Express News Staff
The Central Adirondack Association held their annual Spring Fling on Tuesday, June 5, at the Thendara Golf Club. About 100 community members attended the annual event. The evening got under way with a social hour followed by a chicken barbecue dinner.
After dinner, it was time for the award ceremony. CAA President Nick Bankert made the opening remarks, highlighting some of the events the organization puts on each year plus some new events that are in the works. He also talked about the contributions that were made by the many community members and business owners that have passed away in the last year.
The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Bob Gates by Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer, who recognizes the value of volunteers when it comes to putting together the CAA’s many events.
“Volunteers are the backbone of this, they really make it all work,” said Farmer. “They don’t want to waste their time in meetings, they want to get in there and make these events happen.”
Gary Staab presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Beverly and the late Frank Burnap, who owned and ran the Farm Market and Farm Restaurant for decades. Staab recalled getting to know the Burnaps when they first moved to Thendara and opened the Farm Market. He remembers working for the Burnaps, and getting used to Frank’s quirky ways, for which he became well known.
“Yeah, he was crazy, but he was crazy good,” said Staab.
“If you never went to the Farm Market Restaurant, you missed a part of Old Forge,” says Staab. “People would come to Old Forge just to experience The Farm. It was an iconic establishment.”
Two Honorary Members were also recognized, complete with a good-natured “roast” of each. Doc Foley enjoyed telling jokes about his brother, Tim Foley before presenting him with his award, and Tom Down enjoyed telling stories about longtime friend Tim Noonan before he was given his award.
The CAA holds the Spring Fling each year to thank members of the organization and the community, and to recognize the contributions that help make the CAA a success.