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Winter Wonderland
Residents embrace snowy season
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OLD RELIABLES
Entrepreneurs find success with nostalgic businesses
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CONTENTS
Things to Do
2 Attractions 1 Winter Wonderland
Residents embrace snowy season
12
16 Local Flavor Get the Dish on Delicious Dining 18 Arts & Culture Inspirational Environment 20 Sports & Recreation Beyond the Snow
2013 edition
volume 9
2013 is a special year for Lexington, as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Lexingtons founding and the 10th Anniversary of FLAME, Lexingtons 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
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 FLAMEs guidance. For more information, contact the Lexington Foundation. (518) 736-3909 swierzt@lexcenter.org
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 12078 Phone: (518) 725-0641 Fax: (518) 725-0643 www.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 Member The Association of Magazine Media Custom Content Council
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS
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24
27
Living
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31 Community Profile
41 Economic Profile
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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
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Things to Do
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Business
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At A Glance
F ULT O N
Dolgeville Oppenheim
10
Mayeld
Gloversville
29
Broadalbin
29
5 90
Johnstown
30
Amsterdam
30A 30
Ames
M O NT G O M E RY
Location
The Fulton Montgomery Region is in east-central New York and is known as the Gateway to the Adirondacks.
POPULATION
105,096
Distances to three major cities nearby
New York, NY: 204 miles Boston, MA: 224 miles Pittsburgh, PA: 453 miles
Time zone
Eastern
annual rainfall
44.74
National Average: 30
Fast Fact
Fifty-nine percent of Fulton County is within the Adirondack Park.
Things To Do
The Fulton Montgomery Regions must-do attractions, activities and dining
Get 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.
Educational Exercise
Baseball
Agritourism
Museum
Farmers Markets
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.
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.fultonmontgomery farmersmarket.org.
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
Things To Do
Watch airplanes at the Fulton County Airport while sampling pastries, cookies and cupcakes at Grandma Millies Bakery, a family-owned business with two chefs trained at the Culinary Institute of America.
Food
Motocross
Shrine
Shopping
TRY A FRANK
Swing by Tegos Luncheonette in Gloversville for a regional favorite: a hot dog topped with Tegos signature meat sauce, with a side of French fries. This downtown favorite has been in operation well over 40 years.
Get revved up
Cheer on motocross racers and ATV hill climbers at Royal Mountain Ski Area and Motocross. Royal Mountains hill is famous for being one of the longest and roughest that riders climb. Visit www.royalmountain.com for more information.
Lift a Prayer
Visit 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.
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Things To Do
Uplifting Fun
Visitors 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.
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
WINTER Wonderland
Fulton Montgomery REGION residents embrace snowy season
he 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.
There are so many snowmobile trails that everybody who lives here has one close to them.
andy heck, president, alpin haus
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 Lake Abundant 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.
Snapshot
Warm up with a meal at Russos Adirondack Grill, www.r ussosgrill.net, in Broadalbin and Am sterdam.
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The 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.
Former U.S. Olympic crosscountry 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 were 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 dont even need a headlamp. You can see all these spectacular stars. I get goose bumps just thinking about it.
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Local 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 states 8,000-mile Snowmobile Trail System. The various trails extend all the way to Canada, Pennsylvania and Vermont. There are so many snowmobile
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 oldfashioned 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
holiday events
Amsterdam 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
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TRY A CLASSIC
Vintage Caf, 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 dont miss. Owner Linda Joseph adds to the hometown community feeling by hosting annual Vintage Classic Car and Motorcycle Shows at the caf. Hagaman
HEARTY HOMESTYLE
CPs Family Restaurant, www.cpsrestaurant.com, a familyowned and operated restaurant in Hagaman, has cooked up hearty, homestyle meals since 1983. The restaurants accommodating staff is sure to make you feel like part of the family. 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 markets cafe relies on many of these local ingredients to feed loyal lunch patrons flavor-packed sandwiches, soups, pastries and more.
Johnstown restaurateur Sam Vahaviolos owns both Sams Seafood Steakhouse and Romanas Italian Restaurant. Sams serves seafood as well as traditional American items like burgers and fries. An excellent wine list complements Greek, Mediterranean and vegetarian dishes. Romanas 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.
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
Amsterdam
Broadalbin
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
Wine 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.
St. Johnsville
Sweet Treats
Parkside Drive-In is only open in the summertime, but its 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
THINGS TO
FOOD LOVERS SAVOR MEALS THROUGHOUT THE FULTON MONTGOMERY Fulton and Montgom REGION ery counties Here are just have plenty a few of the of great places best-known to dine. restaurants, by location.
Johnstown
DO: LOCAL
FLAVOR
on Deliciou s Dining
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!
Amsterdam
DINNER &
TRY A CLASSIC
Vintage Caf , a true fixture downtown in Johnstown, has an atmosphere and menu best described as homemade , charming and nostalgic. The signature selection,Vintage Salad, a is a dont miss. Owner Linda Joseph adds hometown to the community feeling by hosting annual Vintage Classic and Motorcycle Car Shows at the caf. Hagaman CPs Family Restaurant www.cpsre , staurant.co m, a familyowned and operated restaurant Hagaman, in has cooked up hearty, homestyle meals since 1983. The restaurants accommod ating staff is sure to make you feel like the family. part of Gloversville Gloversville Palace Diner a rail-car setting has and a bustling New York ambiance. The diner serves large portions of such favorites as homemade meatloaf, thick-sliced roast beef, bacon and six kinds of pancakes. Mohawk Harvest Market, www.moha Cooperative wkharvest. org, opened in natural foods July 2009 as a grocery store supplies locally that produced vegetables fruits, and maple syrup, dairy products, honey coffee selections, and fresh among many other items. The relies on many markets cafe of these local ingredients to feed patrons flavor-pack loyal lunch ed sandwiches soups, pastries , and more.
Raindancer Restaurant www.raind , ancerrestau rant.com, opened in 1980. It serves of more than a menu 80 dishes, some of the favorites being filet mignon, prime rib and scallops, and has an upscale also cocktail In the up-and-com lounge. ing Southside Amsterdam area, try Dolci desserts, such for as cookies, gourmet cupcakes, cannoli, pastries and brownies, plus gourmet coffee. Dolci also prepares catered for weddings trays and showers. Known locally Famous Calzone,as Home of the Boscos Family Restaurant on the west side of the city offers traditional Italian food.
DESSERT
HEARTY HOMESTY LE
Absolutely love [Dolci] . . . the owner is a local family who will accommodate anything big or small. Do try fingers, made the lemon fresh daily.
YELP.COM WILL P., REVIEWER
Broadalbin
AUTHENT IC EATS
St. Johnsville
SWEET TREATS
Parkside Drive-In is only open in the summertim e, but its definitely a cool choice thanks to its ice cream selections. Parkside has homemade , gourmet ice cream scoop along with creamy soft-serve. Best seller? German chocolate. By Kevin Litwin
THINGS FOOD LOVERS SAVOR MEALS Fulton THROUGHOUT and Here are Montgomery THE FULTON just a counties few of have plenty the best-known MONTGOMERY of great restaurants, REGION places by location. to dine.
16
F U LT O N
Johnstown restaurateu wn Seafood Steakhous r Sam Vahaviolos owns both e and Romanas serves seafood Sams Italian Restaurant as fries. An excellent well as traditional . Sams American wine list complemen items like burgers vegetarian dishes. and ts mostly American Romanas offers more Greek, Mediterranean and than 50 Italian cuisine, quick service. large portions, menu choices of Learn more a friendly staff at www.sams and seafoodste akhouse.co m.
MONTGO M E RY R EG ION
Seafood &
Italian in Johnsto
Get the
TO DO:
LOCAL
FLAVOR
Dish on
Delicious
Dining
Amsterdam
DINNER
Johnstown
TRY A
Hagaman
Vintage downtown Caf, a true atmosphereJohnstown, fixture in described and menu has an as homemade, best and nostalgic. signature charming The selection, Vintage Salad, Owner is Linda a hometown Joseph a dont miss. adds community hosting to the annual and Motorcycle Vintage feeling by Classic Shows Car at the caf.
CLASSIC
HEARTY
and , a familyHagaman, operated homestyle has cookedrestaurant in restaurants meals since up hearty, 1983. accommodating is sure The to the family.make you feel like staff part of Gloversville
HOMESTYLE
Raindancer www.raindancerrestaurant.com, Restaurant, opened of more in 1980. It serves than the favorites 80 dishes, a menu some prime being of rib and filet has an scallops, mignon, upscale cocktail and also In the up-and-coming lounge. Amsterdam area, desserts, try DolciSouthside gourmet such as cookies, for brownies, cupcakes, cannoli, pastries plus gourmet Dolci and also prepares coffee. for weddings catered and showers. trays Known Famous locally Calzone, as Home Restaurant Boscos of the city offers on the Family west traditional side Italian of the food.
& DESSERT
Absolutely love [Dolci] . a local . . the owner family is accommodate who will or small. anything big fingers, Do try the lemon made fresh daily.
YELP.COM
AUTHENTIC
GloversvilleEATS a rail-car Palace setting Diner New has and York ambiance. a bustling serves large favorites portions The diner of such meatloaf, as homemade six kinds thick-sliced roast beef, of bacon Mohawk pancakes. and Harvest Market, www.mohawkharvest. Cooperative org, opened natural in July 2009 suppliesfoods grocery as a locally store vegetables produced that and dairy maple fruits, syrup, coffee honey products, selections, and other fresh items. among relies The on many markets many ingredients cafe of these local to feed patrons loyal soups, flavor-packed lunch pastries sandwiches, and more. St. Johnsville
Wine and BroadalbinRoses Restaurant full-course serves everything in meals such from as to short-order food. burgers, sandwiches Everything dishes ingredients, and comfort is made from and many with scratch items fresh including are made the ketchup.
Broadalbin
If you live, work, worship, in Fulton or attend school, Montgomery or have a business Speculator, or other Lake Pleasant, counties or the Towns of Arietta, Benson, legal entity or Indiana Lake Hope, Wells, in Hamilton County YOU CAN JOIN!
SWEET
16
F U LT
ON M ON
& Italian Johnstown Seafood restaurateurin Johnstown Steakhouse serves Sam Vahaviolos seafood and Romanas fries. as well An excellent as traditional Italian owns both vegetarian wine RestaurantSams American dishes. list complements mostly . Sams American Romanas items quick like burgers offers Greek, Italian service. more Mediterranean and cuisine, Learn than large more portions,50 menu at www.samsseafoodsteakhouse.com choices and a friendly of staff and TGO M
E RY R EG ION
Seafood
Parkside Drive-In open in is only definitelythe summertime, a cool its ice but its choice cream has homemade, selections. thanks to ice cream gourmetParkside soft-serve. along with scoop creamy Best German seller? chocolate. By Kevin Litwin
TREATS
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Inspirational Environment
Natural beauty sets the tone for regions 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.
Visitors 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.
Artsy Attraction
Arts Organizations
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
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-oftown 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 artlovers a look at the diversity of visual arts in Fulton County, with works by local artists in a variety of media. Theatre
Create a Masterpiece
The 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.
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. Event
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Fulton 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.
Golf Courses
This is a sportsmans paradise, because you can play here in all four seasons. We have an abundance of trails, and the views are spectacular. Its just a beautiful place to be outdoors.
mel charles, resident and owner of ADK Realty
No 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 crushedstone 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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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
People enjoy swimming, boating and fishing in Pine Lake, one of many in Fulton County, The Land of 44 Lakes.
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, Pecks 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
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living
Health care, education and neighborhoods in the Fulton Montgomery Region
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
Surrounded by Beauty
Fulton 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. See more photos of the region at livability. com/gloversville/ny/photos-video and livability.com/johnstown/ny/photos-video.
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LIVING
EVERY DAY
architectural character makes region an old-house lovers dream
Living History
R
ich 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.
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 homes 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, Ill be driving along, and it will just take my breath away, Wylie says.
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 Manor Wylies own home is a 1920s Jacobean manor-style residence in Amsterdams Market Hill neighborhood. When she and her husband purchased the
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
Philip 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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John and Lori Stewart restored this 1893 center-hall Colonial in Gloversville.
Room for a Family Philip and Jerri Cortese live in another of Amsterdams 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 Philips parents. When we first walked into the house, we couldnt help ourselves. We just fell in love with it, Jerri Cortese says. The couples favorite features include the homes three spiral staircases, original wood paneling and floors, and ample room to accommodate Philips six siblings and their families. And its a wonderful neighborhood, Cortese says. People watch out for each other.
Space for Hospitality Over in Fulton Countys 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 houses large rooms and spacious backyard have been ideal for raising their two children, hosting the kids friends and
welcoming all the extended family who live nearby. I feel very safe here, and I can still knock on my neighbors door and ask to borrow a cup of sugar, Stewart says. Its family-oriented; theres a real sense of community. by Kathryn Royster by staff photographer Martin B. Cherry
Snapshot
Shop locally for home goods in Johnstown at the reg ions largest complete home furnis hings center, Ruby & Quiri www.rand q.com.
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
LIVING: Education
Advancing Education
Regions 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 tomorrows workforce.
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
Fulton-Montgomery Community College enrolls approximately 2,800 students in more than 40 degree and certificate programs. Higher Education
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PALMER PHARMACY
for old fashioned service and courtesy
Ostomy Supplies Crutches Canes Blood Pressure Kits Walkers Commodes Wrist, Knee and Back Supports Nebulizers Support Hosiery Safety Aides Amoena Post-Mastectomy Products
FREE DELIVERY
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.
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
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
LIVING: Health
Two 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. Marys Healthcare in Amsterdam each can claim more than a century of caring for area residents.
Fulton County
Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, today Fulton Countys second-largest employer, traces its beginnings to 1894.
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Montgomery County St. Marys Healthcare earned the states first American Nurses Credentialing Center Pathway to Excellence designation in 2011.
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
Learn more about health care in the Fulton Montgomery Region at livability.com/gloversville/ ny/health and livability. com/johnstown/ny/health.
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
Community profile
ethnicity
17% 16% 6% 2% White Black 61% 3% 6% Hispanic Other
cost of living
$67,300
Median Home Price
$765
Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment
AGE
Under Age 5 5-17 18-64 65 and Over
(percentages based on the total = 105,750) (percentages based on the total = 105,750)
89%
Transportation
Median Travel Time to Work
Temperature
January Average Low July Average High 79.9 76
15 minutes
31 9.2
44 miles
July High National High
(518)
...One House at a P.O. Box 1231 Gloversville, NY 12078 habitatfultonco@yahoo.com 773-4912 (518) 773-4912 www.hfhfc.com
Time.
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Montgomery County, NY
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.
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 Centers guidance, chose to build a new 130,000 square foot LEED certified facility in the Florida Business Park Ext.
9 Park Street, P.O. Box 1500 Fonda, NY 12068 (518) 853-8334 www.mcbdc.org
business
Info on the Fulton Montgomery Regions top employers, jobs and success stories
The 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. Check out more great photos at livability. com/gloversville/ny/photos-video and livability.com/johnstown/ny/photos-video.
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business: overview
Local 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.
Leather Companies Industrial, Business Parks
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 worlds finest burn certified aircraft interior leather, custom upholstery leather, leather aviation apparel and uniform jackets, leather cleaning and maintenance products.
Feta 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 Ulukayas old family recipe. Visit www.euphratescheese.com for more information.
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
Business Spotlight
Hill Top Bed and Breakfast
Visitors 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
Along 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 nations second- leading baby food producer, Beech-Nut Nutrition Corp., www.beechnut.com, which is headquartered in Amsterdam.
Food Production
Not-For-Profit Agency
Cranesville Properties
Started 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
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business
John 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.
Old Reliables
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
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.
GOOD Old DAYS As 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 dont know if theres 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 familyowned businesses.
At Wemple & Edicks in Johnstown, the term has to do with the days of oldfashioned 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-yearold 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.
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National Jukebox Exchange employee Stephen Moore works on a Wurlitzer at the Mayfield business.
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 Castle The 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 bedand-breakfast. We are seeing more regional tourists, mainly people from the Albany area, Susan Phemister says. They live within half an hour, so its a luxury for them to spend a night here. For those with vintage taste buds, Wemple and Edicks 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. Cherry
I dont know if theres a rhyme or reason for it, but upstate New York has always been an active area with a lot of country stores, bars and familyowned businesses.
mayfield resident john papa, owner of national jukebox exchange & arcade treasures
business
again John 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-opera antiques for ted his other business, Arcade Treasures .
old is new
entr epre neur s see with nost succ algic busin ess esses
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f u lt O n
Old reliables
MOntgO M e ry r eg iOn
t the Nationa l Treasures in Jukebox Exchange and Mayfield, vintage Arcade search, unusual and collection and restorat means the ongoing extremely rare. ion of items deemed
At Wemple & Edicks in the term has Johnstown , to do GOOD OlD fashioned country with the days of oldDAYs stores, candy As evidenced and ice cream shops by many parlors. that appeal to those with businesses And at the tendencies Amsterdam nostalgic , the Castle Bed Breakfast in & counties region Fulton and Montgome Amsterdam ry , vintage is literally a way teems with and old treasures. old times of life. Historic tourism I dont know is my passion, if Susan Phemister says reason for it, says theres a rhyme or John Papa, old Amsterdam , who owns the 119-year- of both owner National Jukebox Castle with Manfred Phemister her husband, www.natio Exchange, naljukebox.com . History is Arcade Treasures, in Upstate , and real big New York, which share so I feel privileged downtown to be able to a shop in Mayfield. make money But Upstate York has always out of history and the whole New experience a lot of country been an active area . with stores, bars owned businesses and family.
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
Susan and Manfred Phemister bought Amsterdam Castle, a former National Guard armory, in 2005 and converted it into their home and bed-and-breakfast.
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Ad Index
28 Adirondack Eye Care 21 Amsterdam Overhead Door Company 28 Family Counseling Center 30 Fulton County Electrical 17 Fulton County Federal Credit Union 31 Fulton Montgomery Community College 6 Gloversville-Johnstown Wastewater Treatment 31 Habitat for Humanity 2 Holiday Inn 4 Lexington 8 Microtel Inn & Suites 32 Montgomery EDC 28 Mountain Valley Hospice C2 Nathan Littauer Hospital C3 NBT Bank 28 Palmer Pharmacy 5 Ruby & Quiri Inc. C4 St. Marys Healthcare Amsterdam 19 Universal Warehousing Inc.
The newly merged Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce has a main office in downtown Gloversville, above, and a satellite office in Amsterdam.
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F u lt o n M o n t g omery R eg io n
economic profile
Taxes
999-600 employees
15.7%
599-200 employees
4%
State Sales Tax
Top Employers
Lexington Center, St. Marys 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 Bachelors Degree or Higher
8%
Total Sales Tax
Scorecard
Fast Fact
Businesses within the regions 6 industrial and business parks have a combined annual payroll of approximately $110 million and employ approximately 2,900 people.
$1.2B
Annual Retail Sales
$89M
Annual Hotel and Food Sales
Transportation
Albany International Airport www. albanyairport. com Amtrak Amsterdam Station www.amtrak.com
7,914
Total Number of Firms
(Data represents Fulton & Montgomery counties)
1,000+
4%
employees