Third Annual Firemen’s Appreciation Dinner a Great Success


The Washington County Beach Pavilion was decorated as an Hawaiian beach to celebrate our volunteer firemen’s dedication this past year.

On Saturday evening, August 12, 2017, the pavilion at the Washington County Park was transformed into a colorful Hawaiian setting that would indeed be the envy of any Hollywood movie back-lot production company. This event marked the 3rd Annual Huletts Volunteer Firemen’s Appreciation Dinner honoring the men and women of our community for their dedicated volunteer services.

It should be noted that each year the State of New York returns to our fire company 2 percent of what is paid in fire insurance premiums in our district. Furthermore, State law dictates that; (1) This money must be spent for the good and welfare of the firemen; (2) Maintained in a separate account; and (3) Regularly certified by audit. In compliance with those mandates, as was done in our two prior annual dinners, the fire company used $1,300 of those funds for this year’s event.

Fire Chief, Jay VanderPlaat, expressed his gratitude to all the members of the Company for their outstanding record of accomplishments in responding to the many emergencies that the HLVFC was called into the past year. He also gave high praise to the men and women responsible for the planning and creation of the many props and decorations that so appropriately supported the evening’s Hawaiian theme. Jay also was also appreciative for the great turnout of family and friends of the firefighters who were able to join in the celebration.

All in all, it was a fun filled evening with guests participating in: “Limbo Contests” … “Passing the Grapefruit” … “Hawaiian Hula Dancing” and “Best Costume” awards. Here are a few of the highlight photos capturing the various activities and moods of this very happy occasion.

Many thanks to all those who made this evening such a great success.

Skip Linhart Memorial Golf Tournament Results

The Skip Linhart Memorial Golf Tournament was this past Saturday. Here are the results:

Winning Team
John Stanton
Matt Despres
Charlie Hollander

Longest drive
Women – Lisa Boland
Men – John Stanton

Closet to the pin
Women – Ginny Lyons
Men – Don Gellentien

To all the winners and event participants: Congratulations!

In Loving Memory: Theresa Kapusinski R.I.P.


Theresa Kapusinski

I’m sorry to have to say that my step-mother, Theresa Kapusinski, passed away this past weekend from a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Theresa was last in Huletts in 2010 when my father died. She was a shy, quiet person who never sought any attention. In one of my last conversations with her – she told me she was praying for “everyone in the community.” I list her obituary at the bottom of this post.

“May God support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest and peace at the last.”

THERESA (TAFURI) KAPUSINSKI, 77, of Salisbury, MD, and formerly of Cedar Grove, NJ, and Huletts Landing, NY, died Saturday, August 12, 2017 in Salisbury, Maryland after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of Nicholas and Ida Tafuri. Her father, Nicholas Tafuri, was a renowned artist and animator of the popular cartoon character, Popeye the Sailor for King Features studios. Mrs. Kapusinski held a Master’s Degree in Theology from Mundelein College in Chicago.

She served as a Franciscan sister for 20+ years, helping the communities of Midland / Big Spring of West Texas. She had a love of simplicity and felt called to help the poor and those most in need. She was a teacher and worked with abused women. After leaving her religious order to “grow and serve others,” Theresa worked as a religion teacher at Saint Aloysius Academy in Bayonne, NJ and later at Lacordaire Academy in Montclair NJ. She finished her career as a Professor of World Religions at Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ.

She married Dr. Albert T. Kapusinski in 1987 and was devoted to him and her local community. After they retired and moved to Salisbury, Maryland, Theresa was active in many church and civic groups.

Theresa was a caring, sensitive person who readily shared her faith with others. She was always willing to listen and help those in need.

Theresa is preceded in death by her late husband, Dr. Albert T. Kapusinski. She is survived by three stepsons, Albert J. (Elyse) Kapusinski, George (Lynn) Kapusinski, and Frank (Doreen) Kapusinski and two step-grandchildren: Margot and Gwendolyn. She is also survived by her brother, Anthony (Loretta) Tafuri and niece, Lenora.

A local memorial service will be held at a later date.

2017 Day to Remember: Kerry A. McNelis Memorial Run Results


Kerry A. McNelis Memorial Run Award Winners. (Click image to see larger version.)

The Huletts Landing Day to Remember was this past Saturday. Here are the results from the Kerry A. McNelis Memorial Run and golf competition.

15 and Under Women
1. Lauren Keough
2. Rachel Godfield
3. Kylie Shultz

15 and Under Men
1. John McNelis Jr.
2. Patrick McNelis
3. Jake Shultz

16-29 Women
1. Amanda McNelis
2. Erin Godfried
3. Allie Curly

16-29 Men
1. Patrick Keenan
2. John Keenan
3. Matt Ellesio

30-49 Women
1. Kathleen Godfried
2. Kerri Malmgren
3. Krista Derencin

30-49 Men
1. Tom Crawford
2. Colin Kane
3. Bucky Smith

50+ Women
1. Nancy Hurley
2. Christine McNelis
3. Cindy Rogers

50+ Men
1. John Schultz
2. John McNelis
3. Patrick Keenan

Women: Youngest
Mia Godfried (6.5 years old)

Men: Youngest
Widier Smith (5 years old)

Senior Association
Lynn King

Golf Results
Winning Score = 25
Patrick McNelis
Patrick McNelis
Nick Sheuchenko
Nicholas Sheuchenko

To all the winners and event participants: Congratulations!

Couple Celebrates 60th Wedding Anniversary


Pat and Irene McNelis celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends in Huletts Landing.

Many congratulations were given to Pat and Irene McNelis as they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends in the Huletts Casino on Friday evening. A large crowd turned out to honor this remarkable couple. Everyone enjoyed the evening of fun which included toasts and remarks by family members. Mr. McNelis concluded with a heartfelt talk which included a remembrance of the first time the couple came to Huletts Landing in 1958.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. McNelis and their family. You are loved by many!

Women’s Guild Wine & Cheese Fundraiser a Success


A large crowd turned out for the wine and cheese fundraiser held in mid-July by the Huletts Landing Women’s Guild.

The annual wine and cheese fundraiser for the Outreach Program was held on Friday, July 14, at the Washington County Park Pavilion by the Huletts Landing Women’s Guild. The fundraiser was a great success thanks to all the residence and guests who supported the event. The proceeds will enable the Outreach Program to provide help to the needy.

Participants enjoyed an evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres, music and fun conversation surrounded by a flair of Adirondack ambience.


The tables were decorated beautifully.

Thank you to the many volunteers on the committee for their teamwork in creating such an enjoyable gathering. It was an evening to remember. Also a special thanks to Bruce Young for sharing his hunting treasurers from escapades around the world. They were a focal point for every table.

Guild volunteers pictured above from left to right: Bernadette Perrone, Millie Gorman, Roberta Raymond, Barbara Gries, Robin DeLucia, Toni Richards, Susan Young, Cathy Leghorn and missing Barbara Davidson, Pam Hansen and Donna Short.

LGLC Announces its 2017 Season of Lake Talks: Living Lands


“Beekeeping and Honeymaking” with Tom Wells will be one of the talks in this years Living Lands lecture series by the Lake George Land Conservancy.

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) is kicking off its 2017 Lake Talks Series: Living Lands with Maple Sugaring, on Wednesday, June 28 at 5:30 pm. Local Bolton resident Sam Caldwell of Bixby’s Best will explain the art of maple sugaring and the creation of traditional Adirondack maple syrup.

The LGLC’s weekly Living Lands-themed presentations will take an exclusive and up-close look at the wildlife and people who utilize the land of Lake George and the Adirondacks, past and present.

Held at the LGLC office in Bolton Landing, the family-friendly presentations are free and open to the public, though registration is strongly recommended because of limited seating. Presentations will be held each Wednesday evening (except for July 5) starting June 28th through August 16th.

New this year, the Lakeside Lodge and Grille has generously partnered with the LGLC for an exclusive deal for Living Lands participants. At every unique talk this summer, each attendee will be given a date-specific “Talk Ticket” that can be used that evening at Lakeside Lodge and Grille. When presented, the restaurant will donate 10% of the total meal cost back to the LGLC.

In addition, attendees can add their name to a drawing to win a Lakeside Lodge and Grille gift certificate. The drawing will be held at the conclusion of the Living Lands Series. Attendees can enter their name each time they come to a presentation, so odds of winning increase with each attendance.

Following the maple sugaring talk, other presentations include “Wild Wolves” with Steve Hall of the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge; “Meet the Raptors of the Adirondacks” with Nancy Kimball; “Beekeeping and Honeymaking” with Tom Wells, owner of Pleasant Valley Apiaries; “The Battle of Lake George” historical talk with author & historian William Griffith; “Adirondack Hunting Traditions” with Dan Ladd; and “Timber Rattlesnakes” with Dr. Bill Brown, Vertebrate Zoologist and Herpetologist.

For more information about these programs and to reserve seating, go to www.lglc.org/events-and-programs/living-lands.

Dresden’s New Veteran’s Sign Unveiled


Unveiling of the Dresden Veteran’s Memorial Plaque by Town Supervisor, George Gang, and the Honorable Frank C. Foster, Whitehall American Legion Post 83 Service Officer.

The town of Dresden officially unveiled the new Veterans memorial sign on Sunday, May 28th. Many people worked very hard to get the plaque and make this event a success. A large crowd came out for the ceremony. Below are some pictures from the day. Many thanks to all who made this happen. (Click picture to see full-scale.)


Sean Patrick Hart, Bugle Player.


Whitehall American Legion Post 83 Color Guard.


Whitehall American Legion Post 83 Adjutant, James Lafayette, and Dresden Town Supervisor, George Gang.


American Legion Post 83 Chaplain, Henry Gurney. (WWII)


Honorable Jack Eggleston. (Vietnam War)


Conrad Peterson. (Marines WWII)


Stiling Knight. (WWII)


Michael Huntington with his father, William Huntington. (WWII)


Honorable Frank Barber and wife, Betty.


Dresden Town Councilman John Barber and wife, Julie.


Whitehall American Legion Post 83 Color Guard preparing to do gun salute.


Honorable Jack Eggleston and Honorable Frank C. Foster (also Service Officer for Post 83).


Post 83 Chaplain, Henry Gurney (WWII), Mark Ives (Vietnam), Stiling Knight (WWII), and Jack Eggleston (Vietnam).


Jim Lafayette, Former Dresden Town Supervisor Sue Foster Ives, and Frank C. Foster.

Memorial Day: 2017

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – – Nathan Hale

Update: 10:00 AM
I just learned that Conrad Peterson is going to be the Whitehall Memorial Day Parade’s Grand Marshall.

Happy Easter

This morning’s Gospel reading is John 20:1–9:

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.

Crown Him With Many Crowns – Fountainview Orchestra and Singers

Wishing you much much happiness and joy as the world celebrates Easter today.

Good Friday 2017

Christ Crowned with Thorns
Hendrick ter Brugghen 1620

“Christ is shown with his head down, quietly suffering in the forecourt of Pilate’s palace, surrounded by jeering soldiers.

The scene depicts one of the torments that Christ was subjected to on the long Friday that ended in his death upon the Cross. Mockingly he has been called the King of the Jews, and now his tormentors have crowned him with thorns and wrapped him in a scarlet cloak to indicate his kingly stature.

One of the soldiers kneels before Christ in mock humility, handing him a stick in lieu of a sceptre.”

LGLC Welcomes Michele DeRossi as Staff


Michele DeRossi has joined the staff of the Lake George Land Conservancy.

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) is pleased to announce the addition of Michele DeRossi as the organization’s community engagement and events manager. In her new role, Ms. DeRossi will be managing community and fundraising events for the LGLC and working with the staff to raise funds and awareness for the importance of land protection throughout the Lake George watershed.

Ms. DeRossi brings a versatile background in development, event planning, and conservation. Prior to joining the LGLC, Ms. DeRossi worked for The Nature Conservancy, where she spent 3 years working in development, most recently as a Donor Relations Manager for both individual donors as well as foundations and corporations around the eastern New York region and in New York City. Prior to her work at The Nature Conservancy, she worked as events manager for the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, organizing and facilitating major events to raise money for restoration projects around historic Saratoga Springs. Ms. DeRossi got her start in non-profit work while living in Jackson, Wyoming where she was the marketing and events associate for Jackson Hole WILD, an organization dedicated to promoting stewardship of wildlife through the use of media.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Ms. DeRossi grew up coming to Lake George in the summers with her family and continued to be a part of the Bolton Landing community through college, working at several local restaurants and contributing to the Lake George Mirror. Ms. DeRossi holds a BA from Fordham University in Journalism and Communications and attended the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT. Although she now lives in Saratoga Springs, Ms. DeRossi can often be found at her family’s home in Diamond Point. In her free time, Michele writes a food column in Saratoga, is working on becoming an ADK 46’r with her fiancé and loves to explore new places, whether on skis or by foot.