To the editor:

In the next week or so, the Saranac Lake Young Arts Association will be kicking off its annual fundraiser. I would like to take the time to urge all of our residents to positively consider contributing to this outstanding organization to help out with their many and varied programs and grants which benefit so many of our young people.

Speaking from my personal experience as supervisor of the town of Franklin, I can attest to the invaluable help that the SLYAA has provided to our Summer Youth Program. Over the last several years, the SLYAA has contributed close to $8,000 to this program. This help makes it possible for us to offer a wide variety of activities that would otherwise not be possible within the constraints of our normal town budget process. This help also allows us to provide these activities at no cost to the families of our participants who come from the entire Saranac Lake Central School District area and, given the economic situations of many of our families, is most crucial. Providing a rich and diverse program is one of the keys to our program’s success. We owe that, in large part, to the generosity and continued support of the Saranac Lake Young Arts Association.

On behalf of the Town of Franklin Summer Youth Program, Director Kathy Drake, the staff, all our participants, our town board and myself, I would like to thank the Saranac Lake Young Arts Association for their most generous support of our program’s arts, crafts, talent and music activities. I urge all of the residents of the towns of Franklin, Harrietstown, Brighton, St. Armand and the village of Saranac Lake to reach out to this wonderful organization and offer your most generous contribution to help continue the tremendous work they have done. Thank you.

Arthur P. Willman Jr.

Supervisor, Town of Franklin

Vermontville