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Author: Saratoga TODAY

2026 Town of Saratoga Calendars Now Available

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The 2026 Town of Saratoga calendars featuring pictures from days gone by in the villages of Schuylerville and Victory Mills and in the surrounding areas are now on sale.  Calendar pages are sprinkled with nearly 150 historical tidbits.  

The photos include the Schuylerville Central football team winning the 2024 NYS class C Football champion title at the Dome in Syracuse, Victory Mills Fire Department truck and firemen, Stewart’s store on Broad Street in Schuylerville about 1950, the old Baptist Church in Schuylerville, the Saratoga Victory Manufacturing Company in Victory Mills, the trolley bridge over Fish Creek, and six other pictures from the Town’s past.

You will learn when Schuylerville athletic teams won championships, when the Schuylerville Central School system was formed, and when the Town of Saratoga was established.  Other tidbits include when the First Baptist Church closed, when coasting on Schuylerville streets was banned, when Burgoyne surrendered the entire British army, and when the Saratoga National Cemetery was dedicated.

Calendars may be purchased for $6.00 in Schuylerville at Byron’s Market, Saratoga Apple, Schuylerville Public Library, Schuylerville Village office and at the Town Clerk’s office or at the Old Saratoga Mercantile and Olde Saratoga Home and Garden on Route 29 and from Pat Peck. The Old Saratoga Historical Association has produced the Town of Saratoga calendar for the past 41 years to help folks understand and appreciate the town’s history. Call Pat Peck, 518-584-4129, to arrange to have calendars mailed and to offer photos for the 2027 calendar.                                                                             

Raouf Ridha

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Raouf Ridha passed away on November 17, 2025.  He was the son of the late Abdul and Zahra Jaffery Ridha.  A private graveside service will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, NY.  For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Dr. Dominick John “Doc” Riccio

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Dr. Dominick John “Doc” Riccio passed away on November 13, 2025.   He was born on September 13, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York. Son of Ferdinand and Helen Riccio.  A private graveside service was held at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, NY.  For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Patricia Carol Gould

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Mrs. Patricia Carol Gould (née Gibbs), age 86, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025. Visitation was November 20, at St. Peter’s Church, Saratoga Springs, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Committal will be private. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Margaret “Margie” A. Farone

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Margaret “Margie” A. Farone, of Saratoga Springs, peacefully went home to the Lord on November 9, 2025 at the age of 86. A lifelong Saratogian, she was born on January 15, 1939, to the late Gennaro and Margaret (Scuderi) Sansiveri and grew up on Elm Street. She graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1956 and, in 1959, she married Louis J. “Bunny” Farone Jr. with whom she shared a devoted marriage until his passing in 2020. Together, they built a strong foundation for raising their three children, instilling in them a deep work ethic, a lasting sense of virtue, character, and family, and even managed to make them all great cooks. Most of all, they provided the groundwork for the spirituality that guides their family today.

Margie was a beloved member of the community. With Bunny, she transformed two former dairy barns on the edge of Interlaken Park into the Caunterbury Restaurant, which thrived for nearly twenty years. The Caunterbury welcomed many notable guests, and Margie was its heart- greeting everyone with a radiant smile, warm conversation, and unwavering commitment to service. The restaurant left a lasting imprint: its famous coconut bread recipe still circulates today, and the friendships formed among guests and staff have endured for decades. After the Caunterbury, Margie served the City of Saratoga Springs as manager of the Canfield Casino. Her eye for design, respect for local history, and deep community ties helped revitalize the venue as a premier gathering place. She retired in 2006 and happily spent her days cheering on Tiger Woods, tending to her gardens, enjoying time with family, and, ever the host, presiding over Sunday family dinners. There she passed down cherished recipes, none with any written measurements, and cemented an eternal and deeply treasured bond with all those who were fortunate enough to attend. 

Margie is survived by her children, Laura L. Farone (John), Louis J. Farone (Alicia), and Peter G. Farone (Andrea); ten grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. 

A private burial service was held at Greenridge Cemetery on Friday November 14, 2025. 

“God’s in His heaven, all’s right with the world!” – R. Browning

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefunerahome.com. 

Anthony Alexander “Tony” Addesso

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

July 15, 1935 – October 12, 2025

Anthony Alexander “Tony” Addesso, 90, of Ballston Spa, New York, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025. A beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Tony will be remembered for his quiet strength, steadfast character, and deep devotion to his family.

Born on July 15, 1935, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Tony was the son of the late Vincent and Katherine Addesso. Growing up in a large family, he learned early the value of hard work, loyalty, and humility—principles that guided him throughout his ninety years.

Tony married his best friend and the love of his life, Jean, with whom he shared seventy wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised their three children, Thomas, Patricia, and Vicki, who will always cherish their father’s wisdom, steady presence, and unconditional love.

Known for being a quiet soul who always made his thoughts known, Tony’s calm demeanor was matched by an impeccable work ethic and a generous heart. He had a soft spot for animals and shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Shadow, who brought him endless joy.

Tony is survived by his devoted wife, Jean; his children, Thomas Addesso, Patricia Addesso, and Vicki Dodd; his son-in-law, Gregory Dodd; and his grandchildren, Craig Addesso and Kelsey Dodd, who meant the world to him. He is also survived by his siblings, Dennis Addesso, Carol Chernago, and Catherine Addesso. He was predeceased by his parents, Vincent and Katherine, and his siblings, Jean Clifton, Vincent Addesso, and Robert Addesso.

Tony’s life was one of quiet integrity, deep love, and simple joys. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Saratoga County Tourism Tops $900 Million in 2024 Visitor Spending

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Discover Saratoga, the official Tourism Promotion Agency of Saratoga County, is proud to announce the results of the 2024 tourism impact study conducted by Tourism Economics, which reflects another year of strong growth and economic significance for Saratoga County and the Capital-Saratoga region. 

In 2024, the Capital-Saratoga region generated $2.8 billion in visitor spending, supporting 35,879 local jobs – with Saratoga County alone accounting for over $900 million or 32% of all regional tourism sales.

2024 marked Saratoga County’s first year as the Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA), and in that inaugural year, Discover Saratoga achieved meaningful results through strategic marketing, media engagement, and innovative visitor experiences.

Tourism generated $47 million in local taxes and $51 million in state taxes across the Capital-Saratoga region in 2024. Without these contributions, each household would need to pay an additional $961 annually to maintain the same level of government services.

“Tourism continues to be one of Saratoga County’s strongest economic drivers,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “As the official Tourism Promotion Agency, Discover Saratoga has worked tirelessly to elevate our destination’s visibility and strengthen our local economy. From innovative media platforms to partnerships that spotlight our community, we’re proud of what we’ve built together – and we’re just getting started.”

In 2024, Discover Saratoga connected with travelers through dynamic storytelling and digital engagement. Highlights include:

• An 88% increase in website visitors that reached over 13 million.

• The hosting of 23 media members, generating 49 total media placements and over 708 million media impressions 

• The launch of Destination Saratoga: All Access podcast, The Inside Track YouTube series, and TrueOmni digital kiosks to enhance visitor experience and community exposure.

Looking ahead, Discover Saratoga remains focused on innovation and collaboration, especially as the region prepares to commemorate America’s Turning Point™ during the Saratoga 250th anniversary in 2027 – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to share Saratoga’s national significance with the world.

Local Author’s Debut Book Wins Two Gold Medals

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Image provided by Bridget Farry. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local author Bridget Farry has won two gold medals at The BookFest Awards Fall 2025 for her debut book, “Cooper’s Campervan Adventures: Montana,” illustrated by DFG Illustration and published by Saratoga Springs Publishing.

The book was honored in two categories: Children’s Fiction: Action & Adventure and Children’s Fiction: Animals. The BookFest honors authors who create “outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction.”

“I am delighted to announce Bridget Farry as the winner of two gold medals at The BookFest Awards,” said Desireé Duffy, founder of The BookFest, in a news release. “This year’s competition was exceptional, and Bridget should be very proud of this outstanding accomplishment.” 

“I’m so thankful and excited that ‘Cooper’s Campervan Adventures: Montana’ has been recognized by The BookFest Awards,” Farry said. “It’s an incredible honor, and I’m grateful for everyone who helped make this book possible.”

Farry founded Paw Print Books with the mission to inspire young readers while giving back to the world we all share. Her debut children’s book, “Cooper’s Campervan Adventures: Montana,” is based on the real-life adventures of her rescue dog, Cooper, and was written to spark curiosity, a sense of adventure, and a love for the outdoors.

The book is available on the author’s website (www.pawprintbks.com), and in the local stores Impressions of Saratoga, G. Willikers Toys, Saratoga Outdoors, and Saratoga Springs Publishing.

Annual Elks Hoop Shoot Returns Dec. 6

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 will hold its annual Hoop Shoot basketball free throw shooting competition on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue.

This event is free and open to boys and girls ages 8-13. Boys and girls will be divided into separate age groups of 8-9 year olds, 10-11 year olds, and 12-13 year olds. Participants’ eligibility will be determined as of their age on April 1, 2026. Pre-registration is not required.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in all groups. Local winners will advance to the district championship and have the opportunity to advance to regional, state, and national championship competitions. All national champions will be enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

For more information, please contact the Director of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Hoop Shoot, Steve Dorsey, at (518) 369-1985.

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga Director Receives Volunteer Award

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Photo provided by the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kim Weir, the director of strategic growth for Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, received on Tuesday the first-ever Nancy Kelly Volunteer Award for her efforts with the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. Weir was presented with the award at a luncheon held at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this kind gesture from the chaplaincy,” Weir said. “As a volunteer, I am inspired by the legacy of Nancy Kelly’s life of service. I hope that this award and celebration will shine light on the lasting impact that we can each make, every day, in the lives of our neighbors and our community when we share our time and talents.”

“Our organization could not serve all the people it does without the exceptional assistance we receive from volunteers and Kim really exemplifies what this award is all about,” said Hall of Fame jockey Ramón Dominguez at the luncheon. “She gives generously of her time and is most deserving of this honor.”

The prize is named in honor of the late Nancy Kelly, a former president, vice president, and longtime volunteer with the New York Chaplaincy. Kelly passed away in February of last year. The chaplaincy created the award to honor her memory and recognize an individual who supports the organization with their volunteerism.

Weir is a resident of Saratoga Springs and is actively involved with numerous racing-related organizations in the area, in addition to her work with the chaplaincy.