QUEENSBURY — Eleanor Hill passed away July 1, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Anthony Dowiak and Anelia Fedyk. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Online condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joan A’hearn passed away July 8, 2025. Born on October 10, 1937, in Queens, NY she was the daughter of the late John McGee and Katherine Granger. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Online condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
CAMBRIDGE — Natalie Riccio passed away on July 1, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Daniel Zacharkiw and Olga Opelia. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Online condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Michael James “Coach” Carney passed away on June 22, 2025. Visitation was on July 9, at Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway (518-584-5373). A Mass was held on July 10, at St. Clement’s Church. Burial will be private. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Saratoga Springs — Roy J. Stevens, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Saratoga Hospital with his loving family by his side.
Born on September 30, 1944, in Manistee, Michigan, he was the son of Jack and Dorothy (Hunter) Stevens.
Roy worked as a salesman and had a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He especially loved bicycles, often riding 8 to 10 miles through the Wilton area. He enjoyed staying active, tackling home projects, and feeding his backyard birds.
Roy was known for his great sense of humor. He saw the positive side of life and was always ready with his “dad jokes”. He loved the art world. Throughout his life he spent many hours producing abstract paintings and landscapes.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Stevens; daughter, Lindsay Morgan Stevens; brothers, Gary Stevens (Marge) and Lawrence Stevens (Gail); sisters, Jean Droze (Fred), Ann Stevens, and Jackie Berry.
In addition to his parents, Roy was predeceased by his brother Alva Stevens.
In honoring Roy’s wishes, no public services will be held.
Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Online condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
With the summer months upon us, the Wilton Wildlife Preserve is going to be busy with several events open to the public.
From writing to bird watching, here are the events visitors can look forward to at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve.
Free Writing Workshops
If you love the outdoors and have a passion for writing, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park invites you to immerse yourself in both on Thursday, July 17, and Tuesday, August 12, at 1:00 p.m. This workshop will explore how keen observation of the natural world can inspire writing, from non-fiction to poetry.
Michael Steven Marx, Professor of English at Skidmore College, aided by a Wilton Wildlife environmental Educator, will lead a 90-minute workshop, discussing the elements of good writing and short samples of work by some of the best nature writers followed by a short walk through the preserve, sharpening observation skills, and exploring its unique habitat, ending with a free-write session by participants inspired by their outdoor experience. Participants will be encouraged to share their writing with others for discussion.
This program will be suitable for ages 10 years old and up. All supplies will be provided. Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Registration is required at least one day in advance as space is limited.
Wetland Exploration Programs at Saratoga PLAN’s Round Lake Preserve
Back by popular demand, Wilton Wildlife will once again be partnering with Saratoga PLAN, helping visitors learn about the diverse aquatic ecosystem of the Round Lake Preserve. Participants will start with a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk while learning about the organisms that call the Preserve home.
The program ends with a fun scavenger hunt to earn a prize! These programs will take place on Thursdays, July 15 & 29, and August 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
Summer Bird Watching Walks
On Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, August 17, at 8:00 a.m., Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding a Summer Bird Watching Walk. Join a Wilton Wildlife educator on a gorgeous morning walk through the Saratoga Sand Plains to discover birds that call Wilton Wildlife their home in the summer months.
This program is suitable for ages 13 and up and is made possible through the support of Brookfield Renewable. Registration is required at least one business day in advance.
To register for any of these events, please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.
MECHANICVILLE — Just Cats Veterinary Clinic, the Capital Region’s only feline-exclusive veterinary practice, has announced that its newest location in Mechanicville will open on Monday, Aug. 4.
The move represents a major expansion for the locally-owned clinic, offering triple the space and expanded services to better serve its growing clientele.
The new Mechanicville clinic will replace the smaller, existing Saratoga Springs location and will feature five exam rooms, dedicated surgical and dental suites, modern treatment areas, ample on-site parking, and improved accessibility at a major intersection.
Just Cats Veterinary Clinic remains independently owned and operated, a rarity in today’s veterinary industry. The practice is currently welcoming new clients and actively seeking an additional veterinarian to join the team.
Founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Susan Sikule, Just Cats provides full-service veterinary care, including surgery, dentistry, vaccinations, senior pet wellness, and advanced diagnostics—all in a cat-friendly environment.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Summer Concert Series returns to Congress Park for the 2025 season, kicking off on Sunday, July 6 with Fenimore Blues. The free, family-friendly concert series is a program of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center in partnership with Discover Saratoga and the City of Saratoga Springs.
The series will take place on Sundays in July and on Tuesdays in August. Shows will begin at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial in Congress Park. Each concert will be approximately 90 minutes. In the event of rain, performances will be held at the back covered patio at the Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway.
The 2025 lineup is as follows:
° July 6 – Fenimore Blues: Fenimore Blues, based in Saratoga Springs, performs an eclectic mix of blues, R&B, and rock.
° July 13 – MPThree: MPThree is an acoustic band with a musical style rooted in country and classic genres, with a focus on storytelling and connecting with the audience.
° July 20 – Mostly Modern Festival-FAB 5: this program features the Mostly Modern composers mixed with The FAB 5’s most popular jams.
° July 27 – Skippy and the Pistons: local band Skippy and the Pistons is an 8-piece classic rock horn band, celebrating 50 years together.
° August 5 – Big Medicine: Big Medicine features honeyed vocals, supple R&B, folk rock grooves, and rich acoustic-based textures.
° August 12 – Rustic Spirit: the music of Rustic Spirit is a heavy dose of southern rock classics with a unique blend of country and classic rock.
° August 19 – Garland Nelson and Soul Session: Soul Session’s emotive style across all genres earned them the distinction of 2019 Eddies Award Winner for “Best Band in Capital Region NY.”
° August 26 – Tops of Trees: an original Rock & Soul ensemble hailing from upstate New York, the band aims to thrill audiences with high-energy performances and a modern interpretation of soulful music steeped in early R&B, funk, and soul.
For more information, please contact the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241 or visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has announced its 2025 Saratoga Summer Event Series lineup, which features three evenings of food and drinks that support the organization’s mission to provide lifetime care for retired thoroughbreds. More information and tickets can be found at www.trfinc.org/events.
Gumbo with Kendrick
Date: Monday, July 21 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak Street, Saratoga Springs
Now in its fifth year, this dinner brings jockey Kendrick Carmouche back to the kitchen to prepare his signature Louisiana gumbo. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, a cash bar, and a taste of Kendrick’s southern roots.
LALO “For Jocks & Horses”
Date: Tuesday, July 30 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: The Adelphi Hotel, 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
This cocktail-style event hosted in partnership with LALO Tequila benefits both the TRF and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. It features signature drinks, small bites, and an opportunity to mingle with jockeys and horsemen.
TRF Backyard BBQ at Rood & Riddle
Date: Tuesday, August 19 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, 63 Henning Road, Saratoga Springs
The summer series concludes with the TRF Backyard BBQ, hosted by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Held on the grounds of their Saratoga Springs facility, the evening will feature classic BBQ fare, a cash bar, live entertainment, a silent auction, and the chance to meet and network with equine professionals, supporters, and racing professionals.
Stake Races
*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing.
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Manila: 3YO, 1 Mile – Turf, Purse $200,000
Schuylerville: F2YO, 6 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $150,000
Belmont Derby Invitational: 3YO, 1 1/8 – (Turf),
Purse $750,000
Suburban pres. by Subourbon: 4&UP, 1 1/4 – Dirt, Purse $400,000
Harvey Pack: 3&UP, 5 1/2 (Turf), $150,000
Saturday, July 5
Sanford: 2YO, 6 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $175,000
Belmont Oaks Invitational: F3YO, 1 1/8 (Turf),
Purse $500,000
Kelso: 4&UP, 1 Mile (Turf), Purse $175,000
Friday, July 4:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 11-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Sunglasses Giveaway
The first 15,000 fans through the gates will receive a complimentary pair of red Saratoga-branded sunglasses, featuring a mirror shield and the Saratoga Race Course logo.
free admission for first responders, veterans & military members:
All first responders, active military and veterans will receive free admission with valid ID.
Carnival Games:
Fans can enjoy horse-themed carnival games with prizes all day long, located just outside of the Taste NY Pavillion.
Saratoga Springs Fireworks:
Following the conclusion of racing, fans can head downtown for Saratoga’s All-American Celebration, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display from atop the Saratoga Springs City Center Parking Garage at 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 5:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 12-race
program getting underway at 12:35 p.m.
Red, White and Blue Photo Magnets:
Fans can enjoy complimentary, patriotic-themed photo magnets at the Jockey Silks Porch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Yankee Doodle Band:
Rensselaer’s Yankee Doodle Band will perform trackside during the afternoon. Founded in 1927 by American Legion Post 471 in Rensselaer, the Yankee Doodle Band began as a senior drum and bugle corps. Over the decades, the Band earned recognition at national American Legion events, parades, and patriotic ceremonies, including New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller’s inauguration and events at the Empire State Plaza.
Horseback Rides:
Complimentary horseback rides will be available in the backyard for children from noon to 4 p.m., courtesy of Adirondack Dreamcatcher Farm, located in nearby Corinth.
