Congresswoman Stefanik Announces Federal Investment in Fort Ticonderoga


Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (left), and Beth Hill, President and CEO of Fort Ticonderoga (right), at Fort Ticonderoga on Friday October 26th. (Click image to see larger view.)

Fort Ticonderoga announced today plans for a major capital campaign and collection preservation. Aided by federal investment, announced today by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and supported by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Fort Ticonderoga continues to expand its collections catalog and rediscover more pieces of our nation’s amazing treasures. Fort Ticonderoga was awarded $249,400 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as part of a $619,630 project to inventory, catalog and store more than 30,000 items from its objects collections. This 3-year project will also aid in the updating of the online collections database recently launched by Fort Ticonderoga making its rare museum collections accessible to the world.

Additionally, Fort Ticonderoga announced it is beginning the next phase of a $70 million capital campaign to support plans to enhance the visitor experience, which includes the construction of a new state-of-the-art museum to house and display the growing collections of historical importance. The museum will serve as the premier North American military history museum, spanning the early modern era from 1609-1815.

This investment shows the strength of the organization, and why Fort Ticonderoga has gained a reputation as a world class destination important to our nation’s history. This is the most aggressive expansion in the history of Fort Ticonderoga and will be one of the largest economic development projects in the North Country.

“In the last decade, Fort Ticonderoga has experienced significant growth in visitors, economic impact, and educational reach,” said Beth Hill, President & CEO of Fort Ticonderoga. “We continue to offer an unmatched glimpse into the past through our collections, living history programs, and academic programming on the very grounds where freedom was advanced. We’re excited to move forward with these plans to ensure that people can have access to our singular collections and experience all that Fort Ticonderoga has to offer for generations to come.”

This investment comes on the heels of a $2.45 million grant awarded to Fort Ticonderoga by New York State for the preservation and adaptive re-use of the Pavilion, the historic home on the Fort Ticonderoga campus. The Pavilion was built in 1826 and is considered one of America’s first summer homes.

The restoration project, expected to be complete in 2020, will save a national treasure while expanding Fort Ticonderoga’s capacity as a national cultural destination. The future Pavilion will include expanded visitor amenities, conference center capacity, and new educational and exhibition space.

“I’m proud to help secure nearly $250,000 in federal funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Museums for America Grant program for Fort Ticonderoga’s newly announced expansion,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Our region thrives on the tourism and commerce we generate from our unique historical heritage, and Fort Ticonderoga is a pillar of our area’s culture. As a child, I remember spending many days at Fort Ticonderoga with my brother and parents, exploring the grounds and watching historical reenactments. The expansion announced today is great news not only for our tourism economy, but for the countless families like my own that will be enriched through the educational programs at Fort Ticonderoga. I’ll keep working in Congress to ensure our North Country history is shared for generations to come.”

“Fort Ticonderoga shaped world history,” said New York State Senator Betty Little. “I’ve been honored to support the fort in many different ways and am very pleased to join in today’s announcement of funding that will help shape Fort Ticonderoga’s future. Preserving the fort and creating a more enriching experience is a true team effort that will benefit our region for decades to come. Kudos to Congresswoman Stefanik, Beth Hill, the dedicated members of the board of trustees and everyone else who is playing a role in making this historic jewel shine even brighter.”

“The preservation of this historical collection will allow Fort Ticonderoga the ability to provide a greater understanding of the history and rich tradition the Adirondacks has amassed over the years,” said New York State Assemblyman Dan Stec. “Sharing this piece of history with future generations will enrich the lives of many visitors and ensure the viability of this world class museum.”

“Fort Ticonderoga is one of America’s greatest historic treasures and one of the North Country’s greatest tourism attractions,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. “This latest federal support for the fort’s collections and assets is another building block in the continuing enhancement of Fort Ti as an economic asset to the entire region. We thank Congresswoman Stefanik, as well as Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, for their steadfast support for the fort, and we know that great things lie ahead thanks to this kind of federal partnership.”

Bits of Everything

Adirondack Life Magazine Profile: The Firehouse in Hague
Adirondack Life magazine has a great piece on the Firehouse, a unique dining experience in Hague, that many folks from Huletts like to visit.

New Propane Facility Opens in Nearby Hampton
Ray Energy has a press release on their website, which documents their new rail facility in Washington County that will serve the Northeast with propane.

Aggressive Bear Killed By DEC
A bear was killed by the DEC in Saranac Lake Island Campground recently as described by the Adirondack Explorer. I saw a bear once in Dresden but I didn’t get a good look because I was looking over my shoulder as I was running in the opposite direction.

More Asian Clams Found in Lake George
The Lake George Park Commission has released their final report for 2018 that details Asian Clam growth in Lake George

President Trump Visits Fort Drum


President Trump, with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, signed the John McCain National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2019, during a ceremony Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, in Fort Drum, N.Y. (Click image to see larger view.)

On Monday, August 13, 2018, President Trump visited Fort Drum at the invitation of Congressional Representative Elise Stefanik to sign the 2019 John McCain National Defense Authorization Act. It included several provisions which Congresswoman Stefanik authored.

These include: authorization of $10.9 million for improvements to the Kenneth A. Kesserling Naval Nuclear Reactor in Saratoga County, a provision to make the United States a global leader in Artificial Intelligence on the battlefield of tomorrow, and numerous provisions to help support our men and women in the military.

(Photo credit: Fort Drum/10th Mountain Division)

Pictures from the Master’s Golf Championship


“Amen Corner” at Augusta National Golf Club with its famous bridge.

So we all know the most picturesque golf course in the world is the Huletts golf course but there’s another course in Augusta GA, where every year they have a little tournament called the Masters.

So in order to keep your attention I pass along some pictures from the 2018 Master’s practice round (from the Wednesday immediately before the tournament) for all the avid golfers and fans out there. These were given to me by a friend who recently returned from the Master’s and who wanted me to pass them along.


The iconic 18th hole.


Jordan Spieth practicing his putting.


Tiger Woods walking the fairway.


People having their picture taken with the clubhouse and the Master’s logo in flowers in the background.


The 15th hole.


The 16th hole.


The 16th hole.


Georgia pine trees along the fairway.

While at Augusta National, spectators and fans are called “patrons.” Additionally, there is an entire par-3 course alongside of the 18 holes that the Master’s tournament is played on.

(Click all images to see full-scale.)

Bascue Pilots 4-Man Bobsled to Top Ten Olympic Finish

Congratulations to Codie Bascue, who piloted the top American sled to a ninth-place finish in the 4-man bobsled.

From NBC’s coverage:

Bascue led the top American sled with two solid runs on the second day of competition. Top U.S. pilot Steve Holcomb, who won gold in 2010 and double bronze in 2014, passed away in 2017, and Bascue filled in valiantly. He couldn’t put together a medal run, but still piloted his sled to a top-10 finish.

To see a highlight clip – scroll down the page here.

Our Local 2018 Olympic Athletes

With the start of the 2018 Winter Olympics, here is a list our local athletes from New York and Vermont who are competing:

New York (19)
Lowell Bailey M Biathlon 6’1″ 170 7/15/1981 Lake Placid TBD
Codie Bascue M Bobsled 5’9″ 208 7/13/1994 Whitehall Four-Man, Two-Man/Pilot
Tommy Biesemeyer M Alpine Skiing 6’0″ 190 1/30/1989 Keene Super-G
Tim Burke M Biathlon 5’11” 160 2/3/1982 Lake Placid TBD
John Daly M Skeleton 5’9″ 175 6/10/1985 Smithtown Men’s
Matt Gilroy M Ice Hockey 6’1″ 200 7/20/1984 Bellmore Defense
Brian Gionta M Ice Hockey 5’7″ 175 1/18/1979 Rochester Forward
Jordan Greenway M Ice Hockey 6’5″ 235 2/16/1997 Canton Forward
Erin Hamlin F Luge 5’7″ 156 11/19/1986 Remsen Singles
Justin Krewson M Luge 6’2″ 175 7/24/1996 Eastport Doubles
David Leggio M Ice Hockey 6’0″ 185 7/31/1984 Buffalo Goalie
Jon Lillis M Freestyle Skiing 5’6″ 130 8/20/1994 Rochester Aerials
Tricia Mangan F Alpine Skiing 5’8” 140 3/7/1997 Buffalo TBD
Chris Mazdzer M Luge 6’1″ 215 6/26/1988 Saranac Lake Singles
Matt Mortensen M Luge 6’0″ 192 12/11/1985 Huntington Station Doubles
Emily Pfalzer F Ice Hockey 5’3″ 125 6/14/1993 Buffalo Defense
Maddie Phaneuf F Biathlon 5’4″ 140 4/29/1995 Old Forge TBD
Morgan Schild F Freestyle Skiing 5’7″ 150 8/25/1997 Pittsford Moguls
Andrew Weibrecht M Alpine Skiing 5’7″ 190 2/10/1986 Lake Placid Super-G

Vermont (15)
Sophie Caldwell F Cross-Country Skiing 5’7″ 130 3/22/1990 Peru TBD
Caroline Claire F Freestyle Skiing 5’8″ 155 2/2/2000 Manchester Center Slopestyle
Ryan Cochran-Siegle M Alpine Skiing 6’1″ 200 3/27/1992 Starksboro Alpine Combined
Emily Dreissigacker F Biathlon 5’9″ 150 11/29/1988 Morrisville TBD
Susan Dunklee F Biathlon 5’7″ 143 2/13/1986 Barton TBD
Nolan Kasper M Alpine Skiing 5’8″ 180 3/27/1989 Warren Slalom
Devin Logan F Freestyle Skiing 5’9″ 185 2/17/1993 West Dover Halfpipe, Slopestyle
Kaitlynn Miller F Cross-Country Skiing 5’7″ 130 8/9/1991 Elmore TBD
Andy Newell M Cross-Country Skiing 5’10” 157 11/30/1983 Shaftsbury TBD
Caitlin Patterson F Cross-Country Skiing 5’9″ 132 1/30/1990 Craftsbury TBD
Scott Patterson M Cross-Country Skiing 5’11” 160 1/28/1992 Craftsbury TBD
Amanda Pelkey F Ice Hockey 5’3″ 135 5/29/1993 Montpelier Forward
Ida Sargent F Cross-Country Skiing 5’4″ 125 1/25/1988 Craftsbury TBD
Emerson Smith M Freestyle Skiing 6’1″ 168 2/13/1997 Dover Moguls
Liz Stephen F Cross-Country Skiing 5’2″ 105 1/12/1987 East Montpelier TBD

I will attempt to highlight the performances of our local athletes here.