Welcoming the Macagnones
Photo by Krista A. Briggs

Welcoming the Macagnones

Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago and Town of North East Councilwoman Meg Winkler help welcome Habitat for Humanity homeowners Anthony and Vanessa Macagnone (center) to their new home on Rudd Pond Road in Millerton, Wednesday, Dec. 18.

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Early bloomer
Carton by Natalia Zukerman
Belden House & Mews opening in Litchfield
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Jennifer Almquist

Belden House & Mews is an elegant gem of a hotel set within the newly restored 1888 Victorian mansion of Dr. Charles O. Belden. With its turrets, demilune windows, stained glass, parquet floors, crystal chandeliers, carved wood bas-reliefs, pocket doors with original brass pulls, and inviting window seats, the transformation of this historic home into a modern retreat is nothing short of inspiring.

Belden House & Mews officially opens on May 1. It is the latest delight from Dutchfield, the team that owns Troutbeck in Amenia. Principal designer Courtney Brannan of Champalimaud Design used local craftsmen and artisans to create the serene and comfortable interior. Owners Anthony and Charlie Champalimaud live in Litchfield with their young family. When asked to explain the philosophy behind this project, Anthony explained, “Reviving this once derelict estate with its gracious, subtly ornate and expansive physical attributes established a narrative conducive to the approach to hospitality we first established at Troutbeck.” Champalimaud continued, “Belden has its own voice, of course, one which spans early American and modernist architecture. Its situation, as the bridging property between the estates of historic North Street and the town green, dovetails with our bias to invite guests into a residential-feeling environment. More of an invitation to come and live with us, than to live like us.”

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Letter to the editor: Thursday, May 1

How to advocate for local food access

Widespread hunger and food insecurity continue to be hidden problems throughout the region. A whopping $1 billion in funding cuts, announced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in mid-March, have resulted in swift, direct, and devastating local impact. At St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia, our Community of Radical Hospitality hinges on food distribution to neighbors in need—921 of whom visited the Food of Life/Comida de Vida Food Pantry on the last Friday in February.

These individuals live in our neighborhoods and work at local businesses; they are the parents of our children’s classmates and contribute to the local community; and, amidst rising inflation and ongoing political uncertainty, they turn to us for assistance because they can’t afford to buy groceries.

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Turkey hunting, a duel of patience

Spring has finally thawed me from semi-hibernation and activated my pre-planned ‘things to do’ list. Lawn cleared and trees/brush trimmed (check). Garden tilled and lightly limed for future planting (check).Chest freezer defrosted and cleaned spring and fall; always revealing forgotten packages. (check). Dry well cleaned and treated. (check). Wood delivered and stacked with more to come. (check). Turkey gear cleaned and ready to go. Ditto fly rods (check).

Turkey hunts in the a.m. and trout fishing in the p.m. often go hand-in-hand. Any May morning will find me on a mountain hillside or a wooded/field transition area attempting a duel with a tom. His gusty gobbles and calls vs. my attempts.

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