Comfort Food Community (CFC), a nonprofit fighting rural hunger with innovative programming, is expanding its Farm 2 Library program to Saratoga Springs Public Library, Ballston Spa Public Library, and Round Lake Library- Malta Branch, in partnership with Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS). Fresh, nutritious, and local food is accessible to anyone who needs it starting Wednesday, March 4, 2026. 

Farm 2 Library is designed to be low-barrier and open access for people who may not have access to other sources of fresh, nutritious food. This food is provided free of charge to anyone who needs it with no registration or proof of need required. “Farm 2 Library is built on the belief that everyone deserves easy, stigma-free access to fresh, healthy food. By partnering with the Southern Adirondack Library System and local public libraries-trusted, welcoming spaces-we’re removing barriers and making it simple for anyone to pick up what they need, no questions asked,” said Laura Marx, Executive Director of Comfort Food Community. 

What began as a pilot program in 2017, starting with one library, has grown significantly, distributing over 42,000 pounds of food in 2025. CFC now serves 14 libraries across Washington, Warren, and Saratoga counties, providing fresh produce from our local New York State farm partners. 

Each week, libraries display a list of farms where the produce was grown to let people know where their food is coming from. Because this program depends on local farms and seasonal availability, there are often more uncommon items that are distributed like kohlrabi or celeriac, especially during the winter. 

“In New York State, our growing season is shortened during the winter due to colder temperatures and reduced daylight,” said Em Ambrose, CFC’s Food Access Coordinator. “We’re able to access lots of high-quality storage roots, like carrots or sweet potatoes, during these months and get excited when April comes, when we start to see new availability from our producers for vegetables like fresh spinach.” 

CFC also shares weekly recipes featuring the produce distributed, helping people feel confident trying new foods and learning more about what is available when. 

“Expanding Farm 2 Library to three additional locations means more families across our region can access fresh, healthy food alongside the educational opportunities that empower them to thrive,” said Kim Bolan, Executive Director of the Southern Adirondack Library System. “Today’s libraries are more than places for books – they are trusted community anchors that connect people to vital resources, lifelong learning, and one another. This initiative reflects exactly what libraries are here to do.” 

To learn more about Comfort Food Community’s programs and how to get involved, please visit www.comfortfoodcommunity.org

On March 14, 2026, State Police assigned to the Troop G Community Stabilization Unit arrested Jonathan P. Rivera, 37, of Flushing, NY, for:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st, a class “A” felony

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd, a class “B” felony

• Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class “A” misdemeanor

• Vehicle and traffic law violations

On March 15, 2026, troopers stopped a vehicle on I-87 in Malta for a vehicle and traffic law violation. Rivera was identified as the driver. Two children under the age of 16 and an adult passenger were also located in the vehicle at the time. With the assistance of K9 Mike and his handler, more than half a pound of a packaged substance which later field-tested positive for containing cocaine was located in the vehicle and seized. The felony weight narcotics were located within reach of the two children who were seated in the back of the vehicle. The children and adult passengers were released without charges from the scene.

Rivera was arrested at the scene and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. He was arraigned at the Malta Town Court, where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail. 

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby announced today that a Saratoga County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Yvette Giovanni in connection with the investigation into the Time for Paws case.

The indictment charges Giovanni with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, and 11 counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment and the investigation conducted by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the Town of Halfmoon, Yvette Giovanni, the owner and operator of Time for Paws, is alleged to have knowingly maintained animals in conditions that posed a substantial risk to their health and safety. On July 7th and July 8th of 2025, multiple animals housed at the facility were allegedly confined in crates located in areas of excessive heat, without adequate ventilation, sufficient access to water, or appropriate means to cool themselves.

Investigators determined that several of the animals exhibited clear signs of distress consistent with heat exposure, including excessive panting, lethargy, and dehydration. It is further alleged that the conditions within the facility failed to meet minimum standards of care required for animals in a commercial daycare and boarding setting. As a result of these conditions, a French bulldog named Gus suffered fatal heat stroke. The death of Gus, along with the condition of the other animals present, forms the central basis of the allegations contained in the indictment.

“Saratoga County takes allegations of animal abuse extremely seriously,” said District Attorney Brett Eby. “Our office worked closely with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office throughout this investigation, and both of our agencies have dedicated units that focus on protecting animals and ensuring that individuals who abuse them are held accountable. We remain committed to seeking justice in cases involving cruelty to animals.”

The prosecution of this matter is being handled by Special Victims Bureau Chief Rachael Phelan and Senior Assistant District Attorney Mary Northrup. The investigation was led by Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputy Leah Howe and Animal Control Officer Victoria Hanna. 

Mike Brandi, Chairman of the Saratoga Springs Republican Committee has announced his resignation after four years on the job. 

Brandi made the announcement in a Facebook post on March 12. The announcement said his resignation is due to an upcoming move to Wilton. While he may be stepping down from the top job at the committee, he will serve as its Vice Chair. 

“Serving as Chairman has been an honor and a privilege,” Brandi said in the statement. “Together, we strengthened the committee, supported capable candidates, and worked to ensure that voters had principled, responsible choices. Our work promoted transparency, accountability, and professionalism—principles that I hope will continue to guide the committee for years to come.” 

During his time as chair, Brandi saw Republicans gain decisive control of the Saratoga Springs City Council. In 2025, Republicans elected Jessica Troisi for Commissioner of Accounts and JoAnne Kiernan for Commissioner of Finance while reelecting incumbent Mayor John Safford. Safford was first elected mayor in 2023, defeating then Mayor Ron Kim.  

Outside of elections, Brandi initiated a criminal complaint against then Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran for failure to comply with New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). In the subsequent trial, Moran was found guilty of three counts of unlawful obstruction of public records and fined $600 — the first case of a conviction for this offense in New York. 

Brandi testified against Moran in the trial and received acclaim for his actions. In December, he was honored by the New York Coalition for Open Government through its 2025 “Nice List.” Moran meanwhile lost reelection and was placed on the Coalition’s “Naughty List.” 

As for the Saratoga Springs Republicans, attorney Gerard Paris was unanimously elected to serve as chairman going forward. 

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce announces that Matt Jones is the 2026 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient.

Jones will be presented with this award at the Annual Chamber Celebration Night on Thursday, May 7 at the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.

This recognition, created by unanimous vote of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors in 2017, is a community service-focused award to honor an individual who has been faithful and loyal to the Saratoga County community for more than 25 years.

Jones is the Senior Partner at Jones Steves Grassi LLP, concentrating his practice in land use and development matters in Saratoga County, representing clients with major development projects. He has represented GlobalFoundries, Saratoga Hospital, Skidmore College, Regeneron and many more throughout his nearly five decades of practice.

During his career, Jones has played a significant role in the Saratoga Springs community. He has served as a Vice President of the New York State Bar Association and member of its Executive Committee as well as a former President of the Saratoga County Bar Association. In addition, he has served as: President of the Saratoga Springs Board of Education; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; President of the Saratoga County YMCA Board of Directors; President of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club Foundation Board of Trustees; Vice Chairman and founding Director of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority; Chairman of the West Avenue Redevelopment Advisory Committee; Chairman of the Saratoga Springs Committee on Recreation; Member of the Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission; Member of the Board of Directors of the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board; Member of the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation; Chairman of the Blue Streaks Hall of Fame Committee; Co-Founder of the Saratoga County Bar Association Mock Trial Program; and Board Member of the Saratoga Springs Smart City Commission.

In addition to his upcoming receipt of the Chamber’s 2026 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award, Jones has been the recipient of the Leadership Saratoga Distinguished Alumnus Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement to the Community by a Graduate of the Leadership Saratoga program, the YMCA Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for Untiring Devotion to the YMCA, the Community Leadership Association – Distinguished Leadership Award for Exemplary Service, Commitment to the Community, and the 2024 Liberty Bell Award. He was inducted into the Saratoga Springs High School Hall of Distinction in 2022.

“Based upon the activities, involvement, and leadership in the community over the past 47 years,” said past Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient L. Clifford Van Wagner in his nomination of Jones, “I can say without reservation that he has proven through his actions to be honorable, ready, relevant, innovative, and versatile while always doing what is right for the community.”

“I worked very closely with Matt the year he chaired the Chamber’s Board of Directors and his advice, and counsel was always based on what was best for the community,” said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “He’s given his time, talent, and treasure to so many vital parts of our community for decades, and he is one of those leaders everyone respects for the positive difference he makes. The City Center, Saratoga Hospital, the Saratoga Springs School District, and the Saratoga Regional YMCA just to name a few are all better because of Matt’s leadership.”

In addition to its annual recipient, the award recognizes Joseph Dalton, who served as the President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce from 1970 to 2010. During his tenure, the Chamber’s membership, influence, and impact grew significantly as a direct result of Dalton’s leadership, passion, and commitment to establishing Saratoga County as a great place to live, work and play.

Past recipients of the Joseph Dalton Community Service Award include: Steve Sullivan (2018); Tom Roohan (2019); John Munter, Sr. (2020); Julie Stokes (2021); L. Clifford Van Wagner (2022); Dr. William Long (2023); Cindy Hollowood (2024); and Colleen Carlson (2025).