Construction begins at The River School

The River Reporter
Thursday, August 8, 1991

MILANVILLE - Renovation got under way at The River School in Milanville on July 29, as a volunteer crew of parents began ripping the interior of the dormitory building at the Innisfree Youth Hostel. This is the first stage in constructing clasroom space to house the new Montessori elementary school, scheduled to begin classes this September.

The work is being done under the direction of Zeke Boyle and Joe DiPane, two professional renovation contractors who are also school parents. At the end of the first day Boyle seemed pleased with the progress. "When you've got this many arms and legs," he said referring to his crew, "everything moves pretty quickly."

Asked if the work would be finished by opening day of school, Boyle seemed confident. "Well there may be a little trim here and there that needs painting, but we'll be ready.

The school is sponsored by the Upper Delaware Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, which also meets in Milanville. "We're very excited by how things are coming," said fellowship president Tom Rue. "The parents of the children attending will control this school and choose the curriculum. Our fellowship is deeply concerned with the environment and we see this as a great opportunity to have children educated in an atmosphere that values environmental awareness.

The school is currently raising funds to pay for the renovation, and will hold a dance party at the Callicoon Community Center on August 17. The public is invited.

The school is looking for donations of items such as tables and chairs, filing cabinets, piano, easel, area rugs, sports and playground equipment, bookshelves and a copy machine. To contribute such items, or for information about the school/including enrollment, call Alison Smith at 914/252-xxxx.

Photo caption: The River school demolition crew (pictured from left) are: back row - Sasha Drewchin, Chris Harting, Zeke Boyle, Mary Darcy-Martin, Alison Smith and Andrew Darcey-Martin; front row -- Gerry Bilick and Colin McGlinchey.