With a take-out fundraiser Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. at The Tavern in Queensbury, and a slick new website about to be launched, The Conkling Center in Glens Falls continues to be a valuable resource for area seniors.
Transportation Concierge Mike Knights
The non-profit operating foundation, in partnership with the Continuing Care division of St. Peter’s Health Partners and The Glen at Hiland Meadows, is a dynamic treasure trove of helpful resources for those 55 and older. It offers yoga classes, arts and crafts, historical presentations, and seminars on senior-related issues like health care and Alzheimer’s disease. Programs are currently being offered via Zoom and provide community members an opportunity to interact with presenters and each other.
It also provides seniors with safe transportation to and from appointments and shopping through its popular On The Go transportation program, with COVID-19 protocols adhered to by riders and concierges.
Marian McVey outside her Glens Falls home
Marian McVey, an active and vibrant 89-year-old from Glens Falls, told Glens Falls Living she uses On The Go at least twice a week.
“I have macular degeneration and I don’t drive anymore,” she said. “Let me tell you: This is a golden group. The van is great, the drivers are so wonderful and kind and professional, and it’s just a joy to see the van coming down the street…I told a friend of mine, when they put the ramp out, it’s like a magic carpet.
“No one takes better care of you. As someone who used to take a lot of cabs and buses, this service is such a blessing. The drivers are all so wonderful. Michael Gleason, who makes the appointments, is wonderful. Joan Tarantino is also wonderful. I asked her, ‘Where do you find these people?”
Marian says, “On The Go is such a godsend. The drivers remind me of the men I grew up with, my Dad and my uncles. It’s like I’m being transported to another time. I’m incredibly lucky.
Transportation Concierge Mike Knights with Marian McVey
“Their standards are very high. They look very professional and they are professional. The car is very clean [Disinfected after every use, Ms. Tarantino said] and the thing is they are very safe. And I know they will be there when I’m ready to leave the store or the doctor’s office.
“I really rely on them. It’s like a friend picking you up. This community is so lucky to have them. There are many people around here like me, a widow whose children live far away. I’m so comfortable with them. They make me laugh. It’s like being part of a great big bubble of goodness.
“Everyone talks about Glens Falls as Hometown USA. There must be something in the water here. Glens Falls is a very nice community.”
The Conkling Center on Warren Street, Glens Falls
Ms. Tarantino, the executive director of the Conkling Center, said On The Go is on track to provide services to 150 riders in 2020. That number is down from the 2019 numbers due the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down the program for a month, and then it ran on a limited basis for another two months.
She said Saturday’s fund-raiser at The Tavern on Aviation Road in Queensbury will benefit On The Go (find the details here). The Conkling Center’s annual appeal is underway. Community support keeps the programs and services available to the community.
Community members can go on the website, which is being redesigned by Sidekick Creative of Glens Falls, and donate through PayPal, or they can send a check to The Conkling Center at P.O. Box 2088, Glens Falls, NY 12801.
