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Author: Jonathon Norcross

Saratoga-Based Author Concludes Bestselling Trilogy with New Book

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Entertainment.


Photo of author Mai Corland and cover art of “Three Shattered Souls” provided by Entangled Publishing/Red Tower Books.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — If you’ve ever visited the Saratoga Springs Public Library in search of the latest popular fiction title, don’t be surprised if the author of the book you’re borrowing is in line behind you.

“I love the library here in Saratoga,” said Mai Corland, a New York Times bestselling author and Saratoga resident. “From when my kids were very little, we would go to the library. During COVID, it was integral and it remains integral in our lives.”

Corland just released “Three Shattered Souls” earlier this month. It’s the final installment of her romantasy trilogy, “The Broken Blades,” which is primarily set in the fictional land of Yusan, but was written right here in the Spa City.

In an interview with Saratoga TODAY, Corland gushed about the city’s many literary institutions and events, from the Yaddo artists’ retreat to the Saratoga Book Festival to the Northshire Bookstore.

“There is a long history, especially in Saratoga, of supporting the arts,” Corland said. “For a small town, there is a great arts influence…It’s not as cookie-cutter as other places tend to be.”

The home of health, history, and horses served as inspiration for some of Corland’s prior work, especially the young adult novel “Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller,” which takes place partly in Saratoga and includes references to the horse racing industry. Another YA title, “Emma and the Love Spell” is set in a fictional town with a distinct Upstate New York feel. (Both books were released under the name Meredith Ireland.)

“The Broken Blades” trilogy, however, takes inspiration from Korean history and mythology. Corland was born in Seoul, adopted, and then moved with her new family to New York City, where she was raised. Sometime around the 9/11 terrorist attacks, her family decided to relocate. Corland’s sister was interested in Skidmore College, prompting her parents to make the move upstate when they fell in love with Saratoga. At age 22, when Corland was about to leave New York to attend law school in Miami, her life took an unexpected turn when she met her future husband here in New York. In other words, the author of romantic stories had her own life profoundly shaped by romance.

Of course, romance is only part of the romantasy genre. The “Broken Blades” trilogy opens with five deceptive assassins competing (and, at times, collaborating) to kill the king of Yusan. The final installment in the series, released on July 15, contains dark subject matter, such as death, violence, and genocide. These elements were influenced, in part, by real historic occurrences, such as the Jeju uprising/massacre, which caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people. The adult subject matter could appeal to fans of “A Song of Ice and Fire,” the fantasy series by George R.R. Martin that was adapted for television as “Game of Thrones.” But Corland’s incorporation of Korean history, as well as her feminist perspective, puts a distinct spin on familiar fantasy themes. 

“Three Shattered Souls,” which Kirkus Reviews called “a compelling and skillfully written end to a thrilling fantasy series,” is now available via online and brick-and-mortar booksellers nationwide. 

Let’s Go Buffalo: New Wild Wings Location Planned in Wilton

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.


Buffalo Wild Wings logo via the company. 

WILTON — In news that might make you want to “shout” (that’s a Buffalo Bills reference, for all the Giants fans out there), the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant chain is aiming to open a new location in Wilton on Lowes Drive, the Albany Business Review first reported on Monday.

A proposal before the Wilton planning board would allow Wild Wings to create a 6,000-square-foot eatery, a 900-square-foot patio, and 128 parking spaces.

The new location, if approved, would be the second Wild Wings in Saratoga County and the fifth in the Capital Region.

Buffalo Wild Wings specializes in serving chicken wings in a sports bar-style atmosphere. The franchise was founded in Ohio in 1982 and currently has more than 1,300 restaurants scattered throughout the country. 

A Sneak Peek at Standard Fare

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business, Featured.


A glimpse of Standard Fare’s interior, with artwork by Daniel Fairley.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Little is standard about Standard Fare, the new eatery from the duo behind Bocage Champagne Bar.

In an early visit to the nearly-finished restaurant at 21 Phila Street, one could see quirky but arresting artwork by Daniel Fairley that depicted, among other things, a pickle piloting a hamburger spaceship, and one goose surrounded by many ducks at a cartoonish Congress Park (see if you can find it, “Where’s Waldo” style).

Amidst the unique artwork was perhaps the most eye-popping item: a decadent milkshake called “Go Shawty, it’s Your Birthday,” made with vanilla ice cream, Fruity Pebbles, strawberry syrup, and a funfetti cupcake. The treat served as an apt representation of what Standard Fare is aiming for: elevated comfort food. Expect dishes like meatloaf, pork chops, Swedish meatballs, and mac & cheese—all with a gourmet approach.

“I always tell people, think about it as the Martha Stewart or the Ina Garten version of dishes you might find at a diner,” said Standard Fare co-owner Clark Gale.

Standard Fare aims to be the kind of place that would be appropriate for both a high school baseball team celebrating a state championship, and a couple in search of an evening date spot.

Preparing this type of laid-back but boujee environment required a complete gut overhaul of the existing property, which Gale and fellow owner Zac Denham have been supervising since last winter.


The Standard Fare team, from left to right: Executive Chef Connor DeMarco,
Co-owner Zac Denham, General Manager Samantha Pierre, and Co-owner Clark Gale.

“I think that if people were familiar with the space previously, they’re going to be in for a nice surprise,” Gale said.

In addition to redesigning the space, Gale and Denham also wrangled together a team that includes Executive Chef Connor DeMarco and General Manager Samantha Pierre. DeMarco is a Saratoga Springs native who was previously an Executive Chef at The Merc, and has an extensive resume that includes stints with Cantina and Prime at Saratoga National. Pierre, in addition to her management role, also helped shape Standard Fare’s pastry program.

As if they weren’t busy enough running one restaurant and opening another, Gale and Denham also recently developed an exclusive beer with Whitman Brewing called the Phila Street Low Life. The hazy IPA will be served at both Bocage and Standard Fare. Its name is meant to compliment Miller High Life (also known as the “champagne of beers”), which, until the Whitman collab, was the only beer offered at Bocage.


The “Go Shawty, it’s Your Birthday” milkshake. All photos by Super Source Media. 

Also brewing in the background is Gale and Denham’s participation in Variety magazine’s “America’s Favorite Couple” contest, which could net them a prize of $20,000 and an advertorial in the famed Hollywood trade publication.

With a lot on their to-do list, expect to see the duo bouncing back and forth this summer between Bocage and Standard Fare, which are essentially across the street from each other on Phila.

“I think we look at them as one operation, even though they’re two quite different concepts,” Gale said. “I think they’re going to work together in the same ecosystem.” 

The ecosystem will come to fruition on Aug. 15, when Standard Fare is scheduled to celebrate its grand opening.

Jewelry Designer Showcases Family Legacy at N. Fox Jewelers

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business, Featured.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Designer Louis Mazza sold his wares at a special two-day trunk show at N. Fox Jewelers in downtown Saratoga Springs last week.

Louis is from the sixth generation of the Mazza family, who have been purveyors of fine gemstones since 1775, supplying famed New York retailers like Tiffany’s and Bergdorf Goodman. The American iteration of the business began in the early 1900s, when Louis’ great grandfather arrived in the USA. In the 1950s, Louis’ grandfather and great uncles expanded the operation when they started designing and manufacturing their own jewelry.

Some of Louis’ more unique pieces at N. Fox included a mother’s necklace that contains an ancient Roman coin, a Pope Leo VI necklace that features a Byzantine coin minted in 892 AD, and a necklace with Venetian glass depicting the gods Mars and Venus.

For more information, visit raymondmazzajewelry.com.

Spa Catholic Pitcher Headed to Duke

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic pitcher Carson Moser (class of 2026), one member of the Saints state champion varsity baseball team, has accepted a scholarship to pitch for the Duke University Blue Devils.

“I am so proud of this young man who worked hard to earn this great opportunity,” wrote Saints Coach Alphonse Lambert in a social media post announcing the news. “Great pitcher, even better person. We’re proud of you, Car!”

This spring, Moser pitched for 11 innings in 4 starts, striking out 25 of 53 batters faced. He allowed 6 earned runs for an ERA of 4.91, while limiting his opponents’ batting average to .140. According to a Prep Baseball scouting profile, his fastball can hit 92 m.p.h.

Saratoga Baseball Excellence Continues: Youth Team Crowned State Champs

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Featured, Sports.


Photo of the 10U team provided by Barry J. Bruno. 

 Photo of the Saratoga-Wilton Youth Baseball 11U Blue Sox state championship team
provided by Shawn Lescault. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In an unprecedented year that has seen two high school baseball teams win state titles on the same day, the City of Saratoga Springs’ diamond-dwelling athletes continue to accumulate accolades.

The Saratoga-Wilton Youth Baseball league’s 11U Blue Sox team captured the Cal Ripken Eastern New York State Championship last week, punching their ticket to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament in Pennsylvania, where they will represent New York State. Should they prevail in the tourney, they’ll advance to the Cal Ripken World Series.

The Blue Sox notched victories over Clifton Park, North Colonie, Guilderland, and Highland in the state championships, improving their overall season record to 26-8.

“This group has been locked in all summer,” said Geoff Hunter, the squad’s head coach. “They’ve worked hard, supported each other, and stayed focused in every game. I’m incredibly proud of their growth, grit, and how they represent our community on and off the field.”

“This has been a banner year for baseball in Saratoga,” said Shawn Lescault, president of Saratoga-Wilton Youth Baseball. “Both Saratoga Springs and Spa Catholic winning state championships this spring, and now our hometown 11U Blue Sox adding a Cal Ripken state title; it’s clear that the love for the game runs deep in our community. We’re incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished. Baseball is alive and well in Saratoga.”

The 2025 Saratoga-Wilton Blue Sox 11U roster includes Logan Ercole, Madden King-O’Keefe, Grady Hirning, Grayson Hunter, Ryan LaCasse, Tucker Lescault, Liam Muller, Jack Ramsdill, Sammy Rodriguez, Joseph Sevi, Michael Windelspecht, and Camren Woods.

Another Saratoga-Wilton team, the 10U Blue Sox, defeated Guilderland in the quarterfinals of the Eastern New York State Championship tournament, but later fell in the semifinals to Poughkeepsie. The 10U team’s season will continue, however, as they compete in additional tournaments in South Glens Falls and Queensbury in the coming weeks.

NYRA Breeding Farm Tour Reveals Industry Inner Workings

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Winner's Circle.

(photo) A chestnut colt sired by Omaha Beach snacks on some food at Old Tavern Farm.
Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Old Tavern Farm owner Walt Borisenok gave a crash course in the horse breeding industry last Friday morning while a colt that could one day fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction munched absent-mindedly on his breakfast.

The peek behind the curtain of how horse breeding works in New York State was part of the New York Racing Association’s (NYRA) breakfast and breeding farm tour program, which will continue Thursdays through Sundays until the end of this year’s summer meet.

At Old Tavern, Borisenok said that Saratoga County has more than 30 breeding farms, making it the “hub” of the industry in New York. He also explained what buyers look for in a yearling, how horses are evaluated to ensure they’re healthy enough to race, why horses that win on the track are not always successful breeders on the farm, and why fillies in the same enclosure can get along fine, but colts…not so much. 

Trainer Dale Romans also stopped by the tour, about seven hours before his horse Gallo de Fuego won the 8th race at Saratoga that afternoon.

For more on the NYRA breakfast and breeding farm tours, visit www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/tours/.

Local Youth Dancers Vie for Coveted Roles in New York City Ballet Production

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Entertainment.


Local youth dancers rehearse on the SPAC stage for “Coppelia.”
Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 250 kids from across the Capital Region auditioned earlier this year for roles in the New York City Ballet (NYCB) production of “Coppelia” at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Of those tiny dancers, less than 40 made the cut. It was, said NYCB Children’s Repertory Director Dena Abergel, an all-time record for the most young auditioners.

“Usually we get 60, 70 kids,” Abergel told Saratoga TODAY. “It was unbelievable. I came into the room and the whole thing was full.” 

“Coppelia,” which was performed at SPAC from July 9 to 12, included 24 children’s roles with 8 understudies, plus a few teenage roles. Whittling down the list of candidates entailed both technical and practical considerations; being able to do the steps properly was clutch, but height requirements also came into play. Once the select few were chosen in March, Abergel returned to Saratoga in late June for a “Coppelia” intensive that included daily, four-hour rehearsals.

“They were learning a tremendous amount of choreography each day,” Abergel said. “This is actually the most dancing that there is for a children’s role. It’s real ballet. It’s not like stand on the side and jump and move your arms. This is real technique, real ballet. So, we need a lot of time to teach them [George] Balanchine’s beautiful choreography.

Two kid dancers from the Saratoga area, Bryn Gowan and Madeline Del Prete, had to rehearse for around 30 hours, in addition to practicing at home. But they seemed to thrive in the midst of this demanding schedule.

“It’s like the best thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Del Prete said of the experience. 

“It’s a little exciting but also a little nerve-wracking because you’re around a bunch of really good dancers,” added Gowan, who studies at the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet.

Gowan also performed with the NYCB last year, while Del Prete made her debut this summer. Both said they intend to keep dancing well into adulthood.

“It’s really fun to move your body in a different way,” Del Prete said. “It’s technically hard but it’s just so fun to do.”

Saratoga County Fair Returns: Wrestling, Kangaroos, Air Rifles, Magicians, & More

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured.


Posters provided.

BALLSTON SPA — There aren’t many places on earth where you can see a kangaroo, professional wrestling match, beauty pageant, magician, and a waterskiing squirrel all in one day. But you can do it at the 2025 Saratoga County Fair, which returns to Ballston Spa on July 22 and runs until July 27.

This year, the fair will be open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday, then from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is free in the fair parking lots, with shuttle buses available for those in lot D. Admission costs $15, but is free for kids 12 and younger. Tickets are still available online at www.saratogacountyfair.org/home.

Amusements of America will be providing the rides, games, and food offerings in the carnival section of the fair every day from noon until 10 p.m. Rides include adult attractions like the Crazy Mouse; Starship 3,000; Pharaoh’s Fury; Free Fall; Sky Fall; Orbiter; and Top Gun. Family-friend rides include two Ferris wheels; the Wacky Worm roller coaster; bumper cars; a carousel; and a Tilt-A-Whirl. As for food, expect everything from deep-fried favorites to local gourmet food trucks.

The fair’s itinerary is packed with activities, shows, exhibitions, and events. For a full list, you can view the fair’s calendar on its website. But we at Saratoga TODAY have prepared this curated schedule of some of the most exciting, unique, and just plain weird things to do at the 2025 fair. We’ve also bolded some special headlining events for each day. No matter what your interests or hobbies, there’s something for everyone, even if it’s just snacking on a funnel cake and riding some rides (though, we recommend having the funnel cake after the rides, not before).

  • Tuesday, July 22
  • County Draft Horse Show (10 a.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • 4-H Goat Show (1 p.m. in the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 12, 4, and 7 p.m.)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 1 and 3 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • Saratoga County Fair Pageant (4 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • 4-H Swine Show (6 p.m.)
  • Beatin’ the Odds concert (7 to 10 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Demolition Derby (7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Grandstand)
  • Wednesday, July 23
  • County Draft Horse Show (9 a.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • 4-H Dairy Cattle Show (10 a.m. at the Stewart’s Dairy Show Ring)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 12, 2, and 4 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • Open Draft Horse Show (1 p.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • 4-H Sheep Show (3 p.m. in the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 3, 5, and 8 p.m.)
  • Saratoga’s Got Talent (6 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • The Dynasty professional wrestling (7 p.m. at the Grandstand)
  • River Country Band concert (7 to 10 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Thursday, July 24
  • 4-H Western Horse Show (10 a.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 12, 2, and 4 p.m. in the Talent Building) 4-H Alpaca Show (1 p.m. in the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 3, 5, and 8 p.m.)
  • Stewart’s Ice Cream Eating Contest (3:30 p.m. in the Townley Building)
  • Goat Show (4 p.m. in the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • 4-H Beef Show (4 p.m. in the Stewart’s Dairy Show Ring)
  • Tractor Pull (6 p.m.)
  • Saratoga’s Got Talent (6 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • County Draft Horse Show (7 p.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • Family Bingo (7 p.m. in the Lewis Building)
  • Skeeter Creek concert (7 to 10 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)

Friday, July 25

  • 4-H English Horse Show (10 a.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • Dairy Cattle Show (10 a.m. at the Stewart’s Dairy Show Ring)
  • The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Lewis Building)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 12, 2, and 4 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • The Dambreakers concert (1 to 4 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 3, 5, and 8 p.m.) Taste of Saratoga County (local culinary delights in the Townley Building from 4 to 6 p.m.)
  • Draft Horse Obstacle Course and Games (5:30 p.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • Saratoga’s Got Talent (6 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • Family Bingo (7 p.m. in the Lewis Building)
  • • Electric Rodeo concert (7 to 11 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)

Saturday, July 26

  • 4-H Rabbit Show (9 a.m. at the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 12, 4, and 6 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • The Bennett Brothers concert (12 to 3 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • 4-H Poultry Show (2 p.m. in the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 3, 5, and 8 p.m.)
  • Taste of Saratoga County (local culinary delights in the Townley Building from 4 to 6 p.m.)
  • 4 Wheel Drive Truck Pull (7 p.m.)
  • 4-H Young Farmers Olympics (7 p.m. in the Stewart’s Dairy Show Ring)
  • Family Bingo (7 p.m. in the Lewis Building)
  • Big Sky Country concert (7 to 11 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Sunday, July 27
  • 4-H Master Showman (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 12, 4, and 7 p.m.)
  • Country line dancing lessons (from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Cosplay costuming construction (12 to 3 p.m. in the Lewis Building)
  • 4-H Dog Show (1 p.m. in the Stewart’s Dairy Show Ring)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • Saratoga’s Got Talent: Best of Fair (4 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • The Down Home Boys concert (4 to 8 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Demolition Derby (6:30 p.m. at the Grandstand)

Renamed Route 50 Diner to Reopen

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.


Photo via the Doubleday Diner. 

BALLSTON SPA — A restored and renamed Route 50 Diner is set to reopen under new ownership as the Doubleday Diner.

The business shared several videos on its Facebook page recently, showing off its revamped interior and exterior look. Signage on the front door indicated that the eatery will be open seven days a week, from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“Doubleday Diner is working hard to reopen as soon as possible,” the company said in one post. “Our goal is to create a space where the community can come together and enjoy unforgettable moments around good food.”

Prior to closing permanently, the Route 50 Diner faced a number of issues, including a temporary closure following a health inspection on May 30, 2024 that revealed an apparent, ongoing pest control issue. The diner was also temporarily closed in 2023 by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance due to alleged unpaid taxes.