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Saratoga County Fair Returns: Announces Lineup in Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured.

The Saratoga County Agricultural Society has released the complete daily schedule for the Saratoga County Fair, running Tuesday, July 21 through Sunday, July 26, at the fairgrounds in Ballston Spa.

This year’s theme, “Liberty, Land, and Legacy,” aligns with the 250th anniversary of the United States, blending multi-generational agricultural traditions with modern entertainment.

Admission is $15 at the gate or online and includes all daily entertainment, grandstand events, family activities, and musical performances. Children 12 and under are admitted free every day. Senior discounts will be offered on Wednesday, veteran discounts will run throughout the week, and parking is free.

Day-by- day highlights include:

Tuesday, July 21 

• Opening Ceremony welcoming regional mayors, state and local representatives, supervisors, entertainers, and special guests, a militia color guard with musket salute.

• “The Printed Word,” Meet a historic bookbinder and explore the role of literature and the press in the 18th century. 

• Grandstand Event: Opening Night Demolition Derby.

• Evening Entertainment: The Flying Wallendas, the Saratoga County Fair Pageant, and live music by John Kribs and Friends followed by Beatin’ the Odds.

Wednesday, July 22 

• “The Sound of Liberty,” Learn how to load and fire a Revolutionary War cannon with the recreated 2nd Continental Artillery. 

• Grandstand & Nightlife: Wild West Wednesday featuring the Painted Pony Rodeo, line dancing with the County Liners, and country-rock music by Electric Rodeo.

Thursday, July 23

• “A Declaration of Freedom,” A public reading of the Declaration of Independence as colonists would have experienced it 250 years ago.

• Evening Entertainment: Annual 4-H Chicken BBQ, Saratoga’s Got Talent, and live rock by Tame the Rooster. 

Friday, July 24 

• “Revolutionary Rhythms,” Explore the instruments, songs, and cultural impact of 18th-century music. Free kids Heritage Trail and Horseshoe Challenge.

• Grandstand Event: NYTPA Championship Tractor Pulls.

• Evening Entertainment: Bands, The Dambreakers and 2096, alongside Saratoga’s Got Talent. 

Saturday, July 25 

• “Clothing the Army,” Discover the clothing styles and logistical challenges of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. 

• Agricultural Spotlight: 4-H Rabbit, Poultry, and Sheep/Goat Obstacle Courses. Educational exhibits and demos in the Agricultural and Culinary Building.

• Special Highlights: The high-energy 4-H Young Farmers Olympics and the live Chainsaw Carving Auction.

• Grandstand Event: 4-Wheel Drive Truck Pulls.

• Evening Entertainment: Hill Country Cloggers and headline rock band MaddHaus. Archery and Shooting Sports open to.

Sunday, July 26 

• “The 18th-Century Milliner,” Meet a historic seamstress and explore women’s fashion, textiles, and trades during the American Revolution. 

• Agricultural Spotlight: 4-H Master Showman Finals, ADGA Open Goat Show, Open English Horse Show, and Open Western Horse Show.

• Grandstand Event: Championship Demolition Derby finale 

• Evening Entertainment: “Best of Fair” Saratoga’s Got Talent Finals and closing concert by The Refrigerators

Women in Business Golf Mixer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

(Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce)

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Women in Business Group for a relaxed and social casual golf outing at local woman-owned course Airway Meadows on Sunday, July 16. Designed to mix networking, fresh air, and a little friendly competition. 

The event will kick off with a networking hour starting 4 p.m. allowing time to connect, mingle, and grab a drink before heading to the course. Tee-off is at 5 p.m., with golfers playing in pre-assigned foursomes. The cost to participate is $32 per golfer, payable directly to the course.

Registration at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce website is used to create balanced golfing foursomes. Be sure to indicate your golf experience level when registering: Occasional Golfer, Somewhat Experienced Golfer, Experienced Golfer

Golfers can expect a fun, low-pressure atmosphere with lighthearted competitions on the greens, like Most Accurate Drive, and plenty of encouragement all around!

Please note: no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted on the course. A cash bar will be available during the networking hour, and a beverage cart will be available on the course during play.

Whether you’re an avid golfer or just enjoy getting out on the green, this outing is all about connection, conversation, and having a great time together

Annual Jockey Versus Horsemen Charity Basketball Game

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Irad Ortiz Jr.
(courtesy of   NY Race Track Chaplaincy)

The 17th annual jockeys-versus-horsemen charity basketball game will take place Wednesday, August 5, at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 7 p.m. The event benefits the programs of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy as well as the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).

The jockey team will once again be coached by Hall of Fame jockey Ángel Cordero Jr., and the horsemen team will be coached by retired New York-based trainer Rick Schosberg for the second consecutive year.

Mitch Levites of the NYRA TV department will once again serve as the announcer and provide lively commentary in his inimitable style.

“We are very grateful to all the players, coaches, sponsors, and fans who make this such a special event each August,” said Humberto Chávez, the Executive Director and Lead Chaplain of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. “Their enthusiastic support ensures both the continuation of our wide-ranging backstretch programs as well as the assistance provided by the PDJF.”

The Saratoga Springs Recreation Center is located at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue in Saratoga Springs, and admission is free. 

The New York Race Track Chaplaincy serves the New York backstretch and farming community with children’s enrichment, teen mentoring, women’s programming, social service, recreational, and educational programming as well as non-denominational religious services.

The PDJF provides financial assistance to approximately 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries.

Horsemen, individuals, or organizations who would like to sponsor the game may do so via the NY Chaplaincy website at www.rtcany.org.

Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival Presents a Panel Discussion of the Film “Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the Holocaust”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

The Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival is hosting a virtual panel discussion of the film “Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the Holocaust,” a 2004 documentary on Sunday, August 7 at 7 pm. The film is directed by Daniel Anker and narrated by Gene Hackman.

The film examines the treatment of the Holocaust in Hollywood films over a period of 60 years and the impact of the films on public perception and thinking and vice versa.

The panel discussion on Zoom is sponsored by Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs and supported by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and will be held on August 9 at 7 pm. Watch the film on YouTube before the panel discussion.

Pre-registration is required at, https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/VnUZBi4/HollywoodandtheHolocaust

iTheater Saratoga Summer Youth Theater Camp

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Registration is currently open for iTheater Saratoga’s summer youth theater camp at Saratoga Arts. The camp welcomes children aged 10 and up and sets out to explore a variety of social issues, push the boundaries of theatre, and incorporate the insights of iTheatre’s young collaborators. 

Camp rehearsals run Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from August 17-21 & 24-28. The camp culminates in a student showcase including a concert reading of the musical “Every Other Thursday.”

The musical is based on Helmi Seppala, a Finnish maid working for the Mawson family on New York’s Upper West Side in 1927. She has one day off, every other Thursday. When the Mawsons ask Helmi to change her plans, she refuses, leading to conflict and confusion in the household, and an exploration of the importance of cultural heritage to an immigrant population.

Students are encouraged to wear loose fitting clothing or athletic wear and should pack plenty of water and a lunch. Reach out to itheatresaratoga@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

To register for the camp, go to https://www.itheatresaratoga.org/youth-workshop

Equine Eyes Interactive Exhibit to Open at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Equine Eyes Interactive Exhibit
(Courtesy of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame)

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will debut the one-of-a-kind interactive experience, Equine Eyes during an open house at the Museum on Thursday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Equine Eyes is a hands-on, research-driven interactive, playful experience designed to simulate how horses perceive the world. 

Equine Eyes is rooted in extensive research by Dr. Alan Hook of Ulster University and aims to foster empathy, care, safety awareness, and interspecies connection. The Equine Eyes experience was made possible through essential funding by the Thoroughbred Education Research Foundation.

Utilizing a specially developed headset with mounted cameras, Equine Eyes provides visitors with an immersive visual and sensory perspective of equine vision. This technology highlights key differences in field of view and color spectrum compared to human vision, offering a deeper understanding of how horses navigate their environment.

“We are excited to collaborate with Dr. Alan Hook to implement Equine Eyes as an innovative educational experience at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame,” said Cate Masterson, the Museum’s director. “This immersive technology will allow visitors to see the world from a horse’s perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of equine vision, behavior, and interspecies relationships. This interactive exhibit will be integrated into our education and outreach programs, contributing to our mission of engaging audiences with the history, science, and culture of horse racing.”

Dr. Hook and Dr. Jennie Carlsten will lead a demonstration of the Equine Eyes technology at the Museum during the open house at the Museum on July 23 at 10 a.m.

Dr. Hook is a researcher, designer, and educator from the North Coast of Northern Ireland, and a Senior Lecturer in Interactive Media at Ulster University. His research explores how people can use playful, immersive, and participatory experiences to rethink our relationship to the world and connect in new ways with plants, animals, and each other. Dr. Hook has exhibited his media and design work across Europe, the United States, and China. He created Equine Eyes as an experimental design to explore how people connect with and understand horses in new ways, leading to building new types of kinship with them.

Dr. Carlsten is a researcher and lecturer at Ulster University. Her research explores metamodern screen aesthetics, analogue practice, polycrisis, and emotional affect. Her previous audience engagement projects include community cinema research for the British Film Institute Film Audience Network and community workshop delivery for the Heritage Lottery-funded Prisons Memory Archive.

This Week’s Events:  July 17-23

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, July 17

Lawn Sale

Old Stone Church, 159 Stone Church Rd., (Town of Milton) Ballston Spa | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The lawn sale will be held Friday and Saturday July 17, 18, 24 and 25 and July 31 and August 1.  

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. Guests will journey through historic Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs while hearing stories of millionaires, mineral springs, luxury hotels, socialites, scandals, and the colorful figures who shaped the Spa City’s golden era. 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: https://www.simpletix.com/e/2026-grand-gilded-and-glorious-a-saratoga-tickets-256139. 

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. Led by museum storytellers, the tours offer a blend of history, local lore, and spooky storytelling designed for history lovers, ghost story fans, curious visitors, families, and brave summer adventurers. 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. 

Community Farm Bluegrass Jam 

Pitney Meadows Farm, 223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Bluegrass has long been woven into the fabric of communities, where neighbors gathered after long days in the fields to share songs, stories, and friendship. This evening celebrates that tradition while creating new memories together. Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic blanket, bring dinner from home, or pick up fresh provisions from the Farm Stand, settle into the evening, and enjoy live music surrounded by open fields, gardens, and sunset skies. During the second half of the program, musicians of all skill levels are invited to grab an instrument… whether they bring their own or borrow one from us… and become part of the music! The event is free to attend with a suggested donation of $20, and advance sign-up is encouraged.

Saturday, July 18

Tinsmithing Demonstration

Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, 648 NY-32, Stillwater | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. A live tinsmith demonstration! At the time of the Battles of Saratoga, the tinsmith was an important part of both community and military life. Tinsmiths created dozens of useful items like cups, bowls, candle molds, lanterns, tea canisters, and other containers. They also provided armies with needed items such as oil flasks, canteens, document cases, cooking kettles, and even canister shot for artillery. Learn about the process and see a sampling of the many civilian and military wares a tinsmith could make! The tinsmith demonstration is weather sensitive and will be cancelled in the event of rain.

Saturday Morning Social

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 – 11 a.m.  The Museum will offer free admission and there will be complimentary coffee and doughnuts courtesy of Stewart’s Shops and water courtesy of Saratoga Spring Water. The morning will feature a handicapping seminar at 10 a.m. with Daily Racing Form, analyzing the day’s Saratoga Race Course card, including the featured Diana Stakes. Author Michael Batcheller will be on hand to sign copies of her book Forging the Triple Crown: The Early History of Horse Racing’s Signature Series, 1918-1948 (available for purchase).

Heritage Hunters – Genealogy and Local History

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 1 p.m.  Monica Gray will speak about “Land Records at the New York State Archives.” The records range in date from the Dutch colonial period to the near present. In addition to land patents and deeds, resources include military patents, maps, surveys, and lands forfeited by Loyalists during the Revolutionary War. Also, applications and grants of lands under water, and land appropriations for canals, highways, parks and other purposes. Monica is currently the Director of Archival Services. The public is welcome. For info call 518-885-9309. 

Frances Day 2026

Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs | 2 – 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to the museum’s annual summer community open house. The free, family-friendly celebration offers an afternoon of art, art making, guided tours, music, food, and activities for visitors of all ages. This year’s drop-in activities feature pinch pots made of air-dry clay led by Saratoga Clay Arts as well as bandana stamping, felt vases and flowers, mosaics, a photo booth, and more. Frances Day also includes tours of exhibitions and collections. All events are free and open to the public. Free parking is available in lots adjacent to the museum. In case of inclement weather, activities will move indoors. For more information, visit tang.skidmore.edu or call the Tang Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080.

Ladies Lesson & Lunch

Brookhaven Golf Course – Looking to try something new? Perfect your swing and/or take your golf game to the next level while making new friends, enjoying a fabulous lunch and cocktail. We have carts ready for you to take out after lunch and try out your new skill on our 18-hole golf course, all included in this one reasonable price of $68 for residents and $78 for non-residents, July 19, 11 a.m. Register at www.greenfieldny.org or contact Rec Director Jennifer Haley Zeisler, jzeisler@greenfieldny.org , 518-893-7432 ext. 307.  

Sunday, July 19

Summer Sunday Strolls: Historic West Side 

Meet: meets at the entrance of Gideon Putnam Burying Ground, South Franklin Street, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Led by George Demers, highlights the settlement of this neighborhood, its rebirth as an arts district, and the rehabilitations that took place in the early 2000s. George will lead guests through the restored West Side to learn about Saratoga’s Irish and Italian immigrants as well as the black community who helped shape this unique district. In addition to highlighting the historic architecture of this area, George will discuss the history of its residents, restaurants, stores, and clubs as well as the impacts of Urban Renewal and revitalization efforts. Tours are limited to thirty participants and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information on Sunday Strolls or to purchase tickets, call 518-587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation.org, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.

Buried Truth

Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 1:15 p.m. Presented by The Playwright’s Jam, “Buried Truth” by Glynn Cosker features Tracy Mullen Cosker, Krstina Kulin, Jennifer Madison, Aimee McMasters and Michael Walterich.  “Buried Truth” tells the story of three sisters struggling through years of clutter, cruelty and betrayal out of darkness into the light of truth!  Suggested donation of $5.

Sounds in Summer

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 and acoustically good front porch of the Brookside Museum. Admission is free. 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.  

Saratoga Concert Series – Big Medicine

War Memorial in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Big Medicine simply loves making music together — and it shows. With honeyed vocals, supple R&B and folk-rock grooves, and rich acoustic-based textures, it’s no wonder this group has been exciting audiences throughout the Capital Region and beyond for more than two decades. Led by the ever-popular Jeff Walton on vocals, guitar, and harmonica, Big Medicine also includes Maggie Doherty, Tim Wechgelaer, Rick Bolton, Pat Perkinson, and Mike LoMaestro. In the event of rain, the concert will move to the covered back garden patio at the Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway.

Monday, July 20

Fuel Up with Breakfast: Make Your Own Omelet

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 11 a.m. Learn about healthy food and cooking. Have fun making your own omelet with Brenna Kavakos from Saratoga County Cornell Cooperative Extension. For grades 6 – 12. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org. 

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

The Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30 p.m. This is an open meeting with no speaker. Please come and ask questions and share your knowledge with the rest of the group.

All are welcome. Look forward to seeing you. Please contact us with any questions Leader Gordon Blyth  gordonsblyth@gmail.com 917-887-7980 or Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com 518-810-8483. 

The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6:15 p.m. To minimize habitat impact, entries are capped at 75 per event. Day-of entries will only be accepted if there is room. This is a low-key gathering topped off by light refreshments and unusual raffle prizes.  Please bring your own water. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.  For more information and to register, visit www.saratogastryders.org. 

Tuesday, July 21

Rood & Riddle Tour

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, 63 Henning Road, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. 

Explore a one-of-a-kind equine medical facility at Rood & Riddle Hospital. Serving the community since 2013, Rood & Riddle provides equine patients with quality medical care and excellent service. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is proud to partner with Rood & Riddle to offer guests an inside look at the fascinating world of equine science and health. We are pleased to offer this tour at no cost to our guests, thanks to the support of the New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund. Tickets and more information: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/Rood–Riddle-Hospital-Tour-21Jul2026. 

Wednesday, July 22

Saratoga County History Center Walking Tour

Anchor Diamond Park, Corner of Rt 50 and Middleline Road, Ballston Spa | 10 am. Ballston Town Historian Rick Reynolds will lead the tour. The tour will visit the home site and property of several of Ballston’s prominent early settlers along a two-mile walk on flat trails. 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.

Chicken Parmesan 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 parmesan, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner: $15 (cash only).

The French and Indian War in the Adirondacks

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 6 – 7:30 p.m. In the mid-1750s, New York was caught in the crossfire as the British and French struggled for control of North America. During the French and Indian War, the Adirondack Mountain region saw numerous military encounters around Lakes George and Champlain while Sir William Johnson, Robert Rogers, John Stark, Phineas Lyman, and others carved their names in the annals of American history. Author Marie Danielle Annette Williams uncovers the complex history of the Adirondacks during its most tumultuous time. Register: brooksidemuseum.org. 

East Galway Cemetery Association Annual Meeting

Held at the Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 7-8 pm.  All lot owners, descendants, and anyone interested in the cemetery are invited to attend.

Thursday, July 23

MS Support Group Meeting

By Zoom or In Person at SAIL, 51 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information contact Lou Ann at 518-793-9506. 

An Hour with Mark Twain

Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton | 1 p.m. Spend an afternoon with legendary author, humorist, and curmudgeon, Mark Twain (portrayed by Kit Webb). Twain will take time to remember his friend and fellow author Ulysses S. Grant, and will be introduced by Fred Grant, who worked with Twain at Grant Cottage to edit the memoirs of his father, recount his stories known for their humor, satire, honesty, and blasphemy, and share some passages from his now sadly “classic” novels. www.grantcottage.org. 

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. 

4-H Leaders Chicken BBQ Fund Raiser

Saratoga County Fair or 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd., Ballston Spa | 4 – 7 p.m. Join us in our mission to empower the youth of Saratoga County and help us create meaningful experiences that will shape their futures. Our chicken dinner is only $20 and includes ½ chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, dinner roll and butter, a drink and all topped off with a slice of Smith’s pie. Dinners are served at the Snack Bar at the Saratoga County Fair from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pick up is at the 4-H Training Center for pre-order only. To pre-order for pick up or at the fair, go to https:www.sc4h.org.

Upbeat on the Roof – The E-Block

On the Lawn Outside Tang Museum, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. The E-Block is a 4-piece R&B band originated in upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B. With a deep bag of influences and free-flowing style, The E-Block has earned a reputation as a unique live act in the New York scene and beyond. Free and open to the public. 

Cassandra Kubinski: An Exclusive Album Preview

Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs | 7 – 9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. An intimate, piano-driven evening of storytelling and song in America’s longest continuously operating folk venue. Cassandra Kubinski is a Saratoga Springs-based singer-songwriter who has played her pop, folk, and theatre songs from the Eddies stage at Proctors, to Barclays Center, to house concerts from Romania to LA to Australia. Performed by Cassandra Kubinski with a few musician friends. A live stream of the concert is available worldwide for $5 via Caffe Lena TV. TICKETS: General Admission $37.96 | Member $34.70 | Child or Student $18.98 (all prices include fees). Visit www.caffelena.org. 

Schuylerville District-Wide Safety Plan Hearing to be Held Aug. 17

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The New York State Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) law requires school districts to develop a school safety plan to prevent or minimize the effects of serious violent incidents, natural/manmade disasters and declared state disaster emergencies involving a communicable disease or local public health emergency declaration and other emergencies. 

Project SAVE is a comprehensive planning effort that addresses prevention, response, and recovery with respect to a variety of emergencies in school districts.

A public hearing on the Schuylerville CSD 2026-27 District-Wide Safety Plan will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17. The district’s safety plan is updated annually, posted for 30 days prior to the public hearing for review, and then adopted by the Board of Education.

The plan and a Google Form to submit questions can be found on the district’s website. 

History Center Schedules Five 2026 Walking Tours

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum has announced its popular county-wide walking tour program for the 2026 season. “Our historical walking tours are back and better than ever for 2026!” Says SCHC’s Executive Director, Dr. Anne Hollmuller. “This year, we are delighted to feature two new guides, and to offer a special woodland walking tour through Luther Forest. This year’s selection is not to be missed!” These 90-minute tours will be held from July through September. 

Anchor Diamond Park. Wednesday, July 22 at 10am. Ballston Town Historian Rick Reynolds will lead an historic walking tour of Anchor Diamond Park at the corner of Rt 50 and Middleline Road. The tour will visit the homesites and property of several of Ballston’s prominent early settlers along a two-mile walk on flat trails. 

Dunning Street Cemetery Tour. Wednesday, August 19 at 10am Malta town historian Tom Willams will lead a walk through Dunning Street Cemetery, visiting the gravesites of Revolutionary veterans and early residents of Malta. This event forms part of our Spotlight on Malta History series. 

Waterford Revolutionary War Tour. Wednesday, September 2 at 10am 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.

A Walk through Luther Forest. Thursday, September 17 at 4 pm   Michael Gaige, an ecologist and Saratoga County native, will lead a tour of the 100-Acre Wood Trail System in Malta, New York. Together we will explore this publicly accessible trail on the Luther Forest Technology Campus and gain an appreciation for the natural world around us. This event forms part of our Spotlight on Malta History series and coincides with our ongoing temporary exhibition, Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy. 

Heart of Dublin Tour. Wednesday, September 30 at 1pm   Mary Ann Fitzgerald, retired Saratoga Springs City Historian and co-founder of the West Side Oral Narrative Project, will lead this journey back in time. The tour will begin at the Putnam Burial Ground on South Franklin Street then over to Grand Avenue for traces of the early Irish Community including family businesses, fraternal organizations and festivals that radiate out from the intersection of Beekman & Oak Street in the heart of Dublin.  

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.

Saratoga Hospital Family Medicine Residency Celebrates Class of 2026 Graduates

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Alina Bazarian, MD, Anna Kaoutskaia, MD, Awais Chaudary, MD, Elena Mejery, MD, Carolyn Miller, DO, have all graduated from the Saratoga Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program

Saratoga Hospital proudly celebrates the inaugural graduation of six physicians from its Family Medicine Residency Program, marking a first major milestone in the program’s mission to prepare community-focused physicians to provide high-quality care throughout the region and beyond.

The inaugural Class of 2026 includes:

Alina Bazarian, MD (Chief Resident 2025–2026)

Awais Chaudary, MD

Anna Kaoutskaia, MD (Chief Resident 2025–2026)

Elena Mejery, MD

Carolyn Miller, DO

Zeynep Ovacik, MD

Established through a collaboration between Saratoga Hospital, Albany Medical Center and Hudson Headwaters Health Network, the Family Medicine Residency Program provides comprehensive training in both hospital and outpatient settings, with an emphasis on community health, behavioral health, addiction medicine and leadership development.

What sets the program apart is its unique partnership between Saratoga Hospital and Hudson Headwaters Health Network. Residents train in a variety of clinical settings while working alongside multidisciplinary teams to deliver patient-centered care. The program also prepares physicians to address the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities and to become leaders and advocates within their profession.

“Our graduating residents have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their patients, colleagues and communities throughout their training,” said Ephraim Back, MD, Program Director of the Saratoga Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program. “We are proud of their accomplishments and confident they will make meaningful contributions wherever their careers take them.”

“Strong communities depend on access to high-quality primary care, and that starts with investing in the next generation of providers,” said Tucker Slingerland, M.D., CEO, Hudson Headwaters Health Network. “We are proud to celebrate these graduates and the dedication they have shown throughout their training. Their contributions have helped strengthen the health care workforce in our region and ensure that patients and families in our communities can continue to receive the care they need, close to home. We congratulate them on this achievement and are grateful for the role they will play in helping to keep our communities, and beyond, healthy, vibrant and well cared for.” 

“We are incredibly proud of these graduates and the impact they will have on the health and well-being of the communities they serve,” said Jill VanKuren, President and CEO of Saratoga Hospital. “This program plays an important role in developing the next generation of family medicine physicians, and we congratulate the Class of 2026 on this significant achievement.”

The graduation ceremony also recognizes the contributions of the residency program’s faculty and leadership team, including Ephraim Back, MD, MPH, Founding Program Director; Sean Roche, MD, Program Director; Colleen Quinn, MD, Associate Program Director; Abigail Lubin, MD, Associate Program Director; Deidre Cirillo, RN, Executive Director of Medical Education, and Starla Hooks, Residency / ACGME Program Coordinator.

Upon graduation, family medicine residents begin the next chapter of their careers as independent physicians or pursue fellowship training in specialized areas of medicine. Whether they remain in the Capital Region or practice elsewhere, they help strengthen the physician workforce and expand access to high-quality primary care for the communities they serve.