I moved to Albany with my husband 28 years ago. I was an exercise trainer and my late husband, Bill, was an Organization Development consultant, so we built a small fitness / conference center on our Page Pond Road property.

Over the years I have lived here, I have seen this area grow together in some significant ways. Rather than have Albany’s children be educated in two less than ideal buildings miles apart from each other, we came together to build our current Albany School. When we were faced with needing either a new municipal building or a new firehouse, we came together and built both. Our tiny, but very warm and cozy library has just undergone a “face-lift.” and has become a media room for all of us to enjoy.

Rebuilding our town store is our community’s new and exciting project. I am truly thrilled to be able to take part in the development of the Albany Community Trust. Every one of these endeavors has made us a better more cohesive and inclusive community.

I have lived in Albany 29 years. Been a builder here as long. Being involved with ACT is somewhat of a problem, as being Selectman could be construed as a conflict of interest, so I’m a non-voting member of ACT Store Project Steering Committee. Raised three of my four kids in Albany. Isaac lives in Craftsbury with his wife Melissa and three kids. Thomasina lives in Albany with her husband Rob and Mariah is not too far away, living in Morrisville, though her horses live here.

To me the “heart” of Albany is/was its store. I am very concerned to see it operate again and serve our community.

I grew up on Main Street in Albany and attended the Village and Hilltop Schools. After Graduating from Law School, I started a law practice on Main Street.  After marrying Kevin Mason, and starting a family, I moved the practice to my home on Water Street in the former “Brow” house. My family (Kevin and 4 children) moved to our off-grid camp on the Delano Road six years ago.  We homeschooled our children and the eldest sons graduated from college early and have their own homes. We homestead, raising much of our meat, eggs, and vegetables.

I joined the ACT group because I feel a store is a necessity for the social and economic survival of Albany.

We moved to Albany when my husband retired from the Homestead Police Dept in South Florida in the early 90’s. Our son Paul was raised here and still lives in the area.  I got involved with numerous organizations as a volunteer in Orleans County.  I worked at the Craftsbury Community Care Center for 9 years.  I have been a Justice of the Peace for approximately 14 years and Lister for 9 years.

I got involved with the Albany Store project in minor support capacity last December for purely selfish reason- soup.  When the store was open last, several years ago, while working across the street, I could walk over and get a nice cup of soup and a sandwich for lunch.  I noticed how the store was an attraction for good food,  friendly faces and the latest gossip.  How I have missed that.  I had to get involved even in a minor role to see it open and thriving… and I want some soup!

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from George Mason University.  Worked at the Smithsonian of Natural History Museum, Division of Birds as a Biological Aid. Served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic. Worked for the American Cancer Society, Texas Division, for 24 years that included the following roles: Field Representative, Director of Prevention, Regional Cancer Control Director, Regional Executive Director, and Regional Vice President. Professional skills include: Volunteer recruitment / training; Data analysis;   public education; corporate relationships/collaboration; board management, fundraising (special events, corporate gifts, major gifts).   Since Retiring, Art spends his time perfecting his wood carving skills carving birds and animals, participating in art shows and participating in national and world level competitions.