News & Opinion About Huletts Landing, N.Y.
China’s Richest Man Buys Adirondack Property
Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba, has just purchased a 28,120-acre property in the Adirondacks.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/
Local Business: Fort Edward’s Little Theater on the Farm Prepares for 10th Year
Check out http://www.littletheater27.org/ for a list of their summer performances.
Bolton Landing Park Transformed
The Lake George Mirror describes a positive change in Bolton Landing.
Adirondack artist and scholar Anne Diggory.
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.
Anne Diggory combines art from the past with present day photography.
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.
Sushi Yoshi Chinese Gourmet Hibachi Steakhouse in Lake George Village.
Sushi Yoshi Chinese Gourmet Hibachi Steakhouse in Lake George will be transformed into “Kitchen Stadium” at the end of the month as teams from across the region battle it out to see who will be “IRON CHEF LAKE GEORGE.”
And even though Alton Brown probably won’t be there as commentator, the Lake George Association is fielding a team to compete in the Fourth Annual Iron Chef benefit event. The Lake George Association will also be the event’s beneficiary.
The charity event on Tuesday, June 23, starts at 8 pm at the restaurant, which is located south of Lake George Village at 1818 Route 9, Lake George. The restaurant will be open during the contest for Chinese dishes, sushi and cocktails, but because competitors will be using the Hibachi tables, patrons won’t be able to order from there.
During the evening, staff from Sushi Yoshi will be selling raffle tickets for the chance to win prizes donated by local and regional businesses. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the Lake George Association to benefit their Lake Protection programs and projects. The LGA team includes two members of the Lake George Association Board of Directors:
Carla Burhoe and Jim Casaccio – and LGA Executive Director Walt Lender.
Carla Burhoe and her husband, Tom, own Canoe Island Lodge in Diamond Point. Jim Casaccio is a salesman with Premier Properties who lives in Bolton Landing with his wife, Tenée.
“We’re going to have a great time at the hibachi table together,” said Lender. “Both board members bring culinary experience that will keep us in the running throughout the competition.”
Casaccio has a lifelong personal interest in cooking and very strong culinary skills, and is known in the community for preparing great gourmet meals. Burhoe has been in the hospitality business for her whole life and is noted for the amazing barbecues she hosts on Canoe Island for her guests.
Lender enjoys cooking (because he enjoys eating, he says) and his recipe book includes everything from macaroni and cheese to chateaubriand. He especially enjoys cooking for family and friends when they arrive for visits to his house on the Lake. Much of the evening will unfold as it does on the popular TV show. But unlike on the show, the famed Secret Ingredient has already been unveiled – and at the Sushi Yoshi event it is actually two ingredients:
• 1800 Coconut Tequila: The liquor is double-distilled 1800® Silver Tequila infused with natural, ripe coconut flavor, and
• Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum: The liquor is made with all-natural spices and flavors, with a taste that is characterized by top notes of vanilla and cinnamon.
Like on the TV show, the ingredients must be incorporated into the dish – or be used as a complimentary cocktail.
The contest rules also state that the food being prepared for judging must be prepared on the hibachi grill – there will be no stove top or oven available. The LGA encourages their friends to come to the event that night and root for the LGA team!
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.
CarlHeilmanII.jpg)
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.
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.
Construction of the new Charles R. Wood Park Festival Commons Pavilion in Lake George Village.
I recently received some pictures of the new Charles R. Wood Park Festival Commons being constructed on the former Gaslight Village property from the Lake George Association. The area was purchased by a consortium of non-profits (including the Lake George Association) and local governments in order to solve some long-term storm-water and pollution problems for Lake George and increase recreational space in Lake George Village.
The state-of-the-art environmental park is up and working and the festival commons area is being completed.
The park was built to treat millions of gallons of storm-water (by removing nutrients and sediment before the water gets to the Lake) and protect Lake George water. The festival commons area was designed for recreational and group events. Here are some pictures of where the work presently stands.
A shot from Route 9 of the whole park.
Walking paths looking toward the steamboat company.
The new walkways wind through the park.
“Wetlands” created to capture runoff.
A picture taken on the evening of Monday, April 13th, of a singular ice sheet from the overlook/rest area north of Tongue Mountain on state Route 9N across the lake from Huletts, near Sabbath Day Point.
The same view from this morning, Tuesday April 14th: You can see the ice sheet is now in multiple moving pieces – with just about 11 hours difference.
Here is a bit of good news. The ice is finally breaking up. The above pictures come from the Lake George Association who sent these out in an email today.
To see the entire LGA email, with pictures from around the lake, look here.
Expanded Lake George Trail System Eyed
The Adirondack Almanack reports on the “Trails Master Plan” for the west shore of Lake George.
New Fishing Tournament for Lake George
Grab a fishing pole and maybe you can win $2,500 in grand prize money between Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12th. Read in the Lake George Mirror.
Cuomo’s Quiet Medicaid Miracle?
“New York still spends more on Medicaid than California and Texas combined.” Read the NY Daily News article.
NASA JPL: Heat-Converting Material Patents Licensed to Troy Company
The future is happening now. Read the JPL Press Release.
Adirondacks Burn Ban In Effect
With fire season upon us, Dresden is covered until May 14th. So says the Adirondack Almanack.
Well, the Lake George Association membership and staff have been on pins and needles at their home office in Lake George since voting closed last week, but the BoatUS Foundation just recently announced that they won the $10,000 grant!
So here’s a HUGE shout out of thanks to all those all around the Lake George watershed, from Ticonderoga to Lake George Village who voted in this contest.
The LGA plans to use the grant money to support the Clean Boater program by developing more interactive programs to teach boaters about how to keep the Lake safe from invasive species.
Thank you for your support and for showing you love Lake George. Every vote counted and Lake George won.
CarlHeilmanII_small.jpg)
View of Anthony’s Nose on Lake George, NY.
Photo Credit: Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc.
The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) recently completed the purchase of more than 18 acres in the Town of Putnam (Washington County) that provides a point of public access to LGLC’s 189-acre Anthony’s Nose property.
LGLC purchased Anthony’s Nose, which includes Record Hill, in December of 2000. Home to nesting peregrine falcons, the property’s rocky cliffs are an iconic feature in northern Lake George. The land also includes 3,350 feet of lake shoreline, and abuts the 244-acre Flat Rock property to the north, part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
The newly acquired property consists of 15.5-acres adjoining the southeast edge of Anthony’s Nose, a 2.6-acre block on Schwerdtfeger Road, and a 50-foot easement of right-of-way connecting the two.
Already enjoyed by locals, the property’s half-mile hiking trail to the summit of Record Hill will be made official with LGLC blazes this spring, and a parking area on Schwerdtfeger Road will be constructed by the end of the summer. The preserve also will now be part of LGLC’s annual Hike-A-Thon, which is held each July 5th.
LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown said, “This conservation project is a major accomplishment and I’m pleased that we are finally be able to offer Anthony’s Nose as a true public resource.”
A fundraising campaign is in progress to pay for the purchase, which was made possible thanks to a private loan and donations from individuals, families and foundations. LGLC recently received a $35,000 grant for this project from The Conservation Alliance, whose mission is to engage businesses to fund and partner with organizations to protect wild places for their habitat and recreation values. More information about the project and how to donate can be found at www.lglc.org/projects/anthonys-nose-access.
While the sun has set on winter, there is still 12″ to 18″ of ice on most of the lake.
With the webcams experiencing some trouble because of the cold and rainy weather, here are some shots of the Lake.
There is still some snow on the ground around the Landing but mud is starting to poke through.
The ice, while thick in spots, is getting thinner.
I would highly recommend that people stay off the ice at this time.
Looks like 2015 will again be a late April thaw.
(Click images to see full-scale.)
While the Lake George Association is waiting to hear the final, official outcome of votes in the BoatUS Foundation grant contest — the Foundation is reviewing votes to ensure they were fair and accurate (one vote per person per day) — the LGA’s grant vote total surpassed 40,000 in the final day of voting!
That is an astonishing display of love for Lake George – and the LGA is deeply thankful to all of you for that. We know that no matter where you live, Lake George is your home.
So many organizations and businesses from Ticonderoga, Hague, Hulett’s Landing, Bolton, Queensbury, Lake George Town and Village and all around the Lake took the contest to heart and helped get the word out and encouraged voting for the LGA – so THANK YOU! I proudly note that once the contest was posted on the Huletts Current, the LGA pulled ahead.
One funny note on the whole contest is that because of your support, the voting got so intense that the voting overwhelmed the voting program on the BoatUS Foundation website.
How’s that for the power of Lake George?
Whatever the outcome of the actual vote — we know the Lake George Association’s application was ahead in the final minutes of the contest — the Lake George Association wanted to make sure to THANK YOU for showing your love for Lake George.
The Lake George Association has set the date for its annual gala at the Inn at Erlowest for 2015: The party will be on July 10th.
The theme is “Masquerade Ball Fit for our Queen” – we’re envisioning the style of Truman Capote’s 1966 Black and White Ball.
Reservations are being taken by phone at the LGA office: 518-668-3558. Remember, LGA members will get priority seat confirmation, so sign up for your membership at the same time!
Book early, as the event always fills up quickly.