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City Names McTygue Neighborhood Park in Historic Square 

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


Cherub atop fountain in Franklin Square.
Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos. 

Current signage at Franklin Square. The park will soon include new signage indicating the name of the McTygue Memorial Neighborhood Park.
Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A west side park that served as the center square of Saratoga Springs social life in the mid-19th century has been named the McTygue Memorial Neighborhood Park, in recognition of the McTygue Family’s public service to the city.

In acting to approve resolution on Dec. 3, Mayor John Safford specifically cited Michael E. McTygue (City Court Judge, 1918-1924); Charles A. McTygue (Commissioner of Public Works, 1947-1965); Thomas G. McTygue (Commissioner of Public Works, 1972-1978, 1982-2008), and William J. McTygue (Public Works Deputy Commissioner and Director, 1999-2010).

“When you talk about the depth and length of service to our community, it’s astonishing,” Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran added during the Dec. 3 meeting. 

Among the achievements noted were the restoration of the historic Canfield Casino and Congress Park, acquisition and preservation of the historic Congress Park Carousel and the creation of the Franklin Square neighborhood park. 

The park sits just west of Broadway where Division and Franklin streets meet, flanked by nearby columns and porticos of ornate 19th century design tied to Greek Revival and Victorian style of historical architectural significance. 

It is where the town’s former railroad station stood nearby and Franklin Square – “one of Saratoga Springs’ oldest and most distinguished neighborhoods,” was “a center of Saratoga Springs social life,” according to historical documents sourced at The Saratoga Room of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. 

Following an era of Victorian extravagance, a decades-long preservation effort was initiated in the 20th century, largely due to the effort of local lawyer and developer Bob Israel, a native of Newburgh who came to Saratoga Springs in 1977. Israel took to renovating multiple buildings around Franklin Square , itself created in the 1840s, according to the Glens Falls Business Journal in an article published June 1990. 

Israel subsequently approached then-DPW Commissioner Tom McTygue when the two worked out a plan to create new curbing, benches and a fence on the city-owned land, to include as its centerpiece the installation of a 100-year-old cast-iron fountain topped with a concrete replica of a Grecian cherub statue which was purchased at an auction downstate.       

The Bonacio and Robert Israel families donated just over $650 for a park plaque dedicated to the McTygue family and recognizing their service to the community.  

Note: an earlier version of this article mistakenly referred to the park’s location as being on the east side. The park is located west of Broadway, on the west side of Saratoga Springs.

Forever Evergreen: Saratoga Springs Singer Releases Holiday Album  

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.


Kelsey Dodd’s debut release – a five-song EP with a little help from friends Joel Moss, Jim Mastrianni and Cassandra Kubinski.   

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kelsey Dodd remembers being driven by her parents to dance classes since the time she was two-and-a-half years old, listening to songs and singing along with the music floating through the car speakers.  

One tune especially caught her fancy. She had some familiarity with it having heard it in her dance classes. 

“I was singing along in the back seat – ‘All That Jazz’ from ‘Chicago,’ and as my parents tell the story when that one big note comes on at the end of the song and they heard me sing, they looked at one another and said: she sounds good doesn’t she? My parents realized I had a love for singing when they heard me in the car,” Dodd recalls. 

The dance lessons continued, and vocal lessons – at the age of 7 – and acting lessons would follow. 

“Ever since I was very young, I had a natural tendency in the arts. I always just wanted to push myself further,” she says. “It’s just a normal part of my identity.” 

Today, Dodd is 17 and has recently released her debut EP. Titled “Forever Evergreen,” the release features five holiday songs – from renditions of “O Holy Night,” “Let It Snow,” and “Home For Christmas,” to the original title track. Dodd’s main collaborators throughout are Joel Moss, Jim Mastrianni and Cassandra Kubinski, and the tracks additionally feature the talents of many other local musicians – Joel Brown, Dave Maswick, Nate Giroux and Sam Zucchini, among them.  

The project began during the summer when Dodd brought a black binder with some 30 holiday songs to a meeting with EP co-producers Moss, Mastrianni and Kubinski, searching, Dodd explains, for the songs in which she could bring the most authentic emotions. “And I think we succeeded.” 

“I’ve always had a passion for singing and I really love a classic jazz sound,” says Dodd, a senior at Emma Willard School who anticipates graduating next June and furthering her education by pursuing a bachelor of fine arts in musical theater. 

“My love of that sound originated with the late, great Ella Fitzgerald – she has a quality that can never be replicated – and I love some of the current artists bringing jazz to a younger audience: Samara Joy, Laufey. I also take inspiration from people who have had a successful career on Broadway – which is my dream someday – like Barbra Streisand,” Dodd says. 

“I’ll go wherever my voice wants to lead me. I dabble in a few instruments – ukelele, piano, I just started learning to play the guitar, but my main instrument is my voice – and I’m very grateful to have it,” says the Saratoga Springs native.  “In the future I see myself auditioning for musicals in New York City, but I’m excited to continue to be learning and growing under new professors once I go to college, and hopefully continuing to work with the team I’ve been working with throughout this project to cultivate more music of my own to share more of myself,” she says. “The big dream is to be on Broadway, but that’s a million-to-one shot, so I’ll keep auditioning, putting myself out there, keep building the resume and hopefully one day I can achieve that dream.”             

Find the 5-song EP “Forever Evergreen” on CD at kelseydoddmusic.com, and hear it on any number of various streaming services by searching “Forever Evergreen Kelsey Dodd.” 

Soroptimist accepting applications by Jan. 15for Young Women Making a Difference Award 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC) is accepting applications for the 2024-25 Young Women Making a Difference Award which honors young women between the ages of 14 and 18 for their volunteer activity in the community. Volunteer actions that benefit women and girls are especially valued.  

 Application submissions are due to SISC by Jan. 15, 2025. 

The online application can be found at https://soroptimistsaratoga.org. Winners are eligible to receive up to $500 for themselves and up to $500 for the charitable organization of their choice.  For questions about the Award or the application, contact: makeadifferencesaratoga@gmail.org.  

 SISC is part of an international women’s organization with 72,000 members in 121 countries and territories. Soroptimist is a volunteer service organization with the goal of helping women and girls achieve economic empowerment.  For more information visit www.soroptimistsaratoga.org.

Sustainable Fashion, Japanese Stitching Style, “Ugly” Sweater DIY at Moreau 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

MOREAU — Moreau Lake State Park, located at 605 Old Saratoga Road in Gansevoort, is offering the following events this month. 

Saturday, Dec. 14 – Sustainable Fashion 10 a.m. 

Want to make your clothing consumption more eco-friendly but don’t know where to start? Join a Nature Center educator for a lesson on the history and cost of fast fashion, and what you can do to slow it down. This program is for ages 13+. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24 hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Saturday, Dec. 14 – Visible Mending 11a.m.

Have some holey clothes that weren’t intended to be that way? Join a Nature Center employee for a lesson on “sashiko” the Japanese stitching style of making visible mends to your clothes. This program is for ages 13+. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Sunday, Dec. 15 – “Ugly” Sweater DIY 11a.m.

Bring in an old sweater/sweatshirt OR a recently purchased one (check out local thrift shops) and join a nature center educator in making some festive clothing. Holiday adornments such as bells, felt snow and gingerbread people, and pompoms will be provided at the Nature Center. Open to All Ages. This program is $1 per child, $5 for 18+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511. 

Sunday, December 15th Full Moon Hike 5 p.m.

Join a park educator on a beginner hike and if the clouds cooperate, we’ll get to enjoy the splendor of the full “Cold” moon rising above the mountains! This hike is family friendly and well-behaved dogs on a 6 foot or shorter leash are welcome. $1 per child, $5 per adult is payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511- the earlier the better as this is a popular program and it fills up quickly.

For more information, call 518-793-0511, or go to: friendsofmoreaulake.org. 

Wilton Archaeologist Seeks Public Help Locating Colonial Shipwreck Pieces

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


A mid-18th century British sloop, shortly after it was pulled from the waters of Lake George, off the grounds of Fort William Henry.  The naval craft was burned and sank in a March 1757 raid by French forces on British-occupied Fort William Henry. 1903 Photo: A. N. Thompson.

WILTON — Maritime archaeologist and Wilton resident Joseph W. Zarzynski, is seeking the local public’s help to locate three artifacts crafted from a colonial shipwreck that were seen in a Saratoga Springs storefront over a century ago.  

The back story: in March 1757, a British warship was burned and sank off the south end of Lake George, during a French attack on Fort William Henry.  The French burned 300 bateaux (25–35 ft. long vessels) pulled up on shore, and four sloops in the water.  The garrison held out, but five months later the French returned.  After a siege of several days, the British surrendered, and the fortification was torched.  

Nearly a century-and-half later, in July 1903, a sunken sloop from the March 1757 attack was raised from Lake George by a Glens Falls entrepreneur.  The state legislature approved the recovery as long as the vessel predated the American Revolution (1775–1783), and that no state funds were used. The wooden sloop was pulled from 20 feet of water by a D&H locomotive, taken ashore, and cut up for souvenirs.  Some hull fragments were carved into household objects.

A clock case and two candlesticks were fashioned from shipwreck pieces in 1919 by W. L. Adee, a Saratoga Springs carpenter who lived on Van Dam Street.  The repurposed items, were later exhibited in the F. C. Maynard jewelry store on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

“For over 35 years, I’ve been intrigued with this unlucky vessel,” said Zarzynski, who has studied Lake George shipwrecks since the mid-1980s, and taught Social Studies in the Saratoga Springs City School District for 30 years.  “During the 1800s and early 20th century, before there was a historic preservation ethic, gavels and canes were sometimes crafted from shipwreck timbers.” 

Earlier this year, Zarzynski directed a team of volunteers who have been inventorying maritime artifacts in Fort William Henry Museum. The artifacts included hull timbers from the ill-fated French & Indian War (1755–1763) battlecraft.  Several-surviving pieces of the French & Indian War warship are in Warren County museums.

Zarzynski hopes Adee’s 1919 artifacts were passed on to a Saratoga Spring-area family member or friend or bestowed to Adee’s local Baptist church.  The maritime archaeologist would like to photograph and measure the relics to gain a better understanding about repurposing historic-ship parts.  Anyone with information on W. L. Adee or these three artifacts is asked to contact Joseph W. Zarzynski at: (zarcuws@aol.com). 

Holy Moses Tavern Opens in Wilton

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

GANSEVOORT — Holy Moses Tavern, which offers drinks and pub-style food in a rustic country setting, recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

The establishment is owned by husband-wife duo Mike and Angela Moses. They reside in Corinth, where they raised their two sons.

The tavern’s food offerings include signature nacho fries, hot dogs, pizza, salad, charcuterie board, and chicken wings. Their menu is available entirely gluten-free.

Holy Moses Tavern is located at 847 Saratoga Road Route 9 in Gansevoort.

Why Are Saratoga Springs Meetings Held In the Smaller Council Hall Rather Than the Larger Music Hall? – A Letter from City Mayor John Safford

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

It might seem like a straightforward question: Why aren’t large public forums in Saratoga Springs, such as the recent Short-Term Rental (STR) regulation meeting, held in the spacious and historic Skip Sirocco Music Hall instead of the more confined Council Hall?

The answer is multifaceted and rooted in a commitment to safety, equality, and effective public discourse.

Prioritizing Safety, Equality, and Effective Public Discourse

Three primary factors have influenced the decision to move all public meetings, regardless of size, to the Council Hall:

1. Enhanced Security: In recent years, concerns about safety at public meetings have escalated. Instances of individuals bringing weapons to council meetings have highlighted the need for stringent security measures. The installation of a magnetometer and the presence of security officers at the entrance to the Council Hall provide a secure environment for all attendees. While it’s challenging to implement such measures in the Music Hall, the Council Hall’s design and location make it easier to control access and maintain a safe atmosphere.

2. Fostering Respectful Dialogue and Free Speech: Public forums are intended to be platforms for citizens to express their views to their elected officials. While passion and differing opinions are natural, it’s essential to maintain a respectful and civil tone. The Council Hall’s acoustics and layout are more conducive to focused discussion and minimize distractions. In contrast, the Music Hall’s larger size and open layout can amplify emotions and make it difficult for individuals to express their views without fear of intimidation or disruption. The Council Hall provides a more controlled environment where individuals can speak freely without feeling intimidated.

3. Ensuring Accessibility and Record-Keeping: The Council Hall’s acoustics are better suited for accurate recording of public meetings. Clear audio and video recordings are crucial for transparency and accountability. Additionally, the Council Hall’s design facilitates accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that all voices are heard.

By prioritizing safety, fostering respectful dialogue, and ensuring accessibility, the decision to hold all public meetings in the Council Hall is a proactive step towards creating a more inclusive and productive public forum.

John Safford, Mayor

Bomb Threat at Congresswoman Stefanik’s Saratoga Home 

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA — On Nov. 27, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was informed of a bomb threat to her residence in the town of Saratoga. 

Stefanik was informed of the threat as she was driving home with her husband and three-year-old son from Washington D.C. for Thanksgiving.

“New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism,” Stefanik said in a statement. 

“We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7. We want to share our best wishes to the upstate NY community for a happy and safe Thanksgiving. We are especially grateful to our law enforcement officers and military families who are on duty over the holiday season.” 

Stefanik was elected in November to her sixth term to represent New York’s 21st Congressional District – a district which beginning in 2025 will include eastern and northern portions of Saratoga County. 

President-elect Donald Trump subsequently picked Stefanik to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations – an appointment which will require Senate confirmation in the new year. 

“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them.  These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting,’” said Karoline Leavitt, Trump-Vance Transition spokeswoman, in a statement on Nov. 27.  “In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action.”

The president-elect and the Transition are focused on “uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future. With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” Leavitt added.  

Saratoga Casino Hotel Celebrates ‘Giving Tuesday’ by Donating $130K To Local Non-Profits 

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


Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer Saratoga Casino Hotel; Officer Dean Gaetano with Lepa, a certified New York State Explosives Detection Canine; Officer Oliver Aldrich; and Skip Carlson Vice President of External Affairs Saratoga Casino Hotel, at Vapor on Dec. 3, 2024.
Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Bing Crosby & the Andrews Sisters sang a song that piped through on the overhead speakers about Santa Claus coming to town, and a Christmas tree towered over an assortment of wrapped gifts in the hotel lobby. 

A few yards away, dozens of stations boasted well-lighted games of fortune or chance, and a crimson-colored lounge provided a respite for weary legs to rest atop a pair of ottomans dressed up as die cubes, a decorative “4” and a ‘3” rolled forward, respectively.

Inside Vapor, Saratoga Casino Hotel celebrated ‘Giving Tuesday’ on Dec. 3 by donating $130,000 to 13 different Capital Region non-profit organizations during the organization’s annual ‘Make A Difference’ holiday luncheon.

“Twenty years later, this is still the event we look forward to most every year,” said Skip Carlson, vice president of External Affairs at Saratoga Casino Hotel, and the acting emcee during the event, attended by approximately 100 people.  

“Giving back to organizations that improve the lives of so many,” said Carlson, who introduced the disbursement of oversized, four-feet long checks that were bestowed upon the 13 different agencies at $10,000 each.

Representatives from each of the benefiting organizations were present to accept the donations. It would not be unfair to report that performance-wise Lepa stole the show. The 2-1/2-year-old certified New York State Explosives Detection Canine, was joined on stage at Vapor alongside members of Saratoga Springs Police Department K9 Unit. 

“There’s a special bond between a handler and his dog and the dogs are an extension of how we do our business,” said Lt. Paul Veitch, who is in charge of the K-9 unit. 

The specialized unit provides essential support to the Patrol Division in various operations, including tracking, building and area searches, item location, narcotics and explosives detection, and suspect apprehension. Handlers and their canine partners undergo a rigorous selection process, followed by extensive training to develop effective teams that are deployed in a wide range of situations.

“The K9 unit handles about 400 calls per year, that’s more than one per day. They are used routinely, and in Saratoga Springs we have four K9 units – two explosive detection dogs and two narcotic detection dogs and they are on the road almost 24/7,” explained Lt. Veitch, who was on hand to accept the $10,000 donation to the Saratoga Springs Police Department K9 Unit.   

The 13 organizations that each received a $10,000 donation are:  AIM Services, Inc.; Capital Roots; The Donna M. Crandall Memorial Foundation; Folds of Honor; Franklin Community Center; Jake’s Help from Heaven; Saratoga, America’s Turning Point; Saratoga Community Health Center; Saratoga Regional YMCA; Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar; Saratoga Springs Police Department K-9 Unit; SNACpack Program (Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children), and The Wesley Community. 

Over the past 20 years, Saratoga Casino Hotel has donated more than $3.5 million to different charitable groups in the Capital Region. Their Make a Difference initiative that started in 2004 has since been their main charitable event to honor and provide funding to local non-profit organizations.