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Author: Saratoga TODAY

SPAC Festival of Young Artists Showcases Local Talent


The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists returned for its eighth annual event on Sunday, June 1 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Following the theme Wonder – the festival celebrated the collaborative creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region’s young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists, all in support of SPAC’s mission to provide free and accessible arts programming for local youth. The afternoon included individual pop-up performances and art displays, culminating in a large-scale, coordinated production on SPAC’s stage. As part of the production, an original musical composition by festival student, Siyi Guo (Guilderland HS, Grade 12), premiered on the SPAC stage, performed by the ESYO Symphony Orchestra. Photo by Erica Miller. 

Improv Spaces Music Fest Returns June 7


Image provided.

ROUND LAKE — The second annual Improv Spaces Music Fest will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. at the Round Lake Auditorium at 2 Wesley Ave.

35 artists will be performing at the festival, including the new 13-person Improv Spaces Ensemble, which is comprised of Jess Bowen, violin; Sabrina Trueheart, nylon guitar; Justin Holden, guitar; Alex Chang, electric harp; Jason Handron, string bass; Christian Thomas, bass and synthesizer; Adam Elabd, winds, bass, and vocals; Adam Tinkle, woodwinds/electronics; Cousin Angus, brass, vocals, and electronics; Karen Dazzler, sax; Adam Forman, drums; Nicholas Kopp aka djdrummernk, percussion and electronics; and Matt Weston, percussion.

Co-directors of Improv Spaces, harpist Alex Chang and percussionist Adam Forman, hope to bring a focus on Capital Region performers and to develop the area as a major hub for improvisation and experimental music. 

“Looking at the list of performers, it’s great to see folks from different backgrounds—classical, pop, singer songwriter, jazz, free improv, visual art—all coming together to be a part of one event,” Forman said in a statement.

Additional festival performances will include: 

  • the Human Rites Trio with Jason Kao Hwang (composer and violin/viola), Ken Filiano (string bass), and Andrew Drury (drum set); 
  • local bluegrass band Special Creek brought together by bassist Bob Zink with Sam Katz (mandolin), Deena Chappell (multi-instrumentalist), Andy Roth (multi-instrumentalist), Tim Barker (guitarist), and Adam Forman (percussionist); 
  • a screening of a special edit of the film “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” with a live score by a fusion of synthesizers from across the decades with Electronic Cinema (Joe Fee, Ed Fritz, and Mike Sojkowski); 
  • steel drum with Shiloh Wilson and band members including Jake Hart (guitar), Lee Gnau (bass), and Stephen Struss (drums); 
  • pipe organ collaboration with Jonathan Fuller (organ) and Nicholas Kopp aka djdrummernk; 
  • the acoustic and electronic sounds of duo Ethan Cohn (bass) and MAYSUN (percussion); 
  • and native flute with musician and storyteller Joseph Bruchac.

For a complete schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit improvspaces.org/2025-improv-spaces-music-festival/.

Forest Mark Duckett   


GANSEVOORT — Forest Mark Duckett passed away on May 29, 2025.  Details of a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Michael A. Stoneback  


SARATOGA SPRINGS — Michael A. Stoneback passed away May 21, 2025.  A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday June 11, 2025, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Robert Demetras  


ALBANY/SARATOGA SPRINGS — Robert Demetras, age 93, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025.  A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6, in Greenridge Cemetery, 17 Green Ridge Pl, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com. 

Brenda Buchholz 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Brenda Buchholz passed away May 17, 2025.  Visitation was held on May 27 at Compassionate Funeral Care. The funeral service was held on May 28 at Compassionate Funeral Care followed by a graveside service at Maplewood Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

June 6 – June 12, 2025

Upcoming Events

6 Hour Defensive Drive 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. 

Ulysses S. Grant Cottage Community Day Celebration

Grant Cottage, 1000 Mount McGregor Rd., Wilton 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free cottage walk-through tours. Free-music, face painting, bubble artist, 250th Anniversary cake, scavenger hunt, audio tours, magic show, jugglers, caricaturist, raptor show, civil war reenactors, cannon fire demos, tin type photography, pony rides, petting zoo, cornhole, 19th Century games, and flags. There will also be food for purchase and a Victorian hat sale and more. For details visit grantcottage.org. 

1st Annual Impactful Education Golf Tournament

Sponsored by Minich MacGregor Wealth Management at Airway Meadows Golf Club on Saturday, June 14.  A shotgun-start, 4-person scramble followed by a picnic dinner under the clubhouse tent.  Golfer fees are $125 and include several contests on course – putting, chipping, closest to the line, longest drive, and a hole-in-one worth $10,000. Also, a Golf Ball Drop sponsored by Saratoga Veterinary Hospital PC.  Golf balls are sold for $5 each – if your ball rolls in the cup you’ll win $500 cash (split if more than one winner)!  Call Don Wildermuth at 518-430-8670 to buy Golf Ball Drop chances or for more information. Registration forms can be found at our website at www.impactfuleducationprojects.org.  

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. 

Town of Greenfield Summer Farmers Market

Thursday evenings, June 19 – September 18, at Middle Grove Park, 428 Middle Grove Rd. from 4 – 7 p.m. Shop, play, eat and stay for the evening to enjoy the outdoors. Local vendors will be selling bread, baked goods, candies, eggs, flowers, jams/jellies, wine, maple syrup products, pickles, pierogies, apparel, and more. There is also a lot of artisan merchandise like woodwork, glassware, homemade soaps, jewelry, candles, apparel, pottery herbal apothecary, handbags, and other gifts. Rotating local food trucks and entertainment are scheduled each week. Entertainment will include inflatable obstacle courses for kids, live music, hoedowns, magicians and more.

June 6 – June 12, 2025

This Week’s Events:   

Friday, June 6

Saratoga Race Course Tours

Tour Begins at the Whitney Viewing Stand, Oklahoma Training Track, Saratoga Race Course | 9:30 a.m. and Sunday, June 8, 9:30 a.m.  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.  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. 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.

Karner Blue Butterfly Walk

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 1:30 p.m. 

The endangered Karner blue butterfly has two broods every year. The first brood emerges in late May and the second brood in early July. On a guided walk through the meadows, learn about the Saratoga Sand Plains ecosystem on which this animal thrives, and how it became endangered. This walk is with the Saratoga Springs Public Library. To register for the June 6 walk, call the library at (518) 584-7860 ext. 305.

Saturday, June 7

Annual Plant Sale

Dockstader Recreation Fields, 5078 Sacandaga Road, Galway | 9 a.m. – Noon.  The Glenville Hills Garden Club of Saratoga County will hold its annual plant sale. Over 90 varieties of perennial plants as well as herbs, flowering shrubs, ground covers, vines, and bulbs will be offered for sale. Proceeds will fund the garden club projects, including community beautification and the sponsorship of students at environmental camps.   

2nd Annual Improv Spaces Music Fest

Round Lake Auditorium, 2 Wesley Ave, Round Lake | 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Live Performance offerings all day during Belmont Stakes weekend. The 2025 Improv Spaces Music Festival will present 35 musicians and collaborators from the Capital Region and beyond. Doors open 9:30 a.m. with a community brunch (food provided). General Admission is $25/Students with ID $5/Children are free. Tickets and more information at www.improvspaces.org. 

Opening Reception: Brilliant Becoming

Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring St., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 8 p.m. An Exhibition Celebrating Transformation, Resilience, and Radiant Renewal featuring Artists Susie Kane-Kettlewell and Terry Teitelbaum. Brilliant Becoming is a celebration of transformation — both sudden and steady, wild and wondrous. In this pairing of works, bold, kinetic explosions of color evoke moments of personal triumph, where chaos gives way to clarity and spirit breaks into full bloom. From the raw, emotional energy captured in abstract bursts to the luminous landscapes of renewal, the exhibit invites viewers to witness the many forms of becoming: the fiery victories, the quiet awakenings, and the enduring beauty that follows.

Sunday, June 8

For the Love of Animals

Live on Zoom | 2 p.m.  Captivating stories that shed a light on the Jewish soul—and you don’t have to love animals to resonate with them. You’re sure to enjoy these funny and thrilling Jewish tales about brief encounters and long-term relationships with animals, wild and domestic, and how they change us.

SJCA is proud to bring The Braid’s performances to our audiences, with the sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs and a generous donation from Barry and Shelley Bader in memory of their daughter, Melissa Bader Lewis. Pre-registration is required. Click on a link below: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/X8F9Mp5/June8AFTERNOONBraid2pm

Monday, June 9

Is that Artificial Intelligence (AI)? 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 4 p.m. AI programs can create ultra-realistic images and videos, so it may be hard to tell if what you see was created or altered by AI. We’ll teach you tips and tools to help you determine if an image was generated by AI and how to do a reverse image search to find out the internet history of any image you find online. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Tuesday, June 10

The Heritage Garden Club Meeting 

Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa | Noon.  Charlene DuBuque of

Brookside Museum will be presenting a program on “Passing the time in Victorian Saratoga County.”  The Heritage Garden Club is a nonprofit garden club devoted to promoting horticultural education,

the love of gardening, floral design, as well as civic and environmental awareness among the community.  Those interested in joining are always welcome to join us as new members.  You don’t have to have a “green thumb” to join our garden club.  If interested, contact 518-256-3141 or find us on Facebook @HeritageGardenClubof
SaratogaSprings.

Meet the Candidates 

Greenfield Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center | 7 – 8:00 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will moderate a “Meet the Candidates” forum in advance of the Republican primary election for the office of Supervisor of the Town of Greenfield. All are welcome to attend. 

Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival

Various locations | Announcing 14 programs for this summer, including food and Klezmer music festivals, films, book discussions, art programs, theater productions, and more. Program sponsors include Temple Sinai, Congregation Beth Shalom, Congregation Shaara Tflle, Clifton Park Chabad, and Saratoga Chabad. Events begin Tuesday, June 10 at Temple Sinai for Zaidy’s War, a discussion with author Martin Bodek, and continue through the summer, concluding August 27, with Der Kleiner Klezmer Musical Review, at Beth Shalom in Clifton Park. For more information, visit www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org or The Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival on Facebook.

Wednesday,
June 11

Saratoga County History Center Tour

Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10am.  Local historian and author Hollis Palmer will revisit the Gilded Age by telling stories behind the great cottages that line Union Avenue and Circular Street in the city. All tours are scheduled for approximately 90 minutes. Registration is available at brooksidemuseum.org. Tour limits vary between 25 and 45 people. Suggested donation for the walking tours is $10 to support the programs of the Museum.

Stuffed Chicken Breast 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: boneless stuffed chicken breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cranberry sauce, roll, tossed salad. $15 (cash only). 

Green Drinks

Whitman Brewing Company, 20 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Green Drinks! A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Green Drinks – Saratoga Springs is held monthly. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/green-drinks-20/

Opera Saratoga Festival Artist Portrait Concert

Saratoga Winery, 462 Route 29, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.  – 8 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 stunning 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. This week’s concert is hosted by soprano (and Lake George Opera Festival alum) Amy Burton. Amy 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. 

The Civil War Letters of Captain Luther M Wheeler 

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 – 8:30 p.m. Local author David Handy will bring to life the Civil War experiences of Captain Wheeler as related in his letters to his family. Wheeler wrote about military life and the carnage of battles he participated in, including the Peninsula Campaign, Antietam and Fredericksburg. Handy has compiled these letters along with the author’s commentary in his latest book, I Think I Shall See a Hundred Battle.

Thursday, June 12

Saratoga Lake Association Happy Hour 

Carson’s Woodside Tavern, 57 Route 9P, Malta | 5 – 7 p.m.

Join us for a relaxed and fun evening on the lake as we kick off our summer membership drive. Reconnect with neighbors, make new friends, and enjoy stunning Lake views, drinks, and light bites. Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the area, this is a great chance to learn more about becoming a member and getting involved in Bring a friend—better yet—two. The more, the merrier. We can’t wait to see you there!

16th Annual Route 50 Mile Road Race

Corner of Route 50 and Kingsley Rd., Burnt Hills | 6:50 p.m.  CAPTAIN Community Human Services is proud to present the 16th Annual Route 50 Mile. 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.

Saratoga Builders Association Awards Two Student Scholarships


SBA Executive Director Barry Potoker, 2025 SBA Scholarship recipient Jameson Brownell, 2025 “Bob Best” Memorial Scholarship recipient Sean Ward and SBA President Matt Whitbeck of Whitbeck Construction.
Photo provided by the Saratoga Builders Association

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. is proud to announce the awarding of two student $1000 cash scholarships. One is the annual SBA Scholarship and the second is the annual “Bob Best” Memorial Scholarship.

Congratulations to Sean Ward of Corinth. Sean will be graduating from Corinth High School this June and plans on attending Hudson Valley Community College pursuing a degree in Construction Technology.

Congratulations to Jameson Brownell of Schuylerville. Jameson will be graduating from Schuylerville High School this June and plans on attending Utica College pursuing a degree in Construction Management.

The Saratoga Builders Association makes these two student scholarship awards available annually to high school seniors or college students who are planning to pursue a career in the construction industry.

BSCSD Announces New Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics

Ballston Spa Central School District Superintendent Dr. Gianleo A. Duca announced Matthew R. Griep would be the School District’s new Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics. 

Matt is the current Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics at South Glens Falls Central School District, where he has worked for six years leading a comprehensive health, physical education, and athletic program serving nearly 3,000 students, 1,300 student athletes, 140 coaches and staff, 77 teams, and 20 physical and health education teachers. 

Prior to taking this position in South Glens Falls, Matt was the Assistant Director of Student Activities in Fairfax, Virginia where he led and assisted in the organization and implementation of both athletic and non-athletic student programs, the health and physical education programs, as well as the fine and performing arts programs.

Matt’s wealth of experience in these realms as well as his commitment to student athlete mental health, and his experience serving as the Foothills Council Secretary and the Section II Foothills Council League Representative, set him apart from other qualified candidates during a very rigorous interview process.  

Matt holds a BS in Physical Education and a BS in Health Education — both  from East Stroudsburg University —as well as Masters in Educational Leadership from George Mason University. He currently resides in Saratoga with his wife, Erin, and three children. 

He will begin his new leadership position at Ballston Spa on July 1, 2025. Please join us in welcoming Matt to the district!