By Paul Post

Lessons learned many years ago at a Glens Falls family kitchen are paying huge dividends for a Norwich, Conn., restaurant owner.

Toast Changemakers recently awarded Justin Burrows a $10,000 grant, one of only 15 U.S. businesses chosen, for his firm’s commitment to addressing local hunger and supporting individuals in need.

In 2019, he bought La Stella Pizzeria, an Italian eatery, and since 2022 has given thousands of free “Lefty Special” meals (pizza, pasta, soup or bread) to anyone who calls or walks through the doors to make sure no one goes hungry. They’re named for the late Vincent “Lefty” George of Glens Falls.

“My Uncle Lefty was one of the greatest influences in my life,” Burrows said. “He and my Aunt Barb were recipients of the highly prestigious Jefferson Award. But beyond that they had a home that was open to everyone. As a first-generation Italian-American, he believed wholeheartedly in feeding people whether it was the mayor or someone without a home. He treated everyone the same.”

“Some of my fondest memories are sitting at his table, sharing a meal and listening to his stories including those from his time in World War II,” Burrows said. “He embodied the kind of person I always hoped to become.”

Burrows’ grandparents lived a few doors away on McDonald Street, where Justin’s father, Rob, grew up. Justin, his wife, Kelsey, and their children still make frequent trips to Glens Falls to visit relatives.

By Paul Post

Maple producers in Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties are gearing up for Open House Weekends to celebrate the sweetest time of year.

With more than 2,000 sugar makers statewide, New York is the nation’s second-leading producer behind only Vermont, and the industry generates an annual economic impact of about $141 million.

In Warren County, Thurman Maple Days plays an especially important role in generating tourism as the ski season winds down before the onset of summer vacation months.

“We’ve kind of become known as the Maple Capital of New York,” said Randy Galusha, owner of Toad Hill Maple Farm. “What we’re practicing is agritourism. People get to see our farms and learn about the history of maple sugaring. It’s one of the shoulder seasons when not a lot of other things are going on.”

The Lake George Chamber of Commerce says off-shoulder hotel bookings increased dramatically last year, reflecting ongoing efforts to make the region a more year-round tourist destination. According to Visa Analytics, 45 percent of visitor spending in 2025 occurred during shoulder-season months, matching peak-season performance and signaling a more balanced annual tourism cycle.

By Paul Post

From Watertown to Waterford, a fast-growing fiber optics firm is giving the region a new alternative for internet and phone service, with television expected to follow soon.

After launching in northernmost New York, St. Lawrence County-based SLICFiber started moving south to Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties and is now in markets such as Lake George, Glens Falls and Ballston Spa.

On Feb. 4 – World Cancer Day – it made a highly visible entry to Mechanicville by installing the first-ever pink fiber-optic cable with plans to donate $25 to local charity for every residential and commercial connection.

“We’ve always been a very community-based organization,” CEO Kevin Lynch said. “Cancer affects a lot of people. This will help families with things like travel and lodging.”

Mechanicville-Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is the first “Pink Drop” customer. Plans call for working with local officials to make the #FiberofHope initiative available in SLICFiber’s entire service area.

Warren County Economic Development Corporation President Jim Siplon said fiber optics is a huge economic game changer, especially in the Adirondacks where broadband has been extremely limited in many places.

Saratoga Casino Hotel announced the return of live harness racing for its 85th season, beginning Sunday, February 1. The 2026 schedule at the Spa Oval will consist of 150 racing programs running through mid-December, including several Saturday matinee race cards throughout the season.

Horsemen will compete for over $17 million in purses during the season. In addition, the track will host eight New York Sire Stakes programs featuring the best New York bred horses in the state racing for an additional $1.5 million in purses.

“I expect a very strong season of racing,” said Race Secretary Peter Iovino. “The horse population has been abundant the last few years and this gives us the ability to offer a high-quality product for our fans.”

Saratoga Casino’s premier event, the Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Invitational Pacing Series, will kick off on Saturday, July 11 with a new format better suited for local horsemen participation. This year, competitors will vie for points in the $20,000 Invitational over seven consecutive Saturdays, with the top point earners advancing to the $100,000 final on Saturday, August 29. Total purses for the Gerrity Invitational series are $240,000.

Behan Communications announced that Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., former president of SUNY Adirondack, has joined the firm. Duffy will work with crisis communications and public affairs clients and assist with business development.

Duffy served as president of SUNY Adirondack for 12 years, retiring in 2025 as the second-longest-serving president in the college’s history. During her tenure, the multi-campus community college served approximately 6,000 students annually with a $31 million operating budget and 385 employees. Under her leadership, graduation rates increased by more than 12 percent, more than $50 million was invested in capital improvements, and workforce-focused degree and short-term training programs were expanded. She also secured millions of dollars in grant funding to support equipment, classrooms, and student success initiatives.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Duffy on our team,” said Ryan Moore, president and CEO of Behan Communications. “Her leadership experience in higher education, workforce development, and economic development will be an asset to our clients.”

Mark Behan, chairman and founder, said Duffy’s career has been defined by relationship-building and community impact across the region.

Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dianne Donovan and Sarah J. Hall to its board of directors.

Dianne Donovan brings extensive experience in nursing, including work as a registered professional nurse and former licensed practical nurse. Her background strengthens SAIL’s commitment to high-quality, person-centered services that support independence in the community.

Sarah J. Hall joins the board with a strong background in care management and clinical case management, with experience supporting children, families and individuals through local service programs. Her work aligns closely with SAIL’s mission to provide compassionate, accessible support across the lifespan.

By Doug Ford

As we look ahead to 2026, the Saratoga, Warren, and Washington County region continues to stand out as one of the stronger construction markets in upstate New York. While 2025 delivered steady but cautious growth, the year ahead makes one thing increasingly clear: opportunity alone will not drive success. Our ability to meet demand, deliver projects, and sustain economic growth will depend largely on whether we have the workforce to do so.

Construction activity in 2025 reflected resilience across much of the region, even as growth came in slower than many originally anticipated. Residential development remained strongest in communities such as Saratoga Springs, Malta, and Clifton Park, where demand for multifamily housing, townhomes, and mixed-use projects continued to rise. Population growth, quality-of-life amenities, and proximity to employment centers helped support activity despite higher interest rates and a more disciplined lending environment.

At the same time, economic and political uncertainty caused some private projects to remain on the sidelines. Developers were more cautious, delaying starts while monitoring financing costs, regulatory conditions, and broader market signals. Tourism — particularly in the Saratoga market — continued to serve as a stabilizing force, driving renovation and expansion projects tied to hospitality, entertainment, and seasonal housing.

Beneath these market dynamics, however, a more pressing issue came into even sharper focus in 2025: the shortage of skilled labor. Across the construction trades, workforce availability increasingly dictated project schedules, costs, and overall capacity. While demand for construction services remained relatively stable, the lack of skilled workers limited how much work could realistically be delivered.