SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company was recognized in June as a 5-Star Superior bank by BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s leading bank rating and research firm. 

Saratoga National has earned this designation for the past 45 consecutive quarters, securing its prominent position as an “Exceptional Performance Bank.”

The 5-Star rating indicates Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company is one of the strongest banks in the nation. To earn 5 Stars, banks must excel in areas of capital quality, asset quality and profitability, according to Karen Dorway, President of BauerFinancial.

Based in Coral Gables, Florida, BauerFinancial has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution can pay for or opt out of a BauerFinancial rating. To learn more, visit bauerfinancial.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital has promoted Jeffrey Methven to executive vice president, responsible for operations. Marcy Dreimiller has been named vice president of human resources. Both have more than a decade of experience in roles of increasing responsibility at Saratoga Hospital.

“As our organization has grown and become increasingly complex, Jeff and Marcy have consistently and proactively taken on additional challenges with skill and grace,” Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Angelo Calbone said. “We congratulate them on this much-deserved recognition of their leadership and commitment to our organization and those we serve.”

Methven  previously was vice president of ambulatory services and chief human resources officer. He joined Saratoga Hospital in 2006 as vice president of human resources and, since then, has assumed responsibility for the hospital’s outpatient network of over 20 locations. He also was instrumental in growing the multidisciplinary Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, which has more than 250 providers in over 30 specialties.

As executive vice president, Methven will continue to be responsible for the operations of the medical group and many Saratoga Hospital outpatient sites. He also will work closely with other members of the hospital’s leadership team to oversee much of the organization’s daily operations.

As vice president of human resources, Dreimiller oversees all major human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, benefit administration, training and leadership development and compensation. She also is responsible for employee health, volunteer services and pastoral care.

Dreimiller joined Saratoga Hospital in 2009 as director of human resources and was named associate vice president of human resources in 2017. Previously, she was the vice president of human resources at Glens Falls Hospital for 17 years.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In the midst of the pandemic and the chaos of our daily lives, members of the community have stepped up to join the board, renew their terms and lead our museum into a bold path for the future. 

David Martin became Board President in January of this year and volunteered to extend his term by an additional year to help the museum through the current crisis. Martin is a native of Saratoga, is currently serving his third term on the board and is the son of two of the Museum’s founders, Alice and Randy Martin. 

Brandon Ture, another Saratoga native, has agreed to serve his third term on the board as chair of the facilities committee. Ture has two young children who help guide his thoughts on exhibits and their durability. The museum bids a farewell to Jennifer Allen, Immediate Past President, who brought her creativity, passion and fundraising experience to the museum for six years.

This Spring Nicole Rodgers, Katelyn Donovan and Lou Ann Stewart joined the Museum board. Rodgers owns her own law firm in Saratoga and is the mother of young children who attend school in the Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake school district. Rodgers’ business acumen, legal knowledge and experiences as a mother have already proved invaluable. 

Donovan reports, “I am very excited to join The Children’s Museum at Saratoga. Growing up in the Saratoga area, and having had a few of my own celebrations at the museum, I am looking forward to being a part of creating exciting ways to continue to support the children of Saratoga for the next 30 years.” 

Donovan’s experience in development has been incredibly helpful during this unprecedented challenge for nonprofits. 

Stewart lives in Halfmoon and has wonderful memories of bringing her children to the Museum when they were young. Stewart’s expertise in strategic planning and marketing are necessary skills for the Museum as we continue to plan for our future.

For more information about The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, contact 518-584-5540 or ssmith@cmssny.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Marketplace, an indoor shopping and dining staple in downtown Saratoga Springs, has used the recent economic closure to reinvent the popular retail destination. Updates have included interior and exterior changes to individual stores and common spaces as well as the addition of new and expanded businesses. 

The two-story retail arcade has recently revealed renovations such as the restoration of the tin ceiling, complete interior painting and new lighting throughout. The property will continue with further updates in the coming months and has also added in many safety precautions to the building for customer care while shopping. 

The new bright and airy interior coordinates with the updated exterior courtyard complete with new turf lawn, tropical plants and spacious outdoor seating for Comfort Kitchen, The Night Owl and Tatu, the property’s restaurant establishments. 

With a predominance of young, local entrepreneurs, the space is home to more than 14 retail, lifestyle and restaurant properties. New businesses that have recently opened include Into Mischief, featuring gifts and home décor boutique, Saratoga Chocolate Company, Bella and Lindy, a dog gifts and treats store, Studio Sweet, a nationally recognized furniture designer, and Saratoga CBD Wellness. Betsy Olmsted Designs, a local textile designer with national recognition who’s been featured in Country Living, House Beautiful and HGTV Magazine to name a few, opened her first brick and mortar storefront on the main level. 

The Saratoga Marketplace is home to several art galleries including Frankie Flores, David Hill and Amp Gallery which features approximately 20 of the region’s top local artists, Lex and Cleo, which presents children’s clothing, gifts and toys has greatly expanded in its new space at the front of the building. Also updated are Lucia, Paper Dolls, Pangea and Yoga Mandali. 

The expansive courtyard at Saratoga Marketplace connects the mall with its sister property, 17 Maple Ave., which has undergone extensive renovations over the last year, including the launch of the new cocktail bar and dance club, The Night Owl. Tatu, an authentic Mexican restaurant, opened last fall on the newly renovated second floor. 

Opening this month, The Aston, is a modern living space available for private bookings. The Aston sits on the third floor above Tatu adding a stay component to the complex. This penthouse-style apartment boasts a rooftop patio, high ceilings with three bedrooms and one bath. 

The Saratoga Marketplace is owned by Saratoga Historic Restorations, Thomas Gardner and Mark Straus partners. For more information visit facebook.com/Saratoga-Marketplace or call Lucy Moran at 917-842-8924.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local Paint and Sip studio announced the start of its weekly Kids Day Camp Painting program. 

Hosted every Tuesday and Thursday, each class features a different theme to incorporate different painting techniques. The students will create and complete different paintings each class. 

“We’ve never done summer camp at Paint and Sip before, so its been a whole new world for us to start this journey,” Catherine Hover, owner of Paint and Sip said. 

A main focus of the day camp is to give an outlet to kids who are ready to get out of the house. Socialization is important and right now everyone is losing that aspect as time goes on.

“It’s important to provide these programs that will get kids out of the house and get them creating. It’s a great therapy for kids who are feeling frustrated too,” Hover said. 

There is limited seating allowed to practicing safe social distancing. The camp will be offered through August, and a schedule of the July camps can be seen on their website. Each camper will be seated six-feet apart and have their own set of brushes to use and keep. A painting will be completed each class on 11×14 inch canvas panel to bring home. Paints will also be portioned out into 2-ounce paint tubes the campers can keep. 

Amanda Demarco of Paint and Sip said interested community members can sign up directly on their website. Currently classes run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. but Demarco said the hours will change to 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the month of August. 

“The camp is $50 for the week and includes equipment the students can take home. Tables are six-feet apart and although seating is limited, parents can request to sit with friends or family they are comfortable with,” Demarco said. 

Hover added: “[the campers] are accumulating different arts and crafts and by the end of the session we’ll do a little art show, which may be done digitally.”

Located at 80 Henry St. in Saratoga Springs, the studio can be reached at paintandsipstudios.com by email info@saratogapaintandsip.com or phone 518-584-8244.

SCHENECTADY — Following New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive orders, and in partnership with the New York State Gaming Commission, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, including The Landing Hotel, remains temporarily closed until further notice. Previously scheduled entertainment and events during the temporary closure have been postponed until 2021. 

Below is the updated list of events and entertainment with original date, event, and new date: 

3/25: Still Surfin’ Dinner Show – New date, Wednesday, June 23, 2021

4/25: Johnny Rivers – New date Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021.

5/27: Magic of Motown Dinner Show – New date Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021.

6/10: Australia’s Thunder From Down Under – New date, Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

6/19 & 6/20: Aaron Lewis – New dates Thursday, April 1 and Friday, April 2, 2021.

Tickets for the new dates are available at riverscasinoandresort.com, tickets.proctors.org or the Proctors Theater Box Office in Schenectady. Guests can also use their current ticket for the new date or request a full refund. Refunds may take up to 4- 6 weeks to process. Guests may contact the Proctors Box Office for a full refund by calling 1-518-346-6204 between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday-Friday.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Foundation’s Veterans Business Council is offering free consulting assistance for any Veterans who are displaced or unemployed in the Saratoga County area. Services offered by its volunteer members include job search guidance, resume reviews, and connections with career and entrepreneurial training opportunities. 

“This is a challenging economic time for all, including our area Veterans, and the Veterans Business Council is here to help. Whether it be through a review of their resume or assisting them with connections to agencies that can help, our volunteer council members stand ready to aid our fellow Veterans,” says Veterans Business Council Chair Jason Collins. 

Veterans interested should reach out to Denise Romeo at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce at 518-584-3255 or dromeo@saratoga.org. More information is also available at www.SaratogaVeterans.org.

The Veterans Business Council operates under the Saratoga County Foundation of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and is made up of a select group of Veterans who are business leaders in the region. The Veterans Business Council works to facilitate opportunities for military veterans residing in Saratoga County, including offering scholarship opportunities and connecting them with the business community to enhance their knowledge of employment opportunities, job or entrepreneurial training, and new business development. 

More information on the Veterans Business Council is available online at www.saratogaveterans.org. 

GLENS FALLS — Discounts on the sale of all tobacco products, such as coupons and multi-pack price promotions, will be prohibited in New York State as of July 1. The law was passed as part of the state’s fiscal year 2021 budget.

Adirondack Health Institute’s Clear the Air in the Southern Adirondacks (CASA) program is encouraged by this latest development saying the new legislation is another significant step forward in combatting the marketing tactics employed by the tobacco industry to entice youth.

Research shows that higher tobacco prices are linked to lower smoking rates and this new law limits the tobacco industry’s ability to circumvent New York State’s high taxes on tobacco products, which are proven to reduce smoking prevalence, especially among youth. It is a significant victory in combating Big Tobacco’s long history of discounts and other pricing schemes that target youth, minority communities, low-income communities and people trying to quit. The average age that teens first start smoking in New York State is 13-years-old, and 90-percent of adult smokers say they first tried smoking by age 18.

A number of tobacco control measures passed as part of the state’s fiscal year 2021 budget, including a new law that stops the shipping and/or delivery of e-cigarettes and vape products to private residences beginning July 1, providing another important protection for youth. Several of the new laws took effect on May 18, including the end of all tobacco product sales in pharmacies and the end of flavored e-cigarette sales statewide. Nearly 40-percent of high school seniors in New York State use e-cigarettes, also referred to as “vaping,” and 27-percent of all high school youth vape.

Tobacco companies continue to aggressively market their products in stores across the state, using colorful walls of tobacco products and marketing materials that are highly appealing to teens. There is overwhelming evidence that the more young people see tobacco, the more likely they are to start smoking.6 More cigarettes are sold in convenience stores than in any other type of store, and 70% of adolescents shop in convenience stores at least once per week — where they are more likely to be exposed to pro-smoking messages.

For help quitting smoking or vaping, individuals can contact a health care provider, and call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS or visit www.nysmokefree.com.

Scott Clark. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The SRYMCA Board of Directors has appointed Vice President of Operations Scott Clark as interim CEO, following the departure of Andrew Bobbitt. The appointment takes effect immediately. 

“The SRYMCA has experienced a period of tremendous growth over the past several years, including construction of the Malta branch and major capital improvements at the Wilton and Saratoga Springs branches,” said Rick Schumaker, president of the Board of Directors. “We thank Andrew for his service during this time and wish him well.”

Clark has more than 32 years of experience in YMCA operations, facilities, membership and health and wellness. Prior to joining the Saratoga Regional YMCA in March 2019, he served as Vice President of Operations at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City and oversaw seven full-service YMCA facilities with an annual budget of more than $15 million. At SRYMCA, Scott leads the operations of the SRYMCA’s five branches, including all aspects of membership, programs
and childcare. 

“Since joining the SRYMCA, Scott has spearheaded meaningful and positive changes throughout our organization. We are a stronger organization as a result, and his leadership served as a foundation as we refined and grew to better serve our community. The SRYMCA has cultivated a team of committed, highly-capable personnel across all divisions and we are confident of their ability, with Scott at the helm, to lead us through this important transition,” said Schumaker.

“I have dedicated my entire professional career to the YMCA organization because I believe in its mission to build healthy spirits, minds and bodies for all,” Clark said. “I look forward to working with the SRYMCA management team, including our dedicated branch managers and senior staff, to continue our organization’s long tradition of service to the greater Saratoga community.”

MALTA — Recently known as 101 State Farm Place, Malta Grove was auctioned off earlier this year to the new property owner Flaum Management Co. Inc.

Flaum Management is a commercial real estate agency based in Rochester, New York. They purchased the 25-acre property for $2 million, which holds a 120,000 sq-ft building. 

Flaum Management is highly motivated to fill the building and will demise the space to accommodate tenants requirements. The building is currently available for lease in suites ranging starting at 10,000 sq-ft. Loren Flaum, CFO of Flaum Management, said the family business is very tenant-orientated. 

“We are very tenant focused…good tenants come first in our business. We’re very hands-on, we’re not an absentee landlord, with over 500 tenants we put them all first,” Flaum said. “We service our tenants and give them whatever they need such as a cost effective solution. We have a very attentive 24/7-customer-service.”

Flaum said the management team enjoys the redevelopment opportunities Saratoga County and the Capital Region offers. 

“We found that the economy in the capital region is very strong we like the prospects,” Flaum said. “We have a property management team in Albany and we’re gearing up to do more in the capital region.”

Flaum management is known for taking vacant properties and used properties to redevelop them and bring life back to them. Flaum mentioned re-naming the property to Malta Grove would fit better within the landscape.

“The location is phenomenal, it’s right off the highway and across the street from the new hospital and YMCA. We have been very successful in re-developing and we will use that same model for this building,” Flaum said. “We love the economic prospect of the area and the growth. We only look at acquisitions that we can really help benefit tenants because without them, we would have nothing.”

Flaum Management worked with Peter Struzzi, SIOR at Cushman & Wakefield. Struzzi joined the company in 1998 and serves as the Real Estate Broker for the Albany Office. As for the future of Malta Grove, Flaum and his family are excited for the opportunity to expand in Saratoga County.

“We just want to see this building become vibrant again and have more life,” Flaum said. 

Flaum Management is also the owner of Latham Farms, located at 579 Troy Schenectady Rd and Queensbury Plaza.