• Senator Seward Brings $20,000 Grants to the Central Adirondacks
  CAP-21 was honored on Feb. 12th as one of three local organizations recognized... (more)
• WARDA Joins CAP-21
  In February, more than 20 individuals attended the 2004 Annual Meeting of WARDA... (more)
• New CAP-21 Committee Structure Offers Opportunities
  In February, the CAP-21 Board of Directors held an all-day retreat. The agenda included next steps... (more)
• Balance Through Dialogue
  In February, Greg O’Hara and Lani Ulrich joined 30 individuals from in and out of the Adirondack Park for... (more)
• Partnership In Action
  Last summer CAA, at the request of town representatives and local businesses, initiated a tourism survey... (more)
• Consider joining the team… 2004 FLOWER BASKET WATERING TEAM!
  For five years, a team of volunteers have enjoyed the early morning beauty while caring for... (more)
• Capacity Building Network
  In February, four CAP-21 members attended the Capacity-Building Network of Western and Central New York... (more)
• Quickbooks Users Group
  Users of QuickBooks Software are invited to join an evening of peer questions and answers on ways... (more)
• CAP-21 Website Update
  Work has begun to update and expand the CAP-21 website. Bruce Condie, of Wilderness Adventures ... (more)

CAP-21 was honored on Feb. 12th as one of three local organizations recognized by Senator James Seward to receive Legislative Member Initiative Funding. The presentation was held in the TOW Board room with Webb Board members and community residents present.
Funding to CAP-21 will provide operating funds to ensure continued work in three specific areas; 1) to assist in organizing regional initiatives in economic development working cooperatively with the Central Adirondack Association’s Economic Development Office (CAAEDO); 2) to provide CAP-21 services to assist in implementation of recently completed town master plan goals and objectives as requested; and 3) to assist other not-for-profit organizations through use of office services and meeting space. A diverse group of organizations use CAP-21 facilities as they address a broad range of regional topics including social services, recreation, and historic preservation. Each strives to meet goals addressed in town comprehensive master plans and is dedicated to improved quality of life for residents of the West Central Adirondacks. Update and expansion of the CAP-21 website is the first priority to assist in meeting all of these goals. We thank Senator Seward for his continued participation in regional partnerships and for his generous support.

WARDA Joins CAP-21

In February, more than 20 individuals attended the 2004 Annual Meeting of WARDA (West-Central Adirondacks Recreational Development Association) held at McCauley Mountain. WARDA, formed in 2002, explores and facilitates the development and enhancement of recreational opportunities in this region.
During their meeting, the group authorized action to establish a relationship with CAP-21, making WARDA a Special Committee of CAP-21. Ritter Gaylord was designated to represent the group on the CAP-21 Board.
After completing informational surveys, WARDA formed three “Focus Groups”. The Trails Group explores ways to develop and enhance hiking, nature, biking, skiing snowshoeing, horse and snowmobile trails. The Outdoor Recreation Facility Group works with existing groups to develop a plan for outdoor facilities including athletic fields and playgrounds. The Indoor Recreation Facility Group examines possible development of an aquatic/fitness center for community use.
WARDA is currently working with the TOW Board to obtain permission for development of a new trail from the Hemmer Cottage on the Forge Pond Waterfront to McCauley Mountain. Individuals interested in working on or supporting WARDA projects may contact the CAP Office or send emails to Ritter Gaylord at rgaylord@capital.netor Linda McVeigh at mcveighlf@hccc.suny.edu.

In February, the CAP-21 Board of Directors held an all-day retreat. The agenda included next steps in a strategic planning process spearheaded by the Planning Committee (Lorrie Skinner, Mary Jane Lasher, Sherm Skinner, all of Inlet, and Robert VanSlyke of Big Moose).
One result is the expansion of the CAP-21 committee structure. The Planning Committee will be renamed as Strategic Planning. This step recognizes the fact that effective planning requires regular review and evaluation. Public Relations and Education will assist in yearly program development and communications. Membership and Funds Development will help increase contact with membership and address the 5 year goal of a sustainable financial foundation. Regional Planning will start publicizing the many successes and achievements in implementation of local planning recommendations.
Special (Project) Committees will be independently funded and a representative from each will sit on the CAP Board ex-officio. This expansion of committees offers additional avenues for members to participate in the ongoing mission of CAP-21. Additional information on each committee may be seen on the CAP-21 website at www.cap-21.org.

Balance Through Dialogue

In February, Greg O’Hara and Lani Ulrich joined 30 individuals from in and out of the Adirondack Park for the 10th Oswegatchie Roundtable sponsored by WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) at Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake.
This year’s focus on conservation sparked dialogue amongst environmentalists, developers, government officials and planners, recognizing the need to conserve and sustain Adirondack communities, life-style and heritage as well as the natural habitat.
Greater partnership and unity can be achieved if we’re willing to recognize what “lense” we each use to view the Adirondacks; what we each VALUE and therefore wish to have conserved and sustained?
Questions on debated topics included what is the threshold of optimal recreational experience for residents and visitors? On the issue of motorized vehicles, is the question “no snowmobiles” or rather “better snowmobiles”? In addition to protection of our air, water, forests and wildlife, suggestions included: empowerment and self-determination of communities through planning; resident interpretive centers not just visitor centers; public access to recreational waters in each town; a full range of livable wage jobs; vibrant year-round communities; maintaining rural character.
Further info is available at www.wcs.org/adirondacks.

Last summer CAA, at the request of town representatives and local businesses, initiated a tourism survey in Old Forge, Inlet & Long Lake.
Survey forms for the project were developed with the assistance of the Adirondack Economic Development Center (AEDC), while the town information offices coordinated the administering of the survey.
The completed surveys were gathered together and Summer Intern, Katie Kelly, began data entry at the CAP-21 office on computers and software donated by Niagara Mohawk. Last fall, volunteers Betty Stem and Audrey Crafts kept the process going. The Town of Webb Publicity Office then hired Corey Weedmark (TOWS 2002; current Public Relations major at HCCC) who completed the data entry this month.
AEDC will now analyze the data and prepare a reports for use by the Towns, the CAA, CAP-21 and others.

For five years, a team of volunteers have enjoyed the early morning beauty while caring for over 380 hanging flower baskets. In addition to some town employees, volunteer teams, consisting of a driver and a “wand” person, work one morning a week or sign up as alternates. Time investment ranges from 40 to 90 minutes hamlet to hamlet.
The Hanging Flower Basket Project is a Special Committee of CAP-21. All Flower Basket events and activities are funded through local donations. For more information or to volunteer, contact Fred Trimbach by email at lazyt@frontiernet.net, by phone at 369-2444, or through the CAP-21 office.

Capacity Building Network

In February, four CAP-21 members attended the Capacity-Building Network of Western and Central New York.
This network, supported in part by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, offers support to not-for-profits from Utica to Buffalo to strengthen their organizations by sharing ideas and resources.
In addition to a number of seminars and workshops for not-for-profits, the Network is developing a website of resources and consultants, identifying tools for establishing and maintaining organizational standards. Peer training and a low-cost job placement board for not-for-profits are also under consideration. Valuable resources for not-for-profits may be found on the Community Links page of the Community Foundation website at www.foundationhoc.org/our_community/community

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