Volunteers needed for Sparc Park rebuild in Stanfordville — final phase through May 4

Volunteers needed for Sparc Park rebuild in Stanfordville — final phase through May 4

Stanfordville residents Dave Lepard and Kate Blemler volunteering at the SPARC Park Rebuild on Saturday, April 20.

Alison Newell

STANFORDVILLE — A new playground is sprouting here as hundreds of volunteers came together with Stanfordville SPARC Park Playground Committee (SSPPC) from April 18 to 20.

Holes were dug, the site was framed and the base of the new playground that is designed with residents’ input to be similar to the original playground that also was built by volunteers more than 30 years ago.

According to a press release, SSPPC has raised approximately $505,000 for material and equipment. Local businesses and residents also have loaned and donated to the project.

SPARC Park draws families and children from Pine Plains, Millbrook, Milan and Clinton Corner/Salt Point.

“The support and encouragement that we’ve received from our community has been nothing short of remarkable. When the community builds the playground, the playground will build the community,” said Julia Descoteaux, SSPPC General Coordinator.

The final phase of the community-led build of SPARC Park is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30 through Saturday, May 4. There will be 3 shifts daily starting at 8 a.m. with the final shift finishing at 8:30 p.m.

Latest News

Classifieds - October 30, 2025

Help Wanted

Weatogue Stables has an opening: for a full time team member. Experienced and reliable please! Must be available weekends. Housing a possibility for the right candidate. Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531.

Services Offered

Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Keep ReadingShow less
County legislature candidates lay out their priorities

Contested seats in the Dutchess County Legislature are close to home this election season, with Districts 19 and 25 covering the rural towns across the northern and eastern corners of the county. Though the candidates bring distinct experiences and perspectives, they share common ground on some of the biggest challenges facing local communities, including emergency medical services and affordable housing.

Here’s a look at the candidates.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - October 23, 2025

Help Wanted

Weatogue Stables has an opening: for a full time team member. Experienced and reliable please! Must be available weekends. Housing a possibility for the right candidate. Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531.

Services Offered

Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Keep ReadingShow less
An interview with Bestor Cram: filmmaker discusses ‘Tiananmen Tonight’ and the power of the press
Filmmaker Bestor Cram
Provided

On Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Norfolk Library will host a free public screening of “Tiananmen Tonight,” a film by Bestor Cram and Michael Streissguth about the 1989 student uprising in China and the daring coverage by Dan Rather and CBS. Director Cram will introduce the film.

A documentary filmmaker whose life was forged in the fire of Vietnam, where he served as a Marine, Cram earned the Navy Commendation Medal. He returned home to become a conscientious objector and leader of Vietnam Veterans Against the War. After working in the MIT Film Studies Program, he founded Northern Light Productions in Boston, producing media for museums, and has made more than 30 feature documentary films.

Keep ReadingShow less