HMS Agency, a trusted, family-owned insurance agency serving the Capital Region, is proud to announce the acquisition of the Debra LaMay Agency. The acquisition strengthens HMS’ presence in the region and reinforces its commitment to providing clients with the personal, relationship-focused service that both agencies are known for.

Debra LaMay, an insurance professional with nearly 50 years of experience, brings a loyal client base and a long-standing reputation for integrity and community service. She will remain with the agency in her current role, continuing to serve her clients with the same dedication and personal attention they’ve always relied on. 

“Debbie has built a legacy around care, trust, and responsiveness, which are values that are at the heart of our mission at HMS,” said Bill Mather, Jr., Principal of HMS Agency. “We’re honored to welcome her and her clients to the HMS family.”

Bass Pro Shops Opens In Clifton Park, Creating Buzz, Jobs, And A Regional Outdoor Destination

By Paul Post

Jim Carey got up long before dawn, drove to Clifton Park and by 4 a.m. was first in line to enter a new Bass Pro Shops, whose doors wouldn’t open for another twelve-and-a-half hours.

He maintained the vigil despite searing hot afternoon temperatures that soared into the 90s.

“I didn’t want to fight the crowds to get in,” the Albany resident said, smiling. “I love Bass Pro Shops and I was curious to see what they did with the building. It’s beautiful inside. It’s going to be good for the area. It’s going to bring a lot of people in.”

Carey, an avid hunter and fisherman, was joined by a huge throng curious to see the store’s many attractions such as a 25-yard indoor archery range; large colorful diorama of Split Rock Falls in the Adirondacks with water rushing into a 12,000-gallon educational aquarium; beautiful hand-painted, outdoors-themed murals; and a wide variety of mounted wildlife.

The three-story building’s high, cathedral-like ceiling and décor is not unlike that of a grand old lodge found at some of America’s favorite national parks such as Glacier, Yellowstone and Yosemite.

The new Clifton Park store is the fourth Bass Pro Shops in New York, joining others in Utica, Auburn and Cheektowaga. The Springfield, Missouri-based firm has about 180 sites throughout the U.S. and Canada.

In recent months, destination retail locations have also opened in Duluth, Minn.; Tyler, Texas; St. Augustine, Fla.; and Spring, Texas.

“Each one is built unique to the area,” store General Manager Bryan Lalone said. “So here, when you walk in you get the feeling that you’re in the Adirondacks, with elements relative to this area.”

A Stony Creek native and 1994 Warrensburg High School graduate, he jumped at the chance to work for Bass Pro Shops, following a 27-year career with Walmart and Price Chopper/Market 32.

Local author Elizabeth Macy has released her fourth children’s book, Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue, the first chapter book in the Lucky’s Adventures series for readers ages 7 to 11.

The story, based on the true events that inspired the original picture book, follows Lucky, a rescue dog who gets lost in Saratoga Springs. As the community searches for her, Lucky explores well-known locations including Saratoga Race Course, Congress Park, the State Park, downtown Saratoga and Saratoga Lake. The book includes 30 black-and-white illustrations and emphasizes themes of community, kindness and friendship.

A book signing and launch event is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Saratoga Farmers Market as part of its Kids Club series.

To address the growing mental health crisis and shortage of trained counselors, Maria College is introducing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) this fall. The program is designed to equip future counselors with the skills and experience necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field.

 The 60-credit, graduate track features weekend classes combining in-person and hybrid learning. It is ideal for working professionals and career changers and can be completed in two or three years. The program meets the educational requirements leading to licensure as a mental health counselor in New York.

 “With mental health issues, particularly among youth and first responders, increasing at critical levels, the need for skilled counselors has never been more urgent,” said Dr. Claudia Lingertat, founding director of the CMHC program. “Our program blends theory with hands-on experience. It offers a valuable pathway for individuals passionate about making a real difference treating mental health in New York and beyond.”

Pioneer, a leading financial institution in New York’s Capital Region, today announced it is partnering with USA Gas on a $4 million project to construct a new shared building in Clifton Park, NY. The new building on the corner of Fire Road and Route 146 will combine a redeveloped 5,000-square-foot USA Gas station and convenience store with a new 3,000-square-foot, full-service Pioneer branch.

 Located just off the I-87 Exit 9 northbound ramp, the new Pioneer branch will include an Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) for extended-hours banking, private offices for consultations, and access to personal and business banking services. USA Gas will operate a convenience store offering fresh food, beverages and grocery items and a six-pump fueling station, with dedicated parking for banking and gas station customers. The new building is expected to open by early 2026.

 “This new branch reflects our broader strategy of investing in the communities we serve by co-locating with complementary businesses,” said Tom Amell, President and CEO of Pioneer. “By integrating financial resources into convenient, everyday destinations, we’re making it easier for customers to access the services they need.”

Battenkill Conservancy (BkC) is pleased to announce that Miranda Trombly Harrington, Cossayuna native and a longtime supporter of the Battenkill, has joined BkC as its Donor Engagement Coordinator.  

Miranda is a graduate of Greenwich High School, received her BS in Biology from The University of South Florida and works as an Environmental Educator at Moreau State Park. Certified in Wilderness First Aid and an ACA-accredited paddling instructor, she loves inspiring people with accessible, fun, and engaging ways to connect with nature.  Her future goals of becoming a NYS-certified hiking guide will further support outdoor safety, education, and environmental stewardship in our region.

Miranda’s bonds with the Battenkill run deep.  In addition to her family ties, her work with highway cleanups, The PIcky Bug Tables and The Battenkill Runs Through It River Festivals demonstrate her dedication to help preserve the watershed for the community and future generations.  Last spring, Miranda and her fly fishing husband, Bryan Harrington, were married at BkC’s Schmidt Meadow Preserve in Jackson.  

By Rod Bacon

An experienced teacher has started a preschool to help ensure that young minds and bodies have a firm foundation as they embark on their educational journey.

Under the direction of Founder and Lead Teacher Mrs. Jill Fish, children ages 3 to 4 will develop social, emotional, and early educational skills in a safe and nurturing environment at Skool of Fish. 

Youngsters attend either a morning or afternoon session lasting 2.5 hours in which they are exposed to building social skills like sharing, cooperation, and listening; early literacy skills that include letter recognition and name writing; basic number concepts and simple counting; color and shape recognition; and developing fine motor skills through crafts and hands-on activities.

Mrs. Fish is aided in this endeavor by her daughter, Lindsey Fish, who is a substitute teacher and marketing coordinator working at the school on an as-needed basis. Lindsey is also the owner/photographer of Super Source Media Studios LLC, a business located in the Wilton Mall that provides a complete range of photographic services.

Mrs. Fish is CPR and first aid certified while Lindsey is CPR certified.

She also has an assistant in the classroom.

Mrs. Fish has 17 years of classroom experience that ranges from middle school to preschool. She started while still a teenager as an aide under the guidance of her mother, Kathy McDermott, working at BOCES with special education students and those with behavioral issues.