SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 presents the virtual program “Ellen Hardin Walworth: Private to Public Life.”
Corinne Scirocco and Heather Mabee, officers of the Saratoga Springs Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), will discuss the storied life of Ellen Hardin Walworth and her passion for preserving the history of Saratoga Springs and its veterans.
After facing adversity from an abusive marriage, Ellen became a lawyer, was one of the four founders of the NSDAR as well as the local chapter and was the only female Trustee of the Saratoga Battle Monument Association. Her accomplishments affected local and national preservation efforts thanks to her personal fortitude and rebelling against the idea of the “true Victorian woman.”
“As one of Saratoga Springs most notable residents of the late 19th and early 20th century, it is most fitting to showcase the life of Ellen Hardin Walworth as the Women’s History Month program,” said Executive Director Samantha Bosshart.
This Women’s History Month program will take place on Zoom for a suggested donation of $10 or more. For additional information or to register for the virtual program visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030. Everyone who pre-registers for this program will be emailed a Zoom link in advance and will receive a link to the recording.
SARATOGA COUNTY — Saratoga National Historical Park will begin construction to improve the South Parking Lot and trailhead access on March 18, weather permitting.
The South Parking Lot is located off State Route 32/County Road 423 about ¾-mile west of Route 4. The construction is expected to last roughly three weeks, during which time the area will be closed to public access. Once completed, the existing parking area will be vastly improved, including designated parking spots and larger trailer parking spots.
Saratoga National Historical Park Superintendent Leslie Morlock said in a statement the project was specifically designed to provide safe and convenient access for recreational users of the park and that users of the Horse Trail will especially benefit from the improved parking layout.
All closures and updates will be posted at nps.gov/sara.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Registration has opened for Kelly’s Angels’ annual Mother-Lovin’ 5K Run/Walk, which is returning to Saratoga Spa State Park on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12 to raise money for children and families in need.
The 12th annual event will again serve as the main annual fundraiser for Kelly’s Angels’ mission to help families who have lost loved ones to cancer or other illness or are battling life-threatening conditions.
“We would love for you and your family to join us for our morning of fun for a great cause,” said Kelly’s Angels founder Mark Mulholland. “Last year was our best Mother-Lovin’ 5k yet, and we plan to make it even better in 2024.”
The activities on Mother’s Day step off at 8:45 a.m. with a free Kids’ Fun Run in which children ages 9 and under race toward the finish line with moms and dads rooting them on or running alongside.
The Mother-Lovin’ 5K begins at 9:15 a.m. It is Kelly’s Angels’ signature annual fundraiser and much more than a walk (or run) in the park. It features an auction of great prizes such as restaurant gift certificates, wine, fitness and beauty baskets, and gifts for kids. There will be complimentary goodies, including chocolate milk from King Brothers Dairy, Westy’s Cider Donuts and gelato from Saratoga Gelato.
Advance registration is $30 for individuals, race-day registration is $35. In-person participants will receive a commemorative shirt, but t-shirt sizes will only be guaranteed for those who sign up by April 19. Individuals, families, and teams are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.
Online registration is open now and continues through May 10 at 2 p.m. Sign up at KellysAngelsInc.org. Those participating in person can pick up their registration packets in advance on Saturday, May 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Orenda Pavilion. Day-of-race registration and packet pickup begins at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 12 at Orenda Pavilion.
Now in its 14th year, Kelly’s Angels has brought much-needed joy to hundreds of Capital Region children who have lost a parent or primary caregiver to cancer or other illness or event. Kelly’s Angels was founded by NewsChannel 13’s Mark Mulholland in memory of his wife Kelly. who passed away at the age of 37, leaving behind the couple’s 7-year-old son Connor and 5-year-old daughter McKenna. Since then, Kelly’s Angels has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships to Capital Region children and families.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — RISE Housing and Support Services held an appreciation luncheon recognizing the philanthropic work of Sonny and Julie Bonacio and Meg Kelly of Bonacio Development, with the “Get it Done” award.
All three were credited by the organization as having been very active supporters of RISE and its mission: “Before the idea of the Adelphi Shelter was even conceived, Meg Kelly worked hard to locate and secure funding and partners to help make their HOMEBASE project a reality,” according to a statement from RISE.
HOMEBASE begins construction this summer and hopes to combat isolation and provide semi-structured therapeutic opportunities for people to develop skill sets and a natural support system.
The low-barrier, psychosocial day program will provide a supportive, safe community for vulnerable citizens, including those experiencing homelessness, to simply exist and be accepted.
Congressman Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) was credited for being able to secure a significant amount of money for the $3.6 million project through Community Project Funding (HUD). Former Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly personally secured over $300,000 in private contributions to help close the funding gap, according to RISE.
The HOMEBASE project will be located at RISE’s headquarters.
“The Bonacios and Ms. Kelly don’t really see barriers,” said Sybil Newell, RISE Executive Director, in a statement. “They look at a mountain, climb it to the top; then help everyone else up. Their selflessness and community-minded actions have been a major help to RISE and our programs, but more importantly to the individuals we serve. The phrase ‘it takes a village…’ doesn’t just apply to raising children. I’m so thankful to Sonny, Julie, and Meg for seeing that, and acting on it.”
For more information about RISE Housing & Support Services, visit riseservices.org.
Congressional District 20 will include the southern portion of Saratoga County.
SARATOGA COUNTY —A new redistricting of the Congressional Map will split Saratoga County into two voting districts – the 20th and 21st -when residents head to the polls to elect a representative in Congress in November.
Currently, all of Saratoga County is in District 20, and represented by Democrat Paul Tonko.
District 20 will remain in the bottom half of the county and include Saratoga Springs and most points south – Ballston Spa and Clifton Park among them.
The northeastern part of the county – specifically the town of Saratoga where current 21st District Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik makes her home – as well as northern Saratoga County towns, will be part of the 21st District, currently represented by Stefanik.
“I’m deeply disappointed to no longer serve as the Congressional Representative in Rensselaer County and Otsego County, part of Montgomery County, as well as parts of Jefferson County following the 2024 election,” Stefanik said, in a statement. “I look forward to representing the hardworking families, small businesses, farmers, veterans, and seniors in Saratoga County again and those in Oneida County.”
To view an interactive map of Congressional District, go to: newyork.redistrictingandyou.org.
Tree House Brewing Company watercolor rendering of proposal in Saratoga Springs originally filed with the city in fall 2023.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City Council on March 5 unanimously adopted a resolution in favor of reducing the speed limit on a section of South Boadway opposite the Saratoga Spa State Park.
The move follows the recommendations of the city Planning Board, which last month met with officials from the Tree House Brewing Company interested in siting a micro-production of alcohol and a new eating and drinking establishment on a 10-acre parcel at 3376 Route 9 (South Broadway).
The resolution posted by the city did not detail the specific length of road that might be affected. Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll specified it would be on “by 3376 Route 9 South Broadway.”
The anticipated increased pedestrian activity with the siting of the new business is deemed to warrant a reduction in the speed limit, from 55 mph to 40 mph.
The city’s request, which will be submitted to the state Department of Transportation, asks that the DOT address several items.
“One is to reduce the speed limit, the other one is to address the crosswalk at the southern intersection of Crescent Avenue, and the third issue is to use the right-of-way to potentially expand sidewalks,” said Commissioner Coll.
“We’re very much in favor of this,” said Mayor John Safford.
Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran added that he had recent conversations with Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) CEO Greg Connors related to the potential speed change. “He mentioned that its often very difficult to get some of these mileage reductions on some larger highways like that is, but Malta did some work and dropped theirs to 40,” said Commissioner Moran.
The South Broadway site is currently located an open field bounded by Saratoga Honda to the north and Homewood Suites to its south.
The initial proposal for “Tree House Saratoga Springs” was presented to the city Land Use Boards last fall. Tree House Brewing Company was founded in 2011 and currently operates 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 said the proposed project in Saratoga Springs will be their only expansion in New York.
The land where Tree House would be located operated as Murphy’s Driving Range and Mini-Golf from 1945 to 2013.
As initially proposed: the project space of approximately 10 acres would include four structures, a 22,680-square foot brewery and taproom building, outdoor pavilions, picnic tables, small gathering areas and walking paths.
Representing the Tree House Brewing Company at the Planning Board in February, attorney John Cannie noted that the square footage of the building had been reduced and a pavilion eliminated since the company’s original plans were filed with the city last year.
The company said it anticipates the siting of its venue in Saratoga 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.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs hosted its 50th Annual Home & Lifestyle Show at the Saratoga Springs City Center on March 2 and 3.
The occasion was marked with a commemorative ribbon cutting attended by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, a representative from Senator James Tedisco’s office, Charles Wait Jr of Adirondack Trust, Rotary District Governor Whitney Pangburn, and Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs members, William Bergan, President, Mary Lou Wheeler, 2024 Home Show Chair, Marisa Flynn, Susan Rhoades, Brian O’Connell, Laurie Miller, Galina, Balaskumpa and Brian Carroll to name a few.
Woerner presented the Club with a Legislative Resolution commemorating the anniversary. Senator Tedisco’s office presented the Club with The Empire Award, the Senate’s highest honor for small businesses, presented periodically to those who exemplify a dedication to their communities and New York State at large.
This year’s Home & Lifestyle Show featured over 100 vendors, artists, and small businesses with thousands of attendees over the two-day weekend. The proceeds of the show benefit the Rotary Club’s Scholarship Foundation (benefiting Saratoga Springs graduating seniors) as well as the Club’s support of not-for-profits throughout the year.
A portable sign stating opposition to a paid parking proposal outside Saratoga Springs City Hall on March 4, 2024. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —After floating a plan that proposed converting more than 1,300 on-street and nearly 800 garage parking spaces into either “permit” or “paid” spots for a five-month run starting in May, the city’s Department of Public Works announced it has made “streamlined adjustments in response to great stakeholder feedback.”
The announcement came two weeks after a presentation of the former proposal was made in front of more than 50 people, most of whom are downtown business owners, at City Hall.
The new proposal suggests seasonal paid parking in garages and atop surface lots only, with all on-street parking to remain unchanged.
Residents and business employees will be able to park in the garages and surface lots for free via a permit scheme – the process of which has yet to be detailed.
The plan is also looking at a shorter timeframe compared to the initial May 1-Sept. 30 proposal. Implementation is now proposed for Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The DPW has stressed that its presentations are in the way of ideas and that the public has, and will continue to be able to weigh-in on any potential changes.
It is anticipated a Public Hearing will take place regarding the seasonal parking plan during the April 2 City Council meeting.
The department also said revenues generated from parking will go toward city services, the downtown corridor, and the parking facilities.
Baffling Barbie: Feminist Friend or Foe? Discuss – March 9.
CLIFTON PARK — To commemorate the 65th birthday of the controversial doll, the League of Women Voters is holding a forum titled, Baffling Barbie: Feminist Friend or Foe? on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. – noon at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library. The public is invited to attend.
Headlining the event will be Rosemary Armao, podcaster, professor at UAlbany, and previously on WAMC’s Round Table and Media Project.
Panelists representing four generations of women will share their perceptions of how Barbie influenced their views of what it means to be a woman in American culture and if the Barbie movie changed their perceptions of the doll’s impact. Clips from the Barbie movie will be shown.
There will also be a display of Barbie dolls by a long-time area collector, Myla Kramer. No registration is required for this free event. Kens are welcome. For more information, visit www.lwvsaratoga.org.
Impressions Pups: Cookie, Smitty, Pupa and Thatcher. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Join Impressions of Saratoga in celebrating the Impressions Pups’ Annual Birthday Pawty on Saturday, March 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Impressions has been dog friendly since its inception. Each March they celebrate the Impressions Pups birthdays. This year marks the tenth year of the Impressions Pups’ Pawty.
This is a dog friendly event. Dogs must be well behaved, good with other dogs and must be leashed at all times. If your dog would rather stay home, you are welcome to stop in and grab a Pawty Pick Up Pack.
This year’s birthday bash will be “BONE Appetite” themed. InstaCakes will be serve. Each InstaCake Kit includes a pup cake that only takes a few minutes to make. Plus IdlePaws, a small natural pet treat company out of Syracuse, will be serving up samples. The InstaCake Kits and IdlePaws Pet Treats will also be available for purchase.
There will be activities, treat tastings, special deals on Dog products, coloring contest and a raffle for a prize basket.
Donations will also be collected for Estherville Animal Shelter; accepting new or gently used toys, collars, leashes, beds, blankets, or towels. They can also use dried and canned dog and cat food and treats. Any donations are appreciated and will be delivered to animals in need.
Impressions of Saratoga is located at 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. For more information email impressions@impressionssaratoga.com.
