Photo provided by World Awareness Children’s Museum.
GLENS FALLS — The World Awareness Children’s Museum will host their fall fundraiser, ‘Night at the Speakeasy’, Friday, Oct. 14 at the Park Theater in Glens Falls.
The fundraiser will feature live music by the Hot Club of Saratoga, in addition to art displays from the museum collection, a full cash bar with “signature cocktails,” and a raffle with items donated by local businesses. Guests will also be served “elegant hors d’oeuvres and decadent dessert,” according to a press release.
Tickets range from $80 to $90, the release says. The Museum is encouraging guests to dress in era-appropriate clothing, with a prize to be given out to the person with the best 1920s-themed outfit. Tickets are available at wacm.ticketleap.com.
The Museum is also hosting several other events throughout the month, including a ‘Free Day’ this Sunday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free Day provides guests “a chance to explore everything WACM has to offer, thanks to a generous sponsorship from Stewart’s Holiday Match,” the release says.
A ‘Mini Masterpiece’ program will also be held Sunday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m. The program will be led by local artists Patrice Jarvis-Weber. Recommended for children age 10 and up, the class allows participants to paint “their own masterpiece” on a 4×4 canvas. The Mini Masterpiece program costs $8 per person (with a 10% discount for members), and is limited to nine people.
The following day, Monday, Oct. 10, the Museum will host ‘Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day’ from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program will celebrate Indigenous culture, teach guests about beaded wampum belts, and allow participants to make their own beaded bracelets. This program is free with museum admission.
The World Awareness Children’s Museum contains pieces from 140 countries, and over 8,000 artifacts including instruments, dolls, toys, and fashion, as well as over 7,000 pieces of international children’s art. It has been a designated charter museum of New York State since 1995.
To purchase tickets to any of the above events, visit wacm.ticketleap.com.
QUEENSBURY — The Queensbury varsity girls soccer team used a balanced scoring attack to cruise past Hudson Falls on Thursday, earning a 6-0 win at home.
The Spartans took a 3-0 lead into halftime, and added three more goals in the second half before sealing the victory.
Mia Keshmiri opened the scoring off an assist by Bayley Duffy, and Allison Dittrich found Emily Tenner to make it 2-0. Ava Stewart wrapped up the first-half scoring, sending Queensbury to the break with a 3-0 lead off another assist by Dittrich.
Stewart scored the first goal of the second half as well, with an assist to Mikayla Linehan, to extend the lead to 4-0. Aislynn Dixon found Duffy for a 5-0 advantage, and Dittrich wrapped up the scoring with a goal to make it 6-0.
Shea Canavan got the win in goal, stopping one shot for the Spartans. Dittrich had a goal and two assists, while Stewart scored two goals. Duffy had a goal and an assist, with Keshmiri and Tenner adding goals. Linehan and Dixon each picked up an assist in the victory.
Katie Mitchell made 16 saves in goal for Hudson Falls.
Queensbury will host Johnstown at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow. Hudson Falls will be back in action on the road against Gloversville at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 11.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks CEO Bill Moon (second from left) accepts the ARCC Large Nonprofit Business Award from ARCC President/CEO Tricia Rogers (left) on Thursday.
LAKE GEORGE — The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce held its 2022 Business Awards ceremony at Dunham’s Bay Resort on Thursday, celebrating and honoring businesses that serve, assist, and connect with the local community.
“It is my honor to be here today to honor 36 businesses that were nominated,” said Tricia Rogers, President and CEO of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. “One of the great things about this is that we are all here, we’re businesses celebrating businesses. Celebrating our colleagues, celebrating our community. That’s such a great feeling.”
Awards were handed out for seven different categories: Large Business, Steven M. Sutton Small Business, Large Nonprofit Business, Small Nonprofit Business, Professional Business, Rookie Business, and Community Champion.
Rogers explained to the large crowd in attendance that the ARCC utilizes a council of people to conduct interviews with nominated businesses in order to select award winners.
The Large Business Award went to Stored Technology Solutions, Inc., an IT provider with locations in Albany, Queensbury, Plattsburgh, Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Philippines.
“(StoredTech) achieved one of the Times Union’s top places to work in 2022, and enjoy little staff turnover and employee staying power,” Rogers told the crowd. “StoredTech is known for its excellent 24-7 customer service and commitment to providing quality IT. They also donate over $150,000 annually to nonprofits.”
Katie Roeder of Stored Technology Solutions, Inc. (left) accepts the ARCC Large Business Award from ARCC President/CEO Tricia Rogers (right) on Thursday.
Other nominees for the Large Business Award were Amsure, GTM Payroll Services, and Romeo Toyota.
The Steven M. Sutton Small Business Award was named after the former co-owner of Sutton’s Marketplace, who Rogers described as, “a beloved community member and small business owner.”
The award in his honor was presented to KIRSH Helmets.
“KIRSH is the only USA-based provider of half-shell motor vehicle helmets. After years of research and development, Lake George native Jason Kirshon came up with a perfect helmet that combines style, safety, comfort, and improved performance,” Rogers said, noting that 90% of KIRSH employees are veterans.
Other nominees were CDL Associates Insurance Agency, Mr. Electric of Queensbury, Outcast Athletics, Queensbury Cigar & Pipe, and Slickfin Brewing Company.
Kirshon accepted the award, and told the crowd about hopes to expand past just motorcycle helmets.
“We’re changing head protection in motorcycle helmets, but we aspire to do it in all categories,” said Kirshon. “Thank you very much for this honor.”
Jason Kirshon (middle) of KIRSH Helmets accepts the ARCC Steven M. Sutton Small Business Award from ARCC President/CEO Tricia Rogers (left) on Thursday.
The award for large nonprofit business was received by Community, Work & Independence, Inc. Other nominees were Crandall Public Library and L.E.A.P.
“CWI was founded in 1963, serving six community members and has grown to serve over 1,000 individuals each month in 19 locations and three counties. Their very passionate staff of over 300 employees are dedicated to enriching lives, one person at a time, through their independent and assisted-living facilities,” said Rogers. “Over the years, CWI has transformed the lives of numerous individuals with disabilities and other barriers.”
CWI Vice President and Chief Operating Officer April Boucher said the company is “humbled” to receive the award, and made note of contributions from the entire CWI team.
“Really, from our direct support professionals who deliver the services, to our management team, without their dedication, commitment, and perseverance the last two years, we would not be able to be making the differences that we’re making in people’s lives,” Boucher said. “That’s really the most important part.”
April Boucher (left) of Community, Work, and Independence, Inc. accepts the ARCC Large Nonprofit Business Award from ARCC President/CEO Tricia Rogers (right) on Thursday.
The Small Nonprofit Business Award went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, with CEO Bill Moon accepting the award. Rogers said the organization is currently serving 150 children, and has another 150 children on a waitlist.
Moon thanked employees Marie Busse, Megan Farrell, and Alex McCane, saying, “They are truly the ones that make everything happen.”
“We come to them with big ideas. … They always take those ideas, add their own twist to them, and they come back to me better than we would’ve ever imagined. They are the ones doing that work,” said Moon, who also gave thanks to the crowd for investing in the local community. “Our kids deserve the best in us so they can become better than us, and they’re fortunate to live in this community with so many people like you who care about them and want to see them succeed. Thank you very much, we appreciate it.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks CEO Bill Moon (second from left) accepts the ARCC Large Nonprofit Business Award from ARCC President/CEO Tricia Rogers (left) on Thursday.
Other nominees for the Small Nonprofit Business Award were Community Coalition for Family Wellness, HicksStrong, Inc., Lake George Land Conservancy, The Hyde Collection, High Peaks Hospice, The Conkling Center, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties, and World Awareness Children’s Museum.
The Professional Business Award was given to Mannix Marketing, which has specialized in web design, SEO, and more since 1996. Rogers referred to the company as a “pioneer” in digital marketing, and credited their growth over the years.
“I couldn’t do this without my husband (Mark), who has my back at all times,” said founder Sara Mannix. “Such a great team, and we’re just so lucky to be in this community and be supported by all of you. Thank you very much.”
Sara and Mark Mannix of Mannix Marketing accept the ARCC Professional Business Award from ARCC President/CEO Tricia Rogers (left) on Thursday.
Other nominees for the Professional Business Award were Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart, and Rhodes, P.C., CMJ LLP, MLB Construction Services, and LayerEight.
The ARCC awarded The Eden Center for Integrative Care with the Rookie Business Award, with Rogers highlighting their “unique” offerings including a hyperbaric chamber.
“The Eden Center is a private psychiatric practice that focuses on the root cause of mental health conditions,” Rogers said. “Each client is viewed as a unique individual, and therefore receives unique treatment. Their staff has grown from six to 26 employees in just one year.”
Daniel Breeyear of the Eden Center highlighted this growth, noting that it speaks to the needs of the community.
“That growth will continue, we’re going to launch a nonprofit into next year to help cover some of the services that insurance doesn’t cover,” Breeyear said. “My intention has been always to add providers to meet need when the need continues to grow, so that will be our goal going into next year.”
Daniel Breeyear (left) of The Eden Center for Integrative Care accepts the ARCC Rookie Business Award from ARCC President/CEO Tricia Rogers on Thursday.
Adirondack Axe, The Candy Space, Legacy Nine Realty, and Sleep and Spas Lake George were also nominated for the Rookie Business Award.
The final award, the Community Champion Award, was presented to Amie and Juan Gonzales of Hunt Companies, Inc. Other nominees were James Griffith of Aviation Mall, Vincent Laurenzo of Quick Response Restoration, and Wendy Waldron of Entrepreneurial Operating System.
“Amie and Juan live and breathe the mindset of, ‘Communities thrive when we invest in each other,'” said Rogers. “They run a family business with a corporate operation, and are focused on investing in our community and future generations.”
Amie and Juan Gonzales of Hunt Companies, Inc. accept the ARCC Community Champion Award from ARCC President/CEO Tricia Rogers on Thursday.
“I’m glad we put this last, because really, this entire room is filled with community champions,” Amie Gonzales told the audience. “I will leave you with this: our businesses and our communities both thrive when we invest in each other.
“So keep that in mind, keep doing it, and thank you so much for this and to everybody else for all you do for our community.”
QUEENSBURY — The Queensbury varsity field hockey team won its second game of the week on Wednesday, earning a 2-0 win over Bethlehem at home.
Dani Hand and Kendra Ballard scored goals for the Spartans in the victory. Abigail Kittell stopped six shots in goal for the win, while Bethlehem’s Teagan Rosencranse made 16 saves. Queensbury had six corners to Bethlehem’s eight.
The Spartans will be back in action on Oct. 11, hosting Gloversville at 4:30 p.m.
GLENS FALLS — Susan Donaldson Howe, 80, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022 after a long illness.
Born January 15, 1942, in North Hudson she was the daughter of Edward Donaldson and Beatrice Proctor.
Susan graduated from Schroon Lake Central School and joined the United States Marines. She completed basic training in Paris Island, South Carolina and was stationed in San Diego, California. Susan was honorably discharged in August of 1963. She enjoyed her CB friends, playing on her computer and taking long rides to the reservation in Altona where she visited her special friends, the Rogers children. In addition to her parents, Susan was predeceased by her siblings Lois Polly Harrington and Lewis Donaldson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Lisa DeZalia (Brent) of Schroon Lake; grandchildren, Joseph DeZalia and Lexi DeZalia of Schroon Lake; great-grandson, Theo DeZalia of Schroon Lake; sister, Doralee Tessier of Glens Falls; brother, John Donaldson of Newark; also several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside ceremony with military honors will be held on October 11 at 11:30 AM at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the nurses and staff at The Pines of Glens Falls Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their consistent care and comfort they provided Susan during her stay. In loving memory of Susan, contributions may be made to The American Kidney Foundation at 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.
Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.
FORT ANN — Richard McKay Simonson passed away peacefully at his home on Copeland Pond Road in Fort Ann, N.Y. with his family by his side on September 30, 2022, after a long struggle with lung disease.
Richard was born on September 5, 1940, to Peter and Alice (McKay) Simonson on Staten Island, NY.
He was proud to be a part of the Steamfitter’s Local Union 638 and to learn a trade he enjoyed early on in life. Richard served a short time in the United States Army Reserves. He married Vivian Netchel on March 4, 1970, and together with their young children they moved to Bolton Landing, N.Y. to purchase and run Shallow Beach Cottages in 1978. Richard enjoyed boating, water skiing, downhill skiing and fond memories of time spent in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with Vivian. In his last years, he was able to realize his and Vivian’s dream of living with horses, especially Biscuit, the horse they enjoyed caring for since 2017.
Richard was predeceased by his parents Peter and Alice Simonson; nephews Stephen and Michael Simonson; and his devoted wife Vivian who passed in 2020 after 50 years of marriage. He is survived by his children Danielle Simonson of Fort Ann and Paul Simonson and his wife Katy of Fort Ann; three granddaughters, Luna Wilson, Bela Simonson, and Hunter Simonson; and a great-grandson, Sedrik Wilson; older brother, Charles Simonson and his wife Carol of Arizona; and niece Tammi Perosi of Pennsylvania.
Calling hours will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.
A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Rich Weihing officiating.
The family would like to thank High Peaks Hospice for their support and request any donations on Richard’s behalf be made to Hospice, 454 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.
Condolences and floral arrangements may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.
GLENS FALLS — The City of Glens Falls will begin its scheduled water main and fire hydrant flushing program on Monday, Oct. 17, according to a press release from the city.
The program is part of efforts “to deliver the safest and highest quality water possible,” the release states. A clean water distribution system will reduce taste and odor issues, while hydrant flushing improves fire protection by testing water valves and hydrants. Water service should not be disrupted during the process.
Flushing will start at the northwest corner of the city and proceed south to the Hudson River. The flushing process will remove mineral deposits that accumulate in water mains, flush sediments from mainline pipes, verify proper operation of fire hydrants and valves, find weaknesses in the water system, and check for closed valves and weak flows in the mains, according to the release.
The process will begin with larger water mains and progress to smaller mains. Valves are opened and closed to control the direction of the water.
The program typically takes 10-15 days, the release states, but could last longer if maintenance issues such as system leaks or water quality concerns arise.
Areas affected by the flushing process will have signs placed throughout each neighborhood approximately 24 hours in advance, according to the release. Flushing notices will be printed in local newspapers and posted in municipal buildings in the city.
The flushing process will take place between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with the release urging residents to use caution when traveling near hydrant flushing crews and while entering areas of water accumulation.
There will be temporary incidents of discolored water while fine sediment particles are washed out when fire hydrants are open. The release states that “there is no health hazard associated with the discolored water.” Residents should allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate, and can verify water is clear by running a cold-water tap for several minutes.
If residents notice their water is discolored, they should run an outdoor hose or several cold-water faucets at the same time until water runs clear, according to the release, which also says to avoid using hot water if the water is discolored.
Residents should also avoid doing laundry until the water is clear, and should not dry or bleach laundry if it has been stained by discolored water. Residents can contact the Water and Sewer Department at (518) 761-3850 if laundry becomes stained by discolored water, the release says.
State Farm agent Paula Traina (middle) cuts a ribbon to mark the opening of a second location at 80 Warren St. in downtown Glens Falls on Tuesday.
GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting Tuesday to celebrate the opening of State Farm agent Paula Traina’s second office in downtown Glens Falls.
Traina’s other location is in Queensbury. She said the new office will help expand services and cater to “a slightly different demographic.”
“It’s amazing,” Traina said of the attendance at Tuesday’s ceremony. “We have a super supportive business community.”
She also noted that she is excited to be a part of Glens Falls’ downtown area, with the office located at 80 Warren St.
“I love that if I want a break, I can go have a cup of coffee,” said Traina. “Sometimes I meet with customers and people there. It’s really nice to be part of the downtown area.”
SCHUYLERVILLE — In a battle between two of the Foothills Council’s best, the Queensbury varsity boys soccer team earned a 1-0 win on the road against Schuylerville on Tuesday.
Neither team had many chances in the first half of play, with the Black Horses controlling possession early but unable to break through the Spartans’ defense. Queensbury came to life before halftime, but also were unable to score, sending the game to the break in a scoreless tie.
Schuylerville had a strong scoring opportunity stopped in the 14th minute of the second half, when Spartans’ goalie Jake Afsar-Keshmiri made two saves, stopping the initial shot and a rebound chance to keep the game scoreless. Queensbury applied pressure in the half, including several corner kicks, but couldn’t break through until the final minutes.
With 1:17 left in regulation, Queensbury’s Max Roca moved the ball into the box, where Luke Eichen finished with a scissor kick to put the shot home and give the Spartans a 1-0 lead. They would hold on through the final minutes, earning a strong victory on the road.
Afsar-Keshmiri stopped five shots for the Spartans, while Schuylerville’s Griffin Brophy also made five saves. Both teams had seven corner kicks each.
Queensbury improves to 7-1-2 in the Foothills Council and 8-1-4 overall with the victory, while Schuylerville falls to 7-2-1 in Foothills play (8-4-1 overall). The Spartans will host Hudson Falls at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
Spartan girls soccer shuts out Schuylerville
SCHUYLERVILLE — The Queensbury varsity girls soccer team pulled away late, scoring twice in the second half to earn a 2-0 win over Schuylerville on Tuesday.
Queensbury controlled play in the first half, but could not convert the pressure into a goal. In the 13th minute of the second half, however, Bayley Duffy finished a feed from Mia Keshmiri to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead. Just 10 minutes later, Duffy beat the defense and scored again to double the advantage.
Queensbury’s defense stood tall from there, guiding the Spartans to a 2-0 victory. It was the seventh shutout of the season for Queensbury, who are currently ranked 14th in the New York Sportswriters Association Class A State Rankings. Tuesday’s victory for the Spartans avenged a previous 2-0 loss to the Black Horses on Sept. 17.
Duffy scored both goals, with Keshmiri picking up an assist. Shea Canavan stopped seven shots in goal for the Spartans, while Taylor Barraclough made six saves for Schuylerville.
Queensbury will host Hudson Falls at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Queensbury field hockey rolls past Glens Falls
QUEENSBURY — The Queensbury varsity field hockey team ran past Glens Falls on a rainy day Tuesday, cruising to an 8-0 win.
Dani Hand recorded a hat trick for the Spartans, scoring three goals while adding a pair of assists. Brianna Zehr had a goal and an assist, with Lilyauna Hazelton, Kendra Ballard, Gianna Marcantonio, and Maddy Moger all adding goals in the victory.
Abigail Kittell made one save in goal for the Spartans, while Maggie Goodwin stopped 18 shots for Glens Falls.
MLB Construction Services held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate 75 years of business.
MALTA — Jim Dawsey, President of MLB Construction Services, says that every building project has to “start with a strong foundation.”
And the strong foundation established at MLB has helped the company reach 75 years of business, which was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.
There was a large crowd on hand to celebrate the achievement, and Dawsey made note of three local business chambers in attendance: The Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“We do a lot of work in all those different areas, but I mean, for that to be recognized by all these groups, it’s just a great feeling,” said Dawsey.
Speakers at the event included Malta Town Supervisor Mark Hammond and New York State Senator Jim Tedisco, who mentioned that MLB built the Memorial Field House at Union College in Schenectady, where Tedisco played basketball as a member of the Dutchmen men’s team.
“It’s been a tough year, two years, three years, with this pandemic,” said Tedisco. “To think you’ve grown and expanded and are doing projects, and it’s been 75 years, is an unbelievable achievement.”
Tedisco presented MLB with a 2022 New York State Senate Empire Award, in recognition of “outstanding contributions, and dedication to the growth, prosperity, and betterment of their community,” Tedisco said.
New York State Senator Jim Tedisco (left) presents MLB Construction Services President Jim Dawsey with a 2022 New York State Senate Empire Award on Tuesday.
Dawsey said the foundation laid by the company’s three founders, Fred Longe, John McManus, and Don Brockwehl, helped guide him in his role as President of MLB.
“I was lucky enough to work with all three of those guys,” Dawsey said. “They just taught me the right way to do business, especially in the construction field. You have to have respect, honesty, and transparency when you’re dealing with people.”
Dawsey highlighted the 1863 Club at the Saratoga Race Course and the science center at Skidmore College as recent MLB projects that stand out, and also mentioned a 1980s project with a hydroelectric plant at the Ashokan Reservoir in Ulster County.
“There’s like 12-foot diameter pipes that come out of the dam and go down to the city. We put a hydroelectric plant in front of those pipes going down to the city, so that we could generate power at the same time,” Dawsey said. “They used to have a fountain on that site, we put the fountain back so that the people could still enjoy everything that they remembered from growing up at that point. I think that was one of the most fulfilling jobs that I did.”
Dawsey, a Schenectady native, said he feels that the local area is “really alive,” noting the transformation that he’s seen through the years.
“This whole area in general is just coming back, it’s really alive,” said Dawsey. “There’s a lot of young people that are now staying here in this area, and some people actually moving to the area, whether it’s for Global Foundries or for whatever reason. I think it’s a real growth area now within the state.”
And with 75 years of experience already under their belts, MLB will hope to continue to build and grow for the next 75 years.
