LAKE PLACID – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has galvanized the supporters of the latter nation’s free and democratic way of life. The weeks of heinous attacks have been felt here in Lake Placid, where these Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York are now the home of many former residents of Ukraine.
One of those is Dmitry Feld, the marketing manager of USA Luge. The national governing body for the Olympic sport is based in Lake Placid. Feld left Kyiv in the late 1970s, destination Brooklyn, N.Y. He was a luge racer in his youth. The love of his sport brought him to Lake Placid where he first coached American athletes and later handled communications and marketing chores.
Feld remains close to those friends and family that remain in Ukraine, and is in discussion with them daily assessing needs. When the attacks started, he organized a purchase of 20 Ukrainian flags. Thanks to the Lake Placid Village Electric Department, those flags were hung on Main Street light poles in a matter of days.
At the same time, the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, in full support of Ukraine in its fight against Russia, acquired three flags. They are prominently displayed over the hotel’s main entrance, at the front door of The Cottage Café, and behind the 18th green of the hotel’s sister property, the Whiteface Club and Resort.
But that wasn’t enough for the Weibrecht family which owns the Mirror Lake Inn. They wanted to have a direct impact, and summoned Feld with news of a $5,000 contribution to his efforts. Much of that money is geared toward needed medical supplies.
“What Dmitry is doing is very meaningful. It’s heartfelt, and we wanted to assist his efforts,” said Mirror Lake Inn owner Ed Weibrecht. “No civilization should have to endure what the Ukrainians are fighting against. These attacks are inhumane. We stand with him and his people and hope that our contribution can bring people there some much-needed help.”
Earlier this spring, Weibrecht’s son, Andrew, an Olympic silver and bronze medalist, handed Feld the contribution from the family and the Inn beneath the Ukrainian flag.
“Ed Weibrecht has always stood for what is right and just. This is another example,” stated Feld. “I was very happy to get this call from him, knowing that $5,000 will help fund several more trucks and needed medical supplies.”
Feld is working with a friend outside London to deliver truckloads of necessities to Ukrainians in their gallant and inspirational fight against Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Those materials are delivered to Warsaw, Poland and then routed into Ukraine where they are dispensed.
Meanwhile, the Mirror Lake Inn and the Whiteface Club have ensured that no Russian products are being sold at their properties, gestures that are sure to give Feld more impetus in helping his former homeland.