• CAP-21 Grand Opening Draws Displays and Crowd
  Margo Fenn, Director of the Cape Cod Commission, visited the Central Adirondacks... (more)
• Founders Reception Set For August 30th
  CAP-21 will officially thank and acknowledge all Founder Members at a... (more)
• Hemmer Cottage Moved to New Home!
  On June 1, 2001, the Hemmer Cottage Preservation Team purchased historic Hemmer Cottage... (more)
• CAA Economic Development Office Opens at CAP-21 Center
  This Spring, CAA took a major step and announced the formation of an office for regional... (more)
• Forestport Brainstorming Identifies Varied Concerns
  On Thursday, March 26th, CAP-21 and the Town of Forestport hosted a community visioning... (more)
• Grand Opening 2002 Membership Drive
  After receiving "bridge funding" from the Community Foundation, CAP-21 was granted... (more)

Margo Fenn, Director of the Cape Cod Commission, visited the Central Adirondacks in April as the keynote speaker for the CAP-21 Grand Opening. Ms. Fenn toured the area and was then welcomed by Inlet Supervisor JR Risley and other regional officials and business leaders at an informal dinner. The next day, she offered a workshop for planners at the CAP-21 office. That evening, 20 exhibitors and 100 individuals attended the Grand Opening held at the TOW School. Robert Moore, Webb Supervisor, CAP-21 Pres, Don Kelly, CAP-21 and CAA Pres, Dave Etsen opened the evening. Webb Historian Peg Masters then announced that waterfront land for Hemmer Cottage had been donated by Sarah and Linda Cohen. The standing ovation which followed set the tone for the remainder of the evening.

Ms. Fenn then presented her program on issues and solutions facing Cape Cod and similar resort communities. Emphasis was given to the need to build relationships amongst groups in small towns and regions. She related a multi-year struggle on the Cape before planners and the business community began to dialogue and work together. She applauded the on-going dialogue and growing relationships between planners, local government and the business community here in our region. Other issues addressed included ways to preserve heritage and expand affordable housing, water quality, mass transportation and sustainable tourism. She included kudos to those preserving the ADK Scenic Railroad: as tourism boomed and traffic increased on the Cape, many officials came to regret the removal of their rail service options.

Don Kelly and VP Lucy Popkess ended the evening with invitations to join CAP-21 as a partner or member. Don also acknowledged the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties for the "bridge" funding for the transition from C-2000 to CAP-21. "They [the Community Foundation] are everywhere in the Central Adirondacks", Don stated.

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Founders Reception Set for August 30th

CAP-21 will officially thank and acknowledge all Founding Members at a Founders Reception, Friday, August 30th from 4:30-6:00 PM at the CAP-21 Office. The event will be highlighted by the 5:00 PM dedication of a permanent plaque listing founders, board and staff during CAP-21’s first year. Cocktails and light refreshments will be served. RSVP’s are appreciated by calling the office at 369-3353.

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On June 1, 2001, the Hemmer Cottage Preservation Team purchased historic Hemmer Cottage, thus saving it from imminent destruction. The team worked to identify future use, raise funds, and locate a permanent home for this irreplaceable piece of local history. Senator Meier stepped forward with a member initiative grant of $25,000 to cover actual moving costs. Local sponsors made donations and pledged in-kind support. Last fall, the TOW Historical Association accepted the Hemmer project as an Ad Hoc Committee. In April, Sarah and Linda Cohen donated the lot on the corner of Park Avenue and South Shore Road as a permanent site. Contractors, utilities, the TOW School and local officials were then contacted. All agreed that the move should be completed before the busy summer season.

Therefore, on Friday, May 31st, the last Hemmer Cottage on the original site of the Hemmer Cottage Colony left its home by the Town of Webb School and was escorted down Park Avenue to its new home overlooking Old Forge Pond! The cottage received an appropriate send off from the Town of Webb School Chorus, opening a short ceremony with "God Bless America" and ending it with the TOW School Alma Mater, written by Mary Hemmer while living in the cottage. The move was completed in 30 minutes! After an extended rain delay, the cottage was lowered onto piers. The foundation was completed in July. Additional work to secure and landscape the site will be completed after the cottage is lowered onto the foundation.

Volunteers who wish to assist in anyway are invited to attend Team meetings at 4 PM on Thursdays in the CAP-21 office. Donations may be sent through the CAP-21 office. The Hemmer Team thanks the community for the wonderful support and understanding as we save and preserve one more piece of Central Adirondack cultural heritage!

CAA Economic Development Office Opens at CAP-21 Center

This spring, CAA took a major step and announced the formation of an office for regional economic development. The office will assist and support new and existing businesses while progressing on specific projects. AEDC (Adirondack Economic Development Corporation) offered additional start-up funding and assisted in initial staffing of this office through the designation of Wayne Glass as director.

Wayne spends four days per month in the Old Forge office. Workshops offerings are scheduled throughout the month. CAP-21 and CAA have extended their partnership through a sharing of office space in the CAP-21 center. The CAA ED Committee, chaired by Ray Schoeberlein, continues to meet monthly. Wayne may be reached through a local number at 369-3128.

Recently, CAA EDO took additional steps by bringing SCORE services to the region. SCORE, the Service Core of Retired Executives, provides free confidential business consulting by appointment on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Walk-in service may also be available.

Wayne Glass also convened a meeting of local officials to review upcoming grant opportunities which may be appropriate for townships and not-for-profit groups. CAA EDO services are available to assist in the application process.

CAP-21 welcomes Wayne and the EDO office and congratulates CAA on these exciting steps in regional economic development.

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On Thursday, March 26th, CAP-21 and the Town of Forestport hosted a community visioning / brainstorming event at the Woodgate Fire Hall. CAP-21 facilitated as 20 community members shared ideas and visions for the future in Forestport. At the end of the evening, 51 ideas, dreams and concerns had been identified. A short prioritizing exercise followed. The following items were included in the "top 10":

• Educate the general public about the benefits of zoning and put it in place.
• Develop and adopt a land use management plan.
• Put a "hold" on all development until a comprehensive land use management plan is in place.
• Pursue more research on the quarry proposal concerning the following: traffic control, environmental impact, noise and dust pollution, potential decrease in property values.
• Preserve the natural beauty and resources of the area.
• Promote the use of non-motorized crafts and activities. Need rental availability of canoes, kayaks, cross country skis, etc.
• Ensure clean & well-maintained waterways and roadways.
• Develop a nice town park - with playground, basketball court, lighted walkway, "par" course.
• Build a new town hall including a senior citizens center/room and large meeting room.
• Develop municipal water and sewer districts.

Other comments encouraged development of a Rt. 28 corridor management plan for entrance and exit to the many hamlets and ever-increasing dialogue amongst year-round and seasonal residents. Copies of the complete list are available at the CAP-21 office or by email.

A follow-up session this summer will offer a potluck while viewing the Ed McMahon tape, "Balancing Nature and Commerce". Call the CAP-21 office to find out how you can participate in the future of our regional communities.

After receiving "bridge funding" from the Community Foundation, CAP-21 was granted 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status and began its first membership drive in March. By June, over 140 individuals, families, businesses and organizations had made financial donations or pledges, joining the in-kind sponsors and partners who have supported the creation of what has become the CAP-21 "center".

In addition to private individuals and businesses, founding partners and members also include the Towns of Webb and Inlet, the Adirondack League Club, the Big Moose Property Owners Association, the Otter Lake Improvement Association, the Central New York Community Foundation, Old Forge Library Association, the Conservation Fund, the Inlet Chamber of Commerce and Niagara Mohawk/National Grid. CAP-21 looks forward to on-going sponsoring partner relationships with the Central Adirondack Association (CAA) and the Central Adirondack Kiwanis for various workshops and events and to our internship relationship with Colgate University.

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