Millbrook volunteer fair draws 16 organizations

MILLBROOK — Millbrook Library’s Library Clerk and Adult Programmer Kristen Perkins was delighted by the response at the volunteer fair held on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Sixteen organizations attending, and a great many patrons visiting the displays and talking to the volunteers about the actions they perform.

“We were so excited to have these organizations at the library. It’s the first of what we hope to be an annual event, and we’re looking forward to connecting our community with local nonprofits making a difference in the coming years,” said Perkins.

The sunny day allowed for many of the groups to set up their tables on the front lawn of the library while others were arranged inside around the first  floor of the library.

• The Alzheimer’s Association was represented by Eileen Hendriksen of the Hudson Valley Chapter. Hendriksen told of the many ways to volunteer — as educators, representatives and promoters as well as supporting group facilitators.

• Bonnie and Jim Soto manned the table for the Dutchess County Medical Reserve Corp, Emergency Response, handing out information on understanding risks, making a plan, building an emergency kit, and staying informed. They also had some excellent pamphlets on how to keep your pets safe.

• The Northeast Dutchess Immigration Services (NEDIS) Grace Latino/Immigrant Outreach, Grace Episcopal Church, helps the immigrant community. They offer direct services, including help with food, rent, utilities and other essentials, as well as legal and medical referrals, and  offer community leadership and educational support.

• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) offered advice in English and Spanish, on how to be an advocate for a child, in foster care in at risk of placement,  as a CASA volunteer. They offer volunteers a 40-hour training program, and 20 hours of Family Court observation before being sworn in by the Chief Judge of the family court.

• Robert McHugh and his son Jack Falk greeted those stopping by the Millbrook Historical Society table. The group offers free presentations on many different local historical people and events throughout the year and offer historical tours through the summer months. They also maintain archives in the Village Hall and are responsible for the Museum in the Streets, the historical markers with pictures and stories that are found around the village.

• Millbrook Arts Group (MAG) was represented by Ann Gifford and James Snyder. This adds to the cultural life of Millbrook, presenting summer and winter musical concerts, as well as supporting art and artists year-round.

• Dutchess Land Conservancy develops relationships with landowners and creates lasting land stewardship throughout Dutchess County. It is dedicated to preserving the scenic, agricultural, and environmental resources of Dutchess County. They provided information and handouts to those stopping by.

• The Dutchess County SPCA, a non-profit, no-kill shelter, aids  animals in need and secures permanent homes for adoptable pets. Offering  practical and educational resources to the public, it advises  for the highest standards of animal care and help keep pets in their homes,  investigate animal abuse and promote humane law.

   • CARE of DC is a nonprofit pet rescue and adoption agency that also has a thrift shop in Wappingers Falls.

   • Food of Life Pantry at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church campus in Amenia has been operating for more than 12 years, serving food to insecure families. They are always able to use volunteers to keep their services going.

  • Dreaming of a Chance is a bird sanctuary serving a wide range of rescue cases. Currently,  chickens, ducks, quails, one turkey, and their specialty,  pigeons, live at the sanctuary. It offers volunteer spots for those interested in working with birds.

• Hope Rising Farm is a “PATH” (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Member Center and  offers opportunities for equine companionship for children and adults, ages and abilities Many people were interested in this opportunity at the fair.

• Mental Health America, Dutchess County is a not-for-profit organization located in Poughkeepsie promoting mental wellness through comprehensive care management, education, programs, advocacy, and community supports, including overall care management, recovery programs, respite care, resources for the homeless, community education, referrals, parenting education, and advocacy.

• The Rotary Club of Millbrook has programs that  provide school supplies to local children, offer  scholarships to high school students each year, and provide Millbrook with a business directory. They  have also worked with the local  4-H club, and sponsor exchange students.

• Lyall Memorial Federated Church can always use volunteers for their many programs, a food pantry, a lunch program, and various support groups. It also provides musical programs throughout the year.

  • The Friends of the Library works year round to help the library maintain their programs and their books and media collections through book sales, fund raisers such as the recent Golf  Days at the library, and their Christmas Gift Raffle each year.

• The Millbrook Fire Department was on hand with one of its trucks. Several firemen showed people, especially the children, how their equipment works, what to do in case of fire. Unfortunately, the firemen had to leave early due to respond to a fire call.

Dutchess County Medical Response Corp with Bonnie and Jim Soto. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

Northeast Dutchess Immigration Services, founded by Grace Church. From left, Evelyn Garzetta, executive director; Lisabeth Conti, Ben York, Rachael Langston and Millbrook Library’s Kristin Perkins. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

Dutchess County Medical Response Corp with Bonnie and Jim Soto. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe