The New York State Department of Education is investigating issues revolving around Common Core testing in some lower grades at the Whitehall Central school. While I don’t have much information on this, the next Whitehall Board of Education meeting will be held on June 15th and more information may become known then.
Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah Appears on ‘Today’
The Place to be Saturday: Belmont
Some great facts about the 13 straight Triple Crown contenders who unraveled at the Belmont Stakes. Take a visual journey to see when and where dreams crumble.
FHHL Party & Lecture on Thursday, July 2
Support the Friends of Historic Huletts Landing and hear noted Adirondack artist and scholar Anne Diggory on Painting Lake George with Artistic License, Then and Now.
The evening will benefit the many community programs of the Friends of Historic Huletts Landing and includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6:00 pm on the porch of the 1880 camp, The Seven Pines, on Bluff Head with a fabled view of The Narrows and Black Mountain. Illustrated lecture follows at 7:00 pm.
In an exploration of the creative process, Diggory will present her ongoing research into the relationship of motif to finished work in 19th century paintings of Lake George by John Frederick Kensett and in her own work. Her research into the painting location of John Frederick Kensett’s iconic “Lake George, 1869,” was recently published in the Metropolitan Museum Journal, in an article that corrects their catalogue by placing the viewpoint on Homer Point, contrary to myth, legend and firmly held opinions by lake lovers and art history scholars. Diggory’s paddling adventures and boating trips around the lake have enabled her to locate over 20 painting locations that inspired Kensett as well as many that inspired other 19th century artists such as Asher B. Durand and David Johnson.
Saratoga-based artist Anne Diggory focuses much of her work on the waters of the Adirondacks. She creates both plein air paintings and “hybrid media” artworks that use a multi-layered process combining sections of photography, digital manipulation and painting. The hybrid works were the focus of recent solo exhibitions at The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, NY, and the Blue Mountain Gallery in New York City. The March/April (2015) issue of Adirondack Life included an essay about her hybrid work.
Dresden’s Sales Tax Revenue Explained
Late last month, the Washington County Board of Supervisors voted to change the allocation of sales tax revenue to towns in the county.
New York state allocates a portion of sales tax revenue collected in a county back to that county. Counties are free to allocate those funds to individual towns as they see fit.
Under Washington County’s previous policy, the county distributed $1 million dollars to the towns in the county using a formula based on assessed valuation and population.
Last month, the supervisors voted to allocate 7 percent of all total sales tax revenue to the towns. After 2016, the county is no longer guaranteeing $1 million to be split among the towns, just whatever 7 percent is. This could mean more total dollars to Dresden or less, depending on how much sales tax is raised.
In an effort to learn more about this issue, Dresden Supervisor George Gang, explained what the rational of this change was and how he voted.
After a study of other counties throughout the state it was found that Washington County was on the very low end of sales tax distributions to its towns. Some counties were distributing as much as 25 percent. The formula for distribution of the $1 million is based on two factors; 1) town population (50%) and 2) assessed value (50%). Dresden does well on the assessed value portion and poorly on the population portion.
Dresden currently receives approximately $34,000 per year in four installments. In the future distribution this will be 7 percent of the total of all sales tax receipts, using the above 50/50 formula, which means the $1 million is no longer guaranteed.
Receipts have been trending upwards in Washington County even though they have been trending down in the rest of the State. If we were to get the 7 percent distribution this year, Dresden would have received an extra $12,500. Of course, if county receipts go down, we could receive under the $34,000 that we are now guaranteed.
Three towns in Washington County currently pay approximately 25 percent of the total county taxes. (Putnam, Dresden and Fort Ann) This is mostly due to our assessed values. Supervisor Gang voted against the change in distribution because now that the county will be paying out a higher percentage of receipts to the towns, the county will have to find those lost monies from somewhere else. Supervisor Gang’s reasoning is that this will mean that the lost funds to the county will be “made up” from county taxpayers or from fund balances.
The three Towns noted above will end up paying for the largest part of that increase, thus subsidizing the other fourteen towns in the county who would make out very well. If Supervisor Gang had his druthers, he would love the formula to be based solely on assessed values, in which case Dresden would get back a fairer share of the taxes we pay into the county. However, this would never be approved by those other fourteen towns.
To conclude, it always benefits Dresden residents to shop in Washington County. Instead of buying groceries in Glens Falls or Vermont think about buying your groceries in Fort Edward or Kingsbury. (Or for that matter, anywhere in Washington County). Buying a new car? Make sure you get it in Washington County!
Dresden June Meeting Agenda
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Dresden Town Board will be held:
Monday, June 8, 2015 at the Dresden Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday Quote
“Leisure consists in activities which are neither toil nor play, but are rather the expressions of moral and intellectual virtue – the things a good man does because they are intrinsically good for him and for his society, making him better as a man and advancing the civilization in which he lives.”
Mortimer Adler
1958
“Friends” to Offer Full Summer Schedule
The Friends of Historic Huletts Landing (FHHL) has an exciting 2015 schedule.
The Friends of Historic Huletts Landing (FHHL) will again host many interesting programs in 2015.
I just got a preview of the tentative schedule and it is packed full of interesting events. While the schedule has not been completely finalized yet, I can tell you this: there are lectures, art shows, concerts and children’s programs all on this year’s schedule.
One big change for 2015 is that the lecture series will be on summer weeknights. In the past, the speakers were on weekends and many people could not attend because of conflicts with their weekend guests and/or conflicts with the Catholic Mass at the Chapel of the Assumption. This will change in 2015, with the speakers series being held on selected weeknights.
I will post the schedule and events soon, so please stay tuned. Hope to see you and some friends at a “FRIEND’s” event this summer.
2015 Lake George Hike-A-Thon
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The 2014 Lake George Hike-A-Thon included more than 400 hikers, including those pictured here at Cook Mountain in Ticonderoga. They spelled out “LG”, as captured by photographer Carl Heilman, II, who will photograph the 2015 Hike-A-Thon as well. Photo © Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc.
More than 330 people have already registered to participate or volunteer for the Lake George Land Conservancy’s (LGLC) third annual Lake George Hike-A-Thon, and four of the 12 optional hiking locations are at capacity. The public can still for the free event, set for Sunday, July 5, 2015, until June 26 at lakegeorgehikeathon.org.
The Lake George Hike-A-Thon is a one-day event held each July 5th, created to showcase LGLC’s parks and preserves around Lake George as free public resources, and to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and appreciation for the outdoors.
Hikes take place simultaneously all around Lake George, culminating with aerial photography of each group by Carl Heilman, II, who will be flying in a helicopter piloted by Bruce Mowery of North Country Heliflite.
“The excitement for the Hike-A-Thon is contagious,” said LGLC Communications and Outreach Manager Sarah Hoffman. “Each year the event has picked up more momentum in the communities around Lake George and in area businesses that choose to show support through sponsorships. We are also seeing participants returning each year, making the Hike-A-Thon part of their holiday tradition.”
There are three new sites for 2015, and one additional hike at a past site, for a total of 12 different options. All of the new sites—Anthony’s Nose in Putnam, Terzian Woodlot in Hague, and the Pinnacle in Bolton Landing—are full.
“The response so far has been fantastic,” said Hoffman, “especially for the new properties that were added this year. Curiosity plays a big part, but people also want to come out in support of a property that they’ve helped to save, like the Pinnacle in Bolton.”
Bolton Town Supervisor Ron Conover will be present at the start of the Pinnacle hike, to help greet hikers and welcome them to the event. LGLC recently completed its fundraising campaign to purchase the Pinnacle and expects to close in early June. At the time of closing LGLC will place a conservation easement on the land and then sell it to the Town of Bolton to remain a public resource.
“I’m honored to help with the Pinnacle’s inaugural year in the Hike-A-Thon,” said Conover. “It’s been wonderful being able to work with LGLC and seeing the great community support for protecting the Pinnacle. I look forward to meeting the hikers and thanking those who have helped to make the purchase possible.”
Event t-shirts are available for purchase at time of registration. In addition, participants who choose to make a donation in support of LGLC’s stewardship activities may also receive a limited edition Hike-A-Thon hat for each $25 they give.
Other Opportunities
LGLC is still seeking Hike-A-Thon volunteers to help at several sites. A large crew of volunteers is needed to help lead hikes and keep things running smoothly on the ground. For those who want to be part of the event but are unable to hike, joining the Ground Crew is a great way to get involved. Further information is available at lakegeorgehikeathon.org/volunteer.
LGLC is also still accepting event sponsors, which provide essential support needed to keep the Hike-A-Thon free for participants. Information on how to become a sponsor, and what benefits are provided, are at lakegeorgehikeathon.org/become-a-sponsor, or interested businesses may contact Sarah Hoffman at 518-644-9673 or email shoffman@lglc.org.
Current sponsors include Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc., North Country Heliflite, Lake George Kayak Company, Patagonia, Stewart’s Shops, LoomOnTheLake, and Stored Technology Solutions. The Lake George Mirror is the event’s media sponsor.
For more information about the Hike-A-Thon visit lakegeorgehikeathon.org, or contact Communications and Outreach Manager Sarah Hoffman at 518-644-9673, or email shoffman@lglc.org. Fans may also follow the Hike-A-Thon on Facebook: facebook.com/LakeGeorgeHikeAThon.
LGPC Proposes Raising Boat & Dock Fees
The Lake George Park Commission is proposing to increase boat and dock fees.
The Commission has had only one fee increase in its 28 year existence.
The current fee schedule has not increased in 13 years.
The Commission is now proposing another fee modification that will hopefully carry the Commission through 15 more years.
Here are the proposed increases and changes:
Residential Docks: $12.50 increase
Commercial Docks: $1.25 per linear foot increase
Boats under 20 foot length: $15 increase ($30 up to $45)
Boats under 25 foot length: $18.75 increase ($37.50 up to 56.25)
Boats over 25 feet: percentage increase to be determined
Potential elimination of equipped/unequipped boat fee differential which may alter final boat fees
Exempt all paddle craft, regardless of length
To make these changes for 2016 the Commission will need to:
Seek Legislative change to eliminate fee schedule in Article 43.
Hold public informational meetings during the summer of 2015.
Begin SEQRA Regulatory amendment process August/September.
Finalization of new regulations and fee schedule by January 2016.
Stay tuned for more.
Rep. Stefanik Visits Ticonderoga
Great event in Ticonderoga today launching the "Rails to Wheels" partnership between Amtrak and Fort Ticonderoga! pic.twitter.com/P5imFcABSA
— Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) May 22, 2015
School District Vote Results
Yesterday’s vote to choose three members of the school board resulted in Patricia Norton and Michael Rocque winning five-year terms with 315 and 310 respective votes.
Anthony Scrimo won a four-year term with 287 votes.
The other candidates gathered these totals:
Harold Nicholson, Jr. 187
Marcia Rocque 182
Steven St.Claire 148
Joseph Swahn 81
Stiling Knight 31
The budget for the 2014-2015 school year passed with 379 “yes” votes and 96 “no” votes.
The proposition for buying new school buses passed, with 316 “yes” and 91 “no” votes.
School Vote: Tuesday May 19th
The voting to elect three new members of the Whitehall School board and approve next year’s school budget will take place in the Large Group Instruction Room at the Whitehall high school between noon and 9:00 pm on Tuesday, May 19th.
I have posted all the responses that I have received from the candidates in response to my questionnaire.
In order to vote, a person must be 18 years of age or older, and reside within the district for at least 30 days prior to the election.
March & April Dresden Town Board Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the March and April 2015 Dresden Town Board meetings have been posted.
In some cases, when corrections are needed to the minutes, they can be delayed.
The May minutes will not be approved until June and so on.