Author: Saratoga TODAY
August 2 – 8, 2024
Friday, August 2
Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll
Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. This 90-minute guided walking tour will entertain and enlighten both visitors and residents with the famed stories of this great city. Saratoga Springs was the playground of the rich and famous during the 1800’s and provides the stories of this wonderful, gilded period in our history. This unique and engaging tour will guide participants from the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center to Congress Park and will conclude with a complete tour of the elegant Canfield Casino. Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – Noon, $20 per person. For reservations, please call the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center: 518-587-3241.
Saturday, August 3
4th Annual Lemonade Stand Event
On Saturday, August 3, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Ballston Spa Sunshine Kid’s Lemonade Stand returns at Ribbon Café, located at 11 Prospect St., Ballston Spa, rallying support for 9-year-old Charles Barton, who is courageously battling leukemia. The event promises a day filled with activities for all ages, including children’s activities organized by local organizations such as Ballston Area Community Center, Saratoga Children’s Museum, and Ballston Area Recreation Center. Visitors can enjoy music, vendor booths, and special appearances including visits from Ballston Spa’s EMS, miniature donkeys from Maple Leaf Farm, dancers from Carol Lawrence Dance Center, a DJ, stock cars, and a firetruck from Ballston Spa Fire station.
Ladies Lesson, Lunch & Golf Tee Party
Brookhaven Golf course, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., Greenfield | Noon – 3 p.m. The event is for golfers of all skill levels but requires no experience. Ladies are invited to join for one-hour group lesson at the driving range, where participants will be grouped by skill level and work with a golf professional. After the lesson, the ladies gather for lunch at The View Restaurant. One beverage of choice and lunch are included with registration, which costs $60 for residents and $70 for nonresidents. Women are invited to dress in their “florals, frills and fascinators” for the event. After lunch, participants have the option of playing up to 18 holes if they so desire. Register at www.greenfieldny.org.
Saratoga Arts Fundraising Gala
Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. This year’s event will focus on a curated silent auction of prolific artists from all over the Capital Region and beyond. In addition to fine food and drink, there will be special engagements by both iTheatre and Mostly Modern Projects, resulting in a completely singular experience. We sincerely hope that you’ll join Saratoga Arts in celebrating our history, and help us to realize our future. Follow us for updates as our exciting list of participating artists grows. As always, Foundation guests should expect the unexpected. For tickets, https://www.saratoga-arts.org/event-5733363.
Sunday, August 4
Summer Sunday Stroll: Historic Congress Park
Meet: In front of the Canfield Casino in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Charlie Kuenzel will lead the Summer Sunday Stroll “Historic Congress Park.” Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and explore the historic landscape architecture of Congress Park, the early springs, and other facets of Saratoga’s history. Tours are limited to 30 participants. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Foundation members with stroll passes need to contact the Foundation’s office to book their Summer Sunday Stroll before their chosen date.
Monday, August 5
Vacation Bible School
The Barkersville Christian Church, 7200 Barkersville Road, Middle Grove | 5:30 – 8 p.m. August 5 – 9 for children ages 4 to 12. This year’s theme is Breaker Rock Beach learning God’s solid rock truth in a world of shifting sands. There will be crafts, music, snacks, Bible stories, games, prizes and lots of candy. A family picnic is scheduled for Saturday, August 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Register online at www.barkersvillecc.com or find them on Facebook at Barkersville Christian Church. All are welcome.
5K Trail Series
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, Parking Lot #1 and #2, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6:15 p.m. The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series will continue August 12, 19. and 26. Registration is $10 day-of or $40 by July 29 for all five races. Children ages 0-12 are free; 13-18 are half-price. This is a low-key, all-outdoors event topped off by light refreshments and unusual raffle prizes. Please bring your own water. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. For more information, call Laura Clark at 518-581-1278 or email laura@saratogastryders.org or visit www.saraogastryders.org for more information and to sign up online.
Tuesday, August 6
Guided Nature Walk: Crescent Park Trail
Crescent Park Trail, Halfmoon | 9 a.m. Join us for a guided nature walk as Linda Bryan of the Town of Halfmoon shares her knowledge about this beautiful trail. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org
Guided Trolley Tours
Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. This informative and entertaining 90-minute guided tour includes historic sights and points of interest along Broadway, North Broadway, Skidmore, the High Rock area, Saratoga Race Course, Union Avenue, and more! Upstate Transit has captured the charm of yesteryear and the comfort of today by designing trolleys with an authentic wooden interior, decorative etched glass windows, and air-conditioning. Trolleys also feature a wheelchair lift. Tours take place Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. through August 31. Tickets are $25 per person. Recommended for children 12 and over. Day-of tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center.
Wednesday, August 7
Roast Beef Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. For curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order, 518-584-2585. Menu: roast beef, roasted redskin potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll, gravy. Dinner $15 each (cash only).
History of Beekeeping in the USA
Wilton Heritage Society, 5 Parkhurst Rd., Wilton | 6 p.m. Gregory Stoddard will present a program highlighting the contribution of women in establishing beekeeping in the colonies. Prior to his timely presentation, sample his Honey Surprise as an hors d’oeuvre for the hot dog and sides potluck supper. Please join us to learn more about our pollinators who are so important to our food supply.
Pickin’s Session
310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 9 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking.
Doors open 6 p.m. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call 518-885-4229 with questions.
Poetry Reading
Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Caffè Lena will present a poetry reading by Natalli Amato. An open mic poetry reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students. The featured reading will also be livestreamed. You can find a link for the livestream at caffelena.org., 518-583-0022.
Thursday, August 8
Grant’s Funeral-History of Burke’s Funeral Home
Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton | 2 – 3 p.m. Carol Godette will discuss Victorian-era mourning and funeral customs; how William Burke’s involvement in the embalming of President Ulysses S Grant led him to open his own funeral home; and the rich history of Burke’s role as one of four operating funeral homes in Saratoga Springs. https://www.grantcottage.org/events
Saratoga Race Course Announcer Joins Spa Catholic Staff
Image of Tom Durkin via the Saratoga Central Catholic School.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic School announced last week that Tom Durkin, an award-winning Saratoga Race Course announcer, will be joining its faculty as the Public Speaking Basics teacher. The class is a new elective offered by the school’s business department.
Durkin was a track announcer at the Saratoga Race Course from 1990 to 2014. He also worked as a sports commentator for ESPN and NBC Sports from 1984 to 2010. Durkin’s career has earned him numerous accolades, including the Jockey Club Gold Medal and the Eclipse Award of Merit. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from St. Norbert College.
The Public Speaking Basics course aims to equip students with essential skills such as structuring and delivering speeches, overcoming stage fright, and engaging with audiences effectively. Through practical exercises and real-world applications, students will gain confidence and proficiency in public speaking, preparing them for future academic and professional success.
Patricia Susan Gargiulo
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Patricia Susan Gargiulo, 79, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2024.
Known to loved ones as Patty, was born In Gloversville, a first generation Italian American to the late Pasquale and Assunta (Digiacomo) D’Errico. Patty was the beloved wife of 59 years to Richard D “Rick” Gargiulo Sr. They had 2 children, Richard A. “Rick” (Anna) Gargiulo Jr. and Kristen Reffitt. Patty was also a proud grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren: Kayla Walsh, Brian Reffitt Jr., and Grace Gargiulo. She loved her grandchildren with all of her heart. Family was everything to Patty and she relished the time they spent together.
Patty came from a large family of one brother and five sisters. Patty was the youngest of her siblings and is survived by her dear sisters Katherine Cozzolino of San Antonio, Fl and Rose Kelly of Amsterdam, NY. She will join her loving sisters Helen Leibl (Joe), Carmella “Carmy” Mulhall (John), Louise Mosconi (Bob) and her beloved brother Jack D’Errico in heaven. Her legacy lives on through dozens of nieces, nephews, and countless friends who will miss her dearly.
Patty’s life was a testament to the love she had for her family and friends as well as her passion for cooking. She was known for her Sunday sauce and meatballs, a family tradition to this day. She adored gathering and celebrating with family and friends, she was always the first to plan family holiday events. No one ever left Patty’s presence hungry; her kitchen was always open, and she looked forward to the joy of feeding her family and friends. Her familiar call to “Eat, eat” will forever echo in our hearts.
Patty faced many health challenges over the last year and a half and was cared for by amazing caregivers at home and at the Wesley Community. A special thank you to all of them who gave such love and attention to Patty.
Patty’s warmth, generosity, and love for her family created lasting memories and a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, August 3 at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY (518-584-5373). A funeral home service will be celebrated at noon.
Burial immediately following in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Elementary School Mural Memorializes Teacher Who Battled Cancer
Photo of the “Mehan Trail” mural in the Schuylerville Elementary School building via the district’s website. The mural was painted by 5th graders in honor of a former teacher who succumbed to cancer in 2023.
CHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville Elementary School students have painted a mural in their school’s hallway in memory of Dave Mehan, a teacher who passed away in 2023 after battling cancer.
The mural, named “Mehan Trail,” is filled with images of nature, reading, kindness, and peace; images that are reflective of Mehan’s legacy. During his tenure of almost 26 years, Mehan was known as a devoted educator who had a unique ability to connect with students and staff in a meaningful way.
Shortly after Mehan’s passing, Schuylerville faculty and staff members wrote reflections of their experiences with the beloved teacher. One faculty member wrote:
“When I was going through my own cancer battle in 2016, he helped to organize my fundraiser. When he himself became sick, I could not believe the strength and determination he had. He has fought so hard this past year, traveling to whatever doctor he needed to, never giving up hope that he would beat it. I saw him for the last time a week ago and although exhausted and in pain, he was still cracking jokes and being the sarcastic Dave we all know and love.”
Theresa A. “Terry” Rourke
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Theresa A. “Terry” Rourke, age 80, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024. Calling hours are 4 – 7 p.m., August 5 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass is at 11 a.m. on August 6 at St. Clement’s Church, burial following at 12:30 p.m. at Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to Community Hospice of Saratoga. Please visitwww.burkefuneralhome.com
Local High Schools NamedSchools of Distinction and Excellence
LATHAM — The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announced its 2023-2024 Schools of Distinction and Excellence on Friday. Ballston Spa Senior High School and Saratoga Central Catholic High School were named Schools of Distinction, while Saratoga Springs High School and Schuylerville High School were designated as Schools of Excellence.
Winning schools will receive their commemorative awards at their local athletic director workshop this fall.
To earn School of Distinction status, 100% of the school’s varsity teams must qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons. School of Excellence status is awarded to schools with 75% of varsity teams that qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award.
According to NYSPHSAA, the purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, 114 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 226 schools earned the School of Excellence Award.
Robert Thomas Donath
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Robert Thomas Donath passed away on July 29, 2024 at Saratoga Hospital. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
Barbara Lynn (Quinn) Oliver
SCHUYLERVILLE — Barbara Lynn (Quinn) Oliver, 72, peacefully passed away July 27, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses at Saratoga Hospital ICU. Calling hours and a funeral home service took place on August 1 at Burke Funeral Home. www.burkefuneralhome.com
Julie (Ganisin) Cassidy
SARATOGA SPRINGS— Julie (Ganisin) Cassidy passed away on July 21, 2024 at Saratoga Hospital, with loved ones at her side, after a short battle with cancer. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. For online condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
