Saratoga Springs Girls Tennis Seniors (Courtesy of Tim O’Brien)
Saratoga Springs Girls’ Tennis hosted Ballston Spa on Friday, September 25 for their senior night game. Saratoga bested the Scotties 7-2 and remain undefeated this season with a 7-0 record.
The Saratoga Tennis team has 34 athletes as it is a no cut program, and each senior was able to get in a match, either in the lineup or an exhibition match.
Last year the team was able to clinch their first Section 2 Class AA title since 2013. However, this year the team returned without eight of their twelve starters from the sectional triumph.
“We have a lot of new players on the team, and it’s been a good start to the season with them,” said coach Tim O’Brien. “The match today and the matches coming up are going to be challenging, but I think these girls just have to stay positive and work hard.”
Saratoga Celebrating with the Student Section After Scoring their Second Touchdown (Aidan Clark)
Saratoga Announcing their Starting Lineup (Aidan Clark)
The Blue Streaks burst onto the field to an invigorated sea of blue which engulfed the bleachers and spilled onto the track behind the sideline for their annual homecoming football game.
As the final gasp of the sun’s rays stretched out from the horizon, the buzzing from the overhead lights mixed with anticipated murmurings as Saratoga poised themselves to take on Niskayuna.
The offence, seemingly inspired by the occasion, scored a touchdown on the first drive of the game to the exuberance of the home support.
Junior four-star recruit, Cam Toomey, who currently has 24 division-one offers, set the tone on Saratoga’s first set of downs with a 40-yard gain on the ground. Once in the red zone, quarterback Bobby Morris connected with senior wide receiver Jaden Lockrow on a slant route in the middle of the endzone.
Saratoga kicker Michael Pommenville then delivered an end over end kickoff on the ground, causing a fumble recovery to Saratoga. On the ensuing drive, Morris and Lockrow again connected, this time for a 50-yard touchdown.
The Blue Streaks scored all their points in the first half, with a hat-trick of touchdowns from Jaden Lockrow; one rushing touchdown from junior running back Judah Wilson; and a throwing touchdown to senior wide receiver Gavin Lafrance to cap off the first half. The final score was 35-7, improving their record to 3-1 on the season.
The team is returning from a historic 2025 season where they snapped their decade-long section 2 drought and were runners-up in the Class AA state final—although this season the team is without their entire starting offensive line and star running back.
Before the game Saratoga TODAY caught up with Cam Toomey to get his expectations for the season and said the team was “off to a good start.”
“We brought in a lot of younger guys from JV,” Toomey said. “We’re just trying to get them acclimated to varsity, especially our linemen. Bringing up these new younger guys and really getting them back to what the seniors last year set the standard at. It’s been exciting seeing them developed.”
The team has five regular season games remaining before a postseason run beginning in early November.
Ariel View of the Proposal of 269 Broadway (Courtesy of the Saratoga Springs Planning Board)
A proposal for a six-story mixed use development on 269 Broadway in Saratoga Springs is currently being considered by the City Planning Board.
The site spans from Broadway to Hamilton Street and sits in between Saratoga Central Catholic School and NBT Bank. The land is currently a parking lot. The project includes a singular retail space on the ground level with high-end condominiums on the upper floors and underground parking.
The developers, Prime Group Holdings, said deliveries and car traffic will enter through Hamilton, with the aim of keeping congestion away from Broadway.
Included in the plans are renovations of the Hamilton and Broadway sidewalks, installing streetlights, and planting additional trees along the property.
A requirement of the board is to save the 60-foot maple tree planted by late Public Works Commissioner, Anthony “Skip” Sirocco, who was instrumental in implementing street trees along Broadway.
Prime Group Holdings received approval for a similar project in 2022 which notably garnered significant public opposition in the form of an 800-signature petition over the scale of the proposal which sits in the city’s historic district.
However, the developers abandoned the project after construction costs increased due to groundwater on the site.
The applicants believe their current proposal will better integrate into the surrounding streetscape.
The architects “have spent months visiting Saratoga Springs, reviewing its historic and current architecture, to immerse themselves in the feeling of Downtown Saratoga,” the project narrative said.
This time around the proposal only includes one level of underground parking, instead of two in 2022.
Although the public’s comments did not focus on the architecture of the building, neighbors did voice their concerns over the ground water on the site.
“The entire engineering issue is associated with the fact that we are putting a lot of weight on a very wet area,” said planning board Chair, Mark Pingel. “It’s a problem that is solvable because it has been solved on many other sites before.”
Current planning board member, Tony Stellato, was employed by the outside engineering firm contracted by the city to review the 2022 project. After disclosing this to the board and a quick discussion about recusal, the board and the developers determined it would be mutually beneficial to have Stellato’s expertise in the approval process.
The planning board did not vote on the project at the September 24 meeting, instead instructing the developers to review their plans on civic spaces, stormwater management, vehicle turnaround on Hamilton Street, and foundation structures.
After the developers return to the planning board with renewed submissions based on the board’s comments, the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) process will begin.
The SEQR requires government agencies to review the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the project. This process will include public hearings to be announced at a later date on the planning board agenda.
Public comments can be submitted online at, saratogaspringsny.gov/192/Planning-Department.
The Scene Coffee and Cocktails announced plans to open its second location in downtown Saratoga Springs, the former home of Wheatfields Restaurant and Bar at 440 Broadway.
The Scene opened its first location at 1671 Western Avenue in Albany in July 2023 and quickly developed a strong following for its signature brunch, coffee, and cocktail programs. From morning coffee and weekend brunch to after-work drinks and late-night cocktails, the concept was built to serve guests throughout the day. Owners Mariana and Nick Forbes will bring that same approach to Saratoga Springs.
“We’d like to thank Wheatfields owners Tim and Colleen Holmes for the opportunity they’ve given us. The Capital Region is built on strong family businesses, and it means the world to us to carry on that tradition in such an iconic space,” said Mariana Forbes. “So many Saratogians have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday moments in that space, and we don’t take that lightly. We are honored to carry that spirit of gathering forward. Being on Broadway in Saratoga Springs is a dream for us, and we can’t wait to become a part of the neighborhood.”
The space will feature both a traditional bar and a dedicated coffee bar.
Guests can expect many of the favorites from the Albany location, including the Cinnamon French Toast Latte, Veggie Scramble and Chicken Pesto Panini, along with signature cocktails such as the Espresso Martini, Tiramisu Martini, Linda’s Cosmo and the Champagne Vending Machine Experience.
In the evening, The Scene Cocktail Lounge will offer a menu of shareable plates, including Tomato and Burrata, Herbed Focaccia Bread, Prosciutto and Burrata Flatbread, and the Beef Slider Trio. Live music and DJs will also be part of the experience on select nights.
“We wouldn’t be in a position to open a second location without the incredible support we’ve received from our team and our customers here in the Capital Region,” said Nick Forbes. “Our staff has put so much into building The Scene into what it is today, and our guests have continued to show up for us in a way we’re extremely grateful for.”
“What excites us most about Saratoga is the opportunity to build our second location with everything we’ve learned from our first,” said Nick Forbes. “We’ve had three years to learn what works, what we can do better, and how we can create a stronger experience for both our guests and our team. We’re taking those lessons into every decision we make in Saratoga.”
Beyond the restaurant, The Scene runs a busy catering and events business. The catering menu ranges from brunch boards to the Barista Box, and The Scene’s gelato cart can be booked for parties and events. Catering and events will also be available from the Saratoga Springs location. Additional details, including an opening date and hours, will be announced in the coming months. Follow @thescenecoffeeny for updates.
Gary Kalinkewicz award reads “In Recognition of Lifetime Service to IAABO and the Game of Basketball” (Courtesy of Gary Kalsinkewicz)
Blue Streak Hall of Famer, Gary Kalinkewicz, has been honored by the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) for his lifetime service to the game of basketball.
The IAABO is a nonprofit organization founded in 1921 to promote and standardize officiating in the sport of basketball. The organization’s primary purpose is to educate, train, develop and provide continuous instruction for basketball officials.
Kalinkewicz has been a member of the organization for 50 years.
Like all high school coaches and officials, his affinity for basketball began in his youth.
“I grew up competing with my brothers and sisters on a daily basis,” Kalinkewicz wrote. “My dad built us a basketball court behind our home early in our childhood,”
His first experience of organized basketball was playing for the Galway team in 6th grade.
“I found out early that the highlight of my week was the basketball games,” said Kalinkewicz.
As is common for athletes at a small school, Kalinkewicz played sports year-round so his school could field a team.
He ended up playing soccer at SUNY Cortland.
After graduating from SUNY Cortland, Kalinkewicz began teaching physical education in the Saratoga Springs City School District. Soon into his career, he was approached to coach the 7th and 8th grade basketball program, an opportunity he embraced.
“I enjoyed getting back into the game in a different capacity,” said Kalinkewicz. “Over the years I have lived vicariously through the careers of these players.”
In the late 1980s Kalinkewicz transitioned to coach the golf team at Saratoga. During his tenure the team went 360-75 overall, which is seventh in NYS all-time. Although he doesn’t give himself much credit for this achievement, preferring to highlight the athletes.
Despite no longer coaching the sport, Kalinkewicz never stepped away from basketball. He has officiated games throughout the Capital region and North Country for over 50 years.
“I started officiating at the modified and junior varsity level wherever and whenever I could. I was able to progress to the varsity level and later moved on briefly to the college level. I found myself developing a rapport with many of the coaches and fellow officials. Many of them have become lifelong friends. These connections are another reason for my love of the game. Without basketball, these friendships would not have been possible,” Kalinkewicz wrote.
During his lifetime service to the IAABO award acceptance speech, Kalinkewicz closed his remarks by saying:
“This ceremony has made my day, and this award has made my career.”
Straight Edge and the Black Belt Adventures, Scripted Micheal Yuhasz and Illustrated by Doug Hills
(Courtesy of Michael Yuhasz)
Greasy fingers flipping through unexplored glossy comic book pages.
That was a typical Saturday morning in 2014 for Michael Yuhasz and his son.
They would scavenge for old comic books at Comic Depot before lunch at Hattie’s Chicken Shack.
One Saturday Yuhasz remembers his son picking out a particularly violent comic, prompting a paternal response.
Sparked by rejection, Caleb said, “Dad, you should create your own comic book.”
The result?
“Straight Edge and the Black Belt Adventures,” a comic book series promoting a lifestyle without drugs or alcohol and warning about the perils of social media and adolescence.
It seems that Yuhasz, who is a Taekwondo Grandmaster, a former elementary school teacher, and a father has synthesized his background into a timely message.
“Kids are on their phones over 100 times a day. They’re on them all the time and it’s kind of how we live now,” said Yuhasz. “So, I tried to make the villain inside the comic book a mogul that built an app that was so addictive to the children.”
Sound familiar?
Just last month Meta, the company that controls Facebook and Instagram, reached a landmark settlement with 47 states agreeing to pay up to $17.1 billion in penalties over claims it endangered children with addictive social media platforms.
This is the largest state consumer protection settlement in history outside of the Big Tobacco settlements of the 1990s.
“I looked at it from the standpoint that I can bring awareness this way by having the kids say, ‘you know what? Maybe I do look at my phone a little bit too much,’” said Yuhasz.
As governments and industry leaders litigate over free choice versus predatory business practices, Yuhasz hopes his comics will inspire healthier hobbies for the youth.
“By reading the comic book it might inspire them to find other genres, comics, or other type of trade paperbacks that they might be interested in that isn’t just a quick scroll,” Yuhasz hopes.
“Straight Edge and the Black Belt Adventures” is available now at Adirondack Taekwondo in Clifton Park and online at straightedgecomic.com.
Almost four-decade-old fixture, Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar, will host their final dinner service on Saturday, September 26.
Owners Tim & Colleen Holmes purchased the storefront in 2004 from the original owner who opened the restaurant in 1988.
“We are deeply grateful to our guests, staff, vendors, and community for your loyalty, friendship, and support. It has been our privilege to share in your milestones, celebrations, and everyday moments,” the owners said in a Facebook post. “Over the years, many of you became more than customers—you became friends. Thank you for 22 unforgettable years in downtown Saratoga Springs and for making Wheatfields such a special part of this community. We are truly grateful.”
The Holmes will still be operating their Clifton Park location, Wheatfields Bistro & Wine Bar, as well as their sister location, Beer Wine Pizza in Saratoga.
New Chinese cuisine restaurant, Tāng Dumplings, specializing in all things dumplings is open in the Fresh Market Plaza, 46 Marion Ave. Their soup, fried, and bao dumplings are all made-to-order along with other Asian staples including fried rice, ramen, and General Tso chicken.
The restaurateurs renovated the former Smash Burger into a more intimate dining experience with sit down table service, an open kitchen, and a juice bar.
Their signature pork soup dumplings are listed at ten dollars for six dumplings; a price point they say allows customers to share and explore the menu.
Tāng Dumplings opened their first location near Hershey, PA, earlier this year and they expect to open a third Tang at the end of 2026.
Tāng Dumplings is open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends offering sit down and take out dining options.
To view the menu or order online go to tangsaratoga.com.
Saratoga PLAN for the Future Fundraising Dinner and Auction at Saratoga Winery (Aidan Clark)
Saratoga PLAN hosted its primary annual fundraising event, PLAN for the future, at Saratoga Winery last week. Proceeds from this event will help fund PLAN’s mission to steward and protect the farms, forests, and waters of Saratoga and southern Adirondack foothills – now and forever.
The non-profit formed in July 2003 through a merger of the Saratoga Springs Open Space Project and the Land Trust of the Saratoga Region. PLAN has protected nearly eight percent of agricultural lands in Saratoga County to date.
During the event, PLAN recognized their 2026 conservation champion, Maria Trabka, who served as executive director or PLAN from 2008 to 2022. Under her leadership, PLAN conserved more than 10,000 acres, established 12 nature preserves, and helped create more than 200 miles of trails throughout Saratoga County.
PLAN’s volunteer of the year was awarded to Alex Milton for his dedication as a stewardship volunteer of the Glowegee Creek Trails South in Galway.
The 2026 conservation heroes were Rick Higgins who conserved 20 acres in the Town of Greenfield which will become the future northern gateway to the Graphite Range Community Forest; Katie Ogden & Matthew Harris who conserved 41 acres of farmland in the Town of Stillwater; and Joanne and Thomas Klepetar who conserved 444 acres in the Southern Adirondack Foothills
The Klepetars purchased their first parcel in 1988 to enjoy hiking and cross-country skiing with their four children. The family continued to buy land around their property and eventually accumulated 444 acres. The Klepetars never had intentions to develop their land, and now they safeguarded a wildlife corridor to the Adirondack mountain range while also passing the land down to their children.
“We live in one of the most beautiful and innovative areas in the county,” said Adrian Appleman, the Co-chair of the Next Generation Committee of Saratoga PLAN. “I think about how important it is for organizations like Saratoga PLAN to exist so that we can continue to grow our region thoughtfully, while preserving the bountiful natural resources around us. I believe Saratoga and the surrounding area can and should be a case study for how this can and should be done.”
A map of public trails preserved and open to the public year-round by Saratoga PLAN can be found on their website at, saratogaplan.org/explore-parks-and-trails.
Derrick Legall Honored by Saratoga Springs Little League for NYS Baseball Hall of Fame Nomination.
Saratoga Springs Little League president, Derrick Legall, will be inducted into the class of 2026 New York State Baseball Hall of Fame in November. Naturally, one’s first question is: when did you start playing baseball?
“It’s funny you ask that question. Really, growing up, I did not play a lot of baseball, I played soccer,” said Legall. “But I got involved with baseball when my son started playing, so that’s where my passion for the game came in.”
Legall, as is the case of many fathers, stepped in to coach his son’s little league team in 2002. But when his son reached early adolescence, Legall put down the whistle and clip board.
“He needed somebody else to coach [him] because he doesn’t listen to me. It [was] time for somebody else to coach him,” Legall reflected.
However, Legall saw the ability of the program to bring the community together, leading to him joining the board of directors and eventually be elected president.
“Back then it used to be the East side and the West side. We used to have what’s called the Mayor’s Cup at the end of every season. I got involved because it was a big community event and I wanted to keep that tradition.”
During his more than two-decade tenure as president, Legall’s most overtly transformative project was the renovation of West Side Recreation Park—an effort accomplished entirely without taxpayer dollars.
While installing the field lights alone reached the six-figure mark, the project was successfully funded through fundraising and donations from community institutions. Similarly, the concession stand required funding only for its materials, as a local builder donated the construction labor entirely.
Yet, for all the physical transformation of the park, Legall considers the Challenger Program to be his most enduring legacy
“There was not any program for these kids that are challenged, mentally and physically, to get involved in a sport. We started the Challenger program and that program is in its fourteenth year. To me, that was the proudest of our moments. We gave kids an opportunity to play sports, become team members, and have fun,” said Legall.
Legall embodies a community champion, someone who is called to serve others. Alas, Legall does not cherish the spotlight; he even was hesitant about the focus of this article. Because, for Legall, nothing should divert our attention from what is paramount: our future.
“I believe that we have to invest in our future, and our future is our kids. If we are not investing in our kids, then who is going to do it? My goal in life has always been, if I can reach one child, then my mission has been accomplished,” said Legall.
When asked about what it means to be selected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame he said,
“First of all, I’m humble. It has been a passion of mine to invest in our youth of the city, and to make sure I leave a legacy where they are much stronger and know that this community means a lot to them. I truly believe this community cares about kids, we just don’t hear about it and see it enough.”
Legall, along with 15 other inductees in the class of 2026, will be commemorated on Sunday, November 22, in Troy.
