Glens Falls Business Journal - September 2023

Six Flags Great Escape Will Have A New Ride, The Bobcat, When Facility Opens In 2024

Six Flags Great Escape announced it will have a new rollercoaster ride in 2024—the Bobcat.

This addition marks the first new wooden coaster introduced in New York state since 1999 and is the first new coaster to be constructed at Six Flags Great Escape since 2003, according to Six Flags officials.

It replaces the Alpine Bobsled which was retired Sept. 4, 2023.

“We knew we had to find a perfect fit to replace the Alpine Bobsled in the hearts of our

guests,” said resort president Rebecca Wood. “This beautiful, all-natural wooden family coaster will deliver a smooth, fast and heartpounding experience. It is sure to be an instant classic.”

The Bobcat will reach speeds of nearly 40 mph, officials said. It stands 55.4 feet high and is 1,412 feet long. There will be two trains, seating 12 passengers per train.

The Bobcat is expected to begin in the spring, just in time for the park’s 70th anniver-

Continued On Page 7

Most NY Counties Dropped In Population, But Warren County Grew 2010 To 2020

Warren County was one of just a handful of New York counties that gained population between 2010 and 2020, as 75 percent of Upstate New York counties lost population over that decade, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.

The data from the census also shows another trend in terms of county population: Warren County is now the fourth oldest county in the state, judged by median age of residents.

An analysis of Census data by Warren County Department of Planning and Community Development found that Hamilton, Columbia and Delaware counties were the three oldest counties in New York, while Warren County’s median resident age of 47.5 years was tied with Essex County for fourth oldest.

The Planning Department has created an interactive website breaking down census trends by county, town and school district.

The data shows that Warren County has aged much more rapidly than New York state and the United States as a whole. Its median age stayed relatively close to the state and national averages through 1990 but then began diverging quickly; by 2020, the county’s median age was nearly a decade higher than the national average.

According to the data, in 2020, the U.S. media age was 38.8 years, the New York State median age was 39.0 years, and every municipality in Warren County exceeds these median ages. The municipality with the lowest median age was Glens Falls, at 39.6 years.

The highest median age for a municipality in the county is Hague, with a median age of 61.8. And more than 50 percent of those living in Hague are over the age of 60.

“In many municipalities, this disparity is much greater than the county’s average,” explained Warren County GIS Administrator Sara Frankenfeld, the report’s author.

“For example, the town of Bolton has three times as many seniors than it does children, with over 30 percent of the population aged 65-plus and only 10 percent under age 18. In Hague, Horicon and Lake George, fewer than 15 percent of the population are children.”

In addition, Bolton, Chester, Hague, Horicon, Johnsburg, Lake George, Lake Luzerne and Stony Creek all have median ages over 50. Even the municipality’s fastest growing “suburban” town of Queensbury has a median age of 47.4, and Thurman and Warrensburg also have median ages in the 40s.

One other notable piece of data that emerged from the U.S. Census’s American Community Survey, officials said. The percentage of Warren County households living below the poverty threshold dropped from 6.9 percent in 2010 to 5.3 percent in 2020.

The demographic report by Warren County Planning and Community Development includes a variety of data by community as well as school district breakdowns and more.

The full report can be viewed at warrencounty-gis-warrencountyny.hub.arcgis.com/ apps/290c5909c0cd4b5e965c9a925ada5c64/ explore.

Spring, Early

Summer Weather Events Hurt Some Local Apple Growers; Others Survive

BY PAUL POST

First a late-spring killing freeze. Then a devastating, early summer hail storm.

“I’ve heard many, many stories about lots of orchards that had total loss and won’t even be able to do anything with apples this fall,” said Michelle Wilson, business manager of Hick’s Orchard in Granville. “Some got hit double whammy with the hail storm a few weeks after that freeze. It definitely depends on where you were, your elevation and how cold it got.”

But Hick’s, like Saratoga Apple in

Schuylerville, is the exception this harvest season, whose you-pick business kicked off on Labor Day Weekend, ushering in one of autumn’s most popular family-oriented outdoor activities.

“We do have a crop,” Wilson said. “I think we’re going to be okay.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 31 counties across New York state, including Washington and Saratoga, as a primary natural disaster area following the

Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce Names Robert Nemer Juckett Award Winner

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce announced that the 35th annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award will be presented to Robert Nemer, co- owner of the Nemer Motor Group and financial contributor to many local community organizations.

Nemer will be presented with the award at the ARCC annual dinner on March 8 at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing.

“All you need is a couple of minutes with Robert Nemer to learn that he is passionate about helping others,” said ARCC President and CEO Tricia Rogers. “His work spans through decades of helping our youth get the supplies and resources they need to succeed in school, all the way to helping fund the much-needed equipment that our hospitals need to serve their patients. When called upon, he answers the call. His contributions to our region will be felt for years to come.”

Nemer moved to Upstate New York in 1970, after teaching elementary school in Philadelphia, to help run his father’s Volkswagen dealership in Albany. Along with his brother Peter, they established and grew the Nemer Motor group which now includes four dealership locations.

Nemer is a founding member of the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition Inc. that was responsible for the acquisition of the Glens Falls Civic Center/ Cool Insuring Arena from the City of Glens Falls. He also started the Kids with Packs program, in partnership with The Post Star and the Tri-County United Way, to provide school supplies to children in need in 14 schools in Warren, Washington, Saratoga, and other counties. Nemer also serves as a board member for Hudson Headwaters Health

Network, and the SUNY Adirondack Foundation.

Nemer is a regular contributor and sponsor for many community organizations and their events. Through the Nemer Motor Group, he has made considerable contributions to Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital, and Hudson Headwaters Health Network. Nemer and his wife Francine have also donated time and funding to these health centers. The two have also contributed to the youth education efforts of The Hyde Collec-

Six Flags Great Escape retired the Alpine Bobsled this year, but the Bobcat ride will replace it when guests go to the tourist attraction in 2024.

Hick’s Orchard in Granville recently opened its you-pick apple business despite a late freeze and early-summer hail storm that caused major losses at many Northeast farms.

Paul Post

Robert Nemer is co-owner of the Nemer Motor Group and the Juckett Award winner. Courtesy ARCC

Personnel Briefs

Lorie Gollhofer has joined the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce as the membership marketing assistant.

Gollhofer has worked in membership and office management for over 25 years and at local organizations such as the The Hyde Collection, the Lake George Association, Bolton Chamber of Commerce and Bolton Central School. She joined the Chamber team in July.

In addition to regular office duties, Gollhofer provides one-on-one assistance to travelers who call, email and visit the Chamber office. She assists phone calls from visitors helping them find information on what to do in the area as well as where to eat, shop and stay. She also works to ensure members are taking full advantage of their benefits, such as keeping brochures stocked at both the main office and the Lake George Visitors Information Center and keeping information up to date so the Chamber can connect its members with visitors. She will also be taking on duties to assist with the marketing efforts for the Chamber, including but not limited to; social media posts, email marketing, website updates, and more.

Originally from Greenwich, Gollhofer now lives in Bolton Landing. * * *

Arrow Financial Corp. announced the promotion of Marc Yrsha to chief banking officer for its two subsidiary banks, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co.

Yrsha retains his position as executive vice president and will assume all chief banking officer responsibilities for the banks.

He joined the company in 2015 and currently oversees retail banking, which includes retail, consumer, business and municipal banking, as well as small business and home equity lending. As chief banking officer, Yrsha succeeds Dave DeMarco, who was promoted to president and CEO of Arrow in May.

Body Barre Dance Studio Moves To A New 12,000-Square-Foot Facility In Queensbury

Yrsha is active in the community and currently serves as chair of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Council of Business Advisors for the Lake George Association, Warren County Local Development Corporation and Lake George Regional Planning Board loan review committees.

He is a graduate of Castleton State University and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2013. Marc and his family currently live in Queensbury.

* * *

NBT Bank has welcomed Brendan Baxter as senior vice president for public sector business development. Baxter is based at NBT’s Capital Region Financial Center in Albany.

In this new role, Baxter collaborates with government banking, commercial banking, treasury management and other business partners at NBT Bank to serve the unique customer needs of government entities and public and private higher education institutions.

Baxter comes to NBT Bank with more than 15 years of government experience, including the last 10 years at KeyBank. During that time, he was responsible for managing a portfolio of municipal clients, and navigating complex relationships across New York and New England, including major state agencies and many large cities and counties.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and is a FINRA-licensed public finance banker.

* * *

The Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance membership recently elected John DiNuzzo of Lake George as its president.

Also elected were Francis Cocozza of Lake George, vice president; Peter Wuerdeman of Queensbury, secretary; and trustees Vinnie Crocitto III of Lake George, Jay Levenson of Ballston Lake and Bob Wilcox of Clifton Park.

They will join on the Alliance’s governing body of incumbents including Rosemarie Earl, treasurer, and trustees Larry Arnold, Russell Bellico, Todd Earl, Margaret Mannix, Pat Niles and Bruce Venter.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

The Body Barre dance studio has found a new home in the former Social Security building at 17 Cronin Road in Queensbury.

Owners Annie Lafontaine and Katie Langdon spent hundreds of thousands of dollars renovating the 12,000-square-foot building before opening their doors in July.

Lafontaine and Langdon met while teaching classes at the Glens Falls Ballet and Dance Center, and they opened The Body Barre in the Aviation Mall in 2018. At that time, they were primarily teaching classes for children.

“We then expanded into adult classes,” said Lafontaine who is also a real estate broker and the owner of Selling ADK in Lake George Village. “That program has taken off. We now have more than 70 classes a week that we offer, at least 3 to four classes each a day are adult dance or adult fitness– Zumba, indoor cycling, barre, and now yoga.”

Dance offerings for adults include ballet, tap, and hip hop. The studio also recently introduced a new circus arts class that incorporates hoops, silks, and aerial arts.

All adult classes are totally beginner friendly, and for those with more experience, joining the studio’s dance team is also an option. The adult dance team currently has about 30 members and performs in local parades as well as at Boo to You in Glens Falls.

The dance team is also featured at the studio’s annual adult dance show that has taken place for the past two years at the Park Theater.

The Body Barre made the move to Cronin Road after outgrowing the multiple spaces it was leasing at Aviation Mall.

“Being in the mall was great, and it was the only way we could have started the business. Dance studios operate on a very small profit margin. That’s why dance studios have to start out so small and

hope to grow,” said Lafontaine. “We always dreamed of having our own space.”

According to Lafontaine, she and Langdon have a lease/purchase agreement for the building at 17 Cronin Road.

“We’re leasing it, and we have a certain amount of time to execute our purchase contract that is already in effect. We’ve invested a lot of money in making this building work for us. It was in rough shape when we acquired it,” she said.

The entire interior of the building has been renovated and now includes six dance studios, a reception area, and four multiple stall bathrooms. Specialized dance flooring was installed in all of the studios.

Since opening at Cronin Road, The Body Barre has increased their class offerings and hired additional instructors.

“We finished construction, and things are really expanding,” said Lafontaine. “We increased our class count by at least 30 percent, and we increased our faculty by about 50 percent. We now have 24 instructors.”

Lafontaine said she is especially excited that they have been able to expand the acro classes that she specializes in teaching.

“Our acro program which is a mix of tumbling and gymnastics has really grown, and we have gone from 6 kids to about 60,” she said.

In addition to offering classes, The Body Barre has a small retail shop. They sell dance shoes, tights, and apparel. Because they carry a basic line from a dancewear supplier, they are able to sell merchandise at reasonable prices.

Lafontaine said that she and Langdon are looking forward to expanding the business and providing opportunities for dancers of all ages.

For more information, visit www.thebodybarrestudio.com

Body Barre dance studio owners Annie Lafontaine, bottom row center left, and Katie Langdon, center right, pose with staff in front of the facility in Queensbury.

HiFi Loft In Glens Falls Brings High-Fidelity Music Back, Selling Turntables And Speakers

Bunkoff General Contractors Of Latham Is Selected To Build Market Center Structure

Bunkoff General Contractors Inc. of Latham will be the main contractor for the construction of Market Center in downtown Glens Falls.

The City Council in late August approved the company’s bid of $4.55 million.

The council also selected Harold R. Clune Inc. of Ballston Spa for the electrical work on the new building.

There were five other general contractors who bid on building the Market Center pavilion, a key cog in the city’s downtown revitalization plan.

Jeff Flagg, Glens Falls economic development director, said bids came from Murnane Building; O’Connor Co. of Aberdeen, N.C.; MLB Construction Services in Malta; LeChase in Schenectady, and VMJR Cos. of Glens Falls.

The 6,000-square-foot building will be located be at the currently vacant lot at 49-63 South St. where an Off Track Betting outlet was previously located.

Plans for the project call for a pavilion-type structure with numerous exterior doors that would house Glens Falls Farmer’s Market, and host many other events throughout the year.

South Street’s overhaul includes major sewer and street upgrades. Carver Construction of Coeymans recently obtained a contract for $1.8 million worth of street improvements along Elm, Exchange and Park streets and $1.3 million for sewer work.

BY ANN DONNELLY

Walking into the new HiFi Loft shop and listening room at 32 Dix Ave. in Glens Falls, it can feel like returning to a 1970’s “rec room.”

When owner and audiophile Jason Tavares saw the space, formerly Glens Falls Business Machines, with its wood paneling and a wall of windows looking out onto the street, he knew he had found a space to create his vision of what a hi-fi store should be.

With the wood paneling, there are now geometric patterned rugs, artwork, a feature wall with retro wallpaper imported from Europe, armchairs, and sofas with throw pillows where fellow audiophiles can relax and enjoy what’s on the turntable.

HiFi Loft offers a carefully curated assortment of amps, loudspeakers, turntables, and digital sources for any budget, level of experience, or musical taste. They also have a wide range of second-hand and new vinyl record albums.

“The records bring new and younger customers into the shop,” says Tavares.

While HiFi Loft’s typical customer is a middle-aged male, Tavares’ ideal customers are young people who love music.

“They don’t know what they are missing, only listening to music recorded and reproduced digitally. They will see that, with better equipment, they can get much closer to the vibe of a live concert performance,” he said.

According to Tavares, digital advancements in the music recording industry have been about convenience rather than quality.

“Excellence versus convenience. I try to convince people that they are missing something.” He is talking about more than just sound quality. The way people listen to

music has changed. It is now primarily experienced in a solitary way, just background noise. “The HiFi experience is about sharing the music and time with family and friends.”

Even people who are not in the market to purchase high-fidelity audio equipment, they can bring an album from their collection and enjoy the sound quality from the equipment in the shop. “You can hear into your music more profoundly. You will hear things in the recording you never heard before,” said Tavares. “And you’ll probably want to listen through your entire music collection again.”

Tavares aims to share his appreciation for the music and listening to high-quality recordings.

“It is about building a relationship more than making a sale. Come here. Let’s talk about music.”

A music lover since childhood, when he started building his ideal stereo system, he still has and cherishes some of the old components.

Originally a college history professor, in 2010 Tavares became a partner in Adirondack Audio & Visual. HiFi Loft began as part of that business. In 2015, they opened a listening room in New York City at the suggestion of some existing customers who were from the city and had second homes in the Glens Falls area.

The move to a separate Glens Falls location brings about a “friendly divorce” from Adirondack Audio & Visual, with Tavares as the owner of HiFi Loft and a business importing loudspeakers from France.

HiFi Loft’s Glens Falls showroom is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its website is www.hifi-loft.com and the store can be reached at 518-688-2111

The project is part of the community’s plan to use a $10 million award from the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

The city also received four separate bids for electrical work. In addition to Clute, other bids came from O’Connell Electric of Victor, Kasselman Electric of Menands and Stilsing Electrical in Rensselaer.

Also as part of the revitalization in that area, SpringCity Development, a subsidiary of Saratoga Springs-based Bonacio Construction, owns the former Sandy’s building, which it plans to rehabilitate for commercial and residential use. The fi rm also has plans to construct a large new, five-story commercial-residential building (69 apartments) that would wrap around Sandy’s.

It will be located at the current Glens Falls Farmer’s Market lot.

HiFi Loft in Glens Falls has wood paneling, geometric patterned rugs, artwork, armchairs, and sofas where people can relax and listen to music.

late May frost-freeze event. These designations mean that impacted farmers may be eligible for assistance, including emergency loans from the USDA Farm Service Agency.

The state Agriculture Department requested the disaster designation from the USDA in a joint letter with other states that are part of the Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

“In the days following the unseasonable frost, we visited and spoke with a number of our growers across the state to understand the extent of the damage,” said Richard Ball, New York State agriculture commissioner. “Many of them hadn’t seen frost conditions that late in the season in decades. We have been working with many partners since May to put together our request for a disaster declaration and to secure the assistance needed to help our growers overcome this challenging time.

“We encourage our farms to take advantage of the emergency loans and to continue to report losses to lessen the impacts of this damaging severe weather event.”

A recent Cornell University study said New York’s apple industry has a $2.1 billion economic impact, responsible for 12,000 direct and indirect jobs. Currently, there are approximately 600 orchards across the state growing apples on more than 50,000 acres.

New York is America’s number two apple producing state, but well behind industry leader Washington, which accounts for 60 percent of the nation’s crop. Michigan is third.

Hick’s Orchard’s successful business model has made it Washington County’s second-largest tourist destination, attracting literally thousands of people on autumn weekends. Only the recent county fair, third largest in the state after Eric and Dutchess counties’ fairs, is bigger.

“People stand in line for hours for our cider donuts, voted number one in the region,” said Wilson, unrelated to farm owner Dan Wilson. “Plus we’re going to have a lot of know barnyard attractions this fall, like tractor tours that tell the history of the farm and this area. Our fall craft fair is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7 and we’re hosting Jeep Jam on the Farm on Saturday, Oct. 14, a fundraiser for Haynes House of Hope Hospice in Granville.”

Hick’s Ochard’s diverse revenue stream also includes the production of craft ciders at its Slyboro Ciderhouse. Recently, one of America’s most luxurious hotels, The Mark in New York City, began featuring Slyboro’s La Saint Terre cider on its menu, a major coup for this Washington County business.

Similarly, Saratoga Apple continues to

thrive in the face of Mother Nature’s many challenges by offering customers a variety of products and fun activities, too.

Founder Nate Darrow, who passed away unexpectedly last September, took advantage of his farm’s location on busy Route 29. On autumn weekends the highway is a popular thoroughfare for leaf-peepers traveling between Saratoga Springs and south-central Vermont.

Darrow’s ancestor, Jedediah Darrow planted Washington County’s first orchard in Hebron, in 1784. Later, his grandfather planted Green Mountain Orchards in Putney, Vt., where Darrow grew up and learned the business.

Then a group of investors hired Nate Darrow to plant and become foreman of an orchard in South Carolina. Before long, people began stopping and wanting to buy apples direct.

“It was a light bulb moment for him” said Darrow’s son, Eric, who now owns and manages Saratoga Apple with his mother, Christine.

Nate moved back north, purchased the former Bullard’s Orchard in Schuylerville, established Saratoga Apple and began selling direct to area residents and throngs of tourists anxious for fresh, tasty apples.

“So we are not wholesale at all, which is not very common for commercial apple growers,” Eric Darrow said. “We are just retail. We do that just through the orchard store here and by going to numerous farmer’s markets all year long.”

Saratoga Apple has a regular presence at about 40 farmer’s markets including those in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs.

Eric Darrow said his orchard was fortunate to suffer “only” a 40-50 percent loss from this year’s freeze and hail. “A lot of growers are talking about 60-90 percent, some even have 100 percent loss this year,” he said.

Saratoga Apple grows about 40 different varieties.

Hick’s Orchard has the oldest, continuously running you-pick business in the state. McIntosh and Cortlands are the first ones available while Northern Spy usually wraps up the season in mid- to late-October.

The state Department of Agriculture and Markets help growers find new markets with farm-to-school initiatives and programs such as Nourish New York and New York Food for New York Families.

“These are all aimed at strengthening our food supply chain, supporting our agricultural businesses and ensuring that all New Yorkers can access fresh, local foods,” said Hanna Birkhead, department spokesperson.

Fort Ticonderoga Unveils A New Destination Venue For Weddings And Other Events

Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce Lists Nominees For Business Of Year Awards

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce announced the nominees for its 2023 Business Awards.

The ARCC has been recognizing member businesses for their economic achievements, and quality of life contributions to our region, for over 30 years.

The nominees will be recognized at an awards breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls.

“I am always amazed at the response we receive when asking for nominations for our annual business awards,” said ARCC President and CEO Tricia Rogers. “It is such an honor to recognize these businesses for all that they do to contribute to our communities in their own unique ways.”

These businesses were nominated by their peers and will be interviewed and scored by a committee of volunteer ARCC members.

The nominees, in their respective categories, are:

Large Business of the Year: North Country Janitorial, Telescope Casual Furniture, Adirondack Studios, and Arnoff Moving & Storage.

Professional Business of the Year: Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes PC, Well Child, and

Rucinski Hall Architects.

Steven M. Sutton Small Business of the Year: Finders Keepers Consignments, Barkeater Chocolates, The VMJR Companies, J. Reid Menswear, Windy Hill CBD & Wellness Co., Hilltop Construction Co., Northern Living, Adirondack Winery, LayerEight, and FastSigns of Saratoga Springs.

Rookie Business of the Year: Queensbury Wine & Spirits, PSG Golf, White Glove Janitorial Service, and Sustainable PR.

Large Nonprofit Organization: ASCEND Mental Wellness, Crandall Public Library, High Peaks Hospice, and L.E.A.P.

Small Nonprofit Organization: Alliance180, The Dake Foundation, The Conkling Center, Comfort Food Community, the World Awareness Children’s Museum, LARAC, and Adirondack EAP.

Community Champions: Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls, Advokate LLC, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company, Common Roots Foundation, The Car Shoppe, and Glens Falls City Schools.

Visit www.adirondackchamber.org for updates on this event.

Fort Ticonderoga is now hosting private events including weddings, meetings, and other celebrations at pavilions and on the scenic grounds.

Fort Ticonderoga is situated on Lake Champlain, nestled between New York’s Adirondack Mountains and Vermont’s Green Mountains. From the newly restored 1826 Pavilion, to the 60-foot Carillon boat, to the King’s Garden and to the heights of Mount Defiance, couples and groups can choose their unique venue to hold their picture-perfect destination event.

One of the on-site venues is the Pavillion.

An 1826 National Historic Landmark home, the Pavilion has a rich past of hospitality and luxury. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain and surrounded by gardens, the estate is now a location for weddings. The house itself is also a place to host small meetings, intimate gatherings, and cocktail parties.

It features a lake front setting and multiple locates available for ceremonies and receptions. The King’s Garden frames the Pavilion. There is a private bridal suite with private entrance and family and bridal party waiting rooms.

Private tours of house and gardens available at an additional charge.

For certain events, guests can set sail on Lake Champlain aboard the Carillon, a 60-foot touring boat for hosting intimate ceremonies and cocktail parties. It has an onboard restroom, tables and seating for up to 35 guests and there is historical narration available at an additional cost

The Mars Education Center is a modern

venue located inside the walls of the historic fort that can be used for conferences or romantically lit receptions. It has an audiovisual system and programmable lighting and is furnished with tables and chairs.

Guests can also ascend to great heights by driving or walking to the top of Mount Defiance. The mountaintop is a location to host a company picnic, casual reception, cocktail party, or ceremony overlooking Fort Ticonderoga and Lake Champlain. It features an open-air picnic structure.

To learn more about booking a private event at Fort Ticonderoga visit www.fortticonderoga.org or call 518-585-2821.

Support for Fort Ticonderoga is provided through a Market New York grant from Empire State Development and I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism, awarded through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

Fort Ticonderoga is a historic site, museum, center of learning and major cultural destination. It engages more than 70,000 visitors each year on site with an economic impact of more than $12 million annually and offers programs, historic interpretation, boat cruises, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year, and is open for daily visitation May through October, according to venue officials.

Fort Ticonderoga is owned and operated by The Fort Ticonderoga Association, a nonprofit educational organization which serves its mission to preserve, educate and provoke an active discussion about the past and its importance to present and future generations.

Juckett Award

Continued From Page 1

tion.

Nemer is a member of the Lake George Association (LGA) and a founding member of LG30, a group of donors committed to the LGA mission of protecting and safeguarding Lake George. He also serves on the LGA’s Council of Business Advisors and invests in the LGA’s Science-to-Solutions programs.

ARCC board chair Marc Yrsha, chief banking officer, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. said Nemer “is an exceptional community leader who has been working for decades to ignite positive change and inspire compassion in us all.”

The J. Walter Juckett Award, named in honor of the longtime chairman of the Sandy Hill Corp.,

was created 35 years ago to recognize and honor a deserving member of the community who has selflessly gone above and beyond by contributing time and energy to help others. To see a list of past honorees, visit www.adirondackchamber.org/j.walter-juckett-community-service-award.

Juckett had a remarkable business career and was a major community leader in his adopted home, the Village of Hudson Falls, and the entire region. His leadership and commitment spanned a wide range of civic, charitable, religious, political, business and educational activities. He was recognized with honors for his work and contributions to the Boy Scouts of America, New York Business Development Corp., Salvation Army, Norwich University, Presbyterian Church, Hudson Falls Central School and many other organizations. He served as a director of the Lake George Opera and a major force in The Hyde Collection Capital Campaign.

The Pavilion, an 1826 National Historic Landmark home, is a venue for weddings and events at Fort Ticonderoga on the shores of Lake Champlain and surrounded by gardens.

©2023 Saratoga Photographer.com

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

2000 Business Of The Year

Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce

9 Broad St. Glens Falls, NY 12803

(518) 581-0600 • Fax: (518) 430-3020 • www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com

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DeLuke

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Sales and Customer Service

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Graphic Precision

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Glens Falls Business Journal is published monthly, the second week of each month, by Weinhagen Associates, LLC and mailed to business and professional people in Warren and Washington counties.

Glens Falls Business Journal is independently owned and is a registered tradename of Weinhagen Associates, LLC, 9 Broad St, #7, Glens Falls, NY 12801 (518) 581-0600. Glens Falls Business Journal is a registered tradename in New York.

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

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

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BY PAUL POST

Think of a high-powered speed boat that can do circles around ocean liners still leaving the dock. According to M&M Digital Printing officials, that’s the advantage its small size creates over bigger firms by allowing it to shift gears and get jobs done right away.

“We get a lot of ‘I need it yesterday’ type calls,” owner Matt Flint said. “There aren’t many printers that you can call and say, ‘Hey, can you print these and do it today?’ That’s where we specialize—that same-day, next-day service.”

To keep up with growth and customer demand, Flint moved his decade-old business from 95 Broad St., Glens Falls, to a larger space at 726 Upper Glen St. in Queensbury last year.

“We added some software and equipment including two of our wide-format printers, which streamlined production and we’ll be upgrading our production presses before end of this year,” he said.

Flint plans to attend next month’s Printing United Expo, in Atlanta, to keep up with industry trends and technologies, and connect with others in the field as well.

“I try to go every year,” he said. “They have all the most modern printing presses with the latest features, whether it’s UV or spot coating. All of the printing manufacturers’ latest equipment will be there.”

Flint, a 30-year industry veteran, founded M&M Digital Printing following a lengthy career at Web Graphics, which specialized in offset printing when he started out. “Printing in small quantities was not cost effective and most print jobs took five to seven days to complete,” he said.

Competition from social media is a constant challenge.

“I’ve been hearing for 30 years that paper is going to go away,” Flint said. “Sure, a lot of people use Facebook and Google ads. A majority of customers want to mail something that people can hold in their hands, look at and see. We print and mail post cards, books, magazines, programs and we do a lot to help nonprofits with their fundraising needs.

“For example, we print invitations to an event with an RSVP card and reply envelope. We handle the whole process for them. We print every piece, the whole package. We stuff it, seal it and mail it. That’s a big part of our business.”

However, the Digital Age opened the door to more opportunities by introducing digital printing that makes production much faster. With the ability to transfer digital files directly to the printer, most jobs can be done within one or two days, if not the same day.

Flint’s decision early on to invest in high-quality equipment has paid off, especially with equipment for large-format printing.

“Being able to print construction prints in color and on clear or frosted Mylar has been a game changer as more and more local municipalities have made this a requirement when submitting blueprints,” Flint said. “Printing covers a wide gamut of things. Most people just think about a sheet of paper. But printing can be a political sign, posters, a banner, door hanger or it can be smaller items such as a post card and envelope, payroll check or folder. There’s so many things that go into that it. It’s not just a piece of paper.”

In an era of constant change, dedication to customer service has always been his highest priority, he said.

“Imagine planning an event as a nonprofit and at the ninth hour, you get a sponsor whose logo you need to include in your printed banner or program. No problem. We’ll make it happen,” Flint said. “We love nonprofits.”

About 85 percent of M&M’s business comes from clients in Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties in addition to the Albany area. But the firm’s reputation for high-quality, prompt service also generates jobs throughout the U.S.

“We recently sent menus and a direct mail campaign to Myrtle Beach, flyers to Wyoming, construction prints to Chicago and decals to Michigan,” Flint said. “We have a lot of local designers and marketing firms we work with that may have customers

Continued On Page 7

"Locally Run Since 1981"

Matt Flint, owner of M&M Digital Printing, runs a print job through the Duplo finisher, a speciaiized printing and processing machine which improves flexibility and efficiency.

Adirondack Folk School Will Increase Space At Its Lake Luzerne Building By 10,000 SF

SUNY Adirondack Seeks Nominations For Distinguished Alumni ‘Trailblazers Society’

SUNY Adirondack is seeking nominations for 2023 Trailblazers, the college’s society for distinguished alumni.

In its sixth year, the Trailblazer Society identifies and honors alumni who achieved significant success in their careers or made a substantial impact through philanthropic efforts and community service.

“SUNY Adirondack’s distinguished alumni have blazed a trail in their careers and communities,” said Liz Lastowski, director of annual giving and alumni relations. “They exemplify professional and philanthropic leadership, and pave the way for the generations that follow.”

The 2023 Class of SUNY Adirondack

Bobcat Ride

Continued From Page 1

sary celebration.

Trailblazers will be selected by a committee of distinguished faculty, alumni and SUNY Adirondack leaders. A ceremony will be held in the winter to honor and induct new members.

To nominate a SUNY Adirondack alum, visit sunyacc.edu/give/suny-adirondacktrailblazers, download the nomination form, then email it to lastowskie@sunyacc.edu or mail it to SUNY Adirondack Foundation, 640 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY 12804.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, Sept. 29.

For more information, contact Liz Lastowski, director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at lastowskie@sunyacc.edu.

for qualified applicants. A variety of departments and positions offer opportunities with flexible hours and perks. Many jobs start at $15 per hour, the company said.

Interested applicants can learn more and apply online at sixflagsjobs.com.

BY ANN DONNELLY

The Adirondack Folk School, based in Lake Luzerne, has started the process of expanding its facilities by 10,000 square feet to accommodate its programs on the main campus.

Executive Director Terri Cerveny sent out Request for Proposals(RFP) to architecture and design firms and expects to award the project sometime in October. He will then have a better sense of the cost and fundraising required to complete it, he said.

The courses, events, and programs the school provides aim to “bring us back to our roots,” said Cerveny. “In the past, people had to make their own baskets, bowls, etc. We want to ensure that the next generation can continue to practice these kinds of crafts.”

The school has 22 categories of courses, including blacksmithing, canoe making, cooking, nature studies, soap making, and more.

While the pandemic was brutal for many businesses and nonprofit organizations, it brought many people to the Adirondack Folk School.

“People wanted to get out from behind their computers, use their hands, and get back to their roots,” he said. Demand for the existing courses and new courses continues to grow.

The school currently holds some courses in a storefront at the Lake George Outlets. The expansion will mean they can bring more of those courses back to the main campus. The

campus also brings the school to the attention of more people and has space for larger projects, like canoe building, Sagamore chair making, and weaving.

The expansion will also add a commercial kitchen to provide more courses in Adirondack food and kitchen crafts like soap making, canning, bread making and maple syrup making.

“We would like to include more indigenous skills, as well as family and kids crafts classes,” said Cerveny.

Philanthropy is vital to the success of the school. There will be additional fundraising and grant proposals to fund the expansion, but ongoing fundraising is essential to keep the costs of courses and programs reasonable. A grant from the Adirondack Foundation’s Generous Acts Fund provides a $250 scholarship for students in need.

The school’s Hearts for the Arts Gala fundraiser is on Sept. 30 at the Hitching Post in Lake Luzerne. The event is a celebration of the arts and traditions of the Adirondacks with live music, hors d’oeurves, dinner, a silent auction stocked with hand-made crafts from the school’s patrons, donated baskets from local vendors and the presentation of the annual Patron of the Arts award.

For more information on the school or to purchase Gala tickets, visit adirondackfolkschool. org or call 518-696-2400.

“The Bobcat will provide the unique feel of a quintessential wooden coaster, introducing thrill-seekers to quick turns, spunky drops and heart-pumping excitement aboard a custom, state-of-the-art, themed train,” the company said.

The rest of the 2023 season includes Oktoberfest and Fright Fest.

The resort is currently hiring for Fright Fest and for a variety of positions across departments, including a seamless rapid-hire option

M & M Digital Printing

Continued From Page 6

all across the country. That’s how we reach out.”

Another factor contributing to the company’s success is access to graphic design software like Adobe’s suite of design programs and Canva. Software like this makes it easy for individuals to create their own designs for printing.

Six Flags Great Escape Resort features a 200-suite, kid-friendly lodge with an indoor water park and a theme park that offers thrills for all ages.

Six Flags Entertainment Corp. has 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For nearly 62 years, Six Flags has entertained hundreds of millions of guests with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling waterparks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com

“Party invitations, posters and Christmas cards are probably the things we print the most for individuals,” Flint said.

In addition to himself, the company’s four-person staff includes Flint’s son, Matt Flint Jr.

Flint said he’d like to hire two or three more people including an entry-level printer, customer service representative and sales person.

“We just want to continually grow and give back to the community,” Flint said. “That’s a big focus for us.”

David S. DeMarco CEO, President Arrow Financial Corp. Reads

The expansion of the Adirondack Folk School will provide space for larger projects, like canoe building, Sagamore chair making, and weaving.

Courtesy Adirondack Folk School

we want to help smoothly through life f and smoothly through life and

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Home / Energy

Annual Saratoga Showcase Of Homes Set For October; Two Lake George Homes Added

Solar Power Company Officials Say Best Time To Start Planning Projects Is In The Fall

Tickets for the area’s premiere new home tour, the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, are on sale. The event is celebrating 27 years in Saratoga County.

Tickets are available at all Adirondack Trust branch locations, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa and Queensbury, Saratoga National Bank, Glens Falls National Bank and Roohan Realty on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Tickets are $25 and this year’s edition has 10 locations on display. New this year are two showcase locations in Lake George.

Tickets are conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or can be purchased online through the event website at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

Each showcase ticket holder will receive a free shoe/tote bag at the first home visited.

The 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being presented over two fall weekends—Oct. 7-8 and Oct. 14-15.

Participating builders in this year’s event include Belmonte Builders, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, DSG Construction and Remodeling, Kodiak Construction, R & M Homes, The BDC

Group, Whitbeck Construction and Witt Construction.

To view an interactive map and to scan a QR Code of the home locations, directions and much more, visit the mobile friendly website.

This annual community event has contributed nearly $1.5 million to local charities.

Proceeds from the Saratoga Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (www.rtsaratoga.org) and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties (www.glensfallshabitat.org).

The Saratoga Builders Association Inc. is a specialized professional trade association. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County.

For more information, visit saratogabuilders.org or contact Barry Potoker, executive director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org.

BY PAUL POST

The sun rises and sets every day. In these times, some use it—solar energy—as a major source of power to heat homes and otherwise power utilities in the home.

The best time to buy a roof-mounted system that converts its energy to cost-saving electricity is now, say those in the industry.

In the Northeast, solar electric systems generate about 70 percent of their energy for the entire year between April and September, so they need to be operational in March. But it takes several months to design, obtain various approvals and install them.

“So the best time to start thinking about solar, getting quotes to make a decision so we can get a contract in place, obtain permits, secure materials, get the system inspected, permitted and turned on by a utility company, is this fall,” said Peter Kronau, senior project manager at Queensbury-based Apex Solar.

“I always tell residents and business owners, ‘It’s not when you go solar, it’s that you go solar’,” he said. “The sun is always coming up and going down. Time is always moving. There is a ‘Goldilocks’ window to have a solar system installed, commissioned and turned on to maximize the benefit from day one. If you miss that window you’re playing catch-up until the system has been operational for 365 days because of how the offset works with net metering and the utility company.”

From spring to early fall, systems produce more energy than a home or business needs. With net metering, the utility acts as a virtual battery bank storing up kilowatt credits on your account. By late fall, when a system produces less than a home or business is consuming, you draw from those credits.

“As you go through winter, surplus kilowatt hours are allocated to the balance of usage in a month and offsets the whole bill,” Kronau said.

That’s why it makes sense, to maximize a system’s effectiveness and achieve full savings next winter, to start shopping now.

And going solar has never been more attractive as America’s unquenchable thirst for electricity keeps escalating. Nationwide electric usage is on an upward trajectory, driven by everything from millions of small cell-phone chargers to new electric vehicles hitting the road every day.

Rick Irizarry is director of sales and business development for SunPower by New York State Solar Farm. The Ulster County-based firm, with offices in Glens Falls, has installed more than 8,000 systems in a service area stretching from the lower Hudson Valley to Lake George.

“The only thing that’s gone up higher than interest rates is electricity,” Irizarry said. “Even with higher interest rates we’re still showing customers significant savings on their electric bills.”

Solar really took off around 2005, experts say.

Continued On Page 9

It takes several months to design, obtain various approvals and install solar energy panels, either free-standing like this, or on building rooftops.

©2023 Saratoga Photographer.com

This is one of the homes, built by Kodiak Construction, that will be part of the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes in October. It is part of the Mountains Edge development in Lake George. Courtesy Saratoga Builders Association

Designers Say Be Personal, Be Professional To Be Productive Within A Home-Based Office

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL

A home workspace that lets a person work the way they want to in surroundings they enjoy will contribute directly to an employer’s bottom line, and interior designers say there are a few recommendations for making the space successful.

“I have business people working out of their homes come into my showroom and say, ‘I don’t want my space to be more office-like, but I want it to be professional,’ which is how the term ‘resimercial’ came into the design vernacular,” said Dorothy Rogers-Bullis of drb Business Interiors.

“Workers need to mentally disconnect from the residence in the work space,” said Katelyn Moskos of Lake George Design. “The office has to flow with the home but at the same time, when you walk in you forget about any chaos and clutter behind you.”

The office need not be a separate room. Designers are fi nding creative ways to repurpose part of a bedroom, take over a closet, or add a desk in an alcove or wide hallway. If it’s dedicated and professional, it can be productive.

“Most of my home office clients had been working in a building where they might have brought in a wall hanging or a box of knick-knacks,” said Moskos. “I need to remind them, you’re at home now. There are no limits.”

“Residential design is at its root very emotional,” said Julie Maleski Putzel of JMP Interiors. “But there are both an emotional and a functional aspect of what the work space has to do.”

“Every client has a different priority but most want a clean-lined, updated space that is also homey,” said Ronni Rosenfeld of Ronni Rosenfeld Interiors.

“You are what you surround yourself with, so keep it simple and minimal,” Moskos said.

“If I don’t design and deliver a project that hits who they are, they are never going to be comfortable in the space,” Putzel said.

“Many people have no idea what their style is,” Rogers-Bullis said. “I ask then questions like, what do you want to see in your desk? Some want everything out in front of them, others stark and simple.”

“A client I am working with now is an accountant and he needs to work from two monitors,” said Rosenfeld. “Not only do you need to proper size desktop, but all the wires and outlets he needs for the internet and must be in the right places.”

A related technical question is where will the router be, and Rosenfeld said she is the one who would bring in and direct the electrician on projects like these.

Putzel said she aims to give clients the tools they need to have a useable space they can succeed in as both the work zone and also the command center for the home to pay bills and store important papers.

A home office can evolve functionally to become more of a library or a place to sit and unwind, as well as become a guest space, Putzel said.

“Th at is when you pull out from the client, if this was not an office, what would you want it to be,” she said. “Then I can come up

with a plan that makes all these things work together.”

Acoustics are probably the number one concern for employee and employer, according to Rogers-Bullis.

“Hearing your refrigerator running in the background is not professional,” she said.

“We encourage those without a closed-off office to mitigate all noise.”

The experts say that even if the employee doesn’t have a lot of Zoom meetings to be prepared that what viewers can see is uncluttered and business-like.

“Create a niche with a backdrop or screen or use a Zoom fi lter at video conferences,” Rosenfeld said. Rogers-Bullis said many young people have their office in an apartment bedroom but the bed should never be visible on video.

Lighting in a home office need not be just an overhead fi xture and lamp on the desk, and Moskos said to have fun with it.

“Try having a couple of floor lamps,” she said. “Lighting can also help separate the workspace and help set a calm mood.”

Open shelving is popular today because it is more light and airy than traditional bookcases. Moskos said these units are also useful for separating spaces, but “you don’t want to walk in and see storage on the shelves. Storage is for storage.”

Rogers-Bullis said there is an interesting trend she’s seeing in her business. She is now redesigning at office buildings so employees’ spaces are as up-to-date there as they are at home. Employers still have long leases and are hoping to lure some workers back.

“We are bringing in high-end coffee makers, air fryers, you name it,” said Rogers-Bullis. “I have designed areas where employees can make sandwiches together or shoot a game of pool and communicate effectively.”

Putzel said another aid to work productivity is bringing nature indoors.

“Our bodies respond at a molecular level to nature,” said Putzel. “The more we can bring in with organic fabrics and natural materials, the better we produce.”

Continued From Page 8

Back then, however, systems cost double what they are now and were quite often purchased by people who could afford them for their environmental benefits. During the past decade as appliances became more energy efficient, many people installed electric heating and cooling systems, water heaters and boilers and now electric cars.

But as usage has risen, the price of solar systems has gone down thanks to a 30 percent federal tax credit and a state tax credit up to $5,000. In addition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has incentive programs for both residential and commercial users.

So a typical 10 kilowatt hour system priced at $33,000 might only cost $17,000. New York already has the 10th highest domestic electricity costs, paying 43 percent more than the national average and utility rates keep rising.

When purchasing a solar electric system, customers lock into a set price for 25 years. Even if financed, monthly payments are still less than what they’d be paying a utility for electricity.

“That’s not going to change whereas electric rates are going up at a ridiculous rate every year,” Irizarry said. “People are looking for long-term protection and getting away from utility companies. If they can do it without taking any money out of their pocket, just swapping one bill for a lower bill, once they understand that, it’s like how fast can I get the solar panels on my roof?”

“Then on top of the savings you have the impact you’re making on the environment and local economy by creating jobs, which give people a paycheck and they’re helping paying taxes,” he said. “There’s a larger component to it.”

The process of buying a system is quite straightforward.

“We start out with a copy of your electric bill for the past year, which kind of gives us a base line of your usage,” Irizarry said. “Next a consultant does a discovery call with the home owner asking how long you’ve lived there, and do you expect to make any changes that would drastically increase your electric usage.”

“Are you planning to add a pool or heat pump?

Are you switching from fossil fuel to an electric

device to heat and cool your home, or buying an electric vehicle? We’re looking at where they’re going. Our goal is to get as close to 100 percent of their electric usage, either currently or in the future, as possible.”

As demand for electricity has grown, the average size of solar electric systems has increased, too. In 2016, most Apex Solar installations were nine kilowatt hours. Now the average size is 12 kilowatt hours, priced at about $23,500 after state and federal incentives.

“One thing about solar is you don’t have finite electrical usage, but you do have finite space,” Kronau said. “Especially with the advent of geothermal and electric vehicle charging stations, now it’s really becoming almost impossible to offset 100 percent of someone’s electricity. For every electric vehicle you get, you don’t get another half of roof. Now and in the future, what’s most likely is that solar will offset a portion of your electrical usage, not all of it.”

Irizarry’s firm, New York State Solar Farm, recently achieved NYSERDA 2023 Gold Status and SunPower Master Dealer status. SunPower makes the systems and New York State Solar Farm installs and services them, similar to a local car dealership’s relationship with Ford, Chevrolet or Honda.

“SunPower works on the same business model,” Irizarry said. “All of the product we sell is made by SunPower. When it comes to actually designing and financing the system and any warranty work that may come up, you’re going to deal with the local dealer, which we are.”

Kronau estimated that only 3 percent of homes and businesses suited for solar, with southward facing roofs, have taken advantage of this money-saving option. “It’s still a drop in the bucket compared to the number of roofs out there and the number of people who have gone solar,” he said. “

Technology is always improving, but with solar “it’s not like a computer where the minute you buy it, it’s out of date,” he said. “If you wait to get the greatest and latest you won’t have anything because it’s always changing. You’ve got to jump in the pool sometime whether it’s for a car, a computer, cell phone or solar electric system.”

Chuck Ciaccia 29 years

Jude Gosh 34 years

Dave Weiss 23 years

Spencer Agan 25 years OVER 159 YEARS COMBINED

Dennis Choiniere 48 years

Katelyn Moskos is the owner of Lake George Design.

©2023 Saratoga Photographer.com

OF THE ADIRONDACK REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Brookfield is proud to play an active role in the greater Warren, Washington and Saratoga region.

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Consistent Workouts Are Better For Maintaining Fitness Than Sporadic Activities

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

When it comes to working out, consistency is key. A person reaps more benefit from exercising regularly over a long period of time than from performing periodic extreme exercise routines.

“Many people have this all or nothing mindset,” said Mike Sirani, co-owner of Capital District Sports and Fitness in Round Lake “They think that if they start working out that it has to be five days a week for an hour every time and that they have to go really hard every workout. But, when you have a busy schedule, that can be difficult to stay consistent with.”

It is for that reason that Sirani said it is important to be realistic when setting fitness goals.

“It’s about finding a routine that fits into your schedule and one that you can consistently do every week. You need to do an honest assessment of where your life is at. The most important thing in order to see progress is being consistent.”

Taking that scary first step is something Ryan Carpenter, owner of Simple Strength and Conditioning in South Glens Falls, experienced firsthand. The former Marine started going to the gym in 2015 at a time when he weighed 335 pounds.

“I got sober in 2012, and when I stopped drinking, I replaced the alcohol with sugar and food,” he said. “I was super heavy, had aches and pains, and was feeling like crap. That’s when I decided to make some serious lifestyle changes.”

During his first workout, he walked for just 10 minutes on the treadmill, and over time, he lengthened his workouts and added weights into his fitness routine. When a friend suggested he try a kettlebell workout, Carpenter was hooked.

“I absolutely fell in love with it because it doesn’t bang up your joints, and it increased my strength tremendously,” he said. “It’s also great because you can use one bell and

Albany Medical Center Gets Award For Its Work With Patients That Have Heart Conditions

Albany Medical Center, a member of the Albany Med Health System that includes Saratoga Hospital and Glens Falls Hospital, has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Heart Failure Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart failure, meaning reduced readmissions and more healthy days at home.

About six million adults are living with heart failure (HF) in the United States, a number that is expected to increase to more than eight million by 2030. Despite the name, HF doesn’t mean that the heart has stopped working. It means the heart is having a hard time pumping blood and oxygen throughout the body.

Officials said that while there’s no cure for HF, patients can live a quality life by working with their health care team to create and stick with a plan that may include medication, symptom monitoring and lifestyle changes.

their organization has committed to providing quality care for HF patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their HF at home.

“We are pleased to recognize the leaders and teams at Albany Medical Center for a strong commitment to caring for people with heart failure,” said Dr. Clyde W. Yancy, national chairperson of the American Heart Association Heart Failure systems of care advisory group and chief, division of cardiology at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. “Hospitals that participate in Get With The Guidelines quality improvement programs often see better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions, and lower mortality rates—a win for health care systems, families, and communities.

it can basically be your whole gym.”

In order to achieve results, Sirani recommends performing full-body strength training at least two days a week.

“As you age, you are going to lose bone density. You are also going to be more prone to losing muscle mass and therefore losing the strength and power in your body. When you strength train, you can improve your functionality and the quality of your life,” he said. “You should also try to do a little something every day that is aerobic.”

At Capital District Sports and Fitness, low-impact aerobic exercises are incorporated into each client’s personalized strength and conditioning routine.

“All of our programs for adults have a conditioning piece at the end that has low stress on the joints. We will either have them push the sled or do the bike or put together circuits of exercises where they can

Continued On Page

The Get With The Guidelines - Heart Failure quality achievement award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-todate guidelines as outlined by the American Heart Association.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. The program aims to increase healthy days at home and reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure patients.

“Albany Medical Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Dr. Edward Philbin, chief of cardiology at Albany Medical Center.

“Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in our region can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award recognition by demonstrating how

Albany Medical Center is also recognized on the American Heart Association’s Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll. Hospitals on the Honor Roll meet specific criteria that improves medication adherence, provides early follow-up care and coordination, and enhances patient education. The goal is to further reduce hospital readmissions and help patients improve their quality of life in managing this chronic condition.

Albany Medical Center’s team of heart specialists, electrophysiologists, cardiac interventionalists, and surgeons work together to diagnose and treat the specific cause of heart failure. The Albany Med Heart Failure Program has been certified by The Joint Commission, collaboration with the American Heart Association, as an Advanced Heart Failure program since 2010.

The certification requires the hospital demonstrate excellence in program management, clinical information management, delivering or facilitating clinical care, supporting selfmanagement, and measuring and improving performance.

This is Albany Medical Center’s 18th year of recognition by the American Heart Association for its heart failure care.

Kettlebell workouts are a staple at Simple Strength and Conditioning, South Glens Falls Courtesy Simple Strength and Conditioning.

Fitness Nutrition, GI Health Can Decrease Stress

BY MARY BETH MCCUE

Healthy life-style and trauma work are simply “life work.” Where have we been, where do we want to be, what are the options to getting there?

Preferably all for the better of humanity, and the best path for ourselves. We all interconnected with these factors in the human quest for a peaceful purposeful and joyful existence. It can and should be achieved from within.

When we experience trauma, a series of neurological events occur in the body leading to negative mental and physical impact. Trauma is our unique response to experiencing a stressful event. Depending on how we process it, or not, will determine health, and everything in our lives.

The amygdala area of the brain can (generationally) hold events, including the intensity and impulse of emotion that comes along with these memories. Many neurological series of reactions connect to the GI, but potentially all areas in the body. Discovering the areas of stress and trauma, and how they feel in the body are significant to lifestyle changes and healing.

A colleague and teacher of mine psychiatrist James Gordon, MD, founder of The Center for Mind Body Medicine (cmbm.org), shares great points in his many teachings and trainings on the role of nutrition and healing trauma. The mental and conventional health fields have generally been slow to recognize the role nutrition can play in every persons life.

Th is all has been changing over the last couple of decades as more and more research and clinical practice’s like functional nutrition become widely accepted and demanded from the consumer. The Smiles trial and the Helfi med study are two of many examples of how diet plays a significant role in treating depression, which is based in unresolved trauma.

Many studies have found that a functional nutrition approach to eating is foundational to health and healthy aging, along with nutritional supplements which have been proven to significantly reduce or resolve anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, and support the recovery of addictions.

Functional nutrition is a practice of leading an authentic life which can only be realized with health, restoration and vital living. A personalized approach includes:

1. Learning and integrating all of whom you are and reflecting this in your life choices. “Owning the good, bad and ugly” and providing grace to your human. Meditative practice is an exercise my clients experience in sessions and it supports this.

It never fails to provide people words of wisdom that create goals for restoration and a healthier life. Th is is one example of many that supports us to center ourselves to whom we are, and fi lter out who we are not. Walking in nature, floating on a body of water, sit-

Couple Opens ‘Adirondack Labyrinth,’ A New Tourist Attraction In Johnsburg

ting in silence and appreciating a sunset are examples to centering.

2. Gut and immune health. The GI was once considered the “second brain,” and now “Thebrain” because everything that informs the brain comes from this root-case area. More than 60 percent of the immune system also lives here. Stress, past unresolved trauma and lifestyle create imbalance in the GI, leading to imbalance of viruses, bacteria, yeast, and parasites that live there and which we need -in balance.

Harmony in our lifestyle can be achieved and personalized nutrition must be addressed as part of this artful equation. Common support with probiotics and other personalized nutrients can provide what is needed and many times not included in a diet for restoration and healing.

3. Decrease in Infl ammation. When we increase activity, decrease stress, medications, toxins from foods and certain high-infl ammatory proteins in foods, we decrease the burden of too much infl ammation in the body. Common proteins that add in too much infl ammation for many are casein, and gluten. Night shade vegetables may also need to be decreased. All imbalances in the body, including excess fat stores and any mental wellness challenges, are caused and maintained by too much infl ammation,

4. Too many toxins create havoc in all our metabolic pathways, and decrease overall nutritional status in the body. Your body naturally desires high nutritional value organic foods that have little to no toxins or pharmaceuticals. The body was not designed for the amounts that mainstream America takes in.

5. Nutritional vibrancy can be realized through a food as medicine /functional medicine and nutrition, plant based, clean and organic, non-diet approach. Enjoying great tasting foods is very realistic and does not include stress from trying to make “perfect choices” when it comes to eating and drinking.

Christine Powers founded Asa Adirondack during the COVID-19 pandemic to create a haven where people could find rejuvenation, calm and unity away from the pressures of politics and daily life.

In Latin, the name Asa means refuge and sanctuary.

On Aug. 1, Powers and her husband, Larry, welcomed dozens of guests to their 100-acre Johnsburg property to help dedicate a new Legacy Labyrinth, a new tourist attraction.

“The popularity of the labyrinth is evident from the increase in website traffic for Asa Adirondack, reaching up to 4,000 visitors in a single day since the ribbon-cutting ceremony,” said Gina Mintzer, Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce executive

director. “The positive response demonstrates the hunger for experiences that offer peace, connection and self-discovery.

‘To date more than 500 visitors have walked the Adirondack Labyrinth, which represents a powerful testament to the potential for innovative and mindful tourism projects to unite communities, inspire individuals and create a sense of hope and unity amid global challenges and divisions.”

Beginning last year, labyrinth enthusiasts from throughout the U.S. and overseas dedicated more than 3,400 volunteer hours to build the project, designed by Tony Christie of Ireland, who has done more than 100 such attractions around the world.

Larry Powers, owner of the former Albany-based Tech Valley Builders, managed

Continued On Page 15

Mary Beth McCue of Saratoga Nutrition, RD, CDN, IFNCP.

BY PAUL POST

Christine and Larry Powers have turned part of their 100-acre property in Johnsburg into Adirondack Labyrinth, a new ‘Mindful’ tourist attraction. Courtesy Legacy Labyrinth

Insurance / Employee Benefits

Employers Scramble To Meet Health Care Costs

BY RENEE WALRATH

Open enrollment is around the corner and employers are scrambling to accommodate the rising cost of health insurance.

The annual premium for individual coverage has risen more than $225 per year on average, and family coverage has risen more than $700 per year on average from 2010 to 2022. Statistically speaking, prices for healthcare grow much faster than infl ation and that combined with increasing employee demands has companies, both small and large, forced to make difficult decisions.

The specific reason for increasing healthcare costs can be attributed to a variety of factors including the following:

• Continuing research and new, innovative technology leading to more expensive procedures and products.

• Labor shortages, physician consolidation, and contract renewals are amplifying the already aggravated industry.

• Chronic healthcare conditions, catastrophic health claims and rising prescription drug prices add to the sizeable hike for 2024.

Th is is the second year in a row that employers have projected a 7 percent-plus hike and confronting affordability and disrupting costs are among the top obstacles for employers in 2024.

Organizations must reshape their strategies and business models to allay the drastically different costs. Nearly two-thirds of large employers (500-plus employees) are planning to make enhancements to their health offerings in 2024 to support employee needs.

While smaller organizations may be forced to have their employees consume a (larger) portion of the infl ated cost.

While many employers plan to consume the additional charge, other companies may consider offering a variety of coverage options to their employees rather than a “one-size-fits-

all” approach. Offering a high deductible plan with an HAS (Health Savings Account) for healthy employees who are seeking a low-cost option, while also offering a low deductible plan with an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) for employees with greater medical needs.

Over 80 percent of employees note that health benefits are a main factor in deciding their place of work.

Employers should use this as an opportunity to identify the current healthcare solutions within their organization that give their employees the best overall experience and invest their money accordingly.

Taking steps to implement cost-effective healthcare benefits into your organization will help ease your economic burden and assist your employees as they navigate through an increasingly challenging healthcare system. In addition, it will likely make your organization more attractive to future qualified candidates.

Life Insurance Awareness Month

BY JOHN GABLE

It’s probably not on your calendar, but September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. And that means it’s a good time to become more aware of the benefits of having life insurance—and the dangers of not having it.

Unfortunately, confusion about some of the basic elements of owning life insurance may be keeping people from getting the protection they need. More than half of uninsured Americans say they have put off purchasing coverage because they don’t know what to buy or how much they need, according to Life Happens and LIMRA, two nonprofit organizations that provide research and education about life insurance.

Yet, while this confusion may be understandable, a delay in acquiring appropriate insurance can be costly in more ways than one. From a strict dollars-and-cents perspective, it’s generally much more affordable to buy life insurance when you’re younger. But there are potentially much greater costs involved in not having insurance when it’s needed — and these costs are personal.

To be specific, what is it worth:

• To know your family could stay in your home if something happened to you?

• To know your children could continue their education plans?

• To know your debts could be paid without burdening your family?

Clearly, if you were to assign these benefits a “price tag,” it would be pretty high.

And that’s the value of owning sufficient life insurance.

So, let’s return to the issue of people putting off buying insurance because they don’t know how much they need, or what type they should have: How much is enough? You might hear that you need life insurance equal to about seven to 10 times your pretax annual salary. That’s not a bad “ballpark” figure, but not everyone is playing in the same ballpark.

To get a true sense of how much of a death benefit you require from your life insurance, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors, possibly including your current income, spouse’s income, the size of your mortgage (in addition to other liabilities), number of children, educational expenses and final expenses for funeral arrange-

ments.

What type? You can essentially choose between two basic types of life insurance: term and permanent. As its name suggests, term insurance is designed to provide coverage for a designated period, such as 10 or 20 years. Generally speaking, term insurance is quite affordable for most people, especially when they buy policies as young adults.

On the other hand, permanent insurance, such as whole life or universal life, is usually considerably more expensive than term insurance. This is because permanent insurance premiums, in addition to providing a death benefit, help build cash value, which you can typically access through loans or withdrawals, giving you additional flexibility should your financial needs change over time.

In choosing between term and permanent insurance, you’ll want to evaluate several issues, such as how long you think you’ll need coverage and how much you can afford to pay in premiums.

Finding out about the benefits, costs and types of life insurance can help you make informed choices to help protect your family for years to come. So don’t delay learning what you need to know.

John M. Gable joined Edward Jones Financial after a 30-year career in the IT business.

Renee A. Walrath is the president of Walrath Recruiting Inc.

Funds Available For Those Who Want To Start A Childcare Business In Warren County

Newly received federal funding is available to assist residents of Warren County and Saratoga County who would like to open home-based childcare businesses.

A bi-county task force of public and private partners has obtained $205,000 in federal grant funding, which can be used for New York state-required trainings, fees, and materials—including technological needs—to start a new home-based child care business.

The successful grant application stemmed from a survey performed by an informal child care coalition comprised of members from both Warren and Saratoga counties in 202021, as the COVID-19 pandemic affected the availability of child care, significantly impacting the local workforce.

Liza Ochsendorf, Warren County Workforce Development director, said “We are excited to support new child care providers with opening their own businesses. This is

New York State To Educate College Students On Health Insurance Coverages

a great opportunity for informal child care providers to be trained for free and to upgrade their services to become a licensed business. This funding may also appeal to stay-at-home parents, educators, or anyone looking for a career change who has a passion for helping children.”

Southern Adirondack Child Care Network in Warren County and Brightside Up, a Capital District child care resource agency, will facilitate the required trainings in Warren and Saratoga counties, respectively.

Warren County residents who are interested in applying for funding can call Warren County Career Center at 518-743-0925 or Southern Adirondack Child Care Network at 518-798-7972.

Saratoga County residents who would like to apply can call Saratoga County Career Center at 518-884-4170 or Brightside Up at 518-426-7181.

Consistent Workouts

Continued From Page 10

train aerobically and work on their cardio,” said Sirani.

Both Sirani and his partner, Dan Jones, have degrees in exercise science and specialize in writing customized programs for their clients. Many of their members are recovering from injuries or surgery.

“As a new client, the first thing you would do is the strategy session. We discuss your goals, health history, and injury history. We also bring you through a movement assessment to see how well you move,” said Sirani.

The gym offers semi-private personal training with one-hour time slots that accommodate between eight and 10 members. A coach is on the floor at all time, supervising members as they perform their customized workout.

“Being at a gym with trainers is super important because you have this layer of accountability that you may not have if you are trying to do something on your own,” said Sirani.

He acknowledged that it can be intimidating for someone who is out of shape to come to the gym for their first workout.

“It’s going to be scary to take the first step, but once we can get somebody in here, it’s about making them feel comfortable by building a relationship with them. I feel like our staff does a really good job of meeting people where they are at.”

In July 2021, after receiving his level one and level two StrongFirst Kettlebell certifications, Carpenter opened Simple Strength and Conditioning. His wife, Cara Cogan-Carpenter, also received her certification and now teaches classes at the gym where their students range

in age from 14 to 70.

“Anyone can do it, and we have people of all shapes and sizes and from all fitness backgrounds. Our classes only have five people at a time, so you get maximized attention. I also offer an introductory class so that people don’t feel intimidated,” said Carpenter, noting that modifications are available for those who are suffering from injuries or who are recovering from surgery.

“The biggest appeal is that it doesn’t bang up your joints. You aren’t jumping around, but you’re still getting a cardio workout and building strength. As we get older, it’s important to build muscle and maintain muscle mass.”

According to Carpenter, kettlebell workouts are perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time to exercise.

“We keep everything simple—we don’t do anything super fancy—and this is probably one of the more efficient workouts you can do. Most of workouts last 35 to 45 minutes, so you can get a full-body workout in a short period of time. You are going to benefit even if you just come one time a week because you are building muscle.”

For those who are nervous about trying a kettlebell workout, Carpenter encourages them to take that first step and come to the gym to try out a free class.

“The hardest part of any program is the first step of going through the door,” he said. “Stop the excuse making, and just get through the door and invest in yourself. I guarantee you will come back.”

For more information, simplestrengthconditioning.com and capitaldistrictsportandfitness. com

NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan marketplace, will conduct a statewide college campaign, with informational events taking place on campuses as students return.

Certified enrollment assistors will be available in popular spots on campus to educate students about affordable, quality health insurance through the marketplace, and help current enrollees renew their coverage.

“College can be an exciting but stressful time in a young person’s life, and it’s so important that they make their health a priority as well as stay informed about their health insurance options,” state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.

“Many students are eligible or currently enrolled in public health insurance, and we want to ensure a seamless process to newly enroll or stay covered,” NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan said. “By partnering with SUNY and CUNY, we can help direct students to renew their coverage and find a health plan that best fit their needs and their budget.”

Officials said that as of May, almost 9.6 million New Yorkers—nearly half of the State’s population—were enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan. Many students may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance coverage through Medicaid, Essential Plan, or Qualified Health Plans with financial assistance.

Enrollment is currently open for all programs.

With federal COVID-19 continuous coverage provisions that allowed individuals to stay enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan without renewing ending this year, redeterminations for these public health programs are resuming for the first time since 2020.

Renewal notices are being mailed based on individual enrollment end dates and began with enrollees whose coverage ended June 30. The state is monitoring enrollment during this process with a Public Health Emergency Unwind Dashboard, which tracks renewal status, demographics, and state program transitions every month.

All redeterminations are required to be completed by May 2024. Enrollees have been encouraged to make sure their contact information is up to date with their local Department of Social Services, the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) or NY State of Health.

The Department of Health will continue to promote the public health enrollment unwind through targeted outreach activities, including a robust public education campaign and close partnership with healthcare providers to ensure they are equipped to help consumers through the process.

College students can sign up for NY State of Health text alerts to receive important health insurance updates, including when it’s time to renew, by texting START to 1-866-988-0327. Current consumers are encouraged to update their NY State of Health account information (mailing address, phone, email) so they know when to renew.

For more information or questions about redeterminations and the renewal process, consumers should reach out to the NY State of Health Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777 or to their local Department of Social Services office, or learn more on the NY State of Health website and the Department of Health’s Medicaid website. Both sites are updated regularly. Information about New York State of Health can be found at nystateofhealth. ny.gov.

Christian Gates, Chef And Co-Owner of Jack’s American

BY ANN DONNELLY

Chef Christian Gates has the restaurant business in his blood. His father, well-known restaurateur Jack Gates, worked as manager of the Red Coach Grill outside Lake George from 1969 to 1999. In 2004, with sons Christian and David, he opened Jack’s American Bistro at 730 Upper Glen St., Queensbury.

“I didn’t train in a fancy culinary school,” said Gates. “I am self-taught, learned from working in the area’s best restaurants.”

In his youth, he worked alongside his father and, at age 17, started at the Howard Johnson’s in Lake George. He then took some time off from the industry until he returned to work at The Waterhouse in Lake Luzerne. When his family opened Jack’s in 2004, he brought this skill and experience to his role as chef.

“When we opened, we aimed to be a local place where people are comfortable, have a meal, and meet with friends, an ‘upscale neighborhood setting,’” he said.

Through the years, even after Jack’s death in 2012, they have maintained this atmosphere with many regular customers who mostly live within an hour of the restaurant.

“My father’s philosophy was to start with the right ingredients, to buy the best you can afford. You have to use suppliers you can rely on. We get the best shrimp from a supplier we’ve used for 19 years,” Gates said.

While the restaurant has steak, “We didn’t want to be a ‘steak house.’ Seafood is also big here. If we were to do it over, I might have tried to convince my dad to make it a seafood restaurant,” he said.

Gates said consistency is key to the success of a restaurant, He likes to be creative and broaden ideas. “The Food Network has done much to expand restaurant goers’ tastes,” he said. “I took a chance and tried curry dishes that sold well. Things you think will work, won’t at times, and vice versa.”

Gates also credits the quality and consistency of staff as a factor in the restaurant’s success. “We haven’t had a lot of staff turnover over the years. We pay competitive salaries and provide good work conditions with a local, family feeling.”

Jack’s American Bistro is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Its website is www.jacksamericanbistrony.com and the restaurant can be reached at 518-7981797.

Christian Gates is the chef a Jack’s American Bistro in Queensbury. He is the son of Jack Gates, who managed Red Coach Grill, whose portait is hanging on the wall behind his son.

Adirondack Labyrinth

Continued From Page 11

construction with help from Christine’s brother-in-law, Tom Hofmeister, who has a double engineering degree from CarnegieMellon.

Precisely measured paths from the starting point to the labyrinth’s center are lined with 1.1 miles of black plastic landscape edging material.

The Powers had 250,000 pounds of crushed stone hauled in to create a base for the 70-foot diameter labyrinth in addition to 120 yards of topsoil. More than 1,300 large rocks along pathways came from their property.

Their home is in the hamlet of Bakers Mills, a few miles west of the intersection of Route 8 and Route 28 in Wevertown.

The quiet, somewhat remote destination is worlds apart from the overwhelming Lake George summer tourism scene. Adirondack Labyrinth brings visitors to another part of Warren County where there are few other attractions, other than Gore Mountain’s winter ski season in nearby North Creek.

The Town of Johnsburg provided a grant to help fund the project.

“We feel very supported and we know we’re very unique so we’re optimistic about everyone getting on board to help make this fly,” Christine Powers said. “It’s considered the first ‘mindfulness’ tourist attraction in all of the Adirondacks, something built specifically to attract a particular type of tourist that is different.”

“The practice of mindfulness, which happens on the labyrinth, is a way of working with your mental state to calm the physical body and calm the thoughts,” she said. “When you walk the labyrinth your parasympathetic nervous system reboots, your cortisone heart rate and blood pressure levels drop, so there are physical benefits. That’s what happens with mindfulness, you actually work with your mind in a specific way to calm everything.”

Guests are encouraged to make online

reservations before visiting. People may take free, self-guided tours or sign up for a guided one-hour tour, with an option for food included. The pristine property has ponds and half-day passes are available to explore trails with outstanding views of the High Peaks.

“The opening of the Adirondack Labyrinth in Bakers Mills marked a significant milestone in the region’s tourism and community development efforts,” Mintzer said. “The labyrinth, situated within the Asa Adirondack property, is hailed as a mindful tourist attraction and a ‘soft adventure sanctuary.”

Adirondack Labyrinth is said to be an exact replica of one built in 1203 at the Chartres Cathedral in France, but at 70 feet in diameter it’s even 28 feet wider. There are more than 6,000 known labyrinths in the world, but the new one is one of just seven Legacy Labyrinths, built with detailed specifications and materials, according to the owners.

“Ours is considered a Medieval classic, 11-circuit labyrinth,” Christine Powers said. “If you think about the rings of a tree, each circuit is a ring. So there’s 11 layers into the labyrinth’s center. We wanted to join Legacy Labyrinth Project and pay for it because we wanted to be known as a labyrinth that stood for peace and healing in the world.”

Labyrinth visitors are asked to make a $10 donation, “if you can afford it. If not, no problem,” Larry said. “That’s not what it’s about. We want you to walk it.”

“I think labyrinths are really having a moment,” Christine said. “We’re riding that wave and we’re very optimistic that this is going to become a significant kind of attraction. And we’re still going. We’re going to keep expanding. We’re going to add other things to it in the future.”

For information go to: www.adirondacklabyrinth.com.

Business Briefs

The Adirondack Thunder announced that the annual Thunder 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation is set for Sunday, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. at Cool Insuring Arena.

The 5k race will begin at the arena and continue down Glen Street.

Proceeds will go toward renovations at Cool Insuring Arena, which is over 40 years old this year, and in need of some upgrading

The First 100 registered participants will receive a long sleeve t-shirt.

People can register for the event at runsignup.com/Race/NY/GlensFalls/5KThunderRun

* * *

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its September mixer on Thursday, Sept. 28, at Bolton Landing Brewing, 4933 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing.

The first 50 guests through the door will receive a complimentary keepsake TD Bank,

ARCC and Bolton Landing Brewing pint glass. There will also be a 50/50 Raffle and chances to win a Bolton Landing Brewing Gift card.

The cost is $15 for ARCC members and $25 for non-members

Contact Carol Ann Conover at the ARCC for more information.

* * *

The Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF) has recently awarded 31 grants totaling $270,000 to Northeast area nonprofits in nine states for the upcoming ski season. The West Mountain School (WMS) it is one of the recipients.

The grant award will help fund the WMS Building For The Future capital campaign for the race building expansion at West Mountain slated to begin this summer.

Those who would like to contribute to the Building For The Future can contact WMS Vice President Sara Montgomery at West Mountain.

9-15 Broad Street, Glens Falls

For Sale - $2,350,000

Union Square - 48,000 SF restored mixed use building with 85 parking spaces. Home to multiple businesses and unfinished space with approvals for 6 apartments to be built. A must see!

JoAnn Potrzuski Cassidy Lic. Assoc. RE Broker c: 518.470.3281

Valerie M. Napoli Lic. RE Salesperson c: 518.248.4191

Beautifully built custom home with spectacular panoramic views of Sacandaga Lake with 30 feet of lake access and dock! Pontoon boat and 2 jet skis included! Featuring 2 bedrooms plus second floor loft, 2 baths, and powder room. This stunning window filled light and bright home features fantastic open floor plan with eat-in kitchen and great room with cathedral ceiling. New wood floors throughout. First floor primary suite. Front and back porches with private entrances surrounded by a lush Adirondack landscape. Translucent interior balcony and expansive windows showcase the breathtaking lake views. Plenty of space in the walkout basement under the great room to store lake gear. Incredible opportunity to own a newly built Adirondack dream home!

3394 S Shore Road | Corinth, NY $900,000

Brittany Alexander RE Salesperson | 518.683.5159

Megan Alexander RE Salesperson | 732.690.9312