In view of rising costs for life’s necessities, especially for older residents or families with children, local food pantries stand ready to help.
Volunteers are friends and neighbors who may benefit from the existence of the pantry or they may be people who simply want to lend a hand by helping their communities.
Groceries and fresh produce can be just out of reach for families on a budget that struggles to stretch far enough. It might not be all the time, but sometimes a bit of local assistance can make a big difference.
Periodically, The Millerton News looks in on the area food bank programs and updates readers on availability, location, hours and other details. While we try to be accurate at the outset, sometimes hours might change, so it is best to call ahead before visiting.
Understand that these locations are staffed by volunteers who want nothing more than to welcome their neighbors with a warm smile and good wishes. Volunteers are always needed to keep the pantries up and running smoothly. Donations of a few hours of time, groceries and funds are always welcome.
Millerton/North East
Location: North East Community Center (NECC), 51 South Center St. Phone: 518-789-4259, ext. 124. Email: foodaccess@neccmillerton.org. Hours: Every Wednesday, 3-6 p.m. and Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The NECC Food and Supply Pantry offers groceries and household supplies to local residents prioritizing nutrition. Member: Regional Food Bank of New York. Partnered with Glynwood Foundation’s Food Sovereignty Fund and its partnership with Rock Steady Farm and Chaseholm Farm to offer fresh vegetables, grass-fed yogurt and beef. Volunteers needed: Yes. Donations needed: Yes. More information: www.neccmillerton.org
Location: NorthEast-Millerton Library — two programs. The Little Library Pantry at Veterans Park, at the intersection of Main Street and Dutchess Avenue. Hours 24/7. Take what you need, leave what you can. Also, the Little Free Grocery at the Library, 75 Main St. Phone: 518-789-3340 or submit an order at www.nemillertonlibrary.org for pickup at the library. Residency requirements: No. Volunteers needed: No. Donations needed: Yes, online or to P.O. Box 786, Millerton, NY 12546.
Amenia
Location: Sun River Health, 3360 Route 343. Phone: 845-476-9343. Dutchess County Outreach Mobile Food Pantry. Hours: Every Wednesday, 2-5 p.m. Supported by a grant from Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and additional support from Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. Residency requirements: No. Volunteers needed: No. Donations needed: No.
Location: Vine and Branches. Immaculate Conception-St. Anthony’s Parish Catholic Church, 11 Lavelle Road. Phone: 845-373-8193. Nonperishable food items. Hours: Third Saturday of each month, 10-10:30 a.m. Residency requirements: No. Volunteers needed: No. Donations needed: Yes.
Amenia Union
Location: The Food of Life/Comida de Vida Food Pantry. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 40 Leedsville Road. Phone: 845-373-9161. Emphasis on fresh produce and nutritious foods, organic, locally sourced. Bilingual support staff/volunteers. Hours: Fridays, 2-5 p.m. Residency requirements: No. Volunteers needed: Yes. Go to www.stthomasamenia.com to sign up to volunteer. Donations: Yes. For information, email: contactus@stthomasamenia.com
Ancramdale
Location: Neighbors Helping Neighbors Association at the Presbyterian Church Hall, at the intersection of routes 8 and 82. Phone: Jack Lindsey, 518-329-7306 or Hila Richardson, 917-414-8270. Hours: Mondays, 5-6 p.m. Call for an appointment. Residency requirements: Ancram Township. Volunteers needed: No. Donations: Yes.
Copake/Hillsdale
Location: Roe Jan Food Pantry, 2684 State Route 23, Hillsdale. Phone: Betty White, 518-441-2789. Hours: Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon. Emergencies: any time. Residency requirements: Taconic Hills School District, ID suggested. Volunteers needed: Yes. Donations: Yes, at IGA Market, 2628 Route 23, Hillsdale, or to P.O. Box 475, Hillsdale, NY 12529.
Pine Plains
Location: United Methodist Church, 3023 Church St., P.O. Box 511, Pine Plains 12567. Phone: 518-398-7692. Hours: Second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.-noon. Residency requirements: Pine Plains Central School District, with proof of residency. Volunteers needed: No. Donations: Monetary, food and toiletries. For information, go to www.pineplainsepiscopal.org
Location: Willow Roots Food Pantry, 7730 South Main St. Hours: first and third Saturday of each month, 10-11 a.m. Thrift Store, same hours. The Giving Box at the Pine Plains Library has drinks, snacks and food items. Phone: 518-751-0164. Residency requirements: Pine Plains Central School District. Volunteers needed: Yes. Donations: Yes, send to office at 23 North Main St., or go to www.willowroots.org
Millbrook
Location: Food for Folks, Lyall Memorial Federated Church, 30 Maple Ave. Phone: Emergency Pantry, 845-242-6508 for an eligibility appointment. Meals on Wheels, 845-677-4235, leave a message. First Harvest Pantry, May through October, Tuesdays, 8-10 a.m., until supplies run out. Fresh produce from Stonewood Farm.
Dover
Location: Center of Compassion Food Pantry, 52 Mill St. Phone: 845-877-9076. Assistance available by appointment, Monday through Friday. Offers food items and household supplies. Volunteers needed: Yes. Donations needed: Yes. Supported by a grant from the Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley.
Lakeville, Connecticut
Location: Corner Food Pantry, 80 Sharon Road. Phone: 860-435-9886. Hours: Distribution is on Friday from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Residency requirements: No. Volunteers needed: Yes, from both New York and Connecticut. Go to www.thecornerfoodpantry.org/get-involved to donate or volunteer or call the pantry and leave a name and phone number. Regular drop-off for donations is Friday, 9-10 a.m., but there is a container in the garage.
The refrigeration van at Sun River Health offices in Amenia serves the community as part of the Dutchess County Mobile Food Pantry program.Leila Hawken
The Millerton Square plaza is still empty on Friday, Jan. 2, a little over eight months since the Town of North East Planning Board approved a site plan for major renovations to the grocery store in April.
What followed was an impressive effort to replace critical infrastructure, secure emergency funding, file and manage insurance claims and reimagine long-term plans for the site. The loss ignited nearly a year of logistical challenges, but also revealed a supportive community of workers, volunteers and neighbors. Demolition of the building began on Oct. 27, and efforts to build two new structures will begin early this year, although an official construction timeline has not been released by the village.
Decaying equipment and infrastructure still greet those walking through the parking lot at the Millerton Square Plaza on Route 44 just east of the Village of MIllerton.Photo by Nathan Miller
One of the biggest questions on residents’ minds this year was the long-awaited return of a full-scale grocery store to Millerton. Early optimism followed the 2024 sale of the Millerton Square Plaza to Kim and Chris Choe, veteran grocers who own the Sharon Farm Market. After the Town of North East Planning Board approved their site plan earlier this spring, many hoped the new “Town Gourmet Market” would open in 2025. The owners even floated an October target.
But as fall came and went, the plaza’s parking lot remained cluttered with debris, and visible disrepair raised new questions about timing. During a recent visit to the couple’s newly opened New Haven store, Market 360, co-owner Kim Choe said extensive interior renovations have delayed progress and that no updated timeline is available. Still, Choe emphasized that the project is moving forward.
In May, a group of residents and neighbors concerned about national immigration enforcement urged the Village Board to adopt a local law prohibiting Millerton police from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without a judicial warrant. Their request was heard at a May 21 board meeting, but momentum surged ahead of a July 29 follow-up meeting that drew nearly triple the crowd. The discussion revealed a deeply divided community. Ultimately, trustees declined to pursue the proposal, and Millerton Police said they would fully cooperate with federal authorities, including ICE, even without a judicial warrant, while noting that the department does not collect immigration status information.
In spite of that decision, local advocates have continued to organize independently. Residents have sought “Know Your Rights” training and rapid-response preparation through regional organizations such as the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement and Vecinos Seguros 2, building informal networks to support neighbors who may be vulnerable. While the village chose not to adopt the new policy, these community-led efforts reflect a broader regional movement to ensure residents understand their rights and have support in an increasingly uncertain enforcement landscape.
Eddie Collins Memorial Park on Route 22. Construction on the proposed pool is set to begin in 2026.Photo by Nathan Miller
Millerton’s long-awaited pool at Eddie Collins Park saw both disappointment and progress this year. In July, Mayor Jenn Najdek announced that construction – originally scheduled to begin in spring 2025 – had been pushed to 2026 due to ongoing wetlands and septic-related reviews by county and state agencies. Residents and officials alike were disappointed that the pool will not be ready for the village’s upcoming 175th celebration in July. Trustees chose to delay construction until after the event, ensuring residents have a place to gather.
Even so, planning continues. Architects from LaBella Associates presented updated designs in December 2025, and trustees finalized several key decisions, including opting against a heated pool because of cost and choosing a fully equipped commercial kitchen for the pool house. With design details now refined and ready for county review, village officials say the project remains very much alive – just on a longer timeline than originally planned.
Zoning, often an overlooked topic, became one of the year’s most contentious issues, as the Town of North East moved toward a rewrite of its commercial zoning code for the first time since the 1970s. After four years of work by the volunteer Zoning Review Committee (ZRC) and nearly a year of Town Board review, officials released a 181-page draft in November outlining major updates intended to modernize the code. Officials stated that additional goals were to encourage new housing options, streamline approvals and support local business growth. A public hearing is set for Jan. 8, where residents will have an opportunity to weigh in.
In recent weeks, however, a group called “Save Millerton” has challenged the process, publishing information that alleges poor transparency, overly dense housing allowances and lax zoning enforcement. Town officials reject those claims, calling them misleading and emphasizing that the rewrite reflects years of public meetings, professional planning input and the goals laid out in the 2019 Comprehensive Plan.
Supervisor Chris Kennan said revisions may still follow the Jan. 8 hearing and stressed that the updated code is designed to encourage much-needed housing and welcome new and existing business development.
Even amid delay and division, Millerton continued to show up for one another. The community turned out in numbers for major events like the Oblong Books 50th Birthday Celebration, the Millerton News Street Fair and the Memorial Day Parade. And while zoning will continue to take center stage and shape Millerton’s future, planning is in full swing to honor its past with the 175th committee working alongside business owners and residents to create a birthday bash in July.
Road crews began construction in August on a new sidewalk along Route 44 connecting Amenia’s town center to Beekman Park, a project scheduled for completion in spring 2026.
Work also advanced on plans for a new town garage and salt shed. Town crews completed site preparation throughout the year, handling initial land clearing and grading in advance of construction, which is scheduled to begin this spring.
Community groups played a role in enhancing public spaces as well. In early May, members of the Amenia Garden Club planted a native pollinator garden at the Amenia Free Library. Now established, the garden continues to attract bees, insects and birds native to the region.
New businesses added energy to the town in 2025. Isabela, Amenia’s newest restaurant, opened in late March and quickly built a loyal following, drawing steady local interest. In July, the Silo Bakery also opened in Amenia, offering an array of pastries, breads and pies and becoming another popular destination.
Preservation efforts also moved forward during the year. In late May, donations from the Amenia Historical Society and local residents supported restoration work on the town’s 1937 Sanford fire truck. Once complete, the town’s first fire engine is expected to return to public view, including appearances in local parades.
A long-anticipated preservation milestone was marked on July 3, when the town officially accepted the donation of the historic Wassaic Charcoal Kilns. The ceremony formalized the transfer of the two restored 19th-century stone kilns to the town on the eve of Independence Day celebrations.
A sign detailing the history of the charcoal kilns and the recent restoration now stands at the site of the historic kilns on Deep Hollow Road just off Route 22 in Wassaic. The sign and restoration were part of an effort by the Amenia Historical Society and Bernie Leighton, who cleaned up the site and restored the kilns. Photo provided
Community events drew visitors throughout the year. Despite clouds and intermittent rain, classic cars lined Wassaic’s Main Street in late May for a car show organized by Fenders and Flowers. In mid-October, months of planning culminated in the first annual Amenia Harvest Festival, which brought together vendors, residents and visitors.
Equestrian events also expanded in 2025. The Silo Ridge Masters returned to Keane Stud with an additional weekend of show-jumping competition. Riders were drawn to Amenia again in early October for a three-star competition, followed the next week by a new five-star event under the Highlands Cup banner. The expanded competition included two nights of concerts and a car competition.
Voters weighed in during the November election, continuing the town’s support for Democratic candidates. Rosanna Hamm won the supervisor’s race, defeating Republican Terrence McCauley by a margin of 686 to 402. Democrats also strengthened their presence on the Town Board, with Walter Dietrich winning one of two full-term seats and Vicki Doyle securing the remaining year of an unexpired term. Republican Nicole Ahearn won the second full-term seat.
Amenia voters also narrowly chose to retain the town’s ban on retail cannabis sales, approving the measure by a vote of 560 to 515.
Looking ahead, the coming year is expected to bring the completion of the Route 44 sidewalk project and construction of the new town garage and salt shed, along with continued progress on repairs to the Water District’s facilities, including new well heads and pumping station.
Family members of Army PFC Charles R. Johnson attended a May 29 ceremony at Nine Partners Cemetery dedicating a permanent marker recognizing Johnson’s Medal of Honor for valor during the Korean War.
The honor was presented by President Joseph Biden at a White House ceremony in early January and carried special meaning in Millbrook. In late May, local and county officials, a military honor guard, and Johnson’s friends and family gathered at Nine Partners Cemetery for a ceremony honoring his bravery and dedicating a permanent plaque and flag markers.
Charles R. Johnson, a Korean war veteran who died in combat in 1953, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on Friday, Jan. 3. Photo provided
Later in the year, Grace Church was filled to capacity as clergy, parishioners and community members gathered for the dedication of a new stained-glass window on the church’s west façade, marking a rare and historic moment for the congregation.
Voters also approved a Capital Budget proposal in May by a wide margin, authorizing more than $38 million for long-needed repairs and renovations to Millbrook Central School District buildings. The project is now proceeding through the schematic design phase.
At the Millbrook Library, a new native pollinator garden was dedicated in early October on the site of a 1953 memorial garden planted by the Millbrook Garden Club in honor of the Flagler family. The family, which has ties to the area, traces its roots to Henry Flagler, a co-founder of Standard Oil and one of the most influential American industrialists in the 19th Century.
Early October also marked the grand opening of the first phase of Bennett Park, developed on the former Bennett College campus. The event drew residents, donors and planning professionals, with a forest-green ribbon cut beneath a tent on the park’s Great Lawn. The phase created Millbrook’s largest public green space, a major undertaking led by the nonprofit Millbrook Community Partnership.
Millbrook board advanced plan for Thorne Building community center By Nathan Miller
Planning also moved forward on a multi-million-dollar proposal to renovate the historic Thorne Building on Franklin Avenue into a comprehensive arts space, with the Planning Board expected to consider the application in early 2026. The building, which was constructed in the early 20th century and served as a public school, has fallen into disrepair and has largely been vacant for 20 years.
Community spirit was on full display during the long-planned Community Day in September, as residents welcomed visitors from across the region for a day of activities, parades, contests and celebration.
That sense of engagement continued through Millbrook Listens, a year-long effort inviting residents to share their vision for the village’s future, with volunteers gathering input at events throughout the year. Volunteers in colorful T-shirts have appeared at community events ready to listen to any and all ideas.
In the November elections, Washington Democrats won both board seats. Democrats Maxine Verne and Susan Mancuso won the two Town Council seats, defeating Republicans Nicholas Galente and Douglas Giles. Supervisor Gary Ciferri, a Republican, was unopposed.
