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Brookfield Renewable Expands Footprint

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Business, Featured, Local Leads, News.

On Tuesday, Sept. 13, Brookfield hosted a ribbon cutting at 407 Big Bay Road. Joining their leadership and operators were representatives of the Warren-Washington IDA, Warren County Economic Development Corporation, the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce, as well as state and local officials.

QUEENSBURY — Building upon their investment in New York State, Brookfield Renewable has expanded their footprint in Warren County by relocating their national control center to Queensbury from Marlborough, Massachusetts.

In addition to more than doubling the size of its workforce, Brookfield has made a multimillion-dollar investment in a new facility adjacent to the current office. Brookfield, which employs a staff of 35 people at an office at 399 Big Bay Road, has built a new office to house 50 new jobs in operations, project management, information technology and regulatory compliance

Operators will monitor 140 hydroelectric dams situated across the United States, as well as wind, solar and battery storage sites. Activity at the control center requires staffing 24 hours a day and seven days a week to ensure that power generation remains consistent.

“Expanding our operations here in Queensbury was certainly the best decision for Brookfield. Having the control center in the same location as staff working at our original office on Big Bay Road will enable us to integrate the national system control center employees into a regional office with other personnel and duties,” said National System Control Center Senior Director Tony Zarrella.

Zarrella also noted that the new location will foster a synergy with his operators and field operations, will enhance recruitment and advancement opportunities, and promote a better work-life balance within the workforce. 

Zarrella continued, “This community provides quality of life benefits that are second to none.”

To assist with the relocation, the Warren-Washington Industrial Development Agency approved a $513,000 incentive package including $210,000 in sales tax exemptions and a $303,000 property tax savings over 10 years.

Job listings will be posted on Indeed.com, said Stakeholder Relations Manager Mark Luciano. Anyone interested in learning more about the positions or the company can visit brookfieldrenewableus.com.

Warren County Receives Funding for Bike Path

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Community, Downtown, Featured.

Warren County will receive $160,000 in federal funding to be used for an improvement plan for the Warren County Bikeway and Feeder Canal Trail. The Northern Border Regional Commission is providing the funding through a grant, according to a release from the County.

“Warren County is very thankful for this funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission, which will help connect the communities of Lake George, Glens Falls, and Hudson Falls to the Empire State Trail through the Multi-Use Trail Modernization and Linkage Initiative,” said Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairman Kevin Geraghty in the release. Geraghty also serves as Warrensburg Town Supervisor. “The funding will provide support for our regional economy by modernizing tourism infrastructure and increasing opportunities for our residents and visitors.”

The trails connect to the Empire State Trail, which runs from Manhattan to the Canadian border, north of Plattsburgh. The Warren County Bikeway runs from Platt Street in Glens Falls to Ft. George Road in Lake George. The Feeder Canal Trail runs from Glens Falls to Fort Edward, connecting to the Empire State Trail.

Warren County Planning & Community Development will oversee the plan, which is expected to “modernize” and connect the multi-use trails, according to the release. The grant will provide funds for an analysis of existing conditions, public outreach, and estimates for trail crossing, extension work, and evaluation of trail spurs. 

The release states that development for the plan will begin in 2023.

LARAC Executive Director Phil Casabona Curates A Love for the Arts

Written by Katy O’Keefe Haggerty on . Posted in Columns, Community, Education, Featured, In the Arts.

The Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council was founded in 1972, and is fondly known as LARAC. LARAC is a non profit arts organization, which operates on a volunteer basis. It is  located in a charming yellow house in the shadow of city hall at 7 Lapham Place in Glens Falls N.Y. The location had originally been a carriage house for the Lapham estate. It sits  across from Downtown City Park, and is one of the city’s many historic buildings. LARAC bought the carriage house 25 years ago. The historical building’s previous incarnation was as a women’s specialty shop named Honigsbaum’s.

In this location LARAC’s Lapham gallery hosts 7 gallery shows a year, and is open to the public with art activities all year round. The gallery space is painted white to accentuate the art. The open floor plan means that the art can be seen from several different vantage points and in several different ways.

Phil Casabona, the executive director of LARAC explained, “The space is set up so that the art on the right hand side in the back corner is the focal point. When people come in they are often drawn to that point.” He explained the work and care that goes into laying out a show. Casabona’s love of the space and his work is evident. He started as a volunteer at LARAC and has risen to the position of executive director.He hopes that he is a steward of the art and of LARAC. His participation with LARAC has expanded since he started volunteering. “I started one day a week, and then three days a week, part time then full time and now I’m the executive director.” He seems, both pleased and astonished about how his role evolved.

Casabona’s relaxed demeanor is welcoming and his attention to detail apparent. Every inch of the gallery is as important as every other. The gift shop with original handmade works, to the smaller gallery room which allows the viewer a more personal experience with the art.

The gallery is open to the public 6 days a week all year round, and has provided $83,000 in grants to artists. Casabona works closely with Alyssa Shiel who is in charge of community outreach for LARAC. He has worked with the organization since July of 2014.

Glens Falls High School Student Engages in Altercation with Staff

Written by Gary Scott on . Posted in Community, Education, Featured.

The first day of class at Glens Falls High School yesterday was shaken up by an altercation between a student and school personnel.

According to the school, at approximately 11:20 a.m. the student was getting lunch in the cafeteria when a staff member ordered him twice to leave the building. It is currently unknown what prompted this initial command. As the student exited the building he damaged school equipment, and was subsequently directed to vacate the campus entirely.

The student then walked around the building to a locked side entrance, and knocked at the door until another unknowing student let him in. Upon re-entering the building, the student put on a face mask before instigating an altercation with a hall monitor and the school’s principal.

During the altercation, a BB gun fell out of the student’s backpack and onto the floor. The school’s resource officer then called the Glens Falls Police Department to report the incident, and requested assistance in removing the student from the campus. 

A lockout was issued by the school as soon as the conflict began. The adjoining district middle school entered a shelter-in-place procedure at the same time. Most of the high school’s students remained outside the building until the situation was resolved. At 11:51 a.m., the lockout and shelter-in-place were both lifted, and students returned to their normal class schedules.

In accordance with the school district’s code of conduct, disciplinary action for the student is already underway.

In a statement on the school’s website, Superintendent Dr. Krislynn Dengler wrote that the incident “underscores the need for students and staff alike to maintain the security of external doors, which includes leaving them closed in their locked position at all times.” She also requested that parents have conversations at home with their children about keeping a secure environment at school.

Former Aldi Supermarket Potential Site for New Plasma Collection Facility

Written by Gary Scott on . Posted in Featured, News.

ImmunoTek Bio Centers have their sights set on Queensbury for a possible expansion.

The Texas-based health care company has been seeking to expand across the country, with new plasma donation facilities currently under construction in over a dozen states. These facilities are operated under two different brand names: ImmunoTek Plasma and Freedom Plasma.

Their expansion into New York has already begun, with plans for two new Freedom Plasma sites in Syracuse and Johnson City–a village in the Binghamton metropolitan area.

ImmunoTek is also seeking approval for a facility in Queensbury. They have filed documents with the town to take over the former Aldi market location at 176 Quaker Road.

This 2.3 acre property is home to a 15,500 square foot building which has been vacant for nearly three years. In October 2019, Aldi relocated to a building more than twice the size: the former Toys R Us location on Upper Glen Street. ImmunoTek hopes to renovate this property into a new plasma donation facility.

Plasma is a pale yellow liquid component of blood containing valuable proteins that help the body stop bleeding, and aid the immune system in fighting off infection. ImmunoTek uses this plasma to develop new vaccines and treatments for individuals suffering from blood disorders, immunodeficiency disorders, and other various illnesses.

Plasma cannot be synthetically produced, which is why ImmunoTek relies on willing donations from regular citizens, even providing compensation for the time spent in their collection facilities. Since its foundation in 2012, the company has collected over six million plasma donations.

ImmunoTek estimates an investment of $2.2 million will be put toward renovations of the property. They plan to utilize the space to accommodate three dozen beds for plasma donors. The company also estimates an availability for 30 job positions will be created by the facility.

A representative of the Queensbury Planning Department confirmed that further action would be discussed at the September 20 planning board meeting.

New Glens Falls Athletic Director: Building a Future With Help From the Past

Written by Katy O’Keefe Haggerty on . Posted in Community, Education, Featured.

The leaves on the trees along Quade street were showing the first hints of fall. The summer was winding towards its inevitable end.  Attention naturally turns to the beginning of the school year, Glens Falls High School will see new faces in some of its top administrative positions. Among the new arrivals Shane Jones will be Athletic Director. He is taking over the position from recently retired Chip Corlew. Jones is open about replacing someone who had filled the position for almost two decades. “ I have big shoes to fill.” He said with an apprehensive smile. “But, Chip has been a great friend. He has been available to me anytime I need clarification on an issue. He is someone that I look up to and he has built a strong culture here.”

Corlew’s involvement in the transition has helped Jones immensely. “We have worked together to make the transition seamless. And expectations are high.” Jones said as he sits behind the desk of the office he is still moving into.  “I started July first. It’s been a quick turn around.” Although Jones is confident in the program that he is taking over, there are changes he would like to make. “We would like to increase our social media presence, and find ways to highlight student achievements both on and off the field.”  He said.

Jones, originally from Hudson Falls, is happy to have settled back into an area that is familiar. He knows the importance of the support that is offered by the Glens Falls Community.  “The Grandstanders are awesome.” He said.  They are the booster club that helps support the Glens Falls athletic program. They are a celebrated volunteer workforce raising money helping to provide quality experiences for student athletes. 

Jones is happy with the participation in fall sports for his first year. “Of the seven fall sports that we have, only field hockey had to drop its J.V. program because of low participation.”

As the interview drew to a close Jones remarked on how exciting it would be to have the kids back in the facility. “It’s a bit spooky around here with the hallways quiet and the lights off.” He joked as he led the way through the darkened offices. After the interview Jones was heading over to the fields to watch the pre-season practices. 

Glens Falls Hospital’s New CEO Focus is On Patients

Written by Katy O’Keefe Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Featured, News, Workforce.

Glens Falls Hospital has a new President and CEO, Paul Scimeca. Scimeca, 59, has spent 33 years working for the hospital and has held the interim role of President and CEO since January 1st. He began his career with Glens Falls Hospital in the communications department in 1989. In 1989, gas prices were 97 cents a gallon and George H. W. Bush was sworn in as president.  

Scimeca has taken over the leadership position from Dianne Shugrue who held the position for 14 years. She held this top position during challenging times. During her tenure the hospital faced a fiscal crisis brought on by erroneous billing and the CoronaVirus Pandemic. It was also during her tenure that Glens Falls hospital became affiliated with Albany Med. Shugrue was praised by her colleague Dr. Chris Mason, the President of Glens Falls Medical staff, in an article posted on the hospital website, “It is said that smooth seas do not make skilled sailors. Diane Shugrue is a skilled sailor.” Shugrue retired December 31, 2021.

Scimeca, who has a calming and friendly demeanor, explains why he spent his career at the hospital. “The culture here is incredible.  It is a reflection of the community’s deep concern for doing the best for the patients.” He said, during an interview on September first. Scimeca has found the work to be fulfilling and career opportunities were available. “It has been a tremendous place to make my career. It’s an organization that is evolving and developing.” 

Scimeca balances the weight of the responsibility of his office. “Regardless of the job that you have at the hospital, at the end of everything there is a patient. It is a privilege to take care of that patient and take care of the community.”

He remains conscious of the needs of the community. “The industry is evolving and significant changes are happening every day.” Two and a half years into the pandemic, Scimeca sees the need for some fine tuning. “The Emergency Department is our front door. We need to provide the right environment for both caregivers and patients. Mental health is a big part of that for both the staff and the patients.” He said. The 43 bed Emergency Department takes care of more than 46,000 patients annually. 

Scimeca was an unanimous choice of the Glens Falls Hospital Board of Governors.

Downtown Mural Takes Art to New Heights

Written by Katy O’Keefe Haggerty on . Posted in Community, Downtown, Featured.

A late Saturday in August showcased the first hints of silvery autumnal light but still held the oppressive heat of summer. This was the first weekend that one could witness the artist, Jesse Melanson working on the first of three murals slated for Glens Falls. The murals are part of a $10 million dollar revitalization initiative for downtown Glens Falls It was mid-morning when Jesse Melanson, hailing from Austin Texas, set to work on the side of the building at 144 Glen Street.

This was his second day of prepping the wall that had been a deep color blue. He was covering the entire wall with white primer. This primer would create a better canvas for his art. He explained the struggles of working on a massive exterior wall. “The surface is rough and takes a lot of paint. There are areas of the wall where the bricks can just be pulled out.” He said as he gazed up at the jagged surface.

The logistics of working outdoors had already been challenging. “I just got power today. The lift broke yesterday and I have limited amounts of water (to work with).” He said with a smile. “Every time I work on a mural I think I should farm out the prep. But, it’s part of the process. This way I can make the work all of my own.”

Melanson went on to explain the stages of his art. “People don’t like the first stage of the work. I use a doodle grid. It will look trashy. But it will evolve.” He said. The artist hopes to beautify the downtown but also to open people’s hearts. “Everything evolves. I hope this art will teach people to look for a deeper meaning.” He said. “People should give things a chance and see what they can turn into.”

This theme can be found as an introduction on Jesse’s website as well.“I am Jesse Melanson, an innovator solving problems by design and empowering communities through art.” According to his website, Jesse has been collaborating with communities since 2017. To see more of Jesse’s work go to Jmelart.com.

This project has been funded by the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. This initiative is a $10 million dollar grant that is being used to improve the downtown area of Glens Falls. Kate Austin-Avon and Jaqueline Toubia are amongst the founding members of The Glens Falls Arts District. The group held weekly meetings to move this project forward. When asked what she hoped would come out of this project, Kate Austin-Avon replied, “For people to enjoy the arts, help fund the arts, and grow their love of art here in Glens Falls.”

The next two murals will be located on Warren Street. These murals are expected to be completed by the end of the year. The two other artists creating murals are Hannah Williams who will be working at 20 Warren Street and Toni Ardizone who will be working at 103 Warren Street. Melanson is expected to finish his mural in two weeks.

Making a Pointe to Take New Leaps

Written by Jordan Dunn on . Posted in Business, Featured, News.

Looking for that perfect extracurricular opportunity for your little one? Have you been dancing for years and are looking for a new perspective? Lead instructor and owner Alexis Williams of Turning Pointe Dance Studio has the perfect place for you!

Located in Granville, New York, Turning Pointe Dance Studio offers a variety of classes for ages 2-18. Focusing on tap and ballet for youngsters (two to five years old), adding in Jazz for those in first grade and up, and finally offering pointe, hip hop, and Irish step for those further into their dancing journey, TPDS has a little bit for everyone. The studio even offers a parent and toddler class for those wishing to introduce their little ones to the magical world of dance!

Alexis Williams, a lifelong dancer, has been cultivating her love of the arts since the young age of 3 years old. Training in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, pointe, and Irish dance throughout her career, it is safe to say that she is someone who has tried it all and has absolutely loved it. Williams, knowing for a long time that opening her own studio was a dream of hers, finally took the plunge and she couldn’t be happier with the results!

“What I learned from this experience above all else is to just take the leap! If I didn’t take the chance to follow this dream and open my own studio, I would never have realized the need in my own community for offerings like this,” said Williams.

Alexis (owner) with the float from the 4th of July parade.

Outside of the studio, Williams is a proud mother of an active 15-month-old. Williams said that she “hopes to instill the love of dance in her early on. Maybe one day even pass this place down to her. Time shall tell soon enough though, as I enroll her in the parent-toddler class this fall!”

For all of those wishing to connect with Williams and TPDS, Registration can be completed for 2022-2023 on their website at https://turningpointe10.wixsite.com/website via Facebook or by calling 518-796-1631! 

Top: Charlotte Williams (Alexis Williams’ (owner) daughter). Right: Avery Roberts.

Left: Greg supporting their award at the parade.

Middle: From 4th of July parade in Poultney, VT. They won Business Who Best Depicts the Organization. 

Right: Stella Kazakis, one of their 5 year old dancers from Fair Haven, VT.

Family Friendly Events in the Glens Falls Area All In One Place!

Written by Jordan Dunn on . Posted in Featured, News.

Where do you look when you try to find family-friendly events in your area? Google? Yelp? How about Macaroni Kid Adirondacks? 

Started this past April 2022, Macaroni Kid Adirondacks is a one-stop spot for family-friendly fun in the Greater Glens Falls area and beyond. On online publication, the Macaroni Kid Adirondacks website is host to not only an events calendar (updated daily) but to articles about the community, guides on local todos, and family-friendly local businesses. The site also features ongoing tips on parenting advice, crafts, recipes, and so much more! 

Started by Andrea Kelley, this local publication of Macaroni Kid was inspired by Kelley’s own past experiences, both as a local of the area and as a mom herself. Kelley, originally hailing from Ticonderoga, NY, and now residing in Hampton, NY, understands whole heartily the many awesome perks that upstate NY communities have to offer. On top of that, Kelley stated “as a Recreation Director at a long-term care facility, I already had a good understanding of the importance of leisure and recreation, and time spent with family. I like that Macaroni Kid understands and promotes work-life balance, but on top of that, I have a true passion for it! I love finding things to do in our community with my own family, and I wanted to help local families just like mine, be able to easily plan their family fun, and have all of the info they need to do that, in just one place!”

Macaroni Kid is not only the source for finding events but also hosts their own events by collaborating with local businesses. You can find them at the old T-shirt Factory building in Glens Falls for the Thursday Market & Food Corral, as well as other partnering events in the future. 

Macaroni Kid Adirondacks NY’s primary focus is to help parents who are looking for resources in the community for their children. Macaroni Kid Adirondacks is a contract publication with Macaroni Kid, a national publisher owned by CertifiKID, a company dedicated to providing parents with the best deals on family and kid experiences. 

Outside of running Macaroni Kid Adirondacks, Kelley is a proud mother of her own ‘macaroni kid’, an 8-year-old boy named Liam. When not writing for the publication or working at the nursing home, Kelley can be found enjoying the outdoors with her son, husband, and 2 precious doggos, Keelo and Remi.

Want to get/stay connected with Kelley and Macaroni Kid Adirondacks? No problem!
You can Subscribe for free on their Website at https://adirondacks.macaronikid.com/ and receive weekly e-newsletters containing the week’s latest events & articles. They are also active on social media like Facebook under the name Macaroni Kid Adirondacks NY and Instagram @mackidadirondacks, they not only post their content, and local events, but they also frequently have fun giveaways for their subscribers! Be sure to connect with them today, to stay updated!