Volunteers needed for Walking on Air flag-making project

NORTH EAST — Volunteers are still needed to assist local artist Tilly Strauss, who has been working for the last few months on flags and banners for the Walking on Air project celebrating the opening of the Walkway Over the Hudson, an old railroad bridge that is being transformed into the highest pedestrian walkway in the country.

The opening on Oct. 3 will involve participation from each of the surrounding municipalities. Amenia, Millerton and North East will all be participating. The towns will march out on the bridge, carrying flags made by each of the towns.

As North East town Supervisor Dave Sherman reported at the Town Board meeting Thursday, Sept. 10, there are still about 10 flags for Millerton and 20 flags for North East left to be made. Strauss is looking for volunteers to come in with ideas and to help put the flags together; she will provide all the materials necessary. Her studio is located on downtown Route 22 in Amenia, between the M&T Bank and the Presbyterian church. She can be reached at 845-373-7813.

The towns are also putting out the word that transportation to the event will be by bus, since there will be no parking available in the vicinity of the bridge. Webutuck has agreed to let the municipalities  use their vehicles, and Amenia is currently signing up those who wish to go, for a fee of $5. Residents may call Town Hall at 845-373-8860 for more information.

North East has agreed to pay for the transportation costs for residents. Sherman said if the number of people from all the municipalities fit on one bus, then they will travel together, but otherwise another bus will be provided. For more information, contact Town Hall at 518-789-3658.

A few points of caution: There is a little over a mile of walking required to get out onto the bridge, and following a break, volunteers would need to walk back. Also, those with an acute fear of heights should be aware that the bridge is quite high up in the air. Sherman advised volunteers to dress accordingly, and that the departure time hadn’t been decided yet but it would probably be midday.

“We’re looking forward to this and are hoping we have great weather,� Sherman said.

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