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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Library Seeks Halfmoon Trustee for Appointment

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

CLIFTON PARK — The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking to fill a vacant seat on its 11-member board. This vacancy is due to the recent resignation of a sitting trustee representing the Town of Halfmoon.

In accordance with the bylaws, the sitting trustees will proceed to appoint a trustee to fill the position for the remainder of 2025.

Residents of the Town of Halfmoon, living within the library tax district, who are interested in being considered for the vacant position should contact Alex Gutelius, Library Director, at agutelius@sals.edu or 518-371-8622 for details about the application process. Applications are due by Tuesday, May 20.

Annual Turning Point Symposium & Bus Tour in Schuylerville This Weekend

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY — The Saratoga County 250th Commission today announced the 4th Annual Turning Point Symposium will be held on May 3 from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Old Saratoga American Legion Post, 6 Clancy St. in Schuylerville. As an enhancement to the Symposium, a guided bus tour following the Knox Trail will be offered on May 4th.

General registration for the symposium is $89 and includes a light breakfast and deli lunch. The guided bus tour is $75 and includes a box lunch.  Those interested can register for both events at Saratoga250.com.   

Formerly known as the Women in War Symposium, the event features renowned authors and historians presenting on Revolutionary War history.  This year, topics related to Henry Knox and his Noble Train of Artillery have been added to coincide with the 250th anniversary of that historic event, which will be commemorated later this year.  Additionally, book vendors, augmented reality exhibits and an 18th century artillery display will be available throughout the day. 

Departing from the Gateway Visitor Center on 30 Ferry St. in Schuylerville, Sunday’s event will be following the sled tracks of Henry Knox and his Noble Train of Artillery. The tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., highlighting sites from Fort Miller to the Mohawk River.  

To register or for more information, please visit Saratoga250.com.

Richard Hoague 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


TROY — Richard Hoague passed away April 25, 2025 at St. Peter’s Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. A Christian graveside service was held on Thursday, May 1, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 225 Main Street, South Glens Falls, NY 12803.  For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com. 

James Leonard Long

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


ALBANY — James Leonard Long, passed away April 18, 2025.  Family and friends were invited to call on Sunday, April 27, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. A funeral service followed.  Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

John Nelson LaDue

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

LYNNWOOD, WA  — John Nelson LaDue, 84, passed away peacefully on March 19th, 2025, at Swedish Edmonds Hospital in the state of Washington. Born on March 14,1941 in Saranac Lake to his parents Bertha Mae Duquette and George LaDue.

John was a graduate of St. Peter’s Academy in Saratoga Springs and a veteran of our armed forces in South Korea. Before retiring he was employed by Beneficial Finance for over 30 years as a Branch Manager. Afterwards he would spend his days with loved ones, read, and ride his bicycle to stay in shape. His arch nemesis (if I were to say) was the Dentist, whom he despised but made a pact with regardless, to the benefit of both parties. Remember to brush your teeth!

John enjoyed playing sports such as basketball, softball, and golf. He especially loved visiting the Saratoga Race Track with friends and family to watch the horses and hang out. John was also an avid fan of music and photography, sharing the joys of both with his family as well as his ability to cook a mean pork chop.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Kivelin-LaDue, and his siblings, Albert (Bing) LaDue, Frank LaDue, and Mary Ellen Tarantino. He leaves behind his brother, Jimmy LaDue; his daughter, Kari Dailey; his son, Brent LaDue; his stepson, Ian Davis; and his close friend (and ex-wife), Marguerite LaDue. John also leaves behind several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He will continue to live on in our hearts.

Brian Fisher

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

FORT EDWARD — Brian Fisher, age 58, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at his home.

Born on January 18, 1967, in Bay Shore, NY, he was the son of the late William J. Fisher and Virginia Hart Fisher.

Brian worked as an electrician with IBEW Local Union #3 for many years before his retirement. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, especially the tranquility of the lake and the breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains. Brian also enjoyed the thrill of the Saratoga Racetrack and had a lifelong love for horses and racing. Above all, he treasured the time spent with his beloved daughter, Hope, who was the light of his life.

He is survived by his cherished daughter, Hope Fisher, and her mother, Jacqueline Fisher who was married to Brian for 32 years; his brothers, William Fisher (Victoria), Thomas Fisher (Grace), Michael Fisher (Colleen), and Richard Fisher; his sisters, Susan Hartman (Joseph) and Donna Midwinter (John); along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will deeply miss him.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by other loved ones who have gone before him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Living Waters Church of God, 4330 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

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

Online condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Edward A. Lenz

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Edward A. Lenz, age 91, of Saratoga Springs NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Ed was born on July 22, 1933, in Cohoes NY to Clarence and Anita (Roulier) Lenz.

He graduated from Schuylerville High School and attended Siena College before transferring to The Albany College of Pharmacy (Union University) where he received his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.

Ed loved the pharmacy profession and achieved his dream of owning his own independent pharmacy when he bought his beloved Menges & Curtis Pharmacy in 1960. He ran the pharmacy full time until bringing his sons on board in 1999.

In November 1958, Ed married the love of his life Nanci (Mary Nancy Bihn), and together they shared over 66 years of marriage. They built a life filled with family, fun and much love.

Ed was devoted to his community. He was a long-time member of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club. He also enjoyed serving on many boards including the St. Peter’s/Saratoga Central Catholic School Board; the City Center Authority; the Saratoga Hospital Board of Directors; the Downtown Special Assessment District Board; the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Board; the Housing Authority Board, and many others.

In addition to his family and community, Ed had many other interests. He was proud to have been a pilot, flying his Cessna Skyhawk whenever he had a free moment. He was also an accomplished woodworker, known for his expertise in carving, making furniture, and beautiful wooden toys.

Ed will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, sense of humor, generosity, strength, and wisdom.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Nanci, his three children, Lisa (Mark) Lessard, Edward (Tracey) Lenz, and Michael (Dianna) Lenz; and his six grandchildren, Kate (Korey) Rankin; Sophia Lessard; Emma Lenz, Jacob (Schallehn) Lenz, Nathaniel Lenz, and Gabriel Lenz. Ed is also survived by his younger brother Joseph Lenz.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter Mary Nancy.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4 – 7 p.m. at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs NY. A private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saratoga Central Catholic High School or Community Hospice of Saratoga in Ed’s memory.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Community Hospice of Saratoga for their support and compassion. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.burkefuneralhome.com

Coming on May 24 – Art in Congress Park 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Art in the Park, coming this month. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The annual Art in the Park fair will take place 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Congress Park on Saturday, May 24. 

The event features a variety of artists representing multiple genres of work. 

Artists will be on hand selling and discussing their work with the public. The event will also feature live music and artist demos and is free and open to the public. 

Grant Cottage Opens for Season on May 3

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Grant Cottage. Photo provided. 

WILTON — Grant Cottage State Historic Site, located at 1000 Mt. McGregor Road, opens for the season on May 3. 

A variety of tours are offered, and initial hours of operation are Wednesdays through Sundays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with additional days of operation as the season advances through the summer months.  

Upcoming events:

May 25 – I Gave Him My Thanks.  It Was All I Had to Give. A Memorial Day Living History presentation by Grant Cottage tour guide Steve Trimm, who will portray Civil War Union soldier Rice C. Bull. On June 14, a “Community Day” will feature a full day of family fun and history, and on June 19 a Juneteenth presentation by author and historian Field Horne will celebrate Saratoga’s black history.

For full details about Grant Cottage Programs & Events visit grantcottage.org/events. All Grant Cottage Programs & Events are FREE and open to the public.

Sheep to Shawl Community Day – May 10

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Photo from Saratoga County History Center Facebook page

BALLSTON SPA — The long-running interactive “Sheep to Shawl” program at Brookside Museum returns to the Saratoga County History Center on May 10, beginning at 1 p.m. 

Sheep, lambs, farmers, herders, the famous Fred the Shearer, and the Rock Day Spinning Guild will assemble on Brookside Museum’s front lawn to demonstrate every facet of sheep raising, shearing, and spinning to produce the wool clothing that was so ubiquitous in early America. 

Sheep to Shawl is a hands-on, family-friendly event. Young and the young-at-heart will have fun petting the sheep, meeting farmers, and participating in demonstrations.