The Saratoga Springs History Museum has launched a new web site that includes an online store where area residents and visitors can purchase prints from the Bolster Collection, books, maps and other items from the Museum’s gift shop.  The new site is now online at www.saratogahistory.org.

“The site was a much-needed upgrade for the Museum and will serve as a platform for us to accomplish future digital initiatives, as well as sell prints, books and more to the public.  We tell the story of Saratoga Springs and this will help us expand that online.”

The project, which was initiated under the leadership of the Museum’s immediate Past President, Bob Bullock, was developed and designed by Shannon Rose Design.  In addition to the online store capabilities, the museum plans to use the new site to share more of its collection online through photographs, video and written narrative.

The History Museum is located in the restored 1870 Canfield Casino in beautiful Congress Park, Saratoga Springs.  For more information call (518) 584-6920.

February 2, 2012 Saratoga Springs, NY – The Saratoga Springs Lions Club and the Friends of the New York State Military Museum will be co-hosting a “Night at the Brewseum:  Craft Beers and Military Gear” on Friday, March 30^th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the New York State Military Museum at 61 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY.

 The event will feature craft beers from the area courtesy of Saratoga Eagle Sales and Service, wine from area wineries, food courtesy of Maestro’s, and entertainment.

Tickets are $25 for the public in advance or $30 at the door.  Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door for active duty military personnel.  Non-drinkers can purchase tickets for $10.  Tickets can be purchased on the Lions website at www.saratogalions.com, at the New York Military Museum store or from any Lions member.

For more information on the event contact Jim Edwards at 518-212-7752 or visit the Saratoga Lions website.

About the Saratoga Springs Lions Club

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club actively works to promote awareness of, and provide support for, the areas of sight and hearing conservation, diabetes and youth programs.  For more information visit www.saratogalions.com.

About The Friends of the New York State Military Museum

The Friends of the New YorkStateMilitaryMuseumis a nonpartisan nonprofit 501(c)3 educational corporation, chartered by the Board of Regents, and dedicated to memorializing the military  heritage of the EmpireStateand the preservation, expansion, and interpretation of the military history collection of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. The Friends is the official citizen based support organization of the New   YorkStateMilitaryMuseum. For more information visit www.friendsofthenysmilitarymuseum.com.

For Top Performance by John Hancock Financial Network

Albany,NY (1/17/12) REBECCA MATTHEWS ALEXANDER, a financial professional with Empire Financial Partners, a member of John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN), has qualified for the ACE Silver Award, one of the highest honors that JHFN bestows on financial professionals within the national network. ACE stands for “Achieving Client Excellence.”

According to Robert M. Burgio, Managing Partner of Empire Financial Partner based in Albany, NY, the ACE Award serves as a confirmation of Rebecca Alexander’s exceptional abilities. “It is a testament to not only sales excellence, but also the level of professionalism, respect, and real value she delivers to clients and the community every day. We are very proud of Rebecca’s high level of achievement,” he said.

Rebecca Alexander earned both her BA and MBA degrees from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute.

She joined JHFN in 2008 and is based in the Saratoga Springs, NY office.  She is active in the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, serves as a Deacon in The Presbyterian New England Church and sings an as International Sweet Adeline with the Saratoga Soundtrack. Rebecca has three children (Katelin, Andrew and Darby).

Contact Rebecca Alexander at RAlexander@jhnetwork.com,  518-587-2828 or 6 Butler Place Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

John Hancock Financial Network

JHFN is a national network of independent firms with approximately 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, JHFN gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit www.jhnetwork.com.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor, 197, Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116.

To nominate a deserving senior, go to www.salutetoseniorservice.com and fill out the application. Seniors must be 65 or older. Nominations will be accepted through March 15, 2012. Fifty state winners and one national winner will be introduced during Older Americans Month in May when $5,000 will be donated to the national winner’s charity of choice. Help Home Instead Senior Care honor these seniors who are helping us redefine aging in our communities! If you have any questions about the application process, or about Home Instead Senior Care home helper, companionship and Alzheimer’s care services, please call Maria Geizer, Community Relations Director, at 518-580-1042, or go to our website, www.homeinstead.com/341

by John Hancock Financial Network

Albany,NY (1/17/12)   Shon McLain, financial professional and President of Saratoga Strategic Planning, LLC, a member of John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN), has qualified for the ACE Silver Award, one of the highest honors that JHFN bestows on financial professionals within the national network. ACE stands for “Achieving Client Excellence.”

According to Robert Burgio, Managing Partner with John Hancock Financial Network, the ACE Award serves as a confirmation of Shon McLain’s exceptional abilities. “It is a testament to not only sales excellence, but also the level of professionalism, respect, and real value he delivers to clients and the community.. We are very proud of Shon’s  high level of achievement,” he said.

Saratoga Strategic Planning

Shon McLain, the founder and President of Saratoga Strategic Planning, started this company in 2007. He has been a financial planner since 1999. He is a Corporate Investment Advisor Representative and has FINRA Series 7, 24 and 63 licenses. His professional accomplishments include Leadership awards, Certified Advocacy Trainer, NY State approved monitor and New York State LTC Partnership certification. They are currently located a 6 Butler Place Suite 200 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 518-587-2828. www.saratogastrategicplanning.com

John Hancock Financial Network

JHFN is a national network of independent firms with approximately 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, JHFN gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit www.jhnetwork.com.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor, 197, Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116.

PARTNERSHIP INCLUDES resale certification and consulting services

MALTA, N.Y. – nfrastructure is pleased to announce it has broadened its solutions portfolio with Oracle^® and is now a Gold Partner. This alliance provides nfrastructure the tools to further develop, sell and implement Oracle solutions, increase its capacity to deliver world-class solutions to its customers, and combines the technical expertise and scale of two industry leaders.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide additional value and opportunities for our customers with access to Oracle’s premier products,” said Daniel T. Pickett, nfrastructure chairman and CEO. “This new development will help nfrastructure increase its expertise, and assist in our objectives to continue to lead the way in innovation for our clients across various industries including: commercial, higher education, and the public sector.”

nfrastructure has chosen to utilize much of the Oracle portfolio of products to help assist customers in maximizing efficiencies in both IT and business processes, which in turn will allow customers the ability to further innovate. Specific applications nfrastructure will utilize to enhance its current and potential client experience include Oracle’s Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition (OBIEE): Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Oracle Policy Automation (OPA), Master Data Management (MDM), and User Productivity Kit (UPK) – a training tool which allows for customized instruction.

nfrastructure partners with many of the world’s leading technology hardware, software and services companies to develop solutions for enterprise customers. Besides being an Oracle Gold Partner, nfrastructure is already certified to resell a number of Oracle’s products to organizations that want to procure Oracle applications and technology, as well as empower their team with access to Oracle education and support resources.

About nfrastructure: nfrastructure helps large enterprises design, build and operate mission-critical technology infrastructure. Combining proven methods and tools, world-class engineering talent, on-site technical service in every major North American market and tightly integrated low cost remote support, nfrastructure collaborates with customers to deliver sustainable disruptive value. With industry practices in public sector, financial services, retail, healthcare, technology, communications, public safety and energy, nfrastructure works with leading technology hardware and software vendors to provide comprehensive data center, network, security, unified communications, end-point, structured cabling, staffing and outsourcing solutions.

 Representatives of local nonprofit organizations gathered Monday night at Pasta Pane Rustic Italian Bistro to celebrate the two year anniversary of Pasta Pane and its Raising Dough Program as well as DZ Restaurants’ contributions of over $25,000 to their respective causes.

Since 2008 DZ Restaurants, through Raising Dough and its other fundraising program at Chianti Il Ristorante in Saratoga Springs called TWELVE , DZ Restaurants has raised over $75, 000 for nearly 60 local charities and non-profits.

Raising Dough and TWELVE are unique programs through which DZ Restaurants can give back to the community and support local 501(c)3 non-profit organizations on a monthly basis. “My intention with both Raising Dough and Twelve was to give back to the community and to those who support us.” Says David Zecchini, owner of DZ Restaurants, “We have been fortunate to partner with many worthy organizations and have had great success in raising money for each individual cause.”

Those in attendance on Monday evening represented previous recipients of Raising Dough including Nicks Fight to be Healed, The Northeast Regional Food Bank, The American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Make a Wish Foundation, I Am I Can, and The Southern Saratoga Chamber Angels Program.

Non-Profit organizations interested in Pasta Pane’s Raising Dough Program can download an application at www.pastapane.com. Non-Profit organizations interested in Chianti Il Ristorante’s TWELVE Program can download an application at www.chiantiristorante.com.

For additional information contact: Bill Gathen DZ Restaurants PH – 518-583-1142 bill@dzrestaurants.com www.dzrestaurants.com

Record Breaking Number of Servings and Attendance!

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The 14th annual Saratoga Chowderfest (part of the 15th annual Winter Weekend) set records for attendance, cups of chowder served bringing in new Bureau members and first-time Chowderfest contestants.

The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau’s Chowderfest results:

• 71 outlets – including four new Bureau members and first-time Chowderfest contestants: 28 Tables, Bettie’s Cakes, Capriccio Saratoga, Saratoga Children’s Museum, Duo Modern Japanese, Elizabeth’s Table, Paddock Lounge, Peddler’s Bar & Bistro, Piper Boutique, Saratoga Casino & Raceway, Saratoga Olive Oil, Saratoga Springs Fire Station #1, Spring Street Deli and The Mine.
• A Record! Over 115,000 servings of chowder from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (70,302 last year)
• A Record! Over 25,000 people on the streets (up from 14,000 last year)
• Large crowd for the Dog Chow Down contest between Dawgdom, Impressions of Saratoga and Sloppy Kisses. Celebrity judge, Biff…Mayor Johnson’s pooch, chose the winner of the Chow Down, Sloppy Kisses of Saratoga!
• Distributed approximately 3,000 long sleeve t-shirts and 1,200 CHUGS!
• The Convention Bureau donated money to Taylor’s Heroes and the Saratoga Arts Center

Chowderfest 2012 Winners:
The winners-by vote of the chowder consumers themselves
• Dog Chow Down – Sloppy Kisses of Saratoga
• Best On Broadway — Cantina
• Best Off Broadway — Seven Horse Pub
• Best Non-Downtown — Longfellows Restaurant
• Best Newcomer — The Saratoga Springs Fire Department, Station #1
• Most Chowder Served — The Parting Glass
• People’s Choice — Seven Horse Pub
• New Category this year: Best Chowder-Themed Dessert—Bettie’s Cakes

Todd Garofano, President of the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, explains, “We had an unbelievable turnout for Chowderfest. Certainly, the weather was fantastic and played a big roll but we also ramped up our marketing and cast a wider net. We drew visitors and groups from as far away as NJ, PA, CT and Boston. We had a group of 13 pilots fly their private aircraft from around the Northeast into Saratoga County Airport just for Chowderfest. And while this has traditionally been a big day for our restaurant and bar owners, this was a huge day for our retailers, one said it was the biggest single sales day they had in the six years they have been open downtown, and for our hotels which offered lodging specials for the weekend. As we look forward to our 15th Anniversary for Chowderfest next year, we’ll look to continue to improve the experience for our visitors and residents alike and drive business to our local merchants.”

SAVE THE DATE: 15th Anniversary of Chowderfest is February 2, 2013!

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Enjoy some winter fun and some great food at the 14th Annual Chowderfest (part of the 15th annual Winter Weekend) held in Saratoga Springs, NY on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – the event is coordinated by the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau. Discounted lodging specials and an enter to win survey are available at www.discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest.

Visitors can pick up a ballot and taste chowders from 70 participating establishments and vote for their favorite. Each sample of chowder is $1, and is paid directly to each establishment. Valid ballots need a minimum of 5 stickers from participating businesses and can be turned in to the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, Saratoga Springs City Center or the Saratoga Arts Center. Once turned in, Chowderheads can purchase an official long-sleeve Chowderfest T-shirt for just $7. Winners will be announced at the Saratoga Springs City Center at 6:00 p.m. on the day of the event.

New for 2012: An additional Chowderfest Award has been added called “Most Creative Chowder-Themed Dessert”! Also, Caroline Street will be closed, Ellsworth Jones Place will be closed and Phila Street will be closed from Putnam Street to Henry Street.

CHUGS are back! A limited number of official Chowderfest “CHUGS” (reusable mug/lid/spoon combination) are being sold at Crafters Gallery, Impressions of Saratoga, The Local Pub & Teahouse and Just Plain Good for just $5.00 each!

Visitors can also bring their four-legged family members as there are participants serving dog chowder. The popular Dog Chow Down will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Saratoga Downtowner Motel. One of Mayor Johnson’s dogs will be on hand to pick the winning chowder! Eclectic Songs will be rocking out from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. in the parking lot.

Bring your little Chowderhounds to rock out to the sounds of Disney. Come to the Saratogian’s parking lot (20 Lake Ave.) and let the kids dance their winter blues away with the Disney Road Crew from 2-3:30 p.m. Radio Disney is sponsored by Allerdice Rent-All and the Saratogian.

Enjoy music from Star 101.3 (WQAR) at the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 102.7 (WEQX) from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center, and the always entertaining DJ Tim from Capital Disc Jockeys with prizes at the Saratoga Springs City Center between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Additional entertainment and event information is available on the Chowderfest webpage.

Chowderfest is an event that takes place during the 15th Annual Winter Weekend, February 3 – 5, 2011. For a list of participating restaurant, Winter Weekend events and further details, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest or call 518-584-1531

Instead of mailing a printed annual report, the Chamber will be emailing its more than 2,700 members a link to the Annual Report video. The Chamber is also posting the video on its Facebook page, via Twitter and LinkedIn. “Through these online systems, we can immediately share the link with 10,000 members, friends, fans, followers and connections,” said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “Best of all, anyone can view our annual report online now to hear from our key volunteer leaders what we do to help local companies to succeed, grow and thrive and how we promote Saratoga County as a global destination for tourists, talent and trade.”

The video is 8 minutes and 42 seconds long and was produced by Modern Mix Marketing, the Saratoga Springs based firm that also worked with the Chamber this past summer to produce the Saratoga Lip Dub. Shimkus noted that the cost of producing the video is nearly equivalent to the cost of producing, printing and mailing its traditional printed version but the video can be sent to more people and the chamber can track how many people actually view the video. “This is all part of our concerted effort to be a vocal and visible promoter of our members and Saratoga County using the latest technology available to us hopefully in an innovative and fun way,” added Shimkus.