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Jacobsen Rugs Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.

Photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A century ago, Calvin Coolidge was president, the first pitch was thrown at Yankee Stadium, and a man named Charles “Jake” Jacobsen entered the rug business.

Jacobsen Rugs celebrates its 100th anniversary in November. According to President Frank Asef, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is in the works for the Jacobsen showroom at 543 Broadway in downtown Saratoga. The store’s entire inventory will be 35 percent off through December 16 to mark the occasion.

Asef said that Saratoga customers favor traditional over modern rugs, especially designs from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Afghanistan. “We get a lot of customers from Lake George. We sell a lot of the big sized rugs.” 

Although it’s been nearly 100 years since Jake Jacobsen founded the company, his memory still looms large over the current owners. “I love him,” Asef said of the company’s founder. “I didn’t get the chance to meet him but he is in my heart.” 

According to Jacobsen Rugs, founder “Jake” Jacobsen served in World War I and met a superior officer who introduced him to Middle Eastern rugs. Upon returning home, Jake opened his first rug store in downtown Syracuse. Before long, duty called once again and he saw action in World War II. He fought in the Italian campaign, and was among the first Americans to enter liberated Rome. 

He first purchased Turkish rugs abroad in 1932, then later journeyed across Europe and the Middle East to find more rugs to sell in the States. When abroad, he bought rugs directly from rugmakers.

Over the last century, more than 100,000 handwoven rugs have been sold by Jacobsen Rugs. In 1990, the Saratoga location opened and has been selling rugs from around the world ever since. 

For more about Jacobsen Rugs visit jacobsenrugs.com.

Upstate Job Fair And Career Expo Nov. 8 at Saratoga City Center

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — WSWHE BOCES, The Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and Employment Training for Adults has announced they will host an Upstate Job Fair & Career Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Saratoga City Center. 

Over 45 business partners, colleges, educational pathway partners, and more will be there, according to a press release from WSWHE BOCES. No registration is required. On-the-spot interviews, free resume reviews and free professional headshots will be available.

Stewart’s Shops To Match Up To $10,000 In Donations For Saratoga Children’s Theatre

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Children’s Theatre (www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org) has announced that Stewart’s Shops has signed on to match individual donations up to $10,000, as SCT strives toward its goal of $23,000 to install air conditioning in the Nemer Black Box Theater at its Maple Avenue location.

“We are beyond grateful for the generosity and dedication to the arts that Stewart’s Shops has shown in their commitment to match donations made to SCT for the air conditioning install,” said Leigh Berenis, acting executive director, in a press release. “We moved into this space more than three years ago and have performed summer camps here ever since, where our loyal patrons brave the summer heat to cheer on our young performers. Installing this new AC system will not only dramatically improve the experience for our audience, it will for our staff and actors, as well.”

To date, SCT has raised $2,200 for the AC system installation, which brings the total to $4,400 with the Stewart’s Shops match, according to the release. The match program runs through the end of this year. Donations can be made by visiting SCT’s website.

Saratoga Children’s Theatre – 501c3 non-profit – started in 2008 to provide the youth of the greater Saratoga Region with an arts education program that fostered a love of theater and performance.

In November, SCT will perform ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.’ Show times on Nov. 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18, as well as ticket purchase information can be found on SCT’s website under shows. SCT will also perform an Ugly Sweater Cabaret on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. and a Shakespeare Scene Festival on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. The summer camp schedule for 2024 will also be available in early January.

KaffeeHouse Saratoga Announces New Line of Muffins

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo provided by KaffeeHouse Saratoga.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — KaffeeHouse Saratoga has announced its latest creation, a range of muffins combining locally-sourced ingredients with recipes that celebrate the culinary culture of Saratoga Springs.

The menu features a choice of flavors, from Sundried Tomatoes with Spinach to options like bacon and egg. Crafted with a focus on quality and nutrition, these muffins are designed to accompany KaffeeHouse Saratoga’s coffee and specialty beverages, or as an on-the-go meal or snack option particularly fit for the drive-through.

“Creating these savory muffins was a labor of love, inspired by the diverse and vibrant culinary culture of Saratoga Springs. We’re excited to share our newest creations with our loyal customers and newcomers alike,” said Marcus Solga, owner of KaffeeHouse Saratoga, in a press release.

The new savory muffin line is now available at KaffeeHouse Saratoga. Visit their website at www.kaffeehousesaratoga.com for more information and to explore the complete menu. 

More Dispensary Plans Proposed to Saratoga Springs Planning Board

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business.

Site plans submitted by The LA Group for a marijuana dispensary at 1 Kaydeross Ave West.
Image from Saratoga Springs City Planning Board.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Another marijuana dispensary has received approval from the Saratoga Springs City Planning Board, with an application filed by Reverie 73 NY, LLC receiving 4-0 approval from the Board for a permanent special use permit on Oct. 12 on the condition the Board review and approve a site plan.

The dispensary would be located at 1 Kaydeross Ave West, according to documents filed with the Planning Board. The location is currently home to PJ’s BAR-B-QSA, and is owned by Davis Restaurants, LLC. Filed site plans for the site show the dispensary and a parking lot to be constructed just behind the PJ’s building, replacing a single-family home, with entrances to the parking lot off Kaydeross Ave and US-9. 

A project narrative states that Reverie 73 currently operates recreational dispensaries in Massachusetts. Their website lists a current location in Lowell, and two other locations yet to be opened in Gloucester and Beverly.

The dispensary’s planned hours of operation would be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days per week, the narrative states. Orders would be placed through both walk-ins and scheduled appointments.

The narrative also says that “significant greenspace” would be added between the two buildings on the property.

The approval comes just over a month after the Planning Board had also approved a temporary special use permit application for a dispensary called Saratoga Cannabis Co., located at 95A West Ave, on Sep. 7.

A special use permit application for another dispensary was set to be presented at the Board’s meeting on Oct. 26, which ended after press time. Located at 75 Weibel Ave, the applicant is Excelsior Cannabis, LLC of Cohoes. The property is owned by Tara Stone, according to filed plans.

Veterans Business Council Hosting Annual Breakfast Nov. 1

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo provided by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Veterans Business Council of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has announced it will host its annual breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs. 

The morning will feature a keynote by local veteran, author, and artist Ryan Smithson, and is open to all to attend. Registration is $25 per person, according to a press release from the Saratoga County Chamber. Proceeds will benefit the programs and mission of the Veterans Business Council.

 Smithson’s keynote, War, Writing and Butterflies, will discuss his military service in Iraq and how a college writing assignment turned into therapy and a published memoir. Smithson was an engineer in the Army Reserve and served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He fortified military posts, repaired roads, and convoyed supplies across northern and western Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the release states.

Upon returning, and for therapeutic reasons, he wrote a memoir, “Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI.” He earned an MA in English from SUNY Albany, and currently works in State Government Sales for T-Mobile, according to the release.

“This annual event presents an outstanding networking opportunity, while simultaneously championing the mission of the Veterans Business Council,” stated Jason Collins, Chair of the Veterans Business Council of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, in the release. “I am thrilled for our attendees to hear about Ryan’s inspiring story and the profound impact creativity has had on his life.”

The event is open to all with advance registration, which is available online at saratoga.org.

Roohan Realty Introduces Lisa McLaughlin

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo provided by Roohan Realty.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roohan Realty has announced the hiring of Lisa McLaughlin as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.

Lisa was born and raised in Glenville, and later graduated from Marist College with a B.S. in Fashion Design and Merchandising. McLaughlin lived and worked in Manhattan for 23 years in both the fashion and real estate industries. During her real estate career in the city, she specialized in rentals and co-op/condo sales, according to a release from Roohan Realty.

In 2019, Lisa moved to Saratoga Springs with her husband and two kids. Lisa can be reached at 917.549.4841 or lisaemclaughlin@gmail.com.

Saratoga County Chamber Announces ‘Love Our Locals $20.23’ Campaign

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has announced the Love Our Locals $20.23 campaign will run from Friday, Nov. 3 through the remainder of the year. The campaign will promote and support local businesses and non-profit organizations throughout Saratoga County, according to a release from the Chamber.

From Nov. 3 through Dec. 31, when residents and tourists spend or donate $20.23 or more at a Saratoga County business or non-profit, they will be eligible to enter weekly gift card giveaways.

Individuals complete a short online form and upload a photo of their receipt of $20.23 or more for entry via The Saratoga County Chamber’s website. Each week, the Chamber will randomly select winners for gift cards to businesses across the county valued at $100.

Eligible purchases can include hair care, car repairs, home improvement projects, dry cleaning, hotel stays, dining at restaurants, concert tickets, snow removal, fitness club memberships, eyeglasses, flowers, toys and holiday decorations, and more, according to the release.

“This campaign played a crucial role in helping to boost the county’s economic recovery during and after the pandemic, and this year we hope it will continue to invigorate the small business community and help encourage folks to shop and support local,” said Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president Todd Shimkus in the release. “As 2023 comes to a close, we want to continue showing love to the local businesses and non-profit organizations that make our region so special.”

Milton’s Town Center Plans Continue to Advance

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Milton’s current town center, including businesses such as Hannaford and Dunkin’ Donuts.
Photo by Ryan McHale, Orion Media.

MILTON — Plans to expand the Town of Milton’s town center continue to move forward.

The proposal was set forth by Malta Development Co., and is currently undergoing a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR), said Tom Samascott, president of Malta Development Co. He noted the plans are still in “early stages,” saying the company has been working with the Town to develop the proposal.

The development, identified as ‘Mill Town Centre’ in filed plans, would extend Trieble Avenue further north, adding businesses and residential property to Milton’s town center, located near the Saratoga County Airport. The town center plaza currently features businesses such as Hannaford, Juicy Burger, and Dunkin’ Donuts.

The plans call for roughly 50,000 square feet of commercial property, and just over 500 apartment units, Samascott said. Wayne Samascott, vice president of Malta Development Co., said the plans currently include six mixed-use buildings, featuring commercial property on the first floor and two stories of apartments above. 

The plans also include three commercial pad sites, with Samascott saying “a full-service restaurant” would be a good fit for one of the sites.

“On one of the pad sites, we’d love to get a local family-style restaurant,” said Tom Samascott. 

He also mentioned the possibility of businesses such as a pharmacy or coffee shop at these sites. The proposal also calls for 10 additional residential buildings, each with first-floor parking and three stories of apartments above.

Another major aspect of the project are its community spaces. Samascott said the plans currently include a clubhouse, which offers amenities including a swimming pool, fitness area, meeting rooms, catering kitchen, and more. Samascott also mentioned other amenities such as an outdoor projection area, outdoor grills and firepits, walking trails, and a dog park.

The commercial properties would be mainly focused around Trieble Ave, which would have sidewalks added for walkability and connect with the Hannaford plaza, Samascott said. He noted they hope to begin work on the project next year.

“Once we get more definite plans, a little further along with the town, then we can start marketing and start reaching out,” Samascott said.

The plans would be constructed in phases, and would take several years to complete. Samascott said while the phases are not yet finalized, the first phase of construction would include the clubhouse and several mixed-use and residential buildings.

“We’re hoping to start next year. There’s a lot still to go through,” said Samascott. “Besides town approval, then you have (the) Department of Health, and the state approvals.”

Samascott noted the Town of Milton has “been great to work with,” noting it is exciting to advance a long-envisioned plan to expand the town center concept.

“They’ve been waiting for something like this. So they’re pretty happy about it,” said Samascott. “It’s an exciting project, that’s for sure.”

Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services Holding October Public Hearings

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

BALLSTON SPA —The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services has announced two public hearings in October to get public input about proposed programs for the aging population in Saratoga County for the year 2024.

The first public hearing was held Oct. 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Galway Town Hall. The second public hearing will be held Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Town of Halfmoon Senior Center, located at 2897 Lower Newton Rd in Waterford.

A plan abstract was available to be viewed on Oct. 16 and 17 at the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services during normal business hours.

The public hearings are held to obtain input, suggestions, and comments relative to programs for the aging for the year 2024, under Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, and the New York Community Services Act for the Saratoga County planning and service area, a press release states.

For more information or to request special accommodations at a hearing, please contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100.