Ritchie Recognizes Cape Vincent Youth for Efforts to Help Build New Playground

State Senator Patty Ritchie recently honored Cape Vincent’s Max Chavoustie with the New York State Senate Commendation Award for his efforts to help raise funds needed to build a new playground in the community’s Recreation Park. 

Max—who is now in fifth grade—has spent his childhood playing on Cape Vincent’s community playground. Last year, he decided to raise money to replace it after seeing how dangerous it could be for children, noting that there was a lot of wood that would cause young people to get splinters or scratched.

Max began raising funds last year by selling lemonade, baked goods, and collecting money with buckets in his family’s grocery store. With help from his siblings and classmates, he raised more than $4,000. Thanks to support from the community, as well as a $50,000 grant secured by Senator Ritchie, the playground opened last June.

“To see a young person—like Max—notice a need in their community and take action is inspiring,” said Senator Ritchie. “I would like to thank Max, his siblings, classmates and members of the community for coming together to make their playground a reality. Because of their efforts, local children now have a new place to spend time outdoors, interact with peers and get active.”

The new playground includes slides, swings, ladders and monkey bars.  It is also fully up-to-date on all safety standards.

The New York State Senate Commendation Award recognizes exceptional people who have made a lasting contribution to their community. Award recipients devote their personal time, energy, creativity and expertise to others.  They also are leaders in their community who enrich the social, health and educational well-being of their fellow citizens.

In addition to being presented with the Senate’s Commendation Award, Max was recently honored for his efforts by the Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce.

(In the above picture, Senator Ritchie is presenting the “New York State Senate Commendation Award” to Cape Vincent’s Max Chavoustie)