Best Of The Saratoga Region 2021

BEST OF THE SARATOGA REGION 2 0 2 1

Brought to you by:

2

2021 BEST OF

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

3

4

2021 BEST OF

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

BEST OF THE SARATOGA REGION

2 0 2 1 PUBLISHER Chad Beatty

GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee ADVERTISING SALES Jim Daley Cindy Durfey GRAPHIC DESIGN Kacie Cotter-Sacala AD DESIGNER Kelsey Sherman COVER PHOTO Photo by Michael Nelson of Spa City Digital

2254 Route 50 South • Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-581-2480 • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

5

WHO ARE THE

BEST OF THE BEST IN THE SARATOGA REGION? Well, I would say anyone who survived 2020!

But putting the pandemic aside, we dig into that topic in our annual Best of the Saratoga Region awards section. The winners are in today’s paper, but the process began months ago.

In early March we ran a few simple ads in Saratoga TODAY asking for input from our tens of thousands of readers. The request was simple: Nominate your favorite businesses in a variety of categories.

In March, the voting process began, and the response was overwhelming. Similar to prior years, this year we had a few new additions as well as a few surprises.

I know I found a LOT of my favorite businesses on the list and I am sure you will also. So flip the pages, check out the results and go visit a winner that you may not have known about.

Thanks for being a part of our contest and congratulations to all the businesses that go above and beyond to make our region a great place to live, work and raise a family.

-Chad Beatty

Publisher, SARATOGA TODAY

2021 BEST OF

6

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

B E S T

businesses and services

55+ LIVING RESIDENCE

ASSISTED LIVING

Winner

Summit at Saratoga

Runner Up

Prestwick Chase

Winner Wesley Community/ Woodlawn Commons Runner Up

ACCOUNTANT Winner

Jeff Many

Runner Up

Bill Jeffreys

APARTMENT LIVING Winner

The Paddocks of Saratoga

Runner Up

The Washington

Home of the Good Shepherd

ATTORNEY Winner

Debra Verni

Runner Up

Elizabeth Byrne

AUTO DEALER (NEW) Winner Mangino Runner Up

Saratoga Honda

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

7

2021 BEST OF

8

Adirondack Trust Company

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best businesses and services

AUTO DEALER (USED) Winner Mangino Runner Up

New Country Toyota

AUTO REPAIR & SERVICES Winner

Marion Ave. Mobil

Runner Up

Sam's Tires & Automotive

BANK Winner

Adirondack Trust Company

Runner Up

Ballston Spa National Bank

BARBER/BARBER SHOP Mangino

Winner

Medberry Barber Shop

Runner Up

Boiler Room Cut and Shave

ion Kodiak Construct

BUILDER (NEW HOME) Winner

Kodiak Construction

Runner Up

Bonacio Construction

BUILDER (REMODELING) Winner

Bonacio Construction

Runner Up

Kodiak Construction

BUTCHER Winner

Just Meats Deli & Market

Runner Up

Fred the Butcher

CAR WASH

Bonacio Cons

truction

Winner

Hoffman Car Wash

Runner Up

Spritz Car Wash

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

9

10

2021 BEST OF

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best businesses and services Cudney’s Cleaners

CHIROPRACTOR Winner

Dr. Keith Cavayero, Back in Motion

Runner Up

Szurek Chiropractic

CREDIT UNION Winner SEFCU Runner Up Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry

Stewarts Federal Credit Union

DENTIST Winner

Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry, Drs. Dodd & Walsh

Runner Up

Alfred Hollis, DDS

DOCTOR Winner

Steven Clark, PA

Runner Up

Dr. Gloria Ethier, DO

DRY CLEANER

ision Saratoga V

Zieker Eye Ophthalmology Photo by Super Source Media

Winner

Cudney’s Cleaners

Runner Up

Feigenbaum Cleaners

EQUIPMENT RENTAL Winner

Saratoga U-Haul

Runner Up

Trak Rental Saratoga - Allerdice Hardware

EYE CARE: OPTICIAN Winner

Saratoga Vision

Runner Up Vaughn Vision

EYE CARE: OPHTHALMOLOGIST Winner

Zieker Eye Ophthalmology

Runner Up Dr. Jeffrey Paul, MD

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

11

2021 BEST OF

12

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best businesses and services Vaughn Vision

EYE CARE: OPTOMETRIST Winner

Vaughn Vision

Runner Up Saratoga Vision

FUNERAL HOME

William J. Burke & Sons Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes

Winner

Burke Funeral Home

Runner Up

Armer Funeral Home

GARAGE DOORS Winner

Overhead Door Company of Glens Falls

Runner Up

O'Leary Overhead Door

GRANITE Winner

Granite & Marble Works

Runner Up

Capital Stone

HAIR STYLIST / SALON l

Saratoga Hospita

Winner

Salon 8

Runner Up

Inspire Hair Salon

HEALTH CENTER / HOSPITAL Winner

Saratoga Hospital

Runner Up

Glens Falls Hospital

HEALTH FOOD STORE The Wesley Community

Winner

Healthy Living Market and Café

Runner Up

Four Seasons Natural Foods

HEARING CARE Winner

Dr. Robin Solomon, Hearing Care Resources

Runner Up

Madison and Saratoga Hearing Center

HOME CARE SERVICES Winner

Wesley Senior Solutions

Runner Up

Home Instead Senior Care

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

13

2021 BEST OF

14

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best businesses and services

HVAC

B&B Plumbing and Heating

Winner

B&B Plumbing and Heating

Runner Up

Family Danz

INSURANCE COMPANY Winner Adirondack Trust Company, Amsure Insurance Runner Up

State Farm

INSURANCE AGENT Winner

Nicole Della Porta, State Farm

Runner Up

SEFCU Insurance Agency, LLC

KITCHEN & BATH REMODEL Capitol District Kitchen & Baths

Winner

Capitol Kitchens and Baths

Runner Up

Bonacio Remodeling Division

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN Winner

Brookside Nursery

Runner Up

Cleveland Brothers Landscaping

MORTGAGE LENDING COMPANY

y Brookside Nurser

Winner

Adirondack Trust Company

Runner Up

SEFCU Mortgage Services

NURSING HOME Goodemote Physical Therapy

Winner

Wesley Health Care Center

Runner Up

Home of the Good Shepherd

PAVING Winner

Adirondack Paving

Runner Up

Heritage Asphalt Paving LLC

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Winner

Goodemote Physical Therapy

Runner Up

Capital Area Physical Therapy and Wellness

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

15

16

Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery

2021 BEST OF

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best businesses and services

PLASTIC SURGERY Winner

Steven Yarinsky, MD, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery

Runner Up Dr. Jeffrey Ridha

POOL BUILDER / SWIMMING POOLS

Roohan Realty

Winner

Concord Pools & Spas

Runner Up

Albany Pool Rebuilders

REAL ESTATE AGENT Winner

Kate Naughton

Runner Up

Joan Taub

REAL ESTATE OFFICE

Saratoga Taxi

Winner

Roohan Realty

Runner Up

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blake, Realtors

SEALCOATING Winner

BDB Paving

Runner Up

Lenihan Paving

STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHERS Winner

Ashley Wilbur Photography

Runner Up

Rob Spring Photography

TATTOO / PIERCING Winner

Seeled By Ink

Runner Up

Bittersweet Blackbird

TAXI Winner

Saratoga Taxi

Runner Up

Jay’s Spa City Taxi

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

17

18

2021 BEST OF

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best businesses and services Garland Nelson Photo by Super Source Media

TILE Winner

Best Tile

Runner Up

Sherman Tile

URGENT CARE Winner

Saratoga Hospital Urgent Care

Runner Up

Malta Med Emergent Care

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

A Lively Event

Winner

Adirondack Trust Company

Runner Up

SEFCU Wealth Management

WEB DESIGN AGENCY Winner

Flight Creative Group

Runner Up

The Content Saratoga

WEDDING DJ’S Winner

DJ Vinny

Runner Up

Hersh Productions

WEDDING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Winner

Garland Nelson

Runner Up

Rich Ortiz

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS Hall of Springs

Winner

Rob Spring Photography

Runner Up

Hannah Lux Photography

WEDDING PLANNERS Winner

A Lively Event

Runner Up

Christine Wheat Special Events

WEDDING VENUE Winner

Hall of Springs

Runner Up

Universal Preservation Hall

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

19

20

2021 BEST OF

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

B E S T

education DAYCARE CENTER Winner

St. Paul's Christian Childhood Center

Runner Up

Maple Leaf Child Care Center

PRESCHOOL Winner

Abilities, PLLC

Runner Up

Beagle School

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Winner

Saratoga Central Catholic

Runner Up

St. Clements School

21

2021 BEST OF

22

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

B E S T

food and drink

AFTER TRACK PARTY

BBQ

Winner

Horseshoe Inn

Winner

PJ’s BAR-B-QSA

Runner Up

Solevo Kitchen + Social

Runner Up

Dizzy Chicken

ASIAN

BEER SELECTION

Winner

Kinjo

Winner

Druthers Brewing Co.

Runner Up

Sushi Thai

Runner Up

Henry St. Tap Room

BAR FOR LIVE MUSIC

LOCAL DELIVERY

Winner

Gaffney’s

Winner

Spring Street Deli

Runner Up

9 Maple Avenue

Runner Up

Fat Paulie’s Deli

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

BREAKFAST PLACE Winner

Triangle Diner

Runner Up

Country Corner Cafe

BRUNCH Winner

Max London's

Runner Up

Sweet Mimi’s Cafe

BURGER Winner

The Local Pub and Teahouse

Runner Up

Village Pizzeria & Ristorante

CANDY STORE Winner

Saratoga Sweets Candy Company

Runner Up

Kilwins

CASUAL DINING Winner

Olde Bryan Inn

Runner Up

Village Pizzeria & Ristorante

CATERER Winner

Mazzone Hospitality

Runner Up

Augie's Family Style Italian Restaurant

CHEF Winner

Tatu Tacos & Tequila

Runner Up

Taverna Novo

CHICKEN Winner

Hattie’s Chicken Shack

Runner Up

PJ’s BAR-B-QSA

CHICKEN WINGS Winner

Harvey's Restaurant and Bar

Runner Up

West Side Sports Grill

23

2021 BEST OF

24

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best food & drink Hamlet and Ghost

COCKTAILS Winner

Hamlet and Ghost

Runner Up

Tatu Tacos & Tequila

COFFEE Winner

Uncommon Grounds

Runner Up

Coffee Planet

DELI Village Pizzeria & Ristorante

Winner

Roma Foods

Runner Up

Fat Paulie's Deli

DINER

rant

Lake Ridge Restau

Winner

Triangle Diner

Runner Up

Country Corner Cafe

FAMILY DINING Winner

Village Pizzeria & Ristorante

Runner Up

Augie's Family Style Italian Restaurant

FINE DINING Tie Winner: Lake Ridge Restaurant Tie Winner: 15 Church Runner Up

Solevo Kitchen & Social

GELATO/YOGURT Winner

Saratoga Gelato

Runner Up

Dairy Haus

HAPPY HOUR Winner

Tatu Tacos & Tequila

Runner Up

Cantina

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

... best food & drink

ICE CREAM Winner

Stewart's Shops

Runner Up

Dairy Haus

ITALIAN Winner:

Village Pizzeria & Ristorante

Runner Up

Augie's Family Style Italian Restaurant

LATE NIGHT BITE Winner

Tatu Tacos & Tequila

Runner Up

Esperanto

LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD BAR Winner

The Local Pub & Teahouse

Runner Up

Solevo Kitchen & Social

LOCALLY BREWED BEER Winner

Druthers Brewing Co.

Runner Up

Artisanal Brew Works

LUNCH Winner

Spring Street Deli

Runner Up

Roma Foods

NEW RESTAURANT Winner

Tatu Tacos & Tequila

Runner Up

Nani's Indian Kitchen

OUTDOOR DINING Winner

550 Waterfront

Runner Up

Village Pizzeria & Ristorante

25

2021 BEST OF

26

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best food & drink 15 Church

OUTDOOR PATIO BAR Winner

15 Church

Runner Up

Village Pizzeria & Ristorante

PIZZA

Saratoga Tea & Honey Co.

Winner

Village Pizzeria & Ristorante

Runner Up

Harvest & Hearth

PRIME RIB Winner

The Wishing Well Restaurant

Runner Up

Prime at Saratoga National

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Winner

Eddie F's New England Seafood Restaurant

Runner Up

The Wishing Well

SEAFOOD SHOP Winner

Eddie F's

Runner Up

Moby Rick's

SPORTS BAR Winner

West Side Sports Bar & Grill

Runner Up

King's Tavern

STEAK Winner

Morton's the Steak House

Runner Up

Solevo Kitchen & Social

TEA SHOP Winner

Saratoga Tea & Honey Co.

Runner Up

Whistling Kettle

WINE LIST Winner

Village Pizzeria & Ristorante

Runner Up

Taverna Novo

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

27

B E S T

fun and leisure

AMUSEMENT

FARMERS MARKET

Winner

Adirondack Extreme

Winner

Saratoga Farmers’ Market

Runner Up

Saratoga Strike Zone

Runner Up

Spa City Farmers’ Market

ART GALLERY

FITNESS CENTER / GYM

Winner

Hyde Gallery

Winner

Mygym Fitness Center & Aerobic

Runner Up

Laffer Gallery

Runner Up

P.R.I.D.E. Taekwondo

B&B

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT

Tie Winner: Union Gables Tie Winner: The Inn at Saratoga Runner Up

Saratoga Arms

Winner

Saratoga Paint & Sip

Runner Up

Cantina

28

2021 BEST OF

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best fun and leisure

Saratoga Farmers’ Market Photo by Pattie Garrett

GOLF COURSE Winner

Saratoga National Golf Club

Runner Up

Brookhaven Golf Course

INDOOR GOLF

Saratoga National Golf Club

Winner

Tark’s Indoor Golf

Runner Up

NexGen Indoor Golf Center

KIDS ACTIVITY Winner

Saratoga Ninja Lab

Runner Up

Gavin Park, Town of Wilton

KIDS PARTY VENUE Winner

Saratoga Ninja Lab

Runner Up

Children's Museum at Saratoga

LODGING Saratoga Ninja Lab

Winner

The Adelphi Hotel

Runner Up

The Medbery Inn and Spa

MASSAGE Winner

Saratoga Awareness

Runner Up

Rilassare at 18 Front Day Spa

NAIL SALON Winner

Pro Nails

Runner Up

Spring Nails

PERSONAL TRAINING

The Adelphi Hotel

Winner

Saratoga Peak Performance

Runner Up

P.R.I.D.E. Taekwondo

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

... best fun and leisure

PILATES Winner

Elevation Pilates

Runner Up

Natasha Lafayette, The Pilates Institute

SPA Winner

Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery

Runner Up

Roosevelt Spa

TANNING SALON Winner

The Glow Lab

Runner Up

Zoom Tan

YOGA Winner

Yoga Mandali

Runner Up

Yana Yoga

29

2021 BEST OF

30

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

B E S T

for your pet

DOG TRAINERS

PET STORE

Winner

Chow Bella

Winner

Benson’s Pet Center

Runner Up

Malta Animal Hospital

Runner Up

Pampered Pooch

GROOMER

VETERINARIAN

Winner

LA Pet Salon

Winner

Malta Animal Hospital

Runner Up

Dirty Dog By Liz

Runner Up

Homestead Animal Hospital

KENNEL Winner

Milton Manor Spa and Resort

Runner Up

Bellyrubs Doggie Daycare

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

31

2021 BEST OF

32

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

B E S T

shopping

APPLIANCE STORE

BRIDAL SHOP

Winner

Earl B. Feiden Appliances

Winner

Lily Saratoga

Runner Up

Marcella’s Appliances

Runner Up

Something Bleu

BEVERAGE CENTER Winner

Minogue’s Beverage Center

Runner Up

EBI

BOOK STORE Winner

Northshire Bookstore

Runner Up

Barnes and Noble

CHILDREN’S TOY SHOP Winner

G. Willikers Toys

Runner Up

Tree Huggers Childrens Apparel

CONSIGNMENT SHOP (CLOTHING): Winner

Treasures Consignments

Runner Up

New2You

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

33

34

2021 BEST OF

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best shopping

CONSIGNMENT SHOP (HOME): Winner

Saratoga Consignment Studio

Runner Up

Waverly Square Antiques

DRESS SHOP Saratoga Consignment Studio Photo by Susan Blackburn Photography

Winner

Boho Chic Boutique

Runner Up

Spoken Boutique

FLORIST SHOP Winner

Dehn’s Flowers & Gifts

Runner Up

The Posie Peddler

FURNITURE STORE

Dehn’s Flowers & Gifts

Winner

The Furniture House

Runner Up

Mooradian's Clifton Park

GOURMET MARKET Winner

Putnam's Market

Runner Up

Saratoga Olive Oil Co.

GROCERY STORE Earl B. Feiden Appliances

Winner

Price Chopper & Market 32

Runner Up

Hannaford

HARDWARE STORE Winner

Allerdice Building Supply

Runner Up

Curtis Lumber

HOME & GARDEN

Allerdice Building Supply

Winner

Crow Hill Country Crafts

Runner Up

Sunnyside Gardens

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

35

2021 BEST OF

36

Boho Chic Boutique

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best shopping

HOME DÉCOR Winner

Boho Chic Boutique

Runner Up

DB Trends Boutique

JEWELRY SHOP Sleep & Spas (by Bennington Mattress)

Winner

deJonghe Original Jewelry

Runner Up

Boho Chic Boutique

LIGHTING SHOP Winner

Wolberg Electric

Runner Up

Hill Electric

LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS

ratoga

Impressions of Sa

Winner

Boho Chic Boutique

Runner Up

Impressions of Saratoga/The Dark Horse

MATTRESS STORE Winner

Sleep & Spas (by Bennington Mattress)

Runner Up

DreamSleep Mattress Outlet

MEN’S CLOTHING Winner

Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co.

Runner Up

Union Hall

POOL SUPPLIES Winner

Concord Pools & Spas

Runner Up

Sleep & Spas (by Bennington Mattress)

SARATOGA GIFTS Winner

Impressions of Saratoga

Runner Up

Tailgate and Party Shop

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

37

38

2021 BEST OF

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

... best shopping

SHOE STORE Winner Runner Up

Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co. iRun LOCAL

SPA & HOT TUB STORE Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co.

Winner

Concord Pools & Spas

Runner Up

Sleep & Spas (by Bennington Mattress)

TAILOR / SEAMSTRESS Winner

Cudney's Cleaners

Runner Up

Feigenbaum Cleaners

WINE & LIQUOR

Concord Pools

Winner

Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor

Runner Up

Sage Wine & Spirits

WOMAN’S CLOTHING Winner

Spoken Boutique

Runner Up

Boho Chic Boutique

Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor

Spoken Boutique

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2021 BEST OF

39

Behind Every Great Business

ARE GREAT PEOPLE

Roger Flynn

Erin Beaury Erin Beaury is an instrumental part of The Salvation Army team in Saratoga Springs. As the Social Services Coordinator, she is responsible for the oversight and implementation of community programs, such as care management, Pathway of Hope, homelessness outreach, and financial and emergency services. Every day, Erin goes above and beyond for those she meets. She understands that social services are not simply a handout, they are a hand up! When working with an individual in need, she recognizes that she can give much more than just an item or a service; she can give HOPE for a better tomorrow! Erin is an inspiration and an encouragement to everyone around her and works hard every day to stand up for those in need. She is changing lives through her dedicated service, and is Doing The Most Good through The Salvation Army every day!

John Falco Throughout the pandemic, it has been inspiring to work beside a colleague always willing to do whatever it takes to support our mission. To say that Food Pantry and Facilities Manager John Falco has gone above and beyond at Franklin Community Center would be an understatement. John joined Franklin as a part time employee but never hesitated to step up to work extra hours doing whatever needed to support both staff and the food pantry clients. Now as manager, he continues to work countless hours side by side with volunteers as well as staff to make sure no one who reaches out to Franklin for help goes without food and other necessities. An avid cook, he even finds time to make breakfast for Franklin’s staff and bake special treats on staff birthdays! John’s friendly personality and willingness to work with everyone makes him both inspiring and motivating to work beside each day. Both our community and Franklin Community Center are all the better thanks to John, truly an unsung hero during this pandemic.

Roger Flynn will be retiring as president of the Wilton Food Pantry (WFP) after 5 years in that position. Roger has been involved with the WFP since 2014 in a variety of roles. In addition to his lead role, Roger has made countless trips to Hannaford and to other food distribution spots in order to bring back high quality, healthy choices for WFP’s patrons. Roger has been the driving force behind the WFP annual Empty Bowls event – the pantry’s biggest fundraiser of the year. He speaks passionately about helping those in need and has dedicated so many hours to that cause over the years. Although he will soon step aside from his leadership role at WFP, Roger still plans to make those food runs and to help out at the pantry. His fellow WFP Board members wish to thank him for his years of leadership and also look forward to his continued contributions at the pantry.

Rachel Stone, Jacqueline Ahn & Alyssa Pacewicz

Jessie Thompson Jessie is an invaluable member of the Shelters of Saratoga team assisting people experiencing homelessness in the Saratoga region. On a daily basis Jessie is responsible for ensuring guests have a safe and therapeutic place to work toward their health and housing goals. She plans meals, maintains inventory of food and supplies, and ensures our facilities are clean and maintained. Jessie consistently goes above and beyond her call of duty. No matter how busy Jessie is, she always takes the time to get to know our houseguests and understand what they are going through. Jessie not only cares about providing our guests a clean and comfortable bed to sleep in or suppling essential products and items they need, she cares deeply about them as people and always offers support and a listening ear to them when she interacts with them.

Marge Mohrmann “As many of you know three years ago the Saratoga-Wilton Elks created the Senior Outreach Committee to implement our “Seniors In Need Food Delivery Program. Its mission has been to deliver food to our seniors who did not have reliable transportation to get to a market or food pantry. Since it’s creation, Elk volunteers have been delivering food to our seniors twice a month. Each food delivery contains enough food for at least twelve meals. Marge Mohrmann is an officer in the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge and a founding member of this program. As such she has been involved in every aspect of this critical program. Saratoga and Wilton seniors. Our community is very proud of Marge’s ongoing contributions.”

In April of 2020, Rachel Stone, Jacqueline Ahn and Alyssa Pacewicz were conglomerating information to raise awareness for Saratoga Bridges. These three Skidmore students created “Better As One” (BAO) because they believe individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the best quality of life while achieving optimal levels of well-being. Further, they wanted to ensure the spread of the virus was minimized by generating funds to purchase essential resources. BAO has produced an amazing social media presence to showcase our individuals’ capabilities and encouraged their peers to share how they were coping during the pandemic. Friends sang, painted, took photographs and created recipes to boost our individuals’ spirits. Then, they formed Bridges Buddies to connect virtually despite being apart. To date, BAO has generated close to $5,000. Recently, they requested recipes from friends and family members to create a Recipe Share that spreads awareness; for they feel we all need to be ‘Better as One' and spark change to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities have safe, healthy and happy futures.

Rachel, Jacqueline and Alyssa are exquisitely altruistic, dynamic, dedicated and enthusiastic. They have invested boundless energy, time and resources to empower people’s lives. Saratoga Bridges has been exceedingly fortuitous to have these SUPERSTAR CHAMPIONS and wishes them much success after graduation! For more info on BAO or to purchase their Recipe Share, visit www.better-as-one.com.