SARATOGA SPRINGS —Art in the Park is a full day of artist vendors and community booths in Saratoga Springs’ historic Congress Park from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16 (Rain Date: Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.). This event is free and open to the public.
Art in the Park will feature a variety of art and crafted work from local artists. The event will also feature live music, artist demos, and more. The event strives to raise funds for the non-profit Community Arts Center at Saratoga Arts while also bringing art outside to a space that is accessible to all.
For more information visit www.saratoga-arts.org/events
GREENFIELD CENTER — Fossil Stone Vineyard and Winery celebrated its opening Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local officials including Greenfield Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch and members of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
Located at 331 Grange Rd, the property totals 140 acres and features a 720-square foot barn, seven acres of vineyards, and a previously-established horse farm known as Fossil Stone Farm, according to a press release. Fossil Stone is owned by Greenfield resident Mike Spiak and his wife, Kelly.
While speaking to those in attendance, Spiak noted the opening was meaningful, and thanked the crowd, saying it took “a long, long time to get here.”
“Making wine or making alcohol in New York is not an easy business,” said Spiak. “There’s a lot of permits to go through. But (Supervisor Veitch) really helped us out a lot towards the end.”
“We’re really proud to have you here, also,” Veitch told the Fossil Stone team. “Welcome very much, and thank you for being here. We really appreciate it.”
In addition to the indoor barn space, Fossil Stone also features a spacious outdoor setting. They offer wines such as Rose, La Crescent, Marquette, Oak-aged Marquette, and Amber, according to the press release.
The winery plans to hold limited public hours and private events throughout the fall before opening to the public with regular hours in Spring 2024, the release states. Fossil Stone will host a public Harvest Party on Sept. 23, beginning at 10 a.m. and including live music, food, a cash bar, and grape harvesting.
“Our goal was to make some place that would fit nice in Greenfield,” Spiak said to those in attendance. “A nice place to come and relax, and have a little wine, maybe reflect.”
Photo by Genine Gullickson, provided by Nancy Katinas
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Revolution, an indoor cycling studio with locations in Clifton Park and Loudonville, is expanding north, with a location in Saratoga Springs set to open later this month.
Owner Nancy Katinas said The Revolution’s expansion to Saratoga is due to the community, saying there is a demand in the area and noting that several of their instructors live in the Saratoga area.
The Revolution will be located at 30 Gick Rd, which includes other fitness facilities such as Metabolic Fitness. Katinas said the location was “perfect” for the studio’s space.
“It was the community. The demand from the community, the interest from the community,” said Katinas of the decision. “A lot of things shook out. … We had an opportunity, and we’re going to take that risk.”
The Revolution’s Saratoga location will host an open house on Sept. 16, and plans to officially open Sept. 22. Katinas emphasized the studio has built a strong community, saying, “It’s just a place where everybody belongs.”
“Whatever brings you through the door, you’re on your own personal journey in a group of like-minded individuals. And we all root for each other,” Katinas said. “People become a community. It’s a sense of belonging for everybody.”
The Revolution is the largest indoor cycling venue in the Capital Region, Katinas said. With group workouts, colored lighting, and a wide variety of music, the studio offers a space where “everybody can participate.”
“I truly am passionate about the fact that everybody can participate in a class,” said Katinas. “You are in charge at the pace at which you pedal, and you are in charge of the resistance that you put on your bike.”
The Revolution uses lighting and music to power workouts, with Katinas saying, “The energy is contagious.”
“The lights go down, we’re lit like a dance club,” Katinas said. “We put (on) all kinds of music. Everything from classic rock, to country, EDM, to remixes. No class is ever the same, simply because of the change of the music.”
The Revolution offers a variety of classes with different musical themes. Katinas named examples such as all-decade rides, featuring music from a decade such as the 1990s, or ‘battle rides’ featuring two artists, such as ‘Lady Gaga vs. Dua Lipa.’
“The music drives your workout, and the energy that you get in a group is just contagious. It spreads,” said Katinas. “It’s power in numbers.”
The Revolution has over 19 instructors, Katinas said, with each providing their own perspectives to workouts and musical tastes.
“All of our instructors have a unique flair,” Katinas said. “There really is a lot of variety. … The members who embrace all the instructors get the best of everything, because they get a different workout, a different type of challenge, every class.”
Members can also purchase a heart rate monitor to measure calories, heart rate, and more in real time during the workouts. Participants are sent their results after each workout, as well as a monthly readout.
Upon opening, The Revolution’s Saratoga location will offer four classes per day from Mondays through Thursdays, three classes on Fridays, and two classes each on Saturdays and Sundays, according to their website.
However, Katinas emphasized that the schedule can change to meet the needs of local members. The studio will also look into additional weekend classes in the future, she said.
“Our schedule is not locked in stone forever. We are going to try to accommodate the schedule to fit the community,” said Katinas. “If that means adding a 7 a.m. class during the week, we’ll do that.”
The classes, which last 45 minutes each, can be booked at myrevnow.com. The Revolution offers several signup options, including a package of three classes for new participants, as well as drop-in rates, a package of 10 classes, and an unlimited membership. A student discount is also offered, with Katinas saying The Revolution is, “very student-friendly.”
With the studio’s planned opening approaching, Katinas said it is exciting to expand into Saratoga, again emphasizing The Revolution has built a strong community around its workouts.
“Ultimately, we’ve built such a great community of people,” said Katinas. “No one wants to do it by themselves. The more, the merrier.”
BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Clerk’s Office at 40 McMaster St., Ballston Spa, will host a Passport Night from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, by appointment only.
The first of its kind in Saratoga County, the Clerk’s Office is offering these extended hours as a convenience to those whose schedules make it difficult to visit the office to apply for a passport during regular business hours.
To book an appointment slot, call the County Clerk’s office at 518-885-2213.
Application forms will be available, and photos can be taken on site. Those planning to attend can also download a copy of the passport application in advance at www.travel.state.gov and fill them out ahead of time. However, the applications must be signed in front of an acceptance agent at the Clerk’s Office.
Applicants should bring:
• An original or a certified copy of their birth certificate with a raised seal and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back)
• Their photo ID and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back)
• A check or money order (one per passport application) made out to the Department of State to cover the application fee. (See below for details.)
• Cash or separate check to cover the processing fees and passport photos (if having them taken on site)
Applicants should also have the places and dates of birth of their parents so they can complete the passport application. Children younger than 18 must have both parents present when applying.
Passport fees are as follows:
• Passport books — $130 for adult applications and $100 for children under the age of 16.
• Passport cards — $30 for adults and $15 for children under the age of 16. (Note that they are only good for land travel to Canada and Mexico.)
• Processing fee — $35 for each application
• Passport photos — $10
• Expedited service — $60 per applicant
Current processing times are about 10-14 weeks or 7-9 weeks for expedited applications. However, processing times can vary. Passport renewals for those over 16 must be mailed by the applicant; however, the required new photo can be obtained at the County Clerk’s Office.
Regular hours for passport services are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
For more information, visit the website at saratogacountyny.gov/departments/county-clerk/passport.
Gavin Park entrance sign. Photo courtesy of Discover Saratoga website.
WILTON — Following incidents of vandalism at Gavin Park during the summer, Wilton Town officials unanimously approved a resolution to initiate a bidding process that would result in a bid award to install surveillance cameras at the recreation complex.
Town Supervisor John Lant informed the board that he had received a phone call informing him that 40 to 50 people were having a beer party at the park, followed a few days later by “more vandalism there this weekend,” Lant said, according to the most recently published town meeting notes. He did not elaborate on the extent of the vandalism. The Board, which meets monthly, was scheduled to gather for their next meeting on Sept. 7.
Gavin Park, a central recreation complex for Wilton Town residents and surrounding communities, sites numerous youth sports programs, regional athletic tournaments, and includes two multi-purpose gymnasiums, two pavilions, and 15 athletic and baseball fields.
Franklin Community Center celebrates its 40th anniversary with an event on Sept. 28.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Franklin Community Center will celebrate its 40 years of service with an anniversary celebration Sept. 28 at 550 Waterfront by Druthers. The anniversary celebration – “Cheers To 40 Years” will take place 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and available at franklincommunitycenter.org.
Franklin Community Center has served as a social service hub for the less fortunate in and around Saratoga since 1983. The Center’s programs include a food pantry, a free after-school prevention program for local students and affordable housing for low-income individuals, as well as assisting with furniture and clothing and household needs, among others.
The initial plan in the 1980’s was to develop a west side community center that would offer a hub of services to meet the needs of local residents. Housed at 10 Franklin St., the central location would prove ideal for programming, outreach and counseling services.
The organization soon would expand services to meet its core mission of making a positive difference in the lives of others.
“Our campus today encompasses four buildings, each housing a different aspect of what we do,” says Mary Beth McGarrahan, development director at Franklin Community Center.
Project Lift was launched as a prevention-based after-school program in Greenfield and Division Street Elementary Schools. By 2017, all six of the elementary schools in the district were added to the Project Lift program, supporting over 100 students and their families in Saratoga.
Franklin Community Manor was built in the late 1980s as a low-income housing alternative for homeless. Additional programs included the Toy Library, Head Start Pre-School Program and a Dispute Mediation Program.
The decades that followed saw the establishment of a distribution center offering household items and clothing, and the offering of additional housing in a building purchased by FCC at 101 Washington St. Other services included case management, crisis intervention and an ever-expanding food pantry.
In late 2021, FCC opened the doors of its newest facility, located at the intersection of Franklin and Washington streets. FCC raised about $1 million toward the building acquisition and the Arpey Family, local philanthropic supporters, stepped forward to donate an additional $1 million to complete the purchase. Formerly the MASIE center, the new FCC location is named the Michael and Stacie Arpey Family Community Center.
The organization’s new building provides more than 10,000 square feet of expanded space, features individual offices, common areas, large meeting rooms, and stands a few yards from its 10 Franklin St. building, which remains active as an enlarged and often-used food pantry.
“Since last year we’ve seen about a 30% increase in those being served solely by the food pantry,” said McGarrahan, explaining that during this past August the food pantry served about 360 families and over 1,000 individuals, compared to August 2022 when it had served approximately 250 families and 800 individuals.
For more information about Franklin Community Center and/or the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration, go to: franklincommunitycenter.org.
Showcase of Homes entry by DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders. Photo by Randall Perry Photography.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Tickets for the area’s premiere new home tour, the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, are now on sale. This event is now celebrating 27 Years of exceptional homes!
Tickets are available at all Adirondack Trust branch locations, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa & Queensbury, Saratoga National Bank, Glens Falls National Bank and Roohan Realty on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Tickets are always conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or can be purchased online at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. As always, each showcase ticket holder will receive a FREE shoe/tote bag at the first home visited!
The 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being presented over two fall weekends this year on October 7-8 and October 14-15. Tickets are $25 and this year’s edition has 10 locations on display. New this year are two showcase locations in Lake George!
Participating award-winning builders in this year’s event; Belmonte Builders, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, DSG Construction and Remodeling, Kodiak Construction, R & M Homes, The BDC Group, Whitbeck Construction and Witt Construction. It’s an incredible line-up of 10 homes from 8 award-winning builders. To view an interactive map and to scan a QR Code of the home locations, directions and much more, please visit the mobile friendly website.
This annual community event has contributed nearly $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities. Proceeds from the Saratoga Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (www.rtsaratoga.org) and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties (www.glensfallshabitat.org). For more details on the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Check us out on FACEBOOK and follow all the updates on this year’s event!
About Saratoga
Builders Association
The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the wellbeing and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, visit their website at saratogabuilders.org or contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org
SARATOGA SPRINGS — As another summer begins to wrap up, early indications suggest that it has been another positive season for the local economy in Saratoga Springs.
RACING
The Saratoga Race Course has continued to attract strong numbers, surpassing one million paid fans for the eighth consecutive year, excluding 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total paid attendance of 1,105,683 according to a press release from NYRA.
The Race Course saw an average daily paid attendance of 27,642, which is reportedly the first year since 2019 that it has drawn an average over 27,000 per day. The all-sources handle was reported at just under $800 million, a slight decrease from 2022, which was mainly attributed to inclement weather. The release states that 65 races were forced off the turf this summer due to weather.
“Thanks to the fans who visited Saratoga Race Course over these 40 days, and all those who watched and wagered from home, the popularity of the summer meet continues to exceed all expectations,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O’Rourke in the release. “The world-class racing held here each summer is made possible by the owners, trainers, jockeys and backstretch community who collectively dedicate so much to the horses and the sport.”
The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency released a study in January conducted by Camoin Associates on the economic impact of destinations in the city, including the Saratoga Race Course.
According to the study, which measured figures from the 2021 season, the Race Course is responsible for over $370 million in sales and nearly 3,000 jobs annually. It also generates roughly $2.3 million in tax revenue for Saratoga County.
Pat McKenna, NYRA VP of Communications, said the study proves “the popularity of the summer meet is at an all-time high” in recent years, which he said in turn benefits the local economy.
“The importance of the summer meet is not strictly within the gates. Obviously, world-class racing is exciting and dynamic,” said McKenna. “We see that each and every day of those 40 days. But the enduring and growing economic impact outside of the gates, what those visitors mean to hotels in Saratoga, in Clifton Park, in Albany, and throughout the Capital Region. As the support for the summer meet and the popularity has grown, it means that economic impact continues to expand beyond just Saratoga Springs itself.”
BUSINESS
Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, said that his interactions with the local business community this summer were “entirely positive.”
“Overall, anecdotally, I had incredibly positive comments from folks,” Shimkus said. “I think the combination of bad weather and some of the national headlines relative to inflation certainly, I would say, caused some anxiety. I think there were some folks that were being conservative in their estimates in terms of what might happen. But all numbers pointed up from what I could see.”
Marianne Barker, co-owner of Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse, said many of the store’s products were well-received, noting both stores “had a great season.”
“For our business, and our type of business, this is our Christmas,” said Barker. “Where most people look forward to the holiday season for their business to go crazy, we look to the summer. We love it.”
LODGING
According to Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga, the 2023 summer was “one for the books,” despite the weather. He said that it was a “very robust season” for Discover Saratoga’s lodging partners.
“Revenues were up, year over year, for sure,” Leggieri said. “When people come to stay in a destination, they spend money. So our retailers and our restaurants, all did very well throughout the city and Saratoga County as a whole.”
Shimkus also emphasized this, saying if hotels do well, “everyone else does well.”
“The early indications are that the hotels did really well, that demand was up slightly, and that the average daily rate that visitors were willing to pay was also slightly up,” added Shimkus.
While figures for the entire summer have not yet been released, lodging trends reported by Discover Saratoga stated that, in the month of July, the revenue per available room had increased by 6.2% in the City of Saratoga Springs, while the average daily rate increased by 14.4%.
“Despite the concerns about the economy and high prices, folks were still very confident to travel, and those numbers support it,” Leggieri said.
Entering the fall, Shimkus said the short-term outlook is strong, noting the calendar of LiveNation performances at SPAC continues through September, and mentioned numerous other events planned in the city in upcoming months.
“The City Center also starts kicking in now with events. And there’s some festivals coming up,” said Shimkus, naming The Saratoga Giant Pumpkin Fest, the Fall Festival, the Victorian Streetwalk, and the New Year’s Fest as examples.
“Our fall calendar looks like we’re going to continue to drive visitors and people together here in Saratoga, which again is just great for the local economy and the businesses that are here.”
