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This year’s Oktoberfest at Bear Mountain mixed time-honored traditions with exciting new additions! Here’s a quick peek at what made this year’s celebration unforgettable:
New Thrills: Axe throwing was a huge hit, pulling in guests of all ages.
Family Fun: Face painting, henna tattoos, and a bouncy house kept kids entertained.
Traditional Favorites: The Stein Holding Contest made a return—where only the strongest prevailed!
Foodie Heaven: From kettle corn and empanadas to a customizable Waffle Station and Pierogi Trailer, there was something for every palate.
Special Moment: Guests had the chance to meet a retired World War II General, thanks to the Broken Swords Military Foundation’s fascinating displays.
Tasty Highlights
This year’s culinary lineup didn’t disappoint:
Waffle Station: Customize your own creation with chocolate, caramel, and vanilla ice cream.
Pierogi Trailer: Classic potato and cheese pierogis with warm sauerkraut and cheese sauce.
Wine Bar: Sip on fall favorites like Riesling and Pinot Noir.
German Sweets: Traditional apple strudel and pumpkin cheesecake—yum!
A massive thank-you to our team for bringing Oktoberfest to life! Your hard work made this event a smash hit.
What’s Next at Bear Mountain?
Get ready for more seasonal magic!
Winterfest 2025: A “Winter Wonderland” featuring live ice and wood carving, a Chowder & Chili Station, and roaming winter characters. We’re even exploring the possibility of horse-drawn sleigh rides!
Food Truck Fridays (Spring 2025): 5-7 food trucks serving up mouth-watering options every Friday to kick off the warmer months.
Keep an eye out for more event details coming soon, including the return of Breakfast with Santa! Visit Bear Mountain’s events page to learn more about their upcoming events.
At The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, Housekeeping Week 2024 was a special time to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of the housekeeping and laundry teams. From creative treats to team-building activities, General Manager Jesse Askew and the entire lodge staff went above and beyond to make the week memorable for these essential team members.
A Week of Fun and Appreciation
The celebration kicked off on Sunday, September 8, with “Sundays are for Sundaes.” Housekeeping and laundry attendants enjoyed creating their own sundaes at a dedicated sundae bar, a sweet start to the week.
On Tuesday, September 10, the team was treated to a “Breakfast of Champions” from 8 to 9 a.m., featuring doughnuts, coffee, and pastries. The breakfast was an opportunity for team members to relax, enjoy, and bond over their morning treats.
The highlight of the week came on Thursday, September 12, when the housekeeping team was invited to a catered lunch from Wing Stop, hosted in the lodge’s Cypress Room. Following the lunch, an educational seminar with professionals from Logistics provided valuable insights into the lodge’s new housekeeping system. The team also received several lodge-branded items including a tumbler and lodge bag!
A Heartfelt Gesture from the Lodge Team
Throughout the week, the housekeeping team was greeted with a personalized thank-you sign, signed by all lodge team members, expressing appreciation for their hard work. This heartfelt gesture helped create a strong sense of community and appreciation within the team.
Housekeeping Week at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs was an awesome success, filled with fun, learning, and a strong sense of gratitude. It was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the team that plays a vital role in making every guest’s stay memorable.
In a remarkable display of quick thinking and bravery, Cole Murphy, Natick Site Manager, and Maddie Olstein, Shift Supervisor, team members at the Massachusetts Boathouse in Cochituate State Park, recently helped save a bystander from drowning at the state park beach. Their decisive actions proved crucial in the life-threatening situation.
On July 22, 2024, at 1:00 pm EST, a near-drowning incident unfolded at the state park beach where Guest Services operates. A bystander urgently ran to the boathouse, shouting that someone was drowning. Without hesitation, Cole and Maddie rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the victim lying motionless at the water’s edge, with bystanders already attempting CPR. Cole immediately assessed the situation and provided guidance on performing more effective CPR. “She was still unconscious, going in and out of states of breathing and not breathing,” Cole recalled. Maddie, a trained lifeguard with experience in health care, worked to maintain the victim’s airway and ensure she remained stable until paramedics arrived.
Cole and Maddie’s swift response was instrumental in stabilizing the victim. Cole noticed that the bystanders had not administered rescue breaths and urged them to do so, leading to the victim spitting up water and beginning to breathe faintly. Meanwhile, Maddie ensured the victim was kept on her side, performing sternal rubs to stimulate her body. “We just tried to keep her breathing, keep her conscious,” Maddie explained. Despite the stressful environment and the challenges they faced, their training allowed them to remain calm and focused.
Building a Culture of Safety Through Proactive Leadership
The life-saving actions of Cole and Maddie underscore the critical role that proper training plays in emergency situations. Their preparedness, in addition to Maddie’s background in healthcare, was greatly influenced by the CPR program implemented by CJ Brenner, Operations Manager, who teaches the American Red Cross First Aid, AED, and CPR Class for Adults and Pediatrics. CJ says, “We strive for 100% compliance, so all staff are trained and ready to help.”
The class uses blended learning, first requiring team members to complete a 3-hour online course that involves training videos, quizzes, and scenarios. Then, they complete the in-person Skills Assessment with CJ which involves reviewing videos, going through slides, and practicing the skills on mannequins. Then, they complete the in-person Skills Assessment.
“It’s a need-to-know thing if you work near bodies of water, especially in a place like this. The CPR training we received was thorough and really prepared us for situations like this. Without it, the outcome could have been very different,” Cole remarked, reflecting on the training he received.
A class of Guest Services team members learning CPR.
How Other Managers Can Learn From This Experience
How do Massachusetts Boathouse teams prepare for disaster or emergency events?
“Our team prepares through regular training, strict safety protocols, and clear communication,” says Ben Schanzer, Operations Manager. This includes CPR, First Aid, and Water Emergency Response training, plus debriefing after incidents to improve future responses.
Any recommendations for other managers?
“Regularly update and refresh staff training,” Ben advises. He also emphasizes:
Supporting staff after critical incidents.
Fostering a culture of safety by reviewing protocols, reporting hazards, and encouraging discussions.
“Prioritizing safety helps protect our guests and staff while reducing emergency risks,” Ben concludes.
Thank you, Massachusetts Boathouse Teams!
This near-drowning incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of ongoing CPR and emergency training for all staff at Massachusetts Boathouses. Our deepest appreciation goes out to the quick thinking and bravery of Cole and Maddie, and the support from CJ and Ben, a life was saved, highlighting the strength of a well-prepared and dedicated team.
