To the Editor:

It will be two full years since my husband and I relocated to Altamont. Yes, we moved during the first of the “this is the worst winter ever” Decembers. Guess what? We have loved every minute of living in this area.

We have never met such friendly people in all our travels. We love the snowy days and we love the warm days of summer. 

We were entranced by the idyllic village of Altamont from the first time we drove through town.  We arrived in Altamont one snowy night just after Santa had arrived by train.  We couldn't believe that there were Boy Scouts in the park with small warming fires serving hot chocolate. 

Everywhere people were enjoying themselves and speaking of the wonderful events of the day.  Events that we had just missed. Fortunately, we had a tail-end glimpse of some major events as we accidentally drove through town that cold winter night. 

What we later realized was that we tripped upon the village’s most quaint celebration, the Altamont Victorian Holiday.  Looking at a printed flyer of the many activities that had taken place that day, we were astonished by the many fun activities that were open to the public.

Everywhere we witnessed the authentic camaraderie of the many participants who were slowly saying their goodbyes at the end of a fun-packed day.  Children of all ages were remembering a life of days gone by as they shared memories of their own childhood, which were sparked by the day’s activities.

We wondered how this whole wonderful event was put together. This year, we joined ACT which stands for Altamont Community Tradition.  This is the organization that is the heart of the Altamont Vicrorian Holiday. (Visit Altamont Community Tradition on Facebook for a fun-filled, jam-packed day of fun for children and adults.  All are welcome.)

Every member of the board is passionate about continuing this wonderful tradition. When do they begin working on this project?  They begin the day after the Victorian Holiday, of course.

They honestly put themselves out there for the betterment of the community.  They have drummed up every positive childhood memory and made sure it was incorporated into the events of the day.

As a newcomer to the organization, I found there really isn't one thing that needs improving upon and because of their hard work and dedication let me thank them for their many hours of work and positive community relationships that have been bonded to make this event what it is today.

So the next time you hear someone say, “This is the worst winter ever,” think of my experience and the first time we drove through the village, knowing we had just missed something wonderful.  We can't wait to attend the Altamont Victorian Holiday and Winter Market. Be sure not to miss it on Sunday, Dec. 13.  See you there.

Chi Walthery

Altamont