To the Editor:

Thank you, Altamont!

Every year, Altamont Community Tradition throws a holiday party throughout the village — and this year village residents showed that even COVID couldn’t keep us from enjoying the season. I was struck by how many people came with their children to spot their home-decorated ornaments on the community tree.

The annual silent wreath auction took place outdoors under the library canopy and netted $600 that we will use for Community Grants next year.

Our second annual pet parade, led off by John Scally’s bagpipes, was a hoot and some detoured into Schilling Park for the popular Enterprise photoshoot.

Later, families gathered for the living Nativity reenactment at the Reformed Church. Though we couldn’t risk the crowds of Santa on the train, we were thrilled to join with the fire department to host Santa on a fire truck. Lighted cars, trucks, and emergency vehicles meandered through the streets of Altamont with lights flashing and sirens blaring.

Organizer and board member, Jon Phillips, followed in the rear, collecting food donations along the way.

Today, Jon reported that he divided over 1,800 pounds of food to the Altamont and Guilderland food pantries and the Hilltown Community Resource Center in Westerlo.

In addition, ACT will net about $2,500 in cash donations through individual donations, business ads in The Enterprise, and targeted donations at Phillips Hardware. This money will be allocated to our local food pantries through the Capital Region Food Bank.

With COVID restrictions affecting so many livelihoods, these donations will make a real difference in peoples’ lives.

ACT Board members, friends, and volunteers, want to thank everyone in the village who participated and contributed to a wonderful day!

Laura Shore

President

Altamont

Community Tradition