TROY>> On Saturday, Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. the Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market will ring in the start of the 2014 winter season. The market will be introducing five new vendors this winter.

New vendors to the market include: Nine Pin Ciderworks - Crafting New York hard cider from farm to glass using apples sourced entirely from the Capital Region and Hudson Valley; Jamtastic - Small batch jams, hand-made using the finest ingredients available and never any preservatives; Tidy Thyme - a locally produced, plant based, cleaning and home product line; Tierra Farm - certified organic nut roasting company with products made in small batches by hand; and Vital Eats - offering fresh, local and healthy vegan prepared foods with custom soups, salads and healthy shakes, sauces and spices

“We are very excited to begin our winter season. The market and its vendors are committed to providing local, producer-only products to the Capital Region. Our new vendors bring a new or different element to the market family and we look forward to welcoming them,” said Monica Kurzejeski, market manager.

In a region where there is a tremendous revival of shopping local, the market combined with downtown Troy’s restaurants and retailers provides a great alternative all year round to shop, dine and gather. 

The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in The Atrium at 49 Fourth St. in Troy.

Visit the market online at www.troymarket.org, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Saratoga Juice Bar Announces Create Your Own Juice Contest:

Saratoga Juice Bar announces its’ first “Create Your Own Juice” contest. Contestants will come up with their own juice recipe, using any combination of up to five fruit and/or vegetable ingredients.

Saratoga Juice Bar will then select two juices to run as a juice special for consecutive one week periods in November. Total juice sales for the two finalists will be tallied and the winner will be determined by most bottles sold. The winner will have their juice featured for sale at Saratoga Juice Bar for the entire month of December. Saratoga Juice Bar will make custom labels featuring the winners name and the name of the juice that the winner can designate.

The contestant will need to come up with the five ingredients, create a name for the juice and submit their entry. Ballots may be completed on premise at Saratoga Juice Bar (390 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY) or emailed to Saratoga Juice Bar at: juice@saratogajuicebar.com. 

By Lauren Halligan, lhalligan@digitalfirstmedia.com, @LaurenTheRecord on Twitter

TROY>> A new holiday is being created in Troy, and it’s all about a little cheesy thing called the quesadilla.

Troy business owner Dan Frament of Muddaddy Flats quesadillary on Third Street is spearheading an initiative to give the quesadilla a day of its own: National Quesadilla Day.

The Spanish-originated food translates in English to “little cheesy thing,” and is the basis of Frament’s business. He often boasts having “nacho average quesadillas.”

He wrote in a letter to fellow business owners: “A recent discussion led to the discovery, there is no National Quesadilla Day. With all the vast and various food days throughout the year, this one has escaped notoriety.”

Frament is adamant about his meal of choice. “Quesadillas have been used by many restaurants as a format for specials all around the city, which demonstrates its versatility,” he continued. “Forever being relegated to an appetizer menu or used as an occasional special, quesadillas are a bridesmaid in the food world. I believe it is time the bridesmaid became the bride.”

The quesadilla advocate is working with the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District (BID) to declare Nov. 5 as National Quesadilla Day. “It starts at the local level and with community support can be driven upward,” Frament explained. “Starting here in Troy, we can reach untold heights due to the tremendous talent that exists here.”

The specific date was chosen because it is half way through the year to Cinco De Mayo, May 5.

BID director Erin Pihlaja and Frament came up with the idea when brainstorming for a big way to celebrate Muddaddy Flats’ move to its new location. Formerly located on Fulton Street, the eatery moved to 49 Third St. in August. Just before National Quesadilla Day, at 11 a.m. on Nov. 3, the restaurant will have it’s ribbon cutting ceremony, or rather its tortilla cutting ceremony, for the new location. At this event, the BID will make an official declaration of National Quesadilla Day.

After researching to find there is no existing holiday, Frament began his campaigning. “Dan really just took off then, he contacted other restaurants to get them involved and started ‘lobbying’ elected officials for their support,” Pihlaja explained.  “He truly believes in the quesadilla.”

But it’s not all about his own business at Muddaddy Flats, Frament wants as many people as possible to enjoy quesadillas on Nov. 5. He asked his fellow restaurateurs to join him in creating National Quesadilla Day by breaking out creativity to present a special quesadilla for the day. “I’m looking to create an event that will showcase the vast talent that exists here in Troy with everyone using the same format,” he said. Troy eateries B-rads Bistro & Catering, Illium Cafe, Infinity Cafe, Charles F. Lucas Confectionery, Jose Malone's Mexican Irish Restaurant, The Daily Grind and O’Brien’s Public House are all on board to feature a special quesadilla menu item on Nov. 5.

As his dream of a national holiday focused on his favorite food comes closer to being a reality, Frament is ecstatic. “One day. One theme. Finally a bridesmaid gets to shine and we are the spotlights,” he said.

Creating an actual national holiday is not an easy process, but Frament is prepared to pursue it. “An actual declaration of National Quesadilla Day will take some time and a bit of work, but jumping off now will give some incentive,” he said.

A recent outreach to Congressman Paul Tonko has made yielded some progress, and other organizations are happy to help with marketing, like Naked Travel, an online travel site helping to spread the word out west. Frament’s daughter is helping in Rhode Island, too. “I'm reaching out in every direction I can think of as I think of it,” Frament said.   

The BID is offering its support and endorsement of the new holiday and will promote it, Pihlaja said. “And we will definitely all be eating quesadillas that day,” she added.

“We hope the idea catches on regionally and then nationally—why shouldn’t it?” Pihlaja asked. “The quesadilla deserves its chance to be the star.”

In preparation for the day, Muddaddy Flats is hosting a contest for the best quesadilla recipe and name. The winner’s recipe will be the daily special in the restaurant on National Quesadilla Day.

Contestants are encouraged to email submissions to muddaddyflats@gmail.com, or message Muddaddy Flats on Facebook.

For more information visit www.muddaddyflats.com or like the reastaurant’s Facebook page.

Lauren Halligan may be reached at 290-1443.

Tango Fusion Dance Company moves classes  to UPH on November 4th and Celebrates with free classes 

Tango Fusion Co-directors Johnny Martinez and Diane Lachtrupp Martinez are happy to announce that they will be moving their Tuesday night Dance Classes to Universal Preservation Hall.  Classes will be held in UPH's large beautifully renovated community room from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m..  The community room is 2600 square feet and features 15 foot ceilings.

November 4th will offer a free dance class to new students.  Students may either take a beginner or intermediate west coast swing class at 6:30 p.m., a beginner or intermediate Argentine Tango Class at 7:30 p.m. followed by a beginner or intermediate east coast swing class at 8:30 p.m. 

The evening will also feature complimentary wine and snacks as well as performances.

No partner or experience necessary.  New dancers are welcome to come and experience partner dancing.  Experienced dancers may take the intermediate classes.

For Dance Class questions please call 932-6447 and/or go to www.tangofusiondance.com

For more information regarding Tango Fusion,  contact Diane Lachtrupp Martinez (932-6446) for photos and comments from UPH president Teddy Foster

Universal Preservation Hall is the Performing Arts Education and Entertainment venue for Saratoga Springs, NY. Designed by architect Elbridge Boyden, and built in 1871, Universal Preservation Hall is one of the earliest examples of High Victorian Gothic architecture anywhere in the country.  The 501(c)(3) organization, Universal Preservation Hall (“UPH”), is working to transform this gem of a historic building; generate commerce for downtown and surrounding businesses through street traffic, patronage of restaurants and shops as the theater goers head to concerts of all types, wedding receptions, lectures, dance performances, theater productions, film festivals and film series, corporate meetings, art gallery events, etc.  UPH is community space for arts, entertainment and community events in downtown Saratoga Springs and is within walking distance from all things downtown. UPH - the living room of the community.

MAX LONDON’S WELCOMES NEW GENERAL MANAGER,

CHARLOTTE GUYTON

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Max London’s, a landmark eatery in Saratoga Springs, is proud to announce the addition of its new general manager, Charlotte Guyton. As general manager, Guyton is responsible for managing the daily operations of the restaurant and bar, including training of service staff, wine list selection and maintenance and overall level of service.

“Charlotte is enthusiastic, bright and passionate and we are pleased to welcome her to Max London’s,” said Max London, executive chef. “In addition to her experience in restaurant hospitality, Charlotte’s expertise in wine and craft beer pairings and knowledge of high quality specialty products and ingredients is valuable to the team.”

Guyton entered the hospitality industry in 2005 and since then has assumed multiple roles including serving, cooking, management of quick service establishments to fine dining and luxury restaurants. Most recently, Guyton served as the specialty foods manager and wine/beer purchaser at Healthy Living Market and Café in Wilton Mall.

“What I love most about my position with Max London’s is that it allows me the ability to combine my love of high quality food and beverage with my passion for impeccable service in a creative environment,” said Guyton.

A Buffalo, NY native, Guyton resides in Saratoga Springs. She attended Paul Smith’s College in the Adirondacks and studied hotel, resort and tourism with a concentration in food and beverage operations and business management operations. She also holds a degree in baking and pastry arts.

TROY>> On Friday, October 31 at 4:30 PM, a new restaurant called The Shop (135 4^th St.) will open its doors officially. Instead of the typical ribbon cutting, owner Kevin Blodgett will use a circular saw to cut a wooden plank, a move that he said better represents the space, which for over 90 years had been known as Trojan Hardware.

A graduate of RPI, Blodgett purchased the building in 2005. “I saw the potential for serious growth and development,” he said. “It’s on a corner and it’s arguably one of the busiest intersections in downtown.” The corner structure, affectionately dubbed “The Compound” by Blodgett and his partner Nada Rifai, also houses Rare Form Brewing Company and Collar Works gallery.

“Work Hard, Stay Humble” is The Shop’s official motto, another nod to the building’s past. The inside design also reflects the hardware motif, with most of the fixtures and materials coming from the building itself as well as from Blodgett’s salvaging and collecting efforts over the past 10 years.

The Shop is geared to a mixed demographic with a few commonalities: those who appreciate quality cuisine, specialty cocktails, craft beer, and an understanding of urban living. “The difference of an urban business and a suburban shopping center is that in suburbia they are serving large quantities of low quality food at a cheap price. Our focus is on small plates at a reasonable price with an emphasis on quality not quantity,” said Blodgett. An early version of the menu includes a Scotch egg, poutine, roast pork grilled cheese, and a specialty hot dog menu.

Rifai added, “It’s about food, cocktails, and beer. Simple but sexy, meaningful without being pretentious.” The Tommy Gun, a whiskey based cocktail with Cointreau, ginger, apricot jam, and lemon juice has been extremely well received among both men and women, she added.

While The Shop is in a city center, there are three municipal parking lots in close proximity with free parking on nights and weekends. During the soft opening of the last week, both Blodgett and Rifai said that they had many people wander in, drawn by the lights and relaxed atmosphere.

Blodgett describes the success of the past week simply: “It’s who we are. This is an establishment for adults. It’s a casual environment with good food, spirits and craft beer.”

The Shop is open daily at 4 PM. Monday through Wednesday The Shop closes at midnight, on Thursday and Friday they close at 1 AM, and on Sunday, they close at 10 PM.

###

Customers Will Have Access To Real Time Info For All Fixed-Route Buses

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 29, 2014) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) Board of Directors announced the rollout of a Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) pilot program for its fleet of fixed route buses. RTPI takes the guesswork out of waiting and puts the power of riding in the customer’s hands by using Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) software to determine bus location and speed.

“We are pleased to roll out the one thing our customers, partners and the community at large have consistently asked for,” said CDTA Chairman of the Board David M. Stackrow. “Riders will have a more convenient and reliable experience, because they will be able to better track the services they are using and plan more effectively.”

Customers will be able to access real time transit information for CDTA fixed route services through the free CDTA iride mobile application for Apple and Android devices, through Google Maps’ mobile apps and maps.google.com, through the trip planner on its website (www.cdta.org) or by speaking with a customer service representative at CDTA’s Call Center. Customers will now see a gray clock icon near a route that indicates real time information is available. Real time is currently not available on Northway Xpress service.

Real time information has been available to Bus Rapid Transit BusPlus customers since its inception in 2011. Customers can access real time information by downloading the free BusPlus application for devices operating on Apple, Android and Blackberry platforms. Customers can also access BusPlus real time information through digital signage at stations, online, through text messaging, and via

e-mail.

CDTA tracks its vehicles using GPS devices to report bus location data back to its servers. This information allows CDTA to estimate when the buses will arrive at a stop. If a bus goes off its regular route, the system may not be able to fully predict accurate arrival times.

INIT is the worldwide leading supplier of Intelligent Transportation Systems and Electronic Ticketing Systems, assisting transportation companies worldwide in making public transport more attractive, faster and efficient. Founded in 1983, its headquarters are in Karlsruhe, Germany, and represented in Hamburg, France, UK, Finland, in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Singapore, Canada (Montréal, Toronto), Australia and in the US (Chesapeake, Virginia).

Greetings!

Are you ready for the Holiday Season, because we are!

There are so many things to look forward to this season. We launch our Mall-ternative campaign next week. The campaign is designed to show holiday shoppers that the downtown boasts unique, local businesses in a convenient, condensed area. Don't get malled, shop downtown Troy!

November 13 is the launch of extended holiday hours andNovember 15 is the launch of the Mall-ternative hand made market, adjacent to the Farmers Market in the atrium. Applications for vendors will be available next week on our website and on Facebook. 

Thanksgiving brings us the Troy Turkey Trot and this TNO is all about Black Friday shopping alternatives. Saturday, November 29

 is Small Business Saturday. 

Our Annual Dinner and the first ever Sammy Awards is onDecember 3 at the Franklin Plaza from 5:30 to 8 PM. Do not miss out! Tickets can be purchased here. 

December 7 is the Victorian Stroll, and we've extended programming to Barker Park this year. Join us for stories with Santa!

Enjoy this beautiful Fall season and Enjoy Troy!

Erin and Danielle

and Honeybee Street Intersection Artwork For Trick-or-Treaters

TROY>> Carmen's Cafe will host an "Art Night" this Thursday, Oct. 30 featuring: a honeybee themed intersection artwork project, an art opening with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a special dinner menu.

INTERSECTION ART

Starting at 4 p.m. (weather permitting), city planning board chair Barb Nelson and the Alley Action Project will lead a volunteer team to create intersection chalk art at First Street and Adams Street. The team will paint crosswalks for trick-or-treaters because there are none in that section of the city. The theme of the street artwork will be honeybees, in a neighborly nod to a local honeybee colony.

"These chalk murals are one way to alert motorists to pedestrian crossings, which is particularly important on this night when so many children will be out trick-or-treating," said Jim Lewis, co-owner of Carmen's Cafe, located at 198 First St. near Troy's Washington Park neighborhood.

Neighborhood resident Beverly Bendix maintains a colony of honeybees that helps maintain her variety of perennials, including several fruit trees. The bees also help out with her neighbors' large garden. Honeybees have been suffering colony collapse in recent years, which may have dire implications on the ecosystem.

"Having honey bees helps to pollinate our plants, makes for a more beautiful city, and of course we can’t say no to the five gallons of honey we got this year!," said Beverly Bendix. "We believe that the city and nature can and should co-exist together. "

ART OPENING & RECEPTION

While community members create the chalk murals outside, Carmen's Cafe will also host a tapas and sangria reception from 5 p.m. till 8 p.m. for artist Gary Masline. The restaurant will be open until 9 p.m.

Masline's exhibit of 12 oil paintings is titled "Faces & Places."

Based in East Greenbush, Masline's paintings of oils on canvas have received awards from the Mohawk-Hudson Regional Exhibition, Albany Center Gallery, and the Arts Center of the Capital Region. In 2010, the Albany Institute of Art and History named him one of "Tomorrow's Masters Today," and in 2001 he won the Metroland readers' poll for "Best Visual Artist."

The paintings, on display at Carmen's from Oct. 30 through the end of the year, use the colors and light of the American southwest, combining people and landscape images to create "stories on the walls."

(Note: Contact Jim Lewis for publicity images of Masline's artwork.)

SPECIAL MENU

Carmen's guest chef, Ross Tuskey, will be preparing the following special menu for Thursday and Friday nights:

1. Braised Oxtail; Fontina Grits, Apple Gastrique, Fried Leeks, Cilantro

2. Butter Poached Monk Fish Medallions; Fried Green Tomatoes, Pine Nut Couscous, Pink lemon pearls, White Wine Syrup

3. Smoked Baby Pork-loin; Whipped Plantains with Coconut, Butternut Squash Hay, Pineapple Rosemary Demi

(optional, depending on market: 4. Grilled Halibut; Jicama Slaw or Yuka Fries, Pea Puree, Chorizo Cream)

Tuskey is a culinary trained chef who prepares food for Carmen's Cafe on music nights.

Chefs and Cooks from Albany-Area head to the $300,000 World Food Championships in Las Vegas

Nashville, Tenn. – Packing suitcases full of spatulas, mixing bowls and secret ingredients, with a dash of this and a pinch of that, chefs, homecooks and culinary experts from Albany will soon be making their way to Las Vegas for the World Food Championships. This multi-day food sport event will welcome over 400 competitors to Downtown Las Vegas where they’ll compete for food fame and fortune, Nov. 12-18.  

 

Only in Las Vegas can food, fame and fortune be combined into one jackpot event. The 2014 World Food Championships will feature almost 500 of the world’s best cooks and chefs, putting “joes” and “pros” on an equal playing field to battle it out for hundreds of thousands of dollars and the coveted title of the World Food Champion. Following a tournament-style format across nine iconic food categories — BBQ, chili, burger, sandwich, recipe, dessert, bacon, pasta and seafood — competitors will battle for their chance to claim the World Food Champion title.

 

The following competitors will be representing the Albany area at the World Food Championships:

• Stephanie Berwick (Albany, N.Y.) – World Dessert Championship
• Grapevine Farms—Robin Stauble (Cobleskill, N.Y.) – World Recipe Championship

 

MEDIA REQUESTS: To schedule an interview or cooking segment with any of the competitors, please contact Jeff Morris at jeffm@mmacreative.com or 615-297-6886.

 

To stay in the food champ chatter and for more information on the World Food Championships, visit worldfoodchampionships.com, Facebook.com/WorldFoodChampionships or Twitter (@WorldFoodChamp).

 

Looking for your own cooking inspiration? Visit cookmore.com, powered by Kenmore® Brand, the Official Kitchen Appliance of the 2014 World Food Championships. 

 

About the World Food ChampionshipsThe World Food Championships features more than 400 competitors seeking food fame and fortune in Las Vegas. The third annual event will invite the champions from the biggest and best food competitions around the world into a single high stakes culinary showdown for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Following a tournament-style format across multiple iconic food categories, including burger, sandwich, barbecue and more, the WFC will culminate with a Final Table faceoff where category champions brave potential elimination in front of a live audience and a discerning panel of culinary celebrities. For more information visit: worldfoodchampionships.com. 

 

TROY>> Mosaic Associates Architects has announced the hiring of Tanya Bruno, Amanda Vottis, Carrie Ann Drexel and Steven McCormack.

Bruno, a Queensbury resident, will serve as an architectural designer at Mosaic. Currently, she is working on a project for Schenectady City School District. A recent graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a master’s degree in architecture, she also holds a bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College.

Vottis, of Scotia, has more than five years’ experience in architectural design. She is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University and will also serve as an architectural designer. Currently, she is working on projects for Hudson Valley Community College and the Saratoga Central School District.

Drexel, a resident of Albany, is a recent graduate of RPI with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in ecological economics, values and policy. She will serve as an architectural designer and is currently working on projects for Mountain Lake Academy and the Schenectady City School District.

McCormack, of Troy, also an architectural designer, earned his bachelor’s degree in architectural design from the State University of New York at Delhi. Previously, he was employed by Mauri Architects, where he worked with residential and commercial clients.

About Mosaic Associates Architects:

Mosaic Associates Architects provides comprehensive architectural and design related services from initial planning and design development to construction and project close-out. For more than 100 years, Mosaic has served its clients by designing spaces that inspire the people who use them.

LATHAM>>  IntegraOptics, Inc., the nation's fastest-growing fiber optics networking components provider and the #2 fastest-growing company in New York State's Capital Region, today announced that Jeff DeWeese has been named chief operating officer, a new position at the company. 

"Jeff's experience in starting several successful technology and service-related companies will benefit us immensely in growing our customer-focused, team-oriented business," IntegraOptics CEO David J. Prescott said. "Jeff's entrepreneurial mindset also will be invaluable in helping to drive our strategic priorities in a global transceiver market that is projected to double in size over the next five years."

Prescott added that DeWeese's appointment comes at an important and challenging time for the fiber optics industry and IntegraOptics. "Globally, end-user markets, especially enterprise, which includes corporate, government, education, and medical markets," he said, "are all migrating to fiber optics to support exploding demands for high-speed data transfer. Our key customers have been MSOs, that is, the large cable companies," he noted. "But increasingly we are supplying service providers that are seeking 'wireless backhaul,' and who need to deploy networks faster and more economically."

Prescott added that industry growth is being driven by massive increases in wireless data traffic caused by rapid expansion of smart phone usage. "The sector is also seeing vast increases in Internet data traffic resulting from the exponential growth of data managed by enterprise data centers," he said. "The rapid adoption of 100 gigabit optical transceiver devices is another important factor."

As COO, DeWeese will create and communicate long- and short-term growth strategies to the company's stakeholders. He will oversee hiring and training, and otherwise ensure that IntegraOptics has the most talented, empowered, and engaged employees in the telecommunications industry. He also will continue to build the financial strength of the company.

"A leader of Jeff's caliber sets us apart from the competition," Prescott said. "As we continue building the leading world-class, third-party fiber optics equipment provider, Jeff will help navigate us through the evolutionary steps that will take us to that goal. Already we're more than just transceivers. We're in the business of helping customers deploy the full range of optical networks."

"IntegraOptics has mapped out an exciting game plan," DeWeese said. "Our quest is to be the best customer intimacy-driven organization, one focused on forming deeper relationships with customers. We will build upon a solid reputation for ease of doing business, meticulous attention to quality, first class in-house coding and engineering, over-the-top customer support, and very rapid delivery of products."

Most recently, DeWeese was the founder and managing partner of Unity Fuels, LLC. Previously, he was founder and president of NextGen Fuels, Inc. Prior to that, he served as founder and COO of Enermetrix.  DeWeese has raised over $100 million in private market equity and debt and has experienced many facets of corporate development. 

DeWeese earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y., and an MBA from Western New England University in Springfield, Mass., and currently holds three patents. He and his family live in Saratoga Springs.  

About IntegraOptics

IntegraOptics, Inc. is one of nation's fastest-growing fiber optic equipment providers and the #2 fastest-growing company in New York State's Capital Region, according to the 2014 Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest Growing Companies. In October 2013, IntegraOptics, under its predecessor name, won certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Veterans Enterprise (www.vip.vetbiz.gov), as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB).

IntegraOptics develops and markets end-to-end, leading-edge fiber optic product solutions. It has earned national recognition for its industry standard optical transceivers that are compatible with virtually all network platforms. Its deep portfolio of high-performance optical equipment also includes passives, fiber jumpers and testing equipment. These products support carrier-level infrastructures of cable MSOs, TELCOs, RBOCs, and ISPs, as well as infrastructures of campus and community networks, research and education networks, and many other enterprises that that rely upon fiber optic backbones.

 

Headquartered at the transshipment hub of Albany International Airport in Latham, N.Y., IntegraOptics is renowned for its commitment to functionality and reliability, as well as its superlative products, comprehensive inventory, rapid turnaround, highly personalized service, and superbly customized solutions. As industry leaders, IntegraOptics delivers fiber optic components designed and tested to increase the capacity and improve performance of the networks it serves. Visit IntegraOptics on the Web at its new website:  IntegraOptics.

America’s #1 Chain of Indoor Kart Racing Offers FasTrax Raceway Members A FREE Three Month Membership to Its Syracuse and Rochester Locations

SYRACUSE, NY – Pole Position Raceway, America’s leading chain of state-of-the-art indoor motorsports entertainment facilities – with the fastest electric karts on the east coast – announced that it will extend a green flag to FasTrax Raceway members following the recent closures of their locations at Crossgate Commons in Albany and Poughkeepsie’s Poughkeepsie Galleria.

Specifically, Pole Position Raceway will offer all FasTrax Raceway members (that provide proof of a valid FasTrax Raceway membership) a FREE three month membership to Pole Position Raceway redeemable at its locations at Destiny USA in Syracuse and The Marketplace Mall in Rochester. The membership will begin upon their first visit to Pole Position Raceway.

“As a business owner, you never want to see anyone close their doors on its customers,” said Karen Davis-Farage, president and co-owner of the Pole Position Raceway franchise. “We want racers in the Albany and Poughkeepsie areas to know that we are here to help satisfy their need for speed. We hope that FasTrax members will visit our Pole Position Raceway locations in Syracuse or Rochester and take us up on our free, three month membership consisting of the most authentic, exhilarating and safe racing experience around.”

Pole Position Raceway locations boast quarter-mile tracks and the latest in high-performance, all-electric, indoor karts capable of speeds up to 45 MPH. Pole Position Raceway features adult karts for racers who are at least 58 inches tall and separate junior karts for kids who are at least 48 inches tall. Best of all, the karts use electric technology, so there are no fumes – they are clean and green. 

Pole Position Raceway offers a variety of options to suit the needs of all racers – from families, to die hard karting enthusiasts. Its “Arrive & Drive” racing is for those visiting the mall that enter a queue to race against others. Pre-Scheduled Racing events are for groups of 10+ and include the Pole Position Challenge, Grand Prix or Super Pole which are 2, 3 or 4 race events culminating with racers receiving 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd place medals at the Winners’ Circle. In addition to side-by-side race action, Pole Position Raceway also features authentic racing memorabilia, arcade games, concessions and V.I.P spaces for private parties, personal celebrations, corporate events and fundraisers.

Committed to supporting the communities it serves, Pole Position Raceway’s give-back charter, CAReS – which stands for Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Recovery and thoSe in need – partners with local charities on fundraising initiatives year-round. As part of its pre-opening events, Pole Position Raceway partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester to raise money to support this important cause. The company looks forward to working with and raising funds for the many great charitable causes in and around Rochester.

Featured on Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, TLC’s Cake Boss, Nickelodeon’s Victorious, Good Day New York and more, Pole Position Raceway has hosted private and corporate events for hundreds of companies including Bank of America, Verizon, Toyota, Infosys, DeWalt, Trump Resorts, Price Waterhouse, Target, Coca-Cola, Budweiser, Pfizer and Microsoft and celebrities including Mark Sanchez, Alicia Keys, Ice T, Robin Roberts, 50 Cent and many more.

Pole Position Raceway has thirteen locations nationwide, including Buffalo, NY, Corona, CA, Dallas, TX, Farmingdale, NY (Long Island), Houston, TX, Jersey City, NJ, Las Vegas, NV, Murrieta, CA, Oklahoma City, OK, Rochester, NY, St. Louis, MO, Summerlin, NV, Syracuse, NY – and coming soon to Savannah, GA.

About Pole Position Raceway

Pole Position Raceway is America’s #1 chain of indoor kart tracks created for racers, by racers. The overall experience was developed with such well-known names in the racing world including 2004 NASCAR champion Kurt Busch, 7-time AMA Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath and X-Games freestyle gold medalist Mike Metzger. Located just minutes from Manhattan, next to Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ, at Destiny USA in Syracuse, NY, in the Walden Galleria in Buffalo, NY, in Farmingdale, NY (Long Island), and now the Marketplace Mall in Rochester, NY. Pole Position Raceway’s state-of-the-art-facilities each feature the latest in high-performance, all-electric, emission-free indoor karts capable of speeds of 45 MPH+, arcade games and space for private parties or corporate events and more. For more information, visit www.polepositionraceway.com or call 201-333-RACE (7223).

VILLAGE OF VALATIE RECEIVES $20,000 DONATION TO KICK START VALATIE MINI-GRANT PROGRAM

$20,000 marks the first commitment to the Valatie Mini-Grant Program

VALATIE, N.Y.>> In an effort to support Valatie’s Main Street corridor, the Village of Valatie has received a $20,000 donation from Tierra Farm to launch a new program targeted to Valatie businesses.

The Valatie Mini-Grant Program, conceived by Darren Grout and Gunther Fishgold, provides the opportunities to qualifying businesses on Main Street in Valatie up to $3,000 maximum for building façade improvements. Improvements can include painting, siding, signage, and glass replacement.

Tierra Farm opened the Valatie Bar & Grill along Main Street in September.

“Infrastructure improvements, especially for local businesses here in Valatie, can be costly. It is our hope that this helps brighten up Valatie for the village’s residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Darren Grout, CEO of Tierra Farm.

Fishgold, who co-owns Tierra Farm with Grout, is confident in the program’s ability to further enhance Valatie’s business district.

“We hope to pull other people in to add to the grant for Main Street, which has tremendous potential for growth. We see a lot of value in the street from a business performance. Ninety-five percent of our business is local. It only makes sense to support our neighbors,” said Gunther Fishgold, president of Tierra Farm.

The Village of Valatie will administer the grant. Applicants must fill out a brief questionnaire available at , have a village permit for the desired work, and meet village code requirements to receive grant money.

The first half of each grant would then be paid directly to a qualified, insured contractor at the start of the project. The remaining balance will be paid at project completion.