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Saratoga Builders Association Donates $66,000 from the 2025 Showcase of Homes to Local Charities

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

From Left to Right: Lisa Licata, Managing Broker of Sterling Real Estate Group & Showcase Co-Chair; Sharon Horton, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties; Matt Whitbeck, Whitbeck Construction & President of Saratoga Builders Association;  Michelle Larkin, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Saratoga County; Barry Potoker, Executive Director of Saratoga Builders Association & Showcase Co-Chair

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Saratoga Builders Association is thrilled to present proceeds totaling $66,000 from the 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. The Saratoga Builders Association is proud to announce that the total contribution to our local charities from this area’s premiere new home tour event over the past 29 years is now nearly $1.7 million dollars.

The 2025 edition of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes had 12 homes from 10 builders on tour this year – Abele Homes, Beechwood Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders (2), DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Green Springs Companies (2), Heritage Custom Builders, Kodiak Construction, Urvalek Builders and Witt Construction. 

Congratulations to our People’s Choice Award Winners – Classic Home – Abele Home; Executive Home – DeGraff-Bloom Custom Builders; Luxury Home – Urvalek Builders; and Estate Home – Witt Construction. 

This year’s event once again attracted over 3000 visitors to these beautiful new homes, which were on display over two weekends. In what has become a fall tradition in our area, the Saratoga Builders Association is dedicated to this long running show continuing to be an important part of the autumn season 

About the Showcase of Homes

This annual community event is only made possible with the generous support of over 75 corporate and media sponsors, and especially the visitors who purchased tickets for the tour. The 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes celebrated 29 years of exceptional homes and was held on the weekends of October 4-5 and 11-12. All the homes were conveniently located in Saratoga County and the proceeds benefited two local charities – Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. For more details on the homes, builders, award winners, and virtual tours of the homes, please visit the interactive website at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

About the 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, please visit www.saratogabuilders.org or contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518.366.0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org.

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Presents Giving Tuesday

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation on Giving Tuesday, December 2 at 7 PM, for “Healing Waters to the Arts: The Story of the Spa Little Theater,” a virtual program by Carol Godette, local author, and Christopher Shiley, President of Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Carol describes the history of the Spa Little Theater, located in the heart of the Saratoga Spa State Park, as being “a 1,000-piece puzzle – intricate, layered, and only fully understood once all the pieces are assembled.” 

In 1935, the building opened as the auditorium for the Simon Baruch Research Institute, a mineral-water laboratory. The venue was used as a place to share findings from the Institute’s clinical study with physicians and the public. By 1946, the auditorium was regularly home to theatrical performances, under a variety of production company names. Carol Godette will share stories from three particularly memorable periods, including those who graced the stage of this historic theater over the years, and Christopher Shiley will share SPAC’s plans to restore and renew the space.

“Each year Carol brings a special place in Saratoga Springs to life. There is no doubt she will do the same this year! I hope people will enjoy learning about the Spa Little Theater and be inspired to contribute to support our mission,” said Executive Director Samantha Bosshart.

Giving Tuesday, the Global Day of Philanthropy following Thanksgiving, is an opportunity to connect, support, and invest in our communities. This virtual program will take place via Zoom for a suggested donation of $10 or more. To register, 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 Springs Man Arrested for Road-Rage Incident

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

A Saratoga Springs man has been arrested after he shot a less-than-lethal pistol at another driver during a road-rage incident. 

Landon Spring-McCarty is alleged to have shot at another vehicle with the pistol during a road rage incident on Nov. 16 on Interstate 87 near Grooms Road in Clifton Park, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. 

A projectile from the pistol struck the other vehicle. At the time of the incident, a minor was present in Spring-McCarty’s vehicle. 

Spring-McCarty was charged with 1st degree reckless endangerment, 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. Spring-McCarty was arraigned in Clifton Park Town Court and released to pretrial services pending further charges. 

Beware of Scammers: County Issues Warning

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office have both put out warnings regarding scammers impersonating their officers.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning regarding scammers impersonating their deputies after a resident was scammed out of $10,000. 

The scam occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 12. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the person was contacted by an unknown individual who left a voice mail. Upon the victim recontacting the alleged scammer, the victim was told they had a warrant out for their arrest for missing jury duty. 

The victim was then threatened with arrest, loss of custody of their children and harm if they didn’t get the money. After receiving these threats, the victim paid $10,000 to the scammer through Apple Pay. 

“Scammers are exceptional at creating a false sense of urgency in people,” Saratoga County Sherriff Micheal Zurlo said. “That urgency should be the first clue that something is off. Slow down and take the time to call us before taking any action. It could save you from a significant financial loss and major emotional impact.” 

The incident came one day before the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York issued a warning regarding scams impersonating the Department of Justice. 

According to their notice, the scammers focus on immigration-related matters and threaten victims if their demands aren’t met. They also spoof the phone number to appear as though they’re affiliated with the government. 

In light of these scams, both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office asserted that they would never contact someone to demand money under any circumstances. In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that they would never ask for payment in the form of gift cards or ask someone for their credit card information. 

They also listed numbers to call should you be the target of one of these scams. For the Sherriff’s Office, residents are encouraged to call (518) 885-6761 and for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, residents can call 315-448-0672. 

While scams impersonating government aren’t new, it has been getting worse. The FBI Internet Crime report found that in 2024 there were 17,367 reports of government impersonation scams, compared to 14,190 in 2023 and 11,554 in 2022. These scams cost the victims $405,624,084 in 2024 — compared to $394,050,518 in 2023 and $240,553,091 in 2022. 

In July, a scammer from Brooklyn targeted an elderly couple by claiming to be from Citizens Bank and stole $80,000 from them. 

Ballston Spa Man Charged with causing intentional Crash

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

A Ballston Spa man has been arrested after Deputies say he intentionally drove into oncoming traffic. 

William Casertino-Collins was arrested on Nov. 16 in the town of Galway. The arrest came after a crash on Jockey Street in which Casertino-Collins is accused of steering his car into oncoming traffic. He has been charged with two counts of reckless endangerment. 

After the crash, Casertino-Collins was transported to Saratoga Hospital for evaluation and treatment. He was arraigned in Galway town court and released to pre-trial services.

The driver of the other vehicle was treated for minor injuries and released at the scene. The passenger was not injured in the accident. 

Saratoga Springs Principal Resigns after Stealing from Union

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

A Saratoga Springs principal has resigned after an investigation found that he stole thousands of dollars from a union he was a member of.  

Scott Singer, principal of Maple Avenue Middle School, resigned on Nov. 13 after pleading guilty to charges of petit larceny stemming from allegations that he stole $12,298.63 from the Saratoga Administrators Association (SAA). At the time of the theft, Singer served as the treasurer of the SAA. 

According to the criminal complaint, the theft was first uncovered by Johanna Friedman, an Assistant Principal at Saratoga Springs High School and the current treasurer of the SAA. In a deposition supporting the complaint, Friedman said her suspicions began when Singer closed an account run by the SAA — despite her requests not to — and subsequently deposited a check for $3600 into the account. 

These suspicions led Freidman and Kevin Wolpert, the SAA co-president and Saratoga Springs High School Assistant Principal to begin investigating Singer’s actions as the union’s treasurer dating back to the start of his term in 2019. It was during this investigation that they found multiple cash withdrawals and checks made out to Singer which he signed for himself.

“Scott made unauthorized cash withdrawals and checks to himself from our association’s account,” Wolpert said in his deposition. “The potential number of misappropriations and unauthorized withdrawals amounts to $12,298.63. Scott appears to have attempted repayment but owes the association up to $4,682.03.”

Singer’s resignation was accepted by the Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education on Nov. 13. In an email to parents, Superintendent Dr. Micheal Patton announced the resignation and asserted that the allegations were not related to his work at the school. 

“In October, the district became aware of concerns regarding Mr. Singer’s conduct in his role as an elected official of the Saratoga Springs Administrators Association,” Dr. Patton said in the email.  “These concerns were unrelated to his responsibilities as a building principal, his interactions with students, staff, or any misuse of district or taxpayer funds.” 

Singer first joined the Saratoga Springs School District in 2002 as a special education teacher and served as a social studies teacher and assistant principal for both the middle and high school. He’s also served as the Treasurer of the New York State Middle School Association since 2019. 

As for Maple Avenue Middle School, on Nov. 19, the Saratoga Springs City School District announced that Mark Fish will take over as the interim principal from Dec. 1 to April 2, 2026. 

 Mark Fish  (seen here) will serve as interim principal of Maple Avenue Middle School after long-time principal Scott Singer resigned 
( Courtesy of Saratoga City School District)

Fish previously served as the Superintendent of Greenwich Central School District and most recently served as Interim Superintendent of Galway Central School District from January- July 2025. Fish is also listed as the historian for the New York State Middle School Association.

“We are very confident that Mr. Fish’s extensive middle school leadership experience will provide strong support for our students, staff, and school community during this time of transition,” The announcement said. 

Veitch to Serve as CEO of Saratoga County Capital Resource Corporation

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Ray O’Conor, Chief Executive Officer; Jeffrey Reale, Chief Financial Officer; and Lori Eddy, Administrative Secretary of the Saratoga County Capital Resource Corporation (SCCRC) were recognized recently by the SCCRC board of directors for their twelve years of service. All three members of the management team will retire from their respective roles at year end 2025.

During their years of service, SCCRC has supported several Saratoga County not-for-profit organizations by issuing more than $400 million in tax exempt bonds for capital projects related to health care, education and affordable housing. The organization provides grants to local not-for-profit organizations as well.

Succeeding O’Conor as CEO will be Matthew Veitch, long time Saratoga County Supervisor from Saratoga Springs. O’Conor chose not to run for reelection this year. Michael Sharp will serve as the new CFO and Katherine Tiedemann has been appointed to the position of Administrative Secretary.

Founded in 2012, The Saratoga County Capital Resource Corporation is a local not-for-profit development company that provides low-interest rate tax-exempt financing, as well as grants, to not-for-profit organizations serving Saratoga County.

2026 Town of Saratoga Calendars Now Available

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The 2026 Town of Saratoga calendars featuring pictures from days gone by in the villages of Schuylerville and Victory Mills and in the surrounding areas are now on sale.  Calendar pages are sprinkled with nearly 150 historical tidbits.  

The photos include the Schuylerville Central football team winning the 2024 NYS class C Football champion title at the Dome in Syracuse, Victory Mills Fire Department truck and firemen, Stewart’s store on Broad Street in Schuylerville about 1950, the old Baptist Church in Schuylerville, the Saratoga Victory Manufacturing Company in Victory Mills, the trolley bridge over Fish Creek, and six other pictures from the Town’s past.

You will learn when Schuylerville athletic teams won championships, when the Schuylerville Central School system was formed, and when the Town of Saratoga was established.  Other tidbits include when the First Baptist Church closed, when coasting on Schuylerville streets was banned, when Burgoyne surrendered the entire British army, and when the Saratoga National Cemetery was dedicated.

Calendars may be purchased for $6.00 in Schuylerville at Byron’s Market, Saratoga Apple, Schuylerville Public Library, Schuylerville Village office and at the Town Clerk’s office or at the Old Saratoga Mercantile and Olde Saratoga Home and Garden on Route 29 and from Pat Peck. The Old Saratoga Historical Association has produced the Town of Saratoga calendar for the past 41 years to help folks understand and appreciate the town’s history. Call Pat Peck, 518-584-4129, to arrange to have calendars mailed and to offer photos for the 2027 calendar.                                                                             

Saratoga County Tourism Tops $900 Million in 2024 Visitor Spending

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Discover Saratoga, the official Tourism Promotion Agency of Saratoga County, is proud to announce the results of the 2024 tourism impact study conducted by Tourism Economics, which reflects another year of strong growth and economic significance for Saratoga County and the Capital-Saratoga region. 

In 2024, the Capital-Saratoga region generated $2.8 billion in visitor spending, supporting 35,879 local jobs – with Saratoga County alone accounting for over $900 million or 32% of all regional tourism sales.

2024 marked Saratoga County’s first year as the Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA), and in that inaugural year, Discover Saratoga achieved meaningful results through strategic marketing, media engagement, and innovative visitor experiences.

Tourism generated $47 million in local taxes and $51 million in state taxes across the Capital-Saratoga region in 2024. Without these contributions, each household would need to pay an additional $961 annually to maintain the same level of government services.

“Tourism continues to be one of Saratoga County’s strongest economic drivers,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “As the official Tourism Promotion Agency, Discover Saratoga has worked tirelessly to elevate our destination’s visibility and strengthen our local economy. From innovative media platforms to partnerships that spotlight our community, we’re proud of what we’ve built together – and we’re just getting started.”

In 2024, Discover Saratoga connected with travelers through dynamic storytelling and digital engagement. Highlights include:

• An 88% increase in website visitors that reached over 13 million.

• The hosting of 23 media members, generating 49 total media placements and over 708 million media impressions 

• The launch of Destination Saratoga: All Access podcast, The Inside Track YouTube series, and TrueOmni digital kiosks to enhance visitor experience and community exposure.

Looking ahead, Discover Saratoga remains focused on innovation and collaboration, especially as the region prepares to commemorate America’s Turning Point™ during the Saratoga 250th anniversary in 2027 – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to share Saratoga’s national significance with the world.

Local Congresswoman Announces Run for Governor

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

Elise Stefanik has announced she will challenge Governor Hochul in the 2026 election (Official Portrait).

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-22) has announced she is running for governor in 2026 against incumbent Kathy Hochul. 

The announcement came on Nov. 7, three days after the municipal elections in the state. In her statement and announcement video, Stefanik attacked the incumbent and highlighted affordability as one of the top issues. 

“Kathy Hochul is the Worst Governor in America,” The opening line of her statement read. “Under Kathy Hochul’s failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery prices crushing hardworking families.” 

Stefanik’s Congressional District encompasses the northern half of Saratoga County. The entire town of Saratoga and the majority of Wilton fall within the district on the eastern side of the county while everything north of and including the Towns of Greenfield and Providence falls within the district in the west. 

Stefanik, 41, has served in Congress since first being elected in 2014. At the time of her election, she was the youngest member of the House of Representatives. Prior to serving in Congress, she worked for then President George W. Bush’s administration from 2006-2009 as well as her family’s business in Essex County, according to official biographies. Stefanik lists her home as being in Schuylerville. 

In Congress, Stefanik serves the House Armed Services Committee, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. She previously served as Conference Chair for the House GOP and had been nominated to be the US Ambassador to the United Nations. 

In 2024, the most recent election, Stefanik beat her Democrat challenger Paula Collins with 62% of the vote. Prior to announcing her run for Governor, Stefanik raised $1,980,190.47 for her run for reelection in the House of Representatives. 

After announcing her run for Governor, Stefanik quickly received the backing of most county Republican Committees in the state — including Saratoga County — as well as several elected officials. State Senator James Tedisco, who represents Saratoga County, offered his endorsement as did Assemblywoman Marry Beth Walsh. 

If Stefanik earns the nomination, she will be the first woman to run as the Republican Party nominee for New York Governor.