Today we are going to talk about what to do if you are hurt in a car accident involving a driver who was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
There are a couple of things that you need to think about if and when you are involved in an accident involving a drunk driver, or a driver who was under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, which is now recreationally legal in New York.
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that the police are called so that a police report can be made, statements obtained, etc. If a driver is under the influence they will likely be issued tickets, which is important because that can help you establish liability down the road in the event that you have to file a lawsuit or if you’re dealing with an insurance company.
You’ll want to make sure that you call the police, that the police come to the scene, accident reports are completed, insurance information is exchanged, and any witnesses are identified by the responding police officer. After the accident, you or your attorney is going to want to reach out to the local court or district attorney who is responsible for prosecuting those tickets, who will be notified that this was an accident that involved a serious injury.
Why do we do that? Because then the prosecutor is less likely to give a quick plea deal to the wrongdoer, which may become important later if there is an admission of liability in the criminal matter.
You’ll next want to make confirm the insurance coverage limits for the other driver, and notify any relevant insurance carriers. This may not only include the other driver as we’ll discuss below.
After you have determined the other driver’s insurance coverage limits, you may need to notify your own insurance company that you have a potential SUM or UM claim. This is a claim that allows you to seek damages from your own insurance company in excess of the other driver’s insurance.
Why is this important?
This is important because often drunk driver involve very serious injuries. You may need surgery or surgeries. You may have a long recovery. You may miss work, or worse. If the other driver has minimal insurance coverage it may not be enough to adequately compensate you.
SUM or UM coverage – under your own insurance policy – is there to help you in this exact scenario, and in many cases allows you to make a claim for damages beyond the other driver’s coverage. If you don’t know what your SUM or UM coverage is take a look at the declarations page on your auto insurance policy. You can get that from your insurance carrier.
TIP: If you’re able to, you should increase your SUM/UM coverage. It’s relatively cheap, and we have had far too many clients obtain less than they should because of inadequate coverage.
Of course the most important thing following an accident is to take care of yourself or your family member. Thinking about the above, however, may also help you or your family in the end.
If you have questions contact us today.
*Attorney advertising. Not intended as legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Thursday nights at The Shirt Factory are like a block party and mini carnival every week!
Today from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, The Shirt Factory at 71 Lawrence Street will feature a Market and Food Truck Corral! There will be live music, local breweries and distilleries, homemade items… And, the shops are open late!
Live music will be provided by Rob Pulsifer, Geo Beat Duo, and Jolene Sierra.
There will also be free and low cost events for the family! Lego tables, games, a petting zoo, and bouncy houses! There is so much to do and see at The Shirt Factory on Thursday nights!
This event will take place every Thursday night, from May 18th to September 14th. Come and join the fun!
The Environmental Protection Agency is requiring that every water utility across the United States complete an inventory of all of the water service lines by October 16th, 2024. This inventory is needed to identify and remove any lead pipes. The Water and Sewer division for the City of Glens Falls needs your help!
The EPA is amassing the inventory because there are 6 to 10-million lead service lines remaining in cities and towns across the country… There are dangerous health problems that can develop from lead exposure, as it can accumulate in your body, and has been linked to serious health ailments – which include headaches, stomach cramps, fatigue and irritability. Lead has also been linked to problems with development and health of bones, and can impair intellectual development and even damage the brain.
The Department of Water and Sewer is required to meet EPA regulations. Bill Norton – the Superintendent of the Water and Sewer department for the City of Glens Falls – oversees the drinking water, sanitary sewer system, and storm system. There’s never a typical day in the water and sewer department… There are always things that arise where the systems operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year! Glens Falls uses about 2 millions gallons of water a day for roughly 5,000 customers.
The EPA waterline inventory needs to be completed by October 16th, 2024. The primary focus of this inventory is to identify and remove any lead pipes… The city does have records regarding the pipes, but needs public assistance in identifying the pipes that go from the curb into the house: “We are asking people to participate in identifying their pipes so that we can comply with the EPA regulations,” Norton said. “The EPA wants 100% of the information, and we have a long way to go… Right now, we are doing the inventory, and if we find any lead, we notify the EPA,” Norton said. “We have to know all of the service lines going from our mains all the way to the homeowner’s house. They are looking to eliminate any lead connections… Years and years ago, lead was the material of choice. We are fortunate that we haven’t found a lot of it in Glens Falls, but we are still required to check everything… We have a lot of unknowns. We know about 85% of our system on the city side. We are also lucky enough that our meter readers who were going in and changing transmitters and meters would look on the homeowner’s side and they would note the kind of pipe… So we have about 40% to 45% of the inventory, and we are further along than most.”
To help the Department of Water and Sewer meet the EPA inventory requirements, there are quick and easy instructions on Warren County website. It’s a bit like an elementary school science experiment!
Determining the Material of Your Water Service Line
You will need a:
Key or a coin
Strong refrigerator magnet
Step by Step Instructions
Find the water meter in your basement. Look at the pipe that comes through the outside wall of your home and connects to your meter.
Carefully scratch the pipe (like you would a lottery ticket) with a key or a coin. Do not use a knife or other sharp tool. Note: If the pipe is painted, use sandpaper to expose the metal first.
Place the magnet on the pipe.
Take a photo of the scratched pipe and submit your results in the form on the website.
Types of Pipes
Lead Pipe A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe. Scratch the pipe with a penny. If the scraped area is shiny silver and flakes off, the service line is lead.
Copper Pipe A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe. Scratch the pipe with a penny. If the scraped area is copper in color, like a penny, your service line is copper.
Galvanized Steel Pipe If a magnet sticks to the surface, your service line is galvanized steel. A scratch test is not needed. If you scratch the pipe, it will remain dull gray.
In the meantime, if your tap water tests positive for lead or you have lead pipes in your home. there are a few easy steps you can take right now:
Use a Filter – Several types of inexpensive household water filters are effective at removing lead. Before purchasing, look for a certification from NSF International that verifies the filter’s ability to remove lead. It will usually be found on the packaging.
Run the Tap Before Use – Lead levels are likely at their highest when water has been sitting in the pipe for several hours. Clear this water from your pipes by running the cold water for several minutes, which allows you to draw fresh water from the main. You can use this water on houseplants, or to flush toilets.
Use Cold Water for Cooking – Always cook and prepare baby formula with cold water, because hot water dissolves lead more quickly, resulting in higher levels in water.
Clean Aerators – Aerators are small attachments at the tips of faucets which regulate the flow of water… They can accumulate small particles of lead. It’s a good idea to remove your aerators at least monthly and clean them out.
The City of Glens Falls Recreation Department will be offering swimming lessons in three different two-week sessions at the Glens Falls High School swimming pool! The first session will begin on Monday, June 26th. The cost is $60 for each swimmer for each of the two-week sessions.
The swimming lessons will be tailored to six different levels of swimming:
Level 1: Water Exploration (Ages 3 years old & older) – This course is designed to help preschoolers feel comfortable in the water. Elementary aquatic skills will be taught, which will allow students to develop fundamental skills and good foundation as they progress through the various levels of swimming.
Level 2: Primary Skills (Ages 4 years old & older) – This level will build on the student’s success in developing fundamental skills and the beginning of true locomotion skills. Students will learn to float without any assistance from the instructor, and to recover themselves into a vertical swimming position.
Level 3: Stroke Readiness (Ages 5 to 6 years old & older) – At this level of swimming, students will learn to perform the front crawl and the back crawl, the rules for diving safely into the water, as well as the fundamentals of treading water and doing the backstroke. All students must demonstrate what is taught at the Level 2 swimming level before moving up to Level 3.
Level 4: Stroke Development (Ages 7 to 8 years old & older) – The objective of this level is to develop more confidence in performing the front crawl and the back crawl as well as the backstroke while starting to increase the swimmer’s ability to perform these swimming movements over a longer distance. Swimmers will also be introduced to the breaststroke and the sidestroke while learning to turn at the side of the pool. All swimmers must demonstrate what is taught at the Level 3 swimming level before moving up to Level 4.
Level 5: Stroke Refinement (Ages 9 to 10 years old & older) – At this level, swimmers will continue to refine the various swimming strokes learned at the lower levels while being introduced to the butterfly stroke, the feet-first surface dive as well as springboard diving. Swimmers will also be expected to further increase their swimming distances with the front crawl, the back crawl, the side stroke, and the back stroke. All swimmers must demonstrate what is taught at the Level 4 swimming level before moving up to Level 5.
Level 6: Skill Proficiency (ages 11 & up) – This is the highest level that will be taught as all swimmers will focus on improving the various swimming strokes so one can swim with great ease, efficiency, and power over a long distance. Swimmers will also be introduced to the pike and tuck surface dives. All swimmers must demonstrate what is taught at the Level 5 swimming level before moving up to Level 6.
The first session will begin on Monday, June 26th, and run to Friday, July 7th. The second session will run from Monday, July 10th, to Friday, July 21st… And, the third session will run from Monday, July 24th, to Friday, August 4th. All levels of swimming will be scheduled as follows:
Dates & Times:
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
June 26 to July 7
July 10 to July 21
July 24-August 4
Level 1
9:30-10:00 10:00-10:30
9:30-10:00 10:00-10:30
9:30-10:00 10:00-10:30
Level 2
9:30-10:00 10:00-10:30
9:30-10:00 10:00-10:30
9:30-10:00 10:00-10:30
Level 3
9:30-10:15
9:30-10:15
9:30-10:15
Level 4
10:15-11:00
10:15-11:00
10:15-11:00
Level 5
11:00-11:45
11:00-11:45
11:00-11:45
Level 6
11:00-11:45
11:00-11:45
11:00-11:45
Please keep the following deadlines in mind when planning to register for one of the three sessions:
Friday, June 23rd, is the Registration Deadline for Session 1
Friday, July 7th, is the Registration Deadline for Session 2
Friday, July 21st, is the Registration Deadline for Session 3
In order to provide quality, distraction-free instruction, the City of Glens Falls Recreation Department requests that parents leave the area during the swimming sessions.
For more information or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the Recreation Department at (518) 615-0446, or (518) 761-3864.
Glens Falls Nation has revealed the black bear design for their new mascot! The red and black bear is a culmination of an extensive design process.
The final four choices for the new mascot came down to a choice between the Knights, Wolves, Black Bears and Hawks… The New York State Education Department set a June deadline for schools to remove mascots associated with Native Americans, threatening possible loss of funding and removal of personnel if schools with Native American mascots and imagery did not have a plan to change by the end of the school year.
Funding for these changes has been a concern… The school board was told that the expenses related to the mascot change would be eligible to receive aid. One of the biggest expenses – the changing of the gym floor – would most likely qualify for aid.
As for changing the uniforms, Superintendent Krislynn Dengle said, “A partner company that provides our team uniforms (offered) a $20,000 donation of services.” Communication director Skye Heritage added, “It will be a multi-phase graphic design that would cost the district fifteen to twenty-thousand dollars… They are providing the services for free to any school district in New York State that is affected by the NYS Education Department ruling on Native American mascots.”
Matt and Rebecca O’Hara have been the owners of Queen Boat Co. since the fall of 2018… That was when they started promoting electric outboard motors on Lake George. Now, they have taken the next step in sustainable boating and incorporated the first electric boat chargers on Lake George! These 75 DC fast chargers allow the boats to be charged without pulling them out of the water. Although the demand for this technology is relatively new, it is growing – there are 400,000 registered boats in New York that are under 25 feet in length. This is an ideal size range for an electric motor! This charger is the first of its kind East of Michigan. With the addition of the boat chargers, Queen Boat Co. will also be able to rent out electric boats to their clients.
New York State has been on the forefront of clean energy, and electric charging stations for boats is a step forward for that initiative: “New York is committed to building clean energy and protecting our environment for future generations,“ Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement about the 2023 state budget initiatives. New York State has a Climate Act goal of 100% zero emission electricity by 2040! To help reach this goal, decreasing the use of fossil fuels for recreational boating is key.
Lake George is a premier destination for boating enthusiasts, but the use of combustion engines to power these boats affects the environment… Recreational boating with a combustion engine can create pollutants and greenhouse gasses, and cause damage to aquatic life. When an internal combustion engine is used, it releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons; these emissions cause damage to the environment, and are harmful to the respiratory system. Electric outboard motors, on the other hand, produce zero pollution and zero emissions… There are no dangerous fumes, and no loud motor, either! There are also benefits in regards to the maintenance of the boat – because there are far fewer moving parts in the engine, electric boats require little maintenance; and the cost of electricity is lower than the cost of fossil fuels.
Queen Boat Co. is a family-owned and operated business that provides the ultimate in boating hospitality and take their role as custodians of the lake very seriously! Since taking over the marina they have excavated a failing underground fuel tank, and upgraded an above-ground fuel tank. The O’Hara’s have built a new waterway system, and worked to prevent storm water from running into the lake.
Queen Boat Co. is also home to Freedom Boat Club Lake George, which is the world’s oldest and largest membership boat club in the United States! The boat club cleans, maintains, stores, and insures the boats. Members make reservations, and show up to the dock, where there is a clean, fueled boat, ready for the day on the water. Now, there will be the option for electric powered boats as well.
Incorporating electric boats into lake life will help to lower the overall carbon footprint of all the boats on Lake George. For more information, please visit lakegeorgeboating.com
Chef Donnah receives 2023 Women of Distinction Award from Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner
Lunch has become an event many students look forward to at Glens Falls High School! Much of that is thanks to the hard work the Head Chef for the High School and Middle School, Donnah Dignan-Lewis, and the entire cafeteria staff put into their delicious creations each and every day.
Chef Donnah’s contributions to the community go well beyond the school campus, which is why she is one of the recipients of the 2023 Women of Distinction Award, given out by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner.
“For generations, women have made a difference in our communities, often with little recognition or acclaim,” said Assemblywoman Woerner. “These awards are given each year to women who have gone above and beyond to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Chef Donnah has been working in the food industry since 1998, and has been with the Glens Falls City School District since 2020. However, her connections to the Glens Falls community run much deeper. She owned and operated G.G. Mama’s Restaurant for eight years, and currently operates a personal chef and catering business when she isn’t busy making meals for students.
Elementary Art Teacher Suzanne Reed nominated Chef Donnah for the award. In the nomination Reed highlighted how excited and energized the entire school community has been about the food being offered in the cafeteria.
“Donnah has been cooking amazing, restaurant-quality food for school lunches,” said Mrs. Reed. “She has an ethnic flair to her cooking and has been introducing students to amazing new cuisine every day. She cooks healthy, interesting meals – some of them vegetarian. I simply can’t believe how delicious her food looks and how it’s opening the eyes of our students to cuisine from around the world.”
When Chef Doonah is not busy with her catering business or feeding our hungry students, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and working out at ADK Crossfit and Queensbury Hot Yoga.
We are proud to recognize the top students of the GFHS Class of 2023! These students have demonstrated admirable self-discipline, dedication to learning, and unwavering commitment to academic success. Their contributions both within and outside our classrooms deserve high praise, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements!
Valedictorian: Clara Avery Salutatorian: Katherine Lieberth Top Students: Julian Stedman, Claire Seleen, Eloise Duggal, Hilary Burns, Sophie Campopiano, Ryan Healy, Dorothy France-Miller, Fiona Bombard, and Julia Kress
Glens Falls High School 2023 Student Awards:
United States Naval Academy appointment: Aiden Gormley
President’s Award for Educational Excellence: Clara Avery, Ava Lily Bell, Cole Bennett, Fiona Bombard, Hilary Burns, Sophie Campopiano, Rosalie Carlsen, Madison Clifford, Patrick Collins, Kate Crandall, Logan Drino, Eloise Duggal, Dorothy France-Miller, Aiden Gormley, Christopher Haggerty, Aidan Harrington, Ryan Healy, Ciara Hirsch, Julia Kress, Avery Lanfear, Katherine Lieberth, Macey Logan, Charlotte MacPherson, Peyton McClenning, Duvaney Mills, Lily Mulholland, Morrison Northrop, Ava Pirozzolo, Carson Rath, Emylou Richards, Claire Seleen, Julian Stedman, Olivia Teta, Aubrey Versailles, Holly Walton, Lauren Weil, Jillian Wendling, Jason Weng, Vincent Westfall, Cullen Wright, Timothy Zimmerman
NYS Attorney General’s Triple C Awards: Kate Crandall, Aiden Gormley, Duvaney Mills, Lily Mulholland, Sterling Towers, Vincent Westfall, Caiden Wilkinson
O’Brien Insurance Business Scholarship: Cira Sherman
Joseph H. Nudi, Sr. Entrepreneur Scholarship: Galen Dermott, Caiden Wilkinson
Nicholas G. Taylor, Jr. Business and Kindness Scholarship: Lily Mulholland
Red Cross Blood Drive Scholarships: Hilary Burns, Kate Crandall
The Myles Miller “Take a Giant Leap” Scholarship: Galen Dermott
D’ella Auto Group Business Scholarships: Peyton McClenning, Lily Mulholland
Hall Family Entrepreneur Scholarship: Caiden Wilkinson
Spirit of ’76 Scholarship (Sponsored by the Class of 1976): Cole Bennett
N. Harwood Beaty Jr. and Nancy S. Beaty Memorial Award: Sophie Campopiano
E. Leo and Louise F. Spain Scholarship: Dorothy France-Miller, Katherine Lieberth, Julian Stedman
“Big A” Jeff Aurelia Memorial Scholarship: Ciara Hirsch, William “Trey” Patton III, Ava Pirozzolo
Cameron Jace Quartiers Memorial Scholarship: Ciara Hirsch
Edward M. Bartholomew, Jr. Memorial Scholarships: Hilary Burns, Aidan Harrington
Walter H. and Walter T. Robinson Memorial Scholarship: Jason Weng
JWP Champ Scholarship: Cole Bennett
Barclay Prize for Philanthropy: Kate Crandall
Maria Morgan Memorial Scholarship: Julia Kress, Owen Kress
Mr. and Mrs. Norman B. Greene, Jr. Vocal Award: Rosalie Carlsen
McClure (“Mac”) Edward Deason Memorial Scholarship: Fiona Bombard, Charlotte MacPherson
Glens Falls Police Benevolent Association Scholarship: Kate Crandall
Alexander S. Gillan Memorial Scholarship: Julian Stedman
Clifford K. Bosworth Memorial Scholarship: Lily Mulholland
Alumni Association Prize for Chemistry: Morrison Northrup
Maurice and Grace Simmonds Memorial Science Award: Jason Weng
Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship: Cullen Wright
Gary Marcantonio Memorial Scholarship: Cole Bennett
Christene Beaudin Memorial Scholarship: Katherine Lieberth
Glens Falls Farmers Market Scholarship, in memory of Rachel Wells: Cira Sherman
Thomas I. Ford Memorial Teaching Scholarship: Olivia Teta
Varsity Swim Team Award: Carson Rath, Claire Seleen
Dave Strader Scholarship: Caleb Ashe
Hilda E. Hayes Award: Holly Walton
Alumni Scholarships: Lillian Haggerty, Jonah Levin, William “Trey” Patton III, Timothy Zimmerman
Betsy K. Austin Memorial Scholarship: Aidan Harrington
Bob and Sue Carty Award: Holly Walton
Feigenbaum Scholarship: Kate Crandall
James Digan Culinary Scholarship: Jillian Hammill
Joe Vogel Memorial Scholarship: Vincent Westfall
Thomas Collins Wingman Strong Memorial Scholarship: Patrick Collins
Adirondack Area School Boards Association Community Service Award: Katherine Lieberth, Julian Stedman
Sally Quinn Homkey Memorial Scholarship: Caleb Delvaux
Robert J. Homkey Memorial Scholarship: Patrick Collins
Graham Easson Scholarship: Christopher Haggerty
Francis Plumeau Memorial Scholarship: Pearl White
Julia Corbett Herlihy Prize: Julian Stedman
John A. and Mary Lou Noone Scholarship: Olivia Teta
Stanley E. Rummel Scholarship: Sterling Towers
Caroline Brown Memorial Scholarship: Hilary Burns, Kate Crandall, Ava Pirozzolo
Susan H. Seaman Memorial Award: Donald Kist, Mia Mosley, Sterling Towers
Dr. James W. Haviland Memorial Scholarship: Katherine Lieberth
Glens Falls City School District Foundation Scholarship: Sherry Malik Awan, Ava Lily Bell, Avishai Berg, Jefferson Brand, Galen Dermott, Nathaniel Donlon, Dorothy France-Miller, Christopher Haggerty, Lillian Haggerty, Jared Hance, Oshun Johansen-Everett, Julia Kress, Avery Lanfear, Macey Loga, Peyton McClenning, Lily Mulholland, Carson Rath, Emylou Richards, Claire Seleen, Aubrey Versailles, Lauren Weil, Jillian Wendling, Cullen Wright, Pearl White
Harry and Myrtle Gardner Scholarships: Ciara Hirsch, Morrison Northrup
Harvey R. Dearstyne III Memorial Scholarship: Amanda Maurer
Hess Scholarship: Joseph Flood
Karl R. McBride, Sr. Scholarship: Tucker Sokol
Richard W. Derby Scholarship: Julian Stedman
Charlotte Pruyn Hyde Award: Jamana Awan
Philip C. Brown Awards: Hilary Burns, Rosalie Carlsen, Kate Crandall, Ciara Hirsch, Julian Stedman, Holly Walton
Award for Excellence in World Languages: Fiona Bombard, Ciara Hirsch
Arts in Education Fund Senior Portfolio Awards First Place: Julian Stedman Second Place: Jillian Wendling Third Place: Julia Kress Honorable Mention: Sherry Malik Awan, Holly Walton Artist Statement: Morrison Northrup, Julian Stedman
Fort Edward Historical Association 2023 Senior Art Show President’s Award, Guild of Adirondack Artists: Jillian Wendling
Saratoga-Warren County Music Educators Award: Ryan Healy
Glens Falls Music Department Scholarship: Rosalie Carlsen
Dr. Bruce Michael Kantrowitz Scholarship: Lillian Haggerty
Marina C. Wallace Memorial Scholarship: Dorothy France-Miller
Freeman Memorial Scholarship: Tucker Sokol
James Morrissey Family Scholarship: Jason Weng
Glens Falls Rotary Club Service Scholarship: Ryan Healy
David Gancher Memorial Scholarship: Owen Kress
Ben and Sharon Aronson Scholarships: Eloise Duggal, Caiden Willkinson
Byron J. Jacobson and Anne J. Jacobson Prize: Clara Avery
Jacqueline Tyner Scholarship: Sophie Capopiano
Crary Fund Foundation Scholarships: Ava Lily Bell, Logan Drino, William “Trey” Patton III, Julian Stedman, Lauren Weil, Jillian Wendling
The Grishkot Foundation recently partnered with The Kiwanis Club to award $77,500 in scholarships for students pursuing careers in nursing, health care, aviation, and aeronautics engineering. These scholarships are payable over four years of college, and are open to graduating high school seniors and college students from Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties. These scholarships were presented at a meeting of the Glens Falls Kiwanis Club at The Queensbury Hotel.
Each recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship for the 2023-24 college year, with some recipients receiving continued annual scholarships for up to three additional years, provided the recipient remains in the program of study and in good academic standing.
This year’s recipients of The Joan Grishkot Memorial Scholarships for careers in nursing and related health care fields were:
Samantha Rocco, a graduating senior at Mechanicville High School, who will attend Union College in the fall as a pre-med student majoring in biology.
Sydney Keenan, a graduating senior at Hudson Falls, who will attend Vassar College in the fall as a pre-med student majoring in neuroscience.
Jacqueline Hogan, a Glens Falls High School graduate, who is a medical student at SUNY Upstate at Syracuse.
Garrett Lamouree, a Queensbury High School graduate, who is currently enrolled at Binghamton University and will soon be enrolling at Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate at Syracuse.
Honorable Mentions:
Norah Niesz, a graduating senior at Greenwich High School, who will major in biomedical science at St. Lawrence University in the fall.
Sophia Herzog, a graduating Saratoga Springs senior, who will attend SUNY Upstate at Syracuse in the fall to study for a career as a physician/scientist.
Shauna Mower, a graduating senior at Queensbury High School, who will enroll at Connell School of Nursing at Boston in the fall.
Matthew Shakow, a graduating senior at Saratoga Springs High School, who will study for a career as a dermatologist.
This year’s recipients of The Walter Grishkot Memorial Scholarships for careers in aviation, aeronautics engineering, and related healthcare careers:
Ishan Swali, a graduating senior at Shen High School, who will enroll at Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall to study aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence.
Andrew Hope, a graduating senior at Saratoga Springs, who will enroll at University of Michigan in the fall, with majors in physics and aerospace engineering.
Sahil Swali, a Shen High School graduate, who is studying aerospace engineering at the University of Toronto.
Honorable Mention:
Kara Davenport, a graduating senior at Ballston Spa High School, who will study to become a corporate pilot.
The Grishkot Foundation, which was founded in 2009, this year partnered with the Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation to administer the scholarship application and review process. The Grishkot Foundation made the final decision on the recipients of the awards: “With 65 applicants, it was a time-consuming process, which the Kiwanis Foundation handled efficiently and expertly,” said Maury Thompson, president of The Grishkot Foundation. “The Kiwanis Foundation developed a scoring system which applied a holistic approach to the review process, factoring in leadership as well as academics.” This scholarship distribution is the foundation’s largest since its founding in 2009.
The foundation added the Joan Grishkot Memorial scholarship program this year. Joan Grishkot – the foundation’s co-founder – passed away on July 8th, 2021. She spent her 31-year career as Warren County Director of Public Health… As a volunteer, Joan served on the boards of 28 regional health care organizations and charitable groups: “Joan recognized the importance of neighbors helping neighbors, and endowed this scholarship fund to invest in the career development of local students for decades to come,” Thompson said. Prior to her death, Joan Grishkot was instrumental in the funding, application process, and awarding of the annual Walter Grishkot Memorial Scholarship program.
Joan throughout her life maintained relationships with the recipients of the scholarships: “Joan’s interest in scholarship recipients didn’t stop with awarding the scholarships. She stayed in touch with scholars or their families and delighted to share their academic progress with others,” Thompson said.
Joan and her husband Walter were best known locally as co-founders and long-time organizers of The Adirondack Balloon Festival, which was first launched in 1973. This event was developed in response to a request for an event that would increase tourism in the area during the fall season.
A volunteer board manages the foundation’s investments and operates scholarship programs in collaboration with the Glens Falls Kiwanis Club Foundation. Information about the foundation and about the legacy of Walter and Joan Grishkot can be found at grishkotfoundation.org.
On Saturday, June 10th, and Sunday, June 11th, Murray Street and Henry Street in Glens Falls were closed from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the White Castle USA Luge Slider Search. All eligible kids ages 9 to 13 were able to participate in the Slider Search! Sessions were held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Also, as an extra safety precaution, Finch Paper, LLC of Glens Falls agreed to have their incoming traffic utilize another route for the weekend.
The White Castle USA Luge Slider Search is the official nationwide athlete recruitment tour of USA Luge! The mission of this event – which was established in 1985 – is to identify, train, and qualify young athletes for the USA Luge Junior Development Team. These athletes are given the opportunity to progress through the team development ladder, with hopes of one day becoming members of the National and Olympic Luge Teams.
The vision of the US Olympic luge team is to be the best in the world! The core values of the team are ownership, accountability, collaboration, respect, communication, continuous improvement, and to develop the sport.
Over the Years, the White Castle USA Luge Slider Search has traveled over 250,000 miles and introduced the world of luge to more than 25,000 young athletes. These events are guided by U.S. Olympic and National Team coaches and athletes… Participants are taught the basics of riding a luge sled, including positioning, steering, and stopping. Then, the participants test their physical skills through a battery of fitness tests… Those who show promise are invited to Lake Placid, New York; Park City, Utah; or Muskegon, Michigan to try luge on ice at a USA Luge sanctioned training site.
