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Author: Dylan McGlynn

Local Recruitment Firm Ramsey Miller Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business.

Image provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Locally-based recruitment firm Ramsey Miller is celebrating one year of business in the Capital Region and beyond.

The company was launched by Tim Staples and Adam VanDervoort in Oct. 2022. One year in, Ramsey Miller has worked to fill roles in the Capital Region and more, and has continued its growth.

VanDervoort said the company recently hired four associate recruiters, and in addition to local jobs, have been working in locations such as Cincinnati, Denver, and Philadelphia. He noted that one of the company’s new recruits is also based in Nashville.

“Now we have a team of, essentially, six of us working roles,” said VanDervoort. “It’s been going good.”

VanDervoort has experience in the real estate industry, while Staples had previously worked in the recruitment industry in New York City. VanDervoort said the two decided to launch their own company after Staples relocated to the Capital Region.

“My attraction to it was the business side,” VanDervoort said. “I have a passion for entrepreneurship, and starting businesses. That was my draw, starting something from the ground up. But as I looked in the area, there’s not much going on as far as recruitment.”

Ramsey Miller primarily works with companies in fields such as commercial and civil construction, and financial services, VanDervoort said. He noted a majority of work done by the company is to help those who are already employed to find another opportunity.

“Because someone’s argument usually is, ‘Why doesn’t the company just post these job openings?’ Good people at good companies who are good workers, they’re employed,” said VanDervoort. “They’re not sitting at home looking at Indeed at these other opportunities. When we reach out, these are working people who are, frankly, quite happy at their positions, they just never really thought to explore other options or see what’s out there.”

While some companies hire their own internal recruiters, VanDervoort noted Ramsey Miller can work with them as well. He said the company only receives payment if one of their recommendations is hired.

“They’re getting a recruitment effort for free, and they only have to pay if someone gets hired, versus internal recruitment, paying somebody a salary to do what we’re doing,” said VanDervoort. “And a lot of companies have their own internal recruiters, and we still work with them, because the amount of people to go through, it’s so many options.”

He said the company utilizes a mix of artificial intelligence to help compete with larger firms, running software to detect prospective employees who could be a strong fit for a given job. From there, the Ramsey Miller team can manually examine several hundred candidates to recommend the best options for the company.

VanDervoort said business began to “snowball” for the company after its first several months, and also made note of what he described as a current disconnect between candidates and companies when it comes to remote, hybrid, or in-office work.

“A lot of our first questions that get asked to us when we’re speaking to candidates is, ‘Do I have to go in?’” VanDervoort said. “… And it also seems like people are willing to sacrifice salary if they can be remote, or companies willing to pay a little bit more if someone’s willing to come in. So there’s, I call it a disconnect at this point, of what works as far as hybrid, remote, or in-office workplaces right now.”

The company plans to continue its growth in the future, with VanDervoort saying Ramsey Miller will likely look to add more recruiters, open new roles, and expand into other industries moving forward.

“I would say our plans, definitely, are to grow,” said VanDervoort. “… Starting to tailor into more broad industries, I would say, so we can better serve not only people here, but nationally.”

Wilton Mall Redevelopment Plans Continue

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business, Featured.

A rendering of the proposed redevelopment at Wilton Mall. Image provided by Macerich.

WILTON — Discussion on the proposed redevelopment of the Wilton Mall continued during a public hearing at the Town Board Meeting on Oct. 5.

The plans propose the development of apartment units and townhomes at the site of the mall’s former Bon Ton location. While speaking at the hearing, Wilton Mall GM Mike Shaffer said similar plans have been enacted in malls nationwide, converting the properties into what he described as “mixed-use destinations.”

He stated the project’s goal is to increase property values, reduce vacancies in the mall, and add an increase in sales tax revenue to the town and county.

Shaffer said that the proposal has begun to garner interest from several companies, including a fitness company and a new theater operator. He also cited a study from Camoin Associates stating that the project would generate over $360,000 in net sales tax revenue, and over $800,000 annually to the Saratoga Springs City School District.

Jon Locke, owner of Salty Buns Restaurant in the Wilton Mall, spoke strongly in support of the proposal, saying part of the reason the restaurant moved into the mall this summer was their belief in the plans.

“This endeavor will bring vitality into our town, offering decent living spaces and crafting a vibrant community complete with essential amenities at our fingertips,” Locke said. “What truly sets this project apart is its capacity to offer employment prospects on numerous fronts, from skilled labor that will be necessary during the construction to the countless positions needed to support the residents and businesses within this new complex.”

Duane Hendershot, store director of Healthy Living Market inside the mall, said he is “really excited” about the proposal. As part of the plan, funding would also be provided to Saratoga PLAN for a conservation easement on the Vincek Farm.

Laura Vincek of the Vincek Farm said at the hearing that the easement would benefit not just to town residents, but “will benefit the planet for as long as the planet exists.” She said the Vincek Farm has been a continuously-working farm since the 18th century, prior to the Revolutionary War.

“The Vincek Farm is a historic landmark, and a national treasure that should be protected eternally for the generations to come,” said Laura Vincek. “People have said to me, ‘Well, you could just remove the development rights.’ Well if I could do that, someone else can put them back.”

Josh Vincek also spoke at the hearing, and said they hope to add more events and activities at the farm for members of the community. He said the farm often hosts groups and assists with local nonprofits.

Tori Roberts of Saratoga PLAN read a letter from the group at the hearing, saying that while Saratoga PLAN takes no position on the mall project, they are “supportive of the concept of using previously-developed land for sustainable redevelopment strategies” from an environmental and conservation perspective.

“Concentrating development in these areas offers the potential to reduce urban sprawl, and preserve open space for the entire community,” the letter read in part.

However, some residents raised concerns about the proposal. Scott Kingsley said he does not believe a PUDD is appropriate for the area, and noted he is against urbanization in Wilton, saying, “If you want to look like Saratoga Springs, the problems of Saratoga Springs will follow.”

“The problem is, when you open the door, the door never closes,” said Kingsley. “What happens when the rest of the mall continues to struggle? … We know what’s going to happen. And I do feel sorry for the property owners there. But they’re going to want more residential when other parts of the mall fail.”

Chad Jerome said he does not believe the residential properties will have the stated effect.

“You’re putting residential property next to a mall with the idea that, hopefully, residents of that are going to somehow make the mall successful that’s been in decline,” Jerome said. “… It’d be unfortunate if the Wilton Mall were to go away. Businesses come and go, unfortunately. The town board isn’t here to save every business that may or may not work. That’s not saying that we want the mall to go. But if the business isn’t there for it, then the business isn’t there for it.”

Some residents also raised concerns about a potential increase in traffic, although Shaffer cited a traffic study that he said was conducted in 2022 that did not anticipate any significant impacts.

After the hearing, Town Board member John McEachron stated that while he is in favor of the project, “There has to be something in it for the Town of Wilton.”

“We’re changing zoning,” McEachron said at the meeting. “We’re changing zoning to a 110-acre PUDD that can never get brought back, can never change back. So what do we get out of it? There’s got to be a public benefit.”

Following the hearing, Shaffer told a group of reporters he was pleased with the turnout of supporters, and is looking forward to continuing the process.

“Very pleased for the supporters that turned out for us tonight, and the amount of knowledge that they had on the project,” Shaffer said. “Just very pleased with that turnout. And we’ll see where it goes from here.”

The plans will be brought to the Wilton Planning Board on Oct. 18, and are expected to return to the Town Board at its Nov. 2 meeting, Shaffer said.

Allegations of “Toxic Culture” in Spa City Sports

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District is alleged to have not adequately handled “a toxic culture of alleged abusive coaching” in a legal complaint filed by lawyer Martin Greenberg representing Safe Athletes for Everyone (SAFE).

Included in the letter are complaints against girls varsity cross country/track coaches Art and Linda Kranick, as well as girls varsity soccer coach Adrienne Dannehy and former girls varsity lacrosse coach Katie Hannan.

The letter by SAFE requests, in part, the firing of the coaches involved, and for the State Education Department to investigate the district. It also requests the district’s prior athletic directors be fired or reprimanded, and for the district to issue a public apology. 

Many of the complaints were filed anonymously. Statements are included from runners, parents of runners, parents of former girls lacrosse and girls soccer players, as well as from a girls soccer and a girls lacrosse player. The letter states that many chose to keep their identities anonymous due to fear of retribution.

One former runner, 1989 graduate Kristen (Gecewicz) Gunning, attached her name to a statement alleging the running program is “a toxic culture of control and abuse of middle and high school girls all in the name of winning.”

Gunning stated the coaches would restrict runners’ diets, clothing, and who they associated with. Other anonymous statements also claim instances of overtraining or training through injuries.

“The message was always strong and clear from the Kranicks: run through illness and pain,” part of Gunning’s statement reads.

A 2020 letter from former Board of Education member Steve Grandin to school officials regarding concerns about the cross-country teams training out of season was also included in the SAFE complaint.

Ann Marie Pendergast, a parent of a former girls varsity soccer player, described the girls soccer program as a “demoralizing and unhealthy culture” in a letter from July. She also wrote letters in 2015 and 2016 to district officials regarding Dannehy, which were included in the SAFE letter.

The letter was addressed to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, Commissioner of Education Betty Rosa, Chancellor Lester Young, and NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas.

A statement provided by the district states that, “The Saratoga Springs City School District cares about each and every student. We take any matters of alleged abuse or bullying very seriously.”

“The district was notified of a letter sent to New York State officials that contains allegations concerning some of the district’s athletic programs late on October 4,” the district’s statement continues. “The letter was not sent to the district directly. While the allegations in the letter are very concerning, any allegations that the district ignored or did not address the complaints referenced in this letter are completely false. We are not able to comment on any individual personnel or student matters included in the letter.”

“As a district, our goal is to provide a positive experience for all our student-athletes, on and off the playing field. We appreciate the dedicated efforts of our professional coaching staff and the ongoing support of our families and school community. We will continue to review the allegations with the goal of providing a more detailed response at an appropriate time.”

Ballston Spa Police Department On The Move?

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business.

78 Thompson St., currently occupied by Community Emergency Corps, could become the next home of the Ballston Spa Police Department (Photo by Dylan McGlynn).

BALLSTON SPA — A building on Thompson St. in Ballston Spa could potentially serve as the next home of the Ballston Spa Police Department.

Mayor Frank Rossi said the Village has entered a letter of intent to purchase the property at 78 Thompson St., with the goal of it becoming the new home for the Village’s police force.

The news was first reported by The Daily Gazette. The Thompson St. building is currently occupied by Community Emergency Corps, which plans to move to a new facility that is under construction off Geyser Road in Milton.

The Police Department shares its current space at 30 Bath St. with the Village Court. Rossi said the Village had initially looked into moving both the Police Department and the court into the building on Thompson St., but realized it would be a suitable fit for the police department alone.

“When you walk in there with that kind of mentality, it’s amazing how well-suited the building is for the police themselves,” said Rossi.

30 Bath St. is roughly 4,200 square feet, he said, while the building at 78 Thompson is roughly 5,700 square feet. Rossi said on Tuesday the Village has put down a deposit and is waiting for a formal contract to be generated.

Rossi said the hope is for the BSPD to move into the space on Thompson St. by “mid-year” or potentially as soon as late spring of 2024. Several rooms in the building would be repurposed, with Rossi estimating the cost of renovations to range from the mid to high five figures.

Rossi added it will also be beneficial for the Police Department to have not only their own space, but also “their own identity, to a certain degree.”

“One of the things that Chief Dave Bush has been impressing upon me is the need to get an official sign that says, ‘The Ballston Spa Police Department,’ on the front,” said Rossi. “Because we don’t even have that, really, when you look at 30 Bath St. It’s kind of a lack of identity for our own police department.”

In regards to the Village Court, Rossi said that while he cannot speak for the Village Board of Trustees, his idea is to renovate the first floor of 30 Bath St. to a court and multi-purpose meeting room, noting that the Board of Trustees and other boards in the village typically meet at the Ballston Spa Public Library.

“Some just don’t have space, because it’s being utilized, so they have to go to other locations, which isn’t very good for open meeting purposes,” Rossi said. “So the idea would be to do … a multi-purpose courtroom, essentially. And kind of rethink that building, that first floor especially.”

Rossi also noted that relocating the Police Department to 78 Thompson St. would also make available some additional parking spots in the Village’s downtown area that are currently used to park police vehicles.

“So in terms of just morale and pride for our police, it would be a big step forward,” Rossi said. “And also, then for our court to have the ability to maybe apply for some grant money to give some better facilities for them as well, at least for the time being. That would be a big win for us as well.”

‘A way to fight’: Queensbury Walk to End Alzheimer’s Returns Oct. 14

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Sports.


Photo by Nick Friedman.

QUEENSBURY —The Queensbury Walk to End Alzheimer’s returns on Oct. 14, offering a chance for community members to come together, raising money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The event is meaningful to many, but especially to families such as the Davies.

Chris Davies, Jr. was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2019. Joan Davies, his mother, was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022. While they are aware of the disease’s progression, the family is remaining positive, and said they are trying to take advantage of each day.

“Well, the one thing I generally talk about with people is that I’m not in pain, I’m not physically limited in any way. It’s just frustrating from time to time,” Chris Jr. said. “I’m not blind to what’s going to happen eventually. But if I walk into a room and can’t remember what I was getting, it doesn’t bother me.”

“But, you know, it’s always kind of somewhere there in the back of your mind, how long am I going to be at this level, or he’s going to be at his level?” said Joan Davies. “And we know that there are probably going to be changes that aren’t for the better.”

Cheri Davies, Chris Jr.’s wife, works as a licensed clinical social worker, and said they received a care consultation with the Alzheimer’s Association after Chris Jr.’s diagnosis. Because of their experience, she was quickly prepared after Joan was diagnosed.

“When Joan got her diagnosis, I think within a week, Cheri came to the house with a big bag with her folders, and a notebook, and a list of things to do,” Chris Davies Sr. said.

Joan and Chris Sr. also took advantage of the Association’s services, attending a series of meetings for patients and caregivers. 

“And that was very helpful, to see whoever the speaker was, whether it was on legal issues, support issues, or neurology issues,” said Chris Sr. “And then to sit with the other caregivers and be able to honestly discuss what we’re seeing with our patient, our loved one, and how it’s affecting us.”

Joan added that it has been “eye-opening” to realize how many people the disease affects, and said it is meaningful to have the support of the Alzheimer’s Association and other groups. Cheri pointed out that social connections can be crucial for people with Alzheimer’s.

“In Chris’ case, he is doing much better for going into year five than he really should be,” Cheri said. “And so much of that is attributed to social connections, keeping active, good diet, physically active, those kinds of things.”

In addition to his family, Chris Jr. also has a strong support system in the Hudson Valley region, where he worked as a police officer. In 2022, Chris Jr. and Cheri attended the Poughkeepsie Walk to End Alzheimer’s, saying a group of nearly 50 people participated with Chris’ walk team, ‘Chris 287.’

Chris Sr. said the family is looking to “take every day,” a message he said was passed along at one of the meetings.

“Enjoy every day, find something positive, and just hold onto that,” Chris Sr. said. “And then the next day, do the same thing.”

The Queensbury Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held at SUNY Adirondack, with registration opening at 9 a.m., according to the Alzheimer’s Association website. Registration for the Walk is free, although participants are encouraged to fundraise.

The Queensbury walk has a fundraising goal of $195,000, according to the event website. Kym Hance, a member of the Walk’s Executive Leadership Committee, said funds support free services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association regionally, including care consultations, support groups, and educational programs, services that families such as the Davies have been able to take advantage of at no cost.

The event also holds strong meaning to the Shimkus family. Todd Shimkus, a member of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeast New York Board of Directors and the president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, said he first attended the Walk in 2018 in support of his mother, Amy Shimkus, who died of Alzheimer’s in 2022.

Shimkus said that for his mother and the rest of the family, the Walk was “a way to fight.”

“It was a way to end this miserable disease. She felt like she was doing something that would help, hopefully, stop this disease from ever harming people in the future,” said Shimkus. “There was little else she could control, but she could walk, and she could raise money. And that’s what she did. And that’s what we continue to do today.”

Shimkus and his sister, Tracy, formed the ‘Amy’s Army’ team, which walks and fundraises each year in both Queensbury and Reston, Virginia. Between the two locations, they raised around $17,000 last year, Shimkus said, and hope to reach $20,000 this year. Shimkus also published a book in March, ‘I’m Not Ready For This,’ and said he is donating all of its proceeds to the ‘Amy’s Army’ walk team.

“It is the story of what I went through with my mom with Alzheimer’s, particularly during COVID, as well as my role in the community as the President of the Chamber,” Shimkus said. “So it’s what I learned about Alzheimer’s, being a caregiver, being a community leader, and resilience.”

Hance noted the theme for this year’s Walk is ‘Fighting for a Different Future,’ one where an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is not necessarily terminal.

“That’s what we’re really fighting for,” said Hance. “We’re fighting for that cure, we’re fighting for those medications that really can help people hold on much longer than they would have, even a year ago.”

Hance also noted that numerous sponsors will have tables set up prior to the Walk with information on resources and services for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as well as caretakers, friends, and families.

“It’s nice to have somebody kind of guiding you along and know that you can reach out for help to quite a few different people or organizations,” said Joan Davies.

“Really, again, it’s just about connecting,” Hance said. “That’s one of the things that I love most about (the) walk.”

Back to Back: Saratoga Girls’ Golf Wins Suburban Council Tournament

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Photo provided.

HALFMOON —The Saratoga Springs varsity girls golf team has started clicking at the right time, as the Blue Streaks captured the team title at the 2023 Suburban Council Tournament on Sept. 26, held at the Fairways of Halfmoon.

“We stuck together, we definitely held each other up,” said sophomore Sophia Jackson. “In the end, we came out on top, and we’re pretty happy about it.”

Jackson paced the Blue Streaks, shooting 42 to finish third overall individually. Lira Bonitatibus shot 46, Paeton Koshgarian shot 49, and Emily Landau shot 53 for Saratoga. The team’s combined score of 190 was enough to hold off second-place Guilderland (194 points), while Colonie and Shaker (202 points each) tied for third.

“I was just trying to put up a good score, so I could contribute to the team the best that I could,” said Landau, who won the Suburban Council individual championship last year. “I just tried to have fun when I was playing, just because I know I can put up a better score if I’m having fun.”

It is the second consecutive Suburban Council championship for the Saratoga girls’ team, but this year’s victory comes after a regular season that saw the Blue Streaks drop several close matches.

“If you look at the scores throughout the entire season, the Suburban Council girls’ golf has become incredibly competitive,” said head coach Karen Cavotta. “On the bus that morning, I talked to them about that again, and said, ‘Listen, we have just as much opportunity as anyone else. We might not have the record that a couple of the other teams had, but we have the scores, we have the ability.’”

Saratoga will send five golfers to sectionals this year, with the four who represented the Blue Streaks at the Suburban Council Tournament set to attend, along with ninth-grader Lily Collier.

Cavotta said the team is “a great group,” noting that they are supportive of each other, and that the team has bought into something Cavotta said she often tells her golfers, “‘If it’s not your best day, make it the best day you can give us.’”

“It helps that they really support each other,” she added. “They really do. They always want everyone to have their best day.”

The Blue Streaks finished their regular season on Wednesday against Columbia, and now prepare for the Section 2 Tournament. Saratoga finished second in the 2022 sectional tournament to Albany Academy. 

Cavotta and Bonitatibus noted the sectional tournament will be a challenge, consisting of 18 holes compared to the Suburban Council Tournament’s nine holes.

“The big thing I said to them was that we’ve shown, throughout the year, our continued improvement,” said Cavotta. “I think people are looking at us a little bit more than they were halfway through the season. I think they’ve gained confidence, I think they feel pretty good about themselves.”

Bonitatibus said the victory at Suburbans is a “confidence-booster” ahead of sectionals.

“It showed us that we were able to do it, all of us,” Bonitatibus said. “So it just gave us a lot of confidence that we could continue to do well.”

“We didn’t have our best season, so I think this win really uplifted us, and gave us a bit more hope for how sectionals might go,” Koshgarian added.

Hospital CEO Reflects On First Year

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Saratoga Hospital President & CEO Jill Johnson VanKuren. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Jill Johnson VanKuren has worked in the role for just over a year, and on Tuesday, she reflected on her first 365 days in the Spa City among other topics as part of the ‘Serving Saratoga’ series hosted at Caffè Lena.

The series is a collaboration between Caffè Lena and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and was hosted by Caffè Lena executive director Sarah Craig. The event also touched on topics such as current issues in healthcare, and the mindset of managing and collaborating with a team.

During the conversation, VanKuren said her first year in the role has been “wonderful,” saying her past roles helped prepare her for a position as CEO. She also discussed Saratoga Hospital’s affiliation with Albany Med, which she said allows the hospital more opportunities to offer and expand services in the community.

“We’re strategic partners, but we maintain our independence,” VanKuren said of the partnership. “So it keeps our focus on community needs, but we have the partnership with Albany Med to add activity to this community. We are able to bring more specialists, where, as an independent, we wouldn’t be able to hire some of those providers. We are purchasing and installing an electronic medical record together, which is an extremely difficult and expensive endeavor that we wouldn’t have been able to do on our own.”

She said this model provides strong benefits for the hospital, noting that partnering with other area hospitals allows their focus to remain local.

VanKuren also made note of some of the struggles currently facing the healthcare industry, saying that Saratoga Hospital is dealing with many of the same issues faced by hospitals across the country.

“We are suffering from a negative bottom line, just like every other healthcare institution in the nation right now. So there is that fear, ‘Can we continue to do what we’re doing as we are losing money?’” VanKuren said at the event. “That is difficult. I think we do have a way forward. It’s going to be, probably another year until I think we can get back above that line to profitability, but it will take some sacrifice, some change.”

She said the hospital is looking to focus on what services the local area may need moving forward.

“It’s challenging to think of our facility not being, at least, breaking even or profitable, because that’s not something that’s really happened before,” VanKuren told Saratoga Today. “… So, looking at a way forward, a lot of the things we talk about are, ‘What does this community need into the future?’”

She mentioned services for those who wish to age in place, as well as optimizing the hospital’s staffing and supply chain. VanKuren noted they had been working to expand outpatient and ambulatory services in recent years, but the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a sudden shift back to more inpatient demand.

“So we had to go from really focusing on ambulatory development to going back to being a jam-packed inpatient hospital again,” VanKuren told Saratoga Today. “But now the pendulum’s coming the other way, so we need to shift our focus to that ambulatory network, and continue that service.”

She also noted during the event that she has felt embraced in the community since arriving, saying Saratoga Springs is “unique.” VanKuren said that it is meaningful to hear from people who have utilized the hospital’s services.

“Your best day and your worst day can be the same day in a hospital, so it always gives me such a sense of pride listening to the stories,” VanKuren said during the event. “And it’s always about how we made you feel. Not just about the healthcare we provided, but the staff and their connection with you and your family. That is the most important thing, and I think that is what makes Saratoga Hospital unique and special.”

Saratoga County Chamber’s 2023 Business-to-Business Expo Oct. 12 at Gideon Putnam

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business.

Exhibitors and attendees at a previous Business-to-Business Expo.
Photo provided by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Business-to-Business Expo is moving to a new setting this year, to be hosted at the Gideon Putnam in the Saratoga Spa State Park on Thursday, Oct. 12.

Hosted by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the expo will run from 3:30 to 6 p.m., and is expected to attract exhibitors from a wide range of fields and industries. Chamber president Todd Shimkus said it is one of the largest business-to-business networking events in the region annually.

“This is one of our signature events,” Shimkus said. “This is one of those events that a lot of people look forward to.”

Shimkus noted that exhibitors range from fields such as healthcare, food service, retail, professional services, and much more, saying, “It’s really all over the map.”

Around 100 exhibitors are expected at this year’s event. Shimkus also noted they expect roughly “a few hundred” attendees who will visit the Expo for its plentiful networking opportunities.

“Whether you’re an exhibitor, or an attendee, everybody is there to network, so it’s not like you have to sell,” said Shimkus. “People want to learn about the different businesses that are there. They’re looking to find people that they can purchase other goods and services from locally. They’re looking for partnership opportunities. They’re looking for collaborative promotions that might be done in the future. This is really about building a community of businesses for the benefit of everyone.”

A post-expo mixer will also be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., according to a press release from the Chamber.

The Business-to-Business Expo is free for all to attend with a business card, with the release encouraging attendees to register in advance. Shimkus also noted the new location at the Gideon Putnam allows for tabletop displays, which he said can be easier and less expensive for businesses to set up.

“It’s an opportunity for us to lower the cost for people to participate, and to try a great, historic venue, and hopefully get a few more small businesses than we’ve had in the past,” said Shimkus.

“There’s no items there for consumers to come and buy,” he added. “This is really about businesses trying to partner with, and learn about, other businesses in the community.”

More information on the 2023 Saratoga County Business-to-Business Expo is available at saratoga.org.

Waldorf School’s ‘Fall Fun Day’ at Pitney Meadows Oct. 14

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided by the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fall Fun Day, an annual fundraiser by The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, returns Oct. 14 at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, celebrating the fall season with activities, food, live music, animals, and more.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, offering fall-themed activities such as hayrides with a horse-drawn carriage, sheep shearing, pumpkin painting, and more. Waldorf School assistant administrator Danielle Arenas said Fall Fun Day is “an all-around fun time for the whole family.”

“The fall festival really is one of the most long-standing events that Waldorf has done,” said Arenas. “Our staff will be there, we get a lot of volunteers as well from families. Different parents come, alumni. It’s events that they have gone to in the past, and they enjoy coming back.”

Other activities will include an apple press, drum circle, live music, food vendors, and more, Arenas said.

“We’re going to have a hay jump, a couple different craft tables led by our teachers here at Waldorf,” Arenas said. “We are also going to be having a hay ride. … We’re going to have Seth and the Moody Melix for music. We’ve got a couple different food options as well.”

Entry for adults is $5, and $3 for children, while those aged 2 and under are admitted for free, according to a press release, which also states some of the attractions offered at Fall Fun Day are ticketed.

Funds raised will support Waldorf’s tuition assistance program, the release states, while Arenas also said that funds benefit the school’s early childhood programs and lower grades.

“We did, just this past year, open up our early childhood program on Lake Avenue,” said Arenas. “So proceeds really are going to go to benefit building up the lower grades.”

More information on Fall Fun Day can be found at waldorfsaratoga.org/events. Arenas emphasized Fall Fun Day is “a community event,” providing fall activities for families in Saratoga and beyond.

“We want it to be a community event,” Arenas said. “We definitely want it to be, not just for Waldorf, but for everybody.”

‘It’s a Sense of Family’: Mohawk Youth Field Hockey League Continues to Grow

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Sports.

Photos by Dylan McGlynn.

BURNT HILLS — Early on a Sunday morning, the fields at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School were packed, a result of the growth seen by the Mohawk Youth Field Hockey League since its inception in 2011.

Sponsored by the Mohawk Field Hockey Club, the Mohawk Youth League was started by Saratoga varsity field hockey head coach Jo-Anne Hostig, BH-BL varsity coach Kelly Vrooman, and then-Shenendehowa varsity coach Jeanne Frevola. Over a decade after its beginnings, the league has grown tremendously, providing more opportunities in the sport for athletes across the area.

“It is awesome,” said Hostig at the Play Day hosted by BH-BL. “It’s getting the sticks into their hands sooner, and it’s getting them to have fun, and getting them to learn about working as a team. It’s been a nice thing.”

The youth league is hosting four ‘Play Days’ throughout the fall, each hosted by a different school district. Saratoga Springs, Shenendehowa, and Johnstown also have hosted or will host a ‘Play Day’ this year. 

The days are exactly what the name suggests, providing numerous opportunities for athletes and teams to compete in scrimmages. The Mohawk Youth League’s ‘Play Days’ offers a division for fifth and sixth-graders, and a division for third and fourth grade.

In its initial year, the youth league had 11 teams, said Hostig. This year, there are nearly 40 teams from a variety of area schools. In addition to Saratoga Springs, BH-BL, Shen, and Johnstown, the youth league also includes teams from districts such as Bethlehem, Shaker, Guilderland, Hoosick Falls, South Glens Falls, Scotia-Glenville, Gloversville, and more.

The fifth/sixth division played on the turf at BH-BL’s Centennial Field, while the younger division played on the adjacent grass fields. Each team plays four 20-minute games during a ‘Play Day’, Hostig said.

“Most teams probably have, like, ten (players) on a team,” Hostig said. “So they sub in and out for the 20 minutes.”

Hostig said the upper division had over 20 teams, and the lower division had 18. The Saratoga program brought five teams to the ‘Play Day’ at Burnt Hills, with Hostig noting the league has had a strong impact on area varsity programs, including the Blue Streaks.

“So for the youth coming into it, it used to be that they were kind of beginning. Now, it’s like they’re continuing on,” Hostig said. “Almost all the teams that are here, their impact for their school program is helping them tremendously. It’s already having the sticks in their hands, it’s already knowing what patterns are, what offense and defense is. It’s helping our field hockey program in the area, in general.”

The SSHS field hockey program is strong in numbers, with nearly 50 players in total. The program currently has two modified teams, with Hostig saying that likely over half of the players on each of those teams came through the youth league.

“It definitely is helping us,” said Hostig. “It’s transferring now into it. They’re staying with our sport.”

She also noted that many athletes from the various high schools also assist with the Play Days, including serving as referees for the scrimmages.

“We’re trying to have them give back and learn, and make our sport grow more,” said Hostig.

Another impactful aspect for Hostig is watching her former players grow through the years, and advance to the next level. This includes Lindsey Frank, who Hostig said played in the youth league’s inaugural season, and is currently playing at Northwestern University.

Frank transferred to Northwestern after four years at the University of Richmond, where she twice led the team in points, according to the Northwestern Athletics site. Hostig also taught Frank in elementary school, she said.

“I knew she was just an athlete,” Hostig said. “She got into fourth grade, and I’m like, ‘OK, I’m starting a youth program and you’re in.’ … Now she’s in her last year, and I’m thinking, ‘Wow, we’ve come a long way since then.’”

Another such player is Kelsey Briddell, who played at UAlbany and eventually joined the U.S. National Women’s Field Hockey team.

Hostig said the field hockey community is tight-knit, noting many area teams have shown support for Saratoga field hockey alum Olivia Allen, a 2023 graduate who was diagnosed with cancer in June, according to a GoFundMe page in support of Allen and her family. Several area teams have given gifts, while other teams have worn ribbons in their hair during a game in support, Hostig said.

“It’s been really nice to see that,” said Hostig.

Burnt Hills’ Play Day also included a stand raising money for a ‘Stick It to Cancer’ fundraiser with the American Cancer Society. Saratoga will host its annual ‘Pink Game’ on Oct. 6 against Shenendehowa, with this year’s game raising money in support of Allen, said Hostig.

Again emphasizing the community connection around the sport, Hostig also mentioned that several of her former players have eventually returned to help with the program, including JV head coach Marissa Folts, varsity assistant Sara Marshall, JV volunteer coach Kylie Folts, and modified volunteer coach Jen Allen.

“We all know each other,” said Hostig of the area field hockey community. “It’s a sense of family, and a sense of community, that we’re building and encouraging.”