Gayla Cawley

Mary-Kate Bida, Millbrook’s standout runner in track and cross-country, chose SUNY Oneonta as her college after receiving letters of interest from about 40 schools.

Bida said she narrowed her choices down to Oneonta and the University of Rhode Island because both offer majors in fashion. Besides running track and cross country, Bida wants to get into fashion merchandising and design after college. 

The University of Rhode Island, a Division I school, was in the running until she realized what a financial burden it would be when there was no scholarship money. On an overnight trip to Oneonta, she fell in love with the campus. Oneonta is a Division III school, but Bida said the competition is strong and runners from different divisions compete against each other. 

Amanda Riebe, a senior at Millbrook High School, is looking forward to continuing varsity play at the  college of her choice after a season of heavy recruitment. 

An outside hitter for Millbrook’s Varsity team since her freshman year, Riebe holds the school record for kills.  Riebe wasn’t sure of the exact number but said it was close to 900. 

Her coach, Shawn Stoliker, said Riebe was the player opposing teams singled out for defense tactics. Stoliker added that Riebe holds the school record for aces as well as the record for kills.  He added that she was key on defense as well as offense.

It was a perfect day outside this past Sunday and the border collies were ready to compete for “top dog” honors at Finality Farm in Millbrook. 

Finality Farm was owned for over 40 years by Barbara Meyers and the estate is still in her name, cared for by her children since her death last year.  Before the sheepdog demonstration and trials, Meyers’ legacy was honored by Rebecca Thornton who gave a speech and presented the family with an aerial photograph of the farm. 

Thornton said she met Barbara in the early 1990’s and considered her a pioneer with her dedication to her land and her influence with the Pony Club.  Meyers worked with the Dutchess Land Conservancy to make sure her land was kept open. 

“Barbara loved having events here and sharing the farm,” Thornton said.  “She loved when the sheepdog trials were happening here.  She always wanted to make sure her farm was farmed.”

It was a warm, sunny day Saturday afternoon at the Town Park, but the town of Washington’s little girls weren’t seen on the playground, but rather in the Camp Building getting their hair, nails and make-up done to feel like a princess at the American Girl Tea Party. 

Along with Recreation Director, Warren MacMillan, Assistant Rec. Director, Kelly Cassinelli, organized Saturday’s event.  In its third year, the event has been a hit with the town’s youngest girls.  Cassinelli said the idea was originally hers.  She said American Girl dolls are popular but they tend to be expensive in the city.  Along with getting their hair and make-up done, all of the girls entered themselves into a raffle with prizes including two American Girl dolls, a stroller and a crib to go with the doll.  The raffle money goes into the community and event fund for next year’s tea party.