Find Out What's Happening Locally In Our Albany NY News Roundup

Amped Coffee House Opens in Colonie’s Pioneer Plaza

A new spot for coffee and quick bites has arrived in Colonie. Amped Coffee House is now open in the Pioneer Plaza off Wolf Road, taking over the former Stacks Espresso space.

The shop held a soft opening on Saturday, October 11, and is serving a full menu from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday brunch runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a larger grand opening planned for early November.

Owner Sydney Gile pours Utopian Coffee, a Midwest roaster she discovered while earning her master’s degree. Her goal is to offer a place that works for both grab-and-go and sit-and-stay visits.

The menu leans into healthy comfort food. Expect coffee and tea, all-day breakfast sandwiches and bagels, plus salads, sandwiches, soups, and a gluten-free spätzle mac and cheese. Partnerships include Saratoga Tea and Honey Co., West End Bagels, The Vermont Spätzle Company, and Mae’s Cottage Bakery.

Pioneer Plaza brings steady foot traffic thanks to nearby offices, lodging, and Afrim’s Sports. With early hours and a simple, fresh lineup, Amped adds another convenient option to the Wolf Road corridor.

Sources: News 10 ABC | Albany Business Review

Crunch Fitness Flexes Into Crossgates This October

A brand-new Crunch Fitness is opening its doors at Crossgates on October 24, 2025, bringing another top-tier gym experience to the Capital Region. The new 32,000-square-foot facility marks Fitness Holdings North America’s ninth Crunch location in New York and 53rd nationwide.

The gym promises Crunch’s signature “No Judgments” atmosphere with a full lineup of high-end amenities. Members can expect rows of cardio machines, Olympic lifting platforms, dumbbells up to 120 pounds, and recovery perks like HydroMassage and tanning beds.

Every new member starts with the CrunchONE Kickoff, a personal assessment and customized plan designed to set fitness goals and create lasting results. The gym also offers a busy class schedule featuring everything from dance and yoga to Pilates, strength training, and HIITZone team workouts.

Located inside Crossgates, the new Crunch is built for flexibility and community, with classes running morning to evening, seven days a week. Memberships start at $9.99 a month, making it an accessible new option for local fitness fans.

Learn more or sign up online at crunch.com/join/crossgates.

East Greenbush Family Donates 75-Year-Old Tree for Rockefeller Center Christmas Display

A towering Norway Spruce from East Greenbush is headed to one of the most iconic holiday spots in the country. The 75-year-old tree, donated by the Russ family, was selected as the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

Crews will cut the 75-foot-tall, 45-foot-wide spruce on November 6 before transporting it to New York City. The massive tree, weighing about 11 tons, is expected to arrive at Rockefeller Center on November 8. Once in place, it will be wrapped in over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star.

The annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” tree lighting will air live on December 3, marking the official start of the holiday season for millions of viewers. The tree will remain on display through mid-January 2026.

After the season ends, the spruce will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity, continuing a tradition of giving back. The Russ family’s contribution marks another proud moment for the Capital Region, as yet another local tree takes center stage in New York City’s most famous holiday celebration.

Source: CBS 6 Albany