the Amenia Net
Amenia July Fourth Parade and Block Party
A. Majtheny       June 29, 2018
The annual Independence Day Parade was sponsored by the Amenia Fire Company.
Included in the parade were fire engines and personnel from the fire departments of Wassaic, Sharon, Millbrook, North East Fire District in Millerton, Dover Plains, Falls Village, Ancram, Pawling, Lakeville, Cornwall, Pine Plains, Kent, Union Vale, Ridgefield, North Branch, Callicoon and more.
Also in the parade were antique cars and trucks and the very special Young Colonials Fife & Drum Corps of Carmel.
The Block Party was held on the Amenia Fire House grounds. Food and beverages were available and rhere was a game area for children.. Music was by the Last Good Bender
more

the Poughkeepsie Journal
Route 22: Revisiting a road well-traveled.
E.J. Kelley       June 14, 2018
The historic country highway has become an artery to the area’s artisan agri-ventures and anti-Hampton getaways, making it a road well-traveled for farm-to-table foodies and weekend warriors alike.
It’s not hard to lose a day — if not entire weekend — traversing from northern Putnam and then into northern Dutchess and lower Columbia counties with little reason to deviate more than a few miles from the main road.
     Catch a flick at an old-fashioned drive-in at 4 Brothers Drive-In in Amenia;
     See a silo full of contemporary art at Maxon Mills in Wassaic;
     Hit the Lantern Inn for comfort foods at the Lantern Inn in Wassaic;
     Retreat to Troutbeck at Troutbeck in Amenia; more

Forbes
Troutbeck Is The Perfect Summer Escape From New York
By: Laurie Werner       May 30, 2018
It’s a rare country inn that can hang a letter from Martin Luther King on its walls but the copy of that 1957 letter displayed in each of the rooms at Troutbeck gives a hint of the rich history that took place here over the decades. The 18th-century estate in New York's Hudson Valley had hosted major figures in American political life and literature while in the possession of its first two owners. The third owner turned it into an inn and conference center.
For those who want to venture farther afield, the hotel’s location just outside of the town of Amenia places it within easy driving distance of the wineries and horse farms of Millbrook, the charming towns of Connecticut’s Litchfield County and the Berkshires in Massachusetts.
more

Montauk Sun
Escape from Paradise... with Ingrid Lemme-Chalut       May 15, 2018
Many Hudson Valley residents have roots in Brooklyn, but few can show extensive family history from both Montauk and Brooklyn. Until now! Chef Angelo Monte, “Chip”, was the culinary artist behind Montauk’s famous Gurney’s restaurants for decades. .... The seasoned gourmet has now taken on the role of Head Chef at Monte’s Local Kitchen and Tap Room in Amenia. He brings with him not only his over a century old family tradition of classic Italian fare but additionally the knowledge of how to keep his customers happy. Angelo (lovingly known as Chip) and his wife, Candice have now taken over the management of Monte’s.
Under Chef Angelo’s direction Monte’s Local Kitchen will retain their farm to table favorites while adding an authentic Italian twist to the eclectic menu. Picturesque Dutchess County is packed with organic farms and gardens, offering healthy produce and dairy on small farms everywhere. more

Forbes
This Ultra Exclusive Residential Community In Upstate New York Is The Place To Be This Summer
By: Bill Springer       May 15, 2018
Silo Ridge is a private residential community that’s geared to provide family-oriented community activities year-round. The golf course has been redesigned by Tom Fazio and the new and improved layout offers dramatic views, challenging terrain, and lush landscaping. And Discovery’s legendary comfort stations that are stocked with every imaginable treat are designed to make every round both fun and challenging.
Sounds pretty fantastic, right? It is. But all this exclusive luxury does require investing in one of the various ownership opportunities that are available.
The most exclusive are Silo’s large custom home sites. Each of the 57 lots have been laid out to enjoy sweeping mountain views and abut a private 220-acre preserve. more

VOGUE
Inside the Newly-Renovated Hotel Where Emerson, Thoreau, and Hemingway Once Stayed
By Todd Plummer       March 23, 2018
Each year, a different town in the Hudson River Valley seems to become the new hotspot—Cold Spring, Hudson, Kingston and Beacon have all had their turns. But isn’t escaping trendy things part of the appeal of absconding upstate?
Even for a buzz-worthy, newly-renovated historic property fully reimagined by a stylish design firm, Troutbeck stands apart from any trend with over two hundred and fifty years of history.
There is much do to in this part of the Hudson Valley by way of hiking, fishing, skiing and horseback riding, but the idea behind Troutbeck, as Champalimaud explains, is to continue the estate’s history of bringing together interesting people. more

Chronogram    
Dutchess Discovery: Millerton, Amenia & Millbrook
By Elissa Garay       January 1, 2018
Following the rail trail—or Route 44, for the car-bound—about nine miles south of Millertown leads to Amenia, a sleepy, spread-out hamlet of less than a 1,000 (and part of a larger town of the same name). Roots here date back to the early 1700s and past incarnations saw the townscape sculpted by stints as an iron mining center and a 1920s-era lakeside bungalow resort (which was put to rest when Lake Amenia disappeared due to a dam burst in the '50s). But Amenia has a major new storyline in the works that has all the potential to wake it from its somewhat somnambulant state. more

Main Street Magazine
Extreme Real Estate: The Real Estate Market in the Town of Amenia
By Christine Bates       January 1, 2018
Two hours from New York’s Grand Central Station, the hamlet of Wassaic in the Town of Amenia is the end of the line on the Harlem Valley Metro North railroad. On the other side of the tracks, on Route 22, is the exclusive Silo Ridge Field Club. Fifteen years in the making, Silo Ridge, our area’s first luxury gated community, the Tuxedo Park of the 21st century, is becoming a reality. Will it alter the character of northeastern Dutchess County? Will it affect real estate prices in Amenia and the surrounding area? more

Amenia Net
The Living Nativity at the Immaculate Conception Church
By amenia.net staff       December 11, 2017
Every year the Immaculate Conception Church in Amenia holds a Living Nativity. The nativity is manned by parish children. Alpaca, sheep, a fully grown camel and other animals are brought there from Goshen Connecticut. Indoors there are hot dogs, refreshments, a bake sale by parishioners as well as vendors including Hearts from Heaven, Tupperware, Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple and many others. The Rosary Society sells locally made gift baskets and crafts people from the area sell everything from hand made jewelry to beautifully finished boxes and crates made out of wood from used pallets. more
                          Right: Father Wilson and cast         >>

BerkshireStyle
Troutbeck Reimagined
By Joseph Montebello       Nov 16, 2017
Surrounded by 5,000 acres of wilderness, the Inn and Conference Center is now the epitome of luxury, having recently been purchased by D.R. Horne & Company. The real estate development company provides strategic land planning, asset management and development services, with particular expertise in projects of natural, cultural or historical significance.
Anthony Champalimaud, a partner in the firm, has been spearheading the renovation and restoration of this historic property. “We acquired Troutbeck last summer,” explains Champalimaud. “It had been operating as an inn and conference center since 2007 but had been closed for the past 10 years. more

Forbes
A Golfer's Getaway Only 2 Hours Outside New York City
By Darren Heitner       June 15, 2017
A couple hours outside of New York City, in a town that borders the State of Connecticut, is the home of a beautiful Tom Fazio-designed golf course that is quiet, peaceful and not too difficult to play. Eventually, gorgeous homes will surround the immaculately maintained course, with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as one of the first occupiers of land. But for now, there is little activity, despite perfect conditions for a round of golf.
The site referenced above is called the Silo Ridge Field Club and it is one of the more recent projects of Discovery Land Company, which has taken pride in providing a relaxed style of golf on fantastically manicured grounds and homes surrounding the courses.... more

The Harlem Line
SmartCat Sundays: Milk on the Harlem Division’
Emily Moser       August 7, 2016
A chance encounter on a train ride, however, brought Gail Borden and financer Jeremiah Milbank together, and Milbank found promise in Borden’s idea. With Milbank’s money, Borden founded the New York Condensed Milk Company in Wassaic, New York, right next the the tracks of the Harlem Railroad. Borden’s tenacious spirit had finally paid off this time around, as his product became a commercial success. Another factory was constructed along the Harlem in Brewster to keep up with demand – and condensed milk became a staple for members of the Union Army during the Civil War. more

organic
From Speakeasy to Wheat Grass the Montes are Back
Kymberly Breckenridge       July 25, 2016
For over 100 years, the Monte family has been there for the people of New York, offering stability and the comfort of family in a century that has seen devastating wars, financial collapses, political intrigues and head-spinning leaps in technology.
The history of the Monte family is a sexy one and so exciting you can’t stop thinking about it. According to “The Life and Times of Monte’s Venetian Room” by Peter Justice, Angelo’s (Monte’s) was a late-night hang-out and concert venue favorite of ole Blue Eyes himself. The Montes have survived the tides of time and have now set their sights on the Hudson Valley. As you set foot into Monte’s Local Kitchen & Tap Room, you become part of the century-old family, regardless of class, race, age or any other trivial differences that may separate us from them. All are welcome and made to feel at ease with the Montes. After 100 years of practice, the Montes have hospitality down. more

DOWN-TO-EARTH
News from the Etkin Environmental Center
Etkin Center students       May, 2016
Welcome to the May edition of Down-to-Earth. This newsletter has been written by Maplebrook School environmental science students and is designed to give you information about happenings at the Etkin Environmental Center located on the campus of the Institute for Collegiate and Career Studies. Allow our students to help you promote a greener lifestyle.
We cordially invite you to come visit us at the Etkin Environmental Center. Allow us to take you on a tour of the hiking trails, introduce you the resident wildlife and show you all the wonderful things happening to help the environment. more

The Millbrook Independent
News from Amenia
by Antonia Shoumatoff       January 10, 2016
Amenia has a lot on its plate this year. A one million dollar heating system in town hall, a new kitchen and Red Cross shelter, the construction of the extension of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail into Wassaic, the dedication of a new park and the beginning phases of construction of the Silo Ridge Field club are all expected to happen in 2016.
In a conversation last week with Supervisor Victoria Perotti she told us about the plans for the continuing upgrades to the town hall.
more

The Daily Freeman
Dutchess County restaurant owner triumphs on TV’s ‘Chopped’
By Freeman staff       Nov. 27, 2015
Dafna Mizrahi, co-owner and executive chef at Monte’s Local Kitchen and Tap Room in Amenia, took home the "Chopped" Champion Prize on the Thanksgiving episode of the Food Network’s cooking challenge show. The Thanksgiving episode had the theme "Gastropub" and pitted Mizrahi against three male opponents. The judges praised her presentation and innovative techniques.

Mizrahi also has a humanitarian side. She donated her $10,000 “Chopped” prize to a non-profit organization, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue in Dover Plains. more

Natural Awakenings
The Stunning Sanctuary in Our Own Backyard
The World Peace Sanctuary in Wassaic, NY       September 2015
Peace Poles—the multisided monuments that bear the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth”—can be seen in more than 250,000 locations around the world. But many people don’t realize that The World Peace Sanctuary, which is part of the large global organization affiliated with The Peace Pole Project, is located right in our own backyard, in Dutchess County.
The classic white Peace Pole is a four-sided vinyl pole made onsite at the sanctuary in Wassaic, NY. While wooden Peace Poles, of varying heights and with up to eight sides, are made in Michigan. All carry the same message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in four or more languages. Proceeds from the sale of the Peace Poles support the activities of the Peace Pole Project. more

Williams Sonoma
Meet the Chef: Serge Madikians of Serevan Restaurant
Williams Sonoma staff       July 31, 2015
Tell us about your background. How’d you get into cooking?
I’m an Armenian from Iran. I was born in Tehran. I have an undergraduate degree in history and philosophy and I have a masters degree in public policy and economics. I didn’t even think about cooking until I was nearly forty years old. In fact, I never really thought about cooking professionally. I come from a family that enjoys cooking, and I’ve learned about cooking more from eating than from anything else…Just the joy of eating. more

(Ed: Chef Serge Madikians was nominated twice by James Beard for best chef in the northeast,)

New York Magazine TRAVEL
Find Your Inner Artist in Wassaic
By Edna Ishayik       July 24, 2015
Creative city-dwellers are flocking to this pastoral Dutchess County hamlet, transforming it into an enclave for artists and art-lovers alike.
Clamber around the Wassaic Project’s seven floors of contemporary art (admission is free). Housed in a repurposed grainery, the gallery features themed shows curated from the project’s residency program, as well as emerging artists chosen by a jury process. On the ground floor you’ll see Kelly Goff’s rotted-out Dumpster lacquered with bright blue glitter; on the sixth floor is Ian Etter’s handmade, seemingly NASA-quality space suit. more

Mew York Times    
When Rural Meets Resort
By Julie Satov       March 6, 2015
The tiny town of Amenia, N.Y., population 4,436, is perhaps best known for its hamlet of Wassaic, the last stop on the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem line and home to an artists’ community that hosts an annual festival there. Bordering Connecticut in rural Dutchess County, Amenia has had a tough time since its largest employer, an institution for the developmentally disabled, closed two years ago.
But things may soon be looking up for the town, as a luxury development gets underway that will build more than 200 homes priced from $1 million to more than $10 million. more

Rural Intelligence    
A Family Tradition: Monte’s Kitchen & Tap Room
By Don Rosendale       January 16, 2015
Ann Marie Pallan thinks maybe it was the flat roof, or perhaps the corner location. Or maybe the ugly pistachio paint job that made her fall for the building on Mechanic Street in Amenia. Whatever it was, it reminded her of Monte’s, her family’s iconic Brooklyn restaurant.
Anne Marie is, after all, a Monte, and the Monte family is synonymous with hospitality. At the drop of a table napkin, she will tell you that the original Monte’s was Brooklyn’s oldest Italian restaurant more

Forward    
Searching for Amenia, New York's Lost Jewish Vacationland
By Josh Nathan-Kazis       November 18, 2014
One spring day in 1927, two New York City real estate speculators drove upstate to Dutchess County with a couple of girls and had a bit to drink.
Before they got home again, they had bought half of Amenia, an old upstate mining hamlet ringed with dairy farms. By summer, they were selling bungalows on the shores of a mill pond they had renamed Lake Amenia. They hired a retired cycling superstar to organize games and built a dancehall to attract flappers. more

Rural Intelligence    
The Hollywood Horses of Amenia
By Sarah Ellen Rindsberg       February 25, 2014
In Winter’s Tale, the current film based on Mark Helprin’s gripping novel, a white horse plays a prominent role. Until his recent move to the west coast, when this equine wonder was not appearing in all his equine splendor in one role or another, he was an Amenia resident.
Listo is one of the many horses trained by Cari Swanson and Rex Peterson of Swanson Peterson Productions at Windrock Farm on Bangall-Amenia Road. The firm is known in Hollywood for training riders and horses for films and TV. Swanson and Peterson also conduct training for private individuals and horses in Amenia as well as in clinics nationwide and around the world. more

The Reading Well    
The Kildonan School
Dyslexia Reading Well       January 30, 2014
There is little doubt that Kildonan is a world class school for dyslexic students. While it comes with a hefty price tag for parents, we could not imagine a better student experience. From the OG certified instruction to the fully integrated approach to assisstive tech, to the exceptional extra curricular activities, few schools could compete.
To our thinking, the teaching of how to use tech is much more important that the provision of assistive tech itself and this makes Kildonan's senior level course on the use of assistive technology truly cutting edge. And that's not to mention the tech center and 1:1 iPad program.
Of importance to prospective parents, the school boasted in a January 30,2014 Tweet that its class of 2014 has a 100% college acceptance rate. more

The Patch    
The Life and Times of Monte's Venetian Room
Peter Justice       August 18, 2011
Carroll Street between Third Avenue and Nevins Street, a sleepy residential block lined with houses, a couple of parking lots and some quiet, small-scale industrial buildings, seems an unlikely location for one of the best-known Italian restaurants in Brooklyn. But Frank Sinatra used to sing at Monte's Venetian Room, the older parishoners at Our Lady of Peace Church told Father Patrick Boyle.
Local workers and residents were the customers of Angelo's, Rose said, a low-key Neapolitan restaurant and tavern that Angelo Montemarano and his wife, Filomena, opened in 1906. The Montemaranos grew produce in the backyard and lived with their children in an upstairs apartment. Angelo's was a speakeasy during Prohibition, with a chute to the basement in case the staff needed to dispose of bottles ahead of a police raid. more

The New York Times    
HAVENS | Amenia, N.Y; A 'Laid Back' Place Becomes a Hot Property
By Don Rosendale       October 7, 2005
AMENIA'S name is garbled more often than not. A common malapropism is "Armenia," but some wags dub it "Amnesia," perhaps because it is a seemingly overlooked pocket of Dutchess County in New York.
Amenia is waking from that somnambulant state, though. Troutbeck, a country inn and conference center on the town's eastern edge, has planning approval for a golf course and is also talking about a spa. At a June planning board meeting, another developer proposed a new equestrian center with 200-odd town house condominiums. And last weekend, the creators of a new development called Westerly Ridge invited buyers to tour their 14 home sites, with price tags ranging from $195,000 for a five-acre plot to "the mid-eight hundreds" for 27 acres. more

The New York Times    
18 Holes, Open to the Putting Masses
By Harold Faber       October 11, 1993
Faced with rejection by a country club, John A. Segalla did what any red-blooded American golfer might dream of doing -- he built his own golf course.
Today, the Segalla Country Club, an 18-hole course, is open to anyone who wants to drive to northeastern Dutchess County and plunk down the greens fee.
"It's a beautiful course," said Michael Chang, who drove over from Wappingers Falls to play. "It's one of the prettiest courses I have ever played on, and I have played on a lot of courses." more

The New York Times    
Rustic Havens: Inns So Near, Yet So Far From, Big-City Bustle
By Andrew L. Yarrov       January 27, 1989
Faced with rejection by a country club, John A. Segalla did what any red-blooded American golfer might dream of doing -- he built his own golf course.
One of the most elegant retreats in Dutchess County, New York, is the oddly named but charming 442-acre estate known as Troutbeck. This secluded property, a few miles from Amenia, N. Y., combines the ambiance of a country inn with such resortlike amenities as an enclosed heated swimming pool, two tennis courts and an open bar. Troutbeck is actually two inns in one, with 13 guest rooms in a sprawling stone-and-slate house completed in 1919, plus 18 more in a mid-18th-century farmhouse and its late-20th-century annex. The grounds include a lake, a stream and a multitude of hiking and cross-country ski trails. more