HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH :: Troy Dance Factory

Uplifting & Honoring Hispanic Americans in Downtown Troy, NY. Stay tuned this month for history, hilighting organizations & learning about Troy’s amazing individuals for an engaged, thriving downtown community.

Nadine Medina | Troy Dance Factory | 291 River Street

Nadine Rosa Medina, Owner of Troy Dance Factory and Artistic Director of Synergia Dance Project, has over 25 years of experience teaching and choreographing. She completed the 3-day certified and accredited "Pulse Teacher Workshop" in New York City and had the honor of taking the 2-day "Artist Development" Intensive with Galen Hooks. Music video choreography credits include working for Half Waif, Jocelyn & Chris Arndt, Northern Faces, Girl Blue, Zan & The Winter Folk, Camtron 5000 and Mirk. Nadine was the dance columnist for Collaborative Magazine, and her Season 1 show for Synergia Dance Project, named “Dark Blue Sea”, was  picked up by the prestigious venue Proctors in Schenectady, NY. Currently, she is undertaking a one-month virtual intensive under the direction of Kyle Hanagami. She continues to be humbled and inspired by her peers, and is excited to share her passion for the art form while helping her students discover their unique voices as dancers in a safe, encouraging, and loving setting.  Nadine organized Full Out Fest in the Summer of 2021 and also creates and owns Nadine Medina Designs.

Upcoming:

•Troy Dance Factory will add a second Youth 2/Pre-Teen Hip Hop class (ages 7-12) to it's schedule! This popular offering teaches the foundation of hip hop from the 80's through now, to today's youth with a focus on grooves. Stayed tuned!

•On Troy Night Out in November, TDF celebrates their 10th Anniversary! Joined by DJ Truemaster, they will be debut their brand new line of TDF merch from joggers to crops to caps. Come check out the merch, say hi, learn about their upcoming classes, and celebrate with them on their big day!

•Find out more about Troy Dance Factory

http://troydancefactory.com/

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH :: Prime Burger & Shakehouse

Uplifting & Honoring Latin Americans in Downtown Troy, NY. Stay tuned this month for history, hilighting organizations & learning about Troy’s amazing individuals for an engaged, thriving Downtown community.

Jaime Ortiz | Prime Burger and Shakehouse | 433 River Street, River Street Market

Jaime Ortiz was born and raised in Manhattan, the main influence of his culinary flair. Raised in the food cultures of Colombia, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Argentina and Various Asian Cuisines, he draws inspiration from those culinary memories in conjunction with the teaching of his mentors and a respect for all things classical. Although classically trained in french cuisine he also specializes in Italian and Latin Cuisines and is an avid student of the many cuisines of India and through out Asia.

The focus of his cuisine is to put a spin on comforting daily favorites; all the while pushing the boundaries of culinary rules. As a young culinarian he was awarded numerous scholarships, Junior Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation, and a myriad of silver and gold competition medals as a professional.

Chef Ortiz has done stints at top restaurants in New York City and Chicago. He has achieved countless culinary awards and recognition, both individually and as an inspiring team member.

Chef Ortiz has opened numerous restaurants both on his own and as corporate chef of Mazzone Hospitality including the renowned 677 Prime, which he purchased as of early 2017. Prime Burger and Shakehouse in the River Street Market in downtown Troy was added to the family in 2019; an elevated burger spot. Finally, he opened TORO Cantina in early 2020 on Wolf Road in Albany, which celebrates a bold twist on Mexican cuisine.

Chef Ortiz’s dedication to delicious food, his appreciation for diversity, his constant quest for knowledge, and his dedicated experience make him a valuable and admired innovator throughout the Capital Region and beyond.

•Find out more about Prime Burger & Shakehouse here: https://www.primeburgertroy.com/

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY :: Troy Book Makers

TROY BOOK MAKERS :: 291 RIVER ST. 2nd Floor

Troy Book Makers was founded in September 2006 by longtime friends and independent booksellers Eric Wilska, formerly of The Bookloft in Great Barrington and now Shaker Mill Books in West Stockbridge, and Susan Novotny, of Market Block Books and The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza. Their goal was to create a one of a kind business: as full-service graphic design and short-run book printing company that could produce attractive, well-designed books at a low cost to the customer.

For the last fifteen years The Troy Book Makers' small staff of graphic designers and book lovers have work closely with hundreds of authors to help create a beautiful, custom-made books. Whether the project is for friends and family, for sale, or a treasured keepsake; and no matter the subject from poetry to cookbooks, memoir to sic-fi, history to children’s fiction; TBM does it all.

The Numbers!
Authors that TBM has worked with: over 825
Smallest print run to date: 1 book
Largest print run to date: 7,000 books
Titles available online: 500+
Most copies of a single title sold online: 8,746

History in Downtown:
2006: original location at 3 Third St.
2008: moved around the corner to 282 River St.
2010: then across the street to 291 River St. (1st floor)
2014: settled in upstairs, currently at 291 River St. (2nd floor)

Find out more about Troy Book Makers at troybookmakers.com

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH :: Martinez Gallery

Uplifting & Honoring Latin Americans in Downtown Troy, NY. Stay tuned this month for history, hilighting organizations & learning about Troy’s amazing individuals for an engaged, thriving Downtown community.

MARTINEZ GALLERY :: 5 BROADWAY, FLOOR 2

Laudelina Martinez is the owner and director of Martinez Gallery, founded in 2001 in Troy, NY. She has curated more than 85 exhibitions for the Gallery and other venues while conducting an on-going public education program in the area of art and culture. Her curatorial focus has been in presenting and advancing established and emerging Latino artists. A lifelong involvement in the arts began in her formative years studying under outstanding exponents, including Ana Garcia, Jose Pares and Alicia Alonso in ballet; Elisa Tavarez in music; and Juano Hernandez in theatre. She chose a career in higher education, but continued her commitment to the arts.  

Martinez was the President and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) from 1992-1995 where she secured the enactment of the federal law that established Hispanic-serving institutions. She advocated for Hispanic students and promoted HACU associate colleges and universities and international members involved in Hispanic education. She formed part of the Washington Higher Education Secretariat and the Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA); she was named by Hispanic Business Magazine for three consecutive years in the mid-1990s among the “Top 100 Influentials.” She has often appeared as commencement and keynote speaker.

Martinez has participated in non-profit and governmental boards. In the recent past, she was President of the Hart Cluett Museum (formerly Rensselaer County Historical Society). During three terms at the RCHS Board (2007– 2016), she also served as Vice-President and Secretary. Currently, she is a Member of the NYS Council on the Arts, and president of the NY Capital Region Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  Martinez earned a B.A. in English and Philosophy from the College of New Rochelle, and an M.A. in Literature from Fordham University. She conducted additional doctoral studies in Rhetoric and Composition at the University at Albany.

On SEPT 22, beginning 6:00pm, The Albany County Public Library presents “Getting to Know Three Update Latino Artists: Armando Soto, Juan Luis Lopez Fons, and Miguel Martinez-Riddle” moderated by Laudelina Martinez. Register for the Zoom link on the Library website.

Find out more about Martinez Gallery, 5 Broadway, Suite 203, Troy here: https://www.martinezgallery.org/

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT : Engine7Design

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT :: Engine7Design :: 291 River Street

What does firefighting and design services have in common? Both fields require a service-first approach, the ability to problem solve, quick thinking for alternative solutions and an understanding of the structures of the field. The results of effort invested shows immediately. Tim Nerney applies these values into every aspect of his life, as the owner/operator of Engine7Design and as a volunteer firefighter. Success in either field does not come easy nor without hard work.

Originally from Loudonville, NY, Tim is from a family of career firefighters but was also the “artsy” kid. He excelled in art, in high school, then headed to the former Junior College of Albany (now Russell Sage College) and finishing his degree at The College of Saint Rose. Tim took a wide range of courses at the junior college, including painting, drawing, sculpture and color theory. After his transfer to The College of Saint Rose, he immersed himself in their Graphic Design program, learning about the history and foundation of design from concept to production. While still finishing his studies, he was hired by the small marketing firm Rueckert & Shanley in Colonie. Over the next five years, he moved up into the role of Art Director. From there, Tim spent a few years as an art director in the dot-com world before spending 8 years as an Art Director at Media Logic where he gained valuable big-agency experience.

With the economic downtown of 2008, Tim was on his own. Being a problem solver and having the years of knowledge and tools from well established ad agencies, he took a calculated leap and dispatched his own studio. Engine7Design was born, named in homage to his fire fighting background and family. Because of his previous clients and connections, Tim immediately took on assignments with Albany Medical Center. He owes their trust and those projects in securing the start of his design studio and services. E7 was a home studio in Brunswick for five years, until Tim decided to look for a commercial space. He was familiar with Downtown Troy and saw the potential and creative growth in the area. Six years ago, Engine7Design opened at 291 River St. Although the space is small and tucked away on the third floor, Tim wanted a space that was eclectic and inspiring; a design playground. He created an industrial chic studio space with branded colors, factory lighting and all the cool things you’d expect and maybe not expect in a full-service design studio. His clients are always impressed when they visit.

Engine7Design specializes in branding and design, advertising, websites, interior spaces, packaging and more. E7 works with clients of all sizes, from start-up businesses to large corporations. Tim has also taught at The College of Saint Rose and works as a consult for larger agencies, adding his fresh approach for specific projects. He has brought on interns and former students to give them some of their first work out of school. “Giving my students and interns real-life experience helps prepare them for the mean streets of the creative profession.”, Tim adds.

Engine7Design works with a diverse range of clients in addition to having a style, in what Tim describes as a little edgy, and pushing the boundaries when appropriate. Past favorite projects include the food and beverage industry and related branding and design. Pharmaceutical projects, while interesting, can be a bit more challenging due to various regulations. What is consistent is the knowledge, care and quality of the service. Working as a small design studio, Tim takes great pride in the ability to offer a client his full attention. All clients deserve a proper design process and Engine7Design is excited to provide it.

©Downtown Troy BID 2021

AAPI HERITAGE MONTH: Mr. Rhee, Nite Owl News

AAPI HERITAGE MONTH (Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month) :: Uplifting & Honoring Asian Americans in Downtown Troy, NY.

Mr. Rhee do you have...? Hi Mr. Rhee! [hands a dollar for coffee and quickly leaves.] Mr. Rhee will you get any more of these hair clips? Mr. Rhee, Usted tiene aretes? [gestures to ears] (earrings) When we sat down to chat with Mr. Rhee, every customer that came in knew his name, or knew to find him for quick directions in the large store. It's unexpectedly deep, with long aisles and floor-to-ceiling displays. Nite Owl News has steadfastly occupied a classic historical front corner of the Illium Building for the past 27 years.

Mr. Rhee, originally from Seoul, South Korea, came to the US in 1986. First to New York City, then after visiting a friend in Troy, he relocated to the area. He learned and gained experience first working at stores in Troy and Clifton Park, doing every job from stocking shelves to cutting meat at the deli counter. In 1994, Young Rhee opened Nite Owl News at 400 Fulton Street. The store is one part grocery and one part beauty supply. Before opening, he researched by visiting stores in New York City, following trends and popular products. He is a member of the Merchant Association for Beauty and Cosmetic Supplies and attends annual exhibitions and trade shows. The grocery section carries household items, snacks and drinks. The deli counter offers made-to-order sandwiches and self-serve coffee. Mr. Rhee begins his day at 5:30am in the morning, picking up rolls from Bella Napoli Bakery, slicing and prepping them and unpacking boxes of muffins for the 6:00am crowd.

It's the same routine every day, much like the routine of his customers. Conveniently located near a CDTA bus stop, customers require quick and fresh service on their way to work. A lot of businesses aren't open as early as Nite Owl News. Mr. Rhee is there every morning, with hot coffee and muffins ready for his customers, watching the kids of his customers grown up. When asked whom were his oldest customers, he immediately says Stephanie, Ashley. Then conversation was cut short by a customer, "Mr. Rhee, do you have...?"

Nite Owl News is very much a family-run business. Mr. Rhee's wife works with him, his son-in-law is usually behind the counter, his nephew and church members have also work at the store over the years. Mr. Rhee believes that in order to build a strong community, you have to give back to the community. Nite Owl News has regularly donated backpacks and school supplies for Back-to-School and winter coats during the holidays to Kingdom Ministry.

For AAPI Month, Mr. Rhee believes that all of us are human beings. To help each other and love each other, makes everyone in all communities stronger. If things are focused on money, it doesn't build a strong community. We all need to be involved, with hearts and open minds.

©Downtown Troy BID 2021

AAPI HERITAGE MONTH: Myo Myo, Sunhee's Farm & Kitchen

AAPI (Asian American and Pacific) HERITAGE MONTH :: Uplighting & Honoring Asian Americans in Downtown Troy, NY. Follow our social media for history, highlighting organizations & learning about Troy’s amazing individuals for an engaged, thriving Downtown community.

Chef at Sunhee's Farm and Kitchen, Myo Myo, couldn’t have lucked out better for her first work experience in USA. Without previous cooking experience, Myo Myo began working at Sunhee’s Farm & Kitchen in 2016 as a dishwasher. Slowly and diligently; moving up to Chef de Partie, then training alongside Mrs. Kim, owner Jinah’s Kim’s mother, Myo Myo learned her recipes for Kimchi Fried Rice, Seafood Tofu Jigae Stew and more. Originally from Myanmar, (formerly Burma) Myo Myo moved to Thailand when she was 19 years old and began working as an aide for the edlerly for 4 years. She went on to waitress at a small restaurant, received her masseuse license and worked as a professional masseuse before she moved to the US through USCRI (U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants) in Albany.

Myo Myo says that she can learn any job, & has liked everything she has done; at the end of the day they require caring for people. The best way that Sunhee’s Farm & Kitchen shows care is through food. But they also provide a space & community for every staff member to grow. Working is like working with family, people who are like friends, cousins & sisters, Myo Myo says. It is a friendly, respectful environment where you are seen for you. Myo Myo is now tri-lingual! Having completed her Sunhee’s English course certification. She’s fluent in Burmese, Thai & English. She would like to continue with studying English. Her hobbies include video editing with the many photos she takes & crochet projects from a full-sized tea-length dress to coffee mug & handle cozies.

Myo Myo’s favorite memories are from the Burmese New Year (Thingyan Water Festival) in April of every year. It is a Buddhist festival celebrated over 4-5 days, culminating in the New Year. During that time, water is thrown & splashed to celebrate and welcome in the New Year.

It’s believed that water acts as a soul purifier. Getting wet means that one can start the New Year with a cleansed soul. Celebrations includes spouts installed in public spaces, dance floors & snacks including glutinous rice balls filled with jaggery (palm sugar). Watch out for the trick one with the bird’s eye chili!

The New Year cumulates with a visit to elders, offering a terra cotta pot filled with water, hairwashing & offering prayers at temples.

Outside of celebrations, Myo Myo enjoys Burmese dishes such as Mohinga, fish soups & tea leaf salads. Mohinga is a traditionally a breakfast dish, now found in many places in Myanmar as an “all day breakfast.” It includes rice noodles in a savory broth of fish, thickened with toasted chickpea or rice flour, lots of lemongrass & topped with cilantro, lime, crisp chickpeas and a hard boiled egg.

Myanmar has a long history of varied unrest. On February 1, 2021 Ms Suu Kyi's NLD party won the general election. However she has been detained & military coup is overseeing the country, with restrictions and curfews. The protests over the coup have been the largest since the Saffron Revolution in 2007, when thousands of monks rose up against the military regime. Current protesters include teachers, lawyers, students, bank officers & government workers. However 700 people have died since the unrest. Myo Myo has rallied with area residents from Burma & supporters at Lincoln Park in Albany on March 21, 2021 & raised donations to support families back home.

Sharing trials & tribulations, Myo Myo encourages individuals to support her homeland of Burma. (Connect with her @love.home.1291 ) in addition to celebrating AAPI Month locally with Sunhee’s Farm & Kitchen Night Market AAPI Heritage Month Edition on May 28, 2021.

©Downtown Troy BID 2021

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Russell Sage College Community

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Uplifting & Honoring Black Americans in Downtown Troy, NY. Stay tuned this month for history, hilighting organizations & learning about Troy’s amazing individuals for an engaged, thriving Downtown community.

Get to know the Community of Students who call Downtown Troy their city to Learn, Study, Live, Work & Play! Make History/Herstory is a multimedia project shared daily across Russell Sage College’s social media platforms for Black History Month. It features their students and alumni who fields include Biology, Public Health, Theatre, Law and Society, Nutrition and more.

Sage College’s Students speak about their experiences as they navigate the current political/racial/public health landscape of our nation. Their stories highlight struggles, triumphs & lessons learned.

•Find out more at: @russellsagecollege

©Downtown Troy BID 2021

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Uplifting & Honoring Black Americans in Downtown Troy, NY. Stay tuned this month for history, hilighting organizations & learning about Troy’s amazing individuals for an engaged, thriving Downtown community.

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is the 18th President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute & the 1st African-American woman to receive a doctorate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - in any field – and has been a trailblazer throughout her career, including the first African American woman to lead a top-ranked research university. She was also the 2nd African-American woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in physics.

A physicist, Dr. Jackson has had an influential, decorated career that has helped pave the way for many of the technologies we use in the telecommunications world today. She conducted a number of successful theoretical physics experiments & made breakthrough scientific research that enabled others to invent the fax machine, touch-tone phone, fiber optic cells, solar cells and the technology behind caller ID & call waiting.

In 2014, Jackson was presented with the National Medal of Honor, which is the highest honor for scientific achievement bestowed by the U.S. government.

•Find out more about Dr. Jackson here: https://president.rpi.edu/president-biography

©Downtown Troy BID 2021

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Eddie Ade Knowles

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Uplifting & Honoring Black Americans in Downtown Troy, NY. Stay tuned this month for history, hilighting organizations & learning about Troy’s amazing individuals for an engaged, thriving Downtown community.

Eddie Ade Knowles was a longtime administrator, professor, and artist educator at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Ade & his group, Ensemble Congeros, opened for our Rockin' on the River concert series on July 12, 2018.

•From his devotion and inclusivity, to his advocacy for bettering the student experience and his incredible passion and enthusiasm for music, Ade’s impact on the RPI & Troy community was immeasurable. Under his leadership, several signature programs were created at RPI, including the Learning Center as part of the Office of Minority Student Affairs; the Bridge and PREFACE summer programs. He continued to teach his popular course, ‘Roots of Africa,’ that focuses on the study and performance of African, Afro-Cuban, and New World percussion music.

•As a musician, Knowles was a founding member of Gil Scott-Heron and the Midnight Band, which is credited with spawning hip-hop. He performed with Earth, Wind & Fire, and appeared with Stevie Wonder. Kanye West sampled his work.

•“The greatest gift we give to others is that our music helps to elevate their spirits, helps to heal their bodies, their minds,” Knowles said.

•Unity was part of Knowles’ life mission. His goal: “To help our community come together and recognize that we can make a difference.”

•Find out more about Ade’s life & legacy here: https://magazine.rpi.edu/feature/rhythms-of-the-heart

©Downtown Troy BID 2021

Business Spotlight: La Familia Barbershop

LA FAMILIA BARBERSHOP :: 97 FOURTH STREET :: 518-788-2453

Marco Lugo, owner of La Familia Barbershop, is a people person. He loves to serve and be around happy people, happy customers. He wants to offer the best service and experience that he can at his barber shops. Marco not only owns La Familia Barbershop 4 on 97 Fourth Street in Downtown Troy, but also La Familia Barbershop 2 in Albany. The Troy location has been open for 5 years and the Albany location for 10 years, respectively. And it's all family, all Marco with his businesses. 

Born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Marco moved to Manhattan in New York City in 2001. He had trained as a barber in the DR, but continued schooling in the US at the American Barber School. He offers men's cuts, facial grooming, kids and women's short cuts (by appointment). A few popular looks are skin fades, mohawks and bald looks. Any style, hair texture and all ages are welcomed. 

Managing two locations is a way of life for Marco. He works at the Albany space from 8:00am to 12:00pm, then drives over to Troy from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. He is adamant at being in both locations, so his customers can see his face and know his quality of service. Growing a business can be hard, but he said that once you get things in order; everything will go well. His longest customers are kids and he's enjoyed seeing them grow over the years.

La Familia Barbershop 4 in Troy, has grown from 3 stations to 5 stations over the past five years and Marco recently refreshed the space by painting the red walls yellow and gray; for more warmth. Consistency is key, as most barber shops receive walk-ins. Clients may bounce around and try different barbers, however Marco makes sure to provide the best cut for both new clients or longtime clients- everyone, new and old, is part of the family at La Familia Barbershop.

©Downtown Troy BID 2021

Business Spotlight: Soul Beautiful Hair Salon

SO BEAUTIFUL SALON :: 29 STATE STREET :: 518-417-0796

The best compliment a client can give Eboni Edmundson, owner of Soul Beautiful Hair Salon (formerly SO Beautiful Hair Salon), is by falling asleep. She is not joking when she says this. Eboni is adamant about the service she provides. The most important thing while in the salon, is the client- as an individual. She has great pride in people- to bring their beauty to the forefront. Her salon is a safe space, where there is no hurt, harm or judgement. Throughout the 12 years she has been at 29 State Street, she has laughed, cried and prayed with her clients. It is a tight community including families, the elderly, students and children. To feel as confident and comfortable in her hands, in order to fall asleep; says a lot about Eboni’s passion, attention and care. 

Eboni specializes in All Things Hair. Hair is plain and honest, it comes straight, curly, in different densities and textures. No matter what background her client is, she starts at the foundation- the hair or skin. With her education at Austin Beauty School and extensive experience at JC Penney Salons, Hair2000 in the former Latham Circle Mall and as a salon booth renter, Eboni brings all that she has learned (in addition to being a certified esthetician) to SO Beautiful Hair Salon. Originally from Brooklyn, Eboni moved to the Capital District with her family when she was 19 years old. She is a people person and after her education, she returned to Austin Beauty School to teach and currently teaches at Paul Mitchell School in Schenectady. Many beauty students finish school with knowledge and technique, but in order to survive, job knowledge and creating the atmosphere is key. Eboni teaches her “people first” approach, it’s not about the stylist. Eboni does it all- cut, coloring, blow-outs, braids, locs, weaves, style maintenance and more. However scalp care, hair growth and skin care is at the base of her philosophy and she shares generously to help clients get the best out of their looks. In addition to hair and make-up services, Eboni has a natural product line called ‘Natural e’s’ which focuses on restoration and growth. For those that prefer to do their hair at home, this educator has written an e-book, “Your Hair, Your Way” soon to be available on Amazon. Even with home haircare and styling, Eboni is excited to share her knowledge.  

When Eboni decided to work for herself 12 years ago, she looked at spaces throughout the Capital Region, but was drawn to Downtown Troy for its country amenities with a city feel. The space was formerly a green and beige barber shop with strangely, a wall at the front door. The wall was knocked down, the sink in the small bathroom was moved into a space cut out of the wall. It is perfectly sized for this solo entrepreneur. One station for hair, the other for make-up and a facial bed on the side. Over the years, the 242 square feet salon has had 4 paints jobs and the floors redone 3 times. At one point, Eboni wanted an all-white clean space. She tinted white paint with a little blue and everything was clean and sterile. Since then, the salon has warmed up with a homey feel. You will find her doing hair with the door open for Farmer’s Market Shoppers walking by with their dogs, peeking in. Eboni is more than willing to invite you in, chat about hair and welcome you back. 

©Downtown Troy BID 2020

Business Spotlight: United Aircraft Technologies

UNITED AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGIES :: 30 THIRD STREET :: 518-286-8867

Out of an injury comes a solution. Downtown Troy, NY is home to many small businesses representing a number of fields and specialties. Troy is also home to a few incubator spaces and programs which can help a small business get its start. United Aircraft Technologies (UAT) is a company in Downtown Troy that has been created from these paths. This company saw a problem and developed a solution through the Inventor’s Studio at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and at the Tech Valley Center of Gravity. 

United Aircraft Technologies was founded by Daryian Rhysing, Evaguel Rhysing and Donald A. DeVito three years ago. They are an aeropspace company that specializes in a new design of clamps for military aircrafts. Daryian was a military aircraft electrician for 12 years. He developed painful carpel tunnel syndrome after the many hours he spent maintaining and fixing the wiring systems and clamps of the aircraft. With his veteran benefits, he decided to go back to school, enrolling in the Computer Systems Engineering program at RPI. Through his personal experience and schooling, his idea for a new type of clamp and technology was created. He partnered with Donald A. DeVito and his wife Evaguel Rhysing to create the company. With Dariyan’s lead, a staff of 10 including engineers and developers and Evaguel’s experience in Public Relations and Business Administration, United Aircraft Technologies has secured government contracts, won grants and awards and has been featured in Aviation Pros Magazine, The Tech Tribune and The Albany Times Union to name a few.

The product that UAT specializes in is a plastic version of the metal clamps used to hold electrical wiring in aircrafts, which can find in the thousands to tens of thousands in these aircraft. The company has developed a lightweight plastic version, which is 65% lighter than the metal clamps and makes maintenance easier through their ease of assembly, and network of sensors that monitors and localizes faults, increasing payload capacity and operational efficiency. Using plastic instead of metal also reduces vibration, which degrades wiring and insulation over time and reduces electrical shocks. The clamps are suitable for a diverse range of aircrafts: helicopters, jets, passenger and cargo planes and spacecrafts.

United Aircraft Technologies was born and has offices in Troy, NY. They were previously members of the Tech Valley Center of Gravity and recently relocated to their own office space, upstairs on the 3rd floor of the Quackenbush Building at 30 3rd Street. The office was ready for an easy move-in and its communal conference rooms and kitchens make for an engaged community of companies and organizations within the building. UAT reinvests into the Troy community, offering internships for RPI students. Through a thorough and competitive process, they select interns once to twice a year. Currently they are hosting their fourth cohort where James D’Angio and Chris Kyle Ordonio continue to develop their skills in real world working environments. Many have been employed afterwards or even returned to Troy for UAT. Their next step in innovating is creating a smart clamp which monitors and diagnoses the entire electrical system of the aircraft. In Troy, the smallest ideas and details can create big change.  

©Downtown Troy BID 2020

Business Spotlight: Flower World

FLOWER WORLD :: 83 THIRD STREET :: 518-270-9308

When you enter Flower World on 3rd Street, you’re not sure what to expect. However you’re immediately greeted with a dark intimate room filled with items to peruse. Depending on the day you come in, you may be greeted with a shelf of fall-hued bouquets in ceramic pumpkin vases, jars of handmade natural soap, oils, dried lavender and an assortment of fresh cut flowers tiered along the wall. Live plants are popular for local residents and offices as well. The flow of inventory for a flower shop is something that is completely different than a regular retail store. Seasonality is key, however; the holidays are the times when the shop is cleared out to make way for high demand.

For owner, Nina Durr, a longtime gardener, the growing cycle is one that is engrained in her. She and her assistants are always able to make special orders for particular flowers or plants, while working in a space that seems to be ever growing and changing. Flower World originally opened in 1991, on Broadway. It moved to its current location at 83 Third Street seven years ago. Nina took on the business in 2001 and has seen it grow alongside Downtown Troy’s changing landscape. Many of her customers are walk-ins off the street, wanting to create custom bouquets on the spot. She always has on hand a variety of fresh flowers, vases; while maintaining deliveries and wedding and event orders.

Nina learned quickly that the difference between gardening and a flower shop is that not everyone likes the same things. Tastes are far and wide, she makes sure the shop has different offerings or can make special orders, if necessary. If she was a flower shop owner in a large city, she could survive on having just one kind of fresh cut flower, however, for a smaller city or town; she broadens her customer base and offers many varieties in flowers and house plants. Nina feels it provides for a great atmosphere to shop and work in. Working in Troy for such a longtime is just as engaging. She is interested to seeing what will grow alongside the new apartment complexes coming in and the diversity in the growing food scene. Downtown Troy has changed greatly between even 10 and 20 years ago, but its amazing architecture, walkability, food culture and people are how it maintains its charm and links to a vibrant historical present and past. Nina is always excited to help all her different customers that stop into the shop for something fresh, colorful and one-of-a-kind.

©Downtown Troy BID 2020

Business Spotlight: Shamron Mills

SHAMRON MILLS :: 484 RIVER STREET :: 518-874-4085

Ronnye Shamam, owner of Shamron Mills has been living and working in Downtown Troy for a little over a year and half. But her relationship with the area has been for much longer. Shamron Mills is a textile manufacturing company Ronnye began in 1983. They specialize in fulfilling custom orders used in healthcare, energy, research, military, government and industry. Their longstanding industry relationships allows them to provide the quality and service their customers expect and deserve. Over their 35 years in business, they have adapted with changing needs, providing custom solutions that require one-on-one attention.

Ronnye is originally from the area, got her degree from Russell Sage College and spent most of her life Downstate. She was a French and Spanish teacher in Columbia County, then Rochester, before settling in New York City.  After taking a hiatus from teaching while raising her son, she decided on a new career path, coordinating the manufacturing operations for the Jewish Guild for the Blind Sheltered Workshop in 1976. They supplied textiles for the US Defense Department, New York City and NYS among other organizations.

>>>Ronnye is not one to shy away from a challenge, especially being a female in a predominately male profession. She lived in the West Village, enjoyed every opportunity presented to her, asked questions and remembered details. In 1980, she met her second husband who encouraged her to start her own company. With her knowledge in the textile industry, in manufacturing and skills as a leader, Ronnye dove in. She attended trade shows, traveling to Atlanta and throughout the US. She knew the challenges that she had as one of a handful of females in the industry. After an early trip to a show with her husband, she realized that she needed to leave him at home- vendors thought she was his assistant. Ronnye was not one to hide in the crowd. Vendors and clients came to know her by her large glasses and vibrant jewelry. Combined with her drive and clear goals, she quickly built trust and a loyal client base.

Shamron Mills supplies to manufacturers and distributors that specialize in Industrial Laundry, Hyperbaric facilities, VA hospitals and Medical centers, including pediatric and breast cancer centers. Items include scrubs, gowns, bathrobes, pajamas up to 10XL and garments for high risk psychiatric facilities, sterile wrappers and drapes for the operating room and custom x-ray and surgical gowns. Their manufacturing plants are based in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, a rehab workshop for the disabled and internationally in China and Pakistan. They started importing in the 1980’s, in addition to digitizing all operations.

Ronnye’s relationship with the Capital District began when she started serving on the Board of the Russell Sage College Alumnae Association and then as a Trustee of the Sage Colleges. She traveled often for meetings and could see the potential in the area. With a few chance meetings of area community members and city officials, whom quickly became fast friends, she learned of the available property at 484 River Street. She purchased it, adding to her investment of other properties in Lansingburgh. During her first visit with the realtor, she knew the office space would be perfect fit for Shamron. Surprisingly, the building at 484 River Street was formerly the Amalgamated Clothing Worker’s Union Hall in the 1950’s, later a facility for Riverside Industries, part of The Rensselaer County ARC in the 1970’s, bringing Ronnye’s passion and experience full circle.

The same intuition presented itself when Ronnye began looking for a property to live in Downtown. A friend introduced her to a homeowner that was considering selling her brownstone on 5th Avenue. After a cup of tea and a visit that turned into a full afternoon, a deal was struck. Ronnye has seamlessly relocated both her business and her residence to Downtown Troy and she couldn’t be happier. She has enjoyed both a walkable city filled with food, culture, a welcoming community, and the beauty of the Hudson River and nature just steps away. She is also proud to serve on the board of TRIP. However, her next job when she retires, would be running an egg cream stand at Monument Square- with her secret recipe.

Ronnye says without a blink, “One can opt to fail, but you must give it a shot.”

©Downtown Troy BID 2020

Business Spotlight: Styles Upon Styles

STYLES UPON STYLES :: 80 CONGRESS STREET :: 518-273-0660

The people that see you the most and watch you grow are actually not your loved ones, friends or family. They’re your coaches, bank tellers, postmen, hair stylists, to name a few. Eddie Whitaker, owner of the barbershop Styles Upon Styles, has gotten to know and seen the growth of many of his customers during his 20 years of business. Eddie, originally from New York City, a former Foster Child, made his way to Troy, NY after living in Poughkeepsie. He began studying Psychology at Hudson Valley Community College in 1997, but didn’t continue with school, instead he went into entrepreneurship. His father was a barber, his cousins also. He cut hair part-time during school and decided it was the profession for him. Styles Upon Styles opened at 76 Congress Street (currently Mi Casa Restaurant) in 1999. After six years of business, he began to outgrow the space. 80 Congress Street was available and he purchased the building, moving his barbershop a few storefronts down, opening in 2007.

Eddie gut renovated the mixed-use space, installed full electrical, plumbing, replaced the floors and built drop ceilings. The apartments above were also renovated. He is updating the space again, renovating one of the apartments and updating the barber shop.

Styles Upon Styles employs 5 barbers specializing in men’s and kid’s cuts, scissor cutting, fades and beards. Eddie’s favorite type of cut is the comb over, with a deep part. It is reminiscent of an army-style haircut, with short sides. He’s seen styles come and go, but this particular cut has resurrected again and he’s excited to use his scissor cutting skills for it. When asked what makes a good barber & shop owner, he says ambition, you must be a people person, trust, the ability to visualize the cut, and surprisingly the most important, understanding everyone’s individual hair texture.

The shop is family-run, with Eddie’s wife, Sara as co-owner. He taught her how to cut hair 10 years ago and she now has her own regular clientele. His two girls are at the shop often; helping answer phones, sweep and greet clients. As mentioned above, both Eddie and his wife have been the barbers for many kid’s 1st haircuts. These now young adults still return for cuts, but sometimes stop by just to chat and or ask for advice. Eddie has always given back, teaching at Austin’s Barber School in Albany for 3 years and hires a part-time high school worker during the Summer. It is important for him and his wife to give back to the community mentoring individuals in work ethic, responsibility and money management. The high school student receives his pay at the end of the Summer when Eddie and Sara take him for back-to-school shopping. The relaxed neighborhood shop has consistent visitors stopping by, their regulars come in at the same time each week, and after many years, now invites to their city workers’ and police officers’ retirement parties. The amount of clients a barber gets during a day can be counted by how many neck strips were used- when you run out…it’s a great day.

Styles Upon Styles take both appointments and walk-ins. Wednesdays are College Discount Days, $3.00 off with a valid college ID. Saturday is NFL Day- yes NFL Day. Clients are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s jersey to the shop and defend or cheer for their team. We wonder which jerseys have lasted the most over the past 20 years and will last for the next 20 years to come.

©Downtown Troy BID 2019

Business Spotlight: Jimmy's Lunch

JIMMY’S LUNCH :: 84 CONGRESS STREET :: 518-273-0900

When people in Troy speak about the restaurant Jimmy’s Lunch, there’s an aura of both homestyle comfort and mystery. It’s one of those “institutions” that cemented a town, but you’re not sure exactly why. In an age of technology, .5 seconds of liking photos and business ventures that rise quick, but fall even quicker, Jimmy’s Lunch is the underdog; leisurely moving along at its own pace, and its marathon continues. When you enter the bay-window flanked space at 84 Congress Street, it feel like you’re in a cross between Grandma’s house and a diner- because it is. Tess Anastatialondis , the owner and chef built out the space, installed the kitchen, counter and stools with her husband Jimmy, in 1983. She has decorated it like her home, with family photos, her embroidered artwork, tchotchkes from Greece; because it is her home. She says she doesn’t have the space in her apartment above the restaurant for these items, so they get displayed at the restaurant. She proudly shows off her mandarin orange plant at the front of the restaurant, talking about how delicious its juice is, in her tea.

Tess immigrated to the US from Athens Greece when she was 23 years old in 1971, leaving behind her 6 sisters and parents. She met Jimmy, her second husband while working at the Jimmy’s Lunch at 93 Congress Street. At the time, Troy Light Company occupied the space of Jimmy’s current location. The company moved across the street and Jimmy and Tess decided to purchase the building in 1984 and opened Jimmy’s Lunch on the first floor. The spent a year designing and building the restaurant and opened, offering classic American fare for breakfast,  lunch and dinner, including sandwiches and soups, coffee and tea. Tess and Jimmy lived a comfortable life, working, traveling and keeping in touch with family. Each one of her sisters takes turns calling her every day from Greece, even to this day.

Tess’ favorite part of her job are her customers. She remembers their orders and enjoys seeing them daily. She can quickly whip up pancakes or hot oatmeal and chat with guests at the same time. It feels like you are just visiting a friend’s house. Jimmy passed in 1993, leaving the business to Tess. She always ran the front and had never actually cooked, Jimmy took care of everything. The only she could do, to keep the business, was to learn. Eggs were the hardest part! She practiced until she could flip the perfect egg.

After many years of running the restaurant, Tess decided to move to part-time hours, 4 hours a day and breakfast only. Her regulars still come, but in addition to work, Tess’ schedule includes church, a day for cleaning and a day for errands. She occasionally visits her sons and their families in Clifton Park and New York City. She hasn’t had a car since Jimmy’s passing, but the Downtown area is very conducive for walking or the bus. Everything she needs is conveniently located. Tess is a long-time resident, an entrepreneur and a true “Helen of Troy.”

©Downtown Troy BID 2019

Business Spotlight: Henry Loves Betty

HENRY LOVES BETTY :: 16 FIRST STREET :: 518-350-7387

You’d be surprised to know that Paula Matt, owner of Henry Loves Betty, didn’t have pets as a child. The first thing you notice when you enter her space, a dog daycare, shop and dog walking service; 9 pups are never far away from Paula. She studied Veterinary Sciences in college and is a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Paula worked as an emergency veterinary technician for many years, first in New York City, then in the Capital Region. She wanted a change in career after her experiences in emergency care- she wanted to take care of animals but not be in heartbreak during tough times. With just walking her own dogs, Paula got to know other local dog owners easily and formed a tight community. She wanted to have a space where animals are happy and healthy, while receiving good care.

Henry Loves Betty opened in 2014 on lower River Street, initially as a boutique with handmade collars, bowties, toys and treats, eventually adding on a dog daycare and walking services. HLB is in it’s 5th year of business, with 2 years as a daycare in its space.

Paula is adamant in creating a relaxed and fun environment for the daycare of medium-sized dogs. There are no kennels and group size is limited. Dogs get a first day free trial, to see if he or she is comfortable and able to get along with other dogs. The shop and its enclosed backyard is right in the downtown area, near residents and offices and she is careful to approve calm and quieter dogs. The daycare holds 10 dogs per day. Paula does offer limited boarding services, with 3 dogs currently at her home.

Henry Loves Betty moved in their current location on 1st Street in 2017. The building used to be a bank, with the original gates and the vault in the basement. On Saturdays, the space is open for shoppers and their dogs to browse items such as toys, treats, colorful handmade accessories and even doggie ice cream. Her custom-designed bathtub/ dog wash station is every pet owner’s dream. Customers can use the tub and the doggie blowdryer as well. The tub and hose comes in handy when returning muddy paws to their owners after a day in the shop’s backyard or after long walks. Henry Loves Betty has steadily and organically grown. This year they opened a second location in Albany, a daycare for small dogs. There are also big plans for the future. Paula and her boyfriend recently bought 101 acres in Johnstown, naming it Adirondack Dog Club. Renovations are underway for a high quality country-side boarding home. It looks like Paula will definitely be surrounded by pups in many areas of her life, and she couldn’t be happier.

©Downtown Troy BID 2019

Business Spotlight: First Choice Caribbean

FIRST CHOICE CARIBBEAN :: 451 FULTON STREET :: 518-272-4544

You may have seen Ricky Brown-Barrett, Owner and Head Chef of First Choice Caribbean, around downtown but may have not been able to place him. The reason why it is that he is everywhere. He has run his restaurant on Fulton Street for the past 17 years, in addition he maintains his vendor booth at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market for the past 9 years. His customers for his lunch buffet and dinner service are diverse, including working professionals, students a lot of the Caribbean and Jamaican population within the capital District. He has found a way to expand his reach while staying in Downtown Troy, offering mix-and-match lunch options at his farmers market table. His customers also include the parents of local college students, out of town visitors on a day trip and regular friendly shoppers of the market.

With his inviting, cool and calm demeanor, Ricky is still a very driven entrepreneur. He did not expect to fall into the restaurant business. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, he came to Schenectady in 2002. Growing up in Jamaica, he has fond memories of cooking with his aunt when he was 12 years old and eating with his friends, fresh coconut, fruit and the homecooked foods that the Island easily offers. His father was in the Navy in Guantanamo Bay at the time and he traveled often with him after high school, before coming to the US. Ricky has had diverse jobs in the fast food industry, such as KFC and as an auto body repair man, doing bodywork for cars. 

When Roxanne Soul Food on Fulton Street was up for sale, he saw an immediate opportunity- there wasn’t any Jamaican food in Downtown Troy at the time. With the generosity of his friends and fellow restaurant owners, he learned where to buy ingredients and the detailed steps of running a business. His transition into entrepreneurship was very easy with the support of the community.

Ricky cooks with a Rastafarian influence in select dishes, which does not include use of sugar and black pepper and focuses on non-processed, plant-based ingredients. He made a conscious choice to change how he cooked seven years ago. Sea salt and cayenne pepper are used to season and he experimented with finding the perfect taste with his recipes, on a holistic level. The sauce for his jerk chicken is made from scratch and there are many vegetarian and vegan options as well. His specialty is red snapper and Ital Stew. First Choice Caribbean is only restaurant in the area offering the vegan stew of potatoes, carrot and plantains, simmered in coconut milk. 

Ricky enjoys serving the people of Troy, NY. He says “They’re cool. There’s ups and downs, but they’re all cool.” About 9 years ago, his friend Nate, from Saratoga Apple, encouraged him to apply and vend alongside him at the Troy Farmers Market. Ricky created a space to offer hot to-go options at the market, when there were very few prepared food vendors at the time. You can still find him at the Market every Saturday morning. Then he packs up and heads to the restaurant for the evening crowd. 

He is proud to have introduced many people to Island food, as he calls it. Many students have come through his space, interested in something home-cooked and maybe something they have never tasted before. He has seen many RPI, HVCC and Sage students grow up, graduate and come back to visit the City and eat his food again. The restaurant has opened different perspectives that he had never considered, as he cooly states, “Before you decide on knowing things, you have to know who you are and your values, cultivate self-love. Worrying won’t change anything. Try something else if it’s not working. What’s meant to be, is going to be.”

©Downtown Troy BID 2019

Business Spotlight: The Photography Center of the Capital Region

THE PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER OF THE CAPITAL REGION :: 404 RIVER STREET :: 518-273-0100

When Nicholas Argyros is interested in something, he completely immerses himself in it. He never thought that he would start The Photography Center of the Capital Region.   being a former math teacher and Department of Education research coordinator. Not many people would begin their retirement with opening a small business, but he is not one to stop working or pursuing his interests. Argyros came to the Capital Region to teach 6th-12th Grades in Mathematics, later receiving his PhD in Statistics and a job coordinating research for the Department of Education. He loved everything that he did, no day was the same and he thoroughly enjoyed the process of making sense of a lot of information.

Within the same mentality, his interest in photography began as a teenager in Junior High School. Throughout his life, he has sustained it as a viewer, visiting photographer’s studios, collecting cameras and photographs alongside his full-time job. Nicholas has had a long history with the creative community in downtown Troy and the Capital Region. He was a constant supporter with the opening of The Arts Center of the Capital Region and at the former Fulton Street Gallery. The Photography Center just celebrated its twelfth year anniversary. Each year, it has has published two photo books:  one for the annual group show and one exhibition catalog of a local photographer. While the Photography Regional exhibition came to Troy every few years, Nicholas wanted photography to have a more consistent venue within the area, including a more diverse representation of the medium itself. By chance, his realtor friend Tom Wheeler, told him about a building for sale in Troy. Nicholas took a chance with his retirement fund from the state, he jumped in and bought the building at 404 River Street.

Built in the 1910’s, the building had been home to Tiger’s Sporting Goods, then to a deli and a private residence. Renovations included removing an 8 foot false ceiling on the first floor, installing full heating and track lighting. His gut renovation created a pristine white gallery space with high ceilings and exhibition lighting. Remnants of the previous deli are only the sink and kitchen area to the front of the space. The main large room is a Gallery space for rotating solo and group exhibitions, the back area became a museum displaying many old cameras behind glass cases and the 3rd floor became a hidden gem of downtown Troy, a Library of 15,000 photography and art books.  Admission is free and the Center offers a Membership of $45 a year, allowing access to the Library and participation in the Annual Members Show, with a published catalog. Artists congregate in the main room during Salon Nights (3rd Tuesday of the month), with portfolio reviews and Dinner Nights on 2nd Mondays, which Nicholas hopes to start up again (involving his other passion of cooking).

All styles and techniques of photography are represented in The Photo Center exhibits. There are abstracts, urban landscapes, infra-red techniques, portraiture, travel and photos of self-created images, scenes and sets. The museum in the back of the space has grown quickly. Nicholas’ goal is to represent every type of genre in photography and at least one of every type of camera design. There are over 1,000 vintage photographs and art and artifacts also. All represent Nicholas’ enthusiastic interest in learning and appreciating photographs and objects. A new interest is antique clocks, which he says, are the antithesis of photography. Photography captures time while the clock reminds you of progression, which Nicholas envisions The Photography Center. of the Capital Region maintaining a space to connect, create and grow.  

©Downtown Troy BID 2019