Saratoga TODAY February 17-23, 2023

From left: Greenfield Elementary students Ross, Ryan, and Piper try out new Strider balance bicycles donated to the school by Saratoga Shredders. Photo by Super Source Media Studios. See Story pg. 16

Photo provided by Jeff Willis. See Story pg. 30

Samuel Halajian.

Photo provided. See Story pg. 12

Photo provided by Kim Delgado. See Story pg. 31

A President’s Day Look at Martin Van Buren

by Joseph Raucci for Saratoga TODAY

This coming Monday we celebrate Presidents’ Day. The Federal holiday honors the 45 men who have attained the Office of The Presidency of the United States. It’s an ideal time to look at the remarkable life of Martin Van Buren. He was our eighth President and the first of six New York State residents to hold the office.

THE BEGINNINGS

Martin Van Buren’s life’s journey began less than 60 miles from here in Kinderhook, New York. The region, including Albany had been settled by immigrants from the Netherlands a century and a half before Martin was born. His date of birth was December 5, 1782. He was brought up in a home that spoke Dutch as its primary language. It would give him the distinction of being our only President to speak English as his second language.

Martin took a well travelled road to the political arena. He learned the law beginning at the age of 14 as a clerk at an attorney’s office. Seven years into his apprenticeship he passed the bar. The year was 1803. Martin Van Buren at the young age of 21 was on his way.

THE ASCENT TO POWER

Van Buren became known for his sharp mind and dapper attire. Soon he was considered one of upstate New York’s best courtroom attorneys. This distinction gave him a heads up for the nomination as a candidate for the State Senate in 1812. Although barely elected to the seat, Van Buren soon became a force to be reckoned with in the hotbed of New York State politics.

Five years later the Dutchman was elected Attorney General of The Empire State. In that post he became a leader of the state’s Democrat-Republicans, the forerunner of the Democratic Party.

In 1821 he was chosen by his peers as a United State senator. Of note, prior to the seventeenth amendment to the Constitution ratified in 1913, senators were voted in by their state legislatures. The senate seat gave Van Buren the keys to New York State’s thriving political machine. Although he was out of the state for long periods of time, he formed a group of partisans that controlled the spoils system in his absence. They became

known as “The Albany Regency.”

It was in that time period Van Buren was labeled with a pair of nicknames that stayed with him throughout his career. He was called “The Little Magician” and “The Sly Fox.” The former was a reference to his diminutive size and unmatched political skills, the latter due to the red color of his hair and shrewd methods of governing.

Van Buren made his greatest political gift to the country in the early 1820s. He was instrumental in forming the Democratic Party. It was the beginning of our two party system. The long lasting effects are still in place almost two centuries later.

The 1828 presidential election was a turning point in Van Buren’s political career. He gave his unwavering support to the winning candidate, Andrew Jackson. In that same cycle Van Buren was elected as Governor of New York. His term began on January first, 1829. On March fourth Jackson became President. One of his first priorities was to name Van Buren as Secretary of State. He accepted the position after serving only 64 days as Governor. He quickly

became a major player in international affairs. Later in Jackson’s first term, Van Buren served for a short time as Minister to Great Britain. Jackson ran for a second term in 1832. Van Buren was his handpicked choice for number two man on the ticket. They easily won the election. “The Little Magician” spent the next four years as Vice-President. With Jackson’s blessing, Van Buren became the unanimous choice as the Democratic Party’s candidate for President in 1836. He won the general election with ease. Much was expected from the wily politician when he was sworn in as our eighth President. It was his ill fortune to be confronted with the country’s first major depression only a few weeks into his administration. Van Buren would struggle with the calamity for his entire time in office. The old nicknames of respect were replaced by a new one.” Martin Van Ruin” became the rallying cry of his adversaries. There were positive results in his tenure, unfortunately not enough to halt the Nation’s financial crisis. The bright star of Martin Van Buren was quickly fading.

A fine look at Lindenwald. Photo provided.

Van Buren portrait as President. Photo provided.

A President’s Day Look at Martin Van Buren

continued from page 2...

After four years in the White House he was soundly defeated in his re- election bid. He had this to say about his tenure as Chief Executive.

“As to the Presidency, the two happiest days of my life were those of my entry upon the office and my surrender of it.” He promptly exited Washington,D.C. and headed home to Lindenwald, his estate in Kinderhook.

His term as President is hard to gauge. Being saddled with a nationwide financial disaster is a difficult, if not impossible obstacle for any leader to overcome. Though eminently qualified for the office, Herbert Hoover would learn the same lesson nearly a century later. As for Van Buren’s political skills as President, he is without peer.

THE LINDENWALD YEARS

Lindenwald was purchased by Van Buren in 1839. It is located in his hometown of Kinderhook. The estate covered over 200 acres at the time and was also a working farm. The centerpiece of the property is a Georgian Style Mansion that Van Buren transformed into his vision of an Italian Villa.

The former President relished in his new surroundings. Here is a quote from Van Buren describing how he felt about his years at Lindenwald. He stated “The last and happiest days of my life, a farmer in my native town.”

Van Buren spent much of his last years traveling and was in high demand as a speaker at important events. He did make an attempt to regain the Presidency as a failed third party candidate in 1848. He also found the time to write a lengthy volume of memoirs. Martin Van Buren, “The Red Fox of Kinderhook” passed away on July 24th 1862. He was 79 years old.

Lindenwald is now a National Historical Site. Tours are given daily throughout most of the year, excluding the winter months. The home has been refurbished to the time of Van Buren’s occupancy. Many of his belongings and period furniture decorate the interior of the mansion. It’s about an hour’s drive from here and a worthwhile day trip for those who have an interest in the history of both our state and country.

A TRIP TO SARATOGA

Van Buren visited Saratoga Springs during his presidency. In the summer of 1839 he attended political meetings at the original United States Hotel on Broadway. It is not to be confused with its famous namesake that was built on the same site after an 1865 fire destroyed the original building.

Van Buren is one of several of our Presidents to have spent time here. George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ulysses S. Grant, and Theodore Roosevelt are among those who also visited the city.

I hope you have enjoyed our look back at the life and times of Martin Van Buren. He is one of the select few who have guided this great country through the nearly two and a half centuries of its rise from a newborn nation to its status as leader of the free world.

VISITING LINDENWALD

The following is a link to the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/nr/ travel/presidents/van_buren_ lindenwald.html

Stewart’s Shops Participation in Chowderfest Provides 6,000 Meals to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Shops served their allnew Southwest Corn Chowder at the recent Saratoga Chowder Fest. Over 750 bowls of the creamy corn chowder were served.

Stewart’s Shops raised $1,545 at the event and presented a check to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to support their mission to feed those in need. This donation will provide over 6,000 meals.

Stewart’s has supported the Regional Food Bank for over 20 years. In 2022, Stewart’s provided over $150,000 in discounts and monetary donations to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Visit stewartsshops.com.

Free Fishing Days in NY State

NEW YORK — Free Fishing Weekends allow anglers looking to try ice fishing for the first time to do so without the requirement of a fishing license. This is a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce friends to the sport.

Beginning ice anglers should download the Ice Fishing Chapter of DEC’s I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing for information on how to get started. You can find additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, on DEC’s ice fishing webpage.

Four inches of solid clear ice

is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. Ice thickness can vary on waterbodies and even within the same waterbody. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Testing the ice can easily be done with an auger or spud bar at various spots. Fishing with a family member or a friend is also encouraged for safety. Local bait and tackle shops are a great resource for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching.

2023 Free Fishing Days: February 18-19, June 24-25, September 23 and November 11. For more information: www. dec.ny.gov/outdoor/44804.html

Signature of our eighth President. Photo provided.

Jennifer Frame, Stewart’s Shops Director of Corporate Philanthropy with Molly Nichol, Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Photo provided.

Matthew Logan

WILTON — Matthew Logan age 82, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023, at home with loved ones at his side. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at St. Clements Roman Catholic Church, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. Visit: www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

Corine Gooden

SCHENECTADY — Corine Gooden, age 48, passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2023. A service will be at 4 p.m. on February 18 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Loved ones may call from 3 to 4 p.m. prior to the service. Please visit: www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

Walter J. See

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Walter J. See, age 91, passed away February 14, 2023, at home with loved ones at his side. At the family’s request there will be no services at this time. Visit: www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

Roberta M. McGee

Randy L. Furman

SKOWHEGAN, ME — Randy L. Furman, age 55, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at home. A private celebration was held Saturday, February 4, 2023. Visit: compassionatefuneralcare.com

Salvatore Taormina

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Salvatore Taormina died on February 5 at The Wesley Healthcare Center. At the convenience of the family a private gathering will be held this summer. If you wish to make a donation, please do at: www.thewesleycommunity.org

(Embury Apartments) or The Wesley Healthcare Center, Visit: compassionatefuneralcare.com

Mary Hartman

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Hartman, age 92, passed away on February 2, 2023, at the Home of the Good Shepherd. At the request of the family there will be no services at this time. Visit: compassionatefuneralcare.com

Zdzislaw Szamrej

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Zdzislaw Szamrej, age 85, passed away on February 10, 2023, at Saratoga Hospital, At the request of the family there will be no services at this time. Visit: www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

CALL: 518-581-2480 or EMAIL: Obits@ SaratogaPublishing.com for Obituary Rates

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roberta M. McGee, 80, passed peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2023. Calling hours were 2/14 at Burke Funeral home. Graveside service was, 2/15 at Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com

Elinor (Ellie) Johnson Riter

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Elinor (Ellie) Johnson Riter, 90, died Friday morning (Feb. 10, 2023) at Saratoga Hospital. Calling hours were held 2/17/23 at St. Peter’s Church 10-11am. Mass at 11, burial to follow St. Peter’s cemetery. Memorial donations to Church of St. Peter. Celebration of life at a later date. www.burkefuneralhome.com

Greg Wrobel

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Greg Wrobel, 75, passed 2/11/2023 Calling hours are 4-7, Friday, 2/17/23 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass, 10 a.m., 2/18/23 at Church of St. Peter, followed by burial in Greenridge Cemetery. Celebration of life July 2023. Memorial donations to Camp Kesem, a 501(c)3 (donate.kesem. org/Big-Foot) Please visit www. burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Francis “Gary” Brooks

QUEENSBURY —

Francis “Gary” Brooks, age 73, of Queensbury, NY, passed away on February 9, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born on June 4, 1949 in Saratoga Springs, the son of the late Gilbert and Mildred (Howard) Brooks. Gary graduated from St. Peter’s Academy in 1967 in Saratoga Springs and then went on

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

to get his Business Administration degree at Albany Business College. He then eventually furthered his education at Bryant & Stratton Business Institute in Albany in 1996. Every year, he was happy to complete the Income Taxes for countless friends & family!

Gary married Anne Kearney in 1969 and share daughter Whitney (Brooks) Rebisz. Gary is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Dave; his longterm committed relationship with Gretchen Mutaf; his sister Denise and brother-in-law Frank Largen; his dear friends Jeff & Milayne Jackson-Kingsley; and many musician friends he played with throughout his entire life.

Preceding Gary in death includes his father Gilbert, his mother Mildred (Howard) Brooks, and his brother Malcolm.

Gary will always be remembered through the music he played with numerous bands including The Shames, The Cherry Stones,

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Breakfast of Champions, Whisper, Merlin’s Minstrels, Emerald City, Gary Brooks Band, Bobby Kaye and ‘Them,’ Joe Mele Band, Janis Joplin Tribute Show, Joe Jackson and Armed & Dangerous Band, Wild Bill & the Rhythm Kings, Thunder Road, the Milayne Jackson Trio and his solo career.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023 with an 11 a.m. Funeral Home service at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway Saratoga Springs. Burial will follow in Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave. Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

NEW YORK STATE POLICE

A three-car crash in Malta on Feb. 12 resulted in two aggravated DWI arrests, State Police said.

Anthony S. Alifano, 28, of Clifton Park, was charged with aggravated DWI and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.

Tameka E. Jones, 38, of Queensbury, was charged with aggravated DWI and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Tristan J. Mason, 20, of Halfmoon, was charged Feb. 13 with Burglary in the Third-Degree.

Christopher P. Haskell, 39, of Ballston Spa, was charged with DWI, after his vehicle was stopped by State Police on State Route 9 in Malta for suspected violations of the Vehicle and Traffic Laws. Further investigation determined Haskell had a previous DWI conviction in the last 10 years.

Jennifer M. Manz, 40, of Wilton, was charged with DWI and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations, after being stopped on State Route 50 in Saratoga Springs. She was transported to SP Saratoga for processing, where Manz recorded a 0.22% BAC, according to State Police.

Michael D. Sullivan, 52, of Ballston, was charged with DWI and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was transported to SP Saratoga for processing, where he recorded a 0.21% BAC, State Police said.

SARATOGA SPRINGS POLICE

Christian Frazier, 48, of Pottersville, was charged Feb. 13 with DWI, and Aggravated DWI.

Javier Dalmasi, 28, of Ballston Spa, was charged Feb. 12 with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Operating Motor Vehicle Impaired By Drugs, Unauthorized Use Vehicle:Without Owner Consent, Unlawful Fleeing

A Police Officer In A Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Unsafe Movement Of Stopped Motor Vehicle, Unsafe Passing On Left, Moved From Lane Unsafely, Speed Violation:Speed In Zone, Passed Vehicle On Right, Speed Not Reasonable, Avoiding Traffic Device, Drive motor vehicle on/across sidewalk, Failure to stop at a stop sign, and making an unsafe turn.

Kevin Kelly, 42, of Saratoga Sorings, was charged Feb. 12 with petit larceny and trespassing.

William Gallager, 23, was charged Feb. 11. with DWI.

Anthony Capasso, 21, of Northford, Connecticut, was charged Feb. 11 with Criminal Mischief and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Thomas Deschaine, 51, of Hudson Falls, was charged Feb. 7 with Robbery-2nd Degree: Displays What Appears To Be A Firearm, and Assault 3rd Degree: With Intent To Cause Physical Injury.

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

Cindy Durfey 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

Dylan McGlynn Business, Education, Sports 518-581-2480 x219 dylan@saratogapublishing.com

Anne Proulx Obituaries, Proofreader 518-581-2480 x211 aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

New York Must Support Its Senior Citizens Op-Ed

By J. Brian Nealon underfunding

Tens of thousands of elderly residents across New York State, and the dedicated staff who care for them, are being left behind due to the state’s ongoing underfunding of the Medicaid reimbursement rate for nursing homes. The rate was last increased substantially 15 years ago – when George W. Bush was President. Since that time, inflation has risen by 42%.

Medicaid pays for care for many nursing home residents across the state. At The Wesley Community, 75% of our residents are paid for by Medicaid, yet it only covers part of the actual costs of care. With every Medicaid resident we care for, Wesley loses $106 per day. Annually, this means

of $8,500,000.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to approach breakeven in some years through alternative revenue streams and generous donations from this great community. That is no longer the case.

Due to this shortfall, community-focused, nonprofit nursing homes statewide are closing or being sold to private “for-profit” operators at an alarming rate. In Saratoga County alone, the number of nursing home beds has dropped by 55% in the last decade.

This underfunding by New York State has forced many nursing homes, including ours, to limit admissions. Throughout New York, 6,700 beds are “offline” for this reason. It has made it harder to find

nursing home placement nearby for loved ones and created tremendous pressure on hospitals, too.

Without available beds, hospitals cannot discharge patients who would have traditionally gone to a nursing home for rehabilitation. This impacts the entire system, backing up emergency rooms and limiting available beds for hospital inpatient care.

In contrast, 26 other states have stepped up to support their senior citizens by increasing their Medicaid funding during the pandemic. Only New York distinguished itself by reducing its reimbursement rates during that time.

Why should New York State’s disregard for elderly citizens matter to you? It should matter because these local elders worked, lived and built the very community where you now reside. They paid taxes and likely voted for some of the elected officials who, in turn, have not supported their needs.

It should matter to you because these nursing home residents are the parents, grandparents or greatgrandparents of your friends and neighbors. Chances are, some of your neighbors have jobs taking care of the elderly, as well.

It should matter to you because someday you will need

aging services.

Not-for-profit nursing homes throughout the state are asking every Legislator and the Governor to prioritize long-term care in the next state budget by providing a 20% increase in the nursing home Medicaid reimbursement rate — less than half of the increase in costs that we have absorbed over the past 15 years. The Governor’s recently released Executive Budget, with a proposed 5% increase, is a start, but still falls short of what is needed after years of underfunding.

Thankfully, some of our Assembly and Senate members are advocating with a coalition of nonprofit nursing homes for appropriate funding and a 20% increase in the Medicaid reimbursement rate.

We are fully committed to our mission as we have been for five decades. However, it will take appropriate funding from New York State for our organization to continue operating successfully. NOW is the time for our elected officials to show their support for our seniors who need help today, and for those of us who will need help in the future.

J. Brian Nealon is the CEO of The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs.

Registration for Saratoga Springs Little League Spring 2023

Now Open

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Registration for the Spring 2023 season of Saratoga Springs Little League is now open.

Saratoga Springs Little League is a recreational baseball league for players ages 4 to 13 within the Saratoga Springs City School District, with games played at West Side Recreation Park.

Saratoga Springs Little League also offers a Challenger Division for ages 4 to 18. The Little League Challenger Program is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and developmental challenges.

The goal of this division is to provide the opportunity for the

developmentally and/or physically disabled to enjoy the full benefits of little league participation in an environment structured

to their abilities.

To register or view more information, visit: www. saratogaspringslittleleague.org.

Registration Open for Educational Experiences at the Saratoga County History Center: Civil War Letters and Native New York Program Available

to kindergarten through grade 12 schools. The History Center continues its famous 40-year tradition of the Sheep to Shawl program, but has expanded its interactive experiences like Civil War Letters and Saratoga County Water Works.

“Saratoga County’s students are the future. We are pleased to expand the funding for our educator who shines a light on our county’s local history, which we bring to the classroom,” said Field Horne, president of the Saratoga County History Center.

Thank You To All Who

Submitted Photos! We received so many amazing photos over the past five weeks; thank you to all participants. Each week one photo was chosen to be PUBLISHED IN PRINT in Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.

All contest submissions can be viewed at: saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com/galleries

Winter Contest Closed. Contest Resumes Spring 2023!

already brought our Native New York program to public schools, home school families enjoyed our Brookside Digs Archeology Experience, and we took our textile history program to senior residences. We look forward to sharing our county’s rich history

through these presentations and hands-on activities throughout the year.”

To learn more about programs like the “Manners Matter Preschool Tea” and “Our Community Now & Then” for K-12 schools, visit www. BrooksideMuseum.org.

BALLSTON SPA — While schools and educational programs are returning to normal, the

Saratoga County History Center is expanding its staff and offering quality and interactive programs

“We are thrilled to start 2023 with an active education program with local schools and organizations,” said Director of Education Anne Clothier. “In the past month, SCHC has

Photo provided by the Saratoga County History Center.

Photo provided.

“Strolling Along Noonmark’s Summit”

Photo by Alex Bonacio

Spa City: Under Development

Tonko Announces $1.15 Million for Safer Capital Region Streets

ALBANY — Congressman Paul Tonko, who represents Saratoga County in the 20th Congressional District, announced the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) has been awarded a $1.15 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program to develop a comprehensive safety action plan for the Capital Region.

The SS4A program was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which Tonko supported.

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The city’s three Land Use Boards are a good indicator of plans, designs and proposals that will ultimately define the Saratoga Springs landscape in the near and distant future.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

DESIGN REVIEW BOARD – 6 p.m., March 1.

“For Outdoor Dining Applications Only” – 6 p.m., March 8.

PLANNING BOARD – Feb. 23. Workshop: March 2,

Meeting: March 9.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS – 6:30 p.m., Feb. 27.

All meetings at Saratoga Springs City Hall. For more information about meetings and agendas, go to: Saratoga-springs.org.

“As we continue to implement the historic investments of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the safety of our roads and highways must be a top priority,” Tonko said, in a statement. “Across our Capital Region, drivers, public transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians depend on safe streets to connect with their jobs, their schools, and their communities.”

The CDTC applied for this grant in partnership with the cities of Albany, Saratoga Springs, Troy, and Watervliet, as well as the Village of Green Island. This

significant funding will provide supplemental support for Vision Zero, a safe systems and complete streets plan for New York’s Capital Region.

As part of this program, the CDTC will consult with expert analysts, engineers, and community contacts to prioritize locally specific safety countermeasures, strategies, and actions to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The project will culminate with a regional Vision Zero Plan containing a comprehensive list of locations prioritized for specific actions to enhance traffic safety based on relevant roadway and intersection characteristics found to contribute to serious accidents.

Proposed mixed-use for 126 West Ave. featuring demolition of current structure and development of four townhouses and commercial use space, as per applicant B&D Properties, LLC, of Schenectady. Application under consideration at DRB this week.

Congressman Paul Tonko

Chowderfest 2023 Highlights

Saratoga Springs Police Department Welcomes Officers

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The 24th annual Chowderfest, coordinated by Discover Saratoga, had another successful event this past Saturday, Feb. 11 in downtown Saratoga Springs.

This year an average of 35,000-40,000 people attended the event and 111,639 bowls of chowder were served by 82 vendors including 13 first-time participants. Attendees voted for their favorite and the winners are:

• People’s Choice (500 bowls or less): Artisanal Brew Works, Roasted Chicken, Corn & Potato Chowder

• People’s Choice (501-750 bowls): The Mill on Round Lake, Balboa Chowder

•People’s Choice (751-1,000

bowls): Thirsty Owl Saratoga, Crab and Corn Chowder with Candied Bacon

• People’s Choice (1,001-1,500 bowls): Rhea, Seafood Ramen

•People’s Choice (1,501- 2,000 bowls): Salt & Char Saratoga, Country Ham Chowder

•People’s Choice (2,001-3,000 bowls): Henry Street Taproom, Roasted Brussels Sprout and Bacon Chowder With Fried Chicken Bites and Hot Honey

•People’s Choice (3,001-4,000 bowls): West Ave Pizza, Ravioli Chowder

•People’s Choice (4,001+ bowls): Druthers Brewing Company, Shrimp, Crab and Corn Chowder with a Lobster Hush Puppy

SARATOGA SPRINGS — City Commissioner of Public Safety Jim Montagnino and Chief Shane Crooks welcomed Officers Aldrich, Alfano, Bogdan, Leffler,

Nadeau and Thompson to the ranks of the Saratoga Springs Police Department on Feb. 13, at the Zone 5 Regional Law Enforcement Training Center.

Officer Alfano received an award during the ceremony for Excellence in Physical Fitness. The new officers began their field training in Saratoga Springs this week.

From L to R: Commissioner of Public Safety Jim Montagnino, Officer Alfano, Officer Thompson, Officer Leffler, Chief Shane Crooks, Officer Bogdan, Officer Nadeau, Officer Aldrich, Lt. Mitchell, Lt. Warfield, Lt. McIntosh. Photo: SSPD.

Druthers Brewing Company voted People’s Choice 4,001+ bowls. Photo provided.

PROTECTING THE FAMILY HOME AGAINST NURSING HOME COSTS

Preserving Your Most Important Asset

by Matthew J. Dorsey for Saratoga TODAY

I am often asked about options to protect the family home in the event a client has to enter a nursing home. The possibility that your home, a precious and treasured asset, might have to be sold to pay for nursing home care, is an outcome most people would prefer to avoid.

There are several options to consider when planning to protect the family home, and they are described below. In each of these cases, we will consider the ultimate beneficiaries of the home to be the client’s children, which is most often the case. If you have different beneficiaries in mind, i.e. friends, nephews or nieces, the same rules will generally apply.

In considering the following options, it is important to understand that in each case, the house must be transferred more than five years before you apply for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care. This five-year period is known as “the look back period”. It is the period of time that the Medicaid authorities will review when determining if you have made any gifts for which they may penalize you. No penalties will be imposed for any gifts made more than five years before a Medicaid application.

OPTION ONE: DEEDING

YOUR HOUSE OUTRIGHT

You can simply deed your house outright to your child. In that case, your child would own the home and you have no further legal rights to it. You would lose your STAR exemption for school taxes. In addition, if your child later sells the home, they may have to pay capital gains taxes because they would be using your cost basis in the property, which may be significantly lower than the price they sell it for.

If your child owns the house you live in, there could also be other significant problems that develop. If you and your child become estranged, there would likely be nothing to stop your child from selling the home and

forcing you to leave. You could potentially have an agreement or lease to protect against this possibility, but even with such protections, you may end up in expensive litigation. In addition, since your child owns the home, it would be subject to potential liens by your child’s creditors. If your child got into financial difficulty, such a lien from a child’s creditor could potentially result in a foreclosure on the home.

OPTION TWO: DEEDING YOUR HOUSE SUBJECT TO A RETAINED LIFE ESTATE

You can deed your house to your child, subject to a reserved life estate in you. In this case, your child will have what is known as a “remainder interest”. This will guarantee that you have the legal right to remain in the home for as long as you live. You will also retain your STAR exemption. In addition, your child will receive a “step up” in basis equal to the home’s value at your death, thereby potentially reducing capital gains taxes if they later sell it. There is also no need for any estate proceeding to occur in Surrogates Court to pass the property over to your child upon your death. The transfer will occur automatically, due to your passing.

Despite these advantages, there are also disadvantages. One

such disadvantage is that you would need your child’s cooperation if you wanted to sell the home during your lifetime. If a sale did occur, you would need to receive a percentage of the sale proceeds based on your life expectancy. This could result in you having too many assets to qualify for Medicaid at a future date.

Option Three: Deeding your house to an Irrevocable Trust

If you deed your house to a properly drafted Irrevocable trust, you will retain your STAR exemption and your child will receive a “step up” in basis at your passing. The trust could also be drafted to ensure that the home is safe from the claims of creditors of your children, so that you can avoid the potential pitfalls described in option one. In addition, the trust could include a provision known as a limited power of appointment. This provision would allow you to change the beneficiaries of the trust at a future time. It may be advisable to do so, if one of your beneficiaries is experiencing financial difficulties. As with option two, you would also not need to have an estate proceeding after your death in order to pass the property over to your child.

The trustee of the trust could sell the home during your lifetime, without the concern that part of the sale proceeds would flow to you. The sale proceeds would remain in the trust and could be

used to invest in assets which produce income for you. In the alternative, the sale proceeds could be used to purchase a new home for you, such as a retirement home in another state. Either way, the proceeds would remain in the trust, and you would be protected from having those assets affect your Medicaid eligibility. It is extraordinarily important that if the trust sells the house, that none of the sale proceeds come out directly to you. In order to ensure that does not occur, it would be wise to consult with an elder law attorney prior to the closing on the sale. While every situation is different, the transfer of a home to an irrevocable trust is generally the best option for the preservation of the asset. Although, in some limited instances, a deed with reserved life estate may be a sensible choice. In general, it is rare that an outright transfer would be a favored option. For an evaluation of what option is best, you should contact an experienced elder law attorney in your area.

Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is a Senior Partner with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs. Over his twenty-six years of practice, he has focused on the areas of elder law, estate planning, and estate administration. Mr. Dorsey can be reached at 518-5845205, mdorsey@oalaw.com and www.oalaw.com

BALLSTON

Robert Coughlin sold property at 166 Ballston Ave to Wilmington Savings Fund Society for $140,000

Donald Hudson sold property at 16 Beacon St to Mohammed Chowdhoury for $365,000

Cozanne Marsh sold property at 52 Lake Rd to Kaliegh Laughlin for $185,000

CLIFTON PARK

Walter Williams sold property at 15 Hearthside Dr to Seyi Adu for $389,340.

Claudia Carroll sold property at 8 Torrey Pines to Alexander Loucks for $350,000.

Russell Hulsing sold property at 3 Willow Brook Lane to Jesse Caprotti for $415,000.

Tom Krawcyzk sold property at 1673 Crescent Rd to Jacob Day for $575,000.

Jodi Siberski sold property at 3 Sheridan Ct to Lisa Rinaolo for $350,000.

Jacquelyn Cook sold property at 43 Oakwood Blvd to Gregory Marra for $280,000

Joanna Dangelo sold property at 62 Spruce St to Travis Minzloff for $514,000.

Daniel Sisto sold property at 24 Pine Hill Bend to Thomas Degennarro for $312,000.

HALFMOON

John Richards sold property at 55 Covington Dr to Roy Cameron for $565,000.

TP Builders Inc sold property at 18 Dutch Lane to Kasuni Kotelawala for $637,826.

John Jojo sold property at 50A Raylinsky Lane to Michael Curley for $335,000.

David Gutenmann sold property at 8 Bayberry Dr to Scott Eccles for $322,500.

Wayne Blaauboer sold property at 13A Macoun Dr to Daniel Marcus for $539,000.

MALTA

John Kalinkewicz sold property at 15 Rum Cherry Rd to Lea Maltoza for $332,000.

Tom Bakken sold property at 225 Thimbleberry Rd to Sue Murray for $195,000

MILTON

RSD Development LLC sold property at 10 Encore Dr to Charles Rodgers for $495,460

MOREAU

Megan Craft sold property at 32 Grey Fox Dr to John Lemery for $385,000.

Steven Frazier sold property at 210 Redmond Rd to Todd Frazier for $210,000.

Michaels Group Homes LLC sold property at 4 Winterberry Lane to Michael Lomaestro for $413,915.

Rosalind Leroux sold property at 8 Clark St to Karen

Tomasovic for $150,000.

Cerrone Land Holdings sold property at 14 Southwoods Road to Igor Malguinov for $399,900.

SARATOGA

Marshall Coulter sold property at 00 Gates Ave to Peter Harrick for $160,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Michael Tallman sold property at 1 Skidmore Dr to Rebecca Twardy for $280,000

Gregory Desidoro sold property at 137 East Ave to Molly Marcy for $575,000

Paul Dussault sold property at 30 Whistler Ct Unit 114 to Douglas Duboff for $324,000.

Jack Porter LLC sold property at 84 Henry St to Ballou LLC for $890,135.

Lori Desio sold property at 289

Nelson Ave to Peter Lostritto for $469,900

Kathleen McGee sold property at 21 Concord Dr to Jessica Koury for $480,000.

US Bank Trust sold property at 29 Karista Spring Dr to Jeffrey Beyer for $241,000.

WILTON

Paolo Grandjaquet sold property at 79 Claire Pass to Janice Porter for $539,900.

Susan Dent sold property at 127 Ruggles Rd to Susan Pantano for $445,000.

Dario Pantano sold property at 2 Preserve Way to Ronald Weiler for $587,000

Nicole Pelech sold property at 9 Dakota Dr to Autumn O Keefe for $414,650.

Steven Boynton sold property at 16 New Britain Dr to Maria Rambone for $182,500.

This beautiful home at 17 Terrace Rd Queensbury was listed by Christine Hogan Barton and Roohan Realty for $520,000.

“My only agenda is to help them.”

SHCHC PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT GIVES BACK

by Helen Edelman Walker for Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center (CHC) physician assistant Samuel Halajian, MPAS, PA-C, traveled a circuitous pathway to his career. Pivoting away from his success in film and TV production, Halajian now renders medical care both in a clinic setting and in the street to those with medical needs, regardless of their ability to pay.

A Briarcliff, New York, native, Halajian, a husband and father at 38, describes his early life as “an artist, always.” But even as a student at New York University, he found himself drawn to train as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and, once certified, he volunteered in Ossining, New York. Soon, despite making a professional mark in visual media, he yearned for more responsibility in medicine and became a paramedic, “physically and emotionally demanding work,” he recalls, in busy urban settings, like the Bronx, where he was exposed to a range of serious and stressful situations and problems, including violence, accidents, and injury.

“I loved it, but it was wearing me down,” says the Ballston Spa resident. “I couldn’t imagine doing it for 30 or 40 years. Then I learned about opportunities as a physician assistant, and it was definitely attractive to me. I knew I wanted to be in medicine, but I didn’t want to spend years and years in medical school. Being a P.A. was the answer.”

A physician assistant (P.A.) is a mid-level health care provider who may diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and serve as a principal health care provider.

After researching his options, Halajian discovered that one of the best P.A. programs in the United States is through the military. In exchange for his extensive medical education, he committed six years of service after completing the training to the Army Reserves; he has two left to go.

“It’s definitely not ‘free’ schooling,” he points out, adding, “The training was fantastic. The Army program is among the top 10 among about 300 in the United

States.” Last year, Halajian was temporarily deployed as an Army medical officer to Eastern Europe.

“I love my work for both the Army and the Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center,” he enthuses, “The people I work with in health care are passionate about what we’re doing.”

Although anyone is welcome to use the Community Health Center, Halajian notes that he works extensively with the homeless population, both in the office and in the field, utilizing his special skills in addiction medicine and mental health.

“I go into motels, into the streets, the parking lots, the woods – where the homeless are, I go,” he says. Halajian explains he is part of “street outreach initiative” that relies on a network of partners, including Captain Community Services (the lead agency), Shelters of Saratoga, The Salvation Army, Healing Springs, and RISE Housing and Support Services. Other involved ar agencies include Veterans & Community Housing Coalition, Inc. and Wellspring, which serves individuals experiencing domestic violence. He is part of a weekly video conference with the network partners.

Halajian’s goal in the field is to establish trust with unhomed individuals via consistent, direct engagement outside the office, including to diagnose and treat acute and chronic medical concerns, including splinting a limb, binding a wound, diagnosing diabetes, COVID-19 testing and much, much more. The job is a perfect fit for Halajian, who is dedicated to working with mental health and addiction issues often found in this population.

“It’s a chicken-and-egg question,” Halajian says. “Do people become homeless because they are alcoholic or have mental illness, or does being homeless lead people to drink?” Either way, he tends to those who are struggling. “There are routine places I go,” he notes, “or I might get a call to check out a location or a specific person. I bridge the gap between the doctor’s office and the emergency department, because that’s often where the homeless end up. However, they may get immediate care and then not follow up once

they’re on their own again. With me, there’s trust built over time and they’ll hopefully come to the office for help or see me again in the street. Not all, not everyone I see, obviously, follows up, but I would say I now have more than 20 office patients who are unhomed. The situation is improving.”

He says, “There is much I can do in the field and in the office, write prescriptions, order tests that people need to get into detox programs and expedite the results, interact with a case manager from social services, and more.”

Some homeless people depend on Medicaid or Medicare, acknowledges Halajian, but some, such as those who live in a woods encampment, for example, have commercial insurance through a job. Also, social services, disability insurance, and other supplemental income programs are set up to help fill prescriptions.

“When we combine our interagency skills, the care team is very resourceful at getting people what they need with discretionary funds from drug companies, for example,” Halajian points out.

Halajian is quick to point out that there is “no one response or reception” to his presence in the field. “It depends on the individual, or even a mood that can change day to day. But I am not there to judge, I am there to love and help them all.”

Some of the homeless want nothing to do with Halajian and his services, he admits, but he rarely gets “right down to business. We do a little dance of getting to know each other to build trust. Some of these people, when sober, are intelligent, funny, and warm. I love talking to them, whether we’re in the street or the office. More and more, enough of them know who I am to begin to believe I’m there to help. There are folks I encounter who start out very suspicious, people with mental illness, and they’re really challenging to treat, they’re very guarded, but the vast majority are willing to engage and want me to be their provider.”

Halajian observes that there are fluctuations in the volume of the homeless population and that “They seem to come in waves –in the summer there are many homeless near the train station in the woods, but then some end up

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that became law on March 27, 2020, in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

The CARES Act appropriated $4 billion through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus among individuals and families who are homeless, or receiving homeless assistance, and to support additional homeless assistance and homelessness prevention activities to mitigate the impacts created by coronavirus under the ESG program.

P.A. Samuel Halajian’s time working out of the office with the homeless is supported by these programs.

Benefits to street outreach program:

• Reduction in emergency department and urgent care utilization.

• Reduction in fire department/ emergency medical services utilization.

• Stabilization of medical problems.

• Engagement in case management.

• Housing and job placement.

• Diminished panhandling and vagrancy.

• Improved economic health for the city.

in jail or in the hospital or another mental health program, and many are gone when it gets cold.”

“Everyone individual is different,” underlines Halajian. “There is not one single factor that drives people into the street; if we talk to 50 people, we get 50 stories. Looking at human beings as ‘trends’ is not useful. What is productive is asking what we can do.”

Halajian disagrees with those who claim there aren’t enough services for people who are unhomed. “We have services, what we also have are barriers to access, for example, a lot of people don’t have transportation to service agencies or doctors and that’s the problem: barriers to care.”

He also says that mental health problems are another barrier, as it may make patients non-compliant. “If I see someone with high cholesterol and treat them, but they insist on living on pizza and hamburgers, that’s not my fault,” he points out. “We can offer assistance, but we can’t make people accept it. But, it’s really important not to paint the homeless population with a broad brush. While a lot of my patients have the tragic disease of alcoholism, we do have some success engaging them for detox, mental health services, and employment. It helps to find out about the individual’s unique history and how he

• Number of patients that have established relationships with the Community Health Center: 22

• Number of patients referred to CHC behavioral health or addiction medicine: 14

• Average number of patient contacts per month: 48

or she got to a place of being homeless and alcoholic, or to abusing other substances, to support them in making good progress. I put my hand out – it’s up to them whether to take it. Sometimes, people with addiction issues make bad choices. Unfortunately, that’s when they become visible to the public. I try to give people the help they need so they can do better, do well.”

Halajian notes that the Community Health Center is a patient-centered medical home which offers behavioral health, addiction medicine, dental, and primary care services.

“This is complex work,” Halajian says. “We have to keep these people safe. Nobody should freeze to death in Saratoga - I think we can all agree on that. People get uncomfortable and unhappy with the idea of unhomed people being around them, so I’m grateful that my role is focusing on health care, but I can’t do it all by myself. That’s why we have a network of partners. We are there for each other and the people we serve. I get to build all these relationships with people who live with barriers. I get to talk to people about how to take care of themselves – and that’s a privilege. There’s a lot on my plate, but it makes me grateful to have a home, food on my table, and a family to love.”

Samuel Halajian. Photo provided.

Sustainable Saratoga Announces New Executive Director Kelsey Trudell

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Sustainable Saratoga has announced Kelsey Trudell as their new Executive Director.

Kelsey is a South Glens Falls native who moved back to this area after spending several years in Phoenix, AZ. In Phoenix, she

worked for the Arizona Sustainability Alliance, an organization with many similarities to Sustainable Saratoga.

Kelsey has a BS in Environmental Science and Geology from SUNY Oneonta and a post graduate credential in Environmental Leadership from SUNY College of

Environmental Science and Forestry.

Kelsey is ready to put her experience and energy to work:

“I’m so excited to join Sustainable Saratoga. I believe that a grassroots approach to sustainability is the best way to make a positive impact in our community.”

Saratoga Arms Voted #1 Hotel in Saratoga Springs by U.S. News & World Report

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Saratoga Arms, an independently-owned hotel in downtown Saratoga Springs, has been ranked the top hotel in the city in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Hotels Ranking.

“It’s always nice to be recognized by the industry, by guest reviews, and to see that they still love coming to Saratoga and to Saratoga Arms,” said owner Amy Smith.

The U.S. News & World Report ranks hotels with a rating of 3.5 stars or higher, judging them on their hotel class, guest ratings via TripAdvisor, and awards and recognition received, according to the U.S. News & World Report website.

Smith and general manager Rachel Boggan said Saratoga Arms has been able to stand out due to their guest service. Smith emphasized that the hotel looks to “curate your experience for you.”

“We see ourselves as ambassadors to this area,” Smith said. “Really, all we need you to do is make a reservation with us, and we will handle most anything that comes our way that you want to do in this town.”

Smith said that while getaways can take effort to plan, Saratoga Arms looks to take care of this aspect for guests to allow

Scarlet Clement-Buffoline Named VP of Operations at Saratoga Hospital

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Saratoga Hospital has appointed Scarlet Clement-Buffoline as the Vice President of Operations for Ambulatory and Physician Services.

Clement-Buffoline has more than two decades of administrative experience in positions of increasing responsibility at Capital Region hospitals. Most recently, she served as the executive director of Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, the hospital’s multidisciplinary practice.

In her new role, ClementBuffoline will have oversight of the entire Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, as well as all outpatient

services, including imaging, radiation oncology, regional therapy centers, and urgent care locations.

them the most relaxing experience possible.

The hotel seeks to provide people “with an experience,” rather than simply a room, Smith said. This includes a calendar of weekend experiences, which Boggan explained as fully-planned agendas centering around popular local themes, such as Saratoga Beer Week.

“All the guests need to do is make their reservation, and they are brought through the entire agenda that we have pre-planned in advance for the guest,” said Boggan. “So anywhere from ten to 15 rooms will all be kind of going through this experience together.”

Part of the Saratoga experience

that the hotel offers is contained in the building itself. Saratoga Arms’ property was constructed in 1870, Smith said, and still contains many historical elements as well as modern amenities.

Both Smith and Boggan expressed their love for the Saratoga community, saying their goal is to help their guests have positive experiences in the city.

“When you love a community so much, you want to show it off,” said Smith. “I have a wonderful backdrop of a place where people can stay, and then experience all those wonderful things that this community has to offer. I take that very seriously, and I’m also very honored to do that for people.”

Scarlet Clement-Buffoline. Photo provided by Saratoga Hospital.

Photo provided by Saratoga Arms.

Puzzles

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: Unsoluble, Unsolvable Both words mean not easily solved. The corporation continues to have unsoluble (or unsolvable) quality problems

Note: Unsoluble can also mean that something is not soluble in liquid.

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

LOCAL ATHLETES SEEK TO BECOME THE NEXT ‘AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR’

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Four local athletes will compete this summer for a chance to be named the next ‘American Ninja Warrior’.

Geoff Snyder, André Patnode, Jenson Little, and Nicole Van Oort, all of whom coach or train at the Saratoga and Albany Ninja Labs, were selected to compete in the upcoming seasons of the CBS show ‘American Ninja Warrior’, where contestants attempt to complete a series of obstacle courses.

Three of the four contestants have been selected to compete in past seasons as well. Snyder competed in Season 9, while Patnode and Little competed in Season 14. Little also competed on the show during Season 10.

“Honestly, I’ve just been working since then to get back and give it one more try,” said Snyder, who is the head team coach and a co-owner of Ninja Labs. “I never felt like I did as well as I could have. Since 2017, I’ve just been continuing to work out, to train, hoping that one day they would give me a call again.”

Patnode said he was a fan of the show, and got into competition after the opening of a local Ninja gym.

“I told myself when I turn 50, I want to try out for the show,” said Patnode, who has been selected in two consecutive years. “With Ninja, I just felt accepted. No matter how good you do or how bad you do, they are there to support.”

Little, who will be competing for the third time, said he will

“know what to expect” this year.

“I know that I just need to go out and prove myself, because I know I am capable of it,” said Little.

To apply for the show, prospective contestants fill out an application and film a three-minute video discussing why they would be a good selection for the series.

“It’s basically a three-minute video about who you are, what you do, how you train, what makes you stand out, and why you’d be a good contestant,” said Snyder.

Snyder said he discussed his friend Kevin Bogus, who passed away last year. Bogus worked with Snyder in the Fort Plain Central School District, and was a trainer at the Albany Ninja Labs.

Snyder said shortly before Bogus passed away, the two had a conversation about the previous year’s auditions for American Ninja Warrior. Snyder said he had not been selected, and was unsure if he would apply in the future.

“He was like, ‘Geoff, you’ve got to keep going, man,” said Snyder. “I don’t know if he had anything to do with it, if the stars aligned, but it seems to be happening here. To get one more shot at it, it’s hard to kind of put it into words how you feel.”

Patnode said that his video this year began with him skydiving out of a plane in an ‘American Ninja Warrior’ shirt. Last year, he scaled a silo in Ballston Lake for the video’s opening. Patnode also said he discussed his late mother.

“She was my biggest supporter,

my biggest fan, and I know she’s going to be with me on this whole journey,” said Patnode. “This is giving me motivation, that she’s going to be with me and watching me. She’s going to be there.”

Little said that he spoke about his experience as a transgender man, saying it would be meaningful to be able to show representation within the sports world.

“For me to get out there and show that there are trans athletes, and we are in sports and we should belong in sports,” Little said. “To show kids and other adults that we should be allowed in those spaces means everything to me.”

Snyder stressed that simply being selected does not guarantee a competitor will be featured on the show. He said that his run in Season 9 of the series was not aired. Patnode and Little said the series used some footage of them for teasers at the beginning of the show, but also did not air their runs.

“Oftentimes, you have a less than 1% chance of being picked each year, because there are so many applicants,” said Snyder. “Just to have the opportunity to compete and be a part of it is an incredible experience.”

The qualifying round will take place at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, California, beginning in mid-March.

Contestants who finish in the top portion of the qualifying round advance to the semifinals, which will be filmed at the same location at Universal Studios.

Finishers in the top portion of the semifinals advance to the finals, filmed in Las Vegas.

And the opportunity to compete again, and to do so alongside familiar faces, “is just a really

awesome thing to have,” Snyder said.

“That’s just the cherry on the sundae,” said Snyder. “We train together a lot. For all of us, this is something that we’ve all been shooting for.”

Greenfield Bikers Learn the Rules of the Road

Elementary Students Receive Bicycle Donation from Saratoga Shredders

by Dylan McGlynn Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Kindergarten students at Greenfield Elementary School received a surprise on Friday, with the donation of 24 Strider balance bicycles by Saratoga Shredders.

Saratoga Shredders is a local non-profit organization aiming to provide more children with the opportunity to ride bicycles. Anna Laloë, founder and executive director of Saratoga Shredders, said “It’s really a dream,” to see the students receive the bikes.

“This is something I’ve been wanting to do ever since I started Saratoga Shredders, was to be able to be part of the school curriculum,” Laloë said.

Laloë said Saratoga Shredders currently offers after-school programs but wanted to expand to the school level to help reach as many children as possible.

“We thought that if we start at a school level, at a kindergarten school level, and they’re taught in P.E., that automatically it’s going to allow them to learn how to ride,” said Laloë. “Really, the whole idea of Shredders is to remove as many barriers as possible to get kids on

bikes. If we can provide this to another group of kids to be able to have access to bikes for free, that’s really what our premise is.”

Saratoga Springs City School

District athletic director Nick McPartland said approving the donation of bicycles was “an absolute no-brainer.”

“To make these kids feel like, ‘Hey, I’m getting to do something at school that I might not be able to do at home,’ it’s really exciting to think that’s going on in our district,” said McPartland. “There’s a lot of schools that don’t have this type of stuff, especially at the elementary level. It just makes you feel really good.”

Laloë said the school district was very supportive, saying the process came together rather quickly.

“There was no pushback from the district at all, so that was really, really special,” said Laloë.

“For it to go from the first conversation with Coach (Ricupero) at the end of November, to basically two months later, the bikes are here in the school. It’s just an incredible process to be a part of.”

The Strider balance bicycles are not a typical bike. They come without pedals attached, allowing kids to practice their balance

before eventually advancing to pedaling. Pedals can be manually added on to the bike once the child is comfortable. Greenfield

Elementary P.E. teacher Mike Ricupero said this can make for an easier transition to a typical bike.

“The difference between a Strider and a bike with training wheels is that balance,” Ricupero said. “The balance is a huge part of riding a bike. Training wheels are great, but it slows you down to progress to actually getting to ride a bike. The Strider bike is a faster way to get kids on pedal bikes.”

“These Strider bikes allow kids to understand balance right away, by removing the training wheels,” added McPartland. “So now they’re forced to use their feet, but also when they feel confident, to get their feet off the

ground and ride just on the two wheels. Over time, they’re going to become more and more confident on how to balance a bike and be able to ride it.”

The balance bikes also come with a curriculum for teaching students how to learn to ride. Ricupero said the lessons will help students build up their confidence and skills from one day to the next.

“The lessons are broken down for the kids to actually build upon the skills they already learned in the previous lesson,” said Ricupero. “We’re just excited that, by the end of lesson nine, most of the kids or all of the kids will be able to ride a bike with the pedals.”

Ricupero said he was initially contacted by Laloë, and their conversations led to the donation of the bikes, saying the opportunity

“kind of fell in our lap.”

“We met one day, and we just kind of talked through some of the obstacles and some of the things that we needed to do,” said Ricupero. “There’s generous people in the community willing to donate money to these bikes, and for me, it was a no-brainer.”

The bikes were purchased as a package from the All Kids Bike program, said Laloë, costing about $6,000 total. The package was funded by donations from local families of Greenfield Elementary students and members of Saratoga Shredders.

Will and Jen Aldrich, Dr. Amy Knoeller, Dr. James North, Thad and Talara Hedgpeth, Peter Mulford, Jane Cramer Varian, and the Winter family all donated funds toward the purchase of the bicycles, according to a press release by Saratoga Shredders.

While the Greenfield Elementary kindergarteners will be the first to go through the curriculum, there are hopes of expanding the program throughout the district.

“If we do a pilot here at Greenfield, figure out if it works at a kindergarten level, and then maybe scale it up to all the other elementary schools and then K-5 over maybe year two or something,” said Laloë. “That would be the idea, would be a progressive step for them to learn new skills as they get older and the bikes get bigger for them.”

“Again, we’re very fortunate that we have this, and I’m confident that it’s going to be used a tremendous amount,” McPartland said.

Greenfield Elementary students show their excitement prior to the reveal of new Strider bicycles donated to the school by Saratoga Shredders. Photo by Super Source Media Studios.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Accepting Applications for 2023 Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship

for Saratoga County High School Seniors

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is accepting applications for the 2023 Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship, an annual award recognizing young leaders and volunteers throughout Saratoga County.

The scholarship, awarded in a one-time amount of $1,000, will be presented in May to a high school senior from Saratoga County who has demonstrated a record of academic excellence and exemplary service to the community along with a strong interest in pursuing future studies in history and/or the arts.

Mr. Cantacuzene served on the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Board of

Trustees for 30 years and contributed to the Museum in various capacities. A stalwart supporter of thoroughbred racing, the arts, and public service, Mr. Cantacuzene passed away in 2016.

High school seniors interested in applying for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship are asked to submit an essay of no more than 750 words detailing their community service and its rewarding aspects. Applicants should also describe how the subjects of art and/or history have influenced their educational pursuits.

Questions pertaining to the scholarship should be directed

Schuylerville Middle School Students Experience Hands-On Revolutionary War Lesson From Ft. Ticonderoga Educators

to Matt Reichel at mreichel@ racingmuseum.net or 518-5840400 ext. 118. The entry deadline is April 7.

High school seniors in Saratoga County applying for the Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship can pick up the application form at their school’s guidance office or download it from the Museum’s website here at racingmuseum.org.

The application and essay should be submitted to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs. The materials may also be emailed to mreichel@ racingmuseum.net or submitted in person at the Museum during business hours.

Ballston Spa Science Olympiad Team Goes to State Competition

SCHUYLERVILLE —

Schuylerville Middle School seventh-grade students got a unique opportunity to see life through a Revolutionary War soldier’s eyes, during an in-person visit from Ft. Ticonderoga educators.

All of Rebecca Nesbitt’s social studies students experienced the “A Soldier’s Life” presentation, given by Johanna Hambly and Nathan Schultz. The engaging 45-minute program incorporated history, geography, and math to provide context to the daily experience of American soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Students explored the equipment and food of soldiers and

discussed the challenges of equipping and feeding an army in a remote location.

“One of the things I really like about programs like this is kids often have trouble conceptualizing what happened so long ago,” said Nesbitt. “This program is hands-on and makes it real.”

Students also had an opportunity to examine high-quality reproductions of items that soldiers carried during the Revolution, as well as try on clothing. The program aligns with Schuylerville Middle School’s Revolutionary War curriculum, which is taught to all seventhgrade students.

BALLSTON SPA —

The Ballston Spa High School Science Olympiad team placed third at the Capital Region Science Olympiad Tournament, which was recently held at Ballston Spa High School. Eighteen high school teams from throughout the Capital Region competed in the tournament.

Ballston Spa students won medals in 19 out of 23 events including first place in five of the events. The first-place medal winners and their respective events

include Maddie Burns and Lee McKinley in “Write It Do It” and “Trajectory,” Maddie Burns and Max Amodeo in “Chemistry Lab,” Maddie Wilson and Jax Skylstad in “Rocks and Minerals,” and Max Amodeo and Riley Box in “Flight.”

Their successful finish qualified the team for the New York State competition at Le Moyne College on March 17 and 18. The team is coached by High School science instructors Theresa Rousseau and Jim Poirier.

The Science Olympiad

tournament is a rigorous, aca demic, interscholastic competi tion that consists of a series of individual and team events which the students prepare for throughout the year. The events are wellbalanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers and technology. The team of 15 students competed in 23 events which range from the construction of a rubber band propelled plane to college-level pen-and-paper assessments.

Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.

Photo provided by Schuylerville Central School District.

Summer Camp at Saratoga Arts extends our mission of cultivating a vibrant art community. Students learn from professional teaching artists who bring art history, technique, and appreciation to all ages while having fun.

Visual Arts programs are geared to our youngest “mighty mites” (ages 5-9) and our slightly older students (ages 10 -14) who will work with the teaching artist on a theme during the week. The week’s theme may take them through the historical evolution of a technique, may offer them a deeper dive into a particular genre, or may introduce them to less familiar worldwide art.

Our Teen Studios for ages 13 – 18 are geared toward young artists who are interested in pushing their art to a new level. Each week-long studio session focuses on a genre from painting or drawing to comics and collage.

Young artists have access to Congress Park and to our Galleries for added inspiration and enjoyment during their sessions.

Our staff is dedicated to supporting each budding artist, nurturing their learning, respecting their approaches, and helping them experience the joy of art. Physical and emotional safety is a priority for each team member.

Summer 2023 week-long camps run from June 26 – September 1. Registration available at www.saratoga-arts.org/education

SARATOGA ARTS

320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-584-4132

www.saratoga-arts.org

Food

Eating with the Seasons even in February

CLASSIC MEATLOAF

SATURDAYS

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

WILTON MALL | FOOD COURT

by Himanee Gupta for Saratoga TODAY

Onebelief about eating local is that we cannot do it in February. The ground is frozen. Nothing is growing. It is cold. We grit our teeth as we head for the grocery store, knowing that what we’ll find will have traveled several hundred miles and will not be cheap. Pretty bleak? It need not be.

While it is true that farmers cannot grow much in frozen soil, they still can offer foods grown, raised, or made at their farms. That is what the Saratoga Farmers Market brings you every Saturday. Even though the offerings and number of vendors are smaller at this time of year, there’s good stuff available for delicious meals throughout the week.

CONSIDER:

• Soups made with butternut squash, carrots, turnips, and potatoes. Gomez Veggie Ville and Lovin’ Mama Farms have these classic winter vegetables. Cook them with bone broths from King’s Creek Farm or simply water. For a creamy touch, give the soup a light puree with a blender, and then stir in some A2 milk from the Argyle Cheese Farmer. Put some microgreens from the Perfect Plant Farm on top.

• Meats. Chicken, duck, goat, pork, beef, and veal are currently available. Think about roasts, stews, meatloaf, chili, casseroles, and burgers – just to get started. Farm-raised meat might seem expensive by the pound. However, many cuts are available in smaller packages, such as stew meats and chops. And our meat producers are good cooks who know how to prepare a larger cut, such as a roast or a whole duck or chicken, and also how to create marvelous second, third, or even fourth meals with leftovers. They’re happy to share their tips. Stop by the tables of Hebron Valley, Hepatica, Jireh, King’s Creek, Longlesson, and Squash Villa farms, and ask.

• Homemade sides and treats. In addition to sweet and savory baked goods are stuffed dates, pickled beets and cabbages, jams, cheeses, granola mixes, and hummus. Combining farm-made foods with vegetables and meats can add a healthy, flavorful balance to winter meals. Look for such items at Kokinda Farms, Nightwork Bread, Puckers Gourmet Pickles, Parchment, Sweet Prophecy, and The Cookie Lab, among others. And the days are getting longer, so popular items such as eggs, spinach, kale, and salad greens are becoming more available.

One trick for making the most of a farmers market visit both now and year-round: Treat your shopping list as a guide, not a rule. Take in all of what the market offers. Let yourself make changes and substitutions because you can. That’s what makes eating local possible and exciting, even in February.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www. saratogafarmersmarket.org, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

YIELDS: 10 slices | PREP TIME: 10 min | COOK TIME: 55 min

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• 1 lb. lean ground beef*

• 1 cup dried bread crumbs (try making your bread crumb from local bread*)

• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion*

• 1/2 cup milk*

• 1 large egg*, beaten

• 2 tbsp. ketchup

• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp. dried parsley leaves

• 3/4 tsp. salt

• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper FOR THE TOPPING:

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp. packed light brown sugar

• 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.

2. In a large bowl, add the beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 2 tablespoons ketchup, worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Use your hands to mush and mix these ingredients until well combined.

3. Add the meat mixture to a loaf pan. Pat the meat down into an even layer.

4. In a small bowl, add ¼ cup ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir to combine. Pour the sauce on top of the meatloaf and spread it into an even layer.

5. Bake uncovered for 55 minutes.

6. Let the meatloaf rest for 8-10 minutes before serving (or it may fall apart).

Recipe by Amanda Finks

Gomez Veggie Ville. Photo by Pattie Garrett

A2 milk from Argyle Cheese Farmer. Photo by Madison Jackson

Kokinda Farm. Photo by Toni Nastasi

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

Soup was a meal that my mother made often to serve our household of seven people (five being young children). Coming in from school in the afternoons or a day of play outside with our neighborhood kids, I could taste the soup through the aroma. A soup that is dear to my heart that evokes Italian childhood memories of my mother’s cooking is the Italian Wedding Meatball Soup. She would make her own homemade chicken broth. Chicken broth is a staple in most Italian households. You can rest assured that there will be a few quarts in the freezer at all times. You need a really good homemade broth

Soup IS LIKE A BIG WARM HUG!

Hello my Foodie Friends!

Soup during the winter months is like having a big warm hug! Although we enjoy soup year-round, it is when the chill is in the air that we truly embrace a variety of these belly-warming concoctions. It’s the comforting feeling that happens in our home whenever we make soup that makes it so desirable.

to make pastina, vegetable soups, risottos, sauces, and chicken dishes pop with flavor. There was one essential item that my mother had to have to assist her with the process of making her broth, the soup sock.

You can fill these cotton mesh bags with your favorite herbs and ingredients for flavoring stocks and soups. The finely woven material holds delicate herbs or expands to accommodate everything from bones to chopped vegetables. When cooking is complete, simply remove the bag – no need for straining! They are made of strong, 100% fine cotton mesh. The soup sock comes in a large size to accommodate all

Chicken Broth using a Soup Sock

INGREDIENTS

• 1 whole chicken (3 1/2 pounds), with neck and giblets (save the liver for another dish)

• 1 medium onion, quartered

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled

• 2 large carrots, cut into 1-inch slices

INSTRUCTIONS

Italian Wedding Soup

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE MEATBALLS

• ¾ pound ground chicken

• ½ pound chicken sausage, casings removed

• 2/3 cup fresh white bread crumbs

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

sorts of flavoring ingredients, from bones and whole vegetables to herb leaves. They will not impart odors or flavors into soups or stocks. The best part is that they help with a mess-free cooking – no need for straining. The packets of soups socks come in sets of three and they are made in the USA.

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, to get soup socks and the supplies you need to create your favorite soup. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”

Take Care, John & Paula

• ¼ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

• 3 tablespoons milk

• 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

FOR THE SOUP:

• 2 tablespoons good olive oil

• 1 cup minced yellow onion

• 1 cup 1/4-inch-diced carrots (3 carrots)

• ¾ cup 1/4-inch-diced celery (2 stalks)

• 10 cups Homemade Chicken Stock (recipe below)

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 1 cup small pasta such as tubetini or stars

• ¼ cup minced fresh dill

• 12 ounces baby spinach, washed and trimmed

• 2 medium parsnips, cut into 1-inch slices

• 2 stalks celery, cut into 3-inch pieces

• 1 small handful fresh parsley sprigs, plus 3 tablespoons chopped parsley

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

1. In a soup sock, place the chicken, neck, giblets, onion, garlic, carrots, parsnips, celery, parsley sprigs, and thyme. Close the open end of the sock by either tying a knot with the mesh ends or using butcher’s twine.

2. Place the sock in a large stock pot. Pour in the water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Skim the liquid. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Reduce the heat to moderately low, set on the cover askew, and simmer gently so the liquid is just bubbling, for 50 minutes.

3. Use tongs to turn the soup sock around in the pot so the knotted end is facing up. Using a pot holder or kitchen towel to grab the end, carefully lift the bag from the stock and place it in a large bowl. Transfer the bag to a carving board with grooves to capture the juices. As

• 3 1/2 quarts (14 cups) cold water

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

juices collect in the grooves, lift up the board and pour the juices back into the cooking pot.

4. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, cut a long slit in the sock. Cut or pull the chicken from the bones and cut the meat into bite-size pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Transfer to a container. Cut the carrots and parsnips into pieces and add to the chicken. Cover and refrigerate.

5. Tip the chicken soup into a large container. Leave to cool. Cover and refrigerate.

6. Skim the fat from the chicken soup. Tip the soup into a stock pot and bring to a boil. Boil the stock for 10 minutes to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors. Add as much chicken, carrots, and parsnips to the soup as you like, along with cooked noodles. Simmer 2 minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with parsley.

Recipe from the Boston Globe

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. For the meatballs, place the ground chicken, sausage, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, Pecorino, Parmesan, milk, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a bowl and combine gently with a fork. With a teaspoon, drop 1- to 1 1/4-inch meatballs onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. (You should have about 40 meatballs. They don’t have to be perfectly round.) Bake for 30 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside. In the meantime, for the soup, heat the olive oil over medium- low heat in a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken stock and wine and bring to a boil. Add the pasta to the simmering broth and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Add the fresh dill and then the meatballs to the soup and simmer for 1 minute. Taste for salt and pepper. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1 minute, until the spinach is just wilted. Ladle into soup bowls and sprinkle each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Recipe compliments of the Barefoot Contessa at barefootcontessa.com

Events upcoming

Fish Fry Friday

Knights of Columbus Council

#246 will once again be hosting Fish Fry Friday each Friday throughout Lent, February 24 through April 7, 5-7 p.m. Advance call-in of orders on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between the hours of noon and 3 p.m., beginning on Wednesday, February 22. The menu will include Fried or Baked Haddock ($15) or Fried Clam Strips ($12), each with French Fries, Cole Slaw, Tartar Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce; Macaroni and Cheese ($5); New England Clam Chowder (pint$7/quart - $13); Single Order o French Fries ($3); and Dessert ($2 - when available). Call 518584-8547 to place your order or for more information.

Basket Party

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa, will host a Basket Party February 24 - 26. Pre Sales begin Friday, February 24- 4 - 7 p.m., Saturday, February 25- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. and Sunday, February 26- 9 a.m.-noon. Drawing to begin at 1 p.m. Three levels of ticket packets available, special raffles

and 50/50. No admission fee, food available for purchase. For information call 518-884-8012. Proceeds support Elks Charities.

Schoharie Crossing Presentation

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway, will host a program presented by Schoharie Crossing on February 25 at 11 a.m. The topic is Strange History from Along the Erie Canal at Schoharie Crossing. Participants are encouraged to register at 518-8826385. For more information, visit www.galwaypubliclibrary.org.

A Winter Concert: Return of the Duos

Saratoga Chamber Players is pleased to announce a winter concert on Saturday February 25, at 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, in Saratoga Springs. The program will bring together Jill Levy, violinist, and Artistic Director, with Margaret Kampmeier, pianist. With music spanning four centuries, treat yourself to the Classical sweetness of Franz Schubert, the contemporary Turkish delight of Kamran Ince, the modern French birdsongs of Olivier Messiaen and the passionate, modern inventiveness of Richard Strauss. Tickets are $20-$30, available at the door or on the website. For more information visit www. saratogachamberplayers.org

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale

On Sunday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. the popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale will be held at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club on Elks Lane. Admission is free. Over 40 vendors, great parking, crafts galore, and lunch. Household items, hand-made items, clothing, food treats, body lotions, and just about anything you can imagine. New vendors sign-up every month. A fun activity the entire family enjoys. All proceeds go to local charities. 8’ table and chairs $15; Call Debbie 518-885-6506 or email dozolins@nycap.rr.com for information or to sign up for a table(s).

Irish Celebration

Hosted by the VFW Post 420, located at 190 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs on Saturday, March 4 from 6 – 10 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m. Music featuring Maggie’s Clan, buffet and drink specials. All for a donation of $10. All are welcome. Call 518-

584-9686 for more information, leave message.

Parkinson’s Cabin Fever Dance Party

Help for Parkinson’s, a local charity committed to helping those affected by Parkinson’s Disease live well, invites you to join us on Saturday, March 4. Dancing and fun starts at 7 p.m. The event location is the Colonie Golf & Country Club, 13 Country Club Ln. Voorheesville. Meet old and new friends, eat, drink, have fun, and dance to the local band GBfive, knowing that you will be supporting the local Parkinson’s community. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive condition, for which there is no cure. The HELP for Parkinson’s organization’s mission is to bring local programs and resources, as well as relevant local and national information directly to those living here in the capital region dealing with Parkinson’s. Tickets are $40 per person, includes light food and a cash bar. Information and tickets available at www. helpforpd.org/march4th.

Irish Family Festival

The Saratoga Ancient Order of Hibernians will hold the Saratoga Irish Family Festival from 1 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 at the Saratoga -Wilton Elks, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs (Rte 9 North from Rte 50) The event will feature music, dancing, and raffles. Admission is a $10 donation at the door, children under 12 are free. Light fare will be available for an additional price. For information visit wwwsaratogaaoh.com.

Corning Museum of Glass Trip

A one-day trip on Wednesday, April 19, open to the public. Explore this amazing glass museum right in our own backyard. Optional sandblasting workshop available, must preregister. Lunch on your own at the museum cafe. After the museum, wander around the quaint town of Corning for the afternoon. Member price $80. Non-member price $105. Optional sandblasting workshop- add $14. Call the Saratoga Senior Center at 518584-1621 to sign up.

This Week’s Events: FEB. 17-23 �� =family friendly

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

The Flurry “Winter Roots” Festival ��

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

The Flurry “Winter Roots” Festival will be held February 1719. This winter’s Flurry will offer over 100 sessions of live music and dance for all. Adult prices range from $38-$145. More information about tickets, the schedule of sessions, performers, and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.flurryfestival. org. View details of the covid policy at www.flurryfestival.org/ winter-covid-policy.

Fish Fry Fridays ��

Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 123 NY-32, Victory Mills | 4- 7 p.m. Friday Night Fish Fry will be back for 2023. It will run through

April 7. Various menu items are available from fried fish to chicken tenders with French fries, Cole slaw and chowder also available. For more information call 518-695-3917.

Carnegie Hall Ensemble Connect Residency Performance ��

Skidmore College, Arthur Zankel Music Center, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m. Visit Ensemble Connect, a group of the finest young professional classical musicians based out of Carnegie Hall, celebrates its 16th year at Skidmore. Concert Program: JENNIFER HIGDON | Dark Wood, MOZART | Quintet for Piano and Winds in E-flat Major, K. 452, MICHI WIANCKO | 7 Kinships (NY Premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall), R. SCHUMANN | Piano Quintet.

Tickets are available for purchase at the box office.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY

18

Fly-In Breakfast ��

Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Enjoy an assortment of pancakes, French toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, juice, coffee, tea, fruit and more. The breakfast is open to the public. At 10 a.m. Ken Haefner will discuss what it was like to work at the GE Flight Test Center (ESAM) in the 1960’s. Fly-In if you would like. Pilots: Tower Frequency 121.3; Ground 121.9. Land at Schenectady County Airport and taxi to Richmor Aviation North. Tell them you are going to ESAM.

This Week’s Events: FEB. 17-23 �� =family

continued from pg. 22...

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18

World War II

Home Front Years

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville

1 p.m. | A Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County talk by Saratoga Springs Historian Mary Ann Fitzgerald will document for us what happened during those World War II Home Front years, including some unexpected tragedies. More than a thousand volunteers, from all over Saratoga County, gave vast hours of service to support the war effort between 1939 and 1951. Public is welcome. For information, call 518-885-9309

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

All You Can Eat Breakfast ��

Gansevoort Firehouse, 1870 State Route 32N, Gansevoort

8 – 11 a.m. | Menu includes: eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fires, biscuits and sausage gravy, orange juice, milk and coffee. Donations: $12 adults, $10 Seniors 55+, $11 Military and First Responders, $8 children ages 6 – 12. Kids under 6 are free.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Saratoga Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

1 p.m. | “Driving Evaluations” with speaker Donna Stressel, OTR/L, CDI, CDRS, Sunnyview Rehab Hospital. Contact: Kevin McCullough saratoga. parkinsons@gmail.com

518-222-4247, Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

February Break Drama Camp with Elyse Young ��

Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department announces February Break Drama Camp for ages

10-15 will run Tuesday, Feb. 21 through Friday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The camp will be taught by Malta’s Artistic Director Elyse Young and will include acting skills, vocal techniques, theater games, crafts, rehearsals and performance of a short play. For more information, go to www.maltaparksrec.com or contact 518-899-4411.

Sled Dogs of Denali National Park ��

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa

1 p.m. | Kids in grades

kindergarten through 3rd grade will learn about Sled Dogs of Denali National Park. Participants will listen to a Denali National Park Ranger Zoom talk about the jobs and lives of sled dogs. Then kids will partake in associated crafts and activities. Limit 20. Registration is required. Please stop in or call 518-885-5022.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate Sundaes

Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd, Greenfield Center | 7 p.m.

Town of Greenfield Historical Society program focuses on the Best Hot Fudge Sauce that began in Greenfield in 2001 and is going strong today. Owner Katie Camarro will share highlights of the company’s 20+ year journey of making our world a sweeter place. Rumor has it that refreshments will be provided by Sundaes Best. Yes, Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce will be available for purchase. You don’t want to miss this meeting! All are welcome to attend.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Scrapbooking for Kids ��

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa 1 p.m. | Turn those pictures on your phone into a one-of-a-kind scrapbook! Join Mary from Mary’s Memory Maker as she shows you how to create your very own scrapbook. Kids are asked to bring 10-15 printed out pictures to the event. They can be on a theme (a vacation, your pets, friends) or they can be

random pictures. This free event is designed for kids in grades 5-8. Limit 10. Registration is required. Stop in or call 518-885-5022.

Fried Fish Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 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: fried fish, mac and cheese, tartar sauce, cold slaw, roll. Dinner for 2 / $30. (cash only).

Galway Photography Club

Galway Public Library, Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. After our January meeting was canceled due to weather, we rescheduled Schenectady Daily Gazette Photographer Erica Miller to speak to our group and share some of her photographs. Our meetings,

which are held year-round on the last Wednesday of each month, provide a safe, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere for those at all levels of photography to share their photography and learn how to improve their technical and artistic skills. For more information contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Code Ninja Camp ��

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa 1 p.m. | Kids in grades 3 through 5 are invited to attend Computer enthusiast of all abilities will learn all about coding with our friends from Code Ninjas. Limit 12. Registration is required. Please stop in or call 518-885-5022.

friendly

TV Sensation Big Time Rush at SPAC This Summer

Noel Gallagher/ Garbage Stage at SPAC This Summer

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Big Time Rush - an overnight sensation in 2009 with the launch of the Nickelodeon television series Big Time Rush, hits the road with special guests Jax and Max for their “Can’t Get Enough Tour” June 22. They will stage a show at

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds - Gallagher was main songwriter, lead guitarist and occasional lead vocalist of Oasis - will be joined by Garbage for a co-headlining tour

of North America this summer.

The tour, produced by Live Nation, features special guest Metric and will kick off in the state of Washington June 2, and play at Saratoga Performing Arts

Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 3.

Following the premiere of the TV series, Big Time Rush went on to release three studio albums and performed across the globe, including five tours from 2011 to 2014. Tickets at: livenation.com.

Center on July 8.

Garbage and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will be supported by Metric.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feb. 17. Go to: livenation.com.

SPAC Announces CulinaryArts@ SPAC: Family Meal! with Holistic Health Coach Barb Biagoli

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces its first family-style CulinaryArts@SPAC event: Family Meal! with holistic health coach and nutrition consultant Barb Biagoli from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 5.

Designed to cultivate healthy appetites and palates with meal planning strategies, recipes, and activities for the whole family, the event includes a 90-minute whole foods family meal-planning workshop for adults at the SPAC School of the Arts, and “Food as Art” activities for children at the neighboring Children’s Museum at Saratoga, culminating in a festive all-inclusive family-style dinner at The Pines at SPAC.

Kicking off at 3 p.m. at the SPAC School of the Arts, Biagioli will lead a 90-minute whole foods family meal-planning workshop

for adults who want to cook healthier meals at home. Topics will include: how to add more whole plant foods to your plate, how to build your own seasonal whole foods meal at home, how to plan, prep, and batch cook for the week. Biagoli will offer resources, handouts, and recipes to simplify making healthy meals for every night of the week. Attendees are encouraged to bring their calendars or planners.

While parents participate in the pre-dinner workshop, children ages 5-12 are invited to participate in “Food as Art” activities like cabbage watercolor painting at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, led by Museum and SPAC Education staff. SPAC Education team members will escort the children to and from the museum, adjacent to SPAC School of the Arts, in coordination

with the adult workshop. While this program is recommended for children ages 5-12, children of all ages are welcome. Any child under the age of 5 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Attendees will then gather for an all-inclusive family supper on the SPAC campus, from 5 – 7 p.m. to enjoy dishes including chickpeas three ways, chicken fajitas and tacos, and kid-friendly red lentil dahl. Wine, craft beer and mocktails will also be served. There will be activities for restless diners and a special “dessert surprise,” inspired by artist Jackson Pollock, that participants will help create. Recipes will be available to recreate at home.

Tickets cost $50 per adult and include admission for one child under the age of 12. Tickets for each additional child under 12 cost $25. Visit spac.org for details.

Big Time Rush at SPAC in July.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Garbage, live in Saratoga Springs July 8.

Week of February 17 – February 23, 2023

Feb. 23: Virtual Discussion of the Film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Saratoga Jewish Community presents a Zoom discussion of the film If Beale Street Could Talk, the 2017 academy award winner directed by Barry Jenkins and based on James Baldwin’s 1974 novel of the same name at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23.

The film is the story of a

young black couple’s (Tish and Fonny) romantic dreams come crashing down against the powerful reality of white society.

Registration is required for the Zoom discussion, which can be made at sjca.sjcf@gmail.com.

For more information, visit www. saratogajewishculturalfestival.org or www.saratogasinai.org.

Grace Pettis at Caffe Lena Feb. 23

Entertainment & Arts Flurry Winter RootsFestival of Traditional Music and Dance This Weekend

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Grace Pettis, will be performing at Caffe Lena on Thursday, Feb. 23 in support of her critically acclaimed latest album, “Working Woman.”

The album is hailed as a powerful testament to working women from all walks of life - all who essentially hold communities together with their service and double-duties. Guest contributions come from Indigo

Girls (“Landon”), Ruthie Foster (“Pick Me Up”), Dar Williams (“Any Kind of Girl’’), The Watson Twins (‘’Never Get It Back”), Gina Chavez (“Mean Something”) and Mary Bragg (“Paper Boat’’).

Show time is 7 p.m. The show will also be available to watch live stream via Caffe Lena (caffelena.tv/ programs/live-grace-pettis). For more information, go to: caffelena. org, or call 518-583-0022.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Flurry “Winter Roots” Festival will offer over 100 sessions of live music and dance and take place Feb. 17-19 at the Hilton and City Center complex in Saratoga Springs.

Contra dancing will be showcased continuously throughout the weekend and a full schedule of swing and blues dance on Sunday. Winter Roots will include 18 different dance styles such as Irish, English country, waltz, balfolk, Czech, square dance, sean-nós/ old style Irish, Métis and French Canadian, Zydeco, samba, Israeli, and Scottish country dancing, along with concerts, workshops, and opportunities to jam with other musicians.

Sessions range from beginner through experienced levels. Swing dance programming will take place only on Sunday, and Winter Roots will not include sessions specifically focused on family or children’s programming.

The Covid policy for Winter Roots is that attendees must document vaccination with an initial dose/series, plus one booster if first vaccinatedin 2021, and must document a negative rapid test on the day of entry. Masking is optional but encouraged. Masks will be provided, and some dances will have a mask-required line/section.

The full policy with additional details is available at www.flurryfestival.org/wintercovid-policy/. Dress is casual and comfortable, with soft-soled shoes preferred. Adult prices range from $38-$145.

More information about ticket sales, the schedule of sessions and performers can be found at www.flurryfestival.org.

Flurry Festival returns to Saratoga Springs this weekend. Photos: flurryfestival.org.

Grace Pettis to stage show at Caffe Lena on Feb. 23. Photo: Nicola Gell.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Purchasing Department of Saratoga County, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 will receive sealed bids until 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2023 at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for Culvert Rehabilitation of L.I.N. 319.60 carrying C.R. 47 (Rowland Street) over Rowland Hollow Creek, as per specification 23-PWCR47RHC-7. No pre-bid conference will be scheduled. Bid documents may only be obtained on or after Thursday, February 16, 2023 from The Empire State Bid System at no cost from the following website: www. empirestatebidsystem.com

Saratoga County, through its Purchasing Department, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids. All work shall be subject to equal opportunity in employment, State wage rates and all other requirements in accordance with applicable law.

JOHN T. WARMT, Director of Purchasing Saratoga County

02/17/2023, 117907

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Purchasing Department of Saratoga County will receive sealed bids in person or electronically through the Empire State Purchasing Website until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for FiberReinforced Bituminous Membrane Surface Treatment, as per specification 23-PWST-43R Bid forms and instructions are available at the Purchasing Office, 50 W. High Street, Ballston Spa, NY between 9:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (telephone - 518-885-2210) or at the Empire State Purchasing Group website (www. empirestatebidsystem.com)

Saratoga County, through its Purchasing Department, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids.

JOHN T. WARMT, Director of Purchasing Saratoga County. 02/17/2023, 117821

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Purchasing Department of Saratoga County will receive sealed bids in person or electronically through the Empire State Purchasing Website until 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 9, 2023, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for Fish, as per specification 23-FISH-1

Bid forms and instructions are available at the Purchasing Office, 50 W. High Street, Ballston Spa, NY between 9:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (telephone - 518-8852210) or at the Empire State Purchasing Group website (www.empirestatebidsystem.com)

Saratoga County, through its Purchasing Department, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids.

JOHN T. WARMT, Director of Purchasing Saratoga County. 02/17/2023, 117820

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Purchasing Department of Saratoga County will receive sealed bids in person or electronically through the Empire State Purchasing System Website until 11:00 a.m. on the following dates at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud:

March 15, 2023 Odor Control Chemicals,

specification 23-SDOC-2

March 16, 2023 Asphalt Concrete, specification 23-PWAC-3R

March 28, 2023 Hydro Seed Material, specification 23-PWHSM-52R Bid forms and instructions are available at the Purchasing Office, 50 W. High Street, Ballston Spa, NY between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (telephone - 518-885-2210) or at the Empire State Purchasing Group website (www.empirestatebidsystem.com).

Saratoga County, through its Purchasing Department, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids.

JOHN T. WARMT, Director of Purchasing Saratoga County. 02/17/2023, 117932

LEGAL NOTICE - Bp Excavation, LLC. Is an EEO employer, strongly suggesting female and minorities to apply for open positions for job D264644. Please contact mstallman@bpexcavation.net 02/17/2023, 112979

Notice of formation of Toga Party Five Racing Stable, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 1/6/23. 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: 210 Regent St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24/2023. 117919

Notice of Formation of Sunwater Companies LLC. Arts of Org. filed with New York Secy of State (SSNY) on 01/11/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Law Office of Stephen Buckley, 120 Broadway #220, Menands NY, 12204. Purpose: any lawful activity. 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24/2023. 117866

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 340

QUEENSBURY AVE LLC Notice is hereby given of 340 Queensbury Ave LLC as a domestic limited liability company. The Art. of Organization were filed with the NYS Secretary of State on 2/9/23. The Company is located in SARATOGA County. The Secretary of State is designated as the agent upon whom process may be served at 20 LEONARD

LEGALS

RD, SARATOGA SPG, NY 12866. NO registered agent. NO specific date of dissolution. The Company is organized for all purposes permitted under the laws of the State of New York. Filer: Colleen A. Dooley, Esq. PLLC PO Box 760, Latham, NY 12110. 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24/2023. 117860

CASPER HOLDINGS LLC, Art. of Org. filed with SSNY 2/8/23. NY office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent for process. SSNY shall mail copy of process to c/o Leech Tishman Robinson Brog, PLLC, 875 Third Ave., Fl. 09, NY, NY 10022, Attn: Charles McKeen. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24/2023. 117846

CITRINE HOLDINGS, LLC, Art. of Org. filed with SSNY 2/8/23. NY office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent for process. SSNY shall mail copy of process to c/o Leech Tishman Robinson Brog, PLLC, 875 Third Ave., Fl. 09, NY, NY 10022, Attn: Charles McKeen. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24/2023. 117852

Notice of formation of Nail and Screw Design, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/17/2022 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: 9 Hudson Dr. South Glens Falls, NY. 12803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24/2023. 117840

Notice of formation of a Professional Limited Liability Company. Name: Summit Psychological Services of New York PLLC. Articles of Organization were file with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/03/2022. Office Location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address within this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the PLLC served upon him or her is 10 Maxwell Dr. #205, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Professional services –psychology. 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24/2023. 117832

Notice of formation of Kaliber Fitness LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/03/2022 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: 36 Phila Street Suite 5 Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17,

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Name of the LLC is: 4 BRYAN, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on February 1, 2023. Office Location: 5 Collins Terrace, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 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: 5 Collins Terrace, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 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. 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17/2023. 117787

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Name of the LLC is: 340 BROADWAY, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on February 1, 2023.

Office Location: 5 Collins Terrace, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 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: 5 Collins Terrace, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 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. 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17/2023. 117781

Notice of formation of Sweet Prophecy LLC. Articles of Organization filed with NY Department of State on 12/02/2022.

Office: Saratoga County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 15 Glen Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17/2023. 117772

Notice of formation of KBELLEBOUTIQUE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on JANUARY 3, 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: 9

RENAISSANCE LANE, GANSEVOORT, NY 12831. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17/2023. 117742

Notice of formation of A Touch of Tranquility Wellness LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/03/2023

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: 221 West High St. Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17/2023. 117734

LEGAL NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: XTX Systems, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 5/25/2022. Office location: Saratoga County. David Mika has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. David Mika shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 5 Southside Dr, Ste 11-337, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17/2023. 117702

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Vitulazio Restoration LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 2, 2021. 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 the process to the LLC, 47 North St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 03/17/2023. 117696

Notice of formation of domestic LLC named: 210 Ballston LLC. Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (NS) on January 23, 2023, office location: Saratoga County, NS is designated as agent upon whom process may be served, NS shall mail service of process (SOP) to 210 Ballston LLC, 6 Conklin Ct, Gansevoort, NY 12831, purpose is any lawful purpose., 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10, 3/17/2023. 117636

Notice of Formation of CAPITAL ECKHERT ASSOCIATES LLC, a Domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/30/2022. Office location: County of SARATOGA. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: MANJULA REDDY NARRA, 7 HIGHLAND OAKS, CLIFTON PARK, NY 12065. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117369

Notice of formation of NVP TAX SERVICES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/25/2023. 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 Neil Vlacich, 13 Danbury Dr., Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117552

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name of the LLC is: HELO REAL ESTATE, LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on January 30, 2023. Office Location: 301 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa, NY12020. 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: Post Office Box 1220, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. 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. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117541

Sarah J Projects LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy. Of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/25/2023. 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. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117456

Slo Breathworks LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy. Of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/26/2023. 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. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117448

Notice of formation of Upstate Rigging, LLC. Article of Organization filed with the SSNY on January 21, 2023. 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 the LLC, 43 Charlton Road, Lot 1, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117441

NOTICE OF FILING OF ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION IN NEW YORK BY A

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name: SARATOGA CASINO CONSULTING

LLC. Articles of Organization filed with sec. of state of NY (SOS) on 1/26/2023. Office Location: Saratoga County. SOS is designated as agent of LLC for service of process. SOS shall mail copy of process to 342 Jefferson Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117424

Notice of formation of Rajeski Farms, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/21/2022 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: 123 County Route 75 Mechanicville, NY 12118. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10/2023. 117363

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

(LLC). Articles of Organization for a New York LLC, Proper Debris LLC whose principal business location is in Saratoga County, were filed with the New York State Department of State on December 13, 2022. The Secretary of State is designated agent for service of process. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon him or her is c/o The LLC, 43 Mann Blvd Halfmoon New York 12065. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful activity to which a LLC may be organized under the LLCL of New York. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117315

Notice of formation of Salon 1533

LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/05/2022. 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: 3 Palo Alto, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117309

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Westshire Management LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/13/2022.

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 the process to the LLC at: 28 Wilshire Drive Albany, NY 12205. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117296

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: Crescendo Properties, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/10/2022. 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 the process to United States Corporation Agents, Inc. 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117288

Notice of Formation of MICHAWRLD LLC. Arts. of Org. filed w/ NY Dept of State (DOS) on 12.19.22. Office: Saratoga Co. DOS is designated as agent upon whom process may be served & shall mail to the LLC, 37 Copperfield Dr., Waterford, NY 12188. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117276

Notice of formation of Medusa Esthetics LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/09/2023. 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: 310 Kensington Ct., Ballston Spa NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117191

LEGALS

Notice of formation of Ramsey Miller, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/07/2022 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: 462 Broadway Suite 200 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117185

Notice of formation of J5 Gecko LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/04/2023 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: 4 Kelly Lane, Clifton Park NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117179

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). Name: B & T Services Management, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/10/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to: the LLC c/o Matthew Tarullo, 2 Christina Marie Drive, Clifton Park, New York 12065. Purpose: for all legal purposes. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117170

Notice of formation of Jillian’s Housekeeping LLC. Articles of Organization filed with New York State Dept. of State on 1/3/2023.The County within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is located in is Saratoga. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is to the limited liability company: Leigh Jillian Fecteau, 2 West Ave., Apt. 212, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Company is organized for: Any lawful purpose. 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03/2023. 117163

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED

LIABILITY COMPANY Name: 1626

ROUTE 9 HALFMOON, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with sec. of state of NY (SOS) on 8/22/2022. Office Location: Saratoga County. SOS is designated as agent of LLC for service of process. SOS shall mail copy of process to PO Box 588, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117154

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED

LIABILITY COMPANY Name: MORE

PROPERTY HALFMOON LLC. Articles of Organization filed with sec. of state of NY (SOS) on 8/22/2022. Office Location: Saratoga County. SOS is designated as agent of LLC for service of process. SOS shall mail copy of process to PO Box 588, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117148

Notice of formation of Golden Years Life Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/22/2022 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: 1 Ferry Lane, Stillwater NY 12170. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117131

Notice of Qualification of Minuteman Insurance Agency, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/10/2023. 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. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117140

Notice of formation of TSP Construction LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/20/2022. 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: 150 Redmond Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117125

Notice of formation of JAMEC, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/30/2022 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: 74 Rte. 146, Mechanicville, NY 12118. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117119

Notice of formation LAEJA, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/15/2023.

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 74 Rte. 146, Mechanicville, NY 12118.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117113

Notice of formation of Perth Complex LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 1/4/2023.

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: 30 Park Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117102

Notice of formation of Jeradise LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 1/10/2023. 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: 30 Park Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117096

Notice of formation of RR101 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 1/4/2023. 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: 30 Park Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117090

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. On 1/13/23, Art. of Org. of Mountain Connections LLC were filed with the SSSNY. The office of the NY LLC is located in Saratoga County. The SSSNY is designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and the address within NY State to which the SSSNY shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon it is, Mountain Connections LLC, 66 Kilmer Road, Middle Grove, NY 12850. The purpose of the LLC is for any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117072

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. On 1/13/23, Art. of Org. of MadsInger Connections LLC were filed with the SSSNY. The office of the NY LLC is located in Saratoga County. The SSSNY is designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and the address within NY State to which the SSSNY shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon it is, MadsInger Connections LLC, 66 Kilmer Road, Middle Grove, NY 12850. The purpose of the LLC is for any lawful purpose. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117066

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Name: Ryan & Son Development Group, LLC, Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on January 11, 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: Thomas Ryan, 199 Vischer Ferry Road, Rexford, NY 12148. Purpose: Any lawful act or activities. 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2023. 117054

Notice of Formation of GRAV LABS LLC. Filed with SSNY on 01/08/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: 900 Rock City Road TRLR 261, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful. 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17/2023. 117035

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: Park Avenue Testa LLC (LLC). Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on January 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: Park Avenue Testa LLC, c/o Michael R. Testa, 110 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17/2023. 116928

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). Name: Rusty Blue LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/31/2022. 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: Rusty Blue LLC, 262 Scotch Bush Road, Burnt Hills, New York 12027. 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. 01/13, 01/20, 01/27, 02/03, 02/10, 02/17/2023. 116862

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Saratoga Boys Basketball

Sports Sports

Adirondack United Off To Utica

NEWBURGH — The Adirondack United varsity girls’ hockey team just continues to make history.

United earned an 11-0 win over East (Section I) in the NYSPHSAA Sub-Regionals on Monday, advancing to the state semifinals in Utica on Friday. The team had previously advanced to Monday’s game by winning the Section VII Championship over Franklin Academy on Feb. 10.

“This was a bit of a dream at the beginning of the season,” said head coach Jeff Willis. “We knew we could be good; it was a matter of putting things together on the ice. But not only have we put it together, we’re really executing at a high level right now.”

Tash Chudy Guides

Saratoga Girls’ Basketball Past B-Spa

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga Springs varsity girls’ basketball team ended its regular season on a strong note Friday, cruising past Ballston Spa 70-42 behind a near triple-double from senior Tash Chudy.

Chudy had 24 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists to pace the Blue Streaks, who built a 28-point lead at halftime and never looked back. Saratoga led by ten after the first before outscoring the Scotties 23-5 in the second quarter.

Ella Gennoy had 13 points for Saratoga, while Carly Wise had 12 points. Arianna Avila added seven points, with Gabrielle Kholstinin adding five points.

Fun And Games

Lauren LaFountain had four points, with Charlotte Drabek adding three and Logan Allen scoring two points.

Mallory Sprissler led Ballston Spa with nine points in the loss. Olivia Verdile and Aubrey Kramer each had eight points, while Jessica Bowens and Payton Messina each added six points. Natalia Guthrie had three points, and Mia Roth added two points for the Scotties.

Saratoga (13-6 overall, 9-4 Suburban Council) end the regular season on a three-game win streak and have now won seven of their last eight games. Ballston Spa (8-12, 2-11 SC) concluded its regular season with a 71-44 loss to Shaker on Monday.

United is in its inaugural season as a team. As the only varsity girls hockey team in Section II, the team competed in Section VII this year, winning the regular-season league title as well as the sectional title.

The team is made up of players from Queensbury, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, South Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, and Corinth. Willis said United has been able to come together so quickly due to the character and leadership traits of the players, saying “almost a dozen” of the team’s players serve as team captains in other sports at their respective schools.

“There is a lot of individual talent, but part of what makes these girls great is their leadership characteristics,” Willis said. “To have that type of leadership and character among them, it shows that they value the team, they understand the sacrifices that you need to make. They’re willing to play for each other.”

United clinched a spot in the Sub-Regionals with a 5-1 victory over Franklin Academy in the

Puzzle Solutions

See puzzles pg. 14

Section VII Championship. The Huskies jumped out to a 1-0 lead after one period, but United came out strong in the second period and finished the game with five unanswered goals.

“We just weren’t doing some of the things that we were really good at,” said Willis of Friday’s first period. “We weren’t getting pucks to the front of the net; we weren’t shooting as much as we needed to. We just kind of tweaked that.”

United cracked the scoreboard just under six minutes into the second period, with a shot by Queensbury junior Bayley Duffy tying the game, 1-1. Duffy scored again later in the period, extending the lead to 2-1.

Gianna Marcantonio, a freshman from Queensbury, finished off an assist by Duffy to extend the lead to 3-1, and the team received goals from Emerson LochnerFehl and Emily MacAuley to wrap up a 5-1 final score.

But United still had more steps to take, quickly preparing for Monday’s Sub-Regional contest against East. The teams had played twice during the regular season, both United victories.

Duffy scored off an assist from Marcantonio just under two and a half minutes into the game, giving United a 1-0 lead. United

broke the game wide open in the second period, scoring six goals to take a commanding 7-0 lead, before adding four more in the third for an 11-0 final.

Emily MacAuley extended the lead to 2-0 less than a minute into the second, and Marcantonio followed up with a quick pair of goals to make it 4-0. Marcantonio completed the hat trick later in the period, scoring her third goal, while Duffy added two more goals for a hat trick of her own.

Tekla Fine-Lease, Amelia Laszewski, Jillian Willis, and Jessica Freebern scored goals in the third period for United. Ava Reynolds stopped all 10 shots she faced, playing the first two periods, while Regan Gecewicz played the third and stopped nine shots. The next step for United is certainly a big one: the state semifinals. United (18-1-0) will face Section X’s Canton at the Nexus Center in Utica at 6 p.m. Friday. Ultimately, the trip to states is another chance for United to continue to do what they’ve done all season: make history.

“Sometimes we talk about this being like a Disney story,” said Willis. “Your first year ever, and all of a sudden you’re on this magical run. You couldn’t really write a story script better than this.”

Photo provided by Jeff Willis.

Saratoga’s Bryant Savage (#20) goes up to the rim as Colonie’s Matt Salvi (#12) defends during the Blue Streaks’ 58-56 win on Jan. 31. Saratoga will host Guilderland in the first round of the Section 2 Class AA Tournament on Wednesday, while Colonie will host Albany.

Photo by Super Source Media Studios.

LOCAL WRESTLERS HEADING TO STATES

SARATOGA

SPRINGS —

Five local wrestlers earned Section 2 Division 1 Championships over the weekend, with eight wrestlers in total clinching their spots at the NYSPHSAA State Championships.

Ralph Keeney, Connor Gregory, and Darrien Insogna all captured Section 2 Division 1 Championships in their respective weight classes for Ballston Spa. Saratoga’s Taylor Beaury won the Section 2 Division 1 Championship at 126 pounds, while teammate Lorenzo Palleschi won the Section 2 Division 1 title at 189 pounds.

Saratoga’s Vito Spadafora and Patrick McKinley each finished as runner-ups in their weight classes, clinching a spot at the NYSPHSAA State Championships. Cameron Hinchcliff also finished as a runner-up for the Scotties and earned a spot at states.

Both Saratoga and Ballston Spa will send four wrestlers each to the NYSPHSAA State Championships, held Feb. 24 at MVP Arena.

Saratoga head coach Jake Zanetti had praise for his champions, saying Palleschi and Beaury both lead by example for the Blue Streak squad.

“It means a lot. These two have done everything right as far as setting themselves up to be successful on the mat,” said Zanetti. “This is not an easy sport, and those who’ve done it know that best, and for a young wrestler to be able to reap the benefits of their hard work, it’s a beautiful thing.”

Zanetti said he was “really proud” of Palleschi, a senior. He added that Beaury, a sophomore who also appeared at the state championships last season, has his sights set high this year.

“(Lorenzo is) an awesome

young man, and he deserves all the recognition and respect his peers, teachers, and coaches give him,” Zanetti said. “Taylor getting to day two of states last year as a freshman was great, but he was not satisfied. He’s a sectional champ as a 10th grader, but again, he has much bigger goals in another week.”

Ballston Spa head coach Harvey Staulters said while it was great to see his wrestlers win section titles, all three have “much higher” goals this year. The trio of Keeney, Gregory, and Insogna also competed at the state championships last season.

“It’s a stepping stone now, for the next step,” said Staulters. “It was great to see that, but you could tell they have a little more to prove when they get to the next level.”

Beaury beat Shaker’s Alex Polsinello by technical fall in the quarterfinals, pinning Shen’s Brandon Deuel in the semifinals. Beaury earned a 6-4 decision over Ballston Spa’s Cameron Hinchcliff in the championship match.

Palleschi earned pins in each of his first two matches, defeating Schenectady’s Anthony Paradine and Burnt Hills’ Santino Mareno before earning a 3-2 decision over Quincy Bonville (Bethlehem) in the championship.

Spadafora beat Averill Park’s Elias Goosmann in the quarterfinals and Shaker’s Malachi Moore in a tiebreaker in the semifinals, falling to Shen’s Arman Hashimee in the championship match at 172 pounds.

At 215 pounds, McKinley defeated Shen’s Caleb Janikas in the quarterfinals and earned a sudden victory decision over Colonie’s Jaydon Aquirre-Hamlin in the semifinals. McKinley fell to Insogna

in the championship match.

On the Scotties’ side, Keeney earned wins by fall in all three rounds, pinning Queensbury’s A.J. Spero, Schenectady’s Xavier Vargas, and Niskayuna’s Drew Schiavo to win the Section 2 Div. 1 title at 110 pounds. Gregory pinned Alwalid Bourkia (ScotiaGlenville/Galway) and Matthew Hoxie (Columbia) in his first two matches, winning the sectional title at 160 pounds after earning an 11-3 major decision over Queensbury’s Lucas Schell.

Wrestling at 215 pounds, Insogna pinned his first two opponents in a combined 1:02, defeating Shaker’s Nicholas Whyte and Guilderland’s Antonio Cipollo. Insogna pinned McKinley in the championship match.

Hinchcliff earned his spot at states after advancing to the championship at 126 pounds with wins over Shen’s Arcangelo Losee and Averill Park’s Jacob Hanlon. Hinchcliff fell to Beaury in the championship match.

The head coaches of both teams also received honors, as Zanetti was named Section 2

Class A Coach of the Year, and Staulters was awarded Section 2 Class B Coach of the Year.

“It is an honor, but I keep telling people it should be ‘Coaching Staff of the Year,’” Zanetti said of his award. “No programs get to the top-tier of the section or state with one solid coach. … We’ve still got a long way to go on where we want to be, but it has been a lot of fun to put in the work on our end as a coaching staff.”

Staulters said it was “a wonderful honor,” noting it was made even more special by the fact that Scotties’ JV coach Gene Staulters, Harvey’s brother, was awarded Class B JV Coach of the Year.

“That’s special,” said Staulters. “We’ve worked together for a long time. Just a great working relationship, and of course, being brothers, a friendship too. For him to get the award with me is fantastic.”

The Ballston Spa team was also awarded the Section 2 Division 1 Team Sportsmanship award, the second straight year the Scotties have received the honor. Staulters said this speaks to the character of his athletes,

saying the team has “wonderful young men and women.”

Keeney, Gregory, Insogna, and Hinchcliff will be the Scotties’ representatives at states on Feb. 24. Staulters said that the team will “take advantage of every opportunity we have,” in the days leading up to state competition.

“We are going to spend the time wisely when we’re together,” Staulters said. “The three that we had last year, they understand the situation they’re in. So they know that there’s a little more expectation, but also, they have higher expectations for themselves.”

Beaury, Palleschi, Spadafora, and McKinley will head to state competition for Saratoga. Zanetti said he is emphasizing to his athletes “that they cannot be happy with just qualifying and being there.”

“The seed number next to their name is no longer relevant, and all that matters is the next match, and doing what it takes to survive and advance,” said Zanetti. “The work is never done for these high-level guys, and they’ve got to know that they belong amongst the best in the state.”

The Ballston Spa varsity wrestling team, pictured at the 2023 Section 2 Championships at Cool Insuring Arena on Feb. 4. Photo provided by Harvey Staulters.

Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa Hockey Honors Seniors

GLENVILLE — The Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa varsity hockey team honored its nine seniors with a senior night ceremony prior to the team’s regular-season finale on Saturday.

BH/BS has nine seniors: Parker Caswell, Will Mehling, Noah Pickard, Thomas Pustolka, Alex Shear, Joseph Spade, Bernie Townsend, Aidan Trask, and Jeffrey Tuccillo.

BH/BS fell to the GMSVS Storm by a 2-1 final score. A.J. LeBlanc scored for BH/BS, while Gavin Tribley and Jacob Boni had assists.

Shane McKone stopped 52 shots in goal for GMSVS. Dylan Bzdell and Keegan McGovern scored goals in the win for the Storm.

See "Saratoga Arms Voted #1 Hotel" pg. 13

See "Saratoga Varsity Basketball" pg. 30

Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa varsity hockey seniors pose for a photo with their families prior to the team’s senior night game against the GMSVS Storm on Feb. 11. (Dylan McGlynn photo).