SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bonacio has announced a rebranding and restructuring of the company, with all of its associated businesses now under the Bonacio name.
The news was announced in an email from the company on Sept. 13. It states that Bonacio’s leadership, CEO Sonny Bonacio and President Julie Bonacio, will remain in their respective roles overseeing the entirety of the company.
“To continue the growth of the companies, we needed more structure and focus. It became clear rebranding was the way to do that,” said CEO Sonny Bonacio in a provided statement. “Now Construction, Development, and Management are unified under one brand – Bonacio. This is what I see taking us into the future, for generations to come.”
As part of the rebranding and restructuring, Spring City Development Group will be known as Bonacio Development, while West Side Management, LLC, will be known as Bonacio Management. Bonacio Metal Shop has also been rebranded to Bonacio Steel, according to the announcement.
In addition, the company has introduced a new logo to be used across all of Bonacio’s associated enterprises.
TROY — Local law firm E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy LLP is celebrating the milestone of 125 years in business by giving back, partnering with Albany Law School to sponsor a prize for the school’s Senior Prize Trials.
The Karen C. McGovern Senior Prize Trials are an annual legal competition for third-year students providing a simulated courtroom experience. According to a press release, E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy LLP will award $2,000 to the winners of the Senior Prize Trials annually for the next five years, starting in 2024.
Teams of two compete by litigating fictional cases before a judge and a jury in an experiential learning opportunity that prepares prospective lawyers for the courtroom environment.
The semester-long competition will kick off Monday, Sept. 18 and conclude with an event in November to announce the winning team. This is the first year that students will receive a monetary prize for their efforts, the release states.
“One of the commitments I am most proud of throughout 125 years of business is our steadfast commitment to supporting the community,” said E. Stewart Jones, Jr., partner and third-generation lawyer at E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy LLP, in the release. “Our firm is proud to support the next generation of lawyers as they get their first taste of the courtroom experience. We hope that this is the first of many courtroom victories for Albany Law School’s 2024 class.”
“Albany Law School is grateful for the continued support from E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy, an historic and acclaimed local law firm that employs several alumni of Albany Law School. The sponsorship of a monetary prize for our annual senior prize trials will add a well-deserved reward for the competitors, who voluntarily participate in this immersive educational experience outside of their courseload,” said Jenean Taranto, associate dean for student affairs at Albany Law School, in the release.
For many employees fall season is open enrollment season. Open enrollment season is a crucial time for employees, as it offers the opportunity to review and select benefits that will impact their health, finances, and overall well-being for the coming year. Making informed decisions during this period can lead to significant benefits down the road. To help you navigate open enrollment effectively, here are the top five considerations every employee should keep in mind:
1. Health Plan Options: One of the most critical decisions during open enrollment is selecting the right health insurance plan. Take the time to carefully evaluate the options available to you. Consider factors like premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and coverage. Assess your own healthcare needs and those of your family members. If you have ongoing medical conditions or anticipate significant healthcare expenses, a plan with lower out-of-pocket costs might be a better choice. Alternatively, if you’re generally healthy and want to save on premiums, a high-deductible plan with a health savings account (HSA) might be a viable option.
2. Additional Benefits: Beyond health insurance, open enrollment often includes other benefits such as dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, and retirement plans. Evaluate your current coverage in these areas and assess whether any changes are necessary. For example, if you wear glasses or contacts, upgrading your vision insurance could be beneficial. Similarly, reviewing and potentially increasing your life insurance coverage may be crucial if your family’s financial situation has changed.
3. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): FSAs and HSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that can help you save money on healthcare expenses. FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses, while HSAs are paired with high-deductible health plans and offer both tax savings and investment opportunities. During open enrollment, consider whether an FSA or HSA is right for you based on your anticipated healthcare expenses. Keep in mind that HSA funds can roll over from year to year, making them an attractive option for building long-term savings.
4. Wellness Programs and Incentives: Many employers offer wellness programs and incentives to encourage healthy lifestyles among employees. These programs may include gym memberships, smoking cessation programs, weight management initiatives, or wellness challenges. Take advantage of these opportunities to improve your health while potentially reducing your healthcare costs. In some cases, participating in wellness programs can lead to lower premiums or other financial incentives.
5. Read the Fine Print: Before finalizing your benefit selections, carefully read all plan documents, including the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) and the Summary Plan Description (SPD). Pay close attention to any changes in coverage, costs, or provider networks. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your benefits, including when coverage begins, how to file claims, and what services are covered. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your HR department or benefits provider if you have questions or need clarification.
In conclusion, open enrollment is an opportunity for employees to make important decisions about their healthcare and financial well-being. By considering these top five factors – health plan options, additional benefits, FSAs and HSAs, wellness programs, and reading the fine print – you can make informed choices that align with your individual needs and goals. Take the time to review your options, seek guidance if necessary, and make selections that will support your overall well-being in the year ahead.
James T. Cox, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, is the Senior Vice President of Advanced Planning at Continuum Wealth Advisors in Saratoga Springs. Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor registered through the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Saratoga Cannabis Co., to be owned and operated by Jody Cracco, Brittany Cracco, and Marcy Leventhal, has received a temporary special use permit from the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board. The dispensary will be located in the West Hill Plaza (Photo by Dylan McGlynn).
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A temporary special use permit application for Saratoga Cannabis Co., what could be Saratoga Springs’ first licensed recreational cannabis dispensary, was approved by the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board at their meeting on Thursday, Sep. 7.
The temporary permit comes with several conditions from the Planning Board, including a queuing and striping plan for pedestrian safety. The temporary permit will be issued for a period of 12 months, the Planning Board said, at which point the company’s ownership group, consisting of Jody Cracco, Brittany Cracco, and Marcy Leventhal, will have to re-apply for a permanent special use permit.
Plans for the dispensary, which will be located in the West Hill Plaza on West Ave, were initially filed under the name Reverie Dispensary, but the group recently changed the name to Saratoga Cannabis Co., said Brittany Cracco. The Cracco family also owns and operates Dairy Haus and Doggy Playcare, both located in Wilton.
Plans presented to the board at the Sep. 7 meeting detailed several sales methods in addition to standard physical sales, including a digital queuing system that will use an app allowing customers to wait in their vehicles and receive a notification when their order can be picked up, according to the filed plans.
The dispensary plans to operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the Craccos said.
Jody Cracco said the 12-month temporary permit will allow the group to observe what business looks like at the dispensary during all four seasons.
“I’m glad they gave us the 12 months too, because we want to know what every season looks like,” said Jody Cracco. “That is the reason why we have the team that we have. We have the experience on our team. They’ve been here before, in many states, many times.”
The Cracco’s partner, Marcy Leventhal, has been in the cannabis industry for over 20 years, and has worked in the field across 22 different states, she told Saratoga Today in July.
Brittany Cracco said the group is “grateful” to receive the approval from the City.
“The town wants what’s best, and they want to be safe and cover all their bases, and that’s what we want to do too,” Brittany Cracco said. “This is a new use coming. It’s a new thing altogether that, like they said in there, nobody really knows what it looks like, and compliance is really big with us. … So the fact that they were really open-minded in allowing this, we’re grateful.”
But while they have received Planning Board approval, the group said they are still unsure when they will be able to open due to uncertainties surrounding a lawsuit filed against the State. According to a CBS News report, the State is currently blocked from processing licenses as a result of the suit, but can issue exemptions to applicants that meet the qualifications.
Each license will be re-examined on a “case-by-case basis,” said Jody Cracco.
“Basically as to how far along in the process that you are,” Brittany Cracco added. “So they will give us the go-ahead to keep going.”
The ownership group stated their goal is to be prepared to open “as soon as possible.”
“We aren’t going to linger, let’s just put it that way,” Jody Cracco said. “A number of things will take place while we are waiting, and that is getting everything in place so that when we get the go-ahead, everything then starts moving as quickly as possible.”
Lakeside Farms’ carriage barn. Photo by Dylan McGlynn.
BALLSTON LAKE — Originally established in 1948, this year marks Lakeside Farms’ 75th anniversary as a family-run business.
Lakeside was founded by Robert Pearce, along with his wife Agnes and son Dick, their website states. The family began making apple cider with a screw-driven press originally built in 1878, said Jeffrey Pearce, who is part of the third generation of the Pearce family to run the business.
Today, Lakeside includes a country store, restaurant, apple barn, gift shop, event space, and more, with Pearce saying Lakeside is “like 11 businesses all wrapped in one.”
“My grandfather always told me, ‘You put out a good product for a good, fair price, they’ll come knocking on your door,’” said Pearce. “I’ve always kept it that way.”
Pearce said he has been working at Lakeside for almost 60 of its 75 years, beginning as a young child working under his father, Dick Pearce.
“I just started to work, and my father gave me things to do at eight years old,” said Pearce. “I just worked up from there.”
The Pearce family moved Lakeside’s country store to the property’s carriage barn in the early 1960s, Pearce said.
“My grandparents started the cider mill, and put in a little store down back behind the store that’s already here,” Pearce said. “As we got bigger, we moved to the carriage barn, which is where it’s at right now.”
Today, Jeffrey Pearce operates the farm with his brother, Richie. Jeffrey’s wife, Denise, also works at Lakeside, while Jeffrey and Richie’s sister, Lisa Martin, works part-time at the farm.
In addition to their apple cider, Lakeside Farms includes a country store that offers a wide variety of products, such as fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, penny candy, and more. The country store also includes a deli, a bakery, and restaurant, roasting their own meat and selling a variety of burgers and sandwiches, and other products including bread, baked goods, and eggs.
The farm’s restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, and they offer a wide selection of apples, apple cider, and apple cider donuts from their apple barn.
Lakeside also includes Ye Olde Farmhouse Gift Shoppe, a farmhouse built in 1851, Pearce said, that was converted into a shop offering an assortment of gifts, decorations, clothing, jewelry, candles, and more, many of which are locally or American-made.
Lakeside served 130,000 people in nine months last year, Pearce said. He noted their apple barn has recently opened for the fall season. The apple barn and gift shop will remain open through Dec. 24, while the remainder of the property will remain open through Nov. 26, according to Denise Pearce.
While Pearce acknowledged it is demanding work, putting in up to 90 or 100 hours a week, he also said it is fulfilling, and said he has “been treated very well.”
“Yesterday I got up at 3:00, and got home last night at 5:30,” Pearce said. “It’s a long day, but when you get to see what you’ve accomplished during the day, you smile.”
He also added that, “The business runs you, you don’t run it.”
“Sit back, look, and listen, and the business will tell you what has to be done,” said Pearce. “You work it, but it tells you what has to be done.”
Through the years, Pearce said that in addition to family and employees, the farm has also received help from friends and neighbors, such as Lee Davenport, who Pearce said worked for Lakeside roughly 20 years ago and still returns to assist the Pearce family and their employees.
“He went out on his own, and he comes back and helps me,” Pearce said. “He’s like a brother to me.”
Pearce gave credit to the farm’s employees, saying, “They put their heart and soul into it.”
“If you’ve got people that are positive with you, I’ve got a few people that are, it makes it a lot easier,” said Pearce. “It’s nice to have people that love your business as much as you do.”
GREENFIELD CENTER — Fossil Stone Vineyard and Winery celebrated its opening Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local officials including Greenfield Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch and members of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
Located at 331 Grange Rd, the property totals 140 acres and features a 720-square foot barn, seven acres of vineyards, and a previously-established horse farm known as Fossil Stone Farm, according to a press release. Fossil Stone is owned by Greenfield resident Mike Spiak and his wife, Kelly.
While speaking to those in attendance, Spiak noted the opening was meaningful, and thanked the crowd, saying it took “a long, long time to get here.”
“Making wine or making alcohol in New York is not an easy business,” said Spiak. “There’s a lot of permits to go through. But (Supervisor Veitch) really helped us out a lot towards the end.”
“We’re really proud to have you here, also,” Veitch told the Fossil Stone team. “Welcome very much, and thank you for being here. We really appreciate it.”
In addition to the indoor barn space, Fossil Stone also features a spacious outdoor setting. They offer wines such as Rose, La Crescent, Marquette, Oak-aged Marquette, and Amber, according to the press release.
The winery plans to hold limited public hours and private events throughout the fall before opening to the public with regular hours in Spring 2024, the release states. Fossil Stone will host a public Harvest Party on Sept. 23, beginning at 10 a.m. and including live music, food, a cash bar, and grape harvesting.
“Our goal was to make some place that would fit nice in Greenfield,” Spiak said to those in attendance. “A nice place to come and relax, and have a little wine, maybe reflect.”
Photo by Genine Gullickson, provided by Nancy Katinas
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Revolution, an indoor cycling studio with locations in Clifton Park and Loudonville, is expanding north, with a location in Saratoga Springs set to open later this month.
Owner Nancy Katinas said The Revolution’s expansion to Saratoga is due to the community, saying there is a demand in the area and noting that several of their instructors live in the Saratoga area.
The Revolution will be located at 30 Gick Rd, which includes other fitness facilities such as Metabolic Fitness. Katinas said the location was “perfect” for the studio’s space.
“It was the community. The demand from the community, the interest from the community,” said Katinas of the decision. “A lot of things shook out. … We had an opportunity, and we’re going to take that risk.”
The Revolution’s Saratoga location will host an open house on Sept. 16, and plans to officially open Sept. 22. Katinas emphasized the studio has built a strong community, saying, “It’s just a place where everybody belongs.”
“Whatever brings you through the door, you’re on your own personal journey in a group of like-minded individuals. And we all root for each other,” Katinas said. “People become a community. It’s a sense of belonging for everybody.”
The Revolution is the largest indoor cycling venue in the Capital Region, Katinas said. With group workouts, colored lighting, and a wide variety of music, the studio offers a space where “everybody can participate.”
“I truly am passionate about the fact that everybody can participate in a class,” said Katinas. “You are in charge at the pace at which you pedal, and you are in charge of the resistance that you put on your bike.”
The Revolution uses lighting and music to power workouts, with Katinas saying, “The energy is contagious.”
“The lights go down, we’re lit like a dance club,” Katinas said. “We put (on) all kinds of music. Everything from classic rock, to country, EDM, to remixes. No class is ever the same, simply because of the change of the music.”
The Revolution offers a variety of classes with different musical themes. Katinas named examples such as all-decade rides, featuring music from a decade such as the 1990s, or ‘battle rides’ featuring two artists, such as ‘Lady Gaga vs. Dua Lipa.’
“The music drives your workout, and the energy that you get in a group is just contagious. It spreads,” said Katinas. “It’s power in numbers.”
The Revolution has over 19 instructors, Katinas said, with each providing their own perspectives to workouts and musical tastes.
“All of our instructors have a unique flair,” Katinas said. “There really is a lot of variety. … The members who embrace all the instructors get the best of everything, because they get a different workout, a different type of challenge, every class.”
Members can also purchase a heart rate monitor to measure calories, heart rate, and more in real time during the workouts. Participants are sent their results after each workout, as well as a monthly readout.
Upon opening, The Revolution’s Saratoga location will offer four classes per day from Mondays through Thursdays, three classes on Fridays, and two classes each on Saturdays and Sundays, according to their website.
However, Katinas emphasized that the schedule can change to meet the needs of local members. The studio will also look into additional weekend classes in the future, she said.
“Our schedule is not locked in stone forever. We are going to try to accommodate the schedule to fit the community,” said Katinas. “If that means adding a 7 a.m. class during the week, we’ll do that.”
The classes, which last 45 minutes each, can be booked at myrevnow.com. The Revolution offers several signup options, including a package of three classes for new participants, as well as drop-in rates, a package of 10 classes, and an unlimited membership. A student discount is also offered, with Katinas saying The Revolution is, “very student-friendly.”
With the studio’s planned opening approaching, Katinas said it is exciting to expand into Saratoga, again emphasizing The Revolution has built a strong community around its workouts.
“Ultimately, we’ve built such a great community of people,” said Katinas. “No one wants to do it by themselves. The more, the merrier.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — As another summer begins to wrap up, early indications suggest that it has been another positive season for the local economy in Saratoga Springs.
RACING
The Saratoga Race Course has continued to attract strong numbers, surpassing one million paid fans for the eighth consecutive year, excluding 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total paid attendance of 1,105,683 according to a press release from NYRA.
The Race Course saw an average daily paid attendance of 27,642, which is reportedly the first year since 2019 that it has drawn an average over 27,000 per day. The all-sources handle was reported at just under $800 million, a slight decrease from 2022, which was mainly attributed to inclement weather. The release states that 65 races were forced off the turf this summer due to weather.
“Thanks to the fans who visited Saratoga Race Course over these 40 days, and all those who watched and wagered from home, the popularity of the summer meet continues to exceed all expectations,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O’Rourke in the release. “The world-class racing held here each summer is made possible by the owners, trainers, jockeys and backstretch community who collectively dedicate so much to the horses and the sport.”
The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency released a study in January conducted by Camoin Associates on the economic impact of destinations in the city, including the Saratoga Race Course.
According to the study, which measured figures from the 2021 season, the Race Course is responsible for over $370 million in sales and nearly 3,000 jobs annually. It also generates roughly $2.3 million in tax revenue for Saratoga County.
Pat McKenna, NYRA VP of Communications, said the study proves “the popularity of the summer meet is at an all-time high” in recent years, which he said in turn benefits the local economy.
“The importance of the summer meet is not strictly within the gates. Obviously, world-class racing is exciting and dynamic,” said McKenna. “We see that each and every day of those 40 days. But the enduring and growing economic impact outside of the gates, what those visitors mean to hotels in Saratoga, in Clifton Park, in Albany, and throughout the Capital Region. As the support for the summer meet and the popularity has grown, it means that economic impact continues to expand beyond just Saratoga Springs itself.”
BUSINESS
Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, said that his interactions with the local business community this summer were “entirely positive.”
“Overall, anecdotally, I had incredibly positive comments from folks,” Shimkus said. “I think the combination of bad weather and some of the national headlines relative to inflation certainly, I would say, caused some anxiety. I think there were some folks that were being conservative in their estimates in terms of what might happen. But all numbers pointed up from what I could see.”
Marianne Barker, co-owner of Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse, said many of the store’s products were well-received, noting both stores “had a great season.”
“For our business, and our type of business, this is our Christmas,” said Barker. “Where most people look forward to the holiday season for their business to go crazy, we look to the summer. We love it.”
LODGING
According to Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga, the 2023 summer was “one for the books,” despite the weather. He said that it was a “very robust season” for Discover Saratoga’s lodging partners.
“Revenues were up, year over year, for sure,” Leggieri said. “When people come to stay in a destination, they spend money. So our retailers and our restaurants, all did very well throughout the city and Saratoga County as a whole.”
Shimkus also emphasized this, saying if hotels do well, “everyone else does well.”
“The early indications are that the hotels did really well, that demand was up slightly, and that the average daily rate that visitors were willing to pay was also slightly up,” added Shimkus.
While figures for the entire summer have not yet been released, lodging trends reported by Discover Saratoga stated that, in the month of July, the revenue per available room had increased by 6.2% in the City of Saratoga Springs, while the average daily rate increased by 14.4%.
“Despite the concerns about the economy and high prices, folks were still very confident to travel, and those numbers support it,” Leggieri said.
Entering the fall, Shimkus said the short-term outlook is strong, noting the calendar of LiveNation performances at SPAC continues through September, and mentioned numerous other events planned in the city in upcoming months.
“The City Center also starts kicking in now with events. And there’s some festivals coming up,” said Shimkus, naming The Saratoga Giant Pumpkin Fest, the Fall Festival, the Victorian Streetwalk, and the New Year’s Fest as examples.
“Our fall calendar looks like we’re going to continue to drive visitors and people together here in Saratoga, which again is just great for the local economy and the businesses that are here.”
We hope that everyone has a stress-free transition back into the school year. But, sometimes, things go wrong at school, and this article will explore when liability can arise.
First up, personal injuries.
A school is a property like any other, which means that if you are hurt by dangerous conditions like disrepairs and poorly maintained facilities, you can sue for negligence. Schools can also be sued for failing to take remedial action with respect to bullying, and in the context of other instances of violence like fights between students or altercations with personnel.
An item to keep in mind if you are injured at a school is that most schools in New York enjoy a layer of protection provided by the Education Law’s notice of claim requirement. This means that, as a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit, you have to serve a notice of claim on the appropriate individual(s) within three months of the date of your accident. This applies to students as well as to other visitors to the property.
What if you are an employee of the school? Typically, employees in New York cannot sue their employers for negligence because of the Workers’ Compensation law. That means if you slip on a spill in the cafeteria that should have been cleaned up sooner, your remedy is in Workers’ Comp and not in a lawsuit. Employees who are injured at work can have recourse, however, if there is a third party responsible. So, if a contractor is doing work at the school and you are injured because of its negligence, you can have what’s called a third party claim against the contractor and still receive Workers’ Compensation. However, your recovery in a personal injury lawsuit will likely be reduced by what you have already received, i.e., the Workers’ Comp lien.
Next up, employment issues.
Public schools are subject to the same state and federal anti-discrimination laws as any other employer, as well as the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. This means that employees cannot be targeted because of their protected status (for example, sex, race, a disability, or age) or be retaliated against for making a complaint of discrimination or harassment based on their protected status. When it comes to state law claims, that notice of claim requirement still applies, so it’s important to keep an eye on applicable deadlines. Federal employment claims are not affected by the notice of claim requirement but may require filing a charge at the EEOC before moving forward with a lawsuit.
In public schools, employees also enjoy some, albeit limited, First Amendment protection when they speak on matters of public concern.
Often teachers and other school employees have protection through their union Collective Bargaining Agreement or under the Civil Service Law or Education Law, that may offer some job protection beyond what is available to many private employees. So, it is important for someone dealing with an employment related issue to be sure they understand all of their rights and options as they navigate a difficult work situation.
We certainly hope that the school year goes off without a hitch, but if not, be sure to keep in mind that schools enjoy some heightened protections in New York so it’s important to explore your options sooner rather than later.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, August 20, The Saratoga Winery hosted the first ever Sneakerfest, to benefit the Saratoga County Children’s Committees’ (SCCC) Back to School Program.
The organizations collaborated with iRun LOCAL to provide sneakers for children as they prepare to return to school in September. Allo Saratoga also participated and set up activities, creating a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the afternoon. The event was wildly successful and was able to raise enough funds for over 30 pairs of sneakers for local children. This year, SCCC will provide over 60 children with back to school essentials – including backpacks, supplies, toiletries, clothing, and of course, sneakers.
The goal is to equip students with the required school supplies to empower them and encourage a positive beginning of a new academic year.
