The Saratoga Builders Association raised  $75,000 from the 2017 Saratoga Showcase of Homes to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

The association said it is the highest amount raised since 2011 when the donation amount was the same. The Saratoga Builders Association has now contributed over $1.1 million dollars to local charities from the event.

The Saratoga Showcase of Homes concluded its 22nd year in October, with 14 award-winning builders presenting 18 homes. This year’s tour had nearly 4,000 visitors touring the new homes on display over three weekends.

The 2017 Saratoga Showcase of Homes “People’s Choice” award winners were also announced.

McPadden Builders won in the Classic Home category, Marini Homes in the Executive Home category and Bella Home Builders (Cedar Bluff) for the Luxury Home category.

By Liz Witbeck

Four new building lots in Saratoga Springs, being referred to as the Reserve at Ohonte Way are available for purchase and development. The 14-acre space offers country living within the city limits, off of Kaydeross Avenue West and Route 9.

It is less than two miles from Northway Exit 13 and downtown Saratoga Springs.

After three years of planning and approvals, Kaydeross Partners LLC has developed the Reserve at Ohonte Way.  Wayne Perras, Realtor for Keller Williams Realty, is representing the property.

“It took a long time to carve this out because it was a virgin lot,” said Perras.

The Reserve at Ohonte Way was named to honor the indigenous Mohawk tribe from the region. Like the word “Kaydeross”, “Ohonte” is also a Mohawk word, meaning “grass” or “green.”

The development offers country living, said Perras, so that residents can enjoy a sense of peace and solitude, away from the busy downtown center. Evergreen trees and a running stream provide the backdrop of the property.

The Adirondack Trust Co. had a successful year for its lending through the U.S. Small Business Administration, bank officials said.

For the year ending Sept. 30, the bank approved 42 SBA 7(a) loans, amounting to more than $3.45 million. This makes Adirondack Trust Co. the top lender in Saratoga and Warren Counties as a locally headquartered community bank, officials said.

“We are very pleased with the results of our SBA lending activities this year.  For the fifteenth consecutive year, we were the most active locally headquartered and locally owned bank in both Saratoga and Warren counties, both in terms of number of loans made and in terms of the total dollars loaned, said bank President Stephan von Schenk said.

“Since our founding in 1901, this has been the center of our work. Every day, we work closely with locally owned and operated businesses, and we are proud to be able to help them grow by making SBA and other financing programs available. We are only as strong as our community, and the core of our mission is to continually serve that community and go above and beyond.”

In addition to helping business owners achieve their financial goals, The bank’s SBA lending program assisted in creating 101 new jobs across 20 businesses in the region, putting more dollars into more local pockets, according to the company.

Saratoga Brewing and DeCrescente Distributing Co., with help from the local community, raised $16,000 through an annual coaster and pinup program, in support of the Saratoga WarHorse Foundation.

“Now in our third year, this program has evolved tremendously,” said Max Oswald, general manager of Saratoga Brewing. “New organizations have come on board and put their own unique spin on the program, from hosting events like Kentucky Derby parties and Keep the Pint Night to creating a 5K team. While some of the players have changed, the mission has remained the same: to increase awareness of Saratoga WarHorse and the amazing job they do for our vets.”

Saratoga WarHorse offers veterans a three-day experience that is effective for those struggling to adjust to life after military service. The program is provided at no cost to the veterans.

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense, roughly 22 military service members take their own lives every day. Reasons include the challenge of adjustment and transition to life after military service, as well as the negative stigma around seeking help in the military community.

Saratoga WarHorse provides an interactive experience between off-the-track thoroughbreds and veterans. By utilizing the silent language of the horse, a mutual trust and  bond is established that goes beyond verbal communication, according to the organization.