Ballston Spa Country Club Members Celebrated Its Centennial Year With A Weekend Of Events
BY ROD BACON
During the Golden Age of Golf, which is typically referred to as the period from the early 1900s to the 1930s, the sport experienced a significant surge in popularity and golf course design by renowned architects flourished.
A local course that was created during this period is the Ballston Spa Country Club. It was founded in July 1925 by a group of golf enthusiasts who purchased 116 acres of the John Gilman farm that was located a mile west of the village of Ballston Spa.
This year the club celebrated its centennial with a series of events June 20-22.
According to Jake DeVito, a member of the board of directors and the driving force behind the celebration, the weekend started with a ceremonial ribbon cutting attended by local officials that included Sen. James Tedisco, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, Town of Milton
council members, Village of Ballston Spa trustees, and representatives of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and the Capital Region Chamber.
That night there was a hickory cocktail scramble in which 72 players used the old fashioned wooden sticks from the era of the club’s founding.
“We used the spoon, the mashie niblick, all that stuff from 1925,” said DeVito. “This was a great hit.”
Saturday there was a beer tasting featuring craft brews from the Speckled Pig, Common Roots, and Adirondack Brewing, among others.
The weekend wound up on Sunday with a centennial dinner attended by 95 members. Awards were presented to two longtime members. The longest participating male member is Dave Ostrom, who has been active since 1970.
Continued On Page 9
New York Consumer Confidence Rises
Slightly, Remains Below Break-Even Mark
The New York State Index of Consumer Sentiment now stands at 71.9 up 2.8 points from the last measurement in the first quarter of 2025 according to the latest poll by the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI). New York’s overall Index of Consumer Sentiment is 11.2 points above the national* index of 60.7 following a 3.7 point national increase. New York’s current index increased 4.9 points to 71.6 and the future index increased 1.4 points resulting in New York’s measure of future expectations moving from 70.6 last quarter to 72.0 today. Overall consumer sentiment remains higher in New York than across the nation. For the second consecutive quarter, the overall index is below the breakeven point of balanced optimism and pessimism.
“After a whirlwind of on-again, off-again tariff news, confidence of NY’s consumers is gradually recovering following a sharp nine-point decline in the first quarter of 2025. In both New York and nationally, sentiment is improving—but it still remains below the threshold where optimism outweighs pessimism. While current confidence in New York rose by nearly five points, the national figure increased by just one. Conversely, New York’s future outlook rose 1.4 points, while the national future score jumped more than five and a half points since last quarter,” according to Travis Brodbeck, SCRI’s
Associate Director of Data Management.
“For the third consecutive quarter, Republicans in New York continue to be more optimistic compared to New York Democrats. Historically, consumers are more optimistic about the future economy than the present, with future expectations averaging 8 points higher since 2020. This quarter, the gap closed to a five-year low of 0.4 points, meaning future optimism is now barely higher than present positivity.”
Buying plans in the second quarter are mixed. Since the previous quarter’s measurement, buying plans for consumer electronics increased the greatest, rising 2.0 points to 47.0% (from 45.0%) and home buying plans also increased to 10.9% (from 9.7%). Vehicle buying plans declined to 17.8% (from 20.9%) and major home improvement plans edged down to 23.6% (from 24.3%). Buying plans for furniture remained unchanged from the previous quarter at 30.2%. Forty-seven percent (1% decrease from last quarter and the lowest since March 2021) of all New Yorkers say that current gasoline prices are having a very serious or somewhat serious impact on their financial condition. Seventy-seven percent (down from 79% last quarter) of state residents indicate that the amount of money they spend on
The 2025 Meet In Saratoga Is Now Underway; NYRA Is Offering A Total
Of $20M In Purses
BY PAUL POST
Looking for a fun day at the track?
There’s plenty of exciting activity and entertainment in store.
Five premium giveaways are still on tap including a Hawaiian shirt (July 20), blanket (July 25), pennant (Aug. 8), tote bag (Aug. 22) and sweatshirt (Aug. 31).
The 40-day meet got under way July 10 with paid attendance of 24,418 and on-track handle of more than $2.6 million, and continues through Labor Day Monday (Sept. 1) with racing five days per week, Wednesday to Sunday.
For handicappers, two huge dates are upcoming on the racing calendar, starting with Whitney Day (Saturday, Aug. 2) that will include four Grade 1s and six total stakes headlined by the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney. New this year, the Grade 1, $750,000 FanDuel Fourstardave has been added to the card.
The annual Best in Pink fashion photo contest is also scheduled that day from 1-3 p.m. at the Jockey
Silks Porch.
Once again the meet’s highlight is the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes (Saturday, Aug. 23) when Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty is expected to headline the field. The only question is whether Preakness champion Journalism, who finished second to Sovereignty in those races, will be on hand for a third head-to-head matchup between two of this year’s finest 3-year-olds.
Four other Grade 1, $500,000 races are planned that day, the Personal Ensign, Forego, H. Allen Jerkens Memorial and the Resorts World Casino Ballerina. But throughout the racecourse grounds, there’s a virtually endless lineup of fun special events planned, sure to create memorable experiences during the 2025 meet.
On Thursday, July 24, there will be a tribute to first responders who will be treated to free admission (ID required). The day will include a series of ceremonial
Continued On Page 10
Putnam Market Expands With Café Offering Local Coffee, Baked Goods,
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
On June 30th The Putnam Market, a prominent fixture on Broadway for decades, held a well-attended ribbon cutting ceremony for its latest addition to Saratoga’s offerings of exceptional eateries. The new Café at Putnam Market has taken over the space that was the market’s popular Wine Shop for more than 25 years.
“This is a food town with a ton of seriously good restaurants,” said co-owner Cathy Hamilton. “We have to keep changing to keep up.”
Hamilton’s husband, William Roach, ran the wine shop since its inception. When he announced his retirement last fall, Hamilton announced the Wine Shop would retire with him. There would be a bistro in its place to make up for the contribution wine sales made to the company’s bot-tom line, she said.
“From strictly a business standpoint, we needed $250,000 in sales at a 50 percent gross mar-gin to replace the earnings from wine,” Hamilton said. “There aren’t many things that can ac-complish that.”
Hamilton is one-half of the sister duo who founded and owns The Putnam Market. Hamilton describes herself as “the big picture person” on their team who “makes sure we can make payroll.” Her sister, Gloria Griskowitz, “is extremely good at planning and execution.”
And More
It was Hamilton’s idea to have a café and offer specialty coffees, teas, chai, and lattes in the morning and wine and beer by the glass in the afternoon “to keep
Cathy Hamilton, left, with Gloria Hamilton Griskowitz in the new Café Putnam.
Earlier this season fans pack the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course as horses round the first turn. The meet’s highlight is the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes (Saturday, Aug. 23)
Courtesy NYRA
In conjunction with its 100th year celebration, a new clubhouse was built for members of the Ballston Spa Country Club.
Courtesy of Ballston Spa Country Club
Putnam Market
Continued From Page 1
our customers here longer,” she said.
“Sometimes I come up with a new idea and staff just look at me,” she said. “When I sprung on them last autumn what was going to happen this year, one long-term employee burst into tears. But that was because she didn’t want William to go.”
There were no new hires to staff The Café. “We just re-deployed one full-time and one part-time employee who worked in the Wine Shop,” said Hamilton.
The Café provides plenty of room to sit and enjoy beverages with baked goods like scones, muffins, and rugelach. Any hot or cold signature sandwich, homemade soup, or specialty salad purchased in the main store can also be consumed at a table or window stool in the Café.
Hamilton said, “There is so much more light now that the space is very open.”
It was not lawful to have the Wine Shop accessible from the sidewalk, but now customers can enter the café from the street or from within the main store.
Customers are enjoying the same brand of coffee as the main market brews, Chris’ Coffee, which roasts, blends and flavors its products on Old Niskayuna Road in Albany. Hamilton said the family business helped determine their menu and even helped train staff.
“We are already famous for our combo sandwiches, such as roast beef and free range turkey that we cook onsite,” she said. “We now have worked out some recipes with Chris’ to make flavored lattes and coffees that are unique to us.”
New menu items include a smoked vanilla coffee that Hamilton said “has a warm taste like bourbon” and a hot chocolate made with Sundae’s Best, a New York-based chocolate com-pany. Another is matcha made with turmeric and locally grown mushrooms.
“We proudly source our ingredients from local suppliers because we love our community,” she said. “We continue to use the vendors who have been on the road with us.”
That road passed the 30-year benchmark despite a detour that shuttered some businesses during the Covid-19 years. Hamilton said that up and down Broadway, The Putnam Market, which is designated a grocery store, and Adirondack Trust Company, an essential banking in-stitution, were the only ones open for many months.
“I looked at photos from our 25th anniversary ribbon cutting and we were all wearing face masks,” she said. “The landscape has changed so much in Saratoga, but we are fortunate to be ‘right on the 50yard line’ on Broadway, as our friend from the Tourism Bureau described it.”
When asked how The Putnam Market got to 30 years, Hamilton said her sister Gloria replied, “day by day.”
“The two of us are extraordinary business partners and both of us know, in our hearts, that each couldn’t do it without the other,” she said.
The Putnam Market Café at 431 Broadway is open at 8:00 a.m., serves breakfast until noon, and closes at 6:00 p.m. Happy Hour runs 4:00 through closing at 6:00. The main store opens at 10:00 a.m.
To learn more about menus and weekly specials, catering services, or ordering online, visit putnammarket.com.
Luxury Eyewear, Personalized Style: Frameology Celebrates One Year In Saratoga
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
Frameology is reaching its one-year milestone as an optical shop for “people who love eyewear and want to stand out,” said co-owner and on-site optician Amanda Twohig, LDO.
Twohig has been in the business of fitting clients with frames or contact lenses for 25 years. Her father was an ophthalmologist in Utica and she worked in his office growing up, she said.
“I met Stacey Daniel through the industry,” said Twohig. “Daniel owns two Frameology shops in Syracuse where I worked before relocating to Saratoga about a year ago.”
Her family still resides in western New York and her husband’s is in Massachusetts. She said, “Saratoga is in between, and we have always loved it here.”
Soon she told Daniel, “we need Frameology in this community.” A new partnership was formed.
“Frameology sells high quality, high fashion brands of eyeglass frames that have unique DNA as to bold colors and distinctive shapes,” Twohig said.
She shopped for space on Broadway among its boutiques and special shops but settled on 426 Maple Avenue for the store’s location. The ample parking, extra interior space, and beautiful natural lighting at Maple Avenue influenced the business co-owner’s final decision, she said.
“When purchasing this kind of eyewear, it may take two to four visits,” she said. “Often clients want their family members of friends to come in and we give them the space and time to see their selection before committing.”
“Frames start at $300 and can cost up to $800, which is an investment,” Twohig said. Some frames are hand-made or hand-painted or made out of unusual but sustainable materials. All are the products of independent manufacturers, so clients purchase “a fashion statement rather than a conveyor belt accessory.”
“The optical word is in the control of big insurance businesses that own frame companies,” she said. “That is why eyeglasses generally all look the same.”
Clients often tell Twohig that they “hate picking out eyeglasses, but have to.”
“We have fun finding something that speaks to them,” she said.
Twohig said that she has always enjoyed “the luxury side of the business.” Luxury eyewear is higher priced for a reason: they are made differently and last longer.
“Lower quality frames can lose their shape and become ill-fitting,” she said.
Mass-produced frames are injection molded, whereas the European manufacturers featured at Frameology start with a block of acetate and carve out the frames. This is why they hold their shape, she said.
“Our frames last forever,” she said.
The combination of quality materials and the hands-on way they are manufactured, painted and polished add craftsmanship and make luxury eyewear “luxe,” said Twohig.
Personalized service at Frameology means sharing expertise with every client and making sure they are getting the best fit from a flattering frame, according to Twohig.
“I like to allow people to try on frames on their own, but also make suggestions,” she said.
Frame options of their choice may be too big or the lenses are not spaced correctly for their eyes, or the bridge may be ill-fitting, she said.
“The fact is, most people don’t know what’s best. With their glasses are off, they can’t see what they are doing,” said Twohig. “So our clients rely on their optician to help them.”
“It’s not only about fitting a pair of glasses, but also about making people feel good,” she said.
Frameology does not do eye exams or accept vision insurance, so Twohig has more time to spend on clients rather than on paperwork. However, she will fill out and send in a claim for reimbursement to clients.
“They can also purchase frames from us and have an in-network company do the lenses,” she said. “They can easily contact the insurance company in advance so they know what to expect. There’s nothing to be scared of.”
This business model also allows Frameology to offer a very wide selection of frame options from all over the world.
“We have all of the optical industry at our disposal,” said Twohig. These can come from Italy, Belgium, France, Spain, Japan, Denmark, or anywhere where quality products are crafted.
Twohig said she has been “brought to tears by the amount of support” she has been getting in Saratoga and “loves the feeling of being a small business owner.”
“The sense of community here warms my heart,” she said. “It’s like nothing I have experienced before.”
Twohig may be announcing a one-year anniversary celebration event through her client newsletter, the Saratoga Chamber’s social media page, and Frameology Saratoga Facebook and Instagram posts.
She is also hosting a small collection of two trending brands at her shop on September 19th.
“It will be fun to come in, meet the reps, and take a look at their newest styles,” said Twohig. Learn more at frameologyoptical.com.
Frameology Optical offers luxury eyewear with personalized service at 426 Maple Street. Courtesy Saratoga Business Journal
Local Business Partners Introduce A New Coffee And Alcohol Beverage Called Sidecap
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
Sometimes a group of businesspeople gets together and comes up with a novel idea for a product they can have fun developing and bring to market successfully.
In the case of Sidecap, the brainstormers were three neighbors and dads whose kids play together. Their think tank was a swimming pool. And the idea was a coffee cocktail that comes in a can.
The first round of product is being sold at Purdy’s liquor stores in Saratoga. The flagship Sidecap Hard Cold Brew is a 250ml can of a coffee and vodka blend with 6.9 percent alcohol.
“Three years ago we were throwing out crazy ideas for drinks and many of the ideas died out,” said Adam Feldman, one of the three and a consultant to local small businesses. “But this one had staying power.”
It took a while from that summer afternoon for Feldman, Dave Dolinsky, and Case Fell to do research and development and produce their first cases. R&D entailed mixing different blends of Kru brand cold brew, store bought vodka, and a dash of sugar into a flavor profile they could settle on.
Feldman said he is good friends with the owners of Kru, a coffee shop at The Fresh Market plaza featuring fair trade beans and teas.
“It’s my office away from home,” he said. “The baristas kid me that I spend more time there than they do.”
Kru was “a natural fit in the world of coffee,” so Feldman asked if they wanted to develop the research together, he said.
Most coffee drinks on the market are coffee flavored beer or liquor infused with coffee. But according to Feldman, Sidecap is a new concept in alcoholic beverages.
“We wanted it the other way around,” he said. “We wanted a coffee drink with an alcohol kick so that customers can drink it at any time.”
“Our market is anyone who wants a pick-me-up, such as around 4:00 before they go out for the night,” he said. “Sidecap is also for the day drinker, such as people out on a boat or the golf course.”
Research showed consumers wanted less of a stimulant, so the coffee ingredient is half-caffeinated.
“This drink is not a nightcap or a daycap. It’s a Sidecap,” said Feldman.
The team navigated all the federal and state requirements and approvals for the formula, label, can size, and much more. They also needed to figure out beverage stability and the appropriate pH in order to have a shelf life, which, Feldman said, can change the flavor.
Cases are not shipped or stored in coolers, which is why shelf life is important, and regulated. He said they had to navigate distribution in New York,as well.
“They keep an eye on literally everything,” he said. Feldman said New York encourages businesses to make IPAs and has easy distribution rules for them, but the regulatory process is significantly more challenging for liquor. That may be why there are so many local IPA beers.
Feldman has Kru coffee and ingredients to distill
vodka delivered to Ninth Planet Beverage Solutions in Saratoga where, at their full service facility, ingredients are blended according to the partners’ approved formula. Sidecap is canned, labeled, boxed, and shipped to a distributor in New Jersey, which has to ship it back to Saratoga for delivery to retail stores.
“Our challenge is, we cannot work with a distributor locally because we’re too small,” said Feldman. “Local stores say, put me down for four cases and then find out they are not in the distributor’s network.”
“The next step is to show we’re not too small for a local distributor,” he said. “Yes, we are small, but look how committed we are.”
“Shipping to New Jersey and back to Saratoga hurts our local love, not to mention the environmental impact of driving back and forth,” he said.
The business has built up an inventory and is slated to produce another 1,000 cases in the fall.
Feldman said that of the three, he is the entrepreneur in the group and that his “whole life and career evolves around a commitment to working local.”
“My immediate business goal is to be a Saratogacentric brand in local restaurants and with local community partners who help each other, not simply be business partners,” he said.
Once a local distributor picks up Sidecap, Feldman can approach local golf courses and restaurants about carrying the beverage. The partners can also discuss producing other flavor skews. If they can eventually distill their own vodka and, with an additional financial investment, become a self-distributor, the venture with be truly local, Feldman said.
“We are getting positive feedback about our canned coffee cocktail that has been three years in the making,” said Feldman. “Local people like us, they like the logo, and they like Sidecap.”
All three partners have full-time jobs and started Sidecap “as a fun hobby,” Feldman said. “But it evolved into a real life product we can be proud of.”
Visit sidecapbrew.com and Instagram for more information.
Leadership Saratoga Invites Nonprofits To Apply For 2026 Class Projects
Leadership Saratoga, a program of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, recently completed four community service projects and is now accepting proposals from nonprofit organizations for its Class of 2026.
Nonprofits serving Saratoga County are invited to submit project ideas by Aug. 15. Selected organizations will work with a team of professionals in the upcoming class to enhance programs, develop strategies, or improve operations.
The Class of 2025 completed the following projects:
American Cancer Society – Capital Region: A team helped expand the Road to Recovery program in Saratoga County, which connects cancer patients with trained volunteer drivers who provide free transportation to medical appointments. The project focused on volunteer recruitment and program awareness.
Ballston Area Community Center: The team developed a strategic growth plan, created community engagement strategies, and evaluated opportunities to expand BACC’s programs to meet growing community demand.
Pitney Meadows Community Farm: A group evaluated and researched options to
expand the farm’s trail systems, including cost analysis and stakeholder input to support future fundraising.
Wilton Fire District: Addressing regional volunteer shortages, a project team created a recruitment toolkit for the Wilton Volunteer Fire Department. The toolkit included public awareness materials, incentive strategies, and community engagement plans.
“The Leadership Saratoga project team was phenomenal,” said Brooke McConnell, executive director of Pitney Meadows Community Farm. “Their support in evaluating trail expansion opportunities was invaluable. The process was professionally executed and thoughtfully paced. This kind of capacity-building support is a game-changer for nonprofits like ours.”
Each year, up to four projects are selected by a subcommittee of the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board. Chosen nonprofits will be recognized at the annual Leadership Saratoga Alumni Breakfast, attended by graduates of the 40-year-old program. Past projects have included marketing strategies, website redesigns, educational program planning, and outreach campaigns. The 2026 class runs from September 2025 through May 2026. For details and to apply, visit www.leadershipsaratoga.org.
Adam Feldman, pictured, one of three friends who started Sidecap, with Dave Dolinsky and Case Fell.
Courtesy Saratoga Business Journal
Members of a recent Leadership Saratoga project team stand with a representative from Pitney Meadows Community Farm after completing a trail expansion evaluation project.
August 14, 2025
Publication Date: September 18, 2025
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Susan Campbell Lee Coleman Ann Donnelly Jill Nagy Paul Post
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5 Stages Of AI Adoption For Small Businesses
BY SARA MANNIX
Artificial Intelligence can make your business more efficient, smarter, and more productive, giving greater value to your customers. At Mannix, we started small and progressed through clear, manageable stages..
Stage 1: Search Engine AI | Ask, Learn, Act Skip Google and use AI. ChatGPT, Claude and Google’s Gemini have become our go-to tools for quick answers and deeper research. Instead of searching, we now ask AI-specific, actionable questions like:
“Act as a marketing expert and research the fitness app industry. Identify five leading companies, analyze their products, and summarize the unique selling propositions, pricing structures, and provide web links.”
“We currently use [X product] for analytics, but we’re looking for a tool that can also do [Z feature]. What are five alternatives, and what makes them superior to our current tool?”
“We’re considering a patent for [X]. What are the steps we need to take, and what should we be aware of in the process?”
Instead of spending 15 minutes reading through websites, we get the answer in 15 seconds. This is search engine AI. It’s the easiest entry point and results in time savings.
If you haven’t used AI yet… start with this: Replace some of your Google searches this week with an AI prompt. If you don’t get the right answer immediately, provide more detail, as if you were talking to an assistant.
Stage 2: Content Helper | From Manual to AI-Assisted
As our team embraced AI for quick answers, the next challenge was leveraging AI to help speed up content creation.
We manage LakeGeorge.com and Saratoga.com. Creating high-quality, accurate articles takes a lot of time. We needed a better system, but couldn’t risk publishing incorrect information or losing our human voice.
We trained a custom AI on our local data, which includes decades of articles and facts about the regions we cover. Our in-house AI specialist created rules and trained the model to generate outlines for articles based on structured facts. Then our editorial team human-edits them, adding voice, research, and creativity, along with our unique perspective.
The result? We publish content in half the time while maintaining accuracy.
Try this: Use AI to help you generate an article draft or social captions. Then polish it by adding quotes, unique insights, and perspectives.
Stage 3: Data Assistant | Insights in Seconds
Next, we turned to our data. Sifting through spreadsheets can be overwhelming and time-consuming; this is where AI excels. We upload spreadsheets and documents into AI and ask questions like:
“Take this spreadsheet, analyze the data to create the following five graphs for a presentation.”
“Analyze our support requests, output average turnaround time, organize activities by service type, and share where we spend the most amount of time on customer service tasks.”
replace my lawyer, it saves a significant amount on legal fees as I enter that conversation more prepared.
Try this: Upload one dataset or PDFs to ChatGPT (with file upload enabled) or a spreadsheet AI tool and ask it to summarize patterns or opportunities or create visual reports. It’s like having a data analyst on demand.
Stage 4: Task Audit | Where Are You Losing Time?
Once we saw what AI could do with data, we realized something deeper: we needed to audit how we spend our time.
We looked across our agency and asked: What tasks are repetitive? And how much time can we save by automating these tasks. Narrow the list as the list is long to the most impactful automations. Knowing what tasks took the most time helped us enter stage 5 with a plan.
Try this: List the top 5 tasks your team does repeatedly. Ask: Could AI help us do this faster or better? Even small improvements can make a big impact. Stage 5: Agentic AI | AI at Does the Work for You
This is where the transformation gets exciting— and technical. We now build AI Agents for our own team and clients that can complete multi-step workflows across various tools. For example: A form submission leads to a personalized response, CRM update, task assignment, and internal notification—all handled by AI.
We use AI to help qualify leads, generate reports, and even draft monthly updates for clients. It took time and planning, but now we’re more efficient, more accurate, and can offer more affordable services to clients because we’ve lowered our overhead on repeat tasks.
Try this: If you’re ready, work with an agency to build your first agentic workflow.
“Summarize customer feedback from the last 90 days.”
I use AI is for contract comparisons. I’ll upload the original agreement and the revised version from the client, then ask: “What changed between these two contracts? Are there any red flags? While this doesn’t
Final oughts: Move One Stage at a Time Every business is different. Some will start by asking AI to help write an email. Others will jump into automation. The point isn’t to do everything overnight— it’s to keep moving forward. Start simple and gradually move to automation and AI Agents. We’ve seen the results in our agency. You can too. Mannix Marketing specializes in SEO, web design, and AI agentic solutions for small businesses.
Sara Mannix, founder and CEO of Mannix Marketing, leads the award-winning digital agency.
Courtesy Mannix Marketing
SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL
Office/Technology
Business Report
The New Office Is About Experience, Not Just Work
BY DOROTHY ROGERS-BULLIS
Why is it that we’re seeing folks step off their Pelotons and head back into gyms again?
It’s not just about access to equipment—it’s because gyms have started to rebrand themselves. They’re no longer simply spaces for sweating through a solo workout. They’re becoming destinations. Community hubs. Lifestyle spaces. Places people want to be.
And now we’re seeing a similar trend with office spaces.
Despite all the effort (and investment) that went into creating gorgeous home offices during the pandemic, people are choosing to go back. Why?
Because the office, like the gym, is becoming more than just functional—it’s being reimagined to meet people where they are, with what they truly want.
The businesses that are seeing a return-to-office movement? They’re the ones who have invested in their spaces. They’ve put energy, time, and yes, dollars into crafting work environments that support their teams—not just with a desk and a chair, but with an experience.
I’m often asked: “What does the perfect office look like?”
The truth is—there’s no single answer. You can’t design one universal office that fits everyone’s preferences, personalities, and productivity quirks. We all work differently. We all thrive in different environments. And that’s the point.
But what I do know—because I see it every day—is that people do come to work. At Saratoga CoWorks, I watch people choose this space, day in and day out. As the co-owner of CoWorks and the founder of drb Business Interiors, I live and breathe office life—not just in theory, but in practice.
And here’s what I’ve learned:
The best offices aren’t just functional. They’re magnetic.
They don’t feel like obligations. They feel like destinations.
Let’s go back to the gym analogy for a second. Gyms have realized that their members don’t just want to show up, throw on headphones, run on the treadmill, and head out the door. That era is fading.
Today’s gyms are offering more. Wellness lounges. Community-driven classes. Nutrition support. Personal development seminars. Even coworking spaces inside the gym. Why? Because they’re catering to the whole person, not just the part that wants a good workout.
People come to move their bodies—but they stay for the lifestyle. They stay for the connection.
Office spaces need to take a cue from that.
The new office isn’t just about where we go to get
Courtesy drb Business Interirors
work done. It’s about how we feel when we’re there. It’s about fostering connection, collaboration, and creativity. It’s about designing spaces that don’t just support productivity—but enhance well-being, spark innovation, and make people feel like they belong.
Employees aren’t looking to go back to cubicles and closed doors. They want access to inspiring environments. To functional spaces that also feel welcoming. To conference rooms with natural light, gathering spaces with great coffee, and private nooks when focus is needed.
They want to move throughout the day. To choose how they work best.
At drb, we approach office design with this lens. Every element—furniture, layout, lighting, acoustics, textures—is selected with the human experience in mind. We don’t just look at square footage and number of desks. We ask questions:
How do people move through this space?
Where do they naturally gather?
What helps them think clearly, communicate better, or feel more at ease?
And yes, it’s a balance. We’re not creating a hotel lobby. We’re creating a workplace. But the most forward-thinking businesses are doing both— blending form and function to create something that serves their people, not just their operations.
It’s not about gimmicks or trend-chasing. It’s about thoughtfulness.
It’s about realizing that space impacts behav-
Continued On Page 11
Business Report
Is Your Business Ready For The Modern Workplace?
BY MARK SHAW
Technology is one world in which change is inevitable. No matter how you and your business use IT, the process and productivity is forever evolving. Your business is on a journey, and it could be on one of many paths to what we refer to as the Modern Workplace.
But before we try to find out where your business is, we need to understand the evolution from the “old” ways of work and the new world in which we are all a part of, either purposefully or by happenstance.
Most of us born before Y2K are familiar with working in an office with a desktop computer connected to the local network and everything was managed by your company. Your workday was fixed and set. You could not take company data home or work off hours easily. As time evolved, we started to bring laptops with work information home. and added VPNs so we could connect with internal systems from anywhere. Then COVID hit. We all packed up and went home. This changed everything. Meetings were now virtual, and our employees expected us to give them access to all the same systems they had when in office. We had to rethink meetings, phone systems and how we secure it all.
This is the NEW modern workplace. It is anywhere, everywhere and with EVERYTHING you need to conduct business 24/7. Always on and always available killed 9-5 desk jobs for many of us.
Components of the Modern Workplace include remote and hybrid work and cloud first tools for email, file, collaboration and even phone systems. Seamless communications via tools like Zoom, Teams or Slack all wrapped with essential cybersecurity!
But you may say, “This all sounds great but I’m not fully there yet, is it too late to change?” The answer is simple. No. Your march to increased productivity and added
security is easier than you think, with less disruption to your core business.
Some of the most common challenges a company like yours might have may include not using IT Budgets as part of your overall business strategy, lack of in-house IT and of course as humans we tend to not like disruption and changes to our day to day.
This is normal. You are an expert in your business, but you may not be an expert in technology. This is where you should partner with a trusted technology firm who can help you navigate these waters for the massive benefits they yield.
Some clear and defined ways to start your modern workplace transformation includes a roadmap from Assessing current technology, setting priorities, and working with a partner who can help with guidance and execu-
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Dorothy Rogers-Bullis, owner of drb Business Interiors in Saratoga Springs.
Mark Shaw, president and CEO of Stored Technology Solutions Inc. (StoredTech).
50 Plus
Business Report
Smart Retirement Moves For Couples At 50
BY DAVID KOPYC
For many married couples, turning 50 brings retirement into sharper focus. With children grown or nearly grown and roughly 15 to 20 years until traditional retirement age, it’s time to take stock, make adjustments and ensure you’re on a solid path forward.
Gone are the days when retirement rested on a three-legged stool of Social Security, a pension and personal savings. Today’s couples must balance 401(k)s or IRAs, brokerage accounts, other investments and, in some cases, part-time work. Coordinating finances with your spouse is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Two incomes, two retirements, one plan
Each spouse often has a separate career, savings history and retirement timeline, but you’ll share one household budget. Whether you retire together or years apart, align your spending expectations, investment strategies and lifestyle goals. A mismatch can create unnecessary friction or financial shortfalls.
Longer lives, longer retirements
Advances in health care mean today’s 50-yearolds could spend 30 to 40 years in retirement. Plan for decades of expenses—including inflation, health care and possible long-term care—on a fixed or semi-fixed income.
Health care costs
Fidelity Investments estimates a healthy 65-yearold couple retiring in 2025 will spend more than $350,000 on medical costs over their lifetimes, excluding long-term care. Review Medicare options, consider a health savings account (HSA) and evaluate long-term care insurance.
Social Security timing
When each spouse claims Social Security affects total lifetime benefits. Delaying benefits boosts monthly payouts, while claiming early provides income sooner. Weigh your ages, health, income needs and survivor-benefit implications when deciding. Key steps for couples in their 50s
• Communicate and align goals. Sit down and discuss your vision: travel plans, downsizing, parttime work. Understanding each other’s priorities is the foundation of a strong plan.
• Inventory your assets. List all retirement accounts—401(k)s, IRAs and pensions—along with savings, brokerage accounts and real estate. Make sure you both know where you stand.
• Maximize catch-up contributions. At 50, you’re eligible to contribute an extra $7,500 annually to a 401(k) and an additional $1,000 to an IRA. If one spouse has better benefits, prioritize those accounts but aim for both to contribute.
• Evaluate investment risk together. As you near retirement, shift from aggressive growth to a bal-
anced or conservative mix. Find a risk level you both can live with for the next 15 to 20 years.
• Tackle debt now. High-interest debt erodes future income. Focus on eliminating credit-card balances and consider paying down your mortgage. Entering retirement debt-free provides breathing room for unexpected costs.
• Build emergency and health funds. Keep an emergency fund separate from retirement savings and, if possible, contribute to an HSA for tax-advantaged medical expenses.
• Review estate plans. Update wills, health-care directives, powers of attorney and beneficiary designations. Having documents in place protects each other and your family.
Mistakes to avoid
Assuming one strategy fits both spouses. Each of you has different earning histories, benefit options and health considerations.
Not planning for one spouse to outlive the other. Design your plan so the surviving spouse has adequate income.
Waiting too long to act. The earlier you coordinate and take steps, the more options you’ll have— and the better your chances of meeting your shared goals.
Retirement planning at 50 is no longer optional—it’s a necessity, especially for married couples navigating this journey together. Working as a team, asking the right questions and making informed decisions can turn your 50s from a time of financial uncertainty into a decade of confident preparation—and set the stage for a retirement you can truly enjoy.
Seniors Comprise An Enthusiastic Segment Of The Growing Pickleball Community
Revised for updated statistics, minor factual corrections.
BY ROD BACON
A game created on the West Coast 60 years ago has become the fastest growing sport in the United States.
The brainchild of three fathers -- Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCullum -Pickleball was designed as a backyard game to entertain families. Using elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, they used pingpong paddles, a wiffle ball, and a lowered badminton net to develop a game that has been sweeping the nation in recent years.
Joan Pritchard came up with the name, referencing the “pickle boat” in competitive rowing, which is a crew comprised of non-selected rowers from other teams that compete in a fi nal, often less competitive, race at the end of a regatta.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report for 2025, there were an estimated 19.8 million pickleball players in the United States in 2024, which is a 45.8 percent increase over the previous year. Over the last three years, participation in the sport has grown 311 percent.
While the 25-34 age group leads the number of players at 2.3 million, those over 50 rank second at 1.4 million. Sixty percent of the latter group are 55 or older and more than 33.7 percent are 65 or older.
Many of these participants are considered “core” players, which typically refers to someone with a 3.0-4.0 skill level out of a possible 6.0 or 8.0, depending upon which system is used. These players have a good understanding of the game’s fundamentals and can sustain rallies, but might still be developing ad-
vanced skills. Pickleball.com suggests that a core player typically plays 10 or more times a month.
Ed Koivula, who teaches at the Lake George Club and the Malta Community Center, says that 80 percent to 90 percent of his students are in the senior age group.
“I think that’s because of the way the game was originally marketed,” he said. “It targeted the older demographic at fi rst but it is defi nitely catching on among younger people.”
Koivula is a former collegiate tennis player who transitioned to pickleball because of injuries.
“Pickleball is a low-impact sport that doesn’t put the same strain on your body that other sports do,” he said.
He noted it’s also a social sport where people can develop new relationships while playing or waiting to play. One facility with which he’s familiar has a paddle rack into which people waiting to play place their paddle and move it up the line as other players fi nish their games. While they are waiting for it to get to the head of the line they often carry on conversations and make new friends
Kayla Benner, who teaches at Ballston Spa Community Center and SUNY Adirondack, said that while she will teach any age group the majority of her students are in the 40-50-yearold range.
Benner was introduced to pickleball when she worked at Gavin Park in the Town of Wilton. She was just performing general duties but watched the pickleball players when she could. They asked her to play several times but she declined. She fi nally capitulated one day when they needed a fourth for a doubles
David Kopyc, president of Retirement Planning Group LLC in Saratoga Springs.
Due to the popularity of pickleball, instructor Kayla Benner (at net) finds that the majority of her students are seniors.
Business Report
Why 10-Pay Whole Life Insurance Deserves A Closer Look You
BY BRIAN M. JOHNSON, MBA, CLTC
For many working-age adults, planning for the future often centers around saving for retirement, managing debt, and building wealth.
Yet an often-overlooked component of a wellrounded financial strategy is life insurance— specifically, 10-pay whole life insurance, a permanent life insurance policy paid up in just 10 years.
While frequently seen as a tool for wealthier individuals or older adults, 10-pay whole life insurance plays a significant role in both estate and long-term care planning, offering unique benefits for those who begin earlier in life.
Understanding 10-pay whole life insurance
A 10-pay whole life insurance policy is a type of permanent life insurance with guaranteed death benefits, fi xed premiums for 10 years, and a cash value component that grows over time.
Unlike term life insurance, which provides coverage for a set number of years, whole life covers the insured for their entire life, assuming premiums are paid.
What makes the 10-pay version distinctive is the compressed payment schedule—premiums are paid over just 10 years, after which the policy is considered “paid-up.”
This feature is attractive to individuals who want to pre-fund a long-term asset during working years while minimizing obligations in retirement.
Tax-free wealth transfer
One of the most recognized uses of whole life insurance in estate planning is its ability to transfer wealth in a tax-efficient manner.
The death benefit is typically income tax-free to beneficiaries and, when structured properly, can also be excluded from the taxable estate.
For families with significant assets—or those with modest estates and legacy intentions—this can help preserve wealth across generations.
Liquidity at death
Settling an estate often involves expenses such as probate costs, taxes, and debts. Life insurance provides immediate liquidity to beneficiaries, helping them cover these costs without having to liquidate illiquid assets like real estate or business interests.
This can be important in family-owned businesses or complex personal estates.
Equalization among heirs
For individuals looking to divide their estate fairly, life insurance can equalize inheritances.
For example, if one child inherits a business or real estate property, another might receive the life insurance proceeds to balance the distribution.
This helps reduce family conflict and ensures fairness.
Cash value growth as a funding source
As healthcare costs rise and people live lon-
ger, long-term care (LTC) planning has become an essential component of financial preparedness.
While traditional LTC insurance has been the go-to solution for decades, it comes with drawbacks: rising premiums, use-it-or-lose-it benefits, and risk of cancellation.
This is where whole life insurance, especially a 10-pay policy, offers an appealing alternative or supplement.
Whole life insurance builds guaranteed cash value over time, which policyholders can access via loans or withdrawals.
This provides a flexible, tax-advantaged source of funds to help pay for care needs.
While withdrawals can reduce the death benefit, the policy gives owners more control over when and how they access funds.
Living bene ts and riders
Many 10-pay whole life policies offer riders that accelerate the death benefit if the insured becomes chronically or terminally ill.
These “living benefits” allow policyholders to tap into the policy’s value while they are still alive, helping cover the costs of home care, assisted living, or nursing home expenses.
Unlike traditional LTC insurance, these benefits are typically not use-it-or-lose-it.
Paid-up security in retirement
Since premiums are fully paid in 10 years, policyholders enter retirement without the ongoing cost of coverage.
This financial predictability is useful for those on fi xed incomes.
Knowing that the policy is fully funded and continues to grow in value adds confidence when planning for retirement and health-related expenses.
BY DEB VERNI
The perfect time to put together an estate plan is before you need it. Unfortunately, most people think about creating an estate plan when a close friend or relative must be placed in a nursing home or when a family member dies and the kids are fighting over assets because there is no Will.
I joke with people and say if you don’t have a “Will”, you have a “Won’t”, I won’t die or become ill and go into a nursing home. My kids won’t fight over my money. My minor children won’t be raised by my evil sister. My children won’t blow their inheritance on fast cars and gambling. My daughter’s husband won’t take half of my hard-earned money when they get divorced after I pass.
A Last Will and Testament is just the beginning of an estate plan. Although a Will is important, it is only one of the documents in your estate plan. A comprehensive estate plan should include a Will, a Health Care Proxy Living Will, a Durable Power of Attorney and in most cases a Trust. Does everyone need all these documents? It depends on your assets and your family dynamics.
For those of you that never considered family dynamics, I can assure you that if your children do not get along while you are alive, they will not get along after you pass. If you are concerned about your money going to in-laws and out-laws after your death, then you need to plan for that. If you want to make sure money goes to your grandchildren, or you have a child or grandchild with special needs, you need to plan for that too.
Now that your head is spinning and you are thinking a “won’t” is not such a bad idea and you are looking around every corner for greedy relatives, remember, you can establish an estate plan now and leave all your worries behind, literally. So how do you go about setting up an estate plan? First you need to figure out who will be in charge and where you want things to go. Estate documents are easy to establish but you need to do your homework. Let’s go through an estate plan step by step.
The Will- Details where you want your assets to go after you pass away. Note, a Will only controls assets individually owned by you when you pass away. If all your accounts are joint or have named beneficiaries, the assets will go to the named beneficiaries not the beneficiaries listed in the Will. Unfortunately, “The Probate of a Will”, takes time and money and slows up the distribution of your assets. If you are concerned about “Probate” you should establish a Trust.
The Trust-For lack of a better term is “a box” that you place your assets in to avoid probate and if it is an Irrevocable Trust, protect assets from creditors AKA “The Nursing Home”. You can fund your trust with your Real Estate, Brokerage Accounts, Certificates of Deposit, etc. When the “Grantor” (owner) passes away the Trustee distributes the assets held in the box to the beneficiaries named in the
Continued On Page 11
Brian Johnson, director, business development at Advisors Insurance Brokers.
Debra A. Verni, Senior Counsel RGLC Law Group.
SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL
Construction
Plans Underway For Next Generation To Take A Leadership Role At E&T O’Connor Construction
BY ROD BACON
The mantle of leadership of a highly respected longtime area business is in the process of being passed to the fifth generation of the family.
Within approximately 60 days, Pat O’Connor, who is currently the president, will take the reins of 120-year-old E&T O’Connor Construction from cousins Brian O’Connor and Kevin O’Connor.
“Brian and Kevin came to me a few years ago and said ‘You’re the next one to take over if you want to,’ so I’ve been preparing for this for quite some time,” said Pat. “They continued to run the company until now.”
In 1905, Thomas O’Connor started the business hauling dirt between Glens Falls and Ticonderoga with a horse and wagon. The earliest services offered were earth moving and site development using cable excavators for building contractors.
By the 1940s, ownership had passed to Thomas’ two sons, Edward and Thomas Jr. They continued to do site development so contractors could pour foundations for buildings in Glens Falls, one of which was the First National Bank. They also did site preparation for the Glens Falls Civic Center in the 1970s.
Around this time the third generation, consisting of Edward’s son Russell and Thomas’ son Jimmy, had taken over, and they decided to expand the reach of the company by taking on some larger commercial work. They did site preparation and paving for a number of McDonald’s restaurants in the area. They also successfully bid on jobs in Queensbury, Saratoga, Brant Lake, and Whitehall. In addition to paving parking lots and retail centers they branched out into road paving and industrial drive lanes.
During the mid-1990s the present owners, Brian O’Connor and Kevin O’Connor, assumed leadership of the company. They are the sons of Russell and Jimmy, respectively. During their tenure services have been expanded to include retaining walls, sports courts, and the use of GPS modeling.
One family member who was never an owner but worked for the company for more than 30 years is Pat Sr., who was paving foreman and now runs the shop.
Significant site preparation and paving projects the company has done during the past several decades include Highland Park Country Club; most of the Schermerhorn developments in Queesnsbury and Hudson Falls; school districts in Glens
Falls, Queensbury, Whitehall, and Fort Ann; and many housing developments in Queensbury and Saratoga County, including those for the Michaels Group. Just last month they completed repaving the Glens Falls site of Greylock Storage.
“We generally do one subdivision a year,” said Pat.
A major project recently was the reconstruction of parking lots, concrete curbs, and sidewalks at Glens Falls Hospital in preparation for the expansion of the Sheridan Emergency Department, which is currently underway.
They are also working on a solar farm for Green Sparks Solar, which is located in the former Ciba Geigy plant in Queensbury.
During the past couple of years the company has started accepting some smaller residential paving jobs.
“There’s only so much commercial paving out there so to keep the crews busy I’ve taken on some smaller jobs,” Pat said.
Another service the company offers is retaining walls that are not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. They are constructed from either natural boulders or engineered RediRock systems they get from Carroll Concrete in New Hampshire. They come in 1,000-pound to 3,000-pound precast blocks with limestone, cobblestone or New England ledgestone facing.
“We can build some pretty massive retaining walls that can hold back a lot of earth,” said Pat.
Within the last decade the company added the construction of sports courts, which include tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts as well as running tracks. E&T O’Connor Construction would build them but had to subcontract the coating and painting. In 2016 they formed a sister company called Adirondack Sports Surfaces with a dedicated crew to apply the coatings. This company does driveway sealing and line striping as well.
In the early 2000s the company implemented GPS modeling to ensure its projects are done to the most exacting specifications possible. Pat ex-
Whole Life Insurance
Continued From Page 7
Why working-age adults should consider 10pay whole life
Many people delay estate or LTC planning until later in life, but starting in your 30s, 40s, or early 50s offers significant advantages:
Younger applicants receive lower premiums and more favorable underwriting.
There’s also more time for cash value to accumulate and support future goals.
Having a fully paid-up policy by retirement removes an ongoing financial obligation.
Greater planning control: Starting early gives policyholders time to integrate the life insurance policy into broader estate and care strategies.
Points of caution
While 10-pay whole life offers many benefits, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are a few considerations:
Premiums are higher due to the shorter payment period, which may not fit all budgets.
plained that when preparation of an undeveloped site is called for they import a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) from the engineer into hand-held units that the foremen can carry as well as units in the bulldozers and excavators to guide the operators.
“The operators can see the entire job in threedimension so they know what they’re cutting or filling,” Pat said. “It shows them to within an inch or better exactly where they are on the project.”
Obviously, site preparation and paving are the main services the company offers, but land clearing and demolition play important roles as well. Pat said that if a client simply wants his land cleared of trees, stumps and bushes they cut them down and truck them away. Demolition might involve the destruction of a building standing in the way of developing the parcel. An excavator would knock the building down and they would haul it away.
E&T O’Connor Construction has 30 employees who specialize in the company’s various services. There are seven full-time workers on the asphalt paving crew. There are numerous other crews that are experts in retaining wall construction, underground utility work, and sports court construction. The company does about 50 projects a year.
Pat earned a two-year construction degree from Hudson Valley Community College and finished his four-year degree in construction management at SUNY Delhi.
He has very ambitious plans for the future of the company. Currently, they accept jobs within an hour’s radius of their Glens Falls headquarters. He hopes to grow to $100 million worth of work by expanding the customer base to a three-hour radius.
“I’ve got a big vision for the company,” he said. “I’d like to see it grow as much as possible and I can only do that with the help of good people.”
E&T O’Connor Construction is located at 147 Meadowbrook Road in Glens Falls.
For more information about the service the company offers go to etoconnor.com.
Missing a premium can jeopardize guarantees, so financial stability is key.
Cash value grows conservatively, which may not appeal to high-growth investors.
It’s also essential to evaluate the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the insurance company issuing the policy. Not all policies are created equal.
10-pay whole life insurance is a powerful tool for working-age adults looking to build a legacy, plan for care, and provide estate liquidity.
While it requires careful consideration and a strong financial commitment, the benefits— permanent coverage, guaranteed cash value, living benefits, and estate liquidity—make it a compelling addition to a comprehensive financial plan.
As with any financial strategy, it’s wise to consult with a qualified financial advisor or estate planner to determine if a 10-pay whole life policy fits your specific goals and circumstances.
When used thoughtfully, it can provide both peace of mind and financial strength for the future.
From left: Kevin O’Connor and Brian O’Connor, vice presidents; and Pat O’Connor, president of E&T O’Connor Construction onsite at Glens Falls Hospital.
Continued From Page 1
The longest participating female member is Kate Oppedisano, who has been active since 1973.
Much of this activity took place at the new clubhouse, which was completed in May by Middle Grove-based Munter Enterprises, Inc. It replaces the 100-year-old barn that served as the clubhouse since the course’s founding.
DeVito noted that the new building is open and modern, allowing light to enter through large bay windows and provide a welcoming atmosphere.
“There are beautiful views of holes number one, three, ten and eighteen from the patio,” he said.
He mentioned that the locker rooms were refurbished and the men’s lockers sold out within a day.
The Iron’s Edge restaurant, which opened in 2022, was significantly upgraded during construction of the new clubhouse. Its vendor is Chad Dorrough, who is also the vendor at McGregor Links Country Club, Shaker Ridge Country Club, and Saratoga Lake Golf Club.
Mark Berning oversees daily operations. The restaurant is open to the public seven days a week.
DeVito, who has been an active member since 2020 and worked in the pro shop for seven years before that, is attracted to the club not only for its unique challenges but also for the camaraderie among its members.
“We have a lot of guys who are low handicaps who go out and have good events with you, and we also have a lot of higher handicappers who just want to have a good time,” he said. “Everybody mixes well. It’s laid back. It’s competitive when you want it to be.”
He is also impressed with the condition of the course. He gives kudos to Course Superintendent Steve Solsky, for keeping everything manicured and in excellent shape for competitive play.
DeVito said it offers 18 uniquely different holes. Players won’t beat it with length, he noted, but they have to hit their targets. They must keep the ball in the fairway and keep the ball below the hole because when the greens are running quickly they are very difficult.
The Golf Director and PGA Playing & Teaching Professional is Todd Manderson, who has been there since 1999. In addition to teaching,
he is responsible for organizing tournaments as well as the men’s and women’s leagues using Golf Genius, and operating the pro shop. He also monitors the two indoor golf simulators that members can use through the winter as well as participate in a 10-week league.
The regular season runs from approximately April 15-November 15.
Some notable people have played the course. Saratoga Springs native and LPGA professional Dottie Pepper has played there. Former football coach Bill Parcells has played a few rounds, as have jockeys Mike Luzzi and Jose Ortiz.
When the club was incorporated on September 16, 1925, there were 98 charter members. Dues for the first year were $25 for the six holes that had been constructed up to that date. Jim Thompson, the golf professional and manager at Mohawk Golf Club, designed the first nine holes.
On June 1, 1934, the club applied for membership in the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Women’s Northeastern Golf Association.
In September 1962 plans were made to enlarge the club to 18 holes. Sixty-nine acres of land were purchased through a $75,000 tenyear loan from Schenectady Savings Bank. This portion of the course was designed by Gino Turchi and Jim Farina. Due to many delays, including a drought, the back nine was opened in April 1965.
Currently they are closing in on 400 members, which is their cap.
For many years the club’s logo has featured the face of a fox because members often see the animals near the fairways when playing. To honor the course’s history, a Centennial Logo, which is a revamping of the original used in 1925, was designed. It includes drawings of crossed golf clubs, a green, a ball and tee, and of course a fox. These are displayed over a ribbon with BSCC above the years 1925-2025.
“In addition to the excellent condition of the course, there is great camaraderie among the members,” DeVito said. “I want to see it continue to grow, and I think that’s reflected in the fact that we have almost 400 members and people are still showing an interest in joining.”
For more information on the offerings at Ballston Spa Country Club go to ballstonspacc. com.
Continued From Page 6
game, and her enthusiasm grew. From there, she started studying to be an instructor, achieving that goal several years ago.
“I grew up playing sports so I already had good hand-eye coordination,” she said.
In order to avoid injuries she strongly recommends that players, regardless of their skill levels, warm up before playing. She said five minutes or more of dynamic stretching, which can include leg swings, tree trunk twists, or any sort of body movement, is important before hitting the court.
Growing interest in the game is evident in the Capital District. East Side Recreation Park in Saratoga Springs has converted existing tennis courts and has added dedicated pickleball courts. The Saratoga Springs Recreation Center has courts outlined on their gym floor, Gavin Park features indoor courts on its gym floor and pickleball lines on its tennis courts, and the Southern Saratoga YMCA offers numerous programs and open play.
In Warren County, two courts are available at Hudson River Park in Queensbury and Delong-Usher Park in Lake George, respectively. Th ree are available at Derby-Moran Park in Hudson Falls, five at Rogers Memorial Park in Bolton Landing, Ridge/Jenkinsville Park in Queensbury has eight, and Crandall Park in Glens Falls has recently installed four.
Courts at private facilities available to members only include those at the Glens Falls Family YMCA, Glens Falls Country Club, Lake George Club, Lake George RV Park, Lake George Camping Village, Lake George Escape Campground, and Melody Manor Resort in Bolton Landing.
In Saratoga County, the Racquet Club at McGregor Links Country Club offers six pickleball courts for members only, and The Paddocks at Saratoga provides two outdoor courts for residents of the community.
The game can be played by two or four competitors. A smooth-faced paddle is used to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inchhigh net. A regulation sized court is 20 feet by
44 feet for both singles and doubles. Service must be done underhand without the ball touching the ground. Complete rules of play and strategy are available in the USA Pickleball Rulebook published by the Global Pickleball Federation and PFA Pickleball Americas.
The rapid growth of the game has required the construction of new courts. One local company that has been kept very busy in this area is Adirondack Sports Surfaces, a sister company of Glens Falls-based O’Connor Construction, that was started in 2016.
According to Pat O’Connor, who is president of both entities, Edward and Thomas O’Connor Construction would do all the site preparation for the sports courts they were contracted to build but had to have a sub-contractor do the fi nal surface work.
“It was difficult to coordinate our respective schedules so we decided to form our own company and get a team together that specialized in surfacing the basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts we were building,” he said.
O’Connor estimates that between newbuilds and refurbishing of existing courts the company does 30 jobs per summer. It typically takes one to two weeks to prepare a site and lay the asphalt, which then has to cure for three weeks. Putting the coating on is a three-tofive-day process. The work can only be done between May and September.
O’Connor said that due to the growing popularity of the game, 40 percent to 50 percent of the company’s sports court work involves pickleball in some form. Even customers who want basketball or tennis courts are asking that pickleball lines be incorporated into the project.
“I enjoy going to a site and seeing nothing but a grass field and then going back after we’ve built the court and talking to people and hearing how much fun they’re having,” he said. “It really doesn’t feel like work because it’s almost like you’re an artist; you’ve build something and then painted it and people are enjoying it.”
Saratoga Track
Continued From Page 1
events and feature the New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums.
On Saturday, July 26 (Jim Dandy Day), there will be autograph signings and photo opportunities with jockeys at the Jockey Silks Porch as part of Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund Awareness Day across America.
Wednesday, Aug. 6 is Adirondack Day when fans may enjoy local products and attractions representative of the Adirondack region.
The track will be going to the dogs on Sunday, Aug. 10 when it hosts a first-ever Corgi Day when these speedy, short-legged canines will compete on the main track between races. Corgi owners may register their pet online (nyra.com/Saratoga).
Wednesday, Aug. 13 will be a great day to cool down with free scoops of ice cream from Stewart’s Shops, while supplies last.
Military Appreciation Day is set for Thursday, Aug. 14. All veterans and active-duty military will be honored with a special ceremony in the Winner’s Circle and receive free admission with a military ID.
Saturday, Aug. 16 is Lustgarten Day (also Alabama Day) when the legacy of beloved trainer Dominic Galluscio will be honored to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance scientific and medical research related to pancreatic cancer. Many of the sport’s most popular trainers will sign autographs for fans with suggested donations to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation in Galluscio’s memory.
Italian-American Day is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 30 featuring Italian music and dance performances, entertainment, crafts and food at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion. Highlights include accordion players, performances by an Italian tenor and opera singer, traditional folk dancing and Italian language lessons.
The food menu will feature sausage subs, meatball subs, parmigiana, pasta, pastries and gelato with proceeds benefitting the Italian Heritage Association and Museum.
Many other programs are planned throughout the meet’s entirety.
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours are held every Thursday to Sunday. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a lo-
cal breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course.
The Taste NY Pavilion is open every Thursday to Sunday giving fans a chance to sample and purchase New York-produced food and beverages in inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch. Items include craft beers, wines, spirits, jams, jellies, granola and ice cream.
The NYRA STAR (Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing) is held every Friday to Sunday, giving children 12 and under, and their families, insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Participants will experience the sport through exclusive on-track events, educational opportunities and kid-friendly communications designed to ignite their interest in horses and excitement for the sport of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free and may be completed online or in-person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.
Horse Sense, held every Saturday and Sunday, allows guests of all ages to pet a retired thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. inside Gate A. The educational exhibit includes fun facts about the life and career of a thoroughbred.
Each Sunday, fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $110 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, Post Parade program book, tax, and gratuity.
Introduction to Handicapping is also held each Sunday in the Paddock Suite. Fans can learn betting strategies and tips from an expert handicapper. Racing Hall of Fame Anniversary Weekend is slated for Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is celebrating its 75th anniversary with new exhibits and events, highlighted by the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion on Friday, August 1.
The Class of 2025 includes seven new inductees: contemporary category racehorse Smarty Jones; 19001959 Historic Review Committee racehorses Decathlon and Hermis, and trainer George H. Conway; and Pillars of the Turf inductees Edward L. Bowen, Arthur B. Hancock III, and Richard Ten Broeck.
Season-long daily events and activities include Backstretch Tram Tours where fans can go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tour. Tram tours depart from the clubhouse entrance beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the last one leaving at 9 a.m. and running every 30 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are approximately 45 minutes in length. Tours are available every live racing day with the exception of DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day.
Adding to the track’s festive atmosphere, the Purdy’s Music Summer Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands.
Of course, downtown Saratoga Springs has an endless variety of things to see and do during racing season. For a more information and a full scheduled go to: www.discoversaratoga.org.
Siena Poll
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groceries is having either a very serious or somewhat serious impact on their finances.
“As the President’s agenda moves through Congress and trade deals are being actively negotiated, consumers’ buying behaviors are mostly unchanged,” Brodbeck said. “With so much change being discussed in the macroeconomy, consumers may be taking a wait and see approach when making purchasing decisions. While some big ticket items, such as buying a vehicle or paying for a major home improvement, have declined, more consumers are planning to purchase a home this quarter than the previous. Despite uncertainty around tariffs on electronics, the largest increase in anticipated purchasing this quarter was for buying consumer electronics.”
New Yorkers continue to feel the weight of essential monthly expenses. This quarter, 72% say housing costs are having a serious impact on their financial situation, up slightly from 69% last quarter. Utility costs are at 66% (down from 67% last quarter), and 53% say streaming and entertainment services are a financial strain (up from 51% last quarter). Reports of cell phone costs being a very or somewhat serious financial burden increased to 38% (from 36%). Nearly half, 49%, of New Yorkers say they are seriously impacted by all three essentials—housing, utilities, and food. Nearly one in five, 17%, report that all six key monthly expenses— food, gas, housing, utilities, entertainment, and cell phones—are weighing heavily on their finances.
This Siena College Poll was conducted June 25July 2, 2025, among 921 New York State Residents. For complete release, data summary, or trend analysis, visit www.siena.edu/scri/cci
ior—and when we invest in space, we invest in people.
So if you’re wondering why some offices are still half-empty while others are buzzing with energy, this might be the answer.
People are choosing environments that align
are taken
of and that your money does not go to
and out-laws. Trusts are a
to make sure your assets are protected, and your wishes are followed.
The Health Care Proxy/Living Will- When preparing a Health Care Proxy, you choose the person that will make your health care decisions if you cannot make them for yourself. The Living Will expresses your wishes for the end of life. For example, if the doctor says you are going to die in a relatively short time from the underlying condition do you want to be put on a feeding tube or a ventilator or
with how they want to live and work—not the ones that remind them of burnout and beige walls.
And as someone who’s been immersed in workspace design for nearly two decades, I can confidently say:
The office isn’t dead. It’s just evolving.
And the more we embrace this shift—from obligation to destination—the more we’ll see our spaces come back to life.
receive other treatments that will prolong your life?
The Durable Power of Attorney-Last but not least the Power of Attorney is probably the most important document you can have. Why do you ask? If you do not have a valid Power of Attorney and you become incapacitated your family will not have access to your accounts to pay your bills. They will not be able to preserve your assets if you are placed in a Nursing Home.
In conclusion, the best time to think about Estate Planning is now. You are as young as you ever will be, and we are all “aging in place”. You need to establish your estate plan when you have time to make educated decisions about who you want to make your financial and health care decisions while you are alive and who you want to oversee the distribution of your assets when you pass away and to whom you want them to go to. Remember, it is never too late to plan until it is.
for business processes and graduating to AI tools to make your team smarter and providing better customer service.
tion on your current IT roadmap with phases aligned to your individual business goals.
Our three-phase method starts with finding the quick wins for your business, moving on to optimization of the technology often replacing legacy systems with new cloudbased apps for the remote and hybrid workforce, and finally Integration and Innovation. Integrating and leveraging automation
By working with a strong partner, you can quickly move from the quick and easy wins to integrating and leveraging AI, which in most cases has been fundamentally transformative to business.
Technology is the backbone of your company; it helps you and your employees succeed and win in today’s competitive landscape. Let us help you win the day and delight your clients and staff!
