Tag sale brings community together

PINE PLAINS — July 18 was the perfect Saturday for a tag sale, and dozens of homes in Pine Plains banded together for a townwide sale, all the way from the North East town border to Stissing Lake.

Resident Tammy George organized the event, in the hope that it would strike a chord with her community.

“I felt like the town was in a lull,� she explained. “There are a lot of great restaurants here, and lots of stuff to do. We’re trying to build Pine Plains back up.�

Several groups added events that turned the center of town into a bustling area of activity. Stissing Bank was celebrating its 170th year in business with a barbecue cookout at the park in the middle of town, offering free hamburgers and hot dogs to hungry bargain shoppers.

“It’s a day to celebrate the town and the bank,� said bank President Kevin McLaren.

“We wanted to do our part,� said bank employee Ibis Guzman. “The bank really does its part to help the town in any way it can.�

Meanwhile, the Friends of the Library had a book and bake sale set up at the library’s old location near the center of town.

“It’s great,� friend Betty Chestney reported. “This was the perfect day for us to do this.�

Over at the Paige George Literacy Foundation, Tammy George had plenty to keep the children occupied while their parents scoured for the best deal. There was a petting zoo, face painting, sand art and an inflatable fun house. Bee Bee the Clown also stopped by for a performance.

Inside, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office had set up Operation Safe Card, a program started by the state a few years ago that produces identification cards for children to keep in a central database.

“If a child goes missing, we can get information on the child out in a matter of minutes,� explained Deputy George Strid. “It’s nationwide and includes a photo, fingerprints and basic information.�

Amid everything, there was still plenty of sidewalk space for residents to set up shop, and having so many sales on the same day worked to everyone’s benefit.

“It’s been packed,� George said. “I’d say it was a really good first year.�

“I think it’s a great opportunity,� said resident Christine Bascetta, who explained she lives on a dead-end road. “It’s good for people who don’t live in town to join in.�

Cheyanne Haight and Laura Bencivengo were on the buying side of the sale, and walked away with a full trunk, just as happy.

“It’s a great idea,� Haight said. “I’m looking forward to it next year.�

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