ALBANY — It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Susan Thalia MacDougall on January 15, 2025. Green burial was January 18m 2025, at Whitehaven Memorial Park. Memorial donations to Susan’s favored animal rescue, Lollypop Farm, at lollypop.org. Online condolences may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Being the primary advocate for Saratoga Lake since 1936, the SLA looks forward to 2025 and as such, we wanted to bring the public up to date on the many initiatives and challenges that face both our organization and Saratoga Lake. The SLA’s mission is to promote the environmental quality, natural beauty and safe recreational use of Saratoga Lake. This is accomplished through education, community engagement and especially advocacy. Our vision is to ensure that the Lake remains a safe and vibrant resource for generations to come.
In recent years, the SLA has actively addressed critical issues such as rising boat traffic, road salt contamination, shoreline development, and the preservation of Snake Hill. The urgency of these efforts is magnified by the fact that the Lake’s shoreline is governed by four different municipalities and its watershed spans portions of ten different towns. This fragmented jurisdiction underscores the necessity for coordinated action and makes the SLA’s role indispensable in safeguarding the lake.
We also find time to host a number of social events throughout the year to celebrate Saratoga Lake and get to know both older and newer members. Generally our social events are on or near the Lake and support our local establishments.
To continue to be strong advocates for the Lake we are always looking for new members and financial support. Growing our membership with individuals or businesses that are interested in the Lake’s well-being, makes us stronger advocates for the continued well being of Saratoga Lake.
Anyone interested in becoming a member or making a donation to the SLA can visit our website at saratogalake.org
Thank you!
– Saratoga Lake Board of Directors
from teaching they told me, my brother, and sister that they would be retiring to Saratoga Springs. While my Aunt lives in Saratoga Springs, our family had never been there for vacation or even visit. My parents were adventurers and we thought this would be another adventure in their list of lifelong journeys.
Upon moving to Saratoga and meeting their neighbors, they were immediately immersed in a close-knit group of people who had food competitions on the alley, celebrated birthdays, and anniversaries.
Unfortunate for us, my father fell ill and ultimately passed long before his time on earth was due. Now, my mother lives in the house by herself. My brother, sister, and I have all developed careers and families in the city’s where we live and our parents never intended us to move to Saratoga to be caregivers; nonetheless we worry.
One of the things that comforts us is that they have neighbors like Todd Agans and Chuck Marshall. Chuck and Todd never hesitate to change batteries in smoke detectors, move pieces of lawn furniture, or take care of shoveling or snow blowing my mother’s driveway and sidewalk to ensure she’s ok.
Life throws curve balls but there are still people you can count on even if those people were once strangers. My mother will be voting for Chuck Marshall this January 28th, and I encourage all of you who live there to do the same.
Chuck is an experienced, warm, and talented man. Saratoga Springs deserves a leader like him.
Do what’s right, and vote Chuck Marshall for Public Works Commissioner on January 28th.
– Jerry Schall
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Broadway Coffee Co., located at 493 Broadway, is launching a Moms Group starting Jan. 28.
Designed to provide support, connection, and friendship for new mothers, the group will run for six weeks.
“Becoming a mom can be an isolating experience, especially in the winter when it’s harder to get out and connect with others,” said Christine Hernandez, owner of Broadway Coffee Co. and a certified doula. “The truth is, we’re not meant to parent in isolation. It truly takes a village, and this group is about creating that village right here in our community.”
The group is designed to help new moms build lasting friendships and find the support they need during the early stages of motherhood. Each weekly session will be facilitated by experienced birth and postpartum doulas and will feature guest experts discussing topics relevant to new moms, such as infant sleep, self-care, and navigating postpartum emotions.
The cost for the six-week series is $100 and the program is open to mothers of infants and is a welcoming space for all parenting journeys. Spaces are limited, so interested participants are encouraged to reserve their spot early. For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1141002271509?aff=oddtdtcreator
SCHUYLERVILLE —Schuylerville High School senior Henry Kelleher and his father, Sean Kelleher, the Town Historian for Saratoga, were presented a prestigious Award of Appreciation by the New York Army National Guard at the Jan. 13 meeting of the Saratoga Town Board
The award, presented by Sergeants Rodriguez and Zwack of Bravo Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, recognized their extraordinary contributions to the Guard’s Oct. 19 drill event.
The recognition honored Sean Kelleher’s exceptional ability to bring Revolutionary War history to life through an engaging tour that left a lasting impression on National Guard personnel.
“This recognition highlights not only his efforts but also the pivotal role the Battles of Saratoga played in shaping our nation’s history,” said town Supervisor Ian Murray. “Henry and Sean’s contributions exemplify the spirit of our community, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment to education and public service.”
Sean Kelleher and Ian Murray are both members of the Saratoga 250 Commission, a group dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga. This milestone celebration emphasizes Saratoga County’s central role in the American Revolution and seeks to engage the community in meaningful ways that honor this legacy.
The award’s inscription reflects the National Guard’s gratitude, and reads: “It is with great pride and appreciation that we present you with this award in recognition of your unwavering commitment, exceptional service, and dedication to excellence.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic’s varsity bowling team continued their winning streak with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Berlin-New Lebanon at Saratoga StrikeZone last Thursday.
The Saints were led by Jason Pescetti, who achieved a season-high 644 series, with games of 221, 223, and 200. Mark Mahay also delivered a standout performance, recording a season-high 584 series, including a 215 in Game 3.
Berlin-New Lebanon had strong efforts from Myra Snyder, who rolled a 493 series, and Avyn Capasso with a 480 series. However, Saratoga Central Catholic’s consistency across all three games proved insurmountable.
The Saints won all three games with scores of 1069-967, 1105-868, and 1064-949, culminating in a total pinfall of 3238 to Berlin-New Lebanon’s 2784.
PORTER CORNERS — The Town of Greenfield Recreation Department will hold a Winterfest Celebration on Saturday, January 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookhaven Winter Park (333 Alpine Meadows Road, Porter Corners).
The event will begin with a 5K snowshoe race. Families or individuals are invited to register for $20 a person at https://www.runreg.com/brookhaven-trails-snowshoe-race. Snowshoes are available for rental for $15 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors.
A free community celebration following the race will include horse-drawn sleigh rides, a snowman building competition, outdoor story time, food specials, live music, and more.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, whose district includes Saratoga Springs and other parts of Saratoga County, was appointed the new chair of the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee last week by Speaker Carl E. Heastie.
“The racing and wagering industry is deeply woven into the fabric of my district and plays a vital role in the economies of both our local communities and the entire state of New York,” Woerner said in a news release. “The potential for growth in this sector is immense, with far-reaching benefits that include supporting small businesses, providing equine therapy for veterans and others in need, and channeling wager revenue to fund education for our children. I look forward to showcasing how this powerful economic engine positively impacts so many individuals and communities.”
Woerner previously served on the Racing and Wagering Committee and currently represents both the Saratoga Race Course and the Saratoga Casino Hotel’s harness track.
Other members of the committee include Scott Bendett, Michael Durso, Jeff Gallahan, Paula Elaine Kay, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Angelo Santabarbara, Nader J. Sayegh, Michaelle C. Solages, Clyde Vanel, and Jordan J.G. Wright.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Area legend David Greenberger will be appearing with The Huckleberries at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19 in an exclusive event at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.
Greenberger, perhaps best known for 32 years of publishing his periodical – The Duplex Planet – which was borne out of his conversations with nursing home residents, beginning in 1979. The magazine led to a plethora of recordings and performances of monologues and music.
Greenberger’s new release, “My Autobiography Vol. 1,” features music and monologues culled from Greenberger’s own life and observations, voiced by more than two dozen participants.
At Universal Preservation Hall on Jan. 19, attendees will be treated to a showcase of the magic that lies in the art of conversation. With a specialty in sparking lively and spontaneous dialogue with all whom he meets, Greenberger’s latest artistic venture is a playground of conversation filled with knock-knock jokes, not-so-rhetorical questions and observations about the world akin to that of a child’s imagination and wonder.
For more information and tickets, go to: https://atuph.org/event/david-greenberger-the-huckleberries-celebrate-universal-preservation/.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) in Albany and Saratoga Springs host their annual student showcase, this year themed “Everybody Dance Now,” at noon on Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Albany Marriott on Wolf Road.
The event celebrates the achievements of FADS students while sharing the joy of dance with the community— and this year’s showcase will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, with partial proceeds supporting the organization’s efforts to combat Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
The theme, “Everybody Dance Now,” underscores the transformative power of dance— as an art form and a scientifically proven way to enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and delay the effects of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The Fred Astaire Dance Studios are located in Latham and Saratoga Springs. A short speaking program preceding the performances feature representatives from the Fred Astaire Dance Studios and the Alzheimer’s Association.
For ticket information and event details, visit the event page- Everybody Dance Now – at Eventbrite. For more information about Fred Astaire Dance Studios Saratoga Springs, visit fredastaire.com/saratoga-springs.
