Local classrooms of decades—and centuries—past: Exploring a selection of the region’s historic schools and schoolhouses

Above photo: Housatonic Valley Regional High School from the 1969 White Oak yearbook. Photo courtesy of the HVRHS Alumni Association.

If you’re familiar with the local tri-state area, chances are you’ve driven past at least one of the region’s many historic schools and schoolhouses. As long-standing landmarks of the area’s educational past, these […]

By |2025-04-28T13:23:29-04:00May 1st, 2025|Featured Article, History|

All about Scottish Highland Cattle: Environmental education and land restoration at Elk Ravine Farm

If you’re taking a drive through the countryside and you find yourself on Route 83 in Amenia, NY, chances are you’ll come across Elk Ravine Farm. The farm – owned by Jim Archer and named for the Rocky Mountain Elk that it initially housed – sits on 90 sprawling acres that encompass multiple different habitats, […]

Anderson Center for Autism: Optimizing quality of life and making spaces more inclusive for individuals with Autism

According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. 

According to Autism Speaks, an organization […]

By |2025-03-25T10:22:54-04:00March 27th, 2025|A Healthier Life, Featured Article|

Roger Miner & today’s Supreme Court: The Columbia County native’s principled stances still echo across America’s judicial landscape

By Jim Calvin

In November 1987, as President Ronald Reagan prepared to try again to fill a Supreme Court vacancy after two misfires, Second Circuit US Court of Appeals Justice Roger Miner stood among three final candidates for the nomination.

It was the penultimate step in the remarkable legal career of Hudson, New York’s favorite son, […]

By |2025-03-25T10:13:58-04:00March 27th, 2025|Featured Article, History|

Aesthetics and Ecology Align at Innisfree

It’s rare to find the peace one gets from walking through a garden on a perfect day. …

Lester Collins, famed landscape architect of the 20th Century responsible for Innisfree Garden in Millbrook, NY, probably understood the sense of tranquility and calm that can only be gained from God’s green Earth and a beautiful bloom. […]

By |2025-03-25T10:05:12-04:00March 27th, 2025|Featured Article, Great Outdoors|

Environmental economist, eco-consultant, and sustainability strategist Pamela Peeters’ remarkable path to becoming a true Eco Hero

Photo above: Pamela speaks at the “Dubai Innovation Center” during COP28 on her educational projects. Photograph taken by Martin Nweeia.

“My mother told me I was always pointing at the sun and trees. I always found great joy being in nature. When I was 12, that joy grew so large that I created my […]

By |2025-03-27T09:09:05-04:00March 27th, 2025|Featured Article, Our Environment|

The Loeb and lunch: A stay-cation with profound benefits

Photo above: Two of four pieces from the Springside collection by British artist Henry C. Gritten. Springside was Matthew Vassar’s estate.

Paris. Rome. London. Barcelona. Even New York, Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC. All are great escapes for lovers of culture, and all should be visited. Often. But when time is tight and you don’t want […]

By |2025-03-06T09:48:14-05:00March 3rd, 2025|Featured Article, The Arts|

Modern farming: Talking environmental changes, adapting to challenges, and connection to the land with four farms in the region

Above photo courtesy of Maitri Farm 

It’s no secret that farming is becoming harder and harder. It’s never been an easy job, but between climate change, the unprecedented environmental changes that come along with it, and constant changes in funding and grant availability, farming seems to be increasingly difficult in recent years. 

According to the US […]

The Miracle on Barn Hill: Retired elementary school teacher Donna Fazzino discusses self-publishing her first children’s book

Photo above: Donna with Lindsey when she was in third grade, 2010-2011.

Since she was young, Donna Fazzino always had a knack for reading and writing. Drawing upon her passion for the language arts, she pursued a career as a teacher in Connecticut’s Region #1 School District, teaching elementary grade levels and talented and gifted programs […]

By |2025-03-10T09:17:16-04:00March 3rd, 2025|Featured Article|

The magic of Camphill Village: Getting to know the vibrant, dynamic community in Copake, NY, and all that it has to offer

Photo above: David Wallace harvests herbs in Camphill’s healing plant garden, where the garden crew tends to biodynamic flowers and herbs during growing season, and transforms them into teas and culinary herb mixes, as well as natural remedies. All photos courtesy of Camphill Village.

As the oldest and largest Camphill community in the United States, Camphill […]

By |2025-03-06T09:49:22-05:00March 3rd, 2025|Featured Article|
Go to Top