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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild Awards Scholarship to Five Area Students

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has awarded college scholarships of $2,000 each to five Saratoga County high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in healthcare. 

The recipients were selected for sharing the Guild’s dedication to education and community involvement. 

Three of the students have volunteered at Saratoga Hospital.

Scholarship recipients are:

• Sydney Balzer, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School planning to major in Pre­Medicine at the University of Tennessee. When Sydney began volunteering at Saratoga Hospital in her junior year, she realized that her true purpose was to help people. She also serves as an intern at Saratoga Dermatology.

• Arissa Gillani, a Saratoga Springs High School student, is planning to major in Biology/Pre-Med at Adelphi University. She has volunteered in hospice care at Glens Falls Hospital and homes for the elderly, connecting with patients who remind her that compassion is an essential skill and medicine is an act of humanity.

• Arden Talmage, a student at Schuylerville High School, plans to major in Psychology at SUNY Geneseo. Her community experiences include sorting donations at The Way, working as a camp counselor at Double H Ranch, and running the children’s theater program at the Schuylerville Public Library.

• Daniel Weed is a senior at Ballston Spa High School and will be attending Desales University and majoring in Physician Assistant Studies. His first-hand experience includes volunteering in the Emergency Department at Saratoga Hospital, as well as seasonal cleanups at St. Mary’s Church, distributing food at the Northeast Regional Foodbank, and being a recycling handler at the Schuylerville American Legion.

• Margaret Zito, another Ballston Spa senior, plans to major in Biology at SUNY Geneseo. Margaret volunteered in the SSOAR Program at Saratoga Hospital, a student summer volunteer program at Saratoga Hospital, and solidified the fact that she wanted to dedicate her future to helping patients and working with others in the medical field.

Since 1990, Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has awarded yearly scholarships to help support the next generation of healthcare providers. 

The 2026 scholarships were announced last week at the Guild’s annual Scholarship and Recognition Dinner, which honors both the recipients and Guild volunteers. Each year Guild members donate thousands of hours in service to the hospital and the community. The Guild also has provided millions of dollars to support Saratoga Hospital facilities, technology and program

Parking Restrictions and Road Closures for Belmont on Broadway

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The Saratoga Springs Police Department, in preparation for next week’s Belmont on Broadway concert, has issued parking restrictions and road closures for Wednesday, June 3. Broadway from Vandam St to Lake Ave, Walton St from Woodlawn Ave to Broadway, and Ellsworth Jones from Broadway to Maple Ave will be closed from 5 a.m. until June 4 at 2 a.m. The arterial will be reduced to one lane at 4 a.m. until the end of event. Broadway from Washington St. to Lake Ave, Lake Ave from Broadway to Maple Ave, Church St. from Broadway to Woodlawn Ave, Division St. from Connolly Way to Broadway, Caroline St. and Phila St. from Broadway to Putnam will be closed from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

Parking restrictions will be in effect on Broadway between Vandam and Lake Ave starting at 4 a.m. Walton St. from Broadway to Woodlawn starting at 8 a.m. Lake Ave between Maple Ave and Broadway starting at 3 p.m. Church St. between Broadway and Woodlawn starting at 3 p.m. Broadway between Lake Ave and Spring St starting at 3 p.m. The Walton St parking garage, top level all day and the 2-hour parking lot on High Rock Ave starting at 5 a.m.

For the safety and enjoyment of all, the police department asks for no coolers, backpacks, strollers or pets. No alcohol, no smoking, or weapons of any kind. There will be a medical tent on Walton St. Porta potties will be in front of city hall and the post office. There will be a temporary flight restriction in place as there will be drones in place for the event.

Saratoga County Career Center Announces June Virtual Workshops Schedule 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during June:

June 3 at 10AM and June 4 at 10:30AM: Resume Development – This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring to the job, and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you. 

June 4 at 11AM and June 18 at 1:30PM: Transferable Skills – Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired which can be used in a different job. Make it easy for employers to see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Learn ways to research the employer’s needs, then identify and show them that you have these skills.

June 8 at 12PM: Broadview Financial Well-Being – Your budget is a key that opens doors, guiding you to your money goals. Get ready to take control of your finances and your future! Find out how to organize what you make, spend, and save; set goals to save up, spend down, look ahead; harness the power of mindful spending; and identify budget tactics that work best for you. 

June 9 at 10:30AM: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. 

June 10 at 10AM and June 23 at 1:30PM: Goal Setting – Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: “If you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Find out how to reach your dreams. 

June 11 at 11AM: Essential Skills for Success in Any Workplace – Join this engaging workshop to learn about the skills that are most valued by business leaders yet are underdeveloped in employees. Learn why these skills are critically important, how to develop them, and the influence of AI. 

June 12 at 10:30AM and June 24 at 10:30AM: Networking – Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. 

June 16 at 10:30AM and June 18 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications – Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. 

June 23 at 11AM: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals.

June 25 at 1:30PM: Social Media – Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/workforce to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. 

Additional Trainers Join the Belmont Pledge to Support Thoroughbred Aftercare

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation announces that trainers Cherie DeVaux, Tom Morley, and Graham Motion have joined the Belmont Pledge, committing a portion of their Belmont Festival earnings to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and the hundreds of retired Thoroughbreds in its care.

Their participation builds upon the commitment already made by Michael McCarthy, George Weaver, Whit Beckman, and Amelia Green, reflecting a growing movement within the racing industry to support horses beyond their racing careers.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the nation’s oldest and largest Thoroughbred retirement organization, currently provides dignified lifetime care for hundreds of retired racehorses, many of whom live two decades or more beyond their racing careers.

Week of May 29 – June 4, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON

Catherine Sausville sold property at 32 Nolan Rd to JEM Properties for $160,000

Glen Jacobson sold property at 182 Charlton Rd to Katherine Fischer for $700,000

GREENFIELD

Kelby Santoro sold property at 8 Greenfield Manor Rd to Jessica Lachanski for $500,000

Kevin Carroll  sold property at 10 Frasier Rd to William Tuczynski for $370,000

Mitchell Bard sold property at 9 Kilmer Broadway to Nadia Cherubin for $150,000

John Chowske sold property at 222 Middle Grove Rd to Tammy Willis for $400,000

MALTA

Mark Passino sold property at Middleline Rd to Lois Stafford for $180,000

Michael Steves sold property at 10 Janes Ave to Carolyn Vopelak for $345,000

John Ryan sold property at 27 Hillman Loop to Brian Flynn for $490,000

Susan Furtonato sold property at 19 Saratoga Ave to Lisa Spring for $350,000

MILTON

Mark Passino sold property at Middleline Rd to Lois Stafford for $180,000

Brianna Hanson sold property at 412 Antler Ct to Daniel Peluso for $330,000

Kyle Williams sold property at 727-735 Geyser Rd to Geyser Homes LLC for $500,000

Simron LLC sold property at 16 Lancaster Pl to Nicholas Brewer for $250,000

SARATOGA

Elizabeth Sullivan sold property at 157 Walsh Rd to Amie Gabriel for $500,000

Ellen Varner sold property at 16 Bourbon St to John Phillips for $199,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 454 to 4934 Lakeshore Dr LLC for $975,000

Christopher Sass sold property at 32 Allen St to Saratoga Capital Group LLC for $687,500

Christopher Sass sold property at 34 Allen St to Saratoga Capital Group LLC for $687,500

100 West Avenue LLC sold property at 100 West Ave to AMH and RVG Real Estate Holding  for $670,000

WILTON

Robert McQueeney sold property at 6 Greylock Dr to Thomas Hogan for $615,000

Gianfranco Frittelli sold property at 288 Northern Pines Rd to Aaron Haugen for $447,000

Christopher Keller sold property at 16 Fenimore Pl to Kirk Emmons for $570,000

Chantrea Maclean sold property at 326 Louden Rd to Yan Chen for $342,500

Hopkins Sentenced to 32 Years to Life for Abuse of a Child

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Brian Hopkins is led away after being sentenced to 32 years to life in prison. (Aidan Cahill)
Brian Hopkins won’t be released until at least 2058 after being convicted of two felony child abuse charges (Courtesy of Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office)

A Saratoga County man has been sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for sexual abuse of a child. 

Brian Hopkins received the maximum sentence in after being convicted in February of predatory sexual assault of a child and 2nd degree course of sexual conduct against a child. 

The maximum sentence for the first charge is 25 years to life in prison while the max sentence for the second charge is seven years in prison followed by up to 15 years supervised release. 

Hopkins received an enhanced sentence due to a 2000 conviction for physically assaulting a one-year-old child.

“At its simplest, this case is about a man who sexually abused a young boy from the age of six through 13 in Saratoga County,” prosecutors said during the sentencing hearing. 

In his sentencing, Judge James Davis followed the recommendation of the prosecutor to have the sentences run consecutively. In addition, orders of protection were issued preventing contact between Hopkins and protected individuals in the case. 

“It’s unconscionable, and that’s why I sentenced you to the maximum penalty available under the law,” Davis 

During the sentencing hearing, the victim gave a statement advocating for the maximum sentence so that Hopkins would be prevented from abusing anyone else. Hopkins did not speak at the sentencing hearing. 

The earliest Hopkins can be released is 2058, when he will be around 77 years old. 

After the hearing, Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby praised the decision. 

 “This defendant is a pedophile who deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison for the horrific abuse he inflicted on a child,” said District Attorney Eby. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that Saratoga County will relentlessly pursue justice for child victims and hold predators fully accountable.” 

As for the victim, Eby praised his courage in coming forward. 

“The victim just showed a remarkable strength in not only protecting this community, but protected children from this pedophile,” Eby said. 

Meet  Velo!!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

What can we say about Velo. To say he is a bigger cat is an understatement since he is a whopping 27 pounds. He is a very sweet boy who was surrendered with his housemate, Ripley, when his owner fell on hard times. He is so sweet and loves attention and to be talked to. Velo will need someone who can monitor his food intake and spend time playing with him so that he will lose weight. Although Velo lived with Ripley, they seem to do better as solo cats and will be adopted separately. Velo is 5 years old, updated on vaccines and tested negative for FIV and FeLV. If you need a workout partner, he is the one for you!

The HOPE Cat Adoption Center is located in the Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications may be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org. For any questions give us a call at 518-450-7013.

Regional Juried Exhibition “Saratoga: Town & Country” Opens at Eden Compton Gallery

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Eden Compton Gallery is announced the opening of Saratoga: Town & Country, a regional juried exhibition featuring artists within a 100 mile radius of Saratoga Springs including the greater Capital Region and central Adirondacks. 

The exhibition opens with a public reception and awards presentation on June 6th, 4-7 p.m., and will showcase a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, mixed media, and fine art inspired by the unique character of Saratoga Springs and its surrounding areas. 

The exhibition was juried by Ann Larsen, a nationally recognized painter and Master Artist with the American Impressionist Society. She is also previous President of American Women Artists. 

Known for her luminous landscapes and expressive use of color, Larsen brought a discerning eye to the selection process, choosing works that demonstrate technical excellence, originality, and a strong sense of place. 

Located in the heart of Saratoga Springs’ arts district, Eden Compton Gallery is known for exhibiting the contemporary and representational fine art of both local and nationally recognized artists. 

The gallery continues to expand its role as a cultural destination for both residents and visitors with a variety of events, special exhibits and group shows. Awards for the exhibition are generously supported by local sponsors including Discover Saratoga, Soave Faire, and Source Tek (national supplier of fine art panels), whose contributions help recognize artistic excellence while strengthening the connection between the arts and local business community. 

The opening reception on June 6 will provide an opportunity for the public to meet participating artists, view the award-winning works, and celebrate the creative vitality of the Saratoga region. 

The show will be on view until July 17, 2026. Please refer to website for hours.

Milton Marine Inducted into NYS Senate Hall of Fame

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga County Veterans Services Agency Director Frank McClement and Senator Tedisco presents Col. Douglas and his wife, Susan, with a flag (Courtesy of Senator Tedisco)

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) recently inducted retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher J. Douglas of Milton into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Col. Douglas served our state and nation in numerous combat tours in Iraq as well as serving in Afghanistan, Somalia and Haiti.

“Col. Douglas is a great patriot who led Marines in five combat tours to protect our nation and way of life, and he continues to serve our country in civilian life with the U.S. Department of War.  I’m proud to recognize Col. Douglas’s service by inducting him into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

 Douglas currently serves Deputy to the Commanding General and Highly Qualified Expert to the Office of the U.S. Secretary of War.

 Col. Douglas received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Marist College in 1990, where he played Division III football. From March 1985 to June 1991, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a combat engineer with Company C, 854th Engineer Battalion.

 In 1991, Col. Douglas completed the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, The Basic School, and the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, Virginia. He was then assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, where he commanded three platoons, was an executive officer, and was the 3/6 battalion adjutant. During this tour, he participated in Operation Battle Griffin in Norway. He served as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Operations Continue Hope in Somalia, Provide Promise and Deny Flight in the Adriatic Sea, and Support Democracy in Haiti.

 In 1995, Douglas transitioned from active military service to the United States Marine Corps Reserve to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. He entered the New York State Police in January 1996 and served as a Trooper, Investigator, and Narcotics Investigator. 

Following the attack on America on September 11, 2001, Douglas would return to active duty to lead Marines on five combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Enduring Freedom (OEF), Inherent Resolve (OIR), and Freedom’s Sentinel.

He retired as a Narcotics Investigator from the New York State Police in March 2020 to return to active service. 

During the withdrawal from Afghanistan, he served as the assistant chief of staff G-5 at U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, forward-deployed to Qatar to assist with processing evacuees from Afghanistan. He was also the senior Marine in the Pentagon’s investigation into the August 2021 bombing outside the Kabul airport, that killed 13 U.S. service members and about 170 Afghans. He subsequently retired from the Marine Corps in October 2022.

His personal awards include two Legion of Merits, one with a Combat Distinguishing Device, Two Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, Three Combat Action Ribbons, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” a Navy, Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Douglas and his wife Susan live in Milton, NY. Their son,1LT John B. Douglas IV now serves as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army.