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Jean K. Addesso

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

BALLSTON SPA – ADDESSO, Jean Katherine (née Heidelmeier), age 89, formerly of Hoboken and Little Ferry, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, in her sleep at her home in Ballston Spa, NY, with family by her side.

Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, Anthony “Tony” Addesso, who was not only her husband but also her best friend and the love of her life. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Louis Heidelmeier, Anna Marie Bufis, Frances Lupinaccio, Olga Della Bella, and Doris Clark.  

Jean is survived by her son, Thomas Addesso; her daughters, Patricia Addesso and Vicki Dodd and her husband, Gregory Dodd; and her cherished grandchildren Craig Addesso, Kelsey Dodd and Mason Vairetta. Also, Brenda Pizzute and Louise Tulp, who she loved as if they were her own.

Jean spent many years raising her family in Little Ferry, NJ, where she was very active in the community. She served as both a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and was instrumental in the founding and success of the Women’s Club of Little Ferry. 

Above all else, Jean was proud to be a homemaker and mother. She took great pride in keeping a warm and immaculate home, loved to entertain, loved the holidays, she welcomed friends freely, and embraced the role of mother and grandmother not only to her own family but to anyone fortunate enough to walk through her door.  Jean also shared a special bond with her beloved Cockapoo, Shadow, who was a constant companion and source of comfort in her life. Shadow meant the world to her, and it brought her peace knowing that they will be together again.

In 1987, Jean and Tony embarked on a new adventure together when they opened TJ’s Stationery Plus on Palisades Avenue in Bogota, NJ. The store and Jean’s welcoming smile became a beloved staple in the community until they sold the business in 1997. They then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they enjoyed time with family and friends for a few years but ultimately Jean needed to be near her children. Jean and Tony returned east and settled in upstate New York so they could be close to their daughter and soon the entire family moved there and began to grow. Jean loved celebrating the milestones of her family, big holiday gatherings, bar-be-cues and watching her granddaughter, Kelsey, perform. 

In recent years, despite battling her own health issues, Jean selflessly devoted herself to caring for Tony until his passing just five months earlier. Caring for her family was always her greatest purpose in life. Perhaps there was comfort in knowing that she had fulfilled that purpose so completely.

Jean leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion to family, kindness, love and laughter. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her but never forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to call, March 28, from 11:30 am-1:00 pm at the William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research.

AIM Services to Lead New York’s  Supported Decision Making Model

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


AIM Services will be the lead agency responsible for implementing Supported Decision Making Statewide (Aidan Cahill).

Dwight Joyner said that Supported Decision Making has allowed him to live his life independently and safely. (Aidan Cahill). 

A new statewide system to help those with disabilities make their own choices will be led by a Saratoga County-based company. 

AIM Services Inc., located in the Town of Wilton, was awarded a contract to facilitate New York’s Supported Decision-Making (SDM) model for people with developmental disabilities. The model is designed to allow those with developmental disabilities to have control over things like finances and relationships while receiving support from third party organizations. 

AIM Services CEO Chris Lyons said that the SDM approach is a relatively new concept which emerged out of concerns regarding how people with developmental disabilities were traditionally treated under guardianships. 

“If you have guardianship, despite the well intention of the guardian, you’re not really in control,” Lyons said. “Supported Decision Making gives you legal capacity to make your own decisions that would be recognized by the outside world as your decisions, but you agree to use your supports. They don’t replace or substitute their judgment for yours. They just help you make full, informed decisions.” 

New York’s SDM model was first piloted in 2016 by Supported Decision-Making New York and CUNY Hunter College using funding from Council on Developmental Disabilities. The pilot was expanded in 2021 by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) using federal funding. In 2022, the framework for SDM was signed into law, granting statewide recognition of the model. 

Under the new contract, AIM services will be the lead agency responsible for implementing and facilitating SDM statewide. 

“Anyone with a developmental disability can reach out to AIM Services and have their assistance in using their natural supports and trusted loved ones in their life to just give them that little extra support in making a decision, giving them the autonomy and the dignity to live their own lives,” OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer said. 

Both OPWDD and AIM Services stressed the benefits of SDM for those with disabilities and their caregivers. Lyons said the program allows parents with adult children with disabilities to be parents and not just caregivers. Baer emphasized that SDM helps those with disabilities be able to live their lives with dignity. 

“Legal capacity to make decisions,” Baer said.  “It is at the core of our human dignity to enjoy our successes in life, the natural consequences of our choices, our decisions, our experiences, the mosaic of our choices that make us who we are. At the core of our human dignity is our ability to own our own successes, and we can only do that if we’re allowed to own our own failures.” 

One of the people currently benefiting from SDM, Dwight Joyner, spoke about his experience with AIM and SDM. Joyner said that SDM allows him to make his own decisions without having to completely rely on others. 

“Decision making means that I can make my own choices and do the things I want to do,” Joyner said. “Make my own meals, take a walk down the street. Be able to have a relationship without someone telling me I can’t be in the relationship.” 

Matt Jones Named Saratoga County Chamber’s 2026 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award Recipient

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Local Attorney Matt Jones has received the Dalton Community Service Award (Photo Courtesy of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce).

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce announces that Matt Jones is the 2026 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient.

Jones will be presented with this award at the Annual Chamber Celebration Night on Thursday, May 7 at the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.

This recognition, created by unanimous vote of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors in 2017, is a community service-focused award to honor an individual who has been faithful and loyal to the Saratoga County community for more than 25 years.

Jones is the Senior Partner at Jones Steves Grassi LLP, concentrating his practice in land use and development matters in Saratoga County, representing clients with major development projects. He has represented GlobalFoundries, Saratoga Hospital, Skidmore College, Regeneron and many more throughout his nearly five decades of practice.

During his career, Jones has played a significant role in the Saratoga Springs community. He has served as a Vice President of the New York State Bar Association and member of its Executive Committee as well as a former President of the Saratoga County Bar Association. In addition, he has served as: President of the Saratoga Springs Board of Education; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; President of the Saratoga County YMCA Board of Directors; President of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club Foundation Board of Trustees; Vice Chairman and founding Director of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority; Chairman of the West Avenue Redevelopment Advisory Committee; Chairman of the Saratoga Springs Committee on Recreation; Member of the Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission; Member of the Board of Directors of the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board; Member of the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation; Chairman of the Blue Streaks Hall of Fame Committee; Co-Founder of the Saratoga County Bar Association Mock Trial Program; and Board Member of the Saratoga Springs Smart City Commission.

In addition to his upcoming receipt of the Chamber’s 2026 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award, Jones has been the recipient of the Leadership Saratoga Distinguished Alumnus Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement to the Community by a Graduate of the Leadership Saratoga program, the YMCA Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for Untiring Devotion to the YMCA, the Community Leadership Association – Distinguished Leadership Award for Exemplary Service, Commitment to the Community, and the 2024 Liberty Bell Award. He was inducted into the Saratoga Springs High School Hall of Distinction in 2022.

“Based upon the activities, involvement, and leadership in the community over the past 47 years,” said past Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient L. Clifford Van Wagner in his nomination of Jones, “I can say without reservation that he has proven through his actions to be honorable, ready, relevant, innovative, and versatile while always doing what is right for the community.”

“I worked very closely with Matt the year he chaired the Chamber’s Board of Directors and his advice, and counsel was always based on what was best for the community,” said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “He’s given his time, talent, and treasure to so many vital parts of our community for decades, and he is one of those leaders everyone respects for the positive difference he makes. The City Center, Saratoga Hospital, the Saratoga Springs School District, and the Saratoga Regional YMCA just to name a few are all better because of Matt’s leadership.”

In addition to its annual recipient, the award recognizes Joseph Dalton, who served as the President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce from 1970 to 2010. During his tenure, the Chamber’s membership, influence, and impact grew significantly as a direct result of Dalton’s leadership, passion, and commitment to establishing Saratoga County as a great place to live, work and play.

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); Cindy Hollowood (2024); and Colleen Carlson (2025).

March 13 – March 19, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, March 13

Call for Local Folk or Irish Performers  

Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Dr., Malta | Come audition for an opportunity to showcase your talent during “Café Malta”, an intimate coffee house. It’s lucky Friday the 13th right before St. Patrick’s Day! We are looking for talented musicians, vocalists, and small acoustic bands, storytellers and/or dancers. Each acoustic act selected will play a short 10–15-minute set. Auditions are by appointment only.  Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director, at 518-899-4411 x 305 or 

theater@townofmalta.gov for more details or to schedule an audition.

Mini-Golf in the Library 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | Adults: 6:15-6:45 p.m., All ages: 6:45-8:30 p.m. Celebrate nine Novel Holidays with a round of mini-golf. Putt your way through Squirrel Appreciation Day, Lost Sock Memorial Day, and more. The last round of golf begins at 8 p.m. All participants will be entered into a prize raffle. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org. 

Saturday, March 14

The 20th Annual Upstate Sports Summer Expo

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Beat cabin fever and get excited about spring and summer at the gathering of outdoor sports, recreation, health/fitness, and travel enthusiasts! The free admission, high energy show brings Upstate Sports & Vermont Sports magazines to life with 200 exhibitors covering running, biking, paddling, hiking, triathlon, recreation, health/fitness, and travel. For more info and an updated list of exhibitors, visit: upstatesports.fun/summer-expo. For details and updates on the Summer Expo and our magazines, follow or like us on facebook.com/adirondacksports and instagram.com/adirondacksports.

Rummage Sale and Chowder and Soup Sale

Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd. Charlton | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Free Community Lunch

Malta Ridge Methodist Church, 729 Malta Ave. Ext. Malta | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  The lunch includes soup, sandwich, beverage and dessert, and is served at no charge. All are welcome.  For questions or directions call the church on the lunch date, after 10 a.m. 518-581-0210.

Escape to the Leprechaun Limited!

Corinth Station, 9 Railroad Place, Corinth | 12 p.m. A 1.5-hr vintage train ride aboard the SC & H Railway offering heated cars, scenic views & a lucky green ribbon wish.  Spot mischievous Diesel McGreedy in the pines & enjoy a magical day! Visit Corinthtrain.com to learn more and purchase tickets.

Pastor Installation Ceremony

Presbyterian United Church of Christ, 24 Circular Drive, Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m.  Ceremony and Service to install new settled pastor.  All are welcome.  518-584-6091, puccchurch.org, @puccchurch.

Corned Beef Dinner

The Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 5th Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.  Cost: Free-will donation. Come Join us!

Ready, Set, Glow

Saratoga YMCA, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | Help Bikeatoga Raise Funds for the Dake Foundation. Bikeatoga is riding in a relay-style stationary bike fundraiser to support the Dake Foundation, and we need your help to make a real impact. The Dake Foundation provides grants to local children with disabilities, helping cover equipment and services not paid for by insurance and supporting the nonprofits that serve them. Every donation, no matter the size, moves us closer to that goal. Event & fundraising deadline: Saturday, March 14. If you’ve been looking for a way to support local kids in a tangible, meaningful way, this is it. Help us show up strong for the Dake Foundation. 

Donate here: https://givebutter.com/bikeforkids2026/bikeatogaorg. 

Sunday, March 15

All You Can Eat Country Breakfast

Gansevoort Fire House, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m. Menu includes: eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits with sausage gravy, orange juice, milk, and coffee. Donation: $12 adults, $10 Seniors 55+ and Military and 1st Responders, $10 children age 6-12, children under 6 yrs. old are free.

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Admission is free with over 40 vendors, great parking, bargains galore, and lunch available too.  Just about anything you can imagine might be offered: soaps, body creams, Scentsy and craft items; as well as anything garage sale.  It’s a fun activity the entire family enjoys.  All proceeds go to the Elks Scholarship Fund.   An 8’ table with chairs is $15.   Email Debbie @ deborahozolins@gmail.com or call 518-226-5595 for information or to sign up for a table(s).  Applications are available in the Elks Lobby after 3 pm Monday through Saturday. 

Tang Guide Tour with Juliet Young ‘28

Tang Museum Atrium, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. A tour of the Museum and current exhibitions with Tang Guide Juliet Young ’28. This event is open to the public, and visitors are invited to stay after the tour and look around the galleries. For more information, visit tang.skidmore.edu. 

Doing Our Part

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 2 – 3 p.m. Learn from Nancy White as she describes the development and purpose of her many gardens within The Healing Garden – a unique property certified as a United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary, with an environment rich in biodiversity, including endangered native medicinal plants and wetlands. The house was built with a focus on sustainability, i.e., to conserve fossil fuels and water, and with great attention to clean air and renewable materials. Nancy will share practical and economical ways we can enact environmental improvements in our own backyards. Reservations for tours will be available on the day of the presentation.  

Monday, March 16

Thymly Herb Group Meeting

4H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  We will not meet if the Ballston Spa Schools are closed. Carol Atwater will teach us the ins and outs of grafting fruit trees so they can thrive in this region.  Please note there is a fee for non-members for supplies.  Cost for non-members will be $15 and members are free.  A second graft set will be $5 (members & non-members) if there are any supplies left. Payments can be in checks or cash. Following the presentation, there will be light refreshments and a meeting.  Dues for the year to join the Thymly Herb Group are $20. The first meeting is free. Please RSVP if you are attending or have questions to thymlyherbgroup1@gmail.com.

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

The Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30 p.m.  Our speaker is Sue Lipscomb, who is the Group Exercise Director at the Saratoga branch of the SRYMCA.  She will speak not only about the Parkinson’s classes provided at the Y but other suitable exercise classes as well. Look forward to seeing you there.  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.

Experts Next Door: American Women and Expatriate Life in Interwar Paris

Live on Zoom | 7 p.m. This discussion will consider an important segment of expatriates to Paris post-WWI: American women. What drove so many American women out of their own country after 1918, and what did they hope to find in Paris? To what extent did American women who felt constrained and limited by life at home find freedom in expatriation? Through tracing the lives of women such as the Harlem Renaissance poet Gwendolyn Bennett, and the founder of the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, Sylvia Beach, this presentation will explore the gendered experience of expatriation in this new, modern era of mobility. Register: brooksidemuseum.org. 

Tuesday, March 17

Pierogi Sale

Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pick up. Potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese will be available. You can call 518-363-0001 to place an order.

Town of Greenfield Historical Society Meeting

Town of Greenfield Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd, Greenfield Center | 7 p.m. We’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day during Woman’s History month.  We will explore the storied life of Chauncey Olcott as told by his wife Rita O’Donovan Olcott in her book “Song in His Heart.” The Olcotts resided on Clinton Street in Saratoga Springs for many decades. Mary Ann Fitzgerald, recently retired city historian, will take us back to the path of Chauncey Olcott, becoming a renowned American musical stage actor, singer and songwriter of many tunes including “My Wild Irish Rose,” and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.” 

Wednesday, March 18

Pickin’s  

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. Doors open 1 p.m. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call Earl 518-348-9922 with questions.

Chicken and Biscuits Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Free Community Meal

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 5 – 6 p.m. This month’s meal is Shepherd’s Pie. The meal is held on the third Wednesday of each month.

Winter/Miller Lecture: Christopher Myers

Tang Museum Payne Room, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Join us for the ninth annual Winter/Miller Lecture featuring acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Christopher Myers. Myers is a visual artist, children’s book author and illustrator, textile artist, and has worked in both theater and film. Through his many mediums he answers, and asks questions, about how storytelling can change lives. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit tang.skidmore.edu 

Henry Knox: Resolve Forged by Revolution

Brookside Museum 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 6 p.m. In the winter of 1775–1776, hope for a free America was nearly frozen by the British occupation of Boston. One patriot—Henry Knox—answered the call, leading a dangerous, expedition through snow, mountains, and doubt to move the legendary Noble Train of Artillery. This is a story of courage, conviction, and resolve—one that helped liberate Boston and forged an enduring legacy of Americans’ resolve. This event is presented by Saratoga County History Center and the Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc.

Nature Art Workshop: Landscape Painting

Wilton Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6 – 8:30 p.m.  Looking to channel your inner artist? Each month will feature a nature-themed art project. Explore different art mediums while learning about the Saratoga Sand Plains. Register online, www.wiltonpreserve.org or call 518-450-0321. 

Astronomy Club 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 pm.  The presentation is entitled Charles Messier and His Beginner Targets List. The Club is open to adults and teens (middle school and older). Registration is requested, but not required, by calling 518-882-6385.  New members are welcome.

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: Kelsey Jensen, Measuring What Matters: Turning Soil Data into Climate Solutions. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-11/. 

Thursday, March 19

Academy for Lifelong Learning Open House

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd, Saratoga Springs | 2 – 3:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Find out what the Academy is all about and hear from some course leaders about their 20 spring course offerings. Light refreshments will be served. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or call 518-290-6988.

Historian Tea Talk: Women of Schuyler Mansion 

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 3 p.m. The “Schuyler Sisters” cause quite a stir in the Broadway musical Hamilton: An American Musical, but did you know that there were really five sisters? Born and raised in Albany, they were the daughters of Revolutionary War General and United States Senator, Philip Schuyler, and his wife, Catherine Van Rensselaer of patroon lineage. George and Martha Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Benedict Arnold, Horatio Gates, and Dolley Madison were just a few of their friends, associates, and adversaries. Learn what it was like growing up as a Schuyler with an in-depth look at the history of the Schuyler sisters and the life of their mother, Catharine. Register: brooksidemuseum.org. 

Lenten Vespers Service 

Presbyterian United Church of Christ, 24 Circular Drive, Saratoga Springs | 7-8pm.  518-584-6091, puccchurch.org, @puccchurch.

March 13 – March 19, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Upcoming Events

Saratoga Men’s Baseball League Seeking Players

The Saratoga Men’s Baseball League is looking for players age 28 and over for the upcoming season. The season runs from May through August. For more information, call or text 518-470-7894 by March 20.

A Fun Night of Line Dancing

Join us Friday, March 20 from 6-9 pm for a fun night of line dancing at Murray’s Fools Distilling Company, 7152 Amsterdam-Glenville Road, Glenville, in support of Gateway House of Peace. Dance the night and winter blahs away with Allison Drapeau, Board Vice President of Gateway House of Peace and line dancing instructor, as she leads beginner-friendly lessons followed by open dancing—NO experience needed. We’ll also have a 50/50 raffle and themed baskets. Food will be available for separate purchase. $10 cover charge with 50% of all cover proceeds will automatically be donated directly to Gateway House. Come dance to donate and give back to this incredible mission. We can’t wait to see you there. Dance your winter blahs away and have a lot of fun.

Genealogy and Local History

Heritage Hunters will meet Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St. in Schuylerville. Town of Waterford Historian, Russ VanDervoort will discuss his adventures in unearthing his family’s surname story. A shotgun wedding, Civil War Service, a nasty court case, and a maverick family member telling his family’s story, all influenced the evolution of his family name. Russ had been told several versions of his ancestors’ stories. He will explain the process that helped him determine the truths of how the changes took place. Russ has held many positions in Waterford and has written several local history books. For information, call 518-885-9309. 

Seed Starting Lesson and Workshop

Join the enthusiastic and knowledgeable Madison Blodgett for an exciting hands-on workshop where you’ll discover the essential skills needed to start seeds indoors. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to cultivate your green thumb while embracing sustainability and environmental stewardship. Join us and become part of a vibrant community of local residents passionate about gardening and healthy living—register today. Cost of event is $25, pre-payment and registration required, all funds go to the Unlimited Garden Fundraiser. Pre-registration can be made by emailing Jessica Luse at jmh452@cornell.edu. Registration deadline is March 13.

The Windermere Children

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and the sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, presents a panel discussion of the PBS drama, The Windermere Children. The program is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Several books and films have chronicled the 10,000 children rescued out of Europe during World War II on what became known as Kindertransport, the trains that carried the children to safety in Great Britain. Lesser known is the smaller, post-war British mission to rescue Jewish orphans who survived the concentration camps and give them a chance to reclaim their lives. Pre-registration is required. To register, https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/kVG1OUi/WindemereChildren

Saratoga Rec Department Hosts Inaugural Theater Program – Spring 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The City of Saratoga Springs Recreation Department is excited to announce its inaugural youth theater program, launching April 14, 2026.

The program will be directed by Anna Bonner, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School with years of drama experience and a deep passion for the performing arts. She’ll be joined by fellow high school drama club volunteers Finley Armstrong (Stage Manager) and Dante DePaulo (Choreographer). Together, they aim to create a supportive and inspiring space where local youth can step into the spotlight, build confidence, and discover more about themselves through theater.

The program’s first production will be Beauty and the Beast.

“Theater has always been an important part of my life, and I fell in love with it through a Rec Center program,” says Anna Bonner, Saratoga Rec Theater Director. “I want to give kids that same chance to fall in love with theater the way I did — in a healthy, supportive environment — while also coming full circle in my own love for the arts.”

The addition of a theater program marks an exciting expansion for the Rec Center. While the department has traditionally focused on sports programming, this new offering opens the door to creative arts opportunities and welcomes a broader group of participants.

The program is open to youth ages 8–14, and no prior theater experience is required. City and non-city residents are welcome, and every participant will receive a role. Auditions will take place on the first day in a low-stress, fun format that includes theater games and reading lines from favorite characters.

“We’ve been wanting to expand our offerings beyond sports for years,” says John Hirliman, Recreation Department Director. “We were waiting to find the right person to lead it, and Anna came in with both a plan and a purpose. She’s working closely with Hannah Hertik, our newest Program Coordinator and Camp Saradac Director, to get this program off the ground. With the two of them leading the way, it’s sure to be a program the community will remember for years to come.”

Event Details

Date: Tues & Thurs, April 14 – May 15 

Time: 4:00-6:00PM

Show Dates: Thursday, May 14 & Friday, May15 (participants will meet 4:00-8:00pm on show days)

*There will be a Tech Week 5/11-5/15 to prepare for the shows at the end of the week. 

Location: Saratoga Rec Center, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue

Skidmore College Dining Services named “Best Choice Restaurant” by Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Skidmore College Executive Chef Michael Hinrichs prepares a meal. Courtesy of Skidmore College.

Skidmore College Dining Services has been named a “Best Choice Restaurant,” by the  Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, becoming the first collegiate dining program in the country to join the Best Choice Restaurant Program and be recognized for its commitment to sourcing and serving sustainable seafood. 

 The recognition reflects Skidmore’s ongoing commitment to responsible action toward environmental sustainability and climate stewardship. 

 “Skidmore aims to lead by doing,” said Tarah Rowse, director of sustainability and environmental initiatives. “We are demonstrating our leadership and legitimately advancing our sustainability performance. We hope our efforts to be change agents ourselves can inspire others, within and beyond higher education, to support and accelerate a transition to a just and sustainable world.” 

 Through this partnership, Seafood Watch will guide sustainable sourcing efforts and work with Dining leadership to improve purchasing practices and ensure vendors meet responsible standards. Skidmore will label qualifying menu items with the Seafood Watch “Best Choice” mark to identify dishes that meet the program’s highest sustainability standards.

 “When we choose sustainable seafood, we’re protecting the ocean and people who depend on it. Ordering a Best Choice marked item on the menu is an easy, delicious way to help protect the ocean and support environmentally conscious restaurants,” says Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Vice President of Global Ocean Conservation, Jennifer Dianto Kemmerly. “The Best Choice Restaurant Program will have tremendous impact because chefs and restaurateurs create culinary experiences that shape diners’ food tastes and their cooking at home, driving demand for sustainable products beyond commercial kitchens.”

 Aligning with Foundation Five of Skidmore’s Strategic Plan, the program supports the College’s commitment to sustainable food practices, climate action, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship. 

 “Sustainability is not a single initiative for us — it’s embedded in how we think about menus, vendors, and student engagement,” said Michael Hinrichs, executive chef of Skidmore Dining. “This recognition reflects years of intentional work around sourcing, education, and culinary standards.” 

 Beyond sourcing, the partnership advances the College’s goal of building sustainability literacy. In collaboration with the Office of Sustainability, Dining Services will engage students, faculty, and staff with educational material, including pocket guides, that empower students, faculty, and staff to make informed seafood choices. 

 By earning this designation, Skidmore joins a select group of respected organizations and food industry leaders, including establishments such as The Market Place in Asheville, N.C., and restaurants at Four Seasons properties.

“Colleges have a unique opportunity to influence food culture at scale, and this designation affirms that institutional dining can lead to responsible, value-driven purchasing,” said Hinrichs. 

Wilton Wildlife Accepting Entries for Annual Earth Day Essay Contest

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is seeking submissions for their 11th Annual Earth Day Essay Contest. Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 since 1970, brings environmental awareness to the forefront. Earth Day promotes increased environmental consciousness, community participation, and protection of the planet worldwide. 

The mission of Wilton Wildlife includes environmental education as a priority, and for more than a decade, the Essay Contest has given school-aged children in the community a chance to express their views, do research, and engage in ecological topics related to the climate crisis.

The theme for 2026 is “We Are One”. Students are invited to write their essays on the Earth being the home that all living things share, and how people can come together to share the valuable resources the Earth provides. Students can write about what they can do to help their communities protect the planet in any capacity. We may be different, living in different countries and cultures, but we are all here together, along with all living things that depend on clean soil, water, and air. We are all together, living on our one planet, Earth.

A panel of judges from Wilton Wildlife will review the essays and select winners in lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school, and high school levels to receive a cash prize and recognition. Runner-up and judges’ choice categories will also be chosen. High school entries must be no longer than 650 words; middle school entries must be no longer than 500 words; and elementary school entries must be at least 10 sentences. Accompanying illustrations are also encouraged. The contest winner from each of the four grade categories will receive a $50 cash prize!

The deadline for entries is on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Winners will be announced in May, and prizes will be awarded at the Annual Wildlife Festival on Sunday, May 31. Submissions may be mailed to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park at 80 Scout Road, Wilton, NY 12831, or emailed to info@wiltonpreserve.org by the deadline. Please include the student’s name, the name of the school, the student’s grade, and their teacher’s name. In addition, please include an email and a phone number, with each student’s entry.

The Annual Earth Day Essay Contest was initiated in 2016 by Wilton Wildlife with the support of two local educators, Betty McCanty and Jane Adams Wait, who helped serve as judges and who funded the prizes for the first years of the contest.

For more information, please visit the Wilton Wildlife website at wiltonpreserve.org, email info@wiltonpreserve.org, or call (518) 450-0321. Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s mission is to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological systems and natural settings.

Wesley Community Appoints New Board Members

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Photos of Alison Abbey and Aura Englese provided by the Wesley Community.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Community recently announced that Alison Abbey and Aura Englese have been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Wesley Community.

Abbey is vice president of personnel at Stewart’s Shops and brings 20 years of human resources leadership experience to her role. She oversees a human resources team responsible for payroll and benefits administration for more than 5,500 partners across New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Additionally, Abbey works closely with shop operations to address personnel matters, analyze workforce trends, and develop strategies designed to strengthen partner retention and engagement.

Englese serves as the director of human resources and corporate compliance officer at AIM Services, a nonprofit that provides residential and community-based services and care for individuals with disabilities and traumatic brain injuries in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties.

Englese provides leadership in human resources, corporate compliance, quality assurance and agency operations. She plays an important role in guiding organizational initiatives, strengthening operational effectiveness, and ensuring regulatory integrity across the agency in close collaboration with the executive team.

“We are pleased to welcome Alison and Aura to The Wesley Community Board of Directors,” said J. Brian Nealon, CEO of The Wesley Community. “Their leadership roles and individual strengths will be great assets to our community. Both are seasoned professionals with strong backgrounds in Human Resources and will be instrumental in helping Wesley develop new and innovative ways to offer the best services to our residents.”

Rock Doc About Saratoga-Based Group Screening at Putnam Place

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Movie poster provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A documentary about Blotto, a rock band with its origins at Saratoga’s 17 Maple Ave nightspot (later the Metro, now the Night Owl), will screen at Putnam Place on March 19.

The award-winning “Hello, My Name Is Blotto: The Movie” is described as an inside look at the “curious arc of the beloved laugh-rock band Blotto,” whose story serves as a case study in the highs and lows of the music business.

Blotto’s hits included “Metal Head,” “Goodbye Mr. Bond,” “My Baby’s the Star of a Drivers Ed Movie,” and “I Wanna Be a Lifeguard.” The band’s live shows celebrated “the feelgood vibe of the 80’s music and party scene,” according to a press release.

The screening is scheduled for 7 p.m. Band members and the film’s director will be in attendance. A warmup mix-meet-mingle hour is hosted by acoustic Americana trio Lost Radio Rounders, which includes Bowtie Blotto. Admission is $20 at the door or $10 in advance via the Putnam Place website.