Community center keeps a fresh approach

There’s no doubt about it — the village of Millerton has its own identity. It has character, charm, a sense of individuality and liveliness. These traits are all things that people pick up on, and over the last few years, Millerton has become a destination for many in the Tri-State region.

The village has developed in the way that it has, in large measure, thanks to its residents, its businesses and its community organizations. One such group is the North East Community Center, or NECC, as it’s most often referred to.

NECC is responsible for many of the unique and creative events that Millerton has become known for, like the annual Family Arts Festival, which consistently draws a large crowd to this small village.

Another event, or more appropriately, series of events, the community center has become known for is the Millerton Farmers Market. In its second year, the market has become a summertime favorite, as well as a big draw.

The Farmers Market was the brainchild of Millerton’s Karen Kisslinger, who brought her idea to Jenny Hansell, executive director of NECC. Together they created what is now a Saturday standby.

Those who visit the market can find all types of goodies: fresh, and often organic, fruits and veggies, herbs and flowers, fresh-baked goods, homemade jams and jellies, local meats and cheeses — just about anything one could wish for. There’s even homespun wool and other creative products available.

This summer organizers added into the mix live entertainment, bringing in performers like The Joint Chiefs (who will perform Aug. 23) and local chef Leo Goldsmith (who wowed gourmets this past Saturday). Just about every weekend there has been a special guest to entertain marketgoers, a trend that has only added to the already successful series.

The community center should be proud of its ability to not only pull off such a professionally run market, which highlights the wisdom of the "buy local" philosophy so successfully, but also for its continued willingness to take chances. With Hansell at the helm, NECC has proven time and again that it’s an integral part of the Millerton community, one which provides local color, unique character, improved quality of life and important social services.

The North East Community Center deserves to be recognized for taking such an active role in the community — its projects continue to enhance village life — and events like the Farmers Market prove why success is so sweet.

If you haven’t made it to the market yet this summer, don’t delay too long. The last market will be Oct. 11. The Farmers Market is held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s located on Dutchess Avenue, behind the Millerton Methodist Church, across the street from Herrington’s.

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