Livability Fulton-Montgomery Region, NY 2013

Fulton Montgomery Region, New york

livability.com/fulton-montgomery-region

Winter Wonderland Residents embrace snowy season

OLD RELIABLES Entrepreneurs find success with nostalgic businesses

2013 | sponsored by the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce

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308 N. Comrie Ave. • Johnstown, NY 12095-1095 518.762.4686 • Toll-free: 800.HOLIDAY Fax: 518.762.4034 • Email: hijntny@frontiernet.net www.holidayinn.com/johnstownny

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CONTENTS

Fulton Montgomery Region, New York

9 Welcome to the Fulton

Things to Do

Montgomery Region

2 Attractions 1 Winter Wonderland

An introduction to the community

12

Residents embrace snowy season

16 Local Flavor Get the Dish on Delicious Dining 18 Arts & Culture Inspirational Environment 20 Sports & Recreation Beyond the Snow

On The Cover Royal Mountain Ski Area Photo by Martin B. Cherry

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3

2013 edition

volume 9

Fulton Montgomery Region, New York Content Director | Lisa Battles Contributing Writers | Cary Estes, John McBryde, Jessica Mozo, Kathryn Royster Content Coordinator | Jessica Walker Boehm Staff Writer | Kevin Litwin Proofreading Manager | Raven Petty Lead Designer | Kara Leiby Senior Graphic Designers | Stacey Allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers | Kacey Passmore, Matt West Creative Technology Analyst | Becca Ary Lead Photographer | Martin B. Cherry Senior Photographers | Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers | Michael Conti, Wendy Jo O’Barr, Frank Ordonez Color Imaging Technician | Alison Hunter Integrated Media Manager | Will Zanetis Sales Support Project Manager | Sara Quint Sales Support Coordinator | Christina Morgan Ad Production Manager | Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants | Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan

2013 is a special year for Lexington, as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Lexington’s founding and the 10th Anniversary of FLAME, Lexington’s world-renowned rock band.

Help us celebrate these milestones at events that will take place this year! Visit our website for details, www.lexingtoncenter.org.

Sign up for our quarterly newsletters and email updates: swierzt@lexcenter.org

Web Project Manager | David Day Digital Project Manager | Jill Ridenour Digital Products Designer | Erica Lampley Web Development Lead | Yamel Hall Web Developer I | Nels Noseworthy Web Designer II | Richard Stevens Web Product Manager | John Hood Chairman | Greg Thurman President/Publisher | Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President | Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales | Todd Potter Senior V.P./Client Development | Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./Operations | Casey Hester V.P./Sales | Jarek Swekosky V.P./Content Operations | Natasha Lorens Audience Development Director | Deanna Nelson Creative Services Director | Christina Carden Distribution Director | Gary Smith Photography Director | Jeffrey S. Otto Web Services Director | Allison Davis Controller | Chris Dudley Senior Accountant | Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator | Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator | Diana Guzman IT Director | Daniel Cantrell Executive Secretary | Kristy Giles Human Resources Manager | Peggy Blake Receptionist | Linda Bishop

Enrichment in music, painting, pottery, photography, culinary, theater and other artistic endeavors for all members of the community. A music studio that will be open to the community will offer opportunities to learn and perform with FLAME’s guidance.

For more information, contact the Lexington Foundation.

(518) 736-3909 • swierzt@lexcenter.org

Lexington, Chapter of NYSARC Inc. 127 E. State St. • Gloversville, NY 12078 (518) 773-7931 • www.lexingtoncenter.org “Like” us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lexingtonARC

Livability: Fulton Montgomery Region, New York is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce 2 North Main Street • Gloversville, NY 12078 Phone: (518) 725-0641 • Fax: (518) 725-0643 www.fultonmontgomeryny.org Visit Livability Fulton Montgomery Region, NY online: livability.com/fulton-montgomery-region ©Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

Member Member

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Member Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce

CONTENTS

36

24

27

Living

Business

24 Neighborhoods Living History Every Day

34 Business Overview We’ve Got It Made Area manufacturers

Architectural character makes region an old-house lover’s dream

27 Education Advancing Education 29 Health A Century of Health Care

31 Community Profile

CONTENTS

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36 Small Business Old Reliables Entrepreneurs find success with nostalgic businesses

40 Chamber Letter One for All

41 Economic Profile

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This multimillion dollar investment serves to protect the waters of Fulton County. Wastewater generated by the residents of the community along with approximately 30 diverse industries is accepted and treated at this facility.

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Things to Do Find the must-do attractions, activities and dining in the Fulton Montgomery Region.

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At A Glance

Fulton Montgomery Region, New York A quick, comprehensive overview of what’s great about the community Boundless natural beauty best describes the Montgomery and Fulton County region, and newcomers see and feel the effects of that calming, inspirational environment in the welcoming and generous nature of its people.

Relaxed Living Looking to retreat from hectic city living to charming small-town living? You’ve found it here. None of the region’s three largest population centers – Amsterdam in Montgomery County and Gloversville and Johnstown in Fulton County – exceed 19,000 people, yet each has distinctive characteristics. Both counties also have centers of community pride in their smaller, more rural cities, towns and villages. In Montgomery County, these include Ames, Auriesville, Canajoharie, Charleston, Florida, Fonda, Fort Hunter, Fort Johnson, Fort Plain, Fultonville, Glen, Hagaman, Minden, Mohawk, Nelliston, Palatine Bridge, Root, Sprakers, St. Johnsville and Tribes Hill.

In Fulton, there’s Bleecker, Broadalbin, Caroga, Ephratah, Mayfield, Northampton, Northville, Oppenheim, Perth and Stratford.

Liquid Assets The Mohawk River drove the region’s earliest development and positively influences economic development today. The river, plus rail and road transportation assets, continue to attract business.

Dubbed “Land of 44 Lakes,” Fulton County has pure, highquality water from the Adirondacks that made its early glove-making and leather production industries possible and helped lure modern industries. Fresh water and the county’s wastewater treatment facility helped recruit food production companies, too. Read on to learn why the region is one of America’s Best Places to Live.

Northville Stratford

30

Caroga Lake

Mayfield

F ULT O N 29

Dolgeville Oppenheim

29

Johnstown

Saint Johnsville

5

Broadalbin

Gloversville

10

90

30

Fonda

Fort Plain

29

Amsterdam

90

Canajoharie 30A 30

Ames

M O NT G O M E RY

Fulton Montgomery Region

Location

The Fulton Montgomery Region is in east-central New York and is known as the Gateway to the Adirondacks.

POPULATION

105,096

Time zone Eastern

Distances to three major cities nearby New York, NY: 204 miles Boston, MA: 224 miles Pittsburgh, PA: 453 miles

annual rainfall

For More Information Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce 2 North Main Street Gloversville, NY 12078 Phone: (518) 725-0641 Fax: (518) 725-0643 www.fultonmontgomeryny.org

44.74” National Average: 30”

Fast Fact Fifty-nine percent of Fulton County is within the Adirondack Park.

li vabili t y. com / f u lt o n -mo n t g omery- reg io n

9

Things To Do The Fulton Montgomery Region’s must-do attractions, activities and dining

Educational Exercise

Get some exercise and learn about the Erie Canal while biking or walking along the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway portion of the New York State Canalway Trail, which is accessible in several areas along the Mohawk River in Montgomery County. Villages adjacent to the trail played big roles in U.S. colonial history.

Baseball

Agritourism

Museum

Farmers Markets

Cheer for the Mohawks

TAKE A Day Trip

Go Wild

Eat Healthy

Get the Harvest Tour in Fulton & Montgomery Counties map at www.44lakes.com for 50 agritourism attractions including Eagle Mills Cider Mill and Family Fun Park in Broadalbin, Natural Bridge Farm in Amsterdam and Sand Flat Orchards in Fonda.

See full-size mounts of bears, buffalo, mountain lions, wolves and other animals at the Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum in Amsterdam, home to the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame. See www.wild lifesportsmuseum.com for more info.

Shop for locally grown produce, meats and homemade products at 10 farmers markets in Fulton and Montgomery counties. For locations and more information on local markets, visit www.fultonmontgomery farmersmarket.org.

Baseball lovers can root for the Amsterdam Mohawks of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, a nine-team, wooden-bat league which plays from early June to early August. Visit www. amsterdammohawks.com for more info.

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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n

Things To Do

Savor Sweet Treats

Watch airplanes at the Fulton County Airport while sampling pastries, cookies and cupcakes at Grandma Millie’s Bakery, a family-owned business with two chefs trained at the Culinary Institute of America.

photo courtesy of tabbaad

Food

Motocross

Shrine

Shopping

TRY A FRANK

Get revved up

Lift a Prayer

Buy Amish Goods

Cheer on motocross racers and ATV hill climbers at Royal Mountain Ski Area and Motocross. Royal Mountain’s hill is famous for being one of the longest and roughest that riders climb. Visit www.royalmountain.com for more information.

Visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, a 17th-century Mohawk village. The Shrine is the birthplace of Kateri Tekakwitha, Lily of the Mohawks, who in 2012 became the first Native American Saint. See www.martyrshrine.org for more information.

Watch for hand-lettered signs around Glen, Minden, Nelliston, Palatine Bridge, Stone Arabia and State Routes 10 and 30 A South to find items created by local Amish craftsmen such as handmade quilts and furniture, as well as baked goods.

Swing by Tego’s Luncheonette in Gloversville for a regional favorite: a hot dog topped with Tego’s signature meat sauce, with a side of French fries. This downtown favorite has been in operation well over 40 years.

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Things To Do

Uplifting Fun

Visitors can ski or snowboard at Royal Mountain Motocross and Ski Area in Caroga Lake.

The facility offers lessons for all ages and skill levels. See www.royalmountain.com for more information.

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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n

WINTER Wonderland Fulton Montgomery REGION residents embrace snowy season

T

he light from a brilliant full moon glistens on a snow-covered lake. A canopy of stars twinkles overhead as cross-country skiers glide across the frozen pond. A nearby campfire cuts through the chill of the crisp, invigorating night air.

It is a true Winter Wonderland moment, the type of moment that exemplifies what the winter months can provide in Fulton and Montgomery counties, a region that regularly receives more than 100 inches of snow each year.

“We have such a great area to take advantage of all these types of winter hobbies,” says Andy Heck, president of the Amsterdam-based outdoor recreation retailer Alpin Haus, www.alpinhaus.com. “So people around here would rather get outside instead of sitting around inside all winter.”

Lapland Lake Abundant outdoor activities await at Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, which celebrates its 35th winter season in 2013.

The trail system, a highlight, stretches more than 30 miles and is separated between cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails.

“There are so many snowmobile trails that everybody who lives here has one close to them.” andy heck, president, alpin haus

Snapshot

Warm up with a meal at Russo’s Adirondack Grill, www.r ussosgrill.net, in Broadalbin and Am sterdam.

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Hit the Slopes

The Johnstown High School Alpine Ski Team practices at Royal Mountain Motocross and Ski Area, which has 14 trails and three lifts at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains.

Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, www.laplandlake.com, rents private cottages, but opens for day visits during the winter.

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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n

Former U.S. Olympic crosscountry skier Olavi Hirvonen and his wife, Ann, founded Lapland in 1978. Olavi still personally grooms the trails on a daily basis.

“We try to give exemplary customer service, which is probably why we’re still around after 35 years,” Ann says.

The resort also offers several tubing and sledding hills, as well as ice skating on Lapland Lake. Three or four times each winter, the center is opened to the general public for full-moon skiing.

“Those are absolutely gorgeous,” says longtime area resident Mel Charles, owner of ADK Realty. “The snow lightens everything, so you don’t even need a headlamp.

You can see all these spectacular stars. I get goose bumps just thinking about it.”

Dash Through the Snow in Style

Local winter sports enthusiasts gear up at regional recreation retailer Alpin Haus, which started in Amsterdam in 1964 and has grown to include five stores.

Downhill Skiing, Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing and Sledding Royal Mountain Motocross and Ski Area transforms the hills and trails used by motorcycles during the summer into downhill ski courses in the winter. “(Owner Jim Blaise) has expanded every year and put in more and more snow-making equipment,” Charles says. “He has made Royal Mountain a premier ski area in New York.”

Snowmobile trails cut across both Fulton and Montgomery counties, part of the state’s 8,000-mile Snowmobile Trail System. The various trails extend all the way to Canada, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

“There are so many snowmobile

trails that everybody who lives here has one close to them,” Heck says.

The winter months also bring out the hardy souls who enjoy ice fishing. Caroga Lake is a popular spot, as is Great Sacandaga Lake, where the annual Walleye Challenge fishing tournament draws 1,500 participants.

For those who like the oldfashioned fun of simply grabbing a sled and sliding down a hill, Charles says there are several neighborhood sledding hills throughout the two counties, including at Nick Stoner Municipal Golf Course in Caroga Lake.

“This is definitely a fun place to be if you like winter,” Charles says.

by Cary Estes by staff photographer Martin B. Cherry

holiday events Amsterdam Light Up the Sky with the Marching Rams; Festival of Trees; Kristy Pollack Memorial Light Display; Elves Night Out Canajoharie Annual Tree Lighting Fort Plain Last Night Gloversville Christmas concerts and photos with Santa at the Glove Theatre Johnstown Holiday Parade; Victorian Stroll St. Johnsville St. Nicholas Day

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15

Things To Do: Local Flavor

Get the Dish on Delicious Dining

food lovers savor meals throughout the fulton montgomery region Fulton and Montgomery counties have plenty of great places to dine.

Here are just a few of the best-known restaurants, by location.

Johnstown

TRY A CLASSIC Vintage Café, a true fixture in downtown Johnstown, has an atmosphere and menu best described as “homemade, charming and nostalgic.” The Vintage Salad, a signature selection, is a “don’t miss.”

Owner Linda Joseph adds to the hometown community feeling by hosting annual Vintage Classic Car and Motorcycle Shows at the café.

Hagaman

HEARTY HOMESTYLE CP’s Family Restaurant, www.cpsrestaurant.com, a familyowned and operated restaurant in Hagaman, has cooked up hearty, homestyle meals since 1983. The restaurant’s accommodating staff is sure to make you feel like part of the family.

Gloversville

Authentic Eats

Seafood & Italian in Johnstown

Johnstown restaurateur Sam Vahaviolos owns both Sam’s Seafood Steakhouse and Romana’s Italian Restaurant. Sam’s serves seafood as well as traditional American items like burgers and fries. An excellent wine list complements Greek, Mediterranean and vegetarian dishes. Romana’s offers more than 50 menu choices of mostly American Italian cuisine, large portions, a friendly staff and quick service. Learn more at www.samsseafoodsteakhouse.com.

16

F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n

Gloversville Palace Diner has a rail-car setting and a bustling New York ambiance. The diner serves large portions of such favorites as homemade roast beef, meatloaf, thick-sliced bacon and six kinds of pancakes.

Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, www.mohawkharvest.org, opened in July 2009 as a natural foods grocery store that supplies locally produced fruits, vegetables and dairy products, maple syrup, honey and fresh coffee selections, among many other items. The market’s cafe relies on many of these local ingredients to feed loyal lunch patrons flavor-packed sandwiches, soups, pastries and more.

Amsterdam

DINNER & DESSERT Raindancer Restaurant, www.raindancerrestaurant.com, opened in 1980. It serves a menu of more than 80 dishes, some of the favorites being filet mignon, prime rib and scallops, and also has an upscale cocktail lounge.

In the up-and-coming Southside Amsterdam area, try Dolci for desserts, such as cookies, cannoli, gourmet cupcakes, pastries and brownies, plus gourmet coffee.

Dolci also prepares catered trays for weddings and showers.

Known locally as “Home of the Famous Calzone,” Bosco’s Family Restaurant on the west side of the city offers traditional Italian food.

Broadalbin

Wine and Roses Restaurant in Broadalbin serves everything from full-course meals to short-order dishes such as burgers, sandwiches and comfort food. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, and many items are made from scratch – including the ketchup.

“Absolutely love [Dolci] . . . the owner is a local family who will accommodate anything big or small. Do try the lemon fingers, made fresh daily.”

Fulton County Federal Credit union

will p., yelp.com reviewer

Better Banking for Our Community!

St. Johnsville

Sweet Treats

Federally Insured

by NCUA

Parkside Drive-In is only open in the summertime, but it’s definitely a cool choice thanks to its ice cream selections. Parkside has homemade, gourmet scoop ice cream along with creamy soft-serve. Best seller?

German chocolate.

By Kevin Litwin

THINGS TO

DO: LOCAL

If you live, work, worship, attend school, or have a business or other legal entity in Fulton or Montgomery counties or the Towns of Arietta, Benson, Hope, Wells, Speculator, Lake Pleasant, or Indiana Lake in Hamilton County … YOU CAN JOIN!

FLAVOR

Get the Dish

on Deliciou s Dining

FOOD LOVERS SAVOR MEALS THROUGHOUT THE FULTON MONTGOMERY Fulton and Montgom REGION ery counties Here are just have plenty a few of the of great places best-known to dine. restaurants, by location.

Amsterdam

DINNER &

Vintage Café, a true fixture downtown in Johnstown, has an atmosphere and menu best described as “homemade , charming and nostalgic.”

The signature selection,Vintage Salad, a is a “don’t miss.”

Owner Linda Joseph adds hometown to the community feeling by hosting annual Vintage Classic and Motorcycle Car Shows at the café.

Hagaman

YELP.COM

Gloversville

Seafood &

Italian in Johnsto

Johnstown restaurateu wn Seafood Steakhous r Sam Vahaviolos owns both e and Romana’s serves seafood Italian RestaurantSam’s as fries. An excellent well as traditional . Sam’s American wine list complemen items like burgers vegetarian dishes. and ts mostly American Romana’s offers more Greek, Mediterranean and than 50 Italian cuisine, quick service. large portions, menu choices of Learn more a friendly staff at www.sams and seafoodste akhouse.co m.

F U LT O N

MONTGO

M E RY R EG ION

Wine and Roses Restaurant Broadalbin serves everything in full-course from meals such as burgers, to short-order dishes food. Everythingsandwiches and comfort is made with ingredients fresh , and many items are made from scratch – including the ketchup.

WILL P., REVIEWER

St. Johnsville

AUTHENT IC EATS

16

Great Rates! Great Location!

Broadalbin

“Absolutely love [Dolci] . . . the owner is a local family who will accommodate anything big or small. Do try fingers, made the lemon fresh daily.”

HEARTY HOMESTY LE

CP’s Family Restaurant www.cpsre , staurant.co m, a familyowned and operated restaurant Hagaman, in has cooked up hearty, homestyle meals since 1983. The restaurant’s accommod ating staff is sure to make you feel like the family. part of

Gloversville a rail-car settingPalace Diner has and a bustling New York ambiance.

The diner serves large portions of such favorites as homemade meatloaf, thick-sliced roast beef, bacon and six kinds of pancakes.

Mohawk Harvest Market, www.moha Cooperative wkharvest. org, opened in natural foods July 2009 as a grocery store supplies locally that produced vegetables fruits, and maple syrup, dairy products, honey coffee selections, and fresh among many other items.

The market’s relies on many cafe of these local ingredients to feed patrons flavor-pack loyal lunch ed sandwiches soups, pastries , and more.

DESSERT

Raindancer Restaurant www.raind , ancerrestau rant.com, opened in 1980. It serves of more than a menu 80 dishes, some of the favorites being filet mignon, prime rib and scallops, and has an upscale also cocktail In the up-and-com lounge. ing Southside Amsterdam area, try Dolci desserts, such for as cookies, gourmet cupcakes, cannoli, pastries and brownies, plus gourmet coffee.

Dolci also prepares catered for weddings trays and showers.

Known locally Famous Calzone,”as “Home of the Bosco’s Family Restaurant on the west side of the city offers traditional Italian food.

Johnstown

TRY A CLASSIC

SWEET TREATS Parkside Drive-In is only open in the summertim e, but it’s definitely a cool choice thanks to its ice cream selections.

Parkside has homemade , gourmet ice cream scoop along with creamy soft-serve.

Best seller?

German chocolate.

Federally Insured

by NCUA

Banking for

Our Communi

ty!

n

Open a savings account … $5 • Your credit union benefits … UNLIMITED!

By Kevin Litwin THINGS

TO DO:

LOCAL

Get the

FLAVOR

Dish on

FOOD LOVERS SAVOR MEALS Fulton THROUGHOUT and Here are Montgomery THE FULTON just a counties few of have plenty the best-known MONTGOMERY of great restaurants, REGION places by location. to dine.

Delicious

Dining

Amsterdam

DINNER

F U LT

Johnstown& Italian Seafood restaurateurin Johnstown Steakhouse serves Sam Vahaviolos seafood and Romana’s fries. as well An excellent as traditional Italian owns both vegetarian Sam’s wine AmericanRestaurant. dishes. list complements mostly Sam’s American Romana’s items quick like burgers offers Greek, Italian service. more Mediterranean and cuisine, Learn than large more portions,50 menu at www.samsseafoodsteakhouse.com. and a friendlychoices of staff and TGO M

ON M ON

E RY

R EG

ION

CLASSIC

HOMESTYLE

GloversvilleEATS a rail-car Palace setting Diner New has and York ambiance. a bustling serves large favorites portions The diner meatloaf, as homemadeof such six kinds thick-sliced roast beef, of bacon Mohawk pancakes. and Harvest Market, www.mohawkharvest.

Cooperative org, opened natural in July suppliesfoods grocery2009 as a locally store vegetables produced that and dairy maple fruits, syrup, coffee honey products, selections, and other fresh items. among relies The on many market’s many ingredients cafe of these local to feed patrons loyal soups, flavor-packed lunch pastries sandwiches, and more.

& DESSERT

Raindancer www.raindancerrestaurant.com, Restaurant, opened of more in 1980. It serves than the favorites 80 dishes, a menu some prime being of rib and filet has an scallops, mignon, upscale cocktail and also In the up-and-cominglounge.

Amsterdam area, desserts, try DolciSouthside gourmet such as cookies, for brownies, cupcakes, cannoli, pastries plus gourmet Dolci and also prepares coffee. for weddings catered and showers. trays Known Famous locally Calzone,” as “Home Restaurant Bosco’s of the city offers on the Family west traditional side Italian of the food.

Johnstown

TRY A

Vintage downtown Café, a true atmosphereJohnstown, fixture in described and menu has an as “homemade, best and nostalgic.” signature charming The selection, Vintage Salad, Owner is Linda a hometown Joseph a “don’t miss.” adds community hosting to the annual and Motorcycle Vintage feeling by Classic Shows Car at the café.

Hagaman

HEARTY

CP’s Family www.cpsrestaurant.com, Restaurant, owned

“Absolutely love [Dolci] . a local . . the owner family is accommodate who will or small. anything big fingers, Do try the lemon made fresh daily.”

and Hagaman, operated a familyhomestyle has cookedrestaurant in restaurant’s meals since up hearty, 1983. accommodating is sure The to the family.make you feel like staff part of Gloversville

AUTHENTIC

Seafood

16

YELP.COM

St. Johnsville

SWEET

Broadalbin

Wine and BroadalbinRoses Restaurant full-course serves everything in meals such from as to short-order food. burgers, sandwiches Everything dishes ingredients, and comfort is made from and many with scratch items fresh – including are made the ketchup.

WILL P., REVIEWER

TREATS

Parkside Drive-In open in is only definitelythe summertime, a cool its ice but it’s choice cream has homemade, selections. thanks to ice cream gourmetParkside soft-serve. along with scoop creamy Best German seller? chocolate.

By Kevin

Federally

by NCUA Insured

MAGAZINE

Fulton Federal County Credit Better

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355 Hales Mills Rd. • Gloversville, NY • (518) 725-3191 • www.fctfcu.org Touch-Tone Teller: (518) 725-3191

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Things To Do: arts & culture

Inspirational Environment

Natural beauty sets the tone for region’s arts scene Serene scenes here at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains inspire creativity, resulting in a culture with several outlets for artists and patrons of the visual and performing arts.

Artsy Attraction

Visitors can browse a collection of paintings by distinguished artists at the Arkell Museum in Canajoharie, named for Bartlett Arkell. Arkell, an avid traveler and arts patron, purchased many of the paintings for display. The museum also has exhibits about Mohawk Valley history. Learn more at www.arkellmuseum.org.

Arts Organizations

support and promotion In 1997, 30 local artists founded The Sacandaga Valley Arts Network (SVAN), an organization that promotes the arts throughout the Sacandaga region by improving the quantity, quality and diversity of cultural programming in the area and improving opportunities for local artists. SVAN sponsors dozens of art-related events including the annual Downtown Gloversville Art Fair and Sale. For more information about SVAN, visit www.svanarts.org.

In Amsterdam, the Creative Connections Arts Center, www.creativeconnectionsarts.org, advocates creativity and sparks creative expression community wide, offering classes, hosting special events and exhibiting works by local artists. The center aims to bring people together to create and enjoy all types of art, from dance and theatre to painting and writing.

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Galleries

VISUAL ARTS Visual artists who are part of the SVAN network can show their work at the SVAN Artists’ Gallery at the Fulton County Visitor Center at Vail Mills. The gallery hosts open-house receptions that draw local residents as well as out-oftown guests to view and purchase art and talk with the artists.

The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce has an art gallery in its Gloversville office at the corner of Fulton and Main Streets. For more information, visit www.fultonmontgomeryny. org. The Micropolis Art Gallery, www.micropolisgallery.org, in downtown Gloversville gives artlovers a look at the diversity of visual arts in Fulton County, with works by local artists in a variety of media.

Create a Masterpiece

The Orendaga on Northville Lake, an overnight inn, contains the Main House Gallery and the Bellwether Ceramic Studio, which offers a series of classes and workshops. Learn more at www.orendaga.com.

Theatre

Performing arts When the performing arts take center stage, the action happens more often than not at the Glove Theatre. Located in downtown Gloversville, the Glove Theatre entertains audiences throughout the year with musical performances, community theater, comedy, holiday shows and more.

Conveniently located within easy reach of New York State Thruway

•••

UNIVERSAL WAREHOUSING INC.

Event

ART SHOW AND SALE Each autumn, the Village of Hagaman hosts the Annual Art Show and Sale. More than 20 years ago, the show began with 12 artists and has grown to include more than 60 artists from the region displaying their work.

by Jessica Mozo Plug into the region’s art scene at livability.com/ gloversville/ny/attractions and livability.com/ johnstown/ny/attractions.

“A WINNING COMBINATION! ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION!”

More than 1 million square feet available Public warehousing, distribution, shipping www.universalwarehousing.com

SLA TRANSPORT INC.

Northeast regional carrier (TL Services) Bulk water deliveries (We fill pools!)

3PL logistics www.slatransport.com

ACE SERVICE CENTER INC.

Heavy-duty truck & trailer repair Forklift Maintenance & OSHA Certification programs Forklift rentals & hydraulic hose services www.aceservicecenter.com

•••

Mayfield Commerce Park, Gloversville, NY (518) 725-6960

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Things To Do: sports & recreation

Beyond the Snow

Fulton and Montgomery counties offer recreation for all seasons While the snow eventually melts every year, the outdoor fun never goes away in Fulton and Montgomery counties, with their dozens of waterways, 10 golf courses and miles of hiking and biking trails.

Golf Courses

tee it up and take a swing Golfers can hit the links at 10 different courses that provide an enjoyable test for a variety of skill levels. The Fox Run Golf Club in Johnstown is a scenic 6,400-yard course in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Fox Run also has two indoor golf simulators that enable golfers to enjoy the game during the winter. Golfers can use their own clubs and hit real balls while enjoying simulated versions of 52 courses, including such historic venues as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.

Other golf offerings in the region include Holland Meadows Golf Course in Gloversville, Nick Stoner Municipal Golf Course in Caroga Lake, the Robert Trent Jones-designed Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course, and Rolling Hills County Club in Fort Johnson, a former private club.

Explore the Outdoors

No matter where you want to go in Fulton and Montgomery counties, there is a trail to take you there. The seven-mile-long Rail Trail in Fulton County follows the old FJ&G railroad bed from Gloversville to Johnstown and is open to hiking, jogging, biking and rollerblading.

Part of the 524-mile Erie Canalway Trail cuts through Montgomery County, providing lovely water views along a paved and crushedstone path. Cyclists can enjoy the 24-mile Northville-Fonda section of the Adirondack Trail, stretching from the Great Sacandaga reservoir to the Old Erie Canal on the Mohawk River.

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“This is a sportsman’s paradise, because you can play here in all four seasons. We have an abundance of trails, and the views are spectacular.

It’s just a beautiful place to be outdoors.” mel charles, resident and owner of ADK Realty

The Water’s Fine

People enjoy swimming, boating and fishing in Pine Lake, one of many in Fulton County, “The Land of 44 Lakes.”

Water Recreation

Splash around Fulton County is known as “The Land of 44 Lakes,” the largest being the Great Sacandaga Lake, which is 29 miles long and six miles wide.

Other popular spots in the county for boating, swimming and fishing include Caroga Lake, Canada Lake, Peck’s Lake and Pine Lake.

In Montgomery County, most water recreation centers on the Erie Canalway and the Mohawk River, which is the largest tributary of the Hudson River.

There are numerous public boat launches, as well as several marinas and yacht clubs. Area waterways also are popular for trout, bass, walleye and northern pike fishing.

by Cary Estes

AMSTERDAM OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY Sales • Installation • Service

Residential & commercial garage doors & openers Carriage house doors • Retractable awnings Springs, cables & selections replaced • High-speed doors Rolling grilles & fire doors • Loading dock equipment

(518) 842-7370 • (800) 842-7370 • LBMOSHER@Verizon.net www.AmsterdamOverheadDoorCompany.com Find more fun things to do in the Fulton Montgomery Region at livability.com/ gloversville/ny/activities and livability.com/ johnstown/ny/activities.

403 West Main St. • Amsterdam, New York 12010 Lou Mosher, Owner, Commercial Sales Beth Apholz, Residential Sales SERVING THE CAPITAL REGION SINCE 1924

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living Health care, education and neighborhoods in the Fulton Montgomery Region

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Surrounded by Beauty

Fulton and Montgomery residents enjoy scenic views at every turn, such as at Pine Lake Park in the Caroga Lake area. The park welcomes local and visiting families with its white sand beach, cabins, camping and RV park. Visit www.pinelakepark.com and www.southernadirondackpines.com to learn more.

See more photos of the region at livability. com/gloversville/ny/photos-video and livability.com/johnstown/ny/photos-video.

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LIVING

Living History

EVERY DAY architectural character makes region an old-house lover’s dream

R

ich in history and affordable historic homes, the Fulton Montgomery Region has some settlements that date back to the Colonial period, with some homes as old as the 1740s.

According to Montgomery County Historical Society Museum Director Alessa Wylie, many local historic homes are center-hall Colonials. Other architectural styles include Palatine German, 19th-century farmhouse and more. Fully renovated, family-size properties are available for well under $200,000; for those willing to expend some elbow grease, fixer-uppers can be found for less than $50,000.

Lord and Lady of the Manor Wylie’s own home is a 1920s Jacobean manor-style residence in Amsterdam’s Market Hill neighborhood. When she and her husband purchased the 24

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5,000-plus-square-foot house, it was divided into three apartments. They restored it to a single-family layout, updated the kitchen and restored the home’s oak paneling and five carved fireplaces to their original beauty.

“We really love all the space,” Wylie says. “We do ‘Camp Wylie,’ and friends come and stay overnight.”

They also love the many cultural and historic sites that dot the valley and the day-trip proximity to New York City and Montreal.

“This valley is so beautiful and so full of history. Every once in a while, I’ll be driving along, and it will just take my breath away,” Wylie says.

Love at First Sight

Philip and Jerri Cortese say they “fell in love� immediately with their Amsterdam home, which was built between 1916 and 1918. The house includes three spiral staircases as well as original wood paneling and floors.

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John and Lori Stewart restored this 1893 center-hall Colonial in Gloversville.

Room for a Family Philip and Jerri Cortese live in another of Amsterdam’s historic homes. They purchased their house, built between 1916 and 1918, after adopting their daughter. The previous owner had remodeled the kitchen; the Corteses converted a leaky sun porch and living room into an apartment for Philip’s parents.

“When we first walked into the house, we couldn’t help ourselves.

We just fell in love with it,” Jerri Cortese says.

The couple’s favorite features include the home’s three spiral staircases, original wood paneling and floors, and ample room to accommodate Philip’s six siblings and their families.

“And it’s a wonderful neighborhood,” Cortese says.

“People watch out for each other.”

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Space for Hospitality Over in Fulton County’s Gloversville, John and Lori Stewart own an 1893 center-hall Colonial. They purchased the home from a resident who had owned it since 1937.

“As soon as we walked in, we were hooked,” Lori Stewart says.

“It was stunning. We knew it was going to be a lot of work, but we fell in love with the charm.”

John spent two years renovating the home with the help of local craftsmen. They updated the heating and electrical systems, remodeled the kitchen, refinished the original oak floors and decorative moldings, and added a bathroom.

The Stewarts say that the house’s large rooms and spacious backyard have been ideal for raising their two children, hosting the kids’ friends and

welcoming all the extended family who live nearby.

“I feel very safe here, and I can still knock on my neighbor’s door and ask to borrow a cup of sugar,” Stewart says. “It’s family-oriented; there’s a real sense of community.”

by Kathryn Royster by staff photographer Martin B. Cherry

Snapshot

Shop locally for home goods in Johnstown at the reg ion’s largest complete home furnis hings center, Ruby & Quiri www.rand q.com.

LIVING: Education

Advancing Education

Region’s schools, programs prepare students for the future Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) and Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Johnstown continually work to give local students comfortable learning environments and an educational edge in tomorrow’s workforce.

Apprenticeship Program

workforce preparation

Fulton-Montgomery Community College enrolls approximately 2,800 students in more than 40 degree and certificate programs.

Higher Education

FMCC RENOVATES AND ADDS FACILITIES In 2012, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, www.fmcc. suny.edu, improved several of its facilities including a dining area and student housing. In August, FMCC opened its newly renovated cafeteria, Union Stations. The cafeteria has five serving stations, each with a different variety of food. Its bright colors and comfortable furniture create a welcoming atmosphere for students. The renovation began in May 2012 and cost more than $800,000.

In September, FMCC celebrated the grand opening of Raiders Hall, its fourth student housing facility, joining International, Fulton and Montgomery halls. The new building, a $7.1 million project, doubled the college’s total of resident beds to 288.

In January 2013, FMCC opened Raiders Cove, a modern gathering space for students in the Physical Education Building’s vacant pool area. The space includes an Internet cafe, a stage, pool tables and large-screen TVs. “Fulton-Montgomery is a college on the move,” says FultonMontgomery Community College President Dr. Dustin Swanger.

“We live up to our tag line – Futures Made. Here.”

Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Educational Services Career and Technical Center launched an apprenticeship program in 2013 for high school students interested in retail, service industry and manufacturing careers after graduation. The program grew out of discussions with members of the regional business community.

“What we heard is that high school graduates in this region who choose to pursue a career as opposed to college are not adequately prepared for entry-level positions in manufacturing, service industry and retail environments,” says HFM BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel.

“Our new apprenticeship program provides a curriculum that teaches students much-needed technical and soft skills, while helping them gain an understanding of the culture of work.”

Freshmen students take core academic classes and learn technical and general skills. Then through graduation, they continue core academics and work in an apprenticeship position.

“We believe we can create a rigorous education experience for our students that will lead to a meaningful and successful start on a career pathway, leading to further educational and fiscal advancement for that individual,” says Jay DeTraglia, director of Career and Technical Education for HFM BOCES. To learn more, visit www.hfmboces.org.

by Jessica Mozo

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PALMER PHARMACY “for old fashioned service and courtesy” Ostomy Supplies • Crutches • Canes Blood Pressure Kits • Walkers • Commodes Wrist, Knee and Back Supports Nebulizers • Support Hosiery • Safety Aides Amoena Post-Mastectomy Products

Specializing in Pet and People Compounding We bill Medicare and Medicaid for you!

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ADIRONDACK EYE CARE Michael A. Mairs, MD Jonathan A. Nickel, MD Cataract, glaucoma and laser treatment

Naomi S. Falk, MD Pawan Bhatnagar, MD Retina, diabetes and macular degeneration

2 E. Main • Johnstown • (518) 762-8319 For an appointment, please call (518) 773-2700

The Family Counseling CenTer, inC. Serving Children & Families Since 1976 MAIN OFFICE – (518) 725-4310 11-21 Broadway • Gloversville, NY 12078 • Fax: (518) 725-2556

HOURS: Mon.-Thu. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. • Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat. (every other) 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

FON CLAIR TERRACE OFFICE – (518) 725-4310 2 Fon Clair Terrace • Johnstown, NY 12095 • Fax: (518) 762-5339

HOURS: Tue. & Thu. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

FORT PLAIN CLINIC OFFICE (518) 725-4310 2 Willett St. • Fort Plain, NY 13339 • Fax: (518) 993-2280

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

STEELE AVENUE CLINIC (518) 725-4310 182 Steele Ave. • Gloversville, NY 12078 HOURS: Mon.-Wed. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. • Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. www.thefamilycounselingcenter.org

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LIVING: Health

A Century of Health Care

Two health-care providers have served the region for a century When the need for medical care arises, residents of Fulton and Montgomery counties have long had two excellent places to turn. Nathan Littauer Hospital & Family of Health Services in Gloversville and St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam each can claim more than a century of caring for area residents.

Fulton County

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Family of Health Services Gloversville’s Nathan Littauer Hospital traces its beginnings to 1891, when local businessman Lucius N. Littauer donated $25,000 to build a hospital in memory of his father, Nathan Littauer. The facility opened its doors in 1894 with 28 beds and 11 staff members.

Today, Nathan Littauer Hospital, www.nlh.org, has a network of nine outpatient primary and specialty care centers and a staff of 980. It is the second-largest employer in Fulton County and continues to expand despite tough economic times. The hospital’s 41-year-old maternity unit, renovated in 2009, sees more than 400 births each year. In addition, the hospital renovated its 27-year-old Emergency Department in 2010 and made significant improvements to its second floor and its Diagnostic Imaging Department in 2011 and 2012.

The Nathan Littauer Family of Health Services also includes an 84-bed skilled nursing home in Gloversville, the Johnstown Surgery Center & Professional Building and a health & wellness center. Nathan Littauer consistently attracts highly skilled medical professionals, adding a new urologist and orthopedic surgeon to its roster in 2011 and new pediatrician in 2012. In 2011, the hospital had 4,855 admissions and more than 23,400 Emergency Department visits.

Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, today Fulton County’s second-largest employer, traces its beginnings to 1894.

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Montgomery County St. Mary’s Healthcare earned the state’s first American Nurses Credentialing Center “Pathway to Excellence” designation in 2011.

Complete Industrial, Commercial & Residential Services Fire & Burglar Alarm Systems Fully Insured & Bonded

St. Mary’s Healthcare Residents have known of St. Mary’s Healthcare’s compassionate care in Amsterdam since 1903, when the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet founded the hospital. With 120 acute care beds and 1,600 associates, St. Mary’s serves more than 350,000 people annually for outpatient visits. More than 31,800 people visited St. Mary’s emergency room during the 2012 fiscal year, and the hospital attended to 479 births.

St. Mary’s, www.smha.org, is dedicated to providing every patient with an exceptional experience - a mission that has yielded accolades and awards. The hospital has received five-star ratings from HealthGrades Inc. for four consecutive years and in 2011 became the first hospital in the state to achieve the American Nurses Credentialing Center “Pathway to Excellence” designation.

In addition, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recently gave the ICU at St. Mary’s Healthcare a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence, which honors exceptional patient care and a healthy work environment.

Other achievements include being the first hospital in the capital region to offer digital mammography and the first hospital in the region to offer digital MRI; developing a totally digital and paperless Medical Imaging Department; offering a full range of ambulatory surgery procedures; and providing total joint replacement.

by Jessica Mozo

Licensed Electrical & Alarm Installations

114 Water St. • Johnstown, NY 12095 • (518) 736-1130 • (518) 736-1103 Fax

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Learn more about health care in the Fulton Montgomery Region at livability.com/gloversville/ ny/health and livability. com/johnstown/ny/health.

Community profile White

Hispanic

$67,300

Black

Other

Median Home Price

ethnicity 17% 16%

cost of living

61%

$765

3%

6% 2%

Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

6%

AGE Under Age 5

89%

5-17 18-64 65 and Over

Transportation

(percentages based on the total = 105,750)

(percentages based on the total = 105,750)

Median Travel Time to Work

Temperature January Average Low

July Average High

15 minutes

79.9° 76°

Closest Airport: Albany International Airport

31° 9.2°

January Low National Low

44 miles July High

National High

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Volunteer | Donate | Sponsor

Building a Better Community ... ... One House at a Time.

(518)

...One House at a P.O. Box 1231 • Gloversville, NY 12078 habitatfultonco@yahoo.com 773-4912 (518) 773-4912 • www.hfhfc.com

Time.

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Montgomery County, NY

So many ways to move!

“We are delighted to have a new warehouse/office building in an excellent location for distribution throughout the state.

The Montgomery County Business Development Center was vital in facilitating the development of our facility.”

- Andrea Packer, Vice President, Hill and Markes Inc.

Having outgrown their current facility in the County, Hill and Markes turned to the Montgomery County Business Development Center for assistance in locating a new space. Having more than 150 employees, Hill and Markes needed to stay close to their valuable employee base, and with the Montgomery County Business Development Center’s guidance, chose to build a new 130,000 square foot LEED certified facility in the Florida Business Park Ext.

9 Park Street, P.O. Box 1500 • Fonda, NY 12068 (518) 853-8334 • www.mcbdc.org

business Info on the Fulton Montgomery Region’s top employers, jobs and success stories

Gloversville Goes Global

The Curtin-Hebert Machines facility in Gloversville manufactures precision grinding, sanding and finishing machinery, as well as products for AirJet Technologies Inc. Businesses in more than 58 countries around the world rely on Curtin-Hebert Machines. To learn more, visit www.curtinhebert.com.

Check out more great photos at livability. com/gloversville/ny/photos-video and livability.com/johnstown/ny/photos-video.

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business: overview

We’ve Got It Made

Local Manufacturers Produce Wide Variety of Quality Goods From a small glove shop in Gloversville to expansive industrial parks in Johnstown, business and industry exemplify diversity in Fulton and Montgomery counties.

Leather Companies

Industrial, Business Parks

following tradition

top names in industry put down roots

Leather-making shares in the economic tradition here, as there were more than 300 leather companies in Johnstown and Gloversville in the late 1800s and early 1900s. About a dozen leather companies operate here today, notably Townsend Leather, which makes upholstery leather for aircraft, yachts and automobiles, and Perrone Leather Apparel Inc., offering the world’s finest burn certified aircraft interior leather, custom upholstery leather, leather aviation apparel and uniform jackets, leather cleaning and maintenance products.

In Fulton County, Wal-Mart Food Distribution, Wal-Mart Northeast Regional Return Center and Benjamin Moore Paints have Johnstown Industrial Park addresses. Crossroads Industrial Park includes SWANY America Corp. while Crossroads Business Park houses Epimed International, Inc. In Montgomery County, the Florida Business Park and Florida Business Park Extension contain Target Distribution Center, the Hero/Beech-Nut Baby Food production facility and the Hill & Markes distribution center. Also in the county is the Glen Canal View Business Park.

The region’s businesses benefit from easy access to Interstates 90 and 87 and Albany International Airport. In addition, organizations such as the Montgomery County Business Development Center and the FMS Workforce Solutions provide helpful services to the region’s many industries and businesses.

To learn more about these companies and organizations, visit www.fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Smile and Say Cheese

Feta cheese producer Euphrates Inc. opened in Johnstown Industrial Park in 2002. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility produces high-quality, authentic Feta using company founder, Turkish-born Hamdi Ulukaya’s old family recipe.

Visit www.euphratescheese.com for more information.

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Business Spotlight Hill Top Bed and Breakfast Visitors enjoy an 18th-century French atmosphere, proximity to popular attractions and a fresh, hot breakfast, while being tucked away in the middle of the Mohawk Valley. www.hilltop-bb.com

KwiAt Eye and Laser Surgery Located in Amsterdam, Dr. Kwiat and his staff provide patients with high-quality eye care. Some services include Lasik, surgeries and treatments, pediatric ophthalmology, and cataract replacement lens options. www.kwiateye.com

Side by Side Storage LLC This self-storage facility offers customers safe, convenient storage options and a 24/7 Insomniac™ kiosk service.

Locally owned, all units are clean and powered by wind farm and hydro electricity. www.sidebysidestorage.com

Food Production

Adirondack Machining Center

Along with Euphrates Inc., other top food producers in the region include Greek yogurt company FAGE, www.fageusa.com, also located in the Johnstown Industrial Park, and the nation’s second- leading baby food producer, Beech-Nut Nutrition Corp., www.beechnut.com, which is headquartered in Amsterdam.

For more than 25 years in Caroga, Adirondack Machining manufactures parts and prototypes for the aerospace industry. Parts are used in military and commercial aircraft as well as the Space Shuttle Discovery. www.adirondackaerospace.com

Not-For-Profit Agency

Supports for people with disabilities Lexington (Chapter of NYSARC, Inc.), a private, not-for-profit agency, supports people with disabilities and their families. The agency provides clinical, medical, residential, day habilitation, recreation, vocational, job placement and other services to people of all ages in Fulton and Albany counties. Lexington supports people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, mental illness, cerebral palsy, physical disabilities, epilepsy and/or brain injuries. Lexington, Fulton County’s largest employer, is made up of caring employees who are a vital part of the agency’s nurturing environment. Created in 1953 by a group of concerned parents, Lexington is recognized as one of the leading agencies of its kind in New York State. Learn more at www.lexcenter.org.

Cranesville Properties Started in 1947, this award-winning company is one of the largest providers of ready-mix concrete in the state. Amsterdam Riverfront Center, owned by Cranesville, houses offices and businesses including Dream Day Travel. www.cranesville.com

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business

Old Is New Again

John Papa, owner of National Jukebox Exchange in Mayfield, restores and repairs jukeboxes for that business, and restores and recreates penny arcade devices and other coin-operated antiques for his other business, Arcade Treasures.

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entrepreneurs see success with nostalgic businesses

A

t the National Jukebox Exchange and Arcade Treasures in Mayfield, “vintage” means the ongoing search, collection and restoration of items deemed unusual and extremely rare.

At Wemple & Edick’s in Johnstown, the term has to do with the days of oldfashioned country stores, candy shops and ice cream parlors.

And at the Amsterdam Castle Bed & Breakfast in Amsterdam, vintage is literally a way of life.

“Historic tourism is my passion,” says Susan Phemister, who owns the 119-yearold Amsterdam Castle with her husband, Manfred Phemister. “History is real big in Upstate New York, so I feel privileged to be able to make money out of history and the whole experience.”

GOOD Old DAYS As evidenced by many businesses that appeal to those with nostalgic tendencies, the Fulton and Montgomery counties region teems with old times and old treasures.

“I don’t know if there’s a rhyme or reason for it,” says John Papa, owner of both National Jukebox Exchange, www.nationaljukebox.com, and Arcade Treasures, which share a shop in downtown Mayfield. “But Upstate New York has always been an active area with a lot of country stores, bars and familyowned businesses.”

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National Jukebox Exchange employee Stephen Moore works on a Wurlitzer at the Mayfield business.

Papa, whose family was in the glove business, was first attracted to jukeboxes in 1981 when he saw an unusual Wurlitzer in a shop in New York City. He immediately began researching, and within a year he had purchased around 200 of the music machines from nearby places in the region.

“This was really a great area to find antique jukeboxes tucked away in basements of homes, back rooms of bars and restaurants, so I just had a ball,” Papa says. “And then one thing led to another.”

He now buys, sells and restores all sorts of vintage jukeboxes, primarily through his website or by appointment at his shop.

Papa also reproduces old and extremely rare machines from penny arcades through his Arcade Treasures business.

Home Is Their Castle The old and unusual, not to mention the need for more space, also inspired Susan and Manfred Phemister to purchase the 36,000-square-foot Amsterdam 38

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Castle, www.amsterdam castle.com, in 2005. The couple outgrew their brownstone apartment in Brooklyn as they added three children to the family.

The castle was built in 1894 as a National Guard armory, and it was decommissioned in 1995. Most of it serves as the Phemisters’ residence, but two of the wings – each around 1,500 square feet – are used as “suites” for the bedand-breakfast.

“We are seeing more regional tourists, mainly people from the Albany area,” Susan Phemister says. “They live within half an hour, so it’s a luxury for them to spend a night here.”

For those with vintage taste buds, Wemple and Edick’s stands ready to serve treats. The old country store dates to 1826 and is the home of the famous chocolate jumbles and half-moon cookies, and also scoops more than 35 flavors of homemade ice cream.

by John McBryde by staff photographer Martin B. Cherry

“I don’t know if there’s a rhyme or reason for it, but upstate New York has always been an active area with a lot of country stores, bars and familyowned businesses.” mayfield resident john papa, owner of national jukebox exchange & arcade treasures

business

old is new

again John Papa, owner Jukebox Exchangeof National in Mayfield, restores and repairs jukeboxes for that business, and restores and recreates penny arcade devices and other coin-opera antiques for ted his other business, Arcade Treasures.

entr epre neur s see with nost succ algic busin ess esses

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Old reliables

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t the Nationa l Treasures in Jukebox Exchange and Mayfield, “vintage Arcade search, unusual and collection and restorat ” means the ongoing extremely rare. ion of items deemed At Wemple & Edick’s in the term has Johnstown , to do GOOD OlD fashioned country with the days of oldDAYs stores, candy As evidenced and ice cream shops by many parlors. that appeal to those with businesses And at the tendencies Amsterdam nostalgic , the Castle Bed Breakfast in & counties region Fulton and Montgome Amsterdam ry , vintage is literally a way teems with and old treasures. old times of life.

“Historic tourism “I don’t know is my passion,” if Susan Phemister says reason for it,” says there’s a rhyme or John old Amsterdam , who owns the 119-year- of both National JukeboxPapa, owner Castle with Manfred Phemister her husband, www.natio Exchange, naljukebox.com, . “History is Arcade Treasures, in Upstate and real big New York, which share so I feel privileged downtown to be able to a shop in Mayfield. make money “But Upstate York has always out of history and the whole New experience a lot of country been an active area .” with stores, bars owned businesses and family.”

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Susan and Manfred Phemister bought Amsterdam Castle, a former National Guard armory, in 2005 and converted it into their home and bed-and-breakfast.

li vabili t y. com / f u lt o n -mo n t g omery- reg io n

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Ad Index

28 Adirondack Eye Care

4 Lexington

21 Amsterdam Overhead Door Company

8 Microtel Inn & Suites

28 Family Counseling Center

30 Fulton County Electrical

17 Fulton County Federal Credit Union

31 Fulton Montgomery Community College

6 Gloversville-Johnstown Wastewater Treatment 31 Habitat for Humanity 2 Holiday Inn

32 Montgomery EDC

28 Mountain Valley Hospice

C2 Nathan Littauer Hospital

C3 NBT Bank

28 Palmer Pharmacy

5 Ruby & Quiri Inc.

C4 St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam 19 Universal Warehousing Inc.

business: Chamber Report

One for All

Fulton, Montgomery chambers meRGE Mark Kilmer says merging the Fulton and Montgomery chambers of commerce makes a lot of sense, for plenty of reasons.

The merger happened in 2012, and Kilmer now serves as the new President/CEO of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce. The organization has become one of the largest chambers in upstate New York, with 1,100 members.

“The merger made sense with our two counties being so close to each other geographically, plus there is strength in numbers,” Kilmer says. “Back in the summer of 2011, the two chambers got together and created a task force of looking into a merger, and both memberships voted in April 2012 to approve the move. The two chambers will now perform functionally as one.

“The New York State Attorney General’s office had to grant its approval, then a local state Supreme Court justice had to provide consent,” Kilmer says.

“Both chambers also had to file the motion through the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. It’s a complicated process, but well worth it.”

MORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Kilmer says the new chamber will push for more economic

development in the region, and will provide better business assistance to its members. It will also function better when dealing with chamber human resources issues, payroll and other matters.

“The new chamber will continue to host events such as Business After Hours, luncheons, small business educational workshops, a golf tournament and so forth,” he says. “And all board members from both chambers will serve on the new board for two years so that everything transitions smoothly and fairly.”

Kilmer says the main chamber office is in Gloversville. A satellite office is in Amsterdam, and the Chamber may explore the idea of another site in Western Montgomery County near Fort Plain and Canajoharie – all to better serve members and visitors.

“We are launching a new website and have designed a new logo for paperwork, signage and the website,” he says. “We’ve been getting good feedback from the membership, so the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce looks for great accomplishments in 2013.”

Learn more at www.fultonmontgomeryny.org.

by Kevin Litwin

The newly merged Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce has a main office in downtown Gloversville, above, and a satellite office in Amsterdam.

visit our advertisers Adirondack Eye Care Amsterdam Overhead Door Company www.amsterdamoverheaddoorcompany.com Family Counseling Center www.thefamilycounselingcenter.org

Habitat for Humanity www.hfhfc.com

Fulton County Electrical

Holiday Inn www.holidayinn.com/johnstownny

Fulton County Federal Credit Union www.fctfcu.org Fulton Montgomery Community College www.fmcc.suny.edu Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber www.fultoncountyny.org

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Gloversville-Johnstown Wastewater Treatment www.g-jwastewater.com

F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n

Mountain Valley Hospice www.mvhcares.org Nathan Littauer Hospital www.nlh.org NBT Bank www.nbtbank.com Palmer Pharmacy

Lexington www.lexingtoncenter.org

Ruby & Quiri Inc. www.randq.com

Microtel Inn & Suites www.microtelinn.com

St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam www.smha.org

Montgomery EDC www.mcbdc.org

Universal Warehousing Inc. www.schoolhouseco.net

economic profile

83.3%

4% State Sales Tax

education level High School Graduate or Higher

8%

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

Total Sales Tax

Scorecard

$1.2B Annual Retail Sales

$89M Annual Hotel and Food Sales

7,914 Total Number of Firms (Data represents Fulton & Montgomery counties)

Fast Fact Businesses within the region’s 6 industrial and business parks have a combined annual payroll of approximately $110 million and employ approximately 2,900 people.

employees

County Sales Tax

1,000+

4%

999-600 employees

15.7%

599-200 employees

Taxes

Top Employers Lexington Center, St. Mary’s Healthcare Nathan Littauer Hospital, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Fulton County, Montgomery County, Gloversville Enlarged School District, HFM BOCES, Liberty ARC, Target Distribution Center, Kasson & Keller Price Chopper Stores, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Exel, Beech-Nut, Amsterdam Print

Transportation Albany International Airport www. albanyairport. com Amtrak – Amsterdam Station www.amtrak.com