Saratoga TODAY January 30 - February 5, 2026

History OF SARATOGA Somebody’s Out There! Growing up in Greenfield

by Joseph Bruchac | Sponsored by Saratoga County History Center

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

Bowman’s Store. That is what everyone called the place where I spent my childhood. A little gas station and general store in the Adirondack foothills crossroads of Greenfield Center. I was raised by my maternal grandparents, Jesse Bowman and Marion Dunham Bowman. Jesse was a dark-skinned man who tried to hide his Abenaki Indian ancestry. He raised me to manhood without ever admitting his heritage, yet today I am known as an American Indian storyteller and writer.

How did this happen? The process was not linear or orderly. But I know where it began. It began at Bowman’s store.

“Somebody’s out there!” How many thousands of times did I say those three words or hear my grandfather or grandmother call them out?

“Filling station” was the phrase used back then for a gas station. Because there were three Flying A Gasoline pumps out in front of our general store-two for regular, one for high test-we always referred to our store as “the station.” Middle Grove Road came from the west to end there at Route 9N and the “T”. Those roads shapes made Splinterville Hill a perfect location for a filling station and general store.

Our house was right next to the store. It had been built on the stone foundation of an older house, the one my great grandparents had owned. Our house was large, even larger than the old one. But the station started out being small. When I was three years old, not long after my parents had left me to stay “for a while” with Grama and Grampa, the station was one single ten by twelve-foot room, with a long overhang in front of the building to cover the two concrete islands for the gas pumps.

In the warm months of the summer and the early fall, my grandparents would sit in their

chairs out in front of the station, waiting for customers. But in the winter, it was too cold in there to sit and wait, especially for old people.

So, my grandfather put in “the buzzer.’ When the front door of the station closed, a button was depressed. When it opened, the button clicked out , closed the circuit, and the buzzer – which my grandfather placed over the door between the dining room and the kitchen - went off like a hundred bumblebees.

“Somebody’s out there,” one of us would yell. And then whoever was closest to the front door would go out to wait on the customer- if there actually was anyone there. Ingenious as my grandfather was, he was never the world’s most efficient handyman. He figured that a hammer and a lot of nails could solve any problem. Adjusting the buzzer was one of his main pastimes.

A wind would come up, the door would swing open, and the buzzer would go off. Grandpa would pull the spring tighter and cut off the straightened piece of metal that had been the end of the spring. Then he would reposition the hook that held the end of the spring, add another nail for good measure just to hold the hook in place, and step back. The door would then slam so hard because of the tension of the shortened spring that it would knock the buzzer clean off the door frame and leave it hanging with that sound like a nest of angered hornets emanating from the house.

Since the cry of “Somebody’s out there” was, as often as not, more hopeful prophecy that certainty, neither of my grandparents was all that quick to be the first out the door. By the time I was six, I was always the first to go out, a bright-faced emissary delivering the message “They’re coming.”

Then came television. I was

in second grade before I saw it for the first time. Some of the other kids in my class said they had seen it. One girl, known for her drastically imaginative exaggerations, swore that her parents had one- although no one was ever allowed to visit her house to verify that assertion. Television was a far-off and distant thing in our world, as unlikely for us to have, it seemed, as a heliport on your roof would be today.

One autumn day, though, I got off the big yellow bus, and my grandmother was not there to greet me. That was unusual, because I had been having trouble with the bigger boys on the bus. I was a small child with a big vocabulary and as fond as that made my teachers of me, it did not endear me to my classmates.

So now, tightly clutching my pencil case and my Hopalong Cassidy lunch box, I dashed out the bus door before the other boys who got off at the corner stop could grab my collar. I was across the road and up the concrete steps before their heavy feet crunched the gravel. I pushed open the porch door and stopped. There sat a big cardboard box that I had never seen before. My grandmother was sitting in her chair,

but she hardly noticed me. My grandfather was on his knees in front of something as tall as our windup Victrola. But where the doors of the Victrola would have disclosed shelves to stack 78-rpm records, there was a white, flickering screen. It was…a television.

Grampa fiddled with the three round controls on the front of the console. “Mebbe this” he said.

Then as lights and lines shaped themselves more distinctly on the screen, the highpitched whirring sounds of static were replaced by a human voice. It was a women’s voice, singing “When the moon comes over the mountain…”

The picture wasn’t much, but the voice was something! We sat there watching it, listening to it, for hours. People came to the station, and I left the room only long enough to shout out to them, “We’ve got a television, come and see it!” Before long, our living room was filled with people. No one had ever seen anything like it before. Things had changed. There was a new center to our lives.

And then came Gunsmoke. It became my grandfather’s favorite show. When Marshall Dillon was on the screen, nothing could make my grandfather

move. The buzzer would sound, horns would honk from prospective customers waiting for gas, but if Grampa was alone, he’d go no further than to poke his head out the door and call out: “I be only an old man. Pump it yerself, and put the money in the cash register.” If we were home, it was always my grandmother or me who would go out, when the streets of Dodge City were in sight.

My grandmother was the one in the family with the business sense. She handled all the money and kept all the records. My grandfather could barely read or write. The reason he was nearly illiterate was a simple one. It was because of the way he’d been treated in the one room schoolhouse in Porter Corners. Poor, dark-skinned and dressed in rough homespun linsey-woolsey clothes, he found few friends in that little white building. Finally, when he was in fourth grade, something snapped.

“Somebody called me a name,” he told me. “I flattened ‘em, jumped out the window and never come back.” “What did they call you Grampa?’ I asked him.

There was a long pause before he spoke. “They called me an Indian,” he said.

Saratoga Unitarian Universalist Congregation Receives New Interim Pastor

Melissa O’Brien has been appointed Interim Pastor of the Saratoga Unitarian Universalist congregation, returning to serve the community where she was raised.

O’Brien grew up in Saratoga Springs and attended Lake Avenue Elementary School and Saratoga Springs High School before continuing her education at St. Lawrence University, then earning a Master of Education from the University of Vermont and a Master of Arts in pastoral care from Fordham University.

Her professional background includes work as a hospital and hospice chaplain, Congregational minister, teacher, writer, and community leader.

In her interim role, O’Brien will focus on strengthening congregational life, supporting lay leadership, and guiding the community through a period of transition and discernment as they prepare for a dynamic new chapter in the life of their congregation, including the construction of a gorgeous new meeting house on Louden Road in Saratoga. O’Brien will serve the congregation for the next six months.

“I’m very much looking forward to being back in my hometown, near friends and family, and engaging with this great group that has deep ties and meaningful history here,”

O’Brien said. “We are living in a

time when spiritual connection to self and neighbors are more important than ever. I look forward to doing the important work of building community and, hopefully, inspiring others to fill this world with more love, acts of kindness and joy.”

Upstate Status Secure: MTA not coming to Capital Region

by Aidan Cahill Saratoga TODAY

An announced MTA train running from Albany to New York has been canceled as Amtrak resumes full service between the Empire State Capital and its largest city.

The announcement was made in a statement released by New York Governor Kathy Hochul on January 27. In it, she said that because of the full restoration, Amtrak would no longer sanction the MTA trains to run between Poughkeepsie and Albany.

Hochul didn’t close the door to an MTA line to Albany, however, especially given the excitement surrounding the initial announcement.

“I remain fully committed to short and long-term proposals to bring better transit - including expanded Metro-North service if the demand exists - beyond Poughkeepsie and into the rest of the Hudson Valley and Capital Region,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers rely on high quality rail transit like no other state, and I will always fight to save commuters time and to make service better.”

The limited service didn’t stop ridership on Amtrak in 2025. While New York City makes up 84% of all Amtrak travel in the state with 13,037,414 people getting on

and off at Penn Station in 2025, the Capital region dominates the rest of the state.

The five stations in the Capital Region — Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Amsterdam and Glenns Falls — account for a combined

1,142,152 people transiting through on Amtrak. Albany

makes up the majority of this total with 920,779 people transiting through.

In addition to ridership, Amtrak spent $16,074,743 on station improvements in the Capital Region in 2025 with $9,131,070 being spent on Saratoga Springs alone — the most of any station in the state.

OBITUARIES

Charles Henry Harrison

STILLWATER, NY - Charles Henry Harrison, 81, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on January 26, 2026.

Born on December 25, 1944, in Saratoga Springs, NY, he was the son of the late Henry Charles Harrison and Edna Mae Carleton. A lifelong resident of the Saratoga area, Charles— known to most as “Chuck”— was deeply rooted in his community and its traditions. After graduating from Saratoga High School, Chuck proudly served in the United States Coast Guard.

For many years, Chuck was the owner and operator of Charles H. Harrison Used Cars, a family-run business that he built with dedication and hard work. Chuck wholesaled and sold cars all over the county and cultivated many relationships.

He was well respected in the car business and was known for his honesty and integrity. He was especially proud to work alongside his son and grandsons, whose support meant the world to him.

Chuck’s true passion, however, was harness horse racing. He dedicated much of his life to the sport at and around Saratoga Harness Track, where he was a familiar and respected presence. Working closely with his longtime trainer and friend, Scott Mongeon, the two men had more than the average owner and trainer relationship, they were more like father and son. They were family. The two enjoyed remarkable success, earning numerous Horse of the Year and Trotter of the Year honors. Among his most notable horses were Future Falcon N and By the Book, achievements he took great pride in and loved talking about with fellow horsemen and friends. Mr. Harrison donated in 2017 a retire harness horse “Most fun Yet” who is now named Apollo to the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Apollo retired in 2025. This link gives the whole story of Apollo. https://paulickreport.com/ horse-care-category/retiredracehorse-now-duty-saratoga

Despite his many accomplishments in racing, Chuck’s greatest joy came from time spent with his family and friends, whose company he cherished above all else.

He was predeceased by his parents and his two sisters, Beverly Gabnoue and Shirley Graham.

Survivors include his son, Mark Harrison (Brandy) of Hague, NY; his daughter, Julie Harrison (Darreyl Bullard) of Ballston Spa; grandchildren Bradley (Maggie) Harrison, Olivia Harrison (John), Adam Harrison, Ashley Harrison (Dylan), Tyler Bullard (Liz), and Kiara Bullard; greatgrandchildren Aurora and Evelyn and his special friend, Debbie Snyder

Friends and family may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday February 1, 2026, at Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday February 2, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the family plot at the Village of Ballston Spa Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Chuck’s memory to the New Vocations Race Horse Adoption Program https:// www.newvocations.org/ or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences and the full obituary may be found at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.

Patricia-Ann Lee

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Patricia-Ann Lee, 94, died peacefully January 21, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Woodlawn Commons Saratoga Room, 156 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs. Donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the Wesley Foundation at https:// www.thewesleycommunity.org/ wesley-foundation.

Shirley Ann Mederski

SARATOGA SPRINGSShirley Ann Mederski, age 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Saint Clement’s Church. Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Sharon Victoria Smith

GANSEVOORT - Sharon Victoria Smith passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded bedside by the love of her family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, January 27, at St. Clement’s Church. Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Alice Tenbeau

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NYAlice Tenbeau passed away on January 19, 2026. Alice was preceded in death by her husband Peter who passed away November 18, 2025. There will be no services at this time. A joint celebration of Alice and Peters’ lives will be held in the future; details will be published when available. Visit www. burkefuneralhome.com.

James H. Smith

GANSEVOORT - James H. Smith, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away at home on January 18, 2026, with his loving wife by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday January 30, at The Church of Saint Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Anthony Ralph Strollo

WIMAUMA, FL - Anthony Ralph Strollo (“Tony”), 82, of Wimauma, Florida, and previously Loudonville, New York, passed away in Florida on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his five sons. Services were held on Thursday, January 29, at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211. Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

BLOTTER

BLOTTER REPORT

January 21- 28

January 21, 2026. 10:47 a.m.-

New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Village of Corinth on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

January 21, 2026. 12:56 p.m.-

New York State Police arrested a Johnstown resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

January 21, 2026. 1:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing- intent to defraud. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred on Jan. 7, 2026.

January 22, 2026. 2:09 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saint Johnsville resident in the Town of Milton on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- 1st offense. Appearance ticket issued.

January 22, 2026. 2:50 a.m.-

Saratoga Springs Police arrested an Albany resident on Lake Avenue on charges of 4th degree criminal possession of stolen propertypossession of a stolen credit card and 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

January 22, 2026. 8:27 a.m.Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on Lake Avenue on charges of public lewdness.

January 22, 2026. 8:48 a.m.Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Clifton Park resident on Broadway on charges of public lewdness.

January 22, 2026. 10:00 a.m.New York State Police arrested a Southbury, CT

resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor aggravated 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

January 22, 2026. 11:00 a.m.New York State Police arrested a Bronx resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief- intent to damage property and misdemeanor aggravated 2nd degree harassment- threatened by telephone/ no legitimate purpose.

January 22, 2026. 2:39 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing- intent to defraud. Appearance ticket issued.

January 22, 2026. 4:33 p.m.-

New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor motor vehicle violation: registration suspended. Appearance ticket issued.

January 22, 2026. 4:55 p.m.-

New York State Police arrested a Middle Grove resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property > $250. Released on own recognizance.

January 22, 2026. 8:27 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief: intent to damage property. Appearance ticket issued.

January 22, 2026. 8:46 p.m.New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Providence on charges of misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation- apply pressure. Appearance ticket issued.

January 22, 2026. 10:02 p.m.Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Fort Edward resident on South Broadway

on charges of 3rd degree assault- with intent to cause physical injury, criminal obstruction on breathing or blood circulation- apply pressure, act in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and petit larceny.

January 22, 2026. 10:57 p.m.-

New York State Police arrested a Halfmoon resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or morefirst offense, misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of controlled substance and misdemeanor aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher, no priors. Appearance ticket issued.

January 22, 2026. 11:27 p.m.-

Saratoga Police arrested a Rock City Falls resident on Marion Ave on charges of 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

January 23, 2026. 2:28 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Porters Corners resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of misdemeanor aggravated 2nd degree harassment- communicate threat by phone/computer/ mail. Appearance ticket issued.

January 23, 2026. 4:40 p.m.-

New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred on Dec. 2, 2025 in the Town of Wilton.

January 23, 2026. 8:26 p.m.-

New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

January 23, 2026. 9:15 p.m.Saratoga Springs Police arrested a South Glens resident on Ballston Avenue on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation

of a motor vehicle and equipment violation- no/ insufficient taillights.

January 23, 2026. 11:38 p.m.-

New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

January 24, 2026. 12:02- 12:10 a.m.- New York State Police arrested two Schenectady residents in the Town of Clifton Park. The first was charged with two counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. They were held without bail. The second was charged with four counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

January 24, 2026. 2:18 a.m.New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. Appearance ticket issued.

January 24, 2026. 3:50 a.m.New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Central arraignment. Original incident occurred in the Town of Queensbury on Nov. 24, 2025.

January 24, 2026. 4:04 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glenns Falls in the Town of Queensbury on charges of misdemeanor motor vehicle violationregistration suspended. Appearance ticket issued.

January 24, 2026. 5:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Queensbury on charges of misdemeanor 3rd aggravated degree

unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

January 24, 2026. 6:44 p.m.New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and misdemeanor aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher. Appearance ticket issued.

January 25, 2026. 12:12 a.m. – 12:24.- New York State Police arrested two Saratoga Springs and a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park. The first Saratoga Springs and Schenectady residents were both charged with misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance tickets issued. The second Saratoga Springs resident was charged with misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor false personation. Turned over to another agency.

January 25, 2026. 3:32 a.m.Saratoga Springs police arrested a Rensselaer resident on Church Street on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

January 25, 2026. 6:19 p.m.Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on Sparrow Lane on charges of criminal mischief: intent to damage property.

January 25, 2026. 11:36 p.m.Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston resident on Church Street on charges of assault with intent to cause injury to officer/fireman/EMT/ nurse/Crossing Guard, 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury and 2nd degree harassmentphysical contact.

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The Wesley Foundation Secures Low-Entry Bus Following Series of successful fundraisers

The Wesley Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs, recently unveiled an accessible bus for residents of the Wesley Health Care Center. Funding of the Frontrunner® Low-Floor Minibus by Frontrunner Bus

Group, Inc. was made possible in part by Wesley’s annual gala and golf tournament, and The VMJR Companies’ 6th Annual Architects vs. Engineers Golf Tournament.

The accessible minibus, which seats 14 passengers, does not require steps or a wheelchair

lift due to its low-entry platform, providing easier boarding access for residents with mobility challenges. The new bus will be utilized to transport Wesley residents to various offsite activities and is intended to foster greater independence and enhance overall quality of life.

The Wesley Foundation’s La Dolce Vita 2025 annual gala and the Saratoga 9 & Wine golf tournament raised more than $130,000 toward the purchase of the bus.

Additionally, VMJR presented a check for more than $68,000 to Wesley, the beneficiary of its annual golf tournament that was conducted this past fall, making it possible for the non-profit senior health care center to secure the purchase of the bus with funds to spare, which will be allocated

for other vital services.

“We feel privileged to have been chosen as the recipient of VMJR’s Architects vs. Engineers annual Golf Tournament fundraiser and the outstanding donation generated by that event,” said The Wesley Community CEO J. Brian Nealon. “We are also gratified with the success of our own fundraisers which have made it possible for us to purchase a much-needed, lowentry bus for residents with mobility issues. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all who supported this important initiative.”

The annual VMJR golf tournament raises funds for local non-profits and selects a different organization each year as the beneficiary from entry fees, sponsorships, raffles, and food and beverage sales generated by the event.

Meet Star!

Star is a recent addition to the HOPE Cat Adoption Center. She is approximately two years old and is a bit shy at first, though she warms up quickly. She arrived from a loving home that chose to surrender her to focus on a

family member’s needs. Star would likely prefer to be the only cat in her new home, as she did not enjoy being chased by her previous housemates. She is up to date on her vaccines, spayed and has tested negative for FIV and

FeLV. We absolutely adore her and we think you will too!

The Cat Adoption Center is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4. Online adoption applications can be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

Now is your chance to get your photos published! Submit your “Photo of the Week” for a chance to be PUBLISHED IN PRINT in Saratoga TODAY Newspaper. Email your photo to: Design@SaratogaPublishing.com “Coons Crossing” by David Billman

Neighbors helping Neighbors: The Regional Food Bank Delivers 12 Pallets to Saratoga County

by Aidan Cahill Saratoga TODAY

On Thursday, Jan. 22 a truck delivered 12 pallets of food — about 18,000 pounds — to Saratoga County food banks.

The food was distributed as part of the Regional Food Bank’s “Restock Our Pantries” program to help local food pantries restock after a busy holiday season. This is the first year The Regional Food Bank has implemented the program.

“The Regional Food Bank facilitated New York State’s largest Thanksgiving meal distribution and had a hugely successful Holiday Hunger Appeal thanks to generous community support,” Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank said. “The holidays have notoriously left our shelves and partner’s shelves bare during January and February, this much-needed distribution program will directly support agencies by delivering food to where it is needed and in turn benefit communities.”

Ryan Hughes from Life Works Community Action in Ballston Spa said that more people than normal are relying on food pantries due to the recent government shut down which temporarily left people without SNAP benefits as well as greater food insecurity.

“Our local community members rely on us to provide food for their families and during this time when shelves are emptier than usual, we are so thankful for this Restock Our Pantries Program,” Hughes said. “We are grateful for the support of the Regional Food Bank and to state leaders for funding this gap and providing assistance to feed our communities.”

BLOTTER CONT. FROM PAGE 5

January 26, 2026. 12:27 p.m.-

New York State Police

arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Village of Ballston Spa on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon: previous conviction, felony unlawful wearing of body armor, misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administration- prevent official function.

January 26, 2026. 12:44 p.m.-

New York State Police

arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon- previous conviction, felony unlawful wearing of body armor, misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administrationprevent official function and felony assault 2- with intent to cause injury to

officer/fireman/EMT/ nurse/crossing guard. Cash bail.

January 26, 2026. 3:12 p.m.-

New York State Police arrested a Cohoes resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of DWI- first offense and aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higherno priors. Released to third party. Incident occurred after a crash on route 87 in the Town of Malta.

January 26, 2026. 7:55 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Slingerlands juvenile in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree criminal contempt- disobey court order, misdemeanor 2nd degree reckless endangerment and misdemeanor criminal mischief: reckless property damage greater than $250. Family court appearance ticket issued. Incident stemmed from a single vehicle crash on I-87.

Ballston Spa Mayor Takes Leave of Absence

by Aidan Cahill Saratoga TODAY

Ballston Spa Mayor Frank Rossi has announced that he is taking a leave of absence for health reasons.

The announcement came at a village meeting on January 26. Rossie said realization that he had to take his health more seriously came after the death of former Ballston Spa Mayor Christine Fitzpatrick.

“Health becomes paramount, and right now my health is not in great shape,” Rossi said. “I’m not looking for sympathy on that, but we are at a point where I have to sort of look out for myself a little bit.”

Rossi said he doesn’t know when he will be back and said that being a public official can have a drastic impact on your mental and physical health.

“It’s one of those times in my life that I need to take care of me,” Rossi said. “ I apologize to the community for that fact because I feel like I’m letting you all down in that respect.

Saratoga Lake Association Applauds Wilton Highway Superintendent Michael Monroe for Securing State Grant to Protect Water Quality

The Saratoga Lake Association (SLA) today commended Town of Wilton Highway Superintendent Michael Monroe and the Town of Wilton for securing a New York State Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant to construct a new, modern salt storage facility, a major investment in protecting water quality in the Saratoga Lake watershed.

Superintendent Monroe has announced that the Town has been awarded $600,000 under the State’s 2025 WQIP program to build the new salt shed. The project is designed to prevent salt and salt-laden runoff from leaching into stormwater systems, streams, groundwater, and ultimately Saratoga Lake. This is the second WQIP grant secured by Monroe for Wilton, bringing the total external funding obtained for water-quality-related infrastructure to approximately $1.5 million.

“Mike Monroe has set

the gold standard for municipal highway operations in the Saratoga Lake watershed,” said James DeMasi, President of the Saratoga Lake Association. “This project is not just about improving operations—it is about stopping pollution at its source. Proper salt storage is one of the most effective and practical ways to reduce the long-term chloride loading that threatens our lake and its tributaries.”

A modern, fully enclosed salt storage facility is a cornerstone of best management practices for winter road maintenance. By keeping salt protected from rain and snowmelt and by controlling drainage and material handling, the new Wilton facility will eliminate a major, and often overlooked, pathway by which chlorides enter the environment before they ever reach the roadway.

“This is about doing our job

better and more responsibly,” said Superintendent Monroe. “We can keep roads safe for the public and, at the same time, be better stewards of our water resources. This new facility is an important step in that direction.”

This investment complements the broader, forwardlooking program already implemented under Monroe’s leadership, including calibrated spreaders across the fleet, the adoption of live-edge plow technology, and the introduction of brine pretreatment to reduce overall salt usage.

“Superintendent Monroe has shown that public safety and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,” DeMasi added. “Wilton is demonstrating what modern, responsible highway management looks like in a sensitive watershed. We strongly encourage other municipalities in the region to follow Wilton’s example.”

At the same time, it’s what you have to do sometimes.”

During the leave of absence Rossi has advised people seeking information and regular updates to go to the Village Facebook page and website, as opposed to his. While initially Rossie had planned on unpublishing his page, he later put it back up after he said someone threatened him with a lawsuit.

Rossie’s announcement came after a controversial bill removing a residency requirement for Village appointed board positions — such as the planning board — was tabled for further consideration after public outcry.

It’s unclear when Rossi will return to day-to-day duties. While during the meeting he said that he wasn’t stepping away permanently, he also said that he couldn’t provide any more specifics about when he was returning.

In the meantime, he’ll still handle things like signatures while other duties he can’t complete will be handled by Deputy Mayor and Village Trustee Bernadette VanDenise-Perez, according to News10.

Turning Holiday Fun into Community Good: The Story of Saratoga SantaCon

For many people, hearing the words “SantaCon” creates images of Caroline Street being overcrowded, of lots of drinking, and of the craziness associated with an alcohol-related event. SantaCon organizer Brian Miller hopes to change that perception to one of community and local business support, and to inspire other business owners to get more involved in their community.

Miller’s involvement with Saratoga SantaCon began while he worked as a Brand Ambassador, and later Sales Representative, for Saratoga Eagle. The event needed a liaison between the participating bars and the third-party group that was organizing it, and Miller stepped up to the task. Shortly after, the original organizer turned the keys over to Miller. Now, he is the organizer of Saratoga SantaCon, and also the Events Director at The Bourbon Room.

What started as a Caroline Street event that 75-100 people attended, has now blossomed into a downtown, large-scale event. On December 13, 2025,

over 3,000 “Santas” descended on Caroline Street and Phila Street and the 15 participating bars. Saratoga SantaCon is the largest pub crawl in the Capital District and potentially is a top five pub crawl in upstate New York.

People travel from across New York State, and even from Vermont to attend the event.

Miller noted, “It helps being in Saratoga and having all of the bars in one concentrated area, having a beautiful downtown, and having hotels and restaurants here where people can make it a weekend.”

While Saratoga SantaCon provides attendees with a fun holiday experience, it also has a beneficial impact on the Saratoga community in two ways - by supporting a local non-profit, and through the effects it has on bars and restaurants.

Franklin Community Center (FCC) was selected as the beneficiary of the event by the original organizers, and 100% of the proceeds benefit the agency. Originally, the fee to attend the event was a donation of five non-perishable food

items to benefit the FCC Food Pantry. Over time, Miller and FCC transitioned away from collecting items, as it created logistical challenges with storing food overnight in a climatecontrolled area and securing a donation of trucks to transport them from Caroline Street to the Food Pantry. Also, the holidays are typically a time of increased donations for the Food Pantry, making financial contributions more needed.

Now, attendees purchase tickets to participate in the event, and all of the proceeds benefit FCC. In 2025, the event raised $26,565 - the most successful year yet, an increase of over $10,000 from the previous year’s total. The funds generated through the event help support FCC in carrying out its mission year-round. FCC serves over ten thousand individuals in Saratoga County each year through its essential programs: Food Pantry, Free Store, Project Lift, Student and Family Services, and Franklin Community Manor.

In addition to the community impact, Saratoga

SantaCon positively benefits downtown businesses. For most bars and restaurants, the winter months are the slowest, which creates real challenges for businesses to stay afloat. Saratoga SantaCon brings in thousands of people, who spend money at almost a dozen bars and restaurants throughout the day. For some establishments, the profits made on the event date alone help generate enough to keep them in business through the winter. This year, the event generated over $500,000 in revenue for the businesses. What’s next for Saratoga SantaCon? Miller hopes to continue to expand to become a larger scale community event that is highlighted by the pub crawl. His vision? Victorian Streetwalk meets Saratoga Fall Fest, but make it Christmas! The goal is to create opportunities for businesses to host family-friendly activities and events during the day, while still providing the fun atmosphere for the “Santas” in the evening.

Miller hopes that business owners are inspired by the

success of Saratoga SantaCon, and help organize their own events or take part in existing ones. Miller says, “As a business owner, on a popular street, use your popularity for good. I don’t think enough people do that.”

His favorite part of Saratoga SantaCon is the level of care the bars and restaurants put into it. He noted that as the first to arrive on Caroline Street, he sees all of the businesses getting ready - putting up their decorations, having staff arrive early, and being prepared to give it their full attention. Their ownership of the event ensures its success, “...when you rely on it, you care if something happens to it,” states Miller.

Going forward, Miller’s aim is for businesses to “...realize that the largest resource they have to create their own event like this is them.” And if they need help getting started, Miller says, “I’m always open to ideas.”

This December, when you think of Saratoga SantaCon, think of the event’s lasting impact on the Saratoga community through non-profit and local business support.

Week of January 30 - February 5, 2026

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

BALLSTON

Anthony Ruscio sold property at 1321 West High St to Jason Harris for $276,000

Arlene Ida sold property at 3 Sherwood Park Dr to JohnBernard Newsom for $330,000

Daniel Farstad sold property at 7202 Stonebridge Dr to Stephen Adams for $420,000

CORINTH

Tucker Collums sold property at 456 Cty Rt 10 to Robert Green for $435,000

GALWAY

John Sutton sold property at Ridge Rd to Joseph Heller for $115,000

GREENFIELD

Federal National Mortgage Association sold property at 87 North Greenfield Rd to Connor Ashline for $255,000

NIlufar Barak sold property at 99 Wilsey Rd/ 95 Wilsey Rd to Kathleen Kern for $465,000

711 & 921 Properties LLC sold property at 543 Locust

Grove Rd to Guy Mastrion

$220,000

MALTA

Caren Carlson sold property at 735 Route 67 to Kyle Thompson for $175,000

Kyle Thompson sold property at 735 Rt 67 to Malta Land Company LLC for $250,000

Blue Aster Lane sold property at 8 Emma Lane to John Heath for $596,104

Malta Land Company LLC sold property at 22 Admirals Way to and Theresa Bernacki for $779,145

Cherri Ann Brown sold property at 17 Bayberry Dr to Kylee Ropitzky for $549,000

H and C Property Holdings LLC sold property at 359 Malta Ave to Joel Roberts for $140,000

MILTON

Edward Horn sold property at 2 Woodthrush Ct to Joseph McDonald for $455,000

Olympioabrea LLC sold property at 5 White Rd to AW Home Construction for $255,000

SARATOGA

Cheryl Norris sold property at 1017 State Rt 4 to Sherry Margelot for $200,000

Michael Tierney sold property at 117 County Rd 338 to Carter Chaskey for $625,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Dianne Conlee sold property at 6 Woodlawn Ct to Alice Smith for $460,000

Joan Douglas sold property at 25 Jenee Way to Mark Mitchell for $625,000

Connor Patrick sold property at 12 Ward St to Serena Amlie for $700,000

Ted Norman sold property at 88 Trottingham Ct to Jason Vincik for $386,000

Kevin Corcoran sold property at 98 Meadowbrook Rd to

Robert Schermerhorn for $360,000

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 353 to Regina Family for $990,832

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 358 to Regina Family for $1,036,834

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 356 to Regina Family

for $1,042,834

Dorothy Ingordo sold property at 5 Maria Lane to 5 Maria Lane LLC for $919,000

WILTON

Mary Marble sold property at 523 Wilton Greenfield Rd to Gregory Lee for $525,000

Joshua Orr sold property at 4 Overlook Dr to Matthew Pfiefer for $605,000

Saratoga County Institute of Management

Enrolling for 2026

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Empire State University, announced on Monday the return of its Saratoga County Institute of Management program.

Designed for emerging or new managers, the program is organized into two six-week tracks that are designed to rapidly enhance skillsets and complement each other.

Track One focuses on foundational skills, including self-awareness, communication, conflict resolution, and leadership strategies to help participants transition from individual contributors to effective team leaders.

Track Two centers on advanced managerial

competencies—such as talent recruitment and retention, performance management, strategic planning, leading change, and financial acumen—to expand participants’ strategic impact and organizational leadership.

Participants have the option to enroll in one or both tracks, as Track One is not a prerequisite for Track Two.

The SCIM program was initiated as a pilot before the COVID-19 pandemic, then relaunched in 2025.

Enrollment is now open. Scholarships are available to support small businesses and impact sector organizations. Each class size is limited to ensure a personalized experience.

For more information or to register, visit www.saratoga.org/scim.

Elody Restaurant Opening Marks New Chapter for 13 North

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— Elody Restaurant, owned by Patricia Weaver, officially opened at 54 Phila Street in downtown Saratoga Springs on Jan. 2.

Elody is the relocation and rebranding of the former 13 North Restaurant in Malta, which was renamed in honor of Weaver’s granddaughter Elody.

“The new location gives me the opportunity to expand my restaurant business into the city of Saratoga Springs, which has always been a dream of mine,” Weaver said. “It also allows me to keep my original passion for baking alive and growing, with the addition of a second bar that I transformed into a fun dessert bar featuring all of my homemade desserts and creations.”

A complete renovation of the restaurant was made

possible through the support of Weaver’s family, including her husband Larry Weaver, her daughter and son-in-law

Trish and Shane Myers, their daughter Elody, and Myers

Construction, owned by her son-in-law, which completed the space’s transformation. Elody is now open Tuesday-Saturday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Visiting Chef Brings Filipino Cuisine to Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— Standard Fare will host acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ruby Felix-Curtis of Jersey City’s Next Door Provisions for a one-night-only Filipino menu takeover on Monday, Feb. 23.

For this special event, FelixCurtis will prepare and present a curated prix-fixe menu designed to immerse guests in Filipino culture, tradition, and storytelling through food.

“Ruby and I worked together for several years, and I’ve always been in awe of her creativity, her passion, and the heart she brings to her cooking,” said Zac

Denham, owner/operator of Standard Fare. “Clark (Clark Gale, co-owner) and I have been eager to bring more authentic, globallyinspired cuisine to Saratoga, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to highlight a culinary gap in our community while sharing

something truly special. Ruby has an incredible ability to tell stories through food while staying deeply rooted in her culture and values, and we’re honored to welcome her into our kitchen.”

The event will feature one seating only at 7 p.m.

Bikeatoga Sets Records, Names New Board

Members

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bikeatoga—a nonprofit dedicated to making functional cycling more inclusive, accessible, and safe—announced Monday that it had surpassed two of its records and added a pair of new names to its board.

The group’s volunteer mechanics refurbish used bikes in the basement of St. Peter’s Church and send them back out to the community on a “pay what you can” basis. In 2025, local residents “adopted” a record total of 775 bikes. According to shop manager Brad Beal, that’s more than double the number of bikes adopted five years ago.

The group’s annual Saratoga Foliage Ride also set a record in 2025, bringing in 208 riders from 14 states and Canada. Ride director Ed Lindner noted that nearly 60% of those riders came from either out-of-state or more than 100 miles away within New York State.

“Saratoga Springs is a natural bike tourism destination,” Lindner said. “We’re using the Foliage Ride to get the word out.”

Bikeatoga also announced the addition of two new board members at its annual January

meeting: Tina Carton and Pamela DelSignore.

Carton is a grant development manager at ChargePoint, where she works on fostering the growth of clean transportation infrastructure in the U.S. and Canada. She was previously the director of sustainability for Saratoga Springs, where she oversaw the development of numerous green transportation projects including the Downtown Connector multiuse path, the Missing Links sidewalk program, and the Henry Street Bike Pilot.

Carton said she was “excited to join the Bikeatoga board as advocacy co‐chair” and was “looking forward to helping strengthen the local community by promoting safe, accessible, sustainable transportation networks that better connect neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and Saratoga Springs’ vibrant downtown.”

DelSignore is the finance and administration manager at the Southern Adirondack Library System, where her duties include client support services, project management, and finance. DelSignore said she looks forward to helping grow Saratoga’s biking community.

Saratoga Chamber Names New Board of Directors Chair

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nil Ghoshal, president and CEO of Polyset, has been elected the 2026 chair of the board of directors of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Ghoshal assumed the role on Jan. 1 after Tom Bellhouse of West Point Thoroughbreds completed 2025 as chair of the board. Bellhouse stepped in mid-year to fill a vacancy as chair, extending his term of service on the board to a seventh year in 2026 as he now becomes the immediate past chair.

“I am honored and excited to serve as the chair of the board for 2026, which promises to be a prosperous year for the Saratoga County Chamber and our local economy,” Ghoshal said. “This year the Chamber has already reintroduced Health & Wellness Week for the first time since 2020 and will return to hosting monthly networking mixers in partnership

with our members throughout the county. We also look forward to marking the 40th anniversary of our Leadership Saratoga program, advocating for state funds to revitalize Mechanicville through the NY Forward program and welcoming the final Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to Saratoga Race Course with an incredible Belmont on Broadway celebration in Saratoga Springs.”

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s board has a total of nearly 30 volunteer members. New directors include Mike Gestwick of Bonacio Construction, Ryan McFadden of Henry Street Taproom, and Melissa Gleason of Nothing Bundt Cakes, who are all serving one-year appointments, as well as Michael Billok of Bond, Schoeneck & King; Jon Hitchcock of WNYT; Chris Lyons of AIM Services; Terri Stripling of Ten80 Education, Inc.; Najja Thompson of New

York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.; Amanda Vitullo of National Grid; and Lisa Vollendorf of Empire State University.

Additional members serving on the Board in 2026 include Heath Ames of Cantina; Sue Commanda of Hudson River Community Credit Union; Matt Cudemo of Saratoga Casino Hotel; Maggie Fronk of Wellspring; Dan Graham of SM2 Development; Matt Gutch of Stewart’s Shops; Alexandra Gutelius of Clifton Park Halfmoon Library; Eric Hennessey of UHY Advisors; Dennis Kiingati of Hamlet & Ghost; Michael O’Connell of Adirondack Trust Company; David Rosenberg of Brix Wine & and Liquor; Bob Serafini of Quick Response; Elizabeth Stauderman of Skidmore College; Kim Tribley of Coffee Planet; Jill VanKuren of Saratoga Hospital; Melissa Ward of New Ward Development; and Andy Wise of Arrow Bank.

Dake Foundation for Children Partners with Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga to Fund Psychotherapy for Local Youth

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga recently announced a new partnership with The Dake Foundation for Children that will provide equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions for children and young adults up to age 21 who face financial barriers to accessing mental health care.

The partnership will allow participants to engage in equineassisted psychotherapy alongside a licensed clinician from ECS Psychological Services, P.C. The program is modeled after

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s Freedom Rein Project, which provides equine-assisted psychotherapy to veterans and service members.

Founded by Gary Dake, president of Stewart’s Shops, The Dake Foundation for Children has supported local children with disabilities since 2009. In addition to providing individual support to children and families, the foundation’s Community Grant Program assists local nonprofit organizations in expanding access to inclusive and accessible spaces

and programming. Through the latest round of community grants, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga was selected as one of the nonprofit recipients.

In a press release, Therapeutic Horses said that its new program will maintain a strong focus on transparency, documentation, and measurable impact. The number of children and young adults treated will be a key indicator of success, helping to ensure that every contribution directly supports accessible and effective mental health care.

“A Significant Milestone” for Saratoga Joinery

— Saratoga Joinery, a nonprofit community woodworking shop, recently announced the promotion of Ben Knapp to director of shop operations and education, a newly-created, full-time position.

In his expanded role, Knapp will oversee all aspects of Saratoga Joinery’s educational programming, developing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum strategy that serves woodworkers at every skill level. His responsibilities include partnering with instructors to ensure continuity and excellence across all classes, while developing and teaching his own courses.

“Ben’s promotion represents a significant milestone for our organization,” said Tori Colarusso, executive director of Saratoga Joinery. “His vision for accessible, high-quality woodworking education aligns

perfectly with our mission. We’re incredibly fortunate to have someone of Ben’s caliber leading our educational programs as we continue to grow and serve our community.”

In his new role, Knapp will serve as the primary liaison between Saratoga Joinery’s leadership and its instructors. He will also continue to manage day-to-day shop operations while expanding the organization’s class offerings to meet the diverse interests of its nearly 150 members.

Knapp’s promotion comes as Saratoga Joinery continues to expand its programming and membership base. Members can look forward to enhanced curriculum development, expanded class options, and strengthened instructor support under Knapp’s leadership, Saratoga Joinery said in a press release.

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: A long way, A long ways

A long way is the correct phrase.

If you become bilingual, your career can go a long way.

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

EDUCATION

Ballston Spa Middle School’s Launching Pad Productions Students to Perform Something Rotten! JR.

Launching Pad Productions is thrilled to celebrate its 25th anniversary with the hilarious musical comedy, Something Rotten! JR.

This year’s production promises to be a spectacular celebration of the drama club’s rich history and incredible talent.

Launching Pad Productions presents Something Rotten! JR., the story of two brothers who set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-firstcentury Broadway. Performances of Something Rotten! JR. begin February 5th at the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium.

Set in the 1590s, brothers

Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Something Rotten! JR. features large song and dance numbers and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given their own special

moment in the show to shine. 130 students are participating in the cast and crew of this production featuring many standout performances including: Carter Kovarovic as Nick Bottom, Evan England as Nigel Bottom, Sonya Jendrasiak as Portia, Hartley Lucia as Bea, Claire DeRosa as Nostradamus, Mason Womer as Brother Jeremiah and Cooper Sausville as William Shakespeare.

Something Rotten! JR. is presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized materials are supplied by, Music Theatre International 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY, 10019, 212-541-4684, mtishows.com.

Professional Land Surveyors Discuss Advancements in Technology and Workforce Development at 67th Annual Conference

The New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors (NYSAPLS) is celebrating its 67th Annual Surveyors Conference and Exhibition at the Saratoga Springs City Center & Hilton Hotel.

Hosted by the Eastern New York Society of Land Surveyors, the conference is attended by professionals from all over the Northeast, including from New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maine, and several neighboring Canadian provinces. As one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in the surveying industry, the conference has a guest list of approximately 700 participants, featuring a broad range of exhibits, seminars, educational courses, and social events.

New to New York this year, the NYSAPLS Education Committee is offering a National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) Certified Floodplain Surveyors course to help surveyors train to become a Certified Floodplain Surveyor. It is a sold-out event.

In addition to learning opportunities, the 67th Annual Conference offers great networking opportunities for both seasoned professionals and students who are new to the field.

On January 27th, NYSAPLS hosted its Young Professionals & Alumni Social, giving graduates and current students from Alfred State, SUNY ESF Ranger School, and Paul Smith’s College a chance to meet potential employers, gain insights from industry experts, and share their experiences with their peers. It’s

a well-attended event for aspiring surveyors.

To help students achieve their dream of becoming a land surveyor, NYSAPLS and its members raise funds annually for various scholarships, to encourage the next generation of land surveyors to get into the workforce. During the conference, NYSAPLS is hosting an awards ceremony and new licensee presentation, to recognize the scholarship recipients and highlight and congratulate the 47 newly licensed land surveyors entering the field. Fueling the future land surveying workforce, the scholarships are given to a number of students each year, spread throughout New York universities offering land surveying programs.

Also highlighted this year is Stephen Miller, LS, NYSAPLS Member, WPAPLS, who is this year’s recipient of the Pillars of Excellence award. During the conference, Miller will be honored with the Surveyor of the Year award, which recognizes a professional land surveyor who has not only supported the land surveying profession, but also promoted it, contributing and enhancing the future of land surveying in New York.

The 67th Annual NYSAPLS Surveyor Conference and Exhibition is a huge success thanks to the support of NYSAPLS members, exhibitors, and sponsors. With over 30 courses and nearly 25 speakers, the conference offers many opportunities for New York land surveyors to learn, network, and connect with emerging surveyors in the industry.

EDUCATION

Stacy Marzullo named next Schuylerville High School Principal

The Schuylerville Central School District Board of Education plans to appoint Mrs. Stacy Marzullo as the next principal of Schuylerville High School during its regular business meeting on Monday, Feb. 9, effective July 1.

Marzullo currently serves as Schuylerville’s elementary school principal, a role she has held for the past three years. Since joining the district’s administrative team, she has played a key role in strengthening instructional practices and student support systems. At the elementary school, she helped revamp the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, aligning academic intervention systems with character education and Response to Intervention (RTI.)

This work included implementing Walk to Read structures, strengthening AIS supports to provide more targeted skill-based intervention, and creating consistent opportunities within teacher schedules for professional learning and data review. These improvements have supported stronger instructional alignment across grade levels and a more proactive approach to meeting student needs.

“The Board of Education conducted an in-depth interview with Stacy, which resulted in unequivocal support for her being named the next high school principal,” said Board of Education President, Bernie Buff. “Stacy’s leadership is grounded in collaboration, consistency, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. She has a clear understanding of how a cohesive PreK–12 experience drives student success and has already made a lasting, districtwide impact. We are confident she will bring that same vision, strength, and leadership to Schuylerville High School.”

“I have always had a long-term commitment to Schuylerville,” said Marzullo.

“Three years ago, when I pursued the elementary principal position, Schuylerville was the only district I considered because of its incredible reputation. Being selected to serve as principal of one of the top high schools in the area is a tremendous honor, and I’m truly grateful.”

To support a smooth and thoughtful transition, there will be a five-month period of intentional, transitional leadership. This overlap will help ensure continuity and stability at the high school, while allowing for purposeful planning and collaboration. Additionally, Stacy’s continued leadership as elementary principal through the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year will ensure a successful close to the school year for students, staff, and families.

“Stacy brings stability, continuity, and a deep understanding of our district to this role,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman. “She is a trusted leader who already knows our students, staff, and community, and that familiarity is incredibly important. Because she is not new to Schuylerville, she can step into the high school principal position with a clear sense of purpose and direction that will continue to drive student success.”

Prior to joining Schuylerville, Marzullo served as Director of Elementary Special Education (PreK–5) for the Niskayuna Central School District. In that role, she led the elementary special education department and served as the CPSE/CSE Chairperson for grades PreK–5, overseeing data-informed decision-making related to student programming, MTSS modifications, resource room services, and related service projections.

Earlier in her career,

Marzullo worked for the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery County BOCES Special Education Division, serving first as a Curriculum & School Health Support Specialist for two years, and later as an Administrative Coordinator for two and a half years. She began her career as a classroom teacher in the Greater Amsterdam School District, where she spent seven years and also served as a fifth-grade curriculum leader.

“Stacy came to Schuylerville with an impressive resume and a wide range of leadership experience,” said Board of Education Vice-President Katie Brunson. “Over the past three years, she has built on that foundation in a meaningful way through her work at the elementary school. Her impact on students and staff has been clear, and the Board is confident that she is a natural choice to lead Schuylerville High School.”

As she transitions to the high school, Marzullo is eager to build on the connections she has already established, particularly with students she first worked with at the elementary level.

“One of the things I’m most excited about is continuing relationships with the first group of students I had as principal when they reach high school in the next year or two,” she said. “That continuity means a great deal to me.”

Schuylerville will now begin the important process of selecting its next elementary school principal. A committee will be formed to lead the search, ensuring that the next leader upholds the district’s commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and strong community relationships. The committee will include input from faculty, staff, parents, and administrators to ensure a thorough and thoughtful selection process. Schuylerville parents who are interested in being part of the committee can email Communications Director Taryn Kane (kanet@schuylerville.org) with their contact information by Feb. 13.

What’s Happening February?

Shop Local for Super Bowl & Valentine’s Day at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

SATURDAYS

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

WILTON MALL FOOD COURT

by Jodie Fitz for Saratoga TODAY

Looking for specific vendors? Check our listing in this week’s feature.

February Market Highlights and Events:

February 7:

Shop for Super Bowl favorites and Valentine’s Day gifts while supporting the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Stock up on local eats, baked goods, and unique finds perfect for game day or date night.

9:30 am to 1:30 pm: Kids can enjoy making Woven Hearts with the Saratoga Springs Mobile Library.

10:30 am to 11:30 am: Explore a FREE Yoga Class with Yoga Mandali in their pop-up studio at the market.

9:30 am to 1:30 pm: Live Music with Crispin Catricala

February 14:

Celebrate love with thoughtfully made gifts, sweet treats, and locally sourced goodness. Skip the bigbox stores and find something truly meaningful.

10:30 am to 11:30 am: FREE Yoga Class with Yoga Mandali in their pop-up studio at the market.

9:30 am to 1:30 pm: Live Music with Hudson River Ceili

February 21:

9:30 am to 1:30 pm: Kids can enjoy making Snow Globes with the Saratoga Springs Mobile Library.

10:30 am to 11:30 am: FREE Yoga class with Yoga Mandali in their pop-up studio at the market.

9:30 am to 1:30 pm: Live Music with Fred Sheier & Phil Shaver

February 28: MINI WINTER FEST

10:00 am to 11:00 am: START of the Home Growing Seminar Series with a session with the Saratoga Seed Library

9:30 am to 1:30 PM: FREE Card Making Activity with Mary O’Connell and Creative MemoriesCards will be donated to a local senior center

11:00 am - Noon Cooking Demo with Green Fork Restaurant and the CDPHP Fresh Eats Program

11:00 am to 1:00 pm: FREE Kids Art activity with Saratoga Paint and Drip

9:30 am to 1:30 pm: Live music with Dave Moore

9:30 am to 1:30 pm: FREE shopping bags from Healthy Living Market

From food and flowers to seeds and heartfelt gestures, February at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is all about connection, creativity, and community. Join us, shop local, and make this season a meaningful one.

What’s happening at market this week:

* January 31 Live music with Selah Eiler

* Free yoga 10:30 am to 11:30 am with Yoga Mandali Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturday’s, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Wilton Mall food court. Find us online at SaratogaFarmersMarket. org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@ saratogafarmersmarket). Sign Up for our free weekly newsletter.

Whether you’re planning a Super Bowl spread, searching for a heartfelt Valentine’s gift, or simply looking to shop local this February, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has you covered. From fresh foods and specialty treats to handcrafted gifts, the market is your one-stop destination for seasonal shopping and community connection.

Crispy Oven Baked Potato Skins

YIELDS: 6 servings | PREP & COOK TIME: 1 hour and 15 min

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• 6 small baking potatoes*

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

• 1/2 teaspoon parsley*

• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Bake the Potatoes

• 3 slices bacon* cooked and crumbled

• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions* or chives*

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese*

• Sour cream for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Scrub the potatoes and poke each potato with a fork 5-6 times. Place them directly on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until tender when poked with a fork.

Remove from the oven and let cool until the potatoes are easy to handle.

Prepare the Potato Skins

Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scoop out the flesh leaving a ¼-inch thick shell.

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, parsley, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Brush the inside and outside of the potatoes with the butter mixture.

Place potatoes cut side down in a baking dish or 9×13 inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes

Flip potatoes over and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until slightly browned and crisp.

Fill each potato with cheese and bacon. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly

Remove from the oven, top with green onion and serve with sour cream.

Notes: The baking time for the whole potato is based on small potatoes. Larger potatoes can be used but will need extra baking time.

Recipe

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

“STOP LOAFING AROUND!”

Hello my Foodie Friends!

How many of us foodies have cookware, baking products, or cooking gadgets that have been handed down over the generations? As our children have grown and moved out of the house, we have also moved much of our cookware and cooking gadgets with them. Some of the items have been handed down from prior generations. Recently, my wife found a loaf pan that was her grandmother’s. It brought back memories of various items that both her grandmother and mother made in that pan. The loaf pan is a cool kitchen tool and often overlooked for its plain design. It is definitely an indispensable item in the kitchen. Every kitchen should have a loaf pan to bake a variety of sweet or savory recipes – from meatloaf and lasagna to ice-cream and baked delicacies. A loaf pan is in the shape of a narrow rectangle, a convenient form which enables uniform slicing.

A loaf pan is great to use when you’re looking to bake a smaller portion of a recipe or are cooking for one or two. This versatile pan is excellent for baking bread loaves, loaf cakes, and zucchini bread. You don’t have to make your own bread, or even bake, to love the loaf pan. Despite their specialized name, these rectangular pans are extremely adaptable to cooking, freezing, desserts, and more. And with all the creative ways you can use them, loaf pans are anything but idle in the kitchen. There a many uses for loaf pans. These pans are the ideal shape for the ultimate comfort food, meatloaf. Marinate meats. Keep more of each steak, chicken breast, tofu slice, or veggie skewer in contact with the marinade you made by placing the foods in a loaf pan, then pouring the marinade on top. Cover with plastic wrap, and slip the loaf pan into your fridge

for the allotted time. If you have a bit of meat or a few sides of the skewers sticking out, use tongs to rotate them in the marinade for full coverage.

Rectangular pans are perfect for lasagna or baked ziti, especially if you’re only serving a few people. If you cut recipes in half, a square baking dish may be too big. Use a loaf pan instead. Savory pies like shepherd’s pie or chicken pot pie don’t have to be round just because that’s convention. You can bake them in a loaf pan and still have a hearty onedish meal.

At Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, we carry several different size loaf pans. Make some memories with the heirlooms that you have collected over the years. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care, John & Paula

Department of Aging and Youth Services

Mashed Potatoes Butternut Squash Applesauce

4 Sliced

Cinnamon Roll Bread

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup butter, softened

• 1-1/3 cups sugar, divided

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• In a large bowl, beat the butter, 1 cup sugar and egg until blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to egg mixture alternately with buttermilk. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and remaining sugar.

• Pour a third of the batter into a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan; sprinkle with a third of the cinnamon sugar. Repeat layers twice. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home at tasteofhome.com

Music and Delectable Munchies Fundraiser

This Week’s Events: JAN. 30 - FEB. 5

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30

An Evening with Clothing Scholar Henry Cooke

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. This talk examines how Continental soldiers often wore civilian clothing during the early Revolutionary War years (1775–1777), exploring the styles, materials, and regional influences of these garments, and how they reflected the soldiers’ backgrounds and the logistical challenges of outfitting an army in its infancy. This program is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Sponsored by Campaign for Saratoga 250th, His Majesty’s 24th Recreated, and SCHC at Brookside Museum.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31

13th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saratoga Clay Arts Center announces the participating restaurants for its 13th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser. Five beloved local restaurants will compete for the coveted title of “Best Chili 2026,” with the winning chef receiving a handmade ceramic trophy crafted by artists from Saratoga Clay Arts Center. This year’s confirmed lineup includes: Thorn + Roots — returning 2025 Best Chili winner, 9 Miles East, Morrissey’s Restaurant, Noah’s Restaurant, and The Olde Bryan Inn. Proceeds from the event benefit three local organizations: Saratoga Clay Arts Center, To Life!, and Wilton Food Pantry. Tickets may be purchased online at www.saratogaclayarts.org.

Story Time and Activity Hour

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | 10:30 - 11:30

a.m. A very special story time and activity hour with local author Farial English. Farial will present her latest children’s picture book, “The Boy Who Wanted to Fly,” a story about a young boy with a large imagination. Children and their families are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to listen to the story and complete a related craft. Signed copies of the book will be available to purchase. Registration is requested; please call 518-882-6385.

Souper Supper

Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville | 3 – 6 p.m. Menu includes a variety of soup options for you to try, green salad, bread, and dessert. Walkins only, dine-in only. Free will donation.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free with over 40 vendors, great parking and lunch available too. Just about anything you can imagine might be offered. There are lightly used children’s toys available and craft items too; as well as anything garage sale. It’s a fun activity the entire family enjoys. All proceeds go to the Elks Scholarship Fund. An 8’ table with chairs is $15. Email Debbie @ deborahozolins@ gmail.com or call 518-226-5595 for information or to sign up for a table(s). Applications are available in the Elks Lobby after 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Next sale dates are

February 22, 2026, March 15, 2026, and April 26, 2026.

Recently Engaged?

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Let us assist you in your Wedding Plans! The Daily Gazette is hosting our 26th Annual Capital Region’s Premier Wedding Show! Register to win thousands of dollars’ worth of door prizes from our attending exhibitors. Plus…. The Daily Gazette gives away a $1,000 gift certificate to put towards your big day with any of the participating exhibitors. Don’t miss out on our Backyard Experience that we once again bring to you. Food trucks, picnic area, wine and beer sampling along with live music during the day. Registration is free - Capital Region’s Premier Wedding Show 2026. The Daily Gazette looks forward to assisting you with planning your big day!

Snowshoe Races

The Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, February 1 at 11 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park. There will be no indoor facilities, and we will meet in the quadrangle near the restrooms.

The Camp Saratoga 8K Snowshoe Race will be held on Saturday, February 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.

Registration for both events can be done online through www.runsignup.com with day-of onsite. A limited supply of Dion snowshoes is available to rent for $10 on a first come/first serve basis. For more information about the above events visit www.saratogastryders. org. Questions? Call Laura at 518-581-1278 or laura@ saratogastryders.org.

15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls | 2 – 3:30 p.m. Help support Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church with repairing their roof. Enjoy live music with Mark Warner who plays guitar and sings oldies like John Denver, James Taylor and Jim Croce along with contemporary Christian songs like Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin and others.

Door prizes, silent auction, along with decadent desserts for purchase. All proceeds support the roof replacement project. Invite your family and friends and come for a relaxing afternoon. Desserts are “sold” by donation and the music is free. Can’t get much better than that. The church is located at For more information call 518793-1152.

Full Moon Snowshoe Walk

Saratoga Spa State Park, Warming Hut | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Join the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park for an evening of fresh air, exercise and a full moon. After meeting at the Warming Hut, we will follow a loop on the golf course for the best viewing. Conditions permitting, bring your own snowshoes or use a pair belonging to the Park on a first come, first serve basis starting at 4:30 p.m. followed by the walk from 5 – 6 p.m.

Full Moon Hike

Camp Saratoga, Wilton Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 5 p.m. Are you interested in exploring Camp Saratoga at night? View nature in a new light as we walk the trails in moonlight. An unforgettable experience for all ages! Register: www.wiltonpreserve. org or call 518-450-0321.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Learn to Crochet

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6 p.m. Join us February 2 and 9 for this hands-on intro workshop to learn how yarn becomes a cozy creation.

Materials and resources provided, no experience needed. Grades 6-12. Registration required. 518-3718622. www.cphlibrary.org.

Galway Preservation Society Program

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | Doors open at 6:45, followed by this month’s program at 7 p.m. We will hear about Mitchell Sabattis (1823-1906), an Abenaki pioneer, considered by some to have been the greatest of all Adirondack Guides. Dave Deuel, an academic in ancient languages and history, will regale us with tales of Sabattis’ impressive knowledge of the natural world, his wealthy clients and the game he hunted. Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge. If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year. Please join us for some fun and to learn more about our history.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Catholic Daughters Court McLaughlin #422 Metting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs | 6:30 pm Members will gather at 5:45 pm for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments and fellowship. Business Meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 pm. All members and practicing Catholic women interested in joining are welcome to attend… If you have any questions, please contact our Regent, Dawn Weber at 518-226-5641 or email at CDA422Saratogs@ gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series

Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs | 12 noon – 1 p.m.

Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase. 3 Storytellers: Nanette Levons

presents Rain and The Best Time Ever, Gwenne Rippon presents My Mother the Queen, Carmen Ross presents My First Love and Wannabe. Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 11. If Saratoga Springs city schools are closed due to weather, that presentation will be postponed until February 18. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, to register for winter courses, or for a complete lineup of storytellers, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@ allsaratoga.org or call 518-2906988.

Ham Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: baked ham, Au Gratin potatoes, vegetable, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Pickin’s

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 - 9 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. Doors open 6 p.m. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call-Earl 518-2489922 with questions.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Experts Next Door:

Captain Cook’s Hei Tikî Material Culture, Gift Exchange, and Looting in New Zealand During the Endeavour Voyage, 1768-1771

Live on Zoom with Tillman W. Nechtman, Skidmore College, Department of History | 7 p.m. The specter of Empire haunts European museums. The correlation between

museological collecting and imperial ideology is now widely taken for granted in academic circles, but the question of what is to be done with and in western museums that hold colonial collections persists. This essay takes one small Māori hei tiki (RCIN 69263) from the Royal Collection as a case study to understand what the decolonization of imperial collections might look like. Register online: brooksidemuseum.org.

Something Rotten! JR

Ballston Spa High School Auditorium, 220 Ballston Avenue, Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. Launching Pad Productions performs Something Rotten! JR. The Hit Show About the Creation of the World’s First Musical on February 5, 6, and 7 at 7:00 p.m. with matinees on February 7 and 8 at noon. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. Additional details are available on our website, www. bscsd.org.

UPCOMING

Events

Pub Nights

The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge located at 1 Elks Lane in Saratoga Springs is expanding some Friday “Pub Nights” 5 - 7 p.m. to include entertainment 6 - 9 p.m. Enjoy music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s including Rock, Country, Swing, Pop and Motown. Presenting “The Classics” with the popular Wayne & Joey performing for your listening pleasure on Friday, February 6 and 20, Friday, March 6 and 20. Beat the winter blues by coming out to enjoy great food, fun and first-rate entertainment. Food available for purchase until 7 p.m. or until gone, cash bar available all evening. For information call Tom at 518312-9859. Public Welcome.

11th Annual Chocolate Festival

The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association

(BSBPA) invites the community to indulge at the 11th Annual Chocolate Fest on Friday, February 6, from 5 – 9 p.m., throughout the Village of Ballston Spa. This beloved pre-Valentine’s Day tradition transforms the village into a chocolate lover’s paradise, with local businesses and culinary talents serving up mouthwatering chocolate creations while shoppers stroll, taste, and vote for their favorites.

6 Hour Defensive Driving Course

Saturday, February 07, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. Cost is $40 prepaid, $45 at door (a donation is given to the church). Call: 518-784-5009.

27th Annual Chowderfest

Discover Saratoga is proud to announce the return of its signature winter event, the 27th Annual Chowderfest, taking place on Saturday, February 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Saratoga County. Presented by DeCrescente Distributing Company, Coors Banquet, Saranac, and Surfside, this beloved community event invites locals and visitors alike to sample 4 oz. servings of chowder for $2 each from roughly 80 Saratoga County restaurants and businesses. For event details, participating vendors, hotel specials, and shuttle information, visit DiscoverSaratoga.org/ Chowderfest or call 518-5841531.

Stained Glass Class

2-day Beginner/Intermediate Workshop, Student Choice, February 7 & 8. Whether you have done stained glass or not, there is something for everyone in this two-day workshop. You can create a small spring garden, an abstract window frame, or a sun catcher selected from a book of patterns. When you enroll, please let us know if you have done stained glass before, and which type of project you would like to complete so we are sure to have plenty of supplies on hand.

All supplies included. Please bring goggles and gloves if you have them. No open toe shoes. Enrollment is limited. Class dates: February 7, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & February 8, 1 – 4 p.m. Instructor: Steve Rosenblum. Cost: $125. Note: if there is a different project you would like to work on, please let us know. Register through our website www.Baletflowers. com.

Annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge #161 is holding the dance on Saturday, February 14 at the lodge at 1 Elks Lane in Saratoga Springs. The popular band Skippy and the Pistons will be our entertainment for the night. Cocktails from 5:30 –6:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and entertainment from 8 – 11 p.m. There will be raffle baskets. Entrée choices are prime rib, baked salmon, or eggplant parmesan, served with herb roasted potatoes, tossed salad, roll, and veggies. A cupcake tower with a variety of flavors will be offered for dessert. Cost is $60 per person. Reservations first come first serve. RSVP to Barb Ash at 518-955-4588 with entrée choice, number of guests and payment. Reservations are due February 6.

Lung Cancer Benefit for Kurt Haas Sr.

Hosted by Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Department,

located at 1870 Rte. 32 N. Gansevoort, on Saturday February 21, 2026, from 4 - 7 p.m. All you can eat Spaghetti Dinner, $10 Adults, $5 Kids (4-12), Free for children 3 and under. Raffle baskets and 50/50 Raffle. Kurt has been serving the community for 51 years as a Fire Department Member. Help us as a community give back to Kurt. Every Dollar raised will help Kurt and his family with medical bills and expenses. For questions or pickup arrangements, please text/call Jonna Freeman 518-598-2804 or Stephanie Rosa 518-5024325.

Call for Local Folk or Irish Performers

Come audition for an opportunity to showcase your talent during “Café Malta”, an intimate coffee house at the Malta Community Center on Friday evening, March 13. It’s lucky Friday the 13th right before St. Patrick’s Day! We are looking for talented musicians, vocalists, and small acoustic bands, storytellers and/or dancers. Each acoustic act selected will play a short 10–15-minute set. Auditions are by appointment only. Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director, at 518-8994411 x 305 or theater@townofmalta.gov for more details or to schedule an audition.

Week of January 30 - February 5, 2026

A Gross and Gruesome Display of Artistry: Special Effects - a Highlight of the Saratoga Film Showcase

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

It was disgusting. It was horrifying. It was a shocking display of violence that any sane person would hope to never see in their life. But the crowd loved it.

The Saratoga Film Showcase’s special effects panel and demonstration, held at Saratoga Arts on Jan. 24, was a highlight of the three-day festival.

The discussion about all things hair and makeup on film sets included Clifton Park resident Annemarie Bradley, an Oscar-winning hairstylist who has worked with Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, and Lucy Liu, among others; Jackie Hughes, a Hudson Valley-based makeup artist who specializes in horror films (among them, “Terrifier 2,” which earned nearly $16 million at the box office); and RJ Young, a special makeup effects artist from Upstate New York.

It was Young who both grossed out and delighted the audience with a live demonstration of his work (thankfully, the fake blood squirting out of his volunteer subject’s facial wound didn’t make it into the crowd).

Below is a condensed and edited transcript of the panel discussion, which included talk of everything from Lucy Liu’s latest project to a 16-foot-long flesh tunnel womb.

Spencer Sherry (moderator): What is something that you find that directors sometimes aren’t aware of, that maybe you

would like them to have a little bit more knowledge of before they call you and ask you to do an effect?

Annemarie Bradley: How much time it actually takes… A lot of times, they wrote something, but they don’t exactly have a vision of how they want that to happen. So, when you tell them, ‘It’s okay, this is great, and we can make anything happen, but sometimes it takes a long time,’ and they don’t really have the time or want to make the time. So, a lot of communication goes into that. I always tell people, it’s like boiling water. Just because you want it doesn’t mean it’s going to boil right away.

SS: What are some things that are more expensive than people think that they are? And then what are some things that are maybe a little bit more accessible?

RJ Young: Well, for example, the prosthetic that I have on [the volunteer subject’s] face is a foam latex piece. That’s usually a lot cheaper than, say, a lot of people now use silicone, which is a lot more translucent on the face. You don’t have to paint it as much in so many layers. But that is expensive. Silicone is a lot more expensive than foam latex. In the next month or so, I have to make a 16-foot-long flesh tunnel womb. The budget that they gave me is really low, not enough for what they want. They showed me an artist’s drawing of what they want. I’m like, well, the budget that

you give me, you’re not going to get exactly that, by any means, but I try to make it out and make it as best as I can. I usually end up fabricating a lot of stuff out of foam, like the flesh tunnel would be mostly made out of foam and spray foam, mattress foam, stuff like that. And you just paint it and just add as much as you can to it, to make it look as organic as it can.

Jackie Hughes: I do a lot of low-budget things where I kind of get hired as the triple team of beauty, hair, makeup and effects. So that’s when they’re really trying to stretch a budget. But most of the time, I’m the first effects person that they’ve worked with. I was just recently on something, and I told them that blood is not cheap. Good blood is not cheap, especially if you want to spray it on everything and get it up and not have it stain… This production didn’t believe me. They showed up with a gallon of blood that was like 30 bucks when I told them I wanted a $200 gallon. And then I showed up with eight different types of my own personal blood, just to prove to them, you go use that and watch all of my expensive blood actually work. It’s things you don’t realize. Some blood has to be mouth safe. Some of it has to be safe if it gets in your eyes. Some has to dry. Some has to drip. Some has to come out of carpet.

SS: Where do you get your inspirations and pictures from?

JH: I have my friends and family, when they get injured, take pictures. People get really excited if you show up to a set and you’re like, ‘I have real reference pictures,’ they’ll always pull up some crazy gashed head thing that they did to themselves

years ago. But Spencer’s favorite story that I’ve told is I was talking to a boy on Tinder, and he sliced his hand open at work. I was like, ‘Can you send me the picture?’ He did and then he stopped responding.

SS: Do [actors] call you when they book a job? Do they leverage that in their contract and say, ‘I’ll do a movie but I’m bringing Annemarie with me?’

AB: Yeah. I’m going to start a job with Lucy Liu that’s called “Superfakes” and it’s starting February 2 filming, and she

asked me in August and invited me to come to her home and just talk about the movie and [she] wanted to make sure that I’m not busy or that I’m not going to take another job before that job happens. That’s normally how it happens. And if it’s someone new, it’s a recommendation from either another actor or a makeup artist that’s worked with them before, sometimes a producer.

SS: Is there anything that you haven’t gotten to play with yet or build, that you’re just waiting for someone out there to write a thing as an excuse to do it?

RJ: I would like to do a werewolf transformation at some point.

AB: I would like to do a really fun period piece. I could be the department head and design all the hair.

JH: I so badly want to break into sci-fi… I also want to make a mermaid tail.

SPAC Lineup Adds Dave Matthews, Blues Traveler, Luke Bryan, Primus, Free Culinary Arts Event, and More

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

A heap of additions were made to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) calendar recently, including returning favorites the Dave Matthews Band and Blues Traveler, plus a free culinary arts program on March 7.

The Dave Matthews Band will play at SPAC on July 17 and 18, marking the group’s 50th headlining performance at the venue. According to Setlist.fm, DMB has held more concerts at SPAC than any other musical act, with Phish, Chicago, and the Allman Brothers Band each compiling more than 20 shows apiece.

Blues Traveler, headliners of the 2024 Belmont on Broadway event in downtown Saratoga Springs, will return to the Spa City on July 30 with

two more familiar faces in tow: Gin Blossoms (Belmont on Broadway 2025 headliners) and Spin Doctors (headliners of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s 2025 Charity Benefit).

Country artist Luke Bryan—with special guests Drew Baldridge, Lanie Gardner, Lauren Watkins, and DJ Rock—w-ill hit the SPAC stage on Aug. 29. Bryan is considered one of the world’s topselling artists, dishing out more than 75 million records. He’s also a judge on the hit TV show “American Idol.”

On June 12, Les Claypool will present “Claypool Gold” at SPAC. The performance will bring together three of his bands: Primus, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, and Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade. Each night, all three bands will share the stage at once for a show featuring “wildly different setlists and

surprises,” Live Nation said in a press release.

Violinist Lindsey Stirling will bring her “Duality Untamed” tour to Saratoga on July 13. Stirling entered the national consciousness in 2010, when she was featured on season five of “America’s Got Talent.” Since then, she’s released a handful of albums and accumulated more than 14 million subscribers and billions of views on her YouTube channel. Stirling is known for her unique blend of classical, pop, and dance music. SPAC also announced this week that it will host a special, free community program featuring culinary historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris, who is a James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame winner and the star of the Netflix docuseries “High on the Hog.” Presented as part of the CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative, “Braided Heritage: Tracing the Roots of American Cuisine” will

take place on Saturday, March 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Pines at SPAC. The event is free to

attend; however, space is limited. Visit spac.org for details or to register.

Arts

Poetic News: Reading and Workshop Scheduled for Sunday Goose to Make Triumphant SPAC Return on Independence Day

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— Saratoga Springs’ new poet laureate Jay Rogoff will have a busy weekend after announcing two free poetry-related events both scheduled to take place on Sunday, Feb. 1.

At Skidmore College’s Tang Museum, three nationally-known poets will read their work at 3 p.m.: Chase Twichell, April Bernard, and Peg Boyers. The award-winning authors all live in the Spa City. The reading, which will occur in the museum’s Payne Room, is free and open to the public.

Twichell has published eight collections of poetry, with her ninth due later this year from Copper Canyon Press. Her 2010 book of new and selected poems, “Horses Where the Answers Should Have Been,” won the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and the Balcones Poetry Prize. She has also received grants from the John Simon Guggenheim

Memorial Foundation, the Artists Foundation, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters, among others. Her most recent book is “Things as It Is.”

Bernard won the Academy of American Poets’ Walt Whitman Award for her debut book, “Blackbird Bye Bye.”

Since then, she has published five poetry collections with W. W. Norton, most recently “The World Behind the World.” She has also published two novels and frequently contributes criticism to The New York Review of Books, Book Post, and elsewhere. Also a former Guggenheim Fellow, Bernard teaches at Skidmore College and is currently assembling a volume of new and selected poems. Boyers’ four books include “Hard Bread,” “Honey and Tobacco,” “To Forget Venice,” and “The Album,” whose poems appear beside reproductions of the paintings that inspired

them. She teaches poetry writing and translation at Skidmore, as well as at Columbia University and the New York State Summer Writers Institute. She is also the longtime executive editor of Salmagundi magazine.

“It’s rare to have three poets of such talent and variety at a single event,” Rogoff said. “This should be a must for anyone curious about how poetry moves us.”

The reading will include a question-and-answer session, followed by a book signing by the poets and a reception.

Earlier on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rogoff will meet with writers at his second Poetry Repair Café at the Northshire Bookstore. Poets can drop by to discuss how to bring their poems closer to what they wish them to accomplish.

Rogoff will be conducting his Poetry Repair Café the first Sunday of every month, except for Easter.

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The jam band Goose will perform at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on July 3 and 4, Live Nation announced on Monday.

The group will be accompanied by two notable acts in the jam band world: The Disco Biscuits (on July 3) and Moe (on July 4).

2026 will mark the third time Goose has appeared at SPAC, after one show in 2023 and two more shows in 2024. In June of 2025, the band sold out Madison Square Garden for the first time (they’re scheduled to play at MSG two more times this summer).

SPAC is an important venue for Goose. In 2013, the band’s keyboardist Peter Anspach attended a Phish concert in Saratoga, camping out on the lawn with thousands of fellow fans. A decade later, when Goose hit the SPAC stage for the first time, Anspach told the crowd that “some of us have seen a lot of shows on that lawn right there and I’ll tell you what, it feels great to be on the stage. So thank you so much for making it happen.”

In 2024, several members of the band stopped by the Saratoga Spa Golf Course prior to their SPAC shows for “Goose on the Green,” a

sold-out charity event that raised $7,500 for Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga.

Goose has also played at Putnam Place in Saratoga, opening for the Ryan Montbleau Band in 2018.

Moe was originally formed in Buffalo but moved to Albany in 1994. In the book “Sharing in the Groove” by Mike Ayers, Moe drummer Vinnie Amico described the thrill of performing alongside surviving members of the Grateful Dead at SPAC on July 6, 1997.

“I’d seen hundreds of concerts [at SPAC],” Amico said. “And here I am on that stage for the first time, which was my dream when I was 16…I mean, I saw everybody there. And that was my dream to play on stage one day, and here I am playing on that stage with one of my idols. We did ‘That’s It for the Other One,’ which the Dead hadn’t played in years. Had my career gone no further than that day, I would have been fine. My dreams were realized.”

Marc Brownstein, a founding member and bass player for the Disco Biscuits, wrote in an Instagram story on Monday that SPAC was his childhood summertime home venue. “I saw three Phish shows there this summer. I’m so excited my next time there will be with a bass guitar and looking out at the crowd. Thanks, Goose.”

Tickets for Goose’s 2026 SPAC shows go on sale Friday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m.

Artist Spotlight: Tony Serrano

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

Tony Serrano is a local writer who runs the poetry platform “Love•Hate•Heal,” which highlights and promotes some of his work. Serrano shared with Saratoga TODAY his thoughts on all things poetry, as well as how his day job in Ballston Spa helps to keep his creative juices flowing.

Q: When did you create “Love•Hate•Heal” and why did you create it?

A: I’ve been writing poetry for as long as I can remember, from marble notebooks in middle school to Tumblr in high school. In 2019, “Love•Hate•Heal” was born as a way to give my emotions somewhere honest to live. The name reflects the cycle at the heart of the work: we experience love, we experience pain, and through both we learn how to heal.

Q: How does writing poetry benefit you personally, and how do you think an appreciation for poetry can benefit others?

A: Personally, poetry helps

me slow down and understand what I’m feeling rather than pushing it aside. For others, poetry can act as a mirror, reminding them that even if a poem isn’t about their exact experience, their emotions are still valid.

Q: What is your day job, and does it help to support your poetry?

A: I’m a screen printer and manager at T-Shirt Graphics in Ballston Spa, where I’ve worked for nearly 13 years. The hands-on, creative nature of screen-printing—turning ideas into something physical—naturally supports my creativity and keeps me connected to the local community.

Q: Can you tell me about how your poetry is building a community?

A: Although “Love•Hate•Heal” only features my own work, it has created connection through shared emotion. Readers often reach out to say a poem resonated with them or put feelings into words they couldn’t express themselves. That exchange

between writer and reader becomes its own kind of community, built on vulnerability, empathy, and understanding.

Q: What are some of your future plans or ambitions with poetry?

A: My main goal is to release a poetry book that brings the work from “Love•Hate•Heal” into a physical form. And given my background in screen-printing, I wouldn’t be surprised if a little poetry-themed merchandise finds its way into the mix as well.

Maple Ave Middle Schoolers Present “Frozen”

The Maple Avenue Musical Club put on a dress rehearsal this week in preparation for its upcoming production of “Frozen,” which will be performed on Jan. 30, Jan. 31, Feb. 6, and Feb. 7 at Maple Avenue Middle School’s Trombley Auditorium. The musical features a cast and crew of 66 students. Tickets can be purchased at gofan.co/app/school/NY82277. Photo by Rob Spring.

Valentine’s Guide

Local Gifts They’ll Love!

Notice of formation of Rooted Barn LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/04/2025 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: PO Box 5, Porter Corners, NY 12859. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

12/19/2025, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30/2026. 16282

Notice of formation of KTABLE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/16/2025. 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: 21 Evergreen Dr., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/19/2025, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30/2026. 16292

Notice of formation of Upstate Thrift & Apparel LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 09/07/2025 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: 102 6th Street Saratoga NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/19/2025, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30/2026. 16312

Northbound Capital LLC

Auth. filed w/ SSNY 12/15/25. Off. in Saratoga Co. Cert. of Form filed w/ SSDE 7/24/25. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to Accumera LLC, 911 Central Ave, #101, Albany, NY 12206.

The reg. agt. is Accumera LLC at same address. Add. maintd. in DE: 3500 S. Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901. Name & add. of auth. officer in DE where Cert of Form filed: SSDE, Div. of Corp, 401 Federal St, Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose. 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6/2026. 16332

Notice of formation of Creekside Estate and Service LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/14/2025. 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 Ave. STE 5 Ballston Spa NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6/2026. 16349

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Notice of Formation of Amperella, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/18/2025. Office Location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Amperella, LLC: 25C Sylvan Trail, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13/2026. 16348

831 Schultz, LLC filed Art. of Org. with the Sec’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/22/2025

Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent for the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall

mail process to: 831 Schultz, LLC, 831 Route 67, P.O. Box 2409, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Purpose: any lawful act. 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 02/6, 2/13/2026. 16371

Notice of formation of Queirolo Consulting, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/03/2025. 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: 21 Guideboard Rd., Waterford, NY 12188. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13/2026. 16402

Notice of registration of EVERBRIDGE INSURANCE SERVICES, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/09/2026. 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: c/o 3H Legal Services, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20/2026. 16471

Notice of Formation of Professional Limited Liability Company. Name: Back Again Chiropractic, PLLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/12/2025. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the PLLC 325 Ushers Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20/2026. 16472

Notice of formation of Ride Like A Girl LLC. Articles of organization filed with the secretary of state of New York on January 12, 2026. 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 Ruggles Rd., Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20/2026. 16475

Notice of formation of Sacred Return, LLC . Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on October 7, 20205. 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: 120 West Ave, Suite 211 Saratoga Springs NY, 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27/2026. 16509

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NAME: Otto & Sanders Holdings, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/7/2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC c/o Michelle H. Wildgrube, Esq., Cioffi Slezak Wildgrube P.C., 1473 Erie Blvd., 1st Fl., Schenectady, NY 12305. Purpose: For any lawful

purpose. 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27/2026. 16513

Notice of formation of HIGH ROCK VENTURES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/12/2026 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: 73 SPRING ST APT 7 SARATOGA SPRINGS NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27/2026. 16527

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: WhoDoYouLike Stable III, LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/12/2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, 10 Plumas Place, Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27/2026. 16533

16 CAROLINE HOSPITALITY LLC

Arts of Org filed with SSNY 12/14/2025. Office: SARATOGA Co. SSNY designated agent for process and shall mail copy to LLC at 7014 13TH AVE, #202, Bklyn, NY, 11228. Purpose: any lawful act. 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6/2026. 16553

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Northern Elm Mentoring Group, LLC.

Week of January 30 - February 5, 2026

LEGALS

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/29/2025. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC c/o Laurie S. Keniry, Esq., Cioffi Slezak Wildgrube P.C., 1473 Erie Blvd., 1st Fl., Schenectady, NY 12305. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6/2026. 16555

Notice of Formation of Wray WinterShield Sprinklers LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/24/2026. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC at: 27 Mallard Drive, Rexford NY 12148. Michael Wray, 27 Mallard Drive, Rexford NY 12148, is the registered agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6/2026. 16552

Notice of Formation of VCHC Lofts at Littauer Park LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/22/2026. Office location: County of Saratoga. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: LLC, 20 Prospect St, #313, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6/2026. 16562

Notice of formation of Buck Run Services, LLC, a domestic limited liability company (the LLC). Articles of Org. filed with the NY Dept. of State on January 24, 2026. Office of the LLC: Saratoga County. The Secretary of State of NY (the SSNY) has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: P.O. Box 48, Gabriels, NY 12939. The purpose of the LLC is to engage

in any lawful purposes. 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6/2026. 16563

Publication Notice of Organization of Limited Liability Company. The name of the Limited Liability Company is: Cornerstone Business Solutions, LLC (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”). The Articles of Organization of the Company were filed with the New York Secretary of State on January 23, 2026. The County within New York State in which the office of the Company is to be located is SARATOGA. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent upon whom process against the Company may be served. The post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is: Cornerstone Business Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 172, Round Lake, NY 12151. The purpose of the business of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the New York Limited Liability Company Law. 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6/2026. 16559

Notice of formation of Walsh Tax Services, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/04/2025. 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: 6 Liberty Dr., Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6/2026. 16564

Notice of formation of VITTORIANO & JOSEE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/22/2025 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 5 Benedict Ct Ballston Spa NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6/2026. 16569

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: February 10, 2026

Defibrillators, specification 26-OESD-1

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 - 518-885-2210) or at the Empire State Purchasing Group website (www. empirestatebidsystem.com). Saratoga County, through its Department of Central Services, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids.

JOHN T. WARMT

Director of Purchasing Saratoga County 1/30/2026, 16565

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Saratoga County Department of Central Services, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 will receive sealed proposals until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026 for Senior Transportation –Towns of Galway, Charlton, Providence, and Edinburg, as per specification 26-RFPST-1. Bid documents may only be obtained on or after Thursday, January 22, 2026 from The Empire State Bid System at no cost from the following website: www. empirestatebidsystem.com

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

JOHN T. WARMT

Director of Purchasing

Saratoga County 1/30/2026, 16566

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Woerner Seeks to Prohibit All Prop Bets in New York

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, whose district includes the Saratoga Race Course, recently sponsored bill A09636, which would limit sports wagering to “wagers on the final outcome, score, or winner of a sporting event or contest,” thus banning proposition (or “prop”) bets.

Prop bets include player, game, and team props, such as the number of touchdowns scored by a football player in a game or the first team to score a touchdown in a game. Prop bets have recently come under scrutiny, in part due to federal betting investigations involving both current and former members of the NBA. Earlier this month, the NCAA sent a letter to state gambling commissions requesting the elimination of prop bets.

Woerner’s bill states that proposition bets “present heightened risks to the integrity of sports, increase the potential for insider information misuse, increase the harassment and abuse of athletes and coaches, and exacerbate risks of problem gambling due to their rapid and repetitive nature.” Banning prop bets will “promote consumer protection, safeguard

the integrity of sporting events, and align sports wagering with responsible gambling principles,” the bill argues.

Any betting operator that knowingly or negligently offers or accepts a prop bet in violation of the proposed law would be subject to civil penalties imposed by the gaming commission, including fines of up to $100,000 per violation, as well as suspension or revocation of licensure.

On Jan. 21, Woerner’s bill was referred to the racing and wagering committee.

About a year ago, Woerner was appointed the chair of the committee.

Woerner isn’t the first Saratoga politician to take aim at sports betting. Congressman Paul Tonko, who represents Saratoga County, renewed his

push for the SAFE Bet Act in October following a gambling scandal that rocked the NBA and allegedly involved members of the Mafia. Tonko introduced the SAFE Bet Act in 2024. Among other things, the legislation would prohibit all proposition bets featuring college and amateur athletes.

“The constant, unfettered access to sports gambling destroys public trust in the game, while having dire consequences for countless persons across our nation struggling with problem gambling,” Tonko said in a statement issued on Oct. 23, 2025.

A 2024 poll conducted by Quinnipiac University found that 67% of Americans think prop betting should not be permitted.

Three Saratoga Brothers Playing Together on One College Volleyball Team

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

At SUNY Potsdam, one name dominates the men’s volleyball roster: Kilinski.

Brothers and Saratoga Springs High School grads Matt, Mike, and Brayden Kilinski all play for the Division 3 Potsdam Bears.

Matt is a middle hitter and graduate student competing with the Bears for his fourth season. Mike, a middle hitter senior, is in the midst of his second season at Potsdam after transferring from New Paltz. Brayden, a freshman right side/outside hitter, made his debut this year. Matt and Mike both tower above many competitors at 6’ 7”, and all three bros are poised to make significant contributions to their squad this year.

In a victorious 3-1 season opener against Regis College on Jan. 24, Matt recorded 24 kills, falling just short of his career high, and added 10 digs and 2 blocks while hitting .514. Brayden’s Bears debut included 9 kills and 2 aces. Mike recorded

a match-best 5 blocks.

In a 3-1 loss to Buffalo State on the same day, Matt finished with a match-high 21 kills and 7 digs, while Mike contributed 9 kills and 1 block.

Although the season just began, Matt has already received the accolade of SUNY Potsdam’s Athlete of the Week for the week ending Jan. 24.

Potsdam’s men’s volleyball team launched their sixth season last weekend after concluding their best campaign in program history last year, when they finished with program records in overall and conference wins (188, 5-1), and wrapped up the regular season on a 12-match win streak to claim the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

Matt earned the 2025 New England Volleyball Conference (NEVC) Athlete of the Year Award, and he was also named first team All-NEVC. He led his team with 249 total kills. He also garnered 23 blocks, 20 service aces, and 126 digs. He is currently the school’s all-time record holder for career solo blocks, block assists, and total blocks.

Mike, in his first season with the Bears, led the conference and set the program’s single-season record with a .380 hitting percentage. He also ranked third on the team with 134 kills, and second with 48 blocks.

After graduating from Saratoga Springs High School last year, Brayden decided to join his brothers in Potsdam, adding a third member to the team’s sibling faction.

Next up for the trio: three games at home on Feb. 7 against Bard, Houghton, and Elmira.

Racing Museum Offering Bus Trip to Aqueduct for Wood Memorial Day

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders are partnering on a bus trip to the Aqueduct Racetrack for Wood Memorial Stakes Day on Saturday, April 4. This year’s edition of the Wood Memorial—a Grade 2 race for 3-year-olds on the Kentucky Derby trail—will be

the final time the event is held at Aqueduct before moving to the new Belmont Park in 2027.

Tickets are now on sale at https://1049a.blackbaudhosting. com/1049a/Aqueduct-Bus-Trip.