National Banks Into Single Entity
BY SUSAN ELLSE CAMPBELL
Arrow Financial Corporation has finalized plans to unify its two banking subsidiaries and is soon to reveal a new logo and signage under which the two financial institutions are being rebranded, announced parent company president and CEO
David S. DeMarco.
The 37 branches of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company will be named Arrow Bank going forward, he said.
DeMarco said the change was years in the
making.
“What we are doing is different from an ordinary bank merger, as Arrow Financial already owned these two community banks,” he said.
DeMarco explained that since the two banks have different back offices, the systems behind their operations have to become one to achieve the efficiencies the parent company is seeking.
“Sharing the same ‘back room’ is more efficient than two banks doing the same functions independently,” said DeMarco. “This will free up resources
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New Owners Bring Fresh Energy To A South Glens Falls Dining Institution
BY ANN DONNELLY
A local culinary power couple has taken the reins of a beloved South Glens Falls eatery, injecting new life into a decades-old establishment. Jenny and Chris Dore recently acquired The Peppermill Family Restaurant, a popular diner with a solid local following.
The Dores brings a wealth of experience to their new venture. Chris, a Saratoga native, is a seasoned chef with a background in fine dining and restaurant management eager to put his culinary stamp on the menu while preserving the restaurant’s classic charm. Jenny, a nutritionist from Queensbury with a passion for wellness, plans to infuse the business with a healthconscious approach without compromising taste.
The couple met when Chris worked in the kitchen at Druthers in Saratoga, and Jenny worked “front of the house.” Chris’s culinary training started in childhood, “we used to make tortellini, ravioli, and fresh pasta in our kitchen.” His journey then brought him to wash dishes in local restaurants, toss pizzas, and then two years at the Culinary Institute of America. After Druthers, he helped with the opening of Max London’s and became Executive Chef at The Gideon Putnam Hotel. He strengthened his management skills as Culinary Director of Wheatfields, including the restaurants in Saratoga, Clifton Park, BWP (Beer, Wine, Pizza), and 2 West Bar and Grill both in Saratoga.
“All that has led to owning our own business, says Chris. “All the prerequisites of being an owner were checked off. This is a natural next step.”
Previous owners John and Vicky Osakowicz, who opened The Peppermill 33 years ago, can now retire knowing their beloved restaurant and loyal customers are in good hands.
Chris Dore reached out to Nic Ketter of Realize
and Jenny
Brokers in Glens Falls in search of a suitable property, but the search slowed when the pandemic hit. When the Osakowicz’s contacted Ketter about selling their restaurant, he recognized a perfect match.
“The previous owners established the strong foundation,” says Chris. “We can carry it on, add our touches to it, adding to the legacy, a transition into the new era.”
“Our staff is our greatest asset,” says Jenny. “We want to empower them to provide exceptional service and create a positive work environment.”
In the month since the transition, the Dores have
Legislators And Community Members Resist Closing Great Meadow Correctional Facility
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
Local lawmakers and citizens are asking state officials to reconsider the decision to close Great Meadow Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Comstock. The prison is slated for closure as part of the state’s effort to adapt to a shrinking inmate population and a shortage of corrections officers.
According to New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), Great Meadow Correctional Facility and Sullivan Correctional Facility in Sullivan County will be closed by November 6. DOCCS has reported that employees
at both prisons will be offered positions at other facilities within the state.
With approximately 650 employees, Great Meadow is the largest employer in Washington County. The prison’s closure is expected to have a significant economic impact on the county.
New York State Representative Carrie Woerner (AD-113) is part of a bi-partisan group of legislators calling upon Governor Kathy Hochul to reconsider the decision to close Great Meadow.
“The closure of that institution will have signifi-
Continued On Page 15
The Alpha Win Annual Lake George Triathlon Is Scheduled For Labor Day Weekend
Alpha Win’s 18th Annual Lake George Triathlon - a weekend of endurance and fun - is returning to the shores, bikeways, and streets of Lake George over Labor Day weekend, Saturday August 31 - Sunday, September 1.
Standing by the motto, “A Distance For Everyone®,” the Alpha Win Lake George Triathlon features Sprint, Olympic and Long Course triathlon distances, coupled with aquabike and duathlon options. The competition is set to be fierce with the Northeastern Collegiate Triathlon Conference in attendance, bringing together some of the most prominent collegiate tri-athletes in the region. This event joins Alpha Win’s extensive calendar of New York offerings, including the Saugerties Triathlon, Hudson Valley Triathlon, and Hudson Valley Marathon.
The races begin on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. sharp at Million Dollar Beach with the Long Course wave start. The Alpha Long Course is a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run. After Saturday’s races, participants and supporters are invited to enjoy an exclusive dinner aboard Lake George Steamboat Company’s Mohican, at 6:15 p.m. This excursion can be purchased during race registration.
The races continue Sunday morning, with the Alpha Sprint kicking off at 6:30 a.m. This is a 750-meter swim, 12.4-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. Awards for this race will be handed out at 9:00 a.m. The final race, the Alpha Olympic, will start at 7:10 a.m. This is a 1,500-meter swim, 24.8-mile bike, and a 6.2-mile run.
Race Director Tommy Struzzeri believes the endurance industry is primed for a company
like Alpha that will help people of all abilities get into racing.
“We are excited to welcome athletes back to the beautiful shores of Lake George for an enjoyable weekend of racing. The Lake George Triathlon combines experienced athletes and new people to the sport. I can’t wait to see a variety of athletes achieve their goals as they cross the finish line”, said Struzzeri.
Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau,
Glens Falls National Bank, formed in 1851, will increase its presence in the communities it serves following the rebranding under the Arrow Financial Corporation banner.
Courtesy of Arrow Financial Corporation
New York State Representative Carrie Woerner (2nd from left) stands with members of the Public Employees Federation at a rally to keep Great Meadow Correctional Facility open. Courtesy of the Public Employees Federation
The biking leg of the triathlon attracts athletes from throughout the region.
Courtesy of Alpha Win Lake George Triathlon
Chris
Dore stand in the newly acquired The Pappermill Family Restaurant Courtesy of Peppermill
Personnel Briefs
Tri-County United Way has announced the promotion of Laura Jensen to the position of director of community engagement.
Ms. Jensen’s promotion reflects her commitment to Tri-County United Way’s mission and her proven ability to advance the organization’s goals of creating lasting, positive impact. Ms. Jensen looks forward to continuing to bring her expertise to Tri-County United Way to help drive the organization’s mission of strengthening communities its service area.
A resident of Queensbury, Ms. Jensen holds a master’s degree from Marist College and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. * * *
Maria College, a private, co-educational Catholic college founded by the Sisters of Mercy, has announced the appointment of four new members to its board of trustees.
The new trustees — Sister Jude Kapp, RSM (Rensselaer) ; Helen Figge, Ph.D. (Slingerlands) ; Angela C. Dominelli, Ph.D. (Schenectady) ; and, Karen McKenna, RN, BSN — will each serve three three-year terms. They will guide the college’s direction, expand course offerings, build corporate partnerships, and enhance resources to strengthen the student experience.
Since August 2011, Sister Kapp, RSM, has served as a pastoral associate at Blessed
Sacrament Parish in Albany, managing the food pantry, visiting the elderly and sick, and overseeing RCIA and adult confirmation programs. Previously, she was math department chair at Catholic Central High School in Troy and Notre Dame High School in Elmira.
Ms.Figge, BS, PharmD, MBA, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, FACHT, and Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, is a prominent healthcare leader and futurist. Dr. Figge has held roles on various national healthcare IT boards, including the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and National Association of Health Data Organizations. She has received the FedHealthIT 100 Award and other accolades. Dr. Figge is currently the chief strategy officer at MedicaSoft and an executive in residence at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. Dominelli had a notable career at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), serving as dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences from 2013-2016, after being interim dean since 2012. Previously, she was associate vice president of institutional effectiveness and associate dean for academic affairs at ACPHS. Her earlier roles included product development, pharmacy management, and clinical support.
Maria College is expanding its board after years of rising enrollment and growth. The Class of 2024 featured a diverse array of graduates, including those achieving bachelor’s degrees in nursing RN-BS completion, health and occupational sciences, healthcare management, psychology, and liberal arts.
The Lake George Chamber Of Commerce Announces Promotions And New Hires
The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB has announced key staff updates that reflect the organization’s commitment to enhancing member services and supporting the local business community. These strategic changes include new hires and promotions that will drive marketing initiatives, member engagement, and overall community presence.
Megan Seeley was promoted to marketing director at the organization. Previously, she served as the marketing manager of the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she was instrumental in promoting the region to group business in the form of conventions, meetings, sports events, weddings, motorcoach group tours, and more.
In her new role, she oversees the marketing and communications efforts for chamber members as well as consumer and group tourism markets with the Convention & Visitors Bureau. As marketing director, she will develop overall marketing strategies for the chamber and the LGRCVB, oversees the marketing plans for both organizations, and manages the promotion of chamber and member events. She is also responsible for maintaining the chamber’s presence in the community through participation in events and committees.
“I am thrilled to lead our marketing team and develop initiatives that will elevate tourism and strengthen our community connections. Working with growing audiences is incredibly exciting, as it allows us to introduce more people to the beauty and charm of the Lake George region. Together, we can showcase all that this area has to offer, from stunning landscapes to vibrant local businesses. I look forward to collaborating with our team and community to create memorable experiences for visitors and foster a thriving tourism industry,” said Seeley.
The chamber has welcomed Molly Fitscher as the new marketing coordinator for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Fitscher holds a bachelor of fine arts from Alfred University and a media arts certificate from SUNY Adirondack.
Her previous experience includes roles as a design intern at Black Dog and a marketing intern at Park Street Hospitality, where she excelled in creating mockups, redesigning menus, and developing brand identities.
At the LGRCVB, she will collaborate with the marketing director to execute comprehensive marketing plans, create and place paid advertisements, manage social media, update digital platforms, and craft engaging email marketing campaigns.
“Molly Fitscher brings a fresh perspective to our marketing efforts as the new marketing coordinator,” said the executive director. “Our organization looks forward to enhancing our marketing strategies with our refreshed team.”
Angela O’Reilly brings a diverse career background and a passion for customer service to her role as membership manager. Her career journey has included roles in the hospitality, cosmetology, banking, and construction industries.
“Angela O’Reilly is dedicated to making each member feel like an integral part of our community. She is excited to build strong connections and ensure our members thrive,” stated Gina Minzter, executive director at the LGRCC&CVB.
As membership manager, O’Reilly plans and executes a business membership sales and retention plan. She works closely with the chamber staff to ensure member engagement. She conducts
and
to prospects.
Owners looking to retire after being in business for 26 years.
• Two miles west of Saratoga County Airport, 6 miles to SPAC
• Rear yard has an irrigation system, pond, garden, and patio.
• Plenty of growth opportunity for the right vision!
Megan Seeley was promoted to marketing director at the Lake George Regional Chamber.
Molly Fitscher as the new marketing coordinator for the Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Angela O’Reilly brings a passion for customer service to her role as membership manager.
Dancing Horses Is Opened At The Roaring Brook Ranch By A Pair Of Equine Enthusiasts
BY JILL NAGY
Some horse-crazy young girls grow up to be horse-crazy women. Two them are Sharon Capraun, owner of Dancing Horses, who recently moved to Lake George, and Connie Welsh, her pony wrangler.
When Roaring Brook Ranch had to close because of its owner’s illness, Capraun moved from Schroon Lake with 20 horses, a handful of ponies, and a petting zoo, to look after the property and operate her business.
Many of the horses were rescues from “not very good places,” Capraun said. Others were purchased at auction. While she may buy horses, Cabraun does not sell them.
“When I get them, I keep them,” she said, “They‘re not going anywhere.”
Capraun is 73 years old and retired.
“As long as I can get up on a horse, I’ll be here,” she said. “I can’t see myself ever having enough of horses.”
Capraun and her staff—mainly friends and relatives—take out groups of five or six people at a time for trail rides. Most of them are fi rst-time riders and they receive a quick course in riding basics. Each trip is accompanied by two guides, one in front and the other bringing up the rear. On a typical day six our seven groups will go out. In extremely warm weather, however, the horses only go out in the early mornings. Trail rides are on the Roaring Brook’s approximately 300 acres, some of it hilly, and none of the trails are manicured.
Welsh runs a pony camp for small children. The youngest are led around on a lead while
older ones can ride in a fenced-in ring.
The star of the petting zoo is a pot-bellied pig that recently gave birth to piglets.
The Roaring Brook property became overgrown over the winter.
“We cleaned it up and put in flowers. After all, we are women,” Capraun said.
If she is able to keep her business at the Roaring Brook site, she would like to add an indoor riding ring so that people can ride in the winter. She would also like to add programs for the handicapped. For now, however, she hopes to earn enough money from trail rides and children’s camps to be able to keep her horses over the winter after paying a portion of the proceeds to the property owner.
People are also welcome to “come up and just hang around, pet the horses, feed them carrots,” Capraun said. Capraun said, She also invited people to ride their own horses to the property and camp out. “I keep an open mind,” she said.
Welsh, like Capraun, has always worked around horses. “I always had horses in my life,” she said, “I always loved horses.” In addition to having been “a typical horse-crazy girl,” she has a degree in animal husbandry from SUNY Cobleskill.
Capraun has worked at dude ranches, riding stables, the Saratoga Race Course.
Dancing Horses opened officially with a ribbon-cutting and open house conducted by the Lake George Chamber of Commerce.
Dancing Horses is located at 2206 Route 9 in Lake George. Their email address is dancinghorses2022@gmail.com.
Mexican Eatery Using Quality Ingredients
Gets Off To A Strong Start In Warrensburg
BY ANN DONNELLY
A new dining option is proving to be a hit in the heart of the Adirondacks. The Guac Box, a fast-casual Mexican eatery, has quickly become a local favorite since its April opening.
The restaurant, owned and operated by Adam and Kayley Geiser, offers a unique blend of authentic fl avors and convenient service.
“We have seen strong demand from locals and visitors traveling through the town to Gore and further north,” says Adam Geiser. “People had been looking for something different.”
An actual family operation, Kayley, runs the front of house, while Adam operates the kitchen with solid support from his father, Darren, who has decades of restaurant experience. Adam, who has had a passion for Mexican food for most of his life, has 14 years of experience in the restaurant business, most recently in Bolton Landing at Frederick’s and Cantina 32.
The Geisers offer a “fast-casual” experience that resembles an authentic taqueria. Customers order at the counter and receive their food in takeaway boxes. Initially, they did not offer table service, but as 70 percent of the business is for takeout, they now offer it to those who wish to eat in and enjoy the charming atmosphere.
The ongoing menu includes the staples of Mexican fare, including nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more, but they level up the quality with fresh ingredients.
“Everything is fresh and mainly sourced locally,” says Geiser. “No GMO, additives, or unnatural colors.”
They also offer daily specials that prove to be very popular.
Unfortunately, you cannot enjoy a Margarita while dining in. “There just isn’t enough room for a bar,” says Geiser, “But that hasn’t stopped people from coming.”
The friendly, straightforward presentation and service mean that people are not intimidated and can enjoy their food in a relaxed atmosphere.
“We are grateful for the support of the people and businesses of Warrensburg,” says Geiser. “We have always loved the area and are glad we have been able to bring something people want and appreciate. I have never been in a restaurant where so many people said ‘Th ank you.’”
He also notes that some customers come in multiple times a week.
The future is bright for The Guac Box. They are now available to cater outside events and parties and hope to do more. They are also considering setting up a food truck service to take their “fast-casual” on the road.
The Guac Box, is located at 3915 Main Street in Warrensburg.
The steeds currently at Roaring Brook Ranch have found a permanent home with Sharon Capraun, the owner of Dancing Horses.
Alicia Mance photo
A love of Mexican cuisine prompted Adam and Kayley Geiser to open The Guac Box. Glens Falls Business Journal
Continued From Page 1
to enhance our strategic growth opportunities and provide unparalleled customer service.”
Glens Falls National Bank was formed in 1851 and, like Saratoga National Bank, has a strong presence in the communities it serves. The latter was formed in 1988 and has been a subsidiary of Arrow Financial since its beginning. But the two banks have different charters.
“As part of the reunification, Saratoga National Bank will technically be merged into Glens Falls Banks. That’s just legal work,” DeMarco said. “The hard part is having everything the same from a back room and marketing perspective.”
Right now, the marketing department has to provide a logo, branding, signage and advertising for two separate entitles, he said. The accounting group has to prepare two separate sets of financial statements, so there will be one call report published after the unification.
“There is simplification that will result from this, and getting there is not hard, but is going to be a lot of work internally,” he said.
Started in 1983 in Glens Falls, Arrow Financial is a publicly traded company and as CEO, DeMarco anticipates advantages from the unification for shareholders.
“The investment banking community sees the unification as a big plus,” he said. “I have heard from some people who said, ‘What took you so long?’”
Branches of the banks stretch from Albany to Plattsburgh and some growth has come organically, DeMarco said. There have also been acquisitions of a number of other bank branches, such as Fleet Bank and HSBC in Plattsburgh, and Arrow Financial is about to close on a Berkshire Bank in Whitehall. Other branches have been acquired in Schenectady and Rensselaer counties.
“As a combined entity, we are bigger and can buy more,” said DeMarco. “Strategic growth is the ability to expand our footprint and serve other communities,
Peppermill
Continued From Page 1
established a great rapport with the existing customers and the staff, which have all stayed on.
“It really has been a family restaurant,” says Chris. “The culture that thrives throughout the employees has been great. Already, there’s a good vibe between everybody and their understanding of who we are and what we want to do.”
The staff includes the Osakowicz’s son, Jasiu. “He’s absolutely amazing and he wants the business to succeed,” says Chris. “He’s been a huge help in the transition to get us really off on the right foot.”
The couple’s decision to purchase The Peppermill, located on the busy intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Main Street, the main artery through South Glens Falls to the bridge to Glens Falls, was driven by a desire to be a part of and contribute to the local economy.
“We fell in love with the community here,” says Jenny. “There’s a real sense of togetherness, and we
For bank customers, DeMarco said, “Nothing changes but the name, and banks have been changing names for years. None of the staff is changing and none of the buildings are changing.”
How the unification is perceived will depend largely on how Arrow Financial delivers the message, according to DeMarco.
“The keys to that are our people and ability to provide customer service, which we are very proud of,” he said. “I would argue we are known as a bank that gives personal service, delivers value to our shareholders, and supports our communities.”
The combined assets of the banks is $4.2 billion and DeMarco said, “In a way we are getting bigger together, but we’re still the same size.”
The new logo and marketing campaign will soon be rolled out and carry the name “Arrow Bank” in a clean, more modern style than what the banks or Arrow Financial have now, he said.
“The rebranding focuses on the people, because banking is a people business,” said DeMarco. “What people going into those brick and mortar buildings appreciate about our company is that they know the staff and the staff know them. And that’s not changing.”
DeMarco said he believes the new name will make a newcomer into town who wants a local bank feel that Arrow Bank offers up-to-date resources and technology.
“People bank where they have trust and confidence and comfort,” he said. “It’s reputation that drives where you bank, and if our reputation maintains its current status, we hope it will attract more customers in our current market.”
Unification will make Arrow Bank “stronger and better” in terms of efficiency and productivity, said DeMarco.
“It’s one bank working for you,” he said. If that sounds like a tagline, DeMarco said the marketing team will be releasing the new tagline shortly along with the new logo.
Glens Falls National Bank has a full service insurance subsidiary, Upstate Insurance Agency, which will become a separate subsidiary of Arrow Financial. Its name will not change. Depositors can learn more at their local branches.
want to be part of that.”
The Peppermill’s menu will continue to feature the existing classic fare, but the new owners plan to introduce seasonal specials and healthier options to cater to a broader range of tastes. They also envision hosting community events and partnering with local businesses to create a vibrant hub for the community.
As the couple settles into their new roles, they are optimistic about the future of The Peppermill.
“We see endless possibilities for this business,” says Chris. “We’re committed to making The Peppermill a place where people can come together to enjoy great food, good company, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.”
The community is eagerly anticipating the new chapter of The Peppermill and is excited to see what the future holds under the leadership of Jenny and Chris Dore.
The Peppermill Family Restaurant is located at 110 Main Street in South Glens Falls.
Their Website is https://peppermillsgf.com/ Jennie Dore Nutrition and Wellness can be reached at https://jenniedore.com/
Educational Opportunities And Family Fun Continue Through Fall At Fort Ticonderoga
From the shores of Lake Champlain to the heights of Mount Defiance, Fort Ticonderoga continues to offer new opportunities and family fun this summer.
Ticonderoga’s epic history and signature stories are highlighted through innovative story telling on a grand scale, historic trades, daily soldiers’ life programs, new and permanent premier museum exhibitions, Fife & Drum performances, thrilling weapons demos, boat cruises, endless outdoor activities, captivating special events, and premium exclusive experiences.
A new 2024 Heroic Corn Maze design offers six acres of fun as visitors navigate towering stalks of corn using history clues related to Fort Ticonderoga to guide them. The maze is divided into two phases, giving guests the chance to gain confidence in the smaller maze before tackling the main maze. The average journey will take from 20 minutes for the first phase and up to an hour for the second phase.
The Family Guided Tour provides a kidfriendly overview of all of the exciting things to do during a visit. In addition to the tour, the new family scavenger hunt, In His Majesty’s Service, gives families a chance to work together to complete tasks as they explore Fort Ticonderoga and receive rewards for helping the soldiers with their daily duties.
A 75-minute narrated boat cruise aboard the Carillon tour boat lets visitors explore what lies beneath Lake Champlain in some of the most archaeologically rich waters in North America while they are surrounded by breathtaking lake views, commanding mountains, and the majestic fort. The tours feature an energetic narration of Ticonderoga’s epic story as one of North America’s most strategic strongholds and places the iconic fort into a larger context as part of the imperial struggle for the continent in the 18th century.
Officials at Fort Ticonderoga recently announced a new schedule of premium programs and tours. Visitors will have the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes, tour the fort before and after hours, and delve deep into Ticonderoga’s epic history and natural beauty.
A new experience, A Date with Brown Bess, allows visitors to go beyond the exhibit cases
with Fort Ticonderoga Curator Dr. Matthew Keagle and handle original rare weapons from Fort Ticonderoga’s Museum collection.
The full list of premium programs can be found by visiting https://www.fortticonderoga.org/ experience/premium-experiences-and-tours/.
“We look forward to continue welcoming thousands of families where the learning is easy and memories are made of historic proportions,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “New offerings bring visitors into Fort Ticonderoga’s epic story through hands-on activities, programs, and exhibitions that ignite the spark for families and the joy of learning together while gaining a deeper understanding of our nation’s past and its meaning to us today.”
In addition to daily programs in August, mark your calendar for upcoming signature events.
September 14-15 | Battle Reenactment: 1777 Brown’s Raid :
Observe an exciting two-day battle reenactment highlighting the epic 1777 Brown’s Raid with different experiences each day. An attack led by patriot Colonel John Brown will take British troops garrisoning at Fort Ticonderoga by surprise 247 years later during the upcoming real-life action adventure.
October 5 | Heritage Harvest & Horse Festival
Bring the whole family to the Heritage, Harvest & Horse Festival for a full day of autumn fun set in the midst of the King’s Garden heirloom apple trees and the beautiful Adirondack landscape. Discover the importance of horses and other working animals throughout history during exciting demonstrations. Meet friendly farm animals, stroll through a farmers market featuring local food, beverages, and crafts, participate in family fun activities, tackle the six-acre Heroic Corn Maze, and be sure to purchase some harvest vegetables and plants from the historic King’s Garden.
Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Defiance are open Tuesday-Sunday through October 27 from 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased, including Carillon boat tours and premium programs, online in advance by visiting www. fortticonderoga.org or the day-of at the admission’s booth. General admission tickets are valid for two consecutive days!
Women Owned And Operated For Over 50 Years The Bargain Box Tradition Continues
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
For decades, The Bargain Box thrift and consignment store has been a place to hunt for treasure and shop affordably in South Glens Falls. The store has been woman-owned and operated since its beginning more than 50 years ago.
“A woman started it in Ballston Spa and a few years later, in 1973, my aunt bought the business. I took it over from her in 2014,” said current owner Leslie Marciano.
Marciano has “been in love with the store, the people and the work” since she helped out her aunt on Saturdays as a teenager.
“I would come home with lots of clothes for my pay and think, this is so cool,” she said.
Thrift and consignment stores offer affordable, gently used merchandise. For some, thrifting is like hunting for treasure, according to Marciano.
“Someone may be looking to match a piece of clothing, piece together a costume, or maybe to ‘dress’ their new home,” she said.
In addition to clothing, The Bargain Box offers a variety of décor, small appliances, picture frames, personal care items, jewelry, vintage items, small furniture, and more.
“The store is great for college students or new renters on a tight budget,” Marciano said. “And we always have 50 percent off on select tickets.”
The Bargain Box has a loyal customer base and Marciano describes the store as “a community gathering place where people can shop and hang out with friends and family.”
“Our regulars and locals are so important to thrift stores in the community,” she said. “We all strive to do our best to provide affordable merchandise, a friendly atmosphere, and for us, a fun place to shop.”
“It is a tight-knit community here in South Glens Falls,” she said. “We look out for one another.”
Marciano said that her “whole life was as a caregiver” to her mother, family members and strangers before she began working in the public realm.
“Coming here I’ve gotten to know my regulars,” she said. Customers share their stories with her and they have “become like an extension” of her family, Marciano said.
She enjoys providing “old school customer service” and takes “pride in every aspect of the work.”
Marciano said, “I have always loved being my own boss and working at my own pace.”
To be a success running this kind of business, she said one needs a sense of style and the ability to see the potential in every item accepted.
“You definitely need organizational skills, bookkeeping, to be personable, and to listen to your customers,” she said. “Be compassionate, friendly, patient, and have a sense of humor.”
Marciano said she is “good at organizing” and enjoys staging and making things look appealing to customers.
She believes in being “fluid and marketable and having the ability to change with the times. It’s a lot of work and it doesn’t end when the doors close.”
Marciano works alone for the most part. She has no employees but said a few friends volunteer “to get out of the house” to help her.
One challenge for Marciano is “trying to stay in that sweet spot for pricing. It’s easy to sell higherend things in Saratoga for decent prices, but here the price is lower and will take longer to sell.”
She said another challenge is to know when to stop taking merchandise so the shop is not overfull.
The Bargain Box has been on Main Street for more than 30 years and customers have asked her if she might expand.
“The jury is still out,” she said.
Her advice to new business owners is, “do your homework. It takes a while to get something going and location is key.”
Recently she learned that National Grid has a program for woman-owned businesses. This allowed her to change out all the light fixtures in the store for free.
Marciano donates unsold items to local charities and pet shelters, and to people who come to the store to pick the Free Bin, she said. Last year she donated 60-70 prom dresses to South Glens Falls High School for the girls who could not afford them.
“I love what I do and am so proud to carry on my family’s store,” said Marciano. “I take pride in every aspect of my work here and I hope it shows.”
Visit The Bargain Box at Midtown Plaza, 110 Main Street, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
A tour of Fort Ticonderoga includes a new Heroic Corn Maze that challenges visitors to navigate it using history clues related to the fort.
Courtesy of Fort Ticonderoga
Leslie Marciano, owner of The Bargain Box in South Glens Falls, continues a 50-year family tradition of offering affordable treasures and a welcoming community space for local shoppers.
Glens Falls Business Journal
GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL Environment / Development
Approaching The Half-Century Mark, The LA Group Delivers Imaginative Landscape Design
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
As the LA Group prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year, the company continues to expand its footprint throughout the United States. Established in 1974, the Saratoga Springs-based landscape architecture and civil engineering firm has a staff of 39 employees and small offices in Ithaca and Pittsburgh.
“We started out as a local shop in Saratoga but have really bolstered our experience nationally,” said Chelsea LaMarco, marketing manager. “We do a lot of federal work with the government— specifically with the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
As part of that work, the LA Group was enlisted as the site designer and landscape architect for a major expansion of the historic Arlington National Cemetery, one that transformed a difficult steeply-sloping and wooded 30-acre parcel into a shrine to honor those who have served our country.
The firm was also chosen as the prime consultant and designer for Western New York National Cemetery, tasked with designing a new national cemetery in Pembroke, about 15 miles east of
Buffalo. The project involved master planning, project management, construction administration, and coordination of a large sub-consultant team.
In addition to performing work at governmentowned cemeteries, the LA Group partners with municipalities and organizations to revitalize or expand community and historic cemeteries. For example, when working with the Riverside Cemetery in Rochester, the firm incorporated a “green burial” section into the property, one that was designed to reduce the cemetery’s environmental impact.
“We also do a lot of work for the National Park Service and a few other large government agencies,” LaMarco said, citing the Niagara Falls State Park Transformational Initiative as one of the LA Group’s park services projects.
As part of that project, the LA Group provided landscape architectural services for the design of a $65 million facility upgrade at Niagara Falls State Park. Upon completion, the firm received seven design awards from various architecture, engineering, and construction industry organiza-
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Opinions Differ Regarding The Safe Use Of ProcellaCOR In Lake George Waters
By Paul Post
A prominent environmental group and the state agency charged with protecting Lake George have partnered for many years on programs designed to kill Eurasian water milfoil, an aquatic invasive species that causes environmental problems and hurts the economy by impacting recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and paddle sports.
But the Lake George Association and Lake George Park Commission are at odds over the recent application of the chemical ProcellaCOR in two bays in northern parts of the lake.
The product, made by Indiana-based SePro Corporation, kills plants with a hormone that plants absorb, causing them to grow too rapidly and die off within a few weeks. The chemical has had positive results in numerous water bodies across America and locally in places such as Minerva, Brant and Saratoga lakes, Lake Luzerne, and Lake Sunnyside and Glen Lake in Queensbury,.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved ProcellaCOR’s use in 2017 and the state Department of Environmental Conservation okayed it for New York in 2019.
quiescent water with no major outlet. Lake George is different.”
Kelly, a former IBM executive and current RPI board chair, is also founder and still a key advisor to the Jefferson Project, created 11 years ago to gain a better understanding of threats to Lake George water quality. The program has provided extremely detailed, valuable information using some of the world’s most advanced science and technology.
Blair’s Bay and Sheep Meadow Bay where ProcellaCOR was applied have significant currents, he said. The chemical could be swept elsewhere before it works and settle in deep water without much sunlight, which is needed for the chemical to break down. Without this process, ProcellaCOR might even act like a fertilizer and cause unwanted plant growth, he said.
“We’re not being overrun by Eurasian water milfoil like some of the shallow lakes,” Kelly said. “We don’t have a crisis. It’s just not the right time and place. Nobody knows the long-term impact. Lots of chemicals thought to be good end up being not so good over time. The bottom line is, why do an experiment in Lake George?”
“We’re not against the use of ProcellaCOR generally,” said LGA Chair John E. Kelly III. “It’s not like we’re against using chemicals for invasive species. Clearly in small lakes and ponds that are being overrun I would not argue against using it. But ProcellaCOR’s label says it’s meant for still and
But Park Commission Executive Director Dave Wick said the applications are already showing extremely positive results at considerable savings from the traditional DASH (diver assisted suction harvesting) program, which costs about $400,000 annually.
The LA Group collaborated on the design and creation of the Campus Green, an outdoor gathering space for students at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Courtesy of SaratogaPhotographer.com
A crew prepares to evaluate the extent to which Eurasian water milfoil has invaded Lake George so officials can determine if the use of ProcellaCOR is appropriate to control it.
Courtesy of the Lake George Association.
Maviro Performs Complete Remediation Services To Ensure A Clean Environment
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
For environmental cleaning, remediation and other specialized services, the Queensbury office of Maviro, Inc. has a growing presence in the North Country down to Albany, west to Syracuse and east to Vermont, said James Vogt, vice president of the East Region for the Houston-based corporation Vogt started the New York division three years ago in Clifton Park. Since then he has overseen a move to Queensbury Avenue, the purchase of equipment, acquisition of two other companies, and a staff increase from two people to 16, he said.
“The key to industrial services in the region we serve is the environmental services line,” said Vogt. Those services range from removing an old residential oil tank to chemical cleaning of a power plant to remediation projects under contract with the DEC, he said.
Maviro’s customer base includes many different types of customers and almost any type of industrial facility, and together they come up with the best solutions, says the company website.
For safely disposing of a storage tank that is above ground or from a basement or underground, Maviro provides homeowners “a turn-key service that is unique in the industry,” said Vogt.
That project starts with sending a project manager, who is likely to be an environmental scientist, to scope the project, do the probing, estimate the size of the tank, and decide how much soil, sidewalk or asphalt material needs to be moved, Vogt explained.
“Then we pull out the tank, cut it, decon it, clean it, and haul it away,” he said. “Next step is to test the soil for hazardous contaminants.”
If the soil tests clean, they backfill the area, add sod, and seed it, he said.
“If it’s dirty, we then remediate using our equipment and staff, and haul away the contaminated soil to an acceptable disposal facility, according to New York State regulation,” he said. Then they fill, sod and seed.
According to Vogt, Maviro has the only operation in the North Country that can do all facets of such a project from start to finish. The benefit to customers could be faster response, as there are teams on call 24/7.
Another advantage, Vogt said, is that the Queensbury staff live locally and know the geography and back roads of the area.
This turnkey service is one of the biggest needs the North Country has, he said.
Spill response, or emergency response, is another major aspect of Maviro’s business upstate, which, combined with removing residential storage tanks, represents about 35 percent of their business.
“A homeowner getting their winter fill may realize there is a leaky fuel pipe,” said Vogt. “Now the basement is full of oil or it trickles down the wall perhaps going to a stream.”
Maviro has the equipment and personnel to do emergency response for that property to contain a leak and subsequently clean it up. The Maviro team can work with the customer’s insurance company and contact the DEC to set up the “spill number,” he said, as all spills must be reported and the homeowner may prefer the project manager to communicate for them.
Like some of its competitors, Maviro has a contract with DEC to do investigative and remedial services.
“The contract with DEC is for longer-term remediation for hazardous clean-up, whether landfills or spills or buildings, or whatever has a current potential to be hazardous to humans, plants or animals,” he said. “They want that cleaned up and that’s what we do.”
When the DEC calls, a team is dispatched to detail the site and may do geoprobing, a drilling process of taking core samples from the earth. Vogt said this shows how deep the contaminants are and how much soil would have to be removed to clean.
“You will always see the state involved with PCBs or Tetrachloroethylene, a dry cleaning chemical,” he said.
Vogt said they get calls when people buying or selling property either know a tank is underground or they see a pipe at the surface and need to find out what it is.
“If we’re not comfortable saying this is a tank and here is the size, we may hire someone to lay a footprint,” he said. “In most cases if there is a pipe, there is a tank attached to it.”
Vogt tells homeowners not to be nervous about heavy equipment coming into the neighborhood or digging holes in their yard.
“We have done a lot of residential work and are very professional,” he said.
Maviro is also highly safety-conscious. Vogt said his company sets the standard higher than what OSHA regulates for a safe work environment,.
Maviro, Inc. is at 537 Queensbury Avenue in Queensbury and is best reached through the link on pesnyinc.com.
ProcellaCOR
Continued From Page 6
The LGA contributes $140,000 annually and offered to pay for hand-harvesting at Blair’s and Sheep Meadow bays to avoid ProcellaCOR’s use.
However, Wick said ProcellaCOR is a new tool in the toolbox that should be used at sites where milfoil is densest and grows back after handharvesting, which he likened to lawn mowing. In some lakes, milfoil has been almost completely eradicated after ProcellaCOR’s use.
“The commission has never called milfoil control in Lake George a crisis,” Wick said. “However, we do spend close to a half million dollars every year for a program we do (DASH). We’ve had many bays in Lake George, year after year ripping up all the plants, creating turbidity, releasing phosphorus from pulling up plants.”
“If we can control milfoil more effectively with less impact to the lake at a cost that’s less than we currently pay, why wouldn’t we try that and utilize it in situations where we have difficult milfoil populations?” he said. “The treatment sites have responded exactly as predicted. There is no remaining viable milfoil. You can’t even find any milfoil plants and all of the native plants are robustly living.”
This year’s ProcellaCOR treatments cost $18,600. If milfoil doesn’t grow back, the savings will compound next year and beyond.
About a dozen years ago, some bays were completely overtaken by milfoil, Wick said. “In one four-year span we spent over $2 million hitting those sites over and over and over again,” he said. “We got the numbers down to where we can just be in there a few days now (hand harvesting), but at what fiscal cost?”
Wick said hand-harvesting will never be phased out. At some locations, milfoil can be controlled with a just a few days’ work.
But he said the commission is considering ProcellaCOR’s future use at especially problematic sites, which might include Sunset Bay near Huletts Landing and possibly Harris Bay near Cleverdale.
“ProcellaCOR does not disturb the sediment or native plants or macro invertebrates,” he said. “It is really much more effective. We just have to use it
in situations that really warrant it. We spend a lot of time working on this program and evaluating all these factors.”
“All of the science and verified treatment results all support ProcellaCOR’s safe and effective use,” Wick said. “We want to know if there’s a problem with this, but we haven’t been able to find any such science or any record that shows anything other than safe or effective.”
The LGA, towns of Hague and Dresden, and several property owners took legal action that blocked ProcellaCOR’s use in Lake George for two years, until this June 28, when Warren County Supreme Court Justice Robert J. Muller lifted a temporary restraining order, allowing the Park Commission to move forward. Adirondack Park Agency also approved the chemical’s use.
But Lake George isn’t the only place where heated battles over ProcellaCOR have occurred. In July 2023, the state of Vermont denied a permit for its use in Lake Bomoseen, the largest lake within the state’s borders, in the wake of public outcry from towns and residents around the lake.
Kelly said the LGA, with Jefferson Project’s state-of-the-art resources, is closely monitoring the recent ProcellaCOR applications in Lake George.
“We have incredible data on the water movement at the minute they were applying it; what transpired during and after the treatment,” he said. “We are now collecting all that data, analyzing it, and will issue a preliminary report in a couple of weeks including visuals and scientific measures of the plant species on defined grids. This hopefully leads to good healthy discussion about whether we should do it again or not.”
“If I and the LGA were wrong I’ll be the first one to say it,” Kelly said. “Let’s let the data speak for itself. What we really need is a comprehensive invasive species master plan for Lake George that says when an invasive species enters, what do we do? Here’s the sequence of mitigation actions. I’m hoping this data will bring us together so we look at the facts and have a discussion about what is a good master plan for Lake George.”
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An excavator from Maviro, Inc. in Queensbury, NY, begins work on a comprehensive environmental remediation project, exemplifying the company’s full-service capabilities.
Courtesy Mavior, Inc
Workplace / Security
Business Report
Use A Multi-Layered Security Approach
BY DAVID ANDRADE
Why is a multi-layered approach so effective? It’s simple: redundancy. If one layer fails, others are there to catch the slack. It’s like having multiple locks on your door— each one adds an extra level of protection. By combining both physical and network security measures, you’re creating a fortress that’s tough to breach. Your business should be equipped with the right tools and technologies to keep threats out.
For a modern-day business, a robust security system isn’t just advisable; it’s necessary. You are trusted to protect your customers’ sensitive business data, your employees, and your assets.
Network Security:
Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. These attacks present in various forms suh as phishing, malware, ransomware, and direct hacking attempts. The risk of a successful attack leads to revenue loss, downtime, damage to your brand and reputation, and loss of trust from your customers. 80% of all cyber-attacks target the small and midsize business (SMB) market. Even more eye opening is 27 percent of SMBs report that they will be put of business from a cyber-attack.
With virtually everything we do being done on computers and machines, we have to protect the systems we use. Firewalls scrutinize incoming and outgoing traffic to block unauthorized access, while VPNs encrypt your data to create a secure tunnel for information to travel across public networks while working remotely. Additionally, you need antivirus software, data backups, MFA (multi-factor authentication), employee cybersecurity awareness training, and more. The extensive and complex list of security solutions necessary to protect your IT infrastructure and sensitive business data can seem daunting. A Managed Service Provider (MSP), like StoredTech, will shoulder that responsibility for you.
An IT partner is not about merely about responding to fear of potential cyber threats, but about ensuring readiness before any
attack occurs. StoredTech implements comprehensive solutions and timely incident responses to identify and address threats before they can cause harm. Regular audits and updates are also integral to our approach, ensuring your systems are always equipped to handle the latest threats. We collaboratively build a secure digital fortress for your business, fostering a culture of preparedness rather than fear. In an era where data breaches are increasingly common, demonstrating a commitment to security can set your business apart.
Physical Security:
We are no longer living in the world where you need to have a security guard sit at your front desk to wait for criminals trying to break in. You can now get instant security alerts sent directly to your phone or computer to monitor security systems in real-time. In an instant, an app notifies a user if any unusual activity is detected. This could include unauthorized access attempts, motion detection in restricted areas, or even environmental sensors detecting smoke or water leaks. The ability to remotely monitor and manage security settings adds a layer
Continued On Page 9
The Center For Security Offers Its Customers Sophisticated Or ‘Old School’ Lock Systems
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
For more than two decades, Center for Security has been providing locksmith and security services to residential and commercial customers throughout the Capital Region.
“My father (Tom Walsh) started on his own in the 1990s and then went into business with his partner, Scott Hogan,” said Patrick Walsh, manager and technician at Center for Security.
After outgrowing their first shop in Clifton Park, the business relocated to a larger space at 1659 Route 9 in Clifton Park. The partners later added a second location at 16 Main Street in Queensbury.
The company’s 15 employees have decades of experience, most having been with the company for many years.
“We’ve had the same group of guys working for us for a long time,” said Walsh. “There’s a lot of on-the-job training, and it takes years to learn the ins and outs of locks. You learn a lot of it by being out on the road—learning how to pick locks in different ways.”
Center for Security offers a wide variety of locksmith services, installing and re-keying locks, cutting keys, and assisting customers who have been locked out of their cars or homes.
“We do a lot of automotive lock outs and fit keys to cars when people lose their keys. It’s astounding how many people lose keys and don’t have a backup set,” said Walsh.
For the majority of car lock-outs, Center for Security technicians are able to travel to the customer’s location, performing on-site service. The company has nine service vans, with technicians on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We usually have three lock-outs a day, and we drive right out to where the vehicle is,” said Walsh. “But some cars have to be towed back to our showroom—higher end-cars like BMWs.” BMWs as well as some other luxury cars, are more complicated to unlock than their less expensive counterparts. At the opposite end of the spectrum are some Kia and Hyundai models, ones with keys that don’t have transponders.
“That’s why they are the number-one most stolen cars,” said Walsh.
For those in need of a backup set of car keys, Center for Security offers car key duplication services. Because car key technology is constantly changing, the cost of replacement keys has risen significantly. For some makes and models, replacement keys can cost upwards of $350. Center for Security’s product line includes a large selection of safes and vaults, and the company offers 24/7 emergency safe opening, combination changes, and safe and vault repair. They also sell and service alarm systems, closed circuit surveillance systems, and a full line of handicap door openers, buttons, sensors, receivers, and transmitters. The company also installs commercial entrance doors--aluminum storefront entries and hollow metal replacements. Rounding out their extensive product offerings is replacement glass for commercial and residential customers.
“We’ve expanded so much in the last fifteen to twenty years,” said Walsh when discussing the products and services the company offers.
Although they do sell and install the latest electronic locks for homeowners, Walsh said they recommend “old school” locks for residential applications.
“We tend to tell people to go mechanical because those locks are less likely to fail. We like to stay with the old school locks—ones with keys and deadbolts—because electronics do fail.”
As an example, Walsh said homeowners may find themselves unable to enter their homes when the power goes out or their WiFi isn’t working.
For commercial customers, Center For Security recommends keyless entry systems that feature card access and audit control.
“You can see who scanned in and when. You can also set it up to clock employees in and out,” said Walsh, noting that the technology for these systems continues to evolve.
For more information, visit centerforsecurity. com.
Center For Security store manager technician Chris Lanfare stands by some of the safes available for sale.
David Andrade, president Stored Technology Solutions Inc. (StoredTech).
Courtesy of StoredTech
Business Report
Workplace Political Discussions Must Be Respectful
BY RENEE WALRATH
With the 2024 election drawing near, political tensions have increased and will only grow stronger over the upcoming months. Many Americans are bracing for these divisive political conversations, at home and work.
Although there are always going to be some employees who are eager to share their opinions, a recent study found that over half of workers try to avoid having any discussion of politics in the workplace. That same survey concluded that 51 percent of workers believed that political discussions in the workplace hurt the work environment.
While it should go without saying that the workplace is not an ideal place to have these conversations, it is unrealistic to expect discussions regarding political concerns not to crop up over the next several months. To help navigate political discourse in a professional environment, companies should be proactive in their approach. Ensure there are clear guidelines and expectations put in place to limit or eliminate any excessive political disruptions. Consider these practical recommendations to effectively navigate political conversations in the workplace.
First and foremost, establishing clear policies or boundaries is essential. Formalizing policies set a framework of how conversations should be conducted to ensure no ostracizing of employees.
Professional environments always require mutual respect among all parties. Employers should maintain vigorous anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies to cover any protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion, etc., which often arise in political dialogue.
As mentioned previously, the workplace is not conducive to political discussion. It can evoke strong emotions and lead to heated debates. Establishing that conversations are not allowed in meetings or common areas can go a long way to preventing such disruptions. If employees fi nd themselves in an unwarranted or unwanted political conversation, it is okay to state that they prefer not to have these conversations at work. Moreover, provide regular training on company policies (including discussion of politics), and employees’ rights to keep everyone informed, maintain consistent understanding, and create a positive work environment.
Building off that, it is imperative to create a supportive environment based on professionalism, respect, and empathy. Your policies should ensure your workplace is a safe place for everyone and prevent any political discussions from escalating. Personnel should feel secure expressing themselves without retribution. At the same time, all employees need to be mindful of what and how they are communicating. Employees should be aware that no infl ammatory or derogatory remarks will be accepted, regardless of the topic of conversation.
In addition, establishing and maintaining a dress code can also alleviate any undo
political stress. Consider setting up policies concerning political attire or messages, and ensure consistent, content-neutral implementation of those policies. Employers need to respond promptly and consistently to any potential policy violations. Although your company may encourage healthy dialogue around political issues, your main concern should be maintaining a respectful culture. Furthermore, political conversations should be approached from a curious standpoint. If conversations do evolve, encourage a constructive and respectful dialogue among employees. These conversations are about understanding diverse perspectives, not winning debates. The main goal is to share facts and educate. It is okay for team members to share their opinion on matters, as long as it is approached in a manner that does not alienate others. Th is means active listening, acknowledging others’ perspectives, not making personal attacks, and again no infl ammatory remarks.
In addition, avoid making assumptions about another’s political views. Not everyone is going to have the same viewpoint, and that is okay. Once more, these conversations are about informing not trying to change someone’s mind. Entering into discussions of political discourse with an open mind may allow commonalities among peers to be unearthed. Finding common ground can shift the conversation to focus on shared goals and interests. Th is shift can lead to creating a more collaborative and positive work environment.
It should also be noted that employees should recognize when to walk away from a conversation. If a conversation is becoming too aggressive, walk away. If a colleague persists in their line of dialogue and is creat-
Multi-Layer Security
Continued From Page 8
of convenience and control, and ensures a prompt response.
Traditional CCTV systems primarily store data on physical storage devices like hard drives, which had limitations in terms of capacity, accessibility, and risk of damage or loss. A cloud-based video surveillance system offers virtually unlimited storage, improved accessibility, and enhanced security. They also offer upgraded features like facial and license plate recognition.
Access control systems are not just a great tool for visitor management, but to control access to specific areas in your building. Consider the idea that maybe your entire staff shouldn’t have access to your warehouse of inventory if it’s not a part of their job function. Industry compliance regulations and your security policies are also a large part of choosing your access points. Modern access systems offer detailed logs for every entry point, providing valuable data about who accesses which areas and when. This feature
workplace is a balancing act. It requires high levels of professionalism, respect, and empathy. As the election gets closer this balancing act becomes even more critical.
serves as an audit trail that can be analyzed to identify patterns for theft or misuse. As a trusted IT provider, StoredTech offers all of the security solutions you need under one roof. You don’t have to worry about juggling multiple vendors and ensuring your systems can connect to one-another. With the right technology on your side, you’ll have eyes on your business even when you’re miles away.
Threats are not a ‘potential’ problem, but an inevitable reality. It is not a matter of if your business will be targeted, but when. Business owners must stay proactive rather than reactive. Understand your threat landscape and work with a trusted partner to implement these security measures. In the realm of business security, stick with the old saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” A multi-layered security approach is not just a strategy; it’s a shield that every business should have. The effectiveness of this approach lies in the partners you choose.
Realizing that these conversations are bound to come up in the workplace allows you to be proactive in how they are handled. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, it is dependent on the employer’s specific situation and culture.
Regardless of the approach your company takes, the ultimate goal is to create safe conditions for all employees where diverse opinions are valued. Th is can be accomplished by establishing uniform policies, creating a supportive environment, and having an open mind. These steps are critical in keeping a cohesive and harmonious workplace for everyone.
Renee Walrath, president, Walrath Recruiting Inc., Saratoga Springs.
Senior Living / Retirement Planning
Legacy Planning Partners Is A FamilyRun Business That Puts Its Clients First
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
For almost four decades, Legacy Planning Partners has been serving clients in Glens Falls and beyond. Established in 1985 by Dan Hazewski Sr., the family business offers a variety of services including investment management, estate and retirement planning, 529 college saving plans, IRAs, and personal and business financial planning.
“You name it, we do it,” said Hazewski, noting that the firm also does pro bono work in the local community.
Before opening Legacy Planning Partners, he and his wife, Jan, operated several local businesses. Old-timers may remember the Snack Store, a business the couple opened in 1975.
“We leased a gas station on the Northway (exit 16) and put a convenience store in it. We sold gasoline, food, snacks, and we had a delicatessen in it,” said Hazewski. “If I had been smarter, I could have had a huge franchise. Stewart’s was just getting going with theirs.”
As their children were nearing college age, Hazewski realized he needed to find a job that would pay him a steady income. When presented
with the opportunity to sell life insurance as an affiliate of Albany Financial Group, he jumped at the chance, opening Legacy Planning Partners. Albany Financial Group’s Dan Edwards was Hazewski’s mentor, teaching him the ins and outs of life insurance.
“Very early on, the company began financial planning,” he said. “So instead of being life insurance agents, we took the road of being financial planners.”
After making the switch, Hazewski earned his certified financial planner (CFP) and chartered financial consultant (ChFC) certifications. Embarking on a career as a financial planner, he realized that his previous experience as a small business owner served him well, allowing him to understand the unique needs of other small business owners.
“I related very well to business owners,” he said. “I understood what it meant to be someone who owned your own business. It made for a really good background for what I do now. If you go into this industry and don’t understand the risks and the way that you can forestall those risks, you
Continued On Page 11
Senior Citizens Are The Largest Demographic Buying Well Equipped Recreational Vehicles
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
More and more Americans are taking to the roads in RVs, with upwards of 45 million people vacationing in RVs this summer. More than 11 million households own recreational vehicles, and approximately 1 million Americans live in their vehicles full time.
According to industry statistics, RV sales are strongest among the 55-64 age group, this demographic representing 20 percent of all sales. Millennials (ages 18-34) come in second, accounting for 15 percent of purchases. Tied for third at 13 percent are the 65-plus age group and the 35-44 age bracket.
“Age 50-plus is the sweetest spot for us for sure,” said Andy Heck, president of Alpin Haus. “But 35 to 50 is also doing well. Things do tail off at 65-plus.”
Established by Heck’s father, Bud Heck, and his friend John Daly, Alpin Haus opened its first store in Amsterdam in 1964. Today, the family-owned business has 275 employees spread across six locations. Stores offering RVs are located in Amsterdam, Saratoga, Orange County, and Oak Ridge, New Jersey.
“We started as a ski shop and then got into selling RVS. Then, we added swimming pools and in the late 90s, we started adding locations,” said Heck.
Alpin Haus entered the RV business in 1967, initially selling pop-up trailers. As the industry evolved, they expanded their offerings, adding luxury vehicles to their large inventory.
“The RV lifestyle has changed over the years, and we’ve been part of that growth,” said Heck, noting that “roughing it” is a thing of the past. “Whether it’s an entry-level travel trailer or a large motor home, they are all so nice.”
In recent years, RVs have become more technologically advanced. Many are now equipped with LED and smart climate control technology, solar panels, and integrated entertainment systems. Manufacturers also offer a wide range of interior design choices, ones that feature innovative spacesaving solutions and slide outs.
“Slide outs give you a lot more living space, and they became big during the 2000s,” said Heck. “Now, it’s tough to find RVs without slide outs.’
When it comes to bathrooms, he said the sky’s the limit.
“Some of these RVs have nicer bathrooms than people have in their house. They are pretty impressive,” Heck said.
At Alpin Haus, RV prices start at $14,900, topping off at around $500,000. The company’s biggest sellers are travel trailers in the $25,000-35,000 price range. Entry-level motor homes are also popular, the vehicles priced at $79,000 and up. Financing is available for all models, and RVs can be rented at the company’s Amsterdam location.
Alpin Haus offers a large variety of makes and models, the majority of which are manufactured by Thor, Winnebago, and Forest River, the three major players in the RV industry. Heck estimates that those three manufacturers make up 90 percent of the industry.
During COVID, he said his company sold every RV they had on the lot.
“The whole industry saw a huge uptick, and everything we had sold. The factories were shut down for a period of time, so we were struggling with supply. It was slim pickings, and it took a couple of years to get back to normalcy in terms of supply,” he noted.
At the same time that supply chain issues were resolved, sales began to drop, in part because of inflation and rising interest rates.
“Things are tougher right now,” said Heck. “The RV industry has been in a recession for the past two years.”
Although sales of new RVs are lackluster, Heck reports that the used RV market is extremely strong, demand far exceeding supply.
“There’s not enough used inventory, and everything we get we sell,” he said.
Heck remains bullish on the industry, expecting sales to return to normal in 2025, bolstered by government-funded infrastructure upgrades, ones intended to improve access to national parks, forests, and public lands.
“We’re also seeing a lot of multi-generational camping, and because of Instagram and Facebook, more and more people are wanting to visit National Parks,” he said. “People want to get outside and explore.”
Recreational vehicles fitting a variety of lifestyles and budgets are available at Alpin Haus’s four locations, a family business currently operated by Andy Heck.
Courtesy of Alpin Haus
Dan Hazewski Sr (left), who established Legacy Planning Partners in 1985, has turned much of the day-to-day operation over to Dan Hazewski Jr.
Courtesy of Legacy Planning Partners
Business Report
BY CHRISTOPHER K. KELLY
Small business owners in New York face many decisions each day. Being part of a community bank, it’s not uncommon for us to be involved in conversations on how to best attract, retain, and take care of employees in terms of compensation, health benefits, vacation, and retirement. This last item, retirement and financial security, is an increasingly common topic of interest. In our discussions with workers in New York, most understand there is a need for them to be saving for retirement. They know that people are living longer (meaning income will be needed for a longer period of time), Social Security benefits will not meet their income needs, and health insurance in retirement will be a significant expense. These conversations often lead to two questions: (1) Does the employer offer a retirement plan and (2) Does the employee have the capacity to make saving for retirement a priority in their budget?
Over the past several years, there has been an increased effort at the state and federal levels to help small businesses provide their employees access to a retirement savings plan. Small business owners have a variety of retirement plans to choose from, including: 401(k), 403(b), Profit Sharing, Pension Plans, SIMPLE IRAs, and SEPs. Each of these programs offers its own set of features, requirements, varying complexity, and administrative costs. Knowing which type of retirement plan to implement is not an easy task, and often leads to no selection at all. The result is that many workers in New York are still not covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
In an effort to give more employees access to a retirement plan, many state governments have developed their own programs. While these retirement programs differ by state, the common features include: mandates for businesses to participate based the number of employees, automatic enrollment for employees to save 3 to 5 percent of their pay into a Roth IRA, the ability for an employee to opt-out of saving, designated investment options, and low administrative fees.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation in October 2021 that will require private sector employers that have been in business for at least two years with 10 or more employees to offer some type of employer-sponsored retirement program. If an employer does not currently offer a retirement plan, the employer will be required to register and participate in the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program (SCSP).
In the SCSP, any employee age 18 or older with W-2 compensation in New York is eligible to participate. Once the employer registers for the SCSP, the employees will automatically enroll and start saving after-tax contributions from their paycheck into a Roth IRA. Employees may voluntarily change their savings rate and have the right to opt-out of the program at any time. Employees will have the option to select or change their investment strategy, but will be placed into a default investment if no election is made. Money in the Roth IRA grows tax deferred and qualified distributions from the Roth IRA will be tax free in retirement. Remember, a qualified distribution occurs if the employees takes a distribution from the Roth IRA after age 59.5 and after the Roth IRA has been open for five years.
As of today, the SCSP is still being developed and a required enrollment date has not been established. For more information about the SCSP and to review current developments, we encourage employers to visit www.securechoice.ny.gov.
While we support and advocate for more people to save for retirement, registering to participate in the SCSP might not be the best option for your business or your employees. Knowing that this requirement might soon apply to your business, now might be the right time to take another look at implementing a new retirement plan of your choosing. Here are a few key items to consider:
• The SCSP invests in a Roth IRA with current annual contribution limits of $7,000 for those under age 50 and $8,000 for those age 50 or older. By contrast, 401(k) plans offer employees to save at higher limits of $23,000 for those under age 50 and $30,500 for those age 50 or older.
• The SCSP does not allow for any type of employer contribution. 401(k) plans can be designed to include an employer match and/or a profit sharing contribution each year. An employer that provides for some type of contribution to help employees save for retirement is a great incentive to attract and retain employees.
• While the SCSP will be designed with low administrative fees, recent legislation created tax credits to offset the cost of starting a new retirement plan and additional tax credits if employer contributions are made. When the tax credits expire, plan expenses and employer contributions can be tax deductions for your business tax return.
Many retirement plan providers are building their services based on the concept of successful participant outcomes. The idea is to offer a retirement program that helps employees select an appropriate savings rate, encourages increased savings rates over time, and selects and manages an investment strategy to and through retirement. Offering a program that engages your employees can help lead them to better financial security in retirement.
As a small business owner, we recognize that you might not know where to begin. If you want to start a new retirement plan for your business, you might first talk to your current resources. These might include your bank, insurance provider, investment advisor, payroll company, accountant, attorney, or other trusted advisor you work with. Any one of these might be able to offer you a solution or direct you to someone that can explain the different types of retirement plans and help you select a retirement plan provider.
Legacy Planning Partners
Continued From Page 10
are really at a disadvantage.”
Jan has been involved with Legacy Planning Partners since its inception, handling finances, marketing, and other duties. In 1993, Dan Jr., also a CFP, joined the firm after graduating from Siena College. The company’s staff also includes Dan Jr.’s wife, Alison, the firm’s office manager.
“As investment managers, we do full planning. But we don’t do any of that until we get to know the client,” said Dan Jr. “Our first meeting is a fact finder. We sit down with you and talk about your financial goals and objectives.”
“We get to interview you, and you get to interview us,” Hazewski explained. “It’s a very personal relationship where you have to have complete trust in one another.”
On several occasions, he said they turned away clients after realizing they weren’t a good fit for the firm.
“In the 1990s, I had someone come in who said they wanted to double their money in three months. I said, ‘This isn’t really the place for you. You can go down to Saratoga and try the horses.’ I told him that was a better bet.”
“Not very often–but sometimes–you will see someone who has already had several financial planners. You need to know what happened there,” he added. “Is it someone who has unrealistic expectations? Is it someone who is difficult to work with? If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit. The best thing to do is to recognize that in the beginning.”
When working with new clients, father and son share what they refer to as the cardinal rule.
Mary Longley
131 River Street Hudson Falls, NY 12839
518-744-7791
mlongley10@yahoo.com
8:00AM - 6:00PM
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“One of the cardinal rules that Dan and I tell our clients when they are interviewing with us is that if you don’t understand it, don’t do it. If it doesn’t feel comfortable, don’t do it. That applies to all parts of the financial planning world,” said Hazewski.
Although he has no plans of retiring, Hazewski has turned over more and more responsibilities to his son.
“As long as I have my mental capacity, I’m going to be part of the firm, but Dan is going to do the planning at this point in time. My career in the last ten years has been a lot with eldercare/ elder law,” he said.
Several years ago, Hazewski wrote a book on the subject, one entitled Exit Right. The book provides insight into the financial, legal, and life situations that individuals may encounter as they age.
“I cover a lot of important things--what you need to know as you are getting into the latter years of your life,” he said.
Legacy Planning Partners has no investment threshold, and prospective clients are encouraged to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
“We’ve been around a long time, and I think we do a really good job with our clients,” said Hazewski. “They come first. Right now, there is a big push about the fiduciary rule and doing the best thing for your client. We’ve always done that--right from the beginning.”
For more information, visit legacyplanningpartners.com
REGIONAL STOCKWATCH
The Importance Of An Estate Plan
BY DAVID M. KOPYC, CRPC
The largest wealth transfer in the history of mankind will take place over the next three decades. It is estimated to be in excess of 80 trillion dollars. How will the Gen X and millennials manage this type of wealth and will they be able to work through the options they will need to take to protect these assets and minimize tax liability.
This transfer of wealth will take decades to play out, so most families will have time to take action to develop a plan to maximize their wealth transfer possibly for generations to come. It is critical to have discussions on how this wealth can be utilized for all the future events that will take place in your family’s lives (weddings, college education, charitable intent, future income sources, etc.).
Regardless how big your pot of gold may be, you need to develop an estate plan. A simple Will and beneficiary forms are important, but most of us will probably need to have a Trust or multiple Trusts. Probate is expensive and if you want your money to follow your bloodline, there are options and strategies to take to accomplish this.
There are too many situations with families that ended badly because there was a lack of communication between the family members. It is critical that heirs have open, honest discussions about what they would like from the estate so conflicts do not arise. While these conversations may be difficult and uncomfortable, it’s better to have your wishes known so there is absolutely no misunderstanding.
At my firm, we try to take a very proactive approach to legacy planning so we have a fairly good idea of the family situations and what the parent(s)’ thoughts are about wealth transfer. Blended families make the process a little more complicated, but you can achieve a desirable solution for both families. While this process can be daunting and stressful, it also allows the grantors to take an assessment of where they are. Some are astonished what the true value of their estate may actually be.
A lot of this wealth transfer is held in compli-
cated assets that lack the ability to receive a step up in basis at death. IRA, 401(k), deferred comp, TSP, 403(b), SEP IRA are all pre-tax accounts. There is no step up in basis and as of today there is approximately 40 trillion dollars in these types of assets. These are monies that need careful guidance and a plan to be executed pre and post death. Do you want your loved ones to receive a tax liability or a legacy unincumbered by tax? Then it might encompass you taking action in your lifetime to accomplish this.
Real estate can also be a very complicated asset for wealth transfer. The lake house, the ski house, the primary residence that one of the children has a desire to keep. How do you get equalization so everyone is content with the outcome? The bottom line is, communication and open dialogue by all is imperative to have a successful legacy plan that serves all fair and well.
Hopefully this article has helped some of you to take action and build a wealth transfer strategy that will last for decades to come.
ATTENTION WRITERS
Are you looking for an exciting way to utilize your talent?
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.
Contact: Harry Weinhagen, Publisher harryw@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com
David M. Kopyc, CRPC; president, Retirement Planning Group LLC; Malta.
UVM Medical Center Collaborates With Hudson Headwaters To Train Dental Students
University of Vermont Medical Center and Hudson Headwaters Health Network have partnered to bring more dental residents to northern New York in an expansion of the Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program. Leaders from both organizations say the new partnership will increase access to preventive dental care and improve recruitment of dentists in rural communities across the Adirondacks.
The partnership between the two notfor-profits, UVM Medical Center and Hudson Headwaters – a Federally Qualified Health Center – adds Hudson Headwaters’ Warrensburg dental center to the training sites at which resident dentists practice during their rotation in the residency program. It is the program’s first New York state-based training site.
“We’re excited to expand and to be able to offer our residents more experiences providing dental care and services,” said Justin Hurlburt, DMD, MA, program director of UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program. “Having a training site at Hudson Headwaters means our residents will have the opportunity to provide different care and treatment and, as a result, help even more people.”
Clinical leaders at Hudson Headwaters said the need to expand access to dental care –a critical aspect of preventive care impacting a person’s overall health – is a long-standing
challenge for rural communities throughout the region.
“Our partnership with UVM Medical Center is an encouraging step to meet the growing dental care demands throughout our region,” said Erin Thompson, DDS, lead dental provider at Hudson Headwaters. “The residents add another provider to deliver quality care and we are excited for our patients to benefit from the expanded access.”
The new partnership, which launched earlier this month, builds on a rich history of collaboration between University of Vermont Health Network and Hudson Headwaters –which operates primary care health centers in close partnership with health system hospitals in Elizabethtown, Plattsburgh and Malone in New York state.
“As an academic health system serving an expansive, rural region, educating the next generation of clinicians while ensuring they are exposed to the benefits of practicing in rural communities is one of our most critical responsibilities,” said Jason Sanders, M.D., president and chief executive officer of University of Vermont Medical Group and executive vice president and chief physician officer for University of Vermont Health Network.
“This partnership is another innovative collaboration between our health system and Hudson Headwaters addressing long-standing challenges that directly impact the health and
Registrations
July
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4767 State Route 40 Argyle, NY 12809
Vads Steam Cleaning
40 Sweet Rd. Argyle, NY 12809
Bromos Services
169 State Route 372 Cambridge, NY 12816
Shine Hill Farm 355 County Route 19 Fort Ann, NY 12827
Real Deal Seal 19 Taylor St. Fort Edward, NY 12828
Dustins RV Repair
44 Gates Ave. Fort Edward, NY 12828
Alpha Win
Continued From Page 1
highlighted the impact and uniqueness of events like the Lake George Triathlon Festival in Warren County: “The Lake George Triathlon Festival remains a magnet for athletes and families, generating a substantial economic impact in the region. What sets this triathlon apart is the opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the finest natural elements of our area. They can relish swimming in the pristine waters of Lake George, cycling along scenic routes through upstate New York, and completing the run through the Village of Lake George.”
Alpha Win has also announced its official charity partner, Lake George Land Conservancy. The LGLC protects the land within the Lake George watershed to preserve the world renowned water quality of the lake.
“We’re honored to once again be the beneficiary of Alpha Win’s Triathlon. This great event perfectly showcases the beauty of Lake George, its mountains, and the clean water that the LGLC
wellness of people across Vermont and northern New York.”
Hudson Headwaters welcomed five resident dentists in UVM Medical Center’s program to its Warrensburg dental center. The inaugural residents are:
Raquel Alespeiti, DMD, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine; Callan Bock, DDS, University of Minnesota; Reegan DeBruycker, DDS, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine; Christian Jocham, DDS, New York University College of Dentistry; Emily Lewis, DMD, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine;
“We enthusiastically welcome UVM Medical Center resident dentists with hopes they will see what a rewarding career and positive impact they can have by choosing to serve our rural communities,” said Dr. Thompson.
Since 2005, Hudson Headwaters has deliv-
works to protect. We are grateful to Alpha Win, and the athletes who choose to donate to the LGLC, for their support of our mission to protect the land that protects the lake”, said Sarah Hoffman, communications and outreach manager. Sponsors for this event include Xterra and Trek Saratoga, in addition to several regional partners including; Warren County Tourism, Glens Falls Hospital of Albany Med Health System, Luxury Lake George Vacations, Adirondack Brewery, Northern Living, Elevation Medical Aesthetic, and more listed on their race page.
Athletes interested in competing are encouraged to register online before Saturday, August 31, by visiting alpha.win. Volunteers are also requested to assist with various set up, race day and post-race support. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and will be provided with food and beverages during their shift. Those interested in volunteering should e-mail info@Alpha.win with their availability.
ered dental care to patients in Warrensburg regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. The network then expanded access through Healthy Smiles, a traveling program that provides no-cost preventive dental services to children at more than 60 local schools. Welcoming dental residents is the latest milestone for Hudson Headwaters’ dental services.
UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency program is a one-year rotation, fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation as part of the American Dental Association. Training prepares dentists for general practice and provides practical experience in comprehensive dental care—from complex oral surgery cases and dental emergencies to routine and general dentistry. The program’s faculty includes oral surgeons, pediatric dentists, general dentists, orthodontists and other oral health specialists.
Hidden Valley Custom Cabins & Sheds 85 Hidden Valley Rd. Fort Edward, NY 12828
Hunnys Beauty Lounge 128 Broadway Fort Edward, NY 12828 Maid For You Maintenance 17 Taylor St. Fort Edward, NY 12828
Hogans Tavern 42 Old Schuylerville Rd. Greenwich, NY 12834
Deadwood Acres 56 Tripoli Rd. Hudson Falls, NY 12839
Christines Cleaning 6092 State Route 22 Salem, NY 12865
Inaugural resident dentists from the University of Vermont Medical Center join Hudson Headwaters Health Network in Warrensburg, NY, as part of a new partnership to expand dental care access in rural communities. Courtesy of UVM Medical Center
Wednesday thru Saturday 4:30 - 9pm
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Continued From Page 6
tions.
The LA Group also performed work for the parks department at the Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, providing detailed site design and environmental permitting for improvements made at the historic home of famed Hudson River School painter Frederic Church.
“Locally, we also work a lot with the park service on trail rehabs and other work in the parks,” said LaMarco. “We also work quite a bit with local developers on just about any project you can think of.”
For a project that is currently underway with Bonacio Construction, the LA Group was selected to provide site design, landscape architecture, engineering, and municipal and environmental permitting service for the Brookmere Resort. The resort is currently under construction on the former Longfellows site in Saratoga.
“We’ve also been working on a project at the Adelphi hotel,” LaMarco said. “We are assisting the team for the Rip Van Dam portion of work –handling site planning, land use approvals, site/ civil engineering, and liaison assistance with various city departments. Essentially, we became an integral part of the design team to guide a very
complex project through the process, all while the hotel remained open.”
Within the local educational realm, the LA Group collaborated on an initiative to create the Campus Green, an outdoor gathering hub for students at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The project garnered both local and national recognition, winning a Merit Award from the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. It was also featured on the cover of a national publication, Landscape Architect and Specifier News.
One of the LA Group’s longest running relationships has been with New York’s Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). For more than four decades, the fi rm has partnered with ORDA on numerous projects including a recent $100 million renovation of the Lake Placid Olympic Center. The scope of that project included the replacement of the outdoor Olympic speed skating oval and timing building, a new pedestrian gateway plaza overlooking the oval, extensive architectural improvements to the Olympic Center, a new arrival courtyard and a new pedestrian plaza at the 1932 Olympic Arena.
Glens Falls Area Restaurants
Glens Falls and surrounding towns have a variety of casual dining opportunities for every taste, budget and occasion. Find a Glens Falls NY restaurant from the list below.
Park & Elm
Glens Falls, NY
Park & Elm is a multi-concept eatery with a gourmet market, delicatessen, and fi ne dining restaurant located in walkable downtown Glens Falls. Enjoy an elevated dining experience, grab a breakfast or lunch to go, or shop the market for local goods.
Park 26
Glens Falls, NY
Park 26 is an innovative restaurant that offers locally-inspired, modern American cuisine that’s perfect for a date night, business dinner or family celebration. Located inside The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls.
O’Toole’s Restaurant Pub
Queensbury, NY
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal or a night of fun and excitement, you’ll want to come to O’Toole’s. We’ve got the best food, drinks and entertainment in the area! Come on in and experience dining at it’s best. We look forward to seeing you.
Jack’s American Bistro
Queensbury, NY
Jack’s American Bistro was the culmination of a lifetime spent in the restaurant business. After several months of planning in June 2004 the doors were open to a new dining experience in the Glens Falls/Queensbury area.
Fenimore’s Pub
Glens Falls, NY
Fenimore’s Pub in the heart of downtown Glens Falls is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Davidson Brothers Restaurant Glens Falls, NY
Located in downtown Glens Falls, Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery is a hotspot for craft beer and food in a laid-back atmosphere.
Morgan & Co. Restaurant Glens Falls, NY
Experience fine American dining in downtown Glens Falls at Morgan & Co. Every dish offers a unique and innovative twist on original recipes. Morgan & Co. also caters events from weddings to reunions and more!
The Grateful Den Glens Falls, NY
The Grateful Den offers a different take on traditional pub grub, as well as classic favorites like chicken wings, burgers, and salads. Their menu also includes specialty appetizers, sandwiches, and plenty of craft beer options on tap.
The Log Jam Lake George, NY
An authentic log cabin serving lunch and dinner daily. Featuring signature sandwiches at lunch and succulent prime rib, juicy hand cut steaks, live lobsters, fresh seafood, chicken,and more at dinner. All entrees include our bountiful salad bar.
The Docksider Restaurant Lake George, NY
Open year round on Glen Lake in Queensbury, The Docksider Restaurant features lunch and dinner with a fireplace for winter and a great deck for outdoor dining overlooking the water.
Courtesy of GlensFalls.com
Continued From Page 1
cant economic impact on the surrounding towns as well as the county as a whole. I think the decision to close Great Meadow was made without consideration of many factors that would have argued against closing Great Meadow,” said Woerner. “The goal that DOC has is to address the overall staffing shortages they have in the system, so they are trying to retain as close to 100 percent of the staff as they can by relocating them to other facilities. In Washington County and the surrounding region, there are only two facilities—Great Meadows and Washington Correctional.”
Although Washington Correctional, a mediumsecurity prison located directly across the street from Great Meadow, is expected to absorb 60 to 70 Great Meadow employees, the majority will most likely be transferred to facilities in Coxsackie or Fulton County.
“If you live in Fort Ann, it would take you one hour and forty-seven minutes to get to Coxsackie. Fulton County is more two hours away,” said Woerner. “In other parts of the state, there are more facilities clustered together, so you can have a reasonable expectation that people would be able to transfer from one facility to another without having to disrupt their family life, without having to move—all of those things that will be necessary with the closing of Great Meadow.”
“If the overall goal is to improve security across the system, it seems to me that picking Great Meadow works against achieving that goal,” she added.
Woerner also mentioned that Washington Correctional relies on Great Meadow for power and water, something that should have been considered when making the decision.
“That linking between Great Meadow and Washington Correctional seems to have been ignored,” she said. “So, they will never be able to fully shut down Great Meadow unless they invest millions of dollars in building comparable water and heating infrastructure at Washington Correctional.”
Great Meadow also provides the medical facilities utilized by inmates at Washington Correctional. If Great Meadow is closed, Washington Correctional inmates with medical issues will be have to be taken by van or ambulance to Glens Falls Hospital.
“Now you’ve got added costs—officers will have to take time away from their normal post, and care in a hospital is expensive. That doesn’t make any sense,” said Woerner.
Great Meadow also has a specialized mental health facility, one designed to provide treatment to inmates with long- and short-term mental health issues.
“Our New York state correctional system as a whole needs mental health facilities. You have that already at Great Meadow. So, why not turn that into a system-wide or a northeast region resource that can be helpful in meeting the needs of incarcerated individuals with mental illness?” asked Woerner. “That would make all of the facilities safer, and it would leverage the investments the state has already made in building out these facilities.
According to Woerner, inmates at Great Meadow are also part of an industry program, one that produces the soap used at correctional facilities
throughout the state.
“Again, you have a resource that’s there and working--one that’s producing a product that every facility uses. Now, they are going to have to recreate that somewhere else, incurring additional costs,” she noted.
Woerner said she is hopeful that Governor Hochul and officials at the DOCCS will revisit the decision to shutter Great Meadow.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s not over until it’s over. We have to keep raising these questions and making the point that this facility is not well situated to being closed, It has many things to offer that with some thought could benefit the entire system. So, I think we need to keep raising these points, highlighting the things that Great Meadow does and can offer to the entire system.”
Joining the call to keep Great Meadow open is Fort Ann’s Kaylin Nabozny, the wife of a Great Meadow corrections officer and the mother of two young sons. Nabozny spearheaded a Change.org petition, one that has garnered more than 4,500 signatures.
“By organizing this, I’m trying to do the right thing and hoping to communicate with the officials who made this decision. It was a bad decision on their part,” Nabozny said.
In addition to mentioning the issues cited by Woerner, Nabozny explained that Great Meadow has the state’s largest Intermediate Care Program (ICP), a residential mental health program for seriously mentally ill inmates.
“There’s a waiting list of people at other facilities who need to be on ICP. So, what does the state plan on doing with our population of ICP individuals? Where do they plan to send them?” she asked. “We also have a medication assistant treatment program that addresses opioid use disorder. As you can imagine, the individuals in this program cannot have a lapse in treatment. Where is the state’s action plan showing how these individuals are going to be transferred without a lapse in treatment? Where are they going? Is there room for them?”
According to Nabozny, if the state had chosen to close Washington Correctional, Great Meadow would have been able to take on that facility’s inmates and correctional officers.
“This would have been the ideal merger if what they wanted to do was consolidate resources and relieve staffing issues,” she said. “They should have closed Washington and brought everyone across the street to Great Meadow.”
Nabozny said families of Great Meadow employees are understandably concerned that their loved one may be transferred to a prison more than two hours away.
“We own our houses here. Our kids go to school here. It’s not sustainable for husbands or wives to drive two hours to work, and then work eight or sixteen hours and then drive two hours home,” she said.
Nabozny’s husband coaches youth soccer and tball, and other corrections officers volunteer on the town board or as firefighters, EMTs or scout leaders.
“They are active, vital members of our community,” she said. “And, we’re not going to have that anymore.”
In partnership with The Hub, The Park Theater Foundation is presenting a new music series, Adirondack Americana, live at The Hub in Brant Lake throughout September and October.
Expanding on their annual Summer Series Concerts at the Crandall Park Bandshell, this is a free music series that will serve to enhance the accessibility of the arts within the local communities. These live musical performances will begin at 4 p.m., and feature a mix of local and nationally acclaimed artists.
“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our free music series by introducing Adirondack Americana. The success of our Summer Series Concerts at the Crandall Park Bandshell is beyond anything I could have imagined. Over the last four years, we have welcomed a wide variety of acts to our area and helped to create a family-friendly environment where folks from near and far can enjoy quality entertainment for free! I am looking forward to extending the spirit of our Summer Series Concerts to our neighbors in Brant Lake this fall, and work alongside our friend and supporter, Drew Cappabianca. The expansion of the series allows us to take our programming to the northern parts of Warren County and provide an additional outlet for the performing arts in our region,” said an organizer of the series.
The Adirondack Americana Lineup: Saturday, 09/14 - Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band.
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band challenge the traditional relationship of a songwriter and his band, with a fluidly rotating cast of top-notch players and a flair for experimentation that combine for a unique and mesmerizing live performance. They were named Americana Artist of the Year for 2023 and 2024 at the Thomas Edison Capital Region Music Awards.
Saturday, 09/28 - Joseph Terrell & Blue Cactus Most widely known by music fans as a member of the indie-americana band Mipso, Terrell is well-accustomed to pushing the boundaries of traditional genres into new musical territory. Blue Cactus’s Dream Country is a blend of grit, glitz, groove, and twang that evokes a celestial soundscape of mid-century heartbreak and harkens comparisons eclectic and iconic as Bobbie Gentry, Fleetwood Mac, and David Bowie.
Saturday, 10/12 - Little Saints
Based in Saratoga Springs, Little Saints craft a style they call their own somewhere between americana, indie-folk, and modern soul, Spearheaded by songwriter Natalie Santini.
For the full performance listing and more information, visit parktheatergf.com.
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