To the Editor:

  Thank you so much for both the publishing of my letter and posting of our event in the paper and digital version as well as for sending photographer Michael Koff ….

Although our original judge for the chili cook-off had to cancel, we were able to ask a Knox resident who had showed up to pay his taxes upstairs if he could be an impartial judge. 

Each chili entrant had just a number and basic ingredient list. After careful sampling, he chose Number 1, which was a meatless, no-salt, but nicely seasoned chili made by Amy Pokorny (this is why I couldn’t ask Russ to be the judge).

She won a handmade cutting board made by local resident Marty Herzog.

Despite the cold, the Kiwanis, Knox Historical Society, Berne Library, Altamont Free Library, and ACCORD [Albany County Crisis Officials Responding and Diverting] were all on hand.

The Albany County Sheriff’s Office had a trained police dog and community support van. Inside, my daughter was able to get a Safe Child ID with her picture and digital scanned fingerprints added to their Child Safe Database. This brings real peace of mind in case of a parent’s worst nightmare as police already have her picture and prints on file.

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy made some time to come as well. It was an honor to meet him and see him interact with our attendees.

Additionally, Helderberg Ambulance was on hand and Agriculture Advisory Council Chairman Gary Kleppel gave an informative presentation on local farms and a talk about regenerative farming. (We have been practicing what he preaches for many years now.)

Finally, as people were packing up and many headed home, we did have some last-minute families come who had built cardboard sleds!

Despite the harsh cold, these brave souls decided: What the hey; let’s try ’em out.

I was thrilled as not only did they work and laughter was heard, but I was able to award the first, second, third, and forth prizes in literally the last moments.

Glenn Pulito

Youth Coordinator

Knox