Improvements At Gore And Whiteface Ski Areas Guarantee A Better Winter Experience
BY PAUL POST
Olympic Regional Development Authority has invested $17 million on capital upgrades at Gore and Whiteface mountains for the upcoming ski season.
Projects include replacing antiquated lifts, updating and maintaining existing lifts, improving snowmaking and electrical infrastructure, and modernizing buildings and lodges.
At Gore, workers broke ground last spring on a new 18,300-square-foot lodge at North Creek Ski Bowl, operated by ORDA adjacent to the main ski center but owned by the Town of Johnsburg. The new lodge, complete with a restaurant and two levels of outdoor patios, is scheduled for completion in 2025 and is expected to boost year-round recreational tourism, further enhancing the resort’s im-
pact on the local economy.
In addition, the Ski Bowl’s old Hudson chairlift has been replaced with a new detachable quad servicing all levels of ski trails.
These are the latest in a series of Ski Bowl upgrades ORDA has undertaken since December 2022. It has installed chairlifts, improved trails, upgraded snowmaking systems, modernized, and expanded the Joe Minder Lodge, and developed a professional Nordic center with certified racecourses.
Also in time for this winter, at Gore’s main ski area all of the Northwoods Gondola cabins have been replaced with new eightpassenger cabins with ski racks that better accommodate modern, wider-diameter skis and snowboards.
“We continue our vision of a multi-faceted
Peckham Industries Has Provided Quality Work And Environmental Stewardship For 100 Years
BY PAUL POST
Peckham Industries has 17 hot-mix asphalt plants and 26 stone quarries in five states including a large operation on Vaughn Road in Kingsbury where crowds gathered recently to celebrate the fourth generation, family-owned company’s 100th anniversary.
“Not too many businesses make it to 100 years and less than three percent make it to the fourth generation,” said Damian Murphy, the firm’s president and chief executive officer. “It goes back to the values that have been there since the founder’s days. We talk about safety, integrity, dedication.”
long term.
“The bigger story we like to talk about is the culture in our business,” Murphy said. “That’s what really differentiates us. One of the key phrases is, ‘Our word is our bond’.”
Recent large projects have run the gamut, such as paving a long stretch of the Northway from Schroon to North Hudson, and construction of large parking facilities in The Bronx and at UBS Arena where the NHL’s New York Islanders play.
The Kingsbury plant opened in 1962, one of the first in the nation to be operated as a batch and drum plant, and was replaced by a larger facility in 1985. The new plant’s first big asphalt supply was for a major paving job on the Northway in Saratoga County, from Exit 13 in Malta to Exit 9 in Clifton Park.
Founded by William H. Peckham in his tiny
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Cornell Cooperative Extension Of Saratoga Takes Over Management Of Taste NY
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County has taken over management of the Taste NY shop at the Adirondacks Welcome Center in Glens Falls, according to Greg Stevens, assistant director of the extension.
For those unfamiliar with CCE, it is a subsidiary of Cornell University, the land grant university for New York. CCE translates Cornell’s world renowned, science-based research into knowledge through educational programs administered by independent associations in nearly every county in the state.
“We are about building vibrant communities through education,” said Stevens, who has a 26-year career with CCE.
Stevens oversees the 4-H Youth Development Program and the Family and Consumer Science Program for the Saratoga extension. There is a third area, Agriculture, which Stevens said is how land grant universities were established.
Taste NY was launched by New York’s Department of Agriculture and Markets to highlight the quality, diversity, and economic impact of food and beverages grown, produced, or processed in the state, says the department’s web site. Its events, promotions, and stores are
seen state-wide.
A Taste NY store has been operating in the Adirondacks Welcome Center located between Northway Exits 17 and 18 with oversight by the
“Be consistent,” he said. “Even though things are always changing, those values never change. People know that about our business, whether it’s our customers, communities or work force. They know they can trust us and that we’re here for the
The Love Our Locals Campaign Strives To Support Businesses In Saratoga County
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has kicked off its Love Our Locals $20.24 campaign, an initiative that emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and non-profit organizations.
The campaign began on November 1 and continues through the remainder of the year. During this time, residents and tourists who support any business or non-profit in Saratoga County by spending or donating $20.24 or more are eligible to enter a gift card giveaway.
Individuals are encouraged to submit their receipts of $20.24 or more online at www.saratoga.org/love-our-locals to enter. Each week, the chamber will randomly select winners for $100 in gift cards to businesses across the county.
Love Our Locals $20.24 is sponsored by SaratogaWine.com and many area businesses that donate gift cards as the prizes.
This campaign started during the pandemic as Save Our Locals $20.21, which resulted in more than 2,000 entries from locals whose purchases directly aided in the county’s economic rebound from COVID-19 restrictions. In 2022, the Save Our Locals program was recognized with a New York State Tourism Excellence Award from the New York State Tourism
effort.
(From left) Ashley Walden, Betty Little, Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, Sterling Goodspeed, and Jim Siplon join employees at the groundbreaking for the new lodge at Gore Mountain Ski Bowl. Courtesy of Gore Mountain Ski Area
Leading Peckham Industries, a fourth-generation business, are (l-r) General Manager Gregory Peckham, Kingsbury site manager Rachael Young, and President/CEO Damian Murphy.
Paul Post photo
Industry Association. Since then, the campaign was renamed Love Our Locals and remains a popular and purposeful annual
Joann and Matt Swapp help Chamber President Todd Shimkus kick off Love Our Locals 2024.
Courtesy of Saratoga County Chamber
Discover New York’s flavors at the Adirondacks Welcome Center with Taste NY farm-fresh vending options. Saratoga Business Journal
Saratoga-Based Union Hall Supply Co. Opens Second Location In Stuyvesant Plaza
The new Union Hall Supply Co. location in Stuyvesant Plaza opened on October 30.
Owner Heidi West celebrated the opening with a welcome party, featuring exclusive limited-edition merchandise and giveaways.
The brick-and-mortar store will carry on the same mission as its Saratoga Springs location—created to offer a welcoming, unique, and refi ned shopping experience for men seeking well-made goods.
Highly trained style guides carefully handpick pieces from brands such as Faherty, Johnnie O, Relwen, Marine Layer, Rails, and more, focusing on small batch and ethical production practices.
Union Hall Supply Company strives to promote conscious consumerism all while providing excellent, tailored customer service.
The greater family of brands, including Lifestyles, Caroline + Main, and Union Hall Supply Co. Saratoga, is inspired and connected by the common thread of supreme attention to detail.
The second location opened as part of the reimagining of the long-standing Stuyvesant Plaza, joining a mix of retailers within a mainstay shopping destination in the Capital Region since 1959.
For more information, contact Heidi West at Heidi@lifestylesofsaratoga.com
Daughter For Hire Provides Variety Of Non-Medical Services For Elderly Clients
BY JILL NAGY
For those mothers who complain that their daughters never come, Laurie Abele has a suggestion: rent a daughter from her service, Daughter for Hire. The “daughters” can provide any nonmedical service including housekeeping, grocery shopping, or transportation.
Since she began business on September 30, Abele has found that demand is greatest for transportation and help with laundry, especially if doing the laundry includes trudging up and down stairs.
Employees are subject to national background checks. They receive orientation and training before they start and, annually, training in assisting people with Alzheimers. Although employees receive specialized training in dealing with Alzheimers sufferers, the services are available “to anyone who needs care,” she said. Approximately six weeks in, she had 23 clients “but it is growing
everyday.”
For now, Abele is working out of her home in Gansevoort. She is looking for office space in Saratoga. Daughter for Hire is a national company, she explained. The nearest other office is in Latham.
Abele is a former elementary school teacher but also spent time with a different care company. The basic fee for Daughter for Hire services is $39 per hour for a minimum of three hours. “We can get a great deal done in three hours,” she pointed out. Regular clients also get transportation services for that price; otherwise, it is $42 per hour. In either case, the driver gets reimbursed for the mileage driven. The company works with Eddy Alzheimer Services and also accepts payment from some long-term care insurance policies. Employees are paid on an hourly basis when they work. For more information email Abele at Laurieabeledfh@gmail.com.
Laurie Abele, owner of Daughter for Hire, sits with her grandmother, who she says was “her favorite client.”
Continued From Page 1
White Plains apartment, the company survived major economic downturns from the Great Depression to the Great Recession of 2008, and has withstood constant challenges from large multinational competitors.
“We’re very conscious about investing back into the business,” Murphy said. “Even in tough times you’ve got to put money back in to be sustainable. We’re very deliberate about that investment. And you’re always trying to watch costs and trying to generate the best quality service to customers. You just have to be competitive.”
From just 10 employees in 1934, Peckham Industries now has a 1,200-member work force. In 2019, the company moved to modern new headquarters in Brewster, Putnam County.
Steady growth through the decades has been fueled by the acquisition of both small, familyrun firms and large facilities including this year’s purchase of Gorman Group’s liquid asphalt terminal in Rensselaer, the largest privately-held terminal of its kind on the East Coast. The purchase creates additional opportunities in the New York and New England market, by supplying liquid asphalt to both internal and external hot-mix asphalt plants and emulsion mills.
“Liquid asphalt is the binder we put into the aggregate to make the pavement,” Murphy explained. “When you see a road being paved and it’s very black, that’s the liquid asphalt, that’s the binder. It’s brought in by rail, truck or water and mostly comes from refineries in the Midwest, Gulf states and Canada.”
Peckham’s territory covers eastern New York, from Chestertown to New York City, and western New England. From 2020 to 2023 it expanded with the acquisition of asphalt plants and quarries in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Murphy, who has more than 30 years of construction industry experience, joined the company in 2021, a self-described “hired gun” to bridge the gap between former President and CEO John R. Peckham, now board chairman, and John’s youngest son, Gregory, the company’s general manager.
“I grew up in Ireland on a small farm and used to play in the quarries so it’s in my blood,” Murphy said. “I’m a mining engineer. I’m very passionate about the industry. There’s great people in it. We aren’t here just to earn a paycheck. We’re here to build America by doing what we do, providing infrastructure and resources.”
“With mining, we call it the ‘benefication’ of natural resources,” he said. “Using the earth’s resources in a good way by putting it into infrastructure, property or housing.”
The website www.zippia.com says Peckham had a peak revenue of $630 million in 2023. Inhouse work such as paving and construction services generates about 30 percent of the company’s business.
“We have probably 70 percent external customers who buy hot-mix asphalt, aggregate stone and concrete,” Murphy said.
Peckham’s plants supply numerous municipal highway departments with the asphalt needed to keep local roads and highways in good shape.
In 1959, Peckham Industries was created to manage the various family companies and operations the firm had acquired including Tri-County Stone Company, Glens Falls Blacktop Corp. and Kingsbury Asphalt Corp., which had all been purchased that same year.
During the recent 100th anniversary celebration, guests were treated to food and fun activities from punkin chunkin to tours of the 200-footdeep quarry, showing various types of stone that have been excavated at different levels.
Peckham has held four other centennial events at various locations including one in New York City where all employees were invited to spend a weekend with their spouse. Guests were treated to a Friday night cruise around Manhattan, a complimentary hotel stay and a big corporate party at the Museum of Natural History.
The Kingsbury plant can load 72,000 pounds (36 tons) of asphalt in a trailer in less than 45 seconds and within 200 pounds.
Peckham Industries owns about 450 acres in Kingsbury, some of which is leased to local farmers and more is leased for a 15-megawatt solar field. In keeping with its commitment to environmental stewardship, the company supplied 40,000 tons of a special stone base, covered by porous pavement, to help keep stormwater runoff from reaching Lake George.
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge Is First Theme Park Location For Hurricane Grill & Wings
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, one of Lake George’s premier family resort destinations, has announced the opening of Hurricane Grill & Wings®. As the hotel’s brand-new, flagship dining option, the restaurant brings a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere with delicious menu offerings to resort guests and the Lake George regional community.
“We are so thrilled to open the doors to Hurricane Grill & Wings,” said Six Flags Great
Like many employers, Peckham is somewhat challenged by the state’s and nation’s ongoing labor shortage.
Escape Resort President Rebecca Wood. “Th is restaurant is truly something special. From the stunning design concept to the mouthwatering menu full of variety for the whole family, we can’t wait for our guests and local neighbors to enjoy everything this brand-new dining experience has to offer.”
“Th is opening marks a milestone for Hurricane Grill & Wings—our fi rst theme park
Continued On Page 14
“We’re trying to change the culture where it’s not just about males,” Murphy said. “We’re trying to include the female population, getting more women working in the industry, whether it’s in the quarries, out on a paver or working equipment. That’s a big population that traditionally hasn’t been in our industry. We’re trying to make it worthwhile for them to come to us as well.”
“Labor is certainly a challenge especially with the hours we work,” he said. “A lot of paving work is mandated now to do at night. At the plants, we start early in the morning. When you’re in season, from April to November, it’s go, go, go.”
The wide variety of popular dining options available at the Hurricane Grill perfectly complement the fun waiting for families visiting Six Flags Great Escape in Lake George.
Sales and Customer Service Harry Weinhagen Mary Longley
Production Manager Graphic Precision
Contributing Writers Susan Campbell Ann Donnelly Jill Nagy Christine Graf Paul Post
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The Key To Attracting And Retaining Top Talent
BY RENEE A. WALRATH
Measuring and understanding employee well-being is becoming a vital way to attract and retain top talent. Seven out of ten employees place a high value on mental health care and the support they are offered by their employers. There is no longer a belief that your work life and personal lives do not intersect. Work challenges or struggles are frequently brought home, with employees stating that their mental well-being at work is negatively impacting their personal lives. Additionally, over 80% of U.S. workers surveyed by the American Psychological Association stated that a perspective employers’ approach to mental well-being will be “an important consideration” when job hunting. Employers must take an all-inclusive approach, when adapting to new policies and procedures, toward both prospective and existing employees.
More now than ever, relationship building is an important part of creating a positive work culture. One thing that can set your company apart from others is taking the time to get to know your potential employees, discovering their needs, and connecting with them on a human level.
To achieve that important relationship building, the first step is to follow up and check in with the potential employee at least one week af-
Love Our Locals
Continued From Page 1
“This campaign has been essential in driving the county’s economic recovery during and after the pandemic,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “This year, we aim to keep energizing the small business community and encourage everyone to shop local and to donate to local causes. As 2024 wraps up, we invite residents to continue supporting the local businesses and non-profits that make our region unique.”
While the campaign takes place during the holiday shopping season, it is designed to support a wide variety of businesses and organiza-
ter placement in their new role. Make it personable by calling or sending a text to see how the role is going. Most of the time you will find that they are happy where they are and love their job. In the rare case that they mention something alarming, set up a time to call them and talk it out and let them know you are there for them. Building a strong rapport with your employees has been and will continue to be fundamental.
tions from the retail, dining, service, entertainment and non-profit sectors. Eligible purchases can include hair care, car repairs, home improvement projects, dry cleaning, hotel stays, dining at restaurants, concert tickets, snow removal, fitness club memberships, eyeglasses, flowers, toys and holiday decorations. Donations made to area charitable organizations are also eligible for entry.
“Thanks for thinking local,” Shimkus said. “Your support really makes a difference, and together we can help our community thrive.”
More information on Love Our Locals $20.24 is available at www.saratoga.org/love-our-locals. Businesses that would like to donate gift cards and be featured in this campaign are invited to email loveourlocals@saratoga.org for more information.
Renee A. Walrath is the president of Walrath Recruiting Inc.
Courtesy Walrath Recruiting Inc.
Small Packages Offers Carefully Curated Products For Every Gift Giving Occasion
BY ANN DONNELLY
Saratoga-based Small Packages is a company built on the idea that gift-giving should be personal and stress-free.
Owner Riham LaRussa, who took over the company in late 2022, aims to empower customers to fi nd the perfect gift for any occasion. Each gift box is curated with a personal touch, ensuring the recipient feels unique and valued.
Small Packages offers a variety of gift boxes, each fi lled with high-quality products, 85 percent of which come from women-owned or minority-owned businesses.
“These brands don’t get as much attention, so we want to highlight and showcase these and help you discover new brands and products,” says LaRussa.
The gift boxes are suitable for a wide range of occasions, from birthdays and new baby arrivals to self-care and holidays. Small Packages also allows customers to create custom gift boxes, selecting from various products on the website that suit their budget and the recipient’s interests.
“I have one client that likes to send boxes around Thanksgiving every year for her family and friends, and she wants to use only products from upstate New York,” said LaRussa. “I’ve found new local businesses like coffee roasters and a new peanut butter company based in Albany that has cookie dough in the peanut butter. I am lucky to meet so many cool and creative individuals in the area and throughout the US.”
While individual gift-giving is growing, corporate gift ing is the most significant part of the business. LaRussa said, “We curate specifically for each company and each event. It could be a gift for a speaker or employees on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.”
She also noted that the corporate gift-giving season has shifted. “Everyone knows that people travel around the holidays, so there is an increase in ‘gratitude gifts’ in November or celebrating the New Year.”
LaRussa is passionate about supporting small businesses and creating a positive social impact. “My parents were immigrants to the U.S. and they are truly the American dream. My dad was a street vendor in New York City and then ended up being a chief electrical engineer and traveled the world, designing transformers still in place in countries like Germany and Japan. With Small Packages, I can help other women and minorities achieve their dreams.”
She curates her selection of products with a steadfast focus on quality and sustainability, ensuring that each gift box feels special and supports worthy causes. Th is commitment to quality and sustainability reassures clients that their gift ing choices align with important values. Beyond just offering gifts, Small Packages is committed to providing a helpful and stressfree gift ing experience. Their website allows for easy browsing and customization, and the team is always happy to answer questions and offer suggestions.
Like many transitioning from corporate America to entrepreneurism, LaRussa, who spent 17 years in the stone and tile industry, missed having a team and people to bounce
ideas off of. However, her team at Small Packages is growing, and she fi nds that being based at the Palette coworking community in Saratoga gives her access to several businesswomen who provide support and a sounding board.
Small Packages is constantly evolving; this year, they started a Marketplace section on the website for those who wish to order products for themselves. LaRussa is considering expanding to offer subscription boxes and is always looking for new ways to personalize the gift ing experience. In the coming weeks, Small Packages will launch their new holiday gift boxes, offering various unique and thoughtful options for last-minute shoppers.
To learn more about Small Packages and browse their curated gift boxes and products, visit their website at https://smallpackages.co/. You can also contact them via email at hello@ smallpackages.co or fi ll out the form on their website to inquire about bulk gifting options.
Respected Musical Artists In The Celtic Tradition To Perform At Brookside Museum
In August 2017, an ambitious flautist emailed a highly recommended harpist, and inquired if she might want to play some duets together – and, thus, Stringwynde was born.
The artists each hold graduate degrees in music and perform in a variety of musical genres. As individual performers, their appearances have included solo recitals, chamber ensembles, symphonies, and many private events. As versatile educators, they have taught countless private music students as well as working in both public and private school classrooms.
Flautist Melanie Chirignan and Harpist Darhon Rees-Rohrbacher are well known throughout the Capital Region, and special-
ize in music of the Celtic tradition. They will be performing in the Long Room at The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum on November 16 at 3 p.m. This concert is sponsored by a grant from Saratoga Arts, The Music Performance Trust Fund of the American Federation of Musicians and the Saratoga County History Center. The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse histories of Saratoga County. The History Center offers a variety of innovative, exciting, and educational programming. Visit the website (www.brooksidemuseum.org) and social media accounts (@SaratogaCoHistory) for further information.
Flautist Melanie Chirignan (right) and harpist Darhon Rees-Rohrbacher, who formed Stringwynde, will perform at the Saratoga County History Center this month.
Courtesy of Stringwynde
Gift boxes filled with popular products are available through Small Packages.
Holidays
The Annual Holiday Parade And Tree Lighting Is Set To Delight The Ballston Spa Community
The Village of Ballston Spa is set to transform into a winter wonderland this December.
The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA) has invited the community to celebrate the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on Friday, December 6, along Milton Avenue.
A beloved hometown tradition, this holiday parade draws thousands of spectators to enjoy the festive floats, fi re trucks, and community groups that illuminate the village. The parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. from the north end of Milton Avenue and continues down to West High Street.
Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand entrance on an EagleMatt Lee Fire Company truck to light the Christmas tree in Wiswall Park.
Th is year’s parade also supports the Toys for Tots campaign in partnership with the Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corps, Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Department, and U.S. Marine Corps. Volunteers will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys along the parade route and at Wiswall Park during the tree lighting.
“The holiday spirit fi lls the village the night of the parade– and nothing compares to Santa lighting the tree from the fi retruck at the parade’s end,” says Dana Womer, Holiday Parade Committee chair.
In addition to the parade, BSBPA’s First Friday will take place on December 6. Many shops and businesses along the route will be open, offering festive treats and activities like hot cocoa, chowder, and special holiday giveaways.
Saratoga
Springs Offers An Ecletic Variety Of Holiday Events To Satisfy Everyone’s Tastes
Traditionally known for its bustling summer season, Saratoga Springs proves it has more to offer all year long with a diverse lineup of public events at the Saratoga Springs City Center. As the cooler months arrive, the City Center invites both locals and visitors to enjoy a series of exciting and inclusive events, showcasing Saratoga Springs as a vibrant year-round destination.
• Saratoga Comic Con – November: A family favorite, Saratoga Comic Con draws fans from across the region for a weekend filled with pop culture, cosplay, and collectibles.
• Center for the Family Craft Marketplace –November 30, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Taking place on Small Business Saturday, this event supports local artisans and crafts people, with unique handcrafted goods perfect for early holiday shopping. As the 49th annual holiday marketplace, the event will feature over 130 crafters and artisans, offering everything from woodwork to candles and gourmet foods.
together families and friends,” said Dorothy Rogers-Bullis, chairwoman of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority Board. “This festival is a wonderful way to celebrate the season, showcasing the creativity of our community and the warmth that makes Saratoga such a special place year-round.”
Festival Hours: Thursday, 12/5: 4 p.m.-9 p.m; Friday, 12/6: 3 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 12/7: Breakfast with Santa at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. (reservation required, includes festival access); festival hours 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, 12/8: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Saratoga New Year’s Eve Celebration – December 31: Ring in the New Year with a spectacular evening featuring renowned singersongwriter-composer Ben Folds. Known for his captivating performances, Folds will welcome 2025 at the Saratoga Springs City Center, the festivities include a dazzling fireworks display.
“For 27 years, Saratoga Springs has celebrated the New Year with a family-focused, community event that brings us all together,” said Ryan McMahon, executive director of the Saratoga Springs City Center. “The City Center, along with our partner organizations, is thrilled to continue this cherished tradition, welcoming residents and visitors alike to ring in the new year with music, fireworks, and the vibrant spirit of Saratoga.”
• Saratoga First Day 5K – January 1: Kick off the New Year with this energizing 5K run, open to runners of all levels for a fresh start to 2025.
“The Center for the Family Craft Marketplace is an exciting opportunity to support our local artisans and businesses, especially on Small Business Saturday,” said Susan Baker, director of sales at the Saratoga Springs City Center. “As a major fund-raising event for the Center for the Family, we are so grateful for the work they do to strengthen families and our community by reducing the effects of abuse, trauma, and family dysfunction through advocacy and education. This marketplace embodies the spirit of community and creativity that Saratoga Springs is known for, and we are honored to help support their mission.”
• Festival of Trees – December 5-8: Experience the magic of the holiday season with beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and other festive displays. Open to the public Thursday through Sunday, the festival also features a special Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, a wonderful holiday experience for families.
• Clay Arts Chili Bowl – January: Warm up with this beloved event featuring handmade bowls and delicious chili from local chefs, all in support of the Saratoga Clay Arts Center.
• Chowderfest – February: A winter highlight, Chowderfest invites attendees to sample a variety of hearty chowders from local restaurants and vote for their favorites.
“The return of the Festival of Trees brings a cherished holiday tradition back to Saratoga Springs, creating a joyful experience that brings
For more information on events, or to learn more about the Saratoga Springs City Center, contact Susan Baker at susanb@saratogacitycenter.org. Information about each event can also be found at www.saratogacitycenter.org.
Festively decorated vehicles will highlight the annual Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, this year benefitting Toys for Tots.
The annual Festival of Trees at the Saratoga Springs City Center is just one of the family-friendly events that make the Spa City a special place during the winter holiday season. Courtesy of the Saratoga Springs City Center
The CPKC Holiday Train Will Benefit Franklin Community Center During Stop In Saratoga
The iconic Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train is back on the rails, bringing holiday joy and supporting local food banks across North America. For the third year in a row, Franklin Community Center has been selected as the local beneficiary for the Saratoga Springs stop, with the event set to take place on Monday, November 25 at 7:20 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Train Station at 26 Station Lane.
The event, which is free to attend, will feature live performances by James Barker Band and Clerel, offering festive entertainment for the whole family. Thanks to a special collaboration with B&B Plumbing and Heating, a top plumbing and HVAC company in Saratoga Springs for over 25 years, attendees will also enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes as they gather at the station to welcome the brightly decorated train.
“Our office is conveniently located next to the train station, giving us a front-row seat to the CPKC Holiday Train. Last year, we saw this as a great opportunity to support the Franklin Community Center at the event, so we decided to serve hot chocolate to encourage donations,” said BJ Kozlowski, owner of B&B Plumbing and Heating. “It was such a hit that we’re doing it again this year.”
While the event is free, guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation. All contributions will directly benefit Franklin Community Center’s food programs.
“The CPKC Holiday Train is a wonderful tradition that not only brings the magic of the season to communities, but also supports those in need,” said John Falco, manager of the Franklin Community Center Food Pantry. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this event and are grateful for the generosity of the Saratoga Springs community.”
Area Caterers Take
BY JILL NAGY
Whether you are planning a party for 100 people or an intimate family dinner, local caterers can help out.
Augie Vitiello said that he can serve a party of 100 in one of the private rooms at his restaurant, Augie’s Family Style Italian Restaurant in Ballston Spa, without disturbing service in the main dining area.
Kenny Bourbeau prepares a family meal every week that customers can pick up at the Saratoga farmers’ market on Sunday or have delivered to their home on Monday. He works our of a commercial kitchen in his home, also in Ballston Spa.
Bourbeau, doing business as Kenny B, changes the dinner menu weekly. Recently, it was chicken enchiladas, roasted butternut squash, and a poblano soup. Menus serve four to six people and range in price from $45.99 to $65.99.
He also caters private dinners in homes or drops off meals. In those cases, he works with the customer to develop the menu. For Thanksgiving, he plans to offer “supporting sides” but not full meals. He does not do desserts. He is working on menus for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays but expects to include hors d’oeuvres and possibly a lobster macaroni and cheese.
If he prepares a dinner in a customer’s home, Bourbeau charges $40 an hour for shopping, cooking, serving, and clean-up. He buys most of his food at the Saratoga farmers’ market. And he does wash the dishes.
Vitiello offers catering trays customers can pick up or have delivered. He can also provide wait staff to serve at a party. Thanksgiving is the one day of the year that Augie’s is closed. However, people can pick up items for their Thanksgiving dinners beforehand. After Thanksgiving, things pick up with office parties at the restaurant or off the premises. The holiday season is as busy as August, he said, “a different kind of busy.”
“We decorate beautifully, everything is festive, good vibes,” he said.
Both caterers concentrate on the Saratoga area. Vitiello said that he typically will go anywhere within an hour of Ballston Spa but “We’re not shy. We’ll go anywhere.”
Bourbeau is newer at the business and, he said, “still feeling out the business plan.” Previously, he cooked for a non-profit Cuban restaurant in Worcester, Massachusetts, that was in business to help recovering addicts get back into the workforce. He moved to Ballston Spa in 2005. Since 2018 he has been a personal chef, cooking in people’s homes and developing his catering business.
Vitiello began in 1990 in New York City. In 2003 he sold his restaurant to a friend and moved north. He opened his Ballston Spa restaurant in 2004. He said he moved for the better quality of life”and a better environment for a young family. The children of that young family are now 16, 18, 22, and 24.
Further information, including menus and prices, is online. Bourbeau’s website is KennyBs. org. Vitiello’s is AugiesRestaurant.com.
The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train will once again make its annual trip across North America, with a stop in Saratoga Springs.
Courtesy of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway
Banquet rooms are available for holiday parties at Augie’s Family Style Italian Restaurant. Courtesy of Augie’s Family Italian Restaurant
Health & Wellness
A Fitness Studio Focusing On Holistic Approach Is Set To Open Next Month
BY ANN DONNELLY
Nicole Rothe, a certified personal trainer, licensed physical therapist, and licensed nutritionist, has announced the upcoming opening of her new fitness studio. Body By Nicole, located at 2 Franklin Square, Unit CD, in downtown Saratoga Springs, is expected to open on December 1.
The studio boasts a ground-floor location with convenient parking, making it easily accessible for clients. The space includes an office for consultations, a gym area, treatment rooms, and a welcoming reception area where Rothe will sell equipment, accessories, and products by Mary Kay, for whom Rothe is an independent sales director.
Rothe, who received a master’s degree in physical therapy from Russell Sage nearly 30 years ago, has extensive experience working
with a wide range of individuals, from professional athletes to those recovering from injuries or surgeries. She has successfully trained individuals with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy, as well as pregnant women and those new to fitness after raising children.
What sets Body By Nicole apart is Roth’s unique approach to fitness. Unlike many traditional gyms, Rothe focuses on a holistic approach, considering a client’s physical therapy needs, personal training goals, and personal habits.
“What are you eating? How’s your stress? Are you sleeping? What’s going on in your life? Bathroom routine, how much water you drink, because that all plays a part into how your body responds to the workouts,” said Rothe.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Continues To Improve Treatment Methods For Her Patients
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
After more than three decades of working in the healthcare profession, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Susan McDermott has opened her own practice, Saratoga Wellness, PLLC.
Located at 7 Hemphill Place in Malta, Saratoga Wellness offers a comprehensive range of psychiatric services to adults 18 and older. These services include psychiatric evaluations, individual therapy, medication management, nutritional and physical wellness assessments, and psychotherapy.
It was while working as a family nurse practitioner that McDermott made the decision to continue her education. Returning to college, she earned a post-master’s degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University-College of Nursing.
“I worked as a family nurse practitioner for about eight years, and in doing so I saw the need for additional support for patients with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety,” she said.
Since becoming licensed as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in 2020, McDermott has worked in the inpatient units at both Glens Falls Hospital and Saratoga Hospital. She currently splits her time between her private practice and Four Winds Hospital.
“I opened my private practice in June, and I also work at Four Winds where I work with inpatients as well as in their partial hospitalization program,” said McDermott. “That’s given me the opportunity to see real acute pathology complicated by substance use, PTSD, ADHD, and those sorts of things.”
It was through her work at Four Winds and other local hospitals that McDermott recognized that mental health disorders need to be treated with more than just medication. She referenced the Star*D trial, a study that assessed the effectiveness of depression treatments in patients diagnosed with major depressive order.
“That was a pivotal study. It showed that only one third of people who use antidepressants will actually reach remission, which is where you have no symptoms at all,” she said. “What I set out to do with my practice was to support people where they’re at while also trying to find some alternative methods to help them –things that went above and beyond using medications. I’m all about incorporating evidence-based practices, ones that have good outcomes for people. That’s where my passion lies.”
When working with patients in her private practice, McDermott begins with an initial consultation, one that lasts 90 minutes.
“I look at the whole picture. How is their appetite? How are they sleeping? Do they have other health issues that could be contributing to their symptoms?” she said. “I also consult with their primary care physician when neces-
According to McDermott, some of her patients express a desire to reduce their reliance on mental health medications.
“I think people are looking for more than just medications. I have people who come in and say, ‘I want to come off my medications. I want to try different things.’”
McDermott cites nutritional psychiatry-the practice of using food and food supplements as alternative treatments for mental
health disorders--as one of the evidence-based practices that she utilizes in her practice.
“What is wonderful now is that we have all of these great studies that show there is a connection between your gut and your brain. All of the systems in the body work together. That doesn’t mean that you may not ever need a medication, but if you do you can try to use the lowest dose, one where you will have the least amount of side effects,” she said.
McDermott is also in the process of become certified as a yoga therapist, receiving her training at Yoga Mandali in Saratoga.
“I wanted to see what else I could offer to help my patients above and beyond giving them medications,” she said when explaining her motivation for pursuing her yoga therapist certification. “There is so much research on the physical and mental benefits of doing yoga. It’s all about using yoga to regulate your nervous system. It’s a restorative practice, and it really takes people out of their fight-or-fl ight state and into their rest-and-digest.”
McDermott is also incorporating the Well Steps program into her practice. Originally designed to support corporate wellness programs, Well Steps has been expanded to be used in other applications.
“I’m excited about it because it’s something that I can tailor to my practice. It helps patients stay on task,” she said.
Although McDermott works with adults of all ages, the lion’s share of her patients are between the ages of 20 and 35.
“That age group is really struggling,” she said. “Most of what I see in my practice is anxiety, and I think social media plays a big part in that. And then you had COVID, which may have impacted their ability to go to work, go to school, and meet their goals. It was just a state of chaos and I think that is what propelled a lot of the anxiety for that generation.”
McDermott is currently accepting new patients and accepts CDPHP, MVP, and Aetna insurances. She is in the process of becoming credentialed to accept United Health. For more information, visit saratogapsychiatricwellness. com.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Susan McDermott recently opened Saratoga Wellness. Courtesy of Saratoga Wellness
Body By Nicole, a fitness studio scheduled to open soon in Saratoga Springs, offers clients a variety of methods to maintain health and wellness.
Courtesy of Body By Nicole
An Experienced Massage Therapist Practices Myofascial Release To Relieve Patients’ Pain
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
After graduating from the Swedish Institute, a massage therapy school in New York City, Albany native Virginia Touhey, embarked on a decades-long career as a massage therapist. The owner of Fascial Connections, Touhey has offices in Clifton Park and Saratoga.
“I got into this about 30 years ago just kind of by accident,” she said. “I had been working as a carpenter for about 10 years, and I was in between jobs. I heard about this massage school in New York City, so I went to check it out.”
The rest is history, and Touhey worked for Stratton Mountain Sports Center and the Crystal Spa in Saratoga before venturing out on her own. Although she started her career doing Swedish massage, she now specializes in myofascial release (MFR), a technique that involves the application of gentle, sustained pressure to myofascial connective tissue—the tissue that wraps, connects, and supports muscles. By applying sustained pressure to trigger points in the connective tissue, MFR can help to reduce pain, release tightness, and improve circulation and mobility. MFR has been shown to be particularly effective in improving pain and physical function in patients with chronic lower back pain.
An Advanced Myofascial Release Therapist, Touhey was about five years into her career as a massage therapist when she received her MFR training from John Barnes, an internationally renowned physical therapist. A leading authority of MFR, Barnes has trained more than 100,000 therapists and physicians.
“A lot of times you will see on someone’s business card or on their website that they do myofascial release, but that could mean they took a one-day class,” said Touhey. “I’ve had about 150 hours of training, and I’ve worked side-by-side with John Barnes.”
Many of Touhey’s clients suffer from pain, both acute and chronic. Common complaints include back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain.
“I help people with their pain, and I work a lot on mobility,” she said. “I work in a similar way to other massage therapists. It’s just that once I start working, I work to address the connective tissue.”
Touhey said that people are surprised to learn that MFR can be used to treat a wide variety of health concerns.
“TMJ is a big one, and believe it or not, so is acid reflux. People don’t understand that acid reflux can be from a stuck core.”
According to Touhey, she also works with athletes, those with injuries or mobility issues.
“Someone might say their leg is just not striking the ground well when they are running or that their shoulders are not rotating fully when they swing the golf club. It’s usually an imbalance in their mobility, and I can improve their athletic ability by improving their mobility.”
Some of Touhey’s clients aren’t suffering from an identifiable ailment, instead reporting that something in their body feels “stuck” and needs release. It is something she experienced herself many years ago when working in construction.
“My back felt stuck, and it needed to be released. It really needed to be opened up,” she said. “When people tell me they feel stuck, I’m happy to unstick them and make them more mobile in their life.”
Although some individuals experience noticeable results after just one 60-minute session, Touhey encourages people to have realistic expectations.
“Sometimes it is one and done, but a lot of times people will come in with a chronic situation that has flared up but that has been going on for a year,” she said. “You aren’t going to have one 60-minute session with me and say that it’s been fixed. If someone really wants to get rid of their pain, I suggest that they start out by coming once a week for two or three weeks. I am also very adamant about giving them homework--things that they can do at home to myofascially stretch.”
In addition to practicing MFR, Touhey is receiving training in lymphatic drainage massage. A specialized technique designed to stimulate the flow of lymph fluids through the body’s lymphatic system, lymphatic drainage massage can aid in the removal of waste and toxins from tissues.
“In layman’s terms, that will allow me to address issues with swelling. After a person has surgery, I would work on scar tissue connective-wise and on the swelling lymphatic-wise.”
Touhey’s offices are located a 6 Franklin Square in Saratoga Springs and 306 Grooms Road in Clifton Park.
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Continued From Page 1
Lake George Visitors Center. The Department of Agriculture and Markets approached CCE to see if the Saratoga association would be interested in taking over.
“We are always looking for more programs to benefit the community and that align with our mission,” Stevens said. “This was an exciting opportunity to connect our farmers with the residents, tourists, and travelers coming up the Northway.”
It would be CCE of Saratoga’s responsibility to apply annually for the grant to fund the Taste NY store. Stevens said that in June the association had the grant to take on an existing staff of six who order product, maintain inventory, and keep the store’s shelves stocked.
Or rather, keep the six vending machines stocked. CCE is zoned on the Northway to have only vending machines, Stevens said.
“You might look at them and think, CCE is in the vending machine business?” he said. “In reality, we are bringing the farmers out to the community and educating them about the quality products our growers in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties bring to the region.”
The machines have a wide assortment of local food and beverage products. Some examples are local honey, seasonal salads, maple syrup, soft drinks, candy, and mainstays including Saratoga water, “I love NY” merchandise, and more.
There could be hundreds of products that the on-site staff rotates in the vending machines, Stevens said.
“There are so many amazing local farms and businesses in the region, which is why taking over this Taste NY area is such a good fit for us,” he said.
Meanwhile, staff is planning tastings and events throughout the three counties. Stevens said the Saratoga extension partners with Warren and Washington counties CCEs, assisting farm businesses in those areas who would like to get their products into the vending machines
at Adiriondacks Welcome Center.
“We can assist with packaging and promotion to help them connect to the consumer,” he said. “We are a larger extension, we have the capacity, and we see this as an opportunity for the growth of CCE in the entire tri-county area.”
Stevens said CCE of Saratoga weighed the pros and cons of taking on this program and liked what they saw on paper.
“But when we toured the facility, it was amazing. These products tell a story of small farmers trying to make it,” he said, “And as a cooperative, we know so many more farmers and producers we work with on a daily basis who we can bring to market and into the community.”
Stevens said the staff “has a passion for the facility” and they enjoy communicating to visitors the stories of the farmers, talking to them about the region, and answering questions about goings-on in the area, “almost like tour guides.”
“And now we are getting these individuals out into the communities doing tastings and events,” Stevens said.
The contract to manage Taste NY ends next May 31 and the extension will have to reapply for grant money.
“Our expectation is very clear. We are all about agricultural economic development, education, and building strong communities,” said Stevens. “Through Taste NY and Adirondacks Welcome Center, we have another avenue to fulfill our mission.”
“It’s a special place,” he said. “It’s hard not to leave there with a passion for how we, through vending machines, are able to connect small farmers to not only our counties but also to people around the state, the country, and up to Canada.”
Get a taste of what New York’s farmers and producers have to offer at the Adirondacks Welcome Center, northbound between Exits 17 and 18 of the Northway.
Virginia Touhey has over 30 years of experience as a massage therapist.
Courtesy of Virginia Touhey
REGIONAL STOCKWATCH
Year End Tax & Financial Planning
Business Owners Should Consider How Their Companies Are Structured For Tax Purposes
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
Year-end may be a good time to consider restructuring a small business to shield personal assets from potential liabilities.
The tax code allows for several options, according to Paul Dowen, CPA, and partner at Whittemore, Dowen & Ricciardelli, LLP, certified public accountants serving the North Country and Saratoga County. Dowen said the typical choice today is between a limited liability company (LLC) or a Subchapter S corporation (S corp), although there are other entities.
Both provide some protection for the owner by limiting personal liability, just as a corporation does. If the company has debt or other financial obligations, owners are not personally responsible for satisfying them.
“In a retail store or restaurant with people coming in and out of the building, you might have product liability,” he said. “Both LLCs and S corps give you some protection.”
“The confusion is that an LLC can be organized as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a C corp or an S corp,” he said. “If a client tells me their business has been set up by the attorney as an LLC, I know there is some liability protection, but that doesn’t tell me how the company is being taxed.”
Dowen explained that LLCs have been around only a few decades. They exist by state regulation and blend together some of the features of corporations, partnerships and sole proprietorships.
LLCs do not pay corporate tax on profits, but pass through income to the owners, who report their share on their individual returns using the documents received from the partnership. But that means 100 percent of those earnings are subject to social security and medicare taxes.
“At a certain income range, it might be time to convert the business and go on the payroll,” said Dowen.
One option is an S corp, for which regulators require partners to take a “reasonable salary.” The advantage is that members do not pay into social security, he said.
Wage earners have a cap on the amount of income for social security purposes and no cap for medicare. For the self-employed, there is no earnings cap for the corresponding self-employment, or SE, tax. Dowen said that for those taking $75,000-$90,000 out of their business annually, this might be the point where it makes sense to convert to an S corp to avoid those taxes.
A business can start off as one entity, switch to another, and may be able to convert back, but not always, Dowen said. Therefore he advises clients to consider what needs to be accomplished from a tax perspective and how the company might evolve in the future.
“Most of our clients are not C corps anymore, but have become an S corp or a partnership or sole proprietorship that is also an LLC,” he said.
These are pass-through entities that file an informational return and whose partners are responsible for filing individual income taxes.
C corps are the big corporations like GE and AT&T, but a few of Dowen’s clients are small, privately owned entities that have been C corps since the beginning, he said.
“When you sell a C corp, the corporation pays the tax,” Dowen said. “The disadvantage is that when the owners take their money out, those amounts are taxed, so there is double taxation.”
Dowen said when a C corp converts to an S corp, assets accumulated in the C corp “are stuck there but at least you are not building up more value that would be subject to the double tax.”
“There is cost to go from an S corp back to a partnership,” he said. “There was no cost to go from a partnership to the S corp but there is going the other way.”
So while it may be appealing to save 15.3 percent from social security and medicare tax as the S corp grows, there may be an offsetting expense at the sale.
Dowen said the easiest business structure is the sole proprietorship and then the partnership. An S corp is more complicated to qualify for and if one member takes out money, the rule is the others must take an equal amount.
“But in a partnership, if I take out $1,000 my partner doesn’t have to, so there is more flexibility over an S corp,” he said, “the downside being self-employment tax.”
Dowen advises setting up an LLC initially for its flexibility, applying for a federal tax identification number, and paying the annual filing fee, especially if the business is one that registers for sales tax, motor vehicle, excise or other taxes with their ID.
“If in the future it makes sense to go from a partnership to an S corp but you don’t have a partnership LLC, you need a new federal ID number and notify everybody it has changed,” he said. “So just start with an LLC for the flexibility to change later, even if you may not need liability protection now.”
Dowen said it is “unfortunate” when people try to set up or convert a business entity on their own because a CPA may be doing “clean up” down the road.
To every prospective business owner he says, “Consult with us up front and early on. The consultation will pay you a dividend.”
Learn more at wdrcpa.com.
Business Report
BY ERIC SNELL
As we enter the annual season of giving, you might be thinking of charities you wish to support. But you also might be wondering how to gain some tax benefits from your gifts.
It used to be pretty straightforward: You wrote a check to a charity and then deducted the amount of the gift, within limits, from your taxes. But a few years ago, as part of tax law changes, the standard deduction was raised significantly, so fewer people were able to itemize deductions. Consequently, there was less financial incentive to make charitable gifts.
Of course, this didn’t entirely stop people from making them. And it’s still possible to gain some tax advantages, too.
Here are a few tax-smart charitable giving strategies:
• Bunch your charitable gifts into one year. If you combine a few years’ worth of charitable gifts in a single year, you could surpass the standard deduction amount and then itemize deductions for that year. In the years following, you could revert to taking the standard deduction.
• Make qualified charitable distributions. Once you turn 73 (or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later), you must start taking withdrawals from your traditional or inherited IRA. These withdrawals — technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — are taxable at your personal income tax rate, so, if the amounts are large enough, they could push you into a higher tax bracket or cause you to pay larger Medicare premiums.
But if you donate these RMDs directly to a
qualified charity, you can avoid the taxes. And because these donations, known as qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), will reduce the balance on your IRA, you may have lower RMDs in the future.
Of course, if you need some or all your RMDs to help sustain yourself in retirement, the use of QCDs may not be of interest to you. Keep in mind, though, that you can start making QCDs at 70½, even before you must start taking RMDs. QCDs up to $105,000 can be taken in 2024.
• Consider a donor-advised fund. If you’re interested in a long-term charitable giving arrangement, you might want to consider estab-
Eric Snell, financial adviser with Edward Jones Financial in Saratoga Springs.
Courtesy Edward Jones
CPA Paul Dowen provides expert tax planning advice to his clients.
Courtesy of Whittemore, Dowen, Ricciardelli
Adirondack
AJ
Andersen
Brawn Media
Dragos Minciunescu
Empire State University
Fast Signs
Gallivan Corporation
McPadden Builders
Saratoga.com
Saratoga’s
Westlake
Weyerhaeuser Win Supply
Wolberg Electric
Appolo Heating
Ballston Spa National Bank
Best Tile
BDB Paving
Burns Management
Callanan Industries
Caridi Payne Associates
Catskill Hudson Bank
CLA Site David
Engineering America Co.
F.W.
Granite Excavating
Homestead Funding
Jones, Steves, Grassi LLP
REEB Millwork
Siewert Equipment
S.R. Sloan
New Exhibit At The New York State Military Museum Is Drawing Enthusiastic Crowds
BY LEE COLEMAN
The new exhibit “From New York to the Nuclear Navy” at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs has proven popular with museum patrons.
Courtney Burns, military history director at the museum, said since the exhibit opened in late June an increase in museum attendance has been seen.
“We’ve seen a rise in attendance, people coming specifically to see the exhibit,” Burns said.
The temporary exhibit runs through June 2025 at the museum at 61 Lake Avenue.
The exhibit highlights the history of the U.S. Nuclear Propulsion Program and the contributions and advancements of the program in New York state.
Burns said the idea for the exhibit originated when a retired Navy officer who was once stationed at the Navy’s Kenneth A. Kesselring nuclear propulsion site in West Milton, not far from Saratoga Springs, asked why the nuclear Navy program was not mentioned in museum exhibits.
Museum officials and others from the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, which operates the museum, contacted the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, which represents several nuclear Navy sites in New York state and beyond.
A spokesperson from the Naval Nuclear Laboratory said two retired representatives of the Naval Reactors Field Office contacted museum officials in November of 2023 about the lack of an exhibit about the nuclear Navy. They were put in touch with Burns and the request was sent to the Naval Nuclear Laboratory’s public affairs organization “which then took the lead to plan and develop the exhibit,” said Denise Gladding, public affairs officer for the laboratory.
The planning and design phases were executed between January and May of 2024.
The local Kesselring site was originally developed for testing early nuclear reactor designs. In 1950 the site changed focus to testing of propulsion plants in the Naval nuclear propulsion program and subsequently for training Navy operators on these propulsion plants.
The Kesselring site’s mission today is to train officers and enlisted personnel to operate the Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. More than 50,000 sailors have trained at the Kesselring site since the beginning the operations in 1955.
The exhibit features over 60 artifacts and many informative narratives including the roles that General Electric, the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Niskayuna and the Kesselring site in West Milton played and continue to play in the Navy’s nuclear submarine program.
The artifacts include a model of a submarine’s nuclear propulsion system and the “keel plate” from the Hortonsphere, the giant dome constructed to house a nuclear submarine reactor built at the Kesselring site to train sailors in its operation.
Burns said one of his favorite parts of the exhibit is a life sized rendering of the “sail” on the USS Buffalo submarine. “It’s such a defining feature and sets the tone for the space,” Burns said. The USS Buffalo, a Los Angeles Class submarine, was commissioned in 1983 and decommissioned from service in 2019.
The display was developed in collaboration with the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, Naval Reactors, and the USS Submarine Forces Museum in Groton, Connecticut. The story about the USS Nautilus, the Navy’s first nuclear submarine, and its historic 1957 voyage under the Arctic polar ice pack is told and illustrated on one of the exhibit’s
display panels.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s involvement with the nuclear propulsion program is also detailed in the exhibit. Carter was a submarine commander during his naval career.
The exhibit also includes activities for children including a Naval Nuclear Laboratory trivia display in which portals can be opened displaying the answer.
New York’s role in the Navy’s nuclear power program began in 1946 when General Electric in Schenectady signed a contract with the Navy to design and develop prototype nuclear propulsion systems, according to a statement from the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs.
Today, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory continues to play a vital role in the nuclear submarine program. The propulsion systems used in the Virginia class fast attack submarines and the Columbia class ballistic missile submarine were designed there, the statement says.
Founded in 1948 by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has total responsibility for all aspects of the Navy’s nuclear propulsion, including research, design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance and ultimate disposition of naval nuclear propulsion plants, according to the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs.
Gore Mountain
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Gore Mountain that serves the local community and achieves sustainable goals while being an all-season travel destination that provides a positive impact on the entire region for decades to come,” Gore General Manager James Bayse said.
At Whiteface, key upgrades for 2024-25 include a new patio outside the Bear Den Learning Center. Complete with environmentally friendly in-ground heating, the patio gives guests a place to gather for dining, watching family members learn to ski and ride, and simply enjoy the mountain.
Also, new pipe and high efficiency tower snowmaking guns have been installed on the popular Mackenzie and Wilderness trails and on Upper Parkway. Plus, a new Snowmax injection system has been installed to further boost snowmaking capabilities across the mountain in warmer temperatures. Basic but important maintenance and improvements are also being made to Whiteface’s Pumphouse 1 to facilitate improved snowmaking operations throughout the ski season.
In addition, the Cloudsplitter Gondola received a new haul rope, installed early this summer. A haul rope is the extremely long
ready PistonBully 600 Snow Cat that will help the grooming crew that ensure even the steepest trails are in top shape each morning Gore and Whiteface employ about 400 and 470 people, respectively, at peak season and are major contributors to ORDA’s overall economic impact, which totals more than $340 million while generating more than $25 million in state and local taxes.
“Recent improvements to the Olympic Authority’s ski facilities have contributed to the continued success of New York State’s tourism industry,” ORDA President and CEO Ashley Walden said. “The modernizations to our venues have driven record-breaking visitation and supported our ability to be an economic catalyst in the regions we serve.”
Gore and Whiteface had 251,236 and 216,086 skier visits during the 2022-23 winter season, boosting revenue streams for many types of local business such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores and retail merchandise shops.
ORDA Director of Information Darcy Rowen Norfolk said, “We continually look to improve the skier experience. With climate change, we are not only working to provide exceptional experiences at our ski resorts, but we are doing it with thoughtful stewardship necessary to preserve this legacy far
The Navy exhibit held a grand opening of the exhibit on June 29 complete with a brass band, free ice cream, activities for children and representatives from the U.S. Navy and Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel on hand. Museum officials said more than 350 people attending the free event.
Since then interest in the exhibit has continued.
At a by-invitation-only event held the evening before the public opening, Bill Johnson, executive director of the Kesselring site, presented Burns a plaque in appreciation of his and the museum’s involvement with the Navy exhibit.
Paul McCarthy said in the 14 years as a docent at the military museum he has never seen such enthusiasm for an exhibit. Docents are volunteers who staff the museum and help visitors navigate the many exhibits detailing New York state’s role in the nation’s military history.
“It definitely brought in a lot of people who wouldn’t have been here otherwise,” McCarthy said.
The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
ATTENTION WRITERS
An exhibit about nuclear submarines is popular at the New York State Military Museum. Lee Coleman photo
Hurricane Grill And Wings
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location to date,” said President and Chief Operating Officer of Hurricane Grill & Wings Gregg Nettleton. “Our brand’s motto is live with flavor, which perfectly embodies the excitement and thrills that come with Six Flags. We can’t wait to serve our expansive menu to the guests at thepark while they take in these moments—from our hot and crispy wings to juicy burgers.”
Hurricane Grill & Wings® at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge features the brand’s award-winning, jumbo wings, boasting more than 30 signature sauces and rubs. In addition to the wing options, the menu offers a wide variety of flavorful offerings. Marinated steak and avocado tacos, a tropical mahi mahi entrée, seared ahi tuna salad and premium burgers with all the fi xings are just a small sampling of the diverse menu. With kid-friendly options, sweet desserts, and an indoor-outdoor bar serving signature cocktails and an extensive selection of draft beers, Hurricane Grill & Wings® is a fun, family-friendly dining destination.
Owned by parent company FAT Brands Inc., the restaurant is the fi rst installment of a Hurricane Grill & Wings® location at a Six Flags property. The project is the latest addition in a series of investments to the resort focused on improving the guest experience, including renovations to guest suites and The Bobcat, an all-new and highly anticipated roller coaster which debuted this spring at the Six Flags Great Escape theme park.
Those visiting during December can enjoy the magic of the holidays. Six Flags Great Escape Lodge comes alive with twinkling lights, holiday music and beautifully decorated trees. Special holiday-themed activities include meet and greets with holiday characters, dance parties, holiday light shows, gingerbread making, games with jolly elves and more. Visit https:// www.sixflagsgreatescapelodge.com/ for more information.
Six Flags Great Escape Resort is one of the quintessential locations to play, stay and get
away. Th is unique family vacation 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 Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator with 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 17 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property including Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands. com.
With almost 50 restaurants located across the United States, Hurricane Grill & Wings® is known for its jumbo, fresh wings, more than 35 signature sauces and rubs, and tropical, laid-back vibe. Hurricane Grill & Wings’ menu includes wings, tacos, burgers, and seafood. The original Hurricane Grill & Wings opened in Fort Pierce, Fla., in 1995 and has expanded to locations throughout the United States. For more information visit www.hurricanewings. com.
Fitness Studio
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This approach allows her to create personalized plans that address individual limitations and lifestyles.
Rothe’s personal journey is one of inspiration and resilience. After a severe accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, she had to relearn how to walk and talk. Her recovery and return to fitness through sheer determination and hard work serve as a powerful inspiration for clients facing their own challenges.
“I’m not going to let you go. I’ve got you. Use my belief, use my faith, use my trust, and I’ll get you to where you want to go. We’re in this together. We’re partners,” she said.
Rothe’s nickname, the Pink Mamba, came from her passion for sports and achievement.
“I love Kobe Bryant. I just think his work ethic, drive, and determination were just amazing,” said Rothe. “The legacy that he has left is not just in the sports world but the world as a whole. Anybody can rise up with the right determination and hard work. That is what I’ve done my whole life, twice, or probably more than that. His nickname was The Black Mamba. And so, because of Mary Kay with the pink, my favorite color since I was a baby, I am the Pink Mamba.”
Rothe’s ultimate goal is to build a community
at Body By Nicole where everyone feels welcome and supported on their fitness journey. She also plans to collaborate with other local businesses in the wellness industry to provide other services, workshops, and events.
“I love to help other small businesses, especially women-based businesses, to thrive and to grow,” Rothe says. “We’re all working towards the same goal, and by working together, we can achieve even greater results.”
Rothe believes in building sustainable habits rather than quick fi xes and works closely with clients to develop personalized meal plans and address nutritional needs, recommending a minimum commitment of three hour-long sessions per week for at least four months for optimal results.
“I tell people once you sign on with me, you’ve got me,” said Rothe. “I’m texting you later in the day, after a session, ‘How are you feeling? What did you eat today? How did you sleep?’ If I see you three times a week, you’re hearing from me five, six times a week, even just quick little texts.”
Those interested in working with Rothe can visit her website, www.thepinkmamba.com, or find her on Instagram and Facebook under the handle @ThePinkMamba.
Charitable Gifts
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lishing a donor-advised fund. You can put many types of assets into this fund, and then direct it to make grants periodically to the charities you’ve chosen. You get an immediate tax deduction for your contribution, and, if you donate appreciated assets, such as stocks, you’ll avoid the capital gains taxes you would have incurred if you simply sold the stocks and then gave the money to the charities. One note of caution, though — your contributions to a donor-advised fund are irrevocable, and once the assets
are in the fund, you can’t use them for anything except charitable giving.
These strategies — QCDs and donor-advised funds in particular — can be complex and involve several issues of which you should be aware. So, you should consult your tax advisor before taking action. But if any of these techniques are appropriate for your situation, give them some thought — because helping a charitable group and getting tax benefits for doing so is a “win” for everyone.
Chuck Ciaccia
The New Owners Of Union Square Have Ambitious Plans To Improve The Building
BY PAUL POST
Ryan and Erin Connor are just the right people to develop a property ideally located for taking advantage of Glens Falls’ ongoing economic rejuvenation.
The couple, both RPI grads, recently purchased the three-story, 45,000-square-foot Union Square building at 9-15 Broad Street, just around the corner from South Street, a cornerstone of the city’s revitalization.
The acquisition, financed by NBT Bank, was for approximately $1.6 million.
“The prior owner, Tom O’Neil, did a lot of capital improvements,” Ryan said. “He upgraded gas service, installed an elevator. The building’s got great bones. We’re going to further that a bit, focusing on the roof and grounds. From there we’ll be looking to add a mix of commercial and residential space depending on where it is in the building.”
There’s currently an eclectic mix of business and professional tenants such as a day spa, chemical firm, mortgage group, legal and architectural firms occupying spaces ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet.
But the building, including a spacious basement in addition to three overhead stories, is only half full and the wide-open top floor is completely vacant. This space, with a separate Pine Street entrance and ample parking, is most suitable for apartments and it’s within easy walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants.
“We’re looking to develop the building to best suit the community, but apartments are a need in the area,” Ryan said. “It does seem appropriate for that. They would be for one and two bedrooms.”
The Connors, who grew up in the Glens Falls area, have owned Queensbury-based EBRM Properties LLC since 2008. “Basically we’ve been improving older homes in the Glens Falls area including three on Glen Street, mostly residential up to this point,”
Ryan said. “This one has more of a commercial aspect than we’ve done in the past. We were wrapping up work on other properties, were looking for our next project and saw this on the market.”
The Connors’ extensive engineering backgrounds are well-suited for their new upcoming plans. Ryan said Erin specializes in layout, materials selection and the general look of things.
“When you get into these old buildings you get into a lot of old construction problems,” he said. “You need to figure out what to do. That’s what I view as my strength, to engineer a solution and also plan out the project itself.”
“Over time I’ve grown to love building science and doing general construction,” Ryan said. “I’m always doing something related to construction, whether it’s our own place or apartments. I’m always doing projects, always bringing creativity to them. Erin really enjoys design so she and I complement each other. We always look to challenge ourselves. We take a lot of pride in what we can turn a place into.”
To date, the Connors have renovated 25 apartments near downtown, priced from $900 to $1,400 per month.
“There’s a lot of variables,” Ryan said. “Cost depends on size, is there laundry, parking, is heat included? We definitely look to keep our housing affordable and clean. We value good, long-term tenants. There is demand for apartments with amenities and parking close to downtown. That’s what we’ve learned with our experiences on Glen Street.”
“Our strategy at Union Square is incremental improvement,” he said. “We’re going to keep what’s good going and look to further it. There’s a lot of good happening on South Street. You can definitely see things moving. We want to contribute to that revitalization with this building.”
New owners Ryan and Erin Connor are set to revitalize Union Square in Glens Falls with commercial and residential spaces. Their plans aim to contribute to the city’s ongoing growth and transformation. Glens Falls Business Journal
