Author: Saratoga TODAY
Round Lake Girl Scout Expands Access to Musical Theater through Gold Award Project
A Round Lake teen has expanded access to musical theater for elementary school students through a Girl Scout Gold Award project that established a sustainable performing arts program at Chango Elementary School.
Molly H. created the Chango Musical Club after recognizing a need for more consistent musical theater opportunities at the school, which is part of the Shenendehowa Central School District.
Working in partnership with the school’s PTA through its March Clubs program, Molly developed and launched an after-school club designed to introduce students to musical theater while building confidence, collaboration and performance skills.
In its first year, the Chango Musical Club engaged 23 students, who learned and performed a selection from “Matilda the Musical” for classmates, friends and family members. In its second year, participation grew to 40 students, culminating in another performance before a large community audience.
To ensure the club’s long-term success, Molly established a sustainability plan that allows high school students to take on leadership roles and help guide future performances.
Through her project, Molly created a lasting opportunity for students to explore the performing arts while fostering creativity, teamwork, and self-confidence.
“Molly saw an opportunity to create something meaningful for younger students and took action,” said Brenda Episcopo, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. “Through her leadership, students at Chango Elementary gained access to an enriching musical theater experience that builds confidence, creativity and teamwork. Her project demonstrates how Girl Scouts identify community needs and create lasting solutions that continue to benefit others long after the project is complete.”
Molly completed the project as part of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York’s Highest Awards program. Her project was one of just four selected to receive the Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. The Gold Award recognizes girls who identify community needs and develop sustainable solutions through leadership and service.
For more information about Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, visit www.girlscoutsneny.org.
Local Taekwondo Athlete Receives Prestigious Black Belt
(Left: Grandmaster Kim from Master Kim’s Taekwondo Institute in Rochester, Right: New Grandmaster, Michael A Yuhasz of Adirondack Taekwondo in Clifton Park)
(Courtesy of Michael A Yuhasz)
Michael A. Yuhasz recently achieved his Kukkiwon 7th Degree Black Belt through the required high Dan video submission through Korea. Out of 12 million Kukkiwon certificates awarded globally, Yuhasz is one of 162 Americans who have achieved this prestigious certification.
Yuhasz has been studying and sharing Taekwondo for nearly three decades and trains out of Adirondack Taekwondo in Clifton Park. Yuhasz also completed the technical accuracy, sparring and board breaking testing format for Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo under Grandmaster Frank Noguera as well.
Adult Fitness Classes Offered at Ballston Spa Central School District
This school year, Ballston Spa Central School District is offering Adult Fitness Programs designed to help people stay active, have fun, and build a supportive community of people who share motivation and reach their health goals.
No experience is required for any of the classes offered, to sign up for any of the classes visit: https://www.bscsd.org/community/community-resources/adult-fitness-opportunities-at-bscsd-clone.
Aqua Zumba
20 class Aqua Zumba program – Mondays and Thursdays, 6:15-7:00 p.m. in the High School Pool. There is a 25-person max registration for this class.
Classes will be led by a certified instructor and a lifeguard will be onsite. Participants are asked to bring their own swimwear and towel.
In the event that a lifeguard is unavailable, class will have to be canceled. No one can enter the pool area without a lifeguard on duty.
Registration Closes: September 3, 2026
Basketball
12 class program – Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Middle School Gymnasium. There is a 30 person max registration for this class.
This is a full-court pick-up style basketball program. Staff will divide participants into teams upon arrival. This is not a league format. This adult fitness program is for recreation.
Registration Closes: September 2, 2026
Dance Fit Zumba
10 class DanceFit, Zumba program – Saturdays, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. in the Middle School Cafeteria.
Classes will be led by a certified instructor. Participants are asked to dress comfortably.
Registration Closes: September 4, 2026
Intro to Karate
10 class Intro to Karate program – Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Cafeteria.
Classes will be led by a 6th degree black belt with over 44 years training in martial arts. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing.
Registration Closes: September 3, 2026
Soccer
12 class Soccer program – Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Milton Terrace/Wood Rd gymnasium.
This is a full-court pick-up style soccer program. Staff will divide participants into teams upon arrival.
Registration Closes: September 8, 2026
Yoga
12 class Yoga program – Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the High School Library.
Classes will be led by a certified instructor. Participants are asked to bring their own yoga mat and towel.
Registration Closes: September 8, 2026
Travers Poster Signing with Local Artist: Greg Montgomery
2026 Travers Poster by Greg Montgomery
(Courtesy of Discover Saratoga)
Greg Montgomery will be at Impressions of Saratoga for the annual signing of his 2026 Travers poster “Giving Thanks,” Sunday, August 30, 11 to 1 p.m. The poster features Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Travers winning horse, Sovereignty and jockey Junior.
Jockey Junior Alvarado is known for pointing skyward in the runout after his races in gratitude. He thanks his maker for another safe circuit of the track and for his wins. Sometimes just arriving at the finish line is a big win in his dangerous profession.
Greg Montgomery has been producing a Travers poster since 1986. He is a worldly artist, who has traveled to each continent (except Antarctica) and has worked in a variety of mediums such as journalism, publishing, and design. While Montgomery was born in Washington D.C., he studied painting and lithography in New Mexico, afterwards in Albany he studied serigraphy. Montgomery uses bold imagery and colors, while also balancing his images with white space, making his posters iconic, authentic and eye-catching.
Saratoga Arts Brings Statewide CHARM Mural Initiative Home to Saratoga Springs
A new large-scale mural is coming to Saratoga Springs’ Beekman Street Arts District this September. The 16-by-19-foot mural will be created by Saratoga Springs-area artist Juliana Haliti, known professionally as Monarch, on the Living Resources building at 70 Beekman Street. Installation will begin September 16 and is expected to be completed by September 27.
The project is part of Cultivating Havens for the Arts through Regional Murals (CHARM), a statewide creative placemaking initiative of Governor Kathy Hochul administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).
After Saratoga Arts’ participation in the inaugural round of CHARM, the organization has received $100,000 to facilitate seven new mural projects in 2026 — one in each of the six Mohawk Valley counties in its service area, plus an additional project in Saratoga County.
“This really feels like a milestone for the arts in our city. It’s so fulfilling to see all these different institutions come together to support the efforts of a local artist to make such a prominent change to the aesthetic of our community,” said Spencer Sherry, Saratoga Arts Project Manager. “I hope this installation inspires more cross-pollination within our cultural leadership and reaffirms the importance of creativity in our public spaces.”
Haliti is a local artist and is also part of the team at Spa Fine Art Gallery on Broadway, creating another connection between the project and Saratoga Springs’ established visual arts community.
Unlike a traditional public-art commission built around a prescribed theme, Saratoga Arts’ approach to CHARM places creative control with the artists themselves. Artists are selected because of their connection to the communities in which the murals are created and are encouraged to make work that best represents their individual artistic voice.
“Having grown up near Saratoga, and now living close to and working on Broadway, I am so honored to be able to create this mural here. Especially in the iconic Beekman Street Arts district, which has and continues to cultivate a beautiful community for local artists,” said Haliti. “My practice focuses on the relationships between people, history of the land, and ecology, so to be able to create a piece that allows me to honor my own relationship with these things is incredible.”
A free public mural workshop led by Haliti is scheduled for September 20 at 70 Beekman Street. Community members and artists will have an opportunity to learn about the mural-making process and contribute directly to the work. Registration will open to the public on August 30 on Saratoga Arts’ website.
This Week’s Events: Week of August 28 – September 3, 2026
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. For tickets and information: www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/
Summer Ghost Tours
Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The 90-minute guided tours explore the eerie legends, mysterious encounters, and haunted history connected to one of Saratoga Springs’ most iconic landmarks. Guests will explore the historic rooms and halls of the Canfield Casino while hearing tales of its glamorous past, mysterious reputation, and stories that refuse to rest. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.saratogahistory.org/summer-ghost-tours-2026. Tours are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Saturday, August 29
History Caravan
Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 9:30 a.m. Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a park volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the battlefield! Tours last 2.5-3 hours. Meet at the visitor center and follow along, making selected stops, in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For more information call the Visitor Center at 518-670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or X @SaratogaNHP.
From Kosciuszko to Today: Poland and the United States
Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 1 p.m. Join us as we partner with Polish American Congress of Central New York to mark the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and celebrate Polish contributions to America’s victory in the Revolutionary War. The event will include music, literature, and history and conclude with a wreath-laying that will take place at the Kościuszko Monument at Tour Stop 2. A complete list of events can be found at go.nps.gov/saraevents.
Sunday, August 30
Summer Sunday Strolls: Breezing Through Saratoga: R. Newton Brezee Homes
The tour meets at the SW corner of Regent and Caroline streets | 10:30 a.m. Executive Director Samantha Bosshart will highlight the houses designed by carpenter-turned-architect, R. Newton Brezee, on the East Side of Saratoga Springs. 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.
Travers Poster “Giving Thanks” Signing
Impressions of Saratoga, 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Please join us in welcoming Artist Greg Montgomery for the annual signing of his 2026 Travers poster “Giving Thanks” featuring the astonishing Sovereignty with Junior Alvarado up. Sovereignty dominated the 2025 racing season. Trained by Bill Mott for Godolphin he won the Kentucky Derby, The Belmont and The Travers! Jockey Junior Alvarado is known for pointing skyward in the runout after his races in thanksgiving. He thanks his maker for another safe circuit of the track and for his wins. Sometimes just arriving at the finish line is a big win in his dangerous profession.
Songs and Sounds of the Anti-Rent Movement
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 2 – 3 p.m. Upstate New York’s Anti-Rent Movement is considered the last struggle over feudalism in the United States. Tenant farmers in the Hudson-Mohawk region engaged in organized protest throughout the 1840s to contest monopoly ownership of the land they worked. Arguing their cause in newspapers, on broad sides, and at rallies, their aspirations also took shape in poetry and song. A discussion will be interspersed with Anti-Rent songs from broadsides and newspapers. This event is free. Tickets available at brooksidemuseum.org.
Sounds in Summer: The Jazz Ambassadors
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 5 – 6:30 p.m. The Ambassadors will be performing in a variety of Jazz genres and showtunes from the beautiful front porch of the Brookside Museum. This concert is sponsored by a unique partnership between The Saratoga History Center at Brookside Museum, Saratoga Arts, the Music Performance Trust Fund of the American Federation of Musicians and the Village of Ballston Spa. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. The lawn is shady after 5! This event is free and open to the public.
Monday, August 31
Narcan Training and Distribution
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer nasal Narcan. Participants will receive a free Narcan rescue kit (two doses of Narcan, a rescue breathing face shield, a certificate of training, a drug disposal system, and a mental health and substance use disorder resource guide). 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.
Tuesday, September 1
America at 250: History Trivia Night
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Calling all history buffs! Put your knowledge to the test at SCHC. Inspired by America’s 250th, join us for a Trivia Night focused on American history. Compete with old friends and new on your knowledge of American history, geography and popular culture. Among the question categories will be the American Revolution, the American Presidency, Local History, and American Popular Culture. Featuring our host, Sean Kelleher, Vice Chair of Saratoga 250 and Town of Saratoga Historian. Throughout the night, try your luck with a 50-50 raffle, enjoy snacks and drinks, and win fun prizes! Tickets are $10 with a soft drink and $15 with a beer. Beer will be provided by Active Ingredient Brewing Company. Register www.brooksidemuseum.org.
Wednesday, September 2
Waterford Revolutionary War Tour
10 a.m. Longtime Waterford Town Historian Russ VanDervoort will lead this walk through Waterford Revolutionary War history. The tour begins at the Visitors Center on Peebles Island, the staging point for American troops during the War, including the Breastworks designed by Tadeusz Kosciuszko. Crossing the bridge into Waterford we will visit the sites of Revolutionary war taverns and the route of the General Knox Artillery Train. Registration is available at the History Center’s website https://brooksidemuseum.org/ Suggested donations for the tours are $10. Specific directions will be made available upon registration.
Ham 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: baked ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetables, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner: $15 (cash only).
Pickin’s
The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Doors open 6 pm.
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 518-248-9922 with questions.
Thursday, September 3
Town of Greenfield Farmer’s Market
Middle Grove Town Park, 428 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 4 – 7 p.m. Every Thursday! Food trucks, live music, fresh produce, fresh flowers, candles, homemade breads, cookies, maple products, bounce houses, gift items, pickles, fresh lemonade, bird houses, Saratoga Mobile Library, jewelry, wreaths, woodworking, multiple dinner options, and so much more. Open to the public. Free admission.
Upcoming Events
6 Hour Defensive Driving Course
Saturday, September 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. Cost $40 prepaid, $45 at door. A portion of the cost is donated to the church.
Call: 518-784-5009.
Adult Fitness Opportunities
The Ballston Spa CSD Adult Fitness Program is offering 6 adult fitness opportunities starting
in September 2026. They will include; Aqua Zumba, Basketball, Dance Fit Zumba, Intro to
Karate, Soccer, and Yoga. Each includes a 10 or 12 class session beginning in September
through December 2026. No experience necessary to join. Registration is required and fees are
due prior to the start of each program. To register, please visit our website, www.bscsd.org.
Craft Fair
The Greenfield Grange #807, located at 17 Grange Road, Greenfield, NY will host a Craft Fair on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 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.
Meet the Breeds
September 12, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Saratoga County 4-H Training Center located at 556 Middleline Rd., Ballston Spa. 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. Come learn, connect, and celebrate all things canine. This is a free event.
The 32nd Annual Town of Greenfield Town-Wide Garage and Craft Sale
Saturday September 12 and Sunday September 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 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.
16th Annual Curtis Lumber Car and Truck Show
Join us September 13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Curtis Lumber, 995 State Route 67, Ballston Spa 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.
The Academy for Lifelong Learning Open House
The Academy for Lifelong Learning continues its 34-year tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults 55+ by offering 6-week, noncredit courses starting in October. Registration will be open in-person at the free Open House at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15 at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs. More information and the course catalog will be available at the event. Catalogs will also be available on the website at www.allsaratoga.org, or by request at 518-290-6988 or jeff@allsaratoga.org. Registrations will be accepted throughout the term until courses are full. Annual membership is $75 and goes for 365 days from join date. Six-week courses are $50 each.
Digital Content Workshop
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. Held at the Saratoga Springs Public Library from 6 – 8 p.m.. Space is limited. Register at www.sspl.com.
Skidmore Encore Fall Lecture Series
Skidmore Encore announces registration for its Fall 2026 lecture series delivered by the remarkable Skidmore College faculty for adult learners age 55+ from around the local region. Encore attracts intellectually curious people who are eager to learn. Join us! The 2026 program runs for seven weeks on Tuesdays from September 29 through November 10 in the gorgeous Arthur Zankel Music Center Skidmore College campus. Online registration opens Tuesday, September 1, at 9 a.m. For more information: www.skidmore.edu/encore.
Fall Festival – Artisans and Vendors Wanted
October 3, 10am.-. 2 p.m. at Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd. Charlton NY 12019. Artisans and Vendors call: 518-399-4831 / 518-399-2873 or email: office@charltonfreehold.org.
Build a Pinball Machine from Scratch: The Innovation Center Introduces its First Community Collaboration Project
The Innovation Center at Saratoga announces its first Community Collaboration Project: a multi-week initiative where anyone from the community can help design, construct, and assemble a fully functional, full-size pinball machine from the ground up.
Pinball machines represent a rare intersection of diverse disciplines, combining 3D printing, physics, woodworking, electronics, software, and visual art. This project breaks down the process into distinct, hands-on phases. Participants are welcome to join for the complete journey or join into the specific stages that match their personal interests and skills, whether that involves drafting game rules, wiring solenoids, fabricating the cabinet, or illustrating playfield graphics. No prior pinball fabrication experience is required. The program will include classes in CNC routing, large format printing, 3D printing, Autodesk Fusion, soldering, and microcontrollers.
The multi-stage program will take participants through core milestones including conceptual game design, structural woodworking, playfield prototyping, circuit assembly, and final testing. The finished product will be a complete, operational pinball machine created entirely through community teamwork.
To kick off the initiative, The Innovation Center at Saratoga will host an open Information Session on Saturday, September 19 at 1:00 PM at 16 Old Stonebreak Road, Malta, NY. The session will outline the project roadmap, break down each phase, and provide details on how community members can register and get involved.
For more details about the project or to RSVP for this free information session, visit https://innovationcentersaratoga.org/pinball or email us at info@innovationcentersaratoga.org.
Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center Announces Fall Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is excited to announce the Fall 2026 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This community lecture series highlights the rich history and culture of our county.
All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public and take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the H. Dutcher Community Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street. Due to the series’ popularity, advance registration is now required. Attendees can register online or in person through the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Presentations begin promptly at noon, and early arrival is appreciated.
Fall 2026 Schedule:
September 10, 2026 – “Charlie’s Heroes: The Charles Siciliano Sr. WWII & Korean War Veterans Photo Collection”
Retired Associated Press reporter Chris Carola tells the story of Mechanicville’s large and unique collection of photographs of WWII and Korean War veterans, all 600-plus of them taken at the bar inside a popular tavern by its owner in the 1940s and early ’50s. Featuring servicemembers from Mechanicville, Saratoga Springs, and other nearby communities, the collection is a “frozen in time” tribute to local WWII and Korean War veterans.
October 8, 2026 – “The Battles of Saratoga and the 18th Century Soldier”
James Parillo, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, will explore the Battles of Saratoga, a pivotal point in world history. In 1777, a young American Continental Army defended the Hudson Valley against an invasion of British and German soldiers from the north. The two armies clashed near Stillwater, New York, that fall, resulting in the surrender of General Burgoyne to General Gates on October 17, 1777. Dressed as an 18th-century soldier, Parillo will discuss the Saratoga campaign, why the American Army was victorious, and dispel myths about events prior to and following the battles.
November 12, 2026 – “Veterans and Community Housing Coalition”
Presented by Marian Eck, Director of Community Engagement, and Diane Nazzaro, Executive Director, this presentation highlights the mission and programs of Veterans and Community Housing Coalition, showcasing how its housing and support services help veterans achieve stability and independence. Learn how community involvement through partnerships, donations, and advocacy directly impacts the lives of the veterans they serve. The program will also feature live music by singer/songwriter Jeff Brisbin, who will perform “Foreverly,” the title song from his album of the same name. The song and album inspired the name of VCHC’s Foreverly House, which provides a safe and supportive home for homeless female veterans, including mothers with children. Brisbin’s performance will add a meaningful musical element to the program while highlighting the story and purpose behind Foreverly House.
December 10, 2026 – “Chestwood: A Portrait of Saratoga Through the Lives and Legacy of a Victorian Farmhouse”
For many Saratoga residents, Chestwood is either a mystery or completely unknown—a lone Victorian farmhouse surrounded by modern homes. Long before the neighborhood grew around it, Chestwood and its barns sat on hundreds of acres of farmland just over a mile from Broadway. Through original photographs, maps, and discoveries from their research, Kristi Krulcik and Marco Anichini will paint a portrait of Saratoga through the two families who lived at Chestwood over the last century and a half. They’ll explore the property’s connections to Saratoga’s architectural boom, the creative circles of Yaddo, and the racing world, as well as how uncovering its history is inspiring preservation efforts and guiding Chestwood’s next era.
“We’re incredibly thankful for the dedication of our speakers, the support of our partners at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and the continued enthusiasm of everyone who attends,” said Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center Director Karen Verrigni. “Their combined efforts help us continue offering engaging, high-quality programs that celebrate and connect our community.”
For more information, please contact the Heritage Area Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241 or visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com
Saratoga Voices Announces 2026 Vocal Scholarship Winners
Saratoga Voices celebrated the next generation of vocal talent during its 29th Annual Vocal Scholarship Competition, held at Burnt Hills United Methodist Church. High school seniors from across the Greater Capital Region competed for scholarships recognizing excellence in vocal performance.
First place and a $1,500 scholarship were awarded to Tallis Wild of Saratoga Springs High School. Jackson Majewski of Shaker High School and Linden Wall of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School each received second-place scholarships of $1,000.
Wild studies voice with Matthew Vitti and will attend the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington, where he will study historical vocal performance with Thomas Cooley. He also plans to continue his violin studies.
Majewski, a student of Michael Lotano, will pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at SUNY Cortland. He hopes to build a career in the performing arts and eventually establish a youth theater company that encourages children to participate in the arts.
Wall, who also studies with Michael Lotano, will enter the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Musical Theatre at SUNY Geneseo. His goal is to become a professional musical theater performer and later teach voice to young singers, inspiring them as his own teachers inspired him.
Stewart’s Shops generously supported the program with a $600 contribution toward gift certificates, with each participating finalist receiving a $50 award in recognition of their performance, excluding the first- and second-place winners.
The competition was judged by Noah Palmer, Artistic Director of Saratoga Voices, and Mary Frances Miller, a voice teacher and former faculty member at Buffalo State University and the Community Music School of Buffalo.
The annual Vocal Scholarship Competition is a cornerstone of Saratoga Voices’ community outreach program, supporting talented young singers as they pursue higher education and careers in music.
For more information about Saratoga Voices and its programs, visit www.saratogavoices.org.