SARATOGA SPRINGS — With the support of a record 125 Saratoga County businesses, Toys for Toga donated an estimated 5,500 toys to three Saratoga County nonprofit human services organizations on Dec. 17.

Included in this year’s donation was $18,000 in gifts and technology specifically designated for teenagers—an age group that often has the greatest unmet needs during the holiday season. These donations were made possible through sponsor support and the community fundraising efforts that have been the foundation of Toys for Toga since its inception. Items included video game consoles, tablets, headphones, scooters, bikes, clothing, and other wish-list items requested for specific children.

Toys for Toga donations are split evenly between the Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Community Human Services, and the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center.

The donations were delivered to beneficiary organizations following a press conference held at DeCrescente Distributing Company in Mechanicville. 

According to the recipient organizations, an estimated 1,700 children across Saratoga County will benefit from this year’s donations.

Toys were collected at local restaurants, hotels, bars, retail stores, schools, clubs, and other community locations from Nov. 3 through Dec. 13.

“Toys for Toga was founded on community partnership and a common goal of making the holidays special for the kids in need right here in our community,” said Toys for Toga Founder Max Oswald. “We really saw that spirit come to life this year, with the most toys we’ve ever collected at a time when they are needed the most. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s program a huge success.”

Other fundraising efforts in this year’s Toys for Toga campaign included:

• Death Wish Coffee gave away free coffee for toys at their downtown Saratoga Springs offices.

• Druthers Brewing Company made four packs and kegs of its Toys for Toga Winter Ale, distributed by DeCrescente Distributing Company, that benefited the program.

• Sponsors DeCrescente Distributing Company, Death Wish Coffee, Sun Cruiser Iced Tea Vodka, Saratoga Water, Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs, and more, returned this year.

• New supporters Green River Distillery and New Country Toyota.

• Fundraising/toy collection events at Saratoga Tattoo Company, Cantina Restaurant, Kings Tavern, the Victorian Street Walk, Quick Response Restoration and more.

Founded in 2013, Toys for Toga is a locally-run community partnership and fundraiser that collects toys and raises money to give local kids happy holidays.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The former Brick At 2 West location on the west side of Saratoga has reopened as The Divot, a golf-themed bar and grill run by the previous owners’ daughter.

Erika Schreifels and a silent partner/golf enthusiast rebranded the eatery with the aim of both appealing to sports fans and making their mark (or “divot”) on the Spa City.

“It’s definitely not just like The Bunker,” Schreifels told Saratoga TODAY, referring to the popular spot downtown that has seven golf simulator bays. “It’s more of a family restaurant. We like to do events and catering.”

The Divot’s menu is expansive, offering everything from chicken wings to pizzas and burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, tacos, and salads. It also serves brunch every day, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

One special menu item is The Glizzy, which The Divot describes as a four-ounce Duroc and Wagyu hot dog stuffed with cheese, wrapped in cocoa rubbed bacon, topped with warm beer cheese, and finished with a “bright snap” of spicy pickles. The Glizzy’s ingredients are something of a nod to horse racing. The Duroc pig is said to be named after a racehorse called Duroc (who was, in turn, named after Géraud Duroc, a close friend of Napoleon Bonaparte).

Schreifels, who previously served as the general manager of Brick At 2 West for 15 years, also said that a putting green simulator was due to arrive at The Divot around mid-February.

The Divot is open Monday through Sunday. The kitchen is open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and the bar serves drinks from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.

CLIFTON PARK — Kyle Rogers has been named senior vice president, public relations manager for M&T Bank’s Western New York and Upstate Regions. Rogers will succeed Thea Pecht, who was promoted to the role of head of Western New York strategic initiatives in the office of Regional President and Chief Administrative Officer Tracy Woodrow.

Before joining M&T, Rogers worked at Highmark Health, where he led corporate communication strategies for the $29 billion healthcare company across its New York market.

At M&T, Rogers will serve as spokesperson and oversee all external communications and public and media relations for the bank’s Western New York and Upstate New York regions. This includes 180 branch locations surrounding Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, Watertown, Elmira, and Binghamton.

M&T is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo. It has a branch in Clifton Park.

HALFMOON — Capital District Cannabis & Wellness recently opened its newest location at 1508 US-9 in Halfmoon, marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 4.

“We’re proud to continue growing within the community and look forward to new opportunities, partnerships, and ways to better serve our customers,” the business said. “Thank you for supporting us as we expand and continue to make a positive impact in the Capital District.”

The business, which also has outposts in Albany and Schenectady, bills itself as New York State’s first majority woman-owned dispensary. Its Halfmoon location is the dispensary’s first in Saratoga County.

WILTON — The Saratoga Food & Dessert Bar recently opened at the Wilton Mall, adding a robust selection of cookies, cakes, ice cream, grilled cheeses, and breakfast items to the food court. 

The bakery celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 16.

Although the business initially started out only offering dessert items, it has “naturally evolved,” it said, due to its food court location. Sourdough grilled cheese with scratch tomato soup has become one of the bar’s top-selling items.

The Saratoga Food & Dessert Bar is open Monday through Sunday. It also accepts online orders for pickup or delivery.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — New Yorkers for Harness Racing, a harness racing education and advocacy organization, recently announced the launch of its website, www.newyorkersforharnessracing.com.

The site highlights harness racing’s economic impact on New York State, which currently hosts seven racetracks, including the one at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. 

According to the organization, harness racing supports thousands of jobs and a statewide network of more than 100 breeding farms, training centers, and boarding facilities. A 2024 economic impact study by the Empire State Harness Horse Alliance estimates that the harness racing industry generates more than $400 million in economic activity for New York State annually. Some of these funds, the organization said, flow into local communities and thus benefit the agriculture, farm equipment, construction, animal health services, and tourism industries.

The Saratoga Casino Hotel is currently in the midst of its 84th season of live harness racing.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Casino Hotel recently commemorated Giving Tuesday by awarding a total of $120,000 to twelve Capital Region nonprofits at its annual Make A Difference holiday luncheon.

“Over twenty years later, this remains the event we look forward to most each year,” said Skip Carlson, vice president of external affairs at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. “Supporting organizations that enhance the lives of so many—our guests, our team members, and the community at large—is a core value of our company and something our owners deeply believe in. We’re honored to be able to contribute.”

Each of the following organizations received a $10,000 donation at the event:

AIM Services, Inc.

Capital Roots

The Donna M. Crandall Memorial Foundation

Folds of Honor

Franklin Community Center

Jake’s Help from Heaven

Saratoga Hospital/CHC

Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar

SNACpack Program (Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children)

Wait House

Wellspring

The Wesley Community

CLIFTON PARK — Sonny and Cher. Batman and Robin. Eddie and Mario.

On Monday, the eatery formerly known as Eddie F’s Clifton Park transformed into Eddie & Mario’s New England Seafood and Pizzeria, marking the official collaboration of two Saratoga stars: Mario Cardenas of West Ave Pizza and Chicken fame, and Eddie Fazzone, owner of Eddie F’s New England Seafood Restaurant.

“Eddie & Marios was created with a simple idea—bring together the comfort of handcrafted pizza and the freshness of quality seafood in one inviting place,” the business’ website states. “Our kitchen blends classic techniques with bold flavors, using fresh ingredients to craft dishes that feel both familiar and exciting. From oven-baked pizzas with crispy crusts to satisfying seafood favorites, every meal is made with care and passion.”

The restaurant’s new menu includes pizza slices and pies, subs (hot and cold), Italian entrees, wings, fish baskets, lobster rolls, and much more. The offerings are available for takeout, dine-in, and third-party delivery.

Although Eddie F’s in Clifton Park has undergone these changes, the Eddie F’s in Saratoga Springs will remain the same.

Eddie & Mario’s New England Seafood and Pizzeria is currently hiring for all positions.

For more information about the restaurant located at 1742 Route 9 in Clifton Park, visit www.eddieandmarios.com.