'NASCAR' Dave is Millerton's top citizen

MILLERTON — Although it was no surprise to those around him, “NASCAR� Dave MacMillan said he was shocked to learn he was the Millerton Lions Club’s choice for its 2008 Citizen of the Year. The honor was bestowed upon MacMillan at the annual holiday party at Simmons Way Village Inn.

“It was a complete surprise. To get an award like that meant the world to me. It brought tears to my eyes, I never thought I would be up for that,� MacMillan said. “Had I known I probably wouldn’t have gone to the dinner. I was overwhelmed with emotion because I never thought that people would think that much of me to give me an honor like that.�

 Todd Clinton, president of the Millerton Lions Club, said he was pleased to make the presentation and noted many of MacMillan’s worthy deeds.

“I am extremely proud and excited to have presented this year’s Citizen of the Year Award,� he said. “Dave MacMillan is a super great human being who seeks out the important things in life and does something about the lack thereof. Dave is someone who tirelessly makes the needs of our community known, has the ability to draw together groups of people for a common cause, is kind, selfless and is always there to lend a hand with whatever fundraiser is going on.�

MacMillan is best known for his Sunday in the Country food drive, which he’s been spearheading for more than a decade. The drive raises funds for and then delivers full Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to food banks throughout the Tri-State region during the holidays. This year alone roughly 1,100 were fed through his program, which has grown into something of a fundraising phenomenon in the Harlem Valley.

But MacMillan, with his trademark modesty, said it’s of utmost importance to stress that he alone does not make the fundraising or the food drives happen. That’s a team effort, and he’s more than ready to cheer for his mates.

“I want to stress that I couldn’t do it without the support system that I have. It starts with my family, my wife and my mother-in-law, and goes through all of the volunteers I call up and ask to give a hand,� he said. “They come on board and they don’t get any of the credit. I get the credit, and it’s not me, it’s the support system that I have that makes all these things happen.�

MacMillan said he started the food drive more than a decade ago because he could remember when he struggled  nearly 40 years ago, having to make the choice between paying for car insurance or buying food.

“That’s why I decided to do something with food, because I was hungry and I knew people who were hungry forever, and people helped me out,� he said. “And the reason we’re so successful is because we’re a volunteer group.

“I don’t know if it’s  because I’m bent over with arthritis and people feel sorry for me, but I try my best and do the best I can, and I think that particularly is why we’ve been successful,â€� MacMillan said, adding that the effort also keeps everything local — including the suppliers of the food and the participating food banks.

He also spoke of the importance of supporting other philanthropic organizations and causes.

“I’m just amazed at the support I get through the Lions Club and all different organizations,â€� he  said. “That’s also why I try to give back to them when they have a cause, so I can help them out to raise funds for their own causes. They all have their own cause and I try to give back my support to help them raise money too.â€�

“When you read the definition of compassionate and patriotic, Dave comes to mind immediately,â€� Clinton said. “Dave has and continues to demonstrate outstanding community service in both Millerton and our neighboring towns, generously giving of himself. He is such a treasure.â€�  

MacMillan said he’s excited for what’s up next: Millerton Mason Jake Shoifet plans to pass the torch and teach the Lions and others how to do a beef barbecue like the Masons used to years ago. Those famous barbecues fed between 400 and 500 hungry customers. MacMillan said he’s anxious to learn the tricks of the trade and expects that event to happen sometime this summer.

The Millerton Lions Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Simmons Way Village Inn in Millerton. Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Millerton Lions Club, contact Anne Deneen, membership chairperson, at 518-789-3133.