On behalf of The Central Adirondack Partnership for the 21st Century (CAP-21) I would like to express my appreciation to all of our participating towns, organizations, businesses, families and individuals who supported our work throughout the year.

CAP-21 is pleased and honored to work with and represent the townships of Forestport, Webb, Inlet, Long Lake and Indian Lake in addressing common issues and helping to promote sustainable year-round Adirondack communities.

Much of our assistance is provided through the CAP-21 Community Grant Writing program, which is supported by The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, the Central Adirondack Association (CAA) and the Towns of Inlet and Webb.

During 2013, CAP-21 wrote and submitted grants in the amount of approximately $1.4 million.

The bulk of these funding requests were submitted through the NYS Regional Economic Development Councils Consoli-dated Funding Application (CFA).

The Board of CAP-21 has a great deal to be proud of this year including:

• Through the Save Our Strand Committee and the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) successfully raising funds for the digital conversion of the Strand Theatre, and maintaining this cultural center of town life for its next 90 years;

• Secured funding for a successful expansion of the Inlet Wastewater Treatment District;

• Implementing a new project to promote regional artists and craftspeople at the Farmers’ Market and using the market to raise over $2,000 in food assistance to our local food pantries;

• Assisting Community Transportation Services (CTS) with the purchase of their new vehicle, in collaboration with The Commu-nity Foundation, Adirondack Bank and the Health Center Fund;

• Initiating a second phase of improvements at Arrowhead Park in Inlet through a grant from NY Department of State, and completion of the Youth Commission Building as part of phase one improvements;

• Completion of a master plan for the Old Forge waterfront as a precursor to future grant applications and waterfront improvements;

• Assisting Kinderwood Early Education with a grant to upgrade curriculum, install their playground, improve their technology and support teacher training and assistance;

• Provided assistance to both Inlet and Webb in applications to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) capital improvements program;

• Grant funding from Herkimer County HealthNet for installation of Fit Trail exercise stations on the Maple Ridge Trail;

• Assisting the Inlet Barnstormers in obtaining Recreational Trail Program funds for trail maintenance equipment;

• Assisting the Town of Webb in seeking support from the NYS Energy Research & Devel-opment Authority (NYSERDA) for energy savings from snowmaking equipment upgrades at McCauley Mt.;

• Completion of waterfront improvement projects at Inlet, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Tupper Lake and the Village of Saranac Lake as part of the 90 Miler Blueway Trail Strategy;

• Initiating an Invasive Species Volunteer Day in Old Forge and becoming part of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) partnership initiative; and

• Completion of our15th year of assisting the Hanging Flower Baskets program and implementing holiday baskets as part of Christmas on Main Street.

In addition, CAP-21 provides our townships with a voice and representation on regional issues, such as the Finch-Pryun land classification, the Remsen-Lake Placid Corridor Unit Management Plan, and the proposed DEC regulations on invasive species.

As part of the Adirondack Non-Profit Network (ANN), CAP-21 was able to support an analysis of the impact of non-profits within the North Country.

CAP-21 is also actively engaged in the Common Ground Alliance and its offshoot, the Adirondack Partnership and as such, has been working on projects relating to the development of an economic revitalization strategy for the Park and the establishment of a Parkwide recreational database, web portal and mobile applications.

Our major disappointments for 2013 were not securing Main Street grants for Old Forge and Indian Lake, not securing funds for waterfront improvements in Long Lake, and not securing funds for a water tower infrastructure project in Old Forge.

CAP-21 intends to continue its focus and work on these issues and others. If there are areas that you believe we should be engaged in please do not hesitate to contact us at info@cap-21.org or by calling (315) 369-3353.

We are also looking for community-minded individuals willing to join our board, roll up their sleeves and support our work and volunteer efforts.

We currently have two board openings available and particularly need the assistance of someone with skills in social networking.