Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Middle School Students Surpass Fundraising Goal, Raising $12,588

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


 Students at Schuylerville Middle School raised over $12,000 and celebrated with a color run
( Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District).

Students in grades 6-8 concluded a successful fundraising campaign in support of several student initiatives, including end-of-year field trips, free books for students at the spring book fair, and ongoing student-recognition prizes. The original goal of $12,000 was surpassed, with a total of $12,588 raised.

The fundraiser wrapped up with a celebration at the middle school’s annual Color Run, where students completed laps around the school grounds while being showered with bursts of colorful powder.

“This fundraiser highlights the enthusiasm, determination, and community spirit of our students,” said Schuylerville Middle School Principal Elsworth. “We are so proud of their efforts and grateful for the support of our families and staff who helped make this possible.”

Saratoga in the Gilded Age

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga County History Center will host noted local author Hollis Palmer for a look at life in the Gilded Age in Saratoga Springs on Thursday November 13 at 7 pm at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa.  

After retiring from a career in education, Palmer has devoted himself to writing and speaking on local history with a focus on Saratoga Springs at the height of its popularity among the nation’s rich and famous families.

“During the Gilded Age Saratoga Springs was considered the Queen of America’s Spas,” said Hollis. “We will explore what it must have been like to spend the season or even a day at the Spa.”  Palmer will explore this experience for those who were guests of the village as well as for local residents working to support the resort’s hotels and gambling establishments. 

Hollis Palmer has written 15 fiction and non-fiction books on local history. In addition to several true crime stories, he has written extensively about Saratoga Springs in the Victorian era. He is currently writing a fictionalized series on the Gilded Age in Saratoga Springs. Several of his books will be available for sale after the program.

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga Celebrates Brush Box Project Ribbon Cutting

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Oct. 16, community members gathered at the Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) farm to celebrate the completion of new, custom-built brush boxes.

The idea first took root in April 2024, when THS Board Member Sharon Dominguez sent an email about building brush boxes to help organize grooming supplies used in equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions. In response, Equine Care Manager Rachel Hodgson shared design concepts and ideas. From there, the project grew into a collaboration that included both Curtis Lumber and students from The Charlton School.

“This started with a spark of connection that grew into something so much bigger than we could have imagined,” said Kim Weir, director of strategic growth at THS. “These brush boxes are more than just a place to hold brushes. They represent care, creativity, and community coming together for a shared purpose. Projects like this remind us that we are all in this together, and when we collaborate, we create something truly beautiful.”

RISE Housing and Support Services Hosts 4th Annual Fundraiser

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Photo of the 2024 “Rocky” cocktail party provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — RISE Housing and Support Services will once again roll out the red carpet for its premiere fundraiser, a presentation of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” on Friday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.

This year’s evening promises an “immersive” Rocky Horror experience, with opportunities for audience participation, pre-show entertainment, and a program highlighting the ongoing impact of RISE in the Capital Region.

“Each year, this event grows bigger and better, and it’s such a joy to see our community come together in support of the work we do,” said Sybil Newell, executive director of RISE Housing and Support Services, in a news release. “The Rocky Horror fundraiser not only raises essential dollars that help us provide safe housing and supportive services, but it also reflects the spirit of inclusivity and joy that is at the heart of RISE.”

Proceeds from the event will directly support Homebase Therapeutic Community Center, a supportive, safe community for vulnerable citizens. RISE’s mission is to provide safe, healthy housing and support services to people with mental health concerns, substance use, and other life challenges.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.riseservices.org/event/rocky-horror-picture-show/. 

Therapy Practice Opening in Ballston Spa

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


Photo of the new Performance Sanctuary therapy office provided.

BALLSTON SPA — The Performance Sanctuary—a therapy practice and wellness center designed to meet the needs of high-performing professionals, caregivers, athletes, and purpose-driven individuals—announced that it will open next month in downtown Ballston Spa. An open house is scheduled for Nov. 8 and the official opening will occur on Nov. 11.

The Performance Sanctuary bills itself as “a modern-day refuge for mind, body, and soul” that blends “clinical expertise, trauma-informed care, and cutting-edge performance strategies.”

Services will include individual therapy; performance coaching; a spa with infrared sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy, vibration plate, salt booth, ceragem beds, massage chair, meditation training headsets and audio programs, and vibroacoustic meditation cushions; group classes such as yoga, pilates, and therapy; and community workshops and retreats.

The space is curated with calming aesthetics, cozy nooks, high-tech recovery and wellness tools, and nature-inspired details to support nervous system safety and holistic well-being.

Community members, local professionals, and wellness seekers are invited to experience the space firsthand at the open house on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Old Saratoga Mercantile Wins Farm of the Year Award, Opens Dispensary

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


Photo of Old Saratoga Mercantile & Farm via the business. 

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Saratoga County Soil and Water Conservation District has named The Farm at Old Saratoga Mercantile the 2025 Saratoga County Agricultural Environmental Management Farm of the Year.

The award honors farmers who have gone above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

The husband and wife team of Tim and Christina Myers have operated the farm since 2017, growing vegetables year-round. They use organic methods with a focus on winter greens and offer their produce at their grocery store on the farm. 

The Myers are also licensed growers of cannabis and opened a dispensary on site on Sept. 26.  Called the Roots Farm Dispensary, the business says it grows cannabis “with the same care and dedication we bring to vegetable growing, organic methods, sustainable practices, and nothing but good vibes.”

October 24 – October 30 , 2025 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON 

Randilyn Devoe sold property at 36 Buell Ave to Madeline Squadere for $371,000

Michael Burgner sold property at 12 Jovan Ct to Nina Statile for $599,000

Svetlana Ulemek sold property at 16 Anthony Pl to Mehrdad Rostami for $410,000

CORINTH

Donna Towers sold property at 23 Chapman St to Kelly Bakross for $355,749

Munk Properties LLC sold property at 10 Mallery St to Juan Angel for $190,000

Jarrett Dumoulin sold property at 5 Heather Lane to Brandyn Ellis for $390,000

Jeffrey Glados sold property at 236 & 230 Angel Rd to David Lassell for $475,000

GALWAY

Chad Niemeyer sold property at 1160 Ridge Rd to Mary Agnes Schmidt for $510,000

GREENFIELD

David Kirchoff sold property at 179 Plank Rd Rd to Daniel Ketcham for $389,900

Catherine McCarty sold property at 595 Spier Falls Rd to Dominique Semzock for $410,000

Evan Comilloni sold property at 58-60 North Greenfield Rd to Christopher Skinner for $415,000

Kevin Hanna sold property at 206 Plank Rd to Reigan Hanna for $280,000

MALTA

  Scott Messineo sold property at 1B Scotch Mist Way to Kathleen Dwyer for $295,000

Gary Restino sold property at 4 Saratoga Ave to BBL Upstate LLC for $175,000

Michael Gaspary sold property at 8 Coneflower Ct to John Grasso for $545,000

Brian Stephenson sold property at 12 North Ridge to Devin Morse for $525,000

Marini Homes LLC sold property at 42 Landon Lane to Eric Beyersdorf for $452,813

Mark Donnelly sold property at 7 Northwood Dr to Elizabeth Lansing for $506,150

Maria Robillard sold property at 204 Thimbleberry Rd to David Marinik for $240,000

MILTON

Stephen Dautel sold property at 89 Deer Run Dr to Christopher Tomchik for $275,000

Lori Johnson sold property at 5179 Fairground Ave to Carl Brandt for $300,000

Courtney Harrington sold property at 18 Linden Lane to Christopher Green for $340,000

Felix Neals sold property at 921 Rt 29 to Derek Hoagboon for $354,000

US Bank Trust sold property at 37 Coachman Dr to Ross Rawlings for $343,200

Graham Scheeler sold property at 152 Bath St to Daniel Archer for $352,000

SARATOGA

Ronald and Nancy Solevo sold property at 6 Corrine Ct to Jonathan Reinhardt for $849,900

Sarah Bramlish sold property at 34 Myers Lane to Nicole Marinucci for $282,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Gabriel Shami sold property at 13 Beacon Hill Dr to Edmund Wun for $1,350,000

Annemarie Connolly sold property at 30 Whistler Court Unit 212 to Diane Robinson for $615,000

Heather Tarkos sold property at 22 Cygnet Circle to Sara Deforest for $825,000

Niral Patel sold property at Karista Spring Dr to Kincaid Capital Partners for $260,000

WILTON

Esther Bassett sold property at 729 Rt 9 to 729 Rt 9 LLC for $230,000

James Bard sold property at 9 Meghan Ct to Candice Hall for $1,150,000

Paving Update: Year in Review.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The City of Saratoga Springs paved 36 streets this year — up from 17 in 2024. (Courtesy of DPW)

City of Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Works Chuck Marshall announced today that DPW doubled its paving effort in 2025 when compared to 2024. 

Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Tad Roemer, with support of the streets and highway working supervisors the DPW paved 36 street or street sections in 2025, representing a 111% increase when compared to 2024 when 17 streets were addressed. The department also utilized more material in 2025, where 15,178 tons of asphalt was disbursed to fix roads compared to 9,575 tons in 2024. 

The paving program consisted of 12 weeks of paving starting April 8th and concluding on September 25th.

“This was an incredible year of paving for the City and I want to recognize the planning efforts of Deputy Roemer, the leadership of the Working Supervisors Ray Green, Dave Kenyon, JJ Nichols, and Tom McGraw, along with the dedication of the DPW workforce in completing this outstanding work,” said Marshall.

 The paving season presented additional challenges for the department in 2025 including the July 4th racing festival, the Belmont Stakes Festival, multiple National Grid service line replacements, and additional racing days that required heightened coordination in a condensed paving season. With all the street work and construction that occurred in 2025, Marshall recognized the need to limit disruptions for the business community for next year.

 “We also planned for next year by completing a final stretch of Broadway and a long section of Ballston Ave to limit disruptions in 2026 with paving and shutdowns,” Marshall continued, “everyone benefits and safety improves with well maintained roads, I credit the DPW team with working very hard this year to provide this for the community.”

 All paving during 2025 was completed utilizing the DPW workforce and will be reimbursed through the NYSDOT CHIPs program.

K-9 Leads to Drug Bust in Saratoga Springs

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

The K-9 identified as “J” reportedly found 18 pounds of drugs in Saratoga Springs 
( New York State Police)

The New York State Police have announced a major drug bust in Saratoga Springs. 

Joseph Warren, 43, of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first, second and third degree as well as traffic violations. 

Warren was allegedly stopped on Interstate 87 in Saratoga Springs for traffic violations; during the stop, several vacuum sealed packages were located in the vehicle by a State Police K-9 named “J.”

In total, 18 pounds were found by the Troopers with 16 of them being comprised of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) also known as Molly or Ecstasy. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, MDMA is a synthetic drug similar to methamphetamine that is sometimes considered a psychedelic drug as it can mildly alter perception of time and vision. 

The other two pounds were Fluorofentanyl (fentanyl). Fentanyl is powerful synthetic opioid used in treatment of severe chronic pain — like that which comes from cancer treatments, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It is highly dangerous with mere milligrams potentially causing an overdose and is sometimes mixed with other illicit drugs without the user’s knowledge. 

Warren was processed at the State Police Station in Saratoga and arranged at the Saratoga Springs City Court. He is currently being held without bail at the County Correctional Facility. According to State Police, the investigation is ongoing.