Posted on

LGLC’s Sucker Brook Preserve, in Putnam, Now Accessible by Boat


The new seasonal dock, now open to the public, at the Lake George Land Conservancy’s Sucker Brook Preserve.

A seasonal dock is now available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Lake George Land Conservancy’s Sucker Brook Preserve, in Putnam.

The Sucker Brook Preserve is made up of multiple protected properties, including those previously known as the Gull Bay Preserve (protected in 2003) and Last Great Shoreline Preserve (protected in 2009). In total, the Sucker Brook Preserve encompasses a total of 1,078 acres and more than 6 miles of trails. Now you can visit by boat.

Most trails at the Sucker Brook Preserve are considered moderate, with many relatively flat and easy stretches. There are also challenging, though short, sections, notably at the southern end of the Orange Trail, and the Red Trail-South. In addition, because these are active beaver ponds, water levels vary throughout the seasons and years, which may impact trail conditions.

You can download and/or print a copy of the LGLC’s Sucker Brook Preserve brochure here to reference when hiking.

Posted on

Happy Mother’s Day


To all our mothers, you’ll never get the thanks and recognition you truly deserve and even if you did, you know that’s not what you want. You want the best of life and love and hope and eternity for your children and family. Fortunately, you have a mighty, mighty power over the outcome. And you will, until the day you die. Please use it.

Posted on

The Solar Eclipse from Huletts


A picture taken this afternoon in Huletts of today’s solar eclipse.


It was a beautiful sunny day with a wonderful view of the eclipse for the hearty folks who watched it today from Huletts.

The next time a total solar eclipse will be visible again from the contiguous United States will be August 22, 2044. Today’s event is now preserved here!

Posted on

Thoughts on April

I’ve always thought April is such a good month. The worst of winter is usually over, and the world begins to wake up again. While it can be a little damp and rainy at times – the old axiom; April showers bring May flowers always holds true.

When we were children, we would always come to Huletts for our Spring Break. My grandmother would recite Longworth’s, Paul Revere’s Ride, from memory because it happened on the evening of April 18, 1775. Both my grandparents would tell us that rote memorization was a big part of their education as children. They would recite poems that were emblazoned in their memories as children.

Work would begin again on things that couldn’t be done in the winter and the lake’s ice would usually melt in April. (I always remember the sound the ice would make as it creaked and groaned in the winter.) Birds would start singing in the morning again as they returned from their winter migration.

My parents and my grandparents would always talk about the ideas of community, faith and family. I’ve sensed a greater longing for community and family in these tumultuous times where there seems to be a greater loneliness and anxiety loose in the world.

These discussions on the ideas of faith, family, and community still resonate with me today. My grandfather would say that the most important commission in the bible was Christ’s admonition to Peter; “to strengthen the brethren” which is also, at times, translated as “strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32)

Hopefully, you have weathered the winter and April finds you enjoying the longer days and soon to be warmer weather. May you hear birds singing in the morning as we all look forward to returning to Huletts.

Posted on

Happy Easter


(Click image to see full-scale.)

The Resurrection of Christ
Francesco Fontebasso
circa 1759
The Tridentine Diocesan Museum
Trento, Italy

In the painting, based on a highly effective theatrical variant, Christ resurrected in a burst of clouds is invested by light and floats above the sepulchre, holding the white banner. Below, two angels open the empty tomb, while the terrified guards flee.

Wishing everyone much much happiness and joy as the world celebrates Easter today.

Posted on

DEC Forest Rangers in the News

Town of Greenwich
Washington County

Wildfire: On March 18 at 2:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call for Forest Ranger assistance for a wildland fire on Lick Springs Road. The fire had started in a garage and spread into the woods. By 4:20 p.m., Rangers contained the fire to half an acre.

Posted on

Holy Thursday: 2024


(Click image to see full-scale.)

Wilhelm Marstrand
Kiss of Judas, n.d. (after 1860)
Oil on canvas, 57 x 51 cm.
The Nivaagaard Collection – Denmark

With dynamic brush strokes, dimmed lighting and a dramatic composition, Marstrand has depicted the moment of Judas’ betrayal of Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas has just identified Christ to the soldiers by means of a kiss. With weapons and torches in hand, the menacing soldiers have gathered around the company, ready to arrest him. Marstrand has depicted Judas in a stooped posture to emphasise his treasonous but also guilt-inducing act of betrayal. This stands in sharp contrast to the depiction of Christ, who with his straight posture, calm expression and stoicism radiates an acceptance of his ultimate fate. Marstrand amplifies the dramatic nature of this fateful scene by painting the entire composition in a sombre colour palette, only broken by a single light from a torch. The format suggests that the picture is a sketch for an altarpiece.

Posted on

St. Patrick’s Day 2024

Today is Saint Patrick’s day so I wanted to share one of my favorite poems about Ireland. This poem memorializes those who fought for freedom and independence in Ireland and the Easter week rebellion, which started on Easter Monday April 16, 1916. The poet insists their deaths were not in vain, as they are forever a symbol of hope and independence from colonial rule in Ireland. It was not that long ago that Irish language, music, religion, and culture were outlawed by the British, and while Saint Patrick’s day is a great day to celebrate all things green … it’s also a day to remember the strength of the Irish people who fought for the future for their culture and people.

Easter Week
By Joyce Kilmer
(In memory of Joseph Mary Plunkett)

(“Romantic Ireland’s dead and gone,
It’s with O’Leary in the grave.”)
—William Butler Yeats.

“Romantic Ireland’s dead and gone,
It’s with O’Leary in the grave.”
Then, Yeats, what gave that Easter dawn
A hue so radiantly brave?

There was a rain of blood that day,
Red rain in gay blue April weather.
It blessed the earth till it gave birth
To valour thick as blooms of heather.

Romantic Ireland never dies!
O’Leary lies in fertile ground,
And songs and spears throughout the years
Rise up where patriot graves are found.

Immortal patriots newly dead
And ye that bled in bygone years,
What banners rise before your eyes?
What is the tune that greets your ears?

The young Republic’s banners smile
For many a mile where troops convene.
O’Connell street is loudly sweet
With strains of Wearing of the Green.

The soil of Ireland throbs and glows
With life that knows the hour is here
To strike again like Irishmen
For that which Irishmen hold dear.

Lord Edward leaves his resting place
And Sarsfield’s face is glad and fierce.
See Emmet leap from troubled sleep
To grasp the hand of Padraic Pearse!

There is no rope can strangle song
And not for long death takes his toll.
No prison bars can dim the stars
Nor quicklime eat the living soul.

Romantic Ireland is not old.
For years untold her youth shall shine.
Her heart is fed on Heavenly bread,
The blood of martyrs is her wine.