Volunteer Fair highlights local opportunities

MILLBROOK — Rain did not dampen the enthusiasm shown at the Millbrook Library on Saturday, Oct. 14, as patrons visited the many exhibits set up in the lobby and gallery at the second annual Volunteer Fair.

Library director Courtney Tsahalis and her staff were pleased with the turnout, which began at 11 a.m. and ended at 1:30 p.m. The event was designed to help those who are interested in volunteering meet some of the people and the organizations that need their help in areas including animal care, local ecology, food banks, immigration services and literacy.

A huge red fire truck welcomed visitors, and personnel of the Millbrook Fire Department (MFD) and the Rescue Squad greeted them, and they explained what their work entails, showing some of the equipment they use in their lifesaving work. MFD Vice President Kara Granger was there, with, among others, Beattie Hays, MFD’s education officer.

The Millbrook Rotary Club exhibit was situated near the Community Fridge in the library lobby, reminding all that the club had been instrumental in getting that up and running. Rotary member Stacey Langenthal ran the table.

The Dutchess Land Conservancy was situated on the library porch, and Julie Hart, at the table, said it is actively seeking volunteers in trail development, preservation and maintenance. It also seeks those who can educate, lead, and are interested in outreach. Photography and videography skills are always needed, as are those who are willing to collect data, and work in administration.

North East Dutchess Immigrant Services had fliers that told what its greatest needs are. It is looking for Hispanic culture foods and essential foods; Maseca flour, vegetable oil, white rice, dry black peas, plain oatmeal, corn tortillas, canned corn (no other vegetables, please) and the seasonings cilantro, cumin, paprika. 

Also needed are razors, toothbrushes and paste, shampoo, body wash, dish and laundry detergent, toilet paper, and lightly used or new winter clothing, especially for children ages 4-10. The drop-off location is Grace Church, 3330 Franklin Ave. Mark Clizbe, program director, and Ben York, operations coordinator, manned the booth.

Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County attended with three volunteers as well as three kittens and three puppies. The organization is available for adoptions, animal rescue and wildlife rehabilitation. Located in Wappingers Falls, it is a nonprofit pet adoption agency that provides temporary shelter and medical care for stray and abandoned animals in the Poughkeepsie area.

Hope Rising Farm provides equine-assisted services to all at its therapeutic riding center, a 501(c)(3). for adults and children of all abilities located in Amenia. Sheila Rabideau provided the information.

Angels of Light is looking for gifts for children, sippy cups, coloring books, crayons, pacifiers, pajamas and sketchbooks, for newborns to youth age 18, said director Lori Decker. It gives gift bags to children in six local hospitals. Donations and volunteers are always welcome at Angels of Light, whose base is at 28 Front St.

Friends of the Millbrook Library Sharon Mahar and Joan Burgess were looking for volunteers in helping them serve others in hospitality, events, public relations and fundraising. Helping the community in various ways, including pool and museum passes, candy and book giveaways, adult literacy programs, and voter registration, it has given the Millbrook Library a front-entrance renovation, chairs, paintings, a sound system and projector remote to aid in its many programs.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church Food of Life/Comida de Vida Pantry serves eastern Dutchess County and northwest Litchfield County in Connecticut. Gifts large and small from individuals, both in money and in-kind, are hugely important foundation for the pantry’s operations. Helen Hale, Christine Birnbaum, John Sheedy and Maire Sheedy handed out information.

Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley Inc. helps adults and families to become functionally literate. The exhibit was  handled by Barbara June, who said it helps with basic reading, English as a Second Language, and also volunteer by reading aloud, working with individual students in math and reading, and creating positive experiences between children and books.

In attendance at the Millbrook Library’s Volunteer Fair on Saturday, Oct. 14, was the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Food of Life/Comida de Vida Food Pantry with, from left, Helen Haye, Barbara Birnbaum, John Sheedy and Maire Sheedy, 13.  So far this year, the pantry has given out 115,902 meals. Judith O’Hara Balfe