CAP REGION NY

Unemployment Talks: Freelance Editor Barbara Price

May 19, 2020 By wordpress

Meet Barbara Price, an artist and freelance textbook editor with a number of large publishing clients. Right before the pandemic and shutdown, she had a couple of new contracts pending for work, which would’ve satisfied her income for the remainder of the year. Once businesses started closing, she couldn’t get in touch with anybody about the contracts and has been out of work since. We asked Barbara to share her experience filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) because she ran into quite the interesting dilemma that may impact other freelancers. Here’s what she had to say…

When did you first apply for benefits? What was the initial process like?

I applied online right off the bat on April 2nd. At that time, the first step for freelancers was to apply for traditional unemployment insurance, get rejected, and THEN apply for PUA (they’ve since streamlined this process, and freelancers now apply in one step). In early May, I got an email from the Department of Labor (DOL) asking me to fill out another questionnaire. I responded to them immediately.

But you didn’t get any benefits…what went wrong?

Whenever there was a question about my “employer,” I answered that I had “no employer,” assuming that I would eventually get to part of the questionnaire designated for freelancers and business owners. It turns out there wasn’t a section for that. I got denied benefits because I’d indicated that I did not have an employer.

According to the DOL, if you are self-employed, you ARE technically employed by somebody – yourself. You should answer questions about “your employer” as if YOU are your employer, otherwise you will get rejected!

My husband applied after me, so we were sure we didn’t make the same mistake twice. He applied in late April (he had to send his 2019 taxes in) and we are awaiting payment.

Is the DOL doing appeals for people who were denied and/or made a mistake on the application?

They are not doing appeals so there’s not even a way I can fight this issue right now, which leaves me without funds at the moment. I sent a message to my assemblywoman who called me and put me on an expedited list to talk to someone from the DOL and I still haven’t heard back. I tried sending a message to the DOL, but again, haven’t heard anything. (Note to readers: If you were denied, please click here for more information about denial/appeals.)

Did you apply for any other benefits/loans, etc. through the CARES Act?

Yes, I applied and received $1,000 from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

Any final thoughts for our readers?

I remain hopeful. I’m using this time for self actualization; to think about what I really want, how I want my life to look, and what’s really important to me. Networking is different now but making me notice people that think like I think. I see value in connecting with them and lifting each other up.

Cap Region Cocktails at Home: Janesha “Jaja” Levons

May 19, 2020 By wordpress

Janesha “Jaja” Levons was born into a military family, and until her early 20’s, they moved every three years, across the U.S. and to Antigua, until finally settling down in Saratoga Springs, where her love for entertaining and creativity began.

After working as a mixologist, model, and other freelance jobs, she moved to Brooklyn, where she walked runways and worked in over 30 venues, rooftops, and restaurants as a bartender. Now, she’s back in the Cap Region, bartending at The Berlin in Troy (currently closed due to COVID-19) and reinventing her modeling career.

Jaja says…

Every bar was a new challenge, every venue had new cocktails and a new culture to explore. No two great bars are ever alike. Maybe that’s why I never stayed in any one bar for too long… Once I conquered the cocktail program and culture (which never took very long), the challenge was over, and so was the allure. I had a Forbes 100 client contract me to bartend at a private mansion, where I created a cocktail list especially geared for him and his guests for two days. I’ve worked in London at a private lounge in a luxury residential building where I not only created a cocktail program, but also arranged private parties and gatherings. I just love to create and bring people together to enjoy life. And yes I’m pretty fond of alcohol too…

Everybody loves a nice sangria and daiquiri, especially as we start heading into warmer weather. I’ve put together these special recipes that you can make from the comfort of your own home.

Sangria by Jaja

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups of frozen fruits (I like to use mixed berries)
1 Cup Rum (I recommend Bacardi Silver)
Simple Syrup (recipe below)
1 Extra Large Orange squeezed ( 1/4 – 1/2 cup of its juice)
1 Bottle of White or Red Wine (your preference)

Simple syrup
1/2 Cup boiling water (you can microwave it if you’d like )
1/2 Cup of Brown Sugar

Steps:
1. In a large pitcher or bowl place the frozen fruit (at least semi-thawed)
2. Pour the rum over the frozen fruit so the juices can start to marinate in the rum.
3. Pour the simple syrup in the mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. With a metal hand whisk, mix all together with the goal of mashing the fruits as much as possible. You can also use a wooden spoon or muddler, I prefer the whisk. You can also use a blender. If you find it too difficult (or the fruit is too frozen), let the fruit sit in for a little longer and allow the rum to do its job!
5. Add the juice from the orange
6. Pour wine (750ml ) red or white (I use red) over mixture.
7. Place it in the fridge for four hours. Remember the longer it sits the stronger the berry flavor will be….it’s great to have it sit overnight too!
8. Once it’s ready, serve over ice in your favorite cocktail glass!

Daiquiri

Ingredients:
1 Cup Rum (Bacardi Silver)
Simple Syrup (same recipe as above)
1 1/2 Cup Frozen Strawberries
2 1/2 Cups of ice
1 lime

Steps;
1. In a large pitcher or bowl place the frozen fruit (at least semi-thawed)
2. Pour the rum over the frozen fruit so the juices can start to marinate in the rum.
3. Pour the simple syrup in the mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. With a metal hand whisk, mix all together with the goal of mashing the fruits as much as possible. You can also use a wooden spoon or muddler, I prefer the whisk. You can also use a blender. If you find it too difficult (or the fruit is too frozen), let the fruit sit in for a little longer and allow the rum to do its job!
5. Refrigerate the mixture for four hours.
6. Add a dash of club soda and squeeze a large lime wedge into the mixture.
7. Serve over ice in your favorite cocktail glass.

Enjoy!

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Cap Region Road Trip: Rural Schenectady County

May 19, 2020 By Maureen Sager

This drive through rural Schenectady County is a great way to explore Capital Region’s natural beauty and pick up some craft beverages along the way. We are finally seeing some sunshine and warmer temps, which makes it a lot easier to get that vital dose of Vitamin D. While visiting any of our amazing outdoor spaces, please take all of the safety measures recommended by NYS Parks Department.

How To Get There: There are several routes that will take you into rural Schenectady County from US-90 and US-88 to State Routes 20, 7 and 74. We recommend downloading a map before you go as there are some areas without cell coverage. Virtually visit our recommendation with our Google Earth map if you are unable to get out (View that here)..

What To See:

Christman Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary, 3281 Schoharie Turnpike, Delanson, NY 12053. Home to the spectacular Bozenkill waterfall and plantations of locust, cedar, spruce and pine. Explore the two looped main trails and two side trials. Located on the property is a two-story dwelling built in 1868, a stone dairy house, large stone walls, and more.

Schenectady County Forest Preserve, Lake Rd. (County Route 88), Delanson, NY 12053. The Preserve has three trail paths. The pates feature a number of habitats including a native hardwood forest, a red pine plantation and a man-made pond.

Mabee Farm Historic Site, 1100 Main St, Rotterdam Junction, NY 12150. The oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley (1705), Mabee Farm Historic Site offers visitors beautiful vistas and riverside beauty. The buildings are currently closed, but the trails and grounds are still open to visitors.

Great Flats Nature Trail. W. Campbell Rd, Schenectady, NY 12306. The Great Flats Nature Trail is a wetland habitat that offers an easy well-defined path through a wooded area. The path leads to wetlands and a small lake, where you can walk on a boardwalk around the lake. The trail is a circular route that has both a long and short option.

Where to Eat and Drink

Back Barn Brewing, 7082 Western Turnpike, Delanson, NY 12053. Growlers, pints and cans are available for pick-up Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons. Check out what’s currently on-tap on their website at the link.

Altamont Vineyard & Winery, 3001 Furbeck Rd, Altamont, NY 12009. While their wine alone is worth a stop, don’t sleep on their full array of good for sale online. From yummy grape jelly to small-batch honey to home decor & more, there is so much great stuff to score. Order ahead of time and they will provide curbside delivery. Don’t miss out on the view of the vineyards as you head up the driveway.

Wagon Train BBQ, 671 Mariaville Rd, Schenectady, NY 12306. Worked up an appetite from exploring all the natural beauty in Schenectady County? Wagon Train BBQ is ready to tackle any sized hunger. We dare you to try and conquer the Train-Wreck Burger (A burger topped with Swiss cheese, ham, roast beef, coleslaw, horseradish mayo and chipotle ranch) or one of their Wagon Train Combos. Check their IG for daily specials including family meals.

Wolf Hollow Brewing Company, 6882 Amsterdam Rd, Schenectady, NY 12302. Don’t miss out on the great brews on tap at Wolf Hollow Brewing Company. Call ahead or order online for growlers and cans. I recommend the Lock 9am Vanilla Coffee Porter. And don’t forget to check the website to see what food truck is on-site serving up delicious eats on the weekends. Click here for pre-order information. I mean because you’ll need to wash something down with all that great beer.

Unemployment Talks: Freelancer and Business Owner Kim Gilmour

May 14, 2020 By wordpress

Meet Kim Gilmour, Owner of FisheyeCeramics, a ceramic design studio on Main Street in Catskill and freelance audiobook producer. COVID-19 had an immediate detrimental impact on her work and she applied for unemployment the moment freelancers were able to. We asked her to share her experiences in applying and filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) in hopes it would help other freelancers like her. Here’s what she said…

When did you start feeling the downturn in response to the crisis? What were your first steps?

I felt the downturn as soon as COVID-19 came into discussion in March. It was a horrible month. Once I found out freelancers were included in the CARES Act, I applied immediately.

Did you do some research on whether you’d qualify for unemployment? Where did you look?

I immediately went on applied to see what would happen. I did find some information on the NYS unemployment site that was helpful. I applied for unemployment about 15-20 years ago, so I know how the system works to a certain degree.

What was the application process like and what materials did you need handy?

I applied right online and had no problems. Since I applied fairly early, I had to apply for regular unemployment and at the time, the messaging about PUA wasn’t clear but I went ahead anyway. After filing the application, I got a response to call to complete it. It took three days of nonstop calling, hitting redial over and over again, and finally I did get through within 2-3 days. The agent asked additional questions and again, was unclear on how exactly the PUA worked. She instructed me to go online and claim benefits on a weekly basis. I know that weeks after I applied, there was a specific PUA application which made things easier for those who are self-employed, but I was fortunate it worked out for me so early on.

In terms of materials, I needed to fax them my 1099 and I also faxed them my 2019 tax returns, though not requested. A lot of what they ask you via application/phone isn’t proved via documentation, they take your answers in good faith.

I would rate the system a 4-5 out of 10.

Did you receive your benefits yet? Have you faced any issues in doing so?

During the first week of April, close to a month later, I received two $600 deposits. They came a week and a half apart. They didn’t send me any paperwork about what I would be getting or when. I still haven’t gotten anything other than those two checks. My understanding is that I will be getting retroactive checks to cover the weeks missed. I think a lot of us will be getting lump sum checks.

Have you applied for other assistance from the CARES act?

I did apply for the EIDL right off the bat and I received $1,000.

Do you see things going back to “normal” for you/your business?

Nothing is going to be the same. Ceramics is not a necessary business and it’s a luxury expense for some people. People need dishes and bowls, but do they really? Fortunately a lot of sales are online, so I don’t rely on having a physical space but I think its going to be very different. A lot of people are going to reinvent their businesses, if they haven’t already.

Any other advice for our readers?

A lot of people have said they’re not applying for benefits because they heard it takes so long. Have patience. Yes, it’s frustrating and may take a while but it will be worth it. If the funds are there for us, you should do everything you can to get to them. In long run, it will be better for you. It’s worth calling your bank too regarding grants/loans, etc. you never know what kind of options they have for you.

If you are a freelancer and would like to share your unemployment experience, please email Gabby Fisher, ACE Digital Marketing Manager.

Cap Region Road Trips: Saratoga Springs to Schuylerville

May 14, 2020 By Maureen Sager

This country drive on Route 29 from Saratoga Springs to Schuylerville is a great chance to revel in the farmland, lakes and rivers, and apple groves of rural Saratoga County. The solace and space of Stillwater, Schuylerville and all of these little hamlets make for a great spring drive. While visiting, please take all of the safety measures recommended by NYS Parks Department.

How To Get There: Take Exit 14 Saratoga off the Northway I-87, and follow directions for NY-9P toward NY-29/Saratoga Springs/Schuylerville. Route 29 will be the “backbone” for this drive, with side jaunts to Saratoga National Historic Park, Fish Creek, Hudson Crossing Park, and more. Download this custom Google Map to find all stops mentioned in this article.

What to See:

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail, Route 29, Saratoga Springs. This two-mile, well-maintained rail trail is an easy, relaxing walk through marshy wetlands (don’t worry, the trail itself is dry). I was thrilled to see a blue heron during my visit in May.

Saratoga National Historic Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater. The park facilities and tour road are closed, but the grounds are open for pedestrians and bicycles every day from sunrise to sunset. Click here for a map to the grounds. Updates are available on their Facebook page.

Hudson Crossing Park, County Road 42, Schuyerville. Open every day, year round, dawn to dusk. This terrific park offers fishing and birding sites, a children’s play garden (keep safe distances, of course!) and two miles of nature trails with panoramic Hudson River views and Champlain Canal overlooks. There’s also a floating dock where boaters can stay for up to 48 hours, and a kayak launch on their Riverwalk Sensory Trail walk.

Champlain Canal Lock 5, County Road 42, Schuylerville. On your way to Hudson Crossing Park, park your car and take a look at Champlain Canal Lock 5. The now-inactive lock has great signage to give you a sense of our region’s history and relationship with the Canal.

Kayak Shak, 251 County Route 67, Saratoga Springs. Enjoy some spring paddling on Fish Creek! You’ll need to book your reservation online before arriving, as no more than 5 watercrafts will be allowed to launch at once, every 15 minutes.

Browns Beach / Saratoga Lake, 511 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY. If you’ve never seen Saratoga Lake, this side tour is worth your time. You can enjoy the serene and beautiful lake drive from your car, and if you want to stretch your legs, Brown’s Beach offers public access to the lake.

Where to Eat:

Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-In Restaurant, 882 Route 29, Saratoga Springs. One of my all-time favorites, this 60’s style stops is doing a fantastic job of adapting to quarantine, with car-side or internet orders, and safe, well-marked pickups. Try the fresh-cut fries with Michigan sauce. Gluten-free menu and cones available.

Saratoga Apple Orchard and Farm Stand, Route 29, Schuylerville. This Saratoga institution is open daily all year round, offering a full array of fresh vegetables in addition to its startlingly fresh, crisp apples — twelve varieties in all! Order online or shop in their store. Delivery is also available within 15-mile radius.

Just Meats, 1023 Route 29, Schuylerville. A carnivore’s paradise, this butcher shop has deli sandwiches made to order (call ahead for pick up, 518-507-6061) and fresh meat, milk and eggs for purchase.

Saratoga Gluten Free Goods, 176 Broad Street, Schuylerville. Trust me, you do NOT have to be gluten free to enjoy these amazing, homemade baked goods. Grab yourself some lemon blueberry cheesecake bars. You’ll thank me later.

Harvest and Hearth, 251 County Route 67, Saratoga Springs. Terrific wood-fired pizza available for takeout Wednesday – Sunday, starting at 4:30pm. Located on Fish Creek, right next door to Kayak Shak, if you’re up for a paddle!