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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga School Board Candidates for May 20 Election

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Photo via her LinkedIn profile

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On May 20, Saratoga Springs City School District residents will elect three people to the Board of Education for three-year terms. The candidates, in the order they will appear on the ballot, are Natalya Lakhtakia, Leigh Wilton, and Ashley Fogarty.

A Meet the Candidates forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters, will be held on May 14 at 7 p.m. in the Saratoga Springs High School Teaching Auditorium.


 Photo via the Saratoga Springs School District

Natalya Lakhtakia

Lakhtakia was elected to the Board of Education in 2019 and is running for her third term on the school board. She is a speech-language pathologist at a public elementary school. She is married and has one child. Natalya holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Penn State and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Utah. In addition to serving on the school board, her community involvement includes volunteering with Saratoga Stronger, community organizing with CDDSA, and volunteering within the Division Street PTA.

In her time serving on the school board, Lakhtakia was one of three board members who proposed the recent “Affirming Our Support for Every Student” resolution, which passed with a 7 to 1 vote. She was also one of several board members to push back against suggested schedule changes designed to help ease problems caused by the ongoing bus driver shortage. The idea of changing elementary school start times to 9:50 a.m., Lakhtakia said at a board meeting in December, made her “concerned that we as a board are going to come across as not really caring whether adults in the home can work or not.”


Photo via Skidmore College


Leigh Wilton

Wilton is running for her first term on the Board of Education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Rutgers University. Leigh currently serves as an Associate Professor at Skidmore College, where she has been involved in educational leadership and service. In addition to her work in higher education, she serves as the Regional Coordinator for Princeton Alumni Interviewers.

According to her Skidmore faculty page, Wilton’s research interests include diversity; race, gender, and multiracial identity; and social perception and intergroup relations. At Skidmore,  she was part of a committee in 2021 that chose the summer reading book, “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi. In her previous life as a business consultant, she worked with companies on-site across the US and in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, India, and Taiwan.

Ashley Fogarty

Fogarty is also running for her first term on the Board of Education. She is a 2001 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Siena College and a master’s degree in Special Education from the College of St. Joseph. She has worked as a special education teacher in Boston and New York City, and most recently served as the Director of Universal Pre-Kindergarten at the Saratoga Regional YMCA. Her past community involvement includes volunteering with the Special Olympics and the “I Can Bike” program.

Beer Benefits Backstretch Workers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Image provided. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — DZ Restaurants announced last week the launch of its latest Thoroughbredz brew, an Italian-style lemon Pilsner created in partnership with Wolf Hollow Brewing Co.

Proceeds from every pint sold throughout the 2025 summer season will benefit B.E.S.T. (Backstretch Employee Service Team Saratoga), an organization dedicated to supporting the hardworking individuals whose behind-the-scenes efforts make Saratoga’s iconic racetrack possible. B.E.S.T. offers on-site counseling, primary healthcare services, access to health insurance, and case management support.

To celebrate the launch, Forno Bistro will be hosting a First Pour on the Patio on Wednesday, May 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy samples of Thoroughbredz and small bites, and mingle with jockey Ramon Domínguez and former Saratoga Race Course announcer Tom Durkin.

Thoroughbredz is described as a “crisp, floral, citrus-forward brew that pays homage to Italian brewing traditions while celebrating Saratoga’s racing culture.” It was developed in collaboration with DZ Restaurants’ beer aficionado Rich Peters and the brewers at Wolf Hollow. The two companies joined forces to create a similar beer last year.

As Home Remodeling Market Grows, New Design Center Opens in Clifton Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Photo provided.

CLIFTON PARK — Quality Design & Remodel recently announced the opening of its 6,000-square-foot design center in Clifton Park. The new showroom aims to streamline the home renovation process by providing a hands-on design experience under one roof.

The center features interactive design areas, multiple kitchens (including a fully operable gourmet kitchen), functional bathroom displays, and hundreds of product options. Everything in the showroom was built and installed by the Quality Design & Remodel team.

“When clients walk in, they’ll immediately understand how our company is different and what a high-level design and remodeling firm can achieve for them,” said Gregg Biche, founder and president of Quality Design & Remodel, in a news release. “This space provides a curated, guided experience that empowers every client to bring the home of their dreams into reality – truly the best part of our job.”

Located at 1745 Route 9 in Clifton Park, the center also utilizes a custom app that allows designers to navigate clients through an extensive online sample database using touchscreen monitors.

“Instead of asking clients to imagine possibilities from small samples tucked away in cabinets, we can walk them through fully realized spaces, touch functional fixtures, and make selections in a thoughtfully planned process,” said Nicole Gurney, project designer at Quality Design & Remodel.

The creation of the new design center follows the recent growth of the home remodeling market. Due, in part, to high interest rates and aging housing stock, the National Association of Home Builders forecasts a 5% gain in 2025 and a 3% gain in 2026 of residential remodeling activity.

“Homeowners are increasingly choosing to tap into their home equity and invest in improvements rather than relocate, creating long-term growth prospects for the industry,” says NAHB Economist Eric Lynch. “Although the remodeling industry faces certain headwinds, favorable demographics and characteristics of the current housing stock will boost remodeling activity in 2025.”

Quality Design & Remodel estimates that their new facility will allow them to take on 30% more projects within the next two years.

The Clifton Park Design Center is currently open by appointment. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit qualitydesignremodel.com or call (518) 459-7100.

May 9 – May 15, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.


This well maintained home at 14 Robin Hood Ct in Saratoga Springs was listed by Neil Corkery from Roohan Realty and sold for $510,000

BALLSTON 

Eric Posson sold property at 91 Goode St to Jaime Nemetz for $330,000

CORINTH

Mary Fonda sold property at 11 Locust Ridge Dr to Philip Robillard for $425,000

Megan Graham sold property at 636 County Rt 25 to Alex Ashley for $325,111

GALWAY

Chance Wilk sold property at 2122 Donnan Rd to 2178 State Highway 29A LLC for $700,000

MALTA

 DLC Group Holdings sold property at 1050 Laurel Lane to Daniel Khan for $448,000

Equinox Properties LLC sold property at 11 Janes Ave to Cecily Cullinan for $430,000

MILTON

Michael Birecki sold property at 734 Rt 29 to JPAK Holdings LLC for $215,000

Zachary Dahoda sold property at 38-40 Malta Ave to Anthony Russo for $234,000

Donald Gearing sold property at 572 Acland Blvd to Steve Rozansky for $569,995

Terry Minsch sold property at 2 North Milton Rd to 2 North Milton LLC for $1,150,000

SARATOGA

Danny Brown sold property at 8 Anthony Lane to Victor Abate for $907,500

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Sweet Dream Property Group LLC sold property at 8 Hathorn Blvd to Zachary Young for $375,000

David Sherwood sold property at 160 East Ave to Christopher Bennice for $815,000

Elaine Schlaht sold property at 3 Mallard Landing to Kelly Lane for $895,000

Joseph Fahy sold property at 166 Lincoln Ave to Joseph Mansour for $999,000

Andrew Kennedy sold property at 19 Wampum Dr to David Morgan for $410,000

WILTON

Debra Crandall sold property at 62 Gailor Rd to PPP Properties LLC for $135,000

Ronald Forhan sold property at 112 Ingersoll Rd to Jake Catalano for $500,000

Amanda Huttig sold property at 24 Waverly Place to Brian Jones for $699,000

Assemblywoman Woerner: Legislation Helps Ease Suffering, Expands End-Of-Life Care Options

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The state assembly last week passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act.  

“I co-sponsored and helped pass this bill to potentially mitigate the suffering for New Yorkers afflicted with terminal illnesses,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, in a statement. 

“The Medical Aid in Dying Act would allow terminally ill New Yorkers with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request, through a tightly regulated process, medication they can administer themselves to bring a peaceful death,” Assemblywoman Woerner said. “When medical treatment is unable to reverse the severity of illness, and near-term death becomes certain, some individuals request to accelerate the often-painful process of dying with the aid of prescription medication. Others may take comfort in being given the option to reclaim a semblance of control over how their life will end, such as being surrounded by loved ones at home.”

“By allowing New Yorkers a choice, we are providing those who are near the end of their life’s journey and who are suffering to an unbearable extent, a degree of dignity,” Woerner said, adding that 10 states and the District of Columbia have allowed similar end-of-life care options through legislation, ballot measures, or judicial rulings. 

“I commend those who have tirelessly advocated for this bill, and I’m hopeful that the Senate and the governor will follow suit in signing this meaningful legislation into law.”

Saratoga Springs Launches Cycle Four of Participatory Budgeting: Year of the Child 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


The city invites residents to participate in the city’s budget process.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Commissioner of Finance Minita Sanghvi and the Participatory Budgeting Committee have announced the launch of Cycle Four of the City’s Participatory Budgeting program, beginning May 1, with this year’s special theme: “Year of the Child.” 

Residents are invited to propose community projects that uplift and benefit children, youth, and families – funded by up to 0.25% of the City’s annual budget. 

All Saratoga Springs residents aged 18 and up are encouraged to participate. Project idea submissions will be accepted from May 1 through July 31, 2025. Individuals and non-profit organizations are welcome to submit proposals. 

Since its inception in 2022, the PB program has funded a number of projects benefitting local youth, including:  

Free children’s art programming through C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios 

– Free family-friendly programming and performances by Opera Saratoga 

– Retrofitting the Saratoga Children’s Literacy League Book Bus 

– Nutritional education at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, teaching children and families how to prepare meals using fresh, local ingredients 

– Geyser Elementary School outdoor learning center 

This year, residents are encouraged to think creatively about projects that align with the “Year of the Child” theme. Categories may include: Youth Arts and Culture; Recreation and Play; Literacy and Learning; Health and Wellness; Environmental Projects.  

All ideas will be reviewed by the PB Committee and City for feasibility and impact. Selected proposals will be placed on the PB ballot later this year, and winning projects will be implemented using city funds following a citywide vote and City Council approval. 

In Saratoga Springs, the process encourages local community members to participate in the city’s budget process. In its most recent cycle, the City Council approved funding for six community projects totaling $99,658. 

To learn more about Participatory Budgeting or submit an idea, visit: https://saratoga-springs.org/2682/participatory-budgeting. 

Photo of the Week

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.


“Contrasting Trees”. Photo by Steve B.

Spring contest photo submissions close May 27.
One photo will be chosen each week. 

Email your photo to: Design@SaratogaPublishing.com

Saratoga Showcase of Homes Tour Planned for Two Weekends This Fall

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Saratoga Springs ­— The 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee is proud to announce this year’s dates and list of builders as of this date. Celebrating 29 years of exceptional homes, this annual tradition will be presented over four beautiful fall days on October 4-5 and October 11-12. We will have a spectacular line-up from our region’s finest builders for the area’s premiere new home tour event.

Thank you to all our generous sponsors and the award-winning builders committed to this year’s event so far; Amedore Homes, Beechwood Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Green Springs Companies, Heritage Custom Builders, Kodiak Construction, Trojanski Builders, Witt Construction and more to come!

Last year $60,000 was raised and over the past 28 years, this community event has contributed over $1.6 million to our two local charities. Proceeds from the Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County www.rtsaratoga.org and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties www.glensfallshabitat.org. 

For more details on the 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. 

Please help us celebrate this year’s event and consider being an important part of the 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes. You can download and review all the sponsorship opportunities available at our website at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com/sponsors/

Saratoga Rotary Selects Senior Citizen of the Year

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Patricia Temple was selected by Saratoga Rotary as Senior Citizen of the Year. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Rotary selected Patricia Temple, of Schuylerville, as its Senior Citizen of the Year. 

Temple is a volunteer bookkeeper for Greater Schuylerville Youth Center and longtime treasurer for Old Saratoga Seniors Club. She is also a part-time employee of the town of Saratoga, Wilton Emergency Squad board member and a supporter of the local branch of the American Legion, Schuylerville Public Library and the Schuylerville Central School District. 

Temple will receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of her choice, and she has chosen ‘Old Saratoga Seniors’ as the recipient.

Saratoga Rotary celebrated the awarding of Temple as its Senior Citizen of the Year with an event on April 30.   

Prestwick Chase Residents Honor Earth Day -Take Part in Springtime Roadside Clean-up Initiative

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Prestwick Chase residents took part in an Earth Day initiative last week. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The residents of Prestwick Chase took their Earth Day springtime efforts to Denton Road in Greenfield on April 28. 

Eight residents of the active senior 55+ living community volunteered their time to pick up cans, bottles, and other garbage along the road from the railroad trestle on Denton Road to Locust Grove Road in honor of Earth Day.

Roadside clean up signs, trash bags, and grabbers were supplied by the Town of Greenfield Highway Department, who later picked up the garbage collected by the residents. 

“As a resident of Prestwick Chase, I wanted to continue my community involvement,” said longtime resident Carol Imhof. 

Prestwick Chase was established in 1999 and is a 55+ independent living community located at 100 Saratoga Boulevard in Saratoga Springs. For more information, call 518-584-7766 or visit www.prestwickchase.com.