From left, Richard Cummings, Mary Jane Lawrence, Jackie Kelly, Catherine Bemis, Rory Luftberg, Val Rogers and Andrew Milne of the Local Enhancement and Advancement Fund Committee pose after LEAF grants were distributed at last Tuesday’s North Elba board meeting. LEAF grants are funded by Essex County’s occupancy tax on all hotel, motel, bed-and-breakfast and vacation rental stays. (Enterprise photo —Galen Halasz)

Polly Kelting accepts a grant to replace the Northen Lights School’s heating system with an eco-friendly geothermal system. (Enterprise photo —Galen Halasz)

Larry Brockway accepts a LEAF grant for the Volunteer Ambulance Service to purchase an airlift mattress at the North Elba board meeting last Tuesday. (Enterprise photo —Galen Halasz)

Brenden Wiltse accepts a LEAF grant for the Paul Smiths College Adirondack Watershed institute to study harmful algal blooms in the Tri-Lakes and the Adirondacks at large. (Enterprise photo —Galen Halasz)

Linda Young and Jim Koenig accept a LEAF grant for the new Helping Hands food pantry and thrift store. (Enterprise photo —Galen Halasz)