To the editor:

The Saranac Lake community lost two amazing people late last year: Natalie Leduc and Tom Boothe. Dewey Mountain Friends invites you to join us for a candlelight ski service in their memory Friday evening, March 5 at Dewey Mountain Recreation Center.

Natalie and Tom exemplified volunteerism; their dedication to lifting up this community — and our neighbors across the Adirondacks — was tireless. Both loved skiing and the outdoors, and they did everything in their power to make sure everyone, regardless of background, had a chance to share in that joy. They donated their time and resources to Dewey Mountain and Mount Pisgah to ensure both places were accessible and sustainable — most importantly, they inspired many others to do the same.

It’s impossible to not feel Natalie and Tom’s presence as we ski, snowshoe, bike and walk the trails at Dewey. From the great room of the lodge — the Tom Boothe Awesome Room, to be exact — to the Natski trail, we can quite literally see them in our surroundings. We miss them both terribly but remain even more resolute in carrying the torches they lit.

This Friday, we’ll travel the trails of Dewey by candlelight in their memory, taking time to reflect on their incredible legacies; trails will be lighted between 6 and 8 p.m., allowing for people to come and go as they please. We ask that you wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines.

Sincerely,

Scott Stoddard, John Banta, Randy Young, Chrissy Hayden, Katie Stoddard, Jason Smith, Josh Wilson, Jay Federman, Steve Doxzon, Chris Morris, Jason Labonte and Jack Burke

Dewey Mountain Friends

Saranac Lake