“If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
County Route 6 Road Closure on Mountain: September 21
Washington County is anticipating road work on the portion of County Route 6 over the mountain on Monday, September 21, 2020. If you are planning on coming to or departing Huletts on September 21st, you will need to take a detour around the work on Pike Brook Road. Please pay attention to signs and announcements as we get closer to that date.
August Dresden Town Board Meeting Minutes
The minutes for August meeting of the Dresden Town Board, were recently approved and have been posted on the town’s website.
Visit to Lapland Pond Includes Plethora of Species
A visit to Lapland pond starts at the Blake Mountain trail head on Pike Brook road.
When you arrive at the Blake Mountain trail head on Pike Brook road, there is actually another destination that you can hike to in addition to going up Black Mountain. That “other” hike is a shorter walk up to Lapland pond. The flora and fauna is quite beautiful and if you walk slowly and take it all in – it is a joy to behold.
The flower of Jewelweed is a natural remedy to poison ivy.
Looking something like a “Tribble” from Star Trek, light green Pincushion moss grows on the side of the trail.
White BaneBerry, is also called “Dolls Eyes,” for its distinctive appearance.
A grove of hemlock trees stands tall.
Watch out for snakes. Here a garter snake slithers along the side of the path.
A tadpole swims quietly in the water.
A beautiful walk in the woods refreshes the soul.
Click all images to see larger versions.
Vice President Pence Fishes Lake Bomoseen
Today, Vice President Pence did some fishing on nearby Lake Bomoseen in Vermont (boat above covered dock). Thanks to some of our friends on Lake Bomoseen, I have this picture to share. It was a beautiful day and the Vice President was accompanied by a large security detail (covered boat on the left). I have no information on how the fishing went! (Click image to see larger version.)
Preserve at Pilot Knob to Reopen September 12
Visitors relax at the gazebo on the Lake George Land Conservancy’s Schumann Preserve for Pilot Knob in Fort Ann. View of Lake George is west toward Bolton and north up Lake George.
The Lake George Land Conservancy’s beloved Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob will reopen to the public on September 12th, five months after being closed due to concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. Please note that guidelines for responsible recreation continue to be in effect, and the preserve will be monitored to make sure guests are complying and visiting safely. If visiting this or any of the LGLC’s preserves, please follow these basic rules so that they can continue to provide safe recreational opportunities:
Stay local;
Visit in small groups limited to immediate household members;
If you arrive at a preserve and crowds are forming, choose a different park, a different trail, or return another time/day to visit;
If parking lots are full, please do not park along roadsides or other designated areas. To protect your safety and that of others, please choose a different area to visit, or return another time or day when parking is available.
Practice social distancing by keeping at least six (6) feet of distance between yourself and others, while on a trail and in places where people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trailheads, and scenic overlooks; and
Stay home if you are sick, or showing or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, coughing, and/or troubled breathing.
Whitehall School District’s Letter about Storm Damage
8/27/2020
Good afternoon Whitehall Families and Community,
As promised, I am providing a status update on the condition of our school buildings as we continue to assess the damage:
Elementary School
Some skylights were pulled from the roof due to the high winds, allowing water to enter directly into the gymnasium.
The majority of the water damage was relegated to the gymnasium, the cafeteria and the hallway outside of the gymnasium and cafeteria.
Ceiling tiles that were damaged are being replaced
The Gym floor will be addressed
Most water that entered the building stayed on the gym floor and tiled spaces
Mitigation staff is on site and drying the carpet that got damp in 1 cluster as well as some hallway carpeting
The majority of our elementary classrooms were not impacted by flood water
Jr./Sr. High School
100% of the school (Classrooms, offices and common spaces have been impacted by standing water.
The auditorium had ankle-deep water.
The boiler room had at least 8” of water.
The pool filtration room had at least 5’ of water (pumped out by Poultney VFD)
The pool has been drained (Whitehall VFD & Washington Co. Emergency Services)
Mitigation experts are on site, all standing water has been removed
ALL carpeted areas in the building have been stripped of carpeting
Drying equipment is in place throughout the building
Mitigation protocols for remediation to ensure no water is remaining inside wall cavities and protect against mold growth are being formulated
The water damage and remediation to the building has significantly impacted the progress of the building project
The New York State Department of Education has reached out to us to learn the extent of the damage, which was assessed during a walk-through of the building with our insurance carrier. Tuesday, I met with and toured the buildings with Senator Betty Little, Assemblyman Dan Stec, and representatives from Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s office, the New York State Department of Emergency Services, and Washington County Emergency Services. I am pleased to share that each of these individuals/organizations fully understand the significance of the damage and what we as a district are up against. All have offered to be of support to our district as we move ahead and better understand our needs.
So, what does this mean now that we have come to better realize the full extent of the damage and the amount of time for the repairs and remediation that have been caused by this massive storm?
I am pleased to share that we are on track for a September 8, 2020 in-person opening at the Elementary School. The schedules that Mrs. Gould has previously shared to kick-off the year still remain in effect!
The High School, which suffered the brunt of the damage from the storm is unfortunately a different story. Based on my conversations with the Architect, General Contractor, Insurance Carrier and Remediation specialists, the High School Facility will not be available for in-person instruction on opening day. Our goal is to have our students and staff back in a safe and clean building during the second marking period. If there is any way that we can bring everyone back into a safe and clean environment before that time, we certainly will. If, during remediation and repair we find that these dates need to be extended, we will let you all know as soon as possible. In summary, all students in grades 7-12 will be engaging in Remote-Learning beginning on September 8, 2020 until we can bring them back into a safe and clean environment.
Our building administrators will be in touch with families to coordinate the details involving return to school at the elementary and how remote instruction will work at the high school. Distribution dates/times and location for Chromebooks will be shared.
While much of this is news that is disturbing and difficult to hear, I believe that clear and honest communication of the information as we know it, is exceptionally important during these times. I will continue to be in contact throughout this ordeal.
In the meantime, stay safe, and remain Whitehall Strong!
Best,
Patrick M. Dee
Patrick Dee
Superintendent of Schools
Rep. Elise Stefanik’s Full Speech at the Republican National Convention
Bad Storms Locally, Mostly Miss Huletts
A rainbow appears above Huletts on Monday, August 24th. (Click image to see larger version.)
The rolling thunder storms and torrential rain that passed through on Monday hit Whitehall very hard. While Huletts received a good soaking, the power remained on. There are many puddles and standing surface water but the storm is now over. The worst seems to have missed Huletts.
Update: Tuesday August 25, 2020
Things are drying out today but there is a lot of standing water still on the ground
Cleanup of Flat Iron Site in Whitehall Almost Complete
The cleanup of the site of the former Flat Iron building, next to the Amtrak station in Whitehall, is almost complete. (Click image to see larger version.)
The removal of debris, and the design and construction a public parking facility on the site of the former Flat Iron Building in Whitehall is continuing. As the above picture shows, the cleanup of the debris from the old building is almost complete.
Dresden Budget Meeting Scheduled
The Town of Dresden is holding a tentative budget meeting on Monday August 31 2020 at 7pm at the town hall. Mask and social distancing is required.
LGA Success In Lake George: Usher Park Stormcrete Edition
What’s exciting about a concrete walkway? How about one that expertly captures stormwater and puts it in the ground, rather than allowing it to flow into the Lake?
This project at Usher Park is one of the many projects the LGA is doing this year to directly protect the Lake’s water quality.
Watch the amazing protection that it provides in the video below!
Fox Seen on Mountain
Recently a fox has been seen along the road as you come down the mountain into Huletts.
Drive slowly because it has been seen crossing County Route 6.
Capital Investments Continue All Around
A new house being constructed along the shoreline of Lake George in Huletts Landing.
If you go for a walk or take a boat ride around Huletts, you will see numerous new houses and continued capital investments being made in Huletts Landing by many individuals. These include improvements to docks, renovations and additions to existing homes and landscaping improvements also. It has been a very busy year for contractors working in Huletts.
Economic development as always been seen as the primary strategy for improving social well-being. Those who have invested their resources and energy into improving the “Landing” should be commended. Because of this, Huletts is a dynamic place which attracts people from all over the country and world.
Another new house, as seen from the lake, being constructed in Huletts Landing.
Individuals who invest in the community, improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and everyone who lives here. The vibrant nature of Huletts is expressed by people who want to spend their time and invest their resources here. It also helps attract people who value the surroundings and hopefully will work to keep the community the special place it is.
This trend will most likely continue as a number of people have made me aware that they are in different stages of planing improvements or redesigns of their properties in Huletts. So stay alert on the morning walks and local boat rides, the year to come may be even busier!