Saratoga Business Journal - July 2023

PSG Golf Moves Instruction, Game Simulator Business To Maple Avenue In Saratoga

Fans Can Sign Up To Tour Horse Breeding Farms After Breakfast At The Race Track

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

Less than one year after Mike Gerarde established PSG Golf, he and partner Jeff Boss have opened an indoor golf facility at 615 Maple Ave., Suite 2, in Saratoga Springs.

PSG Golf offers golf lessons to students of all ages and skill levels, and their new facility features two golf simulators, a TopGolf simulator, an indoor putting and chipping green, and a bar.

Gerarde, a Glens Falls native, began playing golf about 10 years ago while a student at Syracuse University. After graduating and joining his family’s payroll company, Keena Staffing, he found himself entertaining clients on the golf course.

“The connections you create through the golf course are invaluable, and that’s how I got

the idea to start a golf lessons business,” said Gerarde. “A lot of people that I worked with or that I knew didn’t want to get out on the golf course because they thought they weren’t good enough.”

After becoming certified as a golf teacher, he established PSG Golf in July 2022. The business is named in honor of his father, Paul Stephen Gerarde, who passed away when Gerarde was 10.

Before opening his own facility, Gerarde taught lessons at the Luxury Box in Queensbury and Tarks Indoor Golf Center Saratoga. He then partnered with Jeff Boss, a Capital Region native who has been golfing since he was 10.

“Jeff is a tremendous golfer,” said Gerarde. “He was an accountant in Albany, and when I

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Summer Concert Series Returns To Congress Park Featuring Local, Regional Bands

The Saratoga Summer Concert Series has returned to Congress Park for the 2023 season.

People can attend the free shows, bring blankets and chairs, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy some of the area’s favorite performers.

This family-friendly concert series is a program of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center in partnership with Discover Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs.

“We’re thrilled to once again bring you the Summer Concert Series,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “We have an eclectic mix of great local bands this year. The concerts are familyfriendly and welcoming to all, showcasing the amazing artistic talent we are so lucky to have in Saratoga Springs.”

The Saratoga Summer Concert Series will take place Sundays in July and Tuesdays in August. Shows begin at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial in Congress Park and each concert will be approximately 90 minutes.

Inside the Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway, will be the concert rain location.

Dates and performers include:

July 23 – Skippy and the Pistons, an eight-piece classic rock horn band, celebrating 48 years together.

July 30 – Proudest Monkeys Band, a Dave Matthews Band cover jam band formed in 2017 in the Capital Region.

Aug. 1 – MPThree, made up of Mark Pierre and Scot Chamberlain, both life-long Capital District residents and local performers.

Aug. 8 – Betsy and the ByeGons, playing pop music from the 50s through today.

Aug. 15 – Rustic Spirit with Pete Jones on lead guitar, who is a member of The Blues Hall of Fame and has shared the stage with Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd and has opened for Marshall Tucker, Charlie Daniels, and many others.

Aug. 22 – Garland Nelson and Soul Session presented by Saratoga Automobile Museum. Soul Session is a high-energy musical ensemble that crosses many genres and earned them the distinction of 2019 Eddies award winner as “Best Band in Capital Region.”

Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the state Council on

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The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) plans to significantly enhance opportunities for fans to experience the Saratoga Breakfast And Breeding Farm Tour package, which debuted to sold out crowds each Friday in its inaugural season last year.

The track opens Thursday, July 13.

The tour this year will be offered every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during the Saratoga meet and feature two active thoroughbred breeding farms. The tours will accommodate up to 52 guests each day beginning Friday, July 14, and concluding on Friday, Sept. 1.

The tours will be offered every Wednesday at Song Hill Thoroughbreds, 290 County Road 75 in Mechanicville, and every Thursday and Friday at Old Tavern Farm, 45 Brown Road, in Stillwater. The package, presented by the Capital Dis-

trict Transportation Authority (CDTA), features a buffet breakfast at Saratoga Race Course; the opportunity to watch the thoroughbreds during morning training; a round-trip, trolley ride from Saratoga Race Course to the farms; a 60-90 minute guided walking tour of the breeding farm; and admission to Saratoga Race Course.

The package is $85 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available on a firstcome, first-served basis and may be purchased at NYRA.com.

“Last year’s inaugural Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm package was such a huge success that we have expanded it to three days per week and added a second thoroughbred breeding farm to accommodate demand,” said NYRA Vice President of Communications Pat McKenna. “The

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Former CEO Of Girl Scouts Of Western New York Is Named New CEO At Double H Ranch

The Double H Ranch, a nonprofit organization providing specialized programs and year-round support for children dealing with life-threatening illnesses announced the hiring of Alison Wilcox as CEO.

Wilcox will be following in the footsteps of Max Yurenda, who retired after 30 years leading the organization founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman and businessman and philanthropist Charley Wood.

“Alison has a wonderful passion for the mission of the Double H Ranch and a respect for our culture. Her experience developing leadership skills for young girls; financial management; and organizational development will inspire the Double H Ranch to grow upon its reputation of excellence as one of the premier non-profits in the Capital District and North Country. By working with our great Double H Ranch team, I am confident Alison will bring great enthusiasm, energy, and engagement in her new role,” said Charlie Crew, the facility’s board chairman.

Wilcox has over 20 years of global experience in nonprofit leadership and board governance and has been the CEO of Girl Scouts of Western New York for the past four years, and she was COO for three years.

Prior to that, she was a senior strategy advisor to Girl Scouts of USA, lead development specialist at Delaware North Companies and the senior vice president of program and membership of Girls Scouts of

Western New York.

Continued On Page 13

Double H’s board of directors retained the executive search firm Lindauer to conduct a nationwide search following the announcement of Yurenda’s retirement in June of 2022.

Alison Wilcox is the new CEO at Double H Ranch, replacing Max Yurenda. Courtesy Double H Ranch

Mike Gerarde has opened an indoor golf facility at 615 Maple Ave., Suite 2, in Saratoga Springs, along with business partner Jeff Boss. The facility has simulator machines and a bar. Courtesy PSG Golf

Fans gather at Saratoga Race Track for the popular breakfast event offered by NYRA. This year, a tour of a horse breeding farm will offered three days a week. Courtesy NYRA

Personnel Briefs

Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. announce that Dina Trahan and Philip Carr recently joined the residential lending team. Both are based in the Latham Century Hill Business Development Office, which serves the greater Capital District.

In her role as residential mortgage originator, Trahan helps clients with their home-financing experience and guides them through the mortgage application process.

She has more than 30 years of experience in residential mortgage services and is past president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Northeastern New York.

Trahan is active in her community and currently serves as a member of the BrunswickBrittonkill Central School District Board of Education.

Carr will also help clients with their home financing experience and guide them through the mortgage application process. He brings more than 10 years of lending services experience to the position.

He is a graduate of the Rensselaer County Chamber Leadership Institute and a former board member of the Capital Alliance of Young Professionals (CAYP).

Carr earned a degree in business administration from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. He lives in Stillwater. * * *

NBT Bank has announced that Mark P. Sidoti was promoted to branch manager of its Glens Falls office located at 86 Glen St.

Skidmore College Names General Counsel And Vice President For Human Resources

Sidoti will be responsible for business development, managing customer relationships and serving as a financial partner for customers in the Glens Falls region.

Sidoti joined NBT Bank in 2021 as a community banker. He has more than 30 years of business development and sales experience in the banking, telecommunications, payroll, outsourcing and employee benefits industries.

An active member of the community, he serves as the treasurer of the Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation board and as an ambassador for the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.

* * *

Herzog Law Firm PC has added Phillip K. Vacchio, Esq., to the firm as a senior associate.

Vacchio will provide comprehensive legal counsel to existing and new clients in the areas of estate planning, elder law, estate administration and guardianships and will work out of Herzog’s Albany, Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs offices.

Vacchio was formerly a partner of a Long Island-based law firm handling the same areas of law and brings his extensive experience to the Capital Region and the North Country. Phillip is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in behavioral and social sciences in 2009 and Hofstra University School of Law where he graduated cum laude.

He has been named to the Super Lawyers Rising Star list for the last three years.

Sarah Delaney Vero, an attorney and human resources professional and Skidmore College’s current strategic HR advisor, was named inaugural general counsel and vice president for human resources at Skidmore College, effective July 10.

As the senior officer for legal and human resources matters, Vero will provide collaborative and thoughtful leadership, strategic vision, and legal perspective while fostering a supportive workplace culture that empowers and inspires engagement and creativity.

Vero began her work with Skidmore in 2008 as outside counsel with the Office of Human Resources. In 2016, she stepped in as interim Title IX coordinator and became interim chief human resources officer in 2018.

Named interim human resources director in 2020, she developed and executed strategies around workforce development and inclusion, talent management, organizational management, training, and many other areas—all during the intense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last summer, in line with the college’s efforts to evolve HR’s structure, programs, and processes to align with best practices and transformations in the world and the workforce, Vero agreed to serve Skidmore in a part-time role as Skidmore’s strategic HR advisor.

“Sarah has served as a strategic partner regarding key organizational, employee, and management projects. She has always provided exceptional advice and counsel in support of Skidmore’s mission, vision, and values,” said Skidmore College President Marc C. Conner. “I look forward to her continued leadership in supporting the people who work every day to make Skidmore a vibrant community.”

A long-time advocate of the liberal arts education model, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Union College and a Juris Doctor from Albany Law

Double H

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"I am so excited to join the team at Double H Ranch. The mission of Double H is near and dear to my heart because of my own family background, and I am inspired by the powerful impact Double H has on children and their families,” said Wilcox. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next CEO for this wonderful organization, which has such a strong history and legacy, and obvious commit-

DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY

School.

Vero founded and was managing partner of Delaney Vero, PLLC, a full-service law firm representing businesses and nonprofit organizations across New York. She was also the co-founder and owner of the human resources consulting firm Integra HR, offering full-service and personalized human resources services to employers.

“I am truly honored by the opportunity to continue serving Skidmore College in this inaugural role. As outside counsel and through my interim roles at Skidmore, I have learned what it means to be part of this wonderful community,” said Vero.

Her appointment is the result of a national search that began in April and was supported by Storbeck Search.

ment and dedication from the entire staff, volunteer, camper, and alumni community."

She will officially assume the role of CEO in August and plans to relocate to New York’s Adirondack Park where the Double H Ranch is located.

The Double H Ranch, co-founded by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman, provides specialized programs and year round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. All programs are free of charge and capture the magic of the Adirondacks. For more information, visit www. doublehranch.org.

Sarah Delaney Vero, Skidmore College general counsel, VP for human resources. Courtesy Skidmore College

Farm Opens In Town Of Ballston Where Horses Can Go For Healing, Preventive Care

Upton Coffee Company Opens In Stillwater As A Hudson Avenue Gathering Place

A 100-acre horse farm dedicated to revolutionizing equine care has opened in Schuylerville, From rest to rehabilitation, GMP Farm offers diverse opportunities for the recovery and wellbeing of equine athletes. Situated on a an estate just minutes from downtown Saratoga, it embodies a holistic approach to healing and preventative care for horses of all disciplines, the organization said.

Featuring state-of-the-art barns and the latest equine healthcare technology, GMP Farm is the culmination of excellence between former thoroughbred trainer Gary Gullo and partner, racing owner Anthony Melfi.

An experienced 24-hour onsite team led by farm manager Steve Rybowski, who came up under Hall of Famer John Nerud, boasts over 200 years of experience.

Officials said customized therapeutic programs begin with cutting edge thermographic diagnostics along with veterinary consultation. As a leader in equine science, the farm boasts the nation’s seventh Equine Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, and only HBOT New York.

Equine Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a drug-free and non-invasive treatment option for horses that helps treat many different conditions and diseases, officials said. With HBOT technology, horses receive a high concentration of pure oxygen in a completely sealed and pressurized environment. This veterinary treatment option can greatly reduce healing time in a safe and calm environment, while increasing the longevity of their careers.

Dry salt therapy in the form of a dual stall chamber provides dry vapor of concentrated medical grade salt particles dispersed into the air which is absorbed by the skin and inhaled

reaching deep down into the lungs, according to the group. For all equines, it provides an overall wellbeing boost by improving coat condition, cardiovascular function, stamina and energy levels making it ideal for performance horses pre and post competition.

Additionally, GMP Farm offers dual varieties of salt therapy. The cold-water salt spa successfully addresses virtually all lower leg injuries besides tendon and ligament injuries. Equally important, the spa helps treat laminitis, splints, sore shins, open wounds, and hoof conditions, officials said.

Dry salt therapy consists of fine dry vapor of concentrated medical grade salt particles dispersed into the air which is absorbed by the skin and inhaled reaching deep down into the lungs; loosening mucous and reducing inflammation, making breathing easy. The therapy provides an overall wellbeing boost by improving coat condition, cardiovascular function, stamina and energy levels making it good for performance horses pre- and post-competition. Officials said it is 100 percent natural, drug free and FEI compliant.

GMP Farm offers additional therapies ranging from cryotherapy to laser therapy; pemf to vibration floor. All available within temperature-controlled barns and treatment areas, featuring a covered eurociser, lush pasture, and covered individual pens for rest and recovery.

Thoroughbred athletes can stretch their legs over the newly surfaced training track prior to returning to full training under the mindful hands of on-site exercise riders.

For more information, view the website www. gmpfarm.net or email GMP Farm, contact@ gmpfarm.net.

BY JILL NAGY

Jeffrey Miller calls himself “an entrepreneur at heart” and has opened a coffee shop in Stillwater in a building he has owned since 2019.

He owns JEM Properties LLC, based in Saratoga Springs, and has 20 years of experience in the real estate business. This is his first venture into the food service arena.

The new shop, called Upton Coffee Company, is located at 751 Hudson Ave. in the heart of Stillwater’s small commercial area.

He had a soft opening on July 1, and a fullfledged ribbon-cutting is expected to take place in mid-July.

Miller bought the building, consisting of seven apartments and three commercial spaces, as a rental property. A barber and a pizza restaurant occupy the other commercial spaces and the apartments are also occupied.

Miller sees his shop as a gathering place for vil-

lage residents. He plans “a full coffee menu” from decaf to espresso, hot or iced, along with teas, water and soft drinks. A selection of baked goods from Rockland Bakery and other local suppliers will complement the coffee. Miller has no immediate plans for a broader menu but said he might expand later.

The coffee shop has indoor and outdoor seating, with a counter and bar. The outdoor area overlooks the Hudson River. The space was completely renovated over the past year.

Miller plans to oversee the coffee shop operation, stepping in when necessary, but is leaving the day-to-day operation to two employees.

He and his family live nearby, just outside the village, and his children attend Stillwater Elementary School.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.

The telephone number is 518-588-3025.

Jeffrey Miller, an experienced real estate person who owns JEM Properties LLC in Saratoga Springs, has opened Upton Coffee Company in Stillwater.

©2023 Saratoga Photographer.com

A 100-acre horse farm dedicated to revolutionizing equine care, GMP Farm, has opened in Schuylerville, offering diverse opportunities for the recovery and wellbeing of horses.

Courtesy GMP Farm

GlobalFoundries, Lockheed Martin Join Forces To Boost U.S. Semiconductor Supply Chain

Lockheed Martin and GlobalFoundries announced on June 12 a strategic collaboration to advance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and innovation and to increase the security, reliability and resiliency of domestic supply chains for national security systems.

Officials said the collaboration will enable Lockheed Martin to more quickly and affordably produce secure solutions that increase the competitiveness and national security of the United States.

The companies will leverage GlobalFoundries’ differentiated technology and trusted manufacturing practices to increase anti-fragility in microelectronics systems and supply chains. The collaboration will explore critical needs in semiconductor innovation and secure manufacturing across a range of advanced and next-generation chip technologies, including 3D heterogeneous integration for optimized chip packaging that improves performance; silicon photonics for lowpower and high-speed data transport; and gallium nitride on silicon to help chips work at higher temperatures.

Officials said the companies will also work to develop a chiplet ecosystem to produce chips more rapidly and affordably.

The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and GlobalFoundries directly supports the CHIPS and Science Act’s objectives of increasing traceability, provenance, and onshore production of critical semiconductor technologies to

strengthen national and economic security and domestic supply chains, officials said.

“Lockheed Martin is focused on delivering cutting-edge 21st Century Security capabilities that advance deterrence and keep our customers ahead of emerging threats,” said Jim Taiclet, chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin. “This begins with securely manufactured semiconductors. We look forward to working with GlobalFoundries to help increase access to domestically produced microelectronics – a true national security imperative.”

“The GlobalFoundries team has been a trusted partner of the U.S. government and the aerospace and defense industry for decades,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, president and CEO of GlobalFoundries. “We are proud to collaborate with Lockheed Martin to address the growing need for a reliable supply of trusted, feature-rich semiconductors for mission-critical security systems.”

Officials said both companies are committed to helping strengthen the supply chain for semiconductors used in critical defense systems. To further advance this shared goal, Lockheed Martin and GlobalFoundries will jointly pursue external funding opportunities, technology development, and collaboration with the U.S. government.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide .

Lockheed Martin aircraft will benefit from a strategic collaboration with GlobalFoundries to increase the security and reliability of national security systems. Courtesy GlobalFoundries

Second floor office featuring 430 SF and is divided into 2 roomsperfect for reception, waiting area and a private office. Space shares a first floor lobby and hallway restrooms. Well maintained building with private parking lot, monument sign and high visibility.

Highly visible 3 acre lot in a fantastic location on the busy Route 9 corridor in Wilton. This parcel is located in the Hamlet zone which offers many development opportunities. Continued steady growth in this area. Well and septic on the lot and municipal water and sewer are across the street.

Sandwiches And Hotdogs Served On Pretzel Buns Featured At Salty Buns In Wilton Mall

Micro Brews, Nonprofits Among Those Who Can Apply In Latest Grant Funding Round

New York state has opened the application period for Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.

Round XIII includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 10 state agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development, available to projects on a continuous basis.

The councils are encouraged to support projects that advance or address strategic State priorities—including green buildings and sustainable development, child care, distressed communities, and innovative public-private partnerships; those projects, will be eligible for additional award funding.

The deadline for applications is Friday, July 28, at 4 p.m. Open enrollment programs are not subject to the July 28 deadline and will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.

nities to tap into their regional strengths. Thanks to the work of the REDCs, New York is continuing to make the catalytic investments that foster economic growth and continued success in every corner of our state.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “While the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative has been a successful model for economic growth in New York state, we have been tasked to improve and enhance key programs that will expand on our many successes. Each region will update their strategic plans to re-establish their priorities for growth, continue to guide the deployment of resources, and create an updated road map for each region to achieve its economic vision for the future.”

BY ANN DONNELLY

Owners Jon Locke and Alison Packer had always wanted to open a restaurant and sought a unique idea.

“When restaurants have limited availability specials on pretzel buns, they are so popular. We love pretzels, and we love restaurants, so we came up with the idea for this restaurant,” said Locke.

The business opened at the beginning of June, and the owners are delighted at the success they have seen early on.

“Each week, sales have risen. From 800-900 customers in the first week to approximately 2,000 customers in the third week,” said Locke. “The word has spread, mainly on Facebook, and we have had customers that traveled from as far as Connecticut.”

Before deciding to locate in the mall, Locke and Packer had in-depth discussions with the owners and management and decided it would be the best location for them to get started.

“They outlined their plan for the future and painted a clear picture that now is the time to set up here,” said Locke. “Name brand stores, Planet Fitness, the DMV, and Glens Falls Hospital draw people in. I stand here every day, and I see the mall coming back to life with many young people, in their teens and 20s, spending time here. Now many are coming just for Salty Buns.”

The original plan for the business assumed that 90 percent of orders would be for delivery, but in the first month, only about 5 percent of orders are through Door Dash or Grub Hub.

The owners had a unique way of testing what products to offer.

“We used our fellow church members as guinea pigs, testing different items. We knew we could count on them for honest feedback,” he said.

Since opening, the most popular items are beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, followed closely by hot dogs. They have sold so many hot dogs that they have had issues with the supply of buns. “In the time that most restaurants go through a case of buns, we have gone through twenty cases.” Another popular item is the “50/50 mix” which is half french fries and half onion rings.

“Half of the people can’t decide so we offer that option and don’t charge additional. Our pricing is competitive. We want to give guests the opportunity to see that the price of food doesn’t have to impact them. We’d rather serve more people to make more money than to charge more,” Locke said.

Both owners had previous careers where service is important. Packer was a nurse, while Locke was in the Army and spent decades in the restaurant business.

Locke said he learned a very important lesson from Robert “Bobby” Mitchell, who he worked for at Wheatfields, “Every single person is our guest. We treat each person like they are coming into our home. Give them a reason to remember us and talk about us.”

Locke and Packer are looking forward to continued success throughout the summer and have plans to open at least two additional locations within two years and perhaps offer franchise opportunities to others that want to own their own Salty Buns restaurant.

“We are so grateful to the support of the Wilton Mall, the community, and all that have come in.”

Find out more about Salty Buns and order online at ordersaltybuns.com.

Officials said new this year, two new micro programs will award capital grants to support New York state craft beverage manufacturers and non-profit organizations, and a new $30 million Challenge competition will award $10 million to up to three regions to implement creative solutions to tackle persistent barriers to economic growth.

Also, for the first time since 2015, the councils will be tasked with updating their strategic regional economic development plans.

“Our Regional Economic Development Council Initiative continues to transform communities across the state, creating jobs and driving private investment all over New York,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “The launch of this latest round builds on state efforts to address our most pressing economic priorities—from sustainable development to the growing demand for childcare—all while empowering commu-

The 10 REDCs are guided by their regional strategic economic development plans, which emphasize each region’s unique assets and provide strategies to harness local resources to stimulate regional economic development and create jobs statewide.

This year, the regional councils will review and update their plans to re-establish each region’s priorities for growth, guide the deployment of resources, and create an updated road map to achieving its economic vision.

As part of the updated strategic plan, the councils will be tasked with analyzing specific challenges to economic growth. Each REDC will develop a proposal that outlines creative and innovative solutions to address one specific challenge of their choice. These proposals will be reviewed by the state and up to three winning proposals will be awarded up to $10 million funding to implement the proposed solutions.

This year, funding is available from 10

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Salty Buns is a new quick service restaurant in the food court of Wilton Mall that offers a range of sandwiches and hot dogs on pretzel buns.

Alison Packer, left, and Jon Locke, center, owners of Salty Buns, a new quick service restaurant in the Wilton Mall, pose with general manager Corey Lalonde.

2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes

OCTOBER 7-8 & OCTOBER 14-15 PARTICIPATING BUILDERS

Capital Region Jaguar Club Of New York To Hold Exhibition At Auto Museum In August

The Capital Region Jaguar Club of New York (CRJCNY) will hold its eighth Jaguar car show event in Saratoga Springs in August.

The lawn show portion of the event will be held on the grounds of the Saratoga Auto Museum in the Spa State Park. Past years have seen up to 40 classic and modern Jaguars such as XKs, Mark IIs, E-Types and newer F-Types, even a 1955 D-Type.  There may also be new models, possibly a 2023 Jaguar I-Pace Electric (subject to dealer availability).

Attendees are typically not just from the immediate Capital District but from around New York, New England and Canada, organizers said.

The program schedule is:

Friday, Aug. 18, dinner at the Gideon Putnam. It is not included in lawn show registration fee Attendance not required to participate in the Saturday lawn show.

Saturday, Aug 1., lawn show at Saratoga Auto Museum. (Rain date is Sunday, Aug. 20). It includes a car-care clinic, helpful tips on how to keep a Jaguar looking its best.

Sunday, Aug. 20, JCNA-sanctioned road rally (participation optional). organizers said it is a morning event of casual competition at legal speed emphasizing precision driving and way-finding for Jaguars with a driver and navigator.  Prizes will be awarded.

For more information, visit www.crjcny. org/jaguars-at-saratoga.

State Grants

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state agencies across 30 programs. Regional councils will review projects and provide scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies.

In Round XIII, ESD is launching two new micro grant programs: the Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program and the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant Program. Up to $5 million will be available through the Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program, designed to increase the production capacity, business infrastructure and profitability of businesses licensed to produce wine, beer, spirits, hard cider and mead in New York State. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 would support equipment purchases and facility upgrades. Up to $5 million will be available through the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant program,

which will award matching funds grants to nonprofit organizations who provide economic and community benefits in their region to assist with facility improvements and upgrades. Grant awards would range from $25,000 to $100,000.

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the state’s approach to investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations.

Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

The lawn show portion of the Capital Region Jaguar Club of New York exhibition in August will be held on the grounds of the Saratoga Auto Museum in the Spa State Park. Courtesy Capital

Kindred Opens On Henry Street As A Comfortable Place For Enjoying Wine

opportunity for fans to go behind-the-scenes to experience this side of the sport clearly resonated beyond all expectations. We thank Old Tavern Farm for helping us launch this innovative program last summer and welcome them back alongside our newest partner, Song Hill Thoroughbreds, in addition to our presenting sponsor, CDTA.”

The itinerary begins with the breakfast between 7-9:30 a.m. Guests may arrive for breakfast at any time during these hours. At 9:45 a.m., fans will board one of two CDTA trolleys at the Clubhouse for the breeding farm. Upon arrival, guests will be led on a tour by the farm’s owners and staff. Fans will return to Saratoga Race Course at approximately 11:45 a.m., well before racing post time of 1 p.m.

Song Hill Thoroughbreds, owned by Jim and Tina Bond, was established in 2005. The expansive 100-acre horse farm is home to mares, foals, weanlings, yearlings and retired thoroughbreds. It operates alongside Bond Racing Stables and is focused on breeding, sales and turning out champion thoroughbreds.

the property.

“We are honored to once again be part of this exciting program after launching it last year in partnership with NYRA and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders,” said Old Tavern Farm founder and owner Walt Borisenok. “Throughout the inaugural season, we had the opportunity to meet hundreds of fans who gained a new appreciation for what takes place on a working thoroughbred breeding farm.”

“The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour was a fantastic new addition to the Saratoga experience in 2022, highlighting the importance of the New York State breeding industry,” said Najja Thompson, executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “We were thrilled with its inaugural success that spawned this expansion for the 2023 season.”

CDTA is the presenting sponsor of Breakfast at Saratoga, which is offered daily at Saratoga Race Course from 7 - 9:30 a.m. (excluding Travers Day).

BY ANN DONNELLY

Sonya and Ryan McFadden opened the wine bar Kindred at 84 Henry St. in June in Saratoga Springs, at the location where they previously ran Flatbread Social.

“We first got the idea of opening Kindred because of trends we saw,” said Ryan McFadden. “For the first time in a long time, people under 40 are becoming more interested in wine.”

The McFaddens, who also own Henry Street Taproom, aim to provide a warm and inviting space to enjoy a glass of wine with friends.

“Wine has a reputation of being an elitist beverage, and we want to help get rid of that stereotype. Ultimately, we want Kindred to be a comfortable place for people,” he said.

As they do with the beer selection at Henry Street Taproom, the glass and bottle list at Kindred will rotate to allow customers to try wines from different vineyards, focusing on wineries practicing organic winemaking. “There is nothing pretentious or elitist about Kindred. Wine is fun, and we look forward to sharing our selections with our customers.”

Miles Merton, Kindred’s wine director, has years of experience and takes his craft seriously. He is

working towards his certification with the court of master sommeliers and is awaiting the result of his Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 qualification in wines. Also on the team, Annmarie Guglielmo, owner of By the Bottle wine shop on Congress Street in Saratoga Springs, adds to the wealth of wine knowledge.

Andy Palmisano, the executive chef from Henry Street Taproom, oversees the kitchen. Palmisano has developed an upscale menu with a selection of “shareables” and entrees. Most food is cooked in wood-fired ovens in the main dining room, left from the days of Flatbread Social.

The management team also includes Adam Allain, the general manager of both Henry Street Taproom and Kindred.

“We wanted to create a place where people weren’t intimidated to order a drink, feeling like they weren’t enough of a wine connoisseur. We will incorporate some education, but ultimately Kindred will be a place where you can create memories with your family and friends.”

Kindred is open Thursday through Monday from 5 p.m. Keep in touch with Kindred on Instagram @ kindred_saratoga.

“We are truly honored to be part of the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm program as it expands in just its second year of operation,” said Tina Bond, Song Hill Thoroughbreds chief operating officer and managing partner Tina Bond, who is also vice president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

“There is something magical about visiting the horses at their earliest stages of life and gaining a better understanding of how they are loved and nurtured as well as prepared for the prospect of a racing career. We look forward to educating and welcoming horse lovers of all ages to Song Hill Thoroughbreds this summer.”

Old Tavern Farm is a private boutique thoroughbred-breeding operation in Saratoga Springs that was founded in 2016 by Walt and Michelle Borisenok. It has been developed into a state-ofthe-art facility focused on the breeding and sale of thoroughbreds to compete at the highest levels of the sport. The name Old Tavern was derived from the 19th century tavern that once graced

“We are excited to continue our partnership with NYRA and enhance this year’s experience alongside Old Tavern Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds for the 2023 racing season,” said CDTA director of business development, Jonathan Scherzer. “This experience is a great way to connect fans and visitors to the historic Saratoga Race Course and the rich history of horse racing.”

NYRA also announced its lineup of four premium giveaways for the 2023 meet at historic Saratoga Race Course. All giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last.

The giveaway schedule is as follows:

Friday, July 21, a 64-ounce, red-and-white cooler jug presented by NYRA Bets; Aug. 11, a Dri-Fit T-shirt presented by Fox Sports; Friday, Aug. 18, a cotton white bucket hat with red Saratoga logo; and Friday, Sept. 1, a polyester tote bag.

Fans in attendance will receive a coupon for a free, premium giveaway with paid admission, while supplies last. Season ticket and season pass holders are not guaranteed a giveaway. Fans must present a coupon at designated locations on track to receive a giveaway.

The 40-day summer meet will open on Thursday, July 13, and continue through Monday, Sept. 4.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.

Kindred at 84 Henry St. in Saratoga Springs opened in June at the location where owners Sonya and Ryan McFadden previously ran Flatbread Social.

Courtesy Kindred

50 Plus

Business Report

Retired? Consider Benefits Of Part-Time Work

BY ROB SNELL

After spending decades in the workforce, you might look forward to the day you retire. But if you decide, for one reason or another, that you’d like to redefine “retirement” to include part-time work or consulting, you could enjoy exercising your skills and meeting new people. But you can also receive some key financial benefits.

Specifically, bringing in some paychecks in your retirement can help you in these areas:

You could contribute more to your IRA. During your working years, you may have contributed regularly to an IRA, but once you retired, you might have thought those days were over. But there’s no age limit – if you have any earned income, you can contribute to an IRA and boost the financial resources you have available for retirement.

You could potentially lower your withdrawal rate. Once you’re retired, you will likely need to rely on your investment portfolio to provide you with some—or maybe most—of your income. Consequently, you’ll need to establish an appropriate withdrawal rate—a percentage of your portfolio that you can take out each year without running the risk of potentially outliving your money. Income from part-time work or consulting may lower your dependency on investment income, thereby reducing your annual withdrawal rate and extending the overall longevity of your investment portfolio.

You could add to your grandchildren’s 529 plans. When you invest in a 529 education savings plan, the earnings and withdrawals are federally tax-free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. As a grandparent, you can contribute to a 529 plan with your grandchildren as beneficiaries. And a 529 plan can be used for more than college – it can fund some programs at trade schools and K-12 expenses in some states.

So, by putting some of your earned income to work in a 529 plan, you can help improve your grandchildren’s prospects.

You could reduce your debts. By the time you reach retirement, you may or may not have retired your mortgage, but you might have other debts on

your books. If you can apply some of your earned income to these debts, you can improve your cash flow and possibly avoid dipping into your retirement accounts for short-term needs.

Of course, you’ll also have to consider some issues if you end up working in retirement, particularly if you bring in a sizable amount of money. For example, if you’re earning income and collecting Social Security before you reach your “full” retirement age—which is likely between 66 and 67— your monthly benefits will be reduced. (However, these “lost” benefits will be restored once you do reach your full retirement age.)

Also, the added income could push you into a higher tax bracket or even cause you to pay the Medicare premium surcharge or the 3.8% surtax on net investment income if your income reaches certain levels. So, before embarking on any employment that may yield a large additional income, consult with your tax advisor.

Overall, though, the financial benefits of parttime employment income during your retirement years may be worth it, so give some thought to “unretiring.”

Albany Medical Center Is Among First In U.S. To Join Vascular Verification Program

Albany Medical Center, a member of the Albany Med Health System, is among the first four hospitals in the United States to be verified as part of the Vascular Verification Program (Vascular-VP), a program recently launched by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) with the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS).

To receive verification, Albany Medical Center has shown a commitment to improving outcomes and care for patients receiving vascular surgical and interventional treatment in an outpatient setting.

“The Vascular Verification Program helps strengthen a hospital’s safety and continuous improvement culture to enhance patient outcomes with greater reliability and standardization of care. As one of the first hospitals to receive this verification, Albany Medical Center has shown its commitment to providing the highest quality care for vascular patients,” said Clifford Y. Ko, MD, Director, ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care.

Albany Medical Center served as one of eight pilot programs to assist in the development of the verification standards. To become verified, the hospital had to meet elements of vascular surgical care and quality across nine domains, including institutional commitment; program scope and governance; resources for facilities, personnel, and services; clinical care; data abstraction and analysis; quality improvement; and education and research.

“To become a successful vascular program, comprehensive infrastructure needs to be in place to care for these incredibly complex patients,” said R. Clement Darling III, chief of vascular surgery at

Albany Medical Center. “This verification is a testament to our team’s dedication to our patients, and to our leadership for their ongoing support.”

As a Vascular-VP verified hospital, Albany Medical Center also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, which signifies a hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step.

“Vascular Verification and ACS Surgical Quality Partner designation assures our patients that Albany Medical Center is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Albany Medical Center adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality,” said Dr. Marie King, chair of the Department of Surgery and professor and chief of Surgery at Albany Medical Center.

“We welcome Albany Medical Center into the ACS Quality Programs. They have shown their commitment to delivering the highest quality care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous improvement,” said ACS executive director and CEO Dr. Patricia Turner.

Albany Medical Center is the major referral center and the largest provider of vascular surgery in northeastern New York and western New England. The program has a long history of excellence. The team is visited regularly by colleagues worldwide and has pioneered numerous procedures that are now standard in the field, including procedures to repair aneurysms and peripheral artery disease.

Robert Snell, financial adviser with Edward Jones Financial in Saratoga Springs. Courtesy Edward Jones Financial

The Vascular Verification Program at Albany Med helps strengthen a hospital’s safety to enhance patient outcomes with greater reliability and standardization of care. Courtesy Albany Med

AARP Study Urges Establishing Brain Health

Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights?

BY BARBARA KING

For grandparents, the relationship with a grandchild can be one of the most important things in the world. But what happens when the child’s parents prevent you from seeing or having a relationship with them?

Sometimes, the only recourse left to grandparents is to petition for grandparents’ visitation rights from Family Court. But do grandparents have visitation rights in New York?

Visitation rights vary from state to state, but generally speaking, grandparents’ visitation rights are not as extensive as those granted to the child’s biological or adopted parents. But grandparents do have a statutory right to petition for visitation, even if the child’s parents are unmarried, have been legally divorced or one is deceased.

These limited rights to visitation are not extended to aunts and uncles, great-grandparents, or other family members, except in circumstances where the child’s natural parents and grandparents have both passed away, or are otherwise legally barred from access to the child. Adoption is not a barrier to a biological grandparent’s rights to request visitation, but the child’s best interest, including health, safety, and welfare are the primary considerations.

What if the custodial parent is opposed?

The state of New York recognizes that a child’s parents have the fundamental right to raise their children in the manner they feel is best for the child, including who is or is not allowed to visit with them. As such, a Family Court will grant visitation rights to grandparents who have an already established relationship and/or have been denied access to their grandchild if it is deemed by the court to be in the child’s best interests.

However, New York courts also recognize the benefits of a grandchild having a relationship with their grandparents, such as childcare, education, developmental activities, and basic love and affection.

But if a parent objects to that relationship, then the courts must give additional weight to the parent’s wishes for their child, the reason for objecting to such relationship, and their right to make decisions for the child’s upbringing.

Remember, the law does not provide for an automatic right to grandchild visitation. Rather, grandparents are permitted to petition the court for visitation, since New York acknowledges that visits with grandparents are often an established and important part of a child’s life.

Is court required in seeking visitation?

If the child’s parent or guardian has interfered with the grandparents’ establishing or maintaining a healthy relationship with the child, or other extraordinary circumstances exist, then the court may grant the grandparent’s visitation rights. New York law states that the grandparents of a child whose parents are deceased, or where it can be shown that conditions exist under which the court would see fit to intervene, may apply to the state Supreme Court or Family Court to request visitation rights in respect to the child.

Grandparents often take their case to court when access to the child has been cut off by the parent against the grandparent’s wishes, or the grandparent is seeking to establish a relationship with the child where one did not previously exist. However, a change in the parent’s legal relationship, such as divorce, separation, or annulment, is also a common basis for grandparents’ visitation rights cases.

Grandparents seeking legal visitation rights with their grandchildren must fi le a petition (a formal written request) with the court in the New York county where the grandchild lives. The petition must describe the basis for such petition including the existence of any relationship with the grandchild; the interference alleged and the manner in which such visitation is in the grandchild’s best interest as well as the proposed visitation schedule.

Once the petition is fi led, the court will direct notice to all parties involved, including the child’s parents, along with any other person who may have fi led for custody. The court may also appoint an attorney for the child, to ensure the child’s voice is heard.

Grandparents must also establish legal grounds for making the visitation request. If one or both parents are deceased, this determination is automatic under New York state law. If one or both natural parents are living, then petitioning grandparents are required to prove that they have an existing relationship with the child, or that the parent/guardian has deliberately and improperly prevented one from being established.

After legal grounds for visitation have been established, grandparents have the burden of proof to show that the grandchild spending time with them is in the child’s best interest.

Courts will consider the following: The age of the child; wishes of the child, if they are of sufficient maturity to express a preference; distance between the proposed location of visits and the child’s home; mental and physical health of the child, parents, or anyone else who may be fi ling for visitation rights or custody; Previous and current relationship of the grandparent with the child and parent.; and

Brain health is influenced by many factors, including economic and social factors such as income and financial security, housing conditions, environment, and access to nutritious food and exercise.

A new report from AARP and the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH), “Building Better Brain Health for All People: GCBH Recommendations on Removing Barriers and Improving Opportunities Around the World,” takes these into account and offers recommendations for achieving greater brain health.

“If we want to improve brain health for all, we have to pay more attention to the needs of those at greatest risk of poor health and address social conditions that stand in the way,” said Sarah Lenz Lock, senior vice president of policy and brain health at AARP and Executive Director of the Global Council on Brain Health. “Cognitive decline is not inevitable, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience better brain health as they age.”

The report highlights the Six Pillars of Brain Health that can support the ability of individuals to positively affect their brain health. The pillars include exercise, intellectual stimulation, sleep quality, stress management, social engagement, and nutrition.

Recommendations in the report for addressing barriers to brain health are informed by the latest scientific findings and by lived experience of people with cognitive issues.

These include:

For individuals: Be an active participant in

grandparent’s caregiving skills and disposition toward the parent.

In many court cases, some level of animosity between the parents and grandparents is evident, which is relevant, but not sufficient on its own to deny any request for court-ordered visitation. The court must consider the parents’ preferences, and balance factors such as the existing family structure and everyday living sit-

your health care and seek providers you can trust to listen and understand your cultural values. Make healthy choices whenever possible and try to incorporate the Six Pillars of Brain Health into your lifestyle.

For health care providers: Prioritize prevention and establish brain health screening as an important element in check-ups of aging adults and others at risk. Ensure family caregivers have the information they need to provide the most effective care and include them in consultations as appropriate.

For policymakers: Establish public policies and practices to promote greater awareness and early identification of cognitive and mental health issues, including diverse voices in the policymaking process. Facilitate healthy lifestyles enabling people to proactively promote and sustain their brain health across their lifespans.

For communities: Promote community engagement to raise awareness of brain health and debunk misconceptions. As community leaders, employers can take the lead in creating incentives to encourage healthy behavior. Include community members in decision-making and incorporate diverse perspectives, expertise, and feedback in all education, outreach, and communications initiatives.

“Better brain health enables people’s minds to flourish so they can lead more rewarding lives,” said Lock. “Successful policies and strategies to promote brain health must integrate the many elements that influence cognitive wellness throughout life.”

uation of the child, as well as the extent of any existing relationship with the grandparents. Begin by consulting with a family law attorney who can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. They can also help by fi ling a petition with the court for visitation rights, or modify an existing visitation order, as well as providing the required notice to all parties, and representing you in court.

Barbara King is a partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, Attorneys & Counselors at Law.

REGIONAL STOCKWATCH

PROVIDED BY: ROBERT SCHERMERHORN, CFP

18 DIVISION ST.-SUITE 305, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866 (518) 584-2555

SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH: LPL FINANCIAL / MEMBER: FINRA AND SIPC

Business Report

The Evolving Role Of AI In Digital Marketing

BY SARA MANNIX

Artificial Intelligence is already being used daily in marketing agencies to conduct buyer persona research, data analysis, create designs and edit photography, and even build code.

As of this early stage, we have decided that while AI has its strengths, it works best when complementing the skills of a proficient marketer. I share the viewpoint of my colleague Karl Sakas, who aptly stated, “Anyone can create average work with AI. But if you want above-average work, you’ll need humans using AI.”

In the future, I envision AI playing a central role in streamlining various tasks within a marketing agency. For instance, my personal AI assistant would notify me of scheduled calls, such as an upcoming appointment I have with Alessandra in Italy. It would conduct research on Alessandra, her business, and her industry, providing me with valuable information before the call.

AI would enable real-time translation, voice mimicry, and visual alterations during the video call to ensure seamless communication. Once the call concludes, an email follow-up would be automatically generated, summarizing the meeting takeaways and next steps. These action items would also be added to my task management system and scheduled accordingly. Furthermore, I could delegate the task of writing a proposal to my AI assistant, which would send it on my behalf. Once engaged, the billing process would also be automated by AI.

*DatasourcedfromMorningstar

**Stockinvestingincludesrisks,includingfluctuatingpricesandlossofprincipal.Thisisforinformationalpurposesonly andnotintendedtoprovidespecificadviceorrecommendationforanyindividual.

In the creative department, the collaboration between the creative director and an AI designer would expedite the process of designing logos, taglines, branding colors, messaging pillars, and website concepts, all optimized to Google’s strictest standards. With the assistance of AI, the design process could be accomplished within hours as opposed to days. Subsequently, the website engineer would work alongside a coding assistant, utilizing AI to expedite the website development process, reducing it from months to hours.

Within the marketing department, AI would serve as a valuable resource for research, analysis, media planning, and automation. Marketers would be consultants and AI tool experts, focusing on strategy and utilizing the right AI tools and solutions to execute targeted marketing campaigns. By leveraging AI’s capabilities, marketers would be able to deliver messaging to the right audience at the right time while AI handles operational, analytical, and tactical aspects.

AI will help marketers gain SEO authority for websites as well. Even Google has stated that it will not penalize websites for using AI-generated content. However, AI must remain an intermediary tool. As of today, no artificial intelligence can provide the intricate level of unique, expert knowledge that a real writer would be able to.

Before discussing the various applications of AI in marketing, it is important to acknowledge that while AI can assist in generating copy for e-newsletters, social media posts, and email responses, website copy must retain authenticity. Website content should offer a unique perspective, share first-hand experiences, and provide valuable insights; otherwise, it may be deemed low in value.

As Sarah O’Keefe from Scriptorium.com astutely points out, “AI will displace low-value content producers, such as content farms that write fake product reviews, SEO-optimized clickbait, and the like. When you are trying to game the system, speed, and cost are critical, and accuracy is irrelevant.”

Generative AI can be employed to gather information about a client’s industry, competitors, opportunities, and associations, serving as a valuable research tool.

Brainstorming sessions with AI can generate relevant questions for surveys. AI can analyze those survey results and synthesize the data into SWOT analyses.

An AI assistant can be utilized to transcribe and summarize meeting notes, thereby providing a comprehensive record of discussions, action items, and key takeaways. I personally love the Otter.ai meeting assistant.

AI is increasingly being used in website design to streamline the creative process. Artists and creatives can leverage AI to create stunning branding elements, photography, custom images, and even music without the need for traditional tools such as pens, mice, guitars, or cameras. One can save many hours of work using AI for quick, creative assets. However, regarding your brand and branding, I would not use AI; I prefer the human touch for such critical aspects of marketing.

While AI-powered website platforms that automatically create websites are available, their current limitations lie in their inability to produce SEOfriendly and ADA-compliant websites. However, many small businesses will use AI to create low-cost, lower-value websites as technology advances.

Additionally, larger and more complex website development projects can benefit from AI, as it can act as a co-pilot to enhance coding efficiency.

AI plays a crucial role in optimizing paid advertising efforts. By leveraging AI’s capabilities to crunch data and analyze audience behavior, marketers can refine their targeting strategies and achieve better results. AI can provide insights and recommendations on which strategies to implement, helping marketers drive leads and increase sales. It can also refine and adjust bids, select the best asset for the target audience, and optimize for conversions, under the guidance of a skilled paid advertising expert.

We rely on AI daily at Mannix Marketing, but we have established important principles to ensure its effective and ethical use. These principles include thoroughly fact-checking AI-generated content, involving significant human input and prompts, and recognizing that AI can assist with copy editing but that website content should ultimately be written by human experts for long-term ranking success.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in digital marketing will become increasingly significant. From research and analysis to creative design and automation, AI has the potential to revolutionize how marketing agencies operate. However, it is crucial to strike the right balance between AI and human expertise, as AI excels when it complements skilled marketers. By embracing AI and leveraging its capabilities, marketers can deliver better results and cost-effective campaign.

Sara Mannix, president and CEO of Mannix Marketing.

Courtesy Mannix Marketing

Digital Component Construction Provides For Faster, Greener Office Space Design

BY DOROTHY ROGERS-BULLIS

If you’re feeling some whiplash with your professional work style and setting, you’re likely not alone. We went from working a traditional five-day workweek in-person in the office, to working a hybrid schedule, to going fully remotely during the pandemic, to today when many companies are requiring that employees return to the office either full-time or for part of the week. It’s been a whirlwind few years.

With this return to the office, companies are looking for fast solutions to upgrade their existing office or outfit new commercial space. They recognize that employees who have grown accustomed to working from the comfort of home need an incentive to come back into the office, which can include updated work spaces.

In addition to that, with the tight labor market, top talent is in high demand. Companies need to put their best foot forward to entice these prospective employees to join their ranks. These human-centric factors, among others, are contributing to the rise of one of today’s hottest office trends: digital component construction. And one of the industry leaders in this popular trend by storm is Falkbuilt.

Digital component construction from Falkbuilt blends the speed of off-site component fabrication with the precision of digital design. Customize walls, doors, offices—whatever your creative vision is for your commercial space.

But these aren’t the low-quality, prefab materials you might be imagining. This is high-design and construction that is built to last. Falkbuilt uses sustainable and recycled materials, reinforced with steel, so it is strong yet less expensive to produce and assemble than a traditional sheetrock commercial interior. Falkbuilt materials also prioritize safety, featuring a one-hour fire rating.

But another crucial differentiator between Falkbuilt and other digital component construction firms is their proprietary ECHO computer software. Before, commercial interior designers had to contend with the numerous different platforms used by designers, manufacturers, shippers, and installers.

ECHO is the world’s first “technology agnostic” computer platform that synthesizes all of these platforms into one centralized location. This enables Falkbuilt to design the perfect office space with precision measurements, and follow the project

end-to-end — from design to manufacturing, from shipping to installation.

When you remove these silos, you streamline the entire design and installation process, making Falkbuilt’s digital component construction one of the fastest commercial design solutions available.

The benefits of digital component construction

The digital component construction trend offers businesses numerous advantages over more traditional office space design and construction options. When you choose digital component construction from Falkbuilt, you get:

Speed. Thanks to Falkbuilt’s ECHO technology, precision-measurement design, and streamlined manufacturing and shipping, you can have a new (or newly remodeled) office space in as few as five weeks. This enables you to quickly get remote workers back into the office in a new space—or a reimagined one.

Less hassle. Thanks to Falkbuilt’s custom prefabrication, the majority of the build process is actually conducted offsite. Your construction components arrive in large sections, ready for installation so assembly produces no dust, and less waste, noise, and disruption. It also requires fewer tradespeople than traditional construction, adding to the streamlined speed of your project.

Cost effectiveness. Digital components are often less expensive than on-site, stickbuilt office interiors. Plus, you own your Falkbuilt components. They are designed

Continued On Page 13

Real-World Scenarios To Apply AI In Business

BY MARK SHAW

Oh look, another article on AI (artificial intelligence.)

Ok, I promise this won’t be one of those, “AI is here and it’s going to take your job, help you cheat on college papers, or end the world” kind of articles.

There is a lot going on with ChatGPT and its parent company OpenAI making such waves in the news. People are using AI to gather information faster, assist with writing better articles, and even creating art.

While all of this is amazing and it’s interesting to “play” with, what are some real-world scenarios that you can apply AI to use in your business? That is a great question. Far too many articles go for the big hype instead of the small and incremental successes you can have with AI.

Let’s talk about something that isn’t really being talked about when it comes to AI: customer delight. How do you use AI to delight your customers?

If you are a business and you have emails, ticketing systems, or any interaction with your clients electronically, you could be using AI several ways. For example, what if you could have AI review your emails, and if you have a client who appears to be unhappy or showing concerns, your computer would highlight and bring those emails to the forefront to be dealt with first? Would that be an advantage?

AI can be used to review “sentiment” which means, reviewing the use of language to make a determination if someone is upset, or using terms that might make them be at risk of leaving your company or services. This would let you see these emails first and respond quickly.

That isn’t the only way to increase the value to your clients. Imagine receiving an email from a client asking questions about your products or services that they are interested in, or maybe even a problem they are having. AI could do the research and document anything relevant about the clients request in a private note document, saving you the manual research and time. This allows you to get back to them faster with more accurate information.

A great example of this exact situation is any computer error code you might get. Imagine that when you email your IT support company about “Error code 1490 showing up when I open QuickBooks,” and in seconds, AI has parsed the email, generated research on error 1490 codes when it comes to QuickBooks, and has spit out the top five solutions to the tech support team.

The request was not just received, but the basic research has already been done, and the engineer is now actively reviewing the problem and not wast-

ing any time. Is that valuable?

This doesn’t have to be tech support related; it could be as simple as asking a manufacturing company in email if they have a product in stock and how long would take to get it. AI could pull all that information and have a note for the salesperson with information about the clients location, the warehouse the product is in, and how long shipping lead times are.

For a sales executive, this would cut out all research and allow them to respond quickly to the client with all the important facts already researched and sitting there for them. Boom! Customer delight.

We have seen the customers sentiment as well as some potential answers to their questions provided for a human to review and act upon, but what else can we use AI for? Clear communication. Making the client feel empowered, educated, and listened to. Isn’t that all we all want out of any business interaction anyways?

Imagine if once you have solved the client’s problem, you could have AI answer the next most commonly asked questions such as, “How did you fix it?” and, “Are you sure it won’t break again?” and, “If it does, what do we do?” Put these questions into AI and it will come up with a wonderfully clear and concise response you can share with your clients.

AI is wonderful at breaking down complex concepts or solutions and explaining them. This adds more customer delight, because the answer can go from, “dunno” or “it’s fi xed” to a response that brings the client in, educates them, and helps them feel more part of the process. All without any delay.

Run Since 1981"

Dorothy Rogers-Bullis is owner and president of drb Business Interiors in Saratoga Springs.

Mark Shaw, president and CEO of Stored Technology Solutions Inc. (StoredTech).

Summer Construction

Longfellows Resort To Be Transformed Into Much Larger ‘Brookmere’ Destination Spot

BY PAUL POST

One of the area’s leading contractors is diversifying into the Spa City’s hospitality industry with the acquisition of the former Longfellows , which will be rebranded as the Brookmere hotel, spa and restaurant.

SpringCity Development, a subsidiary of Saratoga Springs-based Bonacio Construction, plans a $30 million overhaul of the property, which includes its $4.9 million purchase from business partners Steve Sullivan and David Powers. That occurred in January.

Located at 500 Union Ave., near Saratoga Lake, Longfellows had been a destination for dining, special events and large-group gatherings for many years.

“It’s been a wonderful business for its entire history,” Bonacio spokesman Larry Novick said. “We’re looking to continue working with what draws people to the Saratoga region and the wonderful location the current property holds. A portion of the existing building will be demolished and replaced in order to accommodate a larger room count (from 50 to 88 hotel rooms). We’ll also be reconfiguring the restaurant and ballroom components.”

The project is expected to be completed just over a year from now by autumn 2024.

“We need to obtain land use approvals and we’re waiting for the issuance of demolition and building permits,” Novick said.

Bonacio Construction is credited with developing nearly a half-billion dollars worth of new projects during the past 30 years including 450 condominiums and 1,285 apartments. Its reach now expands far beyond Saratoga Springs, from Troy to the Adirondacks.

Brookmore is its second venture into the hospitality industry this year. In mid-June it opened a new four-season resort, the Lodge at Schroon Lake, a more than $20 million investment on 36 acres previously owned by Word of Life. Guests may choose from 121 rooms in a hotel rooms cabins or chalets.

Both properties will be managed by Hay Creek Hotels, based in Exeter, N.H., a hospitality investment and management firm that has 30 independent hotels on the East Coast from Maine to Alabama.

Many hospitality- and tourism-related businesses have had a hard time finding sufficient numbers of employees in recent years. Novick said Hay Creek is responsible for all staffing and that it successfully filled all 50 positions in Schroon Lake.

It’s uncertain yet how many people will be employed at Brookmere, but Novick said Hay Creek will fill those slots as well.

Bonacio Construction owners Sonny and Julie Bonacio bought Longfellows with investment partner

Mark Howarth. The sale had been under discussion for the past three years.

The 90,500-square-foot Brookmere will be considerably larger than the 65,000-square-foot former Longfellows. The ballroom will handle up to 200 guests and a restaurant, still to be named, that will have capacity for 65 people, both hotel guests and the general public.

Novick said the hotel and restaurant will have a “kind of a timeless Saratoga style” done by Sims Patrick Studio, an Atlanta interior design firm introduced to Bonacio by Hay Creek.

“We’re very impressed with their portfolio,” he said.

Bonacio is working with Balzer & Tuck Architecture and The LA Group Landscape Architecture & Engineering, both of Saratoga Springs, on the Brookmere project’s design.

On another front, SpringCity Development is also pursuing plans for 23 new condominiums built on the site of Church Street retail flooring shop in Saratoga Springs.

Novick declined to discuss the project, but plans reportedly call for razing Torrell’s Carpetland at 78 Church St. to make room for a five-story building with condominiums and 1,600 square feet of firstfloor commercial space.

78 Church Street LLC, an affiliate of Bonacio, bought the property last October for $1.4 million.

Construction Of ‘White Pines’ Business Park In Stillwater In Under Way In Luther Forest

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

Construction is underway on the White Pines Business Suites in the Luther Forest Business Park in Stillwater.

The suites are located in a 62-acre business park located on Shenandoah Drive, less than one mile from Global Foundries. The park is owned by Forest Ridge Development LLC.

White Pines Business Suites is the first of the seven proposed buildings at the business park where developers have received approval to build 750,000 square feet of customizable co-warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, and office space for small and medium-sized businesses.

The facility will feature 30 boutique suites, each measuring 30x50 feet. Each suite will also have a 14x14 foot overhead door.

Franco Construction of Ballston Spa is the contractor for the project.

“The units are 1,500 square feet, but we do have the flexibility that if someone needed 3,000 square feet, we could make that accommodation for them. So, we are flexible in

terms of their size,” said Jeffrey Chouinard, principal at Forest Ridge Development.

“The whole purpose of this was geared towards the small and growing business owner. What we’ve seen out there in the marketplace is that there are a lot of large warehouses and buildings out there and that there are not a lot of options for the small startup business owner—the small contractor.”

According to Chouinard, the spaces would be ideal for companies in the ecommerce, specialty delivery, or HVAC industries.

“There are hundreds of different uses for these spaces. They could be used by a small distributor that has small amounts of inventory that they need at a central location, and I just got an inquiry from someone who is an interior decorator/designer that wants to keep samples there.”

If construction proceeds as scheduled, the spaces—several of which have already been leased by tenants—should be ready for occupancy before the end of the year.

“The foundation is in, the slabs are in and

Continued On Page 13

This is a rendering of White Pines Business Suites being constructed in the 62-acre Luther Forest Business Park in Stillwater. The site will feature 30 boutique suites.

Courtesy Forest Ridge Development LLC

This is a rendering of what the new Brookmere resort will look like.

SpringCity Development

Group Is Building A Facility For Pickleball Courts That Will Have Lessons, Leagues

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

New York-based Legacy Sports Holdings has announced plans to open an indoor and outdoor pickleball facility in Ballston Spa.

Located at 4 McCrea Hill Road, Legacy Pickleball Club will be situated on four acres of property that the company purchased for $2.7 million. The site includes a 20,000-square-foot warehouse, one previously occupied by Mullin Moving and Storage.

The warehouse will house eight indoor pickleball courts, a locker room, a lounge area with a bar that serves beer and wine, and a pro shop. Legacy Pickleball Club will have both indoor and outdoor courts.

The location was chosen after plans to construct Legacy Pickleball Club on Route 9, across from the Malta Drive-In, were abandoned. The facility would have been located adjacent to townhouses that are being built by builder Anthony Caruso.

Michael Xirinachs, Legacy Pickleball Club general manager, said there was also some concern about being located so close to a residential neighborhood. In some parts of the country, homeowners are lodging complaints about noise generated by early-morning pickleball players.

“The group didn’t want to spend $4 million, build it, and end up in litigation with the duplex owners. So, we made the executive decision to forgo that piece of land and look for another location,”he said.

Xirinachs said there will ultimately be “15 to 20 outdoor courts, and we will build them in a way that will be later enclosed in a 40,000-45,000 square foot building. Eight to 10 of the courts will remain outdoor courts, and six courts should be ready for play by mid-August,” said Xirinachs.

Although the Ballston Spa location will be Legacy Sports Holding’s first dedicated pickleball facility, the company plans to build several more throughout the northeast.

According to Xiranchs, a resident of Saratoga, several members of the investment company live locally. They chose Saratoga County as the site for their flagship location after recognizing that the area was in need of a dedicated indoor pickleball facility. While there are indoor pickleball courts in the area, most are on courts that serve multiple purposes.

“When the weather gets cold and you can’t play outside, you are relegated to an indoor facility which is typically a wood gym floor with many different lines for basketball and volleyball. You

have to use a different ball, and it’s a totally different game. So, after you have spent six months honing your outdoor skills, you now have to go and change your entire game only to go back outside again,” he said.

The indoor and outdoor courts at Legacy Pickleball Club will be built using a seven-layer cushion court system. The cushion system plays as if it is an outdoor court but is easier on the joints.

Construction is expected to be underway by early July, and if all goes as planned, the club will open in September.

“We will be ready for upcoming fall/winter season,” said Xirinachs. “It’s going to be the premier indoor facility in the northeast. We expect to attract folks from Albany, Latham, Colonie and even as far away as Lake George and Fort Ann. This is a great demographic with a great pickleball population. People love pickleball because it can be as competitive as you want or as social as you want. I think that appeals to a lot of folks. It’s a way to get a great workout, have fun, and meet people. It’s a very social sport.”

Legacy Pickleball Club will have an initial staff of between five and 10 full-time employees with Pete Bogarczuk as the inhouse pro in charge of lessons and leagues. The club will operate under a membership driven model, with non-members paying more to reserve a court. Online reservations will be available.

Its website is www.legacypbclub.com.

'White Pines'

Continued From Page 12

poured and backfilled, and we are starting to address the parking area. Lumber is being delivered, and we’ll be vertical within the next week at the latest,” said Chouinard.

Several other projects are in the works for the business park, and two other firms have signed NDAs with Chouinard.

“We have over 750,000 square feet approved for the entire park, and this (White Pines Business Suites) is just the first 45,000,” he said. “There are a variety of different ways we can go with it. Someone can purchase a building site, and we will build to suit. They could potentially do a land lease. It depends on what their needs are, and we’ve got that flexibility which is great.”

“I’m not in the position to be able to dis-

Saratoga Showcase Of Homes Tour

Scheduled For Two Weekends In October

The 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes tour is planned for two weekends this fall.

Celebrating 27 years, the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee announced the event will be presented Oct. 7-8 and Oct. 14-15.

The tour of new homes will feature a lineup of homes from some of the top builders in the region.

Sponsors and award-winning builders committed to this year’s event include Belmonte Builders, Degraff Bloom Custom Builders, Kodiak Construction, R & M Homes, the BDC Group, Whitbeck Construction and Witt Construction.

There are seven builders and nine locations. New to the tour this year will be two homes in Lake George.

In addition, the group’s commitment to workforce development will continue with a

student exhibition and a BOCES tiny house on display at the Degraff-Bloom showcase home.

Over the past 26 years, the community event has contributed nearly $1.5 million to two local charities. Proceeds from the Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

For more details on the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. is a specialized professional trade association. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, subcontractors, fi nancial institutions, architects, engineers, Realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. For more information, visit www.saratogabuilders.org.

Greener Office Space Design

Continued From Page 11

for disassembly, so wall systems can be easily reconfigured on site, moved to another location, or recycled at the end of their lifecycle.

High design. You dream it, and Falkbuilt can design, manufacture, deliver, and assemble it! Whether you are designing a space for healthcare, commercial, retail, education, or industrial use, the possibilities for colors, materials, and layout are nearly endless.

A smaller carbon footprint: Not only does Falkbuilt use recycled materials in their office design products, they take “going green” even further. Their digital component construction uses less material,

reduces emissions in manufacturing, and virtually eliminates on-site waste. If you are ready to design an inspiring, environmentally friendly, cost-effective office space that will entice your employees to return to the office, drb Business Interiors is ready to help.

We are proud to be the Northern New York branch for Falkbuilt, offering commercial space design and redesign using Falkbuilt’s digital component construction. With our end-to-end service, we will coordinate design and pre-construction, project management, order entry, building permit submittals, and installation—often in as little as five weeks.

cuss it, but I’m working with two other firms as we speak. They are totally different than these business suites. They are more warehouse-ish manufacturing-ish businesses. We are full steam ahead, and in the next few days I will be poring over numbers for the next building.”

According to Chouinard, the business park is the culmination of a 10-year project.

“It’s part of an overall comprehensive plan. Adjacent to this, there an apartment component to it, and there was also a single family component to it. Luther Forest is the single family housing community, and we sold the apartment approval to the Element (Elements at Saratoga Lake). This was the last phase of three-phase project.”

Since 1945 Eastern Heating and Cooling, Inc. has been serving commercial and industrial customers through Upstate New York, Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont with designs, installation and maintenance service. When faced with difficult complex problems, experience matters

This is the logo for the Legacy Pickleball Club, which is building courts in Ballston Spa.

Chuck Ciaccia 29 years

Jude Gosh 34 years

Dave Weiss 23 years

Spencer Agan 25 years OVER 159 YEARS COMBINED

Dennis Choiniere 48 years

Summer Concerts

Continued From Page 1

the Arts, with the support of the office of the governor and the State Legislature.

Local sponsors include sponsors, Saratoga Arts, Humana, Adirondack Trust Co., Crafters Gallery, DZ Restaurants, Kayak Shak, Ladylily’s Place, The Saratoga Hilton, Spa City Motor Lodge, Stewart’s Shops, 30 Lake Fine Dining, Clements Insurance, Cudney’s Launders & Dry Cleaners, PJ’s BAR-B-QSA, Rock & Oddities Con, Saratoga

Builders Association, Saratoga Springs City Center, the Saratogian, Saratoga’s Star Radio, The Magic Moon, The Olde Bryan Inn, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Mind Body Soul Expo, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga and the Wine Bar. For more information, contact the Heritage Area Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241 or visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter. com.

Meet The Chef

Rafferty Handles All Duties At Inn At Saratoga

BY PAUL POST

Mike Rafferty’s culinary heroes include the likes of Julia Childs, Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck.

These are some of the celebrity chefs who inspired his career as a young kid, growing up in the Saratoga Springs restaurant scene. But a legendary BOCES culinary instructor who trained countless local students, stands out above all others.

“My favorite was Chef George Hoffis,” Rafferty said. “He was a great guy. He taught me everything. I started working when I was 14 so by the time he got hold of me I knew a little something. He knew I was interested so he took me under his wing and guided me through this crazy business.”

The lessons Rafferty, now 55, learned as a Saratoga Spring High School student are still paying dividends in his current position as head chef at the Inn at Saratoga, the Spa City’s oldest continuously operating lodging house, built in 1843, which takes guests back to a charming bygone era.

“I’m hands-on,” he said. “I’m working the line on a constant basis, plus doing all the administering, managing staff, creating menus, ordering, inventory and I do all the banquets. I’m not a paper chef as they like to say.”

The key to running a successful kitchen is simple: “Getting everything organized and having a very clean work environment,” Rafferty said.

He stays up with the latest trends by watching cooking shows on television and poring through magazines such as Bon Appetit.

“And I’ve been doing this so long that sometimes I bring back recipes from 20 years ago,” Rafferty said. “I am totally 100 percent responsible for the menu. We change it three times per year—fall and winter, spring and summer and a special one for track season, the busiest

time of year. Our beef brisket is very popular. The recipe is from the owner’s (Robert Israel) great-grandmother. We cook it Jewish style. That’s very popular. Our lamb dish is taking off now, too. It’s served with roasted sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and Kalamata olives. And our stuffed sole, stuffed with crab meat served over risotto is also a top seller.”

One of the most important lessons Hoffis taught Rafferty is, “Don’t put out a dish if you wouldn’t eat it yourself. And he always told me that my customer is my waitress. I have to make sure she’s happy with the way something looks before it goes out to the customer.”

Rafferty got his start at a former eatery called Yesterday’s, where Saratoga Gelato is now located on Broadway. It was owned by Kathy Smith, current owner of Saratoga Arms Hotel, and her late husband, Noel.

“My mother was a waitress there and my father was building apartments above the complex,” Rafferty said. “ I was getting tired and bored at day camp, so I asked my mother if I could get a job. She said, ‘I’m not going to get the job for you. You can come in and talk to Noel.’ I went in and the next day and was washing dishes at 14 years old.”

From there he went to the former Dining Car Restaurant where Starbuck’s is now, at 351 Broadway, which the Smiths also owned.

“They let me do my own thing,” Rafferty said. “I made dessert for the Smothers Brothers one day, a home made chocolate mousse. They called me out to their table, which was kind of cool at 15 years old.”

While still in high school, he qualified for a national cooking competition by winning fi rst place in regional and statewide events. He credits teacher Maureen Clancy for also being an important mentor during those critical years as a young, aspiring chef.

Th rough the years Rafferty has also worked at the Old Firehouse Restaurant and spent three years each at the Holiday Inn, where he was sous chef, and the Gideon Putnam Hotel before fi nding a permanent home at the Inn at Saratoga where he’s worked continuously for the past 21 years.

In a town known for hosting celebrity guests, Rafferty’s patrons have run the gamut from the Goo Goo Dolls to singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie, of “Alice’s Restaurant” fame.

“I like the family atmosphere in Saratoga,” he said. “I’ve lived here all my life. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”

The biggest change he’s seen during nearly 40 years of culinary work has nothing to do with modern technology. “The work ethic in youth today is lacking compared to 20 years ago,” Rafferty said. “The work ethic in America is slipping a little bit. Everybody wants big bucks, but they only have one year of experience. It’s not only very hard to fi nd good help, it’s very hard to fi nd any help. The turnover is amazing. That’s why I like working here. It’s like a family. Our breakfast chef, Karen Vunk, has been here 13 years. Our bartender, Patrick Lynett, has been here 10 years and our general manager Lauren Hayward has been here seven or eight years.”

Valuable staff members include Rob Wilson, second in command cooking breakfast along with Alan Abrams and Keith Lewis who

Mike Rafferty is the executive chef at the Inn at Saratoga in Saratoga Springcs.

©2023 Saratoga Photographer.com

started the lessons business, he wanted to join.”

After deciding they would like to have their own facility, the partners created a business plan, obtained fi nancing, and began searching for a location. They ultimately chose the former home of Artisanal Brew Works, a space that became available after the brewery moved a stone’s throw away to 617 Maple Ave.

“We looked at a lot of places, but either they weren’t wide enough or their ceilings weren’t high enough or there wasn’t room for a bar and the simulators,” said Gerarde. “This space was exactly what we were looking for. They had a nice bar area, and the ceilings in the back where the beer vats were plenty high enough. It’s like a warehouse back there.”

Simulator lessons are available year round, and playing lessons—lessons that take place on the golf course—are offered during the months that golf courses are open. During a playing lesson, students are taught golf rules and etiquette as well as how to play different shots on the course.

For beginners who may self-conscious about taking lessons, PSG offers a private setting.

“A lot of people are much more comfortable learning in a private space,” said Gerarde. “That’s why I love these simulators. They are private, and it’s just the teacher and the student.”

PSG’s simulators utilize launch monitor and swing camera data to help students improve their ball contact and swing path. Instant video playback includes several different camera angles. Gerarde said the data is especially beneficial to low handicap golfers looking to take their golf games to the next level.

“They love the technology because they can see their swing rates, their club path, the spin rate that’s coming through on the ball, the side spin, and their launch angle. They love to see all

that data,” he said.

The SUNY Adirondack golf team, coached by Gerarde and Boss, also utilizes PSG as their practice facility. Two of their players went to nationals, and one fi nished 8th in the country.

In addition to being used for team practices and lessons, simulators can be reserved for private use by individual or groups. PSG does not charge simulator patrons for use of the putting and chipping green, but it is available only when it has not been reserved as part of a “party package” that includes rental of both simulators.

According to Gerarde, PSG’s indoor putting and chipping green is the only one in the area.

“It was expensive, and we used really high quality turf. People tried to talk us out of it because it doesn’t generate revenue, but to us, it was really important. It provides added benefit to our clients who want to come in and have some fun putting and chipping around.”

Although Gerarde and Boss are PSG’s only employees, they expect to hire additional staff during the winter when indoor golf facilities are in high demand.

“Golf simulators don’t get much use during the summer when everyone is outside golfi ng,” said Gerarde. “But the main idea for our business was to provide lessons for students, so we are getting a lot of people who are coming in for lessons.”

PSG has a limited snack menu as well as a bar that serves alcoholic beverages. They have no plans of installing a kitchen, but patrons can order meals from Artisanal Brew Works and have them delivered to the PSG Golf facility.

In addition to offering simulator rentals, individual lessons, and 3 lesson packages, PSG offers a limited number of memberships that include 24 hour access to the facility. For more information, visit psggolf.com.

Card Catalog

This house is quintessential Saratoga! The perfect place for entertaining, and an amazing place to call home. Watch the horses from the sunroom or the balcony off your custom master suite, and take in the views of the 13th green at Saratoga National. The first floor offers a second suite which could be perfect for in-laws or visitors. Conveniently located to get you to the track, Saratoga Lake, or I-87 in minutes; this is an excellent home base for whatever you have planned. Spacious gourmet kitchen features 6-burner wolf range, wall oven, microwave, warming drawer and espresso machine. Ample space for guests in multiple dining areas, huge living room with fireplace, outdoor patio and firepit. All on over 1.2 acres in Saratoga Springs. There is truly nothing to do but move in and enjoy!

Meet The Chef

Continued From Page 14

work with Rafferty at night in the restaurant.

One of the biggest challenges is serving large groups such as weddings, which is

also quite rewarding. “When I do a wedding I always ask the bride if she liked her meal,” Rafferty said. “If she did, it makes me happy because it’s supposedly a once-in-a-lifetime thing, getting married. It feels good to be a little part of that. It all comes back to organization and keeping lots of notes. I keep a notebook with me all the time to make sure every-

thing goes off well. We haven’t had a problem since I’ve been here.”

Rafferty’s team has to be at its best at all times because of the Spa City’s highly-competitive environment with no shortage of outstanding restaurants.

Given a choice, if he could work in any other country, Rafferty said he’d probably choose

Germany because of all the brats and sausages found there. But when the intense pressure of a big banquet or dining room full of people is off, Rafferty likes to relax with his own favorite meal.

“I’m a breakfast guy,” he said, smiling. “I make a big breakfast every Sunday, sausage gravy and biscuits.”