Category: Our Neighbors

File photo of former Dresden Town Supervisor, Robert S. Banks, in the summer of 2013 being interviewed by YNN News as Lands End road reopens.

I am sorry to report that Robert S. Banks, 71, the former Town Supervisor of Dresden, passed away on November 30, 2019 unexpectedly after a long illness. Mr. Banks was the longest serving Town Supervisor in the history of Dresden.

Bob was born in the Bronx, New York, then moved to Hohokus, New Jersey where he was raised by his parents, the late Walter and Edna Banks. After spending his summers in Huletts Landing as a teen, he attended the University of Vermont and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After serving in the Navy, he decided to move to the area permanently. He remained active in the Naval reserves.

Bob was a member of the Whitehall American Legion Post 83, the Dresden Fire Company, the Whitehall BPO Elks 1491 and a friend to many.

He owned and operated the Paul Novelty vending company and the Blue Goose Tavern with his friends, Alan and Marilyn Bascue. He was a longtime Town of Dresden board member before being elected Dresden Town Supervisor. When he left office in 2014, he had served longer as Town Supervisor than anyone else in the history of Dresden.

A vocal defender of the Washington County beach and an advocate for private property rights, he was instrumental in the formation of both Huletts Landing Sewer Districts. He once said that his philosophy about public service was that he would always try to help anyone who asked him for help. He worked hard to make improvements at the town and county levels while also keeping taxes low.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Bruce. He is survived by his wife of almost 35 years, Joyce, and his son Scott and his wife Casey and grandchild due in May.

Online condolences may be made at www.jillsonfuneralhome.com

“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.”

The HLVFC firefighters who gained their certification for Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations. (Click all images to see larger versions.)

A noteworthy celebration that took place at the Huletts Landing Volunteer Fire Company firehouse last Saturday, where 18 members were honored for their successful completion of a very intensive 80 hour training course, sponsored by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, thus gaining their certification for Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations.

As you can imagine, that commitment to advance the level of professionalism within our community is just one more indication of the dedication these firefighters have for improving their skills to best serve our Huletts Landing community.

The dinner, held in their honor that evening, was attended by the proud family members of the graduates, other rank and file members of the Fire Company and the officiating members of the New York State Fire Administrators Office. Also in attendance, was Paul Ferguson, Town Supervisor for the the town of Dresden.

The ultimate focus of appreciation was on each graduate as they were called up to receive their “Certificate of Completion” from the State Administrator and their Instructor, Scott Richards.

Many accolades of appreciation were given to all those “behind the scene” supporting staff, including several of the firefighter wives who faithfully provided all the daily food and nourishment – it was delicious and they were outstanding.

But especially singled out were the fire Company’s Training Officer, Jim Leghorn, and his wife Cathy for the initial planning and valued contribution in putting this project together and thereby providing this opportunity for its success.

So once again, many thanks to the Graduates for undertaking this challenge – no doubt a decision that will prove to be beneficial to our community for years to come. All in all, it was a very exciting and rewarding evening that will long be remembered.

William “Poppy” Harriman 1932-2019

Obituary of William ‘Poppy’ Harriman

William ‘Poppy’ Harriman, of Denville, passed away peacefully with his caring family by his side on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Morristown Medical Center. He was 87 years young.

Born in New York, New York to the late William and Frieda Harriman, he was raised in Germantown in the upper East side of Manhattan. It was in Croton, NY where he met his soulmate, Anne E. Riebe. They married on April 5, 1953 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in New York City and began a family of their own. In 1959 they relocated to Oakland, NJ to continue growing their beautiful family before settling down in Sparta in 1968. He received his Bachelor Arts Degree in Business from Adelphi University in New York. After his beloved Anne passed in 2012, Poppy relocated to Denville to be closer to his adored children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A proud war veteran, Poppy honorably served our country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Serving in the Navy was the foundation that formed his love for aircrafts. He had a successful 40 year career working for Newark Liberty International Airport, retiring in 1989 as the Chief of Operations.

His happy place was on a boat on Lake George surrounded by his family. Family truly was the first priority in his life. The unconditional love, endless support, and selflessness that he provided was never taken for granted.

He fought for independence, honesty, integrity, respect and first and foremost, for his family. He was gregarious, charming, intelligent, and vivacious, which are just a few attributes that describe Poppy. To say he will be sorely missed is an understatement.

He leaves joyful and special memories to his loving children, Charles Harriman and his wife Nanci, Cynthia Harriman and her husband Edward Prendeville, Anne Berry and her husband Douglas, and Barbara Harriman-Pauls and her husband Patrick Pauls. He is survived by his cherished grandchildren, Alexandra Stienstra and her husband Michael, Jonathan Harriman and his wife Annie, Annemarie Clayton and her husband Thomas, Madison Berry, Benjamin Harriman and his wife Livia, Charlie Harriman, Sean Pauls, Emma Harriman, William Pauls, and Maximillian Berry. He has seven treasured great-grandchildren, Harrison, Graham, Reid, Penny, Theodore, Morgan, and Sebastian; and many extended family members and friends.

Although we are deeply saddened by Poppy’s passing, we take comfort in knowing he is looking after us from above, especially his two great-grandchildren that will be born in the next few months.

Memorial Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 15th from 3 – 5 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted to Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project.

Participants in the ‘Skip Linhart Golf Tournament’.

Ben Hogan once said: “The only thing a golfer needs is more daylight.” For all those who love golf in Huletts – there were two newsworthy events that took place on the Huletts golf course recently that are certainly newsworthy.

The annual ‘Skip Linhart Golf Tournament’ was held on 8/17/19 and included 39 golfers from the Huletts community. The winners of this year’s tournament were: Mark Eliseo, Dick Lyons, Deckkers Davidson, Doreen Stoecker and Mike Machiski.

Children who participated in the first annual Youth Golf Tournament.

The first annual Youth Golf Tournament was held on 8/30/19 and included approximately 30 children ranging from the ages of five through twelve. The program was organized by Haley Davidow and assisted by others. Trophies were awarded to winners of the various age groups.

Many thanks to all those who worked so hard to make these two events happen.

(Click images to see larger versions.)

Participants at the starting line at the 2019 Kerry McNelis Memorial Race, held in early August.

I’m a bit late in posting the results from the 2019 Day to Remember, held in early August, but here they are, better late than never. Congratulations to all the participants and many thanks to those who worked so diligently to make the day a success.

2019 Kerry McNelis Memorial Race
Results

Men:

15 & under
1. James Mintel
2. Jack Schultz
3. Luke Webber

16-39
1. Jon Lara
2. John McNelis
3. Patrick Keenan

40-55
1. John McNelis
2. John Shultz
3. Mike Machiski

55+ (Champions)
1. Pat Keenan
2. Kevin Keough
3. Kevin McNelis

Women:

18 & under
1. Lauren Keough
2. Madilyn Machiski
3. Shayle Webber

18-30
1. Amanda McNelis
2. Taylor Keough
3. Regina Rodgers

31-55
1. Allie Curley
2. Christine McNelis
3. Kim Machiski

55+ (Champions)
1. Nancy Hurley
2. Joann Keenan
3. Donna McNelis

Youngest Boy: Jack Webber (5 years old)
Youngest Girl: Sophie Machiski (6 years old)
Most Experienced: Pat Smith

Golf – Winners
Casey Smith
Riley Smith
Pat McNelis
Patrick McNelis