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MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 3 editor’s note & content

COMPLIMENTARY | DECEMBER 2018 DECEMBER 2018 HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2018 From the hills of our beautiful tri- MAIN corner area, to our bustling towns streetMAGAZINE and villages, we wish you all a happy I’m sure that I’ve said this before, and holiday season! I’m certain that I’ll say this many more times, but how in the world is it already Cover photo by December? And you know what means? Lazlo Gyorsok Yet another year has passed! Time really does fly by when you’re having fun … and when you have small kids (then the days just blur together and you don’t even know what month it is). So as we come to the realization that we now find ourselves in the month of December, I always feel that it is the opportune time to look back at the passing year, celebrate your life’s highs and reflect on the lows, and then look forward to the coming year. When I was in college I had a professor who most of the students were afraid of due to his directness. But I got him; I got why he pushed us and that he was challenging us to be the best we could be. Something he said has always stuck with me, he said that every year (around this time) he sat down, CONTENTS by himself in a quiet place, and wrote down 6 | THE “PLAY’S THE THING…” 29 | PRESERVING HISTORY: with pen and paper his one year plan for artist profile MILLERHURST FARM the coming year, and then he wrote down his two year plan, his three, four, and five 9 | FRIENDLY FACES 33 | A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN: year plans. He said that the act of physically a beginner’s guide to cross country skiing writing it down made it real, vs. having 11 | GROWING CHRISTMAS TREES these ideas just floating around in your ALL YEAR LONG 37 | ON PURPOSE: CREATING MEANING head where they weren’t as tangible. I’ve business profile IN OUR LIVES performed this exercise a few times, and I 15 | MILK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT 41 | MUSIC ON THE MENU am going to sit down to do so ahead of the REVEL BARS coming year. I think that this exercise is a 45 | HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP very positive one because you not only put 17 | PROTECTING OUR FORESTS, your wishes, desires, and dreams down to REDUCING YOUR TAXES 49 | OLANA: PAST PERFECT paper, but you are, in a way, trying to plan the impact of forestry exemptions on your best life. And who doesn’t want that? holding real estate 53 | BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS With that being said, as we look to the downey, haab & murphy pllc future to our best life, we should also look 21 | CELEBRATE WITH EGGNOG true country construction burkart williams contracting, llc. back to our past selves and our current 25 | FIVE THINGS ABOUT CHRISTMAS carlson propane - heating & a/c selves, as well as to the lives of those who are locals reveal their holiday thoughts around us. I know that this is the month of 54 | MONTHLY ADVICE COLUMNS holidays, merry-making, and a plethora of presents and food, but I urge you to think about your neighbors as well this holiday season. There are people in our communi- PUBLISHER, EDITOR, ADVERTISING, WRITING, PHOTOGRAPHY, & OTHER DUTIES ties who could use help, even if it just as Thorunn Kristjansdottir Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, Designer. Pom Shillingford Assistant proof-reader. Ashley Kristjansson Director of Advertising. simple as having someone to talk to. Giving Contributing Writers: CB Wismar | Christine Bates | Claire Copley | Dominique De Vito | Ian Strever | the gift of love and assistance are some of Jessie Sheehan | John Torsiello | Joseph Montebello | Mary B. O’Neill | Regina Molaro the best gifts that you can give and receive. Contributing Photographers: Lazlo Gyorsok & Olivia Markonic This December, as we bid farewell to ADVERTISING 2018 and count down to 2019, I thank Ashley Kristjansson. Call 518 592 1135 or email [email protected] you for your continued readership and for being a part of our amazing communities. CONTACT In 2019 we strive to bring you more positive Office Mailing address PO Box 165, Ancramdale, NY 12503 Phone Email Website www.mainstreetmag.com and interesting stories about the people, businesses, places, histories, and curiosities PRINT, LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, & INSURANCE that make up this amazing area that we call Printed by Snyder Printer, Inc. Davis & Trotta Law Offices home. Have a happy and safe holiday. Accounting services by Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci CPAS Kneller Insurance Agency

Main Street Magazine is a monthly publication, coming out on or around the 1st of the month. It is published by Main Street Magazine, LLC. Main Street Magazine is not responsible for advertising errors whereas all ads receive final approval by the advertiser. Advertisers are legally responsible for the content and claims that are – Thorunn Kristjansdottir made in their ads. Main Street Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. The entire contents of Main Street Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission. All rights reserved. The views expressed in the articles herein reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher/editor.

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MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 5 artist profile

The “Play’s the thing…”

By CB Wismar [email protected]

The front piece of Tim Prentice’s Architect to artist in motion as long as there was the engaging book Drawing on the Air Trained as an architect at Yale slightest movement of air. He did (Easton Studio Press, 2012) starts University, Tim Prentice graduated not want to be derivative, but to with his dedication – kind words with a Master’s Degree in 1960 and create a form that was uniquely his to his family – then proceeds with headed for New York City where, in own. a quote from Kurt Vonnegut as a 1995, he and Lo-Yi Chan created There was no doubt that his directional beacon for what is to a firm that would win contracts architectural training had provided come. “The arts are not a way of and awards for their imaginative the technical skills required to making a living. They are a very concepts. execute his dreams, but there was human way of making life more Ten years on, Tim and his wife, an ingredient latent in his personal- bearable.” Marie, headed north to Cornwall, ity that made his artistic pursuit a Sitting and talking with architect CT, and settled in a farm house passion. He was still very much an and kinetic sculptor Tim Prentice is with several barns and an ice house architect – 60 homes in the region to be drawn into a conversation that that would become his studio, of- are the designs of Tim Prentice, wanders, joyfully, around nature fice, workshop and “imaginarium.” many of them based on the fun- and light and air and color and As sculptural pieces were created, damental design of a barn. “I like form … and leaves the visitor with they would dot the landscape – barns because they don’t put on airs. two powerful reactions. hanging from trees, standing in the And, I like using local builders who First, one feels like this man has fields, set carefully near the pond know the materials, the people, the always been a friend, no matter if that, in decades past, had been seasons.” this is the first meeting or if your where a farm family had harvested As a point of interest, Tim lives paths have crossed at a local market, ice in winter. in a Greek Revival farmhouse built at a summer cookout or picking in 1830, not a building of his own through the bins at the local hard- A vision of his own design. “It simply works,” he says ware store. Kinetic sculpture – forms and when asked why he would cherish The second feeling is almost a shapes that moved and shifted in the past rather than create a design yearning – the hope that there will the air … the wind … the shifting of the future. “It has an authenticity be more conversations and discov- sunlight – intrigued him. From that endures. New England homes eries with this brilliantly talented childhood, the work of Alexander look like New England … solid … creator. Calder and George Rickey had convincing.” caught his imagination. The work If architecture is part of Tim had ranged from static sculpture Prentice’s ego, then the extraor- through kinetic pieces to Calder’s dinary sculptures he has created famous mobiles. It was kinetic are his alter ego. Installations in sculpture that fascinated Tim – cre- Australia, Ireland, Japan, Korea, ating pieces that seemed perpetually and Switzerland all bear the fluid

6 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE artist profile

imagery of a Tim Prentice creation. adults re-learning the practice. Tim “I make machines to attract the Prentice needs no remedial instruc- attention of the wind, which then tion. He fully embraces the notion becomes the choreographer who of play and practices it, daily. makes the art.” That wind may be And, so, for Tim Prentice “It’s the breeze blowing through the the way I begin every project … trees in Washington Depot during every commission … even every their recent Sculpture Walk that proposal.” Surrounded by a loyal made Charlotte, a spider eight feet group of fellow “players,” Tim has across, move gently in the afternoon spent decades creating pieces to the breeze, or it can be the air moving delight and wonder of viewers all through an early Tim Prentice cre- over the world. Widely held in pri- ation suspended above the escalators vate collections, his public installa- in the Jacksonville International tions continue to soothe and amaze. Airport. It is not unusual to see people riding up and down on the Seeing is understanding moving staircase gazing skyward Because still images cannot ad- to watch the gentle movement of equately represent the visual, almost Flashdance. spiritual impact of the air meeting Aluminum, stainless steel, lexan one of Tim’s creations, visiting his – mirror reflections or meticu- website is heartily encouraged. Over lously joined colored fragments that the years, Tim and his team have shimmer in the afternoon. They recorded the final result of his “play- are all part of the mystical visions ing” and the video clips are neatly of capturing the movement of air ordered on his website – a location that suddenly gains dimension in a that is, in itself, playful. It’s simple Prentice piece. enough: www.timprentice.com. Tim Prentice lost the love of Ready, set, play! his life, Marie in 2018. They were “I always begin with play…” Tim married for 56 years, reared two offers when talking about his cre- daughters, Nora and Phoebe, trav- to a giant wheel turning on a Opposite page, top to bottom: ative muse. “Without playing, what eled the world under the auspices pedestal, The sculpture, is the point?” of the State Department Cultural perpetually rearranging a puzzle of Charlotte, from the The concept is both refreshing Exchanges as folk singers in the ‘60s recent Sculpture white Walk in Washing- and startling. Begin with a vision. and traveled it, again, as Tim’s work discs at its center. ton Depot. Tim Begin with a form. Understand the was celebrated in Europe and Asia. Across the field an upright rectangle Prentice, photo by Lazlo Gyorsok. space, the restrictions, the expecta- Marie had been a teacher, a musi- of reflections, like the surface of a This page, above: tions of the client. Begin with a ma- cian, a potter, a political activist, vertical Flashdance at the Jacksonville terial worth exploring and includ- and a poet. The coda in Tim’s pond rippling in light and shadow, airport. ing in a work. All understandable Drawing on the Air is a poem by confuses his eyes. inclusions. But… “play?” Marie entitled Art Farm, an hom- The walls his fathers made two Psychiatrist and author Stuart mage to the man and his marvelous hundred years ago Brown is quite emphatic in his work. comfort him: stones left by glaciers, belief that Tim’s outlook is not only built on the right path, it is the only path The old farmer opens the barn door. to last until the next Ice Age, to allowing the creative spirit the Silver scales glint in the dark, far longer than freedom it needs to produce. “The appear and disappear as they these trembling toys. ability to play is critical not only turn in the light. – Marie Prentice • to being happy, but also to sustain- He looks for the cow stalls, the hay. ing social relationships and being The walls he white-washed are Visit Tim Prentice’s website for more a creative, innovative person… By flaking. information and discovery … and play at www.timprentice.com. playing, we learn about the mystery Beneath the rafters yellow feathered Are you an artist and interested in being and excitement that the world can wheels are circling. featured in Main Street Magazine? Send a brief hold…” Brown’s book is entitled No hens in the barnyard – just bio, artist’s statement, and a link to your work Play, and it makes a grand case for a rusted cage where a tin to [email protected]. crustacean waves long segmented legs as if feeling for food. He walks down the meadow path

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8 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE friendly faces friendly faces: meet our neighbors, visitors and friends

Bryce Dusenbery has worked for Columbia Tent Rent- Hayley Cooper has been a dog groomer/pet stylist at Larissa Morby is a reading specialist currently working als for over 15 years, but now a new chapter has begun Petsmart for six years and counting. “There are some with grades 3-8 at Salisbury Central School. She has en- because he’s the new owner! “I have always loved making dogs I’ve been grooming since they were eight weeks old joyed teaching for nine years, and loves the students and people’s visions of the most special day of their lives a and now they’re four or five. It’s almost like they are my many friends she’s met along the way. “It’s so exciting to reality, and I am humbled to have learned so much from fur babies just as much as their owners.” Hayley loves see children learning new things and gaining confidence David and Kelly Reinckens.” Aside from work, Bryce to be outdoors and says her hiking has always been a as they become better readers.” When Larissa isn’t teach- loves being a dad to his two kids and spending time with favorite pastime. She also loves to be around her own ing, she likes to spend time with her family in the out- his family. “This past July I married my beautiful bride, pup, Graham. “He’s like my furry child.” Hayley grew up doors, whether it be while camping, boating, four-wheel- Amber. I am looking forward to spending the holidays in Columbia County and has always loved it here, “You ing, or snowmobiling. She loves to craft as well, especially together, officially as husband and wife.” Bryce is also have mountains to explore, lakes to swim in, and just during the holiday season. Larissa and her husband even an avid hunter and enjoys being outdoors and in nature. natural beauty and the scenery is everywhere.” As for the started a small business called Woodland Wonders. They “Every year my buddies and I do an annual hunting trip, holidays go, her favorite holiday tradition is watching It’s sell their crafts locally, which include table arrangements which we all look forward.” As a Columbia County na- A Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve. “There’s nothing and decorative wreaths. “I live in Millerton, NY, and I tive, Bryce is looking forward to raising his family here as like sitting by the tree with the lights on and watching love visiting the local farmer’s market and the Rail Trail. well, with small town values and a supportive commu- James Stewart learn about life.” My family also enjoys going to the library and participat- nity. We agree! ing in the wonderful programs they have to offer!”

Lauren Kneller works for Apollo Partners NY Inc./ Dave Mallison is a salesperson for Best & Cavallaro Real Siobhan Yaple works in the office of her family’s busi- Kneller Insurance Agency, providing health and life Estate in Salisbury, CT. Dave has been in real estate for ness, Race Mountain Tree Services. “I started training in insurance, employee benefits, Medicare, etc. “I’ve been just over a year, but his construction experience spans October of 2017 and I am coming back more full-time doing this over three years now and I like helping people 35 years. “I enjoy what I do, and in my spare time I’m after being on maternity leave. I love knowing I am help- and finding ways to help them save money.” Aside from a woodworker, a musician, and an amateur naturalist.” ing my father and his incredible business. At the same Lauren’s office duties, she loves spending time with her Originally from the area, Dave moved away for some time it’s allowing me to gain knowledge of the business family, friends, and fiancé, traveling, volunteering, being time and came back in his early 30s because he likes the world.” Her free time is spent with her newborn son, outside, hanging out with her Pitbull Diesel, fashion, and peacefulness and the beauty of the area. “You can’t beat Jackson. “We love spending time outside and going for photography.” Lauren was born and raised in Ghent, NY, the combination of snow and Christmas lights around long walks. I am also working on getting my Bachelors and loves all the seasons, the area’s natural beauty, close the holidays!” He added, “Our area is safe too, and it’s a in Fashion Merchandising.” Siobhan was born and raised proximity to major cities, and the people. As the holidays great place to raise children. The Tri-state region is full in Sheffield, MA, and loves the gorgeous views and being approach, Lauren is looking forward to Christmas Eve of history, and I enjoy the fact that I can trace my family part of such an amazing community filled with love. This Mass, getting together with her family, and making roots in this area back to the mid-1800s.” That is very holiday season she is looking forward to the tradition of Christmas cookies! “I try to live very consciously of cool, Dave! having brunch with her family. “I am also very excited to one another, the planet, and of all of the animals in the start even more traditions with my own little family.” world. I believe that a little kindness and thoughtful insight go a long way.”

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 9 For ALL of your holiday needs Hillsdale Fine Wine & Spirits

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10 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE business

Growing ChristmasWENDY & RICHARD PHILLIPS trees OF EVERGREEN FARM,all MILLBROOK,year NY long

By Christine Bates [email protected]

Wendy and Richard Phillips, owners sell 300 trees every year just to break of Evergreen Farm, talked with me even. Then with more investment in one rainy Friday November morning marketing, word-of-mouth, and a big looking out at the acres of Christmas competitor going out of business, we trees in front of their country house on reached 300. Now we sell 400 to 800 North Tower Road in Millbrook, NY. trees every year – last year was our We discovered that we shared the same best ever. It took me 15 years to figure compulsion to do what we love, whether out how to do this. My stockbroker it’s writing or growing Christmas trees. always asks me about the number of cars in our parking lot – we’re a lead- You’re an architect from New ing economic indicator. York City? Why did you start a Christmas tree farm? What’s your busiest day? When I grew up in the suburbs where no should I come? one really owned land. At age 33 I The day after Thanksgiving is always bought this property with 25 acres, the busiest and that’s when Christmas and designed and built this modernist tree fanatics come. Every Saturday and house. I had no intention of becom- Sunday from the day after Thanksgiv- ing a farmer – just a place to get away ing until right before Christmas is on weekends. I liked the idea of own- busy. Late afternoons are especially ing land – it was a big thing for me to hectic and you need to come while buy something. Then my sister, a mas- it’s still light. We’ve actually helped Above: Wendy and Richard Phillips, owners of Evergreen Farm. Photo courtesy of ter gardener, came to visit. It was her customers select trees with flashlights Richard and Wendy Phillips of Everygreen Farm. idea. “Why don’t you plant Christmas after dark. The least busy time is in trees?” Everyone in our family has a the middle of the day around lunch- green thumb. The plantation started time. Where do these customers in 1989 with about 300 small trees come from? CHRISTMAS TREE FACTS purchased from the Cornell Extension What makes Evergreen Farm They come from all over – from Long in Millbrook. I joined the New York special? Island to New Jersey and Connecticut >> 27 million+ real Christ- State Christmas Tree Association and Buying a tree here is an experience. – not so much from Massachusetts. mas trees were sold in 2017 at an average price of $75 learned best practices. My first trees People love walking between the trees Most customers come here from and selecting their favorite. We’ll cut Westchester and Putnam counties and weren’t planted properly – the spacing >> 21 million artificial Christ- was wrong and weeds grew up around it down for them, bundle it, and put from around here. We’ve noticed on mas trees were purchased them, but I learned. it on top of their car. And we’re really our website that New York City resi- in 2017 at a price of $107 efficient – we employ four to five dents look at our website all the time, What year did you start selling people in addition to ourselves to help but they can’t get here. They want to >> 27% of real trees were trees? Were you immediately customers. At the busiest time we load come, but they don’t have cars. purchased at a choose-and- successful? a tree every two minutes. We’re like a cut farm In our climate it takes eight or nine factory. What about the competition? years for a tree to be ready to sell and Over the years we see the same Our customers are looking for fresh, >> 1853 - First official 2000 was our first year. It was so de- families come and we watch their fragrant trees, so the trees that the big Christmas tree in the White House pressing – not even ten people came. children grow up and bring their box stores sell aren’t really comparable. We just assumed that if we had trees children. Some customers make it a Those trees may have been harvested >> 1883 - Sears & Roebuck people would come to buy them. The tailgate party and bring the extended in October and then wrapped up and started selling artificial trees next year we did more advertising and family. shipped up from the South. They put up more signs and maybe 50 cars We help people pick out the right never really recover and drop their >> 1901 - First Christmas showed up. I knew that we needed to trees for them. I know all the trees needles quickly because they can’t tree farm planted in New – to me each one is an individual – absorb water. Jersey and Wendy handles the barn, taking Continued on next page … people’s money and selling them wreaths. She talks to everyone and knows our customers. It’s a real family business.

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 11 business

keep it in. You need to be able to buy mowing grass between the trees – the gasoline and diesel fuel. You need grass stops soil erosion. to understand the best way to farm Then in November, right now, we’re – the Cornell Extension is a great getting set up to sell trees. Clearing resource. You need to take command out the barn, tagging the trees, setting and actively manage your trees. And up tables, washing the equipment, you need to understand that this is a starting to make wreaths – I do that part-time seasonal business where you myself in the barn. Wreaths aren’t a won’t make a lot of money. big profit-maker but customers want them. What happens here when you’re not selling trees? What do you like best about Christmas tree farming keeps you this business? busy all year. In January and Febru- This may sound crazy, but I like to ary, depending on the snow, stumps watch the trees grow. I like the time are cut down to the ground level. In I spend with them and it gives me March I’m checking on tree health. something to do outside. I like selling Above: Bundling What kind of trees do you sell? In April we spray to kill diseases and trees to our customers who appreciate Christmas trees for What about balled trees? customers to take insects that attack trees – aphids, and them. home. Below, right: Douglas firs are soft and bulky and fungus like needle cast, which can Rows of Douglas decorate beautifully. They’re harder and Frasier Fir make all the needles fall off a tree. We What are “Trees for Troops”? Christmas trees un- to grow so they are a real bargain. participate in Cornell’s Integrated Pest We’re a little tree farm but we may der a summer sky Most people know Frasier Firs, which Management Program and use the be the one of the larger contributors at Evergreen Farm. Photos courtesy of have built up a kind of brand name recommended least toxic applications. to Trees for Troops in our area. We Richard and Wendy recognition – they’re darker than In May we prepare the ground for take a day to cut trees, bale them, and Phillips of Evergreen Farm. Douglas firs and thinner with a little planting new trees in between the truck them over to Hahn Farm where more space for decorations. Spruces stumps of trees that have been cut. FedEx picks them up and distributes have very rigid branches, which are In early June we are fertilizing and them to military bases all over the US. excellent for heavy ornaments, but participating in Twilight Nights when You never hear FedEx talk about it, they have stiff, sharp needles and are agricultural experts come to farms and but it’s a fantastic charity. Custom- hard to handle. In another four years make suggestions. Farmers participate ers see the sign in the barn or on our we will be selling the newly planted and learn from each other. website and tell us about their rela- Concolor trees, which are a beautiful In August through the beginning tives in the service and how much the blue green. of September we shear the trees as the Christmas trees mean to them. • We don’t sell balled trees any more new growth stiffens. This is really hard because they are so labor-intensive. It work in the hottest part of the year. You’ll find Evergreen Farm located at 407 North takes an outside crew to wrap and ball I strap an 80 pound, eight foot tall Tower Hill Road, Millbrook, NY. You can visit it online at www.christmastreefarm.biz. Starting them and then buyers realize it’s a lot gas-powered clipper on my body and Friday after Thanksgiving November 23, and then of work to replant them. go down the rows. Last year I got hurt weekends through December 16, it is open from doing this. All summer long we’re 9:30am to 4:30 pm. How do you price trees? We have very simple pricing. Any tree 7’and under is $55 and over 8’ is $65. Trees always look smaller when they are outside and we encourage people to buy the right size for their home. We also sell very nice pre-cut trees at lower prices. We want everyone to be able to afford a tree at Evergreen Farm.

What do you need to start a Christmas tree farm? The question should really be, “what do you need to start a successful Christmas tree business?” You could start with a shovel, dirt, and seed- lings, but to have a thriving business and grow beautiful trees you need specialized equipment and a barn to

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14 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE baking

HAZELNUTMilk REVEL BARS chocolate

By Jessie Sheehan [email protected]

I love a cookie as much as the next A revel bar person. Yes, I’m partial to the thick A revel bar, for the uninitiated (a and chewy variety and my forever group that included me until quite favorite will always be chocolate chip, recently) is a bar cookie made with but really, I am fond of them all. But oats, nuts, chocolate, and sweetened cookie-making can be kind of labori- condensed milk. The chewy oat and ous – there’s the resting of the dough nut-filled cookie bit forms the base of (a rest contributes to a chewier cookie, the bar, as well as the topping, and the if you, like me, are into that sort chocolate and sweetened condensed of thing), the even scooping of the milk make for a delicious, fudgy 12 balls of dough for each properly middle layer. In fact, “fudge” is the greased cookie sheet (making sure operrative word here, as here’s a quick Ingredients: spatula. Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the each scoop is of equal size contributes fun fact for you: an easy, old-fash- 2 1/2 cups instant oats dough for the topping and transfer to uniform-looking cookies), and then ioned, stovetop fudge, that does not 2 cups all-purpose flour the remainder of the dough to the the baking of the dough which, for require a pesky candy thermometer, 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped prepared pan. Place a piece of plastic “perfectly baked cookies,” requires is made just this way: by combin- 1 1/4 tsp table salt wrap over the dough and press it flat you to bake only one baking sheet at ing melted chocolate and sweetened 1 tsp baking soda with your hands until it evenly covers a time, rotating at the halfway point, condensed milk. A recipe for one is 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and the bottom of the pan. and then resting the cookies (again) included in my latest cookbook, The cooled slightly In a small bowl, add the Nutella on the sheet before removing them to Vintage Baker, and is not dissimilar 1 cup light brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk, and a cooling rack. from the middle layer of a revel bar … 1/2 cup granulated sugar stir with a fork to combine. Place in but I digress. 2 eggs the microwave on high and melt in Cookie vs. bar Here, I have substituted toasted 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract 20 second bursts, stirring after each, But lest I have turned you off of hazelnuts for the almonds or walnuts 2 cups chocolate hazelnut spread, until combined, about two minutes. cookie-making forever, I present you usually called for in a revel bar, and such as Nutella, or two cups milk The mixture may not be perfectly with the cookie’s cute, yet tough, little a chocolate hazelnut spread, such as chocolate chips, melted smooth, and that is fine. Spread the brother: the bar cookie. I am a sucker Nutella, for the straight up chocolate 1 1/4 cup (one 14 oz. can) sweetened mixture over the dough in the pan for a bar cookie for all of the reasons and sweetened condensed milk layer condensed milk and top with the remaining dough, by that I have issues with regular cookies, typically found in the bar. However, Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, for crumbling it into bits and scattering it and then some: I love the bar cookie’s if you’d rather just use melted milk sprinkling over the fudgy layer. Sprinkle with the ease of assembly (press the dough into chocolate, you can substitute that for flaky sea salt. a pan and voilà – you’re done), the the Nutella. A final sprinkle of flaky Instructions: Bake for 25 minutes until the oat crowd-pleasing number of servings a sea salt before baking, helps balance Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. topping is browned. Let the bars set single tray produces (no need to dirty all the flavors and keeps the sweetness Grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan up, at least 4 hours on the counter or several cookie sheets), as all 24 (or in check. with softened butter or cooking spray. place the slightly cooled bars in the more, if you cut them small enough) Bar cookies are an excellent ad- Line the bottom and two short sides fridge for about two hour. To serve, bars are baked simultaneously, and the dition to Christmas cookie swaps with parchment. Set aside. run a paring knife around the edge of portability (cookies are portable, too, and holiday gift giving in general. Combine the oats, flour, nuts, the pan and use the parchment paper of course, but cookies can break in Although the middle layer of these salt, and soda in a medium bowl and to lift out the bars. Slice into 24 bars transit, but scrappy little bar cookies? revel bars might melt a bit if mailed to whisk together. Set aside. using a chef’s knife. Bars will keep not a chance…). a friend in Christmas-cookie-need, a Add the melted butter and sugars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap on the I particularly love a layered bar quick spell in the refrigerator will firm to a large bowl and whisk to combine. counter for up to three days. • cookie, and if one of the layers just things up nicely. And to say that Santa Add the eggs, one at a time, and the happens to include a combo of milk would be beyond thrilled to receive vanilla, whisking after adding each. Jessie is a baker and cookbook author; you chocolate and hazelnut, well then I’m Add the dry ingredients to the wet can learn more about her through her website a plate of these on Christmas Eve, jessiesheehanbakes.com. basically in bar-cookie heaven. after a hard, cold night of delivering and fold to combine with a rubber presents, is an understatement.

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Main Street Mag.-Dec. ad 2018.indd 1 11/9/18 11:30 AM 16 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE real estate

Protecting our forests, reducing your taxes THE IMPACT OF FORESTRY EXEMPTIONS ON HOLDING REAL ESTATE

By Christine Bates [email protected]

Protect the environment and pay less To encourage the protection of in property taxes! Forestry exemp- privately held forestlands, New York, tions provide property tax assess- Massachusetts, and Connecticut have ment reductions to encourage forest instituted broadly similar programs preservation by decreasing the expense creating tax relief for owners of for- of holding land. The rules regarding ested lands. All three states require a these “exemptions” vary from state to certain minimum acreage, a forestry state, but the principle is the same: management plan, and a ten-year in exchange for forest guardianship, commitment to maintaining the forest owners of sizable parcels of land re- – but the details and tax reductions ceive a break on their town and school vary. Anyone that is potentially inter- property taxes to reflect land usage ested should contact an approved state rather than potential value. forestry expert to first do an initial Depending on your state, the size assessment and figure out if the tax of your property, and the density of savings are worth the commitment. the forest you could qualify for what These initial evaluations can cost is known as a “forest exemption.” It around $1,500 and will determine if won’t “exempt” you from paying taxes, your “stocking level of trees” qualifies. but it will decrease your tax burden. The types of tree don’t matter – they Maybe it should be known as the for- can be hardwoods or pine trees. The est discount tax plan. next step would be to invest in a forest management plan which delineates A growing appreciation the forest stands, does an inventory of forests of the trees, and makes recommen- Until the end of the nineteenth cen- dations about thinning, harvesting, tury forests were cleared for agricul- replanting, etc. As part of the manage- tural usage, chopped up for charcoal ment plan timber may be harvested, production, or lumbered off for tim- but as Doug Ramey, a registered a ten-year management plan which Above: A trail ber. Massive Catskill hemlock stands through the forester in New York and Connecticut is then approved by the NYS DEC, forest at Poet’s were cut down for their bark used in with over 170 management plans in which, in turn, notifies the local asses- Walk in Rhine- the tanning industry. Forests and trees beck, NY. Photo place, observed, “You don’t get rich sor that the plan has been accepted. by Claire Copley. were a nuisance that stood in the way selling timber.” He estimated that a The assessor then reduces the assessed of settlement, or a natural resource to red oak tree 16” in diameter with a 16 value of the forested acres (see chart). be exploited. foot log would be worth about $500 Only wood fiber is considered a crop Forests in the northeastern states today. “It’s really about the tax break – and other forest uses like maple syrup, had all but disappeared by the end it helps you hold onto your property. recreation, and Christmas trees are ex- of the nineteenth century when the When towns do a revaluation, I get a cluded from forestry exemptions, but European concept of managing trees lot of calls.” could be covered by an agricultural as a renewable resource was intro- exemption. duced. Tree seedlings started to be New York Rules – 480a The downside in all of these pro- planted where loggers had left barren New York State, with its heavily grams is that rollback tax penalties are ground and farmers had abandoned forested Catskills and Adirondacks, applied for partial or total change of farms with depleted soil. Areas were has over 19 million acres of forested the land use. In New York enrollment reforested with conifers for water- land, 75% of it is in private hands. constitutes a lien on the property and shed protection, flood control, and In 1977 New York passed Section the next owner would be obligated future timber protection. This was 480a, which established the rules for to continue the plan for nine years or before anyone thought of the addi- forestland exemptions. The minimum pay penalties. It’s important to know tional benefits of sequestering carbon, size is 50 contiguous acres all owned if you are obligated to follow an exist- preserving wildlife habitat, or fighting by the same entity. This required ing forestry management plan before climate change. size eliminates more than half of the you buy. privately held forestland. Owners must retain a registered forester to Continued on next page … evaluate the tree stand and prepare

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 17 real estate

EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION OF FOREST EXEMPTIONS IN DUTCHESS COUNTY

Town Acreage Classification Assessor’s Forest Tax basis Exempted $ per acre $ per acre market value exemption after value as % full market after forest exemption market value assessment exemption Pine Plains 78.8 NYS 912 Wild, Forested $493,800 $361,134 $132,666 27% $6,266 $1,684 Amenia* 21.1 NYS 322 Vacant Rural Residential $201,000 $152,418 $48,582 24% $9,526 $2,302 North East 137.7 NYS 322 Vacant Rural Residential $1,669,200 $1,260,700 $408,500 24% $12,122 $2,967 North East* 9.8 NYS 314 Vacant Rural Residential $133,800 $79,800 $54,000 40% $13,653 $5,510 Washington 45.7 NYS 322 Vacant Rural Residential $383,200 $218,466 $164,734 43% $8,385 $3,605 Washington 52.7 NYS 322 Vacant Rural Residential $873,700 $236,843 $636,857 73% $16,579 $12,085 Washington 55.9 NYS 311 Vacant Residential Land $670,200 $536,160 $134,040 20% $11,989 $2,398

* Smaller than required 25 acres but parcel borders on another protected parcel

In practice, New York State forest Massachusetts Rules exemptions, which are supposed In Massachusetts over 500,000 acres to reduce assessed taxable value by of forests are covered under forest 80%, can vary enormously. A small, stewardship programs 61, 61A, and random sampling of raw land parcels 61B. Unlike New York, Massachusetts with forest exemptions in Dutchess only requires 5-10 acres of land to be County shows a huge variation, both considered, and there are less severe in assessed value of forest lands from penalties for getting out of the pro- $16,000 an acre to $6,266, and a gram. Every year the state establishes value per acre after application of the the value of forest acreage for property forest exemption between $12,000 tax purposes. Currently this is a little and $1,700! under $100 an acre for 61A, which the assessor applies to the property Connecticut’s Public Act 490 assessment. If a forest is registered as In many ways Connecticut’s regu- recreational under 61B, property taxes lating Act 490 (passed in 1963) is are reduced by 75%. more generous than New York’s and Massachusetts further gives now covers almost 500,000 acres. landowners flexibility in switching PA 490 requires only a minimum of between managed forest plans under 25 contiguous acres and currently 61A and recreational forests, which values forest land at $240 an acre for can just be left natural habitat and not tax purposes. Contrast this to the managed. values of protected forests in Dutchess If you are an owner of substantial County. Less densely settled towns forest acreage or are considering often have substantial forest exemp- buying forested acres, the impact of tions that can constitute a painful hit the forestry exemption can affect the to the town’s tax base. For example, value of the land. If you buy land with Above: Forests protect our the town of Cornwall alone has an exemption in place, you should water. Photo by 14,000+ acres of protected forestland, determine the requirements and John Harney. which reduces property tax collec- Below, left: When limitations. Everyone should under- you walk through tions by over $2,000,000 every year. stand the complex rules about annual a forest, look up Like New York, a forester’s report is renewals and dates for the paperwork. at the sky. Photo by Christine required; however, it is the town asses- Once you recognize the opportunity Bates. sor who determines eligibility – not a or the risk, you should consult with a state conservation agency. registered forester with your state.

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest of wilderness.” – John Muir

No one should forget that the reason for forest property tax reduc- tions is to protect acres of wilderness from the fragmentation of building lots, electric lines, cabins, campers, trails, cellular towers, and roads. Walk alone between the trees and look up at the sky, listen to your footsteps, smell the pines. Unlike fields, forests do not need tending; they are mankind’s soli- tary companions on this earth. Guard and appreciate their mystery. •

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MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 19 MONTAGE 48 Main Street, Millerton, NY 518.789.0022

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20 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE the holidays Celebrate with Eggnog

By Dominique DeVito [email protected]

Is the arrival of eggnog as joyous a not expelled. He went on to be the holiday occasion for you as seeing President of the Confederate States decorations in the stores or hearing during the Civil War. I wonder if he Christmas music on the radio? No ever drank eggnog again after 1826. matter what your spiritual practice The drink itself has its roots in at this cold, dark time of year, a Medieval England, where it was a universal way to lift your mood and wintertime drink for the aristocracy. celebrate is to partake in an abun- It was made with eggs and cream dance of good food and drink. For and sugar and served hot. While it many of us, eggnog is on this list. wasn’t an alcoholic beverage at first I started seeing eggnog at the (and many still enjoy it without supermarket before Halloween, and alcohol), few objected to the addi- it was the inspiration for this article. tion of spirits. A drink called posset I was amazed by how many types was popular, made with hot milk and flavors there are now, and I and ale. The name eggnog is said to thought it would be fun to do a 12 derive from two British slang words Days of Christmas salute to this very – grog (rum) and noggin (a type of Photo: istockphoto.com contributor NatashaBreen popular beverage. So I wrote The wooden serving cup). Egg and grog 12 Days of Eggnog – to the tune of drinks were served in noggins. the Christmas song. It’s at the end of the article. I dare anyone to sing George’s joy famous drink in public and private • ings airy, and it all the way through; I hope you Then as now, a hot milk drink houses…” • onnybroo Farm enjoy it. spiked with booze was welcome on As I was thinking about eggnog a cold, dark night. No wonder it A welcome addition to a Don’t limit the local to the non-al- holiday party (and enjoying some, of course), became so popular. It was a staple coholic eggnog, either. Our area is a Today, over 150 years later, egg- I became curious about its origin of the early Colonists and our fore- treasure trove of distilleries making nog remains a perennial favorite and how it came to be so popular fathers, as milk and eggs and cheap fabulous whiskeys, bourbons, rums, across the country and around the and synonymous with the holiday spirits were plentiful in the 1800s. and more. I made a killer nightcap world. For many, it wouldn’t be season. As one would suspect, its George Washington had his own with a splash of Olde York Farm’s the holidays without it. Making it history is as delicious as its taste, recipe (included below), though he Cacao Maple Vodka poured into a yourself can take anywhere from with nearly as many iterations! didn’t note the number of eggs. A shot of King’s Dairy eggnog. few noggins of his grog and the wigs a few minutes to several days, and Riotously good had to be flying! that just gives you more options for Three great recipes I have to start with the Eggnog Riot It was in the US that the name pleasure. While homemade eggnog As with all things culinary, espe- of 1826 because it happened right eggnog came to stick. Jonathan is exceptional, and makes the oc- cially for holiday favorites, recipes here in New York at West Point. Boucher, a clergyman from Mary- casion to partake of it with guests for eggnog have been abundant Earlier that year, alcohol had been land, wrote a poem about the drink extra special, the selections in the and varied for hundreds of years. I banned from the elite military in 1775 which included the line dairy case are pretty good, too. You decided to choose three that range academy. For Christmas, some “Fog-drams i’ th’ morn, or (better can even find one if you’re lactose from historic to classic to modern so cadets managed to bring in a lot of still) egg-nogg.” His salute was the intolerant. you can experiment to your liking. whiskey. A group of about 90 of first appearance in print of a formal Look for local them used it to spike eggnog that reference to the drink. (Hey, maybe George Washington’s Eggnog There are many companies mak- was on campus, and things went my poem will make it to Wikipedia Here’s a way to impress your guests ing eggnogs that are sold in grocery from rollicking to rowdy. Property some time!) as George and Martha did over stores large and small. But look for was damaged, brawls broke out, Colonists turned to rum as a 200 years ago – a recipe ascribed local in our area – in stores rang- and officers were assaulted. In stronger, sweeter addition to the to George himself! Since no one at ing from Adams to Hannaford January, 1827, 19 cadets were court egg/cream base of their nogs, and your gathering will be going home and Price Chopper. You can find marshalled and 11 of those were soon different liquors were in- on horseback, you may want to get delicious and super-fresh eggnogs expelled. Fortunately for Jefferson terchangeable, including brandy, people’s keys when they come in the made by Davis, one of the offenders, he was whiskey, and sherry. An editorial in door. This one’s a doozy. The Chicago Press and Tribune dated Continued on next page … December 31, 1859, said “Eggnog • Hudson Valley Fresh has ruled the country today…It is a • Battenill Valley Creamery

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 21 the holidays

One quart cream, one quart 4 large eggs (the freshest you can of Ronnybrook Image courtesy milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, find) one pint brandy, 1/2 pint rye whis- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or super- key, 1/2 pint Jamaican rum, 1/4 fine sugar) pint sherry. Mix liquor first, then ½ tsp dried nutmeg separate yolks and whites of eggs, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. 3 oz cognac (about 1/3 cup + 1 Add milk and cream, slowly beat- Tbsp) ing. Beat whites of eggs until stiff 3 oz bourbon (about 1/3 cup + 1 and fold slowly into mixture. Let set Tbsp) in cool place for several days. Taste 1 ½ cups whole milk frequently. 1 cup heavy cream

Martha Stewart’s “Original” Add whole eggs to blender and Eggnog blend on MED speed (or LOW if I had to include a recipe by the you only have a HIGH and LOW Queen of Entertaining (and a setting option) for 30 seconds. woman who’s had a big influence on Add sugar and blend another 20 get some eggs and cream, and On the tenth day of eggnog, my body me). You can’t lose when you choose seconds. Add nutmeg, cinnamon, home-made is the most tasty. said to me, so many flavors! Martha. cognac, bourbon, milk, and heavy Light, golden, pumpkin, soy or cream and blend until combined, On the sixth day of eggnog my body lactose-free, how about dairy-free? 12 eggs, separated about 10-15 seconds. Transfer to said to me, which ones will I choose? Which ones will I choose, 1 ½ cups superfine sugar an airtight container and refrigerate I have an idea! I have an idea! 1 quart whole milk for a day or so to allow flavors to How about a party, How about a party 1 ½ quarts heavy cream combine and mellow. To serve after you’ll need brandy, you’ll need brandy, 1 quart bourbon it’s settled in the fridge, either give get some eggs and cream, and get some eggs and cream, and ½ cup dark rum it a good shake or two, or pour into home-made is the most tasty. home-made is the most tasty. 2 cups cognac a mixing bowl and give it a whisk to Freshly ground nutmeg get everything combined. On the seventh day of eggnog, my On the eleventh day of eggnog, my body said to me, how about dairy- body said to me, lots of ways to like it, Beat the egg yolks until thick and The 12 Days of Eggnog (sung free? So many flavors! pale yellow. Gradually add the sugar to the tune of The 12 Days of Which ones will I choose, Light, golden, pumpkin, soy or to the yolks. With a wire whisk, Christmas) I have an idea! lactose-free, how about dairy-free? beat in the milk and 1 quart of the On the first day of eggnog, my body How about a party, Which ones will I choose, cream. Add the bourbon, rum, and said to me, you’ll need brandy, I have an idea! Cognac, stirring constantly. Just home-made is the most tasty. get some eggs and cream, and How about a party before serving, beat the egg whites home-made is the most tasty. you’ll need brandy, until stiff. Fold into the mixture. On the second day of eggnog, my body get some eggs and cream, and Whip the remaining heavy cream said to me, On the eighth day of eggnog, my body home-made is the most tasty. until stiff and fold in. Sprinkle with get some eggs and cream, and said to me, soy or lactose-free, how nutmeg. (From The Martha Stewart home-made is the most tasty. about dairy-free? On the twelfth day of eggnog, my body Cookbook, Clarkson Potter, New Which ones will I choose, said to me, celebrate with eggnog! York, 1995.) On the third day of eggnog, my body I have an idea! Lots of ways to like it, said to me, How about a party So many flavors, 5-Minute Blender Eggnog by The you’ll need brandy, you’ll need brandy, Light, golden, pumpkin, soy or Chunky Chef get some eggs and cream, and get some eggs and cream, and lactose-free, how about dairy-free? For those of us who are always busy home-made is the most tasty. home-made is the most tasty. Which ones will I choose, and rarely fussy, the idea of putting I have an idea! everything in the blender and mak- On the fourth day of eggnog, my body On the ninth day of eggnog, my body How about a party ing it a day or two ahead of time said to me, said to me, light, golden, pumpkin, you’ll need brandy, is totally appealing. Thank you, how about a party, soy or lactose-free, how about dairy- get some eggs and cream, and Chunky Chef! (www.thechunky- you’ll need brandy, free? home-made is the most tasty. chef.com) get some eggs and cream, and Which ones will I choose, home-made is the most tasty. I have an idea! Wishing everyone a happy holiday How about a party season, and a punch bowl that over- On the fifth day of eggnog, my body you’ll need brandy, flows with eggnog. • said to me, get some eggs and cream, and I have an idea! home-made is the most tasty. How about a party, you’ll need brandy,

22 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE Jane Coats Eckert’s roots are in 19th and early 20th Century American Artists on whom she wrote and lectured. In 1996 she opened Eckert Fine Art in Naples, Florida where she formed a business relationship and friendship with Robert Rauschenberg. She curated shows on Rauschenberg at three museums and specialized in art by Roy Lichtenstein, Christo, Robert Indiana, Don Gummer and James Rosenquist. In recent years since relocating to the quaint village of Kent, Ct. Jane has placed important art with museums and collec- tors by Jean-Michel Basquiat, GiGirogio de Chirico, Henry Moore, Niki de Saint Phalle, John Chamberlain, and is the exclusive representative of realist painter, Eric Forstmann.

Ms. Eckert has served as the Chair of the Director's Advisory Council at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA and as the Secretary of the Fine Art Dealers Asso- ciation (FADA). Litchfield Magazine recently named her as one of the "25 Most Influential People" for 2017 in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

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MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 23 tracy helgeson A progression-based program: show running •• through january

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24 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE Five things about Christmas LOCALS REVEAL THEIR HOLIDAY THOUGHTS

veryone has lists – favorite things, Randy Correll, partner at (my mother said I behaved badly.) things they can’t live without, things Robert A.M. Stern Architects: Yes, really, it explains a lot. they carry with them all the time, Most memorable Christmas? E and on and on. When I was five and received a pair Favorite part of Christmas? We decided to canvass people of electric scissors, which I used to Spending Christmas Eve with the from surrounding environs and perform surgery on the fiberglass dearest of friends. It’s our yearly question them about the holidays. drapes in the living room. My ritual. Here, in no particular order, are mother was not amused. their responses. Best gift ever received? Favorite part of Christmas? My father gave me his dog tag, By Joseph Montebello Richard Lambertson, Decorating the tree, which I cut which was of importance to him. [email protected] co-owner and designer of myself from the tree farm at the He was a World War II veteran, Lambertson Truex: end of our road. Unpacking the with a Purple Heart, and fought in Your most memorable Christmas? ornaments brings back memories of Normandy. I was five when I realized there was years past and friends. no Santa Claus. I had snuck down- What gift are you hoping to find stairs and found my father putting Best gift ever received? under the tree? together my bicycle, explaining that My sister has made me incredible A winning lottery ticket! Santa had left it in pieces. I didn’t needlepoint pillows and pictures buy that for one second! over the years. I think handmade How will you spend Christmas gifts are the best to give or receive. Day? Favorite part of Christmas? Dinner with local friends. But that Shopping! What gift are you hoping to find may change if I win the lottery. under the tree? Best gift ever received? Really not hoping for anything, Plans for New Year’s Eve? Certainly not the snow tires my but would be delighted with two I never make plans that far in parents gave me one year! I had turtledoves. We had a pair of doves advance. a tendency as a young person to that lived to be 19 years old and return just about everything I got as were very sweet. Linda Dano, Emmy Award- gifts and exchange them all for the winning daytime actress, beautiful cashmere sweater I really How will you spend Christmas talk show host, designer, wanted. Day? and author: Dinner with our good friends and Most memorable Christmas? What gift are you hoping to find their two children who are like fam- As a child my Christmas was always under the tree? ily to us. Nothing better than being centered on my grandmother. She Now that I live in Sharon, CT, full- with children at holiday time. was so full of joy and I’d wake up to time, maybe I could use those snow all of these presents under the tree. tires again. Plans for New Year’s Eve? It was only when I grew up that I Dinner at home, then falling asleep learned they were all from her. How will you spend Christmas to a Turner Classics movie only Day? to be woken up by fireworks at Favorite part of Christmas? Having a dinner party with friends midnight. Definitely the decorating. I love and my 91-year-old mother. to decorate. I have trees in every Suzanne Cassano, co-owner room. I am completely crazy and I Plans for New Year’s Eve? Privet House: Nice dinner at home, early to bed, Most memorable Christmas? Continued on next page … and pray that I wake up in 2021 When I was six years old and woke and everything is back to normal! up to find a stocking filled with coal

Photo: istockphoto.com contributor RomoloTavani MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 25 life Photo: istockphoto.com contributor evgenyatamanenko

get such joy out of it. And I do it all for one person – me. I love how the holiday makes me feel.

Best gift ever received? A mink coat that my husband bought me the first year I came to be with him in New York. I was from California and he knew I would freeze without it.

What gift are you hoping to find under the tree? I have all the best gifts – friends, beautiful home, dogs. There’s noth- ing that I feel I absolutely need or want.

How will you spend Christmas Day? I throw a huge party for friends, Best gift ever received? What gift are you hoping to find Nancy Kissinger, philanthro- neighbors, workers, anyone else I Three cases of Genova canned tuna. under the tree? pist, and the wife of former can think of. I love to share it and I live on it. Anything from Serge Lutens. US Secretary of State Henry prepare for it. Then I got to bed for Kissinger: five days to recover. What gift are you hoping to find How will you spend Christmas Most memorable Christmas? under the tree? Day? Very hard to remember at my age. Plans for New Year’s Eve? The next billion-dollar lottery In Atlanta with my family. But my fondest memories are of Not a fan of the holiday – it’s always ticket. the ones with my family when I was felt like such a forced occasion. I do Plans for New Year’s Eve? growing up. nothing. How will you spend Christmas At an annual New Year’s Eve Day? themed soiree with a group of Favorite part of the holiday? Joseph Cicio, retail mer- I will be at Weston Priory in friends. The music. Christmas carols and chant and CEO and author of Weston, VT, where I am always church music are just wonderful. Friends Bearing Gifts: welcomed into the small family of John Truex, co-designer and Most memorable Christmas? Benedictine Monks for the week. owner of Lambertson Truex: Best gift ever received? In 2001 I was working for Sun Fraternal love and an opportunity Most memorable Christmas? A red velvet bathrobe. International who owned Atlantis of spiritual contemplation. Every Christmas is special. on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. What gift are you hoping to find I took my ten-year-old son there Plans for New Year’s Eve? Favorite part of Christmas? under the tree? for the holidays. On Christmas Eve Always a quiet evening at home Making Patsy’s Bourbon Slushes. Nothing! I am old and I am trying while he was asleep I decorated our with my two dogs, an old black and Patsy is my mother and she is to get rid of things. hotel suite with everything from a white movie, 6oz. of beluga caviar famous for them. six-foot tree, an animated four- and a large baked potato. How will you spend Christmas foot Santa, and gifts in abundance. Best gift ever received? Day? When he woke, expecting nothing, Eric Johnson, partner at A 6-pack of white T-shirts. Quietly, with friends. he gazed around the room, dis- Ostafin Design Ltd.: played a big smile saying, “There Most memorable Christmas? What gift are you hoping to find Plans for New Year’s Eve? really is a Santa and he followed us Decorating my Charlie Brown tree under the tree? To avoid any big party. on vacation.” with my grandmother with our A 6-pack of white T-shirts. homemade ornaments. Interesting that even among so diverse Favorite part of Christmas? How will you spend Christmas a group, so many of the responses are Christmas day dinner with family Favorite part of Christmas? Day? similar. Once again, reflecting the and friends. Reading the jingles my mother I will open my gifts from “Santa” universality of all that is Christmas, wrote on every stocking gift, and and then spend the day riding my no matter what age. Have a happy guessing what was inside. horse Thomas. and healthy holiday season! •

Best gift ever received? How will you celebrate New Year’s A trip to London. Eve? At home in my kaftan watching Apple TV, cocktail in hand.

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MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 27 Yoga classes every day.

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28 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE family Preserving history: Millerhurst Farm

By Regina Molaro [email protected]

For many of us who are striving to The farming lifestyle was directly keep pace in today’s frenzied, fast- passed on to the Miller sons through paced digitally driven lifestyle, it’s dif- their grandfather Clifton Miller and ficult to imagine living and working their father Harold. “Our grandfa- on a family farm that traces its history ther’s older brother Barton Miller had back hundreds of years. a prolific herd of registered Holstein Waking up at dawn, tending to cattle and our father became inter- farm chores, and turning in early to ested,” explains Mike Miller who runs ensure a restful night’s sleep are all the day-to-day operations of the farm. part of life on the farm. Farmers also When he was just a schoolboy, put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears Harold was already milking 40 cows. into this labor of love; many bumps He and his lifelong friend Jack Pulver and bruises are earned along the way. were introduced to opportunities Although there’s been a rise in the to upgrade the genetics and raise number of farmer’s markets and farm- superior cattle through the Pine Plains to-table restaurants from the Hudson FFA’s agricultural education program. Valley to Manhattan and beyond, The farm’s first registered purebred many people aren’t well attuned to the cow hailed from Bos-Haven Farm in This page: Miller family photos. Courtesy of the Miller family. realities of farm life. Verbank in 1947. By 1953, Harold graduated high school, and in ten A legacy is created years, he had a milking herd of nearly kings. Here we were flying around and the bloodlines carried on. There The land that the Millerhurst Farm 100 registered cows. in private planes – just a couple of were cows here that went back to the sits on in Ancramdale, NY, dates back country boys,” says Joe. origins of the breed. These were some to 1770, but since 1887, several gen- Farming success At its peak in 2008, Millerhurst of the greatest cows,” concludes Joe. erations of Miller family descendants Throughout the years, Millerhurst Farm sold 2.9 million pounds of milk have toiled on the land. Beyond being Farm has enjoyed many successes. The and had approximately 100 milking Tragedy hits a livelihood for brothers – Mike, Jim, Miller’s ancestors were once honored cows. On the evening of October 14 of this Joe, and Tom and their wives –pro- with the Century Farmer Award – the Then there are the personal con- year, the Millerhurst Farm experi- ducing milk was a means of carrying most prestigious in the state. In 1976, nections the Millers have with their enced a devastating blow to the family on a family legacy. the farm was recognized as a National beloved animals, which prompts farm when a fast-moving fire swept In 1770 Johannes Streibel pur- Bicentennial Farm. Beyond its award- several family members to reminisce. through the barn. chased the farm, which was part of winning cows, Millerhurst Farm “When James and I got married, the “I was here at the house and the the original Livingston land grant. In benefitted from the sale of some of its first Christmas gift I received as part power went out. I could see smoke 1785, he granted the 234-acre farm prized cattle. of the family was a calf,” says Janice. and I raced over to the barn. At that to his daughter Eve and her husband The Millers pitched in to explain The cow’s name was Fantasy, but Jan- point, I don’t even know what time Henry Hoysradt as a wedding gift. what farm life was like several decades ice renamed her Oxy. Janice proudly it was. It’s really a blur,” says Emily, The Miller boys’ great grandfather ago when the Hudson Valley region mentions that Oxy went on to have who along with husband Mike are the Harmon Miller married Annie Barton was a prime area for desirable cattle. nine or ten calves. owners and operators of the farm. whose uncle was a Hoysradt. “In the 1970s, we were exporting Other family members chime in Photographer Michael Molinski heifers. The genetics of cows in this lovingly on the hazards of working was the first to report the fire. He was country were in demand all over the with the cows and how they often un- driving home from a photo shoot at world. The Hudson Valley had some intentionally cause bodily harm to the around 7:30pm when he saw the barn of the most desirable cattle and there’s farmers. “The farm is no place for the ablaze – all lit up in flashes of orange. very few of them left,” says Mike. faint of heart. It’s tough on the body,” “Both my hired men (Victor and Some of these sales resulted in says Mike. Mike) were down at the barn, but the exciting business trips, which turned “Mike is my father reincarnated. smoke was incredible and we knew into vacations – far away from the He knows cows and has a way with that there was no going in to save the open fields of Ancramdale. During them. There’s not many people like cows,” reveals Emily. the 1980s, the $245,000 sale price that anymore,” adds Joe. of one cow whisked Joe and Tom off “We could go on and on with cow Continued on next page … to California. “We were treated like stories. There was a depth of pedigree

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 29 family

Beyond taking an emotional toll fire, some of them were outside while on the Miller family, the fire also others were housed in another barn. made an impact on many of the local Investigators later determined that communities that dot the Hudson an electrical malfunction in the wiring Valley. The fire claimed the lives of 46 behind the milk-house panels is what precious cows and destroyed 16,000 sparked the fire. “Unfortunately it square-feet of barn space, 1,000 bales takes tragedy to unite family. We’ve all of hay, a tractor, and feed mixer. gone our own ways and have had our “The cows are the hardest loss,” differences. It’s been a long time since reveals Mike. The Millers explain this family sat together and remi- that their cows were like children to nisced as a family,” says Joe. them. Several members of the family described some of the animals and United they stand their unique personalities. In the wake of the fire, there was an Among the cows that perished outpouring of support from the com- were Gadget, who was the youngest munity. Friends and neighbors joined at two years old and Stella, who be- local farms and businesses, and they longed to a friend, Shannon Fletcher. all pitched in to assist in whatever way She was nearly ten years old and was possible. Above top to bottom, L-R: The milking barn before the fire. Photo by B. Docktor. Miller family photos. Courtesy of the Miller family. the oldest. While some cooked meals, others Mike also fondly recalls a special came by with coffee and pastries. calf, Arieal who was awarded First Some pitched in to clean up the de- Place Spring Holstein Calf and was bris while others offered equipment, Junior Champion in 2015 at the donated hay, or established fundrais- power back at the house. The electri- was inspired to launch the campaign Dutchess County Fair Youth Show. ing campaigns and events. cians worked the whole next day to because she believes in random acts of This year, she was awarded First Place “There’s been a disconnect between restore power,” says Mike. kindness and assisting those in need. in the Junior Three-Year-Old category rural and suburban people. The com- “Jake Meiller of JLM Excavating Other fundraising initiatives in- at Rhinebeck’s Dutchess County Fair. munities used to be so intertwined and his crew and Superior Sanita- cluded a chicken barbeque held at the The morning after the disaster, the back in the heyday. This tragedy goes tion’s crew worked non-stop for a Lion’s Club Pavilion in Pine Plains, family was happy to discover that one to show there’s still community, but week. They cleaned everything up NY, and an event at Stissing House, of the cows, Glow survived the blaze. we just don’t see it every day. When and graded off what was left, so we both on November 11. The Ancram The Millerhurst Farm currently has push comes to shove, they’re there didn’t have to look at this pile of Firehouse Company also hosted a fun- 70 cows remaining. At the time of the for you. It’s like that with family and crumpled steel and tin,” says Emily. draiser. close friends. It’s Mike George Plumbing & Heating The Miller family is very grateful like a snowball was quick to restore the water supply to the community for its support. At affect – everybody to the remaining calves and heifers. press time, they were still adjusting to pitches in,” says Farms2Tables organized a Miller- the situation and engaged in commu- Joe. hurst Farm Benefit Dinner, which was nity fundraisers. The day of the held on November 3 at Heermance “We’re going to take some time to fire, a meal train Farm in Tivoli, NY. More than 40 look at other barns and options. We was started. Be- local farms donated food and wine. will research different types of dairy yond feeding the Artist Todd Germann auctioned off farming,” says Mike. The barn was family, the gener- paintings at the event. 50 years old and now that it’s been ous food supply One hundred percent of self-serve destroyed, there’s an opportunity to also fed those coffee sales at the Pine Plains Platter modernize. Mike mentioned a mis- who volunteered in Pine Plains, NY, was also donated sion to purchase new comfort mat- on the clean-up to the farm. The staff encouraged tresses for the cows. efforts. customers – and those who were “This farm has seen hard times, The Miller not patrons – to stop by and leave through the depression, world wars, family was quick a donation. but you work at it because you love it. to praise the Grogger’s Bar & Grill in Pough- You take the good with the bad and efforts of Ginoc- keepsie, NY, organized a line dancing you keep going,” concludes Joe. chio Electric in event, which was held on October 21, Although difficult and painful, Ancram, NY. and exceeded the fundraising goal. the Miller family is looking ahead to “By 2am, we had A GoFundMe campaign was initi- rebuilding and celebrating the 250th Above: An aerial ated by Susan Klein on behalf of the anniversary in 2020. • photo of the farm just days before the farm. Although unfamiliar with the fire. The day after family, Klein read about the fire via the fire. Photos by B. Docktor. the Hudson Valley Farm Swap. She

30 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE We’d like to wish all of our customers a very happy holiday season!    Andrea Lyle  Hair Design 

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MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 31 From the bottom of the well to the top of the glass…

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32 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE the outdoors

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

By Ian Strever [email protected]

Decades ago, as a Boy Scout, I spent and without the expense and travel a winter weekend shivering in a required to downhill ski, I have dis- lean-to at Strang Scout Reservation covered plenty of wondrous places in Goshen, a bucolic preserve filled nearby for skiers of all abilities and with massive white birches, the likes levels of intrepitude. of which are becoming less and less common in this climate. Those Make no excuses trees were my first association with The first impediment is equipment, northwest Connecticut, though, and allow me to disabuse you of and I marveled at their resilience that excuse. Most of our towns have when I returned the following sum- transfer stations, and if you keep mer, noting how they had sprung looking, eventually a pair of old skis back to form after a winter spent will show up, and they will prob- under a burden of ice and snow. ably do just fine. I have two pairs from my local transfer station swap Closer to nature shop, and my first pair of boots was But in the winter, it was this burden a $30 snip off of E-bay. Look for that captivated me during my skis that are about your height, and first experience on cross country that will be close enough. Waxless skis. The arcs of glistening white skis are most common, and in addi- limbs transformed the landscape tion to being nearly indestructible, and brought Robert Frost’s poem, you can expect to hit some rocks Birches, to life: “They click upon now and then anyway, so shiny and themselves / As the breeze rises, new is not even all that desirable. and turn many-colored / As the stir Moreover, as the name implies, you cracks and crazes their enamel. / won’t even need to wax them. Just Soon the sun’s warmth makes them make sure you get boots with the shed crystal shells / Shattering and right type of binding to match your avalanching on the snow-crust— / skis (“three-pin” is old school, but Such heaps of broken glass to sweep works just fine, NNN and SNS are away / You’d think the inner dome the modern standards). When you Above: Sturdy old skis like these – of heaven had fallen.” are ready to upgrade, Kenver in salvaged from the Something about the near-silent Egremont, MA, and The Arcadian transfer station swap shop – are swish of my skis brought me in Shop in Lenox, MA, can set you fine to get started. closer contact with those surround- up with all kinds of gear, and the ings. As the branches clicked and Salisbury Winter Sports Associa- cracked upon each other, my skis tion Ski Swap has a cross country glided along without even the gentle section, too. This always occurs on harumph that my footprints would the first Saturday in December, and have made at each step. When I if you get lucky with sizing, you can paused for a breath, the entire world usually get set up for under $100. seemed to breathe with me. Ideal conditions Wonderous places to ski So you’ve got skis and boots – now Few other activities connect us so what? Well, yeah, you kind of need intimately to the natural world, and snow, so sit and wait for a solid 2-3 my only lament is the shortness inches and don’t just rush out at the of the ski season and a warming first sign of a flake. Ideal conditions climate that seldom provides the are 4-5” of very cold, Goldilocks stark, biting cold that is so good for snow – not too powdery and not skiing. But there are still plenty of good days for cross country skiing, Continued on next page …

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 33 the outdoors

The Hudson Valley Rail Trail to slow you down seems most do- is one of the longer paths, run- able for the novices I’ve met. ning along the border of New York and Connecticut beneath the A mid-point Southern Taconic Range, but there A good mid-point between rail are shorter rail trails in Salisbury, trails and groomed trails is Great CT, and Great Barrington, MA, Mountain Forest in Canaan, CT. as well. They are flat or slightly The main trail network is fre- graded, making them perfect for quented by skiers, so there is usually practicing your form and avoiding a track to follow, making the skiing the downhills that require more easier. There are some hills, but the advanced techniques to stop and area sits atop Canaan Mountain, control direction. Moreover, snow- so the descents are never too long. laden limbs often provide an idyllic Moreover, portions of the trails canopy above the path, and young are groomed, and in particular the birches often take root there. Robert section that passes through the Yale Frost would have loved it. Forestry School, where exotic pines are labeled for study and serve to Going with the motions transport the skier to Scandinavia The basic cross country motion is for a moment. called a diagonal “kick,” alternating Alas, there are few designated arm and leg motions to propel on cross country ski areas in the Tri- flat terrain. On rail trails, however, state region, but a trip to the north- skiing is more like shuffling, as you ern Berkshires, Catskills, and even will be breaking snow and will not central Connecticut will deliver have the luxury of a good glide you to facilities with rental options, like you would at a groomed trail lessons, and the opportunity to system. explore skate skiing, the faster and Above, top: It is too wet. Wet snow is the worse of Learning to ski on ungroomed more athletic cousin of classic cross hard to beat the aerobic benefits the two, and will stick to your skis, trails will force you to develop country skiing that you have prob- of cross country clump up, and potentially result in technical skills and balance, and as ably seen at the Olympics. Most of skiing, whether you are touring or you trudging back to your car with you begin to explore more un- us are well aware of the aerobic de- competing. Above: blocks of snow on your feet. Just dulating terrain, you will acquire mands of the sport, and while it can Ice-encrusted stay home and admire the scenery more skill in varying conditions. A drive your heart rate to new highs, trees are one of many attractions on those days. There are different herringbone technique will help to a casual foray into ski touring can to be discovered waxes that can deal with these kinds scale small hills, and while there are be a much more peaceful and serene on cross country skis. Right: Skiing of fluctuations in temperature and varying ways of arresting a descent, experience. Just get out, breath in through the Yale conditions, but leave that to more simply dragging poles in the snow the air, and take in the birches. • Forestry School at Great Mountain advanced skiers who seem to get Forest is a mo- just as much enjoyment out of wax- mentary lapse into ing their skis as they do actually ski- Scandinavia. ing on them. That’s another lesson.

The best places to get started You could try out skis in your back- yard, but there are probably better places to get started. Some of the loveliest settings for winter outings are rail trails and abandoned rail beds. They criss-cross our area, vary in length and level of maintenance, and offer quiet escapes, often just blocks from your backyard.

34 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE Creating vibrant smiles for healthy lifestyles!

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MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 35 Offering DIY workshops! Stop in or check us out on Facebook for upcoming classes

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36 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE

life’s pursuits

Photo: istockphoto.com contributor megatronservizi

ON PURPOSE: creating meaning in our lives

By Mary B. O’Neill, PhD [email protected]

At its core, purpose is connecting In recent research, a strong sense whole selves in the process. While easier when we feel robust, harder and contributing to something of purpose has been identified as achieving this sense of alignment when we feel emotionally fragile. larger than self. For each of us, what a key to well-being and happiness, through purpose takes an effort to Take the Bunny Hop approach to lends purpose to our lives might and studies increasingly prove this identify and maintain, it does lead life change – one jump forward, one vary. There’s no one-size-fits-all connection. This is because it gives to a more effortless way of being jump back, and, if we’re lucky, three for defining what gives each of us us a framework within which we because our lives and priorities are jumps forward. purpose. Despite these differences, can structure a life well-lived and in synch. the benefits of having identified a serves as a guide to our actions. Sounds good, right? So, how do Glass half full purpose to our lives are consistent Purpose provides a larger inten- we do it? Well, there are some ways One method to frame purpose in and demonstrable. tional context for decisions, allows of creating perspective, doing some our lives is Appreciative Inquiry. us to be more resilient in the face of deep reflective work, and incorpo- This organizational change model Purpose as a choice setbacks, and connects us to others rating smaller life hacks that can set can easily be adapted and applied Nazi concentration camp survivor and our world in a meaningful way. the stage for greater purpose. But to our whole lives. It begins with and psychotherapist Viktor Frankl It creates our skin in the game of first… taking stock of what you bring to credits his strong sense of purpose life. the table – your skills, talents, and for surviving the horrors of the Baby steps traits. It asks us to envision mo- camps and the ability to rebuild Purpose in our whole lives Embrace that personal change of ments when we felt most engaged his life, despite the tragedies he Many of us separate the pursuit of the magnitude of creating and and effective. Thus, we begin from a experienced. purpose in our work and personal deepening purpose must be done in place of fullness and not of lack. We In his powerful book, Man’s lives. Perhaps this doesn’t need baby steps. No behavioral change don’t begin with what we don’t have Search for Meaning, Frankl evokes to be the case. Organizations are or mind-shift can be sustained with or can’t do. Starting from that place an existential approach to purpose, increasingly seeing the measurable sudden large alterations. leaves us paralyzed with fear and which became the basis for his connection between cultivating Remember that diet that elimi- doubt, not hope and energy. therapeutic model of logotherapy. purpose in the workplace with hap- nated all carbs in one fell swoop? Then we look at the end of the Based on his experience, Frankl pier employees, increased produc- Great for a few weeks, hard to keep continuum and imagine what our believed that we must decide our tivity and work quality, and higher doing in the long term. It’s better to ideal purpose might be and what own purpose. It doesn’t exist outside profits. Individuals are seeing the change one meal at a time. Go from our best self might look like. Where of our choice to create it. benefits of unifying their work and a two slice of bread sandwich to an do we want to be? How do we want There’s no inherent meaning in personal lives. When this happens open face. Pare down servings of to feel? the universe that waits for us to dis- there can be less dissonance and pasta from a big bowl to a smaller Envisioning that desired state cover it. We are ultimately respon- more alignment between various one. And so it is with the long-term of being becomes a beacon in the sible for manufacturing our purpose parts of our lives. work needed to sustain purpose in distance – one that we can get to and seeking ways to fulfill it. For We can consider purpose a sense the face of setbacks, upheavals, and with some work and persistence. Frankl, lack of self-defined purpose of calling, but that makes it sound change. Create small changes, fold And our starting point? Not at the leads to a life of meaninglessness, like a state reserved for a chosen few them into your life, and celebrate other end of the continuum where shallowness, misplaced priorities, who have seen the light, leaving the being able to keep them going over all the perceived negative aspects of and self-destructive behavior. rest of us to muddle through. That’s time. our lives lie, but likely somewhere not the case. There are concrete ac- That’s not to say you won’t have tions we can take to strengthen pur- lapses. Here’s where self-compassion Continued on next page … pose in our lives and integrate our comes in. Life happens. Change is

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 37 life’s pursuits

in the middle. Then look for baby steps to create contributions we want to make, and Mindfulness practices, such as Because we’ve started from a those feelings. While doing that, our core values. From these reflec- meditation, draw us back to the place of strength and capacity, the it’s critical that you be intentional tions, we create a purpose state- now – which exists in our con- gap between where we are and about the feelings you’re trying to ment that governs how we conduct sciousness and is the only moment where we want to be is more narrow create and honor the steps you’ve ourselves in our lives. we can control. Our past lives in than if we had started by listing all taken to create them. our memory and our future dwells the traits and resources we don’t Suddenly, the creativity you Go with the flow in the imagination. have. crave can be found in a new holiday Another method for exploring We are a future-seeking species, menu, a poetry reading on date purpose is flow. This concept, thanks to that part of the brain Feeling vs. doing night, or rearranging your living researched by Mihaly Csikszentmi- behind our forehead. However, Danielle LaPorte, in her book The room. halyi, is the sweet spot of a pursuit. while it’s natural to imagine a future Desire Map, identifies an interesting It’s that thing you do that is chal- or multiple futures, it’s not always distinction between what we want Personal mission purpose lenging – but not frustrating, en- beneficial. These imagined futures to do and how we want to feel. This statements courages a merging of self with the can be a source of distraction, distinction can also help us identify Mission statements are critical to activity, cultivates a sense of control worry, fear. We tend to give these and cultivate purpose. the organizations we work for. They and mastery, stems from intrinsic created scenarios the full weight of LaPorte believes that we spend define what the organization does. motivation, and causes you to lose reality. Yet, the faculty of imagina- much of our time identifying goals They give direction and focus to track of time. It’s when you look tion has no such reality. We could

in terms of the things we want to strategy, anchor employee behavior up from what you’re doing and the easily imagine a number of different do – be a this, do a that. While and motivation, and inform the clock has advanced two hours when outcomes that could occur. this might garner us an impressive customers about what the company it felt like five minutes. Flow can be Mindfulness allows us to build resume, LaPorte asserts that a more is trying to achieve. found in creative arts but also the the pause, create the space, so we fulfilling and spacious way to look A growing number of companies seemingly mundane – working on a can experience the moment we’re at our lives is to ask how we want are creating purpose statements. math problem, gardening, tinkering living now. Then we can put it to feel, e.g., challenged, competent, These statements provide a more with an engine, writing poetry, or in context and observe it without creative, loved, valued, energized. existential reason for being, create DIY projects. judgment. This creates the inten- Once we identify those core de- an emotional connection, and Studies on well-being indicate tionality of thoughts and actions sired feelings then we look for situa- draw attention to how the organi- that creating more opportunities for critical to building purpose. tions and relationships that generate zation impacts its customers and flow state in our lives improves pur- them for us. This allows us to see employees. It asks, “How does this pose. Many of us already have these On purpose multiple ways to achieve those feel- company change or enhance lives?” flow activities in our lives. Again, Creating and sustaining purpose ings. We become less attached to a Purpose statements create be intentional about what they are, in our lives requires persistence specific path and its destination and empathy and emotional connec- celebrate the importance of them in and resolve. But as with any task, more to the scenery along the way. tion. Why? Because neuroscience your life, and do them more often. if we can see the big picture and LaPorte allows that we may is showing us that the seat of our we believe it’s worthwhile, then we be situated in a certain life with decisions doesn’t lie in reason, but Mind the gap embrace that we are working hard structures and demands that can’t be in emotion. Want someone to love Mindfulness is the single greatest in the name of something larger altered at the moment, and suggests what you do or make? Go for the creator of purpose and well-being. and enduring – and that makes this a baby step approach. Not feeling heart – not the mind. At its most basic level, mindful- work, well, seem less like a slog and energized and creative at work, but We can also create purpose state- ness is the awareness of the present more like the self-creating activity can’t change that at the moment? ments for our personal lives. These moment without judgment. Many that it is – and one that we do on statements are not the taglines at times we go along in our lives un- purpose. • the top of our resume. They are a aware of how we are being impact- statement about how we live our ed, how we impact others, and how lives. They involve identifying the many of our actions are driven by kind of person, friend, parent, com- emotional reflex and not thoughtful Photos L-R: istockphoto.com contributors Sasiistock, munity member we want to be, the decision making. francescoch, AlexSava, Natalia Deriabina

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40 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE couple’s profile

Music on the menu

By CB Wismar [email protected]

It’s really all about the music. needed some love, but Dolph and Of course, it’s also about the Audrey saw possibilities, and “The food, the atmosphere, and the Fife…” was born. overwhelming sense of being an It seemed only natural that Elissa important part of the community. would, on her vacations from Lake For Elissa and George Potts, how- Forest College in Illinois, come ever, the common thread that winds home and work in the family busi- playfully around and through The ness. For several years, the family Fife ‘n Drum in Kent, CT, seems to continued to live on Long Island, be the music. commuting up to Kent at strategic Elissa grew up on Long Island, times to include buying the produce daughter of Audrey and Dolph (Tuesday in Hunt’s Point) the meat Traymon … he a celebrated Julliard (Wednesday on West 12th Street in educated pianist who, in his long the City) and the fresh baked goods career, accompanied Sinatra, Peggy (Friday in Greenwich). Everyone Lee, and countless other performers pitched in. of the Great American Songbook … “One vacation stint working in and she a representative for a greet- the restaurant and I was hooked,” ing card company who visited Kent, professes Elissa who is the ever- CT, as part of her territory – and present, ever-gracious restaurateur fell in love. in the flourishing Kent location that now includes an inn and gift shop. Humble beginnings and “I love everything about this busi- hard work ness – and that’s not an overstate- When Dolph and Audrey opened ment.” She is decisive. She is in The Fife ‘n Drum restaurant in love. Kent, CT, in 1973, the current vibrant village was in its infancy. Goalie or guitarist? memories live on, however, and if Above, top to bot- tom: Fife ‘n Drum Poised along Route 7, traffic would For George, who also grew up on one wanders onto YouTube and as seen from the come through on weekends – Long Island, music was to be his looks for Redwood Landing, their inside, followed by the exterior of the especially in leaf season and during chosen profession. Attending Lake final reunion concert at SPACE restaurant. Below, summer vacation times – but find- Forrest, where he met Elissa, he in 2011 will appear with George left: Elissa Potts in the restaurant. ing a place for lunch was a bit of made the strategic decision to step featured on vocals. Photos courtesy of a challenge. The old roadhouse at away from being a hockey goalie to the Potts. the north end of town had been a pursuing his mastery of the guitar. Footsteps on the ceiling tavern of sorts since 1830. It clearly “Being the varsity goalie at Taft The “music” for Elissa? “I can be didn’t mean much in college when down in the wine cellar, pulling a the guys from Canada showed up bottle for a dining table and I can and I gracefully took my place on hear the shuffle of feet on the wide the bench.” board floors, the momentary clatter With college completed, George of dishes being set in a bussing tray joined with band mates and formed and the murmur of conversations Redwood Landing, a folk/jazz/rock and the laughter of folks celebrat- fusion group and set out to conquer ing and I think – ‘what wonderful the Chicago music scene. Voted music!’” #1 Unsigned Band in Chicago, they Music at The Fife ‘n Drum has made their run at fame, toured the always been a major attraction. college circuit and evolved their Until his death in 2016, her father membership and sound, but when was a fixture at the Steinway piano the coveted recording contract didn’t materialize, life moved on Continued on next page … and George moved with his young bride to Connecticut. The digital

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 41 couple’s profile

near the bar, playing from memory “We were on vacation in the is- before. There hundreds of songs. When George lands,” recalls Elissa when she iden- area always came into the family, he expanded tified the “true north” that keeps specials and his musical expertise by mastering the restaurant consistent in quality, imaginative sea- the upright bass and joined the Fife imagination, and customer loy- sonal offerings ‘n Drum Trio. alty. “We went into a well-known on the evening “I wasn’t really looking to learn restaurant and when greeted, one of menu, but there a different kind of music,” allows our party assured the owner that we are also the George, “but after playing with were all looking forward to dinner. reliable dishes Dolph for years, if someone says ‘All ‘We’ve heard this place is terrific …’ that folks begin the Things You Are in B flat,’ I’d be was the greeting. The owner shook talking about right there.” his head and said ‘That doesn’t on Tuesday in These days George continues mean anything. We’re only as good anticipation of a to revel in his music, being an as the last meal we served you. If we Friday evening active part of The Joint Chiefs, don’t please you tonight, you won’t dinner reserva- a group that started with three ever come back.’” tion. “We still people jamming in 1995 and now Every new employee that joins create a Caesar as a foursome, continues to attract the team at The Fife ‘n Drum hears Salad at table- a fiercely loyal following to fund- that line and subscribes to it. Elissa side,” reflects raising concerts, special events, and George’s two daughters, Kate Elissa. “That and and the occasional appearance at and Sarah, learned the “mantra” the duck, which Infinity Hall in Norfolk, CT. The early and spent summer vacations we also carve Fife’s website offers up the music from school working in the restau- tableside are the schedule a month in advance – and rant. George recalls, “we also used two dishes that continue to be the was uncanny … almost eerie. Some also allows the inquisitive to view a to dock them 25 cents each if they most popular after all these years.” of the same quirky songs, the link- performance of The Joint Chiefs at didn’t go up to a customer, shake ing of songs to diners who would Infinity Hall. After all, it’s a family their hand, and say hello after we The song has ended … but appear and be greeted by their affair. had asked them to … a lesson they the melody lingers on favorite tunes – it was as if he was both learned very well.” There is a coda to this story, a kind channeling my Dad.” Keeping the rhythm … and The unswerving focus on cour- of Twilight Zone moment that But, there was more – a moment avoiding the blues tesy and service may well be one of affirms that “the melody lingers that was so profound that it left There is an undeniable elegance the reasons the staff on the floor has on…” George and Elissa Potts standing, required to run a successful restau- had so few turnovers. Some of the With the passing of Dolph speechless. rant. That elegance has a rhythm staff have been at the restaurant for Traymon, there was a question of Ready to offer his second set of and tone that can surely be identi- 20 year or more – an outstanding whether Elissa would continue the evening, Young turned to the fied as musical. Elissa has main- record of loyalty on both sides of to offer music at the restaurant. two and said the same words her tained that nightly concerto as “The the employer/employee relationship George was in charge of bringing in father had offered every time he sat Fife …” celebrates over 45 years in in the hospitality industry. performers to fill the “Fridays at the down to play. “I guess it’s time to business and welcomes regulars and And, as the restaurateur in St. Fife” schedule, but most nights the make some noise.” newcomers every week. Bart’s suggested, satisfied custom- classic Steinway stood silent. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and ers come back. Out of the blue one afternoon, Monday nights, the music lives on There are stand- a stranger walked into the Fife and at The Fife ‘n Drum. • ing reservations found Elissa who was behind the for Friday nights bar. “I heard you might be look- The Fife ‘n Drum is open every day but as weekend- ing for a piano player…” he said, Tuesday for lunch, dinner and, on Sunday ers flee New modestly. Roger Young is a gentle brunch at 53 Main Street in Kent, KT. York City and soul, and though he’d never been Reservations suggested at www.fifendrum. com or (860) 927-3509. Ask for Elissa. head into the to the Fife before, and never heard Dolph playing there, the word of She’ll be there. For more information Litchfield Hills about George and The Joint Chiefs, visit the vacancy had found its way to and the Berk- their website at www.jointchiefsmusic. shires. There are him. com. weddings for It didn’t take long for Elissa, with the children of George’s encouragement, to offer couples who had Roger a trial night or two. When Above: The Joint their wedding he sat down to play, it was almost Chiefs. Above, top mystical how his style, his musical right: George Potts receptions at the in 1976 and George restaurant years selection, and his impact on the today (photo dinners reflected that of Dolph. “I by Katherine Griswold). Photos was blown away,” offers Elissa. “It courtesy of the Potts’.

42 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE HOTCHKISS.ORG/ARTS ( ) -  rough January 13 T    G  — Outspoken: 7 Women Photographers: Nadine Boughton, Blake Fitch, Nancy Grace Horton, Marky Kau mann, Tira Khan, Rania Matar, Emily Schi er. Please note: the gallery is closed Dec. 17 - Jan. 4. & s p a December 2, 7 p.m. F   L   C  — Hotchkiss Chapel. Seating is limited and strictly rst-come, rst-served.

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44 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE religion Historic Houses of Worship

By John Torsiello gogue. The cornerstone of the present [email protected] building was laid in April of 1929. The synagogue, opened later that December is a month of religious year, was originally a flat-roofed struc- holidays, as residents fill churches ture with low parapets similar to those and synagogues to reflect upon and in Eastern Europe. Its interior plan, celebrate their faith. with centrally located bimah (the The Millerton area is blessed with a raised platform in the synagogue from number of historic places of worship which the Torah is read and services that have stood the test of time and led) and upstairs gallery for women, the whims of an ever-changing society. reflects that region’s Orthodox tradi- Indeed, a number of these places are tions, in keeping with origins of the considered so significant and impor- founding families. The exterior brick- tant to our past, present, and future work shows some Georgian influence. that they are listed on the National After World War II, in the 1950s, Register of Historic Places changes in vacationing habits led to some summer resorts closing down. Above: Nine Partners Friends Meeting House. Below, left: Beth David Synagogue. Beth David Synagogue in By 1970 the synagogue was down Photos: Daniel Case. Amenia, NY to 12 members. To sustain itself in According to the Register, the Beth the following decades, it first became and is well preserved from the days of duced the following decade, and basic David Synagogue in Amenia, NY, Conservative then Reform, says the its regular use. In 1989 it was listed repairs and maintenance, the structure formally known as Congregation Beth website. In 2004, the congregation on the National Register of Historic remains unaltered from its original David, was erected in the late 1920s. celebrated the synagogue’s 75th an- Places as part of a Multiple Property state,” the website explains. There It was built by the area’s small com- niversary, and Beth David is said to Submission of Quaker House in has been no retrofitting of electrical, munity of Russian Jewish emigrants. be again a vibrant Reform Congrega- Dutchess County. plumbing, or central heating. It has transitioned from its original tion, drawing membership from both The meeting house is a two-and- Notably, says the Register, through Orthodox affiliation to Conservative permanent residents and weekenders a-half-story four-bay structure with the Civil War, the Nine Partners and eventually to Reform practices. It in Dutchess County and Litchfield brick and masonry walls on a stone Meeting and School was known to was added to the National Register of County in Connecticut. foundation topped with a gabled roof coordinate the Underground Railroad Historic Places in 2002 and is report- pierced by brick chimneys at either activities in Dutchess and Columbia edly the only synagogue in New York The Nine Partners Meeting end. The interior is one large room, counties. east of the Hudson River and north of House in Millbrook, NY divided into two chambers width-wise The Nine Partners Monthly Meet- New York City to be listed. The Nine Partners Meeting House in with counterbalanced, sliding wooden ing continues as a part of the New The website says that many of Millbrook, NY, was built by a group partitions through the middle of York Yearly Meeting. The meeting the Russian Jewish families settled of Friends (Quakers) from Cape Cod both floors. The doubled style design house is used during the summer in Amenia. Some had come from and Nantucket and Rhode Island in allowed for the separation of sexes months, while during the winter, the Sharon, CT, where they farmed and 1780. The Register called it the largest during worship services, as was the meeting is held at the Lyall Memorial rented rooms to visitors from the city meeting in the Hudson Valley and custom of the day. A feature unique to Federated Church in Millbrook. in summertime. By the 1920s, several many other meetings split off from Nine Partners among meeting houses families went into the resort business it. Unusually, it was located near a in the area is the vestibule created later The Oblong Friends Meeting full-time, opening hotels around Lake developed area, and the Friends in it by building a lengthwise interior wall House in Pawling, NY Amenia. Members first worshiped were more prosperous than their co- along the south side. The Oblong Friends Meeting House in their homes, raising money over religionists elsewhere in the region. The second floor consists of a in Pawling was built in the mid- several years to build their own syna- Its size and use of brick, along with balcony forming a gallery looking 18th century and was listed on the several other architectural features, into the central area of each first floor National Register of Historic Places are unusual for meeting houses. It chamber, divided in the same manner in 1973. was said that Quakers from other as the first floor. There is a provision Members of the Religious Society meetings who visited found the Nine to place wood planks over the gallery of Friends settled on Quaker Hill in Partners’ Friends and their meeting- opening to the first floor, separating the 1730s and sought permission to house “somewhat worldly.” the second floor from the first floor establish a meeting and build a meet- Attendance at meetings dwindled completely. ing house in 1740. According to the over the course of the 19th century, “With few exceptions, such as the Register, the first meeting house was and in 1897 control of the property placement of one lengthwise interior constructed across from the present was turned over to the Nine Partners wall creating the above-mentioned Burial Ground Association. It is still vestibule, gutters added in the 1970s, Continued on next page … used for occasional Quaker events, composite shingles on the roof intro-

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 45 religion

building in 1742, but as member- Upjohn was a British-born ship grew, this building became too American architect who emigrated to small and in 1763, the Yearly Meeting the United States. He was partially decided to erect a new house in 1764 responsible for launching the Gothic and is the structure that has remained Revival movement in the United on the site since. States. Upjohn also did extensive During the Revolutionary War work in and helped to popularize the a portion of the Continental Army Italianate style. He was a founder and camped in the nearby hills, both dur- the first president of the American ing the fall of 1778 and the winter Institute of Architects. of 1779. The meeting house was “Both inside and out,” William commandeered by General George Pierson, Jr. said in American Build- Washington’s officers to be used as a ings and Their Architects, “St. Thomas Oxford Movement strongly favored military hospital. is a coherent and austerely beautiful Gothic-styled churches like those Membership in the area’s Society of building, as expressive of its immedi- found in English country parishes. Friends declined in the course of the ate circumstances as it is reflective of They believed the form was ideal and 19th century and the meetings were the ancient Gothic tradition from conducive to the liturgical practices “laid down” in 1885. The property which it is born.” they advocated.” was acquired by the Historical Society The congregation was established Most important was that the chan- of Quaker Hill and Pawling in 1936 in 1848 by local residents following cel face east, toward the rising sun. which has preserved the building missionary work in the area by the This was easy to do on the site, but since. Rev. Homer Wheaton of the hamlet awkwardly sited the church parallel Above, top to bottom: Oblong Friends Meeting House. Photo: Rolf Muller. Smith- The building is a two-story build- of Lithgow in the nearby town of to the road. Upjohn mitigated the field Presbyterian Church. Below, left: St. ing, five bays wide and two bays deep. Washington. effect by putting the porch entrance Thomas’ Episcopal Church. Photos: Daniel Inside the shingled structure, there are The Register says the church is a along that wall. “It had the added Case. sliding panels which divide the men one-story building on a stone founda- benefit of being asymmetrical, another and women’s portions of the build- tion faced in white-painted brick feature promoted by the high-church ing. As with most meeting houses, marble trim. It is topped by a steeply advocates, in contrast to the classically ignated a historic instrument by the there are two front doors, one for each pitched gabled roof shingled in as- inspired church architecture of the Organ Historical Society. gender. phalt. A flat, slightly projecting tower early 19th century.” capped with a gabled bellcote (a small Inside, the deep chancel is the most Smithfield Presbyterian Church St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church framework and shelter for one or prominent high church feature, its near Amenia, NY in Amenia, NY more bells) is on the northwest (front) floor raised to emphasize the altar and Smithfield Presbyterian Church is St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in facade above a hooded lancet-arched what goes on around it. The three a historic Presbyterian church near Amenia is a mid-19th century brick double wooden door and narrow lancet windows symbolize the Trinity. Amenia, NY. It was built 1848, and is church designed by Richard Upjohn lancet opening. Says the Register, “Minimal ornamen- a one-story, Greek Revival style heavy in the Gothic Revival architectural Inside, the nave has its pews ar- tation reflects a belief that ornament timber frame church sheathed in clap- style. It is considered “one of the fin- ranged around a central aisle, with should consist of enrichment of the board. It has a stone foundation and est American imitations of an English wooden floors and plaster walls. essential construction of the build- gable roof and features a tetra-style country parish church.” Pointed arch brackets support the ing, a position held just as firmly by portico supported by four Ionic order Inside, it has a historic organ and purlins (longitudinal elements in a Upjohn.” columns. The church was refurbished Tiffany stained glass windows. In roof frame used for supporting rafters Later additions to the church in 1938. Also on the property is a 2005 it was added to the National or the like between the plate and the include the stained glass, two of which contributing horse shed, and Sexton’s Register of Historic Places. ridge) of the high ceiling; the win- are believed to have been Tiffany House (1857). dows have deep splayed windows. In 1869 a bell, cast in Troy, George Whitefield (an English plain surrounds. A three- NY, was installed, and the tripartite Anglican cleric and evangelist who part stained glass window chancel window was imported from was one of the founders of Method- at the rear of the chancel England in 1875 and installed in ism and the evangelical movement) is (the space around the altar) memory of a then recently deceased said to have given an open air revival depicts an elderly St. John rector. In 1886, the six-rank Odell sermon at the church in June 1770. being carried into church. organ was purchased from Jardine and The church was added to the A geometric-colored glass Son in New York. National Register of Historic Places in window behind the organ is There have been no significant 2012. the only original one. changes to the church interior since These, and other area houses of The church’s design then, other than the replacement prayer and reflection, serve as impor- reflects the principles of of most of the other stained glass in tant religious and social links to the the high church movement the 1950s. The church exterior was past, imbuing those who enter their in American Episcopalian- painted over in white in the hope of doors with an enhanced belief in a ism, of which Upjohn preventing flaking. In the early 2000s, sustained purpose and place. • was a part. “The English the organ was restored and then des-

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48 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE FREDERIC CHURCH’S HOME AND SPRAWLING LANDSCAPE WAS INSPIRED BY THE ARTIST’S Olana: Past perfect EXOTIC GLOBAL TRAVELS

n a hill, high above the Hudson River History and design Les Artes Arabes by Jules Bourgoin – a is Olana – a historic home and 250- In 1860, a few months before marry- book in his collection. The motifs acre landscape that boasts majestic ing Isabel Carnes, Church purchased on the exterior were also created out views of the Hudson River Valley, a 126-acre farm. A country cottage of colored brick, wood, slate, and O Catskill Mountains, and Taconic known as “Cosy Cottage” was the ceramic tile. Range. Built in 1872, the site was first addition to the property, which Isabel Church is credited for the once home to landscape painter Church and his new bride referred name of the property. Initially written Frederic Church – a central figure in to as “The Farm.” Although Church as “Olâna,” it first appeared on a letter the Hudson River School of American worked with architect Richard Mor- she wrote to the wife of another Hud- landscape painters. Its aesthetic was ris Hunt on the home’s design, he son School painter. It was explained influenced by his travels to the Middle worked solely on the planning of the as “the old Latin name for a place in East. picturesque gardens and orchards. Persia.” By Regina Molaro Although Church originally hailed He also planted trees, dredged a lake, [email protected] from Hartford, CT, he came to the which provided a water source for The interior Hudson Valley area to study under plumbing, and built an art studio. The rooms of the main home are painter Thomas Cole – founder of the After the loss of the Church’s first arranged around a central hall. The Hudson River School. In 1845, he two children – a son and daughter downstairs level boasts a foyer, east became acquainted with the sprawl- – the couple retreated to Jamaica for parlor, court hall, sitting room, cor- ing property that is now Olana while several months and then to Vermont. ridor, library, pantry, dining room, sketching there. In 1867 they acquired more land and studio wing. Church designed the Recognized as one of America’s and planned to build another home, studio wing, which was completed most prominent painters, Church is which became the main house. After in 1890. One of the largest rooms renowned for capturing the golden an 18-month trip to Europe and the in the house, it is significant for its glow of the sunsets and the dramatic Middle East, Church hired architect size, function, and symbolic value. mountain scenes and landscape designer Calvert Vaux Church’s bedroom is upstairs along that the Hudson to work on the design of the main with a dressing room and landing. Valley area is house. Construction began in 1870. The Ombra Room and Evelyn and renowned for. The duo envisioned a stately home Maurice Sharp Gallery are also located Church that would incorporate Middle upstairs. achieved profes- Eastern elements and designs. Vaux, Thousands of objects and painted sional success who also designed the buildings in décor evoke the great civilizations of while in his early Central Park, had close personal ties the past, and present a rich contrast 30s and used his to the Church family. It’s believed that to the natural world, which is visible creativity to he was responsible for the structural through the windows. Eclectic fur- exhibit his highly elements while Church designed orna- nishings hail from Church’s extended detailed works in mental elements of the home. trip abroad while others were pur- a rather theatrical Olana’s architecture reflects a fusion chased in New York City or obtained manner. He once of Victorian elements and Middle through a missionary in Persia. Above, top to bot- charged guests twenty-five cents for Eastern decorative motifs. The stately tom: Southern view panorama from Olana. admission to view his “great picture,” villa boasts an asymmetrical massing Continued on next page … Photo by Beth Sch- The Heart of the Andes. His artwork neck Photography, of towers and block masonry. It is 2013, bschneckphoto. endured and remained relevant to punctuated by fanciful windows and com. Frederic Edwin American collectors at a time when Church, Clouds over porches. Olana, August 1872, they were increasingly gravitating The exterior and interior are oil on off-white paper, 8 11/16 x 12 1/8in., toward European art. intricately stenciled with designs that OL. 1976.1. Collection Church created, which were based on Olana State Historic Site. New York State his adoration of patterns illustrated in Office of Parks, Rec- reation and Historic Preservation.

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 49 historic site

The interior remains much as it was during Church’s lifetime, exoti- cally furnished and embellished with objects from his global travels. The house has approximately 40 paintings by Church and his friends. Interesting furnishings include a carved teak fireplace by Lockwood de Forest; Chinese-style scrolled back chairs that were originally uphol- stered in blue silk velvet (c. 1890); and Cashmere India Chairs, designed by Lockwood de Forest and made of painted teak and upholstery (1881- 84).

The Charter Oak Another item of interest is the Charter Oak Chair, which is believed to be constructed from tree branches and roots that hail from a famous Char- ter Oak tree in Hartford, CT. The story of the oak dates back to 1687. tree as the subject of his painting, The Twain and railroad tycoon William H. Sir Edmund Andros – the English- Charter Oak, Hartford, which remains Osborn among others. Former First appointed governor of New England at Olana. In 1856, the tree blew down Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and former journeyed to Hartford to take posses- and Church visited Hartford and Governor Nelson Rockefeller both sion of the charter for the colony of secured portions of the wood. Part of had a hand in preservation efforts of Connecticut, which detailed the rights the tree was gifted to the American Olana, which was designated a Na- and privileges of the colony. Museum of Natural History, but two tional Historic Landmark in 1965. According to legend, during other sections of it remain at Olana. negotiations, the lights went out and Furniture and smaller commemorative Old meets new when they were restored, the charter items were crafted from pieces of this The Olana Partnership has been was missing. Hidden in the hollow of oak. They include a chair and a letter working with contemporary artists an oak tree, this document became a opener, both still at Olana. for years, but collaborated with the Above, top to bot- tom: View of the symbol of determination for indepen- Thomas Cole National Historic Site South Façade of Notable guests in 2015 with the inaugural contempo- the Main House at dence. Olana. Photo by Stan In 1846 Church chose the iconic Notable guests of Olana include Mark rary art exhibition, “River Crossings: Ries. Frederic Edwin Contemporary Art Comes Home.” Church, Sunset from Olana, July 2, 1870, oil Since then, Olana’s team has invited on off-white academy board, 11 1/16 x 16 contemporary artists to react to and 1/8in. OL.1976.8. Col- be in conversation with Frederic lection Olana State Historic Site. New Church and Olana. York State Office of Olana’s sprawling landscape is open Parks, Recreation and daily, year-round from 8am to sunset. Historic Preservation. There is no admission fee to access the landscape, which is used for leisurely walks, dog-walking, cross country ski- ing, snowshoeing, and beyond. Visit olana.org for the tour schedule. Construction is currently under- way for the Hudson River Skywalk, which is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2019. The Hudson River Skywalk will provide a continuous Above: Court Hall of walking path from the Thomas the Main House at Olan. Photo by Andy Cole National Historic Site over the Wainwright, 2004. Hudson River via the Rip Van Winkle Bridge to the Olana State Historic Site. •

50 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE Be prepared this winter with a Fisher Restaurant & Catering snowplow, & get it at Crane’s! VOTED ONE OF AMERICA’S sales – service – parts “25 BESTVOTED FARM-TO-TABLE “BEST CHEF” Sales: Rich Crane, [email protected] IN COLUMBIARESTAURANTS” COUNTY Sales: Fred Hutton, [email protected] BEST LIFE MAGAZINE 2009 Service: Todd MacNeil, [email protected] THREE YEARS IN A ROW! 860-824-7276 Fax 860-824-7759 337 Ashley Falls Rd (Route 7) Canaan Ct 06018 111 MAIN STREET PHILMONT NEW YORK Outdoor Power Equipment WWW.CRANESOPE.COM 518-672-7801 www.local111.com

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MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 51 serving new york, connecticut & massachusetts

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52 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE business snapshot

Downey, Haab & Murphy PLLC True Country Construction Legal services for New York State, specializing in real estate. All phases of interior and exterior construction and home improve- (518) 789-4442. 87 Main Street, Millerton, NY. ment. (845) 616-9668. [email protected]

What started as three individuals in the lawyer industry was later turned into the firm Construction can be a challenge, and it takes someone reliable and talented to bring a we know today based in Millerton, NY; Downey, Haab & Murphy PLLC. Founded plan to life. Carrying full insurance, True Country Construction started swinging the by Edward Downey, Michelle Haab (whom is now retired), and Gary Murphy in hammer in February 2014. With four years of experience under their tool belts, propri- 1996, it is still practicing law with three attorneys and three assistants. It is a general etor Josh Clapper and his crew continue to provide all phases of interior and exterior practice law firm, but spends the majority of its time on real estate, estate plan- construction as well as sales of Modular Homes (from affordable to custom design, in ning, estate settlement, and real estate titles, in addition to other legal matters such addition to providing installation and completion of the project, making it turn key/ as guardianships, small litigation, business formation including corporations and move in ready). No job is too big or too small. True Country Construction is based in LLCs, and a small amount of criminal and domestic relations. All of these services Dutchess County, NY, but it offer its services within a 150-mile radius. True Country are practiced in New York, primarily in Dutchess and Columbia counties. “We have prides itself on the relationships that it build with its customers, “We strive to keep our a lot of experience among all of us here. Every one of us is also from the area and we customers long-term. We treat our customers with the utmost respect and it is hum- know the community well, which is special to our firm when we help our clients,” bling to have them return again and again for different services. And we can’t thank says Gary. At Downey, Haab & Murphy, they do their very best to work around their them enough for the word-of-mouth referrals that allow us to continue to grow,” says clients’ busy schedules and offer their legal advice after work hours, on weekends, and Josh. In the years to come True Country Construction is looking forward to maintain- via email if needed. Downey, Haab & Murphy’s attorneys receive up-to-date training ing the relationships they’ve already created, and to foster new ones. When you begin and information concerning changes to NYS law through attendance and participa- to think about- and plan your next construction project, feel free to reach out to True tion in continuing legal education and are able to meet your ever-changing legal Country Construction for a free estimate. needs. Your legal matters are in good hands with the entire team.

Burkart Williams Contracting LLC Carlson Propane – Heating & Air Conditioning Commercial and residential sheet rock, framing, taping, ceilings, HVAC services to those with in a 25-mile radius of Sheffield, MA. rehabs, and more. (518) 598-7649. [email protected]. (413) 229-3328. 79 Pike Road, Sheffield, MA.

Three partners formed Burkart Williams Contracting, LLC. in July of 2016: John, Whether you live here full-time or enjoy the greater Sheffield area on weekends, Carl- Erik, and Tom. Each partner has well over a decade of experience in the construction son Propane – Heating and Air Conditioning takes pride in offering what you need industry, being both second and third generation construction professionals. Each part- to keep comfortable all year long. Eric Carlson started the company in 1979, and now ner also brings a unique skill set enabling this dream to become reality. Fully insured, almost 40 years later, works alongside the second generation of the family to proudly they provide commercial and residential framing, drywall, finishing services, and can take care of their customers. From connecting your range to heating and cooling your provide estimates from either detailed digital construction documents or in-person new house, Carlson Propane – Heating & Air Conditioning’s fully licensed service and field verified dimensions. Primary operations include: metal framing, building insula- installation department treats your home as your greatest asset. They are available to tion, drywall, finish taping, acoustical ceilings, door and hardware installation. Their install both commercial and residential high efficiency heating or cooling equipment, service area is primarily within an hour’s drive of the greater Capitol Region, including WiFi-capable thermostats, custom duct work, or perform routine maintenance. In ad- the greater Hudson and Claverack area. Their market analysis allows them to provide dition to prompt and reliable delivery, Carlson Propane also offers propane tank sales the most economical cost to their clients while maintaining a high standard of quality. or convenient tank leases to ensure you have plenty of product on hand, regardless of “It’s not to say that hard work will automatically equal success; instead we believe hard what the weather may bring. They understand the importance of delivering superior work combined with skill and opportunity will give us the best shot at meeting our service and they never take their responsibility lightly as a discrete and trusted supplier. goals.” Going forward they plan to see many happy clients, strengthen relationships Be sure to call Carlson Propane – Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your propane while starting new ones, which will allow them to continue to meet their high expecta- needs. tions. MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 53 monthly advice columns

INSURING YOUR WORLD Attracting winter birds Winter is upon us so it’s time to review your coverage under your The exact birds you have visit your yard in winter will depend on how homeowner’s policy to ensure that you have the right coverage. well you meet winter birds’ needs for food, water, and shelter. Here are a Does your policy afford “All Risk” coverage on the insured dwelling? few tips to help entice more winter visitors to your backyard: You can check this by looking at your policy, there should be a HO-3 • Food: Offer sunflower seeds, suet, and Nyjer (thistle) seed in several designation in the forms and conditions portion of the policy. If there feeders, and keep ground-feeding areas clear for sparrows and juncos to are outbuildings on your property, make sure they are covered for enjoy. Platform feeders should be covered to keep off the snow, and large feeders can more easily accommodate hungry winter flocks. collapse should there be a heavy snowfall, and also check the value • Water: Birds needs water just as much on cold days as they do on hot that the building is insured for so that you may replace it with the ones, Kandneller it takes a Insuranclot of energy fore them to melt snow or ice to drink. same size structure. Now that we’ve checked your policy, what about Add aAgency heater to your bird bath or invest in a heated bird bath to offer taking precautions to avoid having a claim? Has your chimney been liquid water on the chilliest days, and be sure the bath is clean and full. cleaned and furnaces been serviced? Have gutters been cleaned • Shelter: Birds seek out shelter during the harshest winter storms, and and heat tapes installed and plugged in on roofs that have limited if your backyard provides safe shelter, they will take advantage of it. Ever- sunlight during the winter months? Make sure all generators are green and conifer trees are ideal, or you can build a brush pile in a sheltered serviced and ready to go and low temperature sensors connected to location for birds to use. Roosting boxes are another option to keep birds a hard-wired telephone line, and lastly, if you are a second home- safe and snug. owner, be sure to shut off the power circuit to your well pump to There are many great birds to look forward to in winter, and if you avoid further damage should a pipe break due to a freeze-up and run take steps to offer them the food, water, and shelter they need, you’ll be surprised at how many different winter birds visit your backyard. After fol- a continuous stream of water in your home causing extensive water lowing these simple steps you might be surprised to find Dark-Eyed Junco, damage. These simple precautions can save tremendous headaches White-Throated Sparrow, Purple Finch, Red Crossbill, Common Redpoll, during the cold winter months! Pine Siskin, Evening Grosbeak, American Tree Sparrow, White-Crowned Sparrow, or Cedar Waxwing’s at your feeder. Happy bird watching!

Phone 518-789-4471 Kirk Kneller KnellerRoute 22 Insurance Millerton, NY Phone 518.329.3131 www.agwayny.com 1676 Route 7A, Copake, N.Y. Agency

how to interview your jeweler Winter driving

Often customers come in the jewelry store with sentimental or expensive Winter driving season is upon us. Here are a few things to consid- pieces of jewelry that need repair. It could be their great grandmother’s plati- er and to be prepared for during the holiday travel season. num diamond ring or a plastic beaded necklace given by a loved one. Every Tires: the number one most important thing, you can have the time a jeweler takes in a piece of jewelry for a repair, there is some degree of latest, greatest and most powerful SUV on the road. Without good risk. For example, the store could get robbed or a diamond ring could crack tire tread, you could be another car in the ditch waiting for a tow if there is an existing internal flaw. Sometimes we suggest the repair is not truck. Especially on our local hilly, winding roads. done, because our customer does not want to take any risk. If you decide to Vision: Its hard enough to see in a snowstorm, keeping your move forward with a repair, you should ask if the jeweler carries an insur- windows and headlights clean will maximize you safety. Fresh ance policy. If the jewelry store does not have an insurance policy that covers wiper blades are also a must. repair work, you may want to consider going to a different store. Before you el ee el an as ll as ssile easns, s leave the store, you should receive a receipt with a detailed description of the in case you get stuck somewhere and second, its better for your piece of jewelry you are leaving for repair. The description should include car. The fuel today has ethanol in it and that makes it more prone a count and size of diamonds, type of metal, weight of metal, number and size of pearls or beads, and an insured value if you have an appraisal. There to moisture. A full tank will minimize the risk of water contamina- are additional questions you may want to ask: How long have you worked tion in your fuel tank. with your repair people? Do you often do repairs like the one I am asking Tools: A roadside safety kit is highly recommended. L.L. Bean you to do? How long will it take to complete the repair? If something hap- offers a nice AAA deluxe roadside safety kit [A nice gift for your pens to your piece of jewelry, a jeweler should work hard to replace it with a loved ones]. Don’t forget a small compact shovel just in case. One similarly valued piece. I believe every jeweler has the best intentions to make time coming back from a trip I found my car plowed in at an airport your experience a positive one, but if something happens, you want to make parking lot. I had fun digging it out with a CD case! Live and learn. sure you are protected. Take care and drive safe.

(518) 398-5360 Factory Lane Auto Repair 110 Rt. 44, Millerton, NY • (518) 789-4649 • www.elizabethsjewelry.com 3 Factory Lane, Pine Plains, NY Pine Plains, NY • (518) 398-5360

54 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE c c c c HappyLove, Millerton Holidays!

c c In Millerton you can eat, drink, shop, & be entertained!

Come to Millerton: we Eat & Drink Shopping Meta 44 Crown Energy Corp. Mane Street Salon Scott D. Conklin have it all! Visit one of 52 Main Agway meta44.com crownenergycorp.com 518-789-3484 conklinfuneralhome.com 52main.com awayny.com Millerton Antiques Davis & Trotta Law Masha’s Fitness Studio Seagull Roofing these businesses to shop Four Brothers Basil Auto Sales Center davisandtrotta.com mashasfitnessstudio.com 518-789-3342 to your heart’s content, fourbrotherspizzainn.com 518-789-4088 518-789-6004 Dexbury & Hermans Millerton Service Steed Home Restoration be entertained for Golden Wok Bricblock Auto Parts Millerton Farmer’s Insurance Center steedhomerestoration.com goldenwokmillerton.com brickblockautoparts.com Market 518-789-3633 518-789-3462 Steed Real Estate hours, dine and drink! millertonfarmersmarket.org Harney & Sons Tea Charlotte Taylor Downey, Haab & Millerton Veterinary steedrealestate.com harney.com 518-592-1800 Millerton’s Napa Murphy pllc. millertonvet.com Taylor Oil Inc. Hathaway Young Auto & Truck Supply 518-789-4442 Moore & More Printing gmtayloroil.com By shopping locally Cottage + Camp napaonline.com hathawayyoung.com cottagecamp.net Dutchess Country 518-789-4508 The Millerton Inn you support not only Irving Farm North East Ford Realty, inc. Motorworks themillertoninn.com Country Gardeners northeastfordmillerton.com the local economy but Coffee House Florist dutchesscountry.com themotorworks.biz The Mllerton News irvingfarm.com countrygardenersflorist.com North Elm Home Eco Builders NECC tricornernews.com specifically you support northelmhome.com Little Gates & Co. Dave’s TV 845-233-0928 neccmillerton.org The Music Cellar the local businesse- Wine Merchants davestv.net Oblong Books & Music Elyse Harney New England Dry music-cellar.com oblongbooks.com ses that provide our littlegateswine.com Ed Herrington’s Inc. Real Estate Cleaners Thorunn Designs services, feed our Manna Dew herringtons.com Riley’s Furniture harneyre.com 518-789-4684 thorunndesigns.com 518-789-3570 rileysfurnitureflooring.com Floods Sanitation stomachs, quench our Elizabeth’s Fine Jewelry Northeast Millerton Valentine Monument Oakhurst Diner elizabethsjewelry.com T-Shirt Farm 518-789-4678 Library Works & Sandblast tshirtfarmny.com thirsts, entertain us, 518-592-1313 Gilded Moon Framing Hair Modern nemillertonlibrary.org 518-789-9497 clothe us, and are the Talk of the Towne & Gallery Terni’s Store hairmodernllc.com Northeast Muffler White Horse Collection 518-789-8255 gmframing.com 518-789-3474 Hylton Hundt Salon 518-789-3669 whitehorsecollection.com fabric of the communi- hyltonhundtsalon.com Taro’s Pizzeria Gordon R. Keeler Services & much more Northwest Lawn ties that we live in. 518-789-6630 Appliances Irondale Schoolhouse & Landscape The Fresh Market 518-789-4961 4 Seasons Pool Service irondaleschoolhouse.org 518-789-0672 518-789-0591 Millerton’s businesses thefreshmarket.com Hunter Bee Kiki’s Nail Salon Overmountain Builders Trotta’s Liquors hunterbee.com Arnoff 518-592-1129 overmountainbuilders.com arnoff.com welcome you! 518-789-3535 Jennings Rohn Montage Leslie Hoss Flood Precision Auto Storage 860-485-3887 Associated Interiors, Inc. precisionautostorage.com Entertainment Lightning Rod lestliefloodinteriors.com Salisbury Bank & Kamilla’s Floral alrci.com The Moviehouse Boutique Little Red Bird Studio Trust Co. themoviehouse.net kamillas.com Battlehill Forge littleredbirdstudio.weebly. salisburybank.com battlehillforge.com McEnroe’s com Salon K Hair Salon mcenroeorganicfarm.org Buddhi Tribe Main Street Magazine 518-789-4754 buddhitribe.com mainstreetmag.com

MAIN STREET MAGAZINE 55 are you saving for a ho am me re ? d

start with a high interest certificate of deposit

15 month CD Earn 2.65% annual percentage yield (APY) when you open your CD account. $1,000 minimum 2.65% deposit required. APY* Personal • Business • Mortgage

Connecticut Massachusetts New York 860.435.9801 413.528.1201 845.877.9850 salisburybank.com

*APY (Annual Percentage Yield) assumes that principal and interest remain on deposit until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. Subject to early withdrawal penalty. The minimum required to open the account and obtain the APY is $1,000. The APY is accurate as of October 29, 2018. Rates are subject to change without notice. This offer is only eligible for new money which has not been on deposit with the Bank within the past 90 days. We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice. Member FDIC ©Salisbury Bank and Trust Company Equal Housing Lender 56 MAIN STREET MAGAZINE