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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Panelists Express Optimism For 2026 As Washington County Tourism And Spending Show Steady Growth

BY PAUL POST

Slow, steady tourism growth is one of the best options for achieving sustained economic development in Washington County, officials say. Events such as the Greenwich Lighted Tractor Parade on Saturday, Nov. 22, Scottish Games in Argyle and Whitehall’s new Sasquatch Festival attract people from outside the area who support small business that keep small towns and villages vibrant.

“Are we going to see the likes of a Micron or

Regeneron in Washington County? Probably not,” said Laura Oswald, county economic development coordinator. “Economic development has pretty much happened under tourism initiatives. What we have out there is phenomenal. To my mind you grow what you have. We have open space, we have natural resources. For somebody living in a city, to have an experience going to a rural area is marketable.”

“Heck yeah, people want to come here,” she said.

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Historic Glens Falls Buildings Reborn As MixedUse Living And Businesses On South Street

BY PAUL POST

Commercial and residential tenants are ready to occupy three newly rehabilitated buildings that are transforming South and Elm streets in downtown Glens Falls.

Bonacio Development is putting the finishing touches on the former Sandy’s and Hot Shots taverns and on an adjoining three-story building behind Hot Shots at 36 Elm Street.

“They’ll all be ready for occupancy around January 1,” company President Larry Novik said.

Each of the three-story buildings will have first-floor commercial space and apartments overhead. Meanwhile, steel beams and girders are rising for a large five-story structure next to and behind the former Sandy’s building, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

SUNY Adirondack is slated to lease ground-floor space there for a health care workforce development program, including a mock exam room. The remaining space, and four stories above, will be dedicated to mixedincome affordable housing.

The apartments are designed to serve households across a range of income levels— generally between 30 percent and 70 percent of the area median income.

“We believe this approach, tying rates to the area median income, is a good way to create a community with a wide mix of residents,” Project Manager Steve Licciardi said.

Bonacio, a Saratoga Springs-based firm, is developing this project as well.

“We’ve built a number of affordable housing projects, but this is the first where we’re also working as the developer, so it’s been an interesting process,” Novik said. “We’re excited to bring this housing type to Glens Falls.”

The project has been made possible through a partnership with New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

The new five-story building, called South Street Apartments, is a $26 million investment. The Sandy’s, Hot Shots, and 36 Elm Street projects represent an additional $7 million.

They follow the recent opening of The Ed, a new event space on South Street that now houses the Glens Falls Farmers Market.

The entire area has been developed with a sense of connectivity, making it easy for peo-

West Mountain, Gore And Whiteface Upgrade As North Country

Ski Season Nears

BY LEE COLEMAN

West Mountain ski center in Queensbury is preparing to open early this season with a larger variety of trails to offer skiers.

“We are really going to try to open early, but it depends on the weather,” said Spencer Montgomery, co-owner and managing member.

He said 4,000 feet of new snowmaking pipeline has been added on the Frolic trail to replace older piping that was in disrepair. The goal is to open more terrain on the Northwest Base area along with the Main Base, which traditionally opens first. The

mountain also offers a large snow-tubing park for young people.

Ski center workers have been running compressors on the snow guns, testing pipelines, checking power and lighting for the popular night skiing, and cutting back the trail edges. All is ready to make snow when the temperature allows.

In recent years, West Mountain has offered year-round programming, with adventure courses, mountain-biking trails and scenic rides to promote use of the mountain in spring, summer and fall.

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At Annual Luncheon EDC Warren County Stakes Future On Water Science Strategy

The Economic Development Corporation of Warren County (EDC) used its Annual Luncheon on Oct. 27, 2025, to reaffirm its commitment to a place-based economic-development strategy and to announce a significant new initiative: the formation of a steering committee charged with guiding the creation of a national Fresh Water Center. The goal of the center is to harness the expertise developed at Lake George and position the region as a leader in research, education and commercialization of freshwater protection.

The event, held before a full house at the Carriage House at the Fort William Henry Hotel, recognized outgoing board chair Dr. Kristine D. Duffy for emphasizing the importance of creating a “long-term sustainable economy.” Incoming chair Melanie Weber also assumed her new role. Moderator Ryan Moore and EDC President Jim Siplon highlighted recent development successes, including the Glens Falls Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which leveraged nearly $50 million from a $10 million state award. Other achievements included expanding Warren County’s broadband access from 75 percent to more than 95 percent and stimulating private development in North Creek through installation of a new wastewater system.

The luncheon’s theme of place-based growth was underscored by keynote speaker Greg Tehven, CEO and co-founder of Emerging Prairie and board chair of Grand Farm in Fargo, N.D. Tehven described how Fargo transformed its economy by embracing its local assets and becoming an innovation hub for agricultural

technology. A fifth-generation North Dakotan, he urged attendees to be bold and action-oriented, attributing Fargo’s success to its “world-class public education and world-class health care.” Tehven challenged the audience to “declare your major, go public, and invite the world,” and emphasized supporting artists who “drive creativity and ego,” praising the local arts community.

Siplon closed the program with the anticipated announcement of the Fresh Water Center Steering Committee. Initial

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Personnel Briefs

Roohan Realty is thrilled to announce that Brendon Teetor has joined the commercial division as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. He is licensed in both New York and Florida with more than a decade of experience spanning residential sales, property management, and real estate investment.

After founding and leading Sterling Teetor Realty Group in Fort Lauderdale, Brendon expanded his practice to upstate New York, bringing his deep understanding of both South Florida and Capital Region markets to Roohan Realty. His career has covered every facet of industry from helping first-time homebuyers and investors find the right property to managing multi-unit portfolios and collaborating on commercial development projects.

Brendon and his wife relocated from Fort Lauderdale to Saratoga Springs in 2021, where they’re raising their two children and embracing all that the region has to offer. When he’s not working with clients, Brendon enjoys backcountry camping in the Adirondacks, tending his vegetable garden, and watching movies with his family.

Known for his calm, hands-on approach and genuine passion for helping people, Brendon blends big-market experience with small-town care—making every client feel like a neighbor and every transaction a shared success.

Brendon can be reached at 954.242.2326 or brendon@roohanrealty.com.

Tully Rinckey PLLC is pleased to announce the promotion of Benjamin Westerman, Esq. to Senior Associate.

Mr. Westerman joined the firm’s Latham office in 2023 and focuses his practice on employment law. Mr. Westerman works with clients on various labor and employment matters, including EEO/discrimination claims, wage/hour law, accommodations, and compliance requirements. Mr. Westerman was also named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in 2025.

“We as a firm are thrilled to promote Benjamin Westerman to Senior Associate,” said Allen Shoikhetbrod, managing partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Latham office. “Throughout his time here, he has demonstrated his exceptional legal skills and unwavering dedication to clients. We look forward to his continued growth and success at our firm.”

Mr. Westerman obtained his law degree from Albany Law School.

For more information about Mr. Westerman’s promotion, please contact Scott Brewster at (518) 640-1261 or via email at sbrewster@tullylegal. com

Roohan Realty has announced that Paula Perpall has joined the company as a licensed real estate salesperson.

Perpall brings more than three decades of experience in medical sales to her new role, along with a long-standing passion for real estate. A garaduate of SUNY Albany and NYU Medical School’s Diagnostic Program, she developed expertise in communication, negotiation, and client care throughout her 31-year career.

A Saratoga Springs resident for over 25 years, Perpall and her husband, Alan, have invested in area properties and enjoy boating on Lake George and spending time at their Adirondack cottage. She is also an active community volunteer, supporting programs including the Skidmore International Friendship Family Program, Operation Christmas Child, and The Franklin Community Center.

Roohan Realty, established in 1969, is the region’s largest locally based, family-owned real estate company with more than 50 licensed agents. The firm’s office is located at 519 Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs.

For more information, visit www.roohanrealty.com or contact Sophia Chandler, marketing director, at 518-857-6902 or schandler@roohanrealty.com.

Saturdays 7-9AM, Saturdays 12-1PM and Sundays 8-9PM

Ski Season

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Sara and Spencer Montgomery have spent more than $20 million on improvements to the ski center since they took over operation of the mountain in 2013.

The couple is also hoping to gain final approval this year for a $190 million, 60-acre “ski-and-stay” resort at the northwest base of the property near the existing Northwest Base Lodge. Montgomery said planning for the Woods at West Mountain started four years ago. Plans include an 80-room hotel, 64 condominiums, 52 custom and duplex homes, along with a new high-speed lift, ski store, coffee shop and restaurant.

The project would be built in five stages over a 10year period.

Montgomery said $350,000 has been spent on stormwater testing, traffic, soil and other environmental studies. Peter Luizzi is a partner in the largescale development. So far, the Queensbury Town Board has approved the concept, and in April the town Planning Board recommended rezoning of the property. The project goes back to the Town Board for the required rezoning and then back to the Planning Board for site-plan review.

Some neighbors have expressed concerns about the impact of the project on their property. Montgomery said these concerns can be mitigated. He said there are “lots of falsehoods” being spread about the impact of the project.

“There is no future for West Mountain without this new project,” Montgomery said. “I’m optimistic, but we have to expedite the approval process,” he said.

Farther north, preparation work and improvements have been made at the state’s Gore Mountain in North Creek and Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington for the ski season.

One of the biggest improvements at Gore Mountain is the Station, a new base lodge at the North Creek Ski Bowl that will open this season. It features

seating space, a retail shop, lockers, grab-and-go food options and a year-round, full-service restaurant and bar.

Ian Tomasch, sales and marketing manager at Gore, said work on the new building started in May 2024. The restaurant will be run by the owners of Southpaw Bistro, located on South Street in Glens Falls.

Work continues on the construction of the Topridge Quad Lift, which replaces the Topridge Triple Chairlift and will be operational this ski season.

Another Gore improvement is a new 375-car parking lot installed directly below the existing Lot G parking lot.

Gore is also planning a new zip coaster, which combines the thrill of a mountain coaster and a zip line as the rider transitions from cable to rail, traveling up and down the mountain during spring, summer and fall. Gore also offers chairlift rides and hiking and biking trails for year-round mountain activity.

At Whiteface Mountain, which is operated by the state’s Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA)—as is Gore—the Little Whiteface and Mountain Run chairlifts have been replaced with a new SkyTrac lift.

Major snowmaking upgrades at Whiteface include more powerful and energy-efficient equipment. A total of 115 additional high-efficiency snow guns have been added along with 15 mobile units. New state-of-the-art trail-grooming vehicles have been purchased to improve trail conditions across the mountain, according to a statement from ORDA.

The Legacy Lodge has also been renovated with new siding and decks. The Bear Den has been upgraded with a new heated patio and expanded learning area to enhance the family experience at the Olympic mountain. These improvements strengthen Whiteface’s reputation as the East’s premier vertical mountain.

Lake George Chamber Shares Trends At Fall Economic Outlook Breakfast

BY ANNE DONNELLY

The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Economic Outlook Breakfast was held Oct. 16 at the Holiday Inn Resort Lake George, bringing together local business leaders to review economic trends and outlooks for the coming year.

Katie Cook and Dylan Forsyth of Zartico Inc., a visitor-intelligence company that partners with the Chamber to analyze spending, lodging, and geolocation data across Warren County, presented several key findings. Visitor spending rose to 35 percent at local businesses in the third quarter of 2025, up from 32 percent a year earlier. Despite a slight dip in average daily spend, restaurants, retail, and arts sectors saw gains.

Lake George continued to attract more visitor spending than most of the Capital Region, underscoring the area’s diverse, resilient economy. Hotel occupancy slipped slightly from 84 to 82 percent, but the average stay increased to 2.2 days, boosting overall revenue. Cook noted that travelers are now booking further in advance—a positive sign for the tourism sector.

The Industry Conversation Panel, moderated by Gina Mintzer, LGRCC executive director, featured:

- John Carr, owner and founder, Adirondack Pub & Brewery

- Tyler Herrick, president and general manager, Spruce Hospitality Group and The Queensbury Hotel

- John Howard, senior district manager, Stewart’s Shops

- Christine Powers, chief marketing officer, Revolution Rail Co.

- Gary Thornquist, general manager, Lake George RV Park

Panelists described 2025 as a year defined by economic stress and shifting consumer behavior. Herrick said he “looked at this year as a year of uncertainty.” Carr

cited nearly constant rain from November through June, which dampened impulse visits and slowed early-season spending.

“People were buying a lot more hamburgers than steaks,” he said, but added that fall finished strong: “I think we’re all sick of hearing the news. So, hey, let’s go out and buy a steak.”

Thornquist noted that holiday weekends, which usually attract blue-collar families, were down—suggesting that demographic felt greater economic strain. In contrast, higher-income travelers helped sustain strong summer months, aided by better weather.

Across the board, panelists emphasized enhancing the guest experience and building authentic relationships. Carr said, “The experience that a guest has at your place with you or your staff is probably the most valuable commodity that you sell.”

Howard advised small businesses to “focus on what makes you different and go all in on that,” adding that Stewart’s continues to expand grocery offerings in communities that have lost supermarkets while maintaining its hallmark ice-cream brand consistency.

Powers highlighted what she called “radical collaboration” in today’s “collaboration economy.” She said successful partnerships don’t require discounting:

“We offer a premium ‘done-for-you’ package. We actually mark it up, but people love it because it’s done for them.” She also stressed the growing role of data analytics, noting her company’s investment in an upgraded customer-relationship-management system to personalize outreach.

Thornquist discussed how Lake George RV Park continues to invest in amenities such as pickleball courts and a dog park, as 60 percent of campers travel with pets.

“The customer is all about the experience,”

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Glens Falls CPA Expands AVB Taxes To Serve Growing Small Business Community

For just over 10 years, Alexander Bodensieck ran his tax preparation services as a side business, focusing primarily on friends and family. However, in September 2025, AVB Taxes was established as a full-time venture in the Glens Falls area. The transition was prompted by Bodensieck’s genuine fascination with the complexity of tax law and a desire to serve those often overlooked by larger firms.

Bodensieck began his career after graduating from Nazareth College in Rochester and qualifying as a CPA. While working at an accounting firm, he realized that he enjoyed tax work more than audit work. “I could talk forever about taxes, just because they are fascinating,” Bodensieck said. He notes that this enthusiasm creates the perfect pairing with clients who “really don’t want to deal with it.”

While AVB Taxes started with personal returns, the business quickly developed key specialties. One core niche is rental real estate. Bodensieck’s personal experience owning a rental property led him to recognize that “a ton of help is needed” in preparing Schedule E returns for landlords.

Another significant focus is on startups and small businesses, an area often ignored by larger firms. Bodensieck explains that bigger accounting firms “won’t take on those people as clients just because the amount of work that they need is higher than what they really want to tolerate.”

AVB Taxes focuses strictly on income tax, referring clients to partner firms for sales tax and payroll services. He also connects clients with trusted lawyers and financial advisors for related needs.

Bodensieck aims to alleviate the fear and stress that clients experience when organizing their records. He is prepared to start from a blank slate— whether it’s a QuickBooks file, bank statement exports or a digital folder replacing the traditional shoebox. Bodensieck says, “I want to alleviate the fear of, What do I do with all this information?”

A key part of his client-focused philosophy is rejecting the practice of excessive billable hours. “It’s the client experience that matters,” he emphasizes. “If you need to spend an extra hour with a client to help them get through their QuickBooks or just help them understand what this shoebox of information is, it’s more than worth it.” He prefers

to provide the time clients need, rather than having them hesitate to call because of the cost.

Bodensieck offers ongoing support year-round, urging clients to reach out early to avoid interest and penalties. For businesses with a significant increase in earnings that anticipate a large tax bill, Bodensieck advises clients to calculate quarterly estimated tax payments based on the previous year and leave the money in a high-interest savings account. “For the clients who have doubled their business, that’s a nice benefit,” he said.

Looking ahead, Bodensieck plans to double his current volume, seeing Glens Falls and the northern Capital Region as an area rich with growing small businesses. To manage growth, he is considering bringing on staff who can “learn my system and be part of the process.” He also intends to handle more “12-month clients” who need ongoing monthly or quarterly bookkeeping and financial reports, which will provide clients with “a sense of where they’re going to end up and what may or may not be due, so there are no surprises at the last minute.”

For more information on Alexander Bodensieck and AVB Taxes, visit avbtaxes.com.

Washington County

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Oswald, Budget Officer Brian R. Campbell, county Administrator Melissa Fitch and Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert Henke discussed this and other issues during a Nov. 10 “State of Washington County” program hosted by Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commer at the Sandy Hill Arts Center in Hudson Falls.

the state is up 200 percent.

“The law says we’ve got to take care of them when they walk in the door,” he said. “Being housed is a civil right, but we’re (the state) only going to pay you 25 percent of what it costs.”

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Dozens of area business and civic leaders attended the event.

A decade or more ago, many supervisors didn’t grasp tourism’s potential and the county still doesn’t have a dedicated budget for tourism or economic development.

“But the mindset’s changed,” county Administrator Melissa Fitch said. “We need people to visit the county and we need to give them resources so the county can continue to grow.”

At present, the county gets about $120,000 annually in the form of Airbnb short-term rental tax revenue, all of which is used to promote tourism along with about $50,000 from the state’s I Love NY program.

Until now, Vrbo hasn’t paid such fees, but new legislation signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul requires all short-term rental platforms marketing overnight stays on the internet to pay such tax.

“We are conservatively estimating that with Vrbo especially, the total will increase revenue $60,000 to $70,000,” Oswald said.

This pales in comparison to the large sums Warren and Saratoga counties spend to promote tourism, but should provide a significant benefit nonetheless, she said.

Washington County Fair is the state’s third largest county fair, attended by more than 100,000 people annually, and seasonal attractions such as Maple Weekends and apple picking at places such as Hick’s Orchard in Granville draw visitors from far and wide.

Fitch praised Oswald’s office for making the most of every tourism dollar it gets.

A new 2026 calendar produced in cooperation with local historians touts many of the famous people, places and landmarks in Washington County that contributed to the nation’s growth, as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday next year.

Entitled “History Happened Here,” it encourages people to visit local museums such as the Pember in Granville and learn about figures such as Hebron native Samuel Nelson who served on the United States Supreme Court.

A separate full-color flyer with a map of the county lists and invites people to visit the county’s many parks and hiking trails, explore its villages and enjoy numerous stops on craft beverage, cheese, antique and fiber trails. Arts studios and stage productions are also promoted.

“We have extremely resourceful employees at the county,” Fitch said. “They’re used to doing much with little. They have to.”

“We shouldn’t undersell tourism,” Henke said. “That may be our best industry.”

And it’s especially vital now as the county struggles with difficult fiscal challenges primarily caused by unfunded state mandates, he said.

Medicaid alone costs the county $222,000 per week. Skyrocketing health insurance costs and a raise in the retirement program rate are also burdensome.

In addition, Henke said homelessness across

The county has no Code Blue shelters, which some supervisor disapproved several years ago, so people are put up in motels costing more than $100 per night, plus transportation. “That’s our only alternative in Washington County,” Henke said. “These things hit us all at once.”

The county is expected to adopt a $143 million budget for 2026 with a nearly 17 percent tax levy increase.

No layoffs are anticipated, but Campbell said about 60 positions that are vacant or soon to be vacant because of retirement won’t be filled. “It’s going to take a lot of restructuring,” he said.

“You have to want business, you have to want change or taxes will go up,” Fitch said. “We’ve got to make Washington County a place we can all afford to live.”

Henke said the best quick-fix for economic development would be a big-box store such as Walmart, which had considered putting stores in Whitehall and on Dix Avenue in Kingsbury at the site of the old Dix Drive-In Theater. But in both cases, local small business owners fought the idea because of potential impacts on their stores, he said.

Instead, Walmart built a Supercenter about two miles away from Kingsbury, off Quaker Road in Queensbury. The store employs more than 100 people and generates tens of thousands of dollars in sales tax revenue.

“It makes me sick every time I drive by it,” Henke said.

Oswald said improved infrastructure is a critical need for promoting economic development. “Most people live in villages, but most of our small villages do not have wastewater,” she said. “That has very badly affected the ability to grow in places like Salem and Argyle.”

A developer wants to put new housing in Salem, but can’t because of prohibitive infrastructure costs, she said.

On a more positive note, however, Oswald said Hudson Headwaters recently opened a new facility in Salem that not only serves the local public, but some residents of neighboring Vermont as well. “We want to bring money in from out of state,” she said. “The more of that we can do the more impact it has.”

Officials also discussed the fate of Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, which closed a year ago this month. Hundreds of corrections officers had to transfer, find new employment or lost jobs altogether.

Prospects for repurposing the property are slim to none.

“It’s going to take a constitutional amendment to use it for anything other than a prison, which would be very hard to get through,” Henke said.

A portion of Washington County lies within the Adirondack Park. By law, “that means the state cannot sell or reuse any parcel of more than 100 acres other than for its original purpose without legislation,” Oswald said. “Even if Empire State Development wants to redevelop it, they can’t without state legislation. Unfortunately, it’s out of our hands.”

Fire Mission Smokehouse & Taproom Brings Authentic Texas-Style Barbecue To The Area

BY ROD BACON

Foodies in the Glens Falls area have a new choice in the plethora of culinary options.

On October 23, Fire Mission Smokehouse & Taproom opened at 126 Glen Street, specializing in Texas-style barbecue.

The restaurant is owned by United States Marine Corps veterans Kris and Heather March and business partner Justin Prescott, who is a veteran of the United States Army.

A Connecticut native, Kris March served first as an infantryman and later an explosive ordinance disposal technician in the Marines from 1997 to 2016, retiring with the rank of staff sergeant. He was deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan before postings stateside. One of these was Quantico, Virginia, where he met Heather.

A field radio operator, she had been posted in Okinawa, Japan, prior to being assigned to Quantico.

The couple had several postings in the U.S., the longest of which was in San Diego, California.

Heather grew up in Fort Ann, which drew the them to the area when they retired from the Marines.

Prescott served in the Army from 2004-2011, with postings at Fort Drum, New York, and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was deployed twice to Iraq, once for 12 months and again for 15 months. He also did a six-month tour with United States Central Command (CENTCOM) in Qatar for Operation Enduring Freedom, where he planned and coordinated air assets for units in Afghanistan.

In his first deployment he was a fire support specialist controlling mortars, artillery, rockets, fixed wing, rotary wing, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assets. His second deployment was to the prison in Basrah, Iraq, where he served as a counterintelligence NCO.

He retired with the rank of staff sergeant.

The Marches also own Slickfin Brewing Co. in Ft. Edward and Prescott operated Carnivore Brothers BBQ and Catering, a food truck in business since 2022. Prescott curtailed operation of the food truck when he committed to partner with the Marches in their latest undertaking.

“When I decided to do this I went all in,” he said. “I still have the food truck and if it rolls out in the spring it will be under the Fire Mission flag.”

Prescott was born in Saratoga Springs but moved as a child to Texas, where he became familiar with Southwestern barbecue. When he was discharged from the Army he decided to settle in the Adirondacks.

He does not have formal culinary training but said he has been cooking all his life.

“I started the food truck as a side gig during Covid and it grew from there,” he said.

Like the Marches’ other enterprise, the restaurant’s name is rooted in military jargon and Kris March used an analogy to explain how they came up with it.

“Fire mission is a term used when calling for support ... mortars, artillery, navel guns,” he said. “We came up with the idea because each of us has a direct connection to the different jobs within a fire mission. Justin is a forward observer, Heather is communications, and during combat I called for fire regularly.”

The logo for the restaurant combines elements of barbecue with military images. A fierce wild boar wearing a beret and communication headphones is superimposed over a bomb, meat cleaver, and vintage artillery cannon. Smoke and fire hover in the background.

The name for Slickfin Brewing Co. also came from military parlance.

According to March, a slickfin is a type of bomb fin. As an explosive ordinance disposal technician he noted that the term is used extensively among those who do that work.

He and Heather were discussing names for the brewery they planned to open and she liked that one.

The restaurant, formerly the home of Play With Your Food, is located across from the Glens Falls Civic Center and next to The Park Theater.

The barbecue menu features a la carte meats that include brisket, pulled pork, sausage, turkey breast, burnt ends, and beef ribs, in addition to Payload Nachos and Cluster Spuds. For those willing to share a meal there are Pitmaster

Mission

Plates with names like Texas Two Step, Lonestar Sampler, and The Rio Grande. These can feed from 1-6 diners.

The tavern menu features a variety of sandwiches and burgers accompanied by sides and desserts. There is also a kids’ menu.

They have a temporary liquor license allowing them to serve cocktails and beer from Slickfin Brewing Co. In keeping with the theme of the restaurant, the cocktails have names channeling the Southwest: Lasso Lemonade, The Gunslinger, Cowgirl Kiss, Prickly Cactus, The Wrangler, Buffalo Sunrise, and Barn Dance.

Cider and wine will be available soon.

The restaurant can accommodate 148 patrons in the seating areas and bar. Between kitchen personnel, waitstaff, bartenders, and cocktail servers it employs 16 people.

Hours are 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. March noted that these hours are flexible to accommodate people attending a hockey game or other downtown event who might want to stop in for a late-night drink or snack.

Slickfin Brewery opened in March 2019 in a building that had been empty for 15 years. Renovations, which took a year, were done by the Marches, family members, and friends. In addition to beautification projects they built a walk-in cooler and bar from scratch and installed new tile. They did hire Barlow Electric of Middle Granville to install the wiring.

Financing for the building’s $115,000 purchase price was secured through the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board.

They also purchased the building next door, which they tore down and created a beer garden overlooking the Hudson River.

While no food is served at the brewery, patrons can bring their own to enjoy with their brews. They also coordinate with Amy Stumvoll, whose nickname is Stumpy and is the owner of Stumpy’s Pizzeria, to provide comfort food.

March started brewing beer as a hobby in his house in 2012, tutored by a friend who had been doing it for years. In 2017 he took a course at Schenectady County Community College to hone his craft. Finally, his hobby outgrew his house and he decided he had to go to the next level.

Slickfin Brewery has a six-barrel system, three half-barrel tanks, six-barrel bright tanks in the walk-in, and a small canning line.

They strive to have 10 beers on tap at all times, many of which have unique names. For example, patrons can order Piss Missile It’s A Golf Thing lager, Before I Had Status IPA, Nightshade porter, Fortress amber, and Iron Sights lager, among others.

The brewery is located at 147 Broadway in Fort Edward. Hours are Tuesday, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 2 p.m.-9 p.m.; and Saturday, 2 p.m.-10 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.

For more information about Slickfin Brewing Co. go to slickfinbrewing.com.

To peruse the offerings at Fire Mission Smokehouse & Taproom, Google Fire Mission Smokehouse & Taproom, which will take you to their Facebook page.

Indoor Karting Track, Arcade, Mini Golf Anchor New ADK Karting Complex

BY PAUL POST

Drivers, start your engines!

Former professional race car driver Jeremy Treadway has just the thing for people who feel the need for speed.

Cars buzzing around an indoor quartermile track are one of many fun offerings at ADK Karting Experience, a huge new entertainment complex at Aviation Mall’s former Sears store site. Visitors may also test their skills on racing simulators, play glow-in-thedark miniature golf or choose from a wide variety of challenging arcade games.

“It’s this end of the building that needed help, needed to be revitalized,” said the 46-year-old Treadway, a Ticonderoga native.

“We’re excited. The traffic flow is going to be huge. It’s good for the mall, it’s great for Queensbury.”

He started racing in Karts, at age 12, and won a world championship in Ireland a year later. “From there we kind of spiked up through the ranks,” he said. “When I was 15 I was too young to race in the United States because it had a law that you had to be 18 at the time. So I raced in Canada.”

“Sports Car Club of America changed their age limit to 16 because of me and started a program called First Gear,” Treadway said.

Over the next 18 years, he owned his own team was also paid to drive for others, everything from GT cars to Indy light cars, which are used to develop IndyCar drivers. He once placed fourth in a Watkins Glens NASCAR race, also competed at Lime Rock Park and test drove a full-fledged IndyCar for the former KOOL Green team in Las Vegas.

At ADK Karting, people of all ages can share his passion for racing.

The attraction is open to individuals, but plans call for establishing competitive leagues for both karts and simulators, which replicate some of the world’s most famous race tracks.

ADK Karting’s long, main track is for teens and adults. A separate shorter one, with small cars, is for young children.

“What’s unique about us here is that we can actually turn the track backwards and also join it to the kids’ track to make it one big track,” Treadway said. “It can run counter-clockwise, which gives you a completely different feel. It’s awesome.”

All guests are required to watch a brief safety video and are outfitted with a balaclava and helmet before hopping in one of the electricpowered cars.

The track, designed and built by 360 Karting of Slovenia, is set up as a flat road course with left- and right-turns and straightaways, allowing cars to travel up to 50 mph. It’s wide enough that cars can pass one another. A special coating on the concrete surface promotes traction, stability and safety.

Cars come from a Bulgarian firm and are significantly different from those found at outdoor summertime go-kart attractions.

ADK Karting has already created more than 30 jobs and more are expected when a café and bar area, allowing fans to sit and watch races, opens in the near future.

The 80,000-square-foot former Sears store, near the mall’s Food Court, closed in 2018 and had been vacant ever since, with the exception of a seasonal Spirt of Halloween business.

One of ADK Karting’s first customers, Melissa Ives of Glens Falls, couldn’t believe the transformation. “It’s absolutely amazing,” she said. “I never expected it to look like this when I walked in the building. It was awesome, the staff was very helpful. I was nervous because I’m a slow driver, but they were helpful in getting me in the kart and getting it moving. I felt very safe.”

“I’m going to let my kids go by themselves next time so they can go a little faster and not worry about hitting mom,” she joked.

The colorful mini-golf layout has a 1980s video game theme.

Arcade games run the gamut from corn hole, hoop shoot and Skee-ball to electronic types that test your skill at shooting aliens.

Treadway said he learned about such amusements “by traveling to a lot to different operations to find out what is unique and does the public like that? How do we get them to do it?”

He now lives in Fort Ann where several years ago he converted the former Country Meadows Golf Course to ADK MX, a seasonal motocross facility open during the summer months, on Route 149.

ADK Karting will be open year-round. It affords fun, indoor entertainment in winter and Treadway also hopes to get considerable business from Lake George area tourists.

WSWHE BOCES Breaks Ground On Vision 2027 Unified Instructional Campus

The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) BOCES broke ground Nov. 12 on its Vision 2027: Future-Focused Facilities project. The announcement was made in a recent press release from the organization.

The groundbreaking marks a major step toward a modern, centralized K–12 instructional campus designed to expand hands-on learning and student support. The ceremony brought together component school superintendents, WSWHE BOCES board members, regional legislators, workforce development partners, students and staff to celebrate the start of construction.

The project stems from the WSWHE BOCES 2023 Strategic Plan and facilities study process, incorporating input from school superintendents, business officials, educators, and community and workforce partners. The New York State Education Department approved the project in Au-

gust.

“This groundbreaking reinforces our commitment to creating modern instructional environments that equip students with the skills and confidence they need for success,” said Dr. Turina Parker, district superintendent of WSWHE BOCES.

“Vision 2027 expands access to high-quality educational opportunities for students across our region and will benefit generations to come.”

Located on a 45.5-acre site at 230 Ballard Road, the new campus will bring all WSWHE BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Exceptional Learners Division (ELD) programs together on one site. The 291,650-square-foot campus will include three new instructional buildings for K-6 ELD, 7-12 ELD and CTE programs; 44 CTE classrooms and specialty labs; 53 ELD classrooms near service providers; gymnasiums, playgrounds and therapeutic spaces; and enhanced transportation ac-

REGIONAL STOCKWATCH

SPRINGS, NY 12866 (518) 584-2555

South Street

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ple to walk from one building to another. A new second-story breezeway connects the Hot Shots building to 36 Elm Street.

Apartments in the Sandy’s, Hot Shots, and Elm Street buildings will be priced from $1,100 to $2,200. The Sandy’s building has four three-bedroom units, Hot Shots has four two-bedroom units, and 36 Elm Street features a mix of 10 studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units.

All three buildings, which date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were rehabilitated through a partnership with the state historic tax credit program, which aims to give new life to old structures.

Bonacio painstakingly removed, restored, and reinstalled the original tin ceilings. The old wooden floors have been given a gleaming, high-polished fi nish.

Each tastefully designed apartment has new appliances and baths.

A small business called Downtown Dog Spa and Boutique is scheduled to move into the Hot Shots building’s fi rst-floor space.

The Sandy’s building’s ground floor is best suited for a restaurant. An announcement naming a prospective tenant is expected soon, Novik said.

cess within one mile of Interstate 87, Exit 16.

The new campus will unite WSWHE BOCES programs now offered in Saratoga Springs, Hudson Falls and Glens Falls into one instructional setting supporting student learning and workforce development. Early College Career Academy programs at SUNY Adirondack will continue to operate separately and are not part of the project.

Growing enrollment, facility limitations and rising demand for specialized instruction shaped the project’s design. A 2024 building condition survey identified more than $80 million in necessary repairs at the two BOCES-owned sites over five years. Constructing a new BOCESowned campus was estimated at more

The City of Glens Falls is expected to lease fi rst-floor space at 36 Elm Street for a market that will give area vendors an opportunity to showcase and sell their goods.

In addition to Bonacio’s projects, developer Chris Patten is helping revitalize the neighborhood by rehabilitating a large, previously vacant three-story building at the corner of South and Elm streets, directly across from Hot Shots.

Katy’s Wine and Whiskey Bar and Jud’s Tavern are scheduled to open when work on the three-story, mixed-use building—with 20 second- and third-floor apartments overhead—is completed this winter.

The building has been painted a handsome navy blue and white and will be highlighted at night with multicolored lighting along the roofl ine.

Nearby, Patten is also redeveloping 10 Broad Street, the site of a former Rite Aid store, with a three-story structure comprising a 56-space ground-floor parking garage and 24 high-end apartments above.

His two projects combined total $11 million—$5 million for 46-56 South Street and $6 million for 10 Broad Street. The latter project is called The Point.

than $160 million.

After collaborative review with component districts, a 20-year lease totaling about $98.6 million in construction costs was approved as the most cost-effective and instructionally aligned approach. Current programs will continue uninterrupted during construction. WSWHE BOCES will provide a detailed transition plan for families, staff and districts closer to completion.

“This campus is built on district collaboration and a clear vision for student success,” Parker said. “We look forward to opening a space to welcome students in fall 2027 that will support innovation in teaching, career pathways and student achievement for today’s students and those who follow.”

Year End Tax & Financial Planning

Year-End Investment Strategies Can Help Strengthen Your Retirement Planning

BY DAVID M. KOPYC, CRPC®

Integrating year-end investment planning into your retirement strategy is crucial for maximizing savings, minimizing tax liabilities and ensuring long-term financial security. The end of the year offers a critical window to review progress, make adjustments and use key tax-efficient strategies that align with your retirement goals.

Effective retirement planning is a continuous process, not a one-time event. The close of the calendar year provides a natural checkpoint to assess your financial health and determine if you are on track to meet your retirement objectives. This review should encompass your entire financial picture—from investment portfolios and savings rates to tax strategies and estate plans.

Maximize Retirement Plan Contributions:

One of the most impactful year-end moves is maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Employer plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.): Confirm you have contributed up to the annual limit. For 2025, this limit is $23,500, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution for individuals age 50 and older. If you haven’t reached the maximum, consider increasing contributions for the remaining pay periods of the year.

Individual Retirement Accounts: You can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA until the tax filing deadline in April of the following year, but making the contribution by year-end can still be beneficial for planning purposes. The 2025 contribution limit is $7,000, with an extra $1,000 catch-up for those 50 and older.

Health Savings Accounts: If eligible, maximize your HSA contributions. HSAs offer a “triple tax advantage”—tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses—making them a powerful tool for covering healthcare costs in retirement.

Optimize Your Investment Portfolio:Yearend is the ideal time to ensure your investments are still aligned with your risk tolerance, time horizon and retirement goals.

Rebalancing: Market fluctuations can cause your asset allocation (the mix of stocks, bonds and other investments) to drift from your target. Rebalancing involves selling some overperforming assets and buying underperforming ones to restore your desired allocation, helping manage risk and lock in gains.

Tax-loss harvesting: This strategy involves selling investments at a loss to offset capital gains from other sales, which can lower your overall tax bill. Net capital losses can also offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income, and unused losses can be carried forward to future years.

Leverage Tax-Efficient Strategies: Integrating tax planning into your year-end investment review can significantly enhance long-term retirement security.

Required Minimum Distributions: If you are age 73 or older, you must take RMDs from traditional retirement accounts by Dec.

31 to avoid a steep penalty of 25% on the amount that should have been withdrawn.

Roth conversions: Consider converting a portion of your traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA, especially if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket in retirement or are in a lower one this year. You’ll pay taxes on the converted amount now, but all future qualified withdrawals will be tax-free.

Charitable giving: If you plan to make charitable contributions, doing so by yearend can yield immediate tax deductions. If you’re 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA directly to a charity can satisfy your RMD requirement and exclude the amount from your taxable income.

Beyond Investments

Year-end planning also involves a broader review of your financial life to ensure all components support your retirement plan.

Review your estate plan: Outdated wills, trusts and beneficiary designations can lead to unintended consequences. Confirm your documents reflect your current wishes and family situation.

Assess insurance coverage: Ensure your life, health and long-term care insurance policies provide adequate coverage for potential risks that could derail your retirement plans.

Evaluate spending and set goals: Reviewing the past year’s spending habits allows you to create a more effective budget for the coming year and ensure your discretionary spending aligns with your long-term values and goals.

By proactively integrating these yearend investment and tax strategies into your overall financial plan, you can build a solid foundation, navigate market volatility and gain the confidence that comes with a wellprepared retirement future. Consulting with a financial advisor and tax professional can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

New Federal Tax Law Overhauls Business Deductions And

Incentives Under OBBBA

BY KEVIN M. HEDLEY, MS, CPA, PFS

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted in July 2025, represents a sweeping overhaul of U.S. business taxation, with significant implications for federal and state tax planning, and corporate investment strategy. Th is article is a brief summary of some of the key business tax law updates introduced by OBBBA, focusing on the most impactful provisions for corporations and their practical implications.

100% Bonus Depreciation Made Permanent OBBBA permanently restores 100% bonus depreciation for qualified property. Th is allows businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of most tangible property placed in service after January 19, 2025. Th is provision, which had been scheduled to phase down under prior law, now provides a powerful incentive for capital investment by enabling immediate expensing rather than requiring depreciation over several years. The law also introduces a transitional 40% bonus depreciation rate for property placed in service in the fi rst tax year ending after January 19, 2025, if the taxpayer elects this treatment.

New 100% Deduction for Qualified Production Property (QPP)

A major innovation is the creation of Section 168(n), which allows a 100% immediate deduction for certain nonresidential real property used in qualified production activities—primarily manufacturing, production, or refi ning of tangible personal property. Th is deduction is available for property placed in service after January 19, 2025, and before January 1, 2031. The provision is elective and subject to recapture if the property ceases to be used in a qualified production activity within 10 years. Th is is a significant departure from the traditional 39-year straight-line depreciation for nonresidential real property, and it is designed to spur domestic manufacturing investment.

Immediate Expensing of Domestic R&E Expenditures

OBBBA introduces Section 174A, which allows taxpayers to immediately deduct domestic research and experimental (R&E) expenditures for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. Th is reverses the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) requirement to capitalize and amortize R&E expenses over five years (for domestic) or 15 years (for foreign) under Section 174. Taxpayers may now elect to either expense these costs immediately or continue to capitalize and amortize them. The law also provides a mechanism to write off previously capitalized and unamortized R&E amounts from 2022–2024, either in full or ratably over two years.

More Favorable Business Interest Deduction Limitation

OBBBA amends Section 163(j) to permanently allow the addback of depreciation, amortization, and depletion in the calculation

of adjusted taxable income (ATI) for purposes of the business interest expense limitation. Th is change is increasing the amount of deductible interest for many businesses. The law also clarifies ordering rules and allows for more flexible application of the limitation.

Energy Credit Modifications

OBBBA curtails and modifies many energy tax credits introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), imposing new domestic content and foreign entity restrictions, and phasing out or repealing several credits, such as residential energy credits and clean vehicle credits. Th is is expected to affect investment decisions in the energy sector and supply chains, especially for companies relying on federal energy incentives.

Creation of “Trump Accounts” for Children For tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, the OBBBA establishes “Trump Accounts,” a new type of tax-advantaged savings account for children under 18. These accounts have a $5,000 annual contribution limit, allow employer and charitable contributions, and include a government-funded $1,000 pilot for newborns from 2025–2028. The law sets out new reporting, rollover, and penalty rules for these accounts. An interesting provision is employers may contribute up to $2,500 per year per employee (or their dependents) to Trump Accounts, excluded from the employee’s gross income.

State Tax Conformity and Planning

OBBBA’s federal changes do not automatically apply at the state level. States vary in their conformity to the Internal Revenue Code, and many have historically decoupled from provisions like bonus depreciation and R&E expensing. Make sure you, or your tax preparer, are aware of how your state fi lings

Continued On Page 10

Holiday Events Guide For Glens Falls, South Glens Falls, Lake George And The Northern Region

BY CAROL ANN CONOVER

The southern Adirondack region is bursting with small-town charm and big holiday spirit. Glens Falls, known proudly as "Hometown U.S.A.," leads the way, bedazzling its downtown core with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations. From dazzling tree festivals and juried art shows to traditional parades and a sensoryfriendly Santa experience, the city and its neighboring communities—Lake George, Hudson Falls, Fort Edward and Argyle—offer a variety of festive ways to celebrate the season with a little something for everyone on your list!

North Country Festival of Trees: Nov. 28-30, 2025. The Queensbury Hotel also hosts the 33rd annual fundraiser, featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and handmade items. Proceeds benefit the Prospect Center, an affiliate of

the Center for Disability Services.

LARAC Winter Arts Festival: Dec. 7, 2025. For handmade gifts and unique crafts, the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council hosts this juried art show at The Queensbury Hotel from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The festival features local and regional artisans selling pottery, jewelry, fiber arts and more, making it an ideal one-day holiday shopping destination. (Free admission).

Adirondack Holiday Festival: Dec. 5-7, 2025. Building on the momentum of the craft shows, this festive weekend celebration in downtown Glens Falls begins Friday with a holiday parade, the lighting of the community tree and visits from Santa in City Park from 5-8 p.m. Throughout the weekend, explore a variety of shops and vendors offering Adirondack-themed goods. This event is free and fun for all ages.

The Nutcracker Ballet: Dec. 13-14,

2025. For lovers of the performing arts, the Adirondack Ballet Theater presents the holiday classic at the Charles R. Wood Theater. Performances are Saturday at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Suite Moves: The Nutcracker Reimagined: Dec. 21, 2025. Presented by The Body Barre dance studio, this spin-off performance at the Charles R. Wood Theater features tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop. There are two performances, at 2 and 5 p.m.

South Glens Falls Fire Company Holiday Parade: Nov. 23, 2025, 4:30 p.m. Kicking off the season, this holiday parade features various community groups, bands, floats and marchers along Route 9 in South Glens Falls.

Lake George Events

The lakeside village just north of Glens Falls offers a mix of inclusive holiday experiences and major lighting events, inviting visitors to enjoy the holiday cheer along the water.

Kringle Kottage: Opens Nov. 21, 2025. A significant new addition to the regional calendar, Kringle Kottage, located on the grounds of the Fort William Henry Hotel, is a sensory-friendly Santa experience designed specifically for neurodivergent children and adults. The cozy cabin features soft lights, calming decor and personalized 15-minute appointments to eliminate the stress of traditional holiday crowds.

Kringle Kottage Accessibility: Sensoryfriendly private appointments (Tuesdays through Thursdays, 3-7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m.) must be booked in advance online. Public visiting hours, open to all, are Fridays and Saturdays, 5-8 p.m., and Dec. 21-23, 5-8 p.m.

Lite Up the Village: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. This free celebration begins at 3 p.m. with a block party, free carriage rides, live music and a Crazy Ugly Sweater Contest. The event culminates with the official illumination of the lights, a fireworks display and a Holiday Light Parade on Canada Street. The lights remain on nightly through Dec. 31.

Breakfast with Santa: Select Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. For a traditional holiday meal, families can enjoy a festive morning at the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge inside the Fort William Henry Hotel. Seating times are every 15 minutes from 7-9:30 a.m., with Santa arriving at 8 a.m. Reservations are required. Pricing: Adults: $30; children 5 to 10 years old: $22; children under 4: $5. Reservations can be made at Fort William Henry’s Dining Specials page.

Washington County Communities Heading east from Glens Falls into Washington County, residents can enjoy unique small-town traditions and parades in Hudson Falls, Fort Edward and Argyle.

CPKC Holiday Train: Nov. 26, 2025. Further down the rail line, the festive CPKC Holiday Train will make a stop in Fort Edward, bringing live music and holiday festivities. Arrive between 2:45-3:15 p.m. to see the train and enjoy performances by artists such as Tyler Shaw and Brittany Kennell. Holiday Lighted Nights: Nov. 29-Dec. 30. Just a short drive away, the Washington County Fairgrounds offers a multi-sensory drive-thru light experience from 4:30-9 p.m.

Christmas in the Country: Dec. 5-7, 2025. For a unique holiday shopping experience, the Artisan Trails of Washington County hosts this free, self-guided open house tour across the Fort Ann–Hudson Falls area. Visitors follow "Christmas tree signs" to over 15 participating farms and artist studios, finding handcrafted goods like folk art, jewelry, home decor and food items. The tour runs during individual location open house hours; check the Artisan Trails website for details. Some vendors are cash only so be sure to plan ahead!

Art Classes with Santa: Dec. 6, 2025. Ring in the season with festive art classes! This special event, sponsored by the Artisan Trails in Washington County, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third floor of the Sandy Hill Arts Center, Hudson Falls. Visitors can craft unique holiday gifts and décor with instructor-led classes in pewter ornament crafting, book binding, leatherworking, wood turning, and more. For bookings and additional information, contact Steve Mattison at 518-832-0024.

The Best Way to Make Merry is To Be Prepared!

For many of these holiday events, tickets or reservations are strongly recommended due to limited capacity.

Parking in Glens Falls: Downtown Glens Falls offers various street parking options and public lots. For events at The Queensbury Hotel and Wood Theater, check the surrounding city lots, which may require payment or enforce parking time limits during business hours.

Parking in Lake George: The Fort William Henry Hotel grounds offer parking, though it may be busy during major events. For Lite Up the Village, be aware of Canada Street closures and utilize nearby village parking areas.

Accessibility: Kringle Kottage is a standout for accessibility with its sensory-friendly design. For other Glens Falls and Lake George venues, contact the specific location directly to inquire about dedicated ADA seating and specific access routes.

Traffic: For the Lite Up the Village and the South Glens Falls Parade, anticipate local road closures and congestion; as a rule, plan to arrive early and consider carpooling.

Downtown Dogs Spa & Boutique Brings

New Pet-Care Destination to South Street

BY CAROL ANN CONOVER

After more than 20 years in health care, Alisha Stosic is shifting from senior living leadership to a pet-care business in downtown Glens Falls with the launch of Downtown Dogs Spa & Boutique at 45 South St., the former Hot Shots building. The business will host its grand opening Nov. 21–23, offering full-service dog spa treatments and a curated retail boutique.

Stosic brings a long background in seniorcare management, rising from hands-on caregiving roles to executive director positions. She studied health and human development with a focus on geriatrics and worked in caregiving, activities, sales and marketing, and administration. After moving to Glens Falls in 2016, she continued in health care until the opportunity to launch a business aligned with her lifelong love of dogs. She had considered a boarding and day-care facility, but the South Street location helped shape the concept into a spa-andboutique model.

Downtown Dogs is outfitted with equipment designed for dogs of all sizes, including large breeds and seniors. Services will include bathing, drying, spa packages designed for skin conditions, and seasonal offerings. The business will open with two full-time groomers. A lounge area with seating and refreshments will allow pet owners to browse the boutique while waiting, and curbside pickup will be available for shorter visits. Artwork by Audra Style featuring a dozen colorful dog portraits brings the

salon’s design together.

Stosic plans to integrate Downtown Dogs into the South Street neighborhood and farmers market district, offering visibility and convenient parking. On market days, the shop will offer free seasonal pup cups and walk-in nail trims. Long-term plans include a pet-transport service to help working pet owners manage grooming schedules. She also intends to partner with local nonprofits and veteran-support groups. The mission is personal: her partner, Maxwell, is a veteran who has benefited from service-dog support.

Another distinctive offering is a pet-loss support program. Stosic is completing a 12-week certification as a pet-loss specialist and plans to host small-group or one-on-one sessions in quiet, neutral locations such as libraries or coffee shops. The certification includes interviews with grieving pet owners and training in support methods and resources.

The grand opening weekend is scheduled for Nov. 21–23 with giveaways, door prizes, treat bags, refreshments, and full spa and boutique operations. The business recently received planning board approval, and the retail use was previously permitted under Bonacio’s agreement with the city. Downtown Dogs can be reached at downtowndogspaboutique.com, and on Instagram and Facebook. “We love dogs, we want to get to know you and your dog, and we will treat them like our own,” Stosic said.

Kiwanis Club Brings Back ‘Taste Of’ Gift Cards to Aid Local Dining

Kiwanis Club Revives ‘Taste Of’ Gift Card Program Supporting Local Restaurants

The Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls has revived its “Taste Of” Gift Card Program, inspired by the Club’s longtime “Taste of the North Country” festival that once filled City Park with local food and community spirit.

Running through November, the initiative invites residents to support 11 participating local restaurants by purchasing $50 “Taste Of” gift cards, redeemable directly at each location. Proceeds benefit Kiwanis’ year-round projects supporting children and families throughout Warren and Washington counties.

Participating restaurants include The

Queensbury Hotel, Feng Bistro, The Docksider, Chez Pierre, Cooper’s Cave Ale Company, Gourmet Café, Jack’s American Bistro, Rocco’s 132 Glen Bistro, Cleome Table & Bar, Bogey’s Pub and Grill, and The Lagoon.

“‘Taste Of’ keeps the tradition alive in a fresh new way,” said Kiwanis PresidentElect Candice Frye. “Your purchase directly supports youth programs, family events, and community projects across the region.”

Gift cards are available for purchase online at GlensFallsTaste.com or via the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls Facebook page.

For more information, contact GlensFallsKiwanis@gmail.com.

Battlefield Park Visitor Center Reports Strong Season As Historic Interest Grows

Recently released by the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance, the Visitor Center reported a strong finish to its fourth season, highlighted by increased participation in tours and continued interest in restored historic sculptures. More than 500 people joined guided tours of the park in 2025, a 34% increase over the prior year. Museum visitation rose 3% to 3,665 guests.

Alliance President John DiNuzzo credited the season’s momentum to the restoration and rededication of three bronze sculptures completed earlier this year. The project, conceived by the late sculptor Dan George and carried out by Workshop Art Fabrication, was funded by the Society of Colonial Wars, Lorna

Hainesworth, the Lake George Park Commission, and community supporters.

The Alliance also marked the installation of two historical signs on Diamond Island, commemorating the September 1777 battle. Work continues in the off-season on the “Repose of the Fallen” project, which will reinter the remains of 44 individuals who died at the Continental Army hospital in 1776. The reburial is scheduled for May 22, 2026.

The Alliance is preparing for a series of events on December 12 commemorating Colonel Henry Knox’s Noble Artillery Train, including reenactments, a reception with historian Rick Atkinson, and a public program at Lake George High School.

Lake George Chamber

Continued From Page 1

he said.

Addressing staffing, Herrick reframed the issue as one of productivity rather than shortage. “I don’t think we have a labor shortage. I think we have an issue with productivity,” he said. Howard emphasized retention through empowerment, while Carr said he keeps long-term employees by offering responsibility and advancement opportunities.

Panelists ended on a cautiously optimistic note for 2026, despite rising operational costs. Herrick expressed excitement

about the revitalization of downtown Glens Falls and The Queensbury Hotel’s 100th anniversary next May. Thornquist voiced hope for the return of Canadian visitors, who were “pretty much non-existent this year.”

Overall, both data and discussion reflected a resilient Warren County economy. Success in 2026, panelists agreed, will depend on delivering exceptional guest experiences, strengthening collaborations, and leveraging data-driven insights to guide strategy.

935-3256

Reservations recommended

Kiss: French Drink: Russian Eat: American

OBBBA

Continued From Page 7

will be impacted by the provisions of the OBBBA.

Retirement planning

Business retirement plans are tax-advantaged arrangements employers can establish to help employees (and often themselves) save for retirement. Common types include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k) plans, and defi ned benefit plans. The OBBBA permanently extends lower individual tax rates, increases the standard deduction, and enhances the qualified business income deduction, which may improve after-tax retirement savings for employees and business owners. Although the OBBBA did not directly alter the funda-

mental aspects of most retirement plans, the changes in the law may make reviewing your current retirement plan worthwhile.

Conclusion

The OBBBA represents a major shift in U.S. business taxation, with permanent 100% bonus depreciation, immediate expensing for domestic R&E, and a new deduction for production property. The law’s impact will vary by industry, with manufacturing and tangible production sectors seeing the largest benefits. However, the complexity of state conformity requires careful planning because businesses must closely analyze the law’s provisions to maximize benefits and ensure compliance.

Christmas And New Year's Dining Options In The Glens Falls Region

e Queensbury Hotel

New Year's Eve

Get ready to ring in 2024 at The Queensbury Hotel! Th is year, there will be two great ways to celebrate.

Dinner at Park 26: Make a reservation at Park 26 for a special pre-fi x 5-course dinner. Party in the Ballroom: Dance the night away to Soul Session in the Queen's Ballroom from 9PM-1AM.

e Park eater

New Year's Eve

The Park Theater is hosting their annual New Year's Eve Dinner & Comedy Show, this year with Sean Donnelly.

Morgan & Co. Restaurant

Christmas & New Year's (Take Out)

Morgan & Co. is doing their own takeout for the holiday season. Put in your order today for takeout between December 20 and 24 for pickup on the 24th, or between December 26 and 31 for pickup on the 31st.

There are many entrees to choose from which serves either two, four, or six people. These holiday dinners have a theme to them

such as A Night in Morocco,

Pies, and much more!

Radici Kitchen & Bar

Christmas Eve (Dine-In)

New Year's Eve (Dine-In)

New Year's Day (Dine-In)

Join Radici Kitchen & Bar for the holidays! They'll be open Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day for brunch.

Spargle on Nine

New Year's Day (Dine-In)

Spargle on Nine in Queensbury is hosting a New Year's brunch at $45 per person, plus an additional $15 if you opt for the bottomless mimosas and bloody Marys. Breakfast and lunch items will be available, plus dessert.

Wallie's of Greenwich

New Year's Eve (Dine-In)

Wallie's will be open for dinner on New Year's Eve from 4pm to 9pm. You can fi nd the menu on their Facebook page, and reservations are recommended.

Continued From Page 1

members include Siplon; Dr. Martin A. Schmidt, president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI); Dr. John E. Kelly III, co-founder of the Jefferson Project; and Dr. Brendan Wiltse, executive director of the Lake George Association (LGA). The committee will also seek participation from New York State and regional business and elected leaders.

The steering committee’s mission is to build broad support for an actionable plan to establish the center near Lake George. It will include:

• A world-class scientific research facility

• An entrepreneurial center to help launch water-related business ventures

• A learning center to educate residents and visitors

This initiative builds on the work of the Jefferson Project, LGA, RPI and the EDC of Warren County. Siplon said it is “shameful that we have the best knowledge of how to protect fresh water in the world and have yet to create a company that shares it — and profits from it.”

He argued that the center is needed because no formal economic-development channel exists to capture and share the region’s unique knowledge, data and solutions. He said that expertise has global

value and market potential in a world facing growing fresh-water challenges. The center aims to foster a new, investable industry aligned with the community’s strengths, creating jobs the region is wellpositioned to fill.

RPI President Marty Schmidt said RPI is “excited to join this effort to create a Fresh Water Center as a catalyst for economic development in the region,” noting its alignment with RPI’s strategic plan, RPI Forward. Jefferson Project co-founder John Kelly said he was “thrilled to see that our world-class science will now spur business innovation and economic development.” LGA Executive Director Brendan Wiltse added that the new center builds on Lake George’s legacy as a proving ground and positions the region as a global leader in safeguarding this vital resource.

Siplon concluded by defining the county’s “major”: “Our major is protecting that — and figuring out how to add back to the texture of our economy and sustainable community for generations to come.”

He called on the business community to join “an audacious journey,” saying, “I’m asking you all to participate in that process with me — whether with your time, talent, or treasure. We’re going to do this together.”

i n t a i n e d g a rd e n s, a n d a n a d j a c e n t o u t bu i l d i n g c o m p l e t e w i t h h o t t u b