News

A new empty storefront appeared on Franklin Avenue just before the first of the month when the office space occupied by Heather Croner Real Estate, an affiliate of Sotheby’s International Real Estate, suddenly became vacant. It is on the corner of Franklin and Church at the light. Just up the street, the antique shop occupied by Ryland Jordan (Dream…Fine Things) also became vacant, but only temporarily, because it is about to become a jewelry store. Ryland moves up the street to the Millbrook Antiques Mall, where he has long had a space. And in Mabbettsville, the Village Animal Hospital, long the veterinary practice of Dave Hammond, closed its doors for the last time. 

In a show of broad community concern, upwards of 100 people turned out for a public hearing last Thursday on the fate of the building housing the Pine Plains Community Center and library. The beginning of foreclosure proceedings against the building’s owner, the nonprofit Foundation for the Pine Plains Community Center and Library, has forced the foundation’s long-simmering financial woes to the top of the town’s agenda. Pine Plains town supervisor Brian Coons made it clear in his opening statement that he expected no resolution to emerge from the night’s discussion. Toward the close of the hearing, he announced that several more such meetings would be held over the coming months.

Saturday night at the Millbrook Vineyard, Marlene Weber Garnot, owner of a famed local spa, was the MC and event chair for the tenth annual Taste of Millbrook, the fundraiser for the Millbrook Educational Foundation. Held under a large balloon-decked tent, a festive atmosphere prevailed with food stations including Mexican delicacies from the restaurant Coyote Flacko, and waiters distributing glasses of Millbrook Vineyard wines while the Millbrook School Band played and sang. Dr. Diana Jackson Schnoor, chairman of the MEF, was enthusiastic about the support.