SARATOGA SRPINGS — Fat Paulie’s Deli in Saratoga Springs opened when COVID-19 struck the community, but co-owners Jason Friedman and Jo-Anne Lant have embraced the restrictions with open arms. 

Friedman opened Fat Paulie’s in November 2019, as a tribute to the old school local delis he grew up with in the neighborhoods on Long Island. Everything the deli offers is made in-house, including deli salads, soups, sauces and now groceries. 

“It’s slightly difficult to grow the business now, with everything that’s going on, but overall things are great. We have a lot of regular customers and we have actually grown the business a little bit even during this crazy time,” Friedman said. 

The deli prides itself on locally sourced and grown products. In addition to everything made in-house, fresh bread is delivered from Anthony & Sons Italian Bakery. Lant teamed up with Friedman this past February, growing the business through her contacts and friends. 

“Through the connections we both know, I already feel that Paulie’s has fans. I feel we need to gain new fans and let them know we’re here and we’re open for them,” Lant said. 

Customers are currently not permitted inside the deli, but they are accepting online and phone orders as well as offering curbside pickup and free delivery.

“We have increased our delivery area so we are able to reach more people and we will deliver grocery items too. People can order sliced deli and sandwich meats with toilet paper or hand sanitizer. We do it all,” Freidman said. 

Jo-Anne added: “People like that we’re one stop shopping. We do no contact delivery, so people feel safer. Even the curbside pickup, people can pop their trunk and we will place the items in.”

Friedman noted that their business model was designed as a delivery and take-out place originally, making it a smoother transition to fit social restrictions. The shop is located at 92 Congress Street.

“It was an easier transition for us than it is for some of these sit down restaurants who had to completely change their business models. I know it was difficult for some of them to do it,” Friedman said. “But just try us out. We really focus on where we are sourcing our ingredients and sourcing all these ingredients the right way.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — TBT87, “the new virtual fitness studio that ALWAYS feels like home” launches on Monday, May 18. It is the collaboration between area fitness leader Mary Anne Fantauzzi and two of her longtime instructors Renee Hostetler and Sharyn Kalinkewicz. 

Fantauzzi’s Total Body Trifecta, Inc. studio taught its last live class in mid-March at its Ballston Spa satellite within My Gym Fitness Center. When the pandemic closed all gyms on Monday, March 16, she and the gym’s group fitness participants faced the uncertainty of when they’d be able to resume classes.

Hostetler, also known as Kindermusik’s Miss Renee, suggested Zoom fitness classes as a possible interim solution. One week later, the trio started teaching free classes via Zoom without pay.  Their original free class end date was April 15, then April 30 and finally May 15 as the number of participants grew from 8 to over 100.  Former members from as far away as Virginia and Florida returned as regulars. 

The virtual class vibe when Gallery View appeared was both joyful and grateful as loyal fitness friends were reunited on screen. “The beginning of each class feels like Norm entering Cheers and the end of class like ‘Goodnight, Jonboy” of the Waltons. It felt like home in more ways than one”, Fantauzzi commented.

And so, TBT87 was created, its name honoring the “fitness family feeling” of Total Body Trifecta’s location at 87 Church Street in Saratoga Springs. Because of the burden of tough economic times, Fantauzzi brought back the original class card price of ten classes for $40 with no expiration date.

Although virtual classes are no substitution for the feeling of live workouts inside the expansive My Gym studio, Fantauzzi and her collaborators believe TBT87’s virtual class schedule can co-exist once they return to the gym setting by offering options to those who prefer to workout at home, at the gym or a combination of both. 

For more information about TBT87 and other Total Body Trifecta, Inc. offerings, visit totalbodytrifecta.com or the Mare at Trifecta Facebook page.

ALBANY — The Times Union and partners are hosting a virtual job fair from May 11 to May 25. Through this site, you can have access to all of the vendors at a physical job fair, but on your own time and from the comfort of your home. Schedule interviews with several different companies via a video conference line. Post your resume directly to the companies that you have interest in, or give it to all of the companies that attend.

WATERVLIET — There are a number of resources available to veteran owned businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which still has over $100 billion available in funding. 

The local Arsenal Business and Technology Partnership’s Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Watervliet has staff and resources to help veteran business owners navigate the intricacies of qualifications and applications. 

The PPP has supported more than 1.66 million small businesses and protected over 30 million jobs for hard working Americans. With the additional funds appropriated by Congress, tens of millions of additional workers will benefit from this critical relief. 

 “We’re here to help small, veteran owned businesses and entrepreneurs every day, but when something like this pandemic happens, those businesses need our help more than ever,” said Amy Amoroso, Director VBOC Region II. “No one could have predicted that businesses would be impacted the way they’ve been, so we want to make sure we’re reaching out to everyone who may need our services. During the past 60 days, over 9,700 clients and stakeholders received counseling or participated in one of our 25 training events.” 

If small veteran owned businesses are looking for assistance with any EIDL or PPP applications, they are encouraged to reach out to Amy Amoroso at 518-326-5522 or aamoroso@arsenalpartnership.com. 

The Arsenal Partnership’s Veterans Business Outreach Center is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Associations’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). The OVBD exists to help veterans become full partners in economic development through small business ownership. You can visit their website at www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd. 

For more information on the VBOC program, visit www.vbocregion2.com. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The iconic Larry’s Barbershop has welcomed a new owner, Hayden Sias, who has plans to renovate the inside.

“The place is an icon. Larry’s Barbershop has been in town for 50 years…I learned from him. Basically I’m trying to bring in today’s look but still keep the old flair,” Sias said.

Despite having some big shoes to fill, Sias hasn’t been in the barbershop business for his whole life. He previously owned a trucking company and has a background as a professional musician. Both jobs called for a lot of travelling and he found himself growing tired from it. In response, he sold his company. Sias added his sister has been a hairdresser her whole life, and it inspired him.

“I love my job. I don’t think I really intended being a barber originally, it never really crossed my mind, but it feels amazing. This is an amazing opportunity,” Sias said. 

The historic barbershop is seeing a re-model as Sias hopes to completely redesign the look of the shop. However, he doesn’t want to lose the history of the place.

Sias added: “this is a center hub, it’s a piece of history. Where I am [Larry’s barbershop] this is an institution. This shop has been here for 50 years. I have been lucky to learn from Larry and then carry on some of the traditions of the art itself. I’m finally able to have an opportunity to grow the business myself. It’s a once in a lifetime scenario.”

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Sias is currently renovating the interior of the shop to grow the business. He aims to attract a younger audience in addition to the regulars who have been visiting the barbershop for years. He hopes that by adding some personal touches to the place will help bridge the gap between the two generations. 

“I took the interior and made it a combination of my personal tastes, some of the things that surround me,” Sias said. “But I didn’t want to lose the old school flair. It’s a combinations of the things that are going to make me happy and bring it into a modern world.”

Larry’s Barber Shop is located at 74 Washington St. in Saratoga. The classic old time barbershop has welcomed generation of barbers. Sias hopes to finish construction this week. 

Although renovations finish this week, Sias is keeping safety at the front of his mind for the new design. Even though it’s just a haircut for most people, Sias noticed that others enjoy that personal contact and he can really connect to customers. He knows the new normal will be different for a while, but Sias will ensure safety and understanding as soon as his doors open.

“I’m going to do everything I can do to keep the safety of the customer in mind. I want people to be comfortable in addition to knowing and understanding,” Sias said. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Christopher Lyons, Executive Director of AIM Services Inc. of Saratoga Springs, announced today that Jeff Vukelic, President and CEO of Saratoga Eagle was unanimously elected to the AIM Services Board of Directors at its April 2020 meeting. 

“AIM Services is very near and dear to my heart for personal reasons and I embrace their ‘person-centered’ focus of support,” said Vukelic at his first AIM Services board meeting.

Vukelic immediately offered the organization a $10,000 Giving Tuesday Now challenge grant to help the organization reach its 2020 annual fund goal and continue to provide essential care during the COVID19 pandemic to the vulnerable population that AIM serves every day. Vukelic has agreed to match every donation to AIM dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000, through May 30, 2020.

“Jeff recognized the opportunity Giving Tuesday Now presents for AIM and wasted no time in offering this generous challenge,” said Lyons. “At a time when our direct support professionals are giving new meaning to supporting others and dedication to their jobs, Jeff stepped up to show that appreciation and fill an important health care need locally.” 

“It is a critical time in our country and in our community and it will take all of us working together to raise what we need to ensure those with diverse abilities are not forgotten during this pandemic.” said Vukelic.

Vukelic joins AIM Board President Brian Gwynn as well as other board members Martin “Buddy” Glastetter, Neil Edmonds, John Paolucci, Jim Norton, Robert Ricketts, Tara Anne Pleat, Denise Stasik, Don Kozak, John Fleming, Linda Casse, and Mitch Havens in guiding the growing service organization. Vukelic also currently serves as vice chairman for the board of directors of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, is a member of the board of trustees of the Saratoga Regional YMCA, and is a trustee at LeMoyne College.

 Located in Saratoga Springs, AIM Services, Inc. is a non-profit organization serving over 3,000 individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities and their families, in Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, with a reach covering all of eastern New York including Long Island’s Suffolk County. AIM Services, Inc. provides support unique to each person’s individualized needs, goals and dreams. AIM’s mission revolves around promoting inclusion, independence, and self-confidence in those they serve through community-based services, advocacy and education.

In response to the COVID19 crisis, a new national day of giving, Giving Tuesday Now was created for May 5. The goal is to maximize the ability of charitable organizations to raise funds during this critical time. For AIM Services, which serves a uniquely vulnerable population, the event is especially poignant and Vukelic’s challenge becomes critically important during this health crisis. By announcing the $10,000 challenge, Vukelic hopes to motivate others to donate in order to help AIM secure resources it needs to continue to serve the thousands of members of the disabled population and provide the DSP workers with the safe PPE that they need. As of May 7, almost $6,000 has been donated, exceeding the halfway mark to their $10,000 match goal.

More about AIM’s annual fund, Keeping Their Dreams Alive can be found on their website.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — “Doors are closing. People are closing. It’s already too late for many businesses,” said Heidi West, Lifestyles of Saratoga owner. 

West is just one voice of many small business owners all coming to the same consensus, it may already be too late for the once bustling downtown Saratoga. While some stores embraced reinventing to keep business going for them amid COVID-19 restrictions, others were not so lucky. 

“A lot of doors are closing. We don’t have much time left to be honest. We do need to figure out how to be safe and be open all at the same time,” West said. “All of this makes it an uphill battle but…give us a fighting chance. Open our doors so we can get through it.”

The community of Saratoga Springs has felt the impact of economic restrictions before. In 1945, the community was filled with rundown structures following both the Great Depression and World War II. It was not until 10 years later, in 1958 the Planning Board moved forward with the city’s master plan for renewal. 

For years to come, the city saw plenty of urban renewal. However, individuals and small businesses owners lost low-cost rents and had “no choice” in what was happening, seeing the destruction of neighborhoods and facing costly relocation expenses. 

Small businesses worry that the town can revert back to those moments in history and time is not on their side as restriction stay in place. However, just as locals saw the creation of the new normal then, businesses are facing the new normal of today.

“It’s not like we are going to open our doors the way they were six months ago, not by any stretch. Our new normal will be gloves, masks, and disinfecting, but with our doors open. But we have to at least be able to open our doors,” said Pam Worth, owner of Spoken Boutique.

As restriction continue to wear on businesses, coming back from what was lost may not be possible. Safety is at the forefronts of any plans business owners create with the hopes
of reopening.

“It is my opinion…I can be safer than a big box store. I have a 12 step program already typed up about how I’m changing protocol,” West said. “Even being allowed to have an one-on-one appointment with that protocol in place would be helpful. We just need to keep moving forward.”

Todd L. Shimkus, president of Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, has drafted a “Plan for Saratoga County’s Economic Recovery” through a collaboration with the Downtown Business Association, the City Center, Discover Saratoga, SEDC, and the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership.

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“We’ve been sharing [the plan] with Federal, State, County and local officials. The development of this plan is in part a way for Saratoga County to demonstrate that we have a plan to safely reopen. The Governor has said this is a pre-requisite for businesses and we’re hoping that by doing this collectively with common operating procedures that we will position Saratoga County in a positive light,” Shimkus said. 

Shimkus shared two key aspects of the multi-part plan. Recovery kits for small business have been created to include a startup supply of PPE for all business. They also have met with local restaurants and will be doing the same with hotels and retailers to develop common cleaning protocols that those businesses will pledge to follow once reopened.

“Our focus is on making it crystal clear that health comes first in Saratoga County and that our local business community is united in working together to keep everyone safe so that we can reopen sooner,” Shimkus said. 

Pam Worth feels that downtown has a strong impulse of businesses wanting to prove they can open safely.

“Saratoga is a much different town than most, being one of the top five downtowns in all of the United States. I feel who better to set the precedence in what should happen in a beautiful resort town but Saratoga Springs,” Worth said. “We all want to open our doors safely and set the right precedent to what is the new normal. But in order for all of that to happen, we have got to get the doors open.”

Maddy Zanetti, Impressions of Saratoga owner with Marianne Barker, said they plan to take extra precautions, clean things more, and stay distant from customers as soon as their doors are open. Zanetti feels that foot traffic will take a while to pick up, as people adjust to going out and feeling comfortable around others.

“We are definitely worried about how this year is going to pan out for us, but we are making the most of it and doing the best we can,” Zanetti said. 

West believes it’s not too late to bounce back, but the key is getting safety plans in place as soon as possible. If she can’t open by June 1, she will have to focus on different plans in terms of closing doors. 

“My success is the success of my 20 employees, who are suffering, and the success of the whole community. I really just want a voice for the small business. It’s becoming crucial at this point in my opinion,” West said. 

Worth believes with the downtown leaders being business owners, everyone can bring an opinion and structure as to how they can get the town up and running again. 

“Saratoga is an amazing downtown community that wants nothing more than to survive and to stay successful,” Worth said. “The strong local community that we have, and the local people that support our downtown, are the ones that are going to keep us alive.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile are now delivering Saratoga Mother’s Day Porch Packages.

Each Porch Package is delivered in a reusable Saratoga tote and filled with locally made food products and Saratoga specific items. There are basic “pre-assembled” Porch Packages from $25 to $150 price points featuring all Saratoga made products and are also fully customizable.

Marianne Barker and Maddy Zanetti, Co-Owners, are “contactless delivering” all local Porch Packages by walking, biking, or driving them to their destination and they have recruited help from family members too. In addition, many are being shipped all across the country. 

They have teamed up with other local businesses and now have products from Saratoga Coffee Traders, Angel Wings BBQ sauce and Saratoga Tea & Honey, plus the vendors they already worked with; Cobble Hill Farms, Mapleland Farms, Dean’s Delicious Dog Treats, Adirondack Candle Co., Saratoga Spicery, Saratoga Beef Jerky, Healthy Gourmet, Sunnyside Gardens, Saratoga Candy Co, Sundaes Best, Lazy Dog, Saratoga Chocolate Co, Decresente, and more.

 “Since we will still be unable to gather with our moms this year, we thought a Mother’s Day Porch Package would be a great way to spread some joy. You can add a flowering plant from Sunnyside Gardens to any local deliveries and we have a bunch of fun Mother’s Day Cards tool,” says Barker.

 Zanetti said, “The two original Saratoga Porch Packages that we developed just three weeks ago have been so successful that we created Saratoga Porch Packages and added more than a dozen new ‘Pre-Assembled’ Porch Packages, some specifically for Mother’s Day. We will be including ‘Saratoga Porch Packages’ into our everyday business once the doors open again. Right now we have porch-packing stations set up around the back of the store. The response and support has been incredible.”

Currently, Porch Packages can be ordered Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by calling 518-587-0666 or 24 hours a day online at SaratogaPorchPackages.com. Porch Packages are distributed with “contactless delivery.” You can also send email inquiries to Impressions@ImpressionsSaratoga.com. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Just as local eateries convert to online orders and to-go options, other small businesses reinvent themselves to adapt to the ever-changing times.

Something Bleu Bridal reinvented the bridal dress shopping experience, introducing two types of appointments for brides to be. Owners Kathyrn Metzler and Marissa Mackay developed concierge bridal appointments and Zoom party bridal appointments for brides to find their wedding gown, while still following social distancing guidelines. 

“These new appointments are unconventional but can still be enjoyed. You should still feel like you’re getting some of the bridal experience that you pictured in your mind,” Mackay said. “We wanted to discover a way to be in business when we are not allowed to be in business as we were.”

The concierge appointments includes a personal Zoom consultation where the bride can choose up to five gowns. Those five gowns are then transported to the bride to try on in the privacy and safety of their own home. Deliveries of the dress will be made within one-hour of their store location and dresses can be held for 24-hours. 

“The idea of having a concierge appointment seemed like the most natural way that we can service our brides in a really custom fashion with all of the conditions the world is in,” Mackay said. 

Zoom Party Appointments have become a permanent fixture for the boutique. Currently, Mackay and Metzler use the appointment to provide the bride a customized service at a distance. They use the appointments to gain a feeling towards the aesthetic the bride would like on their wedding day. However, they plan to use Zoom to include family and friends who live farther away in the bridal experience once social distance restrictions are lifted.

“Personal connection is really important to us, so we make sure that the consultation portion of the appointment is as close as possible to the experience of shopping in our store, including a tour of our collection, time spent getting to know the bride and her style, and the opportunity to choose from among our large collection of dresses and accessories for an at-home try on,” said Mackay in a release.

So far three brides have participated in the concierge and Zoom bridal appointment. Mackay said they all went well, as the brides were shopping for their upcoming wedding and all found a dress they love.

Something Bleu Bridal isn’t the only local business that has reinvented to serve the community. Local eateries, bakeries and deli’s have became contact free establishments. Finding shopping staples such as eggs, milk and flour can be purchased at food eateries in the community. The Bread Basket Bakery is offering call-in orders for flour, sugar and yeast. They also offer bread delivery through Battenkill Valley Creamery. Another eatery, the Spring Street Deli & Pizzeria, created a grocery menu with popular grocery items that people can order and pick-up. Both stores allowing delivery or pick-up cuts down of social contact, creating a safer environment than a larger supermarket.

For projects to do at home, Saratoga Paint and Sip are offering take home projects, called Take ‘N Paint Kits. Starting at $25, the curbside pickup kit contains everything needed to create the paintings. They also offer a private Zoom room, where an artist will instruct the group through the project.

For dog owners, North Country Paws for Obedience is offering a train at home online session starting in May. Based in South Glens Falls, the online courses are described as interactive, informative and engaging. Interested parties can sign up online.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Due to the COVID-19 crisis and the current need to maintain social distancing, the date of our 2020 Annual Golf Classic changed to September 23, 2020.

If you wish to hold your spot, register a foursome, provide a sponsorship, or make a general donation visit the Center for the Family online.

For those who wish to wait, we understand.  Our country is facing an unprecedented time with much fear and anxiety felt by many – especially our clients, both current and new. That is why Saratoga Center for the Family remains open. Our therapists continue to be available by providing telehealth therapy appointments. Our Child Advocacy Center is open for reported child abuse cases.  Our educational programming continues to be offered online. 

We look forward to the day when we can once again see our supporters and friends at dinners, food and wine tastings, and out on the golf course.  Until then, we continue to forge ahead, ensuring that our critical services are available and accessible for those who need us.