The Empire State Development announced last week that Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) recipients are now eligible to receive low-interest loans from the New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF). 

This conditional change will provide the Fund’s network of lenders and financial institutions with greater flexibility and enable them to provide more small businesses with working capital to cover expenses associated with reopening. 

“The coronavirus pandemic was an unprecedented challenge to the state’s business community, of which 98% are small businesses,” ESD Acting Commissioner, and President and CEO-delegate Eric Gertler said in a statement. “Providing assistance and opportunity – particularly to our state’s minority- and women-owned businesses – to help them reopen is essential toward revitalizing our economy and building New York back better.” 

When the NYFLF launched in May, the goal was to help small businesses that did not receive PPP funding with flexible working capital to reopen and adapt to post-COVID needs. Companies with 20 employees or less make up 90% of New York’s business community, and it was critical to provide a funding lifeline to those businesses shut out of federal assistance.   

However, some NYFLF applicants who needed assistance were deemed ineligible because they had already received PPP funds. 

NYFLF Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have begun contacting previously ineligible applicants to determine if they are still interested in funding and begin the underwriting process. This is limited to small businesses who received $50,000 or less in PPP assistance. The fund is prepared to process the new applications from this change while also working with existing applicants. Small business who did not receive any federal assistance are still eligible and encouraged to apply. Additionally, the program goal of providing at least 60% of loans to Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) remains, and that goal will not change due to the newly expanded eligibility. 

Eligible small businesses and small residential landlords can apply for a 60-month, no-fee loan with a 3% fixed interest rate; while eligible non-profits can apply for a 60-month, no-fee loan at 2% fixed interest. The maximum loan amount is $100,000. Loan funds can be used for working capital including payroll, operating and emergency maintenance, property taxes, utilities and costs associated with refitting physical space to follow social distancing guidelines. More information is available online at nyloanfund.com. 

For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, go to: www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Franklin Community Center is honored to have the support of Stewart’s Shops and The Dake Family a fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. Franklin Community Center is the recipient of a $6,000 grant that will be used to modify the reception area in order to accommodate new COVID-19 safety protocols.

“When the pandemic hit we were forced to close our office down to the public at the exact moment when our services were needed most.” states Executive Director, Kari Cushing. “Fortunately, the weather at that time of year allowed us to continue serving our less fortunate neighbors safely.” 

With the winter months quickly approaching and the requests for food only growing, the need to open the doors is getting closer and closer.  “With this generous grant from Stewart’s Shops and The Dake Family we will be able to reconstruct our reception area to comply with social distancing requirements and keep our clients, volunteers and staff safe and healthy” said Board President, Jason Lynch.

The generosity and compassion Stewart’s Shops and The Dake Family have shown this community over the years is truly unparalleled. The strong moral compass and commitment to the community from which their company has been built upon speaks volumes to the character of the Dake family. 

Franklin will continue to work hard to meet the needs as they change and exist in the community. For more information on the programs and services of Franklin Community Center please visit the website: www.franklincommunitycenter.org 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Catelyn Halusic-Smith has joined Saratoga OB/GYN, the obstetrics-gynecology practice that is part of Saratoga Hospital Medical Group.

She is the latest addition to a growing team of physicians, certified nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who provide comprehensive women’s health services to patients from adolescence through the post-menopause years. Along with Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Midwifery & Women’s Health services, Saratoga OB/GYN supports Saratoga Hospital’s collaborative physician-midwife childbirth care model.

 “Dr. Halusic-Smith shares our commitment to patient-centered care and our fundamental belief that we can make a difference, one patient at a time,” said Dr. Amos Cutler, chair, Saratoga Hospital OB/GYN Department. “She is an excellent addition to a practice that has long been at the forefront of women’s health services in our region.”

Saratoga OB/GYN has been meeting women’s healthcare needs for 40 years, adding services and providers to keep pace with a growing community. Four physicians have joined Saratoga OB/GYN since 2018. Two practice members recently earned accreditation as Surgeons of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology, earning Saratoga Hospital the distinction of being Northeastern New York’s only Center of Excellence in that specialty.

Halusic-Smith earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Westbury, New York. She completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, New York.

Halusic-Smith sees patients in Saratoga Springs and Malta. For an appointment, call 518-587-2400. To learn more, go to www.saratogaobgyn.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In the interest of keeping the community safe, including pets, Wellspring is hosting their annual Pooch Parade virtually this year, on Oct. 16, 17, and 18.

This annual event raises awareness and funds for Wellspring’s Safe Pet Partnership Program, which assists victims of domestic violence by providing safe, temporary placement of family pets through a network of volunteer pet “foster homes” while our clients transition to safe housing. 

Abusers often use the love victims have for their pets as a control tactic, or even directly abuse the pets. Sometimes, victims of domestic violence will stay in an abusive situation out of fear of what might happen to their pets if they leave them behind. 

This year, instead of gathering to parade around Congress Park we are inviting community members and their pooches to register online with Wellspring and then plan a walk around their neighborhood, park, home on October 16, 17, or 18. For more information about how this year’s event will work and to register please visit www.wellspringcares.org/pooch-parade. 

Wellspring sends a big thank you to this year’s presenting sponsor, Benson’s Pet Center and honorary sponsor Adirondack Veterinary Clinic for supporting Wellspring’s 2020 Virtual Pooch Parade.

All donations made by participants in the Pooch Parade during registration directly benefit Wellspring’s programs and services. Participants can also register by mailing a check, made out to Wellspring, to their address at 480 Broadway LL20 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

GLENS FALLS — Adirondack Health Institute’s (AHI) Clear the Air in the Southern Adirondacks (CASA) program has endorsed a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) initiative coordinated by the NYS Smokers’ Quitline. Up to three months of free nicotine gum have been made available through the Quitline, while supplies last, for those seeking help quitting smoking or vaping. Smokers and vapers can apply by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visiting www.nysmokefree.com.

“We strongly encourage all those who hear about this offer to spread the word to family and friends who smoke or vape,” said Kelly Owens, Manager, Clear the Air in the Southern Adirondacks, Adirondack Health Institute.

In addition to the free nicotine gum, the Clear the Air in the Southern Adirondacks team shares that the NYS Smokers’ Quitline has Quit Coaches available seven days per week beginning at 9:00 a.m. “The Quitline’s Quit Coaches work with all types of traditional tobacco and vape product users by developing personalized quit plans to navigate the behavioral and psychological aspects of nicotine dependence,” explained Owens. “Health care professionals can also connect to the Quitline’s Patient Referral Program by visiting nysmokefree.com/HealthcareProviders/ReferralPrograms as a supplement to visits and follow-ups with their nicotine-dependent patients.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Michelle LaFountain of Julie & Co. Realty, LLC has earned the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation from the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the National Association of Realtors. 

LaFountain earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation by successfully completing a comprehensive course in understanding the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers aged 55 and older. 

SRES Council, founded in 2007, is the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. There are more than 15,000 active members of the organization worldwide. 

It is the mission of Julie & Co. Realty, LLC to provide our clients with an exemplary experience, by the utmost attention to detail. Our agents will provide accurate, up to date market conditions, skilled analysis, and sound real estate advice. We will continue to provide our agents with innovative new ideas and tools that will benefit both the agent’s and client’s expectations. 

For more information, call 518-350-SOLD (7653), email info@juliecorealty.com or visit www.JulieCoRealty.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sept. 13-19, 2020 is National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week when the contributions of more than 4.5 million direct support professionals, direct care workers, personal care assistants, personal attendants, in-home support workers and paraprofessionals throughout the country who provide quality support to individuals with disabilities are celebrated. 

However, due to the on-going pandemic, most organized efforts are being conducted virtually or through individual acts of appreciation.

AIM Services, Inc., the area’s largest provider of services to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities will be recognizing the more than 400 DSPs it employs through employee-gifts and incentive plans in addition to partnerships with local businesses to provide merchandise and services to DSPs at a discount. 

“This year’s DSP Week carries enormous importance.” said Christopher R. Lyons, Executive Director AIM Services, Inc. “During the COVID19 pandemic, Direct Support Professionals have served as a critical line of defense keeping the people we serve safe from the Corona virus.”

Any business or individual wishing to donate in support and honor of AIM Services’ DSPs, can contact Marissa Romero mromero@aimservicesinc.org. More about AIM Services and the AIM 2020 Annual Fund campaign, Keeping Their Dreams Alive, can be found on their web site: www.aimservicesinc.org. 

SCHUYLERVILLE — McCarthy’s Zark’s Angels Hair Salon has opened the doors to a new location, only located one door down from their old shop.

This new location allowed the family styled barbershop to re-open their doors after closing them on March 21. Owner of McCarthy’s Zark’s Angels Hair Salon Shelly Squire and her daughter Erika Squires attempted to open their doors earlier in the pandemic, but found it impossible to safely service their clients.

“When we came back to work, I would work the morning shift then Erika would come in and work the afternoon shift,” Shelly Squires said. “With our requirements we had to be six-feet-apart, could only allow so many people in the space…
we couldn’t give a safe space for our cliental.”

In Shelly Squires and Erika Squires’ previous place, the barbershop chairs were too close together and after attempting shower curtains, walls and shields between the two chairs, they admitted defeat shortly after and shut their doors. However, a year prior they had spoken to the building landlord Jim Parisi about opening a larger location on the other end of the mini-mall. 

Squires said renovations started in January, and the shop has officially been opened for two weeks. More than doubled the size of their old location, the Squires’ also included a better air quality system, which larger stores do have to installed per COVID-19 regulations. However, Squires said she added it for a different reason.

“One of the biggest things when you work in this industry is the odor. The odors from hairspray, colors, gels, bleach and people have their own perfumes. We put this really great filtration system and exchange so the air is clean,” Squires said.

She first met previous owner of the barbershop Zark McCarthy in 1986 when she learned styling techniques and hair cutting tricks while working for him. He later sold the salon to Squires, and she cut down to her roots and became the only worker at the salon. Squires daughter Erika Squires later joined the salon.

“We were in this tiny place that was designed for just me, and we both worked there for six years,” Squires said. “We have this really amazing clientele. They are loving, kind and positive clients.”

Since opening their doors two weeks ago, Squires said she missed working next to her daughter the most. 

“We really missed working together and we just work well together. We are not the same person but we have fun with each other and just understand each other,” Squires said.

The best way to reach Zark’s Angels is by calling Shelly Squires at 518-369-1403 or Erika Squires at 518-469-2252. Their salon is located at 118 Broad St., Schuylerville. For more information and details on Zark’s Angels visit https://www.bestprosintown.com/ny/schuylerville/zarks-angels-/

In early August, my wife and I escaped to York Beach, Maine, for a few days. One late-afternoon, we walked the Marginal Way and found our way to a local restaurant along the shore.

We sat outside socially distanced from another couple. There was an adjacent outdoor patio where there were three people sitting together at a table above us. I looked closely at the man’s hat at the table nearest us and sure enough it was from Saratoga. It had a NYRA logo on the back.

When he turned a little, I yelled out to him asking how he got the hat. He turned and smiled noting that he typically goes to Saratoga with his wife every year but not this year. They love the community but the lack of fans at the Saratoga Race Course had sent them to the Maine coast instead.

Just then, the three people on the patio overheard us say that we lived in Saratoga. So now they chimed in with a similar story. They visit Saratoga every year but not this summer.

The next day as I was reading a book on the beach. I saw a person walking up from the freezing cold water. He looked familiar but I doubted it was who I thought it might be. A little later, I noticed him just to our right side with two kids digging a big hole.

Yes, I knew him. He lives in Edinburg. We’ve worked together for the last five years on Saratoga’s Giant PumpkinFest.  I yelled over to him and we ended up talking for 30 minutes. 

Not sure about your friends on Facebook, but a lot of mine spent time in Maine this summer. You know who you are.

For us, it made sense. Maine is an easy drive. It has a beach. You can spend nearly the entire day outside. Maine was NOT on New York’s quarantine travel list. Nor did we have to quarantine going there. I read two books – – The Great Halifax Explosion and A Woman of No Importance. I bought both books at Northshire Bookstore before I left. They both were amazing stories, one from World War I and the other from World War II, which I had never heard before. 

The people working there and visiting there appeared to be taking the right precautions. We marveled actually at the fact that nearly all of the young children we saw were wearing masks and didn’t seem to be complaining. My wife and I were actually thanked by a person who said he worked for the town just for wearing our masks as we left the beach one day. 

No fans at the Saratoga Race Course. No NYC Ballet or Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC. No Live Nation Concerts. No Saratoga Casino. No Yaddo Gardens. No Caffe Lena. Very few small weddings. Very few youth sporting events. So many more people unemployed than in prior years. So many states with sky high rates of COVID 19 that they couldn’t come here.

Generally summer is a time when local businesses look to thrive. The summer of 2020 for many local businesses is one they had to work harder than ever just to survive. The same will be true this fall and winter. It’s about surviving, not thriving.

We, as a community, are going to have to take collective action to help save our local businesses. We’ve already learned that we can be stronger together. We survived a near complete economic shutdown. We’ve made considerable progress slowing the spread of COVID 19 locally. 

Skidmore College has now opened safely which will help our local economy. The City Center’s parking structure will be operational in time for the Holiday season. The Saratoga Casino is open and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has reopened after a $20 million modernization. 

The City’s motto is Health. History. Horses. Health has always come first. Now with summer over, we have to expand this definition of health to include our economic health as well as our individual wellness. This means a focus on doing our part to help our local independent businesses. Let’s help them survive this fall and winter so that we can all thrive again.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In an effort to give back to those caring for the most vulnerable population during the coronavirus pandemic, Dunkin’  delivered nearly $2,000 in gift cards to support frontline healthcare workers at The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs.

The delivery was designed to express appreciation for the staff and their work to keep aging adults healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic. The gift cards will be distributed to nurses and staff members who have been working around the clock to care for residents at the senior living campus.

“Our Capital Region franchisees want these local heroes to know that we have their backs and they can count on Dunkin’ to help keep them running,” said Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Eric Stensland. “Dunkin’ is proud to give back and support these frontline healthcare providers who continue to work hard to care for the elderly in our community.”

The delivery marks Dunkin’s latest initiative in an ongoing effort to support frontline employees and volunteers during the pandemic. Since mid-March, Dunkin’ has donated thousands of baked goods, coffee and gift cards to first responders, nurses, food pantry employees, coaches and child care staff.

“We are so thankful for this generous donation from Capital Region Dunkin’ franchisees,” said The Wesley Community Chief Executive Officer J. Brian Nealon. “The last several months have been challenging for everyone and these gift cards will provide our staff members a special thank you as they continue to provide exceptional care to our many senior residents on campus.”

The Wesley Community is a non-profit senior living campus that serves more than 700 patients. For nearly 50 years, Wesley has provided seniors with a variety of levels of care including independent living, assisted living, long-term care, outpatient therapies, short-term rehabilitation and home care.

The Wesley Community’s unique blend of community living, caregiving and resident enrichment activities ensures the highest quality service at every stage of life. The continuum of care model provides a distinct resource to aging individuals and their families in Upstate New York.