SARATOGA SPRINGS —3,000 toys and $8,000. No, it’s not Santa’s workshop budget. These are the goals set for the 11th annual Toys for Toga holiday drive. Now through December 10, new and unwrapped toys can be donated to more than 80 participating businesses in Saratoga County. 100 percent of the donations will be split evenly between the Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Community Home Services, and the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center.
For participating locations, visit www.toysfortoga.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Veterans Business Council held its annual breakfast on November 1 in anticipation of Veterans Day. The keynote presentation was delivered by veteran Ryan Smithson. Smithson authored the memoir “Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI.” Smithson is a SUNY Albany grad who spoke about the “transformative power of creativity.” More information about the VBC is available at www.saratoga.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A century ago, Calvin Coolidge was president, the first pitch was thrown at Yankee Stadium, and a man named Charles “Jake” Jacobsen entered the rug business.
Jacobsen Rugs celebrates its 100th anniversary in November. According to President Frank Asef, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is in the works for the Jacobsen showroom at 543 Broadway in downtown Saratoga. The store’s entire inventory will be 35 percent off through December 16 to mark the occasion.
Asef said that Saratoga customers favor traditional over modern rugs, especially designs from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Afghanistan. “We get a lot of customers from Lake George. We sell a lot of the big sized rugs.”
Although it’s been nearly 100 years since Jake Jacobsen founded the company, his memory still looms large over the current owners. “I love him,” Asef said of the company’s founder. “I didn’t get the chance to meet him but he is in my heart.”
According to Jacobsen Rugs, founder “Jake” Jacobsen served in World War I and met a superior officer who introduced him to Middle Eastern rugs. Upon returning home, Jake opened his first rug store in downtown Syracuse. Before long, duty called once again and he saw action in World War II. He fought in the Italian campaign, and was among the first Americans to enter liberated Rome.
He first purchased Turkish rugs abroad in 1932, then later journeyed across Europe and the Middle East to find more rugs to sell in the States. When abroad, he bought rugs directly from rugmakers.
Over the last century, more than 100,000 handwoven rugs have been sold by Jacobsen Rugs. In 1990, the Saratoga location opened and has been selling rugs from around the world ever since.
For more about Jacobsen Rugs visit jacobsenrugs.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — WSWHE BOCES, The Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and Employment Training for Adults has announced they will host an Upstate Job Fair & Career Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Saratoga City Center.
Over 45 business partners, colleges, educational pathway partners, and more will be there, according to a press release from WSWHE BOCES. No registration is required. On-the-spot interviews, free resume reviews and free professional headshots will be available.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Children’s Theatre (www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org) has announced that Stewart’s Shops has signed on to match individual donations up to $10,000, as SCT strives toward its goal of $23,000 to install air conditioning in the Nemer Black Box Theater at its Maple Avenue location.
“We are beyond grateful for the generosity and dedication to the arts that Stewart’s Shops has shown in their commitment to match donations made to SCT for the air conditioning install,” said Leigh Berenis, acting executive director, in a press release. “We moved into this space more than three years ago and have performed summer camps here ever since, where our loyal patrons brave the summer heat to cheer on our young performers. Installing this new AC system will not only dramatically improve the experience for our audience, it will for our staff and actors, as well.”
To date, SCT has raised $2,200 for the AC system installation, which brings the total to $4,400 with the Stewart’s Shops match, according to the release. The match program runs through the end of this year. Donations can be made by visiting SCT’s website.
Saratoga Children’s Theatre – 501c3 non-profit – started in 2008 to provide the youth of the greater Saratoga Region with an arts education program that fostered a love of theater and performance.
In November, SCT will perform ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.’ Show times on Nov. 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18, as well as ticket purchase information can be found on SCT’s website under shows. SCT will also perform an Ugly Sweater Cabaret on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. and a Shakespeare Scene Festival on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. The summer camp schedule for 2024 will also be available in early January.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — KaffeeHouse Saratoga has announced its latest creation, a range of muffins combining locally-sourced ingredients with recipes that celebrate the culinary culture of Saratoga Springs.
The menu features a choice of flavors, from Sundried Tomatoes with Spinach to options like bacon and egg. Crafted with a focus on quality and nutrition, these muffins are designed to accompany KaffeeHouse Saratoga’s coffee and specialty beverages, or as an on-the-go meal or snack option particularly fit for the drive-through.
“Creating these savory muffins was a labor of love, inspired by the diverse and vibrant culinary culture of Saratoga Springs. We’re excited to share our newest creations with our loyal customers and newcomers alike,” said Marcus Solga, owner of KaffeeHouse Saratoga, in a press release.
The new savory muffin line is now available at KaffeeHouse Saratoga. Visit their website at www.kaffeehousesaratoga.com for more information and to explore the complete menu.
Site plans submitted by The LA Group for a marijuana dispensary at 1 Kaydeross Ave West. Image from Saratoga Springs City Planning Board.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Another marijuana dispensary has received approval from the Saratoga Springs City Planning Board, with an application filed by Reverie 73 NY, LLC receiving 4-0 approval from the Board for a permanent special use permit on Oct. 12 on the condition the Board review and approve a site plan.
The dispensary would be located at 1 Kaydeross Ave West, according to documents filed with the Planning Board. The location is currently home to PJ’s BAR-B-QSA, and is owned by Davis Restaurants, LLC. Filed site plans for the site show the dispensary and a parking lot to be constructed just behind the PJ’s building, replacing a single-family home, with entrances to the parking lot off Kaydeross Ave and US-9.
A project narrative states that Reverie 73 currently operates recreational dispensaries in Massachusetts. Their website lists a current location in Lowell, and two other locations yet to be opened in Gloucester and Beverly.
The dispensary’s planned hours of operation would be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days per week, the narrative states. Orders would be placed through both walk-ins and scheduled appointments.
The narrative also says that “significant greenspace” would be added between the two buildings on the property.
The approval comes just over a month after the Planning Board had also approved a temporary special use permit application for a dispensary called Saratoga Cannabis Co., located at 95A West Ave, on Sep. 7.
A special use permit application for another dispensary was set to be presented at the Board’s meeting on Oct. 26, which ended after press time. Located at 75 Weibel Ave, the applicant is Excelsior Cannabis, LLC of Cohoes. The property is owned by Tara Stone, according to filed plans.
Photo provided by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Veterans Business Council of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has announced it will host its annual breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs.
The morning will feature a keynote by local veteran, author, and artist Ryan Smithson, and is open to all to attend. Registration is $25 per person, according to a press release from the Saratoga County Chamber. Proceeds will benefit the programs and mission of the Veterans Business Council.
Smithson’s keynote, War, Writing and Butterflies, will discuss his military service in Iraq and how a college writing assignment turned into therapy and a published memoir. Smithson was an engineer in the Army Reserve and served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He fortified military posts, repaired roads, and convoyed supplies across northern and western Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the release states.
Upon returning, and for therapeutic reasons, he wrote a memoir, “Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI.” He earned an MA in English from SUNY Albany, and currently works in State Government Sales for T-Mobile, according to the release.
“This annual event presents an outstanding networking opportunity, while simultaneously championing the mission of the Veterans Business Council,” stated Jason Collins, Chair of the Veterans Business Council of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, in the release. “I am thrilled for our attendees to hear about Ryan’s inspiring story and the profound impact creativity has had on his life.”
The event is open to all with advance registration, which is available online at saratoga.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roohan Realty has announced the hiring of Lisa McLaughlin as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.
Lisa was born and raised in Glenville, and later graduated from Marist College with a B.S. in Fashion Design and Merchandising. McLaughlin lived and worked in Manhattan for 23 years in both the fashion and real estate industries. During her real estate career in the city, she specialized in rentals and co-op/condo sales, according to a release from Roohan Realty.
In 2019, Lisa moved to Saratoga Springs with her husband and two kids. Lisa can be reached at 917.549.4841 or lisaemclaughlin@gmail.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has announced the Love Our Locals $20.23 campaign will run from Friday, Nov. 3 through the remainder of the year. The campaign will promote and support local businesses and non-profit organizations throughout Saratoga County, according to a release from the Chamber.
From Nov. 3 through Dec. 31, when residents and tourists spend or donate $20.23 or more at a Saratoga County business or non-profit, they will be eligible to enter weekly gift card giveaways.
Individuals complete a short online form and upload a photo of their receipt of $20.23 or more for entry via The Saratoga County Chamber’s website. Each week, the Chamber will randomly select winners for gift cards to businesses across the county valued at $100.
Eligible purchases can include hair care, car repairs, home improvement projects, dry cleaning, hotel stays, dining at restaurants, concert tickets, snow removal, fitness club memberships, eyeglasses, flowers, toys and holiday decorations, and more, according to the release.
“This campaign played a crucial role in helping to boost the county’s economic recovery during and after the pandemic, and this year we hope it will continue to invigorate the small business community and help encourage folks to shop and support local,” said Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president Todd Shimkus in the release. “As 2023 comes to a close, we want to continue showing love to the local businesses and non-profit organizations that make our region so special.”
