Saratoga Bridges received a $1,000 donation from BBL Construction Services, LLC at a reception and check presentation ceremony held on Tuesday, June 11 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy.  

Kevin Gleason, President of BBL Construction Services, LLC, Heather Varney, Development and Foundation Director at Saratoga Bridges and Steve Obermayer, CFO of BBL Construction Services, LLC.

Saratoga Bridges will apply these funds to their Builder’s Society, which supports capital improvements to their Residential Department. The organization offers employment, recreation and volunteer opportunities for 120 individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in their 18 community-based homes, four apartments and five family care homes. 


Saratoga Bridges was also awarded a $2,000 grant from Walmart’s Local Giving Program.  Dion Hazen, Manager of the Saratoga Springs Supercenter was instrumental in securing the grant. The funds will allow Saratoga Bridges to purchase woodworking equipment for the Community Action Group (CAG) located at their Wilton Day Program.  As these items cannot be obtained through any of their other revenue streams, they must be proactive in seeking contributions.  

(l t r) Jean Tulin, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee; Halley Choy and Monette Carli (Saratoga Springs High School winners; and Patti Mazza, President of the Women's Republican Club.

The Women's Republican Club of Saratoga County presented a $500 scholarship each to two Saratoga Springs High School graduates. The scholarship awards a student's community involvement or volunteer work.

The award was given at their annual picnic, which was held on June 13 at the ITAM Club on Grand Avenue.
President of the Women's Republican Club.

Master Gardeners with the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Ballston Spa held its annual flower show at Maplewood Manor on Wednesday, May 22.

Ninety-nine residents and 60 volunteers and staff enjoyed the display of flowers generously shared by Brookside Nursery, Sunnyside Gardens, Dyer's Farm & Greenhouse, and the Gardeners at Lowes Drive.

Tickets for the 19th annual Secret Gardens Tour in Saratoga Springs can be purchased on Saturdays, beginning June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Visitors Center.

 

The self-guided tour of 11 gardens takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 7. It is presented by Soroptimist International of Saratoga County to benefit local organizations and programs, particularly Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County. 

 

Tickets are $18 in advance and $22 at the Visitor Center on the day of the tour, while they last.

Tour tickets and raffle tickets also may be ordered online at www.soroptimistsaratoga.org or forms can be printed off the website and mailed with payment.

 

A stone labyrinth, terraced gardens with cascading water, a 100-year-old grape arbor, and a poolside topiary shaped like a horse are among this year’s special features. Gardens include clever city spaces and suburban gardens in both sun and shade.

Lorraine and Paul Komar of Ballston Spa admire first grade art based on Maasai warrior shields from Kenya during Friday's "To Malta and Beyond" cultural evening at Malta Ave. Elementary School. Paul Komar was a teacher in the district and retired in 1997.

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club scholarship committee chose its annual scholarship winners: 
  
Saratoga Lions' Scholarship Committee Chairman Mike Gonroff with Saratoga Springs High School seniors (L-R) Ryan Baker, James Eschner, James Campbell, Monette Carli, Lee Rodems and Morgan Rumpf

The Lions Club presented students with their awards during a luncheon May 30 at Lillian’s Restaurant.

Local Girl Scout leaders Jessica Bruchac, Amy Hoge, and Alice Kaplan were recognized as Volunteers of Excellence by the Saratoga Area Girl Scouts at the group’s May leaders meeting.

The Volunteer of Excellence award recognizes those who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through use of the national program portfolio, or who have contributed outstanding service. Nominees must be active, registered adult Girl Scouts who have performed beyond expectations. The honor is a national recognition for local Girl Scout volunteers.

 

Bruchac and Hoge are school organizers for the Greenfield Elementary School, working to organize Girl Scout troops within the school, responding to leaders’ needs for information and helping to place interested prospective Girl Scouts. In addition they act as co-leaders of a Brownie troop based at Greenfield school. Parents have commended both leaders for their for their enthusiastic, welcoming approach and their ability to create a positive environment for the 20 Girl Scouts in their troop. Bruchac has strengthened the Girl Scout connection with the Greenfield PTA and school officials, and Hoge is known for inspiring enthusiasm and confidence among troop members.

Kaplan is a leader of a Cadette troop and a girl recruiter for the area. She is known for encouraging her Girl Scouts to stretch their wings and pursue new experiences in this region and beyond – her troop has taken a number of trips to attractions near and far. She has fostered in her Girl Scouts an appreciation for individuality and leadership and has been tireless in her efforts to help the Saratoga Area Girl Scout community thrive.

The May meeting also included recognition of area Girl Scouts (both adults and girls) who have achieved milestone years of membership (five, 10, 15, etc.). Number pins were presented to all who completed a milestone year during 2012-2013.

Saratoga Area Girl Scouts is part of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. For information about Girl Scouts in the Saratoga area, visit: http://gsneny.org/