Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Skidmore Business Competition Celebrates 10th Anniversary Virtually

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Amid a global health emergency, the Kenneth A. Freirich Business Plan Competition at Skidmore College broke new ground in its 10-year anniversary. 

Established in 2010 by Ken Freirich ’90, CEO of Health Monitor Network, with the intent of fostering entrepreneurship and creativity across all majors and disciplines at Skidmore, the “Shark Tank” competition has grown into one of the preeminent business competitions among liberal arts colleges nationally.

 Adapting to the new normal, students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff were invited to watch this year’s competition online via the videoconferencing platform Zoom. The finalists — 11 students pitching nine business plans — played their pre-recorded final presentations and then answered live questions from the judges. 

2020 competition winners:
First Place: Coven, Maya Ling ‘20 and Emily Egan ‘20: A bakery that infuses products for medicinal benefits. Prize: $20,000 cash plus $5,000 in business services.
Second Place: Z’s, Izaak Cohen ‘20: A lifestyle accessories brand. Prize: $10,000 cash plus $5,000 in business services.
Third Place: Natural Glow, Novilhelha Moleni ‘22 and Ha Linh Nguyen ‘22: A hair and beauty brand. Prize: $5,000 cash plus $5,000 in business services .
Fourth Place: VoyceMe, Dylan Telano ‘23: An online marketplace connecting unpublished writers with readers. Prize: $2,500.

Haja Bah ‘21 received a social entrepreneurship award of $5,000 for her business Uman 4 Uman Salone, a nonprofit that produces sustainable sanitary pads for young women in Sierra Leone. Four other businesses — Ingles para todos (Cyntia Ismael ‘22), Turf Ads (Colin Mahoney ‘21), Trot (Abigail Kaplan ‘20) and Edutrer (Naira Abdula ‘20) — received $1,000 each.   

Freirich recently announced he will fund an endowment that will allow the competition to continue in perpetuity, pledging $500,000 toward the College’s goal of a $1 million fund.  The experience begins each September with a call for entries and a series of workshops to help students prepare for the semi-final presentations. 

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s 2020 Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is accepting applications for the 2020 Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship, an annual award recognizing young leaders and volunteers throughout Saratoga County. 

The scholarship, awarded in a one-time amount of $1,000, will be presented in June to a high school senior from Saratoga County who has demonstrated a record of academic excellence and exemplary service to the community along with a strong interest in pursuing future studies in history and/or the arts. The entry deadline is May 15.

Mr. Cantacuzene served on the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees for 30 years and contributed to the Museum in various capacities. Mr. Cantacuzene, a stalwart supporter of thoroughbred racing, the arts and public service, passed away in 2016.

High school seniors interested in applying for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship are asked to submit an essay of no more than 500 words detailing their community service and the rewarding aspects of the service. Applicants should also describe how the subjects of art and/or history have influenced their educational pursuits.

The application and essay should be submitted to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, c/o Lindsay Doyle, 191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., 12866. The materials may also be emailed to ldoyle@racingmuseum.net

SNAP Can Help with Food

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

Many people in our community have lost their jobs and may be wondering how they will feed themselves and their families.  If you or someone you know needs help buying food, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be able to help. 

SNAP can help people who are struggling to afford enough food.  SNAP provides monthly benefits on a debit card that can be used to purchase food at grocery stores and many farmers markets.  You can apply for SNAP and use SNAP benefits while keeping a safe distance from others.  Your SNAP application and other requirements can be fulfilled online, by phone or by email.  You can also use SNAP benefits to shop online and have groceries delivered from Amazon, or in some areas, from Walmart or Shoprite. 

Many people who have recently lost their income may be eligible for SNAP now. SNAP may be the relief you and your family needs to keep food on the table during this difficult time. 

The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) can help you apply for SNAP and answer any questions you have.  These services are free and confidential.  Contact your Saratoga County NOEP coordinator today at 518-587-5188, ext. 412

– Deborah DeLosa, Saratoga County
NOEP Coordinator, Legal Aid Society of NNY

April 18 – April 24, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

POLICE

Yesenia Luna, 32, oof Amsterdam, was charged April 16 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

Izaqueu Souza de Andrade, 38, of Granville, was charged April 19 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, passing a red light, and having no motor vehicle license.  

Albert Ramsey, 59, of Schuylerville, was cited April 16 in Saratoga Springs for petit larceny, a misdemeanor. 

Dylan K. Vella, 26, of Corinth, was charged with two felony counts assault in the first-degree, and two felony counts attempted assault in the first degree as the result of  county Sheriff’s Department  investigation into a motor vehicle crash which occurred on April 7 in the village of Corinth. Vella is accused of intentionally striking three motorcycles with his Ford Escape SUV while on Main Street. Initially, the three motorcycle drivers and one passenger were injured, two severely. On April 16, one of the motorcycle operators, 53-year-old Paul Hollenbeck of Corinth, died as a result of the injuries he suffered. Vella has since been additionally charged with one count of murder in the second-degree. As of April 22, one motorcyclist is still hospitalized. Vella was sent to Saratoga County Jail without bail. 

Rosemary O’Hara

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­—Rosemary O’Hara, 87 died peacefully on April 16th, 2020 in her home. A private family ceremony was held in her memory. Her family encourages all those who knew Rosemary to pray in her Memory and for those she has left behind. Visit burkefuneralhome.com. 

Charles Thomas Blodgett

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­— Charles Thomas Blodgett, 88 passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2020.  Charles’ family would like to thank Nurse Ben for his great care of our sweet Charles during the last hours he spent on earth. Burial took place at the GBH Saratoga National Cemetery. Visit burkefuneralhome.com. 

Property Transactions: April 11 – April 17, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON SPA

321 Kingsley Rd., $175,000.
Jason Townley sold property to Erica Cable.

15 Buell Ave., $248,500.
Peter and Darcy Jones sold property to Brian and Haley Buttars

CHARLTON

1326 Route 147, $541,000.
Denis and Stephanie Unrein sold property to King Neptune NYS LLC.

4024 Jockey St., $310,000.
Katz Excavating and Construction LLC sold property to Alenandra Wade and Peter Iwaneczko, III. 

CLIFTON PARK

6 Mystic Lane, $293,000.
Michael and Jean Bryan sold property to Martin Maddix and Lori Baldanza.

6 Heritage Pointe Dr., $569,900.
Heritage Builders Group LLC sold property to Mitchell and Nicole Patterson. 

11 Stratford Dr., $325,000.
Barry and Helen Widman (as Trustees) sold property to Ryan and Elizabeth McLaughlin.

1 Panarama Court, $255,000.
Ryan and Elizabeth McLaughlin sold property to Ciara and Scott Palmo.

5305 Forest Pointe Dr. South, $130,000.
Vanessa Farley (as Trustee) sold property to Xiaoye Shi.

1 Cathywood Court, $373,000.
Gerald and Marlene Engel sold property to Sean Donovan and Stephanie Pitts.

44 Vista Court, $358,648.
Vistas West Development LLC sold property to Neal Nardini.

615 Grooms Rd., $312,000.
Aaron and Bonnie Koonsman sold property to Adam and Rebecca Vaughn. 

8 Devon Court, $286,000.
Ryan and Mikaela Estey sold property to Emily Kulig and Adam Neilsen.

GALWAY

5363 Lake Rd., $425,000.
Joseph and Tatjana Versaggi sold property to Darrick Zwack and Tess Pollinger. 

3028 South Shore Dr. West, $53,000.
Robert and Lisa Filkins sold property to Michelle and Michael Curtis.

GREENFIELD

109 Middle Grove Rd., $229,000.
Robert Ercole and Carol Cueva sold property to Diane Bennett.

32 Brookstone Dr., $345,000.
Seth Weissman and Gail Tallman sold property to Laura Butz and Atticus Moll. 

92 Bockes Rd., $305,000.
James and Karen Dill sold property to Stephen Forker and Lauren Blanchard.

HALFMOON

6 Wintergreen Way, $473,620.
Homeland Properties LLC sold property to Jessica Woods.

1915 Route 9, $838,658.
Louis Spagnola sold property to GGF Property Holdings Inc. 

7 Rolling Hills Dr., $439,900.
Matthew and Gillian Barbieri sold property to Kyle and Daniella Sampson.

154 Guideboard Rd., $170,000.
Darin and Nina Krupski sold property to Jeffrey and Michele Peetz.

68 Cemetery Rd., $140,000.
Daniel Sickles sold property to John Rucinski. 

MALTA

25 Dunning Rd., $230,000.
Robert Ponstein sold property to Shayna Goodson LLC.

204 Arrow Wood Place, $206,000.
Janet Cartier and Jose Reyes sold property to Aiden Doti.

27 Copper Ridge Dr., $100,000.
Abele Builders Inc. sold property to Abele Homes LLC.

27 Copper Ridge Dr., $429,009.
Abele Homes LLC sold property to Stanley Doirst and Margaret Yoest. 

252 Thimbleberry Rd., $170,000.
Amy Cerrone sold property to John Hamor.

357 Malta Ave., $85,000.
Ronald Bussing (by Exec) sold property to Matthew Rogers and Stefanie Santiago.

MILTON

106 Deer Run Dr., $193,000.
Jessica Nasters sold property to Olivia Eggleston.

171 South St., $235,000.
Richard Klatt sold property to Jonathan and Roslyn Zurmuhlen.

28 Red Oak Lane, $210,000.
Alain and Emma Blais sold property to Antonio Mendoza.

MOREAU

37 Iris Ave., $27,200.
Matthew McDonald and Alissa Bevivino sold property to Avi Stark.

9 Edens Way, $379,164.
James Greenwood sold property to Makenzie and Stephen Philo, Jr.

238 Ferry Blvd., $27,500.
Joanne Parker sold property to Isaiah and Meghan Woodcock.

7 Edgewood Dr., $163,800.
Travis Smith sold property to Billie Marmie. 

36 Hudson St., $132,500.
D and L Fish Properties LLC sold property to Colby Clute.

8 Feeder Dam Rd., $197,500.
Gerald and Carole Worthen sold property to Kerrick McKee and Ivy Elston.

TOWN OF SARATOGA

179 River Rd., $310,000.
RYP Home Solutions LLC sold property to Amanda Thrane and Frederick Bunnell, III. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS

11 Eastman Lane, $190,000.
Brian Dwyer (by Exec) sold property to Martin Morey.

46 Union Ave., #106, $995,000.
Michael and Nancy Ingersoll sold property to David and Kelly Buck.

36 Long Alley, $1,200,000.
Dogs of Long Alley LLC sold property to 36 Long Alley LLC.

158 Hathorn Blvd., $160,000.
Dean Donofrio sold property to Nicholas Gentile.

67 Vichy Dr., $245,000.
David Betsch sold property to Francis Tessier and Colleen Cowen.

48 Horseshoe Dr., $525,000.
Marilyn Socha and Louis Ruggiero, Jr. sold property to Briana and Steven Soss. 

7 State St., $330,000.
Timothy and Anne Tully sold property to Kenneth Carr.

77 Van Dam St., Unit 206, $351,600.
Seventy Seven Van Dam LLC sold property to Maureen Sipp. 

203 Church St., $50,000.
James and Sharon Byrne sold property to Two Hundred Church Street LLC. 

77 Van Dam St., Unit 205, $409,453.
Seventy Seven Van Dam LLC sold property to Christopher and Jennifer Johnson. 

5 Cherry Tree Lane, $945,000.
Brian and Michelle Coffey sold property to Andrew and Christina Armstrong. 

86 Kaydeross Park Rd., $400,000.
Jeffrey Cohen sold property to Macato Development LLC. 

STILLWATER

1086 Hudson Ave., $237,000.
Thirty Three Thirty Five Phelps Proper LLC sold property to Melissa Antolick.

72 Brickhouse Rd., $246,000.
Jill Michaels sold property to Saratoga Polo Farm LLC.

11 Lakepointe Way, $350,000.
Frank Sciotti, Jr. (as Trustee) sold property to Andrew and Amanda Keough.

WILTON

8 Glenburnie Dr., $380,000.
Rebecca and Mark Oppenneer sold property to David and Erica Betsch.

14 Thunder Run, $286,000.
James and Karen Williams sold property to National Transfer Services LLC.

14 Thunder Run, $280,000.
National Transfer Services LLC sold property to Andrew Walker.

16 Brentwood Blvd., $612,668.
Sonoma Grove LLC sold property to Kimberly Leva (as Trustee).

Stewart’s Holiday Match Program Donates $5,000 to Franklin Community Center

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Though the holidays may be past us, the generosity of this magical season is still being felt thanks to Stewart’s Holiday Match Program. 

The program matched donations from customers and donated a total of  $1.8 million to 1,753 organizations throughout the area who serve children. Franklin Community Center is honored to be a recipient of their generosity again this year.

The $5,000 donation received by Franklin will be used to offset costs associated with Franklin’s after school prevention program, Project Lift. 

“This show of community support came at the perfect time” states executive director Kari Cushing. “With our current climate so much different than anything we have ever experienced, our community’s children’s programs are now more vital than ever. We are very fortunate that Stewart’s Shops puts such a strong emphasis on philanthropy throughout the areas they serve.”

Project Lift, which has been operated by Franklin Community Center for over 30 years, is a unique and comprehensive after-school program for youth in grades 1-6 that places emphasis on positive youth development, raising self-esteem, and the development of refusal, decision-making, problem solving and communication skills. The research- based program is designed to enhance resiliency and equip children with information to make healthy decisions on their own.  Project Lift is free to the enrolled students, who also have access to the Community Center’s ancillary services, as needed.

6 Brewers 1 Beer to Benefit Out of Work Hospitality Workers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — We are Brewnited, a collective of local brewers focused on giving back to our community. Our mission is to raise funds for our hospitality industry partners the best way we know how:  with a beer.

“Shortly after restrictions were put in place, I, out of habit, decided to head out for a beer. Quickly realizing I couldn’t, my brain filled with all of the bar and restaurant workers I know who are suddenly out of work with no income.  I remember thinking, ‘how can I help, even some of these guys?’… The next day at work I reached out to other local brewers, who, like me, owe our livelihoods to bars and restaurants that have supported our brands for so long. From this came the idea of a virtual collaboration beer where we could donate all proceeds directly to hospitality workers while creating a platform for other community members to contribute, knowing funds will be distributed locally,”  said Max Oswald of Northway Brewing Company.

Adirondack Brewery, Artisanal Brew Works, Bolton Landing Brewing Co., Common Roots Brewing Co., Druthers Brewing Co., and Northway Brewing Co. have collaborated to bring you Negative Input, an American Lager that represents our unity in these challenging times. We are working together to take the negative input that we are overwhelmed with and flip it upside-down to get a positive outcome.

All profits from the sale of these 4-Packs will be distributed to hospitality workers in Saratoga and Warren counties who are out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.