BEST OF THE SARATOGA REGION 2 0 2 1
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2021 BEST OF
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2021 BEST OF
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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BEST OF THE SARATOGA REGION
2 0 2 1 PUBLISHER Chad Beatty
GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee ADVERTISING SALES Jim Daley Cindy Durfey GRAPHIC DESIGN Kacie Cotter-Sacala AD DESIGNER Kelsey Sherman COVER PHOTO Photo by Michael Nelson of Spa City Digital
2254 Route 50 South • Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-581-2480 • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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WHO ARE THE
BEST OF THE BEST IN THE SARATOGA REGION? Well, I would say anyone who survived 2020! But putting the pandemic aside, we dig into that topic in our annual Best of the Saratoga Region awards section. The winners are in today’s paper, but the process began months ago. In early March we ran a few simple ads in Saratoga TODAY asking for input from our tens of thousands of readers. The request was simple: Nominate your favorite businesses in a variety of categories. In March, the voting process began, and the response was overwhelming. Similar to prior years, this year we had a few new additions as well as a few surprises. I know I found a LOT of my favorite businesses on the list and I am sure you will also. So flip the pages, check out the results and go visit a winner that you may not have known about. Thanks for being a part of our contest and congratulations to all the businesses that go above and beyond to make our region a great place to live, work and raise a family.
-Chad Beatty
Publisher, SARATOGA TODAY
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B E S T
businesses and services
55+ LIVING RESIDENCE
ASSISTED LIVING
Winner
Summit at Saratoga
Runner Up
Prestwick Chase
Winner Wesley Community/ Woodlawn Commons Runner Up
ACCOUNTANT Winner
Jeff Many
Runner Up
Bill Jeffreys
APARTMENT LIVING Winner
The Paddocks of Saratoga
Runner Up
The Washington
Home of the Good Shepherd
ATTORNEY Winner
Debra Verni
Runner Up
Elizabeth Byrne
AUTO DEALER (NEW) Winner Mangino Runner Up
Saratoga Honda
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Adirondack Trust Company
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... best businesses and services
AUTO DEALER (USED) Winner Mangino Runner Up
New Country Toyota
AUTO REPAIR & SERVICES Winner
Marion Ave. Mobil
Runner Up
Sam's Tires & Automotive
BANK Winner
Adirondack Trust Company
Runner Up
Ballston Spa National Bank
BARBER/BARBER SHOP Mangino
Winner
Medberry Barber Shop
Runner Up
Boiler Room Cut and Shave
ion Kodiak Construct
BUILDER (NEW HOME) Winner
Kodiak Construction
Runner Up
Bonacio Construction
BUILDER (REMODELING) Winner
Bonacio Construction
Runner Up
Kodiak Construction
BUTCHER Winner
Just Meats Deli & Market
Runner Up
Fred the Butcher
CAR WASH
Bonacio Cons
truction
Winner
Hoffman Car Wash
Runner Up
Spritz Car Wash
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... best businesses and services Cudney’s Cleaners
CHIROPRACTOR Winner
Dr. Keith Cavayero, Back in Motion
Runner Up
Szurek Chiropractic
CREDIT UNION Winner SEFCU Runner Up Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry
Stewarts Federal Credit Union
DENTIST Winner
Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry, Drs. Dodd & Walsh
Runner Up
Alfred Hollis, DDS
DOCTOR Winner
Steven Clark, PA
Runner Up
Dr. Gloria Ethier, DO
DRY CLEANER
ision Saratoga V
Zieker Eye Ophthalmology Photo by Super Source Media
Winner
Cudney’s Cleaners
Runner Up
Feigenbaum Cleaners
EQUIPMENT RENTAL Winner
Saratoga U-Haul
Runner Up
Trak Rental Saratoga - Allerdice Hardware
EYE CARE: OPTICIAN Winner
Saratoga Vision
Runner Up Vaughn Vision
EYE CARE: OPHTHALMOLOGIST Winner
Zieker Eye Ophthalmology
Runner Up Dr. Jeffrey Paul, MD
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... best businesses and services Vaughn Vision
EYE CARE: OPTOMETRIST Winner
Vaughn Vision
Runner Up Saratoga Vision
FUNERAL HOME
William J. Burke & Sons Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes
Winner
Burke Funeral Home
Runner Up
Armer Funeral Home
GARAGE DOORS Winner
Overhead Door Company of Glens Falls
Runner Up
O'Leary Overhead Door
GRANITE Winner
Granite & Marble Works
Runner Up
Capital Stone
HAIR STYLIST / SALON l
Saratoga Hospita
Winner
Salon 8
Runner Up
Inspire Hair Salon
HEALTH CENTER / HOSPITAL Winner
Saratoga Hospital
Runner Up
Glens Falls Hospital
HEALTH FOOD STORE The Wesley Community
Winner
Healthy Living Market and Café
Runner Up
Four Seasons Natural Foods
HEARING CARE Winner
Dr. Robin Solomon, Hearing Care Resources
Runner Up
Madison and Saratoga Hearing Center
HOME CARE SERVICES Winner
Wesley Senior Solutions
Runner Up
Home Instead Senior Care
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... best businesses and services
HVAC
B&B Plumbing and Heating
Winner
B&B Plumbing and Heating
Runner Up
Family Danz
INSURANCE COMPANY Winner Adirondack Trust Company, Amsure Insurance Runner Up
State Farm
INSURANCE AGENT Winner
Nicole Della Porta, State Farm
Runner Up
SEFCU Insurance Agency, LLC
KITCHEN & BATH REMODEL Capitol District Kitchen & Baths
Winner
Capitol Kitchens and Baths
Runner Up
Bonacio Remodeling Division
LANDSCAPING & DESIGN Winner
Brookside Nursery
Runner Up
Cleveland Brothers Landscaping
MORTGAGE LENDING COMPANY
y Brookside Nurser
Winner
Adirondack Trust Company
Runner Up
SEFCU Mortgage Services
NURSING HOME Goodemote Physical Therapy
Winner
Wesley Health Care Center
Runner Up
Home of the Good Shepherd
PAVING Winner
Adirondack Paving
Runner Up
Heritage Asphalt Paving LLC
PHYSICAL THERAPIST Winner
Goodemote Physical Therapy
Runner Up
Capital Area Physical Therapy and Wellness
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Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery
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PLASTIC SURGERY Winner
Steven Yarinsky, MD, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery
Runner Up Dr. Jeffrey Ridha
POOL BUILDER / SWIMMING POOLS
Roohan Realty
Winner
Concord Pools & Spas
Runner Up
Albany Pool Rebuilders
REAL ESTATE AGENT Winner
Kate Naughton
Runner Up
Joan Taub
REAL ESTATE OFFICE
Saratoga Taxi
Winner
Roohan Realty
Runner Up
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blake, Realtors
SEALCOATING Winner
BDB Paving
Runner Up
Lenihan Paving
STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHERS Winner
Ashley Wilbur Photography
Runner Up
Rob Spring Photography
TATTOO / PIERCING Winner
Seeled By Ink
Runner Up
Bittersweet Blackbird
TAXI Winner
Saratoga Taxi
Runner Up
Jay’s Spa City Taxi
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... best businesses and services Garland Nelson Photo by Super Source Media
TILE Winner
Best Tile
Runner Up
Sherman Tile
URGENT CARE Winner
Saratoga Hospital Urgent Care
Runner Up
Malta Med Emergent Care
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
A Lively Event
Winner
Adirondack Trust Company
Runner Up
SEFCU Wealth Management
WEB DESIGN AGENCY Winner
Flight Creative Group
Runner Up
The Content Saratoga
WEDDING DJ’S Winner
DJ Vinny
Runner Up
Hersh Productions
WEDDING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Winner
Garland Nelson
Runner Up
Rich Ortiz
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS Hall of Springs
Winner
Rob Spring Photography
Runner Up
Hannah Lux Photography
WEDDING PLANNERS Winner
A Lively Event
Runner Up
Christine Wheat Special Events
WEDDING VENUE Winner
Hall of Springs
Runner Up
Universal Preservation Hall
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B E S T
education DAYCARE CENTER Winner
St. Paul's Christian Childhood Center
Runner Up
Maple Leaf Child Care Center
PRESCHOOL Winner
Abilities, PLLC
Runner Up
Beagle School
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Winner
Saratoga Central Catholic
Runner Up
St. Clements School
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B E S T
food and drink
AFTER TRACK PARTY
BBQ
Winner
Horseshoe Inn
Winner
PJ’s BAR-B-QSA
Runner Up
Solevo Kitchen + Social
Runner Up
Dizzy Chicken
ASIAN
BEER SELECTION
Winner
Kinjo
Winner
Druthers Brewing Co.
Runner Up
Sushi Thai
Runner Up
Henry St. Tap Room
BAR FOR LIVE MUSIC
LOCAL DELIVERY
Winner
Gaffney’s
Winner
Spring Street Deli
Runner Up
9 Maple Avenue
Runner Up
Fat Paulie’s Deli
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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BREAKFAST PLACE Winner
Triangle Diner
Runner Up
Country Corner Cafe
BRUNCH Winner
Max London's
Runner Up
Sweet Mimi’s Cafe
BURGER Winner
The Local Pub and Teahouse
Runner Up
Village Pizzeria & Ristorante
CANDY STORE Winner
Saratoga Sweets Candy Company
Runner Up
Kilwins
CASUAL DINING Winner
Olde Bryan Inn
Runner Up
Village Pizzeria & Ristorante
CATERER Winner
Mazzone Hospitality
Runner Up
Augie's Family Style Italian Restaurant
CHEF Winner
Tatu Tacos & Tequila
Runner Up
Taverna Novo
CHICKEN Winner
Hattie’s Chicken Shack
Runner Up
PJ’s BAR-B-QSA
CHICKEN WINGS Winner
Harvey's Restaurant and Bar
Runner Up
West Side Sports Grill
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... best food & drink Hamlet and Ghost
COCKTAILS Winner
Hamlet and Ghost
Runner Up
Tatu Tacos & Tequila
COFFEE Winner
Uncommon Grounds
Runner Up
Coffee Planet
DELI Village Pizzeria & Ristorante
Winner
Roma Foods
Runner Up
Fat Paulie's Deli
DINER
rant
Lake Ridge Restau
Winner
Triangle Diner
Runner Up
Country Corner Cafe
FAMILY DINING Winner
Village Pizzeria & Ristorante
Runner Up
Augie's Family Style Italian Restaurant
FINE DINING Tie Winner: Lake Ridge Restaurant Tie Winner: 15 Church Runner Up
Solevo Kitchen & Social
GELATO/YOGURT Winner
Saratoga Gelato
Runner Up
Dairy Haus
HAPPY HOUR Winner
Tatu Tacos & Tequila
Runner Up
Cantina
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... best food & drink
ICE CREAM Winner
Stewart's Shops
Runner Up
Dairy Haus
ITALIAN Winner:
Village Pizzeria & Ristorante
Runner Up
Augie's Family Style Italian Restaurant
LATE NIGHT BITE Winner
Tatu Tacos & Tequila
Runner Up
Esperanto
LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD BAR Winner
The Local Pub & Teahouse
Runner Up
Solevo Kitchen & Social
LOCALLY BREWED BEER Winner
Druthers Brewing Co.
Runner Up
Artisanal Brew Works
LUNCH Winner
Spring Street Deli
Runner Up
Roma Foods
NEW RESTAURANT Winner
Tatu Tacos & Tequila
Runner Up
Nani's Indian Kitchen
OUTDOOR DINING Winner
550 Waterfront
Runner Up
Village Pizzeria & Ristorante
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... best food & drink 15 Church
OUTDOOR PATIO BAR Winner
15 Church
Runner Up
Village Pizzeria & Ristorante
PIZZA
Saratoga Tea & Honey Co.
Winner
Village Pizzeria & Ristorante
Runner Up
Harvest & Hearth
PRIME RIB Winner
The Wishing Well Restaurant
Runner Up
Prime at Saratoga National
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Winner
Eddie F's New England Seafood Restaurant
Runner Up
The Wishing Well
SEAFOOD SHOP Winner
Eddie F's
Runner Up
Moby Rick's
SPORTS BAR Winner
West Side Sports Bar & Grill
Runner Up
King's Tavern
STEAK Winner
Morton's the Steak House
Runner Up
Solevo Kitchen & Social
TEA SHOP Winner
Saratoga Tea & Honey Co.
Runner Up
Whistling Kettle
WINE LIST Winner
Village Pizzeria & Ristorante
Runner Up
Taverna Novo
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B E S T
fun and leisure
AMUSEMENT
FARMERS MARKET
Winner
Adirondack Extreme
Winner
Saratoga Farmers’ Market
Runner Up
Saratoga Strike Zone
Runner Up
Spa City Farmers’ Market
ART GALLERY
FITNESS CENTER / GYM
Winner
Hyde Gallery
Winner
Mygym Fitness Center & Aerobic
Runner Up
Laffer Gallery
Runner Up
P.R.I.D.E. Taekwondo
B&B
GIRLS' NIGHT OUT
Tie Winner: Union Gables Tie Winner: The Inn at Saratoga Runner Up
Saratoga Arms
Winner
Saratoga Paint & Sip
Runner Up
Cantina
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Saratoga Farmers’ Market Photo by Pattie Garrett
GOLF COURSE Winner
Saratoga National Golf Club
Runner Up
Brookhaven Golf Course
INDOOR GOLF
Saratoga National Golf Club
Winner
Tark’s Indoor Golf
Runner Up
NexGen Indoor Golf Center
KIDS ACTIVITY Winner
Saratoga Ninja Lab
Runner Up
Gavin Park, Town of Wilton
KIDS PARTY VENUE Winner
Saratoga Ninja Lab
Runner Up
Children's Museum at Saratoga
LODGING Saratoga Ninja Lab
Winner
The Adelphi Hotel
Runner Up
The Medbery Inn and Spa
MASSAGE Winner
Saratoga Awareness
Runner Up
Rilassare at 18 Front Day Spa
NAIL SALON Winner
Pro Nails
Runner Up
Spring Nails
PERSONAL TRAINING
The Adelphi Hotel
Winner
Saratoga Peak Performance
Runner Up
P.R.I.D.E. Taekwondo
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... best fun and leisure
PILATES Winner
Elevation Pilates
Runner Up
Natasha Lafayette, The Pilates Institute
SPA Winner
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery
Runner Up
Roosevelt Spa
TANNING SALON Winner
The Glow Lab
Runner Up
Zoom Tan
YOGA Winner
Yoga Mandali
Runner Up
Yana Yoga
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B E S T
for your pet
DOG TRAINERS
PET STORE
Winner
Chow Bella
Winner
Benson’s Pet Center
Runner Up
Malta Animal Hospital
Runner Up
Pampered Pooch
GROOMER
VETERINARIAN
Winner
LA Pet Salon
Winner
Malta Animal Hospital
Runner Up
Dirty Dog By Liz
Runner Up
Homestead Animal Hospital
KENNEL Winner
Milton Manor Spa and Resort
Runner Up
Bellyrubs Doggie Daycare
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B E S T
shopping
APPLIANCE STORE
BRIDAL SHOP
Winner
Earl B. Feiden Appliances
Winner
Lily Saratoga
Runner Up
Marcella’s Appliances
Runner Up
Something Bleu
BEVERAGE CENTER Winner
Minogue’s Beverage Center
Runner Up
EBI
BOOK STORE Winner
Northshire Bookstore
Runner Up
Barnes and Noble
CHILDREN’S TOY SHOP Winner
G. Willikers Toys
Runner Up
Tree Huggers Childrens Apparel
CONSIGNMENT SHOP (CLOTHING): Winner
Treasures Consignments
Runner Up
New2You
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... best shopping
CONSIGNMENT SHOP (HOME): Winner
Saratoga Consignment Studio
Runner Up
Waverly Square Antiques
DRESS SHOP Saratoga Consignment Studio Photo by Susan Blackburn Photography
Winner
Boho Chic Boutique
Runner Up
Spoken Boutique
FLORIST SHOP Winner
Dehn’s Flowers & Gifts
Runner Up
The Posie Peddler
FURNITURE STORE
Dehn’s Flowers & Gifts
Winner
The Furniture House
Runner Up
Mooradian's Clifton Park
GOURMET MARKET Winner
Putnam's Market
Runner Up
Saratoga Olive Oil Co.
GROCERY STORE Earl B. Feiden Appliances
Winner
Price Chopper & Market 32
Runner Up
Hannaford
HARDWARE STORE Winner
Allerdice Building Supply
Runner Up
Curtis Lumber
HOME & GARDEN
Allerdice Building Supply
Winner
Crow Hill Country Crafts
Runner Up
Sunnyside Gardens
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Boho Chic Boutique
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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HOME DÉCOR Winner
Boho Chic Boutique
Runner Up
DB Trends Boutique
JEWELRY SHOP Sleep & Spas (by Bennington Mattress)
Winner
deJonghe Original Jewelry
Runner Up
Boho Chic Boutique
LIGHTING SHOP Winner
Wolberg Electric
Runner Up
Hill Electric
LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS
ratoga
Impressions of Sa
Winner
Boho Chic Boutique
Runner Up
Impressions of Saratoga/The Dark Horse
MATTRESS STORE Winner
Sleep & Spas (by Bennington Mattress)
Runner Up
DreamSleep Mattress Outlet
MEN’S CLOTHING Winner
Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co.
Runner Up
Union Hall
POOL SUPPLIES Winner
Concord Pools & Spas
Runner Up
Sleep & Spas (by Bennington Mattress)
SARATOGA GIFTS Winner
Impressions of Saratoga
Runner Up
Tailgate and Party Shop
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... best shopping
SHOE STORE Winner Runner Up
Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co. iRun LOCAL
SPA & HOT TUB STORE Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co.
Winner
Concord Pools & Spas
Runner Up
Sleep & Spas (by Bennington Mattress)
TAILOR / SEAMSTRESS Winner
Cudney's Cleaners
Runner Up
Feigenbaum Cleaners
WINE & LIQUOR
Concord Pools
Winner
Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor
Runner Up
Sage Wine & Spirits
WOMAN’S CLOTHING Winner
Spoken Boutique
Runner Up
Boho Chic Boutique
Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor
Spoken Boutique
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Behind Every Great Business
ARE GREAT PEOPLE
Roger Flynn
Erin Beaury Erin Beaury is an instrumental part of The Salvation Army team in Saratoga Springs. As the Social Services Coordinator, she is responsible for the oversight and implementation of community programs, such as care management, Pathway of Hope, homelessness outreach, and financial and emergency services. Every day, Erin goes above and beyond for those she meets. She understands that social services are not simply a handout, they are a hand up! When working with an individual in need, she recognizes that she can give much more than just an item or a service; she can give HOPE for a better tomorrow! Erin is an inspiration and an encouragement to everyone around her and works hard every day to stand up for those in need. She is changing lives through her dedicated service, and is Doing The Most Good through The Salvation Army every day!
John Falco Throughout the pandemic, it has been inspiring to work beside a colleague always willing to do whatever it takes to support our mission. To say that Food Pantry and Facilities Manager John Falco has gone above and beyond at Franklin Community Center would be an understatement. John joined Franklin as a part time employee but never hesitated to step up to work extra hours doing whatever needed to support both staff and the food pantry clients. Now as manager, he continues to work countless hours side by side with volunteers as well as staff to make sure no one who reaches out to Franklin for help goes without food and other necessities. An avid cook, he even finds time to make breakfast for Franklin’s staff and bake special treats on staff birthdays! John’s friendly personality and willingness to work with everyone makes him both inspiring and motivating to work beside each day. Both our community and Franklin Community Center are all the better thanks to John, truly an unsung hero during this pandemic.
Roger Flynn will be retiring as president of the Wilton Food Pantry (WFP) after 5 years in that position. Roger has been involved with the WFP since 2014 in a variety of roles. In addition to his lead role, Roger has made countless trips to Hannaford and to other food distribution spots in order to bring back high quality, healthy choices for WFP’s patrons. Roger has been the driving force behind the WFP annual Empty Bowls event – the pantry’s biggest fundraiser of the year. He speaks passionately about helping those in need and has dedicated so many hours to that cause over the years. Although he will soon step aside from his leadership role at WFP, Roger still plans to make those food runs and to help out at the pantry. His fellow WFP Board members wish to thank him for his years of leadership and also look forward to his continued contributions at the pantry.
Rachel Stone, Jacqueline Ahn & Alyssa Pacewicz
Jessie Thompson Jessie is an invaluable member of the Shelters of Saratoga team assisting people experiencing homelessness in the Saratoga region. On a daily basis Jessie is responsible for ensuring guests have a safe and therapeutic place to work toward their health and housing goals. She plans meals, maintains inventory of food and supplies, and ensures our facilities are clean and maintained. Jessie consistently goes above and beyond her call of duty. No matter how busy Jessie is, she always takes the time to get to know our houseguests and understand what they are going through. Jessie not only cares about providing our guests a clean and comfortable bed to sleep in or suppling essential products and items they need, she cares deeply about them as people and always offers support and a listening ear to them when she interacts with them.
Marge Mohrmann “As many of you know three years ago the Saratoga-Wilton Elks created the Senior Outreach Committee to implement our “Seniors In Need Food Delivery Program. Its mission has been to deliver food to our seniors who did not have reliable transportation to get to a market or food pantry. Since it’s creation, Elk volunteers have been delivering food to our seniors twice a month. Each food delivery contains enough food for at least twelve meals. Marge Mohrmann is an officer in the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge and a founding member of this program. As such she has been involved in every aspect of this critical program. Saratoga and Wilton seniors. Our community is very proud of Marge’s ongoing contributions.”
In April of 2020, Rachel Stone, Jacqueline Ahn and Alyssa Pacewicz were conglomerating information to raise awareness for Saratoga Bridges. These three Skidmore students created “Better As One” (BAO) because they believe individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the best quality of life while achieving optimal levels of well-being. Further, they wanted to ensure the spread of the virus was minimized by generating funds to purchase essential resources. BAO has produced an amazing social media presence to showcase our individuals’ capabilities and encouraged their peers to share how they were coping during the pandemic. Friends sang, painted, took photographs and created recipes to boost our individuals’ spirits. Then, they formed Bridges Buddies to connect virtually despite being apart. To date, BAO has generated close to $5,000. Recently, they requested recipes from friends and family members to create a Recipe Share that spreads awareness; for they feel we all need to be ‘Better as One' and spark change to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities have safe, healthy and happy futures. Rachel, Jacqueline and Alyssa are exquisitely altruistic, dynamic, dedicated and enthusiastic. They have invested boundless energy, time and resources to empower people’s lives. Saratoga Bridges has been exceedingly fortuitous to have these SUPERSTAR CHAMPIONS and wishes them much success after graduation! For more info on BAO or to purchase their Recipe Share, visit www.better-as-one.com.