FultonMontgoMery

livability.com/fulton-montgomery-region

Region, new yoRk

OLD RELIABLESEntrepreneurs find success

with nostalgic businesses

Winter WonderlandResidents embrace snowy season

2013 | SpOnSORED By thE FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REgIOnAL ChAMBER OF COMMERCE

A Great Hotel Guests Love.

Guest Room FeatuRes• In-room coffee makers• In-room hair dryers• In-room microwaves/refrigerators• In-room iron and ironing boards• AM/FM alarm clock radios• Two telephones with voice mail• Guest rooms with two double beds or one king bed with a sofa sleeper• 32-inch flat-panel LCD television• 100% non-smoking property

RestauRaNt & LouNGe• Casual eatery, open Mon.-Sat. 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.• Seasonal outdoor patio• Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner• Kids stay and eat free• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, Mon.-Fri. 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

ameNItIes• 24-hour self-service laundry room• ATM/cash machine in lobby• Dry cleaning/laundry services• Heated outdoor pool, open Memorial Day through Labor Day• ADA compliant rooms• Pets allowed in specific rooms• Priority Club Rewards Program• Elevator• High-speed Internet (wireless and hard wired)• 24-hour fax and copy service• 24-hour use of fitness room• HD Programming with HBO and Disney• Free local phone calls• Forget-me-not amenity program• USA Today delivered to your room• Bottled water in your room• Parking and truck plug-ins• Morning coffee• 24-hour business center

308 N. Comrie Ave. • Johnstown, NY 12095-1095518.762.4686 • Toll-free: 800.HOLIDAY Fax: 518.762.4034 • Email: hijntny@frontiernet.netwww.holidayinn.com/johnstownny

A Full-Service Hotel

L IvABIL It y.COM/FuLtOn-MOntgOMERy-REg IOn 3

CONTENTS

Things to Do 12 Attractions Winter Wonderland Residents embrace snowy season

16 Local Flavor get the Dish on Delicious Dining

18 Arts & Culture Inspirational environment

20 Sports & Recreation Beyond the Snow

on the Cover Royal Mountain Ski Area Photo by Martin B. Cherry

12

9 Welcome to the Fulton Montgomery Region An introduction to the community

FultonMontgoMeryRegion, new yoRk

FultonMontgoMery

2013 eDItIon voluMe 9

Region, new yoRkContent Director | Lisa BattlesContributing Writers | Cary Estes, John McBryde, Jessica Mozo, Kathryn RoysterContent Coordinator | Jessica Walker BoehmStaff Writer | Kevin Litwinproofreading Manager | Raven Petty

Lead Designer | Kara LeibySenior graphic Designers | Stacey Allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores, Vikki Williamsgraphic Designers | Kacey Passmore, Matt WestCreative technology Analyst | Becca Ary

Lead photographer | Martin B. CherrySenior photographers | Jeff Adkins, Brian McCordStaff photographers | Michael Conti, Wendy Jo O’Barr, Frank OrdonezColor Imaging technician | Alison Hunter

Integrated Media Manager | Will ZanetisSales Support project Manager | Sara QuintSales Support Coordinator | Christina Morgan

Ad production Manager | Katie MiddendorfAd traffic Assistants | Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan

Web project Manager | David Day Digital project Manager | Jill RidenourDigital products Designer | Erica LampleyWeb Development Lead | Yamel HallWeb Developer I | Nels NoseworthyWeb Designer II | Richard StevensWeb product Manager | John Hood

Chairman | Greg Thurmanpresident/publisher | Bob SchwartzmanExecutive vice president | Ray LangenSenior v.p./Sales | Todd PotterSenior v.p./Client Development | Jeff HeefnerSenior v.p./Operations | Casey Hester

v.p./Sales | Jarek Swekoskyv.p./Content Operations | Natasha LorensAudience Development Director | Deanna NelsonCreative Services Director | Christina CardenDistribution Director | Gary Smithphotography Director | Jeffrey S. OttoWeb Services Director | Allison Davis

Controller | Chris DudleySenior Accountant | Lisa OwensAccounts payable Coordinator | Maria McFarlandAccounts Receivable Coordinator | Diana Guzman

It Director | Daniel Cantrell

Executive Secretary | Kristy Gileshuman Resources Manager | Peggy BlakeReceptionist | Linda Bishop

Livability: Fulton Montgomery Region, New York is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce 2 North Main Street • Gloversville, NY 12078Phone: (518) 725-0641 • Fax: (518) 725-0643www.fultonmontgomeryny.org

visit Livability Fulton Montgomery Region, NY online: livability.com/fulton-montgomery-region

©Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

Member The Association of Magazine Media

Member Custom Content Council

Member Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce

2013 is a special year for Lexington, as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Lexington’s founding and the 10th Anniversary of FLAME, Lexington’s world-renowned rock band.

Help us celebrate these milestones at events that will take place this year! Visit our website for details, www.lexingtoncenter.org.

Sign up for our quarterly newsletters and email updates: swierzt@lexcenter.org

Lexington, Chapter of NYSARC Inc. 127 E. State St. • Gloversville, NY 12078

(518) 773-7931 • www.lexingtoncenter.org

Enrichment in music, painting, pottery, photography, culinary, theater and other artistic endeavors for all members of the community. A music studio that will be open to the community will offer opportunities

to learn and perform with FLAME’s guidance.

For more information, contact the Lexington Foundation.

(518) 736-3909 • swierzt@lexcenter.org

“Like” us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lexingtonARC

CONTENTS

Living24 Neighborhoods living History every Day Architectural character makes region an old-house lover’s dream

27 Education Advancing education

29 Health A Century of Health Care

31 Community Profile

Business34 Business Overview We’ve got It Made Area manufacturers produce quality goods

36 Small Business old reliables Entrepreneurs find success with nostalgic businesses

40 Chamber Letter one for All

41 economic Profile

36

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

PlEaSE rECyClE ThiS magaziNE

2724

307 N. Comrie Ave.Johnstown, NY 12095

(518) 762-RUBYwww.RandQ.com

Must present ad. Furniture items only. See store for details.

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CONTENTS

A joint venture between the cities

of Gloversville and Johnstown

in the 1970s resulted in the creation of

a Joint Wastewater Treatment Facility

located near the Cayadutta Creek.

This multimillion dollar investment

serves to protect the waters of Fulton

County. Wastewater generated by the

residents of the community along with

approximately 30 diverse industries is

accepted and treated at this facility.

The facility recently completed an

upgrade project resulting in the

generation of more than 90% of

the electricity required to operate

the facility.

191 Union Ave., Johnstown, NY 12095 | www.g-jwastewater.com | email: wastewater@gjwastewater.com

GLOVERSVILLE-JOHNSTOWN JOINT WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY

(518) 762-3101

GJ

Photos & video

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things to do Find the must-do attractions, activities and dining in the Fulton Montgomery Region.

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Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham136 North Comrie Ave.Johnstown, NY 12095

(518) 762-5425

DESIGNED FOR A BETTER HOTEL STAY SM

From the ground up, value and satisfaction are built into every Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham hotel.

Enjoy our comfortable and spacious rooms and suites, plus: • Free wireless high-speed Internet • Free continental breakfast • Cozy DreamWell® bedding • Earn Wyndham Rewards® Points

© 2013 Microtel Inn and Suites Franchising, Inc. All rights reserved. All hotels are independently owned and operated.

aT a glaNCE

Boundless natural beauty best describes the Montgomery and Fulton County region, and newcomers see and feel the effects of that calming, inspirational environment in the welcoming and generous nature of its people.

rElaxEd liviNgLooking to retreat from hectic

city living to charming small-town living? You’ve found it here. None of the region’s three largest population centers – Amsterdam in Montgomery County and Gloversville and Johnstown in Fulton County – exceed 19,000 people, yet each has distinctive characteristics. Both counties also have centers of community pride in their smaller, more rural cities, towns and villages. In Montgomery County, these include Ames, Auriesville, Canajoharie, Charleston, Florida, Fonda, Fort Hunter, Fort Johnson, Fort Plain, Fultonville, Glen, Hagaman, Minden, Mohawk, Nelliston, Palatine Bridge, Root, Sprakers, St. Johnsville and Tribes Hill. In Fulton, there’s Bleecker, Broadalbin, Caroga, Ephratah, Mayfield, Northampton, Northville, Oppenheim, Perth and Stratford.

liquid aSSETSThe Mohawk River drove the

region’s earliest development and positively influences economic development today. The river, plus rail and road transportation assets, continue to attract business.

Dubbed “Land of 44 Lakes,” Fulton County has pure, high-quality water from the Adirondacks that made its early glove-making and leather production industries possible and helped lure modern industries. Fresh water and the county’s wastewater treatment facility helped recruit food production companies, too. Read on to learn why the region is one of America’s Best Places to Live.

Fulton Montgomery Region, New YorkA quick, coMPreheNSive overview oF whAt’S GreAt About the coMMuNitY

30A

Broadalbin

Mayfield

Northville

Amsterdam

Ames

Oppenheim

Dolgeville

Caroga LakeStratford

30

29

30

10

29

2929

30

5

FULTON

MONTGOMERY

Fort Plain

Saint Johnsville

Fonda

Gloversville

Johnstown

Canajoharie

90

90

FOr mOrE iNFOrmaTiONFulton Montgomery regional Chamber of Commerce

2 North Main Street Gloversville, NY 12078 Phone: (518) 725-0641 Fax: (518) 725-0643

www.fultonmontgomeryny.org

lOCaTiONThe Fulton Montgomery Region is in east-central New York and is known as the Gateway to the Adirondacks.

POPulaTiON

105,096diSTaNCES TO ThrEE majOr CiTiES NEarByNew York, NY: 204 miles Boston, MA: 224 miles Pittsburgh, PA: 453 miles

TimE zONEEastern

aNNual raiNFall

44.74”National Average: 30”

Fifty-nine percent of Fulton County is within the Adirondack Park.

FASt FACt

Fulton MontgomeryRegion

L IvABIL It y.COM/FuLtOn-MOntgOMERy-REg IOn 9

Agritourism

TakE a day TriP

Get the Harvest Tour in

Fulton & Montgomery

Counties map at

www.44lakes.com for

50 agritourism attractions

including Eagle mills

Cider mill and Family Fun Park in Broadalbin,

Natural Bridge Farm in

Amsterdam and Sand Flat Orchards in Fonda.

Baseball

ChEEr FOr ThE mOhawkS

Baseball lovers can

root for the amsterdam mohawks of the Perfect

Game Collegiate Baseball

League, a nine-team,

wooden-bat league which

plays from early June to

early August. Visit www.amsterdammohawks.com

for more info.

Museum

gO wild

See full-size mounts of

bears, buffalo, mountain

lions, wolves and other

animals at the wildlife Sports and Educational museum in Amsterdam,

home to the New York

State Outdoorsmen Hall

of Fame. See www.wild lifesportsmuseum.com

for more info.

Farmers Markets

EaT hEalThy

Shop for locally grown produce, meats and homemade products at 10 farmers markets in Fulton and Montgomery counties. For locations and more information on local markets, visit www.fultonmontgomeryfarmersmarket.org.

tHIngS to DoThe Fulton Montgomery Region’s must-do attractions, activities and dining

Educational Exerciseget some exercise and learn about the Erie Canal while biking or walking along the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway portion of the new york State Canalway trail, which is accessible in several areas along the Mohawk river in Montgomery County. villages adjacent to the trail played big roles in u.S. colonial history.

10 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

Motocross

gET rEvvEd uP

Cheer on motocross racers and ATV hill climbers at royal mountain Ski area and motocross. Royal Mountain’s hill is famous for being one of the longest and roughest that riders climb. Visit www.royalmountain.com for more information.

Shrine

liFT a PrayErVisit the Shrine of Our lady of martyrs in

Auriesville, a 17th-century

Mohawk village. The

Shrine is the birthplace

of Kateri Tekakwitha, Lily

of the Mohawks, who in

2012 became the first

Native American Saint. See

www.martyrshrine.org for

more information.

Shopping

Buy amiSh gOOdSWatch for hand-lettered

signs around Glen,

Minden, Nelliston,

Palatine Bridge, Stone

Arabia and State Routes

10 and 30 A South to

find items created by local amish craftsmen such as handmade quilts

and furniture, as well as

baked goods.

Savor Sweet TreatsWatch airplanes at the Fulton County Airport while sampling pastries, cookies and cupcakes at grandma Millie’s Bakery, a family-owned business with two chefs trained at the Culinary Institute of America.

ThiNgS TO dO

Food

Try a FraNk

Swing by Tego’s luncheonette in Gloversville for a regional favorite: a hot dog topped with Tego’s signature meat sauce, with a side of French fries. This downtown favorite has been in operation well over 40 years.

phOtO COuRtESy OF tABBAAD

LIvABIL It y.COM/FuLtOn-MOntgOMERy-REg IOn 11 10 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

ThiNgS TO dO

Uplifting Funvisitors can ski or snowboard at royal Mountain Motocross and Ski Area in Caroga Lake. the facility offers lessons for all ages and skill levels. See www.royalmountain.com for more information.

12 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

FULTON MONTgOMERY REgION RESIDENTS EMBRACE SNOWY SEASON

WInter

It is a true Winter Wonderland moment, the type of moment that exemplifies what the winter months can provide in Fulton and Montgomery counties, a region that regularly receives more than 100 inches of snow each year.

“We have such a great area to take advantage of all these types of winter hobbies,” says Andy Heck, president of the Amsterdam-based outdoor recreation retailer Alpin Haus, www.alpinhaus.com. “So people around here would rather get outside instead of sitting around inside all winter.”

laPlaNd lakEAbundant outdoor activities await at Lapland Lake Nordic

Vacation Center, which celebrates its 35th winter season in 2013. The trail system, a highlight, stretches more than 30 miles and is separated between cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails.

The light from a brilliant full moon glistens on a snow-covered lake. A canopy of stars twinkles overhead as cross-country skiers

glide across the frozen pond. A nearby campfire cuts through the chill of the crisp, invigorating night air.

Wonderland

SnAPSHot

Warm up with a meal at russo’s adirondack grill, www.russosgrill.net, in Broadalbin and Amsterdam.

“There are so many snowmobile trails that everybody who lives here has one close to them.”

aNdy hECk, PRESIDENT, ALPIN HAuS

L IvABIL It y.COM/FuLtOn-MOntgOMERy-REg IOn 13 12 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

Former U.S. Olympic cross-country skier Olavi Hirvonen and his wife, Ann, founded Lapland in 1978. Olavi still personally grooms the trails on a daily basis.

“We try to give exemplary customer service, which is probably why we’re still around after 35 years,” Ann says.

The resort also offers several tubing and sledding hills, as well as ice skating on Lapland Lake. Three or four times each winter, the center is opened to the general public for full-moon skiing.

“Those are absolutely gorgeous,” says longtime area resident Mel Charles, owner of ADK Realty. “The snow lightens everything, so you don’t even need a headlamp. You can see all these spectacular stars. I get goose bumps just thinking about it.”

Hit the Slopesthe Johnstown high School Alpine Ski team practices at royal Mountain Motocross and Ski Area, which has 14 trails and three lifts at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains.

lapland lake nordic vacation Center, www.laplandlake.com, rents private cottages, but opens for day visits during the winter.

14 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

Dash Through the Snow in StyleLocal winter sports enthusiasts gear up at regional recreation retailer Alpin Haus, which started in Amsterdam in 1964 and has grown to include five stores.

dOwNhill SkiiNg, SNOwmOBiliNg, iCE FiShiNg aNd SlEddiNg

Royal Mountain Motocross and Ski Area transforms the hills and trails used by motorcycles during the summer into downhill ski courses in the winter.

“(Owner Jim Blaise) has expanded every year and put in more and more snow-making equipment,” Charles says. “He has made Royal Mountain a premier ski area in New York.”

Snowmobile trails cut across both Fulton and Montgomery counties, part of the state’s 8,000-mile Snowmobile Trail System. The various trails extend all the way to Canada, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

“There are so many snowmobile

hOliday EvENTSamsterdam Light Up the Sky with the Marching Rams; Festival of Trees; Kristy Pollack Memorial Light Display; Elves Night Out

Canajoharie Annual Tree Lighting

Fort Plain Last Night gloversville Christmas concerts and photos with Santa at the Glove Theatre

johnstown Holiday Parade; Victorian Stroll

St. johnsville St. Nicholas Day

trails that everybody who lives here has one close to them,” Heck says.

The winter months also bring out the hardy souls who enjoy ice fishing. Caroga Lake is a popular spot, as is Great Sacandaga Lake, where the annual Walleye Challenge fishing tournament draws 1,500 participants.

For those who like the old-fashioned fun of simply grabbing a sled and sliding down a hill, Charles says there are several neighborhood sledding hills throughout the two counties, including at Nick Stoner Municipal Golf Course in Caroga Lake.

“This is definitely a fun place to be if you like winter,” Charles says.

by Cary Estes by staff photographer

Martin B. Cherry

L IvABIL It y.COM/FuLtOn-MOntgOMERy-REg IOn 15 14 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

Johnstown

Try a ClaSSiC

vintage Café, a true fixture in downtown Johnstown, has an atmosphere and menu best described as “homemade, charming and nostalgic.” The Vintage Salad, a signature selection, is a “don’t miss.” Owner Linda Joseph adds to the hometown community feeling by hosting annual Vintage Classic Car and Motorcycle Shows at the café.

Hagaman

hEarTy hOmESTylE

CP’s Family restaurant, www.cpsrestaurant.com, a family-owned and operated restaurant in Hagaman, has cooked up hearty, homestyle meals since 1983. The restaurant’s accommodating staff is sure to make you feel like part of the family.

get the Dish on Delicious DiningFOOD LOvERS SAvOR MEALS thROughOut thE FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REgIOn

Fulton and Montgomery counties have plenty of great places to dine. Here are just a few of the best-known restaurants, by location.

ThiNgS TO dO: LOCAL FLAVOR

Seafood & Italian in JohnstownJohnstown restaurateur Sam vahaviolos owns both Sam’s

Seafood Steakhouse and romana’s Italian restaurant. Sam’s serves seafood as well as traditional American items like burgers and fries. An excellent wine list complements Greek, Mediterranean and vegetarian dishes. romana’s offers more than 50 menu choices of mostly American italian cuisine, large portions, a friendly staff and quick service. Learn more at www.samsseafoodsteakhouse.com.

gloversville

auThENTiC EaTS

gloversville Palace diner has a rail-car setting and a bustling New York ambiance. The diner serves large portions of such favorites as homemade roast beef, meatloaf, thick-sliced bacon and six kinds of pancakes.

mohawk harvest Cooperative market, www.mohawkharvest.org, opened in July 2009 as a natural foods grocery store that supplies locally produced fruits, vegetables and dairy products, maple syrup, honey and fresh coffee selections, among many other items. The market’s cafe relies on many of these local ingredients to feed loyal lunch patrons flavor-packed sandwiches, soups, pastries and more.

16 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

Fulton County Federal Credit union

Better Banking for Our Community!

If you live, work, worship, attend school, or have a business or other legal entity in Fulton or Montgomery counties or the Towns of Arietta, Benson, Hope, Wells,

Speculator, Lake Pleasant, or Indiana Lake in Hamilton County … YOU CAN JOIN!

Great Rates! Great Location! Become A Member Today!

Open a savings account … $5 • Your credit union benefits … UNLIMITED!

355 Hales Mills Rd. • Gloversville, NY • (518) 725-3191 • www.fctfcu.org Touch-Tone Teller: (518) 725-3191

Drive Thru: Mon.-Thu. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m / Fri. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. / Sat. 9 a.m.-noon Lobby: Mon.-Thu. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. / Sat. 9 a.m.-noon

Federally Insuredby NCUA

Amsterdam

diNNEr & dESSErT

raindancer restaurant, www.raindancerrestaurant.com, opened in 1980. It serves a menu of more than 80 dishes, some of the favorites being filet mignon, prime rib and scallops, and also has an upscale cocktail lounge.

In the up-and-coming Southside Amsterdam area, try dolci for desserts, such as cookies, cannoli, gourmet cupcakes, pastries and brownies, plus gourmet coffee. Dolci also prepares catered trays for weddings and showers.

Known locally as “Home of the Famous Calzone,” Bosco’s Family restaurant on the west side of the city offers traditional Italian food.

St. Johnsville

SwEET TrEaTS

Parkside drive-in is only open in the summertime, but it’s definitely a cool choice thanks to its ice cream selections. Parkside has homemade, gourmet scoop ice cream along with creamy soft-serve. Best seller? German chocolate.

By Kevin Litwin

“Absolutely love [Dolci] . . . the owner is a local family who will accommodate anything big or small. Do try the lemon fingers, made fresh daily.”

will P., YELP.COM REVIEWER

BroadalbinWine and roses restaurant in Broadalbin serves everything from full-course meals to short-order dishes such as burgers, sandwiches and comfort food. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, and many items are made from scratch – including the ketchup.

Read it online or on your tablet and quickly share articles with friends

digiTal magaziNE

Fulton County Federal Credit unionBetter Banking for Our Community!

If you live, work, worship, attend school, or have a business or other legal entity

in Fulton or Montgomery counties or the Towns of Arietta, Benson, Hope, Wells,

Speculator, Lake Pleasant, or Indiana Lake in Hamilton County … YOU CAN JOIN!Great Rates! Great Location! Become A Member Today!Open a savings account … $5 • Your credit union benefits … UNLIMITED!

355 Hales Mills Rd. • Gloversville, NY • (518) 725-3191 • www.fctfcu.org Touch-Tone Teller: (518) 725-3191

Drive Thru: Mon.-Thu. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m / Fri. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. / Sat. 9 a.m.-noon

Lobby: Mon.-Thu. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. / Sat. 9 a.m.-noon

Federally Insuredby NCUA

AmsterdamDINNER & DESSERT

Raindancer Restaurant, www.raindancerrestaurant.com, opened in 1980. It serves a menu of more than 80 dishes, some of the favorites being filet mignon, prime rib and scallops, and also has an upscale cocktail lounge.In the up-and-coming Southside Amsterdam area, try Dolci for desserts, such as cookies, cannoli, gourmet cupcakes, pastries and brownies, plus gourmet coffee. Dolci also prepares catered trays for weddings and showers. Known locally as “Home of the Famous Calzone,” Bosco’s Family Restaurant on the west side of the city offers traditional Italian food.

JohnstownTRY A CLASSIC

Vintage Café, a true fixture in downtown Johnstown, has an atmosphere and menu best described as “homemade, charming and nostalgic.” The Vintage Salad, a signature selection, is a “don’t miss.” Owner Linda Joseph adds to the hometown community feeling by hosting annual Vintage Classic Car and Motorcycle Shows at the café.

St. JohnsvilleSWEET TREATS

Parkside Drive-In is only open in the summertime, but it’s definitely a cool choice thanks to its ice cream selections. Parkside has homemade, gourmet scoop ice cream along with creamy soft-serve. Best seller? German chocolate.

By Kevin Litwin

HagamanHEARTY HOMESTYLECP’s Family Restaurant, www.cpsrestaurant.com, a family-owned and operated restaurant in Hagaman, has cooked up hearty, homestyle meals since 1983. The restaurant’s accommodating staff is sure to make you feel like part of the family.

Get the Dish on Delicious DiningFOOD LOVERS SAVOR MEALS THROUGHOUT THE FULTON MONTGOMERY REGIONFulton and Montgomery counties have plenty of great places to dine.

Here are just a few of the best-known restaurants, by location.

THINGS TO DO: LOCAL FLAVOR

“Absolutely love [Dolci] . . . the owner is a local family who will accommodate anything big or small. Do try the lemon fingers, made fresh daily.”WILL P., YELP.COM REVIEWER

Seafood & Italian in JohnstownJohnstown restaurateur Sam Vahaviolos owns both Sam’s

Seafood Steakhouse and Romana’s Italian Restaurant. Sam’s

serves seafood as well as traditional American items like burgers and

fries. An excellent wine list complements Greek, Mediterranean and

vegetarian dishes. Romana’s offers more than 50 menu choices of

mostly American Italian cuisine, large portions, a friendly staff and

quick service. Learn more at www.samsseafoodsteakhouse.com.

GloversvilleAUTHENTIC EATS

Gloversville Palace Diner has a rail-car setting and a bustling New York ambiance. The diner serves large portions of such favorites as homemade roast beef, meatloaf, thick-sliced bacon and six kinds of pancakes.Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, www.mohawkharvest.org, opened in July 2009 as a natural foods grocery store that supplies locally produced fruits, vegetables and dairy products, maple syrup, honey and fresh coffee selections, among many other items. The market’s cafe relies on many of these local ingredients to feed loyal lunch patrons flavor-packed sandwiches, soups, pastries and more.

BroadalbinWine and Roses Restaurant in Broadalbin serves everything from full-course meals to short-order dishes

such as burgers, sandwiches and comfort food. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, and many items are made

from scratch – including the ketchup.

Read it online or on your tablet and quickly share articles with friends

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Fulton County Federal Credit union

Better Banking for Our Community!

If you live, work, worship, attend school, or have a business or other legal entity

in Fulton or Montgomery counties or the Towns of Arietta, Benson, Hope, Wells,

Speculator, Lake Pleasant, or Indiana Lake in Hamilton County … YOU CAN JOIN!

Great Rates! Great Location!

Become A Member Today!

Open a savings account … $5 • Your credit union benefits … UNLIMITED!

355 Hales Mills Rd. • Gloversville, NY • (518) 725-3191 • www.fctfcu.org

Touch-Tone Teller: (518) 725-3191

Drive Thru: Mon.-Thu. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m / Fri. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. / Sat. 9 a.m.-noon

Lobby: Mon.-Thu. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. / Sat. 9 a.m.-noon

Federally Insuredby NCUA

AmsterdamDINNER & DESSERTRaindancer Restaurant,

www.raindancerrestaurant.com,

opened in 1980. It serves a menu

of more than 80 dishes, some of

the favorites being filet mignon,

prime rib and scallops, and also

has an upscale cocktail lounge.

In the up-and-coming Southside

Amsterdam area, try Dolci for

desserts, such as cookies, cannoli,

gourmet cupcakes, pastries and

brownies, plus gourmet coffee.

Dolci also prepares catered trays

for weddings and showers. Known locally as “Home of the

Famous Calzone,” Bosco’s Family

Restaurant on the west side of the

city offers traditional Italian food.

JohnstownTRY A CLASSICVintage Café, a true fixture in

downtown Johnstown, has an

atmosphere and menu best

described as “homemade, charming

and nostalgic.” The Vintage Salad, a

signature selection, is a “don’t miss.”

Owner Linda Joseph adds to the

hometown community feeling by

hosting annual Vintage Classic Car

and Motorcycle Shows at the café.

St. JohnsvilleSWEET TREATSParkside Drive-In is only

open in the summertime, but it’s

definitely a cool choice thanks to

its ice cream selections. Parkside

has homemade, gourmet scoop

ice cream along with creamy

soft-serve. Best seller? German chocolate.

By Kevin Litwin

HagamanHEARTY HOMESTYLECP’s Family Restaurant,

www.cpsrestaurant.com, a family-

owned and operated restaurant in

Hagaman, has cooked up hearty,

homestyle meals since 1983. The

restaurant’s accommodating staff

is sure to make you feel like part of

the family.

Get the Dish on Delicious Dining

FOOD LOVERS SAVOR MEALS THROUGHOUT THE FULTON MONTGOMERY REGION

Fulton and Montgomery counties have plenty of great places to dine.

Here are just a few of the best-known restaurants, by location.

THINGS TO DO: LOCAL FLAVOR

“Absolutely love [Dolci] . . . the owner is a local family who will

accommodate anything big or small. Do try the lemon

fingers, made fresh daily.”WILL P., YELP.COM REVIEWER

Seafood & Italian in Johnstown

Johnstown restaurateur Sam Vahaviolos owns both Sam’s

Seafood Steakhouse and Romana’s Italian Restaurant. Sam’s

serves seafood as well as traditional American items like burgers and

fries. An excellent wine list complements Greek, Mediterranean and

vegetarian dishes. Romana’s offers more than 50 menu choices of

mostly American Italian cuisine, large portions, a friendly staff and

quick service. Learn more at www.samsseafoodsteakhouse.com.

GloversvilleAUTHENTIC EATSGloversville Palace Diner has

a rail-car setting and a bustling

New York ambiance. The diner

serves large portions of such

favorites as homemade roast beef,

meatloaf, thick-sliced bacon and

six kinds of pancakes.Mohawk Harvest Cooperative

Market, www.mohawkharvest.

org, opened in July 2009 as a

natural foods grocery store that

supplies locally produced fruits,

vegetables and dairy products,

maple syrup, honey and fresh

coffee selections, among many

other items. The market’s cafe

relies on many of these local

ingredients to feed loyal lunch

patrons flavor-packed sandwiches,

soups, pastries and more.

BroadalbinWine and Roses Restaurant in

Broadalbin serves everything from

full-course meals to short-order dishes

such as burgers, sandwiches and comfort

food. Everything is made with fresh

ingredients, and many items are made

from scratch – including the ketchup.

Read it online or on your tablet and

quickly share articles with friends

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

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Inspirational EnvironmentNAturAl beAutY SetS the toNe For reGioN’S ArtS SceNe

Serene scenes here at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains inspire creativity, resulting in a culture with several outlets for artists and patrons of the visual and performing arts.

ThiNgS TO dO: ARTS & CULTURE

Artsy AttractionVisitors can browse a collection of paintings by distinguished artists at the arkell museum in Canajoharie, named for Bartlett Arkell. Arkell, an avid traveler and arts patron, purchased many of the paintings for display. The museum also has exhibits about Mohawk Valley history. Learn more at www.arkellmuseum.org.

Arts Organizations

SuPPOrT aNd PrOmOTiON

In 1997, 30 local artists founded The Sacandaga valley arts Network (SvaN), an organization that promotes the arts throughout the Sacandaga region by improving the quantity, quality and diversity of cultural programming in the area and improving opportunities for local artists. SVAN sponsors dozens of art-related events including the annual Downtown Gloversville Art Fair and Sale. For more information about SVAN, visit www.svanarts.org.

In Amsterdam, the Creative Connections arts Center, www.creativeconnectionsarts.org, advocates creativity and sparks creative expression community wide, offering classes, hosting special events and exhibiting works by local artists. The center aims to bring people together to create and enjoy all types of art, from dance and theatre to painting and writing.

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“A WINNING COMBINATION! ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION!”Conveniently located within easy reach of New York State Thruway

UNIVERSAL WAREHOUSING INC.More than 1 million square feet available

Public warehousing, distribution, shippingwww.universalwarehousing.com

SLA TRANSPORT INC.Northeast regional carrier (TL Services)

Bulk water deliveries (We fill pools!)3PL logistics

www.slatransport.com

ACE SERVICE CENTER INC.Heavy-duty truck & trailer repair

Forklift Maintenance & OSHA Certification programsForklift rentals & hydraulic hose services

www.aceservicecenter.com

Mayfield Commerce Park, Gloversville, NY(518) 725-6960

•••

•••

Theatre

PErFOrmiNg arTS

When the performing arts take center stage, the action happens more often than not at the glove Theatre. Located in downtown Gloversville, the Glove Theatre entertains audiences throughout the year with musical performances, community theater, comedy, holiday shows and more.

Create a MasterpieceThe Orendaga on Northville Lake, an overnight inn, contains the main house gallery and the Bellwether Ceramic Studio, which offers a series of classes and workshops. Learn more at www.orendaga.com.

galleries

viSual arTS

Visual artists who are part of the SVAN network can show their work at the SvaN artists’ gallery at the Fulton County visitor Center at Vail Mills. The gallery hosts open-house receptions that draw local residents as well as out-of-town guests to view and purchase art and talk with the artists.

The Fulton montgomery regional Chamber of Commerce has an art gallery in its Gloversville office at the corner of Fulton and Main Streets. For more information, visit www.fultonmontgomeryny.org. The micropolis art gallery, www.micropolisgallery.org, in downtown Gloversville gives art-lovers a look at the diversity of visual arts in Fulton County, with works by local artists in a variety of media.

Plug into the region’s art scene at livability.com/gloversville/ny/attractions and livability.com/johnstown/ny/attractions.

Event

arT ShOw aNd SalE

Each autumn, the Village of Hagaman hosts the Annual Art Show and Sale. More than 20 years ago, the show began with 12 artists and has grown to include more than 60 artists from the region displaying their work.

by Jessica Mozo

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Beyond the SnowFuLtOn AnD MOntgOMERy COuntIES OFFER RECREAtIOn FOR ALL SEASOnS

While the snow eventually melts every year, the outdoor fun never goes away in Fulton and Montgomery counties, with their dozens of waterways, 10 golf courses and miles of hiking and biking trails.

ThiNgS TO dO: SPORTS & RECREATION

“This is a sportsman’s paradise, because you can play here in all four seasons. We have an abundance of trails, and the views are spectacular. It’s just a beautiful place to be outdoors.”

mEl CharlES, RESIDENT AND OWNER

OF ADK REALTY

golf Courses

TEE iT uP aNd TakE a SwiNg

Golfers can hit the links at 10 different courses that provide an enjoyable test for a variety of skill levels. The Fox run golf Club in Johnstown is a scenic 6,400-yard course in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Fox Run also has two indoor golf simulators that enable golfers to enjoy the game during the winter. Golfers can use their own clubs and hit real balls while enjoying simulated versions of 52 courses, including such historic venues as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.

Other golf offerings in the region include holland meadows golf Course in Gloversville, Nick Stoner municipal golf Course in Caroga Lake, the Robert Trent Jones-designed amsterdam municipal golf Course, and rolling hills County Club in Fort Johnson, a former private club.

Explore the Outdoorsno matter where you want to go in Fulton and Montgomery counties, there is a trail to take you there. the seven-mile-long rail trail in Fulton County follows the old FJ&g railroad bed from gloversville to Johnstown and is open to hiking, jogging, biking and rollerblading. Part of the 524-mile erie Canalway trail cuts through Montgomery county, providing lovely water views along a paved and crushed-stone path. Cyclists can enjoy the 24-mile Northville-Fonda section of the Adirondack trail, stretching from the great Sacandaga reservoir to the Old Erie Canal on the Mohawk River.

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AMSTERDAM OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANYSales • Installation • Service

Residential & commercial garage doors & openersCarriage house doors • Retractable awnings Springs, cables & selections replaced • High-speed doors Rolling grilles & fire doors • Loading dock equipment

(518) 842-7370 • (800) 842-7370 • LBMOSHER@Verizon.netwww.AmsterdamOverheadDoorCompany.com403 West Main St. • Amsterdam, New York 12010

Lou Mosher, Owner, Commercial SalesBeth Apholz, Residential Sales

SERVING THE CAPITAL REGION SINCE 1924

Water Recreation

SPlaSh arOuNd

Fulton County is known as “The Land of 44 Lakes,” the largest being the great Sacandaga lake, which is 29 miles long and six miles wide. Other popular spots in the county for boating, swimming and fishing include Caroga lake, Canada lake, Peck’s lake and Pine lake.

In Montgomery County, most water recreation centers on the Erie Canalway and the mohawk river, which is the largest tributary of the Hudson River.

There are numerous public boat launches, as well as several marinas and yacht clubs. Area waterways also are popular for trout, bass, walleye and northern pike fishing.

by Cary Estes

Find more fun things to do in the Fulton Montgomery Region at livability.com/gloversville/ny/activities and livability.com/johnstown/ny/activities.

The Water’s FinePeople enjoy swimming, boating and fishing in Pine lake, one of many in Fulton county, “the land of 44 lakes.”

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lIvIngHealth care, education and neighborhoods in the Fulton Montgomery Region

22 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

See more photos of the region at livability.com/gloversville/ny/photos-video and livability.com/johnstown/ny/photos-video.

Surrounded by BeautyFulton and Montgomery residents enjoy scenic views at every turn, such as at Pine Lake Park in the Caroga Lake area. The park welcomes local and visiting families with its white sand beach, cabins, camping and RV park. Visit www.pinelakepark.com and www.southernadirondackpines.com to learn more.

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ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER MAkES REgION AN OLD-HOUSE LOvER’S DREAM

EvERy DAyLiving History

liviNg

According to Montgomery County Historical Society Museum Director Alessa Wylie, many local historic homes are center-hall Colonials. Other architectural styles include Palatine German, 19th-century farmhouse and more. Fully renovated, family-size properties are available for well under $200,000; for those willing to expend some elbow grease, fixer-uppers can be found for less than $50,000.

lOrd aNd lady OF ThE maNOrWylie’s own home is a 1920s Jacobean

manor-style residence in Amsterdam’s Market Hill neighborhood. When she and her husband purchased the

5,000-plus-square-foot house, it was divided into three apartments. They restored it to a single-family layout, updated the kitchen and restored the home’s oak paneling and five carved fireplaces to their original beauty.

“We really love all the space,” Wylie says. “We do ‘Camp Wylie,’ and friends come and stay overnight.”

They also love the many cultural and historic sites that dot the valley and the day-trip proximity to New York City and Montreal.

“This valley is so beautiful and so full of history. Every once in a while, I’ll be driving along, and it will just take my breath away,” Wylie says.

Rich in history and affordable historic homes, the Fulton Montgomery Region has some settlements that date back to the Colonial period, with some homes as old

as the 1740s.

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Love at First SightPhilip and Jerri cortese say they “fell in love” immediately with their Amsterdam home, which was built between 1916 and 1918. the house includes three spiral staircases as well as original wood paneling and floors.

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rOOm FOr a FamilyPhilip and Jerri Cortese live

in another of Amsterdam’s historic homes. They purchased their house, built between 1916 and 1918, after adopting their daughter. The previous owner had remodeled the kitchen; the Corteses converted a leaky sun porch and living room into an apartment for Philip’s parents.

“When we first walked into the house, we couldn’t help ourselves. We just fell in love with it,” Jerri Cortese says.

The couple’s favorite features include the home’s three spiral staircases, original wood paneling and floors, and ample room to accommodate Philip’s six siblings and their families.

“And it’s a wonderful neighborhood,” Cortese says. “People watch out for each other.”

SnAPSHot

Shop locally for home goods in Johnstown at the region’s largest complete home furnishings center, Ruby & Quiri www.randq.com.

SPaCE FOr hOSPiTaliTyOver in Fulton County’s

Gloversville, John and Lori Stewart own an 1893 center-hall Colonial. They purchased the home from a resident who had owned it since 1937.

“As soon as we walked in, we were hooked,” Lori Stewart says. “It was stunning. We knew it was going to be a lot of work, but we fell in love with the charm.”

John spent two years renovating the home with the help of local craftsmen. They updated the heating and electrical systems, remodeled the kitchen, refinished the original oak floors and decorative moldings, and added a bathroom.

The Stewarts say that the house’s large rooms and spacious backyard have been ideal for raising their two children, hosting the kids’ friends and

John and lori Stewart restored this 1893 center-hall colonial in Gloversville.

welcoming all the extended family who live nearby.

“I feel very safe here, and I can still knock on my neighbor’s door and ask to borrow a cup of sugar,” Stewart says. “It’s family-oriented; there’s a real sense of community.”

by Kathryn Royster by staff photographer

Martin B. Cherry

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Apprenticeship Program

wOrkFOrCE PrEParaTiON

hamilton-Fulton-montgomery Board of Educational Services Career and Technical Center launched an apprenticeship program in 2013 for high school students interested in retail, service industry and manufacturing careers after graduation. The program grew out of discussions with members of the regional business community.

“What we heard is that high school graduates in this region who choose to pursue a career as opposed to college are not adequately prepared for entry-level positions in manufacturing, service industry and retail environments,” says HFM BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel. “Our new apprenticeship program provides a curriculum that teaches students much-needed technical and soft skills, while helping them gain an understanding of the culture of work.”

Freshmen students take core academic classes and learn technical and general skills. Then through graduation, they continue core academics and work in an apprenticeship position.

“We believe we can create a rigorous education experience for our students that will lead to a meaningful and successful start on a career pathway, leading to further educational and fiscal advancement for that individual,” says Jay DeTraglia, director of Career and Technical Education for HFM BOCES.

To learn more, visit www.hfmboces.org.

by Jessica Mozo

Advancing EducationreGioN’S SchoolS, ProGrAMS PrePAre StudeNtS For the Future

Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) and Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Johnstown continually work to give local students comfortable learning environments and an educational edge in tomorrow’s workforce.

liviNg: EDUCATION

Higher Education

FmCC rENOvaTES aNd addS FaCiliTiES

In 2012, Fulton-montgomery Community College, www.fmcc.suny.edu, improved several of its facilities including a dining area and student housing. In August, FMCC opened its newly renovated cafeteria, Union Stations. The cafeteria has five serving stations, each with a different variety of food. Its bright colors and comfortable furniture create a welcoming atmosphere for students. The renovation began in May 2012 and cost more than $800,000.

In September, FMCC celebrated the grand opening of Raiders Hall, its fourth student housing facility, joining International, Fulton and Montgomery halls. The new building, a $7.1 million project, doubled the college’s total of resident beds to 288.

In January 2013, FMCC opened Raiders Cove, a modern gathering space for students in the Physical Education Building’s vacant pool area. The space includes an Internet cafe, a stage, pool tables and large-screen TVs.

“Fulton-Montgomery is a college on the move,” says Fulton-Montgomery Community College President Dr. Dustin Swanger. “We live up to our tag line – Futures Made. Here.”

Fulton-Montgomery Community College enrolls approximately 2,800 students in more than 40 degree and certificate programs.

We bill Medicare and Medicaid for you!FREE DELIVERY

Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. • Sun. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

2 E. Main • Johnstown • (518) 762-8319

PALMER PHARMACY“for old fashioned service and courtesy”

Specializing in Pet and People Compounding

Ostomy Supplies • Crutches • CanesBlood Pressure Kits • Walkers • Commodes

Wrist, Knee and Back SupportsNebulizers • Support Hosiery • Safety Aides

Amoena Post-Mastectomy Products

The Family Counseling CenTer, inC.

MAIN OFFICE – (518) 725-4310 11-21 Broadway • Gloversville, NY 12078 • Fax: (518) 725-2556

HOURS: Mon.-Thu. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. • Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. (every other) 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

FON CLAIR TERRACE OFFICE – (518) 725-4310 2 Fon Clair Terrace • Johnstown, NY 12095 • Fax: (518) 762-5339

HOURS: Tue. & Thu. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

FORT PLAIN CLINIC OFFICE (518) 725-4310

2 Willett St. • Fort Plain, NY 13339 • Fax: (518) 993-2280 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

STEELE AVENUE CLINIC (518) 725-4310

182 Steele Ave. • Gloversville, NY 12078 HOURS: Mon.-Wed. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. • Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

www.thefamilycounselingcenter.org

Serving Children & Families Since 1976

ADIRONDACK EYE CARE

Michael A. Mairs, MD Jonathan A. Nickel, MD

Cataract, glaucoma and laser treatment

Naomi S. Falk, MD Pawan Bhatnagar, MD

Retina, diabetes and macular degeneration

For an appointment, please call (518) 773-2700

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A Century of Health CaretWO hEALth-CARE pROvIDERS hAvE SERvED thE REgIOn FOR A CEntuRy

When the need for medical care arises, residents of Fulton and Montgomery counties have long had two excellent places to turn. Nathan Littauer Hospital & Family of Health Services in Gloversville and St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam each can claim more than a century of caring for area residents.

liviNg: HEALTH

Nathan littauer hospital in Gloversville, today Fulton County’s second-largest employer, traces its beginnings to 1894.

Fulton County

NaThaN liTTauEr hOSPiTal & Family OF hEalTh SErviCES

Gloversville’s Nathan littauer hospital traces its beginnings to 1891, when local businessman Lucius N. Littauer donated $25,000 to build a hospital in memory of his father, Nathan Littauer. The facility opened its doors in 1894 with 28 beds and 11 staff members.

Today, Nathan Littauer Hospital, www.nlh.org, has a network of nine outpatient primary and specialty care centers and a staff of 980. It is the second-largest employer in Fulton County and continues to expand despite tough economic times. The hospital’s 41-year-old maternity unit, renovated in 2009, sees more than 400 births each year. In addition, the hospital renovated its 27-year-old Emergency Department in 2010 and made significant improvements to its second floor and its Diagnostic Imaging Department in 2011 and 2012.

The Nathan Littauer Family of Health Services also includes an 84-bed skilled nursing home in Gloversville, the Johnstown Surgery Center & Professional Building and a health & wellness center. Nathan Littauer consistently attracts highly skilled medical professionals, adding a new urologist and orthopedic surgeon to its roster in 2011 and new pediatrician in 2012. In 2011, the hospital had 4,855 admissions and more than 23,400 Emergency Department visits.

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Complete Industrial, Commercial & Residential Services

Fire & Burglar Alarm Systems

Fully Insured & Bonded

Licensed Electrical & Alarm Installations

114 Water St. • Johnstown, NY 12095 • (518) 736-1130 • (518) 736-1103 Fax

St. mary’s healthcare earned the state’s first American nurses Credentialing Center

“Pathway to excellence” designation in 2011.

Learn more about health care in the Fulton Montgomery Region at livability.com/gloversville/ny/health and livability.com/johnstown/ny/health.

Montgomery County

ST. mary’S hEalThCarE

Residents have known of St. mary’s healthcare’s compassionate care in Amsterdam since 1903, when the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet founded the hospital. With 120 acute care beds and 1,600 associates, St. Mary’s serves more than 350,000 people annually for outpatient visits. More than 31,800 people visited St. Mary’s emergency room during the 2012 fiscal year, and the hospital attended to 479 births.

St. Mary’s, www.smha.org, is dedicated to providing every patient with an exceptional experience - a mission that has yielded accolades and awards. The hospital has received five-star ratings from HealthGrades Inc. for four consecutive years and in 2011 became the first hospital in the state to achieve the American Nurses Credentialing Center “Pathway to Excellence” designation.

In addition, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recently gave the ICU at St. Mary’s Healthcare a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence, which honors exceptional patient care and a healthy work environment.

Other achievements include being the first hospital in the capital region to offer digital mammography and the first hospital in the region to offer digital MRI; developing a totally digital and paperless Medical Imaging Department; offering a full range of ambulatory surgery procedures; and providing total joint replacement.

by Jessica Mozo

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(518) 773-4912

...One House at a Time.P.O. Box 1231 • Gloversville, NY 12078habitatfultonco@yahoo.com

(518) 773-4912 • www.hfhfc.com

Your support is appreciated!Volunteer | Donate | Sponsor

Building a Better Community ...

... One House at a Time.

CoMMunIty ProFIleCOST OF liviNg

$67,300Median Home Price

$765Median Rent for a

Two-Bedroom Apartment

TraNSPOrTaTiON

Median Travel Time to Work

agE

TEmPEraTurE

January Average Low July Average High

EThNiCiTy

Under Age 5

5-17

18-64

65 and Over

White

Black

Hispanic

Other

15 minutes

Closest Airport:albany international airport

44 miles

January Low National Low July High National High

79.9°

9.2°

31°

76°

16%

6%

17%

89%

2%6%

3%

61%

(percentages based on the total = 105,750) (percentages based on the total = 105,750)

Having outgrown their current facility in the County, Hill and Markes turned to the Montgomery County Business Development Center for assistance in locating a new space. Having more than 150 employees, Hill and Markes needed to stay close to their valuable employee base, and with the Montgomery County Business Development Center’s guidance, chose to build a new 130,000 square foot LEED certified facility in the Florida Business Park Ext.

“We are delighted to have a new warehouse/office building in an excellent location for distribution throughout the state.

The Montgomery County Business Development Center was vital in facilitating the development of our facility.”

- Andrea Packer, Vice President, Hill and Markes Inc.

So many ways to move!

9 Park Street, P.O. Box 1500 • Fonda, NY 12068(518) 853-8334 • www.mcbdc.org

Montgomery County, NY

BuSIneSSInfo on the Fulton Montgomery Region’s top employers, jobs and success stories

Check out more great photos at livability.com/gloversville/ny/photos-video and livability.com/johnstown/ny/photos-video.

gloversville goes globalthe Curtin-Hebert Machines facility in gloversville manufactures precision grinding, sanding and finishing machinery, as well as products for AirJet technologies inc. businesses in more than 58 countries around the world rely on curtin-hebert Machines. to learn more, visit www.curtinhebert.com.

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Leather Companies

FOllOwiNg TradiTiON

Leather-making shares in the economic tradition here, as there were more than 300 leather companies in Johnstown and Gloversville in the late 1800s and early 1900s. About a dozen leather companies operate here today, notably Townsend leather, which makes upholstery leather for aircraft, yachts and automobiles, and Perrone leather apparel inc., offering the world’s finest burn certified aircraft interior leather, custom upholstery leather, leather aviation apparel and uniform jackets, leather cleaning and maintenance products.

We’ve got It MadeLOCAL MAnuFACtuRERS pRODuCE WIDE vARIEty OF QuALIty gOODS

From a small glove shop in Gloversville to expansive industrial parks in Johnstown, business and industry exemplify diversity in Fulton and Montgomery counties.

BuSiNESS: OVERVIEW

Industrial, Business Parks

TOP NamES iN iNduSTry PuT dOwN rOOTS

In Fulton County, wal-mart Food distribution, wal-mart Northeast regional return Center and Benjamin moore Paints have Johnstown Industrial Park addresses. Crossroads Industrial Park includes SwaNy america Corp. while Crossroads Business Park houses Epimed international, inc.

In Montgomery County, the Florida Business Park and Florida Business Park Extension contain Target distribution Center, the hero/Beech-Nut Baby Food production facility and the hill & markes distribution center. Also in the county is the Glen Canal View Business Park.

The region’s businesses benefit from easy access to Interstates 90 and 87 and Albany International Airport. In addition, organizations such as the montgomery County Business development Center and the FmS workforce Solutions provide helpful services to the region’s many industries and businesses.

To learn more about these companies and organizations, visit www.fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Smile and Say CheeseFeta cheese producer euphrates Inc. opened in Johnstown Industrial Park in 2002. the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility produces high-quality, authentic Feta using company founder, turkish-born hamdi ulukaya’s old family recipe. visit www.euphratescheese.com for more information.

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Not-For-Profit Agency

SuPPOrTS FOr PEOPlE wiTh diSaBiliTiES

lexington (Chapter of NYSARC, Inc.), a private, not-for-profit agency, supports people with disabilities and their families. The agency provides clinical, medical, residential, day habilitation, recreation, vocational, job placement and other services to people of all ages in Fulton and Albany counties. Lexington supports people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, mental illness, cerebral palsy, physical disabilities, epilepsy and/or brain injuries. Lexington, Fulton County’s largest employer, is made up of caring employees who are a vital part of the agency’s nurturing environment. Created in 1953 by a group of concerned parents, Lexington is recognized as one of the leading agencies of its kind in New York State. Learn more at www.lexcenter.org.

hill TOP BEd aNd BrEakFaSTVisitors enjoy an 18th-century French atmosphere, proximity to popular attractions and a fresh, hot breakfast, while being tucked away in the middle of the Mohawk Valley.www.hilltop-bb.com

kwiaT EyE aNd laSEr SurgEryLocated in Amsterdam, Dr. Kwiat and his staff provide patients with high-quality eye care. Some services include Lasik, surgeries and treatments, pediatric ophthalmology, and cataract replacement lens options.www.kwiateye.com

SidE By SidE STOragE llCThis self-storage facility offers customers safe, convenient storage options and a 24/7 Insomniac™ kiosk service. Locally owned, all units are clean and powered by wind farm and hydro electricity.www.sidebysidestorage.com

adirONdaCk maChiNiNg CENTErFor more than 25 years in Caroga, Adirondack Machining manufactures parts and prototypes for the aerospace industry. Parts are used in military and commercial aircraft as well as the Space Shuttle Discovery.www.adirondackaerospace.com

CraNESvillE PrOPErTiESStarted in 1947, this award-winning company is one of the largest providers of ready-mix concrete in the state. Amsterdam Riverfront Center, owned by Cranesville, houses offices and businesses including Dream Day Travel.www.cranesville.com

Business Spotlight

Food ProductionAlong with euphrates Inc., other top food producers in the region include greek yogurt company FAge, www.fageusa.com, also located in the Johnstown industrial Park, and the nation’s second- leading baby food producer, Beech-nut nutrition Corp., www.beechnut.com, which is headquartered in Amsterdam.

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ReliablesOld

BuSiNESS

Old Is New AgainJohn Papa, owner of national Jukebox exchange in Mayfield, restores and repairs jukeboxes for that business, and restores and recreates penny arcade devices and other coin-operated antiques for his other business, Arcade treasures.

36 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

ENTREPRENEURS SEE SUCCESS WITH NOSTALgIC BUSINESSES

ReliablesAt Wemple & Edick’s in Johnstown,

the term has to do with the days of old-fashioned country stores, candy shops and ice cream parlors.

And at the Amsterdam Castle Bed & Breakfast in Amsterdam, vintage is literally a way of life.

“Historic tourism is my passion,” says Susan Phemister, who owns the 119-year-old Amsterdam Castle with her husband, Manfred Phemister. “History is real big in Upstate New York, so I feel privileged to be able to make money out of history and the whole experience.”

gOOd Old daySAs evidenced by many businesses

that appeal to those with nostalgic tendencies, the Fulton and Montgomery counties region teems with old times and old treasures.

“I don’t know if there’s a rhyme or reason for it,” says John Papa, owner of both National Jukebox Exchange, www.nationaljukebox.com, and Arcade Treasures, which share a shop in downtown Mayfield. “But Upstate New York has always been an active area with a lot of country stores, bars and family-owned businesses.”

At the National Jukebox Exchange and Arcade Treasures in Mayfield, “vintage” means the ongoing search, collection and restoration of items deemed

unusual and extremely rare.

L IvABIL It y.COM/FuLtOn-MOntgOMERy-REg IOn 37 36 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

Papa, whose family was in the glove business, was first attracted to jukeboxes in 1981 when he saw an unusual Wurlitzer in a shop in New York City. He immediately began researching, and within a year he had purchased around 200 of the music machines from nearby places in the region.

“This was really a great area to find antique jukeboxes tucked away in basements of homes, back rooms of bars and restaurants, so I just had a ball,” Papa says. “And then one thing led to another.”

He now buys, sells and restores all sorts of vintage jukeboxes, primarily through his website or by appointment at his shop. Papa also reproduces old and extremely rare machines from penny arcades through his Arcade Treasures business.

hOmE iS ThEir CaSTlEThe old and unusual, not to

mention the need for more space, also inspired Susan and Manfred Phemister to purchase the 36,000-square-foot Amsterdam

Castle, www.amsterdam castle.com, in 2005. The couple outgrew their brownstone apartment in Brooklyn as they added three children to the family.

The castle was built in 1894 as a National Guard armory, and it was decommissioned in 1995. Most of it serves as the Phemisters’ residence, but two of the wings – each around 1,500 square feet – are used as “suites” for the bed-and-breakfast.

“We are seeing more regional tourists, mainly people from the Albany area,” Susan Phemister says. “They live within half an hour, so it’s a luxury for them to spend a night here.”

For those with vintage taste buds, Wemple and Edick’s stands ready to serve treats. The old country store dates to 1826 and is the home of the famous chocolate jumbles and half-moon cookies, and also scoops more than 35 flavors of homemade ice cream.

by John McBryde by staff photographer

Martin B. CherryRead it online or on your tablet and quickly share articles with friends.

digiTal magaziNE

national Jukebox exchange employee Stephen Moore works on a Wurlitzer at the Mayfield business.

entrepreneurs see success with nostalgic businesses

reliablesOld

business

old is new againJohn Papa, owner of National Jukebox Exchange in Mayfield, restores and repairs jukeboxes for that business, and restores and recreates penny arcade devices and other coin-operated antiques for his other business, Arcade Treasures.

At Wemple & Edick’s in Johnstown, the term has to do with the days of old-fashioned country stores, candy shops and ice cream parlors.And at the Amsterdam Castle Bed & Breakfast in Amsterdam, vintage is literally a way of life.“Historic tourism is my passion,” says Susan Phemister, who owns the 119-year-old Amsterdam Castle with her husband, Manfred Phemister. “History is real big in Upstate New York, so I feel privileged

to be able to make money out of history and the whole experience.”

GOOD OlD DAYsAs evidenced by many businesses that appeal to those with nostalgic tendencies, the Fulton and Montgomery counties region teems with old times and old treasures.“I don’t know if there’s a rhyme or reason for it,” says John Papa, owner of both National Jukebox Exchange, www.nationaljukebox.com, and Arcade Treasures, which share a shop in

downtown Mayfield. “But Upstate New York has always been an active area with a lot of country stores, bars and family-owned businesses.”

a t the National Jukebox Exchange and Arcade Treasures in Mayfield, “vintage” means the ongoing search, collection and restoration of items deemed

unusual and extremely rare.

l ivabil it y.cOM/fultOn-MOntgOMery-reg iOn 37

36 fultOn MOntgOMery reg iOn

“I don’t know if there’s a rhyme or reason for it, but upstate New York has always been an active area with a lot of country stores, bars and family-owned businesses.”

mayFiEld rESidENT jOhN PaPa, OWNER OF NATIONAL JuKEBOx

ExCHANGE & ARCADE TREASuRES

38 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

Susan and Manfred phemister bought Amsterdam Castle, a former National Guard armory, in 2005 and converted it into their home and bed-and-breakfast.

38 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn LIvABIL It y.COM/FuLtOn-MOntgOMERy-REg IOn 39

Ad Index 28 AdirondAckEyEcArE

21 AmstErdAmovErhEAd doorcompAny

28 FAmilycounsElingcEntEr

30 FultoncountyElEctricAl

17 Fultoncounty FEdErAlcrEditunion

31 FultonmontgomEry communitycollEgE

6 glovErsvillE-Johnstown wAstEwAtErtrEAtmEnt

31 hAbitAtForhumAnity

2 holidAyinn

4 lExington

8 microtElinn&suitEs

32 montgomEryEdc

28 mountAinvAllEyhospicE

c2 nAthAnlittAuErhospitAl

c3 nbtbAnk

28 pAlmErphArmAcy

5 ruby&Quiriinc.

c4 st.mAry’s hEAlthcArEAmstErdAm

19 univErsAlwArEhousinginc.

40 FuLtOn MOntgOMERy REg IOn

Mark Kilmer says merging the Fulton and Montgomery chambers of commerce makes a lot of sense, for plenty of reasons.

The merger happened in 2012, and Kilmer now serves as the new President/CEO of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce. The organization has become one of the largest chambers in upstate New York, with 1,100 members.

“The merger made sense with our two counties being so close to each other geographically, plus there is strength in numbers,” Kilmer says. “Back in the summer of 2011, the two chambers got together and created a task force of looking into a merger, and both memberships voted in April 2012 to approve the move. The two chambers will now perform functionally as one.

“The New York State Attorney General’s office had to grant its approval, then a local state Supreme Court justice had to provide consent,” Kilmer says. “Both chambers also had to file the motion through the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. It’s a complicated process, but well worth it.”

mOrE ECONOmiC dEvElOPmENT

Kilmer says the new chamber will push for more economic

development in the region, and will provide better business assistance to its members. It will also function better when dealing with chamber human resources issues, payroll and other matters.

“The new chamber will continue to host events such as Business After Hours, luncheons, small business educational workshops, a golf tournament and so forth,” he says. “And all board members from both chambers will serve on the new board for two years so that everything transitions smoothly and fairly.”

Kilmer says the main chamber office is in Gloversville. A satellite office is in Amsterdam, and the Chamber may explore the idea of another site in Western Montgomery County near Fort Plain and Canajoharie – all to better serve members and visitors.

“We are launching a new website and have designed a new logo for paperwork, signage and the website,” he says. “We’ve been getting good feedback from the membership, so the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce looks for great accomplishments in 2013.”

Learn more at www.fultonmontgomeryny.org.

by Kevin Litwin

One for AllFultoN, MoNtGoMerY chAMberS MerGe

BuSiNESS: CHAMBER REPORT

The newly merged Fulton montgomery regional Chamber of Commerce has a main office in downtown Gloversville, above, and a satellite office in Amsterdam.

visit our advertisers

Adirondack Eye Care

Amsterdam Overhead Door Company www.amsterdamoverheaddoorcompany.com

Family Counseling Center www.thefamilycounselingcenter.org

Fulton County Electrical

Fulton County Federal Credit Union www.fctfcu.org

Fulton Montgomery Community College www.fmcc.suny.edu

Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber www.fultoncountyny.org

Gloversville-Johnstown Wastewater Treatment www.g-jwastewater.com

Habitat for Humanity www.hfhfc.com

Holiday Inn www.holidayinn.com/johnstownny

Lexington www.lexingtoncenter.org

Microtel Inn & Suites www.microtelinn.com

Montgomery EDC www.mcbdc.org

Mountain Valley Hospice www.mvhcares.org

Nathan Littauer Hospital www.nlh.org

NBT Bank www.nbtbank.com

Palmer Pharmacy

Ruby & Quiri Inc. www.randq.com

St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam www.smha.org

Universal Warehousing Inc. www.schoolhouseco.net

TOP EmPlOyErS

Lexington Center, St. Mary’s Healthcare

Nathan Littauer Hospital, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Fulton County, Montgomery County, Gloversville Enlarged School District, HFM BOCES, Liberty ARC, Target Distribution Center, Kasson & Keller

Price Chopper Stores, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Exel, Beech-Nut, Amsterdam Print

EduCaTiON lEvEl

High School Graduate or Higher

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

TaxES

4%County Sales Tax

4%State Sales Tax

8%Total Sales Tax

SCOrECard

$1.2BAnnual Retail Sales

$89MAnnual Hotel and Food Sales

7,914Total Number of Firms (Data represents Fulton & Montgomery counties)

1,0

00

+e

mp

loye

es

99

9-6

00

em

plo

yee

s

59

9-2

00

em

plo

yee

s

TraNSPOrTaTiON

amtrak – amsterdam Station

albany international airport

www.albanyairport. com

www.amtrak.com

83.3%

15.7%

eConoMIC ProFIle

Businesses within the region’s

6 industrial and business parks

have a combined annual payroll

of approximately $110 million and employ

approximately 2,900 people.

FASt FACt