Bug’s 13th Boston Terrier Parade will commence at 11am on Sunday, September 21 from the Spirit of Life statue in Congress Park with a stroll down Broadway and a pup after party at Bailey’s! Donations are requested to help support Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue. Sign up will begin at 10:15 and all dogs are welcome!
SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than $48,000, split between two charities, was raised during a driving challenge at the Saratoga Casino Hotel’s harness track last Sunday.
The point-based competition pitted Veterans (Mark Beckwith, Wally Hennessey, Jim Devaux and Chris Long) against Young Guns (Brett Beckwith, Jacob Cutting, Mitchell Cushing and Matthew Athearn) to fundraise for national charities benefitting harness racing and the horses, both youthful and retired.
The Veterans team competed on behalf of the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program, which retrains and rehomes harness horses after their racing careers are over. The Young Guns represented the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, which helps kids learn about harness racing through summer camps and other activities.
The event was the brainchild of track photographer Jessica Hallett, who credited her mom with supplying “a ton of help.” Hallett told Saratoga TODAY that “over 150 donations came in to support the charities” and that overall the event was “a huge success.”
“Everything about this event was geared towards my belief in what presents the true nature of harness racing,” Hallett said in a press release. “From including the next generation, to tying in the historic value of the sport, from showing how the industry comes together to support one another, to raising money for two wonderful charities, and from helping our horses find careers after racing to showcasing a couple of Standardbreds and their versatility. It’s all about the horses and horsemen, all about the sport, and I couldn’t be prouder to have Saratoga represent these two great charities.”
All They Do is Win: Blue Streaks Football Team Starts Season 2-0
The Saratoga Springs football squad dominated Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake last Friday, 41 to 7. The team scored at least one touchdown per quarter, putting the squeeze on Burnt Hills and never loosening the grip. For the Blue Streaks, quarterback Bobby Morris threw for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns; running back Benjamin Coryea rushed for 115 yards in 19 carries, reaching the endzone 3 times; wideout Gavin Lafrance caught 3 balls for 121 yards and a touchdown; and receiver Jaden Lockrow caught two passes for 40 yards and a TD. On the defensive end, free safety Hayden Passaretti shut down Burnt Hills with 1 sack and 8 total tackles, while Brady Varian, Caleb Brilling, and Tasiah LaDore each added 6 tackles apiece. With a 2-0 record, Saratoga will now host the Christian Brothers Academy at home on Friday, Sept. 19.
Black Horses Win Close Contest
After annihilating Broadalbin-Perth 57 to 0 in their first game, the Schuylerville varsity football team faced closer competition in week two, managing to defeat Johnstown 27 to 21. For the Horses, quarterback Ben VanVegthen had a slow night, completing half of his passes for 20 yards. But the rushing game was utterly dominant, with Ernie DaCosta running for 189 yards at a whopping 12.6 yards per carry. His longest carry of the night was 57 yards and he reached the endzone 3 times. Blake Cumm also scored a touchdown and netted 40 rushing yards. Sophomore Ethan Lavender impressed on defense, earning 1 sack and 5 tackles. Schuylerville will hope to keep their early success rolling when they face Hudson on Friday at home.
Saratoga Field Hockey Team Undefeated
On Sept. 8, the Saratoga Springs varsity field hockey team earned its third win of the season, beating Shaker 5-0. For the Blue Streaks, Mia Khazin had 3 goals and 1 assist; Madison Finn and Esther Lodico each earned 1 goal; Ryann Ginley contributed 1 assist; and Alexis Georgeadis had 1 save. Saratoga took 36 shots while Shaker had none.
On Sept. 10, the squad remained undefeated, earning their fourth win of the year by defeating Niskayuna 5-0. In that contest, Mia Khazin had 3 goals and 1 assist; Madison Finn, Esther Lodico, and Andi Schiffer each added 1 goal apiece; and Emilia Hall added 1 assist. The Blue Streaks had 34 shots in the game, while Niskayuna had none.
The Blue Streaks then kept their streak alive after besting Greene 4 to 1 last Saturday. For Saratoga, Mia Khazin had 3 goals and 1 assist; Cece Carroll earned 1 goal; Esther Lodico and Andi Schiffer both contributed 1 assist each; and Alexis Georgeadis had 1 save. Saratoga had 26 shots overall, while Greene had just 6. With the victory, Saratoga improved to 5-0 on the season.
Schuylerville Boys Soccer Beats South Glens Falls
Schuylerville and South High opened up their Foothills Council play last Friday. The Horses got on the board 3 minutes in on a Dean Barraclough goal assisted by Colden Harrison. Schuylerville scored their second as Thomas Tyler would find the net midway through the first half. South would begin to gain some momentum and press the back line for the final few minutes of the half. The second half saw things tighten up as Schuylerville would find their own goal to make it 2-1. Anthony Cooper and Jack Doyle were dangerous all night but the Horses would continue to string some passes together and finally broke through as Barraclough’s direct kick was initially saved but Tyler was there to finish it for the 3-1 final score.
Scotties Trounced by Shaker
The Ballston Spa football team lost badly to Shaker, 44 to 8, last Friday. The Scotties put all of their points on the board in the third quarter, when they completed a 25-yard pass for a touchdown and then rushed for the two-point conversion. B-Spa will hope to have better odds when they travel to Amsterdam for their next game on Friday night.
Spa Catholic Volleyball Falls to Hoosic Valley
On Sept. 10, the Saratoga Central Catholic volleyball team lost to Hoosic Valley 3-0. For the Saints, Catharine Crowe earned 13 assists while Emery Moser had 8 kills and 6 aces.
Skidmore Women’s Tennis Team Launches Season
The Skidmore College women’s tennis team kicked off the fall 2025 season with a solid opening weekend of competition at the Middlebury Panther Challenge from Friday to Sunday. The Thoroughbreds picked up a pair of singles victories against Colby on Saturday, with freshman Ginevra Muratori defeating the Mules’ Kat Lowry and sophomore Maggie English defeating Colby’s Abby Hess. During Sunday’s competition, the Skidmore doubles duo of Amelie Gonzalez and Muratori defeated Colby’s Isabella Suk and Lowy, 7-5. The Thoroughbreds also took home a doubles victory against Middlebury, with Gonzalez and Muratori defeating the Panthers’ Gusty Beveridge and Elizabeth Doak, 6-2. Up next, the Thoroughbreds will host the 2025 ITA Regionals in two weekends, Sept. 26 to 28, at the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — First-year Jaden Cheng from the Skidmore College golf team was named the Liberty League Rookie of the Week for the week ending Sept. 14. Additionally, five Skidmore College student-athletes were recognized on the Liberty League Honor Roll. On the list from Skidmore was Gianna DiGioacchino, Colby Paul (field hockey), Colin Goodhines (men’s soccer), Abby Lewis (women’s soccer), and Marlowe McIntyre (volleyball).
Cheng finished 15th out of 107 players at the Duke Nelson Invitational with scores of 78-71—149 to lead the way for Skidmore to secure a fifth-place finish in the event. Cheng’s Saturday round featured a steady card featuring 14 pars and a pair of birdies.
MALTA — NASCAR driver and eighth-generation watermelon farmer Ross Chastain stopped by Market 32 in Malta last Wednesday for a fan meet-and-greet near the Albany-Saratoga Speedway.
The event was one of the first in Market 32’s 10-week-long “10 Years Fresh” campaign, which features sampling events, product offerings, and community engagement experiences across Market 32 and Price Chopper stores.
Chastain, driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro for Trackhouse Racing, signed autographs and greeted guests during his one-day appearance. The Malta Market 32 location is one of many that carries his family’s Melon 1 watermelons.
“Ross Chastain is more than an elite motorsports athlete,” said Market 32 and Price Chopper President Blaine Bringhurst in a press release. “His lifelong dedication to farming reflects the same commitment we have to sourcing the high-quality food and products our customers count on us for. He brought incredible energy to our Malta store, and the enthusiasm from fans showed us just how much our communities appreciate the unique experiences we’re able to bring to the table.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Race Track Chaplaincy announced on Sunday that Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s Director of Strategic Growth Kim Weir will be the first recipient of the newly created Nancy Kelly Volunteer Award.
The honor will be bestowed annually to a person or people for outstanding volunteer efforts in support of the organization. Nancy Kelly served as president and vice president of the NY Chaplaincy after retiring from her long career with The Jockey Club. She passed away on Feb. 9, 2024.
“As she did with every aspect of her life, Nancy Kelly set the gold standard for volunteerism at the Chaplaincy and we felt that this was an appropriate way to honor her memory and her legacy,” said Humberto Chávez, the executive director and lead chaplain of the NYRTCA, in a news release. “Kim Weir is deeply involved with numerous other racing community activities but always finds time to help us in an extraordinary manner and this award recognizes that commitment.”
Weir will be honored at a luncheon at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga on Nov. 1. The master of ceremonies will be longtime New York Racing Association (NYRA) announcer Tom Durkin.
A native of San Diego, with degrees from the University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary, Weir previously served as the director of donor engagement for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. She lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband Bobby.
The NY Race Track Chaplaincy serves the NY backstretch and farming communities of Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course; providing enrichment programs for children, teens, and women, social services, recreational and educational programming, and non-denominational religious services.
Additional information, including tickets and sponsorships for the event, may be found at www.rtcany.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Pitney Meadows Community Farm will host the 5th Annual Michael J. Pitney Farm Run on Saturday, Oct. 4. The community tradition kicks off with a 5K at 9 a.m., followed by a Youth ½ Mile Fun Run at 10 a.m.
Proceeds from the race will support Pitney’s year-round work in sustainable agriculture, food justice, youth education, and wellness.
“This race is about more than miles,” said Executive Director Brooke McConnell. “It’s about connection, stewardship, and honoring a legacy that continues to grow here at Pitney Meadows.”
The 5k course is a mixed-surface route, featuring grass and stone dust trails that wind through the farm’s open fields. The course is primarily flat with gentle rolling sections, offering a smooth and safe running experience with no road crossings. The start and finish areas are easily visible from the course, making it a spectator-friendly event. Race awards include: Top finisher, Kids 6 & Under, Top finisher, Kids 10 & Under, Top 3 Overall Male & Female, and Top 3 Masters Male & Female (40+).
To register for the race or to become a sponsor, visit www.pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org/michael-j-pitney-run/.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Yaddo will host its annual Artist Medal celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at The Edison Ballroom in Manhattan, honoring choreographer Sidra Bell, visual artist Jill Viney, and writer Langston Hughes.
Hughes (1902–1967) was a pioneering American poet, novelist, playwright, and social activist, best known as a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance—a cultural movement celebrating African American artistic expression in the 1920s and ‘30s. Hughes was a writer in residence at Yaddo in 1942 and 1943. His work is celebrated for its vibrant, jazz-inflected rhythms and its honest portrayal of Black life in America. A prolific writer, Hughes published numerous volumes of poetry, short stories, plays, essays, and novels, including the Simple stories, which chronicled the everyday lives and struggles of working-class Black Americans.
Bell is a renowned choreographer, dancer, performance artist, and the founder and artistic director of Sidra Bell Dance New York, an internationally recognized company known for progressive dance theater. She first came to Yaddo in 2022. With a career spanning over two decades, Bell has created more than 100 original works for major companies and institutions, including Ailey II, ODC/Dance, The Juilliard School, and New York City Ballet— where she made history as the first Black woman to choreograph for the company.
Viney is a sculptor and visual artist who lives in New York City. Her work, shown in the 2016 Sarah Lawrence College show and catalogue, as well as in New York City by Trans Hudson and Joyce Goldstein galleries, was included in “Fabricated Nature” organized by the Boise Museum of Art. In “Form and Space” at New Jersey’s Hunterdon Museum Viney’s sculpture, “Baja” was singled out in The New York Times by art critic Barry Schwabsky. Viney is a Yaddo artist and member of the board.
The Yaddo Artist Medal, designed by James Siena, honors lives and work that embody artistic brilliance, generosity of spirit, and the enduring force of art.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stephen Soucy, a filmmaker who grew up in Ballston Lake and Saratoga Springs, will unveil “Merchant Ivory: The Documentary” on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Scene One Wilton Mall Cinemas. The event is presented by the Saratoga Book Festival, in collaboration with Saratoga Arts and the 518 Film Network.
The screening will be followed by a discussion and audience Q&A with both Soucy and the film’s Saratoga-based composer Ryan Homsey. Moderating the discussion will be Spencer Sherry, president of the 518 Film Network and community outreach and grants coordinator for Saratoga Arts.
In addition to the documentary, Soucy will also discuss a narrative feature production that he plans to base in Upstate New York in 2026, with James Ivory executive producing.
“Merchant Ivory” is the first definitive feature documentary to lend new and compelling perspectives on the partnership, both professional and personal, of director James Ivory, producer Ismail Merchant, and their primary associates: writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and composer Richard Robbins. Footage from more than 50 interviews, clips, and archival material gives voice to the family of actors and technicians who helped define Merchant Ivory’s Academy Award-winning work.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at saratoga-arts.org/event-6282124.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs History Museum/Canfield Casino, announced this week the return of the Ghosts of Saratoga Guided Trolley Tour—a 90-minute ride through the city’s most storied sites, just in time for the Halloween season.
Led by trained guides, the tour draws on research from noted ghost hunter David Pitkin and other paranormal investigators, weaving together accounts that have made Saratoga Springs a portal of alleged paranormal activity.
With overwhelming demand for last year’s Ghosts of Saratoga Trolley Tours, the 2025 season will expand to feature two tours operating simultaneously on each date. Guests may choose to begin their adventure at either the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center or the Saratoga Springs History Museum/Canfield Casino. If one starting point is sold out, simply check the other—both offer the same experience.
The tours will occur on Thursdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, and 23 between 7 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/services/tours/.
