Month: November 2022

Federal Reserve Of New York Advisor Will Speak On Area Economics At ARCC Event

November 14, 2022

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce will present a session on regional economic conditions from the perspective of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at The Queensbury Hotel, 88 Ridge St., Glens Falls.

Economist Jason Bram, an economic research advisor and research officer within the regional analysis function at the New York Fed, will be the speaker.

The event will run from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Bram is an economic research advisor in Urban and Regional Studies within the Household and Public Policy Research Division of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. His research and analysis focus is on the U.S. economy, with a primary emphasis on the Federal Reserve’s Second District that includes New York state, northern New Jersey, and southwestern Connecticut, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Bram produces the regional Beige Book reports, and uses monthly business surveys to monitor and analyze current and emerging economic trends and issues of concern. Recent research has focused on minimum wage effects and effect of the pandemic on local economies. Earlier research focused on housing markets, composite indexes of regional activity, dynamics of the Puerto Rico economy, and the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the New York City economy.

Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge Owner Buys Forest Hill Lodge & Cabins, Lake George

November 14, 2022

This is part of Forest Hill Lodge & Cabins in Lake George, being renovated and purchased by Todd Drake, the owner of adjacent Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge.
Courtesy Adironack Diamond Point Lodge

By Susan Elise Campbell

Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge in Lake George is expanding with the acquisition of Forest Hill Lodge & Cabins, two adjacent acres that will help meet the demand of vacationers who seek the rustic, off-lake experience the Lodge provides, according to owner Todd Drake.

The Drake family purchased the Lodge at 3629 Lake Shore Drive in April 2021 and added Cramer’s Point Motel at 3382 Lake Shore Drive to their holdings in February, he said.

The latest purchase adds “a mix of apartments and short-term rentals” to their offerings. The deal closed at $990,000.

“We overpaid for it, but didn’t want it sold to someone else,” said Drake. “Some people who had rented at Forest Hills already thought it was ours and showed up on our doorstep. It made sense to buy it.”

Drake’s construction company, CornerStone Building Corp. in Watervliet, has begun “interior upgrades and redecorations” and “the FF&E is up to speed” on the rustic Adirondack style décor and finishes.

ARCC Accepting Nominations For The Annual Juckett Community Service Award

November 14, 2022

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is accepting nominations for the 34th Annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award.

The winner will be honored during the ARCC annual dinner on March 10 at the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing.

“We have seen some extraordinary individuals get honored with this award,” said ARCC President and CEO Tricia Rogers. “This is a great opportunity to recognize community members who have really gone above and beyond to serve their community.”

Nominations will be accepted through the ARCC’s website until Nov. 22.

The nominee’s profile should demonstrate significant contributions to the community in the field of human services, education, business, or industry. The nominee’s contributions should be substantial and enduring and the nominee should reflect the admiration of his or her peers.

Neither the nominee nor nominator are required to be a member of the ARCC to be considered for the honor.

Dining Hall At SUNY Adirondack Upgraded, Adds Space For People To Study In Private

November 14, 2022

SUNY Adirondack’s upgraded dining hall includes traditional and bar-height seating, study pods and spaces for groups and individuals to work in privacy.
Courtesy SUNY Adirondack

SUNY Adirondack now has unveiled its newly upgraded dining hall that includes traditional and bar-height seating, study pods and spaces for groups and individuals to work in privacy.

“Working with a local vendor, we were able to provide a modern, welcoming environment,” said Tom Kent, executive director of SUNY Adirondack’s Faculty-Student Association. “We have already received many compliments from students and staff.”

The project was spearheaded by interior designer Amanda Blaise of Girvin Office in Greenfield Center, whose designs were distributed by Charlie’s Office Furniture, a Queensbury-based company.

Blaise’s designs coming to fruition is the culmination of a long process delayed by the pandemic. According to Kent, the college’s partnership with Chartwells was renewed in 2019. Part of that continued relationship included a renovation to the serving area. Then COVID-19 hit and delayed the rest of the plans, which included upgrades to Einstein’s Bagel Cafe in Scoville Hall, as well as the food court area.

Lake George Association Seeks Volunteers For Its AlgaeWatch Water Monitoring Program

November 14, 2022

The Lake George Association has launched a new citizen science program called AlgaeWatch and is seeking volunteers to monitor their favorite areas of the lake for excessive algae growth and, especially, harmful algal blooms (HABs).

Interested volunteers can sign up for the program at lakegeorgeassociation.org/algaewatch and also watch a new LGA educational video on the dangers posed by HABs and what can be done to prevent them.

AlgaeWatch volunteers will monitor shoreline or near-shore areas around their home or business, or areas they otherwise frequent, document the growth of various types of algae, and report back to the LGA on their findings.

If a HAB is discovered, volunteers will also report their findings to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The information gathered will help the LGA science and technical team, their partners with The Jefferson Project environmental monitoring program, and DEC identify problem areas and help guide implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.

Volunteers will also receive email alerts from the LGA any time water and weather conditions are especially conducive to HAB formation, as well as updates on any ongoing blooms. HABs are most apt to occur when water and wind conditions are calm, and the weather is warmer than usual.

“HABs are our canary in the coal mine,” said Brea Arvidson, LGA manager of water quality research. “When a HAB occurs, or any case of excessive algae growth for that matter, the Lake is telling us it needs help. By identifying these occurrences as early as possible, we can deploy the right resources to identify the cause and begin to develop science-based solutions.”

Excessive algae growth, most often fed by nutrient loading from stormwater runoff and failing septic systems, poses a serious and growing threat to Lake George water quality. In the fall of 2020, the risks escalated, as the lake experienced the first of three confirmed HABs.

Personal Briefs: November 2022

November 14, 2022

Northern Insuring Agency, Inc. announced that Sarah Genier, sales executive assistant in the Glens Falls office, has earned her Certified Insurance Service Representative designation.

The CISR program is distinguished from other programs of its kind by requiring continuing education annually to ensure designees stay current on trends within our industry.

Five courses, each with their own exam, are required to achieve this designation. They must be completed within 3 years.

Genier has been with Northern Insuring Agency since 2019.

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The Moreau Community Center recently announced the appointment of four members to the board of directors. This brings the number of board members to eleven.

Liz Wilcox is a 20-year resident of South Glens Falls and has a long history of volunteerism with arts and cultural organizations in the area.

She is the co-founder of Art in the Public Eye and former co-owner of Samantha’s Cafe and Catering. Formerly, with the Girl Scouts, Wilcox now works in community engagement for Glens Falls National Bank.