Saratoga TODAY September 8 - 14, 2023

DEVELOPMENTS, DEMOLITIONS, DISPENSARIES AND CONDOS

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

A prime piece of downtown architecture is looking to grow taller.

Prime Group Holdings founder Robert Moser is seeking city Land Use Board approval to add two stories to the company’s existing two-story brick masonry office building at 395 Broadway. If approved, the combined four-story building

GRID IRON PREVIEW

would serve as office space for Prime Group Holdings on all four floors, with a retail store component on the first floor.

The red-brick building located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Division Street was originally developed in 2000 to house Borders Books & Music, and in in 2018 was purchased by Ed Mitzen and the Fingerpaint Marketing firm. It was sold to Prime Group Holdings for $11 million in July.

See Story pg. 9

2023 SUMMER WRAP UP

Photo by Super Source Media. See Story pg. 14

A proposal for a two-story addition at 395 Broadway – which had previously housed Borders Books, and Fingerpaint Marketing – has been submitted by new ownership to the Saratoga Springs Land Use Boards. Balzer & Tuck Architecture.

Photo by Village Photo. See Story pg. 35

A Letter From School, 1854

by John L. Scherer | Sponsored by The Saratoga County History Roundtable Contact The Saratoga County History Roundtable at: saratogacohistoryroundtable@gmail.com

As summer vacation comes to an end, students are once again preparing to return to school.  Following, is a letter written 169 years ago by a student at the Jonesville Academy. The Academy was a private school, built about 1839, complete with dormitories.  It stands today as a private home.

“Jonesville, May 14, 1854.

Dear Father, You said I must write to you tonight and I thought I would but as for being homesick I would never write.  But I am awful hungry.  I like my school first rate and all the boys.  I study Arithmetic, Grammar, Book Keeping, Reading, Spelling and Penmanship.  I want you to send me some letter stamps in your next letter.  I want you should write soon and write all about the dog and everything.  I want the vest right off and as for my shoes fetch them up when you come next week.

Mother, Have a little pity and make me some good lemon pies and send them up by father.  Sometimes I have to eat clear bread and water for I can’t eat their butter.  Make 6.         - W.H.H. Tourtellot”

This letter could easily have been written today!  William Henry Harrison Tourtellot, the son of William C. Tourtellot of East Sand Lake, Rensselaer County was 15 years old when he wrote this letter to his parents.  He must have enjoyed his time at the Jonesville Academy, because he later made his home in Clifton Park.  He and his family are buried in the Clifton Park Center Baptist Church Cemetery.  Descendants still live in the Town.

William H.H. Tourtellot was only one of many students who attended the Jonesville Academy during the mid-1800s.  The Academy was founded in 1836 by Clifton Park politician and entrepreneur, Roscius R. Kennedy, who donated substantial funds of his own to sustain the institution.  Public schools were not considered the best at this time, and well-to-do people often formed boarding schools when they could.  The Jonesville Academy, which was really a junior-senior high school, made provision for 50 boarders, male

and female, and offered an academic, commercial, classical, and “ornamental” education.

A circular put out by the school about 1852 noted:  “Jonesville Academy is located in the very pleasant, quiet and remarkably healthy little village of Jonesville, the northern terminus of the Halfmoon and Clifton Park Plank Road.”  A broad range of studies was offered including physiology, rhetoric, Greek, Latin, mathematics, bookkeeping, natural science, penmanship, English, French, drawing, painting, vocal and instrumental music, and at various times Spanish and Italian.

Two years before William Tourtellot wrote his letter home, there were a total of 181 students enrolled at the academy, 129 gentlemen and 52 ladies.  Two of the girls came from Washington County, one from Jackson and the other from North White Creek, while several of the boys came from as far away as San Francisco, California and Buenos Ayres, South America.

According to the 1852 circular, the Female Department was supervised and conducted by a lady qualified in every respect to direct young ladies in their course of study and in the cultivation of correct habits and polite accomplishment.  Ladies were to room in the same hall with the teacher and were under her constant supervision.  Instrumental and vocal music, and all the ornamental branches, usually pursued in Female Seminaries, were taught at the Jonesville Academy.

The charge for Board and Tuition, except for piano lessons which were an additional charge, was $100 for an Academic Year, or 44 weeks.  This included

washing, fuel, room rent, and use of the furniture.  Tuition, when not included with Board and Room was $6.00 per term, except for Music, Painting, Drawing, Embroidering and Surveying.

Parents were warned about giving their sons too much spending money as “The imaginary wants of most boys are far more numerous than their real ones.”  The list of don’ts included the use of tobacco and alcohol, profane language, gambling, lounging upon the beds during the day, frequenting the kitchen, association between the two sexes, and the use of fire-arms and powder.

The Jonesville Academy remained strong until 1870, when it abandoned its charter because of financial embarrassments.  It continued in parttime operation until 1876, when it was finally closed.  The school building was later used by the public school system until about 1953.  Many older residents of Clifton Park remember attending school in the old academy during the l940s and early 1950s before closing. During the mid 1960’s the school was reopened for a few years to accommodate the large influx of children of newly arriving Clifton Park residents. The abandoned building was auctioned off to the present owners for $10,000 in the late 1970s. The Temple family restored it as a home, retaining many of the school’s features such as the original blackboards. They received Clifton Park’s Historic Preservation Award for their efforts.

May today’s students have plenty of sweets to eat during the school year, and not have to beg their mothers to “make some good lemon pies.”

Jonesville Academy postcard view by Parker Goodfellow, c. 1910.

Photo provided by The Saratoga County History Roundtable.

A Walking Tour Exploring Gilded Age, WPA Era Architecture in Saratoga Springs

Saratoga National Historical ParkSpecial Events in September

STILLWATER — Saratoga National Historical Park continues its 2023 special events program in September.

PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

•History Caravans on Tuesdays, Sept. 12 and 26, 9:30 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Park. Volunteers lead caravan-style tours of the Saratoga Battlefield.

•Continentals Return to Saratoga Battlefield on Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield Tour Road Stop

2. Soldiers of Colonel Thomas Marshall’s 10th Massachusetts Regiment return to Bemus Heights at Saratoga Battlefield.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

On Saturday, Sept. 16, the Slate Valley Museum will offer “Historic Architecture of Saratoga: Elements of Both Landscape and Built Architecture,” a walking tour in Saratoga Springs.

The museum’s guest curator and researcher Bob Isherwood will lead the tour through the historic district of Saratoga’s Congress Park area and the adjoining East Side Neighborhood. Isherwood will approach this location as an example of some of the themes around city planning and the use of slate in the post-Civil War/Gilded Age period.

The walking tour will conclude with a picnic lunch (bring/buy our own) on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa

State Park where attendees will be able to view the WPA era architecture of Dwight J. Baum and others mentioned in the One Painting, Many Stories exhibition.

The tour will begin at 10:15 a.m. and last until 1:30/2 p.m. The event is rain or shine, with the picnic dependent on the weather conditions. This is primarily a walking tour with variations of street and sidewalk conditions. Those planning to attend should dress for walking and the weather.

The cost to attend is $20 per person, or $15 per person for members of the museum. The group size is limited. RSVP and pre-payment are required by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Call the museum at 518-6421417 to register.

• 18th Century Medicine on Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitor Center Lawn. Volunteer Joe Craig explains the Healing Arts at the time of the Revolutionary War.

• Loyalist Refugee Encounters, Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield Tour Road Stop 9. When considering

the American Revolution, many only think of two sides, the British and the Americans. Yet there is another important and often neglected contingent, those who chose to maintain their loyalty to England.

• Battle of Freeman’s Farm Walking Tour, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1 p.m. Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield Tour Road Stop 6. Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives a guided tour of Freeman’s Farm, the place where most of the first battle of Saratoga was fought

on Sept. 19, 1777. No sign-up required; those interested should meet at the Freeman Farm parking lot (stop 6); the tour will last for about one hour.

• “Are we there yet?” Saturday, Sept. 30, 10:30 – 11: 30 a.m. Visitor Center. Join Park Ranger Bill Valosin for an introduction to map and compass use. Discover the essential workings of a compass, what a map is, and how to use these tools together to find your way. For more information, go to: go.nps.gov/saraevents.

Saratoga Battlefield. Photo by Super Source Media.

Star Spring in Saratoga Springs, located in the Congress Park/East Side area, at/near Circular Street and Spring Street. Courtesy private collection.

Deacon Arthur William Turcotte

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Deacon Arthur William Turcotte, 86, died peacefully, August 29, 2023. Reception of the Body, 10 a.m. 9/8/2023 at St. Clement’s followed by visitation (11 a.m.) and Mass (12 p.m.). Burial St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Clement’s Church or the Community Hospice of Saratoga (communityhospice. org/donate). Please visit www. burkefuneralhome.com.

Michael A. McLaughlin

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Michael A. McLaughlin, 63, passed away on Sept. 5, 2023. Visitation is on Sept. 10, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. at Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway with a service at 5 p.m. Burial on Sept. 11, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at G. B. H. Solomon Saratoga Nat. Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville. For condolences, please visit www. burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR

290 West Ave, Suite 1, Saratoga Springs • 518-584-1621

Music at the Center

GARLAND NELSON, RETURN ENGAGEMENT!

Thursday, September 14 • 1-2 p.m.

assortment of greeting cards: birthday, thank you, congratulations, etc.You may choose Helen’s design or create your own! Be creative. No experience necessary.

ZENTANGLE ART WORKSHOP

facilitated by Katie Long

Thursday, September 28 • 1 p.m.

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

Burke & Bussing

Burke & Bussing

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

$10. Includes lite fare. Garland Nelson is an allstar talent whom the Saratoga community is fortunate to have. He can be found performing at various locations in the area. Every artist is driven by a burning passion. For Garland Nelson, that passion is service towards others. Sponsored by MVP.

LOVE COMPOST ART RECEPTION

facilitated by Terri-Lynn Pellegri

Sunday, September 24 • 2 -4 p.m. Please join us to celebrate LOVE COMPOST Saratoga Collaborative, an art installation by photographer Terri-Lynn Pellegri. There will be live music and light refreshments. Come and meet the artist! Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

DRUM IN JOY!

presented by Saratoga Peace Week

Sunday, September 24 • 6 -7:15 p.m.

$5 Please sign up, limited seating. Chelsie of Rural Soul Music Studio invites you to learn about an exuberant and thunderous path toward lifelong happiness... DRUMMING! West African hand drums will be provided and you will be shown how to get into a groove from the moment your hands meet the drums.

Art, Art & More Art!

NEW! ADVANCED/INTERMEDIATE HANDBUILDING CLAY ARTS

facilitated by Randi Kish Mondays • 9-12 p.m., beginning Sept. 11 $10 material fee. Please sign up. Must have advanced/intermediate clay experience - advanced level. This session’s project is a sake set. A sake set consists of the flask and cups used to serve sake.

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

facilitated by Susan Peters

Tuesday, September, 19 • 10:30 a.m.

$5 material fee. Why watercolor? It is versatile, unpredictable, wonderful, light-filled, colorful. Perfect for beginners and experienced alike. Please sign up, seating is limited.

STAMPING WORKSHOP

facilitated by Helen Mastrion

Thursday, September 21 • 2-4 p.m. Please sign up, seating is limited. Make an

$5 material fee. Please sign up, seating is limited. Katie will lead you in making nametags and bookmarks. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn and fun way to cre- ate beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

BEADING WORKSHOP

facilitated by Jerry Matthews

Wednesday, September 20 • 1 p.m. Whether you are just beginning or an experienced beader, join Jerry to create beautiful and one of a kind jewelry. Supplies provided. Please sign up, seating is limited.

September Events

TRIVIA NIGHT!

Monday, September 11 • 5 p.m.

New Time this month! $5. Please sign up, seating is limited. Pizza bites served. Bring your own beverage. Join us for fun, friendly competition! Prizes! “Where all those useless facts you’ve been collecting can finally come in handy!”

HERZOG LAW FIRM PRESENTS: WILLS VS. TRUSTS

Monday, September 18 • 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Free and open to the public. Learn about Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts, Advance Directives, types of Wills and how to use them to benefit yourself and loved ones. Learn about protecting your home and assets and avoiding court & spend downs

CITIZENS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

presented by the MSGT. Lydia Gerardi, Air National Guard.

Tuesday September 19 • 12:30 p.m.

Free and open to the public This training teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing an emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies.

TAROT CARD READING

facilitated by Mary Shimp

Thursday, September 28 • 11-1 p.m.

$5 donation. Do you have some unanswered questions about your life? A tarot card reading provides insight into what the future holds. Call for a 15 minute appointment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS POLICE DEPTRobert

Robert Deschaine, 63, of Gloversville, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of narcotic drug, and two driving violations.

Ryan Cox, 19, of Ballston Spa, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, and speeding.

Dustin Quirion, 39, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, and multiple driving-related violations.

Andrea Smith, 36, of Charlton, was charged with criminal mischief and petit larceny.

Matthew Ragotskie, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Bruce Bidwell, 52, of Moreau, was charged with petit larceny.

John Jarvis, 60, no address provided, was charged with burglary and petit larceny.

Pamela Stevens, 41, of Greenwich, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding.

Michael Fitzpatrick, 29, of Fort Plain, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Jose Camejo, 45, of Folsom, Louisianna, was charged with DWI, driving in the wrong direction, and no or single license plate.

SARATOGA COUNTY COURT

Shanita R. Flores, 20, of Milton, pleaded to criminal contempt in the first-degree. Sentencing Oct. 24.

Danielle N. Pereira, 33, of Newburgh, pleaded to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, charged September 2022 in Clifton Park. Sentencing Oct. 24.

Maurice Trichilo, 34, of Albany, was sentenced Aug. 22 to serve 4-1/2 years

incarceration and 2 years post-release supervision, after pleading to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree. Trichilo was arrested as part of a drug investigation of activities taking place across multiple counties, resulting in his arrest for having nearly a quarter-kilo of cocaine –with a street value of more than $20,000, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said in a statement.

Richard S. Simmons, 49, of Greenfield, was sentenced Aug. 23 to 4 years incarceration/2 years post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, charged December 2022 in Corinth.

John J. Wolcott, 52, of Waterford, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree.

Isaac R. Harris, 19, of Stillwater, was sentenced to 3.5 years

incarceration/3 years postrelease supervision after pleading to felony assault.

Tabitha R. Calise, 34, of Rexford, was sentenced to 1 year incarceration, after pleading to felony DWAI.

Timothy D. Fabroskay, 34, of Providence, N.Y., was sentenced to 1 year incarceration after pleading to felony criminal mischief, charged in 2020 in Ballston and Charlton.

Jeremy J. Scoville, 52, of Stillwater, pleaded to criminal contempt and strangulation – both felonies. Sentencing Oct. 27.

Nancy J. McCowan, 42, of Lexington, Kentucky, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation/60 hours of Community Work service, after pleading to felony DWI, charged April 2023 in Clifton Park.

Virgilio D. Smith, 27, of Schenectady, was sentenced to 4 years incarceration/5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to felony

assault, charged May 2022 in Saratoga Springs.

George Licata, 55, of Lake Luzerne, was sentenced to 6 months incarceration/5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to felony DWAI, charged May 2023 in Saratoga Springs.

Stephen D. Gizzi, 39, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 1.5 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to felony criminal contempt, charged September 2016 in Ballston Spa.

Dominick J. Salustri, 56, of Mechanicville, pleaded to criminal contempt, and assault – both misdemeanors – charged March 2023 in Stillwater. Sentencing Nov. 6.

NY STATE POLICE

On Aug. 29, State Police of Saratoga arrested David A. Fink, 27, of Ballston. Fink was charged with arson in the second degree, and reckless endangerment in the first-degree. Both charges are felonies.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Chad Beatty 518-581-2480 x212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Chris Bushee 518-581-2480 x201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com

ADVERTISING

Jim Daley, Advertising Director 518-581-2480 x209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com

Cindy Durfey

Ad Sales, Classifieds, Calendar 518-581-2480 x204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com

DISTRIBUTION

Kim Beatty 518-581-2480 x205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

DESIGN

Kacie Cotter-Harrigan Creative Director, Graphic Designer

Kelly Schoonbeck Ad Designer, Web & Social Media

EDITORIAL

Thomas Dimopoulos City, Crime, Arts/Entertainment

518-581-2480 x214 thomas@saratogapublishing.com

Dylan McGlynn Business, Education, Sports 518-581-2480 x219 dylan@saratogapublishing.com

Anne Proulx Obituaries, Proofreader 518-581-2480 x211 aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

Send your calendar events to calendar@saratogapublishing.com

Free First Aid Kits, Thermometers, Blood Pressure Cuffs at Community Health Day September 16

QUEENSBURY — Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center (SAIL) in partnership with Aviation Mall will host a Community Health Day noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16.

SAIL will offer free medical devices, including first aid kits, thermometers, COVID-19 tests, blood pressure cuffs, and pulse oximeters, while supplies last.

Saratoga County History Center Hosting Presentation on the “Iron Hearted Regiment”

BALLSTON SPA —

Community members intending to join the event are advised to use the entrance near Planet Fitness.

For inquiries about the event, contact Cam Cardinale, Director of Community Relations at Southern Adirondack Independent Living, by phone at 518-792-3537 ext. 1411 or via email at CamC@SAILHelps.org.

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center announces Fall Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, announced the launch of their Fall 2023 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series.

This community lecture series is designed to highlight the rich history, culture, and traditions of our city.

All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public. Each program takes place from noon - 1 p.m. at the Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. The program can also be accessed virtually. Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and guidelines www.sspl.org.

Thursday, Sept. 14: “First Saratogians: The History and

Traditions of the Indigenous Nations of the Saratoga Region”, presented by Dr. Joseph Bruchac, Executive Director of the Ndakinna Education Center, and Saratoga Springs Poet Laureate.

Upcoming - Thursday, Oct. 12: “Kidnapped from Saratoga: The Story of Solomon Northup” presented by Author David Fiske; Thursday, Nov. 9: “Brothers of the 77th: the 77th Infantry Regiment in the American Civil War” presented by former Associated Press reporter Christopher Carola; Thursday, Dec. 14: “Saratoga’s Great Racing Characters” presented by Brien Bouyea, Hall of Fame and Communications Director at the National Museum of Racing. For more information visit, www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter. com or www.discoversaratoga.org.

The Saratoga County History Center will host David Brooks (Education Director at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter, NY) on Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The presentation will be held in the Long Room at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave. Brooks will be discussing the “Iron Hearted Regiment” the 115th New York Infantry.

During the Civil War, Colonel Simeon Sammons

received authority to recruit a regiment in the counties of Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Saratoga, with headquarters at Fonda. On Aug. 26, 1862, it mustered into the service of the United States for three years.

Registration is not necessary but would be appreciated. brooksidemuseum. networkforgood.com/events /61071-iron-hearted-regiment. A donation of $5 per registration is suggested, to support the programs of Saratoga County History Center.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Continues Investigation of Greenfield Cold Case Homicide Case

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office noted the 20-year-anniversary of the disappearance of 18-yearold Jennifer Marie “Moonbeam” Hammond, who was reported missing from a mobile home park in the town of Milton.

Hammond had been working for a magazine company going door-to-door selling subscriptions. Originally from Colorado, she had traveled cross-country with the company and had been staying with co-workers in the Albany area.

On the afternoon of Aug. 30, 2003, Hammond had been dropped off at the entrance to the mobile home park but never

showed up at the pick-up location. Her co-workers searched the area but were unable to locate her. She was reported missing after she failed to pick up her belongings at the hotel where she had stayed. She had previously made plans to return to Colorado but never returned there either, police said.

In 2009, hunters in the area of Lake Desolation in the town of Greenfield located human remains which were confirmed to be Hammond’s after DNA analysis. The case was ruled a homicide.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who has any information about this case to contact them at: 518-885-6761.

The 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes: Tickets on Sale for Annual Home Tour & Fundraiser

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Tickets for the area’s premiere new home tour, the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, are now on sale. This event is now celebrating 27 Years of exceptional homes!

Tickets are available at all Adirondack Trust branch locations, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa & Queensbury, Saratoga National Bank, Glens Falls National Bank and Roohan Realty on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Tickets are always conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or can be purchased online at www. saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

As always, each showcase ticket holder will receive a FREE shoe/ tote bag at the first home visited!

The 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being presented over two fall weekends this year on October 7-8 and October 14-15. Tickets are $25 and this year’s edition has 10 locations on display. New

this year are two showcase locations in Lake George!

Participating award-winning builders in this year’s event; Belmonte Builders, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, DSG Construction and Remodeling, Kodiak Construction, R & M Homes, The BDC Group, Whitbeck Construction and Witt Construction. It’s an incredible line-up of 10 homes from 8 award-winning builders. To view an interactive map and to scan a QR Code of the home locations, directions and much more, please visit the mobile friendly website.

This annual community event has contributed nearly $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities. Proceeds from the Saratoga Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (www.rtsaratoga.org) and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties (www. glensfallshabitat.org). For more

details on the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Check us out on FACEBOOK and follow all the updates on this year’s event!

About Saratoga Builders Association

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a

specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the wellbeing and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects,

engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, visit their website at saratogabuilders.org or contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org

Showcase of Homes entry by DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders. Photo by Randall Perry Photography.

Franklin Community Center Marks 40 Years of Community Impact with Celebration Event

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Franklin Community Center will celebrate its 40 years of service with an anniversary celebration Sept. 28 at 550 Waterfront by Druthers. The anniversary celebration - “Cheers To 40 Years” will take place 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and available at franklincommunitycenter.org.

Franklin Community Center has served as a social service hub for the less fortunate in and around Saratoga since 1983. The Center’s programs include a food pantry, a free after-school prevention program for local students and affordable housing for low-income individuals, as well as assisting with furniture and clothing and household needs, among others.

The initial plan in the 1980’s was to develop a west side community center that would offer a hub of services to meet the needs of local residents. Housed at 10 Franklin St., the central location would prove ideal for programming, outreach and counseling services.

The organization soon would expand services to meet its core mission of making a positive difference in the lives of others.

“Our campus today encompasses four buildings, each housing a different aspect of what we do,” says Mary Beth McGarrahan, development director at Franklin

Vandalism at Gavin Park Has Wilton Officials Looking to Install Surveillance Cameras

Community Center.

Project Lift was launched as a prevention-based afterschool program in Greenfield and Division Street Elementary Schools. By 2017, all six of the elementary schools in the district were added to the Project Lift program, supporting over 100 students and their families in Saratoga.

Franklin Community Manor was built in the late 1980s as a low-income housing alternative for homeless. Additional programs included the Toy Library, Head Start PreSchool Program and a Dispute Mediation Program.

The decades that followed saw the establishment of a distribution center offering household items and clothing, and the offering of additional housing in a building purchased by FCC at 101 Washington St. Other services included case management, crisis intervention and an ever-expanding food pantry.

In late 2021, FCC opened the doors of its newest facility, located at the intersection of Franklin and Washington streets. FCC raised about $1 million toward the building acquisition and the Arpey Family, local philanthropic supporters, stepped forward to donate an additional $1 million to complete the purchase.

Formerly the MASIE center, the new FCC location is named the Michael and Stacie Arpey Family Community Center.

The organization’s new building provides more than 10,000 square feet of expanded space, features individual offices, common areas, large meeting rooms, and stands a few yards from its 10 Franklin St. building, which remains active as an enlarged and often-used food pantry.

“Since last year we’ve seen about a 30% increase in those being served solely by the food pantry,” said McGarrahan, explaining that during this past August the food pantry served about 360 families and over 1,000 individuals, compared to August 2022 when it had served approximately 250 families and 800 individuals.

For more information about Franklin Community Center and/or the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration, go to: franklincommunitycenter.org.

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

WILTON — Following incidents of vandalism at Gavin Park during the summer, Wilton Town officials unanimously approved a resolution to initiate a bidding process that would result in a bid award to install surveillance cameras at the recreation complex.

Town Supervisor John Lant informed the board that he had received a phone call informing him that 40 to 50 people were having a beer party at the park, followed a few days later

by “more vandalism there this weekend,” Lant said, according to the most recently published town meeting notes. He did not elaborate on the extent of the vandalism. The Board, which meets monthly, was scheduled to gather for their next meeting on Sept. 7.

Gavin Park, a central recreation complex for Wilton Town residents and surrounding communities, sites numerous youth sports programs, regional athletic tournaments, and includes two multi-purpose gymnasiums, two pavilions, and 15 athletic and baseball fields.

Gavin Park entrance sign. Photo courtesy of Discover Saratoga website.

Franklin Community Center celebrates its 40th anniversary with an event on Sept. 28.

Developments, Demolitions, Dispensaries & Condos

continued from front page... Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Meetings are open to the public. For a list of regularly scheduled meetings, go to: saratoga-springs.org.

On Sept. 5, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced it had charged Prime Group Holdings LLC for failing to adequately disclose millions of dollars of real estate brokerage fees that were paid to a real estate brokerage firm that was owned by its CEO. “Prime Group agreed to pay a $6.5 million civil penalty and more than $14 million in disgorgement and prejudgment interest to settle the charges,” according to a statement released by the SEC on Tuesday.

It was not immediately known what effect the company’s payment of $20.5 million to settle the charges may have on its previously expressed plans for adding two stories to its Broadway building.

Prime Group had previously planned to build a six-story complex with a restaurant, retail and offices at 269 Broadway - adjacent to Saratoga Central Catholic School - until construction estimates climbed well beyond the initial $30 million projection, Robin Cooper reported last month in the Albany Business Review. A decision about what will become of that property has not been decided.

Plans, proposals and alterations related to Saratoga Springs developments and architecture make their way through one or more of the city’s three Land Use Boards. Those boards are the Planning Board, Design Review

Some of the other projects currently making their way through the city’s Land Use Boards.

•A project at 78 Church St., between Clinton and West Harrison streets, involves the demolition of an existing retail business to make room for a 61-foot multi-use residential and commercial building. The proposed five-story building will include 23 condominium units, commercial space on the first floor, and a garage. Applicant: Spring City Development Group, LLC.

•Station Lane Site Plan West Ave. & Station Lane. Consideration of SEQRA review for a proposed mixed-use project including 9,500 square feet non-residential space and 68 multi-family residential units. The non-residential space is proposed to feature the development of about 6,900 square feet of retail space and 2,600 square feet of restaurant space. The approximate 2-acre project is currently vacant.

•Adult Use Dispensary: 95 West Ave./250 Washington St. Special use permit for a marijuana dispensary. The applicant - Ten Cees, LLC – says it plans to institute a digital queue system in which customers will order in advance, then wait in their vehicles until being notified via app of their turn to enter the dispensary. To ensure orderly

queuing, physical lines will be established outside the dispensary’s front door at 95 West Ave. and wrap around to the back door, according to documents filed with the city.

•Stewart’s Shop is looking to re-develop its Express at 177 South Broadway, with the razing of an existing house at 28 Lincoln Ave. and the construction of a new near-4,000 square

foot Stewart’s.

•Chipotle area variance: removal of a vacant existing building at 12 Ballston Ave. and in its place the construction of a one-story restaurant.

A proposal for a two-story addition at 395 Broadway – which had previously housed Borders Books, and Fingerpaint Marketing – has been submitted by new ownership to the Saratoga Springs Land Use Boards. Balzer & Tuck Architecture.

Saratoga County Clerk to Host Passport Night Sept. 20 By Appointment

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Clerk’s Office at 40 McMaster St., Ballston Spa, will host a Passport Night from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, by appointment only.

The first of its kind in Saratoga County, the Clerk’s Office is offering these extended hours as a convenience to those whose schedules make it difficult to visit the office to apply for a passport during regular business hours.

To book an appointment slot, call the County Clerk’s office at 518-885-2213.

Application forms will be available, and photos can be taken on site. Those planning to attend can also download a copy of the passport application in advance at www.travel.state.gov and fill them out ahead of time. However, the applications must be signed in front of an acceptance agent at the Clerk’s Office.

Applicants should bring:

• An original or a certified copy of their birth certificate with a raised seal and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back)

• Their photo ID and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back)

• A check or money order (one per passport application) made out to the Department of State to cover the application fee. (See below for details.)

• Cash or separate check to cover the processing fees and passport photos (if having them taken on site)

Applicants should also have the places and dates of birth of their parents so they can complete the passport application. Children younger than 18 must have both parents present when applying.

Passport fees are as follows:

• Passport books — $130 for adult applications and $100 for children under the age of 16.

City Puts Downtown Building Up for Short-Term Lease

• Passport cards — $30 for adults and $15 for children under the age of 16. (Note that they are only good for land travel to Canada and Mexico.)

• Processing fee — $35 for each application

• Passport photos — $10

• Expedited service — $60 per applicant

Current processing times are about 10-14 weeks or 7-9 weeks for expedited applications. However, processing times can vary. Passport renewals for those over 16 must be mailed by the applicant; however, the required new photo can be obtained at the County Clerk’s Office. Regular hours for passport services are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. For more information, visit the website at saratogacountyny. gov/departments/county-clerk/ passport.

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The former long-time home of the Saratoga Senior Center on Williams Street has been made available to non-profits for a short-term lease by the city of Saratoga Springs.

Currently vacant, the city of Saratoga Springs owns the 5 Williams St. building. In anticipation of the Senior Center’s relocation, the city last year had planned to site a 24/7 yearround homeless shelter at the building. Those plans were quashed, however, following a backlash from some members of the nearby Saratoga Central Catholic School.

The building is approximately 7,800 square feet and includes a parking lot with 27 spaces. The term of the lease will be for 6 months, with optional month-to-month leasing for up to an additional six 6 months. Total potential duration of the lease will be no more than 12 months, commencing in November 2023.

Rental Fee: The proposal should include a monthly

rental fee not less than $250 per month, which will be considered as the bid amount.

According to the bid published by the city on Sept. 1: Sealed bids for the non-profit short-term lease of 5 Williams St. will be accepted by the city’s Office of the Commissioner of Accounts, 474 Broadway Suite 14, Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866, by 2 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 12, at which time they will be publicly opened and read. That RFP opening date has since been moved to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14.

Bidders are limited to non-profit social service organizations providing services to residents and/or visitors to the city. Due to the short-term nature of the lease, the building will need to be utilized “as-is” for the duration of the lease period. The selected organization will be prohibited from making any substantial improvements to the building, excluding minimal cosmetic improvements.

Copies of the Request for Proposal (RFP) may be obtained on the City’s web page at www.saratoga-springs.org, under current bids.

5 Williams St., after a January 2023 snowfall. The former site of the Senior Center is being offered by the city as a short-term lease for a non-profit organization. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

BALLSTON

Michaels and Laraway Holdings LLC sold property at 29 Summerhill Dr to Andrew Szczesny for $627,320

William Wojcik sold property at 35 Lawmar Lane to Shawn Nash for $450,000

Barbera Homes Kelley Farms LLC sold property at 23 Paddock Pl to Terrence Gilhooly for $706,216

Megan Charlebois sold property at 23 Sweet Rd to Michael Mrozek for $198,500

MCP Ballston Spa Properties LLC sold property at 4 McCrea Hill Rd to Native Partners LLC for $2,325,000

Brookview Court Inc sold property at 37 Arcadia Court to Andrew DeFrancesco for $351,462

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Laura Layton sold property at 184 Thimbleberry Rd to David Memos for $265,000

Malta Land Company LLC sold property at 13 Galleon Dr to Julianne Shea for $662,205

SARATOGA

Heidemarie Lane sold property at 117 Brown Rd to Lindsey Hernandez for $100,000

CORINTH

Thomas Erwin sold property at 118 Hunt Lake Rd to Spence Whittle for $650,000

Andrea Didomenico sold property at 13 Overlook Dr to US Bank Trust National Assoc. for $218,574

Peter Willis sold property at 11 Locust Ridge Rd to Loancare LLC for $203,310

GALWAY

Erica Simpson sold property at 3047 Birchton Rd to Christopher Pennington for $410,000

Holly McConchie sold property at 5886 Lake Rd to Eric Moshier for $245,000

MALTA

Paul Callahan sold property at 4 Phillip Dr to Jeremy Vanwormer for $304,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Robert Colangelo sold property at 10 Tiffany Pl to Laura Diefenderer for $524,900

Peerless Building LLC sold property at 56 Birch St to John Ucles for $270,000

Jacqueline Edwards sold property at 175 York Ave to Christopher Brockett for $570,000

Regatta View LLC sold property at 4 Dartmouth Way to Edward Holohan for $758,693

Mayumi Kato sold property at 8 Pamela Lane to Peter Flanigan for $595,000

Purple Eagle LLC sold property at 75 Monroe St to Vincent Luccitelli for $757,000

Gregory Mika sold property at 6 Whistler Ct to Robert Parkeharisson for $650,000

Merle Whitehead sold property at 28 Division St to HEBE Holdings Saratoga LLC for $950,000

30 Division Street LLC sold property at 30 Division St to HEBE Holdings Saratoga LLC for $800,000

WILTON

Leola Ball sold property at 16 Brookside Dr to Tyler Snyder for $500,000.

Kiere Neulander sold property at 2 Norland Ct to Devin Palmer for $440,000

Timothy Collier sold property at 2 Kyer Farm Rd to Loron Sheeran for $776,000

Barbara Ahl sold property at 8 Killarney Ct to Deanna Murray for $550,000

Monsour Enterprises sold property at 362 Ruggles Rd to Scott Curry for $599,900

Edie Road LLC sold property at 13 Cannon Royal Dr to Morgan Bernholz for $200,000

Brian Marshall sold property at 22 Dandelion Dr to Roger Hueglin for $551,901.

This great in-town home at 175 York Ave in Saratoga Springs was listed by Kate Naughton from Roohan Realty and sold for $570,000

Indoor Cycling Studio The Revolution to Open Saratoga Springs Location

by Dylan McGlynn Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The Revolution, an indoor cycling studio with locations in Clifton Park and Loudonville, is expanding north, with a location in Saratoga Springs set to open later this month.

Owner Nancy Katinas said The Revolution’s expansion to Saratoga is due to the community, saying there is a demand in the area and noting that several of their instructors live in the Saratoga area.

The Revolution will be located at 30 Gick Rd, which includes other fitness facilities such as Metabolic Fitness. Katinas said the location was “perfect” for the studio’s space.

“It was the community. The demand from the community, the interest from the community,” said Katinas of the decision. “A lot of things shook out. … We had an opportunity, and we’re going to take that risk.”

The Revolution’s Saratoga location will host an open house on Sept. 16, and plans to officially open Sept. 22. Katinas emphasized the studio has built a strong community, saying, “It’s just a place where everybody belongs.”

“Whatever brings you through the door, you’re on your own personal journey in a group of like-minded individuals. And we all root for each other,” Katinas said. “People become a community. It’s a sense of belonging for everybody.”

The Revolution is the largest indoor cycling venue in the Capital Region, Katinas said. With group workouts, colored lighting, and a wide variety of music, the studio offers a space where “everybody can participate.”

“I truly am passionate about the fact that everybody can participate in a class,” said Katinas. “You are in charge at the pace at which you pedal, and you are in charge of the resistance that you put on your bike.”

The Revolution uses

lighting and music to power workouts, with Katinas saying, “The energy is contagious.”

“The lights go down, we’re lit like a dance club,” Katinas said. “We put (on) all kinds of music. Everything from classic rock, to country, EDM, to remixes. No class is ever the same, simply because of the change of the music.”

The Revolution offers a variety of classes with different musical themes. Katinas named examples such as all-decade rides, featuring music from a decade such as the 1990s, or ‘battle rides’ featuring two artists, such as ‘Lady Gaga vs. Dua Lipa.’

“The music drives your workout, and the energy that you get in a group is just contagious. It spreads,” said Katinas. “It’s power in numbers.”

The Revolution has over 19 instructors, Katinas said, with each providing their own perspectives to workouts and musical tastes.

“All of our instructors have a unique flair,” Katinas said. “There really is a lot of variety. … The members who embrace all the instructors get the best of everything, because they get a different workout, a different type of challenge, every class.”

Members can also purchase a heart rate monitor to measure calories, heart rate, and more in real time during the workouts. Participants are sent their

results after each workout, as well as a monthly readout.

Upon opening, The Revolution’s Saratoga location will offer four classes per day from Mondays through Thursdays, three classes on Fridays, and two classes each on Saturdays and Sundays, according to their website.

However, Katinas emphasized that the schedule can change to meet the needs of local members. The studio will also look into additional weekend classes in the future, she said.

“Our schedule is not locked in stone forever. We are going to try to accommodate the schedule to fit the community,” said Katinas. “If that means adding a 7 a.m. class during the week, we’ll do that.”

The classes, which last 45 minutes each, can be booked at myrevnow.com. The Revolution offers several signup options, including a package of three classes for new participants, as well as drop-in rates, a package of 10 classes, and an unlimited membership. A student discount is also offered, with Katinas saying The Revolution is, “very student-friendly.”

With the studio’s planned opening approaching, Katinas said it is exciting to expand into Saratoga, again emphasizing The Revolution has built a strong community around its workouts.

“Ultimately, we’ve built such a great community of people,” said Katinas. “No one wants to do it by themselves. The more, the merrier.”

Photo by Genine Gullickson, provided by Nancy Katinas

Fossil Stone Vineyard and Winery Celebrates Opening

GREENFIELD CENTER — Fossil Stone Vineyard and Winery celebrated its opening Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local officials including Greenfield Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch and members of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Located at 331 Grange Rd, the property totals 140 acres and features a 720-square foot barn, seven acres of vineyards, and a previously-established horse farm known as Fossil Stone Farm, according to a press release. Fossil Stone is owned by Greenfield resident Mike Spiak and his wife, Kelly.

While speaking to those

in attendance, Spiak noted the opening was meaningful, and thanked the crowd, saying it took “a long, long time to get here.”

“Making wine or making alcohol in New York is not an easy business,” said Spiak. “There’s a lot of permits to go through. But (Supervisor Veitch) really helped us out a lot towards the end.”

“We’re really proud to have you here, also,” Veitch told the Fossil Stone team. “Welcome very much, and thank you for being here. We really appreciate it.”

In addition to the indoor barn space, Fossil Stone also features a spacious outdoor setting. They offer wines such as Rose,

La Crescent, Marquette, Oakaged Marquette, and Amber, according to the press release.

The winery plans to hold limited public hours and private events throughout the fall before opening to the public with regular hours in Spring 2024, the release states. Fossil Stone will host a public Harvest Party on Sept. 23, beginning at 10 a.m. and including live music, food, a cash bar, and grape harvesting.

“Our goal was to make some place that would fit nice in Greenfield,” Spiak said to those in attendance. “A nice place to come and relax, and have a little wine, maybe reflect.”

Photo by Dylan McGlynn.

2023 SUMMER WRAP UP SARATOGA SPRINGS SEES STRONG SUMMER

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

As another summer begins to wrap up, early indications suggest that it has been another positive season for the local economy in Saratoga Springs.

RACING

The Saratoga Race Course has continued to attract strong numbers, surpassing one million paid fans for the eighth consecutive year, excluding 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total paid attendance of 1,105,683 according to a press release from NYRA.

The Race Course saw an average daily paid attendance of 27,642, which is reportedly the first year since 2019 that it has drawn an average over 27,000 per day. The all-sources handle was reported at just under $800 million, a slight decrease from 2022, which was mainly attributed to inclement weather. The release states that 65 races were forced off the turf this summer due to weather.

“Thanks to the fans who visited Saratoga Race Course over these 40 days, and all those who watched and wagered from home, the popularity of the summer meet continues to exceed all expectations,” said

NYRA President & CEO Dave O’Rourke in the release. “The world-class racing held here each summer is made possible by the owners, trainers, jockeys and backstretch community who collectively dedicate so much to the horses and the sport.”

The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency released a study in January conducted by Camoin Associates on the economic impact of destinations in the city, including the Saratoga Race Course.

According to the study, which measured figures from the 2021 season, the Race Course is responsible for over $370 million in sales and nearly 3,000 jobs annually. It also generates roughly $2.3 million in tax revenue for Saratoga County.

Pat McKenna, NYRA VP of Communications, said the study proves “the popularity of the summer meet is at an all-time high” in recent years, which he said in turn benefits the local economy.

“The importance of the summer meet is not strictly within the gates. Obviously, world-class racing is exciting and dynamic,” said McKenna. “We see that each and every

day of those 40 days. But the enduring and growing economic impact outside of the gates, what those visitors mean to hotels in Saratoga, in Clifton Park, in Albany, and throughout the Capital Region. As the support for the summer meet and the popularity has grown, it means that economic impact continues to expand beyond just Saratoga Springs itself.”

BUSINESS

Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, said that his interactions with the local business community this summer were “entirely positive.”

“Overall, anecdotally, I had incredibly positive comments from folks,” Shimkus said. “I think the combination of bad weather and some of the national headlines relative to inflation certainly, I would say, caused some anxiety. I think there were some folks that were being conservative in their estimates in terms of what might happen. But all numbers pointed up from what I could see.”

Marianne Barker, co-owner of Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse, said many of the store’s products were

well-received, noting both stores “had a great season.”

“For our business, and our type of business, this is our Christmas,” said Barker. “Where most people look forward to the holiday season for their business to go crazy, we look to the summer. We love it.”

LODGING

According to Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga, the 2023 summer was “one for the books,” despite the weather. He said that it was a “very robust season” for Discover Saratoga’s lodging partners.

“Revenues were up, year over year, for sure,” Leggieri said. “When people come to stay in a destination, they spend money. So our retailers and our restaurants, all did very well throughout the city and Saratoga County as a whole.”

Shimkus also emphasized this, saying if hotels do well, “everyone else does well.”

“The early indications are that the hotels did really well, that demand was up slightly, and that the average daily rate that visitors were willing to pay was also slightly up,” added Shimkus.

While figures for the entire summer have not yet

been released, lodging trends reported by Discover Saratoga stated that, in the month of July, the revenue per available room had increased by 6.2% in the City of Saratoga Springs, while the average daily rate increased by 14.4%.

“Despite the concerns about the economy and high prices, folks were still very confident to travel, and those numbers support it,” Leggieri said.

Entering the fall, Shimkus said the short-term outlook is strong, noting the calendar of LiveNation performances at SPAC continues through September, and mentioned numerous other events planned in the city in upcoming months.

“The City Center also starts kicking in now with events. And there’s some festivals coming up,” said Shimkus, naming The Saratoga Giant Pumpkin Fest, the Fall Festival, the Victorian Streetwalk, and the New Year’s Fest as examples.

“Our fall calendar looks like we’re going to continue to drive visitors and people together here in Saratoga, which again is just great for the local economy and the businesses that are here.”

The Importance of Setting Financial Goals

finances and forge ahead with determination. Tangible, achievable targets fuel the motivation required to develop and maintain healthy financial habits.

Whether aiming to pay off debt, save for a down payment on a home, or establish an emergency fund, clear goalsetting helps instill a sense of purpose and helps keep you motivated during challenging times, resist impulsive spending, and stay on track.

by Stephen Kyne, CFP Sterling Manor Financial for Saratoga TODAY

The path toward financial success is a personal journey, shaped by individual aspirations, responsibilities, and circumstances. However, one universal aspect that one must embrace is the importance of setting financial goals.

By setting clear, welldefined objectives, financial planning becomes more structured, effective, and ultimately helps pave the way toward longterm prosperity. In this article, we will discuss the significance of establishing financial goals and the transformative impact they can have on one’s finances.

Setting financial goals acts as a compass, helping to guide you toward your desired financial destinations. Without such goals, you may wander aimlessly, struggling to identify the purpose behind your financial decisions.

Clear goals offer a sense of direction, allowing you to prioritize your spending, saving, and investment decisions based on what you truly value, enabling you to make purposeful choices aligned with your long-term aspirations.

Setting financial goals helps provide powerful motivation to take control of your personal

Regularly assessing progress toward your financial goals provides a valuable metric to measure one’s financial wellbeing. It helps enable you to track savings, investment returns, and overall wealth accumulation over time, helping you to remain on the right path toward your goals.

Progress tracking helps to highlight areas where improvement may be needed, boosts financial self-awareness, and helps to motivate you to make adjustments to stay aligned with your goals.

Goal-setting helps to facilitate prudent resource allocation, helping to ensure that income is strategically allocated to meet short-term needs and long-term financial objectives. By prioritizing financial goals, you can help better organize spending patterns, reduce unnecessary expenses, and free up funds for goals that have higher significance.

With this approach,

individuals can strive for a balanced financial portfolio, addressing immediate obligations while funding future goals concurrently.

As crucial as financial goals are in driving long-term prosperity, they also contribute significantly to reducing financial stress. The clarity and structure provided by goal-setting help alleviate financial anxiety by offering a clear roadmap for managing personal finances.

Achieving milestones along the way, no matter how small, helps contribute to a sense of accomplishment, fostering an overall healthier relationship with money.

Setting financial goals is an instrumental step towards

achieving financial security, freedom, and empowerment. By creating a roadmap to guide decision-making, goals provide direction, enhance motivation, measure progress, allocate resources effectively, and alleviate financial stress.

Ultimately, the process of setting and striving towards financial goals can help you gain control over your financial well-being and helps enable you to make intentional choices to build a robust financial future.

So, work closely with your Certified Financial Planner®

professional and take the time to identify your aspirations, define your financial goals, and embrace the transformative power of focused financial planning.

Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs. Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sterling Manor Financial, LLC, or Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc., SEC registered investment advisors. Sterling Manor Financial and Cadaret Grant are separate entities.

Pickleball: How to Prevent Injuries And Play Safely

previous three years has been reduced because of Covid, so for some, starting to play pickleball has resulted in a rather sudden increase in physical activity, which is one of the risk factors we see for injuries in many other sports.

by Dr. Matt Smith, DC for Saratoga TODAY

Almost one in five adult Americans—roughly 48.3 million in total— have played pickleball in the last year according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP). This represents a 35% increase over the year before.

While pickleball is a fun sport and a good way to get physical activity, research also indicates that pickleball injuries are on the rise. This makes it important to find ways to prevent injuries and play the game safely.

What’s Behind the Rise in Pickleball Injuries?

There are a couple of factors that may contribute to the number of injuries in pickleball.

The first is that the general physical activity level over the

Even if you were physically active before, the pandemic may have impacted your ability to get back into regular exercise. Studies show that many recreational and elite athletes now face detraining as a result of community lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. And if you contracted the virus, you may face additional challenges when starting or returning to pickleball such as those related to fatigue, cognitive issues, and virus- related cardiopulmonary effects.

Another factor that is likely contributing to an increase in pickleball injuries is that not everyone has a racquet sports background. In other words, you may not be used to or familiar with the typical upper extremity (upper body) movements executed when playing, such as those affecting your shoulders, elbows and wrists. You might also not be familiar with lower extremity (lower body) movements used during pickleball, like moving side-toside on the court.

If your body isn’t used to moving around in this way, it may not be prepared, opening the door for injury during the game.

Common Injuries in Pickleball Players

What areas of your body are most at risk for an injury when playing pickleball? For the upper extremity, elbow and shoulder injuries are the most common, with lateral epicondylopathy (tennis elbow) and rotator cuff strains being the specific diagnoses. There are a lot of wrist and elbow movements in racquet sports like pickleball, which can overload the muscles leading to an injury.

In this way, pickleball injuries are similar to those experienced when playing tennis. They share similar biomechanics with paddle swings and moving on the court.

For some players, it is their lower body that becomes injured. For the lower extremity, patellar tendon over use and ankle sprains are common injuries. The quick movements forward and backward, plus the squats and lunges at ‘the kitchen’ (the non- volley zone on either side of a pickleball net) can lead to overloading of the patellar tendon. And with the quick movements, ankle sprains can occur as well when reacting to the game.

The low back is another area where it is common to develop a pickleball injury. There are a lot of squats and lateral lunges during dink rallies (soft, low shots), which can overload the muscles around the low back, leading to low back pain.

Additionally, overhead smashes can lead to irritation of the facet joints leading to extension-related low back pain.”

Injury Prevention Tips

What can you do to prevent common pickleball injuries and practice the sport safely? Here are some tips to consider.

• Do warm up. While you may be tempted to just step on the court and play, not allowing your body to properly warm up could increase your injury risk. Aim for a 5 to 10-minute warmup and include some light cardio movements along with shoulder exercises such as arm circles.

• Don’t overdo it. “It’s not uncommon to start playing pickleball multiple days in a row for several hours, which can result in a sudden increase in load, increasing the risk of injuries. So, gradually increasing the

amount of load can be a useful strategy, making sure that there are recovery days so that the body can adapt.

If you play pickleball one day, take the next day off. Give your body time to recover from the activity.

• Do strength training exercises. Another way to prevent pickleball injuries is to condition your body so it can better tolerate the increased load. Strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff, core and knees are all areas that people playing pickleball would benefit from.

Taking these steps can help you continue to play the sport you love without injury, while also satisfying you socially. Not only is pickleball a lot of fun, but the community surrounding it is great.

There’s a great social aspect of playing with friends and meeting new people.

Dr Matt Smith has been a Chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for 36 years. He and his daughter Dr Kevy Smith Minogue can be reached at 518 587-2064 or at MySaratogaChiropractor.com.

Estate Planning for Parents with Young Children

Key Things to Consider to Protect Your Loved Ones

your trustee to make as they see fit. What type of trust structure is best can be determined by consulting with an estate planning professional.

Who Would The Trustee Be And What Do They Do?

by Matt Dorsey for Saratoga TODAY

Estate planning for parents with young children presents a variety of challenges and opportunities. Here is a series of questions and answers to help address some of the key issues involved.

If I Have Children, Do I Need To Make Special Provisions For Them In My Will?

If you have children, there are two key things to think about when drafting your Will. The first is who you want to put in charge of managing the assets that you leave to them. The second is who you want to act as their guardian.

What Are The Options For Managing The Assets My Children Receive?

The two most common options are to leave the assets to your children in trust or to direct that they be placed in a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act account.

How Would a Trust For My Children Work?

Every child’s needs are different based primarily on their maturity level and capabilities, and the trust provisions can be tailored to address those factors. For example, you can choose to have trust distributions to or for the benefit of a child on a monthly basis. As an alternative, you can choose to have percentages of the trust funds be distributed at different ages, i.e. the first third at age 21, the second third at age 25, and the final third at age 30. In addition, you can also choose to simply leave the discretion as to distributions to

The trustee would be someone you name in your Will to manage the trust you leave behind for your children. People generally choose a close family member or friend to act in this capacity. You can also choose an institutional trustee, such as a trust department at a local bank. The trustee has the obligation to responsibly manage and invest the trust assets. They must also make distributions to or for the benefit of your children pursuant to the terms of the trust.

What Is A Uniform Transfers To Minors Act Account?

A Uniform Transfers to Minors Act account – or UTMA account for short – is an account that can be set up at a local bank with a named custodian for the benefit of a child. This is a useful way to leave money to a young child, without the necessity of setting up a trust. The custodian, similar to a trustee of a trust, has the obligation of managing the account funds and may make distributions from the account to the child or for the child’s benefit. When providing for an UTMA account to be set up in your Will, you can direct that the account be paid out to the child either at the age of 18 or 21. An UTMA account is a useful alternative to a trust, if the amount of money flowing to your child is a relatively smaller amount, i.e. $30,000.00 or less.

How Does The Appointment of a Guardian For My Children Work?

If you pass away and there is no surviving parent to care for your children, then you can name your choice for a guardian of your children in your Will. The named guardian will have to seek appointment from the court as guardian, but the court will likely give strong weight to your preference.

Does The Guardian Control The Assets I Leave To My Children In My Will?

If you leave your assets in trust, with a named trustee, or to an UTMA custodian, the guardian of your children will not control those assets - unless you name the same person to be guardian and trustee or custodian.

Should I Make The Guardian And Trustee/ Custodian The Same Person?

That depends on the individual that you are choosing. In some cases, you may choose someone as guardian who is a close family member who you know will care for your children like they are their own, but that person may not be good at managing money. In that case, you may want the trustee or custodian to be someone else who has the appropriate financial acumen.

How Do I Ensure There Are Sufficient Funds To Take Care Of My Children?

Obtaining term life insurance is an excellent way to ensure there are sufficient funds to take care of your children, if you pass away when they are young. The premiums are generally very affordable for appropriate coverage, if you

purchase the policies when both you and your children are young. You can then make your spouse the primary beneficiary if you pass away, and you can make your estate the secondary beneficiary. If your spouse predeceases you, then the money will flow into your estate and fund the trusts or UTMA accounts you established in your Will.

What Other Issues Are Relevant To Estate Planning With Young Children?

There are a variety of other issues to consider when estate planning for parents with young children. For example, if a child is disabled, there may be a need to establish a guardianship by the parents of that child which

will continue into the child’s adulthood. There may also be a need to establish a special needs trust, which will provide support for the child without jeopardizing their eligibility for governmental benefits. These issues and others can all be addressed with an experienced estate planning professional, in order to determine what options are best for your family.

Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is a Partner with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court St, Saratoga Springs. Over his 26 years of practice, he has focused in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and estate administration. Mr. Dorsey can be reached at 518584-5205, mdorsey@oalaw.com and www.oalaw.com.

August Arguments

“MOTHERING BOYS”

My kids certainly have their fair share of arguments in the normal way of siblings, especially since so many of them think they’re experts on everything all the time, but it hasn’t been so pervasive, so constant, so ridiculous, as it has been in the last month or so. Any time any of the boys has said anything at all, without fail another of the boys has landed on them with all the reasons why they’re wrong or dumb.

by Kate Morna Towne for Saratoga TODAY

Today all of my children are back at school, and none too soon, as the last few weeks have been characterized by insufferable, unending arguing.

Innocent mistakes aren’t safe. For example, Number 2 commented recently, “I keep thinking today is Friday!” and Number 6 immediately said scornfully, “Why do you keep thinking today is Friday??” Then the two of them were off and running with a back-and-forth

argument about why sometimes people fall into thinking a certain day is a different day and no, it’s not a stupid thing to think, you’re stupid, no you are, etc.

Observations aren’t safe. For example, Number 5 said to Number 6, “Isn’t it weird that we don’t all have the same brothers?” Number 6 thought about this for a minute and then realized it was true. “Oh yeah!” he said. “Because you are my brother, but you’re not your own brother!” I was so pleased that this conversation — normally the kind of thing that would immediately devolve into an argument — went so nicely … until Number 4, who wasn’t part of the conversation, said aggressively, “Yes we do have the same brothers!” and the three of them were off and running with a back-and-forth argument about why it’s true, no it’s not true, yes it is true, you’re stupid, no you are, etc.

Opinions aren’t safe. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard the boys squabbling over matters of opinion. Whether something is delicious or not. Whether a particular TV show or YouTube channel is interesting or not. Whether someone is cold, or hot, or hungry, or bored — things that are subjective, things that are matters of opinion, things that can be true for one boy and not for the other boy at the exact same time. There have been so many times that I’ve had to remind them that they’re each allowed to have their own opinion; just because you think something tastes gross doesn’t mean your brother has to agree with

you; yes you can think someone else’s opinion is ridiculous but they’re still allowed to have it. I’ve taken the opportunity when I can to explain the difference between informed opinions versus uninformed opinions, but when it comes to one boy preferring his hot dog without a bun versus the other boy preferring it with a bun, no one is objectively right.

Creativity isn’t safe. Number 7 gave the inexplicable name “Artra Star” to a spider on our window, which several of his brothers told him was a dumb name and decided it was a hill they would die on.

It’s even gotten to the point where no one will be saying anything at all that can be disagreed with, so someone will create an argument out of thin air, just to bother each other. Like when Number 6 said to Number 7, out of the blue, for no other reason than to bother him: “You are cheese. You look like cheese, you smell like cheese, you taste like cheese.” Number 7 immediately took the bait, saying, “I am not cheese! Cheese doesn’t even have a smell” (as if that’s the real issue here!). Number 6

replied calmly, “To me it does.” My husband, sensing an escalation, tried to diffuse the situation by teasing Number 7: “Everyone knows you’re a donut!” But Number 7 would not be soothed — instead, he wailed, “I am not food!” and then started crying, “Everyone is making fun of me!”

These are all real examples — as the weeks of arguing dragged on, I started keeping a list of these arguments in a notebook and on my phone, and even with that, I was only able to capture a fraction of what we’ve all had to deal with as the summer has wound down. I’ll be happy for everyone to have time away from each other as we head back to school, and I’ll delight in seeing how happy they are to be back together at home after busy days away. They really are good boys, and they really do enjoy spending time together — as long as none of them make the mistake of thinking today is a different day than it actually is!

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 18, 17, 15, 13, 11, 9, and 4. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

Puzzles

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices.

This Week: Baluster, Banister

A baluster is a short pillar that supports a handrail. The balusters on the deck were secured with small screws.

A banister is the handrail on a staircase. We slid down the banister when we were children.

Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@ gmail.com

Wood Road Elementary Receives Donation of School Supplies From Junior League

by Dylan McGlynn Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — Thanks to a donation from the Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties, every student at Wood Road Elementary School will begin the year with brand new school supplies.

Wood Road received over $10,000 worth of supplies as part of the Junior League’s ‘Operation Back to School.’ For the past 20 years, the organization has adopted a local school district and purchased supplies for students attending an elementary school within the district, said Denise Murphy McGraw, the program’s founder and the President of the Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties.

“What makes our program different is that we work

with the educators to identify exactly all the supplies that the students need, that their teachers say they need, for a successful school year,” said Murphy McGraw. “We really just work very hard to ensure that it’s exactly the items that the educators believe that the students need for the school year.”

Wood Road principal Anders Rasmussen said the district is “so appreciative” of the donation.

“I know, as teachers, principals, it’s great for us,” said Rasmussen. “But more importantly, it’s for the kids and the families, to just remove one additional barrier that really is a barrier for some. We’re just really excited.”

Supplies purchased include pencils, crayons, binders, folders, and much more. Murphy McGraw said roughly 13,000 products were purchased in

total, providing “everything” that a student would need to begin the school year.

“We spent about $10,000. The value inside that room is a lot more than that. We use coupons, we go to sales,” Murphy McGraw said.

Wood Road teacher Megan Haessig is a member of the Junior League, and initially brought the idea to Rasmussen, he said. Murphy McGraw noted the Junior League was “so happy” to work with the Wood Road and BSCSD staff.

“This was such a pleasure, to work with the folks in this particular building in this school district,” Murphy McGraw said. “It’s just been a true partnership. I would love to do it many more years here, because it’s just a wonderful, wonderful atmosphere.”

She said that while

September can be a difficult month for some families, the Junior League prides themselves on “trying to ease that burden a little bit.”

“It might be the difference between paying your rent and getting new school clothes, and making sure they have all the supplies,” said Murphy McGraw. “We really want to make sure that everybody has what they need.”

“Just taking that off every family is a tremendous thing,” Rasmussen added. “But also knowing that all the kids are going to come in on the same foot in September, not worrying about it, not stressing it, I think is just great. … I’m just so appreciative,

I know everybody here is in the district for this for our families.”

Rasmussen gave credit to the Junior League, Haessig, and Wood Road school counselor Cathy Roy for their help in the process, calling it a “significant undertaking.” He said it will be meaningful for every student at the school to begin the year on the same foot.

“I can’t say enough for those who haven’t seen it what it will mean to a kid to walk in on day one not even having to worry about that,” said Rasmussen. “It’s something that all of us know has been provided for every kid here in the same way, which is pretty cool.”

Wood Road Elementary staff and members of the Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties pose with school supplies donated by the Junior League for Wood Road students.

From left, Wood Road fifth grade Student Council members Nicholas Sheridan, Grace Hinkley, and Anie Trujillo sort through school supplies donated by the Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties Photos by Super Source Media Studios.

School supplies donated by the Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties to Wood Road Elementary School.

Saratoga Voices Awards Vocal Scholarships

CAPTAIN CHS to Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Youth Shelter

CLIFTON PARK — CAPTAIN Community Human Services (CHS) has announced a celebration honoring the 25th anniversary of their Runaway and Youth Homeless Shelter.

The event will be held Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Doc’s Tavern at Brown’s Beach Resort, according to a press release.

and support they need to build a brighter future.”

BURNT HILLS — Saratoga

Voices hosted its 26th Annual Vocal Scholarship competition at Saint Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs. Of eight applicants performing selections from the standard song repertoire, Joshua Hoyt from Stillwater High School (first place) and Emma Nobes from Niskayuna High School (second place) won $1,500 and $1,000 scholarships, respectively.

The students’ voice teachers are Michael Lotano and Carla Fisk. The competition was judged by Heather Baird and Dr. Kathleen Slezak.

Dr. Slezak is the choir director at Bethesda Episcopal Church in Saratoga Springs, and Heather Baird has recently

retired from teaching choral ensembles and vocal lessons at Shenendehowa High Schools East and West. She is also on the advisory board of the Eastern New York Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

Joshua Hoyt and Emma Nobes will both attend The Hartt School at the University of Hartford.

Nobes intends to study Music Education to become a music teacher, and Hoyt will study Musical Theater with an interest in performance as well as producing and directing musicals.

For more information on Saratoga Voices’ Scholarship Program, visit saratogavoices.org.

“We’re so excited to celebrate the rich history of our Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter,” said CAPTAIN CHS Executive Director Andy Gilpin in the release. “The Youth Shelter has been a staple in our community, serving local teens in crisis 24/7/365 since it opened its doors in 1998.”

Located in Malta, the temporary shelter serves “youth under 18, with a primary focus on ages 13-17 who are homeless, runaway, facing a housing crisis, or in an otherwise unsafe situation,” the release states.

“Our Youth Shelter plays a truly pivotal role in the lives of the lives of kids that stay here,” continued Gilpin. “We are focused on family reunification with all our efforts. Our primary goal is to not only find a healthy and permanent home for youth, but to also find and connect them to the resources

Staff at the Youth Shelter provide services such as case management, transportation to and from school and appointments, and involve them in activities. Staff will attempt to reconnect youths with their families or find an alternative permanent living arrangement, according to the release.

“Our Youth Shelter meets a critical need in the community,” noted Gilpin. “We’re one of only two Youth Shelters serving the areas north of Albany – the other being WAIT House in Glens Falls and one of only two Youth Shelters for youth under 18 in the entire Capital Region and points north.”

The Youth Shelter serves Saratoga, Washington, Warren, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Montgomery, and Fulton Counties. Over 25 years, the Youth Shelter has served more than 2,700 youth from the Capital District, North Country, and Mohawk Valley.

CAPTAIN CHS launched the 25th Anniversary Fund this summer, with Gilpin noting in the release that the shelter’s roof and HVAC system need to be replaced, and said they are hoping to purchase a

25 th ANNIVERSARY!

12-passenger van, among other improvements.

“While this is a wonderful celebration of the life-changing opportunities the Youth Shelter gives our local teens, it is also a reminder of how important it is that our doors remain open,” continued Gilpin.

The 25th Anniversary Fund has a goal of $115,000, and has currently raised over $70,000, the release states.

“It is only because of the support and commitment of our community that this Youth Shelter opened,” concluded Gilpin. “And it’s because of that same dedication we know we’ll reach our goal, building a foundation for the next twentyfive years of making a difference.”

Tickets to the event are $75 and available for purchase at www.captaincares.org/ youthshelter.

Joshua Hoyt. Photo provided by Saratoga Voices

Emma Nobes. Photo provided by Saratoga Voices

Food

Farmers’ Market Opportunities Empower Local Businesses

HIGH ROCK PARK

Of all the reasons to love Saratoga Springs, its various locally-owned businesses undoubtedly contribute, providing excellent shopping and dining and making it a fun and unique city. Interestingly, one of the most positive effects of a thriving area supported by local businesses is that it inspires more people to become business owners, continuing a positive cycle that supports the local economy.

Since its opening in 1978, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has rallied support for local producers of all kinds, offering new and established businesses an opportunity to connect with the community, brand their business, and grow. As the farmers’ market prepares to move to its winter location at the Wilton Mall this November, they invite local producers to consider opportunities to become a vendor.

“As the longest-running farmers’ market in Saratoga, we encourage local farms and producers to apply to sell at our markets. We have a dedicated customer base excited to support new vendors,” says Mark Bascom, president of the Saratoga Farmers’ Market Association.

While pursuing selling opportunities at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a simple process, there are rules. All businesses must be within a 50-mile radius of Saratoga Springs, a standard that keeps “local” authentic to the farmers’ market and its customers.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market also requires that products sold on-site must be grown or produced by the business selling them, not manufactured elsewhere, and brought to the market.

The online application for the Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s Winter Market is currently open and

Farmers’ Market Gazpacho

YIELDS: 8-12 servings | PREP & COOK TIME: 20 min

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• About 2 pounds ripe red tomatoes*, cored and roughly cut into chunks

• 1 green pepper*, cored, seeded, and roughly cut into chunks

• 1 cucumber*, about 8 inches long, peeled and roughly cut into chunks

• 1 small mild onion* (white or red), peeled and roughly cut into chunks

• 1 clove garlic*

• 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar, more to taste

• Salt

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, more to taste, plus more for drizzling

will close on September 15. Interested individuals can access the application at the farmers’ market’s website, www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, and refer to “Vendors” at the top menu. The farmers’ market offers affordable seasonal rates for November through April and also an opportunity to sell products exclusively during the holiday season.

“Supporting and promoting local farmers is a priority,” explains SFMA vice-president Beth Trattel. “The Saratoga Farmers’ Market provides an affordable opportunity for farms and small businesses to showcase their products to a local audience.”

If you have any questions before applying, please contact the farmers’ market at info@ saratogafarmersmarket.org. Farmers’ market staff will happily answer questions and assist with the application process.

The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays in the food court of the Wilton Mall. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for previews of what’s fresh.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine tomatoes, pepper, cucumber, onion, and garlic in a blender or, if using a hand blender, in a deep bowl. (If necessary, work in batches.) Blend at high speed until very smooth, at least 2 minutes, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula.

2. With the motor running, add the vinegar and 11/2 teaspoons salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil. The mixture will turn bright orange or dark pink and become smooth and emulsified, like a salad dressing. If it still seems watery, drizzle in more olive oil until texture is creamy. Optional: to ensure smooth consistency, strain the mixture through a strainer or a food mill, pushing all the liquid through with a spatula or the back of a ladle.

3. Transfer to a large pitcher and chill until very cold, at least 6 hours or overnight.

4. Before serving, adjust the seasonings with salt and vinegar. If soup is very thick, stir in a few tablespoons ice water. Serve in glasses, over ice if desired, or in a bowl. A few drops of olive oil on top are a nice touch.

Moon Cycle Seed Co. Photo provided.

New Scotland Spirits, photo by Pattie Garrett

Nightwork Bread, photo by Pattie Garrett

by Julia Howard for Saratoga TODAY

Recipe and recipe photo by Julia Moskin, featured in New York Times Cooking

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

The cooler evenings remind us of the change of seasons. Sometimes, food memories are bound up in the food itself. Other times, it’s about the setting, or the people you’ve experienced it with. In my mind, it’s childhood food memories that are often the most powerful. Going back to the decades of my youth, one skillet meals were very popular such as sloppy joe, Goulash, cheeseburger macaroni skillet, and stuffed peppers. I always loved the smell of my mother’s cooking when I came home after the fall sports practice, having a huge appetite and ready to devour her specialties. I loved to watch my mother cook. As I assist customers in finding the tools they need for certain recipes, I find myself reminiscing about the tools I watched my mother use. One tool that was especially used with the recipes that required ground beef was chop/stir/ mash tool.

At Compliments to the Chef, we carry a version of this multi-use tool. This tool is the ultimate food chopper with a unique beveled, wavy shape breaks down foods quickly and easily as it’s being cooked.

I HAVE MET MY Mash

Hello my Foodie Friends!

September can be a busy month with students returning to school, many getting back to regular schedules, and Paula and I getting to celebrate another birthday!

SKILLET PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 can (20 ounces)

sliced pineapple

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 3 large eggs, separated, room temperature

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Maraschino cherries

Preheat oven to 375°. Melt butter in a 9- or 10-in. ovenproof skillet. Add brown sugar; mix well until sugar is melted. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/3 cup juice. Arrange about 8 pineapple slices in a single layer over sugar (refrigerate remaining slices for another use). Sprinkle pecans over pineapple; set aside.

Using a chop & twist motion, quickly break down ground beef, turkey or sausage into a fine consistency as it cooks, chopping and stirring at the same time while mixing in seasonings, sauces or vegetables quickly. This tool can be a time saver when making homemade tacos, chili, and spaghetti sauce, or sausage gravy, right in your frying pan. Easily breaks down tomatoes for sauces, avocado for guacamole or mash potatoes quickly. Great for breaking down boiled eggs for egg salad, cooked vegetables for healthy option meals and mashing homemade apple sauce.

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, to find those cool tools that can help you as you plan out your menus and get chopping and mashing. Relish the memories of cooking and eating together as a family! Try out some new tastes and flavors this season. Follow your taste buds and try new things. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and lemoncolored. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Blend in vanilla and reserved pineapple juice. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to batter and mix well.

In a small bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Spoon into skillet.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes (cover loosely with foil if cake browns too quickly). Let stand 10 minutes before inverting onto serving plate. Place cherries in center of pineapple slices.

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home at tasteofhome.com

•

Apple Glazed Pork

• Oven Roasted

Sweet Potatoes

• Red Cabbage

• SF Oatmeal Cookies

Remember Pineapple Upside Down Cake? This was one of Paula’s favorite childhood treats. This is a variation of that dessert.

Ballston Area Seniors

Monthly Dance

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa

�� =family friendly

This Week’s Events: SEPT. 8-14

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

John Oates Benefit Concert

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, 683 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs

7 p.m. | An evening of songs and stories and horses!

Oates was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004, and in 2014 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of Daryl Hall & John Oates. His memoir, Change of Seasons, was published in 2017. John is an avid horseman who believes in the mission we are serving here at THS and all proceeds from this concert will go to the betterment of horses in aftercare that are aiding to heal people right here in our community. The John Oates Concert is an open-seating event. For tickets, visit www. thsaratoga.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

29th Annual Town of Greenfield Townwide Garage and Craft Sale

Various locations throughout town | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Several events including a vendor/craft sale, food, silent auction, kids eye screening (6 mo. – 7 yrs.), animal shelter adoptions, Birthright, AdoptA-Soldier. Maps available at the Stewart’s in Greenfield and Middle Grove, Greenfield Center Baptist Church, and Lions Info/Silent Auction Tent at 31 Wilton Road. Also on Sunday, September 10 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., rain or shine.

The Middle Grove Methodist Church is having a drive thru Chicken BBQ Sat 3 – 6 p.m. or until sold out.

Historian Walking Tour: Jonesville

Jonesville United Methodist Church, 963 Main St., Clifton Park | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Join Clifton Park Town

Historian John Scherer for a brief walking tour of the historic hamlet of Jonesville, followed by a tour of the Jonesville Rural Cemetery. We will also visit some interesting monuments and hear about several early settlers at the cemetery that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Recommended donation is $10 per group (individual, couple or family), but please input the expected number of people in the group so that we can keep track of numbers. To register, visit our website at brooksidemuseum. networkforgood.com/ events/58835-historianswalking-tours-jonesville-sept9th-2023.

Free Lunch ��

The Malta Ridge UMC, 729 Malta Ave. Extension, Malta Ridge | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m

A soup and sandwich lunch will be served at no charge. All are welcome. For additional information or directions please call the Church at 518-581-0210.

Meet The Breeds ��

4-H Training Center, 556 Middle Line Rd., Ballston Spa

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Open to Public-Free EventDemonstrations-VendorsFamily Fun. Dog lovers’ opportunity to discover popular and rare breeds, while learning responsible dog ownership and fun activities you can do with your dogs. Meet with local canine businesses including pet groomers and veterinarians. Call 518-885-8995 for more information.

Book Signing and Reading

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa

1 p.m. | A book signing and reading with novelist and tv writer, Matt Witten. He will present his newest novel, Killer Story. Books will be available to purchase and sign. Mr. Witten lived in Saratoga Springs, where he wrote four mystery novels, then moved to LA and began writing for TV: Law & Order, House, Pretty Little Liars, CSI: Miami, and other shows. Free and open to the public. For more information visit: bspl. sals.edu or call 518-885-5022.

Our Songs Remember ��

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs | 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum presents a program of music and traditional tales drawn from the rich indigenous history of our Saratoga Region, including Abenaki, Mohican, and Haudenosaunee stories and songs. Presented by Nulhegan Abenaki tradition bearers Jesse and Joseph Bruchac of the Ndakinna Education Center, in tandem with the History Museum’s newest exhibit, First Saratogians. Reserve your free tickets at saratogahistory.org/events.

Equilibrium

The Barn at Rock City Falls, 710 Rt 29, Rock City Falls 3 – 5 p.m. | A collaborative improvisation between the Rock City Falls Trio’s electric harpist Alex Chang, double bassist Jason Handron and percussionist Adam Forman and NYC-based visual artist Christian A. Mendoza. The performance is supported by a Saratoga Arts Community Arts Regrant. RSVP required, limited seating. https://tinyurl. com/equilibriumimprov

7 – 10 p.m. | Open to the public and ample free parking. There will be a Donation of $5 per person. Snack and refreshment will be provided. Dance to the music of the Old Time Country Band. (Adults Only). For more information call 518-430-7029.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Breakfast Buffet

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa

8 – 11 a.m. | All you can eat Breakfast Buffet. The menu will include pancakes and sausage, French toast, eggs made to order, world famous omelets, home fries, toast, coffee, and juice. Adults $9. Seniors $8 and Kids $5 (cash only).

Defensive Driving Class

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Fee: $35 per person. Bring a friend fee is $30 each. Portion of fee goes to Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church. Registration is required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski at 518-286-3788. As we are social distancing, a mask is optional. Class size is limit.

Autumn Sunday Stroll - Down in the Valley: Exploring the Gut

Meets at the Northwest corner of Putnam and Spring Streets at the Hathorn Spring 10:30 a.m. | Alexandra Morgan will explore the area behind Broadway known as “The Gut,” which was home to many working class and Jewish families who provided important contributions to the community. Tours will be limited to thirty and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional

information on these summer strolls or to purchase tickets to any of these upcoming tours visit www.saratogapreservation. org, call 518-587-5030, or email Marcy Dreimiller, Administrative Assistant, at admin@ saratogapreservation.org.

13th Annual Curtis Lumber Car and Truck Show

885 State Route 67, Ballston Spa 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Join us for a great day of fun and beautiful show vehicles at one of the largest car and truck shows in the Capital Region! Free for spectators. All makes of cars, trucks, and tuners are welcome. (No cut-off years). $20 per preregistered online show vehicle or $25 show vehicle registration day of show. 40+ awards and trophies will be awarded! Music by DJ Jason La Juene of Raven Events, giveaways, face painting, balloon twisting, 50/50 raffle, food trucks, and more! Benefits WTEN Pet Connection. Leashed pets welcome. Details: www.CurtisLumberCarShow. com or on Facebook.

Annual Chicken BBQ �� St. Therese Chapel, Route 32 and Gansevoort-Wilton Rd., Gansevoort | 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. Dinners include half a chicken, corn on the cob, baked potato, coleslaw, and a homemade dessert. Dinners $15/ea. For Reservations Call 518-792-2276. Reserved meals must be paid for and picked up by 2 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Galway Preservation Society Meeting

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Rd., Galway 6:45 p.m., a brief business meeting will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a program on “The Trevett & Sons Chair Factory” given by Bob Wemple, Providence Town Historian. Mr. Wemple will present the history of the Trevett & Sons Chair Factory which was located in the town of Providence. The factory was in operation from the mid-1800s until early 1923, making thousands of chairs. Please join us. The meetings are always open to the public, free of charge.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs

10:30 a.m. | Join us to cut the ribbon on the beautiful new Saratoga Senior Center with all the people who helped bring the community to this new center.

Fall 5-Week 4-H

Shooting Sports Course

4-H Training Center 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa

4 – 7 p.m. | Meets Every Tuesday evening, September 12 - October 10. Youth will learn the basics of Air Pistol, Archery, Muzzleloader, Rifle and Shotgun with a focus on Safety, Ethics, and Personal Responsibility. Open to Youth 12 years-old and older. To sign up, visit https://pub.cce.cornell. edu/event_registration/main/ events_landing.cfm?event=SC4H

ShootingSportsFall2023_241 or Contact Leland at glb76@cornell. edu for more information.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

6 Hour Defensive Driving Course

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, Community Room l, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The cost is $35 per person. You can pay on the website: safetycouncilny.com or pay the morning of your class. There are only 40 spots open per class, so make sure you get on the list before it fills up. A half hour lunch break, (bring your own lunch & beverage).

Call Patty Patrick Henry at 518-316-9726 to sign up. Leave message and phone number.

Next class is Friday September 22, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Stuffed Chicken Breast

Dinner Take-out

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs

4:30 – 6 p.m. | Take out only.

Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: boneless stuffed chicken

breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cranberry sauce, roll and tossed salad. Dinner $15. (Cash only).

Saratoga Preservation Foundation’s Annual Meeting

Music Hall at City Hall, 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

5 p.m. | Annual Meeting of Membership & Board of Directors, which includes board of director and officer elections, and Preservation Recognition Award Ceremony. The Preservation Recognition Awards recognize those who have preserved the architectural heritage of Saratoga Springs. The public is invited to attend a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the Annual Meeting and Preservation Recognition Awards which will start promptly at 5:30 p.m.

Green Drinks

The Parting Glass, 40-42 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the

environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Green Drinks - Saratoga Springs is held monthly. This is a networking event, solicitation is not allowed.

Ice Cream Social

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

6:30 – 8 p.m. | The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is hosting an ice cream social. This informational meeting is open to the public and will provide details about voter registration events, candidate forums and the League’s work. This event will be a fun way to get acquainted with League members and find out more about what we do.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series

Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St, Saratoga Springs

Noon – 1 p.m. | “First Saratogians: The History and Traditions of the Indigenous Nations of the Saratoga Region”, presented by Dr. Joseph Bruchac, Executive Director of the Ndakinna Education Center, and Saratoga Springs Poet Laureate. The program can also be accessed virtually. Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and guidelines www.sspl.org.

CPR Class for Teens

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St. Galway | 6 - 8:30 p.m.

For ages 12 - 17. The library’s Teen Advisory Board presents this CPR Class, which is hosted by Calderwood Training Solutions. Registration is required; call 518 882 6385. Those who would like to receive a Red Cross Certification card for taking the course, at a cost of $25 to the attendee, must notify Ms. Julie at the library by September 11. More information about all library programs may be found at www.galwaypubliclibrary.org.

This week’s events continued from previous page...

Global, Jazz, and Classical Artists Highlight 2023-24 Spa Little Theater Season

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The Spa Little Theater season kicks off Oct. 8 with Pilobolus and continues through next May - when Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel return to conclude the 2023-24 programming schedule, Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced this week.

In between, a robust slate of global, jazz, classical, and pop offerings will be staged.

“While we have continued to expand our programing outside of the summer months in recent years, being able to inhabit the Spa little Theater year-round has opened up new possibilities for our year-round line-up of programming. Our 2023-24 season is a diverse and rich mix of incredible artistry offering everything from jazz to global to classical music along with full modern dance productions,” SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol said in a statement.

Tickets for the 2023-24 Spa Little Theater season, as well as discounted multi-ticket packages are available at: spac.org.

The programming kicks off with Pilobolus on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 2 and 7 p.m. Pilobolus’s new Re: Creation Tour reminds us that play and creativity are fundamental to the human experience and that stories are alive and breathing and can teach, comfort,

and connect us to ourselves and each other. Building on the success of their critically acclaimed Big Five-OH! Anniversary tour, Pilobolus moves confidently into the next half century of creation and performance. Alongside groundbreaking new pieces, the company breathes new life into beloved works from the past to create an experience both timely and timeless. Tickets cost $35-$75.

Avi Avital & Hanzhi Wang

- Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, 7 p.m. Mandolinist Avi Avital will make his SPAC debut alongside star accordionist Hanzhi Wang, in a truly unique program that will showcase each artist’s incredible virtuosity. Tickets cost $30-$55.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, American Panorama - Saturday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. Led by CMS Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han, this program will feature a roster of 13 musicians in a special performance of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring along with works by Dvořák and American Composers Arthur Foote and Harry Burleigh. Tickets cost $35-$65.

Säje - Saturday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Vocal supergroup, säje, is the brainchild of vocalist/composers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. Traversing a vast array of compelling original

material, beloved jazz standards, and contemporary reimaginings of artists such as The Bad Plus, YEBBA, and Björk, the all-female collective has demonstrated their devotion to thoughtful, sophisticated original compositions and heartfelt covers. Tickets are all general admission and cost $33.

Kings Return, We 4 Kings - Saturday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m. Kings Return is back by popular demand following their SPAC debut last spring. The unique, harmonizing group turned internet sensation captures the essence of an old-school a cappella quartet with sounds inspired by gospel and R&B. Tickets cost $25-$55.

Time for Three, Home for the Holidays - Saturday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Defying convention and boundaries, Time For Three stands at the busy intersection of Americana, modern pop, and classical music. In addition to their arrangements of Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Led Zeppelin and others, the trio featuring Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), will present special arrangements of holiday favorites including The Christmas Song, Edelweiss, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and a special Hanukah MashUP. Tickets cost $35-$65.

Kat Edmonson, Holiday Swingin’! - Sunday, Dec. 17, 4 p.m. Kat Edmonson and her band will perform Yuletide favorites along with Kat’s originals for a magical holiday evening celebration. Tickets cost $25-$55.

Coming in 2024: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Instrumental ArraySaturday, March 9; BalletX –Saturday and Sunday, March 16-17; TISRA: Zakir Hussain with Debopriya Chatterjee and Sabir Kahn - Saturday, March 23; Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Wu Han, David Finckel and Chad HoopesSaturday, May 11. Visit spac.org for additional details.

Hubbard Hall Center Announces New National Partnership with The Drama League of New York City

CAMBRIDGE —

Hubbard Hall has announced it has struck a new national partnership with The Drama League of New York for directing residencies at the Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education in Cambridge.

During week-long residencies, artists will come to the campus to develop their directing

craft, using the Hubbard Hall campus, as well as various sites around the village of Cambridge to create new work that will be available to view for free by the community at the end of each residency.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Drama League on the Beatrice Terry Directing Residency and the Next Stage Residency to bring some of

the best and brightest early career directors to our campus every summer,” Hubbard Hall Executive & Artistic Director David Andrew Snider said in a statement. “This collaboration will allow us to further support artists and the field at large, while bringing great art and artists to our rural community.”

Applications are now open for the artist development programs collectively called The Directors Project, which feature significant expansions for the 2024 class, including a firstever international fellowship for emerging directors with the Rose Theatre in London, UK; Obie Award-winning Keen Company to produce DirectorFest, offering historic Off-Broadway debuts for the Drama League’s Stage Directing Fellows; new partnerships with Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education; and the establishment of The Drama League Film Fund to assist stage directors looking to expand their work into film and television.

For more information about Hubbard Hall and its programs, go to: hubbardhall.org.

Week of September 8 – September 14, 2023

The Park Theater Foundation September Schedule

Entertainment & Arts

CulinaryArts Fall Series at SPAC: Joy of Oysters, Mushroom Experience

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces its innovative CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative will continue with two events slated for this fall at The Pines at SPAC.

Kicking off the series on Oct. 13 from 6-9 p.m. is The Joy of Oysters, featuring cocktails and culinary delights including oysters prepared in a variety of ways and conversation with The Joy of Oysters author Nils Bernstein and WAMC Northeast Public Radio’s Joe Donahue. There will also be live oyster shucking on site by Chef

Megan Diehl of Pop-up Oyster Bar Company.

Nov. 4 from 5-8:30 p.m., will feature The Mushroom Experience, spotlighting the beauty of fungi through a mushroom forward multi-course dinner, mushroom-infused cocktails, and thematic visual art and music experiences, in partnership with Collar City Mushrooms.

“Our latest CulinaryArts@ SPAC series will fuse expertled conversation, responsibly sourced food and drink, and a completely unique experience for our community to explore

both the ‘joy’ of oysters and the many fascinating and delicious facets of fungi,” Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of SPAC said in a statement. “Our hope is that these events will introduce new communities to SPAC’s ethos of connecting deeply to art, culture, nature and one another.”

Tickets to attend The Joy of Oysters are $95 and include drinks and tastings along with admission to the conversation. Tickets to attend The Mushroom Experience are $125 and include the multi-course supper, drinks and gratuity. Visit spac.org for details.

GLENS FALLS — The Park Theater Foundation presents ‘Live & Local: Songwriters’ Showcase’ - an intimate evening featuring some of the Capital Region’s favorite songwriters at 7 p.m. on Sept. 14. Hosted by performer, producer and engineer, Josh Morris, artists include Josh Morris, Luke Pascarella, J. Lee White & Caitlin Barker.

Tickets: Early Bird - $10| Day-of Show - $15.

‘Third Thursday Jazz’ with The Matt Niedbalski Trio featuring Adam Siegel (saxophonist) and Jason Emmond (bass) takes place 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21. Tickets: $10.

On Sept. 27, the Rochmon Record Club, AKA Chuck Vosganian, hosts a listening party that will focus on David Bowie’s “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from

Mars” (Tickets: $12, Doors: 6:30 p.m.), and on Sept. 27, the Park Theater Foundation presents ‘Comedy After Dark’ featuring highly acclaimed New York-based comedian, Gabe Mollica. Tickets:

Early Bird - $22 | Day-of Show$25. Doors: 7:30 p.m.

On Sept. 30, ‘The Park Presents’ alt-americana artist, Caleb Caudle, with special guest, Sydney Worthley. Heavily driven by songwriting, and skating the lines of folk, roots, country and bluegrass, Caleb Caudle has made appearances at Merlefest, Cayamo Cruise, Luck Reunion and Mountain Stage. Tickets:

Early Bird - $15 | Day Of Show$20. Doors: 7:30 p.m.

For the full performance listing or to purchase tickets, visit www.parktheatergf.com.

The theater is located on Park Street in Glens Falls.

University at Albany: 2023-24 Department of Music and Theatre Performances

ALBANY — The University at Albany Department of Music and Theatre has announced its performances for the 2023-24 season. Offering concerts by guest artists, faculty and students, the Music Program will present 23 performances. The Theatre Program will mount three full productions offering five to six performances of each show plus its annual festival of new plays.

All performances by the Department of Music and Theatre take place at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center on the main University at Albany campus at 1400 Washington Ave.

The season begins with Viva Mexico on Tuesday, Sept. 19,

at 7 p.m. Pianist Max Lifchitz celebrates the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month performing a recital featuring music by Mexican composers, and on Thursday, Oct. 12 the ending of Hispanic Heritage Month by performing a recital featuring dance-inspired music from the Americas, titled: Tangos & More.

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams: Wednesday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 22. This poetic drama, about the choices in the life of a young artist, made the yet-unknown playwright an overnight sensation. It’s an American classic: envisioned for our world today and our

unique theatre in the round. UAlbany Symphony Orchestra & Concert BandSunday, Oct. 22. Two of the University’s large ensembles present a shared program.

The Choral Hour - Saturday, Oct. 28. The UAlbany Chamber Singers and Community Chorale perform separately and combined in a program of music from a wide array of styles and culture. For the complete schedule of the Department’s performances November and beyond, go to: www.albany. edu/pac/department-musicand-theatre-performances. All tickets purchases must be made on-line at www.albany.edu/pac.

Caleb Caudle, live in Glens Falls on Sept. 30. Photo provided.

Notice of formation of CFO’Connor & Company LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/12/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 2 Saddle Way, Apt 4 Saratoga Springs NY 12866.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 08/04, 08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08/2023. 11023

Kiliaen’s Landing LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/20/2023. Office in Rensselaer Co. SSNY desig. Agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 60 Railroad Place, Suite 502, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: General. 08/04, 08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08/2023. 11036

Notice of formation of Very Vixen Mom LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/01/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 5 Southside Drive Suite 11-122 Clifton Park NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 08/04, 08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08/2023. 11051

Notice of formation of Grow For Me 5b, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/26/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 65 Linden Park Drive, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 08/04, 08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08/2023. 11053

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF NEW YORK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

The name of the limited liability company is MP Lawn Painting LLC. The Articles of Organization creating the limited liability company were filed in the Office of the Secretary of State on June 16, 2023. The principal office of the limited liability company is in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State is designated as the agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served and the post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail any copy of process against it is: 10 Independence Row, Stillwater, New York 12170. The limited liability company is formed for the purpose of engaging in any business purposes permitted by law. 08/04, 08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08/2023. 11055

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY (LLC). Name: Decker Management Services, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with New York State (SSNY) on: 06/02/2023. Office

Location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to Decker Management Services, LLC, 1005 Enclave Way, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Term: N/A. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized. 08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15/2023. 11084

Publication Notice of Organization of Professional Limited Liability Company. The name of the Professional Limited Liability Company is: Evaleen Fisher, MA, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, PLLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/28/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process

should be mailed to the LLC at: 648 Maple Ave. Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15/2023. 11097

Notice of formation of limited liability company (LLC). Name: 2905 ROUTE 9 MALTA LLC. The Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNYS) on JUNE 21, 2023. The company office is located in SARATOGA COUNTY. The SSNYS has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNYS shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 63 Putnam St., Suite 202, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The purpose of the company is to engage in any lawful business of every kind and character for which LLCs may be organized under the New York LLC Law, or any successor statute. 08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15/2023. 11102

Notice of formation of CMINARDI CONSULTING, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/02/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 11 Appletree Lane, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22/2023. 11124

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Name: 2 Irish Guys LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on August 10, 2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to:

c/o The LLC, 31 Nolan Road, South Glens Falls, NY 12803.

Purpose: Any lawful act or activities. 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22/2023.

Notice of formation of Bunker to Bunker, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on08/01/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 14 Harvest Lane, Wilton, NY 12831 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22/2023. 11126

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Lyonetics Consulting, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 8/7/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC c/o Michelle H. Wildgrube, Esq., Cioffi Slezak Wildgrube P.C., 1473 Erie Blvd., 1st Fl., Schenectady, NY 12305. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22/2023. 11130

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. 15229 NY-30 LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/12/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 45 Grange Road, Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22/2023. 11134

Notice of formation of N&J LEASING, LLC. Art of Org. filed with the Sec’y of State of

NY (SSNY) on 08/09/2023. Office location, Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent for the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: N&J Leasing, LLC, 419 State Route 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: any lawful act. 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22/2023. 11135

Publication Notice of Organization of Professional Limited Liability Company. The name of the Professional Limited Liability Company is: GRACE ALICE PFEIFER, NP IN PSYCHIATRY, PLLC (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”). The Articles of Organization of the Company were filed with the New York Secretary of State on July 20, 2023. The County within New York State in which the office of the Company is to be located is SARATOGA. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent upon whom process against the Company may be served. The post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is: GRACE ALICE PFEIFER, NP IN PSYCHIATRY, PLLC, 38 Pine Ridge Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: The Company’s professional service is Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry. 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22/2023. 11142

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Articles of Organization for a limited liability company named KFM Saratoga LLC were filed with the Department of State on July 19, 2021. The office of the LLC is to be located in Warren County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and the post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon him/her is 12 Fort

George Road, Lake George, New York 12845. The LLC has a perpetual existence. The character or purpose of the business of the LLC is real estate management and all activities incidental or complementary thereto, and such other activities as may be engaged in by a company formed under the Limited Liability Company Law. 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29/2023. 11161

Notice of Formation of an LLC: MDECK PROPERTIES, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 6, 2023.Office location: Saratoga County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Michael Decker, PO BOX 874, Broadalbin, NY 12025. 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29/2023. 11168

Notice of formation of Trip the Magic Circle LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/14/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 10 North Ln Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29/2023. 11169

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY. NAME:

DRAGONFLY CAPITAL LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/27/2023. Officelocation: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 36 Patricia Ln Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: for any lawful purpose. 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29/2023. 11174

Notice of formation of Santa Nick C. LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 8/21/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent

upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 14 S Jordan Drive Saratoga Springs NY 12866 . Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29/2023. 11176

Benson’s Fish Room, LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/29/2019. Office in Saratoga Co. SSNY desig. Agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1 #086, Buffalo, NY 14221. Purpose: General. 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, 10/06/2023. 11204

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Name of the LLC is: DJE 75 ENTERPRISES, LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on August 9, 2023. Office Location: 75 Ludlow Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, County of Saratoga. Under section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. The secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the secretary of state shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 75 Ludlow Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the LLCL. 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, 10/06/2023. 11208

Notice of formation of DUCLOS SCIENTIFIC, LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 08/08/23. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail to: The LLC, 61 Carriage Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: All legal purposes. 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, 10/06/2023. 11212

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY. NAME: Statesmen Property Consultants LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/21/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as

agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 90 Ludlow St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: for any lawful purpose. 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, 10/06/2023. 11214

Notice of formation of L. SINGH CONSULTANTS, LLC. Art of Org. filed with the Sec’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/28/2023. Office location, Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent for the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: L. Singh Consultants, LLC, 25 Wishing Well Road, Rexford, New York 12148. Purpose: any lawful act., 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, 10/06/2023. 11217

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). Name: B & T Services Management 2, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 8/28/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to: the LLC c/o Matthew Tarullo, 2 Christina Marie Drive, Clifton Park, New York 12065. Purpose: for all legal purposes. 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, 10/06/2023. 11218

Notice of formation of Southy’s, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 8/18/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon which process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 144 Wildwood Place, Queensbury, NY 12804. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, 10/06/2023. 11221

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF NEW YORK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

The name of limited liability company is George’s Landscape Co., LLC. The Articles of Organization creating the limited liability company were filed in the Office of the Secretary of State on August 29, 2023. The principal office of the limited liability company is in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State is designated as the agent of the

limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served and the post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail any copy of process against it is: 18 Terrace Avenue, South Glens Falls, New York 12803. The limited liability company is formed for the purpose of engaging in any business purposes permitted by law. 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, 10/06/2023. 11222

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Purchasing Department of Saratoga County, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 will receive sealed bids until 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 28, 2023 at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for the HVAC Modifications –Phase 1, Saratoga County Animal Shelter covered by the following:

Contract No. 23-PWASHAVC-

15(M) - Mechanical Construction

Contract No. 23-PWASHAVC-

15(E) - Electrical Construction

Contract No. 23-PWASHAVC-

15(P) - Plumbing Construction

A pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Bid documents may be examined on or after Friday, September 8, 2023 at the following location: Saratoga County Public Works Facility, 3654 Galway Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, 518885-2235

Bid documents may only be obtained on or after Friday, September 8, 2023 from The Empire State Bid System at no cost from the following website: www.empirestatebidsystem.com Saratoga County, through its Purchasing Department, reserves the right to reject any or all bids. All work shall be subject to equal opportunity in employment, State wage rates and all other requirements in accordance with applicable law.

JOHN T. WARMT, Director of Purchasing Saratoga County 09/08/2023, 11233

Notice of formation of Tusen Takk Holdings, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/31/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it

may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 140 County Road 67, Stillwater, NY 12170. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, 10/06, 10/13/2023. 11235

Notice of 30 Day Agricultural District Inclusions October 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023

Please take notice that pursuant to Section 303-b of Article 25-AA of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law (AML), Saratoga County is accepting applications from landowners wishing to have their predominately viable agricultural lands included in a Saratoga County consolidated agricultural district. The review period will be held between October 1 and October 31, 2023.

Saratoga County Consolidated Agricultural District #1 is comprised of the towns of Moreau, Northumberland, Saratoga, Stillwater, and Wilton. Saratoga County Consolidated Agricultural District #2 is comprised of the towns of Ballston, Charlton, Clifton Park, Corinth, Edinburg, Galway, Greenfield, Hadley, Malta, Milton, Providence and the City of Saratoga Springs.

Requests from landowners seeking inclusion into a certified agricultural district must be received in the Office of the Clerk of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, 40 McMaster Street, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020 by no later than October 31, 2023 or postmarked by October 31, 2023 if mailed. Please visit http://www.saratogacountyny. gov/departments/planning/ or contact the Saratoga County Department of Planning & Economic Development at 518-884-4705 for a copy of the Agricultural Inclusion Application Form.

Upon the termination of the thirty (30) day period, the proposed additions will be submitted to the Saratoga County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB) for review and recommendation.

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at a later date to consider all inclusion requests and the recommendations of the Saratoga County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board.

Please contact the Saratoga County Department of Planning & Economic Development for more information. 09/08/2023, 11237

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Saratoga Race Meet Ends on a High Note

this with 36 fewer starts for the meet than Brown - 147 vs. 183and considerably less expensive racing stock.

by William G. Gotimer, Jr. for Saratoga TODAY

And just like that the Saratoga Race Course rebounded with a tremendous final week of racing under spectacularly clear skies and comfortable temperatures. While the previous six weeks were bedeviled by a legion of problems, the final week saw competitive races with larger fields and happy crowds enjoying the facility and its history. This was a throwback to earlier years as a sense of optimism and friendship was in the air.

LINDA RICE LEADING TRAINER

With a furious late rally in the closing days of the meet, trainer Linda Rice tied perennial leading trainer Chad Brown with 35 wins. She accomplished

Linda Rice’s phoenixlike rise from the ashes of her long-running legal battle with the New York State Gaming Commission is truly remarkable. In preparation for the meet, she amassed an impressive corps of runners primarily through the claiming boxes in New York and Kentucky. She arrived prepared from day one and ran her horses in every conceivable winning spot, bobbing and weaving in and among the various race conditions.

A knowledgeable horse owner convinced me that not only is Linda Rice the leading trainer for the Saratoga meet – she is the leading contender for Trainer of the Year in North America for 2023. Her performance this Saratoga meet builds upon her successes downstate and was accomplished mostly without the backing of moneyed owners. It is difficult to name a trainer who has had a better year.

Other trainers with notable meets were Gary Contessa who won only two races but made them count with upset winners on opening day with 2-yearold filly - Becky’ Joker - in the Schuylerville Stakes and then

again on closing day with the 2-year-old colt – Nutella Fella - in the Hopeful. Both won at long odds.

Other phoenix-like rises occurred for trainers Mark Hennig and Dick Dutrow both of whom had stellar meets and trainer Patrick Quick who had a successful meet with his small string of horses and should have more horses and better stock.

Irad Ortiz easily won the jockey title, but jockey Javier Castellano was the headliner as he continued his stellar 2023 with wins in both the Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup.

MIKE VENEZIA MEMORIAL AWARDJUNIOR ALVARADO

The 2023 Mike Venezia Memorial Award was presented to this year’s recipient Junior Alvarado in an emotional ceremony after Saturday’s 4th race (in which Alvarado won an unbelievably close photo finish). The award is named in honor of jockey Mike Venezia who was tragically killed in a

spill at Belmont Park in 1988.

The award is presented to a jockey who evidences the sportsmanship and citizenship that personified Mike Venezia. The Venezia family, including his widow Helene and children Michael and Alison, were in full attendance to honor his memory and considerable legacy of charitable works. Emotional speeches by Venezia’s son Michael and former rider Richard Migliore recalled the elder Venezia’s accomplishments off the track in supporting those in need as well as his mentorship to younger riders and service as the President of the Jockeys’ Guild.

Jockey Junior Alvarado, a Venezuelan native who is now proudly a US citizen, humbly accepted the honor while eloquently saying, “The Venezia Memorial Award is about representing the sport we love so much in the best way possible, I am thankful and proud to be chosen as this year’s winner and I look forward to celebrating

with my family and thanking the Venezia family here at Saratoga Race Course.”

(As an aside, Alvarado concluded the race meet with an outstanding ride winning in the aforementioned Hopeful Stakes aboard Nutella Fella with a ride that is well worth watching again.)

GOODBYES

The final week of the Saratoga meet was filled with goodbyes and well wishes among the racing world, its fans and visitors. It is oft said that parting is sweet sorrow but the timeless nature of racing in general, and Saratoga in particular, makes the saying “till we meet again” particularly apropos. Nowhere was that more evident than the final Saturday night at Siros when old friends gathered (where they have for so many years) and celebrated the completion of another successful season. Those lucky enough to be in attendance after the outside bar closed saw what was perhaps the performance of the year when talented Siros’ employee Andrea Jacobs, regaled the crowd with two show stopping songs in the piano bar. It was a fitting way to bring down the curtain on the season.

PERSONAL

It has been my great pleasure and honor to write this weekly column. I have tried to capture accurately and honestly what the Saratoga Race Course scene means to its participants and fans. It is mostly about friends – old ones, new ones and those that are yet to come. I appreciate the many kind words I have received and value additional input. I may be reached at wgotimer@verizon.net.

Photo provided by NYRA.

Saratoga Bridges’ 23rd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Saratoga Bridges will host its 23rd annual Great Pumpkin Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 30, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The event includes a 5K, 10K, and Kid’s Fun Run, starting and finishing at the Columbia Pavilion in the Saratoga Spa State Park, according to a press release. The races are NET

Chip-timed. The fundraiser benefits Saratoga Bridges’ essential nonfunded or underfunded programs, services and activities, as well as assists with rewarding their staff.

Individuals, friends, families, coworkers and corporate teams can register at saratogabridges. org. The registration fee is $25

through Friday, Sept. 15. The registration fee increases to $30 beginning Saturday, Sept. 16. Online registration will end on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. After Tuesday, September 26, registration will only be available in person at 16 Saratoga Bridges Blvd. in Ballston Spa on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 27 and 28, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30

p.m. and Friday, Sept. 29 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. No registration will be available after this time.

Saratoga Bridges will also be holding a virtual option for $30. T-shirts will be mailed to virtual participants. Times for virtual can be submitted to the timing company. The first 1,500 registered will receive a longsleeve moisture wicking shirt.

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd males and females in each age group. There will be giveaways, refreshments, donated food and beverages, favorite pumpkin and costume contests. For more information on volunteering or about the event, contact Pamela Polacsek at ppolacsek@saratogabridges.org or 518-587-0723 ext. 1255.

Snapshot from last year’s Saratoga Bridges Great Pumpkin Challenge, 2022. Photos provided.

C3 Hip-Hop Dance Co. Preparing to Begin First Full Season

by Dylan McGlynn for Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS

—

After kicking off a successful inaugural half-season in January, Saratoga Springs-based C3 Hip-Hop Dance Co. is preparing to begin its first full season this September, offering kids a chance to connect and perform in the local community.

C3 was founded by Julie Labate, a Miami native who grew up dancing with a variety of teams in the local area.

After moving to Saratoga Springs, Labate started C3 with the hopes of establishing a program of her own. C3’s initial halfseason began in January, with Labate saying the first months “went great.” She said there were 36 kids and three different teams participating in total.

“It was really neat watching everything come to life,” Labate said.

The teams performed in the local community several times throughout the year, including

Fun And Games

performances in the auditorium at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, at The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and at the Saratoga Race Course.

“I like to give them performance opportunities, because I think it brings out that nextlevel feeling, that out of body, larger than life, on-stage feeling,” Labate said.

C3 also held a year-end recital at The Night Owl, which Labate described as “a big outdoor celebration.”

“The kids performed, but the parents stuck around after,” said Labate. “I wanted it to be the community coming together to celebrate an awesome first season, as opposed to just having them up on stage, watching them, and departing.”

Labate said the company is looking forward to beginning its first full season this September.

C3 will host tryouts on Sept. 10, with the season set to begin on Sept. 17.

She noted the first half of the season will be focused on training and skill-building, while the second half of the season will be focused on performance routines.

“This full season, we have so much time to really dig in, and actually get the kids trained and have time for team bonding, have time for get-togethers,” said Labate. “It’s just an even greater opportunity for the connections that the kids are already making, to really dig into them.”

C3 is also expecting to grow this fall, with Labate saying she is expecting to “more than double in size.” She said they will offer two teams at both the peewee and junior level in addition to a “mini-team” for ages three and up, as well as the possibility of both an intermediate team and an advanced team, depending on the number of kids who try out.

“So, I have kids of the same age practicing on both Sundays and other kids of the same age on Mondays,” Labate said. “They have more flexibility with

Puzzle Solutions

See puzzles pg. 19

what works best for their family and their scheduling.”

Signups are available at c3hiphopdance.com. Labate emphasized that C3 will continue to perform around the local community, saying they are set to return to the Festival of Young Artists next summer, and noting that the intermediate team and the potential advanced team would plan to begin competition this season.

“Kids who want to do anything above the novice level need to attend a tryout,” said Labate. “When they try out, they get placed onto whatever skill level they’re ready for.”

Labate said it is meaningful to see the impact on the kids, noting many of them have become friends and “found

their home” at C3.

“A lot of parents told me that a lot of these kids were still trying to find what activity worked for them. Then they found hip-hop, and it’s like they found their thing,” she said. “It’s a larger than life, surreal feeling to watch kids be that connected to it.”

And while she noted the company is expecting to grow significantly this season, Labate emphasized her goal of maintaining a personal connection with every kid.

“I just want it to be a sustainable homebase for people,” said Labate. “I think that the kids are starting to feel that, and I’m starting to feel that as well, because of the way that it’s impacting families.”

Photos provided by Julie Labate.

Ballston Spa Football Looking To Go ‘A Day At A Time’

by Dylan McGlynn for Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA —

Coming off a strong 2022 season in Class A, the Ballston Spa varsity football team is back in Class AA this year and looking to take things “a day at a time.”

Scotties’ head coach Jason Ohnsman acknowledged the Class AA schedule will be a “week-in, week-out gauntlet of quality competition.”

“It’ll be different, and it’s something that not a lot of these kids have ever experienced,” said Ohnsman. “But definitely something we’re looking forward to.”

While the Scotties graduated a strong 2022 class that included players such as Darrien Insogna, Aidan Davis, Isaac Turenne, and Troy Gottmann, the team also has a strong group of returning players.

Ohnsman said impact players for Ballston Spa this year will include quarterback Nico Savini, receiver/linebacker Blaine Zoller, and others including Brayson Cornick, Nick Orzel, Jacob Powell, Kala’i Makanani, and Michael Stamper.

“Having those guys back is always nice, because they kind of have a very calm demeanor about maybe more intense

situations, because they’ve been there before,” Ohnsman said.

Cornick said the team is hoping to approach each game “one by one” throughout the season, something that was emphasized by Ohnsman.

“Defensively, we’re just trying to hit hard and compete,” Powell added. “Trying to dictate what the offense does, don’t let them dictate what we do.”

Ohnsman praised the team’s leaders for “setting a tone” throughout summer practices leading up to the Scotties’ Week Zero game against Liverpool (Sec. III), a 61-44 loss.

“Football can be tough, in

the sense that it’s a lot of practicing, a lot of lifting, and you only get a couple games every year,” said Ohnsman. “We try to be very compartmentalized in the fact that we just want to focus on what we’re trying to accomplish today, because ultimately, if we can stack those days, we’ll be in good shape.”

Savini also said the team is aiming to take each game one by one, with Cornick adding that they are excited to compete.

“We’re all very close this year, so it’s like going out and playing with your best friends,” said Cornick. “It’s just fun.”

Ballston Spa hosts Amsterdam at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Scotties will open Class AA play at Saratoga Springs the following week.

While the team is aiming for a playoff appearance, Ohnsman again emphasized that the Scotties are simply focusing on what is in front of them day to day.

“I’d be silly if I didn’t think these guys were thinking playoffs, but we’re trying to focus on getting there first,” Ohnsman said. “That’s a byproduct of our process. If we can handle the things we do day to day, week to week, then that ends up coming to fruition because of those things we’ve done previously.”

Photo by Village Photo.

Saratoga Springs Hosts

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Monday

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The city of Saratoga Springs will hold a 9/11 ceremony to remember and honor the lives that were lost and those who served.

The ceremony will begin 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at the Tempered by Memory Sculpture at High Rock Park.

The 25-foot-tall sculpture was commissioned by Saratoga Arts and created by artists Noah Savett and John Van Alstine from five twisted pieces of Trade Center steel. Four pieces came from the North Tower, one came from the South Tower. The sculpture was dedicated at High Rock Park in 2012, following lengthy public and political discourse regarding its location placement.

Monday’s ceremony will feature speakers Kathleen Shaw, who responded with NYS Urban/Technical Search and Rescue team NYRRT-1, Lt. Tucker Bonow of the Saratoga Springs Naval Support Activity

See "C3 Hip-Hop First Full Season" pg. 34

See "School Supplies Donations" pg. 20

9/11 Ceremony in High Rock Park. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.