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It Feels Good to Give  

Written by Compiled by Maria Isele on . Posted in News.

It’s the Season of Giving and many local organizations have kicked off their annual Christmas programs to help children and families in need have a joyous and special holiday. 

There are so many ways you can get involved!


Saratoga Bridges


• Saratoga Bridges has provided a full range of professional services, programs and activities to those with intellectual disabilities and their families during the holiday season for more than 60 years. Their goal is to help these individuals pursue their life goals through knowledge, collaboration and experience, but they need your help to do so! Donations can be made to the Saratoga Bridges Foundation by mail located at 16 Saratoga Bridges Blvd, Ballston Spa, as well as through the phone by contacting the Saratoga Bridges office directly at 518-587-0723. Regular office hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit Saratogabridges.org. 


Operation Adopt a Soldier


• Operation Adopt a Soldier is always accepting items to include in care packages for those serving in the military. During the holiday season, they are collecting new, unopened toys for children in need. Donations can be dropped off at their building located at 4281 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. For more information, visit OperationAdoptASoldier.com or contact Cliff, the founder and chairman at 518-260-9922 and OperationAdoptASoldierInc@gmail.com.


Mitten Tree

• Warm hands and hearts with The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center’s annual Mitten Tree Program. Members of the community are invited to contribute warm winter wear (new or handmade) to the Visitor Center Mitten Tree located at 297 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, through Saturday, January 9. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. until December 31. Winter hours begin January 1, 2026: 10 a.m. –4 p.m.

All items hung on the tree will be donated to local charitable organizations for distribution to those who need a little help staying warm this winter. For more information visit,
saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com or discoversaratoga.org.


The Empty Stocking Project

• The Empty Stocking Project is hosted by the Saratoga County Children’s Committee in which “Friends”– individuals or corporate and community sponsors – are paired with individuals and families needing assistance during Christmas. Visit SaratogaChildrensCommittee.org for more information and to sponsor a child. 

Franklin Community Center and The Giving Circle


• Franklin Community Center offers an incredible holiday assistance program to hundreds of Saratoga County children. Families are anonymously matched with donors who can then sponsor a child/family or host a toy drive. Monetary contributions are appreciated in addition to general gifts that will be given to the children of families who missed the sign-up deadline. If you are interested, contact holiday@franklincommunitycenter.org. Gifts and donations can be dropped off at the back door of 95 Washington Street, Saratoga, NY during business hours of 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. In partnership with Franklin Community Center, The Giving Circle is continuing its mission to support families in the County during the holiday season. During the month of November, they will be collecting donations at the Stack N Stor at 885 Rock City Rd, Ballston Spa, NY anytime Monday through Friday during the hours of 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. As a bonus, if you’re in need of a storage unit, Stack N Stor is offering your first month free if you mention The Giving Circle! Visit Thegivingcircle.org if interested in learning more.


Sponsor a Family Program


• The New York Race Track Chaplaincy provides extensive services to workers in the racing industry is looking to assist its backstretch families through their Sponsor a Family Program. The sponsors will provide new winter clothing and a toy for each child in addition to a grocery store gift card for Christmas dinner. Sponsorships can be shared and can also be fulfilled with a financial contribution. Donations of any amount, as well as volunteers, are always graciously accepted and appreciated. Go to rtcany.org, email sponsor@rtcany.org, or call (516) 216-5196 to get involved.


Saratoga Senior Center


• There are a number of amazing ways to spread cheer at the Saratoga Senior Center this holiday: the center’s “Santas for Seniors” program allows donors to adopt a senior and grant them their wish list. Visit SaratogaSeniorCenter.org or call (518) 584-1621 for more details.


Toys for Tots


• The Capital Region Toys for Tots, the third largest Toys for Tots campaign in the world, is collecting new and unwrapped toys for needy children in the area. Go to ToysForTots.org to donate and identify one of their many convenient drop-off locations.


Toys for Toga


• Toys for Toga is returning with their massive county-wide campaign for the 13th year in a row! New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at over 100+ participating Saratoga County business locations from Nov. 3 until Dec. 12. Additionally, Druthers has brewed a Toys for Toga Winter Warm Ale that can be found not only at Druthers Brewing Company, but also in packs of four at beverage centers and grocery stores and on tap at select bars throughout the county. New this year, purchases of Saratoga Water and Sun Cruiser Iced Tea Vodka in Saratoga will support the foundation. A list of all donation locations, the option to make a monetary donation via the Toys for Toga GoFundMe page, and more information can be found at Decresente.com/toysfortogakickoff. All toys and donations will be evenly split between Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Community Human Services, and the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center. Businesses wishing to join should contact Roberto Cruz at r.cruz@ddcbev.com. Visit DiscoverSaratoga.org for a list of toy bin locations.

 Alliance180 Receives Support from Operation Adopt a Soldier, Calls on Community to Join in this Giving

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Alliance180, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Veterans, first responders, and frontline healthcare workers on their journey toward post-traumatic growth, recently received an unexpected gift of $2,500 from Operation Adopt a Soldier. The donation, made by the organization’s founder and president, Cliff Sequin, underscores the deep sense of solidarity and mutual respect shared among those who serve and those who support them. 

Sequin attended Alliance180’s September 22 flag planting event to mark suicide awareness and was moved by the organization’s mission to help individuals find renewed purpose and healing through peer-to-peer support and transformative programming. 

“It was incredibly humbling to receive such a generous gift from another nonprofit whose mission we deeply admire,” said Bob Nevins, co-founder of Alliance180. “To have Cliff and Operation Adopt a Soldier recognize the value of our work means so much, especially because they know firsthand the challenges faced by those who serve.” 

While Alliance180 is grateful for this act of generosity, the organization relies entirely on community support to continue offering its services free of charge. Every program from peer mentoring to helping participants rediscover meaning and connection, is made possible by donations from individuals, businesses, and community partners. 

This Giving Tuesday, December 2, Alliance180 is inviting the public to stand alongside them in their mission. Contributions of any amount will directly fund life-changing experiences for veterans, first responders, and their loved ones. 

“Our programs are free for participants, and that’s something we’re deeply committed to,” said Nevins. “But that also means we depend on the kindness of our community to make it possible. Every dollar given helps someone take that critical next step toward hope and healing.” 

Donations can be made at https://www.alliance180.org/donate.

Alliance180 has also launched a dedicated GoFundMe to support the lifelong care of its alumni horses, who are trusted partners who have played a vital role in healing Veterans, first responders, and frontline healthcare workers through transformative, suicide prevention peer programs. These horses are not recreational animals; they are healers who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with participants during some of their most pivotal moments. Donations to this fund help ensure they receive the veterinary care, feed, shelter, and dignified retirement they deserve, allowing Alliance180 to continue offering equine-assisted support fully free of charge to those they serve. 

Alliance180 was founded by Bob Nevins, a decorated Army helicopter pilot who served during the Vietnam War. The Program was developed and written by co-founder Melody Squier, who is an Equine Specialist and first responder, and is based on trust through the universal language of the horse. This organization’s use of science-based research of the Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, Ph.D., Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, University of North Carolina, and Polyvagal Institute, distinguishes it from other programs. 

The mission of this peer-to-peer, purpose-driven Program aims to prevent suicide for fellow Veterans, first responders, and frontline health care workers facing the effects of trauma through a transformative equine experience. The organization serves every county within New York State and beyond. No client has to pay for these services, or the travel to receive them. 

For more information about Alliance180, visit https://www.alliance180.org.

State Police Seeking Information on Fatal Accident

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

The State Police have asked for the public’s assistance after an accident killed a driver on I-87 in Clifton Park. 

The accident occurred the night of Nov. 23 at around 8:11 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 87 just south of exit 11. The accident occurred when a vehicle was rear-ended and crashed into a guardrail on the left side of the highway. It was then struck by a second vehicle coming to rest on the guardrail facing north and partially in the left lane of travel according to New York State Police. 

When the driver, identified by State Police as William Reichman, 71 of Ballston Lake, got out of the vehicle, he was struck by a tractor trailer heading south. Reichman then fell into the road and was struck two more times by other passenger vehicles, according to New York State Police. State Police said that the two vehicles stopped immediately and their drivers are cooperating in the investigation.

Reichman was declared dead at the scene by New York State Police. 

After striking the driver, the tractor trailer left the scene and its whereabouts are unknown at this time. Troopers believe the truck is white and has significant front-end damage. They’re asking anyone with information about the accident or who may have captured the accident on dash camera to contact Troop G headquarters at 518-783-3211. 

Six total vehicles were involved in the collision and there were no other injuries in the crash, according to a State Police blotter report. 

Deputy Injured in Hit and Run Crash

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

A Mechanicville man was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly injuring a deputy during a hit and run crash. 

Thomas Fogarty, 51, allegedly struck a deputy driving a marked Saratoga County Sheriff’s Patrol car with a Toyota pickup truck. The incident occurred at the intersection of Kinns and Peirce Roads in Clifton Park around 4:39 a.m. the morning of Nov. 22. 

The deputy was transported to Saratoga Hospital with an arm injury and later released. After the collision, Fogerty is alleged to have fled the scene down Twilight Drive but was caught and arrested by deputies. He refused a chemical test at the time of his arrest. 

“I am extremely grateful that our deputy wasn’t seriously injured,” said Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo. “The number of DWI arrests we have seen this year have been off the charts and a lot of them have been related to crashes. It’s a troubling trend; there is never a good reason to get behind the wheel of a vehicle intoxicated or impaired.”

Fogarty was charged with 5th degree possession of a controlled substance, leaving the scene of a personal injury motor vehicle crash, DWI, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to yield right of way at a stop sign, and refusal to take a preliminary breath test. He was arraigned in Halfmoon Town Court and released on his own recognizance pending further proceedings. 

Fogarty’s arrest was one of 10 DWI arrests county wide, between Friday Nov. 21 and Sunday 23 according to Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office press releases and blotter reports from the New York State Police. 

The arrests come as the state increases DWI enforcement due to the Thanksgiving holiday. 

December Nature on the Move Walks at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

On Mondays, December 1 and 15, from 10:30 AM to noon, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding its bi-weekly Nature on the Move walks. 

These walks are led by one of Wilton Wildlife’s volunteers, Linda Hovious, along with an Environmental Educator. These walks enable participants to explore the trails with like-minded individuals and appreciate the beauty of nature as the seasons change.

 They are geared towards gentle exercise and are appropriate for adults at basic fitness levels. The group usually covers about 1.5 miles of trails. Nature on the Move happens every other week, year-round. Additional dates are January 12 & 26, February 9 & 23, and March 9 &23.

Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the Wilton Wildlife website at wiltonpreserve.org or follow on Facebook or Instagram @wiltonpreserve. Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s mission is to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological systems and natural settings.

Road Closures for the Turkey Trot

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


For those looking to travel in the Spa City this Thanksgiving, they should avoid roads involved in the annual Turkey Trot (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Police Department)

Thanksgiving is a time associated with family, travel, and food. 

But traveling in Saratoga Springs Thanksgiving Day will be more challenging as the Saratoga Springs Police Department announced road closures and parking restrictions for this year’s Turkey Trot. 

From 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., several streets along the route will be closed while parking restrictions go into effect at 5 a.m. 

The Closures are as follows: 

• Broadway from Division Street to North Broadway.

• Ellsworth Jones Place from Broadway to Maple Avenue.

• Caroline Street will be closed at Broadway.

• Lake Avenue/Church Street will be closed at Broadway (Lake from Maple to Broadway, Church from Woodlawn to Broadway).

• Walton Street will be closed from Woodlawn Ave to Broadway.

• The arterial will be reduced to one lane beginning at Rock Street approaching Broadway. All vehicles will be directed straight across to Van Dam Street by law enforcement when safe to do so.

• North Broadway will be closed from the arterial/Van Dam Street to Skidmore College.

• Rock Street will be closed at the arterial.

Parking restrictions are as follows: 

• N. Broadway from the arterial to Greenfield Avenue.

• Broadway from Division Street to Van Dam Street.

• Church Street from Broadway to Woodlawn Avenue.

• Lake Avenue from Broadway to Maple Avenue.

Vehicles left in these areas will be towed at the owner’s expense. 

Chocolate woes: Local business Talks tariffs and Costs with Local Representative

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Representative Paul Tonko recently visited a Saratoga Springs chocolate shop to go over the impact of tariffs on the business. 

The visit took place Nov. 24 at Saratoga Chocolate Co. in the Saratoga Marketplace on Broadway. Tonko toured the shop, spoke with employees and helped pack a few orders. 

The visit was one of two visits to local businesses aimed at looking at the impacts of recent tariffs on small businesses, the other taking place at DeFazio’s Pizzeria in Troy on Nov. 25. 

During the visit, co-owner Allison Rose talked about the issues facing her shop, particularly rising costs due to tariffs. Rose said the tariffs impact multiple parts of her business from the cocoa itself to the packaging and machinery used to produce and sell it. 

“It’s hitting us on all of our cocoa products, it’s hitting us on equipment, it’s hitting us on packaging,” Rose said. 

She highlighted specific examples of prices going up like her chocolate jars which went up in price by 32% and a chocolate producing machine which went up in price by nearly $6,000 from when she was quoted the price to when paid for the machine. 

The tariffs were just one of multiple recent challenges impacting chocolatiers worldwide. Rose cited climate change and epidemics of black pod rot as causes for increasing prices. 

In September, an epidemic of the fungal infection devastated farms in Cameroon, the fifth largest producer of cocoa in the world, according to reporting by Rueters. Meanwhile, recent research by scientists from Harvard’s Salata Institute found that excessive rainfall and droughts are to blame for much of the cocoa crop failures over the last two years. 

Rose said the tariff on cocoa caused prices to rise 15-20% and that the tariff was unavoidable as cocoa can’t be produced in the United States. Another area where Rose said her prices have gone up is in packaging which she said have gone up 60% due to tariffs. 

It’s not just prices that have been impacted. Rose said she’s had to worry about how she pays her employees due to the tariffs. 

“I have an intense desire to try to raise wages and offer benefits to the folks on my staff who are more full-time employees, and try to create career track opportunities for folks,” Rose said. “With our margins being as hit as they have been for the past two years, it has been very difficult for me to move my own employee forward in a way that will foster goodwill and result in employee retention.” 

These tariffs are already causing some chocolatiers to close shop. Rose pointed to the recent closure of Apothecary Chocolates in Colton as an example of this. Rose said that she got a call from the owner offering some of her packaging supplies to help Rose continue operations. 

In addition to the packaging supplies, the owner also gave her moral support which Rose said helped exponentially.  

“I don’t think anybody truly can appreciate what the chocolate industry is going through, unless you’ve been in the chocolate industry,” Rose said. “There are a lot of different businesses in this area that are very significantly impacted by the cost of chocolate rising.” 

While Tonko didn’t have numbers on how many businesses had closed within the 21st congressional district as a result of the tariffs, Rose pointed out that it’s not just the decision to close businesses that small businesses owners are dealing with. 

Rose said that some businesses may decide not to grow due to increased costs or consumer behaviors. 

“I know that business owners that I’ve spoken to are like, ‘we’re just going to hold its status quo right now, because we just don’t know in this economy,” Rose said.  “We just don’t know what’s happening with prices. We just don’t know how the consumers are going to respond. Because we’re all feeling those upward pressures in so many areas of our own budget.” 

National Wreath Day Ceremony to Take Place December 13

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery announces National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 13th. Wreath placement to take place at 11:00 am followed at 12:00 pm, Noon with the National Wreath Day Ceremony. 

For the past nine years every Veteran interred at Saratoga National Cemetery has been honored. The need this year is 17,000 wreaths…there is still time to help us meet our goal! Wreaths may be sponsored for $17 each through December 1st. Log onto www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Scroll down to specific location and type Gerald B. H Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Follow the screen to fundraising groups to sponsor a wreath.

This is the largest event held annually at SNC, so plan accordingly for heavy traffic. A general parking area will be open, only handicap parking to be allowed on cemetery roads. Follow signs and cemetery staff directions for parking. Reminder sleds and poles are not allowed; these are reserved for wreath retirement in March.

Registration for wreath laying is not required, volunteers are asked to go directly to the section they wish to help in. 

There is no rush to lay your given wreaths… Take your time, teach your children. Honor our Veterans by saying their name out loud so they are remembered at this time of year. Many no longer have a visitor able to come, you are their visitor, and we thank you for that! 

Remember…Honor…Teach. 

Showcase of Homes Winners

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Executive Homes Awards

Landscaping:

DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Jeff Heck – JH Property Services 

Kerby Loukes – Pro Cut Landscaping Services

Workmanship:

Kodiak Construction

Primary Bath:

Kodiak Construction

Exterior
Architectural Design:

Kodiak Construction

Interior Floor Plan:

Kodiak Construction

Kitchen:

Kodiak Construction 

Heather Lust – Curtis Lumber

Interior Decorating

Kodiak Construction 

Kaitlynn Johnson – Old Brick Furniture 

Denise Rappazzo – Plum & Crimson Fine Interior Design

People’s Choice

DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders

Runners Up

LANDSCAPING: Kodiak Construction Jesse Marco – Brookside Nursery WORKMANSHIP: DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders
Primary BATH: DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders DHC Drafting and Design

Interior Floor Plan: DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders
Kitchen: DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Jay Legere – Curtis Lumber
Interior Decorating: Heritage Custom Builders Lynn Ricci – Classic Interiors

Classic Homes Awards

Landscaping:

Belmonte Builders Chris Gennoy – CPI Services

Workmanship:

Belmonte Builders

Primary Bath:

Abele Homes

Exterior
Architectural Design:

Belmonte BuildersInterior Floor Plan:

Abele Homes

Kitchen:

Abele Homes 

Nikki Stelling – Builder’s Kitchens

Interior Decorating

Belmonte Builders Denise Rappazzo – Plum & Crimson Fine Interior Design

People’s Choice

Abele Homes

Runners Up

LANDSCAPING: Abele Homes Dylan Helo – Heloscaping
WORKMANSHIP: Abele Homes
Primary BATH: Belmonte Builders
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: Abele Homes

Runners Up

Interior Floor Plan: Belmonte Builders
Kitchen: Belmonte Builders Michelle Bucciero – Builder’s Kitchens
Interior Decorating: Abele Homes

Luxury Homes Awards

Landscaping:

Belmonte Builders Dylan Helo – Heloscaping

Workmanship:

Bella Home Builders

Primary Bath:

Urvalek Builders

Exterior
Architectural Design:

Urvalek Builders Edmund’s Design

Interior Floor Plan:

Belmonte Builders

Kitchen:

Urvalek Builders

Interior Decorating

Urvalek Builders

People’s Choice

Urvalek Builders

Runners Up

LANDSCAPING: Bella Home Builders Matt Baker – GSL Landscaping and Nursery
WORKMANSHIP: Belmonte Builders Primary BATH: Belmonte Builders
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: Belmonte Builders

Runners Up

Interior Floor Plan: Urvalek Builders
Kitchen: Belmonte Builders Heather Lust – Curtis Lumber Interior Decorating: Belmonte Builders Kaitlynn Johnson – Old Brick Furniture

Estate Homes Awards

Landscaping:

Witt Construction Gallivan Corporation

Workmanship:

Witt Construction

Primary Bath:

Witt Construction

Exterior
Architectural Design:

Witt Construction

Interior Floor Plan:

Witt Construction

Kitchen:

Witt Construction

Interior Decorating

Witt Construction 

Maxwell Tyler Interiors

People’s Choice

Urvalek Builders

Runners Up

LANDSCAPING: Beechwood Homes WORKMANSHIP: Beechwood Homes Primary BATH: Beechwood Homes EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: Beechwood Homes

Interior Floor Plan: Beechwood Homes
Kitchen: Beechwood Homes – Toni Ann Amico Interior Decorating: Beechwood Homes Toni Ann Amico

Saratoga County District Attorney–Elect Brett Eby Announces Bipartisan Transition Team

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

District Attorney–Elect Brett Eby announced the formation of his transition team, a distinguished and bipartisan group of community leaders, public safety professionals, and criminal justice experts. This team will help guide strategic planning ahead of the new administration. Eby emphasized that the group’s combination of government leadership, law enforcement experience, victim advocacy, judicial perspective, and nonprofit expertise will help shape a modernized, collaborative approach to prosecution and public safety. 

“This team represents the very best of Saratoga County,” Eby said. “Their collective wisdom, decades of service, and commitment to justice will ensure that the best ideas, strategies, and plans are put forward as we prepare to take office. I am grateful for their willingness to serve and their commitment to keep Saratoga County safe for everyone.” 

Transition Team Members 

• Hon. James A. Murphy, Retired County Court Judge and Former Saratoga County District Attorney 

• Steve Bulger, Saratoga County Administrator 

• Tim Coll, Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety 

• Cynthia Young, Malta Town Supervisor 

• Scott Ostrander, Milton Town Supervisor 

• Maggie Fronk, CEO, Wellspring 

• Dan Yetto, President, Saratoga County PBA 

• Katherine McNeice, Chief Innovation Officer, CAPTAIN Community Human Services 

• Linda Campion, Victims’ Advocate 

“The challenges we face require solutions that cross party lines and professional boundaries,” Eby said. “This bipartisan coalition embodies the spirit of partnership that will guide the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office into the future.” 

The Transition Team will focus on reviewing internal operations, strengthening community partnerships, assessing policy priorities, and preparing recommendations to support the implementation of Eby’s initiatives upon taking office in 2026.