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Listen "Episode 48 - Building Hope: Dan Roth, Dutch Hollow, and the Spirit of the Season"
Episode Synopsis
Episode 48 – Building Hope: Dan Roth, Dutch Hollow, and the Spirit of the Season
Recorded: November 18, 2025
Guest: Dan Roth, Principal of Dan Van LLC
Episode Overview
In this holiday-season edition of Montgomery County Now, Sheriff Jeff Smith brings listeners essential winter safety reminders, community updates, and an inspiring conversation with Air Force veteran and local developer Dan Roth. From housing challenges to economic revitalization, Dan shares the story behind Dutch Hollow Apartments and his new development, Maple Hollow. The episode closes with a roundup of November and December’s biggest community events.
County Updates & Highlights
Winter Weather Safety
Upstate NY weather shifts quickly; expect sudden snow, wind, and freezing rain.
Slow down, plan ahead, and travel with caution.
Years of Service Awards
Staff recognized for 1–30 years of service in the Sheriff’s Office.
A community reminder to thank officers and county workers for their dedication.
Hunting Season Reminders
Firearm safety and legal regulations emphasized.
Tips include weather prep, trigger discipline, knowing your target and beyond, and honoring trespass and distance laws.
No Shame November
Annual facial-hair fundraiser benefiting local causes.
Donations already made to Santa’s Sled and Hunter’s Elves at Albany Med.
Scam Prevention
Never share personal information unless you initiated the contact.
Delete suspicious texts, emails, and calls.
When in doubt, call the Sheriff’s Office.
Honoring Veterans
Multiple ceremonies attended throughout the county.
“Every day is Veterans Day” at the Sheriff’s Office.
Accreditation Progress
911 Dispatch Division newly accredited.
EMS, Civil, and Patrol Divisions already accredited.
Jail accreditation currently underway.
Major Projects at the Sheriff’s Office
EMS house and garage under construction (USDA/BABA compliant).
Cold-storage building installation.
Verizon cell tower being built on-site, adding county revenue.
Visitors warned of heavy truck and contractor traffic on campus.
Featured Guest: Dan Roth (Dan Van LLC)
About Dan
Air Force veteran (2001–2019).
Owner and principal of Dan Van LLC.
Developer of the new Dutch Hollow active‑adult apartments in the Town of Amsterdam.
The Dutch Hollow Project
40-unit, 55+ active adult community located near Aldi/Burger King.
Units include:
Private garage
Private entrance
Patio or deck
Two bedrooms, one bath
Full appliances
Internet and cable
$1,650/month (market rate)
Built to be:
Energy efficient (triple-pane windows, spray foam insulation, ERV systems)
Locally sourced — 90% of materials and labor from Fulton & Montgomery Counties
Affordable for seniors while helping younger families purchase existing homes
A catalyst for school district stabilization, as families move into newly available housing
Community Impact
Residents forming new friendships and social groups.
Older adults downsizing → younger families accessing homes → increased school enrollment.
Dutch Hollow becoming a model for sustainable, local-first development.
Maple Hollow Project (Announced)
New development underway off Maple Avenue.
Will not be age-restricted.
Mirrors Dutch Hollow’s design philosophy:
Private garages
Private entryways
Green space
Energy-efficient technologies
Infrastructure and environmental surveys currently in progress.
Building With Purpose
Dan credits the military with instilling discipline, planning, and determination.
Emphasis on:
Supporting local trades
Creating dignified, affordable, energy-efficient housing
Leaving Montgomery County better than he found it
Community Events (Holiday Season 2025)
November 28 – Amsterdam Tree Lighting
South Side, City of Amsterdam
4 PM at the Gateway Bridge entrance
November 29 – Salvation Army Toy Drive
Starts at FMCC, ends at Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
Unwrapped toys accepted in the Sheriff’s Office lobby
December 5 – Light Up the Night (Village of Fonda)
6–8 PM at Annex Building & Village Park
Holiday displays, decorated vehicles, and community activities
December 6 – Canajoharie Elves Day Out
Beginning at 11 AM
Holiday events throughout the Village of Canajoharie
December 6 – Tractor Light Parade & Farm-to-Table Tour
Fonda Fairgrounds
2–5:30 PM
Tractor parade, local vendors, and family activities
December 13 – Fort Plain Lights Parade
6 PM in the Village of Fort Plain
Festive lights and Santa’s park arrival
Sheriff’s Office: Shop With a Cop
20 youth across the county receive $125 each
Gift shopping at Walmart, Town of Amsterdam
A beloved annual tradition supporting local families
Closing Message
Sheriff Smith reminds listeners to:
Leave early
Drive slowly
Show empathy
Be respectful
Take care of one another during the holiday season
For emergencies: 911
For non-emergencies: 518-853-5500
The Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. The next episode will return in early 2026.
Recorded: November 18, 2025
Guest: Dan Roth, Principal of Dan Van LLC
Episode Overview
In this holiday-season edition of Montgomery County Now, Sheriff Jeff Smith brings listeners essential winter safety reminders, community updates, and an inspiring conversation with Air Force veteran and local developer Dan Roth. From housing challenges to economic revitalization, Dan shares the story behind Dutch Hollow Apartments and his new development, Maple Hollow. The episode closes with a roundup of November and December’s biggest community events.
County Updates & Highlights
Winter Weather Safety
Upstate NY weather shifts quickly; expect sudden snow, wind, and freezing rain.
Slow down, plan ahead, and travel with caution.
Years of Service Awards
Staff recognized for 1–30 years of service in the Sheriff’s Office.
A community reminder to thank officers and county workers for their dedication.
Hunting Season Reminders
Firearm safety and legal regulations emphasized.
Tips include weather prep, trigger discipline, knowing your target and beyond, and honoring trespass and distance laws.
No Shame November
Annual facial-hair fundraiser benefiting local causes.
Donations already made to Santa’s Sled and Hunter’s Elves at Albany Med.
Scam Prevention
Never share personal information unless you initiated the contact.
Delete suspicious texts, emails, and calls.
When in doubt, call the Sheriff’s Office.
Honoring Veterans
Multiple ceremonies attended throughout the county.
“Every day is Veterans Day” at the Sheriff’s Office.
Accreditation Progress
911 Dispatch Division newly accredited.
EMS, Civil, and Patrol Divisions already accredited.
Jail accreditation currently underway.
Major Projects at the Sheriff’s Office
EMS house and garage under construction (USDA/BABA compliant).
Cold-storage building installation.
Verizon cell tower being built on-site, adding county revenue.
Visitors warned of heavy truck and contractor traffic on campus.
Featured Guest: Dan Roth (Dan Van LLC)
About Dan
Air Force veteran (2001–2019).
Owner and principal of Dan Van LLC.
Developer of the new Dutch Hollow active‑adult apartments in the Town of Amsterdam.
The Dutch Hollow Project
40-unit, 55+ active adult community located near Aldi/Burger King.
Units include:
Private garage
Private entrance
Patio or deck
Two bedrooms, one bath
Full appliances
Internet and cable
$1,650/month (market rate)
Built to be:
Energy efficient (triple-pane windows, spray foam insulation, ERV systems)
Locally sourced — 90% of materials and labor from Fulton & Montgomery Counties
Affordable for seniors while helping younger families purchase existing homes
A catalyst for school district stabilization, as families move into newly available housing
Community Impact
Residents forming new friendships and social groups.
Older adults downsizing → younger families accessing homes → increased school enrollment.
Dutch Hollow becoming a model for sustainable, local-first development.
Maple Hollow Project (Announced)
New development underway off Maple Avenue.
Will not be age-restricted.
Mirrors Dutch Hollow’s design philosophy:
Private garages
Private entryways
Green space
Energy-efficient technologies
Infrastructure and environmental surveys currently in progress.
Building With Purpose
Dan credits the military with instilling discipline, planning, and determination.
Emphasis on:
Supporting local trades
Creating dignified, affordable, energy-efficient housing
Leaving Montgomery County better than he found it
Community Events (Holiday Season 2025)
November 28 – Amsterdam Tree Lighting
South Side, City of Amsterdam
4 PM at the Gateway Bridge entrance
November 29 – Salvation Army Toy Drive
Starts at FMCC, ends at Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
Unwrapped toys accepted in the Sheriff’s Office lobby
December 5 – Light Up the Night (Village of Fonda)
6–8 PM at Annex Building & Village Park
Holiday displays, decorated vehicles, and community activities
December 6 – Canajoharie Elves Day Out
Beginning at 11 AM
Holiday events throughout the Village of Canajoharie
December 6 – Tractor Light Parade & Farm-to-Table Tour
Fonda Fairgrounds
2–5:30 PM
Tractor parade, local vendors, and family activities
December 13 – Fort Plain Lights Parade
6 PM in the Village of Fort Plain
Festive lights and Santa’s park arrival
Sheriff’s Office: Shop With a Cop
20 youth across the county receive $125 each
Gift shopping at Walmart, Town of Amsterdam
A beloved annual tradition supporting local families
Closing Message
Sheriff Smith reminds listeners to:
Leave early
Drive slowly
Show empathy
Be respectful
Take care of one another during the holiday season
For emergencies: 911
For non-emergencies: 518-853-5500
The Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. The next episode will return in early 2026.
More episodes of the podcast Montgomery County Now - Made of Something Stronger
Episode 41: The Skeeter Interview!
19/03/2025
EPISODE 39 - "Batten down the hatches! 🌬️❄️
23/02/2025
In God we trust