Glens Falls Business Journal - May 2024

Erbessd Instruments Utilizes Cutting-Edge Technology To Help Analyze Machine Health

BY ANN DONNELLY

Erbessd Instruments has become a global leader in a highly specialized field: machine health monitoring. The company develops and manufactures a prescriptive analytics platform that uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and wireless sensor technology to help customers understand their machines’ health.

“They can predict if there is going to be some kind of outage and take action, rather than just wait for a failure to occur, “ says Chairman and CEO Dr. M. David Howard, who started in the industry as a journeyman aircraft maintenances specialist in the United States Air Force.

President and Founder Dr. Thierry Erbessd, based in Mexico, worked in the first iteration of the business his father started 35 years ago and went out on his own 15 years ago. Then, eight years ago, Howard

partnered with Dr. Erbessd to bring that vision to the U.S., .and other English-speaking markets.

Megh McCane-Howard, Howard’s wife, also came on board. The couple, originally from South Glens Falls, decided to base all but the Spanishspeaking operations in this area. First working from the basement of their home, they tried offices in a few other locations until three years ago, when they took over and refurbished 19 Exchange St. in Glens Falls.

The company has customers in nearly every country and works with 145 distributors and partners worldwide. It has approximately 140 employees working between Glens Falls, two locations in Mexico, a European office in the United Kingdom, and a facility in India added last year.

The company’s agility is a crucial factor in its success. As Dr. Howard explains, “We are incredibly

Continued On Page 13

The Blade Doctor Provides Quality Mobile Sharpening Services To A Variety Of Clients

BY JILL NAGY

Gabriel Frankewich bills himself as the Blade Doctor and tries to bring military precision to sharpening knives, blades, and surgical tools. Headquartered in several former garages in Ballston Lake, he does most of his work from his van “I am in my van almost all day,” he said, bringing the business to the customer. He brings some very large jobs back to his shop. He describes himself as “detail oriented. . . . a little on the perfectionist side.” He attributes that to his military training and experience as an MP.

He covers a broad area, roughly from Lake George to the Catskills.

As a boy, he was fascinated by his grandfather’s grindstone and began grinding everything he could lay his hands on, including a shovel. His grandfather taught him how to use the grindstone properly and he was off to a lifetime of grinding and sharpening. In the military, he sharpened his buddies’ pocket knives. Later, when living in Israel, he spent so much time sharpening knives and utensils for other people that his father suggested that he make a business out of it. So, he did. He had a sharpening business in Tel Aviv, Israel,

for three years before returning to the United States seven years ago.

Much of Frankewich’s current work consists of sharpening the surgical tools of area

The Glens Falls Dragons Will Compete This Season In Vastly Improved East Field Stadium

BY PAUL POST

Area businesses have stepped up to the plate to help the Glens Falls Dragons get off to a good start at East Field, where several major improvements have been made for the 2024 season.

More than 450 comfortable stadium seats from a minor league ballpark in Newark, N.J. are in place behind home plate, first-base bleachers have new wooden seating, and electrical and water lines have been installed for the right-field concession stand and rest room area.

“We’re just trying to get the place fixed up to keep baseball here in Glens Falls,” team owner Ben Bernard said. “We want to keep this an inexpensive family attraction for the area.”

The Dragons are led by first-year coach Ryan Deo, a College of St. Rose player-coach, and open at home on Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m. against the

Amsterdam Mohawks. St. Mary’s High School alum Pete Brown, a former minor league hurler, returns as pitching coach.

Teams play in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, featuring some of the nation’s top college players.

New stadium seating is the latest in a series of East Field capital upgrades the past few years, which includes new LED lights and a new scoreboard.

“When we got the lights we knew the city was serious about having this place continue,” Bernard said. “A lot more businesses are getting involved with us now. After COVID things were so messed up. Now we’ve got to turn the corner and you can see, that’s the idea.”

Work is far from over as Bernard, supported by

Continued On Page 12

Olympic And World Cup Coach Named To Head Up West Mountain’s FIS Program

West Mountain has hired Olympic and World Cup Coach Teresita Birkner as head women’s FIS coach for West Mountain Racing. Her daughters, Macarena and Belen, individually or collaboratively, will serve as her FIS assistants helping U16 athletes to transition to FIS.

“We are so excited for our young women FIS athletes to be coached and mentored by such a strong, powerful, globally accomplished and recognized ski racing family,” said Sara Montgomery, program director of West Mountain Racing and general manager at West Mountain.

Some of the family’s past and recent accomplishments and qualifications include:

• Coach Teresita: mother and coach of three very accomplished ski racing daughters; Head Coach Argentina Nat. Ski Team; 30 years coaching all disciplines FIS World Level, including but not limited to, four Olympics, 13 World Championships, six FIS Jr World Championships; South American Cup Titles-33 overall, 34 SL, 31 GS, 22 SG, 11 DH, five Combined; Argentina National Ski Championships-33 GS, 32 SL, 2 DH, 6 SG.

• Macarena: Racing: four-time Olympian 2002-2014; seven FIS World Championships; 143 FIS World Cups; two FIS Junior Worlds;

68 European Cups; 18 North American Cups. Coaching: 2004-present all levels nationally and world.

Pictured is the Phantom Generation 3 Bluetooth Vibration Sensor With Embedded Temperature Measurement capabilities developed by Erbessd.

Courtesy Erbessed Instruments

Gabriel Frankewich, aka The Blade Doctor, comes to clients with his services. Saratoga Business Journal

Ben Bernard, owner of the Glens Falls Dragons, looks forward to having his baseball team play in the upgraded East Field stadium.

Paul Post photo

Teresita Birkner will coach the women’s FIS team at West Mountain this winter. Courtesy of West Mountain

Personnel Briefs

Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes, P.C. has announced that Alexandra D. Finocchio has joined the firm as an associate attorney.

Ms. Finocchio received her Juris Doctor degree from American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., graduating cum laude in 2022. While their she worked as a student attorney with the Disability Rights Law Clinic, served as a staff editor on the American University Law Review, and volunteered with the War Crimes Research Office. She has been a member of the District of Columbia Bar since 2022 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2024. She is also a member of the Warren County Bar and New York State Bar Associations.

Prior to receiving her Juris Doctor, she obtained her Master of Laws in International Law with International Relations in Europe from the University of Kent, Kent Law School.

Ms. Finocchio graduated from the University of Delaware in Newark with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations—specializing in diplomacy in the Middle East—and History. She also minored in Islamic Relations with Arabic Language.

Fenimore Asset Management, an independent, Capital Region-based investment advisory firm, has added Richard Heim and Jonathan Moran to the firm’s team.

“Rick” Heim has been appointed senior relationship manager. He is a Malta resi-

dent and offers more than 25 years of investment industry experience. He customizes and curates portfolios for individual and institutional investors to help them achieve their financial goals.

“We are very pleased to have Rick join Fenimore,” said Kevin Smith, director of private client services. “His experience, knowledge, and commitment to serving investors with excellence underscores our mission. He is a valued addition to the team.”

Prior to joining Fenimore, Heim was a vice president and financial consultant with Charles Schwab for more than 15 years and a financial consultant with AXA Advisors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Green Mountain College.

As director, Moran informs and educates financial professionals about Fenimore’s investment solutions.

“Jonathan’s experience working with financial advisors will allow him to be a vital contributor to our third-party distribution and service team,” said CEO Anne Putnam.

“His dedication to developing long-term relationships to assist advisor allocations reinforces Fenimore’s approach.”

Moran held various positions with Lazard Asset Management and The Ayco Company before joining Fenimore. He is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®).

A Niskayuna native, he is involved in the community and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Siena College.

Muroff Hospitality Group has announced the sale of The Lamplight Inn Bed & Breakfast at 231 Lake Ave in Lake Luzerne. Known as “The Jewel of the Adirondacks,” this award-winning property features 12 luxurious suites, a sun-drenched dining room and a spacious owner’s apartment. The expansive wrap around porch leads into the grand 1890 Victorian building. The Carriage House is behind the main building where there are five large ground floor suites in a modern building surrounded by acres of wooded privacy.

The sellers are Eugene and Linda Merlino.

Gene Merlino has been the long-time town supervisor of Lake Luzerne, and will continue in that role. The buyers are George and Mary Haleem of Pennsylvania. This will be their first investment property in New York state.

Mitch Muroff of Muroff Hospitality Group represented the seller and secured the buyer in this exclusive listing. The sale price was $1,255,000 and the transaction closed on May 1 in Queensbury.

The Inn was built in 1890 as the summer home

of wealthy bachelor Howard Conkling. Conkling was a lawyer from New York City and a member of the New York State Assembly. He was well traveled and wrote multiple books of his travels. No expense was spared for his home. A 12-foot beamed ceiling, chestnut wainscoting and keyhole staircases enhance the spacious Great Room, now used as the guest sitting area. In 1926, Howard Ketchum purchased the home for use as a summer residence. The Ketchum family owned a factory in Lake Luzerne that made tags for the ears of cattle. The Ketchum Manufacturing Company still exists today. They enjoyed the summers in Lake Luzerne along with their two daughters until the 1980s.

Purchased in 1984 from the Ketchum Estate, the summer home was restored by the Merlinos, who were both in the textile business. Gene managed a textile engraving plant while Linda was a textile artist with a background in fashion illustration and watercolor. They purchased the vacant estate in August 1984, and then married in October 1984 to start a new chapter.

A Former Brooklyn Resident Opens The Queen NYC Deli As A New York-Style Eatery

BY JILL NAGY

The owner of the Queen NYC Deli in Queensbury, Nadher Dhabaan, who is from Brooklyn, calls it a New York style deli. The menu, however, is more international. In addition to hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and hamburgers the menu includes gyros, quesadillas, crepes and, of course, coffee.

The deli opened April 9 and, Dhabaan said, has been “too busy” ever since. It is located at 731 Upper Glen Street, formerly the home of New Way Lunch. The staff includes brothers and nephews, he said, and two or three parttime employees.

This is the owner’s first venture as a restaurant owner. Previously, he was a cook at similar out4 in New York City. He came to Queensbury, he said, because he likes the area and there are nice people.

Queen NYC is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., but sometimes closes earlier to clean and get ready for the next day.

Formerly the New Way Lunch, the building now houses the Queen NYC Deli.

Known as “The Jewel of the Adirondacks,” the 1890 Victorian Lamplight Inn Bed & Breakfast has recently changed hands.

Courtesy of Muroff

Experienced Chef Offers Menu Of Homemade Foods At The Newly Opened Scratch Kitchen

BY PAUL POST

Denver Semon developed a strong following as chef at the former Flight and Aviator restaurants in Glens Falls and Queensbury, respectively.

Now she’s taking off with her own new eatery, Scratch Kitchen, at 199 Warren Street in Glens Falls, directly across from the south end of McDonald Street.

The quaint, tastefully decorated establishment brings a touch of country to the city as Semon makes her own breads, soups and sausage meats complemented by fresh herbs, veggies and colorful cut flowers, available for sale, which she raises at home.

“Everything’s going to be made from scratch,” she said. “My own breads, my own roast turkey. I’ve done this for others for a long time. Chefs work a lot of hours. I just thought, if I’m going to work that many hours I might as well do it for myself.”

Originally from a Finger Lakes small town, Semon moved to Glens Falls in 1998 and has also worked at The Sagamore and as executive chef for Point O’Pines Girls Camp in Brant Lake. Her career also took her to Williamsburg, Va., before moving back to Glens Falls.

“This area just speaks to me,” she said. “Glens Falls still has a small-town feel, but all the amenities, benefits and attractions of a larger city. There’s a lot going on. It’s an up-and-coming area and I want to be a part of it.”

Semon graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, but credits her grandmother’s cooking skills for giving her a lifelong love for food.

“My grandparents had a hobby beef cattle farm,” she said. “My grandmother was an amazing cook as many grandmothers are. She inspired me and it was always a passion of mine. I kind of knew from a very young age that I was going to go into this industry.”

Scratch Kitchen is conveniently located at a busy three-way intersection that generates considerable traffic throughout the day. Semon

is leasing space from building owner Matt Hummel.

Restaurant hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. It’s specifically geared for breakfast and lunch patrons, but take-outs are available for pickup or Door Dash delivery and Semon is considering plans for twice-monthly dinners that people can sign up for and Sunday brunch might be offered in weeks to come.

“I have a clientele of people who have followed me from restaurant to restaurant,” she said. “I’m doing something different now, but there’s a lot of excitement, a lot of support. I started my Scratch Kitchen Facebook page, put a post out and it blew up in just a few days.”

Semon believes the Warren Street corridor is ripe for revitalization, similar to efforts currently taking place on South Street as downtown’s economic vitality expands outward. Simons Heating and Cooling Inc. recently opened spacious new headquarters at the corner of Warren Street and Oakland Avenue, and plans call for a fairly large new residential development at a vacant lot adjacent to Simon’s.

Semon hopes this will generate foot traffic for Scratch Kitchen, just down the street. The cozy setting has a patio for outdoor seating when weather permits.

The menu has a wide offering of typical breakfast fare including eggs, pancakes and French toast with a high priority on tasty breakfast sandwiches.

Drawing on her fine dining experience, lunch is a “really unique offering” of sandwiches, soups and salads, Semon said.

“It’s really coming from a chef’s perspective,” she said.

During the past year, Semon also obtained a nursery license that allows her to sell plants, vegetables and flowers, enhancing the restaurant’s bright atmosphere.

“I’ve always had a big garden,” she said. “I’d love to provide as many herbs and vegetables as I can from my place.”

Amanda’s House At Glens Falls Hospital Will Benefit From Family Run And Walk Events

The Glens Falls Hospital Foundation has announced the return of the Aloha 5k and 1 Mile Fun Walk, on Saturday, June 15. The event benefits Amanda’s House at Glens Falls Hospital. The race check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. with the race taking place at 9 a.m. at Haviland’s Cove in Glens Falls.

This fun and family-friendly race starts at Haviland’s Cove Park and runs along the historic Feeder Canal. Fun family activities will be available such as music, kids’ activities, a photo booth, food truck, ice cream booth and more.

The Aloha 5k supports Amanda’s House – A home away from home for patients and families who have traveled a long distance to Glens Falls Hospital. Patients receiving cancer treatments, family members from out of state who have a family member that has suffered an injury or health event are all welcome to stay at Amanda’s House at no cost.

Amanda’s House opened in 2002 as an independent organization. Glens Falls Hospital took over in 2014 to make certain services were always available to the community. The home is named in memory of Amanda Cafaro. Her life is

honored by the volunteers, hospital staff, businesses, and community supporters who work together to keep the home operating.

Cindy Sherwood, vice president of Development at Glens Falls Hospital noted, “The Glens Falls Hospital Foundation was eager to bring back the Aloha 5k in 2023 after the pandemic. This event brings our community together and helps raise funds so Amanda’s House can provide a home away from home for our patients and their families.”

Tom Lyons, director of Volunteer Services and Amanda’s House at Glens Falls Hospital added, “It was amazing to see our best turnout ever last year. Thanks to the support of our community members, sponsors, and hospital employees. We’re excited to welcome in summer with this event and are looking forward to another great turnout to benefit such a special cause.”

For more information and to register for the Aloha 5k, please visits: www.runsignup.com/ gfh5kFor more information on becoming a sponsor for the Aloha 5k, please visit: https:// www.glensfallshospital.org/about/foundation/ upcoming-event

"Locally Run Since 1981"

Culinary Institute of America graduate Denver Semon displays some of the homemade delicacies she prepares at Scratch Kitchen in Glens Falls.

Glens Falls Business Journal

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL

WellNow Urgent Care is one of the fastestgrowing providers of urgent medical care, telehealth and occupational medicine services in the United States. With a new location that opened April 10 at 920 Lake George Road in Queensbury, medical care and diagnostic services are now available seven days a week to patients in the North Country, said Beth Pagan, WellNow’s director of market operations for eastern New York.

“WellNow provides a wide array of diagnostics, including X-rays, EKGs, complete metabolic panels, and much more,” said Pagan.

There are nearly 80 WellNow locations in the state and 200 in the country offering urgent, not emergency, care.

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“Our centers offer more services than the average primary care physician so that patients can be treated right away without having to go to a traditional emergency room, where they might face long wait times and an expensive bill,” she said.

While WellNow can take an X-ray and suture an injury, for example, MRIs and CT scans are not offered, so some conditions would require travel to the nearest hospital.

“We believe that concerns about the costs of treatment shouldn’t stand in the way of quality healthcare,” Pagan said. “So we work with all insurance plans and also offer patients the option to pay their bill in installments with no interest or processing fees.”

To ensure that patients always have access to care, most WellNow locations are open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., far exceeding the hours at primary care physi-

cian’s office. These are the hours in the new Queensbury location, which was selected for its easy proximity to businesses, shopping and transportation, she said.

“Our patients can get walk-in service close to where they live and work,” said Pagan. “When someone isn’t feeling well and needs immediate attention, the last thing they want to do is drive a long distance for care.”

Urgent care centers provide a vital service to the community, particularly in areas where primary care providers are booked solid or are non-existent, she said. In effect, WellNow centers bridge the gap between primary care and emergency care, according to Pagan WellNow offers treatment for non-lifethreatening injuries and illnesses, such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV, plus occupational medicine services. These include Worker’s Compensation assistance, pre-employment physicals, drug and alcohol testing, said Pagan.

Patients can also reach a WellNow provider 24/7 by using the Virtual Care platform on their cellphones or personal computers.

“A patient can speak with a provider anytime, anywhere,” Pagan said . WellNow was established in 2012 as an independent healthcare practice and accepts many insurances, Medicare and Medicaid.

“WellNow’s Queensbury center is not affi liated with any local health systems,” said Pagan. “However, we do partner with St. Peter’s Health Partners at several other locations in the Capital Region.”

More information about locations and services can be found at www.WellNow.com.

Glens Falls, NY 12801

With locations nationwide, WellNow Urgent Care has opened a facility in Queensbury to serve the local population. Courtesy of WellNow

Saratoga Springs Rowing Duo Among Those Tapped To Compete In The Summer Games

Saratoga Springs rower and Regatta Director for the Saratoga Rowing Association, Kristi Wagner, has been announced as one of the first 21 members selected to go to the Summer Games in Paris this July, by US Rowing.

Wagner plans the Head of the Fish, among other high school races for SRA, with her doubles partner Sofia Vitas.

Together, Wagner and Vitas won the Bronze medal at the 2023 World Rowing Championships. The two women were part of the first round of rowers selected by the US Rowing Team to compete at the Olympics.

Together they will be looking to return to the medal podium in the women’s double sculls in Paris. Now a five-time national team member, Wagner will be racing at her second Olympic Games, having finished fifth in the event in Tokyo. Also a five-time national team member, Vitas will be making her Olympic debut in Paris.

In addition to being a full-time athlete and Regatta Director, Wagner is also a podcast host. For the past year, she’s been taking listeners behind the scenes of her journey to qualify to make the Olympic games in her show “The Other 3 Years.”

“After that race, I knew I wasn’t done. I knew I wanted to go back,” Wagner said of her previous Olympic race in Tokyo. “It’s not just that I want to go to the Olympics; I want to be the best rower I can be. There is something addictive about trying to get the most out of yourself.”

In April of 2023, Wagner teamed up with Bright

Sighted Media Founder Christine O’Donnell to craft a podcast documenting her efforts to return to the Olympic games. Not certain if she would make it or not, she felt it was worth bringing the audience with her as she chases her “Olympic-size dream” in her podcast “The Other 3 Years.”

“I don’t think there has been anything more inspiring than working with someone brave enough to showcase their dreams for the world before they’ve been achieved,” O’Donnell said. “Journalism is important to me, and getting an honest and authentic look at what it’s really like the other three years of an athlete’s journey to make it to the one Olympic year has been eye-opening to say the least. We are honored to have Kristi as a part of our collection of Bright Sighted podcasts.”

“The Other 3 Years” podcast brings listeners behind the scenes of Kristi’s journey to make the 2024 Olympic team. Each week she shares what being an elite athlete in training really looks like: the ups and downs, life on the road, and how to stay motivated with a goal so far away. The show also examines the effects on things like mental health, relationships, and how everything can be thrown off by something as minor as a bad meal or the weather.

Listeners will hear interviews with Wagner’s parents, her boyfriend, teammates, and fellow Olympians.

Ultimately, “The Other 3 Years” is a podcast that will serve as inspiration to anyone with a dream they’re determined to make a reality.

A Licensed Medical Aesthetician Opens The Skin Renaissance Studio In Fort Edward

BY JILL NAGY

Shelley Riopelle opened a new skin care facility in February in Fort Edward. Called the Skin Renaissance Studio, it is located at 1461 Route 9.

Riopelle has been providing skin care treatments for 28 years, including 10 years in Saratoga and, most recently, at a day spa she owned in South Glens Falls for two-anda-half years.

She describes her new location as “warm and welcoming” and in a great location with easy access and ample parking.

The emphasis at Skin Renaissance Studio is on skincare. “I’m very passionate about skincare; it’s what I love to do,” Riopelle said. She offers a wide range of skin care services, particularly facial treatments. Licensed as a medical aesthetician, her services run the gamut from eyebrow shaping to full body waxing. Services also include light therapy treatments, dermaplaning, chemical peels and more. She specializes in treatments for

rosacea, sun damaged pigmented skin, and anti-aging treatments.

She received her license with the Hudson Valley School of Advanced Aesthetic Skin Care in New Paltz , where she studied the latest advanced aesthetic treatments as well as laser technology. Furthering her career in laser, she went on to become certified with the Rocky Mountain Laser College in Lakewood, Colorado. She is also a member of the Rosacea Society. She schedules clients by appointment only. She recommends new clients have a skin consultation before skincare treatments begin to ensure the best results. Riopelle can be reached through her website, www.skinrenaissancestudio.com. Her hours vary from day to day: Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The studio is closed Sunday and Monday.

Rowers Kristi Wagner (left) and Sofia Vitas display the Bronze medals they won at the 2023 World Rowing Championships. They hope to better their record at the Summer Games this July.

Courtesy of Saratoga Rowing Association

Shelley Riopelle has the training and expertise to significantly improve her clients’ well being at the Skin Renaissance Studio in Fort Edward.

Glens Falls Business Journal

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Construction

The Five-Year Apprenticeship Program Through Local Union 773 Trains Plumbers And Pipefitters

BY PAUL POST

Nearly three dozen area contractors turn to Local 773 whenever they land a big job and need to bring on highly-qualified plumbers, steamfitters, pipefitters and HVAC technicians.

The 500-member, Queensbury-based union supplies skilled workers for a wide variety of projects from GlobalFoundries in Malta to recently-completed refrigeration upgrades at Lake Placid’s Olympic facilities.

A five-year apprenticeship includes handson work plus September to April classes, each year, at Local 773’s headquarters and training facility at 37 Luzerne Road.

“It’s an earn and learn program,” Business Manager Mike Jarvis said. “When an apprentice comes in they sign up with the union,

work during the day for a contractor and go to school at night three times per week.”

Applications are accepted one day each month. When enough applications come in, the union sets up an aptitude test. Candidates are also interviewed by an eight-person Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, comprised of four union members and four contractors, who review the job-seeker’s employment history, attitude and work ethic. Points are given for related college and past military experience.

“We do a pretty good job of knowing who’s going to be cut out for this and who’s not,” Jarvis said. “Past experience will tell the story a lot of times.”

When an apprentice comes in, the first two

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Modular Building Techniques Make Homes More Affordable In Face Of Housing Shortages

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

In the Capital Region real estate market and beyond, a shortage of inventory has made it difficult for buyers to find reasonably priced homes. The Center for American Progress, an independent policy institute, believes modular homes may be the answer to the American housing crisis. According to a report issued by the institute in February 2024, “Modular building, if brought to scale, has the potential to reduce construction costs and make building new homes more affordable, especially in areas experiencing severe affordable housing shortages.”

Modular homes are often confused with mobile homes, but the two are distinctly different. While modular home components are fabricated in factories, the homes themselves are assembled on-site and attached to permanent foundations.

When it comes to the construction process, there is virtually no difference between a modular home and a site-built home. Both are built with the same materials and are subject to the same regulations.

Saratoga Modular Homes is a leader in the local modular home market, offering opportunities for customers in the Capital Region, Adirondacks, and the Mohawk Valley to build energy efficient custom modular homes with upgraded finishes. Owner Cecil Provost is on the board of directors for the National

Modular Home Builder’s Association, and he also owns Saratoga Construction, Saratoga Log Homes, and ProRealty New York Inc,

“We’re slammed with business. I’ve never seen it so busy,” he said. “What has happened is that everyone refinanced their homes three or four years ago at 2.5 or 3 percent, so there’s no resale inventory on the market. So, demand for new construction is very strong.”

Provost said the demand for vacation homes is also “off the charts and that his company is so busy that they are currently booking out jobs into summer 2025.

“Unless something drops out that we already have in the works, we are booked for the year. If I’m able to hire more staff, we might be able to squeeze another one or two in this year.”

Currently, Saratoga Modular Homes has a staff of 18 and is building 30 homes per year. They subcontract out some of the site work as well as the foundation work, mechanical, plumbing, and heating.

“We do all the interior finish work, the trim carpentry, and a fair amount of siding and most of the flooring installation,” said Provost. “We’ve got an excellent crew, and we take care of them to keep them on staff, but we would love to have more. We could certainly use more skilled carpenters, but there’s just

Continued On Page 7

A wide range of skills are taught to apprentices at the headquarters of Local 773 of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters in Queensbury.

Cecil Provost, owner of Saratoga Modular Homes, displays the large variety of materials available to clients opting for this type of construction.

Saratoga Business Journal

Continued From Page 6

years are the same for everyone as they take the same basic course. After year two, they must decide to pursue one of two different programs, for either plumbers and pipefitters or HVAC technicians.

“All we want out of a first-year apprentice is a willingness to work,” he said. “Our contractors understand that too. We want somebody who will absorb what they’re taught, be accountable and show up every day on time. You’d be surprised, the work you can get out of somebody who has good work ethic.”

The busiest time in union history was just over a decade ago when 2,200 pipefitters were on site at GlobalFoundries through Local 773.

However, the past year has been one of its slowest times ever.

“The construction industry has its ups and downs,” Jarvis said. “Right now the country’s booming, but we are not. This is probably the slowest year we’ve had in 12 to 14 years. Demand has dropped in our area. With the economy up here and the cost of borrowing money, a lot of businesses are holding off on capital improvement projects.”

Most notably, GlobalFoundries has plans for building a second, multi-billion semiconductor plant in Malta, but hasn’t pulled the trigger on a start date.

In February, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it was awarding $1.5 billion in direct funding to GlobalFoundries under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which is designed to boost American semiconductor research, development and production.

Some money will support expansion of GlobalFoundries’ existing fab by adding technologies that allow the U.S. auto industry to transition from mechanical to electronic systems, creating large demand for semiconductor chips in cars and trucks.

Funding will also be used for the proposed new fab to meet anticipated demand for chips across a number of markets including automotive, aerospace, defense and artificial intelligence. When completed, the new plant and expansion of current facilities will triple manufacturing capacity of the Malta campus over a 10-plus year period.

But Jarvis said some contractors didn’t bid on other projects, fearing a possible worker shortage when it seemed GlobalFoundries was moving forward with its proposed expansion 18 months ago.

“They were concerned that manpower wouldn’t be available for those that didn’t work at GlobalFoundries,” he said. “So they held off on bids for work that we’d be doing or finishing up now. We missed the boat on jobs we could have had. We’re definitely staying hopeful that GlobalFoundries is going to move forward. There’s talk that they’re going to do more, but as of right now that’s all it is, is talk.”

What this means, at least temporarily, is

that there’s no immediate demand for Local 773 to bring on new apprentices.

The union’s territory is Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Clinton, Essex, Hamilton and Franklin counties. So it has supplied workers for a variety of other projects throughout the region during the past few years such as two large hotels in Lake Placid.

“We recently started a residential-light commercial agreement with some of our contractors so we could be more marketable,” Jarvis said. “For the first large job, Fowler Square on Bay Road in Queensbury, one of our contractors did the plumbing in its entirety.”

While waiting for work to pick up, Local 773 continues to promote the trades as a viable career choice for students by talking to school officials throughout the area.

“In the early Nineties guidance counselors didn’t know much about trades,” Jarvis said. “There’s definitely been a change. Even in the last five years schools realize these can be good careers.”

The union membership recently approved a first-year apprentice wage rate increase to $21.64 per hour. But the total with fringe benefits comes to more than $45.25 per hour.

Local 773 recently celebrated its 105th birthday.

When Jarvis started out, the union hall was located on Bluebird Road in Moreau. Local 773 moved to a larger, gleaming new Queensbury facility in 2013.

Jarvis rose through the ranks after going through the five-year apprenticeship program like everyone else. The first contractor he worked for did a good deal of industrial pipefitting for area paper mills.

“Then they turned their attention to school work, doing boilers and HVAC systems, hot water heating and some plumbing,” he said. “I worked for them for quite a while.”

In 2010, he went to a different contractor, which did the mechanical controls systems at GlobalFoundries. “I started as a shop steward and worked my way up to superintendent,” Jarvis said.

Jarvis was Local 773 president from 2013 to 2019 when he was elected business manager -- the same position his grandfather, Charles Jarvis, once held -- making him a full-time union employee. He’s also its most vocal ambassador.

“A lot of times in the non-union sector when you let an employee go for lack of work there’s a good chance you’ll never see him again,” he said. “With our contractors, if they can’t retain an employee it’s not goodbye forever. We’ll (Local 773) catch you on the next one. So that employee has a chance to come back to the union hall and be dispatched to a different contractor. We’re basically a hiring hall. If someone gets laid off and comes here to the union hall we do our best to put him on with a different signatory contractor.”

Saratoga Modular

Continued From Page 6

not a lot of young kids going into the trades.”

According to Provost, most of his customers are choosing higher quality finishes for their homes.

“Compared to 10 years ago, the trends tend to be for somewhat smaller homes with higher quality finishes. Granite is pretty much the rule rather than the exception.”

Many customers are opting for upgraded siding, custom screened porches, and upgraded master bathrooms with tile showers. Very few people opt for carpeting, instead choosing hardwood, vinyl plank flooring, or composite tiling that is both attractive and durable.

According to Provost, it is difficult to build a modular home for under $300,000, a price that excludes the cost of the land itself.

“Our homes typically include a two-car garage, a porch, and a deck. Most of our homes are well above $300,000, and we have homes in the millions. We also do traditional stick building and panelized homes, and we have a few in Lake George right now that are well over a million.”

For customers who don’t own property, the real estate arm of Provost’s business can help them find a suitable parcel that is available for sale.

“The vast majority of our clients already have their own property,” he said. “In the immediate Saratoga area, it’s tough to find a building lot for under $100,000. If you get up towards Corinth or South Glens Falls or over to Washington County, you can buy a building lot for $50,000 or $60,000, but some other expenses may be higher.”

Provost estimates that modular homes make up two-thirds of his company’s sales. The homes his company builds are customized to the unique demands of each individual customer

“You aren’t picking these homes out of a brochure. We’re doing all custom design even if we use modular construction. The way we work is that we sit down with a customer to get a good understanding of the scope of the work, the site characteristics, and the style of the home. We then determine the best way to build it—whether it is with modular construction or panelized or stick built.”

For more information, visit www.saratogamodular.com

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Solar Energy Industries Assoc Figures Released

The United States has officially exceeded five million solar installations, marking a significant achievement in the nation’s clean energy transition. This milestone comes just eight years after the U.S. reached one million installations in 2016 — a milestone that took 40 years to achieve following the first gridconnected solar installation in 1973.

According to data released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, over half of all U.S. solar installations have come online since the start of 2020 and over 25 percent have come online since the Inflation Reduction Act became law just 20 months ago. These systems are installed on homes, businesses, and in large groundmounted arrays across the country.

“Solar is scaling by the millions because it consistently delivers on its promise to lower electricity costs, boost community resilience, and create economic opportunities,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.

Despite state policy changes, market trends continue to suggest significant growth in states across the country. SEIA forecasts that solar installations in the U.S. will double to 10 million by 2030 and triple to 15 million by 2034.

The residential sector accounts for 97 percent of all solar installations in the U.S. This sector has set annual installation records for five consecutive years and 10 of the last 12 years. Residential solar is growing at a historic rate because it is a proven investment for homeowners looking to take control of their energy costs.

California leads the nation with two million solar installations, but recent policy decisions in the state have harmed the rooftop solar market. Illinois was an emerging market with only 2,500 solar installations in 2017, and today the state is home to more than 87,000 solar systems. Florida is experiencing substantial growth, increasing from 22,000 installations in 2017 to 235,000 installations today. By the year 2030, 22 states or territories are expected to exceed 100,000 solar installations.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Health / Community Services

Southern Adirondack Child Care Network Relocates To Provide Expanded Services

BY ROD BACON

Due to a need for more space, Southern Adirondack Child Care Network recently relocated to 16 Pearl Street in Glens Falls. The move was celebrated on April 24 with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and well attended by community stakeholders, current and former staff, and board members.

“We moved for a variety of reasons,” said Lynn Sickles, executive director of SACCN. “We were a bit crowded in our old location and the opportunity presented itself to move to a larger space.”

Sickles noted that the organization now has a training room that can be used for the education of child care providers.

Founded in 1992, the network has leased space for many years from Community, Work & Independence (CWI), first at 88 Broad Street and later at 37 Everts Avenue in Glens Falls. Sickles has been the executive director since

the beginning. “It’s clearly a passion of mine,” she said. “I love what I’m doing.”

At he outset the staff consisted of Sickles and one assistant. There are now nine people on staff.

The primary sources of funding for SACCN are the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the New York State Department of Health, fees for services, and private donations. Others that support the organization financially are Glens Falls National Bank, Warren County American Recovery Act, Washington County American Recovery Act, and Adirondack Foundation, The network’s calendar is always full. During the 2022-2023 fiscal year 260 early childhood professionals attended Child Care Network trainings, 99 hours of on-site technical assistance was provided to child care providers, and providers contacted the Child Care Network 707 times requesting specific information related to providing services. In addition, 102 parents were assisted in finding child care.

SAIL Partners With BRIDGES To Provide Alternative Care Program For The Disabled

Southern Adirondack Independent Living has launched the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPA), a collaborative initiative with BRIDGES, an independent living center situated in Rockland County, New York. This program is specifically crafted to empower consumers, allowing them to take charge of their own care and oversee their personal assistant.

CDPA represents a paradigm shift, offering a less restrictive level of care as an alternative to the conventional home health care model. Through a strategic partnership with BRIDGES, SAIL is committed to delivering both technical and practical support to individuals living with disabilities or chronic conditions, empowering them to tailor their care based on their unique plans.

In this innovative approach, each individual assumes the role of the employer for their personal assistant. The program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and older adults who require personal assistance at home.

Functioning as the Fiscal Intermediary (FI), BRIDGES takes on the responsibility of benefits and payroll administration for each self-directed employer. Every self-directed consumer has the autonomy to choose an FI to handle payment for their employees. SAIL not only enrolls new self-directed consumers but also provides comprehensive training on their role and re-

sponsibilities. Moreover, it offers guidance and essential materials to facilitate the process of hiring their own PA.

Those who qualify for the CDPA include individuals who are eligible for Long-Term Care; have a stable medical condition; are self-directing or, if non-self-directing, have a designated representative, and require some or total assistance with one or more personal care services, home health aide services, or skilled nursing services.

Interested individuals may reach out to Southern Adirondack Independent Living via phone at (518) 792-3537 or by emailing SAIL@SAILHelps. org.

Tyler Whitney, executive director of Southern Adirondack Independent Living, said, “This collaboration is an extraordinary way to further SAIL’s mission of assisting people in living more independently within the community.”

“SAIL and BRIDGES are organizations with the same exact mission - empowering any individual with a disability to live and lead a life of independence,” said Carlos Martinez, executive director of BRIDGES. “This partnership, to offer the best of Consumer Directed Personal Assistance to SAIL’S areas of service is the type of partnership that should have existed many years ago in order to make CDPA, through our Centers for Independent Living, more accessible. I am thrilled to partner with SAIL and to offer another choice for independence to people in the community.”

A ribbon cutting hosted by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce was held recently to celebrate the relocation of Southern Adirondack Child Care Network to a larger space. Courtesy Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce

Mobility equipment granted by the Dake Foundation to Southern Adirondack Independent Living helps clients in their daily lives.

Queensbury-Based PA Medical Supply Opens A

Satellite Location In The Wilton Mall

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

PA Medical Supply of Queensbury has opened a second location in the Wilton Mall next to JC Penney. Both stores carry an extensive selection of home medical equipment and soft good orthotics, boasting the largest showrooms and most extensive product selections in the area.

Established in 1995, PA Medical Supply was purchased by Lake George native Michael Gipson in July 2022. Prior to purchasing the business from John Bisceglia, Gipson spent more than a decade working in medical equipment sales.

“I have been in the durable medical equipment industry for about 12 years,” he said. “I started out on the manufacturer side, selling throughout New York state. I worked for one of the largest durable medical equipment manufacturers in the world.”

After working his way up to regional manager for the Northeast, Gipson was promoted to vice president of sales for the company’s pediatric rehab division, a job that required extensive travel.

“I was traveling all over the country almost weekly, and my kids were getting to the age where school and sports were starting. I wanted to be able to stay closer to home,” he said. “I always knew I wanted to own my own business one day, and it got to the point where it was time to make a change.”

When the opportunity presented itself, Gipson purchased PA Medical, a business located just three miles from his home.

“I was a sales rep for PA Medical, and I had been talking to John for several years. When he was ready to retire, I was ready to do something different. It seemed like a logical next step,” he said.

According to Gipson, the decision to expand into Saratoga was a logical one.

“About 70 percent of our deliveries were down in Saratoga County and south of that, and I realized it made sense to be more centrally located. We even had people traveling all the way from Albany.”

When searching for a retail space, Gipson said the Wilton Mall checked all his boxes.

“I knew I wanted to move to the Saratoga area,

but the rents are through the roof in Saratoga. I was looking for an affordable place with easy parking and not a lot of stairs. The mall is a good centralized location, and it seemed like it was a good spot for us to go to be centrally located with ease of access.”

According to Gipson, mall management was especially responsive, working with him to find the perfect retail space within the mall. The 4,500-square-foot space that he selected is twice the size of his flagship location at 360 Quaker Road. Both stores offer a wide array of products.

“Just about everything you can get in Queensbury, you can get in Saratoga. We have walkers, wheelchairs, beds, scooters, power chairs, and oxygen. We also have some wound care, therapeutic footwear/diabetic shoes, orthotics, tons of compression stockings and braces, and a full line of bath safety. We offer the full gamut of durable medical equipment and supplies,” he said.

PA Medical Supply also offers door-to-door delivery for scooters, wheelchairs, and other medical equipment. Daily rentals are also available.

“Almost all of our equipment is available for rent,” said Gipson. “We even meet people at the entrance to the track sometimes with a wheelchair or scooter. We can drop it off in the morning and pick it back up at night, or we can leave it at the front desk of a hotel.”

PA Medical Supply has a staff of eight employees between its two locations. All employees are well versed in the various product lines that are offered for sale.

“What we are trying to do is offer tremendous service and knowledge and information, but it’s really about the product selection,” said Gipson. “It’s about fitting the right product to the customer.”

PA Medical Supply in the Wilton Mall is open Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Queensbury store is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed for lunch from 1 p.m.-1:30 p.m.)

For more information, visit www.pa-medicalsupply.com.

Dedicated Home Health Care Aides Serve Growing Elderly Population In

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL

According to Syracuse University’s Lerner Center report, nearly one in six New Yorkers is 65 years or older, and no other population group in the state is growing faster. This means there is a growing dependency on the rest of the community for their care as they continue to age.

One industry strongly advocating for aging seniors is in-home health and personal care. The leadership of Home Instead out of Gansevoort and Greater Adirondack Home Aides in Queensbury share a compassion for and commitment to the elderly and disabled in the three counties they serve: Washington, Warren and Saratoga.

As business entities, these agencies couldn’t be more different. Home Instead is part of a privately held corporation with franchises in multiple countries and brand recognition. President and minority owner of the Gansevoort office, Maureen Hopkins, opened the agency in 2000.

Greater Adirondack Home Aides is a non-profit organization dating back to 1965. Charles Nelson is the executive director responsible to a board of directors who has “a little less freedom” than corporate executives do and with shallower pockets, he said.

Since a surge in health care costs follows an aging population, “New York would prefer that people age at home because it doesn’t have to open more skilled nursing facilities,” said Nelson.

These professionals have similar challenges. One is they are constantly looking to hire caregivers. Another is that sometimes they face obstacles by regulatory bodies in the state.

There are two basic kinds of home care, although functions overlap. Personal care, involving non-medical home care, includes safety supervision for people with dementia or mobility issues, meal preparation, assistance paying bills, companionship, and other everyday tasks that help them maintain their independence.

Home health care aides perform important tasks to help a person recover following an illness or operation and are required to be supervised by a RN. They can toilet and bathe their clients and monitor, but not administer, complex medications or medical equipment.

Home Instead offers in-home personal care and companionship at this time. Hopkins said it has applied for a license to perform medical tasks but has been denied “because the state only grants so many licenses per county and says the need has been met in Saratoga.”

“We called the 62 agencies that have the license for Saratoga county,” said Maria Spagnola, home care consultant at Home Instead in Gansevoort.

“At the time of the phone call not even five provided the bathing and other care services we asked about,” Spagnola said. “The rest either didn’t provide any home health care or had no staff.”

Hopkins has already gone back to school and obtained a nursing degree, she said,

Tri-Counties

because as an RN she will supervise her aides as the state health department requires to license them.

“People approach me and say we called your agency and you referred me elsewhere,” Hopkins said. “We take inquiries, usually from adult children looking for care for their parents, and we have to turn them away.”

The agencies she refers those inquiries to are in Albany county, she said.

“But an Albany county agency has a hard time staffing in Saratoga. If the aides live in Albany they’re not going to drive up for a four-hour shift,” she said. “Plus, the agency does not have enough of a presence to supervise them.”

Hopkins said she and Spagnola met with Representative Carrie Woerner at the end of November and “Representative Woerner was interested in helping our cause.”

The next step is to try to appeal by proving to the department of health that there is a “definite need” for more licensing. “We’ve done all the background and are getting documentation together,” Hopkins said.

Licensing applications are already pending in Warren, Washington and Rensselaer counties. She said her agency is very well known in Saratoga and “lots of resources feel the way we do, so they will communicate with the department of health on our behalf.”

“Greater Adirondack Home Aides is fully dedicated to local, community-based health care,” said Nelsen. “That is the commitment the agency was founded on.”

With two RNs on staff, Greater Adirondack provides the full range of in-home care services but their assignments tend to be short-term care for daily activities, such as following an illness or hospitalization.

“Whereas other agencies often will do half-day minimum shifts, we will do smaller cases of only an hour or two a day,” Nelsen said. “Aides supervise a range of daily activities from hand washing and home safety to assisting people with mental health disorders, rehabilitation and restorative care.”

Since personal care is non-medical, it is not covered by any insurance except, at times, Medicaid. Consequently personal care is completely private pay unless clients have long-term care insurance that pays the agency directly.

Greater Adirondack offers a CDPAP program, a client-directed personal care arrangement wherein clients can hire a family member or friend and earn a salary from Medicaid. Greater Adirondack does the administration, paychecks, tax withholding and other payroll services. Only the hiring and firing is up to the client, Nelsen said.

“For example, if my mother got approval from the insurance company for this care, she could hire her neighbor to come in and provide care,” he said. “We would do a background check on the neighbor and then be responsible for worker’s comp, disability, and health insurance, and things of that nature so that she can age in place.”

“These vital programs are less expensive for the state than nursing home placement,”

Continued On Page 14

Michael Gipson carries a complete line of home medical equipment at the two locations of PA Medical he owns.

Glens Falls Business Journal

Education / Personal Development

Architecture Firm Launches A Professional Development Program For Emerging Talent

High School Students Display Their Knowledge Of Issues Affecting The Planet In Envirothon

AJA Architecture and Planning has announced the launch of its innovative Professional Development Program, aimed at nurturing emerging talents in the architecture and design industry while actively engaging with the local community. Rooted in a passion for mentorship and guided by a commitment to excellence, this program represents a significant milestone in the fi rm’s ongoing dedication to fostering the growth and success of future designers.

AJA has recognized the emerging professional’s desire to understand their career path. In 2018, the American Institute of Architects honored the fi rm with the Fostering Emerging Professionals Award. So much has changed since then. AJA has ramped up its entire approach to professional development to extend beyond its staff to the entire community.

“Th is recognition from the industry’s premier organization validates our mission and inspires us to continue nurturing the next generation of design leaders,” said Andrew Allison, a principal in the fi rm.

“Our program was built on the paradigm of ‘learn it, improve it, teach it,’ a philosophy instilled in me by my mentors,” he added. “We have always been committed to developing the skills of our team members, and started to think, why stop there? We decided to extend our program to local high school and college level students interested in the field of architecture, engineering, design, and construction management.”

The program encompasses various initiatives tailored to different stages of professional development:

High School Engagement: Th rough shadowing AJA helps expose high school students to the world of architecture and engineering, providing valuable insights into potential career paths and college options. Th is year, AJA has partnered with Hudson Valley Community College as a part of the Smart Scholars Early College High School Program.

“In this area, we’re fortunate to have high schools that have invested in robust programs such as the Smart Scholars ECHS program. To further engage our youth, we’re dedicated to providing them exposure to career opportunities,” Allison noted.

College Internships: AJA’s internship program offers college students hands-on experience aligned with their academic curriculum, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications within the fi rm. Students in design, architecture, engineering, and construction management from schools including Ithaca College, Penn State: College of Engineering, The University of Oregon: College of Design, Columbia University, Alfred State: College of Technology, and Hudson Valley Community College have interned, and some turned into full-time employees.

Professional Staff Development: The innovative Professional Development Program includes collaborative workshops designed to empower staff members in shaping their personal career trajectories. The fi rm cultivates an environment tailored to nurture and support individual professional growth. Individuals are paired with seasoned mentors within the fi rm to guide their development and elevate the overall practice through ongoing check-ins and feedback sessions

Continued On Page 11

Dozens of high school students from around Warren County brought their science knowledge to Warren County Fish Hatchery on Wednesday, May 1, as Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District held its annual “Envirothon” science competition.

Seventy students from six school districts –Warrensburg, North Warren, Johnsburg, Lake George, Prospect School and Washington-SaratogaWarren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES – competed to see who has learned the most about environmentrelated topics in the hands-on, single-day event. The studying occurs outside, in the woods, at the Fish Hatchery visitor center, and along hatchery trout ponds.

The teams compete against one another on five core Environmental Science topics – wildlife, forestry, aquatic ecology, soil and a “current issue” that changes annually, with this year’s issue chosen to be “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future.”

Teams prepare for the competition by reviewing core study topics ahead of the event, and having review sessions with Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff. The SWCD staff partners with state and local professionals to write and administer

exams taken by students during Envirothon. A team from Warrensburg Central School was crowned as champion of this year’s event, and will be representing Warren County at the NY State Competition May 22 and 23 at SUNY Cortland. A team from Lake George Central School finished in second place and North Warren Central School third.

Staff from Warren County Department of Workforce Development were on hand to share more information with students about internship and employment opportunities, and Warren County Department of Workforce Development also donated prizes for students that included Lake George Steamboat Co. cruise tickets, sunglasses from Fountain Square Outfitters and plants from Glens Falls Vertical Garden.

Participants also enjoyed a barbecue lunch, grilled by SWCD staff, and heard a presentation from Abraham Gadway, a licensed guide who is founder of Adirondack Mountain Outfitters of Warrensburg. Envirothon is held the first Wednesday of each May unless there is a conflict with state school testing, and all Warren County schools are invited and encouraged to participate next year.

Farideh Nazari.

Patrick Kniskern

Students from area schools study maps as they participate in Envirothon at the Warren County Fish Hatchery.

Courtesy of Warren Co. Soil & Water Conservation District

Warren County Board Of Supervisors Receives Dorothea Dix Community Service Award

Members of the Warren County Board of Supervisors were honored May 9 with the Dorothea Dix Community Service Award from Ascend Mental Wellness for dedicating nearly $1.1 million to local mental health care improvements.

The award honored the board for the allocation of money from Warren County’s share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to nine different initiatives, including expansion of Glens Falls Hospital’s Crisis Unit, funding of new staff for WAIT House and Ascend Mental Wellness, expansion of employee assistance programs and more.

“The Warren County Board of Supervisors is honored to receive the Dorothea Dix Award for Community Service from Ascend Mental Wellness. The need for improved mental health care in Warren County was a constant theme throughout the discussions of how to allocate Warren County’s share of American Rescue Plan Act funding, and we are already seeing that this funding is making a difference in the community through a variety of programs being offered by our partners around Warren County. We know this money will not solve every problem within our mental health care system, but we are gratified to see that it is helping,” said Kevin Geraghty, chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

An advisory committee created by the

board to help appropriate ARPA funding recommended that the board dedicate resources to mental health programs, and Warren County Office of Community Services vetted applications before choosing where to allocate the $1.1 million that was put aside Supervisors Ben Driscoll and Nancy Turner from Glens Falls, Debra Runyon from Thurman and Nathan Etu from Queensbury received the award at Ascend’s annual Community Awards function, which was held at Cool Insuring Arena’s Heritage Hall. Warren County Administrator John Taflan and Robert York, Warren County director of community services, attended as well.

Andrea Deepe, executive director of Ascend, which was formerly known as Warren-Washington Association for Mental Health, thanked supervisors for their decision to fund enhanced mental health assistance, which she explained has had a significant impact in the community.

WAIT House, which provides assistance such as housing and services for homeless youth, received the Walter P. Reichert Award from Ascend Mental Wellness, which recognizes an individual, group or agency within the local mental health community that has significantly contributed to the promotion, development and/or betterment of mental health within Warren and Washington counties.

Emerging Talent

Continued From Page 10

throughout the year. Th is is not your standard yearly review program; it’s a dynamic initiative born from recognizing the evolving needs of our recently graduated professionals.

“We’re committed to facilitating their career progression, and this program is our response to that commitment.” said Allison.

Two of the fi rm’s more recently hired team members are benefiting from the Professional Development Program.

Architectural Designer Patrick Kniskern, the senior draft sman and BIM manager, is “a forward-thinking member of the team who is always looking for ways to build his vision into reality,” said Allison. “From sketches to 3D renderings, schematic to construction drawings, Patrick has his hands on every project. During the design and development phases, his attention to detail accurately reflects the goals of each project while also enhancing the client’s ability to visualize their fi nal build.

Kniskern earned an Associate of Science in Architectural Technology degree from Hudson Valley Community College in 2016. He is working on his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the New York Institute of Technology.

Farideh Nazari is the newest addition to the team. According to Allison, “She seamlessly integrates efficiency and proficiency into her work, embodying a powerhouse of productivity within our team. Her swift delivery of detailed drawings, renderings, and models, consistently surpasses expectations, often completing tasks ahead of schedule. A quick learner with a thirst for knowledge, Farideh stays at the forefront of our soft ware advancements, demonstrating a relentless drive to evolve her skills and adapt to changes.”

Nazari received her Computer Aided Drafting Certificate in 2023 and is working towards her Associate of Science in Architectural Technology from Hudson Valley Community College.

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Warren County supervisors display the Dorothea Dix Community Services Award they received recently from Ascend Mental Wellness. Courtesy of Warren Co. Board of Supervisors

Planning / Investments Building Trades

Glens Falls Dragons

Continued From Page 1

public and private interests, tries to revitalize the former minor league ballpark, which first opened in 1980 as home to the Double-A Eastern League’s Glens Falls White Sox. Dozens of players passed through East Field en route to the big leagues including future Hall of Famer John Smoltz, a Glens Falls (Detroit) Tigers pitching prospect, traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1987.

Bernard said it’s possible that the third-base bleachers might be razed next year to make room for a new Kids Zone play area. “The city’s also trying to decide what to do with the center field bleachers,” he said.

Previously, that area provided seating for nonbaseball events such as a large annual drum and bugle corps competition that brought numerous bands and hundreds of spectators from several states to Glens Falls. Summer Jam, a popular music event, was also held at East Field and the Glens Falls Greenjackets semi-pro football team played there for many years.

Such activities have a positive economic impact. But outfield bleacher seating fell into disrepair and sections were closed off for safety reasons. So renovations are needed for East Field to host large crowds again for certain types of entertainment and sports.

Bernard credited Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Rogers, in his second year with the team, for a doing a great deal to generate support from the area business community.

As of early May, several new major sponsors such as Hannaford Brothers, Della Auto Group, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Otto Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Greenwich and New York Army National Guard had signed up for large outfield fence banners. Many other firms, from Lake George to Fair Haven, Vt., are also sponsoring ads at the ballpark.

“The Lawn Care Company (Queensbury), a returning sponsor from last year, is sponsoring the Glens Falls Dragons Field of Dreams program in which local Little League players get to come to games free with their teams and go out on the field and warm up with Dragons players,” Rogers said. “Then we announce their names and they run out on the field to the Dragon player’s position for the national anthem.”

Bernard said Rozell Industries brought the stadium seats from New Jersey to Glens Falls free of charge. Curtis Lumber provided $5,000 worth

of lumber for bleacher seats in return for advertising over the ballpark entrance.

Citing the tremendous success and financial turnaround of the Adirondack Thunder at Cool Insuring Arena, Bernard said he’s hopeful East Field is getting back to a positive trajectory as well, although admittedly on a much smaller scale.

The Thunder had a franchise record 16 sell-out crowds this year and averaged more than 4,000 fans per game for the first time ever.

Already looking ahead to 2025, “it would be quite a thing for next season if we could have 800 to 1,000 people here for each game,” Bernard said.

Rob & Deb’s Frozen Dreams ice cream stand, adjacent to East Field, is one of the biggest beneficiaries of activity at East Field, as fans flock there for treats. On July 3, it’s once again sponsoring a large post-game fireworks extravaganza at East Field.

The Dragons are still in need of host families to provide housing for players who come here for the summer from outside the Capital District. “Basically the guys need a place to sleep, a place to put their clothing, a place to do laundry and access to food,” said Victoria Ferguson, who coordinates the program. “In return, host families get season passes. They get involved in special events and many have formed meaningful lifelong relationships with these guys. It’s absolutely amazing.”

Bernard wants Dragons games to be affordable for entire families. Bleacher seats cost $5. Stadium seating behind home plate is $7.

He hopes to sell at least 100 season tickets this year in the new stadium seating, available for $89 each. For $125, season ticket holders can get a plaque on the seat with their personal or company name on it.

Volunteers such as a large group from Pine Knolls Alliance Church, in South Glens Falls, have also helped out with spring cleanup projects.

“They bring 50 adults and 20 kids,” Bernard said. “We give them a list of things we want done and they’ll do it. That’s a lot of people helping out. I’m no longer a one-man show. It’s really good now.”

For information on being a host family contact Ferguson at: missf123@gmail.com.

For more information about the Dragons and a team schedule go to: gfdragons.pointstreaksites. com or call (518) 746-4121.

Lake George Queen Boat Company Is Named Newest Dealer For Highfield Boats

Highfield Boats, the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminum rigid infl atable boats (RIBS) and tenders, has announced that it has added a new boat dealer to its U.S. sales network: Queen Boat Co. on Lake George. Bolton Landing native Tyler Moseman, recently hired to oversee Highfield North America’s marketing, said, “We see Queen Boat Co. as a great fit to introduce Highfield to the Upstate New York region. They have beautiful facilities, a reputation for providing great customer experience, and a robust service department. All that, coupled with the opportunity to grow the Highfield brand within their Freedom Boat Club, made them a logical partner. I am very excited to work closely with them being a Lake George boater myself.”

Located in Dunhams Bay on Lake George, Queen Boat Co. is a full-service public marina specializing in sales of ePropulsion and Torqeedo electric outboards. In 2023, Queen Boat Co. partnered with Aqua superPower to install the fi rst marine fast charging station in the Northeast. It is also home to the Freedom Boat Club Lake George membership club. A family-owned business, Queen Boat Co. continues to look for innovative products and service offerings to improve the boating experience for existing boaters and the new generation of boaters entering the boating lifestyle.

Queen Boat Co. now offers the full line of Highfield Boats, including the Roll Up, Ultralite, Classic, Patrol and Sport series, with the fi rst delivery of boats expected to arrive in early June. They will feature a combination of Mercury outboard and ePropulsion electric

powered boats.

“Our boat club members have used RIBs at clubs across the country and the feedback on their performance and handling has been outstanding,” said Matt O’Hara, president of Queen Boat Co. “We think there is a real opportunity to see this style of boat grow not just on Lake George but throughout this region. We look forward to getting customers out on the water to experience boating with Highfield.”

To learn more about the Highfield line of boats, visit https://www.highfieldnorthamerica.com/ or contact fb clakegeorge@gmail. com.

Erbessd Instruments

Continued From Page 1

flat as an organization. There are five of us that make a decision, only five shareholders.” This streamlined structure allows for swift decision-making and innovation, a stark contrast to larger corporations.

Dr. Howard continues, “And we deliver results for our customers. Last year, one customer invested about $100,000 in our equipment and saved over $4 million on lost production or bad quality products.”

Improving their clients’ machine efficiency also means they contribute to a greener future by reducing energy consumption. “It is important for us that what we are doing isn’t just good for our company, but it’s good for the environment and the whole world.”

Their production facilities, including machining centers and very heavy equipment, are 100 percent solar.

The company’s commitment to Glens Falls goes beyond its location. This month, they will bring in 30 different distributors from around the world. “They are all staying at The Queensbury Hotel and will train there for two days. Davidson Brothers is hosting a dinner for them upstairs. We’ll provide them with maps of interesting things to do in the area. By this point, most of them know their way up to Lake George. In the summertime, some schedule their visits around the Saratoga Race Course season,” says McCane-Howard, chief marketing officer, who recently earned a bachelor of science in human resources and labor relations from Penn State University. “We have employees in Mexico who have a favorite restaurant in Glens Falls. That’s the kind of footprint we’re trying to build here in the middle of downtown.”

Seeing the operation’s success in Glens Falls, McCane-Howard notes that they will likely build on top of the existing building to house their sales team and continue contributing to the local economy by hiring additional staff. “We are pretty much maxed out with the space we have now, she said.” They are also committed to fostering the area’s next generation of engineers through partnerships with STEM programs and local robotics clubs.

“We always say we want to be the Google or the Tesla of our industry,” Dr. Howard said.

The company prides itself on constantly pushing boundaries and developing new products faster than competitors. “We have some very lofty goals from a product development perspective that I know we will achieve. It’s just a matter of time.”

To learn more about Erbessd Instruments, visit their website: https://www.erbessd-instruments. com/

The Granville Community Foundation Has Awarded Grants To Th ree Area Organizations

The Granville Community Foundation (GCF) has announced that its latest recommendation to award $24,875 of grants for the fi rst half of 2024 has been approved by the Glens Falls Foundation.

“We received grant proposals for $39,875 worth of projects with specific funding requests of $24,875 from the GCF. We’re able to support all $24,875 of these requests and, coupled with our grants made in previous years, we have now made a total of 19 grants totaling $198,144 since starting in 2022”, said Michael Freed, chair of the GCF Advisory Board.

Freed went on to say “These three latest grants are consistent with our goals of funding projects that address community development, education, art and culture, environment, and health and social needs of the greater Granville community. We continue to be inspired by the many initiatives of these nonprofit organizations, and their many dedicated volunteers, and we’re honored to try and assist however we can.”

“The Distribution Committee of the Glens Falls Foundation has received, reviewed and fully supports the recommendation of the GCF Advisory Board to approve these grants and we look forward to the positive impact these, and future grants, will have on the Granville community,” said Laura Vamvalis, business administrator of the Glens Falls Foundation.

The grants awarded are as follows:

*The Slate Valley Museum received $4,875 to support their Visitor Services Enhancement Project, which is expected to cost $7,875. Th is initiative is aimed at creating a more seamless and efficient experience for visitors at the beginning and end of their visit. The Visitor

Services Enhancement Project will reconfigure the museum’s entry space, incorporate new technology, and add improvements like signage and information about other places to visit in the Granville Community.

* The Mettowee Valley Cemetery Association received $12,000 to support the paving of the entrance road to the cemetery from North Street in Granville, approximately 1,250 feet long, which is in a state of constant repair and is expected to cost $24,000 to pave. A paved road would make it easier for visitors, funeral directors, and others to enter the cemetery. There are approximately 5,200 people buried in this cemetery, which is visited frequently by both area residents and visitors.

* The Comfort Food of Washington County (aka Comfort Food Community) received $8,000 to give nutritious food to people in need in the Granville area. Starting in October of 2023, CFC has been delivering approximately 734 pounds of food per week to Granville via the Granville Area Food Pantry, The Pember Library and Museum, and the Mountainview Commons senior housing community. CFC is looking for “seed” money to support the transportation costs associated with their most recent expansion, which, through a partnership with four retail partners in Wilton, is bringing additional food to the Granville community. Food insecurity remains a problem for about one in 10 households in Washington County and CFC’s initiatives are designed to help these households. The understanding is that these initiatives can be sustained by this grant until new sources of support from individual and corporate donors become available.

Highfield sport boats coming this June to Queen Boat Co.

Highfield

Continued From Page 9

he said. “There are not even enough skilled facilities to take on the populations we are currently serving.”

But programs are changing all the time, Nelsen said. The state is in process of removing this aspect of business from organizations like Greater Adirondack Home Aides.

“It will be interesting to see if the state can do what they want to do,” he said. “Basically they are looking for an opportunity to reduce fraud toward the state and federal government.”

“Medicare and Medicaid fraud usually results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone,” according to www.medicare.gov.

But such an attempt “misses the boat” in Nelsen’s opinion because it would involve “greater oversight from a bigger distance.”

The corporation winning the bid will not be located in the communities served or will not know their employees, but may potentially save some $500 million through some economies of scale, according to Nelsen.

“Health care costs are going up because the population is aging,” Hopkins said. And more and more personnel will be needed to fill gaps that can keep seniors in the place they call home.

Both Home Instead and Greater Adirondack Home Aides provide access to staff training. Like many in the medical and related fields, Hopkins and Nelsen said staff is not easy to find.

“For the client, it can be intimidating to have someone come into your home, so there is some resistance,” said Spagnola. “With 24 years in service behind us and the right match between client and caregiver, we start building trust right from the first meeting.”

“Trust is a collaboration,” Nelson said. “Caregivers do a humbling and emotional job and we need to value them more as a society.”

Visit the websites www.homeinstead.com/ gansevoort and www.greateradirondackhomeaides.org for more information about services and employment opportunities.

TARGET CUSTOMERS IN THE COMMUNITY AROUND YOUR BUSINESS

Writing for the Glens Falls and Saratoga Business Journals will get you out into the world interviewing interesting members of your community and getting paid for it. Home Health Care Aides

ATTENTION WRITERS

Are you looking for an exciting way to utilize your talent?

Contact: Harry Weinhagen, Publisher harryw@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com

The Blade Doctor

Continued From Page 1

dentists, doctors, and orthodontists. He said that he wants to do more of that kind of work and that he expects, in another two years or so, to do that exclusively.

He has also done some training, including an eight-hour course for beauticians, teaching them how to properly sharpen their shears.

Right now, the Blade Doctor is a solo operation. Although he trained a few potential employees, Frankewich did not hire any of them because, he said, he did not like their

attitudes. He is looking for people who place more emphasis on doing the job right than on just earning a paycheck.

In addition to the sharpening business, Frankewich is in his second year as a beekeeper. He and his younger son keep their hives on land he owns in Charlton where he hopes to build in the future. He gives away the honey.

To make an appointment for the Blade Doctor to come to you, call Frankewich at 518-813-3664.

Teresita Birkner

Continued From Page 1

• Belen: Racing: three-time Olympian; 128 FIS World Cups; nine FIS World Ski Championships; three Junior World Ski Championships; 96 European Cups; 12-time overall winner FIS South American Cup; 24-time winner of National Championships. Coaching: Argentina

2015-2023; World 2005-2023 Italy, Xinjiang, Utah, European Cup FIS.

For more information and for FIS Applications, visit www.westmtracing.com or contact Program Director Sara Montgomery at sara@ westmountain.com

Families Can Experience A Part Of The Founding Of America At Fort Ticonderoga

Experience the blend of history and natural beauty like nowhere else when you visit Fort Ticonderoga. Explore 2,000-acres of America’s most historic landscape, located on the shores of Lake Champlain, nestled between New York’s Adirondack & Vermont’s Green Mountains. Create lasting memories as you embark on an unforgettable adventure that spans centuries, defined a continent, and helped forge a nation.

Hailed as one of the premier living history sites in North America, Fort Ticonderoga’s staff brings history to life every day. Ticonderoga’s epic history and signature stories are highlighted through innovative story telling on a grand scale, historic trades, daily soldiers’ life programs, thrilling weapons demonstrations, endless outdoor activities,

and captivating special events.

This year, Fort Ticonderoga debuts a new chapter in its history. Experience 1774 and the peacetime garrison life for the British soldiers and their families that lived at Fort Ticonderoga 250 years ago.

“Fort Ticonderoga is a must-see destination, a center of learning, and an interactive, multi-faceted experience,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga president and CEO. “Daily programs bring to life our nation’s founding history and the many signature stories that unfolded here through new interactive programs and world-class museum exhibits, boat tours aboard the Carillon, living history events, special programs, lush historic gardens, Mount Defiance tours, hands-on family activities, and more!”

2024 Highlights Include:

• This year, Fort Ticonderoga debuts a new chapter in its story: Explore the year 1774. Thrill at the power of artillery and crackle of muskets through daily weapons demonstrations and new programs featuring Real Time Revolution™, breathtaking gardens, historic trades, and other family adventures across the scenic historic property.

• Carillon Boat Cruises: Aboard the Carillon cruise boat, enjoy gorgeous, sweeping vistas of Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondack Mountains during a 75-minute narrated tour on Lake Champlain. An assortment of beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks are available for purchase onboard. Daily cruises are available starting Memorial Day weekend. Private charters and group outings are available, inquire by calling 518-585-1023.

• Museum Exhibitions: Explore one of North America’s finest collections of 18thcentury military material culture. New and permanent exhibitions featuring art, weapons, and equipment from North America to Europe highlight Ticonderoga’s signature stories and document warfare in Colonial and Revolutionary America and the broader Atlantic world.

• Lush Historic Gardens and Friendly Animals: Immerse your senses in the colors and scents of a unique American country estate and explore Ticonderoga’s story after the Revolution. Visit the King’s Garden or make memories with your family in a new garden designed especially for children. Discover our heritage breed animals including oxen duo, Mick and Mack. Watch for sheep grazing uneven terrain as part of our stewardship of this historic landscape today.

• Living History Events & Epic Battle Reenactment: Become immersed in Fort Ticonderoga’s epic history during one of our exciting events this summer, including Scots Day, Independence Day weekend, and the Sound of 1776. The two-day Siege of Carillon Battle Reenactment July 20-21 features dramatic battle reenactments each day and living history vignettes. Visitors will discover the science of siege-craft, the power

of artillery–on land and water–as General Jeffery Amherst sought to take Ticonderoga and invade French Canada. View all 2024 special events here.

• Breathtaking Views: Visit Mount Defiance to witness a birds-eye view of Fort Ticonderoga’s epic historic landscape. Whether you hike up the mountain in the footsteps of General Burgoyne’s troops or make the easy drive to the top in your car, you’ll savor the spectacular beauty of America’s most historic landscape. Discover how this summit shaped America’s history during the “Mount Defiance: Witness to History” guided tour offered Tuesday-Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

• New Family Program Adventures: In July and August, build family adventures by helping soldiers with their daily duties. Receive awards for completing the tasks. Take a guided tour designed especially for families to discover all the exciting things to do together during your visit. Mark your calendars to tackle the 6-acre Heroic Corn Maze with a new 2024 design, August-October.

• Summertime Premium Experiences & Tours: Enhance your Fort Ticonderoga experience this summer and enjoy exclusive premium opportunities led by museum experts, attend a behind-the-scenes program with our curator, or experience the magic of Fort Ticonderoga before or after hours. Featuring new offerings and programs back by popular demand!

“As a leader in delivering a premium historic destination experience, we are thrilled to welcome visitors back to Fort Ticonderoga for the daily visitation Campaign Season–building family memories, fostering enjoyment in our site’s beauty, and inspiring visitors to discover the power of the past and its meaning to us today,” said Hill. Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Defiance are open for visitation Tuesday-Sunday May 4-October 27, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4:30 p.m.). Tickets can be purchased online in advance by visiting www.fortticonderoga.org or the day-of your visit at the Admissions Booth. General admission tickets are valid for two consecutive days!

Chuck Ciaccia

Dennis Choiniere

A visit to Fort Ticonderoga on the shores of Lake Champlain is an exciting and educational experience for the entire family. Photo credit is Courtesy of Fort Ticonderoga