Well, here we are almost at the end of the year. While major media outlets are recapping national events of 2025, I like to move into the new year by taking one last look back at what I consider the top 2025 “news” story of Huletts Landing from the past year.
A lot happened. Our Congresswoman was nominated to be Ambassador to the United Nations, then decided to run for Governor, then suspended her campaign and announced her retirement from Congress at the end of this term. Locally, we had a former Supervisor, who had previously resigned, win a write-in campaign to return to his former office in 2026. Both Washington County and Dresden voted to override the tax cap and proceed to increase spending and taxes. All of these stories were quite unique and worth highlighting.
Sewer District # 1 saw major improvements. The long-awaited Foster Brook pipe burial project was completed near the end of 2025 with assistance from grants from the Lake George Park Commission and the Lake George Association. The Lake George Park Commission also installed test wells around the perimeter of the leach fields to assist with monitoring. The Town also placed a new shed to house the district equipment along County Route 6. Many septic tanks were upgraded around the Landing to comply with new LGPC rules.
However, in my opinion, one story that stood out the most in 2025 was the 125th anniversary celebration held on August 15th in honor of the Catholic Chapel of the Assumption. It was one of the biggest celebrations that has occurred in Huletts in years. It was celebrated on the feast of the Assumption.
The Most Reverend Edward B. Scharfenberger, Bishop of Albany, is seen here in the Huetts Casino addressing the large crowd that came to celebrate the Chapel of the Assumptions’ 125th year anniversary.
The Most Reverend Edward B. Scharfenberger, Bishop of Albany, was the main celebrant at the Mass and stayed for the dinner afterwards at the Huletts Casino. Parochial Vicar, Fr. Zachariah Chichester, also concelebrated the Mass and drew the winning raffle tickets at the dinner. All monies raised benefited the Chapel’s Capital Improvement Fund. The chapel’s exterior was repainted in 2025, and now really shines.
Many people put in a lot of work to make this event happen, but for me it signifies something far greater. Huletts, ultimately, is about faith and family, a place to go to recharge away from the outside world. It’s about the memories that we all have created here. So many people who have gone before us – worked so hard to create its special ambience – and the two chapels are a big part of that.
I’ve told this story to many, but it’s worth repeating again. Henry W. Buckell donated the land for both chapels in response to the number of tourists who would only vacation in Huletts if there were churches here. The desire for spiritual growth and community arose organically from people who would not come to Huletts otherwise.
I think that is the most important point – both chapels have always been sustained by the vibrant faith communities alive in Huletts. I envision this as a celebration of the faith life of the entire community.
Many thanks to all those who worked tirelessly to make the 125 year celebration a success. This includes people who donated raffle items and those who sold and purchased tickets. Also, we must remember all those who have gone before us, who worked to keep the doors of both chapels open.
May both of our beautiful Hulett chapels always be an inspiration to those who visit Huletts Landing.
Keep hope alive. Onto 2026!