Food program director Jordan Schmidt, left, and marketing and outreach coordinator Cheri Johnson, right, display just some of the items on offer at the NECC’s food pantry in Millerton.
MILLERTON — According to New York State health commissioner James McDonald, “No one should have to go hungry,” a statement supported by the staff at the North East Community Center, who do their part on a daily basis to ensure all members of the community have access to adequate and nutritious food resources.
On a recent Wednesday afternoon, the NECC doors opened and people filed in and out. Those who were exiting were carrying bags or pulling carts filled with food. Those who were entering clutched empty bags on their way in, and those with family or friends chatted among themselves as they selected items from the NECC’s food pantry shelves. Once they finished stocking up, they headed for home, their mission accomplished.
By design, there’s a pointed sense of normalcy attached to the NECC food pantry. Food insecurity, which is defined by limited or questionable food access due to curtailed financial means, has become more prevalent in recent years with the onset of inflation. For some, food insecurity is a new concern and a new normal which may be accompanied by a sense of shame or feelings of failure.
The NECC, established in 1988 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1990, aids in lifting the emotional toll connected with food unease by providing fresh and nutritious food for community members.
With its founding, the NECC filled a much-needed gap in human and community services in Northeast Dutchess.
It serves children, adolescents and families through a range of programming that includes day care, after-school activities, resources for teenagers — including a teen club, internships and apprenticeships — and provides guidance for families with income-tax filing, summer camp scholarships, and obtaining school supplies and winter coats.
Additionally, the NECC offers classes in English as a second language and yoga. But its food programming is a cornerstone of its existence, and it’s a literal lifeline.
Nutritious food serves as a preventative against future health impacts. Without it, as health commissioner McDonald noted, “Hunger stresses the body and mind, and can result in malnutrition, inability to concentrate, anxiety, and depression. In addition, adults who experience food insecurity are more likely to report chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and cancer.”
For the NECC, food is medicine, and they regularly administer farm-fresh produce and eggs to their clientele through their Fresh Food Pantry, a collaboration with local suppliers, made possible through donations. Distribution in Millerton runs from June through October, and through February for Pine Plains and Amenia.
There is also a holiday food distribution via the Millerton Food Pantry in the months of November and December.
At the food pantry, open year-round, a range of canned goods, shelf-stable products, cereal, dairy and eggs can be found on roll-away shelves in addition to some household items. Foods are wholesome and culturally sensitive.
A volunteer crew works in conjunction with NECC staff members at the pantry. The NECC is always looking for volunteers to aid in unloading and distributing food pantry items.
Its Millerton Farmers’ Market is held weekly at the Methodist Church from May through December, and the second and fourth Saturday from January through March.
It provides those in need with access to fresh and local produce, pasture-raised meat, baked goods and cheese. EBT, WIC checks, and Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks are accepted. Sustainable farming practices and ethical growth methods are utilized by their vendors to ensure optimal quality.
The Market is on the receiving end of support via Berkshire Agricultural Ventures’ market match fund, in which a $1-for-$1 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program match is made, up to $30 per transaction, enabling SNAP users to make the most of their funds at the Farmers’ Market.
Additional support comes from the Field & Fork Network’s Double-Up Food Bucks New York, in which a $2-for-$2 match up to $20 per day is extended.
This provides SNAP recipients additional tokens for produce purchases at any farmers market partnered with the NECC. Patrons concerned about high farmers’ market prices need not worry as many vendors offer comparable prices to supermarkets.
Through its partnerships with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Tri Corner FEED, and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and local farms, the NECC has created the Community Access Food Hub. The hub is where food is distributed. It also supplies produce, eggs and milk to regional food pantry partners. As a result, approximately 159,891 lbs. of food was delivered to alleviate hunger throughout the region.
Last summer, the NECC offered a summer meals program to children under 18 enrolled in the Webutuck Central School District. The program provided lunch at Eddie Collins Memorial Park in Millerton and breakfast and lunch at the Maplebrook School.
The NECC food pantry is open on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m to 1 p.m., and is located at 51 S. Center St. in Millerton. Additionally, the NECC delivers groceries to those in need on Thursdays.
To learn more about the NECC and its offerings, visit: neccmillerton.org.
Kathy Chow, pictured here standing, addresses the room during public comment on the proposed overhaul of North East's zoning code. Chow suggested more farming opportunities should be permitted in the code.
MILLERTON – Community members crammed into the North East Town Hall on Thursday, Jan. 8, for a highly anticipated public hearing on the town’s proposed commercial zoning overhaul.
With the 21-seat meeting room at capacity, several attendees were forced to listen from the lobby. After listening to public comments, the town board opted to adjourn the hearing rather than close it, scheduling a continuation for Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m.
The hearing marked a significant milestone in a process that has been four years in the making and represents the first comprehensive rewrite of the town’s zoning code since the mid-1970s.
The proposed zoning overhaul is intended to modernize regulations that have remained largely unchanged for decades, aligning them with the town’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan and current economic and housing needs. The revisions place a strong emphasis on encouraging reinvestment in commercial districts, expanding housing options — including multifamily, mixed-use and affordable housing — and updating standards to reflect modern land uses and technologies. Town officials have said the goal is to support local businesses, streamline approvals, and provide clearer, more predictable rules while preserving neighborhood character and quality of life.
While approximately 35 members of the public attended – not including members of the town board and legal counsel – only seven residents chose to speak. Most expressed general support of the draft, thanking the Zoning Review Committee (ZRC) and town board for their work and volunteer efforts. Some brought up targeted concerns while others made recommendations. North East resident Tyler Graham – founder of the newly formed Save Millerton group, which has publicly challenged the zoning revision process and specifically the town board – was more critical.
Prior to opening the public hearing, Town Supervisor Chris Kennan summarized the steps that were taken to update the zoning code. He noted the process began with the Town and Village Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted on Nov. 14, 2019, which recommended hiring a consultant and attorney to draft new language to update the zoning and subdivision laws.
A significant undertaking, the board broke the process into two parts. The objective of the first phase was to focus primarily on the commercial districts in the town. Kennan said some aspects of the residential zones, as well as the land conservation zone, were included. The ZBA presented its work on Nov. 14, 2024 and the town board completed its review on Nov. 4, 2025.
Rich Stalzer, chair of the town’s Conservation Advisory Counsel, said he viewed the zoning review process as “open and inclusive,” while raising several technical concerns. He asked the town to clarify zoning document provisions related to backup generators and noise impacts, strengthen pedestrian safety requirements for off-site parking and address ambiguities around accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on properties owned by trusts or LLCs. Stalzer also recommended aligning school use requirements across residential zoning districts.
Kathy Chow, a North East resident and chair of the Millerton Climate Smart Task Force, focused her remarks on agriculture and economic development. She said current permitted uses limit farming opportunities and called for greater flexibility to allow market gardens, greenhouses, community gardens and a broader range of farm animals. Chow also urged the town to encourage artisan workshops and food-based businesses in the Irondale area, suggesting it could become a hub for small industry and capture Route 22 traffic.
Kathleen Spahn, a member of the village Zoning Board of Appeals and who also works at the NorthEast-Millerton Library, expressed support for policies that would increase housing opportunities while protecting the town and village from an influx of short-term rentals and part-time residents.
Rob Cooper said he welcomed the proposed relaxation of setback requirements, supporting changes that would make it easier to build or expand without needing a variance.
Kevin Webb of Skunk’s Misery Road said “the spirit of the work seemed good and seems like the product of a lot of hard work.” He said provisions related to ADUs appeared stronger than those in the previous code. “I don’t want to make perfect the enemy of good,” Webb said. “This can’t be a perfect product, but I support it.”
Ed Covert, a resident of Cooper Road, thanked the ZRC “for their hard work,” and efforts to improve the town. He added, “It's just a shame that it had to be handed over to the town [board], who added things that the ZRC didn't even address.”
Covert criticized what he described as a lack of zoning enforcement on Cooper Road, citing years of tension with a neighbor who he said constructed an illegal dwelling and a lack of response to multiple complaints filed by residents. “Fix problems before you change things,” Covert said.
Tyler Graham, founder of Save Millerton, used his allotted time to question the process, including the timing of the draft’s release over the holidays and classification of the rewrite as primarily commercial when, he argued, it would also impact residential zoning. He also criticized the lack of a reader-friendly summary explaining what changes were made and why.
The town board will continue to accept written comments in advance of the Feb. 3 continuation of the public hearing, all of which will become part of the official record. Copies of the draft zoning code remain available at Town Hall, on the town’s website and at the NorthEast-Millerton Library.
The board and Dutchess County Planning officials will also review written submissions and feedback provided during the hearing as they consider potential revisions to the draft. The town board will also complete a State Environmental Quality Review to assess any significant adverse impacts before closing the public hearing and adopting amendments with the New York Secretary of State. Once approved, a committee will be appointed to dive into phase two, an overhaul of the residential zoning code.
Following the public hearing, the board resumed its regular monthly meeting and routine business. Members voted to sign an agreement with the Town of Pine Plains, designating its facility as North East’s official dog shelter. They also approved minutes from the Dec. 11, 2025 meeting, shared committee reports and agreed upon budget adjustments for the 2025 fiscal year.
The Millerton Inn on Main Street will host the first dinner in this year's Dine Out for History series on Sunday, Jan. 18. A local history quiz including a free glass of wine will precede dinner service at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are requested.
MILLERTON —Diners will once again have the opportunity to support the North East Historical Society this winter while enjoying meals at local restaurants with the return of “Dine Out for History.”
Seven restaurants across Millerton and the Town of North East will be participating in this year's event, marking the highest number since the COVID-19 Pandemic shuttered the event from 2020 to 2022.
On select dates from Jan. 18 through March 23, participating restaurants will host their own Dine Out for History night, with 10% of the evening’s proceeds donated to the historical society to support research, digitization of its collection and efforts to make historic content more accessible to the public.
“We’re very happy to see the significant support we are getting from local restaurants,” said Edward Downey, president of the North East Historical Society. “We aim to bring them more business at a tough time of year, and from the feedback we’ve gotten, their patrons enjoy rallying to support local history.”
The series will begin Sunday, Jan. 18, at The Millerton Inn, 53 Main St. An optional brief presentation — a participatory local history quiz — will be held at 5:30 p.m. for those who wish to arrive early. The program includes a complimentary glass of wine, with dinner to follow. Reservations are requested.
The other participating restaurants include Taro’s at 18 Main St. on Thursday, Jan. 29; Willa at 52 Main St. on Thursday, Feb. 12 (reservations requested); the Oakhurst Diner at 19 Main St. on Sunday, Feb. 22; Pasture Kitchen at 130 Route 44, on Thursday, March 5; the Golden Wok at Railroad Plaza, 2 Main St., on Sunday, March 15 (takeout only); and Round III at 5523 Route 22, on Monday, March 23.
To get a reminder, please sign up for the North East Historical Society newsletter by contacting Ed Downey at eddowney12@gmail.com.
The North East Historical Society is on the second floor of the NorthEast-Millerton Library, 75 Main St., Millerton. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays or by appointment. For more information, contact Ed Downey at eddowney12@gmail.com.
Millerton Fire Company crews directing traffic as they waited for a tow truck large enough to haul the wrecked box truck away from a crash site on Route 44 just south of the entrance to the Millerton Gun Club on Friday, Jan. 9.
MILLERTON — A crash involving a box truck and a passenger vehicle blocked traffic just outside the Village of Millerton for much of the early afternoon Friday.
North East Fire Chief Keith Roger told The News on-scene that no one was injured in the crash that occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Route 44, just south of the entrance to the Millerton Gun Club.
Details of the incident were limited as emergency crews worked at the scene. Roger said a box truck and a passenger car were the two vehicles involved, but additional information was not immediately available.
A box truck involved in a crash with a passenger vehicle blocking a lane of traffic on Route 44 outside the Village of Millerton on Friday, Jan. 9. Millerton Fire Company crews directed traffic around the truck until just before 2 p.m. when a tow truck arrived from East Fishkill.Photo by Nathan Miller
The passenger car was towed from the scene by about 1:45 p.m. A heavy-duty tow truck from East Fishkill arrived shortly thereafter to remove the box truck.
The disabled box truck blocked a lane of traffic on Route 44 just outside of the village, causing significant delays for motorists and prompting many to take a detour on Mill Road to avoid the congestion.
"It takes a minute," Roger said. "We don't have any large vehicle tow companies nearby."
MILLERTON – The Village of Millerton Board of Trustees will convene on Monday, Jan. 12, for its monthly workshop meeting, with updates expected on the village’s wastewater project, Veterans Park improvements and the formal recognition of a new tree committee.
The board is scheduled to receive an update from Erin Moore – an engineer at Tighe and Bond, an engineering and consulting firm – on the status of the village’s wastewater project. The presentation will focus on funding secured to date, as well as additional grant opportunities that may be pursued to support the long-term infrastructure effort.
Trustees will also discuss a proposed local law to formally establish a village tree committee, a group that has been in development for several months. The committee aims to improve the overall health and sustainability of Millerton’s trees, and plans to seek funding to support its work. An initial tree audit would be the first step in assessing the condition of existing trees, but the group must be officially recognized by the village to do so. The law will be discussed during Monday’s meeting and a public hearing will likely be set for a later date.
In addition, the board will review the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process related to planned renovations at Veterans Park. Required by the state, this process will examine any potential environmental, social or economic impacts on the renovations that will be made to the park. In the works for more than a year, the renovations will include both landscaping and hardscaping improvements intended to enhance the space as a central gathering space in downtown Millerton. The work is funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded in 2024. Village officials previously secured an extension on the grant, and construction is now expected to be completed by Memorial Day.
The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place at Village Hall at 5933 N Elm Ave. at 6 p.m.
