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LGA’s Summer Gala to Include Auction of Mad Men Art


A painting featured on ‘Mad Men’ (Season 4 Episode 12 “Blowing Smoke”), will be auctioned at the Lake George Association’s Summer Gala.

The Lake George Association’s Summer Gala is Friday July 11th at the Inn at Erlowest. Every summer this event helps raise funds to support the LGA’s ongoing lake-saving projects and programs. This year’s theme is Mad 4 Lake George. Ladies are invited to wear their best 1960’s hairstyle, and men their finest 1960’s tie for a special contest. Or attendees can join up for a try at Best Dressed Couple – think Don and Megan Draper or Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

“We have lots of really exciting items being donated for auction at the event to help support protecting the Lake,” said Nancy Cobb-Zoll, the LGA’s Director of Membership Development. “A painting generously donated by artist Emily Van Horn is one of the more unique items that we are really thrilled about this year – and it goes with our theme this year based on the Mad Men television series.“

A remarkable piece of contemporary art on its own, the painting was featured on ‘Mad Men’ (Season 4 Episode 12 “Blowing Smoke”) as painted by Don Draper’s bohemian mistress Midge Daniels. Painted by Emily Van Horn, this work was specifically chosen by set designers for its likeness to mid-century abstract expressionist painters of the period. Art for the Mad Men drama is pivotal to evoking the look and feel of the era, and represents both historical collections including Rothko, DeKooning, and Pollock, and contemporary painters working today. Van Horn’s work has also been featured on other television dramas including ‘House’ and ‘Brothers & Sisters’, among others, as well as films such as ’Knight of Cups’ and ’A Single Man’.


LGA’s Director of Membership Development, Nancy Cobb-Zoll, displays the painting generously donated by artist Emily Van Horn.

“We are so excited to have this exceptional piece of art for auction at our event,” said Cobb-Zoll. “Every year we work hard to find new, unique items for our event, and this is certainly a great one. This painting will be a show-stopping conversation piece, and an amazing addition to someone’s collection. We can’t wait to see who is the lucky one who goes home with this remarkable piece of art at the end of the night.”

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Exhibit at the Lake George Historical Museum Focuses on Lake George Mirror Newspaper

Among the new exhibits at the Lake George Historical Museum this summer is “The Lake George Mirror: The History of a Newspaper, the Story of a Community.”

Established in 1880 , the Lake George Mirror became a medium to promote Lake George as a summer resort in the 1890s. Published to this day, the Mirror is America’s oldest resort newspaper.

The exhibit includes reproductions of covers from 1880 to the present, artifacts such as the burgee from the small steamboat in which the editor gathered news in the 1890s, books and brochures promoting Lake George and its businesses which were printed by the publishers in the 1940s and 50s and the stories of those who have owned and edited the newspaper.

An interpretive commentary accompanying the images and artifacts allows the visitor to place the displays within the context of the newspaper’s history and the evolving character of Lake George as a resort community.

“Through the history of the Lake George Mirror, we can trace the history of a resort of rural villages with a few great hotels to the mansions of Millionaire’s Row, to America’s first motels,” said Lisa Adamson, the Lake George Historical Museum’s executive director.

“The exhibit should appeal not only to those interested in the history of Lake George, but to everyone fascinated by graphic design. The Lake George Mirror has always been visually unique. People who visited Lake George in the 1950s, or who grew up here in those years, will especially love the covers from that era and the brochures of resorts and motels that no longer exist,” said Adamson.

The Lake George Historical Museum is located in the old Warren County Courthouse at the intersection of Canada and Lower Amherst Street. During May and June, it is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Call 518-668-5044.

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Mandatory Boat Inspections Have Begun


The first boat being inspected as it enters Lake George at Mossy Point Boat Launch this morning at 8:00 a.m.

Today, May 15th, is the first day that the Lake George Park Commission’s Mandatory Boat Inspection and Decontamination Program goes into effect on Lake George.

Six Regional Inspection Stations are located around the Lake. Details about inspection station locations and hours of operations can be found at www.LGBoatInspections.com

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EPA Honors LGA


Lake George Association Education coordinator Kristen Rohne and LGA Board of Directors President Victor Hershaft at the awards ceremony at EPA in Manhattan along with Judith Enck, EPA Regional Administrator; Michelle Depass, former Assistant Administrator of the EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs and currently Dean of the Milano School at the New School for Public Engagement in New York City; and Bonnie Bellow, Director, Public Affairs Division.

The Lake George Association has been honored with a 2014 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Quality Award for their flagship environmental education program, The Floating Classroom.

The Environmental Quality Award is the highest recognition presented to the public by the EPA. Each year during Earth Week, the EPA recognizes individuals, businesses, government agencies, environmental and community-based organizations and members of the media in EPA Region 2 who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality and public health.

LGA Education Coordinator Kristen Rohne and Outreach Coordinator Emily DeBolt traveled to Manhattan to receive the award, where they were joined by Victor Hershaft, President of the LGA’s Board of Directors.

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Chapman Historical Museum At the Lake: An Exhibit about Being at Lake George

The Chapman Historical Museum in Glens Falls is sponsoring a new exhibit entitled: At the Lake: An Exhibit about Being at Lake George, from May 2md – August 31st.

For anyone who has spent time at Lake George the phrase “At the Lake” has meaning. It may suggest a sense of relaxation, bring back memories of great times spent with family and friends, or bring to mind such enjoyable activities as fishing or boating. Perhaps it means something simpler – just being “away from it all.”

Learn more at: chapmanmuseum.org

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That’s a Wrap: Independent Movie Finishes Filming in Huletts


The producers and film crew making an independent short movie finished shooting in Huletts Landing this past week.

Over the past two weeks producers, films crews and actors have shot an independent short movie in Huletts and Whitehall.

Filming concluded in Huletts this past week. Producer Jeremy Leach of Lost City Creative hopes to have the movie released next year at movie festivals throughout the world.

The family oriented movie, focuses on a man who returns to his boyhood home. Scenes were shot at many areas that people will recognize. Thanks go out to the many individuals who worked tirelessly throughout the week to make the movie a reality.

Look for a screening in the Casino in 2015!

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The Significance of April 24th

While I am sure there are official records of when the ice has historically left the lake, I did an informal poll of longtime Hulett residents and the latest anyone remembers the ice leaving the lake is April 24th.

Right now we’re in store for some warm weather, but there’s still a lot of ice out there. My grandparents used a simple formula: the ice leaves the lake the first week in April during a moderate winter, mid to late April for a harsh winter.

Right now it looks like the April 24th date might be in reach this year. I hope I’m wrong!!

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LGA’s Floating Classroom sealed as part of the LGPC Frozen Boats Program


LGPC Executive Director Dave Wick joined LGA staff to seal the Floating Classroom boat to its trailer as part of the Commission’s Frozen Boats Program. Boats sealed now will not need to be inspected this spring prior to launching.

The Lake George Park Commission (LGPC) has established a “Frozen Boats” Program that allows local residents to have their boats certified as invasive-free with a Vessel Inspection Control Seal (VICS) in advance of the 2014 boating season.

Each VICS is numbered, and when a boat is sealed the seal number and the boat registration number are both recorded. The LGA’s Floating Classroom was sealed with Vessel Inspection Control Seal #1885 in honor of the Association being founded in 1885 and for recognition of the critical role the Association has played in the development of a mandatory boat inspection program.

“We are glad to be able to lead by example and help get the word out about the frozen boats program at the same time, said Walt Lender, the LGA’s Executive Director. “The LGPC’s efforts to create a comprehensive mandatory inspection program to protect the Lake is no small task – and seemingly minor details, such as tagging frozen boats, can help decrease congestion at the inspection stations early on in the season, which will be important to the success of the program this first year,’ said Lender. “When folks arrive at the Lake this summer we want them to understand that lake protection and recreation can go hand in hand. It’s like a first impression – you want to get it right.”


LGA Educator Jill Trunko shows off the Floating Classroom’s Vessel Inspection Control Seal

Having a boat with an intact inspection seal acquired through the Frozen Boats Program removes the need for that boat to visit one of the six regional inspection stations for a ‘clean, drained, and dry’ inspection prior to its first launch of the year into Lake George. This local program will provide inspection seals for trailered boats that have been demonstrated to be exposed to the winter elements sufficiently long to kill aquatic invasive species.

“In general, three days of continuous freezing is long enough to kill any AIS present on a boat or trailer,” said Emily DeBolt, the LGA’s Outreach Coordinator. “And we have certainly had more than three days in a row of below freezing temperatures this winter.” The earliest ice out on the area’s local water bodies will signify the end of the 2014 Frozen Boats Program, and Vessel Inspection Control Seals will not be applied through this program after that date. “Ice out is typically early to mid-April, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it isn’t a bit late this year, said DeBolt. “Although, you just never know what the weather is going to do, so if you have a boat that you want sealed as part of this program, I would be sure to get it taken care of sooner rather than later.” The new mandatory inspection program will go into effect May 15, 2014. “If you plan to launch your boat before May 15th you won’t be required to be inspected and sealed. But if you aren’t sure – you can go ahead and get your boat sealed now to be safe,” added DeBolt.

“If your boat is stored at a local storage facility, the LGPC has drafted agreements with local marinas and haulers which include provisions for the Frozen Boats Program,” said Dave Wick, Executive Director of the Lake George Park Commission. “If your boat is presently in the care, custody, and control of a local winter storage facility, please contact your facility for details. It is likely that there is nothing further you have to do.” The LGPC is also coordinating its program with local haulers as well as storage facilities. “If your boat is stored on blocks and seasonally transported with a hydraulic trailer by a local hauler, please contact your hauler for details. Many regional haulers will also have agreements in place for the program.”

The LGPC has teamed up with its local partners to administer the Frozen Boats Program. If you have a trailered boat that qualifies for the program and you would like to receive this service, you can contact the Commission office or your local Frozen Boats representative listed below.


Town Representative Contact Info

Town of Dresden: Tom Conrad 518-499-0801, hulettslandingmarina@gmail.com

Town of Lake George: Dennis Dickinson 518-796-0400
Village of Lake George: LGPC 518-668-9347
Town of Bolton: Joe Stanek 518-668-9272
Town of Hague: Steve Ramant H: 518-543-6542, 2hottubs@msn.com
Town of Ticonderoga: Walt Lender 518-668-3558
Town of Putnam: Robert Rudt W: 518-547-8717 H: 518-547-8740
Glenburnie : Tim Dorian 508-254-9404, tim@dorianfamily.com
Town of Fort Ann: Marc Migliore 518-260-0779
Town of Queensbury: Bill Mason 518-726-0693

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Harsh Winter Means Late Lake Thaw

Even though it is officially Spring, temperatures are expected to be around 0 degrees tonight. This means that Huletts will be at or near record lows for this time of March. Based on these temperatures, what are the projections for the ice cover on Lake George?

To begin, the good news. It is Spring and temperatures are trending up. Now the bad news. It looks like the middle of the Lake currently has between 18-24 inches of ice on it, with thicknesses of 3 feet in some bays.

What this means is that the lake won’t be ice free by the first week in April. Most likely we’re looking at a late-April or even early May thaw.

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Summer Job Openings with LGLC

LGLC is accepting applications for two Stewardship Assistant positions, as well as a temporary fill-in for the Communications and Outreach Manager.

Lead / Stewardship Assistant
Two 12-week positions (June – August)
$11 – $13/hr depending on experience
Application Deadline Extended: March 29

LGLC’s Stewardship Assistants conduct the daily management and maintenance of LGLC’s preserves and properties. Two Stewardship Assistants are hired each summer, one of which is the Lead Stewardship Assistant who fills the leadership role, providing extra guidance and direction to the second Assistant. The Lead Stewardship Assistant is expected to have a higher level of education and experience in the field of stewardship, land management, and/or conservation, and has demonstrated leadership experience.

Together, the Stewardship Assistants are responsible for maintaining and improving the hiking trails on LGLC preserves and properties, including erosion control, clearing brush and trail marking. Scouting and blazing new trails may also be required, as well as bridge and kiosk construction. They also monitor each of the properties for which LGLC holds conservation easements.

Communications and Outreach Manager
One position (mid-May – mid/late August)
Salary commensurate upon experience
Application Deadline: March 29

This is a temporary position to cover maternity leave. Expected duration is late May through mid to late August. Training will be provided by the existing employee prior to leave.

The Communications and Outreach Manager is responsible for developing and implementing community outreach and educational strategies to effectively communicate LGLC’s conservation messages and promote its conservation and community involvement efforts.

Responsibilities include print and electronic communications, public field excursions and mission-focused presentations and events, volunteer management, and public speaking. This position also assists with fundraising efforts through grant writing, preparation of bi-annual appeals, and organization of major fundraising events.

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LGA Celebrates Read Across America Day


The Lake George Association’s Executive Director, Walt Lender, reads to second graders at St. Mary’s School in Ticonderoga.

Today, March 3, 2014, is the NEA’s Read Across America Day, which celebrates Dr. Seuss’s birthday and the joys of reading, More than 45 million readers, both young and old, are expected to pick up a book and read today.

LGA’s Executive Director Walt Lender put aside his director’s hat for a bit this morning to don the ultimate reading hat, the red and white striped stovepipe made famous by the Cat in the Hat. To help celebrate the sixteenth annual celebration of reading and Dr. Seuss’s 110th birthday Lender began the day by reading to the second graders at St. Mary’s School in Ticonderoga. The class was well prepared and excited for his arrival – with their ‘Cat in the Hat’ hats all on.

Lender read a book about watersheds titled ‘Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean’ that teaches children about how water shapes the earth and why it is important to keep our water clean. After he was done reading, they had a lively discussion about Lake George and how special it is. The timing was great too, as the class will be starting to learn about the water cycle in coming weeks. “I’m just glad to have had the chance to read to the kids this morning. Their energy and excitement and interest in learning are a big part of why we do what we do at the LGA. We want to protect the Lake for them – so they can enjoy it years from now,” said Lender.