The Glens Falls City Park Gazebo Decorated for the Pride festival
Lower Adirondack PRIDE kicked off Pride Month with a celebration in Glens Falls City Park last Sunday, and the festivities are expected to continue! This event was attended by over 500 people, and included a drag show, story-time for kids, and speeches by local officials.
The vice president of hospital and community engagement for Glens Falls Hospital, Ray Agnew, was on hand to say a few words: “We are there to provide access to healthcare regardless of who you are, regardless of who you love, regardless of the way you were born, or regardless of the way you were born and now you identify as somebody else,” Agnew said.
Also in attendance were Glens Falls’ Third Ward councilwoman Diana Palmer, 113th District assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, and representatives for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Hudson Headwaters, Southern Adirondack Independent Living, and Alliance for Positive Health.
The event was both celebratory and somber… There was a moment of silence for those who have suffered in silence, who had not been able to express their true identities, as well as a silent march around the block of city park for those who lost their lives or loved ones who felt they could never be themselves. This was followed by a walk filled with cheers and chanting for the LGBTQ+ community to have their voices heard! The celebration continued with a drag show, to highlight that drag shows are under attack throughout the country. Six drag queens and a drag king performed.
Pride events will continue throughout the month – on June 16th, at the Charles R. Wood Theater, there will be a Pride & Paint Event led by artist Shelley Fairbanks. Admission is $20.00, which includes supplies, and the proceeds after the cost of supplies will be shared between the Wood Theater and Lower Adirondack Pride to support their mission. Doors open at 6:30 PM to grab a seat and mingle; painting will begin at 7:00 PM. This is a family-friendly, non-alcoholic event, and all are welcome.
Just looking out your window these days you can tell that the air quality has recently been affected by the wildfires in Canada… Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is creating unhealthy air for much of New York State. The wildfires have burned over 9.3-million acres of land across Canada. The state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said during a press conference on Tuesday: “The sky is hazy, visibility is terrible, and you can smell the smoke in the air.” And he was correct.
On Wednesday, due to the ever worsening conditions, Commissioner Seggos and State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an unhealthy air quality health advisory for all regions of the state, except for the upper Adirondacks. The pollutants in the air are measured by the Air Quality Index – a scale that ranges from 0 to more than 300, and is used for reporting daily air quality. This index tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health risks that you should be concerned about… The pollutants that are monitored include ozone, fine particles, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, methane/non-methane hydrocarbons and meteorological data. These advisories are issued when the air quality index measures more than 100 parts per million of pollutants in the air… And, as of this morning, Queensbury had an AQI of 108, which means that the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Having this poor air can be “hazardous to anyone” the National Weather Service warned. Being exposed to pollutants at the current levels can cause headaches, difficulty breathing, irritated eyes, and asthma… This is especially the case for the elderly, and children who are immunocompromised.
The Canadian wildfire season runs from May through October, with Canada on track to have its most destructive wildfire season in history. These fires are driven by extreme temperatures and droughts.
Senator Chuck Schumer on the floor of the Senate said on Wednesday: “These Canadian wildfires are truly unprecedented, and we cannot ignore that climate change continues to make these disasters worse. Warmer temperatures and severe droughts mean forests burn faster, burn hotter and burn bigger, and the warming is happening at a faster pace in countries with higher latitudes… None of this is coincidence,” Senator Schumer said.
President Biden said in a tweet: “We’ve deployed more than 600 U.S. firefighters, support personnel, and equipment to support Canada as they respond to record wildfires-events that are intensifying because of the climate crisis.”
Wildfires generally begin with human activity or with lightning strikes, and data shows that climate change has contributed to creating environments where these fires can thrive… The province of Québec, for instance, has experienced record high heat and dry drought conditions throughout the year.
The smoke is expected to clear when the weather pattern shifts, which is expected over the weekend, but the thick smoke and pollutants from the Canadian wildfires are still expected to last at least through Saturday.
Looking to work in sales? Are you self motivated and a team player? Five Tower Media has just the job for you! Five Towers Media is looking for new talent to expand their sales team with a new Junior Sales Associate position.
As a Junior Sales Associate, you will be able to fulfill your career goals and work in a supportive and fast-paced environment. Five Towers Media recognizes that to get the most from their employees, a flexible work environment is key, and offers the options of either working from home, at a desk in the office, or a hybrid of the two.
Five Tower Media is a full-service marketing company based out of Saratoga Springs, NY, and is looking for a self-motivated, disciplined individual, that can work both independently as well as part of a team. Compensation for this position is $15.00 an hour, with commission pay and mileage reimbursement.
The annual Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) June Arts Festival will be held June 17th & 18th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM… Rain or shine! This is the 52nd Annual June Arts Festival, and it will be held in Glens Falls City Park on Maple Street in Glens Falls.
This is a juried outdoor arts and crafts festival featuring over 100 artists and musicians! There will be jewelry, fine art, textiles, home & garden decor, ands even specialty foods.
LARAC’s mission is to enrich the quality of life in Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga County by supporting arts and culture. This nonprofit organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that works to support art and culture through sponsorship, networking, and providing art activities and services.
LARAC was founded in 1972 to unify the arts community and establish a cultural identity for the region. It supports local artists and local art traditions while cultivating the community vision of what art is, and how it enriches our lives.
Kyle and Randy Cozzens own and operate Evergreen Bicycle Works, which is located in the historic Fort Edward Train Station. Evergreen Bicycle Works is a full service bicycle shop offering new and used bicycles, gear, and apparel. They also offer maintenance and repair work, and bicycle rentals.
Evergreen Bicycles understands how quickly a kid can grow out of a bike, and that parents often purchase larger bicycles so that the child can grow into the bike… This can be both unsafe and unenjoyable for the rider. To save parents money and make the experience more enjoyable for the kids, Kyle and Randy created the Kid’s Bike Trade-Up Program.
This program helps to offset the cost of a new bike as the child grows, and makes bike riding fun and enjoyable for the kids. It’s open to bike riders under the age of 16 – parents can purchase any new qualifying kids’ bikes, and if the kid outgrows it within four years, Evergreen Bicycle works offers a trade-in-credit towards a new bike for the same child.
Due to wear and tear, a percentage of the total cost is used to cover necessary repairs. This program keeps kids on a safe, size-appropriate bike.
Have you been seeing and hearing more motorcycles lately? There’s a good reason for that – the 40th annual Americade in Lake George is taking place one week earlier this year! The event started May 30th, and is going on until June 4th. The opening celebration was on May 30th, the Expo started May 31st, and the Demos are starting June 1st.
This week-long festival also raises money for charities: Americade partners with Ride for Kids and the Wounded Warrior Program, and has helped raise $600,000 for these charities as well as local and regional charities.
When this event was started in 1983, it drew about 2,000 riders… Now, over 50,000 riders and passengers attend the Americade event in Lake George! This is the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally, and features events that include exhibits and vendors, fireworks, and parades. Americade is a boost to the local economy, bringing motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country.
For more information and a schedule of events, please visit americade.com
A handmade sign in front of 42 degrees on Glen Street reads, “Thank You So Much for all the love Goodbye 42”… 42 Degrees and 42 Degrees Tavern closed on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023.
Robin Barkenhagen started the business as an art gallery and glassware shop in December of 2009… The Pipe shop, owned by Barkenhagen and co-owners Jon King and Mike Chowske, moved into the 206 Glen Street location in 2019, having previously been located for a decade on the corner of Park and Elm.
42 Degrees opened a second location in Malta in 2021, and then added the tavern to the Glens Falls location – the tavern was on the second floor of the building, and offered live music, wine, and beer.
The store closure was announced on Facebook earlier this month. Barkenhagen wrote: “I tried my best to hang on, but ultimately failed… 42 Degrees and 42 Degrees Tavern will be closing at the end of May. I want to thank you all for making the last 13 years special, and the 2 at the tavern magical. Hang on to those memories, good, bad and ugly, it was one of the finest stretches of my long life. This is obviously posted with a heavy heart, I gave both places my all, but it just wasn’t good enough… I love you all…Peace.”
The New Journey’s Social Adult Day Program (SDP) is a division of Kee to Independent Growth Inc. and is located at 217 Dix Ave in Glens Falls. This program is a structured, social model day program serving seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and those in need of supervision, monitoring, and assistance with everyday tasks.
The services provided by this program are designed to improve or maintain socialization, community integration, skills, abilities, and interests to live as fully and independently as possible. The environment is fun, caring and supportive! This social program model fills a need in the community for both seniors and their families, and the hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and one Saturday a month.
New Journey’s Social Adult Day Program will be hosting an open house on Friday, June 16th, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The Glens Falls and Queensbury Memorial Day Parade this year was certainly an event to remember! Driving along Glen Street in the early morning hours, parade-goers had set out chairs to hold their spots along the parade route… An immense American Flag held by a large crane filled the sky above the Victory and Peace Monument in Crandall Park, and attendees streamed out of the tree line of Crandall park and walked across the field as the sun filled the sky on the perfect May morning! The Parade, which began on Maple Street, proceeded along Glen Street and finished at Crandall Park, where a remembrance ceremony took place in front of the Victory And Peace Monument.
The Grand marshals for the parade were Tim Benner, Harriet Rogers, and Mike Varmette, and the ceremony was hosted by John Strough – the Queensbury town Supervisor – and Glens Falls Mayor Bill Collins. Amy Collins – the Director of Tourism of the City of Glens Falls – was on hand for the parade, and was pleased with the turnout!
The 2023 theme for the remembrance ceremony was “Let’s Remember and Honor the Fallen”: “We deeply appreciate with all of our hearts and souls the fallen. For it was them who gave their lives, the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us could enjoy happiness and freedom,” John Strough said, before the moment of silence for men and women who had lost their lives.
The Queensbury High School band, with band director James Cirillo, were on hand for the ceremony and opened with “The Star Spangled Banner”. Jack Sweet – the New York State’s Boys State Citizen – read The Gettysburg Address.
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner highlighted the sacrifice of 14 Glens Falls natives who lost their lives in the Vietnam War: “2023 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the end of U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War… I would like to use my time today to reflect upon the sacrifices made by our local heroes during one of the most significant chapters in our nation’s history. 14 sons of the greater Glens Falls area put on the cloth of our nation, hugged their mothers and fathers, kissed their sweethearts, boarded the bus, and left their hometown to travel halfway around the world to defend their nation in Vietnam and never returned home… And they represented the very best of our community and our nation,” Assemblywoman Woerner said.
State Senator Dan Stec spoke at the ceremony as well: “It’s so important to remember that these young men and women were just that, young. Their whole lives in front of them, they had dreams, aspirations…They will never see their families again, never enjoy a picnic or parade again. Why? For the idea of what the United States of America is, what we all say we want. To leave the country better than we found it,” State Senator Stec said.
As the ceremony came to a close, the focus shifted to the next generation – the importance of Memorial Day to the next generation, and the value of their participation. This was highlighted with a poster contest and essay contest in both Queensbury and Glens Falls High Schools, and each of the winners of the essay contest were on hand to read their essays. The theme of the essay was the theme of the ceremony: “Let’s Remember and Honor the Fallen”.
The essay winner from Queensbury was Brianna Gay. She wrote her essay about the service of her grandfather Robert Gay, and the importance of working towards a courageous future… He served in the Vietnam War, and struggled with PTSD. Brianna highlighted that the sacrifice of the fallen allowed her grandfather and his family to live their lives today.
From Glens Falls High School, the essay winner was Daelen Nelson. Her essay highlighted how the phrase “Let’s remember and Honor the Fallen” evolves into something meaningful throughout a child’s life… Her essay expressed an empathy and understanding for the evolution of conscious thought in children. She conveyed the progression as a child grows and understands that the words have context and meaning that evoke feelings: “So now when we hear this phrase and recognize its true meaning, it’s no longer just a combination of words. It’s a feeling of grief, sorrow and loss for those brave soldiers that are no longer with us,” Daelen read from her essay.
The ceremony concluded with the three-rifle volley; the firing of three volleys over the grave of a fallen warrior, which has its origins in the old custom of halting the fighting to to remove the dead from the battle field. This was followed by the languid and melancholy sound of the bugle as a call to remember those who gave their lives in service to the United States… The 24 mournful notes commemorate the memory of the fallen.
Throughout the course of the 2022-2023 school year, Glens Falls School District (GFSD) has been diligently working to improve the security and safety of the students, staff, and teachers in the district.
The GFSD started off the school year with a lockout and a lockdown within the first weeks of school… On the first day of school, a student refused to leave the building during the back-to-school picnic. He had been escorted out of the building, and then returned and was let into the building by a fellow student who was unaware of the situation. When the student encountered the school’s hall monitor and principal, a BB-gun fell out of his backpack, triggering a lockout. The following week, a middle school student was seen with a toy replica gun, and both schools were put into a full lockdown. In each incident, the Glens Falls Police responded, and removed the student.
The two incidents made GFSD take both immediate steps and implement long term solutions to increase the safety of the school: on September 15th, 2022, single-point-of-entry protocols and backpack checks were put into place at Glens Falls High School and Middle School for each student. This new implementation created long lines, and resulted in missed academic time… To offset that disturbance to the classroom, the schools shifted to randomized bag checks and randomized locker checks throughout the day. Each building used an internal randomization system to prevent any unintentional bias towards any student.
As the year progressed, GFSD invested in state-of-the-art security upgrades to help keep the schools safe. The Raptor Visitor Management System was installed in all five of the Glens Falls School buildings… This system scans visitors’ drivers licenses when they enter the building, performs an instant sex-offender check, and verifies the visitor’s identity; this is all done before the individual is allowed to proceed into the school. This security check is performed in a secure vestibule in each of the schools.
Skye Heritage – the Glens Falls School District Communication Director – is well versed in the updated security measures that GFSD has taken throughout the school year… During a tour of the security systems, Skye explained how the systems worked: “This security technology is provided by Raptor Technologies… Each visitor has their license scanned and is given a badge. This badge has the visitor name and where in the building you are supposed to be. The Raptor system also has a constant record of who is in the building, so if we have a fire drill or an emergency, we have our student attendance records, and we also have the list of adults that are in the building from Raptor. That way, we can account for every single person in an emergency. People come and go, and we need to know who is in the building,” Skye said.
Another security upgrade is an advanced weapons detection system that each student walks through every morning to enter both the high school and middle school. This system has sensors that are designed to look for firearm components and shapes of weapons, and the alarms are not triggered by items like cell phones and keys: “We want to make the school as secure as possible and not have the process be overly invasive,” Skye said.
Skye Heritage and Officer Casertino demonstrate how ‘Evolve’ Works
The “Evolve” Advanced Walk Through Concealed Weapon Detection System is designed to allow 3,600 visitors to walk through an hour, without having to conduct pat downs or empty pockets… This technology can distinguish between personal items and weapons.
Officer John Norton and Officer Pete Casertino both help the kids navigate the system each morning: “In a nutshell, it’s not just a metal detector, it is looking for metal but it is also looking for shapes; edged weapon shapes, barrels of guns, and bomb components,” Officer Norton said. “In the role of ‘the greeter’ I decide who is going to be searched, because there are things in the bag that will set off the detector… The spines of a binder will set it off. We have the kids walk through with their binders out. So we have the kids walk through while holding their binder in front of them so we can see that the alert is centered on that item, not on something inside their backpack. The kids have been amazing and resilient. Getting through the first couple of days was hard for both us and the kids, but we have learned what sets it off and the kids have been amazing,” Officer Norton said.
The upgrades in security coincide with an upgrade to parent and staff communications as well: “When students need to be evacuated to an alternate location, reunification for parent pick-up is based on registration data to make sure the correct kids go with the correct adults… The reunification site is not public knowledge for safety reasons. We don’t advertise that information in advance, because there is a concern that the location could be a secondary target… If we ever need to use it, our communication plan is designed to inform parents and guardians by text message, email, and phone call with the specific details of where to go and what to do. The communications are translated into the recipient’s home language,” Skye Heritage said.
Officer Norton has worked as School Resource Officer since 2018, and Officer Casertino was added in January of 2023. Since then, they have also added Rebecca Lowery, who is a security staff member, not uniformed law enforcement.
Kevin Warren – Principal of Glens Falls High School – explained the importance of the different responsibilities of the resource officers and school staff: “Helping with bag checks, de-escalation, relationship building and connection… We can do a lot of these physical security items, but it’s really about knowing the kids and building relationships. These are preventive things that are multi-faceted,” he said.
The security upgrades will continue, and are evolving to improve emergency communications outside the building – both Officer Norton and Officer Casertino are working with law enforcement and emergency services to increase reliable radio transmissions across emergency responder units: “There are some areas in the building where the emergency radios don’t work as well as we would like. We communicate with the Warren County Sheriff, Glens Falls Police and NewYork State Police and the Fire Department… We have had troopers walk around the building to check the signals, and see where the signal needs to be boosted for radios system and cell phones. The worst feeling is when you call dispatch and hear ‘Repeat, I couldn’t hear you,’ (So) we need a clear and loud transmission… In that situation, time is of the essence and transmitting the communications is key. The GFPD has an amazing response time; it’s within seconds, which is amazing,” Officer Casertino said.
Both Officer Norton and Officer Casertino conveyed how responsive and helpful the students have been during the increase to security: “The students have been phenomenal; they understand that it’s for their overall safety,” Officer Norton said.
The district also takes the safety and security of the elementary schools into consideration – both the School Resource Officers and additional Glens Falls Police and New York State Troopers randomly visit the elementary schools and perform walkthroughs.
This helps the officers become more familiar with the schools as well as increases security. The school resource officers have worked to bring different branches of law enforcement through the schools to help make them familiar with the schools as well… Having each level of law enforcement working together can help in an emergency situation.
The security upgrades have been made in the classrooms as well – there is now a blind system in place on the classroom doors’ windows, and with a quick pull, it can prevent someone from looking into the classroom. As part of the new protocol, when a lockdown is called the shades are pulled. Principal Warren was integral in getting those for each of the classrooms: “The teachers used to have to find something to block the window and now we have these installed. The consistency alone acts as a deterrent. These upgrades have involved every department in the school from technology to maintenance – our support staff has been amazing,” Officer Casertino said.
GFSD has made considerable changes and upgrades to improve safety and security for every member of the school community… Through increased personnel, backpack checks, and expanded technology systems. Another new security measure allows any adult in the building to initiate an immediate lockdown by dialing a code from a classroom landline phone… Although there have been two false alarms, the upgrade in security remains essential for the safety of the school… And the secret code has been changed.
Student ID cards have been given to all middle school and high school students, with the expectation that all students wear them in the building. These photo IDs also have a barcode that students scan if they arrive late in the morning, or want to obtain a hall pass to move around the building between classes.
GFSD has worked to make substantial improvements to security for the student, teacher, staff and community. These improvements have been far-reaching, elaborate, and have been implemented swiftly, with the security of the school as the top priority.
