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.