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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga YMCA Raises Over $80k to Help Children Attend Summer Camps

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Photo provided by Saratoga Regional YMCA.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Regional YMCA has announced that through its financial assistance program, over $80,000 was raised for youths attending the YMCA’s day camps throughout the summer.

Over 250 children attended the YMCA’s summer camps each week during the summer, according to a press release from the Y. The release thanks the YMCA’s donors for their support.

“The Y is happy to welcome children of all backgrounds into our summer camp and give them a sense of community and lighthearted fun with their peers. It is the most gratifying thing we can do,” said Scott Clark, CEO of the Saratoga Regional YMCA, in the release. “This is our mission–being a safe haven for all, regardless of their ability to pay. The diversity of our Y makes us healthier and stronger as a community and I’m so grateful to all our generous benefactors who are the ones who make this possible.”

In addition to the financial assistance program, the YMCA also partners with organizations including the Saratoga County Department of Social Services, the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, and the Franklin Community Center, the release states.

“We are so grateful for the ongoing partnership with the Saratoga Regional YMCA. The Y recognizes that the backstretch families are a vital part of the Saratoga community.” said Nick Caras, Program Director of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, in the release. “This partnership provides our kids with a fun and new experience while spending their summer upstate. I cannot say enough about the Y and how they make our families feel welcome and included in not only their organization, but the greater community.”

The YMCA stated in the release it expects to give over $800,000 in financial assistance this year for a variety of services and programs. To learn more about its financial assistance program, visit srymca.org or call 518-583-9622.

Saratoga 1977-78 Boys Basketball Team Holds Reunion

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Members of the Saratoga Springs 1977-1978 varsity boys basketball team, from left: Mark Hotaling, Daniel Rivers, Rick Williams, Damian Fantauzzi, Buddy Clarke, Rich Johns, Brad Ewing, Steve Didziulis, Willie Doherty and Jimmy Gant (Photo provided by Rich Johns).

SARATOGA SPRINGS — 45 years later, one of the best teams from Saratoga Springs High School to take the hardwood reunited.

A reunion of the 1977-78 Saratoga varsity boys basketball team was held Sept. 2, with several players and coaches gathering from the team that captured the Foothills Council Championship, and went unbeaten until a one-point loss to Niskayuna in the Section 2 Class A Championship game.

“What a wonderful group of men,” said then-Saratoga varsity assistant coach Rich Johns of the reunion in a Facebook post. “A ton of laughs and a closeness that can’t be matched. Thank you all for the great memories.”

High School Sports Roundup

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

FOOTBALL

(9/22) Schuylerville 48, Rensselaer 0

The Schuylerville varsity football team moved to 4-0 with a dominant 48-0 win over Rensselaer on Sept. 22. Five different players scored a rushing touchdown for the Black Horses, led by Rosevald Delair, who had two rushing touchdowns and a 4-yard touchdown reception. Martin Flanders Jr., Landen Cumm, Ben VanVeghten, and Max Montgomery also had rushing scores for Schuylerville, who forced three fumbles on defense. The Black Horses next travel to face Watervliet at 7 p.m. on Friday.

(9/22) Saratoga 18, Guilderland 10

The Saratoga Springs varsity football team moved to 2-2 on the season with an 18-10 victory over Guilderland in a Suburban Council matchup on Sept. 22. Camden Rhude ran for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Christian Mello also added a rushing TD, according to stats posted by the team on Hudl. Jack Rigabar threw for 122 yards, and found Brady Mills for a touchdown pass. The Blue Streaks host Schenectady at 7 p.m. on Friday.

BOYS SOCCER

(9/23) SARATOGA 4, BURNT HILLS 0

Powered by a hat trick from Ryan Farr, the Saratoga Springs varsity boys soccer team cruised to a 4-0 win over Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake on Saturday. James Hope also scored a goal for the Blue Streaks, with Owen Winter adding two assists. Andrew Spain also recorded an assist in the victory.

(9/25) Schuylerville 1, Johnstown 1

The Schuylerville varsity boys soccer team battled Johnstown to a 1-1 tie in Foothills Council action on Monday. Willem Foster scored on a penalty kick in the early minutes of the game to give the Black Horses a 1-0 lead, but Kayden Buyce tied the game in the second half for Johnstown. Griffin Brophy made five saves in goal for Schuylerville.

(9/26) Saratoga 1, Shaker 1

In a battle between a pair of unbeaten teams, both the Saratoga Springs and Shaker varsity boys soccer teams emerged without a loss on Tuesday, battling to a 1-1 tie in Suburban Council action. Xavier Ruscio scored for the Blue Streaks, while Kofi Sarfoh scored a goal for the Blue Bison.

(9/26) Schuylerville 5, Hudson Falls 3

The Schuylerville varsity boys soccer team hit the road on Tuesday and returned home with a win, defeating Hudson Falls 5-3 in a Foothills Council contest. Alex Renner had a hat trick for the Black Horses, scoring three goals in the win, while Nate Lanfear and Parker Bendon also added goals. Lanfear also recorded an assist, with Corey Cottrell, Connor Battle, and Trevor French also picking up assists. Griffin Brophy made one save in goal for Schuylerville (4-4-1 overall, 3-3-1 Foothills).

GIRLS SOCCER

(9/23) Saratoga 0, Burnt Hills 0

The Saratoga Springs varsity girls soccer team battled to a scoreless tie in Suburban Council action against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake on Saturday. Olivia Goodman made six saves in goal for the Blue Streaks, who move to 4-2-2 on the season.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
(9/25) MECHANICVILLE 3, SARATOGA CATHOLIC 0 – The Saratoga Catholic varsity girls volleyball team fell to Mechanicville in straight sets, 25-12, 25-7, 25-13, on Monday. Emery Moser had four kills for the Saints, while Ryan McDonald and Margaret Crowe each had three kills in the loss.

(9/22) STILLWATER 3, SCHUYLERVILLE 0

The Schuylerville varsity girls volleyball team dropped a non-league contest to Stillwater, 25-22, 25-18, 25-23, on Sept. 22. Sophia Wahl had four kills for the Black Horses, while Madisyn Awilow had eight digs. Kyerra Garmley added seven assists and three kills in the loss for Schuylerville.

FIELD HOCKEY

(9/22) Saratoga 1, Shaker 0

The Saratoga Springs varsity field hockey team earned a 1-0 shutout victory over Shaker in Suburban Council action on Friday. Mia Khazin scored the lone goal of the game in the second quarter off an assist by Maddy Miller. Lily Wilborn made five saves in goal for the Blue Streaks.

BOYS GOLF

(9/26) Saratoga 165, Shaker 166

The Saratoga Springs varsity boys golf team held off Shaker for a one-point victory at McGregor Links Country Club on Tuesday. Charles Greiner II shot a team-best 40 for the Blue Streaks, followed by Cole Whitman (41), Thomas Bundy (41), and Carter Sica (43). Kieran Cummins shot a match-best 37 in the loss for Shaker.

Saratoga Pumpkinfest: A Giant Success

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Photos by Billy Harrigan.

The 2023 Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest was held this past Saturday, Sept. 23. In it’s 8th annual year, The Giant Pumpkinfest takes place in conjunction with the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, kicking-off the fall season by celebrating and supporting our region’s farmers and harvest. This year we saw several pumpkins top over 1,500 pounds during the Pumpkinfest weigh-off. Congratulations to all growers who participated. 

Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest on Saturday

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The 2023 Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest will take place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 in downtown Saratoga Springs. This free and fun-for-all-ages event is presented by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce at the Saratoga Springs City Center parking garage.  

Attendees will have the opportunity to marvel at giant pumpkins – some over 1,000 pounds – and watch the official weigh-off, which begins at 11 a.m. Growers from all over New York state and the Northeast bring the biggest pumpkins from their harvest and compete for the title of “Heaviest Pumpkin of Year,” along with additional categories and prizes.

The festival will include fall favorite activities as well as food and beverage vendors on-site and is located near the Saratoga Farmers’ Market at High Rock Park.

History Center to Host Trivia Night Sept. 27

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA —The Saratoga County History Center hosts a Trivia Night fund-raising event at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa, from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27.

The event will be hosted by Ballston Spa native Mark Hersh of Hersh Productions. Mark, a long-time mobile DJ and event producer, currently hosts two weekly trivia events in Ballston Spa and brings his experience to the museum’s first Trivia Night, held to support the many activities of the History Center.  

Typical trivia categories such as TV and movies, songs, sports, science, and geography will be enhanced by local history related questions created by the event committee.  The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with light refreshments and the trivia challenge begins at 7.

Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams and a 50-50 raffle will be held. Registration is $25 per person and is available on the museum website. brooksidemuseum.org/event/trivia-night-at-brookside-museum

Letter to the Editor

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

I am a candidate for Public Safety Commissioner in Saratoga Springs. I recently attended the 9/11 commemoration in Saratoga Springs with a heavy heart. I come from a family of law enforcement, firefighters, and construction workers and many paid the ultimate price that day. We should never forget their service and should never forget we were attacked by terrorists that day on our own soil.

On 9/12, my opponent, Kristen Dart, held a press conference where she incorrectly stated that I put innocent Muslims in jail in a case I did shortly after the 9/11 attacks. Ms. Dart also falsely connected a case from a different area of New York state with my case in Albany to justify her claims, even though I had no relationship with that case. Her actions and judgment were inappropriate and alarming. 

I plan to operate my campaign based on the facts because our Democracy depends on facts to survive so I am taking the time to correct the record. Additionally, I am proud of the work of the FBI, and the United States Attorneys’ Office, and all our partners and Task Force Officers, who worked so hard to keep America safe.

In the case I worked, Yassin Aref and Muhammed Hossain were convicted after trial and the conviction was upheld by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. According to Judge Homer, “Mr. Aref espouses and has adopted the goals of terrorist organizations and has had an ongoing relationship with terrorist organizations.” In addition, Aref made an entry in his personal journal which stated, “take the war to America and Israel” and also noted to “Raise the Jihad sword…Raise the Koran with blood.” 

This community would benefit if Ms. Dart would accept my invitation and join me in a public forum at which she can raise her concerns and I could address them.

– Tim Coll