INDIAN LAKE, NY: On Monday, February 14, 2022, Brenda Valentine was surprised when the Town of Indian Lake’s Town Board announced she was named one of 100 in the nation as a small-town public service volunteer and presented with an award from the Small-Town America Civic Volunteer Award (STACVA). This nationwide program recognizes extraordinary contributions by public service volunteers in small towns with populations less than 25,000. Valentine was one of five volunteers in New York State to be chosen.

STACVA is also designed to spotlight the growing decline in the availability of citizens to fill critical local government roles, such as county boards or city councils that support key local government functions. The Town of Indian Lake qualifies for a free volunteer management module that can be integrated with its website to help engage, recruit, track, and retain community volunteers.

Valentine’s commitment to the community began in 2006, and continues today, sixteen years later, and there doesn’t appear to be a sign she’ll be stopping anytime soon. Her civic volunteerism includes a multitude of organizations including, but not limited to, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Indian Lake Garden Club, Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce, and the Town of Indian Lake. She is responsible for spearheading the first Indian Lake Community Farmers Market and first Great Adirondack Moose Festival. Both events continue to thrive supporting local businesses, attracting tourists, and supporting access to fresh food for all, which is particularly difficult in the middle of the Adirondacks.

One of her largest endeavors was assisting in the creation of the Indian Lake Community Development Corporation (ILCDC), which she serves as the President. The ILCDC is a nonprofit designed to support active planning and guidance to ensure Indian Lake remains a vibrant and sustainable community. In 2018, Valentine was recognized by the Town of Indian Lake as Citizen of the Year. In 2020, she was appointed to the North Country Regional Economic Development Committee, which is one of ten NYS regions dedicated to economic development supporting seven North County counties.

The Town is pleased to honor Brenda for her tireless efforts to make Indian Lake an extraordinary community.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities available, please contact Town of Indian lake Economic Development, Marketing & Events Manager Christine Pouch at 518-648-5828 or indianlake2021@gmail.com.

Photo caption: Brenda Valentine is presented with the Small-Town America Civic Volunteer Award by Christine Pouch.