SARATOGA SPRINGS — The area’s longest running farmers’ market, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market Association, will open their indoor winter market season on Saturday, November 7, continuing at the Wilton Mall. Markets will run each Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and will feature 50+ vendors selling a full range of locally produced items including fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, and artisanal products. The market will be in the mall’s food court, accessible from the Bow Tie Cinemas mall entrance and from the mall interior.

The market’s summer season is currently running in the parking lot just outside of the food court. The mall location allows the markets to maintain COVID-19 social distancing and safety requirements. Association representatives and mall management staff are now focused on providing a similarly safe shopping experience indoors by taking measures such as spacing vendor stalls further apart, providing extra hand washing and sanitizing opportunities, and closely monitoring crowds.

Market manager Emily Meagher added: “We are working to continue the safe and pleasant shopping experience that we have established this summer, and are grateful to the Wilton Mall management for providing us with the additional space needed to accomplish this goal. Our vendors will continue to provide fresh and local food to help our community stay healthy throughout the winter.”

About the Saratoga Farmers’ Market:

Beginning in 1978 with a handful of vendors in a parking lot, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
has grown to be one of the area’s largest markets. 

It is a year-round not for profit organization, which from November through April will host more than 50 vendors each Saturday, selling fresh and local produce, meats, eggs, dairy products, baked goods, jams, wine, spirits, coffee, soap, flowers, art, ready-to-eat foods, and more. The market provides customers with locally made products from five counties: Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Washington, and Warren. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is proud to be a predominantly agricultural market. More information is at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org and on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

This ski season Alpine Sport Shop turns 80!  It is not the year we had imagined to celebrate this milestone, though we are so grateful, as we continue to serve the greater Saratoga region and beyond as Saratoga’s ski shop!

Hosting Warren Miller’s  newest Ski movie in November has always been the kick-off to another ski season at Alpine Sport Shop. This year Warren Miller’s, movie, “Future Retro” will be held as a live stream movie event on November 7 at 7 p.m. We will all be in our own homes watching, but we will be watching it together!  With every streaming pass purchased through the link on Alpine Sports Shops’s website alpinesportshop.com $3 will be donated to Double H Ranch Winter Adaptive Program. 

Our gift giveaway just got better!…Including four pair of skis! From K-2, Rossignol, Nordica, and Volkl

Alpine Sport Shop…SKI giveaway!…With your $15. in store donation to Double H, you will receive a “Take Home Double H Raffle Pack” that includes popcorn, chocolate, and raffle tickets for your chance to win skis, helmets, googles and more! $4,000 in gifts will be given away, and with only 100 gift packs there are many chances to win…and they are going fast! 

The winners will be chosen on the night of November 7, in conjunction with Warren Miller’s movie, Future Retro.

For more information go to alpinesportshop.com

WILTON — The Saratoga County Capital Resources Corporation on Oct. 26 donated $10,000 to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Save Our Locals campaign. 

The funds will be used to create a help line for use by businesses in Saratoga County during the pandemic as well as to create boosted social media posts and videos to promote hundreds of local independently owned businesses.

The announcement of the donation was made by Anita Daly and Art Johnson, Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Capital Resources Corporation, as well as Raymond O’Conor, the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. 

“We all realize just how important it is to help our local independently owned firms across all of Saratoga County as they face restrictions and limitations to stop the spread of COVID 19,” said Daly, in a statement. “The leadership provided by the Chamber for all businesses across Saratoga County during this pandemic provided our board with the confidence to know that they will use these funds wisely to help the businesses we love to survive this crisis.”

The Chamber launched the Save Our Locals campaign on Oct. 16. Local businesses interested in joining the Save Our Local campaign are invited to visit www.saratoga.org and to click the Save Our Locals button. They can also send an email to info@saratoga.org to ask to be included in the boosted social media posts, the Take Out Promotion or the Online Gift Card promotion. 

The SCCRC is a local not for profit development company that provides low interest rate tax-exempt and taxable debt financing to not- for- profit and other organizations. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bake, batter, glaze, and healthcare marketing: ingredients at first glance seemingly stirred into an unlikely mix, yet the blend works perfectly. 

Ed Mitzen toured The Bread Basket Bakery late last spring, eyeing the Springs Street building up for sale as a potential investment. Longtime owner Joan Tallman started the bakery out of her basement in 1982 and was interested in retiring. However, with a desire to see the bakery continue, she was looking to find someone interested in acquiring both the building and the business. 

“I know absolutely nothing about the bakery business and the absolutely last thing you want to see is me meddling in any kind of baking endeavor,” Mitzen says with a laugh. 

A solution emerged: Tallman’s son, Matt, agreed to stay on as the general manager. So too would the bakers and chefs. Ed Mitzen and wife Lisa purchased the popular bakeshop in July and will continue the Bread Basket Bakery tradition in downtown Saratoga Springs.

“We didn’t want to change anything about the bakery – the scones, the cakes, the pie recipes, the logo or the name,” Mitzen says. “The only thing Lisa and I thought would be a nice touch would be to donate all the profits to charity and keep the bakery intact the way Joan envisioned it and ran it the past 30-plus years. It’s such a charming staple and beautiful location in the city, so it’s a real honor to continue the tradition. Everybody wins. And I get to show up and get a free blueberry muffin every once in a while.” 

The business closed for a few weeks in September for renovations and a baker who had worked for one of the Emeril restaurants in New Orleans was brought aboard. 

The goal Mitzen says is to present a check – at least quarterly and potentially monthly – to non-profits across the region. The recipient organizations have yet to be chosen, but in keeping with the bakery’s new mission of donating all of its ongoing profits to charity, the Mitzens will this week present a check for $25,000 to Capital Roots, the Troy-based nonprofit whose mission is to reduce the impact of poor nutrition on public health. 

“Anything we make in terms of profitability we’re going to donate back to charity. We’re still getting our arms around the financials for this year, but Lisa and I wanted to make a check presentation to sort of prime the pump for what’s going to come,” Mitzen says. “ I can’t say that we made $25,000 in profit over the past few months, we haven’t, but we thought it would be a good thing to do just to let everyone know that it’s real, that we’re going to be donating the money and once we get into the holiday season and business starts to pick up with pies and cakes and breads, we’ll be able to get a better handle on exactly how much we’re making.” 

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Mitzen founded Fingerpaint marketing company in 2008 and has maintained a philanthropic presence in the community. In 2017, the Mitzens offered to fund the construction of a permanent Code Blue emergency homeless shelter next to the existing quarters of its parent company Shelters of Saratoga. Neighborhood pushback negated the development of a permanent shelter at the location, and Code Blue continues to operate on a transitory basis. “It’s frustrating because I know we could have had a building built by now, but we’ll get there eventually,” Mitzen says.  “Mine and Lisa’s offer to build the shelter still stands, it’s just that navigating the political and legal landscape of Saratoga is not always easy.”

Fingerpaint maintains five offices around the country, each operating under different protocols depending on safety guidelines the varying states where the offices are located. “For the most part the offices are partially open with restrictions and precautions in place, so people have the ability to come and go.” As a business owner with employees, Mitzen says there have been new lessons to be learned that may be applied in a post-COVID business world. 

“I think you’re going to see it will come back to a certain degree, but we’ve all learned different ways of doing things through all this. Admittedly I was a huge anti-proponent of working from home. I always felt if someone said they wanted to work from home they would be mowing their yard and watching ESPN, that they’re not committed, but now I’ve done a complete 180. Our folks have been unbelievably productive – probably more productive than they’ve been in the office,” he said. “I do think as human beings we require social interaction to be emotionally centered and to thrive and I do think at some point we’ll gravitate back to that when it’s safer.   

“The thing I love about the Bread Basket model is that it’s sustainable. We’re not just writing a check and going away. It’s around this idea of social entrepreneurship where we can help established businesses, or help people get their businesses going that ultimately helps to give back to their employees and their communities,” he says. “I grew up in Vorheesville in a traditional middle-class neighborhood and had a very happy childhood, but I also am very aware that there are a lot of people who haven’t fared so well, especially recently. You look at the gap between the haves and the have-nots, which has been exponentially increasing, and I just feels really good to help other people. It’s very rewarding.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julie & Co. Realty has announced Emily Frost as the newest member of the brokerage.

A licensed real estate salesperson, Frost was born and raised in Queensbury. In 2011, she graduated from the State University of New York with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Communications. She applied her knowledge to a hands-on sales role managing representatives throughout the state of New York for five years. 

Frost specializes in residential sales and leases, first time home buyers, condos, and townhomes. 

For more information, call 518-350-SOLD (7653), email info@juliecorealty.com or visit www.JulieCoRealty.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital Medical Group has appointed Scarlet Clement-Buffoline of Ballston Spa as executive director of the multidisciplinary medical practice. 

Clement-Buffoline has more than two decades of administrative experience in positions of increasing responsibility at Capital Region hospitals. Most recently, she was chief operating officer for acute care services at St. Peter’s Health Partners in Albany.  She also has served as vice president of administration and specialty services at Samaritan Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, both in Troy.

 At Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, Clement-Buffoline will play a lead role in overseeing operations and developing strategies to expand the practice and increase access to high-quality healthcare in the region. 

Clement-Buffoline holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and health from the State University of New York at Potsdam and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University at Albany. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Clement-Buffoline is a member of the Association of Healthcare Management – Western New York, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, and the Healthcare Association of New York State Behavioral Health Task Force. In addition, she has served on the boards of the Troy Redevelopment Foundation, Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce, and Rensselaer County Community Services.

BURNT HILLS — Stewart’s Shops on Oct. 16 announced that it will be closing two of its shops in the upcoming weeks. 

The Burnt Hills shop on 710 Saratoga Rd. will be closed on Sunday, Oct. 25 and the Wappingers Falls shop on 2048 Route 9D, will be closed on Sunday, Nov. 8. All partners have been offered opportunities in nearby locations, the company said.

Stewart’s Shops released the following statement regarding the closures: “Unfortunately, these shops do not have the ability to accommodate the equipment or space needs to expand food-to-go offerings or gasoline and cannot expand with their ever-growing customer needs. The inability to expand coupled with rising costs have made the closures necessary.”

The closures are not a reflection of the company overall, the company added, reporting: “Stewart’s Shops continues to grow. They’re expanding to new markets and rebuilding and improving existing locations where they are seeing growth. In 2020, Stewart’s Shops is celebrating 75 years and will again invest over $45 million in construction of new shops and shop additions, with 19 new and rebuilt shops planned.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The city Planning Board this week is expected to hear a site plan review regarding a mixed-use project at South Broadway and Driscoll Road. 

Plans call for the construction of a new 10,000 square foot building that will house an animal clinic, office, retail, and multi-family residences. The proposed development of a new two-story building is on land currently vacant. 

According to documents filed with the city, Dr. Susan Sikule, owner of two Just Cats Veterinary Clinics – one in Guilderland and one in Saratoga Springs – currently has a contract to purchase the near 6-acre parcel where the existing Saratoga Springs veterinary facility would be relocated. 

The proposed mixed-use building will consist of seven apartment units on the second floor and three separate commercial tenants on the first floor, one of which will be the clinic. 

BALLSTON SPA — Mayor Woolbright walked through Wiswall Park on a sun-filled Wednesday afternoon draped in a shadow of memories of the grand San Souci Hotel. The fashionable multi-story structure which once stood a few yards away housed hundreds of guests during its 19th century heyday. It was the largest hotel in the nation at the time.    

At this week’s ceremony, Ballston Spa Mayor Larry Woolbright showcased the newly restored fountain fed by the San Souci Spring, one of the initial springs that drew visitors to the village in the 1800s. If the restored fountain provided a visible symbol of the village’s renewal, the event’s unveiling of an economic development plan represents its rebirth. 

“The release of this smart and strategic economic development plan heralds a new beginning for the village of Ballston Spa, and makes it abundantly clear that we are open for business,” Woolbright said, showcasing the 72-page economic development plan. 

A product of the Saratoga Partnership’s Next Wave Communities initiative, the plan was guided by the input of residents, government leaders and members of the business community. More than 400 took part in local surveys, six focus groups were conducted, and a public forum staged. The development of the plan combines the community’s vision of itself, as well as recognizing village assets and resources.    

“Ultimately this is your plan, based on your vision,” said Shelby Schneider, President and CEO of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. The Partnership worked with the village for more than one year to create the plan, which outlines a strategic and tactical approach to attracting visitors, residents and businesses to Ballston Spa by enriching and promoting the assets, resources, charm and character of the historic village. 

According to 2019 data, the village measures 1.6 miles and is home to 287 businesses and 5,469 residents. The median household income is $61,378 and the average home value just under $240,000. 

The Economic Development Strategy seeks to enhance the Central Business District by achieving an environment that provides a positive shopping experience and bolsters the village atmosphere for businesses, residents and visitors alike. These would be attained by implementing, among other things, architectural and transportation/ walkability improvements, developing market rate housing for adults to “age-in-place,” fostering supportive conditions for small businesses, and updating the village master plan, which was last updated in 1994.

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The 72-page economic development plan outlines four major goals, and includes a matrix of timelines for implementation, to strengthen Ballston Spa’s economic and fiscal vitality. They include: Enhancing the Central Business District; Enriching the Village’s Quality of Place; Providing support and resources to small businesses and creating an economic development and community branding strategy. 

Mayor Woolbright said the plan will build on the rich and storied past of the village and “help create a thriving village for our children, and their children.” 

The gathering in Wiswall Park included former longtime village Mayor John Romano, members of the current village board and regional business and tourism leaders, many of whom raised a toast with cups filled with spring water. Rory O’Connor, Chair of the Steering Committee called the plan “a declaration of opportunity.” 

The survey points to downtown parking availability, infrastructure and repair upgrades and lack of business diversity as some of the top challenges the village faces.  Nafeesa Koslik, who hails from the city of Hyberabad in India, said during the ceremony that she was confident she has found the perfect place to make her dream a reality. Her restaurant, Nani’s Indian Kitchen, is slated to open on Milton Avenue in the coming weeks. 

James Beaudoin, owner of the prominent 125 Bath St. property, was also in attendance. Beaudoin said he looks forward to playing a role in the “exciting vision for the village’s future,” and helping to make it a reality. After many years of being unable to do so, the Bath Street property is slated for potential future development. 

“You look around us here and the village is pretty well built-out. There’s not a whole lot of vacant space. Now this site is over six acres-plus, and it’s in the middle of the central business district,” Mayor Woolbright explained.  “It was a tannery for many years and a Brownfield Site restricted by DEC that couldn’t be redeveloped. Jim (Beaudoin) bought it, cleaned it up and he now has permission to redevelop it. He can build, he can have businesses, he can have residences. He’s working with the village on the plan of what we would like to see there,” Woolbright said. “What we would like to see is mixed-use,  some retail commercial on the bottom floor, some open space in the middle, some condos or something on the upper floors, and we’d like to see a connection up to the fair ground. It’s a strategically placed property and our vision calls for a bridge over the Gordon Creek, restaurants, bars and shops lining Washington Street.”      

The Saratoga Partnership’s Next Wave Communities initiative involves creating tailored economic development plans for individual municipalities in Saratoga County. Similar efforts are currently underway in the towns of Galway and Malta. For more information about Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, go to: saratogapartnership.org.  For more information about Ballston Spa visit the village website at: villageofballstonspa.org. 

I

’m sure those reading the headline and looking at the byline will assume that when the Chamber refers to saving LOCALS that we’re talking about local businesses.

And while that’s true, there is a bigger mission at hand. Because it also involves mobilizing our community to save our local nonprofit organizations. It means saving local neighbors who may be unemployed or in need. 

This intent was never clearer to me as we developed our SAVE OUR LOCALS campaign than a week ago when I attended an event for CAPTAIN Community Human Services. The event was to thank and honor Sue Catroppa, CAPTAIN’s current executive director, as she heads towards retirement at the end of 2020. The event was to recognize and thank Andy Gilpin, who has worked side-by-side with Sue for more than a decade at CAPTAIN and who will become the organization’s next executive director.

In advance of this event, I was honored to be asked to speak and to say a few words about Sue – – and Andy as it turned out. So as I thought about what I might say, I was reminded of something that Sue has said to me over and over again. Sue loves the work we do at the Saratoga County Chamber because we value, respect and promote the amazing work that all of our local nonprofits do to make our community a great place to live, work and play.

Take our SCORE program for instance. In 2018 and 2019, our local SCORE Chapter was one of the top five in the nation in terms of small business startups and jobs created with their help. Now with our SAVE OUR LOCALS effort, SCORE is adapting to provide totally free and completely confidential services to businesses AND nonprofits who need to adapt their business plan or model because of COVID 19. Both local businesses and local nonprofits are eligible to meet one-on-one virtually or in-person with one of our exceptional SCORE volunteers. All they have to do is call the Chamber to start the process.

To help businesses, our SAVE OUR LOCALS campaign will involve the Chamber and our partners promoting EVERY business ­­— whether you are a member or not — who offers gift cards for sale online. In the spring, we set up a similar promotion and had links to local retail stores, spas and beauty salons, restaurants, florists, fitness facilities, and more. 

Simultaneously, we will create a page on www.saratoga.org that promotes what our local nonprofits need. If our community responds and donates what local nonprofits need, this will indirectly mean that we’re helping everyone. 

Local businesses can learn a lot from the way our nonprofits are run and have been led during the pandemic. In my remarks at the CAPTAIN event, I shared a story from early April when our local economy was shut down, and I called Sue to learn more about COVID 19’s impact on our community and to see how the Chamber might help. 

Sue told me that demand for CAPTAIN’s food pantry and personal care items was up 50%. That day we spoke, she was trying to figure out how to help a young woman who was the victim of sex trafficking to find a place to stay with all of the stay-at-home restrictions in place. She said CAPTAIN also needed PPE for their employees to keep them safe.

Now CAPTAIN, like many nonprofits who work with vulnerable populations, was considered essential. So Sue also shared with me how they had established three separate teams of employees who were working shifts scheduled so they never crossed paths. She and her team had pivoted to this model to ensure their services could be sustained and people in need would always have access to what they needed. By doing this, the idea was that if one person contracted the virus that just one team would have to quarantine. That would leave the other two available to keep CAPTAIN open.

As businesses started to reopen, I shared what Sue did at CAPTAIN with many of the business owners who were asking me how to ensure they could stay open. The reality — as we’ve seen over and over again — is that it’s hard to eliminate the spread of COVID. The best we can do is minimize its spread. Sue had a model for operating a nonprofit and any business with this reality in mind.

So how can our community SAVE OUR LOCALS? Shop local. Dine out or take out local. Buy your supplies for your home or business at local stores. Hire local contractors and professional services. Think of making every purchase locally. If you must shop online, do so locally too. AND, donate your time, treasure and talent to local nonprofits. We’re all in this together. We will be Stronger Together.