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Saratoga Native Breaks College Three-Point Record


Image via Catholic University Athletics.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kerry Flaherty, a Saratoga native and graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, recently broke the Catholic University women’s basketball single-season three-point record by draining 82 triples in one season. 

She was only the fifth player in Landmark Conference history to make more than 70 threes in a season.

Flaherty officially broke the record during a 17-point performance against Goucher in February.

Flaherty, a graduate student, finished the season averaging 11.3 points per game, with a .418 three-point percentage. She started in all 28 games she played in.

Prior to joining Catholic for the 2023-24 season, Flaherty played two seasons at Holy Cross. At Saratoga Springs High School, she scored 1,400 career points and was a four-time Suburban Conference All-Star.

She is currently earning her master’s degree in World Politics, after getting a bachelor’s in International Relations.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Skidmore College Walk to Prevent Suicide April 27


Photo from the Saratoga County Chamber Facebook page

SARATOGA SPRINGS — April marks the start of the Campus Out of the Darkness Walks season in the Capital Region, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention invites you to support Skidmore College as they walk to help prevent suicide on April 27th.

These walks provide a meaningful way to not only raise funds but also connect with others and remind everyone they’re not alone—whether walking in memory of a loved one, to support others, or to honor their own mental health journey.

Check-in time for the event is 12:30 pm and the start time is 1:30 pm. To participate as a walker or make a donation, visit http://www.afsp.org/skidmore.

$500 Francis Ostrander Scholarship Available

Schuylerville— The Old Saratoga Historical Association will award the Francis Ostrander Scholarship of $500 to a member of the senior class at Schuylerville Central High School who will be attending a two or four year college in the fall. A $350 scholarship will be awarded to the runner-up. Applicants must complete a 600-word essay.

Submit applications by May 15 to Patricia Peck, 178 Wagman’s Ridge, Saratoga Springs NY 12866. A short statement, on a separate piece of paper, with the name, address, and career plans of the applicant and the college that the applicant will attend should accompany the essay. Announcement of the scholarship recipients will be made at commencement.

For further information call 518-584-4129.

Ballston Spa Student Participates in U.S. Senate Youth Program


Participants in the United States Senate Youth Program pose outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. in early March. Photo via the United States Senate Youth Program/Erin Lubin and Jakub Mosur.

BALLSTON SPA — Ben Skillings, a senior at Ballston Spa High School, was one of only two students in New York State to be a delegate at the 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gianleo Duca said during the district’s Mar. 19 school board meeting.

Duca said that Skillings met Senator Chuck Schumer, Secretary of State Marco Rubio,  Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and several astronauts.  

“It was a fantastic learning experience for Ben,” Duca said. “We’re very proud of him. I just wanted to recognize and congratulate him on that wonderful achievement.”

The U.S. Senate’s Youth Program is described as a week-long educational experience and scholarship for outstanding high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in public service.

According to the program’s Facebook page, this year’s schedule included stops at George Washington’s home Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, the Library of Congress, Capitol Hill, the National Archives, the State Department, NASA Headquarters, and the White House.

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS; New York’s Outdoor Sports, Recreation, and Travel Expo


2024 Expo. Photo provided.

The 19th annual Adirondack Sports Summer Expo is back at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Saturday-Sunday, March 22-23 – beat cabin fever and get excited about spring and summer at the gathering of outdoor enthusiasts on the first weekend of spring!

The free admission, high energy show brings Adirondack Sports magazine – celebrating 25 years! – to life with 200 exhibitors covering running, biking, hiking, paddling, triathlon, recreation, health, fitness, and travel. We have all upstate regional destinations represented, including Capital-Saratoga, Adirondacks, Hudson Valley, Catskills, Central NY, 1000 Islands, Finger Lakes, and Western NY. We’ll also have custom canoe and kayak builders, camps and retreats, trails and sustainability, massage and recovery, and health and fitness pros.

Attendees can buy new clothing, gear, products, and services; enter to win $10,000 in prizes; enjoy in-booth demos; and bring the kids of all ages for educational, entertaining and fitness activities – including paddling, rowing, disc golf, get more kids on bikes indoor rides, go for a training run or scenic walk, and much more. Plus, we’ll have lunch, snack, and drink options from 9 Miles East Farm, Speckled Pig Brewing, and more.

The Summer Expo is a celebration of active, healthy living by like-minded people in an upbeat atmosphere. Expo-goers can speak with local club members and join, sign-up for races/events, set realistic health/fitness goals, and challenge yourself to try something new. Adults and families can plan their travel with our destination exhibitors representing beautiful lakes, mountains, communities, attractions, and events/races – including bicentennial of the Erie Canalway and their working lock. Come to plan your summer adventure.

The free admission Adirondack Sports Summer Expo runs Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 10am-4pm. Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. There’s plenty of parking in the City Center’s adjacent garage (at reasonable rates), and free on-street and garage parking. For more info and our updated list of exhibitors, visit: www.adksports.com/summer-expo. For details on the Summer Expo, follow or like: www.facebook.com/adksportsexpos – and www.instagram.com/adirondacksports.

Community Purim Carnival at Saratoga Spa State Park on Sunday 


The annual Purim Carnival takes place March 16.

Saratoga Springs — The annual fun-filled Community Purim Carnival will be held 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, March 16. 

The festivities, presented by Temple Sinai, will take place in the Coesa Room of the Roosevelt 2 Building at 37 Roosevelt Ave. in Saratoga Spa State Park. Families and children from the community are welcome to join the program for youngsters of all faiths. 

Purim is a holiday celebrating a biblical story about overcoming racism and oppression. It’s traditionally celebrated with costume and revelry and has been called “the Jewish Mardi Gras.” 

The local event will feature more than 15 interactive games and activities, including dance parties, a photo booth, crafts, face painting, wooden “pony” rides, snacks and carnival games with prizes.  

Wristbands for unlimited games and activities are $10 each. Pita & hummus, popcorn, cotton candy, snacks, and beverages will be available for purchase. For further information about Temple Sinai’s Purim Carnival, contact Sylvia Bloom, Temple Sinai’s Director of Education at : educator@saratogasinai.org. 

Sarah Smiley: From Mohonk to Saratoga

To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will present an evening virtual program “Sarah Smiley: From Mohonk to Saratoga” on Thursday, March 27 at 7pm, with Louisa Finn and Nell Boucher. Learn more about Sarah Smiley, a trailblazing 19th-century Quaker preacher and abolitionist, who was the most famous member of the Smiley family and built a seasonal residence at 166 Excelsior Avenue, a designated Local Landmark.

Sarah Smiley was an evangelist who made news across the country when in 1872 she spoke before a mixed congregation of men and women.  She insisted that women could study and interpret the scriptures independently of men. Her preaching took her across the United States and Europe, and she authored three books. She also participated in conferences, including the prestigious Mohonk Conferences on International Arbitration, which sought to promote world peace. Presenter, Louisa Finn’s Smiley ancestors took stewardship of a ten-room inn on Mohonk Lake, 100 miles south of Saratoga Springs, in 1869. They enlarged the business to what is today a 262-room historic resort nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains near New Paltz, New York. 

Louisa Finn is a fourth-generation Smiley family member.  She grew up in the Hudson Valley, frequently visiting Mohonk where her grandmother lived.  She is committed to preserving the land, philosophy, and ideals of her Smiley ancestors. She is a practicing speech/language pathologist, a reading tutor, and a published poet.  Louisa will be talking about her great-great aunt, Sarah Frances Smiley, who arranged to build the cottage at 166 Excelsior Avenue in Saratoga Springs. She will be joined by Nell Boucher who is the in-house historian and archivist at Mohonk Mountain House who is knowledgeable about the history of Mohonk Mountain House, including its architecture, past events, and historical records.  Nell plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the rich history of the Mohonk Mountain House.

“I’m excited to highlight Sarah Smiley’s history, especially with the help of her own family member. Their connection makes this program even more meaningful for everyone involved. It is our hope that this program raises awareness for the need to preserve this important landmark,” said Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Foundation.  

The virtual program will have a suggested donation of $10 and will be hosted via Zoom. To register, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030. 

2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Dates Announced: October 4-5 & October 11-12!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee has begun planning for this year’s edition of the area’s premiere new home tour. Celebrating its 29th year, this annual community tradition has contributed over $1.6 million dollars to our local charities.

The 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event will be held on 4 days over two spectacular weekends this fall on October 4-5 & October 11-12 featuring the regions’ finest, award-winning builders showcasing their new construction.

The Showcase of Homes Committee will have an extensive marketing and promotional campaign, which will include official media sponsors in newspapers, magazines, television, online, social media and more! If you are interested in entering a new home in the event or becoming a showcase sponsor, please contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518.366.0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org. 

The 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Last year $60,000 was raised for these two important organizations. Through this event, the Saratoga Builders Association has now contributed over $1.6 million to our local charities. For more information, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. 

Empire State University President Named to Saratoga Chamber Board of Directors

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Lisa Vollendorf, the president of Empire State University, has been named to the 2025 Board of Directors of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for a one-year appointment.

“I am honored to serve on the board of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce,” Vollendorf said in a statement. “Collaboration with community leaders fosters innovation and growth, and I look forward to working to drive workforce and economic development across Saratoga County.”

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Board has a total of nearly 30 members. In addition to Vollendorf, new members include Leslie Coleman-Smith of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Elizabeth Stauderman of Skidmore College, Kim Tribley of Coffee Planet, and Jon Hitchcock of WNYT.

Happy Birthday

On February 27th, Ms. Addie Borlang will turn 99 years young! Born Addie Warren in 1926 in Ticonderoga, NY, she was the oldest of eight children. She was raised and went to school in Putnam. When her mother died young, she took on the task of helping to raise her younger siblings while her father, John Wesley Warren, worked on the railroad. 

Addie met William S. Bailey and married him on December 20, 1947. They had two girls, Linda and Deborah and lived in South Glens Falls. Addie worked at the South Glens Falls Laundromat. They moved to Glens Falls and she worked for Neisners for several years. Unfortunately, her husband passed during this time. Later she worked for several other establishments, including Woolworths. 

In 1974, Addie remarried Olai Borlang and resided with him in Hudson Falls. They spent many summers at their beautiful camp on Green Pond in Hebron. Olai passed in 2015. 

Addie moved to Wilton after his death and now resides at the Wilton Commons where she enjoys spending her time talking and doing puzzles with the other residents. She now has five grandchildren, eight Great Grandchildren, and one Great Great Grandchild. 

When asked about her age, Addie laughs and says she’s not old. She’s definitely still young at heart.