Morcon Tissue Moves To Larger Greenwich Facility To Support Rapid Sales Growth
BY PAUL POST
Morcon Tissue’s move from Eagle Bridge to a larger Greenwich site is expected to accelerate already fast-paced sales that have grown from $20 million to $125 million annually since 2013, when President and CEO Joseph Raccuia purchased the firm.
Morcon buys large rolls of paper—more than eight feet wide—from domestic and overseas suppliers and converts it into disposable napkins, towels and tissue for the away-fromhome market, which includes restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals and sports arenas.
It recently secured contracts to supply all Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants across the U.S., as well as AMC Theatres and half of all Dunkin’ franchises.
Morcon is moving into 90,000 square feet of leased space at a former Essity paper company facility that Fort Miller Group purchased earlier this year.
“It just gives us room to grow,” said Raccuia, former president and CEO of both Finch Paper in Glens Falls and South Glens Falls-based SCA Tissue North America. “We’ve got an excellent workforce. If we moved any more than 15 or 20 minutes from that Eagle Bridge facility, we ran the risk of losing employees. This allows us to retain them and pull more from other places such as Schuylerville, Saratoga Springs and Moreau. It gives us more hiring options.”
Morcon began using its new site for storage and warehousing on July 1. Plans call for moving machines there in January.
Essity vacated its Greenwich converting facility in July 2023, at the same time its South Glens Falls paper mill closed, eliminating 300 jobs.
Morcon tried to buy the 230,000-squarefoot Greenwich building, but Essity refused to sell to a competitor.
Fort Miller Group bought it for $4.5 million, despite being outbid by Morcon.
Fort Miller Group purchased the building to consolidate operations for two of its
four subsidiary firms, Access Anvil Corp. and TYMETAL.
Access Anvil specializes in overhead doors, fence and gate installation, and the Scott System, which makes urethane formliners, concrete formwork and thin brick inlay systems for the construction industry.
TYMETAL is a leading manufacturer of perimeter security systems, including commercial, industrial and correctional gates, and crash barriers.
Access Anvil was previously located on Route 9 in Glens Falls and in Greenwich. “Now they’re all together in the same location,” said Rick Schumaker, Fort Miller Group director.
“That’s the main reason for buying the building. It’s in spectacular shape. We didn’t have to do much at all. We renovated the offices and moved Access Anvil in right away.”
Likewise, TYMETAL is continually expanding, so the former Essity building gives it room to grow, too, he said.
Fort Miller Group also owns Fort Miller Precast, which manufactures precast concrete infrastructure for highways, bridges and utilities, and FM Service Corp., which makes burial vaults.
The group’s four companies employ 580 people.
After Access Anvil and TYMETAL moved to the former Essity plant, there was still a great deal of vacant space, which Morcon is now leasing.
Morcon buys paper on the open market from U.S. suppliers and others in Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey and Italy. About 80 percent of the paper it buys is recycled. The rest is virgin grade, mostly from fast-growing trees such as eucalyptus found in warmer climates.
“The U.S. is the number one user of disposable napkins, towels and tissue per capita,” Raccuia said. “This is the place everybody wants to come to sell paper. There’s plenty of opportunity for us to buy and convert paper.”
Morcon’s corporate headquarters are at 18
Continued On Page 7
Saratoga International Flavorfeast Marks 10th Anniversary In Downtown Saratoga Springs
The Saratoga International Flavorfeast will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 11, showcasing food and culture from around the world in downtown Saratoga Springs. Presented by Saratoga Food Fanatic, Network Saratoga and Discover Saratoga, the event features international cuisine from local restaurants and vendors, offering $2 food samples from countries including Ireland, Italy, India, Guatemala, Spain and Mexico. Passport maps will be available beginning at 11 a.m. at the Spa City Motor Lodge, Division Street and Broadway.
The day will also feature multicultural performances such as African drumming, Asian dance, fiddling and accordion music at several downtown locations. A full list of restaurants and performances will be posted the week of the event at www.saratogaflavorfeast.com.
Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Flavorfeast is supported by community partners and sponsors including Prime Group Holdings, Adirondack Trust Co., Stewart’s Shops and the Saratoga Springs City Center. Proceeds
cultural performances will highlight
benefit the Franklin Community Center Food Pantry. For sponsorship, restaurant or performer participation, call 518-365-3459.
Saratoga Racing Season Delivers Strong Attendance And Major Economic Boost
Dust is still settling from 49 days of Saratoga racing, which attracted more than 1.2 million fans and generated over $1 billion in all-sources wagering.
But local officials already are anticipating an even better season next year when the Belmont Stakes returns to the historic track for a third and final time, complemented by major plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
This year’s regular 40-day Saratoga Race Course meet was preceded by the five-day Belmont Stakes and four-day July 4 racing festivals.
“Saratoga County has enjoyed not only international and national media exposure, but the economic impact is considered significant and substantial,” said Greg Connors, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation president. “An independent analysis of the impact on Saratoga
County by the world-class racing industry estimates $9 million dollars per day in economic impact realized. The easy math, of course, is that the 49 days of thoroughbred racing added close to $450 million dollars to the Saratoga County economy.”
“We will begin planning for another Belmont Racing Festival soon and as the Saratoga 250 celebration fast approaches, Saratoga County and the Capital Region will again attract both international and national attention as well as recognition for our welcoming hospitality, vibrant business districts and four-season recreational opportunities,” he said.
All-sources handle for the 40-day meet was $791,129,471, including a record $49,651,341 of wagering on Whitney Day and $54,309,929 on DraftKings Travers Day, the third highest
Continued On Page 10
Standard Fare Offers Diners Foods They Remember In Interesting Presentations
BY ROD BACON
A pair of entrepreneurs well versed in the hospitality industry have launched Saratoga Springs’ newest dining venue.
Clark Gale and Zac Denham, who created Bocage Champagne Bar on Phila Street in 2022, have opened Standard Fare directly opposite it.
Touted as “A Fresh Take on Comfort Food in Saratoga Springs,” the owners say they are taking popular menu items and elevating their presentation.
“Our focus is on creating dishes that we all have familiarity and warm memories of, and present them in a really great way,” Gale said. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel on dishes like meatloaf or pork chops or roast chicken but we’re delivering them in a way different from the traditional presentation.”
The executive chef creating this delightful fare is Connor DeMarco, who also oversees the kitchen at Bocage Champagne Bar. A Saratoga Springs native, he has created unique cuisine at Lillian’s, Merry Monk, Fish at 30 Lake, Rascals Steakhouse at Crossgates, The Merc, Prime, and Cantina. He also spent some time working on the southwest coast of Florida.
“Standard Fare isn’t just about food, it’s about energy,” said Gale. “You can feel it in the dining
room, see it in the kitchen, and taste it in every bite. We’ve been blown away by the creativity of the kitchen team.”
Colorful
the 10th annual Saratoga International Flavorfeast. Courtesy Saratoga International Flavorfest
Standard Fare, Saratoga’s newest full-service restaurant, opened recently on 21 Phila Street. Saratoga Business Journal
BY PAUL POST
Fans filled the Saratoga Race Course grounds during the 2025 summer meet, which drew more than 1 million visitors and generated nearly $450 million in local economic impact. Paul Post photo
Saratoga County Chamber Of Commerce To Host 2025 Saratoga County Business Showcase
The Saratoga County Business Showcase is returning this fall, offering a unique opportunity to highlight the area’s diverse economic landscape.
The event is scheduled for 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Spa State Park and is open to the public. A post-event exhibitor mixer will also take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This popular expo is the chamber’s premier event for businesses and organizations of all sizes and industries looking to grow, connect, and build their brand throughout Saratoga County’s thriving business network. From startups to seasoned corporations to B2B service providers, this event offers a platform to meet potential clients, collaborators, and fellow professionals.
“This showcase is our largest professional networking event of the year, and presents a phenomenal opportunity for anyone looking to cultivate valuable relationships, explore new opportunities and establish impactful connections within our community,” Chamber President Todd Shimkus said. “We anticipate a great turnout of exhibitors and attendees eager to engage within a lively networking environment.”
The premier sponsors of this year’s Saratoga County Business Showcase are Adirondack Trust Company, AIM Services Inc. and Arnoff Moving and Storage, which will offer convenient on-site assistance to exhibitors moving in displays on the day of the event.
mosphere. Eventgoers will have the chance to interact with exhibitors to grow their network and find potential future partners. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards.
More information about the event is available online at saratoga.org.
Area professionals are invited to make connections amid a vibrant and dynamic at-
Businesses and organizations interested in being an exhibitor or sponsor are encouraged to reserve booth space by emailing Andrea Mulholland at amulholland@saratoga.org. Limited spaces are available.
Growing Company Expands With The Opening Of Lucky’s Market In Ballston Spa
The Owner Of Doubleday Diner Has The Formula For Success In Her New Enterprise
BY ROD BACON
Lucky Petroleum, Inc. has added to its roster of fuel stops/convenience stores with the opening of another Lucky’s Market, this one on Northline Road in Ballston Spa.
According to store manager Manraj Cheema, this is the 10th location in the region for the company, a supplier of petroleum products headquartered in Hudson, N.Y. Other locations are in Plattsburgh, Menands, Watervliet, Kerhonkson, Ellenville, and another in Ballston Spa, which is operated by Manraj’s uncle, Gagan Billing.
The new market is a renovated Sunmark Credit Union building purchased from Gary DeRusso, president of Saratoga Springs-based Adirondack Land Development, LLC. Designs for the renovations were developed by Nolan Engineering, PLLC, of Burnt Hills. Renovations started in May 2024 and were completed last month.
The fuel stop has six island with 12 gas pumps. Regular, Midgrade, Premium, and Diesel are available, as well as a propane exchange. Non-ethanol is not available.
“We are a petroleum company so we pick up our own fuel at the terminal in Albany,” Cheema said.
The store’s deli is still being developed, but they do have Krispy Krunchy Chicken
and will make sandwiches to order. They carry Boar’s Head products and will be selling meat by the pound. There are potato and macaroni salads as well as cakes and cannoli. A variety of beverages, including beer, are available.
There are currently five employees.
Cheema said they are looking for a deli manager to expand their offerings in that department.
The corporation is owned by Surinder Cheema, Manraj’s father. Manraj is majoring in Business Management at St. John Fisher University in Rochester.
“I’ve run most of our stores,” he said. “It’s a family operation so my dad is teaching me the business and I give him my time to help out. I usually stay at a new store until we’re sure it’s running smoothly. In addition to going to college I will be here for quite some time.”
Future plans call for building apartments at the rear of the property and a food chain at the corner. Cheema said it’s too early to tell how many apartments or the name of the food chain.
Lucky’s Market is located at 202 Northline Road, across from a branch of the Adirondack Trust Company.
It is open from 5 a.m.-midnight, seven days a week.
BY ROD BACON
A popular Ballston Spa eatery that went through some hard times and eventually closed has reopened under new ownership and with a new name.
Ashley Livingstone, who was the manager of the Route 50 Diner for five years, has leased the space and renamed it Doubleday Diner.
According to Livingstone, the previous owner, Walter Hyra, passed away during Covid and his son, Bryan Hyra, took over operations. He was unable to make a go of it and it closed permanently in November 2024. Livingstone signed a lease with plaza owner in March. A Chinese takeout restaurant and a nail salon occupy the rest of the plaza.
Livingstone purchased all new kitchen equipment from Restaurant Depot in Colonie, as well as installing new carpeting and seating. There are 13 tables and three seats at the counter.
“We installed everything ourselves,” she said. “We had friends who came and helped us get it done. It’s been a team effort, for sure.”
The team includes Chef Sergio Felix, who is also the chef at Compadres Diner in Gansevoort, as well as Ashley’s mother, Linda Livingstone, and Manuel Felix. There are also 15 kitchen and front-of-the-house employees.
“That number fluctuates,” Livingstone said. “We are busier in the summer and I like to give high school and college kids an opportunity to earn money while they’re on vacation.”
She noted that she has been in the restaurant business for 16 years and Sergio Felix for 10.
The diner serves breakfast and lunch, offering a variety of typical diner fare. Breakfast choices include bacon and eggs, pancakes, and omelets. For lunch patrons can order burgers, french fries, club sandwiches, and Reubens. There are specials that might include stuffed peppers or soup of the day.
Livingstone noted that they can cater events and in the future plan to include dinner hours.
Supplies for the kitchen come from Hudson, N.Y.-based Ginsberg’s. Plans include adding
US Foods of Clifton Park and By George Food Specialties of Ballston Spa.
When the diner was under the previous ownership they delivered to both the men’s and women’s veterans’ houses in Ballston Spa.
“I’m going to pick back up on that,” said Livingstone. “We were delivering to both houses every Thursday and we’re going to start doing that again.”
The diner’s pricing offers a 10 percent discount to all veterans, police officers, fi refighters, and EMT personnel.
According to Livingstone, the response to the new ownership has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’ve had so many repeat customers coming back and saying how happy they are that we’re open again,” she said. “They say they loved it before and were sad to see it close.”
Currently, Doubleday Diner is open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Those hours will change if dinner service is added.
A website is under construction.
Ashley Livingstone is the owner of the new Doubelday Diner on Route 50. Saratoga Business Journal
Lucky’s Market, recently opened at Northline Road and Doubleday Avenue in Ballston Spa, offers multiple fuel options along with to-go food and beverages.
Saratoga Business Journal
Publication Date: October
Girls Construction Summer Camp Inspires Next Generation Of Skilled Trades Leaders
Publication Date: November 13, 2025
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The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition, in partnership with Whitbeck Construction and WSWHE BOCES, wrapped up another successful Girls Construction Summer Camp at the Whitbeck Construction Education Center.
With women representing only 11 percent of the construction workforce, the camp was created to inspire and empower middle school girls to consider careers in the skilled trades. This year’s program exceeded expectations, drawing enthusiastic participation and rave reviews from campers, parents and industry professionals.
Over two weeklong sessions, held July 21-25 and July 28–Aug. 1, girls in grades 6 through 8 experienced hands-on learning, teamwork and creative problem-solving. Campers gained confidence using tools, applying math and science concepts, and completing projects such as toolboxes, benches and Adirondack chairs. Field trips
2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes
Tickets for the area’s premiere new home tour, the 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, are now on sale! This event is now celebrating 29 Years of exceptional homes!
Tickets are available at all Adirondack Trust branch locations, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa & Queensbury, Arrow Bank on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Roohan Realty on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Rebuilding Together ReShop in Ballston Spa and Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Fort Edward. Tickets are always conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM or can be purchased online at the website at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com/tickets/. As always, each showcase ticket holder will receive a FREE shoe/tote bag at the first home visited while supplies last!
The 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being proudly presented over two fall weekends this year on
to construction sites and businesses offered a firsthand look at career opportunities in the industry.
A highlight of the program was the Construction Olympics, where campers showcased new skills in a spirited, team-based competition.
“This camp is all about opening doors and driving awareness,” said Doug Ford, co-founder and president of the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition.
“Every year we see the transformation— girls who come in unsure of themselves leave with confidence, skills and the realization that they can succeed in this industry.”
The success of the program reflects the coalition’s ongoing commitment to addressing workforce challenges and preparing the next generation of leaders in the trade.
Learn more at www.nctwc.org.
October 4-5 and October 11-12. Tickets are $25 and this year’s edition has 13 locations in Saratoga County on display.
Participating builders in this year’s event; Abele Homes, Amedore Homes, Beechwood Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Green Springs Companies, Heritage Custom Builders, Kodiak Construction, Urvalek Builders and Witt Construction. It’s an incredible line-up of 13 homes from 11 award-winning builders. To view an interactive map and to scan a QR Code of the home locations, directions and much more, please visit the mobile friendly website. This annual community event has contributed over $1.6 MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities. Proceeds from the Saratoga Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (www. rtsaratoga.org) and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties (www. glensfallshabitat.org). For more details on the 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit www. saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Check us out on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM and follow all the updates on this year’s event!
Campers at the Girls Construction Summer Camp work together on a framing project under the guidance of instructors, gaining hands-on experience while building confidence in the skilled trades.
Home / Energy
Heat Pump Technology Advances Make Mini Splits A Viable Option For North Country Homes
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
Compact heat pump systems are gaining popularity in the northeast as manufacturers make them increasingly efficient, and efficiency means savings on rising energy costs, said Ron LaDue, a BPI certified estimator and project manager with Jack Hall Plumbing and Heating. The family-owned company dates back to 1984 and is based in Glens Falls.
LaDue said about 20 percent of business involves the sale, installation and service of split heat pump systems for new construction, home renovations, and commercial buildings. But that percentage is “slowly increasing.”
“Five years ago very few brands of these systems ran efficiently, as far as capacity of the unit and energy usage,” he said.
Mini split systems involve wall units in selected rooms, which serve as heating and cooling zones, LaDue said. They make minimal noise and operate with a remote or smart phone.
Heat pumps pull heat from outside air to warm a residence and cold air to cool it. The system involves one or more exterior pumps that operate on electricity and have been especially efficient where weather is not extremely cold.
“Technology is getting to the point where the units are more suitable for single-digit temperatures and below,” said LaDue. “Every major brand today can run at -13 degrees and some claim as low as -22 degrees.”
“At these temperatures, heat pumps will provide 60 percent of their advertised capacity, which make them viable in areas like Scroon Lake,” he said.
If there are only a few negative double-digit days a year, oversizing the unit could cover those days, but up-front costs would be higher, he said.
“Some days there literally isn’t enough heat for the units to pull inside,” said LaDue. “The coil in the unit begins to ice up and the system shuts down. Modern technology allows them to defrost themselves, but at a certain point they cannot defrost fast enough.”
“Customers on the lake have accessories installed that protect the fan and coils from wind and snow,” he said. “But if temperatures sustain the negative twenties, the equipment will shut off until it is warm enough to come back on.”
Homeowners need a secondary heat source like a pellet stove or fireplace when the pump cannot, he said.
No such issues when it comes to cooling in summer. Split systems are more efficient than central air and thus cheaper to run.
Most customers are retrofitting an older home, LaDue said. Their numbers are growing, and the market is changing.
Next year all new residential construction in New York must be specced for a geothermal or heat pump system, he said. Lawmakers are eliminating oil, natural gas, and propane heat and appliances for home use.
“You’ll be seeing more houses with mini split systems, which are an easy installation for a smaller house,” said LaDue. “Homes more than 1,200 square feet need more than one pump.”
“A popular option now is a heat pump that uses the same outside unit as a mini split. It connects to an indoor air handler similar to a furnace, but is all electric,” he said.
LaDue said legislative change will nearly double the cost of new HVAC. But system efficiency over time offsets the cost.
While the U.S. Department of Energy claims “ductless heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by up to 30 percent compared to traditional electric resistance systems,” LaDue said savings are difficult to quantify because there are many variables.
Meanwhile, energy incentives help offset costs, but check a tax advisor. The federal tax credit, due to expire in 2025, is limited to income tax liability. Individuals should also investigate rebates at NYSERDA. ny.gov and their power company.
For the most control, look into the mini split. Each outdoor pump controls up to five head units, although one head cannot be heating while another is cooling, he said.
LaDue said the firm has several manufacturers they prefer to work with, but may consider another brand at the customer’s request.
“Our focus is on quality systems and workmanship,” said LaDue. “I tell people, go get three estimates and do the homework so someone doesn’t sell you a system that doesn’t work for you.”
“We won’t be the cheapest of the three and probably not the most expensive,” he said. “We will make sure that the customer is educated and prepared, because trends come and go and technology constantly changes, but our old-fashioned work ethic does not.”
Assured Home Inspections Focuses On Thorough And Trusted Service Delivery
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
When Mike Feeder of Assured Home Inspections is hired for a home inspection, he does three jobs.
He investigates the entire structure of the house and its systems. He detects what might be missing or done improperly. And he evaluates the current and future health and safety of the home.
Th is will take Feeder about three hours, whereas some competitors spend one and a half. So when customers ask, “How much is this going to cost,” he says they’re asking the wrong question.
“A home is probably the biggest investment they ever make,” said Feeder. “They should be asking themselves if this is a good time to cut corners on that investment.”
“I’ve been in this business for 35 years and used to build homes,” said Feeder. “I’m doing inspections for prior clients’ kids and in some cases, their grandkids. And I just inspected one house for the fourth time over the years.”
All home inspectors have licensing and educational requirements, plus continuing education, to meet standards set by the state. Th is means the licensed inspector demonstrates a basic knowledge of how the underlying systems in a home work, said Feeder.
“A home buyer or homeowner should want to know where their inspector got their training,” he said. “Was it a correspondence course, which was allowed years ago, or did they go to a school?”
“What matters most is the kind of information they are learning, because that is what can save a person from buying a money pit,” he said. “My job is not to save them money now, but later on.”
Long before it was required, Feeder drove out of state on Sunday nights and came home Fridays until he had enough credits to earn a full inspector’s certificate.
He’s still going to classes, twice the hours required for continuing education, to learn about new plumbing and heating systems, new electric systems, and safety updates. There is always new equipment and technology to learn, such as thermal imaging, on-contact moisture meters, sewer scopes, and drones for looking at a roof, he said.
“My tool pouch was much smaller 35 years
ago,” said Feeder. “But the benefit to clients is we fi nd things they would never be aware of without a home inspection.”
Feeder has several markets: home buyers, which is the largest group; home sellers preparing to put their house on the market; and homeowners who have lived in their home a long time and want to know if it is safe and how long it will last.
“The reason I got into home inspection is it’s my opportunity to introduce somebody to their new home,” said Feeder. “What do they need to know that could negatively or positively affect the value of that house, and what to keep an eye on for deferred maintenance.”
Inspectors look from the foundation to the top of the roof and everything that comes in and out, such as water and sewer line. They test for mold, pests, water flow, plus radon, irrigation, pools, and more. Feeder said he looks for signs of aging and for something that was either never installed correctly or needs servicing or updating. Inspectors must be, Feeder said, knowledgable and objective.
“Sometimes during a walk-through people get very emotional about a space,” he said. “My job is to take the emotion out of the decision.”
Mike Feeder of Assured Home Inspections prepares tools from his truck before an inspection.
Courtesy Assured Home Inspections
Far right, Jack Hall legend and founder, joined by Hall family members.
Courtesy Kaitlyn Tracy Photography
Nutrition / Fitness
No More Extreme Rules: Now Create Balanced Nutrition Plans You Can Enjoy For Life
BY JENNIE DORE MS, RD, CDN
When you decide to recommit to your health or weight loss journey, what are the first things you think you have to do?
Be more strict?
Eliminate foods?
Intermittent fast?
Be told exactly what to eat?
More willpower?
These are actually many of the actions limiting you from seeing the progress you desire. You don’t need to be extreme to be successful. Following more rules and eliminating aspects of your life you enjoy is actually setting you up to feel restricted and giving power to these foods. When we can’t have something we desire, we want it MORE. More often leads to access, and then feeling stuffed and guilty, which just continues to fuel the all-or-nothing diet rollercoaster.
Willpower is a temporary feeling. It is an emotion; emotions are fleeting. Instead of relying on temporary tactics, we need to create reliable strategies that set you up for success.
Understanding what YOUR body needs to feel your best and manage cravings, while including aspects of your life and nutrition you enjoy, is key to sticking with it and enjoying the process.
One of my favorite things that happens when I work with my clients is seeing them be able to add back in foods they either restricted out of fear of overeating, gaining weight, or thought they were intolerant to.
Yes, food allergies and intolerances are absolutely a real thing. But what I have seen with the hundreds of people I have worked with, more often, when we focus on the basics, digestion, energy, and stubborn fat loss improve.
The Basics of Nutrition and Wellness;
• Maintain a steady rhythm each day with regular eating intervals. Avoid waiting eight hours during the day between meals when you are absolutely ravenous. This is often when overeating and not making the best food choices happen. Creating a meal rhythm for your day can look many different ways based on your schedule, but in general, having three balanced meals, four to six hours apart, and adding a snack as needed is a good place to start.
• Plan ahead three balanced meals with sources of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Add in a snack or two based on
hunger levels and activity level. If you hope your meals work out for the day, this will likely not work to your advantage. Having nutrient-dense meals ready to grab during busy days does require some planning ahead. But taking this time ahead will ultimately save you time and stress, so you can focus on other things that need your attention and have the sustained energy to perform your best.
• Sit down, slow down, and chew your food. Making mealtime more intentional and limiting stressful activities will help with the digestion and absorption of your food. When you are present at your meal, you will also feel more satisfied after eating.
Nutrition can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be, when you know what works best for YOU. My recommendation is to ditch the allor-nothing thinking with dieting and nutrition. Bring it back to the basics of nutrition and wellness to create lasting results you feel good.
Learn more at www.jenniedore.com
Editor’s Note:
The September printed issue misidentified the article byline. The story should have been credited to Jennie Dore, MS, RD, CDN. We regret the error.
All Sports Facility Opens In Fort Edward With Multi-Sport Training And Competition Space
BY PAUL POST
Dan McQuay purchased the former Agway store on Upper Broadway in Fort Edward with the idea of flipping it for a profit.
Upon closer inspection, he quickly realized its 14- and 18-foot-high ceilings were just right for the business he’s always wanted to run.
The aptly-named All Sports Facility opened June 1 with training and competition space for a variety of activities including baseball, softball, pickleball, basketball, soccer, field hockey and lacrosse.
“I looked at it and said, I think we can make this work for just about any sport, not just baseball,” said McQuay, a Schuylerville resident and retired U.S. Marine. “Our big differentiator is that we’re catering to training in all disciplines.”
The building had been vacant for almost a decade when he bought it.
“Structurally it’s in great shape, but we replaced floors, plumbing and HVAC,” McQuay said.
Something “north of a million” dollars later, the gleaming interior has six baseball-softball cages, a basketball-pickleball court and a separate large indoor turf area for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey.
There’s also a strength and conditioning room with weights and exercise equipment.
Out back, behind the building are two lighted pickleball-basketball courts and a spacious fenced in grassy area for youth baseball or Pee Wee football practice. It may also be rented for special events such as birthday and graduation parties, “anything and everything you can think of,” McQuay said.
He adhered to a simple philosophy when pursuing his dream.
“Like they teach you in the Marines, if you’re going to do something, do it right!” he said. “I’ve been in a lot of different facilities. You know what you like and what you don’t. It’s got to be attractive. We’re not a gym. We’re a facility for space, so I wanted to make it appealing to the eye.”
Originally from St. Louis, McQuay is an avid baseball fan who grew up rooting for the Cardi-
nals, but fell in love with upstate New York after marrying his wife, a Glens Falls native.
During the COVID pandemic, he helped found the Schuylerville Stallions youth baseball program. There are several indoor sports facilities in the Glens Falls area, Clifton Park and immediate Capital District, but McQuay wanted to put his own stamp on something, close to home.
Previously, he’d taken his son and daughter, Schuylerville High School athletes, to a training center in Latham.
“In winter you don’t want to travel an hour to go practice or play a game,” he said.
All Sports Facility Manager Brittney Sprague said, “Parents are investing so much time and money, sometimes you spend more time in a car than practicing. It gets to be a lot. Dan really wanted a place where kids didn’t have to go so far.”
“You have a place to come inside here and practice if it rains or on those super crazy-hot summer days,” she said.
The baseball-softball cages have automatic pitching machines. One tunnel is equipped with Rapsodo technology that measures a pitched or batted ball’s metrics. There’s also a HitTrax that simulates live baseball.
Eventually, McQuay hopes to add golf simulators, further enhancing the site’s “All Sports” reputation.
Sprague is in charge of softball instruction, and McQuay is seeking qualified individuals to teach other sports.
Currently open from noon to 8 p.m., plans for call extending hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Oct. 1.
The venture’s success will largely hinge on time management. For example, pickleball courts may be rented to adults in morning, while afternoons and evenings are catered more to youth team sports.
“I believe there’s enough teams in all sports and enough population in all these communities – Queensbury, Glens Falls, South Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, Fort Edward and Schuylerville – to really make this work,” McQuay said.
Brittney Sprague feeds a baseball into a pitching machine at the new All Sports Facility, which opened recently on Upper Broadway in Fort Edward.
Jennie Dore MS, RD, CDN is a registered dietitian and a certified health coach.
Courtesy Jennie Dore
Morcon
Continued From Page 1
Division St., Saratoga Springs, where it employs 22 salaried workers. The converting operation has 48 hourly employees, and plans call for adding eight to 10 jobs there by the middle of next year.
In addition to upstate New York, the company has a converting facility in South Carolina. Paper purchased from overseas arrives in containers by ship, off-loaded in New York or Charleston, and trucked to converting plants.
Converting machinery cuts large rolls into fi nished products.
Raccuia said Morcon is fi nalizing plans for a warehouse in California and is also considering Texas.
Morcon’s Eagle Bridge facility is already listed for sale.
“I’m hoping that someone recognizes its potential,” Raccuia said. “It’s a beautiful building. If it’s not sold by the second quarter next year, we’ll use it to store paper or fi nished goods.”
Raccuia’s career in the Glens Falls-Saratoga region began more than 30 years ago, when he was named chief executive officer to lead a turnaround at the former Encore Paper Co. in
Home Inspections
Continued From Page 5
If informed of a problem, the home buyer can decide to negotiate the purchase price, ask the seller to share in the cost or replacement or repair, or move on to the next property. When home sellers have a pre-listing inspection done, they have the same valuable information at hand to anticipate what might come up and what they may wish to repair before putting their home on the market, Feeder said. “I can tell you when it’s a buyer’s market because more sellers call for an appointment,” he said.
South Glens Falls.
Encore was purchased by SCA Tissue in 2001, and Raccuia became president and CEO of SCA Tissue North America, leading the business to more than $1 billion in sales.
In 2009, he decided to stay closer to home and crossed the river to join Finch Paper in Glens Falls as president and CEO. He purchased Morcon four years later.
SCA Tissue was renamed Essity in 2017. In 2023, it ceased operating in upstate New York and Arizona and shifted all paper-making to Wisconsin, Kentucky and Alabama.
Essity is a competitor of Morcon’s, but Raccuia said he had bittersweet feelings about the South Glens Falls mill’s closure because that’s where he started out locally.
Essity has refused to sell its properties to another papermaking company. “That prohibits a lot of people from doing anything with it,” Raccuia said.
Similarly, Lehigh Hanson cement company refused to sell its Glens Falls plant to a competitor after shuttering the facility in 2023, leaving two large industrial sites vacant with questionable prospects for reuse.
Any long-term homeowner who wants to prevent a minor problem from evolving into a big expense will get value from periodic maintenance inspections.
“Houses change like children grow,” he said. “Just as I didn’t notice reaching 6’1”, what starts out small in the home grows slowly over time and you don’t notice the incremental changes.”
“Whether inspecting a million dollar home or a shack, when my report is complete I want to be comfortable saying, I would let my kids live here,” Feeder said.
Assured Home Inspections serves all of the Capital Region and North Country.
Visit www.asrdhome.co for more details.
Insurance / Employee Benefits
Business Report
Designing Benefits to Meet Multi-Generational
BY ROSE MILLER
The workplace is more multigenerational than ever. With many employees delaying retirement and Generation Z entering in full force, as many as five generations are now working side by side. This diversity brings incredible strengths, but it also creates challenges. Each generation carries distinct values and expectations, and business leaders must recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach to employee benefits no longer works.
As I advise companies, I often remind them that wages and benefits are more than a cost of doing business—they are a core recruiting and retention strategy. To remain competitive, organizations must evaluate their benefits through the lens of their workforce’s evolving needs. And today’s employees are asking for much more than health insurance and a 401(k).
Here are some of the benefits I see gaining the most traction in the marketplace:
• Flexible work arrangements: Employees value flexibility, whether it’s hybrid schedules or the ability to set their own hours. While not possible in every industry, flexible models allow organizations to balance employer needs with employees’ desire for work-life balance.
• Health and wellness programs: Mental health support is no longer a “nice-to-have.” Employees are experiencing higher levels of stress and burnout, and benefits such as counseling, mental health days or therapy access can be game changers.
• Fitness perks: Gym memberships or fitness discounts not only encourage healthy lifestyles but also reduce long-term health costs for employers.
• Comprehensive health insurance: Benefits that cover dental, vision and even alternative care are especially appealing. Enhancements such as cancer prevention programs or IVF coverage show employees that employers are paying attention to real-life needs.
• Professional development: Younger generations in particular are “screaming” for mentorship and training. Investing in courses, certifications and leadership development not only supports growth but also strengthens succession planning.
• Financial wellness programs: Student loan debt and retirement planning weigh heavily on employees. Providing financial guidance or assistance not only reduces stress but also fosters loyalty.
• Family support: Supplementing paid family leave, childcare assistance or on-site childcare can help address the very real family support crisis many
working parents face today.
• Recognition and rewards: High-performing employees want to be acknowledged beyond base pay. Incentives, bonuses and even peer recognition programs are effective in driving performance.
• Equity and inclusion: Benefits that reflect workforce diversity—such as gender-affirming care— demonstrate commitment to inclusivity and can reduce conflict while building understanding.
• Pet-friendly perks: For many employees, pets are family. Coverage for veterinary costs or designated pet-at-work days is increasingly expected.
• Time off and sabbaticals: Trust-based vacation policies and extended sabbaticals recognize that productivity is measured by outcomes, not hours in a chair.
• Unique perks: Low-cost options such as streaming service discounts or paid volunteer days can also go a long way in building goodwill and engagement.
Managing a workforce across generations requires intentionality. Ignoring generational differences in benefit preferences is shortsighted. But when companies diversify and target their offerings, they not only enhance employee satisfaction but also strengthen their ability to attract and retain top talent in a competitive labor market. In short, benefits are no longer an administrative line item—they are a strategic tool.
Employers who adapt will have the advantage.
Rose Miller is president of Suite Advice LLC. She can be reached at rosemiller@suiteadvicellc.com
Business Report
Life Insurance Purpose In Retirement
BY DAVID M. KOPYC, CRPC®
As life expectancies increase, retirement planning now involves preparing not just for an individual’s final years, but for a potentially decades-long period of health and financial needs.
For the growing number of blended families, this reality brings unique challenges in legacy planning. Ensuring fairness and security for both a current spouse and children from a previous marriage requires careful foresight. Fortunately, new linked-benefit products—which combine life insurance with long-term care (LTC) coverage—offer a versatile and tax-efficient solution that addresses both needs simultaneously.
Navigating the complexities of blended families in retirement
In a traditional family structure, asset division is often straightforward, with the surviving spouse typically inheriting the bulk of the estate. For blended families, however, this approach can inadvertently disinherit children from a prior marriage. For example, if a parent leaves everything to their new spouse, that spouse could later change their will to leave all assets to their biological children, leaving the first-marriage children with nothing. This can cause significant rifts and legal battles, especially with larger estates.
Even without overt family conflict, a blended family’s financial security is more complex. A couple may be focused on providing for their current spouse, while also wanting to leave a meaningful inheritance for their respective children. In the event one spouse needs long-term care, the substantial cost can quickly deplete the couple’s shared assets, including the very inheritance they intended for their children.
The modern solution: Linked-benefit life insurance
For those seeking to secure both longterm care and a guaranteed legacy, linkedbenefit products have emerged as a strategic solution. These hybrid policies integrate the dual benefits of life insurance and longterm care coverage into a single contract. By repurposing an asset, a policyholder can leverage it to provide income tax-free long-term care benefits. The key advantage is the “no use, no lose” proposition: If the LTC benefits are never used, the full death benefit is paid out to beneficiaries. This removes the risk of paying premiums for a traditional LTC policy that could go unused.
For blended families, this duality is especially powerful. A linked-benefit policy can be structured to pay for an individual’s
long-term care needs, protecting shared assets from being spent on custodial or nursing home care. After their passing, the remaining death benefit (or a guaranteed minimum) is then paid directly to designated beneficiaries, such as children from a previous marriage, helping to equalize inheritances without a complicated estate battle.
Tailoring linked-benefit products for blended family legacy
To effectively use linked-benefit products for blended family legacy planning, consider these strategies:
• Equalize inheritances: For many blended families, ensuring an equitable distribution of wealth is paramount. A linked-benefit policy can be used to create a dedicated, tax-free cash legacy for children from a prior marriage. The death benefit provides a financial safety net and ensures that they will not be excluded from their inheritance, regardless of future family circumstances.
• Fund an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT): For more complex or larger estates, an ILIT can provide greater control. By transferring ownership of the linkedbenefit policy to an ILIT, the death benefit can be managed by a trustee and distributed according to specific instructions. This strategy can help avoid estate taxes and ensure the proceeds are handled according to the grantor’s wishes, bypassing potential family disputes.
• Cover estate taxes and expenses: For estates with significant illiquid assets, such as real estate or a family business, life insurance provides the necessary liquidity to cover estate taxes and final expenses. This prevents the forced sale of valuable assets to
Continued On Page 11
David M. Kopyc, CRPC®, president of Retirement Planning Group LLC in Saratoga Springs. Courtesy Retirement Planning Grouop LLC
Rose Miller, President of Suite Advice, LLC.
• Business Report Consider An M&A Advisor When Selling
BY KATHLENE THIEL
When a business owner decides to sell their company, it’s often the culmination of years— sometimes decades—of hard work, sacrifice, and strategic growth. Yet, despite the emotional and fi nancial weight of such a decision, many entrepreneurs attempt to navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) without professional guidance. That’s where an M&A advisor steps in—not just as a broker, but as a strategic partner, negotiator, and process leader who can dramatically improve outcomes.
Selling a company is a nuanced, multi-phase journey involving valuation, due diligence, legal structuring, and emotional decisionmaking. Most business owners are experts in their industry but not mergers & acquisitions. An advisor educates you on each step of the process, from initial preparation to fi nal closing. They demystify terms like “quality of earnings,” “working capital peg,” and “reps and warranties,” ensuring you’re informed and confident. More importantly, they lead the process—setting timelines, managing milestones, and keeping all parties aligned. Without this leadership, deals can stall, unravel, or leave value on the table.
A well-prepared Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) or offering document can make or break buyer interest. M&A advisors know how to present your company’s story in a compelling, credible, and strategic way. They highlight strengths, mitigate perceived risks, and position the business for maximum valuation. These documents aren’t just marketing tools—they’re the foundation for buyer diligence and negotiation. A sloppily prepared CIM can signal disorganization or lack of professionalism, while a polished one reinforces your credibility and sets the tone for serious engagement.
Negotiating a business sale isn’t just about price—it’s about structure, terms, and future obligations. Advisors bring deep experience in deal negotiation, helping you avoid common pitfalls like earnouts with unrealistic targets, overly broad indemnifications, or unfavorable working capital adjustments. They understand market norms and can push for favorable terms while maintaining buyer goodwill. Crucially, they function as a buffer—allowing you to maintain relationships and avoid emotional entanglements that can derail negotiations. When tensions rise, the advisor absorbs the heat, preserving your position and dignity.
Buyers—especially institutional ones— scrutinize every aspect of a deal. The presence of a seasoned M&A advisor signals that you’re serious, prepared, and professional. It reassures buyers that the process will be well-managed and that you have realistic expectations.
Th is credibility can attract more qualified buyers, increase competitive tension, and ultimately drive better offers. Advisors also help you anticipate buyer concerns and proactively address them, reducing surprises and smoothing the path to closing.
Selling a company is time-consuming. Without an advisor, you or your management team can become overwhelmed—juggling buyer calls, diligence requests, and legal reviews while still running the business. Th is distraction can hurt performance, which ironically affects valuation. Advisors act as gatekeepers, fi ltering requests, managing communications, and shielding your team from unnecessary distractions. They ensure the business stays focused and healthy throughout the sale process, preserving value and momentum.
A $20 million offer isn’t always better than a $17 million one—depending on how it’s structured. Advisors help you understand the nuances of deal economics: cash vs. stock, earnouts, escrows, rollover equity, and tax implications. They collaborate closely with accountants and attorneys to model different scenarios and optimize outcomes. These details can have millions of dollars of impact— and are often overlooked without expert guidance.
An M&A advisor is not just a broker— they’re a strategist, negotiator, educator, and advocate. They bring order to complexity, maximize value, and protect your interests every step of the way. For business owners contemplating a sale, engaging an advisor isn’t just a smart move—it’s a transformative one. In a world where one misstep can cost millions, the right advisor can make all the difference.
Kathlene Th iel, MBA is a M&A Master Intermediary, Certified Business Intermediary and Certified Valuation Analyst at ThielGroup.
Kathlene Thiel, MBA, CVA M&A Master Intermediary at Thiel Group.
Continued From Page 1
Gale, a native of Massena, N.Y., began his executive career as general manager of New York City’s iconic Cafeteria, a $12 million a year operation. Subsequently, he contributed his leadership and operational skills to Brooklyn Winery, Butter Group, 1 Oak, Burger & Lobster, and Chow Down Hospitality Group.
In 2016, he became director of operations for Barcade, a $36 million per year powerhouse in the hospitality industry, where he managed locations in seven states.
Currently, in addition to his other endeavors, he owns CCG Hospitality, a consulting firm specializing in system implementation and preopening projects for small businesses in New York and New Jersey.
Denham, a native of Gonzales, Louisiana, started his professional career in musical theater. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University and a graduate degree from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. He has performed across New York state, regionally, and in national tours.
In 2015, he transitioned to the hospitality industry, where he was instrumental in opening four acclaimed restaurants in New York City and one in London.
In 2019, he founded da Toscano, an Italian restaurant in Greenwich Village, and in 2024 he spearheaded the launch of Midnight by Navarros’s, a $15 million Manhattan West project that merged a wine bar, restaurant, and live music venue.
“I’ve always been in the orbit of hospitality,” he said. “I grew up in the world of theater and dance, but when I needed play money or to put gas in my car I would work at a restaurant. Even in college and between gigs when I was performing I would go back to a restaurant job as a server, host or bartender. After working consistently as an actor for four years I decided to pivot and go full time into the hospitality business.”
Gale and Denham chose the Phila Street location for a variety of reasons.
“We liked the quieter, more European feel of the area,” said Denham. “And it’s right across the street from Bocage, which we’ve owned for
three-and-a-half years, so the two complement each other.”
The space, which had previously housed Ravenous and Trattoria Fortunata, required extensive renovations, which were done by Saratoga Springs-based Moreau Associates.
The ambiance of Standard Fare is enhanced by the work of local artist Daniel Fairley, who describes his style as “broadly accessible absurdity.”
“A Saratoga restaurant has to have some sort of horse-themed art so we asked him to have fun with that idea and he came up with sort of a goofy take on Saratoga horse racing called Thad’s Pick,” Gale said. “We also have a piece called Duck, Duck, Goose, which is kind of a tribute to the Congress Park ducks.”
In the short time the restaurant has been open several of Fairley’s pieces have sold.
In keeping with the laid back focus of the restaurant the owners contracted with Whitman Brewing Company of Saratoga Spring to create a signature beer. Dubbed Phila Street Low Life, it is a humorous nod to the famous Miller High Life that is the only beer they sell at Bocage.
“Miller High Life is known as The Champagne of Beers and since Bocage is a champagne bar we felt it was appropriate to offer it as a choice for our guests,” Denham said.
According to him, Bocage stocks, between sparkling and stills, about 110 different wine options by the glass and bottle.
Standard Fare sources its food supplies locally as much as possible. The pork chops come from Oscar’s Smokehouse in Warrensburg, greens come from Foothills Farm in Greenfield Center, seafood is from Earth & Sea in Manchester Center, Vt., and ground beef is from Reliable Brothers of Green Island.
Between the two venues 32 area residents are employed in the kitchens and fronts of the houses.
The entrepreneurs have no intention of stopping with their Saratoga locations. Denham said they’re in no rush but are talking about expanding both the Bocage and Standard Fare concepts within a reasonable distance from the Spa City.;
To learn more about Standard Fare go to standardfaresaratoga.com. More information about Bocage Champagne Bar is available at bocagechampagnebar.com.
StoredTech
Recognized Among Top Managed Service Providers on Two National Lists
Stored Technology Solutions, Inc. (StoredTech) has been named to two national managed-services rankings for 2025: CRN’s MSP 500 (Pioneer 250 category) and Channel Partners’ MSP 501. The recognitions underscore the company’s growth and client-fi rst approach in managed IT, cybersecurity and cloud services.
CRN’s Pioneer 250 highlights fi rms delivering core services that improve business efficiency and returns on technology investments. Channel Partners’ MSP 501, now in its 18th year, evaluates providers on fi nancial performance, growth, innovation and customer outcomes. StoredTech was also selected as one of only 10 global nominees for the MSP 501 “Newcomer of the Year” award, recognizing stand-
Racing Season
Continued From Page 1
amount ever wagered on a single day in the summer meet’s history.
Total paid attendance of 1,061,787 was up slightly from 2024, and marked the 10th consecutive year that more than one million people visited the track.
Fans had two opportunities to see leading Horse of the Year candidate, Sovereignty, who captured the Belmont and Travers, making him the first horse in 30 years to wins those races and the Kentucky Derby.
However, average daily paid attendance for the 40-day didn’t quite measure up to last year’s figure (26,544 versus 26,951).
Likewise, all-sources handle ($791,129,471 versus $803,806,964), average daily handle ($19,778,237 versus $20,610,435) and total ontrack handle ($136,218,024 versus $136,295,228) were all down slightly, too.
This might be an indication that nine days of racing prior to the 40-day meet detracted from the regular season a bit.
But New York Racing Association officials say
out fi rst-time honorees.
“It’s great to be recognized for what we have built here at StoredTech,” said President David Andrade, noting the company’s dedication to high-level service and support that helps clients navigate complex IT and meet business goals.
The honors come as StoredTech marks its 15th anniversary. Since its founding, the company has grown from a local IT provider to a nationally recognized leader, attributing success to sustained investment in people, processes and technology. For organizations exploring IT partnerships, the dual listings signal a provider able to deliver secure, scalable and innovative solutions that drive long-term results.
there were many important gains. For example, Saratoga Live, the critically acclaimed and awardwinning show produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, celebrated its 10th season providing daily coverage and in-depth analysis of the summer meet to a nationwide audience on the FOX Sports family of networks.
The partnership between NYRA and FOX Sports has since grown to include FOX Saratoga Saturday, which returned in 2025 for six consecutive Saturdays. The series was bookended by a special edition of FOX Saratoga Sunday, presented by Caesars Sportsbook, on the penultimate day of the summer meet for the 107th running of the Jockey Club Gold Cup, while FOX also broadcast the Belmont Derby Invitational on Independence Day during the July 4th Racing Festival.
“We thank each and every fan who visited Saratoga Race Course throughout the season, and all those who watched and wagered from home thanks to the expansive television coverage on FOX Sports,” NYRA President David O’Rourke said.
Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus said the 2025 racing calendar gave local business a huge boost.
“We know that through July, sales tax collections were up in both the city and the county from the prior year,” he said. “Hotel occupancy, average daily rate, and revenue per available room for the first seven months is also up from the prior year. Demand for lodging was up, and where people stay is where they spend their money. Clearly with NYRA having paid attendance figure above 1 million plus tens of thousands who attended the Belmont Stakes and July 4th festivals, this summer’s meet played a key role in our local economic success.”
“The word on the street anecdotally backs up these data points in that I’ve heard from numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, and other attractions that this summer was better than a year ago for sales,” Shimkus said. “With the economic uncertainty that is out there, our local economy proved to be resilient as Saratoga remains a place where people want to visit and where they see value for their money.”
Among the 40-day meet’s many highlights, Irad Ortiz, Jr. bested his brother, Jose, to repeat as leading rider and claim the Angel Cordero, Jr. title; Chad Brown and Todd Pletcher shared the H. Allen Jerkens training title; and Repole Stable secured the meet’s leading owner title.
NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (STAR) tripled its membership with 2,579 youth participating in the popular program that launched a year earlier. Featuring behind-thescenes access into the world of thoroughbred racing, NYRA STAR members experienced Saratoga through exclusive on-track events and educational opportunities.
The inaugural Kids Day was held in conjunction with the NYRA STAR program and included a mascot race won by Gunner, the official mascot of the Adirondack Thunder.
NYRA hosted and recognized the 2025 Class C Baseball State Champion Saratoga Central Catholic School Saints and the 2025 Class AAA Baseball State Champion Saratoga Springs High School Blue Streaks with a pair of named races in their honor. Both local programs captured state titles this past spring for the first time ever.
Saratoga’s popular Breakfast and Breeding Farm tour, a fan favorite since its launch in 2022, hosted more than 1,000 visitors at Sugar Plum Farm, Old Tavern Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds. The program, which features Breakfast at Saratoga and a guided tour of a local breeding farm, was offered four days each week during the meet.
settle
and ensures they can be passed on to the intended heirs intact.
• Protect the surviving spouse: Using a linked-benefit policy to pre-fund potential long-term care costs protects the couple’s primary nest egg from being drained by healthcare expenses. This allows the surviving spouse to maintain their lifestyle and ensures that other assets, like the family home, are preserved for future generations.
How linked-benefit products work
Linked-benefit products offer a variety of payment structures, providing flexibility for different financial situations. Policyholders can choose to fund their policy with a single, lump-sum premium or a series of payments over a set number of years, often 10. This predictability of cost is a major benefit, as unlike traditional LTC insurance, the premiums are typically fixed and cannot be increased by the insurer.
The policies are built on a permanent life insurance chassis and provide a death benefit that is a multiple of the initial premium. If long-term care is needed, a portion of the death benefit can be “accelerated” to pay for qualified LTC expenses. The amount of accelerated benefit, and the duration it
can be paid, vary by policy. If the policyholder passes away without ever needing long-term care, the death benefit is paid to the beneficiaries. If some, but not all, of the LTC benefits are used, the remaining death benefit is still paid out. Some policies even offer a guaranteed return of premium, allowing the policy to be surrendered after a certain period to get back some or all of the initial investment.
A comprehensive approach to retirement security
Life insurance with linked-benefit products has transformed from a simple death benefit tool into a dynamic financial instrument for comprehensive retirement planning. For blended families, it is a particularly effective way to overcome complex legacy challenges and secure financial futures. By addressing the dual risks of costly long-term care and potential inheritance disputes, these products offer peace of mind. Consulting with a qualified financial advisor is the best way to explore how a linked-benefit policy can be customized to fit a blended family’s specific goals, ensuring that both spouses are protected and that a lasting, equitable legacy is passed down to all intended heirs.
