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Ballston Spa Sunshine Kids, Ribbon Cafe Hold Fundraiser for Local Seven-year-old

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, News.

Aiden Rodriguez visits with miniature donkeys from Maple Rock Farms at Saturday’s fundraiser. Photo by Super Source Media Studios.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Sunshine Kids and the Ribbon Café held their third annual fundraiser on July 29, raising money for local seven-year-old Aiden Rodriguez of Queensbury.

In September 2022, Rodriguez was diagnosed with Grade 3 Choroid Plexus Carcinoma, a rare form of brain cancer, and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, which causes an increased risk for several types of cancer. Patricia Rodriguez, Aiden’s mother, said the community support shown on Saturday was “very overwhelming.”

“We are humbled, we are surprised, thankful,” said Patricia Rodriguez. “I mean, beyond grateful.”

“We didn’t ask for any of this, it just came around,” added Jason Rodriguez, Aiden’s father. “We’re very appreciative of how the community has put this together.”

The fundraiser was initially started by local parents Kate DuBois-Huskie and Tricia Stevenson, who said they have worked with Ribbon Café owner Kevin Myers and his sister Christine Pyle to hold the event each of the past three years.

“It’s just amazing to see people in the community that want to help,” said DuBois-Huskie. “I feel lucky to have the connections and the people that want to help. Hopefully every year we get a little bigger, and help more kids.”

The lemonade stand itself was run by DuBois-Huskie and Stevenson’s children; four-year-olds Dax Huskie and Sophia Stevenson, six-year-old Addison Huskie, and seven-year-old Scarlett Stevenson.

“I think any time the community can come together to support somebody, it’s just a really feel-good environment for everybody,” Tricia Stevenson said.

The portion of Prospect Street directly in front of the Ribbon Café was closed to traffic on Saturday, instead filled with the stands of numerous local businesses and organizations. The fundraiser featured a DJ, children’s games, miniature donkeys from Maple Rock Farm, and many local vendors.

The event also featured performances by dancers from the Carol Lawrence School of Dance, where DuBois-Huskie and Stevenson’s daughters participate. The two parents said they initially met after enrolling their daughters at Carol Lawrence.

“Again, it’s just great to see the community show up,” said DuBois-Huskie.

Aiden has undergone numerous procedures, and recently was the first person to be enrolled in a clinical trial in New York, where he underwent intra-arterial fusion of chemotherapy, his mother said.

Following the clinical trial, the tumor was removed on June 13, Patricia Rodriguez said. The family recently traveled to Rochester, where Aiden received what was described as “high doses of chemotherapy.” Aiden will return for another round of chemotherapy this month, his parents said.

The Rodriguez family offered thanks to several hospitals and medical centers that have assisted in Aiden’s treatment. Patricia Rodriguez emphasized she believes that everyone should be tested for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome at birth, and again mentioned the strong community support the family has received.

Saturday’s event raised over $4,300 as of Aug. 2, DuBois-Huskie said via email, while a GoFundMe page for Aiden (https://gofund.me/687adc9d) has received over $12,000 in donations.

“The community has been great for us everywhere,” said Patricia Rodriguez. “So much support. … There’s no words to describe it.”

Where It’s At: A Private Social Club on Woodlawn 

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The city’s Land Use Boards are considering a proposal for a Special Use permit that would site a private social club for businesspersons just west of Broadway, on Woodlawn Ave. 

The approval is sought at 118 and 121-125 Woodlawn Ave. in connection with two parcels that measure .14 acres and .23 acres, respectively. 

The applicant is seeking to use 118 as a private/social club for businesspersons to be operated by a not-for-profit entity, with 121-125 Woodlawn to serve as off-street parking for club members, according to documents first submitted to the city in June. Saratoga TODAY first reported on the venture on June 15.  

The club is anticipated to operate 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and provide light meals and bar service for its approximately 200 members. No amplified music will be allowed.  The club will serve as a place for its members to conduct meetings, as well as a place for members “to relax and unwind after a day at the office,” according to documents filed with the city.    

The building at 118 is located on the corner of Woodlawn Avenue and Van Dam Street, just west of the convergence of Broadway/Route 9 and the Saratoga Hilton. For more than a century, the property was owned by various religious operations and operated as a religious house of worship,

The existing gravel lot at 122-125 would be upgraded and consist of 22 parking spaces.

The initial director, founder and organizer of the club will be Lisa Moser – co-founder with husband Robert of Prime Construction. Membership to the club will include an application process for membership, annual dues and an initiation fee upon acceptance.

The city Planning Board is anticipated to discuss the proposal at its workshop on Aug. 3. 

Task Force Targets Potential Sites for Permanent Shelter 

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

Could this be the future home of a permanent homeless shelter? A view facing west from a vacant lot on Lake Avenue/ State Route 29 selected as a primary location by the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness has identified a 3.7-acre lot on Lake Avenue/ State Route 29 as its primary selection to site a permanent homeless shelter. 

The vacant lot is listed for sale at $800,000 and is located between the Northway overpass and a Stewart’s Shop near Weibel Avenue. 

The Task Force was formed In February 2023 and charged with locating a potential permanent site for a homeless shelter and navigation center by July to recommend to the City Council. The ad hoc group began with evaluating some two dozen potential sites across the city. They concluded with their vote of recommended locations on July 20. 

Alternative sites that ranked highly included a parcel at 153 South Broadway – property that stands in close proximity to two temporary shelters, although the owner is reluctant to sell that property according to Task Force discussions; 1.6 acres at 3290 Route 9 / Top Hill motel with a sale price listed at $1.9 million; a 1-acre property at North and East Ave for sale at $1 million, and 260 Maple Ave./ Gateway Motel, which extends to 1.5 acres, potential purchase price not known.  

Each venue offers some set of challenges – from Land Use Board review to area variances required (although the latter would seem unnecessary were the city to outright purchase the property), proximity or lack thereof to venues currently providing social services, access to public transportation, and, given the track record of previous attempts made: opposition from some area residents when a site is ultimately selected.   

The discussions will now move to the Saratoga Springs City Council, which next meets at City Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 1.  

There is still much to be discussed and funding sources to be evaluated, including what level of support may be provided by the county. 

Relative to the preferred site on- Route 29: the location is not in close proximity to social services, and there is no current bus stop allocated – although one may be advocated for via CDTA, the ad hoc board surmised.  The site would ultimately need a use variance from the ZBA, as well as subsequent Site Plan approval from the Planning Board and County Planning Board review. The Stewart’s Shop, located at Gilbert Road and Lake Avenue is anticipated to soon undergo a 2,500 square-foot to 4,100 square-foot expansion. 

Nipper Knolls Equine Center Hosts Benefit Golf Tournament Aug. 5

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Nipper Knolls Equine Center. Photo provided. 

 GANSEVOORT — Nipper Knolls Equine Center, Inc. will host its annual golf tournament on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Airway Meadows Golf Club – located at 262 Brownville Rd, Gansevoort. 

This fundraiser is a four-player scramble format. Participants have the chance to win a Ford vehicle courtesy of AutoSaver Ford in the hole-in-one contest. There will be additional fun competitions including a putting contest, closest to the line, most accurate drive, closest to the pin, and longest drive. The event will also feature a silent auction, 50/50 and more.

The registration fee is $100 per player ($400 per team) and includes the 18 holes of golf with a cart, and a buffet dinner of assorted wraps and chicken barbeque. Teams and individuals can register online by visiting www.nipperknolls.com under “Fundraising and Events” or by  contacting Roxanne at 518-763-1976 or roxanne_peck@yahoo.com or nkequinecenter@gmail.com. 

Check in begins at 1 p.m. with the start at 2 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Nipper Knolls Equine Center, Inc.

The Nipper Knolls Equine Center, Inc. is a 501(c) 3, nonprofit organization whose mission is to share the joys of horsemanship with individuals with special needs and military veterans. There are no administrative costs or salaries paid. This is a 100% volunteer organization. To learn more about the program visit www.nipperknolls.com or facebook.com/nipperknolls.  

New York Chaplaincy’s Charity Basketball Game set for Thursday, August 3 in Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Jockeys-versus-Horsemen charity basketball game, 2019. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The 13th annual jockeys-versus-horsemen charity basketball game, which benefits the programs of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, will be played Thursday, Aug. 3 at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

The annual event routinely attracts more than 300 fans. Admission is free.

The jockey team will be coached by Hall of Fame jockey Ángel Cordero Jr., with trainer Todd Pletcher and agent Kiaran McLaughlin coaching the horsemen team. 

John Wallace, who was a first round draft pick by the New York Knicks in the 1996 NBA draft and spent seven years in the league, will be a special guest of the NY Chaplaincy and will play with the jockeys. As a collegian, he led Syracuse University to the 1996 NCAA championship game. 

“The horsemen, the jockey colony and Saratoga racing fans all eagerly anticipate this game and it never fails to be an immensely entertaining event,” said Humberto Chavez, the New York Chaplaincy lead chaplain and executive director. “Besides the display of athleticism and the fun, the game also provides critical support for the chaplaincy’s various programs serving the backstretch community. We are very grateful to the players, our sponsors and all those who attend each year.”

The Saratoga Springs Recreation Center is located at 15 Vanderbilt Ave. 

The New York Race Track Chaplaincy serves the New York backstretch and farming community with children’s enrichment, teen mentoring, women’s programming, social service, recreational, and educational programming as well as non-denominational religious services.

For additional information, go to: www.rtcany.org.

Pitney Meadows Community Farm’s Fire Feast on Aug. 1

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Pitney Meadows Community Farm’s signature event Fire Feast returns for 2023. Named one of Saratoga’s most unique summer events, Fire Feast features an all-star team of renowned farm-to-table chefs cooking over 6 open-fire pits sourcing meats, vegetables, and other ingredients from local producers and from the Pitney Meadows’ Farm fields.

The event takes place 6 – 9 p.m. Aug. 1 at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, 223 West Ave. 

Pitney Meadows Community Farm was founded as a non-profit in 2016 after the 166-acre farmland was protected in perpetuity as conserved agricultural lands. In 2022 alone, the Farm welcomed over 6,000 visitors and community members; donated 8,743 pounds of produce; supported over 100 community gardeners; hosted 162 educational programs; added a full-time staff member to lead the food sovereignty program; and collaborated with more than 20 community organizations. These incredible accomplishments were made by a small working board and staff all while simultaneously reinvigorating the fields for organic farming and operating a 100 member Pick Your Own CSA; and made possible by grants and hundreds of generous community members who share a vision of food justice, agricultural education, recreation, and community.

Fire Feast: Guests will watch as the chefs prepare a seasonally inspired and carefully curated meal over open fire pits, meander through the Community Gardens while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy horse-drawn wagon tours of the trails while taking in the sights of the Farmscape at dusk.

Tickets: pitneymeadows communityfarm.org.

Trolley Tours of Saratoga Springs Launches Aug. 1

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center will launch their 2023 guided trolley tours on Aug. 1. 

The 90-minute guided tour of Saratoga Springs which starts at 10 a.m. will run through Aug. 31. Tickets are $25 per person.

The tour includes historic sights and points of interest along Broadway, North Broadway, Skidmore campus, High Rock Park for a mineral water tasting, the Saratoga Race Course, and more.

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center has partnered with Upstate Transit of Saratoga – who have designed trolleys with authentic wooden seating, decorative etched glass windows and air-conditioning. The 28-passenger trolleys also feature a wheelchair lift. 

For advance reservations, call 518-587-3241. Day Of tickets, based on availability, can be purchased at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway. No refunds for reservations cancelled less than 48 hours prior to start of tour. Cancellations can be made by phone or email at karen@discoversaratoga.org.

Bringing The Middle East Home: Jesuit To Speak On Life And Work In Beirut

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Father Dan Corrou, SJ, will speak on his life and work in Lebanon where he has served for 8 years in a discussion 8:45-10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11 at St. Clement’s Church, on Lake Avenue. 

Corrou, 50, born in Saratoga Springs, is currently director of the Middle East and North Africa region for Jesuit Refuge Service (JRS). Since 1980, JRS has provided a range of services, including child and adult education, emergency assistance, and advocacy for refugees. 

For more information, contact Barbara Naple, Program Manager, IVC Albany, at bnaple@ivcusa.org.

Saratoga County Seeks Volunteers to Deliver Meals to Homebound Seniors in Schuylerville

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services is seeking volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors in Schuylerville.

This important program helps many seniors, age 60 and older, remain independent in their homes by providing them with a nutritious ready-to-eat lunch each weekday. 

Meals are picked up at 11 a.m. and delivered until 1 p.m. Volunteers’ schedules are flexible to meet their availability. 

To become a volunteer, individuals must submit paperwork, including references, to the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services. Volunteers must have a valid driver license and their own vehicle. Training and orientation are provided to all volunteers. Being a volunteer for this program is a gratifying experience as seniors look forward to seeing a friendly face with their meals. 

Those interested in becoming a volunteer may call the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-363-4020 for details. 

New Senior Center Opens

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After more than 40 years of setting up shop on Williams Street, the Saratoga Senior Center this week began its physical relocation into the future: one mile southwest and to its new home adjacent to the Saratoga Regional YMCA at 290 West Avenue.    

“Shut down, packed up, and moving over here,” executive director Lois Celeste explained to hundreds of visitors attending the center’s first event staged at its new location. The senior expo was held July 20 and featured a variety of speakers, presentations and more than 40 community vendors.  

The new site hosts multiple classrooms, a kitchen and dining room, a chair-and-table area for card games, an art room, exercise room, employee offices, and an education center. 

The Meeting Room will host gatherings of the Alzheimer’s Association as well as various medical insurance organizations, and the Game Room will be fitted with computer stations, a TV, ping-pong tables and a pair of pool tables. 

“We actually have a sound system and a projector – we’re coming into the next century here,” said Celeste, flanked by the new-look gleam of marble and glass.  

The new location boasts plentiful parking and a quartet of columns that frame the entryway that lead to a main reception area inside. A physical therapist will be on-site five days of the week. There is still some work to be done prior to the new center’s opening.  

“We don’t know how long it is going to take to set up operations, but our goal is to have a soft opening with classes by the first or second of August,” Celeste said.  “It will be a kind of a one-stop shop.” 

The non-profit, non-residential community center welcomes adults aged 50 and over. Cost is $35 a year to participate in programs, trips and social activities tailored to adults and seniors.

The Center was founded in 1955, purchased its own building at 162 Circular St. five years later and in 1979 relocated to a larger facility at 5 Williams St. The Williams Street venue that is being vacated is owned by the city of Saratoga Springs. 

The city last year announced plans to use the location when empty to site a 24/7 permanent homeless shelter. Earlier this year those plans were quashed, however, after the proposal met with a backlash from some community members and parents of students of the nearby Saratoga Central Catholic School. Plans for the future of the city-owned property are not currently known.