Welcome.
Now uncross those finger and Relax Don't Worry Have A Home Brew! Since you obviously do not have any homebrew yet, any brew is better than worrying.
Where are you in upstate NY? I'm about an hour outside of Albany, in northwest MA. There's a good number of folks from the general area on the board, and it seems to be more and more every week.
If you're looking for a good homebrew shop, check out Hennessy Homebrew Emporium in Rensselaer (just outside of Troy). Not sure if you have a place that's more local than that, but Hennessy's a real good shop, the owner's a real nice guy.
Already been there. Bought everything from him...You are right the owner is a great guy. I will be going back soon to get some wine making supplies, base on my last visit to his store I think I might bring a designated driver....