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Author: Saratoga TODAY

May 30 – June 5, 2025

Friday, May 30

Millers Backyard BBQ

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 3 – 6 p.m. Include Brookside Museum in your dinner plans, order some delicious Millers Backyard Barbecue and pick it up from Brookside Museum. Chicken and pulled pork dinners are available for $15 and beef brisket dinners for $20 (beef brisket by pre-order only). All dinners include baked potato, coleslaw and cornbread. An 8 oz. serving of mac & cheese is also available for $5. Drive-thru pickup/take out only. Pre-ordering is highly encouraged. For more information check www.brooksidemuseum.org.

Summer SPACtacular

SPAC, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs | 5 p.m. Join us for a magical evening under the stars and on the SPAC stage at our summer season kickoff fundraiser. The 3rd annual Summer SPACtacular promises to be the best yet, all to celebrate and support SPAC’s mission to serve the Capital Region and beyond through artistic excellence, educational programming, and community outreach. This event will sell out. Space is limited. Do not wait to purchase tickets. Tickets start at $175. This event is 21+. Learn more and buy tickets at spac.org. 

The Fate of the Day

Saratoga Springs City Center, 255 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Northshire Bookstore & Saratoga, America’s Turning Point, are thrilled to present an evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Rick Atkinson, in celebration of The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780, the second volume of his landmark American Revolution trilogy. Atkinson will discuss the book and his work with Joe Donahue of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio. 

Saturday, May 31

Heritage Garden Club Sale

Italian American Center, 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. until sold out. Heritage Garden Club Perennial Plant, Herbs, Annuals and Garden Decor Sale.  There will be a variety of perennial plants, herbs, several annual plants and garden décor available.  Those interested in joining are always welcome to join us as new members.  You don’t have to have a “green thumb” to become a member of our garden club.  If interested contact 518-256-3141 or find us on Facebook at HeritgeGardenClub
ofSaratogaSprings. 

Walk-A-Thon for Veterans

Saratoga State Park, The Ave of The Pines, 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs | 9:30 a.m. “They marched for us; we walk for them”. Presented by The Sons of The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary Post 70. Sign in is at 9:30 a.m. Walk at 10 a.m. Light lunch provided after at American Legion Post 70, 34 West Ave Saratoga Springs. A suggested donation of $10 includes lunch, all money goes to NY VA facilities and Homeward Bound Adirondack, a facility of tranquility, comfort and assistance for our Veterans. Questions call 518 694 2327

Pollinator Palooza Native Plant Sale 

Oligny’s Country Gardens, 390 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd, Gansevoort | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Join Sustainable Saratoga to buy native plants and meet people dedicated to protecting our precious pollinators, their habitat, and other natural resources. Sustainable Saratoga volunteers have been growing 1,600 plants for the last 2 months and they are ready for their new homes. Parking: Across the street at 393 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd. Family friendly but no pets at the event, please. Payment by cash or check preferred. Free soil pH testing by Cornell Cooperative Extension (bring about 1/4 cup of dry soil). Kids’ activities and raffles to win books, gift certificates, plants, and more plus food trucks.

Painting in Nature Workshops

Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | Noon – 3 p.m. Landscapes: Made famous by the French impressionists, painting outdoors is growing in popularity. If you want to get outside, learn from an artist, and combine your love of art and nature, this is the workshop for you! This program is appropriate for participants older than 13. All supplies will be provided. Saratoga Arts made this program possible with a Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council of the Arts with the support of the New York State legislature. Additional workshops: Still-life: Thursday, June 5

Painting Meetup: Saturday, June 7. 

A 50-Year Celebration of Black Creativity

Tang Teaching Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway Saratoga Springs | Noon – 5 p.m. Up to Us: Black Dimensions in Art, 1975–Tomorrow, an exhibition honoring the 50-year history of Black Dimensions in Art Inc. (BDA), the Capital Region’s longest-running Black arts collective. The exhibition will be on view from May 31 through November 2, 2025. The exhibition presents a rich collection of archival material—including publications, posters, photographs, and other ephemera—alongside artwork by BDA members as well as artists from the Tang collection. Open noon–5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday, extended hours until 9 p.m. Thursday. For more information, call 518-580-8080 or visit https://tang.skidmore.edu.

Sunday, June 1

Annual Garage and Bake Sale

Italian American War Veteran, 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Chapter annual sale. The event will be held rain or shine. Donations may be dropped off on Saturday, May 31 from 1 – 4 p.m. Suggested items: linens, glassware, pots & pans, knick-knacks, jewelry, tools, toys, small furniture, lamps, books, baby items, children’s clothing, 3T and under. No computers, TVs or skis. All items must be in good condition. Bake sale donations: cakes, breads, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, pies, muffins, rolls, candies or your specialty. To volunteer or leave donations call Claudette Farchione at 518-584-7592 or Sharon Drosky at 518-365-0004.

Photography Exhibit

Soave Faire Art & Framing, 449-451 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. The exhibit is titled “Saratoga Naturally: Photographic Images of Saratoga’s Most Beautiful Parks & Preserves” by Photographer 0Louis Valenti. It will include breathtaking landscapes, trails, wildflowers, trees, rare plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and dragonflies.  The exhibit will run for 5 weeks, May 30 – June 6. Free and open to the public. For more information about the event, please contact Bob Wheaton, Soave Faire Arts Manager at (518) 587-8448.  For more information about Louis Valenti Photography, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Louis-Valenti-Photography or LouisValentiPhotography.com.

Festival of Young Artists 

Saratoga Performing Art Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs | 2 – 5:30 p.m. Following the theme Wonder – inspired by the work of 24th U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón – the festival will celebrate the collaborative creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region’s brightest young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists in support of SPAC’s mission to provide free and accessible arts programming for local youth. Featuring students from local schools and organizations, the afternoon will include individual pop-up performances and art displays, culminating in a large-scale, coordinated production on stage. Original musical composition by festival student, Siyi Guo (Guilderland HS, Grade 12), will premiere on the stage, performed by the ESYO Symphony Orchestra. This event is free to the community; however, registration is required for admission. Visit spacfoya.org for details.  

Bingo Fundraiser

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 3 – 5 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m. Cancer can rob someone of happiness. A small gesture of giving a gift to a patient who is at the end of their rope is our goal. “A Night Out for You” is a customized experience that will bring them joy and allow patients to have something to look forward to and forget their diagnosis for a few hours.  Please help us keep giving these patients a night out by donating to or attending the Bingo Fundraiser. Tickets are $25 at the door, $20 per person in advance gives you 3 cards to play for 5 games. Additional cards are $5/each.  nightoutforyou.org

Monday, June 2

Annual Potluck Dinner

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway| 6 p.m. Galway Preservation Society’s Annual potluck dinner for members and new members.  Bring a dish, meet new friends and join.  Membership is available for $10 annually per family or household.  The program will begin at 7 p.m. and is open to the public, free of charge.  This month’s program, “Galway’s Greatest: Remembering 75 Years of the Extraordinary People, Places, Events and Memories of Galway’s School and Community-1950-2025,” is being developed by Mark Kalinkewicz, a resident of Galway for over 40 years and a Teacher at the Galway School District for more than 30 years.  The community is invited to participate. 

Tuesday, June 3

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Meeting

Knights of Columbus ,50 Pine Road Saratoga Springs | 5:45 p.m. Court McLaughlin #422, will hold its monthly meeting.  Members will gather at 5:45 PM for a recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments and fellowship until 6:30 p.m. when the business meeting begins. Please note that this will be our last meeting until September 2025. New prospective members are always welcome…if you have any questions, please contact Regent Dawn Weber at 518-226-5641 or email CDASaratoga422@gmail.com.

Pickin’s Jam Session 

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. 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 518-885-4229 with questions.

Wednesday,
June 4

Virtual Author Talk with Smithsonian Scientists

Zoom Presentation | 2 p.m. Smithsonian scientists will highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia and discuss what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Roast Pork Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: roast loin pork, mashed potatoes, a vegetables stuffing, applesauce, gravy and roll, tossed salad. $15 per dinner (cash only). 

Opera Saratoga Festival Artist Portrait Concert

Saratoga Winery, 462 Route 29, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Opera Saratoga has the nation’s second-oldest young artists training program of its kind! During this can’t-miss show at the Saratoga Winery, nine of Opera Saratoga’s rising stars will perform the music that inspired them to become an opera singer — from operatic arias to folks’ songs and pop music. The concert will be hosted by tenor Peter Kazaras, a mentor who has helped the singers delve deep into the music that speaks to their core, creating an electrifying experience. For more information and reservations, visit OperaSaratoga.org. Additional Concert June 11, featuring nine different singers.

Thursday, June 5

Mostly Modern Festival

Arthur Zankel Music Center, 815 N Broadway, Skidmore College | A celebration of modern music paired with outstanding classics from the 20th and 21st century. Our 6th Season brings 10 concerts to Saratoga Springs this June—orchestral, vocal, and chamber music. Audiences experience world premieres on every single concert with modern music by young, mid-career, as well as famed composers of today. For concert and ticket details, visit: https://mostlymodernfestival.org/concert-calendar

Saratoga Students Awarded Lions Scholarships


From left to right: Carol Wang, $10,000 Jack Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship; Sarah Woytowich, $5,000 academic scholarship; Liam D’Evelyn and Rory Serritella, $2,500 academic scholarships; Norah Hoke, $5,000 academic scholarship, and Katelyn Hogan, $2,500 academic scholarship.  

Academic scholarships totaling $30,000 were awarded to six Saratoga Springs High School students by the Saratoga Springs Lions Club.

The $10,000 Jack Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship for scholastic achievement and community service was presented to Carol Wang; two $5,000 scholarships were awarded to Sarah Woytowich and Norah Hoke; and three $2,500 scholarships went to Rory Serritella, Katelyn Hogan and Liam D’Evelyn.

All five were cited for their scholastic achievements, their involvement in sports and music, and their ongoing participation in volunteer activities.

Saratoga Independent School Expands Award-Winning Preschool Program for 2025–2026 School Year


PreK students play on the PreK playground at Saratoga Independent School.

Saratoga Springs— Saratoga Independent School (SIS) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its award-winning Preschool (PreK) program for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year. 

Designed for 3- and 4-year-old children, the program offers a warm, happy, and nurturing environment where young learners thrive through a balance of play and enriching educational experiences.

This expansion reflects increasing demand from families seeking a high-quality, developmentally appropriate program that encourages intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth in a safe and supportive setting. 

“At Saratoga Independent School, we believe children learn best through hands-on, meaningful experiences,” said Shauna Swinimer, Lower School Director. “Our PreK expansion will allow more families to access the type of early education that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and kindness.” 

The SIS PreK program emphasizes small class sizes, with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and two experienced educators in each classroom. Children enjoy hands-on, thematic learning that incorporates early literacy and math skills into everyday activities. Students also participate in Spanish and music classes each week, adding rich layers to their language and creative development.

Students will spend time outdoors on the school’s 60-acre campus, exploring wooded trails, learning in natural settings, and developing gross motor and social skills on the PreK playground. Daily before- and after-care options as well as flexible enrollment options are available to meet the needs of different families. 

The Half Day Morning program runs Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. The Full-Time Full Day program runs from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Families looking for added flexibility can also take advantage of the Full Day Flex option, allowing students to attend full-day sessions on a drop-in basis, depending on availability.

Saratoga Independent School accepts applications on a rolling basis, but families are encouraged to schedule a tour and apply early, as PreK classes fill quickly.

For more information or to schedule a visit, please go to www.siskids.org/tour or contact the Admissions Office at (518) 583-0841 or cfortune@siskids.org.

 From Sheep to Greece — Waldorf Students Connect with Old Traditions 


(left) Fifth Grade- Fifth Graders participate in the Pentathlon.
(right) Third Grader receives a newly made shawl at the Brookside Museum.
Photos courtesy of the Waldorf School

Third and fifth graders from the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs had the opportunity to connect with history recently. While fifth graders participated in a pentathlon with neighboring Waldorf schools, the third graders learned how wool goes from sheep to garment.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs hosted a Pentathlon—an honored Waldorf tradition celebrating the strength, beauty, and balance of the ancient Greek ideals. The school was proud to host students from six neighboring Waldorf schools at Gavin Park as they competed in events such as javelin, discus, long jump, running and wrestling.

 More than just a competition, the Pentathlon is a rite of passage that honors each child’s unique abilities and their spirit of sportsmanship. The annual event takes place as the culmination of the fifth grade’s in-depth studies about Greek history and culture.

Third Grade, meanwhile, recently enjoyed their second annual field trip to Brookside Museum to participate in its Sheep to Shawl program. This immersive experience includes both demonstrations and hands-on activities related to wool processing: shearing a sheep, washing and carding wool, spinning and making a shawl.

 The four unique stations kept the students actively engaged as they observed and participated in the shawl-making process. The day was both educational and a lot of fun!

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs serves children and their families from early preschool through Eighth grade. At the Waldorf School, we value the healthy development of the whole individual, in mind, body and spirit.

For more information, visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org or call 518-587-0549.

Cardona’s Market Celebrates 80 Years


Photo via the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. 


SARATOGA SPRINGS — Cardona’s Market recently concluded its 80th anniversary celebration by holding a special event at its newly renovated Saratoga location. The event featured various giveaways, new products, and food specials. Local officials including State Senator Jim Tedisco, Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, and Saratoga County Supervisor Matt Veitch were in attendance.

Julie & Co. Realty Adds Two


Photos of Christine L. Keller and Shelly Hendrix provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julie & Co. Realty recently added two new members to its brokerage: Christine L. Keller and Shelly Hendrix.

Keller has called the Adirondacks home for her entire life. Currently based in Putnam Station, she’s built a career as a realtor over the past 30 years, serving clients throughout Ticonderoga and the surrounding areas. Keller enjoys helping people at all stages of life; whether they’re searching for their first home, a vacation retreat, a business location, or simply a peaceful getaway property.

Hendrix is a real estate professional based in Ticonderoga and a lifelong resident of the Adirondacks. She began her career in real estate as an administrative assistant, gaining industry experience before earning her New York State real estate salesperson license in 2022. Since then, she has been guiding her clients through the buying and selling process. She’s received awards such as the 2023 Quality Service Producer and the 2024 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer. Hendrix focuses on properties in Ticonderoga and the surrounding areas, including Crown Point, Moriah, Port Henry, Schroon Lake, and Elizabethtown.

May 30 – June 5, 2025        


This beautiful home at 28 Century Dr in Malta was listed by Chris Benton from Roohan Realty and sold for $653,000

BALLSTON 

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 13 Appleton St to Peter Miller for $643,170

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 18 Timber Creek Dr to Derek Mendoza for $579,980

Four Zero Seven LLC sold property at 407 Charlton Rd to Domenic Bendetti for $450,000

GREENFIELD

Mary Arnold sold property at 5726 Lake Rd to Chandra Robbins for $190,000

MALTA

Philip Patnode sold property at 29 Candlewood Dr to Brian Williams for $550,000

Malta Land Company sold property at 5 Americas Cup to Andrew Peckage for $1,153,238

Malta Land Company sold property at 10 Admirals Way to Mark Marilla for $742,060

Tyler Mason sold property at 60 Thimbleberry Rd to Karen Beachy for $318,000

MILTON

Daniel Zacheus sold property at 3238 Grennell Rd to Jordan Keefe for $585,000

James Faulkner sold property at 50 Knollwood Hollow to Anthony Tufaro for $356,000

Brian Spiedel sold property at 121 South St to Wells Fargo Bank for $210,125

SARATOGA

Thomas Carringi sold property at 102 Point Breeze Rd to Lani Residential Properties LLC  for $275,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Marini Residential Services sold property at 313 Jefferson St to Matthew Smith  for $1,225,000

Edward Sarro sold property at 49 Muldowney Rd to 3257 SB LLC for $335,000

Patricia Riggi sold property at 274 Lake Ave to Patricia Riggi for $900,000

Ellsworth Square LLC sold property at 104B Division St to Kyle Kinowski for $1,706,254

Jeffrey Redfield sold property at 7 Loughberry Rd to Jonathan Biber for $539,000

Joseph Esther sold property at 37 Northway Court to Mark Fretto for $620,000

Saratoga Affordable Housing Authority sold property at 36-38 Allen Dr to Joseph Firenze for $2,237,871

Rachel Colucciello sold property at 8 Saratoga Circle to EC Birch Run LLC for $740,000

WILTON

New York Development Group Saratoga sold property at 42 Cannon Royal Dr to Kodiak Construction Inc for $235,000

MSLC Development Inc sold property at 20 Thistle Rd to Mitchell Ferari for $540,140

Forest Grove LLC sold property at 79 Daintree Dr to Gilbert Prieto for $967,391

Belmont Begins


logo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The highly anticipated Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, taking place for the second year at the historic Saratoga Race Course, begins on Wednesday, June 4 and concludes on Sunday, June 8. The festival will include 27 stakes races with purses totaling $11,275,000, the richest purses and highest number of stakes offered since the launch of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in 2014. To celebrate the festival, Saratoga Springs is hosting a variety of events throughout the week. 

Tuesday, June 3

Embrace the Belmont II (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) brings the community together to learn basic handicapping and explore the 2025 Belmont Stakes field. The event is designed to help local business owners, professionals, and residents deepen their understanding of horse racing. Last year’s event at the National Museum of Racing sold out, so this year, Embrace the Belmont II is moving to a larger venue: the Universal Preservation Hall. The emcee is Donna Brothers, an NBC Sports analyst who just covered the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

Wednesday, June 4

Belmont on Broadway, a free concert on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, is slated for June 4, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with performances by Gin Blossoms and Uprooted. Broadway will be closed from Van Dam to City Hall most likely all day Wednesday starting early in the morning to install the stage.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s latest exhibits, “A Look Through the Eyes and Life of Charlotte C. Weber” and “Greg Montgomery: 40 Years of the Travers Poster,” will open to the public. In the Museum’s McBean Gallery, “A Look Through the Eyes and Life of Charlotte C. Weber” chronicles the legacy of Charlotte Weber, who established Live Oak Stud in Ocala, Florida. The exhibit also explores her passion for art, philanthropy, and business, as well her roles as a leader and trailblazer in various disciplines. The Museum’s von Stade Gallery will host “Greg Montgomery: 40 Years of the Travers Poster,” one of racing’s most iconic series of artwork. Montgomery began producing annual posters for Saratoga Race Course’s Travers Stakes in 1986.

Bradley Chance Hays Live Painting at the Spa Fine Art Gallery is a special live painting event featuring celebrated Western artist Bradley Chance Hays occurring from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Chance will be in the gallery creating original work in real time—offering a rare glimpse into his expressive, high-energy process. Known for his bold depictions of horses and the American West, Hays brings a contemporary edge to a classic subject matter. The event is free and open to the public—stop by, meet the artist, and experience the creative spirit that kicks off Belmont Week.

Thursday, June 5

The Belmont Gala at the Canfield Casino will feature fine dining, live music, and a celebration of sportsmanship beginning at 7 p.m. The event will recognize the connections of 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch: owners Belmar Racing and Breeding LLC, Pine Racing Stables, R. A. Hill Stable, Two Eight Racing LLC, West Paces Racing LLC, trainer Danny Gargan, and jockey Luis Saez. Tickets can be purchased here: racingmuseum.org/events/belmont-gala.

Sports Illustrated’s Revel at the Races comes to the Belmont Stakes for the first time. In partnership with The New York Racing Association (NYRA), this event will be headlined by G-Eazy and take place at The Night Owl in downtown Saratoga beginning at 7 p.m. The event offers a high-energy night of live music, premium hospitality, and immersive brand activations that bring fans closer to the sports moments they love. Tickets are available at BelmontStakes.com/Revel.

Farm Brewery Tour & Tasting at Dancing Grain Brewery from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. includes a stroll through the scenic fields of Dancing Grain on a guided farm and brewery tour, a curated tasting of craft beers, and a farm-fresh lunch prepared by 9 Miles East. For more information, visit https://dancinggrain.com/.

Friday, June 6

Belmont Bites and Brews (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) will be an open house event at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame featuring food trucks, local brews, and more. The event is free to attend. Participating vendors include Slidin’ Dirty, Screaming Eagle, Ted’s Fish Fry, and 80K Catering. New Scotland Spirits will also be on hand for a whiskey tasting.

“Famous Fillies” Preview Reception featuring Lisa Palombo at the Spa Fine Art Gallery from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibition celebrates the most legendary female racehorses in history. Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the great Ruffian, this collection honors the spirit and power of champions like Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra—fillies who redefined excellence on the track. This event is open to the public and reservations are optional.

Horse of a Different Color: A Belmont Special with Live Music at Saratoga Paint N Sip celebrates the opening of the 2025 Saratoga Race Track and the Belmont Stakes with a colorful horse. No painting experience necessary. For more information, visit www.paintandsipstudios.com/.

Behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Saratoga Race Course at 9:30 a.m. offers a rare opportunity to explore the oldest and one of the most iconic sporting venues in the United States. Led by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s Executive Director Samantha Bosshart, this special walking tour will take participants through both the public and lesser-known sides of the Saratoga Race Course. Highlights include iconic locations such as the Grandstand and Clubhouse, including the Oklahoma Training Track, as well as areas not usually open to the public—the original 1847 Race Course, and Horse Haven. Tours begin at the Whitney Viewing Stand at the Oklahoma Training Track. Reservations are required and space is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030.

Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. is a 90-minute guided walking tour designed to entertain and enlighten both visitors and residents with the famed stories of the Spa City. Saratoga Springs was the playground of the rich and famous during the 1800’s and provides the stories of this gilded period of history. For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/.

Saturday, June 7

The Belmont Stakes Saturday Morning Social (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will feature complimentary coffee and doughnuts (courtesy of Stewart’s Shops) and complimentary Saratoga Water. Admission to the Museum is free from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday Morning Social programming will include a special Belmont Stakes handicapping seminar with Mike Beer from Daily Racing Form at 10 a.m. Artist Greg Montgomery will also be on hand to sign copies of his 2025 Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes posters (available for purchase).

Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. is a 90-minute guided walking tour designed to entertain and enlighten both visitors and residents with the famed stories of the Spa City. Saratoga Springs was the playground of the rich and famous during the 1800’s and provides the stories of this gilded period of history. For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/.

Sunday, June 8

The Belmont Family Fun Fest (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will include games, food, animals, and more in a vibrant open house setting. Highlights will include a bounce house and slides; complimentary ice cream, popcorn, and cotton candy; a hammer strike game with prizes; magical feats from the spectacular Mr. Twisty (at 11 a.m.); a towering rock-climbing wall; a menagerie of animals; a face painting station; and a bird show from the Silent Wings Raptor Rescue. The event is open to all ages and is free to attend.

Behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Saratoga Race Course at 9:30 a.m. offers a rare opportunity to explore the oldest and one of the most iconic sporting venues in the United States. Led by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s Executive Director Samantha Bosshart, this special walking tour will take participants through both the public and lesser-known sides of the Saratoga Race Course. Highlights include iconic locations such as the Grandstand and Clubhouse, including the Oklahoma Training Track, as well as areas not usually open to the public—the original 1847 Race Course, and Horse Haven. Tours begin at the Whitney Viewing Stand at the Oklahoma Training Track. Reservations are required and space is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030.

Some additional Belmont Stakes Racing Festival items of interest:

• The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame satellite facility at the Saratoga Race Course’s Walk of Fame will be open daily during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

• The Past is Present, a mural by artist Celeste Susany in celebration of 75 years of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, will be complete and accessible for viewing on the Museum exterior on Ludlow Street.

• Contemporary Equine Art Display and Box Draw Art Sale (Monday, June 2 through Wednesday, June 4): In the spirit of the Belmont Stakes, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is hosting a display of original contemporary art created by five renowned equine artists: Robert Clark, Lisa Palombo, Jocelyn Russell, Steve Skipper, and Celeste Susany. Visit the Museum June 2 through June 4 to enter your intent to purchase one of these unique pieces. Proceeds from each piece of artwork are shared with the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and the artist.

Saratoga County Career Center Announces June Virtual Workshops Schedule

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during the month of June:

June 4 at 10 a.m. and June 5 at 10:30 a.m.: Resume Development – This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring it to match the job and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you. Facilitated by Rensselaer & Columbia-Greene and Schenectady.

June 5 at 11 a.m. and June 18 at 1:30 p.m.: Transferable Skills – Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired which can be used in a different job. Make it easy for employers to see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Learn ways to research the employer’s needs then identify and show them that you have these skills. Facilitated by Warren and Schenectady.

June 9 at 12 p.m.: Broadview Financial Well-Being – Your budget is a key that opens doors, guiding you to your money goals. Get ready to take control of your finances and your future! Find out how to organize what you make, spend, and save; set goals to save up, spend down, look ahead; harness the power of mindful spending; and identify budget tactics that work best for you. Facilitated by Broadview and Schenectady.  

June 10 at 10:30 a.m.: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady.

June 11 at 10 a.m. and June 24 at 1:30 p.m.: Goal Setting – Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: “if you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Find out how to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington and Albany. 

June 11 at 10:30 a.m.: Civil Service – Join us for a workshop on navigating the civil service system in local governments! This session will cover essential steps to secure a civil service job, focusing on the hiring process. Participants will learn about competitive examinations and local government positions and how to prepare for them. Facilitated by Schenectady.

June 17 at 10:30AM and June 18 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications – Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Schenectady.  Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

June 20 at 10:30AM and June 25 at 10:30 a.m.: Networking – Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Warren and Albany. Facilitated by Schenectady.

June 24 at 11 a.m.: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

June 26 at 1:30 p.m.: Social Media – Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/workforce to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information.  The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.

Photo of the Week


“Red Tail Hawk”
Photo by Paul Waterfield

“Feeding Time”
Photo by Robert Fonfriast

Photo by Susan Dornan

Thank you to all who submitted photos!

Spring Contest Closed. Contest Resumes Summer 2025!