SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC has signed a lease for a bigger office in Saratoga Springs.
The new space, located at One Congress Plaza, is slightly more than 11,000 square feet, more than four times the size of Bond’s current Saratoga office. It’s expected to open in late spring 2026.
Bond is a sizable firm with more than 10 offices scattered across New York State, in addition to offices in Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Kansas.
“We opened our first office in Saratoga nine years ago. Since then, we have seen consistent growth in client needs and in the number of attorneys needed to serve those clients,” said Michael Billok, member, in the Saratoga office. “This larger, modern space will enable us to recruit top legal talent, deepen our bench across key practices and continue to provide the best, high-quality service to clients in and around Saratoga.”
Bond said in a press release that the expanded footprint will allow it to add attorneys and professional staff across locally in-demand practices, such as labor and employment, trusts and estates, real estate, immigration, and health care.
The exterior of Hi-Note, a new bar coming to 63 Putnam Street. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Although January tends to be a slower month for Spa City businesses, much has been happening behind the scenes to launch, bolster, and revise existing eateries.
First, there is the somewhat mysterious Hi-Note Bar in the works at 63 Putnam Street, the former home of the Adirondack Cigar Shoppe. Publicly available details, including an opening date, are scant thus far, but the interior has a funky 70s-style vibe that is hard to miss when strolling down Putnam.
Next is news that Saratoga Arms’ restaurant has been officially named Three Daughters Kitchen & Cocktails, and it is now open for reservations to non-hotel guests. The restaurant is named for founder Kathleen Smith’s three daughters, each of whom has played a role in the family business over the years. “We always had family businesses, and the girls have always been involved in them,” Smith said in a social media announcement. “At six years old, they were behind breakfast buffets passing out melons. At twelve years old, Amy was making schedules. It’s a tribute to them.”
Standard Fare launched into the new year with a new menu and a new executive chef. The elevated comfort food eatery added Joseph Michaud as its culinary leader. “With years of experience in some of the area’s best kitchens—most recently at The Wishing Well—and as a member of the original Standard Fare opening team, Chef Joseph is the perfect fit for where we’re headed next,” the restaurant said in its announcement. “His creativity, passion, and deep connection to our roots have inspired a bold new menu. Think Standard Fare, just with the volume turned way up.” Standard Fare is also now serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Bear’s Cup Bakehouse celebrates its grand opening at 543 Broadway during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 6. Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
Fillis on Phila launched a new menu on Tuesday that includes everything from wings to deviled eggs to crab rangoon mozzarella sticks—not to mention a dozen varieties of wood stone pizzas. Fillies also revised its hours, with the new schedule also going into effect on Tuesday.
Then, of course, there’s Bear’s Cup Bakehouse, the super-popular, recently-opened bakery on Broadway that’s had lines out the door on many mornings. The Saratoga location, housed in the former home of Jacobsen Rugs, is now open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The artisanal bakery and coffee shop—known for its New York-style bagels, fresh-baked bread, and pastries—was initially based out of Bolton Landing, a hamlet that borders Lake George and is across from the Sagamore Resort. After the successful launch of its Spa City location, Bear’s Cup is now apparently interested in adding a third outpost in Wilton.
Last but not least is Bibulous’ new menu, which was revealed a few weeks ago. The restaurant—which focuses on deserts, cocktails, and appetizers—now offers dips, macaroni and cheese, three types of mini hot dogs, bourbon bread pudding, lemon olive oil cake, and more. “With the New Year coming, we are taking your requests into consideration and one of the main asks was for a few more ‘small plate’ options,” the restaurant said.
Front row, left to right: Senior Partners Matthew O’Neil and Michael Cudahy. Back row, left to right: Junior Partners Randy Baisy, Daniel Mackey, and Matthew Raco. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Physical Therapy Associates (SPTA), which has locations in both Saratoga Springs and Malta, recently announced the addition of new staffers.
Daniel Mackey, DPT, in Saratoga Springs, and Randy Baisy, DPT, in Malta, both of whom hold doctorates in physical therapy from The Sage Colleges, have joined the practice as junior partners and will assume the roles of clinical managers in their respective locations.
Matthew Raco, PTA, a clinician with SPTA for 20 years, has also become a junior partner and assumed the position of practice manager, and will continue to deliver patient care.
“Mackey, Baisy, and Raco are determined to help patients overcome challenges and improve their quality of life,” said Michael Cudahy, a founder of SPTA.
Cudahy and his fellow senior partner Matthew O’Neil will continue to see patients, as well as focus on the growth, outreach, and operations of SPTA.
Scott DeMarco, CAPTAIN Community Human Services’ new executive director.
Andy Gilpin, the new director of strategic initiatives.
Photos via CAPTAIN CHS.
CLIFTON PARK — CAPTAIN Community Human Services (CHS) recently announced that Scott DeMarco has been appointed its new executive director.
This planned leadership change comes as Andy Gilpin transitions from the executive director role, in light of his progressing ALS diagnosis, while continuing his work with the organization in a strategic leadership capacity.
Gilpin has served as executive director since 2021, leading a period of growth and expanded impact across Saratoga, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties. Under his leadership, CAPTAIN CHS increased its reach by more than 30% and grew volunteer engagement to more than 26,000 hours annually, the organization stated in a press release.
Gilpin has been with CAPTAIN CHS since 2010 and has worked in the nonprofit sector for nearly 24 years. He’s devoted much of his career to supporting runaway and homeless youth and strengthening community-based responses to crises. In addition to his role at CAPTAIN CHS, Gilpin also served as co-chair of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Runaway and Homeless Youth Advisory Committee, co-chair of the Capital Region Advisory Board on Youth Homelessness, co-chair of the Saratoga/North Country Continuum of Care Board, and co-chair of the Coordinated Entry Committee.
“Serving as executive director has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Gilpin said. “Every day, I’ve been humbled by the resilience of those we serve, inspired by the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and grateful for the unwavering generosity of our supporters. CAPTAIN CHS has always been about neighbors helping neighbors, and I’m confident that spirit will continue to guide this organization into the future.”
“Andy’s leadership has been transformative for CAPTAIN CHS,” said John Kuznia, chair of CAPTAIN CHS’s board of directors. “His vision, dedication, and compassion have positioned the agency for long-term success. We are deeply grateful for his continued leadership and expertise during this transition and beyond, and we are excited to welcome Scott DeMarco as CAPTAIN CHS’s next Director.”
Through more than 30 programs and services, CAPTAIN CHS aims to protect and nurture children and youth, strengthen families, connect seniors, resolve crises, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, support individuals with emotional challenges, and empower community members to build a brighter future for themselves and their neighbors.
Photo of Joanne and Thomas Klepetar courtesy of the Klepetar family.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — 444 acres of wooded forestland within the Southern Palmertown Range in the towns of Wilton and Greenfield have been permanently protected, Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) recently announced.
Landowners Joanne and Thomas Klepetar, working in partnership with Saratoga PLAN, ensured that the forested property was protected from development.
“Being temporary stewards of this land has given us, along with our four children, the ability to roam it for the past four decades since acquiring the first parcel in 1988,” the Klepetars said. “Our future hope is to work with PLAN to help develop trails for public access.”
Forested parcels of this size are increasingly rare in Saratoga County, the second-fastest growing county in New York State.
“Growth is an important and inevitable part of Saratoga County’s future, but how and where that growth happens matters,” said Robert Davies, executive director of Saratoga PLAN. “When we work together as a community and plan strategically, protecting places like this helps guide smart growth, build more resilient communities, and maintain the character of the region. After all, we don’t want to lose the very reason people want to live, work, and play here.”
The recently conserved property is part of a larger initiative to protect remaining forestland in the Southern Palmertown Range area, a prioritized conservation area spanning 40,500 acres within the Southern Adirondack Foothills. The area provides a critical corridor for wildlife movement and the ability to adapt to changing climate conditions, said Saratoga PLAN.
The newly-protected, 444-acre property has the potential to play a connecting role in the future expansion of the Sarah B. Foulke Friendship Trails, an envisioned network of more than 50 miles of trails with a core trail running from Saratoga Spa State Park to Moreau Lake State Park.
Photo of the Albany International Airport by Aidan Cahill.
ALBANY — Albany International Airport (ALB) announced last Friday that United Airlines will launch new, year-round nonstop service between Albany and Denver International Airport (DEN), beginning April 30, 2026. The new route will operate daily on a Boeing 737-800.
Denver is one of the nation’s key airline hubs, serving as a gateway to the Mountain West and West Coast.
The new service aligns with ALB’s ongoing Concourse A Revitalization Project, a $13.36 million investment to modernize the gates and passenger areas, which are primarily used by United Airlines.
United currently offers nonstop service from Albany to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Washington Dulles (IAD). The addition of Denver further expands United’s network at ALB.
The announcement follows a record-setting year for Albany International Airport. In 2025, just shy of 3.2 million travelers passed through the terminal, marking the busiest year in the airport’s history.
Tickets for United’s Albany–Denver service are available for purchase through united.com and the United mobile app.
Photos via the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
Saratoga Arts opened its doors to the public last weekend, revealing the results of a $2 million, year-long renovation project. The center, located at 320 Broadway, has a wide variety of events on its 2026 schedule, including yoga classes, candle making, the Saratoga Film Showcase, screen printing, collage felting, artist lectures, and the Feb. 6 launch of the “Dream Logic” exhibition. The center features, among other things, multiple studio-style classroom spaces, a dedicated printshop, rehearsal and music studios, a gallery and exhibition space, and a black box theater for film, music, theater, and special events.
BALLSTON SPA — The former Real McCoy Beer. Co. location in Ballston Spa will soon reopen as a Back Barn Brewing outpost, the company announced last Thursday.
The historic former home of Civil War General Abner Doubleday at 28 Washington Street will once again be the site of a brewery after the business’ six-year partnership with Real McCoy ended on Dec. 29.
“The connection we had when first meeting Mike and Bona Schaffer was immediate and positive with shared values, love for craft beer and history, and community relationships,” said Back Barn Brewing in its announcement. “The decision to bring Back Barn Brewing’s beer to Ballston Spa was an easy one. We are excited and look forward to becoming a part of Ballston Spa’s local community, and hopefully, you are as excited as we are! Stay tuned for opening dates and more.”
Back Barn is a farm brewery based out of a renovated barn in Delanson, a village in Schenectady County about 50 miles southwest of Saratoga.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund announced recently that its Independent Advisory Committee has awarded Lend-A-Hand Grants to dozens of local nonprofits.
The Community Fund’s Autumn Giving Match Campaign raised more than $94,000, which has been matched by the Adirondack Trust Company.
The grants were presented at the Community Fund’s Annual Lend-A-Hand Grant Award Reception on Dec. 10 in Saratoga Springs.
Lend-A-Hand Grant Awards for 2026 projects were provided to 37 different organizations, including: AIM Services, Belmont Child Care Association, Bikeatoga, Camp Abilities Saratoga, Children’s Museum at Saratoga, Franklin Community Center, Operation Adopt-a-Soldier, Pitney Meadows, Saratoga Bridges, Saratoga Center for the Family, Saratoga Children’s Literacy League, Saratoga County Children’s Committee, Saratoga Pride, Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar, Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs, Shelters of Saratoga, The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa’s Summer Lunch Program, The Wesley Community, and Wellspring.
“The awarded grants will support programs for a wide variety of needs, and will include the areas of the arts, education, health, and family activities,” said Joyce Ure, volunteer chair for the Independent Advisory Committee. “Thank you to the organizations, volunteers, and donors who provide support, time, and hard work throughout the year. We are honored to be a part of this process.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Clay Arts Center recently announced the participating restaurants for its 13th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser, taking place Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
Five local restaurants will compete for the title of “Best Chili 2026,” with the winning chef receiving a handmade ceramic trophy crafted by artists from Saratoga Clay Arts Center. This year’s confirmed lineup includes: Thorn + Roots (returning 2025 Best Chili winner), 9 Miles East, Morrissey’s Restaurant, Noah’s Restaurant, and The Olde Bryan Inn.
The Chili Bowl Fundraiser typically draws more than 1,000 attendees for a day celebrating food, art, and community. Guests can enjoy chili tastings served in handmade ceramic bowls created by regional artists, as well as live music performed by CC Smokes.
Proceeds from the event will benefit three local organizations: Saratoga Clay Arts Center, supporting clay arts education and community programming; To Life!, providing education and support for those affected by breast cancer; and the Wilton Food Pantry, helping address food insecurity in the region.
Registration for the event is now open. Tickets may be purchased online at www.saratogaclayarts.org.
