The minutes for the regular December meeting and the year-end close-out meeting of the Dresden Town Board were recently approved and have been posted on the town’s website.
Happy New Year
I wanted to wish you and yours the best new year ever. That includes the very best today and every day to follow, and appreciate the fact that you are here.
To celebrate with a little fun – here are the 1st place winners from December’s OPEN Swing Dance Championships. Wishing all good things to everyone for 2020. May yours be joyful!
Top News Story of Huletts: 2019
While I’ve been blogging here on the Huletts Current I’ve gotten in the habit of posting what I consider to be the top news story of Huletts Landing from the past year.
This is entirely my own opinion and while others may disagree, I’ve found it to be a fun exercise which a few have told me they enjoy.
As I’m sure everyone would agree, we really have something special here in Huletts. Before I reveal my pick, a lot happened this past year. There were numerous weddings, there was a town-wide election where a Town Supervisor was elected for another 2-year term, Clemons celebrated a day where it’s zip code matched the calendar date, there were numerous parties and some late nights in the Casino, and the Friends of Historic Huletts Landing had some great speakers and events. Our Governor was spotted water-skiing on Lake George, some of the lake-wide organizations completed projects in Huletts, we even had some artists stop by, and sadly we lost some people who will be missed by many.
The year was quite vibrant and there was always news to talk about. When you compare Huletts to some other local communities, it is doing well. What makes it vibrant is that so many people love it and contribute their talents to making it a better place. It routinely amazes me the number of people who do things in and for the community that may appear to be unnoticed, but contribute to Huletts being the special place it is.
That leads us back to the “top news story of 2019.” For my pick for this year, I’ve selected: the Huletts Landing Volunteer Fire Company’s successful completion of a very intensive 80 hour training course, thus gaining certification for their members for Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations, as the Top News Story of Huletts Landing for 2019.
This certification sponsored by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, took numerous hours and training by the Fire Company’s volunteers to complete and it further helps protect the community. It did not happen without the hard work and dedication of so many.
The HLVFC firefighters who gained their certification for Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations. (Click all images to see larger versions.)
As you can imagine, that commitment to advance the level of professionalism within our community is just one more indication of the dedication these firefighters have for improving their skills to best serve our Huletts Landing community.
Each graduate was called up to receive their “Certificate of Completion” from the State Administrator and their Instructor, Scott Richards.
Many accolades of appreciation were given to all those “behind the scene” supporting staff, including several of the firefighter wives who faithfully provided all the daily food and nourishment – it was delicious and they were outstanding.
But especially singled out were the fire Company’s Training Officer, Jim Leghorn, and his wife Cathy for the initial planning and valued contribution in putting this project together and thereby providing this opportunity for its success.
So once again, many thanks to the Graduates for undertaking this challenge – no doubt a decision that will prove to be beneficial to our community for years to come. All in all, it was a very exciting and rewarding evening that will long be remembered.
For this, the Huletts Landing Volunteer Fire Company and its many members are the Top News Story of Huletts Landing for 2019. Congratulations to everyone.
Dresden 2020 Town Budget Posted
The 2020 town budget for Dresden has been posted on the town website. It is large download encompassing many pages, but here is a basic summary.
The total appropriations for 2020 are listed at $1,145,062. This is a 2.95% decrease from 2019 when appropriations stood at $1,179,915. The amount to be raised from taxes in 2020 increases to $832,186 from $808,344 in 2019. However, because Dresden’s tax base is growing, the budget predicts that taxes should only increase 0.6755% in 2020. Remember, a growing tax base means the money to be raised from taxes can be spread over a larger total number. The towns that understand how to grow their tax base can negate or lessen the effects of spending increases. The goal should always be to watch spending while growing the tax base. Historically, Dresden has been good at this.
The Dresden and Huletts fire companies both receive the same amounts as 2019. The last page lists the salaries of all town officials.
Many thanks to Dresden Supervisor Paul Ferguson (who is also the budget officer for the Town) and the entire Dresden Town Board for working so hard to keep our town taxes low.
Bits of Everything
The Fund for Lake George posts an update regarding the Jefferson Project here.
IFLScience.com investigates the UFO seen near Huletts.
William Shatner recently visited the bridge of the Star Trek Enterprise in Ticonderoga, NY. The Times of Ti has the story.
Video: 2019 Lake George Association Protection Highlights
The Lake George Association posted a video of their conservation efforts from 2019 which includes a great segment about their work replacing the ‘firehouse’ culvert in Huletts Landing. Many thanks to the Lake George Association and their benefactors for their work in the Lake George basin.
Looking Down from Above
I always like posting aerial pictures of Huletts. I received a nice one yesterday on Christmas day. So here it is. (Click image for slightly larger version.)
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
I wish everyone a joyous and Merry Christmas.
Luke 2-8: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
CeCe Winans – “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
Robert S. Banks, R.I.P.
File photo of former Dresden Town Supervisor, Robert S. Banks, in the summer of 2013 being interviewed by YNN News as Lands End road reopens.
I am sorry to report that Robert S. Banks, 71, the former Town Supervisor of Dresden, passed away on November 30, 2019 unexpectedly after a long illness. Mr. Banks was the longest serving Town Supervisor in the history of Dresden.
Bob was born in the Bronx, New York, then moved to Hohokus, New Jersey where he was raised by his parents, the late Walter and Edna Banks. After spending his summers in Huletts Landing as a teen, he attended the University of Vermont and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After serving in the Navy, he decided to move to the area permanently. He remained active in the Naval reserves.
Bob was a member of the Whitehall American Legion Post 83, the Dresden Fire Company, the Whitehall BPO Elks 1491 and a friend to many.
He owned and operated the Paul Novelty vending company and the Blue Goose Tavern with his friends, Alan and Marilyn Bascue. He was a longtime Town of Dresden board member before being elected Dresden Town Supervisor. When he left office in 2014, he had served longer as Town Supervisor than anyone else in the history of Dresden.
A vocal defender of the Washington County beach and an advocate for private property rights, he was instrumental in the formation of both Huletts Landing Sewer Districts. He once said that his philosophy about public service was that he would always try to help anyone who asked him for help. He worked hard to make improvements at the town and county levels while also keeping taxes low.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Bruce. He is survived by his wife of almost 35 years, Joyce, and his son Scott and his wife Casey and grandchild due in May.
Online condolences may be made at www.jillsonfuneralhome.com
“May God support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest and peace at the last.”
November Dresden Town Board Meeting Minutes
The minutes for the November 2019 meeting of the Dresden Town Board were recently approved and have been posted on the town’s website.
Stec Announces State Senate Candidacy
After announcing his plan this week to run for the state Senate, Assemblyman Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) met with all six Republican County Chairs that comprise the 45th Senate District. Left to right seated – Franklin Co GOP Chair Shelley Mulverhill, Assemblyman Dan Stec, Essex Co GOP Chair John Gereau, Standing are – Warren Co GOP Chair Mike Grasso, Washington Co GOP Chair Dan Boucher, St Lawrence Co GOP Chair Tom Jenison.
Assemblyman Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) has announced his candidacy for the state Senate’s 45th District. Senator Betty Little announced she’ll be stepping down in 2020 after serving 25 years in the Legislature. Stec, who has worked closely with Senator Little both as an Assemblyman and as a local elected official, has the experience and proven record necessary to ensure North Country residents continue receiving honest, accountable leadership in the Senate.
Stec issued the following statement on his campaign for Senate:
“I’m proud to announce my candidacy today for state Senate. With the news of Senator Little’s retirement, it’s so important that we elect someone that understands the issues we face, and has the experience and record of fighting on our behalf.
“My top priorities have always been defending our values and fighting for common-sense solutions to the challenges we face. This is why I’ve partnered with local law enforcement to oppose the bail reforms instituted by Senate and Assembly Democrats. It’s why I opposed giving drivers’ licenses, ‘free’ college tuition to illegal immigrants and other initiatives that put the rights of criminals before the well-being of our communities.
“As an Assemblyman, I helped pass the first countywide EMS bill for Essex County – the first of its kind in the state. I championed the constitutional amendment to strip pensions from corrupt politicians and shepherded three other constitutional amendments that were important to the residents of the North Country. I have and will continue to make investments in important infrastructure like roads, water, sewer, broadband and cell service critical to our economy and public safety a high priority.
“This is the proven record of advocacy and accomplishment I want to bring to the state Senate. With one-party control, we need someone who will push back against the radical liberal tax-and spend agenda that crushes our communities. We need someone who will work to achieve solutions to our problems that reflect our needs and values. We need someone who will continue Senator Little’s strong legacy as an honest, hardworking elected official.
“As our next state Senator, that’s exactly what I will do.”
The 45th Senate District includes all of Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Warren Counties, as well as parts of St. Lawrence and Washington Counties. Stec’s Assembly District comprises the entirety of Warren and Essex Counties, as well as the northern parts of Saratoga and Washington Counties. He was elected to represent the district in 2012. Prior to his becoming Assemblyman, Stec was the Queensbury Town Supervisor and Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.
Date Meets Clemons Zip Code – Special Deal
Special Note – Donate $50 to the Friends of Historic Huletts Landing (FHHL) for the Veterans of Foreign War Wall in the Town of Dresden – receive all three collectible commemorative sets of envelopes for the date meets Clemons Zip Code!!! If you have any questions or would like to order sets, please call Sue Ives at the Clemons Post Office 518/499-0040, Home 518/499-2185 or Cell Phone 518/744-0150 to reserve your packets. Sets will be available at the Clemons Post Office, 14007 State Route 22, Clemons, NY from December 9th to the end of December 2019.
Senator Little Will Not Seek Re-Election
State Senator Betty Little announcing that she will not run for re-election.
State Senator Betty Little today announced she will not seek re-election and will retire from the Senate at the completion of her term on December 31, 2020. Little has represented the 45th District since 2003 and previously served seven years in the State Assembly.
“Although it is very difficult for me to contemplate stepping away from the public service that I love so much, it’s time,” said Little. “Being able to do this work for so many years has been the greatest honor. I’ve not taken one moment of it for granted.
“Representing a vast district comprising six counties, two cities, 83 towns, 20 villages and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe at Akwesasne, I have had a very unique perspective to learn a lot about this region and gotten to know many good people working hard to make better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. As a state representative, I’ve always felt the best I can do is to complement those efforts. Whether it has been through legislation, or funding for so many different and important initiatives and projects, being in a position to help has been so rewarding.
“And, certainly, a lot of this work is about assisting people with their own personal issues. The hands-on constituent work is quiet, behind the scenes advocacy that, for the individual helped, can mean the world. I only wish I could do more.”
Little’s career in public office began in 1986 when she was elected to the Warren County Board of Supervisors. In 1995, she was elected in a special election to represent the 109th Assembly District. When Senator Ron Stafford announced his retirement in 2002, Little ran for and won the State Senate seat in November that year and has been reelected eight times since.
Over the past 19 years in the Senate, Little sponsored 322 new chapters of law. These include measures to protect private property rights by raising the standard for making an adverse possession claim; protect environmentally sensitive grasslands; combat invasive species; and raise awareness of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS).
Little said her greatest legislative achievement has been the approval of five State Constitutional amendments to address matters specific to the Adirondack Park. Each amendment required passage by two separately elected Legislatures and then approval by voters on a statewide ballot.
“Amending the State Constitution isn’t taken lightly and convincing my colleagues in Albany this was necessary required a lot of work,” said Little. “In each instance, it took a tremendous amount of collaboration, cooperation and persistence. I commend our local officials, environmental groups and all others who worked on these amendments for their willingness to keep pushing to reach an agreement and to encourage the necessary support of voters across New York State.”
The mother of military sons, Little has been a strong advocate for servicemen and women, sponsoring Patriot Plans I and II to provide various benefits to active-duty military personnel and their families.
Little also spearheaded the effort to create a Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission and sponsored legislation to protect the childhood home of Susan B. Anthony in the Town of Greenwich.
During her tenure, Little served as chair of the Senate’s Local Government, Tourism and Cultural Arts and Housing Committees and as a member of the Senate Rules and Finance Committees. She is now the ranking Republican on the Senate Education Committee.
Little is a long-time resident of Queensbury. She was born and raised in Glens Falls, attended St. Mary’s Academy and is a graduate of the College of St. Rose with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught on Staten Island and in the Queensbury School District before starting a family. She has six children and 18 grandchildren.
“With the year ahead of me and not having to focus on re-election, I will do all I can on behalf of those I am honored to represent,” said Little. “I plan to spend a lot of time travelling throughout the district and am hopeful for a productive session in Albany. Who knows what will follow when I retire at the end of next year, but I look forward to staying active, engaged and busy and being helpful wherever and whenever I can,” Little said.