Ellenville Mayor Jeff Kaplan announced that while the Ellenville StrEATS program had done its job over the last year in getting people to Canal Street, or “restaurant row,” it isn’t needed as much now that COVID restrictions have been relaxed and diners are moving indoors for air conditioning.

Indeed, with customers returning, Kaplan noted, the restaurants were struggling to cope with groups both outside and inside. A shortage of staff has also added some strain. The village is reexamining the program. Barbara Hoff, the unofficial hostess and guide to Canal Street, was present and she suggested that StrEATS be reduced to 10 event nights spread over the summer and early fall. Four of those would be on nights when Market on Market would be held, on the last Friday of each month through to October, and would help offer more seating for visitors looking for dinner after shopping at the market. She noted how the first Market on Market had been a big success and generated extra traffic to the restaurants around the corner. The additional nights for StrEATS would be made into mini events — festivals with music and other attractions. The board was receptive to the idea.

Dispatcher Retires

With regrets, Ellenville Police Chief Phil Mattracion announced the retirement of veteran dispatcher, Nicole Thompson. She resigned the position on June 25 and is taking a new job with the Virginia State Police. She has been with EPD for 18 years.

South Side Sign

The “Welcome to Ellenville” sign on the southern edge of the village has been redone and will be given a temporary mount in time for July 4. A permanent frame and mounting will be made by Optimum Windows in Ellenville. The old sign had suffered from years of exposure to the sun.

Money Talk

Village Manager Michael Warren reported the receipt of $700,000 in taxes. He said it was helpful to get a large sum like this and explained that it came because the banks wait to the very last moment and then dump all the mortgage escrow tax payments over to the village.

“Stay Awake”

An independent film is being partially shot on the streets of Ellenville. The working title is Stay Awake. A representative from the film company appeared before the board to request permits. She explained that there will not be any disturbance to traffic and that the main thing anyone will notice will be lights on a car driving in the village. Chrissy Metz, best known for her role on the hit show This Is Us, is the star of the film. The film crew will also shoot for one day this week at Ellenville Regional Hospital.