SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs High School cross-country program has added more championships to its record books.
At the NYSPHSAA Class A championships on November 11, the girls’ team captured the team title for the fifth straight year, and senior Emily Bush won the Section 2 girls’ individual title. Alycia Hart finished fourth overall, and Anya Belisle came in seventh.
A week later, the girls won the Federation Cross Country Championships. Bush led the Blue Streaks, followed again by Hart and Belisle.
The boys’ team won the Class A championship in a tiebreaker, marking their first team title since 2012. Thomas Isenovski led the boys Blue Streaks, finishing 17th.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —One down, just 349 to go. On Friday, a gift tag order was placed on the Impressions of Saratoga online store by someone in Staten Island. Word of the new “Adopt a Grandparent” campaign had apparently already reached the Big Apple.
The owners of Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile have launched a holiday gift-giving initiative for seniors. The “Adopt a Grandparent” campaign officially begins on November 24 and ends December 17. During that time, $20 gift tags can be purchased. Buyers can write their own personalized notes on the tags. Then those tags will be hung on trees at the two stores.
Come December 18, store co-owners Maddy Zanetti and Marianne Barker will use the proceeds from the tags to buy gifts for the residents of the Wesley Community’s Health Care Center. The hope is that 350 gift tags will be purchased, thus allowing Zanetti and Barker to give one gift to every Wesley resident.
“We can talk to the Wesley Community and see what the residents might actually use,” Zanetti said. The goal is to buy the seniors gifts that are both practical and will “make them all feel special during the holiday season,” according to Zanetti.
For Zanetti, Wesley has special significance in her life. “My great-grandmother lived there when I was little,” she said, “and my grandmother just recently passed away and she was there.”
The Wesley Community “empowers seniors to live independently with choices, confidence, and peace of mind” in the heart of Saratoga Springs, according to a company brochure.
Zanetti said that she and co-owner Barker’s families were fortunate because they could go visit their elders during the holidays. “But sometimes people don’t have a local family member,” she said.
Those interested in buying a gift tag can do so at either Impressions of Saratoga or The Dark Horse Mercantile on Broadway in downtown Saratoga. Non-locals can visit www.ImpressionsSaratoga.com to purchase a tag online. Orders can also be placed over the phone by calling 518-587-0666.
Saratoga County has proposed a $411 million budget for 2024.
BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County officials have proposed a $411 million spending plan for 2024. The tentative budget marks a $32.7 million increase compared to this year’s approved budget and highlights 8% decrease in the property tax rate.
“It is a $411 million budget for 2024,” said city Supervisor Matt Veitch, who last week was re-elected to a ninth two-year term, which begins in 2024.
“It’s going to have an 8% property tax rate cut – keeping it under the state tax cap – and it’s going to put us at $1.95 per $1,000 assessed value. In the time that I’ve been supervisor, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it that low, so, good for the taxpayers, you get a little bit of a tax break from Saratoga County,” Veitch said.
The county sales tax revenue projection for 2024 is $165 million – a decrease of $5 million compared with expected 2023 revenues, and real property taxes revenues is estimated at about $72 million, approximately $2.5 million higher than 2023 amended budget totals.
County Administrator Steve Bulger said the county plans on making significant investments in broadband, highway, and other infrastructure improvements in 2024.
Some 2024 Tentative Budget Investments for Saratoga County Residents Include:
• A new program, Teams, that will provide $350,000 in total funding to towns and team sports programs throughout the county that support the health and well-being of children and youth.
• A $2 million broadband expansion project looks to provide high-speed broadband expansion to the towns of Corinth, Day, Edinburg, Hadley, and Providence, utilizing federal ARPA funds.
• Preserving open space and providing outdoor recreational opportunities for residents through investments in our Farmland and Open Space Acquisition and fish stocking programs and by increasing funding for our Local Assistance to County Trails grant program. ($575,000)
• Continued investments to address the opioid epidemic including utilizing Opioid Settlement Funds to create programs and provide services to connect families, veterans, and underserved populations with community-based treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and support services related to opioid and substance use disorders. ($150,000).
• Emergency Services communications upgrades and a new Fire Training Tower in support of volunteer firefighters throughout Saratoga County. (more than $3 million).
• Robust investments in public safety, including investments in personnel, technology, and equipment for the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Public Defender’s Department, and Conflict Defender’s Office. (nearly $57 million).
Budget workshops are ongoing through November. “As we go forward we’ll see if there’s anything that needs changing or updating,” Veitch said.
A public hearing will take place at the county complex in Ballston Spa in early December, and a special board meeting will be held one week later to potentially adopt the budget for 2024.
The tentative 2024 budget is on view at: www.saratogacountyny.gov/2024-tentative-budget/.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — As workers on cherry pickers adorned Broadway’s lamps with Christmas wreaths, the Salvation Army launched its annual Red Kettle campaign outside the Adirondack Trust main branch.
“The needs of our neighbors are present year-round, but most prevalently during the Christmas season,” said Salvation Army Lieutenant Michael Dow. “This is why the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is so important to those looking for help in the coming weeks.”
The Salvation Army of Saratoga Springs’ Christmas assistance program will benefit more than sixty local families, Dow said. The charity’s goal this season is to raise $100,000. The first $1,000 was donated by Adirondack Trust.
Contributions can be made online, at red kettles stationed in the city, or by texting “Saratoga” to 31333. This year, donations can also be made by tapping a phone or chip-enabled card on one of the dollar amounts attached to the red kettles.
The Red Kettle campaign launch was attended by Commissioner of Public Works Jason Golub, Adirondack Trust Company President and CEO Charles V. Wait Jr., and New York State Senator James Tedisco.
Red kettles will be at the following locations:
Market 32 – Ballston Ave in Saratoga
Market 32 – Route 50 in Wilton
Uncommon Grounds – Broadway in Saratoga
Adirondack Trust – Broadway in Saratoga
Walmart – Wilton
Walmart – Clifton Park
Market 32 – Plank Road in Clifton Park
Market 32 – Malta
To donate or learn more, visit easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/saratoga-springs/.
BALLSTON SPA — Not all competitors are enemies. In fact, sometimes they’re friends. At the Ballston Spa High School pool on Monday, one could find both Scotties and Blue Streaks practicing together in preparation for an upcoming state championship.
The harmonious session was the result of girls varsity swim and dive coaches Ted Snyder and Joshua Muldner, from Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs, respectively. The two have been friends for years. And with states on the way, they decided to (temporarily) join forces.
“Ballston Spa and Saratoga had an amazing dual meet this year and these girls battled hard against each other in their meet. These differences miraculously blend away,” Coach Muldner said.
Three local girls are heading to the swim and dive state championships this week: Jillian Ferrie and Addison Kenney from Saratoga, and Sarah Blaum from Ballston Spa. They’re all coming off impressive performances at sectionals.
Blaum, an eighth-grader, took first in both the 100 fly and 100 free. “My relays both did amazing too,” she said. “So, it was really good.”
The Saratoga girls made school history, according to Muldner. “[Ferrie] had her highest placed finish ever at sectionals at two events,” he said. “She is now eighth all-time in school history in the 200 IM.”
Not to be outdone, Kenney broke the school record in the 100 backstroke. “That was a 17-year-old record,” Muldner said.
But the record-setting may not be done.“For my fly, I’m trying to go for the other school record, which is like a half-second drop from where I’m at,” Kenney said.
Kenney will have an opportunity to do so at states in Webster, New York on Friday and Saturday.
Blaum said she was feeling excited but “pretty nervous” about her first state championship. “I just want to see how it feels, have fun,” she said. “It’s kind of a test run, basically.”
Luckily, the elder Kenney and Ferrie seemed to be taking Blaum under their wings. Ferrie admitted that her first experience at states was “kind of intimidating.”
“It’s a little nerve-wracking,” Kenney said. “At the same time, it’s such an intense meet that there’s a really good energy and you feel proud of what you’ve done and accomplished.”
The Saratoga swimmers firmly believe in their coach’s mantra, “trust the process.” Ferrie defined what that meant. “Even if you’re not there now, you will be there,” she said. “You just have to wait and keep trying your best. You’ll get there.”
Fans can follow the action at states in real-time via the Meet Mobile app. Results will also be posted to the website Swim Cloud.
A public hearing regarding Saratoga Springs’ Amended 2024 Budget will be held Nov. 28.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The City Council gathered Monday morning to set a public hearing for the proposed amended 2024 City Budget.
That hearing, which enables the public to express opinions directly to councilmembers regarding the proposed $61.27 million spending plan, will take place 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
By rule, the council must vote to approve the budget by Nov. 30, or the $60.5 million spending plan previously submitted by the finance commissioner will become law.
Downtown Saratoga Springs Victorian Streetwalk. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 37th Annual Victorian Streetwalk promises a magical night in downtown Saratoga Springs on Thursday Nov. 30.
The event, presented by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, takes place 6 – 9 p.m. Broadway will be closed from Ellsworth Jones Place to the Washington Street intersection.
A traditional tree lighting will be held at 6 p.m. to help kick off the holiday season. Immediately following the tree lighting, children will have the opportunity to visit Santa in his Cottage.
Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of “Twas The Night Before Christmas.” Pamela McColl, author and publisher, will teach about the history of the beloved poem. A dedicated table for Toys for Toga outside G. Willikers store will be collecting new and unwrapped toys for local children. Toys for Toga invites the community to contribute, ensuring every child experiences the magic of the season.
More than 25 sites will feature free entertainment, including the Racing City Chorus, Road Soda Pop, South Glens Falls High School a capella group (Vocal Point), Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Select High School Choir, Saratoga City Ballet, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Choir, Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus, Sax-O-Claus, Jacksland, Lenox, Bill Gervasio, Six Penny Bit, Kids Peace Band, Capitaland Chorus, John & Orion Kribs, The Dance Lab, Saratoga Youth Ballet, Victorian Keepsake Photos by Johnny Miller LLC, Sparkles the Juggler, Sonny & Perley Duo, Dance Fire Studio, Stephen Crouth, Acadia Rae performing with her hula hoop, Abundant Life Church, Pura Vida Kettle Corn, Nacre Dance Group, Catholic Charities Festival of Trees, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The festivities continue until 9 p.m. throughout downtown Saratoga Springs.
For more information, visit saratogaspringsdowntown.com.
QUEENSBURY —The Schuylerville Black Horses are bound for the Class C championship after a dominant 35-7 win over Johnstown on Friday, Nov. 3 at Queensbury High School.
Martin Flanders Jr. rushed for 183 of the Black Horses’ 380 total offensive yards. Flanders Jr., Sam Dwyer, Luke Sherman, and Landen Cumm all scored rushing touchdowns in the decisive victory.
Flanders Jr. credited his team’s defense with the win. “The team was really able to have an efficient defensive night, making key stops in the red zone and in the fourth-and-short situations,” he said.
“Our linemen did a great job blocking and creating holes for our running backs,” said Cumm. “Martin did a good job finding the hole and gaining yards to keep the sticks moving.”
“We had a sequence of about eight minutes of clock time that we were really on our heels,” said Coach John Bowen. “We were fortunate enough to keep that zero up on the scoreboard a little bit longer than it probably otherwise would have.”
The Black Horses are 9-1 on the season, and will now face Fonda-Fultonville for the Class C championship on Friday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. at Troy High School.
Schuylerville last played Fonda on September 1, when they eked out a 34-32 victory. Fonda has since won ten straight games, setting the stage for an exciting rematch against the Black Horses.
“To be able to beat a great team like Fonda on Friday, it is going to take eleven guys on each side of the ball for us to execute with high proficiency,” Flanders Jr. said. “It will be important for us to compartmentalize every down.”
Coach Bowen noted that the Black Horses would have to play better than they did against Johnstown in order to defeat Fonda. “We’re certainly not going to be able to play that way against Fonda and expect to still be in the game.”
“We are watching film, creating a game plan, and fixing the mistakes that we made last time we played them,” Cumm said. “We are perfecting the little details that most people don’t notice while watching, but have a huge impact on the result of the game.”
“It is going to take a sound game overall to win,” said Sherman, “but we are sure capable of doing so.”
Watercolor rendering of the Tree House Brewing Company proposal in Saratoga Springs.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The city Land Use Boards will hold a joint meeting Nov. 15 regarding a Special Use Permit and Architectural Review of a proposal to site the micro-production of alcohol and a new eating and drinking establishment on a 10-acre parcel on South Broadway.
The proposal for “Tree House Saratoga Springs” comes via the Tree House Brewing Company – founded in 2011 and currently operating six facilities – five in Massachusetts and a farm in Connecticut. According to the company, it is “the largest direct-to-consumer on-premises brewer in the country,” and says this proposed project will be their only expansion in New York.
The land where Tree House would be located – 3376 Route 9/ South Broadway – is currently vacant and from 1945 to 2013 operated as Murphy’s Driving Range and Mini-Golf. Today it is a mostly flat, open field with its immediate Route 9 facing neighbors being Saratoga Honda to the north, and Homewood Suites to the south.
Current owners MCJack LLC, have contracted to sell the property to Treehouse Brewing Company (THBC NY, LLC,) of Charlton, Massachusetts.
The project space is approximately 10 acres, and would encompass 4 structures, the largest being approximately 200 feet – by – 210-feet and rising to a height of about 30 feet. Plans call for a 22,680-square foot brewery and taproom building.
The outdoor areas would include three pavilions, picnic tables, small gathering areas and walking paths.
The project also calls for a 390-car parking lot, and a “beer to go” area for the pickup of online orders.
The company anticipates its siting would add more than 60 jobs of varying skill sets – production, restaurant and hospitality staff among them – and estimates its economic impact to the region as $30 to $40 million based on siting a Saratoga Springs location, according to documents filed with the city.
A joint Planning Board-Design Review Board discussion is slated to take place at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at City Hall. A public hearing is anticipated to take place on or around Nov. 30.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams won section titles in class A and class B on Saturday.
Blue Streaks runners Emily Bush and Alycia Hart both broke the course record, with Hart finishing a mere second later than Bush. Anya Belisle also placed within the top five. The three seniors had an emotional post-victory celebration that capped off a successful season.
Four days later, Bush and Belisle participated in a National Letter of Intent signing ceremony at Saratoga Springs High School, where they reflected on their time with the Blue Streaks.
“I’ve been competitively running since I was seven years old,” Bush said at the event. “I would like to thank my family for being my biggest fans, my teammates for giving me a reason bigger than myself to do what I do, and lastly, my coaches Art and Linda Kranick for helping shape me into the athlete I am today and helping me achieve my wildest dreams.”
Belisle also thanked her coaches.“I didn’t know that all these opportunities would be presented to me. They told me but I didn’t really believe them. So, I’m very thankful.”
Bush is headed to Providence College, while Belisle will attend the University of New Mexico.
Not to be outdone, the boys’ cross-country team had five runners in the top eleven spots on Saturday. Sophomore Thomas Isenovski bested all competitors with a time of 15:40.
“[Thomas] has really begun to come into his own this season,” said boys varsity coach Shane Zanetti. “He’s always been very talented,” Zanetti said, “but he’s definitely come into his own as one of the top runners in the state.”
Zanetti also praised his team as a whole. “There was only 39 seconds between Thomas and our fifth runner,” he said. “So we take a lot of pride in trying to keep that number nice and tight between one and five and really approach it like a team sport.”
The Blue Streaks will now head to the state meet on Saturday, November 11 at VVS High School in Verona, NY.
