SARATOGA SPRINGS – She’s been described by many as the “Mother Earth of Caroline Street,” as someone who is always the first to offer a helping hand and the last to ask for anything in return. When Kim Smith, the general manager at Gaffney’s Restaurant and Bar for 25 years, found out her husband, Scott, had been diagnosed with brain cancer, it was in her nature to deal with the challenge on her own. But after everything Smith and her family have done to help the local downtown community, it was only a matter of time before the couple’s friends and family rallied to their support.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - A special workshop led by Saratoga Springs Accounts Commissioner John Franck was held on the evening of Tuesday, January 31 regarding a number of issues relating to the Saratoga Springs Public Housing Authority.  The four other presiding members of the city council also joined Commissioner Franck to address several concerns with the housing authority’s director, Ed Spychalski.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Last call could be coming just a little bit earlier to bars and restaurants in Saratoga Springs, and local business owners worry that shortening downtown nightlife could have a wide reaching effect on our local economy and community.

SCHUYLERVILLE – The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership has received a $350,000 grant to create a visitor’s center located on the site of the former Saratoga Town Hall.  The partnership will couple that money with $191,000 in state funds received last month to create a new gateway visitors center, one that they’re hoping will help jump-start the local economy. The money was awarded as part of the $785 million Gov. Andrew Cuomo allotted to the state’s regional economic development councils back in December.

WILTON – Glens Falls Hospital received approval from the New York State Department of Health late last week to pursue a $600,000 expansion project at the Medical Center at Wilton, affording the facility the opportunity to meet a growing demand for services from a growing community.

SCHUYLERVILLE – The 17th annual Frost Faire at Saratoga Battlefield is scheduled for this Saturday, January 28, just in time to fight off any cabin fever. The Frost Faire is a great chance to get outside and enjoy some unique local wintertime fun.  The event, sponsored by the Town of Stillwater and Saratoga National Historical Park, kicks off at 10:30 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m.  This is a free event, with activities geared for the whole family.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs Public Library attracts over half a million visitors downtown each year, plays host to over 400 local community groups, runs approximately 800 programs open to the public, and as of 2011 can proudly boast the highest circulation numbers in its 17-year history.

WILTON – Jonathan Reid, a local menswear store, has been in business for almost fifty years outfitting weddings, proms, and other formal events. In anticipation of the upcoming prom season, Jonathan Reid will be offering free tuxedo rentals to over a dozen area school districts, in hopes those students who may not have been able to afford renting a tuxedo will be able to attend and enjoy their prom. The company feels it’s important to acknowledge the communities and patrons who have kept them around for almost half a century. 

GLENS FALLS – Less than three seasons after relocating to Glens Falls, the Adirondack Phantoms are on their way out of town.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga City Councilman John Franck had some strong words for the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners during the latest city council meeting on January 17.  The accounts commissioner told the council he has “lost his patience” with the Housing Authority Board’s director Ed Spychalski.