At horse trials, jumps and a leap of faith (in form of marriage proposal)

MILLBROOK — The Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials unfolded at the farm of Fernanda Kellogg and Kirk Henckels this past weekend, July 24 and 25.

The weather — notorious for providing unwanted thrills — cooperated, and with the exception of a light rainstorm on Sunday afternoon, was without drama.

The heat on Saturday had some riders withdrawing before the competition was over, but most braved the high temperatures to complete all three phases of the competition.

Kellogg said a total of 250 riders competed, with one coming from as far away as Southern Pines, N.C., and the closest, Emma Lomangino, from one mile down the road.

“The weekend was filled with great sport and fun. However we had a first, with a proposal for marriage, so we now add romance as one of the highlights at Fitch’s Corner,� she said.

Rumor has it the lady accepted.

The horse trials encompassed four levels, from beginner novice through preliminary. Each horse-and-rider team had to prove itself in dressage, cross-country jumping and stadium jumping. In addition to the sporting aspect of the event, Fitch’s Corner also featured a luncheon, attended by more than 300 spectators (many of them bedecked in hats). Proceeds from the lunch will benefit the Millbrook Rescue Squad.

Latest News

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less