Earth Day Update from the ARCC

I just put Scott Sopczyk's email in my "blocked" file. It was his email four weeks ago asking if the ARCC would help promote an earth day initiative to encourage people to NOT drive alone that put me in this predicament today. In response to Scott's email, we said yes to his request correctly believing that many of our members were interested in such an effort. But for me personally, this meant that I left my car in the driveway and walked to work at the Chamber.

Just 100 feet into my walk/commute, Ray Agnew from the Glens Falls Hospital - - one of the corporate partners in our weeklong initiative - - pulled up in his car and said hello. He reminded me that I owed him a phone call and asked if I was participating in the "earth day" effort. I smiled and said yes. He smiled back, rolled up the window, and drove alone to work without asking if I could use a ride. Note to Ray - - we are encouraging carpooling too as part of the program in case you see me out there later this week. I also saw Aaron Frankenfeld, of the Adirondack/Glens Falls Transportation Council - - a sponsor of this program - - riding his bike to work.

On my walk to work, I noticed that gas prices are now over $3.60 gallon. That helped to motivate me to do this again tomorrow. Of course, the beautiful weather today was also far more apparent and enjoyable being outdoors walking rather than in the traditional confines of my car. If you too found an alternative means of getting to work today, send me an email and we'll be sure to recognize your efforts in our blog.

Todd Shimkus