An opportunity to get to know your neighbors

The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Thumbs up: Jonathan Phillips gives a thumbs-up sign on Jan. 6 as representatives from local food pantries gather at his Altamont hardware store to accept donations. Altamont Community Tradition’s Festival of Lights raised $2,550, to be divided among the pantries along with food donations. In addition, Phillips Hardware raised $3,070 during its holiday fundraising program. From left are Jennifer Casale, Bethlehem Town Food Pantry; Takora McIntyre, Southend Children’s Café, Judy Seery, Altamont Food Pantry; Mary Beth Peterson and Gail Bushnell Hilltown Community Resource Center; Phillips; Laura Shore, president of Altamont Community Tradition; and Mac McDonnell, Guilderland Food Pantry.

To the Editor:
I’m writing on behalf of the board and Friends of Altamont Community Tradition to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who braved the cold and wind to come out and make the annual Festival of Lights a success. Though COVID forced us to hold our event completely outdoors, we tried to brighten one of the shortest days of the year and raise money for the food banks in Altamont, Guilderland, and the Hilltowns — who do so much to support those in need.

We are so grateful to the Altamont-area business community. Their sponsorship of our Enterprise ad (designed by Nicole McCutcheon) was added to individual contributions, yielding $2,550, which will be divided between the pantries — along with food donations. This contribution will be augmented by $3,070 raised by Phillips Hardware during their holiday fundraising program.

We would like to call out those businesses and organizations who contributed to the day in other ways: The Enterprise took free pet photos in the park; Altamont Country Values donated trees and pet treats; Ink and Ivy House of Beauty sponsored the Pet Pawrade.

Also: Sundown Lawn and Landscape helped stabilize the trees against wind; Stewarts donated hot chocolate; Gade Farm donated wreaths; the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and St. John’s Lutheran Church hosted activities in the park; and the Altamont Reformed Church hosted the popular Living Nativity.

Eight hearty village organizations decorated trees in the park; wreaths were lovingly and creatively decorated; and many individuals contributed ornaments to the Community Tree. The wreath silent auction and raffle donations from the Train Station Quilters and other individuals contributed significantly to our Community Grant fund.

Many thanks are also due to our major sponsors, whose significant donations will help fund future projects and ACT Community Grants. Cap Com Federal Credit Union, First National Bank of Scotia, and Stewart’s Shops have shown their commitment to strengthen our community and we’re grateful to them.

Finally, I would like to thank the ACT members, friends, and volunteers who contributed countless hours and financial support to make these events a success. Though we live in a small village, our busy lives can make it difficult to forge connections.

Participating in community events creates an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and tighten bonds within our community. Your ideas and contributions will make for events that reflect your taste and interests.

Though it’s challenging without the option of in-person meetings, we will look for ways to expand community involvement. If you’re interested in being added to the list for outreach, please contact altamontcommunitytradition@yahoo.com.

Laura Shore

President

Altamont

Community Tradition

More Letters to the Editor

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.