DeCrescente Distributing Co. (DDC)  has become the exclusive distributor of Shmaltz Brewing Co.’s award-winning core beers, as well as their special releases throughout the Capital Region. 

DDC will distribute all draft and package versions of Shmaltz’s core beers, including their flagship Hop Manna IPA, a heavily dry hopped and unfiltered American IPA; Messiah Brown Ale, an American brown ale; Slingshot Lager, a dry hopped American craft lager; Hop Momma IPA, a New England-style IPA brewed with peach, apricot and a hint of habanero; and 518 Craft Foggy Goggles, a New England-style IPA. 

“Shmaltz fits a unique niche in this market, having been brewed in Saratoga County since 2003,” said Russ Teplitzky, general manager at DDC. “Their award-winning selection and fun brand personality are a great addition to our world class craft beer portfolio.”

In addition to teaming up with DDC, Shmaltz recently transitioned all packaging into cans. There will be a limited release of Jewbelation 22 Anniversary Ale, a brown ale; No Shtick, a New England-style double IPA; and R.I.P.A. Rye Double IPA, brewed with malts and hops in 16-ounce cans for the first time. 

Updated 2/12/2019

The New York Racing Association has extended the summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course.

NYRA adjusted racing dates for the  Belmont Park spring/summer meet and the Saratoga summer meet to ensure the continuity of racing operations in New York in light of proposed timelines for the construction of a new arena at Belmont Park, officials said.

The Saratoga meet will begin on July 11, but the number of racing days remains at 40. In the past, each Tuesday was a dark day when races were not held. This season, Monday and Tuesday will be dark days, except for Labor Day, which traditionally is the final day of the meet and will remain so.

According to NYRA, the adjustment is based on initial timelines presented by Empire State Development (ESD) and the New York Arena Partners (NYAP) for the potential construction of an arena for the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders at Belmont Park.

The construction timeline presented by ESD and NYAP through the public hearing process in early January indicates that work on the new arena at Belmont Park could begin as early as the second quarter of 2019, leading to potential disruption during morning training and afternoon racing. These changes to the racing calendar are designed to protect equine and human athletes, and to mitigate potential impact to horsemen and the backstretch community.

As approved by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), the Belmont Park spring/summer meet will feature a revised 48-day calendar to commence on Friday, April 26 and run through Sunday, July 7.

The annual Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show, the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club’s largest annual fundraiser since 1973, will take place March 1-3 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

Admission is free of charge, courtesy of the show’s major sponsor, Adirondack Trust Co. The Rotary Club accepts cash and coin donations at the event to benefit Franklin Community Center, a local nonprofit organization.

The show offers 120-plus Home and garden exhibitors plus the work of 25-plus regional artisans.

Now in its 46th year, it features 120 regional exhibitors showcasing a wide range of home improvement services, décor and furnishings, energy-saving products, outdoor living and landscaping, family recreation, and lifestyle products and services. On the City Center’s second floor, a fine art and craft event showcases artisans such painters, photographers, wood crafters, jewelers, and a winery, all with items for sale.

Chamber of Southern Saratoga County officials say they have aggressive plans in 2019 to address local and regional issues such as workforce, business development, economic and community concerns—with a focus on alignment with educational institutions, a passion for community and high-profile events, and a willingness to partner with other organizations where practical and effective.

Matthew J. Grattan, director of community and economic development of the Office of the Vice President for Research at SUNY Albany, is the chairman board chairman for 2019.

“The Chamber board along with its dedicated staff is committed to strengthening our role as a driver of community and economic activity in Southern Saratoga County,” said Grattan. “The Chamber and our members continue to face a challenging business environment in terms of the ability to attract and retain talent and new proposed regulations that could impede growth.”  

He directed attention to the ongoing workforce challenges faced throughout Tech Valley: 

By Christine Graf

Local business owner Ruth Boals recently relocated New Attitudes Salon & Spa from Henry Street to 1 Phila St. in Saratoga Springs. 

The city native spent most of her life in Florida. She returned 10 years ago to care for her ailing grandmother.

“I like Saratoga and always wanted to come back because I thought it was beautiful,” said Boals. 

She is putting the finishing touches on her new space in the lower level of 1 Phila St., just off Broadway. Previous tenants included shoe store Stephanie Anne’s and Reruns Consignment.

“I totally changed the space, and it’s still not done,” said Boals. 

The Adirondack Trust Co. opened the newly rebuilt Wilton branch at 650 Maple Ave., Wilton in January.

The previous branch, at the intersection of Northern Pines Road, was destroyed by fire in 2017.

The new Wilton Branch interior was designed by Ed Rovetto of Rovetto Design and features a dynamic, curved teller station; high ceilings; exposed wood; and a full-wall rendering of the Adirondacks at sunset by photographer Jonathan Zaharek.

Michael Phinney of Phinney Design was the principal architect, and Munter Enterprises built the branch. It also includes new teller cash recyclers, which officials said will help employees process customer transactions faster.

Ribbon Cafe in Ballston Spa was the big winner at the 21st annual Chowderfest held on Saturda in and around Saratoga Springs.

Event-goers sampled a variety of chowder from participating vendors for $1 and voted for their favorite. Winners were chosen in seven categories.

The winners are as follows: