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Author: Saratoga TODAY

XTC Drummer Terry Chambers Live at The Strand This Weekend

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


EXTC performs at The Strand April 12. Photo provided.  

HUDSON FALLS — The band EXTC – featuring the music of XTC and the band’s drummer Terry Chambers – will perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday April 12 at the Strand Theatre.

Terry Chambers with his band EXTC was named and approved by XTC frontman, Andy Partridge.

XTC experienced global success after their emergence in the late ‘70s and toured with the likes of The Police and Talking Heads. 

In 1982 XTC stopped touring to become a studio-based entity. Born in early 2019, EXTC set out to achieve its goals of performing to audiences who had waited so long to hear the XTC back catalogue performed live.

Alongside Chambers, the EXTC line-up features frontman Steve Hampton (lead vocals & guitar – Joe Jackson, The Vapors and Dead Crow Road) and Terry Lines (bass & vocals – The Rams and Dead Crow Road). 

Tickets are $30 general admission and available at the Strand Box Office; cash or check only or online at Brown Paper Tickets. Doors into the lobby, coffee shop and box office open at 6:30 p.m. For the ticketing link, visit www.mystrandtheatre.org. The Strand Theatre is located at 210 Main St, Hudson Falls. 

Filmmaker Ken Burns : Live in Albany in Advance of Landmark PBS Series,The American Revolution 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Albany, NY — WMHT Public Media hosts a filmmaker event in September featuring award-winning producer and director Ken Burns in conjunction with his latest production, The American Revolution.

The Evening with Ken Burns will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Palace Theater. 

The American Revolution was co-directed by Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, and premiers Sunday, Nov. 16 on PBS. Timed with the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War, the six-part, 12-hour documentary series explores the country’s founding and its eight-year War for Independence.

The Palace Theater event will feature an intimate conversation with Burns and Botstein, as well as a clip reel from the documentary series, which was in production for eight years and shot at nearly 100 locations, including a number of New York sites that played a critical role in the struggle for independence. 

For tickets to The American Revolution, an Evening with Ken Burns featuring Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein, visit wmht.org/kenburns.

April 12 Marks David Cassidy Birthday, A New Plaque and Bench Installed in Congress Park  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Bench and plaque honoring David Cassidy, standing in Congress Park. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new public fixture in Congress Park celebrates the memory of David Cassidy. Saturday marks what would have been his 75th birthday.  

Cassidy was born April 12, 1950, and was a longtime Saratoga Springs visitor and eventual resident.  The popular singer and horseman died in November 2017 at the age of 67. 

Cassidy charted more than one dozen Top 100 hits in the early 1970s, both as a solo artist and in his role as a member of The Partridge Family – whose TV series aired on ABC from 1970 to 1974. 

For several decades, Cassidy was a frequent summer visitor to Saratoga Springs – the city in general and the racecourse specifically, purchasing his first yearling at Fasig-Tipton in 1974. Cassidy eventually purchased a house in the Spa City in 2001.

“This is my favorite place in the world, I played here in ‘72, ‘73, ‘74,” Cassidy said about the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, during a 2008 fundraising gala at the adjacent Hall of Springs. 

The bench fixed with a plaque honoring Cassidy stands in Congress Park just behind the Canfield Casino.  It was recently commissioned by Shelley Murphy and installed and reads, in part: In Loving Memory of David Bruce Cassidy.

April 11 – April 17, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Gurtler Brothers VFW Food Drive

Gurtler Bros. VFW Post 420 is continuing their food drive to benefit VCHC, Veterans & Community and Housing Coalition in Ballston Spa. All non-perishable items are appreciated, especially paper products such as paper towels and bathroom tissue. Items may be dropped off at the VFW, 190 Exclesior Ave, Saratoga Springs. Stop in during business hours. Items may also be dropped off inside the front door by the Flag drop box. Call 518-584-9686 for more information.

Art in Public Places

Art in Public Places is a member exclusive program featuring art exhibitions online and in various locations around the Capital Region. This program gives local and regional artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their work while exhibiting in publicly accessible spaces. All artwork is for sale and can be purchased online or over the phone at 518-584-4132. To view the artwork online and for locations, visit saratoga-arts.org.

Genealogy and Local History

Heritage Hunters will meet Saturday, April 19, at 1 p.m. at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St. in Schuylerville. Beverwcyk Archaeologists, Aaron Gore and Daniel Mazeau, will talk about their work on the Bevier-Elting House that was built in the 1730s on Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz. They will cover the house’s history, its community, and the historic district, as well as their archaeological findings. The public is welcome. For information, call 518-885-9309.

Vegetable Gardening Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County and Historic Grooms Tavern in Rexford, bring you a Vegetable Gardening Series on April 21, June 26 and/or August 7. You’ll discover the joy and satisfaction of growing your own fresh produce. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this series is packed with vibrant tips and tricks to help you transform your garden into a flourishing paradise. Learn how to prep your soil for success, create the perfect garden layout, and master the art of companion planting. We’ll also delve into essential skills like crop rotation, summer gardening strategies, pest management, and proper watering techniques. As the seasons change, we’ll also guide you through the process of harvesting your bounty and prepping your garden for the cozy winter months ahead. The registration fee is $5 per session. https://ccesaratoga.org/events . 

Celebrate the Power of Hope

Brooks’ BBQ will be cooking on-site at Saratoga Center for the Family on April 22 from 3 – 6 p.m., serving mouthwatering chicken dinners to help raise money as part of our “April is Child Abuse Awareness Month.” Help us give others “The Power of Hope” by purchasing a dinner for yourself, your family, or even your employees. Saratoga Center for the Family works to strengthen children, families, and our community by reducing the effects of abuse, trauma, and family dysfunction through advocacy, education and mental health therapy. Your support of this fundraiser will help give others hope; beginning their journey of healing. Meals are to go and include grilled chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, roll, dessert, and bottled water for $15. Preorders encouraged as we will sell out. www.saratogacff.org/events/celebrating-power-hope 

April 11 – April 17, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, April 11

Fish Fry Friday

Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 132 State Route 32, Schuylerville | 4 – 7 p.m. Menu: fish fry, chicken tenders, clam strips, popcorn shrimp, buffalo shrimp. All dinners are served with coleslaw, sauce and choice of French fries or onion rings. Extras: Jalapeno poppers, mozzarella strips, bowl or quart of clam chowder (Manhattan or New England). Beverages available. Eat in at the club or call ahead for takeout at 518-695-3917.

Moonlight Hike

Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Interested in seeing the Preserve at night? View nature in a new light as we walk the trails in the moonlight. An unforgettable experience for ages 5+.  This program is made possible by the support of Brookfield Renewable. If you can’t make it on Friday, join us on Saturday, April 12.

Saturday,
April 12

Workday for SoBro Conservancy 

209 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – Noon. SoBro Conservancy will be prepping new garden beds for our big May planting day.  Volunteers like you will be moving topsoil and compost to build up berms in which we will later plant several hundred native plants.  Ready for spring and want to help?  Please send us an email at garden@sobroconservancy.org.  

Easter Bake Sale and Craft Show

St. George Church Parish Center, corner of 55 Main and Second Streets, South Glens Falls | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Featuring Syrian, Greek, Romanian, American desserts and breads: pastries including baklava, cookies, cakes, pies, sweet breads, Syrian pita bread, as well as several talented crafters! Cash and credit cards accepted. Free parking and admission. For more information, call the church at 518-792-2359.

Random Acts of Poetry Writing Workshop

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 9:30 – 11 a.m. The Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts and SCHC at Brookside Museum invite you to join the Random Acts of Poetry Writing Workshop. Come and share a love of poetry and learn more about the craft of writing poetry. The event will be led by Elaine Handley. Ages 10 and up are welcome. The workshop is free to the public. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org

Day of Celebration: Portraits, Play & Progress

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 1 – 4 p.m. Join SCHC in the unveiling of Portraiture: Faces and Legacies, a new exhibit featuring stunning portraits from our collection, including rarely displayed pieces. We’re also thrilled to announce the grand opening of the History Hunters Hangout, a dynamic, interactive space for children and families to engage with history through hands-on activities, creative play, and games. Take this opportunity to also meet and welcome Suzanne Maloney, our new Executive Director. Refreshments will be served as we celebrate these exciting Brookside milestones together. For more information, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org

Brooks BBQ 

Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Road, Wilton | 3 – 6 p.m. – Take out only. The menu includes half chicken, baked potato, coleslaw and roll. Cost: $15. Pre-orders are recommended by calling 518-727-8573 or 518-584-9107 or email trinityumcglen@gmail.com. Accepting cash payment at time of dinner pickup or Venmo.

Ballston Area Seniors Dance

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | 7 – 10 p.m. River Road Boys Band will be playing. All dances are open to the public, adults only. Donation $7.00. 

Sunday, April 13

All You Can Eat Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Gansevoort Firehouse, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m. Menu: Eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits, and sausage gravy, orange juice, milk, and coffee. Donations: $12 adults, $10 seniors 55+, $10 military and 1st responders, $8 children 6 – 12, kids under 6 free. 

Cornhole Tournament

Saratoga Winery, 426 NY Route 29, Saratoga Springs | 1 – 4 p.m. April is Earth Month and we’re celebrating with a Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser.  Grab a cornhole partner and sign-up. For more information, visit www.sustainablesaratoga.org. 

Monday, April 14

The Heritage Garden Club Monthly Meeting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine St., Saratoga Springs |12 Noon. The Heritage Garden Club is a nonprofit garden club devoted to promoting flowers and plants, and civic improvements throughout Saratoga Springs. Guest speaker will be Wendy Mahaney, longtime former volunteer of Sustainable Saratoga, presenting a program on, “Lose the Lawn – Create a Pollinator Paradise.”  The meeting is open to the public. New members are always welcome. You don’t have to have a green thumb to join our garden club. If interested, contact Florence at 518-256-3141.

Tuesday, April 15

Brookside Museum Celebrated 50 Years 

Greenfield Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center | 7 p.m. Presented by Dave Waite in November of 2024, Saratoga County History Center celebrated this milestone with the video “Bringing History to Life: Fifty Years of Brookside Museum.” which presents the story of the museum through the words of those who have been involved, both since the beginning and into today. Dave Waite will be showing this twenty-five minute video at the meeting.  Come at 6:30 p.m. and go to the Town Hall to see the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal display. Display will be there through April 18 during regular Town Hall hours.  

Wednesday,
April 16

Historian Tea Talks: Women of the Saratoga Campaign

Brookside Museum, Long Room, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 3 p.m. Discover the stories of a dozen women who endured the hardships of war and left their indelible mark on local and national history. Hosted by Anne Clothier, Assistant to the Historian, Saratoga County. Tea and cookies will be served. Space is limited, so registration is appreciated. There is a suggested donation of $5 for each talk, which may be made online or on the day of the event. For more information as well as registration please visit our website at https://brooksidemuseum.org/events/

Baked Ham 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: baked ham, Au Gratin potatoes, vegetables, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. $15 (cash only). 

Astronomy Club 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m.  A presentation of, “How NASA Gets Those Colorful Pictures”, with Jim Witte as the presenter.  The club is open to adults and teens (middle school and older).  Registration is requested, but not required, by calling 518-882-6385.  This group meets regularly on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  New members are welcome.

Thursday,
April 17

HYBRID: Daytime Book Group: The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan  

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world in 2016 and turned toward the peace of the natural world in her yard, specifically, the birds that visited. She crafted a journal of thoughtful entries and sketches based on what she saw and experienced. Attend in person or on ZOOM. Registration required only for those attending on ZOOM. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Saratoga Turftalkers Meeting

Nemer Chrysler Jeep Conference Room, 617 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs | 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. Toastmasters is a nonprofit organization that helps people develop their communication and leadership skills through practice and feedback. Our local club, Saratoga Turftalkers meets the first and third Thursday of each month.  It is a perfect learning environment for anyone preparing for a career, advancing a career, or just looking to become a better communicator and leader. For more information, visit  https://www.toastmasters.org/ https://saratogaturftalkers.toastmastersclubs.org or email, Jbunk1342@gmail.com 

Ballston Spa Education Foundation Awards Grants to Local Teachers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — Last week, the Ballston Spa Education Foundation announced its 2025 grant recipients. The grants, totaling $8,799, were made possible through the support of community members.

The five funded projects were:

  • Gordon Creek M.O.V.E. Room Coffee Cart – A student-run coffee cart that will provide hands-on learning experiences in fine motor skills, social interaction, and business operations while utilizing assistive technology for inclusivity.
  • Birch High School Special Education School Store – This project, led by the 12:1:1 Life Skills Students and the Ballston Buddies Club, provides valuable lessons on running a business, benefiting both the student “business owners” and the entire High School population.
  • Assistive Technology/OT – Outdoor Expression Swing for Gordon Creek – This swing fosters inclusive play, creating an environment for children of all abilities to engage in meaningful, accessible play alongside their peers.
  • Smart TVs for Universal Pre-K at BACC – The Education Foundation is funding the purchase of four internet-connected Smart TVs, which will be installed in Universal Pre-K classrooms at the Ballston Area Community Center to enhance science curriculum and improve learning through multimedia technology.
  • Sensory Bubble Wall for Special Education Middle School – This project includes a 4-foot, floor-standing sensory bubble wall with eight color settings, paired with a sensory knot ball and sound machine. It’s designed to create a calming environment to support sensory and emotional regulation. This space will provide a safe space for students to regroup to return to learning.

Waldorf Students Learn About Mapling

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Photo provided. 

RUPERT, VERMONT — Fourth graders from the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs recently visited the Merck Forest and Farmland Center in Vermont to learn about mapling.They learned how to identify a Sugar Maple tree, how to tap it, and also how to collect its flowing sap. After a walk in the woods, students got a tour of the Sap House, where sap is boiled and then strained into syrup. 

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs serves children and their families from preschool through 8th grade.

Schuylerville School District Budget Details: Public Hearing on May 6, Vote on May 20

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Last month, the Schuylerville Board of Education adopted the 2025-26 budget proposal that will go before voters on Tuesday, May 20. Qualified voters will be able to vote from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the District Office Board of Education room.

The $40 million proposed budget calls for a 1.71% spending increase and an estimated tax levy of 1.9%, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap. Tax rates for individual properties will be determined over the summer once equalization rates and assessments are available for the district’s seven towns. 

Year to year, the budget always includes previously-agreed upon salary increases from all current contracts, as well as increases or decreases to other expenses depending on the needs of the district. 

State aid is historically a large portion of Schuylerville’s revenue each year, equating to about half the district’s budget. This year, in Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposal, Schuylerville received a 2% increase in foundation aid, but will lose building aid, which corresponds to a bond that’s expiring. This results in a projected decrease in overall revenue from the 2024-25 budget. The district intends to use $1.7 million of fund balance to cover the gap of lost revenue and expenditure increases. Over the next two years, the district plans to reduce the use of fund balance to a more manageable figure of $1 million.

If the 2025-26 proposed budget is voted down, the Board of Education has the following options: 

Put another budget (revised or not) up for a vote in June

Immediately adopt a contingent budget

If the district adopts a contingent budget, there can be no increase to the tax levy from the prior year. Ordinary contingent expenses may also have to be reduced to ensure no increase to the tax levy.

A public hearing on the proposed 2025-26 budget will be held on May 6 at 6 p.m. in the Schuylerville High School Auditorium.

During the May 20 annual budget vote, voters will elect two members to the Schuylerville CSD Board of Education to fill the following positions:

One five-year term beginning July 1, 2025. The seat is currently held by Bernie Buff.

One term that will commence immediately after the May 20th election (or as close thereto) to succeed Michael Bodnar, who resigned effective Aug. 31, 2024. The term expires June 30, 2027. The seat is currently held by Shaun Cumm, who was appointed by the Board of Education to fill the vacancy for the 2024-25 school year.

Candidate profiles are due Monday, April 21 by 5:00 p.m. Questions can be directed to Board of Education Clerk, Jennifer Tompkins at (518) 695-3255, ext. 3242.

Capital Project Proposal

A capital project proposal is also scheduled for a vote on May 20, alongside the annual budget vote. The district invites community members to attend an information session to learn more about the proposed capital project on Thursday, May 1 at 6 p.m.

Affordable Housing Development Breaks Ground in Saratoga

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


From left to right: Ryan Aguam, director of community relations for Senator Tedisco; Darren Scott, upstate east director of development – New York State Homes and Community Renewal; Dara Kovel, CEO of Beacon Communities; Paul Feldman from the Housing Authority; Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford; Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; and Dan Bellgraph, senior development director of Beacon Communities LLC. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local officials broke ground on a $43 million affordable housing development at 36 Allen Drive in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday. 

Six fourplexes on the 3.1-acre site were demolished and will be replaced with six three-story buildings featuring 98 one, two, and three-bedroom units for single adult households and small families with incomes of 50 to 80% of the area’s median income (AMI). 40% of the units will have a workforce preference. 

Once completed, the new community will be owned and managed by Springs West Apartments LLC, an affiliate of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. Leasing is expected to begin in spring 2026 and be complete by the end of that year. 

The new development will feature amenities such as laundry rooms in each building, a community room, gym, playground, and bulk storage spaces. Residents will have access to 92 off-street parking spaces at the rear of the buildings, as well as 26 on-street spaces on Allen Drive.

The Springs West project is being financed with tax exempt bonds issued by New York State Homes & Community Renewal along with an allocation of Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, New York State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and state subsidy loans. The tax-exempt bonds are backed by a Letter of Credit from KeyBank, N.A. Both the LIHTC and SLIHC credits were purchased by Key Community Development Corp.

“Saratoga Springs has long been known as a thriving city for residents and tourists alike, but we must make sure finding a place to call home isn’t a long shot for working families,” Governor Hochul said in a news release. “The new buildings and 98 new apartments at Springs West are a perfect example of my commitment to expanding the supply of affordable, safe, and modern homes across New York. My thanks to our partners in Saratoga Springs for demonstrating what it means to be a Pro-Housing Community.”

“Affordable housing is an important issue to many New Yorkers who live on fixed incomes,” said State Senator Jim Tedisco. “I want to thank the Governor and the NYS Homes and Community Renewal for their efforts in constructing 98 new affordable apartments in Saratoga Springs and the 44th Senate District for residents who may need them to find an affordable place to call home.”

Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford added, “I am thrilled that we are able to bring both affordable and workforce housing into Saratoga Springs.”

April 11 – April 17, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.


his quintessential Saratoga home at 221 Lake Ave in Saratoga Springs was listed by Michele Torres from Roohan Realty and sold for $1,025,000

BALLSTON 

Barbera Homes Kelley Farms LLC  sold property at 38 Saddlebrook Blvd to Edward Lynch for $907,394

Keith Harris sold property at 13 Mill Rd to Community Based Services Holding for $1,000,000

Ernest Markey sold property at 27 Beacon St to Jason Ng for $405,000

CORINTH

Tyler Kirchhoff sold property at 4894 Rt 9N to Glenn Holl for $240,000

Pamela Baker sold property at 9 Adirondack Ct to Stephen Lewis for $365,000

MALTA

John Konyak sold property at 18 Surrey Dr to Jennifer Degenhart for $615,000

Joseph Plewinski sold property at 19 Gleneagles Blvd to Matthew Morris for $482,500

Parade Ground Village sold property at 7 Hemphill Place to 7 Hemphill Place LLC for $850,000

MILTON

John Miller sold property at 1099 Rock City Rd to Ian Miller for $126,000

Justin Taylor sold property at 15 Crestline Dr to Coleen Wright for $235,000

Hunter Lane LLC sold property at 20 Hunter Ct to Laurie Simmons for $552,925

SARATOGA

Christopher Sass sold property at 21 Morgans Run to Brett Crawford for $317,500

Joel Roberts sold property at 7 Burgoyne St to Rebecca Laufer for $250,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington ST Apt 566 to Park View 566 LLC for $3,100,000

Clifford Van Wagner sold property at 101 Catherine St to Blue Heron Cottage LLC for $401,227

Chloes Way LLC sold property at 37 Chlos Way to Megan Demagistris for $300,000

BDC Holdings Inc sold property at 131 Excelsior Ave to BDC North Spring Run LLC for $4,350,000

 Maureen Smith sold property at 19 Lexington Rd to Timothy Lynott for $580,000

Meadowbrook IV LLC sold property at 45&47 Winding Brook to James Hamilton for $1,000,000

Mark McDonald sold property at 35 Dyer Switch to William Donnahie for $775,000

Jonathan Jaekel sold property at 212 Circular St to Hunter Hosley for $650,000

Raymond Seefeld sold property at 3 Gibson Ct to Excelsior Property LLC for $700,000

WILTON

Steve Gebo sold property at 9 Greylock Dr to Andrew Olson for $545,000

Ronald Forhan sold property at 112 Ingersoll Rd to Jake Catalano for $500,000

Amanda Huttig sold property at 24 Waverly Place to Brian Jones for $699,000