MILLERTON — Veterans Park's long-awaited facelift began this week.
Construction crews from Scape Tech Landscape technology were at the park on Tuesday morning, April 21, completing demolition work as part of preparations for upgrades that will include new landscaping and other repairs.
Construction crew members on scene said the work should be completed within two to three weeks. Village officials indicated they expect the project to be complete by Memorial Day in May.
Trustees finalized the years-long process for Veterans Park improvements in February. The board agreed to include repairs to the park’s existing stone walls as part of the job, while dropping other add-ons such as a stone veneer planter.
Construction crews work at preparing Veterans Park in downtown Millerton on Tuesday, April 21. Scape Tech Landscape Technology won the bid for proposed upgrades to the park, with a projected total cost of $240,548 to be paid in part with grant funding and unappropriated village funds.Photo by Nathan Miller
The renovations will include replacing the existing brick pavers, restoration to asphalt paving, additional lighting at the park and hardwood mulching. The project also includes a sidewalk extension along Route 44 in front of the NorthEast-Millerton Library and NBT Bank.
Trees and vegetation will remain in place, as will the stone wall. The park's asphalt paving, brick pavers and any broken furniture will be removed and replaced.
Board members said repairing the walls — which Trustee David Sherman said were built in the 1950s — would help prevent more costly repairs later. With the project supported by a $150,000 Dutchess County Community Development Block Grant, the village will cover the remaining roughly $98,500 from unappropriated fund balance rather than take on additional debt. Mayor Jenn Najdek said the village has more than $400,000 in the fund balance and would still have close to $350,000 remaining after the expenditure.
Additional reporting contributed by Aly Morrissey.
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Artistic talent is on display at the Fountains’ Summer Art Show, which opened Thursday, June 11. The exhibition features works by several residents and drew a strong turnout of artists and guests, who were welcomed on opening day by art instructor Ellen O’Shea.
Resident Shirley Fernekes is one of the featured artists with several paintings on display, selected to show the breadth of her works over a lifetime. Included are depictions of wildlife, seascapes and New England scenes, reflective of her travels. She recalled beginning in acrylics before switching to her preference for oils and watercolors.
“I’ve always been painting…all my life,” Fernekes explained, having attended Wooster and Silvermine art academies for her studies.
Her work has brought several awards, including recognition by the Connecticut-based Kent Art Association.
“It’s almost like I can’t not do it,” said resident artist Gail Curcio whose father Theodore Wheldon was an accomplished artist, as was her grandfather.
“I’m thrilled with the art classes and Ellen’s encouragement,” Curcio said, speaking of Fountains art instructor Ellen O’Shea who mounted the exhibit.
“The talent is fantastic. Everyone is very interested in learning,” O’Shea said of the show, noting that all are welcome to join in art classes or work on their own. Several works were included that were by six resident artists who are improving with good results. They are Lucy Johnson, Margaret Cornell, Reiko Ramsey, Graham and Sheila Attlesey and Mary Kay Blasi.
The Fountains houses a significant presence of talent, including in the visual arts. The Summer Art Show that opened on Thursday, June 11, features the works of several residents, accomplished in interpreting the world around them. The opening was well-attended by residents and friends.Photo By Leila Hawken
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