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Author: Saratoga TODAY

SPAC Hosts College Graduation Ceremonies

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Photo of a Maria College graduate at SPAC by Cindy Schultz.

Photo of Skidmore College graduates via Skidmore.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As we go on, we remember all the SPAC we shared together.

Two higher education institutions celebrated their commencement ceremonies at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) last weekend: Skidmore College and Maria College.

Skidmore conferred 628 degrees during its 114th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 17. Members of the 2025 class hailed from 42 countries, 35 U.S. states, and Puerto Rico. 412 Bachelor of Arts and 216 Bachelor of Science degrees were conferred. Poetjournalist Aaron P. Dworkin and Adam D. Weinberg, director emeritus of the Whitney Museum of American Art, both received honorary degrees and addressed the graduates. 

The following day, Maria College awarded bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as practical nurse certificates, to 218 graduates in fields such as nursing, healthcare management, psychology, and liberal arts. Honorary doctorates were awarded to Sister Jean McGinty ’62 and Bartley J. Costello III for their leadership in healthcare and public service, while Maureen E. O’Brien received the McAuley Award for advancing disability inclusion and supporting student success. Keynote speaker Dr. Barbara Crump encouraged graduates to lead lives rooted in resilience, purpose, and service to others.

Impressions of Saratoga Owner Selected as New York Senate “Woman of Distinction”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Marianna Barker poses alongside State Senator Jim Tedisco.
Photo provided.

ALBANY — Marianne “Mare” Barker, owner and founder of the Impressions of Saratoga gift shop in downtown Saratoga Springs, was recently honored as a 2025 “Woman of Distinction” by Senator Jim Tedisco and his colleagues in the New York State Senate. 

“Under Mare’s leadership and dedication, Impressions of Saratoga has become a destination, woman-owned small business for locals and tourists to shop for all things Saratoga and equestrian themed,” Tedisco said in a statement. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to honor her as a 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction for all her hard work and everything she has done for our local economy.” 

Originally from Bellmore, New York, Barker attended SUNY Cobleskill, where she met her husband, Dave Barker. They have lived in Saratoga Springs for more than 45 years.

Barker initially started her business alongside her husband in Cobleskill in 1978 as a screen printing and embroidery shop. A retail storefront was added a year later before the store was relocated to the Spa City. Since 2018, Barker has co-owned Impressions with Maddy Zanetti.

Barker has also spearheaded other business endeavors over the years, including The Bijou Bar (during the 1980’s), Racing Impressions (the licensee and merchandiser for NYRA for eight years), and Bailey’s Café. In 2018, Barker and Zanetti opened their second retail location in downtown Saratoga, The Dark Horse Mercantile.

May 23 – May 29, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.


This Adirondack log home at 57 Lincoln Mountain Rd in Corinth was listed by Kate Naughton from Roohan Realty and sold for $395,000

BALLSTON 

Karen Vijaykumar sold property at 56 Forestbrook Dr to Kevin Fox for $565,000

Gustavo Lopez sold property at 87 McMaster St to Scott Frances for $460,000

Trenton Dunbar sold property at 11 McMaster St to Olya Prevo for $398,000

Michael DiPasquale sold property at 5 St Patrick Place to Joseph Macesker for $480,000

CORINTH

Foothills Builders LLC sold property at 9 Moose Way to Lori Zareski for $466,400

GREENFIELD

Scott Perkins sold property at 503 Middle Grove Rd to Telisky Development Partners LLC for $180,000

MALTA

Jordan Keefe sold property at 102 Arrowwood Pl to Christopher Nolan for $355,000

Robert Saumell sold property at 52 Wake Robin Rd to Taylor Poitras for $326,500

Michael Manosh sold property at 232 Van Aernem Rd to Brian Hauprich for $400,000

David Cayole sold property at 1B Applewood Dr to Michael Pizziketti for $420,000

MILTON

Joanna Hart sold property at 79 Thompson St to Regan Delancy for $185,400

SARATOGA

Sebastian Whiting sold property at 108 Oak Tree Dr to Pawfectionist LLC  for $500,000

Patrick Rubin sold property at 108 Coveville Rd to William Nizolek for $1,300,000

Melissa LaBate sold property at 10 Morgans Run to Frank Armenio for $246,500

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Salomone and Company LLC sold property at Columbia Ave to NYS People of New York State  for $478,600

Naylor Property Holdings sold property at 17 Beach Ct to Steven Dignam for $1,200,000

Patricia Wilkins sold property at 219 Division St to Eve Epstein for $790,000

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 455 to Miguel Diaz for $1,590,000

Mark Walsh sold property at 14 Robin Hood Ct to Nicholas Rodick for $510,000

WILTON

Tra Tom Development Inc sold property at 169 Traver Rd to Cobblehill Development LLC for $140,000

Tra Tom Development Inc sold property at 171 Traver Rd to Cobblehill Development LLC for $140,000

Tyler Hedge sold property at 32 Traver Rd to Joyce Jacobs for $198,000

Jeffrey Ball sold property at 63 Traver Rd to Joseph Firenze for $398,000

Forest Grove LLC sold property at 48 Daintree Dr to David Benton for $682,700

Pigliavento Assoc. sold property at 18 Eastpointe Dr to Timothy Morgan for $770,716

184 Edie Rd LLC sold property at 184 Edie Rd to 3Thirty Three Second Ave LLC for $915,000

Pigliavento Assoc. sold property at 8 Eastpointe Dr to Rajesh Patel for $854,109

Edie Road LLC sold property at 21 Cannon Royal Dr to Ovais Ahmed for $325,000

Yaddo Announces 2025 Summer Events,Natalie Merchant Named Guest of Honor

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.




Photo of Yaddo by Elizabeth Haynes, courtesy of Yaddo.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Yaddo, the famed artists’ retreat in Saratoga Springs, has unveiled its programming for the 2025 summer season, which includes a special appearance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant.

The scheduled events include: 

  • The Nature of Art, a series of talks that kicks off June 19 with Ian Berry of the Tang Teaching Museum (additional dates: July 10, August 7, and September 18); 
  • Wine & Roses, offering live classical music paired with regional wines (runs July 17, July 31, and August 14);
  • The Art of Wellness, select Sunday yoga classes in the gardens through October;
  • The 2025 Yaddo Golf Invitational on June 3 at the Saratoga National Golf Club;
  • The annual Yaddo Summer Benefit on June 26, featuring guest of honor Natalie Merchant;
  • A rare open house will close the season on September 27, offering the public a behind-the-scenes look at Yaddo’s mansion and grounds (details forthcoming). 
  • All the events benefit Yaddo, a nonprofit retreat that has hosted thousands of artists that have collectively earned 83 Pulitzer Prizes, 1 Nobel Prize, 13 Academy Awards, 71 Emmy Awards, 34 MacArthur “Genius” Fellowships, 71 National Book Awards, 500+ Guggenheim Fellowships, and 16 Tony Awards.
  • The Yaddo Gardens, the only part of the property open to the public, will welcome visitors from June 9 through October 9.
  • For tickets, event details, or to learn more, visit Yaddo.org.

SPAC Plans $12 Million Theater Renovation

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.


Renderings of a renovated Spa Little Theater via Phinney Design / the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced last week a $17.5 million fundraising campaign—the largest fundraising effort in SPAC history—in anticipation of its upcoming 60th anniversary next year. The capital campaign would allow SPAC to renovate its historic Spa Little Theater to the tune of $12 million.

“Launching our Four Seasons Campaign is an exciting next step that will bring us into the future, raising funds to completely renovate and restore Spa Little Theater for the first time in its 100-year history and supporting our year-round artistic and educational programming for years to come,” said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s chief executive officer, at the organization’s annual meeting.

As part of the quiet phase of the campaign, which launched in 2024, Stewart’s Shops/the Dake Family gave the lead gift of $1 million to support these initiatives. 

“In 1966, members of the Saratoga community came together to build SPAC. Sixty years later, we are asking the Saratoga community to help ensure that all we have created here together endures well into the future,” said Susan Law Dake, a SPAC board member and Four Seasons Campaign chair.

The theater renovation would be the first time that the 500-seat venue has undergone a major facelift since it was built in 1935. The redesign will be “fresh and accessible” while maintaining the venue’s “acoustic and historic integrity,” SPAC said.

Christopher Shiley, president of SPAC, said that since taking over operations of the Spa Little Theater in 2022, SPAC has presented more than 100 events at the venue, welcomed more than 35,000 guests, and expanded the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s season to a year-round residency. The theater has also been used as an event space for cultural, community, and corporate partners.

The project will include 17,125 square feet of interior and exterior renovations, including: 

  • a new floor plan and accessibility measures;
  • theater upgrades (including updated seats);
  • increased ADA seating;
  • a new stage floor;
  • an environmentally-efficient HVAC system;
  • a new lobby layout with an increased number of renovated and accessible restrooms;
  • an updated box office;
  • a new bar/café;
  • a multipurpose community room with an adjacent outdoor patio; 
  • a new artist suite and dressing rooms.

The project has been awarded a $2.2 million capital grant from Empire State Development through the Regional Council initiative, and $2 million pursuant to the most recently enacted New York State budget thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State Parks, and the New York State Legislature. Additional funding has been provided by the SPAC board and other private donors and family foundations.

A groundbreaking is slated for September 2025, with a reopening planned for late fall of 2026 to celebrate the conclusion of the 60th anniversary season.

Abigail Jenks Memorial Day Ruck Returns

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


image from event website

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The annual Abigail Jenks Memorial Day Ruck will return this year to raise funds for a Saratoga Springs High School scholarship that is awarded to graduating seniors who are enlisting in the U.S. Military, attending a service academy, or demonstrating a commitment to service—especially those involved in the arts.

The event was founded to honor Specialist 4th Class Abigail Jenks.

“The Abigail Jenks Memorial Day Ruck is in memory of a local hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Vincent Sablich told Saratoga TODAY. 

A ruck is a military-style training exercise that involves walking or jogging with a weighted backpack. The course winds just under 3 miles through Gavin Park and is meant to be a reflective experience, not a race. A small rucksack with a symbolic brick will be provided with registration, representing the weight carried by service members. Participants are welcome and encouraged to bring their own backpack or vest, and they can choose to walk or jog while rucking.

The ruck will begin at 9 a.m. at 10 Lewis Road in Saratoga Springs, near the large pavilion.

To register for the event, visit www.zippy-reg.com/online_reg/index.php?e=2246.

Discover Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.


Chowderfest 2022. Photo by Supersource Media Studios.


“At Discover Saratoga, we’re proud of the role we play in promoting Saratoga County and helping our local businesses thrive. In 2024, our work helped generate more than 855,000 room nights and $150 million in lodging revenue,” said Darryl Leggieri, President, Discover Saratoga. We also brought in hundreds of meetings, conventions, and sporting events, keeping Saratoga top of mind for travelers and event planners alike. It’s all about working together to keep our community vibrant, welcoming, and successful year-round.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs is known as a year-round destination filled with world-class attractions, thriving arts and culture, exquisite restaurants, upscale retail and boutique shopping, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The city and county owe much of their success and notoriety to the efforts of Discover Saratoga. 

Under the leadership of President Darryl Leggieri, Discover Saratoga acts as an outstanding resource for tourism and hospitality throughout Saratoga County. Their members’ hard work and support have enabled them to effectively market and promote the diverse businesses and attractions of our city and our county. Discover Saratoga’s commitment to the area’s history, culture, and hospitality have fueled economic growth and enhanced visitor experiences since their establishment in 1985.

Recent annual events hosted by Discover Saratoga include:

  • 2024 Healthy Saratoga Weekend
  • First-time event in 2024
  • 29 participants
  • 2024 Belmont on Broadway
  • Headlined by Blues Traveler Band
  • 15,000+ estimated attendees
  • 2024 Saratoga Wing Off
  • 34 participating restaurants
  • $6,000 raised for American Cancer Society
  • 2024 Restaurant Week
  • 46 participating restaurants
  • 6 first-time participants
  • 2024 Saratoga New Year’s Eve
  • 4 event venues and 12 musical acts
  • 3,500 estimated attendees
  • 2025 Chowderfest
  • 89 vendors including 13 first-time participants
  • 40,000 estimated attendees
  • 109,000 bowls of chowder served

For information or assistance from Discover Saratoga, visit www.discoversaratoga.org.

BBQ Fundraiser to Support Saratoga Schools Education Foundation

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Brooks’ House of BBQ will be supporting the Saratoga Schools Education Foundation on Friday, May 23 at Saratoga Springs High School. Pick-up is available from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the Saratoga Schools Education Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Saratoga Springs City School District.

To pre-order a dinner or donate a meal, visit: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/brooks-bbq-fundraiser-44754/

Photo of the Week

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.


“Got family to feed”
Photo by Bernie Fabry

Now is your chance to get your photo published!

Submit your “Photo of the Week” for a chance to be Published in PRINT in Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.  

Spring contest photo submissions close May 27.
One photo will be chosen
each week. 

Email your photo to: Design@SaratogaPublishing.com

Letters TO THE EDITOR

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Letters to the Editor, Neighborhood Buzz.

Dear Editor:

Kevin Veitch has done a great job as Greenfield Town Supervisor and I encourage Greenfield Republicans to support Kevin in the primary on June 24so that he can continue his good work for all Greenfield citizens.

In Kevin’s 3 years as supervisor, he has made doing business in our town more current with online forms and stronger procedures. Kevin is careful with our tax dollars demonstrated by the fact each budget while in office has been under the NYS tax cap. ARPA funds received during COVID, were spent wisely to the town with no reoccurring tax burden to citizens. Kevin is not only fiscally responsible, he understands the importance of our quality of life. He has invested in improving in our parks, great recreation programs, communications to the public and more.

Have you seen the Town’s newsletter? It is great and a good example of Kevin’s effort to build a kind and caring, healthy and informed community that is a great place to live and raise a family. Kevin and experienced and helpful team at town hall has made this happen. Veitch has proven he can do this job well.

Please support Kevin Veitch for Greenfield Town Supervisor.

– Daniel Pemrick

Former Town Supervisor of Greenfield NY


To assure balanced news coverage, it is the policy of this paper that no letters to the editor from candidates will be printed between Primary Day and Election Day.