Millerton’s Brown Church feeds body and soul

MILLERTON— Ever since its inception, Small Town America has been known for taking care of its own. Millerton is a prime example, especially behind the sturdy doors of First Presbyterian Church of Millerton — also known as The Brown Church on Main Street.

There, anyone in need can find a small band of volunteers who use the church as a base providing all manner of help for fellow townspeople as they collect and distribute clothing, household goods, food and medical equipment and put on a free monthly meal.

Many point to Judy Westfall, Nicole LaGrande and Sharon Duncan as the go-to women, but they in turn shine the spotlight on others who take on various projects throughout the year, including Rosemary Lloyd, David Ackerman, Sharon McEnroe, Don Duncan, Dave MacMillan and Pastor Zora Ficarra-Cheatham. Vicki Moore, Stacey Moore and Helen Brandt, whose focus is the Food Pantry, and many others also help on an as-needed basis. 

On a recent afternoon, when Duncan was home working on the church accounts and nursing a cold, she noted that her husband, Don, had left his farming duties and was “most likely” at the church right then, doing dishes . He stopped by the church after a reception that followed the funeral of long-time congregant and fellow volunteer Beverly Gordon, who began the Food Pantry. 

Duncan expected that after a few hours off, he would be back there to help serve dinner —  just as they and others do on the third Friday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m., for some 30 to 50 diners. Some come for the free food, and some for good old-fashioned companionship. Many leave with leftovers — often in containers that the families bring to the meals with that in mind.

The success of the dinners, both Duncan and Westfall said, is due in large measure to the efforts of volunteer LaGrande who in turn touts the help she gets from a troupe of friends and helpers. She particularly mentioned  McEnroe, “who knows her way around a kitchen” and Ackerman, who “comes to cook after putting in a 10-hour shift” cooking at his own job.

Westfall said in addition to the dinners, LaGrande is “in touch with a lot of people in the community who are in need one way or another. She knows what they need as families — soap, beauty aids, shampoos, diapers, dishes, frying pans, books — she makes sure they get those items.”

LaGrande said the dinners, funded on an annual basis by a grant from the Northeast Dutchess Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, “just get people through the door,” and from then on she keeps track of the families via a recipe box filled with cards noting people’s name and needs. She fulfills those needs either at the meal or whenever needed items arrive. 

While explaining that the church no longer accepts clothing or household items, LaGrande said she does, so people should call her directly at 518-242-9040 as should anyone who would like to help with the dinner in any way.

Because the church is a non-profit organization with plenty of room, it also houses the North East Health Committee, commonly known as the Medical Closet. Residents may call Westfall at 518-821-5185 to donate or receive items such as bathroom fixtures, high rise toilet seats, tub inserts, grab bars, commodes, men’s and ladies’ diapers, walking boots — even hospital beds.

She said, “We accept just about anything. Right now we’re full to the brim with walkers and canes, but things we can’t keep are wheelchairs. They are the first to go. We can’t get enough. If I had 10 wheelchairs, I would be happier than a whatever.”

 A separate Food Pantry is also located behind the church doors. According to Westfall, families may receive a once a month supply that takes care of a portion of their food needs. The pantry has no set hours, but those requesting help should call one of the volunteers — usually Stacey or Vicki Moore at 518-789-4508 or Helen Brandt at 518-789-0499. A 24- to 48-hour notice is ideal, but often people call for help on an emergency basis. 

Vicki noted that it is sometimes difficult to find the time to respond to those requests and said it would be helpful to have others involved. 

Westfall said of the pantry that currently needs to be restocked, “It’s mostly the staples. We don’t give out anything extravagant, but just enough to get by with things such as chicken, hot dogs, hamburger, canned goods, bread, cereal and pasta. Sometimes we have fresh veggies if they have been given by local farmers.” 

She said all food donations are appreciated but that they “must be purchased and wrapped by a store” and that monetary donations are especially appreciated as they can be used when and where needed.

The generosity of many has kept the Food Pantry going since, unlike the monthly dinner, its functioning is dependent on donations from individuals, businesses and organizations such as the Lions Club and the fire department.

Moore added, “It’s been going for years and that speaks for itself.”

Westfall concluded, “Everybody works together. It’s really nice -— a win-win situation, which is what we all like about it. Our little town does so much to help people out. It’s the giving spirit and helping other people.”