Month: August 2024

By Susan Ellse Campbell

Arrow Financial Corporation has finalized plans to unify its two banking subsidiaries and is soon to reveal a new logo and signage under which the two financial institutions are being rebranded, announced parent company president and CEO David S. DeMarco. 

The 37 branches of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company will be named Arrow Bank going forward, he said. 

DeMarco said the change was years in the making.

“What we are doing is different from an ordinary bank merger, as Arrow Financial already owned these two community banks,” he said.

DeMarco explained that since the two banks have different back offices, the systems behind their operations have to become one to achieve the efficiencies the parent company is seeking.

“Sharing the same ‘back room’ is more efficient than two banks doing the same functions independently,” said DeMarco. “This will free up resources to enhance our strategic growth opportunities and provide unparalleled customer service.”

Glens Falls National Bank was formed in 1851 and, like Saratoga National Bank, has a strong presence in the communities it serves. The latter was formed in 1988 and has been a subsidiary of Arrow Financial since its beginning. But the two banks have different charters. 

By Christine Graf

Local lawmakers and citizens are asking state officials to reconsider the decision to close Great Meadow Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Comstock. The prison is slated for closure as part of the state’s effort to adapt to a shrinking inmate population and a shortage of corrections officers. 

According to New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), Great Meadow Correctional Facility and Sullivan Correctional Facility in Sullivan County will be closed by November 6. DOCCS has reported that employees at both prisons will be offered positions at other facilities within the state. 

With approximately 650 employees, Great Meadow is the largest employer in Washington County. The prison’s closure is expected to have a significant economic impact on the county. 

By Ann Donnelly

A local culinary power couple has taken the reins of a beloved South Glens Falls eatery, injecting new life into a decades-old establishment. Jenny and Chris Dore recently acquired The Peppermill Family Restaurant, a popular diner with a solid local following.

The Dores brings a wealth of experience to their new venture. Chris, a Saratoga native, is a seasoned chef with a background in fine dining and restaurant management eager to put his culinary stamp on the menu while preserving the restaurant’s classic charm. Jenny, a nutritionist from Queensbury with a passion for wellness, plans to infuse the business with a health-conscious approach without compromising taste.

The couple met when Chris worked in the kitchen at Druthers in Saratoga, and Jenny worked “front of the house.” Chris’s culinary training started in childhood, “we used to make tortellini, ravioli, and fresh pasta in our kitchen.” His journey then brought him to wash dishes in local restaurants, toss pizzas, and then two years at the Culinary Institute of America. After Druthers, he helped with the opening of Max London’s and became Executive Chef at The Gideon Putnam Hotel. He strengthened his management skills as Culinary Director of Wheatfields, including the restaurants in Saratoga, Clifton Park, BWP (Beer, Wine, Pizza), and 2 West Bar and Grill both in Saratoga. 

“All that has led to owning our own business, says Chris. “All the prerequisites of being an owner were checked off. This is a natural next step.”

Previous owners John and Vicky Osakowicz, who opened The Peppermill 33 years ago, can now retire knowing their beloved restaurant and loyal customers are in good hands. 

Alpha Win’s 18th Annual Lake George Triathlon – a weekend of endurance and fun – is returning to the shores, bikeways, and streets of Lake George over Labor Day weekend, Saturday August 31 – Sunday, September 1.  

Standing by the motto, “A Distance For Everyone®,” the Alpha Win Lake George Triathlon features Sprint, Olympic and Long Course triathlon distances, coupled with aquabike and duathlon options. The competition is set to be fierce with the Northeastern Collegiate Triathlon Conference in attendance, bringing together some of the most prominent collegiate tri-athletes in the region. This event joins Alpha Win’s extensive calendar of New York offerings, including the Saugerties Triathlon, Hudson Valley Triathlon, and Hudson Valley Marathon.

The races begin on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. sharp at Million Dollar Beach with the Long Course wave start. The Alpha Long Course is a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run.  After Saturday’s races, participants and supporters are invited to enjoy an exclusive dinner aboard Lake George Steamboat Company’s Mohican, at 6:15 p.m. This excursion can be purchased during race registration.

The races continue Sunday morning, with the Alpha Sprint kicking off at 6:30 a.m. This is a 750-meter swim, 12.4-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. Awards for this race will be handed out at 9:00 a.m. The final race, the Alpha Olympic, will start at 7:10 a.m. This is a 1,500-meter swim, 24.8-mile bike, and a 6.2-mile run. 

Race Director Tommy Struzzeri believes the endurance industry is primed for a company like Alpha that will help people of all abilities get into racing.  

The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB has announced key staff updates that reflect the organization’s commitment to enhancing member services and supporting the local business community. These strategic changes include new hires and promotions that will drive marketing initiatives, member engagement, and overall community presence.

Megan Seeley was promoted to marketing director at the organization. Previously, she served as the marketing manager of the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she was instrumental in promoting the region to group business in the form of conventions, meetings, sports events, weddings, motorcoach group tours, and more. 

In her new role, she oversees the marketing and communications efforts for chamber members as well as consumer and group tourism markets with the Convention & Visitors Bureau. As marketing director, she will develop overall marketing strategies for the chamber and the LGRCVB, oversees the marketing plans for both organizations, and manages the promotion of chamber and member events. She is also responsible for maintaining the chamber’s presence in the community through participation in events and committees. 

“I am thrilled to lead our marketing team and develop initiatives that will elevate tourism and strengthen our community connections. Working with growing audiences is incredibly exciting, as it allows us to introduce more people to the beauty and charm of the Lake George region. Together, we can showcase all that this area has to offer, from stunning landscapes to vibrant local businesses. I look forward to collaborating with our team and community to create memorable experiences for visitors and foster a thriving tourism industry,” said Seeley. 

By Jill Nagy

Some horse-crazy young girls grow up to be horse-crazy women. Two them are Sharon Capraun, owner of Dancing Horses, who recently moved to Lake George, and Connie Welsh, her pony wrangler.

When Roaring Brook Ranch had to close because of its owner’s illness, Capraun moved from Schroon Lake with 20 horses, a handful of ponies, and a petting zoo, to look after the property and operate her business. 

Many of the horses were rescues from “not very good places,” Capraun said. Others were purchased at auction. While she may buy horses, Cabraun does not sell them. 

“When I get them, I keep them,” she said, “They‘re not going anywhere.” 

Capraun is 73 years old and retired. 

“As long as I can get up on a horse, I’ll be here,” she said. “I can’t see myself ever having enough of horses.”

By Ann Donnelly

A new dining option is proving to be a hit in the heart of the Adirondacks. The Guac Box, a fast-casual Mexican eatery, has quickly become a local favorite since its April opening. 

The restaurant, owned and operated by Adam and Kayley Geiser, offers a unique blend of authentic flavors and convenient service. 

“We have seen strong demand from locals and visitors traveling through the town to Gore and further north,” says Adam Geiser. “People had been looking for something different.”

An actual family operation, Kayley, runs the front of house, while Adam operates the kitchen with solid support from his father, Darren, who has decades of restaurant experience. Adam, who has had a passion for Mexican food for most of his life, has 14 years of experience in the restaurant business, most recently in Bolton Landing at Frederick’s and Cantina 32.

The Geisers offer a “fast-casual” experience that resembles an authentic taqueria. Customers order at the counter and receive their food in takeaway boxes. Initially, they did not offer table service, but as 70 percent of the business is for takeout, they now offer it to those who wish to eat in and enjoy the charming atmosphere.

The ongoing menu includes the staples of Mexican fare, including nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more, but they level up the quality with fresh ingredients. 

From the shores of Lake Champlain to the heights of Mount Defiance, Fort Ticonderoga continues to offer new opportunities and family fun this summer. 

Ticonderoga’s epic history and signature stories are highlighted through innovative story telling on a grand scale, historic trades, daily soldiers’ life programs, new and permanent premier museum exhibitions, Fife & Drum performances, thrilling weapons demos, boat cruises, endless outdoor activities, captivating special events, and premium exclusive experiences.

A new 2024 Heroic Corn Maze design offers six acres of fun as visitors navigate towering stalks of corn using history clues related to Fort Ticonderoga to guide them. The maze is divided into two phases, giving guests the chance to gain confidence in the smaller maze before tackling the main maze. The average journey will take from 20 minutes for the first phase and up to an hour for the second phase. 

The Family Guided Tour provides a kid-friendly overview of all of the exciting things to do during a visit. In addition to the tour, the new family scavenger hunt, In His Majesty’s Service, gives families a chance to work together to complete tasks as they explore Fort Ticonderoga and receive rewards for helping the soldiers with their daily duties. 

By Susan Elise Campbell

For decades, The Bargain Box thrift and consignment store has been a place to hunt for treasure and shop affordably in South Glens Falls. The store has been woman-owned and operated since its beginning more than 50 years ago.

“A woman started it in Ballston Spa and a few years later, in 1973, my aunt bought the business. I took it over from her in 2014,” said current owner Leslie Marciano.

Marciano has “been in love with the store, the people and the work” since she helped out her aunt on Saturdays as a teenager. 

“I would come home with lots of clothes for my pay and think, this is so cool,” she said. 

Thrift and consignment stores offer affordable, gently used merchandise. For some, thrifting is like hunting for treasure, according to Marciano.

“Someone may be looking to match a piece of clothing, piece together a costume, or maybe to ‘dress’ their new home,” she said.