Welcome news

The news that owners of Sharon Farm Market have purchased the Millerton Square Shopping Center with plans to develop a new supermarket to meet the needs of residents from Copake to Dover is welcome almost beyond words.

Kim and Chris Choe purchased the property from veteran grocer Joseph “Skip” Trotta in mid-November. According to the Choes, the 29,000 square foot market will offer a wide selection that will include “full-service meat, deli, seafood, sushi, bakery, and produce departments.” In a Page One article by Christine Bates in the Dec. 4 edition of The Millerton News and online the Choes outline their ambitious plans.

North East Town Supervisor Chris Kennan was quoted saying, “We are all looking forward to have a food market back in Millerton,” while also admiring the “vision” and “perseverance” of the Choes.

When the sale was announced, Skip Trotta noted: “This sale pleases us to know that this store will continue to operate as it was intended to operate back in 1971 when my father and I decided to leave our small market on Main Street and build the plaza. The residents in our area will no longer need to travel long distances to get good affordable and fresh groceries. We will all benefit from this sale. Thank you to the folks along the way who helped us finally get this done and for the patience shown by the people of the community.”

Congratulations to everyone involved. The Millerton News welcomes the Choes, who operate the family owned Sharon Farm Market at the Sharon Shopping Center in Sharon, where since 2010 they have sold groceries sourced locally. In June 2022, Choe expanded with the purchase of a roadside farm on Route 44 in East Canaan, Connecticut, with vegetable fields and livestock.

The market envisioned by the Choes will end a long stretch with Millerton existing as a food desert. We applaud the efforts by many to achieve the goal of having a place to buy groceries in town.

Holiday buzz

As November came to a close, Millerton once again ushered in the holiday season with a spectacular Festival of Lights. Both sides of Main Street were lined by parade watchers. Music from The Salisbury Brass Band filled Veterans Park. The late November temperatures didn’t dissuade anyone, and the fun included a free screening of “Prancer” at The Moviehouse, hot chocolate and snacks courtesy of NBT Bank and cookie decorating at the North East Community Center.

Praise is due to the Millerton Business Alliance for the big list of activities over the weekend. And it’s not over. The MBA is hosting a Winter Walk in the Village on Friday, Dec. 13, when from 4 to 7 p.m. the community is invited to stroll Main Street to shop stores with extended hours, limited exclusive sales, giveaways, treats and soak in the holiday atmosphere.

Is this a palpable holiday buzz?