We enjoyed the summer evening walks along Main Street to the sound of music drifting from the library concerts or joined the gathering of families to watch movies in the park sponsored by the Altamont Fire Department.  As our new trustee, Madeline LaMountain, said, "We are inspired by their idyllic portrayal of small town America."  We agree with her that Altamont is as close as it gets to that vision.

Summer is a fond memory, but excitement mounts for the fall and winter season.  I understand that Altamont Community Tradition is planning a new and expanded Victorian Holidays on Dec. 11 and the village's volunteer fire department has scheduled a Santa Stroll on Dec. 18. Check the village calendar and notices on these exciting holiday events.

A new first is just around the corner:  Altamont's First Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Orsini Park. There will be local vendors selling fresh produce; tastings from local wine, cider, and craft beer distributors; handmade crafts; musicians; and kids’ activities.

It’s a free, fun, family friendly event. There has been overwhelming interest in this fall festival.  I encourage your families to come and enjoy yourselves. Check out the event and the current list of vendors on the following websites: www.facebook.com/altamontfallfestival; www.instagram.com/altamontfallfestival.

Summer sidewalk and roadwork

The Village Department of Public Works has completed its sidewalk program for the season.  Within our limited budget, we were able to do one more stretch on Altamont Boulevard and a small sidewalk at the site of Jimmy's Meat Market to provide safe access into the new store from the parking lot. If all goes well, we will finally complete the sidewalk on Altamont Boulevard next season.

We also awarded the contract for the replacement of a culvert on Brandle Road, which will be completed this spring. The project was made possible in part by a grant secured by Senator George Amedore.

Bozenkill Road, which is under the jurisdiction of the town of Guilderland, was resurfaced and widened after many years of neglect and neighbors’ complaints.  Thanks to Guilderland Superintendent of Public Works Steve Oliver and his DPW crew for a job well done.

Museum in the Streets

At its September meeting, the Altamont Board of Trustees approved implementation of the Museum in the Streets project.  MITS will provide a proven format for Altamont to tell its story by inviting visitors and residents to stroll our streets, read, and learn about our local history and architecture.  To see the format envisioned, check out the website: themuseuinthestreets.com.

The village of Altamont's history provides the threads that bind our residents and culture together, and is one of our cherished resources. The footprint of today's village was largely established within 20 years of the arrival of the first Albany & Susquehanna train in September 1863.

By portraying our historical structures and events through MITS signage, residents and visitors will be invited to understand the origins of these venerable buildings, as well as the ones that are no longer standing. By promoting, enhancing, and celebrating Altamont's story, this living museum will serve to educate and inspire residents to protect and preserve the historical fabric of our community.

Western Albany County is rich in historic and cultural resources. Through brochures and social media, MITS will link Altamont with local initiatives such as the new cultural and visitors' center at Thacher Park; the focus on New York State products and businesses with the brew pub and local food sourcing at Indian Ladder Farms in New Scotland; the expanding Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail in Voorheesville; and the newest Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy trail segment just outside the village — all items that encourage tourism and local access within our region.

The businesses housed in Altamont's historical structures provided the means for the village to grow and thrive. The buildings that housed these businesses have been re-purposed many times to fit changing times and economic realities.

For example, the building at 182 Main St. housed our local newspaper, The Altamont Enterprise, in the late 1800s. The building was later the village's post office, and, in 1914, the village's pharmacy. Most recently the building has been re-purposed into a florist and a wine and spirits shop, under the same roof.

Visitors will be able to track economic changes through the images and narratives MITS will portray. Most importantly, the project enhances the village's and surrounding area's draw, improving the economy and support to our local businesses. Understanding our history encourages participation in growing and supporting today's community, and the community of the future.

MITS builds on the phenomenal 18 exhibitions the Village Archive has presented since 2008, and on the “Arcadia Press Images of America — Altamont” published in 2014 and the “Stained Glass Windows of the Churches of Altamont,” printed in 2016, which all provide increased access to our heritage. The MITS panels with both images and text will focus specifically on a building, home, or other aspect of our history, providing a teaching moment that will allow the viewer to see what is, and what was.

One of the guiding tenets of the MITS is that the signs be bilingual. The Guilderland School District administration, and the school's language and history departments are very supportive of using the historical and the second language opportunities as educational enhancements.

The Altamont Fair, serving the counties of Albany, Greene, and Schenectady, has pledged its support to the project, as the fair brings in visitors from all over the region. The town of Guilderland has expressed its support and encouragement for the project. The State University at Albany's language program has offered support as well. As this will be the first MITS installation in the Capital Region, we are encouraged by the interest and support of our nearby municipalities and local community groups

We look forward to the installation in late June of 2017:  We look forward to the arrival of a new season in our village.  Enjoy the fall and this beautiful village. Please check our website: AltamontVillage.org, call our office at (518) 861-8554, ext. 10, or write me a note at if you have questions about our upcoming activities or village services.