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Letter to the Editor - December 20 2012

Way to go, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Congratulations! The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary. The citizens of northeastern Dutchess County continue to benefit from one of its early accomplishments.

More than 20 years ago Berkshire Taconic’s executive director, guided the fledgling board of the North East Community Center (NECC) through the intricacies of capital campaigns and the complexities of starting an organization. On this firm footing, NECC has proved to be a major (and sustaining!) asset to our community.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation continues to be a serious booster and funder for NECC’s effective and imaginative programs as it does for countless projects throughout the region. We look forward to its continued growth.

Sam Busselle
Wendy Curtis
Millerton

Happy ever again?

I had the toughest statement ever made to me on Sunday, Dec. 16, at our breakfast at the Amenia firehouse, where I stood in for Santa. I asked a young girl what she wanted for Christmas this year and she told me that she wanted everyone to be happy again at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

This came from a 6-year-old girl. I hugged her and fought back tears as she walked away to go eat. I was so shocked and proud of that little girl to give up her Christmas to help others.

Joel Pelkey
Amenia

We needed God

Does it seem surprising that there should be such evil as school shootings? Where was God? Don’t forget He was removed from the public sector.

Elizabeth Prause
Millerton

Brenda Maillet such an asset

We that attended the Millerton Nutrition Site on Simmons Street for lunch or volunteer for home delivery would like to say “thank you” and “congratulations” to Brenda Maillet for more than 30 years of faithful service in our community.

Brenda does a wonderful job of caring for each person by making calls each morning to check on their well-being, preparing coffee, setting the tables, keeping track of daily attendance, calling Poughkeepsie with the number of meals needed for the next day, keeping financial records of income and trips to the bank with donations and much more.

Marion McGhee also does this when she substitutes for Brenda.

These two ladies do a great job in and for our community, without much recognition. So, thank you both for your dedication and service from those of us that benefit from your labors.

Congrats, Brenda!

Janet Murphy
Millerton

Something must be done

While our hearts go out to the families, friends and colleagues of everyone who was killed today, we should also ask how long every man, woman and child in the United States will be held hostage by the National Rifle Association (NRA), whose influence has stymied all attempts to control the sale and ownership of guns, including automatic and semi-automatic weapons, whose only purpose is to fire many shots in rapid succession.

Cavin P. Leeman
Millerton

See you in January

On Sunday, Dec. 16, the Amenia Fire Company held its monthly pancake breakfast. Due to a wintry forecast, our crowd was down a bit to 129 people. We rely on the breakfast to raise much-needed money for general operations and we much appreciate the support of the community.

Thanks to all who attended our meal and we hope to see everyone again when we return on Jan. 20, 2013.

Andy Murphy
on behalf of the breakfast committee
Amenia Fire Co. & Auxiliary
Amenia

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