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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Shen Board of Education seeks community input to inform search for next superintendent

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

On Tuesday, October 21, the Board of Education appointed Lauren J. Gemmill, Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent, as the search consultant to support us in finding our next superintendent of schools.

Selecting our next school leader, with the qualifications and experience that fit our unique community, is one of the most important decisions our Board of Education makes. With the assistance of the search consultant, we have determined that a comprehensive confidential search will result in an experienced pool of applicants with strong educational leadership.

The confidential search process begins with collecting feedback from our community. We are seeking your input on our next school superintendent by inviting all members of the school community, including students, parents/caregivers, staff, and residents to complete an online survey. The survey asks five questions that focus on gathering input on the District’s strengths, areas for improvement, and the characteristics and skills desired in our next superintendent. The survey will be open until November 21, and is available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ShenSearch

In addition, all are invited to participate in one of a series of forums. These forums are planned for the weeks of November 3 and 10. At the forum, the search consultant will ask attendees to respond to the same five questions as the survey.  Forums allow participants to share their perspectives and also hear from others. More information, including a schedule, can be found on the superintendent search page of the District website.

Feedback is unlimited, so participation in both the forum and the online survey is welcomed. All responses from the forums and the surveys are collected and reviewed by the Board of Education to inform our search for the best candidate for Shenendehowa.

We plan to open the application window late November. We anticipate conducting initial rounds of interviews in February and March, and to announce our next school superintendent in the spring of 2026.

Winter Concert Series: Stringwynde

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga County History Center is proud to present the first event of our “Sounds in Winter” concert series on November 15 at 3:00 P.M, with a performance by Stringwynde in the historic Long Room at Brookside Museum. Stringwynde is a musical duo, featuring flautist Melanie Chirignan and harpist Darhon Rees-Rohrbacher, and has performed together for many years and embraces a wide variety of music. The afternoon’s program will include selections drawn from American Folk music as well as waltzes from the Gilded Age. These concerts are sponsored jointly by the Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts, and the Saratoga County History Center, with funding provided by the American Federation of Musicians Music Performance Trust Fund and a grant from Saratoga Arts. Admission is free, however registration is required.

The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse histories of Saratoga County. The History Center offers a variety of innovative, exciting, and educational programming. Please visit the website (www.brooksidemuseum.org) and social media accounts (@saratogacountyhistory) for news and announcements. 

Schuylerville student earns National FFA Proficiency Award in Equine Science Placement

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Schuylerville senior Shane Barraclough earned national honors from the FAA for his equestrian work (Courtesy of Schuylerville High School)

12 Schuylerville FFA members proudly represented their chapter and community on the national stage at the 2025 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, IN, bringing together thousands of students, educators, and agricultural leaders from across the country. 

Schuylerville High School senior Shane Barraclough earned one of the highest honors in agricultural education — being named a National FFA Proficiency Winner in Equine Science Placement. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional achievement and skill development through students’ Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs; hands-on experiences that allow students to apply classroom learning to real-world agricultural work.

State-winning proficiency applications advance to the national level, where they are reviewed by panels of judges. Each application is evaluated on specific criteria including the student’s goals, progress, skills gained, and overall impact.

 Applications are ranked gold, silver, or bronze, with the top four gold applicants in each area named national finalists. Finalists then participate in panel interviews with judges who assess their leadership, technical understanding, and personal growth within their chosen field.

After final scoring, one student from each proficiency area is selected as the National Winner, a distinction representing the highest level of accomplishment within agricultural education. 

“This is one of the most celebrated moments of the year for FFA members nationwide,” said Schuylerville FFA Chapter Advisor, Mary Foote. “Shane’s recognition as a National Proficiency Winner marks not only a personal milestone for him, but also a proud moment for the Schuylerville FFA Chapter, which continues to provide students with opportunities to explore their passions and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.”

Shane Barraclough’s Supervised Agricultural Experience

The Equine Science Placement category provides students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working within the horse industry under the supervision of an employer. These experiences may include horse care, anatomy, nutrition, health management, breeding, and facility operations — helping students build real-world skills while contributing to a thriving agricultural sector.

Barraclough’s award-winning SAE took place at his family’s farm, Saratoga Glen Farm, which specializes in breeding and raising foals for clients looking to develop future champions. Each year, approximately 35 mares give birth to foals that are raised for auction, supporting the ongoing development of elite thoroughbred bloodlines. Barraclough began working on the family farm in seventh grade, starting with simple chores like feeding and grooming mares. Over the years, his role has evolved dramatically. Today, he is entrusted with critical responsibilities, including administering most medications, monitoring horse health, recognizing early signs of illness or lameness, and even making strategic breeding decisions alongside his parents.

Barraclough’s daily work includes feeding, grooming, stall cleaning, and maintaining detailed health and development records for each horse. He also assists in coordinating breeding schedules, evaluating young horses, and preparing them for auction. Through this extensive hands-on experience, Barraclough gained a deep understanding of equine management, farm operations, and the business aspects of thoroughbred breeding and sales.

“Working in this environment deepened my understanding of thoroughbred breeding and sales, while also giving me the opportunity to contribute to the success of Saratoga Glen Farm,” he said. “When I got announced as a National FFA Proficiency Winner, I was shocked and proud at the same time. I knew that my hard work had paid off. This prestigious award will not only help me with college, but also with any of my future aspirations.”

Schuylerville graduate awarded prestigious Fulbright Fellowship for research in Vietnam

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Schuylerville High School Class of 2021 graduate, Patrick McGloine, has been selected as one of two recent Saint Michael’s College alumni to receive a prestigious Fulbright fellowship for the coming year. Fulbright scholarships are highly competitive international grants given to students, scholars, professors and young professionals to study, research or teach overseas. McGloine will begin his Fulbright fellowship in Vietnam this fall, continuing his commitment to environmental sustainability and international collaboration. Reflecting on his time at Schuylerville, McGloine credits several teachers with shaping his academic curiosity and love for learning.

“Genuine connections with teachers like Mr. Burleigh and Señora Wilson helped me become a better critical thinker and stay invested in class,” said McGloine. “In particular, Mr. Burleigh made physics fun and interesting, which definitely contributed to my eventual physics minor. This ability to connect with mentors was invaluable at St. Mike’s as I found professors who cared for and advocated for me throughout the application process.”

McGloine also said that his involvement in extracurricular activities at Schuylerville played a key role in his personal growth.

“Extracurriculars like the environmental club and cross country were great outlets for my interests,” he said. “I continued both in college, which helped me channel my passion for the environment into real-world experiences.”

The Fulbright Program—established in 1946 to promote mutual understanding between the United States and other nations—awards approximately 8,000 grants annually to scholars, students, and professionals in more than 160 countries. Among its distinguished alumni are Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, and heads of state.

McGloine, a Schuylerville High School’s Class of 2021 Top Graduate, went on to graduate summa cum laude from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with minors in Physics and Mathematics. 

While at Saint Michael’s College, McGloine immersed himself in academic, athletic, and leadership experiences that strengthened his global perspective and commitment to sustainability. 

In summer 2024, he was selected for the Global Citizenship International Internship Program, completing an internship with Vietnam’s Institute for Circular Economy Development, where he researched agricultural sustainability and macro plastic transport. His upcoming Fulbright research will build on this work by studying how rainfall influences the movement of macro plastics.

Hospice Worker Paints Murals at Wesley Community in Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


The Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs has been refurbishing its “2 Springs” floor, and a local hospice worker, Ann Womack, volunteered her time to paint murals on the walls of the wing to help brighten up the space. Womack painted the murals independent of her normal work hours, including on weekends and overnight. Photo of Ann Womack painting murals at the Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs provided.
 

Adelphi Hotel Earns Prestigious Michelin Key

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Image via the Adelphi Hotel. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adelphi Hotel was recently awarded a Michelin Key, which the Michelin Guide says is akin to a restaurant receiving one of its famed stars. 

“Our Inspectors take into account five universal criteria when awarding MICHELIN Stars, and they have five universal criteria when selecting hotels: excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighborhood or setting,” Michelin states on its website. “Our Key hotels don’t just fulfill one of these criteria. These are the best of the best in all categories.”

The Adelphi was the only hotel in Saratoga Springs to receive the honor and one of about 30 hotels in New York State to be named a “one-key hotel.” In a social media post, the Adelphi called the award a “significant milestone in our commitment to excellence in hospitality.”

The Adelphi has expanded significantly in recent years, putting the final touches on a $75 million construction project in the summer of 2025, which grew the hotel from 32 guest rooms to 65. Last year, the hotel also opened 79 new luxury residences.

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Welcomes Five New Board Members

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Screenshot


 Photos of Molly Brindle, Kira Karbocus, Stuart Kaufman, Nicole Messier-Marino, and Ellen Sheehan provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, established in 1977 to preserve and enhance the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of the Spa City, recently named five new members to its board of directors: Molly Brindle, Kira Karbocus, Stuart Kaufman, Nicole Messier-Marino, and Ellen Sheehan.

“We are excited to have the Foundation benefit from their expertise and knowledge,” said Executive Director Samantha Bosshart in a news release.

Brindle most recently served as director of corporate partnerships for the New York Racing Association (NYRA) from 2008 until her retirement in 2018. She also worked in media sales and promotion at WROW and Time Warner Cable before joining Discover Saratoga. A “serial volunteer,” Molly first joined the Foundation when Carrie Woerner was executive director, and in retirement she continues to volunteer for Community Hospice, Wellspring, and several organizations that support the track’s backstretch workers and retired racehorses.

Karbocus currently provides strategic consulting to nationally recognized nonprofit and independent organizations in the music industry, with a focus on business operations and finance. Her current work spans performing arts centers to a major stadium concert featuring some of the world’s top artists. From 2018 to 2024, Kira served as CFO and COO of Newport Festivals Foundation, where she co-produced the legendary Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals during a period of growth and impact. Prior to that, she held the same leadership roles at Fingerpaint Group, helping to guide the company through years of high growth. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and Caffè Lena.

Kaufman is a managing attorney at the Saratoga Office of the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, where he provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals, focusing on tenant rights and homelessness prevention. He’s an active member and past president of the Saratoga County Bar Association. He also volunteers with Cindy’s Comfort Camp, a grief support program for children.

Messier-Marino is the managing director of corporate communications for Publicis and MSL, where she leads strategic communications and corporate reputation programs for Fortune 500 companies. A Capital Region native, her family purchased 2 Clement Avenue in 2023, a home built in 1885. The house is celebrated by art historian James Kettlewell in “Saratoga Springs: An Architectural History” as “the most impressive example of the Shingle Style variant of the Queen Anne Victorian.”

Sheehan has lived in Saratoga Springs since 1992. She worked for Catholic Charities, drawn to its commitment to the poor and vulnerable, but architecture remained a strong interest. She took AutoCad and construction materials classes in the Civil Engineering Department at Hudson Valley Community College. She also worked on various committees for Habitat for Humanity and helped with builds. She was appointed to the Saratoga Springs Design Review Board (DRB) in 2019. She recently finished her term.

For more information about the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, visit www.saratogapreservation.org.

Saratoga Escape Rooms Announces Grand Opening

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Tess and Brian Goodge at the entrance to the forthcoming Saratoga Escape Rooms, opening on Nov. 14. Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tess and Brian Goodge, local entrepreneurs and escape room enthusiasts, announced on Monday the grand opening of their Saratoga Escape Rooms, located on Gardner Lane in downtown Saratoga Springs.

The new entertainment venue officially opens its doors on Nov. 14, offering guests immersive, puzzle-solving experiences for all ages.

Saratoga Escape Rooms will feature themed worlds where players will be challenged to solve riddles, uncover clues, and crack codes before a 60-minute clock runs out. Designed for groups of 2 to 8 players, the rooms feature automated props, interactive storylines, and elaborate set designs.

Current themed adventures include:

• Saratoga School of Magic – Solve magical puzzles and decode secret spells;

• Echoes of the Lost Jungle – Navigate an uncharted jungle-themed room, with colorful hand-painted props and immersive riddles;

• Whispers Beneath Broadway (coming summer 2026) – This room will take visitors back to the Gilded Age of Saratoga on the evening of the United States Stakes Race, Aug. 12, 1890 for an historical fiction “whodunnit.”

“Escape rooms offer something totally unique and appeal to all ages for different reasons,” said co-owner Tess Goodge. “We wanted to create something that would offer both locals and visitors a chance to connect, laugh, and make memories right here in the heart of Saratoga.”

Saratoga Escape Rooms is family-friendly, with adventures suitable for ages 13 and up (younger players are welcome with adult supervision). The booking calendar will open on Nov. 8 at www.saratogaescaperooms.com.

November 7 – November 13 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON 

Judy Burgess sold property at 131 Lake Hill Rd to Purdyhomes LLC for $230,000

Cheryl Ziegler sold property at 22 Townley Dr to Anthony Elliott for $230,000

Gary Nowakowski sold property at 82 Beekman St to Karen Willmott for $385,000

CORINTH

William Aubin sold property at 628 Cty Rt 24 to Joshua Kipp for $305,900

Joseph Frandino sold property at 45 Chapman St to Asad Mehmood for $226,,900

GALWAY

Matthew McDonald sold property at 2538 Galway Rd to James Van Horne for $550,000

Susanna Arcaro sold property at 3004 South Shore Rd to Neal Shapiro for $410,000

GREENFIELD

Jacquelyn Berrigan sold property at 122 Plank Rd to Erica Colvett for $460,000

Nancy Travers sold property at 148 Lake Desolation Rd to Herald Sperazza for $790,000

CTG Polo LLC sold property at 2 Bloomfield Rd to Paddock View Development LLC for $3,500,000

MILTON

Suzanne Crowley sold property at 12 Amber Way to Matthew Dennis for $462,000

Michael Thomas sold property at 11 Amber Way to Stephen Zebrowski for $410,000

SARATOGA

Amy Lynch sold property at 124 Lafayette St to Devin Peterson for $220,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Barbara Applebaum sold property at 23 Collins Terrace to James Dorsey for $545,000

Richard Rosenberg sold property at 13 Thoroughbred Dr to Raymond Liebman for $799,000

Claire Barnett sold property at 22 5th Ave to Kathleen McCarthy for $1,400,000

Carrie Kaufmann sold property at 305 West Circular to James Chapman for $765,000

Cameron Reynolds sold property at 13 Deerleap Pl to Haley Grogan for $345,000

DC Marco sold property at 27 Spa Dr to Brian Harris for $520,000

David Deciantis sold property at 55 Crescent Ave to John Flavin for $450,000

Andrew Waluszko sold property at 3 Daggs Lane to Ove Westerheim for $905,000

John Pepper sold property at 43 Pamela Lane to Steven Pritchard for $700,000

Evelyn Freeman sold property at 159 Grand Ave to Patrick Dillon for $790,000

Gary Vail sold property at 98 Catherine St to Andrew Kung for $875,000

Adelphi Owner II sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 359 to 19 Washington St Apt 359 LLC for $1,375,000

WILTON

Cheryl Hudak sold property at 24 Robin Ct to Tager Property Investments for $180,000

Darryl Parker sold property at 144 Edie Rd to Bryon Shackleton for $340,000

Jonathan Reinhardt sold property at 84 Claire Pass to Michael Thomas for $605,000

Sasha Flynn sold property at 276 Northern Pines Rd to Mark Tooker for $456,000

CPKC 2025 Holiday Train kicks off Nov. 19

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) announced the schedule and artist line up for the 2025 Holiday Train, a festive celebration combining musical performances and holiday cheer kicking off with its first show on Nov. 19 in Montreal, Que. Now in its 27th year, the Holiday Train raises money and collects food across CPKC’s extensive network in Canada and the United States supporting community food banks and making a real difference for families in need.  

 “Every year, our railroaders take great pride in bringing the Holiday Train across our network, this year reaching even more communities for the first time,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. “We are thrilled to send this beautiful train filled with lights and music to spread the joy of the season and proud to support the giving spirit of the holidays assisting people experiencing food insecurity. It’s incredible to see communities come together every year to celebrate the holidays while supporting local food banks.”  

 Holiday Train Highlights

• 196 live music shows in six provinces and 13 U.S. states. Thirteen communities will be visited by the Holiday Train for the first time, with new stops in Maine (1), Louisiana (6), Oklahoma (1), Texas (4) and Ontario (1). 

• Performers include Barenaked Ladies, Smash Mouth, Tyler Shaw, Brittany Kennell, Jade Eagleson, JJ Wilde, American Authors, Pynk Beard, Teigen Gayse, Lanco, Tiera Kennedy and Dylan Marlowe. 

• Since 1999, more than $26 million and over 5.4 million pounds of food for community food banks have been collected in Canada and the U.S.

“At East Side Neighborhood Services, our Food Programs are dedicated to providing consistent and dignified food access, especially for older adults and families in our community,” said Mary Ostapenko Anstett, President, East Side Neighborhood Services in Minneapolis, Minn. “The Holiday Train brings more than donations — it brings hope, awareness and critical support at a time when it’s needed most. With the help of our community partners such as CPKC, we remain committed to ensuring that access to food doesn’t become an added burden for our neighbors.” 

 Ed Robertson with the Barenaked Ladies, performing on the Holiday Train with stops in Alberta and British Columbia, adds, “I can’t imagine a better way to visit some of Canada’s beautiful mountain towns than by riding the CPKC Holiday Train. It’s going to be a great time for a great cause!”

 The festive atmosphere created by the brightly decorated Holiday Train and engaging musical performances embody the spirit of the holidays. Each event is free, with CPKC encouraging attendees to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation as local food banks will be accepting donations at each stop.

 This year’s Holiday Train in the United States will feature a new light display honouring the legacy of ‘Rudy’ and the recently retired Kansas City Southern Holiday Express train that operated across the U.S. South for nearly a quarter century. 

 A full schedule and details of this year’s Holiday Train are available at cpkcr.com/holidaytrain.