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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Kelly’s Angels Adds Lake George, Mechanicville High Schools to Scholarship Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


From left, Lake George School Superintendent John Luthringer; Lake George Jr-Sr. High Counseling Department Chairperson Stephen Preuss; Kelly’s Angels Founder and President Mark Mulholland; Lake George Jr-Sr. High Principal Francis Cocozza and former Lake George Mayor Robert Blais, co-founder of Kelly’s Angels Summer-Lovin’ Fest. Photo provided

WILTON — Kelly’s Angels, a Capital Region charity devoted to helping local children and families who are facing loss and grief, announced this week that its annual college scholarship program will expand for 2024 to include students from Lake George and Mechanicville High Schools. 

Twenty-four students from 12 local high schools will each receive $1,500 college scholarships in 2024 from Kelly’s Angels, a press release states. Kelly’s Angels has given out $126,000 in college scholarships since 2016.

Kelly’s Angels was founded in memory of Kelly Mulholland, the late wife of WNYT-NewsChannel 13 anchor/reporter Mark Mulholland. Kelly died in 2007 at age 37, after a long struggle with breast cancer. She was an elementary school teacher, and one of her first teaching jobs was in Lake George. 

“The Lake George and Mechanicville communities have wrapped their arms around Kelly’s Angels, and we are excited to be able to help students in each district,” Mark Mulholland stated in the release. “Lake George is the site of our annual Kelly’s Angels Summer-Lovin’ Fest each July, so it’s fitting that we can now provide scholarships to Lake George High seniors who have persevered in the face of adversity.” 

“Kelly’s Angels has brought vital help and needed smiles to the faces of Lake George children and families battling illness and we’re honored that they’re also now helping our graduating students who’ve persevered in the face of adversity,” said Lake George High School Principal Francis Cocozza in the release.

Students from Lake George, Mechanicville, Queensbury, Whitehall, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, Stillwater, Shenendehowa, Saratoga Catholic, South Glens Falls, Fort Edward and Hoosic Valley will be eligible for Kelly’s Angels scholarships in 2024, the release states.

Empire State University Sees Gains in Undergraduate and Graduate Enrollment

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Empire State University continues to grow, as the school has announced a 3% increase in Fall 2023 undergraduate enrollment and a 16% increase in graduate enrollment.

The news comes as colleges across the nation are seeing a decline in enrollment, with a press release from SUNY Empire citing data from the National Student Clearinghouse stating nationwide college enrollment is down roughly 1.09 million students from prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Empire State is SUNY’s leading online university and the only public online institution in the state, according to the release, which cites its online offerings as a major factor in the enrollment increase.

“SUNY Empire has long recognized the need to serve a constantly changing student demographic and evolving workforce demands,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management Andrea Hennessy in the release. “We invested heavily in innovative programs, including online courses, certificate programs, and career-focused majors. These initiatives have attracted a diverse group of learners, from traditional students to working professionals seeking upskilling opportunities.”

SUNY Empire offers a second fall term from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15, with the release stating the university is “optimistic” that enrollment numbers will continue to increase.

History Center Presents “Low Bridge on the Erie Canal” Oct. 23

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA —The Saratoga County History Center presents “Low Bridge on the Erie Canal” at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23 at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa. Town of Clifton Park Historian, John Scherer, will highlight the history of the local section of the canal using historical photographs and objects from his Town Historian’s collection.

Scherer has served as town historian for 45 years and has been interested in the Erie Canal that parallels the Mohawk River along the southern border of Clifton Park since arriving here in 1978.

Pre-registration for the Oct. 23 program is available at  brooksidemuseum.org/event/low-bridge-on-the-erie-canal/

Brookside Museum is located at 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa. 

Best of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes – 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Award Winners; People’s Choice Award; Over 2,500 Tour the Homes!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Photo by Randall Perry Photography

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The area’s premiere new home tour, the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes was proudly presented over two fall weekends this year on October 7-8 and October 14-15. This year’s edition had 9 extraordinary homes from 7 award-winning builders on display.  Participating award-winning builders in this year’s event; Belmonte Builders, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, DSG Construction & Remodeling, Kodiak Construction, R & M Homes, Whitbeck Construction and Witt Construction. 

Thank you to the many generous corporate & media sponsors, showcase builders and suppliers, showcase committee, volunteers and especially the over 2500 visitors who purchased tickets to tour these beautiful homes in support of this spectacular fall tradition. 

All the builder awards were announced at the Awards Presentation & Celebration held on October 11.  

This year’s “People’s Choice” awards went to R & M Homes for Executive Home and Witt Construction for Luxury Home.

The announcement and presentation of the donation checks to our two local charities from the proceeds of this annual event will be held in November.

Celebrating its 27th year, this annual community event has contributed nearly $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities. Proceeds from the Saratoga Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (www.rtsaratoga.org) and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties (www.glensfallshabitat.org). This year’s donation will be announced in November. For more details on the recently concluded 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event and to view virtual tours of the homes, visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. SAVE THE DATES for the 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes scheduled for October 5-6 & October 12-13. 

EXECUTIVE HOME AWARDS

Winners
by Category:

Landscaping:

Kodiak Construction – Mulberry Estates II

Brookside Nursery – Jesse Marco

Workmanship:

Belmonte Builders – Waite Meadows

Master Bath:

Kodiak Construction –Mountains Edge

Exterior Architectural Design:

R & M Homes

Interior Decorating:

Kodiak Construction –Mulberry Estates II

Old Brick Furniture – Kaitlynn Johnson & Nicole Conlin

Kitchen: 

Belmonte Builders – Waite Meadows

Curtis Lumber – Heather Bodnaryk

Interior Floor Plan:

Kodiak Construction –Mountains Edge

LUXURY HOME AWARDS

Winners by Category:

Landscaping:

Witt Construction

Gallivan Corporation – Brendan Gallivan

Workmanship:

Witt Construction

Master Bath:

Witt Construction

Exterior Architectural Design:

Witt Construction

Interior Decorating:

Witt Construction

Studio K – Kennedy Flack & Rachael Gac

Kitchen: 

Witt Construction

Joel Lynn Designs –Joel Lynn Ralph

Interior Floor Plan:

Witt Construction – John Witt & Studio K

Property Transactions October 20 – 26, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.


This week’s beautiful home at 946 MacArthur Dr in Ballston Spa was listed by Michelle Mebert from Roohan Realty and sold for $560,000 

BALLSTON

Amitkumar Patel sold property at 12 Saddlebrook Blvd to Cartus Financial Corp for $545,000

Cartus Financial Corporation sold property at 12 Saddlebrook Blvd to Jamie Capron for $545,000

Everett Mayhew sold property at 44 jubilee Acres Lane to Jason McMillen for $780,000

Ernest Gaeta sold property at 13 Independence Trail to Kylee Steffey for $490,000

MALTA 

Travis Carter sold property at 42 Bayberry Dr to Timothy Walsh for $585,000

Malta Land Company trust sold property at 2 Spinnaker Dr to Kendall Williams for $765,520

Sean Dwyer sold property at 13 Foxglove Way to Magnus Schullere for $550,000

Eric Fitzpatrick sold property at 4 Jean Lane to Cartus Financial Corp for $1,525,000

Cartus Financial Corp sold property at 4 Jean Lane to Kevin Johnson as Trustee for $1,525,000

SARATOGA

Pipino Builders LLC sold property at 111 Trask Lane to Gregory Grande for $150,000

Peter Rosecrans sold property at 61 Spring Water Dr to Robert Callan for $1,680,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Richard Nicolai sold property at 2 PD Harris Rd to Hope Development for $1,580,000

Conner Roohan sold property at 18 Lafayette St St to Anthony Harrington for $705,000

John Boyle sold property at 538 Union Ave to Joshua Altschuler for $1,700,000

Lee Stout sold property at 126 Lincoln Ave to Jeffrey Robbins for $899,900

Daniel Russell sold property at 17 Sicada St to Richard Stephan for $685,000

Scott Bruce sold property at 5 Mallard Landing to John Buger for $789,000

Mark Sutton sold property at 74 Warren St to 74 Warren St LLC for $949,000

Lisa Malone sold property at 23 Thoroughbred Dr to Paul Valente for $622,000

Jill Kolbe sold property at 100A Division St to Anita Worth for $1,350,000

Deco Fifth Ave LLC sold property at 58 Fifth Ave to Naylor Property Holdings for $3,295,000

John Scala sold property at 4 Longwood Dr to Richard Zick for $785,000

Elizabeth Macauley sold property at 199 Elm St to Matthew Shepanzyk for $505,000

Howard Grobstein sold property at US Rt 9 to EFF Jay Realty LLC for $350,000

Patricia Diehl sold property at 25 Old Schuylerville Rd to Jessica Troisi for $135,000

Eric Bryant sold property at 12 Casino Dr to Juan Huerta for $375,000

Bonacio Construction Inc sold property at 142 Henry St to Lola Development LLC for $375,000

Kenneth Ellis sold property at 38 High Rock Rd #6B to Olga Laursen for $1,425,000

WILTON

Keith Barrell sold property at 2 Lakeview Dr to Ethan Gunty for $440,000.

Jeffrey Norton sold property at 10 Margaret Dr to Colin OReilly for $371,000

Crystal Lapoint sold property at 89 Traver Rd to MWT Property Investments for $425,000

Scott Garvey sold property at 31 Fairway Blvd to Kevin Gorman for $416,000

563 Maple Ave LLC sold property at 563 Maple Ave to Mast Group LLC for $285,000

Paul Finnerty sold property at 7 Jones Rd to Judeanne Wiley for $280,000

Bradley Wanner sold property at 28 Hearthstone Dr  to Sean McCleneghen for $720,000

Vito Trapani sold property at 61 Traver Rd to Robert Falcone for $450,888

Elizabeth Connell sold property at 917 Saratoga Rd to Chad Stewart for $229,000

John Whitaker sold property at 76 Damascus Dr to Nora Ambrosio for $555,000

Jaime Riordan sold property at 12 Davidson Dr to Katelyn Dandrea for $270,000

Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services Holding October Public Hearings

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

BALLSTON SPA —The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services has announced two public hearings in October to get public input about proposed programs for the aging population in Saratoga County for the year 2024.

The first public hearing was held Oct. 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Galway Town Hall. The second public hearing will be held Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Town of Halfmoon Senior Center, located at 2897 Lower Newton Rd in Waterford.

A plan abstract was available to be viewed on Oct. 16 and 17 at the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services during normal business hours.

The public hearings are held to obtain input, suggestions, and comments relative to programs for the aging for the year 2024, under Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, and the New York Community Services Act for the Saratoga County planning and service area, a press release states.

For more information or to request special accommodations at a hearing, please contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100.

SAIL Receives New York State Justice Center Champion Award

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo provided.

QUEENSBURY — Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center (SAIL) has announced it has received the New York State Justice Center Champion Award.

The recognition celebrates individuals and groups who work to enhance the lives of individuals with special needs in the state of New York, a press release states. 

SAIL’s Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) department offers essential medical equipment on a loan basis, including wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and more. It also provides assistive technology, such as adaptive tools, laptops, specialized equipment for students, and pocket translators, as well as recreational equipment including all-terrain wheelchairs, golf clubs and skis for wheelchairs, according to the release.

SAIL processed over 2,400 loan requests through the TRAID program in 2022, the release states, and actively participates in conferences and events with the Justice Center.

“This year, the Justice Center celebrated its 10-year anniversary—an achievement that could not have been reached without the support, diligence, and commitment of New York’s direct support workers,” said Denise M. Miranda, executive director of the Justice Center, in the release. 

For Saratoga County Candidates on The Ballot Nov. 7

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga TODAY is accepting letters from candidates in Saratoga County running for office and on the Nov. 7 ballot. 

Submissions should be limited to 300 words and explain how your background, experience, or expertise for office makes you the best candidate for the job.   

Letters must include name, political office sought and municipality in which it is located. Letters may appear in print or online. 

Send to cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com. Deadline for submissions: Oct. 25.  Please include Candidate Submission in the subject line.   

Community Leaders Gather in Spa City for Inaugural Impact Sector Summit

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —More than 100 community leaders gathered in Saratoga Springs Oct. 10 for the inaugural Impact Sector Summit.  

The premise? How do you solve significant community issues, such as lack of affordable housing, homelessness, opioid use, food deserts, and health care gaps? 

Stephanie Norling, of Baldrige’s Communities of Excellence 2026, described the Communities of Excellence model and its transformative work in in helping communities across the nation thrive in the health, economic vitality, education and quality of life sectors. 

Dr. Renee Rodriguez-Goodemote of the Saratoga Community Health Center has lead the Saratoga County Communities of Excellence initiative since 2021. Rodriguez-Goodemote described the innovative community work unfolding in Saratoga County where key leaders have been developing a sustainable framework where all residents can live well, be well and thrive. 

A panel presentation representing stakeholders from the worlds of law enforcement, the medical field and the faith community and impact sector, presented four unique cross-sector collaborations. The panelists addressed access to health care, housing for single mothers, supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorder, and barriers to health care for those facing homelessness. 

The theme of the summit was developing partnerships that utilize the resources of diverse partners, and working collaboratively to create innovative interventions that address community needs affecting the health and vitality of all people in Saratoga County. 

For more information, visit www.saratogahospital.org/classes/community-of-excellence.

Saratoga Springs History Museum to Host Native American Educational Workshops

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs History Museum will present two special educational programs focused on treasured aspects of the Native American heritage of the region. 

The events have been planned in tandem with the History Museum’s recently opened exhibit “First Saratogians: The Indigenous Peoples of the Saratoga Springs Region.”

“Animal Tracks, Trails and Lore with James Bruchac”- Saturday, Oct. 28, 1 – 2:30 p.m. In this workshop, wildlife educator, storyteller, and Ndakinna Education Center Director James Bruchac, author of the popular Falcon pocket guide Scats & Tracks of the Northeast, will include track-based information on such regional mammals as fox, raccoon, deer, black bear, coyote, bobcat, moose and more. Along the way he will also share a few traditional Native legends pertaining to the animals. Through the use of his vast collection of plaster casts of various animal tracks and more, participants will greatly increase their chances of identifying the tracks of some of our area’s most prevalent and exciting creatures.

“Native Language Workshop: Abenaki, with Jesse Bruchac” – Saturday, Nov. 11, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Led by Jesse Bowman Bruchac, Language Director at Ndakinna Education Center and, like his brother James, a citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation. This transformative program introduces foundational intricacies of Algonquian languages alongside original songs written to enhance accessibility and memorability. Participants will also learn how our perceptions of self and the surrounding world are molded by linguistic constructs. Jesse teaches at Middlebury College and the University of Southern Maine, and he has consulted on series such as AMC’s “Turn: Washington’s Spies” and PBS’s “Jamestown.” 

Participation fee for both workshops is $10 for History Museum Members, and $15 for non-Members, available at saratogahistory.org/events. Workshop size is limited to 30. 

The Saratoga Springs History Museum, founded in 1883, has been located since 1911 in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park.