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First-Ever Adirondack Retro Nerd Fest Set for This Spring

Written by Gary Scott on March 8, 2023. Posted in Columns, Community, Entertainment, Featured.

Official poster for the Retro Nerd Fest, designed by SUNY Adirondack’s Media Arts Club

Billed as “The coolest thing to hit the Adirondacks since the Ice Age,” several student clubs and organizations at SUNY Adirondack are partnering together to host the first ever Adirondack Retro Nerd Fest this spring.

The Nerd Fest will take place on April 15th from 10am to 4pm, located in the Northwest Bay Conference Center in Adirondack Hall on the college’s Queensbury campus. Admission is open to the public–free for ADK students with a valid college ID and $5 for nonstudents.

The event is described as a Comic Con-style experience featuring pinball machines and arcade games, live DJs playing music from vinyl records, a Smash Brothers video game tournament, cosplay costume contest and an array of vendors selling records, comic books, tabletop games, action figures, trading cards and other retro pop culture items.

The event is being planned and hosted by the Adirondack Broadcast Association (ABA) with additional help from the college’s Media Arts Club (MAC) in designing the cosplay contest. The Gaming Club will operate the Smash Brothers tournament, and snacks and refreshments will be prepared and sold by the Culinary Arts Club.

ABA members hear a proposal from club President Gary “Trig” Scott [Left]

As current ABA President, I asked some of my fellow club members what they were most excited to see or do at the Nerdfest. Tyler Hendrickson expressed his intent to try his hand in the Smash Brothers tournament, while Data Murdie said, “I heard there’s gonna be records, and I’m really excited for records.”

ABA Secretary Carson Costine said he was most looking forward to the cosplay contest, for the chance to see everyone’s creative sides on display. Aiden Moulton also declared excitement for the cosplay contest–albeit for a slightly different reason.

“I’m anticipating at least five different Kurt Russells to show up,” he said. As a fan of Kurt Russell, Aiden has been attempting to get several others to join him in dressing as iconic characters portrayed by the actor.

The Adirondack Retro Nerdfest will also be produced with the help of Cooper’s Cave Games, Sweet Side Records and SUNY Adirondack’s college radio station, WGFR.

“It’s a throwback to the days of analog and early digital entertainment,” said ABA faculty advisor Kevin Ankeny. “Old-school stuff is trendy and it’s being driven by the resurgence of music on vinyl records. This event combines these retro aspects with the pop culture convention atmosphere that’s been happening for a decade or so.”

Updates and details are available at wgfr.org. Vendor space is available by contacting the organizers through the webpage.

What’s New With Community Solar?

Written by Kate Haggerty on March 8, 2023. Posted in Community, Featured, Home & Garden.

Ever wonder how you can help the environment from the comfort of your own home? Think community solar farms! Community solar can be a great option for people who are unable to install solar panels or have insufficient solar resources.

Community solar is any solar project or purchasing program within a geographic area in which the benefits of the solar project flow to multiple customers. The Cornell Cooperative Extension is just starting up a program which would help lower carbon emissions by helping lower income households utilize solar energy. Solar, wind and other renewable resources will be increasingly utilized to deliver affordable and green electricity over the next decade. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERTA) clean energy agenda has a target of 70% renewable energy by 2030, and 100% by 2050.

People who live in apartments do not generally have the option of installing solar panels, but the Cornell Cooperative Extension is also working to connect people who live in apartments, as well as lower income families. By connecting people to community solar farms, there is a potential savings of 10% on their electric bill, and the service is still generated by the current utility company.

Bradley Towel – the Energy Program Manager with the Cornell Cooperative Energy Program – sees the importance of small steps in gaining momentum: “One of the small things that has been put into place is consolidated billing. Instead of two separate bills, they have consolidated the bill, which also shows the savings” he said.

There are pros and cons to community solar – it lowers electricity bills, reduces carbon footprint, and combats rising electrical fees, but at the same time, Solar farms take up a lot of space, and there is a lack of control over the output.

Community solar programs are fast becoming the preferred option when choosing a clean energy source. Community solar farms are often built on unused barren land or brownfields, which are tracts of land that have been developed for industrial use, polluted, and then abandoned. Community solar farms cover between 20 to 40 acres, and are connected directly to the electrical grid. The incentive to participate – up to a 10% discount on electricity costs – pairs nicely with the positive environmental impact, and even better, people don’t need a roof or to own their own property to participate. By opting into community solar, people can participate in helping the environment, and save money on their utility bill at the same time.

John Lefner Elected New CEO of The Hyde Collection

Written by Kate Haggerty on February 8, 2023. Posted in Featured, In the Arts.

The Hyde Museum is one of the region’s most significant art museums, and John Lefner has been elected as the new Chief Executive Officer of The Hyde Collection. Lefner will replace retiring CEO Norman E. Dascher Jr. on May 1, 2023.

Jason Ward – Chair of the Board of Trustees – said via press release: “We are very thankful to Norm Dascher for his exceptional leadership during a difficult period for The Hyde Collection. His vision and business acumen financially stabilized our organization, reducing expenses by creating a five-year capital replacement plan and instituting smart financial decisions to minimize monthly expenses for the organization. He established a successful new department program, implemented a new position for the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, updated hardware, software, and the security system, led the organization through a successful American Alliance of Museums MAP review, updated the strategic plan, and so much more. The Hyde is very well positioned for a leadership transition.”

John Lefner will take over as CEO beginning May 1, 2023. Lefner is deeply committed to pursuing his vision to bring exceptional exhibitions to The Hyde. He will be working alongside three new curators to deliver an unparalleled experience for members and visitors.

Lefner is known as an accomplished leader and community builder – he currently serves as Chief Operations and Development Officer at The Hyde Collection. In this role, Lefner provides leadership to fundraising, relationship cultivation, marketing solutions and physical solutions for the organization. During his tenure in this position, Lefner and his team have been able to exceed fundraising targets, launched the campus Reimagine Project, executed two highly successful galas, and improved community confidence in the organization.

“I am honored to be leading The Hyde Collection, which I have long admired. With its internationally renowned collection, exceptional educational programs, and incredibly talented personnel, the museum is one of the world’s most important cultural institutions” Lefner said.

Current CEO Norman E. Dascher Jr. endorsed his successor: “John’s appointment comes at a moment of incredible transformation for The Hyde Collection, and his exceptional leadership experience will contribute greatly to further strengthen our mission and reach.”

John Lefner has a Bachelor of Arts from Champlain College, and he previously served as District Executive Director at Capital District YMCA, Director of Operations at Saratoga Independent School, and Assistant Director of Operations at Double H Ranch.

Lefner has focused his career on developing the structure and management needed for organizations to meet their goals and live up to their values. Lefner will be the 16th leader in the Hyde museum’s 60-year history.

Extensive Collection of African American Art Featured at The Hyde Museum

Written by Staff Report on February 1, 2023. Posted in Community, Featured, In the Arts.

The Harmon and Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper is a traveling exhibition celebrating African-American artists and their contributions to American art and culture. This exhibit is now on view at The Hyde Collection.

Curated from the extensive collection of Harmon and Harriet Kelley, this exhibition’s featured artists include Grafton Tyler Brown – the first documented professional graphic artist on the West Coast – contemporary printmaker Margo Humphrey, and internationally known figures Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Aaron Douglas, Jacob Lawrence, and Henry Ossawa Tanner. Presented by The Hyde Collection and organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions of Los Angeles, the exhibition began on January 28, and is on view through April 23.

“It’s a very special collection of nearly 70 watercolors, pastels, drawings, and a variety of print media by leading African American artists,” said Derin Tanyol, The Hyde Collection’s Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art. “The show chronicles the lives of Black Americans through a series of representative themes: labor, landscape and cityscape, portraiture, community, and entertainment. The Kelleys’ curatorial vision focuses on uplifting, positive themes, although a small section of the show confronts racism and injustice. Sourced from one of the most celebrated private collections of African-American art, this exhibition is sure to provide visitors with a rich and thought-provoking experience.”

This exhibition provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the master graphics of African-American art on a large scale. The majority of the works were produced during the Great Depression period of the 1930s and 40s; during this period, the Federal Arts Project – a relief effort to employ struggling artists as part of The New Deal – helped many artists continue to create throughout that difficult time.

Elizabeth Catlett (1915–2012), *Sharecropper*, 1952. Two-color linoleum cut, The Harmon & Harriet Kelley Collection

Many works depict rural and urban settings in a bold Post-Cubist style, including scenes showing factory workers, dockworkers, farmers, bridge builders, and road-menders. By the 1950s, some African American artists began to favor Abstract Expressionism, choosing nonrepresentational content over traditional imagery; other artists, including Charles White, Jacob Lawrence, John Biggers, Claude Clark, and Elizabeth Catlett – all of whom are featured in this exhibition – defied this influence, and continued their figurative exploration of African-American themes.

The 1960s and early 70s gave birth to the politically-motivated and African-inspired art of the Civil Rights period – while African-Americans had always made valuable contributions to American art, they had yet to be truly recognized, due to the brutalities of slavery and the systemic racism of Jim Crow laws. Despite continued oppression, African-American artists continued to create works that would reflect their experiences; among the civil rights-themed works in this exhibition are a 1963 lithograph by Jacob Lawrence titled Two Rebels, and Elizabeth Catlett’s well-known print Malcolm X Speaks For Us from 1969.

More recent artists, such as Margo Humphrey, Alison Saar, Robert Colescott, Lionel Lofton, CharlesCriner, and self-taught artists Bert Long and Ike E. Morgan, bring a contemporary perspective to this extensive exhibition.

The Hyde Museum is located at 161 Warren Street in Glens Falls, NY. Hours of operation are Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

General Admission is $12 for adults over the age of 18, $10 for Seniors (of age 60 and up), and free for Hyde Members, NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Program) members, ESMRP (Empire State Museum Reciprocal Program) members, students (with ID or other form of proof), children 12 and under, and veterans and active-duty military and families.

For more information, please visit Hydecollection.org

New Curator at The Hyde Museum

Written by Kate Haggerty on January 24, 2023. Posted in Community, Featured, In the Arts.

Dr. Bryn Schockmel Ph.D. is the new curator of the permanent collection at the Hyde Museum, located at 161 Warren Street in Glens Falls. The Hyde Collection is housed in the refurbished historic home of Louis and Charlotte Hyde – Charlotte Hyde established a trust in 1952 that dedicated her home and her extensive art collection to the community.

Charlotte Hyde’s vision was stated in the trust: “To establish and maintain a museum for the exhibition of art objects… and to promote and cultivate the study and improvement of fine arts, for the education and benefit of the residents of Glens Falls and vicinity and the general public.“

As curator, Dr. Bryn Schockmel will be responsible for carrying out Charlotte’s mission at the Hyde Museum. Bryn has strong ties to the Glens Falls area – a decade ago, she had an internship at The Hyde, and she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College.

Bryn’s education continued overseas at The Courtault Institute in London. This is where she earned her Masters Degree in Northern Renaissance Art History; then, she attended Boston University, where she earned her Ph.D in Italian Renaissance Art History. Bryn began her career in Oklahoma City at OKCMOA with a fellowship of provenance research – through this research, the ownership and history of a piece of art is traced. Bryn stayed in Oklahoma City for a total of about three years, and stayed on as curator of several exhibitions after completing her fellowship.

On January 9, 2023, Bryn started as the curator of the permanent collection at The Hyde. “My background is in Renaissance, and I wanted to be back in the Northeast. I wanted to be in a museum with a strong renaissance collection, which the Hyde has; we’ve got our Botticelli, and early modern in general like the Rembrandt, and the El Greco, so I saw this opportunity as a good fit for me” Bryn said.

Bryn has an abundance of energy and enthusiasm when she talks about both her role at the Hyde and Charlotte’s Collection: “As I’ve been learning more and more… reading about Charlotte and going through our collection’s database, I’m impressed by how diverse her tastes were… We have some medieval stained glass windows, and we have all of these early modern paintings. We also have our Picasso, so it’s such a broad spectrum. There is a lot of furniture and decorative art… It’s going to be a lot of fun to work with because there is such a variety, and there are so many things that I can do.”

This year is the 60th Anniversary of The Hyde Museum. To celebrate, The Hyde is putting on a David Smith exhibition – Smith, an American Abstract expressionist sculpture and painter, is best known for creating large steel abstract geometric sculptures, and is recognized as one of the great sculptors of the 20th century. This exhibition will feature around 25 pieces, on loan from both public and private collections and the estate of David Smith. Smith was a friend of Charlotte Hyde, and a key figure in the founding of The Hyde Museum – he was one its earliest trustees.

For the celebration, Bryn will be putting together a show in one of the smaller galleries in the museum. This show will focus on Charlotte, and feature items from the vault that have not recently been on display, showcasing Charlotte’s diverse taste in art. There will also be a recent acquisition show, to remind the public that the Hyde Collection is still growing: “The recent acquisition show will feature the works that we have acquired over the last five years or so. These are pieces that maybe haven’t been out on view yet… Some people might think that our collection is static, but we are constantly acquiring new works of art” Bryn said.

Dr. Bryn Schockmel has an intrinsic enthusiasm for The Hyde family, Charlotte herself, the house, and the art collection, and this enthusiasm has been recognized by Norman Dasher Junior, the CEO of The Hyde Museum: “We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Schockmel to The Hyde Collection team. A dynamic expert in her field, she is joining The Hyde at an incredibly exciting time as we celebrate the museum’s 60th anniversary. Dr. Schockmel shares our passion for the mission of The Hyde: To maintain a museum for the exhibition of the permanent collection and to promote and cultivate the improvement of the fine arts education and benefit of the residents of Glens Falls and vicinity and the general public” he said.

In her role as curator, Dr. Schockmel will be able to advance the vision of Charlotte Hyde, as well as a greater understanding and appreciation of the collection through research, lectures, and writing. The Hyde Museum is open Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; for more information, please visit hydecollection.org

It’s Chicken Soup Season: Will a Doctor’s Note Save My Job?

Written by Giovanna D'Orazio, D'Orazio Peterson on January 23, 2023. Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Featured, News, Opinion.

Out off office – memo on office workplace. Holiday Announcement, Day Off or Quarantine Covid-19.

The last couple of years have seen an increased focus on sick time at work mainly due to the COVID pandemic. But it’s also regular old cold and flu season, and we are often asked whether an employee can lose their job for being out sick and whether providing a doctor’s note will protect their job. As always, the answer is “it depends” because not all illnesses are protected.

New York does have a relatively new law requiring employers to provide some protected sick days. But, in general, if you need to be out for a significant period of time – or if you have exceeded those days – a doctor’s note is not necessarily going to protect you. The law protects the jobs of private employees in New York who are absent for medical reasons typically in two ways: (1) under the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act); and (2) under the disability discrimination laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New York State Human Rights Law (NYHRL). (This isn’t an exhaustive list and employees may be further protected under union contracts or laws applicable to public employees, among other things).

Not all illnesses, however, will be covered. The FMLA applies only to employees of larger (50+ employees) or public employers, who suffer from serious health conditions. A serious health condition is usually not something like the flu, a cold or a stomach virus. It is typically an issue requiring surgery or hospitalization or a medical condition that requires a period of follow-up treatment or that is chronic. The disability discrimination laws also may not apply to minor illnesses suffered by most individuals. Instead, the ADA requires that a disability substantially limit a major life activity or bodily function. The NYHRL is more broad than the ADA and, it is possible, given the particular facts of a case, that a disability not covered by the ADA is covered by the NYHRL. This will come down to the particular facts of an employee’s situation.

The take-away is that providing a doctor’s note is not necessarily going to protect your job. It may not hurt and could show your employer some proof that you are not abusing your time, but it won’t guarantee that you won’t be fired for excessive absenteeism. We encourage employees who do have a serious health condition to speak to their doctors or Human Resources about the availability of FMLA time. When it comes to disabilities, the law also typically wants the employee to actually ask for a reasonable accommodation, so making a formal request is another way to achieve some job protection or at least trigger the employer’s obligations to engage in an interactive process under the ADA and NYHRL to attempt to accommodate a disability.

In the same vein, we speak to many employees in the course of our practice, and often they are protective of their medical conditions and do not want to share personal, private and sometimes embarrassing information with their employers. However, if an employer is completely in the dark, you may have a hard time going back and proving some sort of discrimination or interference with your rights if you are fired. So, if an employee needs time off for a disability or serious health condition, we encourage them to consult their employee handbook and consider following the process for formally requesting leave. There is no guarantee that you will not be retaliated or discriminated against, but at the very least you will have some proof that you were not abusing your time or being excessively absent without a potentially protected reason. Ideally, your employer will do the right thing and notify you of your rights and work with you to accommodate your situation.

All employment situations are different and depend on the particular facts and circumstances. This article should not be relied on as legal advice in taking action in your specific situation, and you should speak to an attorney, Human Resources and/or consult your employee handbook for guidance on how to proceed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Giovanna A. D’Orazio has experience litigating, among other things, commercial, general civil, employment, land use and personal injury matters in New York State and federal courts. Giovanna also has experience litigating Article 78 proceedings in New York State court.

Cole’s Woods Closed

Written by Kate Haggerty on December 29, 2022. Posted in Community, Entertainment, Featured, Local Leads.

On Wednesday, December 28, 2022, the City of Glens Falls announced that Cole’s Woods is closed until further notice, after high winds damaged lights and left the system of cross country ski trails in poor condition.

Cole’s Woods is supported by The Friends of Cole’s Woods, a group that have been the stewards of Cole’s Woods since 1978; they support a wide range of seasonal recreational outdoor activities within Cole’s Woods, and are committed to the free and public use of the park. The members of this organization recognize the value of having a trail system and woodlands accessible to local communities, and are committed to ensuring that the trails remain safe, groomed for nordic skiing, and maintained for other recreational activities.

Cole’s Woods is the home of the first lighted cross country ski trails in North America. In December of 1971, a budget of $3,000 was used to cut back brush and illuminate two kilometers of trails. The City of Glens Falls will provide notification when the trails re-open.

The Queensbury Hotel 2022 NYE Celebration

Written by Kate Haggerty on December 28, 2022. Posted in Business, Entertainment, Featured, Food, Local Leads.

Looking for a way to ring in 2023? The Queensbury Hotel has events for you! On Saturday, December 31st, 2022, The Queensbury Hotel is offering two ways to ring in the New Year!

The First Option: A four-course dinner & New Year’s Eve Party is $175 per ticket.

This includes:

Cocktail reception in Gold Room
Four-Course Dinner in The Queen’s Ballroom
A Six-hour Open Bar (6:00 PM to Midnight)
Admission to NYE Party with Soul Session in Adirondack Ballroom (9:00 PM to 1:00 AM)
20% service charge applied at check out includes staff gratuity.

The Reception and Four-Course Dinner Menu includes:

The Tasting Table:

Chef’s curated display of artisan cheeses, salumi and appetizers

Passed Hors D’oeuvres:

Beef Crostini, Caramelized Onion, Horseradish, Leek Ash

White Shrimp Cocktail, Spicy Cocktail Sauce

Gochujang Meatball, Scallions, Sesame Seeds

Blue Crab Quiche Tartlet, Buttered Leek, Gruyere

First Course:

Lobster Bisque, Butter-Poached Lobster, Cognac, Tarragon Oil

Second Course:

Chestnut and Kobocha Squash Ravioli, Brown Butter Shimeji Mushrooms, Star Anise

Third Course:

Roast Beef Tenderloin, Potato Pave, Hakurei Turnip, Glazed Carrots Bordelaise Sauce

Fourth Course:

Baked Alaska, Chocolate Espresso Cake, Banana Sea Salt, Caramel Gelato

Mignardise:

An Assortment of Mini Pastries and Truffles for the table

The second option, The New Year’s Eve Party, is $75 per ticket which includes:

Admission to the NYE Party with Soul Session in the Adirondack Ballroom(9:00 PM to 1:00 AM)
Live entertainment from Garland Nelson & Soul Session
Open bar (9 p.m.-midnight)
Lite snacks
Photo Booth
20% service charge applied at checkout includes staff gratuity.

To make the most of your evening, book a room and stay overnight; when you purchase your ticket, you will receive a promo code to receive a discount on an overnight stay.

Southy’s Pizzeria Was Gifted $300 to Help People in Need… And Inspired More

Written by Kate Haggerty on December 28, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Food, Local Leads.

Southy’s – a local South Glens Falls Pizzeria, located at 75 Saratoga Avenue – was gifted $300 via Venmo to help families in need on December 22nd, 2022. The money was Venmoed to a Southy’s employee, asking that the money be spent on pizza for people in need; the anonymous donor’s original message said that they would be donating $200, but the amount that was Venmoed was $300. To manage this gift, Southy’s distributed gift certificates to families that they knew to be struggling. Southy’s Pizzeria distributed the gift certificates until they were gone.

This act of kindness inspired others to donate as well. Via a Facebook post Southy’s wrote “If you remember this post from a few days ago, you’ll be happy to know that Saturday afternoon another SGF business owner felt inspired to donate $200 to the same effort.” Angel Isaac – owner of The Pretty Hot Mess Wellness Boutique – made the donation. And then, there was more… Cardinale’s Car Care Venmoed $200 as well, with a Facebook message that read, “It takes a village. Thank you for doing this. XO, Cardinale’s Car Care”

Southy’s explained that they have been managing over 50 messages, and that they will soon be contacting people who they were unable to help with the original donation.

Morgan & Co Treats GFPD to Holiday Lunch

Written by Kate Haggerty on December 26, 2022. Posted in Community, Downtown, Featured, Food, Local Leads.

Photo Credit:City of Glens Falls Chef Rebecca Newell-Butters & Manager Jolene of Morgan & Co.

The popular Glens Falls restaurant Morgan & Co showed their appreciation for the Glens Falls Police Department on Thursday, December 22, 2022, with lunch for the entire staff. Chef Rebecca Newell-Butters and the restaurant manager Jolene presented the luncheon to the Glens Falls City Police Department, which has 30 sworn members and two civilian employees.

“The holidays can be a sad time of year for some. Giving back makes you feel better, especially when you give back to the community. This year, we decided to do this for the Glens Falls Police Department because they do a lot of hard work around the city. We have a great police department, and the work they are doing in drug enforcement to keep drugs away from our kids is very important. It’s pretty amazing what our police department does” Chef Rebecca Newell-Butters said. The Chef and Co-owner of Morgan & Co said that she was doing it in the name of her father Ron Newell who was born and raised in Glens Falls. “He loved Glens Falls and helped a lot of people in the community.”

Police Chief Jarrod Smith thanked Morgan & Co: “On behalf of the police department, I wanted to say thank you very much for arranging the lunch. It was delicious and everyone was very appreciative. Thank you for thinking of us, and have a Merry Christmas.”

Morgan & Co is located in the historic 19th century McEchron House in Downtown Glens Falls. It has been owned by Chef partners Rebecca Newell-Butters & Steve Butters since 2014. Rebecca is a graduate of Glens Falls High School, and attended New England Culinary Institute in Burlington, Vermont. Rebecca’s international travel helped her sample a variety of cuisines and further develop her palate, helping her to win on an episode of the Food Network reality show “Chopped” in 2009.

Chef Steve Butters grew up in Norwood Massachusetts, and started cooking at a young age. He worked summers in restaurants on Cape Cod, and attended the famous Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. Steve also garnered culinary fame on the Food Network – he appeared on the show “Sweet Genius”, where his humor earned him a cameo on E! Entertainment’s “The Soup with Joel McHale”. The couple married in 2010, at the Sagamore Hotel in Bolton Landing.

Morgan & Co is located t 65 Ridge Street in Glens Falls, which is also known as The McEchron House; the house was originally built by William and Sarah McEchron in 1891. The McEchron’s were philanthropists and involved in many local businesses – William McEchron was a charter member of the YMCA, and was involved in the construction of Christ Church. In 1984, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Morgan & Co is open year-round, and features gourmet catering, private parties, and outdoor dining in the warmer months. For more information, visit MorganRestaurant.com