May Dresden Town Board Meeting Minutes

The minutes for May ZOOM meeting of the Dresden Town Board, were recently approved and have been posted on the town’s website.

May Minutes of the Dresden Town Board.

An important update is in this months minutes: Supervisor Ferguson who is also the Town’s Budget officer, has completed four years of audits on the Town books – 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The state makes towns complete ‘old’ audits before new ones can be completed. The 2013 audit has held things up for a number of years. These audits predate Supervisor Ferguson’s time in office, but as reported, they have now been submitted to the state.

Froehlich Foundation Awards $150,000 Grant to LGLC in Support of Land Conservation

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has received a grant of $150,000 from the Helen V. Froehlich Foundation for watershed protection efforts, particularly in the Huletts Landing area. This is the 26th consecutive grant awarded to the LGLC from the Foundation, bringing their total giving to the LGLC more than $3.9 million for land and lake protection projects.

This year’s grant provides $100,000 for direct land protection efforts within the LGLC’s Huletts Landing Conservation Initiative, and $50,000 for ongoing conservation and stewardship operations.

“We are grateful to the trustees of the Froehlich Foundation,” said LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown, “for moving so quickly to provide the LGLC with this generous grant during these uncertain times. Even as we work remotely, we continue to work on land protection projects that benefit the land and the lake and this generous gift will go a long way to making these projects a reality.”

The Huletts Landing Conservation Initiative is an ongoing campaign focused on protecting the wetlands and stream corridors in this steep region of the watershed. Efforts were spearheaded in 2018 by the protection of 37 acres that include what is now the LGLC’s Leeming Jelliffe Preserve. In 2019, the LGLC protected two parcels in Huletts Landing, totaling 137 acres that include more than 7,800 feet of stream corridors that lead to Lake George, and two acres of wetlands and beaver ponds, which are the headwaters of one of these now protected tributaries.

Active discussions and negotiations are underway for further conservation efforts expected to be realized in 2020, in part thanks to this Froehlich Foundation grant.

The Helen V. Froehlich Foundation was created in 1993 with funds provided by the late Helen V. Froehlich to assist with the conservation and preservation of Lake George. Mrs. Froehlich (1901-1992) was an author, naturalist, hiker and overall outdoor lover, and spent the last 20 years of her life in Huletts Landing. The Lake George Land Conservancy is just one of several local organizations that benefit from the Foundation’s generosity.

NYS Coronavirus Update

The number of new COVID hospitalizations is dropping steadily. Total hospitalizations dropped to 2,978, from 3,121 the day before. Tuesday, New York had 135 new COVID hospitalizations, down from 154 the day before. Yesterday 49 New Yorkers died of the virus — the lowest number since March.

Outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted in Phase 2 of reopening. Restaurants in the seven regions that have already entered Phase 2 — including our own Capital Region can reopen for outdoor dining beginning tomorrow, June 4th.

NYS Executive Order (not a mandate) Allows Store Owners to Deny Entry to People Without Masks Governor Cuomo announced an executive order last week that will allow private owners to refuse service to people who are not wearing a mask. “We are giving store owners the right to say, ‘If you’re not wearing a mask, you can’t come in,'” Cuomo said. It is not a law or a mandate. You do not have to refuse service to someone wearing a mask, but it allows you to do so if you choose.

NYS Coronavirus Update

The number of total COVID hospitalizations continues to decline. Total hospitalizations fell to 3,436, from 3,619 the day before. Saturday, NY state had 191 new COVID hospitalizations.

Daily fatalities drop to lowest level since March 23rd. 56 New Yorkers died from COVID. This is a tragic number — but we are thankful it is much, much lower than where it was at the peak. As this number goes down, it is expected to level out. The question is how low it will go before that happens.

Grab the tennis balls! Finley, a 6-year-old Golden Retriever from Canandaigua, NY, was recognized by Guinness World Records for being able to hold six tennis balls in his mouth with no assistance — shattering the previous record of five tennis balls. Congratulations to this very good boy on his world record.

Memorial Day 2020

Today all across this great land, we pause to remember those who have fallen in the defense of freedom for the United States of America. We give thanks for their final sacrifice, for their love of country, and we say prayers for them, for their families, and for the country they served. We fly flags to honor their service, to observe our own dedication to our beautiful country.

The origins of Memorial Day are difficult to uncover. Some attribute it to former African slaves paying tribute to fallen Union soldiers. There is strong evidence that women of the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. On May 30, 1868, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. By 1890 all the northern states were observing the day. The South would not observe the same date until after World War I. It became known nationally as ‘Decoration Day.’

However, being the ever optimistic Americans we are, we have turned it into a nation wide party, a celebration of patriotism, family, and summer’s promise. However, Memorial Day is and always will be about the fallen servicemen and women who gave their lives for our country.

We see the news daily; from Communist China to theocratic Iran – there are so many who live under oppressive regimes who are not free. May we always remember the sacrifices of those who have given us the greatest gift after life itself – our freedom. Happy Memorial Day – cherish it and never forget.

NYS Coronavirus Update

The number of total COVID hospitalizations continues to decline. Total hospitalizations fell to just over 4600, from 4,844 the day before. The number of new COVID hospitalizations fell to 208, from 225 the day before. Tragically, we lost 84 New Yorkers to the virus Friday.

Please remember that social distancing rules apply at State Parks and all public outdoor spaces. You must wear a mask whenever it’s not possible to maintain six feet of distance from others.

NYS Coronavirus Update

The number of total COVID hospitalizations continues to decline. Total hospitalizations fell to 4,844, from 5,187 the day before. The number of new COVID hospitalizations fell to 225, from 246 the day before. Tragically, we lost 109 New Yorkers to the virus Thursday.

Gov. Cuomo issued a statewide executive order Friday night that now allows any gathering of up to 10 people, so long as social distancing is observed. The order permits “any non-essential gathering of ten or fewer individuals, for any lawful purpose or reason, provided that social distancing protocols and cleaning and disinfection protocols required by the Department of Health are adhered to.”

Vote for your favorite “Wear A Mask” PSA. NY state received 600+ submissions in our Wear A Mask NY Ad Contest. Watch the video finalists, the honorable mentions and vote for your favorite at wearamask.ny.gov.

Saturday Quote

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

-Jeremiah 33:3

NYS Coronavirus Update

The number of total COVID hospitalizations continues to fall. Total hospitalizations fell to 5,187, from 5,570 the day before. The number of new COVID hospitalizations fell to 246, from 295 the day before. Tragically, we lost 105 New Yorkers to the virus Wednesday.

Due to Coronavirus, there is a shortage of blood and blood donations are desperately needed. New York State is working with blood banks to ensure safe social distancing protocols are being followed. Learn how and where you can donate at http://ny.gov/donateblood.

Welcome Back

The Memorial Day weekend usually signifies the unofficial start to summer. For those returning to Huletts, welcome back! For those visiting for the first time, welcome. This year will be different from years past. There will be social distancing and face masks, and smaller group gatherings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 6 feet between you and people that you encounter.

Much has been done over the winter but some work is still ongoing because “NY PAUSE” delayed some contractors from working together the last two months. There will be changes, but by working together everyone can have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Please continue to be respectful and kind to each other and to all our “summer” visitors. While it may be a different year, it’s still the best place to be in summer!

Welcome to all!

NYS Coronavirus Update

Message from Representative Stefanik on Wednesday’s Capital District Phase 1 Reopening “Brighter days are ahead.”

The number of total COVID hospitalizations continues to decline. Total hospitalizations fell to 5,570, from 5,818 the day before. The number of new COVID hospitalizations fell to 295, from 335 the day before. Tragically, we lost 112 New Yorkers to the virus Tuesday.

Wearing a mask in public makes us all safer.To help get the message across, NY state launched a contest asking New Yorkers to create a video and share in their own words why New Yorkers should wear masks in public. After receiving over 600 great submissions, five finalists have been selected. The winning video will be chosen by an online vote and will be used as a PSA. Watch the videos and vote for your favorite here.

NYS Coronavirus Update

Starting today, the Capital Region which includes Washington County and Huletts Landing, can begin Phase 1 of the state’s regional phased reopening plan. The region has identified enough tracers to meet the required metrics and will be joining Western New York, Central New York, the North Country, the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley in reopening Phase 1 businesses.

The number of total COVID hospitalizations continues to drop. Total hospitalizations fell to 5,860, from 5,840 the day before. The number of new COVID hospitalizations fell to 335, from 373 the day before. Tragically, we lost 105 New Yorkers to the virus on Monday.

Elsewhere

Sometimes you just have to get excited about life!

The Belmont Stake will take place on June 20, without fans.Traditionally, the Long Island horse race is the last leg in the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. This year, for the first time in history, the Belmont will be first. Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo announced that horse racing tracks could open without fans and the state will issue guidance on how they can safely reopen in the coming week.

DEC Forest Ranger Rescues Near Lake George

Town of Bolton
Warren County

Wilderness Rescue: On May 13 at 5:20 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch from two hikers who became disoriented on the trail for Thomas and Cat mountains and needed assistance. The 76-year-old man and 69-year-old woman from Moreau stated that they intended to hike Thomas Mountain and return to their vehicle at the Route 11 trailhead. Recognizing they were lost with limited supplies, the hikers decided to call 911. Warren County 911 provided Rangers with coordinates that placed the pair south of Thomas Mountain, closer to Cat Mountain. Forest Ranger Hannah O’Connor spoke to the couple on the phone and advised them to take the blue marked trail while Forest Ranger Marie Arnold proceeded on foot to intercept them. Ranger Arnold began from Edgecomb Pond and reached one of the hikers who told her the other had continued ahead north on the trail. Dispatch contacted the other hiker and, per Ranger Arnold, advised the subject to turn around and head back the way they came. Once reunited, Ranger Arnold escorted the pair back out to the trailhead where they were met by Ranger O’Connor, who assisted them the rest of the way via an ATV. The couple was out of the woods by 8:57 p.m.

Town of Bolton
Warren County

Wilderness Rescue: On May 17 at 9:09 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch from a hiker separated from his hiking partner on the Cat and Thomas Trail. One hiker went further ahead and failed to meet up on Cat Mountain. After a brief FaceTime conversation, one of the hikers realized that the other, a 26-year-old man from Queensbury, was lost with no equipment or headlamp and only 30 percent left on his phone for a light. Forest Rangers Hannah O’Connor and Chuck Kabrehl responded to the trailhead and followed 911 coordinates that placed the missing hiker halfway along the ridge trail between Cat and Thomas mountains. The hiker was told to continue south along the trail to meet up with the Forest Rangers coming to assist him. At one point, the hiker became disoriented along the trail and again reached out for help. Rangers told the subject to remain in place. At 10:55 p.m., Rangers located the hiker and walked him out to the Edgecomb Pond Trailhead.