Kelly’s Angels has announced the launch of the “Hugs for Horses and Healing” grant program. This new charity effort was developed in response to the devastating barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track last month that killed 17 horses and affected members of the local racing community. 

“For those in the racing community, horses are much more than competitors—they are companions and members of the family,” said Mark Mulholland, president and founder of Kelly’s Angels. “The loss experienced by owners, trainers, drivers, grooms, caretakers, and stable staff is profound. Through Hugs for Horses and Healing, we hope to offer comfort, support, and a reminder that our community stands together during difficult times.” 

The June 16th fire destroyed a backstretch barn at the Saratoga harness facility. No human lives were lost, but the incident left a deep emotional impact on horsepersons throughout the region. 

Kelly’s Angels will provide grants to those directly affected by the loss of a horse in the fire to be used for rest, relaxation, self-care, and meaningful experiences that offer comfort and renewal. 

Applicants will be asked to describe: 

• Their connection to the horse(s) lost 

• The emotional impact of the loss  

• Any resulting financial challenges 

• How a grant would support their healing and recovery 

Applications will be accepted through September 30, 2026, reviewed confidentially, and grants will be awarded based on need and available funding. 

“The Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association has long supported Kelly’s Angels, making this initiative an opportunity for us to give back to a community that has given so much to others facing grief and adversity,” added Mulholland. 

To apply for a Hugs for Horses and Healing grant, please visit www.kellysangelsinc.org/horses.

Ever drive down a road and think that the road needs to be fixed? 

Well, if you happened to be driving down one of these streets then it will be fixed this coming week!

Here is the paving update for the week of July 20.

• Elm Street from West Circular Street to Oak Street will be milled on Monday, July 20.

• Walnut Steet from West Circular Street to Oak Street will be milled on Monday, July 20.

• Benedict Street from West Circular Street to Grand Avenue will be milled on Monday, July 20. 

• West Avenue from Congress Avenue to 290 West Avenue will be milled on Tuesday, July 21.

• Bensonhurst Avenue from Washington to Division Streets will be milled on Tuesday, July 21.

• West Avenue from Congress Avenue to 290 West Avenue will be paved on Wednesday, July 22.

• Bensonhurst Avenue from Washington to Division Streets will be paved on Wednesday, July 22.

• Elm Street from West Circular Street to Oak Street will be paved on Thursday, July 23.

• Walnut Steet from West Circular Street to Oak Street will be paved on Thursday, July 23.

• Benedict Street from West Circular Street to Grand Avenue will be paved on Thursday, July 23.

Work begins at 6:00 a.m. and should be completed by 4:00 p.m. Street parking and thru traffic is restricted on days when work is to take place.

The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists to expect alternating lane closures along State Route 4 between Ferry Lane and State Route 32 in the Village of Stillwater, Saratoga County to facilitate pavement resurfacing. Flaggers will control alternating traffic flow through the open lane. 

Motorists should anticipate travel delays and build extra travel time into their schedules. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

The Departnment of Transportation hasn’t confirmed when ths work will take place or how long it will take place. 

An earlier release said that the work will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., beginning Thursday, July 9, through mid-August but that has since been changed to “To be Determined”

Pitney Meadows Community Farm invites the community to gather on Tuesday, August 4th from 5:00pm-9:00pm for an extraordinary open-air, expeditionary dining experience, bringing together local food and music, live-fire cooking, and community to commemorate the farm’s tenth anniversary.  

This year’s theme, “Ten Years Together. Generations Ahead”, reflects both a celebration and a commitment. Over the past decade, Pitney Meadows Community Farm has grown into a place where agriculture, education, recreation, conservation, and community come together to nourish people and steward the land. 

Fire Feast, the farm’s largest annual fundraiser invites neighbors, farmers, producers, chefs, and supporters to gather, share an exceptional meal, and celebrate the relationships that have shaped the farm over the past decade and will continue to sustain it into the future.

“Ten years ago, Pitney Meadows was founded on a bold belief: a community farm could nourish not only bodies, but an entire community,” said Brooke McConnell, Executive Director of Pitney Meadows Community Farm.  “Fire Feast is more than a celebration of an incredible meal… it is a celebration of the people, partnerships, and shared commitment that have shaped the past ten years. As we look ahead, it is also an invitation to grow with us and help cultivate the next decade of impact together.”

In partnership with Farmstead Catering at Echo Farm, owned by Gansevoort-native Dillon Klepetar, Fire Feast offers an immersive farm-to-table dining experience unlike any other in the Capital Region. 

Every ingredient featured throughout the evening will be locally sourced, with the great majority coming directly from the fields and pastures of Pitney Meadows Community Farm and Echo Farm. In addition, Pitney Meadows is using the event to elevate some other sustainable regional producers, including Featherbed Lane Farm, Sugar House Creamery, North Country Creamery, Mace Chasm Farm, and Norumbega Farm Oysters, creating a menu that reflects the peak of the growing season and the abundance of local agriculture. 

Guests will enjoy a welcoming spread of farm-crafted appetizers before exploring six live-fire cooking stations featuring renowned chefs from across the Northeast. Throughout the evening, each chef will prepare dishes over open flame, transforming seasonal vegetables, pasture-raised meats, sustainable regional seafood, and peak-summer ingredients into unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the connection between the land, the farmer, and the plate. 

Featured chefs include Nina Livellara, Michele Hunter, Brent Campbell, Brandon Shatko, and Kevin Sprouse, each bringing a unique culinary perspective while sharing a commitment to local ingredients and outstanding guest experiences. Menu highlights will include (subject to change) whole pig asado, flame-roasted vegetables, and other seasonal creations inspired by the harvest. Learn more about this year’s Fire Feast chefs at www.pitneymeadows.org/chefs. Full menu is available on our website at www.pitneymeadows.org/fire-feast/menu. 

“Fire Feast begins long before the first sparks fly,” said Dillon Klepetar, Farmer, Founder, and Manager of Farmstead Catering at Echo Farm. “It begins in the soil, with the people who steward this land and refuse to take the easy road. The relationships and community that make local agricultural livelihoods possible are home at Pitney Meadows. Creating a diverse meal to help celebrate 10 years is an honor for our collaborative team”

As the sun sets over the farm, guests will enjoy local libations provided by Druthers Brewing Company, Bars Without Boundaries, One With Life Organic Tequila, Hamlet & Ghost, Albany Distilling Company, First Fill Spirits, and Old Tavern Farm Winery at open bars and live music from Tops of Trees, an original Rock & Soul ensemble from Upstate New York known for their energetic performances blending classic R&B, funk, blues, and soul.

Fire Feast offers a relaxed and joyful atmosphere where guests can wander the grounds, connect with neighbors, meet the chefs and farmers behind the meal, and savor the abundance of the season. Attire is farm chic. Pitney Meadows recommends comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for grassy, unpaved terrain. Fire Feast is a rain-or-shine event, and all ticket sales are final.

Saratoga Casino Hotel, in partnership with the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, will host a special fundraising event on Saturday, July 11 to benefit those impacted by the recent barn fire.

The fundraiser will take place during the opening night of Sunset Saturdays, Saratoga Casino Hotel’s weekly summer celebration featuring live harness racing, local food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment.

A highlight of the evening will be a silent auction, open from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., offering guests the opportunity to bid on a variety of exclusive experiences and prizes, including:

• Clubhouse Box for Travers Day – Front Row Finish Line

• Two Premium Tickets to the Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots on December 6, 2026 (Row 13, 42-yard line)

• Golf Foursome at Saratoga National and $200 Dining Gift Certificate to Heritage

• Autographed sports memorabilia

• And many more exciting items

“Our harness racing community has always come together in times of need,” said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “We hope this event provides meaningful support for those impacted by the barn fire while giving our guests an opportunity to make a difference.”

Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase the T-shirt specially designed by NYRA to support those impacted by the fire. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to support the affected trainers, staff and backstretch workers at the harness track.

A Moreau man has been indicted on 26 criminal charges after he allegedly assaulted a victim multiple times over a five-month stretch in 2025. 

Mark Sabo, 60, of Moreau is alleged to have repeatedly subjected the victim to multiple assaults between August and December 25. The assaults took place in a residence on Reynolds Road. 

According to Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby, over that period, Sabo allegedly used several different implements including a blow torch, power drill, knife, and fire poker. In addition, Sabo is alleged to have repeatedly held a gun to the victim’s head and at one point fired the weapon to demonstrate that the weapon was loaded. 

“This indictment reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the extraordinary work of the investigators and prosecutors who brought this case before the Grand Jury,” said Eby. “I commend the members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and my office for their commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of the victim.”

Of the 26 charges, only five of them came at the time of the arrest. Of those five charges, two were related to the alleged five ounces of cocaine found on Sabo at the time of his arrest, one charge was for assault, one was for menacing and one was for possession of a weapon. 

The remaining 21 charges, made after Sabo was arrested, include several additional counts of assault, weapons possession, sexual abuse, criminal mischief, weapons possession, harassment and drug-related offenses.

Thus far, Sabo has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is due back in court on July 16. 

The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum invites the public to America 250: Colonial Herb Gardens—Gardens that Shaped a Nation, an engaging program exploring how herb gardens sustained colonial families and shaped everyday life in early America. 

Participants will discover the essential roles herbs played in daily life and self-sufficiency during the colonial era. Following the presentation, guests are invited to tour the Ricks Memorial Herb Garden and enjoy light refreshments.

Presenter Janis Fallon is an herbalist and Rensselaer County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. She has completed several 10-month herbal apprenticeships with renowned herbalist and author Rosemary Gladstar. With decades of experience growing herbs and preparing herbal remedies, Fallon brings extensive knowledge and an engaging enthusiasm for sharing the history and practical uses of herbs.

The program will be held at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, on Sunday, July 26, at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is recommended.

For more information or to register, contact the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum at (518) 885-4000 or visit BrooksideMuseum.org.