VOL 2: Issue 2: The Ripple Stand Kicks Off Lemonade Season!

The Alexandria Bay chapter of the Foundation for Community Betterment is working hard behind the scenes, gearing up for our 25th year of spreading ripples of kindness in the community. Community Betterment Weekend is the cornerstone event, which will take place this year on the weekend of July 10th. Anyone who likes to paddle, golf or play tennis is encouraged to sign up, have fun and support a worthwhile cause.
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In addition to the big weekend, there’s something sweet that has been helping support Betterment for a few years. That is our lemonade stand, which is now called The Ripple Stand, to signify the ripple effect that occurs when we volunteer and support a good cause. The idea to start a lemonade stand stemmed from the book The Lemonade Ripple, written by Paul Reichert, which is a story about helping others and creating ripples of kindness in a community. This summer, wherever you see the Ripple Stand you will also find copies of The Lemonade Ripple for sale.

Paul Reichert and his daughter Caroline pose with a copy of his book, The Lemonade Ripple, post-paddle at last year’s Community Betterment Weekend.

The Ripple Stand is “staffed” by children and their family members who volunteer their time to show up, pour lemonade and spread cheer. The hope is that our youngest volunteers will see the importance of engaging in philanthropy while having fun. Betterment board member and Ripple Stand organizer Michele Carr says, “The Ripple Stand for Betterment is about more than raising money. Through The Ripple Stand, we teach children that even the smallest act of kindness can create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what they can see. Every cup of lemonade sold is an opportunity for a child to learn the value of giving back, helping others, and making a difference in their community. When children learn to create positive ripples, communities thrive.”

Last year, the Ripple Stand raised $2500 in lemonade sales, and thanks to a matching donation from the Northern New York Community Foundation, that turned into $5000. This year they have agreed to match lemonade sales up to $2500 again. Betterment is incredibly appreciative of the Foundation’s continued partnership and generosity. It’s great to think that a visit to the Ripple Stand for a delicious glass of lemonade can have double the impact.

This summer, The Ripple Stand can be found at some familiar and some new locations. To kick off the lemonade season, the Stand can be found at the River Rompers Yard Sale at Alexandria Central School on Saturday, June 6th between 8 and noon. This sale is in conjunction with the Alex Bay Community Yard Sale held that day. Our volunteers will be serving lemonade at Macsherry Library on Friday, June 19th for the summer reading kickoff, and Tuesday, July 7th during story time.
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A new venue for the Ripple Stand this year will be the Farmers Market at Swan Bay Resort. Visitors to the Market can enjoy lemonade on Saturday June 13th and the 27th between 11 and 3. The Wellesley Island Market is another new location that will host the Ripple Stand on Saturday, June 20th, and Friday, July 3rd between 11 & 3. Betterment is thankful for these local businesses, and we appreciate your willingness to participate in this worthwhile cause.

The Ripple Stand logo is unique to the river community that we know and love.

Build-A-Buddy on the River has welcomed the Ripple Stand back again this year, but they can be found at an exciting new location in downtown Alex Bay at 24 Church Street. Those who visit the store on Thursday, July 2nd between 11 and 1 can enjoy a cold glass of lemonade while they check out the fun merchandise available there. The final Ripple Stand location before Community Betterment Weekend will be at Garlocks Ace Hardware on July 9th between 11 & 1. The Stand will then be at all of the events and festivities taking place on July 10th and 11th. Anyone who is interested in volunteering at one or more of these events can contact Michele Carr at (267)-994-7429.

Addison Trickey, left, and Cora Shepard await lemonade customers at a Build-A-Buddy event in 2025.

The Alex Bay Chapter of the Foundation for Community Betterment would like to thank the businesses, community partners and volunteers for the support. We are celebrating 25 years of Betterment, and it would not be possible without the assistance and endorsement of this community. As a reminder, those who are interested in starting their own Betterment tradition can register for any of the events through the Community Betterment website: communitybetterment.org/alexandriabay. Registration can be completed online, or by printing and mailing a registration form that can be found on the website. We hope to see you at Community Betterment Weekend on July 10th and 11th, where the river becomes a tradition.