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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Former Ballston Spa Educator andMalta Town Historian Dies at 82

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Malta Town Historian Paul Perreault delivers his “From Malta to the Moon” presentation at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa on November 12, 2024. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

BALLSTON SPA — Paul Perreault, a former educator in the Ballston Spa Central School District and Town of Malta Historian, passed away on January 10 after a brief illness at the age of 82. 

Perreault was born on July 28, 1942, in Cohoes. He graduated from the Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, Siena College in Loudonville, and The State University of New York at Albany. He was a teacher, elementary school principal, high school dean of students, vice principal, and principal serving both the Shenendehowa and Ballston Spa school districts from 1967 until his retirement in 1998.

He was the Town of Malta Historian from 2008 to 2023; a guide and board member of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site and National Historic Landmark; and a board member The National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa. He also authored the book “Servants of God: The Luther-Mackay Family of Saratoga County.” In 2023, he was the recipient of the Saratoga County Public History Award for his “significant contributions in preserving, interpreting, researching, publishing, and promoting the history of Saratoga County”.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Saturday, January 25, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Armer Funeral Home at 39 East High Street in Ballston Spa. Memorial contributions in memory of Paul may be made to the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum or the American Heart Association.

Skidmore Students Use Virtual Reality to Experience “Walden”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Photo provided by Skidmore College.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College students in Assistant Professor of English Jamie Parra’s course on Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden” are using virtual reality (VR) to experience the literary classic.

In the “Walden” VR game, students retrace the steps of American transcendentalist Thoreau — a naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher — during his two years spent living at Walden Pond from 1845 to 1847. They explore Thoreau’s cabin and the greater Concord, Massachusetts, area; participate in daily activities like tending to the bean fields and fishing; and experience the natural world as it was in the mid-19th century.

Emerging technologies and interactive play experiences are also being used to further learning in disciplines ranging from Health and Human Physiological Sciences to Asian Studies.

Four Join Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga Board

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Three of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s new board members: Ramon Dominguez, Sharon Dominguez, and Keith Augustine. Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, a nonprofit that provides sanctuary for retired racehorses that are then used for equine therapy, announced this week the appointment of four new board members: Ramon Dominguez, Sharon Dominguez, Keith Augustine, and David L. Swank.

Ramon Dominguez is a Hall of Fame jockey who began his equestrian career in Venezuela, transitioning from show jumping to Thoroughbred racing before moving to the U.S. in 1996. With nearly 5,000 career wins (including 160 in graded stakes), his impact on the sport continues post-retirement through advocacy for humane treatment of horses and support for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. His leadership roles include serving as President of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and as an Ambassador for Brooke USA.

Sharon Dominguez’s passion for horses began in Delaware, where her father trained Standardbreds and her mother owned riding horses. With a BA in Visual Communications, she combined her career and love of horses by supporting Thoroughbred racing industry initiatives, including the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. 

Keith Augustine is a sales executive with over 17 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business management. He serves as Vice President of Sales and Co-Owner of The Lazy Dog Cookie Co. In addition to his professional pursuits, Keith is active in community service, serving on the boards of organizations such as Dogs on Deployment, and mentoring small businesses through Business for Good.

David L. Swank is a software executive and entrepreneur who founded Pacific Triangle Software, Inc., leading the company before its sale in 2010. His career spans roles in management, sales, marketing, and IT.

“The addition of these dedicated individuals to the [Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga] board will ensure that the organization continues to thrive and expand its equine-assisted therapy programs,” said Dr. Erin Christopher-Sisk, co-founder of Therapeutic Horses, in a statement. “Their unique expertise, shared passion for our mission, and commitment to mental health will help us make a lasting impact on our community.”

SEDC Donates $4,500 to Franklin Community Center

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


From left to right: John Munter, SEDC Chairman; Zack Manz, Chairman, Franklin Community Center; Marybeth McGarrahan, Development Director, Franklin Community Center; Greg Connors, President/CEO, SEDC. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has donated $4,500 to the Franklin Community Center. The funds were a portion of the proceeds generated by the SEDC’s 2024 Holiday Reception held at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs last month.

“The daily efforts by the Franklin Community Center staff and volunteers improves the lives of thousands,” said SEDC President and CEO Greg Connors in a news release. “SEDC members/stakeholders are making a difference every day in the community they call home. We are proud of their philanthropic efforts and grateful for their membership in SEDC.”

Established in 1983, the Franklin Community Center is a family resource for the Saratoga community. The organization offers services such as a free store distribution center, an emergency food pantry, an after-school program focused on bolstering self-esteem, and provision of safe and affordable housing through efficiency apartments tailored for low-income individuals. In addition to direct services, the center also advocates for enhancing access to affordable housing, combating food insecurity, fostering financial stability, and facilitating access to support services.

Local Wealth Management Group Recognized by Forbes

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Pollard Bryan & Carl Wealth Management Group, which has offices in Saratoga Springs and Albany, was recently named to the “Best-in-State Wealth Management Team” list by Forbes. The list is compiled by SHOOK Research, which uses quantitative and qualitative data, including interviews, to rank teams.

“Making the Forbes/SHOOK list has been one of our goals and we are extremely proud to have achieved this,” said Raymond C.H. Bryan, First Vice President / Wealth Management, in a news release.

Other local wealth management firms that made Forbes’ list include SiRiCa in Clifton Park, SEAM in Saratoga Springs, and the Anderson Financial Group in Saratoga Springs.

Pollard Bryan & Carl Wealth Management Group is a team of financial professionals at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC that currently oversees $1 billion in client assets. 

Saratoga Federal Expands Field of Membership

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Federal, a not-for-profit financial cooperative, recently announced the expansion of its field of membership, allowing individuals living, working, or attending school in Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties to become members.

“By expanding our field of membership, we’re making it possible for more people to benefit from affordable financial services,” said President/CEO, Don Denofio, in a statement. “Whether you’re shopping at Price Chopper/Market 32 or grabbing a coffee at Stewart’s Shops, you can access your accounts with surcharge-free ATM access, and with our shared branching network, you can take care of your financial needs no matter where you are.” 

Saratoga Federal is a full-service financial institution founded in 1945 by a group of educators in the Saratoga Springs Public School System. The organization has locations at 189 Ballston Avenue in Saratoga Springs and 444 Geyser Road in Ballston Spa.

GlobalFoundries Unveils Plans for New $575M Center

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


The GlobalFoundries campus and company headquarters in Malta. Image provided.

MALTA — GlobalFoundries (GF) recently announced its plans to create a new $575 million center for advanced packaging and testing of American-made essential chips within its New York manufacturing facility in Malta.

Supported by hefty investment from both the U.S. Department of Commerce and New York State, the New York Advanced Packaging and Photonics Center aims to enable semiconductors to be securely manufactured, processed, packaged, and tested entirely in the United States to meet the growing demand for GF’s silicon photonics and other chips needed for end markets including AI, automotive, aerospace and defense, and communications.

GF’s investment in the new center is expected to be $575 million, with an additional $186 million funding research and development over the next decade plus. These investments are expected to create approximately 100 new full-time GF jobs in New York over the next five years.

“The New York Advanced Packaging and Photonics Center will be unique in our industry and will play a vital role in the continued growth of the Empire State’s world-class semiconductor manufacturing and innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, president and CEO of GF, in a news release.

The New York Advanced Packaging and Photonics Center aims to expand GF’s advanced packaging capabilities – the process of transforming chips into individual packages ready for end-product use – to provide customers an end-to-end U.S.-based solution for chips made at GF’s Malta manufacturing facility. Across the semiconductor industry, most advanced packaging today takes place in Asia.

GlobalFoundries is the third-largest semiconductor foundry in the world. In 2021, it moved its global headquarters from Santa Clara, California to Malta, New York. The company currently employs 2,500 people at its Malta location and has invested more than $16 billion in the facility since it opened in 2011.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.


This adorable bungalow at 70 Mitchell St in Saratoga Springs was listed by Christine Hogan Barton from Roohan Realty and sold for $799,000

BALLSTON 

Marcy Ariel sold property at 128 Lake Hill Rd to CBM3 Properties for $235,000

Mary Waters sold property at 26 Palmer Ave to Shashank Saxena for $160,000

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 15 Appleton St to Julia halburian for $575,443

Michael Delucia sold property at 98 Jenkins Rd to Mary Thorpe for $550,000

CORINTH

Brandon Schurr sold property at 92 Hollister Rd to Travis Sailsbury for $487,000

Roland Goggin sold property at 98 Main St to Craig Stollery for $100,000

GALWAY

Metuchen Management as trustee sold property at 1123 Rt 29 to Alexander Acosta for $221,000

Patrick Tucker sold property at 2763 Galway Rd to Jose Jacinto for $348,000

GREENFIELD

James Mayer sold property at 108-110 Sand Hill Rd to Hiffa Holdings LLC for $322,000

Anthony Zabielski sold property at 131 Middle Grove Rd to Jillian Perkins for $535,000

John Arceri sold property at 130 Brigham Rd to Jason Smith for $452,000

MALTA

Kathleen Yarbrough sold property at 5 Parkway Circle to Bharat Patel for $631,000

Cale Van Buren sold property at 39 Avendale Dr to Christopher Eckerlin for $680,000

Susan Quenelle sold property at 10 Mallard Cove to Deborah Kibble for $429,000

MILTON

Matthew Healey sold property at 526 Elk Circle to Franklin Derdzinski for $285,000

George Glokner sold property at 488 Maple Ave to Erica Ziskin for $330,000

Judith Cooley sold property at 6044 County Farm Rd to Stephanie Snowardt for $747,500

Blain Smith sold property at 669 Acland Blvd to Bridget Menzer for $540,000

Christine Jasikoff sold property at 608 Acland Blvd to Travis France for $514,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Beechwood Saratoga sold property at 46 Jenna Jo Ave to John Natalone for $500,000

Jean Ryan sold property at 5 Patricia Lane to Jennifer LeClair for $510,000

Daniel Pickett sold property at 589 North Broadway to Hal Mintz for $525,000

Timothy Latchford sold property at 22 Doten Ave to Bradley Smelstor for $885,000

Harry Hartman sold property at 73 Railroad Pl. Apt 402 to Harry Hartman for $450,000

Sara Martin sold property at 3 Maxwell Dr to Corey Gildea for $535,000

WILTON

Forest Grove LLC sold property at 12 Angeles Ave to Keith Anderson for $797,705

Forest Grove LLC sold property at 15 Angeles Ave to Cynthia Ciotti for $928,289

Elizabeth Menteur sold property at 106 Ruggles Rd to BDB Unlimited LLC for $475,000

Casey Lucca sold property at 16 Wellington Dr to Christian Freyer for $770,000

Edie Road LLC sold property at 13 Cannon Royal Dr to Michael Giorgio for $200,000

Margaret Ferro sold property at 14 Kyer Farm Rd to Andrew LaRosa for $674,500

Dr. Joseph Bell Reappointed City Health Officer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Dr. Joseph W. Bell has been reappointed as the city of Saratoga Springs Health Officer for 2025, Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll announced last week.  

Dr. Bell earned his medical degree from New York Medical College, and completed an internship and residency at Mary Imogene Bassett (now Bassett Medical Center). In 2019, he was named vice president and medical director of perioperative services at Saratoga Hospital. Dr. Bell is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He performs procedures at Saratoga Hospital, according to albanymed.org. 

“Dr. Bell joined our team as the City Health Officer in 2024,” Commissioner Coll said in a statement. “During his first year, he worked closely with the City’s HR department to plan and incorporate new medical outreach programs for city employees. He has also worked intensely with the Office of Public Safety to help coordinate our first responders and Saratoga Hospital’s response to the needs of the homeless and mentally challenged within the city.” 

Applications Set To Open for Fairgame Grants Supporting Creative Programs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SCHENECTADY — The Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame has announced the fifth annual Fairgame Arts Grants, offering funding for non-profit arts and cultural organizations across the Capital Region, Catskills and Southern Tier of New York. 

Eligible non-profit organizations in 27 counties can apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to support creative programs that enrich their communities. 

The Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame was established through a partnership between New York State and the casinos of these three gaming regions: Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, Resorts World Catskills, del Lago Resort & Casino and Tioga Downs Casino Resort. Coalition members include prominent cultural institutions such as Bardavon Presents, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Clemens Center, Palace Performing Arts Center, Proctors, Rochester Broadway Theatre League, Saratoga Performing Arts Center and more. 

The coalition launched the Fairgame Arts Grants program to support arts and cultural organizations in its regions. Since 2019, the program has awarded nearly 100 grants, distributing over $300,000 to empower creative initiatives and enrich local communities. 

Last year, $167,000 Fairgame Arts Grants were awarded to 44 non-profit arts and cultural organizations in the three New York state casino regions. Locally, those included Opera Saratoga – $5,000, Saratoga Chamber Players, Inc. – $4,000, and The Orchard Project – $5,000. 

Grant applications open on Monday, Feb. 3, and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 20. Guidelines and application forms are available at www.afairgame.net. For additional inquiries, email info@afairgame.net.