Saratoga TODAY July 11 - 17, 2025

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Photo: NYRA
(left) Saratoga Central Catholic valedictorian Raphael Sanok; (middle) Ballston Spa valedictorian Audrey Bedell; (right) Schuylerville High School valedictorian Holly Price. photos provided by their respective schools. See Story pg. 14

Finders, Keepers

A genuine “Gold Rush” occurred in Saratoga Springs in the summer of 1932, outside of the seasonal dash to the race track and roadhouses. During the construction of Saratoga Spa State Park gold and silver were discovered, however not in the form of bulk bullion, but in minted coins.

Architectural work for the development of the Saratoga Spa at the geysers was spread among three different architects in an effort to complete the entire project within two years. Dwight Baum of New York City was awarded the work on the recreation group of golf clubhouse and Victoria swimming pool along with the bottling plant, with Marcus T. Reynolds of Albany designing the Gideon Putnam Hotel. Joseph H. Freedlander of New York planned the administration building, bath houses, laboratory and the Hall of Springs.

These construction jobs provided much needed work during the Great Depression, which held the nation in economic grips, and would also return the flow to the mineral springs which had been depleted by commercial exploitation.

The site selected for the Hall of Springs had earlier belonged to Lyman F. Pettee, who was the president of the Geysers Natural Carbonic Acid Gas Company, one of the operations utilizing the springs for profitmaking marketability. Lyman and his wife Mary had a large 12-room summer home in this vicinity and their son, Harry E. Pettee, would become the Mayor of Saratoga Springs (1918-1919), and president of the successor corporation, General Carbonic Gas Company. Mary Pettee was remembered as someone who engendered old world notions and sensibilities and did not trust financial institutions, preferring to hide her savings in various vessels in the basement of their geyser area home. New York State acquired the Pettee Cottage, from General Carbonic Gas in April 1912 for reservation purposes.

During July 1932 major events had taken place nationally

and globally. In Germany, discontent and hardship, fostered by the punishing conditions of the Treaty of Versailles, led to the Nazi Party gaining a voting majority in the Reichstag. In Chicago, New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated by his party as their candidate for President. Governor Roosevelt, who had been instrumental in constructing Spa State Park, promised a “New Deal” for citizens, and abolition of the laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol.

The nominating convention had concluded to the strains of the song, “Happy Days Are Here Again,” a spirited and hopeful tune.

Locally during highJuly, a five dollar gold piece was found at the construction site, and the windfall created a sensation. A few days later three workmen employed by the Lowe Construction company of Schenectady, which had the contract for the excavation and foundation work for the Hall of Springs, ran across a number of $20 gold pieces. This ignited a passionate excitement, with the prospect of striking rapid wealth, and word spread quickly and contagiously.

The July 26, 1932 Saratogian reported,

“A genuine gold rush of truly amazing proportions overwhelmed Saratoga Springs last night and today. Early this morning hundreds of amateur, but none the less earnest, prospectors, armed with pickaxes, shovels and improvised sieves, had taken upwards of a thousand dollars in gold and silver coin from a mound of loosely piled earth a few feet south of the foundation site of the new Hall of Springs in Geyser Park. The rush of the modern Forty-Niners started late yesterday afternoon.”

The article continued, “Richard O’Brien, state engineer in charge of the construction work at The Geysers, said today that the earth which bore the pay lode had already been turned over four times when the rush started. It was originally removed from the site of the Hall of Springs in excavating, dumped in a mound a few feet south of the location, brought back to the original site

for filling and finally returned to the spot where prospectors were still feverishly digging and sifting this afternoon.”

It was mentioned that the money was found in milk bottles, canning jars, and tin cans in the soil, and that prospectors worked through the night, aided by lanterns and flashlights, many humming the newly popular tune “Happy Days Are Here Again.”

The gold and silver coins were in varied denominations ranging up to twenty dollar pieces, and most of the durable legal tender was minted in the early 1880’s, the newest coin bearing the date of 1890. The Saratogian reporter continued,

“The sweat poured from their fevered brows in the heat of the merciless sun. But at noon today it appeared that the lode was almost exhausted although workers continued to pick up dimes, quarters and an occasional half or silver dollar. Many, however, kept on grimly, hopeful that another large strike might be unearthed. Some even expressed the opinion that the pay lode had hardly been touched as yet, and that much larger amounts would be found eventually. The “gold fever” was strong upon every man, woman and child who sought the money. “There is no fooling about this Klondike fever,” one of the searchers said, “when you are pawing over that dirt, and something shines, you start to tremble all over. It’s worse than buck fever ever was.” It was wellnigh impossible to secure the names of the lucky finders or to get them to divulge the amounts they had taken out of the earth. For it became immediately apparent that the question of legal ownership of the buried sums might prove disastrous to the interests of the prospectors.”

Indeed that proved to be the case as Attorney General John J. Bennett, when the matter was brought to his attention in Albany, directed that the state police put a stop to the mining operations on the grounds, as treasure found on state property belongs either to the state, or to the owner of the property prior to its acquisition, thus suspending succeeding searches seeking sovereigns.

Upcoming Events at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve Rundown

With the summer months upon us, the Wilton Wildlife Preserve is going to be busy with several events open to the public.

From writing to bird watching, here are the events visitors can look forward to at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve.

Free Writing Workshops

If you love the outdoors and have a passion for writing, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park invites you to immerse yourself in both on Thursday, July 17, and Tuesday, August 12, at 1:00 p.m. This workshop will explore how keen observation of the natural world can inspire writing, from non-fiction to poetry.

Michael Steven Marx, Professor of English at Skidmore College, aided by a Wilton Wildlife environmental Educator, will lead a 90-minute workshop, discussing the elements of good writing and short samples of work by some of the best nature writers followed by a short walk through the preserve, sharpening observation skills,

and exploring its unique habitat, ending with a freewrite session by participants inspired by their outdoor experience. Participants will be encouraged to share their writing with others for discussion.

This program will be suitable for ages 10 years old and up. All supplies will be provided. Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Registration is required at least one day in advance as space is limited.

Wetland Exploration Programs at Saratoga PLAN’s Round Lake Preserve

Back by popular demand, Wilton Wildlife will once again be partnering with Saratoga PLAN, helping visitors learn about the diverse aquatic ecosystem of the Round Lake Preserve. Participants will start with a leisurely stroll

down the boardwalk while learning about the organisms that call the Preserve home.

The program ends with a fun scavenger hunt to earn a prize! These programs will take place on Thursdays, July 15 & 29, and August 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

Lunch

• Egg Salad on a bun Pea Salad

• Carrot Raisin Salad

• Brownie

Summer Bird Watching Walks

On Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, August 17, at 8:00 a.m., Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding a Summer Bird Watching Walk. Join a Wilton Wildlife educator on a gorgeous morning walk through the Saratoga Sand Plains to discover birds that call Wilton Wildlife their home in the summer months.

• Italian sausage w/ peppers & onions on roll

• mixed vegetables

• Beans & Greens

• Applesauce

This program is suitable for ages 13 and up and is made possible through the support of Brookfield Renewable. Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register for any of these events, please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@ wiltonpreserve.org.

Department of Aging and Youth Services

Served at the Saratoga Senior Center

• BBQ Chicken Home Fries

• Veg Trio

• WW Dinner Roll

• Shortbread cookies

• Seafood Salad on bun

• Macaroni Salad

• Three Bean Salad Peaches

• Goulash Yellow Squash

• Green Beans

• Corn Muffin Yogurt

Menu Subject To Change. Coffee, Tea and Butter are served daily at sites. The suggested contribution is $2 per meal. There is a $8 fee for guests under the age of 60. Please make checks payable to: Saratoga County Treasurer, c/o Saratoga County Office for the Aging, 152 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Roy J. Stevens

Saratoga Springs — Roy J. Stevens, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Saratoga Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Born on September 30, 1944, in Manistee, Michigan, he was the son of Jack and Dorothy (Hunter) Stevens.

Roy worked as a salesman and had a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He especially loved bicycles, often riding 8 to 10 miles through the Wilton area. He enjoyed staying active, tackling home projects, and feeding his backyard birds.

Roy was known for his great sense of humor. He saw the positive side of life and was always ready with his “dad jokes”. He loved the art world. Throughout his life he spent many hours producing abstract paintings and landscapes. He is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Stevens; daughter, Lindsay Morgan Stevens; brothers, Gary Stevens (Marge) and Lawrence Stevens (Gail); sisters, Jean Droze (Fred), Ann Stevens, and Jackie Berry.

In addition to his parents, Roy was predeceased by his brother Alva Stevens.

In honoring Roy’s wishes, no public services will be held.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online condolences may be shared at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Honor Your Loved One

Death Notice: $35 | Standard Obituary: $60 Extended Obituary: Call for price CALL: 518-581-2480 or EMAIL: Obits@SaratogaPublishing.com

Michael James “Coach” Carney

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— Michael James “Coach” Carney passed away on June 22, 2025. Visitation was on July 9, at Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway (518-5845373). A Mass was held on July 10, at St. Clement’s Church. Burial will be private. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Natalie Riccio

CAMBRIDGE — Natalie Riccio passed away on July 1, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Daniel Zacharkiw and Olga Opelia. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Online condolences may be shared at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Joan A’hearn

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joan A’hearn passed away July 8, 2025. Born on October 10, 1937, in Queens, NY she was the daughter of the late John McGee and Katherine Granger. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Online condolences may be shared at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Eleanor Hill

QUEENSBURY — Eleanor Hill passed away July 1, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Anthony Dowiak and Anelia Fedyk. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Online condolences may be shared at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Michael R. Breault

HUDSON FALLS — Michael R. Breault passed away June 28, 2025. Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 11, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs. A celebration of life will follow at 3:00 p.m. Online condolences may be shared at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

John Powers Roche, Sr.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John Powers Roche, Sr. passed away July 5, 2025. Calling hours are Sunday, July 13, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs, NY. A private graveside service will be at Bolton Rural Cemetery, Bolton Landing, NY. Online condolences may be shared at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Alma Arpey

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Alma Arpey, who passed July 3, 2025, recently told her children that she was blessed to have lived a long and fulfilling life of 86 years. Calling hours and service were held on July 10 at Burke Funeral Home followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Joseph C. Cimon

Albany — Joseph C. Cimon, 84, passed away Saturday morning, June 28, 2025 under the care of Hospice. Services are private. Memorial donations to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. Online remembrances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com.

Gene Sarro

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gene Sarro passed away Friday, July 4, 2025, at Wesley Health Care Center. In honoring Gene’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. The family would like to thank the staff at 3 Spring and Hospice for all their care for Gene. Online condolences may be shared at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Congregation Shaara Tfille and The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs to Host Play Reading

Congregation Shaara Tfille and The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs are excited to present a play reading, “My Name is Asher Lev” at 2:00 pm and at 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 27, at Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Avenue.

The performances are part of the 2025 Saratoga Jewish

Cultural Festival. This event is sponsored by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeast New York. There is a $5 admission charge that also includes light refreshments.

Advanced reservations are required and walk-ins will not be admitted. RSVP by phoning Congregation Shaara Tfille at 518-584- 2370 or email,

saratogajcc@albany.twcbc.com by July 24.

“My Name is Asher Lev” is a play adapted by Aaron Posner, from the novel of the same name by the acclaimed author Chaim Potok. This reading will be directed by Dianne O’Neill, who has directed numerous regional productions, including our moving 2023 production of

“The Chosen” by Chaim Potok. The play follows the journey of a young Jewish painter, torn between his Hasidic upbringing and his desperate need to fulfill his artistic promise. When his artistic genius threatens to destroy his relationship with his parents and the community, young Asher realizes he must

make a difficult choice between art and faith.

This stirring adaptation of a modern classic presents a heartbreaking and triumphant vision of what it means to be an artist. The Philadelphia Inquirer, describes the play as: “…a profound declaration of the power of storytelling on a stage.”

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ADVERTISING? NEXT MAGAZINE DEADLINE: Saratoga Bride Fall/Winter July 18

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Pitney Meadows Announces the 2025 Fire Feast: “Sowing Connection, Harvesting Resilience: A Celebration of Local Food”

Pitney Meadows

Community Farm is proud to present the 2025 Fire Feast, a vibrant, open-air gathering to celebrate our regional food system and the community that makes it possible.

Taking place on Thursday, August 14th, 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, this beloved annual event invites guests to experience a true farm-to-fire feast, set against the Community Garden and blooming fields of Pitney Meadows in the heart of Saratoga Springs!

At our 2025 Fire Feast, we gather to celebrate the very essence of our community: the regional bounty that nourishes us all. This year, we honor the partnerships that make our food system thrive.

From the farms that cultivate our land to the foragers who gather nature’s bounty and the local producers who craft our food with care to the businesses and individuals who support and sustain this ecosystem. Together, we are sowing the seeds of change that strengthen our food system, making it more sustainable, more accessible, and more deeply connected to the land and to each other.

This year’s feast will be crafted by Farmstead Catering at Echo Farm, run by Saratoga native Dillon Klepetar, whose approach to food begins with

deep respect for the land. All ingredients will be sourced directly from the fields of Pitney Meadows and Echo Farm, ensuring a meal that is not only seasonal and sustainable but also deeply rooted in place.

Guests will enjoy a multicourse, live-fire meal prepared by a team of dedicated farm-totable chefs, alongside:

• Live local music from North & South Dakotas and Hot Club of Saratoga.

• Local libations from Druthers Brewing Company, Bars Without Boundaries, One with Life Organic Tequila, Hamlet & Ghost, Albany Distilling Company, First Fill Spirits, and Old Tavern Farm Winery, served from open bars.

• Silent auction, featuring a curated selection of exceptional items and experiences generously donated by our community.

• “Add your flame to the fire” with a direct donation to support Pitney Meadows. Watch the community fire grow brighter throughout the evening as guests contribute. Each spark is a symbol of commitment to a more resilient, equitable local food system. Every gift, large or

small, helps fuel our mission all year long.

The atmosphere is relaxed and celebratory—an invitation to gather with your community, explore the grounds, and savor the abundance of summer. Attire is farm chic: we recommend comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for grassy, unpaved terrain. This is a rain-or-shine event, and all ticket sales are final.

“Fire Feast is a joyful evening… but it’s also an intentional one,” said Brooke McConnell, Executive Director of Pitney Meadows Community Farm. “When we gather around a table built on food grown

right here in our region, we’re celebrating more than a meal; we’re investing in a resilient, equitable, and deeply rooted local food system. Fire Feast brings people together to nourish community, honor the land, and support the people who work every day to feed us.” Proceeds from Fire Feast directly support Pitney Meadows’ year-round work in sustainable agriculture, education, and food access. Every dollar helps Pitney Meadows expand partnerships, steward conserved land, and serve as a living hub for food, environmental education, and community well-being.

Pitney Meadows’ Annual Fire Feast will take place Thursday August 14 ( Courtesy of Pitney Meadows).

NYRA Announces Premium Giveaways

The official schedule of premium giveaways at Saratoga Race Course in the summer of 2025 has been announced. All giveaways are free with paid admission and while supplies last. To learn more, visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/events-giveaways/ Graphic from NYRA.com.

Photo by Sue Clark

TSA Says ‘Keep your Shoes on’

It’s been a hallmark of travel for years now. You get to the checkpoint, empty your pockets, take off your shoes and prepare to be scrutinized by the Transportation Safety Administration.

Well part of that process is about to change. On July 8, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) announced that passengers at domestic airports — including Albany International Airport — will no longer have to take off their shoes when going through checkpoints.

In a press release, the US Secretary of Homeland Security said the change was designed to make passengers’ lives easier when traveling.

“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Secretary Noem. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading

to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.”

This isn’t the first time this measure has been relaxed.

Starting in December 2013, passengers could enroll in ‘TSA Pre-Check’ which allowed passengers to forego some of the security screenings, such as having to take off their shoes, after they paid a fee, got fingerprinted and passed a background check, according to TSA’.

TSA has required passengers to remove their shoes since 2006. The policy was made due to an incident that occurred about three months after 9/11. On December 22, 2001, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami attempted to detonate an explosive device located in the bottom of his shoes, according to the FBI.

The attempt was unsuccessful as the would-be bomber couldn’t light the fuse on the explosive and was subsequently restrained by passengers and crew. Five years later, TSA required passengers to remove their shoes and have them x-rayed.

The change is one of

several impacting travelers this summer. In May, passengers had to obtain a ‘Real ID’ in order to travel on all domestic flights. Earlier this month, TSA unveiled several policy changes designed to make the lives of military passengers easier. Earlier this month, TSA announced that Gold Star Families would get their fee waved when applying for TSA Precheck. In addition, service members and their spouses would receive a $25 discount on the program as well as having their dependents fall under the program when booked on the same reservation.

Waterford Police Chase Ends in the Hudson River

Monday at 5:22 p.m., the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office received notification from the Schenectady County communications center of a motor vehicle being operated by a minor in Saratoga County without the owner’s consent.

The vehicle was reportedly taken in their jurisdiction.

At approximately 5:29 p.m., deputies located the vehicle in the area of Grooms Road in the town of Halfmoon and attempted a vehicle stop.

The vehicle fled and was last seen traveling south on U.S. Route 9 at a high rate of speed into the town of Colonie. The Sheriff’s Office notified the Colonie Police Department and deputies terminated their involvement at that time for the safety of the public.

At approximately 7:00 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office was notified that the vehicle was believed to be in the D & R Village mobile home park in the town of Halfmoon. Deputies located the vehicle at that location and attempted to stop it at which time the vehicle fled again traveling eastbound on state Route 146. The vehicle proceeded to crash into a guard rail at the intersection of state

Routes 146 and 4/32 causing significant front-end damage. It continued to flee southbound on Routes 4/32 into the village of Waterford nearly striking a flag in a construction zone on Third Street before driving across a resident’s lawn on John Street and into the Hudson River.

The operator exited the vehicle once it had entered the river and attempted to swim away towards the city of Troy stopping approximately halfway. Deputies swam out to the person and took them into custody shortly thereafter. The operator was charged with reckless endangerment in the 1st degree (class D felony), two counts of unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the 3rd degree (class A misdemeanor), and two counts of reckless driving (unclassified misdemeanor).

The minor is considered a juvenile delinquent under New York state law and was released on appearance tickets pending further proceedings in the Saratoga County Family Court. There were no injuries reported, and the vehicle was removed from the river by Lussier’s Autobody & Repairs and KJ Sterns Towing.

This week at the Clifton Park Library

The following programs will be offered during the week of July 14-20. Details and registration information for each program can be found at www.cphlibrary. org or by calling 518-371-8622.

Summer Story Time— Mondays & Thursdays at 10 am: July 14 & 17

Nurture your child’s love of reading with stories and songs on our Back Lawn. Visit our website and social media for weather-related updates.

Teen Paint & Sip— Monday, July 14 at 4 pm

Grab a snack, pick up a brush, and let your creativity flow. No skills needed—just good vibes, cool drinks, and colorful masterpieces. For grades 6-12. Registration required.

Language Exchange Café at MochaLisa’s Caffé & Books— Monday, July 14 at 6 pm

Interested in practicing a language? Join other language enthusiasts for an hour of conversation. Pair up with a partner who is proficient in your target language and get practicing.

Read Digital Newspapers for FREE—Tuesday, July 15 at 2 pm

Learn how to use library resources to access free newspaper articles from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Daily Gazette, NY Post, and more! Registration required.

Tuesday Crafternoon: Rainbow Fish Art—Tuesday, July 15 at 2 pm

Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting from a variety of materials! For Gr. K-5, with an adult.

ZOOM: PJ Story Time— Tuesday, July 15 at 7 pm Clifton Park, NY

Get comfy in your favorite PJs, grab a blanket, and tune in for a special story time from home. Registration required.

Therapy Dogs

De-stress while hanging out with a furry friend!

• For Adults: Wednesday, July 16 at 10 am

• For Teens: Thursday, July 17 at 4:30 pm

Wacky Wednesday: Mini Golf—Wednesday, July 16 at 10 am

Get ready to have some wacky outdoor fun at this drop-in program! For preschool-Gr. 5, with an adult.

Teen LEGO Mastery Competition!—Wednesday, July 16 at 2 pm

Are you up for a challenge? Build a set from your favorite action movie and compete to see if you have what it takes to win! All LEGOs will be provided. For grades 6-12. Registration required.

HYBRID: Banned Book Club: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore--Thursday, July 17 at 2 pm

Moore’s newest novel follows the disappearance of a young girl from her wealthy family’s summer camp in the Adirondacks, uncovering dark secrets within the family and the surrounding community as the investigation reveals a similar missing sibling case from years prior. All are welcome, including new participants. Registration required for virtual attendees only.

See more library events on our website: saratogatodaynewspaper.com

Saratoga County Teen Arrested on Terrorism Charges

A Clifton Park teen has been arrested by New York State Police on several terrorism related charges.

The 17-year-old was arrested on the morning of July 3 in Halfmoon with the incident first being reported on June 17, according to a State Police Information Report issued on July 4. The report said the teen was arrested for violating three New York laws — two felonies and one misdemeanor — and that they were being held without bail.

Saratoga TODAY reached out to State Police for more information about the arrest but has not heard back at time of

publication.

The teen is accused of violating three New York Penal Laws all relating to terrorism or mass casualty incidents. The first of these, PL 490.45, deals with criminal possession of a chemical or biological weapon. The teen is specifically accused of violating section two of the law which bans possession of “any select chemical agent, with intent to use such agent to cause serious physical injury to, or the death of, more than two other persons”

PL 490.45 is a class A first degree felony. Notably, the law doesn’t cover things like pepper spray or explosives which are typically covered under PL 265.

The other felony count the teen was arrested for was PL

490.10, a class D, second degree felony. This law targets those who provide or seek material support or resources for an act of terror. The misdemeanor on the arrest sheet was PL 240.78, making a threat of mass harm.

This crime — a class b misdemeanor — occurs when someone threatens to inflict serious harm or death to a public location. Under the law it doesn’t matter whether the person in question had the capability or intent to carry out the attack they threatened.

Under New York law, the name of the teen can’t be released by police and court proceedings will be handled either by a family court or the youth section of a criminal court.

Saratoga County Seeks Proposals For 2025-2026 Youth Program Funding

The Saratoga County Department of Aging & Youth Services is seeking applications for youth programming services from municipalities and nonprofit, communitybased organizations for the program year. Programs must reach the general youth population with quality recreation, social and/or skillbuilding programs.

All 2025-2026 grant applications are due to the Department of Aging & Youth Services on or before July

31, 2025. Entities are advised to read the current local commissioners memorandum (LCM) attached within each funding stream for details on eligibility and requirements. Four funding streams are available:

• Youth Development Programs (YDP): Grants will be awarded to programs for youth under 21 that provide free, direct services designed to improve youth and community outcomes.

• Youth Sports and

Education Funding (YSEF): Grants will be awarded to programs that serve youth ages 6-17 and aim to foster educational connections and achievement; physical health and well-being; mental health and well-being; employment; and/or community cohesion.

• Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA): RHY services are grounded in the Positive Youth Development framework and focus on supporting and developing healthy relationships to enhance youths’ existing strengths and resiliency, while incorporating youth voice and leadership into programming.

• Youth Team Sports (YTS): is grounded in the principles of positive youth development. YTS may be used to fund programming that provides opportunities for youth in under-resourced

communities to learn and participate in team sports activities. This may include educational instruction necessary to prepare youth to participate in team sports. Specific funding eligibility requirements are as follows:

• The program targets youth and families in Saratoga County.

• Your agency is a notfor-profit or a communitybased organization with federal identification or charity registration number.

• Municipalities charging a fee for program participation must provide a written policy to accommodate youth who are unable to pay by either offering scholarships, a tiered fee schedule or waiving the fee.

• Insurance requirements will be met per contract.

• The program will

operate and expend all funds during the contract period.

• Funded programs must have sufficient overhead to support the reimbursementclaiming process through completion.

• The claim for reimbursement and the annual report are due annually by October 10th.

• Entities are advised to read the current LCM attached within each funding stream for details on eligibility and requirements.

Funding is made available through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Required forms and additional information about funding eligibility requirements and grant eligibility criteria are available on saratogacountyny.gov/ youth. For more information, please call (518) 884-4100

BALLSTON

Navin Chanderdat sold property at 24 Stablegate Dr to Colby Heffner for $785,000

Mark Kelly sold property at 51 Forestbrook Dr to Miles Kelly for $560,000

Michael Mauro sold property at 38 Rolling Brook Dr to Cassandera Guevara for $775,000

East Line Holdings LLC sold property at 10 Appleton St to Sungsik Park for $590,930

CORINTH

Stacey Constant sold property at 326 Center St to Brooke Langworthy for $250,000

GREENFIELD

Joseph Colucci sold property at 286 South Greenfield Rd to Faye Jones for $499,000

MALTA

Michael Group Homes LLC sold property at 15 Wiggins Dr to David Magnano for $518,920

Malta Land Company LLC sold property at 4 Americas Cup to Eileen Feingold for $998,715 Week of July 11 - July 17, 2025

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Michaels Group Homes LLC sold property at 17 Wiggins Dr Richard Flavin for $522,575

Michaels Group Homes LLC sold property at 10 Wiggins Dr Steffen Zehrfuhs for $570,225

MILTON

Niholas Swanda sold property at 14 Milton Heights Blvd to Mark Phelps for $449,000

Patrick Haskell sold property at 315 Meadowlark Dr to Karinn Baumann for $365,000

SARATOGA

Marie Maddalla sold property at 14 Eagles Way to Chase Dixon for $370,100

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Beechwood Saratoga LLC sold property at 36 Jenna Jo Ave to Jon Foshee for $600,000

Lindsey Dembo sold property at 27 Orenda Spring Dr to Kyle Cronin for $420,000

Jaime Bogovich sold property at 10 Wagon Wheel Trail to John Stiassney for $385,000

Keith Manuel sold property at 20 Summerfield Lane to Kendall Horan for $969,000

Jordan St Clair sold property at 15 Tamarack Trail to Irmina Celinski for $360,000

Kendall Horan sold property at 54 Granite St to Matthew Hickey for $3,115,500

Alexander Ruthman sold property at 3 Garside Rd to Morgan Ruthman for $600,000

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 462 toJoseph Murabito for $1,140,000

WILTON

Jeffrey Morris sold property at 25 Burnham Rd to Thomas McQueeney for $875,000

Andrew Larosa sold property at 404 Northern Pines Rd to Anna Vaia for $385,000

Saratoga Group Wilton LLC sold property at

17 Brookhaven Ct to Pigliavento Associates LLC for $124,000

Pigliavento Associates LLC sold property at 17 Brookhaven Ct to Johnathan Marra for $761,506

Guy Fitzgerald property at 12 Meditation Way to Matthew Parisi for $359,000

Brian Markham sold property at 115 Ruggles Rd to Lucas Mastrangelo 2020 Venture Trust for $430,000

Forest Grove LLC sold property at 2 Angeles Ave to Daniel Clune for $751,335

Charles Yourch property at 17 Sweetbriar Dr to Erika Fallon for $690,000

Gerald Verrigni sold property at 5 Huckleberry Finn Court to Noah Rothe for $435,000

Timothy Herbert sold property at 4 Hopeful Lane to Erik Wright for $404,000

Herbie’s Burgers Arrives in Saratoga Springs

SARATOGA

— Herbie’s Burgers, a growing smash burger chain that originated in Albany in 2021, has opened its newest outpost at the Ice House at 70 Putnam Street in downtown Saratoga Springs.

The company has seven other locations, including three

in Albany, one in Clifton Park, and one in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Herbie’s burgers are made from grass-fed/grass-finished beef and its shoe-string fries are made from 100% Idaho potatoes.

Menu offerings at the Ice House location include both beef and vegan burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches and tenders, and milkshakes.

PJ’s BAR-B-QSA Announces Closure, Pending Sale

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

PJ’s BAR-B-QSA, a barbecue restaurant that had been in business for 42 years, officially closed its doors for good last weekend after being shuttered since late October.

In a statement posted to its website, the company said it had a pending sale on the property at 1 Kaydeross Ave W that is scheduled to close in mid-September.

The company also said it would retain ownership of its

original recipes, trademarks, logos, and theme in the hope that someone might be interested in licensing them.

“Our journey began over five decades ago with a small catering business working out of our garage, and thanks to all of you, it evolved into a beloved local institution,” owners PJ and Carolyn Davis said in their statement. “From the very beginning, this has been a family effort, and we’re deeply proud of what we’ve built together.”

PJ and Carolyn thanked their son, daughter, the City of Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce,

Discover Saratoga, and the local community at large for their support over the years.

PJ’s BAR-B-QSA had been a seasonal restaurant from 1984 until 2011, before staying open year-round in 2012. Its decision to close for the winter in October 2024 led to speculation that the business might stay closed for good.

The eatery hosted a variety of events over the years, including Classic Car Nights, Bike Nights, and charity events. It was also an official Buffalo Bills Backers location, serving as a gathering place for Bills fans to watch games.

An image posted to PJ’s BAR-B-QSA’s website announcing the restaurant’s closure.
Photo via Herbie’s Burgers.
SPRINGS

Saratoga PLAN Adds Three Board Members

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— Saratoga PLAN, a nonprofit land trust responsible for preserving Snake Hill on Saratoga Lake (among many other projects), has added three new board members: Jennifer Allen, Bethany Khan, and Adam Hostetter.

Allen has experience in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, specializing in development, marketing, and human resources. As executive director of the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, she expanded membership and funding through community engagement strategies.

Khan brings experience in sustainable development, public policy, and real estate to Saratoga PLAN’s board. As former policy advisor for the City of New York, she focused on economic development and building energy policy to improve local air quality, and to support major economic

development initiatives.

Hostetter is a technology executive known for translating complex technical concepts into practical business applications.

As the CEO of FUSE Next, he leads a knowledge aggregation content discovery platform serving major organizations like the National Academy of Sciences and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Silks & Satins 5K to Benefit Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— Saratoga Springs runners, walkers, and community members are invited to join the Jeff Clark Memorial Silks & Satins 5K on Saturday, July 12 at 8 a.m. at Fasig-Tipton (153 George Street).

The event, produced by FC4 Events and Fleet Feet, offers a fast, flat course near horse racing facilities in Saratoga’s East Side neighborhood.

The event is in support of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, a nonprofit providing equineassisted programs to veterans, families, children, and others

Saratoga

facing mental health challenges.

The New York Racing Association (NYRA), which is a community partner in this year’s race, is offering registered runners complimentary general admission tickets, redeemable on any day of the 2025 summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course (excluding Whitney Day on Aug. 2 and Travers Day on Aug. 23).

Runners and walkers are encouraged to register as part of the THS Team. Volunteers, including friends and family, are also needed to help staff the race. Those interested can sign up at https://calendly.com/kimths/ths-volunteers-silks-andsatins?month=2025-07.

Restaurateurs Nominated for America’s Favorite Couple

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— Zac Denham and Clark Gale, co-owners of Bocage Champagne Bar and the forthcoming Standard Fare, are in the running to be named “America’s Favorite Couple.”

The duo is participating in a contest organized by Variety magazine, a popular Hollywood trade publication. As part of the contest, Denham

and Gale are raising money for Oceana, a nonprofit focused on ocean conservation.

As of press time, the couple was ranked first in their group, with the initial round of voting set to close on July 10 at 10 p.m. ET. The contest winners will receive $20,000 and an advertorial in Variety.

Denham and Gale once partnered with actor

Ted Danson for an Oceana fundraiser in New York City that drew 200 guests, including celebrities like Rumer Willis and David and Susan Rockefeller. The event raised $1.5 million.

The couple’s latest venture, Standard Fare, is expected to open on Phila Street sometime in late July or early August.

Photos of Jennifer Allen, Bethany Khan, and Adam Hostetter provided by Saratoga PLAN.

EDUCATION

High School Graduates Score Top Marks

While summer in Saratoga is typically ushered in with horse races and tourists, it also marks the end of a long journey for many young Saratoga Springs area residents — High School graduation.

With the sound of Pomp and Circumstance fading in the distance, here is a brief look at the achievements of local graduates.

Ballston Spa

Ballston Spa High School

Valedictorian for the class of 2025 is Audrey Bedell. Bedell has a GPA of 99.508 and graduated with a Regents Diploma

with Advanced Designation and Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science.

During her time at Ballston Spa High School, Bedell was enrolled

in sixteen college and honors level courses.

Outside of the classroom, Bedell was a three-time medalist for the Science Olympiad, a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, and played viola in symphonic orchestra, pit orchestra, All County Orchestra and New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Orchestra. Bedell plans on pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering in college.

Ballston Spa’s Salutatorian for the 2025 class is Christine Jiang. Jiang has a GPA of 99.23 and 508 and graduated with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science. During her time at Ballston Spa High School Jiang was enrolled in 20 college level, AP, honors and International Baccalaureate classes and is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Candidate.

Outside the classroom, Jiang was a member of the cross country and track teams, was secretary of the National Honor Society chapter and was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society as well as the Students Helping Students and True Crime Club. Jiang will be pursuing a degree in political science in the fall.

Students also receiving honors for being in the top 10 of their class include Noland Schmitt, Tucker Cornell, Collin Flynn, Kayleigh Cassels, Jacqueline Horsch, Mia Collins, Jessica Bowens, and Ethan Norris.

Schuylerville High School

The Valedictorian for Schuylerville High School Class of 2025 is Holly Price. Price is heavily involved in

her community — both in and out of the classroom. In her time at Schuylerville, Price was involved in 11 clubs — achieving leadership roles in two of them — played on the JV girls basketball team and varsity tennis team and was volunteered throughout her community which included being a weekly volunteer at the library, assisting with the Middle School Drama Club and caroling at nursing homes. She has received the Rensselaer Medal Award, the CASDA Capitol Region Students and Teachers who Make a Difference Award and the Black Horse Excellence Award — among many others.

This fall, Price will be attending Colgate University studying neuroscience and French.

The Salutatorian for Schuylerville High School Class of 2025 is Grace Lail. In her time at Schuylerville, Lail was involved with 10 different clubs and organizations on campus, participating in unified basketball and was involved with five different community service organizations. Some of her awards include the St. Michael’s Book Award, Black Horses Excellence Award and National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award — among others.

This fall, Lail will be attending William and Mary College studying music and French.

Zooming out to the rest of the class: 21 Schuylerville students ended their high school career with a GPA of 96 or higher, 16 received Advanced Regents Diplomas with Honors, 44 received Advanced Regents Diplomas, 54 received Regents

Diplomas, 25 received CDOS Commencement Credentials and 17 students received a technical endorsement on their Diploma.

As for next steps, 68 students will be entering a fouryear college or university, 20 will be entering a two-year college, 15 will be entering the workforce, 3 will be entering trade school, 1 student will be going to Belgium for an exchange program and one student will be entering flight training.

Saratoga Central Catholic School

The Valedictorian for Saratoga Central Catholic School Class of 2025 is Raphael Sanok. Sanok has spent his entire education thus far in the Catholic Education system as he’s an alumnus of St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls. Sanok will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology with the intent to major in physics.

The Salutatorian for Saratoga Central Catholic School class of 2025 is David Mattes. Mattes is an alumnus of St. Mary’s School in Ballston Spa — having spent his entire education in the Catholic System— and will continue in Catholic education for college. Sanok will be attending The Catholic University of America this fall with the intent to major in mechanical engineering.

Zooming out, of the 30 students, close to 70% will be attending college for a STEM field and close to 30% will be going for business related majors. The class received over $9.7 million in scholarships and were accepted to over 100 colleges. Five students will be participating in collegiate athletics — four of them from the legendary baseball team that won a state championship.

Ballston Spa salutatorian Christine Jiang will be going for a degree in political science this fall. (Courtesy of Ballston Spa High School)
Ballston Spa valedictorian Audrey Bedell will be going for her degree in biomedical engineering this fall. (Courtesy of Ballston Spa High School)
Saratoga Central Catholic valedictorian Raphael Sanok, left, will be attending The Rochester Institute of Technology for physics. Salutatorian David Mattes, right will be attending Catholic University for mechanical engineering (Courtesy of Saratoga Central Catholic School)

EDUCATION BRIEFS

New Graphic Novel Brings Revolutionary Era to Life for Young Readers

A powerful new graphic novel is aiming to engage young audiences with the rich, revolutionary history of Saratoga.

Overhearing History: A Revolutionary Saratoga Story is the first book in a new series designed to educate and inspire students, families, and history lovers of all ages.

The publication is the product of a partnership between the Campaign for Saratoga 250 and the Saratoga 250 Commission. It is among the multimedia and live event productions being delivered to ensure the Saratoga story is told in relatable, innovative, and accessible ways to appeal to 21st century audiences.

“We believe Saratoga’s contribution to saving America’s fight for independence is as impactful as Philadelphia or Boston,” said Bill Teator, Executive Director of the Campaign for Saratoga 250.

“We are excited to publish this book supporting a core educational mission because it gives young people and their families a relatable connection with our history through the eyes of someone their age.”

Written by Anne Clothier and illustrated by Alex Portal, Overhearing History follows Nathaniel, a 12-year-old boy living in the then Saratoga District of the expansive Albany

County in 1775.

As tensions mount and loyalties divide, readers are introduced to the complexities of war, identity, and survival in a region still uncertain about its role in a coming conflict.

The novel addresses themes like justice, freedom, and conflicting allegiances as rumors of war mount, while introducing perspectives often left out of traditional history books—including those of loyalists, enslaved people, women, and Native Americans.

“Coming from a long line of family history keepers and storytellers, I grew up on a first name basis with many of my ancestors, some of whom were from the area that is now Saratoga County in the 1770s,” said Clothier. “I’ve always been curious about their lives and what this area was like over two centuries ago.”

“Upstate New York has some of the richest Revolutionary War history in the country,” said Portal. “I’m exceedingly proud to be a part of bringing that history to new light; particularly during America’s Semiquincentennial!”

Staff at Saratoga National Historical Park reviewed it for historical context. Devin Lander, New York State Historian, offers an editorial review on the back cover praising the book for its authenticity and engaging

method to spark the interest of children in history.

Designed for readers in grades 4–6, the book is also ideal for classrooms and families, featuring vivid illustrations and thought-provoking discussion prompts. It serves as the first installment in a planned series that will take Nathaniel and his community through the critical years of 1776 and 1777, including the legendary Saratoga Campaign.

Availability and Proceeds

Overhearing History: A Revolutionary Saratoga Story is available online now in both

ebook and paperback editions. All net proceeds support the nonprofit Campaign’s mission to educate, promote, and preserve Saratoga’s revolutionary legacy.

The book can be purchased:

• Online (with eBook and paperback formats available in Amazon’s Kindle)

• Coming soon to local participating retailers, Impressions of Saratoga and Northshire Bookstore - we are happy to hear from more retail outlets, schools, libraries or youth organizations interested in carrying it.

• Read more about the book at https://saratoga250. com/overhearing-history-arevolutionary-saratoga-story/ Stay updated and see engaging videos, historical commentaries, and live event schedules, including with 18th century re-enactors, by following social media at @ Saratoga250 on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, and joining the e-newsletter at Saratoga250.com .

“This is more than a history book—it’s a way to reconnect with the founding values of our country and understand them through real human stories,” said Teator.

The New Graphic Novel is a local effort to get kids interested in the Revolutionary War (Courtesy of Saratoga 250)

Food

Berries Bring A Touch of Sweetness to the Farmer’s Market

HIGH ROCK PARK

SATURDAYS

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS

3 - 6 p.m.

Sweet,

fresh, tart, juicy — berries are a highlight of the summer season. At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, local farms have baskets brimming with ripe strawberries and blueberries, with raspberries soon to arrive at market tables.

If you covet berry season as we do, visit the Wednesday or Saturday markets to enjoy the season’s berry harvests, and don’t miss this Saturday’s Berry Bash, from 9 am to 1 pm with family activities, educational workshops, cooking demonstrations, and, of course, berries and berry products galore.

If you’re seeking freshly harvested berries, try Scotch Ridge Berry Farm, Gomez Veggie Ville, Owl Wood Farm, Burger’s Market Garden, and Saratoga Apple at the farmers’ market. You can purchase berries for snacking, baking, or freezing, allowing you to savor them long into the winter.

But the berry bounty doesn’t stop there. Local producers have found delicious and creative ways to incorporate berries into their products so that you can bring the farm directly to your table. For creative confections, local bakeries have, as Isabel Burlingham, the owner of Parchment Bakery, says, “all the berry things!”. On Parchment’s table, berries are baked into everything from rainbow shortbread cookies to Scandinavian pastries with raspberries and lemon curd. Muddy Trail Jerky Co. has a scrumptious variety of blueberry muffins, bars, and bread. Tyromance Fine Snacks offers glutenand dairy-free options, including strawberry pistachio granola and strawberry shortbread. Katie Bakes GF has gluten-free blueberry muffins and strawberry-lemon scones baked with fresh fruit. And Isanomcakes has berry cannelles, irresistible French pastries with a strawberry custard filling. Berries can be found beyond baked goods, too! Kokinda Farm offers a wide variety of berry jams, with this season’s harvest featuring flavors such as strawberry-mango, blueberry, blackberry, and

black raspberry. Holly & Vine brings colorful berryshaped candles and all-natural marshmallows made with strawberries. Even your canine friend can enjoy berry season with blueberry woofles (waffle treats) and berry pupcakes at Mugzy’s Barkery.

Awakened Tonics has apple cider vinegar tonics with antioxidant-rich blackberries and black raspberries. Argyle Cheese Farmer has their famous sweet Greek yogurts and smoothies featuring blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. While shopping at the market, you can enjoy icy blended berry smoothies from Jenny Jo’s and berry smoothies and acai bowls featuring fresh fruit from Thorn + Roots food truck.

July Market News:

• Berry Bash coming to the Saturday Market on Saturday, July 12th at High Rock Park, details at https://saratogafarmersmarket.org/ berry-bash-at-the-saratoga-farmers-market/

• Free Kids Club every Wednesday at High Rock Park with different themes, stay tuned at the website and on the market’s social media (Facebook & Instagram)

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:

Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park

Wednesdays | 3 p.m.–6 p.m.

Saturdays | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ SaratogaFarmersMarket. And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

Blueberry Fool

YIELDS: 4 servings | PREP & COOK TIME: 1.5 hours

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• ½ cup plus 1 Tablespoon sugar, divided

• 5 large egg yolks*

• ½ cup plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, divided

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup fresh blueberries*, plus extra for garnish

• 1 cup chilled heavy cream

• ¼ cups plain Greek yogurt*

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Whisk ½ cup sugar and yolks in a small saucepan until combined. Whisk in ½ cup lemon juice, zest, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring until curd is thickened and just beginning to come to a boil. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until cold, about 1 hour.

2. Place 1 cup blueberries and the remaining 1 Tablespoon sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, gently mashing, until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in remaining 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and let cool completely before using.

3. Whip cream to soft peaks. Fold yogurt and ½ of lemon curd into the cream. Spoon lemon cream into glasses, alternating with remaining lemon curd and blueberry compote. Gently swirl with a skewer or chopstick. Top with fresh blueberries and serve chilled.

Parchment Baking Co.
Muddy Trail Jerky Co.
Strawberries, photo by Pattie Garrett
by Julia Howard for Saratoga TODAY
Recipe by Serious Eats, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table

SUMMER ADVENTURES

Hello my Foodie Friends!

Many of us have timeless memories of our summer’s past. This week, I will begin PART 1 of one of the most memorable summers of my life and share the start of an adventure I went on in the summer of 1994. The true start of the story and adventure starts in May of 1993. I was playing on a softball team while Paula, eight months pregnant with Aubrey, and the new twoyear-old Johnny cheered me on. I played well throughout the game and was ready to run home with the winning run when I thought someone had shot me in the ankle. I went to ground in agony and felt for my Achillies tendon and realized it was missing? I had a complete rupture, and no one believed me. I could not get up and my teammates weren’t buying it. So, Paula, while holding Johnny’s hand and pregnant with Aubrey, went all superhero and helped me up on one leg. I hopped to the car with my arm around my hero and went to the hospital. The doctor wanted me to heal naturally instead of surgery and put me in a full leg cast with my foot pointed down. I was not able to drive and had to be out of work for three months with the remainder of the healing period having physical therapy. Those of you that have had injuries that have limited your mobility know that when you

must depend on others to take you here and there, it wears on everyone. I was depressed and missed my independence. The day came that the cast came off my leg and I started on my Physical Therapy. Well, guess what, the Achillies tendon broke again. This time in a different spot but the same skinny leg! I was put back in the cast for another three months. I was very discouraged, and it was hard on Paula who now had a newborn beautiful baby girl as well as a rambunctious twoyear-old and his dad to take care of. We persevered and the day came that the second cast came off. This time I took Physical Therapy very slowly. It was kind of working this time, but I think Paula was still secretly dreaming of dropping me off at the local dog racing track. Then the call came. An opportunity of a lifetime from our dear neighbor and friend Ron (who has since passed). Ron just purchased a 50-foot motor yacht, but it was located in West Palm Beach Florida and had to be sailed back up to Narraganset Rhode Island. Ron asked me to help crew the boat with several other pals, through the intercoastal waterway on a three-week excursion. At first, I expressed to Ron that I would not be able to leave Paula with a newborn and toddler. Ron

Chicken with Peach-Avocado Salsa

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium peach, peeled and chopped

• 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper

• 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

exclaimed that he had already received permission from Paula, who was more than eager to have me go!! So, I agree to begin the adventure of being part of a once-in-a-lifetime summer. Next week, I will continue the story of our excursion and share the love of the water and ocean.

Today is Paula and my wedding anniversary (44 years). We made it through the injuries and the ups and downs of life. This year, try to create those sweet memories of summer vacations that may embark on adventures that promise simplicity and joy. Where every getaway carries a sense of unpredictability and spontaneity under the sun’s warm embrace. These lazy days, filled with laughter and exploration, create experiences not just remembered, but cherished true reflection of connectedness while enjoying incredible summer food dishes. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place this summer for the essentials you need for your summer dishes. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care,

John & Paula

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest

• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

1. For salsa, in a small bowl, combine peach, avocado, red pepper, onion, basil, lime juice, hot pepper sauce, lime zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

2. Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. On a lightly greased grill rack, grill chicken, covered, over medium heat 5 minutes. Turn chicken over; grill until a thermometer reads 165°, 7-9 minutes longer. Serve with salsa.

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home at tasteofhome.com

This Week’s Events:

JULY 11-17

FRIDAY, JULY 11

Estate Sale

St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2776 Hwy 9, Malta | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Located across from the Malta Drive-In. Household items, games, toys, clothing, and more.

SATURDAY, JULY 12

Jeff Clark Memorial Silks & Satins 5K

Fasig Tipton, 153 George St., Saratoga Springs | 8 a.m. Runners, walkers, and community members are invited to join this much-anticipated event. It offers a fast, flat course through Saratoga’s charming East Side neighborhood, near iconic horse racing facilities, and serves as an exciting prelude to the horse racing season. Whether running or walking, participants will enjoy a unique route that celebrates Saratoga’s spirit while supporting Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS), a nonprofit providing transformative equine-assisted programs to Veterans, families, children, and others facing mental health challenges. Join us for a memorable morning of fitness, community, and horse racing tradition in beautiful Saratoga Springs! For registration and volunteer opportunities, visit: https:// thsaratoga.org/silksandsatins/ Charlton Freehold Community Rummage Sale

Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd. Charlton | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. To reserve a table or for more information, call 518-399-4831 and leave a message or email: office@charltonfreehold.org.

Annual Car Show

Middle Grove Town Park, 428 Middle Grove Road, Middle Grove | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Town of Greenfield Historical Society is looking for classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles for their annual Car Show. Registration is $10 day of show

– Top 15 trophies announced at 2:45 p.m. Mark your calendars –bring your friends and a folding chair because Live Music will be provided by local musicians. Vendors, food, drinks available for purchase. Keep Greenfield’s History Alive for our Future Generations.

McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds Farm Tour

180 Fitch Road, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m.- Noon. Join the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame as we tour McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds. A knowledgeable guide will give you a behind the scenes look at how the farm operates. Then, you’ll meet some of the farm’s thoroughbreds. At the close of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to ask their guide any questions they may have about the care and keeping of these beautiful animals. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended on this tour. The tour includes free admission to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. NOTE: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. https://1049a.blackbaudhosting. com/1049a/McMahonThoroughbreds---Farm-Tour12Jul2025.

Free Lunch

Malta Ridge Methodist Church, 729 Malta Ave. Extension, Malta | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. A Lunch will be served at no charge. All lunches include soup, a sandwich, beverage and dessert. All are welcome. For additional information or directions please call the Church at 518-581-0210.

“A Day in the Country” Chicken BBQ Fundraiser

Knickerbocker Mansion, 132 Knickerbocker Road, Schaghticoke | 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Knickerbocker Mansion and Emma Foundation invite you to join us. We will be serving a barbecued Half Chicken with sides & dessert with dining under the Pavilion or as takeout. Proceeds will be shared by Knickerbocker Mansion and the

Emma Foundation providing scholarships to Waldorf School students in Saratoga Springs, New York. Mansion tours available! Call 518 588-7130 for BBQ reservations. The Knickerbocker Historical Society and the Emma Foundation are each 501 C3 non-profit organizations and all proceeds will be shared for Mansion preservation and for scholarships to the Waldorf School in Saratoga.

Sunset Saturdays –Carnival Night

Saratoga Casino Hotel, 6 – 9 p.m.

Featuring live harness racing, food trucks, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. The excitement runs every Saturday through August 23. Sunset Saturdays are familyfriendly and will feature exclusive experiences—from lively themed nights to limitededition merchandise giveaways and exciting prize drawings— making every evening a unique celebration. Carnival Night features free carnival games, a face painter, balloon artist and bites from Di Folco’s Roaming Occasions food truck. For complete details on the events visit www.saratogacasino.com.

Ballston Area Seniors Dance

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | 7 – 10 p.m. All Dances are open to the Public - Adults Only – Donation - $ 7. Snack and refreshment will be provided. Dance to the music by Peaceful Country Band. For more information call 518-490-2851.

SUNDAY, JULY 13

Saratoga Summer Concert Series

Congress Park War Memorial, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. The Saratoga Summer Concert Series will take place on Sundays in July and Tuesdays in August. Gather your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy some of the area’s favorite performers. This week’s concert features MPThree, an acoustic band that originated from casual campfire music sessions. The band’s lead vocalist, Mark Pierre, started his music career in his mid-40’s, playing acoustic

guitar and singing with family and friends. MPThree’s music style is rooted in country and classic genres, with a focus on storytelling and connecting with the audience. The back covered patio at the Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway, will be the concert rain location.

Summer Sunday Stroll: Mail Order Houses

Meet: Northwest corner of Lake and East avenues, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and Madison C. Squires for the Sunday Stroll “Mail Order Houses of Saratoga.” This tour features houses on East and Pinewood avenues and meets at the Squires will highlight the “Kit House” era – a time when the average person could not only put a check through the mail, but order and receive an entire house as well. The cost is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information or to purchase tickets to any of the upcoming strolls and events, visit www.saratogapreservation. org, call 518-587-5030, or email Sydney Hedge, Preservation & Programs Coordinator, at shedge@saratogapreservation. org.

MONDAY, JULY 14

2025 Ghost Tours

Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Canfield Casino, one of America’s Most Terrifying Places, as featured on the Travel Channel and Ghost Hunters. This season’s tours promise to immerse guests in Saratoga’s spectral history with new stories, local legends, and chilling accounts of real paranormal encounters. Hear true tales of hauntings, mysterious events, and the spirits believed to still roam the corridors. From whispered voices to sudden chills, every tour is a chance to connect with the supernatural side of Saratoga’s rich history. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through August 29. Tickets: Visit https://www. saratogahistory.org/ghost-tourssummer-2025 to reserve your spot.

Saratoga Catholic Baseball Camp

West Side Rec, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The 2025 New York State baseball champion Saratoga Catholic baseball team will be hosting their annual baseball Camp (week # 2) July 14-17. The rain out dates are July 21 and July 22. The camp is run by Saratoga Catholic coaches Phonsey Lambert and Dale Long Jr, both members of the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame. Current players along with the Saints coaching staff will be providing instruction to the campers. The camp is open to all players boys / girls ages 6-14. The cost of the camp is $195.00 which includes a t-shirt. To register go to www.spasaints. com. For more information contact Coach Lambert alambert@saratogacatholic.org

TUESDAY, JULY 15

2025 Grand, Gilded, and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll Walking Tour Season

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 – Noon. Participants will begin at the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center and stroll through historic Congress Park, concluding with a full tour of the elegant Canfield Casino—including admission to the Saratoga Springs History Museum (a $15 value). The tour takes place every Tuesday – Saturday, until October 18, rain or shine. Tickets are $25 Adults, $10 Youth (12–17) and Children under 12 free. Tickets can be reserved online at www. SaratogaSpringsVisitorCenter. com. For more information, call 518-587-3241.

Summer

in

the City Free Movie Series

Palace Theater, 19 Clinton St., Albany | Noon. Free movies every Tuesday through August 26. Movies begin at 1 p.m. with special activities prior to the movie. Free popcorn is provided to all children 12 and under. This week’s movie is Kung Fu Panda 4. Free tickets are available in advance at the Palace Theatre Box Office at 19 Clinton Ave. during regular business hours or reserved online at https://bit. ly/SITCPal. Individual Groups,

Day Care, and Summer Camps looking to reserve a block of tickets can call 518-465-3335, ext. 121 or email info@palacealbany. org. For more information, call 518-465-4663 or visit www. palacealbany.org.

Annual Family Barbecue

Dock Brown’s Tent, 511 Route 9P, Saratoga Springs | 6:30 –8:30 p.m. The Saratoga Lake Association invites you and family to the annual family barbecue. There will be food and fun. Hotdogs, hamburgers, mac & cheese, salad, and s’more. Fun and games for adults and children. Members, $30. Nonmembers $40. Children 6 to 12 years old $15. Under six years of age free. Don’t miss the fun and the opportunity to see the sunset from one of the best vantage point on the lake. For more information head to pattuz@ saratogalake.org.

The Civil War Letters of Captain Luther M Wheeler

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave Ballston Spa | 7 - 8:30 p.m. Local author

UPCOMING Events

Celebrate Family Day

Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Join us for a FREE fun day in Congress Park. There will be games, crafts, face painting, activities, a toddler play area, free snacks and live music. We will even have free tokens for the Carousel! All this is just to bring the people of Saratoga together for some free fun and entertainment. Come join us, bring along whoever you consider family and let’s celebrate!

Frances Day 2025

Celebrate the Tang’s 25th anniversary at our annual summer open house with art, artmaking, tours, music, food and more. The open house will be on Saturday, July 19, beginning at 2 p.m. This year’s event is extra special: the Tang is turning 25 in 2025, and Frances Day marks the first celebration of the milestone year. At 5 p.m.,

David Handy will bring to life the Civil War experiences of Captain Wheeler as related in his letters to his family. Wheeler wrote about military life and the carnage of battles he participated in, including the Peninsula Campaign, Antietam and Fredericksburg. Handy has compiled these letters along with the author’s commentary in his latest book, I Think I Shall See a Hundred Battle. This event is rescheduled from its original date June 11. If you were previously registered, there is no need to re-register. For more information check www. brooksidemuseum.org.

A Train Near Magdeburg

Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs and on Zoom | 7 p.m. An evening with author Matthew Rozell, a Hudson Falls, NY native. He will share a teacher’s journey into the Holocaust and the reunions it inspired some 70 years later.

A Train Near Magdeburg is the true story behind an iconic photograph taken when American soldiers liberated a death train deep in the heart of Nazi Germany. It also brings

guests are invited to a concert on the lawn with the Albany-based indie-rock band Dan Carr and the Cure for Asthma. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://tang.skidmore.edu or call the Visitors Services Desk at 518580-8080. Light refreshments will be offered during the day. During the concert, more substantial food will be available; beer and wine will also be available for purchase.

Heritage Hunters

We will meet Saturday, July 19, at 1 p.m. at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St. in Schuylerville. Bobbi Reno, historian for the town of East Greenbush, will present the program “The Illegal Execution of Pvt. Samuel Helms.” Samuel Helms, stationed in Ulster County during the War of 1812, was arrested and charged with desertion in 1813 and brought to the U. S. Army post, the Greenbush Cantonment, to face a court martial. His execution took place later in 1813. Bobbi’s 15-year research shows that he should only have been charged with going AWOL.

to life the story of a dedicated high school history teacher who reunited hundreds of Holocaust survivors and their children with the American soldiers who rescued them. Rozell reconstructs the story, drawing on eyewitness accounts, survivor testimony, memoirs, wartime reports, and personal letters. To register for the panel discussion in person or on Zoom, go to https://lp.constantcontactpages. com/sl/DaOhZ1H/Magdeburg.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16

Turkey Breast Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 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 at 518-584-2585. Menu: sliced turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetable, gravy, tossed salad, dinner rolls. $15 (cash only).

The Astronomy Club

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m. Paul

She is determined to have his name cleared and to locate his grave. Public is welcome. For information call 518-885-9309.

East

Galway Cemetery Association Annual Meeting

The East Galway Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m., July 23, at the Galway Public Library. All lot owners, descendants and anyone interested in the cemetery are welcome to attend.

Upcoming Lawn Sale

Old Stone Church, 159 Stone Church Rd, (town of Milton) Ballston Spa is looking for gently used or new items for their lawn sale to be held July 25 and 26 and August 1, 2, 8 and 9, from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m., Items can be placed on the ramp located in back of the church. Not accepted is exercise equipment, skies, car seats, mattresses. For more information call the church at 518-583-1002.

Moving Wilton Forward: Campaign Kickoff Fundraiser

Friday July 25, 6-8 p.m. at

Cirillo will present via Zoom about exciting cosmic collisions. This group meets monthly on the third Wednesday and is open to adults and teens (middle school and older). Registration is requested, but not required, by calling 518-882-6385.

THURSDAY, JULY 17

17th Annual An Unbridled Affair Gala Fundraiser

at Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 10 p.m. Dine and delight while mingling with friends and special guests from the world of Thoroughbred Racing – all in support of local nonprofit, CAPTAIN Community Human Services. We’ll have new and exciting items for our auction and raffle, entertainment by the J Yager Duo, a captivating program emceed by Spectrum News 1 anchor, Dan Bazile with special guest Thoroughbred trainer Gary Contessa, and many more surprises! Tickets start at $200 per person. Sponsorships are

Artisanal Brew Works, 617 Maple Ave, Wilton. Meet three great candidates for Wilton Town Offices in this November’s election! Please join us to support Dr. Toni Sturm for Town Supervisor, Joe Keneally for Town Board and Connor Rohan for Town Board. This is a chance to hear about their vision, ask questions and share your ideas for Wilton’s future. Food provided, cash bar. For information and tickets (order by July 19): https://secure.actblue. com/donate/2025w3artisanal Can’t make it but want to support the candidates? Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/ donate/2025wdc3candidates-1

2025 AFS Summer Festival

The Adirondack Folk School’s Summer Festival is full of live music, food trucks, artist demos and activities for the whole family to enjoy! First, start at the regatta of Wee Lassie canoes made at the school at Wayside Beach, located at 286 Lake Ave (Rt. 9N), Lake Luzerne, at 9 a.m. Afterwards, the rest of the festival is at the folk school located at 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne. It’s

currently available. For more information, please visit our website at UnbridledAffair.org, or call 518-399-4624.

Concert in the Park

Old Iron Spring Park, 198 Front Street, Ballston Spa | 6 – 8 p.m. This week’s concert features Black Mountain Symphony. This free, family-friendly event brings live music every Thursday evening from June 26 through August 28, offering a perfect way to enjoy the warm summer nights with friends and neighbors. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Food concessions will be on-site, offering a variety of refreshments.

Upbeat on the Roof

Tang Teaching Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. To mark the museum’s twenty-fifth anniversary year, some of the favorite acts from previous years will return. This week’s concert features Joan Kelsey. The concerts continue each week through August 21.

free to attend, so stop by to see what we’re all about. Saturday July 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fifth Annual Lemonade Stand Benefit

Ballston Spa Sunshine Kids Host a family-friendly fundraising event to support Oliver (“Ollie”), a 5-year-old from the Saratoga area who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia, diagnosed on Christmas Day. This year’s benefit features free kids’ activities, including: a bounce house, face painting, live music, fire trucks to explore, crafts, raffles, food and lemonade. Plus, local organizations and groups are joining in support, including Ballston Spa Fire Department, Ballston Spa EMS, Ballston Spa Wrestling & Football Teams, Boy Scouts, The Saratoga Children’s Museum, Local performances, and much more. Saturday, August 2, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at The Ribbon Café, 11 Prospect St., Ballston Spa. All proceeds go directly to Oliver’s care and to support his family during this difficult time. Link to donate: https://gofund.me/831e36a8

New York City Ballet Arrives for 59th Saratoga Residency BACK SPAC at

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— Five tractor-trailers hauled lavish sets, hundreds of intricate costumes, and more than 1,000 gleaming ballet shoes into the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Monday morning in preparation for the New York City Ballet’s (NYCB) 59th annual residency in the Spa City, which began on July 9 and concludes on Saturday, July 12.

Also arriving at Saratoga for the residency (though not in tractor-trailers) were more than 90 dancers, as well as dozens of members of the New York City Ballet Orchestra.

This year’s performances include the full-length story ballet “Coppélia,” which held its world premiere at SPAC in 1974; Jerome Robbins’ “The Four

Seasons,” an audience favorite set to Giuseppe Verdi melodies; George Balanchine’s “Stravinsky Violin Concerto”; and Justin Peck’s newest work “Mystic

Familiar,” which will have its world premiere as part of the NYCB’s 2025 Winter Season.

“Nowhere else in the world outside of New York City does the full company of dancers and musicians present a robust week of repertoire, every single year,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of SPAC, in a statement. “SPAC is unique and incredibly fortunate to be able to bring these world-class artists to our community.”

Called “story ballet done to perfection” by The New York Times, George Balanchine’s “Coppélia” will feature scenery and costumes by Rouben TerArtunian, as well as lighting by Mark Stanley. Included in the cast will be around 30 local children, who began auditioning for their roles in early March.

“Mystic Familiar” is set to an original score by composer Dan Deacon, who also provided the score for Peck’s 2017 ballet “The Times Are Racing” and

Francis Ford Coppola’s 2011 film “Twixt.” The set design will feature a backdrop by the Los Angeles-based visual artist Eamon Ore-Giron, whose work was featured in the 2024 Whitney Biennial.

Here is the full NYCB performance schedule at SPAC: Coppélia

July 9 @ 7:30 p.m.

July 10 @ 7:30 p.m.

July 11 @ 7:30 p.m.

July 12 @ 2 p.m.

“Mystic Familiar” + “The Four Seasons” + “Stravinsky Violin Concerto”

July 11 @ 2 p.m.

July 12 @ 7:30 p.m. For tickets or more information, visit spac.org.

SPAC Offering Free Dance Workshops

Last week, SPAC and the NYCB announced that they

would offer a series of free dance workshops for children, teens, and adults of all abilities on July 10 and 12.

Held at the SPAC School of the Arts, the workshops are led by NYCB dancers and the choreography is inspired by “Coppélia.” Additional access workshops will feature modifications so that participants of all abilities feel welcome.

New York City Ballet Workshop Schedule:

July 10 @ 5:15 p.m.: NYCB Ballet Essentials Workshop, Access Workshop for Teens and Adults

July 12 @ 10 a.m.: Children’s Access Workshop

July 12 @ 12 p.m.: Children’s Workshop, In Motion Workshop

For more details on the workshops, visit spac.org.

Backstage crew members prepare for the New York City Ballet’s annual residency at SPAC. (right) New York City Ballet Production Stage Manager Jacqueline Reid shows off a costume used in “Coppélia.” Photos by Jonathon Norcross.

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: Laudable, Laudatory

Laudable means worthy of praise.

The celebrity returned home for a laudable cause. Laudatory means expressing praise. The concert last night received a laudatory review.

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

NAVIGATING THE FOG: Timeless Strategies for Investing in Uncertain Times

Sterling Manor Financial for Saratoga TODAY

Market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and economic ambiguity can make investing feel like navigating

a dense fog. The temptation to either hit the brakes and flee to cash or make impulsive decisions based on headlines can be overwhelming. However, periods of uncertainty are not a signal to abandon your financial goals, but rather a call to reinforce a disciplined and strategic approach to investing.

The cornerstone of a resilient investment portfolio, especially in turbulent times, is a clearly defined long-term plan. Your financial objectives, whether for retirement, education, or wealth growth, should be your guiding star.

Market downturns are a normal part of the economic cycle, and a long-term perspective helps to view these periods not as crises, but as temporary fluctuations. History has consistently shown

that markets recover and trend upwards over time; staying invested is often the most prudent course of action.

Diversification remains the most effective tool for managing risk. Spreading your investments across a variety of asset classes— such as stocks, bonds, and real estate—can cushion your portfolio against a significant downturn in any single asset class. Within your stock allocation, further diversification across different sectors and geographic regions is crucial. During uncertain periods, consider tilting your portfolio towards “defensive” sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, and utilities, as these industries provide goods and services that people need regardless of the economic climate.

Investing in high-quality companies becomes paramount when the market is shaky. Businesses with strong balance sheets, consistent cash flow, and low debt are better equipped to weather economic storms. These holdings may not offer the meteoric growth of more speculative ventures, but their relative stability and potential for paying reliable dividends can provide a welcome anchor in a volatile market.

One of the most powerful strategies for investing in a fluctuating market is dollarcost averaging. This involves investing a fixed amount of

money at regular intervals, regardless of market highs or lows. When prices are low, your fixed investment buys more shares, and when prices are high, it buys fewer. This approach smooths out your average purchase price over time and removes the impossible task of trying to “time the market.”

Finally, mastering your own emotional response is perhaps the most critical challenge. The 24-hour news cycle can create a sense of panic, leading to rash decisions like selling at a market bottom. It is essential to tune out the noise, stick to your plan, and avoid checking your portfolio obsessively.

Investing during uncertain times doesn’t require a crystal

ball. By focusing on a longterm horizon, maintaining a diversified portfolio of quality assets, continuing to invest systematically, and keeping emotions in check, you can more confidently navigate the fog and stay on course toward achieving your financial objectives.

Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs.

Sterling Manor Financial, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide tax or legal advice, nor is it a third-party administrator. Consult your attorney or accountant prior to implementing any tax or legal strategies.

The Basics of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

How the Act will affect you and your family

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4th by President Trump. As the bill worked its way through Congress, there were a number of compromises and changes that occurred before it passed both the House and the Senate and made it to the President’s desk.

Below is a set of questions and answers that are meant to cover some of the basics of the Act, and how they may affect you and your family.

How did the Act change tax rates?

The tax rate cuts put in place as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) were set to expire at the end of this year. Those rates have now been made permanent and will not increase at the end of 2025.

How did the Act affect the standard deduction?

In 2017, the TCJA nearly doubled the standard deduction, which resulted in a significant decrease in the number of filers who itemized deductions. The Act has now made the increased standard deduction permanent.

In 2025, the standard deduction increases to $15,750 for single filers, $23,625 for heads of household, and $31,500 for married individuals filing jointly. The standard deduction will be adjusted for inflation after 2025.

How about the SALT deduction?

The State and Local Taxes (SALT) deduction is a deduction available for those who itemize deductions (meaning those who do not use the standard deduction), and it was capped by the TCJA at $10,000. This was disadvantageous to residents of states like New York which have higher state and local taxes, as compared to other states. The Act increases the SALT cap deduction to $40,000, which will be beneficial to New York taxpayers who itemize their deductions.

Is there no tax on tips?

The Act provides for a temporary deduction of up to $25,000 for qualified tips received by an employee in a business where tips are customarily part of their income, i.e. servers in restaurants. The deduction is phased out for single filers with income over $150,000 and joint filers with income over $300,000. This deduction is set to expire after 2028.

What about taxes on overtime?

The Act provides for a temporary deduction of up to $12,500 for qualifying overtime compensation (up to $25,000 for joint filers). As with the no tax on tips deduction, it is phased out for single filers with income over $150,000 and joint filers with income over $300,000. This deduction is also set to expire after 2028.

Any changes for seniors?

Taxpayers 65 and older are eligible for a temporary deduction of $6,000, which phases out for individuals with income of over $75,000 and joint filers with income over $150,000. As with the tax on tips and overtime deductions, this deduction is set to expire after 2028.

Is there a deduction for car loan interest?

Interest paid on car loans, for cars which have their final assembly in the United States, will be deductible up to a limit of $10,000/year. This is a temporary deduction, that will be phased out for individual filers with income over $100,000 and joint filers with income over $200,000. These deductions (no tax on tips, overtime, senior, and car loan deductions) are all “above the line” deductions, which means they are available whether you itemize deductions or use the standard deduction.

Is there a change to estate tax limits?

The current federal estate tax exemption amount of $13,990,000, which was set to expire at the end of 2025, has been increased to $15,000,000 as of January 1, 2026. After 2026, the exemption amount will increase annually with inflation.

What is the status of the EV credit?

The electric vehicle (EV) credit of $7,500 for new vehicles and $4,000 for used vehicles will end September 30, 2025. Those interested in taking advantage of that credit should plan to take delivery of their electric vehicle by that time.

Are there changes to 529 accounts?

529 accounts are savings accounts, which allow taxpayers to save money with tax free growth and tax-free distributions for qualifying educational expenses. These accounts have been a valuable planning tool to assist with educational costs. The Act expanded their use, including increasing the annual

amount that can be used for K-12 expenses from $10,000/year to $20,000/year. It also increased allowable withdrawals in general, including allowing withdrawals to pay for programs that prepare students for industry-recognized licensing exams.

The Act is a very significant piece of legislation that has many important impacts on the lives of Americans. The items discussed above give you a sample of the more important impacts. If you have questions about how the Act specifically affects you and your family, it would be wise to contact an accountant or attorney experienced in tax matters.

Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is a Shareholder with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. Over his twenty-eight years of practice, he has focused in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and estate administration. Mr. Dorsey can be reached at (518)584-5205, mdorsey@oalaw. com and www. oalaw.com.

Managing Summer (and all-year) Screen Time

Years ago I wrote a piece for Saratoga TODAY about the summertime routine I’d instituted to keep my kids busy and myself from going crazy. The basic structure was: morning outside time (after breakfast I’d send them outside and they weren’t allowed to come in until lunchtime, weather permitting)

“MOTHERING BOYS”

and inside quiet time during the afternoon (naptime for me and the little guys, a movie for the bigger kids). It was easy to stick to and easy to slip out of if needed (for errands, trips, visits, etc.). It helped us all know what to expect. My fifth son was a baby when I wrote that piece, my oldest was seven, and I desperately needed to figure out a way to allow the boys to have a great and healthy summer while recognizing that having five boys under the age of eight, including a nursing baby, meant that a lot of energy needed to be managed by my energy-limited self.

Our summers look very different now! My youngest is about the same age that my oldest had been when I wrote that piece; my oldest is away for

the summer and will be turning twenty-one this fall. While I still have a rough structure of outside time in the morning and inside time in the afternoon (which my youngest is delighted by — he thinks it’s fantastic that he gets to go outside all morning!), our days are busy with things like bringing big boys to and from work, managing my own work schedule, and tackling some of the bigger household projects on the list that only got longer during the school year.

There is one thing that I’m still trying to figure out how to manage that I didn’t have to back when all the boys were little: technology.

When I say “technology,” I mean video games and other devices (phones and

computers). When I say “manage,” I mean that I will not let my boys be on devices all day. How does one enforce limitations on these things in this day and age? It’s not easy! I have been struggling with this for the majority of my motherhood,

and after having taught middle school and high school this past year, I’m more convinced than ever that technology without limits is bad for kids of all ages.

article continued to next page...

Managing Summer (and all-year) Screen Time

In our house, my basic rules are:

• Video games are played only on weekends (which includes Friday). I have softened on this a little to allow for the fact that rainy days during the summer cause everyone to get a little stir crazy and cabin feverish, so rainy days are also videogame days. (Okay, I admit: sometimes also super hot days, and days when I’m just too tired.)

• Video game turns are one hour each. My preference is that each child will have only one turn — only one hour per day — but that rule has definitely slid through the years. My boys are able to “earn” another turn (or two … or three …) through doing extra chores, that kind of thing. Because there are so many of them and most of them want turns, there is a natural limit to how long each one can stay on anyway, and believe me: the boys who aren’t playing keep a close eye on the clock and let the one who’s currently playing know when his turn is up!

• “Video games” refers to games played on our video game consoles. However, some boys prefer to take their “video game turns” on their computers — this is a little trickier, because it’s harder to monitor what they’re viewing or playing. They all

know that if I catch them doing anything with their computers that they’re not allowed to, the computer will be taken away; I know how tricky kids can be and I try to be as vigilant as possible. Some things that help are that they’re not allowed to have devices of any kinds (including phones) in their bedrooms or anywhere else upstairs, and they’re not allowed to go anywhere private with their devices (our house is small for the number of people we have, so there’s really nowhere to go to be alone. There are certainly pros and cons to that!) I try to make sure that’s it’s easy for me to see their screens whenever I’m walking through the room. (It’s important to note that my adult children don’t have these same rules of course, though I do ask that they be mindful of the fact that it will make it harder for the little boys to follow the rules if the big boys are flaunting their adult freedom.)

• My five older boys all have phones — they get their first phone for Christmas of sixth grade, since that’s when I have found that I don’t always have another way to get a hold of them, know where they are, know when they need to be picked up, etc. None of them are allowed to use the internet on their phones until they’re 16 or so (determined on an individual basis), so using phones for their video game turns isn’t really a

thing in our house (there’s only so much Solitaire one can play, after all).

I really can’t overstate how important I think it is to set a tone of limited technology usage with kids of all ages. I see that when my kids are allowed to use technology, their interest in other, healthy things goes way down. The excitement my little boys have over the fort they’re making in the backyard with various pieces of old bunk beds dissipates as soon as they know they can have their video game turn. They generally love that I try to read a book or two out loud to them during

the summer, but if it’s a video game day, they’re not interested. The board games they play together and drawing contests they invent and walks they take together downtown are no longer interesting to them on video game day. I hate that!

If you’re trying to manage this better in your own house, don’t despair if you find that you’re not doing as well as you’d like! G.K. Chesterton said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly” (rather than not at all), and I believe it. Having rules is better than not having rules. Trying is better than not trying. Even just having a mindset that

there are restrictions on your children’s technology usage will lead to more regulated usage. Baby steps are better than no steps. Two steps forward, one step back is still moving forward. Isn’t this all so true of so much of parenthood anyway?

Good luck to you in your efforts to set technology limits that you think are reasonable and appropriate for your own households! I hope you all have a wonderful July!

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 20, 18, 17, 15, 13, 11, and 6. She can be reached at kmtowne23@gmail. com.

How to Become More Flexible: A Guide to Improving Mobility and Preventing Injury

Flexibility is a key component of overall fitness, often overlooked in favor of strength or endurance. However, being flexible improves posture, enhances athletic performance, reduces the risk of injuries, and helps you move more freely in daily life. Whether you’re an athlete, a desk worker, or someone simply looking to feel better in your body, increasing your flexibility can have noticeable benefits.

What Is Flexibility?

Flexibility refers to the ability of your muscles and joints to move through their full

range of motion. It’s influenced by muscle length, joint structure, age, activity level, and even genetics.

While some people are naturally more flexible, everyone can improve with consistent effort.

Benefits of Improved Flexibility

• Reduced risk of injury by allowing joints to move freely and safely

• Better posture by releasing tight muscles that pull the body out of alignment

• Improved circulation through active stretching

• Less muscle soreness after exercise

• Enhanced performance in physical activities such as yoga, dance, running, and sports

Tips for Becoming More Flexible

1. Incorporate Daily Stretching

Set aside 10–15 minutes a day to stretch. Consistency is more important than duration. Start with major muscle groups like the hamstrings, calves, hips, shoulders, and back.

• Try dynamic stretching (gentle movement-based stretches) before workouts.

• Use static stretching

(holding a stretch for 15–60 seconds) after exercise or on rest days.

2. Warm Up First

Never stretch cold muscles. Start with light cardio (e.g., brisk walking or jumping jacks) for 5–10 minutes before stretching. This increases blood flow and reduces the risk of strains.

3. Practice Yoga or Pilates

These disciplines emphasize flexibility, balance, and core strength. Even attending a class once or twice a week can make a noticeable difference over time.

4. Breathe Deeply While Stretching

Deep, slow breaths help your muscles relax, allowing you to stretch more deeply and safely. Don’t hold your breath, and avoid bouncing, which can lead to injury.

5. Stay Hydrated

Dehydrated muscles are stiff and prone to cramps. Drinking enough water throughout the day can improve muscle elasticity and support joint function.

6. Use Tools When Needed

Foam rollers, yoga straps, and resistance bands can assist in deepening stretches and

releasing tight areas. These tools are especially helpful for beginners or people with limited mobility.

7. Be Patient and Gentle

Progress may be slow, especially if you’re starting from a place of tightness. Avoid pushing into pain—mild discomfort is okay, but sharp or lingering pain is a sign to stop.

Sample Daily Flexibility

Routine

1. Neck rolls – 30 seconds each direction

2. Shoulder rolls and arm circles – 1 minute

3. Cat-cow stretch – 10 reps

4. Standing forward fold –Hold for 30 seconds

5. Lunge with spinal twist – Hold each side for 30 seconds

6. Seated hamstring stretch – 30 seconds per leg

7. Butterfly stretch – 30 seconds

8. Child’s pose – 1 minute

When to See a Professional

If you experience chronic tightness, limited range of motion, or pain while stretching, consider working with a physical therapist or Ciropractor. They can design a customized program to address imbalances or past injuries.

Final Thoughts

Improving flexibility is not about achieving the perfect split or backbend. It’s about creating a body that moves

with ease and resilience. With regular stretching, mindful movement, and patience, anyone can become more flexible—regardless of age or prior injuries.

Remember: Flexibility is a journey, not a destination. Keep showing up, and your body will thank you.

Dr Minogue enjoys treating patients of all ages and stages of life. This includes helping athletes reach optimal performance, supporting mothers through prenatal and postpartum stages, keeping infant’s and children’s spines aligned for optimal nervous system development, and helping older patients age gracefully.

Appointments can be made online at MySaratogaCiropractor.com.

by Dr. Kevy for Saratoga TODAY

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Notice of formation of Amy Nistico Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, PLLC. Articles of Organization file with New York State Dept. of State on 11/04/2024. 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 Amy Nistico Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, PLLC, 82 Thimbleberry Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Company is organized for Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry. 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08/2025. 15179

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: SOPHSTONE LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/29/2025. 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, 994 Groom Rd, Rexford, NY 12148. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. . 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11/2025. 15226

Notice of formation of NEXTSPINPHOTO BOOTH LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/18/2025. 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: 203 Verbeck Ln, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11/2025. 15227

Notice of formation of Sana Et Sano, Rebecca Hegel, Family Health NP, PLLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 5/1/2025. 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 PLLC at: 1 Rosebay Road Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11/2025. 15235

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Under Section 206 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Name: J Cornell Carpentry LLC, Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on May 30, 2025. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: c/o The LLC, 5 Sherwood Park Drive, Burnt Hills, NY 12027. Purpose: Any lawful act or activities. 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11/2025. 15233

Notice of formation of ABC Personal Planning Strategies LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 05/28/2025. 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: 38 Woodthrush

LEGALS

Court, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18/2025. 15260

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company

Pursuant to New York Limited Liability Law, Section 206(c). The name of the limited liability company is 683 Ventures LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York on April 30, 2025. The office of the limited liability company is to be located in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process may be served. The post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process served is c/o Michael Blaauboer, 3790 Albatross Street, San Diego CA 92103. The purpose of the business is to engage in any lawful activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the Limited Liability Company Law. 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18/2025. 15263

Notice of formation of Uncommon Online LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 6/10/25. 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: PO Box 1349, Bronx, NY 10471. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18/2025. 15272

Notice of formation of CONSCIOUSLY CURLY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State

of New York on 06/10/2025 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: 8 Foxhall Dr. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01/2025. 15269

Notice of formation of Saratoga Fishing Charter and Boat Tours LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 05/05/2025 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: 26 Springwood Meadows Dr., Ballston spa, NY 12020Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18/25/2025. 15277

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 20 Sheldon LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/05/2025. Office location: Saratoga County. Matthew W. Hardt has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Matthew W. Hardt shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC at 20 Sheldon Drive, Mechanicville, NY 12118. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25/2025. 15291

Notice of FormationLMNOP Advisors, LLC (“LLC”) filed Articles of Organization with the NY Sec. of State (“SSNY”) on 6/3/25. Office location: Saratoga

County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to Lynda M. Niemeyer, 83 Vischer Ferry Road, Rexford, NY 12148. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25/2025. 15297

Notice of Formation - Flair Pot, LLC (“LLC”) filed Articles of Organization with the NY Sec. of State (“SSNY”) on 6/6/25. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to Susan Waterman, 606 Riverview Road, Rexford, NY 12148. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25/2025. 15299

4 Bells Lane, LLC. NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of 4 Bells Lane, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 9/27/2024. Office Location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 4 Bells Lane, Waterford, NY 12188. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25/2025. 15300

Editsweet Holdings, LLC filed Art. of Org. with the Sec’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/16/2025.

Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent for the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Editsweet Holdings, LLC, 333 Jatski

Drive, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Purpose: any lawful act. 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25/2025. 15335

Notice of formation of AMERICAN CUSTOM DECKS AND MORE LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 6/17/2025. 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: 622 Rock City Rd., Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1/2025. 15339

Notice of formation of THE EDIT 79 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/08/2025Office: 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: 79 Washington St. Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08/2025. 15359

Notice of formation of AMANDA NICOLE LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/18/2025. 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: 8 Olympia Ct Mechanicville NY 12118. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08/2025. 15373

Notice of formation of Thomas Construction Group LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/25/2025. 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: 137 Ashdown Rd, Ballston Lake NY 12019. Purpose: Any lawful

LEGALS

purpose. 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08/2025. 15375

Notice of formation of Light & Roots LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 05/30/2025 Office: Saratoga County. United States Corporation Agents, Inc 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: 7014 13th Ave, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08/2025. 15386

Notice of formation of Capital District Auto Detailing LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/28/25. 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: 4436 NY 30, Unit #1, Amsterdam, New York 12010. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08/2025. 15378

Formation of a New York Limited Liability Company. The name of the limited liability company is 23 ELIZABETH STREET LLC (The LLC). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization with the Department of State was 06/24/25. The county in New York in which the offices of the LLC are located is Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served, and the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any such process served against the LLC to 245 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08/2025. 15380

Notice of formation of Tribute to Trinket LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/05/2025 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: 385 Caroline Street Saratoga Springs, NY. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08/2025. 15381

Formation of a New York Limited Liability Company. The name of the limited liability company is 236 MAIN STREET LLC (The LLC). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization with the Department of State was 06/24/25. The county in New York in which the offices of the LLC are located is Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served, and the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any such process served against the LLC to 245 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08/2025. 15387

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Department of Central Services of Saratoga County, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 will receive sealed bids until 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025 at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for Coons Crossing Road over Anthony Kill Bridge Replacement in the towns of Halfmoon and Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York BIN 2202750; PIN 1761.78; D040249; as per specification 25-PWCCRAKBR-2B. No pre-bid conference will be scheduled.

Bid documents may only be obtained on or after Tuesday, July 2, 2025 from The Empire State Bid System at no cost from the following website: www.empirestatebidsystem. com

Saratoga County, through the Department of Central Services, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids. All work shall be subject to equal opportunity in employment, State wage rates and all other requirements in

accordance with applicable law. JOHN T. WARMT Director of Purchasing Saratoga County 07/11/2025, 15397

Bang & Bloom LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 2, 2025. 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 any process to: 13 Fawn Drive, Ballston Spa. NY, 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08. 8/15/2025. 15398

Notice of formation of Stim City LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 6/30/2025. 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: 6 Crocus Ct., South Glens Falls, NY 12803. Any lawful purpose. 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08/2025. 15405

Notice of formation of WALKER’S AND SON CONTRACTING, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/07/2025. 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: 16 LAKESIDE AVENUE, MECHANICVILLE, NY 12118. Any lawful purpose. 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15/2025. 15408

Notice of formation of LIVE NOW THERAPY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/13/2025 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: 24 Bog Meadow Run, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15/2025. 15410

News & Notes:

WEEK 1 EVENTS AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the lineup of attractions, entertainment, and events for the 2025 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course.

Highlighted by the 156th edition of the Grade I, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, August 23, and the Grade I, $1 million Whitney on Saturday, August 2, the 40-day summer meet will open on Thursday, July 10 and run through Monday, September 1.

Following the four-day opening week, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

First post will be 1:10 p.m. every day except Saturdays, when first post will be 12:35 p.m. The only exceptions are Whitney Day featuring a 12:05 p.m. first post and DraftKings Travers Day with first post at 11:40 a.m. Post times for Labor Day weekend will be announced at a later date.

Admission gates will open for live racing at 11 a.m. for all but Whitney Day, when gates will open at 10 a.m. and DraftKings Travers Day, when gates will open at 9 a.m. THURS. JULY 10-SUN. JULY 13:

OPENING WEEKEND

The 2025 Saratoga summer meet will get underway on Thursday, July 10, highlighted by the Listed De La Rose stakes, followed by the Grade III Coronation Cup on Friday and the first Grade I of the season, the Dunkin’ Diana, on Saturday.

STAKE RACES

*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing.

FRIDAY, JULY 11

Coronation Cup: F3YO, 5 1/2 - Turf, Purse $175,000

SATURDAY, JULY 12

Dunkin’ Diana: F&M 4&UP, 1 1/8 - Turf, Purse $500,000 Bowling Green: 4&UP, 1 3/8 (Turf), Purse $200,000

SUNDAY, JULY 13

Quick Call (pres. by Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation): 3YO, 5 1/2 - Turf, Purse $175,000

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16

Suzie O’Cain (NYB): F3YO, 1 1/16 - Turf, Purse $150,000

THURSDAY, JULY 17

Rick Violette (NYB): 3YO, 1 1/16 - Turf, Purse $150,000

FRIDAY, JULY 11

SARATOGA SUMMER TOUR T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY

The first giveaway of the traditional summer meet is a red, high performance concert-style tour tee. The t-shirt features a silhouette of the Saratoga Race Course Grandstand and a schedule with the meet’s stakes races on the back. Presented by NYRA Bets, the cool and comfortable t-shirt will be available in two sizes: medium and extra-large; free with paid admission, while supplies last.

SUNDAY, JULY 13:

SARATOGA-CON PRESENTED BY MILLER LITE:

Bar hop the Spa! Wear your most extravagant Saratoga outfit and join the party. Each $10 ticket includes four drinks (one at each bar stop), plus fun activations & giveaways along the way. 21+ only.

THURSDAYS-

SUNDAYS:

BREAKFAST & BREEDING FARM TOUR:

See firsthand how racehorses begin their journeys! Each ticket includes a buffet breakfast during morning training at Saratoga, a roundtrip trolley ride from the track to the day’s designated farm, a guided walking tour of the farm, and same-day admission to Saratoga Race Course.

Saratoga Race Course Photo by Chelsea Durand.

Opening Week

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The Saratoga race meet begins in earnest this week after two unusual appetizers. The conclusion of the July 4th Racing Festival paves the way for the traditional (at least recent traditional) mid-July opening.

While it’s debatable whether the July 4th Racing Festival was an on-track success, as the attendance was not stellar, there is no question it was a smashing mutuel handle success. The amount bet on the four days of racing easily eclipsed and surpassed the amounts bet on the same days downstate in prior years. Betting on the fourday meet was so strong that it came at the expense of competing tracks during the same four days, making the New York Racing Association offerings by far the leader of the weekend. Despite official denials that this festival will remain at Saratoga once the new Belmont racetrack is completed, it’s hard to imagine the New York Racing Association eschewing a repeat next July 4th.

DEBUT RUNNERS

The Saratoga race meet is usually replete with races for well-bred maidens representing the future stars of the sport. Such races teem with potential stars making their debuts and if you want to be able to say you saw a good one race the first time, Saratoga is the place to do so.

This year, even before the start of the official meet, we have seen some good ones. Last week, the 2-year-old New

York-bred filly Iron Orchard was rumored to be a good one. She was, and her debut makes this $500,000 purchase look like money well spent.

The male version of the same race run the following day saw another high-priced purchase run debut with an eyecatching stride while finishing third. The fancifully named Nowucme Nowudont, a son of Good Magic, figures to be heard from in the future in a big way.

Continuing the parade of expensive two-year old firsttime starters was the cleverly named colt Ewing, sired by freshman sire Knicks Go. The Mark Casse trainee won easily and will likely be seen in stakes company next.

Another impressive debut, this one with talent well-hidden from the public, came in the last race of the festival when the Michael Dubbowned, Rick Dutrow-trained Hangover Heaven slingshotted to the lead while extremely wide on the turn and romped to victory at a generous price. The gamble to offer this late debuting three-year-old for a tag paid off as there were no takers. Stealthy talent was commonplace decades ago when keeping a first timer’s ability hidden was not difficult, but in today’s world of video workouts, workout reports, and high scrutiny, this effort was truly remarkable.

RUFFIAN

Last weekend marked the 50th anniversary of the tragic breakdown of the brilliant filly Ruffian in an ill-conceived match race at Belmont Park against top three-year-old colt Foolish Pleasure. The match race, spurred in part by the success of the Billy Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs “Battle of the Sexes” tennis exhibition, was a low point in modern racing history. Running for a huge purse of $400,000, Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure raced in tandem down the Belmont backstretch only to see Ruffian suffer a fatal injury early in the race and Foolish Pleasure eerily run alone to the wire. For those of us who were there (and those who remember), it was a somber day and set

back racing significantly. It is hard to overstate how magnificent Ruffian was and the expectations her fans, including this writer, had for her. The match race, a concept largely fueled by bravado, is not one racing should ever embrace again.

THE WILSON CHUTE

Readers of this column (as well as my family, friends, and acquaintances) have heard me repeatedly express my distaste for the Wilson Chute. While it is a necessary evil for races that are removed from the turf courses due to weather conditions, the carding of races specifically with a start out of view of on-track patrons and that provides an unfair start has always struck me as unwise. It appears the new racing secretary, Rob MacLennan, agrees with me (at least early in the meet), as no dirt races utilizing the Wilson Chute are contained in the first two racing books of the season. Here’s hoping that continues.

FIRE/FLOOD

Last week saw two Saratoga enterprises suffer sudden damage. McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds in Stillwater lost two hay barns and several smaller buildings to fire. No people or horses were harmed, and the farm expects to continue operating. On the same weekend, Northshire Bookstore on Broadway in

Saratoga suffered flood damage that has closed the Saratoga staple right as the racing season begins. Rachel Person, Director of Special Events, told me “We are determined to reopen in

early August and in the meantime, we will have alternate arrangements for our scheduled events.” Keep both businesses in mind as they will appreciate your support.

Photo by Chelsea Durand / NYRA

Begg Setting Goals for the Spa Meet

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Each year, owners and trainers try establishing a plan or goal going into the Saratoga Race Course meet.

James “Jamie” Bentley Begg is just one of them as both an owner and trainer.

Stabled at Barn 42 that runs parallel to Union Avenue, Begg looks to build upon his stable

while trying to eclipse his first two Saratoga wins—both from Locke and Key—in 2023.

“It would be nice to eclipse that,” the King City, Ontario native said. “Getting a couple of wins would be part of the goal. Every year when you come here,

it’s a tough meet. I want to be competitive in all of the races.”

Begg is well aware of the Saratoga competition after being an assistant to Hall of Famer Mark Casse for six years. During his time with Casse, Begg had the opportunity to

work with Belmont Stakeswinner Sir Winston, twotime Fourstardave-winner Got Stormy, Adirondack and Spinaway-winner Perfect Alibi, and Sovereign Award for Horse of the Year Catch a Glimpse, just to name a few.

Along with working for another Hall of Fame trainer, Roger Attfield, Begg has also been involved in producing horses after completing the Thoroughbred Breeding Management program at the prestigious Irish National Stud. That experience led him to producing multiple stakes horses and being an owner of Kingstead Stables in Ontario.

Begg, who became a trainer near the end of 2020, currently has five horses stabled at Saratoga, with another 10 horses at his Woodbine base in Toronto. His past experience learning from others has helped him become successful as a trainer.

“Working with those topclass horses, you know what it

takes to win those races,” Begg said. “If you started from the bottom and didn’t have those prior experiences, you could build your stable, but you wouldn’t necessarily know what it takes [to get to that next level]. As they say in professional sports, being a pro, you see pro habits. It’s the same thing with training. You see really good training.”

Two of those horses—Stewie and Loveumissumeanit—have already run at Saratoga this year as part of the special meets, the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and the July 4th Racing Festival.

Stewie chased Midwest shipper I’m Wide Awake to finish second in an allowance race during that first week of June. While Stewie is still looking for his first win since early September at Finger Lakes, the 4-year-old gelding has been no worse than third in his last 6-of-8 starts and has been back on the workout tab since his last race with the hopes of getting a start at Saratoga.

Owner/trainer James “Jamie” Bentley Begg in the paddock at the Saratoga Race Course.

Begg Setting Goals for the Spa Meet

On Saturday, Loveumissumeanit rated behind a quick pace, then made a belated run to eventually finish 1 ½ lengths behind winner National Archive in an allowance race for New Yorkbreds on the grass. It was the first time she raced at 1 3/16 miles after running at shorter route distances, mostly a mile.

“We were looking at starting the meet like that,” Begg said. “As much as she didn’t get her up there in time, we wanted to stretch her in distance. Cutting her back to a mile or a mile-anda-sixteenth, she may become more engaged in the race.”

Loveumissumeanit was initially purchased as a yearling for $100,000 at the 2023 FasigTipon New York-bred sales in Saratoga. After she finished third in her debut for trainer Chad Brown in November, she was put up for auction a month later at the Fasig-Tipton Digital Sales where Begg purchased her for $40,000.

Since the auction, Loveumissumeanit showed improvement in Florida before winning her first race in May. Begg also likes the benefit of her, as well as his other horses, being part of the New York-bred program.

“There were a few fillies

that we were trying to get and we got her,” Begg said. “I had her in Florida this winter and she was doing okay. Coming out of Florida, she really blossomed.

She’s training a lot better than when I initially got her.”

“Competing in New York with not having a lot of top money, the state program is beneficial here,” he added. “With her being a New York-bred, it was appealing. It was good timing, and we had enough time to start working with her [going into the New York turf season].”

Of the other horses that are part of Begg’s Saratoga roster, an unnamed New York-bred 2-yearold colt by graded stakes winner Bourbon Courage could be promising for Mike McMahon and Jaime Hill’s Bourbon Lane Stables after being purchased for $55,000 at the Midlantic Sales in May.

Begg has also been active around the claiming box at Saratoga. He was on the winning end of a three-way shake on Takeschargesmiling for $12,500 in Sunday’s eighth race. He believes Saratoga is the ideal place to claim horses for both short-term and long-term benefits.

“We have always been with the claiming horses,” Begg said. “A lot of guys will claim because

their owners want horses for Saratoga. They will start claiming everything. To me, Saratoga should be the place to shop for claiming horses for the rest of the year. It’s really finding horses for certain spots where they can be competitive.”

Begg knows the claiming game can be challenging and competitive, especially when a trainer is trying to win a race while knowing the risk to lose a horse through a claim. Once that horse is claimed, it may be difficult for the previous trainer to watch that horse gain immediate success through someone else’s barn.

“The claiming here is tough,” Begg said. “There are certain times when you have to watch the claims. You get the horse claimed, and the guy wins at the same claiming price a couple of months later. For a trainer who is going for the [meet] title, that is where you really have to be careful.”

Over the last two weeks, Begg’s horses at Woodbine have been running well, including three winners. He is hoping that momentum can carry into the upcoming Saratoga meet, but he also knows that will be a challenging task, even with trying to match last year’s pair of victories.

Saratoga Casino Hotel Announces Sunset Saturdays

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The Saratoga Casino Hotel and Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association recently announced Sunset Saturdays, weekly events featuring live harness racing, food trucks, and activities at the casino hotel. The events run every Saturday until August 23, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Post time on Saturdays is 6:45 p.m., with free parking and admission for all guests.

Every Sunset Saturday will include the Winners gourmet ice cream food truck, and every theme night will include a drawing where guests can enter to win a YETI cooler, Solo stove, or electric smoker.

SUNSET SATURDAYS SCHEDULE

• July 12: Carnival Theme Night with NY Sire Stakes

Races and Di Folco’s Roaming Occasions food truck

• July 19: Gerrity Night with NY Sire Stakes Races and Ted’s Fish Fry food truck

• July 26: Charity Match Race Night and Neighborhood Kitchen food truck

• August 2: Baseball cap giveaway and Fired Up pizza

• August 9: Dog Days of Summer Theme Night and NY Sire Stakes Races featuring $2

hot dogs, weiner dog races, a corn dog eating competition, and adoptable puppies from Lucky Puppy Rescue

• August 16: Cooler bag giveaway and Ty’s Taco-ria food truck

• August 23: BBQ, Brews and Country Tunes Theme Night with DJ Kevin Richards and Miller’s Backyard BBQ

For complete event details, visit www.saratogacasino.com.

Photo by Jessica Hallett.

Fraternal Twins

William C. Whitney presided over a consortium which assumed ownership of the Saratoga Race Course during the late autumn of 1900. Under his leadership, the racing plant underwent a major improvement, entailing relocating and enlarging the track and repositioning all the structures surrounding it. His long-range vision of this development, which also involved purchasing additional acres, resulted in what we are familiar with presently, much to the benefit of a grateful posterity, who continue years and generations of enjoyment.

The track we know today, with its special mystique, was completed for the 1902 season under the direction of architect Charles W. Leavitt. During this same period, Mr. Whitney was simultaneously involved with

building the new Belmont Park on Long Island, also under the design and direction of Mr. Leavitt.

As to be expected with two separate projects under the management of the same connections, some design coincidences occurred at the Spa and Belmont Park. This would dictate some shared designs at both facilities, with the paddocks being sensational examples of this fortuitous overlap.

Charles Leavitt designed the elliptical paddock building ready for the 1902 Saratoga season and also at the original Belmont Park, which opened in 1905, with a similar elliptical structure, only slightly larger. The New York version provided 36 stalls, while at Saratoga, 25 stalls sufficed.

The distinctive oval shaped roofs of these paddock buildings were supported by wood trusses with iron bracing, supported on simple posts. The unusual hip-ellipse roof employed slate and a series of dormers for

ventilation. The shape of the structures’ form followed the function of their purpose, to allow for saddling and walking of horses before going to post, while providing shelter from the sun and elements. The structures provided an area of inspection for the paddock judge, owners, trainers, jockeys and spectators, with proper separation of all those scrutinizing the runners before proceeding to the walking ring. The picturesque setting and nearness of the horses being prepared under the fountain elms had long distinguished Saratoga’s charm and separated it from other race venues.

An additional successful use of the paddock buildings, which were a type of open-view barn, was their supplementary use as a horse auction ring.

Belmont Park had an unusual requirement for Architect Leavitt, where it had been decided to use the European-style clockwise direction on the race track,

sometimes referred to as “Continental” style differing from the American-standard of counter-clock racing direction when the track was built.

Champion Man o’ War was sold at auction as a yearling at the Saratoga elliptical paddock in 1918, and was later saddled in the Belmont elliptical paddock in 1920 where the Hall of Famer won the Belmont Stakes, which was interestingly the last to be contested in the “Continental” style.

After the Belmont Fall Meet of 1920, the racing direction

was revised from a clockwise direction. This placed the clubhouse and paddock on the wrong side of the finish line, and the unique paddock was cast-off for parking and later demolished for still more parking space.

The graceful elliptical Leavitt Paddock at the Spa was modified by NYRA into a pari-mutuel annex and racing offices in 1963, and continues in that use presently. Many have expressed the opinion that returning the paddock building to its original purpose would add yet another marvelous aspect to racing at Saratoga.

The Leavitt paddock, an original component of the 1902 W.C. Whitney rebuild of Saratoga Race course, which functions presently as the NYRA pari-mutuel annex and racing office. Author provided image.

Fire Destroys Multiple Buildings at Local Horse Farm

STILLWATER — McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, a family-owned horse breeding farm based in Saratoga Springs, lost two hay barns and several smaller buildings in a fire last weekend at its Eastview Farm property in Stillwater. No people or horses were harmed. As of press time, the exact cause of the fire was unknown, though it’s believed to have originated in one of the hay barns.

A video shared with a local

Facebook group on July 5 showed large plumes of gray smoke rising above a barn completely engulfed in flames. Horses in a nearby enclosure could be seen galloping away from the fire.

The farm’s co-founder Joe McMahon told Saratoga TODAY that he estimated somewhere between 1,000 and 1,500 large bales of hay were lost in the fire, which destroyed much of the property’s storage facilities.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the community for its swift response and unwavering support,” McMahon

of Saratoga Thoroughbreds said in a statement. “The quick action from our local first responders and volunteer firefighters was instrumental in preventing the situation from becoming worse, and we are forever thankful for their bravery and dedication. Your efforts made all the difference, and we can’t thank you enough.”

The company encouraged those offering support to consider donating to organizations like the Thoroughbred Charities of America or local fire departments.

12th Annual Sarcoma Strong 5K Run/Walk Returns to Spa State Park

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The 12th Annual Sarcoma Strong 5K Run/Walk will be held on August 9 at the Saratoga Spa State Park.

The purpose of the run/ walk is to both raise awareness of sarcoma (a cancer found in connective tissues, bones, cartilage, fatty tissue, and muscles) and raise funds for research.

Sarcoma Strong Inc., is a nonprofit founded by Albany Medical Center’s Director of Orthopedic Oncology Matthew

R. DiCaprio, MD, who wanted to develop a support system for sarcoma patients and their families, and raise research funds that may improve the ability to diagnose and treat patients with sarcoma. To date, Sarcoma Strong has raised over $1.2 million.

Over the past 5 years, Sarcoma Strong has expanded the event to become a Global 5K Run/ Walk weekend, scheduled this year for August 8-10. Organizers anticipate participants and teams from more than 15 countries and

over 40 U.S. states will be holding events in their own communities in support of Sarcoma Strong.

The 12th annual run/walk at Saratoga Spa State Park will begin at 9 a.m. Parking for the event will be available in the Spa Little Theater and Saratoga Auto Museum lots. Registration is open at www.sarcomastrong. com/run. T-shirts are available for the first 300 registrants for the in-person event. All proceeds from the event will be used towards sarcoma cancer research.

“Your support during this time means more to us than words can express,” the statement continued. “We are truly grateful to be part of such an incredible community, and with your continued support, we will rebuild and continue to care for our horses to the highest standard.”

McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds was founded in 1971 and has produced a number of notable race horses, including 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Funny Cide, and the Grade 1 winner Instant Friendship. The fire was the first in the farm’s 55-year history.

Saratoga Bridges Hosting Golf Classic

WILTON — Saratoga Bridges will be hosting the 22nd Annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic at the McGregor Links Country Club on Monday, July 28. Participants can compete with other golfers for the best overall score.

The event begins with registration at 9:30 a.m., followed by lunch, and then tee-off at 12:30 p.m. Golfers will

receive a special golf apparel gift from Saratoga Bridges and their sponsors, as well as a complimentary drink ticket for the bar, with a beverage cart available on the course. Once all golfers have finished the course, dinner will be served buffet style during an awards ceremony. To learn more and to purchase tickets, please visit www.saratogabridges.org.

The aftermath of the fire at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds’ Eastview Farm in Stillwater. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

Spa Catholic Baseball Champs to be Honored at Yankee Stadium

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, Aug. 12, the Saratoga Central Catholic state champion varsity baseball team will be honored by the New York Yankees during a special pregame ceremony at Yankee Stadium prior to a game against the Minnesota Twins. Those interested in attending the game can save 50% on tickets by ordering at this link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/

Saratogacentral2. A portion of each ticket sold through this special offer will benefit the Saratoga Central Catholic baseball program.

The Spa Catholic Saints won the Section 2 Class C Championship on June 14, defeating Deposit-Hancock 4 to 0. It was the first baseball title in the school’s history, and only the second state championship for any sport in school history.

See "NYRA Announces Giveaways" pg. 7
See "New Graphic Novel Brings Revolutionary Era to Life for Young Readers" pg. 15
Image via Saratoga Central Catholic.

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