Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Benefit golf tournament raises money for Maplebrook scholarship

AMENIA — A record 110 participants helped to raise a record $18,000 at last Saturday’s 15th annual Maplebrook/Bank of Millbrook Open, held at Silo Ridge Country Club.

The tournament was held as a benefit for The Jane Fernandez Memorial Scholarship Fund, which, according to teacher Lori Hale, helps area students attend the school.

“So far we have raised in excess of $30,000 through the golf tournament,� Hale said. “We give the scholarship to day students who normally would not be able to attend the school.�

The private school was founded in 1945 by Serena Merick, and specializes in serving children with learning challenges. Hale said that the school currently has students from 26 different states and seven foreign countries. The scholarship is named after the school’s longtime reading teacher who passed away in 2001.

“Jane was a reading teacher and was my mentor,â€� she said. “When she retired she continued as a children’s advocate in the community, helping students in both private and public schools.  The school wanted to honor her in some way because she was beloved by all of us.â€�

Except for a 20-minute break due to thunder and lightening, the weather for this year’s tournament was in stark contrast from last year’s rained-out event — sunny and clear, with temperatures on the course reaching up to 89 degrees.

School staff, parents, alumni and students all participated in the tournament. Nigel and Beverly Hallett, who have a 17-year-old son at the school, drove 10 hours from Michigan to participate in the tournament.

“We drove here to take part because this school is a unique school for children who need special help,� Nigel Hallett said. “We’re not so sure how good we’ll do playing because we have a day job.�

Max Sillman from Bronx has a son who is a first-year student at the school, and said that he looked long and hard for a school that could help with his son’s needs.

“Some children have special needs that they can’t always get where they live,� Sillman said. “We happily found a place that is quite appropriate for him.�

After the tournament, Hale said she was impressed by the record number of people who entered this year.

“We are so pleased,� Hale said. “It was such a great day for golfers and a great day for the school. We are constantly amazed by the generosity of our friends and family.�

Results

First place — Alan Jacob, Eddy Jacob, Bob Kelly and Max Sillman with a score of 60.

Second place — Bill Braislin, Don Capalbo, Joe Prevuznak and Ken Hale with a score of 61.

Third Place — Mark Metzger, Tom Kiniski, Ken Hack, Brad Hack with a score of 62.

Winner of putting contest: Brian Cordella. Longest drive for men: Keith Scofield.  Longest drive for women: Jennifer Scully.

Latest News

Sally Sterling Ellis Quale

Sally Sterling Ellis Quale

NORFOLK­ — Sally Sterling Ellis Quale, of Norfolk, Connecticut and St. Petersburg, Florida, formerly of Bronxville, New York, died unexpectedly of heart failure on July 7 at the age of 87.

Sally will be remembered for her deep commitment to her family and communities and for her warmth, kindness, intelligence, creativity …and, of course, for her beautiful smile and deliciously sweet sense of humor. She was a gentle leader, contributing her talents as a teacher, writer, musician, athlete and organizer.

Keep ReadingShow less

Dorothy McEnroe Casey

Dorothy McEnroe Casey

KENT­­ — Dorothy McEnroe Casey, 93, a longtime resident of Kent, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at New Milford Hospital in New Milford. Born on July 28, 1932 in Sharon, she was the daughter of the late Leo McEnroe, Sr. and Dorothy Belter McEnroe.

Mrs. Casey was a graduate of Amenia High School and a homemaker. On Dec. 1, 1951, at Immaculate Conception Church in Amenia, New York, she married John Finn Casey who died on April 17, 2006.

Keep ReadingShow less

Louise R. Black

Louise R. Black

MILLERTON — Louise R. Black, 86, born July 16, 1939, in Queens, New York, died on July 15, 2026, with her partner of 26 years, Mary Howard, by her side. She is also survived by her nephews David Black and Jason Black, and his wife, Kerri; and niece Tiffany Black and her husband, Shlomo Toledano.

After graduating from the University of North Carolina Women’s College and earning two master’s degrees, Louise taught physical education for 35 years at Scarsdale (NY) High School, chairing the department and serving as the first woman Athletic Director. An accomplished fencer, tennis player, and swimmer, Louise’s enduring fondness for sports included a love of the Brooklyn Dodgers, though she never quite recovered from their move to the West Coast.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Mary Simmons

Mary Simmons

MILLERTON — Mary Simmons, 96, a fifty‑six‑year resident of Millerton, New York, and formerly a lifelong native of College Point, Queens, New York, died peacefully on July 26, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Sharon, Connecticut. Mary devoted her life to her family; to know her was to love her.

Born July 15, 1930, in College Point, Queens, New York, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Sarah (Longo) Marano. On Oct. 26, 1952, in College Point, New York, she married Ray Daniel Simmons II. Their marriage lasted nearly sixty‑two years; Ray passed away on April 24, 2013. Mary was a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick’s and Immaculate Conception Churches, where she belonged to the Rosary Altar Society. For many years, she enjoyed spending winters in Florida with family and friends. Mary was famous for her Sunday macaroni dinners, which she lovingly prepared for her family and many dear friends throughout the years. All were welcomed, and it was always a packed house. Her greatest joy was spending time with her siblings, children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and her large extended family. She will be deeply missed by all.

Keep ReadingShow less

Margaret Anita Layton

Margaret Anita Layton

STANFORDVILLE —Margaret Anita Layton passed away on April 30, 2026, after a recurring battle with cancer, surrounded by friends and loved ones. She was predeceased by her parents, Anita and Jack Egan, brother John P. Egan, III, and nephew Michael Egan. She leaves behind a brother, numerous nieces and a nephew, as well as a community of chosen sisters who loved her very much.

Margaret was born in the Bronx, New York, and moved to Clinton Corners as a small child. Margaret spent her adult life in Stanfordville, where she owned Margaret A. Layton, E.A. Tax and Business Consulting. Margaret was a lover of all animals and an avid horse enthusiast with an active presence in the draft horse community. Midge lived out loud. Her vibrancy left a mark that will never be forgotten and will be sorely missed.

Keep ReadingShow less

Join us for

Join us for


Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.