Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Adoptable HOPE Kitty

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Apple was a stray kitty that showed up at a concerned neighbor’s property. She had a litter of kittens, and they were all placed in homes. She was trapped, spayed and brought to us to socialize and find her forever home. Apple started out shy and unsure of humans, but in just a short amount of time she has accepted pets, treats and love. She will need extra time to adjust to her new environment, but we feel that once she feels safe, she will adore her people. She loves to play when humans are not around and would most likely do best in a quiet home with no dogs or small children. We think, based on how she acts at the center, she would love a kitty friend in the home. She needs a patient person to take a chance on her and give her the time she needs to feel safe and loved. She is estimated to be 1 year old and negative for FIV and FeLV.

The Pet Adoption Center in Wilton Mall is open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 and by appointment. Our phone number is 518-450-7013 and adoption applications can be found at www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

Greenfield Girl Scout Troop Builds Little Library at Town Hall

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Greenfield Girl Scout Troop 3613 is pictured here with Greenfield Deputy Supervisor Rick Capasso and the mentor for their community project Kurt Zeisler, of Kurt Zeisler Designs. 

The Town of Greenfield recently unveiled a new “little library” built by Girl Scout Troop 3613 outside the Greenfield Town Hall. 

The troop of 15 girls began the project three years ago when they were students at Greenfield Elementary School. They are all now Girl Scout Cadettes and are approximately 13 years old. The girls worked to raise nearly $1,000 to produce the small outdoor library stand. Fundraising included Girl Scout cookie sales, a dine-to-donate event at The View Restaurant at Brookhaven and hosting a kid’s night out event.

The 4 X 2 foot library has a peaked roof that resembles an open book and a plexiglass front door. The library will hold an estimated 40-50 books. The library will be registered with the national nonprofit, that features more than 200,000 locations across the country with the goal of making books more accessible to people of all ages. 

“We love to see even our youngest Greenfield residents contributing to building our TOG community,” said Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch. “These girls made a very honorable goal as young children and saw their community project through until its end. We are pleased to place this beautifully constructed book sharing box in front of Town Hall for all residents to enjoy.”

The girls partnered with Kurt Zeisler Designs, owned by the father of one of the scouts, to design and build the structure themselves. Their work included drafting designs, sanding, painting, as well as using a table saw, nail guns, and screw drivers.

“It was important to us that our troop give something back to the town they all have grown up in,” said Troop Leader Jill Blackman. “We hope to inspire reading and inspire others that anyone can make a positive impact on their community.”

The girls started the project to attempt to earn the national Girl Scout Silver Award, but the rules informed the project did not meet the small group size requirement and did not qualify. Girls Scout Troop 3613 is led by Greenfield residents Jill Blackman, Susie Dumelin and Jennifer Zeisler, and the troop is excited to be giving back to the community regardless.

Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery announces its Veterans Day Ceremony to be held Tuesday, November 11th, 11:00 am. The ceremony will be held outdoors at the Flagpole Assembly Area.

Veterans Day commemorates the end of World War I. It was the 11th month, 11th day and at the 11th hour in 1918 that an armistice with Germany was recognized. Originally called Armistice Day, it was in 1954 when then President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. Military Veterans.

Saratoga National Cemetery is honored to have as this year’s keynote speaker, Master Chief Petty Officer, US Navy (Retired) William Schmeelcke. He is a highly decorated 27-year U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program onboard Nimitz class aircraft carriers USS Nimitz, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, and USS George Washington.

Mark this event on your calendar! You need not be a Veteran to attend; it’s an opportunity for all to shake hands and say thank you in person.

Plenty of public and special needs parking, don’t forget a lawn chair and to dress warmly, this is an outdoor event. 

“Myths Hurt. Facts Help” campaign launched to end homelessness stigma

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga-North Country Continuum of Care (SNCCoC) is launching the “Myths Hurt. Facts Help.” campaign, seeking to dismantle harmful stereotypes surrounding homelessness and replace them with clarity, compassion, and hope. 

The SNCCoC, a HUD-designated regional planning body serving Saratoga, Warren, Washington, and Hamilton Counties, works to coordinate funding, services, and housing solutions with a goal of preventing and ending homelessness. 

“To effectively address homelessness, we must begin with facts,” state SNCCoC Co-Chairs Lindsey Connors and Amber Beaudet.” Robust data collection and analysis are the foundation of evidence-based interventions that not only respond to immediate needs but also drive long-term solutions. When stakeholders and the public have access to accurate, transparent data, they can better understand the reality of homelessness — not just its scale, but its root causes — and support the strategies that are proven to work. Without data, we’re guessing. With it, we’re making informed decisions that change lives.” 

“This campaign aims to shift the narrative from blame to understanding, from isolation to inclusion,” said Joan Spector, MST, Lead of the SNCCoC Planning Team. “Homelessness stems from systemic challenges, not character flaws. When we embrace facts, we pave the way for effective solutions.” 

Over the next three months, the campaign will roll out across social media and community channels, shining a spotlight on common myths about homelessness alongside fact-based responses, amplifying messages of empathy, evidence, and engagement. 

Community members, service partners, and organizations are encouraged to participate, share content, and foster conversations grounded in truth and respect.

For campaign graphics, partner resources, and more information, contact Joan at jspector@caresny.org or visit the website, endhomelessnesssaratoga.org.

Winnie Baden Schinitsky

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

July 1939 – October 13, 2025

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On her favorite day of the month, the 13th, Winnie Baden Schinitsky passed away at the age of 86.

 From a young age, Winnie learned to persevere and fight for her place in the world. At just two years old, she contracted polio, a challenge that saw her living in and out of hospitals until she was about eight. She overcame the constraints of leg braces, becoming a child known for running, dancing and then driving fast cars.

 Winnie’s strength and love touched everyone who knew her. She is survived by her loving daughters, Sasha Taitz and Shawna Paul, and her grandchildren: Riland, Johannan, Jared and Payton.

In Winnie’s memory if you would like to make a donation to support research on Polio and to help others with this disease; Post Polio Health International is accepting donations in her name.  https://post-polio.org/support-us/donate/ . 

Ashley Clark

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

BALLSTON SPA – Ashley Clark, age 38, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at her home in Ballston Spa.  Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. Condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Brian K. Mayott

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

PORTER CORNERS – Brian K. Mayott, age 62, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at Veterans Memorial Park, 5034 Lakeshore Drive, Bolton Landing NY on October 25, at 10:30am. Friends and family are invited to attend.  Condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Karen Rogers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

JONESVILLE – Karen Rogers passed away October 18, 2025.  Calling hours will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

AINSLIE B. WAGNER

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

LOCAL COMMITTAL SERVICE

Reverend Ainslie B. Wagner passed away February 5, 2025, in Cornelius, North Carolina. Ainslie spent his entire childhood in New York State, graduating from Saratoga High School in 1968 and from Union College in Schenectady, NY in 1972. He dedicated his entire adult life to serving the Lord with his wife Leslie Hartman Wagner and their son Matthew Hartman Wagner by his side. 

A committal service is being held at the West Glenville Cemetery, 2172 W. Glenville Road, Amsterdam, NY on Saturday, October 25 at 11 a.m.  Attendees are invited to attend a celebration of Ainslie’s life after the service.

Jeanetta R. Davies

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Jeanetta R. Davies, age 31, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, at her home in Saratoga Springs, surrounded by love.

She was born on October 28, 1993, in Schenectady, NY, the beloved daughter of Jackie Davies, Jr. and Tonya Herring.

Jeanetta worked for many years as a Bus Monitor with Upstate Bus Transit in the Saratoga Springs area, where she took great pride in her work and the relationships she built along the way. Throughout her career, she also held positions at Saratoga Hospital and Wesley Healthcare, among others, always bringing warmth, dedication, and compassion to every role she filled.

A former high school cheerleader, Jeanetta loved the energy, teamwork, and spirit that came with it, and was filled with joy when her daughter followed in her footsteps just three months ago. Above all, Jeanetta’s greatest love was for her children, family, and friends. Her warm heart, radiant smile, and lively spirit made her a joy to be around. She truly had a gift for bringing people together, and her gracious presence will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Jeanetta is survived by her loving mother, Tonya Herring; father, Jackie Davies, Jr.; brothers DayShawn Herring (Nigeria), Michael Green, Jasere Davies, and Justin Davies; fiancé Michael “Conan” Brown; cherished children Jalik Brown and Nyla Louise Brown; aunts Tina Herring (Chris), Sonya Herring, and Debra Davies; uncles Walter Herring (Michelle) and Robby Herring; great-aunts Sarah Goodwine and Doris Harris; and many loving cousins and dear friends.

She is predeceased by her great-grandmothers Lou Ivey, Clarender Davies; grandparents Louise and Robert Herring, Sr., Edna Porter, and Jackie Davies, Sr.; aunts Theresa Pickney and Sharon Brown; and cousin Little Rob.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Following the service, all are invited to continue celebrating Jeanetta’s life with fellowship at the ITAM, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.