Luncheon was held in their honor, hosted by HFWAF
“We miss your businesses!”
That was the sentiment in the room as the Hudson Valley Women’s Association & Friends (HWVAF) gathered at the American Legion Hall on Saturday to pay tribute to the owners/operators of two Main St., Highland Falls businesses that have recently closed.
As well, those gathered showed their appreciation to a recently retired 30-year member of the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District’s Board of Education, Ned Kopald.
“We have always appreciated Mr. Kopald’s active availability to the community as he served on the School Board for decades,” HVWAF President Ann Molina said. His appreciation plaque was presented to him by The Center’s Brian Aylward.
Allen’s Imports, which had been located at 269 Main St. since July 1975, was one of the two businesses to be honored. On hand to accept the praise was Allen Monks, the proprietor, with his two long-time employees Jim Ripa and Robert Giacoio.
The other was Durham’s Automotive Parts, a NAPA franchise, most recently owned and operated (since 2004) by Kevin Smedman. With him on Saturday were former employees Alison Nichols and John Walter. NAPA first opened in Highland Falls in 1962.
Among the speakers was Village Trustee Dr. Melanie Guerrero, who said the closure of the two businesses leaves a void on Main St.
“But we are here today to honor their contributions to the community and celebrate their retirement,” she said. “Retirement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another — you’ve earned your rest! Thank you for contributing to the local economy and the Village of Highland Falls.”
She also encouraged them to stay active in the community” “I hope our retirees continue to help us rally together as a community to support the next generation of businesses and ensure Main Street is revitalized.”
Dee Moreno, president of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, told the three dozen or so people gathered that the businesses being honored were well known for providing “family like service” for decades, and she bet that they’d still get tapped for advice from car owners.
“We appreciate you, and this is just a very small token of that appreciation,” Moreno added.
Another speaker was Town Councilman Joe DeWitt, who noted that he had both “known and relied on” both the honorees for decades.
“We are proud to honor them today because they are folks — and businesses — we’ve relied on for decades,” he said. “They exemplified exactly what you expect from your hometown business — a straight and fair deal and service you knew was reliable.”
Molina coordinated the event, with the help of The Center of Highland Falls; event sponsor Windgate Insurance; supporters and donors to the event (Bear Mountain Pizza, Crafty Dee’s Canvas, Mae Flower Designs, Clarissa’s Sassy Scentspirations, Delizia’s Pizza Kitchen; and the American Legion. The food was provided by Chef Lee Gottlieb (Gott2LoveFood LLC.com).
Molina also thanked Lisa Sibley, Michelle Greaux and Brittani Johnson for their help at the event; Town Councilmember Nancy Sporbert for her participation; Moreno for the table decorations; and Pharoby Ripa for giving the invocation at the event.
