Category Archives: Business Briefs

Mayor Ron Kim and Commissioner of Finance Minita Sanghvi announced that the City of Saratoga Springs completed its purchase of cobra head street lights, which will convert the City’s street lights to LED, dark-sky compliant fixtures. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will manage the upgrade of the street lights through a contract with the construction management firm Guth DeConzo, with the entire project slated for completion by June.

Mayor Kim states, “We are thrilled to have completed this sale as it allows us to replace our street lights with energy efficient LED technology, reduce street light energy use by as much as 65%, provide a safer and well-lit community, and reduce energy use.”

Commissioner Sanghvi adds, “We’re taking a major step toward reducing the city’s carbon footprint, and we’re also realizing financial benefits. In addition to using less energy, this project will generate an estimated total annual cost savings of $270,820.”

The Mechanicville District Public Library is offering a complimentary Social Security Information program on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 6-7 p.m. for pre-retirees ages 55-70. 

The  financial education program is designed to help attendees learn the basics Social Security and how to best apply the information in order to make an informed claiming decision prior to collecting them.

Answers to frequently asked questions will be provided: Can I collect benefits if I’m still working? Is it better to collect benefits sooner rather than later? How are my Social Security benefits calculated?

The event has been a longstanding library program and is being presented as a community service by John Kalil, a financial advisor and the founder and president of Retirement Solutions, LLC. The program is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. 

Due to seating limitations, advance registration is required. To RSVP,  contact the library directly at 518-664-4646 or email john@retirementsolutionsllc.com.

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The Town of Halfmoon Highway Superintendent Bill Bryans announced a road construction project that will begin Monday, September 25, on Woodin Road.

 The town  Highway Department will reconstruct Woodin Road from Grooms Road to the town line in the area of Windsor Drive. The infrastructure project will enhance the safety and mobility of area motorists.  

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, road infrastructure is critical in reducing traffic fatalities and injuries. Safe, well-maintained roadways make a vital difference in saving lives, reducing commute times, and connecting citizens, communities, and commerce. 

For more information on the construction project call the Highway Department at (518) 371-7410.

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The Academy for Lifelong Learning Saratoga Region continues its 30-plus year tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults over 55 by offering 20, six-week courses starting the week of Oct. 2. 

Registration is now open. For the fall course catalog and mail-in registration form, go to www.allsaratoga.org 

Course brochures will also be available soon at local libraries, YMCAs and retirement communities or by request at (518) 290-6988 or jeff@allsaratoga.org. Registrations are being accepted throughout the term until courses are full. 

Annual membership is $75 and goes for 365 days from join date. Six-week courses are $50 each. Courses are held outdoors, by Zoom, or in community classrooms including at SUNY Adirondack’s Wilton location.

Topics for these volunteer-led, noncredit courses include music, literature, variety speaker series, biology of aging, Feng Shui, hiking, local business tours, history, theater, global warming, opera, poetry, Ukraine, writing, and more. 

Founded in 1992, the Academy is a nonprofit, membership organization whose members share a love of learning. A self-funded entity, A.L.L. is designed to offer lifelong learning and camaraderie among seniors, A.L.L. also offers winter and spring courses, special interest groups  and special events that are held throughout the year. 

For more information, contact the Academy at (518) 290-6988, email jeff@allsaratoga.org, or go to www.allsaratoga.org. 

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Franklin Community Center will conclude its year-long 40th anniversary celebration with a Cheers To 40 Years anniversary event on Sept. 28, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at 550 Waterfront by Druthers on Saratoga Lake.

The event invites attendees to commemorate and honor all who contributed and partnered with FCC over the years to create a lasting impact in the Saratoga County community. Tickets are $75 and are available online at www.franklincommunitycenter.org.

To learn more about how Franklin Community Center has helped to shape Saratoga Springs visit www.franklincommunitycenter.org.

Established in 1983, Franklin Community Center, the Saratoga Springs-based organization has provided programs and services to individuals and families in the Saratoga County area. The mission of the nonprofit is to work collaboratively with individuals and other agencies to provide services that will improve the quality of life and foster a sense of neighborhood, community and family for all people.

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The Academy for Lifelong Learning Saratoga Region continues its 30-plus year tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults 55 and older by offering 35 five-week courses starting the week of April 10 and the week of May 15. 

Registration is now open.  

Course brochures will be available at local libraries, YMCAs and retirement communities or by request at (518) 290-6968 or Lora@allsaratoga.org. 

Registrations are being accepted throughout the term until courses are full. Some courses will sell out. Annual membership is $75 and goes for 365 days from join date. Five-week courses are $50 each. Courses are held outdoors, by Zoom, or in community classrooms including at SUNY Adirondack’s Wilton location.

 Topics for these volunteer-led, noncredit courses include music, literature, variety speaker series, art history and anatomy, Italian, ancient game of Go, hiking, biology of aging, farm tours, local authors, grocery shopping tips, current events, dining out, history, local media professionals, global warming, opera, poetry, local walking tours, writing, museum tours, and more.

 For a brochure with registration form, go to www.allsaratoga.org.

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The Saratoga Builders Association Inc. will be awarding two student scholarships in 2023. 

One is the SBA $1,000 scholarship award and the other is the $1,000 Bob Best Memorial Scholarship award. 

The organization makes the scholarships available annually to students who are planning to pursue a construction industry education. They are open to any high school senior or college undergraduate in Saratoga County planning to pursue a construction education at a two- or four-year accredited college or university; or to students who would like to purchase tools and/or equipment for employment/career or to start a business in the construction industry. 

Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must demonstrate current or past involvement in the construction field, including classes taken in high school or college, to be eligible for these awards. 

Each applicant must also submit a high school or college transcript or list of construction classes taken plus a short essay describing why they are interested in a construction industry career and what events led to this decision.

Applications must be postmarked on or before April 1. Only the first 25 completed applications will be accepted. The winner and their school will be notified by June 1.

To  receive a scholarship application,contact Barry Potoker, executive director, at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org.

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The return of Hattie’s Mardi Gras in Saratoga Springs raised over $100,000 to combat food insecurity in the region.

After a four-year hiatus, the Jan. 28 fundraiser at the  the Canfield Casino garnered funds that will be donated to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Business for Good  co-founders Ed and Lisa Mitzen served  as hosts, alongside CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota as emcee.

Officlials said more than  300 attended. music was provided by Soul Session and Garland Nelson.

In 2021, Hattie’s joined the Business for Good family of companies. All profits of Hattie’s Restaurant are donated to local charities.

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Hudson Mohawk Area Health Education Center (Hudson Mohawk AHEC) will be awarding 10 scholarships of $500 dollars each to individuals who will be entering an approved healthcare related certificate or degree program at a local community college, university or training entity within New York state. 

Applicants must reside within the Hudson Mohawk AHEC 10-county service region, which includes: Albany, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington counties. 

Interested applicants can learn more about the scholarship opportunity by visiting the Hudson Mohawk AHEC website www.hmahec.org or emailing admin@hmahec.org 

Applications are due no later than Monday, March 17.  Awards will be made in May.

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The Ballston Spa Public Library and the Friends of the Library (FOL) partners are launching a capital campaign called Funding Our Future – Brick by Brick and Book by Book.

The money raised through the campaign will be used to renovate, redesign and increase the library’s role in the community.

The total cost of the proposed project is approximately $3 million, a sum that includes built-in inflation costs. The capital campaign aims to raise approximately $750,000 of the total costs. The campaign has already applied for more than $450,000 dollars in grant awards.

The project includes the addition of a reading room and local history room, an enhanced children’s area, teen space and a renovated community meeting space. Funds will also be used to improve accessibility, use of technology and energy sustainability.

The completion of the project is expected to result in an increase in the number of public programs offered as well as the number of programs hosted at the library by partner groups.

Additional information about the campaign will be shared on the Friends of the Ballston Spa Public Library  Facebook page, and the Ballston Spa Public Library website as the weeks progress.

To donate community members can either send a check made out to Friends of the Ballston Spa Public Library at 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, NY 12020, Attn: Friends of the Ballston Spa Public Library, or visit the website bspl.sals.edu.

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The Ballston Area Community Center (BACC) has received a $2000 grant from the Adirondack Trust Co. Community Fund for its 2023 Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program. The grant monies will be used to fund the use of Chromebook and/or iPad technology in the UPK classroom.

BACC board member Molly Pezzulo attended a reception at Longfellow’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs on Dec. 1 and was honored to accept a check on behalf of the BACC.

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 The 36th annual Stewart’s Holiday Match Campaign kicked off on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas day at all shop locations. 

The program supports nonprofit organizations impacting children. To date, it has raised nearly $34 million for children’s charities.

Last year, customers donated over $1 million to the program, doubling to more than $2 million with the Stewart’s match. The funds were able to support 1,716 local children’s organizations across the 32 counties where Stewart’s Shops are located.

Local organizations impacting children are encouraged to apply for funding online. The deadline for submission is Jan. 31. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. 

All donations are tax-deductible. Stewart’s  accepts funds from groups or businesses, but only matches individual donations.

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DeCrescente Distributing Co. of Mechanicville recently announced its employee-funded DeCrescente Scholarship Fund  awarded $12,000 in college scholarships to 24 children of company employees for the fall semester.

Established in 1995, the scholarship fund has given more than $480,000 in financial assistance to employees and their children since its inception almost 30 years ago.

Over the years, the scholarship fund has transitioned from company funded to now being 100 percent funded by employees through voluntary payroll deductions. Currently, about 160  employees contribute to the fund.

Candidates can apply for the award every semester they attend college, but they must meet certain eligibility criteria, including attending school full-time and meet GPA requirements.

The $12,000 allocation is the first of two awards that will be granted for the 2022-23 academic year, with the next rollout coming ahead of the spring 2023 semester.

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The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s fourth annual Photo Finish exhibition has opened in the von Stade Gallery and will remain on display through Feb. 5. 

The exhibit’s images will also be available on the Museum’s website at racingmuseum.org/exhibits/photo-finish-juried-photography-exhibition.  The online exhibition will be available through October 2023.

Photo Finish features selected amateur and professional photographs that document the entire racing experience, from the farm and the backstretch to the winner’s circle. Each image captures an element of the strength, beauty, and emotion of the sport of racing. Photographers from 17 states and Ireland are represented in the exhibit.

Remi Bellocq, Alicia Hughes, Sally Jeffords, and Tod Marks, served as the judges for Photo Finish, providing representation from the racing and arts communities.

The call for submissions for the fifth annual Photo Finish exhibition will be announced in 2023.

For more information about the museum, including special events and program offerings, please call (518) 584-0400 or www.racingmuseum.org.

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The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association will hold its 20th annual “The Way We Were” car show on Sunday, Oct.  9 on Front Street.

The event typically draws over 400 show cars. Organizers are anticipating a large turnout for the 20-year anniversary. 

In addition to cars and trucks, there will be food and merchandise vendors, a kid’s zone with a bounce house and activities, live music and a trophy presentation at the end of the day.

“We are really excited for this year’s show,” said Dan Barner, car show committee chairperson. “It’s always a great event that brings people downtown to support our businesses and it is an important fundraiser to support the excellent work that the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association does. We’re doing our very best to make it extra special this year in celebration of the show’s 20th anniversary.”

Pre-registration for show cars is now open. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are also currently available for businesses and organizations that would like to be a part of the show. 

The event is free to spectators. To learn more, visit www.ballston.org.

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