Home-GWL

Nov 17, 2025

This Week in Our Little Lake Village – from Mayor Howley

As we move further into November and the holiday season begins to take shape around us, I want to take a moment to reflect on the events that have shaped our community, share some important village updates, and highlight opportunities for all of us to stay engaged in Greenwood Lake’s future.

This past week marked the one-year anniversary of the Jennings Creek fire, a tragic event that deeply affected our village. I ask everyone to pause and remember Dariel Vasquez, who lost his life heroically protecting our community. His bravery, professionalism, and dedication will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful to Dariel and to all of our first responders—firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and dispatchers—who continue to serve Greenwood Lake with unwavering courage and commitment. Their service is the backbone of our community’s safety, and we thank them wholeheartedly.

As fall winds down, please note a few important seasonal reminders. The final curbside leaf pickup will be on Wednesday, November 26th. If you still have leaves or yard waste after that date, the last opportunity for drop-off at the Greenwood Lake DPW—located at 70 Elm Street—is Saturday, December 13th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This service is available to village residents only, and contractors are not permitted. Thank you for helping us keep the village looking clean and ready for the winter months.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Elijah McGee of Troop 121 for completing an outstanding Eagle Scout Project. Elijah’s new community bulletin board and kiosk at Ben Winstanley Park will serve residents and visitors alike by providing an accessible, central place for community updates and announcements. Projects like these showcase the positive impact our young residents are making and the strong civic spirit within our village.

On a festive note, we are gearing up for our annual Holiday Festival, which will take place on Saturday, November 29th, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This beloved event will feature food, a variety of vendors, craft booths, carriage rides, and a warm, family-friendly holiday atmosphere throughout the day. We’ll end the evening with local performances followed by the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting, a moment that always brings our community together. Vendor spots and sponsorship opportunities are still available—if you or your business would like to participate, please visit our website or Facebook page for information and registration details.

In addition, our Lighted House Contest is back! This is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer and brighten up the village. The deadline to register is December 12th. Judging will take place on December 15, 2025, and winners will be announced on December 22, 2025. All registered homes will be marked on our Self-Guided Lighted Home Tour Map, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a festive tour throughout the season. You can register and find more information on our website or Facebook page.

I’m also pleased to share that progress continues on our Comprehensive Plan, an important initiative that shapes the long-term vision of Greenwood Lake. Community participation is essential, and we want to hear from you. Our Comprehensive Plan Survey is available right on the homepage of our village website. Please take a few minutes to complete it—your feedback will directly influence the future of our parks, neighborhoods, infrastructure, and overall community development. Additionally, we will be holding the first public hearing on Thursday, December 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Greenwood Lake Elementary School. I strongly encourage residents to attend, ask questions, and share their perspectives.

Lastly, as we approach the holiday season—a time of generosity and gratitude—please consider supporting the Greenwood Lake Food Pantry. Donations are greatly needed this time of year, and your support ensures that local families have what they need during the holidays.

Thank you for your continued involvement in our community and for helping make Greenwood Lake a wonderful place to live. I wish everyone a safe, warm, and peaceful week ahead.

See you around town,
– Mayor Tom Howley