Saratoga TODAY July 10 - July 16, 2026

History OF SARATOGA

Breaking the Gothic Line

by Don Carola | Sponsored by The Saratoga County History Center

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

Don Carola Is a local history buff and Revolutionary War reenactor. He is a retired manager for the NYS Office of Information Technology. Don lives in the Town of Halfmoon and is married with two daughters.

When Leon “Frog” DeCelle left his small hometown of Mechanicville, N.Y., on December 10, 1942, for induction into the U.S. Army, he set out on a journey that eventually took him to some of the toughest fighting in Italy during World War II, including the Gothic Line and the Po Valley campaigns.

Upon his return home in the winter of 1945, he started a yearly reunion with a lifelong friend.

Leon was born November 4, 1915, in Corinth, N.Y., in the foothills of the Adirondacks. He was the ninth child of Albert and Mary DeCelle. In the mid 1920’s the family moved to Mechanicville where the DeCelle name would be synonymous with local baseball as the DeCelle boys – older brothers Alfred and Edward – were very good ballplayers – and Leon was the bat boy.

Leaving with Leon on that cold December day was George Luther, who was also heading into the Army. I am sure they had a lot to talk about but also sure they shared hope that they would see each other and their families again.

Leon did basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, followed by Ranger training and assignment to the Ranger detachment of the100th Infantry Division, known as the “Century Division.”

Leon was transferred to the 91st “Powder River” Division as a replacement in Company I, 3rd Battalion of the 363rd Regiment. At this time, the 363rd took significant casualties during the Rome-Arno campaign in the battles of Channi and Bagni. Leon arrived in Italy on July 15, 1944, and was sent up to the front.

The Gothic Line was series of fortifications, machine gun nests and minefields extending across northern Italy’s

Apennine Mountain range from the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west coast to the east coast on the Adriatic Sea. The Line prevented the Allies from accessing the Po Valley and eventually advancing into southern Germany. The line would fluctuate and move at each Allied advance, making for tough defenses and difficult fighting.

On September 12, 1944, the 363rd started out to capture the Il Giogo Pass by taking Monticelli to the west of the pass and Monte Altuzzo to the east. On September 13, Company I stormed the 2,390foot crest of Monticelli to within 400 feet only to be turned back by accurate machine-gun fire and barb wire.

The regiment returned to base with 25 wounded, including the company commander, Captain Willie Kriel. Their base at I’ Uomo Morto was in direct sight of the defensive heights of Monticelli and received much attention from the Germans for the next few days.

Multiple attempts were made over the next week to reach the top of the two mountains. On September 17, at 2 p.m., the 3rd battalion advanced behind a rolling artillery barrage with Company I following Company K up the hill. Just before 3 p.m., Captain William B. Fulton of Company K radioed that he was on the top of Monticelli with 10 men.

Lieutenant Joseph Wessendorff of Company I heard the same message and rallied six platoons to the top by dusk to help hold Monticelli. Leon, physically unscathed, was among that group. The Germans had to withdraw, leaving the pass open for Allied troops to eventually move forward into the Po Valley.

Two of many heroic actions stood out.

Sergeant Joseph D. Higdon, Company A, was wounded by advancing Germans. He rose from his fox hole with his light machine gun blazing to drive back the enemy. The Germans retreated but not before mortally wounding him. He died 30 yards from his fox hole trying to return

to his buddies.

Another example was described by Private First Class Ben Kelley, Company I machine gunner, who described a night attack on their forward position. Low on ammunition and with only two grenades, the Americans started to toss mud balls. The moonlit night caused the Germans to think they were grenades and retreated. Kelley’s squad would then toss a live grenade to keep them guessing. Eventually the Germans gave up the attack.

For their heroics during the Italian campaign, Lieutenant General Mark Clark, American commander of the Fifth Army, wrote a congratulations letter to the Fifth and Eighth Armies praising them for their courage and victories. Later, Clark’s replacement, Lieutenant General Lucian Truscott Jr. awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation to Leon’s battalion. Leon and Frank Michon, of Green Island, N.Y., received the Distinguished Unit Badge for taking part in the conquest of Monticelli Ridge Leon would continue the fight in Italy, seeing some of the fiercest combat in World War II. He would be a part of the Po Valley campaign, at Armigo and Cologna, in April 1945. At the end of the war in Europe, his regiment was moved to Treviso in northeastern Italy for occupation duty. He sailed home on August 14, 1945, from Naples on the S.S. Pachaug Victory and discharged from the Army on November 20,1945 at Fort Dix in New Jersey.

During the Italian campaign, I Company’s 3rd Battalion had a peak muster roll of 492 soldiers. They would serve 127 days on the front line and 121 days in reserve. The company’s casualties were listed as 17 missing in action, 57 killed in action, three deaths from wounds, 48 serious wounds, 94 lightly wounded and 17 injured for a total of 236. That represented a 50% casualty rate.

Battalion soldiers were awarded 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, 147 Silver Stars, 13 of which went to Company I soldiers, including

four posthumously. A Medal of Honor was awarded to Sergeant Oscar Johnson of B Company, 1st Battalion, for his bravery during the battle for the Il Giogo Pass.

Leon and George Luther, who set out for the Army on the same day in 1942, both arrived back in Mechanicville on the same day in December of 1945. George attained the rank of sergeant while serving in the Pacific. They would go on to celebrate this day each year by meeting at a local bar or VFW post for a beer.

Leon married Elizabeth Burton and have three children: Dawn, Doreen and Dan. He passed away on St. Patrick Day 1979. Betty would join him on February 9, 2014.

While I knew my Uncle Leon (aka Uncle Frog) was in the war, I never knew details about his

service. My cousin Doreen shared a box of his war records with me so that I could preserve them electronically. “He never talked about the war,” she said. “When the topic arose, he would simply say, ‘I’m a vet, I served my country.’” To ensure that statement stands for all time, his granddaughter, Janine Iamunno, enrolled his name in the World War II memorial in Washington D.C.

If you drive down Main Street in Mechanicville and look at the Hometown Heroes banners hanging from telephone poles, in front of the old school you will find Leon and George Luther’s banners next to each other – just like they were when they left home in 1942.

Source: History of the 363rd Infantry Regiment by Ralph E. Strootman

BLOTTER

BLOTTER REPORT

Between June 30 and July 6, the Saratoga Springs Police reported 665 incidents in their blotter report. This number includes duplicate incidents, unfounded, and non-emergency incidents. The top three listed incident types reported in this time are:

July 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Arrest occurred on Vanderbilt Terrace.

July 1, 2026. 11:20 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Village of Ballston Spa on charges of felony 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing- intent to defraud. Appearance ticket issued. Investigation pending.

For the State Police, between July 1 and June 7, New York State Police reported 237 incidents that didn’t result in arrest in their daily blotter reports. The most common incident reported by State Police was a property damage accident with 42 incidents. The top three municipalities for incidents are:

1. 57 in Clifton Park

2. 35 in Halfmoon

3. 31 in Wilton

July 1, 2026. 2:29 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Galway resident in the Town of Galway on charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief: intent to damage property.

July 1, 2026. 9:30 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Arrest occurred on Vanderbilt Terrace.

July 1, 2026. 1:14 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Lebanon, PA resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Arrest occurred on South Broadway.

July 1, 2026. 8:16 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 4th degree grand larceny: credit card, and 4th degree criminal possession of stolen property: possession credit card. Arrest occurred on Broadway.

July 1, 2026. 11:06 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of petit larceny. Arrest occurred on Lake Ave.

July 2, 2026. 1:49 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Colonie resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Released to third party.

July 2, 2026. 9:30 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Queensbury resident on charges of 2nd degree

criminal contempt: disobey court. Arrest occurred on Lake Ave.

July 2, 2026. 9:54 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Schuylerville resident on charges of 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury. Arrest occurred on Lake Ave.

July 2, 2026. 12:55 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of unspecified violation of general city law. Arrest occurred on circular street.

July 2, 2026. 1:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury and misdemeanor criminal mischief: intent to damage property. Turned over to other agency. Original incident occurred on June 21, 2025 in the Town of Milton.

July 2, 2026. 2:43 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Buskirk resident in the Village of Schuylerville on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred on June 25.

July 2, 2026. 11:17 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

H.

Bud Wolf

SARATOGA SPRINGSHerman A. Wolf died July 1, 2026, at his home with his family by his side following a long illness.

Born March 3, 1945, in New Britain, Connecticut, Herman, “Bud” as he was called his entire life by both friends and colleagues, was the son of Herman and Irene Wolf.

Bud grew up in New Britain and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in business administration. He moved with his family to Saratoga Springs in 1974 and started Adicommco, Inc., a roadside billboard company. Bud built Adicommco from a small 12 board company to a powerhouse advertising firm with more than 500 billboards located from Amsterdam, New York to the Canadian border. He sold the company in 2000 to a national firm.

Not content to rest in retirement, Bud turned to real estate investment, buying and renovating properties in Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls. He

purchased the former BB Fowler building in Glens Falls in 2004, redeveloping it into a full-service business and retail facility. The building housed the former Aimies Dinner and Movie as well as JMZ Architects and later Progressive Insurance.

Buds’ lifelong passions were golf, horse racing, UConn Basketball and the New York Yankees. He was a longtime member of both The Glens Falls Country Club and Saratoga Golf and Polo Club. He owned and campaigned many racehorses and spent countless afternoons at Saratoga Racecourse.

He was an avid reader and a fiercely conservative thinker. Incredibly astute in economics, Bud would enjoy debating his beliefs with anyone. Bud was also a lifetime beekeeper and always said more people need to keep bees because bees keep the earth turning.

Bud was predeceased by his parents, Herman and Irene. Survivors include his daughter, Sandra Metivier and husband Kerry, his longtime companion, Angela Green, her daughters, Colleen Noonan and Jeannette Green, their children, Madeline Noonan, Claire Noonan and Grayson Green.

At Buds’ request there will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be private.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare. com.

OBITUARIES

Manuel Ballestero

BALLSTON LAKE, NYManuel Ballestero, 101, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at home. Calling hours were July 9, 2026, at Burke Funeral Home. Mass is 10 am, July 10, 2026, at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, Ballston Lake. Burial following is St. Peter’s Cemetery. Online remembrances made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Joanne Lake Howard

SARATOGA SPRINGSJoanne Lake Howard, age 81, of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026. In accordance with Joanne’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Linda S. Gregoire

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Linda S. Gregoire passed away July 6, 2026. Calling hours are 5:00-7:00 p.m., July 10 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs, NY. A graveside service will be at 12:00 July 11 at Maplewood

Robert J. Urban

HALFMOON, NY – Robert J. Urban, 59, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026. Calling hours were July 7 at Burke Funeral Home with a funeral home service on July 8, and burial with military honors at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Kelly Ann Hilscher

GANSEVOORT - Kelly Ann Hilscher, 60, of Gansevoort, passed away on July 4, 2026. Calling hours were held on Thursday, July 9, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. A funeral service followed at the funeral home. Online condolences: www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Cemetery, corner of Louden Road and Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Adele E. McCoy

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Adele E. McCoy, 93, passed June 26, 2026. Calling hours were July 6, at Burke Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated at St. Peter’s Church followed by burial at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Gary H. (“Chip”) Houle

WILTON, NY- Gary H. (“Chip”) Houle, 72, passed July 3, 2026, following a courageous and hardfought battle with cancer. Calling hours are 4-6pm, July 12, at Burke Funeral Home. Celebration of life is 2-5pm, July 26 at 27 Putnam Road, Gansevoort. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome. com.

David Torres

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NYDavid Torres, 87, passed away July 1, 2026. Calling hours are 10:30-11:30 am, July 10, at St. Clement’s Church. Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 am at St. Clement’s. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Online remembrances made at www. burkefuneralhome.com.

July 2, 2026. 11:52 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Glens Falls resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, DWIfirst offense and other traffic violations. Attest occurred at the intersection of Route 50 and Veterans Way.

July 3, 2026. 1:03 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of act in a manner to injure child less than 17. Arrest occurred on Robin Lane.

July 3, 2026. 8:56 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Lake resident in the Town of Ballston on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree bail jumping. Central arraignment.

July 3, 2026. 8:56 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Ballston on charges of felony 1st degree criminal contempt- prior conviction within five years and felony aggravated family offensemore than one offense within five years. Cash bail- $10,000.

July 3, 2026. 10:06 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Jersy City, NJ resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

July 3, 2026. 3:04 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa Juvenile in the Village of Ballston Spa on charges of felony 2nd degree assault: intent to cause physical injury with weapon/ instrument, felony 1st degree robbery: use/threatens use of dangerous instrument, and felony 2nd degree gang assault: cause serious physical injury. Central arraignment. Original incident occurred on May 19. Investigation pending.

July 3, 2026. 8:03 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Colonie resident on charges of DWI- 1st offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Church Street and Woodlawn Ave.

July 3, 2026. 11:43 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Hudson Falls resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher, DWI- 1st offense, drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle on a highway and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Crescent and Jackson Streets.

July 4, 2026. 1:45 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Suffolk, VA 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- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

July 4, 2026. 3:21 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

July 4, 2026. 6:59 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor DWI – first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest occurred as a result of a two vehicle accident on Maple Ave.

July 4, 2026. 7:54 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree bail jumping. Central arraignment.

July 4, 2026. 9:37 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 3rd degree robbery, 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage another person’s property over $250, 4th degree criminal mischief: disable equipment to prevent request for emergency assistance, act in a manner to injure a child less than 17, and 3rd degree assault: with intent to cause physical injury. Arrest occurred on Vanderbilt Terrace.

July 4, 2026. 10:37 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of 3rd degree unlawful fleeing a police officer

BLOTTER

in a motor vehicle, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, reckless driving, obstruction of governmental administrationprevent official function, and numerous traffic offenses. Arrest occurred on Route 29.

July 4, 2026. 11:33 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a North Plainfield, NJ resident on charges of 2nd degree harassment: physical contact and 3rd degree criminal contempt. Arrest occurred on Caroline Street. The same individual was arrested at 3:09 a.m. the next morning on Lake Avenue on an additional harassment charge.

July 4, 2026. 11:47 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of resisting arrest, 2nd degree obstruct governmental administration: prevent official function, criminal mischief: intent to damage property, 1st degree unauthorized use of a vehicle, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation -apply pressure, and 3rd degree robbery. Arrest occurred on Seward Street.

July 5, 2026. 12:15 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor resisting arrest and misdemeanor 2nd degree obstruct governmental administration- prevent official function. Appearance ticket issued.

July 5, 2026. 3:18 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cobeskill resident in the Town of Malta on charges of operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense and misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.

July 5, 2026. 5:59 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Glens Falls resident in the Village of South Glens Falls on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

July 5, 2026. 6:04 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on

charges of general violation of local law. Arrest occurred in Congress Park.

July 5, 2026. 7:52 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cohoes resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

July 5, 2026. 8:25 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

July 5, 2026. 11:16 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and aggravated DWIoperating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .18 or higher, no priors. Appearance ticket issued.

June 5, 2026. 9:46 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Pultney Vermont resident in the Town of Northumberland on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree possession of a forged instrument, 2nd degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia- scales and three counts of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.

July 6, 2026. 3:12 a.m.- Saratoga

Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury. Arrest occurred on S Franklin Street.

July 6, 2026. 3:29 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury. Arrest occurred on S Franklin Street.

July 6, 2026. 3:33 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree criminal tampering. Released on own recognizance.

July 7, 2026. 6:43 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Lake resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest was a result of a single vehicle accident that injured one person.

June 7, 2026. 2:39 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 3rd degree burglary: illegal entry with intent to commit to a crime, misdemeanor petit larceny, and misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Central arraignment. A second Schenectady resident was arrested in the same incident on charges of petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued.

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“Welcome to United States Citizenship”

Citizens Take Oath at America’s Turning Point

by Aidan Cahill Saratoga TODAY

On a site where freedom was secured for all nearly 250 years ago, 10 people swore allegiance to the United States in a citizenship ceremony at the Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater.

The ceremony took place on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence going into effect. The 10 people sworn in hailed from Bangladesh, Canada, China, Guyana and India. The ceremony was witnessed by a crowd of hundreds who filled out the tents, sidewalks, and grasses surrounding the ceremony.

The ceremony featured a performance of the Star Spangled Banner and other traditional American patriotic songs by the Racing City Chorus and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by a park volunteer clad in period accurate regalia.

The citizenship oath was administered by Citizenship and Immigration Services Albany Field Office Director

Gwynne Dinolfo. Other speakers included Park Superintendent Leslie Morlock and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner who spoke about her own family’s experience coming the United States from Germany and finding their own version of

the American Dream. Woerner also commended the citizens on their journey, noting the hardship of leaving behind the familiar to seek a better life.

“You came here with your talents your hopes, your dreams,

and your energies to join us in making sure that this nation remains a place of opportunity, that the values of liberty and justice for all, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness remain values that future generations hold here,” Woerner said.

The 2026 ceremony marks the 23rd annual ceremony held at Saratoga National Historical Park. Over that time 400 citizens have been sworn in.

Meet Angel!!

Angel is a 1-year-old female around 6 lbs. She is a shorthair Maine coon and is up to date on vaccinations and spayed. She is a beautiful playful, affectionate, and talkative girl who loves meeting new people! She is a lap cat and will often sleep underneath the blankets with her current owner or on his chest. One of her favorite activities is playing with her little mouse toy which she can play with for hours! She does not like other cats so her ideal home is a single cat household.

HOPE Animal Rescue is not managing this adoption. Please reach out directly to the pet’s current owner for more information.

If you are interested in Angel, please contact Bryan directly through email: bryanbutler222@gmail.com or by phone call at (518) 804-3233 OF

Writing

the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices.

This Week: Baluster, Banister

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

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

Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@gmail.com

Saratoga Springs DPW Announces 5-Year Paving Plan

Department of Public Works

Commissioner Bahram “BK” Keramati released a five-year paving plan to provide the public with clear expectations of when roads will be paved. Additionally, the plan will help coordinate efforts for water, sewer, and utility infrastructure upgrades, along with planning for multi-modal transportation improvements.

“Improving communication and planning DPW’s work ahead will ensure a predictable delivery of services to the public,” Keramati continued. “Additional work up front to put this together will help coordinate with other utilities and those interested in adding sidewalks or bike lanes for pedestrian use.”

Developed by DPW Deputy Commissioner Tad Roemer in coordination with the DPW Field Manager and Working Supervisors , the plan includes over 100 streets or street sections to be paved over a five-year window. Specific streets paved in a year might be adjusted due to changing conditions or resources, but for planning purposes can be expected to be paved within a year of its listing.

Its announcement is part of a larger effort by the department to share extended plans publicly, that were previously internal working

documents. This includes water and sewer infrastructure planning, urban forestry efforts, building and facility renovations, and utilizing technology in the delivery of services.

“DPW’s workload is large and growing daily with the continued growth of the City, and the team works hard to plan ahead to prevent future problems. But many of these plans have been worked on internally without releasing them, and I believe by letting more people know what we’re doing there will be a benefit

in the long run,” said Keramati.

The 2027-2031 plan, along with the 2026 schedule for paving, can be found on the City’s website: https://www.saratogaspringsny. gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/960.

Three Pounds of Cocaine Seized in Malta Traffic Stop

A Brookyln man is facing felony drug charges after he was allegedly caught with over three pounds of cocaine in Malta.

Lionel J. Manigault, 41, of Brooklyn, was charged with 1st and 3rd degree felony criminal possession of a controlled substance after his vehicle was pulled over by New York State Police on Interstate 87 in Malta.

During the traffic stop, troopers found the substance which tested positive for cocaine. In addition, troopers allegedly found a large amount of US currency.

Manigault was arraigned in the Malta Town Court and arraigned in Saratoga County Correctional Facility pending further proceedings. A Brooklyn man is facing felony charges after he was allegedly caught with over three pounds of cocaine.

America 250: Colonial Herb Gardens - Gardens

That Shaped a Nation

The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum invites the public to America 250: Colonial Herb Gardens—Gardens that Shaped a Nation, an engaging program exploring how herb gardens sustained colonial families and shaped everyday life in early America.

Participants will discover the essential roles herbs played in daily life and selfsufficiency during the colonial era. Following the presentation, guests are invited to tour the Ricks Memorial Herb Garden and enjoy light refreshments.

Presenter Janis Fallon is an herbalist and Rensselaer County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. She has completed

several 10-month herbal apprenticeships with renowned herbalist and author Rosemary Gladstar. With decades of experience growing herbs and preparing herbal remedies, Fallon brings extensive knowledge and an engaging enthusiasm for sharing the history and practical uses of herbs.

The program will be held at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, on Sunday, July 26, at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is recommended. For more information or to register, contact the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum at (518) 885-4000 or visit BrooksideMuseum.org.

Morea Man Arrested for Five Months of Abuse

by Aidan Cahill Saratoga TODAY

A Moreau man has been indicted on 26 criminal charges after he allegedly assaulted a victim multiple times over a fivemonth stretch in 2025.

Mark Sabo, 60, of Moreau is alleged to have repeatedly subjected the victim to multiple assaults between August and December 25. The assaults took place in a residence on Reynolds Road.

According to Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby, over that period, Sabo allegedly used several different

implements including a blow torch, power drill, knife, and fire poker. In addition, Sabo is alleged to have repeatedly held a gun to the victim’s head and at one point fired the weapon to demonstrate that the weapon was loaded.

“This indictment reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the extraordinary work of the investigators and prosecutors who brought this case before the Grand Jury,” said Eby. “I commend the members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and my office for their commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of the victim.”

Of the 26 charges, only five

of them came at the time of the arrest. Of those five charges, two were related to the alleged five ounces of cocaine found on Sabo at the time of his arrest, one charge was for assault, one was for menacing and one was for possession of a weapon.

The remaining 21 charges, made after Sabo was arrested, include several additional counts of assault, weapons possession, sexual abuse, criminal mischief, weapons possession, harassment and drug-related offenses.

Thus far, Sabo has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is due back in court on July 16.

Sheriff’s Office Seeks Information in 33-year-old Murder Case

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office is seeking any information related to a 33-yearold unsolved homicide out the Town of Charlton.

Betty Conley was 37 when she was killed while working at the XtraMart gas station which was located at 1958 State Route 67 in Charlton. Conley suffered a single gunshot to the head and was found dead at 3:00 a.m. on July 8, 1993. In addition, money was found missing from the cash register.

According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, at the time of the incident, witnesses described seeing a white sedan with rust on the driver’s side door parked in the gas station’s parking lot.

In addition, investigators looked into a person of interest described as a “white male, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, 30 to 35 years of age, with a medium build, clean-shaven, and shoulder-length blond hair” wearing a peach-colored tank top who was in the area when the incident occurred.

Anyone with information on the incident, no matter how small, is encouraged to contact Investigator Samuel Speziale at (518) 363-8980 or sspeziale@ saratogacountyny.gov.

Saratoga Casino Hotel and Saratoga Harness

Horseperson’s Association to Host Fundraiser

Supporting Victims of Barn Fire

Saratoga Casino Hotel, in partnership with the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, will host a special fundraising event on Saturday, July 11 to benefit those impacted by the recent barn fire.

The fundraiser will take place during the opening night of Sunset Saturdays, Saratoga Casino Hotel’s weekly summer celebration featuring live harness racing, local food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment.

A highlight of the evening will be a silent auction, open from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., offering guests the opportunity to bid on a variety of exclusive experiences and prizes, including:

• Clubhouse Box for Travers Day - Front Row Finish Line

• Two Premium Tickets to the Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots on December 6, 2026 (Row

13, 42-yard line)

• Golf Foursome at Saratoga National and $200 Dining Gift Certificate to Heritage

• Autographed sports memorabilia

• And many more exciting items

“Our harness racing community has always come together in times of need,” said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “We hope this event provides meaningful support for those impacted by the barn fire while giving our guests an opportunity to make a difference.”

Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase the T-shirt specially designed by NYRA to support those impacted by the fire. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to support the affected trainers, staff and backstretch workers at the harness track.

Pitney Meadows Community Farm Celebrates Ten Years with Their Annual Fire Feast Fundraiser

Pitney Meadows Community Farm invites the community to gather on Tuesday, August 4th from 5:00pm-9:00pm for an extraordinary open-air, expeditionary dining experience, bringing together local food and music, live-fire cooking, and community to commemorate the farm’s tenth anniversary.

This year’s theme, “Ten Years Together. Generations Ahead”, reflects both a celebration and a commitment. Over the past decade, Pitney Meadows Community Farm has grown into a place where agriculture, education, recreation, conservation, and community come together to nourish people and steward the land.

Fire Feast, the farm’s largest annual fundraiser invites neighbors, farmers, producers, chefs, and supporters to gather, share an exceptional meal, and celebrate the relationships that have shaped the farm over the past decade and will continue to sustain it into the future.

“Ten years ago, Pitney Meadows was founded on a bold belief: a community farm could nourish not only bodies, but an entire community,” said Brooke McConnell, Executive Director

of Pitney Meadows Community Farm. “Fire Feast is more than a celebration of an incredible meal… it is a celebration of the people, partnerships, and shared commitment that have shaped the past ten years. As we look ahead, it is also an invitation to grow with us and help cultivate the next decade of impact together.”

In partnership with Farmstead Catering at Echo Farm, owned by Gansevoort-native Dillon Klepetar, Fire Feast offers an immersive farmto-table dining experience unlike any other in the Capital Region.

Every ingredient featured throughout the evening will be locally sourced, with the great majority coming directly from the fields and pastures of Pitney Meadows Community Farm and Echo Farm.

In addition, Pitney Meadows is using the event to elevate some other sustainable regional producers, including Featherbed Lane Farm, Sugar House Creamery, North Country Creamery, Mace Chasm Farm, and Norumbega Farm Oysters, creating a menu that reflects the peak of the growing season and the abundance of local agriculture.

Guests will enjoy a welcoming spread of farm-crafted appetizers

before exploring six live-fire cooking stations featuring renowned chefs from across the Northeast. Throughout the evening, each chef will prepare dishes over open flame, transforming seasonal vegetables, pasture-raised meats, sustainable regional seafood, and peak-summer ingredients into unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the connection between the land, the farmer, and the plate.

Featured chefs include Nina Livellara, Michele Hunter, Brent Campbell, Brandon Shatko, and Kevin Sprouse, each bringing a unique culinary perspective while sharing a commitment to local ingredients and outstanding guest experiences. Menu highlights will include (subject to change) whole pig asado, flame-roasted vegetables, and other seasonal creations inspired by the harvest. Learn more about this year’s Fire Feast chefs at www.pitneymeadows.org/chefs. Full menu is available on our website at www.pitneymeadows.org/ fire-feast/menu.

“Fire Feast begins long before the first sparks fly,” said Dillon Klepetar, Farmer, Founder, and Manager of Farmstead Catering at

Echo Farm. “It begins in the soil, with the people who steward this land and refuse to take the easy road. The relationships and community that make local agricultural livelihoods possible are home at Pitney Meadows. Creating a diverse meal to help celebrate 10 years is an honor for our collaborative team”

As the sun sets over the farm, guests will enjoy local libations provided by Druthers Brewing Company, Bars Without Boundaries, One With Life Organic Tequila, Hamlet & Ghost, Albany Distilling Company, First Fill Spirits, and Old Tavern Farm Winery at open bars and live music from Tops

of Trees, an original Rock & Soul ensemble from Upstate New York known for their energetic performances blending classic R&B, funk, blues, and soul.

Fire Feast offers a relaxed and joyful atmosphere where guests can wander the grounds, connect with neighbors, meet the chefs and farmers behind the meal, and savor the abundance of the season. Attire is farm chic. Pitney Meadows recommends comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for grassy, unpaved terrain. Fire Feast is a rain-orshine event, and all ticket sales are final.

Travel Advisory: Alternating Lane Closures Along State Route 4 In Stillwater

The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists to expect alternating lane closures along State Route 4 between Ferry Lane and State Route 32 in the Village of Stillwater, Saratoga County to facilitate pavement resurfacing. Flaggers will control alternating traffic flow through the open lane. Motorists should anticipate travel delays and build extra travel time into their schedules.

Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

The Departnment of Transportation hasn’t confirmed when ths work will take place or how long it will take place.

An earlier release said that the work will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., beginning Thursday, July 9, through mid-August but that has since been changed to “To be Determined”

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

BALLSTON

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 26 Tamarack St to Zhang Yongtao for $729,980

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 34 Tamarack St Lot 39 to Dmitri Aldershoff for $959,980

Jenna LaPorte sold property at 412 Goode St to Christina Fernandez for $383,000

Harper Bean Realty LLC sold property at 853 Rt 50 Lot 2 to Rt 50 LLC for $150,000

Joan Ostrow sold property at 7 Timber Creek Dr to Teri Blasko for $650,000

Franco Scaffidi Jr. sold property at 26 Arcadia Ct to Douglas Brown for $495,000

CHARLTON

Myron Muth sold property at 7 Western Ave to Erin Dupont for $540,000

Carl Pickett sold property at 4214 Jockey St to Stephen Wedge for $245,000

MALTA

Beth Cotter sold property at 23 Lake Ave to Bradley Shelofsky for $450,000

Blue Aster Lane LLC sold property at 17 Blue Aster Lane to Frank Juzwiak for $675,965

Renee Keeler sold property at 70 Pepperbush Place to Pamela Cirincione for $310,000

MILTON

Robert Gerlach sold property at 30 Beach St to Anthony Bonacio for $252,000

Abigail Rafferty sold property at 14 Coachman Dr to Valerie Yerdon for $400,000

Ralph Defibaugh sold property at 3530 Galway Rd to John Williams for $700,000

Carol Moores sold property at 29 Creekside Dr to Benjamin Royal for $625,000

Courtenay Hall sold property at 190 Malta Ave to Eric Little for $315,000

SARATOGA

VanZandt Real Estate LLC sold property at 88 Church St to West Albany Holdings LLC for $450,000

Amanda Thrane sold property

at 179 River Rd to Emma Penny for $325,000

Eleanor Mullaney sold property at 113 Lafayette St to PHH Mortgage Corp for $1,182,172

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Collabcdev 2 LLC sold property at 12 Ballston Ave to TCI Realty X LLC for $3,575,000

Ellsworth Square LLC sold property at 23 Marvin Alley to Fintan Ryan for $1,900,018

WILTON

Saratoga Group Wilton LLC sold property at 7 Brookhaven Court to Pigliavento Associates LLC for $124,000

Greg Zibro sold property at 69 Damascus Dr to Kylie Kroes for $660,090

Pigliavento Associates LLC sold property at 7 Brookhaven Ct to James Shannon for $843,712

Shawn Lescault sold property at 5 White Pine Lane to Luigi Cicero for $325,000

Summer Skin Care at Complexations Spa

by Aidan Clark Saratoga TODAY

Denise Dubois says that everyday lifestyle choices are the biggest factor in skin health. Dubois, a licensed aesthetician since 1984, opened Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness in Saratoga in 2014 to aid people with their skin care journey.

“At Complexions Spa we believe beauty and wellness go hand in hand,” said Dubois.

Each month, Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness features seasonal services designed to address the unique skin and wellness challenges clients experience throughout the year. During July, their focus is on helping repair and protect skin from the effects of summer sun exposure while restoring hydration, radiance, and overall skin health.

The Citrus Glow Summer Facial includes a vitamin C

infusion to help revitalize sunstressed skin. This is followed by gentle exfoliation and a hydrating hydro-jelly mask to restore moisture and soothe the skin. While the mask is working, cooling cryo globe therapy is used to help calm inflammation, reduce puffiness, and leave the skin feeling refreshed and radiant.

The Island Radiance Body Polish & Wrap is a full-body renewal ritual designed to smooth, hydrate, and restore the skin’s natural radiance.

The treatment begins with a gentle exfoliating body polish to remove surface buildup, followed by a hydrating botanical wrap rich in minerals and antioxidants to replenish moisture and restore softness. While wrapped, guests enjoy a relaxing scalp massage that promotes deep relaxation and helps calm the nervous system.

The Coconut Restorative Massage is a deeply nourishing full-body massage

designed to relax tired muscles while restoring hydration and softness to the skin. Warm coconut-infused oils are used throughout the treatment to melt away tension and deeply condition the skin. Rich in natural fatty acids and antioxidants, coconut helps support the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving it visibly smoother, softer, and more radiant.

Complexions Spa is partnering with The Hot Yoga Spot to offer yoga in the park. Offered on select Thursdays and Sundays in July and August. The classes are held on grass on the back terrace at Complexions Spa overlooking Congress Park. Participants will be able to use all the spa amenities including a sauna, deluge cold shower, steam room, and men and women locker rooms.

For more information or to book a massage, facial, body wrap, or register for hot yoga visit complexions.com.

Foursurance Agency Recognized with Make More Happen Award for Supporting Families of Seriously Ill Children Through Capital Cup for Kids

Liberty Mutual Insurance has officially awarded Foursurance Agency a 2026 Make More Happen Award for its dedication to helping local families persevere through the unimaginable challenges of childhood illness via its partnership with Capital Cup for Kids, Inc.

Initially, Foursurance Agency received a $5,000 donation through the Liberty Mutual 2026 Make More Happen Awards program for its partnership with Capital Cup for Kids. After the story was featured on the official Make More Happen microsite, the community rallied with over 750 votes and comments, triggering a matching donation and bringing the total to $10,000.

The additional funding will help Capital Cup for Kids to continue to provide free meals at the Ronald McDonald House NICU Family Room, supply equipment for the Adaptive Winter Sports Program at Double H Ranch, and help Make-A-Wish fulfill their mission to create lifechanging wishes for children

with critical illnesses.

Foursurance has supported the organization since 2019, sponsoring a hockey team and helping raise money each year, including a team-record of over $13,000 to date in 2026. Beyond fundraising, the agency adopts a local family as its honorary team captain, providing gifts for the child and essential items and financial assistance for parents overwhelmed by treatment costs, travel, hotel stays, meals, and other everyday expenses not covered by insurance. The team also encourages teammates, friends, family, and community members to contribute, multiplying the impact for families in need.

“Just to see these resilient kids smile so brightly despite knowing the challenges they face and seeing the appreciation on their parents’ faces really warms our hearts,” said Don Ferlazzo, owner of Foursurance Agency. “We’re honored to support Capital Cup for Kids and help provide comfort, hope, and relief to families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”

SPAC and Tickets for Good Continue Partnership to Expand Access to Arts and Culture Across Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and Tickets for Good, a platform that provides free and discounted tickets to teachers, healthcare workers, and nonprofit employees, have renewed their partnership for a third consecutive year, helping community workers across the Capital Region experience world-class performances at little or no cost.

The partnership will once again provide access to a range of SPAC events throughout the summer season, including performances by New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

“At SPAC, we believe that the arts play a vital role in fostering well-being, connection, and community. We are proud to partner with Tickets for Good to provide healthcare workers, teachers, and nonprofit employees with access to worldclass performances, creating opportunities to experience the joy and inspiration of live music and dance,” said Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of SPAC.

Since first working together, SPAC and Tickets for Good have connected more than 300 community workers with live arts experiences, helping ensure

that the people who spend their lives supporting others can also enjoy the cultural life of the region.

“We believe that live events have the power to bring people together, create lasting memories, and strengthen communities. The partnership comes at a time when many Americans are feeling increasingly squeezed by the rising cost of everyday life, with arts and cultural experiences often becoming harder to access despite the proven benefits they bring to well-being, connection, and community,” said Steve Rimmer, CEO and Cofounder of Tickets for Good.

Teri Kleinmann Joins Roohan Realty as Associate Real Estate Broker

Roohan Realty announced Teri Kleinmann as an Associate Real Estate Broker this week.

A lifelong Capital Region resident, Teri has been helping buyers and sellers navigate the real estate market since 2008. Combining nearly two decades of real estate experience with a distinguished legal career, she offers clients a rare blend of market knowledge, strategic guidance, and skilled advocacy.

As a New York State licensed attorney since 1989,

she has practiced law in Chicago, New York City, and Albany, and served as counsel in the New York State Assembly. She is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Law, Wellesley College, and the Academy of the Holy Names.

Teri lives in Malta with husband, Joel Howard, a construction attorney, and their beloved cat, Casper. Giving back has always been an important part of Teri’s life, from serving on

the boards of the St. Margaret’s Center Foundation and St. Anne Institute Foundation, to leading fundraising efforts for the Center for Disability Services and other local nonprofit organizations.

Whether working with first-time buyers, longtime homeowners, or clients relocating to the area, Teri takes the time to listen, understand each client’s goals, and provide thoughtful guidance every step of the way.

Leadership Saratoga Alumni Celebrate Program’s 40th Anniversary

Leadership Saratoga alumni spanning four decades recently gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the program’s first graduating class in 1986.

With more than 725 graduates to date, Leadership Saratoga is a community leadership development program sponsored by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

During the celebration held on June 16 at The Pines at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Libby Clark, Class of 2009, was recognized as the 2026 Lisa A. Niles Distinguished Alumni

Award winner. This prestigious honor for community leadership is awarded by former recipients.

The evening featured a video tribute to Clark’s long history of community service, preceded by an introduction of Libby’s accomplishments from past recipient Tara Anne Pleat.

Outgoing Alumni Association

President Shawna Jenks served as emcee and was recognized in appreciation of her leadership.

Leadership Saratoga was founded by Linda Toohey during her tenure with the Saratoga

County Chamber of Commerce. Toohey, along with her husband Mike, former Program Director Kathleen Fyfe, and several members of the original Leadership Saratoga Class of 1986, were in attendance for the celebration of the program’s long history.

A video tribute created by Light It Up Media featuring archival footage of Leadership Saratoga participants capped off the evening’s program.

More information about Leadership Saratoga is available at www.leadershipsaratoga.org.

Saratoga County Historian’s Office Seeks Proposals for “Voices from Saratoga” Interactive Exhibit

- The Saratoga County Historian’s Office seeks proposals from qualified companies to develop and create an interactive exhibit titled Voices from Saratoga.

Proposals will be accepted until 5PM on Friday, July 17, 2026. The project is funded by a $30,000 grant through the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership.

The exhibit will consist of four interpretive panels focused on the experiences of people in the Saratoga area during the fall of 1777, when British General John Burgoyne’s army surrendered to General Horatio Gates. Known for over a century as the Turning Point of the American Revolution, this American victory would help secure the French Alliance, which made possible the victory at Yorktown.

The Voices of Saratoga Exhibit will use primary sources to highlight the thoughts and experiences of those who were directly affected by these events including soldiers, local residents, children and people of color. The interpretive panels will be enhanced by an interactive digital experience.

“There is such a treasure trove of accounts from the Saratoga Campaign, and the receipt of

this Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership grant gives us the opportunity to highlight some of the lesser-known stories,” said Saratoga County Historian and Chair of the Saratoga250 Commission Lauren Roberts. “We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to enhancing public education of our revolutionary past, including stories of the people who were directly affected by the 1777 Campaign.”

The Voices of Saratoga Exhibit will be in the Saratoga Revolutionary Experience Center, which is currently under construction with plans to open in October. Located in the lower level of the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center at 30 Ferry Street in the Village of Schuylerville, this space will host engaging interactive exhibits and serve as a hub directing visitors not only to historic sites, but to hospitality assets and recreational opportunities as well.

Those interested in responding to the Request for Proposal (RFP) should contact the County’s purchasing department at (518) 885-2210 or Lauren Roberts, County Historian at (518)-8844749 or by email at lroberts@saratogacountyny.gov.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and Amplify Horse Racing Partner on 2026 Winner’s Circle Summer Camp

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and Amplify Horse Racing are once again partnering for the Winner’s Circle Summer Camp, an immersive fourday experience introducing high school students to the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing.

Taking place Tuesday, July 28 through Friday, July 31, in Saratoga Springs, the Winner’s Circle Summer Camp will give participants access to some of the sport’s most iconic locations and career opportunities. The four-day camp, which was introduced in 2025, combines classroom-style learning at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at Saratoga Race Course. The Winner’s Circle Summer Camp is made possible through support of industry partners, including the New York Racing Association, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

From learning how a racetrack operates and exploring veterinary science to visiting the backstretch, students will discover how their personal skills and interests can connect to a wide variety of career paths in the thoroughbred industry.

“Once again, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is proud to partner with Amplify Horse Racing to offer this unique four-day immersive learning experience,” said Eric Ross, the Museum’s educator. “This is a great

opportunity for young people interested in the thoroughbred industry, and we are proud to work with the New York Racing Association and our local industry partners to provide space to foster the next generation of thoroughbred enthusiasts.”

“Amplify’s goal is to help young people connect with horses and the many career opportunities that surround them, regardless of whether they have ever been around horses before,” said Annise Montplaisir, Amplify’s executive director. “The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is a natural educational partner in that mission, and this camp provides a wonderful opportunity for youth to learn about horses and develop an interest in the sport of thoroughbred racing.”

Winner’s Circle Summer Camp Overview

July 28: Introduction to Thoroughbred Racing

• Explore the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

• Learn how the thoroughbred industry works

• Discover different career pathways in racing

• Test your skills on a horse racing simulator

• Participate in an interactive equine science experience

July 29: Behind the Scenes at the Racetrack

• Visit Saratoga’s historic training grounds

• Tour a working thoroughbred training barn

• Learn how racetracks are designed and maintained

• Explore the science behind racing surfaces

July 30: Equine Health and Veterinary Science

• Learn horse anatomy and biosecurity practices

• Visit an equine veterinary hospital

• Explore how horses are cared for throughout their careers

• Participate in hands-on activities focused on equine health and the economic impact of the horse industry

July 31: Horse Care and Life After Racing

• Visit an aftercare organization that helps retired racehorses transition to new careers

• Participate in handson horse care activities, including grooming and horse handling based on comfort level

• Learn about careers in horse care, retraining, and equine welfare

Optional afternoon at Saratoga Race Course available for participants and families.

The camp is open to rising 9th through 12th graders. Enrollment is limited to 15 students, with a registration fee of $50 per student ($40 for National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame members and Amplify mentees or mentee graduates).

To learn more or register, visit: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting. com/1049a/The-Winners-CircleSummer-Camp-2026

Children’s Museum at Saratoga Unveils New “Fab Lab” Exhibit

Saratoga Springs— On Wednesday, July 8th, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga and Global Foundries opened a new exhibit, “Fab Lab,” that brings the world of semiconductor manufacturing to life for children and families.

The exhibit transforms the museum’s STEAM space into an immersive experience where visitors can explore how microchips are made and why they matter through handson activities focused on clean rooms, wafer production and precision manufacturing.

“The future of our industry, really the future of innovation is society itself. It depends on the next generation of

talented, but more importantly, socially responsible engineers in science,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, Executive Chairman of the Global Foundries Board of Directors. “That’s why it’s Global Foundries’ job to support this exhibit and partner with the Children’s Museum of Saratoga. Together we are creating experiences that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and helps young people imagine themselves as engineers, scientists, and innovators.”

For museum admission details, memberships and hours, visit https://cmssny.org or stop by the museum at 65 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Food

Seasonal Spotlight: Heirloom Tomatoes

HIGH ROCK PARK

SATURDAYS

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS 3 - 6 p.m.

by

Heirloom tomatoes have become one of my favorite summertime snacks, and this is coming from someone who wanted absolutely nothing to do with them a year ago. I was one of those people who loved tomato sauce and ketchup, but did not care for the actual fruit itself. I thought that they tasted pulpy and had a distinct mouth feel that I did not particularly enjoy. However, that all changed when I went to a cooking class with one of my best friends at Boisseaux Cooking School last August.

The Boisseaux Cottage is a place where you can take a cooking class (amongst other things) in a small group setting with the lovely Paula Croteau, a cookbook author and culinary instructor who runs the program alongside her husband Markis. The cottage sits on the East End of Long Island in Southold, a town buried deep in the North Fork that is overflowing with family-run farms that have been around for generations. I never thought that this woman would turn me into an heirloom tomato lover, but her Peach Burrata Salad sealed the deal for me.

In class, participants were encouraged to take turns prepping different dishes. When it came time to cube the tomatoes, I could not get over how different each one looked. They came in so many fun shapes, colors,

Week of July 10 - July 16, 2026

Peach Burrata Salad

and sizes, which was the first thing that piqued my interest and made me curious about trying them, on top of everything else they would be slathered in that I love – olive oil, burrata, pickled red onions, and basil. Thinking about it now is making my mouth water! Luckily for me, I found out that the heirloom tomatoes in the salad did not taste like any other tomato I’d eaten before. They were sweet and juicy and blended with the other ingredients in perfect harmony. Now every time I get the chance to buy one, I pounce on the opportunity. Not only are they great as a side, but they can double as a summery appetizer, like Caprese – an Italian concoction of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Heirloom tomatoes are

beginning to appear at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market and are available to purchase at several different vendors, including Shushan Valley Hydro Farm, Gomez Veggie Ville, Owl Wood Farm, Lovin’ Mama Farm, and Leaning Birch Farm. Others will also have heirloom varieties, so keep your eyes peeled for those! No matter which way you slice them, heirloom tomatoes are super versatile and great anytime, whether you want them for a light meal, a barbecue, or a casual dinner on your back porch.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Wednesdays, 3–6 pm, and Saturdays, 9 am–1 pm, at High Rock Park in Saratoga Springs. Visit https://saratogafarmersmarket.org to sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

YIELDS: 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• 2 cups arugula*

• Pickled red onions*

• 3 peaches*, cut into slices

• 3 heirloom tomatoes*, cut into slices

• 1 cup fresh basil*, torn

• 2 Burrata balls, torn

• Hot honey*, to taste

• Aged balsamic vinegar, drizzled

• Extra virgin olive oil, drizzled

• Coarse salt & fresh pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place arugula on a serving platter. Top with peaches, tomatoes & pickled red onions. Tear basil and burrata and place on top of salad just before serving. Drizzle with honey, olive oil, vinegar and season with salt & pepper. Toss just before serving.

from the

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

Summer is a great time to cook outdoors or to make some of the delicious salads that we tend to avoid during the winter months. Both my wife and I love Cobb Salads made with diced tomatoes, avocado, chicken, cheese, diced egg, and crispy bacon or adding bacon to potato salads. Now close your eyes and remember the smell of bacon cooking in the morning. Nothing like it! We love this aroma so much but many times it is not cooked correctly. A familiar problem with cooking bacon is the bacon curling up on you and not crisping evenly. This is where a bacon press comes in allowing you to flatten your bacon and cooking it to perfection. Bacon presses come in several shapes and styles. The press is made of heavy cast iron or steel construction with heat resistant wood handles. The large surface allows for pressing multiple strips of bacon at once.

There are also various other uses for the bacon press. You can use it as a tortilla press by putting the dough ball between two sheets of plastic wrap and pressing down with the bacon press with all of your might. Then, cook the tortilla in the skillet. Or, you can use it to make a quesadilla by placing a heated bacon press on top of the tortilla to ensure

PRESS B for Bacon

Another use for the bacon press is turning your next sandwich into a Panini by heating a seasoned skillet and placing the press inside to heat up. After building your sandwich, place the sandwich into the heated skillet and under the heated press, pressing slightly leaving your sandwich golden brown. A bacon press can be used on the outdoor BBQ grill to quick cook burgers or steaks on both sides at the same time. Heat the press up on the grill before you begin cooking and place the press on top of the meat.

Crispy hash browns are delicious for both breakfast and as a side dish for entrees. Make crispy hash browns by placing 3 tbsp. of oil in a pan on medium heat, add the bacon press inside while the pan heats.

• Italian Sausage w/ Peppers & Onions on Roll Mixed Vegetables

• Zucchini & Yellow Squash

• Applesauce

potatoes in and place the heated bacon press on top. Cook until the hash browns are golden brown. For desserts, use a bacon press on bar cookies pressing gently to flatten the bar cookie and crispy rice treats.

The Bacon Press is truly a versatile tool! At Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs, we carry the true kitchen essentials needed to help you with your culinary delights. Have fun Pressing B for Bacon. Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. Here is a fantastic recipe for Bacon Lovers. You can use a bamboo or metal skewer and cook it in or out doors. Enjoy.

Take Care, John & Paula

Department of Aging and Youth Services

• Breaded Fish w/Tartar Sauce

• Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Beans & Greens

• Pear Cup

• LS Ham & Swiss Cheese on Whole Grain Bun

• Mustard Rasta Pasta Salad

• Coleslaw

• Fresh Plum

Bacon Meatloaf on a Stick

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 pounds Ground Beef

• 1 pound Sliced Bacon (thin or original cut)

• 1/2 Cup Cheese (triple-cheddar)

• 1/2 Cup Crackers (Crushed)

• 1/4 Cup Green Pepper (Chopped)

• 1/4 Cup Yellow Onion (Chopped)

• 1/4 Cup BBQ Sauce

• 1/4 Cup Ketchup

• 1/8 Cup Yellow Mustard

• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

• 1 Tablespoon Steak Seasoning

• 1 Medium Egg

INSTRUCTIONS

1) In a large mixing bowl, combine meat and spices, chopped onions, chopped pepper, crushed crackers, egg, bbq sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard, then hand mix until well blended.

2) Make your mixture into 1/4 pound patties

3) Form mixture into 1/4 pound (or smaller) patties

4) Form the patties around the cheese then top each meat patty with cheese then fold bacon around cheese into a corndog shaped object. The bacon shrinks while cooking and helps hold the entire thing together. ITS LIKE A BACON HUG!

5) Insert skewer in one end then wrap meat end to end with bacon.

6) Place in smoker or outside grill at 225F for about three hours or until the bacon is done.

• Goulash Broccoli

• Warm Berry Crisp

• Corn Muffin

The suggested contribution is $2 per meal. There is a $8 fee for guests under the age of 60. Please make checks payable to: Saratoga County Treasurer, c/o Saratoga County Office for the Aging, 152 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

If you do not want to use skewers or would prefer to cook in the oven; Roll parchment paper around the meat, tuck the ends under and transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 160 degrees F on a meat thermometer.

7). Serve warm with dipping sauces like BBQ, Ketchup or cheese to make this one a real winner!

This Week’s Events: JULY 10-16

FRIDAY, JULY 10

Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. A guided walking tour celebrating the rich history, glamour, and legendary stories of Saratoga Springs’ Gilded Age. Guests will journey through historic Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs while hearing stories of millionaires, mineral springs, luxury hotels, socialites, scandals, and the colorful figures who shaped the Spa City’s golden era. Tour concludes at the Saratoga Springs History Museum inside the Canfield Casino. Participants should expect walking, standing, and some stairs. Tours run rain or shine. For tickets and information: https://www.simpletix. com/e/2026-grand-gildedand-glorious-a-saratogatickets-256139.

Summer Ghost Tours

Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The 90-minute guided tours explore the eerie legends, mysterious encounters, and haunted history connected to one of Saratoga Springs’ most iconic landmarks. Led by museum storytellers, the tours offer a blend of history, local lore, and spooky storytelling designed for history lovers, ghost story fans, curious visitors, families, and brave summer adventurers. Guests will explore the historic rooms and halls of the Canfield Casino while hearing tales of its glamorous past, mysterious reputation, and stories that refuse to rest. For tickets and

more information, visit https:// www.saratogahistory.org/ summer-ghost-tours-2026.

Adirondack Greek Festival

St. George Church, 55 Main St., South Glens Falls | Friday and Saturday, Noon – 7 p.m. enjoy our Full Festival days with more authentic Greek food/dinners & pastries, music, entertainment, church tours, and many vendors. Free admission and parking. OPA! No on-line or phone orders will be taken for this event. For more information, call 518-792-2359, www. sgforthodoxchurch.org.

Art in the Garden 97 North Street, Saratoga Springs | 4 – 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Come browse the artwork of found-object sculptor Jack Metzger, equine photographer Clifford Oliver and metal sculptor Noah Savett. View their work in one of Saratoga’s secret gardens. Free and open to the public.

SATURDAY, JULY 11

Saturday Morning Social

National Museum of Racing, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 - 11 a.m. The Museum will offer free admission with complimentary coffee and doughnuts courtesy of Stewart’s Shops and water courtesy of Saratoga Spring Water. The morning will feature a handicapping seminar at 10 a.m. with Daily Racing Form, analyzing the day’s Saratoga Race Course card, including the co-featured Bowling Green and Caress. Author Patricia McQueen will be on hand to sign copies of her book Secretariat’s Legacy: The Sons, Daughters and Descendents Who Keep His Legacy Alive (available for purchase).

Voter Information Hub

Saratoga Farmers Market, 112 High Rock Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will be offering a Voter Information Hub where residents can register to vote, obtain an Absentee or Early Mail ballot application, make changes to their address or party enrollment, get information on Early Voting dates and locations, and learn what will be on their ballot in November. For more information, visit lwvsaratoga. org.

History Caravan

Visitor Center, Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 NY 32, Stillwater | 9:30 a.m. Looking for a more indepth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a park volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the battlefield! Tours last 2.5-3 hours. Meet at the visitor center and follow along, making selected stops, in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

18th Century Toys & Games

Visitor Center, Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 NY 32, Stillwater | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Discover (and try out!) toys and games from another time. Learn about daily life from the time of the Battles of Saratoga. This program was made possible by support from the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.

Annual Car Show and Live Music in the Park Fundraiser

Middle Grove Town Park located at 428 Middle Grove Road, Middle Grove | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Town of Greenfield Historical

Society. Rain Date is July 12. Show cars registration $20. 15 People’s Choice Trophies are given at 2:45 p.m. Bring along your family, friends, and folding chairs and enjoy the talented musicians who have donated their time to benefit our Historical Society. Vendors, Bake Sale, 50/50, Food and Drinks available for purchases. Donations are greatly appreciated as we “Keep Greenfield’s History Alive for our Future Generations”.

Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 7 - 11 p.m. The dance is open to the public. Ample free parking. There will be a donation of $7 per person. Snack and refreshment will be provided, or bring a snack to share, your choice. Dance to the music of the E-Town Express (Adults Only) For more information call 518490-2851.

SUNDAY, JULY 12

Trades Day

Visitor Center, Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 NY 32, Stillwater | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The American Northern Army encamped at Saratoga Battlefield in 1777 included thousands of Continental soldiers from New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These soldiers wore a variety of colorful uniforms made of wool or linen, all of which were hand tailored. Their leather shoes were made by hand using a careful, painstaking process. Come to the park to see an 18thcentury tailor and cordwainer (not a cobbler!) make these uniform parts using authentic period techniques.

Summer Sunday Strolls Down in the Valley: Mail Order Houses of Saratoga

Meet: NW corner of Lake and East Avenues, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. This walking tour, led by Madison C. Squires, highlights the “Kit House” era.

During this period, a person could drop an order form and check in the mail and receive an entire house in return! Walk along East and Pinewood avenues where many of these early “DIY” houses remain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information on Sunday Strolls or to purchase tickets, call 518-587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation. org, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation. org.

Seeing Ballston Spa: An Observational Sketching Journey

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 12:00-3:00 PM

Join this three-week sketching program to explore the village of Ballston Spa through watercolor and ink. From nature and architecture to a guided downtown sketch walk, you’ll build skills while discovering the village in a creative new way. No experience needed, all materials are provided, all skill levels welcome. Additional days: July 19 and July 26. Registration fee is $60 per person for all three sessions. www.brooksidemuseum.org.

Saratoga Concert Series - Proudest Monkeys Band

War Memorial in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Proudest Monkeys Band, a Dave Matthews Band tribute jam band formed in 2017 in New York’s Capital Region, is thrilled to once again perform as part of the Saratoga Summer Concert Series. Audiences can expect crowdpleasing favorites like “Ants Marching” and “Two Step,” among other classics. The band features Jonathan Newell on lead vocals and guitar, Adam York on saxophone, Tommy Ryzuk on bass guitar, Rye Wylie on drums, and Tania Susi on violin. In the event of rain, the concert will move

to the covered back garden patio at the Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway.

MONDAY, JULY 13

Nature on the Move

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 90 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside. This walk is geared towards those with basic fitness levels and is for ages 16 and above. Registration is required for most of our programs at least one business day in advance. Register on our website or by calling the office at 518450-0321. Our programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions.

TUESDAY, JULY 14

Celebrate America’s 250th: The Mystery of Ft. Edward’s Jane McCrea

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. Who was local legend Jane McCrea? How and why did she become famous? Who killed her? What happened following her demise? This talk will unravel some of the legends surrounding her. 518-3718622. www.cphlibrary.org.

MS Support Group

Zoom Meeting, 5 – 7 p.m. For more information, please contact Lou Ann 518-7939506.

A Bastille Day Celebration

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 6 – 8 p.m. A celebration of the French national day, featuring creative, themed activities and French vibes. Guests will enjoy a cheese plate featuring fine French cheeses, and can sample a variety of sweets, including French macarons. Attendees will have the opportunity to make their own lavender sachets, browse

travel guides and photo books about France, and learn about French history and traditions. The event will also feature the sounds and songs of a Parisian café. Tickets are $12 for non-members and $8 for members at SCHC and are available on our website at brooksidemuseum.org.

Society of American Magicians Meeting

S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham | 7 p.m. The local group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. We welcome all people, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or purely entertainment to join us for a fun evening. For more information about our organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit our web site: www.sam24.synthasite. com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

Hall of Fame Tour with Angel Cordero, Jr.

National Museum of Racing, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs |11 a.m. A one-ofkind tour of the Museum led by Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero, Jr., who won more than 7,000 races in his career and was dubbed the “King of Saratoga” for winning a record 14 riding titles at Saratoga Race Course.

Tickets: https://1049a. blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/ Hall-of-Fame-Tour-15Jul2026

Karner Blue Butterfly Walks

NYS DEC Old Gick Parcel, 4402 New York 50, Saratoga Springs | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

The endangered Karner blue butterfly has two broods every year. The first brood emerges in late May and the second brood in early July. On a guided walk through the meadows, learn about the Saratoga Sand Plains ecosystem on which this

animal thrives, and how it became endangered. Registration is required for most of our programs at least one business day in advance. Register on our website or by calling the office at 518450-0321. Our programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions.

Pickin’s

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. Doors open 1 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 518-348-9922 with questions.

Stuffed Chicken Breast 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: boneless stuffed chicken breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cranberry sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner: $15 (cash only).

The Astronomy Club

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 8:30 p.m. The library is hosting a Star Gazing Party. Anyone is welcome to attend. Telescopes and snacks will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own equipment. Registration is requested by calling 518882-6385.

THURSDAY, JULY 16

Curator’s Tour of Kathy Butterly: Assume Yes

Tang Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Noon. Dayton Director Ian Berry leads a tour of a major exhibition of work by one of the most influential and

inventive sculptors working in ceramics today. The critically acclaimed exhibition inspired the New York Times to say, “the Tang punches above its weight.” For more information, call the Tang Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit tang.skidmore.edu.

Shade Gardening Workshop

Zoom Program, Noon – 1 p.m. Have a shady spot in your landscape that you’re not sure what to do with? Discover how to transform those challenging areas into beautiful, thriving gardens by joining Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County for an engaging virtual workshop, Shade Gardening, presented by Master Gardener Lauri Dittmer. Advance registration is required by July 13. Cost is $10. To register, email Jessica Luse at jmh452@cornell.edu.

Town of Greenfield Farmer’s Market

Middle Grove Town Park, 428 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 4 – 7 p.m. Every Thursday! Food trucks, live music, fresh produce, fresh flowers, candles, homemade breads, cookies, maple products, bounce houses, gift items, pickles, fresh lemonade, bird houses, Saratoga Mobile Library, jewelry, wreaths, woodworking, multiple dinner options, and so much more. Open to the public. Free admission.

Upbeat on the RoofPaintbrush Charlie

On the Lawn Outside Tang Museum, Skidmore College,

Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m.

The series highlights regional musical talent in an array of styles, including funk, poppunk, R&B, folk, indie folk, indie pop, and Americana. Performances take place on Thursdays through August 20. Free and open to the public.

SCHC Reads:

Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 6 – 7 p.m. Join us for the third meeting of our new history Book Club at the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum. This year, in honor of America’s 250th, we will be reading books that explore the unfolding and impact of the American Revolution. Free to attend with registration, www. brooksidemuseum.org.

UPCOMING Events

Upcoming Lawn Sale

Old Stone Church, 159 Stone Church Rd., (Town of Milton) Ballston Spa is looking for gently used or new items for their lawn sale to be held Friday and Saturday July 17, 18, 24 and 25 and July 31 and August 1. Sale will be open from 9am to 3pm. Items can be placed on the ramp located at the back of the church. Not accepted, exercise equipment, skies, car seats, mattresses. Church phone #518-583-1002.

2026 Mid-Year Update

by Stephen Kyne, CFP

Sterling Manor Financial for Saratoga TODAY

We’ve officially crossed the midway point of 2026. For the last six months, markets have been volatile as they’ve reacted to geopolitical uncertainty, energy supply shocks, logistics disruptions, and other drags on the economy. Yet, despite these obvious headwinds, the economy and markets have shown notable resilience. As we turn to the second half of the year, we remain cautiously optimistic that this broader trend of resilience can continue.

The AI Elephant in the Room: Massive Spending, Rising Risks

For more than a year, a primary engine supporting our economic growth has been massive corporate investment in artificial intelligence. Tech giants

have poured hundreds of billions into data centers, connectivity, and hardware. AI and AI-adjacent sectors have helped lift US GDP to a stable 2.1% annualized growth rate.

However, all that exuberance has fueled an AI boom that is starting to look precariously top-heavy. Analysts and federal regulators are increasingly sounding the alarm, drawing unsettling parallels to the dot-com bubble of 2000. We have been repeatedly voicing our concerns about the massive concentrations in the tech sector as well.

The risk here is far-reaching: tech companies are taking on staggering amounts of debt and spending capital at an unprecedented clip, yet clear, widespread profitability has yet to fully materialize. If these companies are unable to make the numbers work and are forced to pull back, the resulting market shifts could impact everything from private credit markets to traditional utilities.

In our view, the core question is less about whether the sector undergoes a valuation adjustment, and more about the timing and nature of how that potential normalization might occur.

So much of the global marketplace is betting on AI meeting or exceeding lofty expectations. Anything short of those goals could disrupt the

momentum that has been driving stock prices higher.

While it has buoyed the numbers so far, counting on AI to permanently carry the economy carries inherent risk. Historically, significant market imbalances tend to normalize—whether through a sharp correction or a gradual deflation. Until conditions stabilize, we urge a cautious, disciplined approach that incorporates broad diversification across asset classes. While this

strategy may result in missing out on some potential upside, it is designed to help provide downside protection, as it is impossible to accurately time when or how deep a market correction might be.

Looking Ahead to the Second Half

Even with the AI hype potentially masking structural risks and energy prices straining household budgets, the broader economic picture has highlights. The job market appears to

have stabilized, with unemployment holding steady at a healthy 4.4% to 4.5%, although workforce participation has dropped to Covid-era levels. For now, we are looking at an economy that has successfully absorbed global shocks rather than fracturing under them.

Looking toward the second half of the year, our baseline outlook anticipates that interest rates may remain at or slightly above current levels. We also believe inflation could begin to ease if Middle East tensions continue to cool. Most importantly, all eyes will likely be on earnings and guidance as tech companies, large and small, begin to issue Q2 results.

Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs. Sterling Manor Financial, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. This article contains forwardlooking statements and opinions based on information available at the time of writing, and are subject to change without notice.

Rights of a Surviving Spouse to your Estate

How

by Anna Myers Norton, Esq. for Saratoga TODAY

Marriage changes more than just your personal life, it can also change what happens to your estate when you die. Whether you have a Will or not, New York law gives spouses important rights that can affect who manages your estate, who inherits your property, and what benefits a surviving spouse may receive.

This article answers your questions on how marriage affects your estate under New York law and why it is important to review your estate plan if you are estranged from your spouse.

Who administers your estate?

A common misconception is that a surviving spouse is always in charge of settling their spouse’s estate. In reality, the answer depends on whether you have a Will and whether the people you nominated are able to serve.

If you have a valid Will, you can choose the person you want to be responsible for administering your estate (your “Executor”). You may nominate your spouse, but you do not have to. If the Executor and all nominated successor Executors are unable or unwilling to serve, your spouse will typically have priority to step in and administer your estate.

If you do not have a valid Will, the court will appoint an Administrator of your estate. Your surviving spouse generally has the highest priority to serve in that capacity. Other family members, such as children, parents, or siblings, usually cannot

marriage affects your estate plan

be appointed instead of your spouse unless your spouse consents or is legally disqualified. Who inherits your estate?

Just as marriage affects who administers your estate, it also affects who receives your assets. Whether you have a Will matters, but a spouse also has protections that can override your Will.

If you have a valid Will, you can direct who inherits your estate. However, marriage limits the ability to completely disinherit a spouse. Even if your Will leaves everything to someone else, your spouse may have the right to claim a portion of your estate through the “right of election” (also called the “elective share”).

If you do not have a valid Will, the law directs how your estate is distributed. If you are survived by a spouse and no children, your spouse inherits everything in your estate. If you are survived by a spouse and children, your spouse receives the first $50,000 of your estate plus one-half of the remaining balance, and your children share the other half. If you die without a valid Will, your “estate” is comprised of the assets you own at the time of your death that are not jointly held with another or payable to a named beneficiary.

What is the right of election?

The right of election is a legal protection for surviving spouses. In general terms, it gives your spouse the ability to claim a portion of your “net estate” even if your Will (or your beneficiary designations) leave your spouse out. In most cases, the elective share is the greater of: $50,000, or one-third of your net estate.

What is your net estate?

For elective share purposes, your net estate includes certain assets that pass in and outside of a Surrogate’s Court proceeding. Depending on the circumstances, this can include assets held jointly with someone else, accounts that transfer automatically at death by beneficiary designation, and interests in trusts.

What else is your spouse entitled to?

In addition to inheritance rights, surviving spouses have the right to receive specific property or allowances before the ordinary estate distribution is completed. These protections are meant to provide immediate support and can apply even when the estate has creditors. Common examples include certain household items, personal belongings, and a vehicle (subject to value limits).

What about employee benefits?

Some employer-sponsored benefits have special rules. For example, retirement plans such as 401(k)s often require a spouse to be the default beneficiary unless the spouse signs a valid written waiver. Other employer-sponsored benefits, such as group life insurance, may also provide important rights for surviving spouses depending on the policy.

Can your spouse contest your Will?

Yes. Even if your Will excludes your spouse, they are typically entitled to receive notice of estate proceedings and may object. A spouse may raise concerns about the validity of the Will (for example, lack of capacity or undue influence) and may also

challenge whether the nominated fiduciary should serve.

Can your spouse give up these rights?

Yes. Spouses may voluntarily waive certain rights, including the right to inherit from your estate or serve as your estate fiduciary, through a valid written agreement. Common examples include: prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, separation agreements, or a written renunciation.

Can your spouse lose these rights?

Generally, your surviving spouse may only be disqualified from their rights with respect to your estate in limited circumstances. Grounds for disqualification may include abandonment, substance abuse, and felony convictions for embezzlement, crimes involving misappropriation of money or breach of fiduciary duty.

Are estranged spouses disqualified?

Not necessarily. Simply

living apart or having no communication is usually not enough to disqualify a surviving spouse from the rights discussed in this article. Unless there is a valid waiver, a valid separation or divorce agreement, or another basis for disqualification, an estranged spouse may still have significant rights under New York law.

Marriage can impact your estate plan, even if you and your spouse have been living separately for years. Many people are surprised to learn that simply being estranged does not automatically end a spouse’s legal rights. If your marital status or family circumstances have changed, now is a good time to discuss your situation with an attorney experienced in estate planning.

Anna R. Myers Norton is an associate attorney with O’Connell and Aronowitz, One Court Street, Saratoga Springs, New York. Anna’s practice focuses on trust and estate law, including estate planning, estate administration, and guardianship.

Down Time is the Worst Time “MOTHERING BOYS”

by Kate Morna Towne for Saratoga TODAY

One of my boys was the best man in his best friend’s recent wedding, and we also just got back from a week’s vacation at the beach, so I’m happy to share that both things I wrote about in this column from several years ago – getting out the door without ruining our Sunday best look, and getting to the water without ruining our sunscreened selves – have basically resolved themselves. How wonderful! We enjoyed the wedding and the vacation so much!

We’ve had several events recently in which we all had to be dressed nicely and leave the house at a certain time to ensure that we arrive at the event on time. (The fact that some of these events were related to my oldest graduating from high school is something I’m not ready to talk about yet except to say the school did a fantastic job of wrapping up high school for the seniors — they were given a wonderful sendoff, it was just a perfect way to wrap up this era of my son’s life and the life of our whole family. Also, this mama currently feels like she’s drowning much of the time in memories, and sadness at what’s over, and excitement about

what’s to come. If you hear loud sobbing at various times of day, it’s assuredly me.)

Anyway, given that we had more than the usual number of events recently that required nice outfits and leaving at a certain time — outfits that I had carefully chosen, washed, and laid out for everyone, and departure times that I had carefully calculated — I had more than the usual number of opportunities to remember what an absolute disaster it is to have any amount of time between when each son is ready to go and when he has to get in the van for the actual departure. Have you noticed this with your children? This is how it inevitably plays out in my house (I should preface it by saying I’m mostly exempting my older boys from this exposé, as it does seem that once they hit twelve or fourteen or so, they’re more capable of doing all this without causing problems):

“Time for everyone to get dressed!” I announce loudly (my children might use the word “yell”), and after they all ask where on earth their clothes might be (despite the fact that they’re exactly where I always put them), they all get themselves dressed (my youngest still requires help from me or my husband). Then there’s the discussion about what shoes to wear,

and can they wear white socks or do they have to wear black, and do they have to brush their teeth, and me yelling about making sure they’ve all gone to the bathroom. But then, if I haven’t chosen the exact perfect moment to start this whole process, there ends up being a few minutes between when the boys are done getting ready and when we have to leave, which is just the worst. If I wait too long to start the process, then we’re in a panic and stressed and I yell louder and start to sweat, but starting the process too early is just miserable, because then there’s Down Time. Down Time is not a good time when we have somewhere to be and especially when we have an appearance to maintain (by “appearance,” I mean “not overly rumpled/wrinkled/messy.” My bar is set fairly low, but it does exist). Down Time often involves (1) wrestling, (2) somersaulting on the furniture, (3) poking each other, (4) deciding that something that belongs to your brother is the exact and only thing you want to have in your hands at this exact moment, (5) arguing/teasing/yelling — basically bothering and mischiefmaking of various types. (And if you have really little ones, as I did until not that long ago, it also usually involves a

diaper blowout at the moment you’re trying to walk out the door, or pulling off one’s socks and shoes and tossing them about the room, or a baby screaming from the chair/bouncer/ pack-and-play they’ve been put in while you desperately try to finish getting everyone ready, including yourself. Being past that is one thing I’m grateful for about having bigger kids!)

It really would be nice to not have to stick to a schedule that needs to be followed to the second, and you might think the TV would be the savior here — put on a nice show for the children for a few minutes and they’ll sit quietly and not cause trouble, right? Except, that’s wrong, and I still don’t know why — so often I worry about the glazed expressions they sometimes get in front of the TV, but when I could actually use a little of that zoning-out, it’s nowhere to be found. It must be that the excitement of going somewhere just amps them up too much.

The only thing that I’ve found that really keeps the schedule and the children fairly smooth is sending them out to sit in the van as soon as they’re ready. My kids have assigned seats in the van, and those seats have seatbelts that they’re required to put on once

they get in, so generally speaking the van is a good place for them to wait. Also, if they bother each other when in the van, I can’t hear it, so I’m able to retain some of my mental peace and focus. The problem with this is that I can’t have them sitting in the van for too long for safety reasons (weather concerns, strangers passing by, etc.), so I find that it really is necessary to have the whole process planned down to the second. Fortunately, it’s a challenge that I feel mostly up to — figuring out the best timing of everything is something I think I’m fairly skilled at.

Of course, now that summer has started, a particular form of this challenge has reappeared: how to get everyone in bathing suits and sunscreen in such a way that they’re not rolling their sunscreen-slicked selves all over each other or the furniture or in the dirt while Hubby and I try to finish up everyone else and ourselves. The van doesn’t usually help here, since we’re usually doing this to go to water that we can walk to, so we all tend to be in bad moods by the time we finally set off to go swimming. I haven’t yet figured out a good solution to this, other than do it all as fast as possible — if I come up with something better, I’ll let you all know!

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 21, 19, 18, 16, 14, 12, and 7. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

When to Heat or Ice Your Back: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

by Dr. Matt Smith, DC

for Saratoga TODAY

Back pain can be a complex and frustrating issue, affecting individuals of all ages and lifestyles. One of the most common questions when dealing with back pain is whether to use heat or ice for relief. Understanding the appropriate circumstances for each method can significantly influence your recovery and comfort. This article will discuss when to use heat or ice for back pain, the scientific reasoning behind each method, and practical tips for application.

Understanding Heat and Ice Therapy

Ice Therapy (Cryotherapy)

Ice therapy, or cryotherapy, involves applying cold substances to the affected area. The primary benefits of ice therapy include:

- Reducing Inflammation: Ice constricts blood vessels, which limits blood flow to the injury site and helps reduce swelling.

- Numbing Pain: Cold therapy can help numb the area, temporarily alleviating pain sensations.

- Preventing Muscle Spasms: Cold can help reduce muscle spasms in the affected area.

When to Ice Your Back

- Immediate Injury: If you’ve recently sustained an injury (e.g., a muscle strain or sprain), ice should be your first line of defense.

- Inflammation: If you notice swelling in your back, apply ice to reduce inflammation.

- Acute Pain Episodes:

During flare-ups of chronic back pain, using ice can be beneficial.

- Post-Activity Relief: After strenuous activity or exercise that may have strained your back.

Application Tips for Ice Therapy

1. Duration: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, allowing your skin to return to normal temperature before reapplying.

2. Protection: Always wrap ice or cold packs in a cloth or towel to protect your skin from frostbite.

3. Frequency: Ice can generally be applied every 1-2 hours as needed, particularly in the first 48 hours following an injury.

Heat Therapy (Thermotherapy)

Heat therapy involves applying warmth to the affected area. The primary benefits of heat therapy include:

- Relaxing Muscles: Heat increases blood flow, promoting muscle relaxation and reducing stiffness.

- Soothing Pain: Warmth can soothe and alleviate discomfort, especially for chronic pain conditions.

- Improving Flexibility: Heat can assist in loosening tight muscles, which may improve flexibility and range of motion.

When to Heat Your Back

- Chronic Pain: For ongoing issues such as chronic muscle tension or arthritis, heat can be beneficial.

- Muscle Tightness: If you feel tightness or stiffness in your muscles, heat therapy can help loosen them up.

- Post-Ice Application: After the initial 48 hours of icing an acute injury (once swelling has reduced), transitioning to heat can promote healing.

- Before Activity: Applying heat before engaging in physical activities can prepare muscles for movement, reducing the risk of strain.

Application Tips for Heat Therapy

1. Duration: Apply heat for 15-30 minutes at a time.

2. Types of Heat: Use a heating pad, warm towel, or take a warm shower or bath. Ensure that the heat is comfortable and

not too hot.

3. Frequency: Heat can generally be applied several times a day, based on personal comfort levels.

Special Considerations

- Consult a Professional: If back pain persists beyond a few days or is severe, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

- Combined Approaches: Sometimes, alternating between heat and ice can be beneficial,

especially for chronic conditions.

- Individual Preferences: Everyone’s body responds differently, so it may be useful to try both methods to determine which offers you the most relief. Understanding when to apply heat or ice to your back can greatly enhance your comfort and speed up the healing process. Ice is typically used for acute injuries, inflammation, and acute pain, while heat is best suited for chronic pain, muscle tightness, and relaxation.

Listening to your body and using these therapies strategically can help you manage back pain effectively.

Always seek professional advice for persistent or excessive pain to ensure appropriate care.

Dr Matt smith has been a chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for forty years, He and his daughter, Dr Kevy Smith Minogue practice at 50 Seward Street. Online appointments can be made at WWW. MySaratogaChiropractor.Com

Cassandra Kubinski to Preview Her New Acoustic Album at Caffe Lena

In the early 2000s, Cassandra Kubinski was a young singersongwriter in a Queens apartment, surviving on baby carrots and Haagen-Dazs and writing lyrical, impassioned songs about wayward relationships, ambition, family, even a scuba diver who meets a watery end. She had no idea that over a dozen of those songs would land on Lifetime’s “Dance Moms”, where teachers and dancers who became household names (Abby Lee Miller, Gianna Martello, Maddie Ziegler, Nia Sioux and many others) built routines around them. The show went global and her songs reached millions of new ears. On Thursday, July 23, Kubinski brings those songs and others back to

the intimate format in which they were written, for an exclusive album preview at Caffe Lena.

The concert is a first listen to songs from her upcoming acoustic album, “Dance Moms Acoustic and Lyrical Solos,” due out in August. The album features 9 of the 13 songs Kubinski had on “Dance Moms,” and is produced by Jim Mastrianni, who also produced her “Saratoga Sessions” EP and the “Burn It Down” duet with Sawyer Fredericks.

Every ticket holder receives a free advance streaming link to hear the entire album before it is released. Tickets can be purchased online at, https://www.caffelena. org/event/cassandra-kubinski-anexclusive-album-preview/.

First Responders Freedom Fest & Family Picnic

to Honor Local Police, Firefighters, EMS Personnel, Veterans and their Families

ROUND LAKE— Quick Response will host the First Responders Freedom Fest & Family Picnic, a familyfriendly celebration for local police, firefighters, EMS personnel, veterans and their families as the community comes together to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The event

will take place on Saturday, July 11 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Quick Response’s headquarters in Round Lake. Quick Response is known for their community events like this, including their popular holiday drive-thru light display and their Easter Fun Fest.

The event will feature

live music by Grand Central Station, a free BBQ lunch, a beer tent, carousel rides, face painting, balloon artists, cornhole and lawn games.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to the event here https://invite.social/tw9zvvn0ffvpmxex or by calling 518899-7090 for more information.

Boca Bistro to Host 10th

Dreaming Tree Wine Dinner

Saratoga Springs— Boca Bistro will host its 10th Dreaming Tree Wine Dinner on Wednesday, July 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 384 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

The evening will feature a chef-curated five-course menu paired with wines from The Dreaming Tree, created by musician Dave Matthews and

winemaker Sean McKenzie.

This year’s dinner will feature five courses; each paired with a Dreaming Tree wine. Menu highlights include heirloom tomatoes and burrata with sherry-chorizo gastrique, seared butterflied shrimp with lemon beurre blanc, grilled bistro steak with pomegranate-blackberry reduction, sesame crusted tuna

with black garlic-soy sauce, and citrus curd cheesecake with Dreaming Tree Rosé.

“Hosting this dinner for the 10th time is something we’re really proud of,” said David Zecchini, owner of DZ Restaurants. “It has become one of those events our guests look forward to each summer, and it gives our team the chance to create a memorable evening around food, wine, and great hospitality.”

The cost is $115 per person, including tax and gratuity. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. For the full menu or to reserve seats, visit shop.dzrestaurants.com.

Week of July 10 - July 16, 2026

Frances Day at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery

by Aidan Clark Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Springs— On Saturday, June 18, the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery will host its annual Frances Day, open to the public from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Located on Skidmore’s campus, there will be family friendly activities, museum tours, and live music.

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. activities will include pinch pots with Saratoga Clay, mosaics, glass decorating, bandana stamping, felt vases and flowers, and a photo booth. Scheduled tours will be held at 2:15, 3:15, and 4:15 exploring exhibits “All These Growing Things” with Rachel Seligman, Assistant Director for Curatorial Affairs, and Malloy Curator; “Kathy Butterly: Assume

Yes” with Dayton Director Ian Berry; and Collections Tour with Collections Registrar Nora Riccio and Exhibitions Registrar Katrina Dumas respectively.

At 5 p.m. there will be a community barbeque and a concert by Great Mutations, a local band based in Troy.

Frances Tang graduated from Skidmore College in 1961, after having immigrated from China. In 1992, the same year her daughter Kristen graduated from Skidmore College, Tang passed away from cancer. To honor his late wife, Oscar Tang made a substantial contribution to help the museum come to fruition in 2000. The inaugural Frances Day was in 2014 which honors her legacy of creativity and philanthropy with a day of free activities for the whole community.

Awesome Elijah Book Reading

by Aidan Clark Saratoga TODAY

Local author, illustrator, and art teacher, Martha Raleigh Winsten, is hosting a reading of her book Awesome Elijah along with an illustration demonstration at Greenwich Library on July 13, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ballston Spa Library on July 29, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Awesome Elijah is a true story about Jackie Pierce, a teacher’s aide at Division Street who along with her daughter, Andrea, adopted a threeday-old calf who was set to be sold to slaughter. The story follows Elijah growing up alongside various farm animals and eventually becoming the only steer to ride at the Horse Expo at Saratoga Race Course.

The book was originally published in 2007, but through a grant provided by Saratoga Arts, Awesome Elijah was republished as a hardcover. Also included in the book is a QR code for three songs recorded by Winsten that go along with the story.

Winsten comes from a storied family in the illustration landscape; her grandfather was Henry Raleigh, who is in the Illustrators Hall of Fame. He was F. Scott Fitzgerald’s favorite illustrator, and one of his WWI war posters can be seen at the Saratoga Military Museum on Lake Ave.

Her mother and father, Sheila Raleigh and movie critic, Archer Winsten, were part of the Harlem Renaissance. They would go with John Hammond to listen to singers Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald and others at the Savoy in Harlem.

Entertainment & Arts

60th Annual New York City Ballet Residency at SPAC

by Aidan Clark Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS—

The New York City Ballet (NYCB) returns to Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on July 8–11 for its landmark 60th anniversary season in Saratoga. The residency features six performances, artist conversations, workshops, family programming, special anniversary events and community activities honoring six decades of one of the nation’s most celebrated artistic partnerships.

The anniversary

season includes the return of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the first ballet ever performed on the SPAC stage, on July 9, 1966.

The “Innovators & Icons” program features Jerome Robbins’ “Opus 19/The Dreamer,” George Balanchine’s “Serenade,” and the SPAC premiere of Tiler Peck’s “Symphonie Espagnole.”

Joining the Ballet for the four performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are 26 children from the Capital Region, who have been rehearsing with the NYCB in preparation for the show.

Thursday, July 9 is SPAC’s

Anniversary Night. At 5:30 p.m. celebrate SPAC’s 60th birthday before the performance with complimentary beer, wine and sparkling beverage tastings, sweet treats, commemorative photo opportunities, and “The I Love You Kiosk,” a 10-foot interactive multimedia installation exploring human connection through sound, video and community-created art. The first 400 guests through the gates will receive a complimentary 2005 NYCB “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” poster from the SPAC archives. Guests can also visit the 99.5 The River tent to enter to win a seat upgrade.

Friday, July 10 is SPAC’s Family Night. At 5:30 p.m. families are invited to arrive early for lawn games, arts and crafts, face painting, complimentary Stewart’s ice cream (including SPAC’s Fireworks on the Lawn flavor) and other familyfriendly activities. Guests can also experience “The I Love You Kiosk” interactive installation.

All events before the show are free for all ticket holders. For more information on the NYCB’s performances go to www.spac.org for more information.

50 Years of Northshire Bookstore

Northshire Bookstore is celebrating 50 years of independent bookselling in 2026 and will host a full day of family-friendly public festivities to mark the milestone on August 8th at both their Manchester Center in Vermont and Saratoga Springs locations. Limited edition merchandise commemorating the 50th is available now in both stores.

At Northsire’s Saratoga location, on August 8th, activities will include a free photo booth, scavenger hunt, magician Alan Edstrom, story time, a prize wheel, and face painting.

“Northshire is more than a bookstore, it’s a destination for readers, gift-givers, vinyl lovers, and anyone seeking a welcoming place to gather, discover, and connect,” says Scott Austin, COO and Co-Owner.

Northshire Bookstore was founded by the Morrow family in Manchester Center, Vermont in 1976.

In 2021, ownership transitioned to the French family and in the fall of 2022, Cathleen Ihasz, Nicole Ihasz,

Ashley Ihasz-Austin, and Scott Austin became stewards of the iconic bookstore, continuing its tradition as a family-owned business.

“Our primary mission is to honor the legacy of the business, while also creating new initiatives that create additional value for our loyal guests and encourage future generations to discover Northshire’s magic,” Scott says.

The Ihasz sisters grew up among the stacks in the Manchester store, and the family’s collective backgrounds in hospitality, finance, and entertainment legacy preservation made for a strong fit with the store’s operational needs.

“Northshire has always held a special place in our family’s heart, so when the opportunity came to carry it forward, we didn’t hesitate,” says Nicole. “We are so grateful for the team that makes this store the kind of place people return to for a lifetime.”

Customers can learn more about the 50th anniversary schedule of events by visiting northshire.com.

Monday | 5 p.m.

AD COPY DUE: Wednesday | Noon

Publication Day: Friday

Notice of Formation of Balet Tree Specialists LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/05/2026 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: 707 Malta Ave Ext Malta, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2026.17424

Notice of Formation of DOKTAKISS LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 05/01/2026. 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: EMILLY A OBUYA, 1 STARBOARD CT, WATERFORD, NY, 12188, USA. Purpose: To Offer Stem Educational Services to K-12 Youth. 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2026. 17486

Notice of Formation of Vianova Construction, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 05/21/2026 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: 475 Broadway #117, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2026. 17492

Notice of Formation of East Coast Scientific LLC Articles of Organization filed with

the Secretary of State of New York on 03/15/2026. 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: 22 Chatsworth way, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2026. 17490

LEGAL NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: Rooted Physical Therapy, PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/13/2026. 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 the process to the PLLC, 12A Kirby Rd Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2026. 17495

Notice of formation of IWS Enterprises, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/24/2026 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: 39 Hilton Drive, South Glens Falls, NY 12803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2026. 17491

Notice of Formation of Laura Kenny Health Coaching LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/30/2026

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: 9 Clark Street, Apt 2R, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2026. 17505

Notice of Formation of Resilient Energy

Infrastructure LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on February 27, 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: 5 Spring St., #401 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2026. 17506

Notice of Formation of Courier Cleanup LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 05/26/2026 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: 43 Greenfield Ave Ballston Spa NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2026. 17522

70 Railroad Place LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/08/26. Office in Saratoga Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Lemery Greisler LLC, 60 Railroad Place, Suite 502, Saratoga Springs, NY

12866. Purpose: General. 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2026. 17527

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: JBEK Travel LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/09/2026. Office location: NY. 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, 9 Bluebird Ct, Saratoga Springs, NY. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2026. 17530

Notice of formation of 2 Smith Bridge Road, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/07/2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Secretary of State of NY: 17 Smith Bridge Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2026. 17544

Notice of formation of 6 Smith Bridge Road, LLC, a Domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/07/2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Secretary of State of NY: The LLC; 17 Smith Bridge Road,

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2026. 17557

Notice of Formation of Bowles Holding, LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/28/2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 143 3rd Street Waterford, NY 12188. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2026. 17554

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) The name of the Limited Liability Company that was formed is: BURGOYNE ACRES LLC The Articles of Organization were filed with the Department of State of the State of New York on JUNE 10, 2026. The office of said Limited Liability Company is located in Saratoga County. The Secretary of the State of New York has been designated as agent of the Limited Liability Company upon whom process against said Company may be served and the post office address within the state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process is: The LLC, C/O SAARA JOHANSON, 149 BURKE RD, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866 . The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful acts under the laws of the State of New York. PUB: 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2026. 17555

Notice of Formation of Solar Falcon, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/14/2026. 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: 69 Spruce Street, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2026. 17569

Notice of Formation of GOOSE HOLDINGS, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on April 20, 2026. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC, RAYMOND JEFFREY KISIEL, 1 Deer Run, Gansevoort, New York, 12831. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2026. 17566

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Megan McClearn LMHC PLLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 5/18/2026. 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 the process to the PLLC c/o the LLC, Michelle H. Wildgrube, Esq., Cioffi Slezak Wildgrube P.C., 1473 Erie Blvd., 1st Fl., Schenectady, NY 12305. Purpose: licensed mental health counselor. 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2026. 17605

Notice of Formation of Shoal Point Property Services LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/02/2026. 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: 16 Hopeful Ln, Gansevoort, NY 12831. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2026. 17610

Notice of formation of JOANNEDIMARCO, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/30/2026. Office location: Warren County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Joanne DiMarco: 20 Elm Street, Apt. 313, Glens Falls, NY 12801. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31/2026. 17627

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Nibbles & Bites, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/15/2025. 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 process to the LLC, 213 Middletown Rd. Waterford NY 12188. Purpose: for any lawful purpose. 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31/2026. 17633

Notice of Formation of DUFORT INTERIORS LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 05/27/2026. 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: 13 Bridlewood Loop, Rexford, NY, 12148. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2026. 17651

Notice of Formation of Pure Slate LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/23/2026 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

LEGALS

to the LLC at: 757 Carlton Road, Clifton Park NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2026. 17654

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY: The name of the limited liability company is: 35 Austin Pond, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was April 27, 2026. The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company to 35 Austin Pond LLC, c/o Jon Leonard. 63 Duplainville Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose. 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14/2026. 17655

Notice of Formation of Concorida Group, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on May 26, 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: PO Box 2302 Malta, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2026.17656

Notice of formation of RIVUS DESIGNS LLC

Articles of Organization filed with New York State Dept. of State on 06/20/2023. The County within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is located in is Saratoga. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process to the limited liability company is RIVUS DESIGNS LLC 14 CANNON CT., MECHANICVILLE, NY

12118. Company is organized for ANY LAWFUL PURPOSE. 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2026. 17657

Notice of Formation of The Main Collective LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/03/2026. 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: 217 Elm Street Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2026. 17658

Notice of Formation of Solid Ground Home Inspections, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/18/2026. 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: 43 Jaipur Ln, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2026. 17661

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). Name: WEBB AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT SERVICES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on June 26, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to: WEBB AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT SERVICES LLC, c/o Joshua Webb, 23 Greenlea Drive, Clifton Park, NY 12065. No registered agent. Purpose: for all legal purposes. 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2026. 17676

Notice of formation of KYLIE M MCKEIGHAN, LMHC, PLCC. Articles of Organization filed with New York State Dept. of State on 06/11/2026. The County within this state in which the office of the limited liability

company is located in is Saratoga. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is to the limited liability company at 36 Wagon Wheel Trl, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Company is organized for any lawful purpose. 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2026. 17678

Notice of formation of VIVIAN SALVADOR BLANCO NURSE PRACTITIONER IN PSYCHIATRY, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with New York State Dept. of State on 06/23/2026. The County within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is located in is Schenectady. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is to the limited liability company at 1947 Hillside Ave Schenectady, NY 12309. Company is organized for any lawful purpose. 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2026. 17677

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Saratoga County Department of Central Services, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 will receive sealed proposals (re-scheduled) until 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026 for Centralized Government Office Space Lease or Buildto-Suit, as per specification 26-RFP-SCCGOS-1. Bid documents may only be obtained on or after Thursday, June 11, 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 7/10/2026, 17696

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Odd Racing Partnerships

by Bill Orzell

for Saratoga TODAY

Thoroughbred horses are generally nervous, but frequently make friends in the barn, where they spend quite a bit of their time indoors, and need pleasant distractions. Today, several goats reside on the Saratoga Racetrack backside, and their fossil record reveals a hoofed relationship with horses, yet their presentday rapport is what makes them good companion animals.

The Westbury Stables won the 1902 Saratoga Special with Irish Lad, who had a goat companion named Billy, naturally. The Seagram Stable’s goat evinced a strong desire to masticate Mr. Whitney’s newly planted shrubs on his rebuilt racetrack.

Trainer George Phillips had an extensive menagerie, with a rooster and a pair of monkeys at his barn, along with

a rambunctious goat named Eli, who loved to butt unsuspecting visitors to his stable.

Cats seem like natural stable mates, and besides camaraderie, they help to control the unwelcome presence of vermin.

Hall of Fame trainer

Sam Hildreth, whose worldly remains repose just down Lincoln Avenue from the track, employed a parrot named Dick as a companion to his champion McChesney. The bird perched on a beam above Big Mac’s stall and exercised a salty vocabulary, similar to that coming out of the White House these days.

When Pierre Werthheimer’s French champion Epinard arrived in Saratoga in 1924, he was accompanied by his mascot and talisman, Peter, a hyperalert Airedale terrier.

Leader on the turf Joseph E. Widener had an old German shepherd dog travel and reside

with his horses at Saratoga. The notion of a “dog-in-themanger” goes back to Aesop. Another owner who valued the shepherd dog was Liz Whitney who also employed a white circus horse with china-blue eyes for her lead pony, which the racers adored.

Hirsch Jacobs was a Brooklyn boy who started by racing pigeons, and each year at the Spa he would rehabilitate birds injured at the track. Both he and his horses appreciated the cooing.

Willis Sharpe Kilmer had built a personal fortune with quasi-medical products, a crafty man of business who would do anything to keep his prized equine herd healthy and happy. An introduction he made, and what became

another breeding interest for Mr. Kilmer, was the Sicilian donkey stock he had acquired in his travels to Mediterranean countries. These composed animals had a calming effect on his high-dollar, high-strung thoroughbreds and provided a sense of familiarity, especially when traveling together with his racing strings on railcars to remote racetrack stables.

Recognizing that thoroughbreds like donkey company, many other owners and trainers sought these contented little companions. A portion of this sought after donkey production, with their distinctive cross-marks along their spine and over their shoulders, were gifted by Mr. Kilmer to others in the industry, with Racing Hall of Fame

members Alfred G. Vanderbilt and Max Hirsch being among the recipients.

Legend has it that Jesus Christ arrived in Jerusalem on the back of a Sicilian donkey when he was welcomed there on the first Palm Sunday, and the faithful quadruped followed the fateful procession up Calvary, and stood in the shadow of the cross, which henceforth has marked the breed.

The fat, placid, dove-gray Sicilian donkey would live in the same stall box, travel together in a motor van, and walk together to the paddock, helping the thoroughbred to maintain composure while moving through the excited summertime crowd at Saratoga Race Course.

Saratoga Race Course kicks off its season

by William G. Gotimer, Jr. for Saratoga TODAY

Friday Spill

While the heat did not factor much in the day’s racing, the 8th race saw a potentially disastrous spill involving four horses. While the spill was violent, horses and riders came out mostly unscathed, with only rider Javier Castellano injured enough to take off his mounts for the weekend. Of the four fallen horses, only I Love Giraffes suffered an injury that will require her to go to the sidelines for a few months.

The incident involved rider Paco Lopez who is notorious for his aggressive and reckless riding. Lopez riding, I Love Giraffes, repeatedly bumped Pillar of Beauty ridden by Junior Alvarado, from behind, eventually clipping heels with that rival and falling. Lopez’s consistent involvement in dangerous riding incidents needs to be reviewed. He poses a constant threat to horses and riders and reportedly (and not surprisingly) is unwelcome in the Saratoga Jockeys’ room. Racing authorities and/or the Jockeys’ Guild should be proactive in curbing this recklessness.

Strange Doings at Saratoga

As pointed out repeatedly in this column, strange things happen at Saratoga, particularly early in the meet. This year proved no exception as a new “strange thing” happened before the running of the Belmont Derby Stakes. Valets mistakenly swapped the saddles of Tyler Gaffalione and Ricardo Santana, correcting the error caused a significant delay in the paddock which West End Kid’s trainer William Walden

Saratoga Race Course concluded its 4th of July weekend kicking off its 2026 season. Friday’s opening day card was threatened by the extreme heat and rampant speculation of cancellation, but The New York Racing Association decided to continue as planned. New York State regulations prevent racing when the heat index reaches or exceeds 105 degrees and while it approached that threshold it was never reached and the card proceeded.

bitterly stated cost his charge the race saying “he got pretty upset at that and it all spiraled into a short post parade as they pretty much went straight to the gate”

While this is a new one, it follows a historic pattern of mistakes made early in the meet that negatively impact horsemen and the bettors.

Dead Heats

Sunday’s card saw not one but two dead heats, most notably, the dead heat for win in the Kelso Stakes between Zulu Kingdom and Mi Bago. While dead heats are not exceedingly rare, this one took an unusually long 15 minutes to be declared. In another unforced error by racing officials, no one alerted track announcer, Frank Mirahmadi, that a dead was declared. When the numbers were put up on the board with the lower numerical number first and before any dead heat symbol was shown, Mirahmadi announced the one horse as the winner causing confusion among fans. The usual protocol is to inform the track announcer that a dead heat has been declared before the

numbers go up on the board to avoid this situation.

This posting of numbers before the dead heat symbol needs to be discontinued. The technology should be readily available to show the dead heat symbol before or immediately upon placing the numbers on the board and the common courtesy of informing the track announcer should always be followed.

Controversial Disqualification

A disqualification in the last race on July 4th has proven unpopular with many seasoned observers. The winner, Coach of the Year, ridden by Jose Lezcano drew off easily at odds of better than 20-1 only to see the stewards and rival riders announce a review of his actions mid-stretch. To many the move by Lezcano of angling out in the stretch was simply “race riding” but the chaos that ensued among two of his rivals running outside his horse warranted a disqualification in the eyes of the stewards. While I found the decision to be borderline it is unquestionably a departure from the recent similar decisions. Therefore, this

may signal a new stricter interpretation of permissible “herding”. Consistency is desired by all parties and if this is to be the new standard let’s hope it is consistently and uniformly applied over the course of the meeting.

Leo O’Brien Stakes

The Sunday card was kicked off by the first steeplechase race of the season and the newly minted Leo O’Brien Stakes. The race is named in honor of long-time New York trainer Leo O’Brien whose roots began as a steeplechase rider and trainer in Ireland and the United States and particularly excelling at Saratoga. O’Brien

passed away early this year at 85 years old after living a full life that saw him conquer, steeplechase and flat racing both in his native Ireland and his beloved New York. O’Brien was always generous with his time, knowledge and fortune to friends and strangers alike, and his legacy of all that is good about racing is properly marked with a race named in his honor. His family celebrated the event with his daughter Leona giving a wonderful tribute in an interview prior to the race. Kudos to the New York Racing Association for recognizing such an influential figure in New York racing.

Triangulation: Tradition, Transition, and Transformation

Starting a tradition of going to the races with his father, Kevin Cox has transitioned from a New York City police officer to a professional handicapper

Written & Photographed by Tony Podlaski for Saratoga TODAY

Kevin Cox views his Saratoga Springs experience as triangulated with tradition, transition, and transformation, particularly when it comes to horse racing and handicapping.

The youthful 55-year-old, known as the “Brooklyn Cowboy,” has taken his childhood tradition of coming to Saratoga Racecourse with his parents, who helped him transform that into a second career as a professional handicapper, writer, and racing analysis for his Substack platform and other opportunities.

“My father got me into the sport,” he said. “My mother helped me get the ball rolling. So, it’s clearly

the right path, and then I morphed into writing a column.”

The Saratoga tradition started for Cox when he was eight years old as his father Walter “Bijou” Cox and mother Patricia DeAngelo Cox brought him to the area. Over the next several summers, Cox and his father continued that tradition by watching the workouts and races at the track while staying at the Brentwood Hotel, eating at the Weathervane, and playing at Murphy’s Driving Range and Mini Golf.

Cox’s father also taught him about handicapping races. While Cox was growing up, his father often brought that day’s Daily Racing Form to their Prospect Park home in Brooklyn for postrace analysis and refining his handicapping skills.

“That’s how I got my love of handicapping,” Cox said. “He would bring home the ‘Form’ and save them. He tried to come up with the systems. I still have some of his copious notes on different systems. It’s kind of cool to see his handwriting on some of the old forms.”

It has been 21 years since his father’s passing. However, Cox created another tradition that started with his father’s birthday on Aug. 13, 2005: a memorial race in which a horse ironically named The Daddy won the race with domination. There is also plaque in honoring his father beneath the former scratchboard near the eighth pole.

Since then, Cox has continued to celebrate his father’s Aug. 13 birthday with an annual lobster gathering among family and friends that include Sackatoga Stables Operating Manager Jack Knowlton

and trainer James Ferarro, as well as his column and Twitter post as a tribute to the father-son relationship and traditions.

“Every year, on his birthday, I put an opening in my column. It’s a tribute to him. Basically, it’s about traditions,” Cox said. “It’s about the same things we used to do: stayed the same hotel, drank the water, played mini golf, went for the twin lobsters. It’s those memories until I started becoming old enough where I was able to rent a place for a couple weeks on my own.”

After purchasing a summer home on Madison Street, Cox has created another tradition: painting salvaged a lawn jockey each year. For the last 18 years, he has painted a theme or something symbolic to reflect the Saratoga racing season that started with the West Point Thoroughbred colors when he won his first race as a jockey agent.

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, Cox selected a design inspired by the 13-yearold horse Fourth of July, a winner of 7-of-25 races and competed twice at Saratoga. After thorough research, he found the silks that represented the horse’s career before going through the challenging painting process as he calls it a “labor of love.”

“Every year is a theme, an event, or a horse,” he said. “I always come up with something creative. It takes me five hours to do. It’s a beveled surface. It’s not like painting on a flat surface. I’m on my back going underneath [to paint it].”

Despite Cox’s passion for horse racing and handicapping, his mother wanted a career for him. After his mother submitted the application on his behalf to New

Kevin Cox

York City Police Department, Cox went through the training process, received the same shield number used by his uncle, and was sworn as an officer by 20 years old.

For the next 20 years, Cox was a member of the New York City Police Department. After spending 15 years as a transit and plain clothes officer, he transitioned into a mounted officer as he rode Carnival House, a gelding whose lone win in 28 starts occurred in a $5,000 maiden claiming race at Colonial Downs in 1999.

During his service, particularly after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Cox also had an epiphany of following a dream: working on the Aqueduct backstretch.

“After Sept. 11th being down there and realizing how many people didn’t get to live out their dreams, I decided to follow mine a little bit,” he said. “I wanted to work for somebody and learn things.”

Following his 9 p.m.-6 a.m. shift with the NYPD, he spent his mornings on the Aqueduct backstretch doing various tasks that included massaging horses for the late Joseph Aquilino, helping other trainers like Ferraro and Gary Contessa, and even learning how to become a jockey agent.

Once Cox retired from the NYPD and experiencing the challenges of being a jockey agent, he transformed his second career into

a professional handicapper, especially after winning $40,000 at a Belmont handicapping contest that landed him a spot on the Esquire Network docuseries Horseplayers in which he displayed his signature appearance with the black cowboy hat and boots.

Building from that success, Cox launched a handicapping column and later expanded his work to the Substack platform with help from his cousin Stephen DeAngelo and Laura Arth, founder of the marketing and communications company Triangulate.

Cox, an advisory board member for Old Friends at Cabin Creek and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, also makes appearances for Capital OTB with his Play of the Day every Friday and Saturday that has produced a flat-bet profit for the last four years. He also provides analysis for other tracks and events, including the Breeders’ Cup.

During his 12½ years of handicapping close to 25,000 races, which includes 5,000 winners, Cox has never taken off a day as he has battled through illness and computer glitches to publish his analysis. While Cox spends about seven hours on a given 10-race card, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’m master of my own domain,” he said. “Seriously, how many people are fortunate enough to do their job in their underwear!”

28th Annual Safe Summer Program for Kids to Wear Bike Helmets

Exercise safely this summer and get free ice cream to beat the heat. That’s the goal of Senator Jim Tedisco’s innovative Safe Summer Bike Helmet program, which is celebrating its 28th anniversary of keeping Saratoga County and Schenectady County kids safe.

This year, Senator Tedisco’s Safe Summer Program will distribute 5,000 “good tickets” for free ice cream cones to 12 local police departments to reward children who wear their helmets while bicycling, skateboarding, and rollerblading, and give free bike helmets to kids who need one.

Tedisco’s Safe Summer program is made possible thanks to donations from participating businesses: Stewart’s Shops, Hayner’s Ice Cream and Country Store in Halfmoon, Ben & Jerry’s, and Friendly’s. The law firm of Harding Mazzotti LLP is donating hundreds of new bike helmets to police departments in Saratoga and Schenectady Counties to distribute to children who need them.

“Summer is the season for kids to have fun, but we can’t ever forget that they need to keep safety in mind. I want children to enjoy the summer, but I also want them to be safe when they’re riding their bicycles. My Safe Summer program, now its 28th year, reminds kids

every year to wear their helmets while rewarding good behavior with coupons for free ice cream,” said Senator Tedisco.

“This program is a community partnership among businesses, law enforcement, government and parents and it’s truly a model for how caring people can come together and promote a fun and safe environment for children.

Safe Summer also provides positive interactions between law enforcement and kids.”

It’s the law in New York State that children up to age 14 must wear a bicycle helmet or parents could face a $50 fine. The cost of a bicycle helmet is about $30.00. The average charge for a hospital stay due to a bicycle related brain injury is $18,900 with an average length of stay of four days. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, nearly 87 percent of kids with skull fractures from bicyclerelated accidents were not wearing helmets. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by 60 percent and brain injury by 58 percent.

It’s estimated that 75 percent of bike-related fatalities among children could be prevented with a helmet. Universal use of bicycle helmets by children ages 4 to 15 could prevent between 135 and 155 deaths, between 39,000 and 45,000 head injuries, and between 18,000 and 55,000 scalp

and face injuries annually.

“The safety of our children is a top priority for the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. The Safe Summer Bike Helmet Program allows us to encourage kids to safely ride their bicycles, scooters and skateboards in a fun atmosphere while wearing a helmet. I want to thank Senator Tedisco for his leadership these past 28 years in helping to protect our kids and encouraging them to have positive interactions with law enforcement,” said Saratoga County Sheriff Jeff Brown.

Camp Abilities Saratoga is the Chosen Beneficiary of Western Sun Foundation’s Goose Golf Tournament

Camp Abilities Saratoga (CAS), a service project of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club, was incredibly proud to be the beneficiary of the 2nd Annual Goose Golf outing for the Western Sun Foundation this past Saturday at the beautiful Saratoga Spa Golf Course.

CAS Board Members were at the Saratoga Spa Course early on the 4th, providing a blind golf experience to golfers participating in Western Sun Foundation’s Red, White, & Birdies Golf Tournament. Participants learned just a little about life’s challenges when visually impaired while the CAS Board learned that the Western Sun Foundation is an outstanding organization.

CAS is an active educational sports camp for children

and teens who are blind or visually impaired. This year’s camp will run from August 2nd through the 8th on the Skidmore College campus and surrounding venues.

The Western Sun Foundation is a non-profit organization inspired by the music, fanbase, and experience associated with the band Goose. Created by the Goose community, for the community, the Foundation’s mission is to channel the energy they receive from celebrating music into positive initiatives that serve the communities they pass through on their journeys.

At the conclusion of the weekend, the Western Sun Foundation provided Camp Abilities Saratoga with $10,000 in financial support.

World Cup Watch Party in Wiswall Park

by Aidan Clark Saratoga TODAY

Ballston Spa— On Monday, July 6, the Ballston Spa community came together in support of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) in their round of 16 tie against Belgium in Wiswall Park.

Mayor Frank Rossi gauged interest for a watch party following the USMNT’s win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 on Facebook.

“Who wants a Village of Ballston Spa watch party Monday night in Wiswall Park for Belgium/USA?” the mayor wrote on Facebook.

The post reached over 200 likes and 60 comments and the next day, Mayor Rossi announced a watch party at Wiswall Park Monday night.

The mayor worked diligently over the weekend to get local vendors to set up shop at the game. JJ’s Snack Bar and Mike’s Hot Dogs turned up at the event despite the short notice.

“I actually went there (Mike’s Hot Dogs) on Thursday, I go there whenever I’m in Schenectady, it’s one of my guilty pleasures,” said Mayor Rossi. “And I saw their owner who I’ve known for years. I’m like, “John, you still have that food truck? We’ve got an event.” And he said, “I’ll be there.”

Despite losing 4-1 and being knocked out of the World Cup, enthusiasm for the game was high. After Malik Tillman scored his second free kick goal of his tournament, USA chants erupted in the park.

“I think that the community coming together like this for a World Cup is something that I’ve been hoping for a long time with this sport,” said Raffaele Rispo, owner of Ballston Spa Barber Club. “You don’t see people coming to the park for the Olympics, or the NBA finals, or the Super Bowl, but you see this because this really is the world’s game and it’s catching on here big time.”

Coach Lambert and Coach Long Spa City Bombers Baseball Camp

The 37th annual Coach Lambert and Coach Long baseball camp will be held from Monday, July 13th through Thursday, July 16th. The camp will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the rainout dates being July 20th and July 21st. The camp will take place at the West Side recreation park on the little league fields in Saratoga Springs.

The camp will be run by

New York State Hall of Famers

Phonsey Lambert and Dale Long

Jr. Players and coaches from Saratoga Catholic’s back-to-back

New York State baseball championship team will serve as camp instructors for the week. Campers will work on skill improvement through station work and instructional play.

The camp is open to boys and girls aged 7-14. The cost of

the camp for the week is $195 which includes a camp T-shirt. Please go to www.spasaints.com to print out a registration brochure. Once filled out, send in with payment to Coach Lambert’s address posted on the brochure. If bringing payment on the day of camp, please contact Coach Lambert 518-338-8996 or email alambert@saratogacatholic.org prior to reserve a spot.

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