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Author: Saratoga TODAY

SJCA Presents What We Do for One Another: Death and Jewish Ritual, Sept. 18, 2025, 7 pm on Zoom

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education, Uncategorized.

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, and the sponsorships of Temple Sinai and The Jewish Burial Society of Saratoga Springs, presents a unique educational program on Zoom entitled, What We Do for One Another: Death and Jewish Ritual – How we care for one another at the end of life, and why it matters, on September 18 at 7 pm. 

What does Jewish custom teach about death, mourning, and the sacred responsibility we carry for one another? Through learning, reflection, and open conversation, we will uncover what Jewish tradition teaches about honoring both the living and the dead with dignity and compassion, and how these practices can deepen our care for one another in every stage of life.

This exceptional session, led by national nonprofit organization Kavod v’Nichum, explores the power of Jewish ritual in moments of loss, the meaning behind end-of-life practices, and the role of the Chevra Kadisha, the groups of volunteers who honor and care for both the deceased and the living.

This straightforward introduction to Jewish end-of-life practices includes rituals such as taharah, funeral, burial, shiva, and more. We’ll explore the role of those volunteers who ensure that no one is alone at the end of life, and we’ll reflect on how these ancient rituals offer meaning, comfort, and connection in a modern context. Whether you’re new to this topic or seeking a deeper understanding, this session will open the door to a tradition deeply rooted in compassion and care. 

This is the first of two programs from Kavod v’Nichum. On October 26, SJCA will present Chevra Kadisha and Community Building: A hands-on Taharah training session.

Please join us whether you’re hearing and exploring these topics for the first time, or you are already participating in the mitzvah of this work.

Presenters:

Sarit Wishnevski is Executive Director of Kavod v’Nichum and is a national leader in educating and supporting Chevra Kadisha groups across North America.

Heidi Katz directs the Community Chevra Kadisha of South Berkshire County, Massachusetts. She is an educator and end-of-life doula, and an alumna of the Olam Chesed Builders Program.

For more information about Kavod v’Nichum, visit https://kavodvnichum.org/. 

How to Register

The program is free but pre-registration is required. Click the QR code below or enter

this URL address in your browser: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Use8fRo/WhatWeDo

The Innovation Center at Saratoga Announces Fall Schedule and Exciting New Community Events

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Malta, NY –  The Innovation Center at Saratoga, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of its Fall 2025 schedule of classes, offering a wide range of engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for all ages. From weaving to stained glass to photography to electronics to self-publishing and more, the lineup provides something for everyone in the community. In addition to classes, we are thrilled to introduce three new events this fall:

STEM Saturday: Everything 3D Printing

Date: Saturday, October 18 from 11am to 4pm

Curious about the future of making and innovation? Join us for an interactive day exploring the world of 3D printing. Participants can attend demonstrations, learn about design software, and discover how 3D printing can be incorporated into their favorite hobbies. Do you have a 3D printer at home that you need help with? Bring it in and we’ll see if we can help you diagnose the problems.

Repair Café — Hosted together with Sustainable Saratoga

Date: Saturday, October 25 from 1pm to 4pm

Bring your broken items and learn how to fix them instead of throwing them away. Volunteer “fixers” will help participants repair textiles, electrical items, jewelry, clothing, computers, and more. This collaboration with Sustainable Saratoga highlights our joint commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Holiday Marketplace

Date: Saturday, December 6 from 11am to 5pm

Celebrate the season while supporting local makers and artisans at our festive Holiday Marketplace. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts, enjoy seasonal music, and connect with the community in a warm holiday atmosphere.

“Fall is about fresh starts and new opportunities,” said Beth Moeller, Board President of The Innovation Center at Saratoga. “We’re proud not only to offer diverse classes but also to partner with the community on innovative events that inspire creativity, sustainability, and local pride.”

The full schedule of classes and event details can be found at https://innovationcentersaratoga.org. Registration is now open, and early sign-ups are encouraged.

The Innovation Center at Saratoga, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) collaborative maker space where artists, entrepreneurs, and community members come together to learn, create, and innovate.  More information can be found at https://innovationcentersaratoga.org.  

Empire State University’s Enrollment Increases for Fourth Year in a Row

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

With the fall 2025 semester underway, Empire State University begins this term with another year of enrollment increases. New student enrollment has increased by 7.2%, and overall student enrollment has gone up by 7.4%.  

Amidst a challenging higher education landscape of enrollment declines, SUNY Empire is well-positioned to meet student needs and provide accessible, flexible, and high-quality education. The university currently serves 17,500 students and has over 120 degree programs. 

This year, Empire State University expanded its course offerings, adding three new bachelor’s programs and three new master’s programs for the fall semester to meet the needs of current and future students. The university also granted 434 eligible students associate degrees as part of its associate degree granting program. 

“Our enrollment growth this year is a result of the university’s commitment to access and innovation,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing Andrea Hennessy. “By continuing to expand our online academic programs and strengthening workforce partnerships, we’ve been able to meet students where they are and provide flexible pathways to success. Coupled with targeted marketing campaigns that tell our story in authentic ways, these efforts have allowed us to reach more learners and support their educational goals. This growth reflects not only the strength of our programs but also the dedication of our faculty and staff to student success.” 

Schuylerville CSD Launches 2025 Census

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Schuylerville Central School District is conducting its 2025 Census to identify children ages 0–4 who live in the district but are not yet enrolled in school. This important initiative helps the district prepare for the future while providing families with valuable resources and support. The information assists with:

• Planning future UPK & Kindergarten classes

• Offering early learning resources and support

• Connecting families with upcoming events

• Making the registration process easier for parents

Information needed

Families will be asked to provide:

• Parent/guardian name(s)

• Address and contact information

• Child’s name and birthdate

• Child’s current setting (home, daycare, etc.)

• Interest in UPK/school updates

How to Complete the Census

Families can easily complete the census by scanning the QR code found on district materials or by visiting the census webpage directly at: http://tiny.cc/SCSCensus. Participation ensures the district can better serve families, support young learners, and prepare for a smooth transition into UPK and Kindergarten. Thank you in advance!

Saratoga Hospital’s Primary Care Facility in Galway Closing at End of Year

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

GALWAY — An email from Saratoga Hospital, dated Aug. 21 and shared with Saratoga TODAY by a patient, stated that its primary care facility in Galway is scheduled to close on Dec. 5 of this year. The email called the closure a “difficult decision.”

Rebecca Bednarek, FNP, will be leaving the organization on Oct. 16. Patients of Donna Holt, NP, can continue seeing her when she moves to Saratoga Hospital’s primary care location in Milton once the Galway facility closes.

Saratoga Hospital has eight other primary care facilities currently open, including the one in Milton, which was recently expanded.

Allerdice Building Supply Donates $10,560 to Kelly’s Angels

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo by Super Source Media.

MALTA — On Tuesday, Sept. 9, Allerdice Building Supply donated $5,585 to Kelly’s Angels, a local nonprofit supporting children who have lost a parent or sibling to cancer or illness. This was the second consecutive year of support, bringing Allerdice’s total donations to Kelly’s Angels to $10,560.

A check presentation took place at Allerdice Ace Hardware at 2570 Route 9 in Malta. Kelly’s Angels Founder Mark Mulholland, along with representatives from Allerdice Building Supply, attended the event.

September 12 – September 18, 2025  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

This gorgeous 4 bedroom home on a cul-de sac at 76 Hoffmann Ct in Ballston Spa was listed by Dan Roohan from Roohan Realty and sold for $845,000

BALLSTON 

Katz Excavating and Construction LLC sold property at 1 Larkin Dr to Katherine Arlington for $587,500

Curcio Brothers Properties LLC sold property at 1018 State Rt 50 to Route 50 Apts LLC for $615,000

Rylee Greth sold property at 27 Beechwood Dr to John Majoribanks for $405,000

GREENFIELD

Calli Holley sold property at 700 Locust Grove Rd to Paul Parkhurst for $890,002

Richard Farley sold property at 3 Pineridge Ct to Lois MacGregor for $499,000

MALTA

Matthew Bollow sold property at 21 Wineberry Lane to Jimmy Michel for $359,000

Michaels Group Homes sold property at 16 Wiggins Dr to Daphne Forezzi for $562,895

MILTON

Louis Vinciguerra sold property at 6055 County Farm Rd to Kay;la Melanson for $310,000

David Nocera sold property at 31 Whippletree Rd to Camron Stephens for $345,000

Richard Crandall sold property at 449 & 453 Maple Ave to Naddia Digges for $675,000

Joann Kupferman sold property at 49 Grove St to DLC Group Holdings LLC for $110,000

DLC Group Holdings LLC sold property at 49 Grove St St to Daily Mountain LLC for $188,000

Thomas Worner sold property at 526 Leahy Lane to Benjamin Bacon for $365,000

SARATOGA

John Boradgiak sold property at 273 County Road 68 Leahy Lane to Kyle Hendrickson for $257,732

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Charles Walz sold property at 14 Ellis Ave #7 to Valerie Lamura for $525,000

Brian Venn sold property at 6 Arrowhead Rd to Bo Li for $910,000

Douglas Opiteck sold property at 21 Andrews St to Gerome Holdings Inc for $475,000

Jay Smith sold property at 8 Lee Dr to Jay Smith for $475,000

Mitchell Brown sold property at 14 Lamplighter Lane to Kristen Dart for $36,000

WILTON

Charles Walz sold property at 14 Ellis Ave #7 to Valerie Lamura for $525,000

Brian Venn sold property at 6 Arrowhead Rd to Bo Li for $910,000

Douglas Opiteck sold property at 21 Andrews St to Gerome Holdings Inc for $475,000

Jay Smith sold property at 8 Lee Dr to Jay Smith for $475,000

Mitchell Brown sold property at 14 Lamplighter Lane to Kristen Dart for $36,000

Sherriff Mourns Loss of Retired K-9

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office announced the death of retired K-9 Bowe, seen here with his handler Sgt. Kevin Lacto ( courtesy of Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office)

 It is with great sadness that Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo announces the passing of retired Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Bowe Sunday. 

K-9 Bowe was certified in explosives detection, tracking and criminal apprehension. He served the residents of Saratoga County with his handler Sgt. Kevin Lancto from 2016 until his retirement in 2023. Since then, K-9 Bowe had enjoyed his well-earned retirement with Lancto and his family. 

Over the course of his career, K-9 Bowe served the community in many ways. Most notably, he responded to numerous incidents involving suspicious devices and bomb threats and conducted countless protective sweeps for mass gathering events, schools, and local dignitary events. He also played a vital role in multiple criminal investigations and helped recover numerous firearms throughout his career. 

On behalf of a grateful agency, Sheriff Zurlo extends his sincerest thanks to K-9 Bowe and asks that citizens keep Lancto and his family in their thoughts and prayers.

Christopher Knight

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


SARATOGA SPRINGS – Christopher Knight, 73, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025. A graveside service took place on September 11 at Maplewood Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes. www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Brian John LaBelle

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Saratoga Springs – It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Brian John LaBelle, at his home on September 3, 2025, at the age of 41. Calling hours are 10 – 11 a.m. on September 17 at Burke Funeral Home, followed by funeral home service. Burial to follow, St. Peter’s Cemetery. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.