Gary & Dylan discuss actor George Takei’s visit to Glens Falls. Also discussed: The Adirondack Thunder visited Albany’s Ronald McDonald House, a new downtown mural to honor the history of Glens Falls, a scarecrow contest held by the Warren, Washington & Albany Counties ARC, and Governor Hochul’s announcement on increased police enforcement for Halloween weekend.
00:02 – Intro 00:37 – Ad Break 1 01:15 – Story 1: Adirondack Thunder Visit Ronald McDonald House 02:18 – Story 2: George Takei Visits Glens Falls 05:05 – Ad Break 2 05:25 – Story 3: New Mural Pays Homage to Glens Falls History 06:30 – Story 4: WWAARC Scarecrow Contest 07:30 – Story 5: Police Crackdown for Halloween Weekend 09:07 – Outro
UPDATE (11/2): This event has been rescheduled to Nov. 19.
SOUTH GLENS FALLS — Veterans Day is fast approaching, and Atlas Jiu-Jitsu in South Glens Falls, along with nonprofit Operation Rolling for Resilience, is preparing to host its second annual Veterans Day fundraiser event on Saturday, Nov. 12.
Justin Hall, a veteran who helped start the event, said the initial idea came after he competed in 22 jiu-jitsu tournaments in a ten-month span from October 2021 to this August, raising money for veteran suicide awareness.
“Operation Rolling for Resilience is the name that we gave our movement for the tour for veterans suicide awareness,” said Hall. “In doing that, we came up with the idea to turn it into a nonprofit organization for people with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and things of that sort.”
Hall said he and Atlas instructor Joseph Zakriski initially discussed hosting a seminar, but it quickly evolved and has become an annual event.
“Then we decided to take it a step further, and ask some other people to get involved and join up on it, and they all did,” Hall said. “At the time, we got a yoga instructor, we got everyone involved and it ended up just taking off from there.”
Hall said he runs Operation Rolling for Resilience along with Zakriski, Nicholas Regner, and Miranda Smith.
The Veterans Day event will offer both adult and childrens’ lessons for No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, as well as a judo class. Hall said the classes will be aimed at beginners, encouraging new people to try it out.
“They’re going to be entry-level classes, or just some basic techniques to get people introduced to the sport,” said Hall. “Some things that aren’t going to require a ton of skill up front, that way anybody can walk in and give it a shot.”
The childrens’ no-gi jiu-jitsu class runs from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., with the judo class following from noon to 1:30 p.m. The adult no-gi jiu-jitsu class runs from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. After the adult class, Atlas will host a ‘Veteran and First Responder Intro to Operation Rolling for Resilience.’
A minimum donation of $20 is required, and will allow guests access to all three classes. The introduction to Operation Rolling for Resilience is open to the public, Hall said. The nonprofit has a page on GoFundMe, Hall mentioned, and also accepts cash donations.
Hall said the mission of Operation Rolling for Resilience is to help veterans who are struggling connect through jiu-jitsu, free of charge.
“A lot of the struggles, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and those kinds of things, we’re looking to kind of alleviate that and give them the community, sense of camaraderie, and purpose again,” said Hall. “That’s what jiu-jitsu has done for me, so I aim to give that back to them and kind of make it like a space where they can be themselves and work on themselves. … An environment where it’s sociable, it’s safe, and it’s a good stress outlet.”
Hall served for nine years in the Army, he said, noting the need for services to assist veterans is important as he, “was one of those people that needed that at one time.”
“I know if I needed that help, and those sort of resources weren’t available when I needed it, there’s definitely a need for it in the community,” Hall said. “Instead of sitting back and waiting for that miracle to happen, we want to be that for everybody else. We’re going to be there, we’re going to take the reins, and take this wherever it takes us.”
Hall, who is a blue-belt at Atlas, mentioned that the attendance at last year’s event was better than anticipated, and said he hopes to see “a big turnout” this year. Hall grew up in the Glens Falls region, and emphasized the community support in the area, saying “the roots run deep all around.”
“This area is known for the local support,” said Hall. “It’s one tight-knit area, and there’s a lot of love that gets around, for sure.”
Photo provided by the City of Glens Falls, courtesy of Advokate LLC
GLENS FALLS — The City of Glens Falls’ annual ‘Boo 2 You Trick or Treat Event’ will return on Saturday, Oct. 29 in the heart of the city.
The event will take place on Glen Street from 2 to 4 p.m. The street will be closed to traffic from Centennial Circle to the intersection of South Street and Bay Street from noon to 5 p.m., according to a press release.
Boo 2 You is a “wonderful event put on by the Glens Falls Collaborative that enables the community to come together in a safe environment,” the release says.
“This event has been taking place for over 10 years now and is free to the public,” said event chairperson and Glens Falls Collaborative board member Casey Scoville in the release. “More than 40 businesses contribute to this event, such as Finders Keepers, BD, Candy Space, DJ Duane Bullard, and Cool Insuring Arena. In fact, the Adirondack Thunder have their home opener after our event, but Gunnar will be coming to Boo 2 You to trick or treat with everyone.
“And, of course, we can’t thank enough the dozens of volunteers that help in making this event a complete success.”
The winner of Glens Falls’ Halloween House Contest will also be announced at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The city will also continue with hydrant flushing on Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. near Bay Street, Ridge Street, and Glen Street. The work “will be completed in a timely fashion so as not to interfere” with Boo 2 You, the release says.
GLENS FALLS, NY – Arrow Financial Corporation (NasdaqGS® – AROW) announced financial results for the three-month period ended September 30, 2022. Net income for the third quarter of 2022 was $12.2 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.74. Loan growth and deposit growth were both strong in the quarter, increasing by $80 million and $249 million, respectively.
Gary & Dylan discuss the approval of site plans for two solar farms at the Warren County Airport. Also discussed: Warrensburg voters approve a $13.5 million capital project for the school district, Lake George homeowners can once again request assistance in septic system maintenance, Martha’s Dandee Creme was ranked among Tripadvisor’s best quick eats in the United States, and a Board Game Tavern will be coming to Downtown Glens Falls next year.
00:02 – Intro 00:39 – Ad Break 1 01:17 – Story 1: Warrensburg Approves $13.5 Million School Project 02:31 – Story 2: Lake George Homes Eligible for Septic System Assistance 03:46 – Ad Break 2 04:06 – Story 3: Solar Farms Approved for Warren County Airport 05:26 – Story 4: Martha’s Ranked Among Tripadvisor’s Best Quick Eats in the U.S. 06:28 – Story 5: Board Game Tavern Coming to Glens Falls 07:38 – Outro
A view of Lake George from a Northern Living rental property. (Photo provided by Northern Living NY)
LAKE GEORGE — Lake George has long been a popular spot for tourism, and Northern Living NY is working to make sure every visitor has a quality stay near the lake.
Northern Living NY is a “full-stream vacation rental management company,” offering rental homes and other services for those vacationing in the area. Owner and CEO Katelyn Moskos worked in property management prior to founding Northern Living, saying she “just saw the need for it in the area.”
“There were a lot of hotels and resorts, and big families coming that were being divided between different units,” said Moskos.
Along with her husband John, Moskos started with just one home, purchasing a lakefront property and renovating it to be rented out.
“We started renting it, and it was successful. From there, we used the equity and purchased another home,” Moskos said. “We kept going, and I think by home number two is when I said, ‘OK, this is inspiring enough and successful enough to do this for other people.’”
Now, Northern Living NY has nearly 70 houses available for rent, with Moskos saying the company owns nine properties of their own. Northern Living works to book guests and maintain upkeep on all of the properties available for rent.
“From there, we do all the marketing, advertising, photography, videography,” said Moskos. “We take care of booking the guests, doing background checks for the guests, all of the financials. … Take care of the guests before, during, and after their stay.”
The company has a wide variety of properties available for both small groups and large ones.
“We specialize in more high-end luxury lakefront properties. Some of them are 2-bedroom, and then some of them go up to ten bedrooms,” said Moskos.
Northern Living also owns the Adirondack Kayak Company, Moskos said, allowing guests to conveniently rent kayaks or other water crafts on the lake. The company also owns Lake George Design, which can assist owners with renovations, furnishings, and more.
Moskos noted that Northern Living can connect guests with local businesses for “whatever they need,” saying the company can connect guests with private chefs, wedding planners, and more.
“We have a wonderful group of local businesses that we work hand-in-hand with,” Moskos said.
And that group will likely only increase in size, with Northern Living having recently joined the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“I think it just opens the horizon even more for what we can offer for our potential guests, and what we can refer to local businesses,” Moskos said of joining ARCC.
Moskos said “it’s opened up great things” for Northern Living, noting that the Chamber helps establish and grow connections with other local businesses.
“I think it’s great networking, not only for myself, but for other local businesses,” said Moskos.
Moskos said many of Northern Living’s renters come from cities, noting that Lake George is a great place to get away from the “hustle and bustle.”
“We have about a 60% returning renter ratio, which is really great,” said Moskos. “The families continue to come see us year after year. They may not stay at one specific property, but they’ll travel within our platform, which is really nice.”
Gary & Dylan discuss this weekend’s “Haunted Barn Bash” being held at Lakota’s Farm. Also discussed: a Whitehall judge suspended, police investigating an incident of shots fired in Queensbury, Cambridge and Greenwich apply for the NY Forward program, the Queensbury girls’ soccer team lose their game against Burnt Hills, and National Drug Take-Back day happening this Saturday.
00:02 – Intro 00:37 – Ad Break 1 01:15 – Story 1: Whitehall Judge Suspended 02:17 – Story 2: Police Investigating Reports of Shots Fired 02:58 – Ad Break 2 03:18 – Story 3: Lakota’s Farm “Haunted Barn Bash” 04:37 – Story 4: Cambridge & Greenwich Apply for NY Forward Program 06:09 – Story 5: Loss for Queensbury Girls’ Soccer Team 07:04 – Story 6: National Drug Take-Back Day 07:55 – Outro
CAMBRIDGE — Halloween is around the corner, and Lakota’s Farm is helping get the community in the spirit with the first annual ‘Haunted Barn Bash’ on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.
The Bash will have a live DJ, catered food, a cocktail bar, a costume contest, and more. Lakota’s Farm owner Kimberly Finney said she is excited to put on the event, saying she loves Halloween.
“I’ve always loved Halloween,” said Finney. “We’re actually having a blast right now, because we’re decorating the barn all spooky, when we normally do weddings and more formal events.”
And a 200-year-old barn is likely the perfect place to host a spooky celebration.
“We definitely feel like there are some haunted spirits that live here,” Finney said. “I can’t imagine there couldn’t be.”
The costume contest will feature three categories, with winners receiving a gift certificate to a future farm-to-table dinner at Lakota’s. Contest categories are: Best Costume, Best Couple, and Best Group.
“We’re going to do three sets of it,” said Finney. “Just to entice people to dress really fun and be creative with their costumes.”
Catered food will be provided by Wandering Food Dude, featuring a charcuterie board, hor d’oeuvres, and food stations throughout the barn. DJ John Waddell will provide music for the evening.
“(Wandering Food Dude) just did our last farm-to-table dinner just a few weeks ago, our last one of the season, and it was incredible,” said Finney. “They’re newer to having their own business, but they’re certainly not new to the catering world.”
The Haunted Barn Bash will have a cocktail bar, as well as tarot readings by Aviana Shaman, who Finney said also attended the fall festival at Lakota’s.
“She was here for our fall festival, actually, and everybody really seemed to love her,” Finney said. “We thought it would be a really fun, spooky element to have Tarot readings at a Halloween party.”
The Bash is selling two types of tickets, a $25 ‘Dance the Night Away’ ticket, and a $65 ‘Dancing and Dinner All-You-Can-Eat’ ticket.
“People can buy tickets just to come to the party, which includes some light snacks and things. It’s kind of admission to the event,” said Finney. “The ($65) ticket is, the caterers are going to do a cocktail hour, and bites of yummy food, kind of farm-to-table themed, throughout the entire evening.”
Finney also mentioned several overnight accommodations in the area for potential guests, including the Preserve on the Batten Kill and the King’s Inn.
“There are cabs that come out here now, and Uber comes out to the farm,” said Finney. “We want everybody to have a good time, but be safe.”
And the Bash will offer a chance for the community to celebrate Halloween, with Finney saying, “we absolutely love doing the community events.”
“The community events are definitely really special to us, whether it’s the festivals, the farm dinners, or the annual Halloween party,” Finney said. “We just love meeting all of our neighbors.”
Gary & Dylan discuss the new “BooTown” Halloween festival in Fort Ann. Also discussed: five suspects arrested in connection with the Calamity Jane’s gun store burglary, the Batten Kill Railroad celebrates its 40th anniversary, a man accused of crashing into an ambulance, and over four thousand trout released into three lower Adirondack bodies of water.
00:02 – Intro 00:34 – Ad Break 1 01:13 – Story 1: Five Arrested in Gun Store Burglary 02:16 – Story 2: “BooTown” Halloween Festival 04:56 – Ad Break 2 05:16 – Story 3: Batten Kill Railroad Celebrates 40 Years 06:47 – Story 4: Man Accused of Crashing into Ambulance 07:19 – Story 5: Over 4k Trout Released into Adirondack Waters 08:13 – Outro
Artist rendering of the proposed Biochar plant in Moreau. (File photo)
MOREAU — The Clean Air Action Network of Glens Falls has filed an Article 78 petition against the Town of Moreau Planning Board and Saratoga Biochar Solutions, alleging that the Planning Board did not adhere to the State Environmental Quality Review Act before green-lighting a proposed agricultural fertilizer plant by Saratoga Biochar.
But Ray Apy, CEO of Northeastern Biochar Solutions, says the claims made are not accurate, saying they are “a delay tactic.”
“While we would not provide details specific to our planned response to the Article 78 complaint, I can tell you that the complaint is simply a delay tactic that is severely flawed in logic and law and will be readily defeated,” Apy said in a statement. “None of the claims made are remotely accurate.”
The planning board had issued a conditional negative declaration for the project in March, ruling that it would not have adverse environmental impacts. The petition filed by CAAN, however, says that the planning board has received “a variety of information” that should have led to the decision being revisited.
According to a release by CAAN, this information includes, “Saratoga Biochar’s admission that its facility would release PFAS into the air and that the sewage sludge would be trucked in from downstate and western New England.”
The Biochar facility would be the first in New York State, and would use pyrolysis to convert as much as 720 tons of sewage sludge per day into biochar, a charcoal soil amendment, according to the release. The facility would also release quantities of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, PFAS, and more.
A positive SEQRA declaration would have forced Saratoga Biochar to produce an Environmental Impact Statement, the release says, which would detail the project’s impact on the community.
“The interim planning board chairperson told me that in his 18 years on the Moreau Planning Board, no applicant has ever been required to do an Environmental Impact Statement,” said Clean Air Action Network chair Tracy Frisch in the release. “Such a track record suggests that the planning board has not been using all the tools at its disposal to protect the best interests of the community. Not only is the planning board failing the people of Moreau; it is also breaking the law.”
CAAN is aiming to have the Planning Board’s conditional negative declaration ruled invalid, and have the project re-examined by the Board.
Apy continues to dispute the suit, saying it is “unfortunate” that CAAN has chosen to fight and delay the project.
“What is really unfortunate in this is that a group that self-describes as ‘environmental’ has filed a complaint that will only delay a project that has tremendous environmental and human health benefits,” Apy said in his statement. “This does not change our plans for the Moreau Industrial Park at all.”
