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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Week of October 4 – October 10, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, October 4

Medicare Fair

Town Hall, Spring St., Schuylerville | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you are turning 65 or presently have Medicare, this event is for you. Licensed agents will be on hand to give you the most up to date information you need to make your Medicare decisions. For more information about this Fair call Linda at 518-505-5991

Saturday, October 5

2nd Annual National Child Health Day

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 65 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – Noon. This family-friendly event is dedicated to promoting the importance of children’s health and well-being, with interactive activities that engage both children and parents in fun and educational ways. With a special focus on vision health, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about pediatric eye care and the importance of early screening, while enjoying hands-on exhibits and wellness activities. To learn more about the Children’s Museum at Saratoga and to see a full calendar of events visit https://cmssny.org/events/.

Adirondacon Tabletop Gaming Convention

Charles R Wood Theater, Glens Falls | 9:30 a.m. A full and unique program of activities for tabletop gamers of all ages and interests. Adirondacon invites tabletop gaming enthusiasts from around the area and beyond, to gather for a day of modern tabletop games and other gaming-related events, while raising some money for their chosen local charity, North Shore Animal League – Adirondack Region Cat Adoption Center, based in Glens Falls. To buy passes please visit https://tabletop.events/conventions/adirondacon-7. Or visit our website: www.adirondacon.com

Strides for CJD Awareness and Fundraising Walk

Veterans Memorial Park, Adams Rd. Geyser Rd., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. This is a serious topic but the Strides for CJD is a fun event, bringing together families and friends and anyone else. We have games, free refreshments, Saratoga Santa, Saratoga Springs Fire Dept with a firetruck for kids to have a tour of, and awesome raffles-over 40 this year, all donated by the community including a Mountain Bike, Historic Saratoga Track Horse framed prints, a Team signed NY Giants Football, night at the Holiday Inn, brewery and winery donations, and so much more. We would love to see it listed with a positive invitation to join us! Registration at cjdfoundation.org.

Harvest Arts & Crafts Fair

First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. First Baptist Church Saratoga’s 231st Birthday Celebration! Enjoy family-friendly activities. There will be plenty of activities, food booths, vendors, Kids Zone and more. Indoor and outdoor. 

Goat Brothers 30th Annual Swap Meet

Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Motorcycle show, hot rods/Classic Cars Welcome, live entertainment, motorcycle parts and accessories, gifts and novelties. Admission $10 (under 12 free). Food and beverages available. Info at 518-583-3398, 518-507-6400 or www.goatbrothers.com

Malta Cultural Arts Festival 2024

Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Performances and Workshops will be Indoors and Outdoors, celebrating the cultural diversity of Malta and surrounding communities! The festival includes music performances, dance performances and workshops, drumming workshop. Multicultural displays in the Malta Branch of the Round Lake Library, a presentation from Malta Town Historian-Tom Williams, vendors and food will round out the day. Go to www.maltaparksrec.com for the complete schedule for the day or call Malta Parks and Recreation at 518-899-4411 for additional information.

Basic Ham Radio

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | Noon – 2 p.m. To introduce using a Ham Radio. On October 26 from 10 – 12 p.m., the exam to obtain a tech license will be administered. Further instruction will be provided via Zoom between the two sessions. The manual can be purchased on Amazon for $30 (information is available at the library). The exam is $15 ($5 under 18). There is a $20 suggested donation for the class. Call 518-882-6385 for details and registration. Presented by the Eastern Fulmont Amateur Radio Club.

Elktoberfest

Clifton Park Elks Lodge #2466, 695 MacElroy Rd., Ballston Lake | Noon – 6 p.m. Public welcome. Tastings of local craft and German beers, authentic German food – schnitzel, bratwurst, German potato salad, pretzels and more. US Stein holding qualifying event, beer puppeteer, basket raffle. Come dressed for the occasion. 21 and older to drink. Net proceeds benefit Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State. For more information contact elktoberfest@cliftonparkelks.org. 

Make Your Own Herbal Beauty Products

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1 – 4 p.m. The Milton Grange will be offering the next class in its herbal series. Presenter Janis Fallon will show you how easy it is to make your own cosmetics have fun and save money at the same time. Join Master Gardener Janis Fallon and the Milton Grange for this fun, hands on “spa afternoon”! You will bring home samples that you made yourself. Please bring a face cloth and towel. Class size is limited and the cost is $50. For more information, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org

Manhattan Short Film Festival

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. Ten short films will be shown, having been selected from 872 submissions from across the globe. This year’s finalists hail from nine countries including the U.S., U. K., Ukraine, Italy, France, and more. Attendees will cast their vote for Best Film and Beset Actor. Runtime for each screening is approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes and includes an intermission. The library will provide refreshments and everyone who attends will be entered into a raffle drawing for a door prize.

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga Charity Benefit Concert  

683 Route 29, Saratoga Springs | 6 – 10 p.m. Featuring The Bacon Brothers! Join us under the stars on for an unforgettable evening of music and community spirit, all in support of our mission to provide therapeutic programs for adults and children with mental illness and social difficulties, Veterans, families and couples, victims of domestic violence, and others in need of care. Your attendance will directly impact individuals in our community who benefit immensely from these programs. This event is our single biggest fundraiser of the year. For tickets, visit https://thsaratoga.org

Sunday, October 6

2024 Cars and Coffee: Trunk or Treat Edition

Adirondack Basement Systems, 80 Sheehan St., Mechanicville | 8 a.m. – Noon. Bringing community together, while raising funds and donations for the Capital Region Toys for Tots. Classic cars in the show will be decked out for Halloween, while participants hand out candy to spectators. Children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character and come enjoy a morning of trick or treating! There will also be a large bounce house for extra fun! Car enthusiasts of all levels are welcome to show off their finest vehicles for a good cause; no registration or payment required to attend. Free event, however, donations for Toys for Tots are greatly appreciated.

History Caravan

Saratoga National Historical Park, Visitor Center, 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 9:30 a.m. Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. If you would like to reserve your spot and be notified in case of the need to reschedule due to weather, contact sara_reservations@nps.gov.

Autumn Stroll: Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square

Meet: Northwest Corner of Division Street and Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Stroll leader Carrie Woerner, Assemblywoman and former Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Executive Director will highlight historic Franklin Square, Saratoga’s oldest residential neighborhood. All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours will be limited to thirty and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information on the Autumn strolls or to purchase tickets visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call (518) 587-5030, or email Sydney Hedge, Preservation & Programs Coordinator, at shedge@saratogapreservation.org.

Farrell Goehring Organ Concert

First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. Farrell Goehring, Organist, will play music of Andrew Lloyd Weber, Beethoven, Sibelius & Louis Vierne. The concert is presented without charge to the public. Donations towards the organ fund will be greatly accepted. Reception to follow. 

Monday, October 7

Battle of Bemus Heights Walking Tour

Saratoga National Historical Park, The Tide Turns parking lot (stop 5), 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 1 p.m.  Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives a guided tour of the fields where the Battle of Bemus Heights – the second battle of Saratoga – was fought on October 7, 1777. The battle was one of the most decisive American victories of the Revolutionary War and put an end to the British scheme to capture Albany. Major new information has reshaped our understanding of Benedict Arnold’s role in the battle, and discussing his heroism in the fight will be a highlight of the tour. No sign-up required. Tour should last 1 hour.

Galway Preservation Society Meeting

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | Doors open at 6:45. This month’s program will be on the 115th NY Infantry of the Civil War with particular attention to local soldiers from Galway and the surrounding area. The presentation will be given by Scott Young. Our programs are always open the public, free of charge. If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year. Please join us to learn more about 115th New York Infantry Regiment.

Tuesday, October 8

Dehydrate Hiking Season Snacks

Cornell Cooperative Extension, 50 W. High St., Ballston Spa 5-7 p.m. Going hiking this fall? Bring along the perfect healthy snacks on your scenic adventure! This class will cover education on dehydrating foods as a key preservation method, where participants will learn how to make their own healthy fruit roll up (fruit leather), and vegetable chips. Education on drying herbs will also be provided. Register today to learn how to make your own nutritious snacks that are shelf stable, and that you can take on the go anywhere, anytime! Call 885-8995 to pre-register two days in advance. Cost: $15.

Wednesday, October 9

Building Belonging Workshop

SUNY ADK- Saratoga Campus | 8 – 11:30 a.m. A workshop exploring how a sense of belonging in companies and communities impacts talent recruitment and retention. Featuring a discussion on: Reimagining Talent in Modern Workplaces with Netta Jenkins, CEO of Aerodei, author and leading voice on global inclusivity. $40 per attendee. To register, visit www.saratoga.org.

Chicken and Biscuits Dinner 

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

Green Drinks

The Parting Glass, 40-42 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Green Drinks! A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Green Drinks – Saratoga Springs is held monthly.

Thursday, October 10

Brown Bag Lunch: A Heritage in Poetry & Song

Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m. Joseph Bruchac, Saratoga Spring’s first Poet Laureate, and Jesse Bruchac will be performing original poems accompanied by new and traditional Abenaki music with flute, drum and guitar, reflecting the rich history and Native heritage of our region. Please join us for this unique program! Free and open to the public. 

Saratoga Veterans Chorus Rehearsal

American Legion Post 70, West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. All veterans of the Nation’s armed forces, including current active, Reserve, and Guard service members, are cordially invited to learn more about the camaraderie of choral singing in a “no audition” informal setting. Rehearsals are twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Choral instruction by a retired music educator. For more information contact Scott at 518 885-1326.

Saratoga Schools Honor 25-Year Employees

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Photo of Saratoga Springs City School District employees displaying their certificates of appreciation provided by the district.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On September 26, the Saratoga Springs City School District celebrated employees who have devoted 25 years of service to the school community.

Those employees were: Michelle Baldani, Christopher Caro, Shelley Collier, Tina Damiano, Laura Downey, Amy Elsworth, Laura Endieveri, Michael Goodwin, Gregory Goering, Rana Hughes, Anthony Klick, John Kreis, Carl Luciano, Timothy McGuiggan, Lisa Nettesheim, Barbara Omaggio, Benjamin Peck, Susan Pennock, Jill Perry, Lynda Redman, Thomas Reilly, Tracy Sanders, Karen Swift, Debra Tallman, and Dawn Talley.

In recognition of their service, each individual received a certificate of appreciation and chose a book to be placed in one of the district’s school libraries.

Waldorf Students Visit Diamond Mines

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


A Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs student during a trip to the Herkimer Diamond Mines. Photo provided by Discover Saratoga.

HERKIMER, NEW YORK — Sixth grade students from the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs celebrated the end of their Geology block with a trip to the Herkimer Diamond Mines in New York.

The children learned to identify the pocketed dolomite limestone and how to break it open, discovering various forms of these special quartz crystals, from drusy to pure Herkimer Diamond.

The Waldorf School emphasizes hands-on learning in low-tech classrooms and aims to enhance their intensive studies, or main lesson blocks, with relevant and engaging field trips.

“Act With Respect Always” Campaign Arrives in Bolton

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


A high school student receives a Starfish Award, shirt, and certificate as part of Coach Rich Johns’ two-day visit to the Bolton Central School.
Photo provided by Coach Johns.

BOLTON LANDING — Coach Rich Johns, a former Saratoga Springs teacher and tennis coach for nearly four decades, visited the Bolton Central School recently to deliver his “Act With Respect Always” presentation to students of all ages.

The presentation is designed to build respect and leadership, teach positive and constructive behavior, and stop bullying before it starts.

As part of the program, teachers were encouraged to recommend one student from each class to receive a Starfish Award. The prize recognizes students who make a positive difference in their community with efforts that aim to build respect and leadership, teach positive behavior, and help stop bullying.

Each class also received their own “Act With Respect Always” banner to sign and display.

Stewart’s Expands, Purchases 45 Jolley Convenience Stores

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


Photo of a Jolley convenience store provided by Stewart’s Shops

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Shops announced last Friday that it had signed an agreement to purchase the assets of the Jolley Associates convenience store chain.

The acquisition includes 45 Jolley stores total — 38 in Vermont, 5 in New York, and 2 in New Hampshire. Local Jolley locations include Clifton Park, Lake George, Queensbury, and Plattsburgh. The shops will operate as Jolley stores in the short term, but will eventually rebrand as Stewart’s over the next few years, according to Stewart’s Public Relations Manager Robin Cooper.

The deal is expected to close by the end of the year. Terms are being kept confidential.

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to acquire a company with such an impressive reputation in a market that we’ve been watching for many years,” said Stewart’s Shops president Gary Dake in a statement. “One of the primary reasons we were drawn to this deal is because of the quality and the character of Jolley’s employees.”

Jolley Associates was formed in 1977 by brothers Bruce and Robert Jolley, who had owned convenience stores since 1974. Robert passed away in 2009, and his ownership stocks were passed on to his wife Mary Ellen Jolley.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished over the years and we are happy to know that Stewart’s is providing our employees an opportunity to have ownership in the business and will continue to treat them well,” said Bruce Jolley, president and co-founder of Jolley Associates. 

Stewart’s has also agreed to purchase Jolly’s sister companies S.B. Collins, a petroleum products company, and Clarence Brown, a heating fuel oil company. Both of the sister organizations are based in St. Albans, Vermont.

Week of October 4 – October 10, 2024 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON 

Brian Demichele sold property at 33 Sycamore St to Christopher Lafergola for $511,000

Timothy Cobart sold property at 103 McMaster St to Owen Cobart for $220,000

Kyle Solakian sold property at 5 Mohican Pass to John McPadden for $550,000

Richard Kirker sold property at 6 Independence Trail to Catherine Rana for $620,000

Michael Grabo sold property at 106 Scotch Bush Rd to Richard Clark for $390,000

CORINTH

Wayne Rayder sold property at 576 Main St to Alexsus Musco for $175,000

Doreen Everett sold property at 738 Cty Rt 25 to Amanda Adams for $260,000

Wendy Clements sold property at 329 West Maple St to Conor Eversole for $215,000

GALWAY

Liam Maccoinich sold property at 4846 Sacandaga Rd to Natalia Smelova for $485,000

Anthony Filiberto Real Estate sold property at 5251 & 5255 North St to ELD Group LLC for $150,000

GREENFIELD

Pamela Lipkin sold property at 7 Hemlock Dr to Kelsey Geiger for $380,000

Dennis King sold property at 40 Howe Rd  to Stephen Lisciani for $552,000

Ritchie Gregory sold property at 375 Ballou Rd  to Clinton Acker for $130,000

David O’Keefe sold property at 75 King Rd to Kaarlo Hietala for $865,000

MALTA 

Michaels Group Homes LLC sold property at 37 Wiggins Dr to Madeline McWilliams for $472,875

Jenae Heflin sold property at 92 Thimbleberry Rd to Carleigh Rosenberg for $314,000

Christopher Mitchell sold property at 258 East Line Rd to Michaels and Laraway Holdings LLC for $5,787,000

Susanne Richardson sold property at 34 Pennyroyal Rd to Stephanie Sinopoli for $385,000

John King sold property at 2286 State Rt 9 to Laura Lee for $390,000

Ronald Van Patten sold property at Route 9/Route 9 rear to Village of Round Lake for $275,000

SARATOGA

Jane Bryant sold property at 657 Cty Rd 70 to Michael Ahern for $154,500

SARATOGA SPRINGS

 Shawn Lynch sold property at 87 Railroad Pl #307 to Frank Rafalik for $999,999

Steven Hammer sold property at 5 Brookview Terrace to Brittany Beaudette for $605,000

David Marcelle sold property at 18 Denton Rd to Robert Bedard for $1,050,000

Mark Hogan sold property at 13 Park Alley North to Park Alley LLC for $2,700,000

Qiu Tao sold property at 114 Middle Ave to Shane Nolan for $1,212,500

Jon Laurin sold property at 19 Castlewood Dr to Alison Darbee for $122,500

Gertrude Gilbert sold property at 6 David Lane to Laura Pearson for $485,000

Choles Way LLC sold property at 30 Chloes Way to Cobblehill Development LLC for $350,000

Cobblehill Development LLC sold property at 30 Chloes Way to Gerald Merriam for $1,212,000

Jack Dejnozka sold property at 5 Park and 17 Division St to Papa Santo Properties LLC for $1,200,000

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Receives Statewide Recognition for 65 Phila St. Revival

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation received a 2024 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award for grassroots “Revive 65 Phila” campaign.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation received a 2024 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of NYS for grassroots “Revive 65 Phila” campaign. 

This year’s Award winners will be recognized at a public reception in New York City on Nov. 15. Event details can be found here: preservenys.org/excellence 

“The rehabilitation of 65 Phila Street has been one of my proudest achievements during my tenure with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation,” said Executive Director Samantha Bosshart in a statement. “It is inspiring to see the community come together in support of this building that most had given up on.”

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation successfully preserved 65 Phila Street, a historic property built in 1851 and later modified to the Italianate style, which had fallen into severe neglect. 

After years of advocating against demolition and working with the city to enforce property maintenance codes, the Foundation acquired the building in May 2021 with the assistance of Mark Haworth, a long-time member of the Foundation. 

The Foundation undertook a comprehensive rehabilitation, including environmental remediation, structural stabilization, and exterior restoration. Through monetary and in-kind donations to the “Revive 65” campaign raised over $500,000. The property is now on the market, with proceeds going to the Foundation’s Historic Property Redevelopment Fund. 

Saratoga County Awarded $200K Grant for Battlefield Interpretation Exhibit

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Saratoga County has been awarded $200,000 for a Battlefield Interpretation Grants project, recently announced Congressman Paul Tonko, who had advocated to the National Park Service for Saratoga County to receive this funding for the implementation of technology to establish new, immersive exhibits that will interpret the figures and events that took place during the American Revolution.

 “As we rapidly approach the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, our region will receive national and international attention and increased awareness of its role and importance in the war for our nation’s independence,” Congressman Tonko said in a statement. “The grant to Saratoga County will help to better tell that rich local history from diverse new perspectives, which is why I pushed to deliver this federal funding.” 

 The grant funds from the National Park Service will help the county tell the stories of the Battles of Saratoga to a new generation and “reignite enthusiasm for our area’s revolutionary history through interactive experiences that merge modern technology with compelling true accounts of the past,” said Lauren Roberts, Saratoga County Historian and Chair of the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission.  

Saratoga County LWV Announces Upcoming Candidate Events

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County has announced it will host a number of Candidate Events in advance of Nov. 5 elections. The events will be held virtually. 

NY State Senate District 44: incumbent Sen. James Tedisco and challenger Minita Sanghvi will participate in a Candidate Event on Oct. 30. 

New York State Assembly District 112: incumbent Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh and challenger Joe Seeman have agreed to participate in a Candidate Event on Oct. 23.

Saratoga County Treasurer: Acting Director JoAnn Kupferman and challenger Michele Madigan have agreed to participate. The LWV has yet to specify a date. 

The LWV of Saratoga says it has invited all candidates in the contested state and countywide races to participate in moderated events. 

The League hosts candidate events when there are at least two candidates participating. “Open” or “empty” chair candidate meetings – meetings with only one candidate physically present – are not held by the League, therefore it will not be able to hold events for races regarding NY Assembly Districts 107 and 113. 

To that point, according to LWV of Saratoga County, in the NY AD 107: Assemblyman Scott Bendett has not responded to any of the League’s outreach to schedule this event; Chloe Pierce has agreed to participate. In NY AD 113: Jeremy Messina has not responded to any of the League’s outreach to schedule an event; Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner has agreed to participate.

The public is invited to send questions for the candidates to Candidates.LWVSaratoga@gmail.com. Indicate which race the question pertains to in the subject line (i.e., either “AD 112,” or  “Senate 44,”  or “Treasurer).

Early voting gets underway at 6 county locations on Saturday, Oct. 26. Venues include: the Board of Elections in Ballston Spa, the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, Gavin Park, Greenfield Firehouse No. 1, Malta Community Center, and the Saratoga Springs/Scott Johnson Recreation Center on Vanderbilt Avenue. All voters may vote at any poll site. See https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/board-of-elections/ for details on Early Voting. 

Thomas Sartin Elected Chairman of Saratoga County Conservative Party

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

CLIFTON PARK — The Saratoga County Conservative Party unanimously elected Thomas Sartin as its chairman, following a vote by the Party Committee at a Sept. 17 organizational meeting in Clifton Park.  

In addition to Sartin, the Party elected Michael Welch as 1st Vice Chairman , Robert Zordan – 2nd Vice Chairman , Lindsey Cronmiller – Secretary  and Daniel Jeram -Treasurer.