Buy Local: Family & Locally Owned Businesses 2023

Page 1

locally owned Saratoga County 2023

Businesses Complimentary

BUY AND SUPPORT local


2

Buy Local 2023

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

3


Buy Local 2023

4

locally owned

THINK BIG

Businesses Saratoga County

shop small

PUBLISHER Chad Beatty MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Jim Daley ADVERTISING SALES Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Chris Bushee DISTRIBUTION Kim Beatty DESIGN Kacie Cotter-Harrigan Creative Director, Graphic Designer

Kelly Schoonbeck Ad Designer, Web & Social Media

WRITER Megin Potter PHOTOGRAPHER Super Source Media Studios

1 3

More Products, Affordable Prices Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices. Many people fall out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available.

9

Shopping Local Saves Money Marketers have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive. If you add travel fees to transfer items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher.

5 6

Buy Local & Support Yourself

7

8

Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers. Local shops and businesses value their customers.

Shopping Local Retains Our Communities

Local news never looked this good!

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

2

PUBLISHER OF:

2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: 518-581-2480

Create More Good Jobs

Get Better Service

Locally Owned & Operated Simply Saratoga Saratoga Bride Welcome Home Equicurean Saratoga Christmas and of course... Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

Choosing to patronize locally owned, independent businesses benefits our community. Think Local First!

13 Reasons to Buy Local

4 BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

People don’t like losing shops and services in their communities but don’t equate this to how they spend their money. Most people can get to their local shops easily and this is especially important for the elderly and young generations and those without transportation.

Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally-owned business, rather than nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms – continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

Support Community Groups Non-profit organizations receive an average of 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

Unique Community Where we shop, where we eat and have fun – all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just any place,” says Richard Moe, president of the National Historic Preservation Trust.

Environmental Impact Locally-owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

10

Invest In Community

11

Taxes to Good Use

12

Encourage Local Prosperity

13

Buy What You Want

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

Local businesses in town centers required comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

A marketplace of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based on the needs of local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

5


6

Buy Local 2023

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Re-immerse Yourself in THE MAGIC OF GIFT-GIVING

Finding the right gift can be a challenge, but knowing where to browse makes it much easier.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER • FOR SARATOGA TODAY | PHOTOS BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA STUDIOS

WHEN YOU’VE GOT TUNNEL VISION from the targeted marketing that accompanies online shopping, old-fashioned browsing says, “Hey, this is what you’ve been looking for, but once you’re done here, keep sauntering around and you might discover something new.”


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

7

CRIMINAL CONFECTIONS Shelly Walker and Doug Dockendorf, owners of Finishing Touches and Cookies and Cream, in Malta, know just how to you make you want to stop, shop, and stay awhile. Finishing Touches, located at the beautifully remodeled Wiggins-Collamer House, an historic landmark built in 1835, is a unique gift shop and home design center, ice cream parlor, candy store, and coffee shop rolled into one. “We wear a lot of hats and have responded to what people say they’re looking for,” said Shelly. This summer, they added a new glass door out to The Backyard, a fun seating area filled with lawn games, a basketball court, and (new) pickleball court. DESIGNS THAT TICKLE YOUR FANCY Finishing Touches’ award-winning team of interior designers help you choose items from cabinets and countertops, to wall and floor finishes, lighting, hardware, furniture, and décor. So much more than simply a stunning interior design center, this unique gift shop tickles your sweet tooth with tasty treats including a new selection of candy from the Chocolate Moonshine Co. “People love sweets and when we found this company, we thought it was amazing,” said Shelly.

Perfected from a recipe originally created 30 years ago, Chocolate Moonshine Co.’s decadent gourmet fudge comes in flavors for everyone. They carry 24 flavors including the old-fashioned brown sugar-based Penuche, Sea Salt Caramel Bourbon, and Barrel-Aged Whiskey; favorites like Belgium Chocolate, and Strawberry Cheesecake; and seasonal selections including Pumpkin and Candy Cane Mint. Hand-stirred in copper kettles cooked over an open flame, this marvelously silky-smooth small-batch fudge is crafted with fine Belgium chocolate to be gluten free and contain zero trans-fat. This buttery soft confection is made with 30 percent less sugar (so isn’t overly sweet) and has a smooth creamy texture. The stars of your dessert spread, slices are sold in quarter, half, and full pound blocks with the option to mix and match. For the perfect little treat, Chocolate Moonshine Co. Truffle Bars’ smooth chocolate shell is hand-painted with cocoa butter. They have a creamy ganache center, and are available in an assortment of flavors. They made great dinner party gifts. Select your favorite treat and Finishes Touches will stuff it in a pretty, witty mug from their collection of more than 50 different styles carrying clever sayings sure to spark joy as holiday, birthday, or other special occasion gifts (called Mugs of Moonshine).


Buy Local 2023

8

We wear a lot of hats and have responded to what people say they’re looking for.”

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

FEELING FALL Feel the merriment of melted Chocolate Moonshine Co. goodies when you sip any one of Finishes Touches five flavors of Sipping Chocolates from The Coffee Bar, which also offers rich dark espresso, pumpkin, and caramel lattes (among their other varieties). For double the delight, go for a great Affogato, an exciting Italian coffee dessert from Cookies and Cream, Finishing Touches on-site ice cream shop, which is now open year-round. Finishing Touches’ indoor seating area and smaller selection of 12 hard ice cream flavors (including seasonal varieties), soft-serve, shakes, flurries, floats, and sundaes, makes winter a wonderful time for eating ice cream. After indulging, get back to the business of gift-giving by browsing Finishing Touches selection of stocking stuffers, including 100% soy candles and seed starter kits. Heat things up with a concrete tabletop vessel firepit s’mores station. Then, finish out your day’s smorgasbord of fun with a handmade animal-shaped charcuterie board, biscotti from the Ballston Spa Caliva Cookie Co., and a spread of gourmet foods locally made in Greenfield. Two Chocolate Moonshine Co. pop-up shops can be found selling a selection of fudge, truffles, and chocolates for a limited time, November 4th until the New Year, this holiday season at Macy’s in Colonie Center and the Crossgate’s Mall in Albany. Finishing Touches Unique Gifts and Interior Design Store, at 450 East High Street, in Malta, is open Tuesday–Saturday 10 am – 7 p.m., and Sunday 12p.m.-7p.m.Findthemonlineatwww.finishingtouchesstore.com,onFacebook @finishingtouchesstore, and on Instagram @ finishingtoucheshd


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

9


10

Buy Local 2023

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Fourth Generation FLOORING

Torrell’s Carpetland enters a new era in a new location.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER • FOR SARATOGA TODAY | PHOTOS BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA STUDIOS

CARPET WAS KING in Amsterdam when the Morrell and the Torani families joined forces to open Torrell’s Carpetland 77 years ago. Fueled by industrialists capitalizing on the ready workforce and steady pace of the Mohawk River, the “Carpet City” was home to large mills including the Mohawk, Firth, and Alexander Smith Carpet Companies.


Buy Local 2023

Photo provided

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

As children, Kate and James Morrell ran around Carpetland playing on the carts and crawling through the carpet rolls. It wasn’t until she was older that Kate learned the business was first founded on her great-grandparents land in Amsterdam by her great-grandfather James, and great-uncles, Vito and John Torani. A family business from the start, in one corner of the original 600sq. ft. building was a coop where Kate’s great-grandmother kept her chickens. With time, the chickens were replaced with more flooring inventory and the building grew to 25,000 sq. ft., remaining a prominent fixture in the changing city landscape until the Mohawk River flooded the West End of the city 20 years ago, and the store was finally closed. WE HAVE YOUR FLOOR COVERED In 1972, Kate’s father, Jim Morrell, expanded the business to 78 Church Street in Saratoga Springs. A captain in the carpet industry, he passed unexpectedly on April 8th this year at the age of 73 as the family was preparing to move to their new location at 11 Aletta Street in Saratoga Springs. “He was excited about the move, for me, more than for himself,” said Kate, who has inherited and is now running the business she’s worked in since she began helping to remove carpet at twelve years old. By 16, she was attending carpet shows. After attending SUNY Albany (where she studied sociology and accounting) Kate worked with her mother, Mary Lee, at Morrell Real Estate, until nine years ago when her aunt passed and Kate began doing forensic accounting for her father. “Kate is excellent at keeping pace with the changes in the industry, is well-networked, and injects new blood into the business,” said Mike Downey, an Amsterdam mill sales representative. He and Jim had been best friends since they were five years old. Many of Jim’s customers became family friends, but that’s not the only reason brick and mortar stores like Torrell’s Carpetland have weathered the constantly changing retail climate. Customers want to touch, feel (and even smell!) the product they’re investing in. “They like to touch the carpet samples and look directly at a piece of vinyl to see how shiny it is, and it’s a lot easier to do that when they’re able to come in,” said Mike. “Providing expert installation is always key with floor coverings, as well,” he said. Because not all rooms conform to a carpet’s standard 12ft. width, creating a seamless look is vital, as is “kicking in” to avoid bubbles, and measuring the area to find its true dimensions.

11


Buy Local 2023

12

They (customers) like to touch the carpet samples and look directly at a piece of vinyl to see how shiny it is, and it’s a lot easier to do that when they’re able to come in.”

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

TAKING FLOORS TO THE NEXT LEVEL Last year, Torrell’s Carpetland sold their Church Street property to Bonacio Construction, who plans to build a 5-story condominium building with first floor commercial space on the site. Carpetland’s new 5,500 sq. ft. Aletta Street location, formally the home of Napa Auto Parts, will focus on design-forward carpets, area rugs, hardwood, vinyl, cork, tile, and plank flooring. Helping to facilitate the move was Kate’s mother, Mary Lee, and long-time sales and accounts manager Carol Rathbun (who can still be found behind her desk in the new office space that has been added). The building, which has been repainted inside and out, has new landscaping was freshened up with other finishing touches. When you stop in, you’ll see several types of flooring used as wall coverings, including cork, what Kate calls her ‘go-to’ material because of its sound absorption properties. Multi-functional, environmentally-conscious, and hypoallergenic, it’s what she uses in her own home. Recycled and low-to-no-VOC carpets, locally-milled hardwoods, luxury vinyl tiles, comfort wools, and other innovative flooring solutions from the Flooring Network and NRF Distributers, among others, puts a new era of floor coverings under your feet. Reminiscent of the days when carpet covered everything indoors or out (even the bathroom and kitchen!) shag carpets are also back in style, said Kate. “We’re going full circle with some items and 180 with others.” See what a difference dealing with a fourth-generation flooring business can bring to your project by visiting Torrell’s Carpetland, at 11 Aletta Street, Saratoga Springs, and on Facebook @Carpetland Saratoga.


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

13


14

Buy Local 2023

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

For Everything, A SEASON

As the area’s longest local, independently-owned health food store, Four Seasons Natural Foods understands how to weather the storms.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER • FOR SARATOGA TODAY | PHOTOS BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA STUDIOS

TODAY, AS INDIVIDUALISM replaces civic engagement and people retreat into the digital world instead of forming in-person connections, what Richard Frank, owner of Four Seasons Natural Foods calls “a big experiment,” he continues along a different path.


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

With the same entrepreneurial outlook forged by his greatgrandfather, the owner of a dry goods store in South Carolina; his grandfather, who started a toy manufacturing company; and his father, who had a gift manufacturing business, Richard said surviving as a small business owner requires one thing. “In the end, you have to believe in your mission,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for more than 34 years and I still believe in the products I sell that are less processed, often locally-sourced, more sustainable, and less impactful than what you can find elsewhere. We’re still unique in our mix of what we offer and in our focus on smaller brands.” In addition to groceries and local produce, Four Seasons sells freshly-prepared foods, supplements, herbs, and beauty care items. LASTING REWARDS As a small business owner in a constantly-changing economy, Rich has seen the post-pandemic system continue to be plagued by a storm of supply chain issues and inflation woes. Many producers are downsizing and streamlining their offerings. As a smaller enterprise, Four Seasons has been able to adapt quicker, purchasing from new vendors to keep products in stock. For example, during the pandemic, Four Seasons never ran out of toilet paper like larger chain stores did, and after the closure of the popular Greenwich-based beef and pork supplier, Lewis Waite Farm in February this year, Rich’s resourcefulness and relationships afforded him the ability to quickly find alternatives and maintain good options in stock at the store. When the Four Seasons on Phila Street closed in 2021, Rich used it as an opportunity to purchase the Henry St. location where he had been renting. Then, the time was finally right for Four Seasons to begin offering the Evergreen Rewards program, as well, something he’d been hoping to do for years, he said. “It’s another way to connect with customers and people really love it. There are several thousand folks enrolled and I’ve still only heard positive things from them about the program. I wanted our program to be simple, easy to use and beneficial. So many rewards programs are not those things,” said Rich. When customers sign-up for Evergreen Rewards, every dollar they spend earns them a point, and after purchasing $200 in products, they receive $10 off their shopping order. It’s free to enroll in the program, and there are no cards, plus, the points never expire. READY CONNECTIONS One thing Rich does hear that people miss (since the Four Seasons at the corner closed) is their buffet. That’s when he tells them 50 to 60-percent of the ready-to-eat items that were available there can still be found on the shelves of the larger Henry Street store. Prepared by the same cooks using the same recipes, these items remain an easy, healthy, meal solution. In the store’s hot and ready section, three to four selections include a protein, grain, and vegetable option, and two soups to choose from daily. Made in small batches with fresh, mostly organic and vegan ingredients, this is good food you can feel good about eating on the go.

15


Buy Local 2023

16

...the products I sell that are less processed, often locally-sourced, more sustainable, and less impactful than what you can find elsewhere.”

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Fresh hot paninis made with Berkshire Mountain Bakery breads, including the vegan Southwester, with a slight kick of chipotle, marinated baked tofu and shredded kale, and the Fugetaboutit, with its bountiful pesto flavor, are tried and true favorites. As are the refined selection of made-to-order shakes, smoothies, and juices. Grab a great dessert, like a raw avocado chocolate tart, a gluten-free raspberry rainforest bar, or the always popular chocolate chip cookies, and you’ll satisfy your appetite without sacrificing your diet. As for Rich, over the last 16 years, when he hasn’t been at the store, you’d likely find him helping at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs. For as many changes as Rich has seen in his role at Four Seasons Natural Foods, it was the consistency and values of the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs’ mission that attracted him to the school for his own children and inspired him to commit to their Board of Directors for the past 16 years. Serving as Board Chair for 11 years, Rich retired from the position this August, but said he continues to value the hands-on education they provide and the problem-solving skills they instill in their students. “Before, during, and after my experience, their core mission hasn’t changed and continues to be really important. It values human connection, something that is becoming a lost art, but that we need now, more than ever,” he said. Visit Four Seasons Natural Foods, at 120 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, everyday from 8 am. until 8 p.m. Four Seasons’ sandwiches, shakes, and juice bar is open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, find Four Seasons Natural Foods on Facebook, Instagram, and at www.fourseasonsnaturalfoods.com


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

17


18

Buy Local 2023

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Brewing Globally

BUYING LOCALLY

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER • FOR SARATOGA TODAY | PHOTOS BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA STUDIOS

AS CRAFT BREWERS search for that perfect balance of hops and malt, dreaming up the next era of distinctive signature beers, beverage centers like Eddy’s Beverage Inc. are calculating which breweries to gamble on.


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

By listening to what his growing base of customers want, Eddy’s Beverage manager Nick Eddy is helping to put once obscure local breweries on the map while also expertly selecting imports with a taste that transcends borders. SOAKING UP THE HISTORY The beverage business has changed a lot since Nick was 13 years old, and first began sorting returnable bottles and cans in his father, Mark Eddy’s store on Excelsior Avenue. The building, purchased by Nick’s grandfather, William Eddy Sr., in the 1970’s was the home of Saratoga Quality Hardware (before they built a new store right next door, where they remain today). Before that (during the turn of the century when this structure was originally built) it served as the Engine House for the Saratoga and Schuylerville Railroad. What is today the beverage center loading dock, back then welcomed locomotives in need of repair on the line that has now become the basis of the popular Spring Run Trail, a portion of the 24-mile Saratoga Greenbelt Trail, which, once completed, will form a continuous loop of pedestrian and bicycle access through the city of Saratoga Springs. Modern American craft beers became increasingly popular with homebrewers in the 1970s, giving rise to microbreweries in the 1990s, and the explosion of the industry we are experiencing today. Mark, who was also a craft brewer, was more experimental with his selections than Nick has been since he began managing the store a decade ago, he said. “The industry constantly changes, so you’ve got to just roll with the punches and listen to what people want,” said Nick.

19


20

Buy Local 2023

…today, Nick represents every country he can while remaining devoted to carrying local craft beers from a handful of trusted breweries.”

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

BURSTING THE BEER BUBBLE Rather than being all over the map with his selections for the store, today, Nick represents every country he can while remaining devoted to carrying local craft beers from a handful of trusted breweries including Artisanal Brew Works, Unified Beerworks, Druthers, Walt & Whitman, and Common Roots Brewing Companies. For the past two years, he’s been shaving the obscure selections from his inventory, honing in on the strong performers for reliable frosty brews that take the guesswork out of kicking back and relaxing. An ale aficionado who investigates what style a customer is leaning toward before making recommendations, Nick suggests that for those lost among the choices, trying the pilsners and lagers first. “They are almost universally liked and most people can almost always find something to enjoy among them,” he said. GETTING IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT As the leaves fall each Autumn, Oktoberfest brings merriment, heartier fare, and beer steins filled with the German Paulaner, an easy-going light beer with a sharp malt background. “As the weather gets colder, people like the feel of warming up with a beer that is heavy and complex,” said Nick, which is why a dark malty stout, like Brown’s Oatmeal Stout, remains a trusted go-to during the winter months. The chill in the air calls for seasonal brews with extra bite, so when it comes to holiday entertaining, if you aren’t sure what your guests might like, chose something you’ll drink after they leave, advises Nick. An abundance of jolly spiced ales, and flavors like cherries and figs, warm any winter celebration. To find your favorite flavors go to Eddy’s Beverage, 112 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, or find them online at ebisaratoga.com To discover new brews and events, go to untappd.com


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

21


22

Buy Local 2023

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Transforming HEALTHCARE Medical advancements in minutes

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER • FOR SARATOGA TODAY | PHOTOS BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA STUDIOS

FOR NEARLY TEN YEARS, Dr. Richard Kim Medicine has been harnessing the unique power of emerging medical innovations to tackle chronic pain caused by degenerative conditions and injuries.


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

23

His use of non-surgical regenerative therapies and non-invasive pain management practices to restore the body to health after an accident or overuse has been so popular, it’s attracted professional athletes from the USA Rugby Team, and others from around the world. Shattering the misconception that top clinicians utilizing cutting-edge medical advancements can only be found in big cities, Dr. Kim has used his experience to help neighbors just minutes away, and become the Saratoga Rugby Club’s team physician, as well. “When I first started practicing regenerative medicine 10 years ago, there was a lot of skepticism among the community healthcare providers and patients at large,” said Dr. Kim, but through referrals and word-of-mouth, his business grew, and now, he has the experience to do what others cannot. THE THIRD SOLUTION When Dr. Richard Kim Medicine opened in 2014, Dr. Kim, a board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics, also specialized in sports medicine. Then he added regenerative therapies to his direct pay practice – what he calls the third solution for pain. Rather than using medication and surgery to ease conditions such as advanced joint pain, arthritis, knee, spine, hip, and back pain, Dr. Kim uses injections of the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma or stem cells to promote the body’s own repair response. These injected cells provide relief by growing into new tissue with the potential to restore, replace, and regenerate the damaged cells. Education is the cornerstone of his practice, he said. “My job, first and foremost, is taking care of people and educating them. Education is so important when it comes to patients learning about their own health and options for their health,” said Dr. Kim. The amount of research that has been dedicated to regenerative therapies has grown ten-fold in the last decade, he said, and by staying abreast of emerging studies and educating clients through monthly online webinars, he answers all your questions about how far the science has come. These sessions, running 45 minutes to an hour, can be accessed through Zoom on any device.


24

Buy Local 2023

You are able to control your own quality of health and given everything you need to get answers quickly.”

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

FINDING ANSWERS FAST This year, Dr. Richard Kim Medicine has added a self-serve open MRI to help assess pain in much less time than the traditional insurancebased systems can. Open to everyone in the local community (and the general public at large) for a $350 flat fee, MyMRI lets you find out answers fast (even with high deductible insurance policies or when insurance companies have previously denied your claims). Along with the scan, Dr. Kim’s patient-centered approach provides a free follow-up consultation to talk about your results, what options you have, which therapies are right for you, and your next best course of action. “You are able to control your own quality of health and given everything you need to get answers quickly,” he said. RESHAPING THE FUTURE By disrupting how pain happens, Dr. Kim has become wellestablished in his field. As a local physician, he sees first-hand how solving the pain paradigm today is an endeavor that lives on to benefit others well into the future tomorrows. Find out more about noninvasive regenerative therapies, and financing options that can help you find relief from chronic pain by visiting Dr. Richard Kim Medicine, 2 Mountain Ledge Dr., Suite 1, Gansevoort, online at www.richardkimmedicine.com


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

25


26

Buy Local 2023

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Seeing is Believing

EXPERT CARE FOR THE AGING EYE

Eye care that won’t have you feeling left in the dark.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER • SARATOGA TODAY | PHOTOS PROVIDED

FOR THIRTY YEARS, ophthalmologist Dr. Edwin Davison Jr. has been combining compassion and precision to bring better vision to light.


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

“My goal is to make patients happy, feel comfortable, and wellcared for,” said Dr. Davison. Dr. Davison began his eye care career in Saratoga in 1993, with partner Dr. Thomas Francomano, an ophthalmology specialist with more than 40 years of experience. Then, in 1999, Dr. Davison opened Your Vision Resource, a comprehensive vision care practice on Maple Avenue. VISIONARY MEDICINE Ophthalmology is a specialized surgical field involving innovative eye care procedures and visionary care for the injured and aging eye. “It’s every physician’s job to maintain their continuing education to stay abreast of advances in medicine,” said Dr. Davison, who is on track to receive his fourth board certification in 2025. The staff at Your Vision Resource performs complete eye exams, diagnoses, and treats eye diseases, provides referrals, and prescribes prescription glasses and contacts. When it comes to precision cataract surgery and glaucoma management, the first thing Dr. Davison does is gains a patients trust. CARE WITH COMPASSION Although a small organ, the eye is a precious one, and putting patients at ease begins from the moment they walk into Your Vision Resource. “Our office is very neat, clean, and well-kept,” explains Dr. Davison, adding that 1940s big band music is always playing through the speakers, which patients love. “It creates a relaxing atmosphere and that makes the exam process easier,” he said. Their kind and patient staff enjoys building rapport and are especially sensitive to older patients who may have difficulties moving or hearing well. “Most patients expect to have problems with their vision as they get older, but some are more anxious than others about what’s going on with their eyes,” said Dr. Davison. “Having a different set of eyes on any concerns they may be having can bring a new perspective.” Dr. Davison continues to put patients at ease by reassuring them that they can contact him with any concerns and be seen quickly. As they age, patients may experience light sensitivity while driving at night, for example, which Dr. Davison may determine will be relieved by a prescription of specially-tinted lenses to reduce glare. For those with advancing macular degeneration, recommending certain vitamins may help. Getting to the bottom of longstanding issues that may seem relatively minor, like irritated, burning, and runny eyes, can make a big difference to a person’s comfort and long-term well-being.

27


Buy Local 2023

28

My goal is to make patients happy, feel comfortable, and well-cared for...”

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

A CLEARER TOMORROW When cataract surgery is needed to clear cloudiness from the eye’s crystalline lens, Dr. Davison explains the painless procedure step-bystep, lays out in detail what a patient can expect, and answers any questions they may have. To avoid any confusion, Your Vision Resource schedules upcoming appointments before patients leave their office and provides them with written materials and organizational charts. Dr. Davison also offers the option of applying a single dose of eye medication during the procedure for those patients with memory problems who cannot follow complicated eye drop schedules, who are suffering from arthritis and won’t be able to squeeze the bottle easily, or for those who simply can’t afford the cost of multiple eye medications after surgery. Since cataracts are considered a medical condition, most insurance plans will cover the costs. For those patients looking to improve their vision even further, the optional selective “refractive” surgical techniques are available to reduce the patient’s need for prescription glasses. Because this option is considered cosmetic, it isn’t covered by insurance, but financing is available. For more information, visit Your Vision Resource, 615 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs online at www.yourvisionresource.com.


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

29


30

Buy Local 2023

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com


saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Buy Local 2023

31


In the early 1900’s our company started out by delivering ice and coal. Earl’s home in Latham, NY was the first Feiden appliance store, which still stands today on Watervliet Shaker Rd. The pond on our farm was harvested for ice each winter, then delivered by horse and wagon to local homes to place in their icebox to keep food cold. When mechanical refrigerators were introduced, Earl Sr. transformed the family garage into a showroom for new electric appliances and radios. As our communities grew rapidly, so did the demand for appliances, and in 1947 we opened a store at Latham Circle which our family still operates on a daily basis; including Earl’s great grandson, Bradley Feiden. With strong support from local communities, we’ve been able to grow as our neighborhoods have grown. In 1986 we expanded south by opening a store in Kingston, NY, and in 2011 we went north on Route 9 to Clifton Park. Buying at a local store for any business is an investment in your community, and we’re forever glad to be where we are today - being able to offer our services throughout the Capital Region, Hudson Valley, Saratoga to the Adirondacks, while also giving back to many local and national charities. Our family business now includes 90 employees. Our professional sales associates will help you find exactly what you’re looking for, our delivery and installation teams are ready for any job, along with our factory trained and accredited technicians offering in-home repairs.

* See store for details

A+ Rated

1771 ROUTE 9 · CLIFTON PARK (518) 383-2215 Hours: M-F 9-8 · Sat. 9-5 · Sun. 12-5

We are “The Store Good Service Built!” and we pride ourselves on our ability to supply customers with an impressive array of appliances and reliable service. We carry over 50 brands ranging from traditional American brands to the latest innovative products from around the world. As members of the largest appliance buying group in the country, we’re able to offer low prices while maintaining the personal service we have provided for generations.

Stop by Now and See What Sets Us Apart.

(JUST SOUTH OF CIRCLE)

785 ROUTE 9 · LATHAM (518) 785-8555

Hours: M-F 9-8 · Sat. 9-5 · Sun. 12-5

661 BROADWAY · KINGSTON (845) 331-2230 Hours: M-F 9-6 · Sat. 9-5

fb.com/earlbfeiden www.earlbfeiden.com


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.