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Caffe Lena Names New Board President

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Caffè Lena recently announced that Eric Gordon has stepped into the role of president of its board of directors, helping guide the next chapter for the historic listening room and nonprofit arts organization.

Gordon has been part of the Caffè Lena board since 2020, offering guidance and leadership during a period of growth. He brings more than 30 years of experience from a career in finance and nonprofit service.

Gordon steps into the role following the leadership of Kira Karbocus, former CFO/COO of Newport Festivals Foundation, who served as board president from 2021 through 2025. Karbocus has been part of the Lena board for more than 10 years and will continue in a key role as vice chair, working closely with Gordon

As board president, Gordon will work with staff and board leadership to support Caffè Lena’s long-term vision, deepen community engagement, and help support one of America’s longest-running folk music venues.

Meet Valentino!!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Are you looking for a companion that wants to sit on your lap and watch tv with you? A cat who will be your best friend, your reading companion, your movie buddy? We have the cat for you. Valentino came to us this month from a man who was caring for him in his heated garage. He would curl up next to the wood fireplace and sit on this man’s lap for as long as he could. Unfortunately, they have 6 cats and realized they could not take on another kitty at this time. He started out shy for the first 12 hours and after that has been a favorite at the adoption center. He is roughly 3 years old, newly neutered so has the big male cat face and has tested negative for Feline Leukemia but positive for FIV. This means that he is immunocompromised and will need prompt veterinary care if he has signs of an infection. Other than that, he can live a long, healthy life. FIV can be transmitted between cats from deep bite wounds. We are not sure how he would do with other cats or dogs. He prefers adults or older children because they have bigger laps to sit on. 

The HOPE Pet Adoption Center is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 and by appointment. Online adoption applications can be found at our website www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

Franklin Community Center Receives Grant from Rotary Club

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Franklin Community Center is proud to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs Community Major Gifts Grant to support the expansion of its Food Pantry, including the addition of a much-needed walk-in cooler. This investment will significantly strengthen FCC’s ability to meet the growing demand for food assistance in Saratoga Springs as well as across Saratoga County.

The funding will allow Franklin Community Center to expand its existing pantry space, improve efficiency, and safely store a greater volume of fresh and perishable foods. The new walk-in cooler will enhance food safety, increase access to nutritious options, and create a more welcoming, dignified experience for pantry clients, volunteers, and staff.

“Our Food Pantry serves as a critical safety net for individuals and families facing food insecurity,” said Mary Beth McGarrahan, Development Director at Franklin Community Center. “This generous support from Rotary ensures we can continue responding to increased need while improving the overall experience for those we serve.”

Dan Klein, President of the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, recently visited the Food Pantry to learn more about the project. Following his visit, he shared, “This funding will help expand access to critical services and empower Franklin Community Center to reach more people where the need is greatest.”

Franklin Community Center’s Food Pantry provides consistent access to nutritious food for community members experiencing hardship, serving children, families, seniors, and individuals throughout the year. As food insecurity continues to rise, infrastructure improvements such as this expansion are essential to sustaining services and preserving dignity.

Franklin Community Center extends its sincere gratitude to Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs for its leadership, generosity, and continued commitment to strengthening the local community.

For more information about Franklin Community Center and its Food Pantry services, visit www.franklincommunitycenter.org.

Meet Baby!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Baby came to us, along with her mother Gracie, after their owner passed away. They had been cared for by a concerned friend in a trailer for approximately seven weeks. After observing their interactions, it was determined that Baby and Gracie would do better in separate homes. Since being separated, Baby has truly come out of her shell. She is now much more confident and enjoys having her own space. She loves attention and frequently rolls on the ground to show off her belly. We are not sure how she would do with other cats. Baby is four years old, spayed, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. She is up to date on her rabies vaccine and her first distemper shot, though she will require one additional vaccine in the coming weeks.

The HOPE Pet Adoption Center is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications can be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

Meet Gracie!!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Gracie is a confident and sweet 6-year-old cat who came to HOPE after her owner passed away. She was previously living in a trailer with her daughter, Baby, where they were cared for by a friend for 7 weeks.

After observing them at the adoption center for over a week, we have determined that they are not bonded. Baby thrives on her own, while Gracie tends to be overly  dominant and bossy. Consequently, Gracie may do best as an only cat where she can receive undivided attention.

Gracie is spayed, up to date on her rabies vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV.  She will require one more distemper vaccine in the coming weeks. 

The HOPE Pet Adoption Center is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 and by appointment. Online adoption applications can be found at our website www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

Photo of the Week!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.


“World Upside Down” by Barbara Ungar

Next week is the last week to be featured!

Submit your “Photo of the Week” for a chance to be
Published in PRINT in Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.  

Email your photo to: Design@SaratogaPublishing.com

Meet Tippy!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Tippy is a gorgeous black cat who is currently looking for her forever home. While she is initially timid in new surroundings, we are confident that she will blossom into a sweet and loving companion with time and patience.

Tippy lived as a stray for approximately six months and has a tipped ear, indicating she was part of a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program. She is currently in a foster home with another cat where she is gaining confidence and learning to feel secure. She enjoys the company of other animals, therefore, she would do best in a home with another cat or a calm dog. The way to her heart is with treats, other cats and lots of pets. 

Tippy is up to date on all vaccinations and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. After spending the first months of her life on the streets, she truly deserves a loving home. 

Online adoption applications can be found on our website www.hopeanimalrescue.org. The Cat Adoption Center at Wilton Mall is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4, but because Tippy is in a foster home, a meet and greet would need to be scheduled.

Photo of the Week!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

“Coons Crossing” by David Billman

Now is your chance to get your photos published!

Submit your “Photo of the Week” for a chance to be
Published in PRINT in Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.  

Email your photo to: Design@SaratogaPublishing.com

Meet Star!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Star is a recent addition to the HOPE Cat Adoption Center. She is approximately two years old and is a bit shy at first, though she warms up quickly. She arrived from a loving home that chose to surrender her to focus on a family member’s needs. Star would likely prefer to be the only cat in her new home, as she did not enjoy being chased by her previous housemates. She is up to date on her vaccines, spayed and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. We absolutely adore her and we think you will too!  

The Cat Adoption Center is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4. Online adoption applications can be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org.