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Author: Saratoga TODAY

 Week of January 24 – January 30, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events:  jan. 24-30

Friday,
January 24

Open Mic Coffee House 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | 6 – 7 p.m. Artists are asked to bring a selection of poetry, a short story, or music to share.  Sign-ups for five-minute time slots start at 5:30 p.m. at the library.  Please limit your performance to 5-10 minutes to allow time for all to share their talents.  Light refreshments will be available.  Please call 518-882-6385 with any questions.

VFW Post 420 Food Drive

VFW Post 420, 190 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs | Ongoing Event. VFW Post 420 is holding a Food Drive to benefit the Veterans & Housing Community Coalition. The VCHC provides many services

including a warm meal, groceries, secure housing, utilities and many outreach programs. Drop off non-perishable items. Call 518-584-9686 for more information.

Saturday,
January 25

American Legion Monthly Meeting 

Adirondack Post 70, 34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m.

Preschool Fair

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., 10 a.m. – Noon. Visit several preschools in one location. Meet faculty and staff, ask questions, and choose the perfect preschool for your child. 

Winterfest Celebration & 5 K Snowshoe Race

Brookhaven Winter Park, at 333 Alpine Meadows Rd. in Porter Corners | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event will begin with a 5K snowshoe race. Families and individuals are invited to register, $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 follows the race and includes free horse drawn sleigh rides, a snowman building competition, outdoor story time, food specials, live music and more.

Sausage & Peppers Dinner

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa | 4 – 6 p.m. Menu includes sausage, peppers, and onion hoagie, potato Salad, Baked Beans, Veggies, and Dessert. The cost is 2 for $30 or $17 each (cash only). Preorders strongly encouraged at: dinners2619@gmail.com or call 518-885-1149, January 23 & 24, 4 to 6 p.m. Limited quantities available at the door. All are welcome.

Sunday,
January 26

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale 

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is free with over 40 vendors, great parking, crafts galore, and lunch. Lots of shopping including necklace sets, earrings, Scentsey, Baby Burp Cloths, as well as household items, knitted and hand-made items, food treats, antiques and vintage items, and just about anything you can imagine.  New vendors sign-up every month.  A fun activity the entire family enjoys.  All proceeds go to local charities. 8’ table and chairs $15.  Email Debbie deborahozolins@gmail.com for information or to sign up for a table(s). Applications are available in the Elks lobby after 3 p.m. daily.  

Monday,
January 27

The Thymly Herb Garden Club Meeting

4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa |11 a.m. If the Ballston Spa School District has a delay or closes that day, we will not meet.  Mary Lyall will demonstrate the traditional Italian art of pasta making, incorporating herbs and vegetables.  Following the presentation, there will be light refreshments and a meeting. The dues for the year to join the Thymly Herb Group are $20.  First time attendance is free.   Please RSVP with questions or let us know you will be joining us. thymlyherbmail@gmail.com.

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30 – 3:30. Join us to hear a speaker about Deep Brain Stimulation at this next meeting.  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 or Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com 518-810-8483. 

“Four Winters” Award Winning Film

Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 – 8 p.m.  The powerful and inspiring documentary tells the story of courageous Jewish fighters who battled unimaginable odds to fight back against Hitler’s war machine as it raged across Eastern Europe. ‘Four Winters’ features interviews with the last living partisans, who are the centerpiece of this film. By also using personal photographs, letters, journals, rare archival film footage, historic war records, and artifacts shared with the filmmakers from partisans’ personal collections, the documentarians weave together a multi-layered story that shatters the myth of Jewish passivity. Pre-registration is required for community members. Registrants will receive the location on campus and further information before the program. To register for Four Winters and other upcoming SJCA programs, go to

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/YEGSQgb/FourWinters.

Academy for Lifelong Learning Offering 14 Winter Courses 

The Academy for Lifelong Learning continues its 33-year tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults 55+ by offering fourteen, 6-week, noncredit courses – most starting the week of January 27. Registration is now open by mail. The course catalog is available at www.allsaratoga.org Course catalogs are also available at local libraries, YMCA’s and retirement communities or by request at (518) 290-6988 or jeff@allsaratoga.org. Registrations will be accepted by mail throughout the term until courses are full. Some courses will sell out. Annual membership is $75 and goes for 365 days from join date. Six-week courses are $50 each.  

Tuesday,
January 28

Open House at St. Clement’s School

231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. St. Clement’s School offers a challenging K-5 academic environment based upon the New York State Learning Standards. We encourage our children to be creative, independent, critical thinkers, committed to community service, and both understanding and living the values of the Catholic church. For more information visit, Stclementsschool.org

Wednesday, January 29

Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series

Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase. Storyteller Shawn Banner presents Yiddish Folk Tales & More. Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 12. If Saratoga Springs city schools are closed due to weather, that presentation will be postponed until February 19. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning or for a complete lineup of storytellers, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or call 518-290-6988.

Winter Acting Classes and Camps

Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Rd., Malta | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. After school drama and performance with Elyse Young, for Ages 6-10.  Learn acting techniques, play theater games, rehearse and perform, complete with scenery and costumes, for invited guests on the Malta Community Center Stage. Wednesdays, January 29 – March 19; 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. (No Class February 19). www.maltaparksrec.com or Malta Park & Recreation 518-899-4411

Baby Back Ribs 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. Baby Back Ribs, baked beans, cold slaw, corn bread. Dinner $15 (cash only). 

Photography Club 

Galway Public Library, Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. Our January meeting is set aside for the third year in a row to view the submissions to our member photo challenge: Your Best Photos of 2024. Please join us for this showing of the photography by our talented members. Anyone interested in photography regardless of their experience level is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com. 

Science on Tap 

Common Roots Brewing Company, 58 Saratoga Ave., S. Glens Falls | 7 p.m. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. Speaker: Professor Casey Schofield, Talk title: To Disclose or Withhold: Capturing and Understanding Mental Health Stigma. For more information, visit https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-2/

Thursday, January 30

Bog Meadow Trail Walk

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail- Meadowbrook Rd entrance, Meadowbrook Road, Saratoga Springs | 10 – 11 a.m. Take a walk to learn new information about the sights and sounds of one of your favorite Saratoga PLAN trails. Learn about the amazing ecology of a wetland and a forest habitat in the deep winter. Snowshoe costs are generously waived for public programs due to the courtesy of the Adirondack Company Community Fund Lend-A-Hand grant. Register at www.wiltonpreserve.org

Upcoming events

12th Saratoga Clay Arts Chili Bowl Fundraiser

On Saturday, February 1, the Saratoga Clay Arts Center will hold its 12th Chili Bowl Fundraiser. Area clay artists are busy making 2000+ bowls for the event. Buy the Bowl, eat the chili, keep the bowl! Fun, family event. 5 “Celebrity Chefs” will compete along with the center, “To Life!” and the Wilton Food Pantry will benefit from the proceeds. Participating restaurants include Kindred (last year’s winner), THORN & ROOTS, Dizzy Chicken, Franklin Square Market & LAGO by DRUTHER’S. Music by SED and Friends. Buy your tickets early! This event sells out quickly. Pre-purchase your bowl and ticket at www.saratogaclayarts.org. 

Waldorf School Open Houses 

Preschool and Kindergarten – Saturday, February 1 at both Locations: Forest Kindergarten, 45 Kaydeross Ave. W. Saratoga Springs and Early Childhood Center, 212 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs | 9 – 11 a.m.

Lower and MIddle School – Friday, February 7, 62 York Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 4 – 5:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org. 

Galway Preservation Society Program

February 3 at 7 p.m. Alan Maddaus author of Wright Peak Elegy: A Story of Cold War, Nuclear Deterrence and Ultimate Sacrifice will speak about his book detailing the story of a US Air Force B-47 jet bomber that crashed into Wright Peak in the Adirondacks in January 1962. Doors open at 6:45 The meeting will be held at the Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway.  Open to the public, free of charge.  If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year.  

Please join us for some fun and to learn more about Galway’s history.

Carnegie Hall Ensemble Connect Residency Performance 

Ensemble Connect, a group of the finest young professional classical musicians based out of Carnegie Hall, celebrates its 18th year at Skidmore at Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall, Arthur Zankel Music Center.  Friday, February 7, 7:30 p.m. performance. Concert Program: SCHUBERT |”Quartettsatz” in C Minor, D. 703, KATHERINE BALCH | musica spolia (arr. for chamber ensemble; NY Premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall), KATHERINE BALCH | musica nuvola (NY premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall), LUCIANO BERIO | Ricorrenze for Wind Quintet,  BEETHOVEN | Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20. Visit the Arthur Zankel Music Center website for ticket details.

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.”