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Author: Saratoga TODAY

April 18 – April 24

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events:   

Friday, April 18

Veteran’s Memorial Park Book Walk: Tad

Veteran’s Memorial Park, 697 MacElroy Road., Clifton Park | Through May 24. Enjoy the book, “Tad” by Benji Davies as you stroll along the Veteran’s Memorial Park walking path.  Created in partnership with the Town of Clifton Park. 518-371-8622. Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, www.cphlibrary.org. 

Fish Fry Friday

Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 132 State Route 32, Schuylerville | 4 – 7 p.m. Menu: fish fry, chicken tenders, clam strips, popcorn shrimp, buffalo shrimp. All dinners are served with coleslaw, sauce and choice of French fries or onion rings. Extras: Jalapeno poppers, mozzarella strips, bowl or quart of clam chowder (Manhattan or New England). Beverages available. Eat in at the club or call ahead for takeout at 518-695-3917.

Moonlight Hike

Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Interested in seeing the Preserve at night? View nature in a new light as we walk the trails in the moonlight. An unforgettable experience for ages 5+.  This program is made possible by the support of Brookfield Renewable. If you can’t make it on Friday, join us on Saturday, April 12.

Saturday,
April 19

Schultz & Dooley Spring Beer Can and Breweriana Show

Clifton Park Elks Club, 695 McElroy Rd., Ballston Lake | 9 a.m. – Noon. General Admission is $3.Exhibitor tables are $15/each,  Contact Bill Laraway  at 518-369-6865 or email brewcoll2@gmail.com or Dennis Heffner at 518-260-4681 dennish0706@gmail.com. This show is sponsored by the Schultz and Dooley Chapter of the BCCA/NABA, a non-profit organization.

Genealogy and Local History

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 1 p.m. Heritage Hunters will host Beverwcyk Archaeologists, Aaron Gore and Daniel Mazeau. They will talk about their work on the Bevier-Elting House that was built in the 1730s on Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz. They will cover the house’s history, its community, and the historic district, as well as their archaeological findings. The public is welcome. For information, call 518-885-9309.

Sunday, April 20

HAPPY EASTER!

Monday, April 21

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. 

A presentation about the Help for PD website by Marie Thorne. All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there. Please contact us with any questions: Leader Gordon Blyth, gordonsblyth@gmail.com, 917-887-7980. Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com, 518-810-8483. 

Vegetable Gardening Series

Historic Grooms Tavern, 290 Sugar Hill Rd., Rexford | 6 – 7:30 p.m. This series is packed with tips and tricks to help you transform your garden into a flourishing paradise. Learn how to prep your soil, create the perfect garden layout, and master the art of companion planting. We’ll delve into essential skills like crop rotation, summer gardening strategies, pest management, and proper watering techniques, and guide you through the process of harvesting and prepping your garden for winter. The cost is $5 per session. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension to register, https://ccesaratoga.org/events. Join us for one or all 3 in this series. Additional dates are June 26 and August 7. 

Tuesday, April 22

Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tower

Wilton Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Looking for a scenic view without having to climb a mountain? Come visit the Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tower. The fire tower is open, weather permitting. No need for registration.

Long Term Care Planning Expo

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs |2 pm – 4 pm

Plan for your future at our Long-Term Planning Expo! Hear about topics like estate planning, long-term care finances, and finding the right living community from experts from Burke Funeral Home, Choice Connections, Herzog Law Firm, FIDIR, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Gwen Rowland from the Alzheimer’s Association will also discuss the importance of early detection for memory loss.

Celebrate the Power of Hope

Saratoga Center for the Family, 359 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs | 3 – 6 p.m. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. Help us give others “The Power of Hope” by purchasing a dinner for yourself, your family, or even your employees. Saratoga Center for the Family works to strengthen children, families, and our community by reducing the effects of abuse, trauma, and family dysfunction through advocacy, education and mental health therapy. Your support will help give others hope, beginning their journey of healing. Meals are to go and include grilled chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, roll, dessert, and bottled water for $15. Preorders encouraged as we will sell out. www.saratogacff.org/events/celebrating-power-hope

Equine Nutrition Class

Cornell Cooperative Extension, 50 W. High St., Ballston Spa | 6:45 – 8:15 p.m. Enjoy a light dinner while engaging with Michelle Mulcahy, the Regional Sales Manager at Triple Crown Nutrition, who will share her expertise on “Understanding and Meeting Your Horses’ Nutritional Needs.” As passionate horse owners, we understand the desire to enhance our knowledge about our equine companions’ nutritional needs, and this class is designed to empower you with the answers you seek. Take this opportunity to converse directly with feed experts and deepen your understanding of what truly nourishes your horse. Cost is $15 per person; youth can attend for free, but please let us know their attendance at registration. To register call 518-885-8995, or email Robin at rc926@cornell.edu.  

The Syrian Bride Film Discussion

Zoom | 7 p.m. Sponsored by Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, a panel discussion of the powerful film The Syrian Bride. The 2004 Israeli and Arab film is loosely based on a 1998 border-crossing incident in the demilitarized zone between Israel’s Golan Heights and Syria. Beyond its political overtones, the film presents the personal and psychological limits faced by women in traditional societies. Mona’s wedding day is the saddest day of her life.  The Syrian Bride is a powerful film about physical, mental and emotional borders and the courage it takes to cross them.  Advance registration is required. Registrants will receive a playbill and Zoom link about a day before the program, followed by a last-minute reminder shortly before the program. To register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/9TRHKnH/SyrianBrideApril22

Wednesday,
April 23

Turkey Breast Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: Sliced turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetable, gravy, tossed salad, dinner rolls. $15 (cash only). 

Thursday,
April 24

Dunkerley Dialogue with Penny Arcade and Joseph Cermatori

The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Dunkerley Dialogues pair Skidmore professors with artists in a conversation format, which is often a catalyst for new connections and understandings across disciplines, and can spark new ideas for all participants. Penny Arcade, aka Susana Ventura, is a legendary performance artist who was a teenage superstar for Andy Warhol’s Factory, featured in the film Women In Revolt. The program will include ASL interpretation. Admission to the museum and to events are free. For more information, contact the Tang Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit https://tang.skidmore.edu.

Earth Week Screening: Roots So Deep

Emerson Auditorium, Palamountian Hall, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6:30 – 9 p.m. A documentary series about inventive farmers and maverick scientists building a path to revive rural economies and ecologies with hooves, heart and soil. The film will be immediately followed by a Q&A featuring John Moore, of St. Croix Farm; Elizabeth Collins, of Otter Creek Farm; Alex Lempka, executive chef at Hamlet & Ghost; and Kristofer Covey, assistant professor of Environmental Studies & Sciences at Skidmore and co-founder and president of the Soil Inventory Project. Refreshments will be provided. Admission: $5 donation to farmland & forest conservation. Students with a valid student ID are free.

Ballston Spa Robotics Team Heads to World Championship

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


Photo via the 0xBe4 robotics team Facebook page. 

BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa’s 3US First Robotics Team 3044 0xBE4 has received and accepted a wild card invitation to attend the World Championships happening in Houston, Texas from April 16-19. They are one of 600 out of 3,690 teams worldwide to receive an invitation.

Earlier this month, the team was ranked the 4th best team in New York State following the New York Tech Valley FIRST Robotics Competition at MVP Arena. The squad also earned its 32nd team award with the Gracious Professionalism Award.

Prior to the event at MVP, 0xBe4 competed at the Finger Lakes Regional against 54 teams from New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. The team qualified in 11th place and was selected to compete in Eliminations with the 5th seed Captain. The team’s record was 10-4 and their robot placed in the top ten in many categories. At the time, they were ranked #147 out of 2,947 teams in the country, and they were ranked #189 out of 3,712 teams in the world.

Schuylerville School District Adds New School Resource Officer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Photo of Saratoga County Deputy Paula Wilbur via the Schuylerville Central School District.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Saratoga County Deputy Paula Wilbur will be the new School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Schuylerville Central School District following the departure of Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Greive, who served as the district’s SRO since September 2023. 

Deputy Wilbur has been a Sheriff’s Deputy with Saratoga County since June 2024, and previously worked in law enforcement in Whitehall, as well as a Child Protective Services caseworker for Washington County Social Services.

“I’m excited to work in Schuylerville and make a positive impact on students,” Wilbur said in a statement. “I look forward to working with kids of all ages and being part of their day-to-day at school. Helping children view law enforcement as positive role models is something that can benefit them throughout their lives.”

Deputy Greive has accepted a new position with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

Ballston Spa Middle Schoolers Crowned Odyssey of the Mind State Champs

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


Photo via the Ballston Spa Central School District.

ALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa School District’s Middle School Problem 4 team was recently crowned New York State Champions at the Odyssey of the Mind State Finals Tournament in Syracuse. The team was one of five squads representing Ballston Spa. 

The Wood Road Elementary team, participating in the tournament for the first time, came in 8th place for their problem/division and got the highest spontaneous score.

Ballston Spa National Bank Plans Headquarters Renovations

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) announced last week that it will begin a historic rehabilitation of its original headquarters located at 87 Front Street, beginning June 2.

The building, which first served as a private residence in 1824, has been serving customers and businesses in the Village of Ballston Spa for over 187 years.

The rehabilitation project will be made possible through the partnership with Landmark Consulting LLC, Historic Preservation and Architectural Services, hcp architects, and BBL Construction Services. The bank is also applying for approval with the National Register of Historic Places and New York State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program under the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). 

“This is more than a renovation—it’s committing to our future and honoring our past,” said BSNB President and CEO Christopher R. Dowd in a news release. “We’re updating the space with the latest technology improvements while preserving our historic appearance and heritage that define BSNB.”

The 87 Front Street Branch will temporarily close beginning Monday, June 2 and will remain closed until construction is completed. New and existing customers can visit the Ballston Spa Corporate Branch, 990 State Route 67 (1.1 miles) or the Milton Crest Branch, 344 Rowland Street, (3.3 miles) for all banking services.

BSNB plans to celebrate the newly renovated branch in late 2025 and will keep the community informed with updates on their website.

Saratoga County Chamber Announces Award Recipients

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Photos of Colleen Carlson and Chad Kiesow provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce announced this week that Colleen Carlson will be its 2025 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient.

Chad Kiesow, the COO of Stewart’s Shops, will also be honored by the Chamber for serving as its 2024 Chair of the Board.

Carlson is the Director of Sales for the Saratoga Casino Hotel and has been with the organization for more than 40 years. She is a founding member of the Board of Directors at Jake’s Help from Heaven and currently serves as the organization’s treasurer. The nonprofit helps to create opportunities for individuals with complex medical needs and disabilities to thrive.

“When we started in 2011, I cried over each grant,” Carlson said in a statement. “Now I find joy in the support and quality of life opportunities Jake’s Help from Heaven gives to so many families.”

Carlson’s past volunteer work includes serving as the general manager and host family coordinator for the Saratoga Phillies baseball organization. Her involvement with the Phillies led to her appointment by Mayor Scott Johnson to the Saratoga Springs Recreation Committee, where she became the vice chair. For the past ten years, she has served on the Adirondack Trust Fund Advisory Committee. From 2013 to 2022, she served on the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Hospital Foundation. And in her role with the Saratoga Casino Hotel, Carlson has worked with numerous local charitable organizations to organize successful fundraisers from the Wesley Community to Saratoga Hospital, to Sponsor-A-Scholar, and more.

Past recipients of the Joseph Dalton Community Service Award include: Steve Sullivan (2018); Tom Roohan (2019); John Munter, Sr. (2020); Julie Stokes (2021); L. Clifford Van Wagner (2022); Dr. William Long (2023); and Cindy Hollowood (2024). 

Carlson will be presented with the 2025 award at the Annual Chamber Celebration on Thursday, May 8. 

April 18 – April 24, 2025   

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.


This 4 bedroom completely renovated home at 501 North Creek in Greenfield Center was listed by Kate Naughton from Roohan Realty and sold for $530,000

BALLSTON 

Eastline Holdings LLC  sold property at 7 Aspen Dr to Vikram Devara for $598,304

CHARLTON

Garry Hefflin  sold property at 2158 Cook Rd to Katz Excavating and Construction for $165,000

CORINTH

Roseann Hotaling sold property at 137 Stark Rd to Dawson Emery for $345,000

MALTA

Eric Pinnell sold property at 1082 Laurel Lane to Eric Pinnell for $350,000

Jenns Lobb sold property at 31 Admirals Way to Aileen Campbell for $350,000

Christopher Reilly sold property at 88 Thimbleberry Rd to Joseph Klimczak for $319,900

MILTON

John Miller sold property at 1099 Rock City Rd to Ian Miller for $126,000

Justin Taylor sold property at 15 Crestline Dr to Coleen Wright for $235,000

Hunter Lane LLC sold property at 20 Hunter Ct to Laurie Simmons for $552,925

SARATOGA

Christopher Sass sold property at 21 Morgans Run to Brett Crawford for $317,500

Joel Roberts sold property at 7 Burgoyne St to Rebecca Laufer for $250,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington ST Apt 566 to Park View 566 LLC for $3,100,000

Clifford Van Wagner sold property at 101 Catherine St to Blue Heron Cottage LLC for $401,227

Chloes Way LLC sold property at 37 Chlos Way to Megan Demagistris for $300,000

BDC Holdings Inc sold property at 131 Excelsior Ave to BDC North Spring Run LLC for $4,350,000

Maureen Smith sold property at 19 Lexington Rd to Timothy Lynott for $580,000

Meadowbrook IV LLC sold property at 45&47 Winding Brook to James Hamilton for $1,000,000

Mark McDonald sold property at 35 Dyer Switch to William Donnahie for $775,000

Jonathan Jaekel sold property at 212 Circular St to Hunter Hosley for $650,000

Raymond Seefeld sold property at 3 Gibson Ct to Excelsior Property LLC for $700,000

WILTON

Steve Gebo sold property at 9 Greylock Dr to Andrew Olson for $545,000

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

Stefanik, Tonko Bipartisan Bill to Preserve Local Heritage Sites

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Washington, D.C. — Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) on April 10 reintroduced the bipartisan Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act with Democratic Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) to commission a study regarding the benefits of expanding the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area to include all of Washington and Saratoga Counties. 

The legislation would specifically work towards expanding opportunities for both counties to participate in federal grant programs, increase heritage tourism, and support cultural and economic development in the area.

“Upstate New York and the North Country are the cradle of the American Revolution and home to numerous battlefields and historic sites,” Stefanik said in a statement, adding that the Act would bolster efforts to preserve the region’s heritage and ensure crucial pieces of our history are preserved for future generations. Stefanik was recently appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson as Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership for the 119th Congress. 

“I urge my colleagues to support this bill as a step to further honor our shared past and spark economic growth and cultural tourism in Upstate New York for generations to come,” Tonko said in a statement.

Tonko and Stefanik each represent portions of Saratoga County. 

“Expanding the Heritage Area to include Saratoga and Washington Counties corrects a long-standing oversight and ensures that the full story of the Americas’ turning point is told,” said Sean Kelleher, Historian for the Town of Saratoga. “This study empowers our communities to preserve that legacy while unlocking economic opportunity through heritage tourism. It’s an investment in We the People —and in the stories that define our nation.” 

The local Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, and Hudson River Valley Greenway are just a few of the sites that make up New York’s national heritage network and bring countless benefits to its communities.

REAL ID Set to Begin May 7; Rush Resulting in Longer DMV Wait Times in Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

BALLSTON SPA — With the federal requirement of having a REAL ID to board domestic flights set to begin May 7, the Saratoga County DMVs have seen a 35% spike in foot traffic and increasing wait times for customers, according to the agency.

The May 7 deadline set by the federal Department of Homeland Security only relates to when “REAL ID-compliant” identification will be required to board planes flying within the United States and to enter certain federal buildings.

“If you plan to travel domestically by air in June or afterwards, you may want to consider delaying your visit to DMV until 45 to 60 days out to avoid the influx of customers and longer wait times currently being experienced,” Saratoga County Clerk Craig Hayner said in a statement. 

Hayner emphasized that the state-issued Standard Driver’s License and Standard Non-driver ID will remain a valid ID in New York State.

“If you don’t travel by air domestically or enter certain federal buildings where a REAL ID is required, you can continue to use your Standard Driver’s License/Non-driver ID. No need to upgrade,” he said. “You are not required to upgrade to a REAL ID. It is a personal choice.”

A U.S. passport also is a form of REAL ID and is good for domestic and international flights. Other forms of REAL ID that will be accepted to board a plane after May 7 can be found on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.TSA.gov/id.

For those who need to visit the DMV, Hayner advises ensuring documents are ready when arriving for a smooth and efficient transaction. 

For more information about the forms of ID available through the DMV and what documents are required for each, go to https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id.

Community Gardens at Wesley 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.


Community gardens. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It’s time for spring planting. If you love to garden but don’t have your own space, join the Wesley campus community gardens.

Rent is $50 for a raised 4×8 foot box. For an application, contact: Susanbokan@gmail.com.