Week of January 15 – January 21, 2016
Party Tent Firm Changes Hands SARATOGA SPRINGS — After 20 years, Wally Allerdice, Keith Potter, and T.R. Pennell decided to sell Allerdice Party Rent All. It was purchased by Joe Belmonte, who has been in the tent business locally for almost ten years, effective Monday, January 11. The new name of the company is Joe Belmonte and Son Tents and Events, but that is the biggest change customers will notice. The front end of the shop is still run by manager Heather Mabee and Darla Pucheu. Pennell said the partners have been considering selling for the last year and a half. In a written statement, Pennell said, “One of the main reasons for selling within the past year is because some dynamics changed within the ownership, and after that we felt that we needed to concentrate on the tool rental side, which does a larger volume of business. We would like to congratulate the Belmonte and Son Tents and Events and wish them well. Some of the staff is staying on, so the transition should be seamless. We are confident that the reputation we’ve built over the past 20 years will continue with the new owners and hope our loyal customers will continue to do business with a local and family owned business as they have in the past. We would like to thank our loyal customers for their patronage over the past 20 years at Allerdice Party Rent-All!”
Pennell said the partners have been considering selling for the last year and a half. Belmonte and Son is remaining in the same Allerdice location at 30 Storage Lane with the same phone number, 518-5841412. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 5 and Saturdays by appointment only.
New Face at Saratoga Springs DBA
BUSINESS BRIEFS 11 field coach at Saratoga Central Catholic School, a board member of The Creative Place International, and the founder of the kLaVoy5k, a community event that raises awareness for Donate Life. DBA members will have a chance to meet Lawrence at the General Membership Meeting on January 20 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
Local Polka Radio Show Expands South
The Polka Magic Radio Network aired its first broadcast at the Skidmore College Radio station on June 1, 1985. The popular weekly ethnic Polish radio program is hosted by John “Lil-Jas” Lesniewski and Robert “Happy Bob” Pawlak. They provide community information for local and national events to promote the Polish-American heritage. Requests and dedications are taken at 518-580-5783 or polkamagicradio@gmail.com.
Healthy Living Market & Cafe Kicks off the New Year with a New Look SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tonya Lawrence has joined The Saratoga Downtown Business Association as the Director of Promotion and Marketing, a position filled after a dedicated search by search committee members Clark Brink and Fran Dingeman, as well as the DBA Board of Directors. Lawrence, the owner of Pellegrini Events, has been planning, managing, and executing local and national events over the past 13 years. Her impressive repertoire includes: weddings, philanthropic galas, corporate occasions, non-forprofits events, and US Military meetings. A 1994 graduate of Russell Sage College in Troy, Lawrence studied theatre and literature. She has a passion for the arts and is actively involved in her community. She is the track and
Happy Bob Pawlak (left) John Lesniewski (right)
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Polka Magic Radio Network of Saratoga Springs, produced out of Skidmore College Radio WSPN FM 91.1, is expanding its audience reach. The program will have its weekly syndicated polka show on radio stations in the Mohawk Valley, including WIZR 930 AM and 102.9 FM in Johnstown, in addition to WKAJ “The Bigfoot” 1120 AM in St. Johnsville. This was made possible through an agreement with the Cranesville Radio Network of 1250 Riverfront Center in Amsterdam. Recently the Polka Magic Radio Network’s broadcast has been added to the Polish New Castle radio group, streaming Polka’s nationwide at http://www.polishnewcastleradio.com.
SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT — Healthy Living Market & Café has partnered with well-known Portland, Oregon designer Draplin Design Company to create a new logo and branding for its stores and online presence. The family-owned natural foods supermarket with stores in Burlington, Vermont and Saratoga Springs, New York, will be introducing the logo this week along with a new rebranded website at www.healthylivingmarket.com. Known for always incorporating the apple into its branding as a symbol of where Healthy Living started (30 years ago in Vermont), the new logo has evolved with a simpler, more modern apple and thicker lines that create a clear and distinct wordmark designed by Draplin.
Sutton to Chair County IDA
WILTON — On Monday, January 11, Rodney Sutton, 66, was unanimously elected by the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency to chair the public benefit corporation. His election at the annual organizational meeting, which took place in the Wilton Town Hall, replaced Ray Callanan, the former chair. Sutton is a native of Saratoga Springs and owner of the Sutton and Tarantino Insurance Agency. He is a graduate of Cornell University with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Licensed by the State of New York, Rod is an active business leader, spokesperson, and fundraiser for the community. Some of his past accomplishments include President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Saratoga County. He has supported and continues to dedicate time to raise monies for numerous organizations including Saratoga Central Catholic School, Saratoga Hospital, YMCA, and the Elks Club. Rod lives in Saratoga Springs with his wife Amy, and two daughters Katherine and Patricia.