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NYSED Orders Schools to End the Use of Native American Mascots

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 22, 2022. Posted in Community, Education, Featured, Local Leads, Sports.

On November 17th, 2022, The New York State Education Department ordered all school districts in the state to remove “Indian” mascots and associated icons. This decision was made in an attempt to ensure that school mascots, team names, and logos are not discriminatory towards Native Americans. This includes the Glens Falls Indians and the arrowhead logo. The deadline for removing the Native American team name, logo and imagery is the end of the 2023 school year. The penalty for non-compliance may include removal of school officers, and withholding of state aid.

Glens Falls School District has every intention of complying with the ruling made by the NYSED. The removal of Indian associated items include; sports uniforms, furniture, and the gymnasium floor. The turf field is already scheduled to be replaced as part of the upcoming capital project. The school district is working on a process to find a solution to removing the logos in the time frame given. The Glens Falls School District feels that the student body should have a say in the naming and creation of a new mascot moving forward: they would like to keep the lines of communication open with the student body and community while a solution is reached. One suggestion was that Glens Falls be known by an already common logo and image: Glens Falls Nation.

The Cambridge Central School District has been involved in this controversy since June 2021: the school district had originally voted to retire the Indian team name, logo, and mascot, but the decision was reversed a month later when a new school board was voted into office. In August of that year, Educational Commissioner Betty Rosa declared that the image and the name violated the Dignity For All Students Act. Washington County filed an appeal, but the New York State Supreme Court ruled that Cambridge had to make the changes by July 1, 2022.

School districts that are connected with Native American communities can be approved by federally recognized tribes and allowed to use a tribal mascot. Native American mascots are still used by as many as 50 to 60 school districts in the State.

Local school districts that are affected by this decision include:

Corinth – Tomahawks

Averill Park – Warriors

Mohonasen – Warriors

Hoosic Valley – Indians

Stillwater – Warriors

Fonda/Fultonville – Braves

Schoharie – Indians

Glens Falls – Indians

Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk – Indians

Glens Falls TODAY: Morning Brief – Episode 49: Native American Mascot Ruling | 11/22/22

Written by Gary Scott on November 22, 2022. Posted in Featured, Media, The Morning Brief.

Today, Gary discussed the New York State Department of Education’s ruling that any school with a Native American-themed mascot will be required to find a replacement by the end of the school year. Also in the news: Park & Elm’s open house this past weekend, North Country ARTS unveils their “Celebration Exhibit,” and new ideas proposed for the old Rexleigh Marble Mill along the Batten Kill.

00:02 – Intro
00:34 – Ad Break 1
01:13 – Story 1: Park & Elm Open House
02:46 – Story 2: North Country ARTS “Celebration Exhibit”
04:13 – Ad Break 2
04:36 – Story 3: Native American Mascot Ruling
07:35 – Story 4: New Ideas Proposed for Old Mill Along Batten Kill
09:28 – Outro

Stories Cited:
Park & Elm Open House – Glens Falls TODAY
https://glensfallsbusinessreport.com/successful-opening-for-park-elm/

North Country ARTS “Celebration Exhibit” – Glens Falls TODAY
https://glensfallsbusinessreport.com/north-country-arts-opened-celebration-exhibit/

Native American Mascot Ruling, Pt. 1 – News 10
https://www.news10.com/classroom-progress-report/nys-education-department-requiring-schools-change-native-american-mascots/?ipid=promo-link-block1

Native American Mascot Ruling, Pt. 2 – News 10
https://www.news10.com/top-stories/native-americans-react-to-new-mascot-ruling/

New Ideas Proposed for Old Mill Along Batten Kill – Post Star
https://poststar.com/news/local/redevelopment-ideas-aired-for-old-mill-along-batten-kill/article_dc22be30-678e-11ed-a5b5-575a83782549.html

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Catholic Charities Hosts 27th Annual Saratoga Festival of Trees Event

Written by Staff Report on November 21, 2022. Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured, News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties invites the local community to unwrap the magic of the holiday season at their 27th annual fundraiser – The Festival of Trees – on Wednesday, November 30 through Sunday, December 4, at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

The Festival returns with a showcase of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and other holiday and gift items for purchase. Festival proceeds will benefit the programs of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. The Festival of Trees event hours vary as follows: Festival of Trees Preview Reception, Wednesday, November 30, 6-8pm; Festival of Trees, Thursday, Dec. 1, 4-9pm; Friday, Dec. 2, 3-8pm; Saturday, Dec. 3, 12-7pm; and Sunday, Dec 4, 11-2pm. Tickets are $10 per person, $5 for Seniors, $5 for ages over 10 and free for anyone 10 and under, when accompanied by an adult. Special admission pricing set at $5 will be offered on Thursday of Victorian Streetwalk Weekend after 5pm. Festival of Trees tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the Festival. Festival of Trees Preview Reception tickets can be purchased online at http://www.saratogafestivaloftrees.com/ or by calling 518-587-5000.

After a two-year pause, Breakfast with Santa returns this year. There are three Breakfasts with Santa on Saturday, December 3: the first scheduled for 8:30-9:30, then 10-11 and 11:30-12:30; Sundaes with Santa follows from 1-2pm. Tickets are $10 each. Children 2 and under are free. Adults must accompany children. Tickets include either the breakfast or sundae, a tour of the Festival of Trees, a photo with Santa and access to a variety of children’s activities for $1 per ticket. Activities include cookie decorating, face painting, manicures, ornament making, picture frame creating and letters to Santa. There will also be a Holiday Shop with gifts for purchase. Breakfast with Santa and Sundaes with Santa admission tickets are sold in advance only and can be purchased online at http://www.saratogafestivaloftrees.com/ or by calling 518-587-5000.

Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, Sister Charla Commins said, “The Festival of Trees is the biggest fundraiser and community event of the year for Catholic Charities. With decreasing funding and increased need, it is becoming more difficult to assist people in the tri-county communities who have been seriously impacted during these difficult times. This festive and magical event has been greatly modified in the last few years because of COVID, but this year we are reinstating all of the Festival’s activities, including the ever- popular Breakfast with Santa. Proceeds will assist us in providing services to individuals and families across the ages. We are sure the generosity of our communities will continue to support this wondrous holiday event and we are grateful.”

About Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties

Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties has been serving the tri-county area through a wide spectrum of counseling and programming efforts since 1975. In 2021, the agency served more than 4000 tri-county residents regardless of race, creed or lifestyle, with special emphasis on the economically poor and the vulnerable. Catholic Charities services are provided by caring, skilled professionals, and services benefit youth at risk, victims of domestic violence, families in need of counseling, the terminally ill and countless others. For more information on the mission or services provided by Catholic Charities, call 518-587-5000.

Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties is an agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany.

North Country ARTS Opened “Celebration Exhibit”

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 21, 2022. Posted in Community, Entertainment, Featured, In the Arts, Local Leads.

On Saturday, November 19th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, North Country ARTS hosted an open house for their ”Celebration Exhibit” in their main gallery at Suite #120 in The Shirt Factory. The atmosphere was festive as patrons, art lovers, artists and community members mingled throughout the gallery.

The day before the event, Artist Colleen Shannon spoke of the two pieces that she was featuring and the process of creating her art. She said, “I love a blank canvas, because the possibilities are endless with a blank canvas.” When filling out her canvas, Colleen sometimes uses word prompts, or simple swatches of color. As she adds to the canvas, the image begins to take form; at that point, the process starts to slow down. There are times during the process that she has to walk away from the piece and give her thoughts time to evolve… She admits that it can be hard to know when a piece is finished, and that she has occasionally taken paintings too far and had to start over. But, when a painting is just right and near completion, she adds texture to it. Colleen is currently exhibiting two of her creations: Never Alone and Wanderlust.

During the opening, artist Paige was a welcoming presence at the wine, cider and apple bar. Paige and partner Prince own and operate Pastel Prince out of the Garden Level of The Shirt Factory. They provided two pieces for the show – Daddy Krumpus and Surreal Celebration. Surreal Celebration is a commentary on modern society’s programming of youth and the evolution of finding one’s own way through life’s challenges.

The exhibit will be open to the public for six weeks, and can be viewed Thursday through Sunday, between the hours of 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Paintings and ceramics will be on display and for sale through the holiday season. For more information, email Info@northcountryarts.org, or check out the website at NorthCountryArts.org

Growing Local Company Searching For Plumbers

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 21, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Workforce.

Cerrone Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has been providing services to our community for over 25 years, and they are currently looking to expand their team by hiring plumbers. This family owned business is offering: Competitive experience based pay and bonuses, a range of benefits including health and dental insurance, and 401(k) options.

Cerrone prides themselves on their personalized approach for their clients; as they often say, “There is no project too big, or too small!” Cerrone’s dedication inspires team members to work hard – for the team as well as the client. To help keep their experience top-notch, Cerrone is looking for individuals with experience installing and servicing residential and commercial plumbing.

There is a high demand for plumbers in the workforce these days: both SUNY Adirondack and Hudson Valley Community College offer courses in the foundations of plumbing. These programs are self paced, completely online-based, and provide students with the necessary qualifications to gain an entry level plumbing position.

If you are a hardworking and dedicated plumber, Cerrone Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is looking for you! If you would like more information, please call (518) 798-6560, or email cerroneplumbing@yahoo.com.

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

Installation of the following: Pex Tubing, PVC, Drain Venting Piping, Plumbing Fixtures
Ability to drive and operate a van
Work at heights and depths of 30 ft
Must be able to work under ground, above ceilings, and in confined spaces, and be able to maneuver and carry equipment to those spaces
Ability to bend, crouch and kneel and reach overhead
Usually in and out of heated and protected areas, but occasional exposure to heat, cold rain and snow may occur

To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the following criteria:

2 or more years of experience with plumbing
High school diploma or equivalent
Ability to multitask while coordinating a high volume of work
Experience with power tools

Full-Time

Pay: $15-$30 per hour

Benefits

401 (k)
401 (k) matching
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off

Successful Opening for Park & Elm

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 21, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Food, Local Leads, Workforce.

Park & Elm – the new lunch spot and market – held a successful open house on Saturday, November 19th. This new Glens Falls hotspot features grocery items and a delicatessen. Customers wandered the aisles, appreciating both the offerings and the decor. During the opening, Park & Elm offered a casual look around, the opportunity to order from the deli, and purchase grocery items. There were also samples offered by The Argyle Cheese Farmer! Glens Falls mayor Bill Collins, fifth ward supervisor Ben Driscoll, and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner were among those in attendance for the opening.

This was only the beginning for the location, as a full restaurant will also share the space: Doc’s Restaurant – which closed its doors on that same evening – will be rebranding and filling the restaurant space. Doc’s originally operated across the street out of the Park Theater, but was in need of more space due to rising demand. Park & Elm will be focusing on farm to table ingredients provided by local producers. The market is located at 19 Park Street, and will be open Tuesday through Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

The restaurant space was also on display during the opening. The exposed brick walls, dark wooden tables and electric blue accent walls promise to create a perfect dining atmosphere.

The restaurant’s mailing list is focusing on building that excitement in days to come. It will be used to keep customers up to date on when the opening will be taking place, as well as offer opportunities to be among the first to make reservations. The Park & Elm restaurant is expected to open in December. For more information, visit Park-Elm.com.

Glens Falls TODAY: Morning Brief – Episode 48: Saratoga Biochar Solutions | 11/21/22

Written by Gary Scott on November 21, 2022. Posted in Featured, Media, The Morning Brief.

It’s another Monday, and to open up this holiday week, Gary discusses Saratoga Biochar Solutions now being required to hold a public hearing to discuss their planned carbon-fertilizer plant in Moreau. Also in the news: New York State prepares to crack down on drunk driving through Thanksgiving, West Mountain announces its new RFID card system while Gore Mountain opens ahead of schedule, and Lake George’s “Lite Up the Village” festival kicks off this weekend.

00:02 – Intro
00:41 – Ad Break 1
01:20 – Story 1: STOP-DWI Campaign
03:36 – Story 2: West Mtn. RFID Card System / Gore Mtn. Opens
05:31 – Ad Break 2
05:55 – Story 3: Saratoga Biochar Public Hearing
08:05 – Story 4: Lake George “Lite Up the Village”
09:29 – Outro

Stories Cited:
CT Man Charged in Lake George Crash – Post Star
https://poststar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/connecticut-man-charged-with-dwi-after-lake-george-crash/article_abc01238-67b1-11ed-ae51-4b93d2b85c6d.html

STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign – News 10
https://www.news10.com/news/warren-county/warren-county-stepping-up-patrols-for-thanksgiving/

West Mtn. RFID Card System / Gore Mtn. Opens – Post Star
https://poststar.com/news/local/west-mountain-transforms-ticketing-process-plans-for-dec-10-opening/article_bcb03e6c-676e-11ed-8dcb-0b941c16a460.html

Saratoga Biochar Public Hearing – Post Star
https://poststar.com/news/local/regional-hearing-planned-on-saratoga-biochar-solutions-proposal-for-moreau/article_c3e4f6f2-6767-11ed-8284-dfaa8ba31b78.html

Lake George “Lite Up the Village” – Sun Community News
https://suncommunitynews.com/news/100057/lite-up-the-village-returns-to-lake-george-with-more-activities/

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Lehigh Cement Company To Close: Planned Phase Out In 2023

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 18, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Local Leads, Workforce.

On Wednesday, November 16th, Texas-based Lehigh Hanson announced that Lehigh Cement Company of Glens Falls will be closing in 2023, citing changes in cost effectiveness of the aging plant as the primary reason. The plant currently employs 85 full-time workers, who will reportedly be offered job search and financial assistance.

This plant has been in operation at 313 Warren Street for almost 130 years. It opened in 1893, and is located on over 20 acres on the banks of the Hudson River; the company itself owns about 66 acres around that area, according to city records. Lehigh Cement produced Type 1, 11, and 111 Masonry, according to their website. Lehigh Henson is planning a phased shutdown for the plant, concluding in 2023.

“The decision to halt production at a plant is always difficult. We are thankful for the dedication and efforts of our Glens Falls workforce over the years, and we will work to minimize the impacts to our employees and the community as much as possible” said Alex Car, president of Lehigh Hanson’s Northeast Region, in a prepared statement. Lehigh Henson plans on moving operations to a new state-of-the-art and energy-efficient cement plant in Mitchell, Indiana. Cement coming to this region will now come from that plant.

The Wood Theater Presents School Of Rock: The Musical

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 18, 2022. Posted in Community, Entertainment, Featured, In the Arts, Local Leads.

Thursday, November 17th… School of Rock: The Musical opened at The Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls N.Y… And it’s a Hit!

School of Rock: The Musical will run though Sunday, November 20th. Tickets are either $20 or $30, depending on the day of the performance. Theater-goers have raved about the show, noting that they loved the range of emotion that the performance inspired, thanks to the incredibly talented cast! Amanda Rabine of Fort Edward, New York, took her daughter Spencer to the show. She said afterward, “We laughed, we sang, I cried, and we never stopped smiling!”

School of Rock: The Musical is based on the popular 2003 film starring Jack Black. The main character – Dewey Finn – is a washed up rock star wannabe turned substitute teacher by a chance turn of fate; he then seizes the opportunity to teach his students about the power of music! The first adaptation of this movie to the stage was on Broadway in 2015, and its lasting success is a true testament to its quality!

The Wood Theater is located at 207 Glen Street, in the heart of Glens Falls. This theater is a non-profit, year-round event space; nearly 350 events happen at the 300-seat theater every year! The Wood Theater’s mission is to promote cultural and artistic endeavors which help foster economic development, and improve the quality of life in the Glens Falls area. For tickets or more information, visit Woodtheater.org

NYS Volleyball Tournament Returns To The Cool Insuring Arena

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 18, 2022. Posted in Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured, Local Leads, Sports.

The New York State Public High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament will return to the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls on Saturday, November 19th and Sunday, November 20th. This is the 16th year that the Cool Insuring Arena has hosted the tournament.

The event features competition between five classes, and four teams qualify in each class. During pool play, teams will play each other once. Then, the top two teams (determined by the pool play records) will advance to the finals, with tie-breakers used as needed.

Opening ceremonies are set to begin at 7:45 AM on Saturday morning. At 8:30 AM, the morning pool play will begin, and the afternoon pool play is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM. The finals on Sunday will start at 10:00 AM for Class D, 12:00 PM for Class AA and C, and 2:00 PM for Class A and B. The competing teams this session will include Lake George, Shenendehowa, Burnt Hills, and Galway.

The Cool Insuring Arena is not providing ticket services for this event. To purchase tickets, go to https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAA; tickets must be purchased digitally! Prices will come to $11.50 per ticket with all fees included.