To the Editor:

The end of summer can be bittersweet. The long days of sunlight wane.  Stillness pervades, and, save for the occasional buzz of an insect, quiet replaces the raucous sounds of chattering birds. The change from vibrant summer days to autumn’s mellow, languid days is evident. Soon school will start, and, when it does, our lives will turn inward.

But Saturday, Aug. 27, the town park once again came alive with the sights and sounds of summer:  children shouting, adults engaged in conversation with friends and neighbors, music playing, and the smell of hot dogs filling the air.  It was a day of rest and relaxation, a day to celebrate the end of summer and the community in which we live.  It was Summerfest, with all the fun and excitement that it brings.

I would like to extend my deep appreciation to all those individuals who worked to make Summerfest a success.  First and foremost, I would like to thank the committee who worked throughout the winter and spring to plan the day: Wayne Emory, Dawn Jordan, Anita Clayton, Andrea Borst, and Phyllis Johnson.  They were tireless in their efforts to ensure the day was organized and well run.

I would also like to thank Dick Stock, who once again, arranged for the wonderful music that filled the air, and the five phenomenal bands who played: Shine Hill Road, The Stringdusters, Nite Train, Flood Road, and The Hilltown Ramblers.

Special thanks are extended to Scott Green whose meticulous work insured the park looked its very best, John Finke for the lights, and Tom Deitrich for the loan of the radios.  Most especially, I would like to thank the Berne and East Berne fire companies, the Helderberg Ambulance crew, the fire police, and the Albany County Sheriff’s Office for their help and support; the day was a success thanks to their efforts.  Thanks are also extended to Sheriff Craig Apple who provided the spectacular fireworks that ended the day.

We are so very fortunate to live in a community of caring individuals who work and play together.  The strength of our community rests on that ability, on the willingness to work together for the benefit of all.  Thank you to everyone who made Summerfest such a wonderful success.

Karen Schimmer, councilwoman

Town of Berne