Saratoga TODAY November 15 - 21, 2024

TRUMP PICKS STEFANIK

House Seat Signals Special Election

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA COUNTY —

Six days after Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was elected to her sixth term to represent New York’s 21st District, Presidentelect Donald Trump picked the town of Saratoga resident to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations.

Stefanik (R,C) was first elected to the House in 2014 and defeated challenger Paula Collins (D, WF) 60.3% to 36.5% districtwide on Election Day

School

2024. By accepting the Trump nomination, Stefanik gives up her seat in the district and opens up the position to be settled in a district-wide special election in 2025. The 21st Congressional District currently encompasses more than one dozen counties, mostly in the Northern section of upstate New York. Included is a portion of Saratoga County that is home to about 41,000 actively registered district voters, and which represents residents

See Story pg. 9

Rushdown Studios logo provided by the company. Character art by Alessandra Fonseca.

History OF SARATOGA

Gideon Hawley: The Father of Common Schools

by Paul Perreault | Sponsored by The Saratoga County History Roundtable

Contact The Saratoga County History Roundtable at: saratogacohistoryroundtable@gmail.com

Saratoga County has been blessed with many gifted educators, but none surpass in importance Gideon Hawley. Although born in Connecticut in 1785, his family moved to the Town of Ballston in 1794 and four years later relocated to a farm in the Town of Charlton. Gideon worked on the family farm until 1804 when in his own words "too infirm in health for farming", he entered the newly established Ballston Academy to prepare for college. The Academy was founded by a fellow Charlton resident and a graduate of Union College, John W. Taylor. Taylor would later serve in the House of Representatives for twenty years and was twice elected Speaker of the House.

After a year of study at the Academy, Hawley entered Union College where he studied under the supervision of the renowned college president Eliphalet Nott. Gideon must have been an outstanding student because upon his graduation in 1809, he was invited to remain at Union as a tutor. At the same time, he "read" law under Henry Yates, brother of a future governor of New York State. As we shall see, this relationship would lead to his life's work.

Education in New York State has no single starting point. People have always educated their children and those living on the frontier in New York 200 hundred years ago took responsibility for transmitting the skills and attitudes necessary for survival. Although the State of New York established the Board of Regents as early as 1784, its single duty was to govern Columbia University (formerly known as King's College prior to the Revolution). Efforts from then until 1812 were inconsistent. That year the legislature passed an act entitled "An act for the establishment of Common Schools."

Common schools were publicly funded, non-sectarian schools designed to teach the elementary skills of "reading, writing and rithmatic". The law authorized the establishment of self-governing common school districts in each town and provided aid to each, based on the number of children from age 5 to 15. The districts

would only receive the money if they held school three months a year and were required to match the state aid with local tax funds but were allowed to charge tuition (referred to as a Rate Tax) for additional expenses.

The law also created the position of State Superintendent of Schools. The first Superintendent was Gideon Hawley, from the Town of Charlton, Saratoga County, who is known as "The Father of Common Schools" in New York. Why was Hawley, only four years out of college, selected for this important position? Probably because he had the support of three important connections: President Nott, who was so impressed with the young Hawley when he was at Union College, John Taylor, his old school master, now a member of the New York Assembly and the Yates-DeWitt Clinton faction of the DemocraticRepublican party.

To understand the significance of Hawley's contribution, one must remember that he had no precedents to guide him nor a bureaucracy to assist him. Yet, he created the system that distributed the school funds equitably to the towns, formed the structure for creating school districts and how they should be governed, and established a reporting system that allowed a single individual to manage common schools throughout the state. Somehow, he also found time to write the state's first instructional syllabus. After only two years in the position, he was able to report to the Assembly on his achievements and convince them to incorporate his suggestions into the basic educational laws of the State that lasted until 1829.

The Town of Malta responded immediately. At the annual meeting of the Town Board held on April 6, 1813, three Commissioners were selected, four Inspector of Schools appointed and a resolution to provide $100 for the support of Common Schools approved. The Commissioners were to receive one dollar a day for their service, and they apparently got to work immediately because Spafford's Gazetteer of 1813 reports that

Malta had seven schoolhouses and a "small library".

Hawley’s tenure as State Superintendent ended in 1821 as a result of a political battle between Governor Dewitt Clinton and Martin Van Buren. The Legislature was so upset by this "gross outrage" that they refused to fund the position, and the duties of Superintendent of Common Schools were assigned to the Secretary of State. This injustice did not end Hawley's contributions to education because in 1814 he had been appointed Secretary of the Regents of the University, a position he held until 1841. As such, he was instrumental in the establishment of the State's first Normal School for the preparation of teachers, the New York State College for Teachers at Albany (now SUNY at Albany). He served as a trustee for both the Albany Academy and the Albany Female Academy, both of which still exist today. He was appointed a Regent of The Smithsonian Institute upon its founding in 1846, probably due to his connection with Joseph Henry at Albany Academy, who was the first Secretary of The Smithsonian.

In addition to his many educational commitments, Hawley served as the Master of Chancery (administrator of the State's Court System), Secretary of the Albany Insurance Company and director of the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad, the first railroad company in the state.

Gideon Hawley's contributions to public education have been recognized by both his contemporaries and those who have followed him. In 1844, S.S. Randall said of Hawley " To no individual in the State are the friends of Common school education more deeply indebted for the impetus given to the cause of elementary instruction in its infancy than Gideon Hawley." Today, his alma mater, Union College, annually presents the Gideon Hawley Teacher Recognition Award to a secondary teacher nominated by a current Union student in appreciation. Certainly, a fitting tribute to the man known as The Father of Common Schools in New York.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— This Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28, the Christopher Dailey Foundation will host their 23rd Annual Christopher Dailey 5K Saratoga Turkey Trot. The Run/Walk will be held on Broadway in Saratoga Springs starting at 8:30 a.m.

All proceeds from the event will support the Christopher Dailey Foundation, a non-profit

organization supporting youth needs in the Saratoga community since 2002.

For instructions on how to register online, in person, or by mail, go to: https://www. christopherdaileyfoundation. com/. You can connect with the Foundation by calling 518- 879-8305 or by emailing: christopherdaileyfoundation@ gmail.com.

Nov. 17: Celebrating 50 Years of Brookside Museum Christopher Dailey Foundation Saratoga Turkey Trot Nov. 28

BALLSTON SPA — For half a century Brookside Museum and Saratoga County History Center have been dedicated to the mission of bettering Saratoga County and preserving its history, an endeavor made possible through perseverance, passion and the steadfast support of the community. A

All are welcome at the Saratoga County History Center to help celebrate the 50th anniversary, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17. The celebration

will be held in the Long Room at Brookside Museum located at 21 Fairground Ave. in Ballston Spa.

There will be a short business portion before the festivities for members to vote on the proposed budget and slate of board members for 2025. The highlight will be the premiere of the film 50 Years of Brookside Museum. Registration is not mandatory to attend but is encouraged at: www.brooksidemuseum.org.

Spa City Cannabis Dispensary Leads

Donation Drive In Stand Against Hunger and Homelessness

Saratoga Springs — Silver Therapeutics’ Silver Cannabis Company, a local Saratoga Springs cannabis dispensary, is rolling out a Donation Drive to support Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and Month.

Hunger and Homelessness

Awareness Week is an annual program where people across the country come together to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness.

Participating groups spend the week before Thanksgiving (Nov. 17 - 23) holding a series of educational, service, fundraising, and advocacy events.

The dispensary is partnering with Shelters of Saratoga throughout all November to raise awareness about local poverty, hunger and homelessness in the area.

The organizations will collect donations of non-perishable

food items, clothing, blankets, shoes, toiletries, mittens and gloves, and similar items, at Silver Cannabis Company. All donations will directly benefit the needs of un-homed and impoverished individuals, families, and communities.

All donations can be delivered to Silver Cannabis Company - located at 75 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs, during regular business hours.

OBITUARIES

Mimi Jean Ciancio

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mimi Jean Ciancio, 90, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024.

Born on April 7, 1934 in Pittsburgh PA, to Michael and Mildred Cammarata, Mimi led a wonderfully meaningful and impactful life. She served in various leadership roles for multiple organizations, including those committed to health, literacy and education and was always surrounded by a rich network of loyal friends. Most importantly, she was a much-loved and admired wife, mother and grandmother.

Mimi grew up on the grounds of Woodville Hospital, where her father was the Medical Director, and attended St. Francis Academy. While she excelled as a student, she may have been most proud of founding the "Pirate Pals," a group of teenage girls from St. Francis who regularly travelled to Forbes Field to

enthusiastically root for Ralph Kiner and the rest of the Pirates. Mimi's entourage of baseball enthusiasts made their mark, eventually featured in SPORT Magazine.

After high school, Mimi received her BA in Journalism from Duquesne University and Master's Degree in English from Penn State University. There, she met her husband of nearly sixty years, Ralph. They moved back to Pittsburgh, where Mimi taught English at Penn State's McKeesport campus, and married in 1959.

In 1965 Mimi moved to Saratoga Springs when Ralph joined the faculty at Skidmore College, soon thereafter settling on Pinewood Avenue, the family home for the next 50 years.

Mimi was a woman of many interests. She loved to entertain and was an excellent, selftaught cook. A year abroad as a student inspired a passion for travel, and multiple visits to Europe throughout her lifetime. She was also an avid reader and passionate classical music and opera buff.

In the 1970's, once her three children were well along in school, Mimi resumed her career, first as part of Skidmore's Admissions Office, then back in the classroom teaching writing. She capped her career as a pioneer in Skidmore's Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), serving as its academic counselor, providing invaluable guidance and

support for countless grateful students.

As Mimi pursued her professional endeavors, she simultaneously supported and eventually found herself in a variety of leadership roles for several community organizations. She was involved with Toys for Tots and the American Cancer Society, served as President of the local Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and Chairperson of the Friends of Library, where she was instrumental in securing the funding for the "new" Saratoga library on Henry Street.

During their 50th wedding anniversary celebration, her husband reflected on Mimi’s extraordinary capacity to understand the feelings of others. His love for her, and her kindness and emotional intelligence needed no explanation. Her HEOP students, family and friends understood. Her infectious laugh, her uncontrollable fits of laughter, brought everyone around her in and close. She always gave you a hug, if not physically.

Mimi was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Ralph, with whom she shared a wonderful life and a remarkable union, and survived by her three sons, Lee, Claude (Lori) and Paul, and four grandchildren, Rachel, Michael, Ella and Anthony. All are grateful for the love they shared and will miss the special joy she brought them all.

A celebration of Mimi's life is scheduled for January, 25, 2025 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Surrey-Williamson Inn at Skidmore College, 950 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breakthrough T1D, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, at BreakthroughT1D.org or PO Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD, 21741-5021.

Online remembrances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com.

Curtiss Bruno

FONDA — Curtiss Bruno, 83, of Old Trail Road, affectionately known as Curty, died peacefully Thursday at his residence. He was born in Schenectady and lived most of his life in Gansevoort. He was a former resident of Clifton Park, but spent his final years in Fonda, NY.

Curty was mentally handicapped but lived his life to the fullest. He was surrounded

Philip Gongoleski

WILTON — Philip Gongoleski, 77, passed away November 10, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 19 at 12:00 noon at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Family and friends may pay their respects from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care., 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

by a loving support group of family and friends. Curty loved spending his days outside on the porch watching the wildlife, listening to records on his Victrola and in his earlier years riding his tricycle.

He was predeceased by his Father, Chauncey Bruno, in 1977, Mother Lauretta Bruno, in 2001, Brother Arnold Bruno, in 2013 and Stepsister Lois Bruno in 2014.

He is survived by his Sisterin-law Cathe Bruno and his nephew, Jeff Bruno and family of Wilton, NY. Private family services will be held on November 15 at 1 p.m. The burial will be at Jonesville Cemetery, in Jonesville, NY. For online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

Mary Lou Hall

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Lou Hall, 85, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024. Mass is 10 a.m., November 15 at St. Clement’s Church, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery’s Peaceful Meadows. Memorial donations to Saratoga Springs Children's Museum, an organization that was very special to Mary Lou. https://cmssny.org/ Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com

Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Man Shot In Saratoga Springs

NEW YORK — New York

Attorney General Letitia James on Nov. 7 released police bodyworn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of a 48-year-old Columbia County man who died following

an encounter with members of the New York State Police in Saratoga Springs.

On the afternoon of Sept. 11, 2024, troopers responding to a 911 call followed James Dellea as he drove to and parked in a parking lot on State Route

Letters TO THE EDITOR

In order to protect the rule of law, I find it necessary to strongly condemn Commissioner Dillon Moran’s recent statements to the media regarding the charges against former Public Works Commissioner Jason Golub and Deputy Commissioner Joseph O’Neill. They are both accused of official misconduct and the charges are misdemeanors. Appearance tickets were issued and a press release was issued after Election Day to advise the public of the pending charges.

Commissioner Moran’s suggestion that myself, the Public Safety Commissioner, or the Saratoga Springs Police Department (SSPD), had some type of vendetta against Mr. Golub is malicious and without merit. This case originated from the Office of the New York State Comptroller, not the SSPD.

Public Officials, like Commissioner Moran, should always refrain from commenting on the merits of ongoing criminal cases as such actions can impede the official administration of justice.

For example, Moran’s statements can influence the jury pool, the District Attorney’s Office, and can also have a chilling impact on SSPD’s ability to perform their duties.

Commissioner Moran should act professionally and let the criminal case move forward without interference. He owes the SSPD a public apology.

- TIM COLL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER Saratoga Springs

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9. The troopers approached Dellea while he sat in his car, holding a long gun. According to the statement released by the attorney general’s office, during the encounter one of the troopers, who was off duty at the time, fired his weapon, striking Dellea, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers recovered one long gun.

According to State Police reports released in September, troopers first located Dellea in the parking lot of the AlbanySaratoga Speedway on State Route 9 in the Town of Malta.

When Troopers attempted to interview Dellea, he failed to follow lawful commands to exit his vehicle and fled the scene.

A low-speed 3-1/2-mile vehicle pursuit was initiated, and Dellea subsequently stopped his vehicle in the parking lot of Bethel Saratoga, 3246 State Route 9/ South Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase

transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

Additionally, the release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime, according to the attorney general’s office.

Warning: The video, which may be viewed at https://ag.ny. gov/osi/footage/james-dellea contains content that viewers may find disturbing.

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Saratoga County Career Center Virtual Workshops Schedule

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during November:

November 12 at 10:30AM:

Interview Preparation - Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady.

November 13 at 10AM:

Goal Setting - Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important,

and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: "if you aim for nothing, you'll hit it every time." Find out how to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington and Albany.

November 15 at 10:30AM: Networking - Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Warren and Albany.

November 21 at 11AM: Completing Job ApplicationsStatistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies

and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

November 26 at 11AM:

Overcoming Barriers - Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by

Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

November 26 at 1:30PM: Social Media - Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https:// thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.

Saratoga County Seeks Volunteers to Deliver Meals to Homebound Seniors; Immediate Need for Volunteers in Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, South Glens Falls

BALLSTON SPA – The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services is seeking volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors. The department has an immediate need for volunteers in the Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, and South Glens Falls areas.

This important program helps many seniors, age 60 and older, remain independent in their homes by providing them with a nutritious ready-to-eat

lunch each weekday.

“Volunteers are the driving force behind our ability to help Saratoga County seniors in need,” said Sandra Cross, Director of the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services. “With the winter months approaching, we have an urgent need for meal delivery volunteers who can share a couple hours of their time to help our seniors. Simply delivering a meal can brighten someone’s day, alleviate loneliness, and

ensure that our most vulnerable community members receive the nourishment they need.”

Volunteers can choose a flexible schedule that meets their availability, volunteering as little as once a week or as much as five days a week. Meals are picked up at 11 a.m. at the area meal site where they are volunteering and delivered until 1 p.m. each weekday.

Becoming a volunteer is easy. Individuals simply fill

out an application and provide references to the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services. Training and orientation are provided to all volunteers. Volunteers must have a valid driver license and their own vehicle.

Those interested in becoming a meal delivery volunteer should call the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-363-4020.

Homeless Veterans Face Unique Challenges

by Cheryl Hage-Perez Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA

SPRINGS

—Being homeless or at risk for homelessness is one of the most difficult things a person can face and is one of the last experiences anyone would expect a Veteran to ever suffer. Lacking the security of knowing where they will sleep at night, having no place to keep their belongings can lead to stress, anger, a sense of shame, depression, and physical discomfort.

Too often, after serving this nation and protecting our homes and freedoms, some Veterans return to civilian life with no job, limited job skills, loss of family, and find themselves spiraling into homelessness.

The stress of war leaves many veterans with severe psychological illness as well as physical illness and disabilities. PTSD, depression, anxiety,

sleep disorders, addictions, are some illnesses.

Lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest obstacles for a veteran returning from service. Communities are supporting housing development, but few are for low-income families. Veteran single moms as well as 78-yearold veterans are not able to secure safe, stable, decent and affordable housing.

Homelessness among female Veterans is on the rise with single moms enlisting at a higher rate. Often, they enlist with the hope that they will be able to support their children with military stability.

Women Veterans can face many challenges when returning to civilian life, including raising children on their own, dealing with the psychological after-effects of events such as military or sexual trauma, loss of platoon members, effects of war or employment and housing barriers. Without intervention,

these and other issues can put women Veterans at greater risk of homelessness. This creates a dangerous situation for the mom as well as the children.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST), also known as rape or sexual harassment occurs at a high rate. One in three women in the military report some degree of Military Sexual Trauma both physical and harassment.

Guardian House, operated by VCHC, is a transitional home that serves homeless female veterans. It is the only female home funded by the VA in NYS.

Due to regulations, the program cannot admit veteran moms with children. The mom has to make a choice. Does she give up her children to get the help she needs, taking a risk that she won’t get them back or not get help and keep her children?

Of course she chooses to keep her children. That leads to no services, escalation of illness

symptoms, and homelessness. In this scenario, the children are also negatively affected.

To address this unmet need, VCHC is building a duplex home for veteran moms and their children. This program will work with the moms to achieve selfsufficiency and schools to ensure a positive education for the children.

This project is a grass roots

effort supported by many in the community as well as the Annual Veterans Ball.

The program will have two units ready for occupancy by the end of 2024. VCHC will develop two additional units.

Cheryl Hage-Perez is the Executive Board Liaison of the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition (VCHC).

Saratoga County Unveils $432 Million Tentative Budget For 2025

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County officials have proposed a $432 million budget for 2025, up from $410.1 million budget adopted for this year, and the $378.3 million budget adopted for 2023.

The County’s 2025 tentative budget reduces the property tax rate for the fourth consecutive year, and “maintaining its position as having the lowest property tax rate of all 55 upstate counties,” according to the county statement, released on Nov. 6.

Budget Workshops are slated to take place this month with a proposed Public Hearing tentatively slated to take place Dec. 3 and proposed budget adoption on Dec. 11.

The tentative $432 million budget:

-Keeps the levy within the state’s property tax cap and reduces the property tax rate by 5%. Tax rate: $1.87 per $1,000 of assessed value. This equates to a 15% reduction in the property tax rate

over the past four years.

- Sales tax revenue projection for 2025: $170 million. The conservative projection comes as the County saw a slower growth rate during the second half of 2024, a trend which officials expect to continue in 2025.

“In the face of higher inflation, unfunded mandates, and a sluggish economy, the 2025 tentative budget is a testament that Saratoga County’s conservative fiscal practices and responsible spending choices that help to maintain the County’s low property tax rate while also delivering robust programs and services our residents rely on,” Saratoga Springs Supervisor and Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Matthew Veitch said in a statement.

In 2025, unfunded state and federal mandates will cost Saratoga County more than $80 million. According to the county release: This is more than the county’s share of the property tax levy, requiring 100% of the County property tax to be allocated to unfunded mandates, which includes Medicaid, temporary

assistance, early intervention, among many others. The burden of unfunded mandates was further strained in 2024 when the State shifted federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage payments from localities to its own coffers.

-Saratoga County continues to invest in its public safety workforce, welcoming more than 30 new deputies over the past 12 months and ensuring ongoing funding for key training initiatives for seasoned staff as well as new hires. These efforts supported in the 2025 budget will ensure first responders have the necessary skills and equipment to respond to man-made or natural disasters, such as the July 2024 tornado in the towns of Edinburg and Day, as well as day-to-day public safety matters.

-The 2025 tentative budget prioritizes: resources for health and human services initiatives and programs, funding and staffing for social services programs residents of all ages depend on, including early intervention, child welfare, foster care, Medicaid, and temporary assistance. In 2025, the County will also continue to

pursue a permanent Code Blue Shelter location to help address homelessness.

-The proposed budget also continues the County’s commitment to veterans. With the largest veteran population in the Capital District, Saratoga County’s proposed 2025 budget provides support for the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support program, which helps veterans re-assimilate to civilian life.

-Saratoga County continues to support youth and families through funding for programs that encourage youth to abstain from drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping. This includes welcoming back its special speaker’s series for school districts, which addresses addiction and empowers students to choose abstinence. The tentative budget also provides for increased funding for the Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act (ATUPA) program to prevent the sale of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and accessories to anyone under the age of 21.

-Environmental health expansion: the 2025 tentative budget provides for a funding

increase of more than $1 million for the Department of Health for technology upgrades including a new online payment and permitting system and clean water supply testing equipment.

-Elections security and integrity initiatives: to ensure safe and secure elections across Saratoga County, investments include equipment upgrades, including new voting machines, and staff training.

-Commitment to preserving open space: maintaining its partnership with Saratoga PLAN as land manager for the Graphite Range Community Forest and with its expansion of the popular Zim Smith Trail, which sees more than 300,000 travelers annually.

-Economic development: partnerships with organizations such as SEDC and Discover Saratoga as well as support of the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga commemoration and the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga.

For more information, to view the budget brief, and to read the full 2025 tentative budget, visit https://www.saratogacountyny. gov/county-budgets/.

President-Elect Trump Picks Stefanik as UN Ambassador –

Resignation of House Seat Signals Special District Election

...continued from front page

in the towns of Corinth, Day, Edinburg, Greenfield, Hadley, Moreau, Northumberland, Providence and Saratoga in their entirety, as well as those in the northernmost section of Wilton.

The post as ambassador to the United Nations requires U.S. Senate confirmation.

“I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate,” Stefanik said in a statement released Nov. 11. “I stand ready to advance President Donald J. Trump’s restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations.”

“It will certainly be a high visibility position,” said Bob Turner, associate professor of Political Science at Skidmore College. “Donald Trump has signaled his distrust of the U.N. and of multilateral policymaking in general and whoever is in that position is going to be in charge of trying to impose (the president-elect’s) policies on the UN. When it comes to things like NATO or Ukraine or Israel-Palestine, there is going to be a lot of heat that

will be generated at the UN.”

Edward Reilly Stettinius, Jr. – who served as Secretary of State under Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman - became the first U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in the mid-1940’s. There have been 30 Representative of the U.S.A. to the United Nations in all, including John Bolton (2005-2006), Nikki Haley (2017-2018), and most recently Linda Thomas-Greenfield –who was nominated by Pres. Joe Biden in January 2021 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate one month later.

On a national scale politically, the anticipated pending departures of House Republicans Elise Stefanik, Mike Waltz and Matt Gaetz –each selected by President-elect Trump as appointments for his administration - leaves the GOP with three less active members at the start of the new Congress in 2025 and vacant until filled via special elections.

“It is a little surprising, because while it seems Republicans will gain control of the House, their margin is going to be in the single digits. To lose a reliable supporter of the president I think took people by

surprise,” Turner said.

Stefanik also serves as House Republican Conference chair. “I think had she decided to stay there certainly would have been an opportunity for her to become the first female Republican speaker of the House,” Turner said.

A Special Election for Congressional District 21

It is anticipated a Special Election to fill the Congressional seat in District 21 will take place sometime in the spring of 2025.

When U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik officially resigns from the House, a 10-day window will open for Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a special election to

fill the seat vacancy in the 21st Congressional District, with that election to be held about 70 days later. For example, were Stefanik to officially resign when Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2025, the special election would then be held in early-tomid April.

Members of the House of Representatives under normal circumstances serve full twoyear terms; The seat in District 21 would be vacant until the Special Election, and then once filled, up for reelection in November 2026.

The candidates for the special election will be selected by party leaders. No party

primaries will be held. The 21st Congressional district includes more than a dozen counties –Warren, Washington and parts of Saratoga among them - and multiple county committees are charged with coming up with a consensus to put forward their party’s respective candidate.

“My family and I are excited for this next chapter in New York and Washington to work hard to serve our country on President Donald Trump's team,” Stefanik said in a statement. “No matter where this journey takes us, Upstate New York - the cradle of the American Revolution - will always be my heart and home."

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

New interactive kiosks intended to enhance visitor experiences and create a customized travel experience for visitors have been installed in Saratoga Springs. The TrueOmni Visitor Experience kiosks, are located

at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center across from Congress Park, and the Saratoga Springs City Center, Discover Saratoga announced in a press release this month.

The technology used in the kiosks changes the way visitors engage and connect with the destination. Visitors are able to access local business listings and attractions, view descriptions and maps, find ADA accessible stops and experiences, see current events, and plan out itineraries.

Information can be texted or emailed to users’ phones, so they have local information on-the-go.

“They pull our website and allow visitors to interact with our member listings. We receive information on what visitors are looking for so that we can create experiences that better serve their unique needs,” Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga said in a statement. Discover Saratoga is the county’s official tourism promotion agency.

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— Former Public Works

Commissioner Jason Golub and Deputy Public Works Commissioner Joseph O’Neill are slated to appear in Saratoga Springs City Court Nov. 21 to respond to allegations in connection with an official misconduct misdemeanor charge, according to an advisory released by Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll.

As of Nov. 13, documents specifically related to the charges and allegations were not

available for review at city court.

“On Nov. 1, 2024, Uniform Appearance Tickets were issued by the Saratoga Springs Police Department to former Public Works Commissioner Jason Golub and Deputy Public Works Commissioner Joseph O’Neill directing them to appear in City Court,” Coll wrote. “For further clarification, this matter originated with the Office of the New York State Comptroller. It was thereafter referred to the New York State Police who referred it to the Saratoga Springs Police Department for investigation.”

Coll declined to comment further on the matter.

Saratoga County Unveils Digital Kiosks to Enhance Visitor Experience City Police Issue Appearance Tickets to Former DPW Commissioner, Deputy House of Worship, Residential Development Plans in Saratoga Springs

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— The Saratoga Springs Planning Board continues its public meetings this week with three applications under consideration:

-Unitarian Universalistic Congregation - site plan review for the construction of a 8,844 square foot place of worship and associated site work at 400 Louden Road.

-DevelopmentWashington Street and West

Avenue. A land disturbance activity permit is sought for site work, including filling and grading approx. 2.5-acres, to provide for future development at 239 Washington St. -Subdivision. Subdivision - Preliminary plat review of a proposed 20-lot subdivision would result in 36 new residential units at 25 New St. Meetings are held at City Hall and open to the public. For times and dates of meetings of the city’s three Land Use Boards – including the Planning Board, go to: saratoga-springs.org.

New interactive kiosk at the City Center. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

Week of November 15 - November 21, 2024

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

BALLSTON

Daniel Halbig sold property at 17 Sycamore St to Charles Savage for $455,000

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 16 Timber Creek Dr. to Lucas LaFreniere for $551,400

CORINTH

1010 19TH St LLC sold property at 541& 545 Main St to J Thomas Roohan for $150,000

Manfred Boyle sold property at 34 Morgans Way to Rae Gass for $455,000

GALWAY

Anthony Nuzzi sold property at 3009 South Shore Dr to David Pickens for $429,900

GREENFIELD

Eric Varcoe sold property at 160 Allen Dr to Suzanne Guzy for $670,000

MALTA

Susan McQuade sold property at 129 Thimbleberry Rd to Tyler Godell for $355,000

Malta Land Company LLC sold property at 8 Admirals Way to Allen De Jesus for $730,990

Diane Fiore sold property at 670 East Line Rd to David Wilson for $183,333

MILTON

Mackenzie Paine sold property at 927 to Armer Family LLC for $400,000

Faraone LLC sold property at 289 Rowland St to Michelle Paquette for $275,000

54 Van Buren St LLC sold property at 54 Van Buren St to Robert Coffey for $291,000

SARATOGA

Sandra McTygue sold property at Lot 2B Burgoyne Rd to Shayne Lyon for $180,000

Ryan Coleman sold property at 309 Burgoyne Rd to Andrew Travis for $421,000

Christopher Pleskovic sold property at 1406 NYS Rt 9P to Sean Oshea for $533,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Top Tier Rentals sold property at 59 Union St to Luigi Casinelli for $465,000

Lorraine Thompson sold property at 57 Central Ave to Solar Engine 1 LLC for $345,000

Linda Martelli sold property at 227 Maple Ave to Neil Costa for $120,000

54 Marion Ave LLC sold property at 34 Marion Ave to Judy Geist for $180,000

Todd Bishop sold property at 223 Maple Ave to Neil Costa for $1,125,000

Rex Steves sold property at 340 Grand Ave to Steven Bidstrup for $720,000

Jeffrey Hanington sold property at 3 Dutchess Ct to Christopher Thier for $474,900

Beechwood Saratoga LLC sold property at 22 Aurora Ave to Mitchell Patterson for $2,268,000

Tradewind Holdings LLC sold property at 38 Oak St to Shari Noonan for $675,000

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St #661 to Teno West for $1,175,000

Wade Geary sold property at 8 Karista Spring Dr to Raymond Genier for $305,000

WILTON

Maximus Restoration and Development sold property at 183 Louden

Rd to Matthew Smith for $400,000

Forest Grove LLC LLC sold property at 78 Daintree Dr to Christopher Williams for $796,864

Forest Grove LLC LLC sold property at 29 Daintree Dr to Michael Bassett for $645,662

Suzanne Farr sold property at 30 Fairmont Dr to Eric Tenczar for $530,000

Week of November

Saratoga-Based Video Game Company Dreams Big

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— If you’re seeking stardom, head to Hollywood. If you’re a finance bro, take the next train to Lower Manhattan. If you grew up addicted to Nintendo or “Halo,” the best destination might be Upstate New York.

Few businesses are reeling in as many talented young gamers as Rushdown Studios, a video game company based in Saratoga Springs that’s stocked full of developers. Launched in 2021 by three people, Rushdown has grown at a rapid pace. This year, they have 30 employees. In the not-too-distant future, they project they’ll have 100. They were profitable in year one and

doubled their revenue in year two. Thus far, the company has contributed to a number of notable games, including “PUBG,” “Among Us,” “League of Legends,” and “Last Epoch.”

What is Rushdown’s secret sauce that allows them to thrive in a small city known more for horses than high scores? Co-founder and CEO Kirk Becker said much of his company’s success revolves around its growing reputation.

“The video game industry, as much as the market cap is massive, it really feels like a small industry,” Becker said. “You see the same companies, the same people, at video game conferences. At [the Game Developers Conference] in San Francisco every year, there are so many familiar faces. If someone gets a bad reputation early on, it’s really hard to dig

yourself out of that hole.”

Rushdown’s early successes have allowed them to court prospective hires with companies like Riot Games (“League of Legends”) and Blizzard Entertainment (“World of Warcraft,” “Diablo”) on their resumes.

“Talent from these studios want to come work at Rushdown,” Becker said. “That’s awesome.”

Some developers may want a change of scenery, fleeing giant companies in crowded California cities for the serenity of Upstate New York and Vermont. Others, however, may stay put. Roughly half of Rushdown’s workers are local, while the rest are remote.

“A lot of times if you’re hiring someone with [C++ and game engines] expertise, you’re taking them from another

Upstate New York video game studio if they’re in the area. So we hire remotely,” Becker said. “But [back-end engineering] talent is much more accessible in Upstate New York, so we might lean towards hiring those folks to be in office.”

Although many people in the industry live and work in California, Upstate does have some enticing advantages over the West Coast.

“There are people who are like, ‘I’d love to work in the Adirondacks and still have the same job working on games,’” said Andy Polidore, Rushdown’s co-founder and COO.

Polidore also said that an East Coast time zone allows Rushdown to work well with both West Coastbased companies and partners in the U.K. and Europe. In

other words, New York is conveniently placed right in the middle of major video game companies across the globe.

As Rushdown’s staff and client list both continue to grow, the company hopes to become large enough that it can build its own games from start to finish. Having a larger company would “unlock different types of work that we can say yes to,” Becker said. “Why that’s important to us is because we all love games and we would love to work on a game end-to-end and own the entire thing, and have someone pay us to do that.”

Rushdown is actively hiring for a variety of positions and currently has five openings posted to its website. To learn more about the company or view its job listings, visit www. rushdownstudio.com.

Rushdown Studios logo provided by the company. Character art by Alessandra Fonseca.

Decorated Captain Speaks at Local Veterans Business Council Event

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Captain James Diefenderfer, Commanding Officer of the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa, spoke to attendees of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce's Veterans Business Council Annual Breakfast on October 28 in Saratoga Springs.

According to the Naval Sea Systems Command, Captain Diefenderfer’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.

Captain Diefenderfer’s shipboard assignments include: USS Chosin (CG 65) as First Lieutenant; USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as Reactor

Mechanical Division Officer; USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) as Operations Officer; USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as Reactor Training Assistant; and USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) as Executive Officer, and Commanding Officer.

While in Command of USS The Sullivans, his ship earned the Battle E twice, won the Battenberg Cup, deployed independently to 5th and 6th Fleets, and with the HMS Queen Elizabeth Strike Group to 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets.

Ashore, he served as Shift Engineer at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa at the S8G/AFR Prototype, on the Navy Staff in the Navy Warfare Group (OPNAV N515), and on the U.S. Northern Command Staff as a Missile Defense Officer and as Aide-de-Camp to the Commander.

Omakase Sushi and Grill Reveals Opening Plans

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Omakase Sushi and Grill, the anticipated new venture from restaurateur Briana Lin, had a soft opening on Wednesday, November 13 for a limited number of guests. Its grand opening is set for early December. The restaurant is located at 30 Lake Avenue in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Omakase Sushi and Grill is named after the Japanese tradition of omakase, which literally translates to “I leave it up to you.” When ordering omakase, patrons entrust the chef to choose their meal for them.

The restaurant will also feature a standard menu with a la carte sushi and other Asian dishes for less adventurous diners.

Lin’s ever-expanding restaurant empire includes Azuma Sushi Bistro in Malta and five other eateries located in Latham, Glenmont, and Niskayuna.

Photo of the Omakase Sushi and Grill interior via the company’s Facebook page.

Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

EDUCATION

Saratoga School Bus Cancellations Cause Parent Frustration

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Recent bus cancellations by the Saratoga Springs City School District caused some parents to vent their frustrations in a local Facebook group.

On November 6, one parent posted to the group “What’s Going on Saratoga” that she was notified that her son’s bus was canceled less than 90 minutes before dismissal. “I have no idea the procedure, can't seem to find it in the handbook, and no one is answering the phone there,” the parent wrote.

Screenshots of Saratoga Springs school district notifications stated that “due to the school bus driver shortage and employee illness,” buses 461 and 466 were both canceled,

along with all after-school late buses.

Earlier this year, the district cut two full-time transportation department positions as part of its 2024-2025 budget. Although neither of the positions were technically drivers, they were a dispatcher and mechanic, both of whom sometimes served as substitute bus drivers when necessary.

At an April 25 budget adoption meeting, bus dispatcher Dean Musgrove expressed his opposition to the cuts. “It’s really going to do a lot of damage to our department and I don’t think you realize the extent of it,” Musgrove said. “I have a hard time understanding why $180,000 can’t be located to cover these two positions that you’re talking about cutting…Even though they’re not technically driver positions,

they are actually drivers.”

In April, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton said there had been “significant sacrifices” in order to achieve a balanced budget. “We truly appreciate the feedback that we do receive from transportation,” he said. “Mr. Musgrove and I had several conversations.” Dr. Patton also noted that other similarly-sized school districts had fewer dispatchers and routing specialists than Saratoga Springs.

Bus driver shortages have been an ongoing issue both

locally and across the country. Data from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) indicates that from September 2019 to September 2023, there was a 15.1% decrease in the total number of K-12 bus drivers nationwide. Private school bus driver employment also declined by 21.5% over the same fouryear period.

Several factors have contributed to the shortage, including low wages. According to the EPI, school bus driver wages are significantly lower than most other workers.

Drivers earned an average of $20 per hour in 2022, which is nearly 17% less than the median wage for all workers. Drivers only work an average of around 32 hours per week, which means their weekly wages are also below average. Many drivers also don’t work during summers, which decreases their yearly income.

The Saratoga Springs school district currently has a bus driver job opening that pays $22.15 per hour, which is below the median wage for all workers in the economy ($24.04), according to data from 2022.

Empire State University Student Invited to White House

— Danielle Emeny, a student in Empire State University’s Doctor of Education program, was recently invited to the White House by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to celebrate the National Partnership for Student Success and paint the way forward for educational equity across the country.

The National Partnership for Student Success is a publicprivate partnership led by the U.S. Department of Education, AmeriCorps, and Johns Hopkins University, that focuses on evidence-based student support. The partnership connects school districts with local, state, and federal agencies and resources while connecting

students to community and service-oriented activities. Emeny helped pilot the program at SUNY Upstate as a member of their professional staff, in collaboration with staff at SUNY Onondaga Community College and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Educational equity is at the center of Emeny’s personal, professional, and academic goals. At Empire State University, Emeny is working toward a Doctor of Education degree and focusing on research surrounding graduate students with disabilities in higher education. This is a personal mission for Emeny, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2022 shortly before her studies began.

“This changed how my brain processed data as well as nearly obliterated my ability to read printed text,” Emeny said in a statement. “Fortunately, I can read for short periods of time on a computer if the text is inverted white on a black background, but this sudden shift in my adult life made me realize that accessible does not necessarily mean equal. I wish to focus on this topic to make sure that other students who need support services can get services that are useful in a timely fashion and to make accessibility mean access.”

As this work continues, Emeny said she hopes to bring the program to other campuses and bring financial resources to other students that could help keep them in school.

Danielle Emeny, an Empire State University student, appears at the White House for the National Partnership for Student Success. Photo via Empire State University.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Ballston Spa School Psychologist Wins Presidential Service Award

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA —

Chelsea Cangeleri, the Ballston Spa Middle School psychologist, was recognized by the district’s Board of Education last week for receiving the New York Association of School Psychologists’ (NYASP) Presidential Service Award. The honor recognizes NYASP members who exceed duties and services to the organization.

“[Chelsea] is a true leader in our department,” said Director of Secondary Special Education Daina Sisk at the board meeting. “She’s a leader, she’s a collaborator, and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with her every day.”

Ballston Spa Library to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony

Cangeleri won the award at the annual NYASP conference held last month in Syracuse. The event brings together hundreds of psychologists from across

New York and nearby states.

Cangeleri previously won the NYASP Chapter F School Psychologist of the Year award in 2022.

WWII-Era Aircraft Fly Over Local Schools to Celebrate Veterans Day

Public domain photo of two U.S. Army Air Force North American AT-6C-NT Texan trainers via the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

BALLSTON SPA — On the morning of Friday, November 8, a formation of World War II-era T-6 Texan aircraft soared over local schools in celebration of Veterans Day. The planes could be seen above Ballston Spa High School, Caroline Street Elementary School, and Maple Avenue Middle School.

The spectacle was arranged by the Prescott Foundation, along with local warbird operator

Mark Murphy. The aircraft flew in a circular route that began at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School around 9:30 a.m. and ended at Galway Central School District about an hour later.

According to the National Museum of World War II aviation, the T-6 Texan is an American single-engine aircraft used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and United States Navy during

World War II and into the 1970s. The last known military use of the Texan was by the South Africa Air Force as a trainer in 1995, which gives it a working history of 60 years, a figure virtually unrivaled by any other WWII-period aircraft. Today, the T-6 remains a popular warbird aircraft used for airshow demonstrations and static displays.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Public Library will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, November 17 at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the start of construction of a reading room and local history room. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own shovels. Light refreshments will be served. The library is located at 21 Milton Avenue in downtown Ballston Spa.

School Psychologist Chelsea Cangeleri is recognized by the Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education at a November 6 meeting. Photo via the event livestream.

The Ballston Spa Public Library will be adding a new reading room and local history room. Photo via the library.

Holiday Guide

Food

SATURDAYS

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

WILTON MALL FOOD COURT

Thanksgiving Dessert

by Jodie Fitz for Saratoga TODAY

Whetheryou make your own desserts, or prefer to pick up premade, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is bursting with ingredients and baked items ready to serve your guests. Here are two delicious, seasonal desserts to consider adding to your menu.

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Wilton Mall in the food court area November 2nd through April 26th. Find us online a www. saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Apple Cake

YIELDS: 8-10 servings

PREP & COOK TIME: 65-70 min

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• 1/2 tablespoon butter, softened*

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

• 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup almond flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs, room temp*

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

• 2 apples, peele and sliced about 1/4” thick*

INSTRUCTIONS:

Lightly grease the bottom of an 8" or 9" springform pan or round cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper cut to fit the bottom of the pan. Generously butter the parchment and sides of the pan with the softened butter. Sprinkle with the sliced almonds. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, sugar, and extract until creamy. Whisk in the dry ingredients until combined. Use a rubber spatula to fold the apples into the batter. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan; use your spatula to even out the apples if needed.

Bake until golden-brown on top and a toothpick or paring knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 50 to 55 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack.

Run a paring knife around the edges of pan to release the sides; or, if using a cake pan, invert it onto a rack or plate, remove the parchment, and turn it back over, top-side up, onto a wire rack. Let cool for at least 15 minutes more. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

YIELDS: 12 servings

PREP & COOK TIME: 1 hr 45 min

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• 1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 32 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 1/3 cup sour cream, at room temperature*

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract*

• 3 large eggs, at room temperature*

• 1 cup pumpkin puree*

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 /2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

INSTRUCTIONS:

Adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Stir the cookie crumbs together with the ginger, cinnamon, sugar and melted butter. Press the ingredients firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9” or 10” springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Remove it from the oven and place the pan on top of a large piece of aluminum foil that will fold up the sides.

Mix together the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract; mix well. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one.

Divide out 2 cups of the batter and stir it in a separate bowl with the pumpkin, cinnamon and pumpkin spice.

Alternately add scoops of each of the batters. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the batters together without disturbing the crust.

Place the springform pan wrapped with the foil into a larger pan. Boil and add 1” of water into the exterior pan to create a water bath.

Bake the cheesecake for 55 to 70 minutes. Crack the oven once it has baked, but let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Serve with salted caramel and whipped cream

Recipe adapted from Sally’s Baking Recipes

Recipe adapted from King Arthur Baking

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

make your Thanksgiving prep and serve a little easier. Good tools are essential to good cooking just like good tools are helpful to a carpenter building a house. One tool I think a lot of foodies don’t have or know how to use is the thermometer It is one of my must haves in a kitchen. Undercooked Turkey is a recipe for Salmonellosis! Your turkey should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees for 15 seconds. You should check the temperature in at least two places and in the thickest part of the turkey. Do not discount how much this tool means to not just you but your whole family. Our recommendation is a simple Bi-Metallic stemmed thermometer. There are others, such as digital but this is the simplest, easiest and most cost-effective choice. It’s easy to calibrate and if you stop in, I’ll personally teach you how. One of our favorite instant-read thermometers is the Thermo Pop by Thermo Works.

The second recommendation for a must have is a Flavor injector and there are many types. Adding some flavor can really set your Turkey apart from Mom’s recipe.

Our third recommendation is either an open roaster or a roaster with a lid. Roast meat, poultry, and vegetables to perfection with a large roaster. Open roasters can hold up to a 20-lb. turkey. The heavyduty stainless-steel roasting pan features tall, straight sides, which help prevent splatters and spills, while its upright handles ensure a secure hold when transporting the pan to and from the oven, even when

GIVE THANKS FOR Great Gadgets

Hello my Foodie Friends!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. There is so much to do to gear up for the holiday season. It is time to start the preparations of items needed to create your fabulous feast. At Compliments to the Chef, we have some gadgets which can

wearing thick oven mitts. The open roaster comes with a V-shaped nonstick roasting rack that elevates large cuts of meat to promote even cooking. Another cool tool for your feast is a gravy/fat separator. There are various sizes and styles of gravy separators. Among the types is a 1 ¾ cup gravy separator that is made of FDA-approved, BPA-free polycarbonate and plastic. This gravy separator strains out fat, seasonings, and lumps for flavorful gravy, broth, soup stock, au jus, and sauce with lower fat and calories.

The BPA-free polycarbonate and plastic structure resists breakage and is heat-safe to 248-degrees Fahrenheit. It has a large handle that allows for a safe grip The pierced lid strains out lumps and larger food bits with a low-set spout that pours flavorful liquids without the fat; drip-free spout for easy, mess-free pouring. The fat separator also has a widemouth opening and markings in milliliters and cups (from

Homemade Gravy

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 tablespoons flour

• 2 -3 cups broth (this is where a fat separator helps).

When you cook meat, like a big roast, or a turkey, for example, you’re left with a pan full of delicious juices, mixed with a layer of greasy (yet delicious) fat. You need to get rid of that fat in order to get to the juices (a main ingredient in gravy). You can skim it off, but this makes it so much easier. here’s a large hole strainer on top to strain out any big chunks. All you do is pour all of the juices and fat into the fat separtor together. Just quickly empty out that pan. Fat will naturally rise to the top as it settles. If you do this with a normal measuring glass, when you start to pour, you’re pouring the fat. Notice about a fat separator, the spout connects at the bottom, so you just pour out the flavorful juices and can easily stop when you get to the fat.

• kosher salt to taste

• black pepper to taste

• Additional flavor agents: fresh herbs, seasonings

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt butter in a medium-sized sauce pan. Add flour and whisk constantly until mixture is golden caramel color and smells fragrant (3-5 minutes).

½-cup) makes straining and measuring easy; microwave safe for easy reheats. The fat separator is easy to use and is great for everyday or holiday meals and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Also, have your knives sharpened so you do not end up hacking away at your roast. Remember, we have knife sharpening services at Compliments to the Chef.

These are just a small list of what can help you this season. Getting ready for the holidays doesn't have to be a struggle. Cherish your moments together. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. Let us assist you with your holiday culinary needs. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care,

John & Paula

2. Slowly whisk in liquids, while whisking, until mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened and bubbly, 5 minutes or longer.

3. Taste, and then season with salt and pepper to taste, and add any other flavorings like fresh herbs.

Recipe courtesy of ourbestbites.com

Skidmore Exhibition:

Artist Molly Burt

Westvig Opening

Reception Nov. 19

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Molly Burt-Westvig is Skidmore College’s 2024 resident for the competitive Work+Space program, which allows the Skidmore Art Department to bring an emerging artist to campus for three weeks.

During the residency, BurtWestvig will operate from a studio in Saisselin Art Building and engage with students through artist talks, one-andone critiques, and more. The residency will also culminate in

a public exhibition at Schick Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and run through Friday, Dec. 8, in Schick Art Gallery, on the second floor of Saisselin Art Building. An opening reception and gallery talk will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (talk begins at 5:30 p.m.) on Tuesday, Nov. 19. All Schick Art Gallery exhibits and events are free and open to the public; visit the Schick Art Gallery website to learn more.

Saratoga Arts Announces New Executive Director: Amy Bloom

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Saratoga Arts Board of Directors has announced Amy Bloom as the new Executive Director.

Bloom is an experienced leader in strategy, operations, marketing, and fundraising, and a long-time resident of Saratoga Springs. She has worked regionally as an Executive at

Planned Parenthood, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, and Alliance for Better Health, and in 2020 co-founded and grew a local primary care organization, and led it towards acquisition by a national health care company.

Founded in 1986 by and for artists and audiences, Saratoga

Arts’ mission is to enrich the region by cultivating a vibrant arts community and by ensuring that the arts are accessible to all. For more information about Saratoga Arts, visit www. saratoga-arts.org. Saratoga Arts is located at 320 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Joinery to Host

Live Mural Painting and Open House Event on Saturday

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Saratoga Joinery, a woodworking makerspace at 69 Caroline St., invites the community to Rooted in Community: Open House and Mural Painting event, 10a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Guests can expect shop tours, live woodworking

demonstrations, make-and-take toy build stations for kids, raffle drawings and refreshments.

Saratoga Joinery, which opened in March, has been bringing people together through woodcraft, offering more than 40 woodworking classes on projects like cutting boards, picture frames, resin

river charcuterie boards, hand cut joinery and kumiko.

Over 80 community members have joined the community woodshop for access to tools, fellowship, and training

Learn more about this event and Saratoga Joinery at www. saratogajoinery.org.

Winter Concert Series: Stringwynde at Brookside Museum Nov. 16

BALLSTON SPA — Flautist

Melanie Chirignan and Harpist

Darhon Rees-Rohrbacher will be performing in the Long Room at The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16.

In August of 2017, an ambitious flautist emailed a

highly recommended harpist, and inquired if she might want to play some duets together – and, thus, Stringwynde was born.

The artists each hold graduate degrees in music and perform in a variety of musical genres.

As individual performers, their appearances have included solo recitals, chamber ensembles,

symphonies, and many private events. As versatile educators, they have taught countless private music students as well as working in both public and private school classrooms

The musicians specialize in music of the Celtic tradition. For more information, go to: www. brooksidemuseum.org.

Molly Burt-Westvig - Installation view, “To Trace a Sunbeam,” video projection on salvaged automotive mirrors, 2024. Photo provided.

Week of November 15 - November 21, 2024

Prog Jam Fusion Supergroup at The Strand Nov. 19

HUDSON FALLS — Progressive jam-fusion supergroup PAKT will perform at the Strand Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

The band features Percy Jones (Brand X, Brian Eno, David Sylvian, Suzanne Vega), Adam Holzman (Miles Davis, Steven Wilson, Marcus Miller, Lenny White0), Kenny Grohowski (John Zorn, Brand X, Imperial Triumphant, Hipster Assassins), and Tim Motzer (Bandit65, Jaki Liebezeit, David Sylvian, Jamaaladeen Tacuma).

PAKT is heralded as dwelling in the realms of progressive rock, electric jazz, experimental, ambient, psychedelic and beyond.

Tickets are $25 general admission and available at the Strand Box Office; cash or check only or online at Brown Paper Tickets. Doors

PAKT performs at The Strand Theatre Tuesday.

into the lobby, coffee shop and box office open at 6 p.m.

For more information go to:

www.mystrandtheatre.org. The Strand Theatre is located at 210 Main St, Hudson Falls, NY.

New Exhibition – 33 Things –Opens Friday

at Spring Street Gallery

Whitney - “33 Things: A Collection of Functional Objects,” opens Friday. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —An Opening and Talk featuring artist Michael Whitney will take place 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at Spring Street Gallery.

Whitney was able to create a project titled: 33 Things, which is a collection of functional objects made using broken and discarded objects.

The Artist talk on Friday will discuss how the project came about. In addition to the discussion, the gallery will also be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11-3 p.m. The exhibit is made possible due to a grant from Saratoga Arts.

Spring Street Gallery is located at 110 Spring St., Saratoga Springs.

Calling all Young Artists: SPAC Accepting Submissions for Festival of Young Artists

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced it is accepting visual art, literary art, and performing art submissions to be featured at “The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists” online exhibit and live event on June 1, 2025. Numerous works will be selected with one student in each category receiving the “Outstanding Artist Award” and $500 to support the further development of their craft.

New for 2025, SPAC is also partnering with Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) to offer the first Student Composition Contest, selecting one student composer to have their work premiered by the ESYO Symphony Orchestra during the festival.

Returning for its 8th annual event, The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists will celebrate the collaborative creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region’s brightest young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists all in support of SPAC’s mission to provide free access to enriching arts

programs for local youth.

This year’s event will follow the theme Wonder, inspired by the work of 24th U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón. Limón urges readers to maintain a sense of awe and curiosity even when hope seems distant, and to appreciate the many wonders of life that foster resilience and discovery. In her work, In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa, she writes: "We, too, are made of wonders, of great and ordinary loves, of small invisible worlds, of a need to call out through the dark."

High school students, middle school students, and youth ensembles who reside in or are part of a school or organization based in the following NY counties are invited to submit musical scores, photos of artwork, digital copies of literary compositions, and videos of performances: Albany, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Rensselaer, Warren, Washington.

The deadline for submissions is Jan. 24, 2025. Visit spacfoya.org for details.

Michael

of November 15 - November 21, 2024

This Week’s Events:

NOV. 15 - 21

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Play: Junie B. Jones

615 Maple Ave., Suite 3, Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m. Saratoga Children’s Theatre presents Junie B. Jones, a play based on the beloved book series as Junie navigates first-grade adventures with humor. This show is sure to have the whole family laughing, singing, and remembering what it’s like to see the world through a child’s eyes. The show will also take place on November 16 at 7:30 p.m. and November 17 at 1 p.m. For tickets, visit https:// www.saratogachildrenstheatre. org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Ethnic Food and Bake Sale and Craft Show

St. George Church, 55 Main and Second St., South Glens Falls | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Greek, Syrian, Romanian, American. Stuffed Grape Leaves, Hummus, Cabbage Rolls, Kibbeh, Spanakopita, Syrian Bread, Meat and Spinach Pies, Baklava, Tabbouleh Pies, Cakes, Cookies. A variety of American pies for Thanksgiving and many more desserts. Crafters will have gifts for everyone for Christmas and for any time of the year. Refreshments available. Free parking and admission. For more information, call the church at 518-792-2359. Sponsored by the Ladies Society.

American

Legion Monthly Meeting

34 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. Adirondack Post 70 will meet.

What’s That Noise

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | 11 a.m. A display and exploration of personally owned musical instruments, both simple and complex. Come learn about and use some lesser known, unique instruments, and see

that you too can be a musician. Presented by Peter Lewis and Franklyn Whitney. Please register to attend 518-882-6385.

Free Talk - Physical Therapy in Knee Arthritis and Replacement

Saratoga Physical Therapy Associates, 2388 Route 9, Malta | 1 p.m. “Having a Knee Replacement? A Physical Therapist Can Help” will be presented by physical therapist Matt O’Neil, a partner with, Saratoga Physical Therapy Associates at the multi-site practice’s location. This is a free community event. O’Neil has been practicing physical therapy for three decades, specializing in working with patients with knee-joint arthritis, including before and after replacement. His vast experience makes him a preferred provider with surgeons and patients. Topics to be covered include Osteoarthritis overview, Conservative management through physical therapy, Total knee replacement before and after care. Questions will be welcome at the talk. Seating is limited for this informative free community event, so reservations are requested at 518-899-1140.

Genealogy and Local History

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 1 p.m. Heritage Hunters will meet for a program presented by Jack and Jan McEneny titled, “Two Vanished Villages.” They will share their personal searches for the villages where their ancestors lived. Both families emerged from the Irish famine that gripped County Mayo and made new homes at the “Glass Factory Village” near Lake Desolation in Saratoga County. Jack spent 19 years in the New York State Assembly and has also served as Historian for Albany County. The public is welcome. For information, call 518-885-9309.

Gingerbread Workshop for Kids

50 West High St., Ballston Spa | 2 – 5 p.m. You are invited to this fun workshop where you will make gingerbread, design and create your structure, and assemble and decorate on November 23. All materials are provided. The fee is $12 per structure. Kids from 8 years up will enjoy this project. AND you will get an idea of what 4-H is all about. Register by calling 518-885-8995 or email Leland at glb76@cornell.edu. All are welcome! We hope to see you there.

Winter Concert Series: Stringwynde

Long Room, Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 3 p.m. Flautist Melanie Chirignan and Harpist Darhon Rees-Rohrbacher are well known throughout the Capital Region and specialize in music of the Celtic tradition. This concert is sponsored by a grant from Saratoga Arts, The Music Performance Trust Fund of the American Federation of Musicians and the Saratoga County History Center.

Ham Dinner

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Ham dinner with scalloped potatoes, vegetable, soup and homemade dessert. Adults $12. We are encouraging pre-orders for delivery and pickup-up dinners. 518-793-1152

Jacob Perlow Event Series: Music Love and Mysticism in the Ottoman World

Arthur Zankel Music Center, Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall, Skidmore College |7:30 p.m. About the event: Ethnomusicologist/performer Joseph Alpar and his ensemble perform a diverse and exciting program of music exploring the long, intertwined histories of Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the Ottoman Empire from the 14th through 20th centuries. The central theme of the concert is love-aşk in Turkish-in all its forms. Free to the public.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17

All You Can Eat Breakfast

Gansevoort Volunteer Firehouse, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m. Menu: Eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits, sausage gravy, orange Juice, milk, and coffee. Donations: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors 55+, $10 Military and 1st Responders, $8 Children (age 6 – 12) Free kids under 6.

Nutcracker Tea

Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. Join Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet for a whimsical event with tea, delicious treats, dancing, and holiday fun. Children and families will enjoy holiday shopping from local vendors, and silent auctions. Delight in a live performance from the Nutcracker Suite along with a reading of The Nutcracker Story. Don't forget to take your photo with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy! The Nutcracker Tea is our largest fundraiser for the full-length Nutcracker production that takes place on December 21 & 22 at the University at Albany's Performing Arts Center. For tickets visit www.eventbrite. com.

Sustainable Saratoga Open House

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs |1 - 2:30 p.m. Anyone interested in learning more about Sustainable Saratoga is welcome to attend. Find out about our committees in Urban Forestry, Pollinator Protection, Land Use, Zero Waste, and Climate and Energy. We will start with a presentation about each of our 5 committees, followed by a meet and greet session where you can talk with our executive director, board members, and committee members.

Celebrating 50 Years of Brookside Museum

Long Room at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 2 p.m. 50 years ago, a dedicated group of local individuals opened the doors to Brookside Museum

and Saratoga County History Center is still here, and ready to celebrate this milestone. All are welcome to help celebrate this momentous occasion. The highlight will be the premiere of the film “50 Years of Brookside Museum”. Enormous thanks to Dave Waite for working so tirelessly on this film. Cake will also be served to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Registration is not mandatory to attend, however we encourage you to register for the celebration online at www.brooksidemuseum.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Thymly Herb Garden Group Meeting

4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd., Ballston Spa | 9:45 a.m. – noon. No meeting if the School District has a delay or closes. Karen Conklin will demonstrate how to mold herbal butter for Thanksgiving and show butter molds from the 1800’s to the present. Mary Jennings will talk about the history and the beauty of the Dorset button dating back to the 1600’s. She will show how to craft, use and add herbs to the buttons. Light refreshments and a meeting to follow. Dues are $20/year. First time attendance is free. New members welcome. Please RSVP to thymlyherbmail@ gmail.com.

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there. Please contact us with any questions: Leader Gordon Blyth gordonsblyth@ gmail.com 917-887-7980 and Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com 518-810-8483.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Pierogi Sale

Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - pickup. We will have potato/cheese, kraut, sweet potato (special: seasonal) and farmer's cheese pierogies. All pierogi orders

are $12/dozen. We may have stuffed clams as well. Please call to place your order, 518363-0001.

Pressure Canning Meats Class

Cornell Cooperative Extension, 50 W. High St., Ballston Spa | 5:30 – 8 p.m. Learn how to can venison and dehydrate jerky. Register at 518-885-8995. Cost is $15.

The Town of Greenfield Historical Society Meeting

Greenfield Community Center, 25 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center | 7 p.m. The video of Rachel Clothier's Cemetery Tour will be presented. Greenfield History book will be available for sale starting at 6:30 pm. Cost is $20 (cash). All are welcome.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Turkey Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. For curbside pickup only. Call Monday and Tuesday between 10 a.m. and noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: Sliced Turkey Breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetable, gravy, tossed salad, dinner rolls. Dinner for $15 (cash only).

Free Community Meal

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls | 5 – 7 p.m. Come join us for food and fellowship. Held on the third Wednesday of each month. This month’s meal is Goulash with salad, dessert and drinks.

Astronomy Club

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | 6:30 p.m. Rich Horsch will give a handson presentation of how to use your telescope and phone to view the sky. This group meets monthly on the third Wednesday, and is open to adults and teens (middle school and older). Registration is requested, but not required, by calling 518-882-6385.

Science on Tap

Common Roots Brewing Company, 58 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls | 7 p.m.

Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Program and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/ event/science-on-tap/

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21

A Visit with Heather Morris

Shenendehowa High School West Auditorium, Clifton Park | 7 p.m. Join Heather Morris, author of The Tatooist of Auschwitz, Cilka's Journey, and Three Sisters, as she speaks about her novels and discusses her research and the stories behind them. A Q & A and book signing will follow. Copies of her books will be available for purchase from The Open Door Bookstore. This event is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Library. 518-3718622. www.cphlibrary.org

Radium Girls

Production

Ballston Spa Hi School, 220 Ballston Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. Ballston spa High School’s talented theatre troupe invites the community to attend their upcoming production of Radium Girls, a riveting drama that explores the true story of courageous factory workers fighting for justice and safety in the workplace. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and students. Tickets will be sold at the door. Additional performances on November 22 and 23 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on November 23 at 1 p.m.

UPCOMING Events

Southern Saratoga Art Society

SSAS will be hosting artists and members throughout the area. The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., will show artwork at SSAS's annual Themed Show, "Artwork Inspired by a Song " during the months of November and December. Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, will show the artwork of SSAS member, Faith Weldon, during November. The Town of Clifton Park Hall Lobby, 1Town Hall Plaza, is showing the artwork of SSAS member, Cheryl Birmingham during November. Artist and member of SSAS, Cheryl Jenks, is showing her artwork at Soave Faire, Broadway, Saratoga Springs during the month of November.

Crafters and Vendors Wanted for Craft Fair

Space available for crafters/ vendors at the Middle Grove United Methodist Church, located at 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove, on Saturday, November 23, for a $25 participation donation. For more information, text interested in MGUMC craft fair - or call and leave a message for Lisa at 518-779-9141.

Famous Brown Bread & Bake Sale

It’s time for Simpson United Methodist Church’s to hold our semi-annual Brown Bread & Bake Sale. Cost is $8 per loaf. Pick-up dates: Friday, November 22, 4 - 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bake sale on Saturday. 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls. Call 518-885-4794 to place your order. Please leave your name, telephone number and the number loaves you would like to reserve; and if possible, let us know if you will be picking up on Friday or Saturday. A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order.

Annual Craft and Vendor Fair

November 23, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Crafts, vendors, live music,

gift wrapping, silent auction. Sow local artisans. Church is located at 429 Middle Grove Rd., corner of Middle Grove & North Creek Rd.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train

The Holiday Train is back on the rails, bringing holiday joy and supporting local food banks across North America. Franklin Community Center has been selected as the local beneficiary for the Saratoga Springs stop at Saratoga Springs Train Station, 26 Station Lane. The event will take place on Monday, November 24 at 7:20 p.m., which is free to attend. Live performances by James Barker Band and Clerel, offering festive entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, sponsored by B&B Plumbing and Heating, along with cookies and candy canes. Donations of non-perishable food or cash are encouraged. Saratoga Turkey Trot

This Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, the Christopher Dailey Foundation will host their 23rd Annual Christopher Dailey 5K Saratoga Turkey Trot. The Run/Walk will be held on Broadway in Saratoga Springs starting at 8:30 a.m. All proceeds from the event will support the Christopher Dailey Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting youth needs in the Saratoga Community since 2002. Please join us for the community event as we mark another year of fundraising and charitable giving. For more information, visit www. christopherdaileyfoundation. com. You can connect with the foundation by calling 518-879-8305 or email christopherdaileyfoundation@ gmail.com.

Pet Photos with Santa

Get into the holiday spirit and support Gateway House of Peace by bringing your pets to meet Santa on Saturday, November 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 479 Rowland St., Ballston Spa. This event is open to children, pets, and families; appointments strongly encouraged. While walk-ins are welcome, we cannot guarantee how long your wait will be. We encourage you to book an appointment to secure your spot. Walk-in donations are accepted as cash or check

only. Your $25 donation covers your sitting fee, digital download and printing rights. Gateway House of Peace is a not-forprofit organization serving persons with terminal illness who are diagnosed with three months or less to live. Contact: Allison Drapeau, adrapeau@ gatewayhouseofpeace.org or 518450-1273.

Sip & Shop

The Town of Greenfield will hold a “Sip & Shop” event at Brookhaven Golf Course, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on November 30. The new holiday bazaar will combine a winter market and a holiday social opportunity that is free to the public. The event will benefit the Greenfield Elementary School Home School Association, its parent teacher group.

2024 Winter Photography & Hiking Series

Led by Saratoga nature photographer Louis Valenti. This series of photo hikes is open to beginner photographers and will explore the uniqueness and beauty of the Geyser Creek trail. The Photo Hikes will begin on Sunday, December 1, and will be held every Sunday through December 22, 2024, from 10:30AM – 12:00PM. Each hike will provide photographic opportunities and will introduce participants to key fundamentals of photographing nature. All hikes will depart at 10:30AM from the SPAC parking lot, section A. Please come prepared for a 1.4-mile hike including appropriate clothing, footwear, camera or iPhone. This series of photo hikes is free. Reservations required. Contact Louis Valenti at 518-438-1141 or email LouisValentiPhotography@ gmail.com

12th Annual Laying of Wreaths

Please join us at one of the following locations as we horror those who have served our country: Galway Town Hall, Galway Junior-Senior High School, Galway Village Park, Gideon Hawley Park in Charlton, Scotch Church Cemetery, Providence Town Hall. Sponsored by the Glenville Hills Garden Club and partial funding by Bob’s Trees.

Monday | 5 p.m.

AD

DUE: Wednesday | Noon

Publication Day: Friday

Notice of formation of MorningLine Technologies LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 9/24/2024 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: 23 Fairhill Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15/2024. 13790

Notice of formation of Jodi L. Carson Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the New York State Dept. of State on 07/02/2024. The County within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is located is Saratoga. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is to the limited liability company at Jodi L. Carson Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, PLLC 15 Maria Court, Rexford NY 12148. Company is organized for Professional Nursing as Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry. 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15/2024. 13791

Notice of formation of Saratoga NY Car Service

LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/02/2024

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: 117 Nelson Ave, Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Purpose:

Any lawful purpose. 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15/2024. 13807

Notice of formation of Midnight Twelve LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 09/01/2024 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: 1237 West River Road, Gansevoort NY 12831. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15/2024. 13808

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). The name of the LLC is D-2 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 2, 2015. Office Location: 105 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs NY 12866, 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: 105 Lake Avenue Saratoga Springs NY 12866. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the LLCL. 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22/2024. 13819

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability

LEGALS

Company (LLC) Under Section 206 of The Limited Liability Company Law. The name of the LLC is FPI ACQUISITION PARTNERS, LLC. The Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on August 26, 2024. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. The office of the LLC is to be located in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State is designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The address of which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC is 3 Cedarcrest Drive, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22/2024, 13821

Notice of Formation of Connors Premier LLC, a Domestic Limited Liability Company. Articles of Organization filed with the Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/17/2024. Office location: County of Saratoga. SSNY is designated is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY mail copy to: 7 Oak Ridge Blvd, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22/2024. 13838

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC).

Name: Lansing Property Management and Consulting, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October 17, 2024. 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:

Lansing Property Management and Consulting, LLC, 2452 State Route 9, Suite 311, Malta, 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. 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29/2024. 13873

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION FOR A NEW YORK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY PURSUANT TO NEW YORK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

LAW SECTION 206(c)

The name of the Limited Liability Company is: THE 2024 ORTLEY AVENUE THOROUGHBRED, LLC. The date of filing of the Articles of Organization with the Department of State was September 27, 2024. The county in New York in which the office of the company is located is: Saratoga. The principal place of business for the Limited Liability Company is: 32 Furlong Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the company upon whom process may be served, and the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the company served upon him or her to DANIEL F. COLLINS, 32 Furlong Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The business purpose of the company is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under the Laws of the State of New York. 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29/2024. 13875

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME:

asaratogastylist, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/23/24. 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, 6032 Jessimine Loop, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose. For any lawful purpose. 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29/2024. 13880

Notice of formation of CADi Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/21/2024. 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: 297 Coy Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6/2024. 13922

Notice of formation of Trailblaza Reliance LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/22/2024. 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: 15 Trieble Avenue STE 5 PMB 438, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6/2024. 13928

Notice of Formation of Riccio-Camardello NP in Psychiatry and NP in Family Health PLLC. Articles of Organization for

Week of November 15 - November 21, 2024

LEGALS

Riccio-Camardello NP in Psychiatry and NP in Family Health PLLC were filed with the Secretary of State of New York on October 25, 2024. Office located 22 Elizabeth Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent upon which process may be served and a copy of process shall be mailed by the Secretary of State to the PLLC at PLLC ADDRESS. Purpose: for any lawful activity for which limited liability companies may be formed under the law.

11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/06, 12/13/2024. 13983

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Name: A Premier Real Property Solution LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October 30, 2024. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: c/o The LLC, 375 South Line Road, Galway, NY 12074. Purpose: Any lawful act or activities. 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/06, 12/13/2024. 13988

Notice of Formation of LLC. Articles of Organization for Saratoga Premier LLC were filed with the Secretary of State of New York on August 30, 2024. Office Located at 308 Excelsior Ave., Apt. 408, Saratoga Springs, NY in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent upon which process may be served and a copy of process shall be mailed by the Secretary of State to the LLC at LLC ADDRESS. Purpose: for any lawful activity for which limited liability companies may be formed under the law. 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/06, 12/13/2024. 13991

NOTICE: FORMATION OF LAW OFFICE OF JUSTINE STECIUK, PLLC. Art. Of Org. filed w/ NY Sec. of State (SSNY) November 1, 2024. Office

location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC at its principal business location, P.O. Box 1042, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: practice of law. 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/06, 12/13/2024. 13994

Notice of formation of Roche Capital Enterprises LLC, a limited liability company (the “LLC”). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (“SSNY”) on 09/18/2024. Office location is Saratoga County and the SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC, upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any such process served to: the LLC, 24 Tipperary Way, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful purpose. 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/06, 12/13/2024. 14005

Notice of formation of THE SQUATCH BRAND LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/24/2024 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: 78 Walnut St #2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/06, 12/13, 12/20/2024. 14012

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Saratoga County Department of Central Services located at 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 will receive sealed proposals until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2024 for VoIP Mitel MiVoice Phone System, specification 24-RFP-ITMPS-1. Specifications and proposal forms may be obtained at the Central Services Department, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (telephone - 518-885-2210) or

download at no charge from the Empire State Purchasing Group website at www. empirestatebidsystem.com. Saratoga County, through its Central Services Department, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all Proposals.

JOHN T. WARMT

Director of Purchasing Saratoga County

11/15/2024, 14019

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Department of Central Services 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:

December 3, 2024

Reflectorized Glass Spheres, specification 24-PWRGS-51R December 4, 2024

Potassium Permanganate, specification 24-SDPP-1 December 10, 2024

Paver Placed Surface Treatment, specification 24-PWPA-30R

Bid forms and instructions are available at the Department of Central Services, 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 Department of Central Services, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids.

JOHN T. WARMT

Director of Purchasing Saratoga County 11/15/2024,14022

Notice of Formation VICKIS

PIZZERIA, LLC. Art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 08/08/2018. Off. loc. in Saratoga Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 2259 COOK ROAD GALWAY, NY 12074 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/06, 12/13, 12/20/2024. 14037

ADOPTION

HELP WANTED

SEEKING TAX ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEERS

Tax-Aide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for the upcoming tax season at various sites in Saratoga & Warren counties. You do not need to be an AARP member to volunteer. Tax-Aide volunteers answer questions, prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1st to April 15th, 2025. No experience is required, but computer experience is needed for tax counseling. IRS certified training will be given in December and January at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library. Volunteers typically participate one or more days per week, with flexible schedules to accommodate volunteer availability. Volunteers who do not wish to prepare returns are also needed to greet taxpayers, confirm appointments or provide computer support. Free IRS certified training is provided for all positions. For more information on how you can join our team, contact the District Communications Coordinator at 518 309-8530 or email AARPTaxAideSaratoga@gmail.com.

518-581-2480 ext. 204

EMAIL: CDURFEY@ saratogapublishing.com 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs

ATTORNEY

DIVORCE $389 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person Application included if applicable. Separation agreements. Custody and support petitions. 518-274-0380

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT?

Don’t Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider

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AUTO DONATIONS

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MISCELLANEOUS

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

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Notre Dame Visitation Fisher Hall Rental

Located at 18 Pearl St., Schuylerville. Basic Hall Rental and Kitchen & Appliances Hall Rental – Call for details, Patty 518-695-3391.

ESTATE SALE

52 YORK AVE IN SARATOGA

THURS-SUN, NOV. 14 - NOV. 17, Final Phase of Contento Estate with access to entire house. More info online; Estatesales.net. Material, clothing, vintage linens, furniture, tools & more. Home will also be for sale.

Do you need a Roof or Energy Efficient Windows & Helppaying for it? YOU MAY QUALIFY THROUGH NEW RELIEF PROGRAMS (800) 944-9393 or visit NYProgramFunding.org to qualify. Approved applications will have the work completed by a repair crew provided by: HOMEOWNER FUNDING. Not affiliated with State or Gov Programs.

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Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535.

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: Baluster, Banister

A baluster is a short pillar that supports a handrail. The balusters on the deck were secured with small

A banister is the handrail on a staircase. We slid down the banister when we were children.

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

Saratoga & Ballston Spa Golfers Receive Suburban Council Awards

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— The Suburban Council has awarded multiple boys golfers from Saratoga Springs with various honors, including Player of the Year (Carter Sica) and Newcomer of the Year (Ceko Cupp).

The council also named both Saratoga and Ballston Spa athletes to its first and second all-teams, including Sica (1st team), Jeffrey Fumarola (1st team), Cupp (2nd team), Charlie Greiner (2nd team), and Cole Whitman (2nd team).

Honorable mentions were awarded to Saratoga’s Thomas Bundy and Wyatt Dolinsky, as well as Ballston Spa’s Sam DiNallo.

Sica, a senior, has committed to Manhattan College. His recent accomplishments include placing 2nd at the 2024 Capital Region Amateur

Championship, finishing 6th at the 2024 Notah Begay New Jersey Regional, and coming in 7th at the 2024 MET PGA Future Series at Eisenhower White.

Cupp, an 8th grader, won the Northeastern New York

PGA JGT Summer Classic #5 at the Saratoga Lake Golf Club in July, defeating dozens of competitors. He also finished 2nd at the Northeastern New York PGA JGT Summer Major #4, played at the Eagle Crest Golf Club in Clifton Park.

Racers Announce Two Signings

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— The Saratoga Racers of the American Basketball Association (ABA) have announced the signings of two new players: TJ Jenkins and Cameron Dobbs.

Jenkins is a 6’ 4” shooting guard/forward who played at Schenectady High School and Niagara Community College. He previously played in the ABA for the Bennington Martens.

Dobbs is a 5’ 11” guard who played at Guilderland High School before beginning his college career at Division I Mississippi Valley State. He finished his career at American International.

The Racers are in the midst of their inaugural season. They’ll next head to Rochester to play the Royals on November 16 before facing the Bulldogs in Binghamton on November 23. They’ll be back at home on December 7 to take on the Connecticut Surge.

Carter Sica of Saratoga Springs High School was named the boys golf 2024 Suburban Council Player of the Year. Photo via his recruiting website.

TJ Jenkins and Cameron Dobbs have joined the Saratoga Racers’ roster. Photos via the team.

Jr. NBA Scores Jr. NBA Scores

from this season’s first games in the Gavin Park Jr. NBA program:

DIVISION 1

CELTICS VS. LAKERS

Celtics-16: Robert Turner-8, Finn Redner-4

Lakers-4: Kage Hazel-4

BULLS VS. WARRIORS

Bulls-18: Grant Berry-8, Blake Laparl-4

Warriors-6: Dylan Lynch-6

DIVISION 2

NUGGETS VS. KNICKS

Nuggets-28: James Washburn-6, Dillon Britton-4

Knicks-5: Harrison Khoury-2, Alex Kozarsky-2

BULLS VS. WARRIORS

Bulls-23: Boe Bishop-7, Jackson Scranton-4

Warriors-18: Gavin Clancy-4, Donovan Kisselbrack-4

DIVISION 3

LAKERS VS. HORNETS

Lakers-33: Colton Barbaro-8, Jace Biss-6

Hornets-19: Reed Peterson-4, Jack Riley-Chittenden-4

GRIZZLIES VS. MAVS

Grizzlies-32: Kayden Klippel-8, Solomon Rucinski-6

Mavs-30: Jack Lawson-8, Evan Verrigni-8

KNICKS VS. WARRIORS

Knicks-31: Mica Warden-12, Tucker Lescault-11

Warriors-16: Elijah Lynch-9, Ben Smalley-2

DIVISION 4

MAGIC VS. GRIZZLIES

Magic-32: Gavin Finn-8, Derek Ogniewski-6

Grizzlies-22: Shiloh Parker-8, Caiden Lynch-8

BUCKS VS. TIMBERWOLVES

Bucks-35: Sam Debenedetto-9, Vidal Feliz-Morris-8

Timberwolves: Nathan Rawert-10, Matthew Franck-4

Saratoga Girls Soccer Team Advances to State Semifinals

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SYRACUSE — The Saratoga Springs girls varsity soccer team advanced to the state semifinals on Saturday after defeating Section 3 champions CiceroNorth Syracuse. The 1-1 game remained tied after the overtime period, forcing a tiebreaker that the Blue Streaks won, 5-4.

The victory came on the heels of Saratoga capturing its first Section 2 Class AAA title in more than three decades after beating Shaker 1-0.

The Blue Streaks began their remarkable season by winning 7 of their first 8 games. After a loss to Shaker (the team they would later beat to win sectionals), they tied Ballston Spa before winning another four straight games.

With only four teams now remaining in the 2024 NYSPHSAA Girls Soccer

Championship Tournament, Saratoga will face Arlington at Tompkins Cortland Community College on Saturday, November 16. If the Blue Streaks can manage another victory, they’ll head to the finals and play either Ward Melville or Fairport at SUNY Cortland’s Grady Field. Getting to the finals won’t be easy, however. The Arlington

Admirals are 17-3-1 on the season and have won 6 games in a row, including 3 shutouts. Arlington has averaged about 4 goals per game this year, compared to Saratoga’s 2.4. The Admirals are also undefeated in away games this season.

The semifinals matchup is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Saratoga Girls Tennis Doubles

Team Headed to States

The Saratoga Springs girls tennis doubles team of Clare Dooley and Addison Jones will head to the state championships after a strong showing at sectionals last month. They’ll be joined by Section 2 doubles champs Sam Ostrander and Lydia Koivula from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and Bethlehem doubles team Hope Brown and Rayka Kogut.

Photo via Section 2 Athletics.

The Saratoga Springs girls varsity soccer team celebrates its victory against Cicero-North Syracuse last Saturday. Photo via the team’s Instagram account.

Saratoga & Schuylerville Runners Have Strong Showings at Section 2 Championships

Schuylerville High School runners

Adeline Ballou and Gavin Winacott celebrate after 5th and 7th place finishes, respectively, at the 2024 Section 2 Cross-Country Championships in Queensbury on Saturday, November 9. Photos via the Schuylerville Central School District.

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

QUEENSBURY — Saratoga Springs and Schuylerville runners had impressive outings last weekend at the Section 2 Cross-Country Championships in Queensbury.

Scotties Fall in Semifinals

AVERILL PARK — The Ballston Spa varsity football team lost their Class C semifinals matchup to Averill Park last Friday, 36 to 13.

The Warriors dominated early, scoring 16 unanswered points in the first quarter. But Ballston Spa kept the contest competitive in the second and

third quarters, scoring 13 points to Averill’s 14. It was too little too late, however, and 6 more points from the Warriors in the final quarter sealed the deal. It was a tough game for the Scotties, who finished 5-5 on the season, and had previously been beaten by the now 7-3 Averill in September by a score of 41 to 21. To reach the semifinals, Ballston defeated Bethlehem 27 to 14 on November 1.

For the girls, Erin Moleski came in 6th with a time of 18:06.40 while Reagan Owen and Cora Conley finished seconds apart in 9th and 10th, respectively. The girls team took 3rd place overall with 59 points, falling just shy of second-place Shenendehowa’s 56 points.

In Class A events, Saratoga’s Thomas Isenovski finished 2nd in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 15:25.20. Not far behind were fellow Blue Streaks Owen Blaisdell (4th place, 15:40.80) and Darren Pasek (6th place, 15:54.50). The boys team placed 2nd overall with 47 points, just barely losing out to first-place Colonie.

In Class C competition, Schuylerville’s Adeline Ballou came 5th in the girls 5,000-meter run with a time of 20:00.30, and the girls team placed 4th overall with a score of 141 points.

For the boys, Gavin Winacott placed 7th with a 17:25.20 time and the boys team took 5th with 161 points. Both Winacott and Ballou will advance to the state championships held on Saturday, November 16.

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

Photo via the Ballston Spa Football Club.