Photo via the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — NLH Property Management Services recently celebrated the opening of its new office on Route 29 during a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
The company offers “a comprehensive range of commercial and home property maintenance, remodel, and concierge services” across the Capital Region.
“Our ribbon-cutting wasn’t just about a new space, it was a celebration of the people and community that made it possible,” NLH said in a Facebook announcement. “We’re so grateful for your support and can’t wait for what’s ahead.”
NLH’s team provides a wide range of maintenance services, including HVAC systems, electrical repairs, plumbing maintenance, and general facility upkeep.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bring out ‘yer gigantic gourds because the Saratoga County Chamber Of Commerce, the Saratoga Springs City Center, and the Saratoga Farmers Market will host the 10th annual Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest Weigh-Off on Sept. 27.
Giant pumpkin growers from across the northeast will again compete to grow the biggest pumpkin of the year. The free, family-friendly event will take place at 11-77 High Rock Avenue in the parking garage near Mouzon House. Entertainment offerings include live music performed by Mandolins Too, photo and petting opportunities with Upset the Mini Dark Horse, and treats from Stewart’s, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Neighborhood Kitchen, Kings Dairy, Thorn + Roots and more.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Senior Center will host its 70th anniversary luncheon, “An Afternoon with Jim Nantz,” on Thursday, Aug. 21 at the Fasig-Tipton Pavilion in Saratoga Springs. The event will feature a chat between Nantz and his CBS colleague and golf icon Dottie Pepper, who is a Saratoga native and member of the Blue Streak Hall of Fame.
The celebration honors Nantz as the center’s Man of the Year for his work in Alzheimer’s advocacy. Proceeds from the event will benefit the center’s mission to enhance the quality of life for local seniors through health, wellness, and enrichment programs.
Event Details:
• Date: Thursday, Aug. 21
• Time: 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Fasig-Tipton Pavilion
• Includes: buffet lunch, The Calling Wines (co-founded by Nantz), valet parking, and the fireside chat
• Tickets: Available now at saratogaseniorcenter.org
SARATOGA SPRINGS — About a month after it was announced that Herbie’s Burgers was opening its first Spa City location at the Ice House, news has arrived that a second outpost will launch at the forthcoming Pint Sized by Dive bar at 33 Phila Street.
“The rumors are true,” said Pint Sized in an Instagram post. “Our friends at Herbie’s Burgers are joining us at our new Saratoga Springs location at 33 Phila Street! We get to work on October 1st. Aiming for a speedy buildout with a late fall opening ahead of the busy Spa City holiday season.”
Herbie’s is a growing smash burger chain that was founded in Albany in 2021. The company has seven locations outside of Saratoga, including three in Albany, one in Clifton Park, and one in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Pint Sized by Dive is in the process of moving its business from 489 Broadway to 33 Phila. It will continue operating at its current location until the end of this year.
Photo of Old World Gourmet Market by Jonathon Norcross.
WILTON — Old World Gourmet Market celebrated its grand opening on June 11, only to temporarily close its doors a few days later due to what the business called “technical issues with various service providers.” It reopened on June 24. But now, less than two months later, it’s closing its doors once again, this time due to alleged staffing issues. It’s scheduled to reopen on Sept. 10.
The closure announcement coincided with comments in a local Facebook group alleging mismanagement and problems with payments.
“Employees were only given notice day of and are now left without a job for at least 3 weeks,” wrote one anonymous poster. “We are told that it is for ‘maintenance’ and aren’t given any form of idea when employees are to return to work. I will not be returning for the reopen and neither will many of my coworkers.”
“They also have been paying all of their employees under the table and taking 25% out of everyone’s paychecks as ‘taxes,’” the anonymous poster continued. “We don’t receive paystubs saying what taxes are paid. And not to mention they have told everyone for months that we would be getting direct deposit soon and it never happened from June to August.”
According to the Times Union, three employees said they were paid with envelopes of cash. One of the market’s owners, John Biagini, confirmed that employees were indeed paid in cash but that handwritten deductions were itemized on the envelopes. He also told the Times Union that these employees were “disgruntled” and were “cowards, posting lies online instead of coming to me with their problems.”
On June 11, when the market first opened, customers exiting the store cited a variety of issues with the launch, including employees being unaware of how much certain items cost. At the time, this was explained away as being typical growing pains for a new business. But problems at Old World Gourmet have persisted.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Noah’s, an Italian chophouse set to open sometime next month, announced this week that Danny Petrosino of Osteria Danny fame will be creating all its pasta and gelato.
Petrosino sold Danny’s in May after owning the restaurant for nine years.
Noah’s is spearheaded by Noah Frese, the executive chef at Siro’s. It’s located at 43 Phila Street, and is one of several news restaurants joining the Phila block party. Familiar Creature, a Montreal-inspired wine bar, is currently open at 42 Phila. Standard Fare, the latest venture from the duo behind Bocage Champagne Bar, opens Aug. 15. Fillies on Phila, a casual wood-fired pizza restaurant, also recently opened at 39-41 Phila.
Photo of Albany International Airport’s Concourse A interior provided by the airport.
ALBANY — The Albany International Airport (ALB) recently announced that it has completed Phase 1 of its Concourse A Rehabilitation Project, marking a milestone in the most substantial overhaul to the concourse since it opened in 1979.
The focal point of this first phase is the addition of two new jet bridge-equipped gates, A1 and A2, located on the upper level alongside existing gates A3 through A6. Previously, gates A1 and A2 functioned as ground-level boarding areas, accessible only by walking outside, and were rarely used. These second-floor gates replace that outdated infrastructure with a modern, weather-protected boarding experience.
“Albany International is the front door to our region, and this project shows we’re serious about making a great first impression,” said Sam Fresina, chair of the Albany County Airport Authority Board in a news release. “We’re not just updating a concourse, we’re investing in infrastructure that supports jobs, attracts new routes, and keeps this airport competitive for years to come.”
“Albany International is the oldest municipal airport in the nation, and has come a long way since it was built on this site nearly 100 years ago. We knew it needed to be modernized as it continues to grow,” said Daniel P. McCoy, Albany County executive.
The first flights to use the newly constructed gates departed on July 28, with Allegiant Air operating from Gate A1 and United Airlines scheduled to depart from Gate A2 later in the week. These inaugural departures mark the official opening of the upgraded portion of Concourse A for passenger service.
Additional upgrades in Phase 1 include:
• Polished terrazzo flooring and a modernized ceiling design
• All-new seating with integrated power outlets
• Dedicated space for a future concession vendor
• Upgraded lighting and energy-efficient infrastructure
The cost of construction for the full Concourse A Rehabilitation Project is $13.36 million. Of that, $10.6 million was provided through a federal grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The funding supports the full scope of the project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2026.
The Concourse A project was made possible in part by a $10.6 million federal grant secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand were instrumental in delivering this funding to Albany.
Future phases will include renovations to gates A3 through A6, improved restrooms, upgraded mechanical systems, and additional passenger amenities, which are all designed to modernize the concourse, enhance the customer experience, and support ALB’s continued growth.
MALTA — The Debra LaMay Agency in Malta has been acquired by HMS, an insurance agency that serves the Capital Region.
Debra LaMay, an insurance professional with nearly 50 years of experience, will remain with the agency in her current role.
“Debbie has built a legacy around care, trust, and responsiveness, which are values that are at the heart of our mission at HMS,” said Bill Mather, Jr., principal of HMS Agency, in a news release. “We’re honored to welcome her and her clients to the HMS family.”
As part of the acquisition, HMS has relocated its Ballston Spa office to a new location at 2537 Route 9, Suite 200 in Malta.
In its announcement, HMS said that clients of both agencies can expect “a seamless transition.”
Jockey Katie Davis with her husband, recently retired jockey Trevor McCarthy. A bottle of LALO tequila, autographed by 2025 Triple Crown race-winning trainers and jockeys.
Photos provided by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adelphi Hotel was packed last Wednesday night for the sold-out “For Jocks & Horses” fundraiser that featured LALO Tequila and a bevy of horse racing celebs.
The soiree benefited two organizations: the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The night included signature LALO cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and remarks delivered by industry leaders.
Next up for TRF is their biggest event of the year: the Backyard BBQ at Rood & Riddle Saratoga on Aug. 19. The outdoor evening (with tents) includes live music, food, drinks, a silent auction, and stories from graduates of the Second Chances Program, which utilizes retired Thoroughbreds to help incarcerated individuals heal, grow, and prepare for the future.
For tickets or more info, visit donorbox.org/events/766495/steps/choose_tickets.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Northshire Bookstore’s main retail floor reopened on July 31 after the business incurred water damage due to flooding in an upstairs apartment unit. Northshire has resumed its normal, daily operating hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“We are pleased to say that remediation efforts were successful and the environment has been tested and deemed safe for our staff and customers to occupy, browse, and shop,” Northshire said in a statement sent to its customers last week.
Although the main floor is open, the children’s floor will remain closed while restoration continues. A number of children’s items have been relocated to the main floor.
The bookstore suffered significant losses to its book and gift inventory due to the flooding that occurred during the July 4 holiday.
