Month: April 2025

Education Foundation Funds Student Projects

April 21, 2025

The Ballston Spa Education Foundation (BSEF)has announced the recipients of its 2025 grant awards. This year, BSEF received eight innovative proposals from across the district. After careful review, five projects were selected for funding, totaling $8,798.97. While not every request could be supported in this cycle, applicants were provided with constructive feedback and encouraged to reapply in the future.

Funded Projects for 2025 Include:

Gordon Creek M.O.V.E. Room Coffee Cart

A student-run coffee cart designed to develop fine motor skills, social interaction, and basic business operations. The initiative uses assistive technology to ensure inclusivity and builds on the success of a similar program previously funded at the Middle School level.

Birch High School

Special Education School Store

Led by 12:1:1 Life Skills students and the Ballston Buddies Club, this project enhances business education through hands-on experience managing a school store. It offers real-world business learning while engaging the wider school community.

Outdoor Expression Swing

at Gordon Creek

RISE Launches Saratoga County’s First Extended-Care Addiction Recovery Program

April 21, 2025

Sybil Newell, executive director of RISE Housing and Support Services, speaks at the launch event for RISE Above, Saratoga County’s first extended-care addiction recovery program.
Courtesy RISE Housing and Support Services

By Susan Elise Campbell

A new program by RISE Housing and Support Services is the first residential rehabilitation facility in Saratoga County that enables those recovering from substance abuse to extend care for an additional three to six months.

Called RISE Above, people who have come out of a standard 28-day rehabilitation program can enter RISE Above voluntarily to continue getting the help they need to reintegrate into life and gain independence, according to Sybil Newell, RISE executive director.

“Saratoga County has had no residential treatment facility for people struggling with sobriety until now,” said Newell. “I’ve looked forward to this program for forever.”

Alcohol abuse is the most common addiction RISE treats, but Newell said opioid addiction is the biggest issue in the county. She said that a growing number of people with addiction are dependent on multiple substances.

“Addiction is such a multi-faceted disorder,” she said. “And it can affect anyone. It is not limited to socio-economic or mental health conditions.”

Whether starting a journey of recovery or continuing one, Newell and her associates at RISE say a continuum of the care is “life saving” because of the “alarming rate of relapse” following rehabilitation.

Bridging Medicine And Law: Dr. Carrie Barber’s Specialized Consulting Empowers Legal Teams

April 21, 2025

Dr. Carrie Barber provides expert medical legal consulting for complex healthcare cases.
Courtesy Barber Medical Legal Nurse Consulting LLC

By Ann Donnelly

In the complex world of medical legal cases, having an expert who understands the nuances of both the medical and legal fields is invaluable. Dr. Carrie Barber, founder and principal medical legal consultant of Barber Medical Legal Nurse Consulting, LLC, brings a unique and powerful perspective to this specialized area. With 25 years of nursing experience and a wealth of qualifications, including a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and certification as a nurse midwife, which she passionately still practices, Barber has carved out a niche that blends her extensive clinical knowledge with risk management expertise.

Barber’s journey began with a deep commitment to women’s healthcare, working in labor and delivery and serving as a nursing professor. However, her move into independent consulting in September 2021 allowed her to leverage her varied experience. “My previous work roles have been the milestones that have taken me to this point in my career where I have been able to develop an independent and dependent medical legal consulting practice,” Barber explains.

Her ability to view cases from multiple angles—medical, nursing, and hospital administration—makes her an exceptionally valuable asset to her clients. This comprehensive understanding allows her to provide in-depth analysis and support in complex cases, particularly those involving maternal, neonatal, and fetal birth injuries and wrongful death.

Transitioning from hospital administration and academia to entrepreneurship presented its challenges. Barber candidly admits, “I was naive to the ongoing marketing and networking and the need for just constant efforts to connect with potential clients.” However, she quickly learned the importance of persistence and networking, dedicating specific days to marketing and networking. LinkedIn has also proven to be a valuable platform for her, connecting her with clients nationwide.

Saratoga Spine Care’s Integration Into Saratoga Hospital Will Improve The Patient Experience

April 21, 2025

Saratoga Spine Care, located at 31 Myrtle Street in Saratoga Springs, is now part of Saratoga Hospital and the Albany Med Health System.
Courtesy Saratoga Business Journal

By Rod Bacon

On April 21, Saratoga Spine became part of Saratoga Hospital and by extension part of the Albany Med Health System.

The practice sold its building at 31 Myrtle Street in Saratoga Springs to the hospital in March, 2024, but has continued to provide services there since the sale. It has been renamed Saratoga Spine Care and the same level of quality care will still be available, according to Allie Curran, director of marketing & communications at Saratoga Hospital.

“The acquisition will greatly benefit the services we are able to offer our patients throughout the region,” she said. “Furthermore, it strengthens Saratoga Hospital’s commitment to serve the people of the Saratoga region by providing them access to excellence in healthcare in a supportive and caring environment.”

In addition to its Myrtle Street location Saratoga Spine has offices at 7 Murray Street in Glens Falls and 16 Degrandpre Way in Plattsburgh. The Plattsburgh location will remain the same but the Glens Falls office has been moved to 161 Carey Road in Queensbury, Hudson Headwaters Health Network’s location.

The Success Of Benson’s Pet Centers Aided By Strong Commitment Of Extended Family

April 21, 2025

NYS Senator Jim Tedisco presents a plaque commemorating the 25th anniversary of Benson’s Pet Center’s Wilton store to President Ryan Kramer, Sr. as family members and staff look on.
Courtesy of Benson’s Pet Centers

By Rod Bacon

Entrepreneurship is all about seizing the day. When someone with an entrepreneurial spirit recognizes a viable business opportunity they act upon it.

What started as a small fish room inside Benson’s Pet Shop in Wilton’s Pyramid Mall in 1992 has grown over the past 33 years to a family-owned-and-operated business with eight locations in the Capital District, Upstate New York, and Massachusetts.

As a youngster Ryan Kramer became interested in aquatics and his father, Frank, bought him his first fish tank when he was 12. His interest in fresh-water fish never waned and 10 years later he had the opportunity to purchase multiple fish tanks from a Ballston Spa store that was getting out of that area of the pet business. Shortly thereafter, he walked into the mall’s pet store looking for fish. There were none. The owner, a self-described “dog guy” who had named the store after his pet beagle, Benson, suggested that Ryan set up his fish tanks in an unused section of the store. He sold fish and fish supplies.

The Town Of Greenfield Welcomes Vicki’s Pizzeria & Market To The Community

April 21, 2025

Greenfield Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch (holding pizza) stands with (from left) Walt Brownell, George Goss and Tony Ippoliti, the owner and staff, respectively, of Vicki’s Pizzeria & Market.
Photo by Jenn Ginley

By Rod Bacon

When Walt Brownell realized there was a dearth of pizzerias and grocery stores in the Town of Greenfield he filled the void by opening Vicki’s Pizzeria & Market.

“There were no pizzerias in the immediate area and the only nearby store selling groceries is a Stewart’s Shop in Greenfield Center. People have to go to Saratoga Springs or Corinth to find a large grocery store,” said Brownell. “Our grocery department is fully stocked with most items a household needs.”

This includes a large variety of deli meats, Cabot cheeses, milk, bread, cereal, soap and paper products. Also available in the deli department are wings, smoked brisket, corned beef, and breakfast sandwiches. For $12 customers can get a foot-long, fully stacked sub.

“We’re new to the grocery business so we’re taking suggestions from customers about what they’d like us to add to our inventory,” Brownell said.

The pizzeria offers 24-cut, 12-cut, and six-cut Sicilian pies, as well as medium and large New Yorkers. Prices range from $11 to $24.

The Still At Speckled Pig To Bring Craft Spirits And Elevated Pub Fare To Ballston Spa

April 21, 2025

A rendering of The Still at Speckled Pig, a new distillery and gastropub set to open next to the popular Speckled Pig Brewing Co. in Ballston Spa.
Courtesy Speckled Pig

By Susan Elise Campbell

Three years after opening The Speckled Pig Brewing Co. in the heart of Ballston Spa, the owners set their sights on the building next door and another business venture to build their brand: The Still at Speckled Pig.

Partners RJ Elliott, Randy Elliott, Kelly Delaney Elliott, Larry Heid, and Mary Jo Heid were keenly interested when the owner of Jim’s Garage at 17 Washington Street approached the Elliotts last summer with an offer to sell, according to Larry Heid.

“We were kicking around ideas to increase our revenue stream with a new restaurant. I loved the idea of spirits because if you’re a good brewer, you can be a good distiller,” said Heid, who was a home brewer when he joined the Elliott Family to launch Speckled Pig.

The partners hope that come this July, The Still will be selling its own brand of vodka, gin, rum, and, after it has aged two or more years, whiskey and bourbon.

Speckled Pig was the first company in the Village to craft their own beer onsite and to serve their own label on tap. Now with The Still at Speckled Pig, customers will be able to sip on spirits and craft cocktails, eat elevated pub food, and see through to the distilling equipment where the liquor in their glass was made, Heid said.

Upstate Bug Busters Gives Homeowners Peace Of Mind By Eliminating Unwanted Insects

April 21, 2025

Blake Mahieu uses a high-pressure delivery system to rid customers’ properties of insects.
Courtesy of Upstate Bug Busters

By Rod Bacon

It is never too early to embark on a career as an entrepreneur.

When he was 11 years old, Blake Mahieu started mowing lawns in his neighborhood, soon adding other yard maintenance tasks to his services. He built his client roster to 25 weekly clients, continuing to operate this business through his high school years at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany.

Never one to rest on his laurels, however, he added another business to his resume while still a student. A family friend in New Jersey had a company specializing in eliminating irritating insects from residential properties.

“He offered to show me the ropes and didn’t want any equity in the company, and I thought ‘when is an opportunity like this ever going to happen again’ so I jumped at it,” Mahieu said.

He established Upstate Bug Busters, a company that protects outdoor spaces from unwanted insects like ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, gnats, spiders, ants, stink bugs and chinch bugs. He uses an all-natural, environmentally friendly solution that is delivered via a high-pressure system mounted on a truck that ensures maximum coverage of a client’s property. The formula was devised by the family friend, who also manufactures and markets it nationwide. Mahieu purchases it from him.

He said the solution contains all natural essential oils rather than harsh chemicals. The high volume 300 psi delivery system allows him to fully saturate all the areas where bugs live, which include lawns, plants, tree trunks, most flower beds, retaining walls, and the bottom sides of leaves. To ensure full coverage he sprays 30 feet into any woods surrounding the property.

“For a while I was operating both businesses simultaneously but Bug Busters really took off so I gave up the lawn business last year to concentrate on it,” said Mahieu.

Luizzi Companies Will Soon Start Construction Of 146 Marketplace In The Town Of Halfmoon

April 21, 2025

An architectural rendering of 146 Marketplace in Halfmoon shows what the project will look like when fully completed.
Courtesy of Luizzi Real Estate Development

By Rod Bacon

A significant mixed-use project in Saratoga County is on the cusp of getting underway.

Luizzi Companies, developers of 146 Marketplace, has secured all approvals from the Town of Halfmoon and is waiting on a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement prior to breaking ground. Company officials expect to finalize that agreement by June.

According to Christian Luizzi, manager of real estate development, the $175 million development will offer high-end residential and commercial space as well as many amenities for residents.

When completed, which Luizzi estimated will take three to five years and be done in phases, there will be 328 apartments and 82,900 square feet of commercial space. The apartments will be studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units in five four-story buildings. There will also be executive units and penthouses. No condominiums are included in the plan. He said the first apartment buildings will take 18-24 months to complete.

Passive Home In Brant Lake Built To Protect Adirondack Beauty For Generations

April 21, 2025April 28, 2025

Exposed post and beam framing and vaulted ceilings highlight the craftsmanship and energy-efficient design of the Martimuccis’ passive home in Brant Lake, built by Hilltop Construction Company.
Courtesy Hilltop Construction Companyy

By Paul Post

A Westchester County couple wants to enjoy the Adirondacks without impacting its natural beauty.

Their forward-thinking dream home’s energy-efficient features are the perfect solution.

“I’ve been visiting the Adirondacks, skiing and hiking, since I was a kid,” said Bill Martimucci, a retired primary care physician. “We wanted to create a modern cabin in the woods and reviewed the whole concept of a passive home. We’re very excited about getting settled up there.”

“I feel like it’s our responsibility to take care of the Adirondacks,” his wife, Edie, said. “You’ve got to do it one piece of property at a time. If we’re going through the trouble of building, why not build something that goes into the future that deals with all the energy and environmental issues? Why would we build a house with concepts from the Sixties or Eighties with no insulation, no solar. This seemed to be the only sensible way to do this.”

Their 2,000-square-foot, 1.5-story home in Brant Lake is nearly completed, built by Queensbury-based Hilltop Construction Company. Douglas fir was used to create attractive interior highlights such as a custom staircase, railings and cabinetry.

Plans call for using it as a year-round second home, possibly the couple’s permanent residence in future years.

The highly energy efficient house was designed by Cold Spring-based River Architects, which specializes in passive homes and commercial buildings.

It utilizes solar electricity with roof-mounted panels, and is connected to the grid, but goes much further than a regular passive solar home in regard to energy efficiency.

The five fundamental principles of passive house construction are continuous insulation, airtight construction, high-performance windows, heat recovery ventilation, and thermal-bridge-free design. These principles work together to minimize energy consumption by reducing heat loss and gain through the building envelope.