia Town Recreation Department is presenting a free concert by the Upstate Celtic Allstars on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Amenia Town Hall Auditorium, beginning at 2 p.m.
The five-member Celtic Allstars ensemble will rouse the audience to holiday cheer with a varied program of holiday tunes and rhythmic dance numbers. Appearing in the ensemble are Vermont’s Claudine Langille, vocals and banjo; Dave Paton, hammer dulcimer and concertina, Isa Simon, fiddle and vocals; Joseph Sobol, contemporary cittern (related to guitar); and Ambrose Verdibello, fiddle and guitar.
Refreshments will be served during intermission. Bring the whole family to revel in the lively festivities.
