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Oh Crepe!

Written by John Reardon on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Hello my foodie friends!

Do you often crave for something sweet? Why not try a crepe? When we think of Crepes, we often think of French cafes and light, rolled crepes filled with Nutella, bananas, and sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Did you know that many countries around the world have their own version of a crepe-like pancake?  Though many cultures eat their version of crepes for breakfast, some are more of a savory treat and can be shared at dinner.  

What is a crepe? A crepe is a thin pancake that can be filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Also, it’s even better when topped with Nutella, bananas, or strawberries. Once you try a crepe, you’ll be hooked. They’re light, fluffy, and downright delicious!

What is the history of crepes?  Based on deBuyer.com which is the company we use for the crepe pans we carry at Compliments to the Chef: 

Crepes have been around for centuries and have a long and rich history. The earliest known crepes date back to the 12th century when they were made with buckwheat flour and water. These simple crepes were known as galettes and were popular among peasants in France and Belgium. In the 14th century, crepes began to be made with milk and eggs, making them richer and more flavorful. By the 16th century, crepes were widely available in Parisian markets and were enjoyed by all social classes. Crepes are still popular, with both savory and sweet versions enjoyed worldwide. Whether you want them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there’s no denying that crepes are deliciousand versatile food.

How Are Crepes Made? Crepes are made from a batter of eggs, milk, flour, and melted butter. They are often cooked in a special crepe pan or flat griddle. Traditionally, the batter is poured into the center of the pan and then quickly rotated so that it spreads out evenly in a circle. Once cooked, the crepes are typically served with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. Nutella and fresh fruit are popular choices, but crepes can also be filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables (debuyer-us.com). 

At Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, we carry de Buyer and Nordic Ware crepe pans. If you are looking for the perfect fry pan to make crepes, pancakes, or tortillas, we have it: from the traditional blue steel crepe pan to nonstick or carbon steel, we have the material made for you. Try something different if you are looking for a light, savory, or sweet idea. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”.


Take Care, John & Paula

Boho Chic Boutique Closed

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business, Uncategorized.

Saturday May 23— After eight years in the community, Boho Chic Boutique is forced to close their doors. The building it operates under, which has been for sale for nine months, sold to new ownership earlier this month. The new owners had no intention of renewing Boho Chic’s lease and gave owner Carrie VanDerhoof a fifteen-day eviction notice on Saturday, May 16. “Of course we are disappointed, we have been here for eight years, and no one communicated with us” said VanDerhoof.

Located on Front Street in Ballston Spa, Boho Chic gave local artists a platform to share their art with the community. The boutique gave residents and visitors a chance to support small artists while purchasing sustainable, locally made art instead of mass-produced products.

It was a celebration of the local community Boho Chic had garnered over their eight years of business on Saturday. VanDerhoof wrote on Facebook, “There are not enough words to summarize my feelings, my gratitude, my sadness, my joy, my love for this beautiful family we have cultivated.” 

The short notice barely gave VanDerhoof time to process that her time at the Ballston Spa storefront has come to an end. Left with plenty of inventory on the final day of operation, be on the lookout for pop-up shops around the Ballston Spa community. 

When asked about what’s next for Boho Chic Boutique, VanDerhoof is not going to rush into a new brick-and-mortar storefront. “I need to walk into the space and feel right, Boho Chic is an expression of art, and the space needs to represent that.” Be sure to follow Boho Chic Boutique on Facebook for future developments. 

Maria Chindamo Harrison 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries, Uncategorized.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Maria Chindamo Harrison, 96, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Saratoga Hospital.

Maria was born in Loja, Ecuador, on June 8, 1929. She grew up with her mother, Balbina Suarez, her sister Philomena, and her brothers Juan and Pablo. In 1952, she moved to Virginia to attend Averett College. After completing her studies, she relocated to Manhattan, New York, where she worked at Fiduciary Trust and New York Hospital. Maria would often visit her friend Haiti in Queens NY. It was through Haiti that she met Joseph Chindamo, who would become her husband. After two years of courtship, they married in 1958. Maria embraced her new family and its traditions, including learning to cook Italian dishes with the help of her mother‑in‑law and sister‑in‑law. She and Joseph welcomed their first son, Frankie, in 1959; their second son, Stephen, in 1963; and their youngest, Robert, in 1964.

In 1960, Maria and Joseph purchased their first home in Howard Beach, Queens, where she lived until 2009. During the 1960s, she worked as a Doctor’s Receptionist before transitioning to education. In 1972, she became a Resource Center Coordinator at Beach Channel High School in Rockaway, New York, a position she held until her retirement in 1992. The family’s life in Howard Beach was marked by stability and community until Joseph’s death from cancer in 1981. In 1984, while still teaching at Beach Channel, Maria met Bill Harrison, who would become her second husband. Maria and Bill moved to Saratoga Springs in 2009 and remained together until Bill’s passing in 2014.

Maria and Bill traveled the world on the People2People student ambassadorship program, introducing hundreds of young people to cultures around the globe. She was also the editor of the newsletter for the United Nations Women’s Guild, where she met with diplomats, ambassadors, and first ladies. Maria later served as Director of Protocol for the AirlineAmbassadors.com, where she would want charitable donations to be sent. She was featured prominently in the book, Wings of Love, by Nancy Rivard, president of the Airline Ambassadors. 

In Saratoga Springs, Maria quickly became an active and recognizable presence. She served on the board of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and helped organize numerous charitable events. As a member of the local garden club, she contributed to beautification efforts throughout the city. She was also a devoted parishioner at St. Clement’s Church, faithfully attending the Sunday 4 p.m. Mass. Known for her elegance and sociability, Maria enjoyed attending galas, brunches, and the Saratoga Race Track with her close friends, who were affectionately known around town as the “Glam Squad.”

Maria is survived by her sons Stephen and Frankie, and by her grandchildren, Sara and Robert. She endured the loss of her youngest son, Robert, in 2000, a grief she carried with quiet strength. Throughout her long life, Maria was defined by her generosity, her resilience, and her ability to form lasting connections. Her presence will be deeply missed by her family and by the many people whose lives she touched.

A viewing was held on Thursday, May 28 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373). A funeral Mass will take place Friday, May 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Clement’s Church. Maria’s ashes will be interred with those of her beloved son Robert at Mount Saint Mary Cemetery in Flushing, New York.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

School Board Election results: Voters Pass all Budgets in Saratoga County.

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Education, Uncategorized.

Note: in the May 22 edition of the paper, Saratoga TODAY ran a graphic on the front page showing that budget resolutions in Galway failed. This was meant to reflect that voters in Galway rejected a capital budget proposal for the purchase of an electric bus as it was the only such proposal in Saratoga County to be rejected by voters. The graphic does not reflect all budget proposals on the ballot in Galway such as those that dealt with the operational budget and other capital expenses, which were passed by wide margins. We apologize for any confusion caused by the graphic.

Voters in Saratoga County have once again gone to the polls and cast their votes, this time to approve budgets for Saratoga County’s 12 school districts.

While voters overwhelmingly approved all budgets, the decision to purchase electric buses turned out to be somewhat more controversial, with Ballston Spa approving a measure to purchase a bus by less than 100 votes and Galway rejecting the proposal outright.

From buses to libraries, here is a snapshot of School elections in Saratoga County.

Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Springs overwhelmingly passed its two resolutions on the ballot. The first of these resolutions was the budget which totaled $166,095,679 and increased the tax levy by 3.85%. It funded programs such as girls wrestling and upgrades to facilities. This measure was passed by a vote of 1526 to 509.

The second measure was a ballot initiative which would have the school district issue $2,413,000 in bonds to purchase eight 70 passenger buses, five 30 passenger buses and three SUVs with state aid reimbursing 40% of the cost. This measure passed 1529 to 375.

The final measure on the ballot was the Board of Education election. Three people — Lauren Allen, Anita Stabrowski and Beth Braxton — ran for the three seats up for grabs. All were elected to the school board with Braxton receiving the most votes with 1567.

Ballston Spa.

In Ballston Spa the election there were four propositions on the education ballot this year. Voters overwhelmingly approved three out of the four resolutions of the ballot. The first, prop one saw voters approve of a $113,742,988 budget with a 3.9% increased tax levy. This was approved 885 to 300.

Prop two will see $1,620,100 spent to purchase and replace existing vehicles within the district. This measure was passed by a vote of 892 to 292.

Prop four was for the library. It authorized the district to collect $65,902 and contribute it to the Ballston Spa Public Library. It received the highest approval from voters passing by a vote of 991 to 194.

The final proposition, prop two, was the most controversial. It would see the district purchase a new electric bus by a vote of 624 to 559, the closest of any vote in the district. The purchase is made in advance of a state requirement that all buses purchased after June 30, 2027, be electric with gas and diesel buses phased out completely by 2035.

The final item on the ballot was electing three people to the Board of Education. The three candidates — Matthew Dreher, Katie Whittemore and Julia Routbort Baskin —were all elected to the board with Dreher receiving the most votes at 917.

Schuylerville

While Schuylerville may have had a lower turnout than Ballston Spa or Saratoga Springs, it still approved its budget by a wide margin. Prop 1, which would see a $40.8 million budget and a 2.99% increased tax levy was passed by a vote of 378 to 121.

Like Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs, it also decided to upgrade it’s fleet of buses, leasing eight 65 passenger buses for $1,334,500 across the next five years. This measure was passed 395 to 103.

Like Ballston Spa, Schuylerville also voted to approve a budget for its library with voters approving a $446,000 budget 413 to 83.

Galway

The only district in Saratoga County where voters rejected a ballot measure was in Galway. The district which covers the parts of the Towns of Galway, Providence, Milton and Charlton, passed its $27,688,682  budget by a vote of 383 to 239 and voted to purchase three diesel or gas school buses by a vote of 425 to 197.

The lone proposition voters rejected was spending $445,000 to purchase an electric school bus and charger. This provision was rejected by a majority of voters 373 to 248.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake

In the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School district voted to pass their budget $94.8 million budget by a vote of 969-383.

In addition, voters re-elected Lakshmi Nagarajan and James Ireland and elected John Shillito to the Board of Education.

Corinth

Voters in the Corinth Central School District voted to approve three ballot measures for the upcoming year. The first of these measures was a $29,905,000 budget with a tax increase of 2.6%. This measure passed by a vote of 173-99.

Like other school districts this year, the Corinth Central School District asked voters for funds to upgrade their bus fleet. Voters passed a resolution that would purchase two diesel buses at a cost of $408,276. The resolution passed by a vote of 183-88.

The final resolution voters passed was a resolution for the district to collect and distribute $89,500 to the Corinth Public Library for operating the library. Voters passed this resolution 186-84.

In addition to these resolutions, Corinth voters elected Tyler Ecuyer to the Board of Education for a five-year term.

Edinburg

The Edinburg Common School District had two resolutions on their ballot this year. The first was to approve a $4,103,800 budget with no increase in tax. This measure passed by a vote of 69-13.

Like many other school districts, Edinburg voted to approve the purchase of new vehicles. I this case, voters approved a measure to purchase a 24-seat backup handicap accessible bus for $119,000. The measure passed by a vote of 67 to 15.

In addition to the two measures, voters in Edinburg elected Christian Bills and Angela Ludwig to the Board of Education.

Mechanicville

The Mechanicville City School had two measures on the ballot. For the first measure voters voted to approve a $37,350,893 budget and a 3.4% tax levy by a vote of 306 to 120.

Like several other districts, Mechanicville voters approved upgrades to its transportation services. Voters approved the purchase of 72-passenger buses, one 30 passenger bus and a 30-seat wheelchair accessible bus at a cost of $598,000. Voters approved the purchase by a vote of 277 to 123.

In addition to the resolutions, voters elected Scott D’Ambro and Kelly Pitcheralle to the Board of Education and Dawnmarie Robens to the Mechanicville Library Board of Trustees.

Shenendehowa

Voters in the Shenendehowa Central School District, voters had two resolutions and a Board of Education election. The first of these was a budget resolution which proposed a $234,495,425 and a tax levy of 5.04%. This resolution was passed by a vote of 1887 to 648.

The second resolution focused on vehicle purchases. Voters approved the purchase of 15 66-passenger buses, six 30-passenger buses, a transportation department support vehicle, a bobcat/mower and a truck with a plow attachment at a cost of $3,697,100. Voters approved this resolution by a vote of 1907 to 626.

Shenendehowa was the only district in Saratoga County with a competitive school board race with five candidates running to fill two seats. Sarah Schanz was elected to the Board of Education, receiving 1,314 votes, and Naomi Hoffman was reelected receiving 1,151 votes. The two candidates beat Eric Leander, incumbent Patrice King and Abigail Gomes.

South Glens Falls

Only one resolution was on the ballot for the South Glens Falls Central School District — the budget. Voters passed a $76,244,314 budget and a 2.94% increase in tax levy. This measure was approved 408-173.

In addition three candidates — Haley Brashears, William Elder, and Nicholas Healy — were elected to the Board of Election.

Stillwater

The Stillwater Central School District had two resolutions. The first was the annual budget proposal which saw voters approve a $32,273,515 budget and an increased tax levy of 6.62%. The resolution was passed 221-109.

The second resolution was a $425,990 budget for the Stillwater Public Library. This resolution was passed by voters 210-120.

In addition to the resolutions, three people — Andrew Krapski, Eric Nelson, and Rachel Womble — to the Board of Education.

Waterford Halfmoon

Last but not least, in Saratoga’s southernmost district, voters in the Waterford-Halfmoon Union School District. Voters had two resolutions this year. The first was the budget vote which saw voters approve a $24,624,383 budget and a 1.4% increase in tax levy 140-48.

The second was the establishment of a capital reserve budget of $4 million over the next 10 years. This measure was passed by a vote of 138-49.

In addition to the two resolutions, voters elected Jevon Waldron, Tony Noto and Cory O’Brien to the Board of Education.

“When you get a box like this, it looks like Christmas.”  Saratoga Springs VFW Assembles 98 Care Packages for Troops Deployed Overseas

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

The VFW partnered with Adopt a Soldier to send nearly 100 care packages to troops serving abroad. Most of the boxes are destined for the Middle East or Europe (Courtesy of VFW Post 420).

While the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may be over, Saratoga Springs’ veterans aren’t forgetting those still deployed across the world. 

On May 16, the Saratoga Springs chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) filled boxes with coffee, hygiene products, snacks and other items as part of the VFW’s day of service. The boxes are being sent to troops currently deployed overseas through Operation Adopt a Soldier, a Saratoga Springs based charity that sends care packages to those overseas. 

Over 30 volunteers from the VFW, Boy Scouts, and Espey Manufacturing & Electronics filled 98 boxes to send overseas. The event started at 9:00 a.m. but volunteers worked quickly, only stopping to await more supplies to finish filling the boxes. While it’s unclear which country specifically the boxes will go to, representatives from Operation Adopt a Soldier said that based on zip codes, most will go to the Middle East or Europe. 

To fill the boxes, the VFW collected $2300 in donations and received support of Espey whose donation alone covered the cost of 58 boxes. 

Post Commander Jon Cheico. who served in the Navy on an aircraft carrier during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield said that the packages help boost morale for troops deployed overseas by giving them a little taste of home and let them know they’re not forgotten. 

“These are things that soldiers or sailors would really appreciate being deployed for such a long time overseas,” Cheico said.  “When you get a box like this, it looks like Christmas.” 

While the majority of U.S. military personnel are stationed at home in the United States, an estimated 213,315 active duty, reserve and National Guard Troops are stationed overseas, according to data from the Defense Manpower Data Center. This number does not include those on temporary assignments or deployments in support of contingency operations. 

Cheico said the decision to support Operation Adopt a Soldier came due to the War in Iran, officially named “Operation Epic Fury” by the Department of War. This Operation has killed 14 American troops — seven due to enemy action, six due to accidents and one due to illness — and injured an additional 406 service members. 

As for the VFW, The Saratoga Springs post serves 380 members, with 300 being locals and around 80 or 90 being part-year or out-of- town members. 

Looking ahead to other events, on June 24, at 6 p.m. the organization is hosting a meeting of the Saratoga County Peer to Peer Group, Saratoga County Veteran Support Officers and other VFW posts to help veterans with any issues they may have with VA benefits and claims. 

From the Editor-In-Chief

Written by Chris Bushee on . Posted in Featured, Uncategorized.

Chris Bushee,
Managing Editor of the Magazine Division & Marketing Director

I still remember the day we were all sitting around the conference table (at our first office on Case Street), discussing what to name our lifestyle magazines. Each was titled differently, coming on board at different times…our summer issue was Saratoga Experience, the fall issue was Autumn Lane, the winter issue was Snowshoes, and so on…anyway, back to that day at the office…among the chatter Cindy yells out… “How about Simply…Saratoga?”

And we all loved it!

(Cindy also coined “A Hundred Bloomin Years!” for Posie Peddler – she’s got skills!) 

Fast forward to the day when Chad announced… “Chris will be taking over the magazines.” Prior to me, whoever was the newsroom manager, also did the magazines. But as Robin said when they called me in to discuss this new role…they wanted somebody to wrap their arms around ALL the issues. (We were growing rapidly!) And I am so glad they chose me! I always tell people… I think of this job as my “calling” in life…I love being the archivist of Saratoga’s people, places and lifestyles.   

I’m sure you’ve probably also heard me say how fortunate I am to have the BEST writers, contributors, and photographers! They are the backbone of the Simply Saratoga brand, and I don’t take those relationships lightly. Without Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson approaching me to carry their articles, I’m sure we would’ve struggled to find our footing. But as our HISTORY section gained popularity, others approached me to contribute and off we went! 

One of the EARLY mags when each issue had a different SEASONAL name!
     Autumn Lane 2010
Chris’ first issue as Editor! Cover photo by Mark Bolles
     Simply Saratoga Home & Garden 2013

I love putting together every issue of SS, but I need to do a shout out for ARCHITECTURALLY SPEAKING, the home and garden feature we do with Randall Perry. This is our most requested advertiser spot – which makes me so happy, as we offer different niche magazines, to provide our advertisers with the best targeted exposure. Speaking of Randall, naturally leads into our relationship with the Saratoga Builders Association and how we love helping promote the Showcase of Homes each year! I remember when I was the one decorating those cover shots, I’m so glad I now get to hang out with Barry and Lisa and watch the pros at work! 

Honestly, we love all the events we are involved with… Saratoga Home & Lifestyle to promote the Rotary’s annual fundraiser, and Saratoga Christmas started years ago…back when we used to pass it out at the Tree Lighting, so we could all sing Christmas Carols around the tree to await the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus!   Oh, I can’t forget Welcome Home! Which was my first “project” for Chad, (working from home, before I returned to work after being home with my daughter for her first five years!). 

I wish I had room to mention each freelancer by name, as I LOVE working with all of them! (Luckily… they all know that already!) 

Cover Shoot BTS! Photo by Alice Corey
Back row, left to right:
Scot Trifilo, Dominic Palleschi Carota
Front row, left to right: Kacie Cotter-Harrigan (magazine designer, and her first issue!),
AS photographer Randall Perry, Chris Bushee and our cover girl, Liz Bishop

Okay, let’s move on to Saratoga BRIDE…

Our first wedding themed magazine was called ENCHANTED WEDDING (EW) and those early issues were such fun – we had a photo shoot for every cover! I was an advertising sales rep when I first started at Saratoga TODAY but soon started handling the Bridal Expos (Loved them, especially those RUNWAY FASHION SHOWS!!) and looking at these old issues of EW, I see I was listed as Creative Director, which made sense since I loved making every page look its best, and so looked forward to building this brand. We switched over to Saratoga BRIDE, to tighten up our branding; “Saratoga” was in every other title, so it just made sense. Looking through these back issues is like spending time with old friends – I remember the brides, the advertisers, the models – and those photo shoots – omg, these issues were so beautiful!! I’m not mentioning anybody by name, (as I’m sure I will forget somebody!), and even though we hosted photo shoots up to the pandemic (Thank you Susan Blackburn!) I feel like I’d be remiss to NOT thank Denise Eliopulos (previous owner of Something Bleu Bridal), who had the most wonderful VISION and attention to detail, creating these photo shoots that really helped build the Saratoga BRIDE brand. (Of course, her DREAM TEAM didn’t hurt any: Alayne Curtis of Make Me Fab, Tracey Buyce Photography, Samantha Nass, Rena Zeppetelli, and of course a bevy of beauties all willing to model!) 

What really struck me looking at the old issues was how many advertisers have stayed with us over the years! (Here is an alphabetized list from those first few issues!)  

Adelphi Hospitality, Anne’s Washington Inn, Celtic Treasures, Daley Hospitality,
Fort William Henry, Gideon Putnam, Impressions, Lily Saratoga, Make Me Fab, Mazzone Hospitality, N. Fox Jewelers, Queensbury Hotel, Saratoga Olive Oil, Saratoga Trunk, Something Bleu Bridal, Susan Blackburn Photography, The Mansion of Saratoga, The Posie Peddler, The Saratoga Winery 

PS… The Adelphi has only been with me for eight years, but in my head, they’ve been around forever!!

Before I wrap up this fun re-cap, I’d love to mention some of the other stuff that our readers might not know about Saratoga TODAY, such as… when our kids were young (and we still did home delivery), we would all hang out and help bag the papers. Everybody participated in Saratoga’s FLAG DAY PARADE either by walking along and passing out candy, or if the kids were too young, they sat in the float (that Mangino’s would donate and Robin and I would drive), or “commandeer” as she would say. (See more about Robin on page XX) and when any of us needed to… our sick children were always welcome to sit under our desk… Chad is the ultimate “family friendly” boss!

I have to say Thank You! to my Magazine Designer Kacie, as I’ve always said…  I’m nothing without a designer! I may know WHERE we’re going, but they know how to drive the car! I’m so lucky to have Kacie with me by my side!

One of the first issues of EW!
    Enchanted Wedding 2011
The Adelphi Hotel debut’s photo shoot by Denise Eliopulos and her dream team.
Photo by Tracey Buyce Photography.
     Saratoga Bride 2018
First issue of Saratoga Bride after rebranding. Also Chris’ first issue as Editor of SB!
Saratoga Bride 2015

Before I wrap up this fun re-cap, I’d love to mention some of the other stuff that our readers might not know about Saratoga TODAY, such as… when our kids were young (and we still did home delivery), we would all hang out and help bag the papers. Everybody participated in Saratoga’s FLAG DAY PARADE either by walking along and passing out candy, or if the kids were too young, they sat in the float (that Mangino’s would donate and Robin and I would drive), or “commandeer” as she would say. (See more about Robin on page XX) and when any of us needed to… our sick children were always welcome to sit under our desk… Chad is the ultimate “family friendly” boss!

I have to say Thank You! to my Magazine Designer Kacie, as I’ve always said…  I’m nothing without a designer! I may know WHERE we’re going, but they know how to drive the car! I’m so lucky to have Kacie with me by my side!

Something Bleu Bridal photo shoot at The Inn at Erlowest. Photos by Tracey Buyce Photography.
Saratoga Bride Fall/Winter 2024

Local Judo Athletes Shine in Senegal

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports, Uncategorized.

Melissa Myers and Ramon Hernandez Jr. pose with their Senegal hardware. Photo provided.

DAKAR, SENEGAL — Melissa Myers (30) and Ramon Hernandez Jr. (25), both from the Jason Morris Judo Center in Glenville, recently won medals at the Senegal Open, earning valuable points on the world ranking list.

Hernandez won a silver medal, making it all the way to the finals of 81kg, losing a thriller in overtime. Hernandez jumped 10 slots in the rankings, up to a career-high #85. 

Myers won a bronze medal at 70kg to move up 5 spots in the rankings to a career-high #55.

Schuylerville Teachers and Students Explore the Possibilities of Artificial Intelligence

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education, Featured, Uncategorized.


Pete Carner works with students during a lesson using the Gemini AI platform.
(Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District.)

“AI can be a helpful tool, but it should support learning—not replace it.”

That’s the guiding mindset at Schuylerville Central School District, where teachers and students alike are exploring the role artificial intelligence can play in the classroom. Over the past six months, educators have been experimenting with AI in lessons and activities, culminating in a Superintendent’s Conference Day dedicated to learning about the powerful ways these tools can support everyday teaching. One of the tools is MagicSchool, an Ed Law 2-D compliant AI platform designed with safety measures in place that suggests age-appropriate prompts and resources to support student learning.

Elementary School

Pete Carner’s 4th grade classroom utilizes thinking classroom strategies on a daily basis. This approach gives students opportunities to work in small groups on collaborative tasks, using vertical, moveable whiteboards. Students actively engage in problem-solving and discussion, creating a more student-centered learning environment. Within this structure, Carner’s 4th graders use Gemini, an AI chatbot developed by Google. In one classroom activity, students used Gemini to create a variety of mini projects based on the short story “Fireflies.” Working in small groups, students took on different creative roles, including designing Kahoot quizzes, writing poetry inspired by the story, developing a test for the class, scripting short plays, and producing character interviews.

“AI was used as a support tool to help generate ideas, outline content, and guide the creative process,” said Carner. “But ultimately, students remained responsible for refining, verifying, and presenting their final work.”

During the activity, one group discovered an error in a Kahoot question generated with help from Gemini, prompting a real-time discussion about accuracy and critical thinking. 

“It was a great learning moment,” Carner said. “Students saw firsthand that AI isn’t always accurate, and that they need to review and check their work. At the elementary level, it’s about giving students early exposure to AI so they can learn how to use it responsibly as they progress through school.”

Middle School

At the middle school level, teachers are experimenting with a variety of AI tools to enhance instruction. Seventh grade social studies teacher Rebecca Nesbitt has explored MagicSchool’s multiple translation tool to help students better understand new vocabulary. In English Language Arts classes, Kerri Brennan’s students used an AI idea generator to brainstorm and expand ideas for narrative writing assignments, while other AI tools are being incorporated throughout the unit to support writing feedback, sentence starters, literary devices, and proofreading. In addition, technology teacher Mark Belden is helping students build foundational skills through a digital literacy course, ensuring they understand how to responsibly and effectively interact with emerging technologies. 

Three Schuylerville Middle School students—Timothy Larson, Natalie Maisano, and Sandra Price—also shared their experiences using the AI platform MagicSchool. The students described the tool as helpful for brainstorming ideas, improving their writing, and gaining a better understanding of lesson topics.

Rather than viewing AI as something that simply provides answers, the students emphasized how it can serve as a starting point that helps them think through problems and strengthen their own work. 

“If you don’t understand a lesson, you can use AI to help you,” said Natalie Maisano, highlighting the tool’s role as a learning aid rather than a shortcut. “It’s there to help you improve on what you’re doing but not give you the answers.”

High School

At the high school level, English teacher Anna Flores is incorporating AI into writing instruction in several creative ways. Each fall, students are asked to write a narrative that features a monster encounter. Flores encourages those who struggle with creative writing to use an AI chatbot that asks guiding questions to help them develop ideas while still maintaining their own creative direction. She also uses AI-generated paragraphs with intentional grammar and editing mistakes to help students practice revising and identifying errors. In argumentative writing units, students use AI to generate potential counterclaims, allowing them to better understand opposing viewpoints and strengthen their own arguments.

In science classes, Tom Robinson has been experimenting with ways AI can support students as they develop ideas for projects and assignments. He encourages students to use AI as a starting point to help generate ideas or explore different approaches to a topic. In his anatomy class, Robinson has experimented with creating a study bot designed to guide students toward answers to unit essay questions without simply giving them the answer. As students build background knowledge in the unit, he plans to expand its use.

“These teachers represent just a few of the many educators in the district who are exploring how artificial intelligence can support instruction and student engagement,” said Director of Curriculum and Instruction Amy Steele-Whitney. “When used thoughtfully, AI can act as a catalyst for learning, but it should never replace the thinking and creativity that students bring to the process themselves.”

Professional Development Day

During the March 13 Superintendent’s Conference Day, K-12 teachers participated in breakout sessions focused on how they can use artificial intelligence and digital tools in meaningful ways. The day was planned and coordinated by Schuylerville Director of Curriculum and Instruction Amy Steele-Whitney, in alignment with the district’s goal for the 2025-26 school year.

Schuylerville Woman Bites Sheriff’s Office Sergeant 

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

A Schuylerville resident has been arrested after they allegedly bit a Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant. 

Naydine Sargent, 19, of Schuylerville, was arrested on the night of March 19 after Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a domestic incident on Lafayette in the Village of Schuylerville. Sargent was charged with felony 2nd degree assault and misdemeanor resisting arrest. 

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Sarent had been taken into taken into custody when she got free from handcuffs and bit a Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office sergeant on his finger, injuring him. The sergeant was treated on scene by Community EMS and later went to Saratoga Hospital for treatment and evaluation. 

Sargent was arraigned in the Saratoga Town Court and released on her own recognizance. 

Local Election Round Up: Who’s on the Ballot for Saratoga County’s Village Elections

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Well, it’s election day. Again.

In addition to the school elections in May, primary elections in June, and general elections in November, New York will have its Village elections this Tuesday, March 18. While there are nine villages in Saratoga County, only three will host contested elections this Tuesday: Corinth, Victory, and Waterford.

Of the remaining six, two villages — South Glens Falls and Galway, both have candidates running unopposed. Meanwhile, the Villages of Stillwater, Schuylerville, Round Lake, and Ballston Spa all hold their elections at different times.

For those who live in the three villages with seats on the line, here is a brief guide on where to vote and who is on the ballot.

Corinth

Voters in one of Saratoga County’s northernmost villages, Corinth, are set to elect two Village Trustees this election cycle. The two Trustees will serve for your year terms. Three candidates are running for these positions.

Here are the three candidates:

Michael Bedell (Republican) incumbent.

Charles Pasquarell (Republican)

Jennifer W. Kietzman (Advocates for Corinth)

Those who live in the Village of Corinth can vote at the Village Hall at 244 Main Street starting at noon (12:00 p.m.) until 9:00 p.m.

Victory

Sixteen miles downriver from Corinth is where the next election will take place. Voters in the Village of Victory will vote for a single Village Trustee to a four-year term. Two candidates are running for this position.

John Nazarenko (Republican)

Ray J. Kemmerling (Next Victory)

Those who live in the Village of Victory can vote at the Community Center at 23 Pine Street. Polls are open from noon (12:00 p.m.) until 9:00 p.m.

Waterford

Further down the Hudson to Saratoga County’s southernmost village is where the final contested election will take place. Voters in the Village of Waterford will select a new mayor. The new mayor will serve for four years and succeed Mayor Bert Mahoney who has served for the last 28 years. Two candidates are running to replace the longtime mayor.

Craig Falcone

Michelle Cleary Polls in Waterford are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters in districts 1 and 2 vote at the Waterford Senior Center located at 125 2nd Street while voters in district 1 vote at the Waterford Fire Department located at 13 8th Street.