Overview
Broadband and cellular access is a utility like water, heat or electric. In our modern society use of the internet, and more importantly fast/reliable internet and cellular service is a necessity. Children attending rural schools rely on good internet access for remote learning. In a place like the Adirondacks that lacks some basic healthcare resources, telehealth is invaluable to a large number of people. EMT's, Firefighters and Police rely on fast and reliable internet access to provide life saving services to the people of our region. Given these very important uses, LivingADK has begun focusing its efforts, in conjunction with various counties, municipalities and providers in the Western Central Adirondack region, in bringing broadband widespread across the Adirondack Park.
Laying infrastructure can be expensive and take time to complete. Although this is the ultimate solution, LivingADK is also looking at community based short-term solutions. Programs such as converting the former Town of Inlet School into a desk rental service acts as a community hub where telecommuters, amongst others, can go to work with internet access has been an inexpensive and quick solution to a community need.
It is our belief that along with the lifesaving services necessary for year-round residents, seasonal residents and visitors, broadband technology is critical for innovation and entrepreneurship. Remote work provides an opportunity for our community like never before. The Adirondacks is the perfect place to raise a family, enjoy the outdoors and to then work from home year-round anywhere in the world. LivingADK has been working with a consortium of other counties, cities and the Adirondack Action organization to identify grant funding for infrastructure expansion. Adirondack Techs and Development Authority of the North Country have worked in conjunction with LivingADK to bring broadband fiber to various deserts around the Western Central Adirondack region. We will continue to represent the needs of this area in regards to broadband access and cellular service is a necessity.
Highlights
- LivingADK Broadband Committee to increase broadband access
- Broadband holds the key to economic innovation, remote learning and healthy citizens
- Community based solutions such as desk rental services to aid communities in the short-run
- Emergency Communications and Cellular towers installed between Inlet and Old Forge to aid emergency responders
"There was a time when people felt that the internet was another world, but now people realize that it's a tool that we use in this world."
Tim Berners-Lee
Frequently Asked Questions
Ducks are available for purchase starting Memorial Day weekend up until the day of the event on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. They are available for purchase at the Town of Webb Visitor Center, at the Friday Old Forge Farmers Market LivingADK booth, as well as 9 am - 4:30 pm, M-F at the LivingADK office at the rear of the Adirondack Bank building, 108 Codling Street, Old Forge, NY.
Ducks can be adopted for $5 for a single duck or a Flock of 5 ducks for $20. Our generous local business donate 18 fabulous prizes.
LivingADK, through donations and membership dues, does not have money that it gives out for funding as a grant. Instead, LivingADK is a clearing house that helps organizations in the community to write grants and acquire funding through other sources such as state, federal and other non-profit funding sources.
LivingADK has a wide network of contacts across the Adirondack park, where possible we can be a resource in connecting businesses across the region with similar needs to help increase communication. In the past we have helped to get grant funding to help begin new upstart businesses, to supplement the cost of businesses that want to upgrade their energy efficiency, and to revitalize targeted groups of businesses in the same town area. Reach out to us and let us see how we can help you to plant your seed or to grow!
Although LivingADK operates generally in the Towns of Forestport, Webb, Inlet, Long Lake and up to Indian Lake, LivingADK is a resource of the greater Adirondack community and is willing to work to help organizations or partner with organizations outside of this area, especially concerning regional projects.
LivingADK is a membership organization and receives funding through annual membership fees, donations, townships that we operate in, foundation grants and donor advised funds as well as our annual fundraisers. Lastly, LivingADK earns money through grant administration for a percentage of a grant award if an organization so chooses to hire LivingADK to do so.
Generally, LivingADK does not charge for help in grant location or grant application help. However, LivingADK does offer the services of administering a grant if one is awarded for a percentage of the awarded grant if an organization chooses to use LivingADK for this service.
LivingADK has various committees in which we are always looking for members including the Housing Committee, Healthcare Committee, Community Development Committee and soon to have a committee tasked with Environmental Sustainability. There are also annual opportunities to join the LivingADK board, in some cases, if you would like to be more directly involved with the actual not-for-profit. Reach out to info@livingadk.org or call us at 315.369.3353 for more information and to get involved. Lastly, a donation to LivingADK helps the organization continue to do great work in the community so don't overlook that type of contribution as involvement.
The "From Farm to Forge" Cookbook can be purchased at the Old Forge Farmers Market on Fridays, 1 pm to 5 pm from June through October 8th. They can also be purchased at the LivingADK office, 9 am - 4:30 pm, M-F at the rear of the Adirondack Bank building, 108 Codling Street, Old Forge, NY. Cookbooks are available while supplies last.
