To the Editor:

I recently had reason to spend part of a day in the Waddington area. My job, interviewing agricultural producers in conjunction with the USDA, regularly takes me through 32 Counties all around eastern New York. I had numerous farms to visit across the North Country last week, from Clinton County westward, with my last stops being Waddington and nearby areas.

I visited the excellent town parks at opposite ends of the village; both provide welcoming access to the waterfront and are well-designed and well-maintained. The central park, with its handsome pavilion, clean restrooms and a delightful playground area, provided pleasant surroundings while I caught up on paperwork. Several residents and storekeepers (you know who you are!) went out of their way to assist me in my queries.

My half day (Saturday, June 2nd) spent in the Village left me feeling ‘charmed’. It is obvious that the resident community members and their local Government have worked together cooperatively and diligently to cultivate, restore, and improve the Town’s natural attributes. As a result, the Village made a very favorable impression on this traveler.

I live in a rural area in Washington County and know well the challenges that a small village faces in preserving and promoting its unique historical heritage, maintaining its sustainability, and planning for its future. In addition to the excellent work that is already visible and apparent I understand from reading news articles that both the central waterfront and the historic Clark Building are in line for funding for significant improvements (new boating docks, and a continued restoration/renovation of the Main Street’s impressive Clark structure).

Kudos to all the passionate citizens and dedicated public Board members who had a hand in these projects. Continued efforts to envision, plan and fund future improvements will reap long-term benefits for the village and town, helping Waddington to thrive while retaining its special qualities – history, agricultural landscape and economic base, and of course the St. Lawrence River - among them. The impressions that I gained during my short visit really made Waddington stand out.

Anne Ross
Center Cambridge