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NorthEast-Millerton Library to hold craft fair

NorthEast-Millerton Library to hold craft fair
Retired shop teacher John Roccanova at work in his shop, where he creates a wide variety of wood items of all sizes including bowls and toys, which will be available at the Saturday, Oct. 7 craft fair at the NorthEast-Millerton Library. The majority of his projects will be sold at the Irondale Schoolhouse in November to raise funds to support education programs in Kenya. 
Photo by Jean Roccanova

MILLERTON — Shoppers will have an opportunity to find some special treasures at the 12th annual craft fair on the lawn of the NorthEast- Millerton Library 75 Main St., on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

All items have been handcrafted and donated by local artisans with proceeds going to support the library’s general fund. Director Rhiannon Leo-Jameson said: “We are fortunate to be supported through tax revenue, but we do have a deficit at the end of each year. The craft fair is one way we are able to fill the gap and provide services.”

While sending appreciation to all contributors, Leo-Jameson gave a special nod to perennial contributor Carol Loper, who has donated hundreds of knit and crochet items over the years.

This year, her contributions have again led the way, with yarn crafters offering everything from hand-worked warm head gear, mittens and sweaters to blankets, toys and gifts for pets.

Decorations for the upcoming holiday season add variety, with many having been created by members of the senior citizen friendship group, which meets Monday though Thursday at the Annex.

Finely crafted wooden toys and kitchen items from the skilled hands of  retired shop teacher John Roccanova will give a small sneak preview of the wide variety of  items he will be selling at the Irondale Schoolhouse in November. Items sold there will help him and his wife, Jean, continue to also support the needs of school children and other residents through Grow Against Poverty’s Kenya program, which they began aiding years ago.

Homemade jelly will be on sale, and residents are invited to drop off homemade baked goods any time Friday or Saturday morning.

The day will also include the annual all free homemade Cookie Cook-Off competition. Entries should be dropped off  Friday or Saturday starting at 11 a.m. Shoppers  will taste and vote for their favorites between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate from the local merchant of their choice.

A highlight of the sale will be the raffle of items generously donated by Amenia Yoga, Demitasse, Designer Finds, The Farm Store at Willowbrook, Gilded Moon Framing, North Elm Home, Kiki Nail Salon, Oblong Books, Mane Street Salon, Millerton Service Center, Relief Chiropractic Wellness Center, Paley’s Farm Market, T-Shirt Farm, Studio 343, and Tree Fort Toys.

The sale, scheduled for the Memorial Garden in front of the library, will move to the Annex at 28 Century Blvd. in case of rain.

For more information including rules for the Cookie Cook-Off go to nemillertonlibrary.org or call 518-789-3340.

Carol Kneeland

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