Millbrook Horse Trials donates to Pine Plains Food Locker

Millbrook Horse Trials donates to Pine Plains Food Locker
From left, Pine Plains Community Food Locker Director Pat Nannetti, with the Millbrook Horse Trials’ Louise Merryman and Food Locker Treasurer Ted Mallozzi celebrated the donation of a $2,500 check to the pantry from the Millbrook Horse Trials. Photo submitted

PINE PLAINS — As one of the largest equestrian events in the country, the Millbrook Horse Trials (MHT) made a donation of $2,500 to the Pine Plains Community Food Locker (PPCFL) this January as part of its community outreach initiative. The check was presented by Louise Merryman, MHT organizer and board member.

“We are pleased to be able to give back to the community in which we live and which has been consistently unwavering in its support of the Millbrook Horse Trials,” Merryman said.

The MHT take place over four days in August each year and has been donating to the Pine Plains food pantry since 2014. Its goal is to donate $2,500 to the Food Locker each year.

The PPCFL has been operating since 1951. Once a month it distributes food to roughly 35 families that live in the Pine Plains Central School District, along with other basic necessities.

PPCFL Treasurer Ted Mallozzi said community involvement helps provide local residents with more than just the basic necessities. Community support also helps supply heating, clothing and medical assistance to those in need. The food pantry also relies on donations from the North East Community Center in Millerton and private individuals to help augment its budget. Additionally, donations of fresh produce are contributed from the Pine Plains Community Garden, Fat Apple Farm and Black Sheep Farm. Mallozzi said every bit helps.

“We rely heavily on the donations of local Pine Plains and Stanford residents to fund our annual budget,” he said. “But it is the donations from organizations such as the Millbrook Horse Trials that allow us to extend assistance beyond the bare minimum to the neediest in our community.”

The Food Locker is located in the basement of the Pine Plains United Methodist Church, located at 3023 Church St. (Route 199), which allows the program to use the building rent free. To reach the PPCFL, call 518-398-7273.

Latest News

‘Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley:’ North East Historical Society Hosts Annual Meeting

Anthony Musso discusses his book “Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley” at the North East Historical Society’s annual meeting on Saturday, Nov. 15. The book centers on historical sites across the region with rich backgrounds and low ticket-prices for maximum accessbility.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — With his signature Brooklyn accent, sense of humor and wealth of knowledge, author and historian Anthony “Tony” Musso brought American Revolution history to life at the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex in partnership with the North East Historical Society.

The talk marked Musso’s first speaking engagement at the Annex and coincided with the historical society’s annual meeting.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less