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Nemer Motor Group Donates New Cargo Van to Saratoga Hospital

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Jill VanKuren, Eric Nemer, Josh Nemer of Nemer Motor Group (Photo Credit to Nemer Motor Group)

Saratoga Hospital is grateful to announce the generous donation of a new 2026 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van from Nemer Motor Group, the company’s corporate organization. The vehicle will support Saratoga Hospital’s Engineering team as they respond to maintenance and repair needs across the organization’s network of off-site and ambulatory care locations.

The addition of the cargo van strengthens the hospital’s operational fleet and enhances the Engineering team’s ability to efficiently transport tools, equipment, and supplies to locations throughout the region.

“We are incredibly grateful to Josh Nemer and the entire Nemer Motor Group team for this generous gift,” said Jill VanKuren, President of Saratoga Hospital. “As Saratoga Hospital continues to expand access to care across our region, reliable transportation and operational support are more important than ever. This vehicle will directly support our Engineering team’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently to the needs of our ambulatory locations, helping us maintain safe, high-quality environments for patients and staff alike.”

Saratoga Hospital’s Engineering department plays a vital role in maintaining hospital facilities and supporting the organization’s many off-site locations, ensuring operations continue seamlessly across the health system.

Brookside Nursery: 50 Years of Growing with the Community

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business, Featured.


Ian and Margaret Murray in the Original Greenhouse (Aissa Murray)

Brookside Nursery is celebrating 50 years of their family-owned business by opening a brand-new retail space and greenhouse. A ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on August 15th will mark the next chapter in the storied history of Brookside Nursery. 

To accompany the ribbon cutting, Bars without Boundaries will provide seasonal drinks. Then at 10:30 a.m. Little Wild Poppy will provide a bloom bar, and Happy Little Faces will be painting faces. At 11:00 a.m. Adirondack BBQ Smokehouse and JJ’s Snack Bar’s ice cream will be available. Finally, at 2 p.m. patrons can participate in a fall planter make and take.  

Five decades ago, Brookside Nursery started as a one-room store centered around a wood fire stove. Ed Murray steadily expanded the blueprint of the nursery, building offices, and the original greenhouse in 1993, which is being replaced this year. 

Margaret Murray supplied memories from her home country, selling Scottish kilts, treats, and even dog houses. 


The Original Brookside Nursery (Aissa Murray)

Ian Murray, the son of Ed and Margaret, took over the business from his parents and continued their legacy. 

Aissa Murray is the third generation of her family to continue the business and currently is raising the fourth generation, Henry and Harper.

“I went away for a while and came back here when my daughter was young. I remembered why I loved it so much,” Aissa told Saratoga TODAY. “I grew up here and loved it. I remember fondly many, many times just planting in the greenhouse and watering and all the time spent here.”

Murray says she now sees herself in her children. 

“My daughter is dying to get on the register and help customers. My son loves the equipment. He wants to drive all of it.”

And the parallels continue further:

“My son was here a couple days ago out watering the trees. My dad drove by and he called to him as he pulled in: “Hey, are you going to own this someday?” Henry hollered back, “Well, yea.”


The New Addition to Brookside Nursery (Aissa Murray)

“It has been the joy of my life to see my kids grow up in the business I grew up in,” Aissa said. “It would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of my father and my grandparents before him as well as the team of people we work with each day. We wouldn’t be successful if not for the amazing team that works with us each day and the amazing community who chooses to support small businesses.”

Brookside Nursery provides residential and commercial landscaping, and has even done work at the Saratoga Race Course. They also offer their expertise to home gardeners on what will grow in the inclement northeast climate and how to care for the plants.

Brookside Nursery will continue to host community events in their newly renovated greenhouse. Looking ahead, Wild for Life is bringing in a beaver on October 3rd and will do a presentation on how to rehabilitate animal habitats in the area. Also coming is monthly plant bingo, a goat milk soap workshop, and a bonsai workshop. 

To learn more about these events and to register, follow Brookside Nursery on Facebook. 

Saratoga Senior Center Partners with West Point Thoroughbreds for Racehorse Ownership Raffle

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Decorated Belle
(West Point Thoroughbreds)

The Saratoga Senior Center (SSC) and West Point Thoroughbreds are teaming up to provide a unique opportunity for people to support their local seniors, while getting a chance to win a percent ownership of a racehorse. 

Raffle tickets are $100; SSC members will receive 2 entries for every $100 ticket purchased. The winning ticket will be drawn on July 30, at the Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill following the horse races. 

The winner of the raffle will gain a 2.5% ownership of “Decorated Belle,” a promising 2-year-old New York-bred filly trained by Miguel Clement. The winner will not be liable for the cost of raising and training the racehorse. The winner will receive ownership distribution of any purse money, barn and backstretch access, and race day ownership experiences. 

“West Point Thoroughbreds has always been deeply connected to the Saratoga community, making this partnership with the Saratoga Senior Center a natural fit,” said Tom Bellhouse, Executive Vice President of West Point Thoroughbreds. “One of the things we love most about this raffle is that it gives anyone the opportunity to experience the excitement of racehorse ownership while supporting an amazing cause right here in Saratoga.”

To buy a raffle ticket to win a share of “Decorated Belle,” go to https://saratogaseniorcenter.org/West-Point-Thoroughbreds-Ownership-Experience-Raffle/ 

All proceeds from the raffle will support the SCC’s efforts to provide local seniors with social events, transportation, wellness programs, educational opportunities, caregiver support, Alzheimer’s and memory support, food assistance, palliative care support, and other services that help older adults throughout Saratoga County remain active, independent, and connected.

Volunteers play an incredibly important role in expanding and strengthening programs like transportation, friendly visiting, grocery shopping, and technology assistance. Email Danielle at DanielleL@saratogaseniorcenter.org to donate your time. 

Natalie A. Caruso Joins Julie & Co. Realty

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Saratoga Springs— Julie & Co. Realty welcomes Natalie A. Caruso as an Associate Broker. Caruso combines corporate business experience with extensive knowledge of the homebuilding process to provide clients with a deeper level of insight that extends beyond the traditional real estate transaction. Specializing in luxury homes, custom homes, new construction, and residential real estate, she is known for helping clients make confident decisions through every stage of the buying and selling process.

Caruso earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Tulsa. She began her career in finance and information technology in St. Louis and New York City before obtaining her real estate license in 2014.

As the primary Realtor for Caruso Builders, Natalie has spent more than a decade working alongside architects, designers, and construction professionals, guiding clients through the custom home process from concept to completion. She has also represented buyers building with many of the Capital Region’s leading builders, giving her a unique understanding of both construction and the local real estate market 

Plaza Wine & Spirits Celebrates 30 Years in Business 

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Raffle Basket Giveaway in Celebration of 30 Years in Business
(Thomas Beaury)

Andrea Green and her husband Tom opened Plaza Wine & Spirits in 1996, after returning home from serving in the Navy. This year, they are celebrating 30 years of their family-owned business in Milton.

Andrea and Tom both graduated from Saratoga Springs High School and joined the Navy after graduation. They served for 5 years and were deployed together in Spain. Following their return home, they opened Plaza Wine & Spirits originally located off Geyser Road.

Next weekend on July 25, in celebration of 30 years of business, Plaza Wine & Spirits are sponsoring a raffle giveaway and wine and spirit tasting. Raffel items include a cooler bag, and assorted wines and spirits.

Participants can sign up for the raffle by stopping into the store at 404 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa. There is no required purchase to sign up for the giveaway, simply provide a name and phone number, and Andrea will call to let you know if you are a winner.

The Greens moved into their current location in 2003; at the time there were three other businesses in their store. There was a hair salon, a women’s fitness location, and a guitar store. As the other businesses moved on, Plaza Wine & Spirits expanded into extra retail space. 

Jamie Fitzpatrick purchased the family business in 2021, keeping the business in the family. 

“The Greens put a lot of hard work into this place to grow it where it is today, and I just want to continue their legacy,” Fitzpatrick said. “I have had somebody inquire about buying this place, but I said absolutely not. We’re going to keep it going, and then maybe someday my kids will want to take it over.”

“A lot of times when people have a family business, the children don’t want it. We’re really grateful that we were able to keep it in the family,” said Ms. Green.

Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund Accepting Grant Applications

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund is accepting grant applications from eligible nonprofit charities headquartered in the Saratoga, Warren and Washington County. The grant window is open until August 31, 2026, according to Phil Klein, Chair of the Community Fund’s independent advisory committee. Grants are to be used during calendar year 2027.

Grant information and application form may be obtained from the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund website at atccf.org/Grants/Lend-A-Hand-Grant-Application. 

The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund was established in 2009 to build an endowment that acts as a perpetual source of funding for the broad array of nonprofit organizations that improve the quality of life in the community. The Fund assists them in addressing issues of common concern and also seeks to foster a community spirit of giving by providing donors with unique and flexible ways to manage charitable donations. 

In 2025, the Community Fund gave $97,150 in Lend-A-Hand Grant Awards to 37 local, nonprofit organizations, supporting programs in such diverse areas as veteran’s outreach, food insecurity, summer lunch programs, wildlife education, homelessness prevention, youth services, and the arts.

2026 Grant awards recipients will be announced by the independent advisory committee in December 2026. To learn about past Lend-A-Hand Grant recipients, visit ATCCF.org.

Children’s Museum at Saratoga Unveils New “Fab Lab” Exhibit 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Ribbon Cutting at New “Fab Lab” Exhibit
(Global Foundries)

Saratoga Springs— On Wednesday, July 8th, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga and Global Foundries opened a new exhibit, “Fab Lab,” that brings the world of semiconductor manufacturing to life for children and families. 

The exhibit transforms the museum’s STEAM space into an immersive experience where visitors can explore how microchips are made and why they matter through hands-on activities focused on clean rooms, wafer production and precision manufacturing.

“The future of our industry, really the future of innovation is society itself. It depends on the next generation of talented, but more importantly, socially responsible engineers in science,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, Executive Chairman of the Global Foundries Board of Directors. “That’s why it’s Global Foundries’ job to support this exhibit and partner with the Children’s Museum of Saratoga. Together we are creating experiences that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and helps young people imagine themselves as engineers, scientists, and innovators.”

For museum admission details, memberships and hours, visit https://cmssny.org or stop by the museum at 65 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and Amplify Horse Racing Partner on 2026 Winner’s Circle Summer Camp

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and Amplify Horse Racing are once again partnering for the Winner’s Circle Summer Camp, an immersive four-day experience introducing high school students to the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing.

Taking place Tuesday, July 28 through Friday, July 31, in Saratoga Springs, the Winner’s Circle Summer Camp will give participants access to some of the sport’s most iconic locations and career opportunities. The four-day camp, which was introduced in 2025, combines classroom-style learning at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at Saratoga Race Course. The Winner’s Circle Summer Camp is made possible through support of industry partners, including the New York Racing Association, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

From learning how a racetrack operates and exploring veterinary science to visiting the backstretch, students will discover how their personal skills and interests can connect to a wide variety of career paths in the thoroughbred industry.

“Once again, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is proud to partner with Amplify Horse Racing to offer this unique four-day immersive learning experience,” said Eric Ross, the Museum’s educator. “This is a great opportunity for young people interested in the thoroughbred industry, and we are proud to work with the New York Racing Association and our local industry partners to provide space to foster the next generation of thoroughbred enthusiasts.”

“Amplify’s goal is to help young people connect with horses and the many career opportunities that surround them, regardless of whether they have ever been around horses before,” said Annise Montplaisir, Amplify’s executive director. “The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is a natural educational partner in that mission, and this camp provides a wonderful opportunity for youth to learn about horses and develop an interest in the sport of thoroughbred racing.”

Winner’s Circle Summer Camp Overview

July 28: Introduction to Thoroughbred Racing

• Explore the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

• Learn how the thoroughbred industry works

• Discover different career pathways in racing

• Test your skills on a horse racing simulator

• Participate in an interactive equine science experience

July 29: Behind the Scenes at the Racetrack

• Visit Saratoga’s historic training grounds

• Tour a working thoroughbred training barn

• Learn how racetracks are designed and maintained

• Explore the science behind racing surfaces

July 30: Equine Health and Veterinary Science

• Learn horse anatomy and biosecurity practices

• Visit an equine veterinary hospital

• Explore how horses are cared for throughout their careers

• Participate in hands-on activities focused on equine health and the economic impact of the horse industry

July 31: Horse Care and Life After Racing

• Visit an aftercare organization that helps retired racehorses transition to new careers

• Participate in hands-on horse care activities, including grooming and horse handling based on comfort level

• Learn about careers in horse care, retraining, and equine welfare

Optional afternoon at Saratoga Race Course available for participants and families.

The camp is open to rising 9th through 12th graders. Enrollment is limited to 15 students, with a registration fee of $50 per student ($40 for National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame members and Amplify mentees or mentee graduates). 

To learn more or register, visit: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/The-Winners-Circle-Summer-Camp-2026

Saratoga County Historian’s Office Seeks Proposals  for “Voices from Saratoga” Interactive Exhibit 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

– The Saratoga County Historian’s Office seeks proposals from qualified companies to develop and create an interactive exhibit titled Voices from Saratoga.  

Proposals will be accepted until 5PM on Friday, July 17, 2026. The project is funded by a $30,000 grant through the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership.  

The exhibit will consist of four interpretive panels focused on the experiences of people in the Saratoga area during the fall of 1777, when British General John Burgoyne’s army surrendered to General Horatio Gates. Known for over a century as the Turning Point of the American Revolution, this American victory would help secure the French Alliance, which made possible the victory at Yorktown.  

The Voices of Saratoga Exhibit will use primary sources to highlight the thoughts and experiences of those who were directly affected by these events including soldiers, local residents, children and people of color. The interpretive panels will be enhanced by an interactive digital experience.  

“There is such a treasure trove of accounts from the Saratoga Campaign, and the receipt of this Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership grant gives us the opportunity to highlight some of the lesser-known stories,” said Saratoga County Historian and Chair of the Saratoga250 Commission Lauren Roberts. “We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to enhancing public education of our revolutionary past, including stories of the people who were directly affected by the 1777 Campaign.” 

The Voices of Saratoga Exhibit will be in the Saratoga Revolutionary Experience Center, which is currently under construction with plans to open in October. Located in the lower level of the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center at 30 Ferry Street in the Village of Schuylerville, this space will host engaging interactive exhibits and serve as a hub directing visitors not only to historic sites, but to hospitality assets and recreational opportunities as well. 

Those interested in responding to the Request for Proposal (RFP) should contact the County’s purchasing department at (518) 885-2210 or Lauren Roberts, County Historian at (518)-884-4749 or by email at lroberts@saratogacountyny.gov.  

Leadership Saratoga Alumni Celebrate Program’s 40th Anniversary

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Leadership Saratoga alumni spanning four decades recently gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the program’s first graduating class in 1986.

With more than 725 graduates to date, Leadership Saratoga is a community leadership development program sponsored by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

During the celebration held on June 16 at The Pines at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Libby Clark, Class of 2009, was recognized as the 2026 Lisa A. Niles Distinguished Alumni Award winner. This prestigious honor for community leadership is awarded by former recipients. The evening featured a video tribute to Clark’s long history of community service, preceded by an introduction of Libby’s accomplishments from past recipient Tara Anne Pleat.

Outgoing Alumni Association President Shawna Jenks served as emcee and was recognized in appreciation of her leadership.

Leadership Saratoga was founded by Linda Toohey during her tenure with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Toohey, along with her husband Mike, former Program Director Kathleen Fyfe, and several members of the original Leadership Saratoga Class of 1986, were in attendance for the celebration of the program’s long history.

A video tribute created by Light It Up Media featuring archival footage of Leadership Saratoga participants capped off the evening’s program.

More information about Leadership Saratoga is available at www.leadershipsaratoga.org.