FOR ALL OF YOU AUTO-RELATED FANS OUT THERE: VROOM, VROOM, VROOM!
CAR OF THE WEEK
CAR-RELATED INPUT & ADVICE IS ALWAYS GOOD…
352 Old Middle Street, Goshen, CT
This spacious, well maintained home is a must see! The first floor includes a mud room with 1/2 bath, large working kitchen with breakfast bar, island and plenty of cabinet storage! The living room has a beautiful bow window and fireplace. The dining room has pocket glass doors to separate a sitting area/den and foyer. There […]
Life After You
The film Life After You, will be showing at The Moviehouse in Millerton NY Saturday, February 11th at 2pm and at 5pm.
Directed by Sarah T. Schwab of Cardinal Flix Inc., (CFI) this original independent feature is centered around a suburban family’s struggle with the death of their 19 year-old […]
Meltdown – It’s not too late
The Olana Partnership, in collaboration with Basilica Hudson, Hudson Hall, Partners for Climate Action, and Upstate Films, is proud to present a special screening of the 2021 film Meltdown at 4:00pm on Saturday, March 4 at Hudson Hall. The screening will be followed by a special Q&A with trailblazing […]
Mondavi Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon
It’s February, and here comes Valentine’s Day, a stand-out occasion for wine. Why not make celebrating the loves in your life about more than one overdone day (the 14th)? How about leading up to it in lots of little ways? Breakfast in bed just because. Leaving love notes around the house. Making dinner when […]
Lanaya
Lanaya
Sharon Land Trust
Right about this time, 17,000 years ago, the Main Street distribution area was covered by hundreds of feet of ice. From the Housatonic to the Hudson, South Taconics to Catskills, the Laurentide Ice Sheet shaped our area at literal glacial speed, scouring bedrock and depositing minerals in places that would determine the character of this land for […]
The Kent Flower Market
Regular readers will know I am a bit of a stuck record regarding the importance of finding local seasonal flowers. Firstly, flowers are no different from fruits and vegetables. They ALWAYS grow, look, smell, last – and even taste – better in season. However, even more importantly, out-of-season, flown-from-afar […]
Hop in to the Year of the Rabbit
January 22 was the official start of the Chinese New Year, which extends to February 9, 2024. Each year is celebrated with a different animal, and each animal cycles through only every 12 years. This year – 2023 – is the Year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit is assuming […]
Farming Legislation
Oftentimes it has crossed my mind how much new legislative effort is being undertaken to help make life better, as in profitable, for farmers. While many folks tend to equate farming with the wide open spaces of the Midwest, those of us who live in the Hudson Valley and […]
AnimalKind
Based on information published by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), 6.3 million companion animals, mostly dogs and cats, enter US shelters every year. Even more sobering, “Each year, approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats).” These unsettling numbers, gathered […]
February 2023 Recipe – Coffee Crumb Cake
Happy February! This month is all about the LOVE! For Valentine’s Day we are making something that neither one of us can say is our favorite. This dessert is specifically for our main squeezes. Both Caroline and my (Olivia’s) significant others love coffee cake. Now, Caroline has been making coffee cake for her beau’s birthday and Valentine’s […]
Not Your Average Farmers Market
When it comes to local businesses, they come in all shapes, forms, and sizes. Most are for-profits, while there are numerous not-for-profits and non-profits too that strive to contribute and help our communities. We were thrilled to be able to catch up with Laura Griffin of the Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market and learn more about the impact […]
For Jason Middlebrook, Nature Always Prevails
I first learned about the artist Jason Middlebrook while assisting Deborah Goodman Davis, an art advisor based in Lakeville, CT, and New York City, with a show she curated for James Barron Art in Kent, CT. The show, currently on view until March 11 is titled Mosaics, and it brings together a body of work by “artists […]
What’s Cookin’?
Mom’s least favfurrite room in the house just happens to be one of my favforrite rooms: the kitchen. Why you ask? Well I love the kitchen because my food is there – duh – and as the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I know exactly where the turkey is […]
19th Century Farmhouse in Hillsdale
19th century farmhouse in a coveted Hudson Valley location, perched just on the Hillsdale-Copake town line, on a road known for its open farmland and beautiful country homes. Many original details, gorgeous hard wood floors, sun drenched interiors, and a semi open floor plan kitchen – dining room […]
The Language of Flowers
Sue Adams, Vice President of Adams Greenhouses is hosting a lecture and flower reading on February 11 at the Locust Grove Estate.
It’s almost Valentine’s Day and it’s an ideal time to have some fun with flowers. While some people enjoy getting readings via tea leaves or tarot cards, Sue Adams, Vice […]
Mid-day Music and Meditation at Salisbury UCC
The Congregational Church of Salisbury, UCC will present its monthly Mid-day Music
and Meditation on Friday, February 3 from 12:00 to 12:30 pm at 30 Main Street, Salisbury.
“Music has many wonderful benefits for stress management and overall health. It can help you calm your physiology without […]
Stories of the Amistad with Storyteller Valerie Tutson
The David M. Hunt Library will host storyteller Valerie Tutson’s “The Story of the Amistad” on Tuesday, February 21st at 2 pm in honor of Black History Month. Tutson is a multiple award-winning storyteller who has been performing in schools, churches, libraries, festivals, and conferences since 1991. She draws her stories from around the world with an emphasis on […]
Archer
Dandelion
Dandelion
You couldn’t ask for a more affectionate, cuddly cat than Dandelion. This 1-year-old super-sweetheart is friendly to both humans (including children) and other cats. Her distinctive markings give her an especially wonderful expression! She would be so happy to find her FURever family this holiday season. Apply to adopt DANDELION: […]
Man! I Feel Like A Shania Twain Fan!
We all know Mother loves music (almost) as much as she loves me. As the story goes, Mom’s music obsession started back in the 90’s (yikes Mom, that means you’re old)! Cassette tapes (what are those?!) turned into CD’s, digital downloads, and hours of singing her heart out to so many talented artists, but nobody beats […]
Porto Kopke Fine Tawny Port
Winter is upon us this week, and that calls for a fireside sipper, something to warm you to the bones after shoveling. My pick is a port, and my port pick is this one: Porto Kopke Fine Tawny Port. Tawny ports are aged longer than Ruby ports, and this one shows it, with lots […]
Lulu
Lulu
Meet Lulu! This sweet, stunning senior Himalayan cat was surrendered at the age of 14. She is a loving girl who only wants a quiet home with a warm lap she can curl up in for hours. If you’re looking for a beautiful, cuddly, supersweet cat, Lulu is the golden girl for you.
Apply to adopt […]
Valentine’s Violets
Support Locust Grove by shopping its African Violet fundraiser sale, which is being held through February 3
Embrace local history and send a gesture of love to that special someone while supporting Locust Grove—a National Historic Landmark estate located in Poughkeepsie.
The 200-acre park-like estate, which overlooks the Hudson River, includes homes, a carriage house, ice […]
The Stump Jump
Hey, the holidays happened, and we spent on the big, special bottles of wine for our special occasions. For me they were definitely worth it. But here we are in January, and I’m trying to go with more affordable choices. This is one at the top of my list. It’s an Australian Rhone-Valley style […]
More Bugs
Happy Wednesday furriends. I’m going to keep it short and sweet this week. It wasn’t that long ago my whole family had the rona. Thank goodness were in good health fur the pawlidays. But now, my poor kid sister isn’t feeling so well. Mom has been working furrom home; doing her best to keep up with […]
Millerton Antiques Center’s 7th Annual Red Tag Sale
Now entering its seventh year, the Millerton Antique Center and its hive of skilled antique vendors will once again host the annual Red Tag Sale that begins Saturday, January 14 and runs throughout the month of January until February 20. The annual sale will house deals for shoppers and antiquarians alike. “It is a once-a-year opportunity for […]
Prophecy Wines
Here goes!What better way to start a new year than with a wine that makes you wonder about what’s ahead? If you want to think deep thoughts about life – and wine – then here’s one (or some) to turn to this week: Prophecy. There are many varietals, including favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon, […]
Gomez
Gomez
Whatta Day
Yesterday started off just like any normal day – Dad left for work, Mom brought Ellie to school but then she returned. I thought that was supurr sweet of Mom to take the day off to spend with me. She spent the morning pampurring me; petting me, scratching under my chinny-chin, gave me a sponge bath, […]
Living in the Real World
Artist John Morra arrived in the Hudson Valley about two decades ago with two pugs in tow. He soon took up residence and set up a studio in an old church in Stuyvesant where he currently lives with his wife Isabelle Bosquet-Morra – a floral designer who initially hails from France.
Knowledge and experience are sources of inspiration […]
Foreign Concepts
The holidays are behind us. We spent our time gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, baking and gifting cookies, and indulging in all the feel-good festivities that make the season bright. As we approach the rest of the winter season, we can continue to create ambiance and […]
The Iceman Cowereth
In most publications, this is the part of the article that usually includes a disclaimer meant to either dissuade the reader from engaging in the about-to-be-described activities or at least distancing the writer or publication from any kind of liability for the reader’s suggestibility and – let’s call a […]
Bread and Beyond
Is there anything more intoxicating than the smell of bread baking in the oven? Is there anything more magical than a first slice from a fresh-baked loaf, warm and welcoming and begging for butter? For anyone who’s experienced the rewards of baking bread, the answers are clear – resounding […]
A Perfect Echo
If you are a regular Main Street Magazine reader, you will likely already know something about Carrie Chen. Perhaps you have worn one of her beautiful Casana Designs cashmere scarves or sipped tea at her former tea house in Hillsdale, NY. Perhaps you have stayed at her exquisite Bed […]
Starting 2023 Off Happy and Healthy
To many, a new year marks a fresh start and a new opportunity to set and achieve goals – some call it resolutions others call it a commitment to oneself. Regardless of what you call it, I’m all for it! I’d just like to advocate that any other day of the year works just fine too, not […]
Aging and Attitude
After celebrating the New Year (and for most of us, when we celebrate another birthday), we become even more conscious of time and how quickly it’s slipping away. In my opinion, there’s no point in lamenting about aging. There’s nothing we can do to stop time from ticking on. Rather than focusing on all the perceived negatives […]
January 2023 Recipe – Buffalo Chicken Chowder
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2023! That said, we are changing things up for January. Instead of a sweet treat, we are switching gears and spicing things up a bit! The chilly weather is just right for this chowder, which packs the perfect amount of heat depending on your tolerance level! Chowder is a hearty soup […]
Beauty, Community and Fun
The backbone of our communities is that of small businesses: the often more visible brick-and-mortar as well as the service sector and specialty businesses, and everything in between. These businesses are run- and staffed by hardworking people who are devoted to their respective communities and the people who live and work in them. This month we are […]
Ryan Frank Likes His Space
I first met the visual artist Ryan Frank last summer during a show titled Baggage at the Icehouse Project Space in Sharon, CT. The concept of the show stemmed from the great shift of people from their lives in New York City to the Hudson Valley and elsewhere. Baggage featured works by 18 artists who had all […]
Join us at James Barron Art for the opening of Mosaics
Please join Deborah Goodman Davis at James Barron Art to celebrate the opening of Mosaics a group exhibition she curated.
Saturday, January 21st
1:00 – 3:00 pm
215 South Kent Rd, South Kent, CT
RSVP: maria@jamesbarronart.com
Website: http://jamesbarronart.com
*Please do not put James Barron Art in your GPS or it will direct you to their former location. If […]
Furrst week of 2023
Hey furriends! How are you? We haven’t spoken since last year. Paw slapper – that joke nevfurr gets old! It’s been a busy week here at the homestead.
With the pawlidays officially ovfurr and the helping paws of Dad, Ellie, and myself, Mom de-Christmas’d until Novempurr (25th to be exact). Spoiler alerted! She scored a […]
Rocky
Rocky
Rocky is an affectionate and happy cat who loves everyone. He will curl up around your legs and sleep next to you on the pillow. Rocky has a neurological condition that affects his mobility sometimes, so he would need regular monitoring by a vet to make sure his condition is properly managed. He is the perfect […]
Roki
Roki
Adiós 2022
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news furriends, but I couldn’t keep my eyes open to get a glimpse of Santa Paws. I purromise one of these years I will make it happen!
Boy, Mom wasn’t kitten all year telling me I’m such a good man. Santa Paws exceeded my expectations. I got the catnip […]
Pawliday Hustle And Bustle
Furrst, I want to start off by thanking each and evfurry one of you who DM’d (direct meow’d) Mom and commented last week on my recent diagnosis. Please know Mom and I feel comfurrted by your outpouring support. And I’ve been a really good man (so far) taking my medicine. But not to worry, I’ll be […]
Nationwide Search Yields New Executive Director For The Stissing Center
After a six-month nationwide search, Brett Bernadini has been tapped to lead The Stissing Center as its new Executive Director, taking over for the retiring Brian Keeler. Leading a staff of five, Brett will begin his new role on December 15.
“We are excited to welcome Brett to lead the […]
Scotty
Scotty
Meet Scotty! Scotty is a handsome 9-year-old 58lb boy. A super senior, Scotty still loves a good game of fetch or some time playing tug. He is the perfect companion for a lovely hike in the snow.
Scotty’s dream home has a nice yard where he can play with tennis balls. He is looking forward to […]
The Diagnosis
Well furriends; as I’m purretty sure you can tell by the quite obvious disgusted look on my face furrom inside the carrier, I’m an unhappy camper. Or as Mom pointed out in her ridiculous cat-mom voice (at the vets’ office of all places!), “a grumpy pants.”
Fur the last ten months, Mom’s been obsessing ovfurr my […]
Annie
Annie
8-year-old Annie is an incredibly affectionate and charming cat. Every morning she greets the DCSPCA staff with tiny chirps and big purrs. Her favorite pastime is to get cozy and loaf next to a friend while they give her chin scratches. Annie suffers from Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS), a neurological condition that causes small focal […]
What The Elf
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas and as I sit here Underneath The Tree on this Silent Night I can’t help but dream of a White Christmas. Before long Little Saint Nick will be taking a Sleigh Ride to see all of the good little boys, girls, and furbabies. There’s just something about the magic […]
Jasmine
Jasmine
New Year’s Traditions Around the World
For more than a century, people around the globe descend upon Manhattan’s Times Square to watch the ball drop. Some history: that inaugural New Year’s Eve bash, held in 1904, commemorated the official opening of the headquarters of The New York Times.
At midnight, there was a fireworks display to […]
Oh The Places You’ll Go
In the city of Xian, China, a bird flits along a ten-inch wooden perch inside a mahogany-colored cage. I don’t know what kind of bird it is, but the cage itself catches my attention. Cylindrical and peaked at the top and bottom, it is shaped like the buoys on […]
A Wine Vacation
You can try all the wines in the world from the comfort of your home. You can research their stories and find lots of history and mystery and beautiful photos online – which is wonderful and certainly an enhancement of the experience. But there’s nothing like going to the […]
Holiday Festivities
Winter is such a wonderful time of year. The Hudson Valley and Berkshire region are quintessential places to celebrate all the sparkle of the season. Beyond the serenity of the nature that abounds in the region and the possibility of snowfall sprinkling our country roads and mountain tops, there […]
The Elephants Tusk
With the holiday season in full force, everyone is busy with the hustle and bustle as well as finding just the right gift(s) for our friends and loved ones. For those looking to shop and support local when finding that unique gift for that special someone, or maybe you’re looking for a piece of furniture or household […]
December 2022 Recipe – White Chocolate and Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake
We LOVE cheesecake, especially during the holidays. This raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake is a show-stopper and will definitely add a little pizazz to your holiday table. People will think you slaved away making this… and they will be right!
We had mentioned back in October that we were going to take it easy on you because we […]
The Allure of Log Houses
December is a time of gatherings and celebrations and often conjures up visions of log cabins in the snow with roaring fires in a massive, stone fireplace, and flannel pajamas. Log homes’ distinctive construction material can create a rustic Lincoln cabin or a grand Adirondack camp. For this holiday issue we researched the history of log homes, […]
Art Exploration: Mary Belliveau
Artist Mary Belliveau has spent the last few decades globe-trotting to destinations around the world. She arrived behind her easel for a professional career as an artist later in life, after raising her children and enjoying a career in healthcare. “I’ve always been curious. My father was a traveler,” said artist Mary Belliveau.
Her work will be on […]
The Purrfect Ornament
Holy buttered biscuits, Batman! I ate WAY too much on Thanksgiving and spent most of the day Furriday sleeping off my turkey coma…I guess that’s not much different than any other day? Anywho, on Caturday, in typical Mom fashion, she jumped right into the pawliday spirit – and I’m not disappointed! I must admit, the Caturday […]
Bodhi
Bodhi
Supurr Thankful
Happy Thanksgiving Eve evfurry one! Thanksgiving more or less has the same meaning fur all, but fur me it isn’t just about the mouth-watering turkey purrectly plated on the floor in furront of me; it’s about all that I’m thankful fur today and evfurryday. Let’s jump in.
Furrst and foremost, I’m furrevfurr grateful fur my family […]
Starsky
Starsky
Roni-Bologna Business
So sorry fur ghosting you guys last week. Our household had been lucky enough to dodge this Roni-bologna business fur two and a half years, but it finally caught us a couple days after Halloween. Needless to say, it was the week furrom H, E, double hockey sticks. The doctor ordered lots of fluids, rest, and […]
Art on View
Art is so inspiring. Beyond the visual appeal, art reveals a glimpse into the various perspectives of others. While some focus on politics and current events, others draw inspiration from history, music, and beyond. There are certainly lots of galleries and museums nearby that are showing diverse work of […]
Building Community Through Design
Design is a powerful tool that transforms our daily lives. Everything from the colors we select in our homes to the subtleties of lighting, evokes a mood and creates ambiance.
After devoting many years of marketing, business development, and public relations expertise to Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC, and Accenture, businesswoman […]
Designing Your Life
Feel stuck? Paralyzed and unable to take a step? Is your life out of sync with who you are, or who you want to be? Do you think you have to figure it out alone? It doesn’t have to be that way.
Enter the Designing Your Life (DYL) methodology, a […]
Where Art and Heart Take Shape
There’s one thing you can’t overlook when you meet the works of Tim Jones and Silda Wall Spitzer: they’re heavy. Heavy because the works are typically large and are made with varying sizes and types of metals which are then combined and secured with other pieces of metal.
You have […]
Alden “Trevor” McWilliams
Alden “Trevor” McWilliams grew up as a faculty child on the Millbrook School campus in Millbrook, NY. His artistic expression was influenced by his grandfather, a professional illustrator, as well as his father who taught photography, drawing, and printmaking. Trevor’s love for the visual arts was solidified on trips to New York City’s museums, viewing atmospheric Hudson […]
Frances Palmer
Reading Frances Palmer’s brilliant Life in the Studio, published in 2020, was for me three parts exhilaration, one part exhaustion. The good kind. It may look like a modestly sized, more-of-same coffee table book, but it emphatically is not. It is a treatise creativity and inspiration as the subtitle announces, a manual on technique, a workplace journal, […]
More Mystery Houses
Exactly three years ago Main Street published its first article on mystery houses just in time for Halloween. Our readers responded enthusiastically to the story, so three years later we are revisiting some of our original mystery houses and adding new ones to watch. We ask readers to walk around their neighborhood and look out the car […]
November 2022 Recipe – Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
We are about to jazz up your Thanksgiving dessert table with this Pumpkin Chiffon Pie recipe! Pumpkin Chiffon Pie is just like traditional pumpkin pie… but different. It’s lighter and airier, with a texture like a cloud. A chiffon dessert gets this airiness from beaten egg whites which are stabilized with gelatin. The graham cracker crust is […]
Teamwork
Since the magazine’s inception almost ten years ago, we have (almost without fail) featured a local business each month to give a glimpse into the ins and outs of that business. These entrepreneurs have been kind enough to share their words of wisdom, business inspirations and drive, as well as their challenges and what they’ve learned along […]
Natural, by Design
A few years ago, a cryptic acronym began to appear in my social media feeds: “FKT.” Too lazy to look it up, I assumed it was expletive-based shorthand for the exasperated athletes who used it in association with stupidly long undertakings like ultramarathons and “Everesting,” where a cyclist attempts to climb the height of Mt. Everest in […]
Petunia
Petunia
Did you know that visually impaired cats can sense vibrations in the air with their whiskers? She may not see you, but pretty 16 ½-year-old Petunia can tell when you’re reaching out to pet her—welcoming your affection with her sweet squeaky mews.
In her forever home, senior kitty Petunia will act just like a […]
Midnight
Midnight
Midnight is a snortin’ happy 8-year-old American Bulldog mixed breed dog who is looking for a soft bed, a few stuffed toys, and some love and affection in his senior years. Midnight is a sweet, goofy 68 lb guy who was uprooted from the family he had always known. He’s known to be good with […]
Halloween Recap
Hope you all had a pawsome Halloween! Show me pictures – I want to see what all my furriends dressed up as. I saw some really great costumes! Moana, Maui, and Hei Hei just to name a few. Actually, truth be told, that’s what my family dressed up as. Ellie really wanted me to be part […]
Big Wallace
Big Wallace
Big Wallace is a regal 10-year-old cat who came to us as a stray. He is a chatty guy who will bring a smile to your face with his sweet soundings. He also loves belly rubs! Big Wallace is looking for someone he can curl up in bed with and wake up with […]
I’m A Good Man
Hi furriends! How was your week? Well, not to brag or anything but Ellie received an excellent furrst purrogress report at school. Purroud big brother moment, fur sure! I’m also happy to report I’ve been a good man! You know how I know this fur sure; because Ellie tells me at least thirty times a day. (I’d […]
Bowie
Bowie
Our own little starman, beautiful 16-year-old Bowie has a low-maintenance personality and is just looking for a cozy spot to curl up in. He would be perfectly happy with a nook to call his own, and attention when he wants it. Will you be Bowie’s hero in his golden years, and give him the […]
Joke’s On Me
Otis or Otis Joe is how I introduce myself. Howfurr at home Mom has many nicknames fur me. Otie, Otie Joe, Oat Man, Mister Man, Good Man, and her purrsonal favfurrite – Handsome Pants. I don’t mind having these names at home, but I would appurreciate these names not being repeated to family and furriends.
Here I am […]
Sharon Hospital Update
Christina McCulloch MBA, BSN, RN, President of Sharon Hospital presents Nuvance Health’s side of the debate about the future of its Labor & Delivery unit
In September, 2021, Nuvance Health announced plans to shut the Labor & Delivery unit at Sharon Hospital. In January, 2022, Nuvance submitted its application to the state of Connecticut. The next step in the regulatory […]
Roki
Roki
Furrever Missed
Life isn’t fair sometimes – like why can I only have a certain amount of turkey pur day before Mom and Dad cut me off – Ellie is willing to give me more! Why do some animals not have a furrever home? All animals deserve to be pampurred the way Mom tends to my evfurry need. And […]
Legends of the Fall
Renowned for his short stories, Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, American author Washington Irving is regarded as the Father of the American Ghost Story. Born in Manhattan in 1783, Irving was also a historian, essayist, and biographer.
Both of the ghostly tales mentioned above appear in […]
Local Legacy
Since the October issue celebrates the area’s rich history, it proved to be an opportune time to honor the achievements of William Edward Burghardt Du Bois. Renowned as W.E.B. Du Bois, he was a scholar, sociologist, historian, activist, and journalist.
The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA, features a permanent exhibition […]
Millbrook’s Museum in the Streets
Anyone who visits Millbrook, NY, will likely notice a series of panels mounted on posts that bring them to a comfortable reading level. Once noticed, they do seem to mushroom. In fact, there are 29 in all, three of which are most accessible by car; otherwise the panels, recounting […]
Rhinebeck Roots
With the news of the advanced Titanic 8K footage, which shows the most detail ever captured of the sunken ship and Titanic: The Exhibition debuting in Manhattan next month (at 526 6th Ave., New York, NY), there’s been a new wave of interest in this intriguing yet tragic story.
Of […]
Collecting Local History
When you really consider the everyday things around you, they start to seem like tiny miracles. – Amy Shearn
Next June 12 marks the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the “old Copake Falls Church” as home to the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society (RJHS) and Museum. The building itself, rescued from neglect and adaptively repurposed, turned 130 years old […]
Fall Festivities
Although many of us struggle to transition from summer to autumn, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the season. As we leave the long leisurely days of summer behind us, we learn to embrace the more structured routines that come along with fall. Many people enjoy their autumn traditions, which may include visiting corn mazes with the kids, […]
October 2022 Recipe – Puff Pastry Apple Tarts
Fall! It’s hard to believe that it’s October already! We are going to take it super easy on you this month. You’ll need to save your baking energy for the next few months as we approach the holiday season. We must admit that our first recipe attempt for this month was somewhat of a flop. It used […]
Water, Water, Everywhere?
This summer’s regional drought with four to five inches of rain less than usual, polluted city drinking water in Jackson, MS, and water restrictions in California emphasize the importance of water to our lives. What are the questions homeowners, and real estate buyers and sellers should have about the source and quality of the H2O coming out […]
An Artist’s Legacy
In honor of our “history” themed issue that you are currently reading, we opted to give a nod to an artist who not only resided in our area and worked here, but who has since passed – a first for us in this artist profile feature. CB had his selection of talented artists to choose from with […]
Frenchie
Frenchie
Octoburr!
Holy cold, Batman! Did someone flick a switch or did Fall just all of a sudden get the memo? Regardless, it’s been purrety chilly here in the house and to help save on oil and electric costs my purrents aren’t in any hurry to warm things up fur any length of time. The mini-splits push out heat […]
Farm Party With a Purpose
The Centennial Farms Foundation is having a party. It deserves to for all the hard work it does. It’s a party with a purpose, of course, and everyone of any age is invited. It’s the 2nd Annual Centennial Hay Day Charity Music Event at Kemmerer Farm in Stanfordville, NY. It’s on Saturday, October 8, from noon to […]
Spot
Spot
Meet Spot! This adorable Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix is currently looking for his forever home. He came to the shelter as a healthy stray from the town of Poughkeepsie. While he’s a little nervous when meeting new friends, just spend a few minutes with him and you will soon be BFFs. If you’re looking for […]
Drinking Water
On average, cats sleep twelve to sixteen hours per day; which is solely a fun fact fur you all and has absolutely nothing to do with this week’s topic. I hope you’re thirsty furriends, because we are about to talk about my favurrite beverage – water. I’ve heard you humans talking about how not all water tastes […]
Help Save Sharon Hospital – Join the community and its fight to save Sharon Hospital by attending these upcoming events
n September, 2021, Nuvance Health announced plans to shut the Labor and Delivery unit at Sharon Hospital. A 78-bed general hospital in Connecticut’s Litchfield County, Sharon Hospital services a community of thousands of people, and the nearest hospital is at least 45 minutes away. Nuvance Health’s explanation: Reduced patient demand and staffing challenges, which were further exacerbated by […]
Sphinx
Sphinx
A super-friendly green-eyed tuxedo cat, Sphinx will light up your home with his warmth and chatty meows. Sphinx is 2 years old, so he is still youthful, with all of the benefits of an adult cat. Sphinx has a magnetic personality and captures the attention of everyone he meets. He has a lot of […]
It’s the Pawliday Season
Oh Em Gee! You guys – Summer is ovfurr – fur real this time. Furrsday officially marks the furrst day of Fall, which also marks the beginning of…hold your reindeer!…the pawliday season!
Furrst, I have to get my tail in gear as to what I’d like to be fur Halloween. As you know Ellie is supurr into purrincesses […]
Luna
Luna
Fun and friendly, 3-year-old Luna is a goofy gal who loves to play and cuddle. This Beagle beauty came to us as a surrender and is hoping to go to her forever home soon. Luna especially enjoys human company and doesn’t like being left alone for too long. Since she is a Beagle, she […]
The Move and More
Purrdon me while I catch my breath – it’s been a supurr busy week! Aside furrom Ellie completing her furrst week of purr-k (which went paw-mazing!) Mom said the Main Street Magazine headquarters is officially all moved into their new space. They moved furrom 52 Main Street in Millerton down the street to 135 Route 44. Just […]
Intercept Wine
Molly
Molly
Molly is a friendly and extremely glamorous Ragdoll cat who came to us when her owner surrendered her. At only 6lbs and 17 years old, she is a sweet and petite senior. Molly loves to be petted, but is a bit apprehensive about being handled, so she is hoping for a furever home where […]
A New Chapter
Life is like a book full of chapters. Some good, some bad, and some that will leave you wanting more; which is what chapter thirteen left off. Not wanting summer of 2022 to come to an end.
Grab a blanket and a box of issues because chapter fourteen started off with Mom crying like baby, which she had […]
Wish
Wish
Nature on Repeat
“You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” – Dr. Seuss
When I first moved back to New York after almost 20 years in Oregon, I felt like the outdoor scene in New York City was never good enough. The rock climbers weren’t badass enough, the buzz of […]
Sports Enthusiasts Are Finding Themselves in a Pickle
The US Pickleball Association, reported the sport grew in 2020 to 4.2 million players in the US, a growth rate of 21.3% from 2019 per the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s 2021 Topline Participation Report. The average age for core players 47.5 and casual players 33.6, with 60% of core players 55 or older.
Pickleball was reportedly created […]
The World Championship of the Berkshires
“To finish is to win.” – Josh Billings
“If you’re not first, you’re last,” – Ricky Bobby
This year’s season at Tanglewood will end with a flourish: back-to-back nights with Van Morrison and Ringo Starr is about as impressive a finale to their concert season as anyone could conjure, short of the ghost of John Lennon sitting in on lead […]
How to Survive-And Enjoy!-The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival
It’s September, and that means festival season! One of the biggest (and best) in New York state is in our backyard. It’s the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival, held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on September 10 and 11, 2022. This year is the 21st anniversary of the festival. If you’ve been before, you know what […]
Pine Plains Community Day Returns
When you think of the quintessential small American town, what comes to mind? Pine Plains, NY, comes to the mind of many. Perhaps it is the fact that it’s a one-stop-light town; it has a committed fire department in the heart of the town as well as a beautiful library; it’s got numerous amazing restaurants; everyone knows […]
Mapping Their Future
Life is about following our dreams, creating happy memories, achieving personal goals, and simply enjoying the many moments we’re gifted. It’s also about pursuing interests and activities that make us feel truly alive. Many people enjoy the act of exploration. Driven by a sense of curiosity, they’re on a […]
Banned Books
Book censorship, especially in recent years, has become an increasingly prevalent topic in both national media and local regions where book challenges have arisen. According to Unite Against Book Bans, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative dedicated to standing up against book censorship, “there were more censorship attempts in […]
A Truly Xxxtraordinary Cause
When Colton was less than a year old, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition. I spoke with Michelle Hutchinson, Colton’s mom, all about her son’s story, how Colton’s XXXtraordinarY Cause came to be, the incredible outcomes they’ve seen, and what lies ahead for their organization.
Colton’s story
When speaking […]
The Roar of the Engines, The Delight of the Crowd
For reasons, obvious to some and confounding to others, many of us are unabashed collectors. Well designed, beautifully executed objects hypnotize us into swirls of fantasy and, at times, an obsessive need to have these items for ourselves. Pens. Watches. Bells. Glass sculptures. And, perhaps the most consuming … […]
September 2022 Recipe – Florentines
We feel as though we are letting down all you chocolate lovers out there! If you haven’t noticed, we are not big chocolate fans in our house. No one liked chocolate chips added to pancakes or banana bread, and if we made chocolate chip cookies, we would always add fewer chips than called for. Jane and Caroline […]
Agriculture, Industry, Arts, Community
What is it about the hamlet of Wassaic, NY, that has attracted industry and idealists for over 200 years? Wassaic’s Main Street is nestled in a valley between the Metro North Train line and the confluence of the Wassaic Creek and the Amenia Stream bordered to the east and west by mountains. It’s believed that the name […]
License to Play
Walking into the Re Institute in Millerton, NY, during exhibition hours you’re likely to find artist and founder/director, Henry Klimowicz mingling with visitors and enthusiastically explaining the current exhibition. The gallery, located in Klimowicz’s studio in a former dairy barn sits just north of the village of Millerton, and it exists in many ways as an outgrowth […]
Passports of Salisbury Set to Close its Doors
After over 20 years in the community, Passports of Salisbury, CT, will be closing in early September. Passports was founded by the late Elaine LaRoche in the late 1990s as she was living overseas in Asia and had a passion for sourcing unique items during her travels. In a 2019 article in Main Street Magazine, Elaine noted […]
Champe
Summer Recap
What the fluff happened to summer and why does it have to end so soon?! We sure did make so many wonderful memories – lets recap.
Mom and Dad took Ellie to Iceland fur the furrst time. She still talks about the geysers and how she wants to go back. Something tells me next summer they’ll go back. […]
Measure for Measure
It’s not out of the question that were Shakespeare a contemporary playwright, the title of Measure for Measure (on stage at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA through September 18) might have been “What Goes Around Comes Around.” It does … with truly engaging results.
The production marks a return of the work to the Lenox stage that […]
40 Under 40 in Columbia County
“Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself,” said George Bernard Shaw—the renowned Irish playwright, critic, polemicist, and political activist.
The world has many visionaries such as Mark Zuckerberg—the founder of Facebook, who created success at an early age. There’s also music master Justin Bieber who gained notoriety when he was still a teen, and […]
Petal
Petal
Slumber Pawty
Cat had my tongue all week as I was sworn to secrecy. Mom and Dad have a big surprise fur Ellie this Furriday; her very furrst sleepover with her three cousins! Dad and I will be outnumbered fur the night but I’m more worried about how Mom is going to handle the commotion of four little girls […]
The 2nd Annual Hudson Valley Rodeo
The 2nd annual Hudson Valley Rodeo is coming to Amenia, NY, on Saturday, September 17! Held at Keane Stud, this is an event full of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Doors will be opening at 12pm, and there is plenty of fun to look forward to before the rodeo begins. You can see rodeo clowns, barrel […]
Beyond Van Gogh
Beyond Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience being presented at Hartford’s Connecticut Convention Center through October 2 is an encounter with fine art unique in its content and scope. Audiences have never experienced art in this way before – the “immersive” designation is quite accurate. Over 300 of Van Gogh’s paintings appear in the 360 degree projections […]
Freda
Freda
Cuddly and friendly 3-year-old Freda is looking for a human BFF who will appreciate her for the amazing dog that she is. A true goofball, she is sure to make you smile. This smart gal already knows the commands “Sit,” “Come,” and “Get a toy.” She is looking for someone who will play […]
60 Years and Counting
Thank you all fur the purrthday wishes. I had a wonderful day catnapping, eating turkey, catnapping, snacking on pawty-mix, and catnapping. Mom and Dad can’t believe their furrst born is now a teenager, and Ellie was kind enough to sing happy purrthday to me. Aside furrom Mom smothering me in kisses, it was a purrfect day!
On a […]
The Phantom of the Open
Can we find time for a gentle, heart-warming story in this summer of discontent? Can we find a few hours to step inside the cool, dark confines of a local theatre and dive into the almost unbelievable story of golfer Maurice Flitcroft who was, in truth “The Phantom of the Open?” Indeed we can … and should.
Central […]
Dracula
Dracula will be haunting the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA through August 27 th as Berkshire Theatre Company presents an intriguing new interpretation of the classic adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic novel.
In all candor, the play has been done and redone, adapted and filmed so many times that the mere announcement of yet another production might have […]
Just Peachy
Kallie
Kallie
Beautiful 14-year-old Kallie still has plenty of love to give. A little shy at first, after a couple of minutes of your gentle petting, she will let you know she’s happy with her purring! She is looking for an owner who will show her unconditional love, and give her the opportunity to adjust to […]
Purrthday Wishes
There are so many August purrthdays in the family, but today I am meowing furrom the rooftops…correction, furrom Dad’s nightstand, a very happy fourth purrthday to my kid sister, Ellie!
This past weekend Mom and Dad threw a little purrthday pawty fur Ellie. Purrincess themed of course. And what purricess pawty would be complete without cupcakes topped with […]
Obie
Obie
Super-smart, 7-year-old Obie knows commands including: sit, down, paw, come, stay, drop it, and roll over. A fun guy who would love a human BFF to play with, Obie is a huge fan of toys and tennis balls. After his evening walk, Obie picks out the toy he wants for the night and prances excitedly […]
Bed Hog
Mom has been, and purrobably always will be, a night owl, making her the last one to crawl into bed. When she finally comes to bed, she expects to have at least half of the king size bed, which is almost nevfurr the case.
Us guys have our own bedtime routine. Furrst and foremost, find the TV remote […]
Guys and Dolls
Live theatre is back at the venerable Sharon Playhouse (Sharon, CT) where their full-blown production of Guys and Dolls is in place through August 14th. Director/Choreographer Justin Boccitto, who is also serving as “Interim Artistic Director,” made the creative decision to have all of the dancing be tap, and the result is quite amazing. This production marks […]
Decay, the Good Way
There is something poetic, almost lyrical about compost, I’ve decided. True, most of the compost-conscious world focuses on prosaic matters like the ratio of nitrogen to carbon, feedstocks, and NYS DEC 360 permits. It elevates creatures that I’m guessing are voracious, called detritivores, and their taste for rotting food to levels that imply they are essential. And […]
Taking the Waste out of Food Waste
It is a dilemma that everyone has most likely experienced. You lean back from the table as your food baby protrudes in front of you. Your plate still features the remaining forkfuls of food. Despite your best efforts you can’t bring yourself to finish the meal in an attempt to avoid the same fate as Mr. Creosote […]
Time to Go Tubing
Picture this: Blue skies, warm sun, a tree-lined river gurgling and beckoning. It’s the ultimate outdoorsy lazy landscape, and all you need to enjoy it is a large tube.
The folks at Farmington River Tubing (FRT) in New Hartford, CT, understand the lure and appeal of a river float. They’ve […]
“You Kids Are Always on Your Phones”
Social media plays a prominent part in most, if not all, of our lives. It might have been a Facebook post that brought you to this article online, or maybe an Instagram story reminded you to pick up a copy of Main Street. Even if social media did not […]
Bodies in Motion – The Clark’s Rodin in the United States
Inertia is a body’s tendency to stay in motion. That principle is captured in the sculptures and sketches of Auguste Rodin, on view now at the Clark Art Museum. The exhibition, entitled Rodin in the United States: Confronting the Modern, has two sides: the scholarly aspect, which meticulously documents […]
Save Sharon Hospital from Closing its Services
In September, 2021 Nuvance Health announced plans to shutter the Labor and Delivery Unit at Sharon Hospital – a 78-bed general hospital in Connecticut’s Litchfield County. At the time, Nuvance announced that it would also make cuts to the Surgical Department and Intensive Care Unit. The reason: reduced patient […]
Finding Joy through Flow and Play
The last few years have certainly proved challenging for many. With COVID-19 circulating, and lockdowns and travel restrictions in place, many of us have felt “stagnant.” The term “languishing” describes the way many of us felt. The opposite of thriving, languishing leaves us feeling apathetic.
We can jumpstart our lives again. Each one of us holds the power […]
Maestros and Mountains at 93
With the New England summer halfway through its creative arc, Music Mountain, the Falls Village, CT, treasure that has been celebrating live performances for 93 years continues to charm … and to evolve. “We’ve brought some of the finest chamber music groups and legendary jazz musicians together for another great season,” offers artistic director Oskar Espina-Ruiz. “With […]
August 2022 Recipe – Blueberry Crumb Cake
What a perfect cake to have for breakfast or snacking. Perfect for a summer picnic and parties. Caroline and I made this after picking blueberries from a local farm in Red Hook, NY. I have been doing a lot of fruit picking this summer. Last month I picked some of the best cherries I’ve ever eaten. If […]
Collecting Forgotten History
Alexandra Peters gave me a private tour of her sampler collection on display at the Sharon Historical Society through October just after this enthralling exhibition opened in June. It was a very personal introduction to the art and meaning of needlework samplers which reveal the lives of American girls and their families from 1700 to 1850. The […]
In Focus
“The Earth took me in, held me and taught me the wonder of my senses: to see beyond clouds to fantastic beings, to hear the weather in the wind, to smell the stories of trees, animals, streams, and to feel the soft mosses, waxy leaves, and sun-warmed stones below the skin – to feel them with my […]
Open Studios in the Hudson Valley
Summer in the country brings endless opportunities for weekend entertainment across the towns and villages of our rural area. Whether you like music or art, farmer’s markets or yard sales, the Hudson Valley and Litchfield Hills offer something for everyone on nearly every summer weekend. We’ve had food festivals, book signings, and car shows already this summer […]
Wine of the Week(end)
If you’re heading to an outdoor event this weekend – and who isn’t? – the perfect take-along wine that pairs well with everything is a Portuguese Vinho Verde. The literal translation is “green wine,” but it’s named after the region in Northern Portugal where the grapes it’s made from are grown. Vinho Verde is renowned for its […]
Ace
Ace
Incredibly sweet and friendly, five-year-old Ace enjoys the company of both humans and other cats. A very affectionate cat, Ace is the ideal pet for any household! Famous for requesting belly rubs, don’t be surprised when he expresses his love by rubbing his face all over you. Adorable Ace ended up in the shelter through […]
Heat Wave vs. The Beach
Holy heat wave Batman! Mom, Dad, and Ellie went to the beach fur their annual long weekend getaway. I’m not the weatherman, but I do know fur a fact they didn’t need to drive all the way to the beach to sweat their fur off. Despite Mom leaving the air conditioning on fur me, the heat index […]
Hymn
Let’s start with the basic, unemotional information. Hymn, a new play by British playwright Lolita Chakrabarti is running at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre on the campus of Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA through August 28th. The “two hander” is directed by Regge Life and stars Kevin Craig West and “ranney.”
Now, for the emotional reaction.
Breath taking!
A […]
More Music on the Mountain
Forgive us. We can’t pass up the chance to declare that concerts staged on two upcoming Wednesdays at 5:00 PM in Gordon Hall at Music Mountain in Falls Village (July 27th and August 3rd) are ”going for Baroque.” It is the summer, after all – shorts, watermelon and bad plays on words are all in season.
The Northwest […]
Dino
Dino
Three-year-old Dino is a goofy guy who loves to play. Toss him a ball and he couldn’t be happier. At the shelter, Dino inspires smiles in everyone with his enthusiasm for games of fetch and squeaky toys. An easygoing boy, 59lb Dino walks wonderfully on a leash. He is housetrained and […]
Hey Sweet Cheeks
Sorry in advance to speak on such an awkward topic this week, but I could really use your thoughts on a purrticular subject. I’ve obviously been using the litter box fur my entire life, but out of nowhere Mom appurroached me asking if I’d be willing to ditch the box and use the toilet like appurrently so […]
A Walk in the Woods
A ticket to experience “A Walk in the Woods” on stage at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA through September 4th is the invitation to witness a master class in acting cloaked in 2 hours of dramatic brilliance. Lee Blessing’s carefully crafted story of two arms negotiators – Andrey Botvinnick, a Russian played with unbridled enthusiasm and […]
Where the Crawdads Sing
There is a bit of irony in viewing the new film Where the Crawdads Sing in an air-conditioned New England theater. The atmosphere throughout the adaptation of the Delia Owens best-selling novel evokes a pervasive sense of being in the North Carolina marshlands. If nothing else, the entire film is quite successful in transporting us to a […]
Lanaya
Lanaya
Playful Lanaya is a cat who is full of surprises! One moment she might be rubbing against your legs, and the next she’s chasing a dust particle through the air. At eleven and a half years old, Lanaya still has a lot of pep in her step. Energetic Lanaya’s big personality is packaged in a […]
The Birth of Main Street Moxie-So You Wanna Start A Podcast?
What do you do when your magazine editor approaches you to start a podcast? One option is to run screaming from her office. The second option is to put her off for months with vague responses and avoidance until that’s no longer an option. Then you break down and say yes. I chose the latter path and […]
Woodchucks
Hi furriends! How has your week been? I’ve been supurr busy practicing my woodchuck hunting skills. We’ve had woodchucks at our house befurr, but we seem to have an entire village living under our deck recently. Purrhaps that’s a little dramatic – we only have three. But that’s three more than Dad purrfurrs to have living under […]
Much Ado About Nothing
There is a bit of everything in the current offering of “Much Ado About Nothing” at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA, playing through August 14 th in The New Spruce Theatre. In sumptuous blending, there is treachery and trickery, jealousy and jeopardy, love and loss and above all a wonderful blanket of comedy. The Bard knew […]
Delilah
ORGANIZATION
The Dutchess County SPCA is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The […]
Matua
It seems there are more New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs on the shelves in wine stores than there are sheep in that country – and that’s saying something!! How to choose from among the burgeoning selection? Here’s one that’s tasty, affordable, and widely available: Matua. I was skeptical about this one when I chose it at a seafood […]
Happy Anniversary
July 6th is a very special date in our household (in case you couldn’t already tell by Mom’s license plate). Can you believe Mom and Dad became official sixteen years ago today? To put it into purrspective, that’s literally half of Mom’s lifetime – making them true high school sweethearts. And nine years ago today, they tied the […]
Once
“Once,” on stage at Berkshire Theatre Group’s Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield runs through July 16th. If your summer plans have an open evening, this is the place to spend it … wrapped in the music, the magic of this incredible production. The closing ballad of this 8 TONY Award winning play celebrates the tsunami of emotion that […]
July 2022 Recipe – Strawberry Shortcake
We are both celebrating our birthdays this month, hence the Happy Birthday banner. We are sharing with you one of our all-time favorite desserts, strawberry shortcake! Strawberry shortcake screams summer. Strawberries are ready to pick and are just so sweet and juicy. If picked fresh, they taste like strawberries should! Pair them with this wonderful pound cake […]
5 Benefits of Getting Your Property Surveyed
Bill Eggers currently works and lives in the Hudson Valley and has seen the spike in property sales. With this increase I hopes to provide valuable insight to homeowners on the benefits of getting their property surveyed.
His expertise stems from his experience as a licensed professional surveyor with over 40 years of experience. Bill currently works at Medenbach & […]
Clambake Fundraiser
It’s time to celebrate the life and legacy of Jane Lloyd – a self-employed gardener and landscaper who passed away from breast cancer in 2005. When Lloyd’s illness made it difficult for her to earn a living, friends and family responded by graciously providing her with financial assistance, which […]
Caffeine Capitol
In The Warden, novelist Anthony Trollope asks “What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?”
For centuries, coffee has been a daily ritual for people worldwide. Minutes after waking up, many people across the world eagerly anticipate their first sips of […]
All That Java
When coffee beans are picked from the stems of plants and removed from their protective coverings, they are green, tasting something like grass if they have any taste at all, and fibrous. The two species that dominate the coffee market, Arabica (coffea arabica) and Robusta (coffea canephora) did not rise to the top in their field (of […]
Yes Way Rose
Memorial Day weekend was a glorious kick-off to summer this year, with bright blue skies and limitless sunshine and temps in the 80s. And here it is July already, with summer in full swing. When you’re in a soaking-up-the-sun mood, there’s nothing better than a glass of Rosé. It’s […]
In Good Spirits
It’s been a while since we’ve been able to hop a flight to some exotic overseas locale to revel in the stimulation of new perspectives, flavors, and people. Many of us are craving novel experiences and, luckily the Hudson Valley has so many enticing destinations that are in proximity. […]
Scottish Spirits
Several years ago, Main Street featured John Dyson and Millbrook Vineyards and Winery which Dyson and his wife started in 1979. Now he has created a new business with his daughter and son-in law – Tenmile Distillery in Wassaic, NY, and once again converted dairy acreage into a destination. It was time to talk again with this […]
The Importance Of Being Frank
Young Benjamin had been sitting, patiently, with his family at one of the community tables on the patio at “frank,” the captivating new restaurant in West Cornwall, CT. While the others had mastered a salad and an elegant asparagus with lemon ricotta appetizer, he was left to anticipate the Margherita pizza that appeared as entrées were fetched […]
Keeping It Local
After spending over a decade in various culinary roles in the Hudson Valley and beyond, Mark Fredette unveiled Iron & Grass – a family-owned “chophouse” in Hudson, NY. The local farm-to-table restaurant and bar opened its doors in August 2021.
“We call it a ‘chophouse’ because ‘steakhouses’ focus on beef,” says Fredette, chef and owner of Iron & Grass. […]
Reflections Of An Aspiring Vegan
Our lifestyle and eating choices are as varied and different as we are as individuals. Some of us couldn’t fathom giving up meat or sugar, while others couldn’t imagine having carbs be a part of their life. That combined with all of the diets that have come and gone, we’ve all gone through phases of lifestyle and […]
A Tournament of Lies in Wassaic
The Wassaic Project’s Summer Exhibition currently on view at Maxon Mills brings together a dynamic group of international artists in all media – painting, sculpture, mixed media, video, charcoal, collage, neon, textile, and more. What’s striking about the show is the range of disciplines on display and the innovative use of materials, from traditional oil paint and […]
Mexican Corn, Pasta And Kale Salad
Summer is the height of growing season for us here regionally, and in honor of that we asked Chelsea Streifeneder of Body Be Well Pilates and Nutrition to share with us a healthy, delicious, and (somewhat) local recipe that is perfect for those summer barbecues. Enjoy!
It has been so busy lately and I feel like there is […]
When The Family’s Away…
Mom, Dad, and Ellie just took a trip to Iceland; purrimarly to visit family. Surpurrise surpurrise, they left me home alone fur an entire week with the exception of a daily visit furrom Nana around suppurr time.
I’m usually on my very best behavior when I’m home alone. I try to be mindful of the amount of fur I leave […]
Red Jacket Farm in Roxbury, CT
Country compound and equestrian property. Set on 20.14± acres, this magnificent property includes the modern shingle-style main residence, heated infinity pool and spa, bath house, guest cottage, cottage, studio, horse barn, trout pond, 2 brooks, rolling lawns, pastures and paddocks. The main residence is a c1747 Georgian moved to property and rebuilt in 1991 and spacious […]
B.R.O.K.E.N. code B.I.R.D. switching
It’s not your typical summer fare. “B.R.O.K.E.N. code B.I.R.D. switching” currently on the Larry Vaber Stage at Berkshire Theatre Group’s Unicorn Stage in Stockbridge has intriguing music, engrossing visuals, superb acting and a grip on the audience that lasts well past a thunderous curtain call into the Berkshire evening. It is not, however, light, breezy, escapist or […]
Wine of the Week(end)
Summer is upon us and it’s the perfect season for sangria. There are many premade sangrias that can simply be chilled and served over ice. Super easy and convenient. You can then add whatever you want to make it extra fun – fresh fruit, additional fruit juice, a splash of brandy or triple sec, even seltzer or […]
Cadbury
ORGANIZATION
The Dutchess County SPCA is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The […]
Becoming A Purrfessional
This might come as surpurrise to some of you; but I feel like it’s time to finally come clean and tell the truth now that we’re 146 posts in. I’m not really a writer, nor do claim to be or think this would be the purrfect purrofession fur me. In between catnaps recently, I’ve been giving it […]
Come Home to Peace and Harmony
Deal of the Week
27 North Mountain Road, Copake Falls, NYMLS # 142414
This magnificent property boasts some of the finest Charming 1890’s Victorian farmhouse with two-story barn (w/horse fencing) on 5+/- acres with the Taconic State Park/Bash Bish Falls (i.e. walking distance to hiking trails, swimming & thousands of acres of protected land). Just steps away. […]
Mickey
ORGANIZATION
The Dutchess County SPCA is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The […]
Looking at Analog Mastered on Main Street
In a world where we can access any part of the planet from a computer in our pocket, what does it mean to be “of a place”? For winemakers, this is “terroir,” the ultimate expression of not just a region, but even a particular plot of land and the micro and macro influences on the grapes that […]
Father’s Day
Father’s Day is Sunday, and that calls for something special.
If you’ll be gathered around the grill and are looking for a wine that will pair perfectly with beef and that will have Dad saying, “Hey, wow, who brought this wine?” then here’s my recommendation:
Robert Mondavi’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet […]
The Man. The Myth. The Cat Dad Legend
So what if this isn’t the most flattering picture of Dad and I? It just so happens to be one of my favfurrites. Clearly we go way back. The only thing that’s noticeably diffurrent is the amount of white hairs we both have thirteen years later. Regardless of how we look and how old we are now, […]
260 E Canaan Rd, East Canaan, CT
Explore Anywhere!
It’s time to get outside and support the Housatonic River Watershed with Explore-a-thon
The Housatonic Valley Association’s (HVA) Explore-a-thon event invites outdoors enthusiasts, families, friends, community members, and anyone who loves nature to participate in its inaugural Explore-a-thon—a month-long, virtual fundraising event that kicked off June 1 and lasts the entire month.
Explore-a-thon encourages people to explore any part of the […]
Kitty
ORGANIZATION
The Dutchess County SPCA is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The […]
Bad Timing
Hopefully I’m not interrupting you right meow, but to err on the side of caution, I’ll make this post short and sweet.
You know when you’re out to eat and you’ve just taken a bite of your delicious meal when all of a sudden the waiter comes over to ask how everything is.
Talk about bad timing, right?
All you can […]
Picture Perfect Estate in Washington, CT
One of the Most Admired Homes in Washington CT. Ultra Top Location on Quiet Secondary Town Road. Picture Perfect Estate with Meticulous Main House, Converted Barn Guest House, Pool & Pool House. Set on 11+ Flat, Useable & Manicured Acres Dotted with Fruit Trees & Mature Gardens. First Time to the Market in Over 30 Years. […]
Charlie
ORGANIZATION
The Dutchess County SPCA is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The […]
Sun Bummin’
Memorial Day seems to be the unofficial kick-off to summer and when the fashion police lift the unwritten laws on being able to wear white again. Such a weird rule if you ask me. I wear white all year round and no one evfurr says anything about my attire. But as my Mom has always taught me, […]
Top Gun: Maverick
TOP GUN: MAVERICK!. Tom Cruise! Adrenaline pumping fighter jet sequences! Screaming motorcycles! Jennifer Connelly! Val Kilmer!. That’s apparently all need one recite to fill movie theaters for the first time in years.
“Top Gun: Maverick” is here. It’s out. And the cash registers across America’s challenged web of cinematic shrines are ringing. The nicest part of that affirmation […]
Keeping the Faith
Within the last few years, many of us have experienced challenging times. With the arrival of the pandemic, we’ve all faced varying amounts of uncertainty, fear, and the effects of isolation. Many of us were overburdened as we juggled our jobs and the demands of family life during a time of remote work and home schooling. As […]
Peonies
As an English native who ended up gardening in the New England entirely by mistake, my gripping about the length of the gardening season here knows no bounds. I will bore anyone with ears about it. However, the one silver lining to enduring our interminable winters here to then be slapped with an utterly miserable cold and […]
Southern New England by Contrast
This is a beautiful part of the country, it really is. At least once a week, a certain slant of light or the fleeting glimpse of a fox reminds me how lucky we are to live amidst such natural wonders.
But March?
This year, that fifth month of winter nudged me toward a madness that inspired the writers of […]
Curated by the Community
As of 2021, according to statistics from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, little more than 240,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War ll are alive today. Last year marked the 80th anniversary of what President Franklin D. Roosevelt would famously call “a date which will live in infamy.” The Japanese attack on […]
Coloring Our Past
Last school year, our Searching for Slavery class was encouraged to explore ways to authentically share our work with the community. The idea of a public event appealed to us.
Fast forward to this year, nine community schools – public and independent, middle, and high school – gathered on April 28 and 29 at Troutbeck in Amenia, NY, […]
Balancing Change and Tradition
There’s a whirlpool of change currently swirling around the communities of the Hudson Valley and the neighboring townships of Berkshire and Litchfield counties. The events of the past two years have taken what was only recently a noticeable but measured trot from tradition to change in our area and has accelerated at a confusing pace thanks to […]
Getting into the Swing of Golf
Sometimes the Universe aligns in a particular way and propels you in a new direction. So it has been with me and golf. Friends applying positive peer pressure, a membership special at Canaan Country Club in Canaan, CT, and the discovery of a brand-new unboxed set of golf clubs. They had lain dormant in our garage attic […]
Second Saturday
In the hills of Connecticut’s Litchfield County is Kent Barns – a sprawling complex of antique barns that are home to a variety of stylish art galleries, shops, and top-notch eateries. Visitors flock there for Second Saturday – a family-friendly community event, which kicked off May 14 and runs […]
Making All the Difference
Whenever I see the title for this publication, Main Street Magazine, I think not just of the small businesses on “Main Street,” but of the sidewalks that connect the businesses and are a wonderful place to see familiar faces, be recognized by friends, and meet new acquaintances.
There are many […]
The Renaissance
To be at the intersection of Railroad and Main Streets in Great Barrington, MA, today is, for people who know the history of the town, like being at the graduation of one’s child from a Master’s Degree program. Thirty years ago, today’s scene was a dream and a plan.
Today, […]
Rising Up
As things heat up for summer and life continues to feel like it did pre-pandemic, we’ll all be yearning to go out and have some fun. While we’re reveling in our newfound freedom and embracing the summer season, we’ll want to crank up the music and dance. Whether you’re […]
Something is Going On
What has been happening over the last four years in our area’s real estate markets? This article analyzes sales in the Town of Ancram, NY, since Main Street’s last coverage four years ago to get a market snapshot in just one Columbia County town. (This feature is data intensive. For background on the community you can read […]
June 2022 Recipe – Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge
Fudge you’re thinkin’? Yes! Fudge for June. When I (Olivia) was down south last year for my stepfather Claude’s funeral, I was looking through his things and came across a fudge recipe. It was written on a yellow, tattered piece of paper with chocolate smudges on it. I have a vague memory of my stepdad making the […]
A Blooming Business
The foundation of our local communities are its residents and businesses. We here at Main Street love nothing more than spreading their stories and the mantra of local as well as supporting local. With that in mind, we were excited to have a chance to learn more about Amanda Zick and Margaret (Greta) Anderson of A+M Flower […]
The Big Country Sky
Last winter the Dell Eads Reading Room at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, CT, got some unexpected visitors. Renowned kinetic sculptor, Tim Prentice and his longtime artistic collaborator, Dave Colbert were looking up at the ceiling of the octagonal shaped room, considering the light. Prentice and Colbert were being shown a potential location for […]
Feather
ORGANIZATION
The Dutchess County SPCA is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The […]
Memorial Day Festivities
There’s no better way to taste a whole lotta local in one place than to attend the Hudson Berkshire Wine & Food Festival on Memorial Day weekend, May 28 and 29. Held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham, NY, the festival attracts craft beverage makers from not just the Hudson Valley, but from all over the […]
Misheard Lyrics
As I’ve mentioned purreviously – Mom’s furrst love was music. Regardless if there is actually music playing or not, she’s a singing machine. Not to sound bias, but Mom’s singing voice is American Idol worthy. In fact, I’m purretty sure I inherited my beautiful singing voice (aka purring) furrom her. Mom and I have a few singers […]
Rare Direct Waterfront in Warren, CT
Town: Warren, CT
Price: $3,495,000
Rooms: 10
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 4
Style: Modern
Acreage: 1.19 +/- acres
Age: 1987
Rare Direct Waterfront Lake Waramaug 4 Bedroom/4 Bathroom Home with Open Kitchen/Living/Dining Area Overlooking the Lake. 1st Floor Master Suite. Screened Porch & Balcony. Finished Walk-out Lower Level. Detached 2-car Garage with Office Above. Level Property to Gorgeous Lakefront. New Dock. Western Views. Must See!
For […]
Sherman
ORGANIZATION
The shelter is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The Adoption & […]
Wine for a Hot Weekend
What? Temperatures in the 90s on Saturday, May 21?! This kind of day calls for a refreshingly cold, dry glass of wine.
The perfect choice is a crisp Chenin Blanc, and a delicious choice is the MAN Chenin Blanc from South Africa. Chenin Blanc is a very versatile grape that can be fashioned into everything from a crisp […]
Sour Then Sweet
Evfurryone is entitled to their feelings, right? At least thats what Nana has always said. To put it into purrospective fur you humans, I tend to be like those Sour Patch candies at times. Furrst I’m sour, then I’m sweet. But allow me explain the reasoning behind my most recent cattitude.
Did you guys see the video Mom […]
Main Street Hillsdale
Deal of the Week
here are a number of special properties within the Hillsdale hamlet and this 3-family home has its place among them. As a 3-family, there are two 2-bedroom apartments and a 1-bedroom. As a conversion back to its original single family home the results could be spectacular.
Proudly sited in the heart of the […]
Hugh
ORGANIZATION
The shelter is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The Adoption & […]
Purre-k
Fur rather obvious reasons, I nevfurr went to public school; I was home-schooled. That’s not to say I didn’t receive the propurr education. Although the only thing I didn’t learn in my academic career was becoming a big brother – good thing that came naturally to me. It’s mind boggling that four years ago I was preparing […]
Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Event May 14th, 2022
My name is Luis Abramson founder of (CHJI) Cultivating Healing & Justice Initiative Support Services Inc. I would like to extend an invitation to the entire Hudson Valley community to join us in Otisville, for a dynamic community awareness event highlighted with the Mount Sinai, Robert F. Smith Prostate Cancer Screening Mobile Unit. This is the only […]
Apple Lane Farm in Washington, CT
Town: Washington, CT
Price: $2,995,000
Rooms: 10
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 3 Full, 2 Half
Style: Colonial
Acreage: 10.2 +/- acres
Age: 1780
Full of history, character, grace and charm from the time of the Revolutionary war thru the Civil War where lore has it that it was part of the Underground Railroad to today Apple Lane Farm has taken its place in Washington as […]
Sage
ORGANIZATION
8 Dodd Road
New Milford, CT 06776
(860) 354-1350
For the safety of our staff, volunteers and animals – we are not accepting walk-ins at this time. If you have any questions, please email animalwelfare.socty@snet.net or call the Shelter.
Appointment hours will be as follows:
Tuesday 11 AM – 6 PM
Wed- Saturday 11 AM – 2 PM
Visit AWS Online at[…]
TRADE SECRETS™ GARDEN EVENT COMES TO LIME ROCK PARK
Dubbed the “Northeast’s Garden Event of the Year,” Trade Secrets™ Returns This Year to a New Venue
Lakeville, CT — It’s that time of year again to plan your annual trek to the Litchfield Hills of CT for Trade Secrets™ on Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, 2022. Considered the Northeast’s “garden event of the year,” […]
Elegant Hilltop Home With Mountain Views
Well-maintained home in move-in condition now available for sale in lovely Lakeville CT. This prime property is on 6+ acres and is quiet, spacious, and private. Sunlight-filled rooms are great entertaining spaces with 2 wood-burning fireplaces, a stone patio, and a fully equipped kitchen. Additional rooms include a Library/Den with built-in bookcases and alcove, a sitting […]
Purrivacy Please!
Why is it that humans request, purractically demand, purrivacy when using the facilities? Even Ellie, at the age of three, now requires the door be closed when using the little girls room. (Fun fact Ellie; all purrincesses sit on a throne!)
Purrhaps I was wrong in assuming bathroom breaks were purrime time to catch up on daily conversations. […]
Hillsdale “Meme” Account Takes Off: Lampooning and Laughing Together
Mark Twain once said that humor is the good natured side of a truth. In a time where both seem to have been cast aside in favor of whatever fancies our political discontent, obscure revolutionaries remain. In the small Hamlet of Hillsdale, New York, the typical small town disputes mixed with political lines in the sand have […]
Driven to Lead
How do you measure fortitude? It is a unique human attribute in that we all possess some measure of it, yet many of us rarely utilize this internal strength to its fullest potential. Even more poignant is the distinct imbalance between those who must retain fortitude in order to simply move forward in their lives. Hollywood films […]
Moving Heaven
Moving is stressful. Upheaval, resurfacing of possessions that trigger memories, deciding what to keep, toss, and donate, guesstimating where the furniture will fit, and finding a mover all contribute to the angst. Even local moves in the same town stir up conflicting emotions and create drama. A recent local move brought all these issues and feelings to […]
The Heart of Cycling Returns
The notion of combining tradition with passion is baked into the spirit of the Hudson Valley. The open air, along with the history of our area have made it one of the most attractive destinations in the state. When folks come, they cannot help but linger, and when they linger for long enough, they have a habit […]
All Aboard
Kingston, NY, is renowned for many things. Most noteworthy, it served as New York’s first capital in 1777. After the Battles of Saratoga, the riverside city was burned by the British on October 16, 1777. In the 19th century, Kingston became an important transport hub after the discovery of […]
Walk This Way
Tracing history back to the earliest civilizations, people always found ways of traveling from one point to another. Whether it was by walking, traveling by horseback, or via a car, boat, train, or plane, people have always been on the move.
In the same way that former lighthouses have been […]
True Believer
One can hear the energy and the excitement when Torsten Gross talks about his newest adventure. The Just Hands Racing Foundation is the latest in a string of challenging endeavors that has marked the very full life of Torsten. He is a true believer, 100% committed to this intriguing […]
Getting into the Flow
When interscholastic sports first appeared, it was in the form of school organizations that reached out to neighboring schools in the manner of colleges and universities. Track and field, baseball, and football clubs eventually became teams, which in turn spawned leagues, divisions, state championships, and cottage industries of coaches […]
The Down and Dirty
Many thanks to all of those who have shared their experience with dirt roads for this article including real estate agents, people who live on dirt roads, highway superintendents, town supervisors, first selectmen, and scientists. As usual, what I thought might be a clear conclusion about the impact of a dirt roads on real estate values, turned […]
May 2022 Recipe – Apple Pie Enchiladas
We first made this recipe years ago when there was some sort of celebration in a Spanish class. My kids were always bringing something into school for some function or another and it was always brought upon me at the last minute to whip something up for them to share. We always had apples on hand as […]
A Building Not Set in Stone
The past few years have proved to be a time like no other for everyone around the globe – and businesses were effected in every which way, too. There were many businesses that struggled due to Covid, while others flourished. This can be said on a global scale and certainly at a local scale, as we all […]
Surrounded by Imagination
There’s a certain inexplicability that comes with properly capturing a moment, scene or feeling. Perhaps that’s why the elusive action is so closely associated with the great artist. To funnel the world as it exists through the imagination, molded there into something that others connect with on a level even they cannot articulate.
That, perhaps, is what the […]
Historic Village Space Hosts Ukranian Fundraising Efforts
As the war in Ukraine grows longer and more terrible with each passing day, efforts to support the war-torn country here in the states have become more passionate than ever. In the Village of Millerton, NY, residents and businesses have become familiar with the fervent humanitarian efforts of Polish-born André Wlodar and his wife Kim Schmidt-Wlodar. Since […]
A New Breed of Shark
Baby sharks, Mommy sharks, Daddy sharks – that’s the extent of my knowledge on sharks (thanks to Ellie). So when Mom announced with excitement her Shark had arrived, I had no idea what to expect, but it is in my cat DNA to be curious.
I sat and watched as Mom carefully opened a box to a new […]
Easter Review
Top of the afternoon to ya! (Sorry, my Mom’s ridiculous fake British accent is contagious!) I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. I tried staying awake to catch a glimpse of the rabbit, but as the saying goes, he was ‘quick like a bunny!’ Better luck next year I guess.
The Easter Bunny outdid himself again this […]
Dream Land
Mom, Dad, and Ellie had their furrst weekend getaway of the year this past weekend and left me to my own devices. I had no one to talk to, no one to play with, and no one to give the stink eye to when swooping in for a kiss. With so much time on my paws and […]
Giving Life to your Backyard
When I began my journey into wildlife photography about ten years ago, I was assuming I was entering into a field in which I’d have a new way to create beautiful photographs. Although this turned out to be true, I quickly realized there was so much more. With each subject I captured, I returned home with my […]
Wonderful Period Home in Goshen, CT
Town: Goshen, CT
Price: $1,095,000
Rooms: 10
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 2/1
Style: Colonial
Acreage: 10. +/- acres
Age: 1850
Truly Wonderful Period Home Set on 10±Acres. Very Livable 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Colonial. All the Right Rooms Including: Instagramable Kitchen with Enviable Garland Stove, Built-in Banquet & Butler’s Pantry; Commodious Dining Room with Fireplace; Welcoming Living Room with Fireplace; Sun Room with Woodstove; Library […]
Athena
ORGANIZATION
The shelter is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The Adoption & […]
The Twenty-Furrst Century
You guys purrobably won’t believe me when I tell you we just got Internet at our house after living there fur four, almost five years. No, I’m not kitten. And no we don’t live under a rock. Purrhaps I should refurrase that. We’ve had very little internet service at our house; basically dial-up speed. We seem to […]
A Vegan Journey
“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on animals involved. For whatever reason, we are now asking the question: “Why should animals have rights?” Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA
Veganism is a philosophy of living that seeks to exclude the exploitation of […]
Ways You Can Help Mother Earth
When we think of the challenges that the Earth faces – and let’s be honest, most of them are man-made – it seems at times to be an uphill battle to turn it all around. But we quickly saw at the start of Covid how cities that once had been smog-filled had clean air within a few […]
Climate Smart Communities
In an age of heightened climate consciousness, where political leaders and corporate enterprises have begun to feel the pressure of concerned citizens and scientists regarding the health of the planet, grassroot volunteerism has sprung up across communities everywhere. Residents in cities and towns across the country are coming together to identify and respond to the impacts of […]
Going Home Again
There’s a groundswell taking place within our snug corner on the edge of the New England corridor that, despite feeling overwhelmingly personal for our area, holds a mirror up to an entire nation feeling the anxiety of living affordably. Months into the unexpected era of pandemic lockdowns, families who had been working in the upscale neighborhoods of […]
Green Ideas for Gift Giving
As we embrace spring, we revel in the freedom that emerges with the arrival of warmer weather. With the darkest days of the pandemic hopefully behind us, we’re all anticipating more gatherings, parties, and celebrations. Of course, many of these occasions call for gift-giving – bestowing someone with that […]
Speaking for the Trees
We have a long, and at times, turbulent history with the trees and forests that inhabit our vast landscape. Even before Europeans sailed across the Atlantic in a vain attempt to tame the “pristine wilderness” of the New World, humans were utilizing American forests to help support their way […]
Let’s get started in the Garden
Hello, gardening enthusiasts! Welcome to April, the month to start getting serious about what you hope to grow this season. Whether your plot is several acres, some select beds, or even select containers on a patio, you can start dreaming and scheming now. And what better way than with […]
Going Carbon Neutral
Carbon neutrality sounds like an impossible goal, doesn’t it? The answer turns out to depend a great deal on where you live. It isn’t that hard if you happen to live in upstate New York. That’s because one of upstate New York’s best kept secrets is that it has […]
Wetlands
I thought some guidelines existed to estimate the dollar value of wetland properties when I began to research the impact of swampy land on real estate values for this April’s environmental issue. After talking to assessors, buyers of wetlands, owners of wetlands, environmental regulators, appraisers, land trusts, and realtors in Columbia, Dutchess, and Litchfield counties, I discovered […]
April 2022 Recipe – Sugar Cookie Cups
Soft, sugar cookie base, creamy vanilla custard middle, and chocolate ganache topping! Who could resist these little bite sized delightful treats? These cookies seem like they require a lot of steps, but they really don’t. The cookies themselves come together in just minutes with minimal ingredients. The custard just takes patience, and the ganache is super simple […]
A Lifestyle Fusion
The concept of what “home” means to people might be the most broadly defined word in modern language. Mostly because the idea of a home is so intrinsically tied to other core human values – family, personality, even morality. For interior designer Abigail Horace, owner of Casa Marcelo, throw in a bit of chaos and uncertainty in […]
Simply Extraordinary
Stephen Green-Armytage offers a most profound perspective on life, his career and the advice he would give to young would-be photographers. “You don’t always know what there is to learn until you learn it.”
That may be a spin on the traditional, “I don’t know what I don’t know…” but the hunger to learn, to experience and to […]
Reynolds Asset Management nears Completion of Stissing Farm Townhomes
The New Jersey-based real estate investment firm Reynolds Asset Management (Reynolds) announced that it is nearing completion of the first 10 of its 38 planned residences on the Stissing Farms Townhomes property. With a total of 48 townhomes planned for the community, Reynolds’ move to bring the units to market will mark the first time that new […]
Many Pants
I’ve nevfurr quite understood how humans could wear “many hats” when in fact I’ve nevfurr seen anyone wear more than one at a time, or, none at all. Take Mom fur example. It’s a supurr rare occasion she actually wears a hat. It really only happens when temps reach sub zero or she’s going fur a convertible […]
Berkshire Food Co-op Announces New Manager
The Berkshire Food Co-op has announced Jessica Bosworth as their new general manager. Jessica brings over 20 years of grocery, leadership and management skills to the table and has already rolled up her sleeves ready to lead. Previously serving as the center store manager, she’s overseen steady growth in her departments and is ready to bring that […]
Gorgeous Lake House – New Construction
Stunning Lakehouse is newly constructed with all high-end finishes and central air. This lakefront home on Indian Lake offers abundant sunshine and amazing sunsets throughout the open floor plan to the kitchen, dining, and living room. The kitchen boasts all high-end appliances with lots of storage. Completing the first floor is a luxurious full bath and […]
Spartacus
ORGANIZATION
8 Dodd Road
New Milford, CT 06776
(860) 354-1350
For the safety of our staff, volunteers and animals – we are not accepting walk-ins at this time. If you have any questions, please email animalwelfare.socty@snet.net or call the Shelter.
Appointment hours will be as follows:
Tuesday 11 AM – 6 PM
Wed- Saturday 11 AM – 2 PM
Visit AWS Online at[…]
Molinaro and Pulver Propose Cut and Cap of County Sales Tax on Gasoline and Diesel Fuel
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver announced today they are proposing a resolution to the County Legislature to temporarily amend the County’s sales tax calculation on retail sales of motor fuel and diesel motor fuel, capping the amount of sales tax the County collects and offering residents much-needed relief as fuel costs […]
Great Barrington’s Perfect Steakhouse Experience: Number Ten
It’s impossible to gauge what makes for a perfect experience of any kind. Such a thing is, in all likelihood, unattainable. However, when a restaurant commits itself to presenting diners with an atmosphere that compliments its menu so seamlessly, it may be as close to perfect as one can get. Thus, Great Barrington’s Number Ten, a steakhouse […]
The Garrison and Processional Arts Workshop Partner with Local Organizations to Announce, Highland Lights
Together with Processional Arts Workshop, The Garrison will host the first-ever Highland Lights, a celebration of art and nature. Highland Lights invites neighbors to create collaborative works during free public workshops and culminates in a spectacular outdoor procession of lights and lanterns through The Garrison paths.
Founded in 1998, Processional Arts Workshop (PAW) is a nonprofit arts ensemble […]
Spurring Cleaning: Plot Twist
Mom has a real OCD purroblem; no, I’m not talking about the obvious obsessive cat disorder. Our house literally looks like no one lives here because Mom is such a neat furreak. She enforces a strict household rule that when you’re done with something, put to back where it belongs, or else it runs the risk of […]
Sprawling Ranch on 12+ Private Acres
Deal of the Week
327 West Hill Road, New Lebanon.
Country comfort with all the amenities! Private on 12+ acres, located on a back country road w/gorgeous views in every direction, ‘horse country’ as the say. Chef’s kitchen, formal dining room, open living room, office/library with built-ins, 3++ bedrooms, 2++ bathrooms, radiant heat, hardwood floors throughout, MBR […]
The Stissing Center Presents THE VILLAGE CIDIOT Sunday, March 27th
THE VILLAGE CIDIOT, a comedic solo show about a city dweller trying to adapt to rural living, presented by The Stissing Center and Oblong Books on will take center stage Sunday, March 27, at 3PM as part of the Local Produce Reader’s Series.
THE VILLAGE CIDIOT is touted as the ultimate fish-out-of-water story. After losing her job and […]
Bachelor Nation
Mom has been watching The Bachelor since the shows inception 20 years ago (sorry fur aging you, ma). She’s purrobably the one who started Bachelor Nation she’s such a fan of the show. By default, purrimarily because I’m the only one who’s willing to watch each season as hopeless romantics take their journey to find love, I’ve […]
Town Partners with Renegades, Little League to Benefit Food Pantry
The Town of Fishkill has announced a partnership with the Hudson Valley Renegades and Fishkill Little League to benefit the Fishkill Food Pantry, the largest food pantry serving southern Dutchess County.
The partnership, called Fishkill Serves, was announced Monday at Dutchess Stadium, the result of a coalition kickstarted by Councilman Brian Wrye, the town’s official liaison to the […]
A Tuscan Weekend
Wouldn’t it be nice to be in Tuscany, Italy, this weekend?
A quick way to get there is with a Tuscan “stay-cation.” Cue up movies like Under the Tuscan Sun, A Room with a View, House of Gucci (or so many others); check out all the YouTube videos about Tuscany and its sites and culture, including wine; prepare […]
MacArthur
ORGANIZATION
The shelter is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The Adoption & […]
Wine and Music
March can feel endlessly gray, so it helps to load it with bright spots when and where you can.
Wine counts! So does live music.
Put them together and you have a soul-lifting, sunshiny day no matter the weather. Milea Estate Vineyard in Staatsburg offers delicious wines across the board, from a lovely Chardonnay to a juicy Cab Franc […]
Dr. Otis
We’ve all heard the saying “sharing is caring”. Well, Dad took this quite literally when he came home a couple weeks ago with the common cold, which he promptly gave to Ellie. Poor kid was down and out fur a few days, but then bounced back after sharing the cold with Mom.
Mom sure knows how to make […]
Hilltop Colonial in Sharon, CT
Town: Sharon, CT
Price: $1,995,000
Rooms: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 3 Full, 1 Half
Style: Colonial
Acreage: 7.28 +/- acres
Age: 1989
Hilltop Colonial with Views, Pool & Cottage. This 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath Home is Perched High with Wonderful Distant Southern Views. 2 Separate Parcels Totaling 7+ Acres. Super Quiet & Private Yet 6-7 Minutes to Village. Large Living Room with Fireplace. Welcoming […]
Local Volunteer Rallies Support for Ukraine
For Millerton, NY resident Andrzej Wlodarczyk, time is of the essence. Over the course of one week, the Polish immigrant has gone from enjoying the prospect of Spring in the Hudson Valley, to finding himself in the center of an urgent humanitarian effort. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last week, many in the West […]
Mulled Wine
Watching the snow fall if you’re safe and warm inside is a special kind of magic. Getting out to shovel or clear it is a special kind of punishment. Coming back inside from snow removal is cause for reward, and here’s just the ticket: mulled wine.
Besides the great taste and the delightful warmth of this special drink […]
My Balding Belly
You’re purrobably wondering why I’m spread eagle. Quite frankly, so am I. I can purromise you I’m not going into purrnography, I’d much rather model my handsome pants!
Ya see, Mom noticed my fur disappearing furrom my belly a couple weeks ago and became instantly paranoid about my balding belly. In true Mom fashion, she has to document […]
Cyrano
Cyrano, I Love You
Those were the words that Peter Dinklage, title character in this brilliant interpretation of Edmond Rostand’s 19th Century play was longing to hear. It took over two hours of sword fighting, soul searching songs, engaging choreography, consuming visual settings and a tour de force by a cast of beautifully matched actors re-framing the long […]
The Simple Joys
The reviews are in. The critics have spoken. And, the crowds have responded by making their way to Le Gamin, the pleasant French restaurant in Sharon, CT. Robert Arbor … owner and chef at Le Gamin Studio Agraire could not be more pleased. “The customers have been most kind,” […]
The Peregrine
I hope this finds you in a quiet place: the armchair by the window, a glass of cabernet at your elbow. Or under a baffle of comforters, with the bed stand lamp the only light on in the house. I’d even take a bathroom, so long as it isn’t […]
Future Farmers of America
In the January issue of Main Street Magazine Dutchess County Legislator, Gregg Pulver, indicated that the FFA organization (Future Farmers of America) played a crucial role in his development as a leader. We hear of the “farm-to-table” movement, the desire for fresh/local food and the need for local farms […]
Organic Farming in Hudson
Hudson, NY, also renowned as “Upstate’s Favorite Downtown” is a riverside town that is home to 7,000 diverse residents. Its urban center boasts over 300 independently-owned shops, bars, bakeries, and restaurants. Its burgeoning new economy is rooted in food, the arts, and culture.
In 2014, Letterbox Farm, a collectively-owned and operated […]
Real Estate Has Gone to the Dogs
The real estate market isn’t the only home-related business that is currently exploding. With the pet industry nearing 50 billion dollars, homeowners are always looking for a way to make their pets more comfortable. For their part, dog owners are willing to go the extra mile to protect man’s best friend from the backyard’s outdoor elements. As […]
March 2022 Recipe – Deep dish chocolate peanut butter cookies
Deep dish chocolate peanut butter cookies – for two!
We know Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but here we are with a dessert for two! How many nights are you snuggled into the couch, having finished dinner and dishes but you’re left wishing you had something sweet? You don’t feel like making an entire batch of cookies […]
Bird Man – Thomas JV Cullen IV of TC Management and Falcon Excursions, Goshen, NY
You and your father are nationally known as falconry experts. How do you describe your unusual business?
Simply put, our business is birds of prey. Our activities center around breeding falcons, owls, hawks, and eagles primarily for zoos and educators; wild bird control using birds of prey; and, through Falconry Excursions, introducing people to these wild birds – […]
Meet Patricia Powers, Artist
True confession: When I first saw Patricia Powers’s paintings – giant canvases celebrating the beauty and majesty of the horse – my heart skipped a beat. Not just because the work was so powerful and immediate; not just because I, too, have a passion for horses that goes way back; not just because I was enjoying getting […]
Inner Vision
“To the artist, from Santa.” KK Kozik has fond memories of a childhood punctuated by that Christmas morning when none other than venerable Saint Nick validated the sensitivity she had to form, color, and things beautiful. She had been recognized as an artist. The package contained supplies that have informed her remarkable career.
Born to parents who were […]
Roxette
ORGANIZATION
8 Dodd Road
New Milford, CT 06776
(860) 354-1350
For the safety of our staff, volunteers and animals – we are closed for walk-ins and only accepting appointments for approved applications. If you have any questions, please email animalwelfare.socty@snet.net or call the Shelter.
Appointment hours will be as follows:
Tuesday 11 AM – 7 PM
Wed- Saturday 11 AM – 2 […]
Local Leaders Seek Changes to Bail Reform Legislation, Discovery Rules to Protect County Residents.
Citing an increase in crime over the past year and the need to protect Dutchess County residents, County Executive Marc Molinaro and Acting Sheriff Kirk Imperati were joined Wednesday by New York State Senator Sue Serino, County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver, County Legislator Mike Polasek and law enforcement officials at the Dutchess County Law Enforcement Center in […]
My Furrst Picnic
I have a purretty strict diet. Mainly due to my considerly small palette that only consists of turkey, wet food, dry food, pawty-mix, and occasionally a pinch of catnip. Ellie enjoys whipping up some interesting entrées from her kitchen set on a regular basis. So when she invited me to join her for a picnic I figured […]
Prostate Cancer Support Group Launches in Hudson Valley
The Premier Cares Foundation has announced the launch of a Hudson Valley prostate cancer support group. The first meeting of this group will be held on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at Premier Urology at Eastdale Village in Poughkeepsie, NY. These groups are planned to occur several times throughout the year and will always be […]
Staff Shortages Create Unease for Public Schools
The month of January has meant something different for society over the past two years. Traditionally, the New Year celebration includes genial notions of health, happiness and career ambitions for many. Recently, geniality has been replaced by a greater sense of desperate hope. Thus far, 2022 has been no different as widespread anxieties continue to rise over […]
Norfolk Road, East Canaan
336 Norfolk RoadEast Canaan, CT 06024
One Family & Multi-Family Property Ranch
5 bedroom 2 full & 2 half bathrooms1.30 Acres 3,810 Square Feet
MLS #: 170464081$479,000
Extremely unique property with two separate, attached homes with their own private driveway entrance. The “West” home includes three attached garages with walk up attic storage and additional workshop space, three bedrooms, […]
Revisiting Slavery in Columbia County
It’s February, Black History Month, and we’ve revisited and updated our 2021 post about slavery in the Hudson Valley. New sources helped us to better understand not just how widespread and tenacious the institution of slavery was in the Hudson Valley, but also to appreciate the magnitude of the struggle for freedom fought by those held in […]
Pleasant Valley Man Rescued from Apartment Fire
Early Wednseday morning the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist the Pleasant Valley Fire Department at the scene of a reported structure fire with an occupant trapped at the Country Commons Apartments located at 216 West Road in the Town of Pleasant Valley. The first arriving sheriff’s deputies reported smoke showing from the apartment and the […]
She Loves Me
I always love updating you all, but I’m going to keep this week’s post short and sweet.
Nevfurr have I evfurr understood the point of Valentine’s Day. Shouldn’t you show your love all 365 days of the year? Mom has mastered this concept. She’s constantly telling everyone how much she loves us a million times […]
Millbrook Community Partnership Receives $554,000 County Grant to Help Convert Bennett Campus into Community Park
Park Expected to Open in Late 2022
The Millbrook Community Partnership (MCP) is pleased to announce that it has has received a $554,000 grant from Dutchess County’s Partnership for Manageable Growth (PMG) towards converting the deteriorated Bennett College campus into a community park.
Demolition of the old campus, located at the southern gateway to the Village of Millbrook, was […]
It’s Complicated … And So Is Love
Death on the Nile
The film may not be “perfect” in the aggrandized Hollywood critical sense, but it is an engaging, entertaining, challenging, beautifully presented film. And that, we would opine, is why we go to the movies in the first place. We want to be entertained. We want to be diverted. We want to think of something […]
Local Youths Deliver Special Valentine’s Treats to Seniors
For most, Valentine’s Day represents the romantic expression of young love. The annual tradition usually brings with it the delivery of cards, chocolates or flowers between young couples who feel the need to express their unrequited love for their partner. For two young Millerton, NY, residents, Jai Ferguson and Nicholas Coburn, love means a bit […]
I’ve Got…Mail
Retrieving the mail is a team effort in our household, but Mom is always the one sifting through determining what needs to be addressed (pun intended) and what is deemed as junk mail. Most mail is fur Mom and Dad, occasionally fur Ellie. I almost always nevfurr receive mail; that is, until yesterday.
Mom excitedly […]
Love and Frustration … thy Name is OSCAR
It seems that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences love to fool moviegoers every year. The nominations for this year’s OSCARs provided the Academy with several opportunities to confuse … and they did not disappoint.
For most filmgoers, the real battle is for Best Picture … with the list of contenders seven strong, as opposed to […]
Molinaro Calls on Governor for Investigation ahead of Mask Mandate Annoucement
On Wednesday Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to announce the expiration of New York’s mask mandate for businesses across the state. On Tuesday, the Governor said she had become comfortable with the latest data that showed “bed capacity at hospitals had improved and the statewide positivity rate was at about 4 percent, down from a peak of […]
Bronson Mountain in Roxbury, CT
Town: Roxbury, CT
Price: $2,400,000
Rooms: 10
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 4/2
Style: Shingle-Style
Acreage: 42 +/- acres
Age: 2005
Stunning shingle-style architectural masterpiece on 42± acres. Beautiful open spaces are designed and detailed for fine country living. This home has five bedrooms, six baths, and four fireplaces. Award-winning infinity pool and spa overlook the professionally designed landscape with natural wooded land as its backdrop. […]
Author, Television Host, to Discuss New Book
Lisa Steele, author of the Fresh Eggs Daily blog and television host, will discuss her new book, The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook, in conversation with Bruce Weinstein on Zoom on Thursday, March 3 at 7 pm
The Hotchkiss Library, in collaboration with the Essex Public Library and the Darien Public Library, will host the “Queen of the Coop” […]
Memories
I’ve let the cat out of the bag before; Mom snaps 1,473 photos of Ellie and I in the hopes of that one purrfect photo for social media. You’re purrobably wondering what happens to the remaining 1,472 images? They stay on her phone, clogging up her storage. Believe me, I’m just as shocked as you are […]
Lessons in Achieving Longevity
As we age, we yearn to remain healthy and retain our quality of life. Many believe that age is just a number, and that people are only as old as they feel.
Age doesn’t hinder some from pursuing an education, exploring an interest, or even engaging in an extreme sport. In celebration of his 90th birthday, the late President […]
Blue Moon
The night required a couple layers of wool but no headlamp. As I stepped down from my truck at the Undermountain Trailhead in Salisbury, CT, a row of pines stood before me like a curtain, awash in moonlight, blue and bare like a Hopper painting, though no work of […]
Are You a Sexy Senior?
It’s February and that means Valentine’s Day. In case you hadn’t noticed, the grocery store shelves cleared out Christmas and started stocking Valentine’s candy on January 1. Geez. Even if you want to, there’s no escaping Valentine’s Day.
What do we really want?
As adults, what do we really want on […]
Volunteering – Why Doing Good Is Good for You
Volunteerism is the engine that makes many of our communities run. Look around your town, and you’ll see what I mean. From houses of worship, fire and ambulance services, food pantries and soup kitchens, libraries, environment and conservation efforts, and social service agencies, lives are enhanced and needs are […]
A Full Life
For those of us who have grown up tucked within the congenial fabric of rural life, that which breeds the kind of familiarity whose beauty is only rivaled by the backdrop of our beloved local landscape, there are those figures who feel as though they can simply never leave […]
The Houses of Tudor
Tudor Revival-style houses capture the imagination. They are dramatic whether it’s a Snow White cottage, or Jay Gatsby’s mansion. These picturesque buildings with a distinctive architectural style stand out amongst the colonial, federal, Victorian, split levels, and farmhouses that crowd our region’s villages and roads. “Tudor” commands our attention and for this Main Street issue we look […]
February 2022 Recipe – Oreo Truffles
Valentine’s Day is this month, and we suggest you take notes. Food is, in fact, the way to one’s heart. Say “no thanks” to materialism and consumerism this holiday and whip up a batch of these for your sweetheart! Or just for you; treat yo-self. Oreo Truffles are quick to make, and no baking is required. All […]
Mountainside Cafe
It’s a modest place, tucked away on Route 7 South in Falls Village, CT. Clean white building, ample parking with overflow across the road, a simple sign and a warm welcome. Mountainside Café is one of those unique places where the community inside the building welcomes and builds the community outside the building. During the seemingly endless […]
A Writer Writes and Gives Back
“Thank you, Mrs. Smith.”
Sally Cook is quick to give credit to the second grade teacher at Crystal Springs Elementary School in Roanoke, VA, who offered the decisive bit of inspiration that set her on the career trajectory of being a widely published and eagerly applauded author.
“It was Mrs. Smith who not only encouraged me to read … […]
Charlie
ORGANIZATION
The shelter is located on Route 9G also known as Violet Avenue. From Route 9 (either the North or South), turn on to St. Andrews Road (also known as County Route 40A). Follow the road to end at the intersection of 9G. Turn right and make an immediate left into the shelter. The Adoption & […]
The Hillsdale Family That Put A Man On The Moon
Sometimes a topic for a blog post comes to us through sheer luck. This happened recently, when we received an inquiry from Lance Fromm, an Andover, MA antiques dealer.
“Hello … I have come across a walking-stick with a silver engraved cap on top that reads ‘J. B. Collin Hillsdale NY.’ A Google search for that […]
Loved Ones
Fur rather obvious reasons, I don’t get out much, but that doesn’t stop me furrom keeping in touch with my family across the miles (as my great-grammy would say). Thank goodness fur modern day technology replacing car rides.
Fur those of you who don’t know, my great-grandpurrents live in Vermont, purractically a toy mousy’s throw away […]
Simple and Affordable
I went looking for a simple, affordable wine that would give me a good vibe and also (hopefully) some good flavor.
I went with farmhouse (lower case intentional). For less than $12, this California red has a lovely label with a block-print design of a farmhouse stamped against a brown-paper background the the words, “trust in nature, trust […]
Concerned Citizens Rally Against Tree Removal at Housatonic Meadows
As Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) pushes forward with plans to cut down centuries-old trees at Housatonic Meadows State Park in Sharon, CT, concerned citizens and public officials are raising questions about the decision-making process that has already allowed for some 200 to be felled.
On Tuesday, January 13, State Sen. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) and […]
Molinaro Announces 490 Acres Land Protected through Partnership for Manageable Growth
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro today announced Dutchess County’s Partnership for Manageable Growth (PMG) Program will provide more than $2.2 million to permanently protect four farms, preserving working agricultural land, and assist a community organization in converting the deteriorated former Bennett College property into a new community park.
County Executive Molinaro said, […]
Being…Simply the Best
Being the Ricardos
Luci and Desi. They were giants. Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem. They are legends. Aaron Sorkin. He’s an undisputed genius. Add together, mix well and roll out onto the screen as Being the Ricardos and the recipe holds up from start to two hour and five minute finish.
It’s highly unlikely that many of us saw […]
A Wine for the Winter Blues
It’s cold, it’s January, and everyone’s in a funk.
Here’s a wine to go with the mood – and uplift it, for sure. It’s a Chilean red blend called The Seeker.
It’s made up of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 25% Syrah, so it’s almost a Bordeaux blend (Cab/Merlot), which is hearty yet smooth, but with a nice […]
Purrince Otis Joe
As I’ve purrobably hinted at before, Ellie and I have become purretty close. She’s the kid sister I nevfurr knew I needed—there, I said it!
This the blossoming purrother and sister relationship means sharing toasted butter bagels fur breakfast. So why do I get in trouble fur having a little taste? This morning Mom went through the trouble […]
A Big Slice of “Licorice Pizza”
Paul Thomas Anderson, writer and director (read “auteur”) of “Licorice Pizza” has a fondness of Los Angeles that infuses every scene of his latest film. It’s 1973 in the San Fernando Valley – that vast string of bedroom communities north of the Hollywood Hills and Mulholland Drive. During the 2 hours and 13 minutes of this “coming […]
Millerton Antiques Center’s 6th Annual Red Tag Sale
Now entering its sixth year, the Millerton Antique Center and its hive of skilled antique vendors will once again host the annual Red Tag Sale beginning Saturday, January 15 and running throughout the month of January into February. The annual sale will house deals for shoppers and antiquarians alike. “It is a once-a-year opportunity for dealers […]