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Saratoga TODAY September 11 - September 17, 2026

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LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 20 • Issue 37 • September 11 - September 17, 2026 • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • 518- 581-2480

We Remember See pgs. 10-11

N O S A E S N E P O For Yard Sales ‘Tis the Season

Hunting to Begin in Spa State Park

See Story pg. 15

See Story pg. 6


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Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

BLOTTER REPORT Between September 1 and September 6, 2026, the Saratoga Springs Police Department reported 37 calls for serviceintheirblotterreport.Thetopthree incidentswere 1.

Disturbance-5

2.

Propertyfound-4

3.

Crashes-3

BetweenSeptember2andSeptember7,2026. NewYorkStatePolicereported188incidents in their daily blotter reports. The most common incident was property damage accident with 24 reports. In addition, they identified 44 individuals involved in all types of accidents, the median age of which was 44. In terms of arrests, State Police arrested 26 individualson41charges.Themedianage ofthosereportedwas35. Thetopthreemunicipalitiesforincidentswere 1.

CliftonPark-46

2.

HalfmoonandWilton(tie)29

3.

Malta-16

September 2, 2026. 11:10 a.m.- New York State Police arrested two Clifton Park residents in the Town of Clifton Park. The first was charged with one count of felony 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing- intent to defraud. The second was charged withthreecountsofthesameoffense. Appearanceticketsissued. September 2, 2026. 11:58 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Whitehall resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor DWIfirst offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. Appearanceticketissued. September3,2026.1:17a.m.-SaratogaSprings PolicearrestedaRockCityFallsresident onchargesofDWI-firstoffense.Arrest occurredonWashingtonStreet. September3,2026.5:41a.m.-SaratogaSprings Police arrested an Otisville resident on chargesoflevelthreesexoffenderfailed to provide photo- first offense, sex offender fail to mail verification form in 10 days- prior offense, level3 sex predatorfailedtoverifyaddressevery 90days-firstoffense,sexoffenderfails to report change in address/status within 10 days- first offense. Arrest occurredonTwomileroad. September3,2026.3:12p.m.-SaratogaSprings PolicearrestedaGansevoortresidenton chargesof3rddegreeassaultwithintent tocausephysicalinjury.Arrestoccurred onLakeAvenue.

September 3, 2026. 7:32 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a homeless/ transient individual on charges of 2nddegreecriminalcontemptand aggravated family offense. Arrest occurred on Lake Avenue. September4,2026.1:54p.m.-SaratogaSprings Police arrested a Greece resident on charges of criminal mischief: reckless property damage greater than $250. ArrestoccurredonLakeAvenue. September 4, 2026. 4:34 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Troy resident on charges of Trespass. Arrest occurred on Church Street. September4,2026.6:42p.m.-NewYorkState PolicearrestedaBallstonSparesidentin theTownofMiltononchargesoffelony DWI- previous conviction within last 10 years, misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and misdemeanor unlawful possession of noxious materiel.Appearanceticketissued. September 4, 2026. 8:23 p.m.- New York StatePolicearrestedaCliftonParkresidentintheCityofSaratogaSpringson charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense.Appearanceticketissued. September 5, 2026. 2:22 a.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWIfirstoffense.Appearanceticketissued. September 5, 2026. 3:31 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Brooklyn resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of felony DWI: previous conviction in last 10 years, and felony unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.Appearanceticketissued.

BLOTTER September 5, 2026. 7:54 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Gansevoort resident on charges of 2nd degree harassment: physical contact, 1st degree criminal contempt: violate order of protection- physical contact, aggravated family offense- more than 1 offense within five years, 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property over $250. ArrestoccurredonSouthBroadway. September 5, 2026. 10:07 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Niskayuna resident on charges of DWI- first offense, 2nd degree obstruct governmental administration and driving the wrong way on a one way street. Arrest occurredonLakeAvenue. September 6, 2026. 12:25 p.m.- New York StatePolicearrestedaGhentresidentin theTownofMiltononchargesoffelony 3rd degree criminal mischief: damageanotherpersons’ property-amount >$250,misdemeanor2nddegreereckless endangerment, and two counts of actinamannertoinjureachildlessthan 17.Centralarraignment. September 6, 2026. 10:43 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Stillwater resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanorDWI-firstoffense,misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle withaBACof.08orhigher-firstoffense andmisdemeanor7thdegreecriminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearanceticketissued. September 7, 2026. 8:23 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the Village of Victory on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage another person’s property- amount >$250, misdemeanorpetitlarceny,andmisdemeanor criminal mischief: disable equipment to prevent emergency

3 calls.


OBITUARIES

4 Joanne Vaughn

SARATOGA SPRINGS Joanne Vaughn, 61, of Saratoga Springs, New York, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Joanne was born in Queens, NY and grew up in Smithtown, NY. She moved up to Saratoga Springs, NY after getting married in 1989 and has lived most of her adult life there. Joanne was predeceased by her parents, Ernest Kolano and Eileen Kolano (Damm). She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Ray Vaughn, three children, Ryan Vaughn, Casey Vaughn (Kelly), and Megan Durling (Avi); as well as her three siblings, Maureen Boles (Kevin), Kerry Virga (John), and Thomas Kolano (Carol). Joanne was the proud aunt of four nieces, four nephews, two great nieces, and one great nephew. Joanne graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1987, where she studied English and met her future husband, Ray. She worked for the Saratoga Springs City School District for 20 years. For 16 of

those years, she worked as the principal’s secretary for Division Street Elementary School. In recent years, Joanne worked as a payroll clerk for the Saratoga school district. Joanne was an incredibly dedicated, hardworking, friendly, caring, organized, creative, and diligent worker. She cared tremendously about the people she worked with and always wanted to make their lives better and easier by helping them. Joanne had a positive impact on every person’s life she interacted with, in work and everyday life. Joanne was a creative, helpful, and giving person. She enjoyed crafting with her sisters and daughter. She would see ideas online and at craft fairs and immediately go to the craft store to start creating. Particularly around the holidays, Joanne enjoyed creating new decorations with her daughter and creating new games for the family to play all together. Every December, she would turn her home into a Christmas wonderland, taking great care to make the holiday magical for everyone: planning parties, buying games and activities to play, and meticulously wrapping presents for every family member. She was also involved with Festival of Trees for Catholic Charities for many years, decorating and donating trees along with her daughter. Her creativity extended to fashion as well. Joanne never missed an opportunity to try out a new outfit or a new pair of shoes – a trait she shared with her daughter. Her and her children’s Halloween costumes over the years were elaborate and beloved, and the holidays at her house were never complete without matching pajamas.

Joanne loved helping her family with school projects, both as students and as teachers. Many of her children, nieces, and nephews got through school by having her proof-read their essays. An avid reader, Joanne was a lover of books and would buy and read her own copy of a book if someone else needed to read it for school – all to help out with the related homework assignments. Joanne valued her family and friends greatly and had a contagious smile and laugh. She cherished her friendships with her roommates from college; still constantly getting together and staying involved in each other’s lives through family weddings, dinners, celebrations, and trivia. Joanne was extremely proud of her family and the love they have shown to each other. The beach was Joanne’s happy place, and she went every chance she got. While Saratoga Springs is lacking oceans and beaches, she sought out every opportunity to visit her sisters on Long Island to dip her toes in the sand. She also loved traveling to Maine, Cape Cod, Maryland, and Florida over the years with her husband to spend more time near the ocean. Joanne would spend her summer days in Saratoga sitting out by her pool and soaking up the sun. She would shock every teacher in the beginning of the school year with how tan she could get while still working in the summers. Joanne’s children wanted to share that their mother was the best mom in the world. She was the most supportive mother and always had endless, unconditional love for her children. They know she will continue to cheer them on and love them from Heaven. Relatives and friends may call from 4 – 8pm Friday, September 11, at the Willliam J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday, September 12 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Burial will be private. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome. com.

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Edward Patrick Reside

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY - Edward Patrick Reside, 84, passed away September 7, 2026, at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Lansingburgh, NY, March 14, 1942, to the late Edward J Reside and Vera Heyn Reside. In Edward’s youth, he had a fascination and passion for airplanes. After graduation, he served in the Air National Guard as a Loadmaster on C97s, C130s, and C5s, 19611993, serving in Vietnam and Desert Storm. While not in the sky, he was a Certified Safety Professional for several insurance companies. He could spot a broken sprinkler head from a mile away. Edward was a devoted Yankees fan and would tell the best dad jokes. He loved watching musicals and listening to 1940s jazz. Edward is survived by his

Margaret C. Grant SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Margaret C. Grant, 89, affectionately known as Marge to her friends and family, passed peacefully September 20, 2025, in Alamosa, CO. Interment service will be at Maplewood Cemetery, Saratoga Springs 10am, September 18, 2026. All that knew her are welcome to attend. Please visit www. burkefuneralhome.com.

wife Elaine Nelson Reside. Edward and Elaine had a wonderful sixty years of marriage. Edward is also survived by his son Steven (Valerie Pabst) and daughter Susan (Joshua Rask). He was known as Papa by his beloved grandchildren, Emma, Shaun, Michael, Andrew, and Emily. Edward was predeceased by his aunt, Sister Mary Francina, RSM (Emily Heyn), his brother Robert, and two sons Scott and Shaun. Family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday, September 16. Viewing hours will be between 4-7PM at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY (518-584-5373). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Friday, September 18, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com.

Marilynn R. Moran SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Marilynn R. Moran, 88 passed away September 7, 2026. Calling hours are 3-7pm, Monday September 14, at Burke Funeral Home. Mass celebrated at 10am, Tuesday September 15 at St. Clement’s Church. Burial will be private. Online remembrances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com.


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Mary Ann “Marion” Herzog

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Mary Ann “Marion” Herzog of Saratoga Springs, New York, left this world just days after celebrating her 88th birthday, where she had been surrounded by family and friends. She quietly and bravely entered the presence of our Lord on September 4, 2026. Born on September 1, 1938, to Frank and Katerina Kemlage of East 66th Street in New York City, Mary Ann attended St. John Nepomucene Elementary School, Cathedral High School, and Thorpe Secretarial School. After marrying her beloved husband, Robert Lawrence Herzog, on September 6, 1958, Mary Ann moved “upstate,” where she and Robert made their home for many years in Kingston, New York. They later moved to LaGrangeville, New York, where they lived happily with summers of vegetable gardening, autumns of school band performances, and winters of warm holiday memories. Mary Ann later moved to Aloha Park in New Paltz, to be nearer her sisters, and then on to Saratoga Springs for her final years to live near her daughter

and family. Mary Ann was predeceased by her husband, Robert in 1981; her parents; and her siblings: Michael Kemlage, Betty (Bernadine) Cambalik, Katie (Catherine) Corbin, and, most recently, her brother Frank Kemlage and sister Frances Sikula. She was also predeceased by beloved nieces and nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law. She is survived by her children Joanne Califano (Mark) of Mukilteo, WA; Suzanne Hausam (Kenneth) of Middle Grove, NY; and Robert F. Herzog (Sarah) of Hyde Park, NY. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Lauren, Marissa, Hannah, and Jayden Califano; Emily, Kara, and Nathaniel Hausam; and Jacob and Logan Herzog. She is also survived by brothers Bernard Kemlage and Joseph Kemlage. Mary Ann began her working career in New York City in secretarial positions, later working as a bookkeeper for an accounting firm and for her husband’s small business. After her husband’s passing, Mary Ann became an Administrative Assistant for IBM World Trade, and the St. Francis Hospital Emergency Department, both in Poughkeepsie. Mary Ann enjoyed drawing, cooking, singing, and playing games of chance. She enjoyed traveling across the US from coast to coast, and abroad to Rome and the Bahamas. She has always enjoyed getting people together, whether it was for a fun LCR game with her neighbors or a family holiday party rich with games and Slovak traditions. Mary Ann was a devoted mother. She will be dearly missed

OBITS/NEWS by her children and grandchildren on special holidays, at weekly Sunday dinners, and in the daily Wordle Group Chat. Mary Ann’s love of family and her relentless, quick-witted sense of humor are the qualities for which she will be remembered best. Services celebrating Mary Ann’s full and extraordinary life will be held on Friday, September 11, at 10:00am in St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction, NY. This Mass of Christian Burial will be followed by inurnment at St. Denis Cemetery in Hopewell Junction. Family and friends are warmly invited to join together in prayer and remembrance, and to gather afterward in celebration of Mary Ann’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Mary Ann’s honor to one of these organizations favored by Mary Ann: St. Josephs Church of Greenfield Center, NY; Saratoga Hospital Foundation; or the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. For the full obituary and online condolences, please visit www. mchoulfuneralhome.com.

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ALTERNATING LANE CLOSURES ALONG STATE ROUTE 4 IN SCHUYLERVILLE The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 4 between State Route 32 and Spring Street in the Village of Schuylerville, Saratoga County, will be reduced to a single lane with alternating traffic flows weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., beginning Tuesday, September 8, through Friday,

October 9, 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.


NEWS BRIEFS

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Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Saratoga Spa State Park Announces Locally Owned & Operated PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty 518-581-2480 x212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee 518-581-2480 x201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com ADVERTISING Jim Daley, Advertising Director 518-581-2480 x209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Thomas Beaury Advertising Sales 518-581-2480 x252 tbeaury@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey Ad Sales, Classifieds, Calendar, Obituaries 518-581-2480 x204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com DISTRIBUTION Kim Beatty 518-581-2480 x205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com DESIGN Jocelyn Lucey Graphic Designer Madison Teator Ad Designer, Web & Social Media EDITORIAL Aidan Cahill City, Crime, Education 518-581-2480 x214 acahill@saratogapublishing.com Aidan Clark Business, Sports Arts & Entertainment 518-581-2480 x219 aclark@saratogapublishing.com PROOFREADER Anne Strauss astrauss@saratogapublishing.com Send your calendar events to calendar@saratogapublishing.com

Email DESIGN@ saratogapublishing.com to subscribe to our weekly e-Newsletter! ADVERTISING? NEXT MAGAZINE DEADLINE:

Saratoga BRIDE Fall/Winter - September 18th

Local news never looked this good! 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: 518-581-2480

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Deer Hunting Season

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) will open an undeveloped section of Saratoga Spa State Park to white-tailed deer hunting for the 2026-27 season as part of a deer management program. The program allows permitted bow and crossbow white-tailed deer hunting within a roughly 600-acre section of the park south of EastWest Road within the city of Saratoga Springs and the town of Malta. The park will issue 15 permits for the initial hunting season from October 13, 2026, through January 1, 2027. Hunters are required to receive a park-specific hunting permit, in addition to their New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)-issued hunting license, to hunt at the park. Applications for the park-specific hunting permit will be available at the park office, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, from September 8 through September 22, 8:30am4pm. Applications will be accepted

until 4pm Tuesday, September 22. A randomized lottery system will be used to select which 15 applicants receive permits to ensure all applications have an equal chance of being selected. The hunting area will be posted with signage, and hunting will not be permitted within 250 feet of any building, road, parking lot, or neighboring private property. Portable tree stands are permitted during the hunting season, provided hunters do not damage trees or other vegetation. Building or using permanent tree stands is prohibited. No overnight camping is permitted within the park. All other OPRHP rules and regulations apply. The park’s deer management program will follow DEC’s Earn-a2nd-Buck program – meaning that before harvesting an antlered deer (buck), participants must first take an antlerless deer. All other rules pertaining to hunting season dates and allowed take will follow DEC deer hunting regulations for this area of the state. The park is within DEC Wildlife Management Unit 5R, within DEC’s Southern Zone.

After taking into consideration feedback gathered at a public information meeting on May 14, 2026, and a two-week public comment period, OPRHP approved the hunting proposal to address the negative impacts of deer overabundance in Saratoga Spa State Park and to provide additional outdoor recreational opportunities. The goal is to manage white-tailed deer populations within the park at a level appropriate to support forest regeneration and resilient natural communities; enhance habitat

for forest-dependent wildlife; and provide for safe and enjoyable recreational and educational opportunities. Over 80 New York State Parks and Historic Sites maintain hunting programs, of which 65 offer deer hunting, including several in OPRHP’s Saratoga-Capital District Region. Further information on the hunting program, including the hunting area map, is available on the Saratoga Spa State Park website: https://parks.ny.gov/visit/ state-parks/saratoga-spa-state-park


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

photo

OF THE

WEEK

Favorite First Responder Photo in Rememberence of 9/11

“This is my father in law Peter Benedetto Sr 9-12-01 down in NYC where he responded to help after 9-11. He’s a volunteer fireman for West Albany, Retired from the town of Colonie, and also co-own Capital Tech Rescue where they do confined space rescue.”

(Sent in by Crystal Benedetto)

Theme for Next Week: It’s apple season...Favorite apple picking photo!

t e e M Cinnamon!!

Cinnamon is a stunning 5.5-year-old tortoiseshell cat who is looking for her forever home after her owner passed away unexpectedly at a young age. She was brought to HOPE and immediately sought out attention and comfort while exploring her new surroundings. We were told she loved companionship and would sleep right next to her previous owner. She is spayed, up to date on vaccines, and tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Before coming to us, she reportedly had four litters of kittens before entering a foster home with another rescue group in 2023. Cinnamon is now ready to find a new home where she can relax and snuggle with a loving family. The HOPE Cat Adoption

Center is located in the Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption

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applications may be found on our website www.hopeanimalrescue. org. For any questions give us a call at 518-450-7013.


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Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

This Week’s

· Kristen Burke ·

I

am an oil painter drawn to portraying the more unsung locations and the people of my surroundings. My paintings depict the sublime beauty of the everyday, allowing shape and light to reveal the underlying beauty of overlooked spaces and those who inhabit them. Through the act of creation there is a sense of connection, of grounding, and of presence. My hope for the work is that those who engage with it will experience the same.

Kristen Burke is an upstate New York native whose first public show took place in her grandmother’s attic where pencil drawings could be purchased for 10 cents (Her grandmother was an avid collector). Her painting beginnings were in line and wash, a suitable medium for scratching her itch to draw architectural details and splash on some color. She later developed an affinity for oil painting and the rich colors and creamy texture it offers. She is drawn especially to buildings and people at work or play. Her work has been shown at the Spencertown Art Academy, the Adirondack Artists’ Guild Gallery, the Eden Compton Gallery and Spa Fine Arts. She is grateful to God for the practice, sensing that the desire to create is the fingerprint of our Creator. May He be glorified in all. She is also a teacher in the Saratoga Springs City School District. She teaches English as a New Language at Geyser Road elementary in addition to painting in plein air or in her home studio as much as she can! All her work is for sale and available on her website!

“Taking Off ”, 12 x 16 oil on panel

The Saratoga County Airport is within walking distance of my home. I frequently visit, especially during storms since it offers a generous view of the sky. It has been newly updated, with a race horse statue out front to welcome in those who are visiting for the track season in Saratoga Springs. This is my interpretation of a setting sun reflecting light on the horse as he “takes off ” in front of the runway.

Scan the QR code to her web site!

Art Instagram

kburke.art

“Park Place”, 16 x 20 oil on panel

This image depicts “Park Place,” which towers over Congress Park. The building has long been of interest to me, especially in the spring when the willow tree is coming to life. It won an “Honorary Mention” by juror Ann Larsen at the Saratoga: Town and Country show at the Eden Compton gallery in Saratoga Springs.


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

NEWS

Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works Releases Water Main Replacement Plan Department of Public Works Commissioner BK Keramati recently released a six-year water main replacement plan for the City of Saratoga Springs. The plan outlines the replacement of undersized four and six-inch water mains with New York State Department of Health recommended eight-inch mains. In the time period from 2026 to 2033, 14,781 linear feet (LF) of water main is scheduled for replacement. “This plan represents a thoughtful effort to improve the City’s water distribution system and improve the quality of water delivered to homes,” said Keramati. “Four and six-inch water mains are subject to compound buildup within the pipes called tuberculation, when this happens it decreases the size of the diameter impairing water flow.” Upsizing the water main on Clinton Street is underway with anticipated completion in the fall of 2026. The approved contract

price for the replacement of 2,703 LF was $1,401,248 and is funded by the water capital budget through fees collected from water customers. Each year of the proposed plan represents an anticipated $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 investment into the distribution system. Although typically funded solely through capital funds, Keramati outlined a plan by the department to aggressively seek grant funding to reduce the expense for customers. “Grants will offset costs and also allow the department to plan more work to be completed each year without substantial increases

in capital fees to customers,” said Keramati. “With over 106,000 LF of four-inch water main in the City we have a lot of work to complete that will be expensive.” The multi-year program was developed by the Assistant City Engineer Matt Zeno and City Engineer James Salaway, based primarily on a water study and knowledge of water mains throughout the City. “I want to thank and recognize our engineering team for their efforts putting this together, now it’s our job to implement the plan on behalf of our water customers,” said Keramati.

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NEWS

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Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

We Remember

In memory of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks, whom we will never forget, Saratoga TODAY is honoring the first responders killed in the attacks. According to the 9/11 memorial, 441 first responders were killed on 9/11, making it the deadliest day in history for first responders. Below are those 441 names. A full list of all who died can be found at 911memorial.org. The names on this list represent just a sample of those who gave their lives in service of their county and others on 9/11. Such individuals include the thousands who have died due to 9/11 related illnesses, military personnel killed at the Pentagon, the passengers of United 93 who’s actions prevented one of the four hijacked planes from reaching its target, and the scores of civilians who died helping others escape the towers. Fire and EMS FDNY • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lieutenant Joseph Agnello Lieutenant Brian Ahearn Firefighter Eric Allen Firefighter Richard Allen Battalion Chief James Amato Firefighter Calixto Anaya Jr Firefighter Joseph Angelini Firefighter Joseph Angelini Jr Firefighter Faustino Apostol Jr Firefighter David Arce Firefighter Louis Arena Firefighter Carl Asaro Lieutenant Gregg Atlas Firefighter Gerald Atwood Firefighter Gerard Baptiste Assistant Chief Gerard Barbara Firefighter Matthew Barnes Firefighter Arthur Barry Lieutenant Steven Bates Lieutenant Carl Bedigian Firefighter Stephen Belson Firefighter John Bergin Firefighter Paul Beyer Firefighter Peter Bielfeld Firefighter Brian Bilcher Firefighter Carl Bini Firefighter Christopher Blackwell Firefighter Michael Bocchino Firefighter Frank Bonomo Firefighter Gary Box Firefighter Michael Boyle Firefighter Kevin Bracken Firefighter Michael Brennan Firefighter Peter Brennan Captain Daniel Brethel Captain Patrick Brown Firefighter Andrew Brunn Captain Vincent Brunton

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Fire Marshal Ronald Bucca Firefighter Greg Buck Captain William Burke Jr Assistant Chief Donald Burns Firefighter John Burnside Firefighter Thomas Butler Firefighter Patrick Byrne Firefighter George Cain Firefighter Salvatore Calabro Captain Frank Callahan Firefighter Michael Cammarata Firefighter Brian Cannizzaro Firefighter Dennis Carey Firefighter Michael Carlo Firefighter Michael Carroll Firefighter Peter Carroll Firefighter Thomas Casoria Firefighter Michael Cawley Firefighter Vernon Cherry Firefighter Nicholas Chiofalo Firefighter John Chipura Firefighter Michael Clarke Firefighter Steven Coakley Firefighter Tarel Coleman Firefighter John Collins Firefighter Robert Cordice Firefighter Ruben Correa Firefighter James Coyle Firefighter Robert Crawford Lieutenant John Crisci Deputy Chief Dennis Cross Firefighter Thomas Cullen III Firefighter Robert Curatolo Lieutenant Edward D’ Atri Firefighter Michael D’ Auria Firefighter Scott Davidson Firefighter Edward Day Battalion Chief Thomas DeAngelis Lieutenant Manuel Del Valle Firefighter Martin DeMeo Firefighter David DeRubbio

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Lieutenant Andrew Desperito Battalion Chief Dennis Devlin Firefighter Gerard Dewan Firefighter George DiPasquale Lieutenant Kevin Donnelly Lieutenant Kevin Dowdell Deputy Chief Raymond Downey Firefighter Gerard Duffy Captain Martin Egan Jr Firefighter Michael Elferis Firefighter Francis Esposito Captain Michael Esposito Firefighter Robert Evans Battalion Chief John Fanning Battalion Chief Thomas Farino Firefighter Terrence Farrell Battalion Chief Joseph Farrelly

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FirstDeputyCommissioner WilliamFeehan

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Firefighter Lee Fehling Firefighter Alan Feinberg Firefighter Michael Fiore Captain John Fischer Fire Marshal Andre Fletcher Firefighter John Florio Lieutenant Michael Fodor Firefighter Thomas Foley Lieutenant David Fontana Firefighter Robert Foti Lieutenant Andrew Fredericks Lieutenant Peter Freund Firefighter Thomas Gambino Jr Chief Of Department Peter Ganci Jr Lieutenant Charles Garbarini Firefighter Thomas Gardner Firefighter Matthew Garvey Firefighter Bruce Gary Firefighter Gary Geidel Deputy Chief Edward Geraghty Firefighter Denis Germain Captain Vincent Giammona Firefighter James Giberson

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Lieutenant Ronnie Gies Firefighter Paul Gill Lieutenant John Ginley Firefighter Jeffrey Giordano Firefighter John Giordano Firefighter Keith Glascoe Firefighter James Gray Battalion Chief Joseph Grzelak Firefighter Jose Guadalupe Lieutenant Geoffrey Guja Lieutenant Joseph Gullickson Lieutenant David Halderman Lieutenant Vincent Halloran Firefighter Robert Hamilton Firefighter Sean Hanley Firefighter Thomas Hannafin Firefighter Dana Hannon Firefighter Daniel Harlin Lieutenant Harvey Harrell Lieutenant Stephen Harrell Firefighter Timothy Haskell Battalion Chief Thomas Haskell Jr Captain Terence Hatton Firefighter Michael Haub Lieutenant Michael Healey Firefighter John Heffernan Firefighter Ronnie Henderson Firefighter Joseph Henry Firefighter William Henry Firefighter Thomas Hetzel Battalion Chief Brian Hickey Lieutenant Timothy Higgins Firefighter Jonathan Hohmann Firefighter Thomas Holohan Firefighter Joseph Hunter Captain Walter Hynes Firefighter Jonathan Ielpi Captain Frederick Ill , Jr Firefighter William Johnston Firefighter Andrew Jordan Firefighter Karl Joseph Lieutenant Anthony Jovic Firefighter Angel Juarbe Jr Father Mychal Judge Fire Marshal Vincent Kane Deputy Chief Charles Kasper Firefighter Paul Keating Lieutenant Thomas R. Kelly Firefighter Thomas W. Kelly Firefighter Richard Kelly Jr Firefighter Thomas Kennedy Lieutenant Ronald Kerwin Firefighter Michael Kiefer Firefighter Robert King Jr Firefighter Scott Kopytko Firefighter William Krukowski Fire Marshal Kenneth Kumpel

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Firefighter Thomas Kuveikis Firefighter David LaForge Firefighter William Lake Firefighter Robert Lane Firefighter Peter Langone Firefighter Scott Larsen Lieutenant Joseph Leavey Firefighter Neil Leavy Firefighter Daniel Libretti Paramedic Carlos Lillo Firefighter Robert Linnane Firefighter Michael Lynch Lieutenant Michael Lynch Firefighter Michael Lyons Lieutenant Patrick Lyons Firefighter Joseph Maffeo Firefighter William Mahoney Firefighter Joseph Maloney Deputy Chief Joseph Marchbanks Jr Lieutenant Charles Margiotta Firefighter Kenneth Marino Firefighter John Marshall Lieutenant Peter Martin Lieutenant Paul Martini Firefighter Joseph Mascali Firefighter Keithroy Maynard Firefighter Brian McAleese Firefighter John McAvoy Firefighter Thomas McCann Captain William McGinn Battalion Chief William McGovern Firefighter Dennis McHugh Firefighter Robert McMahon Firefighter Robert McPadden Firefighter Terence McShane Firefighter Timothy McSweeney Firefighter Martin McWilliams Firefighter Raymond Meisenheimer Firefighter Charles Mendez Firefighter Steve Mercado Firefighter Douglas Miller Firefighter Henry Miller Jr Firefighter Robert Minara Firefighter Thomas Mingione Lieutenant Paul Mitchell Battalion Chief Louis Modafferi Lieutenant Dennis Mojica Firefighter Manuel Mojica Firefighter Carl Molinaro Firefighter Michael Montesi Captain Thomas Moody Battalion Chief John Moran Firefighter Vincent Morello Firefighter Christopher Mozzillo Firefighter Richard Muldowney Jr Firefighter Michael Mullan Firefighter Dennis Mulligan


NEWS

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lieutenant Raymond Murphy Lieutenant Robert Nagel Lieutenant John Napolitano Firefighter Peter Nelson Firefighter Gerard Nevins Firefighter Dennis O’Berg Captain Daniel O’Callaghan Lieutenant Thomas O’Hagan Firefighter Patrick O’Keefe Captain William O’Keefe Firefighter Kevin O’Rourke Firefighter Douglas Oelschlager Firefighter Joseph Ogren Firefighter Samuel Oitice Firefighter Eric Olsen Firefighter Jeffrey Olsen Firefighter Steven Olson Firefighter Michael Otten Firefighter Jeffrey Palazzo Deputy Chief Orio Palmer Firefighter Frank Palombo Fire Marshal Paul Pansini Deputy Chief John Paolillo Firefighter James Pappageorge Firefighter Robert Parro Firefighter Durrell Pearsall Lieutenant Glenn Perry Lieutenant Philip Petti Lieutenant Kevin Pfeifer Firefighter Christopher Pickford Firefighter Shawn Powell Firefighter Vincent Princiotta Firefighter Kevin Prior Battalion Chief Richard Prunty Firefighter Lincoln Quappe Lieutenant Michael Quilty Ems Lieutenant Ricardo Quinn Firefighter Leonard Ragaglia Firefighter Michael Ragusa Firefighter Edward Rall Firefighter Adam Rand Firefighter Donald Regan Lieutenant Robert Regan Firefighter Christian Regenhard Firefighter Kevin Reilly Captain Vernon Richard Firefighter James Riches Firefighter Joseph Rivelli Jr Firefighter Michael Roberts Firefighter Michael Roberts Firefighter Anthony Rodriguez Firefighter Matthew Rogan Firefighter Nicholas Rossomando

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Firefighter Paul Ruback Firefighter Stephen Russell Lieutenant Michael Russo Battalion Chief Matthew Ryan Firefighter Thomas Sabella Firefighter Christopher Santora Firefighter John Santore Firefighter Gregory Saucedo Firefighter Dennis Scauso Firefighter John Schardt Battalion Chief Fred Scheffold Firefighter Thomas Schoales Firefighter Gerard Schrang Firefighter Gregory Sikorsky Firefighter Stephen Siller Firefighter Stanley Smagala Jr Firefighter Kevin Smith Firefighter Leon Smith Jr Firefighter Robert Spear Jr Firefighter Joseph Spor Battalion Chief Lawrence Stack Captain Timothy Stackpole Firefighter Gregory Stajk Firefighter Jeffrey Stark Firefighter Benjamin Suarez Firefighter Daniel Suhr Lieutenant Christopher Sullivan Firefighter Brian Sweeney Firefighter Sean Tallon Firefighter Allan Tarasiewicz Firefighter Paul Tegtmeier Firefighter John Tierney Firefighter John Tipping II Firefighter Hector Tirado Jr Firefighter Richard Van Hine Firefighter Peter Vega Firefighter Lawrence Veling Firefighter John Vigiano II Firefighter Sergio Villanueva Firefighter Lawrence Virgilio Lieutenant Robert Wallace Lieutenant Jeffrey Walz Lieutenant Michael Warchola Captain Patrick Waters Firefighter Kenneth Watson Firefighter Michael Weinberg Firefighter David Weiss Firefighter Timothy Welty Firefighter Eugene Whelan Firefighter Edward White Firefighter Mark Whitford Lieutenant Glenn Wilkinson Battalion Chief John Williamson

• • •

Captain David Wooley Firefighter Raymond York Lieutenant Kenneth Phelan

•

Fire Patrol Officer Keith M. Roma

• •

Paramedic Keith G. Fairben EMT Mario L. Santoro

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EMT David Marc Sullins

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EMT Jeff Lyal Simpson

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EMT Yamel Josefina Merino

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VicePresidentandEMTMarkSchwartz

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Dispatcher Richard Allen Pearlman

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Sergeant John G. Coughlin Sergeant Michael S. Curtin Police Officer John D’Allara Police Officer Vincent G. Danz Police Officer Jerome M. Dominguez Police Officer Stephen P. Driscoll Police Officer Mark J. Ellis Police Officer Robert Fazio Sergeant Rodney C. Gillis Police Officer Ronald P. Kloepfer Police Officer Thomas M. Langone Police Officer James P. Leahy Police Officer Brian G. McDonnell Police Officer John W. Perry Police Officer Glen K. Pettit Detective Claude D. Richards Sergeant Timothy A. Roy Police Officer Moira A. Smith Police Officer Ramon Suarez Police Officer Paul Talty Police Officer Santos Valentin Jr. Detective Joseph V. Vigiano Police Officer Walter E. Weaver

• • •

PoliceOfficerChristopherC.Amoroso Police Officer Maurice V. Barry Police Officer Liam Callahan

New York Fire Patrol

New York Presbyterian Hospital Cabrini Hospital

Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad MetroCare Ambulance

Hunter Ambulance Company Jersey City Fire Department Law Enforcement NYPD

Port Authority Police Department

11 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lieutenant Robert D. Cirri Police Officer Clinton Davis Police Officer Donald A. Foreman Police Officer Gregg J. Froehner Police Officer Thomas E. Gorman Police Officer Uhuru G. Houston Police Officer George G. Howard Police Officer Stephen Huczko Inspector Anthony P. Infante Jr. Police Officer Paul W. Jurgens Sergeant Robert M. Kaulfers Police Officer Paul Laszczynski Police Officer David P. Lemagne Police Officer John J. Lennon Police Officer J.D. Levi Police Officer James F. Lynch

U.S. Secret Service

• • • • • • • • •

Captain Kathy Mazza Police Officer Walter A. Mcneil Police Officer Donald J. Mcintyre Police Officer Joseph M. Navas Police Officer James Nelson Police Officer Alfonse J. Niedermeyer Police Officer James W. Parham Police Officer Dominick A. Pezzulo Police Officer Bruce A. Reynolds

•

Chief James A. Romito Police Officer John P. Skala Police Officer Walwyn W. Stuart Police Officer Kenneth F. Tietjen Police Officer Nathaniel Webb Police Officer Michael T. Wholey

•

•

• •

• • • • • •

Superintendent of Police Fred V. Morrone

Police Officer Antonio J. Rodrigues Police Officer Richard Rodriguez

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance • •

•

Enforcement Director Charles M. Mills Jr. Revenue Crimes Specialist Clyde Frazier Jr.

Investigator Salvatore T. Papasso

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Master Special Agent Craig J. Miller

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Manager of Operations and Maintenance Joseph Amatuccio

Building and Utilities Port Authority of New York & New Jersey First Responders • •

• • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

•

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Sergeant Mitchel Scott Wallace

•

Captain William H. Thompson

FBI •

SeniorCourtOfficerThomasEdwardJurgens

Special Agent Leonard W. Hatton Jr.

Assistant General Manager Carlos S. da Costa Manager of Construction and Project Management Francis Albert De Martini Property Manager Kenneth George Grouzalis Security and Life Safety Director Douglas Gene Karpiloff Property Manager Robert Henry Lynch Jr. Environmental Coordinator Pete Negron Locksmith David Ortiz General Operations Supervisor Eugene J. Raggio Manager of Vertical Transportation Francis Saverio Riccardelli Superintendent of Operations Edward Thomas Strauss

World Trade Center Fire Safety

NewYorkStateUnifiedCourtSystem •

Property Manager James William Barbella Operations Control Center Supervisor Edward Calderon

Fire Safety Director Lawrence Francis Boisseau FDNY (Ret.), Director of Fire and Life Service James J. Corrigan Fire Safety Director Richard P. Fitzsimons FDNY (Ret.), Deputy Fire Safety Director Philip T. Hayes, Deputy Fire Safety Director Robert J. Mayo FDNY (Ret.), Fire Safety Director William Wren

Con Edison •

Richard J. Morgan


12

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Puzzles Across 1 “Jurassic Park” resin 6 Big name in champagne 10 Pigpen 13 Glacier-climbing tool 14 First word of a fairy tale 15 __ vez: again, in Spanish 16 Arbitrary allowance for error 18 Sonnet or ode 19 Phony 20 Margaret of “Fire Island” 21 Play parts 23 Ivy in New Haven 24 Poker player with the tallest stacks 26 Out of __ world 28 Not online, online 29 Dove’s sound 31 Prefix similar to quad33 38-Down dispenser 35 Talk a big game 36 Sweet treats for a valentine, or what the starts of 16-, 24-, 47-, and 59-Across are 40 Inning’s six 41 Tyrannosaurus __ 42 Many Omanis 43 Shivered syllable 44 Barinholtz who won “Celebrity Jeopardy!” in 2023 46 Community FYIs 47 Rite of passage for a Jewish boy 51 Cheeky answers 55 Legal scholar 56 Organ with a lobe 57 Desert flora 58 Shortly, shortly 59 Words on a novelty apron 62 Piffling 63 Uffizi display 64 “Love that” 65 NNW opposite 66 Body positive activist Holliday 67 Brick-and-mortar worker? Down 1 Honda luxury line 2 Olympian’s aspiration 3 French loaves 4 Struck through 5 Penalty caller 6 Sweet rice cake

SUDOKU

See puzzle solutions on page 33

See puzzle solution on page 33 7 In first place 8 Prefix with hotel or tourist 9 Less verbose 10 Crustacean eaten by sea turtles 11 Moving sidewalk creators? 12 Thanksgiving tubers 13 Not without risk 15 Opinion piece 17 German cries 22 Berkeley, briefly 24 Bologna bye-bye 25 Long ride, for short 27 Bits of time? 30 Need to repay 31 Band wagons? 32 Like a limited edition 33 Hardware chain that celebrated “100 Years of Helpful” in 2024 34 “appreciate u”

35 Mensches 36 __ for apples 37 Lose sleep, maybe 38 Money 39 “Your Song” singer Rita 44 Online convos 45 Apt candy for a snack break? 46 Take different paths 48 Like peaches in summer 49 Cocktail twists 50 Bouquet bearers 52 Sneeze sound 53 Oktoberfest mug 54 Verb in a bread recipe 55 Scone spreads 57 John of “Argylle” 60 Anger 61 That guy

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


13

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026 PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

BALLSTON Michael McGuire sold property at 202 Scotchbush Rd to Rebecca Barger for $412,000 Kevin Merry sold property at 183 Goode St to Brian Hall for $455,000 Eastline Holdings sold property at 2 Balsam Ct to Guilherme De Oliveira for $674,980 Betty Cresswell sold property at 27 Forest Rd to Sean Carney for $465,000

CHARLTON Samuel Ostrowski sold property at 743 Swaggertown Rd to Joshua Dickey for $250,000

CORINTH Kyle Potter sold property at 325 Pine St to John Garrett for $290,000

GALWAY Michael Stahl sold property at 5744 Crooked St to Mary Agnes Schmidt for $500,000 Philip Danaher sold property at 5286 Bliss Rd to Wilmington Savings Fund Society for $458,641

GREENFIELD Sara Gates sold property at 8

Park Ave to Everett Carter for $154,000

MALTA Michaels Group Homes LLC sold property at 3 Anson Ct to Suzanne Whitney for $592,920 Michaels Group Homes LLC sold property at 8 Anson Ct to Kristin Ryan for $596,820 A and L Rentals LLC sold property at 11 Plum Poppy South to Andrew Aunkst for $415,000 Blue Aster Lane LLC sold property at 12 Emma Lane to Stephen Smith for $846,033

MILTON Michael Crowe sold property at 5 Limerick Lane to Michael Walsh for $380,000 Nathaniel Passino sold property at 39 Woodthrush Ct to National Residential Services for $455,000 Michael Olszewski sold property at 532 Acland Blvd to Derek Redder for $700,000 Lisa Morris sold property at 108 Middle St to Agigale Burke for $325,000 Emma Moore sold property at 1212 Goode Rd to Abigail

Downs for $435,000

SARATOGA Arthur Sutliff sold property at 257 Burgoyne Rd to Howard Ostrowski for $250,000 Malcolm O’Hara sold property at 113 Bryant Bridge Rd to Billy JJ LLC for $261,000 Pamela Picheco sold property at 1040 NYS Rt 29 to Steven Bennett for $380,000 Kaitlyn Vanewater sold property at 228 Co Rd 69 to Connor Richards for $373,900

SARATOGA SPRINGS Shakedown Street sold property at 97 East Ave #201 to Scott Hadeka for $342.500 David Latta sold property at 2 Stable Lane to Lawrence Larose for $1,215,000

17 21 Granite Street LLC sold property at 17-21 Granite St to Walbridge Estates for $1,700,000 Thomas O’Connell sold property at 65 Trottingham Rd to Christine O’Connell for $212,846 John Iacoponi sold property at 4 Avenue A to Adam Gabriel for $750,000 JABCO Enterprises sold property at 120 West Ave to 120 West Saratoga for $2,950,000 Teri Quick sold property at 30 Sicada St to Richard Von

Ahn for $650,000

WILTON David Smith sold property at 16 Hillside Ave to William Petel for $261,250 New York Development Group Saratoga sold property at 46 & 48 Cannon Royal Dr to McPadden Builders LLC for $504,000 John Rhodes sold property at 26 Highgate Rd to Benjamin Wager for $451,000 Caroline Conboy sold property at 9 Joseph Lane to Perri Silverhart for $495,000


BUSINESS

14

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Bridget Naughton Joins Roohan Ballston Spa Barber Club Realty as Real Estate Salesperson Provides Free Haircuts for Roohan Realty announced that Bridget Naughton has joined the team as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. A lifelong Saratoga Springs resident, Bridget brings a passion for real estate and a strong love of working with people. She graduated from Boston College in 2020 with degrees in Mathematics and Secondary Education. After graduation, she returned home for the summer and interned with Roohan Realty’s marketing department, where she gained a new perspective on the real estate industry beyond what she had grown up learning from her mother and family. Bridget’s mother, Kate Naughton, is Roohan Realty’s top-producing agent, giving Bridget a lifelong connection to the industry and firsthand insight into the relationships, dedication, and commitment that make a successful real estate career. Following her internship, Bridget spent five years teaching mathematics in Boston before returning home to be closer to her family. She will continue her career in education as an eighthgrade math teacher at Stillwater while also pursuing real estate with

Back to School Season

Bridget Naughton (Courtesy of Roohan Realty)

Roohan Realty. As she begins this new chapter, Bridget feels especially fortunate to be able to learn from those closest to her. “I feel so lucky to be able to work alongside and learn from so many members of my family, especially my mom. Growing up, my mom’s love for real estate was a part of our everyday lives, and I feel so privileged to be able to learn from her as I start this new adventure.” Bridget is drawn to real estate because of how dynamic and

personal each transaction can be. No two clients, homes, or experiences are the same, and she enjoys the opportunity to build relationships, understand each client’s unique goals, and help individuals and families find a place to call home. She looks forward to bringing her own perspective and passion to the industry while building meaningful relationships with her clients and community. Outside of real estate and teaching, Bridget enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends. She loves baking, skiing, crafting, trying new restaurants, hosting gatherings, and watching sports with her family. With deep roots in the Saratoga community and a lifelong connection to real estate, Bridget is excited to be home and begin this next chapter with Roohan Realty while continuing to make a difference in the classroom.

Food Drive at Ballston Spa Barber Club (Courtesy of Aidan Clark

Last week Ballston Spa Barber Club dished out fresh cuts for kids returning to school this week provided they donated at least one nonperishable item to their food drive. All food from the drive will be donated to the Franklin Community Center. “That’s something that kind of resonates with me big time because I had some friends, especially at the time when I was thinking about it, who were going to the pantries, who were less fortunate,” said owner Raffaele Rispo. Last year both the Saratoga

and Ballston Spa locations combined for 650 lbs of food donated. The shop was also honored by Guinness Book of World Records for the most canned food items collected through a free haircut charity event. Over both locations, dozens of children sat in the barber chair and will sport a sharp look for their first day of school. Franklin community center will receive a mountain of food as they aid families and individuals with food insecurity in Saratoga County — a win-win.


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

BUSINESS

15

New Free Website Maps Out Local Garage Sales Local Resident, Salvatore Greco is a local yard sale enthusiast who recently developed Tri Town Yard Sale, a website that connects buyers and sellers within Saratoga Springs, Schuylerville, and Greenwich. The website went live earlier this month, and the Schuylerville Village wide garage sale on September 19 and 20 will be its first attraction. Sellers can post their

garage sale time, location, and items to the website for shoppers to view. The website does not take any personal information and is free to use. The draw is for attendees of yard sales to be able to plan out their day. Included on the website are places to grab a bite for lunch and places to learn about local history in the revolutionary war. Users can check the sales

they want to attend along with a place to stop for lunch and any historic monuments, and the website will create a custom route on google maps. Another optional perk for vendors is they can include their Venmo, Cash App, or Pay Pal for buyers to pay from their phone on the website. The link to the website is https://tri-town-garage-sales. netlify.app/.

Garage

SALE


EDUCATION

16

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Schuylerville Public Library New York Association for Pupil Transportation Urges Hosts Repair Café Motorists to be Extra At Schuylerville Public Library (52 Ferry Street) on Saturday, September 26, everything centers on making repairs. Starting at 11:30am and ending at 1:30pm, various volunteer repair experts will be available to help make all possible repairs free of charge. Most tools and materials will also be on hand. People visiting the Repair Café will bring along their broken items from home.

Limit of two items per person. Small appliances, lamps, hair dryers, radios, clothes, toys... anything that is broken and small enough to carry is welcome and can more than likely be repaired. The Repair Café specialists almost always have the know-how. By promoting repairs, the library wants to help reduce mountains of waste. According to Library Director Caitlin

Johnson, “By repairing instead of tossing, we lessen the strain on our environment.” Interested in volunteering for this event, as a repairer? Simply contact Caitlin Johnson at cjohnson@sals.edu or 518-695-6641. Schuylerville Public Library wishes to organize a Repair Café on a regular basis. News about dates of upand-coming editions will follow as soon as possible!

View the Paper Online:

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Careful as Schools Reopen

With schools reopening statewide and as students head back to school, the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) is urging motorists to use extra caution around school buses and stop when they see the flashing red lights. According to reports from school bus operators from across the state, NYAPT says the problem of illegally passing a school bus remains a major safety concern across the state. School bus operators indicate that motorists frequently ignore flashing red lights and thereby endanger those students getting on and off the bus. A recent survey conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) indicated that 213,800 illegal passings occur each school day in the United States, endangering the children riding school buses. “Our top priority is ensuring New York students travel to and from school safely every day, and motorists play a crucial role in that,” said NYAPT President John Spacht. “As schools reopen, we ask motorists to stay vigilant around children and always stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing.” New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires all vehicles to come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing. Flashing red lights indicate that a child is either boarding or disembarking the bus. New York State law prohibits passing a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing, regardless of your direction of travel, even on a multi-lane or divided highway. Penalties for a first-time offense include a fine from $250 to $400,

five points on your license and the possibility of 30-days in jail. A second conviction within three-years will result in a $600 to $750 fine and up to 180-days in jail; while three or more convictions will result in a fine from $750 to $1,000, mandatory revocation of your driver’s license, and up to 180 days in jail. Additionally, many school buses in New York State are equipped with stop arm camera systems that record illegal passing. If a motorist passes a school bus equipped with a stop arm camera system, the vehicle owner faces a $250-$300 penalty. “Illegally passing a bus is completely unacceptable and entirely preventable,” said David Christopher, NYAPT Executive Director. “School buses are statistically the safest way for children to get to school—and motorists need to help us keep them safe by always stopping when they see those red lights flashing.” NYAPT is also advising parents and caregivers that New York, like much of the nation, continues to face school bus driver shortages. According to a recent survey, 55% of NYAPT members, which include school districts and private school bus contractors, report an immediate need to hire additional school bus drivers. To help address these driver shortages, the Association encourages anyone seeking a rewarding parttime opportunity to apply. School bus driving offers flexible hours, competitive hourly wages, health benefits, and schedules that align with school holidays and breaks. Interested applicants should contact their local school district or private school bus contractor to learn more.


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

EDUCATION

17

Grant Cottage Unveils Accessible Trail by Aidan Cahill Saratoga TODAY

If a visitor wanted to get a good overview of Saratoga County and beyond, then Grant Cottage State Historic Site might be a good place to start. Standing at the Eastern Overlook, visitors can look out and see the entire region laid out before them. To the east lay the Green Mountains and Bennington Monument of Vermont, the Hudson River, and the battlefields of Saratoga in Stillwater. To the south lay the forests of Saratoga County, the Catskills and the Corning Tower in Albany. The spot was once home to the first carriage road that connected the mountain with Saratoga Springs and where former President Ulyssess S. Grant took in one last view three days before his death. While the historic site is

known for its stunning views, there was one problem. For years, people couldn’t get down to the site. While there were trails to get down there, those with mobility issues couldn’t easily reach it, according to Grant Cottage Operations Manager Ben Kemp. Kemp said there were times that he would see people waiting at the top of the trailhead for their families to return from going to the overlook. “The [path] that still existed when I first got here about 13 years ago was very narrow,” Kemp said. It was paved, but incredibly narrow and incredibly steep. So, it wasn’t built for accessibility in mind, and we had to shut that down years ago because of safety issues. And we opened a dirt trail, which again was a little bit safer, but it still was not accessible.” However, that reality has changed. A new trail was opened

on Sept. 8, allowing visitors of all abilities to access the famed vantage point. Kemp said the trail was a sixyear process. It was completed at a cost of $376,000, $300,000 of which came from funding from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as part of a program administered by Parks and Trails New York. The funding went to the Friends of Grant Cottage, a volunteer group that supports the historic site. “Strong partners like Parks & Trails New York and the Friends of Grant Cottage help us create the extraordinary experiences New Yorkers enjoy every day at our parks and historic sites,” OPRHP Commissioner Kathy Moser said. “This new pathway is a wonderful example of what those partnerships can accomplish. Together, we have opened an awe-inspiring and historically

Grant Cottage Operations Manager Ben Kemp shows OPRHP Commissioner Kathy Moser an educational sign at the Eastern Overlook. (Aidan Cahill)

significant view to visitors of all abilities. More than 140 years after President Grant asked to see this landscape one final time, everyone who visits Grant Cottage can now more easily follow in his footsteps and experience that same

remarkable view.” Grant Cottage is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30am - 4:00pm. Visitors are free to walk the grounds for free with tours of the cottage available for a fee.


Food

18

The Real Dirt on Farming

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Corinne Hansch (photo courtesy of Lovin’ Mama Farm)

HIGH ROCK PARK SATURDAYS 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. WEDNESDAYS 3 - 6 p.m.

by Andrea Grom for Saratoga TODAY Photos by Pattie Garrett.

S

Leaning Birch Farm(photo by Rose Fera)

Creamy Pesto Penne with Chicken

Lindsay Fisk at Owl Wood Farm (photo Jason Heitman)

mall farms are the heart of our local food system, but owning and operating them are not for the faint of heart. Farmers work long hours, in all weather, and need to be skilled in running a small business. The pressure is high to get it right. In 2024, the median income of farm-owners in America was about -$1,500, and in many cases, offfarm income was necessary for survival. What’s life like for farmers in our area? This week, I asked five Saratoga Farmers’ Market vendors; Lindsay Fisk and Mark Bascom of Owl Wood Farm, Corinne Hansch and Matthew Leon of Lovin’ Mama Farm, Rose and Dan Fera of Leaning Birch Farm, Meghan and Nathan Mattison of Grazin’ Acres Farm, and Ariel Garland and Matt Campbell of May-K-Mark; for their insights on farming’s challenges. One thing is clear: our farmers start their days early and end late, particularly in the summer. Ariel and Matt get up at 5 am to feed and water their animals and milk their dairy cows before heading to their off-farm jobs. When they return after 5 or 6 pm, they feed, water and milk again, move their herds to new pastures, and do seasonal jobs like haying and caring for newly-born calves and their mothers. Meghan and Nathan work from sunrise to sunset tending their animals and vegetable gardens with help from their older children. Likewise, our vegetable and flower farmers and their crews work from 7 or 8 am to 5:30 to 7:30 pm (or later on Fridays) on field and greenhouse jobs like bed preparation, planting, weeding, pruning and trellising, and market-related tasks, including harvesting, washing, and packing. In the summer months, our farmers work up to 80 hours of week at physically and mentally demanding activities. With all to do on the farm, it’s hard to catch a break. Most of our farmers remark that they are able to relax a little on Sundays. The winter months are also less intense, with time for skiing, hiking, concerts, and in Lovin’ Mama’s case, writing a book and restoring a

diner into a farm store and café. Overall, our farmers are able to make a living on their farms and are able support 4-8 employees with a living wage. That being said, some farm-owners remark that they earn far less than minimum wage, and retirement and benefits are lacking from those without off-farm jobs. The upfront costs of starting a farm and access to affordable, productive land are daunting. Moreover, crop losses, injuries, and labor challenges are stressful and it’s far from easy to maintain a work-life balance. By necessity, our farmers must be savvy with their marketing, and selling their products direct-toconsumer at farmers’ markets is key to their success. As Ariel remarks “farming is a labor of love; we certainly aren’t getting rich doing it, but our lives don’t feel full without it.” Our farmers truly love raising animals and growing flowers and produce and they are grateful for the support of their customers. Be sure to thank them the next time you’re at the market! The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Wednesdays, 3–6 PM, and Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM, at High Rock Park in Saratoga Springs and Mondays, 2–5 PM in Clifton Park. Visit saratogafarmersmarket.org to sign up for the weekly newsletter, and follow the market on Facebook and Instagram.

For farmers on the move, this easy and delicious dish gives them a boost to keep going until the work is done.

YIELDS: 6 servings | PREP & COOK TIME: 25 min

INGREDIENTS: *Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market • ¼ cup homemade pesto

dente

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1-2 cups leftover grilled or roasted chicken*, cut into bite sized pieces

• 1 ½ cups shredded Asiago cheese • 1 box of penne, cooked al

• ¼ cup chopped scallions*

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Heat the cream on low until simmering. Add the cheese and pesto and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 7 minutes. 2. Boil the penne, drain (do not rinse), and add the sauce and chicken. Stir until combined. Plate and top with scallions. Tip: Spread out the work by making the pesto and chicken on Sunday and assemble the finished dish for a quick weekday dinner. Recipe and recipe photo by Andrea Grom


Food

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

YOU’RE

Baking

for Saratoga TODAY

Me Crazy

Hello my Foodie Friends ! F

or many of our foodie families, school is back in session. Bake sales, carnivals, fairs, and overall appreciation time may call for us to make some of our favorite baked goods. The back-to-school season may mean a few extra hours back to yourself during the day, but little ones still get out of school pretty early, and you could find yourself racking your brain for something to keep them occupied besides digital entertainment. Cooking together is a great learning experience, plus it’s interactive and hands-on. Out of all the dishes you can cook with kids, baking something sweet has to be the most rewarding. There’s so much warm-fuzziness to be felt as you watch their eyes light up when they crack their first egg, press the mixer button, stir the batter, decorate with icing, and watch the treats rise through the oven window. They might be experiencing some of this for the first time.

Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

_

by John Reardon

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How many of us have memories of baking as a child? I have to give my mother credit. Having five children running around the house and trying to get us all to join in to make an afterschool treat was not always a successful feat. Her methodology would include giving each of us an assigned duty with a designated spot in the kitchen. One thing to realize when baking with kids, is that it will be messy…it’s ok! My mother would take a deep breath and carry on as flour went flying or an egg hit the floor or the wall. Selecting which recipe to make included having to use some argumentation skills. What my mother did instead was to let us select two or three recipes, and then put on the calendar when we would make them. When the final product came out of the oven smelling delicious, the five of us would be so proud of what we accomplished. The best part of the experience was sharing what we made with

friends in the neighborhood or bringing it to visit another family member, or even just taking about the experience at the dinner table that evening. My mother would smile, even if the experience made her crazy. Cook up delicious recipes with your children. Take you taste buds on an adventure. Plan a good time to bake. Anticipate a child wanting to help. Keep on hand some easy mixes or ingredients for some easily made recipes. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutler store located at 33 Railroad Place, to help with the baking supplies you will need to have fun making your creations from baking pans, to rolling pins, measuring cups, spoons, spatulas, whisks, bowls, cookie cutters, scoops… you get the idea! Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care, John & Paula

INGREDIENTS • 2 cups rolled oats (blended into a flour)

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tsp baking powder • 1 large banana

• 1/4 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup raw sugar

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Blend the rolled oats into a flour-like texture. 3. Hand mix the baking powder into the rolled oat flour. 4. In a separate bowl, mash a ripe banana with a fork. 5. Mix in the coconut oil, sugar, honey, almond milk, and egg. 6. Add in the rolled oat flour and baking powder mixture. 7. Mix until everything is evenly blended. 8. Mix in the chocolate chips and pour into a muffin or cupcake pan. 9. Bake for about 20-25 minutes (or until a toothpick comes out clean).

Receipt courtesy of Christine at jaroflemons.com


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CALENDAR

This Week’s Events:

SEP. 11-17

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

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. 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 through October 17. For tickets and information: www. discoversaratoga.org/saratogasprings-visitor-center/.

25th Anniversary of 9-11 Middle Grove Town Park, 430 Middle Grove Road, Middle Grove | 6:30 p.m. The Town of Greenfield Lions is sponsoring a solemn reflection. Greenfield Fire District, New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Senator James Tedisco, Post #533 American Legion Color Guard, Greenfield Historical Society, Cub Scouts #4018/Scouting in America, Girls Scouts #3889 and Greenfield Dragons 4-H Club will participate. We will offer a solemn reflection of the day that changed American History as well as a heartfelt “Thank You” to all the first responders and firemen of the Town of Greenfield Fire District.

Patriot Day 25th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony Abele Memorial Park, Halfmoon Municipal Center, Harris Road | 6 p.m. The Town of Halfmoon will bring the community together for a solemn ceremony marking the 25th anniversary commemoration of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honoring the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the extraordinary courage

and sacrifice witnessed on that day and in the years that followed. Residents, veterans, first responders, families and community members are invited to join the Town in reflection and remembrance on this significant anniversary.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Anniversary Season Events & Programs Saratoga National Historical Park, Stillwater | This September and October mark the 249th anniversaries of the Battles of Saratoga and the surrender of British forces that followed. The park will mark this period with various tours and programs. A complete list of events can be found at go.nps.gov/saraevents.

Rummage Sale & Soup and Chowder Sale Charlston Freehold Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. there will be many tables filled with treasures. Come choose from a selection of savory soups and chowder prepared in our own kitchen.

Craft Fair The Greenfield Grange #807, 17 Grange Road, Greenfield | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the restoration and ongoing support of the historic Grange Hall. Come shop with a variety of local craft vendors, enter basket raffles, and win special door prizes. Lunch will also be available for purchase, featuring homemade mac & cheese, soups and freshly made sandwiches. Interested in becoming a member of the Greenfield Grange? For more information, contact Steve at greenfieldgrange807@gmail.com.

Washington County Bounty Tour Various Locations | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. While guests can still expect plenty of the award-winning cheeses the tour has become known for, they’ll also discover wineries, orchards, maple products, fresh produce, baked goods, homemade meals,

pick-your-own experiences, artisan vendors, live music, family activities, and some of the most picturesque countryside views in Upstate New York. For details visit www. countybountytour.com.

Meet the Breeds Saratoga County 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd., Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet 25+ different dog breeds and discover what makes each one unique! Learn about their history, traditional uses, traits, and characteristics while meeting dogs up close. Meet Canine professionals from across Saratoga County, watch exciting canine sport demonstrations and discover the many opportunities in the world of dogs. Food Truck concessions available. Come learn, connect, and celebrate all things canine. This is a free event.

Civil War Quilts Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton | 1 p.m. During the Civil War, quilts made for soldiers were their own love letters but were also battleground and medical gear. They were ways, for mostly mothers, to express the angst in their hearts, and pass the time, until hopefully their loved ones returned home from the most human costly war in American history. For more information and other programs, visit www.grantcottage.org.

Family Saturday: Wonderful Wall Plaques Tang Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 2 – 3:30 p.m. Inspired by Myrton Purkiss’s Green Wall Plaque, on view in the exhibition Pursuing Possibilities: Explorations in Glaze. Participants will look at and discuss the artwork before creating their own wall plaques by painting ceramic plates. Programs are suitable for children ages 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions. No registration is required; supplies are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call Tang’s Visitor Services Desk at 518-5808080 or visit tang.skidmore.edu.

Chicken BBQ Annual Drive Thru Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 3 – 6 p.m. or until sold out. Meal includes: ½ chicken, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, roll,

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

homemade cookie & lemonade. Tickets are $18.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 The 32nd Annual Town of Greenfield Town-Wide Garage and Craft Sale Various location throughout Greenfield | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Rain or Shine. There are garage sales located throughout the Town of Greenfield, a Vendor/Craft Sale at 14 Wilton Road, plus a Greenfield Lions Food and Silent Auction, as well as maps and information. Maps are also available at Stewarts in Greenfield and Middle Grove. Greenfield Center Baptist Church and Vicky’s Pizza in Porter Corners. Non-profit organizations will be located at the Greenfield Community Center, a Chicken BBQ at the Middle Grove Methodist Church on Saturday from 3 – 6 p.m. $18 per person.

Summer Sunday Strolls: Breezing Through Saratoga: R. Newton Brezee Homes Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Samantha Bosshart will highlight the houses designed by prominent local architect R. Newton Brezee on the East Side of Saratoga Springs. Brezee designed and oversaw the construction of nearly 50 buildings in the area. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Limited to thirty participants. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 518-587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation. org, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@ saratogapreservation.org.

16th Annual Curtis Lumber Car and Truck Show Curtis Lumber, 995 State Route 67, Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Join us for a fun, family-friendly day at one of the largest car and truck shows in the Capital Region. Free to spectate, free parking. Whether you own a classic, a modern marvel, or a custom tuner, all makes and models are welcome, no cutoff year. Registration is $20/vehicle on the

day of the show and runs from 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. Music from DJ Jason of Raven Events, complimentary face painting, balloon twisting, trivia with prizes, a 50/50 raffle benefiting Steve Caporizzo’s Pet Connection, tasty food trucks, and more. Well-behaved, leashed pets welcome! For details, visit www. CurtisLumberCarShow.com or on Facebook.

Welcome Back Sunday Presbyterian United Church of Christ, 24 Circular Drive, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. Following our worship service, we will have an ice cream social and an Informational Open House. If you’d like to learn about opportunities for service in the Saratoga Springs community, please join us! You don’t have to be a church member, just come and learn what we do. Free; all are welcome. 518-584-6091, www. puccchurch.org.

Repair Café Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 1 – 4 p.m. Toss it? No way! Bring an item that needs repair and work with a Repair Café coach to fix it. Saratoga Springs Public Library and Sustainable Saratoga are excited to host this event. https:// sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/ zero-waste/repair-cafe-saratogasprings/

Open House at the Van Schaick Mansion 1 Van Schaick Ave., Cohoes | 1 - 4 p.m. Come and enjoy live music, “gifts” from our garden, meet a militia military officer, and play colonial games. Light refreshments will be served and are being sponsored by Hannaford. Admission to the grounds and cemetery is free, guided tours of the mansion will be available at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., for a $5 donation. For more information about the Mansion please visit http://www.vanschaickmansion. org or visit our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ VanSchaickMansionProject/about

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Tiny Pests, Big Problems Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6:30 p.m. Our forests and

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


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

landscapes face a quiet crisis from two tiny threats: the hemlock woolly adelgid and beech leaf disease. Learn why these pests matter to our natural world and how they spread. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.

Galway Preservation Society Meeting and Program Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | 7 p.m. A brief meeting, followed by this month’s program, “How Benjamin Franklin Made Saratoga Famous Around the World”, given by Sean Kelleher. Sean is the Historian for the Town of Saratoga, VP of the Saratoga County History Center and Vice Chair of the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission. Join us for a talk exploring how Franklin’s diplomacy turned a battle fought in the New York wilderness into a turning point in world history-and how, without Saratoga and without Franklin, American independence may never have been won. Open to the public, free of charge.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 The Academy for Lifelong Learning Open House Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Open to the public, Free All are welcome to learn more about the Academy for Lifelong Learning and the 20 fall courses being offered for retired seniors. Raffles. Snacks & light refreshments will be served. No registration necessary. For more information or to view the fall course catalog, go to www.allsaratoga.org or email jeff@ allsaratoga.org.

Perogies Sale Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | Pick up 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Place your order: Potato/ cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese will be available. Clams may be also available. You can call 518363-0001.

Town of Greenfield Historical Society Meeting and Covered Dish Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd. Greenfield Center | 6 p.m.

Bring a dish or dessert to share. The meeting and speaker will start at 7 p.m. Isobel Connell will be presenting Matthew Prendergast: Journeying to Ballston Springs in 1805, and other stories. Matthew Prendegast rode on horseback from Sharon, CT, to Ballston Springs, for relief from his rheumatism. He kept a meticulous record of his journey, the miles he traveled and his expenses. Isobel Connell will introduce you to Matthew and his journey.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 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.

Chicken Marsala 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: chicken marsala, wild rice, vegetable, salad, roll. Dinner: $15 (cash only).

Soroptimist Dinner Meeting Inn of Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Soroptimist means Best for Women. Please join us for our first monthly dinner meeting where members and guests come together to advance our shared mission of empowering women and girls. Enjoy a meal while networking with passionate individuals, participating in meaningful discussions, and learning about upcoming community service projects. Our organization offers a wonderful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and make a difference in the lives of others. Please RSVP to connectsisc@gmail.com.

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CALENDAR Digital Content Workshop Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 8 p.m. A workshop on creating digital content will be offered on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, through a partnership between the Saratoga Writers Center and the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Abby Tegnelia, Founder/ Publisher of Saratoga Dispatch, will lead a collaborative, hands-on training session designed to teach participants how to plan, create, and optimize engaging media - such as blogs, enewsletters, websites, and social media - for online platforms. Learn how to bridge creative storytelling with technical skills to maximize audience reach and drive brand engagement. The workshop is free. Space is limited. Register at www.sspl.com.

Astronomy Club Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m. The presentation topic is “Touring the Night Sky Without a Telescope.” New attendees are welcome. Registration is requested, but not required, by calling 518-882-6385.

Stories From Across Turtle Island Campfire Chat Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort | 6:30 -7:30 p.m. Join us around the campfire with a special guest presentation from Perry Ground, a master storyteller and cultural educator for traditional Haudenosaunee storytelling. For more programs visit www.wiltonpreserve.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Town of Greenfield Farmer’s Market

6:45 p.m. Toastmasters is a nonprofit organization that helps people develop their communication and leadership skills through practice and feedback. Our local club, Saratoga Turftalkers meets the first and third Thursday of each month from 5:45 to 6:45. It is a perfect learning environment for anyone preparing for a career, advancing a career, or just looking to become a better communicator and leader. https:// www.toastmasters.org/, https:// saratogaturftalkers.toastmastersclubs. org, Jbunk1342@gmail.com.

Franklin Community Center Fall Affair The Lodge at Saratoga Casino Hotel, One Nelson Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 8:30 p.m. An extraordinary celebration under the stars. Guests will enjoy live entertainment by Matt Griffin, a brief program, exquisite cuisine and cocktails served in a beautiful open-air tent, spectacular views providing the perfect backdrop for a night of celebration and a wide variety of exciting silent auction packages, offering guests the opportunity to bid on unique experiences, local favorites, and more while supporting Franklin Community Center’s mission. Proceeds will directly support Franklin Community Center’s programs and services, including its Food Pantry, Free Store, Project Lift program, and Student and Family Services. Tickets: https:// www.franklincommunitycenter.org/ events/fcc-fall-affair/.

to all! https://www.beyondplastics. org/events/northshire

Writer’s Group Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. This is a time for writers of all abilities to develop skills through writing activities and to share pieces being worked on, whether poetry, short stories, or a story chapter. Sharing is a time of review, appreciation, and developmental encouragement. Interested writers are welcome to attend even without something to share, as they can participate in the activities and provide insight to others. Register at 518-882-6385. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month.

Financial Literacy 101 Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 6 p.m. A two-part program series presented by financial advisor, William Rauch of Edward Jones. The series will begin with a Budgeting Workshop. Participants will learn practical strategies for creating and maintaining a budget, managing expenses, and working toward financial goals. The second program, Introduction to Investing, will be held Thursday, October 8, at 6 p.m. The workshops are free and open to the public. Please note that both events are for educational purposes only, not a sales pitch. RSVP is appreciated by calling the library at 518-885-5022 or stopping in.

Problem with Plastic

Calling all Dungeon Crawler Carl Fans!

Northshire Books Saratoga, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Join co-author and Beyond Plastics president Judith Enck and Sustainable Saratoga for a free talk about the new book, “The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It’s Too Late.” This event is free and open

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 7 p.m. The library is hosting a Dungeon Crawler Carl Fan Meet and Book Discussion. Join us for a fun discussion of the series. All attendees will receive a free custom-made Donut sticker! Registration is requested by calling 518-882-6385.

Middle Grove Town Park, 428 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 4 – 7 p.m. 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.

Saratoga Turftalkers Nemer Conference Room, 617 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5:45 –

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


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Families

TODAY

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Affordability and You

by Stephen Kyne, CFP Sterling Manor Financial

for Saratoga TODAY If you’ve been feeling like it’s harder to make ends meet over the past couple of years, you are not alone. In fact, looking at the economic data at the end of 2026, that feeling is justified. We often hear financial analysts talk about “inflation cooling,” but cooling just means prices are rising slower, not that things are getting cheaper. Let’s take a look at how the cost of living has shifted recently, focusing on what people are actually experiencing when they check their bank accounts or head to the grocery store. Let’s talk about the big picture first. While overall inflation has slowed from its peak a few years ago, the cumulative impact is what matters to your wallet. Prices compound over time. A modest increase this year is layered on top of

the increases from 2025, which sit on top of the increases from previous years. What does that mean? It means a basket of everyday goods—like groceries, clothes, and basic services—that cost $100 in early 2020 might cost closer to $125 or $130 today. Even a slow climb hits hard when you’re managing a tight budget. Take food, for example. A four-person household is now spending nearly $200 more each month than they did just two years ago. The price of basics— eggs, bread, meat, and fresh produce—has settled at a higher plateau. If your paycheck hasn’t grown at the exact same pace as your grocery bill, you’re going to feel that pinch every week. And it’s not just food; car insurance premiums and vehicle maintenance costs have surged, making the act of commuting to work a heavier financial burden than it was just 24 months ago. A major part of the affordability puzzle right now is housing. This isn’t just a headache; for many, it’s a barrier to building a secure life. If you were looking to buy a house at the end of 2019, your expected average monthly mortgage payment (principal and interest) would have been $1,250 to $1,400. Today, the median monthly payment for new purchase applicants is hovering around $2,200. The shock is what those

relative monthly payments actually buy you today. Back in 2019, that $1,300 payment secured a $320,000 home— which, in many parts of the country, meant a standard three-bedroom, move-in ready house in a decent neighborhood with a yard. Fast forward to 2026, and a buyer stretching their budget to make a $2,200 monthly payment is often getting less house for nearly double the monthly cost. Because home prices have climbed over $400,000 and interest rates remain elevated, today’s $2,200 payment might only secure a smaller condo, a townhome, or a fixer-upper located further away from town and work. To get that exact same 2019 three-bedroom house today, your monthly payment would easily clear $2,600 or more in many markets. The dream of the starter home is fading. In 2019, nearly half of all newly built homes were priced under $300,000. Today, that share has plummeted. This lack of affordable options has pushed the median age of a first-time homebuyer to 40, up from previous decades. Renters aren’t escaping the squeeze either. The national median rent across the US stabilized around $1,390 to $1,500 a month in late 2026, but overall housing costs—including higher utilities and renter’s insurance—average out to much more. When so much of your income goes just to keeping a roof over your head, there’s little left over for saving, investing, or dealing with emergencies. This persistent squeeze is showing up clearly in how people feel and how they’re spending their money. Overall

consumer sentiment—which measures how confident people feel about the economy as a whole—has taken a hit. In August 2025, the consumer sentiment index sat at 58.2, but by April 2026, it had fallen to an all-time low of 47.6. People are worried. To bridge the gap between their income and these higher costs of living, many families have had to rely on credit cards. With interest rates remaining elevated, carrying a balance is more costly than ever. This creates a downward cycle: you use a card to cover a grocery run or a utility bill, and the interest charges make the next month’s budget even tighter. Because essentials are eating up so much of the budget, people are pulling back on discretionary spending. Recent surveys show consumers planning to cut spending on almost everything that isn’t necessary. We’re seeing a drop in intent to spend on home decor, furniture, and eating out. People are making tough choices, deciding they can live with the old sofa or skip the family vacation to ensure the bills get paid.

If you are feeling financially strained right now, it’s probably not because you aren’t working hard enough or budgeting well enough. The costs of living— especially the cost of housing— have shifted in a short amount of time. The economic environment leading into the end of 2026 has required a lot of resilience. While inflation may eventually settle, the new baseline for what life costs has been established. Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs. Sterling Manor Financial, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This article is for informational purposes only, does not constitute individualized financial or investment advice, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities. This article contains forward-looking statements and opinions based on information available at the time of writing, and are subject to change without notice.


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Families

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TODAY

The New York Estate Tax Does Your Family Need to Worry? much more than the money in your bank account.

What counts as part of my estate?

by James Wighaus, Esq. for Saratoga TODAY For many New Yorkers, the words “estate tax” sound like a problem reserved for the very wealthy. But New York’s estate tax rules are more complicated, and potentially more important than many people realize. What is the good news? Most families will never pay New York estate tax. Still, it is important to understand what counts as part of your estate, how New York’s estate tax “cliff ” works, and why simply being under the current New York estate tax exemption amount does not mean you should ignore estate planning. Here is a Q&A that explains the basics of the New York State estate tax and will help you determine what should be on your estate planning checklist.

What is the New York estate tax?

It is a tax imposed by New York State on the transfer of a person’s property after death. Simply, New York looks at the value of what you own when you die. If your estate is large enough, New York may impose a tax before your assets pass to your beneficiaries. Importantly, not every estate is subject to New York estate tax.

Who pays New York estate tax?

For someone who dies in 2026, the New York basic exclusion amount is $7.35 million. If your estate is valued below that amount, no New York estate tax is due. That may sound like a number that applies only to the very wealthy. But there is an important point many people overlook: your estate includes

Generally, your estate can include your home and other real estate; bank and investment accounts; retirement accounts, including IRAs and 401(k)s; business ownership interests; life insurance death benefits; and personal property. Certain taxable gifts made within three years of death can also be included in the New York estate tax calculation.

What if I have more than $7.35 million?

That’s when things get more complicated and potentially expensive. New York has what is commonly called an estate tax “cliff.” Here is the basic idea. For someone who dies in 2026, if your taxable estate is greater than $7.35 million but no more than $7,717,500.00, only the amount above $7.35 million is subject to estate tax, at rates ranging from approximately 3.06% to 16%. But if your taxable estate goes over $7,717,500.00, the rules change dramatically. The estate tax can apply to your entire taxable estate, not just the amount above $7.35 million. That is why the estate tax “cliff ” matters. Someone with a larger estate should not assume that only the amount in excess of $7.35 million will be taxed.

How about married couples?

How assets are owned and how an estate plan is structured can make a significant difference. There are planning techniques that may allow a married couple to preserve both spouses’ available exclusions, thereby doubling the exemption amount.

Can I gift to my children?

You can make gifts to your children, but New York has special rules regarding certain gifts made before death. Generally, certain taxable gifts made within three years of death must be added back into the New York estate tax calculation. In other words, giving assets away shortly before death does not necessarily make them disappear from the New York estate tax calculation.

What if I leave New York?

Moving to another state can change the analysis, but it does not necessarily eliminate the New York estate tax issue. For a nonresident, New York can still impose estate tax on certain New York property, including real property and tangible personal property located in New York. That could include a New York home, land, or certain furnishings and other tangible property. A New York estate tax return may still be required for a nonresident when the value of the New York property, together with assets held outside New York exceeds the New York exemption amount.

What about federal have estate tax?

Married couples important estate planning opportunities, but New York’s estate tax exclusion does not simply double automatically because two people are married.

The federal estate tax exemption amount is currently $15,000,000. It applies in addition to any potential estate tax liability. If you have an estate in

excess of that, there are different planning strategies that are available at the federal level.

What if I have less than $7.35 million?

Estate planning is about much more than estate taxes, so you should not ignore estate planning just because you are below the estate tax exemption amount. Who will make financial decisions if you become incapacitated? Who will make medical decisions for you? Who will inherit your home? What happens if one of your children dies before you? Who will handle your affairs after your death? And what happens to the house if several children inherit it together? Those questions can affect families with $500,000 estates just as they can families with $10 million estates.

Should I worry about estate taxes?

Probably not if your total estate is comfortably below $7.35 million. But before you make

that assumption, it is important to understand what is included in your estate. For 2026, New York’s estate tax exclusion is substantial. But New York’s estate tax “cliff ” makes planning particularly important for estates approaching the threshold. For most families, the better question may not be, “Will I owe estate tax?” It may be: “Do I have a plan for what happens to everything I own, and have I reviewed that plan recently?” That is a question worth asking regardless of the size of your estate. James D. Wighaus is an Associate Attorney with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 6 Airport Park Boulevard, Latham, New York. James’ practice is focused on the areas of corporate law, and trusts and estates law, including estate planning, long-term care planning, estate tax planning and estate administration. James can be reached at (518) 694-5698, jwighaus@ oalaw.com and www.oalaw.com.


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Families

Middle School for Moms by Kate Morna Towne for Saratoga TODAY I have only one middle schooler in the house this year, but I’m also entering my third year teaching middle school, so this column of mine from ten years ago still hits! Good luck to all you parents and teachers of middle schoolers! I read recently about two recent studies that focused on parenting middle schoolers (sixth- through eighth-graders) — one found that parents (especially mothers) of middle schoolers are more stressed than at any other time of their parenthood; the other said that parents’ confidence in their parenting abilities declines during the middle school years.* I hadn’t gone looking for information about parenting a middle schooler — an article discussing the two studies popped up in my Facebook newsfeed — but I felt like it made a little more sense of some things that have been going on here. My two oldest boys are in this age range — one is going into seventh grade, the other will be entering middle school next year — and until this summer I’d been reveling in all the positives this new age brings. I watched my oldest boy navigate sixth grade last year

— the first year of middle school for our whole family — and I was blown away by the huge, marked increase in independence in his academics and his real interest in and love for volunteering and community service, as well as increasingly interesting and fun conversational skills. I was already seeing those things when he stepped it up even more when my mother-in-law fell ill this past February — every Saturday for the last two months she was alive, my son tended to his grandmother by reading to her, washing dishes, staying out of the way if needed, and generally being a companion to my husband, who spent the entirety of every Saturday caring for his mom. My boy never complained, and seemed to really understand how important it was that he give his best. But my kids have always been prone to letting their standards slide whenthey’reinthecomfortableenvironment of home. When my oldest was a toddler I remember asking the pediatrician why he was so well behaved outside the house and so hard to handle inside it? He told me then that it was because my son was comfortable at home — that we’d succeeded in creating the safe environment we always wanted our home to be for our kids, and so our boy knew that no matter how badly he behaved, we’d

TODAY

still love him. The first half of this summer was sort of like the middle-school equivalent of that, and I was so taken off guard that I wasn’t quite sure what to do. I’ve always tended to crack down — for better or worse, that’s always my gut reaction for every kind of bad behavior: to crack down, dole out punishments, restrict privileges, with the goal of nipping bad behavior in the bud as quickly as possible. But not only did my usual course of action not seem to be working, I wasn’t even sure that it was the right approach in general. I’d seen in the last year the beginnings of the emergence of a man where my little boy had once been. I’d seen goodness and honor and integrity of a more mature kind showing itself. My way of dealing with small children seemed, all of a sudden, somewhat inappropriate for this fast-growing, quickly maturing young man. What to do? About halfway through the summer, I felt that I’d had more than enough. I was at my wit’s end, I was tearing my hair out, I was yelling, I was crying … and then the most amazing thing happened! Just when I felt like things couldn’t possibly get worse (don’t laugh, you parents of older kids! I do know it can get worse), things all of a sudden got better. Like, a thousand times better. One hundred and eighty degrees better. All of a sudden, he started putting

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

forth real effort to be patient with his brothers. To be accommodating to the ways in which I need things to run for smooth, peaceful days. To be self-sufficient and even proactive — he told me, forexample,thatformybirthdayhewas going to clean the front room. Cleaning and similar daily chores were one of the things we butted heads about the most at the beginning of the summer, and here he was, telling me he was going to do it on his own? Without prodding, pleading, or threatening? I admit I thought, “We’ll see,” and for the next week I did just that — I watched how every day he spent huge chunks of time doing the deepest of deep cleans. When it was done, we had a room that was immaculate — clutter-free, clean, cozy. Then he decided to move on to one of the bathrooms. Then I needed the other bathroom cleaned and asked if he would help me with it, and not only did he say yes right away, but he did more than what I asked. The last half of this summer has kind of been like a dream! And I’ve made sure to tell him, as many times as I think of it, how grateful I am for all his attempts at helpfulness and self-control and good humor. I’m not really sure what to expect going forward, which seems to basically be the idea with the middleschool age. The Wall Street Journal

article that discussed the two studies described it thusly: “The turbulence that hits sixth- through eighth-graders often begins with the onset of puberty, bringing physical changes and mood swings.”* Turbulence, changes, mood swings, indeed. I totally get it — I’m sure we all can, if we remember back to our own middle-school days. Remembering it’s not easy on the kids either is helpful! But I do know I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen so far, and the next time we hit a rough patch (as I’m sure you more experienced parents know will happen), I’ll spend a lot of time sitting in my clean front room trying to remember all the good things middle school can bring. * Luther and Ciciolla. “What it feels like to be a mother: Variations by children’s developmental stages.” Dev Psychol. 2016 January; 52 (1): 143-154 and Glatz and Buchanan. “Change and Predictors of Change in Parental Self-Efficacy from Early to Middle Adolescence.” Dev Psychol. 2015 October; 51 (10): 1367-1379 as discussed in Shellenbarger, Sue. “Mom’s Middle-School Blues.” The Wall Street Journal. May 17, 2016, http://www.wsj. com/articles/moms-middle-schoolblues-1463505537. Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 21, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, and 8. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Families

TODAY

25

Back to School: Healthy Habits for a Strong and Successful School Year

by Dr. Matt Smith, DC for Saratoga TODAY The start of a new school year brings new classes, activities, friendships, and routines. It can also mean long hours sitting at a desk, carrying a heavy backpack, spending more time on computers and phones, and adjusting to an earlier schedule. A few simple health habits can help students start the school year feeling their best and reduce the aches, fatigue, and stress that can come with a busy school routine.

Backpack Safety Matters

Backpacks are an everyday part of school life, but carrying too much weight or wearing a backpack incorrectly can contribute to neck, shoulder, and back discomfort. Encourage students to: • Carry only what they need each day. • Use both shoulder straps rather than carrying the backpack on one shoulder. • Adjust the straps so the backpack sits comfortably against the back. • Keep heavier items closer to the middle of the backpack. • Use a backpack with padded, adjustable straps when possible. If a backpack causes pain, numbness, tingling, or significant discomfort, it may be time to reassess the backpack’s fit and weight.

Pay Attention to Sitting Posture

Students may spend several hours each day sitting in classrooms, studying, or using computers. Remaining in one position for too long can contribute to stiffness and muscle fatigue. A comfortable study setup

should include: • Feet supported on the floor or a footrest • Knees and hips positioned comfortably • Shoulders relaxed rather than elevated • The computer screen positioned at a comfortable viewing height • Frequent opportunities to stand and move Remember that there is no single “perfect” posture. Changing positions regularly is often more important than trying to maintain one position all day.

Take Movement Breaks

Long periods of sitting can leave students feeling stiff and uncomfortable. Short movement breaks can help. During homework or screen time, encourage students to periodically: • Stand up and walk around • Stretch the arms and shoulders • Move the neck gently • Take a few deep breaths • Change sitting positions Even brief movement breaks can make long study sessions more comfortable.

Make Sleep a Priority

A new school schedule often means waking up earlier. Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help students adjust. Helpful habits include: • Going to bed and waking up at consistent times • Creating a relaxing bedtime routine • Limiting stimulating screen use close to bedtime • Keeping the bedroom comfortable and conducive to sleep • Avoiding excessive caffeine, particularly later in the day Adequate sleep supports concentration, mood, physical recovery, and overall well-being.

Stay Active

Schoolwork is important, but regular physical activity should remain part of a student’s routine. Physical activity can include organized sports, walking, cycling, playground activities, strength training, or simply spending time outdoors.

For students participating in sports, gradually increasing activity and including appropriate warmups can help prepare the body for increased physical demands.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Pain

Occasional muscle soreness or fatigue can happen when routines change. Persistent or worsening pain deserves more attention. Parents and students should consider professional evaluation when pain: • Continues or repeatedly returns • Interferes with school, sports, or sleep • Is associated with weakness, numbness, or tingling • Follows a significant injury • Makes normal activities difficult

A chiropractor or physical therapist can evaluate movement, strength, mobility, and other contributing factors and develop an individualized treatment plan when appropriate.

Healthy Habits Start at Home

Parents can help make healthy habits easier by creating routines around sleep, physical activity, homework, meals, and screen time. Small changes can make a significant difference. A properly fitted backpack, a comfortable study space, regular movement breaks, and a consistent sleep schedule can all contribute to a healthier school year.

Start the School Year Strong

Going back to school is an opportunity to establish healthy habits that can last throughout the

year. Encourage students to move regularly, get adequate sleep, carry their backpacks properly, and speak up when something hurts. A healthy student is better prepared to focus, learn, participate, and enjoy everything the school year has to offer. If your child is experiencing ongoing back, neck, shoulder, or sports-related pain, a chiropractic or physical therapy evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to the problem and whether treatment or exercise-based care may be appropriate. 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


Arts & Entertainment

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Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Make-A-Wish Benefit Concert at UPH by Aidan Clark Saratoga TODAY

On Tuesday, October 6, Oteil Burbridge, and LaMP will be performing together for the first time at the Universal Preservation Hall in support of Make-A-Wish. Burbridge, a celebrated bassist with the Allman Brothers Band and Dead & Company along with Vermontbased trio LaMP, featuring Russ Lawton, Ray Paczkowski, and Scott Metzger promise a rare

musical partnership, blending world-class artistry with spontaneous collaboration. “I’m so excited to share the stage with Russ, Ray, and Scott on this upcoming run for such a great organization,” said Oteil Burbridge. “I’ve participated in Make-A-Wish since the Allman Brothers days, but it has been a long time. This is a rare opportunity to join LaMP and see what flavor of musical brew we can conjure up. Don’t miss this one if you’re within striking

distance.” All proceeds from the tour benefit Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York. Operating from Wishing Spaces in Shelburne, Vermont and Saratoga Springs, New York, the chapter has granted nearly 3,500 wishes since 1986. Make-A-Wish President and CEO of Vermont & Northeast New York, Jamie Hathaway, says the money raised from the concert will go directly towards granting wishes to children aged 2.5 to 18 years old, “in the hopes that a wish can inspire hope, strength and joy in the healing process. And to bring agency to children who often feel they don’t have control of a lot of things in their lives,” said Hathaway. A common misconception of Make-A-Wish is that they only grant wishes to terminally ill patients. However, anyone can refer a child in critical condition at wish.org/refer. “What I often say to people is don’t worry about whether or not a child qualifies. That’s our job to figure it out. What’s very

ss Lawton, Ray (LaMP featuring Ru ott Metzger) Paczkowski, and Sc

(Oteil Burbri

dge)

(Photos courtesy of Make-A-Wish Vermont and Northeast New York)

important to know is we serve children with critical conditions and there are a number of conditions that qualify,” Hathaway

said. Tickets for the concert start at 90 dollars and can be purchased at wishbenefit.org.


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

27

Saratoga Springs History Museum Announces the Return of Halloween Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino

As summer comes to an end and Saratoga Springs prepares for the Halloween season, the Saratoga Springs History Museum is bringing back one of its most popular autumn traditions: the Halloween Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino, taking place Thursday, October 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. Held for one night only, the Halloween Ghost Tours invite visitors to experience a very different side of the historic Canfield Casino. Tours will depart every 20 minutes throughout the evening, leading guests through the Casino while sharing stories of its history, reported hauntings, paranormal investigations, and unexplained occurrences associated with the building. The Canfield Casino has developed a national reputation for its reported paranormal activity. The historic building was featured on SYFY’s Ghost Hunters and was named the 4th Most Terrifying Place in America by the Travel Channel. Over the years, Museum staff, visitors, paranormal investigators, and others have shared accounts of unexplained sounds,

unusual sensations, and mysterious activity within the building. During the Halloween Ghost Tours, visitors will hear some of those accounts while also discovering the real history behind the people, rooms, and artifacts connected to the Casino and the Saratoga Springs History Museum. Rather than a traditional haunted-house attraction, the evening combines local history with the stories and experiences that have contributed to the Casino’s haunted reputation. Guests will explore historic spaces while learning about generations of Saratogians whose lives — and sometimes tragedies — remain represented through the Museum’s collections. Among the many stories preserved within the Museum are those of the Walworth family, one of the most prominent families in 19th-century Saratoga Springs. Their history is filled with remarkable accomplishments alongside family conflict, scandal, tragedy, murder, and loss. Today, rooms that once served as bedrooms for

members of the Canfield Casino gambling club house exhibits dedicated to the Walworth family and their personal collections. Throughout the building, objects and stories like these provide a tangible connection to Saratoga’s past. During the Halloween Ghost Tours, however, visitors will encounter that history after dark — when an unexplained sound from another room or a sudden chill in a quiet corridor can take on an entirely different meaning. The event has become a Halloween tradition for visitors interested in local history, ghost stories, and the paranormal, offering an opportunity to experience one of Saratoga Springs’ most recognizable historic landmarks in an unusual setting. With the Museum’s Ghost Trolley Tours already sold out, those hoping to attend the Halloween Ghost Tours are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Space is limited for each departure, and the event has historically sold quickly. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at: https://www.saratogahistory.org/events/halloweenghost-tour-of-the-canfield-casino.

(Courtesy of the Canfield Casino)


Arts & Entertainment

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Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Local Community Studio Digs Deep to Rediscover Historic Clay Deposits in Saratoga County What started with a discovery of a stoneware factory in Galway NY on an 1866 map has grown into a unique community arts program bringing together local historians, geologists, ceramic artists and local residents to uncover the region’s pottery-making past – and make something new from the clay that was once a valuable resource across upstate NY. The program, called An Expedition in Wild Clay, organized by Main Street Studio in Charlton and funded in part by Saratoga Arts Community Arts Regrant Program includes a series of free presentations, field trips, experiments and hands-on making sessions led by area experts. The goal is for community members to work together to find clay suitable for making pottery, processing it, and making something together with it. “Our studio community is inspired by working with natural materials,” said Dana Nemec, co-founder of Main Street Studio. “When we started thinking about the clay that most people complain about finding in their gardens and

fields — we got excited. We started to wonder how previous generations worked with that ‘nuisance’ clay and what we could make with it today.” The expedition has been guided by an impressive team of local experts. Arlene Rhodes of the Galway Preservation Society has shared historical clues from old maps, census records, and oral histories tracing the Hudson & French pottery business. Donald Rodbell, Professor of Geosciences at Union College, led participants to the banks of the Alplaus Kill in Glenville to see layers of glacial clay deposited approximately 15,000 years ago — the same clay that artisans have long sought out for pottery making. Don Shore, co-founder of L’Esperance Tile Works in Rock City Falls, has been testing clay samples and guiding the group through processing and firing techniques. And ceramic artist and kiln builder Jordan Becker, owner of Firelight Studio in Saratoga Springs, has been leading a kiln building effort to construct a wood-fired kiln from clay the group dug themselves. “We started with a map and

a mystery,” Nemec continued. “What we found was a community of people who all have something to contribute — a farmer who knew ‘where the geese go’ is where we’d find clay, homeowners and historians with clues of where clay was dug generations ago, a geologist who helped us understand why this area is so rich in clay deposits, community members ready to lend a hand, and many talented artists who can turn raw earth into something beautiful.” There is still time to get involved. On Saturday, September 19, the public is invited to Main Street Studio to make small clay objects alongside local ceramic artists, while Jordan Becker constructs a primitive wood-fire kiln from over 800 lbs of clay dug by community volunteers from the West Glenville hills. On Tuesday, September 22, Arlene Rhodes will give an in-depth presentation at Main Street Studio tracing the history of the area’s 19th century pottery industry through old maps, land deeds and census records. The closing Wild Clay Reception & Silent Auction on

(Photos courtesy of Dana Nemec)

(Donald Rodbell leads community members on a fieldtrip to see glacial lake clay deposits along the Alplaus Kill in Glenville)

(Approximately 800 lbs of clay dug from the West Glenville hills that is ready to be processed at Main Street Studio)

Saturday, October 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. will feature fired clay pieces by community members and local artists, a silent auction, and live music. All events are free and open to the public at Main Street

Studio located at 786 Charlton Rd, Ballston Lake. More information and event registration can be found at www.mainstreetcharlton. com or by emailing info@mainstreetcharlton.com.


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Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

AD SPACE RESERVATION DUE: Monday | 5 p.m. AD COPY DUE: Wednesday | Noon Publication Day: Friday

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE CALL 518-581-2480 EXT. 204

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

LEGALS Notice of Formation of THE SARATOGA CONNECTION CO. 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: 3 Pamela Ln., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17730 Notice of Formation of HOUSE OF PALOMINO 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: 418 Broadway, STE R, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17732 Notice of Formation of CVIEW MOBILE MEDIA LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/01/2026. 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: 20 Oakwood Blvd, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17815 Viking RE Holding LLC filed w/ SSNY 7/21/26. Off. in Saratoga Co. Process served to SSNY desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to the LLC, 12 Enterprise Ave, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026.17855

Notice of Formation of Toe of Ledges, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/24/2026. Office location: 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: 3790 Albatross Street, San Diego, CA 92103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17854 Notice of Formation of ABSOLUTE STABLES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/05/2023. Office location: 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: 1342 Route 9P Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17865 Notice of Formation of ABSOLUTE STABLES 2 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/22/2024. Office location: 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: 1342 Route 9P Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17866 Notice of Formation of ABSOLUTE STABLES 3 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/12/2025. Office location: 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: 1342 Route 9P Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17867 Notice of Formation of ABSOLUTE STABLES 4 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/20/2025. Office location: 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: 1342 Route 9P Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17868 Notice of Formation of ABSOLUTE STABLES 5 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/02/2026. Office location: 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: 1342 Route 9P Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17869 Notice of Formation of Golden Birch LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/07/2026. Office location: 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: 204 Patriot Hill Drive, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21,

8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17880 Notice of formation of Arttex Group, LLC. 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 4 Emma Lane Ste 402, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Company is organized for any lawful purpose. 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2026. 17885 Notice of Formation of Maxed Out Construction, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/20/2026 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: 21 Garrett Lane, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17884 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Dax Window Cleaning LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/02/2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, 9 King Fisher Lane Apt 9E, Clifton Park NY 12065. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17890

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Name: Saratoga Elite Party Rentals LLC. Articles of Organization filed by the Department of State of New York on: 09/10/2025. Office location: County of Saratoga. Purpose: Any and all lawful activities. Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 22 Mallory Way, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17895 Notice of Formation of 146 Maple St LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/10/26. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 14 Granite Lake Drive, Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17909 Notice of Formation of Upstate Mobile Mechanic Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/27/2026 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: 54 CLIFTON STREET, APT 2 WATERFORD, NY, 12188. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17912 Notice of Application for Authority for BPC Insurance Services Newco A, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/24/2026 . Office:


30 Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to: c/o 3H Legal Services, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17916 Notice of Application for Authority for BPC Insurance Services Newco B, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/24/2026. 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: c/o 3H Legal Services, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17917 Notice of Application for Authority for BPC Insurance Services Newco C, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/24/2026. 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: c/o 3H Legal Services, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17918 Notice of Application for Authority for BPC Insurance Services Newco D, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/24/2026. 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: c/o 3H Legal Services, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17919 Notice of Application for Authority for BPC Insurance Services Newco E, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/24/2026. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

process should be mailed to: c/o 3H Legal Services, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17920 Notice of Application for Authority for BPC Insurance Services Newco F, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/24/2026. 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: c/o 3H Legal Services, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18/2026. 17921 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: iO$ IT’S ONLY MONEY LLC Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on August 13, 2036. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, 39 Fawn Rd. Gansevoort NY 12831. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25/2026. 17937 Notice of Formation of AMUSING PICTURES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/29/2026 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: 6 Bank Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/2026. 17936 Notice of Formation of Home Path Energy, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/04/2026 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: 103 Hubbs Road Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18,

9/25/2026. 17948 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). The name of the Limited Liability Company is: GREGORY M LLC. The Articles of Organization were filed with the Department of State the State of New York on June 24, 2026. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: SARATOGA. Street address: 26 Fairway Boulevard, Wilton, New York 12831. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: GREGORY M LLC, 26 Fairway Boulevard, Wilton, New York 12831. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25/2026. 17946 JOANNEDIMARCO, LLC 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. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/2026. 17969 Notice of Formation of LOUTINA Enterprise LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on August 13, 2026. Office location: 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: 2 Princeton Ave Clifton Park NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/2026. 17972 Notice of Formation of 5TH AVENUE PROJECT LLC. Articles of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 8/12/2026. Office location: Saratoga County, SSNY is designated as agent

upon whom service of process to 5TH AVENUE PROJECT LLC may be served. SSNY shall send process to 5TH AVENUE PROJECT LLC at 184 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. Company is organized for any lawful purpose. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/2026. 17973 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Name: J & J Vance LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 23, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 364 Jewell Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831. Purpose: Any lawful act or activities. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/2026. 17975 Notice of registration of Vivace Insurance Partners, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/03/2026. 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: c/o 3H Legal Services, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/2026. 17976 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: The name of the limited liability company is: Abate-Mushalla Accounting & Automation, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was June 10, 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 Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Christina J. Graziadei, Esq., 80 Exchange Street, Ste. 700, Binghamton, NY 13901. The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25,

10/2/2026.17970 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LEIBOWITZ HOME REALTY, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the New York State Dept. of State on 4/27/26. The County within this state in which the office of the limited liability company (LLC) is located is Saratoga. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is to the LLC at 7 Wells Street, Suite 103A, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. The LLC is organized for real estate brokerage and related activities. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/2026. 17977 NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION OF AUTHORITY OF A FOREIGN LLC. ATM Investments, LLC, a foreign LLC domiciled in Massachusetts, filed an Application of Authority on June 1, 2026, with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY). SSNY has been designated as agent of the foreign LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY will mail a copy of process to the foreign LLC to Thomas Maloof, 99 Highland Street, Middle borough, MA 02346. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/2026. 17978 Notice of Formation of Starting Gate Records LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/13/2026 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: 12 Broad Street, Waterford, NY 12188. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/2026. 17979 Notice of registration of KLEIN INSURANCE CONSULTING, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/28/2026. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to: c/o 3H Legal Services, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18,


31

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

9/25, 10/2/2026. 17980 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NAME: JKH 193, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/26/2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 7 Southside Dr., Ste 200, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9/2026. 17987 Notice of Formation of Bear Bones Acres LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/11/2026 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: 218 Allen Road, Porter Corners, NY 12859. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9/2026. 17991 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name: Upstate Modern Venues, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/29/2026. 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 Upstate Modern Venues, LLC, 499 Union Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9/2026. 18001 Notice of Formation of Ridgetop Home Services, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 1, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 374 Plank Road, Porter Corners, NY 12859. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9/2026. 18007 Notice of Formation of Guacamaya Coffee Co. LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/09/2026 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 7 Riparian Loop Gansevoort NY 12831. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9/2026. 17995 5 Van Slyck, LLC filed Art. of Org. with the Sec’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/01/2026 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent for the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 5 Van Slyck, LLC, 1147 Ballston Lake Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Purpose: any lawful act. 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9/2026. 18019 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Pursuant to Section 206 of the New York Limited Liability Law. The name of the Limited Liability Company is 101 Button Road LLC. The Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State on September 3, 2026. The office of the Limited Liability Company will be located in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the Limited Liability Company upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Limited Liability Company served upon him or her is: c/o Calvin Koval, 162 George Thompson Road Mechanicville, New York 12118. The Limited Liability Company is formed for any lawful business purpose or purposes. 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16/2026. 18024 Notice of Formation of If I Only, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 07/29/2026 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: 870 Murray Rd. Middle Grove, NY 12850. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 9/11, 9/18, 9/25,

10/2, 10/9, 10/16/2026. 18041 Notice of Formation of Aroha Empire LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 05/18/2026. 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: 418 Broadway, Ste R, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16/2026. 18049 Notice of Formation of Atelier Obscura LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/31/2026 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: 8 Washington Ave, Waterford, NY 12188. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16/2026. 18040 Notice of Formation of Cozy Cacoon LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/22/2026 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 Southside Dr 11-140, Clifton Park NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16/2026. 18050 Notice of Formation of Handy & Tech-Savvy Home Repair Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/28/2026 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: 6 Pasture Pl, Ballston Lake, NY, 12019. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16/2026. 18054

113-Public Notices

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Saratoga County Department of Central Services, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 will receive sealed

bids until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for the Milton Pump Station Force Main Tap located at 353 Malta Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, as per specification 26-SDMPSFMT-1. A pre-bid conference will be held on Thursday September 10, 2026 at the Milton Pump Station, 353 Malta Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Following the conference, a visit to the project site will be offered for those interested. No other pre-bid conference will be scheduled. Bid documents may only be obtained on or after Tuesday, September 8, 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 9/11/2026, 18025 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Saratoga County Department of Central Services, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 will receive sealed proposals until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026 for Pharmacy Services at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility, as per specification 26-RFPSDJPS-1. Bid documents may only be obtained on or after Thursday, September 10, 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 09/11/2026, 18043

Notice of 30 Day Agricultural District Inclusions October 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026 Please take notice that pursuant to Section 303-b of Article 25-AA of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law (AML), Saratoga County is accepting applications from landowners wishing to have their predominately viable agricultural lands included in a Saratoga County consolidated agricultural district. The review period will be held between October 1 and October 31, 2026. Saratoga County Consolidated Agricultural District #1 is comprised of the towns of Moreau, Northumberland, Saratoga, Stillwater, and Wilton. Saratoga County Consolidated Agricultural District #2 is comprised of the towns of Ballston, Charlton, Clifton Park, Corinth, Edinburg, Galway, Greenfield, Hadley, Malta, Milton, Providence and the City of Saratoga Springs. Requests from landowners seeking inclusion into a certified agricultural district must be received in the Office of the Clerk of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, 40 McMaster Street, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020 by no later than October 31, 2026 or postmarked by October 31, 2026 if mailed. Please visit http://www.saratogacountyny. gov/departments/planning/ or contact the Saratoga County Department of Planning & Economic Development at 518-884-4705 for a copy of the Agricultural Inclusion Application Form. Upon the termination of the thirty (30) day period, the proposed additions will be submitted to the Saratoga County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB) for review and recommendation. The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at a later date to consider all inclusion requests and the recommendations of the Saratoga County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board. Please contact the Saratoga County Department of Planning & Economic Development for more information. 09/11/2026, 18053


32

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

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Sports

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

33

The Difficult Journey Back to College After spending the summer as an intern at Saratoga Race Course, Shenendehowa graduate Alex DiConza makes the difficult trip to Cornell to continue studying Biometry and Statistics

Written & Photographed by Tony Podlaski for Saratoga TODAY

Games

Fun And

As the Saratoga Race Course season came to an end on Labor Day, many college students returned to the dorms and classrooms after spending about 10 weeks working at the track. Some of those college students are reluctant to leave the track because of the experience and friendships over the summer. For Alec DiConza, leaving Saratoga before the Travers Stakes to begin his sophomore year at Cornell University as a Biometry and Statistics major was especially difficult. “This is so much harder than it has to be,” the 19-year-old Shenendehowa graduate said about going from Saratoga to his first class at Cornell, a Multivariable Calculus class at 10 a.m. “After a couple weeks, I get adjusted to it. I think after closing day here, it’ll be a lot easier, but I’m certainly going to still be following all the action.” After spending three summers writing for The Saratoga Special, DiConza became an intern

in the racing office for the New York Racing Association. Along with helping fill races and learning how races are written for the condition book, he has also worked with data analysis and spreadsheets to keep track of budgeting, claims, and “shakes,” the random draw used to determine ownership when multiple people submit a claim. “It’s been a really good experience,” the 19-year-old said. “I’ve done a bunch of different things to fill my days. I’ve learned a lot about how races are put together and how trainers pick their spots. There’s honestly no better feeling in this job than when you’ve called someone and they say that they’re willing to enter their horse because of something you’ve said.” Racing also sparked his interest in statistics. He learned about handicapping through his grandfather, who introduced him to the Daily Racing Form past performances for the Kentucky Oaks when he was six years old. Besides the Beyer speed figures that got his attention, he also started recognizing Hall of Fame trainers such as Todd Pletcher, Bob Baffert, Steve Asmussen, and the newest inductee Christophe Clement. “I was just thrilled with all of the numbers that I wanted to know what they meant and how to kind of decipher who would win races,” DiConza said. “For about 10 years, I would come up here [at Saratoga] in the summer to handicap and follow races very closely.” By the age of 16, DiConza was looking for a job that aligned his interests at Saratoga. Rather than working for concessions, serving

as an usher or helping on the backstretch, he wanted a job that covered an aspect of racing. Knowing it could be a longshot as a teenager, DiConza sent PowerPoint presentations and one of his YouTube videos on various aspects of horse racing to Tom Law, the managing editor and intern coordinator for The Saratoga Special. DiConza hoped to write for the publication during the Saratoga meet. The long shot paid off. During the three summers with The Saratoga Special, DiConza covered races, developed interview skills, and built connections with jockeys, trainers and owners. Along with developing skills that transfer to the real world, the experience also built confidence for DiConza. “They took a chance and I’d like to think it paid off,” he said. “I never would have had the opportunity to talk to so many people in racing media and so many trainers, jockeys, and owners if I had just been a fan. So being with The Saratoga Special, it not only got my name out there in the industry, it was also a really good experience from a confidence standpoint.” “There’s a lot of learning on the job,” he added. “Just being able to go up to someone, talk to them, talk about your thoughts, and come up with your own questions, it helps a lot in the real world.” As DiConza has built on his writing and communication skills, his strength is numbers, especially with statistics. Before graduating from Shenendehowa, he successfully completed AP Calculus that prepared him for Cornell’s program.

Puzzle Solutions See puzzles pg. 12

“I was always a numbers-oriented person in school,” he said. “Math, and specifically statistics, has always been my favorite. That’s why I chose statistics as a college major.” While DiConza’s talent has been working with complex math and statistics, he also has an appreciation for the arts, more so ballet, music, and movies. His interest in ballet started when he was three years old. After his sister left ballet for swimming, he appreciated that dance style by watching DVDs of his sister’s recitals as he tried to copy the dancer. For most of his next 13 years, DiConza participated in Saratoga City Ballet. One highlight of his ballet career was performing the roles of the Prince and the Cavalier in The Nutcracker during his senior year. Now, he is part of the Cornell Ballet Club. “I persuaded my mom to enroll me in some classes and the rest is history. I never looked back from there. I loved it,” DiConza said. “Being a male dancer is rare in this area. But I was able to do the big pas de deux with one of my best friends and that was a lot of fun. I gained a lot of memories, I did a lot of performances, and I’ve been able to continue that in school.” Along with playing violin for nine years since the fourth grade, including three years with Saratoga Youth Symphony, DiConza is an avid movie enthusiast with his favorite being Parasite, a South Korean black comedy-drama thriller that won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2019. Though, he also has a strong affinity for the horse racing comedy Let

Alec DiConza at Saratoga Race Course (Courtesy of Tony Podlaski)

It Ride, featuring Richard Dreyfuss as Jay Trotter, an unsuccessful gambler who experiences a day of winning every bet. “I’m a big movie guy,” DiConza said. “I love watching the Oscar-buzz films and giving my thoughts. I think that that’s a lot of fun. I must give Let It Ride its flowers because while it’s not what I would call an Oscar-worthy film, it perfectly captures the essence of being at a racetrack and trying to make a few bucks.” Like the ending of Let it Ride when Jay Trotter wins the big bet, DiConza is hoping his internship and college experiences can parlay into a career – preferably in horse racing – after Cornell. “I’m open to anything, but certainly working in racing,” he said. “I don’t think there is a more fun job out there than just talking about racing. There have been so many fun experiences. I don’t really have a concrete answer, but just anything in racing would be where I see myself.”


Sports

34

Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

The 2026 Saratoga Race Course Season in Review

by Aidan Clark Saratoga TODAY

Some may be happy it’s over, some are glad it happened, others are sad it won’t return, but one thing is for sure: this summer meet was the longest in the race course’s 163-year history. The original meet was scheduled for 51 days, however heavy rain caused a cancelation on Wednesday, July 29. After 50 racing days, the Saratoga Race Course concluded as usual on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Highlights from the historic season include: • Paid attendance exceeding 1 million fans for the 11th consecutive year and total wagering handle of more than $900 million. • The Grade 1 Travers Stakes featured a deep and accomplished field headlined by Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo and Preakness winner Napoleon Solo. However, it was the Brad Cox-trained Leading Change who emerged victorious under Manny Franco in front of a crowd of 47,659 on Saturday, August 29. • Reigning Horse-ofthe-Year, Sovereignty, returned to Saratoga Race Course with an emphatic victory in the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes on Saturday, August 8. With his Whitney victory, Sovereignty earned a

“Win and You’re In” berth to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic in October at Keeneland. • Manny Franco claimed the Angel Cordero, Jr. title as leading rider; Chad Brown captured the H. Allen Jerkens training title; and Klaravich Stables secured the meet’s leading owner title. • Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher earned his 6,000th career victory in North America during the summer meet, when Versailles Road captured the finale on Whitney Day, Saturday, August 8. • Jockeys Luis Saez and Hall of Famer Javier Castellano reached significant career milestones during the summer meet, recording the 4,000th and 6,000th victories of their respective careers. • Fans enjoyed FIFA World Cup 26 Viewing Parties bringing the excitement of the global soccer tournament to the Spa during the summer meet. • Saratoga welcomed on Whitney Day members of the United States Women’s Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team, Haley Winn and Hayley Scamurra, along with Katie Million, the team’s general manager. • The second annual Corgi Cup returned to Saratoga, bringing dozens of fourlegged competitors and their

enthusiastic supporters to the Spa. Kona, a five-year-old Corgi from Smithtown, NY, was this year’s winner. • Saratoga hosted its second annual NYRA STAR Kids Day, featuring a wide variety of family-friendly activities and attractions for its youngest fans, and its traditional Military Appreciation Day and First Responders Day to celebrate and honor those who serve our nation and our communities. Those locals who perpetually avoid the eccentricity elicited by the horse racing scene can return to their normal activities now. Next year the newly constructed Belmont Park will reopen downstate, and the Belmont Stakes will return to its home after spending the past three years occurring in Saratoga. This means the racing calendar will slim down to 40 days next year. While some locals may revel in the fact that next year the racing season will slim down, it is undeniable that the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival brought an unprecedented economic surge into the region. “Prior studies report the Saratoga Race Course has a $370 million economic impact over a 40-day meet, which means about $9 million per day. With 50 racing days this year, our region likely experienced a more than $450 million economic benefit from the extended meet and the chance to host the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga one last time. Local business owners from our retail and hospitality sectors

report that it was a busy summer in Saratoga, and city sales tax collections were up this year through June and July versus prior years,” said Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd

Shimkus. “The question everyone’s now asking is ‘What do we do to top this in 2027?’ That is perhaps the best indicator of how vital the summer meet is to our local and regional economy.”

GTM Payroll and HR Partners with Siena in Support of Student Athlete NIL Program GTM Payroll & HR, a workforce solutions company that integrates payroll, human resources, insurance, and employee benefit services, has launched a new partnership with Siena University athletics under which a share of the revenue from Siena-referred business clients to GTM will go toward compensating Siena student athletes. When Siena introduces a business to GTM, and that business becomes a GTM client, a percentage of the revenue returns to Siena to support the student athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program. In the short term, the partnership aims to generate $100,000 each year for Siena over the next three years. “Siena’s alumni base and this region have helped GTM flourish,” said Guy Maddalone ‘89, founder and CEO of GTM Payroll & HR. “What this partnership does is take that growth and give back to the school and the region. When Siena athletics does well, the region gains a high level of exposure, which benefits everyone who lives and works here.” In March, the Saints Men’s Basketball team won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010, drawing Duke in the first round. Siena’s near-upset of the number one overall seeded Blue Devils averaged 5.43 million viewers on CBS, making it the most-watched game of the tournament’s opening day. For a region of roughly a million people, that is a rare kind of visibility. Siena opted into the House Settlement in June 2025, which permits Division I institutions to share athletic revenue directly with players. That fall, the school launched its Athletes & Champions Revenue Sharing Fund to provide direct support to student athletes and to stay

highly competitive in collegiate athletics. Most of that funding to date has come from donors and corporate contributions. The GTM partnership is structured differently and doesn’t rely on one-time gifts or sponsorship commitments to generate revenue. “At Siena, we are committed to developing meaningful partnerships that create lasting value for both our university and the businesses within our extended community,” said John D’Argenio, Siena Vice President/ Director of Athletics. “This innovative collaboration with GTM offers a unique opportunity to strengthen their payroll and HR operations while playing a direct, impactful role in advancing Siena Athletics and enhancing the student athlete experience.” More funding means better roster stability, which is critically important in the transfer portal era, when programs across Division I rebuild their rosters annually... especially since Head Coach Gerry McNamara, along with starters Gavin Doty and Francis Folefac, went to Syracuse University. GTM is the first organization to enter this type of arrangement with Siena, and this partnership extends a decades-long relationship between the company and the university. GTM is a longtime sponsor of Siena Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and the Maddalone Wall of Success at Siena’s Stack Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, established through Maddalone’s support and inducting a new class of alumni founders each year since 2014, has celebrated more than 100 businesses started by Siena alumni. Organizations interested in GTM’s payroll and human resources services through the Siena partnership can contact Kito Delgado at (518) 373-4111 ext. 9246 or kito@gtm.com.


Week of September 11 - September 17, 2026

Sports

Food, Fun, Foliage and Fitness: A Weekend Cycling Getaway

Get on your bike and enjoy the changing leaves and the crisp Autumn air, riding some of Saratoga’s most scenic routes at the most beautiful time of the year with Bikeatoga’s fourth annual foliage ride. Ride one day or two on October 10 and 11 with 30, 50, and 75 mile routes available. For cyclists, there’s no better time to enjoy everything Saratoga Springs has to offer than early October when the leaves are changing, the shops and restaurants are a little less crowded. “We have hundreds of miles of scenic, low-traffic, country roads surrounding the city,” said Ed Lindner, ride director for the Foliage Ride, “and early October when Autumn colors are at their best is a wonderful time to ride. You can ride along the Hudson River, past horse farms, dairy farms and harvested cornfields, and travel the grounds where American patriots won the Battle of Saratoga.” This year, the Foliage Ride is a “Victory at Saratoga Siege Weekend” event, honoring our nation’s 250th anniversary and Saratoga’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. Revolutionary War reenactors and history interpreters will gather at Fort Hardy Park – a rest stop on the Foliage Ride – for military encampments, musket and artillery demonstrations and 18th century music. “Cycling the ground where Saratoga’s Revolutionary legacy turned the tide to America’s independence is a great way to take in its impact,” said Bill Teator, Executive Director of the Campaign for Saratoga 250. After the ride, cyclists come together for a catered lunch with

Biker on the Saratoga Foliage Ride (Courtesy of Bikeatoga)

live music at the Saratoga Regional YMCA pavilion. There’s time to enjoy a sauna or take a swim using the free YMCA day pass. And then it’s off to downtown. The Foliage Ride “Downtown Happy Hour” is a popular promotion. Riders showing a Foliage Ride wristband can get food and drink specials at a variety of local favorites, including craft beers at Whitman Brewing and the Henry Street Taproom, wine by the glass at Kindred and bubbly at the Bocage Champagne Bar.

In 2025 the Saratoga Foliage Ride drew cyclists from 13 states and two Canadian provinces. Lindner thinks the combination of scenic country roads and bustling downtown is the reason. “Tripadvisor says Saratoga Springs is ‘pretty close to perfect’ and we couldn’t agree more,” Lindner said, “Saratoga Springs is a really special cycling destination.” For more information visit www.SaratogaFoliageRide.com. Register at https://www.bikereg. com/73201.

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