ADK Applause

Breathless

2009-01-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

Adirondack-size Inhalers Breathe Dramatic Life into Trampoline Design’s Newest Campaign

Trampoline Design went big with a campaign to boost asthma awareness for the North Country Asthma Coalition. Larger-than-life 3-foot inhalers have been positioned in high-profile locations throughout Warren, Washington, Hamilton, Franklin, Clinton and Essex Counties.

Trampoline Design developed the inhalers, along with Creatacor of Clifton Park, as a mechanism for capturing the attention of children and adults alike for what is literally a life or death issue. The Adirondacks present an incredible stage, with towering trees, street-side light poles, and North Country storefronts offering unexpected and high traffic perches for the inhalers, which feature a place for literature intended to be taken by passers-by.

3' inhaler on Route 4 in Hudson Falls Photo credit: Mike Sylvia

The campaign debuts on the heels of the attention grabbing print campaign, “Ease Your Wheeze!” The budget that had been earmarked entirely for print advertising was redistributed to allow the inhalers to complement traditional marketing. The combination of Dr. Suess inspired print ads and quirky, sci-fi movie scaled information vehicles demonstrate the agency’s trademark willingness to explore an unconventional approach to communication.

Example of the "Ease Your Wheeze!" print campaign.

"The reality is that organizations need to evolve their way of thinking, what might have worked even a year ago won't fly with today's audience. There is an expectation to have as-it-happens-access to news, with little tolerance for commercials and pop-up ads. Harnessing the power of a new tool, in this case the backdrop of day-to-day life, is a way to communicate our message before the audience realizes it," said Sean Magee, Principal of Brand Strategy for Trampoline Design.

Later this year the installation of additional inhalers, for a total of 36 will take place. The attached photograph was taken on the traffic circle in Hudson Falls. There is also a list of inhaler locations detailed below.

Inhaler Display Sites to Date:

Glens Falls YMCA
Wilsboro Adirondack Store
Hamilton Public Health
Warren Public Health
Warren Head Start- all 6 locations
Franklin Public Health
Glens Falls Home Therapy Equipment
Mary Dulap Tax Return of Elizabethtown
Clinton County & Franklin County Joint Council for Economic Opportunity (JCEO)]

An introduction and an invitation

2009-01-17T07:54:00.000-08:00

Aimee Hetzer Joins Natural Health Improvement Center

Hello, my name is Aimee Hetzer and I have recently moved to this area from Westchester NY. You might be asking yourself what brings me up here from Westchester. Well, it is my belief we all have a passion and a purpose to serve our community. It is my deepest passion to educate and promote how all of us can restore our health naturally that has lead me to this wonderful town. I am excited to announce I have joined the staff of Natural Health Improvement Center here in Glens Falls! I have a Master Certification in Nutrition Response Testing, which makes me one of only 140 in the country trained to this level. I just joined the chamber and would like to introduce myself to all the members

What is Nutrition Response Testing? Simply put, it is a very precise, scientific, non-invasive system of analyzing the body to determine the underlying causes of ill or non-optimum health, and placing a person on a personalized program of whole food nutritional supplements and diet to allow the body to repair itself. It will discover the malfunctioning systems of the body and the nutritional deficiency or toxins causing it.

With this method of testing there is no guessing involved. The individual’s body will help to determine the exact nutrients the patient needs to supplement in his or her diet in order to bring about balance and better health.

According to Dr. Freddie Ulan, the originator of the technique, "N.R.Testing enables us to test each patient at a core level and identify the real causes of dis-function. We can now correct the root of the problem using time tested nutritional protocols that are safe, sensible and economic, which produce the results we have always felt were possible for our patients."

To see if you qualify as a Nutritional Response Testing candidate please call The Natural Health Improvement Center of Glens Falls at 518-745-7473 or email us at aimeeh@bryman-ulan.com. Call before January 31st to receive a FREE initial Consultation and Health Analysis. All chamber members will get an additional free gift!

"Nutrition Response Testing is a medical muscle testing system grounded in solid science. It is today probably the fastest and least invasive way to accurately detect food allergies, geopathic and biophysical stress, interference fields, stressed organs and structures, emotional blocks, heavy metal toxicity, dental problems, environmental toxicity and more."

- Dr. Joseph Mercola D.C.
Chicago, Illinois

New to the Water

2009-01-12T19:52:00.001-08:00

Hudson Headwaters News:

Hudson Headwaters Women’s Care Program Welcomes Kathryn Kernan, CNM

Certified Nurse-Midwife Kathryn Kernan, CNM, MSN, has joined Hudson Headwaters Health Network’s Women’s Care group at the Warrensburg Health Center. With the addition of Ms. Kernan, comprehensive women’s care services are available for women throughout northern Warren County.

Kernan brings many years of experience as a nurse-midwife to the Network including practice in Saratoga Springs and Saranac Lake. She is a graduate of the University of Texas in San Antonio, completed her PNP certificate at the University of Colorado in Denver, and received her MSN degree from Yale University in New Haven, CT.

Kernan joins Dr. Michael Guido (OB/GYN), McKenzie Jones, CNM, Victoria Wirth, CNM, and Kathy Monroe, RN in the Women’s Care group at the Warrensburg Health Center.

For more information or an appointment, please call the Warrensburg Health Center (623-2844). Patients are encouraged to visit the Hudson Headwaters website for details on health centers hours, providers and services available at each center.

Hudson Headwaters Health Network Welcomes Family Physician William Parker, M.D.

Family doctor William Parker, M.D., has joined the Health Center on Broad Street in Glens Falls, and the Moreau Family Health Center of the Hudson Headwaters Health Network.

Dr. Parker began with Hudson Headwaters earlier this year at the Health Center on Broad Street in Glens Falls, and is also available at Moreau Family Health on Route 9. Dr. Parker joined Hudson Headwaters having completed his family medicine residency at the Albany Medical Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, and earned his medical degree from Upstate Medical University (SUNY), also in Syracuse.

Patients are welcome to schedule an appointment at the Health Center of their choice.

Dr. Parker is joined in the Health Center on Broad Street office by Robert Beaty, M.D., James North, M.D., Noelle Stevens, M.D., (family practice), Irene Flatau, M.D. (pediatrics), Jennifer Rowley (infectious disease) and several physician assistants and nurse practitioners of family, pediatric, and behavioral health. He is joined in the Moreau office by Michael Adams, M.D., Deborah Dittner, FNP, and Donna Finn-Kuo, FNP (family practice) and Glenn Anderson, RPA-C; Irene Flatau, MD and Mary Ann Allen, PNP (pediatrics); and Timothy Culliton, DPM (podiatry).

The Health Center on Broad Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 8:30 pm, and 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Moreau Family Health is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, and until 8:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. For more information or an appointment, please call the Moreau Family Health (761-6961). Patients are encouraged to visit the Hudson Headwaters website for details on health centers hours, providers and services available at each center.

Hudson Headwaters Welcomes Family Physicians Slingerland and Parker to its Moreau Family Health Center

Family doctors D. Tucker Slingerland, M.D. and William Parker, M.D., have joined the Moreau Family Health Center of the Hudson Headwaters Health Network.

Dr. Slingerland comes to the region after completing his family practice residency at the Fletcher Allen Health Care/University of Vermont, in Burlington, Vermont. He received his undergraduate degree from Williams College and earned his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in the West Indies.

Dr. Slingerland began with Hudson Headwaters earlier this year at the Health Center on Broad Street in Glens Falls, and has now moved his practice full-time to Moreau Family Health. Patients are welcome to follow by simply requesting a record transfer.

Dr. Parker joins Hudson Headwaters having completed his family medicine residency at the Albany Medical Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, and earned his medical degree from Upstate Medical University (SUNY), also in Syracuse. Patients are welcome to schedule an appointment now.

Drs. Slingerland and Parker are joined in the Moreau office by Michael Adams, M.D., Deborah Dittner, FNP, and Donna Finn-Kuo, FNP (family practice) and Glenn Anderson, RPA-C; Irene Flatau, MD and Mary Ann Allen, PNP (pediatrics); and Timothy Culliton, DPM (podiatry), all of whom welcome patients seeking care at Moreau Family Health.

Moreau Family Health is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, and until 8:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. For more information or an appointment, please call the Moreau Family Health (761-6961). Patients are encouraged to visit the Hudson Headwaters website for details on health centers hours, providers and services available at each center.
Hudson Headwaters is a not-for-profit community-based network of health centers, serving the Adirondack, Lake George and Glens Falls region for nearly 30 years. For more information please call 761-0300 or visit our website: www.hhhn.org

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Big News at BST

2009-01-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

BST is pleased to announce that Charles S. Amodio, CPA, CFF has been promoted to Partner in the Firm’s Valuation, Forensic, and Litigation Support division, effective January 1, 2009.

Charles joined the Firm in October 2005 with the merger of Ferraro Andrie, CPAs and BST. He has ten years of diversified public accounting experience with extensive knowledge in insurance loss accounting and forensic accounting. He is Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), and holds an MBA degree from the College of Saint Rose. Charles lives in Saratoga Springs with his wife and three children.

BST is pleased to announce the following new hires:

Carolyn D. Houck joins the Firm as Human Resources Director. She previously worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Human Resources Manager and has a degree from SUNY Agricultural and Technical College in Cobleskill, New York.

Kimberly A. Frisbee joins the Firm’s Tax Department as an Associate. She is a Cum Laude graduate of the College of Saint Rose and resides in Albany.

Ashleigh S. Martel joins the Firm’s Financial Services Department as an Associate. She previously worked for a public accounting firm in New York City and is a graduate of Hartwick College. She resides in Clifton Park.

Patricia J. Jackson joins the Firm’s Valuation, Forensic, and Litigation Support unit as an Administrative Assistant. She previously worked with International Paper and Coca Cola. She resides in Niskayuna.

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BST is a multi-disciplinary financial and management consulting firm headquartered in Albany and anchored by the accounting firm Bollam, Sheedy, Torani & Co. LLP, CPAs. Other services of the firm include business valuation, forensic accounting and litigation support services, tax and management consulting, employee benefit plan consulting, human resource management and development, healthcare operations consulting, governmental auditing and consulting, merger and acquisition assistance, and wealth management.

Dogs are people too.

2008-12-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

LOCAL DOG TRAINER SAYS HOLIDAY PARTIES CAN BE FRAUGHT WITH CANINE DANGERS

As you plan for your parties,
don't forget to account for your canine party-members.

Holiday gatherings that mix the family dog with a larger than normal number of people in the house can lead to all kinds of problems and dangers for man and beast. Dan Rossignol is a local dog trainer and behaviorist who feels duty bound to spread his advice to party givers and partygoers this time of year. According to Rossignol, “When a family dog is used to normally three or four people around the house, stress levels are sure to go up when there are suddenly two or three times that number of people coming over for a holiday celebration.”

When dogs get stressed out they often act out in ways that may not be very healthy. Rossignol says dog owners who throw parties should take steps to keep their dogs and guests safe. “If you’re going to have 5, 10, 20 or more people over, chances are you will be doing some planning for this occasion. An important part of your planning should include deciding what to do with you dog. I recommend sending your dog for an overnight stay at your favorite kennel. It’s the best way to be certain your dog will stay safe and sound,” said Rossignol, who will be offering a free seminar on improving dog behavior this Saturday in Saratoga Springs.

Crowds of noisy, sometimes tipsy, people will often display inappropriate behaviors, and dogs tend to react in one of two ways; with aggression out of fear or aggression out of a territorial pack leader mentality. “Snarls, growls, nips and bites are not at all uncommon in these situations. The key is to keep the dog removed from this atmosphere,” advises Rossignol. Placing your dog in a comfortable crate at a quiet location in your home, away from the party, is another Rossignol suggestion.

If you attend a party at someone else’s home who happens to have a dog loose at the festivities, Rossignol says you should steer clear of that dog as much as possible. “Don’t bend over the dog. Don’t pet, pick up or roughhouse with the pet. Choose another, quieter time after the party if you wish to show your affection for the animal,” said Rossignol.

Can the typical holiday party actually pose a danger to your dog? Rossignol says, “Yes! Parties usually feature food out on display around the home, from the banquet table in the dining room to the candy dishes filled with chocolate kisses, to partially eaten food plates left around. If your dog gets into this food when you’re not watching, especially things such as chicken wing bones or chocolate, it can prove to be disastrous to your dog.”

Rossignol is the owner of Ausdauer Dog Training, LLC, often marketed under the name DanTrainsDogs.com. He provides solutions for most canine problems, including aggression, biting and nipping, with just ONE visit to the dog’s home. He has been often been favorably compared to TV’s Cesar Millan, “The Dog Whisperer”, by the capital region media.

A Field of Opportunity

2008-11-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

WHEATFIELDS is hosting it’s first annual “Support New York” wine dinner on Wednesday, November 19th at 6:30 pm. Paring five courses of local food products with New York wines is a fantastic way to experience local wines. Your newly acquired wine knowledge will certainly impress those at upcoming holiday feasts. This event is a tremendous value at $75.00 per person, which includes tax & gratuity. Reservations only; seats are filling fast - call 518-587-0534. View the menu online at www.wheatfields.com.

WHEATFIELDS is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Back by popular demand, in honor of the 1988 opening, a three-course menu is available for $19.88. The commemorative menu offers your choice of first course, entrée & dessert for lunch or dinner, Sunday through Thursday.

Everyone is on the go these days, why not spend more time with friends & family without spending extra money? Let WHEATFIELDS do the cooking. Try the 4 for $44 meals TO-GO. You have your choice of entrée, pasta & sauce. Also included, vegetables & warm bread with herb butter; enough to feed 4! Call ahead, we will bring it out to your car, or ask if you’re in our delivery area.

WHEATFIELDS gift cards are now available on line. An easy, convenient, & tasteful gift is just a few clicks away. What a great way to share the holiday season with friends, family & co-workers.

In keeping with the 20-year history, WHEATFIELDS is proud to announce being a recipient of the 2008 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. 20 Years of great food, outstanding value, excellent service, fine wines & fresh pasta. Visit WHEATFIELDS on line at www.wheatfields.com for menus & events.

WHEATFIELDS Restaurant & Bar is open for lunch & dinner, seven days a week.

“Our passion is your pasta!”

440 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518.587.0534
www.wheatfields.com

Helping Those with Alzheimer's

2008-11-10T06:53:00.000-08:00

The Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York needs you. There are almost 5,200 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the Adirondack Region. Alzheimer’s disease also touches their caregivers, neighbors and everyone in the community.

To serve all of these people with crucial programs and services, we need you to help us make our May 3, 2009 Memory Walk fund raising event a success. We need volunteers to help us on our organizing committee and corporate support by coordinating a walk team or provide sponsorship. Please contact Sujata Chaudhry at 518-439-2217 ext. 305 or call 1-800-272-3900 to volunteer for a fulfilling and important mission. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

It's Official

2008-11-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

Local Insurance Firm, Upstate Priority Insurance Agency, LLC Granted Status of Women-Owned Business Enterprise.

Clifton Park, NY – October, 2008 - Upstate Priority Insurance Agency was recently notified by the State of New York that their application was approved to be certified as a women-owned business. Certification requires a rigorous review of past financial records, an overview of organizational structure, and assessment to prove expertise in a given industry. Now approved, New York State will list Upstate Priority Insurance Agency in the Directory of Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, used by state agencies and contractors statewide. Upstate Priority Insurance Agency is one of only three certified insurance agents throughout Upstate New York.

Certification provides a greater opportunity for participation by Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) in state contracting. Avon Scherff, president of Upstate Priority Insurance Agency, LLC commented “We were very excited to learn that we had been approved as a certified women-owned business. I have been in the insurance industry for more than 20 years, and a business owner for five years. I am looking forward to capitalizing on additional opportunities moving forward.”

About Upstate Priority Insurance Agency, LLC With over 20 years of experience, Upstate Priority Insurance Agency, LLC assists
organizations with insurance needs including employee benefit programs, business insurance products and personal lines. With access to numerous markets, Upstate Priority Insurance Agency, LLC can meet corporate benefit and financial objectives with a focus on customer service and committment to excellence. For more information, visit www.upstatepriority.com.

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Local Insurance Firm, Upstate Priority Insurance Agency, LLC Chosen as Key Guest on Monthly Voices of Success Radio Show

Clifton Park, NY – October, 2008 – Avon Scherff, President of Upstate Priority Insurance Agency, LLC was recently interviewed by Kjelene Bertrand, host and producer of Voices of Success, a one hour show dedicated to serving the backbone of America.
When Kjelene met Avon, she knew that she would be a perfect guest to interview. “This woman (Avon) has secured the respect of many who have done business with her and her agency.”

The first show aired on September 7, 2008, opening with Avon sharing her story, and explaining how Upstate Priority truly embodies respect and integrity from the way employees are treated, to how their customers are served. According to Avon, two of her employees drive more than an hour to get to work everyday. “With the price of gas, and everyone trying to drive less, I am amazed that my employees drive so far to get to the office everyday. They have many choices when it comes to employment, but they choose to work here because they share my dedication to treating every customer like they are our only customer. We all really love what we do.”

The show featuring Upstate Priority aired October 19, 2008. Avon has committed to producing twelve shows throughout 2008-2009. Listen in each month on Talk 1300 AM to hear more about Avon and Upstate Priority, and to gain valuable insight on selecting employee benefit programs, and insurance for your business or personal needs. Archived shows can be found at voicesofsuccess.org.

About Upstate Priority Insurance Agency, LLC With over 20 years of experience, Upstate Priority Insurance Agency, LLC assists
organizations with insurance needs including employee benefit programs, business insurance products and personal lines. With access to numerous markets, Upstate Priority Insurance Agency, LLC can meet corporate benefit and financial objectives with a focus on customer service and committment to excellence. For more information, visit
www.upstatepriority.com.

A Retail Location in Full Bloom.

2008-10-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

Binley's Florist & Garden Center has been busy arranging the appearance of their retail location. Take a look at the pictures and then go see for yourself at 773 Quaker Road in Glens Falls.

Bigger Digs, Same City

2008-10-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Glens Falls Technology Group, LLC, an information technology firm that has rapidly grown to serve more than 300 businesses in Warren, Washington, and northern Saratoga Counties, has moved to a new expanded office location at 40 Dix Avenue, Glens Falls. The 10 year old company, originally called Axis Technology, has been doing business in the City of Glens Falls for the last five years. In 2006 Axis Technology teamed with Converged Access to form Glens Falls Technology Group, LLC.

“We’re very happy to remain in the City of Glens Falls”, said GFTG’s executive partner Alan VanTassel. “When you work with emerging technologies the way we do, it’s nice to operate out of a city that is emerging – from the decay of the past.” VanTassel said Glens Falls Technology Group has benefited from the resurgence of business in Glens Falls. “We like to think we help attract business here by virtue of the information technology services we make available.

Glens Falls Technology Group also serves the technology needs of businesses beyond the city limits of Glens Falls, throughout Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga Counties. “With our commercial customers, it’s not so much about fixing broken computers – we provide maintenance programs to reduce those instances dramatically – but today it’s more about providing access to the types of technology and systems that save business time and money. VanTassel went on to say that one of the most popular information technology advances for local businesses is the ability to establish remote access to the office from the field or from a staff member’s home. “A business can remain productive even when key workers get stuck at home due to illness, school snow days, or other events that might force a worker to completely miss a day of work. They simply log on from their home computer to their office computer and remain productive. When we help clients reduce costs and downtime, we’re seen as business ‘super-heroes’, VanTassel explained.

Glens Falls Technology Group is open for repair drop-offs Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. For their business customers, the GFTG prefers to go on-site to provide technology service. The firm’s phone number remains (518) 798-8800, and the web address is www.GFTechGroup.com.

An Offer and a Promise

2008-08-24T07:19:00.001-07:00

Warren-Hamilton Counties Office for the Aging
Solutions to issues of aging, through services, advice and information.

We are a Government agency dedicated to maintaining seniors’ independence and dignity in our bi-county region. Our services take the form of, actual programming and advice/information that helps seniors, their families, friends, and employers about the confusing issues associated with aging.

Our programs are at little or no cost or are designed to reduce costs and include:
Ø A meal programs for seniors. At our 12 meal sites hot noon meals are available to any resident over 60. Not only do seniors get a balanced meal but often the social aspects nourish the minds of the participants as well. The meals are offered at a suggested contribution of $2.50.
Ø Home Delivered Meals for seniors are available for those who are unable to prepare a meal or are unable to get to the meal sites.
Ø In home services for the elderly (including housekeeping, shopping laundry and personal care) are available on a sliding fee basis. This service has eligibility requirements.
Ø Home energy assistance HEAP
Ø HIICAP-Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program including EPIC

We offer advice and information at no cost on many subjects important to seniors including:
Ø Insurance information, including understanding Medicare, Medicaid and Medgap programs
Ø Helping understanding complex health bills
Ø How nursing homes and other aging programs are paid for and what are the financial choices.
Ø Planning for long term care expenses for individuals looking forward to the senior years ahead
Ø Legal issues effecting seniors
Ø Safety planning and residential repairs for seniors

We like to think that we have answers to the questions that are asked about aging. The list above is hardly complete but we hope it is enough to make those that are burdened with seeking solutions regarding senior issues to give us a call.

Studies have been done regarding how much productivity is lost because of the need for employees to solve problems for their senior relations or friends. We believe we can help to get employees back to work by helping them with answers to these issues. As an employer you might consider us part of your employee assistance plan. Give us a call at 761-6347. We are here to help.

A New VP at Chazen

2008-08-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

CHAZEN COMPANIES ANNOUNCE NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF PLANNING

he Chazen Companies (TCC) proudly announce that Mr. Chris Round has been promoted to the position of Vice President for Planning Services. Mr. Round has more than 20 years experience in providing land use planning and environmental services to local communities and private clients. Chris began his career at TCC in 2004 and since then has managed small and large private land development projects, preparation of Environmental Impact Statements, development of municipal comprehensive plans, and served as town planner to several municipalities. He also provides technical and grant writing support to TCC project teams involved with capital improvement plans, municipal infrastructure plans, and environmental restoration. Chris will also remain the Director of the company’s Glens Falls office.

“I’m pleased to announce Chris’ promotion to VP of Planning Services,” said TCC President Mark Kastner. “Chris is an exceptional planner as well as a great manager of people. He has the ability to see both the broad picture and the important individual details that make complex projects come together. We’re confident our clients and our staff will continue to enjoy working with Chris in his new role.”

The Chazen Companies specialize in environmental planning, water resources, waste management, stormwater, parks and recreation, emergency response planning, hazardous waste management, zoning and subdivision regulations, and economic development. TCC planners lend their expertise to drafting local laws that protect critical areas such as public water supplies, watershed areas, wetlands, scenic areas, historic resources and agricultural lands. They provide environmental compliance assistance with the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and other laws. They also assist municipalities in obtaining State and Federal grants to fund parks and recreation improvements, housing needs and environmental protection projects.

Prior to joining TCC in 2004, Mr. Round held the position of Executive Director of Community Development for the Town of Queensbury and worked in private consulting. He received his BS in Environmental Studies from the State University of New York at Syracuse and is a registered member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Mr. Round resides in Queensbury with his wife and two children.
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For more than 60 years, The Chazen Companies have been providing professional services to a wide variety of municipal and private development clients throughout the Northeast. The firm’s engineers, landscape architects, surveyors, planners and environmental scientists serve clients from five offices—Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, Troy, and Glens Falls, New York, as well as Waterford, Connecticut.

Eight Thousand Ways to Help

2008-08-24T06:35:00.001-07:00

CDPHP® DONATES ALMOST $8K IN CASH AND GIFTS TO THE ALBANY RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

CDPHP® President and CEO John D. Bennett, MD, recently presented a check for $7,479 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region. The health plan’s employees, vendors, and local retailers helped raise the funds at its seventh annual Hurricane Classic Golf Tournament, held at the Western Turnpike Golf Course. About 200 CDPHP employees, their family members, and vendors played in the tournament.

“CDPHP has nearly 25 years of commitment to the communities we serve,” said John D. Bennett, MD, president and CEO, CDPHP. “The Ronald McDonald House has long been recognized for providing a home for families of seriously ill children. We are honored to support such a community treasure.”

Local organizations that supported the CDPHP tournament include: A-1 Installers; AdvizeX; American Solutions For Business; Canteen Vendors; Caremark®; ComDoc; Computer Associates; Eurest Dining; Evenson Best; Golf Galaxy; Healthcare Technology Management Services (HTMS); Hewlett Packard; IBM; JCB Specialties, Inc.; JP Morgan Chase; Legacy Consulting; Manion Construction; McDonald’s®; Pitney Bowes; Price Chopper; PriceWaterhouseCoopers; Robert Half International; SAF Consulting and Print Services; Sungard Workflow Solutions; TriZetto; and Western Turnpike Golf Course.

“We are truly grateful to CDPHP for their continued support, generosity, and dedication to our mission,” said Jeff Yule, executive director, Ronald McDonald House. “They have been with us through thick and thin, and we consider them one of our most dedicated partners.”

About CDPHP®
Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits,® Inc. —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP at www.cdphp.com.

Channeling a Legacy

2008-08-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

LOCAL LANDSCAPE DESIGNER TO SWIM THE ENGLISH CHANNEL

The Chazen Companies (TCC) proudly announce that a Landscape Designer in their Troy office, Kelvin Webster, will attempt to swim across the English Channel this coming September in memory of his grandfather. Since 2003, Kelvin, a former high school swimmer and current member of the Adirondack Bluefins Master’s Program in Troy, has been vigorously training for the opportunity of a lifetime. To date just over 1,000 people have accomplished this feat, compared to the 2,400 that have climbed Mr. Everest.

Kelvin was born in Birmingham, England where he lived till the age of 9. After nearly drowning at 2 years old, Kelvin’s parents quickly involved him in swimming lessons to remove any fear of the water. Since then, the 28 year old has spent much of his life competing at different levels of swimming and is currently training 6 days a week for the September 20th Channel swim. Swimming nearly 40,000 meters per week (or just under 25 miles), Kelvin remains dedicated to accomplishing this extraordinary goal.

In addition to his rigorous training schedule, Kelvin has maintained his full-time position with TCC for nearly two years as a Landscape Designer. With TCC’s full support, Kelvin has been encouraged in his pursuit of accomplishing this swim. “I believe I speak for the masses in saying we feel fortunate to call him a member of our team,” said TCC Director of Landscape Architecture Andy Rymph. “Kelvin’s strong will and conviction are valuable traits that we all should admire and strive for.”

TCC is pleased to be one of Kelvin’s sponsors, as participating in this event is costly. Kelvin is raising funds not only to cover the cost of this venture, but also to benefit the New England Hearing Rehabilitation Center (NECHEAR). NECHEAR provides financial assistance to children in need of audiological services who cannot afford them. Additional information regarding this charity as well as Kelvin’s English Channel swim can be found at www.kelvinchannelswim.com/kelvin.html.

Helping staff create a balance in their professional and personal objectives is a hallmark of The Chazen Companies. For more than 60 years, TCC has provided professional services to a wide variety of municipal and private development clients throughout the Northeast. The firm’s engineers, landscape architects, surveyors, planners and environmental scientists serve clients from five offices—Troy, Glens Falls, Poughkeepsie and Newburgh, New York, as well as Waterford, Connecticut.

Chazen a Better Design

2008-08-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

Sustainable Design Inventory in the Hudson Valley

The Chazen Companies, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program, is inviting architects, engineers, and others to showcase examples of completed Better Site Design (BSD) and Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater management tools that reduce flooding, conserve open space, and preserve water quality in the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Some examples include infiltration basins, rain gardens, wet ponds, porous pavement, and vegetated swales. Accepted work examples will be used in a guidance manual and an interactive website to help promote their use throughout the Hudson River Estuary.

“We’re really excited about Better Site Design and Low Impact Development approaches, and want to showcase model examples,” said Fran Dunwell, director of the Hudson River Estuary Program. “By pointing to completed examples, and giving credit to firms already using these techniques, we hope to see them used more widely in the future to protect water resources and the Hudson River Estuary.”

An on-line entry form has been established so firms working in the Hudson River Estuary can submit photos and written descriptions of completed projects throughout the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Only submissions matching practices described in the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual and the NYS Better Site Design manual are being sought. The Estuary Program has hired the Chazen Companies to coordinate this inventory and review each submittal. All submittals should be registered on-line before September 25, 2008 on The Chazen Companies’ website at www.chazencompanies.com.

The Hudson River Estuary Program is a regional partnership seeking to conserve the river’s natural resources, promote their full public use and enjoyment, and address pollution that affects use and enjoyment of the river. The complexity of the issues surrounding conservation of the Hudson River ecosystem requires a multi-disciplinary approach, engaging a broad representation from local government, nonprofits, environmental and conservation organizations, academia, and businesses.

The Chazen Companies provide professional engineering, environmental, and site design services throughout the Northeast. The firm’s engineers and landscape architects help developers and municipalities select LEED certifiable and other sustainable practices. Engineer David Poulson P.E., active on Chazen’s Sustainable Project Team, said “Clients and architects expect these approaches, and today they make sense financially, technically, and for the environment.” The firm also provides professional services in environmental, land surveying, and planning disciplines.

# # #

P The Chazen Companies asks you to please consider the environment before printing this email.

Recognize an Outstanding Woman

2008-08-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK CALL FOR NOMINATIONS IN NORTH COUNTRY
Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Community

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARDS IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

The Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York are seeking nominations for the 2008 Women of Distinction Awards for the North Country. The awards will be presented on November 14, 2008 at the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid and recognize outstanding women from Clinton, Franklin, Essex, northern Hamilton and eastern St. Lawrence Counties who are role models for girls and other women; and have made a difference in their communities.

This year’s awards will recognize women for a variety of accomplishments from career and personal achievements to outstanding community service; and dedication to family and the people around them. In addition, an award will be presented to an outstanding young woman (aged 21or younger) who has made a significant impact in her community.

The award categories include:
Distinguished Junior Trailblazer (age 35 and under)
This category honors a woman who has a proven record of accomplishment of reaching ambitious or unconventional goals demonstrated by upward career mobility, steady growth, and leadership skills. She is willing to take risks, inspires, and motivates others.

Distinguished Trailblazer (age 36 and over)
This category honors a woman who has Imagined the Possibilities in her chosen field, broken glass ceilings, overcame and excelled under extreme challenges; and demonstrated perseverance. She has been in her chosen field for more than 5 years and has demonstrated steady growth, exhibited leadership, and fostered development of others.

Distinguished Leader of Tomorrow (age 21 and under)
This award is presented to a young woman who has demonstrated outstanding leadership ability and has contributed to her school and community outside of Girl Scouting. She has spearheaded a project or program to improve quality of life.

Distinguished Personal Achievement (non-professional, 22 years or age and over)
This category honors a woman who is a risk taker in the non-traditional way. She has achieved an unconventional or ambitious goal. She is persistent in her efforts; remains focused, and accepts challenges with confidence. This achievement is outside the realm of volunteer activities or career endeavors.

Distinguished Community Leader (age 22 and over)
This award is given to a woman who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to her community. She is a role model, community leader, mentor, or has broken new ground. She is an agent for change in a particular area who has made a measurable difference to those around her.

To request a nomination form, contact Pam Stott at Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York at 518.792.0247 extension 215, or email Pam at, pstott@gsneny.org. Nomination forms are also available for download at www.gsneny.org, or may be picked-up at the GSNENY Service Center, 323 Tom Mill Road, Plattsburgh, NY.

CONTACT
Pam Stott
Events Coordinator
518.792.0947 extension 215
pstott@gsneny.org
www.gsneny.org
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Girl Scouts ayuda a las niñas a desarrollar la confianza en sí mismas, el valor y los principios para hacer del mundo un mejor lugar.

Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, Inc., 8 Mountain View Avenue, Albany, NY 12205, (518)489-8110 fax (518)489-8065, www.gsneny.org

Innovation and Nanatechnology Coming to Town!

2008-07-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

John E. Kelly III, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of IBM Research, to speak on Innovation and Nanotechnology at EDC/Warren County Luncheon on Friday, September 5, 2008 at Great Escape Lodge in Queensbury

IBM's top global research executive will speak in Warren County on Friday, September 5, 2008, on the explosion of high-tech research and development in New York State. Dr. John E. Kelly III, IBM's senior vice president and director of research, last week announced an investment of $1.5 billion in the company's research operations at the College of Nanoscale Science and
Engineering at the University of Albany and two other upstate locations. The investments are expected to create at least 1,000 new jobs.

Kelly will be the guest speaker for the Warren County Economic Development Corporation's Emerging Business Trends luncheon. The event, to be held from 11:30 to 1:30 at the Great Escape Lodge in Queensbury, is open to members of the public, with advance paid reservations.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring IBM's senior-most research executive to Warren County," said EDC President Leonard Fosbrook. "This event, coming on the heels of IBM's announcement of its historic investment in Tech Valley and Upstate New York, creates a don't-miss opportunity for local business leaders and elected officials to hear first-hand about the high-tech revolution taking place less than 50 miles away and how it will benefit our region."

Dr. Kelly directs the worldwide operations of IBM Research, with more than 3,000 technical employees at eight laboratories in six countries around the world, and helps guide IBM's overall technical strategy. Dr. Kelly's top priority as head of IBM Research is to stimulate innovation in key areas and quickly bring those innovations into the marketplace to sustain and grow IBM's existing business, and to create the new businesses of IBM's future. Dr. Kelly also leads IBM's worldwide intellectual property business as well as the company's open source and open standards strategies and practices.

Major corporate sponsors for the event are Behan Communications Inc., Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company, and Lemery Greisler LLC. Co-sponsors are The Post Star and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. The cost for the luncheon is $25 per person, or $200 for a table of ten. More information, including a reservation form, is available at EDC's Web site, www.edcwc.org, or by calling EDC at 761-6007 ext. 300.

About EDC: EDC is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of residents in Warren County by helping businesses and industry grow, prosper, and create quality employment opportunities. The
organization, which is governed by an independent board of directors, is supported by more than 100 private-sector businesses and community organizations. EDC administers Warren County's Empire Zone program, and assists local companies seeking regulatory, financial, and technical assistance from local, state, and federal agencies.

ACC to Offer Advanced Bookkeeping Applications

2008-07-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

Adirondack Community College's Business Division will offer
Advanced Bookkeeping Applications (BUS 231) this fall, a new course
designed to assist those in the accounting industry to become Certified
Bookkeepers.
Successful completion of this course, in addition to two years
of work experience and other requirements, may be used to prepare for
the National Certification Bookkeeper's (NCB) examination. Those who
pass the exam will receive the designation of Certified Bookkeeper (CB).

This course covers the six key subject areas in the field of
bookkeeping: adjusting entries; error correction; payroll; depreciation; merchandise inventory; and internal controls and fraud prevention. The subject matter covered within this course will build on the accounting foundations established in ACC's Financial Accounting and Management

Accounting classes and enable an individual to handle the technical
responsibilities of a chief bookkeeper for a small to middle sized
business.

According to the Department of Labor, demand for bookkeepers is
expected to increase as more bookkeepers are called upon to do much of
the work of accountants. The department's Occupational Outlook Handbook
indicates those with several years of accounting or bookkeeping
certification will have the best prospects.

By becoming Certified Bookkeepers, students can advance their
careers and earn more money, enhance their professional image, and
increase their value to current and future employees or clients.

To qualify for enrollment, students must meet applicable
coursework prerequisites OR demonstrate applicable work experience. To
review prerequisite requirements, please call the ACC Registrar's Office
at 743-2280.

For more information about this course, please call Nick Buttino
at 743-2200, ext. 2649; Mary LaPann at 743-2200, ext. 2297; or Matthew
Muller at 743-2200, ext. 2201.

ACC Criminal Justice Student Receives NYSSA Scholarship

2008-07-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Danielle Charbonneau of Saratoga Springs, a graduate of
Adirondack Community College's criminal justice program, has been
awarded a $500 scholarship by the New York State Sheriffs' Association.

This scholarship is given by the Sheriffs' Association to an
outstanding criminal justice graduate at ACC. The presentation was made
recently by Warren County Sheriff Bud York.

"Danielle is a committed student and a role model for other
students who are interested in a career in the field of criminal
justice," said Peter Girard, professor of criminal justice at ACC. "She
developed an impressive resume while at ACC and we wish her good luck in
her future studies."

Danielle graduated from ACC in May with a degree in criminal
justice/police science. She will continue her education in the fall at
John Jay College in New York City, one of the premiere criminal justice
schools in the country.

"Many of our students carry a full course load, work part time
and have various outside commitments," Girard said. "This award
demonstrates that, in spite of these challenges, our students can meet
and exceed the high academic standards that ACC expects from its
students."

While attending ACC, Danielle maintained a high grade point
average, was president of the Criminal Justice Club, participated in a
year-long mentoring program with the Washington County Youth Bureau,
worked part-time in the private security field in several different jobs
and was involved in many other criminal justice-related activities.

ACC's criminal justice degree program allows students the option
of focusing their studies in either police science or substance abuse
services.
Approximately 200 students are enrolled in this program at ACC.

ACC is also offering graduating criminal justice students an
opportunity to earn a four-year criminal justice degree through SUNY
Plattsburgh at the ACC campus.

Brian M. Durant Appointed Dean for Student Affairs at ACC

2008-07-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Brian M. Durant of Saratoga Springs has been appointed dean
for student affairs at Adirondack Community College in Queensbury.

Durant had served as instructor of counseling at ACC since 2006
and had previously served as senior career specialist in the Office of
Academic Advisement and Career Planning at the Sage College of Albany
and as a counselor at Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson.

He earned a master's degree in education in counseling from The
College of Saint Rose and a bachelor's degree in political science from
SUNY Plattsburgh.

Durant's new duties will include overseeing the college's
counseling, academic advising and career counseling efforts, as well as
student life and orientation programs and commencement ceremony
activities.

ACC Culinary Arts Student Awarded Scholarship

2008-07-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Vivian Brammer of Hadley, a freshman culinary arts student at Adirondack Community College, has been awarded a scholarship from the Cooperative Association of Food Enterprises (CAFÉ) Workers Compensation Trust and First Cardinal LLC, the first ACC student to receive such an honor.

Vivian returns to ACC in the fall to pursue an associate degree in culinary arts and baking. She currently works two jobs, at Prime at Saratoga National in Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Rose in Hadley.

"Vivian was selected for this award because of her strong professional ethics, her outstanding grade point average and her commitment to working in the food service industry while attending ACC," said Chef William Steele, director of ACC's Culinary Arts program.

Vivian plans to graduate ACC next spring and pursue a four-year degree at either Paul Smiths College or Johnson and Wales University in Boston.

The CAFÉ Trust, the largest self-funded restaurant trust fund in New York State, was formed for the specific purpose of providing statutory workers'
compensation and employers' liability coverage.

First Cardinal Corporation, based in Latham, administers the CAFÉ program and provides full marketing, risk management, claims administration, finance and underwriting services.

To qualify for the scholarship, an applicant must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 and be employed in the food service industry that provides table service while taking classes at ACC. In addition, an applicant must volunteer for two community scholarship fund raisers for the American Culinary Federation's local chapter or for two events that would benefit First Cardinal.

"Lean Six Sigma"

2008-07-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

ACC Center to Offer "Lean Six Sigma" Process Improvement Program for
Fall 2008

Adirondack Community College's Center for Personal and
Professional Development will offer "Lean Six Sigma," an intensive and
comprehensive process improvement program designed to benefit both
service sector and manufacturing companies, for the Fall 2008 semester.

An informational session covering the Lean Six Sigma program
will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4., at 7 p.m. on the ACC campus.

The program consists of three courses - White Belt
Certification, Green Belt Certification, and Black Belt Certification -
designed to introduce and engage participants in the elements of Lean
and Six Sigma processes.

Companies and organizations that integrate these principles into
their process improvement programs have realized substantial savings in
terms of design, production, inventory and customer service costs.

Lean is a process designed to bring about rapid, dramatic
improvements in the performance of an organization through a
simplification of the value stream.

Six Sigma is a business-driven, multi-faceted approach to process
improvement, cost reduction, and increased profits.

"This program was offered at Monroe Community College in Rochester last fall, and the 46 companies which participated in the program saved over $14 million from the projects lead by Lean Six Sigma candidates," said Louis H. Buck, ACC's dean for personal and professional development. "We are confident this program can have a similar impact on companies and organizations in the greater Glens Falls area."

The White Belt Certification program is a 20-hour introductory
course designed to cover the basics of the Lean Six Sigma philosophy
and concepts. Classes are taught with small group interaction and
hands-on exercises. This program is directed at anyone interested in
learning the basic concepts and principles of Lean Six Sigma.

The Green Belt Certification program will teach participants how
to implement the features of both Lean and Six Sigma to help secure the
long-term competitive advantage of their respective companies and
organizations. This program consists of two weeks of classroom training
and follow-up projects involving the real-world application of newly
acquired skills and knowledge.

The Black Belt Certification program consists of four weeks of
classroom training and is designed for those who have developed a high
proficiency in Lean and Six Sigma philosophies, concepts and tools;
understand how the methodologies augment each other; and who are leaders
and change agents for their respective companies and organizations.

The program is taught by Transformation Partners Co., LLC. Anwar
El-Homsi, president of Transformation Partners, will be on hand at the
September 4 information session to answer questions about the program.

For more information on the Lean Six Sigma program, or to RSVP
for the information session, please call the ACC Center at 743-2238.

Arrow Reports a Significant Increase in Earnings and Strong Asset Quality Ratios

2008-07-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

Arrow Financial Corporation (NasdaqGS® – AROW) announced operating results for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2008. Net income for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008 was $5.4 million, representing diluted earnings per share of $.51, up $.12 or 30.8% from $.39 per share amount earned in the second quarter of 2007, when net income was $4.2 million. For the first six months of 2008, net income of $10.4 million increased 25% from the $8.3 million earned for 2007. Diluted earnings per share equaled $.98 for the first six months of 2008, up from $.77 per share earned during the comparative period in 2007.

Thomas L. Hoy, Chairman, President and CEO stated, “We are pleased to report a significant increase in earnings while asset and credit quality ratios remain strong. The favorable quarterly and six month earnings performances were primarily attributable to significant increases in net interest income as a result of a wider net interest margin and growth in average earning assets.

Average earning assets were $1.548 billion in the second quarter of 2008 versus $1.469 billion for the same quarter last year, an increase of 5.4%. Net interest income was favorably impacted by a rising net interest margin, which increased 60 basis points to 3.92% for the second quarter of 2008 versus the 2007 comparative period and increased 36 basis points as compared to the margin of 3.56% for the first quarter of 2008. Lower funding costs and a more positively sloped yield curve, a result of Federal Reserve Bank actions to lower the targeted federal funds rate 325 basis points since the beginning of September 2007, were principally responsible for the expansion in net interest margin. In essence, the volume of our interest-bearing liabilities that repriced to lower rates during the quarter significantly exceeded the volume of our earning assets that repriced to lower yields.

As we previously reported, Visa successfully completed an initial public offering (IPO) during the first quarter of 2008 which included a mandatory partial redemption of our holdings in Visa shares. This transaction resulted in a positive impact on our net income of $637 thousand after-tax, or $.06 diluted earnings per share, both in the first quarter of 2008 and for the six-month 2008 period.

Total assets at June 30, 2008 reached a record high of $1.631 billion, up $89.0 million, or 5.8%, over the June 30, 2007 balance of $1.542 billion. Loan balances outstanding reached a record level of $1.063 billion at June 30, 2008, representing an increase of $45.0 million, or 4.4%, from the balance at June 30, 2007. In addition, deposit balances at June 30, 2008 reached a record $1.249 billion, representing an increase of $43.9 million, or 3.6%, from the June 30, 2007 level of $1.205 billion.

In the first half of 2008, the deterioration of the residential real estate market nationally, and of so-called subprime mortgage loan portfolios, continued to have a negative impact on many financial institutions and indirectly on the national and world economies. We have not engaged in the origination of subprime mortgage loans or in subprime lending as a business line, nor do we hold mortgage-backed securities backed by subprime mortgages in our investment portfolio.
Asset quality remained high at quarter-end 2008, with nonperforming loans of $2.5 million, which represented .24% of period-end loans, down from .29% at the end of the first quarter. Gross loan charge-offs in the second quarter of 2008 were fully offset by recoveries, due to an unexpected recovery from our former Vermont operations. Expressed as an annualized percentage of average loans outstanding, net loans charged-off for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were a very low .04%. Arrow’s allowance for loan losses amounted to $12.7 million at June 30, 2008, which represented 1.20% of loans outstanding, an increase from 1.19% as of December 31, 2007.

Many of our operating ratios in recent periods have been well above those of our peer group, consisting of all U.S. bank holding companies having $1.0 to $3.0 billion in assets as identified in the Federal Reserve Bank’s ‘Bank Holding Company Performance Report.’ Most notably, our return on average equity (ROE) for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was 16.07% as compared to 8.59% for our peer group. Our ROE for the second quarter of 2008 increased to 17.33%. Our loan quality ratios also compare very favorably to our peer group. At the end of the 2008 second quarter our ratio of nonperforming loans to period-end loans was .24% which compares to a ratio of 1.37% for our peer group as of March 31, 2008. The Company has maintained a higher total risk-based capital ratio than the average for our peer group. Arrow and our subsidiary banks continue to be “well-capitalized” under the standards established by the FDIC Improvement Act.

As of June 30, 2008, assets under trust administration and investment management were $897.7 million, a decrease of $63.6 million, or 6.6%, from June 30, 2007. This decrease was the result of a general decline in the equity markets, which also led to a 1.6% decrease in fee income from fiduciary activities for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. Included in assets under trust administration and investment management are our proprietary mutual funds, the North Country Funds, advised exclusively by our subsidiary, North Country Investment Advisers, Inc., with a combined balance of $203 million at June 30, 2008.

Arrow was recently added to the Russell 2000® Index. Membership in the Russell 2000 is based on membership in the Broad-Market Russell 3000® Index, which also serves as the U.S. component to the Russell Global Index which was launched last year. Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for both passive and active investment strategies. Membership in the Russell Indexes, which are reconstituted annually in June, is determined based on the company’s market capitalization.

On July 1, 2008 we acquired the key operating assets, two employees and the trade name from U.S. Benefits, Inc., a provider of administrative and record keeping services for more complex retirement plans. This acquisition will allow us to offer enhanced and broadened services to retirement plan clients and will complement the fiduciary services currently offered by the Company through its trust administrative and investment management activities. The acquisition reflects the Company’s intent to develop new sources of service-based revenues and to provide an expanded menu of services to our customers.

Arrow Financial Corporation is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Glens Falls, NY serving the financial needs of northeastern New York. Arrow is the parent of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company. Other subsidiaries include North Country Investment Advisers, Inc. and Capital Financial Group, Inc., an insurance agency specializing in the sale and servicing of group health plans.

The information contained in this News Release may contain statements that are not historical in nature but rather are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections about the future. These statements may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, involving a degree of uncertainty and attendant risk. In the case of all forward-looking statements, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what the statements predict or forecast, explicitly or by implication. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. This News Release should be read in conjunction with the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Cast a vote

2008-06-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Voices of the Heart Inc. Announces Nominations are being accepted for the 2008
“The Phillip H. Robert Humanitarian Award”

Voices of the Heart Inc. a NYS Office of Mental Health Peer Advocacy Agency is now accepting Nominations for “The Phillip H. Robert Humanitarian Award” from Individuals and Community Organizations and Groups.

The Purpose of this Award is to recognize any individual or group who best reflects the human qualities of our former colleague, peer and friend Phillip H. Robert. The qualities which the nominee must show is an unselfish concern in working and helping to improve the lives, development and wellbeing of individuals within their local or greater communities. Their contribution/s should parallel the mission of Voices of the Heart; which is to help people achieve autonomy, self-empowerment, respect and skills to exercise their rights and responsibilities of full citizenship.

Voices of the Heart Inc. is a not-for-profit support and advocacy organization exclusively formed by, operated by and concerned with people who have utilized/or need mental health services and supports. Voices of the Heart Inc. is funded by the NYS Office of Mental Health, NENY Regional Food Bank and private donations.

Award Criteria:
The nominee will have provided significant contribution, benefiting the lives of individuals or groups of individuals in ones community, or greater community. The nominee’s humanitarian service will have shown proven specific impact and results in improving the welfare/lives of other people or groups of people. The nominee’s service and work will have demonstrated unselfish commitment in caring and seeking to improve the lives of other people. The nominee’s work will show demonstrated commitment and proven action to the field of advocacy and his/her/their service and contribution/s will support the goal of self-empowerment for those served individuals and communities.

Award Eligibility:
The nominee’s actions must be marked by humanistic values and dedication to human
welfare. All Nominations may be accompanied by separate letters of support along with relevant documentation by the individual/group that is making a specific nomination.

Judging and Presentation:
All Nominations must be received at Voices of the Heart’s Inc. Administrative Office (contact information listed below) no later than Monday, August 18, 2008. The Award Committee will annually establish its review procedures. The Committee will present its recommendation to the Board of Voices of the Heart Inc., who will then make its final decision and will present the Award on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at its Annual Thanksgiving Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

To make and send you’re Nomination or for further information and/or questions please contact Voices of the Heart Inc. using the following
information:

Voices of the Heart Inc.
C/O John D. Sullivan, Executive Director
Phillip H. Robert Humanitarian Award Committee
3043 State Rte. 4,
Suite #2
Hudson Falls, New York 12839

Phone: (518) 747-8404 ext. # 241
Website: www.voicesoftheheart.net
E-mail: vohwebmaster@albany.twcbc.com

CDPHP® ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS LEADERSHIP

2008-06-23T05:11:00.001-07:00

Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP®) today announced the election of Peter T. Burkart, MD, to serve as the chairman of its board of directors effective July 1. He replaces John D. Bennett, MD, FACC, who will step down as chairman and board member to become president and CEO, effective the same date. Current board of trustee member Gennaro A. Daniels, MD, was elected to the vice chairman post.

Additionally, Anthony J.Marinello, MD, has been elected to serve a four-year term on the board of directors. Dr. Marinello is president of CapitalCare Medical Group, LLC. He is board certified in family practice and has served on the CDPHP Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Nominating Committee.

About CDPHP®
Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits, ® Inc.—PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP at www.cdphp.com.

2008-06-23T05:09:00.001-07:00

Grand Opening of Johnny Rockets in Queensbury

Johnny Rockets employees are busy putting the finishing touches on the restaurant, mastering the menu, and preparing to deliver the magic of the unique Johnny Rockets "experience". The restaurant’s much anticipated grand opening and media preview will be held on June 17th beginning at 11:30am. However, the buzz has already begun! The first 50 customers through the door at Johnny Rockets will have the chance to win free hamburgers for a year. In addition, Glens Falls radio station WCKM 98.5FM will broadcast live from the event.

“We are thrilled to see Johnny Rockets open at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark,” said Don McCoy, President of The Great Escape Properties. “The good old-fashioned Johnny Rockets theme will appeal to the local community and to guests of The Great Escape Properties. The family – friendly atmosphere and classic all – American food is sure to be a hit.”

The North Country’s first Johnny Rockets restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the general public and to guests of the Great Escape Properties. “The decision to add Johnny Rockets was simple,” said Jim Evans, the new Senior Foods Manager of Johnny Rockets. “The Johnny Rockets restaurant combined with the hotel and theme park offerings creates a unique setup and great added value for guests,” said Jim Evans, the new Senior Foods Manager of Johnny Rockets. Once you try the Johnny Rockets experience, you won't be able to stay away.”

Over the last several months, construction crews have worked diligently to transform the former Trapper’s Adirondack Grille to meet Johnny Rockets’ specifications. The interior of the restaurant has been completely remodeled, upgraded, and re-themed to reflect the Johnny Rockets décor. And, in recent weeks, Johnny Rockets has actually more than tripled the workforce formerly employed at Trapper’s. Over 100 people have been hired and many of the former team members from Trappers will now be employed by the new Johnny Rockets restaurant.

Johnny Rockets, based in Lake Forest, California, has received numerous acknowledgements from customers in cities across the United States, including “Best Hamburger” on Los Angeles’ Citysearch Website, “Best Fries” in Atlanta, “Best Family Friendly Restaurant” in San Francisco and “Best Hamburger” by FOX Miami. The company prides itself on providing a simple, fresh menu and providing prompt, friendly service in a clean environment.

The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark is conveniently located directly across the street from The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom and provides 200 family friendly suites. Packages begin at $185 based on four person occupancy. Prices include an overnight stay at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and admission to the White Water Bay indoor waterpark during length of stay. Offer is based on availability. Other packages are available and do include tickets to The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom. For details, visit SixFlagsGreatEscapeLodge.com or call 888-708-2684.

Guests can enjoy Wiggles World, the Mega Wedgie, and all of The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom’s exciting new attractions and amenities by purchasing a 2008 Season Pass to The Great Escape for only $69.99 (plus tax). This is the lowest price of the season but this offer expires June 15. Season passes are still available for purchase online at sixflags.com and are also available at participating Price Chopper locations.

About Six Flags, Inc:
Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company with 21 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Founded in 1961, Six Flags has provided world class entertainment for millions of families with cutting edge, record-shattering roller coasters and appointment programming with events like the popular Thursday and Sunday Night Concert Series. Now 47 years strong, Six Flags is recognized as the preeminent thrill innovator while reaching to all demographics – families, teens, tweens and thrill seekers alike – with themed attractions based on the Looney Tunes characters, the Justice League of America, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, The Wiggles and Thomas the Tank Engine. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.

About Johnny Rockets:
For more than 21 years, Johnny Rockets has offered the food, fun and friendliness reminiscent of feel-good Americana. Every Johnny Rockets restaurant offers its guests simple, great-tasting food from a menu of all-American favorites, including juicy hamburgers and hand-dipped shakes and malts. Johnny Rockets is currently franchising new restaurants in most markets.

Johnny Rockets is headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif. To learn more about Johnny Rockets, visit johnnyrockets.com.

KIRK R. PANNETON, MD, FACP, JOINS CDPHP AS MEDICAL DIRECTOR

2008-06-23T05:08:00.001-07:00

Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHPâ) today announced the appointment of Kirk R. Panneton, MD, FACP, to medical director. Board certified in both internal medicine and geriatrics, Panneton’s focus at CDPHP will parallel his own professional ideals that medical care should focus on disease prevention and improving the quality of life.

“We are delighted to have Kirk join our medical affairs division,” said William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, president and CEO, CDPHP. “Kirk brings extensive knowledge working with the elderly population, and deeply shares the CDPHP mission of promoting health and wellness in the community.”

Most recently, Dr. Panneton served as chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs at St. Clare’s Hospital, Schenectady. Prior to his tenure with St. Clare’s Hospital, Panneton served as medical director for a number of organizations including Glen Eddy, Kingsway Manor, Baptist Health Family Medical Care, Inc., Evercare, The Eddy, Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Center, and Eddy Heritage House Nursing Center. He also was in private practice for nearly 20 years.

Dr. Panneton earned a bachelor’s of science degree in history and science from Harvard University, a medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, and completed his residency at Albany Medical Center.

Dr. Panneton currently serves on the Schenectady County Long Term Care Services Advisory Council, the Schenectady County Office of the Aging Advisory Council, and the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities. He is a member with the American College of Physicians, American Society of Internal Medicine, the New York State Medical Society, and the Schenectady County Medical Society.

Dr Panneton joins a team of dedicated medical directors at CDPHP led by Bruce Nash, MD, MBA, senior vice president and chief medical officer (CMO), as well as Clifford Waldman, MD, senior medical director; and Martin Symansky, MD, medical director, as well two part-time medical directors, Timothy Willox, MD, PC, and Gary Wilson, MD.

About CDPHPâ
Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits, â Inc. —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP at www.cdphp.com.

Dreams Coming True

2008-06-23T05:05:00.001-07:00

GTM Helps Make Wishes Come True

In recognition of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's commitment toward granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, GTM Payroll Services announced today that the company has made a significant donation to the local Make-A-Wish chapter.

The donation made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York fully-funded the wish of a child in our local community battling Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare blood-cell disorder that primarily affects children, for a Disney Vacation Cruise with his family.

Making wishes come true for our region's children is just one way that GTM Payroll Services and its employees reinvest in the communities that have helped to make our business a success. Through donations, volunteerism and support each employee is helping to share our success and build stronger communities where everyone lives, works and plays.

A member of the Capital Region community since 1985, the GTM family of companies is committed to giving back to the local region with employees engaged in multiple non-profits and charitable organizations throughout Tech Valley. Actively involved in supporting and sponsoring the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York for over 7 years, GTM and its employees believe that by investing in and supporting deserving charitable causes like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, they are making a larger contribution and commitment to our region's shared future.

# # #

For more information, please contact:
GTM Marketing Department
marketing@gtm.com

New President and CEO

2008-05-23T07:26:00.001-07:00

CAPITAL DISTRICT PHYSICIANS’ HEALTH PLAN APPOINTS JOHN D. BENNETT, MD, FACC, PRESIDENT AND CEO

ALBANY, NY – May 6, 2008 - The CDPHP® Board of Directors has selected John D. Bennett Jr., MD, FACC, as its new president and chief executive officer. Dr. Bennett, currently chairman of the board of directors at CDPHP, will replace William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, effective July 1, 2008. When Dr. Bennett assumes the new position, he will relinquish his role as chairman. Dr. Cromie announced in March that he would step down due to health reasons.

“Our board of directors has made a great selection,” said Dr. Cromie. “Dr. Bennett’s experience as our board chairman, management in his own medical practice, and more than two decades as a local cardiologist allow him to understand the needs of the Plan and those of the local physician community. Furthermore, his guidance and work on our corporate strategy over the years will ensure the continuity of our success.”

“I have worked closely with Dr. Cromie for the past seven years to help transform CDPHP from a traditional health insurance company into a health value company that focuses on improving care while reducing costs. I look forward to the exciting challenges that this position will offer while continuing to pursue this mission,” said Dr. Bennett.

Dr. Bennett was named chairman of the CDPHP board in September 2003. Prior to that, he had served as vice chairman and has been a member of the CDPHP board since 1996.

He earned his medical degree at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, and a bachelor’s of science degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Dr. Bennett completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Albany Medical Center. A practicing cardiologist in the Albany area since 1983, he is board certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine with subspecialties in both internal medicine and cardiology.

Dr. Bennett currently practices with Albany Associates in Cardiology (a division of Prime Care Physicians, PLLC) and is chief of the division of cardiology at Albany Memorial Hospital. Prime Care Physicians is a multi-specialty medical practice with 110 providers in primary care, cardiology and radiology. In November 2007, Dr. Bennett became interim CEO of Prime Care. Since then, he has focused on reorganizing the structure and governance of the medical practice.

About CDPHP® (www.cdphp.com)
Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits,® Inc. —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP at www.cdphp.com.

An Expansion & an Accolade

2008-05-23T07:21:00.001-07:00

BURNT RIDGE MOUNTAIN EXPANSION PROGRESSES AT GORE ** GORE MOUNTAIN VOTED "BEST TERRAIN" IN NORTHEAST

Just two short weeks after the end of a banner 2007/2008 winter season, components of a new quad chairlift have already arrived and Gore Mountain is in full swing preparing for this fall's opening of the Burnt Ridge Mountain Expansion.

The new development will feature the debut of the high-speed Burnt Ridge Quad, servicing five new trails plus glades. The new terrain, with 1,436' vertical, will increase Gore Mountain's total vertical drop to 2300', the eighth greatest in the eastern United States. Burnt Ridge Mountain is one of Gore's four peaks of development.

The trails will be a unique mix of intermediate, expert, and gladed runs located among an array of various tree species and interesting geologic formations. Like the recently constructed terrain on Bear Mountain, Gore Mountain will continue to theme trail names after the Great Camps of the Adirondacks, introducing "Sagamore," "Cedars," "Hedges," and "Echo." Guests should also look for "Sagamore Glades" and "The Gully" connector trail.

The black diamond "Sagamore" is somewhat similar in pitch to Bear Mountain's "Topridge," except that it is wider and offers more vertical. "Cedars" will transport guests from the Gore Mountain base area to the bottom of the Burnt Ridge Quad, while the lengthy blue-square "Echo" trail neighbors "Twister Glades." "The Hedges" connects skiers from the top of the new chair to "Twister."

The Burnt Ridge expansion comes on the heels of landmark Gore Mountain improvements, including the December 2007 openings of both the Northwoods Lodge by Lincoln Logs and the new Village Chair at the North Creek Ski Bowl. The Northwoods Lodge improved convenience and service for every Gore Mountain guest, especially beginners and families, while making new space and services available in the Base Lodge. The North Creek Ski Bowl expansion brought the first-ever aerial lift, terrain park, and night skiing experience to the historic area.

Upon celebrating a record-breaking 2007/2008 season, it was recently announced that Gore Mountain was voted "Best Terrain" in the Northeast by visitors of OnTheSnow.com, a popular website of snow sports enthusiasts. Comments included "The lifts are top notch and the staff is always happy. Great location for kids, easy access parking...It boasts everything anyone could want in a mountain; short lift lines, gentle beginner runs, long intermediate cruisers, narrow expert trails, awesome glades, crazy steeps, gorgeous views and the best grooming..."

During 2007/2008, Gore Mountain hosted 23 family-oriented events, 18 NYSEF (New York Ski Education Foundation) events including freestyle skiercross and boardercross at the North Creek Ski Bowl, 23 adult ski and snowboard specialty clinics, and 6 Town of Johnsburg community events. The season offered various frequent skier discount products and promotional opportunities for guests to enjoy Gore affordably.

2008/2009 season passes are on sale, with the best rates in effect through July 11. Guests should inquire about the Gore Mountain Friends Program to save significantly on their next pass purchase.

Bourn Soars

2008-05-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

Sheri Bourn Named Business Development & Sales Manager at TD Banknorth Branch in Salem

Sheri R. Bourn has been named the Business Development & Sales Manager at the TD Banknorth branch at 204 Main Street in Salem . She is responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the branch, and developing and overseeing small business loans, deposit accounts, consumer lending, investment and insurance services provided to customers throughout a region that includes Washington County (NY) and southwestern Vermont .

Bourn joined TD Banknorth in 1991 and has 17 years of banking experience. She previously has served as an assistant branch manager in Granville, a branch supervisor and a personal banker. Bourn is a Notary Public in the State of New York .

A Granville resident and native, Bourn volunteers with a range of youth sports activities in her community. She is a 1991 graduate of Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, and a 1989 graduate of Granville Central High School .

TD Banknorth Inc. is a leading banking and financial services company headquartered in Portland , Maine , and a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank Financial Group headquartered in Toronto , Canada . TD Banknorth is one of the 20 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States , with over $109 billion in assets. TD Banknorth's banking subsidiaries include TD Banknorth, N.A., Commerce Bank, N.A. and Commerce Bank/North, which combined operate banking divisions in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Virginia, and TD Bank USA, N.A. TD Banknorth and its subsidiary banks also operate subsidiaries and divisions in insurance, wealth management, merchant services, mortgage banking, government banking, private label credit cards, and other financial services, and offers investment products in association with PrimeVest Financial Services, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.TDBanknorth.com.

25 Minutes to Save a Life

2008-05-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Take 25 at TreePaad
May 25, 9am - 5pm

May 25 is National Missing Children's Day. Here at TreePaad we are honoring this day by joining forces with other local agencies to hand out information and safety tips on keeping all of our children safe. Won't you join us and take 25 minutes today to talk to your child about ways to be safer at home, on the internet and in the community. Together we can work to keep our children safe.

And..

TreePaad works with West Glens Falls EMS!

WFG EMS will be giving away little stuffed animals donated by TreePaad. All little passengers who are sick or hurt, will receive one of these stuffed animals to make their ambulance ride a little more comfortable.

Works of Young Art

2008-05-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

The World Awareness Children's Museum announced today that 38 young United States artists have been selected as winners in the 21st Annual 2008 International Youth Art Exchange. Their work will now become part of the Museum's permanent collection, which includes over 6,000 pieces of children's art from 66 countries.

This year's theme was "This I Believe." As part of the Museum's permanent collection, the students' art will be available for loan throughout the United States.

In total, over 400 works of children's art was received from 11 countries this year. International works will also be selected from this 400 for the permanent collection. The following United States artists won first place in their age categories.

First place winner in the Kindergarten to Grade 2 category is artist Kelly Chen, age 8, from the Sharron Art Center in Piscataway, NJ. Her piece entitled "Peace Around the World," is pictured at left.

First place winner in the 3rd to 5th Grade category is Rachel White, age 10, from St. Mary's School in Ticonderoga, NY. Her piece is entitled: "Save the Oceans!" shown at right.

First place winner in the 6th - 12th Grade cateogory is Emily Zirimis, age 16 from William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach, NY, with her piece "Dispersions of an Artist," shown at left.

To view works by all 38 winners, please visit the Museum's Art Exchange page on the website.

Now in its 21st consecutive year, the International Youth Art Exchange is a global art share and exhibition program. Every year students in different countries submit art. For every piece received from overseas, the Museum sends back a piece of the best art we receive from American schools. Art submitted from U.S. students is judged in April for awards and inclusion in the Museum's permanent collection. This year's judges were Douglas Durning, a mixed media artist and Nancy Knapik, a ceramic artist and director of Gallery 100 in Saratoga Springs.

About the Museum

The Museum's permanent collection includes over 6,000 works of children's art from 66 countries and a 3000-plus piece collection of international artifacts, textiles and clothing. International youth art exhibitions travel to schools, educational institutions, museums and public venues across the United States.

Exhibits currently on display include: "World Music" in Glens Falls, NY; "International Sports" in Oklahoma, "World Fashion" in Mastic Beach, NY, "House & Home" in Moscow, PA "Traditions" in Encinco, CA, "Ceremonies & Celebrations," in Lawrence, NY and "World Music and Dance" in Stamford, Ct. Exhibits are available for loan, nation-wide, to businesses, hospitals, offices, libraries, schools and other public venues.

Founded to plant seeds of tolerance in children, the Museum seeks to create concrete connections for children to world cultures, using art conceived through the eyes of children to promote peace and understanding among people of the world.

Located in Glens Falls, NY, the Museum offers educational outreach and interactive cultural arts programming for children, students and families. Currently undergoing a Capital Campaign for renovations on a new building at 89 Warren Street in Glens Falls, slated for opening in 2009, the Museum currently offers children's exhibits at offsite locations and outreach educational programs for schools and other institutions.

BOCES Culinary Students Finish 2nd at National ProStart Invitational

2008-04-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Culinary Arts and Hospitality students from the Washington-
Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES Southern Adirondack Education Center finished as
national runners up at the seventh annual National ProStart Student Invitational held April
24-26, 2008 in San Diego, California.

Photo Caption: The 2008 WSWHE BOCES ProStart Management Team of (left to right) Jamie Norton, Breanna Donovan, Greg Hutchinson, Ryan Mercado, and Nick Green celebrate their first place finish at the New York State ProStart Competition. The team went on to finish second in the nation at the National ProStart Student Invitational in San Diego, California.

Breanna Donovan of Glens Falls, Nick Green of Hartford, Greg Hutchinson of Argyle, Ryan Mercado of Granville, and Jamie Norton of Argyle represented New York State in the management division testing their teamwork, communication skills, and knowledge of the restaurant and food service industry against 29 other teams from across the country. The competition consisted of two different events over two days. In the case study portion, students were presented with a hypothetical restaurant scenario and given 30 minutes to prepare a response in front of a panel of industry experts. The second portion of the competition, the Quiz Bowl, featured two rounds of game show style questions and answers.

Each member of the team received a medal and scholarships ranging in value from $4,500 to
$14,000 depending upon each student’s choice of college. These totals are in addition to the awards garnered at the state-level competition.

This is the fourth consecutive year a team from the Southern Adirondack Education Center has
qualified for the national competition having placed 9th, 6th, and 4th in the three years preceding. This year’s efforts were once again under the direction of Chef-Instructor Charles Jones and Mentor Casey Thorne.

The ProStart program, administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and state restaurant associations, is a two-year curriculum designed to teach high school students the management skills needed for a career in the restaurant and food service industry. The program combines classroom instruction with mentored worksite experiences, and is currently available in more than 1,600 schools across 47 states, territories, and districts. For more information, visit www.weareprostart.org.

Culinary Arts is one of 24 Career and Technical Education programs offered by the Washington- Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES (WSWHE BOCES). The Southern Adirondack Education Center in Hudson Falls is one of two Career and Technical Education centers operated by WSWHE BOCES. Any high school student enrolled in one of the 31 component school districts is eligible for admission to the Southern Adirondack Education Center or the F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs through his or her home school. Adults may apply to the program and location of their choice – admission is granted on a space-available basis. For more information, visit www.wswheboces.org.

# # #

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mike Sylvia, Public Information Specialist
WSWHE BOCES
1153 Burgoyne Avenue
Fort Edward, NY 12828
(518) 746-3857 fax: (518) 746-3855
msylvia@wswheboces.org

Greatest Aides of the First Quarter

2008-04-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

Greater Adirondack Home Aides, a leading provider of home health care services throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, has selected Dawn Bovee as Employee of the month for January 2008.

The Selection Committee feels Mrs. Bovee embodies the giving qualities needed to be a Home Health Aide. In addition to every morning, Mrs. Bovee travels two nights a week to visit a priority client where she prepares the clientâ€™s dinner, assures her safety, and reminds her to take her medication. Dawn Bovee goes out of her way to schedule care for her clients and is a very compassionate person.

Mrs. Bovee will receive a check, a paid day off and a recognition pin.

Congratulations Dawn Bovee, and thank you for all you do.

***************

February, 2008

Greater Adirondack Home Aides, a leading provider of home health care services throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, has selected Shirley Coffin as Employee of the month for February 2008.

The Selection Committee has chosen Shirley Coffin to be Employee of the month for her strong dedication to her clients. Mrs. Coffin goes back out to work each night at 8 PM to assist a client into bed and she is often rearranging her schedule to meet her clientâ€™s needs. She works some very challenging cases and takes such good care of her clients they want no one but Shirley to take care of them.

Shirley Coffin is extremely trustworthy and honest. â€œYou are a great help to the organization,â€ states John Penzer, President and CEO of Greater Adirondack Home Aides.

Shirley Coffin will receive a check, a paid day off and a recognition pin.

Congratulations Shirley Coffin!

****************
March, 2008

Greater Adirondack Home Aides, a leading provider of home health care services throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, has selected Darcy Baker as Employee of the month for March 2008.

The Selection Committee has chosen Darcy Baker for her ability to manage a regularly changing and challenging schedule of clients. Mrs. Baker also volunteers to cover priority clients on the weekends.

Darcy Bakerâ€™s compassionate and professional ways, and her ever-present smile put her clients at ease. She often receives praise for her manner with clients, and is most helpful to administrative staff due to her timely reporting of pertinent information.

Darcy Baker will receive a check, a paid day off and a recognition pin.

Congratulations!

*******************
March 26, 2008

Greater Adirondack Home Aides, a leading provider of home health care services throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, has selected Jill Batt as Employee of the month for April 2008.

The Selection Committee has chosen Jill Batt for the great job she does with her clients. Ms. Batt is â€œalways on the jobâ€ and is willing to fill-in when necessary.

Jill Batt is a compassionate and caring caregiver whose appearance and attitude are most professional. Her communication of information to administrative staff and county nurses is always timely and professional.

Jill Batt will receive a check, a paid day off and a recognition pin.

Congratulations!

Greater Adirondack Home Aides is a not-for-profit, community-based United Way Member agency that had been providing home health care to area clients since 1965.

Keep an Ear to the Ground

2008-04-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Hyde Collection's Thoroughbred Ball is coming!

We are at the top of the stretch and headed to the finish line, but it isn’t too late
to get your reservations in for The Hyde Collection’s 2008 Thoroughbred Ball!
The evening’s program includes:

Premium open bar throughout the evening

Derby Party begins at 5 PM

Cheer on your horse as you view the Thoroughbred race of the day 6 PM

Dance to the music of The Night Owls 6:30 to 10:30 PM

Seated gourmet dinner begins at 7 PM

Finest Hat Awards at 7:30 PM

Live auction begins at 8 PM

Silent auction closes at 8:30 PM

The live auction is a highlight of the evening including items such as:

An original acrylic on canvas painting by Tom Myott, titled: Saratoga Summer
A Telescope Casual Furniture patio set of furniture including a table, umbrella and six chairs
One week’s lodging at an Okemo Ski Condo in Ludlow, VT
A boat ride for 10 on Lake George with Executive Director David F. Setford on an antique 30’ electric launch
A diamond and sapphire pendant necklace from Scoville Jewelers
And much, much more!

So don’t delay another moment. Call Jane Burnham at 792-1761, ext. 10, to reserve your seat for the gala today. Tickets are $150 per person (or $135 junior age 35 & under). Valet parking provided. Black Tie is optional (themed dress is encouraged.) See you there!

April Showers Bring Presidential Powers

2008-04-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

How often do you meet a presidential candidate in upstate New York? Ralph Nader is coming to Glens Falls
on April 26th for two events. Tickets are now available for these events at Rock Hill Cafe (19 Exchange St.
in Glens Falls) or you can call me at 518-361-6278 to have tickets mailed directly to you.

Ralph Nader Live at the Charles R. Wood Theater
Wood Theater 207 Glen St. April 26th 8:00 pm
($25 minimum donation per admission)
The local premiere of Hudson Mohawk's Independent Media Center's film "Awake From Your Slumber" (28 min.)
Ralph Nader will speak afterwards about his independent presidential campaign, impeachment, the occupation of Iraq,
corporate power and many other social justice issues. Followed by a Q & A period and a book signing. DVD copies of
"Awake" will be available for sale in the lobby and every attendee will receive free bread and coffee, tea and biscotti.
Donations will be accepted 100% of which will go to the Sanctuary For Independent Media.
(Only 230 tickets are left as of this email)

Gourmet Vegetarian Dinner with Ralph Nader
Rock Hill Cafe 19 Exchange St. April 26th 6:00 - 8:00 pm
($250 donation, minimum $100)
Includes a wonderful catered vegetarian dinner at Rock Hill Cafe with special guest, Independent Presidential Candidate,
Ralph Nader. Also includes a copy of the Sanctuary For Independent Media's new DVD, "Awake From Your Slumber",
a signed copy of one of Ralph's books along with admission to the Wood Theater event.
(Only 40 tickets are available total and they'll go fast, so please reserve yours soon)

For More Information:
Matt Funiciello (518) 361-6278
mattfuniciello@earthlink.net

GTM Payroll Services Partners with Pioneer Bank

2008-04-04T17:19:00.001-07:00

GTM Payroll Services Partners with Pioneer Bank To Offer Local Payroll Solutions For Capital Region Businesses

GTM/Tech Valley Payroll has partnered with Pioneer Bank to offer business payroll solutions to Pioneer’s growing list of business and commercial banking services.

On the heels of Pioneer’s recent branding efforts, the two companies announced the partnership at Pioneer’s Branch Manager’s Retreat held January 17th at Pioneer’s Watervliet location. The partnership between a locally based bank, like Pioneer, and a locally focused and headquartered payroll solutions provider, like GTM, further illustrates the commitment of both organizations to support the growth of local businesses.

John Scarchili, president and CEO of Pioneer Bank, has aptly noted that a true local business has corporate offices locally, employs local people, supports local organizations and charities, and has a business strategy that is focused on the local customer and community. “Building partnerships with local businesses by providing both banking services that are tailored to individual business needs and offering unique business opportunities, like ours with GTM, is the bedrock of Pioneer’s business philosophy” says Scarchilli.

A member of the Capital Region community since 1991, GTM’s successes, and future growth, is firmly rooted in the local community. “We are very pleased that Pioneer Bank has selected GTM as its partner in offering business payroll solutions to their increasing base of customers,” stated Guy Maddalone, President and CEO of GTM Payroll Services. “Pioneer Bank and GTM share similar core values; both our commitment to the growth of our region and our focus on providing the best local services, technology and convenience to Tech Valley’s thriving business community.”

Recognized as one of Tech Valley ’s entrepreneurial success stories, GTM has been honored as an INC. 5000 company by INC. Magazine, and has ranked one of the Top 25 fastest-growing private companies in the Capital Region for five consecutive years by the Capital District Business Review.

###

About GTM Payroll Services
Founded in 1991, GTM Payroll Services is a nationwide leader in payroll and human resource management for both business and household employers. GTM’s brands include Tech Valley Payroll®, GTM Household Employment Experts® (The Original Nanny Tax & Payroll Company) and A New England Nanny®. Privately held, GTM Payroll Services is headquartered in Clifton Park , NY . www.gtm.com

About Pioneer Bank

Pioneer Bank-where business is personal, is a $750 million mutual savings bank headquartered in Troy , New York since 1889. Pioneer offers full service banking products and services to Capital Region consumers, businesses and municipalities. Pioneer is the parent company of two subsidiaries; PSB Financial Services, Inc. and Pioneer Commercial Bank. The bank currently has 15 Capital District Region offices and employs 330 staff members. www.pioneersb.com

AMERICLEAN Employees Receive Awards

2008-04-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

TWO EMPLOYEES FROM LOCAL CONTRACTOR AWARDED AIR DUCT CLEANING CERTIFICATION CREDENTIALS

In an effort to enhance consumer protection and provide air quality assurance to the public, the Washington , DC based National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) held its certification examination for professional ventilation system cleaning contractors on March 8, 2008.

Richard Allen and Bob Walter of AMERICLEAN were among a select group of professionals who passed the NADCA examination and were awarded the distinguished title of “Air Systems Cleaning Specialist” (ASCS). The ASCS designation recognized comprehensive knowledge in the field of ventilation system cleaning and is a distinctive accomplishment.

“Our certification exam was developed under the guidelines established by the National Organization for Competency Assurance,” said Kenneth Sufka, NADCA Executive Vice President. “By following these nationally accepted guidelines, the examination is extremely fair and practical. It does an excellent job of measuring the competency of those who take the exam, he said.

Air duct cleaning is the process by which heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems are cleaned to remove excessive accumulations of dust, debris, and biological contaminants. With heightened public awareness of the dangers of indoor air pollution, the demand for professional air duct cleaning has increased dramatically. The NADCA Certification Program helps to ensure that members of the association possess the required knowledge and expertise to perform these services in a competent and professional manner.

For more information regarding the benefits of professionally performed air duct cleaning services, contact Allen or Walters at AMERICLEAN – 518-793-9274.

NADCA is the only national association representing the commercial and residential air duct cleaning industry. NADCA’s 900+ member companies include the highest quality contractors in the world.

World Awareness Children’s Museum Hires New Assistant Director

2008-04-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

Lynne Rosenthal has joined the World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls, NY as their new assistant director.  She will be building the museum’s educational, membership, marketing, grant writing and development programs.
Formerly, Ms. Rosenthal managed after-school enrichment and arts in education programs for the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES. Ms. Rosenthal’s department, as part of the BOCES Gifted and Talented Resource Center , served 2,000 students after-school, and coordinated over 400 Arts-in-Education in-school programs and field trips annually. She also served as executive board secretary for the Statewide Arts in Education Network for BOCES and Small Cities .
Prior to BOCES, Ms. Rosenthal worked as the Executive Director of the Excel Interactive Science Museum, and as the Administrative Director of the Art Institute and Gallery, both of Salisbury , Maryland . She also worked as the Marketing Communications Director for TRT Telecommunications Corp., in Washington , DC . She graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Tech, majoring in Marketing Management and Business Administration.
The daughter of a U.S. Army Officer, Ms. Rosenthal lived as a young child in Tehran , Iran for several years. Her father was also stationed in France and Ethiopia, and her childhood home was filled with artifacts from all of these places, including camel saddles, African masks, zebra-skin drums, and many other items similar to those in the Museum’s collection.

About the Museum
Chartered by New York State in 1995, the World Awareness Children’s Museum offers interactive cultural arts programming for children, students and families. Currently undergoing a Capital Campaign for renovations on a new building at 89 Warren Street in Glens Falls , slated for opening in 2009, the Museum currently offers children’s exhibits at offsite locations and outreach educational programs for schools and other institutions.

Since 1988, the Museum has run an International Youth Art Exchange Program. Art created by children is shared worldwide through a network of volunteer world travelers. Around 500 youth from Asian, European and African nations, as well as North, South and Latin American countries contribute their art to the Museum each year.

The Museum’s permanent collection includes over 6,000 works of children’s art from 66 countries and a 3000 plus piece collection of international artifacts, textiles and clothing.   International youth art exhibitions travel to schools, educational institutions, museums and public venues across the United States .    Founded to plant seeds of tolerance in children, the Museum seeks to create concrete connections for children to world cultures, using art conceived through the eyes of children to promote peace and understanding among people of the world.

For more information about the World Awareness Children’s Museum, visit www.worldchildrensmuseum.org, call the Museum offices at 518-793-2773, email Ms. Rosenthal at lrosenthal@worldchildrensmuseum.org, or visit the office at 174-176 Glen Street in Glens Falls, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 2 pm or by appointment.

Calling Job Seekers and Performers!

2008-03-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

The Great Escape Seeks Employees and Entertainers for 2008 Season

Theme park to hire up to 1,500 seasonal employees at annual job fair & casting call

The Great Escape’s 2008 season opening is just around the corner and the theme park has announced its annual job fair and casting call to hire up to 1,500 seasonal employees.

Calling all Entertainers: Annual Auditions
Live your dream of being an actor, singer or JUSTICE LEAGUE Super Hero! The Great Escape is expanding its entertainment offerings this year with new shows and character entertainment, and is looking to cast over 100 performers including super heroes, singers, dancers, show hosts, costume characters and more! The Great Escape offers young performers a chance to gain practical experience in a fun environment. The theme park actively recruits music, theatre and drama students, as well as accomplished performers.
The Great Escape’s annual auditions will be held on Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Great Escape’s Bavarian Palace on Round Pond Road in Queensbury.
The theme park’s entertainment department is especially interested in recruiting actors who can fill the shoes of the beloved Wiggles Characters – including Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus and Wags the Dog – as they will make their new home at the Wiggles World themed children’s area this year.
The theme park is also seeking actors to join the elite league of DC Comics JUSTICE LEAGUE Super Heroes and performers interested in filling the roles of the popular LOONEY TUNES pals.
New in 2008, The Great Escape will introduce Retro Rock, an entertaining tribute to rock and roll hits from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. The theme park is actively seeking singers and dancers for this new production, which debuts at the park’s Jolly Tree Theater in May.
For more information about the theme park’s audition process, please contact The Great Escape’s Entertainment Department at 518-792-3500 ext. 3337 or e-mail bgalarneau@sftp.com.

Attention Job Seekers: Job Fair for Seasonal Employees
It takes thousands of trained and qualified employees to operate The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom each season. This year, the theme park is looking to hire up to 1,500 employees, with positions available in the following areas: food service, games, lifeguards, ride operators, guest relations, park services, retail, petting zoo and more.
The Great Escape’s Job Fair job fair will be held on Saturday, March 22, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Bavarian Palace on Round Pond Road in Queensbury.
Incredible job opportunities are available for students, stay-at-home moms, teachers, seniors and retirees, and just about anyone who is looking to earn competitive wages, incentive bonuses, and receive perks while working at a rewarding job. Applications will also be accepted for a variety of positions at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark.

Prior to attending the job fair, prospective workers must first complete and submit an online application at sixflagsjobs.com. Applicants should bring either a photo ID (working papers for anyone 14-17 will serve in place of Photo ID), Social Security card or birth certificate to the interview fair. Applicants should be prepared for an on-site interview, and appropriate interview attire is suggested.
The Great Escape opens for the 2008 season on Saturday, May 10, with an exciting line up of new attractions including the Wiggles World themed children’s area and the new Mega Wedgie water slide. For more information about The Great Escape, log onto sixflags.com.
###
About Six Flags, Inc
Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company with 21 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Founded in 1961, Six Flags has provided world class entertainment for millions of families with cutting edge, record-shattering roller coasters and appointment programming with events like the popular Thursday and Sunday Night Concert Series. Now 47 years strong, Six Flags is recognized as the preeminent thrill innovator while reaching to all demographics – families, teens, tweens and thrill seekers alike – with themed attractions based on the Looney Tunes characters, the Justice League of America, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, The Wiggles and Thomas the Tank Engine. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.

About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC Super Heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics’ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.

SIX FLAGS and all related indicia are trademarks of Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. ®, TM and © 2008.
© 2008 The Wiggles Pty Ltd.
LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
JUSTICE LEAGUE and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics. (s08)

3rd Annual North Country Home & Backyard Expo Returns to the Lake George Forum

2008-03-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

3rd Annual North Country Home and Backyard Expo Returns to the Lake George Forum March 28-30, 2008:

Show to Feature 70 Area Builders, Remodelers and Suppliers Showcasing
the Latest Products and Designs; Free Educational Seminars Offered

As Glens Falls continues its metamorphosis, fueled by the metro area's state-leading job growth, regional home sales and remodeling starts continue keep pace. Residents of the Adirondacks and its surrounding communities planning to build a new home, add an addition, deck or sunroom, or simply remodel an outdated kitchen or bath, will find inspiration at the 3rd annual North Country Home & Backyard Expo set for March 28-30 at the Lake George
Forum.

Show hours are Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, $1 for youth ages 6-17 and free for children under six.

"For anyone who is building, remodeling or just getting started, this is an event you cannot afford to miss," said Premier Events President Eric Johnson. "Under one roof, we'll feature countless professionals to help homeowners turn their dreams into reality, as well as save time and money."

Hosted with support from The Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern New York, this year's event will feature elaborate showroom exhibits and experts from all areas of the home building, remodeling and backyard industries, including home building, home design, flooring, heating and air conditioning, kitchen and bath, lighting, landscaping, windows and doors, sunrooms and solariums, hot tubs and spas, concrete and fencing.

In addition to having face time with countless home professionals, attendees will also be able to soak up helpful and informative seminars presented by local and regional experts on the latest home technologies, financial information, and advice for remodeling or renovating their
homes. There will also be a "Kids' Zone Workshop," where youngsters can participate in fun filled activities, and where little ones can burn off steam.

"Expo visitors are encouraged to bring plans, ideas and scrapbooks to share with our experts," Johnson explained. "Attendees should also plan to bring along note taking supplies to jot down much of the advice they'll receive."

For more information, call Premier Events at (518) 745-8700 or go to www.northcountryhomeexpo.com.

Eric R. Johnson
Premier Event Productions, LLC
-Specialized Events for the Building Industry- PO Box 4034 Queensbury
NY
12804
p: 800.745.8120, 518.745.8700
c: 518.321.7438 f: 518.745.8788
www.loghomeshows.com
www.northcountryhomeexpo.com

Mark Your Calendars:
2008

2-day- Syracuse, NY-- February 23-24
2-day- Lake George, NY--October 11-12
3-day- Cleveland, OH-- November 14-16

The North Country Home & Backyard EXPO
-Lake George, New York - March 28-30, 2008

Tatweer and Six Flags Announce Strategic Alliance

2008-03-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, announced today a strategic
alliance with US-based Six Flags Inc. (NYSE: SIX), the world's largest
theme park company, to develop thrill-driven theme parks across the Arab
world.

The highlight of the strategic alliance will be the development of Six
Flags Dubailand (R), a five million square feet multi-billion dirham theme
park within the world's largest tourism, leisure and entertainment
destination.

The first Six Flags project to be developed outside of North America,
the theme park comes as part of Tatweer's tactical contribution to Dubai
Strategic Plan 2015, which aims to develop the emirate into a leading
global hub for tourism and leisure.

Featuring its signature line-up of thrill and themed adventure rides
and attractions, Six Flags Dubailand (R) will boast world renowned
entertainment franchises such as the children's musical group Wiggles and
professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. The park's unique components will
complement Six Flags' award-winning productions and original programming,
such as Operation Spygirl, the 'Big E' Entertainment Award recipient at the
2007 IAPAA Trade Show and Convention.

Tatweer and Six Flags Dubailand (R) also will work together to
integrate their expertise to create new concepts across the region, such as
Six Flags theme parks, branded restaurants, hotels and retail outlets that
will holistically offer unique travel and vacation opportunities for
tourists, families and visitors worldwide.

For the theme park project, Six Flags will conceptualize and oversee
the master plan based on its history in that arena, which includes the
development, ownership and management of 21 parks across North America.
Groundbreaking is expected in 2009. Additionally, the Six Flags corporate
alliance division will represent Dubailand for international corporate
sponsorship opportunities.

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman of Tatweer, said: "The addition
of Six Flags, one of the world's most reputed leisure and entertainment
companies, to our burgeoning portfolio complements Dubailand's(R) value
proposition as an unrivalled tourism destination. It is a privilege for
Tatweer to be selected by Six Flags as its regional partner and Dubailand
(R) as the destination to host the first Six Flags theme park outside of
North America."

Six Flags Dubailand (R) will join the elite repertoire of Tatweer-owned
world class projects at Dubailand (R) destination such as BAWADI(R), The
Tiger Woods Dubai, Universal Studios Dubailand (R), DreamWorks Animation
Park, Hit Entertainment and Global Village.

Al Muntafiq added: "The new alliance with yet another global leisure
and entertainment leader such as Six Flags consolidates Tatweer's
commitment to becoming a leading global tourism, leisure and entertainment
investor, and a key contributor to the tourism objectives of Dubai
Strategic Plan 2015."

Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of Six Flags, said: "This is a historic
day for our company. Expanding Six Flags beyond our current North American
borders validates the growing strength and momentum of our brand. Through
this partnership with Tatweer, we now have the opportunity to create a
world-class theme park destination that will allow guests from around the
globe to experience Six Flags' unique combination of thrills and
entertainment."

The three billion sq feet Dubailand (R), a member of Tatweer, comprises
projects that include DreamWorks Animation Park, Universal Studios
Dubailand (R), BAWADI(R), Global Village, and projects that are under
advanced stages of development including Dubai Sports City, Motor City,
Falcon City, Dubai Heritage Vision, and Al Barari. The Polo and Equestrian
Club and City of Arabia are currently in the initial stages of
infrastructure work.

About Six Flags, Inc:

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company with
21 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Founded in 1961, Six
Flags has provided world class entertainment for millions of families with
cutting edge, record-shattering roller coasters and appointment programming
with events like the popular Thursday and Sunday Night Concert Series. Now
47 years strong, Six Flags is recognized as the preeminent thrill innovator
while reaching to all demographics - families, teens, tweens and thrill
seekers alike - with themed attractions based on the Looney Tunes
characters, the Justice League of America, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk,
The Wiggles and Thomas the Tank Engine. Six Flags, Inc. is a
publicly-traded corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.

About Dubailand (R)

Dubailand(R), a member of Tatweer, is the world's most ambitious
tourism, leisure and entertainment project, catering to the needs of the
entire family. The unique 3 billion sq. ft. development has been designed
to catalyze the position of Dubai as an international hub of family
tourism, appealing to tourist segments across genders, age group, world
regions and activity preferences. Dubailand(R) is projected to attract
millions of tourists annually from around the world.

The diverse projects under Dubailand(R) include theme parks,
eco-tourism projects, shopping malls, restaurants and residential units
that are being developed by UAE, GCC and international investors.

A product of extraordinary vision, Dubailand(R) will be an attractive
place to 'live, work and play' for the emirate's growing population, both
as a leisure destination and an appropriate setting for business and
entertainment development.

About Tatweer:

Launched in December 2005, Tatweer is one of the region's most dynamic
enterprises and a member of Dubai Holding. Comprising 10 market-leading
brands, it oversees an ambitious business development plan. Its current
portfolio is divided into Energy & Healthcare, Tourism & Entertainment, and
Industry & Real Estate offerings. Its entities include Dubai Healthcare
City, the region's hub for world-class quality healthcare services; Mizin,
one of the most advanced real estate companies in the region; Universal
City Dubailand(R), the 22 million sq ft development, featuring Universal
Studios Dubailand as its centerpiece; 'The Tiger Woods - Dubai', an
exclusive golf community that will include the first ever Tiger Woods
designed golf course; Dubailand(R), one of the biggest leisure,
entertainment and tourism destinations in the Middle East; Dubai Industrial
City, an industrial township to develop Dubai as a leading manufacturing
hub; BAWADI(R), the world's leading hospitality and entertainment project
hosting 51 luxury hotels and more than 60,000 hotel rooms; Dubai Energy,
investing in regional and global energy opportunities and building a
diversified investment portfolio; Dubai Mercantile Exchange, the first
energy futures exchange in the Middle East set up in partnership with the
New York Mercantile Exchange and Global Village, a premier family
destination for culture, entertainment, cuisine and commerce.

Tatweer's entities continue to consolidate a group of life-improving
industries in addition to pioneering joint venture initiatives with leading
global conglomerates. They continuously strive for world-class performance,
while implementing leadership development to drive and sustain business
excellence, quality and high performance.

Trapper’s Adirondack Grille to be converted to new Johnny Rockets restaurant

2008-03-04T17:29:00.000-08:00

Johnny Rockets to Open in Queensbury

Officials at The Great Escape Properties today announced plans to convert Trapper’s Adirondack Grille, the main restaurant serving the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark, to a new Johnny Rockets restaurant, the first eatery of its kind in the North Country. At 3,400 square feet, the full service restaurant in Queensbury is expected to be one of the largest freestanding Johnny Rockets restaurants in the United States.

Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-March and the restaurant is anticipated to open in June 2008. Johnny Rockets will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the general public and to guests of the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark.

Restaurant patrons can look forward to great-tasting food from a menu of all-American favorites including juicy hamburgers, hand-dipped shakes & malts and hot fresh fries. Guests will also enjoy an all-American diner look and feel, servers who know the secret behind getting ketchup out of the bottle, tabletop jukeboxes that belt out tunes for a nickel and authentic décor.

“We are thrilled to announce the creation of a new Johnny Rockets restaurant in Queensbury,” said Don McCoy, President of The Great Escape Properties. “We expect that Johnny Rockets will be extremely appealing to the local community and guests of The Great Escape and Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark. The restaurant’s classic all-American menu, authentic 50’s decor and family fun will certainly complement the attractions of The Great Escape Properties.”

Over the next several months, Trapper’s Adirondack Grille will be renovated and converted to a full service Johnny Rockets restaurant. The interior will be completely remodeled, upgraded and re-themed to Johnny Rockets specifications, and will offer three meals each day, as well as take-out service.

The announcement comes almost one year after The Great Escape’s parent company, Six Flags, Inc. announced a multi-year strategic relationship with Johnny Rockets restaurants allowing the company to open franchise eateries at its theme parks. There are currently six Johnny Rockets restaurants in operation at Six Flags theme parks in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, New Jersey, San Antonio and St. Louis, with plans to open nine more locations this year in addition to the Queensbury location.

Johnny Rockets has received numerous acknowledgements from customers in cities across the United States, including “Best Hamburger” on Los Angeles’ Citysearch Website, “Best Fries” in Atlanta, “Best Family Friendly Restaurant” in San Francisco and “Best Hamburger” by FOX Miami. The company, which is based in Lake Forest, California, prides itself on providing a simple, fresh menu and providing prompt, friendly service in a clean environment.

The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark is off to a great start in 2008, and the Lodge will remain in full operation during the construction period continuing to offer great deals on suite packages and outstanding food options at its other restaurant facilities.

The 2008 season is also shaping up to be an exciting one for The Great Escape. In addition to the Johnny Rockets announcement, The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom will add several new major attractions in 2008 including Wiggles World, a themed children’s area based on The Wiggles, the most popular children’s entertainers in the world, and the Mega Wedgie, a thrilling new waterslide in Splashwater Kingdom.

Season passes for The Great Escape’s 2008 season are currently available for $69.99 (plus tax), the lowest price of the season, at sixflags.com and at participating Price Chopper locations. For more information about The Great Escape, log onto sixflags.com. For information about Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark, visit www.SixFlagsGreatEscapeLodge.com.

About Six Flags, Inc:

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company with 21 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Founded in 1961, Six Flags has provided world class entertainment for millions of families with cutting edge, record-shattering roller coasters and appointment programming with events like the popular Thursday and Sunday Night Concert Series. Now 47 years strong, Six Flags is recognized as the preeminent thrill innovator while reaching to all demographics – families, teens, tweens and thrill seekers alike – with themed attractions based on the Looney Tunes characters, the Justice League of America, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, The Wiggles and Thomas the Tank Engine. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.

About Johnny Rockets:

For more than 21 years, Johnny Rockets has offered the food, fun and friendliness reminiscent of feel-good Americana. Every Johnny Rockets restaurant offers its guests simple, great-tasting food from a menu of all-American favorites, including juicy hamburgers and hand-dipped shakes and malts. Johnny Rockets is currently franchising new restaurants in most markets.

Johnny Rockets is headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif. To learn more about Johnny Rockets, visit www.johnnyrockets.com.

Rising to the Top at Paychex

2008-02-25T06:20:00.000-08:00

Kelly DelSignore, approaching her third anniversary with Paychex, is enjoying exceptional success. Shortly after finishing her second year as a Sales Representative, she earned level one Diamond Club status for setting up her 200th client. Entering her third full year she has already achieved Conference qualification with more than four months left to go in the company's fiscal year, a feat managed by less than twenty five percent of the sales force at Paychex. Kelly is well on her way to the next major milestone within the Paychex ladder: Circle of Excellence, accomplishing this will put her in an elite group representing the top 15% of the sales force.

Bravo Kelly, bravo!

Saratoga Bridges Hires New Position

2008-02-07T07:39:00.001-08:00

Heather Varney has been named the new Development and Foundation Coordinator for Saratoga Bridges. She will be responsible for creating and implementing an annual development plan for the agency and its foundation. Heather will be coordinating all of the special events which include the 19th annual Saratoga Bridges Gala "The Black and White Ball," the 5th annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Golf Classic, the Saratoga Bridges Day at the Races and The Great Pumpkin Run, all of which benefit the Saratoga Bridges' Foundation. Also, she will develop a planned giving program.

Saratoga Bridges has been a part of her life for over 15 years as her Mother, Cynthia Bruce, has worked in one the community-based homes since then. Heather says, "I’ve always known of the hard work and dedication that she and other employees have given in order to provide the excellent services and care to individuals and families living with disabilities. Each year I attended events and fundraisers for the organization and introduced many others to the many programs the agency offers. It is through these experiences that have inspired me to want to become more involved. I am very excited to continue old traditions and begin new ones, to increase awareness in the community, to produce successful events and to grow the foundation for the future."

Previously, Heather was Director of Electronic Marketing & Communications/Special Events Coordinator at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center . She will obtain a Masters in Business Administration from The College of Saint Rose in May of 2008 and has BS in Business Administration/Marketing from Plattsburgh State University . Heather has volunteered for March of Dimes, Albany Symphony Orchestra and SPAC. She enjoys walking, attending concerts, listening to music, spending time with friends and family and rooting for the NY Giants and the Yankees.

As one of the largest non-profit organizations in Saratoga County , Saratoga Bridges has been providing programs to people with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 50 years. Throughout its’ history, family members, staff and volunteers have been committed to ensuring that those they serve are able to realize their goals, hopes and dreams. They remain steadfast in their ability to offer the highest level of services to 750 individuals, by promoting their abilities, contributions and achievements in every aspect of community life.

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

2008-02-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

AREA ORGANIZATIONS JOIN FORCES WITH CDPHP® TO RAISE NEARLY $23.5K FOR THE REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK

** Funds Slated for Expansion of Kids Cafe Program Surpass Last Year’s Contributions **

In partnership with nearly 40 New York state businesses in the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Central New York areas, CDPHP® raised nearly $23.5K during its 2007 annual holiday appeal to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s local expansion of the Kids Cafe® program.

A national program, Kids Cafes provide free meals and snacks to low-income children through a variety of existing community organizations where children congregate. Currently, the Capital Region houses Kids Cafe programs in Lansingburgh and Schenectady.

“We are very grateful to CDPHP and the organizations that joined their appeal to raise the much needed funds for the expansion of our Kids Cafe program,” said Mark Quandt, executive director, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. “Since launching the first local Kids Cafe in 2003, we have seen the need grow dramatically for additional sites throughout the region. This appeal will bring us one step closer to our goal of developing new locations.”

In addition to helping alleviate childhood hunger in the community, the Kids Cafe program offers a safe place where under the supervision of trustworthy staff, a child can get involved in educational, recreational, and social activities.

CDPHP launched the campaign with a donation of $5,000 and a commitment to match up to another $5,000 in donations from area businesses. Companies and organizations from counties across the state joined the appeal and contributed $13,380 to the Food Bank.

“CDPHP is pleased to lead the charge on an appeal that benefits such an amazing community resource as the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York,” said CDPHP President and CEO, William J. Cromie, MD, MBA. “We are very grateful to all of the donors who recognized the increasing number of children right here in the Capital Region who do not have access to three square meals daily. Our hope is that these funds will begin to improve this condition.”

The organizations that participated in the 2007 CDPHP Annual Holiday Appeal include:

Adirondack Cabling, Inc.
Akins Pharmacy
Albany Neuropsychological Associates
Anchor Agency, Inc.
Arthur Sgroi Associates
AWESCO
Beckman Converting, Inc.
Bloom & Bloom, P.C.
CapBen Consulting, Inc.
Capital Public Affairs, Inc.
Dr. Kathleen M. Catalano
The Costumer
CS Albany Realty, LLC
ESAC Appraisers Consultants
GENPAK, LLC
IBEW Local Union 236
Krause's Chocolates
JCB Specialties, Inc.
Mackenzie & Tallent Law Firm
Dr. Robert O. McCabe
Montgomery County Farm Bureau
Nedco Pharmacy, Inc.
NYS Office of General Services - Real Estate Planning and Development
Park Outdoor Advertising of NY, Inc.
R.J. Kennedy & Sons
Richard Altwerger, DPM
Rip Van Winkle Realty
Rubin Dialysis Center, Inc.
Russin Lumber Corp.
SAF Consulting & Print Services
Dr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Scharf
Sterling Insurance Company
Success Secrets
Van Auken Express, Inc.
Viscusi's Aluminum Products, Inc.
Weatherguard Roofing Company
Webster Direct Marketing, Inc.
Wood & Seward, LLP
For more than 20 years, CDPHP has served as a strong corporate citizen assisting hundreds of community organizations throughout its extensive service area. CDPHP has been recognized nationally and regionally with awards and honors by many organizations for its strong corporate citizenship, health and wellness programs, and its diverse health insurance products.

About CDPHP®
Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP at www.cdphp.com.

TreePaad Goes Out on a Limb for Homeless Youth

2008-02-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

TreePaad Family Entertainment Center on Dix Ave. held a benefit on December 31, 2007 for the Warren Washington Counties Homeless Youth Coalition. Over $1,400 was raised to support HYC's mission of reducing the homeless youth population in Warren and Washington Counties . "We were delighted to be able to help.", said TreePaad owner Patti Garrand. "Our business wanted to express our gratitude to HYC for the wonderful work they do with homeless youth and our fundraiser was our way of saying "Thanks!."" For a special price TreePaad patrons enjoyed unlimited play on TreePaad's most popular attractions. Also on hand were volunteers from HYC with information about the organization, as well as the Harrisena Youth Group. Garrand plans to hold another fundraiser for the group in December, 2008. "With HYC's new maternity group home project in the works, I know that our support will be needed." said Garrand. For more information visit http://www.hycwaithouse.org/ or http://www.treepaad.com/.

Photo L to R Patti Garrand, TreePaad, Duane J. Vaughn, HYC Executive Director, Anne M. Fuller, HYC Fund Development Coordinator.

Welcome Aboard!

2008-02-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

Greater Adirondack Home Aides Welcomes New Board Members

Glens Falls, NYâ€”Greater Adirondack Home Aides has named Teena Willard, Dr. Christian E. Mathiesen DMD, and Dr. Edward Kerr DDS, to the Board of Directors.

Teena Willard is currently an Advocate for the Saratoga County Options for Independent Living in Saratoga Springs, NY. Ms. Willard has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Skidmore College and is a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her experience with helping others is extensive and includes holding the position of Coordinator with the City of Schenectady Office of Disability Services, and working at the Glens Falls Independent Living Center as an Advocate and Independent Living Skills Trainer.

Ms. Willard is a current member of the Adirondack Accessibility Advisory Council and the City of Schenectady Mayorâ€™s Task Force for Personâ€™s with Disabilities. As a past member of the Greater Saratoga Council on the Disabled, she helped to successfully advocate for a ramp, elevator, an accessible bathroom in Saratoga Springs City Hall, a ramp on the Casino in downtown Saratoga Springs and a wealth of other projects. Ms. Willard resides in Gansevoort, NY.

Dr. Christian E. Mathiesen has practiced general dentistry in Saratoga Springs, NY since 1978 and is currently in private practice at 53 Spring Street in Saratoga. Dr. Mathiesen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Boston College, attended Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry, and is a member of the American Dental Association and the New York State Dental Association.

Dr. Mathiesen is presently the Director at Large for the Fourth District Dental Society and through this organization has held the positions of President in 2002 and the District Representative to NYSDA Council on Dental Benefit Programs. He has also been a member of the societies Peer Review Committee as well as a member of its Organization Committee for Saratoga Dental Congress. Dr. Mathiesen is currently serving on the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board and the Home Made Theater Board of Directors. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Mathiesen has achieved the highest possible honor available, the Mastership Award. He resides in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Dr. Edward Kerr opened his dental practice in Glens Falls NY in 1969 from which he is now presently retired. Dr. Kerr graduated from the Albany College of Pharmacy in 1961 and the University of Buffalo College of Dentistry in 1965. He served as a Captain in the US Army Dental Corps from 1965-1968 in Mannheim, Germany.

Dr. Kerr is a member of The American Dental Society, the New York State Dental Society, The Fourth District Dental Society of which he has served as the President, and the Glens Falls Rotary Club. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Warren County Cancer Society, the Glens Falls Area Youth Center, the Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Regional Board, and is currently serving on the Community Workshop Board. Dr. Kerr resides in Queensbury with his wife Beverly.

Greater Adirondack Home Aides is a not-for-profit, community-based United Way Member agency that had been providing home health care to area clients since 1965.

The Best of 2007

2008-01-29T03:30:00.000-08:00

Greater Adirondack Home Aides Names Aide of the Year

Greater Adirondack Home Aides, a leading provider of home health care services throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, has selected Joyce Moulton as AIDE OF THE YEAR for 2007.

With great pleasure the Selection Committee of Greater Adirondack Home Aides (GAHA) bestows upon Ms. Moulton the highest honor that can be achieved by a Home Health Aide. She has been with the agency since 1983 and has been a loyal and responsible employee throughout the years. Ms. Moulton's position as a Route Aide means she is always on the job.

"You are an excellent representative of GAHA and the home health care profession," said John Penzer, President and CEO of Greater Adirondack Home Aides. Ms. Moulton will receive an engraved watch, a bonus, and her photo and plaque will grace the GAHA office throughout 2008.

Congratulations Joyce Moulton!

Greater Adirondack Home Aides is a not-for-profit, community-based United Way Member agency that had been providing home health care to area clients since 1965.

Visit GAHA.

Giving a Hand to Exceptional Aides

2008-01-29T03:24:00.000-08:00

Greater Adirondack Home Aides Names Aide of October, November and December

Greater Adirondack Home Aides, a leading provider of home health care services throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, has selected Leigh Priest as AIDE OF THE MONTH for October 2007.

The Selection Committee feels Ms. Priest is extremely flexible with her schedule and is always willing to fill in when needed. Her professional manner and upbeat attitude finds Ms. Priest well liked among her clients and peers.

John Penzer, President and CEO of Greater Adirondack Home Aides has said, "We're very proud of you and grateful for the fine work you do with our clients."

Congratulations to Ms. Priest on winning this distinctive honor.

She will receive a paid day off, a check, and a recognition pin.

November
Greater Adirondack Home Aides has selected Fay Sherman as AIDE OF THE MONTH for November 2007.

Mrs. Sherman was chosen to be Aide of the Month by the Selection Committee for always going the "extra mile" for her clients. She has been with Greater Adirondack Home Aides since 1992 and has always been completely reliable and dependable. She will change her schedule to accommodate those she cares for, and does so with an infectious smile and positive attitude. Her clients greatly appreciate her efforts.

"Your kind and gentle nature is inspirational; you are a wonderful representative of the agency and an excellent role model for your peers," said John Penzer, President and CEO of Greater Adirondack Home Aides. Mrs. Sherman will receive a paid day off, a check and a recognition pin.

Congratulations to Fay Sherman!

DecemberGreater Adirondack Home Aides has selected Andy Benware as AIDE OF THE MONTH for December 2007.

The Selection Committee has chosen Mr. Benware to be Aide of the Month for his capability to work well with a variety of challenging cases. His proficiency allows him to work well with a wide range of people, always without complaint.

Congratulations to Mr. Benware!

"We deeply appreciate the fine work you do! You are always willing to assist the agency," said John Penzer, President and CEO of Greater Adirondack Home Aides. Mr. Benware will receive a paid day off, a check, and a recognition pin.

Greater Adirondack Home Aides is a not-for-profit, community-based United Way Member agency that had been providing home health care to area clients since 1965.

Recognition on a Global Level for UHY

2008-01-26T18:55:00.000-08:00

UHY INTERNATIONAL AMONG FIRST FULL MEMBERS OF FORUM OF FIRMS, A NEW GLOBAL ACCOUNTING BODY

UHY International has been named one of the first full members of the Forum of Firms after reporting it has implemented a globally coordinated quality assurance program, committed to the use of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), and met other specific ethics requirements, the Forum announced today.

UHY llp is a founding member of UHY International, the global organization of accounting and consulting firms.

“We are proud to be among the first group of Forum members,” said Richard Kotlow, managing partner of UHY llp’s Albany office. “We have embraced the high quality assurance and ethics standards required of Forum members in order to serve the public interest and to help raise the standards of the international practice of auditing.”

John Wolfgang, UHY International chairman and UHY llp partner in New York City , added: “More specifically, a growing number of mid-tier companies now have interests in at least one country outside their home base – and even multi-national operations. UHY International’s membership in the Forum of Firm means our clients have access to the same quality of professional service virtually anywhere. We not only have the global reach but now have the attested compliance infrastructure to deliver a trans-national service that any client – or their stakeholders – can count on.”

The Forum of Firms is an association of international networks of accounting firms like UHY International. These firms perform audits of financial statements that are or may be used across national borders. The Forum’s goal is to promote consistent and high quality standards of financial reporting and auditing practices worldwide. It conducts its business through its executive arm, the Transnational Auditors Committee (TAC), which is also a committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). The members of the TAC are nominated by Forum members.

Marilyn Pendergast, a UHY llp partner in Albany and TAC member since 2004, said: “The Forum of Firms represents the global trend toward more consistent application of international standards for greater relevance to investors and other users of financial statements.

Pendergast added, “UHY llp’s internal quality-control procedures and policies have been in place since the UHY International network was founded in 1986, which means our membership of the Forum of Firms is a natural and seamless transition.”

In order to achieve full membership status, UHY International had to commit to meet the Forum’s membership obligations which require members to:

· Maintain appropriate quality control standards in accordance with International Standards on Quality Control issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) in addition to relevant national quality control standards and conduct, to the extent not prohibited by national regulation, regular globally coordinated internal quality assurance reviews;

· Have policies and methodologies for the conduct of transnational audits that are based, to the extent practicable, on ISAs issued by the IAASB; and

· Have policies and methodologies which conform to the IFAC Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants and national codes of ethics.

Like all the other full members announced today, UHY International originally joined the Forum as a provisional member. As of January 2008, of the 21 Forum members, 17 are full members and four are provisional members. The Forum’s remaining provisional members are working toward becoming full members in 2008.

As a full member of the Forum, UHY International is entitled to indicate Forum membership on our website, on letterhead, and in our publications.

UHY International is an association of independent accounting and consulting firms with offices in 190 major business centers in 66 countries. Over 6,300 staff generated an aggregate income of US$610 million in 2007, ranking UHY International among the top 25 international accounting and consultancy networks (by revenue). Each member of UHY International is a legally separate and independent firm.

Sixteen other international networks of accounting firms also achieved full member status, the first group of firms to do so since the Forum was formally established in 2002. A list of the Forum’s members is attached.

About UHY llp and UHY Advisors
UHY llp is a national licensed CPA firm and operates as the attest firm in an alternative practice structure with UHY Advisors Inc., the 13th largest professional services firm in the United States . Both firms are independent U.S. members of UHY International Limited, an international association of firms that operate in 60 countries worldwide.

For further information on UHY llp, please visit www.uhyllp.com

About UHY International

Established in 1986 and based in London , UK , UHY International is an association of independent accounting and consulting firms with offices in major business centres throughout the world. UHY has 188 offices in 64 countries with over 5,500 staff and generated an aggregate income of over US$530 million in 2006. Each member of UHY is a legally separate and independent firm in its own country.

For further information on UHY International please go to www.uhy.com.

Great Promotions

2008-01-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

Officials at The Great Escape Properties have announced the promotion of several management employees.

Kerry Claus has been promoted to General Manager of the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark. In his new role, Claus is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, as well as directing the food & beverage and guest relations departments at the property. Employed at the Lodge since 2005, Claus was most recently the Assistant General Manager. Claus holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the State University of New York at Fredonia, as well as an associate’s degree in hotel restaurant management from Paul Smith’s College.

Joseph Molnar has been promoted to the position of Director of Food & Beverage at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark. Molnar is responsible for directing all food and beverage operations at the Lodge, including directing banquet events; creating and implementing special events; managing themed activities; and managing service staff at each of the Lodge’s restaurants, including at Trapper’s Adirondack Grille and Tall Tales Tavern. Previously the Executive Chef at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark, Molnar began his career as an apprentice chef at the five-diamond Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress resort in Orlando, Florida.

Randall Wilke has been promoted to Director of Operations at The Great Escape Properties. A Six Flags employee for nearly ten years, Wilke was previously the Operations Manager at The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom. Now reporting directly to the President of The Great Escape Properties, Wilke is responsible for oversight of Admissions, Aquatics, Entertainment, Park Services, Parking, Rides, Safety, and Security departments at both The Great Escape and the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark.

Steve Krawczyk has been promoted to Director of Administration at The Great Escape Properties. In his new role, Krawczyk is responsible for human resource functions at both The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom and the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark. Krawczyk began his career at The Great Escape as Promotions Manager, and is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY.
Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company, operating 21 parks across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Six Flags has more roller coasters than all other theme park companies combined. Since 1961, Six Flags has provided world-class thrilling entertainment for millions of families. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE: SIX) headquartered in New York City.

Demers Tapped for Vice President

2007-12-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

CDPHP® ANNOUNCES JOHN DEMERS SELECTED
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

CDPHP® today announced the appointment of John Demers to vice president of advertising and public affairs. In this position, Demers will provide oversight for all activities in the communications department including advertising, public relations, and community sponsorships.

“We are so pleased to have John join our team,” said William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, president and CEO, CDPHP. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on corporate communications experience to CDPHP, and his guidance will play an integral part of our leadership team who is committed to keeping members, employers, and providers informed about their health care,” said Cromie.

Demers brings more than 25 years of experience in advertising, graphic arts, and communications. Prior to joining CDPHP, he held several management positions with EmblemHealth, Inc., the merged organization of Group Health, Inc. (GHI) and Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP), including most recently as vice president of corporate communications. He resides with his wife and children in Delmar.

About CDPHP®

Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits, Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP.

CDPHP Appoints New Director

2007-12-10T12:26:00.000-08:00

CDPHP® NAMES GARY GONZALES
DIRECTOR OF PRACTITIONER AND VENDOR CONTRACTING

CDPHP® today announced the appointment of Gary Gonzales as director of practitioner and vendor contracting. In this position, Gonzales will manage all physician and adjunct provider contracting and continue to enhance and develop provider and vendor relationships.

“Gary brings more than 20 years of experience in the health care industry,” said William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, president and CEO, CDPHP. “His broad knowledge of health plans coupled with an understanding of contracting, provider relations, and network development will enhance our negotiations with primary care physicians, specialists, and other practitioners,” said Cromie.

Prior to joining CDPHP, Gonzales held several management positions including executive director of contract operations at St. Joseph Health System in Anaheim, Calif., and director of provider services at PacifiCare of California in Cypress, Calif. He also served at other health care organizations including Cigna and Partners Health Plans in Arizona.

Gonzales earned a bachelor of arts degree in American Studies from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in business management from the University of Redlands in Redlands, Calif.

About CDPHP®
Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits, Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP at www.cdphp.com .

The Best is Right Here

2007-11-30T08:43:00.000-08:00

Glens Falls Firm Earns Award as a Top 25 Best Architecture Firm to Work For in the U.S.

In October, JMZ Architects and Planners, P.C. was honored as one of
ZweigWhite’s 2007 Top 25 Best Architecture Firms to Work For in the U.S. JMZ ranked third in the Small Architecture Firms category and #1 for Best Overall Employee Satisfaction. Results were based on confidential employee surveys submitted directly to ZweigWhite, a Boston-based management consulting firm to the architecture and engineering professions. JMZ was the only architecture firm in New York State to place in the Top 25.

Established in 1977, JMZ is a 20-person higher education planning and architecture firm located in downtown Glens Falls. They provide service to college clients across NY and in VT, PA and MD. Their creativity as designers carries through to their office culture. They maintain a balanced, life-friendly atmosphere where employees are encouraged to grow and expand their talents through professional experience, continuing education and a personalized mentoring program. In addition to the requisite 401(k) plan, profit sharing, and flexible time, the firm offers its employees a steady stream of chocolate and abundance of fun. In past years, they have participated in Bike to Work Day, National Pie Day, Operation Santa Claus and other fun, community-oriented events. This past June, they closed their office for a day and donned life jackets for a white water rafting adventure down the Indian River in the Adirondacks.

For more information, please visit:

www.JMZarchitects.com

www.zweigwhite.com

UHY LLP Global Nod

2007-11-30T08:37:00.000-08:00

UHY LLP’s JOHN WOLFGANG
ELECTED CHAIR OF GLOBAL ACCOUNTING FIRM GROUP

Albany native John E. Wolfgang, partner in UHY LLP and a member of its management committee, has been appointed chairman of the global accounting and consulting firm association of UHY International (UHYI). Mr. Wolfgang formally took the helm at the UHYI 2007 Annual Meeting of partners held in Singapore on October 25 and 26, 2007. He was elected to a five-year term.

“The accounting world is going through a time of great change,” Mr. Wolfgang noted. “Convergence of accounting and auditing standards, for example, is not just an issue for huge multinationals. It is also a serious concern for dynamic mid-tier businesses – the natural client constituency for UHYI member firms. Convergence issues affect us all.”

As chairman of UHYI, Wolfgang plans to focus on four main goals:

Continuing the expansion of the global network in the organization’s priority markets;

Strengthening and expanding the individual member firms within their local markets;

Providing enhanced technical guidance and support to member firms;

Building national and international brand awareness for UHYI.

In addition, he added: “We have a golden opportunity over the next few years to create a brand with unique strengths and characteristics, built around a strong focus on the needs of our core clients.”

Richard Kotlow, managing partner of UHY LLP’s Albany office and a board member of UHYI, praised Wolfgang’s accomplishments. “From the beginning, John has been active with UHYI, which started as an initiative of our Albany and New York City offices. He has proven himself a leader on the global stage, especially with our mid-market clients that have complex international needs. He has led our New York practice’s largest international engagements, which have taken him all over the world in the pursuit of assuring quality standards. UHYI will benefit from John’s leadership.”

Mr. Wolfgang was one of the original board members of UHYI when it was formed in 1986. UHYI was formed following the association of UK-based firm Hacker Young (now known as UHY Hacker Young LLP) and U.S. firm, Urbach Kahn & Werlin (now known as UHY LLP). He has been a key player in the subsequent growth of the international association.

A graduate of Siena College, Mr. Wolfgang lives in New York City with his wife Christina. John has three children and two grandchildren.

About UHY LLP and UHY Advisors
UHY LLP is a national licensed CPA firm and operates as the attest firm in an alternative practice structure with UHY Advisors Inc., the 13th largest professional services firm in the United States. Both firms are independent U.S. members of Urbach Hacker Young International Limited, an international association of firms that operate in 60 countries worldwide.

For further information on UHY LLP, please visit www.uhyllp.com

About UHY International

Established in 1986 and based in London, UK, UHY International is an association of independent accounting and consulting firms with offices in major business centres throughout the world. UHY has 188 offices in 64 countries with over 5,500 staff and generated an aggregate income of over US$530 million in 2006. Each member of UHY is a legally separate and independent firm in its own country.

For further information on UHY International please go to www.uhy.com.

Buzzing About Murphy

2007-11-20T05:12:00.000-08:00

ARCC member, Scott Murphy was featured in yesterday's TU Business Blog post.

Scott Murphy, a managing director of Advantage Capital Partners, a private equity firm that has an office in Glens Falls, has been elected president of the Upstate Venture Association of New York for 2007-08.

Murphy has been involved in investments in 11 upstate companies. He has been on the UVANY board for five years.

Advantage has offices in major U.S. cities in addition to Glens Falls and has raised more than $800 million in institutional private equity money since 1992.

Congratulations Scott.

Sawchuk Brown Associates Adds Staff

2007-11-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

SAWCHUK BROWN ASSOCIATES ADDS STAFF

Emily Shover, a recent graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, has joined Sawchuk Brown Associates as an administrative assistant.

For SBA, Shover will provide support to clients and staff, including research, list management, media monitoring, as well as editorial and administrative services.

As a student at Marist College, Shover wrote for the school’s online news publication, Marist News Watch, and was a member of the Fashion Club where she served as a dresser for local fashion shows. She was also a member of Campus Ministry, providing community services to the local community, and is currently a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Shover graduated from Marist College with a B.A. in communications with a concentration in journalism.

Founded in 1979, Sawchuk Brown Associates is one of Upstate New York's leading independent communications firms specializing in public relations, public affairs and strategic marketing. The firm, which represents more than 65 clients, has received honors from Public Relations Society of America, IABC, American Marketing Association and others. It is the Upstate New York affiliate of global leader GolinHarris International. Visit the Sawchuk Brown website.

New Appointments at TD Banknorth

2007-11-16T08:36:00.001-08:00

Michael Murray Named Commercial Loan Portfolio Officer at TD Banknorth in Glens Falls

Michael D. Murray has been promoted to a Commercial Loan Portfolio Officer in the Commercial Lending Department at TD Banknorth in Glens Falls. He will be responsible for developing and maintaining commercial business relationships throughout the Glens Falls region.

Murray joined TD Banknorth in 2004 as a Customer Sales Representative in the Glens Falls branch. He served as a Commercial Credit Analyst prior to his most recent promotion.

A Queensbury resident, Murray is a 1998 graduate of Queensbury High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Saint Rose in 2003, and an associate’s degree in 2001 from Adirondack Community College. He volunteers as a member of the Junior Achievement Adirondack Region Steering Committee.

Timothy Minahan Named Vice President at TD Banknorth

Timothy P. Minahan has joined TD Banknorth as a vice president in Government Banking in Glens Falls. He will be responsible for managing the relationships of the government banking clients, and acquiring new business throughout the Capital Region, Adirondack Region and Northeastern New York.

Minahan has 22 years of banking experience. Prior to joining TD Banknorth, he was the first vice president at Berkshire Bank, serving as the Director of Sales and Product Development. Before that, he worked at Keybank N.A., as an area retail leader in the Albany (N.Y.) District.

An Alplaus resident, Minahan serves on the board of the Schenectady/ Glenville Empire Zone. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Siena College and also holds a marketing degree from Hudson Valley Community College. Minahan is originally from Schenectady, where he graduated from Mont Pleasant High School.

TD Banknorth Inc. is a leading banking and financial services company headquartered in Portland, Maine and a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank Financial Group headquartered in Toronto, Canada. TD Banknorth is one of the 25 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States, with over $40 billion in assets. TD Banknorth's banking subsidiary, TD Banknorth, N.A., operates banking divisions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. TD Banknorth and TD Banknorth, N.A. also operate subsidiaries and divisions in insurance, wealth management, merchant services, mortgage banking, government banking, private label credit cards, insurance premium financing and other financial services and offers investment products in association with PrimeVest Financial Services, Inc. For more information, visit TD Banknorth.

AngioDynamics Exec Appointed to Board

2007-11-13T06:04:00.000-08:00

AngioDynamics exec appointed board member of medical device trade group
*Originally printed in The Business Review (Albany)
Monday, November 12, 2007

An executive of AngioDynamics Inc. has joined the board of MedTech Association Inc., a Syracuse trade organization.

Harold Mapes, president of operations for the Queensbury medical device manafacturer, is one of two new MedTech board members announced Nov. 12. The other is Martin Brusdeilins, vice president of research and development worldwide for Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics of Rochester.

MedTech, which was founded in 2004, is made up of 87 Upstate New York medical technology manufacturers, research institutions, allied professional services and economic development organizations. Its goal is to attract the funding and expertise to make upstate an internationally recognized center for medical technologies.

Girls Scouts Seeking Women of Distinction

2007-11-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York seeking Women of Distinction Nominations

Queensbury, NY –Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) is currently seeking nominations for the upcoming “Defy the Ordinary – Women of Distinction” awards event to be held in Saratoga. The awards will be presented on May 1, 2008, at the Saratoga Hotel & Conference Center and will recognize outstanding women from Northern Saratoga (north of Burnt Hills), Southern Hamilton (south of Indian Lake), Warren, Washington and Fulton Counties. Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 30.

This year’s awards will recognize women for a variety of accomplishments, from career and personal achievements to outstanding community service and dedication to family and peers. An award will also be presented to an outstanding young woman under 21 who has made a significant impact in her community.

The “Defy the Ordinary – Women of Distinction” award categories include:

Distinguished Trailblazer (age 40 and over)
This category honors a woman who has Defied the Ordinary in her chosen field, “broken glass ceilings,” overcome and excelled under extreme challenges and demonstrated perseverance. She has been in her chosen field for more than 5 years and has demonstrated steady growth, exhibited leadership and fostered development of others.

Distinguished Junior Trailblazer (age 40 and under)This category honors a woman who has a proven track record of reaching ambitious or unconventional goals demonstrated by upward career mobility, steady growth and leadership skills. She is willing to take risks, inspires and motivates others.

Distinguished Personal Achievement (21 and over)This category honors a woman who is a risk taker in the non-traditional way to achieve an unconventional or ambitious goal outside the realm of volunteer activities or career endeavors. She is persistent in her efforts, remains focused and accepts challenges with confidence.

Distinguished Community Leader (age 21 and over)
This award will be given to a woman who has demonstrated outstanding contributions over a period of time to her community. She is a role model, community leader, mentor, or has broken new ground. She is an agent for change who has made a measurable difference to those around her.

Distinguished Leader of Tomorrow (under age 21)
This award will be presented to a young woman who has demonstrated outstanding leadership ability and has contributed to her school and community. She has spearheaded a project or program to improve quality of life.

Those wishing to nominate someone should complete a nomination form, which can be downloaded at http://www.gsneny.org/events/index.asp or requested by calling GSNENY’s Queensbury Service Center at 792-0947. Forms are also available at the Queensbury Service Center, located at 213 Meadowbrook Road. A 250-word essay stating why the nominee should receive the award should also accompany the completed form. Both documents should be mailed by Nov. 30 to:

Defy the Ordinary – Women of Distinction
Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York
Queensbury Service Center
213 Meadowbrook Road
Queensbury, NY 12804

About the Event:

The Defy the Ordinary - Women of Distinction event is hosted by GSNENY in three locations throughout the Council’s 16-county jurisdiction: Lake Placid (Nov. 2, 2007), Saratoga (March 6, 2008) and Scotia (May 1, 2008). The event serves as a fundraiser for Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, with proceeds supporting girl programs, volunteer recruitment and training.

For more information regarding the Defy the Ordinary - Women of Distinction event, or to request a nomination form, please contact Tammy Quackenbush, Events & Community Cultivation Specialist, at 518-489-8110 x 105 or tquackenbush@gsneny.org.

###

About Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York
Girl Scouts “builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place” and has served local girls since 1916. Nearly one of every eight girls between 5-17 years old is a Girl Scout, gaining access to leadership and team building skills, career skills and exploration, and character building with the guidance of caring adult role models. The Council recruits and trains adult volunteers, delivers special programs, provides outdoor education and camping and administers Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York was created from the union of four Girl Scout Councils: Hudson Valley, Mohawk Pathways, Adirondack, and North Country. The newly-created Council serves over 14,500 girls in Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Greene, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Montgomery, Hamilton, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties and a portion of St. Lawrence County.

Building a Bigger Team

2007-11-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Malta-based MLB Construction Services, LLC proudly announces the following appointments:

Stephen P. Bishop of Glens Falls has returned to the MLB project management team as Senior Project Manager after a seven-year stint as Construction Administrator with Crandall Associates. During his five-year tenure with MLB, he successfully delivered several notable projects including The Adirondack Museum Visitors Center in Blue Mountain Lake, the Hyde Medical Center in Malone, New York and the GE Health Care Facility in Schenectady. Steve is an Honors Graduate of the State University in Canton with a degree in construction technology. Mr. Bishop's initial assignments involve pre-construction services on projects for Skidmore College and The Hazelden Foundation.

David Zuccaro

Brian Douglass

Douglass and Zucarro have joined MLB as Project Coordinators. Brian earned his Associate Degree at SUNY Morrisville and Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management at SUNY-ESF in May. He is currently working on the Gloversville High School and River Road Medical Arts Building projects. David was a Dean's List student at Hudson Valley Community College where he earned his Associate Degree in Construction Technology in May as well. His initial project assignment is the Wal*Mart renovation in Albany.

MLB is a comprehensive Construction Services firm specializing in education, retail, and health care facilities. Current projects and clients include the Zankel Music Building at Skidmore College, the renovation and expansion of the Malta Price Chopper, Kingston Hannaford and Albany Wal*Mart Stores, the River Road Medical Arts Building, and expansion of the Morrell Science Building at Siena College.

A Prime US Citizen

2007-11-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Vogel has been with Coldwell Banker for more than four years. A resident of Speculator, NY since 2002, Stephanie recently became a US citizen.

She celebrated with her husband and the staff at Peggy Blake's Coldwell Banker Prime Properties office in Queensbury.

Greens Falls

2007-10-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

STEP IT UP 2007!

Glens Falls “The Building of a Cool City”

Sponsored by:

The City of Glens Falls
Barton Mines
Rock Hill Cafe
Unitarian Church

When: SATURDAY NOV. 3RD, 2007 – ALL DAY

Where: Farmer's Market * City Park * Wood Theater * Aimie's Dinner And A Movie * Rock Hill Cafe

Purpose: To raise public awareness about Global Climate Change.

EVENT SCHEDULE

10:00 am Bike, Walk, Carpool to Farmers Market at South Street Pavilion

Information, displays and entertainment at the Farmers Market along with locally grown and made food and other products. Save energy that would be used transporting imported alternatives. Traveling to the market by foot or bicycle reduces your carbon footprint even further! Entertainment by Bill Campbell. Meet people who use their bikes to commute. Rick’s Bike Shop will show commuter bikes. Local food and snacks, solar oven cooking, biodiesel info-samples. Also, get to know the Toyota Prius hybrid.

11:30 am Entertainment by C.E. Skidmore at City Park (Bay & Maple Streets)

Fun Activities for Children organized by Joy McCoola and National Honors Society

12:00 Noon Rally for the Planet at City Park

Representatives from the Sierra Club will introduce the Cool Cities program. Mayor Roy Akins will sign the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. Commuter-biker David Legg will describe his positive experiences traveling by bike in Glens Falls. Kirsten Gillibrand’s representative, Lisa Manzi, will describe the Congresswoman’s efforts in regards to climate change. A group photo will be taken to relay to Washington. On the way to the Wood theater, stop out front to see the Natural Gas Honda!

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Presentations and Exhibitors at Wood Theater (207 Glen Street)

1:00 pm Keynote Speaker, author James Howard Kunstler – The Long Emergency (Surviving the Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century). Jim Kunstler will also be signing copies of "The Long Emergency" and his other books in the theater lobby following his presentation at the Red Fox Books table.

2:15 pm Barton Mines video presentation on Green Building

2:30 pm Green Builders/NYSERDA Presentation

3:00 pm GroSolar’s Carbon Challenge - How solar energy works in your home

4:00 pm Seth Jacobs - Local Agriculture as Part of the Solution to Global Climate Change

Wood Theater Exhibitors: GroSolar, Green Builders, Glens Falls Electric, Community Energy, Thermal Associates, NYSERDA, Cornell Cooperative Extension/Agricultural Stewardship Association.

5:45 pm Premiere of “The Eleventh Hour” (Leonardo DiCaprio's Directorial Debut)

Aimie's Dinner & A Movie 190 Glen Street (518) 792-8181 Reservations suggested.

7:30 pm “Live N' Local” Premieres at Rock Hill Cafe with FREE Local Bread!

“Live n' Local” will happen every Saturday Night at 7:30 pm. Rock Hill is going to establish a venue for original music and an audience who appreciates it. Local food and local musicians. Three Dimensional Figures, a great local jazz/jam and techno trio will be their first guests. No Cover Charge!

Contacts: Matt Funiciello mattfuniciello@earthlink.net Judy V White jvwhite2004@yahoo.com Ruth Lamb cooperlamb@yahoo.com 761-6125

This Tree is Ripe for Climbing

2007-10-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Tree Paad Family Entertainment Center recently had their Grand Opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Stop over to see all the fun to be had at TreePaad.

TreePaad Family Entertainment Center
1/4 mile West of Quaker Road

217 Dix Avenue
Glens Falls, NY 12801

TreePaad hours are as follows:
Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday - Saturday 10am - 10pm
Sunday - 10am - 7pm

Drive fore Food

2007-10-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Beginning Monday, November 5th, Kingswood Golf Club in Hudson Falls, NY, will hold their Annual Food Pantry Drive.

Each November, Kingswood Golf Club holds its annual food pantry drive in an effort to make everyone’s holiday season a special one. In exchange for 2 non-perishable food items, golfers pay only $20.00 for their greens fee, and may also take a riding cart at no additional charge.

Last year’s food pantry drive was a tremendous success, Kingswood was able to donate thousand of food items to local food pantries in Washington County.

Kingswood would like to thank all of the golfers who participate in this great event, and for supporting our local food pantries.

The annual food pantry drive will last until the snow flies!

For more information contact:

Kingswood Golf Club
111 County Route 41
Hudson Falls, NY 12839
(518)747-8888

A Hall of Famer in Our Midst

2007-10-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

Ishpeming, Michigan
The U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame announces its Class of 2007. The inductees represent a very diverse group of snow sport pioneers, athletes and developers, including the first inductees for snowboarding.

Jake and Donna Carpenter, are the first people from snowboarding to be elected to the Hall of Fame. They are the first to enter the Hall of Fame as a couple in recognition of their vision, determination and business savvy that brought snowboarding from the backyard snow banks to resort slopes around the world.

The Burton Snowboard Company was started in 1977 housed out of a Vermont barn. Jake Burton Carpenter would load up his station wagon and drive door-to-door convincing shops to buy his boards. Now, in 2007, the Carpenters are still its sole owners, which has grown into the world’s leading snowboard company, dominating close to 50 percent of the industry’s share.

Everett Kircher was the developer, visionary and executive of Boyne USA Resorts. Starting with just one dollar in 1947, Kircher bought a “useless piece of farmland” in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan and started Boyne Mountain Ski Resort. From there he developed state of- the-art snowmaking equipment, the first double and triple chairlifts in the world and a ski resort management model that would create the most successful family-owned ski resort corporation in the United States.

Using his keen business sense, mechanical ingenuity, and tenacious drive Kircher kept on the cutting edge of the ski resort industry. He was never one to follow but rather preferred to set the bar for the competition. “Everett was years ahead of everyone when it came to developing and operating a ski resort,” Stein Eriksen, USSSHF class of 1982, said of Kircher in an interview with
Ski magazine.

Eric Bergoust joined the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team’s aerial squad in 1990 and went on to become a two-time World Champion, three-time U.S. Champion, and four-time Olympian. He holds Olympic Gold from the Nagano Games in 1998, several U.S. aerial’s gold medals, world championship gold and silver medals and numerous other honors.

Bergoust started his interest in aerial skiing after watching a world cup event on ESPN in 1985. With a trampoline in his backyard just outside Missoula, Montana it was not long until he was working on the tricks himself. It is said that he was the first spectator through the event gates at
the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games to watch the aerial events. He retired from the sport in 2006 after the Torino Olympic Games.

Doug Lewis enjoyed a solid career with the U.S. Alpine Ski Team. A two time Olympian, he went to the Sarajevo Olympic Games in 1984 and Calgary Olympic Games in 1988. He won two U.S. National Champion Downhill titles and was considered a fierce competitor. His bronze medal at the Bormio, Italy World Championship race in 1985 was the first won by an American male skier at any World Championships in the downhill event.

After his race career he went on to co-found Eliteam, a summer program aimed at improving conditioning for young ski racers and other athletes through sport psychology, physiology and good nutrition.

Tom Jacobs competed in cross-country and Nordic combined at the Oslo Olympic Games in 1952 and went on to a successful career as coach for Colorado University’s ski team. He served as the Executive Director of the National Ski Association, today the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, in 1956-1957.

After moving back to the East in the 60’s, Jacobs and his wife started Reliable Racing Supply thus founding the first mail order ski race equipment distributor of its kind. The company became an international supplier of cutting-edge race products that raised the level of the racing environment for thousands of competitive skiers and organizations.

Mitch Cubberly invented the first multi-angle release ski binding, called the Cubco, in the early 1950s. With an education in mechanical engineering, Cubberly created a safer ski experience for thousands of American skiers. Inventions such as the first step-in binding, the first anti-friction binding plate (the Cubco Skidder) and the Cubco ski brake were developed and marketed by his company. He also invented or developed mounting tools, special mounting screws and other ski shop supplies.

Cubberly did all this with a very unselfish attitude. Many products produced by him went unpatented and were made available to the ski industry. The only pieces he co-patented with Gordon Lipe were the Cubco toe and heel binding, and the Skidder.

The U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum Class of 2007 was selected by an independent selection committee of ski professionals, historians, and writers chaired by Paul Bousquet and voted on by a national panel.

The official induction of the six members of the class of 2007 will take place at the Snowsports Industries America annual trade show, January 29 to February 2, 2008 in Las Vegas. Kircher and Cubberly will be inducted posthumously. A welcome home event in their honor will be held at the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Ishpeming, Michigan in September 2008.

The U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to honoring America’s skiing and snowboarding professionals, pioneers and athletes. The museum houses one of the largest collections of skis and snow sport related memorabilia in the United States.

An LAdk Grad Moves Up.

2007-10-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

Andrea Deepe has been namded Director of Quality Assurance for Community, Work & Independence

Andrea Deepe has been appointed Director of Quality Assurance for Community, Work, and Independence, Inc., effective immediately, President Stuart I. Rosenblatt, PhD, has announced: “Ms. Deepe has served as Quality Assurance Manager since February, 2005, I am deeply satisfied with her qualifications, capabilities and dedication to her work.”

Previously, Deepe was a QA Specialist, Developmental Instructor and Treatment Assistant since first joining the organization in 2000. She is a recent graduate of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Adirondack program.

She is a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA with a BS in Exercise Science.

Deepe, her husband and two children are Granville residents.

Community, Work & Independence, Inc. (CWI) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for and enhancing the quality of life, independence and community inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities; physical, psychological, social or economic disadvantages; and traumatic brain injury; learning disabilities; or other special needs.

CWI offers day, employment, residential, home care, family support, transportation, transition, counseling, and clinical services; service coordination; volunteer opportunities; and experiences that promote choice, self-reliance, dignity, meaningful activity and individual achievement.

The organization was established in 1963 and serves approximately 1,200 individuals each month at 27 sites in Warren, Washington, Essex and northern Saratoga counties.

Stop and See the Flores

2007-10-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Saratoga Artist Frankie Flores Donates Original

Popular Saratoga artist Frankie Flores has created an original painting to promote The Hyde Collection's fifth annual A Taste of Art...A Wine and Food Experience. Flores, an ongoing contributor to The Hyde Collection, has generously donated the original painting and two of his giclée prints for the event’s silent auction.

“The painting has added an incredible dimension to A Taste of Art this year. Frankie’s use of rich, vibrant colors has captured the lusciousness of the food and wine that will be served at the event,” commented Cynthia Holbrook, The Hyde’s development associate for special events. “We cannot begin to express how grateful we are for Frankie’s enthusiasm and support, and we look forward to sharing his original with our event guests,” she added.

Frankie Flores is well known for his creative depictions of New Orleans Jazz, and his artwork can be found in many collections internationally. In addition to his New Orleans pieces, he designed the 2003 Saratoga First Night poster and is highly regarded for his paintings portraying horses and racing.

A Taste of Art… will take place on Friday, October 12, 2007 from 6:30 to 9:30PM and will be held on the grounds of The Hyde Collection at 161 Warren Street in Glens Falls. The admittance price of $75 per person will provide participants with a variety of flavors to stimulate the palate as they move from region to region, experiencing wines, beers, and foods from around the world.

To make reservations for A Taste of Art or to request more information, please contact The Hyde Collection at 518-792-1761 or cholbrook@hydecollection.org. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum's annual fund, which supports exhibitions, educational programs, and ongoing collections care.

# # #

The Hyde Collection is a historic house and modern art museum complex that combines the heritage of the Adirondack Region with a distinguished permanent collection consisting of works by European old and modern masters and American artists, important decorative arts and antique furnishings. In addition, the Museum provides changing exhibitions in four gallery spaces, lectures, concerts, family activities and school programming as well as a Museum Store. Admission is FREE with voluntary donations accepted. The Hyde Collection is a publicly supported institution located at 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls, New York. Open year-round Tuesday-Saturday 10AM - 5PM, and Sunday 12noon - 5PM., Closed Mondays and national holidays. For information, call 518-792-1761. www.hydecollection.org.

Sawchuk Brown Associates Heralds a New Hire

2007-10-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

KATHLENE THIEL JOINS SAWCHUK BROWN ASSOCIATES AS COO

ALBANY, N.Y. – An expert in business management for improved performance, Kathlene Thiel has joined Sawchuk Brown Associates as chief operating officer.

“Kathy’s impressive leadership ability, strategic planning skills and financial management expertise are the exact skills we need in this stage of development,” said Pamela Sawchuk Brown, president and CEO of Sawchuk Brown Associates. “Throughout her career, she has leveraged the capabilities and people within organizations to improve processes, products, expertise and efficiency.”

Thiel has worked successfully in sales, marketing, program and creative development, personnel management and administration in corporate positions at AT&T, Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble. As an enterprising entrepreneur, she also has founded and/or owned several area businesses including Thiel Consulting, the Knowledge Network Inc. and Driver Training Network.

Thiel earned a B.A. in economics from Union College and a M.B.A. from Union Graduate College. As a graduate student, Thiel was appointed to Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, the highest recognition in business studies.

A committed community volunteer, she has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Mohawk & Hudson Humane Society, the Regional Food Bank of NENY, the Salvation Army, Union College and the Shaker Junior High School PTA.

Founded in 1979, Sawchuk Brown Associates is one of Upstate New York's leading independent communications firms specializing in public relations, public affairs and strategic marketing. The firm, which represents more than 65 clients, has received honors from Public Relations Society of America, IABC, American Marketing Association and others. It is the Upstate New York affiliate of global leader GolinHarris International. www.sawchukbrown.com

Art Harvest

2007-10-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Trampoline Design's newest hire, web designer, Raeanne Wright, recently tried her hand at print design by creating a poster for an event planned for October 13th and 14th in Washington County.

The event, called Art Harvest, is a collaborative art exhibit featuring several different mediums, from photography and fiber art to poetry and concrete sculpture. The setting is quintessential Washington County; a barn studio in Salem, New York on the lovely grounds of Gardenworks Farm.

The event is the brainchild of Jon Katz, better known for his best selling books and readings at places like Red Fox Books, than his photography, Katz wanted to create an opportunity for he and his friends to debut their artwork, each for the first time. Jon will be on hand with his dogs, maybe even his new puppy Lenore, to talk books, photography and life in Washington County. All proceeds from the sale of his photos will go to benefit Friends of Hospice.

Trampoline is in the early stages of beginning work on Jon's next endeavor, a website dedicated to his photography. Stay tuned for more.

For more information on Art Harvest please contact Meg Southerland at Gardenworks Farm (518) 854-3250.

From Wiggles to Wedgies

2007-09-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

From Wiggles to Wedgies: The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom Announces Plans for New Rides & Attractions in 2008

The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom today announced plans to add several new major attractions for the 2008 season. Next spring, the park will unveil Wiggles World, a themed children’s area based on The Wiggles, the most popular children’s entertainers in the world, featuring rides, shows and attractions the entire family can enjoy together. At the same time, the park will also debut a thrilling new waterslide, called the Wild Wedgie, in Splashwater Kingdom.

“The Great Escape has historically been a true family theme park, and as our plans for 2008 make clear, we are continuing that tradition,” said Don McCoy, President of The Great Escape Properties. “The addition of Wiggles World and the Wild Wedgie represents our commitment to the diversification of family entertainment at The Great Escape, where we are dedicated to offering excitement and thrills for families and guests of all ages!”

Get Ready to Wiggle at The Great Escape!
At a cost of $3 million, the new children’s area will include specially-themed Wiggles rides, including The Big Red Car and The Big Red Plane rides, as well as a new retail location, The Wiggles Gift Shop, and a restaurant called the Yummy Yummy Café. In addition, The Wiggles themselves –Sam, Murray, Jeff and Anthony – will make an appearance and perform at the park on a to-be-announced date in 2008!

The new Wiggles World themed children’s area will be inhabited by The Wiggles’ cast of supporting characters: Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus, who will pose for photos with guests and perform daily in the “Get Ready to Wiggle” show in the all-new Wiggles Theater.

“Wiggles World” is designed to leverage The Wiggles’ vast recognition and status among children ages 2-6. Since 1991, The Wiggles have performed to more than 1 million audience members a year. To date, they have sold more than 22 million DVDs and videos and more than 5 million albums worldwide, and The Wiggles’ successful television show has been broadcast on Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney since 2002.

Wiggles World will be the theme park’s second themed children’s area, following on the heels of LOONEY TUNES NATIONAL PARK, which was added in 2005.

‘Wild Wedgie’ to Debut in Splashwater Kingdom

The Wild Wedgie, an entertaining waterslide with a whimsical name, will debut at The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom in 2008 to provide thrill seeking guests with an exhilarating water ride!

The new waterslide is expected to generate even more excitement in 2008 than its predecessor, Tornado, did in 2007. The new waterslide will appeal to teens, tweens, and everyone who loves an exciting waterslide experience. Wild Wedgie will complement Tornado, Captain Hook’s Adventure River, Paul Bunyan’s Bucket Brigade, the 500,000 gallon Lumberjack Splash wavepool, and all of the thrilling attractions in Splashwater Kingdom, making for an unforgettable waterpark experience for the whole family.

More information about Wiggles World and the Wild Wedgie waterslide will be released during a construction tour that will be offered to press in spring 2008.

2008 Season Pass: Live the Thrill

Guests can gear up to enjoy Wiggles World and the new Splashwater Kingdom water attraction now by purchasing a 2008 Season Pass to The Great Escape for only $69.99 (plus tax), the lowest price of the season. Season passes are currently available for purchase online at sixflags.com, and are also valid for admission to the theme park now, during Fright Fest 2007.

Stay Where You Play! New Season Pass Packages Available

The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark announces a new Season Pass package combining all the fun and excitement of the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark with season passes to The Great Escape.
The Great Escape season pass package includes a two night stay at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, admission to White Water Bay indoor waterpark during length of stay, and four 2008 season passes to The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom. Prices begin at $165 per person, based on four person occupancy. Offer is based on availability. For details, visit SixFlagsGreatEscapeLodge.com or call 888-708-2684.

Six Flags Inc. is the world’s largest regional theme park company. Founded in 1961, Six Flags celebrated its 45th Anniversary in 2006. It is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.

SIX FLAGS and all related indicia are trademarks of Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. ®, TM and © 2007. © 2007 The Wiggles Pty Ltd. LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s07)

PRESS CONTACT:
Diane O’Connor
The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom
(518) 792-3500
doconnor@sftp.com

C.R. Wood Cancer Center Open House September 20

2007-09-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

The C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital has recently completed major renovations to the outpatient areas, including adding a healing spa for acupuncture, massage, and other complementary therapies. The public was invited to an open house celebrating the completed renovations Thursday, September 20 from 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.

The renovations were paid for entirely with private contributions provided by the friends and family of the late Cindy Ginsburg. Mrs. Ginsburg, a Saratoga Springs resident, was a patient in the C.R. Wood Cancer Center and the founder of Cindy’s Retreat, a special program for women with cancer held at Silver Bay twice each year. The retreat inspired other programs including Cindy’s Comfort Camp, a weekend get-away held at the Double “H” Hole in the Woods Ranch for children who are dealing with a close relative’s death or serious illness, and a weekend men’s Retreat held each fall.

The $250,000 renovation includes a beautiful new waiting and relaxation area for patients and families, an indoor waterfall, new artwork, and new furniture in addition to the spa area which will be called “Cindy’s Healing Place.”

“Cindy was such an inspiration to so many people,” commented Pat Spencer-Cisek, Executive Director of Oncology Services. “Her power to help and heal is something we could all feel while she battled the disease that took her life. Now her legacy continues through our retreats, support programs and this beautiful new space here at the Center.”

Stuart Ginsburg, Cindy’s husband and the lead donor for this project, has played an active role in promoting his late wife’s agenda. “It was a simple philosophy really,” he says. “Cindy refused to be defined by her disease, she insisted on living and living well, and she wanted to help as many cancer patients as possible find the way to the same peace.”

Dr. Robert Sponzo is the Director of the C.R. Wood Cancer Center. He was Cindy’s physician, and the two developed a very special friendship. Reminiscing about his relationship for a celebration video that will be shown at the open house, Dr. Sponzo said, “Cindy is the greatest example of someone who would fit cancer therapy into her life rather than cancer therapy becoming her life. She showed us all how to live with her disease rather than succumbing to the disease. I think Cindy would say, ‘I told you it needed to be done. Now I’m glad to see that you¹re following my advice.’ And I think that she would be very happy to know that we¹ve gone the route that we¹ve gone, and that we truly are paying attention to the needs of patients and trying to make their dealing with cancer and their treatment as positive an experience as we can for them.”

The C.R. Wood Cancer Center is the only American College of Surgeons accredited Cancer Center in the North Country and Saratoga Region. It is a comprehensive center that includes a Cancer Prevention and Early Detection program, integrated state-of-the-art out patient medical and radiation oncology, a new inpatient facility that is part of the Northwest Tower, clinical research with more than 40 active trials in progress, and an interdisciplinary team of specialists supporting treatment. The Cancer Center also offers the Uniquely You® Boutique and Salon, which provides free hair care, wig, turban and scarf selection and styling for men and women with cancer and a series of retreats and special programs for patients and families. Learn more about the C.R. Wood Cancer center at http://www.glensfallshospital.org/cancer_treatment.htm. Learn more about Cindy’s Retreat at http://www.glensfallshospital.org/CindysRetreat/cindys-retreat-main.htm.

Uniforms + Ribbons

2007-09-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

North Country Uniforms celebrated their grand opening with a very well attended ribbon cutting on the 24th of August.
Customers, fellow business owners, Ward Councilman Bill Kenny and Glens Falls Mayor Roy Akins applauded proprietor Scott Roberts.

'Nuf fun to fill ten saddle bags

2007-09-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

The 5 Minute Netowrking at Jake's Round-Up was a rollicking good time, with more than 25 people there to enjoy the lunch and networking. Afterwords more unstructured networking took place on the divine patio.

Bittersweet Follow-Up

2007-08-29T07:30:00.001-07:00

Christopher Ramsey
August 29, 2002 - August, 8, 2007

Results Of 2007 Benefit Tournament

Airway Meadows Golf Course held its 4th Annual Benefit Tournament on Saturday, August 18th. 74 players came out to play in the 4-player scramble tournament. The event was to benefit the family of Christopher Ramsey, who last winter was diagnosed with stage four high-risk neuroblastoma. He passed away on August 8th from an infection after successfully battling the cancer.
We raised $6261 for the family through the golfers who participated, the selling of hole sponsor signs, a 50/50 raffle and a live auction. We would especially like to thank some of the winning teams who donated their prizes back so they could be included in the auction.

Cash Donations for The Family of Christopher Ramsey: ASAP Container Rentals, Airway Meadows GC Grounds Crew, Airway Meadows Kitchen, Tavern, Bev Cart Staff, Airway Meadows Pro Shop, Golf Staff, All Around Sound, Anonymous, Bottom’s Up Golf League, AMGC, Doc’s Steakhouses, Fire Control Systems, Inc., Fran’s Hallmark Shop, Glens Falls Metal Fabricators, Joan and Jayme Heber, The Legend Group, Brad and Missy Morgan, Pallette Stone, Quaker Bay Roofing Company, Reeds Hydraulics, Shelly Park Adult Community, Steve Rajeski Electric, Stone Bridge Iron & Steel Co., TMG-The McCormick Group

Misc. Cash Donations: Anonymous Golfers

Raffle & Auction Items: Airway Meadows Golf Club, Arbonne International-Marianne Hoosier, Brian Rhodes, PGA Prof., Curt Lohrey, PGA Prof., Fran’s Hallmark, Fitzgerald Bros. – Pepsi Folks, Eagle Crest Golf Club, The Highland Golf Club, Kingswood Golf Club, Mary Kay Cosmetics – Sharon Bianco, Minisceongo Golf Club, Pioneer Hills, Pole Valley Players Club, Queensbury County Club, The Sagamore Golf Course, Saratoga Eagle, Saratoga National Golf Club, Scott’s Flea Market, Top of the World Golf Course, Trevor Wheeler Golf, Trusto Bank, Titleist, Windy Hills Golf Course

Christopher's obituary, as printed in The Post-Star:

HUDSON FALLS * Christopher David Ramsey, 4, of Pearl Street, passed away on Wednesday Aug. 8, 2007, at Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, Mass., surrounded by his loving family. Born Aug. 29, 2002, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Paul R. and Trisha (Kirsch) Ramsey.

Christopher loved baseball, the New York Yankees, motorcycles, his four-wheeler, bowling, and playing with his sister, Payten. He was an honorary firefighter in Hudson Falls. He liked the song, "Footloose" and really enjoyed playing with his cousins Logan and Casey, and most of all he loved to be with his "Pa." His laugh was infectious and his smile just didn't quit. He attended the Lights on Learning Center in Hudson Falls.

Survivors include his loving parents, Paul and Trisha Ramsey of Hudson Falls; his beloved sister, Payten Ramsey of Hudson Falls; his maternal grandparents, Helen and David "Mimi and Papa" Kirsch of Fort Edward; his paternal grandparents, Debra "Grammy" Ramsey of Conway, S.C., Paul "Grandpa" Ramsey of Glens Falls; his maternal great-grandmothers, Marie Weatherwax of Fort Edward and Edith Kirsch of Houston, Texas; his paternal great-grandparents, Robert and Beverly Wheeler of Conway, S.C.; his aunts, Shannon "Auntie" Kirsch of Hudson Falls, Taylor Ramsey of Glens Falls, Theresa Higgins of Glens Falls; his special aunts, "Cinny" and "Luv Luv"; and several other aunts uncles and cousins, and a community that loved him.

Donations in Christopher's memory may be made to the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 6635, Bloomingdale, IL 60108 or The Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorder Center at Albany Medical Center, Mail Code 24, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208.

Our thoughts are with Christopher's family. Special thanks to Airway Meadows for an exceptional event for an extraordinary boy.

The Picture of Health

2007-08-29T07:03:00.001-07:00

CDPHP HONORED WITH BEST DISEASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN UPSTATE NEW YORK

Health Industries Research Companies Recognizes Health Plan For Second Consecutive Year

For the second consecutive year, CDPHP has been recognized as offering the best disease management program in upstate New York by Health Industries Research Companies (HIRC), a national, independent research organization serving the health care industry. CDPHP was the only health plan in the Capital Region to receive this award, with no other health plans north of New York City or east of Buffalo recognized. Less than six percent of the U.S. health plans profiled in this report are honored consecutively.

HIRC’s 7th Annual Report on the Disease Management Industry profiles the leading disease management organizations (DMOs), assesses their growth trends, indicates their current partnerships, provides recommendations for future opportunities, and recognizes best current programs among health plans, employers, and vendors.

“CDPHP firmly believes in the concept of disease management and its benefits to our members,” said William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, president and CEO, CDPHP. “That is why it is such an honor to be recognized for the second consecutive year by HIRC.”

The report is based on extensive market projections and analysis, surveys and in-depth interviews with health care industry executives. Report highlights include:

Current disease management programs market size by disease state
Disease management market potential
Analysis of payers implementing disease management programs including commercial HMOs, Medicare programs, Medicaid, and employers
Leading DMO Web sites
Disease management partnerships with HMOs
DMO services and offerings
About Health Industries Research Companies (HIRC)
Health Industries Research Companies (HIRC) is an independent, nonpartisan organization that conducts strategic market research on trends in health care, pharmaceutical, and managed care businesses. HIRC’s benchmark studies focus on the marketing needs of pharmaceutical companies, providing market research critical to the development of successful marketing strategies. For more information about HIRC and the company’s reports, visit www.hirc.com .

About CDPHP™

Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. In 2006, the CDPHP commercial health plan was ranked fifth in the country, and top ranked in New York state, in a collaborative report, U.S. News & World Report/NCQA “America’s Best Health Plans” 2006®. The CDPHP Medicare Advantage program, Medicare Choice, and the Medicaid program, Select Plan, ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, in the nation.

The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP.

A Thousand Times, Thank You!

2007-08-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

Chef Kevin Bethel and his wife and partner, Patti, prepare to say bon appétit tonight as they head into their 1000th dinner presentation since opening 132 Glen Bistro.

Stop by to celebrate and enjoy the consistently wonderful food offered at this downtown Glens Falls gem!

Training Wheels, Giving Through Learning

2007-08-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Theresa Gulotty, David Holle, Chris Mullen

Darlene Kosinski, Pamela Dutcher and Peter O'Brien

On a sunny August afternoon, Sunnyside Par 3 played host to employees from all of the NY regions of TD Banknorth, who were in town to participatee in a team building session. The program was called “Training Wheels” and was facilitated by Hamel Resources, L.L.C.

Hamel Resources has partnered with local agencies that provide services to disabled and disadvantaged youth that also benefit from the team building exercise. After a delicious barbecued lunch under the tent (prepared by Chef Extraordinaire, Miles Nolan), the teams took to the course to further strengthen the team building and communication skills acquired from the Training Wheels program. The day ended with awards and prizes for all participants.

Long in Talent

2007-08-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Patti Pepe, Membership Manager for the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, stands with Mary Longley, Sales Representative for the Glens Falls Business Journal, in the ARCC Board Room.

Mary, a membership Committee dynamo, exceeded all expectations and delivered the greatest number of memberships this quarter.

Congratulations Mary, and, more importantly, Thank You!

Your passion and participation enhance the value of membership in the ARCC.

Good Will by the Basketful

2007-08-08T11:35:00.001-07:00

The Glens Falls Hospital Guild will host its 11th Annual Parade of Baskets on September 9th at Heritage Hall in the Glens Falls Civic Center. Doors open at 12:00 for basket preview with drawings starting at 1:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit the ongoing projects of the Glens Falls Hospital Guild.

During the event, attendees receive 25 tickets with their $10 paid admission for the chance of winning more than 150 “themed’ baskets donated by Glens Falls Hospital volunteers, employees and local businesses and community members. Additional tickets may be purchased at $5 for 25 tickets. Baskets stocked with goodies appealing to all tastes and interests include gardening, pets, gourmet food and fishing. Basket winners must be present to win.

In addition to the baskets, participants can also enter a special raffle. The Guild will raffle a Canon Digital Camera Package. This package includes a Canon Power Shot Digital Camera, Canon photo printer, computer software, photo paper, CDs, camera case, and other items. Tickets are available now for this raffle in the Gift Atrium, located on the first floor of the Northwest Tower and the Volunteer Office located on 2 East. Cost is $5.00 per ticket or three for $10. Raffle participants need not be present to win. The drawing will be held at the Parade of Baskets.

Parade of Basket admission tickets are available in advance in the Glens Falls Hospital Volunteer Office or the Gift Atrium. An admission ticket is required for all children.

For more information about the Parade of Baskets, call the Glens Falls Hospital Volunteer Services office at 926-2780.

The Golden Ticket

2007-08-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Patti Pepe stands with American Chamber of Commerce Executives President Mick Fleming after she was presented a Gold Lifetime Achievement Award from the organization for membership sales.

The gold level award recognizes those sales managers in the US who have sold more than 500 memberships in their chamber careers. Mick Fleming presented this award to Patti at the ACCE Annual Leadership Conference last week in Sacramento, CA., in front of more than 1,000 chamber executives from across the nation. She is now working to achieve the Silver level in recognition of sales exceeding 750 member sales in a career.

Way to go, Patti!

If You Build It...

2007-08-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

...they can play safely.

BRANNY & Crandall Park Beautification Committee Team Up to Build a Field House of Dreams

The Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern New York (BRANNY) has contributed $1,000 to the Crandall Park Beautification Committee to rebuild the Field House at Crandall Park.

The members of BRANNY have also committed to supplying materials and labor to see the project to fruition. Groundbreaking is scheduled for early fall of 2007 with a spring 2008 completion.

The existing Field House was constructed in 1921 near the pond and served as a warming hut for ice skaters, until it was moved to its current location. An addition was built in 1931. The building, which has fallen into disrepair, is used year round.

Plans for the new Field House include basement space with potential utilization as dressing rooms for performers from the amphitheatre performances, such as the recent GE sponsored concerts. There will also be increased energy efficiency and heightened curb appeal for this edifice along one of the City’s primary corridors.

For more information on BRANNY and this project coontact Patti Pepe at (518) 798-1761

One Memorable Sundae, indeed!

2007-08-06T11:27:00.001-07:00

Recently a celebrity came a calling...for ice cream.

Bobby Flay works the scoop.

The Food Network filmed an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay by the pond pavilion at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center.

The weather was gorgeous and the ice cream plentiful as Greenwich, New York prepared to show the rest of the world how sweet life is 'round here.

The Beaver Cross campers enjoyed ice cream sundaes from The Ice Cream Man, a favorite summer stop in Greenwich , NY .

The folks at The Ice Cream Man deserve a hand!
Congratulations and thank you for demonstrating the appeal of our region.

Come out swinging for Christopher

2007-07-31T12:45:00.000-07:00

Airway Meadows to hold tournament to benefit 5 year old Christopher Ramsey

Christopher Ramsey is a local 5-year old resident. On February 1, 2007, he was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma. The tumor has metastasized to his bone marrow. Since then he has undergone months of chemotherapy and stem-cell re-implantation. He is currently at the PICU at Boston Children's Hospital.

Airway Meadows Golf Club in Gansevoort will be holding a golf tournament on Saturday, August 18th. It will be a 4-player 18 Hole scramble with a Noon registration followed by a shotgun start. The cost is $70 per player and includes greens fees, cart, prizes, BBQ picnic, draft beer and soda all day. A portion of the registration fees plus all proceeds from raffles, auction and on course competitions and games go directly to Christopher Ramsey. Deadline for entry is Monday, August 13th and the field is limited to 144 players. Golfers should sign-up early to guarantee entry. Contact the Pro Shop at the golf course or call 518-792-4144.

Hole sponsor signs are available at the cost of $50 each with all the proceeds going directly to Christopher.

Kevin Nielsen
Airway Meadows Golf Club
518-792-4144

Sutton's for Men

2007-07-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Donna Sutton continues the Sutton's Marketplace tradition of excellence with an expansion into another market: Men's Clothing. Birch Creek Outfitters is a new branch of the Sutton's company offering clothing for both men and women, located at the former Smokey Bear BBQ location.

Last Friday the store had a ribbon cutting, on hand for the celebration were Donna Sutton, Gabe Sutton, Pam Worth, and Peter Carusone all from the Sutton's management team, Mark Sidoti, John Crawford and Josh Koons representing the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors as well as fellow ARCC member Michael Borgos and other friends and staff.

Congratulations and continued success!

CDPHP Eyes Effeciency with New Appointment

2007-07-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

CDPHP ANNOUNCES BETHANY R. SMITH, CPA,
SELECTED AS CORPORATE CONTROLLER

CDPHP today announced the appointment of Bethany R. Smith, CPA, to corporate controller in its finance division. In this position, Smith will provide oversight for all activities in the accounting department, including financial and regulatory reporting and internal controls.

“Bethany has extensive experience in accounting and financial reporting, management, and communications that will provide us the efficiency and effectiveness necessary to continue our strict adherence to low-cost administrative services,” said William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, president and CEO, CDPHP.

Prior to joining CDPHP, Smith was senior manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, formerly Coopers & Lybrand LLP, a division of PricewaterhouseCoopers International. Her experience includes more than 12 years of public accounting with clients in industries including insurance, financial services, and state and local government.

Smith earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh and is a certified public accountant in the state of New York. She and her husband, Shawne, reside in Schenectady with their two children.

About CDPHP™

Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. In 2006, the CDPHP commercial health plan was ranked fifth in the country, and top ranked in New York state, in a collaborative report, U.S. News & World Report/NCQA “America’s Best Health Plans” 2006®. The CDPHP Medicare Advantage program, Medicare Choice, and the Medicaid program, Select Plan, ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, in the nation.

The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP .

An Olympian Among Us

2007-07-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

Dr. Daniel O'Keefe, President of the Glens Falls Tennis and Swim Club recently personified the words of Norman Vincent Peale:

Live your life and forget your age

as he won the gold medal at the National Senior Olympics of 2007 on the third of this month. Playing in the blistering afternoon heat of Louisville, Kentucky just two days after being admitted to the hospital with acute hypertension, O'Keefe and his partner, Ed Gall, handily won the 85-90 year old bracket of the Doubles Tennis competition.

Recently Dr. O'Keefe was kind enough to share his medal with Todd Shimkus during a tour of the Club.

Bravo Dr. O'Keefe, bravo!

Vision, Ambition & Pragmatism

2007-07-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

It's every entrepreneur's fear that one day their business will be obsolete, left behind by advancing technology and surpassed by a rapidly changing world with rapidly changing needs.

But even in the face of a possible high-tech boom just to the south, where Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering is growing, and Malta's Luther Forest Technology Park is trying to entreat Advanced Micro Devices Inc. to build a new factory, businessmen like Mark Miller remain cautiously optimistic about their futures.

Miller, who owns Americlean in South Glens Falls, believes the potential exists for companies in this area to generate more business for themselves by providing services they already offer to high-tech facilities.

Miller himself is doing this now.

Americlean, a commercial and industrial painting and cleaning company, is working on the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering campus.

And while the work Americlean employees are doing is not exactly high-tech, it is pretty important to the overall function of a high-tech facility.

"Americlean's work is centered at NanoFab 300 North, a 250,000-square-foot building that is part of CNSE's Albany NanoTech complex," CNSE Director of Communications Services Stephen Janack explained in an e-mail. "Americlean is pressure washing vaporizers that are used to pump nitrogen into the facility.

"That work is essential in ensuring that there is a consistent and precise flow of nitrogen, which is regarded as one of the important gases used in the process of development and manufacture of computer nanochips."

While Miller is happy to be doing this work, he's not blind to the fact that Americlean will have some updates to make to its service packages if the company is to branch out and do more with computer chip makers in the future.

Miller is particularly aware of this when it comes to clean room maintenance. Clean rooms are very tightly controlled environments in which everything from temperature to employees' clothing is strictly regimented to protect the computer chips being made.

"There's a huge difference in what we do compared to cleaning clean rooms," Miller said. "We have a little training and research to do."

Still, he sees opportunities for Americlean and other local contractors during the development phase of these high-tech facilities.

"That's where a lot of work is going to be for local contractors -- during new construction," Miller said. "For us, for instance, I don't see our company involved much after a facility's complete, unless it's for something like these vaporizers."

The vaporizers are large, external structures on which ice accumulates due to the nitrogen passing through them, which is very cold, Miller said. His job is to remove that ice build-up.

John Aspland, owner of Adirondack Plastics & Recycling in Argyle, agreed that there will be various opportunities for local firms like his to capitalize on the tech trend. But he stressed that changing in order to grasp those opportunities may be a challenging necessity.

Recognizing this, Aspland has been working hard to learn how the plastics and paper recycling business he runs might need to change or evolve in order to accommodate the material recycling needs of the high-tech sector.

That work, however, has not been so fruitful.

"We haven't even been able to get our foot in the door yet," Aspland said. "But eventually, we'll pull through and get to the right guy."

Aspland is banking on the fact that every company generates some kind of waste, but he is also co nfident because he has had to adjust his business plan before.

When medical device manufacturers Tyco and Mallinckrodt closed years ago, Adirondack Plastics faced a troubling outlook.

Aspland recalled that those companies made up more than half his business.

But he managed to push on and re-invent a now-burgeoning company by adapting.

Todd Shimkus, president and CEO of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, agreed that doing research on the computer and nanoscience tech sector is a good idea, especially since the future of local businesses' involvement with high-tech companies is uncertain.

"It's still somewhat unknown, to be honest," Shimkus said. "High-tech companies in Hillsboro are using fewer and fewer local vendors, since they need those vendors that can service all their locations all over the world."

Shimkus was one of about 20 delegates who visited Hillsboro, Ore., this spring to learn how that community has been impacted by explosive growth in the computer chip manufacturing industry.

"But, as Americlean shows, there will be opportunity," Shimkus said. "Mark's instance shows a different side of the situation -- there will be specific plant needs.

"It's kind of like the big box stores. They have enormous, high-quality distribution systems, but when one of their trucks blows its tires out, they're probably going to Warren Tire."

Len Fosbrook, president of the Economic Development Corp. of Warren County, agreed that possibilities exist even though local businesses probably will not be able to provide high-tech companies with the raw materials used to create products or do research.

"The supply chain is a little out of our reach, but there's a wealth of opportunity," he said.

"The obvious thing is construction jobs; that comes first to mind. But the people employed by these industries will also need goods and services, whether it's a restaurant, a laundry or banking."

According to Janack, hundreds of companies provide various kinds of support to just the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

"Americlean is just one of well over 500 local, regional and New York State companies that have provided over $400 million in goods and services at CNSE's Albany NanoTech complex over the past decade," Janack said.

Special thanks to The Post-Star for providing such wonderful coverage of our members in articles such as the one you have just read.

A Golden Find for CDPHP

2007-07-23T07:48:00.001-07:00

RENÉE GOLDERMAN JOINS CDPHP AS DIRECTOR, HEALTH CARE QUALITY

Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP) today announced the appointment of Renée S. Golderman, MS, RN, CNA, BC, to director, heath care quality. Golderman will lead the development, coordination, and communication of health quality initiatives at CDPHP. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in the health care industry to her new post.

“Renée has significant knowledge of clinical practice, management, and professional leadership,” said William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, president and CEO, CDPHP. “Her diverse background will be integral to the assessment, measurement, and implementation of health quality initiatives which support our commitment to excellence.”

Prior to joining CDPHP, Golderman served as the director of nursing for Seton Health System. In addition, she has also held clinical management positions at New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, Connecticut. She has also served as a clinical educator for The Eddy.

Golderman holds a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from SUNY Buffalo, and a master’s of science in health care management from RPI. She is board certified in nursing administration by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and is a member of the New York Organization of Nurse Executives (NYONE).

A native of Middletown, New York, Golderman currently resides in Guilderland with her husband and their three children.

About CDPHP™
Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. In 2006, the CDPHP commercial health plan was ranked fifth in the country, and top ranked in New York state, in a collaborative report, U.S. News & World Report/NCQA “America’s Best Health Plans” 2006®. The CDPHP Medicare Advantage program, Medicare Choice, and the Medicaid program, Select Plan, ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, in the nation.

The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP.

Remembrance

2007-07-19T13:49:00.002-07:00

Fort Hudson Health System held a dedication ceremony of Monday, July 2nd for the Veteran's Memorial. Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand arranged for the flag used in the Washington Flag presentation to be flown over the United States Capital on June 7th, 2007. The Congresswoman sent Lisa Manzi from her office as a representative at the ceremony. Manzi presented the flag to Mr. John A. Matochik Jr., DVM the Fort Hudson Foundation President and Veteran of War.

Senator Betty Little also participated in the ceremony with a flag presentation. Andrew Cruikshank, CEO Fort Hudson Health System presented a plaque. The Rasing of the Colors was executed by American Legion Post 574 of Hudson Falls.

The veterans honored in the ceremony:

Donna Allie, Maynard Alverson, Dan Anderson, Vivian Blakely,
Mike Brown, Roy Brown, Gwendolyn Bussey, Moses Carma,
Jack Coburn, James Conway, Elizabeth Dickinson, Bernard Dobler,
William Edwards, Mike Eggleton, David Eldridge, Kevin Fisher,
Gus Griffing, Gary Hammond, Paul Hillman, Irving Jenkins,
Walter Komsa, Patty Kupiec, Angelo LaSarso, Richard Leight,
Don MacArthur, Vincent Malvuccio, Robert McClard,
Mary McKenna, Howard Miles, Tammy Moss, Robert Munger,
Larry Olsen, Jim Patton, Stanford Searl, Edward Seely,
Floyd "Pete" Smith, Len Smith, Bill Ward, Dean Warde,
Arnold Weatherwax, Bob Winney, Frank Williams.

A Royal Welcome Of Course

2007-07-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

A special welcome to Meg and Eric Woodbury of Kingswood Golf Course. Seen in this picture with their dog Louie and in one of the carts from the course, they invite ARCC members to come by to visit the clubhouse. They are located at 111 County Route 41 in Hudson Falls.

You can also visit here to get signed up to their email list where you'll receive information about specials, discounts and upcoming events.

Not Just Prime Property, Home

2007-07-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

A week ago today Peggy Blake of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties expanded her team as she welcomed Jeff Spence to Coldwell Banker Prime Properties.

Also on hand to welcome Jeff were: Bruce Forman, George Ludwig, Shelli Cameron, Jeanne LaPoint, Pam Armstrong and Kelli May.

Congratulations!

An Internationally Local Victory

2007-07-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES TO CONSOLIDATE UPSTATE NEW YORK FACILITIES

Move Will Unite 400 Employees Currently Split between Two Facilities in Warren County

CHICAGO–July 17, 2007–Tribune Media Services (TMS), a subsidiary of Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB), today announced plans to consolidate its upstate New York-based operations in a new building in the Town of Queensbury, NY. The planned 66,000 square foot facility is being built by Albany, NY-based BBL Construction Services, LLC. TMS and BBL have entered into a long-term leasing arrangement that will begin next summer. Four hundred employees of TMS’ Entertainment Information Products division will work in the building.

“Consolidating these two large offices will enable TMS to become even more efficient and competitive in delivering the best entertainment information products in the world,” said TMS President and CEO David D. Williams. “This move further strengthens our continuing commitment as one of the major employers in Warren County and the region, whose citizens and community leaders have helped create an environment where we can thrive.”

The TMS Entertainment Products Division is a leading provider of print, online and on-screen television listings, movie showtimes and entertainment-related editorial information to media and consumer electronics companies. In addition to its offices in upstate New York, the division has headquarters in Chicago and major operations in Milwaukee, Dallas, Los Angeles and Amsterdam (The Netherlands).
About Tribune Media Services
Tribune Media Services (TMS), a subsidiary of Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB), is a leading provider of information and entertainment products for print, electronic and on-air media in the United States and abroad. It distributes TV and movie listings and related editorial content under the TMS and Zap2it brands; syndicates comics, editorial cartoons, features and opinion columns; creates and distributes a variety of online information products; licenses editorial content from national periodicals; and manages national advertising networks. TMS also markets news, features, information graphics and multimedia content to media clients around the world through McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information, visit the website.
About Tribune Media Services Entertainment Products Division

Tribune Media Services (TMS) is a leading provider of print, online and on-screen entertainment listings and editorial information to newspapers and online media, cable and satellite operators, and consumer electronics companies. Offering a full line of enhanced entertainment information products and services, TMS' TV information clients include Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, New York Times, USA Today, TiVo and Microsoft. TMS collects information from more than 16,000 broadcast, cable and satellite sources worldwide. Its newspaper, cable and satellite program magazines reach more than 30 million households in over 50 major markets on a weekly and monthly basis. Additionally, TMS' electronic program guide (EPG) is available in 9 million homes worldwide.

TMS print and online advertising networks provide opportunities to reach nearly 70 million people, through major market newspaper TV supplements and Zap2it.com. TMS Movie Products collects data from more than 37,000 movie theater screens in North America to create and market print and electronic movie information products and services. TMS Movie Products clients include Carmike Cinemas, Inc., Clear Channel Interactive, Cox Communications, Inc., Los Angeles Times and others. TMS is also the licensing agent for ticketing services from Fandango, the nation's largest online and phone movie ticketing service.

Additionally, TMS offers Zap2it.com, a leading entertainment information website for TV and Movie listings and features, and information on the latest video and DVD releases. For more information about TMS, visit the website.

About Tribune Company

TRIBUNE (NYSE:TRB) is one of the country’s top media companies, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting. It reaches more than 80 percent of U.S. households and is the only media organization with newspapers, television stations and websites in the nation’s top three markets. In publishing, Tribune’s leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.), The Sun (Baltimore), South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Orlando Sentinel and Hartford Courant. The company’s broadcasting group operates 25 television stations, Superstation WGN on national cable, Chicago’s WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune’s print and broadcast properties and extend the company’s nationwide audience.

There's a New Deputy in Town (at The Hyde)

2007-07-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

The Hyde Collection’s board of trustees is pleased to announce that Erin B. Coe has been promoted to the position of Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the Museum effective June 25, 2007. Ms. Coe has served as Curator at The Hyde since 1999. As Deputy Director, Coe will be the officer in charge when the Director is not on the Museum premises. The title Chief Curator acknowledges Ms. Coe’s role as the head of the curatorial department and staff. This promotion recognizes Coe’s eight years of expertise and leadership with respect to collections and exhibition research and development, publications, and the management of the curatorial department including overseeing the care and conservation of the Museum’s collection of nearly 3,000 art objects. According to the board of trustees chairman Bernard Brown, who announced the promotion on June 25, “Erin has done a remarkable job for us since coming to The Hyde. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the collection is unparalleled.” Philip McIntire, chair of the Human Resources Committee stated, “Erin herself is one of the jewels of our collection. Her knowledge, her experience, and her absolute devotion to the Hyde deserve this recognition.”

During her tenure at The Hyde, Coe has curated eighteen exhibitions and authored or co-authored numerous exhibition catalogues including Adolph Gottlieb, 1956 (2005), Painting Lake George, 1774-1900 (2005); Family Matters: American Impressionism and Realism (2003), Picturing Gentility: Portraits of Women in American Art (2000), and French and English Printed Textiles (1999). Additionally, Coe has directly managed the installation of over thirty-five traveling exhibitions such as Luminist Horizons: The Art and Collection of James A. Suydam, (2007); Edward Weston: Life Work (2006); Carrie Mae Weems: The Louisiana Project (2005), Masterworks: Selections from the New Britain Museum of American Art (2004), and Modern Masters: From Corot to Kandinsky (2003).

In 2003-04, Ms. Coe oversaw the interior restoration of the Museum’s historic building, Hyde House, through the development and implementation of a Furnishing Plan. This restoration project garnered several awards including the Award of Merit from the Upstate History Alliance in 2005. This major restoration project served as the basis of her newly published article “The Hyde House Furnishing Plan: Scholarship and Science to the Rescue” in the Postprints of the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works, based on the paper she presented at their annual meeting in 2006.

Coe has received other honors and awards including The Business Review’s 40 Under Forty in 2006; and the Brunshwig & Fils Scholarship to attend the prestigious Attingham Summer School for the Study of Architecture, Fine, and Decorative Arts in Great Britain in 2001.

Coe has written for several national periodicals including The Magazine Antiques and the Catalogue of Antiques and Fine Art. She is a recent contributor to Consuming Views: Art and Tourism in the White Mountains 1850-1900 (2006) published by the New Hampshire Historical Society and distributed by the University of New England Press.

Ms. Coe has served on several area boards including the Marcella Sembrich Memorial Association, the Lake George Arts Project, and presently on the de Blasiis Chamber Music Series. She holds a MA degree from the University at Albany and a BA degree from the University of New Mexico.

The Hyde Collection is a historic house and art museum complex that combines the heritage of the Adirondack Region with a distinguished permanent collection consisting of works by European old and modern masters and American artists, important decorative arts and antique furnishings. In addition, the Museum provides changing exhibitions in four gallery spaces, lectures, concerts, family activities and school programming as well as a Museum Store. Admission is FREE with voluntary donations accepted. The Hyde Collection is a publicly supported institution located at 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls, New York. Open year-round Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM, and Sunday noon - 5 PM., Closed Mondays and national holidays. Admission is FREE. For information, call 518-792-1761 or visit the Hyde website.

Valuable Addition to the Meadows

2007-07-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Glen at Hiland Meadows, the North Country's premier retirement community has announced the appointment of Carl Cedrone, AAMS, financial advisor for Edward D. Jones and Companies, as a member of its board of directors.

A 25-year veteran of the financial services field, Cedrone has experience as an accountant, auditor, tax preparer, corporate controller and financial advisor. He joined Edward D. Jones in 1998.

Cedrone is also active in the local community. Currently he is chair of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors and a member ot the board of trustees for the Chapman Historical Museum. He also served on the board of directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and was the JDRF Walk chair and corporate recruitment chair this year. Cedrone is a resident of Queensbury.

The Glen at Hiland Meadows is an affiliate of The Eddy and a member of Northeast Health, a regional, comprehensive, not-for-profit network of healthcare, supportive housing and community services comprised of The Eddy, Albany Memorial Hospital and Samaritan Hospital and Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital. Please visit the Northeast Health website for more information.

Diamonds are Forever

2007-07-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

AAA has announced the 2007 Four Diamond Award Winners. We are proud to direct the spotlight and our refined applause in the direction of two ARCC member companies that shine brightly on the list.

The Inn at Erlowest
Four-Diamond Restaurant Winner

The Sagamore
Four-Diamond Lodging Winner

What a win as they open their gates!

2007-06-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

A grand opening ceremony for the new 96-room Wingate By Wyndham
4054 Route 9L in Lake George
Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 11 a.m.

Just in time for the busy summer tourist season, Lake George's newest hotel, the 96-room Wingate by Wyndham in Lake George, is open for business.

Last month the Wyndham Hotel Group affiliated its Wingate and Wyndham brands to leverage marketing, sales and training and reach an expanded consumer base. This affiliation not only not only gives the hotel a new name (Wingate by Wyndham in Lake George ) and logo, but also enables the facility to bolster its brand awareness as a result of the halo effect from Wyndham's resort destination product advertising.

Nestled in the woods at the southern end of the lake with easy access to the village, the four-story Wingate By Wyndham, which is operated by Adirondack Lodging LLC, is one of the region's few hotels to boast indoor and outdoor swimming pools and have flexible meeting and function space for events ranging in size from 10 to 100 guests.

Designed by Phinney Design Group of Saratoga Springs, a consulting firm with an extensive track record in designing "common sense" buildings that reduce human impacts on the environment, the hotel features a reflective white roof to keep the building cool and has a highly efficient indoor heating and cooling system. The exterior also uses a locally quarried stone façade.

High Rollers of a Different Breed

2007-06-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

The best kinds of chambers of commerce help their members and by doing so help their communities. Every once in a while a member goes above and beyond the call of duty and makes a difference in our community. Today we have just such an occasion. Please read on as we applaud a member as they blade to make a difference.

Neil Tatar and Adirondack Ad Specialities are on a roll, a 2,000 mile role.

After 10 months of planning, our team of Rolling For Autism skaters left our house in Queensbury, New York at 5:30 Monday morning, heading to Amelia Island, Florida to start a 2,000 mile rollerblading adventure. Their journey northward begins Thursday, and the target date to cross the finish line is August 19, in Kittery , Maine -- 54 days of rolling an average of 40 miles per day!

The past few days were quite busy, with the some of the final details still coming together, along with a nice send off from the Center For Disabilities in Albany , NY, and four television appearances. We have been quite fortunate to receive excellent media support, and are finding a steady increase in public awareness for our event as well as a surge of incoming donations. With a goal of $500,000, every dollar counts!

Throughout our journey, four recent Union College graduates will be leading the way. They are Dan Tatar (my son), Sean Streich of Kimberley, British Columbia, Carson Strang of Cleveland, Ohio and Jason Ortolano of Carteret, NJ. Along the way, they will be joined by several other participants.

I am sharing our adventure with you in hopes that you will find it to be of interest. If you are inclined, please follow their progress as they roll up the Atlantic coast. Also, check out their schedule and calendar June July, August. I hope you will come out and support us if we are passing through your area... and please, if you have any contacts in the cities listed along the way, I would love to hear from you. The success of our project can be enhanced by the participation of so many friends.

Please check out our website and watch our progress! I would love to hear your comments and suggestions.

Regards,

Neil Tatar
ntatar@adirondackadspecs.com