Honor Van Allen Farms Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 3121 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Van Allen Farms upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary WHEREAS, Within each community of this great State of New York there are certain businesses that define the nature of the region and the people who inhabit it; and WHEREAS, Such is true of Van Allen Farms, a family-owned and operated butcher and specialty foods store located in Glenmont, New York, for over 50 years; since 1967, three generations of the Spinosa family have provided its customers with quality meats and delicious homemade food; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Van Allen Farms upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary; and WHEREAS, In the summer of 1967, Vincent "Jim" Spinosa, Sr., a skilled local butcher, purchased a farm stand and approximately 20 acres of prized farm land from Kenneth Van Allen; he transformed Van Allen Farms into a prosperous store selling local produce, grocery mainstays and prime meats; and WHEREAS, In the early years, Van Allen Farms served as the only grocery store in the area, employing six people on the weekends; and WHEREAS, In 1984, Jim Spinosa's son, Vincent, Jr. took over the business; ever since he was a young child, Vincent had worked in the store, hauling groceries, stocking shelves, and burning boxes, learning all aspects of the grocery from his father; and WHEREAS, For over five decades of business, Van Allen Farms remains an important economic force in Glenmont; currently managed by Vincent Spinosa, Jr. and department specialist, Michelle Arnold, the store remains true to its heritage, using Vincent's grandmother's spaghetti sauce recipe and his father's secret seasoning for the USDA prime steaks; and WHEREAS, In addition, Van Allen Farms proudly continues to offer its customers locally grown produce, hormone-free dairy products, and cut-to-order meats, such as their home-made sausage; the store also sells delicious breakfast sandwiches and homemade soups from scratch; and WHEREAS, Van Allen Farms offers lunch specials during the week and is available to cater parties and other events; and WHEREAS, For over 50 years Van Allen Farms has stood as a beloved establishment which has provided a friendly, open environment for patrons to shop and meet with their neighbors; three generations of Spinosas have always greeted each and every one of their customers with a smile, making them feel like family; and WHEREAS, Since opening its doors, the owners and employees of Van Allen Farms have brought an uncommon sense of quality and goodness to the community, providing Glenmont and Albany County not only with superior products, but with good old-fashioned memories; and WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledge this exceptional small business and its contributions to the local economy; and be it further RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Van Allen Farms upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Vincent Spinosa, Jr. and Michelle Arnold.