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Author: Saratoga TODAY

William J.Sarro, Jr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

ALBANY — William J. Sarro, Jr., 35, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at St. Peter’s Hospital, surrounded by his loving family and his father who never left his bedside.

Born on November 6, 1989, in Palm Beach, FL, Will was the cherished son of William J. Sarro, Sr., and Jo-Ann Barody Sarro.

An avid outdoorsman, Will found joy in hunting and fishing, spending many peaceful moments in nature with his cousin Anthony. He was known for his signature Lucky Strike Red 100s, a cold bottle of Mountain Dew and his sharp style he took pride in. He had constant companions that matched his easygoing unique personality and infectious humor that could easily light up a room. Will was a loving uncle, brother and son who cherished his niece Jemma, sister Nikki and father William deeply. 

Will is survived by his father, William J. Sr.; his sisters, Nikki Sarro (John Parker) and Natasha Sarro; his niece Jemma Parker; his grandmothers, Benetta Sarro and Carol-Ann Esner. He also leaves behind many loving aunts, including Desire Slone (Louis), Carol-Ann Dooley (Blain), Kim Hope (Jim), Shauna Simmons (Jason), Michaelene Seabridge, Loretta Sarro, Mary Sarro, Heidi Sarro and Deborah Brenenstuhl with cousins Jason and Christina; and his uncles, Edward Sarro (Jeaene) and Thomas Jones (Darlene).  As well as a host of dear friends and loving cousins who will miss him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jo-Ann Barody Sarro; his uncle, Patrick Sarro; his aunt, Trish Diaz; his grandfathers, Pat Sarro and Irv Esner; his grandmother, Ann Marie Lenahan- Sarro.

We want to give a special thanks to his care givers Lindsey (Dunea) and Michaelene who were his “special angels” and stepped in in a time of need up till the very end. His family can’t thank them enough. Also thank you to his Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Ed who covered the remaining balance to make sure Wills wishes were carried out. 

In accordance with the family’s wishes, no calling hours or services will be held at this time.

Arrangements are under the care of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Week of November 22 – November 28, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events:  nov. 22 – 28

Friday,
November 22

Bagels and Barks

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 10 – 11:30 a.m. What could be better? Stop in for a bite to eat and meet and greet several therapy dogs and their owners. Local chapter-certified therapy dogs will be in attendance. Socialize with humans and canines while taking part in activities, and learn about the certification process. Please leave your dogs at home. No registration is required. This program is brought to you in partnership with North Country Paws for Obedience. 

Saturday, November 23

Saratoga Comic Con

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Show floor will include over 290 vendor and artist tables from all over the world, celebrities, guest artists, gaming, Super Smash Bros. tournaments, cosplay contests, panels, events, tattooing, bouncy house, and other pop culture fun! Charities: Hudson Valley Ghostbusters – Raising money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. For more information, please visit http://www.saratogacomiccon.com Email Samuel Chase at chaseconexpo@hotmail.com

Famous Brown Bread & Bake Sale

It’s time for Simpson United Methodist Church’s to hold our semi-annual Brown Bread & Bake Sale.  The cost is $8 per loaf.   Pick-up dates:  Friday, November 22, 4 – 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Bake sale on Saturday.  1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls.  Call 518-885-4794 to place your order.  Please leave your name, telephone number and the number loaves you would like to reserve; and if possible, let us know if you will be picking up on Friday or Saturday.  A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order. 

Annual Craft and Vendor Fair

Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Crafts, vendors, live music, gift wrapping, silent auction. Shop local artisans. 

Photography Club 

Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | Noon. PLEASE NOTE: this month we have moved the meeting to Saturday and are hosting the presentation of Traveling the Mother Road, America’s Route 66, the story of Joanne & Rick Reynolds’ road trip from the beginning to the end of America’s Route 66.  Anyone interested in photography regardless of their level of experience is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information, contact Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Sunday, November 24

Breakfast Buffet

ITAM Post # 35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Spring | 8 – 11 a.m. Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 children – 10 and under, children under 5 are free. $12 take out orders. 

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale and Christmas Shopping

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Elks Ladies Auxiliary Sale. Free admission, over 40 vendors, great parking, crafts galore, and lunch. Lots of shopping with necklace sets, earrings, Scentsy, Baby Burp Cloths, as well as household items, knitted and hand-made items, food treats, basket liners, 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 dozolins@nycap.rr.com for information or to sign up for a table(s). Applications available I Elks lobby after 3 p.m. daily.

Monday, November 25

Southern Saratoga Art Society Public Demonstration

Clifton Park Community Senior Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., Clifton Park | 6:30 p.m.  SSAS will host artist Tracy Pagano who will do a free demonstration. Open to the public. Tracy grew up in the Adirondacks and has been painting since she was 14 years old.  She produces beautiful artwork across many mediums, but her true passion is for fluid art.  She will explain the process of fluid art, how and why she chooses her colors and demonstrate an actual pour.   For more information about SSAS, visit:  www.southernsaratogaartist.com

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train

Saratoga Springs Train Station, 26 Station Lane, Saratoga Springs | 7:20 p.m. The Holiday Train is back on the rails, bringing holiday joy and supporting local food banks across North America. Franklin Community Center has been selected as the local beneficiary for the Saratoga Springs stop at. The event is free to attend. Live performances by James Barker Band and Clerel, offering festive entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, sponsored by B&B Plumbing and Heating, along with cookies and candy canes. Donations of non-perishable food or cash are encouraged.

Tuesday, November 26

Take & Make: Popsicle Stick Turkey

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | Gobble, gobble! Pick up this cute craft to make at home, while supplies last. For ages 3-6, with an adult. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

After the Fire’s Monthly Meeting 

Eagle Matt Lee Firehouse, Washington St., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m.   After the Fire is a non-profit organization that helps Saratoga County Residents who have suffered a loss due to fire.  Families are provided with gift cards, a night’s stay at a participating hotel/motel, Red Cross referral, informational material, emotional support. etc.  Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Anyone interested in learning more about After the Fire, or becoming a member, may attend a meeting, visit us on Facebook at www.afterthefire.org, or leave a message on voicemail at 518-435-4571.

Wednesday, November 27

Santa’s Playland

Quick Response Restoration, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake | 5 – 11 p.m. Drive through our magical holiday lights display featuring hundreds of dazzling, animated light displays, set to cheerful holiday music, right from the comfort of your car. Admission is free. Open to the public Wednesdays – Sundays. Toys for Tots will be on-site December 7 and 8. Toys for Toga will be on-site December 13. https://www.facebook.com/quickresponserestoration/

Thursday, November 28

Saratoga Turkey Trot

The Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 8:30 a.m. This Thanksgiving Day, the Christopher Dailey Foundation will host their 23rd Annual Christopher Dailey 5K Saratoga Turkey Trot. The Run/Walk will be held on Broadway. All proceeds from the event will support the Christopher Dailey Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting youth needs in the Saratoga Community since 2002. Please join us for the community event as we mark another year of fundraising and charitable giving. For more information, visit www.christopherdaileyfoundation.com. You can connect with the foundation by calling 518-879-8305 or email christopherdaileyfoundation@gmail.com. 

Upcoming events:

Southern Saratoga Art Society

SSAS will be hosting artists and members throughout the area.   The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., will show artwork at SSAS’s annual Themed Show, “Artwork Inspired by a Song “ during the months of November and December. Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, will show the artwork of SSAS member, Faith Weldon, during November. The Town of Clifton Park Hall Lobby, 1Town Hall Plaza, is showing the artwork of SSAS member, Cheryl Birmingham during November. Artist and member of SSAS, Cheryl Jenks, is showing her artwork at Soave Faire, Broadway, Saratoga Springs during the month of November.

Holiday Sale 

Saturday, November 30 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Old Saratoga Reformed Church on the corner of Burgoyne Street and Pearl Street in Schuylerville. We will have lots of Holiday themed items for sale, as well as raffle baskets, and a bake sale. For questions, call the office phone at 518-695-3479.

Pet Photos with Santa

Get into the holiday spirit and support Gateway House of Peace by bringing your pets to meet Santa on Saturday, November 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 479 Rowland St., Ballston Spa. This event is open to children, pets, and families; appointments strongly encouraged. While walk-ins are welcome, we cannot guarantee how long your wait will be. We encourage you to book an appointment to secure your spot. Walk-in donations are accepted as cash or check only. Your $25 donation covers your sitting fee, digital download and printing rights. Gateway House of Peace is a not-for-profit organization serving persons with terminal illness who are diagnosed with three months or less to live. Contact: Allison Drapeau, adrapeau@gatewayhouseofpeace.org or 518-450-1273. 

Sip & Shop

The Town of Greenfield will hold a “Sip & Shop” event at Brookhaven Golf Course, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on November 30. The new holiday bazaar will combine a winter market and a holiday social opportunity that is free to the public. The event will benefit the Greenfield Elementary School Home School Association, its parent teacher group.

24th Annual Holiday Artisan Market

Saturday, November 30 to Tuesday December 24, Tuesday – Sunday at Brookside Museum, located at 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa. Join us this holiday season for the 24th annual Holiday Artisan Market featuring only handmade/ hand crafted products created by local artisans. Items include soaps, lotions, ornaments, jewelry, syrups, scarves, ceramics, hats and much more! Not only is the market perfect for your holiday shopping needs, it is also an investment in our community. All the proceeds from this year’s market will go to local artisans and the Saratoga County History Center, helping to both ensure the continuation of artisan work and the preservation of history in Saratoga County. 2024 Artisan Market Open Hours: Tuesdays – Thursdays, 12 p.m. – 4.p.m., Fridays 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2024 Winter Photography & Hiking Series

Led by Saratoga nature photographer Louis Valenti. This series of photo hikes is open to beginner photographers and will explore the uniqueness and beauty of the Geyser Creek trail. The Photo Hikes will begin on Sunday, December 1, and will be held every Sunday through December 22, 2024, from 10:30AM – 12:00PM. Each hike will provide photographic opportunities and will introduce participants to key fundamentals of photographing nature. All hikes will depart at 10:30AM from the SPAC parking lot, section A. Please come prepared for a 1.4-mile hike including appropriate clothing, footwear, camera or iPhone. This series of photo hikes is free. Reservations required. Contact Louis Valenti at 518-438-1141 or email LouisValentiPhotography@gmail.com 

Annual Memorial Service 

Saratoga-Wilton B.P.O.Elks # 161 will conduct their annual memorial service on Sunday, December 1,  at 1 p.m. at the lodge. The ceremony will honor fourteen members that have died this past year and is open to the public. All are invited to attend and following the ceremony, a light social will be hosted in the lounge. No reservations are necessary. Further information can be obtained by calling

Memorial chairman Mark Phillips at 518-584-7464.

Winter Faire 

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs will be hosting a Winter Faire on Saturday, December 7 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at 62 York Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Families can come enjoy homemade soups and breads, hot cocoa, fresh brewed coffee, festive baked goods while listening to live, instrumental music and carols. Crafts for children include beeswax candle dipping, making a wool-roved angel and creating holiday cards and decorations from natural materials. www.waldorfsaratoga.org

12th Annual Laying of Wreaths

Please join us on Saturday, December 7, at noon, at one of the following locations as we honor those who have served our country: Galway Town Hall, Galway Junior-Senior High School, Galway Village Park, Gideon Hawley Park in Charlton, Scotch Church Cemetery, Providence Town Hall. Sponsored by the Glenville Hills Garden Club and partial funding by Bob’s Trees.

The Greenwich Holiday Craft Fair 

Sunday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Greenwich High School gymnasium. Admission to the event is free. There are over 50 vendors attending. There will also be a Basket Raffle, Ed Levin Specialty Item Raffle and Concessions. Get in the holiday spirit, shop local, and support small businesses as well as the GCS students!

Trip to Turning Stone

The Olde Saratoga Seniors are planning a trip to Turning Stone Casino for a Classic Christmas Spectacular. Combines the hottest hits from the 50s & 60s along with the classic Christmas songs you’ve come to adore with an included casino bonus. You will receive a $25 slot bonus and $5 meal credit. Cost will be $49.  Thursday, December 12.  Bus leaving at 8 am from American Legion, Clancy St., Schuylerville with stop on way to Casino arriving around 10:15 am and stop on way home arriving around 7:30 p.m. Contact Peg Jennings at 518-695-6861 or 518-275-5805 to reserve a seat on the bus.

Celebrate the Season

Saratoga Chamber Players celebrates the season on Sunday December 15, 3PM with dazzling string sextet arrangements of Mozart’s Symphonie Concertante in Eb Major, K364 and Strauss’ Metamorphosen, TrV 290. Saratoga United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-season-of-sextets-tickets-950934620047?aff=oddtdtcreator For more information and musician bios visit www.saratogachamberplayers.org/

Goo Goo Dolls / Dashboard Confessional Announce Summer ’25 SPAC Date 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Goo Goo Dolls  “Summer Anthem Tour 2025” will stage at Saratoga performing Arts Center July 30, 2025.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Goo Goo Dolls will take their live show back on the road in 2025 with an extensive run of summer tour dates with Dashboard Confessional. 

The “Summer Anthem Tour 2025” Kicks off July 13 in Phoenix, Arizona and will make a stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. 

 “We’re busy putting together our 15th studio album so we will have some great new songs and of course we’ll be playing all the songs you know and love,” Goo Goo Dolls’ guitarist and frontman John Rzeznik said in a statement. 

Dashboard Confessional will provide support on the tour. For more information and tickets, go to: livenation.com. 

Racing Memories 2024 Set To Take The Green Flag at Auto Museum Event Nov. 30

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


The Racing Memories program will take place at the Saratoga Automobile Museum on Saturday, Nov. 30. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS—The annual Racing Memories program will take place at the Saratoga Automobile Museum on Saturday, Nov. 30.

The popular program, formerly titled Lost Speedways, will fill the museum with racing enthusiasts, drivers, memorabilia collectors and at least one well-known promoter.  As a bonus, attendees will be among the first to view the newly opened Golub Gallery exhibit “Evolution of Performance and Design.”

Event organizer Ron Hedge said Ken Parrotte will provide a look at a great era of the Indianapolis 500 and Mark Supley, the ‘Motorcycle Guy,’ will offer a segment on side-car racing.  Racing historian Herb Anastor will talk about the fabled Formula Libre race at Lime Rock Park where Rodger Ward beat the world’s best sports car racers with Ken Brenn’s midget, and Keith Majka will display a restored Brenn midget, for road racing enthusiast and oval racing fan alike, can check it out.

Popular drivers Brian Ross, Phil Spiak, Nick Ronca and Jack Halloran will take part in a panel discussion of the early NASCAR era at the then newly opened asphalt Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

Admission for the event can be secured at:  www.saratogaautomuseum.org or at the door.  Museum members are free.

The Saratoga Automobile Museum is located on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Doors open at 10 a.m. with the formal presentations set to begin at 11:45.

Rod Stewart, Cheap Trick to Stage Summer Show in Saratoga 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Rod Stewart’s “One Last Time” tour will perform at SPAC July 15.  

SARATOGA SPRIINGS — Rod Stewart, the legendary singer-songwriter whose musical roots date back to legendary collaborations with Jeff Beck, and as a member of Faces, this week announced his “One Last Time” tour will visit North America in 2025 and include a show in Saratoga Springs.  

Cheap Trick will provide tour support. 

The tour makes its U.S. debut on Mar. 7 in Austin, Texas, and feature 20 shows across amphitheaters and arenas through Aug. 15. 

Stewart, and Cheap Trick will stage a show at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 15. 

Stewart is perhaps best known for songs such as “You Wear It Well,” “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,” “Tonight’s the Night,” and “Every Picture Tells A Story,” among others. His career included a handful of albums and years with The Faces in the early 1970’s, one of the greatest live touring bands during the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. Earlier this year Stewart released his 33rd studio album, titled “Swing Fever,” and featuring a collaboration with Jools Holland with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

Cheap Trick formed in the mid’1970’s and today features Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), Tom Petersson (bass guitar), and Daxx Nielsen (drums). “Dream Police,” “Surrender” and “I Want You To Want Me” are among their more popular songs.

For more information and tickets, go to: livenation.com. 

Spa City Tour Guides Pen New Book about Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Faces of Saratoga – Twenty People Who Have Shaped Our City. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS—– “Faces of Saratoga – Twenty People Who Have Shaped Our City,” is the title of a new book co-written by Saratoga Springs tour guides Joe Haedrich and Marcia Martin.

The book tells the story of the men and women instrumental in the growth and direction of Saratoga Springs, including the Mohawk Indians, Gideon Putnam, and Marylou Whitney.

“We have both been telling these stories for many years and decided to tie all these tales and narratives together to put them in book form” said Haedrich, who has given tours in the city for about 15 years.  

Martin, who has given history tours in Saratoga for more than a dozen years, previously taught in the Saratoga school system until her retirement 13 years ago.  

“I thoroughly loved the research, uncovering their back stories and understanding why they did, what they did,” Martin said.  

The book is available at Northshire Books and Impressions, both on Broadway in Saratoga Springs and in area gift shops.  

“Officers as Artists” – Saratoga Springs Artist in National Law Enforcement Museum Exhibition Celebrating Creativity of Officers 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


“Officers as Artists.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.  —Imagery captured by Officer Jacqueline Abodeely from Saratoga Springs is featured among the works of 50 active and retired law enforcement officers from across the U.S. in The National Law Enforcement Museum’s inaugural art exhibition, “Officers as Artists: The Creative Expression of Those Who Serve.”

Hailed as a groundbreaking exhibit that spotlights the artistic talents and creativity of law enforcement officers across the country, the showcase highlights how art serves as a transformative and powerful outlet for those who navigate the complexities and challenges of their profession.

Jaqueline Abodeely of Saratoga Springs has been taking photographs since she was 12 years old. She was in the law-enforcement field with the New York State Park Police for approximately 15 years. Her initial position as dispatcher/hostler (mounted patrol horse caretaker) evolved to six months in the NYSPP Academy and becoming an officer stationed in the State Parks of New York City and the Capital- Saratoga region of New York State.  Eventually, she was forced to retire after suffering an on-duty injury.

“The creative expressions featured in this exhibit offer a unique and intimate glimpse into the lives of law enforcement officers,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, in a statement. “We hope that through this exhibit visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of those who serve, and the therapeutic role art can play in their lives.”

During her law enforcement career and especially during critical incidents, Abodeely says she experienced many moments of a feeling of “in between,” where time seemed to pause – as if the reality of the situation, and the work that needed to be done occurred on a different timeline than the civilian life lived every day. 

Photography provided a way to capture that feeling of a dual perspective, a line between worlds, and the ability to depict a place where the two visions may potentially come together as one.

In the Saratoga region, Abodeely served as mounted unit coordinator for many years, participating in parades, community events, and as active patrol at Saratoga Performing Arts Center for large-scale concerts. She also received certification as a general topics instructor and mounted police instructor,  assisting with training a multi-agency mounted police school, including members of the city of Saratoga Springs and Albany police departments.

The “Officers as Artists” exhibit recently opened to the general public in the DuPont Gallery in Washington, D.C.  and will run through Aug. 30, 2025. For more information, visit: https://nleomf.org/museum/officers-as-artists/

Week of November 22 – November 28, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.


This fabulous home at 1 Overlook Court in Saratoga Springs which was listed by Rebecca Wolfe and sold by Kate Naughton from Roohan Realty was sold for $1,200,000

BALLSTON 

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 19 Appleton St to Sreekar Karnati for $606,326

Peter Gazillo sold property at 422 Devils Lane to Schworm Enterprises for $125,000

George Brenner sold property at 106 Charlton Rd to Arthur Shillito for $330,000

CORINTH

Shane Griffin sold property at 2 Bianca Dr to Aubree McCallum for $370,000

GALWAY

Douglas Reichel sold property at 1287 West Galway Rd to Gabriel Mormile for $150,000

Laura Hess sold property at 3036 South Shore Rd to Grazyna Micco for $175,500

GREENFIELD

Jeffrey Steigerwald sold property at 173 Desolation Rd to Thomas Bunnell for $231,000

Laura Evans sold property at 22 Mia Way to Timothy Mickle for $330,500

Dominic Masi sold property at 25 Lincoln Mountain Rd to Peter Bondzinski for $129,000

MALTA 

Richard Yowell sold property at 30 Pennyroyal Rd to Lawrence Tiffany for $410,000

Saratoga Water Services sold property at 145 Knapp Rd to Town of Malta for $120,000

Saratoga Water Services sold property at 163 Knapp Rd to Town of Malta for $100,000

Judy Zlotnick sold property at 560 NY Route 67 to Tyler Graham for $184,000

MILTON

Skyrock Properties Inc sold property at 16 Glen St to Emilie Macminn for $415,000

D and T Property Holdings LLC sold property at 17 Malta Ave to Phan Realty for $315,000

Nicholas Desany sold property at 18 Skylark Dr to Justin Nadeau for $491,802

SARATOGA

Sue Ellen Mathers sold property at 106 Burke Rd to Victoria Paterson for $925,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Joseph Stamatakis sold property at 61 Rip Van Lane to Timothy Lasarso for $405,600

Joshua Cooper sold property at 7 Elizabeth Lane to Greg Bibby for $650,000

Gordon Nicholson sold property at 5 Salem Dr to Mackenzie Paine for $475,000

David Chew sold property at 18 Alger St to David Longbrake for $500,000

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St #362 to Timothy Spadafora for $1,085,000

WILTON

Kristin Kunzia sold property at 76 Worth Rd to Pedro Galina for $390,000

Joanne Dwornik sold property at 6 Claire Pass to Suzanne Farr for $459,000

North Manor LLC Development sold property at 10 Campbell Dr to Martin OKeefe for $760,378

Holiday Traditions Thanksgiving Feast

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

For the holiday season, we would like to make a tribute to both my mother and Paula’s mother and to pay honor to both in the traditions and spectacular foods that were part of our lives and remain as our strived for traditions. Although both of our mothers are no longer with us, the treasured traditions they created for us we carry within our hearts. 

The holiday season becomes a reminder of the deep family and holiday traditions that our Italian mothers treasured us with over the years. Holiday food and family stories go together. Most of us can think of a holiday food and smile as most take us back to a time with our grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and to our parent’s house. When we are asked about our favorite holiday memories, most answers that pop out of our mouths are food related. Why? Because food elicits memories! 

Both mine and Paula’s mothers were the masters of their kitchens. The planning of the holidays’ included making the traditions. In many of my past stories, I have written about the cooking prowess of my Italian mother, reflecting on her near magical ability to conjure up enough food to feed 15 people on regular Sunday supper. This was certainly the case with planning holiday meals. Starting the holiday season was the grandeur of the Thanksgiving feast. Paula and I were not raised with the traditional Thanksgiving, In the Italian household, the visions of roasted turkeys, stuffing and mashed potatoes dancing in our heads as we prepare for the carb overload of a dinner served at 3 p.m. was not the tradition we grew up with. What we considered as a normal holiday offering turned out to be rather strange to some, but is beloved to us. 

Growing up in an Italian-American household, it was not uncommon to think that pasta had to be part of all Thanksgiving meals. The Thanksgiving Lasagna was part of the multiple course meal that would come BEFORE the turkey.  Of course, we needed to begin our Thanksgiving feast with the antipasti that included a few types of salami, cheese, olives, spreads, and crackers and you are good to go. This encouraged everyone to try something new while also working as a great conversation starter surrounding what everything is. Many Italian families also include soups during this Thanksgiving antipasti course—like Italian wedding soup or tortellini en brodo. 

Let’s not forget the desserts. Though it might seem impossible that anyone is still hungry after all of the amazing foods for the holidays, dessert is just as important as the meal itself. And while Italian-Americans bring plenty of pies to both holiday affairs and the traditional Italian desserts that provided a sweet end to the eating festivities. It would not be an eating event without some strong espresso amped up with Sambuca. 

As I tell these stories, there are so many memories of my big Italian family making food and carrying the traditions that I hold dear in my heart. Take time to enjoy the holidays. I do miss the days celebrating with a large family but grateful for the many good times and traditions that our mothers brought to our lives. 

This holiday season, stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs, NY. What can be better than family and friends coming together to eat something delicious that you’ve eaten together for years? Sometimes the unitedness comes in the preparations, sometimes it comes in the eating of the holiday food and sometimes it proves to be a catalyst to bring new friends and family into the fold. It is important for families to carry on the traditions. That is really what keeps us together. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care,
John & Paula

Turkey Tips & Tricks

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

It’s almost turkey time and there is more than one way to prepare and cook a turkey.  Here are two options to consider when seasoning turkey for the big day.

The Apple Cider Brine:  Mix, and heat together, 2 cups apple cider*, 1 gallon water, 1 cup kosher salt, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 5 cloves garlic* smashed, 1 orange, thinly sliced, 1 lemon, thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon dried rosemary*, 3 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon ground sage*, 1 tablespoon dried thyme*, 1 tablespoon black peppercorns.  Place the cooked and cooled brine in a brining bag with the turkey and place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before removing and cooking the turkey.  (Adapted from The Schmidty Wife)

The Dry Brine:  Use 2–2½ teaspoons of Diamond Crystal kosher salt per pound of turkey, or 1–1½ teaspoon per pound of Morton kosher salt combined with your favorite herbs and spices.  Rub the salt & seasonings under and on top of the skin.  Let the turkey set in the refrigerator overnight with the seasoning on it before roasting.  

The Turkey Temp: If you are oven-roasting your turkey plan on 325 to 350 degrees.  The turkey is completely cooked once a meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees.  The length of time time to roast your turkey is contingent on the size of the turkey.

Let it Rest:  Always let the cooked turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Don’t forget to visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market for all of your Thanksgiving nibbles for appetizers, main dishes and desserts.  

*Ingredients that can be located the market.

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Wilton Mall in the food court area. The Holiday/Winter Market takes place from November 2nd through April 26th. Find us online a www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.


Classic Sage and Sausage Stuffing


Yields: 8 servings | Prep & cook time: 15 min

Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds bread, cut into 3/4-inch dice (about 5 quarts)*

8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)*

1 1/2 pounds sage sausage, removed from casing*

1 large onion, finely chopped*

4 large ribs celery, finely chopped*

2 cloves garlic, minced or grated on a Microplane grater*

1/4 cup minced fresh sage leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried sage leaves)*

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, if needed (see note)

1 quart low-sodium homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken or turkey stock (4 cups )

3 large eggs*

1/4 cup minced parsley leaves, divided*

Instructions:

Adjust oven racks to lower-middle and upper-middle positions. Preheat oven to 275°F. Spread bread evenly over 2 rimmed baking sheets. Stagger trays on oven racks and bake until completely dried, about 50 minutes total, rotating trays and stirring bread cubes several times during baking. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Increase oven temperature to 350°F.

In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat until foaming subsides (do not allow butter to brown), about 2 minutes. Add sausage and mash with a stiff whisk or potato masher to break up into fine pieces (largest pieces should be no bigger than 1/4 inch). Cook, stirring frequently, until only a few bits of pink remain, about 8 minutes. Add onion, celery, garlic, and sage and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add half of chicken stock.

Whisk remaining chicken stock, eggs, and 3 tablespoons parsley in a medium bowl until homogeneous. Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, slowly pour egg mixture into sausage mixture. Add bread cubes and fold gently until evenly mixed.

Use part of stuffing to stuff turkey, if desired (see note). To cook remaining stuffing, transfer to a buttered 9- by 13-inch rectangular baking dish (or 10- by 14-inch oval dish), cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake until an instant-read thermometer reads 150°F (66°C) when inserted into center of dish, about 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until golden brown and crisp on top, 15 to 20 minutes longer. Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle with remaining parsley, and serve.

Note: If using homemade or low-sodium stock, season to taste with salt and pepper before adding.