Month: May 2025

By Paul Post

The wait is over!

Nine years ago, the City of Glens Falls applied for a potentially game-changing $10 million state grant to revitalize downtown.

Money came through a year later and in October 2023, following pandemic-related delays, workers broke ground on a new market center, part one of a huge multi-phase effort to transform South Street. On Friday, May 16, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate opening of the Events Downtown Center, nicknamed “The Ed” in honor of the late Ed Bartholomew, the Warren County Economic Development Corporation leader, whose driving force made the project possible.

“This property in 2016 was the definition of downtrodden,” Mayor Bill Collins said. “A jumble of rundown buildings, garbage in a parking lot, no residents. Hot Shots was closed, had been abandoned and stripped of all its copper plumbing by vandals. Sandy’s was on its last operating legs and, of course, the so-called incubator building had been closed for over two decades. Look at how far we’ve come.”

“Who would have ever believed we would ever have been here amidst all of this progress today? Ed Bartholomew that’s who,” Collins said. “He painted the vision with Mayor (Jack) Diamond, shared the vision with the community, worked with Mayor (Dan) Hall to build forward momentum. After his (Bartholomew’s) untimely death, a coalition of citizens was brought together to continue that progress. Thank God that they did.”

One of the center’s primary tenants, Glens Falls Farmers Market, will hold its first event there from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 7 with a variety of special activities.

Revolution Rail Co. has kicked off its 2025 season with the reopening of its three Adirondack rail biking locations in North Creek, Hadley and Thurman.The company, founded in 2017, offers scenic rail biking excursions along historic railroad tracks. Riders travel across bridges, alongside rivers and through Adirondack forests on custom-built, pedal-powered rail bikes. Each location offers a different route and landscape, attracting families, couples and group outings throughout the region.

Revolution Rail’s popular “Rails to Sails” package, a joint venture with the Lake George Steamboat Company. The experience includes a rail biking tour paired with a sightseeing cruise on Lake George. New this season is the reverse option, “Sails to Rails,” which begins with a lake cruise and transitions to a ride from the Hadley station.

“At Rev Rail, we’re all about creating memorable experiences that help people feel good and unplug,” said Robert Harte, CEO of Revolution Rail Co. “We’re thrilled to partner again with the Lake George Steamboat Company—an institution that’s been offering cruises for over 200 years.”

The Saratoga Regional YMCA (SRYMCA) is proud to announce the public launch of its Capital Campaign to revitalize and reimagine the Glens Falls Branch—one of the community’s most cherished gathering spaces for over 130 years.

With a goal of raising $5.5 million, this ambitious campaign will breathe new life into the aging facility, ensuring it continues to serve thousands of families, children, and individuals—while expanding our capacity to welcome even more in the years ahead. Planned renovations include modernized locker rooms, enhanced wellness areas, essential infrastructure upgrades, and the addition of an exciting new indoor youth climbing center.

“This building has been a cornerstone of health, connection, and community spirit in Glens Falls for over a century,” said Paul Bricoccoli, Chair of the Glens Falls YMCA Capital Campaign Committee and former Board Member. “Now it’s time to give it the care and investment it deserves—so it can continue to serve today’s families and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.”

The campaign’s momentum is already strong, thanks to a generous $500,000 lead gift from longtime Y supporters Bill and Susan Dake. The Charles R. Wood Foundation has also stepped up with a $250,000 matching grant, challenging the community to rise to the occasion and double the impact of every gift.

Major early supporters include Adirondack Trust, Arrow Bank, Della Auto Group, Hudson River Community Credit Union, Kathleen and Dan Grasmeder, Nemer Auto Group, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, The Glens Falls Foundation, and The Sandy Hill Foundation.

With 30% of the goal already raised, the Saratoga Regional YMCA is calling on the community to help close the gap. Whether it’s $25 or $25,000, every donation brings us one step closer to a brighter future for Glens Falls.

The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) has announced the selection of Heather McDaniel as chief economic development officer. This key position, which reports to CEG’s president and CEO Mark Eagan, is responsible for development and implementation of strategies and initiatives to drive regional economic growth and broad-based prosperity.

McDaniel has more than 20 years of experience in economic and community development. She most recently served as president of Ithaca (NY) Area Economic Development. She has served the organization for 18 years. McDaniel was hired as an Empire Zone coordinator in 2007, becoming director of economic development services in 2008, and vice president in 2014. She served as president for the last seven years. Prior to Ithaca, she worked in cooperative housing and redevelopment in New York City and began her career with Cushman Wakefield in Los Angeles.

“Heather brings balanced experience as a collaborative and results-oriented economic development leader,” said Mark Eagan, president and CEO, Center for Economic Growth. “She joins a strong team, which positions us well as we advance strategies to help the Capital Region realize its true economic potential.”

“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey at CEG and contribute to the advancement and development of the Capital Region,” said McDaniel. “I look forward to working with the team and stakeholders to ignite a dynamic and prosperous economic future.”

After a decade of serving delicious, award-winning pizza, The Pizza Shop in Warrensburg is excited to announce its rebranding to Canepa’s Pizza Shop, effective March 18. The new name reflects the Canepa family’s legacy and deep roots in the community.

The ownership, led by Giovanni and Maggie Canepa, remains unchanged, and customers can expect the same high-quality pizza they’ve come to love since the restaurant’s opening in December 2014. The name change simply adds a personal touch to the business that has become a local favorite.

“We want our customers to know that while we’re changing the name, everything else remains the same,” said Giovanni Canepa, co-owner. “Our focus is still on providing the best pizza and a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the amazing team we have, and we are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of our staff.”

Canepa’s Pizza Shop has earned widespread recognition, including multiple “Best of the Region” awards and an appearance on the Rachael Ray Show. Known for its fresh ingredients and traditional methods, the pizzeria continues to be a standout in the area.

“This name change is a celebration of the past 10 years and the support we’ve received from the community,” said Maggie Canepa. “We’re excited to continue this journey and look forward to the future.”

By Paul Post

Ben Bernard cut his baseball business teeth at East Field with the Glens Falls White Sox in the early 1980s.

A few years later, when he owned the Albany-Colonie Yankees, The Sporting News named him America’s Double-A Executive of the Year.

Eleven years ago, he went back to East Field where it all began, as new owner of the Golden Eagles, comprised of top-flight college players, which became the Glens Falls Dragons, preparing now for their 10th season in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

The ballpark Bernard took over had seen much better days. Bleacher seats weren’t safe, lighting was bad – a far cry from the venue’s glory days when future big leaguers such as 1983 AL Rookie of the Year Ron Kittle and Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz played there.

Slowly, despite a summer without baseball during the COVID-19 pandemic, East Field has made a steady comeback. Five hundred stadium-style seats were installed behind home plate last year, wooden bleachers are new and LED lighting casts a brighter glow when the sun goes down.

This spring, city Public Works crews spruced things up by removing unsightly trees just inside the gate.

“We survived, that’s all I can tell you,” Bernard said. “Now we can concentrate back on the field and marketing of the team.”

At Heritage Park, in Colonie, Bernard oversaw one of minor league baseball’s best-run operations and the Yankee lineup, at various times, featured future all-time greats such as Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

By Paul Post

His wholesale bread business is so good that Kevin Haux only needs to open his retail shop two days per week.

But it seems to be doing quite well, too, based on the steady stream of customers going in and out.

The Haux Nest Bread store will mark its first anniversary in June, located at 430 Dix Avenue, near Queensbury Avenue (Airport Road).

“I love my wholesale accounts, the consistency, so I don’t see myself getting rid of them,” 26-year-old owner Kevin Haux said. “I see myself expanding on those. But we’re not really set up for wholesale here. Ultimately, I would like to have this place be just for counter space, a retail shop, and have someone invest with me and do the baking elsewhere at a bigger setup.”

The business is named (Haux pronounced like “hawks”) after his grandparents’ summer camp in Bolton Landing.

He started it four years ago in the kitchen of his parents’ home on Chestnut Ridge Road in Queensbury. “I dragged my whole family into it, voluntarily,” Haux said, smiling.

His mom, Lisa Haux, and his sister, Haley Ward, help keep things running smoothly.

Haux Nest specializes in naturally leavened, hearth-style and old world-style breads; crusty crunchy sourdough; brioche-type cinnamon rolls; cookies and muffins; and breakfast sandwiches on brioche buns with a choice of bacon or ham.

By LEE COLEMAN

New aircraft hangers and other improvements have been made at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury to meet an increased demand from the owners of both small and large aircraft.

“There is a very large demand for T-hangers used by small, general aviation aircraft,” said Robin Mapp, airport manager for Warren County.

He said a $1 million project added eight new aircraft hangers several years ago. Ninety percent of the cost of the construction was paid by the New York State Department of Transportation.

Construction of new hangers by airport owner Warren County and by Rich Air, the airport’s fixed base operator (FBO), are underway this year as well.

This year the county finished another six-bay hanger and later in 2025 will demolish an old hanger built in the early 1940s and replace it with another six-bay hanger.

At the same time Rich Air has its own hangers, including recently completed hangers for larger aircraft such as Gulfstream 650 jets, said Stephen Abbott, Rich Air’s general manager.

Rich Air manages approximately 70,000 square feet of hanger space and 37 T-hangers for smaller planes. The fixed base operator also provides fuel and repair services.

The county, with funding from the Federal Aviation Administration, has also completed a new building to house snow removal equipment replacing an older facility from the 1940s. Runway lighting – specifically taxi way lights – were upgraded to energy efficient LED lights to enhance visibility and reduce maintenance costs.

By Rod Bacon It is never too early to embark on a career as an entrepreneur. When he was 11 years old, Blake Mahieu started mowing lawns in his neighborhood, soon adding other yard maintenance tasks to his services. He built his client roster to 25 weekly clients, continuing to operate this business through...