The Central Adirondack Partnership for the 21st Century (CAP-21) hosted a reception for state, county and local officials prior to the start of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Forge on Friday, March 14th.
The event, which took place at American Legion Post 893, gave area representatives the opportunity to meet in an informal setting to talk about the value and importance of non-profit organizations to the economic and social fabric of our communities.
Organizations invited to the event included Community Transportation Services (CTS), the Health Center Fund, Home Aid Service of the Central Adirondacks HASCA), the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association, Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council, Inc., Kiwanis, Kommunity Youth Activity Center (KYAC), Inlet and Old Forge Libraries, Inlet and Town of Webb Historical Associations, MAC’s Safe Ride, Sagamore Institute, Town of Webb School District, VIEW Arts, and our original non-profits, St. Bartholomew’s and Niccolls Memorial churches.
During the gathering, commentary was offered on a report published by the Adirondack Non-Profit Network (ANN) that highlighted the importance of non-profits in impacting our communities as economic drivers as well as their role in improving the quality of life for year-round and seasonal residents, and visitors to the area.
In particular, the important regional work of both the Central Adirondack Association (CAA) and the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) was cited. Both organizations played an essential role in facilitating the digital conversion of the Strand Theatre this past year.
Participating in the event on the state level was Senator Hugh Farley who talked about his Adirondack roots. He was accompanied by his aide, our hometown Robin Jost; Assemblyman Marc Butler was tied up on constituent issues in Albany and sent his regrets, but more importantly, he was able to continue his presence at the parade.
Hamilton County was represented by Supervisor William Farber who has been working with CAP-21 on projects under the direction of the Common Ground Alliance and the Adirondack Partnership.
As in the past, there was a great turn out of Herkimer County officials including Legislator Patrick Russell—our hometown Majority Leader; Board Chair Vincent Bono, Sheriff Chris Farber, District Attorney Jeff Carpenter, and Elections Commissioner Kathleen Farber.
Our local towns were represented by Town of Webb Supervisor Ted Riehle and Councilpersons Mike Ross, Kate Russell, Mary Brophy-Moore and Town Clerk Nanci Russell; and Inlet Supervisor John Frey and Councilmen Herb Schmid, Bill Faro and Tim Brownsell.
Both Supervisors Riehle and Frey talked about the projects that CAP-21 has worked on and their importance to their respective communities. Tim Foley, president of the CAP-21 Board, thanked all for attending and for their support for the CAP-21 community grant writing program.
Also attending the event were the two major Republican candidates for the 21st Congressional District: Elise Stefanik of Willsboro and Matt Doheny of Watertown. Both candidates briefly spoke about their candidacy and the importance of the North Country and expressed interest in coming back to Old Forge for a more formal candidates’ night to talk about their position on issues of importance to the region. CAP-21 will be working with their campaigns to arrange this event which will possibly take place in June.
The highlight of the event was the pre-parade appearance of Erin Hamlin, accompanied by her father, Ron, who talked about Erin learning to ski at McCauley. This is a family whose consideration and community engagement speak to all of what’s best about living where we do.
In addition to the Hamlin Family, on behalf of CAP-21, I would like to thank Father Shane for his benediction; Dave Aliasso for his incredible spread, and particularly the clam chowder—Senator Farley’s favorite; to Parade Co-chairs Chip Kiefer, Tim and Patty Foley; and to Covey-Pashley American Legion Post 893 and Lou Salin for hosting the event.