Friends and family gathered at Rip Van Winkle Lake in Tannersville on Saturday, May 17, to honor Jerry “Turtle” Meigs, who died in a tragic 2019 fire. The spring fundraiser marked the third of its kind and previewed the fifth annual Turtle Jam, set for Aug. 23.
“May 17 was our spring fundraising event, primarily focusing on the Jerald Meigs Scholarships and to promote and premiere the date of our annual community all-day festival,” said co-organizer Rose Santiago.
Founded by Meigs’ family, the scholarship awards $500 to Hunter-Tannersville Central School seniors pursuing music, art, trades, nursing, firefighting or law enforcement. The first awards were funded by the Meigs family; subsequent scholarships have been funded entirely through Turtle Jam.
“Jerry did not go to college,” said Kristin Meigs, Jerry’s wife. “But he was a woodworker, an artist, a musician, and he loved to cook.”
The scholarship was originally conceived as a fundraiser for a ladder truck for the Hunter Fire Department, after rescue efforts during the Scribner Hollow Motor Lodge fire were hindered by lack of access to Meigs’ third-floor balcony. When the cost proved prohibitive, the focus shifted to youth support.
“Jerry’s house fire was on the third floor,” Charlotte Meigs said previously. “It is my belief, and the belief of volunteers I had spoken to, that a ladder truck that day could have gotten him out.”
This year’s festival lineup includes local acts like Spin Cycle Lava and The Gabagooligans, who also performed at the spring event. Turtle Jam is known for blending local live music, food, games and vendors in a family-friendly setting, with a suggested donation of $25.
“Turtle Jam was started originally to bring the community together with music and fun and to celebrate in remembrance,” Santiago said.
A recent Facebook post thanked supporters: “Jerry loved this mountaintop, and to shake the grounds from which his heart once beat was a way to bring his spirit back. We were able to choose three winners for the scholarship this year! This is why we do this. This is why we’re here.”
Proceeds benefit the Jerald Meigs Memorial Scholarship, with funds raised year-round through volunteer-run merch and bake sales. “I am so proud that Jerry’s unique spirit lives on through music, rhythm, food, and community,” said Meigs.
This year marks the festival’s return to its original venue, Rip Van Winkle Lake, after two years at Fromer Market Gardens.
For details, visit Turtle Jam on Facebook or email info.turtlejam@gmail.com.
Max Oppen is a contributing journalist. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.
