BALLSTON SPA — Robert Roemer has been named Vice President of Information Technology at Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) according to Christopher R. Dowd, president and CEO. Roemer will be responsible for leading and managing the bank’s information technology strategy including core, network, application, and telecommunication services.
Bringing 25 years of leadership and technology experience from a local federal credit union, Roemer most recently worked as a Senior Vice President of Systems Delivery. He graduated from Sage Junior College of Albany with a degree in computer information systems. Active in the community, Roemer is a trustee and wish granter for Make-A-Wish NENY.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Alliance180, a peer-to-peer, purpose-driven program that aims to prevent suicide for veterans, first responders and frontline healthcare workers facing the effects of trauma through a transformative equine experience, has hired its’ first Executive Director.
Denise Romeo, former Executive Vice President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, has been named Executive Director of Alliance180.
“Denise brings over 23 years of experience of leadership in nonprofit work within Saratoga County and we are thrilled she has joined our team at Alliance180. There is no doubt Denise will bring integrity and passion to this role,” said Bob Nevins, Founder of Alliance180.
Denise will oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as organizational strategy, fundraising and community awareness of the power of this program to change lives.
Todd Shimkus, President/CEO, of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce shared, “I had the pleasure to work with Denise for more than a decade. She rose from a Vice President to Executive Vice President in recognition of the leadership she provided within our organization and externally in the community.”
“I am both honored, and humbled, to accept this position,” says Denise Romeo. “Bob Nevins has been a hero of mine since the first time we met over ten years ago. A decorated Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, Bob certainly knows and understands the trauma of war. He knows that suicide amongst those ranks is extremely high and has been determined over three decades to uncover a real, and proven successful, equine experience that re-regulates the autonomic nervous system. It will be my job to carry out both the vision and mission of A180 along with others on our team. One Team One Fight!”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julie & Co. Realty has announced Francis “Frank” A. Steinbach, Jr. as the newest member of their brokerage in Saratoga Springs.
As a NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with an Associate’s Degree from Schenectady County Community College and a background in the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Frank brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the real estate industry.
Growing up in Albany’s Pine Hills area, Frank developed a keen interest in real estate from a young age, where he learned the ins and outs of the industry by working with his parents and siblings on their own properties. With a strong focus on home ownership, Frank and his wife have followed in their parents’ footsteps and built a successful real estate portfolio that they manage and maintain themselves.
Throughout his career, Frank has developed a reputation for his ability to identify and pair properties with clients, and he takes pride in sharing his knowledge and experience with others who are interested in the industry.
WILTON — Custom Fitness, a popular gym located in Wilton, has recently undergone a change in ownership. In January 2023, the gym was purchased by new owner, Anthony Mangano-Delaney, who has since rebranded the gym with a fresh web presence, remodel, and shift in focus towards newly designed Custom FIIT Group Training and Spinning classes.
Custom Fitness experienced immediate success with its new vision, which led to a promising 5% increase in membership and a significant waitlist for the highly anticipated Custom FIIT launch scheduled for February 12th. However, just a week before the launch, the gym was forced to shut down for over two months due to severe flooding caused by a burst pipe. As a result, the gym lost approximately 50% of its members, leaving the future of Custom Fitness uncertain.
Despite the setback, Mangano-Delaney and his team remained determined to get Custom Fitness back on track. They worked tirelessly to repair the damage and get the gym up and running as soon as possible.
“We know it’s been a tough few months, but we’re back and better than ever,” said Mangano-Delaney. “I’ve heard the word ‘comeback’ thrown around a lot recently. For us, it’s simply a continuation of our mission to provide a community-focused fitness experience. So don’t call it a comeback, because we never really left – we’re just getting started.”
Custom Fitness is now open and accepting new members. For more information, visit their website at customfitnessgym.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS —On Saturday, April 22, Youth2 will be hosting a Pop-UP, from 12-2 p.m. at the Mary Lou Whitney Pavilion at Gate 16 to benefit the backstretch workers of the Saratoga Race Course.
A new clinic at the Saratoga Race Course will open in May to assist backstretch workers and provide them with medical care and other necessities. Items requested and most utilized include band aids, sunscreen, bug repellant, antibiotic ointment, Qtips, hand sanitizer, chap stick, tick removers, Vaseline, hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes, tooth paste, and deodorant, packaged snacks (granola bars, crackers, etc.) and whole first aid kits. Please ensure these items are not used.
Gate 16 is the first gate on the right after Henning Road or the last gate on the left coming from downtown, on Union Avenue. The Saratoga Race Course is across the street. There is a crosswalk at Gate 16. The pavilion will be right in front. Signs will be put out on Union Avenue to help show the way. The drop-off will be Covid-19 safe and outdoors, and Youth2 members will be there to assist with drop-off and receive the items.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Together with Palette, Sahm Reyes, a well-known local chef, founder of Caffeine-Queens LLC, and patent holder for the coffee brewer bottle, announces the launch of The Saratoga Night Market.
The Saratoga Night Market began quietly this winter, and will officially launch to the public in April. The focus is on female developed products and businesses. The Night Market is organized by Sahm Reyes, an inventor and entrepreneur. The Night Market event space is hosted at Palette Saratoga.
Starting in April, the Night Market will be open to the public on scheduled Friday and Saturday nights. Each market features a selection of locally based female makers, creators and business owners selling their products.
The market is located in The Palette Saratoga co-working space in the lower level of The Collamer Building, at 480 Broadway. The Night Market will be open to the public the following April dates; April 21, April 22, April 28 and April 29. The Night Market invites everyone taking a stroll up Broadway to pop in.
Each market will vary, with rotating vendors. Tourists, visitors and locals are encouraged to stop by and check out what is for sale. At a recent market, the vendors and products included a children’s book author, a fiber artist, candle makers, jewelry designers, artists, inventors, and a woodcrafter. Scheduled market sellers for April include; authors, makers, designers, artists and inventors.
Sahm Reyes said, “I am excited to be able to offer the Saratoga community and the greater Capital Region area access to these fantastic female entrepreneurs. Many of the local creators and makers at the Night Market are in start-up mode. As a recently launched full-time entrepreneur, myself, I know how hard it is to find local space to sell my products. I wanted to find somewhere around here that is affordable and safe. That is why I partnered with Palette in Saratoga. The Broadway location is beautiful and I am excited to share the launch of the Night Market with everyone. I hope to see a lot of people coming out to support us.”
Sahm is a chef who became a full-time entrepreneur focusing on her business, Caffeine-Queens, in 2023. She is an active member of the Palette Community. Palette membership includes 24/7 access to co-working spaces and support for business people who want to connect with other like minded individuals and be productive in a fun, inviting, and supportive environment.
Sahm spends a lot of time traveling to trade shows and expos and doing research for her growing business.
When Sahm is back in Saratoga, she enjoys meeting solo-preneurs, business owners and connecting with other members who are working out of Palette. That is how the Night Market was born, a simple conversation with other small business owners.
Marcella Hammer, COO of Palette added, “At Palette, we are here to support women-led small businesses, while helping to build community & commerce. We are hopeful for lots of foot traffic when the weather gets warmer, because Sahm has found lots of interested female creators and makers who are excited to be able to sell their products locally.”
Catherine Hover, Palette Founder and Owner of Saratoga Paint and Sip, said, “This is why I started Palette, I realized that as a Mom and business owner, I craved a place to go where I had the support of other women, who were trying to do ‘all the things’ like me. I am so excited to support Sahm and all the amazing members of Palette who are doing great things in our community and beyond. I was lucky to attend a March Night Market, and there was an impressive group of vendors and the space was buzzing with shoppers coming in from the street to check out what was going on. The energy of a Night Market is great.”
April Night Market Dates
Friday 5 to 8 p.m. April 21, 28
Saturday 4 to 8 p.m. April 22, 29
May Night Market Dates
Friday 5 to 8 p.m. May 5, 19, 26
Saturday 4 to 8 p.m. May 6, 20, 27
June Night Market Dates
Friday 5 to 8 p.m. June 2, 9, 23
Saturday 4 to 8 p.m. –
June 3, 10, 24
July Night Market Dates
Friday 5 to 8 p.m. July 7, 21, 28
Saturday 4 to 8 p.m. –
July 8, 22, 29
Other vendors include: House of Sjaye, Caffeine Queens, Little Norwegian Candles, The Good Morning Boo, Kara’s Shop of Pretty Things, Pellegrini Designs, Beauty Organics, Pillowtalk, Sparked Permanent Jewelry, Angelic Herbals, Herlove Co, What’s the Kitsch, and McKinley Belle Jewelry.
BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center, in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers, is holding the following upcoming free virtual career workshops:
April 18 at 10 a.m.: Overcoming Barriers. Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Saratoga and Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.
April 20 at 11.: Completing Job Applications. Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.
April 27 at 1:30 p.m.: Social Media. Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.
Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https://thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga County 4-H is receiving $100,000 from the Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family for their 4-H Lead the Legacy Campaign to raise funds for a new educational facility at the Saratoga County 4-H Training Center in Ballston Spa. The Center is used by 4-H youth clubs and for community events and attracts over 12,000 youth each year.
“It’s an honor that Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family Foundation found this project to be worthy of such a donation, but not unexpected. Stewarts has always been a strong supporter of agriculture and 4-H, including providing support for the original 4-H Training Center back in 1980. They continually see our ‘worth’ by funding countless projects through the annual Stewart’s Holiday Match Program,” said Gregory Stevens, 4-H Extension Issue Leader.
The facility is located at 556 Middle Line Road in Ballston Spa. Originally built in 1988, they have outgrown their current building. The new multi-functional facility will offer more space and will break ground in Spring 2023. The expansion will include 3,780 square feet of additional classroom space, a dedicated space for STEM space to host robotics teams, additional restrooms, and community event space.
According to Susan Dake, Stewart’s Shops Foundation President, “Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family are longtime supporters of the 4-H, and we are proud to support the education they provide for our youth.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Longtime family-owned plumbing and HVAC business Capitol District Supply has officially moved under new ownership, but not much else is expected to change for the local company.
Capitol District Supply was purchased by N&S Supply, a Fishkill-based plumbing supply store, in March. Capitol Supply manager Adam Zima said the sale will allow the generation above him to retire while also allowing the company to maintain current operations and realize opportunities for future growth.
“We just had to figure out a way to allow the generation above me to retire,” said Zima. “We employ a lot of people, how do we keep everyone going? I think we found the right mix.”
N&S Supply is also a family-owned business, and incorporated in 1946, just one year after Capitol District Supply first opened. In addition to the sale, Zima purchased the real estate of Capitol Supply’s physical locations in Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Schenectady.
N&S itself is owned by Watsco, an HVAC distributor headquartered in Miami, Florida. Zima said Capitol Supply had a prior relationship with N&S, and that they will be left to continue operations mainly as usual moving forward.
“Watsco buys companies like us, and the point is to leave us alone and just provide us kind of the resources in the background,” said Zima. “The Nussbickel family still runs (N&S). There’s a corporate person in the background, but they have nothing to do with it. It’s still the Nussbickels, and that’s the whole point.”
“You could see what happened to them over the last three years. They technically sold, but they just grew the business and kept all their people. We’re doing the same thing.”
Zima said his father and uncles will have the opportunity to retire “in the near future,” and said the sale allows the company to remain stable in its operations and employees.
“We’re transitioning a bunch of things,” said Zima. “I get to keep all of our people, and I get to help them get more resources and help them grow. We have a ton of long-term people with us. At our Saratoga store, I’ve got a bunch of people who have worked for us since the ‘80s, and are still with us.”
Now, as owner of the company’s real estate, Zima said there will be some improvements he will look to make, including a new roof on the back warehouse in Saratoga Springs.
He also said that being part of a larger company will allow Capitol Supply more opportunities, including with green tax credits being adopted by New York State.
“There’s a ton of rebates and credits all geared toward HVAC equipment,” Zima said. “We now have access to different manufacturers and different lines that we didn’t have before, so that will be great to be able to really help contractors and help homeowners make their houses green. … We get to stay local, but I know in the background, I can better support the contractors when they’re doing big project work.”
Zima also noted it is meaningful for the company to continue operations in the area, 78 years after initially opening for business. He said he has strong memories and a strong connection to the area.
“I remember being in a hot tub, in a parking lot, in the summer of ‘86 for a grand opening,” said Zima. “That’s how far back we go. I was a little kid. … So I’ve got memories and a connection obviously to the building and to Saratoga.”
According to Wellspring, the domestic violence and sexual assault services resource for Saratoga County, 81% of women will be sexually harassed or assaulted in their lifetime. That is a sobering statistic. And it’s not just women – the same nationwide survey found that 43% of men have also experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lives.
In addition to emotional and physical trauma, surviving a sexual assault can bring with it a host of legal issues. This article will focus on employment and personal injury law, but readers should know that organizations like Wellspring can assist in obtaining orders of protection, accompanying individuals to the hospital or the police station, and generally help to navigate a very difficult time.
When sexual assault or harassment happens in the workplace, not only is someone’s well-being at risk, but their livelihood as well. Assault and harassment are protected forms of sex discrimination and hostile work environment under both federal and state law. The law also protects employees from coercive sexual relationships, what we call “quid pro quo” sexual harassment. This is when a boss or individual with power over your employment requests sexual favors in return for continued employment or advancement.
What if an assault happens at work? Contacting law enforcement is of course always an option, and your employer should not discourage you from doing so. If the perpetrator is a coworker, you can also report the assault or harassment to your boss and Human Resources. New York law requires employers to maintain a sexual harassment policy that will lay out a complaint procedure. If the perpetrator is your boss, and your employer is large enough to have a Human Resources department or another designated individual to complain to, you can do that. If there is no one to complain to because you work at a small company, you can consider making a complaint to the EEOC or the NYS Division of Human Rights.
With respect to your legal remedies, while not all harassment is a “hostile work environment” within the meaning of the law, a sexual assault at work very likely is. Sometimes, the level of recourse you have against your employer depends upon the employer’s response. If your employer responds appropriately to investigate, protect you, and discipline the perpetrator, then you may have less recourse for your lost wages if you decide to leave the workplace. On the other hand, if your employer does not take your complaint seriously, does not remedy the situation appropriately, or retaliates against you for complaining, the law may support what we call a “constructive discharge” – a situation where the employee resigns but still has legal recourse for their lost wages. Both state and federal law also allow for recovery of emotional distress damages stemming from a sexually hostile work environment.
New York law also protects victims of domestic violence in the workplace, and domestic violence can include sexual misconduct and offenses. The law not only protects victims of domestic violence from discrimination, but also requires reasonable accommodations for certain types of absences including to seek medical attention, attend court proceedings, and receive services.
Assaults, in or outside of the workplace, can also give rise to civil liability for the perpetrator. Assault, battery and false imprisonment are all civil legal claims that can be brought against the perpetrator of an assault in a lawsuit. It is important to keep in mind that these types of claims – which are called “intentional torts” – have a short one-year statute of limitations in New York. Currently, the NY Adult Survivors Act is in effect, which has reopened the statute of limitations, for a limited period of time, for sexual assault claims by individuals who were assaulted as adults. New York previously had this type of law in effect for child victims – you’ve likely heard about it in the context of claims of clergy sexual abuse.
Sometimes a sexual assault happens under circumstances that can also give rise to a negligence claim. These types of claims have a longer statute of limitations. An example could be suing a property owner for lax security if they know of a threat. Recently, a New York family was sued successfully for a sexual assault perpetrated by their son against a girl sleeping at their home.
Navigating the legal process and its various options after a traumatic event can be overwhelming. Luckily in our community we have resources like Wellspring, the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, the Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Project of Warren and Washington Counties, and The Legal Project in Albany, as well as private attorneys, who are able to assist.
Ways to Learn More and Support Sexual Assault Survivors this Month:
Attend the She Said event on April 10: Wellspring and Skidmore College are bringing New York Times journalist Megan Twohey to the Arthur Zankel Music Center to talk about breaking the Harvey Weinstein story, one of our most infamous sexual assault and harassment cases and a catalyst of the Me Too movement. Reserve tickets at www.wellspringcares.org/she-said/
Denim Day: Wear denim on Wednesday, April 26 to bring awareness to the stigmas and victim blaming surrounding sexual assault. This day commemorates a (shameful) Italian court case in which the judge found that, because a young woman was wearing tight jeans at the time of her assault, she must have assisted in removing them and, therefore, the assault was consensual. The next day, the women of the Italian Parliament came to work in jeans in solidarity with the victim.
