FORT EDWARD – “Nana” JoAnn (Welch) O’Connell, a beacon of joy and the embodiment of family love, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, and her beloved fur babies, Rocky and Soonner, on May 28, 2024, at the age of 83, after a short but courageous battle with Cancer. Cancer ravaged her body, but it never took her sparkling, unfiltered attitude away, and I’m sure she burst through the Gates of Heaven, with her wit and sense of humor, holding the hands of Jimmy and Timmy as they brought her home. JoAnn was known for constantly cracking jokes ,and her comebacks were quick and witty. The very thought of her brings a smile to your face, everywhere she went , you could rely on her to bring fun and a positive attitude to any situation.  Her spirit was captivating and made her the life of every gathering, warming the hearts of everyone she met.  You never knew what inappropriate thing she would blurt out. That was Nana!

JoAnn was born on April 29, 1941, to Melvin and Katherine Welch. She was a Communicant of Saint Joseph’s Church. She graduated from Fort Edward High School. JoAnn loved to bowl, gamble, play pool, play games on her phone, face time the kids, travel, camping, shopping on TEMU, cook outs, dancing, family parties and an occasional night at Sullys West drinking her Fireball and Miller light.

She was an avid San Fransisco 49ers fan.  JoAnn was a hard worker her whole life, actually four weeks ago she still babysat her great great granddaughter 5 days a week. JoAnn was the heart of the family, a mother whose love had no bounds, and a grandmother whose laughter and playful antics will be deeply missed by all her grandchildren, with whom she shared countless unforgettable moments, JoAnn’s love for life was infectious, and her ability to light up a room was unparalleled. JoAnn always put others before herself, she had the most generous heart and touched many lives with her captivating personality. The family finds solace that her sparkling essence will forever be reflected in the lives of those she cherished. Her laughter, her joy in simple pleasures, her unwavering support will continue to inspire and comfort her family and friends. JoAnn’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the purest delight in the company of those she called family. She was adored by her community and friends.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Katherine Welch, her husband, Willis K O’Connell, her sister, Patricia Faucett, her sons, James and Timothy McDonald and her grandson, Jesse McDonald

She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne (David ) Maye; her, son, William O’Connell; her sister, Barbara (Richard) Smith; her brother, Thomas (Joan) Welch; JoAnn’s most treasured possessions were her Grandchildren, and she always said, “they are not step, not half, not adopted, they are just family”, grandchildren, Ashley (Darrin) Mulholland, Zachary (Andrea) Mulholland, Andrew Wells, Skylar (Dylan) Sipowicz, Vanessa (Wes) Lyle,  Zoe O’Connell, Tiana (Jason) Tranowicz, Richard (Rebecca) Wells and Diane Stanley, Tyler O’Connell; great grandchildren, Maliyah Moloney,  Kayden and  Rebecca Charland, Lyllei Tranowicz,  Evelyn and Jax Mulholland, Priscilla Wells, Archie Casey,  Atticus, Americus, Zayden and Zola Lyle; great great granddaughter; Onaleigha Moloney;
sister in law Sharon Hall; and several nieces and nephews and cousins

JoAnn’s calling hours will be on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, from 5 to 7 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Burial Services will be at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 10 am.

HUDSON FALLS – Marc F. Francato, 81, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on August 23, 1942, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Marc A. and Estelle (Zolnowski) Francato.

Following his high school graduation, Marc continued his education at Albany Business School.

Marc was the proud owner of Angler Custom Products, which was a Fishing Wholesale Company in Hudson Falls.   He was known for being an expert in fly tying and fly fishing.  Marc especially loved to use his fishing masterpieces at Blue Mountain Lake.  He also enjoyed showcasing his talent by doing demonstrations on fly tying.  Fishing was not his only passion, at one time, Mark was an avid coin collector.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Donna Lee Francato; his daughter, Marcia Perrin; and many aunts, uncles and his cousin, Rodney Bobbins.

Marc is survived by his son, Anthony “Tony” (Sheri) Francato; his grandchildren, James Perrin, III, Laurel Perrin, Jacob Francato and Sophia Francato; his sister, Ann Marie Francato; his son in law, Jay (Charmaine) Perrin; many cousins, including several special cousins, Rob (Joyce) Doty and Adam (Liz) Doty; and his close friend, Bobby Hilton.

A Funeral Mass will celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will follow the Funeral Mass on Thursday, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donations may be sent in memory of his daughter, Marcia, to the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group, 245 Woodland Drive, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.

HUDSON FALLS – Linda M. (Boothby) Signor, 74, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital, following a short illness, with her loving family by her side.

Born November 7, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Alice (Lindemann) Boothby.

Linda was a graduate of Queensbury High School. After graduating, she enrolled in Glens Falls Hospital’s nursing courses and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. Linda spent the following twenty years working at Glens Falls Hospital. Following her nursing career, Linda went on to own and operate numerous businesses in the area prior to working at BARD in Queensbury, where she eventually retired.

She loved camping. Her favorite place to go camping was Lincoln Pond. One of Linda’s passions was taking beautiful photos of the outdoors. She captured truly amazing images of all species of birds. However, hummingbirds were her favorite. Linda was an avid reader of mystery/suspense novels. She was also an animal lover. Long ago, Linda had saved a donkey’s life after it had been hit by a car on Maple Street Ext. (Rt. 196) in Hudson Falls.

Linda also loved traveling, especially trips to Myrtle Beach with her brother, Bob.  She had impeccable taste in music and absolutely loved the Beatles.  Everyone enjoyed spending time with Linda, as she had a wicked sense of humor and was an amazing cook.   Linda’s spaghetti sauce was phenomenal, as well as “Nana’s Macaroni and Cheese. 

Survivors include her children, Tammy Signor of Hebron, CT, Traci (Bill) Cheeney of Fort Edward and Chad Signor of Hudson Falls; Her grandson, Mason Signor; her brother, Robert Boothby of Queensbury; her nieces, Holly, Heather and Jennifer; several great nieces and great nephews; and many cousins.

Per Linda’s wishes, there will be no public services.

Arrangements are under the care of Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to luckypup.org or a local animal shelter.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Anthony J. “Tony” Rossi, Sr., 55, of South Glens Falls, passed away unexpectedly at Albany Medical Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, following a short illness. At the time of his passing, Tony was surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 1, 1968, in Proctor Vermont, he was the son of Ann (Baker) Rossi and the late Leo A. Rossi.

Tony was a graduate of South Glens Falls High School. He worked at Irving Tissue for 18 years and most recently was employed at Common Roots in South Glens Falls as a cook and would occasionally lend a hand in the brewery.

He loved his pets and was a New York Yankees fan. He enjoyed cooking, and everyone loved his spaghetti sauce. Tony absolutely loved traveling to Florida with his wife prior to her passing. His favorite place in Florida to visit was Disney. Tony would visit Disney twice a year.

Tony had a very kind heart. He loved family gatherings. Tony was a very proud grandpa to his grandsons.

In addition to his father, Tony was predeceased by his wife, Debbie (Hart) Rossi.

Survivors include his mother, Ann (Fred Combs) Rossi of Waterford, his only son, Anthony J. (Shannon) Rossi, Jr. of Glens Falls; his grandsons, Oliver, and Camden; his brother Dominic (Vicky) Rossi of Hudson Falls; and his fiancé, Elizabeth Carney of South Glens Falls. Tony is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Zoya, Mark, Hailey, and Hope; his special cousin, Nate; several other cousins, aunts, and uncles; and all his friends from Fenimore. Tony also leaves behind his four-legged companions, Muggsy, Babe, Jake, Bella, and “Baby Cat” AJ.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. following the calling hours with Father Tony Childs, officiating.

The burial will take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donations may be made in Tony’s name to the CR Wood Cancer Center, 100 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Brian Guy Whitney, 69, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs.

Brian entered this world in the middle of the night on February 11, 1955, at the home of his parents located on Dublin Road in Granville.  His parents were the late Guy T. (Jack Whitney) and the late Antoinette J. (Frawley) Whitney. His aunt jessie (Bounds) Whitney of Granville and Doctor Elmo J. Hudson of Poultney, Vermont, assisted in the birth.

After the family moved to Fort Edward, Brian attended schools in Fort Edward and Hudson Falls.

Brian enlisted in the US Navy and served on the USS Coronado, as a boiler technician.

Brian, being a free willed individual, lived the life he wanted, holding various jobs, one being a salvage scuba diver and doing electrical and mechanical work.

He enjoyed scuba diving, sky diving and motorcycles.  Brian would often be seen riding around one of his motorcycles with his dachshunds, Dutchess.  He was a member of the Jury Motorcycle club and also enjoyed hunting big game, with his muzzleloaders.

Brian was disabled as a result of an accident in August of 1983, he resided at Wesley Health care Center until his passing.

Brian is survived by the “love of his life”, Theresa Rose of Fort Edward; his siblings, Richard E. (Shirley) Whitney of North Granville, Jacquelyn C. Jones of North Granville, Jocelyn C. Rainville of Glens falls and Judith (Barry) Ester of Conroe, Texas; and his several nieces, nephews and one aunty, Mary Ethel Frawley-Smith of Hudson Falls.

Friends may call on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 1 to 5, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will be noon, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Wesley Center and to the doctors and nurses at Saratoga Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the charity of your choice.

GANSEVOORT – Joyce Mae Wells, 92, formerly of Gansevoort and more recently of the Landing in Queensbury, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Landing.

Born on August 17, 1931, in Gansevoort, she was the daughter of the late Milton and Vera Mae (Dickenson) Wells.

Joyce was a graduate of Fort Edward Union Free School.

For several years she owned and operated Riverview Bargain Shop in Northumberland.

Joyce loved garage sales, she also had a zest for life and enjoyed working on the farm, fishing, haying, and traveling to New Milford, CT.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, George Wells, her stepsister, Doris Freund, her nephew, Thomas Wells, her niece, Stacy Gray and her sister-in-Law, Yvette Wells.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Judy Ingram of South Glens Falls, Michael G. (Susan) Wells of Stillwater, Brenda (Armond) Brown of Mississippi, Sandra Gray of Gansevoort, Peter Wells of Gansevoort; and several great nieces and great nephews.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the funeral home with Pastor Ken Prater, officiating.

The burial will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Landing for all their dedication and care provided to Joyce during her stay.  They would also like to give their special thanks to Kim Brenn, for all she did for Joyce throughout the years.  Joyce’s family is truly grateful.

Memorial donations may be sent to the CR Wood Cancer Center, 102 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

FORT EDWARD – Thelma Ruth Edgerly, 97, passed away at the Glens Falls Center on Thursday, May 16, 2024 after a brief illness.

Born November 10, 1926, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Haakon and Astrid (Sommer) Antonsen.

Thelma married Ernest Edgerly in 1946 and they raised their family until his passing in 2005. She held numerous jobs over the years – Madden Drug Store, Slims Market, IGA, General Electric, as well as a school bus driver for Greenwich School District.

All in all, Thelma had a wonderful life. She truly loved her family, her children, her grandchildren and her nieces and nephews.  She always remained active and enjoyed bowling, tending to her flower garden, riding her motorcycle, ceramics, crocheting, watching the Atlanta Braves and reading.  She and her husband loved buying older homes – restoring them and then selling them.

In addition to her parents and her husband Ernest, Thelma was predeceased by two of her sons Eddie Edgerly and Eric Edgerly; her brothers, Haakon, Olaf, and Elmer; and her sisters, Edith, Stella and Ruth.

Left to cherish her memory is her son Ernest Edgerly and his wife Kim; seven grandchildren, Lynn McDonald, Ernest Edgerly, Michael Edgerly, Sadie Batchelder, Tawn Malison, David Edgerly, Crystal Williams, and Kyle Samaniego; as well as twenty-three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Glens Falls Center.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 10 am to 12 pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. 

A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home at 12 pm immediately following calling hours.

Burial will take place on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 1pm at Union Cemetery, 8 Schuyler Street in the Town of Fort Edward.

Robert (Bobby) Chenier, 43, of Hudson Falls passed away unexpectedly on Sunday May 12, 2024.

Born on December 23, 1980 he was the son of Timothy Chenier of Maine and the late Michelle Seymour.

He was the graduate of Indian Lake Central School. Bobby worked as a jack of all trades, doing many odd jobs for friends and neighbors who asked him for any sort of assistance.

In addition to his mom, Bobby was predeceased by his stepfather Patrick Seymour and his younger brother David Chenier.

Survivors include his girlfriend Sammi Jo Orellana of Hudson Falls, his children Adrianna Chenier of Monahans, Texas, Rorian and Corbin Chenier both of Hudson Falls, Daniel Lucia of Warrensburg, Marley Herrman of Warrensburg, Elizabeth Wurdeman of Kansas City Missouri, and Eli Johns of Ticonderoga. His sister, Anna WIlliams (Rusty) of Cameron North Carolina and brother Donald Chenier of Sanford North Carolina, grandson’s Riley and Wesley. Along with Uncles, Aunts, cousins and friends, Bobby was also survived by his companion, and best fur friend, Arrow.

A message to all who had the pleasure of knowing Bobby, a little bit of his wisdom to be spread to all, “Be good, or be good at it”

There will be no calling hour or services held at this time for Bobby. The family and friends will plan a celebration of life at a later point.

Any donations on behalf of Bobby can be made to :

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 199 Water Street, 11^th Foor New York, NY 10038.

HUDSON FALLS – Wyman E. Yell, Jr., 62 of Hudson Falls, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born February 13, 1962, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Wyman E. and Catherine (VanTassell) Yell, Sr.

He was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School. Wyman worked at Glens Falls Hospital in the maintenance department for many years. He then went to work at the Wilton Developmental Center where he enjoyed working as an aide.

Wyman was a people person and a very generous man. He loved fishing, camping, and hiking in the Adirondack’s and NAPA State Park. His all-time favorite place to go was Sleeping Beauty. Wyman felt most at peace when he was out in nature.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Becky Yell.

Survivors include his longtime girlfriend, Betty; his siblings, Eric Yell (Jean), Warren Yell, John Yell, Peter Yell, Marybeth Yell, Jesse Dougher, and Jorden Dougher. Wyman is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Union Cemetery, 8 Schuyler Street in Hudson Falls.  

WHITEHALL – Airyonna Sky Daniel Jabot, 10, of Whitehall, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Born December 11, 2013, at Glens Falls Hospital, she was the daughter of Arvin W. Jabot, Jr., and Lindsey A. Smith of Whitehall.

At the time of her passing, Airyonna was a fourth-grade student at Whitehall Central School.

Airyonna was a precious little girl that loved drawing and collecting Squishmallows. She enjoyed playing on her phone and sending silly Snapchat pictures to her family and friends. She loved shopping on TEMU’s website. Airyonna absolutely adored the new litter of kittens that her cat had. She was a huge fan of spaghetti and meatballs and tacos. Chicken tenders from Sunoco were her favorite.

Airyonna was a lover. She was the one that always stuck up for the kids in school that were bullied. She was truly loved and will be forever missed by those who were a part of her life. Airyonna will especially be missed by her dad who treasured every moment they spent together.

She is predeceased by her grandfathers, Arvin Jabot, Sr., and Daniel Smith, and her uncle, Andrew Jabot.

In addition to her parents, Airyonna is survived by her brothers and sisters, Westen Jabot, Damion Jabot, Myah Jabot, Fantasia Jabot, Andrew Jabot, and Zoe Gilboy; her grandmothers, Brenda Nichols, and Dorothy Hansult; her uncles, Aaron (Veronica) Jabot and Garry Bovee; her aunts, Amy Jabot, Heather Jabot, and Michelle Bovee. Airyonna is also survived by many cousins.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 4pm-6pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Wagner, pastor of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, officiating.

A graveside service will take place in the afternoon at Lynnwood Cemetery, 4291 S. Shore Rd, Hadley, NY 12835.

Donations may be made by visiting: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-in-memory-of-ariana-jabot

HUDSON FALLS – Denise M. (Manell) McCall passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

She is survived by her daughters, Jill (LaChapelle) Lord and Amy (LaChapelle) Swears; her five grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

GLENS FALLS – Edward K. LaPoint, PE, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday May 9, 2024, in the comfort of his own home with the love of his life Jan LaPoint by his side. Eddie was an impactful man in his community and always sought to enhance the lives of the people around him.

He was the son of Carol (Garvin) LaPoint and the late Edward G. LaPoint.

A graduate of South Glens Falls High School, class of 1976, Eddie met Jan while studying at Adirondack Community College and the two built a life and family together. His daughter Erin arrived in 1983 and his son Sam in 1985. With the support of his wife Jan, and a young family, Eddies determination to succeed and provide for his family lead him to graduate from Union College in 1988 with a B.S in Civil Engineering. As a senior, Ed was inducted into the R.P.I Chapter of Chi Epsilon, the National Civil Engineering Honor Society. With a family in tow, Eddie and Jan settled in Queensbury where he’d been a fixture in and around Warren and Washington county for decades.

Ed was a tenacious individual. He was intelligent and humorous. He was intimidating and generous. If you had Ed in your corner, you could take on the world. Ed left his mark on the area with countless engineering feats including office buildings, amusement park rides, homes, bridges, dams, airplane hangars, tunnel systems, roads, you name it. Ed loved to be the person to put his stamp of approval on structural engineering plans.

His daughter Erin LaPoint and grandson William Thomas lit up his life with little league games, football games, and snowboarding. Sam and his wife Taylor welcomed Lachlan James to the world and gave Ed a second grandson to fawn over. Always excited and enthusiastically offering to enlist William and Lachlan in programs and learnings, his grandsons truly gave Ed a reason to work and continue living his best life.

Ed was his family’s biggest cheerleader. From little league to guitar, piano, and dance lessons, Ed believed Erin and Sam could be the greatest of all time. The same sentiment perpetuates down to his beloved grandsons. Boisterous, sometimes to a fault, his encouragement could make an audience shudder. Even today, we can hear him cheering us on from heaven with love and inspiration. Move forward, revive the family camp, support the family.

Skiing, fishing, camping, boating, reading, and BBQing. Ed learned from his father as young man to embrace life and live with honor, do his best to do his duty to God and his country and to obey Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep himself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. Ed enjoyed the outdoors, travel, and being in charge. A true project manager, he approached life as a leader and relished his ability to solve problems and accomplish goals.

Eds legacy will live on through his loved ones and the numerous individuals he’s impacted. His passion to create and influence will live on through generations at his beloved summer camp on Lake George. A family retreat, with open doors to all that welcomed him into their life, will remain a family retreat with open doors to all who kept him in their hearts. Three cheers for Eddie LaPoint: Hip Hip HOORAY, Hip Hip HOORAY, Hip Hip HOORAY! 

Ed was predeceased by his father Edward G. LaPoint and brother David J. LaPoint.

He is survived by his mother Carol (Garvin) LaPoint, his Uncle Mike LaPoint and Aunt Eliza, his Aunt Charlotte, and several beloved cousins. His soulmate Jan (Legault) LaPoint, his daughter Erin LaPoint and grandson William Thomas and his son Sam LaPoint and wife Taylor LaPoint and grandson Lachlan James. His brother John D. LaPoint and wife Carol LaPoint and Nephew Logan LaPoint and wife Maddie and children Satine, Winston, London, and Fox.

 “Family Prayer: Always seek opportunities and possibilities. Pray, hope, and conscience. Improve and know you can and may do better” – Ed LaPoint

Edwards family would like to thank Dr. Amy Hogan-Moulton and Beth Hutchins, NP for their years of care as well as the staff at DCI in Glens Falls for their care of Ed. We are grateful and blessed for the outpouring of support from friends, families, and colleagues.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 4pm-6pm at Carleton Funeral Home, 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.  

A funeral service will be conducted at 6pm at the funeral home.

In Edwards memory please consider donating to The National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

Stephen (Steve) Gil Adler, passed away on May 7th at Glens Falls Hospital, ending many years of battling kidney tumors and recently dementia.

Steve was born on September 11,1944, to Sidney and Esther Adler. He grew up in Queens, NY, and received his B.A in Political Science from Queens College, where he met his wife, Lydia, who passed away in 2011. They raised 3 children during their 46 years together in the Bronx, Niskayuna, Poughkeepsie, and finally Queensbury, where he spent the last 35 years. Steve worked for 35 years in various roles within the criminal justice system and received a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice.  He was very dedicated to the work he did and never stopped trying to make a positive impact. He had a passion for people, and leaves behind countless former co-workers, friends and people in the community whose company he cherished.

Steve spent the past 11 years with his loving partner, Karen Marks, who cared for him during these last difficult months and never left his bedside.

Steve is also survived by his sister, Jane Murdock of Camas, Washington, daughter, Alissa (Cliff) Farrier of Queensbury, son Doug (Denise) Adler of Saratoga Springs and daughter Jackie Adler (Kirt Winslow) of Queensbury. He was most proud of his grandson, Reed Farrier and granddaughter, Taylor Farrier.

A private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Police Athletic League in NYC at https://donate.palnyc.org for the benefit of building confidence and leadership skills in youth to use at home, schools and in their communities.