SARATOGA SPRINGS —Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi released a statement April 22 to applaud the changes in the 2025 New York State Budget, which includes an increase of $50 million for Aid to Municipalities (AIM), to be allocated to cities and towns across the state. 

Saratoga Springs will receive an increase of $191,566 in 2025, raising the total aid to $1,841,267, Commissioner Sanghvi reported. 

“This is the first increase in AIM funding in 15 years. Saratoga Springs, like many communities, has been advocating for a closer look at municipal aid,” Sanghvi said in a statement. “I brought forward a resolution in March which passed 5-0, and we sent a letter to the NYS legislature and the governor to advocate for an increase. The city also joined 370 other cities, towns and villages requesting an increase.” 

Saratoga Springs had previously received about $1.6 million in aid through the AIM program, which remained flat aside from changes during the pandemic. In 2013, it was 4.25% of the city budget, and in 2023 it was just 2.7%. In that time, the city budget grew from $39.8 million to $57 million. 

“Small cities need this partnership from the state to fulfill their community responsibilities. AIM is unrestricted funds, which means it can be used wherever the city most needs it.” Sanghvi said. “I’m grateful to our governor and state legislature for their advocacy during the budget process.”

BALLSTON SPA — THE Saratoga County Board of Supervisors on April 16 approved a resolution to proclaim May as “Older Americans Month” in Saratoga County. 

This year’s theme is Powered by Connection – “offering an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the benefits of connecting with others,” according to the proclamation. 

“The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors is committed to strengthening our community by connecting with and supporting older adults, their families, and caregivers, and acknowledging their many valuable contributions to society,” according to the adopted resolution. “This Board of Supervisors proudly urges every resident to celebrate our older citizens, help to create an inclusive society, and accept the challenges of flexible thinking around aging.” 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi released a statement April 22 to applaud the changes in the 2025 New York State Budget, which includes an increase of $50 million for Aid to Municipalities (AIM), to be allocated to cities and towns across the state. 

Saratoga Springs will receive an increase of $191,566 in 2025, raising the total aid to $1,841,267, Commissioner Sanghvi reported. 

“This is the first increase in AIM funding in 15 years. Saratoga Springs, like many communities, has been advocating for a closer look at municipal aid,” Sanghvi said in a statement. “I brought forward a resolution in March which passed 5-0, and we sent a letter to the NYS legislature and the governor to advocate for an increase. The city also joined 370 other cities, towns and villages requesting an increase.” 

Saratoga Springs had previously received about $1.6 million in aid through the AIM program, which remained flat aside from changes during the pandemic. In 2013, it was 4.25% of the city budget, and in 2023 it was just 2.7%. In that time, the city budget grew from $39.8 million to $57 million. 

“Small cities need this partnership from the state to fulfill their community responsibilities. AIM is unrestricted funds, which means it can be used wherever the city most needs it.” Sanghvi said. “I’m grateful to our governor and state legislature for their advocacy during the budget process.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Pitney Meadows Community Farm will unveil its Windbreak Planting Project this weekend.

This planting project aims to protect crops, nurture ecosystems, and engage with the land in innovative ways.

Pitney Meadows, located at 223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, is welcoming the community and the general public to join them 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, to continue to bring the Windbreak to life. All levels of expertise are welcome.

Once dedicated to dairy and corn silage production, trees within the farms’ limit were actively removed to better serve the land’s purpose at the time. Currently the farm is now venturing into new land management practices, recognizing the importance of wind protection in annual cropping systems, hand-in-hand with benefits extending beyond crop shielding to water retention, pollinator support, wildlife habitat creation, and soil health improvement.

The project planting site, spanning 3.4 acres, has been carefully selected to straddle a historical watercourse, contributing to ecosystem balance and stream restoration efforts. 

To kick off the planting, 140 Environmental Education students from Saratoga Springs High School were previously invited to begin bare root planting the 1500 native tree saplings and shrubs.

The project was made possible by startup grant funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and will create a protective barrier against strong winds by strategically planting native trees and shrubs. The grant recognizes the multifaceted impact of the project, including agricultural benefits, waterway restoration, habitat creation, biodiversity promotion, and carbon storage.

To register for the Windbreak Planting Day, open to the community at large, go to: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/9qtR8pKuKmPyBplpri7qaA. 

MALTA — On April 14, Malta Veteran Appreciation Program (MVAP), in collaboration with The Solomon Organization, held a dedication ceremony at the home they remodeled and donated to Jeff August, a local military veteran. 

August served in the U.S. Air Force from 1995 through 2007 on missions including a counter drug operation.  He is currently a teacher who dedicates his time to children with special needs. 

It is the fourth home donated to servicemembers and veterans in the Malta area for their commitment to the country.

In addition to providing the pad for Jeffrey’s mobile home, Solomon Organization also contributed $1,000 to assist in landscaping, installing fencing, and other costs related to the property.

Founded in 1977, The Solomon Organization, LLC is a family-owned business owns, operates and manages more than 20,000 residential units in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. For more information on the Solomon Organization, LLC and its communities, please visit their website at www.solomonorg.com.      

MVAP is a local organization created to provide charitable support services to local veterans in Malta and the surrounding community.

For more information about how to become involved with Malta Veterans Appreciation Program call Renee Farley 518-577-8863 MaltaVETS@gmail.com or visit www.maltavets.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Automobile Museum announced its Spring Auto Show is set to take place amidst the backdrop of Saratoga Spa State Park on May 11 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

“We are delighted to host the Spring Auto Show once again in the picturesque Saratoga Spa State Park,” said Megan Hennessey, Executive Director of the Saratoga Automobile Museum, in a statement. “This event is growing every year; we hope to reach 1000 cars this year – last year we had well over 800.” 

Pre-Register your car, truck or motorcycle and receive two complementary one day tickets to the Saratoga Motorcar Auction, a $50 value. 

The Spring Auto Show is not only a celebration of cars but also a fundraiser to support the Saratoga Automobile Museum’s mission of preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting automobiles and automotive artifacts. By participating in this event, attendees will contribute to the museum’s ongoing efforts to educate and inspire future generations.

Pre-Registration is $20; day of is $25. Register for the Spring Auto Show in advance on the Saratoga Automobile Museum’s website or day of at the entrance on the day of the event. Pre-Register and receive two complementary one day tickets to the Saratoga Motorcar Auction, a $50 value.

For more information and to pre-register your car, truck or motorcycle, go to: www.saratogaautomuseum.org.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS —Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church of 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls is officially beginning as a new church. 

Formerly known as the South Glens Falls United Methodist (SGFUMC). SGFUMC disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church. MPMC has affiliated with the Global Methodist Church with a focus more on Bible-based worship.

Gathering time is at 9:45 a.m. with Sunday worship beginning at 10 a.m. Prior to Sunday worship, there is a 9 a.m. gathering called First Hour, where those attending meet in prayer and take a first look into the Scripture of the day. 

A Bible Study group meets on Tuesday mornings at 9:30, and a Prayer Group gathers Wednesday mornings at 9:30. A Sunday school is available for children during the worship service.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, along with Honorary Co-Chairs Rachel Dunn and Bill McEllen, hosts the 2024 Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, May 11. 

The event held between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes and buildings in the North Broadway neighborhood of Saratoga Springs.

Private residences on North Broadway, Greenfield Avenue, and Woodlawn Avenue will be featured. The tour will also include the former Masonic Lodge at 687 North Broadway as the “Rehabilitation-in-Progress.” 

The virtual segment of the tour features four buildings on North Broadway, three of which are on the in-person tour, as well as two other properties, including 65 Phila Street. 

In addition to the tour, the Foundation is hosting two educational programs on Saturday, May 11. 

For the Breakfast & Buildings program “Woodlawn Park,” Charlie Kuenzel will explore Woodlawn Park, today the site of the Skidmore College campus. Learn about the former immense estate of Judge Henry Hilton that included a mansion, several cottages, stables, miles of carriage trails, a lake, a boat house, a racetrack with a grandstand, and more. The program starts at 9 a.m. at Senator Edgar T. Brackett House, 605 North Broadway.

 Join Carol Godette for Lunch & Learn program “On This Spot: 628 North Broadway” where she will take a closer look at the history of the building. Learn how this 1887 Queen Anne, designed by prominent local architect R. Newton Brezee, went from being the residence of philanthropic, civic-minded leaders of Saratoga Springs to a well-respected funeral home. Program starts at noon at William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway.

 The Historic Homes Tour is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser of the year and underwrites the Foundation’s mission to promote the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs through educational programs, advocacy efforts, technical assistance, and restoration projects. 

Historic Homes Tour tickets for the in-person and virtual tours are $40 for SSPF members and $50 for non-members. Virtual tour tickets are $20 for SSPF members and $25 for non-members. Tickets for the Buildings & Breakfast and Lunch & Learn programs are $35 and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited for these educational programs and tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 8th. Visit www.saratogapreservation.org to become a member to receive event ticket discounts and support preserving Saratoga Springs.

 For more information visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030. 

SCHUYLERVILLE —The Saratoga County 250th Commission announced the 3rd Annual Women in War Symposium will be held on May 4 from 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Old Saratoga American Legion Post, 6 Clancy St. in Schuylerville. As an enhancement to the Symposium, a bus tour of historic sites will be offered May 5.

General registration for the symposium is $130 and includes a light breakfast and buffet lunch. The guided bus tour is $75 and includes a box lunch.  Those interested can register for both the symposium and tour or just one event by visiting the Saratoga250 website, www.saratoga250.com/events/annual-women-in-war-symposium. 

The Women in War Symposium features dynamic speakers who will present on topics related to the roles women played during the American Revolution. Whether patriot or loyalist, wealthy or impoverished, females were deeply affected by the war in all aspects of their lives. Additionally, exhibitors, book-signings, augmented reality demonstrations and more will be on display throughout the day. 

Departing from Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, Sunday’s event will be a curated tour with expert guide Pat Niles. The tour will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., highlighting several lesser-known stories of women in the Saratoga Campaign. 

SPEAKERS: Christine T. Valosin: Revolutionary War Women at Schuyler’s Saratoga Estate, 1775 – 1783; Friederike Baer: With the Battle of Saratoga our Misfortunes Began, Friederike Riedesel in the War for American Independence; Vincent Albert Carretta: Phillis Wheatley Peters on War and Peace; Elizabeth Mauer: Martha Washington Goes to Camp; Holly A. Mayer: Taking Fire: Margaret Corbin at Fort Washington; Bruce M. Venter: Head of Faculty and Master of Ceremonies.

America’s Turning Point is a multi-year celebration of Saratoga County’s pivotal role in the American Revolution culminating in 2027 with the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga. To register or for more information, visit www.Saratoga250.com.