LAKE LUZERNE — The Double H Ranch, a non-profit organization providing specialized programs and year-round support for children dealing with life-threatening illnesses, announced the hiring of Alison Wilcox as CEO. 

Wilcox will be following in the footsteps of Max Yurenda, who retired after 30 years leading the organization founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman and businessman and philanthropist Charley Wood. 

Wilcox has over 20 years of global experience in non-profit leadership and board governance and has been the CEO of Girl Scouts of Western New York for the past 4 years, and she was COO for 3 years. Prior to that, she was a Senior Strategy Advisor to Girl Scouts of USA, Lead Development Specialist at Delaware North Companies and the Senior VP of Program and Membership of Girls Scouts of Western New York. 

Wilcox will officially assume the role of CEO in August. 

The Double H Ranch, co-founded by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman, provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. All programs are free of charge. For more information, visit: doublehranch.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Make-A-Wish Northeast New York has announced it will relocate its office to Saratoga Springs this summer.

Located in downtown Saratoga, right off Broadway, the new home will serve as the heart of Make-A-Wish Northeast New York’s community of wish families, volunteers, and staff. Saratoga, with its cultural heritage, beautiful scenery, and abundant recreational opportunities, provides an ideal stage for creating inspirational wish experiences for children with critical illnesses, their families, and the people that love them. 

“On behalf of all Saratogians, I extend a joyful welcome to Make-A-Wish Northeast New York.” said Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim in a press release. “We are thrilled they have chosen Saratoga Springs as their new home to pursue their all-important mission of making dreams come true to children and their families.”

“The opportunities afforded to us by this community will bring magic to wishes as we give families the unforgettable experiences that only Make-A-Wish can provide.” said Jamie Hathaway, Interim President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Northeast New York, in the release. “We look forward to creating new partnerships with like-minded organizations, businesses, and donors as our program enters a new era in the Saratoga Region.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Make-A-Wish to our neighborhood,” said Sarah Smith, Executive Director of The Children’s Museum of Saratoga, in the release. “The Museum serves the children of the Capital Region but makes it our goal to reach the children who need us the most. We look forward to working with Make-A-Wish children, families, and staff to help make their wish experience inspirational and life-changing. I am a Wish mom, so I know how important it is.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee is proud to announce this year’s dates and builders. Celebrating 27 years of exceptional homes, this annual tradition will be presented over four beautiful fall days on October 7-8 and October 14-15.

We will have a spectacular line-up from our region’s finest builders for this area’s premiere new home tour event.

Thank you to all our generous sponsors and the award-winning builders committed to this

year’s event; Belmonte Builders, Degraff Bloom Custom Builders, Kodiak Construction,

R & M Homes, The BDC Group, Whitbeck Construction and Witt Construction. We have 7 builders and 9 locations, and NEW to the tour this year will be two homes in Lake George! In addition, our commitment to workforce development will continue with a student build exhibition and a BOCES tiny house on display at the Degraff-Bloom showcase home.

Over the past 26 years, this community event has contributed nearly $1.5 MILLION dollars to our two local charities. Proceeds from the Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County www.rtsaratoga.org and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties www.glensfallshabitat.org. For more details on the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Follow us on FACEBOOK for all the updates!

About Saratoga Builders Association

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the well-being and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, visit www.saratogabuilders.org

BALLSTON — The 2023 Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Community Flag Day Parade – postponed by organizers due to the air quality index – has been rescheduled to start at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 6 on Route 50 in Ballston.

The patriotic parade, in its 22nd year, is organized by the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Business & Professional Association. 

Spectators can enjoy an hour-long parade with nearly 100 entries, as well as the Route 50 Mile road race before and a fabulous fireworks display after.  

The grand marshal of this year’s parade is the Knight family, who have owned and operated orchards in the area since 1907. 

To learn more about the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Community Flag Day Parade can visit bhblbpa.com/parade.

Onlookers assemble on the steps outside Saratoga Springs City Hall during the 54th annual Elks Flag Day Parade, which took place Saturday June 3, 2023. Photos provided unless noted.  

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County History Center launches its summer series, “Fridays in the Garden,” at 2:30 p.m. on June 9 with the program Hear the Buzz: Launching a Pollinator Garden. 

Upcoming events include June 16 – Step into a Colonial Dooryard Garden; July 28 – Meet the Three Sisters, and Aug. 4 – Are All Nightshades Deadly?

The programs are held in the gardens of Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa. All programs are free to attend, though donations are welcome and appreciated. Registration for each program is preferred, but not required.

The programs will be led by Kathleen Royka, with guest speakers, Jere Blackwelder and Mina Dunnum. At each talk, questions and discussions are encouraged on any gardening issue. Children are welcome, and there will be toys and games of the 18th century to discover. 

For more information, go to: www.brooksidemuseum.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mud and fun guaranteed.   

On Saturday June 3, over 500 kids, teens, and adults will lace up their old running shoes to run, scramble over obstacles, jump muddy puddles, and trudge their way through mucky trenches at The Prevention Council’s 10th Annual TUFF eNUFF, which takes place at the BOCES Center on Henning Rd. in Saratoga Springs.  

The TUFF eNUFF mirrors The Prevention Council’s mission of Helping Youth Navigate Life’s Challenges, and highlights the community coalition-building strategy that furthers the Council’s goal of keeping schools and communities safe and free from drugs and alcohol.  

Community involvement and teamwork make this event possible, starting with the talented students at BOCES.  Heavy Equipment students build the mud course, Criminal Justice students help with parking and crowd control, and race participants can purchase food prepared by the Culinary Arts students.  

For more information, and to pre-register, go to FinishRight.com. The Kid’s Race is a 1-mile muddy course, and there is a 5K for teens and adults. Day-of registration is available. Arrive by 8 a.m. 

GLENS FALLS — Pet Fest will take place in Glens Falls City Park from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20. The public is invited to bring their well-behaved, friendly, properly leashed pets to this pet-themed event. 

Pet Fest will take place in Glens Falls City Park, and pet owners will be able to interact with different businesses and vendors that specialize in helping and educating pet owners, creating a “pet-friendly” celebration in Downtown Glens Falls.

Events include a “Dogs Got Talent” Contest, “Puppy Parade,” and a “Dogs Day Q&A” at to help educate pet owners and those considering adoption on any need-to-know information.

The event is presented by Glens Falls Collaborative. For more information, go to: glensfallscollaborative.com.