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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Celebrating America’s Revolutionary Past

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA — The Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission recently hosted 75 attendees for its Women in War Symposium at Saratoga Town Hall in Schuylerville. 

Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts, Saratoga Deputy Supervisor Ian Murray, State Historian Devin Lander, and Saratoga National Historical Park Superintendent Leslie Morlock were among the distinguished guests at the event. 

Attendees and participants came from across the local community as well as from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. 

The symposium provided a platform to honor and relate the invaluable contributions of women during wartime.

In a related matter, America’s Turning Point will present the summer speaking series Revolution on the Hudson – on June 27, July 25, and Aug. 1. The series invites the public to enjoy beautiful public parks located along the Hudson River while learning about America’s revolutionary past.  

All three events begin at 6 p.m. and the public is invited to bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the grounds.  Eighteenth century living historians will answer questions and provide demonstrations. The speaker program begins at 7 p.m. and 18th Century toys and games along with replica colonial clothing will be available for children to try.  Please bring your own chairs.

 Speaker series: 

– June 27 at Halfmoon Lighthouse Park, 597 Hudson River Road, Halfmoon. Living Historians: 24th Regiment of Foot; Speakers: Sean Kelleher, “Incident at Jones Mill”; Don Carola, “Sanbun Ford: Forgotten Patriot Rediscovered”; Rick Reynolds, “Joe Bettys: Patriot and Traitor.”

– July 25 at Stillwater Riverfront Park 1940 US Route 4, Stillwater. Living Historians: 2nd Continental Artillery. Please note: There will be cannon firing as part of this demonstration. Speaker: David Pitlyk, Revisiting the Battle of Bennington.

– Aug. 1 at Hudson Crossing Park County Road 42, Schuylerville. Living Historian: Anne Clothier, Camp Followers of Burgoyne’s Army. Speaker: Bruce Venter, “The Battle of Hubbardton: The Rear Guard Action that Saved America.”

Indoor Golf Coming to Broadway

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Photo by Dylan McGlynn

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The latest expansion of The Bunker, an indoor golf simulator, bar, restaurant, and event space, will be coming to downtown Saratoga Springs.

The business will take over 11,000 square feet across two stories of 307 Broadway, said co-founder Troy Miller, who added that the company has been looking at expanding to Saratoga “for quite some time.”

Miller said the company had attempted to make prior deals to expand into Saratoga before securing a location in the Congress Park Centre.

“I guess it all worked out, because we’ve probably got one of the most prominent spots in Saratoga,” Miller said. “We’re excited about going there.”

The Bunker’s Saratoga Springs location will feature two bars, an event space, indoor golf simulators, and “high-level food”, said Miller.

He added that the location will “tie into the whole racetrack theme,” in a nod to the Saratoga Race Course. He also said that the company is proposing open-air concepts for garage windows on the first floor that could be raised to allow for indoor-outdoor dining. 

“So you can be sitting inside, yet be right on Broadway,” Miller said.

He said The Bunker’s corporate chef will design “a little bit different” of a menu from other locations.

“Those details aren’t defined, but it’ll be upscale pub food,” said Miller. “We really take pride in our food as well.”

Miller said the company hopes to have its Saratoga location opened by the end of the year.

“My goal is to try to get open this year,” Miller said. “Whether it’s December 1st, January 1st, in that ballpark.”

The Bunker opened its first location in October 2019, and currently has locations in Clifton Park, Guilderland, Latham, North Greenbush, and New Hartford. In addition to the expansion to Saratoga Springs, plans are also underway for a casino-themed location near Rivers Casino in Schenectady.

Miller said business has been going “great” for the company, noting that it began as a passion project.

“It never really was meant to be a business when I first started, but that’s what it turned into,” said Miller. “My family’s involved in it, it’s opened up a lot of opportunities for friends. It’s just turned out to be a great, great thing. 

“I love golf, and the hospitality business in general, so it’s pinch-yourself exciting.”

STATE CHAMPIONS: Saratoga Relay Team, Ballston Spa’s Healey Earn Track State Titles

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Photo provided by Saratoga Springs City School District.

MIDDLETOWN — Five local athletes capped off the outdoor track and field seasons in grand fashion on June 10, ending the spring season by earning NYSPHSAA State Championships in their respective events.

The Saratoga 4 x 800 relay team, consisting of Alycia Hart, McKinley Wheeler, Emily Bush, and Sheridan Wheeler, won the NYSPHSAA State Championship, while Ballston Spa’s Harriet Healey won the Division 1 State Championship in the 400-meter hurdles.

The Blue Streaks’ relay team combined for a time of 9:05.05, beating second-place Northport. Sheridan Wheeler also placed third in the 2,000-meter steeplechase (6:22.13), while Amelia McBain earned a second-place finish in the pole vault (12’ 3”).

Genevieve Duchaussee finished third in the pentathlon (3,218), while Emily Bush placed sixth in the 1,500-meters (4:29.94).

On the boys side, Joao Dos Anjos Neto finished sixth in the pole vault for the Blue Streaks (14’ 0”).

Ballston Spa junior Harriet Healey took home the NYSPHSAA Division 1 state title in the 400-meter hurdles, with a time of 1:02.01 besting Cornwall’s Caigan Leonard, who placed second. Gabrielle Bozeth also placed eighth in the 200-meter dash for the Scotties (25.64).

Schuylerville HS announces Class of 2023 Top Graduates

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville Central School District has announced its Top Graduate recognitions for the Class of 2023.

Schuylerville’s Top 10 recognition was expanded in 2022 to a Top Graduate recognition, in an effort to honor the hard work and achievement of more students. Students with an average of 96 or higher qualify to be featured in the annual Top Graduate recognition.

The Schuylerville Class of 2023 Valedictorian is Lillian Letzring. Letzring is a member of National Honor Society, has acted as co-president of Student Council, and has been involved with Student Government, Drama Club, Spanish Club, and prom committee.

Letzring is a co-captain of the Schuylerville varsity cross country, indoor, and outdoor track and field teams, and is a member of both the NYSSMA All-County Band and Chorus. She is a recipient of the Rensselaer Medal Award.

Letzring plans to attend SUNY Potsdam with a major in geology and environmental science.

The Schuylerville Class of 2023 Salutatorian is Alayna Wian. Wian is also a member of National Honor Society, has acted as the Class of 2023 treasurer and vice-president, co-president and parliamentarian in Student Council, and vice-president of Drama Club.

Wian is also a member of Environmental Club, Spanish Club, Yearbook Club, and prom committee. She is a member of All-County Chorus and Area All-State Chorus. Wian played six sports, serving as captain of the varsity girls soccer team in addition to competing in cross country, basketball, indoor and outdoor track and field, and lacrosse.

Wian was a representative at the Section II Athletic Leadership Summit, and also received the St. Michael’s Book Award. She plans to attend Hobart & William Smith Colleges and major in physics/mathematics. 

See below for a full list of Schuylerville’s Class of 2023 Top Graduates:

• Lillian Letzring (Valedictorian)
• Alayna Wian (Salutatorian)
• Christopher Buettner
• Lucas Fitzgerald
• Sofie Lamodi
• Anthony Luzadis
• Draven Mueller
• Arielle Sowle
• Irene Torres-Guzman
• Caitlyn VanDeusen
• Megan Vianese
• Abigail White
• Elliott Woods
• Jocelyn Zapien-Espinosa

Local Student Accepted To Prominent Washington, D.C. Fellowship

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A local student will have the opportunity to study political philosophy in Washington, D.C. this summer, gaining first-hand experience with the world of politics.

Matthew Hogan, Jr., a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and a rising senior at Villanova University, was accepted into the Hudson Institute Political Studies 2023 Summer Fellowship, where he will spend the summer studying political philosophy.

Hogan is one of 54 students from colleges across the country who will attend the program.

The Hudson Institute fellowship involves the study of political thought and public policy, with students participating in “courses led by master teachers, policy workshops directed by field experts and experienced government officials, and a distinguished speaker series of exemplary figures from public life,” according to the Hudson Institute website.

Hogan is a double major in political science and humanities at Villanova, and also holds a double minor in Italian and French. He said he enjoys studying political philosophy to help learn from the past.

“I like the study of political philosophy because I think we can learn a lot from the past to help combat issues and problems that we currently face, and in the future,” said Hogan.

He said the experience in D.C. will be valuable, and said he is looking forward to meeting new people and making connections.

“That’s one of the points that I’m most looking forward to about this program,” Hogan said. “Because I could just spend the summer here, reading political philosophers on my own if I really wanted to, but it’s that interaction with other people. … I want to be in the office, doing stuff, and interacting with people, because I just appreciate that a lot about life.”

“We’re very thrilled for him,” added Matthew Hogan, Sr., Matthew’s father. “He’s going to meet with a lot of people from D.C. that are in the political realm.”

Hogan Sr. is also an alum of Villanova, and said it is meaningful to see Matthew succeed at the school, saying he is “a phenomenal kid.”

“I’m thrilled he goes to Villanova, because that’s where I went,” said Hogan Sr. “The way I always describe him is, he got my wife and I’s best qualities without getting our worst qualities.”

To apply for the fellowship, Hogan wrote an essay detailing why he wants to study political philosophy, and also submitted a writing sample and a letter of recommendation along with his resume. After going through a phone interview, he was accepted into the program. 

“I’m very ecstatic about it,” said Hogan. “Political philosophy is one of the fields that interests me the most. Accruing hard data, or quantitative data, is an important aspect of political science, but I also think that there’s a lot to be derived from the theoretical realm as well. You can’t just stay confined to the quantitative. I think you have to venture out into the qualitative and kind of incorporate them both together.”

While Hogan said he is unsure of his career aspirations after college, he has been gaining a wide variety of experience. In addition to the Hudson Institute fellowship, Hogan has studied abroad in France, and will spend the fall 2023 semester in Bologna, Italy.

“I’m directly enrolling in the University of Bologna, and I’ll take all my political science classes and humanities, which is my second major,” Hogan said.

He said his variety of experiences are his way of “feeling out the waters,” and said he hopes to have an idea of his career plans as the year continues.

“I’ll just be in the town, so I’ll just be able to fully immerse myself, which will be a challenge, but nonetheless, I think it will entail a lot of personal growth,” said Hogan.

Saratoga Builders Association Awards Two Student Scholarships

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. has awarded two student cash scholarships. One is the annual SBA Scholarship for $1,000 and the second is the annual “Bob Best” Memorial Scholarship, also for $1,000.

Alexandra Coffinger of Greenwich was awarded the SBA Scholarship. Alexandra is a senior at Schuylerville High School and will be attending Millersville University to pursue a career in Construction Management. 

Zachary Pingelski of Mechanicville was awarded the “Bob Best” Memorial Scholarship. Zach is a senior at Mechanicville High School and will be attending Hudson Valley Community College to pursue a degree in HVAC.

The Saratoga Builders Association makes these student scholarship awards available annually to high school seniors or college students who are planning to pursue a career in the construction industry. 

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library Trustee Candidates Sought for 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

CLIFTON PARK — The Board of Trustees of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library are seeking candidates for two library trustee positions to begin January 1, 2024, due to the expiring terms of two incumbents, both representing the Town of Clifton Park.

The annual Library Budget and Trustee Election is scheduled for Thursday, September 14. It will take place at the Library from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In order to qualify for trustee, candidates are required to be registered voters residing in Clifton Park, within the boundaries of the Library Tax District. The trustee positions are five-year terms. Employees of the Library, contractors, and vendors to the Library are ineligible. Residents will vote for the trustee candidates from their respective town of residence.

Trustee packets are available beginning June 1. Interested candidates may pick up a packet in person or download one from the Library website: www.cphlibrary.org.

The Library Board consists of 11 trustees: seven representing Clifton Park and four representing Halfmoon. Trustees attend monthly board meetings, serve on assigned committees, and contribute their expertise to benefit the Library and the served community.

The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, located in Southern Saratoga County, provides materials, programs, and services to the residents of Clifton Park and Halfmoon. The Library at 475 Moe Road in Clifton Park is open seven days a week and can be reached by phone at 518-371-8622 and online at www.cphlibrary.org.

Plans Filed To Turn Former Sunmark To Gas Station/Convenience Store

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Overall site plans submitted by Nolan Engineering, PLLC, for 202 Northline Rd, the former site of Sunmark Credit Union (Image from Town of Milton Planning Board).

MILTON — Site plans have been introduced to redevelop the former site of Sunmark Credit Union at 202 Northline Rd to a convenience store and gas station.

Plans were filed with the Town of Milton Planning Board in late March for the site. The location is currently owned by Gary DeRusso, president of Adirondack Land Development, LLC, and is pending a sale to Lucky Petroleum owner Surinder Cheema, according to the filed plans.

The site is located across the street from Adirondack Trust Company at 162 Northline Rd. Designs for the property were developed by Nolan Engineering, PLLC, the plans state. 

The project would see the former Sunmark building repurposed for a gas station/convenience store with its own parking.

The plans were presented to the Town of Milton Planning Board on April 12, where Jason Singer of Nolan Engineering stated the plans call for six islands with 12 gas pumps, one on each side of the islands, according to the meeting minutes.

Cheema told the Milton Planning Board at the April meeting that in the future, he would consider adding apartments on the back side of the property, and a food chain on the corner of the property, according to the minutes.

Saratoga Federal Offers Family & Community Day June 10

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Federal is hosting a Family & Community Day to members and residents of the local community on June 10 from 12 to 4 p.m. Members of the community are invited to join as they kick off the summer season and another great year. Plus, receive a $25 Wind-Chill Factory Gift Card for opening an account. Enjoy a round of mini golf, lunch or ice cream, courtesy of Saratoga Federal.

Saratoga Federal staff will be onsite at the Wind-Chill Factory from 12 to 4 p.m. to answer questions and open accounts. There will be no minimum balance required when opening an account at the event.

Saratoga Federal has been providing financial services to the community since 1945 and is open to all individuals who live, work or attend school in Saratoga County. Details are available at www.saratogafcu.org/windchill.