Saratoga TODAY December 22 - 28, 2023

LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 17 • Issue 51 • December 22 – December 28, 2023 • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • 518- 581-2480

Saratoga New Year's Fest Weekend

Downtown Tourism Parking Plan

Friday, December 29, 2023 Monday, January 1, 2024

See Details pg. 2

COUNTY UPDATES

Tourism Parking Plan for Saratoga Springs, as presented to the City Council on Dec. 19. See Story pg. 9

Pickleball Popularity Surges in Saratoga Dozens of New Courts Pop Up

• $28.5 Million for New Airport Terminal • Spa Park Pump Station • Better Cell Service • DMV to Stay at Wilton Mall See Story pg. 8

Photo from the Saratoga Springs Parks & Recreation Department.

See Story pg. 35

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Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Saratoga New Year's Fest Weekend Friday, December 29, 2023 Monday, January 1, 2024

Joan Osborne, Robert Randolph, and The Gibson Brothers to Perform; Fireworks Display, First Day 5K. SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga New Year’s Fest is back for its second year with a full holiday weekend of entertainment and celebration. The multi-venue, weekend-long festival takes place Friday, Dec. 29 through Monday, Jan. 1.

Headlining this year’s lineup are Joan Osborne, Robert Randolph, and The Gibson Brothers.

Also slated to perform are Dogs in a Pile, Organ Fairchild, Tracy Bonham, Toubab Krewe, Ward Hayden & the Outliers, GA-20, DJ Logic, and The Swing Docs, among others.

This year’s festival will also include a free family, familyfriendly concert at 5 p.m. and spectacular fireworks display at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at Ellsworth Jones Place outside of the Saratoga Springs City Center, and the Saratoga First Day 5K on New Year’s Day.

Saratoga New Year’s Fest is back for its second year.

Ticket information, registration and a full list of events is available online at: www.saratoga.org/tourism/saratoga-new-years-fest.

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

NEWS

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Assemblywoman Woerner: $713K in Grant Awarded To 11 Area Arts Organizations

Saratoga Veterans House Assistant Ariel Santiago and Jamie Fitzgerald, case manager, shows off donations and a new bookcase with Saratoga Friends Book Shop outreach coordinator, Mary Beth Delarm. Photo provided Saratoga Springs Preservation Three Join Racing Museum’s Above: Foundation. Photo provided.

Right: Yaddo. File Photo Media Roll of Honor

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Three writers have joined the National Museum of Racing’s Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor: Dick Jerardi, Paul Moran, and John L. Hervey.

Jerardi has written about horse racing for Baltimore News American, Sports First, Daily Racing Forum, and the Philadelphia Daily News. At the Daily News, Jerardi covered every Triple Crown race from 1987 to 2017. He was also an ESPN Kentucky Derby panelist from 2005 to 2007. He’s a five-time winner of the Red Smith Award for Kentucky Derby coverage.

Moran was a long-time sports writer for Newsday on Long Island, where he covered Triple Crown races for decades.

He won two Eclipse Awards, including one in 1985 for a Daily Racing Forum profile of Joe Hirsch. He also won the Red Smith Award for Kentucky Derby coverage, as well as the Associated Press Sports Editors Award. After battling cancer,

Photo provided by Discover Saratoga

Moran died in 2013. His ashes were scattered at the Saratoga Race Course, per his wishes.

Hervey, who died in 1947, was best known for his work as a Thoroughbred Record editor. He also wrote for the Chicago Tribune and Daily Racing Forum. He authored three volumes of the “Racing in America” series, as well as “The American Trotter.”

The National Museum of Racing’s Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor recognizes distinguished journalists who specialize in thoroughbred racing.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Eleven area organizations, representing a wide range of artists and forms of creative expression, have been awarded a total of $713,000 in NYSCA funding that can be used for a variety of operational and programming expenses, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) announced Dec. 14.

The NYS Council on the Arts (NYSCA) 2024 Grant award

recipients are Caffé Lena, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga, the Crandall Public Library, the Historical Society of Saratoga Springs, the Lake George Opera Festival Association, Inc., Salem Art Works, Inc., Salem Stages, Saratoga Arts, Inc., the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, Skidmore College and the Corporation of Yaddo.

“Art opens our minds to new perspectives and helps us

Above: Children’s Museum at Saratoga. Photo provided

understand the world around us.

As a member of the Assembly Arts, Parks and Tourism Committee, I relish my role in helping to support something so vital to our culture and society as the arts,” Woerner said in a statement. “Working to ensure the State continues to fund the Council on the Arts and by extension, supports arts organizations in my district, remains a high priority.”

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OBITUARIES

Obituaries continue to pg. 6...

Eileen Q. Wise

John Bagnoli

SAVANNAH, GA — John Bagnoli passed away on December 5, 2023, with his sisters by his side, after a brave battle with cancer.

John was a native Saratogian and moved to Savannah over 30 years ago. He returned to Saratoga to help take care of his parents alongside his sisters in 2009. In 2020, he returned to Savannah's warmer weather.

He enjoyed playing his guitar while singing at local venues, crafting jewelry, photography, nature’s wildlife, and a great cup of espresso.

His long-time friend, Deni

Barbara Bongard SARATOGA SPRINGS — Barbara Bongard, a member of a prominent family in New York thoroughbred racing and breeding, passed away at Albany Medical Center on December 16, 2023. She was 87.

Born September 23, 1936 in New York City, she was the daughter of her late parents Bertram F. Bongard, her father and Rojean R. Bongard, her mother. Barbara was predeceased by a brother Bertram Jr. and a sister Ellen.

She and Ellen operated Rojan Farms in Pine Plains, NY and later in Northumberland in Saratoga County.

Barbara received her undergraduate degree from Skidmore and went on to receive her master’s at Smith College in Massachusetts.

Barbara taught physical education at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY and at Bronxville and Scarsdale both in Westchester County. As a

Butler was always there for him, celebrating the good times and providing love and support when life threw out curveballs.

He often visited John in Savannah. John also had very close friends in Savannah, Tommy, Sylvia, Jay, Russell, and Allen, who helped carry him throughout his illness.

John is predeceased by his mother and father, Daisy and Henry Bagnoli. He leaves behind his son Giovanni Bagnoli, his sisters, Jo-Ann Cummings (Michael), Rosemarie Eisler (Rick), his nieces Kristen Cummings and Kimberly Sanchez, his nephews Matthew Cummings and Michael Domingues (Eric), as well as many relatives and friends.

A private graveside farewell will be held in the spring. If you feel inclined, donations in John’s honor can be made to Little Star Foundation of Savannah, PO Box 22652, Savannah, GA, 31403. This foundation puts musical instruments in the hands of deserving children in the Savannah area.

field hockey coach she enjoyed numerous winning teams during her career.

She also enjoyed reading and handicapping.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke and Sons/Bussing & Cunniff, Inc. Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Contributions in Barbara's name may be made to: TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc., P. O. Box 21028 Floral Park, NY 11002 or to New Vocations, 719 Dolan Lane, Lexington, KY 40511 Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eileen Q. Wise of Saratoga Springs, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and caring nurse passed away peacefully at the age of 84.

She departed this world on November 22, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, care, and unwavering love.

Born on March 11, 1939 in Amsterdam, NY to parents Thomas Quinn and Henrietta Quinn (Bruck), she was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam and went on to Albany Medical Center School of Nursing where she became a Registered Nurse, later working as such for Albany Medical Center, The Saratoga Springs City School District, and The Saint John Neumann Residence for elderly priests.

A devout Catholic, Eileen was involved with St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs as a Eucharistic Minister and

Frank Wallar

GANSEVOORT — Frank Wallar, 75, passed away on December 13, 2023.

Frank was born on December 8, 1948 to the late Frank and Helen (Kocur) Wallar in Passaic, NJ. He resided in Wallington, NJ until 1979 when he moved to Wilton, NY. Frank attended St. Michael’s Grammer School in Passaic, NJ then graduated from Bergan County Technical Vocational School in Hackensack, NJ in 1967.

He dedicated his early years to St. Michael’s Church as an altar boy as well as being active with the Boys Club in Passaic, NJ where he was a camper, counselor, and volunteer.

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Religious Education Teacher, and later in life continued her ministry at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, FL. Her commitment to the well-being of others was her calling, approaching each day she lived with a genuine desire to make a positive impact on those she served.

As a mother, Eileen was the epitome of love and selflessness, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and a sense of security. She is survived by husband of 59 years John A. Wise, son Andrew Wise (Cheryl), daughters Alison Meagher (Douglas), Mary Beth Wallis (Gregory), Joleen Rabuano (David), and son Gerard Wise (Heather). Also surviving Eileen is her brother Thomas Quinn, Jr. (Kathryn), and several nieces and nephews.

Eileen’s joy of life extended to the role of grandmother, where she delighted in the company of her 16 grandchildren, often

hosting the entire family for holiday and family gatherings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY on Friday, December 29 at 11 a.m. followed by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs NY. The family would like to thank all the caregivers at The Wesley Community for care given to Eileen late in life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eileen’s memory to Building on Love at www.buildingonlove.org.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Frank enjoyed traveling throughout his life. As a young man going cross country, fishing, boating and camping, with his best friend, the late Vic Varchola. He had a winter residence in Islamorada, FL with second wife Beth where he had a lifetime membership to the Islamorada Fishing Club.

Frank also was a member of the Principessa Elena Society in Saratoga Springs, NY for almost twenty years.

Frank married Alice M. Green of Clifton, NJ in 1977.

They had two daughters Sandra A. Wallar in 1984 and Christine M. (Wallar) Brackett in 1986.

Alice passed away in 1994.

He married Beth D. Williams of Ballston Lake, NY in spring of 2005, a few months before her passing that August. They had been together just shy of 10 years prior to their marriage.

Frank has spent just over 15 years with his life companion Mary Lou Durham of Clifton Park, NY, whom he leaves behind. He will also be missed by his daughters Sandra (her partner since 2008 Juan Becerril and their children Jackson F. Becerril, Julieanne C. Becerril) and Christine (her husband since 2012 Eric

Brackett and their children are Olivia A. Brackett, Riley C. Brackett, and Anna H. Brackett); a brother Andrew Wallar of Palm Coast, FL; and sister Valerie Gibbons of Fort Myers, FL and Mary Ellen Panzano of Palm Coast, FL. Calling hours were December 19, 2023 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, December 20th at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Frank’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude. org) or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org) Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

To submit an obituary contact obits@saratogapublishing.com for pricing

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

BLOTTER

SARATOGA SPRINGS POLICE

charged July 2023 in Milton.

Sentencing Feb. 7.

Chelsey Costanza, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 11 with falsely reporting a fire or explosion, and resisting arrest.

Albert Woods, 51, of Schenectady, was charged Dec. 11 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal trespass.

Jamal Adams, 23, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 10 with assault in the thirddegree, and criminal trespass, and on Dec. 9 with petit larceny, and criminal trespass.

Jim Vega, 42, of Grand Prairie, Texas, was charged Dec. 10 with DWI, unsafe turn, and failure to keep to the right.

Isiah Cooper, 36, of Schenectady, was charged Dec. 10 with criminal mischief, and acting in manner to injure child.

Cowaner Sykes, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 7 with welfare fraud, and offering a false instrument for filing in the first-degree.

George Baczkowski, 48, of Galway, was charged Dec. 6 with criminal tampering, and criminal mischief.

Zachary Michaels, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 5 with criminal mischief, criminal contempt, obstruct governmental administration, and harassment.

Tyquan Simon, 31, of Troy, was charged Dec. 4 with petit larceny.

Susan Home, 54, of Wilton, was charged Dec. 3 with petit larceny.

George Chillis, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 2 with criminal mischief, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon.

Patrick Caprood, 29, of Northumberland, was charged Dec. 1 with criminal mischief.

SARATOGA COUNTY COURT Cassandra R. Barden, 38, pleaded Dec. 6 to attempted assault in the second-degree,

David C. Fuller, 60, of Gansevoort, was sentenced Dec. 5 to 5 years probation after pleading to felony criminal possession of a weapon, charged March 2023 in Moreau.

Bruce B. Bidwell, 52, of Buffalo, pleaded Dec. 4 to felony grand larceny, charged June 2023 in Moreau.

Sentencing Feb. 5.

Jean J. Munguia, 34, of Greenfield Center, was sentenced Dec. 4 to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to felony robbery, charged May 2023 in Saratoga Springs.

Gabrielle Montanye, 63, of Stillwater, pleaded Dec. 4 to felony attempted identity theft, charged June 2023 in Ballston Spa. Sentencing Feb. 8.

NY STATE POLICE On

Dec. 4, State Police of Granville arrested

5 Christian A. Nichols, 23, of Putnam, NY. Nichols was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth-degree and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Agriculture & Markets Law). On Nov. 24, Troopers received a complaint that a cat was missing, and the owner believed it had been intentionally injured. The investigation determined Nichols, who is known to the victim, reportedly fatally injured the animal, according to State Police. The cat was located deceased with an apparent gunshot wound and other injuries in the area near its home. A long gun and illegally possessed expandable Billy Club was located in Nichols’s home and seized as part of the investigation. Nichols was arrested in Glens Falls, and transported to SP Granville for processing. He was arraigned at the Granville Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

SARATOGA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Two Maryland residents - Russell C. Hedger, 57, of Salisbury, and Dominique J. Barnes, 27, of Princess Anne, were arrested following a surveillance detail in the town of Wilton. They are accused of possessing drug paraphernalia and a large quantity of crack cocaine with intent to sell within Saratoga County. Each was charged with two felony counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and one count of Criminally using Drug Paraphernalia.

The latter is a felony charge related to Hedger, a misdemeanor charge related to Barnes. Hedger, who had an active felony warrant for drug sales from a previous incident, was sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash/ $50,000 bond/ $100,000 partially secured. Barnes was released on her own recognizance, pending further action.

OBITUARIES / NEWS

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Obituaries continued from pg. 4...

Locally Owned & Operated PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty 518-581-2480 x212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee 518-581-2480 x201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com

Sylvia M. Bartlett MALTA — Sylvia M. Bartlett passed away on December 17 at Saratoga Hospital with her family by her side. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time.

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com.

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Robert P. Kirkpatrick SARATOGA SPRINGS — Robert P. Kirkpatrick, 80, of Saratoga Springs passed peacefully at home into eternal life on December 15, 2023 following a long battle with cancer. The interment with military honors was private at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Eleanor M. DeGrasse SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eleanor M. DeGrasse, age 97, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Saratoga Hospital with her family by her side. At the family’s request there will be a graveside service held at a later date.

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Bridget Dudla SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bridget Dudla died December 17th. The funeral service is at 6 p.m., Saturday, December 27 at Compassionate Funeral Care.

Calling hours are 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. prior to the service. A graveside service at St. Peter’s Cemetery will be at a later date.

Online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Opening Of New Trail in Wilton

Graphite Range Community Forest. Photo: Saratoga PLAN

WILTON — Saratoga County officials announced the opening of the Graphite Range Community Forest (GRCF), the newest addition to Saratoga County’s more than 300 miles of trails.

The community-managed forest is owned by the County and maintained by local land trust Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature). Stretching across 200+ acres and containing over five miles of multi-use trails, this forest will be a recreational hub for the surrounding communities offering a space for environmental education and economic benefits for the region – all while helping to permanently protect the ecological value and resilience of the southern foothills of the Adirondacks, an area vital for regional natural resource connectivity.

Nestled amid the picturesque landscapes of the Palmertown Range and within the Towns of Wilton and Greenfield, GRCF is designed to cater to outdoor enthusiasts, offering various activities such as hiking, mountain biking, trail

running, snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing, birdwatching, nature photography, and more.

This accessible trail system is located just a few miles from downtown Saratoga Springs.

GRCF stands on land sold

by Ethan and Anne Winter to Saratoga County through what’s known as a “bargain sale.” This unique method combines the sale of land at a decreased price with a charitable donation (the value between the fair market price and sale price). The project was then funded using a mix of grants and private donations, including a $120,000 grant from the Saratoga County Farmland and Open Space Program, a $391,000 grant from the U.S. Forestry Service, and over $215,000 from private donors. Alongside this, OSI, Saratoga PLAN, and the GRCF Advisory Committee provided considerable support. The project’s cost of nearly $1 million was significantly offset by these grants and private donations.

For more information about Saratoga County trails, visit www.

SaratogaCountyNY.gov/trails

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Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Sounds in Winter Spa Catholic Basketball Players Donate Christmas Gifts Concert Series at Brookside Museum December 30 BALLSTON SPA — As part of the Sounds in Winter concert series, the Lark Strings will be performing in the Long Room of Brookside Museum on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 3 p.m.

The Lark Strings, composed of three local, professional musicians, Jessica Belflower and Heather Chan (violins) and Brian

Axford (piano and guitar), will present an energetic program mixing classical music heavy-hitters with American fiddle icons.

The concert is free and open to the public. Please register at: brooksidemuseum. networkforgood.com/ events/64889-sounds-inwinter-concert-lark-strings.

Basketball players from Spa Catholic, along with members of the Devizzio family, collected donations and bought Christmas gifts for a local family. Photo provided by Tony Devizzio

Holiday GUIDE

THINK BIG & SHOP SMALL!

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NEWS

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

County Updates: County Supervisors Approve $28.5 Million Terminal Building Construction at Saratoga Airport

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA COUNTY — At its final scheduled meeting of the calendar year, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 19 approved an agreement with LeChase Construction Services, Inc. of Rochester, for the construction of the new fixed base operator terminal building at Saratoga County Airport at a cost of up to $28.51 million. Of those costs, $24.53 million is listed as increase revenue State Aid under the 2023 Capital Plan, and $3.78 million as transfer from the capital reserve fund.

The 2024 Organizational Meeting of The Board of Supervisors will be held at 4 p.m. Jan. 3, at 40 McMaster St. in Ballston Spa. Also approved on Dec. 19: DMV to Stay at Wilton Mall: the Board approved a three-year lease extension with Wilton Mall, LLC for space in the Wilton Mall where the County Department of Motor Vehicles will continue to site a satellite office.

The lease runs Jan. 1, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2026 and totals $3,356.25 per month, plus an annual $900 fixed cost for electricity and an annual fixed charge for water in the amount of $35 per month. Those costs are subject to annual increases of 2% - to fixed electricity charge, and 3% - to rental rate and fixed charge for water commencing on Jan. 1, 2025.

Better Cell: The Board approved a Resolution supporting Empire State Development’s designation of a cellular-specific

point person to lead the state’s efforts on enhancing cellular coverage, and further encouraging the state to implement a unified strategy to assure every major road corridor has reliable cell coverage.

County officials reported that approximately 70 percent of 9-1-1 calls originate from cellular phones, adding that 99 percent of respondents in a recent survey of almost 2,000 Adirondack Park residents reported owning a cellular phone, with 67 percent reporting they rely on a cellular phone exclusively.

Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sen. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Sen. Mark Walczyk, Sen James Tedisco, Assemblymember John McDonald, Assemblywoman Carrie Werner, Assemblymember Matt Simpson and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh.

Spa Park Pump Station Upgrade Project: The Board approved executing a contract with Environmental Design and Research, Landscape Architecture Engineering and Environmental Services D.P.C. of Saratoga Springs, to provide engineering services for the Saratoga County Sewer District No.1’s Spa Park Pump Station upgrade project, at a cost of up to $184,525.

The Saratoga County Sewer District Commission, the Executive Director, and the City of Saratoga Springs each agreed that extending the county-owned sewer infrastructure south on Route 9 could improve existing environmental conditions.

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

NEWS

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Downtown Tourism Parking Plan

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The city is hoping to institute a “tourism parking program” this spring that it says will ease parking access for visitors, increase the availability of resident parking and generate about $2.5 million in gross revenue.

The seasonal program would charge visitors $2 per hour for parking at the three city-owned parking garages and two surface lots from May 1 - to Sept. 30, DPW Business Manager Michael Veitch explained during a presentation to the City Council on Dec. 19.

The three affected garages and lots are located on Putnam, Walton and Woodlawn – where visitors would use pay stations, or pay attendants. Time-limited parking would be instituted on some downtown streets, although Broadway will pretty much remain as it currently is.

On-street permits would provide free parking for residents and downtown business employees. How those permits would specifically be secured has yet to be decided.

“What’s being proposed is paid tourist parking in the garages and surface lots and limiting the availability of free parking on city streets for visitors. This program prioritizes however, the continuance of free parking for residents and employees,” said DPW Commissioner Jason Golub.

The results of a study performed by DPW last summer estimates the tourism parking plan could generate $2.468 million via hourly sales in new revenue during the busy summer season. Costs for implementing the program and operating the plan would cost approximately

$1 million, leaving an estimated net revenue of more than $1 million that could be used for other city costs or programs.

The departments of Public Works and Public Safety would both have responsibilities for administrating the program, and changes to the City Code to accommodate the plan, as well as initiating contracts with vendors for pay stations and permit plans would also need to be addressed before implementation.

The city is hopeful the program can be installed by April 2024 with implementation on May 1.

•In other city news, the Council temporarily tabled a proposed one-year contract through the 2024 calendar year with RISE Housing and Support Services that will pay up to $387,160 for the agency to provide homeless shelter services. The contract is expected to be approved during the council’s Dec. 28 meeting.

Earlier this year, the city approved an agreement with RISE to operate the first yearround low barrier facility in Saratoga Springs. Located on Adelphi Street, just west of South Broadway, the 30-bed facility began operations on June 12.

Local developer Sonny Bonacio, who secured a five-year lease on the Adelphi Street property, renovated the building and is providing it rent free to RISE until 2025.

The city has aggressively pursued a search for a permanent location to site a homeless shelter and navigation center; the ad hoc Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness offered several option locations earlier this year. With the start of 2024, a new mayor will be seated at the center of the City Council table and members of the Task Force publicly expressed their interest

Tourism Parking Plan for Saratoga Springs, as presented to the city Council on Dec. 19.

in meeting with mayor-elect John Safford in February.

•The Council also adopted a resolution opposing the construction and operation of Saratoga Biochar Inc.’s sewage sludge

and wood chip burning plant in the Moreau Industrial Park.

According to the resolution, the plant at full capacity is expected to burn up to 720 tons of sewage sludge per day, with the sewage

sludge processed at the Moreau Industrial Park and shipped by large diesel trucks with a likelihood that large trucks filled with sewage sludge will travel through Saratoga Springs.

NEWS

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Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

New Year, New Spending Plan: Breakdown of Saratoga Springs’ $61.29 Million Budget for 2024 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs approved $61.29 million budget in 2024 points to a 7.5% increase from the previous year’s spending plan.

“This budget pays for our 24/7 low barrier homeless shelter operated by RISE – a historic first for our city, as well as monies set aside for sidewalks and complete streets,” returning Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi said. “We are a growing city – our public services must keep pace with that growth.”

The 2023 proposed budget includes $36 million for Public Safety, approximately a $2 million increase from the 2023 Adopted Budget and a $6 million total increase from 2022 Public Safety budget numbers.

Additionally, a $2.2 million ladder truck was added to the Capital Budget to ensure the Public Safety department could place the order as there have been significant delays in

the build time for such trucks, Sanghvi said. Public Safety made up 59% of the 2024 Proposed Budget.

The Department of Public Works makes up 20% of the 2024 Proposed Budget with almost $12 million followed by Mayor and Finance department at 7% each and then Recreation and Accounts at 5% and 3%, respectively.

The Council also approved the use of $3.07 million in fund balance as well as a tax increase of 2.99% to provide the revenues budgeted.

The proposed tax rate for the inside district will be $6.82 per thousand of taxable assessed value, and for the outside district the rate is $6.75 per thousand of taxable assessed value.

This works out to an additional $3.32 per month for a home in the inside district assessed at $200,000, and $6.63 per month for a home assessed at $400,000. For property

Saratoga Springs 2024 budget breakdown, by department.

owners in the outside district, the rate increase will be $3.25 per month for a home assessed at $200,000, and $6.50 for a home assessed at $400,000.

The Council also approved the 2024 Proposed Capital

Budget of $6.6 million. Two capital projects will be funded using 2022 Excess Fund Balance: renovations to the ice rink, and upgrades to the Hathorn Spring.

All of the water and sewer

projects reviewed by the Capital Program Committee will be funded as requested by the Department of Public Works.

This includes over $1 million for maintenance of the city’s Water Treatment Plant.

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Coming in January: Revolutionary Road Trip SARATOGA COUNTY — Travels With Darley podcast Executive Producer and Host Darley Newman will host a lecture/seminar focusing on her Revolutionary Road Trip, which visited several communities across the country earlier this year, including Saratoga County.

Newman will be joined by a panel of experts that includes Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts.

The program takes place 6:45 – 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18 and will be broadcast live via zoom.

Lecture description: Delve into the nation’s founding and its future through the lens of history along this road trip route that travelers can recreate from Charleston, SC, to Trenton, NJ Hear about

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NEWS/ PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

sights and activities in Berkeley County and Camden, SC. Learn more about Prince William County, VI, where Revolutionary history abounds along the Wa s h i n g t o n - R o c h a m b e au National Historic Trail and at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. In New Jersey, explore Princeton, Trenton, Washington Crossing State Park, Somerville, and Morristown before heading onward to Saratoga, NY, and beyond. Topics of interests include the battles of Trenton and Princeton, part of the “Ten Crucial Days” of the American Revolution, and historical documents from the country’s founding.

For ticket information, go online to: smithsonianassociates. org/ticketing/tickets/ revolutionary-road-trip.

Dale Palmer sold property at 700 Rock City to Joshua Cross for $442,900 Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC sold property at 778 Schuyler St to Brett Senecal for 379,900

SARATOGA

This amazing building at 53 Church St in Saratoga Springs listed by Amy Sutton and Meg Minehan from Roohan Realty sold for $3,300,000.

BALLSTON Michael Begnoche sold property at 257 Scotch Bush Rd to Mariana Cadiz for $485,000

CHARLTON Bordeau Builders sold property at 159 Stage Rd to Michael Begnoche for $651,981

CORINTH

State Police: Expect Sobriety Checkpoints, More Troopers On Roadways This Holiday Season

David Kirchoff sold property at 4 Oak St to Renaa Perrotte for $220,000

SARATOGA COUNTY — New York State Police will participate in a special enforcement initiative to crack down on impaired and reckless driving the holiday season.

The enforcement campaign is part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative and runs through Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints along with more troopers on roadways during the campaign.

In addition to the DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road. State Police will also conduct underage drinker enforcement details statewide.

During the campaign, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while

Jean Audy sold property at 1939 New York 29 to Kathryn Weller for $350,000

driving. CITE vehicles allow the Trooper to better observe distracted driving violations. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic, but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

During last year’s crackdown, State Police arrested 453 people for DWI and issued 32,934 tickets, including 11,305 tickets for speeding, 912 for distracted driving, and 316 for the “Move Over Law.”

GALWAY

Wilmington Savings Fund Society sold property at 1271 Hermance Rd to David Priess for $105,000

GREENFIELD Margalit Olson sold property at 32 Pepper Lane to Louis Catone for $465,000

Your Community Guide for Life in the Saratoga Region

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY! Space Deadline: December 22, 2023 Publication Date: January 26, 2024 2254 Rt. 50 South, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 518-581-2480 • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Thomas Siragusa sold property at 40 Ormsbee Rd to Richard Matera for $150,000 Anthony Albano sold property at 104 Allen Rd to Ashley Baird for $330,000

Michael Palma sold property at 8 Clancy St to Daniel MacDonald for $340,000 Sandra Dalzell sold property at 138 Wagmans Ridge Rd to Renee Scafer for $379,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

MALTA

CKT Properties LLC sold property at 632 Lake Ave to Timothy Helms for $435,000

Devin Kenney sold property at 5 Weston Way to Sierra King for $469,900

Boghosian Brothers Inc sold property at 3 Doten Ave to Bruce Boghosian for $200,000

Craig Cornwell sold property at 14 Essex St to Lisa Hunter for $410,000

Anne McFadden sold property at 28 Sicada St to Sandra Peculis for $537,500

MILTON

WILTON

Earl Avery sold property at 207 Saratoga Ave to James Mori for $342,000

Christina Nickerson sold property at 150 Gailor Rd to Robert Millis for $225,000.

BUSINESS

12

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Business is Booming for Adopt a Grandparent Campaign Surpasses Saratoga County Hotels Gift-Giving Goal

by Jonathon Norcross

by Jonathon Norcross

Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga County hotels are seeing notable increases in revenue this year for one primary reason: visitors are willing to spend more money to stay in the area.

From January through October of 2023, hotels in the county reported a RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) of $110.70, up 6.5% from last year’s numbers, according to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

“The demand was up slightly, the occupancy was up slightly, but the willingness of individuals to pay in order to be here, and to be especially in downtown [Saratoga Springs] was pretty clear,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Chamber.

Although the flood of summer tourists betting on ponies at the track or dancing the night away at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is still a big part of hotel revenue, the city is increasingly becoming more than just a seasonal attraction.

“SPAC’s now got a yearround agenda and schedule of events. Live Nation has often now moved into September.

This year they’re moving into May so they’ve spread out,”

Saratoga TODAY

Image provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

Shimkus said. “And then you can’t count out the City Center.

This is the first year where the City Center has been full virtually every day. This is twelve months of success for the leisure and group tourism business.”

With the Belmont Stakes coming to town this spring, horse racing season is also kicking off ahead of schedule. “The Belmont coming here is going to have a huge impact in the month of June, if not a little earlier,” Shimkus said.

The most sought-after bookings might be downtown, but hotels throughout the region continue to profit from the deluge of visitors. “We don’t have enough lodging capacity to

handle everyone who is going to want to be here,” Shimkus said.

“So they’re going to have to stay in places outside the area.”

Hotels in Malta, Clifton Park, Glens Falls, Queensbury, Lake George, and even Albany benefit from the lodging shortage in Saratoga proper.

Within city limits, developers are working to create more accommodations. A Marriott AC Hotel is set to open on South Broadway sometime in the next 12 to 18 months. The Brookmere Hotel is expected to open late next year at the former site of the Longfellows Hotel and Restaurant. The Adelphi Hotel is also in the midst of an expansion.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — When the owners of Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile launched their Adopt a Grandparent gift-giving campaign last month, their goal seemed ambitious. They wanted to sell 350 gift tags in order to buy holiday presents for every senior at the Wesley Community.

As of December 19, a total of 385 gift tags had been sold, surpassing the initial goal. Although the campaign’s December 17 deadline had technically passed, store co-owners Maddy Zanetti and Marianne Barker were still adding more gifts to their heap of donations.

“We’ll just make more [gift] bags and give them to more people,” Zanetti said. “We had people coming in today that still want to buy them.” Zanetti and Barker said that several people also offered to buy as many gift tags as

Photo by Jonathon Norcross

necessary to hit the 350 goal.

Zanetti said that a group of volunteers would meet at Wesley to prepare the gift bags, which will then be distributed to the seniors in time for Christmas.

Due to the campaign’s success, it may now become an annual event. “We had a lot of fun with it,” Zanetti said. “People have been so, so supportive.”

Roohan Realty Welcomes Laura Creazzo SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roohan Realty announced that Laura Creazzo has joined the team as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.

Creazzo was born in Kansas and has lived in five different U.S. states, Holland, and Germany as her dad is a retired Army Major. She graduated summa cum laude from Thomas University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Before moving to Saratoga Springs in 2023, she spent 11 years in Enterprise, Alabama where she owned a bakery and a real estate brokerage, Wiregrass Home Heroes. Over the last three years Laura has had 166 successful real estate transactions and has been an active real estate investor. She specializes in residential real estate and is certified in military relocation.

Laura Creazzo

Creazzo can be reached at 518-796-4399 or laura@ roohanrealty.com.

Roohan Realty is now celebrating 54 years of serving the community’s residential and commercial property needs.

Roohan Realty is located at 519 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

BUSINESS

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Adirondack Trust Awards $84K to Nonprofits

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund (ATCCF) awarded $84,070 in grants to 38 local nonprofits this month.

Some of the Lend-A-Hand Grant recipients included A Dapple a Day Equine Center, Camp Abilities Saratoga, Family Services Association of Glens Falls, First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa Summer Lunch Program, and Shelters of Saratoga.

“The awarded grants will support programs for a wide variety of needs as a whole,

Photo provided by Celia Vincek

and will include the areas of the arts, education, health, and family activities,” said Colleen Carlson, Volunteer Chair for the ATCCF Independent Advisory Committee. “Thank

you to the organizations, volunteers, and donors who provide support, time, and hard work throughout the year,” Carlson said. “We are honored to be a part of this process.”

Saratoga Planning Board Approves New Chipotle Location

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new Chipotle location in downtown Saratoga is one step closer to becoming reality.

The Saratoga Springs Planning Board approved Chipotle’s site plan review application on November 30 after considering the proposal for several months. The board will decide upon issuing a building permit after an easement is filed.

The planned Chipotle at 12 Ballston Avenue will be located next to the Saratoga Strike Zone bowling alley. The site was

Rendering from site plan review application

formerly the home of Paddy Duggan's Irish Pub. The location will include an outdoor patio with around 20

seats, in addition to a small outdoor seating area with benches and planters. 23 parking spaces will be created on the .32 acre site.

13

BUSINESS

14

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Creating SMART New Year Resolutions That Stick

by James Cox, CFP, ChFC, BFA for Saratoga TODAY It’s getting to be that time of year again. The gym will be crowded, alcohol and dessert sales will drop, and you’ll see lots of posts dedicated to our annual tradition of New Year’s resolutions. The problem is that for many, two weeks later we will be back in the same routines.

My goal is to use this article to help you create financial New Year resolutions that you will stick with. I suggest making SMART resolutions for this New Year. That is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebased goals that you will be more likely to accomplish than the generic resolutions we usually use. I am going to look at some normal resolutions and offer SMART alternatives.

SAVE MORE I hear this all the time. I need to save more. More for retirement, more for emergencies, more for vacations, just

more. The problem is that the goal of saving more is too generic and can be offset by one event.

Instead, focus on a specific resolution that will just take one action that will grow over time.

For example, make it a New Year’s Resolution to save more into your 401(k) plan at work.

Then, take the specific action of logging into your 401(k)plan provider and increase your 401(k) contribution rate. Even increasing that savings rate by 1% will mean that you have fulfilled your resolution! This action will mean that you continue to fulfill that resolution as the new rate will be set in the future. The timing of this around the New Year is timely as many people receive a pay increase in the New Year so you may not even notice a decrease in your take-home pay.

SPEND LESS Many use the New Year to try and tighten their belt. They are going to spend less. So, they go a week or so without stopping at the store for unnecessary items. They use coupons for a bit and only buy things on sale.

Then a life event happens and it is right back to their regular spending program.

Instead of a resolution to spend less, resolve to be aware of your spending in a nonjudgmental way. This takes the pressure off. There are tools available to know what your spending is. If you use a credit card, many will offer an online resource that tracks your

RESOLUTIONS 2023 2024

➡

monthly spending. Banks will also offer similar tools. Take advantage of that and just note how much you spend each month in a journal or spreadsheet. Do this from a place of curiosity rather than judgment.

The knowledge of how much you spend will be very beneficial in your financial planning journey as you can then realistically project what you will need in the future.

UPDATE INVESTMENTS As a wealth advisor, this is one I hear all the time from friends, family, and clients. I want to change my investments but first I need to take the time to really sit down, study the market,

understand stocks, and then make educated decisions. And of course, this never happens because life is busy, and it takes longer than a couple of minutes at the computer to “understand the markets.” So, at best people will decide to buy a stock that just went on a good run, or they read about in the news.

Instead, resolve to ensure that your investments are aligned with your future goals.

Predicting the future is hard, so rather than trying to predict which stocks will go up, make sure your investments are aligned with your goals. If you have money you need in the short term, those dollars should be invested very differently from the money you may need in retirement 20 years from now.

This last one is something we do for our clients all the

time. Aligning values, goals, plans, and implementation is what we do as wealth advisors.

The New Year is a time for reflection, a natural time for change, and a time to better position yourself for the future.

But making the right resolutions will accomplish a lot more than generic goals. So, when making those resolutions this year take the time to think SMART. And if you need an accountability partner, feel free to reach out!

James T. Cox, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, is the Senior Vice President of Advanced Planning at Continuum Wealth Advisors in Saratoga Springs. Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor registered through the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, visit contwealth.com.

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

15

EDUCATION

16

Schuylerville Teams Recognized for Academic Success

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Lunch Truck Coming to Saratoga High This Spring

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SCHUYLERVILLE — All nine of the Schuylerville Central School District’s fall sports teams have been recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for their academic success. To earn recognition, a team’s average GPA for 75% of the roster must be 90 or above. The following teams met this criteria for academic success: • Girls Cross Country • Boys Cross Country

• Fall Cheer • Field Hockey • Football • Golf • Girls Soccer • Boys Soccer • Volleyball

Winter Courses Open to Adults 55+ SARATOGA SPRINGS — Thirteen six-week courses are available for adults 55 and older, thanks to the Academy for Lifelong Learning.

The courses begin the week of Jan. 22 and cost $50 each. A course catalog is available at allsaratoga.org. Catalogs can also be found at local libraries, YMCA locations, and

retirement communities.

The volunteer-led courses cover subjects such as literature, Italian, the Biology of Aging, writing, history, horse racing, space, and more. Courses can be attended on site, or via Zoom.

Registration is currently open by mail. For more info, visit allsaratoga.org, call 518-290-6988, or email jeff@allsaratoga.org.

Photo by Eric Bush

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new student-designed lunch truck will make its debut this spring on the Saratoga Springs High School campus.

Eric Bush, the district’s School Lunch Program Director, said the truck was designed by students from the high school’s graphic arts class.

“They worked on all the signage, all the graphics, the look, the name; everything came from the high school students designing it,” Bush said.

High School seniors are allowed to leave the campus for lunch, and the goal of the food

truck, Bush said, is to entice them to stick around for what Bush called “a different, unique experience.”

A promotional image from the district described the truck as “a novel dining experience that will expand meal options for students and staff.” The image also stated that the truck will embody “a fusion of culinary diversity.”

In terms of cost to students, the truck will essentially operate the same as the existing cafeteria. Free meal packages will be available at the truck, along with a la carte items that can be purchased for an additional fee.

Proceeds from those purchases will go back into the school’s cafeteria fund.

“The more kids that participate, then the more money I can put back into the program,” Bush said.

Despite claims to the contrary found on a local Facebook

page, Bush said that no “COVID money” was used to purchase the truck. According to Bush, the vehicle was bought using money from the school’s self-sufficient cafeteria fund, which is separate from the school’s general fund. “I did see that [Facebook post], which I thought was pretty funny,” Bush said.

The high school’s cafeteria is currently undergoing renovations, but is set to re-open in mid January. Then, Bush will turn his attention to getting the lunch truck up and running.

“We’ve been working on it for a couple months,” Bush said, “doing the [request for proposal], going out to bid, then getting it delivered, and now it will have to go to Glens Falls for the health inspection.”

The school will create menus for the truck in the coming months. Bush estimated that the truck will be operational by April.

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

EDUCATION

17

“Barbie” Takes Top Prize in BSpa World Language Lip Sync Concert

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — Passer la nuit à danser! That’s a rough French translation for “dance the night away,” which is what more than 150 high school students did at the Ballston Spa

world language lip sync concert earlier this month.

Performances included the Barbie movie’s hit anthem “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa (in French), “Cruising for a Bruisin” from “Teen Beach Movie” (in Spanish), and Queen’s iconic song “Bohemian

Rhapsody” (also in Spanish).

Barbie finished in first place.

One can only speculate that the Kenergy must’ve been surging.

The event was hosted by the Ballston High School International Club. All donations from the concert will help fund scholarships for graduating seniors.

Photo provided by Stuart Williams

18

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Season’s

Greetings

FROM OUR REGION’S LOCAL BUSINESSES

19

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Season’s

Greetings

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT

20

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Season’s

Greetings

FROM OUR REGION’S LOCAL BUSINESSES

21

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Season’s

Greetings

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT

22

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

23

Food

24

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market:

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

A staple of the community

Honey Baked Ham with Spiced Apples SATURDAYS 9:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.

WILTON MALL FOOD COURT

T

Photos by Pattie Garrett.

he Saratoga Farmers’ Market began in 1978 with just a handful of farmers coming together in a parking lot in the City of Saratoga Springs, creating a place where Saratogians could access farm-fresh items.

Since then, it has become a popular destination with a permanent home hosting over 80 vendors in the summer at High Rock Park and close to 50 during the winter months at the Wilton Mall. The market continues to grow and is committed to serving the community.

As the market has expanded, its support for

locally grown and produced goods from local farms and businesses has also grown. This past month, the market opened its doors to holiday-themed markets supporting others in our community, such as local crafters, artists, and authors.

This week, some of our guests from the past few holiday markets will join our weekly vendors again for one more

by Jodie Fitz for Saratoga TODAY

celebration for the holiday season. If you’ve missed any of our articles highlighting the holidays, peek at our website (saratogafarmersmarket.org/ news/featurearticles) to discover how the market can be a part of your holiday experience: • Breakfast items and ingredients for the holidays • Holiday baking ingredients and ready-made baked goods • Holiday entertaining & wine and spirits at the market • All of the fixings for your holiday meal As the market prepares for the New Year, it’s important to note that it will remain open at the Wilton Mall on Dec. 23 and 30 and continue at Wilton Mall every Saturday, Jan. 6, through the end of April, which includes fresh produce vendors.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market sells gift certificates, which make wonderful lastminute gifts for friends, family, and neighbors. It’s a gift that continues to give because shopping at the market is an experience that supports local.

The market vendors look forward to celebrating the New Year with you. Join the market e-newsletter on our website. It will keep you up to date with all of the themed activities coming to the market throughout the year.

You can read more about the history of the Saratoga

YIELDS: 4-6 servings | PREP: 15 min | COOK TIME: 1 hr 30 mins

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market • 3 lb fresh ham* (for different-weight ham roasts, adjust the cooking time) • 3 large apples* of your choice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon mustard powder • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg • 1/8 teaspoon allspice

• ½ cup unfiltered local honey*

• 1/4 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F

2. Rinse the ham under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel, and place in the middle of your roasting pan.

3. Mix the honey, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice in a bowl 4. In a separate small bowl, mix in mustard powder and water until well combined.

5. Add mustard water to your honey and spices, and mix well.

6. Using a basting brush, baste your ham with your glaze.

7. Now, core your apples and chop in large slices. Spread your fruit all around your ham in the roasting pan, and then baste the fruit with your glaze and then baste your ham once more 8. Place your ham in the oven and bake until it reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Every 20-30 minutes, add more glaze to your ham until completion.

9. Once your ham reaches 150F, remove from the oven and tent with aluminum foil for 15 minutes.

10. Slice and serve with the spiced apples.

Adapted from the recipe featured on Civilized Caveman

Farmers’ Market at the website: www.saratogafarmersmarket. org/history/ The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from November through April at the Wilton

Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs or the mall interior.

Find us online at www. saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Food

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

“Christmas is

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

Hello my Foodie Friends!

Christmas Eve is right around the corner. For many of us, the holidays generate some of our most vivid memories.

It can be funny the interesting things that stick with us. It’s often not at all the presents or the eggnog. It could be a story of spying on “Santa” setting up the presents in the living room, or the first time you watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring Jimmy Stewart and watching it with a group of family or friends crammed on a couch.

When I was a young boy, I shared a small bedroom with my two other brothers Danny and Billy. We had made a pact to finally catch Santa in the act. I was age five, my brother Danny was four and my other brother Billy was almost three.

It was a huge undertaking for young boys because we were told that if we didn’t go right to sleep then Santa would not come. However, I needed proof of Santa’s existence. If you know me then you know if I say I’m going to do something, then by golly I’m going to give it my best shot. My father was very aware of his oldest son’s determination and made sure we were all tucked in as he read: “The night before Christmas” to his three conspirators. Now Billy being very young and not quite age three, was really not up to the task after my father’s story reading. He was out fast asleep and Danny was wavering with heavy eyelids. I was focused on my spy caper. I could not sleep and waited about 15 minutes before shaking Danny and saying “let’s go”! We checked on Mom and Dad’s room and made out two figures sleeping. We

the Day that holds all Time Together” ~ALEXANDER SMITH

25

Cherry Bourbon Glazed Ham INGREDIENTS • 6-8 lb. bone-in spiral cut ham • 1 13-oz.) jar cherry preserves

• 2 tbsp. honey

• 1/2 c. bourbon

• 1/4 tsp. cayenne

• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 325°. Place ham on a rack in a large roasting pan. Cover pan with foil.

2. Bake ham until internal temperature reaches 120° to 130°, about 2 hours.

3. Meanwhile, make glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine preserves, bourbon, honey, cloves, and cayenne.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is slightly reduced, about 10 minutes.

Glaze will thicken as it cools.

4. After ham reaches at least 120°, remove from oven and remove foil. Brush with about half of the glaze, aiming between all the slices.

5. Place back in oven, uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from oven once more and brush with remaining glaze all over top and between slices again.

then turned to go downstairs to say “hello” to Santa.

We were almost frozen with fear and Danny clung to me like we were attached. We took one squeaky step at a time and our eyes were as big as saucers so we could see in the dark. We made out a figure from the back in a red coat and a big red hat putting presents under the tree.

We took another brave squeaky step to see him better and that did it! We then heard a booming low voice saying” WHO’S THERE”? Danny looked at me and tried to scream but nothing came out. We turned and ran back to our beds with so much fear and excitement that we had our proof that Santa really did exist. We repeated this story to our little playground friends for many years. It could not have been Mom and Dad because we were sure they were in their beds. Our parents never commented on the story and always just smiled. When my father passed in 2010 at the age of 88, we were cleaning out his things and I found a box with a Santa hat and a red coat hidden in the back of his closet. I never told my brothers because I

wanted to keep the Christmas magic alive.

What was your best gift ever? Or what were the “little things” that were done that made your holiday special and created that pure holiday magic for you? Make sure you have the must-have supplies you need to stir up your holiday feasts.

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. Let us help you with the tools you need to make your food traditions and the gifts to help others create their own. Christmas time is a period of when our past, present and future come together in a magical experience. Our past blends together with our present as we hold dear the traditions set before while creating new memories and traditions in the present that will endure for the future. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” Put a little holiday magic on your table

Take Care, John & Paula

6. Place back in oven and continue to cook until ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°, 15 to 20 minutes more. Let ham cool for 10 minutes before carving.

Recipe courtesy of delish at delish.com

mark your

26

CALENDAR

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

This Week’s Events: DEC. 22-28 🙂 = family friendly FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23

Holiday Shopping Sale

Holiday Lighted Nights

🙂

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Browse through our wide selection of books and choose any book from our shop for 25 percent off! From captivating novels to thrilling mysteries, we have something for every reader.

Not only will you be expanding your personal library, but you’ll also be supporting the Saratoga Springs Public Library and its programs. December 15 until December 23.

Spa City Farmers’ Market Holiday Faire

🙂

Saratoga Spa State Park, 65 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs 4 – 8 p.m. | Mark your calendars, and get ready to finish up all your Holiday shopping. Hand crafted artworks, quality crafted items, candles, farm soaps, fresh and fabulous farm goods, and so much more... there will be holiday music, good eats, and hot beverages to get you in the holiday spirit. Join us for a wonderful evening of shopping, music, delicious foods, and more!

Christmas Lights 2023 – Santa’s Playland

🙂

Quick Response, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake 5 – 11 p.m. | Wednesdays – Sundays through January 6.

Free admission. Santa will be on site nightly unless otherwise announced. And this year for some extra cheer, there will be $100 giveaways every night we are open! Watch for signs as you drive through the lights!

Christmas Day Walk

🙂

Washington County Fair, 392 Old Schuylerville Rd., Greenwich | 4:30 – 9 p.m.

Running daily through December 30, enjoy a night of holiday magic. This drivethru holiday tradition will be fun for the whole family as you drive through over a mile and a half of holiday magic, taking in giant lighted displays featuring holiday favorites as well as community-created displays by Greenwich FFA, Washington County Cornell Cooperative Extension and the History Museum Committee while listening to your favorite holiday music provided by IHEART Radio.

The path and displays change each year, so each year is a new experience! For tickets, visit washingtoncountyfair. ticketspice.com/holidaylighted-nights

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Artisan’s Market – Last Day

🙂

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Discover a variety of locally made items, perfect for your holiday shopping. Support local artisans and the Saratoga County History Center. Hours: Fridays noon – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 Merry Christmas!

🎄

🙂

Moreau Lake State Park 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Looking for something different to do this Christmas day?

Bundle up and join an educator on an easy-going, family friendly walk next to Moreau Lake! We may hear and see birds (maybe even an eagle!), animal tracks, shells, feathers; there’s no telling what Nature might gift us with. There is no fee for this walk. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 Kwanzaa Begins

🕯

Red Oak Ridge to Moreau Overlook Hike

🙂

Moreau Lake State Park | 11 a.m.

This guided hike of about 2 miles will take us up the Red Oak Ridge to the Moreau Overlook, down to the Nature trail and back to the office.

Wear warm, waterproof boots, and bring microspikes. If you don’t have them, they may be borrowed at the office. Cost is $5, reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 Winter Storytelling and Crafts

🙂

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Enjoy some winter-themed stories with Storyteller Jeannine Laverty followed by a family/children’s craft activity. This program is suitable for children ages 5 and up, accompanied by an adult.

No registration required.

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

Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: Baby Back Ribs, baked beans, cold slaw, corn bread. Cost: $15 per dinner. (Cash only).

Photography Club Galway Public Library, Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m.

This month, club member Jim Witte will be giving a presentation on Astrophotography, with practical advice on taking photographs of celestial objects using a telescope. We will also be viewing photographs from this month’s Photo Challenge “Pets.” Anyone interested in photography regardless of their level of experience is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings.

For more information contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 Knee-high Naturalist

🙂

Moreau Lake State Park 10 – 11 a.m. | Geared toward children aged 2-5, (siblings welcome) Knee-high Naturalist is a fun introduction to nature.

We meet in the Nature Center

where we begin by reading a book or two and then take a short walk together outdoors, keeping our eyes open for animal tracks, shells, feathers, and other signs of the natural world around us. Dress for the weather.

Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.

Winter Inspired Mini-Masterpieces

🙂

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 1 p.m. | Kids in grades 6 – 9 will learn about such art techniques as pointillism and artists like Keith Haring. They will then paint three different paintings on small canvases. No art experience necessary. Registration is required, limit 10. Free and open to the public. Stop in or call to register 518-885-5022.

Stories and Songs with the Snow Sisters

🙂

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Join the Snow Sisters for a holiday-themed program of singing, stories, and games, with photo opportunities at the end of the program.

Presented by Hill City Ice Queen Princess Parties. Participants are invited to dress in princess attire if they’d like. This program is for families and recommended for ages 3-8. Please register online at www.sspl.org

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

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

UPCOMING

Events

Snow Much Fun: Crafts and Games For kindergarteners through fifth grade on Friday, December 29 at 1 p.m. Kids will partake in wintery STEM activities and Minute to Win It type games and crafts at the Ballston Spa Public Library, located at 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa. Goodies will also be served.

Registration is required, limit 20. Call 518-885-5022 or stop in to sign up.

Sounds in Winter Concert Series As part of the Sounds in Winter concert series, the Lark Strings will be performing in the Long Room of Brookside Museum on Saturday, December 30 at 3 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Please register at brooksidemuseum. networkforgood.com/ events/64889-sounds-inwinter-concert-lark-strings.

The Lark Strings, composed of three local, professional musicians, Jessica Belflower and Heather Chan (violins) and Brian Axford (piano and guitar), will present an energetic program mixing classical music heavy hitters with American fiddle icons.

Monthly Meeting The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA), Court McLaughlin #422, will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 2, at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs.

Members gather at 5:45 p.m.

for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments until 6:30 p.m. when the meeting will begin. CDA is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas.

Please join us. Any questions?

Contact our Regent Lucille Koch by phone or text at 516319-4577.

Gratitude Workshop Tuesday, January 2, 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom. Join New Thought New York as we joyously welcome the year 2024 with gratitude, an intentional, mindful practice that positively impacts your life circumstances and experiences. This workshop invites participants on a new journey into gratitude, beginning the year by setting into motion a harmonizing, balancing and orderly cause for all that follows in 2024.

Suggested donation: $20. To sign up and receive Zoom link and class materials, fill out the contact us form at www. newthoughtnewyork.org.

Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, Wednesday, January 3. Noon – 1 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

No reservations required.

Sponsored by Prestwick Chase.

Storyteller Nancy Marie Payne presents Ruslan and Ludmilla

by Alexander Pushkin.

Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 7. Snow date February 14. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact

mark your

27

CALENDAR Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or call 518-290-6988.

Senior Technology Workshop Mechanicville District Public Library, 190 N. Main St., Mechanicville, January 4 at 9:30 a.m. In this hands-on workshop, we will cover the ins and outs of protecting your information online. Learn about

safe browsing, recognizing online scams, and when it is okay to share your information.

Whether you’d just like to surf the web, use email, or shop online, this program will be invaluable. There is no cost to attend and you may register by phone! Call us at 518-664-4646

American Architectural Style Talk Ballston Spa Public Library, Community Room, 21

Milton Ave., Ballston Spa. John Cromie will take us through Ballston Spa’s Historic District on an exploration of American Architectural styles through each period’s politics, educational and social assumptions, technology, and decorative arts. Join us if you have an older home, love history or are passionate about community character. January 11 at 7 p.m. Free admission & light refreshments provided.

Holiday Worship services

Arts & Entertainment

28

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

HMT: Open Auditions for The Humans Jan. 3-4 Chambers Music: SARATOGA SPRINGS — the hall from Home Goods). bring a current photo (canRock & Recitation in Home Made Theater will hold Rehearsals will begin on not be returned) and a resume. auditions for their April pro- March 4 and will generally be Be prepared to list all potential Memory of Josh Chambers open duction of The Humans, written held Monday through Thursday conflicts from the first rehearsal

by Stephen Karam and directed evenings. Rehearsals will be (with the exception of tech week at Caffe Lena Jan. 5

by Erin Nicole Harrington. held at Home Made Theater’s and performances, conflicts can The auditions will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 3 and Thursday, Jan. 4, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Home Made Theater’s headquarters at the Wilton Mall (near the Saratoga Hospital annex, across

headquarters in the Wilton Mall. Performances will be April 19 - 21 and 25 - 28. All performances will be held at the Dee Sarno Theater in Saratoga Arts.

For the audition please

be worked around if known about in advance).

For a detailed flyer with character descriptions and other audition information visit www.homemadetheater.org.

You Saw Him In Saratoga Springs For 20 Years, He’s Just Published His Debut Novel

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

Josh Chambers. Photo: caffelena.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — An annual celebration of the music of classical guitar prodigy, rock band leader, poet, playwright and theater director Josh Chambers will be staged at Caffe Lena Friday, Jan. 5. Show time is 7 p.m.

Performers include: Dave Bengle, Radio Junkies, and Michael Eck. Chambers, a Washington

County native and Saratoga Springs resident died in 2021 at the age of 45.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Caffe Lena, where Chambers often performed with his rock band, Throwdown Bouquet and developed his theater company, Fovea Floods, which later moved to New York City.

Tickets: caffelena.org.

SARATOGA SPRNGS — Local residents may remember Michael Grant from his time in the community as co-operator of Saratoga Coffee Traders, as a photographer, as the co-curator of the Empire Film Festival, or in any of the other innumerable things the “accidental serial entrepreneur” entertained in and around Saratoga Springs.

Now, add NOVELIST to the list.

“Eve stormed across The Deerwood parking lot to fetch her paycheck, the magenta stripe in her dark hair twisting with the pounding fury of every step...”

So begins Grant’s 472page debut novel “The Limited Edition Bicentennial Cadillac Convertible Joy Ride,” newly published by Wordbinders Publishing, an imprint of Journey Institute Press.

“It’s a strong story that’s getting high praise from early readers, and I’m hoping that Saratogians and beyond will discover it,” says Grant, who these days lives in Connecticut with

his husband, artist Jon Galt.

“Our 20 years in Saratoga were indelible, of course,” says Grant, “and part of my new novel takes place there.”

The story takes place over the course of a week when a 16-year-old learns a dark family secret and then absconds with an elderly resident desperate to escape her managed care facility. The unlikely pair hit the road in search of the truth in a rare and pristine 1976 convertible Cadillac.

In a unique twist, the car itself serves as the omniscient narrator for the story.

The car as narrator?

Early versions of the story were told in first-person using two narrators, Grant explains.

“My husband asked if there was a way to simplify it with a singular narrator, and I jokingly said the only one who knows everything is the car. He said, ‘so what if it’s the car telling the story?’

“I immediately rejected the idea, fearing correlations to My Mother the Car and Herbie, but then I set my ego aside and considered it. It couldn’t be a talking, haunted or magical car,” Grant

Michael Grant, has published his debut novel, The Limited Edition Bicentennial Cadillac Convertible Joy Ride. Photo provided.

says. “I’ve owned 19 cars in my short life, and every time I sold or traded one, I felt like I was saying goodbye to a friend who seemed to know me. I channeled that feeling, solidified the device, and then proceeded to completely rewrite the entire novel from this new perspective.”

The novel is available at a variety of bookstores, including via Northshire Bookstore Saratoga, and through the author’s website at: michaeljaigrant.com.

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Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

New Year's Resolutions

“I will read and meditate on the entire book of Psalmsand hopefully memorize some verses as well. I tried a couple of years ago, but got sidetracked by Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Bible in a Year, which also rea d Psalms, but I want to spend more tim e memorizing and meditating on Psalm s specifically.”

“Read 12 books; Increase physical fitness level by 15%; Stop eating so much ice cream; Step up my faith.”

Chad Beatty

Kim Beatty

“My New Year’s Resolution is to paint more often, to expand my knowledge and techniques in both animation and sewing, and to continue traveling with my hubby after our baby is born.”

“To be more organized and less condescending.”

Jim Daley

Kacie Cotter-Harrigan

“Do a cartwheel.”

Rosetta Annino

“My resolution is to take care of myself, as well as I take care of others : )” Chris Vallone Bushee

“And I knew exactly what to do.

But in a much more real sense, I had no ide a what to do.” — Michae l Scott, The Office Kelsey Sherman

“Be less squeamish around people’s dogs and babies.”

Kelly Schoonbeck

“In 2024, I hope to produce my own short film, as well as break the world record for most awkward stares after telling a bad joke.”

Mack Hawthorne

“As I began contemplating my New Year’s resolution for 2024, I knew there was only one person I could turn to for advice. He is a venerated New Year’s resolution and behavior change expert.

He’s a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Scranton (and he likes it when the word “distinguished” is included in his title). This man is none other than my dad, Dr. John C. Norcross.

Grateful that I actually called him for once, Dr. Norcross said that the key components for a successful resolution are realistic goals, a specific action plan, continued confidence despite slipups, and public declarations of the resolution.

It remains to be seen if I take all of my father’s advice. He frequently makes inaccurate predictions regarding Philadelphia sports teams, causing me to doubt his judgment. But I’ve decided to publicly declare that I’m committing to exercising at least three times a week in the new year.”

Jonathon Norcross

30

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

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

AD COPY DUE: Wednesday | Noon Publication Day: Friday

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

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

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

LEGALS NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). Name: Grimes Enterprises of Saratoga, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/8/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Grimes Enterprises of Saratoga, LLC, PO Box 2306, Gansevoort, NY 12831. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a limited liability company may be formed under section 201 of the Limited Liability Company Law.11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023. 11733

copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 104 Dan’s View Road, Saratoga NY 12866 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023.

11740

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHRISTINE’S BOUTIQUE OF NEW YORK, LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Articles of Organization of Christine’s Boutique of New York, LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on April 18, 2023.The county within the state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Saratoga County. The street address of the principal business location is 1155 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa, New York 12020. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served.

The 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 1155 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa, New York 12020. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.

11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023. 11738

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). Name: Cannabis Wellness, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/15/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Cannabis Wellness, LLC, 201 Northline Road, Ballston Spa, New York 12020. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a limited liability company may be formed under section 201 of the Limited Liability Company Law. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11766

Notice of formation of BFG Hospitality LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on November 8, 2023, Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A

Notice of formation of Stump Solutions, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/31/23 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 Oak Ln Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023. 11742

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

on, 11/17/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to: Harker & Associates, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11777 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Name of the LLC is: MILLIE KENNEDY, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 16, 2023. Office Location: 255 Evans Street, Victory Mills, New York 12884, County of Saratoga. Under section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law the secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the secretary of state shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 255 Evans Street, Victory Mills, New York 12884. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the LLCL. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11779 Notice of formation of Holy Moses Hospitality, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/08/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: Angela Moses 219 Center St, Corinth, NY 12822.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11780 Notice of formation of SKG Technologies, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/11/2023 Office: Saratoga County. Jason Guzzo has been

designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of the process should be mailed to the LLC at 7 Lindenwood Drive, Ballston Lake, New York 12019. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024.

11783 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company. Name: Nebula Energy LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/14/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC at 13 Barcelona Dr., Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11784 Benson’s Pet Center of Saratoga, LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/04/2021. Office in Saratoga Co. SSNY desig. Agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1 #086, Buffalo, NY 14221. Purpose: General. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11786

process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 85 Pepperbush Pl, Malta, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11800 Notice of formation of 45 Greenwood Ave LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/09/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 10 Lonesome Pine Trail, Gansevoort, NY 12831.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11806 Notice of formation of R J Alexander Enterprises, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/27/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 24 Moore Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11809

Notice of formation of Harbor Strategies LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/20/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 5 Berkshire Drive, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11791

Notice of formation of LAURA MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/04/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 12 MIA WAY PORTER CORNERS, NY 12859. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024.

11810

Notice of formation of PAPERROOTSCO, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 09/28/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom

Notice of formation of YSPK Properties LLC . Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on October 4, 2021, Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against

31

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

LEGALS it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 1555 Crescent Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11811 Notice of Formation of Deno Coaching and Consulting LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/30/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 123 Canal Rd, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19/2024. 11844 MetaMemes, LLC, filed articles of organization with the NY Secretary of State on 12/2/2023. The office of the LLC is located in Saratoga County. Kesavan Sampanthar is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NY Secretary of State shall mail copy of process to Kesavan Sampanthar at 9 Anthony Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Company is organized for any lawful purpose.12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19/2024. 11846

A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: BRYAN W SOMMERS, 459A GANSEVOORT RD. FORT EDWARD, NY 12828.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024. 11884 Notice of Formation of PLLC. Name: Pellegrino Psychological Services, PLLC (the “Company”).

The Articles of Organization of the Company were filed with the Department of State on July 07, 2023. The Company office is located in Saratoga County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as Agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of process to the Company at 23 Magnolia Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The purpose of the Company is to engage in the practice of the profession of psychology in New York State.

12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024. 11895

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 39-41 WALTON STREET, L.L.C. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 5, 2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 10 Town Square Suite 200, Chatham, New Jersey 07928.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024. 11864

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TAKE NOTICE that the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 4:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the Board can convene, in the meeting room of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, 40 McMaster Street, Ballston Spa, New York 12020 on a Local Law identified as Introductory No. 2, Print no. 1 of 2023, relative to amending the 2024 Saratoga County Compensation Schedule to provide salary and cost-of-living increase for certain county officials, and setting a date for a public hearing thereon.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that at this hearing, all persons wishing to speak will be heard.

Written communications may be emailed to publiccomment@ saratogacountyny.gov, or by mail addressed to: Clerk of the Board, Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, 40 McMaster Street, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020, which public comment must be received

by January 10, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

Copies of this proposed local law are available in the Office of the Clerk of the Board and online at www.saratogacountyny.gov.

Therese M. Connolly, Clerk Board of Supervisors 12/22/2023, 11941

Notice of formation of AIR COMMAND SOLUTIONS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/30/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served.

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, January 18, 2024, at which time bids will be

Notice of formation of MZ Handyman LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/20/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served.

A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 228 PARK AVE S NUM 877359, New York, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11847

publicly opened and read aloud for Pavement Reclamation, as per specification 24-PWPR-28R 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 12/22/2023, 11944 NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Department of Central Services of Saratoga County will receive sealed bids in person or electronically through the Empire State Purchasing Website until 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 28, 2023, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for Liquid Bituminous Material and Liquid Calcium Chloride, as per specification 24-PWBMCC-42R .

Bid forms and instructions are available at the Department of Central Services, 50 W. High Street, Ballston Spa, NY between 9:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (telephone - 518885-2210) or at the Empire State Purchasing Group website www. empirestatebidsystem.com) Saratoga County, through its Department of Central Services, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids.

JOHN T. WARMT, Director of Purchasing Saratoga County 12/22/2023, 11945 Notice of formation of 10 One Productions Media LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/20/23. Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 10 One Productions Media LLC, 807 Walnut Dr, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02/2024. 11946 NOTICE 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: January 11, 2024 Pavement Service Rates, specification 24-PWPSR-46R January 28, 2024 Pavement Reclamation, specification 24-PWPR-28R 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 - 518-8852210) 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 12/22/2023, 11947 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: SPEARMACO REALTY, L.L.C. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 18, 2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 97 Travelers Way, Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02/2024. 11950 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Saratoga County Department of Central Services, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 will receive sealed bids until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for Saratoga County Correctional Facility – Sub-Day Rooms, as per specification 23-PWCRDR-13.

A pre-bid conference will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Interested contractors are to meet for sign-in at the second-floor lobby of the Saratoga County Correctional Facility, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Bid documents may only be obtained on or after Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from The Empire State Bid System at no cost from the following website: www. empirestatebidsystem.com Each bidder must deposit with his bid, a bid security in the amount of not less than five percent (5%) of his bid, in the form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information to Bidders.

Simultaneously with his executed contract, the successful bidder must deliver to the County of Saratoga an executed performance and completion bond in a form meeting the County’s approval, in an amount not less than 100% of the accepted bid as security for the faithful performance and completion of this contract, and also a separate bond guaranteeing prompt payment of monies due

to all persons supplying the contractors or subcontractors with labor and materials employed and used in carrying out the contract, and having as surety on the bonds such surety companies as are approved or acceptable to the County of Saratoga.

Saratoga County, through its Central Services 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 12/22/2023, 11955 Notice of formation of FOWL LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/12/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 4 BRIARWOOD DRIVE, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, 12866.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02/2024. 11960 Notice of formation of E&S McGinness LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/08/2023 Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 2210 Alexander Rd, Galway, NY, 12074. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02/2024. 11961 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY The name of the limited liability company is: Than & Zin LLC. The Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State on October 3, 2023. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Saratoga. The secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served.

The post office address within or without this state to which the secretary of state shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 13 Meadow Rue Place, Malta, New York 12020.

The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business acts or activities for which limited liability companies may be formed under law. 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, 02/02/2024. 11962

32

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

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33

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Puzzles Across 1 Multivitamin mineral 5 Joined the choir 9 Corn discard 12 Rachael Ray sauteing initialism 13 Ranch rope 15 “Knives Out” actress de Armas 16 Foam ball brand 17 Kampala’s country 18 Pro Bowl org.

19 *Social media time-out 22 Pinnacles 25 Church topper 26 *Channel bottom 30 Frozen rain 31 How-__: DIY guides 32 “Life of Pi” director Ang 33 Jazz poet Scott-Heron 34 *Area of Hersheypark with the Candymonium roller coaster 40 Half an umlaut 41 “Blue Bloods” actor Cariou 42 Thumbs-up at NASA 44 Land measures 47 *Bit of trickery on a return 50 Move in a breeze, as a flag 53 Printer brand 54 “Shoo!,” and an instruction that goes with the last words of the answers to the starred clues 58 Skeptical laugh 59 “__ Rouge!”: Kidman film 60 Written reminder 64 MSNBC journalist Melber 65 Came afterward 66 Actor McGregor 67 “Science Guy” Bill 68 Papaya discard 69 Many an auctioned auto, for short Down 1 Super chill, informally 2 “Now __ seen everything!”

3 Neither’s partner 4 Dunkin’ serving 5 Stuffing herb 6 Many a Moroccan 7 Spanish boys

See puzzle solutions on page 34

See puzzle solution on page 34 8 “Wonder Woman” star Gal 9 Cocktail party bite 10 Among one’s records 11 “Swan Lake,” for one 13 “Star Trek” captain Jean-__ Picard 14 Doesn’t fight back 20 Inquire 21 Dessert that quivers 22 Play a role onstage 23 Shoe with lots of holes 24 Netting material 27 Rorschach test component 28 Fish that can swim backward 29 Handed out cards 33 Group with fortysomethings 35 Poetic opening 36 Halloween garb

37 Spill the __: gossip 38 Fistfuls of dollars 39 Thumbs-down at NASA 43 Jeong of “Community” 44 Crocheted coverlet 45 “Ramona the Pest” novelist Beverly 46 Blues and folk singer/songwriter Foster 48 German article 49 Warm-up act 51 Jackets named for a British school 52 Shake awake 55 Chimney part 56 Hurried, quaintly 57 Finish 61 Be indebted to 62 Slight touch 63 Ambient music pioneer Brian

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: Rebound, Redound Rebound means to bounce or spring back.

The company’s stock price rebounded after the news hit.

Redound means to contribute or lead to something.

Her exceptional performance redounds to the company’s benefit.

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

Sports

34

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

County Accepting Applications for Rec Department Launches Free Youth $111K in Youth Team Sports Funds Sports Program BALLSTON SPA — organizations and nonprofits.

For additional questions,

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department is launching a new “Try Sports for Free” program for kids in grades K-12.

Participants can try winter sports such as curling, figure

skating, hockey, and speed skating.

The first “Try Sports for Free” event will take place at the Weibel Ice Rink on December 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

For additional information, contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 ext. 2300 or recreservations@ saratoga-springs.org.

Jr. NBA Scores GAVIN PARK JR. NBA Scores & Top Scorers

DIVISION 1 76ERS VS. MAVS 76ers 23: Cole McMillan 8 pts, Braden Riley 7 pts Mavs 17: Cooper Allen 5 pts, Harrison Khoury 4 pts

CELTICS VS. LAKERS Celtics 20: Kevin Hoover 12 pts, Henry Smith 4 pts Lakers 18: Charlie Wright 10 pts, Alex Peck 4 pts

DIVISION 2 WARRIORS VS. CAVS Warriors 23: Solomon Rucinski 10 pts, Declan Freeland 10 pts Cavs 20: Max Bobeldyk 10 pts, Griffin Connors 4 pts

CELTICS VS. LAKERS Celtics 29: Colton Barbaro 10 pts, Ramzi Ali 6 pts Lakers 17: Mason Jones 4 pts, Ryan Fontaine 4 pts

HORNETS VS. KNICKS Hornets 19: Carter Varcoe 7 pts, Luke Borman 6 pts Knicks 16: Cosey Duplesis 6 pts, Jack Pilkington 5 pts

DIVISION 3

Games

Fun And

TRAIL BLAZERS VS. LAKERS Trail Blazers 28: Dylan Levanites 7 pts, Thomas Armstrong 12 pts Lakers 18: John Franck 7 pts, Sam DeBenedetto 4 pts

GRIZZLIES VS. CELTICS Grizzlies 43: Shiloh Parker 12 pts, Taylor Endes 10 pts Celtics 32: Knox Redman 14 pts, Shaun Webster 10 pts

Saratoga County has exactly $111,278 available for youth team sports programs, and applications are now open for those seeking a piece of the pie. Eligible programs include community

contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100 or email rrobarge@saratogacountyny.gov.

All applications are due by December 29.

New Rule and Injuries Can’t Stop Saratoga Wrestling Team

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Last season, the Saratoga varsity wrestling team struggled to overcome Burnt Hills and Ballston Spa. This year, the Blue Streaks have already beaten them both, and are in the conversation for one of the best teams in Section 2.

The success has come in the midst of a new weight descent plan rule that has altered coaches’ strategies. “The new descent plan thing is really interesting because it kind of ties coaches’ hands on how strategic they can get going into the dual meets,” said Saratoga wrestling coach Jake Zanetti. “Everybody is impacted by that.”

The rule is a bit complicated.

“They’re only allowed to lose 1.5% of their body fat each week of the season,” Zanetti explained.

“So even if a kid is actually weighing the weight class, if his individual descent plan doesn’t allow him to be eligible for that, even though he’s legitimately weighing it, he can’t wrestle it.”

Despite the curveball, the Blue Streaks have already garnered nearly a dozen victories

Puzzle Solutions See puzzles pg. 33

To learn more or to complete an application, visit www. saratogacountyny.gov and navigate to the Youth Services page.

Then, click “Youth Team Sports Grant Program.”

Photo by Super Source Media Studios

about a third of the way through the season. One tough matchup that saw Saratoga lose a criteria tiebreaker came against Queensbury earlier this month.

The Blue Streaks were tied with Queensbury 30 to 30, but were credited with a loss because their opponents won one more individual match.

“Queensbury kind of came out of nowhere,” Zanetti said.

“They’re looking at the number one seed going into the Section 2 duals.”

The next time the two teams meet, Saratoga may have an ace up its sleeve with the return of

standout Taylor Beaury, who has been sidelined with injuries.

Beaury met with doctors this week to determine a timeline for his return.

As Zanetti awaits word on Beaury’s health, the Blue Streaks have two challenging tournaments ahead of them. The Windsor Christmas Tournament begins December 28, and the Saratoga Invitational starts January 6.

“January is going to be a long grinder,” Zanetti said. But the Blue Streaks are used to that.

They were “grinding all summer long, all offseason,” Zanetti said.

Week of December 22 – December 28, 2023

Sports

35

Pickleball Popularity Saratoga Gymnastics Team Surges in Saratoga Victorious in Season Opener

Photo from the Saratoga Springs Parks & Recreation Department

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The trendiest sport in America right now is pickleball, and the Saratoga region is paddling furiously to keep up with demand.

“We’ve been watching the sport grow like crazy in Saratoga Springs,” said Brandon Mackie, co-founder of the Pickleheads website. “We’re seeing new courts being built all over. East Side Rec Field now has 10 dedicated courts and Wilton Town Gavin Park has 10.” Mackie also said that searches for pickleball in the Saratoga area have increased 213% since April.

A number of regional locations are now hosting pickleball games, including the Saratoga Recreation Center, the Saratoga Regional YMCA, McGregor Links Country Club, The Paddocks of Saratoga, and the Burgess Kimball Memorial Park.

The Malta YMCA branch hosted its first pickleball tournament earlier this year, and a Legacy Pickleball Club location is set to open soon in Ballston Spa.

But how exactly does one explain the public’s voracious appetite for this sport? “The most important thing that happened at the [recreational] player level is that the sport is really easy to learn,” Mackie said. “Our theory is that COVID was an important catalyst for this.”

According to Mackie, COVID turned the primarily indoor sport of pickleball into an outdoor game played at gyms, churches, and recreation centers.

“I think we’ve just seen a snowballing of it over the last year,” Mackie said. “So now, depending on what data you believe, between ten and forty million players have tried the sport.”

According to Pickleheads, pickleball has seen a 158.6% growth rate over the last three years and has become “the fastest-growing sport in America.”

There are now around 400 places to play pickleball in New York State, with dozens scattered throughout the Saratoga region.

To learn more about pickleball or to find a court, visit www.pickleheads.com.

Photo provided by Ali Skinner

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs varsity gymnastics team opened its season with a bang last week in a decisive victory against Guilderland. The Blue Streaks came first in all four events.

“To get a win in your

season opener is always a confidence boost for athletes,” said Coach Deborah Smarro. “I’m excited for the season. The girls are looking good. They work hard every day.”

The gymnasts were led by junior Ellie Ott, who won the all around. “She had an amazing day,” Smarro said. “Overall, she’s cleaned up her routines,

and she’s looking more confident every single day.”

Second-year captain Gia DiMaggio placed first on balance beam. “I was really glad to see she went four-for-four that night and was able to put out a very good effort,” Smarro said.

Saratoga defeated Guilderland by an overall score of 163.6 to 147.3.