Glens Falls Business Journal - April 2023

Approaching 50th Anniversary, Officials Say Balloon Fest Economic Impact Is Enormous

Apple Growers Had Good Crops last Year, But Face Challenges Going Into This Season

BY PAUL POST

Planning for the golden anniversary of Warren County’s most popular fall attraction is well under way, already providing a major economic boost to the region’s hospitality industry, highlighted by hundreds of advance hotel room bookings.

This year’s Adirondack Balloon Festival, slated for Sept. 21-24, will have the most special-shaped balloons in its 50-year history, joined by nearly 100 other pilots and 150,000 visitors from throughout the U.S. and overseas, according to organizers.

“I wish we were able to afford a true economic impact study because I’m sure it would be in the millions of dollars, especially with a good weather weekend,” said Mark Donahue, festival board president. “Right now we’ve booked rooms in 12 different hotels. We need 400 to 500 hotel rooms this year for all our special guests.”

The all-volunteer run, nonprofit festival operates on a roughly $200,000 budget, only a fraction of the money spent by large commercial balloon-

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Lake George Regional Travel Guide Is Out, Increased Circulation In Chamber’s Plan

The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Four-Seasons Travel Guide features eight additional pages and a robust distribution strategy with increased circulation.

The guide is now available.

Some highlights of the new 60-page travel guide include a reader submitted travel pro tips and photos, a color-coded area map and a lodging grid to help people sort through camping and accommodations amenities.

There are also 400-plus member listings including attractions, dining, shopping and more, facts about Lake George and a Lake George Region trivia section.

The submitted photos and pro tips will also be used in a social media campaign. Photos and pro tips are continually being accepted for social media and the 2024 Travel Guide via this link.

The Chamber produces the Travel Guide inhouse and increased the number printed from 70,000 to now 75,000 copies. The guide is also available digitally.

They are strategically distributed around the Northeast, at AAA offices, and across the U.S. and Canada through direct mail by request.

“With new data from where our visitors were coming from, we were able to readjust our distribution plan to match current intel. The guide was so popular last year we decided to increase the number printed and add pages,” said Chamber Executive Director Gina Mintzer.

This year’s cover features a photo of Lake George submitted by photographer Dan Scott. The photo is from his Adirondack Dawn series. Dan Scott is based in Chicago and was raised in Glens Falls. Additional photos on the cover were provided by photographer Linda Ouellette, Ice Castles, Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course and The Great Escape.

The cover design was chosen with the help of the Chamber’s social media audience, who

Continued On Page 14

BY PAUL POST

This is the most nerve-racking time of year for apple growers as warm weather followed by a sudden cold spell can freeze blooms, effectively ruining an entire crop.

“That’s a really big hazard and with the vagaries of climate catastrophe that we’re in, you just don’t know what’s going to happen,” said David Garvoille, Hicks Orchard business development manager. “Fifty degree temperature swings have become a regular thing. It can

be 60 one day and 10 the next.”

Founded in 1905, this family-run Granville operation is New York state’s oldest “you-pick” apple farm, which is coming off its best year ever.

“We had the most insane bumper crop, bigger than anyone alive remembers,” Garvoille said. “One tree fell over it was so weighted down with apples. We have about 20 different varieties and they all ripened at the same time.

Continued On Page 4

President Of Six Flags Great Escape Gets Prestigious Award From State Tourism Group

Rebecca Wood, president of Six Flags Great Escape Theme Park and Lodge Resort in Queensbury, is the recipient of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association’s (NYSHTA) Outstanding Tourism Executive of the Year award.

Wood received the award at the Six Flags Great Escape property on Feb. 28.

The Tourism Executive of the Year award is part of NYSHTA’s annual Stars of the Industry program. Stars of the Industry celebrates the exemplary professionalism and exceptional service of individuals in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The award recognizes an executive who has demonstrated outstanding contributions of leadership and service to the industry and to his/her community.

“Every year, the state’s hospitality and tourism industry nominates its most outstanding individuals. After reviewing all the nominations submitted, the judges agreed that Rebecca Wood was the best of the best,” said Mark Dorr, NYSHTA president. “Rebecca Wood is a star in every sense of the word and a shining example of what New York state hospitality and tourism is all about.”

“Lake George is one of the great places on earth,” he said.

NYSHTA is the country’s oldest state lodging association and offers programs and services to the statewide hospitality and tourism industry. NYSHTA’s mission is to lead and protect the New York State hospitality and tourism industry by providing advocacy, education and resources.

“This past year was nothing short of a series of challenges followed by amazing celebrations

because of you guys,” she said, recalling the difficulty finding workers during the pandemic.

“We chose this industry not because of how easy it is, but because of how fun and rewarding it is,” Wood said to the staff. “This is not my award. You guys make this job so ridiculously rewarding.”

Gina Mintzer, the president of the Lake George Chamber of Commerce nominated Wood for the award. Wood started at the park in 2009 in marketing area and was named president four years ago.

The Lake George Four-Seasons Travel Guide is now available.

Rebecca Wood receives a state tourism award with Gina Mintzer, who nominated her.

This year’s Adirondack Balloon Festival, slated for Sept. 21-24, will have special-shaped balloons marking its 50-year history. Officials say they expect some 150,000 visitors. Courtesy Adirondack Balloon Festival

Hick’s Orchard in Granville had a banner year in 2022, but the apply industry is faced with rising costs of production related primarily to increased wage rates mandated by the state. Paul Post

Lisa Vollendorf Inaugurated As The New President Of Empire State University

Empire State University inaugurated Lisa Vollendorf, Ph.D., as its sixth president on March 23 in a ceremony at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King performed the presidential investiture.

Vollendorf began her tenure at SUNY Empire on July 1, 2022. With more than 26 years of experience in public higher education, she is deeply committed to the values of access, inclusivity and academic excellence.

In her short time at SUNY Empire, she has led the implementation of numerous initiatives to advance the institution and enhance the student experience, including overseeing the institutions change from SUNY Empire State College to Empire State University, creation of a new strategic plan, new academic programs, and initiatives to improve access, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Prior to SUNY Empire, Vollendorf held faculty appointments and leadership positions at numerous universities, including Wayne State, Cal State Long Beach, San Jose State, and Sonoma State. A Spanish professor by training, she has published two monographs and six edited collections on women in early modern Spain and colonial Latin America. She holds a Ph.D. in Romance Languages from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in both English and Spanish from Colorado State University.

“Empire State University builds on modern ideas and modern solutions. As a leader, President Vollendorf understands the vital importance of a forward-focused institution whose advancements in academics, scholarship, and workforce development, such as the nursing simulation opportunity for students, its designation as an Autism Supportive College, and its commitment to lifelong learning show SUNY’s essential place in the landscape of higher education,” said King.

State Public Service Commissioner and Chairman of the College Council, John Maggiore, said Vollendorf’s presidency “marks a significant milestone in the history of our institution, and we are happy to have her at the helm. Her visionary leadership will continue to drive Empire State

University forward and ensure that our students receive a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education. The council looks forward to working with her to build a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates excellence, diversity, access, and innovation.”

“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve as the sixth president of SUNY Empire State and the first president of Empire State University,” Vollendorf said. “SUNY Empire has, from the very beginning, been devoted to the singular—and singularly challenging—mission of serving learners who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend college. We stand alone in our ability to educate individuals at all stages of life, many of whom believed their chance to attend college had vanished when they took a job or had a child or moved away or joined the military. I have never worked at an institution that has such a clearly distinctive role to play in helping public higher education be more accessible, more flexible, and more inclusive.”

Personnel Briefs

Tyler Poitras has been named the new senior sales manager at the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau (LGRCVB).

Poitras, a graduate of Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island, began his hospitality career in 2015 at Walt Disney World, Florida, supervising multiple Food & Beverage locations including Hollywood Studios and Wilderness Lodge. He joined the Team at Disney’s Pop Century Resort working as concierge and operations support, eventually shift ing to Front Desk Supervisor.

Poitras will prospect and generate new business relationships to achieve booked business and overnight room goals, and secure future bookings that will meet rate and occupancy goals of the destination partners throughout the Lake George Area.

In 2021, Poitras returned to the area, working in the fi nance sector for Trustco Bank as senior universal banker and eventually transitioning to a business banker. He led multiple branches to grow business in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties. He then joined KeyBank to enter a training course and complete his exam to become a fi nancial advisor.

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Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. announced the recent promotions of Wendy Lanzone to senior vice president, customer experience and director of deposit and loan services and Daniel Segrell to senior vice president, director of consumer lending.

Lanzone is responsible for promoting digital strategy and operational efficiency, while collaborating with other business units and leaders at the bank to identify opportunity areas to improve and promote the customer experience.

She has nearly 35 years of experience, with extensive management, electronic and deposit services practice.

Lanzone has been with Glens Falls National Bank for 13 years, starting as assistant vice president and manager of the electronic banking department. Most recently, she was vice president, director of deposit and loan services.

Lanzone lives in Stillwater and is an active member in her community, serving on the TriCounty United Way Allocations Committee.

He is responsible for working with Consumer Lending teams and collaborating with other

departments throughout the bank in support of continued loan growth, efficient operations and enhancing the customer experience.

Segrell joined the bank in 1990. Th roughout his tenure with the bank, he has held various credit and lending positions, and was most recently senior vice president and director of indirect lending.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in international business from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Active in the community, he serves on the board of directors of Liberty House Foundation, Tri-County Literacy Center and the Family Service Association of Glens Falls. He lives in Queensbury.

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The Lake George Association has named Lake George native and longtime New York City publishing and digital marketing executive Nancy Hawley as director of marketing and communications.

After graduating from Lake George High School, Hawley earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Curry College in Milton, Mass., and entered the magazine publishing industry. In 1998, with digital publishing in its relative infancy, she was named managing editor of Condé Nast’s Epicurious.com, beginning a digital career that later took her to Time, Inc., Time Inc. Interactive, and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

In 2011, Hawley joined SYPartners, a business strategy and innovation consulting fi rm. Most recently, she served as a content consultant for such high-profi le brands as Apple Inc., Kellogg’s, Oprah, Starbucks, and Weight Watchers.

In her new role, Hawley is responsible for advancing the mission and programs of the LGA through the development and execution of a data-driven, integrated marketing and communications strategy to reach key stakeholders and partners, including property owners, donors, government entities, businesses, and the news media. Central to this effort will be the marketing of the Lake Protector Program. As part of the program, an innovative new digital app was created that equips both residents and visitors with their own Personal Protection Profi le upon signing up as Lake Protectors.

Sustainable PR in Glens Falls has appointed Lydia Miner as account executive. Miner will manage and direct campaigns for the company’s clean energy, hydroponics, and clean technology clients.

Lisa Vollendorf, Ph.D., was inaugurated as the sixth president of Empire State University. Courtesy Empire State University

Owner Of Warren Tire Continues To Grow Business, Will Build New Shop In Greenwich

DeCrescente Distributing Wins President’s Award From Molson Coors For 10th Time

DeCrescente Distributing Co. in Mechanicville has won the Molson Coors President’s Award for the second consecutive year and 10th time overall.

The company is in its 75th year as a family run local beverage distributor.

DeCresente distributes over 11 million cases of beer, soft drinks, and snacks to 11 counties in the Greater Capital Region, including Warren, and Washington.

Only 32 beverage distributors nationwide earn this prestigious award each year. Winning the award twice in two years is uncommon and a testament to the hard work and creativity of the DeCrescente team, said company president C.J. DeCrescente.

“We set a high bar here,” DeCrescente said. “Each year, we create a strategic plan for each of our suppliers to help take their products to new heights. Winning this award proves that our entire team brought their A-Game to help us achieve our ambitious goals for the Molson Coors family of brands in 2022.”

BY PAUL POST

One of the Capital Region’s largest tire retailers is growing again with the $400,000 expansion of existing facilities in Greenwich, Washington County.

Warren Tire Service Centers, which has stores in Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park, has purchased a vacant former Cumberland Farms store, with plans to create three new service bays, add 14 parking spots and hire two additional service technicians.

“We’re expecting a 30 percent increase in business,” company President Robert Kellogg said. “It’s a growing area. Greenwich is a hub for a lot of surrounding towns such as Schuylerville, Salem and Argyle, plus the town of Greenwich itself is growing. It’s a little overwhelming with the amount of space we have currently. We need more space to accommodate all our customers.”

The Queensbury-based company, which has 16 stores in seven counties, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month. It was founded by Kellogg’s 80-year-old father, Wayne, 80, the chief executive officer who is still involved with daily operations, although he is no longer an owner.

Robert Kellogg’s nephew, daughter and son-inlaw are part owners, too, of this third-generation family-run business.

“We’re big enough to compete with the largest nationwide chains, but still small enough to know everyone that works for us and our customers, and to stay on top of running the company well so we can keep providing the high-quality service they expect,” Kellogg said.

The current Greenwich store is at 88 Abeel Ave., slightly behind a Stewart’s Shop at the corner of Main and Wilson streets. The former Cumberland Farms store is directly across Abeel Avenue, a quiet residential street.

Warren Tire expected to close on the property on April 6.

Plans call for a complete renovation of the existing building without changing its footprint.

“We’re really fixing up the place,” Kellogg said. “We want to bring it up to modern codes. It

will have a gabled roof, dormers and a nice brick exterior. If everything goes well we expect to be in there in August.”

The company sells several well-known brands of consumer and commercial tires, the latter for large trucks, and provides many types of automotive service.

The Greenwich store gets considerable business from Washington County’s large agricultural community, a major part of the local economy.

“We sell farm tires and have road service trucks that go to farms,” Kellogg said.

The company has no immediate plans for opening more new stores, but is in the process of securing a new commercial tire warehousing facility, in Schenectady.

“We’re real close to finalizing a lease with an option to buy,” Kellogg said. “We’ll have tires and wheels in stock there for dump trucks and tractortrailers, and it will be a place to dispatch service trucks from.”

He said retail sites are chosen with an eye toward filling gaps in the market, while staying in close proximity to corporate headquarters.

“So we can be involved,” he said. “We like to be hands-on.”

One of Warren Tires’ newest stores, which opened in 2020, is at 581 Maple Avenue (Route 9) near the border of Saratoga Springs and Wilton, almost directly across from Smith Bridge Road.

“We wanted to be in Saratoga for a long time, but couldn’t find a location,” he said. “That’s been a really good spot for us. It closed the gap between Clifton Park and Glens Falls.”

Kellogg attributed the family-run company’s growth and success to “a good reputation with our customer base and vendors” and “loyal long-term employees.”

“About half of our 149 employees have worked here 15 years or more,” he said. “That’s really helped our business. Providing that consistency every day to customers is really important. We’ve continued to grow to meet the demands of customers. We never expected this from our original plan.”

In addition to winning the President’s Award, DeCrescente Distributing is one of seven Molson Coors Founders Award finalists. The award recognizes the nation’s top Molson Coors distributor for exemplary sales and distribution performance over the last year. DeCrescente is the only distributor in the nation to have ever won the Founders Award four consecutive times.

The Founders Award winner will be announced later this year.

In 2020, C.J. DeCrescente was awarded the Molson Coors “Legends” award for his impact on the beverage industry. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Carmine “Carm” DeCrescente Sr., who was named a MillerCoors “Legend” in 2005.

In addition to awards from Molson Coors, DeCrescente Distributing has been named to the Albany Business Review’s “Best Places to Work” list for 13 consecutive years (2010 to 2022). The company was named one of the publication’s “Healthiest Employers” for the past four years (2019 to 2022).

In 2021, DeCrescente was named the publication’s “Family-Owned Business of the Year.”

DeCrescente Distributing has also won the first place Fleet Safety Award from the Trucking Association of New York for six consecutive years,

2018 to 2023.

Founded by Angelo DeCrescente in 1948, DeCrescente Distributing will celebrate its 75th year in business in June with a series of events for its employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.

DeCrescente Distributing is a fourth-generation beverage and snack distributor, family owned and operated since 1948. The largest distributor in New York’s Capital Region, DeCrescente has been voted one of the area’s Best Places to Work for 13 consecutive years while employing more than 400 people. The company distributes 11 million cases of product annually to 11 upstate NY counties. The company has been recognized nationally as both Wholesaler of the Year and Craft Distributor of the Year by beverage industry leaders. For their complete list of products, please go to www.decrescente. com.

For more information on upcoming events, please follow DeCrescente Distributing Company on Facebook or Instagram, or contact communications manager Roberto Cruz at r.cruz@ddcbev.com or 518-539-2035.

Warren Tire Service Centers, which has stores in Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park, has plans for a new shop and will hire two additional service technicians.

Courtesy Warren Tires

DeCrescente Distributing Co. has been in business for 75 years.

Courtesy DeCrescente Distributing

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Apple Growers

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It was just like a freight train coming at us.”

Last spring remained cold right through Mother’s Day, so when it finally warmed up and blooms emerged, the threat of freezing temperatures had passed. Also, Mother Nature provided perfect conditions for honey bees that were brought in to pollinate the orchard.

“We rented four pallets of bees,” Garvoille said. “Skies were crystal clear with no wind. On a day like that those bees can pollinate all 50 acres in about 30 minutes. We had three days of weather like that. We called the bee owner and said, ‘Come get ‘em, we’re done’.”

While Hicks was enjoying a banner year, things weren’t quite as sweet for the overall New York apple industry. A new report prepared for Farm Credit East indicates that New York has slipped from second to third place nationally behind Michigan, which produced 14 percent of the nation’s crop compared to New York at 12 percent. Washington state is number one at 60 percent.

Final U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics will become available on May 8.

A 2017 Cornell University study said New York’s apple industry had a $2.1 billion economic impact, responsible for 12,000 direct and indirect jobs. Currently, there are approximately 600 orchards across the state growing apples on more than 50,000 acres.

But Bowman Orchard owner Kevin Bowman, of Clifton Park, said “A lot of apple growers have either downsized, quit altogether or gone into other crops that aren’t so labor intensive. What does it mean for our food supply? That’s the big question. As New York food production goes down, what does that do to the economy if we’re importing food from other places. It puts no money into the local economies.”

In addition, New York, which had long been the nation’s third-leading dairy state, has dropped to fift h place as Idaho and Texas have moved up to third and fourth place, respectively, behind California and Wisconsin.

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“Those states (Idaho and Texas) are seeing an increase in expansion, in part because of the larger land base and less regulatory and environmental mandates,” said Steve Ammerman, New York Farm Bureau spokesman. “We have said all along that New York can be a challenging state to do business. The higher the labor costs go, for instance, the harder it will be for farms to compete and stay in business. That will have a direct negative impact on the accessibility of local food that doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles to get here, as well as the economies and jobs that New York farms support.”

In February, the state Labor Department adopted controversial new rules that will eventually lower the threshold for paying farmworkers overtime, from 60 to 40 hours per week. Beginning next Jan. 1, it will go from 60 to 56 hours per week, reducing four hours every other year until reaching 40 hours in 2032.

Farmers say this will cut into already thin

profit margins, forcing them to layoff off workers and in some cases, go right out of business.

The 2019 Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act also mandates a day of rest each week, or paying overtime to those who would rather work. This, too, creates another financial burden on apple growers during the already-stressful harvest season.

“It’s a challenge because we can’t dictate the weather,” said Cynthia Haskins, New York Apple Association president. “We have to get in, harvest the apples and get out. The apples won’t wait for us. So we’re just being hit a whole lot with labor issues.”

Meanwhile, competition gets tougher each year.

“Every day we compete not only with other apple producing states and countries for shelf space, we compete with everything sold in the produce department,” Haskins said. “For example, there are so many varieties of tomatoes now and they take up more shelf space in supermarkets. What are shoppers going to put in their cart? I hope it’s New York state apples.”

Unlike many employers that can’t seem to fi nd enough help these days, Hicks Orchard has more than enough willing workers, which Garvoille attributes to the farm’s iconic reputation in the surrounding area. “It’s an institution,” he said. “We’re very lucky to have the reputation of being a really supportive and fun place to work. Even though it’s bedlam during apple season, we’ve had almost more staff than we can use, just because of how fond people are of the orchard and its community engagement. The staff really cares about what we do here.”

The farm’s biggest challenge, during this inflationary period, is keeping retail prices within reach of area residents, Garvoille said. Hick Orchard’s fresh, tasty cider donuts attract people from miles around. But they cost $11.75 per dozen now compared to $8.50 three years ago. The price of flour just went up 10 percent, a special type of fryer oil is quite expensive and a block of grease costs $103.

“We don’t want to skimp on ingredients because that’s what makes our donuts amazing,” he said.

On autumn weekends, when the weather is nice, Hick’s Orchard gets up to 10,000 visitors, some coming from as far as New York City and Montreal.

“We’re in a pretty remote location, nine miles from Vermont,” Garvoille said. “We don’t have a big feeder location like farms in the Hudson Valley or near Syracuse. For some local residents, we’re getting a little too rich for their blood. They don’t have deep pockets with disposable income to go to a you-pick farm. That’s kind of a luxury. We don’t want to alienate folks. The challenge is trying to hit the right balance where we make enough revenue to cover expenses and make a bit extra to do farm maintenance while staying loyal to our community.”

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Earth Day Family Friendly Festivities Planned For April 22 In Glens Falls City Park

N.Y. State Getting Federal Funds To Help Areas Where Broadband Service Is Lacking

New York state will receive $100 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury through the American Rescue Plan to expand high-speed internet.

Access to internet broadband has been a problem in some areas of the North Country.

Officials said it is the largest targeted investment in affordable housing connectivity in the nation. New York estimates this funding will allow them to connect 100,000 homes and families to affordable, high-speed internet across the state.

“Affordable, reliable broadband access is essential to connect New Yorkers with work, education, and government services, but still out of reach for far too many families,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This critical funding to unlock high-speed internet for thousands of New York renters will build on the success of our ConnectALL broadband initiative while supporting the goals our five-year plan to build and preserve more affordable housing.”

American Rescue Plan, we included robust funding for broadband delivery, which can create new economic opportunities, raise property values and improve people’s life and health outcomes.”

The new federal investment comes from the $10 billion in the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF), a program designed to address the challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in rural America, Tribal communities, and low- and moderateincome communities.

A key priority of the CPF is to make funding available to help ensure that all communities have access to high-quality modern infrastructure, including reliable, affordable high-speed broadband needed to access critical services. New York’s Affordable Housing Connectivity Program is a competitive grant program designed to fund high-speed, reliable broadband infrastructure to and within low-income housing buildings.

Sustainable PR, a green-focused public relations agency in Glens Falls, is partnering with the City of Glens Falls and Crandall Public Library to host its third annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Th is year’s kid- and pet-friendly outdoor community event will be held behind the Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls’ City Park. Organizers said they expect more than double the number of exhibitors from prior years.

The day will be packed with interactive sustainability-related activities, informative commentary from notable climate-speakers, an electronics recycling drop-off, and table displays from regional climate advocacy groups, environmental organizations, and local sustainably minded businesses. There will also be electric vehicle (EV) displays, as well as an Earth Day-themed raffle featuring ecofriendly and climate conscious items donated by local businesses.

With activities for all ages, Sustainable PR hopes to continue to build connections and facilitate conversations concerning sustainability and how collaborative action can help protect the environment, create economic opportunities, and thwart climate change.

“Our goal for our third-annual Earth Day celebration is to expand the number of community partners and organizations involved to appeal to a more diverse audience and showcase the broad scope of sustainable initiatives sponsored in our region ,” said Tony DeFazio,Sustainable PR principal and founder.

Event speakers include Claudia Braymer, Warren County supervisor, deputy director of Protect the Adirondacks, and environmental attorney in Glens Falls, on sustainability to ensure stability for future generations at 11:30 a.m.

Jim Siplon, EDC Warren County president, what it takes to create a sustainable commu-

nity, at 11:45 a.m.

Dana Pickett, chief operating officer at Cipriani Energy Group on community solar issues at noon.

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner on sustainability and environmental initiatives in New York state, at 12:15 p.m.

At the end of the fi nal speech, the winners of the Earth Day raffle will be announced. Participants must be present to win.

Among the activities, the Adirondack Mountain Club host two leave-no-trace training sessions, and the Adirondack Watershed Institute will showcase their model watershed and examples of invasive species affecting local bodies of water.

Booth exhibitors will include Adirondack Council, Zero Waste of Warren County, Cipriani Energy Group, Capital District Transportation Committee, Th ink Energy Plus, Bike Glens Falls, Warren County Cornell Cooperative Extension, ADK Worm Farm, and more.

Crandall Public Library will host an electronic recycling event. All electronic items will be accepted.

Earth Day will also mark the grand opening of the library’s seed library. Patrons can talk to a master gardener about saving seeds and the seed library series programs that are scheduled throughout the growing season. There will be seeds for all visitors. Downstairs in the library’s community room, there will be DIY Eco-Friendly Household Products and DIY Eco-Friendly Childrens Projects workshops.

Returning this year is Sustainable PR’s interactive public art installation, a trio of public chalkboards on which participants of all ages can write and draw their messages of hope for Earth Day and what “sustainability” means to them.

For more information and event updates email lydia@sustainablepr.com, or follow Sustainable PR on Facebook and Instagram.

U.S. Sen. Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “$100 Million in federal funding that I secured in the American Rescue Plan is now on its way to boost high quality internet access for over 100,000 families and homes across New York. Long before the pandemic, communities across Upstate New York, from rural communities to bustling city neighborhoods, have struggled to obtain affordable, high-speed internet service.

“These federal dollars will go directly towards closing the digital divide, which means connecting communities to good-paying jobs, better healthcare, and higher-quality education in our schools. I am proud to deliver this major $100 million investment to provide more equitable broadband accessibility throughout the state and help New Yorkers thrive in today’s digital economy.”

“During the pandemic, we saw how important high-quality broadband is for business, health care, school, and more,” said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “That’s why, when we wrote the

Officials said CPF funds will be used to upgrade internet access in affordable housing units. The plan represents 29 percent of the state’s total allocation under the Capital Project Funds program. New York submitted plans for the remainder of their Capital Project Funds and these applications are currently under review by Treasury.

Last year, New York enrolled one million qualifying households in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, a nationwide subsidy to expand broadband access to low-income households. The federal program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides discounts of up to $30 a month toward internet service for eligible low-income households.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Having reliable, accessible and affordable broadband is essential to our economy and our quality of life. This federal funding is a vital component of our ConnectALL program and will connect all New Yorkers, especially in communities that historically been left behind.”

Tom Belden

Senior Sales Consultant

Garvey Volkswagen KIA of Queensbury Reads

A girl writes on the interactive public chalkboard at last year’s event, on which participants of all ages can write messages of hope for Earth Day.

ADK Mobile Nurse Services Brings Medical Help To Patients Homes In The Region

BY JILL NAGY

If someone needs a nurse, Lisa Murphy can be there without the patient leaving home. Her Glens Falls-based ADK Mobile Nurse Services provides services in patients’ homes—or wherever else they are—in communities within 60 miles of Glens Falls, including Queensbury, Lake George, Saratoga, Albany, and surrounding locations.

Murphy is a registered nurse with 15 years of hospital experience, including case management, and 10 years as a director of clinical services in long term care and rehabilitation facilities. Her office, at 35 Evergreen Lane, Queensbury, is in a senior living facility.

With hospitals discharging patients earlier and providing less outpatient care, there is a growing need for the kind of care Murphy can provide. She can step in to provide followup care after hospital discharge, whether managing medications, changing dressings, helping patients adjust to a new lifestyle, or just looking in to be sure someone is getting along well.

In addition, she administers intravenous vitamin and mineral treatments (on orders from a physician).

Care ranges from a single consultation to continuing care on a monthly retainer basis.

Murphy estimates that she has seen about 100 clients so far. She has been busy enough to cut back on a formerly full-time nursing job. She offers a wide range or services.

“I do what I can within the scope of my practice,” she said. She cannot write prescriptions but she can help patients understand their medications.

When Murphy is unable to provide a service herself, she can often refer a client to someone who can. For example, when someone needed a physical therapist who makes house calls, she was able to fi nd one for the patient. In the future, she said, “I would like to get an arsenal of other professionals” who will provide home services.

Murphy is also a certified Alzheimers educator. She can help arrange a home so that it is safe for someone with dementia. She can also help the patient and family members know what to expect in the future.

She prides herself on giving one-on-one care and taking as much time as it needs.

“I absolutely love it,” she said of her practice and notes that it is far better than trying to divide her time among 40 patients.

In a few weeks, Murphy expects to receive a Masters degree in health care management. She is putting the fi nishing touches on a thesis entitled Lateral Violence in Health Care, exploring what she sees as a “huge problem worldwide,” not so much physical violence as bullying and harassment. She sees experienced nurses lording it over less experienced colleagues.

The problem seems to be worst in emergency room settings and got significantly worse during the COVID crisis, she said. Nurses are frightened or unsure of themselves and take it out on their colleagues. And there are just not enough nurses to go around. Murphy cited the figure that there will be a shortage of one million nurses in 10 years.

Murphy’s thesis is based on research she did at New England College in New Hampshire, where she also did the clinical rotations that were part of a mostly online program through Aspen University in Colorado.

“I don’t ever want to go to school again,” but predicts that she will change her mind and begin working toward certification as a nurse practitioner. That will allow her to prescribe medications and, equally important, to bill insurance companies for her services.

The service’s webpage is ADKMobileNurseServices.com and the telephone number is 518-925-7013.

Entrepreneur Moves ‘Stay In Tux’ Business To New Space On Route 9N In Lake George

BY ANN DONNELLY

Many entrepreneurs start businesses after years of preparation and dreams of self-employment, but Cheryl Smith had never considered starting her own business. She happily worked for others in hospitality and retail for most of her life.

Still, a series of opportunities presented themselves over a few months in 2021 that led to a new chapter in her life as the owner of Stay in Tux, now located in new space at 2315 Route 9N, Lake George, providing tuxedo, suit, and accessory rentals for weddings, proms, senior balls, and special occasions.

While initially reluctant, she now says, “I feel like I’ve been training for this my whole life.”

Originally from Idaho, Smith moved to Queensbury in 1988 to work as a nanny to two girls. She expected to work for a year and then return to Idaho, but one year turned into four years. As the children started school, Smith went to Adirondack Nautelis gym in her free time. There she met personal trainer Todd Smith and the two were married in 1993.

After leaving the nanny position, Smith worked many years in the office at Adirondack Camping Village and had different part-time retail jobs in the off-season. She decided to take a full-time retail position that offered paid vacation and time to attend her sons’ sporting events.

“I enjoyed working with the people, but the job became draining physically and mentally. I knew I wanted to do something different but didn’t want to go into another ‘whatever’ retail job,” she said. Moreover, once the pandemic hit, giving up a stable job wasn’t wise. In 2021, the Smiths went to Idaho for a wedding. Just two days before, Cheryl was asked to act as the wedding coordinator. “I hadn’t planned a wedding, apart from my own, but I wanted to help my family.”

“When we came back to New York, my husband and I talked about a career in wedding planning for me.” They talked with a friend, Debra Jelley, who worked in the bridal industry.

“I realized that wedding planning wasn’t for me,” said Smith. But Jelley was looking to sell her tuxedo hire business. “At first, I didn’t want anything to do with it, but she felt it would be the right fit.”

In July 2021, Cheryl Smith started her career in the wedding business.

Her retail experience, which included a stint in the menswear department at BonTon, gave her skills she could now use working with her customers. In addition, she had some business experience helping behind the scenes in her husband’s business. The company that supplies

the tuxedos has online training videos, and the sales representative has been a big help to Smith.

The most formidable challenge has been getting the word out about the business. Smith’s husband manages her Facebook page and attends wedding shows with her. But she has found that word of mouth is still the best way to get customers.

Another challenge is managing the timing of orders. Smith finds that many men procrastinate until the last minute and can’t get the style they want. She encourages customers to reserve their tuxes as early as possible.

“For weddings, I recommend they make a final decision three to four months before the wedding date.” She finds 6-8 weeks sufficient for proms and other formals. Sometimes the suit only comes in a week before the event, and Smith contacts the customer as soon as it arrives and gets them in right away to have time to address any issues.

Smith said the men often try to please the lady, whether a bride or a prom date.

“I advise them to do what you want to do because you have to wear it. It won’t be as comfortable as the jeans and T-shirt they are used to wearing. Only so much alteration is available for a rented suit. I am very honest, and if people have questions,” she said.

After a short stint on Route 9 in Queensbury and over a year at premises further up the road outside of Lake George, Stay in Tux recently had a ribbon cutting at its new premises on Route 9N, located a half-mile from Northway Exit 21.

Cheryl Smith is the owner of Stay in Tux located on Route 9N in Lake George.

Lisa Murphy, RN, is the owner/operator of ADK Nurse Services.

Dion Puts Her Skills To Work As Owner Of ‘Adirondacks & Beyond Motorcycle Safety’

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

For the past 20 years, Adirondacks & Beyond Motorcycle Safety LLC, has been offering a variety of motorcycle courses for both beginners and experienced riders.

Owner Jeanne Dion purchased the business from Marc and Margie Connelly when they retired in 2021. Before that, she worked for the Connellys as a Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified RiderCoach.

Dion has been riding for about 20 years, and after learning the basics from her husband, she enrolled in a motorcycle course for beginners.

“I took the class within six months of him teaching me to ride,” she said. “I learned so many skills, and it just made riding much more enjoyable.”

A few years later, Dion was working as a civilian at the Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh when she became a RiderCoach for the motorcycle safety course that was offered there. After she and her husband relocated to the North Country, she continued to work for the military and became a RiderCoach at Adirondacks & Beyond Motorcycle Safety.

Nine years later, she purchased the business.

“We offer everything across the board—from classes for people who have never sat on a motorcycle to classes for riders to enhance their skills,” said Dion. “We provide the motorcycles, so if it’s just something you want to try out to see if motorcycle riding is something you want to do, the Basic Rider Course is a great course to take.”

After completing the two-day, 16-hour Basic Rider Course I, students are given a road test. Upon passing the test, the rider receives a license waiver that can be taken to any state Department of Motor Vehicles office. The waiver enables them to receive the Class M license endorsement. As part of the Basic Rider Course I, students must also complete an online course that takes approximately five hours.

“Not everyone passes the road test the first time,” said Dion. “Sometimes you need a little bit more practice. We offer a second chance for people to come back and take the test again if they don’t pass the first time.”

Adirondacks & Beyond Motorcycle Safety also offers classes for individuals who already have their motorcycle licenses. The classes are designed to enhance riding skills.

“We have an on-the-road class, we have an advanced rider class, and we are in the process of getting one for learning how to ride three wheels,” said Dion. “We’re also hoping to add a couple of other new classes as well.”

Classes take place at SUNY Canton and SUNY Queensbury from April until the end of September. They are taught by Dion or one of her 18 experienced RiderCoaches.

“Coaching is something you do because you love riding,” she said. “We have some really awesome coaches who love what they do.”

Adirondacks & Beyond Motorcycle Safety offers

Young Entrepreneur Goes From Home Baking To Opening ‘Flour Child’ Bakery

classes during the week and on weekends. Dion encourages even the most experienced of riders to consider taking one new class a year to enhance their skills.

“One of my coaches said something to me that hit hard and hit home with me. He said, ‘I’ll never understand why people will invest $20,000 on a bike, spend $5,000 on chrome, and hundreds more in gear but won’t invest $200 in themselves to become better riders and improve their chances of coming home at the end of the day,’” she said.

“Always invest in yourself through training and practice. It’s only $200, and it may help you in a situation for your muscle memory to kick in and to save you. Muscle memory kicks in when you are in a situation where you don’t have time to think about what you should do. It’s an automatic instinct, and in our classes, when you are on the motorcycle, we really work on your muscle memory.”

On April 29-30, Adirondacks & Beyond Motorcycle Safety will be hosting On the Road, a four-hour pilot course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

“For this class, two coaches will take six students out on the road. They will do about an hour-long ride, and they will stop along the way and talk about a ‘what if’ scenario. It’s a great way to start the season,” said Dion. “We offered it last year and it went very well. If it goes well again this year, we are hoping to be able to offer it once a month.”

According to Dion, there is always something new to learn when it comes to riding a motorcycle.

“Probably 98 percent of the time, people walk away after taking one of our courses and say, ‘Wow, I learned something new.’”

For more information, visit www. adkmc.com

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL

Flour Child Bakery opened in February at 128 Glen St., two years after proprietor and Fort Edward native Taylor Suprenant started her in-home baking business.

“People saw the baked goods I posted online and asked for orders,” she said. “I outgrew my home kitchen and started looking for someplace to do the baking, not necessarily for a storefront.”

She said she was “a little young” at that time, but as it happened, her friend Ashley Kopf, who also had gone from home baker to shop proprietor, was selling Abby’s Cookie Jar after running it for three years.

Suprenant once worked at Abby’s over a summer. Kopf and her husband, who was Suprenant’s high school band teacher, asked if she wanted to take over the business.

She purchased the equipment and display cases and brought over her decorating materials and cookie cutters used to create specialty cookies, macarons and custom cakes and cupcakes.

The shop has a counter and tables to seat 15. Customers can also get hot or iced coffee.

So far the bakery has been “crazy busy” for Suprenant and her two part-time staff, she said.

Suprenant said she always wanted to run her own business and is getting an education quickly. Going forward, her goal is to “keep growing, learn new things” and better herself as she provides “high quality baking” for her customers.

Flour Child Bakery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jeanne Dion gives riding lessons at Adirondacks & Beyond Motorcycle Safety LLC.

Courtesy Jeanne Dion

After running a baking business from her home, Taylor Suprenant has expanded to open Flour Child bakery with a storefront at 128 Glen St., Glens Falls.

Insurance / Medical Services

Brianna Gregory’s ‘Massotherapy’ Business Is Not Just For Relaxation Or Sports Injuries

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL

With her new practice, Outta Sight Massotherapy LLC founder Brianna Gregory, LMT, is educating the community that massage is not just for relaxation or sports injuries.

“Massotherapy is a new term that I’m putting in the face of the public,” said Gregory. “I like how people ask about the name and we start the conversation.”

According to Gregory, massage therapists can have very different goals and a range of skill sets.

“Some like a small space for relaxation and to be very Zen,” she said. “Others do sports massage at sporting events, which is very high energy.”

Medical massage can focus on recovery, TMJ, back aches, and more, she said. All massage is about muscular therapy and bodywork, and Gregory said she is equally comfortable with Western and Eastern influences in her treatments.

Gregory said she always wanted to work for herself and took business courses toward her associates degree. She is the owner and business manager of Outta Sight Massotherapy. John Krieg, LMT, is an independent practitioner on staff.

But her first career was as a graphic designer. That path ended in 2020 with a diagnosis of macular degeneration. Working in front of a computer every day was no longer going to be feasible, she said.

“I was always visually impaired and had surgery at age two,” said Gregory. “Poor eye health all my life and glaucoma led to macular degeneration.”

Massage therapy was a career she “could do over the long term,” she said. The Association for The Blind offered career assistance and she said massage therapy was always her number one choice. The COVID pandemic shut down schools, so Gregory took some time to do her research and was able to begin a full-time course load during fall semester.

She enrolled at the Center of Natural Wellness and rented a room in Albany near the campus for the nine-month LMT program. She graduated two years ago and earned her state LMT designation. But she did not stop her training there.

She also became board-certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the “highest credential [that] demonstrates dedication and advanced ability,” according to the organization’s website.

Gregory said she learned that “our posture in training is not to look down at the client, so massage is very easy for a blind person to do. I’m visually impaired with a fine-tuned sense of touch. ”

Since she was “always motivated to run a business, Gregory sought help from national disability

Ascent Fabrication Uses Computer-Aided Design, 3D Printing To Make Prosthetics

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

Certified prosthetist Joe Fairley has established himself as an innovator in the field of prosthetics and orthotics.

His company, Ascent Fabrication, utilizes CAD (computer-aided design) and 3D print technology to create highly functional and innovative prosthetic and orthotic devices.

Fairley developed an interest in CAD while a student at Saratoga Springs High School, and it was while pursuing a physics degree at Siena College that he taught himself how to use his department’s new 3D printer. After mastering the device, he established a group at Siena to create hero-themed, prosthetic hands for kids.

They partnered with e-NABLE, a global community of volunteers who use 3D printers to make free and low-cost prosthetic upper limb devices for children and adults in need.

associations as well as SCORE to assist her with a business plan, she said.

“I found my mentors very knowledgeable and helpful,” said Gregory. “They give me a safety net to reach out to.”

Already, she has donated massages to PlayFest, sponsored by the Charles R. Wood Theater, and to a SUNY Adirondack silent business auction. Gregory said she will be doing more for the Wood Theater and for The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, as she has a “personal interest in art and culture.”

Looking two or three years ahead, Gregory will be incorporating the massotherapy business into a full wellness center with workshop space and a Zen garden. She purchased a property with two buildings and starts construction this spring.

“One building will have six to eight offices and we will bring in other wellness professionals such as an acupuncturist, a nutritionist, and a chiropractor,” she said. “The other community space is an open workshop that people can rent out for such things as yoga or candle making.”

Outta Sight Massaotherapy offers a full range of additional therapies and modalities. These include heat therapy, aroma therapy, hot stones, cupping, foot and hand reflexology, Shiatsu, and more.

The practice accepts insurance. Gregory said that employees are encouraged to check with their human resources department to determine if massage is covered under their company’s wellness incentive program.

To learn more, visit www.outtasightmassotherapy.com.

It was through volunteering with e-NABLE that Fairley became interested in the clinical side of the field of prosthetics and orthotics. After working as a prosthetics technician at Sampson Prosthetics and Orthotics in Schenectady, he attended Northwestern University where he earned a M.S. in prosthetics and orthotics.

After graduating, Fairley began his residency at a clinic in Savannah, Ga., where the head clinician was a paralympic runner and founder of the nonprofit Amputee Blade Runners.

“I credit a lot of my clinical knowledge to him,” said Fairley. “He taught me to make running prosthesis, and I fell in love with working with high-activity patients.”

Fairley returned to Sampson in Schenectady to complete his orthotics residency, and while there, he focused heavily on 3D printing—technology that he had introduced to Sampson during the time he worked for the company as a technician.

“As we started to ramp up the 3D side of the business, we were getting requests from all over the country to teach other clinics how to 3D print and do CAD design,” he said. “We also started printing 3D devices for other clinics across the U.S.”

The process of creating a prosthetic or orthotic using a 3D printer begins with a 3D scan of a patient’s limb. The scan is then uploaded into CAD modification software where it can be clinically manipulated. After necessary modifications are made, the 3D printer is used to create the device.

In April 2021, Fairley established his own company, Ascent Fabrication, in order to focus on 3D printing of prosthetics and orthotics.

“I decided to go off on my own to better prepare the field as a whole to give them the educational tools they need to be able to implement 3D printing effectively in their clinic,” he said. “We provide a lot of on-site, in-house training, and I’ve flown out to six different clinics in the last eight months to teach

them the exact process from start to finish. We also do a lot of virtual training and support.”

As its name implies, fabrication is at the core of Ascent Fabrication’s day-to-day operations.

“People can go on my web site and upload a 3D scan, and we can design a prosthetic or orthotic device to 3D print and ship out to them,” said Fairley.

Ascent Fabrication has grown exponentially over the past two years and is now headquartered at 480 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Ascent’s staff includes a 3D print technician as well as several contracted CAD designers. Fairley recently took on a partner in the San Francisco Bay area in order to expand the company’s printing capacities and reduce turnaround times and shipping costs.

According to Fairley, 3D printing is currently being utilized to create approximately 30 percent of prosthetic devices in the United States. He predicts this number will continue to grow.

“There will always be a reason to use some traditional techniques with hand casting on some of the more intimate parts of the body. But, I do think 3D printing is going to be the majority of how devices are made simply due to the increased efficiency and decreased cost of how we are providing these devices.”

In addition to offering fabrication of prosthetic and orthotic devices, Ascent Fabrication resells 3D printing filament plans. The company plans to begin its 3D printer leasing program in the near future. Ascent also partners with other companies to provide CAD design and 3D printing for applications outside of the prosthetics field.

The business website is www.ascentfab.com.

Brianna Gregory, owner, and John Kreig are both LMTs at Outta Sight Massotherapy.

Joe Fairley is a certified prosthetist who owns Ascent Fabrication. ©2023 Saratoga Photographer.com

‘With Grace Mental Health Counseling’ Wants To Remove Stigma Of Seeking Such Services

State Pharmacy Benefit Program Intended To Improve Access To Prescription Drugs

New York state has launched a new pharmacy benefit program intended to improve prescription drug access and coverage for the eight million New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid statewide.

Officials said the NYRx, program will enable Medicaid recipients to access more prescription medications with fewer restrictions, reduce confusion over the brand-name and generic drugs covered by the program, and create the largest pharmacy network in New York state.

“The transition to NYRx today is in the best interest of those New Yorkers relying on Medicaid for affordable prescription medication,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “In addition to expanding coverage and access through this program, we are also committing hundreds of millions of additional Medicaid dollars to reinvest in critical providers, including Ryan White programs and Federally Qualified Health Centers, to ensure this change is seamless and has positive impacts across our state.”

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the shift back to a fee-for-service pharmacy benefit model “is the right move for New York and ensures all communities across the state will have continued access to low-cost prescription medications.”

State Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri said the eight million New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid “will receive their same prescription medications, only from a larger network of pharmacies at no extra cost and with fewer restrictions and less confusion than before. With this transition, our Medicaid program will now pay all pharmacies directly rather than relying on corporate middlemen who do not always act in ways that align with the interests of Medicaid members. This will create both transparency and efficiency that will work to the benefit our members and ensure access to patient-centered, high-quality health care.”

New York State Academy of Family Physicians

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL

With Grace Mental Health Counseling PLLC has been growing and operating at capacity at their Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park locations since 2018. The business recently opened a third location in Queensbury, increasing access to quality mental health care in the North Country.

“We consistently heard feedback that the community in and around Queensbury would benefit from more providers to support the expansion of the area,” said Nicole Edwards, LMHC, who is co-founder and co-owner with Diane Webb, LMHC.

Edwards specializes in couples and family counseling and Webb in trauma, “which is why we are well-matched. We do different things and have a well-rounded staff of therapists,” she said.

All three locations are purposefully located close to clinics, and the Queensbury location at Fowler Square is across the street from Adirondack Community College.

“We are easy to find at 719 Bay Road,” she said. “Students can walk over to Suite 2101 and receive services.”

When Edwards and Webb were solo practitioners, they had waiting lists a year and a half long, according to Edwards. Joining forces allowed them to open a large practice and hire more therapists.

They want to help remove the stigma attached to people seeking mental health services.

“It doesn’t work to create shame around mental health services,” she said. “It means people haven’t been getting needed treatment. Counseling is a necessary part of life, and fortunately the shame associated with it is now diminishing,” Edwards said.

The pandemic, isolation and the societal changes that have driven many to counseling, according to Edwards.

“The unique pressures of our time create significant stress that may make us susceptible to anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges,” she said. “COVID put a spotlight on couples, leading to separations among many adults because there was nowhere to hide. In other relationships, fewer face-to-face interactions and remote conversations often led to lack of depth and fulfillment in those relationships.”

“For our young people, it is particularly hard to be a teen today because of isolation,” she said. “And social media is causing them to make unhealthy comparisons with one another as teens try to put their best face forward. Also for children, the lack of structure and isolation caused by the pandemic in such formative years is something that we are still seeing families working through.”

COVID also forced the entire practice to be “more flexible and adaptable,” and Edwards said they “had to turn the business from full-time in person to completely virtual overnight.”

“Thanks to secure online platforms, we are able to continue to provide traditional in-person therapy while offering cutting edge on-line therapy for those that benefit from that modality,” she said.

Edwards and Webb oversee and split their time among all three locations. There have been four new hires in Queensbury, three relocated from other offices. The space could accommodate as many as 10 professional staff.

A second goal when designing the Queensbury space was to create “a healthy workplace environment that promotes work/life balance.” Edwards said With Grace is a practice “where therapists can put their families first, so our focus is on putting staff first while supporting them in their growth and passions in the field.”

The partners thus encourage the counsellors to select a specialty, choose the amount of time they want to work, and “essentially build their own salary. Therapists today really are overworked and underpaid,” she said. “We are putting a lot of energy into creating a stress-free, supportive and positive environment.”

“We believe that investing in our employees will lead to the best possible treatment for clients,” Edwards said.

The partners chose a suite that allowed new construction so that they could design it for the needs of their business and their patients, such as soundproofing. Edwards said it is “set up more like a spa than a clinic,” which helps the practice “stand out. This gives patients a more profound sense of a place for healing and where they can feel their worth when they enter our space.”

The scope of professional services at With Grace Mental Health Counseling includes couples therapy, family therapy, trauma, teen specialties, maternal mental health, grief and bereavement, addiction, co-parenting, and more for the unique needs of clients.

Edwards said that everything she does is driven by her faith, which is why she and Webb named their business “With Grace.”

“The meaning of that word, Grace, is what we work very hard to extend and to teach,” she said. “We are all mental health counselors from different faiths and backgrounds.”

Learn more about the locations and services that With Grace Mental Health Counseling, PLLC has to offer at the website www.withgracemhc.com.

Under the NYRx model, New York state’s Medicaid program will pay pharmacy costs directly, eliminating the need for managed care organizations to administer this benefit through pharmacy benefit managers. The new process creates transparency in reimbursements to pharmacies, leverages the state’s purchasing power to negotiate with drug manufacturers, and streamlines administration for practitioners.

NYRx also improves coverage for Medicaid recipients by opening access to a statewide network of more than 5,000 pharmacies. In addition, the change establishes one comprehensive list of the brand-name and generic medications covered under the program, including all FDA-approved medications, which will broaden prescription drugs coverage for Medicaid recipients.

Additionally, NYRx will streamline the process for practitioners. Instead of working through varying rules and limitations for coverage under managed care organizations, pharmacists and physicians will be able to prescribe medication based on a uniform list that is less restrictive and governed by an independent public board of experts.

Dr. Andrew Symons said NYRx, “will provide one formulary covering all FDA-approved medications, provide one set of rules for prescribers to follow to get needed coverage for patients and provide better access to lifesaving therapies for Medicaid patients. We commend their leadership in making this transformative step toward improving health care overall in New York state.” In anticipation of NYRx being implemented, Hochul committed $705 million in Medicaid dollars in her 2024 budget to ensure 340b health care providers that received critical funding through their pharmacy programs aren’t negatively impacted by the transition.

Medicaid recipients or others with questions or in need of assistance with NYRx may visit the program’s website, email NYRx@health.ny.gov or contact the Medicaid Helpline at 1-855-648-1909. The Helpline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The state Department of Health also prepared a fact sheet available in multiple languages for consumers answering basic questions about the transition. Additional information is available at the on the eMedNY website.

Nicole Edwards, right, is co-founder and co-owner with Diane Webb of With Grace Mental Health Counseling, which has two Saratoga County offices and recently expanded in Queensbury. Courtesy With Grace Mental Health

Home / Real Estate

EXIT Realty Continues To Expand, Now Has Three Real Estate Offices In The Region

BY JILL NAGY

Developer To Transform Two Lake George Properties Into A New Resort Experience

EXIT

Realty

now has a Glens Falls office in addition to its Clifton Park and Hudson offices.

The real estate group held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Glens Falls office in February. But actually, the office had been open since June 2021. The event was delayed by the COVID pandemic.

The Glens Falls branch is part of the regional franchise, EXIT Realty Empire Associates. The group’s headquarters is in Clifton Par.

Jennifer Vucetic, principal broker and owner, said the company was doing so much business in the Lake George area, out of its Clifton Park office, they decided to open the new office at 1 Lawrence St.

Empire Associates celebrate its fifth anniversary this summer. Vucetic has been in the real estate business since 2005.

Currently, there are 12 agents in the Glens Falls office. The core of the group is a team of agents headed by Bill Moon, who is also director of the board of the local Big Brothers and Sisters organization. The office occupies the first floor of a former pediatrics office.

The connection with Big Brothers and Sisters reflects the community service participation that is part of the DNA of both the national EXIT Realty International organization and the local franchise. A portion of every transaction fee received by the parent company is applied to its charitable fund, $7 million, to date, according to the company.

Locally, fees are shared with the Open Door Mission, Habitat for Humanity, the Food Pantry, and other organizations in addition to Big Brothers and Sisters. In addition, brokers donate time to community organizations and make cash contributions, including a recent $5,000 gift to Big Brothers and Sisters to help that organization serve more young people.

“EXIT has a very big culture of giving back to the community but Glens Falls does it to a greater extent,” Vucetic said.

One of the employees, Lisa Grassi Bartlett, was recently recognized by the Women’s Council of Realtors as a top producing agents and received an award from EXIT Realty International for her dedication to real estate and to her community. Grassi helped the Open Door Mission sell its former headquarters building and then donated her commission back to the organization.

“We are very good at time management,”

Vucetic replied when asked how she and her colleagues can devote so much time to the community and still hold full-time jobs and raise families.

Vucetic just completed a year as president of the New York State Association of Realtors. As president, she placed much of her emphasis on advocacy activities.

“Anyone who knows me understands that advocacy is a passion of mine. As Realtors, it is paramount that we have an active voice at the table on local, state, and national levels,” she said.

Activities of the organization during her tenure included providing frequent legislative updates to association members and organizing the group’s annual lobbying day in Albany. She also participated in a trade mission to Italy, revamped the group’s Leadership Academy, and created a new strategic plan.

There are no immediate plans to add to the current team of 12 agents in the Glens Falls office. However, Vucetic said, “We will consider anyone of a like mind set who is community driven and has a passion for real estate.”

Further information about EXIT’s Glens Falls operation is available online at www. exitrealtyempireassociates.com, or by telephone at 518-225-1013.

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL

Hotelier Robert Gregor has plans to transform two properties adjacent to one another on Lake Avenue and Canada Street so that year-round guests can enjoy the amenities of an Airbnb with the classic services of a hotel in one rental experience.

Gregor is a litigation attorney who splits his work week between home in Lake George and a firm in Ithaca. About 11 years ago he started purchasing motels in the community where he is raising his family.

The two properties are Lake Haven Motel and Motel Montreal, which Gregor describes as “mom and pop motels that have been good to me,” but which are “tired and typical.”

Lake Haven and Motel Montreal will be razed so that Gregor can create a single vacation resort out of the properties and their combined 1.58 acres.

The first round of sketch plans will be presented to the local planning board and Gregor is prepared this spring to make his case for helping Lake George grow as a year-round destination with the construction of this project.

“I’m optimistic we have the right infrastructure to keep the drive for a year-round tourism industry going,” he said.

Gregor said it has been “a strong winter exceeding projections by about 25 percent” for his Sundowner Motel on Canada Street that he purchased in 2016.

“Even April has been surprisingly busy, but business is not like it is in the summer,” he said.

In the Lake George market, as well as for hotels in general, properties have high fixed costs whether they are open or closed, he said.

“But if you can exceed your variable costs during winter, you float money to the bottom line to cover those fixed costs that otherwise would have been a zero-revenue game,” he said. “No one is going to come to the Sundowner in winter just to be at the Sundowner. They are coming for events like Winter Carnival, and if we can keep giving our guests different things for them to do, they will keep on coming. Business breeds more business.”

Updating the older structures is part of that commitment, and Gregor is making a $7 million dollar investment by tearing down Lake Haven and developing 30 two-story cottages surrounding a main hotel building with three stories and 60 guest rooms.

Gregor said the project will actually reduce the number of rooms now available to rent, but aims to appeal to the broader combined audience of traditional hotel guests and Airbnb vacation renters.

“Hotels are standardized, cookie-cutter, cold

and impersonal,” he said. “Airbnbs give guests a great deal of charm and the features they have at home, but there are not enough amenities for the fees they pay.”

Combining the experience creates more choices and economies of scale. Gregor related the recent example of a guest at the Sundowner Motel who had a maintenance issue during the night.

“Because the motel is centralized, we can scale up across multiple rooms and have someone on staff overnight to solve problems immediately,” he said. “If that guest were staying at an Airbnb, they would be sitting on the problem until the next morning.”

“Yes, you are at a hotel with daily housekeeping, a front desk and other amenities. But also, each room at Sundowner is unique with different features and décor, like an Airbnb,” Gregor said. “Because I get better margins staffing as a hotel than as separate Airbnbs, I can offer our visitors a better price.”

Gregor plans to run Lake Haven and Motel Montreal as-is for another two season and start demolition after in September 2024, with a projected completion date of May 2025, he said.

A&C Construction out of Corinth has been doing work at the Sundowner, and Gregor said “the team is incredibly creative and has the Adirondack vibe down pat.” He said he hired A&C for the new project because his preference is “to use local firms and they are all lifelong residents of the North Country.”

Gregor said that he discovered quite accidentally a new market reality: to book rooms year-round, they have to have the flexibility to offer the configurations customers want.

“In summer, two-bedroom suites go quickly, but no one wanted single king rooms,” he said. “It’s the exact opposite in winter. The studios sell but not the family rooms.”

He said the lodge will maximize the winter business with as many king suites as they can fit, while the cabins have two bedrooms.

Plans call for new landscaping with trees lining the entire perimeter, Gregor said.

“When you enter the property it will feel like you’re escaping into the mountains,” he said. “It will offer a sense of privacy and strategically placed fire pits will offer views of the stars. We want guests to feel they are a little bit isolated from Lake George,” he said. “But they are also just steps away from the village, so they can park their car once and walk anyplace they want.”

Gregor said neighbors and fellow hotel owners are excited about the new project.

“That’s the beauty of Lake George,” he said. “Other hotel owners are so cutthroat, but we have a good bunch and a supportive neighborhood.”

Jennifer Vucetic is principal broker and owner of EXIT Realty.

Courtesy EXIT Realty Empire Associates

Robert Gregor stands on the beach in Lake George. He bought the Lake Haven Motel and the adjacent Motel Montreal and plans to transform the property into a single destination spot.

Business Report

BY STEVEN LUTTMAN

April 2, 1989 marked a formative day in the childhood of many within a certain age demographic. Following the dissolution of their tag team, Hulk Hogan battled Randy Savage for the world title in what was billed as “The Mega-Powers Explode.”

Two icons of the sport engaged in battle, the former relying on brute strength and power while the latter found success with fi nesse and quickness. It was impossible to imagine either succumbing to the other. Th ree-plus decades later and this impasse parallels today’s confl ict between buyers and affordability within the residential real estate market.

On one side of the housing equation, you have interest rates. Last March the Federal Reserve announced what would go on to be the fi rst of several increases to their Fed Funds rate. Since then, the velocity in which the cost of borrowing money has risen hasn’t been seen since the early 1980s.

Many homeowners fortunately saw the writing on the wall, and locked in attractive mortgage payments before the escalation fully got underway. Goldman Sachs now estimates nearly three-quarters of all borrowers have interest rates below 4 percent, and 99 percent possess one below six.

While this was fi nancially prudent, the corresponding friction it would go on to cause is significant. When considering moving up, downsizing or simply eyeing a change, one of the fi rst factors a homeowner must come to terms with is the idea of trading in a 3 percent mortgage in exchange for the prevailing rates of today which are double that.

Consider a $250,000 loan amount. On a 30-year mortgage this change represents an additional $450 of monthly interest required when compared to a purchase made just twelve months ago. Th is puts sellers in an uncomfortable situation where they could conceivably be priced out of buying a house that is less expensive than the one in which they currently reside. Let that sink in for a moment.

Th is is not simply a theory, as we can actually see this playing out in real time. According to The Greater Capital Association of Realtors, February saw 1,426 available homes for sale in our area, a 40 percent reduction from just two years ago. While six months of inventory (how quickly the buyer pool would absorb the current stock given no additional listings) is viewed as healthy, today we have one fourth that amount.

Employment is not immune from this entrenchment. Real estate data fi rm ATTOM reported 1.52 million residential mortgages were originated in Q4 of 2022, down 55 percent year over year. A decreasing number of real estate transactions unfortunately leads to a lower number of professionals needed to facilitate them.

LoanDepot, Wells Fargo and of course Better.com (whose CEO went viral for how not to lay off workers) together account for thousands of reductions in head count, largely attributed to a slowing real estate market.

Let’s now touch on prices. While stocks

have taken a beating, bond portfolios have been whacked (hello Silicon Valley Bank) and crypto currencies appear to have gone the way of Beanie Babies. Real estate values, on the other hand, have held up relatively well.

On a national level, the median existinghome sale price retreated 0.2 percent last month compared to the same time in 2022 according to NAR. Looking into the future, a panel of experts recently convened by Forbes expects housing prices to climb 3.5 percent annually from 2024-2027. Th is would be on par with standard price appreciation seen prior to the pandemic fueled buying spree of 2020-22.

Locally, things have fared even better, with values increasing 3 percent year over year as reported by GCAR.

I’ll wrap up today with some strategies you can consider implementing to increase your chances of success. While variable rate mortgages were a bit of a dirty word following the Great Financial Crisis, these days they are very much back in vogue. Depending on the product, you may fi nd this avenue saves you a full percentage point versus its fi xed rate counterpart.

Are you in a position to pay cash? Onethird of buyers do not rely on fi nancing, and sellers traditionally prefer offers with as few contingencies as possible. For those willing to put in some leg work, loan assumptions can be extremely powerful. Consult with your attorney and agent, however taking over the current owner’s mortgage versus obtaining a new one could save you thousands of dollars. Finally, consider purchasing a property with potential for rental income.

Adding homes with 2-4 rental apartments to your search criteria will widen the number of homes available for you to consider, and this additional revenue can often be used to help you qualify for a home loan.

Time is the great healer of confl ict. Th is holds true for professional wrestling grudges of the 1980s, and for real estate markets of the 2020s. But just like any good storyline, the time frame future events are to transpire over remains unknown.

Adventure Dogs Unlimited

Elizabeth LaJuenesse

20 Honey Hallow Road

Queensbury 12804

Spot Free Cleaning

Jenny Alden

105-114 Needle Park Circle

Queensbury 12804

David Demko Tile & Flooring

David Demko

16 Edgewood Drive

Queensbury 12804

High Peaks Stone Solutions

Trevor Holcomb

Matthew MacDonald PO Box 981

Glens Falls 12801

Brushwolf Pressurewashing & Painting

Larry DeLoria

55B River St. Warrensburg 12885

Honey Lysh

Alysha Rose Murphy

206 Glen St., Suite 21 Glens Falls 12801

Gittmore Entertainment

Andrew Punty

46 William St. Glens Falls 12801

Peaches Express

Dean Spaulding 2378 Route 28 Wevertown 12886

42 Degrees Tavern

Robin Barkenhagen

206 Glen St. Glens Falls 12801

K&A Landscaping and More

Andrea Loverde

31 Bird Pond Road North Creek 12853

Lake Girl By Liza

Eliza DeRocker

4960 Lake Shore Drive Bolton Landing 12814

Red Diamond’s Design

Norman Albright

238 Main St. North Creek 12853

518 Sports Cards

Lester Felton

12 High Pointe Drive

Queensbury 12804

Shannon Andersen Realty

Shannon Andersen

295 Harvey Road North River 12856

Calliope’s Playhouse

Tara Boutin

Sarah Lopez

30 Burdick Ave. Warrensburg 12885

Smak’D Shop

Manuel Mosley

Samuel McGriff

171 Bay St. Glens Falls 12801

Glens Falls Liquor

Paul Ortiz 14 Hudson Ave. Glens Falls 12801

JL Mechanic Services

Josh LaFond

2776 Route 28 North Creek 12853

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

Steven Luttman, broker/owner of SJ Lincoln Realty, host of The Expected Returns podcast.

Courtesy Steven Luttman

Balloon Festival

Continued From Page 1

ing events in Albuquerque, N.M., ($10 million) and Reno, Nev., ($2.5 million), which have paid professional staff.

The Adirondack festival was founded by the late Walter and Joan Grishkot with help from veteran balloon pilot John Marsden of Manchester, Vt. It has remained true to their goal of holding a free, family-oriented event, which has entertained generations of people during the past five decades.

About a quarter ($50,000) of the festival’s funding comes from Warren County in the form of occupancy tax revenue. However, organizers are hopeful for extra support from the local business community and residents in order to host the best festival possible with a variety of special activities surrounding this year’s milestone event.

“When you do a program ad with us now it also goes on our website,” Donahue said. “That’s invaluable. Last year the county Tourism Department and festival websites and Facebook pages had 30 million hits in one day. Not many events can say that.”

Businesses and individuals may also sponsor a balloon, and online donations may be made online at www.adirondackballoonfest.org.

Warren County derives a significant financial benefit from the festival as parking revenue and RV and charter bus pass sales goes into its coffers.

Although most activities take place at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury, balloon crews and out-of-town visitors fill hotel rooms and patronize restaurants throughout the area, generating significant county and state sales tax as well.

“Many of our member hotels utilize the balloon festival in their marketing for the fall,” said Amanda Metzger, Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce marketing director. “It’s a great benefit to our member accommodations, retailers, restaurants and other businesses because when people aren’t at the festival they’re enjoying the rest of what our region has to offer.

“September is such a beautiful time to visit because it’s usually still comfortable outside, so many warm-weather activities are still available while there may be some fall colors just starting to show. We are grateful for those who organize the balloon festival and congratulate them on half-acentury of flight.”

One of the festival’s most overlooked aspects is the money it raises for local service organizations and non-profit agencies, whose booths at the airport are visited by crowds numbering in the tens of thousands.

“This festival has generated very close to a $1 million for nonprofits in our community over the years,” Donahue said. “No other event can say that. That’s all money that’s staying here, enhancing quality of life in our region. That’s outstanding.”

Zonta’s giant craft fair raises funds for scholarships and service projects with an emphasis on breast cancer prevention and education.

This year’s Adirondack Balloon Festival is slated for Sept. 21-24.

The Open Door Mission, which helps homeless and underprivileged persons, holds a large fundraising breakfast at the airport on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

“We do make some revenue, that’s been a huge blessing for us as an organization, but the Balloon Breakfast in my mind is all about the relationships we’ve built with the very incredible individuals who run the event and the volunteers we’ve developed over the years,” said Jamie Munyon, the Mission’s executive director. “One of our staff members came to us after serving as a breakfast volunteer. The festival is so incredibly unique to our area. For us, I think it’s more about exposure.

“That’s the big piece for our organization. Quite often people don’t know what we do in the community, so it’s a chance to familiarize them with all that we do.”

EDC Warren County Executive Director Jim Siplon said, “Every place aspires to have iconic experiences and events that help define and create lasting connections with its community and welcome visitors. In our area, the Adirondack Balloon Festival is, and has been for generations, that unique and meaningful event that creates lasting positive connections for so many.

“In economic terms, the event is enormous,” he said. “It not only acts as a conduit for thousands of unique visitors, but creates a connection that reliably brings back repeat visitors. It also acts a pivot in the seasons for our increasingly yearround tourism market that is robust and growing.”

Siplon said the festival’s popularity reaches countless prospective visitors, sometimes in ways that can’t be measured, such as word-of-mouth advertising.

“Literally thousands of people from across the U.S. and many other countries have formed lasting and positive connections with our region through the Adirondack Balloon Festival,” he said. “One of the largest events of its type in the country, it is a hallmark of our area that never fails to bring joy to those that we see every year.”

Personnel Briefs Continued From Page 1

Miner previously worked for the Tri County United Way where she was responsible for developing relationships with local nonprofits and corporate sponsors.

* * *

StoredTech has appointed Aleks Pavlinik as chief information security officer.

Pavlinik will continue leading security initiatives for StoredTech’s employees across five different offices and in two different countries, plus the overseeing the deployment of comprehensive IT solutions for enterprise size clients.

He joined StoredTech in 2016 as director of information technology. In the past seven years with StoredTech, he has overseen security awareness, incident response, disaster recovery, business resilience, threat detection, plus managing and developing security policies and procedures. Last year, he led StoredTech through the SOC 2 Type 2 audit compliance process.

He has 23 years of IT and security experience. Before joining StoredTech, he was employed at GSS Infotech, whose headquarters are in Hyderbad, India as a solutions architect and systems consultant. Prior to that, he spent 12 years as the senior network administrator at the College of Saint Rose in Albany.

* * *

Dr. William Borgos, chief medical officer at Hudson Headwaters Health Network, has been awarded the 2023 Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) Dr. Jack Geiger Award.

The award recipient is selected from nominees across the state who reflect the legacy of Dr. Geiger, a physician and civil rights activist who led the community health center model in the U.S. During a statewide, virtual presentation, Dr. Tucker Slingerland, chief executive officer of Hudson Headwaters, presented the award.

Borgos has provided care to Hudson Headwaters patients since 2003. He became Hudson Headwaters chief medical officer just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. He helped to secure federally-supplied monoclonal antibodies to treat the seriously ill and guided Hudson Headwaters’ COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts. During this time, he was an integral part of the leadership

team guiding the development of the network’s team-based care initiatives, the introduction of telehealth options for patients and oversight of the network’s quality program.

CHCANYS is New York’s Primary Care Association (PCA), representing a diverse membership of health centers, from the large metropolitan community health systems of New York City to the rural health centers of Upstate and Western New York.

* * *

BST & Co. CPAs, LLP announced the appointment of Alyssa Salerno as a marketing strategist.

Salerno specializes in digital marketing, website design, social media, content creation and photography. Since 2017, she has assisted a wide range of clients with rebranding strategies, campaign development, research projects and more.

As marketing strategist, Salerno will be responsible for developing marketing and communications tactics in support of BST’s corporate and strategic growth initiatives. She will assist in writing and designing marketing materials, organizing events and creating website and social media content.

Salerno will also support the fi rm’s CMO for Hire division, which offers outsourced marketing services to businesses, startups and nonprofit organizations. CMO for Hire assists business leaders with creation and execution of marketing strategies to support growth, sustainability and succession by identifying gaps and opportunities.

Salerno earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta.

* * *

Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. announced the promotion of Whitney Burger of South Glens Falls to vice president, municipal banking relationship manager.

Burger is responsible for maintaining, growing and servicing the company’s municipal portfolio and deepening relationships with longtime customers.

She joined the bank in 2018 and will continue to work closely with branch staff and business partners to offer a variety of products and services to enhance the customer experience.

The Whitehall native attended Ithaca College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in communications.

Burger is an active member in her community. She serves as board president of the Warren Washington Homeless Youth Coalition/DBA WAIT House.

Lake George Association Makes DeFeo The Manager Of Education For Action Programs

The Lake George Association has appointed environmental educator Jaimi DeFeo as manager of its new education for action programs.

Th is program is dedicated to helping property owners throughout the Lake George watershed, as well as members of the regional business community and the public, understand the environmental challenges facing Lake George and how to participate in lake protection.

DeFeo will manage the LGA’s Lake Protector outreach and engagement programs, reaching key constituencies, including property owners and the public, and featuring the popular Floating Classroom. She will also oversee development of new outreach and engagement programs and coordinate volunteer participation in the LGA’s community science programs and events. LGA community scientists participate in a variety of programs to monitor water quality, invasive species, harmful and concerning algae growth, and local wildlife populations.

“Building an informed, empowered and action-focused constituency of Lake Protectors of all ages and from all walks of life is essential to the long-term protection of this priceless environmental, economic, and recreational resource,” said LGA President Eric Siy. “From her experience as a college professor to developing environmental education programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, Jaimi is the perfect person to engage, educate and inspire others to act as needed to protect Lake George.”

“I came to love Lake George over many years visiting here, and my appreciation for all the Lake means to our regional community from the ecological, economic, and recreational perspectives has only grown since moving here seven years ago,” DeFeo said.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the LGA and help people bring together the beauty and calming influence that they love so much about the Lake with the science behind that beauty,” she added. “I love the ‘ah-ha’ moment when someone learns something new and it leads them to learn even more and, in this case, to take action to protect the lake’s water quality and the entire lake ecosystem.”

DeFeo brings more than 15 years of envi-

ronmental education experience to her new position. Since 2019, she has served as an Adjunct Professor in environmental science and related topics at the Community College of Vermont. She previously held teaching positions at Westchester Community College and Nassau Community College, as well as research and education positions, respectively, with The Research Foundation for SUNY Albany and Eden Renewables, a Troy-based international developer of solar energy projects.

DeFeo also owned and operated an ecommerce website for eco-friendly products. She earned her bachelor’s degree in geography from SUNY New Paltz, and her master’s in environmental studies from Southern Connecticut State University. She has also taken a number of graduate courses in geographic information science (GIS) and spatial analysis at the University at Albany to better understand the technology behind environmental science.

A Massachusetts native and longtime downstate New York resident, she and her husband, Bruce Karel, have lived in southern Washington County for the past seven years.

Jaimi DeFeo is LGA manager of its new education for action programs.

Lake George Travel Guide

Continued From Page 1

PIZZA SPECIAL $40

voted on two different designs.

The 2023 Travel Guide was printed by Freeport Press of Ohio without any special coatings in an effort to provide a publication that is as environmentally friendly as possible. It was also printed with water-based ink, which is thought to be more environmentally responsible than other options.

Print or digital copies of the Travel Guide can be requested on lakegeorgechamber.com/ contact or by calling 518-668-5755.

The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce seeks to promote growth and development of its member businesses by

offering networking events, educational programs, ribbon cuttings and other opportunities. Founded in 1952, it is a member-driven, nonprofit corporation. The Chamber, with a regional mindset, comprises more than 450 members in various sectors of the business community.

The Chamber staffs the Visitor Center on the corner of Beach Road and Canada Street in the village of Lake George and the Adirondacks Welcome Center on the Northway between exits 17 and 18 and typically serves more than 100,000 visitors annually.

Learn more at lakegeorgechamber.com .

Glens Falls Area Restaurants

Glens Falls and surrounding towns have a variety of casual dining opportunities for every taste, budget and occasion. Find a Glens Falls NY restaurant from the list below.

Park & Elm

Glens Falls, NY

Park & Elm is a multi-concept eatery with a gourmet market, delicatessen, and fi ne dining restaurant located in walkable downtown Glens Falls. Enjoy an elevated dining experience, grab a breakfast or lunch to go, or shop the market for local goods.

Park 26

Glens Falls, NY

Park 26 is an innovative restaurant that offers locally-inspired, modern American cuisine that’s perfect for a date night, business dinner or family celebration. Located inside The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls.

O’Toole’s Restaurant Pub

Queensbury, NY

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal or a night of fun and excitement, you’ll want to come to O’Toole’s. We’ve got the best food, drinks and entertainment in the area! Come on in and experience dining at it’s best. We look forward to seeing you.

Jack’s American Bistro

Queensbury, NY

Jack’s American Bistro was the culmination of a lifetime spent in the restaurant business. After several months of planning in June 2004 the doors were open to a new dining experience in the Glens Falls/Queensbury area.

The Docksider Restaurant

Lake George, NY

Open year round on Glen Lake in Queensbury, The Docksider Restaurant features lunch and dinner with a fireplace for winter and a great deck for outdoor dining overlooking the water.

Fenimore’s Pub

Glens Falls, NY

Fenimore’s Pub in the heart of downtown Glens Falls is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Davidson Brothers Restaurant

Glens Falls, NY

Located in downtown Glens Falls, Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery is a hotspot for craft beer and food in a laid-back atmosphere.

Morgan & Co. Restaurant

Glens Falls, NY

Experience fine American dining in downtown Glens Falls at Morgan & Co. Every dish offers a unique and innovative twist on original recipes. Morgan & Co. also caters events from weddings to reunions and more!

The Grateful Den

Glens Falls, NY

The Grateful Den offers a different take on traditional pub grub, as well as classic favorites like chicken wings, burgers, and salads. Their menu also includes specialty appetizers, sandwiches, and plenty of craft beer options on tap.

The Log Jam Lake George, NY

An authentic log cabin serving lunch and dinner daily. Featuring signature sandwiches at lunch and succulent prime rib, juicy hand cut steaks, live lobsters, fresh seafood, chicken,and more at dinner. All entrees include our bountiful salad bar.

Mint

Glens Falls, NY

Enjoy seasonally fresh fare and exquisite cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere at Mint in Glens Falls. The upscale yet casual restaurant works with around 50 local farms and businesses to be able to use fresh, thoughtfully raised, in-season ingredients.

Courtesy of GlensFalls.com

Realtors Group Says Lack of Inventory A Factor In Low Number Of Closed Sales

With a continued lack of inventory and Interest rates starting to rise once again, closed sales dropped to their lowest point in nearly a decade, according to the housing report released in late March by the New York State Association of Realtors.

Closed sales plummeted 34.3 percent, from 9,351 sales in February 2022 to only 6,147 units in February of 2023. This marks the lowest number of closed sales in month-over-month comparisons since February 2014 when there were just 5,700 units sold, according to the report.

New listings were down as well, from 11,760 listings in February 2022 to 9,905 in February 2023 representing a 15.8 percent decline. Pending sales also fell 8.1 percent from 9,350 homes last year to 8,593 sales pending in February 2023.

In Warren County, data showed that new listings equal from January through March 22 (totaling 59), but closed sales were down 25.5 percent. The median sales price of $247,500 was up about 7.6 percent. The inventory of homes for sale was down about 1 percent.

Numbers for Washington County were not listed.

In Saratoga County, Saratoga County, new listings during that period were down 28.6 percent and

closed sales were down 35.3 percent. The median sales price of $320,500 was up m18.1 percent. The inventory of homes for sale was up about 10 percent.

According to Freddie Mac, interest rates escalated every week during the month of February. The monthly rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage started the month at 6.09 percent but ended February at 6.50 percent.

Inventory of homes also fell in year-over-year comparisons. The 30,308 homes available in February 2023 marked an 8.2 percent decline in the 33,031 units available in February 2022. This is the 40th consecutive month that the housing inventory has fallen in year-over-year comparisons.

Median sales prices of homes dipped moderately from $400,000 in February 2022 to $375,000 just last month. This represents a decline of 6.3 percent.

Additional data is available at www.nysar.com/ industry-resources/market-data.

All data is compiled from multiple listing services in the state of New York and the data include townhomes, condominiums and existing singlefamily homes.

The New York State Association of Realtors is a nonprofit trade organization representing more than 60,000 of the state’s real estate professionals.

AHLA: Hotel-Generated Tax Revenue Expected To Reach New Heights Th is Year

Hotel-generated state and local tax revenue will reach new heights nationally ($46.71 billion) and in states across the nation this year, according to state-bystate projections released in March by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Oxford Economics.

Average U.S. hotel occupancy is projected to reach 63.8 percent in 2023—just shy of 2019’s level of 65.9 percent. Staffing is expected to remain a challenge for many U.S. hotels in 2023, as the industry continues to grow its workforce back to pre-pandemic levels.

“Hotels are making significant strides toward recovery, supporting millions of good-paying jobs and generating billions in state and local tax revenue in communities across the nation,” said AHLA President and CEO Chip Rogers. “To continue growing, we need to hire more people. Fortunately, there’s never been a better time to be a hotel employee, with wages, benefits, flexibility and upward mobility better than ever before.”

Hotels across the country are on a hiring spree because they’re looking to fill many of the jobs lost during the pandemic, AHLA said. As of December 2022, national average hotel wages were at historic highs of over $23/hour and hotel benefits and flexibility are better than ever. Nearly 100,000 hotel jobs are currently open across the nation, according to Indeed.

To help hotels fill open jobs and raise awareness

of the hotel industry’s 200-plus career pathways, the AHLA Foundation’s “A Place to Stay” multi-channel advertising campaign is now active in 14 cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, and Tampa.

For more info on the campaign, visit thehotelindustry.com.

Additionally, AHLA affiliate “Hospitality is Working” recently launched the Workforce & Immigration Initiative. The effort is aimed at urging Congress to address workforce shortages with bipartisan solutions to incorporate more immigrants into the American economy.

On average nationally, every direct hotel job supports an additional 2.6 jobs in the community, according to the projections.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80 percent of all franchised hotels and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.

NEWLISTING

15 Benton Drive | Saratoga Springs, NY $499,000

Move right into this single-family brick ranch on the Eastside of town within walking distance of the famed Saratoga Racetrack. Steps to the East Side Rec center and all it has to offer including pickleball courts. This home is in excellent condition, featuring 2 bedrooms, updated tiled bath and hardwoods throughout. Newer mechanicals including central air compressor and hot water heater. Screened in porch off the back of house overlooks fenced in back yard.

Listing Agent: Brent Skinner 617.872.4614 | bskinner@roohanrealty.com

Construction At Double H Ranch To Include New Residential Lodge And Adaptive Playground

The Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne is embarking on a $5.5 million capital campaign project to support four areas—a new residential lodge, an new adaptive playground, and expansion of the outdoor pavilion expansion and Camp-A-Theater. Backed unanimously by its board of directors, the Double H Ranch has secured $5 million of its goal.

It will be the ranch’s second capital campaign. It is led by Lisa and Robert Moser, who launched the campaign with a $1.5 million leadership gift.

“Double H Ranch wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community. We are grateful for the individuals, foundations, businesses, and organizations that have provided generous funding in the initial stage of our campaign. We are inspired by the progress we have made and look forward to meeting our campaign goal in 2023 with the help from our community,” said the Mosers.

Neil Golub, co-chair of the campaign, provided a $1 million challenge, matching gifts made by board members and early stakeholders.

“For those of us who have had the privilege of leading the Double H groundbreaking for new facilities, it has always been a source of enormous pride,” said Golub. “Every new facility ensures our longevity. Knowing that our kids will be attending a special place for mind, soul, and body gives us a very warm feeling.”

For over 30 years, the Double H Ranch has provided outdoor Adirondack adventures for children living with serious illnesses. During that time, over 80,000 children have visited the camp, where health challenges do not define them.

Officials said the capital campaign will secure funding to ensure a continued experience of excellence for children and their families who participate in the year-round programs offered at camp, provided at no charge.

The projects were identified in a Master Site Plan to address the critical need to replace or renovate existing structures that do not meet the needs of our programs.

The new Circle H Residential Lodge will offer

year- round housing and help build program capacity. The current outdoor pavilion will be doubled in size to accommodate outdoor cabin gatherings, meals, and activities.

Dave Michaels, facilities committee and board member, said the new 12,075-square-foot residential lodge building will have 22 rooms with private bathrooms to allow 44 volunteers and counselors lodging during their stay at camp. It will also have kitchenettes, laundry, and common spaces inside and outdoors for social interaction.

New to the camp will be the Camp-A-Theater and Adaptive Playground. The Camp-A-Theater will be located at the heart of camp and will provide a large, outdoor gathering space for campers and counselors to congregate for morning assembly and talent shows.

It will be named the The RayMax Camp-ATheater in honor of Max Yurenda, founding CEO, and Dr. Ray Walsh, founding volunteer physician.

The playground will be customized to the needs of campers. The playground has been supported

through a gift from Business for Good and Lisa and Ed Mitzen. The new playground will give campers a unique space to freely engage with peers, participate in meaningful play, and build confidence in their own skills.

“For nearly 30 years, I have seen significant growth and improvements to enhance the campers’ experiences,” said D. Ross Sheridan, member of the board of directors and chair of the Facilities Committee.

Double H Ranch will have a phased construction timeline, with the outdoor pavilion expansion beginning this spring. The residential cabin and adaptive playground work will start in the fall.

“In order for Double H Ranch to continue to be successful, we must continue to improve the overall infrastructure to make it safe and comfortable. This Capital Campaign will help us ensure Double H Ranch will continue providing the safest experience for our campers for years to come,” said Charlie Crew, chairman of the board. For more information, visit doublehranch.org.

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This is a rendering of the new residential lodge that will be built at the Double H Ranch, part of $5.5 million in capital projects planned at the site.

A new adaptive playground, shown in this rendering, at the Double H Ranch will give campers a space to engage with peers, participate in meaningful play, and build confidence in their skills.