Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Jeffrey D. Hazard

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Saratoga Springs — Jeff Hazard (80) died peacefully surrounded by his brother and sister on May 5, 2025. He is predeceased by his parents, Victor and Marion (Snyder), and is survived by his loving siblings Jimmy Hazard (Mary Jo), Mary Jane Anderson (Frank), John Hazard (Dorothy), Joseph Hazard (Debra), Alice Dennis (Gary), Michael Hazard (Tammy), and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jeff graduated from St. Peter’s Academy, where he was widely considered one of the top basketball athletes in the state of NY. During his tenure, Jeff held the section II record with 1,275 career points, and had a game high of 50 that stood for decades. Jeff led the Saints through several winning seasons during his storied high school career.

Because of his basketball talent and academic abilities, Jeff was recruited by several top schools including Kentucky, Wake Forest, Canisius, (who was in the finals of the NIT that year). Jeff chose St. Bonaventure University and was awarded one of their (only four) full 4-year athletic scholarships.

At that time in the mid 60’s St. Bonaventure’s basketball teams were nationally ranked. Jeff had many highlights in his college career including 29 points against Quincy, and the winning basket at Madison Square Garden as time expired against Fairfield. He is an inductee of both St. Peter’s (SCC) and St. Bonaventure’s Hall of Fame.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Jeff earned a Master’s degree in English, and another Master’s degree in Education. He was a widely acclaimed, and hugely popular teacher at Oswego Valley High School. Jeff also enjoyed putting on plays with students – his favorite being Romeo and Juliet.

During his retirement, Jeff enjoyed reading the classics like Shakespeare and Merton, handicapping horse races, and taking walks in the state park.

He will be missed. Good-bye Goose. HONK! HONK!

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the 2-Springs and 5-Springs staff at Wesley Nursing Home, as well as to all the Hospice staff that assisted in Jeff’s extraordinary care. We appreciate their love, patience, and compassion.

At Jeff’s request, there will be no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes (518-584-5373).

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 15th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Saratoga Springs.

Memorial donations in Jeff’s memory can be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, Gift Processing Center, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Carol Ann Conklin (Pilchen)

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON — Carol Ann Conklin (Pilchen) reluctantly left this Earth on April 17, 2025 at the age of 83, surrounded by her family. She is now in the smoking section of the sky with endless coca-colas and her greatest love of all, her husband of nearly 64 years, Carl.

She will be dearly missed by her children: Carl Conklin (Nancy), Jeff Conklin (Allyson), Jennifer Nichols (Michael), Debra Schubert (Richard); grandchildren: Tiffany, Zachary (Christina), Kristen (Michael), Rinnieco, Katie, Erika (Cody), Elizabeth (Chris), Nicholas, Cheyenne (Chris) and Joshua (Roshi); great-grandchildren: Marnie, Dane, Isabel, Sebastian, Gavin, Bella, Ziggy, Ryder, Gerah, River, Ezrah, Wesson, Journie, Oliver, Kieran, Declan, Imogen; her brother Michael DeRocker (Heather), her sister Kimberly DeRocker, sister-in-law Donna Conklin, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Conklin; her mother, Audrey DeRocker; her stepfather, Harold DeRocker; her father, Robert Pilchen; her sisters, Sheila Pilchen and Diane Perry; her brother, Robert Pilchen; her brother-in-law, William Conklin; and her in-laws, Carl and Ruth Conklin. 

Born in Amsterdam, New York, Carol (Nana) was the rock of her family and dedicated her life to creating a loving home for the entire family. She raised her children and the generations to follow, with patience, grace, and love.  She overcame all obstacles with those same traits.  While Carol often said, “my husband was the stoic one,” it was her, always her, that quietly persevered with nary a complaint. Carol was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, tennis, Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan, to name just a few.  She had a vast knowledge of music, sports, and literature and was a closet poet, sharing her work with only a select few.

A celebration of Carol’s life is scheduled for June 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs, NY.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the very caring people of Palliative and Hospice Care who took such great care of her (Mitch, Chaplain Tom, Jill, Melanie, Kawana, Tammy and Karen). 

Donations can be made in Carol’s memory to Doctors Without Borders, The Community Hospice of Saratoga County, or a charity dear to your heart.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Saratoga Bridges Hosts the White Party Presents Moonlight and Magic Gala

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


The White Party Presents Moonlight and Magic Gala June 14

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The White Party presents Moonlight and Magic Gala will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 6-10 p.m. at the 1863 Club, located at Saratoga Race Course. 

Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, a dinner, live music, and silent and live auctions to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Saratoga County. 

The featured guests of the night include the events co-chairs Kimberly & Leigh McConchie, the agency’s Community Builder Recognition Awardees Sonny & Julie Bonacio, and special guest Emcee & Auctioneer Chris Onorato, Anchor for News Channel 13.

Guests are encouraged to wear white or moonlight-inspired attire.

To purchase tickets for the White Party Gala, visit www.saratogabridges.org and click on “The White Party” button on the home page. Reservations are required for the event, and tickets must be purchased by Monday, June 2. The silent auction is open to the public and will be open during the week of the event. 

Saratoga Bridges has provided services and programs to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 60 years by promoting their abilities and achievements in every aspect of community life. 

For more information on the Moonlight and Magic Gala, contact Saratoga Bridges at 518-587-0723 ext. 1266 or via email at info@saratogabridges.org. 

Public Workshop for Revitalize Ballston Spa Plan, May 21

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The Village of Ballston Spa invites all residents, business owners, and stakeholders to participate in a public workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at 50 West High St. Ballston Spa, as part of the ongoing Revitalize Ballston Spa planning initiative. 

The workshop will be held to solidify a shared community vision for the future of downtown Ballston Spa and surrounding areas, and to prioritize the redevelopment of specific strategic sites.

The May 21 workshop will include a brief presentation and open house collaboration and interactive activities to help shape the implementation strategy for the final plan.

No prior registration is required. For more information about the Revitalize Ballston Spa Plan and ongoing opportunities for public input, visit www.revitalizebspa.com or contact the Committee liaison, Trustee Bernadette Van Denise at trusteebernadette@ballstonspa.gov. 

The Revitalize Ballston Spa plan is a comprehensive, community-driven effort designed to attract investment and funding opportunities by establishing a clear and actionable vision for the Village’s future. Supported by grant funds from the NYS Department of State Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program, this 12-month planning process is focused on identifying both challenges and opportunities for downtown revitalization, with the goal of ensuring vibrant redevelopment that benefits the entire community.

City Police Partners with #WHATSMYNAME Foundation in Ride Share Safety Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Saratoga Springs: promoting ride share safety and awareness.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — the Saratoga Springs Police Department has partnered with the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation to promote ride share safety and awareness throughout the community Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll announced last week. 

The initiative honors the memory of Samantha Josephson, a New Jersey resident kidnapped and murdered in March 2019 near the University of South Carolina by someone posing as a rideshare driver. 

In response to the tragedy, Josephson’s family founded the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation to educate the public on the importance of verifying ride share drivers. 

A central message of the campaign is the simple but powerful reminder: always ask, “What’s my name?” before entering a ride share vehicle.

As the city continues to encourage the use of rideshare and taxi services for convenience and safety, new roadside signs will be installed to remind passengers to take precautionary steps before getting into any vehicle, Coll said. 

Greenfield Holds First Community Day Celebration Saturday

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

MIDDLE GROVE — The Town of Greenfield will hold its first Community Day Celebration on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Middle Grove Park at 428 Middle Grove Road. 

Food and drinks will be sold and there will be a special appearance by many Greenfield Farmers Market vendors. There will be fire trucks, firehoses, live music, art and an inflatable obstacle course for the children. 

The event, described as a “red, white and blue barbecue,” will feature commemorative “TOG Better TOGether” t-shirts for $15. 

The Town of Greenfield is home to 8,200 residents in Greenfield, Porter Corners, Middle Grove, Lake Desolation and Maple Ave. It spans more than 41,000 acres of land bordering the Adirondacks and is the largest town in Saratoga County, by square mile. 

Sing in the Streets: Caffè Lena Celebrates 65 Years with Free Neighborhood Music Festival May 18

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Free, live and fun.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 4th annual Sing in the Streets Festival—a free, family-friendly celebration – will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18 on the streets surrounding Caffè Lena.

The gathering celebrates the historic venue marking 65 years of live music and grassroots culture.

The event will feature 15 acts across 7 stages, with a genre-spanning lineup that includes folk, blues, jazz, country, and soul. A dedicated Family Stage will offer performances tailored for children and families.

Performers include: Carling & Will; Catfish in the Sky; Cold Chocolate; Ellen Pieroni Encyclopedia of Soul; Emily Barnes; Guitaro5000; Golfstrom; HEARD; Jacob Shipley; Mercer Patterson Quartet; Sara Milonovich & Greg Anderson. 

“Sing in the Streets is our way of saying thank you to Saratoga Springs,” said Sarah Craig, executive director of Caffè Lena. “It’s our gift to the community that has embraced Caffè Lena for 65 years, and a chance for people of all ages to experience live music for free, right in the heart of downtown.”

Founded and organized by local musician and Caffè Lena Director of Finance & Operations, Mateo Vosganian, the festival has grown each year in scale and impact.

“Sing in the Streets was created to bring Caffè Lena’s mission out into the open—literally,” said Vosganian. “It’s all about accessibility, discovery, and joy. This event lets people stumble into something beautiful—whether that’s a band they’ve never heard of or a shared experience with a neighbor they’ve never met.”

The festival is free and open to the public and will take place rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, performances will move to nearby indoor locations. A full schedule and weather plan will be posted at www.caffelena.org in the days leading up to the event.

Saratoga Springs Resident Wins “Top Workplace” Leadership Award 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs resident Jeff Methven was recently honored with the Top Workplaces 2025 Leadership Award for large employers.

Methven is president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam. He is the first leader of a Capital Region acute care hospital to earn this distinction in the 14 years since the Times Union launched the Top Workplace recognition program.

Before joining St. Mary’s, Methven served as executive vice president at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs. A graduate of Le Moyne College in Syracuse, Methven has an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Rochester.

Skidmore Riding Team Places 5th in National Championship

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


Image via Skidmore Athletics.

MILL SPRING, NORTH CAROLINA — The Skidmore College riding team finished 5th in the closely-contested Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Championship in North Carolina last weekend. 

Overall, the Thoroughbreds finished with 33 team points, only 4 shy of first-place Purdue. Heading into the final day of competition at the three-day tournament, Skidmore was in a three-way tie for second place.

Among various individual achievements at the tournament, junior Bevin Dean won the Individual Introductory Equitation, senior Charlotte Lyon won Limit Equitation Over Fences, sophomore Isa Jensen placed third in the Intermediate Equitation Over Fences Team competition, and sophomore Stella Allen earned a third-place finish in the Team Novice Equitation.

The Thoroughbreds have won a total of 9 IHSA National Championships, most recently in 2023.

Grab a Pole & Cast a Line: Academy for Lifelong Learning Offers Freshwater Fishing Class

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Academy for Lifelong Learning is offering a 2-session freshwater fishing course on May 30 and June 6, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus (50 Pine Road in Saratoga Springs). Registration is open to everyone.

The presenter, Captain Jim Mason, is a New York State fishing guide, YouTube fisherman (Jimjam Fishing YouTube channel), and fishing facts writer. He’ll be offering tips and tricks with live demonstrations and hands-on videos.

For more information or to fill out a registration form, visit www.allsaratoga.org.