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Fireworks July 3 Sponsored by the Saratoga Lake
Protection and Improvement
District
Why Participate in Adopt a Highway?
Have you ever been driving in a car and noticed a paper bag, soda can or other litter along the highway? You may not realize it but that highway trash is costing you and your family. It is estimated that State Departments of Transpor-tation spend nearly $120 million per year on litter cleanup. Highway trash may pose a traffic hazard, especially items that can blow onto the highway. People expect to drive safe-ly down state roads. (continued page 3)
THE JOYS OF SUMMER are just ahead with activities on and around the lake picking up. Great photo opportuni-ties, parties and events season, the fishing is good, and meeting at Sandy Bay are just some of what makes the lake a fun place to be. We look forward to your submissions keeping our members updated with what's going on in your neighborhood by sharing news.
Submissions to Julie at [email protected] by June 1.
Shore Lines The Saratoga Lake Association
P.O. Box 2152 Ballston Spa, NY 12020
http://www.facebook.com/saratogalake/ www.saratogalakecam.com
May 19, 2015 Editors: Julie Annotto Sharon Urban [email protected] [email protected]
Proud to be an American
Have you RSVP’d for the Annual Cocktail Party at the Prime on Tuesday, June 16th? If not, get your check ($20 per person — non members or spouses who are not members, $30) to Dianne Fedoronko, c/o SLA, PO Box 2152, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. This is one of the best events of the year and you won’t want to miss it!
Save the Date Annual SLA Meeting — July 15, 2015
It’s important that everyone attend the annual meeting to keep abreast of lake issues, events and initiatives.
We honor all Americans who died while serving in the military
Note from the President There will likely be some openings on the Saratoga Lake Association ("SLA") Board and we are looking for volunteers who are willing to serve. We encourage active participation to spread the work. The Board meets monthly (with the exception of August, November and December) at 7pm on the fourth Thursday of each month at Malta Town Hall. All Board meetings are open to members and if you have any interest you are encouraged to attend. Our next Board meeting is May 28th. A specific need is someone with a financial back-ground to serve as Treasurer as our current Treasurer's term is ending in July. Please contact me if you have any interest in serving as Treasurer or on other Board posi-tions at [email protected] or at (518) 527-6393.
continued page 2
See You at the Beach Brown’s Beach to Reopen May 30
By Neil Benjamin, Jr. Saratoga Today
May 15-21, 2015 Story page 4
St. Isaac Jogue’s Chapel will open Memorial Weekend
It’s time to return to the little chapel on the lake. For those who attend every year, just walk-ing into the beloved building and smelling the pine boards brings back memories of all the summers growing up on the lake. If you’ve never come, give it a try. It’s truly a lakeside gem.
Still looking for public water? If you are a resident in the Town of Stillwater and are waiting for public water to come to you, you need to let the people at Saratoga Glen Hollow Water Company know. You may con-
tact them at [email protected].
Neighborhood Watch It’s that time of year again — hundreds of people visit-ing the lake — boating, riding bikes, walking — most of whom are here just to enjoy life. Be a good neighbor — keep an eye on your area — especially if some of the properties are not occupied. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, give the Sheriff a call immediately at (518) 885-6761.
President, continued Our campaign for sponsorships for our updated Saratoga Lake map is nearing its conclusion and has been very successful. Sponsors will have their busi-ness location highlighted on the map and a list of sponsors will include their telephone numbers and web-sites. The map will also include a link to an app that will enable the map to be downloaded to your smartphone. These maps last several years so if you have not yet agreed to be a sponsor, your window of opportunity is closing. Some members have asked why non-member guests (including spouses) must pay a higher event price than members. This is a normal process for most organizations. In order to encourage member-ship, we want membership to have its benefits. Our current $20 a year membership is half of what it was just a few short years ago and much less than other comparable organizations. I have also been asked about whether the SLA can subsidize social events. At the beginning of our Fiscal Year, after we reviewed the Federal and State tax guidelines with a prominent CPA, it was deter-mined that we could not do so. As a not-for-profit charitable entity, we can hold purely social events, but they must be priced to at least recover our cost. With respect to recreation and other activities, any expenditures that exceed revenue on a per event basis must be used to foster our prescribed mission as well as the parameters of Federal and State law in order to preserve our not-for-profit and charitable sta-tus. Among other benefits, compliance with the re-quirements enables us to utilize our sales tax exemp-tion and avoid tax on receipts such as membership dues.
Mission of the Saratoga Lake Association
The Saratoga Lake Association (SLA) is a Not-for-Profit Organization. The Associa-tion’s purpose is to promote and enhance the health, safety, sanitation, recreation and environmental quality of Saratoga Lake and its extensive watershed. All my best, Alan
Thank You!
Thanks to all of you who sent congrat-
ulations to us on Shore Line’s first place win
at the New York State Federation of Lake
Associations Annual Conference. We really
appreciate it!
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Look Up! Speak Out! Petition to Stop Spraying Chemicals
on New York Have you noticed “white lines in the sky” from air-planes? White lines that linger, billow out and spread, turning a blue sky into a white hazy sky? These lines are not normal contrails – emissions from airplanes that dis-appear in seconds. These “line’s” are actually chemicals
being emitted from airplanes. The chemicals being sprayed include Aluminum, Barium, Strontium and other highly toxic chemicals and they are being sprayed on a regular basis on us – over our lake, over New York and over the entire globe. This practice is called Geoengineer-ing (aka Chemtrails or Weather Modification). These chemicals are causing increased sickness and are poisoning us. Increased cases of Asthma, Respiratory problems, Headaches, Fatigue, Allergies, Joint Pain, Can-cer, Neurological Diseases (including Alzheimer’s. Parkin-son’s, Lour Gehrigs Disease, Dementia) are being report-ed. Not only are WE at risk, but our lake, our wildlife, our agriculture are all being compromised as these chemi-cals become part of our eco system. These toxic aerosols are polluting our air, water, and soil. As we all try to live healthier lifestyles and try to be good stewards of our environment, we are all at the long-term mercy of this health destroying practice. We have never voted on this – we have not given anyone permis-sion to do this. A petition to the New York Senate has been started to voice our concern about this health destroying practice. Please sign the petition at: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/stop-spraying-chemicals Together we DO have a voice – A voice for our chil-dren, our grandchildren, future generations and our-selves. Do your own homework – See for yourself www.GeoEngineeringWatch.org www.EndGeoEngineering.com (submitted by resident and member Tina Mott)
Adopt-a-Highway (from front page)
Second, highway litter may injure wildlife, especially small animals that can get trapped in six-pack plastic rings for soda or beer. Third, litter can pose an environmental hazard as toxic chemicals can leak into soil or water as containers decompose. Lastly, highway litter is unsightly and does not attract tourists.
Often the first impression tourists receive about a state or area is formed from the condition of the high-ways and roads. Most states have fines to discourage driv-ers and passengers from littering. Unfortunately, these anti-littering programs based on fines have not been en-tirely successful. In search of a better alternative, many states have turned to Adopt-a-Highway programs to help with highway cleanup. To do our part, the SLA volun-teered to be responsible for a 6.3 mile section of route 9P. The 2015 Spring Roadside Clean-Up effort has been scheduled for the second Saturday of June. We would appreciate the assistance of anyone who might be able to donate a hour or two of their time on Saturday, June 13th, 2015 – we will gather at 9am at the South End Stewart’s (on the corner of Route 9P and Lake Road), where we will have an energizing snack, sign in and then break up into small teams that will fan out to pick-up the trash and debris which has gathered over this past winter. Also note that orange D.O.T. trash collec-tion bags can be provided in advance to any individuals who will not be able to participate on the 13th, but would like to pick-up the accumulated debris in the vicin-ity of their residence or along specific portions of the road around the lake. Please contact Tonya Trombley at 518-727-8941 or [email protected] if inter-ested in participating or for additional information re-garding this spring’s scheduled clean-up or for early deliv-ery of orange D.O.T. bags. – Thanks, Tonya
Have you ever thought about how long dis-carded litter lasts? Some things might have a longer life span than most humans.
Common Litter: Decomposition Time:
Glass Bottle 1 Million years
Aluminum Can 200-500 years
Rubber Shoe Soles 50-80 Years
Plastic Bag 10-20 Years
Cigarette Butt 1-5 Years
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Brown’s Beach, continued from front page ……
Brown’s Beach Resort is reopening on May 30 thanks to a tireless effort by Supervisor Ed Kinowski, funding from GlobalFoundries and a bevvy of volunteers from all over the region. The beach, an area mainstay from the late 1800s until 10 years ago when it closed down, is making the come-back Kinowski hoped for when he first started the effort to reopen it back in 2010. You might think Kinowski has a personal story or two from when the beach was open, but that’s not the case. He just thinks that it’s something that needs to come back in order to give locals public access to Saratoga Lake, while also bringing in tourists to experience the serenity and beauty of the body of water. “I never used the beach in my entire life,” Kinowski said. “But, I kept hearing from people that there’s no pub-lic access to the lake, and at the end of the day, I thought there needed to be. It only makes sense.” On July 15, 2014, Dock Brown’s Resort officially reo-pened when Tony Panza, owner of Panza’s Restaurant, opened the doors to his new establishment, Dock Brown’s. Kinowski said the restaurant’s opening was the first major step toward the beach’s comeback. There will also be a marina onsite, run by Menneto Powersports. The business will also offer various repair services. Locals will remember there being a carnival at the old Brown’s Beach. Kinowski said opening a new set of rides and games isn’t in the plans this time around, citing devel-
opment in the area near the beach. “Well, there’s not enough room for a carnival,” he said. “And there’s not enough parking around there, so we are limited in what we can do on that front.” As is at the heart of most community issues similar to this, money was the major question in getting the resort back.
Over the last handful of years, the lakefront had been looked at as a space to develop residential real estate. Ki-nowski, working closely with town officials, was able to help secure enough money through GlobalFoundries and New York State Energy Research and Development Au-thority to buy the nine-acre beach for $4.1 million. Kinowski was quick to point out that town taxpayers are not footing a penny of the bill, as he was able to work out a development agreement between Stillwater, Malta and Glens Falls as part of a payment in lieu of taxes. “I took a chance on this. I’m betting that, with all of the work and dedication put forth by everyone involved, this will become something that stays around awhile and has a big benefit to the area,” Kinowski said. “We hope the draw to the beach will help the economic impact al-lowing us to pay for even more growth of Brown’s. We want to have all the proper facilities and amenities.” They are working on the proper paperwork to get a pavilion building, and also what Kinowski called a “snack shack.” The capacity for the beach will be around 450 people, but that has yet to be finalized. Until school is out, the beach will “most likely be open only on weekends,” and figures to be open every day dur-ing the summer. Kinowski said it will create eight-to-10 full and part-time jobs. As for the May 30 grand opening, the schedule has a ribbon cutting happening at 11 a.m., complete with free soft drinks, face painting for the kids, games, a treasure hunt, fireworks and live music by local band Good Sir. Kinowski said that without the donation of time and resources from the volunteers and local businesses such as Skip’s Electric, Quick Response and Brown’s Plumbing, the beach might not have been on track to open this year. “This whole thing has been brought about by a tremen-dous effort by citizens from all over the area who just wanted to help,” Kinowski said. “Local businesses con-tributed so much, between money and just help. Most of the credit should go to them, because they all know we need to have something like this to attract the people.”
4
Mark your calendars for
Stillwater Family Day.
June 5th and 6th at Riv-
erside Veteran's Park. Be
sure to stop by the Stillwater Area Communi-
ty Center's table for information on upcom-
ing programs and a kids' craft.
News from the Town of Saratoga by Supervisor Thomas N. Wood, III
At the May 11th Town Board meeting the town board authorized the purchase of a new town highway truck with dump box and snow plow. Sherry Doubleday, Chairman of the Town Office of Emergency management meets monthly with her committee. She is making plans for a practice drill to see how the town emergency plans work. The Town of Saratoga offices will be closed on Monday, May 25th for the Memorial Day Holiday. Starting Friday, May 22rd the Town Hall Summer Hours will begin. The town offices will close at 12:00 noon on Fridays. Assessor's News A reminder that Grievance Day is scheduled May 26th and the Board of Assessment Review will be available for hearings from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the Town Hall. Grievance forms may be obtained at the Assessor’s Office or on the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance web-site and must be filled out prior to being seen by the Griev-ance Board. Property owners wishing to grieve their assess-ment will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis between the above stated hours. If you have questions or concerns about your property assessment or the procedures for Grievance Day, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 695-3644, ext.312 or ext 321. If you would like a copy of the updated booklet “How to File a Review of Your Assess-ment?”, the Assessor’s Office has a few copies or you may go to the following website: http://www.orps.state.ny.us/pamphlet/complain/howtofile/index.htm. Memorial Day Parade The American Legion Old Saratoga Post #278 in Schuylerville will sponsor the annual Memorial Day parade to be held on Monday, May 25th. A program will be con-ducted in the Legion Parking lot beginning at 9:00 am and the parade will start immediately thereafter at the American Legion and will travel down Clancy Street, East on Bur-goyne Street and end up at the bandstand in the village park next to Fish Creek. The program and ceremony will honor all the heroes who have served their nation and have ultimately made the supreme sacrifice.
Free Fishing Weekend June 27-28, 2015
During the last weekend in June, anyone can fish the fresh or marine waters of New York State and no license is required!
Ideas for Free Fishing Weekend Try fishing for the first time. Haven't fished in a while? Remember the joy of catch-
ing a fish again for free! Become an ambassador to the sport; take a friend fish-
ing for the first time. Invite a friend to New York to fish. Take a spouse or significant other fishing. Take the family fishing...and don't forget the
grandparents
Do You Have a Piece of Saratoga Lake History?
The Board is in the process of consolidating all of the SLA records and documents into one location. Materials have been unearthed everywhere — not just at Town Hall, but in basements, garages, storage rooms, etc., of former board members. If you are in possession of any documents per-taining to SLA, would you please contact Board Member Bob Eastman at [email protected]. He will make arrangements to collect them.
Saratoga Springs Centennial Celebration events are still evolving and growing. To keep up to date on events, why not bookmark their site at: http://www.saratoga.com./aboutsaratoga/centennial/events.
Favorite Aphorisms The nicest thing about the future is that it always
starts tomorrow; Stroke a cat and you will have a permanent job; There are no new sins; the old ones just get more
publicity;
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SLPID on Weeds From Cristina Connolly, SLPID Commissioner for
the City of Saratoga Springs Aquatic lake weed and shoreline plants are very im-portant to the health and positive growth of Saratoga Lake . It is not healthy for a lake to be void of lake weeds. However, non-native aquatic plants, animals, and microorganisms are serious threats to Saratoga lake. These organisms are transported outside of their domestic homes typically by human activity. These non-natives are also known as invasive species. Invasive species typically do not have enemies in their new habitat and can be a threat to the economy, environment, and human health. It is estimated that aquatic invasive species cost economies over a billion dollars per year. Aquatic invasive species are transported inadvertently by boat, motorized and non-motorized, life vests, paddles, tubes, etc. From other bodies of water. Some are so small, they are not visible to the eye. With the new law coming into effect this year clean, drain and dry can not be stressed too much on lake users. Shore line owners should also be responsible for planting native plant species on their properties and creating a natu-ral soft landscape with a gentle slope, imitating nature. Con-crete patios and foundations have a negative impact on the environment and the eye. They can cause a multitude of detrimental factors with runoff, contamination and pushing out natural habitats. A healthy foundation for plant communities creates a healthy community for many other natural native species that belong on Saratoga Lake — ducks, geese, song birds, turtles, frogs muskrats, snakes, and many important native fish. When launching boats, kayaks, canoes and docks. Please clean, drain, dry. Do not dispose leftover bait/worms in the lake. When landscaping properties use native plants, soft, sloping landscapes. Do not throw grassy clippings or weeds into the lake for easy disposal. When clearing weeds around your dock, do not leave any to float, clean them up and dispose of properly. Remember, the lake is shared with hundreds of other aquatic and non aquatic plants and ani-mals. They should not be looked at as a nuisance but appre-ciated. This spring and summer you will be seeing the lake stewards and the weed harvesting crew working hard to educate and to help stop the spread of invasive species on Saratoga Lake. Saratoga Lake Protection and Improve-ment District has done a tremendous job in the past years with this and has many more future plans for the health of the lake. Please remember when you see the harvesting crew and the stewards, they are here for the health of our environment which in turn is your health as well.
Turtle mating season is here.
You may see turtles coming up onto your shoreline or even crossing roads. The turtles that you see are very important to our eco-system. If you see them on your property, they are most likely laying their eggs. Let
them be. They will not be long then they will go right back where they came from. Did you know that a turtles shell helps them to survive. It is not only a protective area, it helps them to swim and a highly complicated area of their bodies for protection of their organs and contains blood and nerves. Never ever paint a turtles shell! Underneath that shell, their internal organs feel and suffocate. Turtle shell, in the wild, is used as protection, this is why most of them have dark color as a camouflage to the predator, by painting it the turtle becomes so radiant and an easy target for the predator. Paint is made of chemi-cals and the shell can easily absorb it. Most importantly, the paint will block UV from the sun…turtles need UV to grow their shell and their bones, UV makes turtles stronger and healthier. Imagine the suf-fering! NEVER PAINT A TURTLE for whatever reason you have! Did you know the snapping turtle is the new York state reptile. http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/new-york/state-reptile/snapping-turtle The mud species is the rarest species in New York http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7152.html
(submitted by Cristina Connolly, SLPID Commissioner for the City of Saratoga Springs.)
6
Some of the attendees at the May 9th Boating Safety Course, held at DiDonna’s, and sponsored by Martin, Harding, and Mazzotti, listen intently to the instructor. Photo by Bob Eastman.
A Rendering of Waterfront Park
7
Correction Correction Correction
In the last edition of Shore Lines, we reported that Martin Harding and Mazzotti was the sponsor of Paddlefest, when in fact they sponsored the boater safety course. The Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company sponsored Paddlesfest.
http://licensecenter.ny.gov/sporting-and-recreational-licenses
http://www.saratogian.com/arts-and-entertainment/20150510/new-summer-art-series-coming-to-saratoga-springs
Presentation of “Flapper” at Malta Community Center
The Town of Malta Spotlighter's Theatre Troupe presents FLAPPER - A Madcap
Musical Comedy Tribute to 1920's. Directed by Elyse Young Performance dates: Saturday, June 6, 2 pm & 7pm Sunday, June 7, 2 pm LOCATION: The Malta Community Center 1 Bayberry Drive $10 Advanced Tickets $12 Door Tickets $50 Gold Sponsors (includes 2 reserved seats)
http://www.saratogian.com/general-news/20120513/rowing-saratoga-claims-13-gold-medals-at-the-state-
championship-regatta
http://www.saratogian.com/general-news/20120513/rowing-saratoga-claims-13-go
http://tablet.olivesoftware.com/Olive/Tablet/AlbanyTimesUnion/Default.aspx
Spotlight on News
Saratoga Battlefield Events Birding and Nature Walks June 13 and 20 10-11:30 a.m. Join park naturalist Linda White by the flag pole at the visitor center parking long to see blooming flowers, plants, and migratory birds. Please bring water and insect repellent and wear sturdy shoes. Cancelled if raining. Children’s Program Series July 1, 8, 15, 22 Visitor Center Children will learn about the lives of youngsters in 18th century America. Evening Bike Tours July 1, 15, 29 Meet by the flag pole at the visitor center for a gentle 5-mile ride and enjoy stories from the past. Please bring your bike, water, and insect repellent. Helmets required. Cancelled if rain.
SRA boathouse earns precious medals at Stotesbury
What is the difference between the Saratoga Lake Association and the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District?
The SLA is a not-for-profit corporation. Its purposes are to pro-mote and enhance the health, safety, sanitation, ecology, recrea-tion and environmental quality of the Saratoga Lake area through education, charitable contributions and environmental action. SLA's sole source of funding is from membership dues and tax deductible charitable contributions. SLA's Board of Directors is elected during its annual meeting by the membership. SLPID, on the other hand, is a governmental agency charged with the maintenance of Saratoga Lake's water quality. Responsi-bility for water quality not only includes foreign matter in the lake's water, but also includes the control of invasive weeds and regulation of lake water levels in an advisory capacity. SLPID works in conjunction with other governmental agencies such as the Department of Environmental Conservation and the munici-palities bordering the lake. SLPID's main source of revenue is from a special tax assessment imposed on property owners in the vicinity of Saratoga Lake. SLPID is controlled by five Commis-sioners. There is a commissioner representing each of the four municipalities bordering Saratoga Lake and one "at large" com-missioner that may be from any municipality bordering the lake. Commissioners are elected at the annual SLPID business meet-ing, held concurrently with the SLA Annual Meeting. Appoint-ment of Commissioners is officially approved by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. Visit their website at www.slpid.org.
8
fundraiser brunch at Buckley Farm in Ballston benefiting the conservation of farmland
Join us in the barn at the Wm. H. Buckley Farm on Sunday, June 7 at 10:00AM to: SUPPORT the conservation of our vital working farms, like the Buckley Farm. TASTE the local flavor of area farms over brunch: scrambled eggs, sausage, corned beef hash, sauteed greens, Smith's Orchard pie, apple cider, and fresh coffee. LEARN about the interdependent relationship of agricultural businesses and land conservation from owner Mark Sacco. TOUR the Buckley Farm to explore its restoration, animals, cafe and butch-er shop, and event facilities. HEAR from guest speak Richard Ball, Commissioner of NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets. SEE conservation in action. Owners Mark and Beth Sacco are currently working with Saratoga PLAN to conserve this historic farm for generations to come! Cost $40 per individual, $10 kids under age of ten. Kindly register by May 29th to Emily at 587-5554 or [email protected]. ############################################################
Feast of the Fields save the date: September 17, 2015
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volunteers needed Lend a hand and spread your love of the land. Friday, June 5 and Monday, June 8 volunteers with trucks needed to help transport tables and chairs to/from the Buckley Farm in Ballston. Sunday, June 7 8:00 am - 2:00 pm volunteers needed for the Buckley Farm Fundraiser Brunch to help with parking, registration and greeting, brunch. Sunday, June 21 volunteers needed for Sundae on the Farm. Every extra hand and each minute spent volunteering makes an incredible differ-ence! Click here to contact Emily to sign up for one of these volunteer opportunities.
paddle while you work to help keep the blue trails usable On National Trails Day - June 6th, 2015 at 9:00 AM (meeting at Lake Lonely Boat Livery) Saratoga PLAN and the Lake Lone-ly Improvement Association will host a hand-harvesting work day on Lake Lonely to control the invasive aquatic plant water chestnut (Trapa natans). Water chestnut is an aquatic invasive plant that forms dense floating mats that can negatively impact the environment, economy, and recrea-tional use of the area. The inch wide seeds grow under water and have four extremely sharp points, which can inflict injuries to swimmers and recreators. Click here to contact Devin for more in-formation.
Saratoga Plan
Sundae on the Farm
Saratoga County's 20th Annual Sundae on the Farm is on June 21st. Con-tinue your Father's Day tradition, or start a new one, by joining us at Noon in the Town of Charlton at Smith Bros. Dairy Farm and Orchard Bake Shop. Click here for more information.
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News from Arvin Hart The Arvin Hart Fire Company appreciates the returns from the fund drive so far. We certainly appreciate the generosity of the residents who have returned a donation. It was an interesting weekend with another response to an accident as a result of a DWI, this time on Luther Road. There have been several lately. While the driver was lucky to have been uninjured the result was the severing of a utility pole with a transformer which caused a minor elec-trical explosion. The negative outcome was a resident who walked to the road in the dark to see what had happened, with high tension wires on the ground the resident stepped on the line before we could say any-thing, fortunately the power was dead which is not always the case, we always assume the line is still live until the utility declares it safe. When on the scene of an accident please be aware of your surroundings, do not approach the scene without checking with response personnel due to the hazards that may be present. This resident was fortunate the outcome was not a subsequent fatality due to electrocution. Wires have been known to come in contact with other normally non high voltage lines or even fences or guiderails; electri-cally charging them.
Hazardous materials could also be present and we demand that there is no smoking within a work zone of any accident. We also were introduced to one of the local residents who took great interest in our heavy res-cue vehicle. While we waited for National Grid to arrive, we were able to show the residents the apparatus and the equip-ment it carries, they also provided the firefighters on the scene with cold ice tea and lemonade which we appreci-ated. We are proud of being volunteers and having the equipment that we have and being able to positively in-teract with our residents. We asked if they would like to join, but only got a smile. We need new members to carry on our traditions and service; our ranks are getting thin and aging as are the ranks of many volunteer organizations. As with many volunteer fire departments, if we don't get new members the cost of supplementing volunteer resources with paid staff will greatly increase taxes. While we understand that being a volunteer firefighter is a major commitment for training and takes dedication, it's both demanding and rewarding. Visit our web page at www.arvinhart.org to obtain more information. (submitted by Tom Rinaldi, Commissioner Stillwater Fire Dist/Arvin Hart Fire Company)
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A Look Back
The steamboat Alice (left) used to carry passengers from the White Sulphur Springs Hotel across the lake to Kaydeross Park (right).
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EXTREME HEAT
As we approach summer and sometimes sweltering heat, it is advisable to take care with your children, yourselves
and your pets. Heat kills by pushing the body be-yond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat. Conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses in-clude stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quali-ty. Consequently, people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas. Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night, which can produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the "urban heat island effect." A heat wave is an extended period of extreme heat, and is often accompanied by high humidity. These condi-tions can be dangerous and even life-threatening for hu-mans who don't take the proper precautions. Preparedness Activities To prepare for extreme heat, you should: build an emergency kitand make a family communica-
tions plan. Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if
necessary. Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation. Install temporary window reflectors (for use between
windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in. Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon
sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
Keep storm windows up all year. Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of
upcoming temperature changes. Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly,
young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.
Response Activities Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates
from the National Weather Service (NWS). Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to
the sun. Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air condi-
tioning is not available. Postpone outdoor games and activities. Consider spending the warmest part of the day in pub-
lic buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circu-lating air can cool the body by increasing the perspira-tion rate of evaporation.
Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Drink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored
clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
Avoid extreme temperature changes. Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they
are not suffering from the heat. Go to a designated pub-lic shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
Tom Rinaldi, Chair Stillwater Emergency Planning Committee [email protected] 518.944.5263
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