The Saratoga Men’s Baseball League is looking for players ages 28 and over for the upcoming season, which runs from May through August. For more information, call or text 518-470-7894 by March 21.
For more information on the league, visit www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp.
SCHUYLERVILLE — If you’re a Schuylerville student looking to sign up for varsity, junior varsity, or modified spring sports, now is the time.
Registration for varsity and junior varsity sports opened on Feb. 17 and closes after March 10. For spring 2025, Schuylerville will be offering the following sports: baseball, boys and girls lacrosse, softball, tennis, and outdoor track and field for both boys and girls.
Registration for modified sports opened on March 2 and will close after March 24. Spring 2025 modified sports include baseball, boys and girls lacrosse, softball, and outdoor track for boys and girls.
The spring sports season begins on March 17 for varsity and junior varsity; and it begins on March 31 for modified teams.
For online registration, visit www.schuylervilleschools.org/2024-spring-sports-registration/.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — 5th graders at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs toured the Battenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill in Greenwich last week, observing the inner workings of the mill and learning how wool from local sheep is processed into yarns through the mill’s custom carding and spinning services.
The field trip is part of the handwork and fiber program at Waldorf. Starting in 1st grade, students learn to knit, crochet, and sew. By 8th grade, they are adept at using sewing machines to make custom clothing. The field trip to Battenkill Fibers is an annual 5th grade event that helps the children understand the connection between fiber animals, farms, and the broader community.
Battenkill Fibers produces 100-150 pounds of natural-colored and dyed semi-worsted yarn daily using refurbished traditional milling machinery.
The Birth of Saratoga County: February 7, 1791 On a cold February day in 1791, Saratoga County officially separated from Albany County, marking its beginning as an independent community. Known as “Saratoga” by Indigenous peoples and later formalized by colonial settlers, the county has long been defined by its strategic location, historical significance, and hardworking residents.
For over 230 years, Saratoga’s foundation has been shaped by values of resilience, civic engagement, and industriousness, creating a vibrant community that honors its past while embracing progress.
Before 1791: Evolving Boundaries and Communities. Before becoming a county, Saratoga’s boundaries were part of Albany County, with its governance structure evolving over time. A major milestone came in 1684 with the Saratoga Patent, which granted settlers six miles of land along both sides of the Hudson River from Mechanicville to the mouth of the Battenkill.
By 1772, the area was divided into two districts, Half Moon and Saraghtoga, marking the start of local governance. In 1788, New York State formally established towns within Saratoga, including Halfmoon, Saratoga, Ballston, and Stillwater. Three years later, these towns separated from Albany County to form Saratoga County, ushering in a new era of self-governance.
Saratoga: The “Mother of Towns.” As communities expanded, Saratoga became known as the “mother of towns.” In 1775, Ballstown branched off as a new district, and in 1789, East Town (now part of Washington County) separated. These changes reflected Saratoga’s growing role in shaping local governance. The county’s contributions to the nations founding solidified its historical importance. The Battles of Saratoga, the turning point of the Revolutionary War, demonstrated the region’s resilience and strategic importance.
Geography: A Key to Saratoga’s Growth. Saratoga’s geography has always been central to its development. Nestled between the Hudson and Mohawk rivers and crossed by waterways like the Kayaderosseras Creek and Sacandaga River, the county’s location served as a crossroads of early trade and travel. Fertile farmland and abundant natural resources attracted settlers who built the agricultural and economic foundations for Saratoga’s prosperity.
Civic Engagement: A Lasting Tradition. From its earliest days, Saratoga County residents valued self-governance and community involvement. County, City and Town government leaders partner with private businesses and non-profit societies to create a culture of collective responsibility. Today, this spirit continues. Residents engage in preserving historical sites, supporting sustainable development, and promoting civic pride—ensuring these values remain central to the county’s identity.
Resilience and Modern Growth Saratoga County’s history is filled with stories of perseverance. From the Revolutionary War to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, the community has adapted to challenges while building a thriving economy.
Modern Saratoga County is home to a diverse range of economic activities, including tourism, healthcare, technology, farming and manufacturing. Landmarks such as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Skidmore College, and the Saratoga Racetrack enrich the county’s intellectual and cultural life. Visitors are drawn by its historical sites, scenic landscapes, and recreational opportunities, further boosting the local economy.
A Legacy of Independence and Progress Since 1791, Saratoga County has grown from four towns to include nineteen towns, several villages and two cities. The values of resilience, self-reliance, and industriousness that defined its early settlers remain at the heart of its modern identity. From town meetings to thriving businesses, residents continue to honor its history while looking ahead to new opportunities for growth. Saratoga County’s journey—rooted in its rich history, strategic geography, and enduring values—is a story of progress that connects the achievements of the past to the promise of tomorrow.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —For two days in March, Opera Saratoga will hold local auditions for the 2025 Summer Festival Season and beyond, in order to create a local roster of affiliated singers, actors and pianists.
Head of Music Staff Laurie Rogers and General and Artistic Director Mary Birnbaum will hear auditions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21 at Elisabeth Luce Moore Recital Hall at Skidmore and Saturday, March 22 at the Gideon Putnam Room at the Saratoga Spa State Park.
“There is a tremendous resource in the Capital Region that we want to tap into: the artists who live and work here,” said General and Artistic Director Mary Birnbaum, who also serves on the faculty of The Juilliard School. “This wealth of talent should be elevating the work of Opera Saratoga, the Capital Region’s only professional opera company.”
Auditioners who are singers/actors are asked to bring an aria, classical song or musical theater piece of 5 minutes or less in duration with printed sheet music for the pianist. Actors who are interested in auditioning can prepare a monologue. Pianists should prepare the accompaniment to an aria or art song, and should be prepared to sight read.
For an audition slot, email info@operasaratoga.org.
Opera Saratoga’s 64th Annual Summer Festival will run from May 20-June 29 and feature 15 performances at the Spa State Park, Mansion of Saratoga, Saratoga Winery, and Universal Preservation Hall.
BALLSTON SPA — A new 64-page book “Saratoga’s Black Heritage: A Guidebook,” was published by the Saratoga County History Center of Ballston Spa, and is available free of charge.
The book contains 30 tales, each with an illustration and tells stories of Black achievers.
Among the African American personalities profiled are Frank Johnson, whose famous orchestra played for dancing every summer in the 1820s and 1830s; T.H. Sands Pennington, owner of a drugstore on the site of Uncommon Grounds; Harry T. Burleigh, soloist, composer, and arranger of “Negro spirituals”; Clarence Dart, a Tuskegee Airman; and Hattie Austin, beloved restaurateur who provided summer work for Southern college students.
Copies may be picked up at Brookside Museum during open hours (currently Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Alternatively, it can be ordered for $6 postage on the museum’s website, brooksidemuseum.org, or by telephone at 518-885-4000.
WILTON — Experience nature in a whole new way by walking the trails under the full moon.
The Moonlight Hike at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, a fun evening for all ages, explores the beauty of the park in the dark.
Hikes are led by an environmental educator, offering insights into the park and its wildlife. Due to high interest, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park has added another Full Moon Hike 7-8 p.m. on March 12, in addition to the walk scheduled for March 14.
The walks take place on the trails of Camp Saratoga North on Scout Road in the Town of Wilton. If there is snow, the program will take place on snowshoes. Free snowshoe rentals will be available 15 minutes before the program.
Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Anne Kearney Proulx, 77, passed away on February 18, 2025, following a brief illness.
Born on August 24, 1947, in Saratoga Springs, Anne was a lifelong resident of the community she cherished. She graduated from Saratoga High School, the Class of 1965, and continued her education at Mildred Elley Business School in Albany, earning her degree in 1966.
Anne built a distinguished career at the Kenneth A. Kesselring Site and the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, where she dedicated many years of service before retiring in 2004. Her professional journey continued at the Saratoga Today Newspaper, where she contributed her talents for several years.
She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Proulx; her daughter, Whitney Rebisz, and son-in-law, Dave Rebisz; her sister-in-law, Lori Kearney; her nephew, Jack Kearney; her niece, Maggie Kearney; and her great-nephew, Finn Wright. She was predeceased by her parents, Jane and Jack Kearney, as well as her brother, Philip Kearney.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
A committal service will take place in May at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Estherville Animal Shelter located at 100 Russell Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 12833 https://esthervilleshelter.wixsite.com/adopt/money
Anne was beloved by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing.
For online condolences please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
GREENWICH — James M. Cole passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. James was the son of Clayton Cole and Ruth Martin Cole. At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours or services at this time. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —With her loving family by her side, Donna Shepherd-Moon, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Saratoga Hospital. At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours or services at this time. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
