Shepard Park beach fence: “End of June, early July.”
Steve Thurston (2021)
The Shepard Park Beach in Lake George Village is closed this weekend, and the controversial fence that will restrict access to it is still not in place. The village approved the fence earlier this year, believing it would be installed by this weekend. The beach normally opens on the third Saturday of June.
When fenced, the beach will still be free to the public, but closed in the evenings when no lifeguard is available.
Office staff with the contractor, Sienna Fence Co. Inc., said that raw materials needed for the fencing had stopped production last year and stored supplies have been purchased, causing a shortage that continues today.
“Everything was bought up,” an office staffer said. “It’s industry wide.”
Office Manager Jeremy Lawrence said that the company cannot be sure just when the installation might begin. The raw materials have to get the factory, be built and then shipped.
“Best case scenario is that I see it at the end of June, early July,” Lawrence said.
The need for the fencing dealt mostly with after-hours swimming and the public health threat inherent with that, Mayor Bob Blais has said. The town does not have the resources to patrol the beach in the evenings, he said.
June 25 is the planned opening, but the fencing may affect the date, the mayor’s office said today.
Stewart’s Shops Launching “Sweet Return to Normal” ice cream
Stewart's Shops (2021)
Enduring 14 months of COVID-19 restrictions has been tough on everyone, but the easing of restrictions calls for a sweet celebration, Stewart’s Shops said in a press release this week.
They are celebrating with a limited edition ice cream flavor: “Sweet Return to Normal,” a vanilla ice cream with brownie bites, cookie dough pieces, and a fudge swirl.
If the ice cream seems familiar, it may be.
The combination has been the “Brownie Cookie Sundae” flavor for a long time, and it will remain, during and after this promotion, said Erica Komoroske, the director of public affairs for Stewart’s Shops.
The brief name change will not appear on packaging, only on the menu board. It’s fun, Komoroske said, “It’s just a great way to kick off summer.”
Sweet Return to Normal will be available for a limited time beginning on Monday, May 31.
“We all crave a return to normal, and this ice cream flavor is dedicated to just that,” said Stewart’s Shops president, Gary Dake in the press release.
Monday, Memorial Day, is also “World No Tobacco Day”
Adirondack Health Institute (2020)
More African Americans die from smoking-related illnesses than all other causes of death — and that’s something The Center for Black Health & Equity is committed to changing. The new statewide campaign, “It’s Not Just,” unveiled last week, exposes the tobacco industry’s aggressive marketing of menthol-flavored tobacco products in black communities, press materials say.
“With the recent FDA announcement to ban menthol-flavored tobacco products, this campaign couldn't be more relevant,” LaTroya Hester, director of communications at The Center for Black Health & Equity said in a statement. “The Center is honored to contribute to much-needed counter-messaging.”
Eighty-five percent of African American smokers use menthol cigarettes, compared with 29 percent of white smokers.
Adirondack Health Institute promoted this awareness as part of its "Clear the Air in The Southern Adirondacks" program. CASA’s goals include a reduction of retail tobacco sales and marketing on youth and adults, a tobacco-free community, tobacco-free outdoor air policies, and other goals, their website says.
In a news release, the Center writes that certain tobacco products are given more shelf space and are priced lower in minority communities, making them more appealing to youth.
“Ninety-three percent of black smokers started by using menthol cigarettes,” the release said. “More than seven out of 10 African American youth ages 12 to 17 who smoke use menthol cigarettes.”
New York state banned sale of flavored e-cigarettes in May 2020, but other flavored tobacco products continue to target young consumers and underserved populations.
The “It’s Not Just” campaign uses direct language and emotional imagery of people who represent communities targeted by the tobacco industry, describing the nature of menthol tobacco marketing and its impact on African American communities.
To learn more, visit NotJustMenthol.org.