Hundreds showed up and out for the seventh annual Lake Placid Community Day. It’s an event that recognizes volunteerism, community dedication and all those who work to keep the village of Lake Placid and the town North Elba as vibrant of a community as it is. Something that’s only possible through frequent, persistent and, often, selfless devotion by many.

“We’re here to honor and thank our volunteers,” said Val Rogers, one of the Community Day organizers. “They are the heart and soul of this community and we could not do any of the things we do without the incredible volunteer presence that we have.”

Rogers began her remarks by thanking the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department for a life-saving fire rescue in May. She noted that the LPVFD has their own volunteer of the year and the recipient is Chad Blinn. Rogers shouted out Johnny Fagan and Ciana Cerruti, who entered the building to save the resident and her pets.

“We’re quite certain that if they had not done that, I don’t think she would have survived,” she said.

Molly Shergold smiles as she awaits her balloon animal made by Loon Works’ Scott Eichholz at the seventh annual Lake Placid Community Day. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Event emcee Stuart Hemsley spoke of the importance of volunteerism.

“Volunteers are one of our most important assets, and volunteering is more than an act of kindness,” he said. “It is a vital service that strengthens our communities … and our society as a whole, with more than 75 million people volunteering once a year.”

There were about 50 local nonprofits and community-focused organizations tabling at the event and allowing community members to learn more about what they do and how they contribute to Lake Placid.

State Assemblyman Billy Jones, D-Chateaugay Lake, Lake Placid village Mayor Art Devlin and North Elba town Board Member Emily Kilburn Politi introduced the two Distinguished Volunteers of the Year: David Balestrini, who won the adult award, and Parker Scanio, who won the youth award.

Kilburn Politi introduced Scanio.

Lucca Nappi-Bay body surfs on one of the NRS paddleboards at the seventh annual Lake Placid Community Day at the North Elba Show Grounds on Sunday. This year’s theme was “Surf’s Up.” (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

“Our community is full of amazing young people,” she said. “But every so often, one rises above. One who gives just a little bit more, who shows up again and again, who leads not just with action, but with heart. Parker Scanio volunteers.”

She noted that while the Lake Placid Middle/High School has a 40-hour volunteer requirement to graduate, Scanio went above and beyond — by weeks. With graduation approaching, Kilburn Politi said that Scanio had logged 421 hours since sixth grade.

“Even though I most likely received all of my required hours in sixth grade, I thought, ‘let’s just keep going,'” he said.

In accepting his award, Scanio thanked everyone who instilled in him the drive to volunteer in service of his community. He said a reason he gives so much of his time is because it’s enjoyable and the positive work mentality. He added that it’s an opportunity to meet new people from both near and far.

Devlin introduced Balestrini, who served on active duty in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps and was deployed abroad during operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

The 2025 distinguished volunteers of the year, Parker Scanio, left, and Dr. David Balestrini, smile after receiving their awards at the seventh annual Lake Placid Community Day at the North Elba Show Grounds on Sunday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Devlin noted that after Balestrini opened his practice in Lake Placid, he offered free dental exams and sealants to children each February, which is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

“David’s contributions to the community go well beyond his practice,” Devlin said. “They are extensive and varied and span a period of almost three decades.”

These included about 17 years with the Boy Scouts of America and work with the Lake Placid Cub Scout troops. He’s been a member of the Lake Placid Lions Club for the last 10 years and American Legion Post 325 for the past 25 years, as well as spending extensive time volunteering with the Ironman race over the years.

In his remarks, Balestrini credited his fellow volunteers as the “rigid backbone” of the community who make it all the better while having fun in the process.

“Volunteers are priceless,” he said. “We do it because we hope to help out in some small way, to make a small difference in the lives of others, to make our schools, youth sports, service organizations, youth organizations, the (Lake Placid Center for the Arts), the numerous large iconic events that show up every year … a little bit better, a little more perfect, a little more representative of the world class community that we are.”

Nathaniel Kerr tucks it down a ski jumping simulator as standout NYSEF ski jumpers Jack Kroll, left, and Eli Larkin, right, supervise the station at the seventh annual Lake Placid Community Day at the North Elba Show Grounds on Sunday. Kerr’s twin brother, Gabriel, watches in the background before taking his turn. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)