The Former Longfellow’s Is Undergoing A $30 Million Makeover By Bonacio Construction
BY PAUL POST
A $30 million makeover of the former Longfellow’s is scheduled for completion by year’s end with a new name, Brookmere, featuring an upscale 90room hotel, spa, restaurant and banquet facility for 200 guests.
Bonacio Construction owners Sonny and Julie Bonacio, of Saratoga Springs, and investment partner Mark Howarth purchased the popular site at 500 Union Avenue early last year from business partners Steve Sullivan and Dave Powers for $4.9 million.
“We’re currently working on finishes on one
building and the main center building is heavily under framing construction for the new addition,” Project Manager Amber Mathias said.
The 90-room hotel almost doubles the capacity of Longfellow’s, which had 50 rooms. To accommodate the increase, one of the old Longfellow’s buildings, which housed the restaurant and bar, was demolished to make room the new hotel portion of Brookmere.
“Everything else, the original inn building and the newer inn at the rear of the property, was saved,”
Continued On Page 3
An Upscale Japanese Restaurant Is Slated To Open In Saratoga Springs In September
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
Just 15 years after immigrating to the United States from China, Briana Lin is preparing to open her seventh Capital Region restaurant. Located at 30 Lake Avenue, Omakase Sushi and Grill is expected to open its doors at the end of September. The space was previously occupied by 30 Lake, an upscale seafood restaurant that closed earlier this year.
Twenty-three-years-old when she arrived in the U.S. with her husband in 2009, Lin went right to work in her uncle’s restaurant, Yang’s Asian Bistro in Latham. When her uncle retired four years later, she took over the business. Since then, Lin and her business partners have opened two additional restaurants in Latham-Kobe Hibachi and T-Swirl Japanese Crepe—as well as VOLCANO Asian BBQ and Hot Pot in Niskayuna, and Sawa Sushi Bistro in Glenmont. Rounding out the list is, Azuma Sushi Bistro in Malta where Lin’s husband, Wen “Jason” Cao is the head chef.
Each one of Lin’s restaurants features a unique menu, and Omakase Sushi and Grill will be no exception. In addition to serving a la carte menu items, the eatery will offer a Japanese sushi dining experience known as omakase, a term that translates to “I leave it up to you.” Three price points will be available for omakase dining ($70, $90, and $110), with each price point featuring a different array of sushi selections chosen by the chef.
Lin said it was one of her customers who inspired her to open Omakase Sushi and Grill.
“He passed away, but every time he came to the restaurant, he would say, ‘You pick for me. Everything you pick I love,’” she said.
According to Lin, her new establishment will offer an upscale dining experience.
“It will be a sushi fine dining restaurant,” she noted. “Everything will be fresh, and a lot will be direct-fly from Japan. Most restaurants don’t use that grade of sushi because of the cost. We will have a lot of things that people have never tried before.”
For example, they will offer premium seafood including baby yellowtail and king salmon— menu items not available at any Lin’s other restaurants.
When choosing a location for Omakase Sushi and Grill, Lin said the 30 Lake Avenue property offered everything she was looking for.
“For most of my restaurants, we used existing restaurant locations. That saves a lot of money for us and has less risk. At 30 Lake, they had a great business, and it’s a great location for sushi. It’s just a little off Broadway,” she said.
Lin is in the process of renovating the dining room but said the kitchen will require very little work. She expects to hire 20 employees, boosting her total employee count to 120.
When asked the secret to her success, she credits her dedicated business partners and loyal customers.
“I want to thank my customers,” she said, noting that she learned to speak English by interacting with them. ”For the past 11 years all of the customer trust has made me feel more confident. I will continue to do my best for them.”
Lin shows no signs of slowing down and has an eighth restaurant in the works. Although she is not yet ready to make a formal announcement, she said it will be located in Latham.
The 40-Day Saratoga Race Course Meet Has Huge Impact On Capital Region Economy
BY PAUL POST
Buoyed by momentum from the first-ever Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, the regular summer racing meet began July 11, ushering in what could be the best season in the historic track’s long, colorful history.
Highlighted by the 155th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 24 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 3, the 40-day meet features 19 Grade 1 races as part of 71 stakes worth $20.75 million in total purses.
The four-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival (June 6-9) had an estimated $50 million economic impact on the surrounding area, and a recent study prepared for Saratoga Economic Development Corporation says the summer meet’s impact has increased 57 percent to $371 million since 2014. Saratoga Race Course alone is directly responsible for generating almost 3,000 jobs, not counting the thousands of other hospitality industry positions it supports throughout the Capital Region.
Continued On Page 5
McBride Is Named The Executive Director Of The Prevention Council Of Saratoga County
The Prevention Council of Saratoga County has announced the appointment of Amy McBride as its new executive director.
With an extensive background in health and human services, McBride is set to lead the organization’s efforts in enhancing community wellbeing through substance abuse prevention and recovery support.
Previously serving as the assistant director of Prevention & Special Programs at The New York Council on Problem Gambling, McBride oversaw significant prevention initiatives, program development, and strategic collaborations across New York state. Her return to The Prevention Council comes after an initial tenure as Director of Community Outreach and Coalition Development from 2017-2018, during which time she led crucial programs aimed at reducing youth substance abuse.
In her new role, McBride will be responsible for spearheading the council’s mission to educate, inform, and provide vital referral services concerning alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention. She will also focus on expanding the organization’s recovery center offerings, ensuring those affected by addiction receive the necessary resources and support.
Alison Gorton, board president of The Prevention Council, said, “Amy’s profound commitment to public health and her remarkable leadership skills make her the perfect candidate to guide our organization forward. Her previous successes and innovative approach to prevention programs have already made a significant impact, and we are excited to see her bring her vision and expertise to this role.”
McBride shared her vision for her new role. “I am thrilled to return to The Prevention Council of Saratoga County, an organization that stands at the forefront of fostering healthy communities,” she said. “My goal is to enhance our existing programs and introduce innovative strategies that address the evolving challenges in substance abuse prevention. Together, we will strengthen our impact on the community and continue to provide a beacon of hope for those in need.”
For more information about The Prevention Council of Saratoga County and its programs, please visit https://preventioncouncil.org.
Named Brookmere, the former Longfellow’s is undergoing a complete renovation by Bonacio Construction.
Courtesy of Bonacio Construction
Dornoch, the winner of the 2024 Belmont Stakes, might be featured in a showdown with Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and Preakness winner Seize the Grey in the Travers Stakes.
Amira Chichakly photo
Experienced in health and human services, Amy McBride has a new role in Saratoga. Courtesy of Prevention Council of Saratoga Co.
Storybook Cottage On The Hudson Provides Travelers With A Unique B&B Experience
BY JILL NAGY
“This is my third career and I’m loving it,” said Kathleen Stell, owner of the newly opened Storybook Cottage on the Hudson bed and breakfast in Stillwater.
At the age of 80 she is not ready to retire. She and her husband, Jack, “fell in love” with the house, and when they learned that a previous owner operated a bed and breakfast in it, “a light bulb went on” and they bought the house.
Storybook Cottage is the architectural style and the house is roughly modeled on houses built as sets for Disney movies. It is a five-bedroom house built in 1932. It has a steep slate roof, a fireplace with a 12-footwide chimney, screened porch, a large deck and, according to Stell, is perfectly laid out for use as a bed and breakfast.
Her husband, a licensed marriage and family counselor as well as a licensed mental health counselor, took over a first floor bedroom for his office. Three bedrooms, each with a bathroom, on the second floor are rented out, mostly on weekends. However, one of their first guests stayed five days. During the Fourth of July holiday week, the rooms were booked every night.
Future plans include conversion of an auxiliary building to provide four more bedrooms. They plan to stay open year-round except for a possible vacation in January.
Renovations took almost nine months, including wiring, plumbing, new heat and air conditioning, and some heavy-duty landscaping, most of it done by “very talented great local people,” according to Stell. She and her husband did some painting, stripped wallpaper, and furnished the house. When the work was done they hosted an open house. Several hundred neighbors came, many of whom had never been inside the house before.
With few other overnight options in Stillwater, Storybook Cottage is becoming a base for visiting family. Stell does the cooking and baking, all of it glutenfree. She makes muffins every morning, some extra on Tuesdays to sell at the farmers’ market. The breakfast menu includes casseroles, breakfast sandwich, homemade granola, a high-protein smoothie, or simple bacon and eggs. Guests are on their own for other
Kathleen and Jack Stell recently purchased and renovated a 1932 home, named Storybook Cottage.
meals but have access to a large “gathering room” to eat their take-out and, Stell noted, there is pizza available two doors away.
The Stells moved to the area from Spokane, Washington, three years ago. Largely due to the pandemic, his practice was all online and easily transported. Gradually, he has transitioned to an in-person practice based in the cottage.
Each of them has two adult children from previous marriages and between them they have 12 grandchildren ranging in age from 4 to 30.
This is their first venture into the hospitality industry. Previously, they designed training programs for the Department of Homeland Security and other U.S. Government agencies.
Rates at the bed and breakfast, subject to change, are from $120 to $150 a night for two people, with breakfast.
Storybook Cottage is located on Hudson Avenue across from Blockhouse Park and the Hudson River. Kayaks are available for rent.
For more information log on to storybookcottage. net.
Respected Title Search Company In Saratoga Springs Changes Hands After Twenty Years
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
Broadway Title Agency has new owners. The company that Stephen Heidorn founded 20 years ago to research property deeds and facilitate unencumbered real estate transactions was sold to equal partners Ralph Scunziano and Douglas Zins in a deal that closed on May 31.
The three are working together closely as they transition vendors, turn over expenses, and complete all housekeeping, Scunziano said.
The new partners are both attorneys. Scunziano said he is a real estate investor and Zins, who has a practice in Watervliet focusing on real estate, has represented him on many transactions. According to Scunziano, Zins knew Heidorn “from the other side of the closing table.”
“Through my conversations with Stephen, I said there was a great opportunity to take over when he retired,” said Zins.
“Coming through the 2022-2023 market boom there is a lot of potential in real estate, although it is a little lax because of higher interest rates,” Zins said.
Interest rates have stayed the same but inventory has been up. The new partners are “hoping interest rates come down a little in the near future,” but as Zins said, “people still need to and want to buy and sell houses or refinance their homes.” That demand fuels the need for title searches.
Celebrating Over 180 Years of Hospitality in Downtown Saratoga Springs
A title search involves looking back at least 40 years at the ownership interest of a property, including mortgage information, judgements or liens, “and anything else that might cloud the title interest of the seller, such as bankruptcy proceedings or unpaid real estate taxes,” said Zins.
“That report gives the buyer confidence that at closing, the property is free and clear of any encumbrances from prior owners,” he said.
Scunziano said the partners are very pleased that Lisa A. Magin, the agency’s sole employee, will be staying on and lending her expertise.
“Lisa has worked alongside Stephen Heidorn for 20 years and has a wealth of knowledge about this business and the industry,” he said.
Scunziano and Zins have “a network of attorney friends and business acquaintances” whom they will “rely on to grow the business,” they said.
“We will keep that pipeline flowing,” said Scunziano. “Right now we are focusing on a smooth transition so we can keep the existing book of business and then build up from that.”
Scunziano said he and Zins “would love to grow and expand and hire more people, but right now we are at the mercy of some of those economic factors.”
Scunziano and Zins have no plans to relocate their new venture.
“The office at 480 Broadway is a prime location and we love it here in Saratoga,” said Zins. “We are close to everything that we would typically be using in relationship to our business.”
“The post office is right here, Adirondack Trust and even the courthouse, in case I also need to do some legal practice there,” he said
When Heidorn opened the agency 20 years ago he set up shop on the basement floor, he said.
“Then we skipped over the main floor and moved up to the second floor,” he said. “The first floor is too expensive, that’s retail pricing.”
Heidorn said he was actively marketing the business “for two or three years when Douglas Zins came along.”
Negotiations took about a year to finalize, he said.
Zins and Scunziano are taking over in quite a different environment than that which Heidorn found when he came into the area in 1981.
“You could shoot a cannon down the middle of Broadway in the winter back then and not hit anybody,” he said. “All the hotels and subdivisions that have been built have made Saratoga the fastest growing county in the state.”
Heidorn sat on the board of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce for six years and has served as treasurer.
He said real estate is always a cyclical business but that COVID spurred growth for the industry as interest rates were lowered and people moved out of New York City to places like Saratoga.
“In my book, Saratoga County is the premier county from a real estate point of view,” said Heidorn.
“We look forward to continuing the legacy that Mr. Heidorn has laid down,” said Scunziano. Heidorn looks forward to the next chapter of life in Saratoga.
“Three days after closing on the business I purchased a house at a foreclosure sale, so I guess I’m not fully retired,” Heidorn said. “It needs some work and I’m looking forward to getting my hands dirty a little bit.”
For more information on Broadway Title Agency find them on Facebook.
Stephen Heidorn (left) has sold Broadway Title Agency to Ralph Scunziano (center) and Douglas Zins. Seated is long-time employee Lisa Magin. Saratoga Business Journal
Courtesy of Kathleen and Jack Stell
Inaugural Group Of Owners Begin Moving Into The Residences At The Adelphi Hotel
The Residences at The Adelphi Hotel welcomed the first owners of their luxury condominiums in early June, with more closings anticipated throughout the summer as nearly half of the 79 units are now sold.
The June move-ins and summer closings are a sign of the high demand for the transformative development, a $75 million renovation, expansion and redesign of the historic Adelphi Hotel, which is expected to be complete by late 2024.
The project, spearheaded by developers Michael Dubb of The Beechwood Organization and businessman Larry Roth, is located in the heart of Saratoga Springs. It features a diverse selection of studio-, one, two-, three-bedroom and duplex penthouse apartments in 28 floorplans from 800 square feet to 2,500plus square feet priced from $800,000 to $4 million.
“When we began this project, we sought to build a property that was unlike anything in the area in terms of elegance and amenities, while still staying true to the original almost 150-year-old hotel. Looking at the Residences today and seeing the first buyers’ reactions to their new homes, I know we succeeded in maintaining that delicate balance,” said Dubb.
“Our team has been working around the clock to ensure the Residences meet and exceed our new
owners’ expectations. We are eager to welcome our buyers to their new homes at The Adelphi,” said Roth.
Many of the apartments have expansive outdoor living space and overlook an exquisitely designed courtyard garden or sweeping views of Broadway.
Residents may enter the building through the main hotel entrance on Broadway or through a private residents-only entrance on Washington Street. They have have access to their own underground parking garage in the building. Shared amenities with the hotel include a spa, salon, gym, game room, card room, and business center along with two restaurants -- Morrissey’s and Salt & Char.
There are also European-styled kitchens, Wolf and Bosch appliances, Kohler fixtures and large plank-wood floors.
The redesign also includes the expansion of The Adelphi Hotel from 32 to 65 guest rooms, the ballroom capacity from 125-persons to 225-persons and an extended sushi bar at Morrissey’s.
“Saratoga Springs is a highly sought after destination and we are receiving nearly daily inquiries. As deliveries continue, we expect the remaining apartments to sell rather quickly,” said Shannon McCarthy, the exclusive listing agent for The Residences at The Adelphi Hotel.
Brookmere
Continued From Page 1
said Larry Novik, Bonacio Development president.
The new hotel will have 13 different room options from which to choose, including spa suites in which guests may obtain in-room treatment; luxury suites with a dining area and wet bar; lofted rooms with first-floor living room and upstairs bedroom; and standard double-bed and king-size bed rooms.
Saratoga Springs-based Balzer & Tuck Architecture designed the project and rooms are being done by Sims Patrick Studio, an Atlanta interior design firm.
The completed project will total about 90,000 square feet.
The Arbor Spa will be available to all hotel guests.
The 64-seat Regent restaurant will be open to the public on a daily basis. Overflow seating will be available at a comfortable front porch area and outdoor courtyard.
Special events such as weddings, galas, and bar and bat mitzvahs were a big part of Longfellow’s business, and Brookmere will expand upon such offerings with a luxurious ballroom with capacity for 200 people.
Bonacio Construction is credited with developing roughly 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.
Last year, the company diversified into the hospitality industry with 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. Its guests may choose from 121 rooms in a hotel rooms cabins or chalets.
Both the Lodge and Brookmere 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.
Brookmere will employ about 50 people. Hay Creek is responsible for staffing the facility. The firm began hiring and booking events in early July, in anticipation of Brookmere’s late 2024 opening.
Bonacio obtained financing for Brookmere through Rhinebeck Bank.
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This summer will be a busy time at The Residences at The Adelphi Hotel as condominium owners move into their new accommodations. Courtesy of The Residences at The Adelphi Hotel
GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL
9 Broad St. Glens Falls, NY 12803 (518) 581-0600 • Fax: (518) 430-3020 • www.saratogabusinessjournal.com
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Production Manager Graphic Precision
Contributing Writers Susan Campbell Jill Nagy Christine Graf Paul Post
A New Concession Stand At Saratoga Lake Serves Up ‘Ugly’ Comfort Food Selections
BY JILL NAGY
Those who enjoy those lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer often indulge in a cooling dip in the water followed by a delectable frozen treat.
That’s exactly what visitors to Brown’s Beach on Saratoga Lake can enjoy. Following a swim they can order their choice of ice cream ... even if it’s ugly.
Ugly Ice Cream, a new concession stand that will operate through the summer, is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Ariel Pagan and brothers Joe and John Starr.
The name comes from Pagan’s two other businesses, the Ugly Rooster Cafes, one located in Malta and the other in Mechanicville. Pagan, a culinary school graduate and experienced pastry chef, opened the first Ugly Rooster in 2009 and expanded later with the second location.
The Starr brothers are semi-retired home builders. They founded StarrBuilt Custom Homes in 2005 and now focus on speciality projects through StarrBuilt Residential Installation as well as real estate.
The impetus for starting the business came when Pagan saw that there wasn’t an ice cream shop or snack bar located on the lake. He contacted the Starr brothers and they came on board.
To date, there are only three basic flavors of ice cream --- chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. There is also dairy-free ice cream in rotating flavors such as pineapple, orange and mango. Pagan is in the process of creating new flavors and toppings.
The concept for the “ugly” part of the culi-
nary experience at Brown’s Beach comes from the name of Pagan’s two other business locations. For example, diners can order the tater tots as “ugly,” which means that Pagan’s homemade meat sauce, onions, and cheese sauce “gets slapped on top,” according to a spokesperson.
The pavilion in which the business operates already existed and is owned by the Town of Stillwater. However, the entrepreneurs did build all the branded signage around the pavilion.
“Local artists and designers were tremendously helpful in creating the signage. Joe’s brother is a designer and helped plan the signage and structural aspects of things,” said the spokesperson. “Camelot Print and Copy in Latham was also a very helpful partner in the process.”
There is also Saratoga Lake merchandise, which was designed and hand illustrated by a local artist. Stickers, sweat shirts, tee-shirts, and tank tops touting the lake are currently available for sale.
“We wanted people to be able to buy Ugly Ice Cream merch but wanted to rep the lake as well,” said the spokesperson.
To officially launch the business the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce officiated at a ribbon cutting.
Although located at the entrance to Brown’s Beach, Ugly Ice Cream can be accessed without paying admission to the beach. It is open from 11.a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, whether the beach is open or not.
The address is 511 Route 9P in Saratoga Springs.
Ugly Ice Cream operates out of this pavilion, which is owned by the Town of Stillwater, at Brown’s Beach on Saratoga Lake.
The Wild Horse Is Set To Become Important Addition To Caroline Street Leisure Scene
STAFF REPORT
Coinciding with the start of the 2024 summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course, a horse-themed tavern has opened in the Spa City.
The Wild Horse, so named because The Rolling Stones’ classic “Wild Horses” is one of owner Lucas White’s favorite songs, opened recently in the former Dango’s on Caroline Street.
According to a press release, “It was important to Lucas and (Managing Partner) Kevin (Decker) that the name include a music reference, given the focus on live music at the restaurant. It was also important to refer to the local horse racing scene.”
White was interested in purchasing Dango’s for years. He grew up in Loudonville where he attended Albany Academy and later Duke University. He now lives in Boston where he is a partner in an international asset management firm. His ties to the area remain strong, however, since his parents, aunt and uncle live in the Albany area. He is also a frequent visitor to Saratoga during track season.
Decker, the general manager at Siro’s and director of sales for a brokerage in Boston, came on board after a series of discussions with White in which he was inspired by White’s enthusiasm and vision for the property. Decker lives locally in Round Lake.
The duo purchased the building in September 2023 and have finished a complete rehabilitation of all three floors. A total of $250,000 in capital improvements have gone into the kitchen, which was moved from the first to the second floor.
“Any chef would be happy to work out of this
brand new kitchen,” the press release stated.
According to the release, White and Decker are currently in negotiations with one of the area’s best chefs to oversee the kitchen and “expect to have an eclectic menu that encompasses wings, top-notch salads, and upscale raw bar items, in addition to other offerings.”
With the kitchen relocated, the first floor space was renovated into a large ladies restroom and a family restroom.
“The restaurant and bar were completely renovated by local craftsmen and will be unique to the Saratoga area,” according to the press release. “The back room has been converted to a large VIP room with a balcony overlooking the busy patio. In the off season the room will be opened for special functions, sporting events, and music offerings. Improvements were also made to the patio, including new gazebos, patio furniture, and outdoor bars.”
The press release noted that “Caroline Street is changing. A number of businesses have closed or been sold in the last couple of years, and there are big plans for mixed-use developments.”
“We feel the renaissance of Caroline Street starts with The Wild Horse setting the benchmark for other restaurants to follow,” said Decker.
“We wanted to go from a mostly seasonal patio bar business to a year-round entertainment venue focused on great food, live music, and fun,” said White. “The Wild Horse will be a unique addition to the Saratoga Springs community.”
The Wild Horse is located at 38 Caroline Street.
To learn more go to info@the-wild-horse.com.
Continued From Page 1
“The area hosted lots of first-time visitors during the four-day Belmont Stakes Festival and we encouraged them to check out our local restaurants, retail shops, entertainment venues and cultural destinations,” said Todd Shimkus, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president. “The feedback from those visitors was overwhelmingly positive, so we are hopeful they will return this July and August to be part of the full 40-day summer meet, with more time to enjoy the many other attractions that Saratoga County has to offer.”
Racing is held five days per week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week when the meet concludes on Labor Day (Monday, September 2). First post is 1:10 p.m. daily except Saturdays, when it’s 12:35 p.m.
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. for all but Travers Day when gates will open at 9 a.m. Travers Day will feature a special first post of 11:40 a.m.
Numerous activities and festive events are planned both on and off the track throughout the meet’s entirety.
For track-goers, some of the most anticipated dates are give-away days when everyone entering the grounds gets a special free gift. This year’s lineup is a white, 40-ounce Saratoga drink tumbler on Friday, July 19; a Saratoga baseball jersey, white with red piping and a red Saratoga logo emblazoned across the front, on Friday, August 2; a trucker cap (white Saratoga logo embroidered on a red patch above a red brim, with a white mesh wrap around the back) on Friday, August 16; and a black windbreaker with an embroidered white Saratoga logo on Sunday, September 1.
One of the track’s most popular features is Breakfast at Saratoga from at 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., excluding Travers Day and Labor Day. Fans may enjoy a buffet breakfast against the backdrop of horses galloping by during morning training sessions.
Two years ago, a new program was introduced giving fans a chance to tour a local thoroughbred breeding farm after breakfast. The program will be offered Wednesday through Saturday (excluding Aug. 24), plus select Sundays through Saturday, August 31. This year will feature newcomer Sugar Plum Farm to supplement incumbents Song Hill Thoroughbreds and Old Tavern Farm. Fans are taken to farms on a CDTA trolley and return in time for the afternoon’s races.
Tickets must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. Admission to Saratoga Race Course is included in the package.
The highly anticipated Travers Stakes might feature a showdown between the respective winners of this year’s Kentucky Derby (Mystik Dan), Preakness (Seize the Grey) and Belmont Stakes (Dornoch). The Belmont drew a capacity crowd and is scheduled for Saratoga next year as well, as construction continues on renovations to Belmont Park in Queens.
Saratoga County’s economy was already trending upward prior to the Belmont Festival, and is expected to grow even stronger during the racing season when tens of thousands of visitors descend on the Spa City and surrounding towns.
Sales tax collections increased to $66.41 million from January to May, up 2.5 percent from the previous year. Similarly, the City of Saratoga Springs collected $6.6 million in sales taxes from January through May, up 11 percent versus the $5.95 million collected in the same time frame in 2023.
Countywide lodging numbers also improved with revenue per available room up 11.3 percent compared to last year, driven by increased occupancy and rates. For the first five months of 2024, occupancy is up 5.4 percent, the average daily rate is up 5.6 percent; demand is up 4.5 percent; and overall revenue is up 10.3 percent.
Meanwhile, the real estate market saw a 9 percent rise in median home prices, reaching $419,944, with a slight increase in new listings. Of special note, the number of new listings in the first five months of 2024 was 1,235, up very slightly from the 1,180 new listings placed on the market during this same time frame in 2023.
The number of closed sales through the first five months of 2024 was 819 versus 817 last year.
Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association helped kick off the racing season with an Opening Day Celebrate Saratoga event on Broadway, featuring live music by the band Soul Session. An array of musical talent is scheduled for the Summer Concert Series, held each Tuesday in July and Sunday in August, beginning at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial in Congress Park.
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, directly across from the track, has many special activities on tap including a new exhibit celebrating the legacies of Hall of Fame members Paul Mellon and Ruffian. Hall of Fame inductions, free and open to the public, are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 2 at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion.
“The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival was a spectacular success,” said Brien Bouyea, the museum’s director of communications. “We had great attendance throughout the four days and played host to several special events and programs. We were thrilled to have Gov. Hochul visit the museum on Belmont Stakes day and all of our community partners benefited from all of the activity the festival generated.”
The former Dango’s on Caroline Street has been completely renovated and renamed The Wild Horse, a tavern that will vastly improve the leisure scene in Saratoga Springs.
Courtesy of The Wild Horse
Heather Rafferty
Summer Construction
MLB Construction Services Continues Its Long Tradition Of Delivering Quality Projects
BY ROD BACON
A 76-year-old construction firm who’s principals fully intend that it continue well beyond the 100-year mark is experiencing a very busy summer building season.
Malta-based MLB Construction Services has 10 large projects underway in the region.
According to company President Jim Dawsey, the largest is an $80 million renovation and expansion of the Albany International Airport, which is scheduled for completion in September 2025. The company is doing the demolition, micropiles, concrete, the new bridge between the parking garage and the terminal, and raising the third floor on part of the terminal next to the TSA area. In addition they are installing new finishes on the inside of the terminal, new glass, and a new front on the existing terminal.
Project managers on this job are Jeff Lino and Craig Dittl.
The company is also finishing a job that has to be completed by September 2024 at the Olana Historic Site in Hudson. Olana was the 19th century home, studio and designed landscape of Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin
Church (1826-1900), his wife Isabel and their four children.
The $14 million project for the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation System involves a new visitors’ center at the park entrance. It will house a cafe, ticket sales to the mansion, a rest room, lobby area, and a new plaza in front of the building.
“The plaza will give people a feel for what they’re going to be seeing at the mansion,” said Dawsey.
Project manager for this job is Ronnie-Lynn Schermerhorn. The superintendent is Deanna Hancock.
In August MLB will start an affordable housing project on Summit Avenue in Schenectady, The company will be building 37 new houses on lots that the City of Schenectady owns. They’re targeting first-time homeowners.
“That project is about a $12 million job,” Dawsey said. “We’re working with the AHOP (Affordable Housing Opportunity Program) of New York state.”
“We’re pretty excited about that because my
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Saratoga County Builders Join Forces On New Community In The Town Of Halfmoon
BY ROD BACON
Two highly respected Saratoga County builders, Abele Builders, Inc., and Belmonte Builders, have teamed up to create a charming, family-oriented community in Halfmoon. Phase One of Juniper Ridge, a 201-lot development, is well underway.
Chris Abele, president of Clifton Park-based Abele Builders, Inc., envisions Juniper Ridge as an ideal spot for both families and empty-nesters. For Phase I, Abele Builders is constructing homeson the exterior lots, while Belmonte Builders is building on the 35 interior lots.
“I have had a long-standing relationship with Pete Belmonte over the years,” said Abele. “When my brother and I decided to partner with a complementary, high-end builder, Pete was a natural choice. Together, we can appeal to both markets. At Abele, we offer more of an empty nest product and Belmonte Builders offers more options for families.”
“Chris and I have been good friends for a while, and we have exchanged property before, so this is not the fi rst time we’ve worked together,” said Belmonte. “However, it is the fi rst
time we’ve built simultaneously in the same neighborhood. It’s going exceptionally well. We work well together.”
Abele estimates the entire project will take five to seven years to complete, depending on the absorption rate. He noted that Saratoga County is a very desirable place to live. “Th is project checks all the boxes; all public utilities including gas, cable, power, sewer, and water,” he said. “It’s well situated in the Town of Halfmoon, next to the Halfmoon Town Park, part of the Shenendehowa Central School system, and has a lot of green space to provide a buffer for the community. People have said to me it’s not only beautiful, but also very quiet, yet we’re not far out in the boonies.”
Abele is offering seven floor plans in Juniper Ridge, ranging in price from the mid-$500s to the low $600s, including four ranch floor plans, one primary down, and two traditional primary up options. The floor plans range in size from 1,788 sq. ft. to 2,245 sq. ft. Abele’s lots are all maintenance-free, making them ideal for those downsizing who don’t want to worry
Continued On Page 9
MLB Construction Services is in the midst of an $80 million renovation and expansion project at Albany International Airport.
Courtesy of MLB Construction Services
This is one of eight home designs Abele Builders is constructing at Juniper Ridge for discerning empty nesters.
Courtesy of Abele Builders
Munter Enterprises Continues To Exceed Expectations On A Wide Variety Of Projects
STAFF WRITER
Munter Enterprises, based in Middle Grove, is a leading family-owned general contractor offering commercial, industrial, design-build, and project delivery services throughout the Capital Region.
Several large commercial and industrial projects are underway and progressing toward completion this year. One notable project is for Equal Vision Records, an independent record label based in Albany, New York, and MerchNow, their sister company, which produces wearables and promotional branded merchandise for bands and artists.
The recently purchased building is in Albany’s South End at 400 South Pearl St., where Munter Enterprises is implementing improvements to bring the building into code compliance for storage and racking requirements. The project includes interior modifications to the production and warehouse areas, as well as minor renovations of the office space. A unique aspect of the project is the addition of a 20x40 boiler room designed to house modern steam boilers essential for the production of vinyl records, which have seen a resurgence in popularity over the last decade.
“I may be dating myself but I didn’t realize how the ‘record’ industry has rebounded and its actually very cool to understand what goes into to physically making a vinyl album,” said Michael Munter, vice president of Munter Enterprises.
“On a larger scale, we’re nearing the fi nish line on the Soleno project. They’ll be in full production by late August,” said Munter.
The Soleno project, a new 50,000-squarefoot manufacturing building on a 22-acre site in the W.J. Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs, is the fi rst U.S. facility for the Canadian manufacturer of drainage pipes designed for storm water infrastructure management. According to a Soleno spokesperson, the new facility will provide 35-50 new jobs when in full production.
Production equipment is now being installed by Soleno’s German manufacturer, while we are fi nishing up the building production space, fit, and fi nishes,” said Munter.
Just across the street from Soleno, AgroChem’s success is evident as they recently broke ground for their second expansion of 30,000 square feet in the W.J. Grande Industrial Park. AgroChem develops, manufactures, and distributes sanitizing products worldwide for the farm and dairy industry.
The company built a 40,000-square-foot facility just eight years ago, also designed and constructed by Munter Enterprises. The current expansion will provide new space for fi nished product warehousing and a tote wash process essential for recycling and effectively cleaning their large, re-usable product containers.
“Steel is in place, and we expect completion this fall,” said Munter.
Another project just underway is for Environment One, a Niskayuna-based manufacturer of pressure sewer systems and utility systems. Munter Enterprises is completing Phase 1, a 27,000-square-foot building.
“Phase 2 includes utility upgrades and an 8,000-square-foot shipping dock expansion,” said Munter. “If all goes as expected, this expansion will be done by year end.” E/One ships their products worldwide.
While most recognized for their large commercial and industrial projects, Munter Enterprises has several smaller-scale new construction, renovation, and fit-up jobs in progress.
“We’re not just steel building guys. We do enjoy more intricate projects utilizing anything from wood and timber to advanced synthetic materials,” said Munter.
42 Phila Street is undergoing a 2,000-square-foot renovation for a new restaurant concept for the owners of Hamlet and Ghost. Under construction and slated for completion in September is a 1,500-squarefoot fitness center for the Waters Edge/Woodlands Homeowners Association on Saratoga Lake, which required special logistics to get materials in place at the site.
“Because the site had a large clubhouse, tennis building, swimming pool, and outdoor tennis courts all tightly spaced, there was no direct access or laydown area at the fitness center site. So concrete was pumped and all materials were lifted over the existing buildings- due to a restricted laydown area, even the steel building had to be picked right off the truck by crane and set directly onto the foundation anchor bolts,” said Munter.
Starting in September, Ballston Spa Country Club has a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse and restaurant project, with completion next year in time for the 2025 golf season.
Elements At Saratoga Lake Offers Its Tenants Luxury Living In A Rural Environment
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
Elements at Saratoga Lake is nearing completion of its second phase of construction. Located at 1 Forest Ridge Blvd. in Saratoga Springs, the 26-building complex is situated on 55 acres, just a short drive away from Saratoga Lake and Global Foundries.
Blue Iron Development, a full-service real estate development company based in Mechanicville, acquired land and development rights for the townhome project for $5 million in 2021. They broke ground in July 2022, and upon completion of phase two, Elements at Saratoga Lake will have a total of 260 luxury apartments available for rent. Construction is expected to wrap up in early fall.
There are six different floor plans from which to choose for the energy efficient one- and twobedroom units. Although just one model includes an attached garage, separate garages and on-site storage units are available for rent.
Rents start at around $2,000, a price that includes water, sewer, trash, internet and cable. All apartments feature high-end finishes, and residents have access to numerous amenities including a 24/7 fitness center, indoor heated lap pool, outdoor pool (under construction), 24/7 indoor basketball/pickleball court, golf simulator, yoga studio, pool table, and fire pits. The clubhouse also features an outdoor three-season space with televisions and a fireplace
Like most general contractors, increasing the skilled trades workforce continues to be a challenge. Munter Enterprises has 40 fulltime employees and, since 1972, has never had any layoffs. They utilize subcontractors for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and specialty trades.
“We have what I think is the nicest clubhouse in the Capital Region,” said Cory O’Brien, director of leasing. “We have several lounge areas as well as a private lounge that you can reserve for parties. We also have office space that tenants can use on a first-come-first-serve basis, and we have a small conference room. We plan on adding grill stations and picnic tables, and we also hope to add saunas.”
A fenced-in dog park as well as a dog washing station are also available for pet owners. Indoor and outdoor wi-fi are accessible to tenants throughout the entire facility, and a self-serve coffee and tea station is located in the clubhouse.
A property manager lives on-site, something that O’Brien said adds a significant level of comfort for their residents.
“We are very accessible, and it’s nice to have someone here if there are any issues after hours. And tenants can come in and have a conversation with us at any point,” he said.
According to O’Brien, management has received nothing but positive feedback from tenants.
“Everybody loves it,” he said. “They are very happy with the amenities that we have. They also like that it is a quiet piece of property. It’s tucked in the woods, but we are only about six or seven minutes to the Northway. You feel like you are away from everything, but you’re really not.”
For more information, visit elementssaratoga. com.
“It’s encouraging to see more young people becoming interested in pursuing jobs in the trades. Locally, the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition efforts, along with BOCES, local schools and media, are renewing interest in employment opportunities in the trades,” said Munter.
A Munter Enterprises crew uses a crane to move materials at the Waters Edge project. Courtesy of Munter Enterprises
Mechanicville-based Blue Iron Development has almost completed Phase Two of Elements at Saratoga Lake, a 260-unit luxury apartment community when it reaches full build-out. Courtesy of Blue Iron Development
Dennis Choiniere 49 years
Office/Technology
Area Copier/Printer Retailers Adapt To The Digital Age With Cutting-Edge Technology
BY PAUL POST
The Digital Age has greatly reduced the need for thick, costly paper documents such as annual reports and quarterly financial statements, which can be delivered electronically.
And there’s much less need for office copying because many people work from home following the COVID pandemic.
But two well-known local printing companies continue to thrive by adapting, diversifying and renewing efforts to provide highquality customer service with cutting-edge products and equipment.
“In the past people would share a large printer in the office. Now their print needs are at home where you don’t have ready access to the office printer,” said Rick Gallup, owner-president-founder of Hudson Fallsbased Document Solutions of the North Country. “What’s new and exciting there is the changes in inkjet technology. Years ago an inkjet printer was something you put in your home, it was slow and kind of expensive to operate. Now the newer ones have the ability to do things that most typical laser-type office copiers can do in terms of speed -- 40 to 50 pages per minute or more -- and reliability.”
home you use the cloud for everything.”
Founded almost 30 years ago, Document Solutions is the area’s largest Xerox dealer with clients ranging from small business to large manufacturers, non-profits and school districts. For many years it dealt strictly in Xerox before expanding several years ago to include Epson, which makes the new-style inkjet printers.
“We sell supplies for virtually any brand of printer whether you buy it from us or not,” Gallup said.
Recently, the firm started a second related business, Express Pack N Ship, at the same location (3316 Route 4, Hudson Falls) in an effort to provide a more complete line of services to meet customers’ needs.
Glens Falls-based Seeley Office Systems is a Konica Minolta dealer covering an area from Albany north to the Canadian border.
“A lot has changed in the last three or four years, but the need for copy, print and scan is still in full demand,” said Tim Seeley, Jr., the firm’s president of client relations. “In many ways we’re in a high technology business, but we’ve discovered that people really appreciate our simplified approach to doing business.”
to copiers and their functionality and allows medium to large enterprises to manage their entire fleet and get a better handle on who’s doing what and where it’s going.”
“A home-based printer is more efficient and cost effective,” Gallup said. “These devices connect to the cloud, which is obviously important because when working from
“They’re also more affordable because there’s very few parts,” he said. “Typical laser printers have components like drums, fusers and transfer belts while an inkjet printer doesn’t. They have just ink. So they tend to be more reliable than a laser device. We’re really excited about that product and think it’s going to do well for us.”
The company, which has 18 employees, was started 43 years ago by his parents, Tim Sr. and Maryann, who are still fully engaged in its operation.
Tim Jr. is part of a second-generation succession team that includes his sister, Victoria Foster (vice president of administration) and their first cousins, Brian Seeley (vice president, operations) and Kurt Seeley (vice president, sales).
Tim Jr. said color production printing is the fastest growing segment of the company’s business, up 15 percent-20 percent year over year.
“We sell digital production equipment to traditional commercial print shops, your every day mom-and-pop print centers, also to places that have specialty printing and then schools,” he said.
However, Seeley deals in printers and copiers.
“We look at the whole account and try to capture that,” Tim Jr. said. “The biggest thing we do is pair software with our copiers. The software becomes like an added component
In addition to equipment and service, the most significant change at Seeley Office Systems is the recent adoption and strict adherence to a company philosophy based on four main pillars -- strong manufacturer relationships, company culture, client appreciation and community engagement.
“That defines how we operate as a company and what we attribute most of our success to,” Tim Jr. said.
Maintaining strong relationships with manufacturers has been key to the company’s growth by meeting their expectations and utilizing their partnership.
“They’re the reason we’re able to do everything,” Seeley Jr. said. “If we have a good relationship with them it directly leads to client happiness. There’s a total correlation.”
The firm also puts a high value on company culture.
“The average tenure at our company is well over 10 years and we’re attracting a lot of new people into our business employmentwise,” Tim Jr. said. “We realize that creating an environment where employees are happy
Continued On Page 15
Tim Seeley Jr now operates Seeley Office Systems, which was founded by his parents.
Courtesy of Seeley Office Systems
Rick Gallup, president of Document Solutions in Hudson Falls, the largest Xerox dealer in the area. Courtesy of Document Solutions
Business Report
Use AI To Be More Productive
BY SARA MANNIX
I belong to a group of leaders who are utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) every day to make their work more effective and more efficient in an ethically responsible way. We have used AI to create flyers, design presentations, write software code, debug code, and even create movies. And at Mannix Marketing we have built CustomGPTs that perform functions based on our own knowledge bases and rules, and we have discussed and drawn up guidelines about the ethical use of AI.
We have reached the point where if you aren’t using AI in your work, then you are falling behind your competitors who have mastered using the latest breakthrough technology.
The good news is that it isn’t hard to get started and become familiar with some AI tools that can make your life easier. One of the simplest ways to get started with AI is to use ChatGPT.com, a tool that can provide detailed answers in a conversation-like format (its responses build upon the questions and answers that precede them, so no need to start from scratch as a conversation is in progress, or even if you need to come back to it). Here are a few simple ways I have used ChatGPT or other AI tools to help you think about how you can use them.
The first way most people use ChatGPT is to help them with their writing. We caution our clients not to use ChatGPT to write their website content as it is usually too generic to rank well in search engines. Instead, we recommend that you use ChatGPT to edit and refine content and brainstorm content ideas. I’ve used AI to refresh articles, inject new ideas, rewrite social media posts, and make content more concise, helping to ensure it’s engaging and upto-date.
This past week, I had a list of client testimonials that I wanted to organize by industry. I created a list of top-level categories and asked ChatGPT to come up with subcategories for each based on my client list. Then, I asked ChatGPT to organize the client testimonials by category and subcategories. This took less than 10 minutes of back and forth with ChatGPT, and it had properly organized 200 testimonials. If done by hand, this would have taken at least three hours.
AI is great for helping you with your trip planning. Recently I took my daughters to Montreal to see Laufey in concert during the Jazz Fest. My youngest is a vegetarian who dislikes pasta and pizzas but loves Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. At the hotel, I logged into ChatGPT and asked it to recommend specific restaurants within a 10-minute walk that catered to my vegetarian daughter’s likes and dislikes. Like Google, AI has read everything on the web (this is why SEO is very important for the future). Since ChatGPT had already cataloged all the items on the menus, it was able to tell me what dishes various restaurants had that were noted as vegetarian. Granted, some restaurants were closed and it wasn’t perfect, but it was a lot easier than using a search engine. Usually, the search for restaurants on our trips takes an hour, and by the time we’ve found something, we are pretty hangry (hungry-angry)… This, however, this took about five minutes.
This week I had a 90-minute call with a client whose business was incredibly complex in an industry I was not familiar with. I did not take a single note. I listened intently and was able to be fully present. How? Before the meeting, I asked the client permission to use an AI note taker and ChatGPT to gain insights into our call. After the call, I removed all identifying information about the client from the AI-generated notes. Then I asked ChatGPT to find any opportunities the customer mentioned. I asked my AI assistant to find the competitors mentioned on the call and to give me links to their websites. I also requested an overview of the industry and the challenges for that industry. The AI note taker summarized essential discussion points the client cared about to help me tailor my approach for future interactions. This took a half hour but saved me two hours, and most importantly it was very thorough.
The more you use AI, the more it gets to know you and what you care about. I’ve used AI to find books for me and it suggested books like ‘Supercommunicators’ by Charles Duhigg - a great choice.
I was working with another new client in a new industry, and I was able to ask ChatGPT for industry-specific advice and insights. I was careful to ask where it found the data, but overall, the information was quite sound and saved me hours of research. If you aren’t using AI, now is the time to give it a shot. Keep in mind that it does make mistakes (AI can only be as good as the data it is trained on), so
it’s essential to verify and hand-check answers and results. Despite the occasional misinformation, AI will save you time, and that saves money! AI is especially important to my business as we specialize in SEO - helping people get found in the search engines. AI results continue to be more prevalent on search engine result pages; SEO for AI is called Generative Engine Optimization, and when done with a clear understanding of how AI works can deliver tremendous results. No matter what your business is, not only do you need to use AI to be more efficient and effective, you need to understand how your customers will be using AI to find you. Want to learn more about AI and the future of SEO? Contact Sara Mannix, the CEO of Mannix Marketing, a 32-person digital marketing agency headquartered in Glens Falls, at www.mannixmarketing.com/booksara. Mannix Marketing specializes in SEO and Generative Engine Optimization, which means it helps small businesses get recommended and found when people use AI.
Juniper Ridge
Continued From Page 6
about yard work.
Belmonte Builders is offering nine floor plans, ranging in price from the mid-$500s to the low $700s, including two ranch, three primary down, and four traditional primary up options. The floor plans range in size from 1,074 sq. ft. to 3,075 sq. ft. Belmonte’s lots are not maintenance-free, which means they are perfect for those who enjoy taking care of their yard without additional fees.
Abele Builders purchased the former 150-acre Betts Farm in 2006 with the intention of developing the land. The planning and approval process took almost eight years, and sales officially started on October 1, 2023. To date, 65 lots are what Abele terms “improved,” meaning there is a road in front of them, and they are all currently for sale. Between the two builders, 25 lots are sold, most of which are contract sales. Both builders have constructed a few “spec”
MLB
Continued From Page 6
father actually grew up on Summit Avenue with his seven brothers and sisters, and it’s kind of nice going back to that area where my father and I grew up and help to renovate that section of Schenectady,” Dawsey said.
The project manager for this job will be Damien Pinto-Martin.
MLB is finishing work on the Center For Integrated Sciences at Skidmore College, which is a $100 million project. They are also doing work on the covered canopies between the buildings.
MLB has 110 employees who do demolition, concrete work, drywall and finish carpentry work. Subcontractors are used for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, painting, and structural steel.
Dawsey noted that the structural steel subcontractor on the Albany Airport job is Saratoga County-based Stonebridge Iron and Steel, which
houses, which they are confident will sell as well.
Juniper Ridge is a Planned Development District (PDD), granting the developer a density bonus in exchange for contributions to the municipality. Land was donated for future soccer fields and is building a concession stand for the town.
Of the 150 acres Abele purchased, 75-80 acres were approved for development by the Halfmoon town and planning boards. The one-third to one-half acre lots are interspersed with green space, including walking trails and wooded buffer areas.
Five phases are planned, with Phase Two slated to start in approximately two years, although the roads for that phase are currently under construction.
Juniper Ridge is located on Route 236, across from the Halfmoon Town Park. Abele Builders’ model home is located at 9 Magnolia Drive. Belmonte Builders’ model home is located at 13 Silver Oak Drive. For further information about the project, visit abelehomes.com or belmontebuilders.com.
has about a $10 million contract.
“We try to use as many local subcontractors as we can,” said Dawsey.
Dawsey has been with MLB for 44 years, serving as president since 2009, and will soon be stepping down from his leadership position. He and Executive Vice President Scott Shepherd were part of the second leadership transition, which took about seven years. They are now in the midst of a third change in leadership, which is slated to take five years. When the two of them leave, the top jobs will be turned over to Chief Financial Officer Aleisha Campbell, Vice President Brian Douglas and Vice President Jeff Lino.
“What prompted me to choose those three, I was looking for people that had basically the same values that I inherited from McManus, Longe and Brockwehl, the three guys that started the business in 1947, and the three people that we’re running with to do the transition kind of epitomized all the same values that we’ve held very dear to us over the last 77 years,” said Dawsey.
Outsourced Accounting services allow businesses to streamline financial tasks, ensuring accuracy and compliance , while freeing up time to focus on core operations and strategic growth
Sara Mannix, president and CEO of Mannix Marketing.
Courtesy of Mannix Marketing
50 Plus
Area Travel Advisors Seeing More Interest In Complete Service Among Senior Demographic
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
Americans are traveling in record numbers, with the United States aviation industry reporting that 2023 was its busiest year ever. Local travel advisors expect 2024 to be another banner year for travel, particularly among the age 50plus demographic.
“The baby boomer demographic is traveling a lot—people in their 60s and 70s who are worried they might not be able to travel once they are in their 80s,” said Ed Plog, president of Playbill Travel in Saratoga Springs.
Plog, a travel advisor with five decades of experience, said business is booming at his agency.
“Last year was one of the best years ever because there was a lot of pent up demand. That demand has spilled over into 2024, and 2025 bookings look good,” he noted.
According to Plog, the majority of his clients opt for customized itineraries, with Europe being the most popular destination.
“The type of travel for my business has definitely changed in that it’s more involved, more customized, and more upscale than it was in the past,” he said.” We put these trips together piece by piece to fit with a person’s budget. And because we belong to a consortia, we have contacts all over the world. I have someone locally on the ground who can help me put a trip together.”
Many of Plog’s age 50-plus clients are opting for 10-,15-, or 19-day cruises to destinations in Europe, South America, and other corners of the world. The agency’s Broadway-themed cruises are also extremely popular, typically selling out.
“We charter luxury ships—usually three or four a year—and we bring on Tony-winning Broadway stars, and they perform on board the ship. Each night, one star will do a showcase performance and then they are on board the ship and mingle with the guests and go on the tours with us,” said Plog. “We get people in their 30s and 40s, but the majority are 50-plus. The oldest you would see is early to mid-80s, but the majority are in their 60s and early 70s. These folks are diehard theater fans from all over the world.”
At Heber Travel Services in Queensbury, sales
manager Stacie Baxter said many of her clients in the 50-plus demographic are venturing to far-off destinations including Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Africa, and Australia.
“People are traveling more, and they are taking month-long vacations instead of one-week vacations. A lot of older people are traveling, and my oldest this year is 95, and he’s going to Europe,” she said.
Many of Baxter’s clients are opting for ocean or river cruises or a combination of land and sea vacations. Others are choosing to travel to countries from which their ancestors emigrated, their interest often fueled by genealogy research.
“I see a lot of older people wanting to go back to their roots,” she said. “They may go and spend a month there.”
Regardless of the destination, when working with agents at Heber Travel, clients receive personalized attention.
“We are a full-service travel agent,” said Baxter, a 40-year veteran of the travel industry.
Continued On Page 11
Volunteer Senior Citizens Contribute To The Efforts Of Non-Profit Organizations
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
Volunteering is vital to the economy, the estimated economic value of volunteer work in America exceeding $120 billion. With volunteer rates and hours on a steady decline for the past 20 years, local non-profits are relying more than ever on the 50-plus demographic.
The Franklin Community Center in Saratoga Springs is a local agency that relies on volunteers, utilizing them in a variety of ways. Each year, the center’s programs and services positively impact over 12,000 individuals. Core to its mission are the Franklin Free Store Donation Center, a food pantry, and Project Lift, an after-school program focused on bolstering self-esteem for children in grades 1-5. The center also operates Franklin Community Manor which has 17 single-occupancy efficiency apartments for low-income adults.
“We are a family services organization,” said Meg Monthie, operations and volunteer coordinator. “We also do referrals, so anything we can’t provide, we refer out to someone else in the area.”
According to Monthie, the center has a large contingent of dedicated volunteers, the majority of whom are in the 50-plus demographic. Some of them work in the Franklin Free Store, sorting donations and assisting customers on shopping days.
Located at 101 Washington Street, the store is open Wednesday-Friday from 9a.m.-12 p.m. Donations are accepted on Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment only. Clothing, household goods, toys, games, and small baby items are accepted. All items are offered free of charge, but the store does have a two-bag limit.
“We have things like dishes, sheets, towels— basically anything you can think of to start up apartment,” said Monthie, noting that they do not accept furniture.
Volunteers are also utilized in the food pantry, with two shifts available (9a.m.-12p.m., 12:30p.m.3:30p.m.) Mondays-Thursdays, the days that the pantry is open. The food pantry offers a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, canned goods, and personal care items. Clients place orders through an online ordering platform, and those without access to online ordering can call to place an order. Walk-ins are accommodated in emergency situations only.
For those who enjoy working outside, volunteers are always needed in the center’s vegetable garden, one located behind the food pantry.
“That’s more flexible, and if you are interested in gardening, you can help with weeding or watering,” said Monthie.
She also mentioned that the center is seeking volunteers to organize donation drives to collect personal hygiene products, diapers, paper products, and gift cards.
“Our biggest need right now is for donation drives, so we’re always looking for anyone who wants to put together a drive” said Monthie. Family Services Association of Glens Falls, a non-profit agency that provides services and support to families in crisis or in an emergency situation, relies heavily on a small team of volunteers, most of them retired. The agency serves Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga counties.
“We help people that are in situations that are beyond their resources,” said Executive Director Kimberly Sopczyk. “We pride ourselves on being kind and offering assistance and support. Our volunteers play a large role with that.”
Volunteers staff the agency’s full-service food pantry, one that operates Monday through Friday.
“We consider it an emergency food pantry because you don’t need an appointment,” said Sopczyk. “You can either call that day and arrange a visit or stop in.”
According to Sopczyk, the agency also relies on volunteers to help with Feet First, an annual event that takes place in August.
“We assist low-income families with purchasing new school shoes for their children to return to school in the fall. Our tagline is that we want all children to put their best foot forward. Our goal is
Kat Major (left) and Kathy Deyoe, travel advisors at Playbill Travel in Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Business Journal
Franklin Community Center’s Meg Monthie stands by the sign directing clients to services. Saratoga Business Journal
Volunteer Fire Companies Often Depend Upon Older Citizens To Help Fill Out Their Ranks
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
If your house is on fire, there’s a good chance that the firefighters who respond to the call are volunteers. Approximately 65 percent of the country’s more than one million firefighters volunteer their time, and only about 10,000 of the 29,000 fire departments in the United States are staffed by professional firefighters.
In New York where nearly half of the state’s population is served by volunteer firefighters, the number of volunteers has dropped 32 percent since the 1990s. During that same time period, calls for service have increased 29 percent. These calls include fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, water rescues, and weather-related rescue operations.
With the exception of the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, all departments in Saratoga County are operated by volunteers.
According to Round Lake Fire Department Captain and Public Information Officer Joe Plewinski, local departments are struggling to attract volunteers. A principal engineer at General Electric Power Systems, Plewinski joined the department in 1996. For him, it was the fulfillment of a childhood dream.
“I always wanted to be a firefighter. One of my earliest memories is going to Engine 37 in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia when my mom was taking me out for a walk,” he said.
“Being a volunteer is a wonderful opportunity. It’s a great American tradition,” he added. “But we are finding it increasingly difficult to attract members on an industry-wide level. When you look at the number of volunteers and how they have dwindled over the years, it’s staggering.”
This decline can be attributed in part to the economy, the rising cost of living making it more difficult for families to survive on one income.
“People are busy,” said Plewinski. “Families need two incomes just to make it, and parents are busy with kids and activities. Between the need to work and have family time, there’s very little time left over.”
As a result, individuals in the age 50 and above
demographic now make up more than a third of volunteers at departments throughout the country.
Regardless of age, all prospective Round Lake Fire Department volunteers must pass a comprehensive physical exam and submit to a background check. Anyone who has been convicted of arson or any type of sexual offense is ineligible for service.
The physical—one paid for by the department-- is much more comprehensive than a general physical, with particular attention paid to lung and cardiac function. In some instances, a person may receive clearance to be an exterior firefighter only. Exterior firefighters raise ladders, man hose streams on the outside of the building, fight brush fires, and perform a variety of other vital tasks. They also respond to calls related to car accidents, hazardous materials spills, and water rescues.
“We have had people come to us who are over 50, and they quite often—but not exclusively— find themselves in an exterior firefighting role,” said Plewinski.
All of the department’s new volunteers, even those with prior firefighting experience, must complete a comprehensive recruit training program, one that takes on average about three months to complete. Upon completion, all volunteers are encouraged to enroll in the New York State Firefighter-1 course. Offered by the New York State Department of Fire Prevention and Control, the approximately 200-hour course prepares new firefighters to respond to emergencies of all kinds.
As part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s effort to strengthen and stabilize the state’s volunteer fire service, those who complete the program are now eligible to receive a stipend of up to $2,000. In New York, all volunteers also receive a $200 annual tax credit.
In addition to the Firefighter-1 course, the state offers numerous other training opportunities for volunteers. All trainings are offered at no cost to the volunteer.
- Friday: 7:00AM - 6:00PM
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erous support from the Glens Falls Lions Club and local churches and organizations. An estimated $25,000 is necessary to purchase gift cards for the program.
Family Services of Glens Falls also collects new socks, ones distributed to families in need. Socks are sourced from Bombas (a sock company that donates one pair of socks for every pair sold) as well as through community donations. Grace Desjardins, a student at Queensbury High School, recently donated 700 pairs, ones collected during a sock drive she organized.
When Christmas approaches, the agency gears up for its other annual event, Adopt-A-Family.
Fifteen volunteers are needed each year to oversee the event, one that provides Christmas presents for families in need. Last year, 200 community members stepped up, purchasing gifts for adopted families.
“It’s much easier to find volunteers for annual programs because it’s just one or two days that they are giving to us,” said Sopczyk. “The regular volunteers for Monday through Friday is a little harder because it’s a regular schedule.”
With a staff of just three employees handling 3,000 cases a year, the non-profit relies heavily on their regular volunteers, some of whom did not return after the pandemic. Regular volunteers work designated shifts in the office or food pantry, and spots are currently available in both capacities.
For those who don’t want to commit to a regular shift, volunteers are always needed to pick up food from the Regional Food Bank or to shop for diapers or other items that are out of stock in the food pantry (shoppers are reimbursed for the cost of the products they purchase). Opportunities are also available for anyone who wants to spend a few hours sorting and tagging donated clothing.
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“We’re very hands on, doing things like helping clients get their visas. I had clients in Asia, and they said when they got on their cruise, there were over 100 people left standing at the pier because they didn’t have the right visas.”
Last summer, Baxter was one of 300 travel agents chosen to visit Australia as a guest of the Australian Tourism Board. During her twoweek stay, she visited many landmarks and attractions, becoming well-versed on Australian tourism in the process.
At Premier Plus Travel & Tours in Queensbury, owner Dawn Biddiscombe is also seeing a surge of interest in European vacations and cruises.
“Prices have increased since COVID, but there is still a high volume for Europe and Caribbean cruises,” she said. “That’s not slowing down. Everybody is looking to do a lot of unique tours, and right now, Italy and Ireland are very
The Round Lake Fire Department requires that all active members attend at least 10 percent of all calls and attend a minimum of 15 drills. Interior firefighters must attend at least 20 drills and undergo regular live fire training.
Drills take place every Tuesday morning and Thursday evening, with live fire trainings taking place once per quarter. Members must also attend four monthly meetings as well as an annual meeting.
“The training is constant,” said Plewinski. “People need to understand that the commitment is huge.”
Membership in the department is open to any male or female age 16 and up, but only those over 18 can perform firefighting duties. There is no distinction between the duties performed by male and female firefighters.
“Either you can do the job or you can’t,” said Plewinski. “For a volunteer agency, we work extremely hard to make sure we can deliver the best level of service that the circumstances will permit.”
According to Plewinski, Round Lake Fire Department has 70 active members along with 20
big.”
According to Biddiscombe, clients in the 50plus demographic often book trips for their family members instead of buying gifts for them.
“They want memories. People in that age group are booking with no hesitation. So many of my clients are booking travel for family reunions, Christmas gifts, and graduation gifts. People are traveling more with their families and friends. I have a lot more people booking in groups,” she said.
For example, Biddiscombe recently booked an Alaska vacation for a group of 19, all of them in their 50s and 60s. The two-week itinerary includes one week on land and one week at sea.
She said longer vacations are becoming much more common, especially for those traveling to Europe.
“People want that experience, and they want to see the world,” she said.
support members who assist with building maintenance, clerical work, and other tasks.
“We see stories of departments shutting down because they just don’t have the membership, and we’re very lucky in Round Lake because we have an almost-full roster. Our membership fluctuates, and we cap it at 75 because of costs. For example, a set of turn-out gear runs about $6,000, and you have to have custom-fit gear for every firefighter.”
Round Lake Fire Department responds to approximately 600 calls a year, each one of them taking firefighters away from their families. It is for that reason that Plewinski refers to spouses as the “unsung heroes” of the department.
“We do a horrible job of recognizing them,” he said.
With more than 25 years under his belt, Plewinski plans to continue fighting fires for as long as he is physically able. At the same time, he is hopeful that others will feel called to serve.
“I continue to do it because I can. It needs to be done, and if not me then who?” he asks. “But my days of running into burning buildings will soon end, and I need someone behind me to fill my shoes.”
Michael Dreher, president (left) and Joe Plewinski, captain and public information offier, are longtime volunteers at the Round Lake Fire Department.
Chris Graf photo
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BY STEPHEN KYNE CFP
Financial fraud is a growing concern in our increasingly digital world. With cybercriminals constantly finding new ways to scam unsuspecting victims, it is more important than ever to protect yourself from becoming a target. Here are five simple things you can do to help safeguard your finances and avoid falling victim to financial fraud.
Monitor your accounts regularly
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself from financial fraud is to monitor your accounts regularly. By keeping a close eye on your bank statements, credit card statements, and online accounts, you’ll be more likely to spot any unauthorized transactions and take action to rectify the situation. Set up alerts with your financial institutions to notify you of any unusual activity, such as large withdrawals or transfers, and report any discrepancies immediately.
Use strong and unique passwords
Another easy way to protect yourself from financial fraud is to use strong and unique passwords for all of your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password” and instead opt for a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, use different passwords for each of your accounts to minimize the risk of a hacker gaining access to all of your sensitive information if one account is compromised. Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords securely.
Be cautious with personal information
Be cautious when sharing your personal information online or over the phone. Scammers often use phishing emails, fake websites, and phone calls to trick victims into disclosing sensitive information like Social Security numbers, account numbers, and passwords. Take the time to verify the legitimacy of any request for personal information before providing it, especially if you did not initiate the contact.
Keep your devices secure
of security to your accounts.
Educate yourself about common scams
In today’s digital age, we rely on our devices for everything from online banking to shopping to social media. To protect yourself from financial fraud, it is crucial to keep your devices secure. Install antivirus software on your computer and mobile devices, keep your operating systems and apps up to date with the latest security patches, and avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks when accessing sensitive information. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to add an extra layer
One of the best ways to protect yourself from financial fraud is to educate yourself about common scams and how to recognize them. Stay up to date on the latest fraud trends and techniques used by cybercriminals, and be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages asking for personal information or payment. If something seems too good to be true or raises red flags, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Remember that knowledge is power when it comes to protecting yourself from financial fraud. In conclusion, financial fraud is a serious threat that can have lasting consequences if you fall victim to it. By following these five simple tips – monitoring your accounts regularly, using strong passwords, being cautious with your personal information, keeping your devices secure, and educating yourself about common scams – you can help reduce your risk of becoming a victim of financial fraud. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and protect yourself and your finances from falling into the hands of scammers.
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Construction Of A New Bass Pro Shops In Clifton Park Expected To Start Th is Summer
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
More than a year after announcing plans to build a new Bass Pro Shops in Clifton Park, the sporting goods retailer has received final site plan approval from the Town of Clifton Park Planning Board. Construction is expected to begin this summer on the 77,000-square-foot store at 400 Clifton Park Center Road.
According to Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett, Bass Pro Shops could not move forward with construction until the company received final approval from federal and state agencies.
“There was a lot of speculation about why the town was holding them up, but it had nothing to do with us,” he explained. “They had to complete a process over and above what was required by the town. As far as the town was concerned, they had satisfied all of our requirements some time ago.”
Bass Pro Shops’ decision to build a store in Clifton Park was the culmination of several years of discussions between the retailer and town officials.
“I’ve spoken with executives from Bass Pro and Cabela’s for a number of years,” said Barrett. “Both companies had interest in this marketplace, and now they are one company (Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s for $4 billion in 2017). They found the perfect location that they were looking for in Clifton Park, and the renderings that I have seen for the store are just incredible.”
Although Barrett does not have a timeline for construction, he expects it to begin in the near future.
“I know they want to be open next year,” he said.
Although some residents have expressed concerns that Bass Pro Shops will draw more traffic to the already busy exit 9 retail corridor, Barrett said there are details within the site plan that address traffic flow. Similar traffic-related concerns were expressed by residents when Chick-Fil-A opened a new restaurant in Clifton Park last year.
“We heard all about how Chick-Fil-A would
bring the whole town to a stop,” he said. “The first few weeks were incredibly busy, but it has normalized. That’s typically what you see. I think it’s going to be the same thing with Bass Pro Shops. I’m sure it will be extremely busy in the beginning but that it will normalize over time.”
According to Barrett, the town was well prepared to deal with the onslaught of traffic during the fi rst weeks that Chick-Fil-A was open.
“We did a lot of planning up front. We worked very closely with our partner policing agencies and we worked very closely with the management of Chick-Fil-A,” he said.
Barrett reports that commerce remains strong throughout Clifton Park.
“We’re glad exit 9 is busy,” he said. “It is incredibly important to the present and future financial standing for the town. If it gets to a day that it isn’t, the town will be in very big trouble. Exit 9 is busy because there’s an incredible amount of retail, health care, and hospitality services. Not only are these all important to a thriving functioning municipality from a service standpoint, they are incredibly important from a fi nancial standpoint.”
As a result, Barrett said Clifton Park has some of the lowest taxes in the state.
“Per the controller’s office, I think we are number 911 out of 940 towns. And our schools are very well funded. These are two important results from a successful municipality. Couple that with tremendous services and recreational outlets in the town,” he said.
The town recently opened a new outdoor adventure course as well as new pickleball complex at Veterans Park. Other investments have included the construction of a new playground at the Clifton Commons and the addition of a new roof at the ice arena.
Low housing inventory continues to plague the town, houses selling within days at well above asking price.
“It’s all about value, and you get your best value here. People want to live here,” said Barrett.
A Large Variety Of Delectable Comfort Food Is Available At Big Tony’s At The Lake
BY JILL NAGY
After several years of relying on vending machines, visitors to Moreau Lake State Park can once again enjoy real food served by real people. Big Tony’s at the Lake opened May 25 and the place has been busy every day, according to Anthony (Big Tony) Schunk, owner of the business along with his wife, Amy.
The Schunks got into the business almost by chance. They did a lot of cooking for Northway Church in Stillwater, sometimes serving as many as 700 people. That led to developing Big Tony’s Meal Prep, their meal prep business out of the local Elks Lodge. People asked if they could have the meals brought to them for parties and large gatherings, leading to Big Tony’s Catering. A fortuitous visit to Moreau State Park led to an offer to take over the concession stand for the summer. They signed a five-year contract with New York state, beginning this summer. Their eatery is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They may squeeze in a few more weekends in October, Schunk said.
The Schunks and a staff of eight keep both the Stillwater and the park businesses going.
At the lake, Big Tony’s offers snacks and familystyle meals. Customer favorites include smashburgers, spicy chicken sandwiches, soft-serve ice cream,
and the family-style meals. They also cater to campers, he said. Full meals are served Monday to Friday. The restaurant serves breakfast on Saturdays.
“This is a very good fit,” Schunk said of the Moreau enterprise. “So far it’s been a good run.”
He thinks they may expand in the future, but has no specific plans.
Schunk said he always worked in restaurants, beginning when he was in high school, and his wife worked as a hospitality manager.
The Schunks began “making big moves” back in February 2023, trying to bring the concession stand back to life. A little over a year later, they hung out the “Open” flag and were ready for business. The hikers, swimmers, kayakers, and other visitors to Moreau Lake State Park quickly found them.
Big Tony’s at the Lake is located at 605 Old Saratoga Road in Gansevoort. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays; and from noon to 6:00 p.m. Sundays. They can be reached by email at BigTonysMealPrep@gmail.com.. Their website is bigtonyscatering. com. Their Facebook page includes menus, photos, and a video of endless chocolate soft-serve ice cream.
This is a rendering of the Bass Pro Shops store planned for Clifton Park. Proposed is a 70,000-squarefoot facility at the site of the former Northstar/Mohawk Chevrolet.
Courtesy Bass Pro Shops
A fully-equipped kitchen has replaced the vending machines at Moreau Lake State Park allowing Anthony (Big Tony) Schunk and his wife, Amy, to prepare delicious food for hungry customers. Courtesy of Big Tony’s at the Lake
Meet e Chef
Experienced Chef Takes Helm At Siro's
BY CHRISTINE GRAF
Siro’s in Saratoga opened for the season on July 10 with a new executive chef, Albany native Noah Frese. A second generation chef, the Christian Brothers Academy graduate received his culinary training at the International Culinary Center in New York City. His father, James Frese, is a well-known Capital Region chef.
Upon graduating from culinary school, Frese worked at Bar Boulud in New York City, training under Chef Daniel Boulud. A French chef and winner of multiple James Beard Awards, Boulud owns numerous eateries throughout the world. His restaurants in New York City have received a total of four Michelin stars.
After working for Boulud, Frese moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he ran a Spanish tapas restaurant. Returning home to the Capital Region, he served as the executive sous chef at 677 Prime before moving on to the Roosevelt Room in North Greenbush.
Named one of the “Rising Star” young chefs at the Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival, Frese has loft y expectations for himself in his new role as executive chef at Siro’s.
“My plan is to bring it back to the fame it used to have,” he said. “My goal is to make Siro’s the top restaurant in the area. I want to make it a fun, energetic place. I want you to feel that when you walk in the door.”
Frese’s kitchen staff will include sous chef Grayson Spittler and pastry chef Julia Aiello, both of whom worked with him at the Roosevelt Room.
“I have a great crew, and Julia’s pastries are really truly amazing. She’s phenomenal,” he said. “Julia is known for her pavlovas (a type of meringue dessert), and she’s going to do a cocoa dusted pavlova with a sour cherry compote. She’s also going to do a sweet corn crème brûlée According to Frese, the Siros’ menu will feature some of his signature dishes.
“I am bringing with me some of my staple dishes that I created a name for myself in the area with. There’s a Spanish chopped salad and a fi let mignon with Bordelaise sauce, fondant potatoes, a shallot marmalade, and blue cheese frites. The raw bar outside will also have some of my staples—my Wagyu hot dogs and tuna rice bites.”
Frese also plans to re-introduce some popular Siro’s menu items of the past including the lobster tortilla.
“We will also continue to do an awesome veal chop, and I’m going to do it with a cherry pepper sauce. We’re also going to have some really nice cuts of steak (from Allen Brothers), and we’re talking about bringing in a Wagyu tomahawk for two,” he said, noting that particular attention will be paid to beautiful plating. “We will also have a Siro’s sushi roll, and a really nice sea bass with a sweet corn emulsion, lobster and some summer truffles.”
The menu will also include squid ink fungilli pasta with uni butter and shrimp as well as Frese’s favorite childhood dish---sausage and broccoli rabe in a white wine garlic sauce served over homemade cavatelli pasta.
After the Siro’s eight-week season ends, Frese will decide what is next for him in his career.
“Right now, I’m super excited and grateful to be here,” he said. “I’m taking it day by day and keeping my options open, but I would like to open my own place.”
e Brook Tavern
Saratoga Springs, NY
Just a short walk from the Saratoga Race Course and walking distance from Congress Park, The Brook Tavern is a favorite neighborhood gathering spot nestled at the intersection of Union and Nelson Ave., right in the heart of historic Saratoga Springs.
Carson's Woodside Tavern
Malta, NY
With spectacular views of Saratoga Lake and the Vermont mountains, our amazing outside patio, deck, fire pits, and bar are the place to be all summer long. Great food, drinks, entertainment, and fun await! Only 7 miles from Saratoga Springs.
Sushi ai Garden
Saratoga Springs, NY
Experience fine Japanese and Thai cuisine, prepared and presented in an artistic manner, using all fresh ingredients. Open for both lunch and dinner; don't forget to ask about our take-out and gift certificates too!
Wheat elds Restaurant
Saratoga Springs, NY
You can't go wrong with freshly made pasta prepared right on-site using local ingredients! But Wheatfields is much more than pasta: Patrons rave about the hand-stretched pizza, the salmon entrée, and the fried calamari appetizer, to name a few.
Courtesy of Saratoga.com
Noah Frese is the new executive chef at Siro’s in Saratoga Springs.
But
“It’s
Copiers
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to three times per year with customer appreciation events in addition to having strong ac-
A recent customer appreciation event at Saratoga Auto Museum was a “great way to get in touch with clients and just build relationships,” Tim Jr. said. “That’s all supported by our relationship to manufacturers because they help us hold the event.”
With regard to community engagement, Seeley’s is a major contributor, with time and fi nancial resources, to a wide variety of area non-profits. “We think one of the foundations to our growth is giving back,” Tim Jr. said.
Owners looking to retire after being in business for 26 years.
• Two miles west of Saratoga County Airport, 6 miles to SPAC
• Rear yard has an irrigation system, pond, garden, and patio.
• Plenty of growth opportunity for the right vision!
