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Marisa Scirocco

Marisa Scirocco

MIDDLE GROVE – Come join the herd from Into The Woods Farm and NY Goat Yoga In The Woods and their yoga instructor Christine Riccio for a blend of gentle flow and vinyasa flow yoga in the warm spring
sunshine in the woods. 

Goats, yoga and nature, a triple threat to de-stress, combined together are a great way to break from a normal mindset and reap the benefits of animal and laughter therapy and yoga. Open to yogis of every skill level, Goat Yoga In The Woods NY is not a typical yoga class but still offers a relaxing form of beginner level yoga. The event is guaranteed to involve smiles and laughter. Current available dates include July 31, Aug. 7, 20, and 27.

The Nigerian Dwarf Goats are just the right size to snuggle into a lap or take a nap on a mat as you move through the certified instructor Riccio’s guidance. Goat yoga allows guests to step outside of their everyday routine and remind them to not take life so seriously. Reservations can be made online and cash will be accepted at the door. 

For more information and dates www.intothewoodsfarmny.com/goat-yoga.

To reserve your spot go to intothewoodsfarmny.com, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the link below eventbrite.com/e/goat-yoga-in-the-woods-for-everyone-tickets-107495213076.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Center for the Family is hosting a silent auction that began on July 27 and will run until 5 p.m. Aug. 1.

Community members and organizations donated all items that will be auctioned. All proceeds raised will support the Center for the Family.

The support helps Saratoga Center for the Family provide much needed mental health, advocacy, and educational programming to children and families who otherwise would not be able to afford these services. 

To register for the auction go to biddingowl.com. The Center for the Family is located at 359 Ballston Avenue and can be reached at (518) 587-8008 or saratogacff.org.

Thursday, 30 July 2020 14:02

Marylou Whitney Gravesite Honored

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Saratoga Chapter honored Marylou Whitney today by placing a NSDAR marker at her gravesite. Whitney loved the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was proud to be a member and was an avid supporter.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Mike Dubb and his Beechwood Organization spent 35 years building 7,500 downstate homes.

For the first time in his career, Dubb is starting to build homes in Saratoga Springs, less than three miles from Saratoga Race Course, the thoroughbred racetrack he has been visiting since he was 17-years-old.

Dubb and Beechwood outlined details of the 53 homes they are building at the Oak Ridge development between the track and Saratoga Lake. Homes will range in size between 2,200 square feet and more than 6,000 square feet. They will be priced in the $850,000 to $2 million-plus range.

Now, Dubb is looking at other properties around the city for future projects.

He is convinced the Covid-19 pandemic will only increase the number of downstate New York and New Jersey residents who are interested in moving to or building a second home in Saratoga.

“I know people prior to Covid who were saying, ‘I want a better life or I want a town and something not so dense as New York City and the surrounding suburbs,’” Dubb said. “Home has taken on a new importance with people because of Covid.”

The founder of Beechwood Organization secured the remaining 53 lots at Oak Ridge from Jeffrey Snyder and Oak Ridge Development in April after looking at the 135-plus acre site on a whim in October.

“I really wasn’t looking to develop in Saratoga,” Dubb said.

The pastoral setting off Meadowbrook and Dyer Switch roads and the ability to construct four-, five- and six-bedroom homes with large porches, high-end finishes and garages tucked behind the houses caught his attention. Dubb sees the Oak Ridge by Beechwood project as a way to recreate what he describes as the “old Saratoga” architecture that exists along North Broadway and Union Avenue.

He expects the 53 homes will sell over the next three to four years, and he is not worried that the coronavirus pandemic and economic slowdown will jeopardize the project.

“Covid and the economic effects cannot take away the beauty and desirability of Saratoga,” Dubb said. “We may lose some restaurants and hotels. A few individuals may struggle. Long term, Saratoga is too strong ... One or two economic rough years does not a town make.”

Dubb, 64, started visiting Saratoga Springs as a teenager and became heavily involved in thoroughbred racing over the years. He is a seven-time leading owner at Saratoga Race Course and serves on the board of the New York Racing Association, the nonprofit that manages the track.

Dubb and Beechwood also are currently building a daycare center in Saratoga Springs that will be donated for use by children of the backstretch workers at Saratoga Race Course. They constructed and donated a similar facility at the Belmont Park thoroughbred track nearly 20 years ago.

Dubb, who has owned a home in Saratoga Springs for 10 years, remains bullish in the track and Saratoga Springs despite the fact that the pandemic is preventing Saratoga Race Course to operate without fans for the first time this year.

Thursday, 30 July 2020 13:49

Planning today for tomorrows retirement

The economic collapse of 2008 taught harsh lessons about the potential for portfolio losses and how that could derail one’s retirement plans. When there’s volatility in the market, it’s natural to worry about your retirement nest egg. Actions taken today can affect your financial security tomorrow, so let’s map out a strategy that includes guarantees that may help ease concerns despite fluctuations in the stock market. Annuities can help. 

When used correctly annuities can be powerful long-term retirement planning tools by helping to create an income stream for life. Annuity payments can be received monthly, quarterly, annually or in a lump sum, and have tax deferral benefits. Variable annuities allow investors to potentially grow assets in the market, with the opportunity to add optional guarantee features for an additional fee that provide  downside protection. Younger investors planning for retirement may be interested in the growth potential of a variable annuity. Some providers like New York Life offers certain variable annuities with an option called an  accumulation benefit rider which provide principal protection over a chosen holding period. This means that at least the initial premium is guaranteed at the end of the holding period, helping to address volatility concerns. 

Income annuities are known for their efficiency in generating guaranteed lifetime income. Other than a pension and Social Security, a guaranteed income annuity can also produce a lifetime payment stream.  It is like getting a “paycheck” for life.  With a guaranteed income annuity, you can have peace of mind with the knowledge that you’ll have a steady retirement income to help with basic expenses in retirement, while weathering market volatility.

While investors may react differently to fluctuations in the market, many can benefit from working with a trusted financial professional to support the retirement planning process. Let’s schedule a meeting to talk through worst case scenarios, your tolerance for risk and any other changes to your financial picture that necessitates refining your current approach. Together we can put a plan in place that will help you live out the retirement of your dreams.

Important disclosures: 

Guarantees are based on the claims‐paying ability of the issuer. For variable annuities, guarantees do not apply to monies allocated to the variable investment options as they are subject to market risk and will fluctuate in value.

Annuities contain certain fees, risks, limitations and restrictions. Investors should speak to a financial professional for costs and complete details

This educational article is provided as a courtesy by Barry J. Bruno, CLU(CA Insurance Lic. # OB65966)  and ChFC, and Daniel D. Bruno, Agents, New York Life Insurance Company (NY, NY) and Registered Representatives of NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA, SIPC) 7 Court Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, (518)587-9295, a Licensed Insurance Agency and New York Life Company.  To learn more about the information ortopics discussed, please call Bruno & Bruno Financial Services LLC and ask for Barry or Dan at 518.587.9295 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Bruno & Bruno Financial Services LLC is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Company or NYLIFE Securities W. 

Together we can address your market volatility  concerns with these simple steps:

Do a portfolio check

Look for ways to optimize spending

Balance the need for cash reserves with the opportunity for growth

Discuss how Social Security could impact retirement income 

Add guarantees to the portfolio

Two months before Dr. Timothy Brooks was set to retire as medical director, chair and chief of emergency medicine at Saratoga Hospital, COVID-19 struck New York City. “We saw what was happening—and that it could happen here,” Dr. Brooks said. “I couldn’t in good faith walk away.”

Instead, he stayed for what would become some of the most challenging months of his more-than-30-year career. As he’d done so many times since coming here in 1987, Dr. Brooks helped lead the hospital and community response.

Now, with COVID-19 numbers down throughout the region and systems in place to identify, treat and protect patients and staff, Dr. Brooks can move ahead with his plans. He retires July 31 with the respect, admiration and gratitude of patients, medical and emergency response professionals, organizations and officials throughout the region.

Those who know Dr. Brooks weren’t surprised that he put the community first.

“In many ways, Dr. Brooks is a rock that we built the hospital on,” said Dr. Richard Falivena, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer at Saratoga Hospital. “He has been instrumental in helping us launch almost every clinical program we offer. We can’t overstate his impact.”

Making a difference for millions If you’ve received emergency medical care, been an inpatient at Saratoga Hospital, or visited one of its urgent care centers, Dr. Brooks has made a difference in your care. He’s also informed public health policy and
decisions in Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County, and he’s been instrumental in bringing people together to improve emergency preparedness.

“After 9/11 we realized we had to change our approach,” Dr. Brooks recalled. “We formed a countywide committee and developed plans for managing mass-casualty situations, including biological warfare and pandemics. We’ve been meeting quarterly ever since.”

The committee, which Dr. Brooks chaired from its inception until his retirement, included dozens of health and safety officials. It also caught the attention of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which asked Dr. Brooks to serve as a consultant on educating physicians on bioterrorism.

“He is so respected, within and outside the hospital,” said Ann Marie Cross, MS, RN, administrative director for emergency and urgent care services at Saratoga Hospital. “People know who he is, what he’s done, and how much he cares about everyone.” 

Ms. Cross and Dr. Brooks were “a tag team” for 11 years. She attributes his impact to a combination of exceptional clinical skills and bedside manner, a genuine love of teaching and mentoring, and a fundamental belief in collaboration.

“He knew that what we did in the Emergency Department would affect other providers and departments, so he always involved them in the decision-making,” Ms. Cross said.

“He set the stage for so much of what we do,” she added. “He was constantly striving to improve care, and that affected the way we develop protocols, learn from every experience, and collaborate to do what’s best for our patients.

“That’s not going to change,” Ms. Cross said. “It will be his legacy.

BALLSTON SPA – With a sense of resignation at the inevitability of no mass gatherings during pandemic of COVID-19, the organizers of this fun, family festival have reluctantly cancelled this years event. 

Initially scheduled for June 19 to 21 at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds, the event was pushed to August 14 to 16, hoping for a break from the onslaught from the coronavirus. However, there was no such luck.

While the promoters regret the circumstances surrounding the cancellation, they are optimistic about hosting the event in 2021 at the Fairgrounds. They hope for a vaccine to pave the way back to a semblance of normalcy by next spring.

According to Todd Monahan, the balloon meister, “we already have 30 balloons lined up for 2021. They are all psyched to come to Saratoga to fly here again.”

To keep informed about the Saratoga Balloon and BBQ Festival, check on the website www.balloonandbbq.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, Eddie F’s Eatery held their first Annual Fundraiser called “For the Love of Eddie, and Meggie, Too!” 

The day symbolizes the one year passing of the Fazzone family, owners of Eddie F’s, son Eddie and one of their team members Meg. Both were lost to a fentanyl overdose. The Fazzone family chose to celebrate their lives by giving back to the
community they love and raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl on the streets and inspire courage to those battling addiction. They donated 30 percent of the take for the day and their staff donated their time and all tips for the day. The event raised over $11,000, which was donated to Healing Springs Recovery Community and Outreach Center, a program of The Prevention Council of Saratoga County.

Healing Springs Recovery Center is located at The Mill at 125 High Rock Avenue in Saratoga Springs. and every month helps several hundred local individuals and families with loved ones struggling with addiction. 

“Since March, our services are online and held outside, with referrals and connections being made daily…and all our programs are free,” said Lillian McCarthy, center director. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The online event many have been waiting for has started. The Marylou Whitney Collection Auction offers diverse purchasing opportunities for anyone who wishes to have a personal remembrance of the philanthropic icon known as the Queen of Saratoga. 

The auction benefits the new building that will be the future home of the backstretch medical clinic operated at Saratoga Race Course by Saratoga Hospital and the Backstretch Employee Service Team. 

Originally, the auction list featured Marylou’s 1985 red Jaguar XJ6; however, upon inspection it has been removed and replaced with her “Kentucky Jaguar,” a 1992 XJS Convertible in British Racing Green with tan leather interior, featuring a V12 Engine and under 36,000 miles. 

The action began on July 27 and will continue through Saturday, Aug. 1, at 11:59 p.m. Bidding and “Buy It Now” options will be available. All are encouraged to register in advance by visiting marylouwhitney collection.com.

Thursday, 30 July 2020 13:04

George W. Gurtler Jr.

George W. Gurtler Jr.

FORT EDWARD – George W. Gurtler Jr. passed away suddenly Friday, July 17, 2020. Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at .burkefuneralhome.com

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Blotter

  • New York State Police The New York State Police announced that it issued 5,576 tickets during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement initiative. The campaign began on Friday, March 15, and continued until Sunday, March 17. During the campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, State Police utilized sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and underage drinking and sales to minors detail. State Police also ticketed distracted drivers who use handheld electronic devices. State Troopers arrested 132 people for DWI and investigated 199 crashes, which resulted in 25 people being injured and no fatalities. As part of the enforcement, Troopers also…

Property Transactions

  • BALLSTON Heather DiCaprio sold property at 473 Garrett Rd to Justine Levine for $288,000 Sharon Willman sold property at 99 Jenkins Rd to Charles Lemley for $165,000 CORINTH George Montena sold property at 422 Oak St to Stephen James for $142,250 Mark Makler sold property at 313 Oak St to Sabrina Sinagra for $195,000 GREENFIELD Landlord Services of Upstate New York sold property at 1935 NYS Rt 9N to Cochise Properties LLC for $210,000 MALTA  Linda LaBarge sold property at 35 Snowberry Rd to Qu Haozheng for $270,000 Dennis Mitchell sold property at 60 Village Circle North to BGRS Relocation…
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  • Saratoga County Chamber
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  • Discover Saratoga
  • Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association