
A fleet of stationary bikes at the Interlaken Inn gym ready for a spin class. The gym is only open to the public during Studio Lakeville sessions.
Alec Linden
A fleet of stationary bikes at the Interlaken Inn gym ready for a spin class. The gym is only open to the public during Studio Lakeville sessions.
While exercise is vital in maintaining physical fitness, staying active can have profound impacts on mental health as well. According to the Center for Disease Control, regular physical activity can bolster memory and critical thinking skills, learning, regulate emotions, improve sleep, and ameliorate depression and anxiety. Maintaining a program of moderate to vigorous exertion has even been shown to aid in preventing dementia later in life.
While Northwest Connecticut and the Taconic Region of New York are rife with opportunities for outdoor exercise, for many people finding instruction and community is essential to sticking with long-term fitness goals. And of course, sometimes it rains. Find below a brief primer of some of the facilities on offer in the region that keep Tri-State residents moving and healthy.
Leslie Eckstein, licensed personal trainer, massage therapist and esthetician, operates a holistic wellness program from the amenities on offer at the Interlaken Inn, focusing on individually-focused classes and sessions that promote fitness and relaxation alike. Services range from spin classes, Pilates, personal training, massage, facials, weights training and more. Virtual classes via skype and group personal training appointments are also possible, as well as an array of online classes for those who prefer to work out at home. A full menu of services, a regular class schedule and pricing are available online.
74 Interlaken Road, Lakeville, Connecticut
860-671-1741, studiolakeville@yahoo.com
Sharon’s Danica Center offers the skills and knowledge of licensed physical therapists Dr. Bente Dahl-Busby and Doctor Sabina Busby, alongside the Pilates instruction of Donnell Oakley, to help clients looking to improve mobility, ease pain, recover from injuries or surgery, or just assist in improving general flexibility and body strength. The facility also offers Pilates classes in two levels, alongside Tai Chi Chuan and Tai Chi balance and therapeutic movement classes. More detailed information regarding the varied services, which range from individual sessions to group classes, can be found on Danica’s website.
101 Gay Street, Sharon, Connecticut
860-397-5363
danicacenter@gmail.com
Conveniently located in downtown Salisbury, certified instructor Nina Embiricos’s studio offers a variety of classes for all ability levels, drawing inspiration from Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar and Katonah Yoga practices. There are group classes programmed every day, and Embiricos also offers private sessions alongside specialized workshops that occur several times a month that concentrate on a specific focus, such as sound-bathing or specialized instruction from a visiting instructor. Pilates classes are also available. For more information and pricing, visit the studio’s website.
15 Academy Street, Salisbury, Connecticut
347-206-0366
info@rigayoga.com
The Canaan Branch of the Northwest CT YMCA has been serving the people of Northwest Connecticut since 2004. Located on the campus of Geer Village in North Canaan, the Y offers a great facility and staff who care about you and our community.
860-499-3195
Certified instructor Sarah offers a range of classes that she keeps accessible for residents of all ages, body types and budgets to participate in and maintain their strength, mobility, and mental well-being, all while having a good time. She particularly focuses on keeping older residents strong and active. She offers regularly scheduled classes alongside personalized sessions for individual goals such as strength resistance or yoga for those with osteoporosis. Visit Sarah’s website to learn more about her studio’s services.
18 Old North Road, Amenia, New York
646-401-4188
info@ameniayoga.com
For those looking for a fully equipped membership gym that also offers fitness and strength classes from a broad array of professionally-certified instructors, take the short drive south and west to Litchfield. Litchfield Hills Fitness offers regular hours seven days a week to its varied facilities, which includes a weight room, stretching room, cardio deck, and extensive main fitness room. For gym-goers who fancy a post-workout sauna, this is the place to be. Individual and small-group personal training are also on offer, alongside a full-curriculum of specialized classes. A full schedule and information on pricing and hours are all available on the gym’s website.
599 Bantam Road, Litchfield, Connecticut
860-567-3510
Millerton’s Willow Brook Farm is once again hosting its annual corn maze just north of the Village of Millerton.
MILLERTON — The leaves are falling, Irving Farm is serving its seasonal Maple Pumpkin Chai and corn mazes are “cropping” up across the area. Fall fanatics can enjoy a variety of events and outings throughout eastern Dutchess County to celebrate the start of “Spooky Season.”
Here’s a sampling to get you started:
Oktoberfest Weekend at Back Bar Beer Garden
Oct. 3-5
2947 Church St, Pine Plains
Say “Ein Bier, bitte” at the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration at the Back Bar Beer Cabin in Pine Plains. Enjoy live music, German food specials and seasonal beers. Lederhosen not required.
“Spooky Month” at the NECC Farmer’s Market
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25
Veteran’s Park, Millerton
Saturdays in October will be “spooky!” Visitors can enjoy fall-themed crafts — think glittery spider webs — and a tarot card reader. Halloween festivities will arrive early on Oct. 25, with costumes encouraged and kids invited to Trick-or-Treat around the vendors’ tables.
Soukup Farms Harvest Festival
Oct. 4–Nov. 1
271 Halls Corners Road,
Dover Plains
Typically known for their maple syrup, this fall you can expect hayrides to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch, corn maze, and family-friendly activities at this nearby, third-generation family farm. Festival hours are Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Willow Brook Farm’s Corn Maze and Haunted Happenings
Oct. 12, Nov. 1
196 Old Post Road 4, Millerton
The legendary corn maze is open Thursdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Oct. 12, enjoy pumpkin tic-tac-toe, paint-your-own pumpkins, mocktails from Elite Mobile Bar and adoptable pups from Bleu’s K9 Rescue.
On Nov. 1, the farm will host a haunted corn maze, decked out with spooky decor. Visitors can also shop cider donuts and fresh pumpkins, gourds and other fall harvest during regular operating hours.
Haunted Fortress of Standford
11 Creamery Road, Stanford
The Peter Wing-designed haunted attraction draws thousands of visitors every year to delight in a wholesome “creep fest,” as described by volunteer and Haunted Fortress Committee member Greg Arent. The fortress will be welcoming visitors again this October on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sensory friendly shows will be offered on Sunday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Haunted History Ghost Tours
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
9 Norton Road, Red Hook, NY
Guided ghost tours are available on Fridays this month at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Visitors can hear chilling tales of lost pilots, tragic adventures and eerie happenings as they explore the grounds on a 70-minute walking tour. Tours run every Friday night with four time slots available — 6, 6:30, 7:15, and 7:45 p.m. Advanced tickets are required.
Evergreen Cemetery Lantern Tours
Oct. 17 and 19
19 Maple Street, Pine Plains
Presented by the Little Nine Partners Historical Society, this annual guided cemetery tour combines local history and storytelling with the backdrop of the town’s historic burying ground. In collaboration with Pine Plains Free Library and the Stissing Center, actors will bring to life the lives of a Revolutionary War militia man, a Black farmer from Virginia, a society matron and more.
Rose Hill Farm
14 Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook, NY
With a taproom, cidery and food vendors, this orchard is a vibe with something for adults and kids alike. Pick plums, pumpkins and nine varieties
of apples.
Fishkill Farms
9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY
Pick sustainably grown apples, ride a wagon through the fields, explore the corn maze, and enjoy live music and hard cider from the Treasury Cider Bar. Tickets are required.
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY
Experience live music, seasonal festivals, family-friendly activities and farm adventures across three venues: the Tap Room, Harvest Lounge and Sound Garden.
HYSB clinician Taylor Rousseau works with a young client.
The Housatonic Youth Services Bureau, with offices on the campus of Housatonic Valley Regional High School, provides a wide range of services and programs to all students living in Region One.
In a phone interview Sept. 10, in response to a query about getting a photo of the entire staff, HYSB Executive Director Kelly Parker said that would be difficult to arrange because most of the time the HYSB staff are out at the six K-8 schools or the high school.
HYSB has a total of eight staffers: three full-time clinicians, one part-time art therapist, one part-time prevention coordinator, a finance employee (part-time), an office administrator (part-time) and Parker (full-time).
The clinical staff deals with mental health and behavioral issues such as anxiety and depression, school-based issues such as fighting, and problems students may encounter following a divorce or a death of a parent.
Parker said HYSB typically does not get involved in substance abuse issues, but will make a referral. HYSB works with the McCall Behavioral Health Network on substance abuse matters, thanks to a federal grant.
HYSB also works with the State Police (Troop B) under the aegis of the Juvenile Review Board.
Taylor Rousseau with State Police troopers from Troop B. HYSB works with Troop B on a juvenile diversion program.Patrick L. Sullivan
“It’s a diversion program,” Parker said, aimed at addressing problematic behavior before it gets to court.
Parker said the caseload as of Sept. 10 was 45 students. “That’s typical for the back-to-school period. We’ll probably get 30 referrals in the next couple of weeks.”
The average caseload is 90 clients. If the count gets up to 120, there is a waiting list.
Clinicians will see up to seven students a day, usually at their schools.
HYSB has worked with students at private schools as well.
“For 34 years, we have been honored to serve Region One, growing alongside this incredible community,” said Parker. “As a trusted partner to schools, students, and families, we are proud to continue providing services that support and strengthen the next generation.”
Lisa Wood of Millerton Integrated HealthProvided
Lisa Wood holds a master’s degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.She has had a life-long interest in alternative medicines. Among her offerings are Internal Taoist Massage, Chinese Herbology, and Chinese dietary therapy.
“I believe in providing caring, affordable, effective health care to improve the quality of life for my patients,” Wood said.
Lisa Wood, 206-661-0177
www.lisawoodacupuncture.com/index.html
Location:21 Simmons St., Millerton, New York
Tyler Van Steenbergenof Relief Chiropractic Wellness CenterRobin Roraback
Tyler Van Steenbergen, is a doctor of chiropractic, specializing in neurological-based and functional medicine chiropractic care.
“As chiropractors, we are muscular and skeletal experts for a large range of injuries and should be utilized as a first line of defense to combat these injuries,” Van Steenbergen said.
Among the therapies he offers is are:
• Flexion-distraction manipulation: a gentle, non-force adjusting procedure.
• Joint manipulation: aims to improve joint function.
• Low level laser therapy and radial shockwave therapy: stimulate and speed up healing.
Tyler Van Steenbergen, DC
www.drvan.co, 860-806-1573
Location: 64 S. Center St., Millerton, New York
Brian Crouse and Aimee Davisof Millerton Naturopathic AcupunctureRobin Roraback
Millerton Naturopathic Acupuncture
Brian Crouse is a licensed naturopathic physician, acupuncturist, and registered herbalist who blends modern science with traditional healing to address the root causes of illness.
“I offer personalized, integrative care using natural therapies, acupuncture, and botanical medicine to support whole-body wellness and empower patients in their health journey,” Crouse Said.
Aimee Davis, licensed massage therapist, said, “In addition to my thriving practice as a therapeutic massage therapist and intuitive healer, I am a relationship coach for couples and individuals. I am passionate about the inner workings of relationships, whether they are intimate, workplace, family dynamics or friendships.”
Davis offers a 30-minute introductory call and the first coaching session is free.
Brian Crouse, www.drbriancrouse.com, 518-592-1033, drbriancrouse@gmail.com
Aimee Davis, connectandbalance.amtamembers.com, 860-248-5452, connectandbalance@gmail.com
Location: 65 Main St, Millerton, New York
Veronica Brodsky, Psy.D., founder and clinical director of Interactive Discovery Consulting and Psychological Services, P.C., engaged audience members in a presentation about mental health and personal discovery.
“Mental health is health.” — Veronica Brodsky, Psy.D.
While mental health can sometimes feel like a sensitive or even stigmatized subject, Copake Grange is working to change that conversation, thanks to a grant from the National Grange Rural Life Initiative. On Thursday, Sept. 18, the nonprofit launched what it hopes will become an ongoing series aimed at bringing the Roe Jan community together to address mental health.
Copake Grange President Roberta Roll said in her opening remarks that the goal of this new series is to foster open conversations on topics connected to emotional and psychological well-being.
The evening’s introductory program featured presentations by Veronica Brodsky, Psy.D., founder and clinical director of Interactive Discovery Consulting and Psychological Services, P.C.
“Mental health is health,” Brodsky said, emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma. She shared her personal discovery of intergenerational trauma and presented slides on anxiety, depression, ADHD and how to recognize and manage their symptoms.
Additional presentations were offered by clinicians from Columbia Memorial Health and longtime volunteers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). One Copake Grange member also gave a deeply personal account of her family’s struggles with mental health, offering both perspective and practical coping strategies.
An array of informational and promotional material were available at the event. Aly Morrissey
The evening concluded with a buffet-style meal prepared by the Grange’s chef, Oleg Shcherbakov. Before dinner, attendees were invited to fill out surveys indicating topics of interest to help guide future programs.
Looking ahead, Copake Grange plans to partner with local hospitals, agencies and healthcare providers to expand awareness and resources. The event was free and open to the public.
Copake Grange 935 is the local chapter of the National Grange, a 150-year-old organization that advocates for rural communities and their agricultural heritage. Founded in 1903, the Copake Grange continues to serve as a civic and cultural center for the Roe Jan area.