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Phillips Hardware Celebrates Seventh Location on Upper Union Street

From left: Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner; Morris the Moose; County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara; Mayor Brian Stratton; County Legislature Chair Susan Savage; Upper Union Street BID Director Mitch Messmore; Jon, Dillon, Amy and Abbott Phillips; Assemblyman Jim Tedisco; Al Hall; Dick Cunningham

Phillips Hardware celebrated the opening of its seventh store with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Wednesday, July 28, 2010. The store is located at 1729 Union Street and was the former location of Passonno Paints. Phillips Hardware has partnered with Passonno Paints in this location to sell its locally manufactured paint. Passonno is a fourth-generation family-owned business.

Owner John Phillips is the fifth generation to run Phillips Hardware. The original store was located in Albany and opened in 1868. The company employs 50. Phillips Hardware is a full-service hardware store with access to more than 60,000 items through its cooperative buying program. Services include small engine repair, glass cutting and bulk, bid and special-order pricing. The company serves both commercial and residential accounts.

Phillips Hardware prides itself on customer service and has convenient locations with easy-in, easy-out access. Employees are often seen carrying out merchandise or walking customers to their cars with an umbrella when it is raining. The company believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Over the years, Phillips Hardware has helped organizations such as Equinox, Make A Wish Foundation, Children's Miracle Network, Big Brothers & Big Sisters and Little League Baseball.

Phillips Hardware | 1729 Union Street, Schenectady | 518.346.4383
www.shopphillips.com
Open: Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Café NOLA Serves a Taste of “N’Awlins” in Downtown Schenectady

From left: Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner; Chamber Ambassadors Larry Stanley (Scherff Insurance Agency); Donna Pravel (Greater Glenville YMCA); Melissa Kelly (AAA); Sheryl Weidman; County Legislature Chair Susan Savage; Katherine, Robin, Kevin and Rachel Brown; Assemblyman Jim Tedisco; Schenectady City Councilwoman Peggy King; Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation Executive Director Jim Salengo; Chamber Ambassador Sid Ramotar (KeyBank).

Café NOLA celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation on Thursday, July 22, 2010. Located at 617 Union Street, Café NOLA specializes in Cajun cuisine.

Café NOLA—NOLA representing New Orleans, Louisiana—serves a variety of Cajun specialties including po’ boys, ettouffee, jambalaya, dirty rice, gumbo and alligator bites. Owner Kevin Brown insists that his traditional Cajun fare is not all about being spicy. “Louisiana cooking has the unfortunate reputation that it has to be hot and spicy,” said Brown. “This is simply not true. The true art of Cajun cooking is the unique blend of herbs and spices that serve to enhance the flavor of vegetables, seafood, meat, poultry and wild game. In addition, the chef must know how to blend the ingredients together.”

Brown is a graduate of Johnson and Wales in Providence, RI. He grew up working in various establishments located in Mystic Seaport, CT. After relocating to New York, Chef Brown rounded out his experience by working in bigger restaurants and hotels. Enter a wife then children, and the lifestyle of the hospitality business grew tiring. A job with General Electric seemed to fit family life better; however, once a chef, always a chef. After retiring in 2003, Brown couldn’t resist getting back in the saddle again. He purchased a Cajun catering business, and it’s been a love fest ever since. Brown has traveled to New Orleans to study the cuisine and has future trips planned.

“The opening of Café NOLA bolsters Union Street’s growing business corridor stretching from Union College to the heart of downtown,” said Jim Salengo, executive director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation. “The Browns’ investment, coupled with a complete façade renovation – assisted by DSIC and Metroplex and a major interior renovation assisted by the NYS Main Street program – have transformed this property into a bright new destination on the downtown map.”

Brown’s customers were the driving force behind his decision to open Café NOLA. His realtor guided him to the Schenectady row house that is now home to the restaurant, which has dining on two floors. The second floor can be used for private parties for birthdays, showers, holidays, graduations and other celebrations for up to 30 people. Brown also caters off-premises for as many guests as desired. The full menu is available for take-out.

Cafe NOLA | 617 Union Street, Schenectady | 518.357.8628
albanycajuncatering.com
Open daily, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

State Street Station Restaurant Arrives On Time!

From left: Chamber Ambassador Tonia Brownell(Holiday Inn); County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara; Ryan Justin; Doug Cath; Jennifer Cath; Val Benacquista; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.

State Street Station celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Tuesday, June 29, 2010. The restaurant is located at 1579 State Street, Schenectady, and serves breakfast and lunch.

Owner Doug Cath and his partners, daughter Jennifer Cath and Ryan Justin, opened the intimately sized breakfast and lunch stop several months ago. Cath has owned a commercial and residential cleaning business for many years but was always interested in the restaurant industry. “Two of my children graduated from Schenectady County Community College,” he explained. “One has a degree in culinary arts and the other has one in hotel management. I used to stop into the restaurant for breakfast and learned it was for sale. Now seemed like the perfect time to go forward with something I always wanted to do.”

The train theme showcased by State Street Station is tied to the fact that it was originally a dining car in its inception in 1937. The car was compromised by fire, and when rebuilt was expanded to accommodate additional seating. Along with a menu filled with good old-fashioned home cooking, the restaurant hosts themed nights: Polish Wednesdays, German Thursdays, Fried Fish Fridays, Italian Saturdays and breakfast all day on Sunday. All pastas are made on premises, all dishes are created from scratch, and the restaurant features Black Angus beef. In addition to serving in-house, meals are available for take-out.

State Street Station | 1579 State Street, Schenectady | 518.382.8383
Business hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wednesday 6 a.m.-7p.m.; Sunday 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

Miranda Real Estate Group Celebrates Expansion

From left: Brian Miranda; Shari and Willie Miranda; Tracy Chenette; Senator Hugh Farley representative Michael Mansion; Rotterdam Business Association President Terry Freeman; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.

Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. celebrated its new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Thursday, June 24, 2010. The original office was located on Curry Road. Growth of the company led to the need for the bigger office space at 1801 Altamont Avenue, Schenectady.

The Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. fully remodeled the interior of the new location and increased its staff to 30 agents. The company has another office in Clifton Park. Together, the offices employ more than 75 agents. Willie Miranda is the principal owner and broker; his brother Brian is an associate broker and sales manager. Brian oversees operations for the Schenectady location.

Willie Miranda began his real estate career in the Capital Region in 1998 with Coldwell Banker, then moved to Re/Max Premier. He established Miranda Real Estate Group in 2002. His innovative and progressive approach to real estate has been the driving force behind the continued expansion and success of his unique sales team system. Miranda is a certified trainer of Brian Buffini’s 100 Days to Greatness program and member of an elite group of the top realtors in the country. He is also a master trainer and coach for the Craig Proctor Quantum Leap System. The Business Review named Miranda Real Estate Group as one of the region’s “Great Places to Work” in 2005, and in 2006 recognized Miranda as one of its “40 Under Forty.”

Brian Miranda joined Miranda Real Estate Group full-time in March of 2006. He has more than 15 years of financial institution experience and extensive knowledge in dealing with mortgages, investments, financial systems and accounting. Brian also has a strong background in customer service and is responsible for overseeing the company's communications, financial systems, network and technical support.

Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc., 1801 Altamont Avenue, Schenectady
518.356.1701 | williemiranda.com
Business hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. -5 p.m.

Kingsway Unveils Expansion of Nursing Center and Assisted Living Residence

From left, front row: Residents Gladys Nowak; Virginia Dumond and Helen George. Back row: County Legislator Marty Finn; Assemblyman George Amedore; County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara; Dr. Peter McPartlon; Assemblyman Jim Tedisco; Michael McPartlon; County Legislature Chair Susan Savage; City Councilwoman Denise Brucker; Mayor Brian Stratton; County Legislator Karen Johnson; Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.

The 58,000 square foot addition to both Kingway Arms Nursing Center and Kingsway Manor Assisted Living was unveiled June 10th with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County. The first floor is a new 40-bed wing of the nursing home. The second is a 20-bed wing for assisted living with both studio and one-bedroom apartments. All the rooms and apartments on the north side of the building have golf course views. Soothing color schemes and comfortable furnishings provide a welcome backdrop for residents and their families.

On the first floor, this new nursing home wing consists of 38 private rooms and 1 semi-private room. All rooms have wall-mounted, flat screen TVs and locking cabinetry for resident's medications, thus eliminating the need for medication carts. The wing also has expanded spaces for physical therapy, occupational therapy, a dining room, residents lounge and a café. Primarily designed for the short-term, rehabilitation resident, the physical therapy room contains a traverse ceiling lift system to aid those receiving gait and balance therapy. The wall-mounted Wii game system allows for fun and excitement while gaining strength and range of motion. The occupational therapy room offers a full kitchen to assist in home management training prior to returning home. A state-of-the-art spa tub allows bathers to enter the spacious tub in a secure chair that glides into place.

The second floor of the new addition is part of Kingsway Manor Assisted Living and has twenty studio and one-bedroom apartments. Kitchenette areas within each apartment include a sink, cabinetry and an under-counter stainless steel refrigerator. Walk-in closets, linen closets, large windows and sliding bathroom doors are other features of the new individual spaces. New common areas for assisted living residents include a lounge, dining room, activity room with a rear-projection movie system and a 10 ft. drop-down screen, country kitchen, personal laundry room and an expanded beauty salon.

Kingsway Community was founded in 1975 by Dr. J. Peter McPartlon, who continues as President. Over the 35 years, Kingsway has grown and expanded to meet the changing needs of seniors in the Capital Region. Situated on a 25-acre campus in the quiet, residential section of Woodlawn in Schenectady, the community offers a continuum of senior services from independent living apartments, assisted living, skilled nursing, sub-acute rehabilitation, home care, adult day program, respite, Hospice services, and a car service. The campus has a staff of 450 with 25 new jobs anticipated as a result of the expansion.

Kingsway Community
323 Kings Road, Schenectady
518.393.4117 | kingwaycommunity.com

Project SKIP Comes to Fruition

Photo from left: Senator Farley Representative Michael Mansion; Congressman Tonko Representative Cora Schroeter; SICM Executive Director Rev. Phil Grigsby; SKIP Co-founder Jeremy Taglieri; Union College Student Dana Goldsmith; SKIP Co-founder Joe McCarthy; Schenectady Weed and Seed Director Marion Porterfield; SICM Rev. Van Stuart; Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton; Schenectady County Health Commissioner Dr. David Pratt.

On Tuesday, June 1, Project SKIP: Schenectady Kids Imagine & Play held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the new community built playground hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County. Project SKIP held its "Build Day" on Saturday, May 22, at Jerry Burrell Park in Schenectady. Over 140 volunteers came together to build the playground, plant flowers and trees, paint a mural, paint lines on the basketball court, serve food, and cheer everyone on! The day was a huge success, with the 'build' finishing up more than 3 hours ahead of schedule!! Thanks to community residents, Union College students and faculty, Air National Guard members, representatives of local congregations, City of Schenectady employees, County Public Health members, and many others who gave of their time and talents to make this dream a reality! Refreshments were provided for the volunteers, courtesy of local vendors, and trees were donated by ReTree Schenectady. Cornell Cooperative Extension coordinated providing flowers and supervised plantings for the gardens.

“Project SKIP (Schenectady Kids Imagine & Play)” is the brainchild of recent Union College graduates, Joe McCarthy, Jeremy Taglieri, and Geoffrey Raynor. Although Raynor has moved out of the area to pursue his career (he was able to come on Build Day), McCarthy and Taglieri have taken the lead with the project. These two enthusiastic and ambitious young men are on a mission: to construct a new playground, using the community-build model, in Jerry Burrell Park, where the current equipment is over twenty years old and showing its heavy usage and old age. A fundraising goal of $80,000 (just for the equipment) was set to see the project through completion, with another $80,000+worth of in-kind work donated.

The playground design features two different structures, one for 2- to 5-year-olds, and one for 6- to 12-year-olds, and includes handicapped-accessible swings. The design utilized CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) guidelines to help prevent the new play space from being easily targeted by negative activity. The ground will be covered with wood chips that have been formed into a “wood rug” rather than loose wood chips.

Golub Corporation Dedicates new Headquarters

Price Chopper Supermarkets/The Golub Corporation officially dedicated its new headquarters building in downtown Schenectady, NY on Wednesday, June 2, 2010. The ceremonial program consisted of a flag-raising by the Marines of the local recruiting office in Schenectady, the singing of the National Anthem by 12 yr. old Arielle King, a student at The Albany Academy for Girls, and a host of speakers including Neil Golub and Jerry Golub, project developers, representatives of city, county and state government, DEC, NYSERDA, and The Chamber of Schenectady.

 The six-story, 240,000 square foot building, located at the corner of Nott Street and Maxon Road, houses more than 725 associates who support the chain’s supermarket operations and represent all departments except distribution, which remains poised to grow at the company’s Rotterdam campus.

The new building was constructed on a dilapidated Brownfield and marks a major milestone in the renaissance of downtown Schenectady while exemplifying a commitment that Price Chopper and its Chairman and CEO, Neil Golub made to play a key role in the City’s rebirth. Golub, who was a spark behind Schenectady 2000, which spawned the Metroplex Development Authority that has served as the City’s dynamic economic development engine since 1998, credits his father and company co-founder “Mr. Bill” Golub with having set the course to turn downtown Schenectady around. “Schenectady is and always has been our hometown. When it became apparent that we were outgrowing our old main office facility, relocating to downtown Schenectady and becoming a part of the City’s renaissance was a natural move for us,” said Golub.

The new Golub Corporation/Price Chopper headquarters includes more than just office space and a variety of meeting rooms. As an extension of its commitment to the wellness of its associates, the new headquarters is equipped with a fitness center/workout facility, a Café featuring fresh foods and plans for a walking track to be constructed on the third floor of the building.

ATC Selects Schenectady County for Major Expansion

Photo from left: John Roth, Plank Construction Services; Richard Kaylor, Vice President, ATC; Greg Hott, President, ATC Nuclear; Brij Bhartey, founder Spectrum Technology; Susan Savage, Chairwoman, Schenectady County Legislature; Clyde Keaton, President and CEO, ATC; Brian Stratton, Mayor; Arnie Will, Empire State Development.

Schenectady County officials announced on June 8, 2010, that Argo Turboserve Corporation (ATC), a leading engineering and supply chain management company with facilities in fourteen states, will occupy a new 22,000 square foot tech office and lab facility now under construction at the Broadway Commerce Park in downtown Schenectady. The new project represents a $5 million investment in Schenectady County.

Clyde D. Keaton, President and CEO of ATC said, “We are very excited to expand ATC’s operations in the City of Schenectady. We believe the vast technical talent pool in the greater Schenectady area will enable ATC to continue to support its aggressive growth strategy.”

ATC specializes in helping its major original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) and government agency clients manage their supply chains for maximum efficiency. The company provides parts, equipment, services, testing and engineering solutions to the Industrial, Aerospace and Utility markets.

The company considered both New Jersey and the Knoxville, Tennessee area before deciding to proceed with the Schenectady expansion. ATC currently has offices on Erie Boulevard that support the nuclear and power generation markets.

The new Schenectady facility will be nearly four times larger than the current operation. The company expects employment to expand from 13 to 30-plus over the next three years.

ATC is headquartered in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. The company also has operations in Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and California, as well as in Italy.

More information may be found at www.argoturbo.com

New ARC Greenhouse Helps Consumers' Lives Bloom

Photo from left: Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner; Chamber Ambassador Sid Ramotar (KeyBank); Michhael Hassel; ARC Executive Direcgor Linda Lahaie; SARC Maple Ridge Site Director Kelly Dombrowski; Assemblyman JimTedisco; Larry LaMere; ARC Horticulture Coordinator Donna Vincent; Margaret West; Mayor Brian Stratton; Community Foundation of the Capital Region Executive Director Karen Billowith; SARC Director of New Initiatives Mark Sheehan.

The year-long process of renovating the greenhouse at ARC’s Maple Ridge Center came to a celebratory end as representatives from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and the Chamber of Schenectady County joined Schenectady ARC staff and participants, volunteers from KeyBank as well as Mayor Brian Stratton and Assemblyman Jim Tedisco for a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.

Thanks to the generous grant received from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region’s Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Fund for the Disabled and the hard work of Key Bank volunteers, Schenectady ARC staff and their families as well as an anonymous donor; the new and improved greenhouse is more than anyone had hoped for. The renovations provide dramatically improved access for our wheelchair-bound participants and a temperature controlled environment conducive to successful plant cultivation. “The participants and I are so grateful to everyone who helped make this possible and are thrilled to be able to put it to good use ” said Donna Vincent, Horticulture Coordinator for Schenectady ARC.

Schenectady ARC operates the Capital Region’s only comprehensive horticulture training program and serves approximately 250 individuals. Instruction in nursery and greenhouse management, floral design, plant cultivation and potting, traditional gardening techniques, landscape maintenance and plant nutrition are offered. Opportunities are also available to assist in plant and garden maintenance services at several Schenectady County-based municipal and religious organizations and the Albany International Airport. Additionally, they participate in regional floral competitions, where they have received multiple recognitions and sell plants at local farmers’ markets and fairs and gain valuable retail experience.

Leadership Tech Valley 2010 Completes Class Project

The Leadership Tech Valley Class of 2010 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking completion of an outdoor pavilion they volunteered to build for Schenectady ARC (SARC) at its Princetown Ridge Day Center on Thursday, May 20, 2010.

After months of fundraising, securing donated materials and equipment, and performing volunteer labor, the 38-member class constructed a brand new, rock solid, wood-framed pavilion to replace previous tents, which have blown away or been destroyed by weather five times over the past decade. The new pavilion serves the recreational and therapeutic needs of hundreds of developmentally disabled SARC participants.

Originally, the cost of materials was budgeted at just under $5,000. Despite a tough economy, the Class of 2010 went above and beyond, raising more than $13,000 in total. With the additional funds, the class installed landscaping around the pavilion and entire courtyard area and provided SARC with the opportunity to fulfill a “wish list” of recreational and therapeutic equipment within the pavilion and other areas of the facility.

A joint initiative of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber and The Chamber of Schenectady County, Leadership Tech Valley is a nine-month program that develops the leadership potential of participants and builds a solid foundation of informed, action-oriented and productive employees.

SARC is a nonprofit organization employing a workforce of more than 600 professional and direct care staff who provide an array of residential, vocational and clinical services to more than 1,200 children and adults with developmental disabilities.

John D. Marcella and Son Appliance Store Officially Opens

John D. Marcella and Son Appliance Store celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 20, 2010.

Highbridge Development constructed the 16,750 square foot facility that houses the large appliance dealer’s new showroom and distribution center.  The Marcella’s investment totals $2.4 million in construction costs, over $400,000 in interior fit-up and more than $2 million in inventory on display at the new location at 560 Broadway just off of I-890 in downtown Schenectady.

At the ribbon cutting, Schenectady County officials announced plans for a new 22,000 square foot building valued at more than $3.4 million at the site located directly next door to Marcella’s at the Broadway Commerce Park in downtown Schenectady. The new building will feature a mix of office and lab space.

The space is being prepared for a tech company that plans to take occupancy later this year.  Work has begun and a fall completion date identified. The name of the tenant – who has agreed to a long term lease - will be released at a later date.

Highbridge Development worked closely with Metroplex to develop the Broadway Commerce Park as part of Schenectady County’s economic development efforts.  The business park is now home to Griffin Greenhouse, Marcella’s Appliances, Quality Roofing, Plank Construction Services and two office buildings that are fully leased.  Over 200,000 square feet of new and renovated space has been created along the Broadway Corridor since 2004 transforming what had been vacant lots and an abandoned salvage yard into a thriving business park at a major entrance to the City of Schenectady, directly off of I-890.

John D. Marcella and Son Appliances

560 Broadway, Schenectady | 518.357.8708 | www.marcellasappliance.com

J. Leigh Louisa Salon Opens on Rugby Road

Photo from left: Chamber Ambassador Chad Wildermuth; Jenna, Jill and Jada Puorto; Chamber Staff Robin Granger; County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara

J. Leigh Louisa Salon celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Located at 1279 Rugby Road, the business is owned by lifelong Schenectady resident Jill Puorto.

Puorto purchased the building and created the salon to pass on to her two daughters, Jada and Jenna. Jada is a graduate of the Orlo School and formerly worked at Shapes & Colours on Wolf Road. Jenna is enrolled in the new Paul Mitchell School in downtown Schenectady. J. Leigh Louisa specializes in hair styling, color, extensions and waxing.

“When my daughters showed interest in creating a family business and working together, a Schenectady location was our only consideration,” said Puorto. “We love this community, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to be a contributing part of it.”

J. Leigh Louisa | 1279 Rugby Road, Schenectady | 518.357.8678
Hours: Monday by appointment; Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Closed Sunday.

Heritage Home Marks 105th Anniversary

Photo from left: Board members Wally Campbell and Jean Mastroianni; Administrator Kathy Fernandez, Board Chair John Fenaroli, Board member Leesa Perazzo, Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.

Heritage Home for Women celebrated its 105^th year at 1519 Union Street with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Thursday, May 13, 2010. In conjunction with its anniversary, the home launched the “Garden of Giving” Campaign to grow its endowment.

Three years after the Civil War ended in 1868, Schenectady residents recognized the need for a home for aged women, and an organization known as the “Haven of Rest” was formed. Its original location was on Green Street, in the heart of the Stockade District. In 1905, the present Union Street home was opened to accommodate 43 women. At present, the home houses 36 residents when at full capacity.

The “Garden of Giving” was created in response to the desire of family, friends and loved ones of the home’s past and present residents wanting to give back to the home. The campaign will support the home’s endowment, used to supplement care for low-income residents.

Heritage Home for Women operates differently than a traditional nursing home; it is a non-medical, non-institutional environment. Residents require minimal assistance with their personal care, and many are independent and ambulatory. The friendship and companionship of the congregate environment creates a home-like setting. The home is owned and operated by a Board of Trustees under the rules and regulations of the New York State Department of Health.

Heritage Home for Women | 1519 Union Street, Schenectady
518.374.6921 | www.heritagehome4women.net

Cool Cat Party Store Celebrates Opening

Photo from left: Chamber Ambassador John Wisniewski; Town of Glenville Councilman Sid Ramotar; Kayla, Tina, Vinny, and Hannah Liotta (missing from the picture son Vincent); Glenville Town Supervisor Chris Koetzle; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.

Cool Cat Party Store celebrated its new retail space with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. The celebration will continue with an open house planned for Sunday, May 16 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with free face painting and balloons for the kids along with substantial discounts. The store, located at 19 Glenridge Road in Towne Center Plaza, is owned by Vinny and Tina Liotta.

The Liottas relocated from Florida eight years ago to be closer to family. “When we decided to look for space, Glenville was a natural choice,” said Tina Liotta. “We really like the feel of the town and the people; it’s a great community. We also recognized there was a need to be filled.”

Cool Cat began in 2002 as a mom-and-pop DJ service for weddings, mitzvahs and all other party occasions. Currently Cool Cat employs 26 entertainers and books more than 400 events per year. The Glenville store was originally a meeting place and showroom for their clients. Soon after opening, the Liottas discovered people were stopping in looking for balloons and party supplies. After realizing there wasn’t a party supply store in the area, they decided to add retail inventory to the existing storefront. Renovations are currently taking place to create a room that will host children’s theme parties for up to 15 participants. Themes with character costumes and props include: rock star, princess, carnival, race car and more. Clients supply their own refreshments.

Cool Cat Party Supplies | 19 Glenridge Road, Glenville
518.384.2288 | www.coolcatparties.com
Retail hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Green Wave Lawn Care Grows Business

Photo from left: County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara; Bruce Creasy; Assemblyman Jim Tedisco; Jack Felthousen; Sandra Felthousen; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.

The Chamber of Schenectady County celebrated the newly renovated location of Green Wave Lawn Service with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Located at 1825 Van Vranken Avenue, Green Wave is a full-service lawn and landscaping business which provides design, installation, mowing, maintenance and ponds. The business employs four full-time service people.

Owner Jack Felthousen grew up in Schenectady as part of the well-known local florist family. The building that houses Green Wave has been owned by the family for many years and had fallen into significant disrepair. Three years ago, Felthousen began to remodel and improve the building that had been home to the Goose Hill Tavern. With a loan through Schenectady Metroplex Authority’s façade program, he put the external finishing touches on several months ago.

Green Wave Lawn Care
1825 Van Vranken Avenue, Schenectady | 518.986.3099
www.greenwaveny.com

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