Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Elody Restaurant Opening Marks New Chapter for 13 North

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo by Adam Russell, provided by Roohan Realty.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Elody Restaurant, owned by Patricia Weaver, officially opened at 54 Phila Street in downtown Saratoga Springs on Jan. 2.

Elody is the relocation and rebranding of the former 13 North Restaurant in Malta, which was renamed in honor of Weaver’s granddaughter Elody.

“The new location gives me the opportunity to expand my restaurant business into the city of Saratoga Springs, which has always been a dream of mine,” Weaver said. “It also allows me to keep my original passion for baking alive and growing, with the addition of a second bar that I transformed into a fun dessert bar featuring all of my homemade desserts and creations.”

A complete renovation of the restaurant was made possible through the support of Weaver’s family, including her husband Larry Weaver, her daughter and son-in-law Trish and Shane Myers, their daughter Elody, and Myers Construction, owned by her son-in-law, which completed the space’s transformation.

Weaver also credited Amy Sutton, Associate Real Estate Broker at Roohan Realty, with providing guidance throughout the commercial leasing process.

Elody is now open Tuesday-Saturday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saratoga County Institute of Management Enrolling for 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Chris Thomas of Elite 9 Speaks to the 2025 SCIM Cohort. Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Empire State University, announced on Monday the return of its Saratoga County Institute of Management program.

Designed for emerging or new managers, the program is organized into two six-week tracks that are designed to rapidly enhance skillsets and complement each other.

Track One focuses on foundational skills, including self-awareness, communication, conflict resolution, and leadership strategies to help participants transition from individual contributors to effective team leaders.

Track Two centers on advanced managerial competencies—such as talent recruitment and retention, performance management, strategic planning, leading change, and financial acumen—to expand participants’ strategic impact and organizational leadership.

Participants have the option to enroll in one or both tracks, as Track One is not a prerequisite for Track Two.

The SCIM program was initiated as a pilot before the COVID-19 pandemic, then relaunched in 2025.

Enrollment is now open. Scholarships are available to support small businesses and impact sector organizations. Each class size is limited to ensure a personalized experience.

For more information or to register, visit www.saratoga.org/scim.

Week of January 30 – February 5, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON 

Anthony Ruscio sold property at 1321 West High St to Jason Harris for $276,000

Arlene Ida sold property at 3 Sherwood Park Dr to JohnBernard Newsom for $330,000

Daniel Farstad sold property at 7202 Stonebridge Dr to Stephen Adams for $420,000

CORINTH

Tucker Collums sold property at 456 Cty Rt 10 to Robert Green for $435,000

GALWAY

John Sutton sold property at Ridge Rd to Joseph Heller for $115,000

GREENFIELD

Federal National Mortgage Association sold property at 87 North Greenfield Rd to Connor Ashline for $255,000

NIlufar Barak sold property at 99 Wilsey Rd/ 95 Wilsey Rd to Kathleen Kern for $465,000

711 & 921 Properties LLC sold property at 543 Locust Grove Rd to Guy Mastrion $220,000

MALTA

Caren Carlson sold property at 735 Route 67 to Kyle Thompson for $175,000

Kyle Thompson sold property at 735 Rt 67 to Malta Land Company LLC for $250,000

Blue Aster Lane sold property at 8 Emma Lane to John Heath for $596,104

Malta Land Company LLC sold property at 22 Admirals Way to and Theresa Bernacki for $779,145

Cherri Ann Brown sold property at 17 Bayberry Dr to Kylee Ropitzky for $549,000

H and C Property Holdings LLC sold property at 359 Malta Ave to Joel Roberts for $140,000

MILTON

Edward Horn sold property at 2 Woodthrush Ct to Joseph McDonald for $455,000

Olympioabrea LLC sold property at 5 White Rd to AW Home Construction  for $255,000

SARATOGA

Cheryl Norris sold property at 1017 State Rt 4 to Sherry Margelot for $200,000

Michael Tierney sold property at 117 County Rd 338 to Carter Chaskey for $625,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Dianne Conlee sold property at 6 Woodlawn Ct to Alice Smith for $460,000

Joan Douglas sold property at 25 Jenee Way to Mark Mitchell for $625,000

Connor Patrick sold property at 12 Ward St to Serena Amlie for $700,000

Ted Norman sold property at 88 Trottingham Ct to Jason Vincik for $386,000

Kevin Corcoran sold property at 98 Meadowbrook Rd to Robert Schermerhorn for $360,000

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 353 to Regina Family for $990,832

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 358 to Regina Family for $1,036,834

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 356 to Regina Family for $1,042,834

Dorothy Ingordo sold property at 5 Maria Lane to 5 Maria Lane LLC for $919,000

WILTON

Mary Marble sold property at 523 Wilton Greenfield Rd to Gregory Lee for $525,000

Joshua Orr sold property at 4 Overlook Dr to Matthew Pfiefer for $605,000

Turning Holiday Fun into Community Good: The Story of Saratoga SantaCon

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

For many people, hearing the words “SantaCon” creates images of Caroline Street being overcrowded, of lots of drinking, and of the craziness associated with an alcohol-related event. SantaCon organizer Brian Miller hopes to change that perception to one of community and local business support, and to inspire other business owners to get more involved in their community. 

Miller’s involvement with Saratoga SantaCon began while he worked as a Brand Ambassador, and later Sales Representative, for Saratoga Eagle. The event needed a liaison between the participating bars and the third-party group that was organizing it, and Miller stepped up to the task. Shortly after, the original organizer turned the keys over to Miller. Now, he is the organizer of Saratoga SantaCon, and also the Events Director at The Bourbon Room.

What started as a Caroline Street event that 75-100 people attended, has now blossomed into a downtown, large-scale event. On December 13, 2025, over 3,000 “Santas” descended on Caroline Street and Phila Street and the 15 participating bars. Saratoga SantaCon is the largest pub crawl in the Capital District and potentially is a top five pub crawl in upstate New York. 

People travel from across New York State, and even from Vermont to attend the event. Miller noted, “It helps being in Saratoga and having all of the bars in one concentrated area, having a beautiful downtown, and having hotels and restaurants here where people can make it a weekend.” 

While Saratoga SantaCon provides attendees with a fun holiday experience, it also has a beneficial impact on the Saratoga community in two ways – by supporting a local non-profit, and through the effects it has on bars and restaurants. 

Franklin Community Center (FCC) was selected as the beneficiary of the event by the original organizers, and 100% of the proceeds benefit the agency. Originally, the fee to attend the event was a donation of five non-perishable food items to benefit the FCC Food Pantry. Over time, Miller and FCC transitioned away from collecting items, as it created logistical challenges with storing food overnight in a climate-controlled area and securing a donation of trucks to transport them from Caroline Street to the Food Pantry. Also, the holidays are typically a time of increased donations for the Food Pantry, making financial contributions more needed.

Now, attendees purchase tickets to participate in the event, and all of the proceeds benefit FCC. In 2025, the event raised $26,565 – the most successful year yet, an increase of over $10,000 from the previous year’s total. The funds generated through the event help support FCC in carrying out its mission year-round. FCC serves over ten thousand individuals in Saratoga County each year through its essential programs: Food Pantry, Free Store, Project Lift, Student and Family Services, and Franklin Community Manor. 

In addition to the community impact, Saratoga SantaCon positively benefits downtown businesses. For most bars and restaurants, the winter months are the slowest, which creates real challenges for businesses to stay afloat. Saratoga SantaCon brings in thousands of people, who spend money at almost a dozen bars and restaurants throughout the day. For some establishments, the profits made on the event date alone help generate enough to keep them in business through the winter. This year, the event generated over $500,000 in revenue for the businesses.

What’s next for Saratoga SantaCon? Miller hopes to continue to expand to become a larger scale community event that is highlighted by the pub crawl. His vision? Victorian Streetwalk meets Saratoga Fall Fest, but make it Christmas! The goal is to create opportunities for businesses to host family-friendly activities and events during the day, while still providing the fun atmosphere for the “Santas” in the evening. 

Miller hopes that business owners are inspired by the success of Saratoga SantaCon, and help organize their own events or take part in existing ones. Miller says, “As a business owner, on a popular street, use your popularity for good. I don’t think enough people do that.” 

His favorite part of Saratoga SantaCon is the level of care the bars and restaurants put into it. He noted that as the first to arrive on Caroline Street, he sees all of the businesses getting ready – putting up their decorations, having staff arrive early, and being prepared to give it their full attention. Their ownership of the event ensures its success, “…when you rely on it, you care if something happens to it,” states Miller. 

Going forward, Miller’s aim is for businesses to “…realize that the largest resource they have to create their own event like this is them.” And if they need help getting started, Miller says, “I’m always open to ideas.”

This December, when you think of Saratoga SantaCon, think of the event’s lasting impact on the Saratoga community through non-profit and local business support.

Saratoga Lake Association Applauds Wilton Highway Superintendent Michael Monroe for Securing State Grant to Protect Water Quality

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga Lake Association (SLA) today commended Town of Wilton Highway Superintendent Michael Monroe and the Town of Wilton for securing a New York State Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant to construct a new, modern salt storage facility, a major investment in protecting water quality in the Saratoga Lake watershed.

Superintendent Monroe has announced that the Town has been awarded $600,000 under the State’s 2025 WQIP program to build the new salt shed. The project is designed to prevent salt and salt-laden runoff from leaching into stormwater systems, streams, groundwater, and ultimately Saratoga Lake. This is the second WQIP grant secured by Monroe for Wilton, bringing the total external funding obtained for water-quality-related infrastructure to approximately $1.5 million.

“Mike Monroe has set the gold standard for municipal highway operations in the Saratoga Lake watershed,” said James DeMasi, President of the Saratoga Lake Association. “This project is not just about improving operations—it is about stopping pollution at its source. Proper salt storage is one of the most effective and practical ways to reduce the long-term chloride loading that threatens our lake and its tributaries.”

A modern, fully enclosed salt storage facility is a cornerstone of best management practices for winter road maintenance. By keeping salt protected from rain and snowmelt and by controlling drainage and material handling, the new Wilton facility will eliminate a major, and often overlooked, pathway by which chlorides enter the environment before they ever reach the roadway.

“This is about doing our job better and more responsibly,” said Superintendent Monroe. “We can keep roads safe for the public and, at the same time, be better stewards of our water resources. This new facility is an important step in that direction.”

This investment complements the broader, forward-looking program already implemented under Monroe’s leadership, including calibrated spreaders across the fleet, the adoption of live-edge plow technology, and the introduction of brine pretreatment to reduce overall salt usage.

“Superintendent Monroe has shown that public safety and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,” DeMasi added. “Wilton is demonstrating what modern, responsible highway management looks like in a sensitive watershed. We strongly encourage other municipalities in the region to follow Wilton’s example.”

Photo of the Week!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

“Coons Crossing” by David Billman

Now is your chance to get your photos published!

Submit your “Photo of the Week” for a chance to be
Published in PRINT in Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.  

Email your photo to: Design@SaratogaPublishing.com

Meet Star!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Star is a recent addition to the HOPE Cat Adoption Center. She is approximately two years old and is a bit shy at first, though she warms up quickly. She arrived from a loving home that chose to surrender her to focus on a family member’s needs. Star would likely prefer to be the only cat in her new home, as she did not enjoy being chased by her previous housemates. She is up to date on her vaccines, spayed and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. We absolutely adore her and we think you will too!  

The Cat Adoption Center is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4. Online adoption applications can be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

The Wesley Foundation Secures Low-Entry Bus Following Series of successful fundraisers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Wesley Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs, recently unveiled an accessible bus for residents of the Wesley Health Care Center. Funding of the Frontrunner® Low-Floor Minibus by Frontrunner Bus Group, Inc. was made possible in part by Wesley’s annual gala and golf tournament, and The VMJR Companies’ 6th Annual Architects vs. Engineers Golf Tournament. 

The accessible minibus, which seats 14 passengers, does not require steps or a wheelchair lift due to its low-entry platform, providing easier boarding access for residents with mobility challenges. The new bus will be utilized to transport Wesley residents to various off-site activities and is intended to foster greater independence and enhance overall quality of life.     

The Wesley Foundation’s La Dolce Vita 2025 annual gala and the Saratoga 9 & Wine golf tournament raised more than $130,000 toward the purchase of the bus. 

Additionally, VMJR presented a check for more than $68,000 to Wesley, the beneficiary of its annual golf tournament that was conducted this past fall, making it possible for the non-profit senior health care center to secure the purchase of the bus with funds to spare, which will be allocated for other vital services. 

“We feel privileged to have been chosen as the recipient of VMJR’s Architects vs. Engineers annual Golf Tournament fundraiser and the outstanding donation generated by that event,” said The Wesley Community CEO J. Brian Nealon. “We are also gratified with the success of our own fundraisers which have made it possible for us to purchase a much-needed, low-entry bus for residents with mobility issues. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all who supported this important initiative.”

The annual VMJR golf tournament raises funds for local non-profits and selects a different organization each year as the beneficiary from entry fees, sponsorships, raffles, and food and beverage sales generated by the event.

Week of January 30 – February 5, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter, Police Blotter.

Blotter Report 

January 21- 28 

January 21, 2026. 10:47 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Village of Corinth on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 21, 2026. 12:56 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Johnstown resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 21, 2026. 1:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing- intent to defraud. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred on Jan. 7, 2026. 

January 22, 2026. 2:09 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saint Johnsville resident in the Town of Milton on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- 1st offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 2:50 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an Albany resident on Lake Avenue on charges of 4th degree criminal possession of stolen property- possession of a stolen credit card and 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

January 22, 2026. 8:27 a.m.-  Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on Lake Avenue on charges of public lewdness.

January 22, 2026. 8:48 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Clifton Park resident on Broadway on charges of public lewdness.

January 22, 2026. 10:00 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Southbury, CT resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor aggravated 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 11:00 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Bronx resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief- intent to damage property and misdemeanor aggravated 2nd degree harassment- threatened by telephone/ no legitimate purpose. 

January 22, 2026. 2:39 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing- intent to defraud. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 4:33 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor motor vehicle violation: registration suspended. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 4:55 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Middle Grove resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property > $250. Released on own recognizance. 

January 22, 2026. 8:27 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief: intent to damage property. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 8:46 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Providence on charges of misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation- apply pressure. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 10:02 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Fort Edward resident on South Broadway on charges of 3rd degree assault- with intent to cause physical injury, criminal obstruction on breathing or blood circulation- apply pressure, act in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and petit larceny. 

January 22, 2026. 10:57 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Halfmoon resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more- first offense, misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of controlled substance and misdemeanor aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher, no priors. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 11:27 p.m.- Saratoga Police arrested a Rock City Falls resident on Marion Ave on charges of 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

January 23, 2026. 2:28 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Porters Corners resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of misdemeanor aggravated 2nd degree harassment- communicate threat by phone/computer/mail. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 23, 2026. 4:40 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred on Dec. 2, 2025 in the Town of Wilton.

January 23, 2026. 8:26 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 23, 2026. 9:15 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a South Glens resident on Ballston Avenue on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and equipment violation- no/insufficient taillights. 

January 23, 2026. 11:38 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

January 24, 2026. 12:02- 12:10 a.m.- New York State Police arrested two Schenectady residents in the Town of Clifton Park. The first was charged with two counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. They were held without bail.  The second was charged with four counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

January 24, 2026. 2:18 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 24, 2026. 3:50 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Central arraignment. Original incident occurred in the Town of Queensbury on Nov. 24, 2025. 

January 24, 2026. 4:04 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glenns Falls in the Town of Queensbury on charges of misdemeanor motor vehicle violation- registration suspended. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 24, 2026. 5:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Queensbury on charges of misdemeanor 3rd aggravated degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 24, 2026. 6:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and misdemeanor aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 25, 2026. 12:12 a.m. – 12:24.- New York State Police arrested two Saratoga Springs and a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park. The first Saratoga Springs and Schenectady residents were both charged with misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance tickets issued. The second Saratoga Springs resident was charged with misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor false personation. Turned over to another agency. 

January 25, 2026. 3:32 a.m.- Saratoga Springs police arrested a Rensselaer resident on Church Street on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

January 25, 2026. 6:19 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on Sparrow Lane on charges of criminal mischief: intent to damage property. 

January 25, 2026. 11:36 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston resident on Church Street on charges of assault with intent to cause injury to officer/fireman/EMT/nurse/Crossing Guard, 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury and 2nd degree harassment- physical contact. 

January 26, 2026. 12:27 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Village of Ballston Spa on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon: previous conviction, felony unlawful wearing of body armor, misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administration- prevent official function. 

January 26, 2026. 12:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon- previous conviction, felony unlawful wearing of body armor, misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administration- prevent official function and felony assault 2- with intent to cause injury to officer/fireman/EMT/nurse/crossing guard. Cash bail. 

January 26, 2026. 3:12 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cohoes resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of DWI- first offense and aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher- no priors. Released to third party. Incident occurred after a crash on route 87 in the Town of Malta. 

January 26, 2026. 7:55 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Slingerlands juvenile in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree criminal contempt- disobey court order, misdemeanor 2nd degree reckless endangerment and misdemeanor criminal mischief: reckless property damage greater than $250. Family court appearance ticket issued. Incident stemmed from a single vehicle crash on I-87. 

Anthony Ralph Strollo

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WIMAUMA, FL – Anthony Ralph Strollo (“Tony”), 82, of Wimauma, Florida, and previously Loudonville, New York, passed away in Florida on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his five sons.   Services were held on Thursday, January 29, at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211.   Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.