Saratoga Web Firm Offers 15% Savings on New Sites to 15 New Clients During April

Interactive Media Consulting, Web Developer for Crandall Public Library and
Glens Falls Family YMCA, Celebrates 15th Anniversary in Business

(Saratoga Springs, NY) - Interactive Media Consulting, LLC, a Saratoga
Springs website development firm, is celebrating its 15th anniversary in
business by offering 15% savings to the first 15 businesses or non-profits
that sign up for its Quick Site product during the month of April. The
Quick Sites, which are normally priced at $1,000 including site development
and the first year of hosting, will be offered for $850.

"For fifteen years, my employees and I have built this business by serving
hundreds of local and regional organizations, both large and small. Our 15th
anniversary Quick Site special is a chance to reach out to businesses and
non-profits that may not be online yet with a great product that is fast,
flexible, and affordable," noted IMC owner Beth Moeller.

Quick Sites that IMC has launched recently include: Hungry Spot Cafe, Pfeil
Hardware, Energy Alliance New York, Saratoga Springs Rotary Education
Foundation, and The Stagg Group. A Quick Site provides a client with the
ability to maintain the site independently, using the popular WordPress
platform.

Established in 1996, Interactive Media Consulting provides website
development and hosting services, as well as general Internet training
services. IMC serves a variety of commercial clients in the greater Capital
District, including Saratoga Economic Development Corporation; Luther Forest
Technology Campus; Adirondack Region Medical Home Pilot project; Anderson
Instrument Company; The Scott Varley Group; and Sloppy Kisses Pet Boutique.

In the local area, IMC is known for its web development work for non-profit
organizations and community events, including the newly renovated Crandall
Public Library in Glens Falls, Glens Falls Family YMCA, Opera Saratoga,
Universal Preservation Hall, Home Made Theater, SaratogaArtsFest, and the
Children's Museum at Saratoga. In the past 15 years, IMC has donated over
$150,000 in services to 20 non-profit organizations needing site
development, maintenance, and hosting. Further information about the firm's
clients and services can be found at www.imediaconsult.com.

Craft Fair Being Held in Conjunction with the 2nd Annual Adirondack Adventure Festival on May 7 & 8

The Gore Mountain Regional Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Craft Fair to be held in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Adirondack Adventure Festival on May 7 & 8, 2011 in North Creek, NY. The 54th Annual White Water Derby will also be held that weekend in North River.

Vendors participating in the Craft Fair can take advantage of the many visitors coming to the area for the Festival and the White Water Derby. The Craft Fair will be located within the North Creek Train Station property – which is the central location for all the Festival events registrations, vendors, family activities, educational displays, exhibits and demonstrations. The Festival includes live music, bike tours, hiking, kayak demonstrations, fly-fishing demonstrations, the Adirondack Museum Natural Helpers Program, an exhibit by the Warren County Fish Hatchery (includes trout release at the end of the day on Saturday) and free rafting rides. All visitors entering or passing by North Creek will be directed to the Train Station location which will create a constant flow of traffic for the Craft Fair vendors.

Craft Fair vendor applications are available from the Gore Mountain Region Chamber of Commerce Office. Contact the Chamber Office at 251-2612 or info@gorechamber.com to request an application. You can also download an application and view a complete schedule of events at www.adirondackadventurefestival.com . The cost for both days, May 7 and May 8, is $50 for an 8ft. x 8ft. indoor space or a 10ft. x 10ft. outdoor space.

Arrow Financial Corporation Recognized by KBW for Superior Performance

KBW (Keefe, Bruyette & Woods), a leading authority on the banking industry has named Arrow Financial Corporation (NasdaqGS® – AROW) as one of 40 banking institutions in the country to its 2010 Bank Honor Roll based on its ten year track record. The recognition comes after analysis of more than 400 publicly traded banks with at least $500 million in total assets. KBW indicated, in order to be eligible for inclusion on this year’s KBW Bank Honor Roll the following conditions must be satisfied:

1. No annual loss reported in net income per-share before extraordinary items over the past 10 years.
2. 2010 annual reported net income per-share before extraordinary items equal to or greater than peak net income per-share over the past 10 years.
3. Consecutive increases in net income per-share before extraordinary items since 2009.

Further, Banks named to KBW’s Bank Honor Roll have better than industry performance ratios and growth rates when compared to the publicly traded bank universe with total assets over $500 million which includes nearly 400 companies listed on NYSE and NASDAQ exchanges. For the five-year period between 2005 and 2010, the KBW Bank Honor Roll members significantly outperformed the banking industry and the market.

Thomas L. Hoy, Chairman, President and C.E.O. of Arrow Financial Corporation indicated, “We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition from this widely recognized and well regarded banking industry authority. This confirms our long-term business model which is built on the fundamentals of good asset quality, a strong capital, knowledge of our market and providing quality customer service through our banks and their subsidiaries.”

HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION HELPS MAKE TAX TIME EASY

February 11, 2011 (Corinth, NY): For tax year 2010, Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) is helping make taxes easy for its members by offering TurboTax Online at a discounted price via its website www.hrccu.org and Virtual Branch online banking service. Members can download the free 1040EZ edition of Turbo Tax or for an additional fee choose from the Deluxe, Premier or Home and Business versions. The site also features tax calculators, tips, online support and how-to videos.

“By offering TurboTax Online, we provide a valuable benefit to our members at tax time,” said Susan Commanda, CEO. “We want to make sure members have an easy, fast and accurate way to get their maximum refund possible at tax time and TurboTax does that.”

TurboTax 2010 easily and accurately guides taxpayers step-by-step through their tax return and makes sure they get every deduction and credit they are entitled to so they get their biggest refund possible.

This year, TurboTax automatically transfers more essential tax information into tax returns for greater ease and accuracy. Customized guidance, recommendations and answers give members the confidence that their taxes are done right.

iPAD Applications for Business - Tech II Business Service's March Free Lunch and Learn Session

Tech II Business Service's March Free Lunch and Learn Session. Come and enjoy a complimentary lunch!

Topic: iPAD Applications for Business

Join us for this fast paced and entertaining free Lunch and learn. Robert Braathe of the Apple consultant network will show and discuss iPad real world applications This presentation will discuss the iPad and demonstrate how you can use the iPad for your business and beyond. Applications and uses for remote connection to Windows, presentations, and fields such as law, medical, and real estate will be explored and discussed. Demos of Apps and additional resources will also be shared.

Who: Robert Braathe of the Apple consultant network
Where: Tech II Business Services, 4289 Route 50, Saratoga Springs.
When: Tuesday, March 15th
Time: 11:45 am - 1:15 pm

If you would like to attend contact Chris Waggoner at (518) 587-1565 or email cwaggoner@tech-ii.com

Rotary Club of Glens Falls To Award High School Scholarships for 2011

Rotarians know that many of our local high school students selflessly provide community service to local organizations and causes. To salute those students, several years ago the Rotary Club of Glens Falls created a scholarship program for graduating seniors from Glens Falls and Queensbury High Schools.

This year $5,000 of scholarship assistance will be available to qualified, deserving graduating seniors, in an amount up to $2,500 per student. The awards may be given to students from one or both schools.

Eligibility for the scholarships requires outstanding community service and at least a minimum of a B grade average, which must be verified in writing by the student’s guidance counselor. The scholarship awards are designed to recognize students who have gone “above and beyond” to serve their community, just as the Rotary motto requires, "Service above Self." Family members—i.e., children and grandchildren—of Glens Falls Rotarians are not eligible.

The deadline for submitting applications to the Glens Falls Rotary for the is drawing near. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2011 and received by the Glens Falls Rotary Club by 5pm on March 15, 2011. Rotary applications are available through the high school Guidance Department, or they may be downloaded from the Glens Falls Rotary Club website at www.glensfallsrotary.org. All semi-final applicants will be asked to meet with a review committee of Rotary Club members prior to the final selection. Winners will be announced in May.

Rotary First 5K Charity Race to Benefit Open Door

On April 9, 2011, the Glens Falls Rotary will host its first annual 5K race/walk to benefit the Open Door Mission. The race, which will be named The Rotary 5K will start and end at the SUNY Adirondack campus on Bay Road in Queensbury. SUNY Adirondack is also one of the primary sponsors of the race.

The club intends to make this an annual fundraising event to help support local agencies who may need additional financial support to carry out their work in the community. Each year the Glens Falls club donates thousands of dollars to charitable organizations who may need financial help. "We think we can do more to help and we certainly are seeing the increased need in the past few years," said David Bogue, Public Relations Director for the club. "The 5k Race will be the first time we have organized an event like this but we have quite a few experienced runners in our club who also have managed other race events. With the help of SUNY Adirondack we think we can establish an exciting and healthy event for the community that will benefit a lot of people."

The club chose the Open Door Mission in Glens Falls as its first local organization to be the recipient of the proceeds from the race. Said President Kevin O'Brien, "We are acutely aware of the needs of all the organizations in our community, but we felt strongly that Open Door really needed some additional support with all they have been through recently. They serve thousands of people each year who have fallen on hard times, reaching out and serving the needs of the homeless and unfortunate of our community. They are working hard to help those marginalized citizens who have nowhere else to go.”

The Rotary 5K, which has been accredited by USA Track and Field, will begin and end at the SUNY Adirondack campus. Race Director Jim Goodspeed emphasized that, "It's a relatively flat course winding past the Glen at Hiland Meadows, down Meadowbrook Road to Cronin Road and back up Bay Road to end again at SUNY. It's a great course with great views and is especially accommodating to runners and walkers of all abilities. We think this can become a very special event in April each year that will attract lots of people from our community and well beyond." Check-in begins at 8AM and the race begins at 10:00 am with awards and entertainment to follow.

For more information or to register on line or by mail, go to www.glensfallsrotary.org or active.com. Applications may be dropped off at the Glens Falls YMCA on 600 Glen Street or the downtown LARAC office at 7 Lapham Place. The entry fee for the race is $20.00. The club is also seeking individual and corporate sponsors to participate in the event.

IMAGINE DONATING THE MAGIC OF SNOW― BY SPONSORING A DOUBLE H WINTER SPORTS ENTHUSIAST―

Lake Luzerne, NY – January 25, 2011 – 200 children and 120 volunteer instructors are marking their calendars and counting down to their days on the slopes this 14th season of the Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program. Continue the magic on the Double H slopes this winter season by sharing your love of snow with a Double H winter sports enthusiast dealing with a life-threatening illness. Winter student sponsorships range from $50 for a day to $600 for a season.

Says one mom, “I never thought my son, who cannot walk, would ever be able to ski. When I saw the huge smile on his face, I knew we were in the right place, and there was nowhere else on earth we would rather be.” Says one instructor, “Double H is a magical place that fosters children’s abilities and strengths to learn and be creative, to explore and be adventurous, and most of all laugh and have fun!” Says one sponsor, “I was brought up by parents who were big on skiing, and I’ve instilled a passion for the sport in my own family. To be able to share our love of skiing with others who might not otherwise experience its challenges and thrills, makes us feel good.”

The Double H Ranch hosts the only privatized Adaptive Winter Sports Program in the northeast, solely available to children and families with special needs, not open to the public and free-of-charge. The season consists of five family sleepover weekends and a total of ten regular ski days, two alumni ski days and two night skiing events. The diagnoses served in the winter program are various neuromuscular diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy (nearly half the children served in the winter), cancer (including leukemia), sickle cell anemia and hemophilia, HIV/AIDS, autism spectrum, mitochondrial and other rare diseases. More than half of the students come from Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

For more information about sponsoring a winter sports enthusiast, call Linda Smith, Development, 518-696-5921, ext 238 or donate online at www.doublehranch.org

Adirondack HOGs Makes Donation to High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care

Nadine Szewczyk, Senior Road Captain with the Adirondack Harley Owners Group (HOGs), presented the annual donation to Sunday Conine, Development Coordinator with HPH&PC. "All of us at High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care; the staff, board, volunteers and our patients and families are so very appreciative of your ongoing support. Your continued advocacy helps us further our mission of providing dignity, comfort and peace at the end of life. We couldn't do it without you," says Sunday.

In addition, High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care is asking for the community's support in partnering for their Annual Motorcycle Rally. For the past 17 years, the Saranac Lake office has hosted a rally and pig roast with live music. In recognition of the organization's 25th anniversary year, the event is being re-vamped. Volunteers are sought to help organize this exciting new endeavor. Please call your local office for more info, Saranac Lake, 891-0606, Queensbury, 743-1672 or Port Henry 546-9850.

EPA RRP Lead Training Class January 27, 2011

Under the new EPA Lead, Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) Rule, contractors, renovators, remodelers, painters, maintenance workers and others performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb painted surfaces in homes, apartments, child care facilities and schools build before 1978 must be certified. Also, firms must have at least one “Certified Renovator” assigned to jobs where leadbased paint is disturbed.

Facts by the numbers:
* 35 million homes have lead paint
* 8.4 renovation events happen each year
* 235,000 firms will need RRP Certification
* $32,500 per day for violation of the rule, enforceable by any individual, not just Federal, State or local government employees

What Does the RRP Rule Require?
* Individual Certification at least one RRP Certified Renovator is required at each job site. Certification involves taking a 1-day class from an EPA-accredited Training Provider.
* Firm Certification in addition to individual certification, each firm, agency, or non-profit must also become RRP Certified. To do so, firms or entities must submit an application and pay EPA a fee of $300 which is good for 5 years.
* After April 22, 2010, ONLY EPA RRP Certified firms may work in target housing or child-occupied facilities where lead based paint will be affected by the work they perform.
* Use Lead-Safe Work Practices – The RRP rule requires that “Lead-Safe Work Practices” be used when disturbing 6 sq. ft. or more per room or 20 sq. ft. outside.


Catamount Consulting is offering an RRP Lead Course on January 27, 2011 at the Fort William Henry Resort in Lake George from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The cost for training is $250/person including breakfast and lunch.

Upon successful completion of this one day course, you will receive a Certification of Completion stating that you are trained in lead safe work practices and meet the requirements of EPA Lead Safety RRP rule.

Please contact Heidi at Catamount Consulting, (518) 623-2352, with any questions or for further information. Or visit our website, www.catamountconsultingllc.com.

I Am I Can Formed to Help Young Girls

Photographs (taken by Heritage Photography) of the launch event at Saratoga National Golf Club on November 9, 2010.


Avon Scherff, President of Scherff Insurance Agency in Clifton Park, believes it’s important for young girls to know someone is listening, cares, and wants to see them succeed. This desire has led her to form I Am I Can, an organization aimed at mentoring girls in grades 9-12. I Am I Can's mission is to, “Encourage young women to discover their dreams, to believe their future holds endless possibilities and empower them to make it happen."

On November 9, 2010, the organization had a very successful launch event at the Saratoga National Golf Course. Approximately 70 people took the opportunity to talk informally with Ms. Scherff and the board, as well as enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and participate in the silent auction. The night raised money and awareness, both paramount to I Am I Can’s plans to help girls in the community thrive for years to come.

A signature pendant has been created to represent I Am I Can and portions of its sales will benefit the organization. The pendant, priced at $30, was designed to be wearable by both teenagers and women alike. It will be on sale shortly on the organization’s website, www.iamicanachieve.org.

I Am I Can is off to a strong start, but can still use help. One board member is still needed, as well as mentors and community directors. Mentors and advocates would be connected one-on-one with a young girl, meeting, sharing activities, and most importantly, helping the girls to establish and accomplish goals. Community directors would represent a specific community, and aim to promote the organization and its mission, as well as develop their own team and seek to locate girls and build up the program in that community. Ms. Scherff says, “It’s amazing how many women have had to overcome challenges,” to get where they are today. It is these women who have the insight and experience to help foster growth in the girls who will be our community leaders of tomorrow. These women, who have overcome obstacles to find success in their lives and careers, are the women I Am I Can would like to become mentors and work with the younger generation.

If you believe in empowering young girls in this community to find confidence and locate the assistance necessary to achieve their goals, contact I Am I Can at (518) 688-3010 ext. 102 to learn more about student participation and opportunities to volunteer.

CURVES SOUTH GLENS FALLS OPEN HOUSE TO LAUNCH CURVES CIRCUIT WITH ZUMBA® FITNESS Saturday, January 15th, 10:00a.m.-noon

SOUTH GLENS FALLS, NY -- 01/05/11 -- Some are calling it the perfect workout, and it's being powered by Curves® International, the global leader in women's fitness, and Zumba®, the global dance-fitness experts. The two companies have helped millions of people worldwide lose weight and get in shape. Now they're partnering on a unique workout that combines the best of both worlds.

It's called Curves® Circuit with Zumba® Fitness and it's the only 30-minute class that mixes the moves of Zumba with the proven strength training of Curves for one wildly effective workout. “We are launching the Curves Circuit with Zumba at our Open House on Saturday, January 15th from 10:00am until noon in the Midtown Shopping Center in South Glens Falls,” said Sue Lipscomb, co-owner of Curves South Glens Falls.

"Women are invited to come see this fun twist on the traditional Curves workout," said Anne Porreca, co-owner of Curves South Glens Falls. "It combines the proven strength training of Curves, which can burn up to 500 calories in just 30 minutes, with fun, high-energy Zumba moves.”

All ages, fitness levels and dance abilities can participate in and benefit from Curves Circuit with Zumba Fitness classes. During the 30-minute class, participants workout on each Curves strength machine for one minute -- twice as long as during a traditional Curves workout -- alternating upper, lower and core muscles. Then, the music cues the participant to change stations on the circuit, and she moves to an area between machines to do Zumba moves for one minute, which tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. A certified Zumba instructor teaches Zumba moves from the center of the circuit.

Curves South Glens Falls is located in the Midtown Shopping Center in South Glens Falls. For more information call 745-1494.

HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION OFFERS ONLINE DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE

December 10, 2010 (Glens Falls, NY): Hudson River Community Credit Union is now offering an online defensive driving course. Members and non-members may register for the online class at www.hrccu.org for only $25.00 with a credit card (VISA®, MasterCard, American Exress, Discover). A portion of the registration fee will be donated to HRCCU’s Annual Credit Union Care for Kids Campaign to benefit area hospital pediatric programs.

Successful completion of this 6 hour course fulfills the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program qualifications which provides a 10% reduction for three years of the motorist’s liability, no-fault and collision insurance premiums. If the motorist has a traffic ticket, it could mean point reductions on their driving record.

There is no final exam and you will receive a certificate of completion by the American Safety Council to present to your insurance provider. The council will also contact New York DMV to have the course entered on any participants’ driving records and it will automatically reduce up to four active points. HRCCU GR8 2B Young Members ages 16 to 25 who are a part of the First Time Auto Loan Buyers Program will receive a complimentary online defensive driving course voucher.

Adirondack Winery’s FREE Holiday Wine Tasting & Shopping Bash

Adirondack Winery will host a free Holiday Wine Tasting & Shopping Bash on Saturday, December 11th, from 11:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. It will also run from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th.

Stop by Adirondack Winery’s Tasting Room, 285 Canada Street, Lake George, to enjoy free tastes of Adirondack Winery wines and samples of Stonewall Kitchen fine foods, Grafton Village Cheddar Cheese and handmade chocolates while you shop the store’s unique selection of wine-related gifts.

For more information, please contact the winery at 518-668-WINE or www.AdirondackWinery.com.

I Am I Can Has Successful Launch Event

Photographs (taken by Heritage Photography) of the launch event at Saratoga National Golf Club on November 9, 2010.


Avon Scherff, President of Scherff Insurance Agency in Clifton Park, believes it’s important for young girls to know someone is listening, cares, and wants to see them succeed. This desire has led her to form I Am I Can, an organization aimed at mentoring girls in grades 9-12. I Am I Can's mission is to, “Encourage young women to discover their dreams, to believe their future holds endless possibilities and empower them to make it happen."

On November 9, 2010, the organization had a very successful launch event at the Saratoga National Golf Course. Approximately 70 people took the opportunity to talk informally with Ms. Scherff and the board, as well as enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and participate in the silent auction. The night raised money and awareness, both paramount to I Am I Can’s plans to help girls in the community thrive for years to come.

A signature pendant has been created to represent I Am I Can and portions of its sales will benefit the organization. The pendant, priced at $30, was designed to be wearable by both teenagers and women alike. It will be on sale shortly on the organization’s website, www.iamicanachieve.org.

I Am I Can is off to a strong start, but can still use help. One board member is still needed, as well as mentors and community directors. Mentors and advocates would be connected one-on-one with a young girl, meeting, sharing activities, and most importantly, helping the girls to establish and accomplish goals. Community directors would represent a specific community, and aim to promote the organization and its mission, as well as develop their own team and seek to locate girls and build up the program in that community. Ms. Scherff says, “It’s amazing how many women have had to overcome challenges,” to get where they are today. It is these women who have the insight and experience to help foster growth in the girls who will be our community leaders of tomorrow. These women, who have overcome obstacles to find success in their lives and careers, are the women I Am I Can would like to become mentors and work with the younger generation.

If you believe in empowering young girls in this community to find confidence and locate the assistance necessary to achieve their goals, contact I Am I Can at (518) 688-3010 ext. 102 to learn more about student participation and opportunities to volunteer.

Girls Scouts of Northeastern New York: Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Community

The Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York is accepting nominations for its 2011 Women of Distinction – What Did You Do Today....to Make a Difference? awards to be presented on May 19, 2011 at the Saratoga National Golf Club. The event will recognize women from the Saratoga, Southern Hamilton, Warren, Washington or Fulton county area who are role models for girls and other women; and have made a difference in their communities. It is not a requirement that the person being nominated is currently or has been a member of the Girl Scouts.

This year’s awards will recognize women for a variety of accomplishments from career and personal achievements to outstanding community service; and dedication to family and the people around them.

Nominee (Choose one category):

Distinguished Trailblazer
This category honors a woman who has a proven track record of reaching ambitious or unconventional goals demonstrated by upward career mobility, steady growth and leadership skills. She is willing to take risks, inspires and motivates others. She has “broken glass ceilings,” overcome and excelled under extreme challenges and demonstrated perseverance.

Distinguished Lifetime Achievement
This category honors a woman who has inspired others throughout her life. She has always demonstrated steady growth and exhibited the qualities that others admire. She is a risk taker in a non-traditional way to achieve an unconventional or ambitious goal. She is persistent in her efforts; remains focused, and accept challenges with confidence.

Distinguished Leader of Tomorrow (age 17-21)
This award will be presented to a young woman who is/was a Girl Scout and has demonstrated outstanding leadership ability and has contributed to her school and community. She has spearheaded a project or program to improve quality of life.

Distinguished Personal Achievement
This award honors a woman who lives her life in such a way to serve others, both through her career and through her volunteer activities. She is a leader and an inspiration to others in all aspects of her life. She is willing to take risks and pursue activities that she believes in. It is by her example that others are motivated to take action.

Distinguished Community Leader
This award will be given to a woman who has demonstrated outstanding contributions over a period of time to her community. She is a role model, community leader, mentor, or has broken new ground. She is an agent for change who has made a measurable difference to those around her.


All nominations are due by Monday, January 10th. To request a nomination form, contact Debbie Erck at Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York at 518.348.1413 extension 402, or email Debbie at, derck@gsneny.org. Nomination forms are also available for download at http://www.gsneny.org/.

CONTACT
Debbie Erck, Events Coordinator
518.348.1413 extension 402
derck@gsneny.org
http://www.gsneny.org/

Hyde announces February Palm Beach Art Tour

The Hyde Collection will host a special excursion to south Florida this winter during the area’s renowned fine arts season.

From February 4 - 6, 2011, The Hyde’s Executive Director David F. Setford will serve as tour guide for the trip, which offers travelers accommodations at a landmark hotel in the heart of Palm Beach, tickets to the opening night party of the 15th Annual American International Fine Art Fair, guided tours of the Norton Museum of Art and the Henry M. Flagler Museum, and a VIP packet for, and private tour of, the American International Fine Art Fair.

Setford, who previously served as chief curator at the Norton Museum of Art and director of international fine art fairs in Palm Beach, will provide travelers with an insider’s view of the Palm Beach fine arts scene.

Trip costs are $870 per person (double occupancy) for Hyde and AAA Members; $895 per person (double occupancy) for all others. Price includes two nights’ accommodations, two breakfasts, one group lunch, one group dinner, admissions and tours, transfers, and other fees. Transportation to Palm Beach is not included. Single traveler supplement is $400. For travelers not requiring accommodations, the rate minus hotel and breakfasts is $524 per person. A $100 per person deposit is required to secure reservations and balance of payment is due by December 27, 2010.

To make a reservation, contact the AAA Northway Motorcoach Office by phone at (518) 374-3142, option 1. For further details concerning the trip, contact Dede Potter, membership manager at The Hyde Collection, 518-792-1761, ext. 13, or dpotter@hydecollection.org.

ROTARY CLUB OF GLENS FALLS PARTNERS WITH SAIL and CRUTCHES 4AFRICA TO HELP PEOPLE IN HAITI

The Glens Falls Rotary Club, the Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center (SAIL), and Crutches4Africa announced today that they are teaming up to continue the Haitian Relief program that began in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in January of this year. Glens Falls President Kevin O'Brien has asked all members of his club and the surrounding Rotary Clubs in the Capital District to join in an effort to collect mobility devices that will be sent to aid the thousands of amputees and maimed people in Haiti. "We have been working with the local Rotary Clubs and Pure Water for the World in Haiti for over five years. This program is a continuation of our commitment to the people of Haiti," said O'Brien.

The local club raised over $30,000 for the victims of Haiti earlier this year through a telethon sponsored by Look TV. That money was sent directly to Haiti through Rotary International and was used to provide clean water and medical supplies in the makeshift hospitals that were treating patients under very severe conditions. "In the weeks after the earthquake," O'Brien went on to say, “we were in communication with Rotarians in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and they asked us for money first. While they still need an extraordinary amount of help, we heard there was a particular need for medical supplies like crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs, so we decided to try to help. We were approached by Crutches 4 Africa and we also reached out to the SAIL Center and they were eager to work with us."

The SAIL Center 's mission is to assist people with all kinds of disabilities. In particular, they have an equipment loan program for people who might need adaptive or mobility equipment on a short term basis. David Bogue, Director of PR for the Rotary Club and a member of the Board at SAIL says, "The Center is uniquely situated to handle this type of program because we regularly get donations of equipment from residents in the community that is no longer being used. We have a large inventory and some of it will be donated to aid this program." While this program, in partnership with the Rotary, is limited to mobility devices, the SAIL Center does accept donations of any medical adaptive equipment that they can use in their equipment loan program. "We know that there is a lot of unused equipment laying around in basements and garages that could be put to good use by people in need. We are asking people, nursing homes, senior centers, and anyone in the community to open their hearts again and share what they might have, but aren't using, to benefit a child or a parent who has lost their independence due to injuries sustained from the earthquake. As one of our members also observed, this project not only has a direct impact in humanitarian terms, but it also has “green” quality, as these items are kept out of our landfills."

Crutches 4 Africa is a nonprofit organization that supplies used mobility devices (crutches, canes, wheelchairs and walkers) to disabled people in Africa and Haiti. David Talbot, a Rotarian from Colorado, who has developed this unique humanitarian service organization is going to be in the Northeast during September collecting these items from groups that have agreed to help, many of which are Rotary clubs. He has rented a 40ft container and will be driving a truck around to various locations to collect items and talk about his project. David and his wife, Candace are professional photographers/videographers and visited Africa a few years ago to do a documentary. David himself is a polio survivor and he was moved by the hardship he saw in those ravaged by polio and other diseases. The idea to get used mobility devices from the USA to people in Haiti and Africa became their passion and project in 2005. Crutches 4Africa was highlighted in the August issue of Rotarian in its “World Roundup News.” You may also check out the organization’s website <http://www.crutches4africa.org/> to find out more.

Rotary International has many clubs throughout the world and they all work together to provide aid and relief for poorer countries. There are local clubs in Haiti and the Dominican Republic that have set up channels through which Rotarians and the general public may donate money and other forms of aid in the relief effort. Donors often wonder if their largess will be used for its intended purpose. “Rotary is the largest not-for-profit service organization in the world. We in Glens Falls have been working for a number of years in Haiti, with and through our sister clubs, to fight disease by bringing clean water to this region of the world. We have close ties to these wonderful people. We know what Rotarians like David Talbot are doing, and with our ties in the Dominican Republic and Haiti and we have every confidence that the assistance we send will be used for the right purpose and to aid those most in need,” said David Bogue.


The SAIL Center will be the collection point for donations and the public is being urged to donated any unused mobility devices during the week from Monday, September 27th through Friday, October 1st. The Sail Center has two locations in the area. One is located at 71 Glenwood Avenue in Queensbury. Phone: 792-3537. They will be collecting any used crutches, walkers, canes and wheelchairs between the hours of 8am to 4pm. The second collection center is located at Country Club Plaza, 418 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Phone: 584-8202.
Anyone who would like to donate critically needed funds may do so by sending a check or money order to the Glens Fall Rotary. 100% of the funds donated will be distributed to the Haitian people. There is NO ADMINISTRATION FEE. Please make checks payable to The Glens Falls Rotary Foundation, Inc. Please write "Haiti" on the memo line. All donations must be mailed to Glens Falls Rotary, PO Box 4702, Queensbury, NY 12804.