Local community helps each other deal with global health crisis

MILLBROOK — Few things have been tougher to deal with than what the world has been going through lately — battling the coronavirus pandemic. Yet while the health crisis is global, what sustains most people on the local level is simple: family, friends and community.

People aren’t traveling or socializing, and they’re feeling cooped-up and antsy. But their sense of camaraderie has been evident in small villages and towns, as well as in big cities, across the world. Right here in Millbrook, the urge to help others cope is strong. 

This month, Babette’s Kitchen, helped by the hard work and fundraising of Millbrook resident Kin Kinue, sent 30 meals to the grateful staff of Sharon Hospital’s ICU, in neighboring Sharon, Conn.

Theresa Bray, a local nurse who works at a testing center in Kingston, said she’s thankful to Buffy and Beth at Babette’s Kitchen, for also donating individually wrapped homemade cookies to the workers at the testing center.

Speaking of cookies, Millbrook Police Officer Jared Witt thanked Illyana Ottley of Girl Scout Troop 10478 of Dover Plains for cookies sent to the Village of Millbrook Police Department for all it does to keep people safe.

The Millbrook Diner is working with a local church and Village Trustee Kevin McGrane to donate meals to the elderly and those who cannot afford to buy food at this difficult time.

Many local residents have been sewing masks; Dutchess County Legislator Deirdre Houston (R-25) collected as many masks as she could and delivered them to the Cardinal Hayes School in Millbrook. They were much appreciated by the staff, which cares for children with special needs.

Some local restaurants have been grocery shopping for those who can’t shop for themselves, including the elderly and those with young children. Julien’s is among them; the pizza restaurant shops on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and has a shopping list on its website; residents can also call in orders. Those most in need of the service are prioritized. For details, go to www.julienspizzamillbrook.com or call 845-677-2222.

Although this year’s Easter wasn’t the type of holiday many are used to, local churches did their best to broadcast holiday services on Channel 22, and online, on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Details can be found on their individual websites. 

Director of the Town of Washington’s Recreation Department Chelsea Edson had suggested people put Easter displays in their windows. Those walking in the village got to view the bunnies and baskets and extend the fun.

The Millbrook Laundromat is now open, and is considered an essential business. It’s open seven days, and located behind the Department of Motor Vehicles on Merritt Avenue. For more, go to the Millbrook Business Association’s website.

In other local news, the weather is improving and more people are going outdoors, but the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) warns bears are also moving about. Also, beware of ticks as Lyme disease is always a concern.

Finally, the public has become more familiar with technology through this pandemic, and there’s a lot of information out there. On local Channel 22,  there is programming with community figures like Millbrook Business Association (MBA) President and Trustee McGrane, with “Kevin at 11.” Also, Mayor Rod Brown has a weekly show on Fridays at 11 a.m., with lots of information and news. Another great site is the MBA’s website, www.millbrooknewyork.com, and MostlyMillbrook on Facebook. These are just some ways to stay in touch with the community while isolated at home.

Village Board meetings are listed online, along with village news; check for updates at www.villageofmillbrookny.com.