Today, Gary discusses the upcoming return of Amtrak’s Adirondack Line. Also, a Winter Storm Warning in effect until Wednesday morning, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visits Glens Falls to discuss aid for veterans, the Village of Cambridge set to receive funding for a new sewer collection system and treatment plan, Saratoga County’s online tax foreclosed property auction, and the 29th annual Bands n’ Beans festival coming to Lake George this month.
00:02 – Intro 00:42 – Ad Break 1 01:45 – Story 1: Winter Storm Warning! 03:18 – Story 2: Sen. Gillibrand Visits Veterans Clinics 05:14 – Ad Break 2 05:39 – Story 3: Amtrak Adirondack Line 08:03 – Story 4: Cambridge To Receive Water Infrastructure Funding 08:52 – Story 5: Saratoga County Property Foreclosure Auction 10:30 – Story 6: Bands n’ Beans 2023 11:29 – Outro
Today, Gary discusses the state of the Aviation Mall, and possible plans for its future. Also, a talk held in honor of International Women’s Day, the leader of the Adirondack Council to step down this summer, and a look at some events happening this weekend, and early next week: a H.O.P.E. adoption clinic, the Wood Theater’s Rock Gallery, and SUNY Adirondack’s Battle of the Books.
00:02 – Intro 00:37 – Ad Break 1 01:38 – Story 1: International Women’s Day 03:45 – Story 2: Adirondack Council Leader Steps Down 05:17 – Ad Break 2 05:42 – Story 3: The State of The Aviation Mall 09:20 – Story 4: Upcoming Events 13:24 – Outro
William Borgos, M.D., chief medical officer at Hudson Headwaters Health Network, has been awarded the 2023 Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) Dr. Jack Geiger Award. The award recipient is selected from nominees across the state who reflect the legacy of Dr. Geiger; a physician and civil rights activist who led the community health center model in the United States. During a statewide, virtual presentation, Tucker Slingerland, M.D. – chief executive officer of Hudson Headwaters – presented the award.
“Having grown up in Queensbury, Dr. Borgos has a unique connection with the community, and is committed to providing the best patient care,” said Dr. Slingerland. “His leadership, and the leadership of all chief medical officers throughout New York, was tested during the pandemic. Dr. Borgos not only continued to care for his large panel of patients but was available to address questions and concerns from government officials, school personnel and business leaders. He is a role model colleague, and I cannot think of a better leader to be recognized.”
Dr. Borgos has provided care to Hudson Headwaters patients since 2003. He became Hudson Headwaters’ chief medical officer just before the COVID-19 pandemic began and took on the role of leading the local emergency response, working closely with public health officials and medical directors across the Capital Region, Adirondacks, and North Country. He helped to secure federally-supplied monoclonal antibodies to treat the seriously ill, and guided Hudson Headwaters’ COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts. During this time, he was an integral part of the leadership team – guiding the development of the Network’s team-based care initiatives, the introduction of telehealth options for patients, and overseeing the Network’s quality program.
“I feel lucky to have returned to my home region 20 years ago and to provide care to this community,” said Dr. Borgos. “Dr. Jack Geiger challenged us as clinicians to address what we now call social determinants of health. I’m proud to be a part of CHCANYS, as I recognize and appreciate that my community health center colleagues know the importance of looking at issues beyond a single patient and office visit.”
CHCANYS is New York’s Primary Care Association (PCA), representing a diverse membership of health centers, from the large metropolitan community health systems of New York City to the rural health centers of Upstate and Western New York. The organization supports community health centers through policy and advocacy work, focusing health center voices at the local, state and federal levels. More information about the Dr. Jack Geiger award and the nomination of Dr. Borgos can be found on CHCANYS’ website at www.chcanys.org/2023-dr-jack-geiger-awardee-and-nominations.
“Our clinicians are proud to recognize Dr. Borgos with this honor,” said Rose Duhan, president and chief executive officer of CHCANYS. “Dr. Borgos is a valued member of the North Country and the CHCANYS community, and we value his participation, wisdom, and leadership.”
The Queensbury School Community recently broke ground on their new outdoor athletic complex. These new state-of-the-art turf fields will support athletics and physical education programs, as well as allow for community use. It will feature a multi-purpose turf field that will be lined for football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. There will also be turf fields for both baseball and softball.
This athletic facility has been in the planning stages for three years – it was approved by Queensbury UFSD residents as part of a $19.75 million capital improvement package which was proposed in December of 2021. The new turf fields will provide consistent playing surfaces, and extend the use of the fields in early fall and early spring. The use of the facility will also be extended with the addition of lights for nighttime use. These fields will increase the number of practices that a team can have, and also reduce the need for travel in the post-season.
Queensbury has invested in this improvement as a way to help better prepare student athletes for a higher level of play in sectional, regional, and state competition. The turf fields and facilities are expected to be completed by Fall of 2023.
Today, Gary discusses Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District offering grants to anyone looking to embark on pro-environment projects. Also, an alert on Northway lane closures, a Lake George-based nonprofit created by one young child with a goal of helping others, Warrensburg’s Town Historian working to create easier access to centuries’ worth of information, Washington County officials call attention to overdose-related deaths in the region, and SUNY Adirondack’s first ever Retro Nerd Fest coming next month.
00:02 – Intro 00:44 – Ad Break 1 01:42 – Story 1: Northway Lane Closures 02:24 – Story 2: Chesyca’s Vision 04:10 – Ad Break 2 04:33 – Story 3: Warren County Seeks Green Projects 05:49 – Story 4: Warrensburg History 08:38 – Story 5: Washington County Sounds Alarm on Overdoses 10:25 – Story 6: Adirondack Retro Nerd Fest 13:40 – Outro
Official poster for the Retro Nerd Fest, designed by SUNY Adirondack’s Media Arts Club
Billed as “The coolest thing to hit the Adirondacks since the Ice Age,” several student clubs and organizations at SUNY Adirondack are partnering together to host the first ever Adirondack Retro Nerd Fest this spring.
The Nerd Fest will take place on April 15th from 10am to 4pm, located in the Northwest Bay Conference Center in Adirondack Hall on the college’s Queensbury campus. Admission is open to the public–free for ADK students with a valid college ID and $5 for nonstudents.
The event is described as a Comic Con-style experience featuring pinball machines and arcade games, live DJs playing music from vinyl records, a Smash Brothers video game tournament, cosplay costume contest and an array of vendors selling records, comic books, tabletop games, action figures, trading cards and other retro pop culture items.
The event is being planned and hosted by the Adirondack Broadcast Association (ABA) with additional help from the college’s Media Arts Club (MAC) in designing the cosplay contest. The Gaming Club will operate the Smash Brothers tournament, and snacks and refreshments will be prepared and sold by the Culinary Arts Club.
ABA members hear a proposal from club President Gary “Trig” Scott [Left]
As current ABA President, I asked some of my fellow club members what they were most excited to see or do at the Nerdfest. Tyler Hendrickson expressed his intent to try his hand in the Smash Brothers tournament, while Data Murdie said, “I heard there’s gonna be records, and I’m really excited for records.”
ABA Secretary Carson Costine said he was most looking forward to the cosplay contest, for the chance to see everyone’s creative sides on display. Aiden Moulton also declared excitement for the cosplay contest–albeit for a slightly different reason.
“I’m anticipating at least five different Kurt Russells to show up,” he said. As a fan of Kurt Russell, Aiden has been attempting to get several others to join him in dressing as iconic characters portrayed by the actor.
The Adirondack Retro Nerdfest will also be produced with the help of Cooper’s Cave Games, Sweet Side Records and SUNY Adirondack’s college radio station, WGFR.
“It’s a throwback to the days of analog and early digital entertainment,” said ABA faculty advisor Kevin Ankeny. “Old-school stuff is trendy and it’s being driven by the resurgence of music on vinyl records. This event combines these retro aspects with the pop culture convention atmosphere that’s been happening for a decade or so.”
Updates and details are available at wgfr.org. Vendor space is available by contacting the organizers through the webpage.
On Monday, March 6, 2023, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report that a vehicle had overturned off the side of Luzerne Road. Assisted by the West Glens Falls EMS and West Glens Falls Fire Department, it was reported that the driver fled the scene, and deputies managed to locate Logan C. Marshall – age 22, of Queensbury – near the crash site, where they determined that he was intoxicated and placed him under arrest. Marshall submitted to a breathalyzer, which showed that his Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was almost three times the legal limit.
Marshall was charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and aggravated DWI for operating a vehicle with a BAC of more than 0.18%. He was released to a third party.
Ever wonder how you can help the environment from the comfort of your own home? Think community solar farms! Community solar can be a great option for people who are unable to install solar panels or have insufficient solar resources.
Community solar is any solar project or purchasing program within a geographic area in which the benefits of the solar project flow to multiple customers. The Cornell Cooperative Extension is just starting up a program which would help lower carbon emissions by helping lower income households utilize solar energy. Solar, wind and other renewable resources will be increasingly utilized to deliver affordable and green electricity over the next decade. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERTA) clean energy agenda has a target of 70% renewable energy by 2030, and 100% by 2050.
People who live in apartments do not generally have the option of installing solar panels, but the Cornell Cooperative Extension is also working to connect people who live in apartments, as well as lower income families. By connecting people to community solar farms, there is a potential savings of 10% on their electric bill, and the service is still generated by the current utility company.
Bradley Towel – the Energy Program Manager with the Cornell Cooperative Energy Program – sees the importance of small steps in gaining momentum: “One of the small things that has been put into place is consolidated billing. Instead of two separate bills, they have consolidated the bill, which also shows the savings” he said.
There are pros and cons to community solar – it lowers electricity bills, reduces carbon footprint, and combats rising electrical fees, but at the same time, Solar farms take up a lot of space, and there is a lack of control over the output.
Community solar programs are fast becoming the preferred option when choosing a clean energy source. Community solar farms are often built on unused barren land or brownfields, which are tracts of land that have been developed for industrial use, polluted, and then abandoned. Community solar farms cover between 20 to 40 acres, and are connected directly to the electrical grid. The incentive to participate – up to a 10% discount on electricity costs – pairs nicely with the positive environmental impact, and even better, people don’t need a roof or to own their own property to participate. By opting into community solar, people can participate in helping the environment, and save money on their utility bill at the same time.
Today, Gary discusses Hilary Stec, the newly appointed Queensbury supervisor-at-large. Also, Glens Falls moves forward with a merger between Greater Glens Falls Transit and the Capital District Transportation Authority, a local business coming up on 40 years of service, new short-term rental apartments to appear in Downtown Glens Falls, funding awarded for trail construction on French Mountain, and the third annual Up Yonda Maple Festival set for next weekend.
00:02 – Intro 00:44 – Ad Break 1 01:40 – Story 1: CDTA Merger 03:36 – Story 2: Performance Industrial 05:55 – Ad Break 2 06:19 – Story 3: Hilary Stec Appointed Queensbury Supervisor 08:25 – Story 4: New Downtown Apartments 09:56 – Story 5: Funds for French Mountain 11:42 – Story 6: Up Yonda Maple Festival 12:30 – Outro
Karen Miller is President and CEO of Performance Industrial, which has been in business in South Glens Falls since 1986. The original brand – Americlean – was founded by Mark Miller, who saw a need for cleaning and painting services in his own community. As the business grew, he sought training and certifications for his team to ensure their ability to provide excellent service… By the early ’90s, his business was fully established with an array of services; from sandblasting and painting to kitchen exhaust cleaning.
In 2014, the Americlean team sat down to assess their successes, current specialties and future goals… They found that seamless, professional performance was something that customers valued in the services that were provided. Taking this information to heart, Americlean decided it was time for a rebranding… And so, they became Performance Industrial.
In an effort to maintain the high standards of Performance Industrial, Mark brought his hardworking son Bill and daughter-in-law Karen into the fold. Bill and Karen purchased the business from Mark on December 31st of 2019, and through their leadership, Performance Industrial continues to grow today. They currently employ 55 people, and though they are currently fully staffed, Bill and Karen are always investing in and growing the company.
Sean Willcoxson joined the company seven months ago as Operations Manager, after spending 26 years of his career with Mazzone Hospitality: “I was the Vice President of catering for Mazzone… I was ‘born and raised’ in the catering division. Now with young kids, I needed to find new opportunities… I knew Bill Miller through the organization Folds of Honor” Sean said.
Folds of Honor is an organization that ensures families who have sacrificed so much for our country receive the education and opportunities they deserve… Created to raise money for the families of fallen or permanently wounded servicemen, “Just this year we added a category for first responders, and what we do is raise money for scholarships for their kids or spouses… Anything that goes towards education” Sean said. He has been involved with Folds of Honor for over four years.
Bill Miller has also been a supporter of Folds of Honor, and through their common interest in public service, Bill and Sean became friends. Through their friendship, Sean joined Bill and Karen at Performance Industrial in September of 2022: “I had to learn a lot and learn the business. Obviously, our company does a lot of cleaning… Kitchen exhausts, industrial cleaning, sand-blasting, epoxy floors, painting; we do it all safely. How it works is that we start on an epoxy job or a kitchen exhaust job or HVAC ductwork cleaning, and then the relationship builds and the scope of the work increases… Our biggest focus is that we have a permanent placement of 35 employees at a manufacturing facility. That’s a third of our business.”
“The kitchen exhaust, industrial cleaning, HVAC duct category is a third of the business, and epoxy flooring is another third. Epoxy flooring is a coating that is a seamless and waterproof floor. It’s easier to clean, you can add a texture so that it is slip resistant, and it’s chemical resistant. The added benefit is the ease of use. There are no grout lines. It’s used a lot in fire houses, college dorm bathrooms, manufacturing plants, and farms” Sean said
“Our newest focus is that we purchased a ceiling tile cleaning system. It basically simplifies how you clean ceiling tiles. The first thing that we start with is education. There are two types of ceiling tiles – acoustical tiles, and vinyl tiles. The acoustical ceiling tiles feel like a hard foam; they are not wipeable. Over time, the ceiling tile gets stained… We have a process that brings the tile back to life without replacing it. If it’s just dirty we can bring it back to almost new at a fraction of the cost of replacing it… Now, vinyl ceiling tiles are what you find in restaurants and industrial kitchens. They have a fire rating. With that tile, we spray and wipe the grease off. You can spray multiple times, (and) the grease is captured.”
Sean understands the need for this product in the marketplace: “If the ceiling tiles are dirty, it’s a (bad) first impression… They need to look fresh. Our team will go in with ladders and clean the tiles while they are still in the ceiling” he said.
Due to his experience in the hospitality industry, Sean sees the importance of the service that Performance Industrial is able to provide: “The culture in a work environment is important. Employees should feel good about the area that they are working in and the product that they are creating… Our specialty is cleaning, and the focus of the employees in a kitchen is making great food.”
Performance Industrial has stayed in business for 37 years by providing services that are valued by their customers. Their focus is on kitchen exhaust, epoxy flooring and permanent placement of employees. They currently have two office locations – one in South Glens Falls, and another in Albany. For more information, visit Performanceindustrial.com
