North East Community Center Turning 20 in style

MILLERTON — Latin folk music. A comedic magician. A rockin’ band headlined by elementary school students.

Those were just three of the ways in which the North East Community Center (NECC) celebrated its 20th anniversary last Sunday, Sept. 26, at No. 9 restaurant located at Simmons’ Way Village Inn in Millerton.

The not-for-profit organization, located on South Center Street in the village, holds an annual awards  party to honor someone for their community service. This year Caroline McEnroe was recognized for her contributions in leading the senior exercise program for the past decade.

From the Millerton Farmers Market and the Care Car senior transportation program to summer jobs for teens and the senior exercise class, NECC has its hand in almost too many causes and activities to mention.

Several were on display even at the party, including teens serving appetizers and the aforementioned Millerton Knights, a group of aspiring young musicians led by NECC’s Jon Grusauskas. They laid down funky grooves for those in attendance with a repertoire of songs including Michael Jackson and salsa.

As in past years, a silent auction offered a variety of donated goods, from children’s books to a brand new motorized scooter. But this year it was the senior exercise class that was highlighted.

“It’s a program that has no funding, no paid staff and no marketing,†NECC Executive Director Jenny Hansell acknowledged. “And yet it still manages to fill up.â€

Hansell praised McEnroe for her leadership and hard work in keeping the program running and successful.

“I’m very grateful and I share this award with all the men and women in the class with me,†she said upon accepting the honor at the end of the evening.

“We maintain our balance and improve our flexibility,†she said. “And it’s certainly made our laughter, well, more. And most importantly we have each other, and the greatest thing we get from the class is the confidence we have in each other.â€

Stay on top of the latest programs and news from the North East Community Center at neccmillerton.org.

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