Community picnics at Indian Rock Schoolhouse

AMENIA  — The skies were blue and the sun shining as residents and visitors alike descended upon Indian Rock Schoolhouse on Mygatt Road — the site for the schoolhouse’s 15th anniversary Community Day and Picnic. The day commemorated when community volunteers pooled their wits and their strength to get the 1858 schoolhouse renovated and eventually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“So far, it’s excellent,” said Indian Rock Board member Ann Linden. Linden was instrumental in getting the schoolhouse redone. “We were just saying this year is like 15 years ago, when everybody was in no mood to go anywhere very fast. Everyone is very calm and happy, which is great. This year is a different feel — it’s a lot less hectic and I really like it.”

So agreed many of those in attendance. Jayme Watt was there with his 7-year-old son, Andrew, checking out the animals from Cheryl’s Critters.

“We come every year,” he said. “It’s kind of neat. We eat some pie, see some animals and the firetrucks.”

Cheryl, of Cheryl’s Critters, said she’s been attending the event for the last five years or so.

“It’s good for the kids,” she said. “It  gets them out running around and playing with the animals and interacting. And I like educating people about the animals and seeing the joy they get out of it.”

Susan Anderson was all smiles under her cool straw hat. She said she enjoyed attending the picnic every year, and that it’s a great time to visit with friends old and new. She was found on Saturday checking out art by local artists from the Harlem Valley Arts group.

“These are awesome photographs,” she exclaimed. “I appreciate a good photo. And I’ve found all my friends here. 

“The schoolhouse is always such a great reminder of the past and to see what children have today,” she added. “And I smelled the chicken the minute I got out of the car. My God, what a welcome!”

“It’s great,” agreed photographer Ellie Ritter, seconding that the Lions Club’s chicken barbecue smelled wonderful. “There’s great music, great food. I haven’t had any yet but I’m looking forward to it.”

At the Bank of Millbrook table, Amenia Branch Manager John Parson and his wife, Heather, visited with longtime customer Rosemary Lloyd.

“It’s going great,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

“My favorite part is that we have Community Day, and that it’s a time for everybody to get together with their neighbors,” said Amenia town Supervisor and Indian Rock volunteer Victoria Perotti. “Most importantly, Indian Rock Schoolhouse is on the National Register, and there are programs here for children, so it’s a wonderful place to have in Amenia.”

As far as the Community Day and Picnic, Perotti said it was a day to savor.

“This is a milestone celebration,” she noted.