Saratoga TODAY February 3 - 9, 2023

OFF TO NATIONALS

Local Teens Qualify for National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships

Parents Push Back on Homeless Shelter Location

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

A plan by Saratoga Springs city officials to establish a homeless shelter on Williams Street has been met with backlash from parents and community members at Saratoga Central Catholic School, who say the shelter could create safety concerns for the school’s students.

On Monday, Jan. 30, a large crowd attended a meeting held at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs to discuss the shelter.

See Story pg. 17

DUELING PETITIONS Changes Coming to Union Ave.

BALLSTON SPA — Three local teens are heading west in June, competing at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Amber Cook, Paige Cook, and Rachel Wilbur, members of the 4-H Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, all qualified for the National Championships after competing at the New York State 4-H Shooting Sports Championships. Amber Cook will compete on New York’s Shotgun team, while Paige Cook and Wilbur will each compete on New York’s Archery team.

See Story pg. 30

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Changes are coming to Union Avenue. A public meeting scheduled to take place Thursday, Feb. 9 may go a long way in determining the substance of those alterations along one of the Spa City’s most notable thoroughfares.

Already decided: the NYS Department of Transportation will soon begin making improvements – including markings for a bike path - between Henning Road (by Exit 14 of the Northway) and East Avenue (where Saratoga Race Course is located).

The city meanwhile is considering making improvements along the lower portion of Union Avenue that would connect the NYSDOT’s bike path to Circular Street –the location of Congress Park.

Additionally, the city is considering the possibility of reducing vehicle lane traffic along a portion of that lower segment, between Circular Street and Nelson Avenue, and create a protected bike lane that would make that path safer.

Petitions with opposing viewpoints, each garnering hundreds of signatures, have been posted on the website change.org.

See Story pg. 9

Amber Cook (left), Paige Cook (middle), and Rachel Wilbur (right) qualified for the 2023 National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Photo provided by Kim Wilbur.

Kevin Zacharewicz, a member of the Saratoga Central Catholic School Safety Committee, speaks at a meeting at the Holiday Inn on Monday, Jan. 30. Photo by Dylan McGlynn.

Man Who Robbed Saratoga Springs Bank Sentenced to 17-Years-To-Life After Strangling Cellmate

CATSKILL — A 44-yearold man serving a prison sentence for forcibly robbing the main branch of the Adirondack Trust Company in 2017, has been sentenced to 17 years to life in prison for strangling to death his cellmate at a state prison in Greene County.

In December 2017, Anthony J. Paradise, who had been staying

short term of Ballston Spa, was taken in to custody by Saratoga Springs in connection with the bank robbery in which Paradise was charged with forcibly stealing in excess of $3,000 from the bank.

As reported by the TimesUnion on Jan. 31, Paradise strangled Delmus Tanner with a bedsheet in November 2018 while the two were incarcerated

at Greene Correctional Facility, according to District Attorney Joe Stanzione. Tanner, who was serving a five-year sentence for attempted drug sale, died four days after the attack.

Paradise is eligible for parole in 17 years, and could be released in 2040, provided his behavior behind bars is good, according to the Times-Union.

City Declares Feb. 1-7 National Gun Violence Survivor Week in Saratoga Springs

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs will joining other cities across the United States in declaring the first week of February as National Gun Violence Survivor Week, Mayor Ron Kim announced Feb. 1.

“By early February, more people are killed with guns in the United States than are killed with guns in any other highincome country in an entire year,”

the mayor said in a statement, explaining the significance of the chosen date.

The majority of American adults, or someone they care for, will experience gun violence in their lifetime. This includes gun suicides, gun homicides, domestic violence situations involving guns, shootings by law enforcement, and unintentional shootings, according to a release from

the city.

Harvard Medical School researchers reported that gun violence cost Americans about $557 billion annually. National Gun Violence Survivor Week is an initiative of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

“It’s imperative we continue pursuing all avenues available to us to keep firearms out of the hands of those who are a danger to themselves or others,” Kim said.

Stewart’s

Shops

President Gary Dake to Work a Shift in Schuylerville and Ballston Lake to Celebrate Holiday Match Collections

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake will personally thank customers and shop partners for their support of the Holiday Match campaign by getting behind the register.

Dake was at the Stewart’s Shops at 208 Broad Street in Schuylerville on Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This location was one of the top collection shops for the Holiday Match program, collecting $9,780. He will also be at the Stewart’s on 322 Ushers Road in Ballston Lake on Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Ushers Road location grew their collection by

94% over the previous year.

The 2022 Holiday Match program has raised over $2 million for local children’s organizations. From Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, Stewart’s customers donated over $1,011,000 to the program. Each individual donation is matched penny for penny by Stewart’s Shops. There are no administrative costs, and 100% of the funds benefit local, non-profit children’s organizations.

Over 1,700 nonprofit organizations received funding from last year’s Holiday Match campaign. The program has allocated

nearly $36 million since 1986. All local children’s charities are encouraged to apply for funding annually from the Holiday Match Program. A listing of all the charities that received Holiday Match funding last year is available at stewartsshops.com.

Time is running out for children’s charities to apply for Holiday Match funding. The deadline is January 31, 2023. Organizations can easily apply online at stewartsshops.com. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization.

Saratoga Springs’

State

Of The City Address Friday at Music Hall

CHOWDERFEST 2023 CHOWDERFEST 2023

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Save the date for the 24th Annual Saratoga Chowderfest on Saturday, February 11 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Familyfriendly, fun and utterly delicious, Chowderfest features more than 80 vendors—including Saratoga County’s best restaurants and caterers—who open their doors to the public and serve 4 oz. samples of chowder for $2 to event goers. Visit participating vendors and vote for your favorite. For a list of vendors go to www.discoversaratoga.org/ events/chowderfest.

This year’s Chowderfest will also feature live music at various locations, Dog Lover Rescue’s pet adoption across from the Saratoga City Center and free Death Wish Coffee samples on Caroline Street.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

City Mayor Ron Kim announced this week he will deliver the State of City Address for Saratoga Springs at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, from the third floor Music Hall in City Hall.

Congressman Paul Tonko will join Mayor Kim to provide an

update on his work in Washington for Saratogians.

The address will also be livestreamed on the city’s website at Saratoga-springs.org.

Highlights of the address will cover accomplishments of the past year and goals for the new year.

Kids’ activities include Balloon Gal Jenny and face painting by Miss Stacey’s Faces at the Saratoga City Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway will also be at the Saratoga Springs City Center running a model train and hosting a coloring contest for the kids to win free tickets on the train. Other kids’ activities scheduled are dropin crafts at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, literacy-based programs at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, and Character Creations by Erin Joyce will be providing face painting at the Saratoga Springs

Heritage Area Visitor Center from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Take a picture with Chester the Chowda-Bear at Saratoga Candy Company from 12 -2 p.m.

Avoid parking challenges and jump on the free shuttle running from the Saratoga Casino Hotel (Crescent Ave parking lot) to Congress Park. The 3 shuttles will run from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Also, remember the Saratoga Springs City Center parking garage holds over 600 vehicles!

For more information and event updates visit www.discoversaratoga. org/events/chowderfest.

Saratoga Springs City Hall.

Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

24th annual Saratoga Chowderfest will take place Saturday, Feb. 11. Artwork provided.

Waylon Edward “Bucky” Loftis

Sheri (Boucher) Loftis on June 3, 1990, at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, California. He was the baby brother to Cody, Jacob, Candace, Rhiannon, and Keith James. He was a very passionate and devoted husband to Kandace Loftis and the most amazing and loving father to both Wyatt and Wesson Loftis.

SAN DIEGO, CA — Waylon

Edward “Bucky” Loftis, longtime Saratoga Springs, NY resident, passed away on December 21, 2022 in San Diego, California where he lived with his cherished wife and children. Waylon, 33, was a loving and devoted husband, father, son and brother. He is much loved and adored and will be forever missed by his family and friends.

Waylon was born to Keith and

Michael Paul Ripchk

LAKE BOMOSEEN, VT —

God welcomed home one of His angels. Michael Paul Ripchik passed away at his home in Lake Bomoseen on January 17, 2023 at the age of 59. For those who had the chance to meet Mike, they know how truly special he was. He brought smiles and a warmth of unconditional love to everyone he touched. Michael was born on June 11, 1963, in Saratoga Springs.

Mike was always around sports and loved his professional wrestling. He was a lifelong “Blue Streak” fan. There wouldn’t be a week that passed that Mike wasn’t seen wearing either a WWE shirt or the Riddell practice jersey that he got from the HS football coach. He

After graduation from Saratoga Springs High School, Waylon moved back to his hometown of El Cajon, California. He loved working with his brother Keith James at Loftis Motorsports. There he met his best friend and the LOVE of his life, Kandace Guevara, on June 8, 2008. They both were 18 years old, and it was love at first sight! They married on September 1, 2016. From this beautiful union they were blessed with two beautiful miniWaylon’s, Wyatt Jameson Loftis (9 yrs. old) and Wesson Kash Loftis (6 yrs. old). Waylon was the most patient, compassionate, and warmhearted father his sons could ask for. His family was his “heart,” his world and

followed his favorite athlete Tom Brady, rooting on the Patriots and then Buccaneers. Mike participated and supported the Special Olympics and especially enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews play in all of their games and matches either in person or online.

Mike was one of the first students to be part of the Saratoga ARC program who would also learn a skill as part of Saratoga BOCES. Prior to his retirement he would use what he learned at school in several jobs. He worked as a kitchen helper at the O’Bryan Inn, and Saint Clement’s Parish, and also as a volunteer worker at Lee Community Health Care Nursing Home. However, the jobs he enjoyed the most were as an usher and greeter at St Columbkille Church, and the “Mayor” of Cinnamon Cove. Mike could be seen every weekend when he was in Florida smiling and saying hello to the parishioners as they entered. In the neighborhood he could often be seen laying in the sun, swimming at the pool, or playing a game of billiards at the clubhouse in his Fort Myers, FL community. Mike was bigger than life, and he couldn’t be missed riding around the neighborhood on his bike wearing his official title hat for everyone to see.

everything he looked forward to. He took every opportunity to teach his boys all that he knew. His sons will forever cherish memories and lessons learned from spending time with their beloved father fishing, hunting, skateboarding, BMX riding, and working on automobiles. Above all, he taught them to be proud respectful young men.

Waylon felt honored to be part of a brotherhood with the Local 229 as an Ironworker. Waylon never failed to pass up an opportunity to show his wittiness or play a good joke while working with his fellow Rod Buster brothers.

Waylon was fun-loving—he loved to surf and snowboard. He was kind-spirited, giving, and there is nothing he wouldn’t do for someone in need. Waylon had an immense impact on everyone he came across during his lifetime and will be forever missed by us all.

Rest in peace, Bucky. I love you, Momma

Michael is survived by his mother and father, Suzanne and Paul Ripchik, his brother and sister Paul Ripchik Jr (Amy) and Ann Laros (Adrian), and his five nieces and nephews loved him dearly; Spencer and Ellie Ripchik, Aidan, Adam and Allison Laros. He was predeceased by his Nana and Poppi, Dorothy and Arthur Boddette, and Mamere and Papere, Theresa and Peter Ripchik. His family meant the world to him, and their lives have been enriched by his love.

A memorial service will be held on June 10, 2023 at St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes, VT. This was the church that Michael grew up going to as a young boy. A reception will be held following at his home in Bomoseen, Vermont. His final resting place will be at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Fort Myers, FL.

Michael could often be seen watching commercials for St Jude’s Research Hospital. Mike was always giving away the dollars he had in his wallet. You could know that Mike would sneak a couple in your card or a letter that he might send. His family would ask that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in Mike’s name to St. Jude’s www. stjude.org/give/memorials-anddedications.html

Robert G. Young

FAIRPORT — Robert (Bob)

G. Young of Fairport, died January 24 at Fairport Baptist home after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. There will be no calling hours. A private ceremony will be held at Saratoga National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. For condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Sandra M. Ganzevoort

GANSEVOORT — Sandra M. Ganzevoort (Pelzer), age 58, passed away unexpectedly January 24 at her home in Providence. Calling hours was held 6-8 p.m., February 1 Compassionate Funeral Care. A private burial was held at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Ave, Saratoga Springs. For condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Martin “Marty” Hartmann Jr.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Martin “Marty” Hartmann Jr., 85, passed away on January 24, 2023. Calling hours were held on January 31, 2023, Burke Funeral Home, Saratoga Springs. Funeral home service was also held on January 31, 2023 by Pastor Adam Wiegand. Burial will be private. Please visit burkefuneralhome.com

Judith A. Callahan

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Judith A. Callahan, 80, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2023. Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Joseph N. Comiskey

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joseph N. Comiskey, 102, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2023. Calling hours were held on Tuesday, 1/31/2023 at Burke Funeral Home followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Church of St. Peter and burial with military honors following at Saratoga National Cemetery. Please visit www. burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Rita Marie Bell

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rita Marie Bell, 92, passed away peacefully at Wesley Nursing Home on January 27, 2023. Calling hours 10-11:45 a.m., Tuesday, 2/7/2023 at Burke Funeral Home followed by funeral home service and burial at Saratoga National Cemetery at 1 p.m. Memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. www. burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

On January 19, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested Bryan S. Pallone, following an investigation into the sales of cocaine within Saratoga County. Pallone is currently incarcerated at the Schenectady County Jail, pending 29 open cases, 19 of them being felonies. This does not include additional multiple warrants that have yet to be executed throughout the Capital Region, involving mostly larceny related offenses, according to the sheriff’s office.

William C. Maguire, 27, of Voorheesville, was charged Jan. 23 with two felony counts of rape, and one felony count criminal sexual act in the first-degree. Maguire is accused of engaging in sexual contact with a girl under the age of 15 by forcible compulsion in the Town of Providence. He was sent to the Saratoga County Jail

in lieu of $75,000 cash bail, $150,000 bond and $750,000 partially secured bond.

SARATOGA POLICE

Vasilea Vazanellis, 48, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 25 with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell –both felonies, and the misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree.

Kenneth Hunter, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 26 with criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense.

Daniel Johnston, 25, of Clifton Park, was charged Jan. 26 with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Robert Hummel, 34, of Glenmont, was charged Jan. 26 with stalking.

James Bernardoni, 52, of Grand Island, NY, was charged Jan.

26 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, circumvent interlock, equipment violation – no/inadequate lights, and criminal impersonation in the second-degree.

Trenton Hall, 35, of Gansevoort, was charged Jan. 24 with criminal contempt.

Jacklyn Parker, 22, of Watervliet, was charged Jan. 24 with grand larceny, and burglary.

Spencer Cornell, 21, of Greenfield Center, was charged Jan. 24 with criminal possession of cannabis – more than two pounds concentrated, and criminal possession of a firearm.

Clifton Cage, 43, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 23 with robbery in the thirddegree, aggravated family offense, and two counts of criminal mischief.

Joseph Sokol, 33, of Scotia, was charged Jan. 22 with DWI, aggravated DWI, and leaving

the scene of a property damage accident.

Brittany Cashion, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 22 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and passing a red light.

William Rolon-Ocasio, was charged Jan. 22 with criminal possession of a weapon, coercion, menacing, and stalking.

Robert Lambert, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 22 with criminal tampering, and criminal mischief.

Ulises Rivas Flores, 29, of Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 22 with DWI, aggravated

DWI, and driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Carissa Hudman, 34, of Broadalbin, was charged Jan. 21 with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Celestino Williams, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 21 with criminal trespass, resisting arrest, harassment, and obstruction of governmental official.

Kimberly Herrick, 37, of Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 21 with DWI, and aggravated DWI.

Savannah Smith, 32, of Troy, was charged Jan. 20 with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Locally Owned & Operated

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

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

MARKETING DIRECTOR

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

ADVERTISING

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Cindy Durfey 518-581-2480 x204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com

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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

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal

Snowmobile Crash

EDINBURG — The Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a personal injury snowmobile crash on Sacandaga Lake in the area of Lunker Lane in the town of Edinburg at 11:35 p.m. on Jan. 28.

As a result of the crash,

Letters

Garrett E. Macintosh, 20, of Florida, N.Y. was transported to Nathan Littauer Hospital by Edinburg EMS where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation is ongoing at this time.

TO THE EDITOR

Child Safety Concern in Response to Homeless Shelter

I thought the article, Permanent Homeless Shelter - Problem Solved, Problems Arise, was a really good article. It was a fair report showing the needs of the homeless population in the city as well as the dangers Catholic school children will face having a homeless shelter right next to their school. I’m reading a lot of comments online from people who support the homeless at the risk of a child’s safety. I can’t help thinking they would not make those comments if these were public school children.

The city would never put a homeless shelter next to a public school. And the outcry from parents would be deafening and understandable. All children deserve a safe place to go to school and a safe buffer zone to walk to and from their bus and athletic field. No amount of fencing will stop the mentally unwell and homeless from getting close to these children.

It appears the city council’s disdain for families who choose a private and religious school is so great, they are willing to endanger these kids.

- JENNIFER RICHARD

Eagle Watch, Hikes at Moreau State Park This Month

MOREAU — Moreau Lake State Park, located at 605 Old Saratoga Rd. in Gansevoort, has announced the following events to take place in February:

Sundays: Feb. 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 9 a.m. Eagle Watch - Join a Park Educator on a convoy-style journey along the Hudson River to try to spot our local Bald Eagles. We will be getting in and out of vehicles at a few locations and, with a little luck, viewing the eagles through binoculars and a scope so make sure to bring your hat and gloves! If you have binoculars bring them; we do have a couple of pair to pass around as well. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 per adult (18+) and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call or text 518-917-2174.

Sunday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. Full Moon Hike - Join a Park Educator on a beginner hike around Moreau Lake. This hike is family friendly and well-behaved dogs on a 6 foot or shorter leash are welcome. Dress for the weather and bring microspikes or snowshoes; there are limited numbers of micro-spikes to borrow and snowshoes to rent ($5 per pair) if weather-appropriate- let us know if you need either when you sign up. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance- the earlier the better as this is a popular program and it fills up quickly. The cost is $5 for adults (18+) and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office

upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call or text 518-917-2174.

Thursday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. Grow Your Own Sprouts - Come and learn how- and why you’d want to- grow your own sprouts at home. Bring a quart sized wide mouth mason jar, we will provide the sprouting lid and your first batch of seeds to sprout. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 each, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call or text 518-917-2174.

Friday, Feb. 10, Feb. 17 & 24 at 9:30 a.m. Wiggly WanderersA new program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be a beginner’s hike/wander series for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. We will not plan too much distance walking and we will rely on teachable moments to carry us through these experiences. Strollers will not work for these programs. While you do not need to attend each week, we will continue to build our toddlers hiking skills as well as their caregivers’ confidence taking the children into the woods to explore. This program is a drop-in program, please be on time as we will be starting our hike at 9:35 a.m.

Upcoming: 1 p.m. Feb. 12 - Family Hike; 11 a.m. Feb. 14 Lake Bonita Hike; 10 a.m. Feb. 16 Knee-high Naturalist; 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 18 - Luminary Walk.

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Simply Saratoga: Feb. 17 Spring Issue

Letters to the Editor Policy: Letters to the Editor should be 200 words or less. Preference is given to typed, concise letters. All letters are subject to editing for length or clarity. Writers are limited to one published letter per month. We reserve the right not to publish a letter. Submit to CBeatty@SaratogaPublishing.com.

Bacon Hill Hamlet Is Focus of History Center Video

BALLSTON SPA —

The Saratoga County History Center announced that the Bacon Hill community is the subject of an upcoming local history documentary, which will premiere in special screenings in March.

The documentary is part of the Forgotten Crossroads series of videos which tells the history and stories of people living in still-existing communities that started in the early days of Saratoga County.

“Our county is brimming with these long-overlooked hamlets; each has a unique story to tell, and the History Center should be applauded for bringing these to light,” said Lauren Roberts, Saratoga County Historian. “Many county residents will be surprised that these ‘crossroads’

are still vibrant communities.”

This episode of Forgotten Crossroads highlights Bacon Hill, a small crossroads 2 miles northwest of Schuylerville along New York State Route 32 in the town of Northumberland. The hamlet center is the Reformed Church which celebrated its 200th anniversary three years ago and is home to several large farms owned and operated by families who can trace their ownership back many generations.

“Bacon Hill is a special place with special people,” explains SCHC’s Jim Richmond, volunteer director of the film. Richmond has enjoyed working closely with a group of local residents since the summer of 2022. “From our first meeting, they embraced the challenge of telling the story of

the community they love. They brought binders of pictures and scrapbooks at each meeting that helped tell their stories.”

The video will premiere at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa in late March and the Bacon Hill Church in mid-April.

Each episode of Forgotten Crossroads builds on the history of bypassed Saratoga County communities of the 19th and 20th centuries and the stories of the people still living in the community. The first episode in the series focused on Rock City Falls in the town of Milton and was released in April 2022 and is available on Saratoga County History Center’s YouTube channel.

For more information about Saratoga County History Center, go to: brooksidemuseum.org.

Now is your chance to get your photos published! Submit your “Photo of the Week” for a chance to be PUBLISHED IN PRINT in Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.

Winter contest photo submissions close Feb. 15. One photo will be chosen each week. Email your photo to: Design@ SaratogaPublishing.com All submissions will be added to our website: saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com/ galleries.

“Curtis Park, Along The Hudson River, Corinth”

Photo by Nick Partrick

Saratoga’s Bacon Hill community will be featured in the second episode of Forgotten Crossroads, which premieres in March. Pictured is contributor Jean Peck at Clear Echo Farm. Photo provided.

Video director, Jim Richmond (right), discussing video with farmer, Jeff King. Photo provided.

“Hiking the Geyser Trail in Saratoga State Park”

Photo by Tina Marie DeVincenzo

Honorable Mention!

Saratoga County Career Center Announces February Virtual Workshops: Free Career Workshops Provided by the Greater Capital Region Career Centers

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops in February:

February 8 at 10 a.m.: Goal Setting. This workshop explores how goal setting works, why goals are important, and provides helpful resources to get you started to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington and Albany.

February 14 at 10:30 a.m.: Interview Preparation. Learn how to articulate your strengths,

what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady.

February 16 at 11 a.m.: Completing Job Applications. Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

February 23 at 1:30 p.m.:

UPCOMING MEETINGS

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Social Media. Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.

February 28 at 11 a.m.: Overcoming Barriers. Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Saratoga and Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie. Registration is required for all workshops. Visit thejoblink.org/ calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at 518-884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.

The Saratoga Springs City Council will stage their regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7 at City Hall.

The Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals will stage their meeting 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6 at City Hall. Agenda items are as follows:

• Procedural: 172 Caroline Final Subdivision - Consideration of Coordinated SEQRA Review and advisory opinion from the Planning Board for a proposed two-lot subdivision.

• New Business: 116 White St - Area Variance to permit a two-story addition and replacement of the stone foundation; 112 Fifth - Area variance to permit the construction of a garage addition and new roof over existing deck.

• Continued Business: Area Variance to permit addition, extension, renovation or construction at 6 Seward; 10A Nelson Ave.; 140 West Circular; 122 Madison; 83 Nelson; 28 North Lane-96 Union; 110-114 Nelson; 139 State St. The Complete Streets Advisory Board will hold its meeting 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 at City Hall.

Web: Saratoga-springs.org.

SARATOGA COUNTY

Tuesday, Feb. 7: Veterans’ Affairs (2 p.m.); Real Property Tax (2:30 p.m.); Health & Human Services (3 p.m.); Public Works (3:30 p.m.); Buildings & Grounds (4 p.m.).

Wednesday, Feb. 8: Legislative & Government Affairs (2 p.m.); Public Safety (2:30 p.m.); Human Resources & Insurance (3 p.m.); Economic Development (3:30 p.m.); Trails & Open Space (4 p.m.).

All meetings at Saratoga County municipal complex in Ballston Spa, 40 McMaster St. Phone: 518-885-2213. Web: SaratogaCountyNY.gov.

Saratoga County Representative Tonko Re-selected to Lead Environment Committee

SARATOGA COUNTY —

Congressman Paul Tonko, who represents all of Saratoga County in the 20th Congressional District, has again been selected to serve on key House subcommittees focused on energy and environmental issues.

Anchored by his role as Ranking Member of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, & Critical Minerals, Tonko will also serve on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, and Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

“Last Congress, we came together to advance once-in-alifetime climate legislation that will ignite our global leadership in clean energy, create good paying jobs, and tackle the growing threat of climate change,” Tonko said, in a statement. “I was proud

to help lead this charge during my time as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change. Our work to build a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous clean energy economy is far from over, and I am eager to get to work building solutions that protect our environment, public health and communities, and that ensure a brighter future for generations of Americans to come.”

Formerly titled the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change, the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, & Critical Minerals has jurisdiction over many of the nation’s most important environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. It played a crucial role in developing and enacting provisions affecting the Environmental Protect Agency in the Inflation Reduction Act.

DUELING PETITIONS Changes Coming to Union Ave.

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“Pump The Brakes. Do Not Rush Changes to Union Avenue!”

One group, calling themselves the Historic Union Avenue Neighborhood Association is asking the city to “not rush a major decision affecting a vital gateway to our city,” and recommends a comprehensive plan be developed that allows “stakeholders” such as NYRA, the National Museum of Racing, the Saratoga Historic Preservation Foundation, Empire State College, the business community, and area residents, to weigh in.

“Lets’ Get Bike Lanes on Union Avenue!”

A pro-bike group meanwhile is urging the City Council to build the Union Avenue bike lanes and the entire connected bike lane network. “We already decided on the city’s 2016 Complete Streets plan. It’s time to stop planning and start implementing.” The group says doing so will allow better safety for bike-riders, reduce traffic and parking needs, increase economic activity, and historically restore a 19th century bike lane on Union Avenue.

Pro-bike advocates additionally point out that that the smattering of bike lanes that currently exist within the city don’t connect to one another, making them difficult to use. More connectivity would bring increased use on those paths, the group says.

“No decisions have been made - except one,” city Mayor Ron Kim said. “A (previous) City Council passed a Complete Streets plan to implement bike paths throughout the city. Also, when we took office (in January 2022) the Department of Transportation was well underway to designing a bike path from Exit 14 (of the Northway) to East Avenue. That construction is going to start this spring.”

The Complete Streets plan was adopted in 2013. Ken Gray, of the Complete Streets Advisory Board, said he would like to see Union Avenue restored to its original beauty. “We’re looking at the opportunity of transforming 78% of asphalt into 78% of green space and useable things like bike lanes.” Reducing the lower segment roadway from four lanes to three would also allow for the addition of trees.

Mike King is a recent transplant to Saratoga Springs. He holds an extensive background in city planning and is a member of Complete Streets. In January, King delivered a presentation to the city regarding proposed enhancements on lower Union Avenue. “The State is building a bike lane between East Avenue and Henning. So, the question is: What do you do between East and Circular?

“We could go out tomorrow and stripe a five-foot bike lane that goes from East, all the way to Circular. No one would be happy, but you could do that. There is enough room. But, we could also question whether we need four

lanes of cars,” King said, adding that the average speed of vehicles in the 30 mph zone was recorded at 41 miles per hour.

Union Avenue currently has parking on both sides of the street with four driving lanes in between - two lanes going in each direction.

“You can’t really cross the street. It’s not very safe. According to statistics it’s three-and-ahalf times more dangerous than similar type roads,” said King,

discussing the prospect of going from four lanes to three. “Some people have said they can’t fathom it. The Traffic Analysis that was done during the track season says it is possible to have three lanes and the world would not end.”

The city will host a workshop and public gathering titled “Enhancing Union Avenue” regarding the proposed project at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

Sketch of proposal for lower Union Avenue enhancements. A public meeting will be held Feb. 9.

St. Helen Of The Cross Old Catholic Chapel & Ministries Now Holding Services At New Ballston Spa Location

BALLSTON SPA — A new church has established its roots in Ballston Spa, featuring a congregation led by an area native.

St. Helen of the Cross Old Catholic Chapel and Ministries held its first service on Jan. 8. The Very Reverend Canon Richard Russo, a member of The Society of Mercy, said the location “literally just found me.”

“I could immediately feel a special connection with this space,” said Russo.

The church is located at 20 Prospect Street, Suite 214 in the Chocolate Factory. Russo said he worked in other parishes for nearly 30 years, including 10 years in St. Louis. But now, Russo is leading his own congregation near his hometown.

Russo said members of the

church refer to themselves as ‘Old Catholics’, saying they are not under Roman jurisdiction.

“I am not a diocesan priest. In fact, we’re not Roman Catholics in the strict sense,” Russo said. “We are what’s called ‘Old Catholics’, which means that we pray for the Pope, we give what we call our paternal affiliation to the Pope. But we’re not directly under Rome’s jurisdiction.”

Russo said The Society of Mercy believes all people deserve mercy, saying he welcomes all to attend his services.

“As a priest of The Society of Mercy, it’s my obligation to show mercy to you, and to you, and to someone sitting on the street, or whoever,” said Russo. “So a lot of people that come to us are what we call, kind of, fringe Catholics.

‘We sort of believe this, but maybe not this.’ We welcome them, and we say, ‘Let us explain to you what we do, why we do.’”

He said the main differences between St. Helen of the Cross and the Catholic Church are the traditions. Russo said Old Catholics have kept traditions that were “in the church for hundreds and hundreds of years.”

The Church’s altar also faces away from the congregation, with the priest’s back facing the people. Russo said this is because the priest is “trying to join all the prayers of everyone through him to rise to heaven.”

“It’s not a free-standing altar, like you would see in a contemporary church, with the priest standing behind it,” said Russo. “We actually stand in front of it, so our back is to the people.”

The Church holds both a high mass and a low mass. Russo said a low mass tends to be shorter, with a different series of prayers than a high mass. He also said the church is hoping to begin offering services in Latin as well as English.

Jeremy Defibaugh of NXT Wave Media, who is assisting the church with digital design and promotion, said one of the most important aspects of the church is its inclusivity.

“Anybody’s welcome,” said Defibaugh. “That’s the thing that’s one of the most important pieces. ‘Oh, I don’t have a dress shirt for church.’ As long as you come here

and you pay your dues and are respectful to the man above, it’s a judgment-free zone.”

Russo said roughly 30 people attended the church’s initial mass on Jan. 8. St. Helen of the Cross holds low mass at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8 a.m. on Sundays, and holds a high mass at 10 a.m. on Sundays.

Russo also stressed the importance of connecting with and supporting the local community, with Defibaugh noting that the church has “a lot of plans” dealing with youth development in the community.

Russo offers pastoral care hours every Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m., he said, offering a supportive ear to whoever may need one.

“Anybody can come in if they just need a place to sit, or they need an ear, or whatever they need,” Russo said. “We’re here.”

He said that it is “amazing” to have this space, noting that it has been a long journey.

“It’s amazing. I come in here, and I just think, ‘This is for my people,’” said Russo. “And it is for my people. This is not my church, it’s their church. I just happen to serve them.”

Photo by Dylan McGlynn.

SPA CITY DIGITAL AND FIVE TOWERS DESIGN ANNOUNCE MERGER AS FIVE TOWERS MEDIA

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Five Towers Design Company and Spa City Digital have officially announced a merger of the two companies, forming Five Towers Media.

Five Towers Media will combine the offerings of both companies, providing digital marketing and design in a variety of spaces. The company will offer website design, SEO services, social media management, videography, graphic design, branding services, digital marketing, and more for clients. Five Towers Media also owns print publications, online news platforms, and podcasts.

Co-founders and partners Michael Nelson, Brad Colacino, and Chad Beatty said the merger came about as a way for both companies to grow, expand, and improve their offerings in the community.

“We were both at a point where we were looking to expand, and we both have very similar business offerings,” said Colacino. “We have very similar views on how to conduct business, and goals for where we wanted to take our business. … It just seemed like a really good complement of skills.”

Nelson said that Spa City Digital was looking to grow, and said that Five Towers and

Colacino were a “perfect fit” for the company’s goals.

“From our standpoint, growth over the course of the next one to two years was going to be challenging without Brad,” Nelson said. “His personality, his skills, and his company were a perfect fit.”

The merged company will be known as Five Towers Media, with Nelson saying the name change reflects the long-term goals of the company.

“We have plans on moving into Vermont and Florida very soon, with an overall long-term objective of being all across the country,” said Nelson. “Our brand, Spa City Digital, would not allow that type of growth into other markets, because it is such a geographic name. The rebrand will make for a seamless transition into new markets.”

Nelson, Colacino, and Beatty said that the merger will make things more efficient and convenient for their clients, compressing all of their offerings into one location.

“From a client standpoint, they are going to see an increase in deliverability from us,” said Nelson. “Not only are we going to be able to do what we were doing, but we’re going to be able to do it better, and we’re going to be able to do it faster.”

“If (clients) wanted, for instance, Google ad campaigns or email marketing, I would send them over to Mike before,” Colacino added. “Well now, I don’t have to do that. Now, we’re one company. It just integrates things a little more cleanly, and we can provide those clients with an expanded offering, more opportunities.”

Colacino said this will make things more convenient for clients, and provide them with additional methods of growing their businesses.

“We have print marketing available with the news publications, we have these marketing automation email campaigns we can do,” said Colacino. “We can do online paid ads, things like that, all under one roof, with a single bill.”

Nelson, Colacino, and Beatty also stressed the importance of building connections with their clients, noting that they work with many small businesses in the local community.

“It’s always going to be more important for us to form relationships than make a sale,” Colacino said. “We want to form long-term partnerships with them, and help them grow. It’s a case where the rising tide floats all ships.”

Five Towers Media is located on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs,

sharing a building with Saratoga TODAY Newspaper. Beatty, owner of Saratoga Publishing, is the publisher of Saratoga TODAY.

“It really is a perfect fit,” said Beatty. “Our teams work side-by-side and form a symbiotic relationship. As the old Chinese proverb states, ‘None of us is as smart as all of us.’”

Chad Beatty (left), owner/publisher of Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Brad Colacino (middle) and Michael Nelson (right), co-founders and partners of Five Towers Media.

THE GRIEVING FAMILIES ACT: What Is It and What Happened?

This week, Governor Hochul vetoed the Grieving Families Act, which had passed the Senate and Assembly and was awaiting her signature. The Grieving Families Act would have expanded New York’s wrongful death statute by, most significantly, allowing a family member to recover for their emotional distress caused by the loss of a loved one. There are different pieces to this proposed legislation, but this article will focus on emotional distress damages.

by Giovanna D’Orazio, of D’Orazio Peterson for Saratoga TODAY

Governor Hochul has expressed her support for the emotional distress piece of the Grieving

Families Act, but had proposed several amendments – including exempting medical malpractice cases altogether – which were not agreed on prior to the deadline to sign the legislation.

What is a wrongful death case? When someone dies because of someone else’s negligence or malpractice, there are two potential claims. One is called a survival action which is the claim that belonged to the deceased person and, literally, survives his or her death. The damages in a survival action are typically the pain and suffering experienced by the decedent prior to their death. The second is the wrongful death action. The wrongful death action seeks to recover the financial contribution the deceased person made during their life, which we call pecuniary loss. This can include not only someone’s actual salary but, for example, your spouse’s household contributions and support. New York is in the minority of states allowing recovery only for pecuniary loss.

What is missing? The ability of a loved one to recover for their emotional distress resulting from the negligent death of their spouse or child, among others. This is perhaps most glaring in the case of a child. Young children are not contributing financially to the home and certainly a child suffering prior to their death makes a worst case scenario even more horrific. But under the current

law, in the scenario of a child who dies instantly, a lawsuit would have very little financial value due to the limited damages available. And when a lawsuit has very little financial value, the time, expense and risk of moving forward can begin to outweigh the benefit.

Now, some may say, no amount of money or lawsuit would bring back a loved one so why should we care about this? Well, the civil justice system serves various important purposes in our society, including as a deterrent to unsafe and reckless behavior as well as a means to obtain information about what was done wrong and what can be done differently in the future.

We also have the ability to recover emotional distress damages in other contexts. For example, you can recover for your emotional distress if you lose your job, and those damages can be significant. For those who are worried that there is a risk of gigantic

verdicts putting defendants out of business, while it is true that New York does not have a cap on damages, the law does have other mechanisms to keep this in check. In an employment lawsuit, you have to prove your emotional distress, and to obtain a significant award, you would demonstrate a severity typically supported by medical records. If your proof does not match a jury’s award, it will often be reduced by the Court as excessive.

We’re not here to say that this Act is perfect, or that no valid areas for improvement were identified. And we’ll leave it to the Governor and the Legislature to duke it out over when and whether those tweaks should have already taken place. But we do hope that the addition of this element of damages is achieved sooner rather than later because we know we’re not alone in believing that someone’s life is worth more than just their salary.

BALLSTON

Gail Lincoln sold property at 131 West High St to 886 3rd Avenue Troy NY for $190,000

Brookview Court Inc sold property at 74 Arcadia Way to Linda De Los Santos for $361,235

Brookview Court Inc sold property at 72 Arcadia Way to Courtney Howard for $334,532

CORINTH

Gerald Hempstead sold property at 25 Hillside Ave to Tyrel Hempstead for $266,000

GALWAY

Robert Groff sold property at 1063 and 0 West Galway to Katie Dobson for $252,000

Andrew Jarosh sold property at 1274 NYS Rt 29 to Kevin Hanna for $155,000

MALTA

Daniel Jablanski sold property at 23 Vettura Court to Russel Cooper for $425,000

Kimberly Carville sold property at 107 Arrowwood Pl to Kyle Phelix for $263,000

Daryl Cutler sold property at 16 Arrow Wood Pl to Secretary of Veterans Affairs for $175,046

Salvatore Longo sold property at 5 Marions Way to Jenna Di Palermo for $280,000

MOREAU

Cerrone Builders Inc. sold property at 40 Sandy Blvd to Steven Goluchowski for $438,760

Cerrone Builders Inc. sold property at 30 Sandy Blvd to Joyce Conley for $406,680

Matthew Granger sold property at 4 Ferry Blvd to Kathleen Donna for $186,500

Troy Heiges sold property at 46 Tamarac Dr to Michael Pagliaro for $445,000

Salvatore Longo sold property at 5 Marions Way to Jenna Di Palermo for $280,000

US Bank Trust NA sold property at 7 Maplewood Parkway to Devin Foster for $246,200

SARATOGA SPRINGS

35 Greenfield Ave LLC sold property at 35 Greenfield Ave to Marc Russo for $2,050,000

Daniel Sciulli sold property at 19 Sarazen St to Cartus Financial Corporation for $450,000

Regatta View LLC sold property at 16 Dartmouth Way to Anne Morrissey for $534,711

Regatta View LLC sold property at 14 Dartmouth Way to Thomas Bellhouse for $617,592

William LaFleur sold property at 247 Nelson Ave to Rehab A Home LLC for $550,000

Lauren Granahan sold property at 66 North St to Kathleen Ventre for $530,000

Stephen Burke sold property at 64 Dyer Switch Rd to Prince Farms LLC for $312,500

Sullivan and Powers Inc sold property at 500 Union Ave to 9N Medical Building LLC for $4,900,000

WILTON

Carol Moore sold property at 114 Ingersol Rd to Brian Brumley for $215,000

Ann Twyman sold property at 4 Christina Ct to Melissa Pilkey for $450,000

Jennifer Matthey sold property at 12 Meditation Way to Guy Fitzgerald for $274,000

Louis Mondor sold property at 36 Fairway Blvd to Stand By Me Holdings LLC for $215,000

Sunny Hickey sold property at 17 Hillside Ave to Koto Hilary Morrison for $256,000

Deborah Long sold property at 84 Damascus Dr. to Jody Sharrer for $406,000

This home at 247 Nelson Ave Saratoga Springs listed by Kate Naughton of Roohan Realty sold for $550,000

with Peter Bowden:

Gardening Growing Cat Grass

Written & Photographed by Peter Bowden for Saratoga TODAY

Among the new seed packs that arrive at the garden center you’ll be able to find some cat grass. Often this is a blend of grasses that cats enjoy. Oats, wheat, rye and barley make up the blend. It’s well known that cats eat grass. Most often the eating of grass is followed by the cat throwing up. A great many cat lovers have concluded that it is the grass that is making the cat sick. This isn’t an illogical conclusion, but it is nonetheless incorrect.

Cats, in their native environment, will kill and eat small rodents like mice. They can’t digest mice hair and bones so they need to vomit to get rid of it. Cats also clean themselves with their tongues and end up swallowing a good bit of their own hair. This hair is also expelled through vomiting. What does all this have to do with them eating grass? By eating grass, cats are helping to induce their own vomiting to get rid of whatever is in their stomach that is causing their distress. In other words, if you see your cat eating grass, don’t stop it. The theory is that the grass

induces vomiting since the cats can’t digest it, and it also makes the hair easier to expel. While cleaning up a bundle of grass and fur that your cat puked up isn’t pleasant, it is better than allowing those fur balls to create an intestinal blockage that requires a trip to the vet and, possibly, an expensive operation.

My cats don’t vomit after they nibble on the fresh shoots. Clearly they enjoy it and I suspect there are more benefits for them. They wouldn’t crave it if it wasn’t something they need once in a while in winter.

Starting cat grass is the simplest thing ever. Put some potting soil in a pot, scatter in a bunch of seeds, cover with a half inch of more soil and soak it well.

To hasten sprouting, I like to put the pots in a plastic bag (unsealed) until it sprouts. In a warm room, the seed will sprout in about 3 days...fast! I remove them from the bag once they sprout and find a sunny windowsill to help them grow a bit before I let the cats have it. This is the challenging part since the cats love it and can usually find it before it is tall enough to make much of a meal. Bug managed to find the pot growing on an upper windowsill and decided that it was just the right size for a snack. Then he dove right in! Peep was more ladylike when given her share. The packet contains plenty of seeds so I’ll start a couple of pots a week for several weeks. This insures a continuous supply for the rest of winter. The grass will re-grow two or three times after the cats nibble it down so don’t toss it after their first “munch in”. If you have indoor cats, you should consider growing grass for them year round.

Thanks for the read!

Cat grass sprouted but not ready to eat yet.

Finally ready to serve.

Cat Grass packet

Valentine’s Guide Gifts & Dining

‘Circle Of Mothers Saratoga’ Helping Local Moms Discuss Mental Health

by Dylan McGlynn Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

When it comes to mental health, speaking up can often be difficult.

Elaine Anton-Lotruglio, the founder of The Circle of Mothers Saratoga, knows this well. She established the support group following her own experiences as the mother of a child struggling with mental health.

“For me, it seemed like one day he woke up and he just said he didn’t want to live anymore,” said Anton-Lotruglio.

In the following years, her son attended a boarding school and a therapeutic wilderness program in Utah, before eventually finishing high school at what Anton-Lotruglio described as a “therapeutic boarding school.”

“He’s in a really good place, but it took a lot to get him there,

and it was complete anguish for me, and his brother, and for my husband,” said Anton-Lotruglio.

Her son is doing well these days, she said, and is currently a junior in college. But the family’s experience empowered AntonLotruglio to try to make a difference for other families who may be going through similar experiences.

She attended a parent night led by a local mother who had lost her son to suicide, and came to a realization after several other parents spoke up about their childrens’ mental health struggles.

“It dawned on me that there are people like that hiding behind closed doors, because they’re ashamed, they don’t want other people to know they’re struggling,” Anton-Lotruglio said. “There’s so much shame around this that it’s just so upsetting, because literally that silence is deadly.”

Anton-Lotruglio booked

a room in the basement of the Saratoga Springs City Library, officially laying the roots for The Circle of Mothers Saratoga. The support group meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m.

“There are guidelines, rules. There’s no advice given. Everybody shares time, no one person can dominate the conversation. We don’t judge, we don’t give advice, we just listen,” said AntonLotruglio. “No one has to speak if they don’t want to. If you just want to listen, that’s perfect too. Nobody has to divulge anything they don’t want to, but if they hear something that another parent says that helps them, perfect.”

While she said the group tends to be “really small,” in size, its impact seems to be large. Anton-Lotruglio said she receives messages nearly every week from parents who are dealing with mental health crises in their children. She stressed that, “Whatever’s said in the circle stays in the circle.”

She also stressed the importance of speaking up, saying that silence only leads to more deaths by suicide.

“If you are silent about suicide, deaths occur,” said AntonLotruglio. “That was really troubling for me. …If you’re silent about these things, the silence is actually what perpetuates adolescent suicide. Because people are afraid to talk about it, children die.”

Anton-Lotruglio said she loves “that people know I’m a resource,” saying she wished she had a similar support group when her son was struggling.

“I was so lost and so afraid. …

I wish I had that at the time,” she said. “For me to be able to be vocal about it, and hopefully make it easier for someone else to have someone to talk to. … I’m so glad that I can do that, that I can be that.”

Anton-Lotruglio has held administrative positions at universities, and as a former Division 1 lacrosse player at Hofstra University, she has spent several years coaching lacrosse at a variety of levels, including helping lead the Saratoga Springs varsity girls lacrosse team to the Section II Class A Championship in 2018.

Now, however, AntonLotruglio is back in school, with the goal of obtaining a PhD in social work. She said she is currently studying “the idea of a precipitating event that leads to an adolescent suicide.”

“Like, what happens that they decide that today is the day?,” said Anton-Lotruglio. “If we can identify that, if there’s a red flag. Something happens, a relationship

breakup, or a bad event that occurs in a day. Can we identify that, and have that be a red flag, and then monitor a young adult more closely, so that we can prevent it?”

Despite her studies, AntonLotruglio stressed that the group is not therapeutic in nature, but instead simply a group of mothers supporting each other, saying, “It’s a mother’s group, not a therapeutic group.”

She also said she hopes to inspire others to share their stories, and feel comfortable doing so, saying we must “stop judging other parents because their kids are struggling.”

“By me sharing, I hope that I’m inviting other people to share, or to feel better about where they are, and know that they’re not the only ones,” said Anton-Lotruglio. “Other people are going through it, they’re just not talking about it. So I talk about it.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis or considering suicide, there is help available. Call 988 or text TALK to 741741.

Photo by Cornelia Traynor.

Parents Push Back on Homeless Shelter Location

continued from front page... and SCC community guides our decision-making and that is clearly our intention with this situation. At the same time, we cannot forget that care for the most vulnerable among us is a cornerstone of what we believe and teach as a Church.”

The homeless shelter would move into 5 Williams St., a building that is currently occupied by the Saratoga Senior Center. The building borders Saratoga Catholic’s athletic fields.

The Senior Center will be relocating to the Saratoga Regional YMCA at 290 West Ave.

Kevin Zacharewicz, a member of the Saratoga Central Catholic Security Committee and parent of an SCC student, said that community members are not against the existence of the homeless shelter itself, but specifically its location near the school.

“I don’t want anybody thinking that we’re against the shelter,” said Zacharewicz. “We’re religious people, we are for helping, we’re for charity. We’re against the location. I have to get that out there, I have to make that straight. We do not like the location; we do not want this on our back doorstep.”

Other parents said they would question re-enrolling their children in the school if the shelter goes into place. Jan VanDeCarr, who has a daughter at SCC, said, “It’s not a good recipe” for the shelter to be located near the school.

The current shelter is located on Adelphi Street, with the lease expiring on April 30. It is anticipated the shelter will move into the space on Williams Street in the spring. The Saratoga Springs City Council unanimously passed a resolution approving the new location of the shelter on Oct. 18.

In a statement released Monday evening, Albany Diocese Superintendent of Schools Giovanni Virgiglio said Diocese officials met last week with officials from Saratoga Catholic, Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim, and Public Safety Commissioner James Montagnino.

“Mayor Kim assured our group that no plans have been finalized, agreed to meet with our school community to listen to concerns, and committed to an ongoing dialogue to ensure that any considerations would not compromise school safety,” Virgiglio said in the statement. “The safety and well-being of our students

Saratoga Shredders Donates Learn To Ride Bike

Curriculum To Greenfield Elementary Kindergartners

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Some community members raised concerns about the possibility of the shelter receiving a ‘low-barrier’ designation, which could mean it may not require background checks, drug screenings, or other verifications.

“Pedophiles can go into a low-barrier shelter. There’s no background checks,” said Zacharewicz at the meeting.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the Williams Street shelter will receive a ‘low-barrier’ designation.

“All we have to do is bring awareness to this, because any reasonable person is going to agree with us that this is a very poor placement for a homeless shelter,” said Sara Nucera, a member of the SCC security committee, at the meeting.

Several parents also said there has been a lack of transparency and communication from city officials, with many parents on Monday claiming they were unaware of the plans for the shelter until recently. VanDeCarr said he wished the city had hosted a public hearing to allow residents to discuss the shelter.

“At this stage, there really should be some effort in that regard,” said VanDeCarr, who noted he was unaware of the plans for the shelter until roughly a week ago.

“This is an adult problem. It should

not be made a problem for kids at the school. The adults have to get together and figure out a solution.”

Duane Vaughn, executive director of Shelters of Saratoga, delivered a presentation to the city council on Oct. 18 in regards to the shelter, and the council engaged in a discussion before voting unanimously to pass the resolution to approve the shelter’s location.

Vaughn said at the Oct. 18 meeting that moving the shelter to the Williams Street location would allow more space for beds, and allow for other organizations such as RISE and the Salvation Army to possibly utilize the space as well. He said the Adelphi Street location has 60 beds.

A petition on change.org urging for ‘Safety for SCC Students’ has received over 1,300 signatures as of noon on Wednesday. The group is organizing a ‘Solidarity Walk’ to be held every Friday at 2 p.m. at the school.

Parents and community members were also encouraged to attend the next Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

Saratoga Shredders, a local nonprofit whose mission is to get more young girls on mountain bikes, has donated a fleet of balance bikes to Greenfield Elementary School, to be used in kindergarten gym class.

The equipment donation of 24 balance bikes, 24 pedal conversion kits, 24 helmets, and a learn to ride PE curriculum, was accepted by the Saratoga Springs School Board Tuesday evening.

Anna Yarsevich, a 6th grade alum of Greenfield Elementary School, presented to the School Board, explaining that she learned to ride on a balance bike and saying how thrilled she is that kindergartners at Greenfield Elementary will have a chance to learn how to ride a pedal bike in gym class.

This kindergarten pilot program will run this Spring, led by Coach Coop as the head PE teacher at Greenfield Elementary. Funding

for this pilot program was provided by families of Greenfield Elementary school kids: Will & Jen Aldrich, Dr. Amy Knoeller, Dr. James North, Thad & Talara Hedgpeth, Peter Mulford, Jane Cramer Varian, and the Winter Family.

Saratoga Shredders runs programming for kids on bikes in the spring and fall, with summer camps in the Summer. Program registration for Spring opens Feb. 1. Summer Camp registration is already open.

There are 4 different programs running this spring between Albany and Queensbury, girls-only programs and coed programs for kids in grades K-12. Their aim is to remove as many barriers to entry for the sport of mountain biking. They provide full program scholarships and bikes to kids in need, thanks to their local sponsors Teakwood Builders, Grey Ghost Bicycles, KindNest, Women’s Care, and Trek Saratoga.

Kevin Zacharewicz, a member of the Saratoga Central Catholic School Safety Committee, speaks at a meeting at the Holiday Inn on Monday, Jan. 30. Photo by Dylan McGlynn.

Food

Sweet Prophecy shares family traditions with frgál cake

SATURDAYS

9:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. WILTON MALL | FOOD COURT

Sweet Prophecy, one of the farmers’ market’s newest vendors, invites you on a culinary journey to the Wallachia region of the eastern Czech Republic. Wallachia is famous for its smoked sausages, slivovitz (plum brandy), and frgál cakes (a round cake with yeast-based dough and various toppings). It’s a unique area tucked into the Carpathian Mountains, where people speak in a traditional dialect.

Janek Palat is Sweet Prophecy’s main baker. His wife Katya helps to prepare smaller items, and his father-in-law Viktor specializes in apple pastries and strudels. Each week, they bring freshly baked confections traditional to Central and Eastern Europe; frgál cakes, apple strudels, apple sharlotkas, zucchini muffins, various cookies, and meringues (with gluten-free options, too).

Frgál cakes attract attention amongst Sweet Prophecy’s display of European confections. The round, leveled cakes are layered with combinations of brilliant red currants, blueberries, and plums. Sweeter options of frgál cakes are topped with a poppy seed mixture, farmers’ cheese, and pears. Flavors dance with hints of fresh herbs that pair with the fruit.

“We hope this tradition of frgál cake will be recognized beyond the Czech Republic,” says Palat. “We think it’s a great and versatile dessert perfect for breakfast with coffee or tea or as a dessert at a large gathering. It has a beautiful rustic look, and there are choices from tart to sweet for varying tastes,” he adds.

Palat uses a 200-year-old recipe that has been held in his family for generations, and he and his wife Katya were trained to perfect the cake while living in Wallachia.

Leavened Dumplings with Blueberries

“We had done baking before this and thought about starting a food business with an experience for some time,” explains Palat.

When the couple moved to Saratoga Springs three years ago, they began regularly baking and cooking Czech foods to share with friends – reigniting their love of preparing and sharing traditional foods close to their hearts.

In addition to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Sweet Prophecy plans to attend more pop-up markets this spring and summer and expand its offerings to smoked meats and savory dishes from Palat’s home country. Follow them for updates and recipes on Instagram @sweetprophecybakery. Their Facebook page is coming soon!

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www. saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

YIELDS: 14 dumplings | PREP & COOK TIME: 30 min

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

FOR THE DUMPLINGS:

• 6 ¾ oz. lukewarm milk*

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

OR 4 ½ teaspoons of fresh yeast

• 3 ¼ cups flour

• pinch of salt

• 1 egg*

• ¼ cups sugar

FOR THE FILLING:

• blueberries (or any other fresh fruit: apples*, apricots, plums, peaches, etc.)

FOR THE TOPPING:

• confectioners sugar

• Farmers cheese (or substitute with chèvre*)

• Melted butter

INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Combine milk, yeast and a pinch of sugar in a bowl and cover it with a cloth. Allow it to set until it rises (about 10 min).

2. Add all the other ingredients and mix together (by hand or using a mixer) until the dough has a smooth texture and does not stick to the spoon. Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes.

3. Divide the dough into 14 pieces. Process each piece into a flat round shape then add the blueberries (3-5) and close it from all sides, shaping into a ball. You will prepare 14 balls from this batch.

4. The best cooking method for these dumplings is steaming –just remember to allow enough space between dumplings when placing them into a steamer. They will grow dramatically during steaming and almost triple their volume. You don’t want them to stick to each other, which is why it’s best to leave enough space between each dumpling.

5. Steam for about 5-8 minutes, check the dumpling with a skewer to ensure that dough does not stick.

6. Once the dumplings are ready, you can serve them immediately. Add some farmer cheese on top of each dumpling, sprinkle it with confectioners sugar, melt some butter and pour over the dumplings for a delicious multi-dimensional taste. “Dobrou chuť!” or Bon appetit!

NOTE: Another way to prepare the dumplings is to cook them in boiling water. Make sure you have a pot full of water and don’t overfill it, so there is only 1 layer of dumplings in the pot. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes.

Recipe provided by Janek Palat, owner of Sweet Prophecy

Katya and Janek Palat of Sweet Prophecy

Photos provided.

by Julia Howard for Saratoga TODAY

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

During the post-holiday time period with a new year, we tend to get back to eating right and using great tools to make that happen. It’s a new year and a fresh start so let’s make some delicious food together. My older sister CarolAnn, is a master with mandoline slicers while using them frequently in her food prep. Since she is eight years older than I am, when I was very young, I thought she was the smartest person in the world. When she taught me something it always stuck with me. I was a terrible listener with everyone except for her. I remember when I was young and allowed to visit her at her new house after she had gotten married. I would sit in her kitchen and watch her make the best salads. She would include many ingredients in her salads so that you were as full as if you had eaten a plate of Italian food. CarolAnn’s secret weapon in her prep was the mandoline slicer. She would peel and make cuts to cucumbers and many other vegetables, then would run them through the mandoline slicer to make the perfect bite sized pieces. As she was doing all of this, she would explain every step and how to be safe. She would also add in words of wisdom about life and work.

As I reminisce on these times, I learned that food creates a home, connections, celebrations, and embraces family and friends. In creating meals, we are creating homes and a nurturing environment. The meals do not have to be fancy or gourmet. It isn’t about how special the recipe is. It is about being conscious of an important part of life and honoring that importance. By elevating the importance of food in our family’s lives, you pass that importance on to them. Families connect around the dinner table, all sharing the meal they know is just for them.

Sisters & FOOD

Hello my Foodie Friends!

CLASSIC RATATOUILLE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bulb garlic

• 2 tablespoons + ½ teaspoon olive oil, divided

• 1 eggplant

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided

• 3 cups zucchini, sliced ¼-inch thick

• 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 onion, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400 F.

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 3 bundles thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ cup Italian parsley, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Cut ¼ inch off the top of a whole garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle ½ teaspoon of the olive oil over the cut side of the garlic. Cover the garlic with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel the eggplant and cut it into 1-inch chunks. Sprinkle the eggplant with ½ teaspoon salt and drain it in a colander for 30 minutes as the garlic cooks.

Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool down.

Heat the remaining oil over medium-high in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook the onion and red pepper for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Whether I’m making a salad or a meal, CarolAnn’s teachings are always on my mind. As she is currently challenged with illness, I feel and appreciate those learning’s even more.

Do you have a mandoline slicer hiding in the back of your pantry, just begging to be used? Essentially, you can accomplish much of a mandoline’s work with a steady hand and a sharp knife. However, when slicing up zucchini ribbons, slicing eggplant or shredding brussel sprouts, mandolines cut prep time down significantly and promise consistent, even results. And they’re fun to use; especially when you need to create consistently thick or thin slices for your favorite recipe. At Compliments to the Chef we carry several different brands of mandolines.

The OXO Good Grips mandoline is a perfect tool for home chefs. It is a trusty tool through thick and thin (produce). Slice or julienne cucumbers, potatoes and more with a turn of the comfortable dial on the Chef’s Mandoline Slicer. Each mandoline includes a food holder that protects hands and the stainless steel blade quickly makes even slices. All blades store safely on board and are removable for

easy cleaning. With this easy-touse mandoline hands and fingers stay away from sharp blades at all times. Most mandoline’s come with three or four slicing blades beyond the basic blade. These allow you to slice paper thin, a little thicker (think potato chips), thick julienne (think french fries), and thin julienne. If you’re not sure how your blades will slice, invest in a few potatoes and try each setting out. It’s usually a good idea to have a few extra veggies on hand when you’re learning to use your mandoline slicer as well so you can get the hang of the whole process.

At Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, we have items that can assist with making your meals. Show your love through the foods you cook and if you have a big sister give her a hug. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place and let us know how we can help you with your culinary needs. Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

Add the eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, thyme bundles, bay leaves, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, pepper, and remaining salt to the pan. Lower the heat to medium. Cook the vegetables for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the thyme and bay leaves from the pot.

Remove the garlic cloves from their skins and mash them. Stir the garlic into the ratatouille. Remove pot from heat.

Top the ratatouille with fresh parsley and basil.

Recipe courtesy of Miriam Hahn tastingtable.com

This Week’s Events: FEB. 3-9

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Free AARP Foundation

Tax-Aide

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa

AARP Foundation will provide free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program every Friday, February 3 - April 14. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. Tax-Aide will provide taxpayer assistance through interaction with IRScertified Tax-Aide volunteers in two short same day, in-person meetings to exchange documents. For more information including what type of service is available, which documents you need to file your taxes, and to schedule your appointments stop in or call 518885-5022. Appointments required.

Fish Fry Fridays ��

Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 123 NY-32, Victory Mills | 4-7 p.m.

Friday Night Fish Fry will be back for 2023. It will run through April 7. Various menu items are available from fried fish to chicken nuggets with French fries, Cole slaw and chowder also available. For more information call 518-695-3917.

Chocolate Fest ��

Downtown Ballston Spa | 4 -8 p.m.

While savoring chocolate treats, visitors will enjoy a variety of First Friday activities going on throughout the Village, including live music, artist demonstrations and special promotions just in time for Valentine’s Day. A complete list of events can be found at Ballston.org. Area restaurants, bakeries, and chefs will all compete to showcase their talents and tastes by preparing small, sample-sized chocolate offerings in 3 categories: Dessert (Sweet), Savory, and Chocolate Beverage. These treats will be judged by Chocolate-fest goers.

�� =family friendly

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA), Court McLaughlin #422, Monthly Meeting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs

Members gather at 9 a.m. for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments at 9:30 until 10 a.m. when the meeting will begin. CDA is one of the oldest and largest volunteer organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. Please join us. If you have any questions feel free to contact our Regent, Lucille Koch at 518-644-4438.

The Art of Puppetry with Lita Carbone ��

Saratoga Children’s Theatre, 617 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs

10:30 – 11: 30 a.m. | Our future puppeteers will learn how to develop characters and explore how to make a puppet come to life for an audience. Ages 9-11, cost is $50. For more information visit, saratogaschildrentheatre. org/classes-workshops or call 518-886-8800.

Poetry Workshop: The Creative Fire of Folklore

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Halfmoon

11 a.m. | Published poet Susan Comninos will discuss and employ techniques for incorporating elements of your community’s folklore into identity-based poems that can function as your “origin stories.” Come prepared to try your hand at techniques for folding family sayings, stories, and more into poetry that’s at once individual and universal. Additional date February 11. For more information call 518-371-8622. cphlibrary.org

10th Chili Bowl Fundraiser ��

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Saratoga

Clay Arts Center is pleased to announce its 10th Chili Bowl Fundraiser. Participating celebrity chefs include Jonathan Quinn of Osteria Danny, Pat Brown of The Brook Tavern, Sam Squires of Druthers, Jasper Alexander of Hattie’s, and Rob Cardona of Cardona’s Market. Our musical guest is Rich Ortiz. Guests purchase tickets to enter, choose a handmade bowl, enjoy live music, and participate in the chili taste testing. A portion of the proceeds benefit the local cancer non-profit organization To Life. Tickets are $25 and include a handmade bowl (plus tax). Tickets on sale at www. saratogaclayarts.org. Or you can bring 2 non-perishable food items for Wilton Pantry and save $2! Guests can choose from 5 time slots and have the opportunity to purchase more bowls onsite. Visit www. saratogaclayarts.org call 518-581-2529 or email info@ saratogaclayarts.org for more information.

Mid-Winter Lights Festival ��

Create Community Studio, 70B Beekman St., Saratoga Springs 4 p.m. | Everyone is invited to join us to Brighten the Night in the Saratoga Springs Arts District at Beekman Street. Drop-in lantern-making, suitable for all ages, materials provided. At 5 p.m., we’ll take a lanternlit guided stroll through the neighborhood. (Note: We will be using battery operated candles; no open flames allowed.) We’ll make stops at a couple of historic locations. There will be a bit of music, including sing-along songs. There may even be some dancing! We’ll return to the start for the closing ceremony. For more information, call Frank Lombardo 518-290-0494.

Countdown to the Triple Crown

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs | 5 – 8 p.m.

This new event will feature

hundreds of silent auction items and an online auction of unique items and experience packages to benefit the Museum. Guests can attend the event in person or bid on special packages online. The early-bird event will feature beer, wine, soda, light refreshments, and entertainment by Rich Ortiz, as well as screenings of the 16-minute signature film “What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame” at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Cost to attend is $10 for Museum members and $25 for non-members. Many of the auction items will be displayed throughout the Museum galleries during the event. To purchase tickets, call 518-584-0400 or visit: 1049a.blackbaudhosting. com/1049a/Countdown-to-theTriple-Crown

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Old Saratoga

American Legion Post 278 Breakfast ��

6 Clancy Street, Schuylerville 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Serving Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon and Sausage, Milk, Orange Juice, Coffee and Tea. Adults $10.00 - Children 6 and under $5.00. Takeout or eat in. Any questions please call 518-695-3011 Tuesday through Sunday after noon.

Saratoga Winterfest

5K Snowshoe Run/Walk ��

Saratoga Spa State Park, Opposite Administration Building | 11 a.m. Winterfest will be held outdoors, bathrooms in Wired Coffee Shop. Go to www.saratogastryders. org to download an application or link to online registration at www.runsignup.com. A limited supply of Dion Snowshoes will be available at a $5 rental charge. Email Laura Clark at laura@ saratogastryders.org to reserve a pair or phone 518-581-1278. For information about the entire Dion Snowshoe Series and for snow updates visit www. dionwmacsnowshoe.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Saratoga Springs

Retired Teachers Association Meeting

The Holiday Inn, Win Room, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Noon | This is our monthly

luncheon meeting. All retired K-12 teachers, BOCES teachers, and Teaching Assistants are welcome. For further information, call 518-584-1192.

Ice Harvesting in Saratoga County

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Rd., Galway | 7 p.m. Join the Galway Preservation Society at their monthly meeting. Paul Perreault, Malta Town Historian will give a presentation of the booming business of ice harvesting in the lakes and rivers of Saratoga County during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Saratoga County, surrounded by the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers and having an abundance of lakes and ponds, was perfectly situated to supply ice to the growing cities along the east coast. The ice harvesting industry also provide highpaying employment to farmers and lumbermen of Saratoga County. Please bring any family pictures related to the topic to share at the meeting.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Apple Enthusiasts

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Apple

Enthusiasts is a hybrid all-thingsApple chat group, where you can bring your device, app, or software questions to get some answers. Topics covered may include: IOS software updates, apps, and more. Every Tuesday through May 23. Sign up in person or online at sspl.org

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Polish Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 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: Pierogi, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, potato pancakes, applesauce, roll. Dinner for 2 / $30. (cash only).

Week of February 3 – February 9, 2023

mark your CALENDAR

Abstract/Organic, A Duo Exhibition

Two Towns-One Book Lincoln Highway Trivia Night

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, Program Rooms A & B, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park

6:30 p.m. | Join our two Assistant Directors, Jim Foster and LouAnn Stewart, and enjoy a night of fun playing Lincoln Highway Trivia as part of our Two Towns One Book events. The topic will be all things related to our 2023 Community Read, The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Come with a team, or you can join a team when you arrive. Prizes will be awarded, and refreshments served by our Hospitality Committee. Community members interested in volunteering for project activities or events should contact Linda Conklin at lindaconklin9@gmail. com. Visit www.twotownsonebook. org for additional information.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

John J. Lant, Jr. Memorial Blood Drive Company 4 Firehouse, 613 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Held in the kitchen and meeting room.

continued from pg. 20...

This Week’s Events: FEB. 3-9

Beatles Music with Jeff Brisbin

Saratoga Springs City Center, 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs

3 p.m. | February 9 will be the 59th anniversary of the Beatles appearance on the Ed Sullivan show! Jeff will perform your favorite Beatles songs interspersed with stories and fun facts. Light fare served. Please sign up in advance. $10 admission.

Singles Night at the Spa

Saratoga Springs MediSpa, located at 7 Wells Street Suite 303, Saratoga Springs | 4 - 7 p.m. Why should couples have all the fun in February? Treat yourself as we host our first-ever night dedicated to area singles. Your prepaid online registration of $20 automatically enters you to win one of our Grand Prize Drawings valued at $800. Champagne and cupcakes from The Cupcake Cakery will be served and you will receive extra event perks. Our staff will be on hand to talk to you about some of our amazing wellness and skin care services. For full details and to register, visit Yarinsky.com on the “Specials/Events” page.

Upcoming Events

Camp Saratoga

8k

Snowshoe Race

Held on Saturday, February 11 at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park at 10:30 a.m. May have an indoor facility for this one depending on COVID. It there is no snow, and is at all possible, we may have a trail race instead. Go to www.saratogastryders. org to download an application or link to online registration at www.runsignup.com. A limited supply of Dion Snowshoes will be available at a $5 rental charge. Email Laura Clark at laura@ saratogastryders.org to reserve a pair or phone 518-581-1278. For information about the entire Dion Snowshoe Series and for snow updates visit www. dionwmacsnowshoe.com.

Showcasing two contrasting sensibilities in clay — exquisite abstract vessels by Chip McKenney (FL) and expressive organic sculptures by Cheryl Horning (Greenwich). McKenney and Horning were paired together for this duo exhibition because of their unique interpretations of abstraction in clay. Additionally, they were both educated at Skidmore College and were former students of Regis Brodie, a tenured professor of Art at the Department of Art and Art History at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs for more than thirty years. Abstract/Organic will run February 11 – March 18, with an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 11, 5-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. The Schacht Gallery, located at 167 Hayes Rd, Schuylerville, is open daily from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and by appointment. Visit www.saratogaclayarts.org, call 518-581-2529 or email info@ saratogaclayarts.org for more information.

Another Op’nin’ Another Show

Community Housing Coalition Home for Female Veterans with Children. Entree choices are Prime Rib, Stuffed Chicken, and Spinach Lasagna; served with roasted potatoes, tossed salad, roll, and green beans. Dessert is a cupcake tower with a variety of flavors. Cost: $45 per person. Reservations are first come first serve with seating limited. RSVP: Sandy Hennigan 518-232-4049 or sandytoga@hotmail.com with entrée choice, number of guests and method of payment. Checks made out to the Ladies Auxiliary or cash are preferred.

New York Grown and Certified Workshop

February Break Camps

Saratoga Children’s Theatre, 617 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs

2 Camps. Costuming From Start to Finish: Over the course of the week, students will draw a rendering, learn basic machine and sewing skills, create a small project to practice skill, and collaborate with instructors and peers for ideas to make their design a reality. They will also be encouraged to utilize up-cycled materials and found objects. Feb. 20-24, 9 a.m. –Noon, ages 10 - adult, cost is $275 includes all materials.

Rising Stars: High School Musical

24th Annual Chowderfest

Discover Saratoga is excited to announce the 24th Annual Chowderfest on Saturday, February 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event goers will have the opportunity to enjoy 4 oz. samples of chowder for $2 at participating Saratoga County establishments and vote for their favorite. This event is coordinated by Discover Saratoga and presented by Saranac and White Claw. Free shuttles to downtown Saratoga Springs will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Saratoga Casino Hotel. For more information, including a list of participating chowder vendors and discounted hotel rates, visit discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest or call 518-584-1531.

Saratoga Voices’ popular dinner cabaret series returns on February 11 and 12, featuring 100 years of Broadway songs. Under the baton of Dr. Michael Lister, you’ll hear the best of Broadway from 1923 to 2023; from Irving Berlin to LinManuel Miranda. A sumptuous dinner at The Vista at Van Patten Golf Club, 924 Main St., Clifton Park, NY will include salmon, sirloin steak, a vegetarian option, and carrot cake. The events begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 12 with appetizers and a cash bar, followed by dinner and concert. Cabaret tickets ($85 each) can be purchased at proctors.org or saratogavoices.org. Reservations must be received by February 3. No tickets are available at the door.

Annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance

The Saratoga/Wilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary is holding the dance on Saturday, February 11 at the Elks Lodge, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs. The Band GRAVITY will be our entertainment. Cocktails/ appetizers 6-7 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., and entertainment 9 p.m. - midnight. The raffles will benefit Foreverly House (Veterans

Join Schoharie County Office for Agricultural Development, Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD), and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets on February 15 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for the workshop. It will include information addressing the process to apply, benefits of certification, exclusive grant, and marketing opportunities, and more. The program offers opportunities for traditional dairy, livestock, and produce farms, but also for less conventional producers (fresh cut flowers, maple, honey, firewood, craft beverage ingredients, craft beverage production and more). Applications available at https:// certified.ny.gov/get-certified. Early registration is encouraged. A light lunch will be provided for those who attend in person. You can attend via Zoom or join us in person at 287 Main St, Schoharie.

Carnegie Hall Ensemble Connect Residency Performance

Ensemble Connect, a group of the finest young professional classical musicians based out of Carnegie Hall, celebrates its 16th year at Skidmore on February 17,

7:30 p.m. Concert Program:

JENNIFER HIGDON | Dark Wood MOZART | Quintet for Piano and Winds in E-flat Major, K. 452

MICHI WIANCKO | 7 Kinships

(NY Premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall)

R. SCHUMANN | Piano Quintet

Skidmore College, Arthur Zankel Music Center, is located at 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Visit the Arthur Zankel Music Center website for event details. Tickets are available for purchase at the box office.

Week: Join us for a week of singing, dancing, crafts, and fun. Students will work towards putting on a short performance for family and friends on Friday. February 20 –24, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Ages 4-7. Class fee $300. For more information visit, saratogachildrenstheatre.org/ classes-workshops.

February Break Drama

Camp with Elyse Young

Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department announces February Break Drama Camp for ages 10-15 will run Tuesday, Feb. 21 through Friday, Feb. 24 from10 a.m. -3 p.m. The camp will be taught by Malta’s Artistic Director Elyse Young and will include acting skills, vocal techniques, theater games, crafts, rehearsals and performance of a short play. Camp and performance will take place at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Dr, Malta. For more information, go to www.maltaparksrec.com or contact Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department at 518-899-4411.

Fish Fry Friday

Knights of Columbus Council #246 will be hosting Fish Fry Friday each Friday throughout Lent, February 24 through April 7, 5-7 p.m. Advance call-in of orders on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between the hours of noon and 3 p.m., beginning on Wednesday, February 22. The menu will include Fried or Baked Haddock ($15) or Fried Clam Strips ($12), each with French Fries, Cole Slaw, Tartar Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce; Macaroni and Cheese ($5); New England Clam Chowder (pint - $7/quart - $13); Single Order o French Fries ($3); and Dessert ($2 - when available). Call 518-584-8547 to place your order or for more information.

Saratoga Clay Arts Center

Chili Bowl at Saratoga Springs City Center on Saturday

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Clay Arts Center’s 10th Chili Bowl Fundraiser will be held at the Saratoga City Center on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participating celebrity chefs include Jonathan Quinn of Osteria Danny, Pat Brown of The Brook Tavern, Sam Squires of Druthers, Jasper Alexander of Hattie’s, and Rob Cardona of Cardona’s Market. Musical guest is Rich Ortiz. Guests purchase tickets to enter, choose a handmade bowl, enjoy live music and participate in the chili taste testing. A portion of the proceeds benefit the local cancer nonprofit organization To Life.

Entertainment & Arts On Feb. 4 - Tang Teaching Museum

Family Saturday: Stained Glass Snowflakes

Tickets are $25 and include a handmade bowl (plus tax). Tickets at www.saratogaclayarts. org. Or you can bring two nonperishable food items for Wilton Pantry and save $2. Guests can choose from five time slots and have the opportunity to purchase more bowls onsite.

To keep the lines short and the wait to a minimum, guests prepurchase tickets and bowls online for a specific time slot. Guests are asked to arrive at the time specified on their ticket. SCAC puts more bowls out for selection each hour so everyone will get an equal opportunity to select bowls.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College welcomes art-makers to the first Family Saturday of the new season, Family Saturday: Stained Glass Snowflakes, at 2 p.m. on Feb. 4.

The program is suitable for children 5 and older accompanied by an adult. It begins with looking at photographs of snowflakes from the Tang collection by Wilson Alwyn “Snowflake” Bently. He is credited with being the first person to make detailed photographs of individual snowflakes. Participants will discuss the work and then create snowflakes using glitter-glue and other materials.

Family Saturdays aim to foster multigenerational creative cooperation through looking at artwork, discussing it, and engaging in a hands-on art-making activity. The program runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. No registration required;

supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis. In accordance with guidance from Saratoga County, the CDC, and Skidmore College, the program is mask optional, and participants are welcome to wear masks should they wish.

Family Saturdays continue Feb. 18; March 4; April 1, 15, 29; and May 13. Details will be announced later. For the most upto-date information, visit the Tang website at https://tang.skidmore. edu or contact the Tang Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080.

Sunday afternoon:

Richiman and Groove Nice with The George Fletcher Blues Band

ALBANY — South Korean Blues Band Richiman And Groove Nive stage a show at The Linda on their American tour, along with The George Fletcher Blues Band. Richiman And Groove Nive are a blues band from South

Korea, and a top 5 finalist at the 2022 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, marking the first time any Korean blues band reached the finals. Their latest release, a 4-song EP is titled

“Memphis Special one take live.”

The regionally known George Fletcher Blues Band will also perform. The event takes place 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5 at The Linda WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Ave., Albany. Tickets are $15. Go to: thelinda.org.

Wilson Alwyn Bentley, Snowflake, c. 1905, gold-chloride-toned microphotograph, 3 x 3 7/8 inches, The Jack Shear Collection of Photography at the Tang Teaching Museum, 2017.41.186.

Richiman And Groove Nive, along with The George Fletcher Blues Band perform at The Linda.

Flirtin’ With Disaster in Hudson Falls: Molly Hatchet Live at The Strand

Home Made Theater Presents: The Lifespan of a Fact

HUDSON FALLS —

They named themselves after a famous 17th-century axe murderess and released their self-titled debut album in 1978.

Molly Hatchet, currently on a world tour, will stage a show at The Strand in Hudson Falls on Friday, March 17. Opening act is

southern rock Beatin’ The Odds.

Tickets are $65 balcony, $85 lower-level VIP. The Strand Theatre is located at 210 Main St., Hudson Falls.

For more information, call the Strand Theatre Box Office at 518-832-3484, or visit: www. mystrandtheater.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

For two weekends, starting on Friday, Feb. 10, Home Made Theater will present The Lifespan of a Fact; written by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell, and Gordon Farrell, based on a book by John D’Agata and Jim Fingal. Based on actual events, The Lifespan of a Fact is the story of Jim Fingal, a fresh-out-of-Harvard fact-checker for a prominent but

sinking New York magazine. John D’Agata is a talented writer with a transcendent essay about the suicide of a teenage boy—an essay that could save the magazine from collapse. When Jim is assigned to fact check D’Agata’s essay, the two come head-to-head in a comedic yet gripping battle over facts versus truth.

The Director of The Lifespan of a Fact is Laurie Larson whose previous Home Made Theater

directing credits include It’s a Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, and 9-5: The Musical. All performances are at the Dee Sarno Theater, inside Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway. Show time info and tickets are available at Home Made Theater’s website, www.HomeMadeTheater.org, or by calling 518- 587-4427 during business hours.

Molly Hatchet performs at The Strand in March.

Lifespan of a Fact – HMT’s newest production stages in February. Photo provided.

Notice of Adoption of Local Law

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE Board of Supervisors of the County of Saratoga, State of New York, at its regular meeting on January 17, 2023, duly adopted the following resolution.

RESOLUTION 15-2023

ADOPTING A LOCAL LAW

IDENTIFIED AS INTRODUCTORY

NO. 4, PRINT NO. 1 OF 2022

ENTITLED “A LOCAL LAW

AMENDING THE 2023 COUNTY COMPENSATION SCHEDULE

TO PROVIDE A SALARY AND COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE FOR CERTAIN COUNTY OFFICIALS”

A full copy of the local law can be found at www.saratogacountyny.gov. This Local Law shall become effective as provided in Municipal Home Rule Law §27.

Therese M. Connolly, Clerk Board of Supervisors

1/27, 2/03/2023, 117176

Notice of formation of NVP

TAX SERVICES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/25/2023. 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 Neil Vlacich, 13 Danbury Dr., Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117552

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name of the LLC is: HELO REAL ESTATE, LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on January 30, 2023. Office Location: 301 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa, NY12020. 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: Post Office Box 1220, 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. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117541

Sarah J Projects LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy. Of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/25/2023. Office in Saratoga 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. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117456

Slo Breathworks LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy. Of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/26/2023. Office in Saratoga 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. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117448

Notice of formation of Upstate Rigging, LLC. Article of Organization filed with the SSNY on January 21, 2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 43 Charlton Road, Lot 1, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117441

NOTICE OF FILING OF ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION IN NEW YORK BY A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name: SARATOGA CASINO CONSULTING LLC

Articles of Organization filed with sec. of state of NY (SOS) on 1/26/2023. Office Location: Saratoga County. SOS is designated as agent of LLC for service of process. SOS shall mail copy of process to 342 Jefferson Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117424

Notice of formation of Rajeski Farms, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/21/2022 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: 123 County Route 75 Mechanicville, NY

12118. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117363

LEGALS

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

(LLC). Articles of Organization for a New York LLC, Proper Debris LLC whose principal business location is in Saratoga County, were filed with the New York State Department of State on December 13, 2022. The Secretary of State is designated agent for service of process. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon him or her is c/o The LLC, 43 Mann Blvd Halfmoon New York 12065. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful activity to which a LLC may be organized under the LLCL of New York. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117315

Notice of formation of Salon 1533 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/05/2022. 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: 3 Palo Alto, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117309

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: Westshire Management LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/13/2022. 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 at: 28 Wilshire Drive Albany, NY 12205. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117296

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: Crescendo Properties, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/10/2022. 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 United States Corporation Agents, Inc. 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117288

Notice of Formation of MICHAWRLD LLC. Arts. of Org. filed w/ NY Dept of State (DOS) on 12.19.22. Office: Saratoga Co. DOS is designated as agent upon whom process may be served & shall mail to the LLC, 37 Copperfield Dr., Waterford, NY 12188. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117276

Notice of formation of Medusa Esthetics LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/09/2023. 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: 310 Kensington Ct., Ballston Spa NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117191

Notice of formation of Ramsey Miller, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/07/2022 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: 462 Broadway Suite 200 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117185

Notice of formation of J5 Gecko LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/04/2023 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: 4 Kelly Lane, Clifton Park NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117179

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). Name: B & T Services Management, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/10/2023. 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. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117170

Notice of formation of Jillian’s Housekeeping LLC. Articles of Organization filed with New York State Dept. of State on 1/3/2023.The County within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is located in is Saratoga. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is to the limited liability company: Leigh Jillian Fecteau, 2 West Ave., Apt. 212, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Company is organized for: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117163

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY Name: 1626 ROUTE

9 HALFMOON, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with sec. of state of NY (SOS) on 8/22/2022. Office

Location: Saratoga County. SOS is designated as agent of LLC for service of process. SOS shall mail copy of process to PO Box 588, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117154

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: MORE PROPERTY

HALFMOON LLC. Articles of Organization filed with sec. of state of NY (SOS) on 8/22/2022. Office

Location: Saratoga County. SOS is designated as agent of LLC for service of process. SOS shall mail copy of process to PO Box 588, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117148

Notice of formation of Golden Years Life Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/22/2022

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: 1 Ferry Lane, Stillwater NY 12170. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117131

Notice of Qualification of Minuteman Insurance Agency, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/10/2023. 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: Harker & Associates, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117140

Notice of formation of TSP Construction LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/20/2022. 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: 150 Redmond Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117125

Notice of formation of JAMEC, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/30/2022 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: 74 Rte. 146, Mechanicville, NY 12118. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117119

Notice of formation LAEJA, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/15/2023. 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 74 Rte. 146, Mechanicville, NY 12118. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117113

Notice of formation of Perth Complex LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 1/4/2023. 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: 30 Park Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117102

Notice of formation of Jeradise LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 1/10/2023. 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: 30 Park Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117096

Notice of formation of RR101 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 1/4/2023. 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: 30 Park Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117090

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

On 1/13/23, Art. of Org. of Mountain Connections LLC were filed with the SSSNY. The office of the NY LLC is located in Saratoga County. The SSSNY is designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and the address within NY State to which the SSSNY shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon it is, Mountain Connections LLC, 66 Kilmer Road, Middle Grove, NY 12850. The purpose of the LLC is for any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117072

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

On 1/13/23, Art. of Org. of MadsInger Connections LLC were filed with the SSSNY. The office of the NY LLC is located in Saratoga County. The SSSNY is designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and the address within NY State to which the SSSNY shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon it is, MadsInger Connections LLC, 66 Kilmer Road, Middle Grove, NY 12850. The purpose of the LLC is for any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117066

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Name: Ryan & Son Development Group, LLC, Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on January 11, 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: Thomas Ryan, 199 Vischer Ferry Road, Rexford, NY 12148. Purpose: Any lawful act or activities. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117054

Notice of Formation of GRAV LABS LLC. Filed with SSNY on 01/08/2023.

Office: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: 900 Rock City Road TRLR 261, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful. 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17/2023. 117035

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: Park Avenue Testa LLC

(LLC). Articles of Organization were

LEGALS

filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on January 5, 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: Park Avenue Testa LLC, c/o Michael R. Testa, 110 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17/2023. 116928

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

(LLC). Name: Rusty Blue LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/31/2022. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Rusty Blue LLC, 262 Scotch Bush Road, Burnt Hills, New York 12027. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a limited liability company may be formed under section 201 of the Limited Liability Company Law. 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17/2023. 116862

Notice of formation of Saratoga Cannabis Advisors LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/22/2022 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: P.O. Box 294 Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10/2023. 116804

NOTICE OF FORMATION of Sportsmen Stables 8 LLC. Articles of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 09/13/2022. Office located in Saratoga County. SSNY designated as Agent upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 57 Winners Circle, Saratoga Sprs, NY 12866. Purpose is any lawful activity. 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10/2023. 116736

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name of the LLC is: SPA CITY MECHANICAL, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 12, 2022. Office Location: 57 Jones Road, 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: 57 Jones Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 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. 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10/2023. 116729

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: 62 Catherine, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/13/2022. 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. 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10/2023. 116719

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

FORMATION OF A NEW YORK

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

PURSUANT TO NEW YORK

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

LAW SECTION 206(c) The name of the limited liability company is Edition Golf, LLC. The date of filing of the articles of organization with the Department of State was November 7, 2022. The county in New York in which the office of the company is located is Saratoga County, and the street address of the principal location is 198 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the company upon whom process may be served, and the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the company served upon him or her to The LLC at the above street address. The business purpose of the company is to engage in any lawful purpose permitted under the laws of the State of New York. 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10/2023. 116713

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: 123 Madison Ave LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/24/2022 Office location: Albany 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, 17 Patroon Place, Albany, NY 12211. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10/2023. 116629

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: SPA CITY LEGACY LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/01/2022 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, 99 Walworth St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: For Any lawful purpose. 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10/2023. 116636

Notice of formation of 58 South LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/15/2022. 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: 3035 Route 50 #1009, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/23/2022, 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03/2023. 116376

Notice of formation of C & S Prospect Management, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with New York State Dept. of State on 12/19/2022. The County within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is located in is Saratoga. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is to the limited liability company at Law Office of Douglas J Zins, 400 First Avenue Fl 1, Watervliet, NY 12189. Company is organized for any lawful purpose. 12/23/2022, 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03/2023. 106084

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

(LLC). Name: JSJ Eats, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/27/2022. 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: JSJ Eats, LLC, c/o Julee OCallaghan, 1354 Alton Road, Rockville Center, NY 11570.

Purpose: for all legal purposes. 12/23/2022, 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03/2023. 115942

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC) Under Section 206 of The Limited Liability Company Law. The name of the LLC is RIGANO RESTORATIONS, LLC. The Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on December 15, 2022. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. The office of the LLC is to be located in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State is designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC is 660 North Creek Road, Greenfield Center, New York 12833. 12/23/2022, 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03/2023. 115928

Notice of formation of Enduring Nutrition, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/13/2022 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: 23 Van Tassel Lane, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/23/2022, 01/06, 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03/2023. 115912

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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: Wane, Wax

Wane means to gradually decrease in strength or size. Their enthusiasm for our idea is definitely beginning to wane

Wax means to increase in size or strength.

Our interest in the house started to wax when we saw the huge kitchen, but it subsided when we saw the moldy basement. 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

50 Year Mark for SSHS Wrestling’s First Sectional Title

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

This season marks an important milestone in the legacy of Saratoga Springs High School sports: it is the 50th anniversary of the Blue Streaks wrestling team winning the program’s first-ever Section II team title in 1973.

Coming into the season-ending crowning tournament from a two-and-a-half year run that included just one loss and two conference championships, the Blase Iuliano-coached grapplers entered the Class A division showdown in Burnt Hills as one of three

favorites to take the crown.

After two days of single elimination action, Saratoga’s undefeated team captain - and future All American - Jay Mulligan was joined in the final round by fellow seniors Bob Millis and Keith Potter, along with underclassmen standouts Kevin Mulligan, Jay Winchester and Korey Dismus.

Three champions emerged, with the elder Mulligan also taking the tourney MVP award.

Additional team points from earlier rounds were contributed by Tom Evans, Bob Perkins, Roy

Lusk, Todd Henning and John Greenleaf.

The result was a narrow win over the competitive teams sent from Mount Pleasant, Shenendehowa, Scotia-Glenville and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

This breakthrough title achievement set the standard and paved the way for the local wrestling program, as succeeding classes repeated the accomplishment on several occasions and put even more hardware into the Blue Streak trophy case in the decades since.

Saratoga Wrestling Honors Seniors With Win Over Shen

Ballston Spa Wrestling Competes at Dual Meet State Championships

SYRACUSE — The Ballston Spa varsity wrestling team competed at the NYSPHSAA Dual Meet State Championships in Syracuse over the weekend, defeating East Islip in the opening round before falling to Hilton in the third round.

The Scotties clinched a spot in the Dual Meet Championships by capturing the Section 2 Dual Meet crown on Jan. 17, defeating Saratoga Springs and Burnt HillsBallston Lake.

Connor Gregory, Darrien Insogna, Ralph Keeney, and Cameron Hinchcliff combined to win all of their individual matches for Ballston Spa. The Scotties will next compete at the Section 2 Class B Tournament on Feb. 7 at Burnt Hills.

See below for results from the Dual Meet Championships: 1ST ROUND: BALLSTON SPA

35, EAST ISLIP 32

• (102) Quinton Warlikowski (B-Spa) def. Rocco DeStefano by pin at 4:00

• (110) Ralph Keeney (B-Spa) def. Anthony Liedtke by pin at 3:04

• (118) Tristan Hinchcliff (B-Spa) def. Dylan Aristodes by 11-3 maj. decision

• (126) Cameron Hinchcliff

(B-Spa) def. Matthew Walsh by 15-4 maj. decision

• (132) Logan Alfalla (East Islip) def. Tyler Perkins by 15-0 decision

• (138) Justin Shayew (East Islip) def. William O’Connor by pin at 0:58

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs varsity wrestling team honored its seniors on Thursday, rounding out the night with a strong 35-28 victory over Shenendehowa.

The Blue Streaks have 13 seniors: Isaac Coffin, Jack Dacey, Alex Julian, Damian Maura, Shawn Mergen, Andrew Monroe, Gordon Murray, Lorenzo Paleschi, Dylan Przedwiecki, Connor Saltzgaver, Victor Santabar, Cam Smith, and Vito Spadafora.

See below for results from the Blue Streaks’ victory over the Plainsmen:

Saratoga Springs 35, Shenendehowa 28

• 102: Isaac Jaynes (Shen) def. Kyle Edwards by pin at 1:58

• 110: Chase Matter (Saratoga) def. Joe Donatelli by pin at 1:52

• 118: Greg Green (Shen) def. Luke Stoutenburg by 11-2 maj. decision

• 126: Brandon Deuel (Shen) def. Danny Dacey by 5-1 decision

• 132: Vincent Grembocki (Shen) def. Taylor Beaury by 3-1 decision

• 138: David Emsminger (Shen) def. Trey Edwards by pin at 1:36

• 145: Davin Leavey (Shen) def. Hayden Passaretti by pin at 1:12

• 152: Gordon Murray (Saratoga) def. Anthony Harbour by 17-12 decision

• 160: Gianni Delgado (Saratoga) def. Max Woolums by 17-4 maj. decision

• 172: Vito Spadafora (Saratoga) def. Anthony Kennedy by 10-1 maj. decision

• 189: Lorenzo Paleschi (Saratoga) def. Dante Maiello by pin at 5:07

• 215: Patrick McKinley (Saratoga) def. Erik O’Toole by pin at 1:34

• 285: Jack Dacey (Saratoga) def. Colin Thompson by pin at 6:54

• (145) Christopher Trahey (East Islip) def. James Capasso by 18-3 decision

• (152) Anthony Avitabile (East Islip) def. Brian Reffitt by pin at 1:24

• (160) Connor Gregory (B-Spa) def. Stephen Coleman by pin at 5:02

• (172) Jacob Perkins (B-Spa) def. Nicholas Groneman by 5-4 decision

• (189) James Sturek (East Islip) def. Brennan Livingston by 11-3 maj. decision

• (215) Darrien Insogna (B-Spa) def. DeAndre Perez by pin at 2:16

• (289) Sebastian Regis (East Islip) win by forfeit

3RD ROUND: HILTON 36, BALLSTON SPA 34

• (102) Jon Testa (Hilton) def. Quinton Warlikowski by pin at 3:08

• (110) Gavin Whipple (B-Spa) def. Lukas Yeager by pin at 1:11

• (118) Ralph Keeney (B-Spa) def. Aiden Keable by pin at 1:12

• (126) Tyler Simons (Hilton) def. Tristan Hinchcliff by 8-1 decision

• (132) Cameron Hinchcliff (B-Spa) def. James Hargather by pin at 3:31

• (138) William O’Connor (B-Spa) def. Alex Chirdo by pin at 3:12

• (145) Philip Testa (Hilton) def. James Capasso by 15-2 maj. decision

• (152) Landon Lazarek (Hilton) def. Brian Reffitt by pin at 1:49

• (160) Max Meagher (Hilton) def. Anthony Prastio by pin at 2:56

• (172) Connor Gregory (B-Spa) def. Troy Davis by pin at 4:41

• (189) Nate Kasper (Hilton) def. Brennan Livingston by 15-0 decision

• (215) Elijah Diakomihalis (Hilton) def. Benjamin Livingston by pin at 0:25

• (289) Darrien Insogna (B-Spa) def. Chris Fronczak by 13-4 maj. Decision

Photo by Kim Delgado.

Off To Nationals: Local Teens Qualify for National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships

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Paige Cook said it is “overwhelming, but exciting,” to clinch a spot at nationals.

“Yeah, it’s definitely overwhelming. But we’re all definitely blessed to have this opportunity and be able to experience this,” Wilbur added. “Very excited. We’re all working pretty hard at everything.”

The girls are also the first group from Saratoga County to even compete at the state championships, much less advance to nationals. Wilbur and Amber Cook competed at the state level in 2019, and all three girls competed in 2021 before qualifying for nationals at the 2022 State Championships.

“(In) 2019, we were the first ones to go out to the state competition, and now we’re the first ones from Saratoga County to go out to nationals,” said Amber Cook.

Kim Wilbur, mother of Rachel, said she is “so proud” of the girls, a sentiment that was echoed by the Cook’s parents. Renee Janack, mother of Amber and Paige Cook, pointed out that the girls are competing in fields that have been traditionally male-dominated.

“Proud just keeps coming to my mind,” said Kim Wilbur. “It’s exciting to see what the future holds.”

“It seems like such a cliche, I just keep saying how proud we are,” said Janack. “Not only are they the first going from Saratoga County, they’re young women. … It’s very male-dominated, so it’s thrilling to watch them grow as a team.”

Wilbur and Paige Cook both qualified for nationals at the New York State Championships in September. However, neither were

certain they would make the cut.

“I didn’t think I was going to make it,” said Paige Cook.

“Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to make it either,” added Wilbur. “I really just went in there with an open mind, like, ‘Whatever happens, happens.’”

Of course, both qualified for nationals, with Wilbur finishing second and Cook third overall.

Amber Cook, however, initially qualified for nationals in May 2022, but didn’t discover this until after her teammates had clinched their spots.

“I didn’t find out until after they did, in September. I was very surprised,” said Amber Cook. “I really did not think I was going to qualify, so it was just very exciting and I’m very proud of myself for being able to.”

Amber Cook will be joined on

New York’s Shotgun team by qualifiers from Dutchess and Chemung counties, while Paige Cook and Wilbur will compete alongside a qualifier from Wyoming County on the New York Archery team. Competitors will be scored individually, with their scores added up to generate overall county and state scores.

“We all go out there and shoot individually,” said Wilbur. “So we’re scored individually, and then all together as a team at the end.”

The group is currently in the process of fundraising for the trip, with Wilbur saying it will cost about $3,000 per girl for the travel alone. The National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships will be held from June 25 to 30 in Grand Island, Nebraska.

“(We’ve been) getting together and just making sure everything is

very precise, so we can go out to different stores and even just individual people and do group fundraising,” Wilbur said. “We’ve been in the process of that for a few months now. It is a lot of work to do fundraising, especially this big.”

“It’s a long process,” added Paige Cook. “We’re mostly preparing to start in the next couple weeks, because getting the names and the emails and all that has taken quite a long time.”

The girls’ parents are also chipping in any way they can. Jeff Breedon, father of Amber and Paige, is an instructor at Saratoga County 4-H along with Janack and Kim Wilbur.

“Every one of us brings a different strength to the team,” said Breedon. “That’s how we’ve succeeded, I think, so well. If something needs to happen, one of us

knows how to do it.”

And the time spent in 4-H has also helped the trio become closer, which Janack emphasized as one of the strengths of the program.

“That’s the beauty of 4-H, it’s a county-wide thing,” Janack said. “You have youth coming from all over who would have never met each other, would never have known how awesome their friendships are going to be. This is truly going to be a lifelong friendship between these three.”

Wilbur agreed, saying that while the girls knew each other before joining 4-H, the club has “really sparked that friendship in all of us.”

“I don’t even consider them my teammates, they’re just my family now,” said Wilbur. “That’s what 4-H has brought to us. It’s definitely a blessing.”

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Amber Cook (left), Paige Cook (middle), and Rachel Wilbur (right) qualified for the 2023 National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska. Photos provided by Kim Wilbur.

Amber Cook (left), Rachel Wilbur (middle), and Paige Cook (right) qualified for the 2023 National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska.

SARATOGA GYMNASTICS HOSTS ANNUAL PURPLE PASSION MEET

WILTON — Four Section 2 gymnastics teams competed to raise money and awareness for domestic violence on Friday, as the Saratoga Springs varsity gymnastics team hosted the 17th annual Purple Passion Meet.

The four competing teams were: Saratoga Springs, Bethlehem, Shaker, and Guilderland. Athletes from all four teams wore purple gear, helping raise awareness and funding for Wellspring of Saratoga.

See below for top finishers from each event of Friday’s meet:

• All-Around: Ayla Skinner (33.1)

• Vault: Erika Sudigala (8.7)

• Floor: Ellie Ott (9.15)

• Balance Beam: Alyssa Kearns (9.05)

• Uneven Bars: Ellie Ott (8.65)

Ballston Spa Swim Team Senior Night

Jr. NBA Scores Jr. NBA Scores

GAVIN PARK JR. NBA Scores & Top Scorers - Week 9

DIVISION 1

CAVS VS. CELTICS

Cavs, 29: Kayden Klippel 6, Brooks Casey 6

Celtics, 10: Danny Harms 6, Nathan Bartholomew 1

MAVS VS. NETS

LAKERS VS. WARRIORS

Lakers, 28: Trey Ordon 13, Landon Dross 5

Warriors, 22: Mason Jones 14, Sullivan Barber 2

DIVISION 2

Mavs, 22: Will Schaefer 8, Will Sherman 4

Nets, 16: Drew Britten 6, Dillan Davis 4

PACERS VS. SUNS

Pacers, 18: Colton Barbaro 8, Dylan McMillan 4

Suns, 16: Andrew Charron 4, Luke Borman 2

CELTICS VS. BUCKS

Celtics, 33: Ryan Horton 16, Liam Donnarumma 4

Bucks, 23: Avery Bryant 8, Mason Elie 4

DIVISION 3

BULLS VS. TRAIL BLAZERS

Bulls, 33: Brayden Smith 11, Shilo Parker 7

Trail Blazers, 30: Jensen Ives 11, Evan Theis 10

CELTICS VS. BUCKS

Celtics, 43: Greyson Querbes 13, Jackson Osborne 12

Bucks, 11: Lee Lockrow 5, Ryland Marvin 4

NBA action:

Photo provided by Allessandra Skinner.

Ballston Spa High School swim team celebrates Senior Night. Photos by Super Source Media Studios.

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