American Legion ushers in February with pancake breakfast to benefit 4-H

MILLERTON — On Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, the focus at the American Legion hall was on food and fundraising, not furry rodents with suspicious meteorological skills.

While the morning was chilly, the atmosphere was upbeat. Friends and neighbors came together to nosh on pancakes, bacon, eggs and more in support of this venerable veterans’ organization which, in turn, boosts the community with events in support of 4-H, Toys for Tots and other charitable endeavors.

With a packed house and a line beginning to spill outside, the pancake breakfast was a well attended event. Cars parked outside the Legion’s hall featured license plates from three states – New York, Connecticut and Vermont. While Jumpfest — taking place this past weekend in nearby Salisbury — may have attracted some diners, members of the local community including the fire company, law enforcement and notables on the political and municipal scene also showed up in support of the event. Among the guests were Dutchess County legislator Chris Drago, D-19 and Millerton mayor Jenn Najdek.

For Rob Cooper, owner of the vintage Mobil gas station on Route 44, the event was more than just food.

“It’s good just to see people and give something back to the Legion hall,” said Cooper, who was joined at his table by friends Bruce Flint and Steven Haire, who were mulling over their dining choices while waiting to place their orders.

John and Linda Ingram of Millerton, who were finishing up breakfast at a nearby table agreed, emphasizing the importance of supporting veterans. The Ingrams, who’ve been attending the event at the American Legion for approximately seven years, praised the quality of the food as well as the Legion’s fundraising efforts. “They support 4-H,” said John Ingram, “and we support that right back.”