I counted 16 Zoom attendees, including the Keene Dems and our guest speaker Dmitry Feld, pictured, delivering medical supplies to Ukraine. Dmitry lives in Lake Placid and organizes relief efforts to Ukraine. Below is his letter to us:

Dear Frank, members of democratic party. Thank you very much for inviting me to discuss situation in Ukraine and the way you can assist. Below, please read my letter that I send to my all my friends, supporters after retiring from Ukraine.  

As new 2023 year is in, I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to all my friends and donors from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tri-Lake’s area and across the USA whose generosity has directly impacted the lives of the Ukrainian people. By visiting Ukraine in October of 2022, at first hand I saw that this year presented extraordinary challenges to the people of Ukraine. Your generosity and solidarity with the Ukrainian people are appreciated more than you will ever know.

With your help, we have saved many of lives and provided crucial assistance to those impacted by this devastating war. Since March of 2022, because of your generous donations we have provided food, life-saving medicine, animal assistance, military equipment to people and animals whose lives have been upended by this war. Veterinarian Doctor John Cogar, who resides in Saranac Lake, spent 10 days in October of 2022 assisting abandoned animals in city of Irpin by spaying and neutering them. He operated on more than 75 animals (some days with no electricity under flashlight). I was the guy who managed flashlights when we had no electricity and translated all day long.

As we all are entering New 2023, let us keep the people of Ukraine in our thoughts. This winter will be especially harsh for them. 
Because of your support we continue to provide urgent assistance to the people of Ukraine in areas such as:

• • supplying generators, heat, solar panel lanterns, sleeping bags, thermal cloth, gloves, hats, to people and animals who are heavily impacted by the war. As of today, we purchased 4 generators to provide electricity for two animal shelters in Kiev and Irpin. We are sending 400 solar panel lanterns that will be divided between UKR military and civilians. 40 ft container with food, medicine, food for animals, generators departing US on February 28th. We also send money direct to people who struggling to purchase food, medicine, gasoline, and other necessities.
  • supporting Ukraine’s brave first responders with equipment and supplies. Needed medical supplies were delivered in October and more is on the way.
  • supporting Ukrainian Army with needed supplies. Three drones, 6 digital/encrypted radios were delivered to Ukraine in October, and more will be delivered in January. In January we delivered 3 more drones and night vision equipment.

If you have any questions, if you wish to assist, you always can reach me via phone/text 518 637 1593, or e-mail dmitry@usaluge.org. If you would like to donate funds and use as tax exemption donation please send check to USA Luge (501 c 3) not for profit organization, 57, Church Street, Lake placid, NY 12946 (write on the check to support Ukraine), attn:, Dmitry Feld. Or you can send check directly to me Dmitry Feld, 8 Snowberry Lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Your friendship and support to Ukraine means so much to me and people of Ukraine.

On behalf of Ukrainian people, I want to express my gratitude for your support to Ukraine. All of you are Patriots of Ukraine.  Big hug, D