By Jamie Wallace
Chimneys are like septic systems. No one thinks about them until there’s a problem.
They are especially ignored in second homes and rental properties. A chimney can be a dangerous thing to forget, one that can cost you the loss of property and/or life. There are some simple steps you can take to drastically reduce your chances of ever becoming a statistic.
Step 1: Have your chimney inspected every year, even if you hardly use it. Chimneys change like children grow. Water, settling, and time will continue to alter the flue system.
Having your chimney inspected annually, and swept when needed, is the requirement given by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211, Standards Codes for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.
Business Report: New Technology Is Changing The World
By Jeanne Dion
Mr. Electric of queensbury
As a consumer, both in business and for your home, there has never been a time as exciting as now. With the transition from fluorescent and filament light bulbs to LED lighting, and the evolution of the IoT (Internet of Things), the world in which we live has changed forever.
For the typical home, each and every light that is converted from a conventional one to LED consumes on average 20 percent less power; and is able to be turned on and off by a switch, or an app, and even voice. Wireless and smart technology has enabled a plethora of options to turn on, off, dim, or monitor power consumption of just a single light, receptacle, or whole home with some simple navigating within an app.
YMCAs And Other Gyms, Now Open, Used Creative Ways To Keep Clients Engaged
By Lisa Balschunat
Use of online classes and parking lots kept some clients of local gyms and fitness centers participating in their exercise routines, but the lack of social connection was an important element that was lacking during the shutdown caused by the coronavirus.
The state recently allowed gyms to reopen in late August. They had been closed since March 16.
“We are very excited about our reopening. We’re trying to help people find their new normal,” said Saratoga Regional YMCA Interim CEO Scott Clark. “During the past five months, our Malta location offered a full-based pre-school for 175 kids for parents who were essential workers, and operated our summer Care program for 92 kids per week.“
“The kids had an opportunity to get outside and run around,” he added. “We had to be flexible and fluid to meet state regulations, but we wanted kids to be kids whenever possible.”
Business Report: Healthy Habits Help People Do Their Best
By Lori VanderVeer
Chances are, if you are reading this newspaper, then you are someone who is driven and business oriented.
Probably somebody who is an entrepreneur or someone who is committed to achieving the highest levels in their profession. I understand that mindset completely. I am that person too.
That is why I am so passionate about helping people achieve their best selves. It all starts with your health.
Oftentimes, it is the most driven people who tend to be the most unhealthy. Working as a physical therapist for over 30 years has exposed me to disease and illnesses that result from poor nutrition, stress and unhealthy habits. Over the last 15-20 years, the population of people I treat has increasingly shifted from simple orthopedic injuries to more complicated cases of patients who are simply “sick” with obesity-related medical illnesses and physical dysfunctions.
Doctor Of Osteopathic Medicine Opens A Practice On Broadway In Saratoga Springs
By Jennifer Farnsworth
After 19 years of practicing emergency medicine, Dr. Clara Somoza felt the time was right to start her own practice. As a doctor of osteopathic medicine, Somoza offers a patient-focused approach to health care that looks into a patient’s physical, personal and spiritual well being.
Somoza said not only were her emergency room patients wanting her to offer a place to continue care, but her colleagues were hoping she would do so as well.
Tanski Construction & Development Is Planning Projects In Stillwater, Halfmoon
By Jill Nagy
Bruce Tanski Construction & Development, already a major player in southern Saratoga County, has plans in the works for several more projects.
Tanski has already built more than 2,000 single-family homes and apartments. New ventures include the first development under Halfmoon’s cluster zoning law, as well as a new townhouse development, also in Halfmoon, and senior housing in Stillwater.
Hank’s Hollow, the cluster development, if approved, would consist of 106 single-family homes on Staniak Road, he said. The houses would be in a cluster of 12,000-square-foot lots.
Business Report: What You Don’t Know Can Be Costing You
By Warren Evans
During the lockdown, there is some good news.
Pollution levels during the height of the pandemic lockdown fell dramatically because of the lack of economic activity and the interruption of worldwide travel.
The question is this: As we recover from the pandemic, is there anything we as individuals can do to maintain these low pollution levels with little or no sacrifice?
We believe the answer is yes, it is possible. On a personal level, while you were locked down you probably noticed many great things about your home, on the other hand, if you’re like me you also saw a lot of things you needed to fix or change. You can start out by getting a home comfort and energy assessment and completing the recommended solutions. That’s the way each of us can begin to lock in some of the benefits of the low pollution levels we saw during the lockdown and help to achieve an overall sustainable and resilient global recovery.
New York State Has Funds For COVID-19 Tracing And Flu Prevention For Fall Season
New York state has more than $30 million to enhance COVID-19 contact tracing and flu prevention in advance of the fall flu season.
The majority of funds, available to counties in the form of grants, will be used to increase local health department staffing capacity for enhanced detection, surveillance and prevention of COVID-19, state officials said.
The state also announced $2 million in additional immunization funds to expand flu vaccination rates statewide to prevent overwhelming the healthcare system in the event of a severe flu season.
State Has Plan To Fix Home Of Suffragette Susan B. Anthony In Washington County
On the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, the state is involved in an effort to stabilize and preserve the childhood home of prominent 19th century women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony in Washington County.
The work at the 1832 two-story brick home on Route 29 in Battenville, where Anthony lived from ages 13 to 19, includes repairs to the roof, masonry and drainage, as well as mold remediation and water damage.
“New York has been the birthplace to many of the progressive movements that have left an indelible mark on our society while pushing the nation forward and particularly for women’s suffrage, which began at Seneca Falls and included legendary New Yorkers such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and so many more,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, we must also recognize there is more work to be done.”
Gideon Putnam Hotel Is Open Again After COVID Health, Safety Issues Are Addressed
The Gideon Putnam hotel in Saratoga Spa State Park re-opened Aug. 1 with the implementation of a comprehensive health and safety program.
The hotel has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials said the hotel has adopted the Rest Assured—Commitment to Care program, developed by Delaware North, which operates the Gideon Putnam for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. It features new health and safety standards aimed at helping keep guests and employees safe while slowing the spread of COVID-19.
“Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our guests and employees, and our Rest Assured program is focused on that,” said John Howard, general manager of the Gideon Putnam for Delaware North. “We’ve re-engineered our operating procedures to minimize contact risk and bolstered hygiene protocols to meet or exceed best-practice guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”
The Gideon Putnam suspended service on March 23.
The Rest Assured program standards and procedures include:
• Ensuring our operating standards uphold current social distancing guidelines as directed by local and state regulators and in compliance with the CDC.