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RAVENA – State and local elected officials, members of the Southern Albany County business community, and area residents recently joined the Ravena cement plant’s leaders and workers to celebrate the official transition of the facility’s identity from Lafarge to Holcim US, the world’s number one building solutions provider and a global leader in the construction materials industry.

“We are pleased to announce, starting today, the Ravena cement plant will be known as Holcim Ravena,” said Plant Manager Dave MacLauchlin. “While the rebrand changes our name, it in no way changes our commitment to being a good neighbor and serving our customers, while being strongly focused on sustainability. We are the last plant manufacturing cement in New York. The state needs this product to construct whatever the future may hold for us, and at Holcim, we are committed to playing a key role in that journey.”

Representatives from the state Senate and Assembly were on hand to honor the plant, noting its significant role as the largest employer and largest property taxpayer in Southern Albany County and its completion in 2017 of a multimillion-dollar modernization project that made it a state-of-the-art facility.

“We’ve recognized the key component that this plant has been to Albany County and the Capital Region as a whole,” said Michael Perrin, a special assistant to state Senator Neil Breslin, D-Delmar. “We’re really pleased to see the renovations at this plant, which tell me that you’re going to be here a long, long time, you’re going to enjoy a great deal of success and now under the Holcim branding, we’re going to continue to work with you, the Holcim employees and the company that are involved with this great bedrock of the Albany County economy.”

“I’m no stranger to this plant or to the industry; this is where I came from,” said state Assemblyman Chris Tague, R-Schoharie. “I used to be the general manager at Cobleskill Stone Products. I’m no stranger to what you do. I know how hard you work. I know the commitment that you make to this company and the community. This company has been a great partner for the people of Ravena and this community and the people of Albany County. It is a great honor to stand here today and offer this citation to the Ravena cement plant.”

“None of this happens without the workers,” said Ravena Mayor Bill Misuraca. “I’m very pleased that you are here and part of our community. A lot of my family’s worked here, a lot of my friends. Congratulations and I hope you have another 60!”

The Ravena plant has supported projects both locally and across the Northeast since 1962. It has contributed to such iconic landmarks such as One World Trade Center Memorial, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, and the Giants Stadium.

Holcim US prioritizes innovation and is committed to making the world it builds greener, healthier, and more sustainable for all, according to the company . In support of that vision, the Ravena plant’s modernization project reduced major regulated emissions and enabled it to meet the most stringent environmental limits in the construction materials industry.

The Ravena plant employs 170 individuals, about 110 of whom are members of the United Steelworkers, District 4. It has the capacity to produce up to 2 million tons of cement annually and sits on roughly 3,500 acres in Southern Albany County.

By Marlene McTigue

Capital Region Independent Media

RAVENA — After a successful debut last year, Ravena Innovation Station’s Puzzled Pints program has returned, offering locals a fun and mentally stimulating way to engage with each other through a series of monthly puzzle events.

Though still in its early stages, the Puzzled Pints initiative here in Ravena has already gained traction and has become a key part of the station’s mission to foster education and community-building—this time with a focus on adults.

Rick Robertson, president of the Ravena Innovation Station, is excited to see the community embrace this unique program.

“I’ve always had an interest in logic puzzles and games,” Robertson said. “After learning about Puzzled Pints, I thought it would be a fun way to expand our programming beyond kids and give adults a chance to exercise their brains and connect with each other.”

THE INTERNATIONAL PUZZLED PINTS MOVEMENT

Puzzled Pints is part of a global movement that began in Portland, Oregon, in 2011. Since then, it has spread to over 60 cities worldwide, from London to Tokyo, where participants gather in pubs and other local venues to solve logic puzzles together. Each event features a unique theme and participants work in teams to crack codes, answer trivia and solve challenges.

The Ravena version, hosted at Rail to River Brewing, provides a relaxed and social setting where participants can collaborate, chat, and enjoy a pint or two.

“There’s no competition, no prizes, and no pressure,” Robertson explained. “It’s all about having fun, working through the puzzles, and enjoying each other’s company.”

Bryan Rowzee, a local resident and Puzzled Pints participant, spoke about the impact it’s had.

“Puzzled Pints inspired a well-received Harry Potter birthday celebration at my library in July,” said Rowzee. “The events celebrate community and deep thinking.”

A SOCIAL AND MENTAL WORKOUT

Puzzled Pints offers much more than a mental workout; it’s also a platform for building connections and encouraging collaboration among community members.

“Anytime you bring people together, you’re fostering networking and opening doors for new opportunities,” Robertson said. “We’ve already seen local business owners and professionals making connections through these events. You never know where those relationships might lead.”

With puzzles ranging from trivia to code-breaking, attendees are encouraged to work together, share ideas, and support one another.

“The puzzles are designed to be challenging, but there are hints available, and you can even use your phone,” Robertson said. “It’s all about teamwork and having fun while keeping your brain active.”

The Puzzled Pints program is held on the second Tuesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. at Rail to River. While the events took a summer break, the fall season marks their return, with a goal of maintaining a regular rhythm throughout the year.

“We’re hoping to get around 30 people each time,” Robertson said. “It’s great to see the community come out, especially as the weather gets cooler and people are looking for indoor activities.”

ONGOING SUCCESS OF INNOVATION STATION

While Puzzled Pints has been a hit with adults, the Ravena Innovation Station remains committed to its original mission of fostering STEM education for kids. The station’s fall programming has seen tremendous growth, particularly its robotics teams, which have nearly doubled in size since last year.

“We’re thrilled with the response from families and students,” Robertson said. “Our robotics programs continue to grow, and we’re working on adding new opportunities, like electrical circuits classes, for the spring.”

RIS is also introducing a new “Expert Encounters” series, set to launch in November. This program will bring professionals from various fields to speak to students and community members about career opportunities and advancements in technology.

“We want to expose kids in our rural community to the wide range of careers that are out there, especially in STEM fields,” Robertson explained.

As RIS grows, so does its need for continued community support.

“Funding is always a challenge, especially when it comes to upgrading our technology and expanding our programs,” Robertson said. “We rely on local sponsors and community donations to keep the Innovation Station running and to provide the best resources for our kids.”

While RIS actively pursues larger grants, the organization remains grateful for the ongoing support from local businesses and individuals.

“Our team sponsorships and donations are essential,” Robertson added. “We want to make sure the community sees the incredible impact they’re having on the students and programs we offer.”

LOOKING AHEAD

With the return of Puzzled Pints and the ongoing expansion of its youth programs, the Ravena Innovation Station is poised for a bright future. Robertson and his team hope to continue growing their impact on the community, engaging both young learners and adults alike in meaningful, brain-boosting activities.

For those interested in joining Puzzled Pints, it takes place on the second Tuesday of every month from 7-9 p.m. at Rail to River Brewing on Main Street in the village. If you would like to learn more about Puzzled Pints, volunteer to be part of an Expert Encounter or become an Innovation Station team sponsor, you can check out the Innovation Station’s website at https://www.ravenainnovationstation.org.