Glens Falls Business Journal - December 2021

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DECEMBER 2021

Flamingo Resort On Lake George Purchased Owner Of Sutton’s Marketplace Hopes To

By Massachusetts Real Estate Developer Make The Business A Shopper’s Destination

The Flamingo Resort on Lake George was sold by George Pasternak and his sister Chrystyna Panycia, whose parents started the business. The buyer is a Massachusetts real estate developer.

Muroff Hospitality Group announced the sale of The Flamingo Resort on Lake George.

Chris Kozaczka, a Massachusetts real estate investor and tax analyst, and his family purchased the 65-year-old Flamingo Resort located at 3914 Lake Shore Drive, Diamond Point.

The seller was Flamingo Resort Holding LLC and Flamingo Lake George Inc., which is George Pasternak and his sister Chrystyna Panycia, whose parents started the business.

The sales price was $6,5 million.

Mitch Muroff of Muroff Hospitality Group

Courtesy Muroff Hospitality Group

represented the Seller and secured the buyer in an exclusive listing. The business transaction closed on Tuesday, Nov. 30 in Glens Falls.

The Flamingo Resort is in the prestigious Diamond Point section of Lake George. Muroff said the resort has been family owned for nearly 65 years, and the sellers were successful in finding a buyer that would continue their legacy of maintaining a traditional family resort.

The 4.63-acre property features 59 one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins, most with full Continued On Page 11

Mario DiSiena, who operates the Furniture House at Suttons’s Marketplace in Queensbury, is updating buildings on the parcel to attract restaurant, gift shop, and retail tenants.

BY JILL NAGY Mario DiSiena plans to return Suttons Marketplace in Queensbury to its former glory now that he owns the entire parcel.

His Furniture House has been in the location since 2014. Now, he is updating the rest of the parcel and looking for a restaurant, gift shop, and other businesses to move in.

The existing buildings have “good bones,” he said, and only need painting and minor repairs to bring them up to speed. He has already had the roofs replaced.

Sutton’s Marketplace, he recalled, used to be an “unbelievable destination” that dominated the Glens Falls area. Buses pulled in for breakfast and lunch at the cafe and for people to patronize the gift shop.

His core business, the Furniture House, has also undergone changes. The major American furniture companies whose products he used to sell are no longer in existence. Instead, he stocks “made in America” furniture from Amish sources, Continued On Page 10

Survey Shows Shoppers In New York ‘Excited’ State Plans To Add 860 Acres To Moreau Lake About Holidays; Some To Spend More State Park Along Stretch Of Hudson River Two-thirds of New Yorkers, up from 59 percent a year ago, are somewhat or very excited about the upcoming holiday season according to a new statewide survey of consumers recently released by the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI).

While a plurality, 43 percent, plan to spend as they did last year, only 17 percent plan to increase their spending compared with 37 percent that say they will spend less. Nearly half, 47 percent, plan to conduct at least 50 percent of their shopping online, down from 57 percent last year, according to the poll.

When considering the delays and shortages caused by supply chain disruptions, 70 percent of consumers have already or plan to shop earlier than usual, 52 percent will shop more in person forgoing online shopping and a majority, 56 percent intend to spend less than they had planned. Up from only 26 percent a year ago, over a third, 34 percent, now say that they believe in Santa Claus.

At the same time, 44 percent believe that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are legitimate currency. “Belief in Santa and Bitcoin is an odd combo this season but perhaps we’re seeing a changing of the guard,” according to Don Levy, SCRI director. “Belief in Bitcoin’s legitimacy is highest among younger consumers and lowest among those age 65 and above while saying I believe in Santa is most difficult for those 18-34 years of age to express.”

“While most New Yorkers are planning to either spend less or hold the line on spending, 17 percent plan to spend more than last year and 18 percent, down from 32 percent a year ago, will spend $1000 or more. Plans to shop online are down from last

year as over two-thirds of residents say they will visit local independent stores, small-to-medium chain stores and 59 percent will frequent big box retailers.

Two-thirds of us have gift cards on our list and 28 percent plan to buy experience gifts like concert or sporting tickets or spa gift cards. Still, hanging over the head of this season only a quarter of all New Yorkers are better off financially than they were last holiday season,” Levy said.

He said a majority of New Yorkers of every income bracket are excited about the holiday season, intent to spend as well as assessments of their financial wellbeing vary widely between those making $100,000 or more and those earning $50,000 or less.

Among higher earners, equal percentages say they will spend more or spend less, almost three times as many say they are doing better financially than are worse off and nearly 40 percent will spend more than $1,000 on gifts, said Levy. Among those earning $50,000 or less, four times as many will spend less rather than more, over twice as many are worse off financially rather than better off and only 7 percent will spend more than $1,000 on holiday gifts.

“This time of year many of us look forward to many aspects of the season but number one is spending time with family and friends,” said Levy.

“We’re clearly ambivalent when it comes to spending money on gifts, we love the shopping and giving gifts to our loved ones but in difficult economic times, we worry about our spending. It might be a joke but topping the list of things we dread during the holiday season is eating fruit cake,” Levy said.

“Needless to say, it’s been a rough year. Most New Yorkers are hopeful that 2022 will be a better year than 2021 has been. Here’s hoping they’re right.”

New York state is expanding Moreau Lake State Park by 860 acres. The new lands include natural habitat along an undeveloped stretch of the Hudson River that will be known as Big Bend Point.

“The acquisition at Big Bend Point guarantees the protection of a critical habitat and pristine natural resource,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “Moreau Lake State Park is visited by hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year for camping, swimming, and exploring its popular trail network. With more people than ever visiting our parks, this acreage will expand options for outdoor recreation in the region and preserve open space in fast-growing Saratoga County.”

The $1.6 million purchase of Big Bend Point was funded by the Environmental Protection Fund. It brings the Moreau Lake State Park’s total acreage to 6,250 acres, making it one of the ten largest parks in the state park system.

With its proximity to both Lake George and Saratoga Springs, the park is attractive to visitors year-round as it offers ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities.

New York State Parks partnered with the Open Space Institute (OSI) to protect the former logging site at Big Bend Point in the town of Moreau. Bounded by two miles of the Hudson River, Big Bend Point includes wide, established logging roads that can be converted into an accessible trail network for year-round walking, bicycling, birding

and wildlife viewing, equestrian riding, and non-motorized winter sports such as crosscountry skiing or snowshoeing.

State Parks plans to install car-top boat/ kayak launches, and permit hunting inseason.

With its sandy soils, isolation from developed areas, and open meadows, officials said Big Bend Point offers an exceptional habitat for thousands of native species of plant and wildlife, including the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. Over the past two years, the OSI engaged in a habitat restoration project to create a new home for the Karner Blue, which is expected to support a minimum of 3,000 rare butterfly specimens annually.

State officials said the unique topography, biodiversity, and expansive acreage also offer new destinations for Moreau Lake State Park’s robust Nature Education program. State Parks is developing a site plan that aims to welcome visitors in 2022.

Kim Elliman, president and CEO of OSI, said land conservation efforts “have helped protect and expand Moreau Lake State Park for its spectacular beauty and popular recreational offerings. With this latest OSI addition to Moreau Lake, we are excited to say that we have now tripled the size of this fantastic outdoor destination that not only welcomes the public for exploration and enjoyment, but also serves as critical wildlife habitat in this fast-growing region.”

State Sen. Daphne Jordan said, “It’s great to Continued On Page 10

2 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021

Multi-Year Renovation On Queen Boat Co. Johnsburg Wastewater Project Gets Funds Building In Dunham’s Bay Is Complete From Regional Economic Development Unit

The centerpiece of the renovation project at Queen Boat Co. on Lake George is the over-the-water deck overlooking Dunhams Bay. With the transition to solar power, Queen Boat Co. in Lake George has completed a multi-year renovation that began when owners Rebecca and Matt O’Hara purchased the former Dunhams Bay Boat Co. in the fall of 2018.

After taking ownership, they relocated their Freedom Boat Club franchise and embarked on a three-year overhaul of the marina and site.

Before tackling the marina building renovation, the new owners completed environmental upgrades including the excavation of an underground fuel tank and the development of a new wastewater system.

In the spring of 2020, Adirondocks was hired to replace over 250 linear feet of aged docks.

When those projects were completed, renovation began on the site and building.

Phinney Design Group in Saratoga Springs was tasked with modernizing the marina, combining Adirondack and nautical-inspired aesthetics, while upgrading the amenities available to guests. Construction was completed

by BBL Construction Services. The centerpiece of the project is an over-the-water deck overlooking Dunhams Bay. “We are very excited to now offer one of the most amenity-rich marinas in the region. From upgraded wifi to new bathrooms we have made the day-to-day experience better for our boaters,” said Rebecca O’Hara. “And now, with the overthe-water roof deck, we have a space that will allow us to connect and grow our community of

Courtesy Queen Boat Co.

boaters with a range of special events like brewery tastings, sunrise yoga classes, fishing seminars and much more.”

The marina itself now hosts 20 Freedom Boat Club boats in addition to private slip renters, operates a public full dock and ships store, provides winter storage, and has a growing service department.

With the renovation complete, Queen Boat Co expects to increase its focus on electric boating.

As more sustainable propulsion options have hit the market in the past year, Queen Boat Co has worked to establish itself as an electric boating destination.

The Freedom Boat Club fleet will provide an electric boat for member use for the third consecutive year in 2022. The marina now sells two electric outboard lines, Torqeedo and ePropulsion, and is in talks with Flux Marine about distributing their higher powered electric outboard line. With the additional electric usage needed to power these boats, the O’Haras believe that charging the boats sustainably is imperative.

“We are very bullish on the future of electric boating. The appeal of maintenance-free, emission-free, and quiet boating really resonates with boaters in the Adirondacks, particularly on some of the smaller lakes,” said Matt O’Hara.

“However, we felt we were not truly capturing the environmental benefits without converting to sustainable solar power at the marina for charging.”

New York state has awarded over $81 million through its Regional Economic Development Council initiative to support 97 priority projects across the state.

This year, $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of applicants.

Additionally, projects within each region are eligible for a share of $75 million in Excelsior Jobs Program Tax Credits to help attract and grow business in their region.

In Warren County, one project received funding.

“The pandemic toll touched every corner of the state and every sector of New York’s economy, and as a result we must ensure that our recovery does the same,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “As we move forward from the pandemic we are using the rolling grant process to build New York state back better by supporting shovel-ready projects with the potential to accelerate new investments and catalyze economic growth in every community.”

“Through a collaborative, bottom up, and regional approach to economic development, these projects were chosen for their innovation, impact on their communities and potential for positive change coming out of the pandemic,” said Lt, Gov. Brian Benjamin. “Whether it is workforce development, tourism, green investments or domestic manufacturing, we are moving forward to foster a strong and prosperous economy in New York state.”

In Warren County, the Lake Champlain/ Lake George Regional Planning Board received $1.6 million for the town of Johnsburg to construct a new wastewater collection and treatment system in the downtown business district of North Creek. The lack of a public sewer system has inhibited business expansion and infill development for decades. This project will reinvigorate and remove barriers to downtown business activity, provide greater opportunity for industry diversification, and improve employment opportunities for lowincome households.

The application for ESD Grant funds remains open, and applications are being reviewed on

an on-going basis until funds are exhausted.

Applicants with strong, shovel-ready projects that align with the state and region’s economic development priorities can apply through the Consolidated Funding Application.

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEOdesignate Hope Knight said, “The COVID pandemic has had a devastating impact on our state, and this is especially true for the businesses and organizations that are the foundation of our economy. The Regional Economic Development Councils, made up of people who know their own communities best, have recommended innovative projects that will help their regions rebuild, and reemerge stronger and smarter for the future.”

The initial round of priority projects was recommended by each Regional Council because of their project readiness and alignment with each region’s strategic plan.

The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs.

The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination.

Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive.

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the state’s approach to state investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop longterm strategic plans for economic growth for their regions.

The councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

Kasselman Solar has installed a 32 kW system using LG NeON2 445W panels which has been designed to provide 100 of the electricity needs for the marina.

Freedom Boat Club has over 300 club locations operating in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. For more information about Freedom Boat Club in Lake George, call 845-642-0201

or visit www.freedomboatclub.com.

Queen Boat Co. is a family-owned marina located in Dunhams Bay. Marina services include dockage, storage, service and repair, fuel sales, ships store, electric motor sales, and the Freedom Boat Club. For more information visit www.lakegeorgeboating. com.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021 • 3

Dog Boarding And Day Care Business Open Bluebird Auto In South Glens Falls Has At Baldwin Corners, Washington County A Supply Of Cars, Trucks And SUVs

Mountain View K9 Retreat has wooden kennels for one to several dogs, if they come from the same family. There is also a large indoor play area.

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL Laurie Bell has started a business that takes advantage of her love of animals and 32 acres of her family home at 61 Baldwin Corners on the border of Fort Ann and Kingsbury.

Faced with changes in her life and the opportunity to start a new career, the idea for Mountain View K-9 Retreat originally came from Bell’s daughters.

“We are animal people,” she said. “My daughters suggested dog boarding and day care and the property is zoned for just about any use.”

While one daughter, Caitlin, works toward her RN degree, daughter Courtney is involved in the new venture.

The Bells believe pets are beloved members of a family and photo portraits are on their roster of services for boarders and non-boarders.

She said her daughter also pursued a marketing degree, and those skills are being used to advertise the business on social media.

Bell is also studying to be a dog trainer so that the business can add training to its offerings.

The decision to open a dog retreat has proven timely in the days of COVID when “many people went out and adopted a puppy,” prompting the need for training and for pet day care as parents went back to work, Bell said.

She said there is no license or certification required to manage a dog day care or dog boarding. She has taken courses in dog behavior

Courtesy Mountain View K9 Retreat

and pet care and completed an internship in those disciplines. With the industrial zoning in her neighborhood, there were no issues presenting the plans for the business and that the Town Board thought it a good idea.

She had to hire a contractor to draw up plans for a large new outbuilding and the renovations she would do to the basement of her large residence. Soon winter set in and in the spring Bell’s project, like many others, faced materials shortages and delays.

The basement space has wooden kennels that contain from one to several dogs, if they come from the same family. There are also crates for crate-trained dogs and puppies and a large indoor play area.

Bell said she “worked hard to make the decorations very cozy and more like a home, with unpainted lumber and floor mats. It makes it easier for the dogs to acclimate quickly and everyone who comes in comments how comfortable it is.”

Outside is plenty of room for supervised romp and play, an agility course, pools for cooling in the hot summer months, and future training classes. Other plans include leasing space in the smaller outbuilding to a groomer, she said.

“We are up to the challenge as we build our brand and compete with the dog boarding franchises,” Bell said.

Visit www.mountainviewk9retreat.com and Facebook for more information.

Bluebird Auto, 134 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls, has a selection of cars, trucks and SUVs. Bill Maher opened the business on a site that used to be a hot dog restaurant.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Bill Maher, owner of Bluebird Auto, 134 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls, said he, his wife Tina, and his father William, have one goal: to sell quality pre-owned vehicles.

Maher, who also runs Compton’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs, said he has always worked in some capacity in the auto industry. With the help of his wife, he decided it was time to open up his own business.

“I was always working for others in the car business. My wife said, ‘Why don’t you try this on your own? So here we are. The people in the South Glens Falls community could not be nicer people. So easy to talk to. We are so happy to be doing business here,” said Maher.

When Maher is not at Compton’s he is at Bluebird. When he can’t be there, his father works the lot.

“My dad is there almost all the time, running the place, taking care of the buying and selling,” said Maher.

Bluebird’s Saratoga location used to be a hot

Chuck Ciaccia 27 years

Jude Gosh 32 years

dog restaurant.

“We basically had to gut the place and start all over. I credit my wife with the design and the decor. Besides the original brick, everything is new,” said Maher.

Maher said getting inventory has been an ongoing challenge.

“It is tough right now. Even finding used cars at auctions is really a challenge. I have had to look out of state. I actually have two cars coming in from Florida. We just have to hope that it eventually turns around,” he said.

Despite the ups and downs of the industry, Maher said he and his family are committed to providing dependable service.

“I just want to be able to help people out by selling them a high-quality pre-owned vehicle,” said Maher.

Bluebird has a selection of cars, trucks and SUVs. They have competitive pricing and offer bank financing.

The business can be reached at 518-4804099.

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4 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021

Zobel Kitchens Receives A ‘Best Kitchen Hudson Headwaters Mobile Health Center Design’ Award At CRBRA Event In Albany Brings Services To Lake Luzerne, Whitehall

Arthur Zobel, owner/designer of Zobel & Co. Kitchens, accepts the Best Kitchen Design $120,000plus award from the Capitol Region Builders and Remodelers Association.

Zobel & Co. Kitchens, a custom kitchen design firm, received the Best Kitchen Design $120,000-plus award from the Capitol Region Builders and Remodelers Association (CRBRA) at the annual Best of Building Awards Night, held in November in Albany.

The project recognized in the award was a renovation of an 1800s historic Victorian Farmhouse in Schuylerville.

Typical of old houses, the existing kitchen was in a small room with limited storage, according to the company. By removing a long wall, owner/designer Arthur Zobel was able to create a large kitchen, complete with an expansive island, wine refrigerator, speed oven, wall oven, integrated refrigerator, dining area, and a hutch.

“Kitchens truly are the heart of the home.

Randall Perry Photography

It’s the room we spend the most time in, the room where we want family and friends to gather, where we work, laugh and create”, said Zobel. “Transforming a kitchen to fit a family’s lifestyle and personality is something I thoroughly enjoy doing.”

The Best in Building Awards recognizes CRBRA members for their excellence and innovation in residential building, remodeling, design, marketing and more. The entries are judged by industry experts from out of state. The judges review the entries based on the criteria provided and are not able to see the company that submitted each entry and are able to be completely objective in their scoring.

Zobel & Co. Kitchens is located at 11 Broad St., Glens Falls, in the Union Square Building.

Its website is www.zobelandco.com.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL 2000 Business Of The Year

Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce P.O. Box 766 • Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 (518) 581-0600 • Fax: (518) 430-3020 • www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com

Editorial: RJDeLuke@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Advertising: HarryW@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Publisher & Editor Harry Weinhagen Associate Editor R.J. DeLuke Editor Emeritus Rod Bacon Sales and Customer Service Harry Weinhagen Production Manager Graphic Precision Contributing Writers Susan Campbell Jill Nagy Jennifer Farnsworth Christine Gaf Andrea Palmer Lisa Balschunat Glens Falls Business Journal is published monthly, the second week of each month, by Weinhagen Associates, LLC and mailed to business and professional people in Warren and Washington counties.

Glens Falls Business Journal is independently owned and is a registered tradename of Weinhagen Associates, LLC, P.O. Box 766, Saratoga Springs, New York l2866 (518) 581-0600. Glens Falls Business Journal is a registered tradename in New York.

Glens Falls Business Journal has been founded to promote business in Warren and Washington counties and to provide a forum that will increase the awareness of issues and activities that are of interest to the business community. Subscription price is $25.00 per year. Third class postage paid at Glens Falls, New York.

Rights to editorial content and layouts of advertising placed with Glens Falls Business Journal which are the creative effort of its contractors, and printing materials supplied by Glens Falls Business Journal are the property of Glens Falls Business Journal and may not be reproduced by photographic or similar methods, or otherwise, without the specific authorization of Glens Falls Business Journal.

The Hudson Headwaters Mobile Health Center began seeing patients in Lake Luzerne in December and will be in Whitehall in January.

The Hudson Headwaters Mobile Health Center will begin seeing patients in Lake Luzerne in December and Whitehall in January.

The mobile RV-type vehicle will be parked at the Lake Luzerne Town Hall at 539 Lake Ave. on alternate Thursdays beginning on Dec. 2 and at the Whitehall Recreation Center at 28 Williams St. on alternate Fridays starting on Jan. 14.

Hudson Headwaters launched its mobile health program in June with the first site in Salem — where it continues to see patients on Mondays and Tuesdays. A full calendar with site locations and times is available at hhhn. org/mobilehealth.

The Mobile Health Center will be on site for special community outreach days in Lake Luzerne this Wednesday and Thursday and in Whitehall on Dec. 9, 10, 17 and Jan. 7.

Hudson Headwaters CEO Dr. Tucker Slingerland said the Mobile Health Center is a mission-driven initiative to help expand health care access throughout the region.

“Like so many plans and projects at Hudson Headwaters, the dream of having a mobile health center started with a conversation about what we could do to bring primary care to rural patients struggling to get care and has evolved into what is now a reality — the ability to provide high-quality personalized care to patients in Salem and now to Whitehall and

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Lake Luzerne with more locations to come,” he said in a news release.

Community members and prospective patients are invited to stop by, tour the unit, meet the mobile health team, establish as a patient and make an appointment. Learn more at hhhn.org and the Hudson Headwaters’ Facebook page.

The mobile health center is staffed by a family nurse practitioner, Christine Calistri, a registered nurse, and a medical assistant.

“I’ve worked in various medical settings throughout my clinical career, and I find the mobile health center to be the best of all worlds,” Calistri said in a news release. “Many of our patients report that they were unable to access care elsewhere. It is an honor to get to know them and their families and to provide primary care services as close to their homes as possible.”

Hudson Headwaters Mobile Health visits are by appointment only. Appointment types include primary care visits for adults and children, with women’s health services, chronic disease management, same-day sick visits and preventive health screenings. Individuals must become a patient of Hudson Headwaters Health Network to make an appointment at Hudson Headwaters Mobile Health. Community members may establish as a patient and/or make appointments by calling 518-623-0871 or by visiting hhhn.org/mobilehealth.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021 • 5

Flight Wine Bar Presents An Aviation Theme With Signature Culinary Dishes •

John Homkey and Melissa Brennan opened Flight Wine Bar and Restaurant at 11 South St. in Glens Falls. The restaurant features a 10-seat bar and a fashionable dining room.

BY GINNY BRANDRETH Flight Wine Bar and Restaurant is a new restaurant at 11 South St. in Glens Falls.

The restaurant offers an elegant culinary experience in a fashionable, mid-century modern atmosphere. From the décor to the flight attendant uniforms, to the menu, the restaurant has an aviation theme.

Owners John Homkey and Melissa Brennan have been wanting to bring a new twist to the area’s restaurant scene for years. Flight Wine Bar got its start when the pandemic was just beginning, giving the owners time to fully develop their vision. The result is a restaurant they say is thriving as it takes guests on a new culinary adventure.

“Several years ago, I was traveling in Portugal and noticed how the locals savored life. How they took their time to enjoy food, drink, and culture. I decided then that I wanted to bring this experience home,” said Brennan.

“I had always wanted to have a bar and restaurant and knew it would be best to find a business partner,” Homkey said. “I quickly fell in love with Melissa’s vision and the thought building this business together was a big bonus.”

“As we started designing our restaurant, we knew we want to focus on the theme of travel’, said Brennan. “At Flight, our guests are treated to different cultures through international cuisine, wines and beers in a way that mirrors a dinner in a foreign country”.

Guests are greeted by a stewardess that hands them their “boarding pass” and takes them to their first-class seat. Soon, passports will be available that guests can get stamped when they order, thereby accumulating reward points.

Locally renowned executive chef Denver Grover, has designed her menus to incorporate local and imported ingredients to create culinary adventures around the world.

“My goal is to have our guest feel like there are dining ‘in country’ with foods and wines that allow them to experience the unique flavors of a region,” said Grover. “My focus is on method as well as ingredients so we can deliver authentic,

Courtesy Flight Wine Bar and Restaurant

native dishes.”

Current menu favorites include parmesan fried artichokes, French pate, Stracci (lamb stew), in addition to filet and scallops. Even the charcuterie boards are taken to a new level, curated to reflect a specific region or country with foods sourced from their particular region. Grover has also created “destination” flight menus, featuring small plates for those that want to immerse themselves in the cuisine of one country, such as Italy or France.

As its name suggests, Flight Wine Bar offers a curated wine selection presented by the glass, by the flight, or by the bottle.

“We offer a boutique wine collection that isn’t commonly found, classics that pair well with food that are delicious,” said Calanne VanLaeken, wine expert and general manager. “I want our guests to have fun with wine by making it approachable, not intimidating. I want them to try wines from parts of the world they might not otherwise have considered.”

Along with a full bar, she has also developed a menu of classic cocktails that blend traditional recipes with international spirits and cordials as well as house made ingredients like syrups and herb blends. Like their wine and beer selections, flights of cocktails will also be available.

The restaurant features a 10-seat bar and a fashionable dining room. Soon, patrons will be able to attend special events in the Winter Wonderland patio.

Flight Wine Bar is located next to Flight European Market & Deli, which features signature blend coffees from beans sourced around the world. It also has a selection of craft beers and other locally supplied culinary items. The Market & Deli serves a full breakfast and lunch menu, and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday there are additional hours of 5-9 p.m.

Flight Wine Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday, 5-9 p.m. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. They can be reached at 518-502-1627 for information and reservations.

The website is flightwinebarandmarket.com.

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Personnel Briefs

Caelynn Prylo, SUNY Adirondack’s assistant dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Innovation, was installed as president of the Continuing Education Association of New York (CEANY) at the organization’s annual conference and 50th anniversary celebration.

Prylo has been a member of the CEANY Board of Directors since 2014, serving on and leading several committees, and acting as chair of the conference in 2018.

Prylo’s team in SUNY Adirondack’s Continuing Education and Workforce Innovation earned CEANY’s James C. Hall 2021 Exemplary Marking Program Award for its enrollment and communications initiative throughout the 2020-21 academic year. The team surpassed its enrollment goal by creating new student communications, piloting marketing techniques and developing new multimedia content to promote enrollment in Continuing Education courses.

Prylo is also a board member of Saratoga Warren Washington Regional Workforce Development Board, coaches youth soccer and acts as judge for Odyssey of the Mind.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Vermont and a master’s degree from University at Albany.

She has worked at SUNY Adirondack since 2014, bringing more than 18 years of progressive responsibility in higher education. *

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Upstate Agency LLC in South Glens Falls, part of the Arrow Family of Companies, recently appointed Christopher Spofford as senior risk advisor.

The Albany-based Spofford has more than 25 years of insurance and risk experience in property and casualty, employee benefits and strategic planning. He provides customized solutions that address his clients’ unique needs and safeguard

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their long-term profitability.

Prior to joining the Upstate Agency, Spofford was vice president with a privately-held, national broker. He achieved the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and the Certified School of Risk Management (CSRM) designations from the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.

He also attained his Associate In Claims (AIC) designation from The Institutes – Risk & Insurance Knowledge Group.

Spofford earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Plattsburgh and currently lives in Guilderland.

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The Warren County Historical Society announced that John “Jack” Kokoletsos of Queensbury is the winner of the 2021 Hon. John D. Austin Contribution to History Award.

The award is presented annually to a local person who has demonstrated a consistent dedication to Warren County and regional history and genealogy through work or volunteer service and is given in memory of the late Judge John D. Austin of Queensbury, who was a founding member of the society.

Kokoletsos joined the WCHS as a volunteer in 2003, served on various committees, and was appointed to the board of trustees. He was also a member of the French and Indian War Society, an organization dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the Hudson River, Lake George, and Lake Champlain regions. During his 12 years with this organization, he authored two articles for its historical journal.

Kokoletsos will receive his award at the WCHS annual meeting on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m. at the Fort William Henry Conference Center in Lake George. Tickets for the brunch and ceremony are $28. Call 518 – 743 – 0734 to make a reservation.

6 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021

SPECIAL SECTION

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Retirement Planning

•

Business Report Investments: Time To Be Merry Or Wary?

BY RICK SCHWERD The end of the year is always a good time to take stock of your investments and look ahead.

Last year at this time, it was easy to be bullish on the stock market. Vaccine distribution was just starting, the country was continuing to reopen and unprecedented stimulus was being injected into the economy.

As we head into 2022, there is still a lot to be positive about, such as robust company earnings and a very healthy consumer base. However, concerns about the Omicron variant, global supply chain issues, labor shortages and inflation are tempering enthusiasm.

Stock markets had another good year. The Standard and Poor’s (S&P) 500, an index of 500 of the largest companies in the U.S., is up approximately 20 percent year-to-date, as of early December. Small-cap stocks, mid-cap stocks and most international markets have also shown strong gains this year. As expected, short-term interest rates have remained near zero as the Federal Reserve continues its accommodative fiscal policy.

Intermediate and long-term rates have risen as the economy has improved, but in a measured way.

As we look forward, there is plenty to be positive about. The U.S. consumer is doing very well, which is vital since consumer spending accounts for nearly 70 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The unemployment rate has fallen from 6.7 percent at the start of the year to 4.2 percent in November. Wages and salaries are up approximately 10 percent year-over-year.

U.S. consumers have accumulated more than $2 trillion in excess savings and consumer net worth has surged about 30 percent since the start of the pandemic. These factors provide confidence that strong retail sales of goods and services will continue into 2022.

Supply chain issues have tempered growth this year. GDP started off the year strong, averaging 6.5 percent during the first half of the year. However, primarily due to supply chain issues, growth fell to a disappointing 2 percent in the third quarter.

Microchip shortages, surging commodity prices and shipping container backups all contributed to slower growth during the summer. While it may take well into next year and likely longer to resolve all of the supply chain issues, it appears the worst of the effects may be behind us.

People Who Save For Retirement At An Early Age Will Benefit Greatly In The Long Term •

Rick Schwerd, VP, senior Investment officer, Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. Courtesy Arrow Corp.

A healthy consumer and pent-up demand provides a bullish case for stocks as we move into 2022. Companies are not only able to increase sales, but also raise prices. This is allowing them to pass along their own higher input costs and continue to increase their earnings. Company earnings are the biggest factor in contributing to higher stock prices.

A highly accommodative Federal Reserve, strong demand and limited supply do have a dark side — inflation. After being dormant for years, high inflation reared its ugly head this year.

The October Consumer Price Index (CPI) hit 6.2 percent, a level not seen in decades. Other inflation indicators also hit multi-decade highs.

The Federal Reserve, in justifying its stance, stated that they expect inflation to run above normal as we recover from the pandemic. They believed higher inflation would be transitory and would return to more normal levels in the near future. However, inflation readings continue to rise and are running well above the Fed’s elevated expectations, especially when it comes to wages and rents.

If inflation continues to surge, the Federal Reserve may need to take a more restrictive stance.

It may need to end its asset purchase program early, and begin to raise interest rates sooner and more aggressively than it previously indicated.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF According to the Federal Reserve, only 36 percent of Americans are adequately saving for retirement. The National Institute on Retirement Security estimates that almost 40 million U.S. households have no retirement savings.

Certified Financial Planner Mark Wells, co-founder of Th ree Buckets Wealth Management, recommends that everyone have three to five months of living expenses in their savings accounts. A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Th ree Buckets has offices in Glens Falls, Latham, and Tucson, Arizona.

“If you don’t have disability insurance through your employer, it should be closer to six months of living expenses,” said Wells.

He recommends making maximum contributions to employer matched 401K programs in order to take advantage of “free money.” He also recommends Roth IRA’s to many of his clients including recent college graduates who are in lower tax brackets than they will be later in their careers.

“What we have been doing with a lot of our clients is a Roth conversion which is essentially realizing the tax or converting pre-tax assets like a 401K or IRA to a Roth IRA so that you realize the tax in that year.

But that amount going forward is tax free, and the earnings are also tax free. It’s tax free to the owner of the account but also tax free to the beneficiary when they receive it down the road. In your early years when income is lower than it will be in the future, making a Roth contribution is a wise idea.”

Many of Th ree Buckets’ clients are members of the Baby Boomer generation and plan to leave inheritances to their children.

“The Baby Boomer generation is getting older and older, and it is the fi rst generation that is expected to leave behind more money than the prior generation. A lot of money will be changing hands,” he said. “There’s a lot of fi nancial planning that goes into making sure we are making a client’s situation as tax efficient as possible and also for the next generation’s because we want to make sure that Uncle Sam isn’t your biggest beneficiary when it’s all said and done.”

When developing investment strategies, the fi rm focuses on what Wells refers to as the “three buckets.” The fi rst bucket, the pre-tax bucket, contains IRAs, 401Ks, and other investments that will be taxed upon withdrawal. The second bucket, the after-tax bucket, contains fully liquid assets for which

Mark Wells is the co-founder of Three Buckets Wealth Management.

Courtesy Three Buckets Wealth Management

earnings are taxed. The third bucket, the taxfree bucket, contains Roth IRAs and other investments for which distributions are tax free.

“Start saving for retirement sooner than later. The sooner you get started, the more money you will have at retirement, and you may be able to retire sooner than expected or have the quality of life you always hoped to have,” he said. “The best advice I can give to a college graduate is that the fi rst thing they need to do is put away as much as they can into a pension plan, and because they are likely in a low tax bracket, fund a Roth IRA.” Roth IRA contributions are taxable, but earnings and withdrawals are tax free.

Individuals who are covered by an employer’s retirement plan can make contributions to a Roth IRA as long as they do not exceed IRS income limits.

Those who haven’t adequately saved for retirement often fi nd themselves having to work for much longer than they had planned.

Th is is a major concern for those who begin to experience health issues as they get older.

Wells recommend fi nding a fi nancial advisor who best meets a client’s individual needs.

“If you’re hesitant, come in and have a conversation,” said Wells. “At the very least, you are going to learn something. And the end of the year is a good time to take a look at your portfolio and rebalance it and make sure that you are still aligned with your risk tolerance and your goals.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021 • 7

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SPECIAL SECTION

Cyber/Tech

Making At-Home Work Stations Secure AARP Fraud Watch Network Survey Shows Helped Businesses Operate During Pandemic Holiday Online Senior Shoppers Targeted

BY CHRISTINE GRAF In the early days of the pandemic when non-essential businesses were forced to close, companies relied on information technology professionals to help keep their businesses running.

At Glens Falls-based TIMIT Solutions, software professionals helped customers by writing software that allowed them to work remotely. TIMIT works with small to mediumsized companies around the globe to develop software applications that improve efficiency.

“If people are working from home, they are having to do things that normally they might have done in the office using old fashioned paper and pen. We help to digitize some of those things on the software end of it,” said Tim Montgomery, one of TIMIT’s three principal owners.

When the pandemic shut down non-essential businesses, many companies reached out to TIMIT to write COVID screening software which in some cases needed to be HIPPA compliant.

“We had some local customers that deal with the medical and healthcare industry, and they need a HIPPA-compliant screening setup where they would have fully encrypted end-toend data and people could do that on their cell phones from wherever before they were to come into the office or meet with somebody outside of the office. We did that for customers in multiple states.”

Within these application, all personal health information was fully encrypted to ensure patient privacy.

“The application was making sure end-to-end that nothing was being shared in an external email or something like that,” he said. “We had to provide a completely locked down HIPPAcompliant environment.”

The demand for this type of software went well beyond the medical industry. Customers in other industries also reached out to TIMIT for help during the pandemic when in-person contact was limited.

“This pandemic brought us from writing cool mobile apps and doing web sites and other kinds of custom apps to helping customers with their move into the digital arena. That literally that meant replacing paper and pencil,” he said. “We hear things from clients saying, ‘This is so easy.

Why haven’t we always done it this way.’”

As an example, Montgomery referenced the Adirondack YMCA in Glens Falls. Instead of having someone at the door screening members, they used software developed by TIMIT that allowed them to prescreen members, employees, and vendors before they walked through the door. People were required to answer screening questions on a digital device before arriving and only those who passed the screening were allowed inside.

“The Y had a database that was completely encrypted where they could see all of the rejections and all of the accepted,” said Montgomery.

Tim Montgomery is one of three principal owners of TIMIT in Glens Falls.

TIMIT also helped an unidentified customer in Ballston Spa that is in the service industry and was deemed an essential business. The business remained open during the pandemic shutdown.

“They go into schools and businesses and do testing of their heating and cooling and water systems. They had to keep working but didn’t want people coming into the office every day,” said Montgomery. “So we developed a field service app—a custom mobile app—so that technicians didn’t have to come into the office.

They could go to straight from their homes to a client’s site and complete their services and upload everything to a central database.”

Because of the challenges that were introduced by the pandemic, Montgomery said companies have become much more receptive to developing digital apps.

“I think what it’s done is opened their eyes to what the opportunities are to reduce costs by simplifying the processes, by taking labor out of the processes, and by automating simple tasks that people are bored doing anyway.”

Montgomery said it is essential that all data is encrypted end-to-end in order to ensure that it can’t be shared outside of a database. It is also critical that employees are trained on how to avoid falling victim to cybersecurity threats.

“We aren’t in cybersecurity, but education and training is probably the most important piece of it. Don’t click on that link. Don’t believe everything you get. Educate and train your people on how to respond to these types of things.”

TIMIT also recommends using two factor authentication or one-time passwords. They also architect their applications in a way that ensures that data is separate from the applications which makes them more secure.

“Passwords are not secure,” he said. “If enough time and effort is put into it, almost any password can be figured out. You really need to have that second level of protection.”

An AARP Fraud Watch Network report is alerting consumers of scams they could encounter over the holidays. Of those surveyed, 75 percent reported they have been targeted or experienced at least one form of fraud that can be tied to the holidays.

“Scammers are out in force during the holidays to try to steal money or sensitive information from consumers,” said Kathy Stokes, AARP director of fraud prevention programs. “Online shopping, shipping gifts and even charitable donations can become tools for scammers to use in their schemes.

Knowing the warning signs is the first step you can take to spot and avoid scams.”

Three quarters of adults surveyed said they plan on shopping online for the holidays, but consumers need to know the red f lags before logging in. Over a third of adults reported they experienced fraud when buying a product through an online advertisement. Some online advertisements can download malicious software onto devices or lead the shopper to a cloned site of a legitimate store.

Officials said scams can also occur when shoppers search online for customer service contact information. Nearly half of adults surveyed believe the customer support number found at the top of an online search can be trusted. Online ads that appear to be a legitimate company’s customer service information can be a scammer’s attempt to get consumers to call them instead.

Use a billing statement or other information obtained directly from the company to find legitimate numbers, officials advised. Also, a retailer will never ask for your log-in information when providing customer support.

Over half of adults said they are planning

to ship gifts to friends or family over the holidays. Packages on front porches are a common target for thieves, with one in four adults reporting they lost a package in this way. Additionally, scammers send fake shipping notifications about an issue to get consumers to disclose payment or sensitive personal information.

More than a third of adults reported receiving fake carrier notifications, officials said.

The survey outlined payment options that could leave consumers with little or no fraud protection. Peer-to-peer apps like Cash App, Zelle and Venmo are gaining popularity with 45 percent of adults reporting they plan to use one this holiday season, but they do not offer fraud protection. Avoid using these apps to make purchases from people or businesses you do not know.

Nearly 70 percent of Americans will use their debit cards this holiday season, but debit cards do not offer the same protections as a credit card. The report recommends using a credit card for online purchases for better protections in the event of a fraud.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource that equips consumers with up-to-date knowledge to spot and avoid scams, and connects those targeted by scams with our fraud helpline specialists who provide support and guidance on what to do next.

Anyone can call the helpline at 877-9083360. The Fraud Watch Network also offers free, facilitated peer discussion groups that seek to provide emotional support for those experiencing fraud; and advocates at the federal, state, and local levels to enact policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws.

8 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Nonprofit

Groups In Warren County Unite To Help Hyde Museum Gets $100,000 Grant From Parents In Need Of Assistance With Children Charles Wood Foundation For New Initiative More than a dozen organizations from around Warren County have come together to form a new coalition to help parents work through the challenges of parenting at a time when many need assistance more than ever.

The Warren County Y-ReCONNECTS Parent Ambassador Coalition began assisting families in recent weeks, working to channel parents to resources that can help them and their children overcome obstacles.

Overseen by the Warren County Probation Department and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County, the coalition takes referrals for assistance from anyone who knows a parent in need of help.

“There is a big need for these services, and they are available for anyone who needs them,” said Robert Iusi, Warren County probation director. “There is a lot of pressure on parents and children right now, and we hope these resources can help provide support that is needed to get over the barriers that parents and their children may encounter.”

In October of 2020, Warren County, through an organization known as the Warren County Community of Practice consortium that includes the Warren County Probation Department, became one of three counties awarded a three-year, $100,000 grant for a parenting assistance program through Cornell University and New York State Developmental Disabilities Council.

The Probation Department contracted with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County to oversee the program and coordinate services.

The grant was offered through an organization known as Y-ReCONNECTS, whose mission is to foster the use of innovative, collaborative approaches to support the successful community reentry of justice-involved youth and young adult

by creating a “community of practice” team.

Using opportunity, networking, navigation, education, collaboration and transition support, Y-ReCONNECTS emphasizes collaboration across systems to effectively support at-risk and justiceinvolved youth.

“Working closely with support from Cornell University, one of the goals of the Warren County Community of Practice was to develop and implement the Parent Ambassador Coalition to help parents who may not know where to go for assistance,” said program coordinator Amy Secor, a Warren County Probation supervisor who oversees the agency’s Juvenile Justice Unit. “Parent volunteers help us work with the families that are referred to the program, and more volunteers are needed.”

Among the local partners that have joined the coalition are Behavioral Health Services North; Community Maternity Services; Cornell Cooperative Extension offices in Warren and Washington counties; Council for Prevention; Mediation Matters; and KKC Cares Family Support.

Parents of youth previously involved in the justice system as well as a youth who was previously involved in the justice system are also assisting the program.

In addition to beginning their work with families in need, coalition members earlier this year distributed school supplies to those in need at Schoolapalooza in Glens Falls.

Those seeking more information about the coalition, to make a referral or wishing to volunteer can contact Roxanne Westcott, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County Community Educator, at rmw38@cornell.edu or 518-668-4881 or Amy Secor at secora@warrencountyny.gov or 518-761-6444.

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From left, Reeves Wood Courtney of the Charles R. Wood Foundation, Kate Wilkins and Norm Dascher of The Hyde and Charlene Wood, foundation chair, at the check presentation.

The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Charles R. Wood Foundation to put toward its new Reimagine Project, an enhanced visitor experience with improved accessibility.

“The Charles R. Wood Foundation is pleased to assist The Hyde Collection with this groundbreaking initiative,” said Charlene Wood, chair and trustee, Charles R. Wood Foundation.

“As the region’s leading fine arts venue, The Hyde Collection’s Reimagine Project was selected for its emphasis on dramatically enhancing the visitor experience. The project will provide a more welcoming atmosphere, improve and increase community use, expand collaboration opportunities, extend visitor time on campus, and forge a deeper connection between visitors and The Hyde’s history.”

“The Charles R. Wood Foundation’s tremendous investment is a crucial step for upgrading the experience for visitors and the community, said Norman E. Dascher, The Hyde’s chief executive officer. “We are grateful for their leadership and commitment, an exciting beginning for The Hyde’s new Reimagine Project.

More community support and resources will be essential to realizing the full potential for this transformation. This is an investment in the museum, in Glens Falls, the region and beyond.”

This multi-year project includes substantial improvements to the museum’s entrance and outdoor campus, the translation of the Hoopes Gallery into a permanent orientation gallery, and campus-wide visitor-centric improvements.

These projects are designed to make The Hyde experience more welcoming, dynamic, immersive and accessible.

Over the next three years, The Hyde Collection

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will strive to secure nearly $500,000 toward these efforts.

The Charles R. Wood Foundation honors the legacy of local businessman and philanthropist Charles R. Wood, who has a long history with The Hyde. He served on the museum’s board of trustees and was named a trustee emeritus in 1985. In 1987, he donated Greta Garbo’s custom 1933 Duesenberg automobile for auction.

The car sale raised $1.4 million for The Hyde and supported the museum’s education wing construction.

The Charles R. Wood Gallery is named in his honor. The 2,400-square-foot gallery is the most significant temporary exhibition space at The Hyde, according to museum officials. In 2004, Charles R. Wood bequeathed a pair of Russian imperial porcelain vases to the museum as an unrestricted gift. The objects sold in 2005 for $3.5 million.

The Hyde honored Mr. Wood by using the gift to designate two funds: the Charles R. Wood Fund for Exhibitions and the Charles R. Wood Fund for Acquisitions. These funds continue to extend Mr. Wood’s legacy by allowing the museum to significantly enhance its exhibition program’s quality and the scope and depth of its permanent collection.

The Hyde is one of the Northeast’s exceptional small art museums with distinguished European and American art collections. The core collection, acquired by museum founders Louis and Charlotte Hyde, includes works by such artists as Sandro Botticelli, El Greco, Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens, Edgar Degas, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and American artists Thomas Eakins, Childe Hassam, Winslow Homer, and James McNeill Whistler.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021 • 9

Business Briefs

•

The 35th Annual Stewart’s Holiday Match campaign kicked off on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas Day at all shop locations.

The program supports nonprofit organizations impacting children.

Last year, customers donated an incredible $895,000 to the program, doubling to more than $1.88 million with the Stewart’s match. The funds were able to support 1,715 local children’s organizations across the 32 counties where Stewart’s Shops are located, company officials said.

Local organizations impacting children are encouraged to apply for funding online at www. stewartsshops.com/holiday-match/holidaymatch-overview. The deadline for submission is Jan. 31. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. A listing of all the local organizations that received funds last season is available online.

Stewart’s Holiday Match is a 501c3 foundation; all donations are tax-deductible. Stewart’s gladly accepts funds from groups or businesses, but only matches individual donations. *

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LOOK Media Resource Inc. received a grant from the Charles R. Wood Foundation to produce the first, in a series of educational videos.

Wellspring Cares and LOOK Media Resources are partnering to develop a series of videos to highlight the vital work they do in the commu-

Adirondack Axe Moves into New Space In The Aviation Mall, Adds Painting To Its Activities •

nity. The program focuses on educating youth and adults about the dynamics of abuse. The intent is to raise awareness for the multiple ways abuse occurs, how to identify it, the affect it has on our lives and the actions we can take to prevent it.

The first is “Think About It in a New Way.” The videos will be used in schools, adult programs, seminars and in the shelter.

LOOK MEDIA reaches over 750,000 people with OTA digital broadcast transmission from Albany County to Essex County. It is also available on Spectrum cable, online and social media, as well as other digital platforms and devices.

For more information visit: lookmediaresource.org. *

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The Arrow Family of Companies donated $100,000 in November to 20 local nonprofit organizations in support of programs that benefit the economic well-being of families. This funding is a special contribution as part of the Arrow Family’s second annual Thankful campaign, and is in addition to its normal annual giving.

The Arrow Family of Companies, which includes Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co., Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. and Upstate Agency, LLC, is reaching out this month to the 20 community partners from Albany to Plattsburgh and thanking them for their mission-driven efforts.

All beneficiaries of the $100,000 provide serContinued On Page 10

Finch Paper Reimburses SUNY Adirondack Tuition For Students Who Work At Company Finch Paper in Glens Falls is no exception to employers struggling to find workers nationwide. The manufacturer came up with a plan to remedy its labor shortage by offering tuition reimbursement for SUNY Adirondack students who work at their plant for two shifts a week for a semester.

The students are also paid an hourly wage.

“Since SUNY Adirondack is already among the most affordable colleges in the state and offers generous financial aid, this is an incredible opportunity for students to graduate with little to no debt, earn money, gain job skills and build relationships in the community,” said Kristine D. Duff y, Ed.D., president of the college.

Students who work 27 shifts per semester are eligible to be fully reimbursed for tuition and fees, up to $2,625. According to the agreement with Finch Paper, participating students must pass all their courses and be in good academic standing to receive the tax-free payment at the end of the semester.

“We are excited by the prospect of hiring

SUNY Adirondack students,” said Dennis Gazaille, employee relations manager at Finch. “Sure, we need to hire, but we also see this as a great way to help students pay for their education, further strengthening the community and economy we have been part of for more than 150 years.”

Students can choose from shifts of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday, or 3 to 11 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, earning $17.18 an hour as a floor hand/laborer. Job duties include housekeeping, transporting and processing off-quality paper, emptying bins, cleaning with high-pressure hoses, assisting production teams, and performing other duties to increase operation efficiency.

Applications are available at finchpaper. com/careers. Interested students are encouraged to fill them out before attending the event.

Those interested in this opportunity who are not yet students can apply for the Spring 2022 semester on line connect.sunyacc.edu/ apply/. The spring semester starts Jan. 24.

Steven Greene, the owner of Adirondack Axe, poses with his mother, Judy Greene in the new business location inside the Aviation Mall in Queensbury.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Adirondack Axe has moved to a new location in the Aviation Mall. Owner Steven Greene said the new spot allows for more space for not only axe throwing, but also other activities.

The business has added a knife throwing room, a private throwing room and a paint room experience “where you get a 16x20 canvas, choice of paint colors, a suit, and goggles to make your masterpiece,” said Greene.

Adirondack Axe was created to bring a unique experience to the North County which used to be the heart of the logging industry, according to the company website.

The Greene family started the business in 2019 as a way for people to experience the sport of axe throwing. With over 20 years in

the tourism attraction business, Greene said they are especially excited about the mall location near Dick’s Sporting Goods.

“We have a lounge area which helps us with parties and events. The new location is working well with better exposure, foot traffic, and just a better overall presentation,” said Greene.

Adirondack Axe is a part of the World Axe Th rowing League. They have a league session that consists of 10 minutes of practice and four league matches. In the fi rst seven weeks, league members play matches against each other to develop a win/loss record and total score that determines a ranking for the fi nal tournament.

Leagues start in early January. For more information visit www.adirondackaxe.com or call 518-409-7966.

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10 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021

Business Briefs

Moreau Lake State Park

Continued From Page 9

Continued From Page 1

preserve land in its natural state and provide trails and recreation for all New Yorkers to enjoy. I appreciate the commitment and leadership of Gov. Hochul and State Parks Commissioner Kulleseid in this effort of supporting and strengthening our public parks and treasured outdoor spaces.”

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said the expansion of the park “is a wonderful addition to an already wonderful resource. Affording easy access to trails and the Hudson River, this acquisition will certainly please those who already know the park and will provide even more recreational opportunities, including year-round enjoyment of the park. The expansion also has the benefit of protecting valuable areas of diverse habitat.

I applaud the thoughtful planning to protect this increasingly rare piece of wildness right

in our back yard.”

Over the past 20 years, the Open Space Institute (OSI) has added more than 4,250 acres to Moreau Lake State Park, tripling the park in size, according to state officials. In the area, OSI is also working with partners to connect Moreau Lake and Saratoga Spa State Parks via a 13-mile recreational trail corridor outlined as part of its Southern Palmertownconservation and recreation plan.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails, and boat launches, which it says were visited by a record 78 million people in 2020. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518-474-0456.

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vices within Arrow’s eight-county footprint. Organizations receiving funds were: Adirondack Community Action, Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC Clinton County), Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Child Care Coordinating Council of the North Country, Glens Falls Area Youth Center, JCEO, L.E.A.P., LifeWorks Community Action, Literacy Volunteers of Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties,.

North Country Ministry, North Country Workforce Partnership, Salvation Army, Southern Adirondack Child Care Network, SEAT (Social Enterprise And Training) Center, TriCounty Literacy Center Inc., Warren-Washington Assoc. for Mental Health, Warren County Employment and Training Administration, and YWCA NorthEastern NY. To learn more visit gfnational.com/Thankful or upstateagency.com/Thankful. *

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The Glens Falls Farmers’ Market is now at the Aviation Mall food court area every Saturday through April 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Over 25 food and craft vendors will be featured each week. Items for sale include vegetables, eggs, cheese, baked goods, artisan breads, dairy products, fresh and dried herbs, spices, soaps, artisan crafts and more! The market will also showcase live music from local musicians each week.

“We are excited to build a new relationship with such a longstanding business as the Glens Falls Farmers’ Market,” said Aviation Mall general manager James Griffith. “We appreciate the opportunity to work together and are grateful to be able to offer the space that will allow the market to grow.”

Since 1976, the Glens Falls Farmers’ Market Association has been bringing locally grown, produced and crafted products to Glens Falls and the surrounding communities. The market is “producer-only” meaning the people who are selling at the market are also the people who have grown or produced the products. *

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Credit Union Association’s statewide credit union college scholarship program, which provides credit union members with scholarships.

To be eligible, students must be high school seniors attending two- or four-year accredited educational institutions for the first time in the fall of 2022. They must also be members of TCT Federal Credit Union or another participating New York credit union.

Students/applicants will be competing against other credit union members from across the state. Applicants will be judged based upon academic achievements, extracurricular and community activities and the quality of written essays.

Last year, the New York Credit Union Association awarded $30,750 in scholarships to 41 students through the program. In addition, TCT Federal Credit Union awarded nine scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.

For more information about the scholarship program, contact TCT Federal Credit Union by phone at 1-800-721-8288 or visit our website at tctfcu.org *

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Aviation Mall has announced special hours and initiatives to make the holiday season safeand memorable.

A listing of hours are available at www.shopaviationmall.com/event/2021-holiday-hours.

Aviation Mall marketing director Teresa Hanley said retail experts cite significant expected issues with online shopping this year, including an unprecedented shipping backlog and unavailability of online product, encouraging consumers to start their holiday shopping earlier in the season and in person to guarantee a successful holiday shopping outcome.

“Our tenants are stepping up with stocked shelves, additional seasonal employees and earlier deals and discounts to help ensure our shoppers have a successful holiday shopping season,” she said.

For more information on the upcoming holiday season or Aviation Mall’s comprehensive safety and sanitizing measures that have been implemented to help protect shoppers, tenants and employees at Aviation Mall—and to check the individual hours of tenants—visit www. shopaviationmall.com.

Continued From Page 1

Company Hopes To Expand In Moreau

some of them small workshops and others, more substantial operations.

They sell solid wood, “craftsman quality” furniture at prices competitive with Asian imports, he said. Most of the furniture is of contemporary design but, “We can build anything, any wood, any finish.”

If the standard dresser design is too long or the bedside table is too tall, that can be changed. In addition, Furniture House carries a line of “premium imports” from Vietnam which, DiSiena claims, is better than the goods coming from China.

“I love shoppers,” he said. When they see what he has to offer, “they realize how expensive cheap furniture is.” He also finds that, once people come into his store, they usually buy something.

For the Marketplace, he is looking for creative people to reactivate the cafe, gift shop, and other retail outlets. His current tenant, the Rushmont Cafe, is in process of moving out and he expects to begin interior repairs by early January.

“I am excited about a whole new life for the property,” he said.

Business during the pandemic has been “spectacular,” he said, “It’s the best thing that ever happened to us.”

People are not traveling far. Instead, they are staying home and many of them are updating their homes. As a result, he said, Furniture House’s business doubled.

DiSiena and his wife started their furniture business in 1980. They have a store on Saratoga Lake as well.

He has 20 employees and could use more.

To inquire, call 518-587-9865.

BY JILL NAGY Plans have been delayed for the move of Jack Hall Plumbing and Heating from its present Glens Falls location to Route 9 in Moreau.

Owner Ty Hall proposed to construct a new home for the business on land he owns near Northway Exit 17. The new space would be about five times the size of the present building and have room for a training classroom, storage area, offices, loading docks, an exercise center, an indoor truck wash and the operations center.

“We want to expand the company and put some jobs out there,” Hall said. Business is “crazy right now” and they need more space.

While town officials appear to be happy to have the additional jobs and tax revenue, they are urging Hall to locate his facility near the Northway instead of the Route 9 corridor. In order to build where he wishes, Hall needs a rezoning to C-1, industrial use.

For now, his eight-acre parcel is partly zoned for residential use and partly for light commercial, essentially office use.

Hall already has his home and a barn on the property and proposes to build the plumbing and heating building nearby, creating, essentially, a planned unit development. The result would be a cluster of buildings on approximately three acres with the remaining five acres left as open space.

Hall and his attorney, Justin Grassi, are scheduled to meet again with town board members later in December. Grassi does not foresee any real movement before January.

Ty Hall is the third generation to own and operate Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating, Inc. The company currently occupies two buildings at 165 Bay St., Glens Falls, one for offices and the other, for storage.

It has been in business for 37 years and employs 25 people. Most of its business is in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties.

Sutton’s Marketplace

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021 • 11

New Owners Of Bayview Lakeside Suites & Marina Excited To Carry On With Business

We’d like to promote your commercial or residential property. Call us, 581-0600.

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Available Commercial & Residential Properties

4 Crestwood Drive, Greenfield Center $746,900 Jim and Con Burke, brothers who grew up in Lake George, have purchased Bayview Lakeside Suites & Marina in Bolton from Gary LaVoy for $4.9 million.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Brothers Jim and Con Burke have purchased Bayview Lakeside Suites & Marina in Bolton on Lake George from Gary LaVoy for $4.9 million.

The brothers grew up in Lake George and Con is one of the owners of Lake Georgebased BBB Construction. Jim relocated to North Carolina where his import/export warehouse and distribution company, IGL Logistics, is headquartered.

According to Jim Burke, he and Con view the marina as a solid investment. Con is very familiar with the property, having worked on numerous projects for the LaVoys over the years.

“He has connections there from working on the property for almost 20 years for the LaVoy family,” he said. “Through that connection, we started having some conversations with Gary LaVoy. After a series of talks and discussions, we were informed that there were several bidders on the property. When it came down to the wire, he wanted a quick close and we were able to strike a deal with Gary.”

The LaVoy family had owned the Bolton Landing marina since 1992. It is situated on Huddle Bay, just south of the Algonquin Restaurant, and includes a marina with 28 private docks, 155 feet of lake frontage, three suites and an owner’s residence.

“It’s private dock space. We don’t do sales.

We don’t do fuel,” said Burke. “But we think it’s in the prettiest, most pristine location on Huddle Bay across from the Sagamore.

It’s gorgeous and you are within walking distance to all of the shops and restaurants.”

The portion of the facility that was previously owner occupied will be converted to a vacation rental property. The existing one-, two- and three-bedroom efficiency

Courtesy Bayview Suites & Marina

suites will also continue to be available to vacationers.

“We will rent through Airbnb or through the website that’s there,” he said. “We will continue on with the suites and do some improvements and modifications. But the property is pristine and that is one of the most alluring facts about it. My brother has done all of the tanks and the septic and the improvements in water. And Gary LaVoy has always been top-notch and never had a screw that was out of place or a piece of rust.

Everything is meticulous.”

Demand for private dock space is high, and Burke expects to have a waiting list for rental of one of the marina’s 28 private docks.

“There’s a lot of demand on the lake for premium dock space,” he said. “There is more demand than there is capacity.

The Burkes are one of several new marina owners on the lake. In the past three years, seven marinas have changed hands. In October, Pilot Knob Marina, one of the oldest marinas on Lake George, was purchased by Massachusetts healthcare software company owner, John Donnelly and his wife, Christine. Several months earlier, Capital Region plastic surgeon, Dr. Edwin Williams III, purchased F.R. Smith and Sons Marina in Bolton Landing.

Burke said that he and his brother are honored that the LaVoys chose to sell the marina to them.

“It is prized possession. We were very fortunate and are very humble that we were able to have an opportunity to purchase it.

It’s a season of Thanksgiving, and we are grateful to have it. We will be good stewards of the property.”

The facility’s website is www. bayviewlakegeorge.com.

Flamingo

Continued From Page 1 kitchens, in addition to a spacious owner’s home, all with views of Lake George.

Other features include a private sandy beach, two full-size, heated swimming pools and a marina boasting 17 docks and five charter boat licenses.

The Pasternak family decided a couple years ago that they would be willing to sell the Flamingo if the price was right, but they wanted to fi nd a buyer interested in continuing to run the business as a resort, Muroff said.

The Flamingo sale is part of a flurry of activity of marina and resort sales on the lake. Jim and Con Burke purchased the Bayview Lakeside Suites & Marina in Bolton in late October for $4.9 million. The 7.5-acre, 62-room Capri Village Resort & Motel next door to the Flamingo sold for $5.5 million last month to builder David Massaroni of Niskayuna.

Other sales dating back to December

of last year include Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge in Diamond Point being sold to Todd Drake, owner of Watervliet-based Cornerstone Building Corp. and Empire Real Estate Management, for $900,000.

Capital Region plastic surgeon, Dr. Edwin Williams III, in May bought F.R. Smith and Sons Marina at 36 Sagamore Road in Bolton Landing for $3.5 million. In July, Muroff Hospitality Group announced the sale of The Lake George Suites, 3678 Lake Shore Drive in Lake George for $3.2 million. R.E. Hansen Industries Inc. of St. James is the new owner.

In late 2020, Dagget Lake Campsites and Cottages in the town of Thurman was sold

by Tom Near and Pamela Finnegan for $2.8 million. Muroff also brokered that sale.

Muroff Hospitality Group serves the greater New York–New England Region as a boutique hospitality brokerage fi rm representing independent and franchised hoteliers alike.

Award-Winning New Construction by Kodiak Construction. Modern Farmhouse w/ 3 beds, 2.5 baths, office & mudroom on 2.54 acres, Saratoga Springs School District. Custom eat-in kitchen w/ large island, navy & white cabinets & quartz countertops. Walk-in pantry w/ shelving & storage, microwave countertop & enclosed by a barn door entry. Floor-to-ceiling nickel gap trim fireplace, accented by timber mantle & 6 matching floating shelves. 2nd floor space-saving laundry station w/ lower & upper cabinet storage, clothes hanging space & enclosed by oversized double barn doors.

Master suite w/ walk-in closet, ceramic tiled shower, double vanity & water closet. 2 car attached garage, screen porch, stamped concrete patio & finished landscape package. Taxes are estimated.

Listing Agent: Jeana Labas | 208.360.1175 jeanarlabas@gmail.com

12 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2021

Pilot Program To Develop Agroforestry Plan Will Be Implemented At SUNY Adirondack The Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District will embark on a pilot program to develop education and implementation of an agroforestry plan for SUNY Adirondack’s farmlands.

A new grant program, Education on Agroforestry, funded by Lake -- Basin Program (LCBP) and Northeast Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), will fund the project.

Officials said traditional agroforestry focuses on producing agricultural products from the forested landscape, such as maple syrup, but this project puts conservation of agricultural fields and ecosystems at the forefront.

Plans include installing forest hedgerows and waterway buffers in and around agricultural fields to conserve water, reduce erosion, grow commercial tree crops such as chestnuts, and improve ecological diversity.

With this grant, the Warren County

Conservation District, SUNY Adirondack’s Agricultural Business program, and The Farm @ SUNY Adirondack will work together to promote research, education and implementation of new agroforestry projects in our region, officials said.

The grant will fund three public workshops designed for college students, farmers, agricultural professionals and the public to develop a management plan for fields on SUNY Adirondack’s campus. The workshops will be held throughout the summer and fall of 2022.

Education on agroforestry will improve and protect natural resources on the farmland and benefit water quality in the Lake Champlain Watershed, and provide guidance for farms in our region to adopt agroforestry practices, college officials said.

For more information about the project, contact Nick Rowell at 518-623-3119 or nrowell123@nycap.rr.com.

A pilot program to develop an agroforestry plan for SUNY Adirondack’s farmlands will be undertaken by the Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District.

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One business at a time.

At NBT Bank, our goal is to help you reach yours. Our relationship managers have the expert guidance, capital and cash management solutions it takes to help grow your business. Our local perspective builds strong partnerships that maximize your potential for success. Let our experienced commercial banking team create real opportunity for your business.

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