Lori Mahan

Lori Mahan

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Thursday, May 7, staff from Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) surprised their senior students with lawn signs. On Friday, May 8, Saratoga Central Catholic (Spa Catholic) did the same.

SSHS’ leadership team came up with the idea to drop off the lawn signs to the seniors. The signs feature the names of all seniors in the class. 

Principal Michelle Tsao said: “This collaborative effort to recognize the Class of 2020 would not have happened without the dedicated staff of our school and district. We were happy to see students and their smiling faces throughout the day!”

Thursday, 14 May 2020 12:52

Plans Underway at East Side Rec

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Despite the coronavirus pandemic, The Great Outdoors Project, a 15.6 million dollar proposal for renovations to all eight schools in the Saratoga Springs City School District (SSCSD), Gavin Park, East Side Recreation, and West Side Recreation parks has commenced. 

The East Side Rec construction began recently and is expected to last until November. 

New features will include: baseball field including turf infield, renovated stadium seating and building, new field house, new maintenance storage building, new entrance and pathways, new fitness trail, new lighting at tennis and basketball courts, replacing basketball hoops, repaving and recoating basketball courts, new basketball fencing, repaving and recoating tennis courts, new signage and wayfinding, new pickleball courts, and new picnic areas and pavilion.

Director of Facilities and Operations of SSCSD John Thuener said that $6.5 million of the budget is going toward the East Side Rec project and that renovations should be complete by November 2020. In addition, West Side Rec capital improvements should be completed in June and totaled $800,000.

Ballston Spa Central School District residents interested in being a member of the Board of Education (BOE) need to submit a petition by 5:00 p.m. on May 11, 2020 to be included on the June 9, 2020 ballot. Candidates must be a citizen of the United States, eighteen years of age or older, not an employee of the District, and a resident of the District for a continuous period of one year prior to June 9, 2020. Additional legal requirements apply.  Please see the Board Policy 1120 on the District’s website via www.bscsd.org.
There are currently two seats available on the BOE, starting a three-year term in July 2020. Petitions need to be submitted to the District Clerk and must state the full name and address of the candidate (nominating signatures are not required for the petition to be deemed valid, pursuant to Executive Order 202.26).  Petitions and an information packet may be obtained by email request to the District Clerk at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SARATOGA COUNTY — Life hasn’t stopped at the Saratoga Senior Center despite the world’s lockdown. The doors are no longer open, but volunteers are practicing social distancing and going around the community to help some of its’ most vulnerable members.

“We’re providing [the senior citizen community] with groceries if they want or referring them to food pantries and things like that. So, we’re helping them in any way we can. We’re helping them cook, we’re delivering them toilet paper if they need, we can deliver puzzles, and games. We’re also working on getting as many masks delivered as possible because that’s the number one request and we’re having a hard time picking them up so we’re looking for people to donate masks as well. We’ve started doing spring clean up and yard work at this point for anybody who has a hard time getting out and needs some help with that,” explained Lois Celeste, executive director. 

The senior center has also been offering online Zoom classes and one on ones via phone with volunteers to teach the community how to use and utilize Zoom, social media, and Facebook Live.

“Our goal is to reach out to all seniors in the county and communities and help out if they need it. The big thing is getting the word out. The Zoom programs have been really fun. We’re probably now up to about 15-20 different zoom classes each week and we’re seeing a huge audience. It’s so exciting,” she continued.

The center also has volunteers to help on on one to assist with the Census so people can do it online rather than wait.

 “If people call our front desk, we can connect them and help them with any of these things,” she said.

 The center is in need of more volunteers and more face masks.

“Obviously for the whole world, this is the new normal and what is that going to look like? And for us, we work with the most vulnerable, we’re very much an essential service and in many ways the volunteers out there are kind of front line. It’s everybody’s goal to get everyone to stay at home but especially to get the seniors to stay at home because they’re independent and it’s okay they do things on their own but we’re trying to get them not to grocery shop and let us help them. They are at risk, it is so critical. I don’t know what will happen as far as the center opening so we’re going to keep going with virtual programming and helping people. Eventually, as the community opens up, we will look at what is safe and responsible to do with seniors for opening up. Some day we’ll be open but i don’t know how long that will be,” Celeste stated.ssc

To receive services or volunteer at the Senior Center, call 518-584-1621 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit saratogaseniorcenter.org for programming information. 

Thursday, 16 April 2020 11:53

A Beautiful Brainstorm

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Healthcare workers are national heroes right now as they battle this scary thing called COVID-19, but life doesn’t stop for them, not even wedding planning.

Fine Affairs, a wedding and event planning company, has teamed up with several local companies to give one healthcare hero the wedding they deserve through their Wedding Relief Package. 

“Our team was brainstorming about how we can offer our support to local front line healthcare workers and Laura, myself, and Geriann were on a call last Friday just going back and forth about what we could do and what ways we could help. We thought well why not give a package to a bride or groom who is fighting every day and could use a little light. Then we asked a few other vendors what their thoughts were and if they would be interested in contributing in any way and they all jumped in and said yes absolutely,” described Rachel from Fine Affairs.

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Decor & Rental Items from Fine Affairs
Floral Credit from Surroundings Floral Studio
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Live Acoustic Music by Jay Yager
Wedding Coordination Services fromWendy Lawrence Weddings & Events 
Bridal Hair & Makeup by Blush518

  Total value of over $7,500!

This giveaway works on a nomination system: @FineAffairsInc and on Instagram @FineAffairs and tag your hero in the comments. The hero with the most tags is the winner, which will be announced on May 1st. 

"We have all been surrounded by the wedding industry for a long time so we know that it's super stressful planning a wedding in general. As we were brainstorming, we couldn't imagine what one of these healthcare heroes is going through while their day to day is what it is right now and the wedding is not only on the back burner, but is still hanging over them in the planning process,” said project manager Laura Simiele from Communicate Differently.

All other partners in this endeavor are happy to provide their services:

"This is such an amazing opportunity to give back to our frontline workers. I am honored to be a part of this project and look forward to helping the couple plan the wedding of their dreams,” said Wendy from Wendy Lawrence Wedding and Events.

"The Surroundings Team would like to express our gratitude to our local health care heroes for putting your lives on the line to save lives in this very challenging time,” said the Surrounding Florals team.

"This is the very least we can do for some people who are always doing the most they can do. I couldn't be more honored to be part of the project,” Jay Yager stated.

"It's an honor and privilege to give back to the health care community that has tirelessly cared for the rest of us,” Gwen from Blush518 said.

Since the launch of this campaign, several other local businesses have expressed an interest in providing their services to the lucky Healthcare Hero.

Go to Facebook @FineAffairsInc and on Instagram @FineAffairs and nominate your #HealthcareHero today!

Thursday, 12 March 2020 15:47

Local All Star Moments: March. 13-19, 2020

SRYMCA Over 50 Basketball Leagues Scores 

Walton’s Sport Shop v. Lazy Dog Cookie Co.
Lazy Dog-80: Matt Truex-22, Chris Koval-21

Walton’s-63: Alex Marin-16, Ryan Aguan-15

West Side v. Stephen’s Chryslers Jeep Dodge of Greenwich   
West Side-56: Rob Leise-23, Tom Welch-17

Stephen’s-51: Paul Gross-20, Pat Killian-19

Nemer Chrysler VS Turning Point Chiropractic 
Turning Point-70: Bob  Hanson-28, Mike Scanlon-28
Nemer-56: Steve Brown-25, John Bishop-12

D’Andrea’s Pizza VS Mama Mia’s Restaurant
D’Andrea’s -54: Rory Wilson-24, Greg O’Conner-12

Mama Mia’s -49:  Lamont Williams-21, Bill Bernardo-12

Saratoga Springs Cheer Squad

SPORTS ASM Cheer

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The varsity cheerleading squad at Saratoga Springs finished 8th at the States competition at RIT on March 7, 2020.  Photo provided.

SRYMCA/Saratoga Honda Youth Basketball Scores

SPORTS ASM YMCA JrDivision

JR DIVISION:
PBA v. Blend Realty
PBA-64: Isaac Ryan 22, Nick Scalo-13

Blend-25: Riley Bawmeister-9, Finn Kelly-7, Eric Eckhardt-7

Olsen Associates v. Cudney’s
Cudney’s-34: Ben VanValkenberg-11, John Geradi-10
Olsen’s-20: Colin MacGreger-8, Jacob Hernandez-6, Xavier Rusico-6

JR. DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 3/8/20
PBA v. Cudney’s
PBA-55: Isaac Ryan-16, Stephon Lindsey-12, Bryant Savage -12

Cudney’s-36: Ben VanValkenberg-14, John Geradi-12

SPORTS ASM YMCA SrDivision

SR. DIVISION:
Spa Café v. Vahanian & Associates   
Spa Café-55:  Brian McCarthy-15, Mark Early-12

Vahanian-47: Thomas Maurer-28, Cameron Fitzpatrick-12

Pashley’s Construction v. Village Photo
Village Photo-41: Unique Steel-16, Jacob Krygowski-12
Pashley’s-27: Nate Siewart-12, Raymond Garcia-6

SR. DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 3/8/20
Spa Café v. Village Photo
Spa Café’-59: Charlie D-16, Brian McCarthy -13

Village Photo-53:  Patrick Deshane-16, Unique Steel 13

Schuylerville Wrestler on All-Star First Team

SPORTS ASM Wrestling

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville varsity wrestling team completed a successful season with senior wrestler Andrew Dumas named to the Foothills Council All-Star first team for the 285 pound weight class.  Photo provided.

DeMars Crushes 1500m at States

SPORTS ASM DeMars

BALLSTON SPA — On Saturday, March 7, Faith DeMars crushed the 1500m school record at the Indoor NYS Championship meet placing 5th with a time of 4:38.67. Photo provided.

Cairns Scores her 2000th Point 

SPORTS ASM Cairns

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dolly Cairns, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School, scored her 2,000th point on March 5, 2020. Cairns holds the point record for Saratoga Springs basketball. Photo provided.

Thursday, 12 March 2020 15:45

Athlete of the Week: Haley Waghorn

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­— While most people feel at home cooking in their kitchen or sitting on their couch, Haley Waghorn feels at home when she plays shortstop on her college softball team. 

A graduate from Saratoga Springs City School District, Waghorn is now a freshman at Saint Michael’s College. An avid athlete, she played on her high school softball and field hockey team, but decided to focus solely on softball when she started in college.

“I absolutely love the school and softball is going great. I love the team, everyone is really supportive and it’s been an immediate family,” Waghorn said. “Honestly the people and the atmosphere and just walking around the campus I feel right at home and the coach was super nice, just like the previous coaches I’ve had.”

Waghorn said the biggest difference between high school and college is the atmosphere. She said she feels right at home when she walks around campus. 

At Saint Michael’s she plans to pursue a biology major and a minor in chemistry.

“I was originally thinking to go into ophthalmology but that might change…” Waghorn said. 

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery that deals with diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.

When Waghorn isn’t attending classes or doing homework, she practices five times a week with her softball team. She said the team is constantly working in the cage and in the indoor facility. She likes to play shortstop and third base.

“I’ve been playing shortstop for a while and I feel at home there. I play a little bit of third [base] too and those positions have been my home base. I think that just experience is what made me that player in those positions,” Waghorn said.

This past fall, Waghorn said the team played a few games and practiced outside. Now that softball is in season, the team has played a few games.

Waghorn said he biggest supporter is her dad, Brian Waghorn.

“He taught me so much. He’s been my coach for a while so I definitely have the sport connection with him. He teaches me a lot about the mental game as well. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Spa Catholic Saints are back and ready for their best season yet! With an award-winning record of 24 league championships, five sectional championships, three regional championships, one state runner-up, and 12-20 win seasons. Good luck, Saints!

The Saints will be participating in the 1st Section 2 benefit game for ALS. It is called the Lou Gehrig Classic “Strike out ALS”...The game will be played at Veterans Memorial Field and co-hosted By both Saratoga Catholic and Saratoga Springs HS. 

Saratoga High plays Niskyuna at 4:15pm and Saratoga Catholic plays Tamarac at 7:00pm. All proceeds go to ALS Association of Upstate NY. 

SPORTS SpaCatholicBaseballTeam

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Leap Day, two teams from Geyser Road Elementary School competed in the regional Odyssey of the Mind Tournament. The team coached by Peter Murray took 2nd place in the Networking Problem and the team coached by Michelle McMurtrie took 1st place in the Effective Detective Problem. Both teams are going to Binghamton on April 4 for States.

Thursday, 12 March 2020 15:25

Girl Scouts: Women First

SARATOGA SPRINGS/SCHUYLERVILLE — On Saturday March 7, Girl Scouts from 12 troops in the Saratoga-Schuylerville Service Unit held their annual EXPO and this theme this year was Women First. 

The Service Unit was rewarded a grant from the National Girls Collaborative Project to provide Limited Edition Matchbox cars created with Mercedes-Benz to commemorate Ewy Rosqvist’s 1962 Argentinian Road Rally record breaking victory.

Scouts at the Expo participated in activities to learn about women who were considered the first in their endeavor and broke down gender or social barriers.  Women who were featured included: Danica Patrick, Junko Tabei, Harriet Tubman, Katherine Johnson, Sally Ride, Katie Sowers, Ellen DeGeneres, Greta Thunberg, Ewy Rosqvist, Marie Curie, Shirley Muldowney. 

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Blotter

  • Saratoga County Court Saratoga County District attorney Karen Heggen announced 49-year-old Anthony Gargano of Gansevoort pleaded guilty in Milton Town Court on March 5 to a violation of the state Agricultural and Markets Law, a misdemeanor, in connection with a Jan. 4 incident. An investigation by the county Sheriff’s Office revealed that Gargano abandoned a cat, named Kane, after regular business hours outside the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, Heggen said, and that on Shelter cameras, Gargano is seen leaving the cat without shelter and driving away. That night, the temperature dropped to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit. To date, Kane the cat…

Property Transactions

  • BALLSTON Peter Ollari sold property at 3 Beechwood Dr to Stephanie Luce for $409,000 Tim Odasz sold property at 15 Marlyn Dr to Luke Snyder for $282,000 Michael Lemnotis sold property at 4 Larkin Dr to Bridget Edgerly for $350,000 CORINTH Gary ONeil sold property at 115 Hollister Dr to Aaron Schips for $345,000 GALWAY James Robinson sold property at Parkis Mills Rd to Porcupine Ridge LLC for $110,000 GREENFIELD Tamara Mustain sold property at 87 North Greenfield Rd to Federal National Mortgage Assoc. for $101,000 MALTA  Gloria Ottavio sold property at 2 Magnolia Way to Gregory Jones for $540,000…
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