Saratoga TODAY January 5 - 11, 2024

LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 18

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Issue 1

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January 5 – January 11, 2024

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • 518- 581-2480

The Big Screen Districts Scramble Returns to Wilton Bus Driver Shortage Continues

Ticket booth and entryway of the previous cinema at the Wilton Mall in October 2021. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos. See Story pg. 8

Saratoga Springs

Photo by Super Source Media Studios. See Story pg. 16

UNDEFEATED

New Year, New Adirondack Girls Get Revenge Council, New Rules

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — John Safford shuffled among the three-dozen or so public spectators attending the night’s gathering inside the Saratoga Music Hall, exchanging pleasantries and engaging in conversation.

Draped in a dark navy blazer and a white button-down shirt accented by a burgundy tie, Safford carried with him a bottle

of Saratoga-label water and a rectangular leather organizer from which unfolded the night’s meeting agenda and a draft copy of new “Public Meeting Expectations and Rules” the council will, in some form, be looking to implement.

“Can we be seated please?” said Safford, as the clock ticked closer to the 7 p.m. start of his first meeting as the city’s new mayor. “Let’s get this thing going.”

See Story pg. 9

Photo by Smoking Monkey Pictures/John Shea. See Story pg. 31

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NEWS

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

The Hidden Face of Homelessness Sumbitted by Rosemary Royce, Director of Development, Shelters of Saratoga on behalf of the Saratoga North Country Continuum of Care for Saratoga TODAY

Many of us have a limited understanding of homelessness, especially if we’ve never experienced it personally or known someone who has. Our perception is often shaped by what we see in the media or witness in urban areas or at busy street corners.

However, homelessness encompasses much more than meets the eye. It goes beyond the image of shopping carts filled with recyclables, discarded blankets, and makeshift shelters. It’s more than just a cold, crowded room with rows of cots.

Homelessness can be a family of four living paycheck to paycheck, suddenly hit by an unexpected auto repair bill.

Homelessness can happen to those who have fallen ill, missed work, or lack savings for emergencies. Homelessness may be the result of a parent and young child fleeing an abusive household, often tied to traumatic experiences. It can even be the young woman who cashes you out for gas on your way to work, sleeping on a friend’s couch for the third consecutive night.

It’s the hospital coworker who had to shower at a shelter that morning, and it’s the schoolaged child whose only stable meals are provided at school during breakfast and lunch.

The affordability of housing and food has impacted more families than ever before.

A Lending Club report in

Photo credit: Niki Rossi

March 2023 noted that 62% of American families are living paycheck to paycheck.

Homelessness doesn’t discriminate, nor is it an inherent quality; it’s a circumstance. It does not define the individuals experiencing it.

In Saratoga County, a network of agency providers collaborate to offer safe housing, shelter, food, and support services to residents in need. They feed the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, and offer a dignified and respectful path out of poverty.

Homelessness is a complex issue that is easy to fall into, but difficult to escape. The Saratoga

North Country Continuum of Care is committed to addressing the multifaceted nature of homelessness, from veterans grappling with PTSD to runaway teenagers. Our agencies reach out to individuals where they are, deliver safe and compassionate care, and guide them on the path to a better future.

No single person or agency can eradicate area poverty and homelessness. Collectively, we can make the world a brighter place for those facing these challenges in our community.

To learn more about our work and how you can get involved, please visit: www. endhomelessnesssaratoga.org.

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

NEWS

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Human Remains Hannaford Raising Funds Found in the Area to Protect Saratoga Lake of South Broadway and Adelphi Street SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Dec. 30, 2023, Saratoga Springs Police released an advisory to announce they had located human remains in an advanced state of decomposition in the area of South Broadway and Adelphi Street.

After investigation of the scene, police say they have tentatively identified the victim as Paul Jamison, a 79-year-old

man with a last known address in Glens Falls. The identification was made through the discovery of personal property at the scene.

An autopsy was conducted on Dec. 31, and preliminary reports show no signs of suspicious activity or a criminal aspect to his death. DNA samples have been obtained and a positive identification is pending those results, police said.

Photo by Jonathon Norcross

by Jonathon Norcross

Local Business Owner Donates 150 Books to Saratoga Center for the Family SARATOGA COUNTY — One hundred and fifty copies of Veronica Safoa Owusu’s book, “Rise Up Gold Dust Queen,” were donated to Saratoga Center for the Family by Jeffrey C. Vahanian, CFP, President of Vahanian & Associates Financial Planning Inc. “Veronica Safoa Owusu is a British-based internationally recognized speaker and empowerment coach who published an extraordinarily helpful book geared to guide people

- women in particular - through a process of rebuilding their lives after the breakup of a relationship or marriage, including instances of domestic abuse,” Vahanian said in a statement.

“This book is something useful that you can give to current and past families you have served so that they might read the book and find it helpful in their own journey of rebuilding their self-esteem and their lives,” he said.

Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Hannaford supermarket on Weibel Avenue is raising funds throughout January for the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District (SLPID). The SLPID will receive a $1 donation from every purchase of a $2.50 Hannaford Community Bag. “SLPID is very grateful to be recognized and have the community’s support,” said Cristina Connolly, Executive Director of

the organization. “This Program and its contribution will assist in our vital environmental programs and community outreach

for the future protection of Saratoga Lake.”

To learn more about the SLPID, visit www.SLPIDny.gov.

OBITUARIES

4 Obituaries continue to pg. 6...

Amelia Daly Forbert

Kathleen A. Walaska

WILTON — Amelia Daly Forbert, 96, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

Calling Hours were held on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway. A time of remembrance followed.

Burial was private. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

MALTA — Kathleen A. Walaska passed away on December 26, 2023. Visitation was held on Friday, Dec. 29, at Burke Funeral Home, North Broadway. Mass was celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 30, at St. Clement’s Church. Burial followed at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Remembrances can be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Gerald M. Meehan

NY” marketing program, and eventually retiring as a dedicated manager for the NYS Health Department.

Beyond his professional life, Jerry was an avid golfer and a long-standing member of the Ballston Spa Country Club. He was also proud of belonging to the “Hole in One Club” which he earned on a Par 3 at the Van Patten Golf Course. He was a Miss America Softball coach and Clifton Park soccer coach. He and his wife shared a passion for travel, exploring many parts of the world with a special passion for River and Ocean cruising. He was also a history enthusiast and had an avid appetite for reading.

Education was especially important to him, and even in his later years he continued to learn, taking classes at Skidmore College. He was always happiest at night listening to his Big Band albums, especially Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey. Jerry was a big sports fan and spent many hours cheering for his favorite teams, the Green Bay Packers and Boston Red Sox. In his later years, he wanted to stay busy, so he volunteered to deliver food for Meals on Wheels.

But his favorite time was spent with family. He enjoyed his time with his wife, children and grandchildren, whether camping, cross-country skiing, cooking pancakes Saturday morning, taking trips and cruises, intense Trivial Pursuit competitions at the kitchen table, or playing Santa for friends and family.

Jerry is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Barbara Wadas Meehan, and his brother, Francis Meehan.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gerald M. Meehan, 93, of Saratoga Springs passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 24, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at the Home of the Good Shepherd. He was born on November 22, 1930, the son of the late Philip Meehan and Veronica Stefanik Meehan.

Jerry grew up in South Hadley, MA where he was an altar boy and pharmacy tech. He graduated in 1949 from South Hadley High School playing an important part of its basketball and baseball teams. He went on to serve in the Air Force, stationed in Keflavik, Iceland as a pharmacist.

After his time in the service, Jerry attended Lowell Technical Institution where he earned his degree in its first graduating class majoring in Plastic Engineering.

He subsequently moved to Chicago and the Midwest, where he met his wife and started his family. Eventually, Jerry would return to the Capital District.

There he worked at many positions, including the NYS Commerce Department, where he helped develop the “I Love

Carol H. Loggins SARATOGA SPRINGS — Carol H. Loggins passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family 12/30/2023. No calling hours, Mass 1/5/2024: 10 a.m. at St. Clement’s Church followed by burial at St. Josephs Cemetery, Greenwich.

Memorial donations to: The Gateway House of Peace or The Community Hospice of Saratoga. Please visit www. burkefuneralhome.com

He is survived by his daughter, Melanie Meehan Nelson, his son, Michael (Shari) Meehan, as well as his grandchildren; Samantha Nelson, Kyle Nelson, Madeline Nelson, Nicklaus Meehan, Grace Meehan, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends who will deeply miss his humble spirit and twinkling blue eyes.

While Jerry cherished his family, his profound love for his dogs was especially precious to him as well. Many neighbors recall seeing him enjoying the day, riding his bike with his dogs in the front basket.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at Home of Good Shepherd, for all the love and care they gave him in his last years.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date, where Jerry will be laid to rest alongside his wife at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.

Arrangements for his final farewell are under the compassionate guidance of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., located at 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his name to World Central Kitchen for their feeding of children worldwide.

You are welcome to share your condolences and memories at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Dolores C. (Pruyn) LaPointe SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dolores C. (Pruyn) LaPointe died December 23. A service was held on December 29 at Compassionate Funeral Care in Saratoga Springs. A graveside was held on December 30 at Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury, NY 12804. For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Robert Eckardt

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Robert Eckardt, 88, of Saratoga Springs, NY passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 3, 2023 surrounded by his family. Robert was born to Eric Eckardt and Johanna Eckardt in 1935.

Robert graduated from Morristown High School in Morristown, NJ in 1954. Upon graduation, Robert joined Carpenters Union Local 620 out of Madison, NJ. Around that time, he fell in love with Mary Rose Lee and they were soon married. They had eight children and were married 68 years. Growing up in Morristown, they had a faithfilled life with Sunday dinners and lots of love and laughs.

Mary and Robert together with their 8 children moved from Morristown to Saratoga Springs in 1973. They purchased a local business. Robert continued his work as a skilled union carpenter and real estate investor while Mary was a homemaker and a successful manager of the family business before selling it.

Robert loved spending time with his family. He was a man with

James Miller SARATOGA SPRINGS — James Miller (Jimmy) died December 30. A service will be held at 12 p.m. Friday, January 5 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours are 9 a.m.

- 12 p.m. prior to the service.

Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

strong integrity, work ethic and character who had strong family values - he would do anything for his children. He also enjoyed watching the New York Giants, Atlanta Braves and occasionally watching thoroughbred racing.

But nothing compared to the love he had for his devoted wife of 68 years and his family - what he cherished the most. He was a man of his word and stood strongly behind his beliefs - he never compromised and did it his way.

Robert was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Carl Eckardt and brother-in-law John Keating. He is survived by his sister Regina Keating, sisterin-law Brenda Lee, brotherin-law John (Barbara) Lee and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his eight children; Robert Eckardt (Teresa), Kathy (Kenny) Goodwin, Mary (Jim) DeWaard, Linda (Jim) Perry, Francis X. Eckardt, Patricia (Vince) Riggi, Sandra (Steve) Foley, Eric (Sonja) Eckardt, as well as his 14 grandchildren, 10 great- grandchildren and a deceased great grandchild.

We’d like to thank all his doctors, Hospice and Saratoga Springs Fire & Rescue for their compassionate care.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, January 6 at 11 a.m.

– 1 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care at 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

BLOTTER

SARATOGA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

in Halfmoon. Sentencing Feb. 21.

Jorge F. Torres, 44, was charged with assault in the seconddegree and aggravated criminal contempt, both felonies, after an incident at the X-Tra Mart at 2954 U.S. Route 9 in the town of Malta where Torres is accused of causing physical injury to a person by spraying him to the facial area with bear spray. Torres is also accused of violating an order of protection issued on behalf of the injured party in doing so.

Stanley M. Palmer, 62, of Milton, was charged with sexual abuse in the firstdegree. He is accused of sexual contact with a female victim who was known to him when she was under the age of 13.

SARATOGA COUNTY COURT Michael A. McCleary, 36, of Milton, was sentenced to two 1-year-terms of

incarceration, after pleading to two felony counts of failure to register as a sex offender, charged October and December 2022 in Malta.

David E. Linen, 44, of Waterford, was sentenced to 4 years’ incarceration/3 years post-release supervision, after pleading to strangulation in the second-degree, a felony, charged August 2022.

William C. Ferrara, 35, of Niskayuna, pleaded to assault in the seconddegree, charged January 2023 in Ballston Spa. Sentencing Feb. 21.

Anna E. Carberry, 50, of Mechanicville, pleaded to two felony DWI charges - charged April 2023 in Malta, and September 2023 in Waterford, respectively.

Sentencing Feb. 21.

Keith R. Kulsha, 37, of Schenectady, pleaded to felony grand larceny, charged December 2022

Jessica L. Jordan, 33, of Amsterdam, was sentenced to 6 months incarceration/5 years’ probation after pleading to aggravated DWI with a child, charged January 2023 in Halfmoon.

Donald J. Koenig, III, 53, of Round Lake, pleaded to felony criminal mischief, charged July 2023 in Wilton. Sentencing Feb. 22.

Michael P. Casseus, 34, of Troy, was sentenced to 2.5 years’ incarceration/2 years’ postrelease supervision, after pleading to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, charged April 2023 in Wilton.

Lisa J. Davis, 44, of Halfmoon, pleaded to felony criminal contempt, charged April 2023. Sentencing March 21.

Michelle P. Donovan, 38, of South Glens Falls, pleaded to attempted criminal sale

5 of a controlled substance in the third-degree, charged May 2023 in Corinth.

Sentencing Feb. 22.

Robert Stocklas, Jr., 33, of Mechanicville, pleaded to felony criminal contempt, charged January 2023.

Sentencing Feb. 22.

Kenneth Quinn, 29, of New Windsor, was sentenced to two 1-year terms of incarceration, after pleading to felony criminal contempt, charged July 2023 in Mechanicville, and December 2023 in Halfmoon.

SARATOGA SPRINGS POLICE Jacob Hayner, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with burglary, and petit larceny.

Raymond Carr, 63, of Staten Island, was charged with act in manner injure child.

Andres Castro, 35, of Ossining, was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, refusal to

take a breath test, and following too closely.

Raiquan Ward, 28, of Troy, was charged with criminal mischief.

NY STATE POLICE Patric S. Scavotto, 30, of Schenectady, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations in Clifton Park.

He was transported to SP Clifton Park for processing, where he recorded a 0.22% BAC. Scavotto was issued a ticket returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court on Jan. 31, and released to a sober third party.

Nicholas A. Rodriguez, 34, of Halfmoon, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and transported to SP Clifton Park for processing, where he recorded a 0.19% BAC. Rodriguez was issued tickets returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court on Jan. 4, and released to a sober third party.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Obituaries continued from pg. 4...

Locally Owned & Operated PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty 518-581-2480 x212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee 518-581-2480 x201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com ADVERTISING Jim Daley, Advertising Director 518-581-2480 x209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com

Ellen Gruben

Michael J. Lovely

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ellen Gruben died on December 24. A service was held on December 27 at the Mendelssohn Chapel of Congregation Beth Emeth. A graveside service was held at Beth Emeth Cemetery, Albany, NY. Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

ARGYLE — Michael J. Lovely peacefully passed away on December 31, 2023. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours are from 6 to 7 p.m. prior to the service.

Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Cindy Durfey Ad Sales, Classifieds, Calendar 518-581-2480 x204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com DISTRIBUTION Kim Beatty 518-581-2480 x205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com DESIGN Kacie Cotter-Harrigan Creative Director, Graphic Designer Kelly Schoonbeck Ad Designer, Web & Social Media EDITORIAL Thomas Dimopoulos City, Crime, Arts/Entertainment 518-581-2480 x214 thomas@saratogapublishing.com Jonathon Norcross Business, Education, Sports 518-581-2480 x219 jnorcross@saratogapublishing.com Anne Proulx Obituaries, Proofreader 518-581-2480 x211 aproulx@saratogapublishing.com Send your calendar events to calendar@saratogapublishing.com

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2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: 518-581-2480

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Ashley “AJ” J Hayes

William D. Hollner, Sr.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Ashley “AJ” J Hayes died December 30. Calling hours are Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

BALLSTON SPA — William D. Hollner, Sr. passed away on January 2, 2024 at Saratoga Hospital. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, January 8, 2024 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the service.

Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Winter Sports Rentals at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Start Jan. 6 WILTON — Starting the weekend of Jan. 6, cross-country skis and snowshoes will be available for rent every Saturday and Sunday through March 24, in the town of Wilton.

Rentals will also be available on Monday, Jan. 15, Dr. Martin Luther King Day and during the school vacation week from Feb. 19-23. Adult and child sizes are available.

The rentals are located in the Winter Lodge at Camp Saratoga with access from Parking Lot #1

on Scout Road in the Town of Wilton. Rentals are $10 for adults and $5 for kids/students. Rentals are available from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. with all rented equipment returned by 3 p.m. Rentals are on a first-come first-serve basis.

For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@ wiltonpreserve.org. For up-todate trail conditions or program information, visit wiltonpreserve. org or follow on Facebook or Instagram @wiltonpreserve.

Events This Week at Moreau Lake State Park MOREAU — The following events are scheduled to take place this week at Moreau Lake State Park, located at 605 Old Saratoga Rd, Gansevoort.

Program fees waived this month in lieu of a non-perishable donation for our local food drive.

Monday, Jan. 8 at 9 a.m. Eagle Watch. Join a Park Educator on a convoy-style journey along the Hudson River to try to spot local Bald Eagles. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance: 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 10 a.m. Lake Bonita to Waterfall Trail Hike. A guided hike approximately 3.6 miles total with an out and back trail from Lake Bonita to the Waterfall trail. Bring

microspikes and poles if you have them. Snowshoes and microspikes to rent for $5. Reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Thursday, Jan. 11 at 9:30 a.m. - Kneehigh Naturalist.

Geared toward children aged 2-5. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance: 518-793-0511.

Friday Jan. 5, 12, 17, 19, and 26 at 9:30 a.m. - Wiggly Wanderers. This will be a beginner’s hike/wander series for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are able to carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. This event does not have sign ups. Meet at the nature center parking lot.

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Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

One Thousand Cookies Wesley Celebrates Success of “Adopt for Shelters of Saratoga A Grandparent” Holiday Initiative

Photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 Beverly Lawson delivered more than 84 dozen cookies, baked by members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs, to Duane Vaughn, Executive Director of Shelters of Saratoga, for distribution to the more than 120 people receiving services from SOS. Vaughn said that the cookies, carefully packaged in gift bags of seven cookies each, are often given as gifts by Shelters patrons. He said that the

homeless population nationally has increased by more than 12% this year and in Saratoga Springs, the Code Blue population, served by SOS, is twice as large as it was one year ago. Vaughn and Associate Executive Director Stephanie Romero and Facilities House Manager Jess Thompson, who helped distribute the cookies, expressed their gratitude to the twenty or so bakers from the UUCSS who prepared the gift bags, and they agreed that the need to care for the homeless population is always present.

The inaugural Adopt a Grandparent program, launched by Impressions of Saratoga, provides gifts for residents without family at The Wesley Community. Members of Wesley’s Life Enrichment team prepared the gift bags and coordinated with Impressions of Saratoga on the selection of gifts. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Members of The Welsey Community – a 37-acre senior living campus with more than 700 residents in Saratoga Springs – have enjoyed a happier holiday season thanks to the thoughtfulness of two local boutique gift shop co-owners and the generosity of the greater Saratoga Springs community.

The inaugural Adopt a Grandparent program was

launched on Black Friday, Nov. 24, as part of a holiday giving campaign by Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile Co-Owners Maddy Zanetti and Marianne Barker.

Shoppers of both stores purchased and personalized $20 gift tags through Dec. 17 that were used to buy gifts for residents of the Wesley Community. As many as 400 gift tags were purchased, making it possible to

provide every resident with a gift. Holiday gift bags were distributed during Hanukkah and just prior to Christmas.

Going forward, Zanetti and Barker said they plan to offer the Adopt a Grandparent program annually.

Visit ImpressionsSaratoga. com for further information about the Adopt a Grandparent program or call 518-587-0666. www.thewesleycommunity.org

NEWS

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Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Big Screen Returns to Wilton, Cinema Re-Opening Slated for February 2024

Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

WILTON — Four years after hosting what was widely thought to be its final screening, Wilton Mall Cinemas is slated to re-open in February.

The theater will be operated

by Scene One Entertainment, the company announced Jan. 2.

The Wilton Mall Cinemas will feature eight screens including one large-format auditorium. The large format

auditorium has a 2,000 square foot screen and enhanced Dolby Digital surround sound. All auditoriums will feature luxury leather rocking chairs, wall-towall screens, and Dolby Digital surround sound, according to Scene One Entertainment.

The Wilton Mall venue will mark the second theater operating for Scene One Entertainment in upstate New York, the other being Movieland in Schenectady.

“The theater is in fantastic

Ticket booth and entryway of the previous cinema at the Wilton Mall in October 2021. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

shape and the mall has maintained it beautifully since its pandemic closure,” Joe Masher, owner and CEO at Scene One Entertainment (formerly Bow Tie Management) said in a statement. “The developments happening around the mall are encouraging. The theater will feature fresh hot popcorn with real butter, and other treats such as chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, hot pretzels, and more.”

A private party room will also be made available for birthday parties and other events.

“Scene One Cinemas fulfills one of the most-requested uses from guests and brings the former theater space in the Food Court back to life. It’s just one more element in our ongoing,

thoughtful redevelopment that makes Wilton Mall a great place for people to live, work and play,” said Wilton Mall General Manager Mike Shaffer.

The Wilton Mall has seen some large-scale changes in recent years, and more changes may soon be underway. In 2020, Saratoga Hospital set up its medical offices in a repurposed vacant space previously occupied by Sears, and a project currently under discussion seeks to develop nearly 400 apartments alongside the existing mall.

The project, as proposed by the Macerich Corporation and Paramount Development, includes 382 new “luxury, market-rate rental residences,” including both apartments and

townhomes, and will feature “premium resident amenities with a sophisticated design.”

The plan for that potential development continues to move through the town’s approval process, and developers are hoping to next stage a public appearance before the Wilton Town Board on Feb. 1.

The Wilton movie theater originally opened in October 2013 by Bow Tie Cinemas and closed during the early on-set of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bow Tie Cinemas also opened on Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs in 2013. In April 2022 AMC announced it had struck a deal with Bow Tie to take over operations of the Saratoga Springs theater.

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

NEWS

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New Year, New Council, New Rules continued from front page...

Mayor Safford and Public Safety Commssioner Tim Coll represent the two new members of the five-person City Council. They are joined by council returnees Jason Golub (Commissioner of Public Works), Dillon Moran (Commissioner of Accounts) and Minita Sanghvi (Commissioner of Finance). The city’s longstanding Commission form of governing equally provides each of the five councilmembers one vote at the table.

Two city Supervisors do not vote at the council table, but instead represent the city with voting power at the county level as members of the Board of Supervisors. They are: returning Supervisor Matt Veitch, and new Supervisor Michele Madigan – the latter of whom had for a decade served previously as city Finance Commissioner.

The most immediate change of the first-and-third Tuesday of the month council meetings featured a return to a previous format; council meetings will now have a 7 p.m. start-time - one hour later than had been the case the past six months, and the relocation of the supervisors’ reports to the meeting’s end.

The Public Comment period which had allowed each speaker up to four minutes to address the council has been trimmed to three minutes, and a 30-minute limit overall set to allow members of the public to address the City Council.

“Public Comment has been a subject that was very much a part of this last election,” Mayor Safford said. “The other thing we’re going to be very interested in doing is making sure there

are no comments… or response that you might give from the audience to what’s being said.

And this is true as well at the council table.”

A clock will be displayed atop the council table indicating to speakers how much of their time remains, the mayor added.

“We’re going to be quite strict about timing.”

A two-page draft titled “Public Meeting Expectations and Rules” was made available at the meeting in the Music Hall Tuesday night.

The draft calls for those wishing to speak during the Public Comment period to sign their name and address on a sheet prior to the start of the meeting - a process similar to the method used at county Board of Supervisors meetings.

The proposed Rules of Decorum and Order prohibit behaviors disruptive to the conduct of the meeting.

Specifically, the draft reads: “disorderly, disruptive, disturbing, delaying, or boisterous conduct which may include, but is not limited to, handclapping, stomping of feet, whistling, making noise, use of profane language or obscene gestures, yelling or similar demonstrations.” Signs, placards, and the distribution of literature are also to be prohibited in the meeting room during a meeting.

Should the rules be violated, Safford will first request the rule violator to cease their conduct, with a verbal warning to follow should the violation continue.

“If the person does not cease the violation the presiding officer shall declare the person to be out of order at which time the Sergeant-at-Arms may take steps to remove the person(s) from the meeting room,”

according to the draft copy of Public Meeting Expectations and Rules. “If applicable, such person may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties that may apply to their conduct.”

A lengthy council discussion was had regarding the restriction of “handclapping” and general displays of emotion and what may be allowed, as any expression - celebrating the recognition of an achievement award, a response to a statement albeit popular or unpopular - may temporarily cause interruption of the rhythm of any meeting.

“There is a certain amount of flexibility that the chairman (the mayor) has as to what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable,”

Safford said. Members of the council subsequently initiated discussion about how to best ensure that the rules for allowing any public expression are applied equally to all meeting attendees, whether they be popular or unpopular.

There is more work to be done.

Initial discussions regarding the proposal took place at the council’s hour-long pre-agenda meeting earlier that day. Safford stressed that the pre-agenda meetings are where he would like much of the council’s debate over agenda items to take place. The preagenda meetings – typically held in the past on a Monday morning and lightly attended by the public, have preceded the

much larger publicly attended Tuesday night regular meetings.

“If we’re going to have any controversy over any of these, I’d like to air them out here, before we have a problem tonight,” he said at the morning pre-agenda meeting on Jan. 2, later adding “this is what we want to do at this meeting: get all this stuff aired out so we don’t have this kind of conversation tonight.”

Of the Tuesday night gatherings, Safford said, “this should be the most boring meeting of the month.”

The mayor said he hopes to have the new Public Meeting Expectations and Rules document fully prepared and ready for vote at the council’s next meeting, on Jan. 16.

NEWS

10

McLoughlin Appointed to Malta Town Board MALTA — Matt McLoughlin, a 23-year resident of Malta, was appointed to the Malta Town Board to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former Councilman John Hartzell in December.

McLoughlin, served for the last two years as Deputy Town Supervisor, and is a former Trooper who was assigned to the Malta Barracks for more than a decade during his tenure

with the State Police.

“We have a great deal of work to accomplish in the months and years ahead. With a new board, I’m confident we can work in a bipartisan manner to reflect the wants and desires of our community,” McLoughlin said in a statement. “I look forward to working and partnering with incoming Supervisor Young and all of our council members to work toward that goal.”

County Judge Jim Murphy Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2024; Court Attorney Adele Kurtz Announces Bid for Seat BALLSTON SPA —Saratoga County Court Judge Jim Murphy will not seek re-election in 2024, and will conclude his 10-year term at the end of the calendar year.

Prior to his decade as county justice, Murphy served 25 years as Saratoga County district attorney.

In 2024, Primary Elections will take place June 25 and the General Election on Nov. 5.

Adele M. Kurtz, Principal Law Clerk to Saratoga County Court Judge and Acting Supreme Court Justice, James A. Murphy III, in late December announced her candidacy for Saratoga County Court Judge and will seek the Republican and Conservative nominations.

As Principal Law Clerk to Judge Murphy, Kurtz, of Moreau, has provided legal counsel and guidance to the Court, and previously served as a county Assistant District Attorney, primarily assigned to the Special Victims Unit.

“Having sat in Saratoga County Court at both the defense table and the prosecution table I have a deep-rooted appreciation for the challenges faced by both,” Kurtz said, in a statement. “If elected, I will treat every person who appears before me with dignity and respect. I will be fair, impartial, and reasoned in my deliberations and decisions from the bench.”

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

AG Letitia James: $656,000 from Unlicensed Ballston Spa Nursing Home Operator for Years of Fraud and Neglect; Settlement Follows Four Prior Settlements Against Nursing Home’s Operators For $7.1 Million SARATOGA COUNTY — New York Attorney General Letitia James and the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York Carla Freedman announced in late December they had secured $656,000 in a settlement with Chaim “Mutty” Scheinbaum, an unlicensed operator of the Saratoga Center for Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care (Saratoga Center) for years of fraud and resident neglect.

From 2017 to 2021, Scheinbaum operated the nursing home in Ballston Spa without a license from the state, in violation of New York law.

Under his control, conditions at Saratoga Center rapidly declined. The facility lacked hot water and clean linens, and residents suffered falls, pressure sores, and other significant lapses in care, according to a statement released by the N.Y. attorney general’s office.

The facility – formerly known as Maplewood Manor when it was owned and operated by Saratoga County – was sold by the county in 2015.

The settlement follows four prior settlements as part of a

resolution in February 2023 with Saratoga Center’s owners, a second unlicensed operator, and the facility’s landlord, for over $7.1 million.

“Every resident of New York’s nursing homes deserves high-quality care and proper staffing to meet their needs,” James said in a statement.

“Rather than ensure vulnerable residents got the care they deserved, this individual mismanaged Saratoga Center’s finances and failed to adequately staff the facility, causing residents to suffer the consequences of neglect and unsanitary conditions.

Saratoga Center operated as a 257-bed nursing home from 2015 until it closed in 2021. In 2017, the landlord pressured the owners to relinquish control of Saratoga Center to unlicensed operators, including Scheinbaum, but did not report the change to the Department of Health (DOH).

The conditions at Saratoga Center declined under the control of the new, unlicensed operators, leading to a breakdown in the quality of care provided

to residents. From when they took over in 2017 to when Saratoga Center closed in 2021, Scheinbaum and the other unlicensed operator mismanaged the nursing home’s finances and failed to adequately staff the facility, causing residents to suffer the consequences.

Scheinbaum and the other operators billed New York’s Medicaid program for services provided to the residents. The investigation revealed these were claims for worthless services and amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars of fraudulent claims, James said.

In 2018, both DOH and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) fined Saratoga Center for serious deficiencies and violations, and in 2019, CMS designated Saratoga Center a “Special Focus Facility,” signifying it was among the poorest performing nursing homes in the country.

The parties to the settlement announced are Chaim Scheinbaum, Alliance NJ Care LLC, and Alliance HC II LLC, the entities through which Scheinbaum conducted business.

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

William Collins sold property at 451 Stone Church Rd to Jonathan Davis for $610,000 Dennis Day sold property at 643 Geyser Rd to Richard Briggs for $100,000

This week’s beautiful home at 22 Central Ave in Saratoga Springs listed by Jaime Williams from Roohan Realty and sold for $705,000

BALLSTON

GALWAY

MILTON

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 35 Timber Creek to Jose Pavinatto for $638,300

Nicole Cotungo sold property at 5856 Lake Rd to Timothy Schilde for $100,000

Jonathan Baniak sold property at 33 Red Oak Lane to Mark Villareal for $249,900

Colleen Purdy sold property at 106 Lancaster Court to Richard Scharphorn for $451,000

11

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Anna Laloe sold property at 3056 Shaw Rd to David Djnozka for $507,000

GREENFIELD

Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust sold property at 31 Main St to Richard Von Ahn for $126,600

Mary Kate MacFarland sold property at 47 Locust Grove Rd to Kristen Shwen for $350,000

Linda Donahue sold property at 237 Blue Barns Rd to Antonio Alvarez for $245,000

MALTA

CORINTH

Paul McCloskey sold property at 126 Arrowwood Pl to Lauren Cifra for $258,400

Michael Laport sold property at Angel Rd to Ryan Scribner for $25,000

Toni Vieira sold property at 56 Arrowwood Pl to Rena Zeppetelli for $250,000

Jennie Gavin sold property at 16 Amber Way to Miranda Cannon for $375,000 Barbara Shaver sold property at 47 Malta Ave to Joseph Shaver for 139,000 Donald Lusardi sold property at 519 Elk Circle to Xiaoming Yang for $221,000 Kathleen Kalwa sold property at 17 Milton Ave to Saratoga Allvets LLC for $280,000 Timothy Yates sold property at 85 Saratoga Ave to Shane Levin for 200,000

WILTON Laura Clute sold property at 8 Elizabeth Lane to Richard VonAhn for $320,000.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

McPadden Builders LLC sold property at 3 Colleen Ct to Jay Matthews for $565,162

Kevin Hamlin sold property at 39 Park Place to Gissou Azabdaftari for $875,000

Robert Lawrence sold property at 80 Damascus Dr to Steven Kuznia for $511,500

Cory Ward sold property at 116 Caroline St to Jeffrey Buxbaum for $2,100,000

Manuel Choy sold property at 20 Christina Ct to Lynn Jacksland for $500,000

Beechwood Saratoga LLC sold property at 35 Oakridge Blvd to Elizabeth Grimaldi for $1,400,000

Christopher Boggs sold property at 63 Fieldstone Dr to James Hayden for $655,000

Alexander Briggs sold property at 7 Newton Ave to Skye Elliott for $567,500

Donovan Realty Corp sold property at 653 Strakos Rd to Jacqueline Adler for $380,000

John Cianci sold property at 15 Walworth St to Jan Dillon for $389,000

Michael Nelson sold property at 6 Fenimore Pl to Steven Cox for $520,000

BUSINESS

12

Stewart’s Exec to Lead Commerce Chamber’s Board of Directors

Brooklyn Wine Shop Owner Arrives in Saratoga

by Jonathon Norcross

by Jonathon Norcross

Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Chad Kiesow, the Chief Operating Officer of Stewart’s Shops, has been elected this year’s Chair of the Board of Directors of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

He’ll take over the position from Amy Smith, owner of the Saratoga Arms Hotel. Smith will now become the Immediate Past Chair.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Saratoga County Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2024, a year that will undoubtedly be historic as our community prepares to host the Belmont Stakes this coming June,” Kiesow said in a statement.

“While Saratoga’s economy has outperformed many other communities in Upstate New York, we realize that the number one challenge facing local employers

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Photo provided by Lauren Halligan

across every sector is our historic labor shortage and that is why the Chamber will focus much of its time and resources in 2024 on talent recruitment via our online Job Zone and expansion of our Live Like You’re On Vacation talent recruitment campaign.”

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors has 27 members. The Chamber has an annual budget of approximately $1.8 million.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joseph Grillo cut his teeth working at trendy Brooklyn wine shops, and now he’s brought his experience and sensibilities to By the Bottle, a wine store located in downtown Saratoga.

The shop was previously owned by Annmarie Guglielmo, who now works at the Kindred wine bar on Henry Street.

Grillow took over By the Bottle in July of 2023. His goal is to create an unpretentious neighborhood shop where customers don’t feel intimidated by wine.

“I just want people to be at ease in the shop and ask questions,” Grillo said. “I’m more concerned with people and building a sense of community.”

By the Bottle offers a large selection of orange wines, as well as biodynamic and organic wines. The shop tends to favor smaller production bottles, hoping to offer customers a unique selection. “There are tens of thousands of wines in the world and I’m happy to represent different things, maybe things people don’t see every day,” Grillo said.

“Everything I have, other than maybe two wines, is between $12 and $40,” Grillo said. “I don’t have a lot of expensive stuff because I think that

Photo by Jonathon Norcross

there’s so much wonderful stuff out there that you don’t have to break the bank to try.”

Grillo previously ran Northside Discount Liquors & Wine in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He still goes there regularly to check in, but is now managing By the Bottle full time.

Prior to owning Northside, he worked at Trojanowski Liquor in Williamsburg. “That’s where I learned about wine,” Grillo said.

Grillo and his wife were married in the Spa City twelve years ago, and when the pandemic hit, they decided to move their kids to Saratoga in search of a safer, gentler city. “It has a cinema, it has a beautiful book store, it has Caffe Lena, it has all these great things,” Grillo said.

“I do like it up here.”

By the Bottle is located at 11 Spring Street in downtown Saratoga Springs.

BUSINESS

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

13

Stewart’s Raises Salvation Army Shines $2 Million for Children’s Light on Human Trafficking Charities; Applications Now Open for Funds

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The U.S. State Department estimates that, at any given time, there are 27.6 million victims of human trafficking across the globe. There are even victims right here in Saratoga County.

Susana Lehan, the Salvation Army’s Eastern Territory AntiHuman Trafficking Director, knows some of them personally. “This is everywhere,” Lehan said. “This is happening in everyone’s backyard.”

Human trafficking is defined as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor services against his or her will.

To raise awareness of this issue, the Salvation Army is hosting an event on January 11 from 12pm to 3pm at 27 Woodlawn Ave in Saratoga Springs. “There’s not a lot of awareness in the communities and all the counties in this area,” Lehan said.

The Human Trafficking Awareness Day event includes a free lunch and a presentation by Julie Chapus, LMSW. Chapus is from Rochester, New York and works with both hair and nail salons, where trafficking victims often interact with workers. “Those are people that have intimate connections with victims,” Lehan said. Traffickers often bring their victims to salons, where workers can see scars and other signs of physical violence.

Lehan said that evidence of trafficking can be hard to spot, even among trained professionals and police officers. “I’ve been in the field for thirty years and I even was not aware of the nuances until I started working with the clients,” she said.

Lehan’s Anti-Human Trafficking program at the Salvation Army helps to stabilize victims’ lives with housing, employment, clothing, food, and other basic needs. Since she first began working on this program four months ago, Lehan has already acquired at least twenty clients.

Flier image provided by the Salvation Army Photo provided by Robin Cooper

According to Lehan, only about 1% of victims report trafficking to anyone, and reports to law enforcement occur even less frequently. While trafficking can be organized by criminal groups, it can also happen in intimate partner relationships.

“Individuals are coercing people to enter these situations that they can’t get out of, and it’s by use of force, coercion, or fraud,” Lehan said. The Polaris Project, a nonprofit that aims to combat human trafficking, estimates that in 2020, 39% of victims were recruited via an intimate partner or marriage proposal.

The objective of the Human Trafficking Awareness Day event in Saratoga is to bring awareness of this ongoing issue to community members and leaders.

“We’re not asking people to intervene or anything in any kind of situation because it’s dangerous,” Lehan said.

“However, we’re asking people to just be aware and to be able to pass on a phone number, and if the client feels safe enough to come to us, they can.”

To contact Susana Lehan, call 518-584-1640 or send her an email at susana.lehan@use. salvationarmy.org.

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — Stewart’s Shops’ annual Holiday Match program raised $2 million for local children’s charities this year. Customers donated $1 million, with Stewart’s contributing the rest. The money will be distributed over the next few months across New York and Vermont.

“Even during uncertain economic times, our customers continue to amaze me with their generosity,” said Stewart’s COO Chad Kiesow.

Stewart’s Holiday Match fundraiser began in 1986, and has raised more than $38 million since then. According to Stewart’s, the company does not charge any administrative fees, meaning that all of the funds are re-distributed into the community.

Stewart’s is currently accepting applications for Holiday Match funds until the end of the month. Local 501c3 charitable groups that benefit children can apply online at stewartsshops. com. The funds will be distributed by the end of March.

14

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Puzzles Across 1 Concern when merging 10 Texas river diverted into the Red Bluff Reservoir 15 Museum download 16 Dippy 17 Stranger in many a family holiday photo 18 Cake made from ground nuts 19 “While I Was Gone” novelist Miller 20 Becomes, finally 22 “High Anxiety” actress 23 Say further 24 Corps member 26 Metered fleet 29 Treatment plant input 32 “The Cube” network 34 Delighted toddler’s demand 36 “Jinkies!”

37 Time worth studying 38 Gruff prescription for a minor injury 41 “Glad to hear it!”

42 Aspect 43 Branch of Islam 44 Org. whose members take hikes?

45 Mets slugger Pete who holds the record for most home runs by a rookie 47 Benefit 48 Irredeemable 50 Word of invitation 52 Cheese paired with kalamata olives 53 Do more than listen 56 __ diavolo sauce 59 #LiveUplifted sneakers brand 61 Arthroscopic procedure that may follow an MRI of the knee 63 McNairy of “Halt and Catch Fire” 64 Ride between runs 65 Buttonlike flower 66 Setting for some unboxing videos Down 1 Some carpentry noises 2 Party with poke 3 Between jobs 4 Bupkis 5 Gave a shot, say 6 Efforts at resistance

See puzzle solutions on page 30

See puzzle solution on page 30 7 Spot for a koi or a decoy 8 Ballpark figure 9 Emergency gear 10 Depression 11 Miso soup mushroom 12 Road show necessity?

13 Flirting with 14 Camille Pagán’s “Woman Last __ in Her Thirties” 21 “Your table’s ready” device 23 Warts and all 25 Relies (on) 26 Whoopi’s birth name 27 Drink often flavored with hibiscus 28 Aveeno product 30 Peer-to-peer sharing?

31 Add capacity to, in a way

33 French composer who influenced Ravel 35 Diet food choice 39 Some mechanical connectors 40 Dethrone 46 Egyptian god invoked in “The Magic Flute” 49 __ al pastor 51 Disinclined to form compounds 52 Media __: unplugged period 54 Sign of hollowness 55 “Proof” or “Doubt” 56 “Point taken” 57 Abounding (with) 58 Review-heavy newspaper section 60 Trough spot 62 Gp. central to the 1993 Oslo Accords

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices.

This Week: Sachet, Sashay Sachet is a small packet of perfumed powder While drying clothes, Jo dropped a small sachet in the dryer Sashay means to strut or flounce After their victory, the girls proudly sashayed around the field Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@gmail. com

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

home &

Garden

15

Gardening with

Peter Bowden:

Winter Cat Grass

Written & Photographed

by Peter Bowden for Saratoga TODAY

N

Photos Right: 1. Cat Grass seed packet 2. Sprouted but not ready to eat yet | 3. Finally ready to serve

either of our cats show much interest in chewing on the houseplants but once in a while in winter, I’ll notice some nibbling on the leaves of a begonia or geranium that is spending the winter inside. I use this behavior as my cue to provide them with some grass to eat.

Among the seed packs that arrive at the garden center every January, you’ll be able to find some cat grass. Often this is a blend of grasses that cats enjoy. Oats, wheat, rye and barley make up the blend. In the past I’ve grown the oats for them and they like it. I decided to give the blend a try to see how that goes over.

It’s well known that cats eat grass. Most often the eating of grass is followed by the cat throwing up. A great many cat lovers have concluded that it is the grass that is making the cat sick. This isn’t an illogical conclusion, but it is nonetheless incorrect. Cats, in their native environment, will kill and eat small rodents like mice. They can’t digest mice hair and bones so they need to vomit to get rid of it. Cats also clean themselves with their tongues and end up swallowing a good bit of their own hair. This hair is also expelled through vomiting.

What does all this have to do with them eating grass? By

eating grass, cats are helping to induce their own vomiting to get rid of whatever is in their stomach that is causing their distress. In other words, if you see your cat eating grass, don’t stop it. The theory is that the grass induces vomiting since the cats can’t digest it, and it also makes the hair easier to expel. While cleaning up a bundle of grass and fur that your cat puked up isn’t pleasant, it is better than allowing those fur balls to create an intestinal blockage that requires a trip to the vet and, possibly, an expensive operation.

My cats don’t vomit after they nibble on the fresh shoots.

Clearly, they enjoy it and I suspect there are more benefits for them. They wouldn’t crave it if it wasn’t something they need once in a while in winter.

Starting cat grass is the simplest thing ever. Put some potting soil in a pot, scatter in a bunch of seeds, cover with a half inch of more soil and soak it well. To hasten sprouting, I

like to put the pots in a plastic bag (unsealed) until it sprouts.

In a warm room, the seed will sprout in about 3 days...fast!

I remove them from the bag once they sprout and find a sunny windowsill to help them grow a bit before I let the cats have it. This is the challenging part since the cats love it and can usually find it before it is tall enough to make much of a meal. Bug managed to find the pot growing on an upper windowsill and decided that it was just the right size for a snack. Then he dove right in!

Peep was more ladylike when given her share.

The packet contains plenty of seeds so I’ll start a couple of pots a week for several weeks.

This ensures a continuous supply for the rest of winter.

The grass will re-grow two or three times after the cats nibble it down so don’t toss it after their first “munch in.” If you have indoor cats, you should consider growing grass for them all year round.

Thanks for the read!

16

EDUCATION

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

DISTRICTS SCRAMBLE: Bus Driver Shortage Continues

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa school districts are both plagued by bus driver shortages that may threaten to eliminate some bus routes.

At a Board of Education meeting last month, Saratoga Springs City School District Director of Transportation Jerry Keenan delivered an annual report that stressed the urgent need for new hires.

“We were scheduled to have 76 permanent drivers approved in our budget this year,” Keenan told the board. “Unfortunately, we’ve lost more drivers than we’ve hired since school has started.”

Keenan said that the district will have twelve openings for permanent positions this month.

Keenan said that he and Assistant Director of Transportation Kim Ross both drive buses themselves to help make up for the lack of drivers.

“We work very hard to ensure every day that we are getting our kids to school,” he said.

Ross said that the transportation department hired

Photo by Super Source Media Studios

five new employees but all of them left their positions for various reasons. “We bring them in and they go out, but we do try,” she said.

The Ballston Spa Central School District also needs more transportation workers.

“Unfortunately, the Ballston Spa Central School District continues to eliminate certain bus routes as we are confronted with a need for additional staff members,” the district said on its website. “Bus drivers, substitute bus drivers, and bus attendants are all needed to ensure the district can transport all students on the district’s bus routes each morning and afternoon.”

Bus driver shortages are not

unique to the region. Data from the Economic Policy Institute indicates that from September 2019 to September 2023, there was a 15.1% decrease in the total number of K-12 bus drivers nationwide. Private school bus driver employment also declined by 21.5% over the same four-year period.

Those interested in an open transportation position at the Ballston Spa Central School District can call the department at 518-884-7140 or visit www. bscsd.org/Page/279.

For information on openings at the Saratoga Springs City School District, visit saratogaschools. org/departments-ser vices/ employment/.

Ballston Spa Schools Receive $16K in Grant Awards

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

MALTA — The Ballston Spa Central School District received $16,000 in grant awards from the GLOBALFOUNDRIES-Town of Malta Foundation. The bulk of the funds ($10,000 to be exact) will support the Robotics Team and Competitions. $5,000 will be devoted to Senior Class activities and the annual After Prom event. The final $1,000 will help fund a digital safety program for students and parents.

“We are thrilled to receive the support of the GLOBALFOUNDRIES-Town of Malta Foundation to enhance our programs throughout the district,” said Superintendent

Photo provided by Stuart Williams

Dr. Gianleo Duca in a statement.

“We appreciate their ongoing investment in providing the best learning experiences and opportunities for students.”

The GLOBALFOUNDRIES

-Town of Malta Foundation funds organizations, programs, and projects that benefit Malta residents. For more information, visit sites.google.com/site/ gfmaltafoundationorg/home.

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

EDUCATION BRIEFS

17

Empire State University Broadway Actor Teaches Ballston MBA Program Ranked #1 Spa Students How to Audition SARATOGA SPRINGS — Empire State University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has been ranked first in the Capital Region for the third straight year by the Albany Business Review.

The school offers MBAs in business management and health care leadership. More than 400 students enrolled in the Fall 2023 MBA program.

Image via Empire State University

Schuylerville Student Wins Heisman Scholarship

Photo provided by Stuart Williams

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

Image via Schuylerville Central School District

SCHUYLERVILLE — Three-sport student-athlete Anika Buff has been named the 2023 School Winner for the Heisman High School Scholarship, the Schuylerville Central School District announced in December. The award recognizes “outstanding scholar-athletes who exhibit leadership qualities in their school and community.”

Buff, a senior, played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse all four years of her high school career.

She was captain of the soccer team during her senior year, and was also treasurer of the Varsity Club.

“I’d like to thank my coaches, my family, and my teammates,” Buff said. “Their support has helped me to keep working to get better and help the team as a whole.”

BALLSTON SPA — A Broadway veteran who has appeared in productions of “Wicked” and “Newsies” visited Ballston Spa last month to offer students some pointers on

nailing their auditions.

The Ballston Spa High School’s Troupe Booster Club hosted performer Danny Quadrino for an audition workshop that helped students improve their musical talents.

Pianist Jesse Cohen-Greenberg

accompanied Quadrino.

The Troupe Booster Club sponsored the event with partial funding provided by the Ballston Spa Partnership for Innovation in Education Fund. For additional information on the fund, visit www.bscsd.org/CRPS.

Food

18

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Sweet Sprig brings

Artisan Soaps to the Farmers’ Market Roasted Beet and Apple Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

SATURDAYS 9:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.

WILTON MALL FOOD COURT

by Jodie Fitz for Saratoga TODAY

Photos courtesy of Sweet Sprig

W

hen you visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, each vendor is a small business sharing their expertise and carefully crafted or grown products with you. Each vendor has a unique story to share.

We recently had a conversation with Leah, the owner of Sweet Sprig.

YIELDS: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market • ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 handful pea shoots or microgreens*

Tell us about your products, the ingredients, and the ‘why’ behind them.

I have a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts and approach soap making with artistic integrity. Every botanical is added to the tops of my bars by hand. Colors, textures, and fragrances that evoke memories are all thoughtfully planned out. I want to give my customers tiny moments of everyday luxury.

• 3 medium-size beets or 1 large beet* • 1 bag baby lettuce*

In 1997, I created and sold my first batch of artisan soap at 14 years old; I was hooked and started selling my soaps at craft fairs. During college, I always had a side hustle creating natural skincare. Four years ago, I left my career to run Sweet Sprig full-time.

All my colorants are plant or mineral-based, like fresh carrot juice, parsley, indigo, and paprika.

Every ingredient is researched and selected for its skin benefits and eco-friendliness. I’m constantly reading new studies and industry literature to ensure the ingredients I put into my products are up to my standards.

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE

• 1 apple, thinly sliced*

When did you start Sweet Sprig?

I started with soap making and was drawn to natural essential oils and ingredients. Growing up on a small homestead with a fiber artist for a mother, I knew about natural plant colorants. After a short time, I added bath bombs, creams, candles, haircare, and more. I often experiment and add products based on what customers are looking for.

FOR THE SALAD:

Tell us about the future of Sweet Sprig.

Farmer’s markets are some of my favorite spaces on earth. They are filled with talented and kind farmers, chefs, artists, and small business owners.

I love being a part of what can be described as a family. Building connections with new customers is so rewarding.

Visit Leah to learn about her classes and other community activities. We are delighted to have Sweet Sprig at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from November through April at the Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs or the mall interior. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar • 2 tablespoons minced red or yellow onion* • 2 teaspoons honey*

• ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese*

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ¼ cup toasted walnuts

• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Trim the stem end off each beet, wrap in a piece of aluminum foil, and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast beets for 1-2 hours or until they are tender when pierced with a paring knife.

2. Allow the beets to cool and gently rub off the skin. The beets can be used at this point or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

3. When ready to serve, slice the beets into ¼ inch slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Layer on the sliced apple, baby lettuce, pea shoots, feta cheese, and walnuts and set aside.

4. To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced onion, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in the jar or a small blender and blend on high for 15-30 seconds or until completely smooth. If you do not have a blender small enough for this quantity, simply whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl.

5. Pour dressing over the plated salad and serve immediately.

Recipe and Photo by Marisa Kerkvliet

Food

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

19

“You only grow by coming to the end of something and by beginning something else.” - JOHN IRVING Hello my Foodie Friends !

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

We are in that week of after all of the holiday gatherings and bringing in the New Year. The office parties, holiday shopping, travel planning, family, friends,

partners, and children have been grabbing your attention and can easily take its toll. Before you know it, the new year begins and you are be back to your

One-Pot Chicken & Biscuits

INGREDIENTS DOUGH:

• 1 tsp. salt, divided, plus more

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided

• 2 tsp. baking powder • ½ tsp. salt • 6 Tbsp. chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces • ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp. heavy cream FILLING: • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil • 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 4)

• 1 small onion, cut into ½” pieces • 1 medium carrot, scrubbed, cut into ½” pieces • 1 medium (5–8 oz.) potato, cut into ½” pieces • 2 celery stalks, any leaves coarsely chopped and reserved, cut on a diagonal into ½” pieces

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 tsp. dried thyme • ½ tsp. freshly ground pepper, plus more • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour • ½ cup dry white wine • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water • ½ cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing • ½ cup fresh or frozen peas

INSTRUCTIONS DOUGH: 1. Whisk 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp. baking powder, and ½ tsp. salt in a large bowl to combine. Add 6 Tbsp. chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces, and toss to coat. Work in butter with your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp. heavy cream and stir with a fork until a shaggy dough forms and no dry bits of flour remain. Chill 20 minutes.

DO AHEAD: Dough can be made 2 days ahead. Cover tightly and keep chilled.

FILLING AND ASSEMBLY: 2. Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 450°. Heat 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a 10” castiron skillet over medium-high. Season 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 4) on both sides with ½ tsp. salt. Arrange chicken thighs in pan in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until golden brown underneath, 5–7 minutes. Turn over and cook until almost cooked through, about 4 minutes. (Chicken will finish cooking through in the oven.)

Transfer to a cutting board; let cool slightly, then cut into 1” pieces.

3. Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter in pan (no need to clean).

Add 1 small onion, cut into ½” pieces, 1 medium carrot, scrubbed, cut into ½” pieces, and ½ tsp. salt and stir to coat. Cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent, about 3

minutes. Add 1 medium (5–8 oz.) potato (such as red), cut into ½” pieces, 2 celery stalks, cut on a diagonal into ½” pieces, 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, 1 tsp. dried thyme, ½ tsp. freshly ground pepper, and remaining 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter. Cook, stirring, 1 minute, then add 2 Tbsp. allpurpose flour and stir to coat vegetables.

Cook, stirring often, until flour coating is golden and nutty-smelling, about 3 minutes.

4. Add ½ cup dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring to a boil and cook until wine is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water and bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low, cover pan, and cook until mixture is thickened a bit, about 4 minutes.

5. Uncover pan and stir chicken, coarsely chopped celery leaves (if using), ½ cup heavy cream, and ½ cup fresh or frozen peas into filling. Taste and season with more kosher salt if needed.

6. Dollop golf-ball–size pieces of dough over filling. Brush with cream and season with pepper and flaky sea salt (if using). Place skillet on a baking sheet to catch any drips and transfer to oven. Bake until biscuits are golden brown and filling is bubbling, 25–30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Sahara Henry-Bohoskey at epicurious.com

pre-holiday routines and habits.

The start of a new year is time to reflect and look at our past year in terms of the relationships developed, the experiences we have had, and lessons learned. It’s that time again for us here at Compliments to the Chef to thank all the wonderful acquaintances that have helped us throughout the year. As Clarence said to George Bailey “No man is a failure who has friends.” We have foodie friends which is even better!

So many wonderful people have come through our door with questions and some with suggestions. We believe that we have a tremendous extended family who share in our joy of cooking and creating our own masterpiece meals. We have introduced many new tools into our store as a result of customer suggestions. Coming to work every day in one of the finest cities in America is a blessing.

Now that we are about to begin another successful year, it’s time to gather in our kitchens and raise our glasses to our family,

friends; past and present, and to the new friends to come.

While making your toasts, keep in mind some tools that can help to make your celebrations in 2024 run smoothly. Tools such as the foil cutter, wine openers, corkscrew, cocktail shaker and strainer, along with wine, whiskey, champagne, martini, and more types of glasses, can be very useful with celebrations this year. Whatever your needs, I hope that our store can continue to be your first thought for your culinary and wine supplies. Stop

by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. And when you come through our door, you will notice that a bell rings… and we all know what happens every time a bell rings! Cheers to a happy 2024!

Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” Thank you for all that you do to make our business special.

Take Care, John & Paula

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save the date:

Schuylerville Library Hosts Holocaust Survivor Jan. 29 & Messages From Survivors Travelling Exhibit

Upcoming Events

SCHUYLERVILLE — To commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Schuylerville Public Library will display the powerful travelling history exhibit, called Messages From Survivors: One Family’s Holocaust Legacy, for the month of January.

The exhibit includes six panels of survivor stories, each one unique but linked, as well as take-home cards featuring some of the stories and links to more

Wilton Wildlife Perserve. Photo provided

Beginner CrossCountry Ski and Snowshoe Introduction Come join our educators as they give you tips and tricks on how to cross-country ski, so you feel comfortable on the trails on your own! January 13, 14, 27 and 28 at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton from 9 – 10 a.m.

This program will be on crosscountry skis and snowshoes, weather permitting. Snowshoe rentals are made available for public programs courtesy of the Common Roots Foundation grant. Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To sign-up please email info@wiltonpreserve. org, visit the website at wiltonpreserve.org to fill out the registration form, or call the office at 518-450-0321.

Medicare Education for Seniors Join us for an informational seminar to educate seniors about Medicare, Part A, B, and D, to review Medicare Supplemental plans, and to review Medicare Advantage plans, Part C. Held at Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs on Saturday, January 13 from 2 – 3 p.m. Free admission. Please register online www.sspl.org.

Let’s Finish What They Started

Lantern Making Workshop Join us this Saturday, January 13 at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 65 South Broadway Saratoga Springs from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for an

photo

enchanting Lantern Making Workshop with the incredibly talented Frank Lombardo!

Bring your little ones and get ready to embark on a creative journey as Frank guides them through the magical world of lantern making. Ignite their imagination and watch as they bring their very own lanterns to life! Cost is $12.

The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is launching its 2024 campaign for women’s equality on January 18 at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public

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CONTEST NOW OPEN!

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

resources. This opportunity to view the material is via a partnership between the Southern Adirondack Library System, Assemblymember Carrie Woerner and the creators at the Memory Project Productions.

Schuylerville Public Library will also host a holocaust survivor, Ivan Vamos, who will speak of his early childhood memories in war-torn Hungary with his family and his later emigration from home. Vamos will display

photos and documents from his early years, display some drawings he has made of his time in Hungary, and offer a brief Q & A after his presentation, from 4:30-6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29.

Those interested in attending, may come in person to the Library at 52 Ferry St., Schuylerville, or view the discussion via Zoom. The link to join via Zoom is found on the Library’s event calendar at svl. libcal.com.

Library. Titled “Let’s Finish What They Started,” the event will showcase famous feminists from American history as well as feminist writer Jen Deaderick, author of She the People: A Graphic History… of The Unfinished Road to Women’s Equality. The Saratoga Springs Public Library is a co-sponsor of the evening. For more information, visit www. lwvsaratoga.org; to register, visit www.sspl.org/events.

Hattie’s Mardi Gras Saturday, January 27, Hattie’s Mardi Gras will be held at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

This year’s beneficiary is The SEAT Center Culinary Lab, an organization dedicated to training young people for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. Business for Good’s co-Founders Ed and Lisa Mitzen will host the event. Acclaimed actress, producer, singer, dancer, and advocate Vanessa Williams will be the event’s special guest.

DJ Fernando Bustamente will provide entertainment during the cocktail hour, and live music will be performed by Soul Session and Garland Nelson.

Hattie’s Executive Chefs Jasper Alexander, Mark Graham, and Phil Fitzpatrick and their team

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET YOUR PHOTOS PUBLISHED!

Submit your “Photo of the Week” for a chance to be PUBLISHED IN PRINT in Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.

Contest photo submissions close February 7.

One photo will be chosen each week. Email your photo to: Design@SaratogaPublishing.com All submissions will be added to our website: saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com/galleries.

Cedar Waxwing at Wilton Wildlife Pond. Photo by William Butz

will bring the flavors of New Orleans to Saratoga Springs.

Tickets available at www. eventbrite.com/e/mardi-gras2024-tickets-770572401797? aff=oddtdtcreator.

The Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk Held on Sunday, February 4 at 11 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park. There will be no indoor facilities and we will meet in the quadrangle near the Wired restrooms. The Camp

Saratoga 8K Snowshoe Race will be held on Saturday, February 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.

Registration for both events can be done online through www. runsignup.com with day-of onsite. A limited supply of Dion snowshoes available to rent for $5 on a first come/first serve basis. For more information about the NE Snowshoe Series visit dionwmacsnowshoe. com. Questions? Call Laura at 518-581-1278 or laura@ saratogastryders.org.

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Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

This Week’s Events: JAN. 5-11 🙂 = family friendly FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 First Friday Film: Asteroid City (2023) Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 10:30 a.m.

In a 1950s American desert town, a stargazing convention attracts all ages. What follows is an unexpected exchange of ideas and experiences that lead to eye-opening revelations.

Rated PG-13; 105 minutes. 518371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Prevention Council Program Ballston Spa High School Library, 220 Ballston Ave., Ballston Spa | 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

Ballston Spa CSD, in partnership with The Prevention Council, presents “Right Under Your Nose”, an interactive program for parents, grandparents, guardians, and other concerned adults that will build understanding about the current substance use culture.

The program begins with an opportunity to walk-through what a typical bedroom looks like, with numerous references to drug culture, containers, stashes, clothing, etc. Can you see what’s right under your nose? Patty Kilgore, LMSW, from The Prevention Council, will explain to parents/adults just what is in the room and how to have discussions with students about drug culture.

For more information contact Patty Kilgore at 518-5811230 ext. 3628 or patty@ preventioncouncil.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 Little Folks Show

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Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 3 – 4:30 p.m.

A fun way to introduce the young people in your life to

the joy of live music. Dance, clap and sing along with Molly & Eben – an Americana/folk guitar and vocal duo and a musical marriage in all senses.

The two combine the evocative voice and songwriting of Molly Venter, known for her sublime singing in the prominent female-vocal-group Red Molly, with Eben Pariser – who cut his teeth as a street performer in New York City, playing music of New Orleans with his band Roosevelt Dime.

The result is folk music with a depth of improvisation and tonal subtlety usually reserved for jazz. This family-friendly show is guaranteed to delight kids and caregivers of all ages!

Free admission.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 Breakfast Buffet and Omelet Station

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Waterford Knights of Columbus Hall, 76 Grace Street, Waterford | 8 – 11 a.m.

Buffet featuring our famous Omelet Station, eggs cooked to order, pancakes (plain or blueberry), French toast, sausage, bacon, seasoned home fries, toast, coffee, tea, orange, and apple juices. Take a chance to win the 50/50 drawing. Each paid breakfast enters you to win a free breakfast! Irish Coffee and Mimosa’s now available!

Adults $12, Children $6, Children under 4 free. www.waterfordkofc.org or call 518-237-9330.

MONDAY, JANUARY 8 Galway Preservation Society Program Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway 7 p.m. | Doors will open at 6:45. The January program will be a video presentation

of historian David Brooks speaking on the formation and history of the “Iron-Hearted Regiment”. The Iron-Hearted Regiment was the nickname of the 115th New York Infantry Regiment from the Counties of Saratoga, Fulton, Montgomery, and Hamiliton, formed after President Lincoln called for additional troops to assist in the Civil War. Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge. If you choose, annual family or household membership is available for $10 per year. Please join us to learn more about the IronHearted Regiment.

Song Swap with Jeff Walton Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 7 – 9 p.m.

Grab your favorite acoustic (or electric!) instrument, bring your love of music, and join us for an informal song swap led by local musician, Jeff Walton.

Feel free to bring your own tunes to play and share. No registration required.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 Apple Enthusiasts: Email Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Apple Enthusiasts is a hybrid all-things-Apple chat group, where you can bring your device, app, or software questions to get some answers.

Topics covered may include: iOS software updates, apps, and general use. Users of all experience levels are encouraged to attend. Please register for this Zoom-based program online at www.sspl. org, or by contacting the library at 518-584-7860.

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail. Photo by Walking Man 24/7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

No reservations required.

Sponsored by Prestwick Chase.

Storyteller Linda McKenney presents You’re Going to be Surprised. Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 7. If Saratoga Springs City Schools are closed due to weather, that date will be postponed to February 14.

For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or call 518-290-6988.

Chicken Parmigiana Dinner Take Out Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs 4:30 – 6 p.m. | Take out only.

Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585.

Menu: Chicken Parmigiana, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Cost: $15 per dinner.

(Cash only).

Green Drinks The Parting Glass, 40-42 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m.

A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food,

alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Held monthly.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail Meadowbrook Rd. Entrance, Saratoga Springs | 10 – 11 a.m.

Take a hike with our educators to learn new information about the sights and sounds of your favorite Saratoga PLAN trails. Learn about the amazing ecology of a wetland and a forest habitat in the deep winter. You are bound to discover amazing things!

Snowshoe rentals are made available for public programs courtesy of the Common Roots Foundation grant. Registration is strongly encouraged at least one business day in advance due to winter parking limitations. To sign-up please email info@wiltonpreserve.org, visit the website to fill out the registration form, or call the office at 518-450-0321.

American Architectural Style Talk Ballston Spa Public Library, Community Room, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m.

John Cromie will take us through Ballston Spa’s Historic District on an exploration of American Architectural styles through each period’s politics, educational and social assumptions, technology, and decorative arts. Join us if you have an older home, love history or are passionate about community character.

Free admission & light refreshments provided.

Send your upcoming local event briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.

Arts & Entertainment

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Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Universal Preservation Hall Announces a Wedding Photographer William Wegman Guest In Creative Life Series in February ALBANY — Artist William Wegman, best known for his portraits of his Weimaraner dogs, will be the next guest in The Creative Life conversation series at UAlbany.

The event takes place 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center on the uptown University at Albany campus located at 1400 Washington Ave. The event is free and open to the public.

William Wegman is a beloved American artist known throughout the world for photographs, videos and calendars that feature his Weimaraner dogs in a variety of costumes and poses. His work is held in the permanent collections of major museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art and Smithsonian American Art Museum. The author of numerous books for children, Wegman is also the creator of short segments featuring his dogs for Sesame Street. His new book is William Wegman:

Writing by Artist (2022), his first collection to focus on his multifaceted and deeply funny relationship to language, spanning the early 1970s to the present.

The Creative Life series is a major arts initiative of the University Art Museum, New York State Writers Institute and UAlbany Performing Arts Center in conjunction with WAMC Northeast Public Radio.

Previous guests in The Creative Life series have included, among others, fiction writer Joyce Carol Oates, Broadway star Patti LuPone, Warhol film star Bibbe Hansen, high-wire artist Philippe Petit, art critic Lucy Sante, actress/ comedian Jane Curtin and singer/guitarist Susanna Hoffs.

Additional guests in the series will be announced for the spring of 2024.

More information can be obtained by contacting the UAlbany Performing Arts Center at 518-442-3995 or pac@ albany.edu.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The new year at Universal Preservation Hall is kicking off with a one-of-a-kind night theatrical experience Thursday, Jan. 18 - Sunday, Jan. 21.

“Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding,” at the Great Hall for six performances, welcomes guests to the wedding ceremony and

reception; There’s real food, real dance, and real mingling with a cast of lovable characters of an Off-Broadway comedy.

The event is staged as a festive celebration in which the audience doesn’t just watch the show but participates directly in the fun as members of the family or friends of the bride and groom.

The show’s history spans back to its first performance in 1985.

Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online at universalpreservationhall.org. Groups of 10 or more can get their tickets by calling 518-82-3884 ext. 139.

Live At Lena’s: Nora Brown And Stephanie Coleman on Jan. 7 SARATOGA SPRINGS — First brought together by Brooklyn’s tight-knit old-time music community in 2017, Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman share the creations of their musical partnership with Saratoga Springs in a show to be staged 7 p.m. on Jan. 7 at Caffe Lena.

Brown plays banjo and guitar and has released three albums on Brooklyn-based Jalopy Records. She has performed across the US, Europe, and Japan including NPR’s Tiny Desk and TED EDU. Over the past two decades, Coleman has established herself as a highly respected and sought-after practitioner of traditional Appalachian and Midwestern style old-time fiddle. She holds the record for most ribbons won in the renowned fiddle contest at the Appalachian String Band Music Festival in Clifftop, WV, and has recorded and toured internationally.

Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman, a duet first formed in 2017, stage a show at Caffe Lena’s on Jan. 7.

Together, Brown and Coleman have performed at such venues as the Kennedy Center, Symphony Space, Philadelphia Folk Festival, and

the Trans-Pecos Festival in Marfa, Texas. Their long-awaited EP is the culmination of six years spent playing tunes and honing their sound as a duo.

Arts & Entertainment

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Foreigner, Styx, John Waite to Stage Show at SPAC in July SARATOGA SPRINGS — Foreigner and Styx are planning a North American tour that includes a stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 30.

The tour runs June 11 – Aug. 28, and includes special guest John Waite.

Tickets at LiveNation.com.

Show alert: live at Saratoga Performing Arts Center July 30.

Vixen to Stage Show at The Strand Jan. 19.

HUDSON FALLS — Vixen will perform at The Strand Theatre.

Vixen – in its initial lineup, was formed in Minneapolis in the 1980s and featured six number one videos on MTV and four songs in Billboard’s Top 100. The all-female rock band opened for Ozzy Osbourne, KISS and Scorpions, among others.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Opening acts are Lucid Street and musician Margo Macero. Tickets are: $50 balcony, $65 lower level (not including front row).

On Thursday, Jan. 18, the Strand Theatre welcomes indie band Areli and Company for a 7:30 p.m. show. Areli & Company features Areli Mendoza-Pannone,

Vixen will perform at The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls next week.

Photo provided.

a versatile singer-songwriter and classical soprano from Albany, plus performers from the School of Music at SUNY Schenectady.

The Strand Theatre is located at 210 Main St, Hudson Falls.

For more information, go to www.mystrandtheatre.org.

Local Author, ADK 46er Publishes Book of Journey Through the Adirondack Mountains MALTA — Local author and ADK 46er, Ken Marcinowski, invites readers to embark on a journey through the Adirondack Mountains with his latest book, “May The Mountain Speak To You.” Filled with snapshots accompanied by heartfelt poetry and insightful quotations to inspire readers to connect with nature and embrace the wonders of the outdoors.

“May The Mountain Speak To You” (The Troy Book Makers) is currently available on various platforms including Northshire Books in Saratoga Springs.

“May The Mountain Speak To You.”

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CulinaryArts@SPAC Presents Win Son: A Taste of Taiwan Jan. 26 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s CulinaryArts@SPAC series will return with the flavor-packed cuisine from Win Son, Brooklyn’s destination Taiwanese-American restaurant and bakery on the Michelin list.

Called “one of NYC’s most thrilling meals” by Eater, the restaurant and its chefs will curate exclu-sive samplings from their menu and new cookbook for event attendees.

Slated for Jan. 26 from 6- 9 p.m. at The Pines at SPAC, Win Son: A Taste of Taiwan will feature con-versation hosted by WAMC’s Joe Donahue with Win Son cofounders and authors Josh Ku and Chef Trigg Brown.

A “cook the book” styledevent, Win Son: A Taste of Taiwan features culinary samplings of the vi-brant flavors of Taiwan, while inviting guests to learn how an ever-simmering pot of creative influ-ences has evolved Taiwanese cooking in the U.S. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample dishes such as Five-Spice Buttered Peanuts and Pan-Griddled Pork Buns upon arrival, followed by

tastes of dishes such as Fried Eggplant with Black Vinegar, Sticky Rice with Sausage and Shrimp, and Mochi Donuts, all served family-style at communal tables. Taiwan beer, wine and soft drinks will also be served.

Accompanying the tastings will be a conversation hosted by WAMC’s Joe Donahue with Win Son’s Josh Ku and Chef Trigg Brown, who recently published Win Son Presents: A Taiwanese American Cookbook.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book for the special event price of $35 and have it signed by the authors.

The CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative, founded in 2020, combines culinary excellence and education with exquisite food that emphasizes socially conscious cultivation and consumption, local procure-ment, and fair wages. Most recently, CulinaryArts@SPAC hosted The Joy of Oysters with author Nils Bernstein and The Mushroom Experience in partnership with Collar City Mushrooms.

Tickets cost $90 per person. Visit spac.org for details.

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It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

AD SPACE RESERVATION DUE: Monday | 5 p.m.

AD COPY DUE: Wednesday | Noon Publication Day: Friday

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE CALL 518-581-2480 EXT. 204 CLASSIFIED@SARATOGAPUBLISHING.COM

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TODAY! PHONE: 518-581-2480 ext. 204 EMAIL: CLASSIFIED@ saratogapublishing.com 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs

LEGALS NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). Name: Cannabis Wellness, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/15/2023.

Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Cannabis Wellness, LLC, 201 Northline Road, Ballston Spa, New York 12020.

Purpose: to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a limited liability company may be formed under section 201 of the Limited Liability Company Law. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11766 Notice of Qualification of Tara Hill Insurance Services, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on, 11/17/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to: Harker & Associates, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11775 Notice of Qualification of Tysers Live Insurance Brokerage Services LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on, 11/17/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to: Harker & Associates, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/24,

12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11777 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Name of the LLC is: MILLIE KENNEDY, LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 16, 2023. Office Location: 255 Evans Street, Victory Mills, New York 12884, County of Saratoga. Under section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law the secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the secretary of state shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 255 Evans Street, Victory Mills, New York 12884.

The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the LLCL. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11779 Notice of formation of Holy Moses Hospitality, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/08/2023.

Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: Angela Moses 219 Center St, Corinth, NY 12822. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11780 Notice of formation of SKG Technologies, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the

Secretary of State of New York on 11/11/2023 Office: Saratoga County. Jason Guzzo has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of the process should be mailed to the LLC at 7 Lindenwood Drive, Ballston Lake, New York 12019.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11783 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company.

Name: Nebula Energy LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/14/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC at 13 Barcelona Dr., Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024.

11784 Benson’s Pet Center of Saratoga, LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/04/2021. Office in Saratoga Co. SSNY desig.

Agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1 #086, Buffalo, NY 14221.

Purpose: General. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11786 Notice of formation of Harbor Strategies LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/20/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served.

A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 5 Berkshire Drive, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024.

11791 Notice of formation of PAPERROOTSCO, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 09/28/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 85 Pepperbush Pl, Malta, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024.

11800 Notice of formation of 45 Greenwood Ave LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/09/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 10 Lonesome Pine Trail, Gansevoort, NY 12831. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024.

11806 Notice of formation of R J Alexander Enterprises, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/27/2023 Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 24 Moore Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01,

12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11809 Notice of formation of LAURA MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/04/2023.

Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 12 MIA WAY PORTER CORNERS, NY 12859. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024.

11810 Notice of formation of YSPK Properties LLC . Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on October 4, 2021, Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 1555 Crescent Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024.

11811 Notice of Formation of Deno Coaching and Consulting LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/30/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 123 Canal Rd, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19/2024. 11844

25

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

LEGALS MetaMemes, LLC, filed articles of organization with the NY Secretary of State on 12/2/2023. The office of the LLC is located in Saratoga County. Kesavan Sampanthar is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NY Secretary of State shall mail copy of process to Kesavan Sampanthar at 9 Anthony Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Company is organized for any lawful purpose.12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19/2024. 11846 Notice of formation of MZ Handyman LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/20/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 228 PARK AVE S NUM 877359, New York, NY 10003.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

12/8, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 1/5, 1/12, 1/19/2024, 11847 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 39-41 WALTON STREET, L.L.C. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 5, 2023. Office location: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 10 Town Square Suite 200, Chatham, New Jersey 07928. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024. 11864 Notice of formation of AIR COMMAND SOLUTIONS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/30/2023.

Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: BRYAN W SOMMERS, 459A GANSEVOORT RD. FORT EDWARD, NY 12828. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/15,

12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024. 11884 Notice of Formation of PLLC. Name: Pellegrino Psychological Services, PLLC (the “Company”). The Articles of Organization of the Company were filed with the Department of State on July 07, 2023. The Company office is located in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as Agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of process to the Company at 23 Magnolia Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The purpose of the Company is to engage in the practice of the profession of psychology in New York State.

12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024.

11895 Notice of formation of 10 One Productions Media LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/20/23. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 10 One Productions Media LLC, 807 Walnut Dr, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02/2024.

11946 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: SPEARMACO REALTY, L.L.C. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 18, 2023. Office location: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 97 Travelers Way, Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02/2024. 11950 Notice of formation of FOWL LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/12/2023.

Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 4 BRIARWOOD DRIVE, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02/2024. 11960 Notice of formation of E&S McGinness LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/08/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 2210 Alexander Rd, Galway, NY, 12074.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02/2024.

11961 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY The name of the limited liability company is: Than & Zin LLC. The Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State on October 3, 2023. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Saratoga. The secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the secretary of state shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 13 Meadow Rue Place, Malta, New York 12020. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business acts or activities for which limited liability companies may be formed under law.

12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02/2024.

11962 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Name: Holy Moses Land Holdings LLC, Articles

IMPACT Charters LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/21/23.

Office in Saratoga Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 60 Railroad Place, Suite 502, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: General. 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, 02/09/2024. 12072

of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 21, 2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: c/o The LLC, 219 Center Street, Corinth, NY 12822. Purpose: Any lawful act or activities. 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, 02/09/2024. 12020

Notice of formation of Horse Racing With Dietz LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/03/2023.

Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 211 Victory Way, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, 02/09/2024.

12076

Geoghegan Family Health Nurse Practitioner, PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/10/23. Off. loc: Saratoga Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Geoghegan Family Health Nurse Practitioner, PLLC, 11 Chateau Dr., Halfmoon, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, 02/09/2024. 12058

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Home & Home & Lifestyle Lifestyle Saratoga

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Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Sports

29

Saratoga Resident Opens Baseball Training Facility

Photos provided by Dylan Collett

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

ROUND LAKE — Guilderland grad and Saratoga resident Dylan Collett played baseball at the high school, college, and professional levels. A few weeks ago, he opened the Collett Baseball training facility in Round Lake so that he can pass on his experience to future generations of ball players.

The 8,000-square-foot, allturf warehouse features some high tech gadgets. “We have the TrackMan sensor, which is a high-end sensor that MLB uses now,” Collett said. “It gives you a tremendous amount of data on every hit and every pitch.”

TrackMan allows Collett to

analyze and track the development of every player.

The facility also houses a pitching lab with Plyo Ball throwing, which improves arm strengthening and conditioning. “The beauty of pitching is you’ve got to know a lot about hitting to be a good pitcher,” Collett said. “So I actually give just as much hitting instruction as pitching.”

The bulk of Collett’s playing experience was on the mound, where the southpaw was a starter in college, before coming out of the bullpen in the pros. After three years at Saint Leo University near Tampa, Florida, Collett transferred to UMass Dartmouth, where he finished with a 4-1

record and 4.30 ERA. Collett expected to be drafted, but an injury during his senior year put those plans on hold. He took a year off before playing two years of independent pro ball for the Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers outside Detroit, Michigan. As a reliever, Collett pitched 47.2 innings, earning an impressive ERA of 2.45.

“I ended up going to spring training with the Boston Red Sox the first year of COVID,” Collett said. But when he didn’t receive an invitation from the Sox to return, he decided to retire as a player. “I was kind of old for baseball at that point, for the level I was at,” he said.

Nowadays, Collett instructs

all levels of players, from fiveyear-olds to professionals. He also leads group clinics.“Teams will actually give me five or six pitchers at a time, or five or six hitters at a time,” he said.

By his estimate, Collett has

coached at least 100 players so far, with more on the horizon.

The Collett Baseball training facility is located at 17 Wood Road in Round Lake. For more information, visit www. collettbaseball.com.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR OUR NEXT ROUND OF CANDIDATES FOR

Athlete of the

1 Week

They can be a STAND-OUT or STAND-BY, a SUPERSTAR, or a SUPER TEAMMATE. Send us your suggestions. Any and all sports welcome.

Send: Athlete Name | Sport | Brief Description to: cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com Put ‘Athlete of the Week’ in the Subject

Sports

30

Hoop Shoot Champions Crowned

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Saratoga Wrestling Alumni Night Next Week

Photo by Super Source Media Studios Photo provided by Stephen Dorsey

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The winners of this year’s annual Hoop Shoot free throw competition have officially been crowned. Of 78 total participants, the following kids won

their respective divisions: •Rocco Colonell (Boys ages 12-13) •Ava Sullivan (Girls ages 12-13) •Joe MacArthur (Boys ages 10-11) •Abby Sheridan (Girls ages 10-11)

•John Ogden (Boys ages 8-9) These five champions will go on to the District Hoop Shoot competition at the Glens Falls High School on Saturday, Jan. 7.

The Hoop Shoot event was hosted by the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs High School wrestling team’s annual Alumni Night will take place on

January 10 at 6pm in the high school gymnasium.

All former Blue Streaks wrestlers are invited to attend.

Adirondack Thunder Lead Division for First Time in Years

Ballston Spa Schools Host Adult Sports Programs

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

Games

Fun And

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Community Education program is offering two adult sports programs in the new year: co-ed indoor soccer on Mondays and men’s basketball on Wednesdays. The ten-week sessions begin next week. A $35 fee and pre-registration are required for residents of the district.

Those interested in registering can do so by mail or inperson at the District Office at 70 Malta Ave.

Photo via the Adirondack Thunder

Photo provided by Stuart Williams

Additional information regarding the programs is available at www.bscsd.org or by calling 518-884-7195 x 1329.

Puzzle Solutions See puzzles pg. 14

GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Thunder are atop the ECHL North Division for the first time since November of 2019. The last time the team won the division was in 2018.

To kick off the new year, the Thunder had a winning percentage of .672, significantly ahead of the second-place

Norfolk Admirals.

The Thunder sold out their final two games of 2023, earning a pair of victories against the Newfoundland Growlers. The team has two home games this weekend: Friday night against the Maine Mariners, and Sunday afternoon’s Kids Day game against the Trois-Rivières Lions.

Week of January 5 – January 11, 2024

Sports

31

Undefeated: Adirondack Girls Get Revenge in Championship Rematch

Photos by Smoking Monkey Pictures/John Shea

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

GLENS FALLS — Some say revenge is a dish best served cold. In this case, ice cold. The Adirondack United girls’ hockey team defeated Clinton in a rematch of the 2023 state championship last month, then followed it up with three more victories

during the holidays. The team is now 7-0 on the season.

Against Clinton, the United scored three goals in the first period, cruising to a 4-1 victory. Coach Jeff Willis said his team was “definitely wound up to play against [Clinton] emotionally and it showed in the first period.”

Despite the big win, Willis

said the United are primarily focused on their end goal: a state championship. “I don’t think we’re really getting caught up in any individual game because their goal is really pointing toward the end of the season,” he said. “So a lot of activity right now is really built around development.”

Bayley Duffy, the team’s leading scorer last season, had

two assists against Clinton and continues to be one of the United’s biggest scoring threats.

But Coach Willis also praised Tekla Fine-Lease, a player he said has stepped up this season.

“She’s showing some great leadership, as well as improvement on the ice,” he said. “She’s shown an ability to create her own shot.”

Despite being undefeated

thus far, Willis said his team is always focused on improving.

“We beat Saranac-Lake Placid eight to nothing and we were talking about different things we need to do better,” he said.

Last season, the United finished with a 19-2 record. Both of those losses came at the hands of Clinton. The squad’s next game is on Friday, January 5 at Ithaca.

Volume 18

•

Issue 1

•

January 5 – January 11, 2024

•

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

See "Adopt A Grandparent Initiative" pg. 7

•

518- 581-2480

•

Free

See "B-Spa Schools Receive $16K" pg. 16

Runners Ring in the New Year at the Saratoga First Day 5K

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

Photos by Jonathon Norcross

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Freezing temperatures couldn’t stop hundreds of runners from participating in the Saratoga First Day 5K on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2024.

Only 16 minutes and 15 seconds after the race began, Cameron Davis became the first runner to cross the finish line, followed seconds later by Nicholas Conway. Emily Bush, a standout on the Saratoga Springs girls cross-country team, finished first among all female

runners and fourth overall.

According to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, nearly 800 people registered for this year’s race. 651 officially finished the race, leaving about a hundred people who decided not to brave the cold and/or their New Year’s Eve hangover.