MALTA — Hudson Valley Community College and GlobalFoundries (GF) are expanding their partnership and creating a new training and apprenticeship center at the college’s HVCC North extension center in Malta. The center is part of the college’s $12.5 million expansions project aimed at boosting workforce training efforts in high demand areas. 

The GlobalFoundries Workforce Training and Apprenticeship Center at HVCC North announced on Aug. 5 during an event at the college’s Training and Education Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing and Renewable Technologies (TEC-SMART), will be created through a philanthropic gift of $500,000, which includes specialized equipment for workforce training. 

The HVCC North Expansion Project includes renovations to current facilities at TEC-SMART and the creation of a new two-story, 14,500 square foot STEM Education Center, which will include brand new, state-of-the-art labs for microbiology, anatomy, and physiology, chemistry and biology, and new classrooms, student support spaces, and offices. 

Once completed, HVCC North will create the space and resources needed to allow the college to increase access and broaden education and workforce training opportunities in the highly specialized and growing fields of healthcare, STEM, and skilled trades. All of these industries are experiencing an urgent shortage of qualified workers and a skills gap that continues to widen exponentially with time. HVCC North will allow the college to train hundreds of graduates to enter these in-demand fields and address urgent industry needs – while keeping the workforce local and providing a significant economic boost for the Capital Region

“GlobalFoundries’ $500,000 donation continues a long history of collaboration between Hudson Valley Community College and GF. It is critical to the industry to have a partner in education that keeps pace with the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry,” said Peter Benyon, Fab 8 Vice President and General Manager at GF. “We hope GF’s corporate contribution will inspire other regional businesses and community organizations interested and vested in the future of the Capital Region to come on board and support this important capital project that will expand opportunities in STEM and skilled trades and will provide benefits and long-term success for us all.” 

This news comes just weeks after GF announced plans to build a new chip fab over the coming years in Malta, which is expected to double the site’s capacity and create more than one thousand jobs for Capital Region residents. GF’s Fab 8 currently has over 100 open jobs posted (visit www.gf.com/careers for more information).

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Four Seasons Natural Foods has officially purchased their building on Henry Street. 

Richard Frank has owned and operated Four Seasons Natural Foods for three decades. He has been leasing the 8,640 square foot market at 120 Henry Street for the past seven years from realtor Frank Parillo. The transaction was finalized for Frank to officially purchase the building in July. 

“It made sense for long term piece of mind,” said Frank. “We will be investing in the property for the long term.”

The Four Seasons Natural Foods Café on Phila Street closed temporarily due to COVID, and then officially closed its doors in March. Frank sold the storefront to Philip and Kirsten Lambert in April. Tailgate and Party operates at that location now. 

“This is an era of flexibility, so it made sense,” said Frank on selling the building to focus on the market.

Four Seasons is an “independently owned, locally grown market” in downtown Saratoga Springs. As their website states: 

“Four seasons has served our community by providing healthy grocery choices, fresh prepared foods, supplements and herbs, beauty care, and the finest organic and local produce options available. We believe strongly in our commitment to provide a healthy and welcoming option downtown.” 

And, Frank believes that when sourcing things locally there is not only the element of freshness, but when you buy local there is a connection there – a relationship built with the farmers. 

For the more information about Four Seasons Natural Foods, and to order online, visit their website at www.fourseasonsnaturalfoods.com.

Across the United States, millions of middle-aged adults struggle with the dual responsibilities of raising a child and caring for an aging parent. They are members of what is commonly called the sandwich generation. In fact, a 2018 Pew Research Center analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data found that 29% of adults have a child younger than 18 at home, and 12% of parents with a child at home provide unpaid care for an adult as well. 

The rise of the sandwich generation is a byproduct of two powerful trends: (1) women giving birth later in life, and (2) the increasing longevity of the U.S. population. When you combine these factors with a growing number of young adults living with their parents, it’s easy to see why so many middle-aged Americans are concerned about the future. If you are one of them, here are a few steps you can take to protect your loved ones and prepare for the financial responsibilities ahead.

Have a plan for eldercare. 

Talk to your parents about the kind of care they’d prefer, and discuss it with your siblings. See which, if any, family members have the capacity to help provide care and which home would be the most accessible. In case external help is needed, research local resources to see what is available—and at what cost. Most importantly, consult an attorney and make sure you have all the legal documents needed to make sudden medical and financial decisions if the need arises.

Evaluate your resources.

Before determining a course of action, make sure you know what resources are available. Can your parents pay for care on their own? Do they have long-term care insurance? Do they own any whole life insurance policies with living benefits  that they may be able to use to pay for care? Can other family members contribute financially? Is public assistance a viable option? 

Protect your children’s lifestyle and future. 

While caring for a parent is a huge responsibility, it’s important to make sure your children’s needs and your own retirement needs are also met. If you haven’t done so already, set up a college fund and make funding it a priority. If your place of employment offers a 401(k), try to contribute the maximum amount allowable, and make sure you contribute at least enough to get the full company match. Also, consider purchasing a term or whole life insurance policy that can help to protect your family’s future in case anything tragic happens to you. 

Caring for children and aging relatives at the same time is never easy, but with the right planning and resources, it is possible to do both. With so many people joining the ranks of the sandwich generation, now’s the time to start planning for the future. 

This educational third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Barry J. Bruno, CLU, ChFC, Agent, (CA Insurance Lic. #OB65966) and Daniel D. Bruno, Agent, (CA Insurance Lic. #4097332) New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Barry or Dan at Bruno & Bruno Financial Services LLC 518.587.9295 or email: barry@brunofs.com or dan@brunofs.com. Bruno & Bruno Financial Services LLC is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Company. 

Need help with your tech around the home? Contact Saratoga Springs native Drew Sweeney, who has started his own business, DS HOMETECH, to assist with your home technology-related needs such as hanging TVs and upgrading WiFi. 

Correction: In last week’s issue (July 30 – Aug. 5, 2021), we ran the story “A Tech Savvy Start-Up” about Drew Sweeney’s business and the wrong phone number was listed for DS HOMETECH. The correct phone number is 518-859-5613.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Casino Hotel has announced that they will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 30 after being closed for nearly eighteen months. Vapor closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic and although they could have reopened earlier this year, Saratoga Casino Hotel chose to keep the entertainment venue closed so they could renovate the space. 

Vapor will reopen this fall with a new look and new dance floor, and will continue to showcase live entertainment every weekend featuring top-performing local bands with no cover charge. Special events including tributes and national acts will be scattered throughout the entertainment calendar. Shows originally scheduled for 2020, Material Girls and Michael Grandinetti, are now on sale for new fall dates. Material Girls, a tribute performance to Madonna, Cher, Lady Gaga, and Adele will appear on Oct. 8, and illusionist Michael Grandinetti is scheduled for Nov. 19. Tickets originally purchased for the 2020 dates will be honored. To purchase tickets, go online to SaratogaCasino.com or Tix.com. 

“We can’t wait to get the party started once again,” said Kathleen Anderson, Senior Director of Entertainment and Guest Services at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “Our dance floor has been empty for way too long and we’re looking forward to an action-packed remainder of 2021. Our three-day grand opening event will be one you won’t want to miss – mark your calendars.” 

Saratoga Casino Hotel and Vapor will be announcing their no-cover fall lineup in the coming weeks. More information and updates can be found on their website www.saratogacasino.com.

WILTON — The Wilton Barber Company announced their newest member of their team, Stacey Thibodeau. 

Thibodeau has been in the hair industry for many years in Saratoga and the surrounding area. She is trained in fantastic cutting skills – short styles and long styles – for all ages, hair types and trends. 

The Wilton Barber Company is located at 658 Saratoga Rd, Gansevoort. Call 518-886-9799 to book an appointment.

From Wilton Barber Company: Thanks for joining the team Stacey. Good luck!!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel, a locally owned upscale menswear business out of Albany, will be opening a second store in downtown Saratoga Springs. 

Owner Kerry Fagan has signed a 5-year lease for a 2,000 square foot storefront at 385 Broadway next to Druthers Brewing Co. The space is in a newly constructed building where The National, a men’s clothing store owned by the partners at Saratoga National Golf Club, once stood and offers 69 apartments above the commercial space. Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel will take up 1,100 square feet of the space, while Olde Saratoga Coin will be moving to the other 900 square feet. C2 Architects and Greco Construction will be handling the buildout, with plans to make a movable divider or set of barn doors between the stores. 

“I’ve been looking for a place for several years, and this was a huge opportunity,” said Fagan.

The Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel in Albany is located at 5 Metro Park Drive off Wolf Road and has two full-time tailors. 

“Business has never been busier with the weddings, the track, and other business events to get dressed up for now,” said Fagan. “We are able to offer better goods and better services.” 

Fagan said they are in the hiring process for the new location and is hoping to make some new customers on Broadway. He is also looking forward to seeing his current Saratoga County customers and working with the landlord of the space as his business fills the shoes, or rather the suit, of The National. 

You can check out Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel at their Albany location and very soon on Broadway, or visit their website www.markthomasmensapparel.com.

The Fasig-Tipton 100 Year Saratoga Sale auction celebration for selected yearlings will take place August 9-10 Monday and Tuesday evening at 630 p.m. On the grounds of the Humphrey S. Finney sales pavilion on George Street in Saratoga Springs with a kickoff ribbon cutting. This years selected yearling sale offering the best of the North American yearling crop will be one of historical significance. Due to last year’s pandemic shut down of the 2020 Saratoga Sale and the fact that the horse industry itself has maneuvered through a lot during these restrictions, it will be a celebration of genuine joy this August. The President and Chief Executive officer of Fasig Tipton Co., Boyd Browning summed up the excitement, “All of us at Fasig-Tipton are eagerly anticipating our 100th Saratoga Yearling Sale! We hope to have the sale of a century and erase the disappointment of not being able to conduct our sales last year due to COVID.” Manuel Hernandez, Plant manager from Fasig-Tipton relished the same mantra, “We are so happy to be reopening and to welcome everyone back to Saratoga for this historic sale. I also would like to thank my crew for all their hard work to get everything ready for the sale.” The skill and care that the horse industry has shown throughout this past year has been a model to follow for any industry. With fortitude and grace, they come to this celebratory kick off of 100 years with a grateful attitude. The fact that people will be able to watch in person is just a small blessing that will have huge rewards. Economically and socially, this will be a win. And in horse racing that is the word of the day! The ultimate goal is to WIN. 

Back in the 1940s, Clarence Knapp, former Saratoga Mayor stated, “When I was young, I was strong in conviction, that Saratoga was the most beautiful place in the world. My conviction is stronger today.” This very well could be what The Saratoga Sale is creating on this historic year for horse owners, breeders, consignors, and observers. With the closure of the 2020 sale, this current year’s 100th selected yearling sale will be sure to be a beautiful evening with a major significance of magical proportion and commitment to quality. 

This harkens back to the WWII years, when due to cargo transport limitations imposed on breeders, the Saratoga Sale was suspended from 1943-45. One can imagine what it felt like on the reopening of this sale in 1946. 

The auctioneers voice following you as you walk under the shadowed trees on the revered grounds. The dark green barns creating a cinematic backdrop right out of a film set. The moon high in the sky watching over patrons as they wander the barns with hundreds of stalls, row after row, down dirt paths. Viewing these majestic equine animals, looking into their mystical eyes, peeking out from their stalls one after the other, awaiting their turn to be sold by the auctioneer to the highest bidder. Perusing their breeding lineage for any recognition of stardom knowing that this may be the one that will eventually win a top Stakes Race or possibly become a rare Triple Crown Winner. It is like being in a microcosm within a moment that all the onlookers are connected by one thing, this thoroughbred force of nature. The equus animal and human bond. We don’t understand why, but we are drawn to it. Ultimately, this is why this Saratoga Sale is a moment of moments that will be one for the history books. 

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Fasig-Tipton is the oldest auction company in North America. In 1917, The Saratoga Sale began annually with the exception of the mentioned WWII closure and the current pandemic shut down from 2020. This timeline brings this auction house to the 2021 hundred years yearling crop to be auctioned this week. According to Clark Brewster, Thoroughbred Horse Owner, “When major stakes races are run in this country, and for that matter around the world, one often sees entrants that were purchased from the Saratoga yearling sale. More than any other yearling sale, Saratoga stands out as the venue with the best offerings to purchase a champion. It’s 100-year history is a testament to that consistent excellence.” The prestige, the excitement wrapped with the tradition of The Spa is something irreplaceable. This year’s sale may be the biggest celebration yet. 

There are many selected sale offerings from the best of the North American yearling crop that is anticipated to bring in millions of dollars this season. Over 200 yearlings will be auctioned. The great Man o’War sold as a yearling at the 1918 Saratoga Sale. Of the 13 Triple Crown past winners, two of the three offered at public auction were sold at a Fasig-Tipton sale. The Triple Crown 2015 American Pharaoh was sold at the 2013 Saratoga Sale. The anticipation for the upcoming sale doesn’t get more thrilling than that, knowing a future star may be sitting in the auction barns this week. Which one will be a Kentucky Derby entry or a Traver’s winner of the Midsummer Derby here at Saratoga Racecourse? There will always be a surprise horse with exceptional quality. This is what makes it exciting. There is value in what is sold here. 

The legacy of this sale is rich in tradition. Starting with this 100 Year catalogue, Hip No. 1, will be a Dark Bay or Brown Colt from Empire Maker who sired 15 crops and 65 Winners including Royal Delta, champion Breeders’ Cup ladies Classic. In addition to Pioneer of the Nile, Emollient, Grace Hall, Bodemeister, Mushka and Acoma. Look for Hip No. 10, a Chestnut Colt from Justify who was the horse of the year champion, Kentucky Derby, Belmont, Preakness, Santa Anita Derby winner. His first foals are yearlings of 2021. The list goes on and on in the full catalogue of exceptional quality that will be viewed in the 100 Year edition. 

With the pandemic economic recovery still looming in our minds, our small business community has been on an upswing and feeling economic vibrancy on their doorsteps. One restauranteur, Bob Lee, owner of the treasured Wishing Well Restaurant on Route 9 and the Brook Tavern on Union Avenue, only blocks away from the Fasig-Tipton pavilion, stated that, “Saratoga is fortunate to have six weeks of world class racing every summer, and sales week is the busiest, most exciting time of the meet. We’re glad it’s back.” His words ring true to all of us in the horse industry in addition to the natives and tourists of Saratoga Springs. We are certainly happy that this tradition is back and in full swing. 

There will be electricity in the air on Monday evening. There will also be a feeling of gratitude to the consignors, the owners, the buyers and to Fasig-Tipton who make it all possible with these high-quality horses. As Hip No.1 is led from the walking ring through the doors of the auction pavilion, the gallery will be crowded with a group of horse worshipers singing out their litany of adoration, waiting for this defined moment. The lead up is a rite of passage in Saratoga’s social scene but more importantly, this year it will be more than that. It will be a moment of gathering in a world where we don’t take it for granted anymore. We will savor it and simply say “We’re glad it’s back.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — CanCode Communities is bringing their coding programs to the Saratoga community for the fall semester at SUNY Adirondack. 

Back in 2016, Annmarie Lanesey was running a software business with her husband and was having a hard time finding developers and software engineers in the Capital Region. So, she founded CanCode Communities, originally Albany CanCode, which is a 501(c)(3) community-oriented organization that introduces people from Upstate New York and across the country into the tech field. 

“A light bulb went off,” said Lanesey, Founder and CEO. “I started to realize that there are people in our communities for these high paying jobs, but they have no idea that they have the aptitude for it.”

“As a woman in technology, all throughout my career I have been working in a predominantly male dominated industry,” added Lanesey. “Diversity has always been a part of my passion, bringing more people into the tech sector.”

After receiving calls from employers and other organizations outside the Albany region asking if they could share their model, the organization began a rebranding to add affiliates to their network. Their first expansion was in Kingston last year, and the four new affiliates this year include Saratoga, Herkimer, New York City, and Berkshire County. Although, they have already had a presence in Saratoga for approximately two years now. 

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“Saratoga is unique in the sense that it is part of the Capital Region, but its also has its own distinct characteristics,” said Lanesey. “We thought that since we are doing this rebranding that Saratoga deserved its own CanCode Community. We are excited about our expansion with our partner SUNY Adirondack, where we will deliver our classes.” 

The technology classes are actually training classes intended to build the workforce for employers in the region. There are several different technologies that they train for: Front-End Web Development, Python for Data Analytics, SQL, JavaScript Frameworks and Fundamentals, and a few others like Microsoft technologies. In addition, employer mentors – working community members in software technology – are brought into the classroom to talk about what it is like to work within their companies. 

Currently, there are two classes running at SUNY Adirondack, Python for Data Analytics and Front-End Web Development. They will be running another cohort of classes starting in November. These classes are completely free to the unemployed and underemployed who meet the eligibility requirements, under a grant from the New York State Department of Labor. They are about a semester long, and meet twice a week for three hours a night. 

CanCode Communities has been working with Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership who has been a driving factor in establishing Saratoga CanCode. They also work with Wellspring and the Veteran & Community Housing Coalition, who they created a scholarship fund with dedicated to veterans. 

Visit www.cancode.org, where you can click on any of the communities to view ongoing and upcoming courses. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced that Cutwater Spirits, a leader in the ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail category, will serve as the naming rights partner of The Stretch at Saratoga Race Course for the 2021 season.

 The Cutwater Stretch is a private hospitality area located at the Top of the Stretch featuring modern and upscale amenities in a casual environment with views of the final turn. As a result of its continued popularity since first being introduced three years ago, The Cutwater Stretch will expand this summer to feature an additional 15 lounge boxes.

Ticket holders to The Cutwater Stretch enjoy exclusive access to a full-service bar, kitchen and concessions, high-definition televisions and video screens, private restrooms and a relaxed dress code. Fans at The Cutwater Stretch will enjoy access to a wide variety of Cutwater Spirits’ ready-to-drink cocktails, including Lime Tequila Margarita, White Russian, Vodka Mule and Long Island Iced Tea.

 Another new beverage provider at the Spa this summer will be Cooperstown Distillery, the award-winning producer of distinguished whiskeys and other handcrafted spirits. The New York craft distiller will offer popular cocktails such as its Saratoga Revolutionary Rum Runner, Fenimore Gin Cucumber Cooler and Glimmerglass Vodka Summer Mule at the Jim Dandy Bar.

Fans will have the opportunity to sample products from Cooperstown Distillery on New York Showcase Day, Friday, August 27, as well as in conjunction with the Grade 2, $200,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame on Friday, August 6 and the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy on Saturday, July 31.

Saratoga Race Course will once again feature an extensive lineup of beers produced by New York craft breweries. The New York craft brews will be available at the Fourstardave Sports Bar and at other locations on-track.

 Fans this summer will also enjoy the all-new La Crema Sonoma Coast Experience, an innovative pop-up bar designed to transport fans to California wine country, located just inside the Clubhouse gates adjacent to the paddock. The wine bar will operate all 40 days of the meet and will serve La Crema’s Sonoma Coast Sauvignon Blanc; Chardonnay; Pinot Noir; and Brut Rose.

In addition, the Woodinville Bourbon Bar will make its Saratoga debut. Located on the second floor of the Clubhouse, the Woodinville Bar will feature specialty cocktails made with Woodinville Bourbon, including the Brown Derby and Washington Lemonade. Also new on the menu and available at the Travers Bar, presented by Moët Hennessy, will be Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé and Chandon Garden Spritz supplemented by the ever-popular Moët and Chandon Brut or Rosé champagne and Chandon sparkling wine.

The Josh Cellars Wine Bar, on the second floor of the Clubhouse, will offer selections from Josh Cellars’ California collection in addition to the winery’s signature Frosé (Frozen Rosé) beverage.

The Volcan Tequila backyard gazebo bar, located near the Fourstardave Sports Bar, will feature the Volcan Margarita and Saratoga Sunset made with Volcan Blanco tequila. The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host 40 days of live music from some of the region’s favorite bands.

The Ketel One Clubhouse Bar and Ketel One Longshots on the first floor of the Grandstand will feature cocktails made from award-winning Ketel One family made vodka, including the Ketel One Botanical Spritz, as well as specialty cocktails from Tanqueray gin and Captain Morgan rum.

The Heineken Finish Line Bar, located on the first floor of the Grandstand, will serve a variety of refreshing Heineken beers.

Saratoga will also feature a comprehensive lineup of malt beverages from Molson Coors, including Miller Lite, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Blue Moon Light Sky and Peroni Italia, among other offerings.

The Miller Lite Picnic Paddock, a hospitality area overlooking the paddock, will offer picnic tables available for daily reservation. 

For more information about hospitality and dining areas at Saratoga Race Course, visit www.NYRA.com.