Mailboat October 2012
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The Upper Saranac Lake Association Mailboat October 2012 Eagle Island: What’s Happening? By Chris Hildebrand Photos: Friends of Eagle Island Friends Photos: At this bittersweet time of year, we must leave carefree summer 2011, GSHNJ has been attempting to sell Eagle Island without any days behind for more serious pursuits. For those living on or near restrictions on its use. the lake, there is much to do to prep homes and property for anoth- Friends of Eagle Island, Inc. (FEI) is a not-for-profit dedicated er long winter. In years past Eagle Island, too, would be buttoning to preserving Eagle Island as a recreation camp in the Adirondacks down. But one more summer has come and gone since the voices for girls and young women. On June 22, 2012, along with other of children rang out on Eagle Island. And another year has passed Plaintiffs, including former and current campers who have donat- since the Girl Scouts failed in its obligation to utilize Eagle Island as ed time and money to operate and maintain Eagle Island, FEI filed a place for youth—the intended purpose of the Graves family’s gift. a lawsuit in Franklin County against GSHNJ to save, protect and A National Historic Landmark, the Eagle Island Great Camp perpetuate its intended use. was designed by preeminent Adirondack architect William L. “Friends of Eagle Island filed this suit not only on its own behalf Coulter, who built it in 1902 for Levi P. Morton, U.S. Vice President but on behalf of the many girls and young women who stand to (1889-1893) and former N.Y. governor. In 1910 N.J. banker and benefit from the same skills and confidence-building acquired by industrialist Henry Graves, Jr. and his wife Florence purchased past campers over 70 summers,” said Dorcas R. Hardy, President Eagle Island from the Mortons and used it for many years as their of FEI. “After several years of trying to work with GSHNJ on a summer home. In 1937 they donated Eagle Island to the Girl Scouts solution for keeping the camp operational,” she added, “it is clear of the Oranges, N.J., in memory of their two sons. At the time, that GSHNJ’s primary objectives are not about preserving a unique Graves made clear his intent that the gift was to be maintained and and historic piece of America, championing young people’s rela- used in perpetuity as a recreation camp for girls and young women. tionship to nature, and providing America’s future leaders with Eagle Island opened in 1938 and operated as a summer camp for opportunities for high adventure.” that purpose until 2009, when the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Henry Dickson (“Buz”) Graves, Jr. great-grandson of Henry, (GSHNJ), formed in 2008 by the merger of three existing Councils, Jr. and Florence Graves, and an FEI board member and Plaintiff, failed to honor that obligation and closed the camp. Since July Continued on page 3 Visit www.uppersaranac.com Upper Saranac Lake aSSociation, inc. P.O. Box 872 President’s Report Saranac Lake, NY 12983 www.uppersaranac.com Jon Lansberg The USLA Mailboat As I was being nominated to be the next USLA president at the August members meet- Michael Franklin, Editor ing, I couldn’t help but think of Groucho Marx’ famous quip that he would never want to Harry Wirtz, Layout/Design belong to a club that would have him as a member. I mean really, what kind of organization would have me as their president? But seriously folks… If I think about all the people who Board of directorS have held this position over the past 112 years and the work they accomplished, it’s actu- officerS ally quite humbling, and I’m honored to be in their company. I am also fortunate to have a President, Jon Lansberg (891-6885) Vice President, Susan Hearn (359-8136) talented and dedicated board to work with, which will make my job much easier. Secretary, Bruce Holran (891-8447) I would like to thank our immediate past president, Ron Otten, for doing a wonderful Treasurer, Jay Kapolka (359-7298) job and leaving the Association in fine shape for the upcoming years. He has set the bar high and I’ll do my best to maintain that standard. committee chairS The truth of the matter is that fulfilling the USLA’s role as Steward of Upper Saranac Communications: Sara Sheldon (637-4304) Cultural: Susan Hearn (359-8136) Lake takes more than a board of directors, it takes a committed membership. Those of us Environmental: Barbara Franklin (891-6649) who have the good fortune to spend time in this special place need to do what we can to Government Affairs: Vacant ensure it stays that way. We need to volunteer and we need to give financial support. I know Nominating: Charles Svenson (891-9256) that we all have busy lives and our financial situations are varied, but each of us needs to do Membership: Dean Butts (891-8433) what we can. After all, it’s for our own benefit. Safety: Michelle Brown Garcia (891-3905) So, as the bittersweet month of September rolls by and we enjoy the colorful leaves, the Zone chairS quiet water and cool crisp nights, many of us begin the process of closing camp, going back Zone 1 Bob Tate (891-1269) to reality and our other life back home. I hope you all have enjoyed this incredible summer, Zone 2 Michael Specht (891-4307) and wish you a happy and healthy winter season. I look forward to seeing you next spring. Zone 3 Bo Dixon (891-0688) Until then, Goodbye or as Groucho would say “Hello, I must be going”. Zone 4 Cindy Rosenwaldl (891-0818) Jon Zone 5 Dick Gunthert (891-4138) Zone 6 Jeff Dickson (891-2731) Zone 7 Mary Jane Staufenberg (891-1428) The Safety Committee’s Fall Report Zone 8 Jane Oravec (891-5992) We ended the season with 18 students who passed the New York Safe Boating Courses. Zone 9 Nancy Howard (359-9177) Zone 10 Fran Ward (359-7940) Once again, Dave Perry taught the classes, so his reputation as a great teacher continues. Zone 11 Bill Mansfield (359-2217) The courses are given at the St. Lawrence University’s boathouse here on the lake, so we Zone 12 Airlie Lennon (359-7417) want to thank the college for providing a place that’s so convenient for all of us. We would also like to thank the Upper Saranac Lake Foundation, since they were very memBer at Large generous in supplying each student with a copy of the new USL Map, free of charge. Tom Swayne (359-7679) Mike Bonheim (891-8074) A laminated sheet containing a list of the required safety gear, by law, was distributed at the lake association meetings this year. A copy has also been posted on each of the bulletin honorary directorS boards around the lake. Some of the zone chairs have copies, so, if you need one, please Bill Butterfield (359-7463) contact your zone chair. Charlie Ritchie, Jr. (891-4288) As the summer season comes to a close most lake residents head home but, for the year- round families, remember that the boating laws are still in effect. SUBcommittee chairS From November 1st until May 1st everyone on board any vessel of less than 21 feet, Water Safety Classes: David Perry (359-2630) First Aid/CPR: Judith Cohen (891-2515) including rowboats, canoes and kayaks must wear a PFD, regardless of their age. Sailing: Airlie Lennon (359-7417) USL foUndation Membership President: Tom Swayne (908-221-9211) Secretary: Peter Woll We have received renewals from 571 members as of September 19th. We are still reach- Treasurer: Sally B. Ritchie ing to achieve our goal of 600 by the end of the year. The USLA Membership year is based Tom Chipperfield, Jim Crane, Michael Elitzer, on a calendar year, January 1 to December 31, so if you have not yet renewed, there is Robert Lievense, Arch Montgomery IV, Mike Sands, time to do so. Go to our website, uppersaranac.com, and follow the prompts under the Charles Sheerin, Ross Whaley Membership tab. You can also download the Membership form and mail it with your check for $45 to USLA, Box 872, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Your renewal will be appreci- USL SchoLarShip fUnd, inc. ated. If you are new to the Lake, we welcome you and hope you will join the Association. President: Bruce Holran (891-8447) USLA represents the interests of ALL property owners on and near Upper Saranac Lake. Secretary/Treasurer: Sally B. Ritchie (891-1713) The Association has been effective in promoting lake water quality and milfoil and invasive species control, maintaining fire and rescue services, providing frequent newsletter and dataBaSe adminiStrator e-mail communications, sponsoring boater safety courses, and maintaining relationships Sara Sheldon (637-4304) with area political entities. The Association, with two membership meetings and several Photo of the mailboat, “Saranac”, courtesy of the Cultural Affairs events each summer, provides opportunities for fellowship, education, and Adirondack Collection, Saranac Lake Free Library meeting other folks who share the privilege of enjoying this beautiful place. Being a dues-paying member is how we show our support of USLA. © 2012 USLA Dean Butts, Membership Chair 2 Visit www.uppersaranac.com The USLA Mailboat October 2012 Why Girls Love Camp By Rose Foody, a high school junior, camper/sailor and member of FEI Advisory Committee When asked “Why do you love camp?” I honestly cannot answer necessary. This honesty seals friendships that last long after the with one sentence.