Author: Saratoga TODAY
Former Ballston Spa Wrestling Coach Receives Lifetime Service Award
Photo of Harold “Harvey” Staulters via the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
BALLSTON SPA — The Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame has named former Ballston Spa High School Varsity Wrestling Coach Harold “Harvey” Staulters as one of the recipients of its 2025 Lifetime Service Award. He’ll receive the honor at a Sep. 21 ceremony at the DoubleTree Hotel in East Syracuse.
Staulters started his wrestling career at Ballston Spa, wrestling for Section II under Vince Johnson, and then wrestled for two years at the University of Albany, where he wrestled for Hall of Fame coach Joe DeMeo. A serious neck injury ended his career, but it didn’t end his love for the sport. He would go on to have an accomplished coaching career at Ballston Spa High School, where he was named the Section II Class A and Class B Varsity Coach of the Year. 14 of his wrestlers went on to win Section II titles and placed highly in the NYSPHSAA Championships.
Staulters also served as the Suburban Council Wrestling Coordinator, and worked in the community with the volunteer fire department and the Ballston Spa Police Benevolent Association.
Coach Staulters retired from teaching after 31 years as a social studies teacher at Ballston Spa, then began working at Clarkson University’s Master of Art Teaching program, where he guides new teachers in their student teaching experience.
Oklahoma Training Track Opening April 19; Public Access Expanded
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Oklahoma Training Track at the Saratoga Race Course will open for the 2025 season on Saturday, April 19, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced on Tuesday.
This year, NYRA said it will be expanding public access to the training track. Beginning April 19, and continuing up until the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, the Whitney Viewing Stand will be open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. In previous years, the training track and viewing stand were only accessible to the public on weekends prior to the start of the summer meet.
NYRA will provide updated operating hours for the Whitney Viewing Stand during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival prior to the start of the festival on June 4. After the festival, beginning June 9 and continuing through Labor Day, the viewing stand will be open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Pedestrians may access the Oklahoma Training Track by entering the property via Gate 21 off East Avenue. Vehicles are not permitted on the property at this time.
The RESET, an ImmersiveSound Bath Experience, Coming toUniversal Preservation Hall
The Reset, coming to UPH in May. Photo: heresetsoundexperience.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — In May, Universal Preservation Hall will activate its space in an innovative way, presenting an immersive take on a “sound bath” – The RESET – created and performed by renowned singer and sound healing artist Davin Youngs.
Audiences are invited to bring yoga mats, pillows, and blankets to cozy in and enjoy what is anticipated a profound experience.
Created and performed by Davin Youngs, The RESET transforms iconic venues into sanctuaries of stillness and sound, elevating the mind, body, and spirit.
Using improvisational singing, looping devices, crystal-singing bowls, tuning forks, and electronic beats, Youngs weaves a sonic tapestry that reflects the unique beauty of the inner landscape. The RESET has been enthusiastically received at iconic venues like The Kennedy Center, Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, and The Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville and the roof of Ace Hotel.
The event takes place 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10. Tickets are on sale through the Box Office at Proctors in person, via phone at 518-346-6204 Tuesday- Saturday 12-6 p.m. or online by visiting atuph.org. Groups of 10 or more can get the group discount by calling 518-382-3884 x 139.
Tang Teaching Museum Stages Queer Archives Symposium, April 4–5
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A two-day program of conversations, presentations, and screenings titled the Queer Archives Symposium will take place April 4–5 at the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College.
Presented in conjunction with the exhibition a field of bloom and hum—a survey of work from more than 160 queer artists from the past 100 years—the symposium brings together a group of artists, scholars, archivists, dancers, and musicians to explore the complexities and power of queer art to assert a place for queer identities and communities.
The largest exhibition ever organized by the Tang, a field of bloom and hum spans both floors of the museum.
The series of events begin at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 4 and will continue through Saturday, April 5. Sessions include art history students creating new oral histories with public interviews with exhibiting artists, scholars and artists discussing the legacy of exhibiting artists, screenings of experimental film and video, and a live performance of music and dance.
All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Tang Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit tang.skidmore.edu.
In a separate event, Mark Newport will be featured as speaker for The Raab Visiting Artist Lecture, which will take place 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at the Tang Teaching Museum. Newport uses textiles, performance, print, and photography to reveal the vulnerability inherent in traditional western ideals of masculinity.
SPAC Announces Appointment of New Senior Vice President of Development Jana Gordon
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that it has appointed Jana Gordon as its new Senior Vice President of Development.
This new role is part of SPAC’s continued growth and efforts to expand its donor base, build relationships with the community, and support the long-term sustainability of the organization. Gordon will help to raise the visibility of SPAC as a non-profit organization, overseeing all philanthropic activities in alignment with SPAC’s ambitious goals for the future.
“Jana brings with her a wealth of knowledge and fundraising expertise from her past roles at organizations such as the Stratford Festival in Canada, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the English National Opera. We look forward to introducing her to our community,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, in a statement.
Gordon’s previous roles include Senior Director of Advancement at the Stratford Festival; Executive Director, King’s University College Foundation and Executive Director, Alumni and Development at King’s University College at Western University; Assistant Vice-President, Development & Campaign Director at Wilfrid Laurier University; Director of Development & Donor Relations at the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony; Director of Development at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra; and Corporate Giving Sales Manager with English National Opera, among others.
Capital Repertory Theatre Announces Miriam Weisfeld Its New Producing Artistic Director
ALBANY — Capital Repertory Theatre has announced that starting Sept. 1, 2025, Miriam Weisfeld will be its new Producing Artistic Director. Weisfeld will succeed Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill who served in the role since 1995.
Weisfeld will continue to serve as Consulting Artistic Producer for the remainder of the 2024-2025 Season and she and Cahill will collaborate through the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth transition of operations for the nearly 50-year-old theatre company.
Weisfeld will also continue her leadership as Producing Artistic Director of the Adirondack Theatre Festival (ATF) in Glens Falls, a position she has held since 2021. This development builds upon an ongoing relationship between ATF and Proctors Collaborative which was announced in October.
A creative producer and dramaturg, Weisfeld served as Director of Artistic Development for the Tony-winning Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis prior to her appointment at ATF, where she was the dramaturg of the world premiere of “An American Tail” and helped to develop Generation Now, a national partnership to commission new multigenerational plays by artists of color.
In her role at theREP, Weisfeld will oversee the artistic production of the theatre’s entire season, managing teams of designers, technicians and directors. The 2025-2026 subscription season at theREP was selected by Weisfeld in consultation with leadership at Proctors Collaborative.
Capital Repertory Theatre is an affiliate of Proctors Collaborative and is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Home Made Theater Celebrates 40 Years with Gala This Month
SARATOGA SPRINGS — From its humble beginnings at Caffè Lena with a production of Wait Until Dark, to their most recent production of Hamlet at the Saratoga Music Hall, Home Made Theater – which was founded in 1985, has striven to bring quality community theater to the Saratoga region.
To celebrate the milestone the company will be hosting a 40th Season Celebration. Join members of the HMT family on either Friday, April 25, or on Saturday, April 26 at The Mansion of Saratoga on Route 29 in Rock City Falls.
The evening will start at 6 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. There will be a silent auction, raffle baskets, and a musical preview of the company’s next production, Oklahoma!. A three-course dinner will follow at 7.
The highlight of the evening will be a murder mystery performance, ’Til Death Do Us Part: A Marital Murder Mystery to Die For. This interactive theatrical experience will feature prizes for solving the mystery of “whodunit.” The mystery will have a different solution each evening to avoid “spoilers.”
Tickets for Celebration Guests are $100. Honorary Guest tickets are $140 and include a $40 donation to Home Made Theater in honor of 40 years. Full tables of eight are available at a discounted price. To purchase tickets, visit Home Made Theater’s website at www.HomeMadeTheater.org by April 23.
April 4 – April 10, 2025: Upcoming Events
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.
Work Day for SoBro Conservancy
On April 12, SoBro Conservancy will be prepping new garden beds for our big May planting day at 209 South Broadway. 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
The Ladies’ Society of St. George Church, South Glens Falls, will hold its annual Easter Bake Sale and Craft Show on Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Parish Center, corner of 55 Main and Second Streets. Featured will be 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.
Cornhole Tournament
April is Earth Month and we’re celebrating with a Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser at the Saratoga Winery, located at 426 NY Route 29, Saratoga Springs. Join us Sunday, April 13 from 1-4 p.m. Grab a cornhole partner and sign-up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sustainable-saratoga-cornhole-tournament-fundraiser-tickets-1208637791169?aff=oddtdtcreator.
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
14th Tree Toga – Call for Volunteers
On Saturday, April 26, Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry Project will hold its 14th Tree Toga planting event, adding an expected 40 large-growing shade trees to Saratoga’s urban forest. Volunteer Tree Planters are needed to help plant trees in the community. Volunteers will check in at Pitney Meadows Community Farm between 9 – 9:30 a.m. to get a lesson in tree planting before heading off in small teams to their assigned locations across the city. This is a fun, family-friendly volunteer event, open to everyone in the capital region. For additional information or to sign up, visit www.sustainablesaratoga.org.
Care for your Cemetery Day
The Ballston Spa Village Cemetery is participating in the statewide program to solicit volunteers to help clean up their hometown cemeteries. This event is scheduled for Saturday April 26, beginning at 9 a.m. The many tasks include raking, brush cutting, trimming, seeding, etc. Volunteers are urged to bring gloves, rakes, clippers, loppers, shovels, etc. Also, there are many flush mounted veteran’s markers that are partially covered with sod or soil. Volunteers should meet near the cemetery office/shop. The address is 130 Ballston Avenue, but the easier access is via the Garrett Road entrance. For more details, call 518-428-2855. We hope to see you there.
10th Annual Antique Outboard Swap Meet
The swap meet will be held in the parking lot of Schrader and Company, located at 850 Saratoga Rd., in Burnt Hills on April 26 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Featuring Buy/Sell/Trade, advice from members, parts sources, continental breakfast (for a donation), lunch (nearby restaurants), motor displays, membership information, judging – oldest motor, best restoration. Free admission, great family oriented event. No vendor fees, display or sell for no charge. Open to the public. For more information, contact Michael Glenn, President at 518-505-3558 or email mglen2@nycap.rr.com.
11th Annual Fundraising Gala
Gateway House of Peace is excited to announce The Butterfly Ball, to be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, 6 – 10 p.m. at the Bright Family’s historic barn at Twin Leaf Farm in Greenfield Center. It will be an evening of dancing, delicious food, a silent auction, and a chance to win $10,000, all in the spirit of supporting our mission of providing free 24-hour care for the terminally ill. GHOP is a 100% donor-driven organization and relies on fundraising and donations. Contact Dianne Greene at dgreene@gatewayhouseofpeace.org for more information. Tickets are available at https://www.gatewayhouseofpeace.org/.
Hubbard Hall Spring Gala: A New Beginning
Join us Saturday, May 17, 6 – 9 p.m. for an evening of music, food, and celebration in support of the arts, our community, and the future of Hubbard Hall. This year’s event features: Live music by The Mike McMann Band, buffet dinner, desserts, and passed appetizers by Brown’s Brewing Co. A relaxed atmosphere of community and camaraderie. VIP guests will enjoy an exclusive pre-event champagne toast and private tour of the LoveJoy, our newly renovated artist residency building. Dress is bright colors to usher in the new season. Tickets cost $125 Early Bird (through May 1), $150 Gala Ticket
$200 VIP and Gala (includes champagne toast and tour). RSVP at hubbardhall.org or call 518-677-2495.
North Country Wild Care’s 2025 Fundraising Gala
Join us on Sunday, May 18 at 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at The Gideon Putnam, 24 Gideon Putnam Rd., Saratoga Springs. Keynote Speaker will be Steve Caporizzo, News Channel 20 Chief Meteorologist, animal advocate and founder of Pet Connection. Your support will benefit our local volunteer wildlife rehabilitators. Educational wildlife viewing begins at 11: 30 a.m. followed by the silent auction, lunch & live music. 100% of the proceeds from the lunch and silent auction go toward the cost of food and medication for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Tickets are $75 (by May 12) and thereafter $85. To order online: www.ticketstripe.com/ncwc-gala-2025 or call Julie at 518-522-2657.
April 4 – April 10, 2025
Friday, April 4
Spring Shops at the Center
Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 2 – 6 p.m. Shop local for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation gifts and more at our upcoming craft fair! Explore a variety of unique items and support talented vendors, then treat yourself to a fantastic lunch or dinner at Refresh Kitchen.
Dancing at Lughnasa
Hubbard Hall, 25 E. Main St., Cambridge | A Classic Story of Family, Memory, and Resilience—With a Unique Local Connection. Dancing at Lughnasa, the Tony Award-winning masterpiece by Brian Friel, comes to the Hubbard Hall stage, running April 4 – 13. Directed by Hubbard Hall’s Executive Director, Erin Nicole Harrington, and choreographed by longtime Hubbard Hall Irish Step Dance instructor Darcy May, this lyrical and poignant play tells the story of five sisters in 1936 rural Ireland, exploring themes of love, memory, and change—universal experiences that also reflect Cambridge’s own history and heritage. For tickets and more information, visit www.hubbardhall.org.
Well Dressed: Gowns of the 1770s
Brookside Museum 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa | 7 – 8:30 p.m. Public Program & Workshop by Emily Stringham. Learn about the importance of the garment that was worn by women of all classes. This program will cover the social history and construction of the garment as well as include an opportunity to view an original gown from the 18th century. This program is free and open to the public however registration is highly encouraged. www.brooksidemuseum.org
Saturday, April 5
Free DD-214 Breakfast
Gurtler Brothers VFW Post #420, 190 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs | 9 – 11 a.m. A free breakfast will be held for veterans who have earned a campaign medal in a conflict or Korea and brings in their DD-214 for membership For more information, contact Gene Ratigliano at 518-796-4338 or 518-885-9666.
Saratoga Sustainability Fair
Skidmore’s Center for the Integrated Sciences, Glotzbach Atrium, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College invite you to join us. The Sustainability Fair is a free community event celebrating sustainability awareness and opportunities. Come check out sustainable resources all in one spot and help make our community a more sustainable place to live and work. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/saratoga-sustainability-fair/.
A Taste of Chocolate
Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Rd., Galway |12 – 2 p.m. The Friends of the Galway Public Library are hosting A Taste of Chocolate event. There will be many various chocolate treats to purchase and enjoy, so bring your family and friends to share. Advance entry tickets are on sale for $5 at the Galway Public Library, and tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the event.
Sunday, April 6
Film: How to Save Democracy
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Community Room, 49 Henry St. Saratoga Springs | 1 p.m.
Saratoga Springs based filmmaker Michael Wayne recently completed a feature documentary, How to Save Democracy. In the film, he interviewed various democracy experts, all knowledgeable on democracy and the issues facing the U.S. in the present day. The people–Pulitzer Prize winners, journalists, authors, activists, constitutional scholars, and historians–all give depth and perspective on what it would take for the U.S. to realize the true promise of democracy. The film includes archival images and footage from the 19th and 20th centuries. Free admission.
Wagon Wheels West Auditions
Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta | 1 – 4 p.m. Malta Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe announces auditions for Wagon Wheels West. Seeking Actors, Actresses, Singers, and Dancers, ages 7 through adult. Additional Audition date/time: Monday April 7, 6 – 8:30 p.m., Auditions are by appointment only. Contact Elyse Young at theater@malta-town.org or 518-899-4411 x 305 to schedule your audition. Performances are Saturday June 21 & Sunday June 22 at the Malta Community Center.
Monday, April 7
Nature on the Move
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside. This walk is geared towards those with basic fitness levels and is for ages 16 and above. Call one business day in advance to register at 518-450-0321.
Blue Friday Kick-Off Event
The Mill on Round Lake, Route 9, Malta | 5:30 – 9 p.m. Blue Friday of New York, honoring those who protect and serve. Bud Light Draughts, food specials, 50/50 raffle, limited edition gear. Blue Friday New York is a 501C3 that recognizes the sacrifices made by the men and women in “BLUE”. For more information, please contact retired Albany Police Officer Pat Fox at 518-469-9201 or Retired Saratoga County Deputy Sheriff Lou Somma at 518-421-2921. More information can be found at www.bluefridayny.org.
Galway Preservation Society Meeting
Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | 6:45, This month’s program Rachel Clothier, historian for the town of Corinth, will present “Cultivating Corinth-A Local Agricultural History,” including photos and stories detailing farming over the past 200 years in a northern Saratoga County town. Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge. If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year. Please join us for some fun and to learn more about our history.
Tuesday, April 8
Virtual Author Talk with Matthew Fleming
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, Zoom Presentation | 2 p.m. Smithsonian Institution horticulturalist Matthew Fleming will share the secret world of trees revealed in The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees. This visual guide to trees explores their key scientific traits and ecological importance, as well as their enduring significance in human history and culture. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org
Catholic Daughters of America Meeting
Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road ,Saratoga Springs | 5:45 p.m. Court McLaughlin #422 members will gather for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments and fellowship. The business meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. All members and those interested in joining are welcome to attend. For questions contact Regent, Dawn Weber 518-226-5641 or email CDA422Saratoga@gmail.com
Wednesday,
April 9
Stuffed Shells 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: Stuffed shells, meatballs, sweet sausage, tossed salad, garlic toast. $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-18/
Thursday,
April 10
Raising Backyard Chickens
Zoom Presentation, 6 – 7 p.m. Interested in learning how to raise chickens? Learn the basics of care, housing, town restrictions and rules, breeds, sourcing chicks and what you should know about the avian flue as an at home bird owner. For more information, visit www.ccesaratoga.org
Traveling the Mother Road: America’s Route 66
Brookside Museum 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa. 7 – 8:30 p.m. Joanne and Rick Reynolds will be sharing the story of their personal and professional road trip from the beginning to the end of America’s Route 66 – from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. This presentation is not a travelogue but an examination of the story of this road. Full of stories, pictures, and an emphasis on preservation of the past for all to experience now and into the future. The presentation is free to attend, but donations are always welcome and appreciated, either online or at the event. www.brooksidemuseum.org
