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Author: Saratoga TODAY

MeetMikey!!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

WILTON — Poor Gus (now Mikey) had been in a foster home at another rescue for roughly a year and a half with no interest for adoption. He came to H.O.P.E. because it is his only hope. He started out very scared at the cat adoption center but has come such a long way in a short amount of time. He HATES other cats but lived with large dogs that he didn’t seem to mind. Mikey seems to be most comfortable with men but the more time he spends at the center, the more he is coming around to everyone. He craves attention and needs a supportive human who will help him gain confidence in his forever home. Mikey would do best without children where he can be the only cat and receive all the love from his adopter. He is fully vetted and is beyond ready to start the next chapter of his life. 

The H.O.P.E. 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.

Brookside Book Sale to Take Place June 20

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

BALLSTON SPA — On Saturday, June 20, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., hundreds of out-of-print and rare books and pamphlets about Saratoga County will be on sale at the third annual Brookside Book Sale, hosted by the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum. The Book Sale will run in tandem with our ever-popular Craft & Antiques Fair and will feature rare books and ephemera donated by friends of the museum. Take home a piece of history from the Brookside Book Sale!

Among the topics included will be books focusing on the history of Saratoga County, Adirondack life and history, the American Revolution, Saratoga Springs, horse racing and horse breeding, genealogy and genealogical research, local towns, cities and villages, neighboring counties, and historical fiction. Rare prints include several 1866 maps of individual towns, and many postcards, brochures, booklets and other printed matter will be arranged by town and subject for browsing.

Among other hard-to-find books, there will be copies of Sylvester’s History of Saratoga County, Grose’s Centennial History of the Village of Ballston Spa, and the 1871 and 1890 directories of Saratoga County. All materials were donated for sale by the museum’s friends or are triplicates from the museum’s library. For more information about the Brookside Book Sale, and all of our upcoming events and programs, please call SCHC at (518) 885-4000 or email info@brooksidemuseum.org. 

Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market Returns for the 2026 Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA) is pleased to announce the return of the Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market for its 2026 season. The market will run every Saturday from June 13 through October 3 in Wiswall Park, located at the corner of Front Street and Low Street in the heart of the Village of Ballston Spa.

Market hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Since 2003, the Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market has served as a vibrant community gathering place, connecting local producers directly with consumers while supporting small farms, artisans, and makers throughout the region.

This year’s market will feature a diverse selection of locally grown produce, farm-fresh products, artisan breads, baked goods, honey, flowers, handcrafted jewelry, maple syrup, prepared food and much more. The 2026 season will welcome both returning favorites and new vendors, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience for shoppers each week.

In addition to local shopping, visitors can enjoy live music throughout the season. The market will also host two special community events:

•2nd Annual Ballston Spa Peach Festival — Saturday, August 15, 2026

•2nd Annual Ballston Spa Autumn Festival — Saturday, October 3, 2026

Both festivals will take place during regular market hours from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Wiswall Park.

Admission to the Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market is free and open to the public.

The Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market is presented by the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association, a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to promote and enhance Ballston Spa as a great place to live, work, shop, and visit.

For weekly updates on vendors, live music, and special events, visit www.ballston.org or follow the Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market on social media. 

Celebrate, Create, and Connect: Innovation Center at Saratoga Invites Public to First Anniversary Party on June 18

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

MALTA — One year ago, the Innovation Center at Saratoga (ICS) opened with a simple but powerful idea: create a place where creativity, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning all happen under one roof. In just 12 months, ICS has become a launchpad for classes, workshops, makers, entrepreneurs, artists, innovators, community partnerships—and a steady stream of new ideas.

Now it’s time to celebrate.

ICS is inviting the community to its First Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, June 18, from 5–8 p.m. at 16 Old Stonebreak Road, Malta, NY 12020. This free, come-as-you-are event is designed for anyone who’s curious about what happens inside the Innovation Center—whether you’ve been following along since day one or you’re discovering ICS for the first time.

“ICS was created to be a place where ideas can take shape—where people can learn by doing, meet collaborators, and build something together,” said Beth Moeller, founder of the Innovation Center at Saratoga. “As we celebrate our first year, we’re excited to open our doors to the community and share what’s possible here.”

What to Expect:

Community members can drop in and explore, with highlights including:

•Tours of the Innovation Center

•Talk with our experts in 3d printing, electronics, woodworking, weaving, sewing, laser cutting/engraving, CNC routing, large format printing, photography, and more

• Food & drink

•Make-your-own takeaways (plus more surprises)

The event is free, and registration is encouraged at: innovationcentersaratoga.org/celebrate

Larry A. Warner 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GREENFIELD CENTER, NY — Larry A. Warner, passed away June 7, 2026. Calling hours and service were on June 11, at Clifton Park Community Church followed by a celebration of life. Burial is at 10 am, June 12, in Greenfield Cemetery. Memorial donations to Greenfield Fire Department or Corinth Rescue Squad/EMS. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Mary Katherine Sgambati 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

MECHANICVILLE, NY — Mary Katherine “Mary Kay” Hayes Sgambati, 86, passed June 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of family. Calling hours and mass were June 10, at All Saints on the Hudson South Church (St. Paul’s), followed by burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to Ability Beyond. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Mary Lou Snyder

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On August 13, 1944, God’s blessing was bestowed on Kathleen McKenna and Floyd Champine with the birth of their daughter Mary Lucy Champine. Lovingly known by all as Mary Lou, she passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026. 

Raised with her brother Robert, the family lived and grew in Colonie, NY. Educated in Catholic Schools, she graduated from Cardinal McCluskey High School in 1962, where she majored in Secretarial Studies. She remained a devout Catholic and follower of Christ for her entire life. Mary Lou worked as a secretary for the State University of New York Central Administration. 

In 1972 she married David Snyder and they were “off on an adventure.” Moving to northern Westchester County, they made their home in the hamlet of Goldens Bridge, while they both worked at SUNY Purchase, an entirely new Fine Arts campus. During her 35-year career there she worked for the Registrar’s Office, Director of B&G, Director of Housing, and the Vice President of Administration. She was also a stenographer for the College President.

In 1995, Mary Lou and David moved to Saratoga Springs, where she quickly became active in community service. For more than 20 years she spent every Tuesday at the Soup Kitchen, Fridays as a volunteer at Saratoga Hospital, and, in between, helping out at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. She cherished her wonderful friends there.

Mary Lou loved to travel and saw much of Europe, the Caribbean, and nearly all of the USA. Ireland was, of course, her favorite. She always loved her brother Robert, aunts, uncles, nephew, and cousins, and their cherished times spent together.

Most important of all was, and is, her abounding love for her husband David, daughter Wendy, and grandsons Nicholas and Christopher.

She has now ventured forward in a joyful stroll up the pathway to her new home in God’s kingdom.

She is predeceased by her husband David Snyder; daughter Wendy Tarricone, and brother Robert Champine, Sr.

She is survived by her grandsons Nicholas and Christopher Tarricone; beloved sister-in-law Ellen Champine; nephew Robert “Bobby” Champine, Jr., goddaughter Kimberly Cardona; and many cousins and close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12 pm Friday, June 12, 2026, at The Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. James Ebert. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery on West Avenue. Friends may call from 11 am to 12 pm at The Church of St. Peter, prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her memory to either the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110 or The Saratoga EOC Soup Kitchen, 24 Circular St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, or The Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

DeborahDunlap Ozolins 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —
Deborah Dunlap Ozolins passed away June 6, 2026. Born on February 27, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY, Debbie was the daughter of E. Barnes and Elizabeth Dunlap. Debbie was a 1963 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and a 30-year member of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Auxiliary. Debbie belonged to the Presbyterian United Church of Christ for 40 years and served as a church deacon. She enjoyed family vacations to Cape Cod, sewing, and making jewelry.

Deborah was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Andrew D. Ozolins; her parents; and her brothers, Bruce and David Dunlap.

She is survived by her sons, Christopher (Ann Marie) and Peter (Sarah); her grandchild, Viviann; her sisters-in-law, Susan Dunlap and Jeannine Dunlap; her cousins, Susan Packard Sidney (Dave) and John L. Davidson; and like family, Merry and Maia Penk.

Special thanks to Dr. David Kandath for many years of compassionate care. Donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Nicholas James “Nick” Palmetto 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — Nicholas James “Nick” Palmetto, 88, passed June 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family, service, entrepreneurship, and community. Calling hours 3-7pm, June 12 at Burke Funeral Home. Burial with military honors is private. Memorial donations to Saratoga Springs Lion’s Club Foundation, PO Box 759, Saratoga Springs. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

The attached submission concerns the public discussion surrounding the Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission. Rather than addressing the merits of any specific charter amendment, it focuses on the backgrounds, qualifications, and public-service records of the commission members and the role those factors play in evaluating the commission’s work. The piece is intended as commentary on the commission itself and the public discussion surrounding it.


Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission

Reasonable people can disagree with the Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission’s recommendations and ultimately vote for or against them on the merits.

However, when Supervisor Sarah Burger and Supervisor Minita Sanghvi characterize the commission’s work as a distraction, as failing to improve governance, or as “giving away” representation, they go beyond legitimate policy disagreement. These statements call into question the competence, judgment, and seriousness of the commission members themselves.

The Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission is composed of experienced, community-minded public servants who have collectively devoted decades of dedicated service to our city, including:

•  Vincent DeLeonardis (former City Attorney and Commission Chair)

•  Michael Lenz (former Mayor and Commissioner of Public Works)

•  Matt Veitch (former County Supervisor and County Chairman with 18 years of experience)

•  Attorneys Matthew Jones, Matthew Dorsey, and federal appellate attorney Molly Corbett

•  Former Commissioners Stephen Towne and Lew Benton

•  Former Deputy Commissioner of Finance Deirdre O’Dwyer-Ladd

•  Retired Fire Captain Robert Murphy Jr. and longtime civic leader Dorothy Rogers-Bullis

These individuals bring deep institutional knowledge, professional expertise, and decades of public service to Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County. They are competent and community-minded.

To suggest otherwise — as Supervisor Burger and Supervisor Sanghvi have done — is unfair to the commissioners and inconsistent with their records of public service.

One can respectfully disagree with their specific conclusions. But publicly impugning their competence and dedication is unwarranted and counterproductive.

Saratoga Springs benefits when we debate ideas on substance rather than undermine the competence of respected volunteers who step forward to serve. Attacks like these discourage civic engagement and do a disservice to our community.

– David Buchyn