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Author: Saratoga TODAY

BSMS International Club Celebrates International Day of Peace

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Middle School recently celebrated International Peace Day, creating chalk art in the front walkway of the school.

The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on Sept. 21. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace, according to a release by the district.

Xiomara Giordano Named Chief Diversity Officer at Empire State University

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Empire State University has announced the hiring of Xiomara Giordano to the position of assistant vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer. She will be based in the university’s Saratoga Springs location beginning Nov. 1, according to a press release.

Giordano currently serves as director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and deputy college diversity officer at Bennington College, where she helps leadership identify and establish opportunities to support diverse student populations and implement programs fostering cultural education and awareness, the release states. She also held roles as academic services and study away counselor at Bennington College, assistant director of undergraduate enrollment at Russell Sage College, academic advisor at Rockland Community College, and Spanish teacher at Saddle River Day School in New Jersey.

“I am committed to advancing our institution’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion and fostering an environment where all members of our community thrive,” Giordano said in the release.

As AVP and CDO, Giordano, who uses she/they/ella/elle pronouns, will work with SUNY Empire students and employees to continue to build an inclusive community, and will also lead initiatives, programs, and training programs, the release states.

Giordano earned their bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Smith College and their M.S. degree in higher education at University at Albany. She holds professional certificates in diversity and inclusion, standards of professional practice, and Title IX.

Students Gather for Career Jam Explore at TEC-SMART

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Some of the students from the Glens Falls City School District who attended Career Jam Explore gather at the GlobalFoundries exhibit table for a photo with (left to right) Kate Manley, Career Jam vice president, Capital Region; Robert Brennan, GlobalFoundries senior member, technical staff; and Todd Shimkus, president, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce (Photo by Kris Qua).

MALTA — Career Jam hosted hundreds of eighth and ninth grade students from many schools on Wednesday at Career Jam Explore at TEC-SMART on Hudson Valley Community College’s North Campus in Malta. 

Career Jam Explore is designed to bridge the gap between students, local businesses, skilled trades, and educational partners. The event was supported by Saratoga County, which underwrote the cost for students in the county to attend free of charge, a press release states.

“It is exciting (to) bring so many students and businesses together as we strive to inspire and retain the next generation of workforce talent in our region,” said Ryan Van Amburgh, the founder and CEO of Career Jam, in the release. “Doing so is crucial for both economic development and ensuring household prosperity for students and their families.”

 Structured for eighth and ninth-grade students, Career Jam Explore offers an opportunity for young learners to discover a diverse range of local career pathways through interactive activities with professionals from various industries.

The event kicked off with a “Prep Rally” featuring a DJ, t-shirts, prizes, games, and trivia. Following the rally, students had the opportunity to explore over 50 exhibits showcasing businesses in the region, the release states.

Career Jam Explore includes a personalized survey from the Siena College Research Institute, identifying which career cluster aligns with each student’s interests, and analyzes their aptitude and learning style, the release states. Students also developed an elevator pitch and techniques to introduce themselves to businesses.

“Saratoga County is pleased to support Career Jam. This innovative event brings businesses and schools together in a fun and engaging way to help students explore the many career pathways that are available to them right here in the Capital Region,” said Saratoga County administrator Steve Bulger in the release. “Saratoga County’s robust economy is built on its strong workforce with education being a key building block to economic success. Career Jam is helping to build our future workforce by bringing these two important sectors together.”

Another Career Jam Explore event will be held Oct. 19 on Hudson Valley’s main campus in Troy. Students and businesses are invited to participate. 

For more information about Career Jam Explore, visit www.career-jam.com.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Hosting Fall Campfire Chat and Astronomy Party Oct. 6

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WILTON — On Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m., Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding an Astronomy Party at Camp Saratoga on Scout Rd. in Wilton.  

The event will be led by Wilton Wildlife staff along with volunteer Astronomy Coordinator, Howard Lester.  Additional volunteers will be coming from the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers, Inc., and the Adirondack Skywatchers to help participants study the night sky. There will be telescopes available and experts will be on hand to share their knowledge. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. The rain/cloud date for this event is Saturday, Oct. 7 at the same location. 

In addition to the Astronomy Party, participants will be able to enjoy hanging out around the campfire for cocoa and s’mores. This is a free, all-ages program and will take place at the Town of Wilton’s Camp Saratoga.

Registration is required. To register visit wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, contact the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org.  

History Center Presents “Ballston’s Sacrifice in the War with Mexico” Oct. 5

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA —The Saratoga County History Center presents “Ballston’s Sacrifice in the War with Mexico” on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa. Local Historians John Cromie and Dave Waite will team up to present the story of the Mexican War on both the national and local level in a multimedia presentation.

Cromie, a Ballston Spa native and current Trustee of the Saratoga History Center, will provide the background of the lead up to war, describe the major battles that lead to our victory and the acquisition of former Mexican territory from Texas to California. 

Waite, photographer, videographer, and prolific author of local history stories will focus on the four Ballston Spa soldiers who died during the war. Their sacrifice is enshrined in a monument in the Ballston Spa Village cemetery first erected in 1848. Bill Curtiss, President of the Ballston Spa Cemetery Association, will discuss plans to rededicate the monument with a parade and ceremony at the cemetery on Sunday, October 22. 

Pre-registration for the October 5 program is available at brooksidemuseum.org/events.

Saratoga Supervisors Call for Countywide Holiday on Oct. 17

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville at October 2018 event marking the 1777 surrender of British troops which resulted in “the turning point” of the American Revolution. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

BALLSTON SPA — The Board of Supervisors proclaimed October 17, 2023 as Surrender Day in Saratoga County in recognition of the Turning Point of the Revolutionary War. 

“We wish to elevate this commemoration to a countywide holiday to commemorate the Battles of Saratoga, the siege of the British Army, and its ultimate surrender to the Patriot Army,” according to the Board resolution. “We encourage the countywide recognition of Surrender Day by providing any town, village, or city that adopts October 17 as an official holiday to be known as an Affiliated Community Partner of America’s Turning Point.” 

On October 17, 1777, British Gen. John Bourgoyne surrendered his sword to Gen. Horatio Gates. The Saratoga Surrender Site, located one mile south of the village of Schuylerville on Route 4, memorializes Gen. Burgoyne’s surrender after the Battles of Saratoga. The British Army grounded arms at the surrender nearby in what is currently Schuylerville’s Fort Hardy Park. 

The historic moment is often referred to as “the Turning Point” of the Revolutionary War.

Saratoga County will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga and Turning Point victory in 2027.

Saratoga Recycles Day: Oct. 7 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sustainable Saratoga is hosting their 7th annual Saratoga Recycles Day event on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. – Noon at SPAC Parking Lot, west side of Route 50. 

There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle (cash or check – please bring exact change). Sort your items according to the drop-off stations:

• Eyeglasses & Hearing Aids for the Saratoga Lions Club: sunglasses & eyeglasses (prescription or nonprescription), hearing aids in any condition.

• Cell Phones and cell phone chargers for Wellspring 

• Musical Instruments for We Are Instrumental (any condition). No pianos or drum sets.

• Saratoga Children’s Literacy League: Gently used children’s and young adult books. No religious or holiday books.

• Camping Equipment (useable) for RISE Housing and Support Services: including tents, stoves, backpacks, sleeping bags and pads

• Clothing & Household Textiles for American Clothing Company (any condition): clothes, coats, shoes, belts, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, backpacks, sheets, comforters, towels, etc. No pillows, carpeting, or rugs with rubber backing.

• Metal Objects and Refrigerants by JGS Recycling: basketball hoops, grills, unusable bikes, metal lawn care equipment, scrap metal, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, and AC units

• Electronics & Appliances by eLot Electronic Recycling, Inc.: TVs and monitors are an additional $30 fee per item. No smoke detectors, thermostats, or batteries.

For more information visit the website: sustainablesaratoga.org/…/saratoga-recycles-day/

Elizabeth S. Fijal

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

CLIFTON PARK — Elizabeth S. Fijal, 62, passed away Sept. 25, 2023. Visitation from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, at Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Funeral at 11 a.m. Sept. 30, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 63 Mountain View Ave., Albany. Burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Ave. Saratoga Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Allan Gentile

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

BOCA RATON, FL — Allan Gentile, 76, passed away Friday, September 22, 2023. Calling hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023 Burke Funeral Home, service to follow at 1 p.m. Burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations: The Tunnels to Towers Foundation or The American Cancer Society. Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Thomas Rickert

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

HOOSICK FALLS — Thomas “Tom” Rickert, 75, passed away on September 25, 2023. Calling hours are 5 to 7 p.m., 10/4/2023 at Burke Funeral Home. Burial with military honors at 10:30 a.m., 10/5/2023 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com