To the Editor:

It was 20 years ago — 2002 — when a group of Altamont residents, some long-time, some just returning, decided that they wanted to create a way for people to come together in support of the village.   The goal was to contribute to the village quality of life by complementing the work of Village Hall, protecting and enhancing Altamont’s unique character, and strengthening the village community through engaging activities.

Jeff Perlee, Albany County legislator and one of Altamont Community Tradition’s originators, remembers, “We patterned ACT after a similar group in Keene Valley that had been very successful in adding to the beauty and life of that community. Government has its hands full providing basic public services, so organized volunteers and community groups like ACT, the VFW and the Legion are oftentimes better choices to put on these community enhancing programs.”

In recognition and celebration of 20 years of creative, enduring, wide-ranging, and family-friendly programming, involving hundreds of volunteers and thousands of hours of individual efforts, it seems only fitting that this — some may say unique — community-support organization receive a special salute. There have been dozens of board members, numerous leaders, and two who should receive special recognition for their 20 years of service: Tom Gessick, ACT’s long-time treasurer, and Dean Whalen, resident architect.

As stated by Congressman Paul Tonko, who has attended so many of ACT’s activities, “I congratulate everyone at ACT on reaching this important milestone, and I look forward to many more years of success.”

And current Mayor Kerry Dineen shares, “I want to congratulate the Altamont Community Tradition on 20 years of service to our community! DurIng their tenure, ACT has partnered with residents, businesses, and the village to offer opportunities and support that have enriched and enhanced living in the village of Altamont.”

Given the variety and breadth of ACT’s efforts over the years, I thought a review of ACT’s programs might be of interest, especially for our newer residents:

— Victorian Holidays/Festival of Lights/Winterfest

Over the years, this winter festival has been perhaps ACT’s signature event. It has included many Historic House Tours with trolleys shepherding visitors around; Santa arriving by decorated train, fire truck, and horse-drawn carriage; Girl Scout carolers on street corners; Boy Scouts roasting chestnuts, selling toy reindeers, and serving hot chocolate; Holiday House decorating contests; church organ recitals; handmade wreaths for sale; a tree decorating contest; Christmas tree lighting in the gazebo with handmade ornaments and caroling: a Pet Pawrade; a live Nativity scene at Altamont Reformed Church; churches, businesses, and the Masonic Hall open to warm the crowds and offer seasonal treats; food trucks; and a community wine-and-cheese event that grew to be one of the highlights of the weekend;

— Annual Village-wide Programs

In addition to Victorian Holidays/Winterfest, ACT has sponsored several other longstanding programs.

Altamont Green And Clean was initiated that first year and continues to this day. Every April, ACT coordinates with the village gardeners to rake, mulch, and clean up the beds in the village parks. The Strawberry Social has been held in the summer for many years in Orsini Park, a family event with strawberries provided by Altamont Orchards, free strawberry shortcakes and music, balloons, and kids’ games. An inaugural Altamont Fall Festival was held in Orsini Park this year, in coordination with the Altamont Museum and Archives, with walking history tours, a traveling mural at the library, a booth to record stories and memories of Altamont, and food, music, and games.

The ACT Community Grant Program has been in place now for several years with small grants up to $500 donated to local not-for-profits for projects such as exhibit signs for the Altamont Fair Museum, the Altamont Reformed Church sidewalk repairs, demonstration gardens at the fair; and a children’s book creation project at the Altamont Free Library. The next call for proposals will be this January 2023;

— Individual Community Support Efforts

ACT has also been involved in a number of one-time efforts including an ACT representative on the 2006 Village Comprehensive Plan Committee; helping to paint the Altamont Fair restroom buildings; and recognizing with commendations long-time community leaders such as Cindy Pollard and the late Phyllis Schilling for Outstanding Community Service.

Original ACT member architect Dean Whalen helped with many projects over the years including a grant application for the Fair Flower Building renovation and a design for a new facade for the Post Office. ACT also organized a  Wines a la Arte event at the Appel Inn to showcase our rich and diverse art community; a Family Picnic in Bozenkill Park; House Date Plaques as a fundraising effort; and many support efforts with our library.

Altamont Library Director Joe Burke comments that, “We’ve had an intimate, productive, and collaborative relationship with ACT from the beginning, and we look forward to the next 20 years and beyond”;

— The Future: The next 20 years

Needless to say, all of these activities require amazing dedication from so many local volunteers.  Working together on these projects, however, has proven to be a labor of love, and has resulted in bonds among residents who may otherwise never have had an opportunity to meet. As an original ACT member, although only serving for a few years, I am in awe of how this organization has not only survived, but grown and impacted Altamont in ways we never could have imagined.

Current ACT President Laura Shore shares, “As a group, we strive to create events that bring people together ‘in real life’ and allow residents of the village and surrounding areas to connect with each other and get involved in civic life.”

And former ACT President Judi Dineen commented, “The tenor of goodwill and community teamwork was  pervasive. ACT has much to be proud of,” while former Mayor Jim Gaughan reflects, “Altamont thrives, in large part because of ACT, an organization comprised of citizens with a keen reverence for its past and with a community spirit that enlivens and enriches it to its core.”

Yes, Altamont is alive and well, and as former ACT President Barb Mulfelder relates, “How wonderful it is to see so many young families move into the village.” It is such a delight to walk around the village now, and see all the new faces, all the new families, and all the young children.

To all of you, we extend a warm welcome, and a sincere invitation to come join us — let’s keep this Altamont Tradition going strong for the next 20 years. If  you would like to be involved in any way — one day, one event, one year — just  email and say I’m in!

Congratulations, ACT. You so deserve our thanks.

Kristin Casey

Altamont