Columns Archives - Page 24 of 26 - Glens Falls Business Report

Glens Falls Farmers Market Winters in Aviation Mall

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 16, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Food, Local Leads.

The Glens Falls Farmers Market finished up its outdoor market on October 29, 2022. The indoor market runs on Saturdays from November 5, 2022- April 29, 2023. It is located in the food court area of the Aviation Mall. The indoor farmers market creates a relaxed ambiance with festive music. The food court fades away and the environment is welcoming and jovial.

The Glens Falls Farmers Market Association has been bringing locally grown, produced and crafted products to communities around Glens Falls since 1976. The Glens Falls Market is a “Producers Only” Market. This means that the people who are selling the goods have also grown or produced these items.

Alleged Farm has a stand at the Farmers Market. Their offerings include eclectic vegetables. Some of these vegetables, like quince, are popular in Europe but can be grown in our local climate. Alleged Farm features asian greens and likes to highlight different flavors and textures.

Alleged Farm is located in Easton, New York. The fields have been farmed since 1788. Stewardship of the land is very important. This stewardship includes sustainable practices. Crop rotation, reduced tillage, and the use of cover crops and compost are tools that are used to maintain healthy soil.

Alleged Farm participates in community supported agriculture known as CSA. Community supported agriculture is a crop sharing system that connects producers with consumers. The consumer subscribes to the farm. This arrangement creates several rewards for both the consumer and the farmer. The advantage for farmers is that they get to start marketing their food before the 16 hour days in the fields begin. They receive payment early in the season which helps with cash flow, and they build relationships with the people that eat their food.

The advantages for consumers is that they are getting ultra fresh food. They are exposed to new vegetables and ways of preparing them. Kids in the family are more open to trying new vegetables if they know the farm that the vegetables came from. Consumers can also feel good about helping to support a local farm.

As the concept of community supported agriculture has taken shape and expanded variations of the idea have been introduced. The “Mix and Match” or “Market Style” CSA have become popular. This allows the consumer to create their own box or bag of veggies. There are sometimes limitations, like only allowing one box of strawberries per family. CSA’s have branched out. Some farmers offer eggs, homemade bread, meat, cheese and flowers.

Community supported agriculture is not just a transaction, it is a shared risk model. The consumer pays up front for the entire season and the farmer tries to create an abundant box each week. However, if the harvest is light, the consumer will not be reimbursed. This idea of shared risk helps to create a sense of community. When things go wrong the community commiserates together and when things go well they celebrate together. Thomas Christenfeld is the Alleged Farmer and has CSA shares available. To learn more visit the website Theallegedfarmer, or call (518) 692-9065. You can also visit their farm stand at the Glens Falls Farmers Market.

Aldi Stores Offering 2019 Thanksgiving Price Rewind

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 16, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Food, Local Leads.

Aldi is a local favorite around the Glens Falls area. Aldi is known for having low prices and this store knows their shoppers. This year inflation rates have soared. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics indicated that the inflation rate for food increased 11% in September alone. Shoppers are spending more and getting less. This prompted Aldi to feature a Thanksgiving Rewind to 2019 prices. Items that are often purchased for Thanksgiving will be offered at 2019 prices. Aldi’s Price Rewind will translate to a savings of up to 30% on some Thanksgiving favorites. The Thanksgiving Price Rewind started on November 2, 2022.

Aldi operates under a no-frills principle. This concept and selling private label items helps Aldi keep its prices down. One of the unique systems that Aldi features is a cart rental system. The shopper rents the shopping cart for a quarter. When they are done with their shopping they return the cart and the quarter is returned. This rental system saves the company labor costs. It eliminates the time and labor to retrieve abandoned shopping carts. Aldi’s popularity has soared and it is on track to be the third largest grocery chain store behind Walmart and Kroger.

Dave Rinaldo is the President of Aldi US. He said in a press release, “Providing amazing products at the absolute lowest prices is what we’ve always done, and we know right now that’s more important than ever. We expect to welcome tens of millions of customers in our stores this Thanksgiving season, and we want them to know they can count on us. So why not attempt that additional side dish this year, or invite over a few more friends or family members? You can rest easy knowing Aldi has your back this Thanksgiving, and beyond.”

The Thanksgiving Price Rewind will be available in US locations nationwide in-store and online between November 2nd – November 29th 2022. Visit aldi.com for more information.

The Queensbury Hotel and Chapman Museum Pair Nicely Together

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 15, 2022. Posted in Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured, In the Arts, Local Leads.

On Friday November 11th, The Queensbury Hotel hosted the 16th annual Wine & Chocolate Tasting to benefit The Chapman Museum. “Dry! Robust! Pairs wells with oysters!” Could be heard from the wine vendor tables. Museum supporters wandered the ballroom sipping wine and spirits and enjoying savory chocolates and cheeses.

Friday night’s festivities were not dampened by the rainy weather. Guests varied from couples out for a date night, to groups of friends, to active community supporters. Tickets for the event were $45.00 online or $50.00 at the door. This event featured 28 tables filled with samples of wine and spirits, chocolates/desserts and locally sourced cheese. There were raffles, a door prize, and an online auction. Volunteers at the event were very happy with the turn out. Annie Deppe was asked by a neighbor to volunteer the day before the event. She was happy to do it, “It’s a worthwhile cause and always nice to be involved in community events.” Deppe said as she rearranged wine glasses which were given to each guest as they arrived. The guests casually mingled around the event space, glass in hand, eager to sample the offerings from each table.

Chapman Museum Volunteers: Beth Roach, Sue Merrill,& Annie Deppe

The Chapman Museum is a local gem. It has a long and storied history that dates back to 1867. At that time hardware merchant, Zopher Delong owned the house. He remodeled what had been a modest wood framed house. He turned it into the structure visitors see today. It is a two story brick building with a Mansard roof. This type of roof maximizes the interior space of the attic.

In the late 1960’s Juliet Chapman donated the house to the community. The museum received a permanent charter from the New York State Board of Regents in 1968. Goals of the Chapman Museum include, to increase knowledge of local history and to inspire a greater sense of community. Since the time of its original charter the museum has added exhibition galleries, climate controlled collections storage, a research room, a multi purpose classroom and a museum shop.

The museum has public hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm & Sunday hours from 12pm-4pm. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 for Adults, $4 Seniors & Students. The Chapman Museum is located at 348 Glen Street in Glens Falls N.Y. (518) 793-2831. The exhibits change seasonally and highlight subjects that contribute to the heritage of the region. More information can be found on their website at Chapman museum.org

Glens Falls YMCA Needs The Community As Much As The Community Needs The YMCA

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 15, 2022. Posted in Community, Entertainment, Featured, Local Leads.

The YMCA has a mission. This mission is to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Hawthorne Swan-Scott is the Membership Experience Director of the Family YMCA of the Glens Falls Area. He has an intrinsic enthusiasm for his work at the Glens Falls YMCA. He grew up coming to the YMCA and his goal is to give that experience back to kids and to the community.

Hawthorne’s goal is to expand programs and membership. The Glens Falls YMCA currently has between 5,000 and 6,000 members. These members are offered a variety of programs and events. The YMCA recently hosted its annual Truck or Treat event on October 29th. Between 1,000-2,000 kids, families, and community members attended this event. Hawthorne likes the idea of maintaining a mutual relationship with the community. “Our Truck or Treat event exceeded our expectations. Here at the Y, we want to reach into the community and help.” He said during a recent interview.

The Glens Falls YMCA is currently working on extending its hours. It has recently opened from 8am-1pm on Sundays. On Sunday November 13, they were able to extend the hours for the pool to seven days a week. “And the changing rooms are open.” Hawthorne said with a relieved smile. The Glens Falls YMCA will continue to work to extend hours of operations and programs that it can offer the community. To support this expansion the YMCA is hiring for a variety of positions. These positions include custodians, life guards, wellness floor, and membership services.

Donations for the Basket Brigade Program

The Glens Falls YMCA is currently working on its Basket Brigade program which helps feed 1,000 local families. The items that they are looking for include, stuffing, mashed potatoes, canned veggies, canned fruit, cranberry sauce, and boxed brownie mix. For more information please contact Alisha Hanley (518) 793-3878 or visit glensfallsymca.org.

Trey Anastasio Band And Goose at the Cool Insuring Arena

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 14, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured.

In downtown Glens Falls Sunday night, Trey Anastasio Band teamed up with Goose and performed at the Cool Insuring Arena. The vibe was festive as a large crowd of concert goers were enjoying the local downtown scene.

Before the show, concert goers were mingling in front of bars and restaurants from Spot Coffee, all the way down to the traffic circle. The crowd was jovial and excited.

At the Cool Insuring Arena the line of ticket holders stretched onto the bridge to South Glens Falls. On the other side of the arena, the line of ticket holders stretched on the sidewalk up the street.

Concert goers waited patiently. Some were told they were in the wrong line and had to go to the back of the other line. Security took their time checking each ticket and patting down each concert goer. Ticket holders in the crowd streamed the music on their phone that was already taking place inside the venue. Concert goers and security alike were patient, calm, and kind to each other as the line moved along.

Photo by Kate Haggerty, Glens Falls TODAY.

Trey Anastasio Band, fondly known as TAB, started in 1998. Trey Anastasio is a founding member of the band Phish, founded in 1983. The band Goose was formed in 2014. The members are Rick Mitarotonda (vocals & guitar), Ben Atkind (drums), Trevor Weekz (bass), Jeff Arevalo (vocals, percussion & drums), and Peter Anspach (vocals, keys & guitar). For more information go to goosetheband.com. The band Goose has regularly been compared to jam bands such as Phish and Umphrey’s McGee. However, they refer to their style of music as “indie groove”.

The setlist from Cool Arena Show Glens Falls, NY provided by setlist.fm

Goose:

So Ready
California Magic
Thatch (Live Debut)
Baby Don’t you Do it (Marvin Gaye Cover)
Madhuvan
Red Bird (with Trey Anastasio
Hot Tea (with Trey Anastsio)

Trey Anastsio Band:

Drifting (Trey Anastasio song)
Set Your Soul Free
Ocelet (Phish cover)
Magilla (Phish Cover)
A Wave of Hope (Trey Anastasio song)
Shade (Phish Song)
Burlap Sack and Pumps (Trey Anastasio Song)
Spin (Trey Anastasio Song)
Hey Stranger (Trey Anastasio Song)
Valentine (Trey Anastasio Song)
Mr. Completely (Trey Anastasio Song)

Encore: Possum (Phish Cover)

This show was part of a joint eight date arena tour produced by Live Nation. Trey Anastasio Band and Goose are heading to:

Moon PA, UPMC Events Center (11/15)
Fairfax VA, EagleBank Arena (11/17)
Syracuse NY, Upstate Medical University Arena (11/18)
Reading PA, Santander Arena (11/19)

For more information visit GOOSETHEBAND TREY.COM, SETLIST.

The Season Is Changing But Our Leaves Should Stay Behind

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 11, 2022. Posted in Community, Featured, Home & Garden, Uncategorized.

Every year as the pages slip off the calendar we look forward to each new season in upstate New York. As the seasons change we change things around our homes and gardens. As fall gives way to winter the days are filled with the sounds of leaf blowers and rakes as people collect and bag up their fallen leaves. However, there is an alternative. If leaves are left on the ground to winter over there are benefits to the soil and to the insect population.

Every year lawns and gardens are tidied up and beneficial leaves end up in landfills. These leaves are essential for the survival of caterpillars,butterflies,moths,spiders and bees. Caterpillars and butterflies use leaf litter for protection against the cold and protection against predators. Bees that winter over 1-2 inches underground use leaves for an extra layer of heat. According to the Soil Health Institute, increasing soil health can increase biodiversity, and agricultural productivity.

Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District, explained these benefits in an article Leave the Leaves! Improve Soil Health and Habitat by Leaving Leaf Litter posted to their website, “They (leaves) cycle nutrients back into the soil, improving soil health. The decaying leaves add organic matter to the soil, providing nutrients for the microbial communities and improving the structure of the soil. Organic matter is an important component of soil, along with minerals, water, and air. Having an appropriate amount of organic matter in the soil ensures that it maintains a healthy structure, with space for movement of air, water, and soil microbes. Fungi and bacteria in the soil work to break down plant matter, making the nutrients available to growing plants.”

When leaves and yard trimmings are bagged up and taken to landfill their nutrients do not go back into the soil. These trimmings take up space in landfills, and let’s not forget they add to the chore list. People do like to have their yards and gardens look neat and tidied. In this case collect the leaves and use them as mulch around your garden beds. This keeps the nutrients in the ecosystem where they came from.

Bogey’s Veterans Day Celebration

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 11, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Entertainment, Featured, Food, News.

Bogey’s Pub and Grill located at 31 Cronin Road in Queensbury is honoring those who served and are currently serving with Veterans Day specials. For this Veterans Day celebration, Bogey’s offerings include free golf, 20% off food and $2 domestic beers.

Located on the Bay Meadow Golf Course, Bogey’s is family run and operated. Deric Buck, owner of Bogey’s, has offerings for both lunch and dinner. This extensive menu has items for the whole family. Diners and golfers alike will find menu items that range from lite fare to entrees that come with house salad and rolls. Bogey’s would never forget the kids. Kids menu includes grilled cheese with fries, kids burger with fries, chicken tenders with fries and mac and cheese.

The extensive menu features generous portions. The signature lunch items are served with a choice of kettle chips, fries, or coleslaw and pickle. For an additional $2.00, you can upgrade to sweet potato, cottage cheese or waffle fries. Prime rib is also available on Fridays and Saturdays. Bogey’s prefers reservations but they are not necessary. The restaurant and bar has options for everyone from a pub style environment to event spaces available for private parties. This venue is an ideal location for reunions, birthday parties and corporate events.

Bogey’s also offers more fun! There is karaoke on Fridays and live music on Saturdays. Please come and share your Veterans Day with our Bogey’s family and let us thank you and your family for your service. Please visit Bogey’s Pub and Grill at Bay Meadows for more information.

Johnny Cash Tribute Band Inspires a Genuine Lightheartedness That Everyone Needs.

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 9, 2022. Posted in Columns, Community, Entertainment, Featured, In the Arts.

Eric Hofmanis found a niche in the music scene by asking one important question, “Who doesn’t love Johnny Cash?” Hofmanis started A Man Named Cash- A Tribute to the Man in Black that has been growing in popularity since the covid pandemic restrictions have eased. As society has shifted to a post pandemic world. Hofmanis saw a niche in the music world that included nostalgic remembrances of the past.

Since Hofmanis started paying tribute to Johnny Cash his gigs have gone from being the opening act to being featured acts. Hofmanis will be performing at “Kickin’ it off Country 2023” At the Cohoes Music Hall on Friday January 6, 2023. His skill is touted in the promotional material “Eric Hofmanis has a unique Vocal resemblance to Johnny Cash.”

Johnny Cash often played with his wife June Carter Cash. To mirror this relationship Hofmanis is joined on stage by his partner, Megan Houde. Megan sings the June Carter Cash parts which are important to both Hofmanis and the show.

“The June Carter aspect of the show is huge. Our interactions on stage are genuine. When Megan is on stage with me it brightens everything up. It makes it more fun.” Hoffmanis also credits his counterpart with doing an amazing amount of work to help make the show great.

Hofmanis and Houde started to realize that there was a market for the nostalgia of Johnny Cash when they were at a casual gathering with friends. Someone began playing Johnny Cash on the guitar and the people at the gathering were instantly engaged. “People went nuts,” Hofmanis said with surprise in his voice during a recent phone interview.

Hofmanis has seen the demand for his music increase. “Demand is high. Demand for entertainment has skyrocketed.” He said.

Hofmanis also finds that he needs to improvise. “Johnny Cash was informal as a performer. If there were mistakes or missed verses the music just went on.” Hofmanis said.

As his tribute to Johnny Cash gains more popularity Hofmanis has become more familiar with his audience. “The audience is filled with people who are very familiar with Johnny Cash, people who enjoy Rockabilly, and often college kids. It’s a cross cultural experience.”

Both Hofmanis and Houde can be found on Stage at “Kickin’ it Off Country 2023” Friday January 6, 2023 at The Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes NY. For more information follow Hoffmanis and Houde on their facebook page A Man Named Cash- A tribute to the Man in Black.

Coming Soon: Go Play With Your Food

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 7, 2022. Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured, Food, News.

Glens Falls seems to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit. This new inspiration comes in the form of a new restaurant concept that is sweeping the world. Go Play With Your Food, a board game tavern, will find its home as a tenant in 126 Glen Street. This historical building was bought in August 2022, by Elizabeth MIller for $845,000.

Mark and Kristin Shaw were board game skeptics turned devotees to the board game world. The Shaws’ along with six investors are responsible for bringing this concept to Glens Falls. Board games are growing in popularity as are board game eateries. Shaw and his wife were convinced by friends in North Carolina to “go out and play” and have enjoyed the concept ever since.

The increase in popularity of board games is due to a few factors. During the pandemic board games became a preferred form of entertainment for families. Board games have also evolved. Games are more challenging for the players. They have more than one outcome which encourages the player to play the game more than once. The construction of the pieces and the boards have become more substantial. The pieces have a better feel in the player’s hand.

Trends show that the increased popularity of board games matches the rise in use of social media. Our dependence on technology creates isolation. This isolation creates a need for social connection. Board games create a social connection, they span generations and are inclusive as well as nostalgic.

The increase in our dependence on technology has also affected our social interactions. People who are communicating more through technology feel less comfortable in social situations. Social anxiety disorder affects 15 million adults and is on the rise. The board game tavern concept can help alleviate some social anxiety. Adding an activity to a social interaction provides social cues as well as topics of conversation. These are factors that help people feel more comfortable in social situations.In preparation for the opening the Shaws’ have amassed 500 board games. Go Play With Your Food will offer beer, mead and wine as well as; sandwiches, salads, and flatbread pizza. Go Play With Your Food is expected to open in January of 2023.

Fort William Henry to renovate Carriage House, expected opening in May 2023

Written by Command on October 31, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, In the Arts, Local Leads.

LAKE GEORGE — Fort William Henry will begin renovations on the historic Carriage House in November, converting the building into a new venue for wedding receptions, business meetings, and performing arts programs.

The Carriage House will have a capacity of 460 people in theater-style seating, and 300 people for banquets upon the expected completion in May 2023, according to a press release. The Carriage House will continue to host the Lake George Music Festival, stage productions, and more, along with receptions and meetings.

The renovations are part of a reinvestment into Fort William Henry. $5 million has gone to create premium rooms and renovating rooms and public areas of the Grand Hotel, including the kitchen and bar, the release says. $1 million went into renovating the Fort’s Conference Center, while the Carriage House renovations will cost $3 million according to the release.

“What we are really investing in is the extraordinary beauty of Lake George,” Fort William Henry chairwoman and CEO Kathryn Flacke Muncil said in the release. “There is no place on Earth like Lake George. We are so fortunate to be stewards of this lake and this historic property.”

The Carriage House will be part of over 16,000 square feet of rentable space at the Fort, the release says. Other spaces include the Conference Center (400 capacity theater-style, 250 banquet-style), the White Lion Room (200 capacity theater-style, 150 banquet-style), the Village Blacksmith Restaurant, and Tankard Taverne.

HBT Architects of Rochester created the design for the Carriage House renovations, the release says. BBL Construction Services Inc. of Albany will handle the renovations.

“For both weddings and business meetings, the Carriage House and the surrounding Fort property offer guests nice options to socialize both inside and outside,” said Fort William Henry Corp. president Sam Luciano in the release, mentioning that customer demand for meetings and conferences has rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first Fort William Henry hotel opened in 1855, the release says. Its Carriage House sheltered horses and carriages of visitors reaching the resort by primitive roads and by rail. It was later used as an early car rental business for visitors arriving via train, and has also housed Fort employees and equipment. Since the 1970s, it has hosted musicals, plays, and concerts under the name Towers Hall.