SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mark C Powers, 64, passed away at home on May 30, 2025. A graveside service took place June 4 at St. Peters Cemetery. Donations in Mark’s memory to be made to any local animal rescue. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
BALLSTON SPA — Jeannette Knapp passed away May 15, 2025. Calling hours were held on May 20 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Funeral service, with burial followed at Saratoga National Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
MIDDLE GROVE — John A. Jordan, Jr., 90, passed May 29, 2025, at the Joan Nicole Prince Hospice Home. Calling hours and mass were 6/2/25 at Church of St. Peter followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to Joan Nicole Prince Home (https://www.joannicoleprincehome.org/donate) or Saratoga Central Catholic (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/). Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — The Saratoga Lake Association (SLA) is calling on all municipalities within the Saratoga Lake watershed to adopt urgent measures to reduce road salt use, following the release of a new study that documents patterns of chloride pollution that could threaten the lake’s long-term health.
Conducted by a team of Environmental Science seniors and Faculty at Skidmore College and sponsored by the SLA, the comprehensive study of watershed-scale salinity patterns found that road salt runoff—primarily from urban areas such as Saratoga Springs and Malta—is significantly elevating chloride concentrations in tributaries feeding Saratoga Lake. The Saratoga Springs storm sewer outflow can exceed 4,000 parts per million (ppm) of chloride, while conductivity readings more than 10,000 µS/cm were recorded, indicating levels known to be toxic to aquatic life.
“This is a wake-up call,” said John Cashin, SLA Board Member. “The scientific evidence is now unequivocal: road salt is polluting our lake. Municipal leaders must act now to protect the health of our watershed.”
The study further revealed that there was an expected positive relationship between the amount of development in the watershed and both chloride and conductivity levels. Tributaries such as Spring Run and Geyser Creek—both flowing from the heart of Saratoga Springs and corresponding with the areas of highest road density—were identified as major contributors of salt pollution entering the lake.
SLA provided funding for ten state-of-the-art conductivity sensors that enabled continuous monitoring throughout the winter of 2024–2025. The study’s findings reinforce growing concerns across New York State about the ecological toll of winter deicing practices. Though Saratoga Lake has historically been considered a recreational and ecological gem, the data now show meaningful interventions, like those recommended by the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Taskforce, should be considered by the municipalities in the Saratoga Lake Watershed.
Public sentiment appears to be ahead of policy. A community survey conducted alongside the study found that 94% of respondents support the use of alternative snow and ice removal methods, provided safety is maintained. “Residents are ready for change—they understand the stakes,” said Cashin. “What’s needed now is municipal leadership.”
The SLA is urging local governments to:
• Implement best practices in salt application, including calibrating equipment and using brine pre-treatment.
• Apply for DOT Grants for funding of road salt reduction initiatives.
• Reduce overall salt use in sensitive watershed areas.
• Increase public education around the environmental consequences of road salt.
• Partner with SLA and other stakeholders to expand monitoring and promote coordinated watershed management.
“We commend the Skidmore students for their rigorous, timely research and are proud to have supported their efforts,” Dr. James DeMasi the SLA President said. “Their work gives us the data—and the mandate—to move forward.”
The Saratoga Lake Association encourages all residents to read the full study and join in advocating for environmentally responsible winter maintenance practices. The future of Saratoga Lake depends on the collective action of our communities today.
Andrew Blaha is currently in his senior year at the College of Charleston studying business with a concentration in leadership and a minor in physical education. He grew up in Saratoga Springs, where he was a member of the varsity tennis team. He brought his passion for the sport to Charleston, where he is president for the Charleston Club Tennis team and an intern for the athletic department.
Coach Rich Johns, a former Saratoga Springs teacher and tennis coach for nearly four decades, asked Blaha about his accomplishments and future plans as part of the “Act With Respect Always” spotlight series.
Q: Tell us more about your position as player/coach
and mentor.
A: Currently giving back day to day with my volunteer positions in tennis coaching and peer mentorship. I spend many hours working with and teaching less experienced players for our club team and I also work with current college freshmen, helping them with everything from schoolwork to social life advice. No matter what situation I am in, I try to emphasize the importance of respect both for yourself and others.
Q: What kind of modeling do you try to do to be a good leader and teammate?
A: I frequently preach the message of respect to my teammates as coach/teacher to my club team. The words respect and integrity are at the foundation of my coaching philosophy. It is also a great reminder in my personal life to treat others with respect even at difficult moments.
Q: What are your future career plans and goals?
A: I look forward to the next stage of life where I hope to pursue athletics management; the operations of athletic departments or teams, including budgets, facility management, and event planning.
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — Nicole Stout from the Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) in Glenville won her fifth-straight US Sr. National title last Saturday, winning all her 78kg matches by Ippon (full point) at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Alabama. This ties her with JMJC alumni Carrie Chandler, who also won five nationals.
Korey Rankin also captured a gold in the novice +100kg division, a gold in the brown belt category, and a bronze in the Masters 35-39 yrs. division. Ramon Hernandez Jr. medaled for the first time, taking a bronze in the 81kg division, while Melissa Myers took home a bronze in the 70kg weight class, as well as a gold in the Masters 30-34 yrs. category. Jess Alaynick finished with a bronze in the +78kg category. JR Foster also medaled for the first time, capturing a bronze in the 60kg division.
The JMJC has now won 55 gold and 156 medals overall at the US Nationals in its 25-year history.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced post times for the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will be held at the Saratoga Race Course from Wednesday, June 4 through Sunday, June 8.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Comedian Erin Harkes will be taping her latest special at the Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) in Saratoga Springs on Wednesday, June 4.
The recording, which will also feature Jen McMullen, will include two hour-long sets (one at 6 p.m., the other at 8 p.m.).
Harkes’ previous comedy special, 2023’s “Uncle Ernie,” has been viewed more than 28,000 times on her YouTube channel. The upcoming taping at UPH will include all-new material and celebrate the second anniversary of Harkes’ “Women Aren’t Funny” comedy series.
Harkes has been performing standup since 2017. Prior to that, she was known primarily as a musician, having opened for acts such as the 10,000 Maniacs and Company of Thieves.
For tickets or more information, visit atuph.org/event/women-arent-funny-two-year-anniversary/.
Friday, May 30
7 p.m. — Halfstep @ Quarters Bar
Formed in 1991, Halfstep has performed all over the east coast steadily until 2002, recently reforming and performing due to popular demand. This will be the last show that Dave will be appearing in with Half Step after a 30-year run.
8 p.m. — Jenny Owen Youngs @ Caffe Lena
After a decade of co-writing smash singles like Panic! At The Disco’s “High Hopes” and Pitbull’s “Bad Man,” singer-songwriter Jenny returns to the stage with her first full-length solo album in ten years, Avalanche. Jenny’s writing has spanned genres and media, with her work appearing in Weeds, Fifty Shades Freed, and on the Grammy stage.
8 p.m. — Lucid Street @ The Ice House
Lucid Street recreates the cream of classic rock, playing songs that span multiple genres, including rock, disco, and pop. The band has close to 300 songs in its repertoire, including 10 originals.
9 p.m. — The Wheel: Live Dead & Beyond @ Putnam Place
The Capital Region-based Grateful Dead tribute band returns to Saratoga Springs to provide an “authentic” Dead experience.
9 p.m. — Brian Patneaude Quartet @ 9 Maple Ave
Formed in 2002, the Brian Patneaude Quartet’s music is an organic blend of modern jazz styles, featuring accessible melodies and harmonic textures that appeal to the casual listener and jazz aficionado alike. The group’s close-knit musical relationship and seamless interplay is a result of performances at numerous venues and festivals throughout the Northeast. The quartet has been repeatedly cited as “Best Jazz Group” by the writers and readers of Metroland magazine and has gained increasing attention, both nationally and abroad.
Saturday, May 31
6 p.m. — Grit N Whiskey @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern
Modern country with tight harmonies, searing dual guitars, and high energy.
8 p.m. — Annie & the Hedonists @ Caffe Lena
Annie & the Hedonists return to celebrate the release of their brand new album, Live at Caffè Lena, a collection of blues, vintage jazz, and Americana recorded at Lena’s and produced by Oscar-winning, seven-time Grammy-winning engineer Joel Moss. The Saratoga-based band blends the spirit of swing-era jazz with the storytelling traditions of folk and roots music.
9 p.m. — Jason Emmond Quartet @ 9 Maple Ave
Emmond is an upright and electric bass player and composer residing in upstate New York. After growing up in New Hampshire and obtaining his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, Jason made the move to Kansas City to play jazz. Recently, he relocated to Albany, where he is continuing his music career.
Sunday, June 1
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Beekman Street Art Fair
A stacked lineup of free, live music presented by Caffe Lena includes Prakash Slim (at 1 p.m.), the Mostly Modern Ensemble (2 p.m.), Millstone Rounders (3 p.m.), and Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band (4 p.m.). The acts will perform under a tent on Beekman Street in Saratoga’s Arts District.
7 p.m. — Vanessa Collier @ Caffe Lena
A twelve-time Blues Music Award nominee and four-time winner — including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year — Vanessa Collier’s newest album, Do It My Own Way (out September 13), is a deeply personal collection inspired by the golden era of Memphis soul, with modern messages of empowerment and resilience.
Monday, June 2
8 p.m. — Family Tree @ Putnam Place
Family Tree features Steve Candlen, Kenny Hohman, Lori Friday, Chris Carey and Chad Ploss. They will be joined by various guests from the regional music scene.
Wednesday, June 4
7 p.m. — Vampire Weekend @ SPAC
The iconic indie rock band, perhaps best known for their singles “A-Punk” and “Oxford Comma,” brings their newest album, Only God Was Above Us, to the SPAC stage. Vampire Weekend is a critically beloved group that has won two Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album.
7 p.m. — Gin Blossoms & Uprooted @ Belmont on Broadway
Belmont on Broadway, a free concert that celebrates the start of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, will include performances by Gin Blossoms (a popular alternative rock band) and Uprooted on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. Broadway will be closed from Van Dam to City Hall most likely all day Wednesday.
Thursday, June 5
7 p.m. — Carolyn Wonderland @ Caffe Lena
Hailed as “The Bluesman” by Aretha Franklin and praised by Bob Dylan for her songwriting, Wonderland is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who has shared stages with Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos, Levon Helm, Buddy Guy, and Johnny Winter. She’s been touring for over 25 years across the U.S., Europe, South America, and Japan with a discography that spans raw blues, gospel, country soul, and rebel rock.
7:30 p.m. — Steve Earle @ UPH
Earle’s songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. 1986 saw the release of his record, “Guitar Town,” which shot to number one on the country charts and is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre. Subsequent releases like “The Revolution Starts…Now” (2004), “Washington Square Serenade” (2007), and “TOWNES” (2009) received consecutive Grammy Awards.
LOCAL BRIEFS
Saratoga Race Course Tours
In celebration of the Belmont Stakes, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is thrilled to offer two exclusive behind-the-scenes walking tours of the historic Saratoga Race Course, Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. or Sunday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m. A rare opportunity to explore the oldest and one of the most iconic sporting venues in the United States. Led by the Foundation’s Executive Director, Samantha Bosshart, this special walking tour will take participants through both the public and lesser-known sides of the race course. Tours begin at the Whitney Viewing Stand at the Oklahoma Training Track. Tickets are $35 for SSPF members and $45 for non-members. Reservations are required and space is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030.
16th Annual Route 50 Mile Road Race
CAPTAIN Community Human Services is proud to present the 16th Annual Route 50 Mile on Thursday, June 12, kicking off at the corner of Route 50 and Kingsley in Burnt Hills at 6:50 p.m. This special anniversary year will also see the Route 50 Mile as part of the USATF Adirondack 2025 Grand Prix Series. This family-friendly community event is the area’s premier one-mile race and is followed immediately by the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Business and Professional Association Flag Day Parade. The proceeds benefit CAPTAIN CHS’s over 30 programs for local kids, families, and seniors. Registration begins at $20. Sponsorship is currently available. For more information, please visit our website captaincares.org/route50 or call 518-399-4624.
6 Hour Defensive Driving Course
Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. held at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church located at 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. The cost is $40 prepaid or $45 at the door. A portion of the fee is donated to the church. Call 518-784-5009 or visit, www.facetofacecourses.com.
The White Party Presents Moonlight & Magic Gala
Join Saratoga Bridges for their Moonlight & Magic Gala on Saturday, June 14, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the beautiful 1863 Club at the Saratoga Race Course. Enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner service and live auction and learn more about Saratoga Bridges and their work in the community. After dinner, dance the night away with live music and continue to bid on the silent auction. All proceeds from the event will benefit Saratoga Bridges and their mission to “empower individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to identify and pursue their life goals through knowledge, collaboration, and experience!” Visit www.saratogabridges.org and click on “The White Party” to learn more and to purchase tickets. RSVP deadline is June 2.
Father’s Day Kids’ Fishing Derby
The location will be held at the fraternal order of Eagles # 2586, 373 Crescent Ave., Saratoga Springs on Lake Lonely, Sunday, June 15, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. It’s open to kids 14 and under, all of whom must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Worms will be supplied, but kids should bring their own fishing poles and tackle. The derby includes free hot dogs, chips, and sodas; as well as prizes for fish caught in different categories.
Craft Fair at Brookside – Vendors Wanted!
The Saratoga County History Center is seeking vendors of handmade crafts, antiques and farm products for the annual craft fair on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. No mass-produced or commercially made items will be permitted. Spaces are available outdoors, with limited spaces available indoors. This is a rain or shine event. Visit www./brooksidemuseum.org for more information, or contact Beth Silvestri at bsilvestri@brooksidemuseum.org.
True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World
Vacation Bible School Registration Now Open! St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, July 7 – 11, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Give your children a week of positive, Christ-centered experiences, grow their faith, and build meaningful relationships. Each day your child will come home with a big smile, a stronger faith, and singing their hearts out with the songs that they will be learning each day! There will be snacks, crafts, games, and skits, too. There are opportunities for children, youth, and adults, so go to www.spalutheran.org/vbs or call 518-584-0904 for more info and to sign up. Free and open to all, but donations are appreciated.
Charlton Freehold Community Rummage Sale
Held on Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event is located at Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd. Charlton. To reserve a table or for more information, call 518-399-4831 and leave a message or email: office@charltonfreehold.org.
17th Annual An Unbridled Affair Gala Fundraiser
Dine and delight while mingling with friends and special guests from the world of Thoroughbred Racing – all in support of local nonprofit, CAPTAIN Community Human Services. The Gala will be held on Thursday, July 17, at Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club. We’ll have new and exciting items for our auction and raffle, entertainment by the J Yager Duo, a captivating program emceed by Spectrum News 1 anchor, Dan Bazile with special guest Thoroughbred trainer Gary Contessa, and many more surprises! Tickets start at $200 per person. Sponsorships are currently available. For more information, please visit our website at UnbridledAffair.org, or call 518-399-4624.
Upcoming Lawn Sale
Old Stone Church, 159 Stone Church Rd, (town of Milton) Ballston Spa is looking for gently used or new items for their lawn sale to be held July 25 and 26 and August 1, 2, 8 and 9, from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. Items can be placed on the ramp located in back of the church. Not accepted is exercise equipment, skies, car seats, mattresses. For more information call the church at 518-583-1002.
Looking for Unique Vendors & Artisans
Ballston Area Seniors are gearing up for their Annual Bazaar on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Held at the Town of Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. What is your specialty? Pickles, relishes, jams and jellies, or any handmade crafts are appreciated and welcome. We are looking for you to join us. Indoor spaces—8’Wx6’D cost $30, indoor only (first come, first serve basis and electrical outlets indoors are limited.) Outdoor spaces—12’Wx10’D cost $25. To receive an Exhibit Contract and a Town of Milton agreement contact the Bazaar Vendor Coordinator Sue Heimburg at Sheim381@aol.com or Call—518-885-8037 / text message and we can e-mail the contract.
