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Carl Heilman 2017 Calendars Have Arrived at LGA

If you are a fan of stunning Lake George visuals, the Lake George Association has some exciting news to share with you — especially if you are looking to keep Lake George in your sight all year round.

The 2017 edition of Carl Heilman II’s Lake George calendar is going on sale. As always, the images are stunning.

The calendar sale raises money that is put toward the Lake George Association’s Lake-Saving Projects — so purchasing the calendar from the Lake George Association allows you to view the Lake through Carl Heilman II’s dramatic eyes and helps the LGA protect the Lake’s water quality, too!

You can pick up your Carl Heilman II calendars at the LGA office for $16, or for just $1 more ($17) it can be mailed to you.

Don’t delay — these calendars always sell out fast!

To purchase your copies of the 2017 Lake George calendar (or order them to be sent to you), please call Mona at 518-668-3558 or email: info@lakegeorgeassociation.org.

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LGLC Names Two New Board Members


George Morris (left) and James W. Wolitarsky (right) recently were appointed to the Board of the Lake George Land Conservancy.

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) recently announced the recent addition of two new directors to its Board, George Morris and James W. Wolitarsky.

“We are very excited to have Jim and George join our Board,” said LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown. “Both bring to the LGLC strong leadership skills, a commitment to our mission, and a rich and deep connection to Lake George. It’s been great getting to know these two new Directors, hearing about their ideas, their stories about time spent on the lake, but mostly their enthusiasm for protecting the land that protects this special place. We extend a warm welcome to our newest Directors and look forward to the impact that they will make on LGLC and the lake.”

George Morris recently finished his 31st year with Oliver Wyman, the international management consulting firm and part of Marsh and McLennan, where he is a Partner in the Financial Services group based in New York City. His consulting career began after graduating with an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business (1985) and an AB from Dartmouth College (1980). In 2016 he co-authored a paper on risk management for non-profits based on financial analysis of charities in New York State. Now, he is semi-retired and leads the firm’s Social Impact initiative out of the New York office and contributes to developing future generations of world-class management advisors.

Mr. Morris resides in Pilot Knob, NY, and is a third generation lover of Lake George. His lake experience began at his parents’ house, also known as “Flower Down”, in the Town of Lake George. Mr. Morris is a hiker and forager, loves sailing, early morning boat rides, and kayaking. He’s a second generation member of the Lake George Club and raced sailboats there for many summers.

James (Jim) W. Wolitarsky is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, a major U.S. east coast full-service financial services firm headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Jim joined the company in 1991 as its Chief Financial Officer. He was elected President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2000 and Chief Executive Officer in January 2001. He also served as Chairman of its Executive Committee.

Jim received a B.A. degree in 1968 from Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA and earned a M.B.A. degree in 1973 from New York University. He served in the United States Army as a sergeant from 1968 to 1970 with service in Vietnam and was decorated with a Bronze Star and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Mr. Wolitarsky is currently a board manager of Pennsylvania Hospital, a core member hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Health System; a director of D.A. Davidson Companies, a full-service regional securities broker-dealer doing business in the western United States and a director of Pennsylvania Trust Company. He has served on many boards, including as Vice Chairman and Treasurer for the FUND for Lake George, and has lectured nationally and participated in a wide array of financial conferences and forums.

Mr. Wolitarsky first came to the lake when he was 5 or 6 years old and then spent every subsequent childhood summer for 2 or 3 weeks with his family at a rented lakeside cottage on Black Point Road in Ticonderoga. He and his wife, Nini, bought their current home on the lake in 2006. Jim and Nini live in Villanova, PA, and have four children.

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New Book: The Battle of Lake George


The Battle of Lake George: England’s First Triump in the French and Indian War by William R. Griffith IV was released this past week.

This is a great new release that sounds very intriguing.

In the early morning of September 8, 1755, a force of French Regulars, Canadians and Indians crouched unseen in a ravine south of Lake George. Under the command of French general Jean-Armand, Baron de Dieskau, the men ambushed the approaching British forces, sparking a bloody conflict for control of the lake and its access to New York’s interior. Against all odds, British commander William Johnson rallied his men through the barrage of enemy fire to send the French retreating north to Ticonderoga. The stage was set for one of the most contested regions throughout the rest of the conflict. Historian William Griffith recounts the thrilling history behind the first major British battlefield victory of the French and Indian War.

ISBN: 9781467119757
$21.99 | 144 pp.| paperback
Available: September 5, 2016

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Now for Some History: July 1922


This postcard from July 20, 1922, depicting Huletts Landing, was mailed from Silver Bay NY.

Sometimes the most interesting part of an old postcard is what was written on it. Many thanks to Russ Considine for providing this glimpse into the summer of 1922. Here is what was written on the back:

“Have come to Silver Bay Y.M.C.A Conference and I never dreamed it was so nice. I am having a fine time. Hope to see you when I get back. Was so busy before I went away. – Amanda”

Addressed to:
Miss Leslie S Lifie
723 McKnight Street
Reading, PA

Postmarked: July 20, 1922 Silver Bay NY

“I never dreamed it was so nice,” were the words that I think we would still agree with today! (Click images to see full-scale.)

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LGLC Protects Wetlands in Putnam to Protect Lake George


Map of Bridge the Nose Initiative (Click image to see larger view.)

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has acquired 65 acres in the Town of Putnam from Thomas and Christine Bain. The land contains important wetlands and includes a significant part of the Sucker Brook marsh, which drains directly into Lake George at Glenburnie.

The acquisition also protects a large area of rare northern white cedar swamp. This habitat type is threatened State-wide by development, habitat alteration, and recreational overuse, as well as invasive species, such as purple loosestrife and reedgrass.

“Sucker Brook and its marsh have been a part of my family for five generations,” said Thomas Bain. “Purchased by my Great Grandfather around 1945 it has been enjoyed by generations of the Bain Family down through my children. The serenity and quiet beauty of that location is treasured by myself and my extended family. I can recall hiking through the marsh in the middle of winter as a boy and being amazed by the stark contrast of the rich jet black mud bottom of Sucker Brook to the surrounding bright white snow.”

“Knowing that it is protected,” Bain continued, “and in turn offers a small portion of protection to Lake George into which it runs, gives me great satisfaction. My family and I enjoy our visits to Putnam and always stop and take in the grand views of Lake George from Gull Bay or Glen Bernie. Keeping the lake in a pristine condition is essential to maintaining that beauty. The Lake George Land Conservancy has allowed us to contribute to maintaining that legacy for many generations to come.”


Photo of Lake George, South from Record Hill/Anthony’s Nose © Carl Heilman, II (Click image to see larger view.)

“The Bains have been respectful caretakers of this land for generations and understand its important connection to protecting the lake,” said LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown. “We are extremely grateful to them for their conservation ethic and for working with us on this important protection project. This really is a clear example of working with a landowner who understands how important the land is what we are talking about when we say protecting the land to protect the lake.”

The acquisition is part of the LGLC’s Bridge the Nose Initiative, which will allow the LGLC to complete its ten-year effort to conserve the 2,000-acre Sucker Brook complex in order to protect the water quality of Lake George, connect existing lands protected by the LGLC and New York State for recreation and wildlife, and conserve the region’s rare northern white cedar swamp ecosystem.

Sucker Brook is one of Lake George’s ten largest tributaries, which means that the water flowing through it may significantly impact the lake’s water quality. Its protection by the LGLC provides a safeguard against excess storm water, erosion of the stream corridor, and nutrient loading from neighboring sources of fertilizers and road salt, further protecting the lake’s water quality.

This most recent acquisition is adjacent to the LGLC’s Gull Bay and Last Great Shoreline Preserves, filling in a gap between the properties. The LGLC expects to extend the preserves’ trail systems to include a strategically placed boardwalk along or through the northern white cedar swamp with wildlife viewing platforms.

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Budweiser Clydesdale’s in Lake George Village: August 18th


A Budweiser Clydesdale at home in St. Louis.

The world famous Budweiser Clydesdale team will be in the Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George Village this Thursday, August 18th between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. They will be available for taking pictures with.

Between 5:00 and 6:00 pm, they will parade down Beach Road and Canada Street. So if you’re planning on going down to the “Village,” you can see them on Thursday afternoon.

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Survival Skills Theme for LGLC’s 2nd Annual Kids’ Scavenger Hunt and Hike


Group of youth and parents enjoy the view at the top of the Pinnacle during the LGLC’s Scavenger Hunt and Hike event.

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) hosted its 2nd annual scavenger hunt and hike for kids on Tuesday, July 26. Designed by 15-year-old Jahnavi Bhavsar of Huletts Landing, this year’s hike focused on wilderness survival skills.

Starting with a brief lesson in map reading led by volunteer Todd Earl, the group of 23 youth and a parents were divided into teams before heading for the trail at The Pinnacle Preserve in Bolton Landing. The Pinnacle, which is owned by the Town of Bolton and managed by the LGLC, was protected through a unique partnership between the LGLC, the Town of Bolton, and the Fund for Lake George in 2015.

The teams encountered trivia questions along the trail that tested their knowledge in hiking safety and wilderness survival. Lunch at the summit concluded with an additional challenge of finding a list of edible and poisonous plants in the woods and along the trail on their descent. Prizes were awarded and everyone cooled off with some ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s, where they all were able to look up at the Pinnacle peak from the front porch.

Bhavsar has big plans for 2017, including a shelter building challenge and animal tracking at the LGLC’s Amy’s Park. The date for this free event is to be determined, but those interested may contact Helen Barton Benedict at hbartonbenedict@lglc.org or check lglc.org for updates

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Froehlich Foundation Grants LGLC Over $200,000 Toward Conservation Projects


An aerial view over the wetlands of Amy’s Park, which is a major part of the Indian Brook watershed. The peak in the middle is Pole Hill; on the right is High Nopit, and on the far left is Walnut Ridge. Walnut Ridge is part of the New York state Pole Hill Pond Forest Preserve, and the future Isabel La Roche Godwin Preserve lies adjacent, to the east. (View southeast toward Bolton, (near side of lake) and Diamond point, (opposite side of lake).(Click image to see full-scale.)

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has received a grant of $200,250 from the Helen V. Froehlich Foundation in support of focused conservation projects and initiatives that will help protect the land that protects the lake forever.

The grant will be used on priority projects highlighted within the LGLC’s recently adopted Strategic Plan, which focuses on core conservation values that include: community partnerships to protect land and places that are important to the people who live and play in Lake George; and projects that protect land vital to protecting the water quality of Lake George as well as provide recreational opportunities, and protect habitat, viewshed, and historical and cultural resources.

Of the amount received, $82,000 will be used to support land protection efforts within the relatively undeveloped area of the Indian Brook watershed in Bolton.

An additional $82,000 will go towards several key parcels on the northeastern shore of the lake that will link the proposed ridgeline trail along South Mountain to the LGLC’s Last Great Shoreline and Gull Bay Preserves. New properties will also be added to the Preserves, increasing the acreage of protected wetlands and tributaries so as to protect water quality, as well as important wildlife habitat and hiking trails.

The LGLC is currently working to conserve a total of 470 acres in these two regions that will result in the immediate protection of the water quality of Lake George, as well as provide better access to state protected land, link trail systems, preserve a wetland complex, and create additional recreational opportunities. By working with willing landowners to ensure that sensitive lands are protected forever, the LGLC is making a substantial, lasting impact on the water quality of Lake George.

An additional $36,250 will enable LGLC staff to further the organization’s mission. The staff are responsible for managing over 35 miles of trails, monitoring easements, and working with landowners to protect sensitive lands.

“We are so grateful to the Froehlich Foundation for its generous support of our work,” stated LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown. “They have been an important part of what we do for a long time, and helped us to make a real impact on the protection of Lake George They are making a real difference.”

The Helen V. Froehlich Foundation was created in 1993 with funds provided by the late Helen V. Froehlich to assist with the conservation and preservation of Lake George. The Lake George Land Conservancy is just one of several local organizations that benefit from the Foundation’s generosity. This most recent gift is the 22nd consecutive grant awarded to the LGLC by the Froehlich Foundation, a total of over $3 million.

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400 Dance the Night Away at LGA Gala, Raising More Than $120,000 to Protect LG


400 people attended this year’s Lake George Association Gala at the Sagamore. (Click for full-scale.)

It may be known as the best party on the Lake, but the Lake George Association’s annual gala has another important function: To raise money to protect Lake George’s famous water quality. Thanks to the generosity of more than 400 guests at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton, the 2016 Gala (themed “Celebrate at the Speakeasy to Safeguard our Queen”) raised more than $120,000 after expenses, according to the LGA’s preliminary estimates.

All of that money will be used on projects that benefit the Lake George watershed from Ticonderoga to Lake George Village. “We are so pleased that people from every community around the Lake came to Celebrate at the Speakeasy,” said Nancy Cobb-Zoll, LGA Director of Development. “It is the largest gala and most support we’ve ever had.”

“There are few places other than Lake George where you can get that kind of wide support, and we are humbled that our Lake and the Lake George Association has that kind of endorsement from the public,” Cobb-Zoll said.

The evening included cocktails, dinner, a silent auction that included hundreds of items that were donated by local businesses and restaurants, and constant conversations as attendees renewed old friendships and made new ones. Many dressed to the Speakeasy theme of “Prohibition and Pearls,” and danced to the music of The Bob Halek Band.

A final tally will be released after everything has been settled, and planning is already beginning for the 2017 gala!

The LGA’s next two gatherings are Sunday, August 14 – a Clambake at the Boathouse Restaurant – and Friday, August 19 – the LGA’s Annual Meeting at the Lake George Club. See their website for more details.