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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Day Spa Gets New Owners


The Saratoga Day Spa—located at 376 Broadway, Suite 21 in downtown Saratoga Springs—recently celebrated its new ownership at a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. The business is now owned by Kierra Bertrand, who “aims to provide high-quality, reasonably priced services that help clients look and feel their best,” the chamber said. The racetrack-themed Saratoga Day Spa was first founded in 2016. Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Ballston Spa National Bank Adds New VP

Photo of Matt Becker provided.

BALLSTON SPA — Christopher R. Dowd, president and CEO of Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) recently announced that Matt Becker has joined the bank as its new vice president, wealth management solutions officer.

In his new role, Becker will focus on delivering personalized financial solutions to clients with an emphasis on investment management, estate planning, tax strategies, and comprehensive wealth preservation. He will also help to ensure that BSNB’s wealth management offerings meet the diverse needs of individuals and families across the region by engaging with the community, participating in local events, and forging new partnerships.

Prior to joining BSNB, Becker spent nearly a decade at Arrow Bank, most recently serving as an assistant vice president of retirement programs and plan administration.

“Matt understands that wealth management is about more than numbers – it’s about helping clients achieve what matters most to them,” said Jeff Goliber, vice president, director of wealth management solutions at BSNB. “His depth of experience in retirement planning and his collaborative approach will enhance our ability to provide thoughtful, personalized financial strategies for every stage of life.”

Ballston Spa National Bank is a community bank headquartered in Ballston Spa.

Wine and Spirits Shop Celebrates Grand Re-Opening


Jones & 50 Wine and Spirits celebrated its grand re-opening under new ownership with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 21 hosted by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. The store is located at 4208 NY-50 in Saratoga Springs. Photo provided by the chamber.

Albany Airport Adding New Nonstop Flights to Fort Lauderdale

ALBANY — A new route between the Albany International Airport (ALB) and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) will begin on Feb. 13, 2026, Allegiant Air announced last week.

“Seven years after Allegiant first launched service at Albany International Airport, we’re proud to see this partnership continue to grow,” said Peter Stuto, Albany International Airport CEO. “The new Fort Lauderdale route gives Capital Region travelers another exciting destination, especially as so many residents look to fly south during the winter and spring. We’re grateful for Allegiant’s continued commitment to ALB as we work together to expand even more in the years ahead.”

Saratoga Breakfast Joint Named New York’s “Top Hole in the Wall”


Compton’s Restaurant at 457 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. 
Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — To paraphrase the 1942 film “Casablanca,” of all the breakfast joints in all the towns in all New York State, they picked ours.

Compton’s Restaurant, a popular spot on Broadway that serves classic American breakfast and diner fare, was recently named New York’s top “hole in the wall” by The Daily Meal, a food and drink website founded by the former CEO of Forbes.com.

“Locals and travelers alike all know about Compton’s, especially those who love the track or traveling to the area for a SPAC concert,” The Daily Meal’s Jenn Carnevale wrote. “This unassuming spot on the main drag pulls people from all over for a solid breakfast every day. Award-winning and no fuss, this is your next favorite breakfast spot.”

Compton’s, which first opened in 1984, is perhaps best known for its speedy food delivery and hearty pancakes.

Local Brewery Announces Closure


Photo via Unified Beerworks.

MALTA — Unified Beerworks, a taproom and kitchen located in Malta, announced last week that it will be closing its doors on Dec. 27 after a seven-year run.

“When you embark on any big adventure, you know at some point there will be an end,” the company said in a social media post. “As 2025 comes to a close, our adventure with Unified Beerworks will reach its end. We’re very proud of our efforts over the last 7 years, and have so many incredible memories with staff, customers, and colleagues that have become friends and family to us. We thank you for all your support through these years. Our final day will be Saturday, December 27th, when we’ll come together one last time to celebrate the beautiful adventure that is and will always be, Unified.”

Unified Beerworks, which opened in October of 2018, is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Jeff Mannion and Erika Anderson.

Brews News: Saratoga Beer Summit Returns this Winter

Logo via the Saratoga Beer Summit.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Beer Summit will return on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, bringing local favorites such as Artisanal Brew Works, Whitman Brewing, and Active Ingredient Brewing Company to the Saratoga Springs City Center.

New to the 14th iteration of the Saratoga Beer Summit will be expanded offerings that include hard seltzers, craft ciders, and malt beverage cocktails—in addition to the traditional variety of ales, lagers, IPAs, and seasonal brews.

“The Saratoga Beer Summit has always been about bringing people together over quality beverages,” said Jake Demmin, VP of sales at Townsquare Media, in a news release. “By expanding our selection to include seltzers, ciders, and malt cocktails, we’re ensuring that everyone can find something they love, whether they’re a hophead or prefer something lighter and fruitier.” 

Attendees of the summit will have the opportunity to sample dozens of beverages from local and regional producers, meet the makers behind their favorite brands, and discover new favorites. The event will also feature food from Speckled Pig, live music, and vendor booths. 

For more information, including vendor lists, tickets, and the event schedule, visit saratogabeersummit.com.

November 28 – December 4 , 2025

BALLSTON 

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 37 Tamarack St to Douglas Smith for $802,590

Paul Card sold property at 1013 Saratoga Rd to Jason Kaczmarek for $200,000

Eileen Collins sold property at 50 Jenkins Rd to Lynn Marchetti for $325,000

CORINTH

Thomas Waite sold property at 15 Stewart Dam Rd to Angelo Giannettino for $400,000

Nicholas Meers sold property at 12 Depot Rd to Nathan Bidwell for $139,900

Hartman Hill LLC sold property at 603 Main St to Emerson Land Holdings LLC for $401,000

GALWAY

Betty Sawicki sold property at 5882 Lake Rd to Tracy Chudzinski for $285,000

GREENFIELD

Skyfield LLC sold property at 20 Copperfield Rd to Kristin Tess for $285,000

LV Pets LLC sold property at 415 NYS Rt 9 to Honey Do Properties LLC for $755,000

Cathy White sold property at 491 Allen Rd to Nora Burrows for $280,000

MALTA

David Quinn sold property at 43 Candlewood Dr to Erin Hayes for $562,911

Maria Conte sold property at 4 Sierra Trace to Elizabeth Bradshaw for $435,000

Jesse Flynt sold property at 91 Wineberry Lane to Samuel Tanner for $450,000

Blue Aster Lane LLC sold property at 3 Blue Aster Lane to Daniela Andrade for $585,982

MILTON

David Atwood sold property at 1000-10002 St Lawrence Dr to Aiden Strain for $425,000

David Whipple sold property at 86-88 Eastern Ave to Ashleigh Edwards for $380,000

Adam Stanton sold property at 3 Van Brummel Lane to Alexander Romanowski for $362,000

Patricia Fitzgerald sold property at 142 South St to Moriarty Construction for $145,000

SARATOGA

Amy Pham sold property at 40 Morgans Run to Molly Nash for $285,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Dan Iftiger sold property at 17D Cherry St to James Kirkwood for $1,679,900

Patrick Kane sold property at 19 Marion Pl to James Grant for $2,000,000

Jordan Gettings sold property at 26 Walter Dr to Anthony Gallo for $537,000

Carrie Giacobbe sold property at 23 Walter Dr to Gina Sacco for $508,500

Simon Beauchamp sold property at 69 Second St to Jacob Durling for $880,000

John Urbanak sold property at 77 Van Dam St Unit 102 to Kevin Gerritt for $495,000

Travis Zielasko sold property at 41 Madison St to Mazza Fam LLC for $565,000

WILTON

Joshua Hiebel sold property at 13 Peach Tree Lane to Zachary Ahrens for $500,000

Paul Gorman sold property at 13 Killarney Ct to David Karpinski for $512,500

Forest Grove LLC sold property at 20 Plumas Pl to Corey Harkins for $750,803

Ashley Ringler sold property at 50 Castleberry Dr. to Linda Catano for $386,000

Kyle Roberts sold property at 14 Evergreen Dr to Brandon Ruggiero for $520,000

Tracy Laven sold property at 15 Nottingham Dr to Michael Marquard for $500,000

Devon Bruce sold property at 6 Melanie Dr to Amanda Vitullo for $532,000

Saratoga Sheriff Announces High Visibility DWI Enforcement Efforts 

Saratoga County Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo announced today that the Sheriff’s Office and Saratoga County police agencies will participate in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving this Thanksgiving holiday. The campaign begins on Nov. 26, 2025, and runs through Nov. 30, 2025. 

The National Safety Council estimates that 439 people may die on U.S. roads this Thanksgiving holiday period. In 2023, approximately 35% of all traffic deaths involved at least one alcohol impaired driver. It is well known that mixing alcohol or drugs with driving can have deadly, irreversible consequences. 

“Thanksgiving is a time to be with family,” said Zurlo. “Planning for a sober driver in advance can ensure that your family gathering doesn’t take place in a cemetery. All it takes is a few minutes to make a plan in advance.” 

The STOP-DWI Holiday Season High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The Statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign also targets Halloween, the Holiday Season, Super Bowl weekend, St. Patrick’s Day, “420 Day,” Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day/End of Summer. 

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. You can help to make a difference by having a sober plan. Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp. Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

State Police Seeking Information on Fatal Accident

The State Police have asked for the public’s assistance after an accident killed a driver on I-87 in Clifton Park. 

The accident occurred the night of Nov. 23 at around 8:11 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 87 just south of exit 11. The accident occurred when a vehicle was rear-ended and crashed into a guardrail on the left side of the highway. It was then struck by a second vehicle coming to rest on the guardrail facing north and partially in the left lane of travel according to New York State Police. 

When the driver, identified by State Police as William Reichman, 71 of Ballston Lake, got out of the vehicle, he was struck by a tractor trailer heading south. Reichman then fell into the road and was struck two more times by other passenger vehicles, according to New York State Police. State Police said that the two vehicles stopped immediately and their drivers are cooperating in the investigation.

Reichman was declared dead at the scene by New York State Police. 

After striking the driver, the tractor trailer left the scene and its whereabouts are unknown at this time. Troopers believe the truck is white and has significant front-end damage. They’re asking anyone with information about the accident or who may have captured the accident on dash camera to contact Troop G headquarters at 518-783-3211. 

Six total vehicles were involved in the collision and there were no other injuries in the crash, according to a State Police blotter report.