Every summer, the Village of Montgomery hosts a concert series at the Clinton Street bandstand, treating countless residents to live performances. This summertime tradition was made possible thanks to the efforts of the late Walt Lindner, an extraordinary resident and trustee, along with many other volunteers. The Village of Montgomery board, in honor of Lindner’s contributions, renamed the concert series after the late resident during its October 20 meeting.

Over the last half-century, Lindner supported his community through various government positions and volunteer opportunities. He served on several village and town boards, the Montgomery Fire District’s board of fire commissioners, and the Valley Central Education Fund’s board of directors. He also participated in several committees, helped organize local events like General Montgomery Day and the village’s Memorial Day parade, and coached Montgomery Little League and CYO Basketball teams. Earlier this decade, Lindner worked together with residents Brian Fitzpatrick and Marc Devitt to secure the village’s New York Forward Grant.

During the village’s September 15 meeting, Resident Don Berger discussed Lindner’s contributions toward the Clinton Street bandstand and summer concert series. He asserted that Lindner had a major hand in both of these projects, and he requested the board to rename the concert series after the late resident.

“Over the last 15 or 16 years, the summer concert series has been a very successful event here in the village, and everybody seems to enjoy it. I’ve been thinking about this a lot and wondering how it all happened,” Berger said on September 15. “Back around 2010, the concerts were held behind the village hall, and it wasn’t until four or five years later that the gazebo was built. And the one thing that always resonates with this summer concert series to me is the name Walt Lindner.”

“Walt Lindner led the charge for the summer concert series to be adopted into the village, and he was instrumental along with many other folks for the construction and funding of the gazebo,” he continued. “So what I want to ask this board tonight is to consider naming the summer concert series the Walt Lindner Summer Concert Series.”

Fast forward to the village’s October 20 meeting and the board fulfilled Berger’s request, renaming the summer concert series to the Walt Lindner Memorial Concert Series. Trustee Randi Picarello described Lindner’s legacy, emphasizing how much he gave to the community, and how his vision for the concert series encapsulated more than just music. She noted that numerous volunteers helped establish the concert series, but felt that Lindner should be recognized for his efforts in the project.

“The village is not defined by its boundaries, buildings, or government. It’s defined by its people and those who give selflessly to make it a community. Walt Lindner embodied that spirit through his service to St. Mary’s Church, Little League, the village board, the comprehensive plan, and the Taste of Montgomery, among other things. Walt gave wholeheartedly to his family, friends, and community, and he made each better because of it,” Picarello said on October 20. “Alongside other dedicated volunteers, Walt helped revive our historic bandstand and establish a summer concert series. His vision was about more than music; it was about bringing neighbors together, building friendships, and creating traditions that make Montgomery feel like home. That is the true meaning of volunteerism. We should celebrate those who give their time; encourage their efforts; and make it easier, not harder, for them to serve.”

“At a time when much divides us, let us honor someone who worked so hard to bring us together. Preserving Montgomery is not just about protecting our historic buildings, it’s about preserving the spirit of community that makes Montgomery special,” she continued. “In that spirit, the summer concert series will now be known as the Walt Lindner Memorial Concert Series. As we gather each summer to enjoy music, friendship, and our beautiful village, may we remember Walt’s example, and the difference one person can make. In his memory, may we continue coming together to make the Village of Montgomery a better place for all.”