Diseased Oak Tree Taken Down

Unfortunately, the oak tree near the Casino could not be saved after it lost a large limb last week.

It was taken down on Wednesday, July 21st.

Here is a short video, with some comments by the men who cut it down, on how old it might have been.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzkDlN6RX-Y

Great Oak Loses Part


The long-standing red oak tree near the Casino, lost one of its limbs on Thursday, July 15th.

This picture was taken shortly after the large oak tree next to the Casino lost one of its limbs on Thursday. After it was cut up, I attempted to count the rings to see how old it was. Because of the way it was cut, I had to count 1/2 way up the limb. I counted 115 rings, so the limb would be approximately that old.

I would guess the tree itself is about 250-300 years old.

Cell Phone Tower Update

The Federation of Huletts Association at their meeting on July 10, 2010, asked Helenmarie Sunkenberg, to give some information concerning the proposed cell tower.

This is the letter I received from Mrs. Sunkenberg dated July 13, 2010, outlining her thoughts.

A few things to consider:

1.) I am in favor of a cell phone tower. I will be basing my comments on the tax implications, visibility issues and overall coverage area. We have already had an accident nearby this year where it was reported by the Post Star that precious moments were lost calling for assistance on a cell phone. I hope in the event of any life threatening emergency, a cell phone tower will be present to assist any person in such a predicament.

2.) I cannot independently verify all the points Mrs. Sunkenberg raises. This is Mrs. Sunkenberg’s presentation of the issues, there may be other or different interpretations also. My understanding is that any approved cell tower will have “conditions” placed upon its construction by the Adirondack Park Agency. Independent Towers is known for its proficiency in “hiding” its towers.

3.) I also believe that the carrier or company that builds the tower, enters into agreements with other providers to co-locate their receivers on the tower. So from what I understand, one tower will house multiple cell phone providers.

32 Aboard Saturday’s Excursion

While I was unable to attend Saturday’s trip aboard the Lake George Association’s Floating Classroom, there were 32 people on board who learned much about the ecology of Lake George. If you missed the boat (sorry I know it’s a bad pun), don’t worry, the Floating Classroom will be returning to Huletts in August.

Thank you Friends of Historic Huletts for sponsoring this worthwhile event and thank you Lake George Association for providing this valuable resource.

Gallery 2010 Opening

The Friends of Historic Huletts wants everyone to know that the Gallery 2010 opening will be Saturday, July 10th from 5 -7 pm. Wine & Cheese will be served. Photography by Tom Keating. Good company. Hopefully some time to reflect on the history of Huletts and meet some new members.

It Was Fun

If you have to leave Huletts on Monday, we hope you had a great time this past weekend and that you’ll come back soon. Here’s a shot to remember the weekend!

July Federation Meeting

The next Federation of Huletts Associations meeting will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2009 at 8:30 am in the Huletts firehouse and is open to all.

Emily DeBolt from the Lake George Association will speak on the problems caused by Canadian Geese.

Washington County Beach Opens for Daily Use


Lifeguards; Carly Nichols, Cole Rocque, and Kelsie Benjamin stand in front of the lifeguard chair at the Washington County Beach

The Washington county beach at Huletts Landing is now open daily for the 2010 season. The park is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m – 8 p.m. and the swimming beach is open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Washington county beach is the only free public beach on Lake George in Washington county.

The new manager for the park, Amanda Mazza, wants everyone to know that if any group or person wants to reserve the pavilion, they can stop by and see her in person. She will assist in booking the pavilion. She hopes to have a basketball tournament and perhaps even a summer reading program in place later in the summer.

One note about the park: it is a “carry-in” and “carry-out” destination. This means that any trash generated must be brought out by the same individuals bringing it in. Also canoes and kayaks can be launched but cannot be docked overnight.

So take a break and stop by for a swim or picnic. The Washington county beach is a huge asset to the community and the county!

Local Catholic Church Renovation Plan Presented


A concept drawing of a renovated sanctuary at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Whitehall.

Recently, I received this letter from Fr. Michael Flannery, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church in Whitehall and the Chapel of the Assumption in Huletts Landing. Fr. Flannery is proposing a renovation of Our Lady of Hope Church which will include painting the inside of the church, replacing the floor and re-finishing the pews. To undertake this work, he is proposing a special capital campaign.

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 27th, Fr. Flannery introduced interior designer, John Pierce, who presented his concept drawings of a renovated church to about 100 parishioners. Mr. Pierce has redesigned and renovated over 40 churches throughout the northeast.

“Our Lady of Hope Church is Classic American Gothic Revival architecture,” began Mr. Pierce. “It’s a beautiful church that needs its architecture brought out.” He presented two sets of drawings; side / flat view and perspective / 3D view. In the drawings, the pews and stain glass windows are not shown. “We’re not getting rid of the stain glass windows or pews. They’re just not shown in my sketches.”

Mr. Pierce started by explaining that the current sky blue color of the painted walls would be changed and a “framework” would be painted around the windows to accentuate the architecture. A marble floor would be put in place on the altar and the existing carpet would be removed and a tile floor would be installed in the church.

After Mr. Pierce presented his drawings and proposal, Fr. Flannery discussed the price tag. “The total for the entire work would be $250,000”, stated Fr. Flannery. “The painting of the walls and sanctuary is approximately $115,000, the tile floor is about $75,000, and the other things would make up the difference. The church will need to undertake a special capital campaign to raise the amount. The work would take about 4-6 weeks and the mass schedule would be moved downstairs to the parish center while work was being done.”

Fr. Flannery took questions before adjourning the meeting. He stated that he welcomes opinions, support and encouragement as he plans to present the ideas generated to the entire church community in the weeks ahead. He can be reached at:

Rev. Michael Flannery
Our Lady of Hope
9 Wheeler Avenue
Whitehall, NY 12887
518-499-1656