by Bea Peterson
The former Grand Union in Hoosick Falls reopened on Tuesday, May 28, as Tops Friendly Markets. Tops, with markets in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont, purchased 21 Grand Union stores in July 2012. The company has been making changes in each store to gradually transform them into Tops Markets. On Tuesday stores in Greenville, Hancock, Stamford, West Coxsackie and Tannersville, NY, held Grand Re-Opening celebrations similar to the one here.
[private]The HFCS Jazz Band, conducted by Bill Brown, performed several toe tapping selections. HFCS senior Catherine Danforth sang the National Anthem and former VFW Commander and Vietnam veteran George Driscoll held the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Tops Friendly Markets District Manager Ray Ruszczak thanked everyone for attending the reopening. He commended the store team for its commitment through the stressful changes that have taken place.
Daphne Inman, NY Area Tops Communications Coordinator said the company is pleased to be expanding into communities in New York and Vermont.
Living Here, Giving Here
As part of the Tops “Living Here, Giving Here” community partnership program, local store manager Randy Howe presented $250 checks to Hoosick Youth Baseball and Softball President Tony Thayne, HFCS Art Teacher Robert Viera and art students, Senior Center Director Kathy Bugbee, HAYC3 Community Liaison Patty Zilinskas and HACA Director Dianne Hosterman for the Food Closet.
Hoosick Town Supervisor Keith Cipperly expressed his appreciation to Tops Friendly Markets for their pledge to stay in the community. He reminded everyone that shopping locally is important to the community. He said every year a portion of the sales tax revenue generated in Rensselaer County is returned to the Town and the Village. That revenue, he said, enables the Town to make contributions to local organizations.
Rensselaer County Legislators Stan Brownell and Lester Goodermote also expressed their appreciation to Tops for coming into Rensselaer County.
Hoosick Falls Mayor David Borge said how fortunate the Town and Village are to have a grocery store. “It’s a wonderful asset,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a delicious cake.
In a written release, Tops President and CEO Frank Curci said, “The entire Tops team has worked very hard to ensure that our new store customers will have a more enjoyable shopping experience as they see the many changes in the setting, amenities and an increased variety of products that our neighborhood stores will offer. And we want to continue the tradition of being active members of the local community.”
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