We have been through a long, and sometimes brutal election season.  Now we have a new president-elect.  As I think on the uncertain future for our country, I feel it's most important that a good president reflects his or her people.

If we want our president to do what's in our mutual interest, we must first act the part.  Be kind to one another, especially when you disagree.  I believe we, in this village, have the good faith and strength to model this advice.

Before long, Thanksgiving will be upon us and the village soon will be decked in its winter greenery.  Fast on the heels of Thanksgiving feasting, Altamont residents and guests will be house-touring, caroling, and strolling throughout our beautiful village during the annual Altamont Community Tradition’s Victorian Holiday Celebration. As dusk approaches that day, everyone will gather at Orsini Park to greet Santa and to await his orders to light the village tree.

Before the holidays are here, take a moment to contemplate the beauty of our village and the cheer inspired by village events and the camaraderie of our community.  It is good, especially at this time of year, to celebrate and enjoy our families and think good thoughts of our friends and loved ones.

As communities like ours celebrate the coming holidays and as people of all religions throughout the world prepare for major holidays of their own, we should be inspired by our good fortune.  I encourage you to do what you can to share beyond families and friends to others outside our community who may not have the good fortune that we have. Remember, our churches, synagogues, and all religious groups, as well as community organizations such as the Altamont Community Caregivers, can direct support to those most in need quickly.

Whether you can share your good fortune or not, remembering those less fortunate than we can be uplifting. I assure you that your thoughts, wishes, or prayers of good will to one another can have a positive effect on those outside our borders too, and, yes, even on our new president.

Here's a brief overview of what's going on in the village now and during the holidays, as well as a few reminders on village business and fire safety.

Archives and Museum

The current exhibition in the Hallway Gallery at the village hall, “For the People: 100 Years Of Community Enrichment from the Altamont Free Library,” will be open Dec. 11 for the Victorian Holiday Celebration.

The exhibition highlights a special handmade fabric train-car book created by the Train Station Quilters and will be available for auction during the 2017 Library Gala.

The Museum in the Streets Project will intensify during the spring as the Archives and Museum move toward the production of the signs for a 26-site walking-tour installation of selected historic sites  throughout the village.

As an educational and historical interpretation 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.  Altamont’s MITS program will provide connections and links to local initiatives such as the new cultural and visitors’ center at Thatcher Park; the expanding Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail; and the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy Bozen Kill Preserve.

MITS recently received a $10,000 grant from the Hudson River Greenway.

The project envisions it to be a model for other historic villages to link to existing trails that surround them as well as encourages stewardship among our community user groups.

The village of Altamont expects the signs to be installed by June, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to which all residents and guests will be invited.

Annual AFD Santa Stroll

Between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4,  Santa and members of the Altamont Fire Department will be stopping by to check on the youngest residents throughout the village. Parents can email Altamont Fire Department at to be added to the list of stops.

2016 Victorian Holiday

Altamont Community Tradition will host the Annual Victorian Holiday on Sunday, Dec. 11.  There will be a number of Holiday Winter Markets throughout the village, the Festival of Trees and Wreath Auction, Holiday House Tours, and the ever-popular arrival of Santa aboard the Holiday Train that will end the day’s events.

The Festival of Trees and Wreath Auction will take place at the Masonic Hall at 138 Maple Ave.  The Holiday Winter Markets start at Re-Nue Spa at 119 Maple Avenue and will include NinaBeads jewelry and glass beads, Justabout fudge, stained-glass artwork, alpaca gloves and hats, HAWC photography, and Herbal Turtle Teas.

Altamont Antiques at 135 Maple Avenue will offer photography and artwork from Desolation Road Studio and Farmshare Studio.  Severson Agency at 104 Maple Avenue will host Carolena’s Fill A Cannoli, Roosevelt Grooming Company, Kelly’s English Toffee, and Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery.

Stroll over to the American Legion Post at 988 Altamont Blvd. where you will find Green Wolf Brewing Company, Wash Green and Clean, Crystal’s Custom Crafts, Crocheted Gifts by Diane, Jacobs Barn, On Feather’s Edge, Peyster Designs Jewelry, woodwork creations, paintings, handpainted glassware, and grapevine wreaths.

Travel down to the Altamont Community Room at 115 Main Street, behind the Altamont firehouse for even more vendors including Look What I Found, Pampered Chef, Kristina’s Bottle Creations, Jean & Jacob, JNB Food, O’Boys Soap Company, Celano Pure, Court is Crafty, Twisted Owl Jeweler, Sweet Nothing’s Chocolate, The Lady’s Got Glass, The Painted Pearl, Adirondack Barkery, Nooray Honey, Creative Candle, Hungerford Market, My Inner 1800’s, Leanna’s Design, Troy Poem Project, Ice Delites, Smyth/Cid Pottery, vintage and antique holiday items, LulaRoe Clothing, and Dougside Syndicate.

The Altamont Fire Department will be providing information on fire prevention and safety as well as discussing volunteer opportunities. Pet lovers should be sure to visit Altamont Country Values at 106 Prospect Terrace for the Dog and Cat Holiday Costume Contest, pet photos with Santa, or spending some time with Therapy Dog International.

Don’t forget to stop by Altamont Free Library at 179 Main Street for storytelling and a number of book-signings. Keith W. Willis, author of “Traitor Knight,” a swashbuckling tale; Nancy Marie Payne, author of “How I Came to Dowagiac — Memories of an Orphan Train Rider”; and science writer Anita Sanchez will be on hand.

In Orsini Park, along the fire pits area, there will be Mom’s Cake Pops, Kettle Corn, and Animal Rescue Group.

Library Gala

Every year, Altamont residents and library lovers look forward to the annual Altamont Free Library I Love My Library! Dinner and Auction and this year is no exception. The library will hold its 10th Annual Gala on Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Village Hall Community Room. Each year, proceeds from the gala help support the continued growth and programming that the library offers to Altamont and the surrounding communities.                   

This year, the library will honor the fabulous Train Station Quilters. This group of fabric artists have been active in the life of the library for over 10 years and their work has enriched both the library and the community.  In honor of the Quilters, the theme of the 2017 gala is The Fabric of Our Community.

Tickets will be available in early 2017.  For more information, please call (518) 861-7239 or email

New Trustee

Madeline LaMountain was appointed to the village board as a trustee, beginning on July 20, to fill a vacancy due to the untimely death of Trustee Christine Marshall. LaMountain will have to run for election in the spring of 2017 for the position of trustee and, if elected, will complete the term of Marshall’s position, which expires in the spring of 2019.

While at university, Madeline cultivated a passion for community development, inspired by her studies in international relations and economics. This led to volunteer work as a member of Amnesty International and the Political Science Club.  Although impassioned on a personal level, she understands that, for any progress and improvement to occur, individuals had to come together as a collective to effect real change.  We are excited to have her on the board of trustees.

Using your cell phone to call 911

Many homes no longer have a landline telephone.  People are relying on cell phones for emergencies and reaching the correct 911 dispatching office can be frustrating and also delay assistance.  

Although the Federal Communications Commission requires that wireless providers provide as accurate as possible location information, there are loopholes in the law and areas where it is still technologically impossible.  Calls made from cell phones are picked up by either the nearest or strongest cell tower, which could be miles away from your location and often are answered in a Regional Center, not your local 911 call center.

The following tips can help direct the call to the right  911 call center, enabling the fastest response time possible.  

— 1. The first thing you should do is tell the emergency operator the location of your emergency right away.  Be as specific as possible — start with the city, town, or village. Next provide the street number and street name;

— 2. Provide the emergency operator with your cell phone number in case you get disconnected even if your cell phone is activated.  Do not hang up, if possible, until help arrives;  

— 3. Tell the emergency operator what type of emergency you are experiencing; and

— 4. Keep calm and speak clearly.

Leaf cleanup

Brush and leaf collection is ongoing.  Leaves must be in biodegradable paper bags.  Bags must be closed and sealed.

Please  do not include bottles, cans, or any foreign refuse in the bags as it could be hazardous to the equipment and the workers.  Brush and branches must be no larger than 2 inches in diameter, bundled in twine, and no longer than 4 feet in length.

Bags and brush should not be placed on pavement or in ditches as they could inhibit the flow of stormwater.  Regular pick-up will last approximately four weeks.

Winter parking

Just a reminder to our residents and visitors: The village of Altamont winter parking regulations go into effect on Nov. 1 and end on May 1, 2017.  The parking of vehicles is prohibited in village public parking lots and on all roadways within the village between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m.

We look forward to the arrival of a new season in our village.  Enjoy the upcoming holiday season 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.