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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga County Fair Goes Virtual

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Although the Saratoga County Fair Board of Directors made the difficult decision to postpone the traditional county fair until 2021, the show must still go on. To continue to practice social distancing, the Saratoga County Fair will bring the spirit of the county fair directly to you through a virtual fair. Starting July 20, there will be fun posts, contests and events for all to enjoy. The virtual fair will be hosted July 21 to July 26.

Currently, interested individuals can enter the 2020 Saratoga County Fair Queen pageant. The pageant will be completely virtual.  Deadline for entries is Monday, July 6. We will announce the Fair Queen per tradition on our opening day of July 21. For more information please go to saratogacountyfair.org.

For an updated listing of our upcoming schedule of events visit the website or Facebook page for a continuous update. Please invite your family and friends to like our page and stay tuned for all the activities we have planned. 

If you are interested in how you can participate, support or sponsor our virtual fair please call the fair office at 518-885-9701.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum Reopens July 3

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs History Museum located in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park will re-open to the public Friday, July 3.  The Museum will be open Fridays through Sundays from 10 to 4 through the month of July, and will then re-evaluate and possibly extend hours.

James Parillo, Museum Director said  “This unprecedented closure took us all by surprise. The pandemic forced us to delay the opening of our new exhibit, The Great Hotels of Saratoga Springs.  I am excited that the public can finally view this visual display that tells the story of the Gilded Age in Saratoga Springs.”

The Museum is following all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols.  Social distancing and the wearing of facemasks are required of staff and visitors.

The History Museum was founded in 1883 and has been located in the Canfield Casino since 1912. Three floors of exhibits tell the story of the city of Saratoga Springs.  An average visit lasts 45 minutes to an hour.  Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students.  Children under 12 are free.

For more information visit www.saratogahistory.org.

Saratoga Hospital’s “No Visitors” Policy Remains In Place

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital is not changing the hospital’s current “No Visitors” policy.

The governor’s recent directive allows each hospital to reconsider its visitation policies and use its best judgment. Following a careful assessment of our current “No Visitors” policy, including consulting with our nursing and physician leadership, we have come to the conclusion that the safeguards provided by restricting visitation is in the best interest of our patients and our staff.

This is particularly important as we witness the volatility of the spread of the virus in other regions across the country and new travel quarantines being implemented.

As of this week, and since June 12, Saratoga Hospital has had no COVID-19 positive inpatients. Since the beginning of this crisis, Saratoga Hospital has also had no hospital-acquired COVID-19 infections. And early on in this crisis, Saratoga Hospital was the first and only hospital in the region to institute an advanced testing protocol for patients to be rapid-tested for COVID-19 before being admitted to the hospital. Knowing every patient’s status allowed the hospital staff to manage a patient’s stay much more efficiently and effectively, increasing patient and staff safety and increasing confidence in our hospital.

When essential elective procedures were allowed to restart in late April after being postponed by NYSDOH directives, all patients were required to be tested before any surgeries or procedures were performed. No COVID-19 positive patient was allowed to undergo a procedure until subsequently testing negative.

In short, every policy and protocol we have enacted has made Saratoga Hospital safer for our patients, our staff, and our community. With that level of success in our safety plan implementation, we feel it is best to continue to enforce a “No Visitor” policy and continue to reduce risk.

We understand and respect the frustration this may place on our patients, their families and friends. We have always made compassionate exceptions, made on a case-by-case basis as directed by our patient care team. When possible, we assist patients with iPad or smartphone virtual visits. And we have made our Inpatient Transition Program team available for personal phone calls to families to provide extra comfort and answer questions they may have. Each of these efforts was part of our visitation policy assessment.

We will continue to monitor and reassess the policy. The current visitation policy is available on the hospital’s website: SaratogaHospital.org/COVID19.

SRYMCA Board Names Scott Clark Interim CEO

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

ScottClarkScott Clark. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The SRYMCA Board of Directors has appointed Vice President of Operations Scott Clark as interim CEO, following the departure of Andrew Bobbitt. The appointment takes effect immediately. 

“The SRYMCA has experienced a period of tremendous growth over the past several years, including construction of the Malta branch and major capital improvements at the Wilton and Saratoga Springs branches,” said Rick Schumaker, president of the Board of Directors. “We thank Andrew for his service during this time and wish him well.”

Clark has more than 32 years of experience in YMCA operations, facilities, membership and health and wellness. Prior to joining the Saratoga Regional YMCA in March 2019, he served as Vice President of Operations at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City and oversaw seven full-service YMCA facilities with an annual budget of more than $15 million. At SRYMCA, Scott leads the operations of the SRYMCA’s five branches, including all aspects of membership, programs
and childcare. 

“Since joining the SRYMCA, Scott has spearheaded meaningful and positive changes throughout our organization. We are a stronger organization as a result, and his leadership served as a foundation as we refined and grew to better serve our community. The SRYMCA has cultivated a team of committed, highly-capable personnel across all divisions and we are confident of their ability, with Scott at the helm, to lead us through this important transition,” said Schumaker.

“I have dedicated my entire professional career to the YMCA organization because I believe in its mission to build healthy spirits, minds and bodies for all,” Clark said. “I look forward to working with the SRYMCA management team, including our dedicated branch managers and senior staff, to continue our organization’s long tradition of service to the greater Saratoga community.”

Property Transactions: June 27 – July 3, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON SPA

1317 West High St., $183,000.
Joshua Bush and Ashley Horrocks sold property to Brett and Alison Belden.

118 Westside Dr., $380,000.
Kathryn and William Ross, Jr. sold property to Jess and Kelly Premo.

98 Lancaster Court, $381,774.
Bordeau Builders Inc. sold property to Christopher Hyde and Kimberly Lesieur.

CHARLTON

90 Western Ave., $445,000.
Brian and Laurel Dunn sold property to James and Megan Grabowski.

CLIFTON PARK

32 Torrey Pines, $388,000.
Catherine Bennett sold property to Vladimir and Emira Shirilov.

61 Spruce St., $405,000.
Orapin Sangrat (by Agent) sold property to Ankit Sehgal and Marilyn Lupo.

18 Emmons Dr., $75,000.
Dandan He sold property to Tianyi Wang.

2 Hemlock Dr., $344,900.
Benjamin and Emily Solomon sold property to Antoinette and Adam DeGeorgio.

80 Avenue of the Oaks, $595,000.
Mary and Gerald Kilanoski (as Trustees) sold property to Mark Elpers and Jeannette Sutton. 

2 Cathywood Court, $415,000.
Jeffrey and Mary Gennoy sold property to Jill Gradner.

35 Longview Dr., $244,100.
John Hockey sold property to Jeffrey and Erin Joseph.

50 Tipperary Way, $600,000.
Anthony and Marilyn Sirco sold property to Collin Sirco. 

47 Wheeler Dr., $330,000.
Courtney Beach sold property to Scott and Jessica Cahrenger.

84 Longkill Rd., $280,000.
Courtney Seymour (Ind and as Agent) and Peter Farnum (by Agent) sold property to Justin and Angela Davis.

7 Christinamarie Dr., $440,000.
James and Kristin Richter sold property to Kevin Weatherby and Linda Wills. 

36 Vista Court, $371,146.
Vista West Development LLC sold property to Mark and Sharon Shear.

CORINTH

County Route 25, $95,000.
Marjorie Jones sold property to Kenneth and Marni Freemire. 

17 Poplar St., $15,000.
Robert and Cheryl Healy (by Atty) sold property to Heather Loadholt.

101 Lemont Ave., $112,000.
Linda Smith and Donna Prokopowicz sold property to Donna Prokopowicz.

GALWAY

5231 North St., $100,000.
Theodore Lovelass (by Atty) and Diane Lovelass (Ind and as Atty) sold property to Flintlock Corp.

2550 Old Mill Rd., $436,000.
Benal Raeburn sold property to Nikolas and Katrina Graf.

GREENFIELD

9 Brandell Lane, $270,618.
Erick and Nicole Evers sold property to David Spangler and Casey Normile. 

HALFMOON

59 Canal Rd., $450,000.
George Emerson sold property to Richard and Catherine Castle.

96A Clamsteam Rd., $239,900.
Merle Fredericks II sold property to Frank Scheuer.

281 Grooms Rd., $537,500.
Denis Klapija sold property to Jason Greene.

7 Gauthier Dr., $190,000.
Chad Lacasse sold property to Jordan and Sarah Blais.

19 Linden Park Dr., $385,000.
Michaels Group Homes LLC sold property to Lucinda Fabozzi.

MALTA

37 Lupine Dr., $295,000.
Edward and Linda Murphy sold property to Elizabeth Danton.

9 Weston Way, $392,051.
Barbera Homes Malta Springs LLC sold property to Thomas and Mary Anne Kinisky (as Trustees). 

51 Village Circle North, $452,196.
Belmonte Properties LLC sold property to Christoph Steinbruchel and Patricia Connelly.

104 3rd St., $155,000.
Carol Zarro sold property to Mark and Erin Calicchia.

53 Vettura Court, $85,000.
Lecmor Residential LLC sold property to DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc. 

120 Wineberry Lane, $235,000.
Randall Dickinson sold property to Kelli and Ceth Morocco.

MILTON

31 Whippletree Rd., $235,000.
Vladislav and Taisiya Kobzar sold property to David and Erin Nocera.

Galway Rd., $28,000.
Betsy Norton sold property to Saratoga AllVets LLC.

174 Milton Ave., $250,000.
David and Carol Godette sold property to Antonio Bianchi and Mackenzi Kelly.

MOREAU

63 William St., $188,000.
Daniel and Renee Lombard sold property to Jeffrey Schermerhorn and Nicole Hall. 

304 Reynolds Rd., $185,000.
Robert and Melissa Joubert sold property to Brittany and Christy Murray.

53 Woodscape Dr., $300,000.
Vicky Barrett sold property to Richard and Diane Edwards. 

107 Old Bend Rd., $308,150.
Cerrone Construction sold property to Robert and Sandra Rizzuto.

26 Fairview St., $32,000.
Harry and Betty Goldstein sold property to Paul and Kimberly Patterson.

5 Edver Rd., $232,050.
Julie White sold property to Daniel Casabonne and Maria Steele.

18 Jackson Ave., $235,000.
Michael and Jennifer Wolfe sold property to Douglas and Beverly Emery.

NORTHUMBERLAND

4746 Route 50, $205,000.
James and Lorri Zarro sold property to Colin and Heather Hannon.

1902 Route 32N, $162,000.
Christine Dishon sold property to Julie Decker.

TOWN OF SARATOGA

1245 Route 9P, $675,000.
Tara Lindsley sold property to Phyllis Fein.

33 Morgans Run, $174,000.
Osborn Cole sold property to Timothy Hoover.

191 Broad St., $99,000.
Darren and Lisa Tracy sold property to One Hundred Ninety One Broad Street LLC.

179 Swamp Rd., $355,000.
Christian and Bridget Babcock sold property to Ryan and Jami Walker.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

336 Grand Ave., $138,350.
Two Glenmore Avenue LLC sold property to Christine Treadway and Thomas McDermott.

132 Adams St., $410,000.
Allen Elizabeth (by Exec) sold property to One Hundred and Thirty Two Adams Street LLC.

54 Trottingham Rd., $212,000.
Nicholas and Rita Dispenziere sold property to Laura Carley.

3 Pamela Lane, $485,000.
Diane Webb sold property to Nicole and Elliot Edwards.

414 Church St., $276,500.
Lisa Moll sold property to Tina Grolley.

222 Crescent Ave., $380,000.
Susan Chille sold property to Karen Keis and Peter Gonczlik.

11 Foxhall Dr., $585,000.
Neal McLaughlin sold property to William and Ellen Gray.

STILLWATER

17 Castle Dr., $60,000.
Nicholas Palage sold property to Anthony Palage.

112 Lakepointe Way, $363,218.
Mason Street LLC sold property to Philip and Cynthia Disorbo.

WILTON

7 Kerry Court, $395,000.
James Mella sold property to Frances and John Bogardus.

2 Timbira Dr., $322,000.
Carlos and Cynthia Chacon sold property to Theresa Supski, Andre and Catherine Powers.

8 Overlook Dr., $410,000.
Tina Grolley sold property to Pablo and Kara Rivera.

71 Edie Rd., $380,000.
Axel Sondhof and Lisa Loftus Sondhof sold property to Alenander Lourenco and Laura Kavanaugh Lourenco. 

11 Sepia Lane, $288,400.
Thomas Cafarella (as Trustee) sold property to Danielle Moriarity.

16 King Rd., $311,500.
Raymond and Carolann Sauter sold property to Clark Leonelli. 

20 Burnham Rd., $72,000.
North Manor Development LLC sold property to Bonacio Construction Inc. 

20 Burnham Rd., $420,000.
Bonacio Construction Inc. sold property to Michael and Jennifer Wolfe.

2 Conklin Ct, $100,000.
William and Judy Morris sold property to McPadden Builders LLC. 

7 Conklin Ct, $90,000.
William and Judy Morris sold property to McPadden Builders LLC.

35 Traver Rd., $65,000.
William and Judy Morris sold property to McPadden Builders LLC.

4 Waverly Place, $369,000.
DEC Development LLC sold property to Jennifer Lheureux.

72 Fieldstone Dr., $615,000.
Jordan and Michelle Mazur sold property to Gregg and Cathy Palesky.

SIS Keeps End of Year Traditions Alive Amist In Person Gathering Restrictions

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Independent School’s 2019-2020 school year came to a close on Friday, June 19.  Due to the national health crisis and school closures, students from Saratoga Independent School spent the last few months engaged in remote learning from home. 

The school has many end-of-year traditions that the students have grown to love, including Field Day, Yearbooks, an Art Show, a Variety Show, and Carnival.  Usually these events are held in person, during the school day.  This year, students and teachers came up with creative solutions to keep these traditions alive virtually. 

Head of School Lisa Brown, said, “Our Saratoga Independent School community is extraordinarily strong.  We have always put our students first and wanted to find a way to give them the community experience they have always appreciated during our year-end activities.” 

A week full of events was enjoyed by all students, from the safety of their homes.  “We have incredibly thoughtful and creative faculty and students. They worked together to make the end of the school year memorable,” stated Brown.

The first event was a car parade held at the school.  Students saw their teachers and received their yearbooks, which included pages dedicated to remote learning.  All teachers and staff wore masks, along with our mascot, Thunder the Moose.

Physical Education teacher Trish Bendon, aka Coach B, created a virtual Field Day for all grade levels.  Each class section joined a live Zoom to compete against another class in at-home activities, including penguin walking, flip your lid, paper airplane corn hole, and more.  Students enjoyed the friendly competition and opportunity to engage online with students from other classes.

Spanish teacher Lisa-Renee Ackerman, aka Señora Chocolate, created a Virtual Variety Show, which was shared online with the entire school community.  A Padlet allowed viewers to offer virtual applause.

Art teacher Gabi Moore created a Virtual Art Show, showcasing student work, including box sculptures, paintings, shadow drawings, and even graphic design and videos.

On the last day of school, students usually participate in an outdoor carnival with booths designed and operated by our Intermediate, Fifth Grade, and Middle School students.  This year was no different. Jeny Randall, Middle School Coordinator, led the charge to create a Virtual Carnival.  Students designed booths held during live Zoom meetings where students participated in an array of carnival games.

In lieu of the usual Fifth Grade celebration, this year Fifth Graders received lawn signs to display at home to celebrate their graduation and move to Middle School.

Brown stated, “It was amazing to see the school community come together to create such wonderful activities.  I am so happy the students ended this unusual school year with positive and meaningful memories.” 

Brown expects that Saratoga Independent School will be open for education in person in the Fall.  The school has already begun planning and implementing new health and safety measures.  The 2020-2021 school year will mark the first year with all three Middle School grades and Brown is excited for the first S.I.S. 8th Grade graduation next spring.

Saratoga Hospital Needs To Re-Evaluate Visitor Policies

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

Last month, I needed emergency care unrelated to COVID-19. My experience made my family acutely aware of the emotional impact caused by hospital visitor restrictions for families. I recall a visit from my doctor discussing the findings of the test and not being coherent enough to understand what was being said and no family to ask questions made me feel quite anxious.

I acknowledge the seriousness of COVID-19 and the need to protect health care workers, patients and the public. I’m confident the current policies were made with the best judgment to promote safety in hospitals. However, these policies should be reexamined and adjusted to allow every patient the right to a support person to accompany them in the hospital.

The CDC has already outlined guidelines for hospitals in managing visitor access within their facilities. These guidelines include: limiting visitors to those essential to the well-being of the patient (such as care partners), limiting points of access to the facility, screening all visitors for symptoms of COVID-19, denying access to the facility to visitors who present with a fever, requiring all visitors to wear face masks, restricting visitors to the patient room and taking special measures to control visits to patients with COVID-19. These guidelines do not call for the complete restriction of all visitors in the hospital setting. Actually, they highlight the essential role care partners play in supporting a patient’s emotional and physical well-being.

Care partner presence promotes healing and lessens the burdens of health care workers. Hospital administrators should consider changing visiting policies to reflect CDC guidelines, improve recovery and healing and lessen demands on their staff.

– Robin Mitchell

Let There Be Light

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Mary Martin Day Spa is the first in the Northeast region to utilize the XtraLight UV System to sterilize her spa as customers return for her Spa’s services.  The unit will allow for sterilization in between patients in her patient rooms. In addition with the XtraLight handheld unit her staff can easily sterilize the bathrooms, counter tops, waiting room area in just a few minutes.

“Treating spaces with Xtralight’s UVC disinfecting devices are an excellent way to assure people the spaces they enter are safe to visit.” stated XtraLight CEO Jerry Cation.

For more information on the XtraLight system, or to book an appointment, contact Mary Martin Day Spa at: 518-583-4222 or visit them on Facebook.

City Building Department: “We’re Fully Operational”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — While City Hall offices remain closed to the public, the Building Department is fully operational, the organization announced this week. 

Permit applications are being reviewed and issued as usual.  Email notifications are automatically sent to inform applicants as their application moves through the review process. 

However, at this time, applications for building permits continue to be accepted via U.S. Mail only.  Until the Building Department has moved into its new location on the 3rd floor of City Hall at 474 Broadway, and City Hall reopens to the public, the department is unable to accept applications and documents in person. 

The Building Departments says it will communicate via email with applicants at the following stages: When an application is received in the mail; When all required information has been received, the application is complete and has been checked into the department’s Review Queue; When a building inspector is assigned to review the application and plans; When permit is approved and ready to issue.

Inspections are being performed in all cases when the state-required “Safety Plan” is in place.

Inspections can be requested three ways: Submit request directly into system (preferred) using the online form from the city’s website at: saratoga-springs.org; Email request to building.office@saratoga-springs.org; Call the inspection line at 518-587-3550, ext. 2511. 

Saratoga 4-H’rs Participate in Capital District 4-H Tractor Safety

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Seventeen teens from across the Capital Region, including three Saratoga County 4-H members, completed the NSTOP Tractor Safety Program offered by the 4-H Youth Development Program. 

This intensive course requires youth to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to safely working within the agriculture industry. The certification that is earned is needed for youth ages 14-15 to operate certain types of machinery while being employed in the agricultural field. The 2020 Tractor Safety program had to adapt due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with much of the programming taking place in a virtual space. The youth participated in an online learning environment, and even had the opportunity to practice and demonstrate equipment operation while observing all necessary safety guidelines. 

Leland Bunting, 4-H Resource Educator with CCE of Saratoga County says, “The annual 4-H Tractor Safety program is a very important offering from our Capital District 4-H program. The skills that the youth learn go deeper than operation of equipment, and really make the participants aware of the many hazards that exist while working in agriculture. When we certify a youth, we feel confident that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to learn and work safely in agriculture. This certification is very important for many of our youth, as it is commonly a requirement for summer employment. We hope that the skills learned in this program allow our youth to explore their passion for agriculture.” 

The 4-H Tractor Safety program is offered every spring through Cornell Cooperative Extension, and is open to all youth ages 14 and older. 

If you would like more information about the 2021 program, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County at 518-885-8995.