A social hour and dinner was enjoyed by close to 100 members and friends of the Central Adirondack Association at the organization’s annual Spring Fling which was held at Thendara Golf Club on Tuesday, June 5th.
Following dinner, CAA President Nick Bankert talked briefly to the gathering about the many CAA-sponsored events that bring people into town year after year.
Taking the podium next was, Mike Farmer, Old Forge Publicity Director, who introduced Bob Gates, this year’s Volunteer of the Year honoree.
“As soon as I landed this job and was working with the CAA, I knew that the volunteers were the backbone of the job. They really make things happen. As soon I realized that, I met Bob Gates who said, ‘I want to help out in the worst way.’ And he has so lived up to that statement.
He is the quintessential volunteer,” Farmer said.
In acceptance of the award, Gates said, “I really enjoy helping out and I really enjoy all of the events that CAA sponsors here in Old Forge. It’s a great town and I’m very proud to be part of it. And I will continue to look forward to helping out and doing what I can.”
Gary Staab, who once worked at the former Farm Restaurant in Thendara, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Beverly Burnap and the late Frank Burnap.
“For years it was the establishment to go to. People would come to experience what it was like to go into the Farm. The food was fantastic, and when new customers walked in they would say, ‘What did I walk into? This is a museum.’ The place was phenomenal—an iconic establishment in the Town of Webb,” Staab said.
Staab said that one thing he learned from Frank was to pay attention to his own business, adding that Frank was a great businessman and great supporter of the CAA.
“He loved the Frog Jumping Contest and the Ugly Tie Contest. That event allowed him to be on stage and be the man he really wanted to be in entertainment. And when you went to his restaurant you realized he was an entertainer,” Staab said.
Local attorney Tim Foley and Tim Noonan, owner of Enchanted Forest/Water Safari, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Water’s Edge Inn, were recognized with Honorary Membership Awards for their longtime contributions and continued support of the CAA.
Prior to receiving the awards, each was subjected to a good-natured “roast”. Foley’s was delivered by his brother, Doc Foley; and Noonan’s was given by Tom Down.
