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November 19, 2024

Jennings Creek Wildfire: A Community United in Adversity

As flames from the Sterling Forest Fire swept through our beloved town of Warwick and the Village of Greenwood Lake, the resilience and unity of our community have shone through during these trying times. The Jennings Creek Wildfire, part of the broader blaze, has tested our strength but has also showcased the very best of our local spirit.

A Grateful Salute to Our Heroes

We owe an immense debt of gratitude to the firefighters who have bravely battled this blaze. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) Forest Rangers have been at the forefront of the suppression efforts, showing incredible skill and dedication. They were joined by firefighters from various state agencies, volunteer fire companies, and even teams from as far away as Montana. Their combined efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary.

The New York Air National Guard has also played a vital role, conducting crucial bucket drops to suppress the spread of the fire. These efforts, coordinated seamlessly by the Orange County Emergency Management team, have kept our community safe. Their professionalism and expertise have been indispensable during this operation.

A special thank you goes out to the Greenwood Lake Fire Department, whose leadership has been exemplary throughout this complex and evolving situation. Their swift response and tactical approach have undoubtedly helped prevent further devastation. The Greenwood Lake Ambulance Corps was also on scene, ready to handle any emergencies, proving once again why they are such a valued part of our community.

Saturday night saw voluntary evacuations in parts of Greenwood Lake and Warwick—a decision made to facilitate the emergency efforts and prevent further wildfire spread. The cooperation of residents made this process smooth and orderly. Special thanks go to the Warwick and Greenwood Lake Police Departments, whose coordination, alongside neighboring law enforcement agencies, was vital in ensuring the safety of everyone involved. 

A Clap Out for Our Heroes

Saturday, November 16th, was a day of heartfelt appreciation as the community came together for a “Clap Out” event. This wonderful display of support was a moment of pride and solidarity, showing our firefighters and first responders just how much their tireless efforts mean to us. In true Laker spirit, the outpouring of love and gratitude was palpable.

Community Support in Full Force

The response from our local community has been nothing short of remarkable. Volunteers and local businesses stepped up immediately, providing essential support and meals to our firefighters and emergency personnel. From breakfast through dinner, our local restaurants ensured that no one went hungry, showcasing the deep sense of care and solidarity that defines us. If you want to continue showing your appreciation, make an effort to support these local businesses. They not only gave generously during the crisis but deserve our ongoing patronage for their selfless contributions.

Upcoming Village Events

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Village Board Meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the courthouse (47 Waterstone Rd). The meeting will include a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 120 of the Village Code (Zoning), focusing on site plan approval for alterations in designated protection areas. This will be followed by our regular workshop and general meeting.

And don’t miss the annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Ben Winstanley Park. Festivities begin at 12 p.m. until 6 p.m, with plenty of holiday cheer for everyone. Visit our website for details on vendor and sponsorship opportunities.

Stronger Together

In the face of adversity, our community has once again proven its strength and unity. The Jennings Creek Wildfire has been a stark reminder of the power of nature, but it has also highlighted the incredible resilience, kindness, and generosity that make Warwick and Greenwood Lake truly special places to live.

Thank you to every firefighter, first responder, volunteer, and local business who stepped up during this challenging time. Together, we have shown that no fire is stronger than the spirit of our community.

Tom Howley

Mayor

Village of Greenwood Lake

Attention Residents: Keep Your Garbage Secure – Bears in the Area!

Friendly reminder: With warmer weather approaching, bears are becoming more active in our community. To keep both you and the bears safe, it’s important to properly secure your garbage.

Here’s how you can help:

• Use bear-proof containers: If available in your area, invest in a sturdy, latching container specifically designed to keep bears out.
• Store trash indoors until disposal day: The closer garbage gets to collection day, the less attractive it becomes to bears. Don’t put your trash out the night before pickup.
• Double bag your garbage: This adds an extra layer of protection and makes it less appealing for bears to tear into.
• Clean up spills and messes: Food scraps and lingering odors can attract bears. Keep your garbage cans clean and disinfect them regularly.
• Compost food scraps: Consider composting food scraps instead of throwing them away. This reduces the amount of attractive food sources for bears.

Remember: A fed bear is a dangerous bear. By taking these simple precautions, we can help keep our community safe and discourage bears from relying on human food sources.

Thank you for your cooperation!