Daily Archives: April 10, 2014

Push toward state-wide, mandated codes hit full swing around 1980…

Part two

When it was time to mandate a state-wide set of building and fire codes for New York State, the Department of State [DOS] and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control [OFPC] became actively involved.

They helped develop these codes and trained people to administer them.

The state building codes that were available, but not mandated, had been under the jurisdiction of DOS.

And certainly OFPC was actively involved with fire prevention and was held in high veneration across the state.  Continue reading →

Share Button

An open letter to rail corridor communities Rails-to-Trails: Conservancy’s mission highjacked by rail opponents

To the Editor:

Following is the text of a letter directed to the Honorable Patrick Toomey; 248 Russell Senate Office Building; Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Toomey:

Since you are a member of the Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development, I am writing to make you aware of a situation that is ongoing in the Adirondack region of New York state, where environmental activists have teamed up with the Rail Trail Conservancy to advocate removal of an active rail line from Old Forge to Lake Placid.

This is not in alignment with the mission and purpose of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, which receives operational funding from government grants and private donations.

Historically, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has been instrumental in preserving railroad corridors for future generations and transportation needs.  Continue reading →

Share Button

Seventh Lake: Early camps & the Seventh Lake House

—Part Three —

In order to acquire land before prices rose higher, James Galvin’s group purchased the 6,000-plus acre Munn tract, a rectangle that included the head of Fourth Lake, Fifth, Sixth, two thirds of Seventh Lake and a portion of Limekiln Lake’s shores.

The buyers then formed the Fulton Chain Club, a clone of the Adirondack League Club, and attempted to establish a preserve with similar rules.

However, this plan failed to attract members and agent James Galvin and his surveyors subdivided the lakes’ shorelines into camp lots to sell for camps.  Continue reading →

Share Button

Old Forge Fire Department to host Recruitment Open House

The Old Forge Fire Department will join fire departments across the state in hosting a Recruitment Open House on Sunday, April 27 to help increase awareness of their need for volunteers.

According to Old Forge Fire Chief Charlie Bogardus, his department is suffering from the same dwindling numbers of volunteers as being experienced by departments both locally and statewide.

“We are in dire need of new recruits in all aspects of the department, from fire and EMS personnel, to drivers, junior firefighters and even the ladies auxiliary,” Bogardus said. Continue reading →

Share Button

Walking in their shoes: Taking step back in regional history

While I was growing up I had many pairs of sneakers, boots and good old “get outdoors” footwear, along with some that I was not supposed to wear tramping around in the woods.

My favorites were a pair of black canvas Pro Keds—the perfect footwear for an eight year old boy to get dirty, wet and stinky.

They hosed off easily and  didn’t show too much of where I had been on a particular day’s journey. Continue reading →

Share Button

Harsh winter season could affect various invasive species

We had a safe trip to Sanibel Island, FL where there is no snow…just fun, sand and sun. On our way down we didn’t see any trees in flower until North Carolina where the red bud and dogwoods were out.

Red-Shouldered Hawk

Red-Shouldered Hawk

Not much leaf growth until we were in South Carolina so I guess everyone, not just us, had a harder winter than normal.

It seems nice to put on the sneakers rather than the snowshoes to get around.

The morning we left there was a song sparrow at the feeder, a mourning dove singing not far away and a flock of redwings and grackles under the feeder.  Continue reading →

Share Button

What kinds of medical expenses are deductible when filing return?

Should I take the standard deduction or should I itemize?

First let’s define both terms.

The standard deduction is a dollar amount that non-itemizers (most taxpayers) may subtract from their income and is based upon filing status. The 2013 standard deduction for married couples filing jointly is $12,200, for singles and married individuals filing separately the amount is $6,100 and $8,950 for heads of household. Additional amounts are available for persons who are blind and/or are at least 65 years of age. Continue reading →

Share Button