The Glorious Life and Sad Death of Author Oscar Wilde
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Bugs! crawl their way into Upstate Art Weekend
D.H. Callahan
Jun 24, 2026
“Butterfly in the Stomach” by Hanna Washburn at “Bugs!” part of Upstate Art Weekend.
Provided
Artist and curator Charlotte Woolf thinks bugs get a bad rap. Her new multimedium show at Foxtrot Farm and Flowers in Stanfordville seeks to change how people see these creepy-crawly creatures.
This time of year, there’s no way to escape the onslaught on bugs closing in from the wild. The little flyers and crawlers somehow penetrate even the tightest window screens. If there’s a crack in a floor board, it might as well have a big neon “Enter” sign. Like zombies from “Night of the Living Dead,” they approach with dispassionate determination.
But bugs aren’t just trying to make you squirm. Woolf’s show, “Bugs!,” highlights the underappreciated roles that insects, arachnids and myriapods play in our lives. They break down natural waste, serve as food for birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals, and pollinate about 75% of the food humans eat. Without bugs, our world simply doesn’t work.
To shine a different light on them, Woolf has enlisted more than 40 artists working in a wide variety of media, from fiber artists and tattooists to writers, sculptors and painters for a full weekend of art and activities.
The “Bugs!” show is part of Upstate Arts Weekend, an ever-growing celebration of the arts happening throughout the Hudson Valley. This year, the weekend kicks off on Thursday, June 25, at Olana State Historic Site, the estate of celebrated American painter Frederic Church, whose 200th birthday will be part of the celebration.
Events are being held all over the valley, including a dance party at Assembly in Kingston on Friday night. Beyond the official gatherings, Upstate Art Weekend is a chance to find new art and interact with artists and like-minded creative people.
The shows themselves are far too numerous to list. Even the official Upstate Art Weekend website has more information than a mere mortal could comprehend. But with a little determination, visitors can sift through filters to organize events by region, medium or price, though many of the shows are free to the public. There’s even a feature to help plot an itinerary, complete with recommended routes based on drive time, location and preferred pace, making it easier than ever to see as much art as the human heart desires.
For more info about Upstate Art Weekend, visit upstateartweekend.org and for more info on “Bugs!” visit foxtrotfarmflowers.com/events.
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CHORE Garden Party raises support for seniors, caregivers
Ruth Epstein
Jun 24, 2026
A large crowd gathered at the home of Jamie Delaney and Michael Cullen for the annual CHORE Service Garden Party.
Ruth Epstein
Community members gathered at the hillside home of Jamie Delany and Michael Cullen on Saturday, June 20, to help ensure that their senior and disabled neighbors are able to remain independent.
The event was the annual CHORE Service garden party. The organization provides a variety of everyday support services people rely on, such as help with errands and light housekeeping, while also providing employment opportunities for local residents.
As guests strolled through the expansive gardens and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and one another’s company, they were thanked by staff and board members for their support.
“Because of your support, this past year has been one of meaningful growth and impact,” Jane MacLaren, CHORE Service director, told the audience. “Together we provided nearly 10,000 hours of essential services — an 18% increase over last year — and served 254 residents in our community. We also provided part-time employment to more than 50 caregivers.”
She shared the story of one couple in which the husband is slowing down. While he is largely independent, his wife does not feel comfortable leaving him alone for long periods. Her life had become centered on caregiving, and she felt the need for some time for herself.
She called CHORE, and now, once a week, a caregiver takes her husband out to run errands, giving him an opportunity to stay active and connected while providing her with a break from constant responsibility.
“That’s the difference a few hours can make,” MacLaren said.
She announced that CHORE is expanding its services to include nonmedical respite care for unpaid caregivers like this wife. The organization also plans to expand its transportation program in response to growing demand for rides to medical appointments and social events.
“We look forward to sharing more about these new and expanded initiatives with you in the coming weeks and to demonstrating how your support continues to shape our neighbors’ lives.”
Board Vice Chairman David Becker spoke about the Fund the Cause initiative, which has a goal of $30,000. The funds will be earmarked for transportation to medical appointments.
He noted the beauty of the Northwest Corner but said its lack of transportation options can create significant challenges for many residents.
“Uber doesn’t exist in this part of the state,” he quipped, adding, “No one should miss medical appointments because they don’t have a ride.”
Among the attendees was Darcey Markelon of Litchfield, a CHORE caregiver. She signed up four years ago after retiring as a special education teacher in New Milford. She currently has two clients, and her enthusiasm for the work quickly became apparent.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with the elderly; it’s so rewarding,” Markelon said. “My clients and I have developed close relationships. I look forward to seeing them every week, and they look forward to seeing me.”
For more information, visit choreservice.org
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'Bar None: Cannabis Redemption'
Lakeville Journal
Jun 24, 2026
Provided
The documentary Bar None: Cannabis Redemption will screen at Stissing Center in Pine Plains Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. Although cannabis is now legal in much of the U.S., hundreds of thousands still carry the weight of past convictions — and tens of thousands remain behind bars. The film follows 13 people caught in the justice system who’ve turned their lives around by entering the legal cannabis industry. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s creator. Tickets are available at thestissingcenter.org
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Let's Hear It - June 25, 2026
Lakeville Journal
Jun 24, 2026
This Week
Summer is here, bringing long days, local events, gardens, lake time, family visits and, for some, a chance to slow down.
What are you looking forward to this summer? Is there a place you plan to visit, a restaurant you want to try, a show or concert you hope to see, a trail you want to explore or a summer tradition you never miss?
Send your responses to social@lakevillejournal.com by Monday, June 29 at 10 a.m. or comment on Facebook or Instagram.
We’ll publish a selection in next week’s paper.
Last Week’s Question
Should communities hold on to fireworks, embrace drone shows or find room for both?
“Ask the dogs …”
— Heron Hill
“This is a tough question. Drone shows are much more expensive and mostly unaffordable to small towns who have yearly traditions of fireworks. However, fireworks really aren’t good for multiple reasons, including the environment, wildlife and our Veterans. Wish there was a happy-medium like a silent firework!”
— Jessie Lawrence, Canaan
“Perhaps instead of each individual town igniting fireworks we could combine resources for a regional drone show. It’s way past time we should take climate action & consider air quality & effects on animals & humans with PTSD.”
— Lisa Palmer
“Prefer drone shows. Safer and quieter. Drought conditions, wildlife, vets and first responders with PTS and anxious pets.”
— Chloe Keyzn
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Letter to the Editor - June 25, 2026
Lakeville Journal
Jun 24, 2026
Thanks to community and volunteers for Fix-it
The organizers of the second annual Salisbury Fix-it Pop-Up would like to thank the community and the volunteers for making this year’s event a wonderful community building event. On May 23, over seventy people attended with over 100 items in need of repair. Our skilled volunteers - Paul Bascik, Rob Buccino, Arthur Fort, Angela Lomanto, Shepherd Myers, Pastor John Nelson, Karin Noyes, Bob Palmer, Pat Palmer, Barbara Reeves and Steven Wolf - worked diligently to repair as many items as possible. A shout out to Karen Vrotsos for promotional emails and scheduling through the library and Sarah Curtis for assisting with registrations. Thank you to Barbara Bettigole and the Salisbury/Sharon Transfer Station for supporting the signage around town. Thank you to the Congregational Church of Salisbury for the use of the parish hall. Thank you to the Lakeville Journal for putting our event in your events calendar and for printing Patrick Sullivan’s photo and article that appeared in the May 28 issue of The Lakeville Journal.
Thank you,
From the Organizers:
Angela Lomanto and Pat Palmer, the Congregational Church of Salisbury
Karen Vrotsos, Scoville Memorial Library
Barbara Bettigole, TRAC (Transfer Station Recycling Advisory Committee)
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