Church sale in Pine Plains

PINE PLAINS — The First United Presbyterian Church of Pine Plains held its annual church Rummage and Bake Sale on Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30. The proceeds will go to help “church expenses,” as “the budget is always a challenge,” said Pastor Carol Miller. The Presbyterian Women’s Association is responsible for the rummage sale as well as the autumn bazaar. Both events are run by volunteers. The events have been held at the church for more years than anyone can remember. Many items were available, both new and old, including such things as pencils, candy jars, fabrics, shoes, a variety of jarred soups and jellies, cakes, pies and plants. An outside section (opened just a few years) held some larger items like bikes, TVs and patio umbrellas. All merchandise was donated by members. The church accepts donations from anyone but does not accept clothing for the autumn bazaar. “We find that both events are very profitable for the church.” said Trudie Wilson, president of the Women’s Association. A quilt made by the members of the association was up for raffle this time around. Volunteer Carol Ladoceour found “some 30-plus people waiting for the doors to open,” she said. “We do really well and every little bit helps and people always find their bargains.” Linda Wendover and Mary Pat Ferrio donated from the profits they made from Avon and Mary Kay Cosmetics, respectively.Shopper and local resident Trudy Schrom found “many bargains.” Schrom was accompanied by her 11-year-old son, Anthony DeCarlo, who said, “I’m happy because I found Connect Four.” Other local shoppers such as Evelyn and Fred Briggs said they come every year for “the wonderful buys.” With the Briggs was their daughter, April Briggs, and their 9-year-old granddaughter, Brianna Johnson. Any leftover baked goods will be used for the “coffee hour, after service on Sunday,” said volunteer Shirley Mac Pherson, who was also responsible for getting the leftover merchandise to a volunteer so it could be distributed to the needy.Other volunteers included Linda Bartolomeo, Lynne Clinch, Helena Dreeben, Jeanne Valentine-Chase and Marge Chase.If you missed last week’s sale, don’t miss the autumn bazaar and its “great deals” said Pastor Miller. The April event brought in $1,881.85. The winner of the quilt was Kate Osofsky.To make donations to the church, contact The Presbyterian Women’s Association at 518-398-7117.