Workforce Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Glens Falls Business Report

Southern Adirondack Independent Living – SAIL Helps

Written by Kate Haggerty on May 10, 2023. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Workforce.

The mission of Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL) is to promote independence, equality, and dignity of people with disabilities in all aspects of personal and community life. SAIL provides core services including information services, referrals, peer services, independent living skills, advocacy and provides help with transitions into independent living situations.

Tyler Whitney is the Executive Director of SAIL, and works out of the Queensbury location, which has been located at 71 Glenwood Ave in Queensbury since 1998. The land for the facility was donated by a local family that had first-hand experience being helped by SAIL… SAIL helped a woman who had a memory disorder live independently. This inspired the family to donate the land to SAIL.

SAIL’s mission to “help people live more independently” is broad and basic for a reason… Having a broad mission enhances their ability to offer the expansive services that are needed in the community. In the last five years, SAIL has experienced a tremendous amount of growth, and currently runs 13 different grant programs out of the Queensbury location; these grants are federal, state, and local grants. Each grant adds services to the programs that are offered.

The equipment loan program, which is officially called the Technological Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID), is the most forward-facing program that SAIL offers. Every day, dozens of people come to the SAIL offices to borrow medical equipment – the equipment can be loaned out for 30 to 90 days. The people who borrow the equipment have the opportunity to try out the medical equipment at a time when they need it most… People who participate in this program have recently had surgery or an injury, and they need equipment to make their home accessible while they are healing. As part of the service, a specialist will help explain how to adjust and use the equipment correctly.

SAIL also offers health insurance enrollment services to anyone who needs it: “We enroll people in health insurance through the marketplace and through the Affordable Care Act. We have a Medicare specialist on site. That program is usually a ‘gateway for us’. People come in to enroll in benefits and then they become aware of the expansive services that we provide. We want to keep people out of institutionalized care, out of nursing homes, for as long as they can live safely and independently. For each individual that includes different tools and services and each case is different,” Tyler said.

When an individual goes into a nursing home, there is a survey that is provided… One of the questions on the survey is “If you could live safely at home, would you like to?” Many people answer yes to that question, and that triggers a referral to the SAIL office; at that point, a social worker has 10 days to connect with that person and start the process of exploring if a safe discharge from the facility will be possible, and what support that person would need to live independently.

The nature of SAIL is to continue to grow and add programs that are needed in the community. As people transition into independent living, the services that can help them succeed are identified… SAIL now offers technology classes. Technology can open so many doors to help people live independently! The technology classes take place on the second and fourth Thursday of each month; on the second Thursday of the month, the class takes place at 3:00 PM at the Queensbury SAIL office, and on the fourth Thursday of the month, the class takes place at the Saratoga SAIL office at 5:00 PM.

An aspect of offering the technology classes is to provide the skills needed for an individual to enter the workforce: “SAIL is a hiring world for people with disabilities. There are barriers to breakdown when it comes to integrating a person with disabilities into the workforce. These classes are an example of how we provide the support needed for a person with a disability to take the next step and expand their independence. Not only in the workforce but in day to day life,” Tyler said.

The technology classes also broaden the services and reach that SAIL has to offer businesses: “When hiring a person with a disability, there is fear on both sides… The person with the disability may be a qualified candidate but may need support. SAIL can provide that support so that the candidate can accept the job and expand their independence,” Tyler said. SAIL can work with the employer to make reasonable accommodations for the employee. This expands the independence of the individual with the disability and fills a necessary role within a company.

SAIL works to break down barriers that stand between an individual and their independence. For more information about the services that SAIL provides, please visit sailhelps.org

High School Job Fairs Bring 2,100 Warren County Students Together With Employers

Written by Staff Report on April 11, 2023. Posted in Community, Education, Featured, Workforce.

This year, Warren County expanded its High School Job Fair to include more school districts, more students, and more employers… And it was a success!

More than 2,100 high school students from around Warren County connected with over 50 employers through three summer job fairs that were organized by the Warren County Department of Workforce Development. Due to the success of the job fair that was started in Lake George in 2021, this year, the event was expanded to include students from six school districts! The events took place between March 20th and April 3rd, at Lake George Junior Senior High School, Queensbury High School, and Glens Falls High School. The Lake George job fair – which was held on March 30th – was open to students from surrounding area schools, including Warrensburg, Hadley-Luzerne, and Bolton. Employers who attended the events represented a wide variety of businesses in the area, and during this hiring event, employers accepted applications, and even offered on-the-spot job interviews!

In Glens Falls, the job fair was combined with a “Career Expo”… This Career Expo featured local businesses, as well as employment experts and school staff members, and also offered seminars on several topics; including how to interview for a job, resumé building, work/life considerations, financial management, and dressing for success.

Warren County Director of Workforce Development Liza Oschsendorf was proud of the success of the event, the generosity of the businesses, and the logistical assistance form the schools. Glens Falls Principal Kevin Warren was also pleased with the event: “It’s amazing what we can accomplish when our community partners and schools come together. Our students explored career possibilities and walked away with new curiosities. Many students are now thinking about different and expanded career options. We are pleased with the presentation and interactions our students were fortunate enough to have. This is one of the steps in educating our students to become lifelong learners, cooperative workers, quality producers, and exceptional citizens. I am grateful for the partnership we have established with Warren County, they really made the vision a reality. Liza Ochsendorf and her team are making a difference,” he said.

Glens Falls Police Welcome 4 New Police Officers

Written by Kate Haggerty on February 20, 2023. Posted in Community, Featured, Local Leads, Workforce.

The City of Glens Falls Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony on Friday, February 17th at City Hall. Joining the department are Patrol Officers Zack Swartz from Hudson Falls, Michaela Ortale from Gansevoort, Caleb Hughey from North Creek, and Alexander Daab from Bolton Landing.

Patrol Officers Zack Swartz & Michaela Ortale

The four new officers will begin their academy training on Monday, February 20. Upon the completion of the six month training this August, they will begin a twelve-week Field Training Program with the current city officers.

“We are very excited to have these new officers join our department,” says Detective Seth French. “We look forward to their graduation from the academy and being part of the ‘day to day’ here in the City of Glens Falls.”

Patrol Officers Caleb Hughey & Alexander Daab

Even with the new police officers being sworn in this morning, the City of Glens Falls PD is currently looking for lateral transfers and new officers for employment to fill current openings within the department. If interested, please call (518) 761-3840, and ask for Chief Smith or Detective French.

Gambles Bakery Location Eyed for WellNow Expansion

Written by Kate Haggerty on January 30, 2023. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Workforce.

The half-acre property located at 920 Route 9 in Queensbury – previously known for Gambles Bakery – is currently under contract to be purchased by Real Estate developer and Dunkin franchisee Tom Burke III. John Jarosz’s family owned and operated Gambles Bakery for about forty years, but recently, the bakery had struggled to find employees, and closed in early January of 2023.

This location is a well-traveled, high-capacity section of Route 9 in Queensbury, and a variety of franchises have recently invested in this highly visible location.

The developer is currently seeking approvals to build a WellNow Urgent Care facility; WellNow Urgent Care has been expanding to provide better access to quality healthcare for more patients in more communities. The mission of the company is to provide quality convenient urgent care services to individuals and families.

In 2012, WellNow (formally Five Star Urgent Care) was founded by Dr. John Radford, a former emergency room Physician. WellNow employs very few Physicians, instead opting to primarily employ mid-level providers: Physician assistants, Medical Assistants, and LPNs as clinical staff. The services provided include treatments for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries. WellNow Urgent Care is growing exponentially – the Albany area had five locations three years ago, and now has over twelve, with five more in the planning stages… And this former bakery may well become their sixth.

DEC Announces Free Lifeguard Qualifying Procedures to Begin in February

Written by Staff Report on January 30, 2023. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Workforce.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced free lifeguard-qualifying procedures to begin Saturday, February 4, 2023. Individuals 15 years and older interested in lifeguarding positions at DEC facilities this summer are eligible to register.

The qualifying procedures consist of two parts: a cardio-pulmonary (CPR) skills component, and a water skills evaluation. Candidates may attend the qualifying locations most convenient to them, and the results will be forwarded to their preferred work location.

Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds throughout the Adirondacks and Catskill parks. The current hourly starting rate for New York State lifeguards is $20 an hour, and most DEC facilities offer free housing or site accommodations.

At the time of employment, all DEC lifeguards must:

Be at least 15 years old
Possess a valid certificate in waterfront skills, lifeguarding, first aid, and CPR for Professional Rescuers or equivalent
Have successfully completed the NYS lifeguarding qualifying procedure
Submit a current NYS DEC medical form stating the candidate’s physical ability to perform lifeguarding duties
Meet the vision requirements of 20/70 uncorrected in both eyes and be correctable to the 20/40 standard. Candidates tested at a vision level below 20/40 in either one or both eyes must correct to a minimum of 20/40, with 20/20 preferred
Complete a personal interview with the DEC
Attend lifeguarding orientation

2023 Lifeguarding Qualifying Dates & Locations:

Date	Time	Location	Address	City
Saturday, Feb. 4	9 a.m.	Franklin Academy	42 Huskie Lane	Malone
Friday, Feb. 24	4:30 p.m.	Gloversville Middle School	234 Lincoln Street	Gloversville
Saturday, Feb. 25	9 a.m.	Queensbury Elementary School	431 Aviation Road	Queensbury
Friday, March 3	4 p.m.	Catskill Recreation Center	651 County Hwy 38	Arkville
Monday, April 10	9 a.m.	Gloversville Middle School	234 Lincoln Street	Gloversville
Friday, April 14	4:30 p.m.	Gloversville Middle School	234 Lincoln Street	Gloversville
Saturday, April 29	9 a.m.	Moriah Central School	39 Viking Lane	Port Henry
Friday, May 26	4 p.m.	Catskill Recreation Center	651 County Hwy 38	Arkville
Saturday, June 3	9 a.m.	Gloversville Middle School	234 Lincoln Street	Gloversville
Saturday, June 24	9 a.m.	Moriah Central School	39 Viking Lane	Port Henry

dec.ny.gov

Qualifying procedures will begin on time, and late arrivals will not be accepted. Candidates must bring photo ID, current certifications (if available), and their own CPR mask and one-way valve. DEC reserves the right to cancel, and is an equal opportunity employer.
For more information, updates or to pre register, call (518) 457-2500 Extension 1, email DEC at info.Lifeguarding@dec.ny.gov, or visit the employment opportunities on summer recreation webpage on the DEC’s website.

Faces Of City Hall: City Clerk, Megan Nolin

Written by Kate Haggerty on January 13, 2023. Posted in Community, Featured, Local Leads, Workforce.

Photo Provided by: City of Glens Falls: Megan Nolin

Megan Nolin is a well known face at City Hall – she is the City Clerk, and has been working intermittently at the Clerk’s Office since 2007. In the City Clerk’s Office, Megan and her team assist taxpayers and residents of the City by providing a variety of diverse services. The Clerk’s Office houses the records of all of the City’s public board and commission meetings, as well as other vital statistics.

The staff in the City Clerk’s Office is made up of seven employees: five full-time, and two part-time. There are three full-time clerks, a part-time records manager/historian, a part-time records manager, the Deputy Clerk, and the City Clerk. “People are mostly coming in (to City Hall) to pay their taxes, coming in for court, and they come into our office for a wide array of things. Birth, death, marriage, vital records really and to take out marriage licenses so that they can get married. We have records back to 1888 in our vaults. Right now it is people traveling and people getting passports” Megan said in a recent interview.

One of the reasons that Megan is so well known in City Hall is that everyone stops at the City Clerk’s Office first: “Everyone comes to our office first. A lot of people come through to go to City Court. If they are wondering where that is, it’s on the third floor.”

Megan also recommends stopping into the City Clerk’s Office: “The girls in our office are great. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll find the answer for you.”

Megan was born in Glens Falls and raised in the area around Glens Falls, Queensbury and Hudson Falls. Her role in City Hall has shifted and changed throughout the years – she is both the City Clerk, and the Webmaster. “I started out in the Clerk’s office in ‘07 as a part time clerk. I had my daughter in 2010, and came back for a little while. Then I wasn’t able to secure daycare that my husband and I were ok with, so we decided with the cost and how we both felt that I would stay home. Then around 2018, I got a call from Bob Curtis who was the former City Clerk asking how I was with technology and asking me to come in and meet with Mayor Hall and himself to discuss taking care of the website part time. Then in 2020, I started as the Deputy Clerk, and then at the end of 2021 Bob Curtis retired and in 2022, I became the City Clerk and still retained the webmaster role as well.”

For anyone who is interested in working in the City Clerk’s Office or City Hall, Megan recommends starting part-time: “If you want to work in City Hall, start part-time. There are a lot of opportunities. Most people who are here started part-time. Everyone in our office started out 15 hours a week, 20 hours a week. That’s a good way to get in the door.”

The City Clerk’s office is located on the first floor of City Hall, and is open from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Marriage licenses, Hunting/Fishing licenses and Dog Redemptions are available until 4:00 PM. For more information, visit Cityofglensfalls.com

Hey, Glens Falls! Let’s Talk About Parking!

Written by Kate Haggerty on January 12, 2023. Posted in Community, Downtown, Featured, Workforce.

On January 1, 2023, the City of Glens Falls returned to their pre-COVID parking regulations and enforcement methods – the City had previously suspended its parking enforcement in March of 2020, but the City now once again enforces the two-hour parking limit for parking spots in the downtown area. To communicate this upcoming change, the City had given out “warning” tickets when a car was parked in a spot for too long, issuing approximately 900 warnings in the last three months of 2022. The return of these regulations has been met by the business community with exasperation and support alike.

Bill Dingman – District Operations Manager for Spot Coffee – is concerned not only about the availability of parking spots, but also the cost to his employees: “My workers are 18 to 25 (years old), they are just starting out in their careers and they can’t afford the extra expense” Dingman said. Since the reinstatement, Spot Coffee employees have had to stop work to move their cars, with some even having been ticketed! “This is costing the company employee productivity… The tickets are $30 and $60 if you don’t pay in 10 days. For an 18-year old cashier at a coffee shop to pay a $60 parking ticket is punitive” Dingman said.

Dingman knows that the parking in the downtown area is a complex situation: “I fully understand that businesses need convenient parking for their businesses, I fully support that… (But parking) is equally important to the workers, the business owners and the residents who live downtown. There are not enough spots” Dingman said.

Dingman also has an eye on the upcoming tourist season when the parking will become that much harder for people in the community to navigate: “I think there has to be a solution from the City… whether it be a seasonal approach or a discounted rate for workers.”

Another perspective on the parking situation comes from Robb, who’ has been’s worked with the Lake George Olive Oil company for 8 years and has been vocal about the lack of parking enforcement – during the two-year enforcement hiatus, he has seen cars parked for hours taking up valuable downtown spots. This is a detriment to his business, where customers have come into the store because, “I saw a spot, so I stopped.”

Samantha from Rude Betty buys a pass for parking – she found that in a year’s time, she was paying about $300 for parking in the garages in town, while the parking pass was only $150, and she has always found a spot for her car.

The City is invested in finding parking solutions moving forward – there is a Special Parking Committee that is looking over the entire issue, who will provide recommendations in February. Glens Falls has also invested in parking sensors that will feed into an app that can be downloaded onto any phone; this app will show where the open parking spots and occupied parking spots are throughout the downtown area. The City is currently working on calibrating this system.

The COVID pandemic which led to the pause of the parking enforcement has had lasting effects on communities and businesses alike. “I think there has to be a solution for the workers and the employees… In the restaurant industry we, in this city, are lagging dramatically behind the state and the region… In re-employment… So, how can I then ask the employees that I’ve got to incur extra expense to work here?” Dingman asked.

City of Glens Falls Halts 2 Bus Routes Due to Shortage of Bus Drivers

Written by Kate Haggerty on December 14, 2022. Posted in Community, Downtown, Featured, Local Leads, Workforce.

Effective December 16, 2022, Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT) will be suspending specific bus routes due to a shortage of bus drivers: the routes that will be affected are Route 4, and Route 11 & 12. These changes will affect weekday routes.

The Route 4 line currently leaves Glens Falls and travels to Hudson Falls and Fort Edward, along Quaker Road and Boulevard. This route leaves Ridge Street in Downtown Glens Falls at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, & 2:30 PM. This route is being suspended.

Route 11 & 12 will also be suspended. This bus route currently travels to Upper Glen Street from Ridge Street in Downtown Glens Falls, at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, & 3:30 PM.

Due to these routes being suspended, the GGFT has modified Route 19: at 9:30 & 10:30, that route will be rerouted to use Glen Street instead of Bay Street and Quaker Road. These routes will service Walmart on Upper Glen Street, and the Montcalm Apartments.

The service changes will be in effect until further notice, and GGFT has alerted the other municipalities that will be affected by these changes.

The GGFT began operation in 1984 and is estimated to transport over 320,000 riders annually. Routes are operated Monday through Friday, from 6:30 AM to 9:45 PM, & Saturdays 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

“Should’ve Called Tucker!”

Written by Kate Haggerty on December 9, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Local Leads, Workforce.

Tucker Stanclift is the principal founder of Stanclift Law. He practices criminal defense and personal injury litigation, and is known for his aggressive yet compassionate representation of his clients. The focus of his practice is criminal law: DWI’s, civil litigation, personal injury, and vehicle & traffic law.

His office is located at 100 Glen Street, in Glens Falls, NY. From this office, he has a clear view of the Centennial traffic circle in downtown Glens Falls… From that vantage point, Stanclift enjoys watching all of the activity and progress that the City of Glens Falls is making. He credits the tangible improvements of downtown to the foresight of adding the Wood Theater: “The building of The Wood Theater was intentional by business leaders, for downtown restaurants, like Davidson Brothers, and more recently Farmacy, Craft on 9. The Wood Theater contributed to the vision of the downtown” Stanclift said in a recent interview.

Stanclift, who is originally from Lake Placid, attended St. Bonaventure University for his Undergraduate degree, and earned his law degree from Suny Buffalo School of Law.

Stanclift is also an avid supporter of the arts; he spent a summer at Oxford studying theater, and was no stranger to the stage at the Wood Theater. In his final performance at the Wood Theater, Stanclift performed in “A Few Good Men”; Stanclift portrayed the part of the prosecutor, which had been played by Kevin Bacon in the 1992 film version. Stanclift compares his role as a lawyer to that of a story teller, or a performer. “All I’m doing when I’m in front of a jury is telling somebody’s story” he said.

Stanclift has a relaxed and jovial manner, along with a respect and appreciation for the criminal justice system. He finds that taking the emotional element out of the situations for his clients is helpful: “Emotion plays an important role in these situations. I provide impartial analysis, critical thinking and options to my clients” he said. Stanclift represents his clients with the help of Sarah Desantis – his executive legal assistant of 3 1/2 years.

Stanclift emphasizes the importance of the structure of the law to protect people’s rights: “No one can take away a person’s right to a trial” he said emphatically. Explaining the options that are available is one of the essential aspects of Stanclift representing his clients – he communicates their options, and explains the implications and potential outcomes to his clients.

One of the programs that Stanclift is an advocate for is Drug Treatment Court. In this program, non-violent offenders voluntarily enter a treatment program. In Drug Treatment Court, the rules are clearly defined, and a contract between the offender, attorney’s, the District Attorney and the court is signed. Offenders who complete their drug program treatment court program may have their charges dismissed or reduced, or receive a reduction in their sentence.

The outcomes of these treatment programs have been overwhelmingly positive; Stanclift has seen clients that have had terrible accidents and have been prescribed strong narcotics. What begins as an essential pain reliever may quickly turn into an addiction; he has seen situations where this addiction has led to stealing, drug dealing, and robberies. The Drug Court Program creates a situation where people can take responsibility for their addiction, and get the help that they need.

Standclift is also an avid supporter of the new bail reform laws: “When a Judge sets bail, even a nominal amount, the rich get out and the poor stay in. It puts pressure on people and can even lead to false convictions. There is always going to be a tradeoff, but this bail reform is better for the system, and statistics don’t support that it has led to more crime” he said.

Among the promising changes in his profession, Stanclift finds the increased use of technology exceedingly helpful. “The legal environment has been bogged down with paper” he said, gesturing to his Chromebook; due to Covid restrictions and the need to still keep the court systems moving, there was a need for electronic documents. Documents are scanned into the system, the system is updated, and there is no need for boxes and boxes of paper that his profession is known for.

Technological advancement has also affected his communication with his clients; he isn’t tied to a designated phone line, but works primarily from his cell phone. This creates a situation where he needs to create boundaries so that he can be accessible to his clients, but also enjoy his family life: “It’s a problem that it seems like most families have, we are at the dinner table and staring at our individual phone screens. It takes some work to be present, and not distracted by technology.”

However, it is necessary for Mr. Standclift to be available outside of the usual “nine to five” hours. “The phone can ring in the middle of the night and someone is trying to decide whether or not to take a breathalyzer. They need advice. That’s part of my job” he explained.

Stanclift has seen improvements in bail reform, the use of technology and improvements within the system of public defenders as well. He credits the establishment of the Office of Indigent Legal Services as an important tool for people to understand their rights and receive the representation that they need. The purpose of this office is to assist county government and indigent legal service providers in the exercise of their responsibility. This office helps to create oversite so that people who qualify get the legal services that they need.

This office was established as part of the Hurrell-Harring settlement. The representation in this case was so inept that it violated the defendants civil rights. One of the stipulations of the settlement was the establishment of the office of Indigent services.

Stanclift is currently representing Anthony Futia – the accused motorcyclist who allegedly killed 38-year-old Jamie Persons and his 8-year-old step son Quinton Delgaillo in a motorcycle crash in Lake George. Futia recently rejected the Warren County District Attorneys offer of no more than 20 years to life in exchange for a guilty plea. Stanclift spoke for his client in court; barring any other offers, the judge has scheduled the trial date for March 20th.

Tucker Stanclift is a dedicated legal professional, and is active in the New York State Bar association where he held a former Chair of the Young Lawyers Section. He was also Chair of the Criminal Justice Section. In his free time, Stanclift enjoys spending time with his family and boating on Lake George. For more information, visit stancliftlaw.com, or call (518) 745-4346.

Warrensburg Community Job Fair

Written by Kate Haggerty on December 6, 2022. Posted in ARCC Spotlight, Business, Featured, Local Leads, Workforce.

The Warren County job fair is scheduled for Monday December 12, 2022. This event will be held at the Warrensburg Fire Station on 18 Elm Street, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Businesses located in Warrensburg, Chester, Johnsburg, Thurman, Horicon, Hauge & Stony Creek are invited to register for this hiring event; there is room for up to 20 businesses. This event will include Warren County agencies, such as Warren County Department of Public Works and Countryside Adult Home.

“While the unemployment rate remains low, we still see great value in hosting job fairs to promote all of the great employment options that exist in our community. We have excellent places to work in the northern part of the county, and sometimes they just need the spotlight and the exposure so more residents know about these employers” said Liza Ochsendorf, Warren County Director of Workforce Development.

There had been a previous job fair on October 20, 2022, at Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls; that event hosted 11 employers and 31 job seekers. Businesses that would like to participate are asked to register online at form.jotform.com. Job seekers are not required to register – they can walk in between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on December 12, 2022. For more information, email ochsendorfl@warrencountyny.gov or call (518) 824-8865.