College of Saint Rose
Fifth-generation firefighter and fire historian Scott Jones took part in the emotional final alumni concert at the soon-to-close College of St. Rose last weekend.
The 2019 Glens Falls High School graduate plays the Euphonium and has always been musical. He joined the Saint Rose wind ensemble while at the school to continue playing. He also plays in the Lake George Community Band.
Jones wrote on Facebook, “During my time earning my undergraduate degree at the College of Saint Rose, I had a pretty difficult time. I was consistently taking rigorous courses, working on graduating early, and was overall in a relatively unfamiliar environment.”
Then the pandemic hit, “making classes and college life even more strenuous,” he wrote.
“The one place that always there for me, however, was the music department at Saint Rose. Though I wasn’t a music major or minor, they allowed me to join their community and treated me like one of their own.
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“Professor Robert Hansbrough was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, conductor and educator I (have) had the privilege to work with, and I am beyond grateful that he asked me to join the music department and alumni in the alumni concert. Definitely the closure we all needed.”
He added in a message to me, “Great people, great environment and quality music.”
Jones, 23, is now a teacher in Stillwater. He graduated from Saint Rose with an Arts and Humanities degree in 2022. In 2023, he earned a master’s degree in education. Since 2017, he has been a firefighter in the West Glens Falls Fire Department.
Scott is the son of Ann and JP Jones, the longtime fire historian. Scott is now taking on that role, photographing, recording and writing about significant local fires.
He recently wrote a paper on the significance of preserving history in the fire service as a tribute to his father.
“Just trying to continue what he started,” he told me.
Scott’s great great grandfather was Bonaventure Porlier, who first joined Union Hose Company #3 in Hudson Falls on May 7, 1918. Since then 28 members of his family on his father’s side have served as career or volunteer firefighters.
Golf season is here
Skene Valley Country Club in Whitehall is being sold. Earlier this week on its Facebook page, owner Cherie St. Clair wrote, “Dear Faithful Skene Valley Patrons, As most of you are aware, the sale of Skene Valley Country Club is underway and we hope to hand the operation over to the new owners in a few months.” She went on to ask those with gift cards to redeem them in the next few months.
Skene Valley is a really fun course. Long and challenging and interesting, I always enjoy teeing it up there.
I also love Milestone in Hampton, just up the road a piece. Nine holes, nice people, laidback vibe, gorgeous views.
Golf season is here! I’m making my 2024 debut in the 39th annual Moopy Memorial at Queensbury Country Club on Sunday. The tournament is named after my friend Mick Powers’ beloved pooch Moopy. It’s a major in the Adirondack Golfers Association. My goal is to break 90. (My USGA Handicap Index is 13.6). Playing with Danny Evens, a very good player who hits it a mile, and two best buddies, the recently retired Greg Helwig and electrical wizard Rob Fitzgerald.
Happy Birthday, Greg
Early birthday wishes to my brother Greg, who turns 65 early next month! Looking forward to joining him in July for the Purpoodock Club Member-Guest in Cape Elizabeth, Maine! One of the longtime members there is Terry Murray, the former Adirondack Phantoms coach. I ran into him on the driving range one day and we had a long talk about hockey in Glens Falls.
Happy 70th, Mom and Dad
On May 8, my parents Don and Earla Woodworth will celebrate 70 years of marriage! Dad just turned 91 and Mom will be 93 in June. They are excitedly awaiting their fifth great-grandchild very soon, and we plan to get the entire family together, with three new babies, later this year! I hit the parent jackpot with these two. What a blessing they are, Thanks for everything, Mom and Dad. I can’t wait to celebrate at our traditional spot, The Anvil Inn. Neal, save us a table for four and a chocolate mousse for me for dessert!