June 2019

Discover Upper Union Street

An Insider’s Guide to the Upper Union Street Strawberry Festival Upper Union Street will once again host the annual Strawberry Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2019. We’ll have music, food, vendors and activities for kids. Rain or shine — it’s time to bring the whole family to Upper Union Street! Below is a list of activities:

Live Music Schedule • 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Long Bow Trio (Trustco Bank) • 10 a.m.-Noon: 7:31 (Patrick’s Barber Shop) • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sympathetic Stranger (Ed’s Barber Shop) • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys (Gershon’s/Head to Tail) • Noon-2 p.m.: Roxy & the Road Kings (Phillips Hardware) • Noon-2 p.m.: Lisa and the Time Benders (City Squire)

Kids Activities • Bounce House – Homestyle Pizza • Face Painting – One Huge Store FEATURE: A Conversation with • Student Dance Performances – Dance Me • Balloon Twisting: Along Union Street Head to Tail Owner Marie DeBrocky • Pony Rides ($5) – Baker Ave. • Five-minute Photo Sessions – Sophia Sabella Studio We sat down with Marie DeBrocky, owner of Head to Tail Pet Wellness Center, who is celebrating her 10th Special Opening Ceremony at 11AM anniversary on Upper Union Street. • Location: Trustco Bank, 1620 Union Street • Opening Remarks/Welcome: Mayor Gary McCarthy Can you give us an overview of your business and • National Anthem the services you offer? We offer three services. We offer full grooming for • Recognition of the Upper Union Street Scholarship dogs, we offer daycare for dogs and we sell natural, 5K Recipients holistic and organic goods for dogs and cats, which • Business Anniversary Awards: Head to Tail (10 years), includes foods, treats, toys and other supplies. Domani Spa (20 years), Gershon’s Deli (65 years) continues on Page 2 2 UPPER UNION STREET BID NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019

What brought you to Upper Union Street? I can’t tell you how many people who’ve come in with dogs I’m from Albany originally. I’ve been living here about that have food issues. They’ve said, oh my god, my dog 12 years. I moved over this way and it was actually can eat now and not have any issue. It’s a good feeling. the Strawberry Festival. I was looking for a building and was actually going to buy one in East Greenbush One thing that sets us apart is the people who work here. and I saw this little building and I thought it would be I have really dedicated people who love animals and who perfect. I love the community, I love the neighborhood love caring for animals and people see the difference. and I said let’s give it a try. And here we are. When people see their dogs walk in, they’re not afraid. They’re happy to come in, their tails are wagging. I used What did you do before you opened here? to go somewhere for grooming and my dog was terrified. I had never owned a business before, I actually You don’t find that here because these people love what worked for a law firm in the legislative department, I they do and it comes out in their work. They’re kind and did lobbying work for a large law firm in Albany for 20 they’re caring and the animals really benefit and, in turn, years. Prior to that I was an engineer. Prior to that I was people do because their dogs go home happy and clean a school teacher -- third grade. Many, many hats. and cared for and tired. And it works for everybody. Having good employees really makes a difference. I worked a lot of hours and I had dogs. It used to be a vicious cycle to figure out how to get them groomed Any misconceptions about your industry? because groomers didn’t open until later and they I think the biggest misconception we’ve had to deal with closed early. I was at work at 7 or 7:30. I got out of work is that we are an attractive, clean store. And so people whenever and so I used to have to take time off just automatically think we’re going to have really high awful to get my dogs groomed. To get dog food, I used to prices. And we don’t. We actually work really hard to keep have to go out to Wolf Road because there weren’t any our prices lower than most. We just have to work harder good stores around. And trying to figure out playtime and sell more. I hated going into dog stores that smelled with my busy schedule was another hard thing. So I like animals and were dirty and looked like a warehouse. thought there should be just one place where you can There’s no reason for that. So that was part of the appeal, bring you dog and not worry and get all those things. too, to make it look like your home. You walk in and there So we devised the plan of Head to Tail. are nice warm yellow walls, wood and tile on the floor and people who greeted you. It just makes a difference. How has business been? It makes the whole experience better. Great. We’ve gone from four employees to 20 employees over the last ten years. We’re still here, so What does the future hold? that’s a good sign. We are not opening another store. I get that question every day. We’re just going to stay right here and Can you talk about your commitment to the continue to do the work we do. If I opened another community? division, it would take away from what we have here and My accountant yells at me all the time. We do a lot, not it would never be the same. Instead, we educate people only for charitable events and causes for animals, but for to come our way, learn what Schenectady is about, learn children as well. I’m a big believer in things like Girls Inc. what Upper Union Street is about. They come now, and I and the Boys and Girls Clubs and any kind of children’s get them from all over, and they’ll have lunch next door, illness I try to participate in and contribute to. I don’t think they’ll look across the street and it brings more business a week goes by that someone doesn’t come in and ask for down to the area, which is really what we want. a basket for a cause and we’re always the first one there. I believe you get what you give. You put it out there and As a former Upper Union Street BID president, any you get it back from your community. And we do. perspective you’d like to offer? I think we have the best business district in the area. What keeps your customers coming back? You get the same group of people who put their heart I think it’s the personal service. We know everybody’s and soul into it, but the ones who do, they do such a name. We know what their needs are and take the time good job and they are so conscientious and caring. to listen and try to find an answer for them. I laugh, I say They want their business to improve, they want the sometimes I feel like a bartender because I have to listen street to look wonderful and you can see the result. to somebody’s problems but in the end it’s a good thing because we get to know each other and get to help them. Learn more by visiting: www.headtotailny.com. UPPER UNION STREET BID NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019 3

1 Palmer Ave. Palmer Ave.

eet 1. Phillips Hardware: Roxy and the Road Kings (live music: 12pm-2pm) 1 11 2. McDonald’s: Strawberry shakes ($1.99) 12 10 3. Simon’s Men’s Wear: Sidewalk Sale

Union Str 13 4. City Squire: Food and drink specials Lisa & the Time Benders (live music: 12pm-2pm) nt St. Rege 5. Dance Me: Student dance performances 14 . 6. Pai’s Taekwondo: Board breaking demonstration ton Ave Livings 7. Flowers by Jo-Ann: Flowers for sale and flower raffle 8. Famiglia Salon: Jewelry, hair extensions 9. Sophia Sabella Studio: Five-minute photo shoots ($25) St. Dean 10. Upper Union Street BID: Pony rides ($5) 11. Patrick’s Barber Shop: Music by 7:31 (live music: 10am-12pm) . n St Dea 12. Musler’s Fine Women’s Clothing: Sidewalk Sale 13. Home Style Pizza: Bounce House 2 15 16 14. One Huge Store: Free facepainting and giveaways 3 17 15. Bruegger’s Bagels: Strawberry cream cheese bagel samples

18 16. : Sympathetic Stranger (live music: 11am-1pm)

t e e Ed’s Barber Shop 17. Al’s House of Sports Cards: Bubble gum giveaway 4 19 18. Gayle Optical: Home Furnishings Flea Market e.

s Av 5 19. Sondra's Fine Jewelry: 25% off the entire store.

r t S n o i n eye U 20 dland Ave. K 6 Woo Register to win a Green Leaf Wellness Co. gift basket 7 8 19. Green Leaf Wellness Co.: Introduction, education and experience w/ free full-spectrum CBD gummy bears while supplies last (18+ only) 9 21 10 22 20. Trustco Bank: Long Bow Trio (live music: 10am-12:30pm) Opening Ceremony & Business Recognition Awards (11am) . 23 Ave 24 21. Ferri's Formals and Bridals: 50% off all in-stock gowns & accessories aker B 22. Domani Day Spa: Nail kits for home manicure subscription Lakewood Ave. 23. Head to Tail: Free dog & cat treats; strawberry dog cookies, hair feathers and paw print stencils 24. Head to Tail/Gershon’s Delicatessen: ve. Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys (live music: 11:30am-1:30pm) Garner A Social Media Posts from the BID

@petefitz97 @thesolo2682 @ screendesignsinc @upstatenybitesandsites 4 UPPER UNION STREET BID NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019 Strawberry Festival Vendors & Community Groups (Located along Union Street, between Garner and Palmer Ave.) • Schenectady Rotary: Sock sale for Polio Plus • A One of A Kind Gift: Baked goods and gift baskets • Storied Coffee • A Quiet Bling Jewelry Design • Sweet Sprig Handmade Soap + Sundries • A Spencer Production: Art & Photography • The Daily Gazette • Alex’s Lemonade Stand for Childhood Cancer • The Hammock Way of Life: T-shirts • Animal Protective Foundation • Two Blinging Moms: Paparazzi Accessories • Arbonne International • Usborne Books & More • Awestruck Ciders • Working Group on Girls of Schenectady, Inc. • Balloon Buddies • Young Living Essential Oils • Boulevard Appreciation Neighborhood Association (BANA) • Buhrmaster Farms • Crunch Fitness Rotterdam SAVE THE DATE! • D E Spencer Art & Photography • Dandelion Energy • Eastern Stars Bake Sale Upper Union Street Harvest • Electric City Roasters • Ellis Medicine Fest is coming up in October! • EO in Stitches Handcrafted Bags • Fidelis Care • Healing Lily Crystals and More • Helderberg Meadworks Stay tuned for details... • Home Furnishings Flea Market • I Don’t Do Ordinary: Jewelry & Art • Jewelry By Heart/Leave it to Liz • K Noble Soaps, Bath Bombs and Candles • Kai Thomas Art and Apparel TOP 10: You know you’ve lived • Kimberly Meyer Baked Goods in this area a long time if... • LaTaunyas Icees – Spanish Ice • Lone Birch Creative Jewelry & Accessories 1. You remember what the American Locomotive • Lotte Powell Hand Made Soaps Company plant looked like while it was still • Mary Kay Cosmeticst running -- or at least before it was demolished • Needi Snacks 2. You still have a parent’s or grandparent’s • NiNi’s Sicilian Salsa original GE badge • Niskayuna High School Muslim Association 3. You still refer to Schenectady High as Linton • Nothing Bundt Cakes 4. You remember when Frank Duci was mayor • Ora Euphoria Visual Art 5. You’ve gone swimming in the Central Park • Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson pool • Ponies for Hire 6. You remember when Van Antwerp was an • Positive Ink: Positive apparel elementary school • Reens soy candles and essentials 7. You remember Canal Square • Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish School 8. You’ve attended the Christmas Parade every • Sara Yokubait Art & Cards year since you were a kid • Saratoga Courage Distillery 9. You were, or know someone who was, a guest • Saratoga Sticker Supply Company on Freddie Freihofer’s BreadTime Stories • Schenectady Fire Department 10. You have shopped at Carl Co., Barney’s or • Schenectady Police Department Wallace’s Dept. Store UPPER UNION STREET BID NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019 5 CBD Dispensary Opens on Upper Union Street

Schenectady native Don Andrews meet the huge demand for CBD. “CBD can do a lot,” Andrews (above) is coming back to his roots, “I always thought of Upper Union said, pointing to a wide variety with the opening of Upstate CBD at Street, it’s an awesome area and of beneficial properties for those 1613 Union Street on June 1, 2019. great neighborhood,” he said. suffering with pain, inflammation, anxiety or insomnia -- and he and his Andrews, who’s owned Vape City His store offers CBD tinctures, staff have a wealth of information for Smoke Shop in Scotia for the past vapables, edibles, treats, teas, coffee any CBD expert or novice. seven years, along with another shop beans, pills, chocolate bars, pain in Albany, came to Upper Union creams, shampoos, candles, flowers, “Our neighbors love it, they came Street looking for a new storefront to pet products and more. in opening day and supported the business,” he said. “Everybody’s loving it, everybody’s real excited.”

As for the future, Andrews said he’s looking to grow his business and expand more.

“I’m looking to help the community and for everyone to get knowledge on CBD, what it is, how it can help you and how to get a pure, quality product,” he said.

For more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/UpstateCBD or call 518-280-4289. 6 UPPER UNION STREET BID NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019 Upcoming Events Secret Stockade Saturdays multi-instrumentalist Seamus whether twisting a well-known Electric City Comic Con Saturdays: July 6, Aug. 3, Egan is a giant in the world cover or blasting out brassy July 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sept. 7 and Oct. 5, 10 a.m. of Irish traditional music, and originals. The genre-defying Central Library, 99 Clinton St. $20, tour meets at he returns to his roots with sextet is all about the groove. Schenectady County a top notch quartet. Special Proctors GE Theatre, Free Historical Society. Join us Guest: Kevin McKrell July 26–27: Will Kempe’s How To Train Your Dragon: for a morning of mysteries Players: A Midsummer The Hidden World, July 7, as our guides lead us from Aug. 4: Thornetta Davis, Night’s Dream, Troy’s Will 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. the museum, through the multiple award-winner Kempe’s Players bring the Stockade, and inside two “’s Queen of the Elizabethan era back to life Trolls, July 14, 10:30 a.m. Stockade homes, each with ,” Thornetta Davis has with William Shakespeare’s and 1 p.m. their own legends and lore. sung her truth alongside enduring comedy classic, A This tour lasts approximately , , Bob Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shrek, July 21, 10:30 a.m. three hours. Seeger and blues luminaries. complete with clowning, and 1 p.m. Special Guest: Tas Cru music, combat and mirth. Music Haven Concert The House with a Clock in Series 2019 Aug. 11: Cimarrón, like the July 31: A Tribute to Nick its Walls, Aug. 4, 10:30 a.m. Central Park, 7 p.m., Free Spanish Fandango, the Brignola, a who’s who of Colombian Joropo that jazz stars - drummer David Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, Aug. July 7: Raghu Dixit, dubbed Cimarrón brings from the Calarco, saxophonist Gary 11, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. “India’s biggest cultural plains of the Orinoco River, Smuylan, trumpeter Joe export” by The Guardian, is fierce, stomping and Magnarelli, pianist Tim Ray Despicable Me, Aug. 18, Raghu Dixit’s contemporary virtuosic. Special Guests: and bassist John Lockwood 10:30 a.m. global sound embraces Sten & Maria Z. celebrate late baritone master elements of rock and hip Nick Brignola. Special Guests: Harbor Jam Concert Series hop, while rooted to India’s Aug. 18: Jupiter & Okwess, The SUNY Schenectady Mohawk Harbor Ampitheatre rich cultural heritage. Special Kinshasa-born “Jupiter” Faculty Jazz Combo Free, 6 p.m., rain or shine Guests: Crossroads—Jay Bokondji’s band Okwess Gandhi & Yacouba Sissoko marries the American funk Aug. 2: Woodstock: Three 4th of July Celebration, July heard during his youth in Days that Defined a 4, fireworks at 9 p.m. July 14: Casuarina, named Germany with the Congolese Generation, Barak Goodman’s for the street where the Rumba of his homeland. new Woodstock documentary Ambrosia, July 6 band formed, Casuarina looks at the eternal “three has gone from humble Additional performances days of peace and music” David Victor Formerly of Rio de Janiero beginnings at the Music Haven, 7 p.m. anew, from the rain-soaked Boston, July 13 to rarified status as one audience’s vantage point. of Brazil’s finest, sultriest July 17: The Turbans, John Cafferty and the Samba combos. Special melding music from Aug. 9: School of the Beaver Brown Band, July 20 Guests: Eduardo de “manywhere” - Balkan Performing Arts at Proctors Carvahlo e Forró de Bom beats, North African drones, Cabaret, students of The Beats & Balance, July 25 Flamenco fire – these School of the Performing July 21: The Garifuna London-based legends will Arts at Proctors present “A CSN Songs, July 27 Collective, Garifuna ignite a global dance party Broadway Cabaret”—an Collective preserves of dynamic proportions. exciting collection of classics John Waite, Aug. 3 traditional Caribbean coastal and current hits now gracing rhythms like Wanaragua July 18: Hamiltunes: An the Great White Way. The Georgia Satellites, Aug. and the semi-sacred Hungu- American Singalong, the first 10 Hungu with turtle shells, and only official Hamilton Aug. 10: The Schenectady jawbones, guitars, bass and singalong brings Broadway Symphony Orchestra, the The Lords of 52nd Street, spiritual singing. Special karaoke all the way back to SSO returns, under the baton Aug. 17 Guest: Bodoma Garifuna the American Revolution. of Brett Wery, with a host of Culture Band selections from Hamilton, A Upper Union Street July 25: Huntertones, Star is Born, Disney’s Frozen, Harvest Fest 2019 is July 28: Seamus Egan Brooklyn’s horn-driven Star Wars and more. Guest coming up in October. Stay Project, Solas founder and Huntertones are fearless, vocalist: Mia Scirocco tuned for details! UPPER UNION STREET BID NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019 7 5 Simple Things You Can Do Right Now To Up Your Marketing Game From the Archives From the Schenectady Gazette | June 8, 1968 You’re a small business owner. You’re busy. But competition is fierce and from around the world. If you’re not spending a little time each week -- if not each day -- on marketing, you’re losing customers. Here are five things you can do right now.

Post on social media. Post a photo on instagram, post an article on Facebook. How are you staying relevant and showing potential customers what you do best?

Is your website up to date? Choose a goal your customer would normally have when visiting your website (i.e. schedule an appointment) and then visit it yourself with that goal in mind. If you can’t achieve that goal within just a few seconds, you’ve lost a customer.

Ask “how did you hear about us?” Ask the next few new customers how they heard about you. You might be surprised how word travels and who Changes to Sexual Harassment Laws tells whom about the great experience they had. Impact All Employers in New York State Instead of coming into your View from the street. In 2018, New York State updated laws to include business the normal way, enter through another new requirements for every employer in the door -- or from another direction. Pretend you’ve state related to combatting sexual harassment never been there before. How hard is it to navigate? in the workplace. This impacts any business with Would potential customers feel welcome? Even employees. basic directional signage can help someone feel better about walking through your door. The Human Rights Law now protects contractors, subcontractors, vendors, consultants or others Google yourself. If someone is searching for your providing services in the workplace from sexual business by name -- are they able to find where you’re harassment in the workplace. located, how to contact you and what you do? All employers must now adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and training or use a similar policy and training that meet or exceed the law’s Your Ad Here minimum standards.

Support the BID and place your ad in Finalized guidance materials, along with a step- future newsletters like this one. by-step toolkit for employers, are available online: ny.gov/combating-sexual-harassment-workplace To place an ad, please email: [email protected]. Materials include free training videos businesses can use for their employees.

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Thomas M. Tryniski 309 South 4th Street Fulton New York 13069

www.fultonhistory.com

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Administrator/Desktop/hello.html2/18/2007 11:01:03 AM The View From Above

Upper Union Street BID Executive Board Chair: Chris DiCocco, DiCocco & Associates Vice Chair: Shane Mahar, City Squire Secretary: Jonie Civill, Neighborhood Representative Treasurer: Toni Nelson, Gershon’s

Upper Union Street BID Board Members Sue Hartz, Hartz Family Cleaners Peter Musler, Musler’s Fine Women’s Wear 1598 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12309 Joe Battaglia, Trustco Bank Phone: 518-608-0182 Marie DeBrocky, Head to Tail Website: www.upperunionstreet.com JoAnn Mingo, Flowers by JoAnn Email: [email protected] Facebook: @UpperUnion Contact the board: [email protected] Instagram: @UpperUnionStreet