SARATOGA SPRINGS – Andrew Ragan sits in his chair in the kitchen and studies the monitor in front of him. His eyes dart rapidly across the screen as a small camera traces their movements, transcribing his gaze and blinks into words.

“Hello,” says a computerized voice. Andrew’s voice.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – When the Saratoga Springs City Police Department cut its D.A.R.E. program in 2010, the steadfast Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council was there to fill in the gap.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathiesen held a workshop March 27 at City Hall titled “Nightlife in Saratoga Springs – Is it safe?” The workshop was aimed at Saratoga Springs residents and business owners looking to voice their opinions on whether there is or isn’t a problem with alcohol-related incidents in the downtown bar scene, and what is or isn’t being done to change those problems. Perhaps the most talked about and discussed topic was the commissioner’s proposal to change the last call hour in the city from 4 a.m. to 3 a.m. or possibly earlier.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Fitting that on the day ground was broken on a new three-storied parking garage, that the beautiful weather would draw many residents downtown – and leave nowhere to park. The ceremonial groundbreaking event was held March 20, within the now fenced-off portion of the parking lot on Woodlawn Avenue. The nice weather only served to enhance the excited mood those gathered to kick off the project all seemed to have. Construction can now begin on the $4.7 million project that will replace two-thirds of the existing parking lot, with possible expansion to the remaining third being considered for the future. The entire Saratoga Springs City Council was in attendance, as well as representatives from BCI Construction, and other city organizations.

It’s here – my last week, my last deadline, my last byline. After nearly three years with Saratoga TODAY, I am ready to launch.

WILTON – The Saratoga Regional YMCA’s board of directors has voted to approve a $7.5 million renovation to their Wilton branch that will increase the facility’s size by 35,000 square feet. Groundbreaking on the project is expected to begin soon, and is scheduled to be complete by the fall.

When you consider a synchronized sport, most of us think of swimming or diving. The Saratoga Synchronized Skating Program at the Weibel Avenue Ice Rink would like to offer you the chance to see a different side of figure skating. The Weibel Rink is the home to four synchronized figure skating teams, with skill levels ranging from beginners up to adults. The Saratoga-based club is hosting an event on March 18 called “Dancing through the Years,” from 2-6 p.m. The event will offer skating fans a chance to see the club’s synchronized skating teams in action, as well as many other performers involved with different disciplines of skating.

SARATOGA COUNTY – If it seems difficult now, just wait until next year. And the year after that. And the year after that.

SARATOGA COUNTY – The unique rewards program intro- duced by Local Living In last year has quickly gained momentum, so much so that the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County has part- nered with the Ballston Spa-based business to promote its “Think.Buy.Local” initiative.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Have you ever sat and wondered what goes into making jewelry? Consider all those small pieces and all of the intricate designs that have to be just right to satisfy the pickiest of clientele. It requires an attention to detail that some of us simply don’t possess - not to mention a steady hand, and a boatload of patience. While those traits are almost a requirement to be a successful jeweler, this particular skill set could come in handy during a number of other activities or sports.