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Author: Veronica Zabala

Saratoga Hospital Names Three to Board of Trustees

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital has appointed three new board members effective Jan. 1: David J. Collins of D.A. Collins Construction Company, Kari Cushing of Franklin Community Center and Elizabeth Wood of Shenendehowa Central School District.

Collins, of Greenfield, is president and CEO of D.A. Collins Construction Company. An industry leader, he chairs the board of trustees of Rebuild New York Now and serves on the boards of Associated General Contractors, Empire State Highway Contractors Association and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation board and the advisory board of Leadership Saratoga.

Cushing, of Ballston Spa, is executive director of Franklin Community Center. During her tenure, the center has added and expanded programs and tripled the number of people served. A graduate of Leadership Saratoga, Cushing has been named a Woman of Influence by Saratoga Today and been recognized for her community service by the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation. She serves on the supervisory committee of Saratoga’s Community Federal Credit Union.

Wood, of Ballston Spa, is deputy superintendent of Shenendehowa Central School District. She has more than two decades of experience as an educator and administrator. Wood holds leadership roles in the New York State Association of Women in Administration and served on the board of the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County. She is the 2019 recipient of the Excellence in District Administrative Leadership Award from Capital Area School Development Association. She has a doctorate in education leadership from Sage Graduate College.

Interactive Media Consulting, LLC, Welcomes Jenna Saccocio as Graphic Designer

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Interactive Media Consulting, LLC, (IMC) a Saratoga Springs based consulting company, is pleased to announce the addition of Jenna Saccocio as Graphic Designer. Jenna joins IMC with experience in digital design and marketing as well as extensive print design. She is proficient in the Adobe Creative Suite. She has her B.S. in Computer Art from SUNY Oneonta.

“Jenna brings a sophisticated design level to all our web and print projects, challenging the status quo, and providing both digital and print design pieces that have exceeded clients’ expectations,” said Beth Moeller, Owner of Interactive Media Consulting, LLC. Jenna Saccocio, added “I’m looking forward to designing with IMC and hope to bring a fresh and modern approach to their current and upcoming projects.”

Since 1996, Interactive Media Consulting, LLC, has provided digital marketing, print design, and branding services to organizations, both large and small, throughout the Northeastern United States. For more information about IMC’s expanded services and capabilities, visit their website at http://www.imediaconsult.com. You can reach Jenna at jenna@imediaconsult.com or Beth at beth@imediaconsult.com.

Investment, Leadership Consultant Fran Skinner Joins Fenimore’s Board

CAPITAL REGION — Fenimore Asset Management, an independent, Capital Region-based investment advisory firm and manager of the FAM Funds family of mutual funds, announces that nationally recognized investment industry leader, author, and consultant Fran Skinner has joined its Board of Directors.

Skinner is a partner and co-founder of AUM Partners, LLC, an Illinois-based leadership and talent development firm. She has more than 30 years of experience in leadership and consulting positions in the investment industry with Mellon Bank, Allstate Investments, Focus Consulting, and Diamond Hill Capital. She is co-author of the book, High Performing Investment Teams, and frequently serves as a keynote speaker and workshop presenter for some of the world’s leading businesses and organizations, including Barron’s and Morgan Stanley.

For more about Fenimore Asset Management  visit www.famfunds.com.

Roohan Realty Welcomes Carol Raike

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Roohan Realty is thrilled to announce that Carol Raike has joined the team as a Licensed Associate Broker.

Raike has been in the real estate industry for the past 17 years, a consistent multi-million dollar producer, and ranked among the top 100 Realtors® in the Capital District. Her many honors include being recognized by The Women’s Council of Realtors® as a top producer.  In addition, Raike is trained in relocation practices and ethical standards. She is a member of the Greater Capital District Association of Realtors® (GCAR) and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

Raike is a board member for Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties. She is also a dedicated volunteer for The Lucky Puppy Dog & Rescue Kennel in Argyle.

Raike and her husband Larry have been residents in the Town of Malta for 19 years. They have been married for over 35 years with three children and four grandchildren. 

Raike can be reached at 518-791-2728 or carol@roohanrealty.com. Like her Facebook page@ Carol Raike- Licensed Associate Broker with Roohan Realty  @carolraikerealtor. Follow on Instagram @carolmccaberaike.

Fundraising Goal Achieved, UU Saratoga Seeks New Home

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Having exceeded its phase-one fundraising goal of $175,000, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs (UU Saratoga) is stepping up its effort to establish a new home.

“We’ve reached a point in our development where we feel it’s time to move to a larger space that better reflects our spiritual openness and commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Sue Bender, chair of UU Saratoga’s Capital Campaign Committee.

Increasingly cramped on its current campus at 624 North Broadway, UU Saratoga now seeks a property of approximately three acres to accommodate a sanctuary that seats at least 150 and will serve many more families with children through its religious exploration programs. The site also should allow parking for at least 70 cars.

“We have looked at several locations that may meet our needs but are continuing to explore other possibilities,” said Bender. She noted that a property owner who donates a site or grants one at a reduced cost to UU Saratoga, a tax-exempt organization, would be eligible for a substantial tax credit.

Founded in 1998, UU Saratoga purchased its current building in 2001 from a congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The sale of this building – which occupies one-third of an acre of prime real estate on North Broadway — will generate additional funds for the construction of a new meeting house.

“We’re especially appreciative of a foundational gift made early in the project by UU Saratoga members Eric and Beverly Lawson,” Bender noted. “Since last summer, more than 70 member households have contributed an additional $197,000 in capital funds, bringing the purchase of a new property within range.” 

While membership in most religious denominations has declined in recent years, many Unitarian Universalist congregations are expanding. The denomination grew nationally by 15.8 percent from 2000 to 2010, according to the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. UU Saratoga has been attracting new members under the leadership of the Rev. Joseph Cleveland, whom the congregation called in 2014.

“We think our open-minded faith has a bright future in our community,” said Pam Collins, president of the UU Saratoga Board of Trustees. “Instead of a common theology, we have a set of common values that start with the worth and dignity of every human being and support a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We’re individuals finding our own path and we’re doing it in community.”

A retreat aimed at engaging all UU Saratoga members in the process of visioning and planning a new home has been set for Saturday, May 2. All who may be interested in the congregation are invited to learn more at www.uusaratoga.org. 

Habitat for Humanity’s Leap of Kindness Day

MOREAU — Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties (“Habitat”) is teaming up with Curtis Lumber and the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce for Leap of Kindness Day. Leap of Kindness Day is a chance for you to spend the extra day of 2020 to do something special for your favorite local charity. Habitat is asking for the community to purchase 2×4” pieces of lumber at all Curtis Lumber locations in the Capital Region throughout the month of February. Each 2×4 can be purchased for only $3. You’ll also get the opportunity to write a message about home ownership and/or affordable housing on a piece of lumber at each store. Curtis Lumber will then deliver all donated 2x4s to Habitat on Leap of Kindness Day. 2x4s can also be purchased at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore at 1373 US 9, Moreau NY 12828.

All the lumber will be used to help build affordable homes in your community! In 2020 Habitat for Humanity will be building an affordable home for a hard working family in Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls and Granville.

A Decade of Giving from the Arrow Family of Companies Exceeds $4 Million

GLENS FALLS — The Arrow Financial Corporation Family of Companies is pleased to share that its local charitable giving over the past 10 years has exceeded $4 million.

Over the years, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company, Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company, and Upstate Agency, LLC have proudly supported hundreds of community groups, business associations and local not-for-profits. In addition to sponsorships and financial contributions, volunteerism and education is ingrained in our culture and a big part of our commitment to each community we serve throughout Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Essex and Clinton counties.

“Caring for our communities directly impacts the customers, businesses and neighborhoods we serve,” said President and CEO Thomas J. Murphy. “Showing our gratitude and philanthropic support of organizations that make this region a better place is one of our guiding principles and we’ve been fulfilling that mission for more than 168 years.”

The more than $4 million in contributions has helped many organizations impacting economic development, affordable housing, food insecurity, financial literacy, education and youth services, health and human services, environmental preservation, arts and culture, veterans, first responders, and more.

Visit arrowfinancial.com/caring to learn more.

Saratoga County Historical Society Announces New Board Members

BALLSTON SPA — Seven members were added to the Saratoga County Historical Society’s Board of Trustees at its first meeting of 2020 on Jan. 21. These individuals came forward as part of the outpouring of support for the society and Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa after the announcement last October that the institution had run out of funds. To date, a campaign mounted to raise $100,000 by March 31, 2020, to provide the Society with funding as it reorganizes, has reached 85% of its goal.

The new members of the Saratoga County History Society Board of Trustees are:

Jere Blackwelder, a native of Georgia, the Director of Byran, TX’s Habitat for Humanity “Restore” Operation before retiring to the Town of Ballston in 2011. He has taken leadership positions in the Rotary and Ballston Spa Business and Profession Assn. His focus is public relations and communications, skills which he will bring to the forefront in his new role.

Mark Blech, a painter and sculptor, and the organizer of Ballston Spa’s annual Holiday Displays and Bird House competitions. In 2019, he designed the exterior chicken exhibit at Brookside Museum. Prior to relocating to Ballston Spa in 2014, he designed and fabricated props for the movie and ad industries in Los Angeles and Atlanta. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California at Irvine and undergraduate degree in Ceramics from Alfred University. He hopes to make the arts and arts education integral to the mission of the Museum.

Isobel Connell, of Clifton Park, who earned her PhD in Theoretical Mechanics from the University of Nottingham, England and came to this country in 1986 and was an engineer at GE for over 25 years. She has been active in youth activities, a founder of the Sherwood Forest Civic Assoc., and a Brookside Museum volunteer.

John Cromie, the Historical Society’s first paid employee in the museum’s early days. He served as President of the Society’s board from 1982-83. A local attorney and historian, he has also holds a Master in Public Administration from the Maxwell School, and has been on numerous local and regional non-profit boards.

Michael Landis, who holds a PhD in History from George Washington University and has taught at colleges in Connecticut, Texas, and New York. Specializing in the Antebellum and Civil War periods, he is the author of Northern Men with Southern Loyalties, a Choice Magazine selection for Outstanding Academic Title. A resident of the Town of Milton, he hopes to tie Historical Society’s programs to college curricula.

Nora Osuchowski, the Executive Director of the Ballston Area Recreation Commission, where she works with parents to provide programs in athletics, education, and the arts for area youth. Prior to her position at BARC, she directed and coordinated services for individuals with disabilities.

Maureen Walsh, a Milton resident since 2000, is an Enrolled Agent and Associate Financial Advisor at Canty Financial Management, Inc.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History/Geography from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She has more 30 years experience in the tax industry including 18 years in the Financial Services Industry focusing on Investment Advisory.

“The goal of the Board of Trustees is to reevaluate the operations of the Historical Society and integrate its resources with the needs of Saratoga County residents, as a way of assuring its future economic viability,” noted K. Michelle Arthur, Executive Director at the Brookside Museum. “I am looking forward to working with this expanded Board of Trustees to reach our immediate funding goal—and to launching new, exciting, and meaningful programs that serve our community.”

The Brookside Museum, located at 6 Charlton Street in Ballston Spa, has a mission to keep history alive through interactive educational programs and innovative exhibits that engage the community. Recent exhibits have highlighted unsung parts of the community, notably, last summer’s CHICKEN! exhibit, which drew a record number of families to the Museum, and told the story of Saratoga County poultry farms.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Event

Dining with Diabetes, an educational program for people with diabetes or prediabetes and their family members is being offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension at the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Tuesdays, February 25th, March 3rd and 10th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Pre-registration is required: call 518-885-8995. This free program is sponsored by the Schuylerville Lions Club.

Participants will learn how to fit carbohydrates into a healthy menu, effectively use food labels, choose meals at a restaurant and adopt other healthy habits to help manage diabetes through healthy eating. Recipe demonstration and samples provided. For program details call Diane Whitten at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 518-885-8995.

A Reader’s View

We are Marianne Barker and Maddy Zanetti, of Impressions of Saratoga located on Broadway since 1980 and the Dark Horse Mercantile, just opened in 2018. Maddy is a native Saratogian and Marianne and her husband Dave have lived here since 1980 with no plans of leaving. We are all concerned over the future of our community events traditionally held in our very special downtown. They include the Fireworks held for the 4th of July celebration and First Night which are not very likely to happen going forward, the Hats Off festival which was cancelled several years ago and though not in immediate jeopardy, the Victorian Streetwalk, Fall Festival and Chowderfest. There are other examples like pond hockey and the many horse shows that have moved out of the city. Today it is increasingly difficult to coordinate the events, pay the new fees to hold them, and raise the sponsorship dollars to fund them. If these things are important enough to us, we need to show our support. This started out for us as a concern for the fireworks but it’s much bigger than that.

Impressions began its history in Saratoga Springs, January of 1980 just as the renaissance of downtown started in the 1970’s was gaining momentum. There were still a lot of open storefronts but Saratoga was well on its way to our current enviable position as one of the best downtowns in America. It was the hard work of so many people that you may or may not remember, who had the vision and ability to see what needed doing and making it happen. The festivals were a big part in getting our town back on the map as a destination for shopping, dining and playing. Many of us, big and small businesses saw the value in supporting these events in any way we could with donations of dollars, support and time. They were one of many pieces that has led to our current success. Over the years the population and businesses have changed and many of our valued partners are no longer here with the memories of what was. Many do not remember Saratoga when there wasn’t much going on and we truly depended on the summer racing season for our town to make ends meet. Though the races surely add a lot to our town, they are no longer the sole reason we exist. The thing that worries us is that without the continual re-investment into our town, big or small, things can change in the blink of an eye. We all have a vested interest in keeping our community the best it can be. The gradual erosion of the things that have made us so special may not impact us today but it’s the future we have to look out for. It’s easy to think that a little piece of support isn’t that important but when too many think this, it has a huge impact. We live in a very special place and have a responsibility to preserve, protect and nurture it for the days to come.

We recognize that every event may not benefit each of us personally or financially but as a whole they help to create opportunities to expose folks to all that Saratoga Springs has to offer. It’s a perfect marketing opportunity to show folks why they should come back to support our businesses which in turn creates more tax dollars to fund our city. Sometimes we have to look beyond ourselves for the greater good.

With that said we plead with our community, businesses and residents alike, let’s help support the things that make us a gem of a destination and to keep it that way. Supporting the Chamber of Commerce who has stepped up to try to save the fireworks, the Convention Bureau who works hard to bring groups to town and the Downtown Business Association that orchestrates lots of special events and all of our organizations and groups that make this such a special place to live, work and play.

Respectfully,
Marianne and Maddy