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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Springs Hiring Assistant Coaches

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District is looking to hire a handful of assistant coaches for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. 

Vacant assistant positions include girl’s soccer at Maple Ave Middle School, girl’s cross-country at Maple Ave, modified 9 boy’s soccer, and junior varsity girl’s volleyball.

The positions are all for the Fall 2024 season and come with a stipend per the Saratoga Springs Teachers Association contract.

For more information, visit saratogaschools.recruitfront.com/JobOpportunities.

Local Community Unites Aug. 3 to Support Child Battling Cancer at 4th Annual Lemonade Stand Event

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — On Saturday, Aug. 3, the Ballston Spa Sunshine Kid’s Lemonade Stand returns for its 4th annual event at Ribbon Café, rallying support for 9-year-old Charles Barton, who is courageously battling leukemia. 

The event, hosted by Ribbon Café in partnership with Ballston Spa Sunshine Kids, aims to raise funds and awareness for Charles’s medical expenses and treatment at The Melodies Center at Albany Medical Center.

The event takes place 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 at Ribbon Café, 11 Prospect St., Ballston Spa.

 Events include 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.

Charles Barton was diagnosed with leukemia in May 2024, and his family, alongside the Ballston Spa community, is rallying to support him during this challenging time. The event raises vital funds and also aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer and the impact it has on local families.

Donations can be made at the lemonade stand, and volunteers are welcome to assist with activities throughout the day. For more information about the venue, go to: https://www.ribboncafeny.com/. 

Vegan Festival Set for Saturday, Aug. 10

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

GLENS FALLS — Glens Falls Vegan Festival, is set for Saturday, August 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in City Park in Downtown Glens Falls, New York. 

“The focus of this festival is on food,” co-organizer Kate Austin of Advokate and Glens Falls Vegan said in a statement. “Vegans know that we’ll easily drive three hours for a good donut. And delicious food is something everyone can enjoy. Some folks don’t realize that when we say vegan food, we’re talking about lemonade, italian ice, bread, the exact same way everyone always enjoys it. We want to break the stigma people have of vegan food being something super weird or just twigs and leaves.”

Among those in attendance are the former Birch Bark Eatery, now rebranded as Bitchin Donuts, as well as Subculture from Albany, Soulistic Vegan from Schenectady, Sunny Sips, Innovo Kitchen Food Truck, Woodstock Herbal Products, Simply Garlic, Funked Up Art Co., C.A.R.E. and others.

Entertainment includes a pit bull “kissing booth” by Out of the Pits, live music by Mark Rabin, parenting and cooking tips from Kristin and Em, and more.

The event will include a post-festival dinner menu made up of restaurant specials throughout the city, so attendees can explore the many vegan options available at Glens Falls restaurants for their evening meal.

Billed as a “joyful, inclusive celebration of plant-based food and the vegan lifestyle,” the event  is hosted by Glens Falls Vegan and Advokate, LLC, and sponsored by the City of Glens Falls and Capital Region Vegan Network.

For more information, go to: www.glensfallsvegan.com.

Deadline Aug. 9: Request for Nominations – 2024 Preservation Recognition Awards

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation seeks nominations for projects that reflect a dedication to preserving, developing, and reusing historic buildings and landscapes in Saratoga Springs. 

On Sept. 12, the Foundation will recognize individuals and organizations who have invested significant time and money to undertake preservation projects in the past year during the Annual Meeting & Preservation Recognition Awards at Saratoga Music Hall. 

Those nominated may be individuals, organizations, businesses, or community representatives. Nominations will be assessed by the Awards Committee according to the following criteria: project design sensitivity to the historic character and environment of the property; project execution represents appropriate techniques and preservation practice; degree of difficulty faced and appropriateness of solutions were applied. 

The project must be located in the City of Saratoga Springs but does not have to be located in a historic district. Projects must be for buildings 50 years and older can range from small, removal of vinyl siding or restoring original wood windows, to large, an entire building rehabilitation or adaptive-reuse. Additions to historic buildings and new in-fill construction can also be nominated. All projects must have been completed within the past year.

To nominate a project or ask about the awards, contact Sydney Hedge, Preservation & Programs Coordinator, at shedge@saratogapreservation.org. Submit nominations by Friday, Aug. 9, and include the address of the project; a description of the work completed; and, if possible, name of the property owner and photographs or submit nominations online at https://bit.ly/3zxcpWF.

July 26 – August 1, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

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.

Vacation Bible School 

The Barkersville Christian Church at 7200 Barkersville Road, Middle Grove, will be hosting its annual Vacation Bible School August 5 – 9, 5:30 – 8 p.m. 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.

Saratoga Arts Fundraising Gala

The gala will be held on Saturday, August 3 at Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs at 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. 

14th Annual Caboose Day

Town of Greenfield Historical Society will host their 14th annual Caboose Day at Kings Station on Saturday, August 10, 2024 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour Kings Station and Caboose at Corner of Route 9N and Porter Road.Vendors, Bake Sale, T-shirts, Food and Drinks available for purchase. Train rides from Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway, 9 Railroad Place, Corinth to Kings Station and Special “Greenfield Flyer” from Kings Station to LaMothe Landing and back. Book your ride now at CorinthTrain.com (cost and times listed on website).A Trolley will bring you to Kings Station and back to train. Rain or Shine

Makers Revolution and Sustainable Food Movement

August 10 and 11, Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. We will be showcasing over 75 of the best and brightest Artisans in the local and regional Maker and Artisanal Specialty Food community. These Makers, who have been selectively juried, will converge within an eclectic village bringing forth the latest talent and hottest trends. Also, enjoy a Food Market including food trucks and prepackaged foods, a Book Market, a Tiny Bookmaking Workshop, and live music! For more Information – including a full list of vendors is available at www.MarketsAtRoundLake.com. This is a free event and a fundraiser for the Round Lake Libraries.

Health, History, and Horses Charity Gala

Presented by Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Chapter. Funds raised are distributed annualy to established charities in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties: Catholic Charities, food kitchens, shelters, and tuition support programs. Thursday, August 22 from 6 – 9 p.m. Held at Saratoga-Wilton elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs. Complimentary Beer & Wine the first hour, hot and cold food stations, cash bar, live music, silent auction, 4 seasons basket, 50/50 and race track t-shirt quilt raffles. Cost is $80 per person payable to Ladies of Charity. Tickets: www.ladiesofcharitysaratoga.com. Attire: Summer Festive

2024 Swing for Music Golf Tournament

The Saratoga Chamber Players is planning the 2024 Swing for Music golf tournament, and we hope you will save the date to join us.  The proceeds will support our programming in the Saratoga elementary schools and our outreach to seniors as well as our dazzling chamber music concerts. The event will take place at Airway Meadows golf course on Friday, September 13. We look forward to your participation in the 9-hole scramble. Registration begins at 3:15 p.m. with a shotgun start at 3:45 p.m. The fee is $80. It includes prizes and the traditional taco dinner following the round of golf. Registration forms will go out in July, but meanwhile please mark your calendars and share this information with your leagues and fellow golfers. If you would like a registration form or have questions, contact: prubio@skidmore.edu.

Car Show

Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge #161 car show will be held on September 22, 9 a.m.  – 3 p.m. at One Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs. Rain date September 29. Classic, custom, collectible – all years welcome. Vendors, trophies, food, DJ, raffles, 50/50. For pre-registration forms email Pat at PKaniuka@gmail.com. Text or call 518-859-2648. 

Looking for Unique Vendors and Artisans

Ballston Area Seniors are gearing up for their Annual Bazaar Saturday, November 9, at the Town of Milton Community Center, located at 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. What is your specialty? Pickles, Relishes, jams and jellies, or any handmade crafts are appreciated and welcome. We are looking for you to join us. Indoor spaces 8’Wx7’D are $ 30. indoor only are (first come, first serve basis and electrical outlets indoor are limited.) Outdoor spaces 12’Wx10’D are $ 25. To receive an Exhibit Contract and a Town of Milton agreement contact the Bazaar Vendor Coordinator Sue Heimburg we can e-mail out contracts. Sheim381@aol.com or Call—518-885-8037 / text message. 

Tuscan Treasures: Art, Food and Wine from Lucca to Florence

Academy for Lifelong Learning Announces Tour to Tuscany, November 10 – 18, 2024,  is an enchanting medley of Renaissance cities, rolling hills and terraced vineyards. This very special region offers a quintessential Italian experience. From olive groves and cypress alleys to the romantic villages perched on rocky outcrops, the landscape here has become a symbol of the country as a whole. We will spend three nights in Lucca and four in Florence. Special features include wine tastings, lunch at a Tuscan farm, a cooking class preparing a three-course dinner, guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery and visit to the Accademia to view the renowned David. The double occupancy price for air and land is $5775. For additional information, contact goedventures@gmail.com.

Open For Business

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Impressions set up a pop-up tent while interior electrical work was
being completed.

If you happened to drive down Broadway during the past two weeks you may have noticed a peculiar sight: a handful of stores closed during race season! The culprit: Water and fire.

On June 19, a six-inch water pipe failed, flooding the basement of 19 Phila St. and 368 Broadway. The flooding caused an electrical fire which destroyed the electrical infrastructure of both buildings.

The Saratoga Springs Fire Department and The city’s Department of Public Works responded quickly, assisting residents and pumping water out of  basements.

While very little damage was done to the buildings, all electrical infrastructure and more than 30 individual meters required replacement.

MTG Electric worked around-the-clock to complete the job so residents could return home, and business owners could resume operations. National Grid, along with other departments, were also very helpful with this unique fire.

While interior work was being completed, businesses were forced to think ‘outside of the box’. One of those shops was Impressions, who opened a pop-up tent on the sidewalk with a sampling of their overall offerings.

As of press time all work is complete and both buildings are open for business again.

“We are incredibly excited to be able to be open again and a truly appreciative of all of the support we have had over the last five weeks.”  stated impressions co-owner Maddy Zanetti. “From customers to the Roohan employees, MTG Electric, and our fellow businesses; it has been overwhelming and humbling to have so many reach out and offer assistance in some way.”

While the downtime varied from as little as 10 days, some businesses were out of power for four or five weeks.

The following businesses were affected by the fire and welcome your support:

The Content Agency, New Attitudes Salon, Magic Moon, Impressions, Catholic Charities, Kettlewell & Edwards, The Shoppe, Kiki Hairslayer, The Funding Store, J B Squared Enterprise, Maryam Harri DDS, Lyrical Ballad, Miss Scarlett, Trattoria Fortunata, and Heather Satkowski.

July 26 – August 1, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, July 26

Annual Lawn Sale

The Old Stone Church, 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Additional Sale Dates: Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3.

Mom Talk Friday

Community Alliance Church, 257 Rowland St., Ballston Spa | 9:30 – 11 a.m. Ballston Spa Mom’s Group. Childcare provided. Ballstonspamomsgroup.com 

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. 

Chatfield Museum Open

440 Middle Grove Road Middle Grove | 4 – 6 p.m. Fridays, July 26 through August 30 The Town of Greenfield Historical Society will have their museum, “Chatfield Museum” Open to the public. Stop in and check out the Veterans Corner with photos of local men and women in their uniforms, mannequins display some of these uniforms as well as fireman uniforms, and many other days gone by articles of clothing. This is a two-story museum with many local artifacts. Local Historical Society Members will be on hand to answer your questions.

Open Mic Coffee House 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | 6 – 7 p.m. Artists are asked to bring a selection of poetry, a short story, or music to share.  Sign-ups for five-minute time slots start at 5:30 p.m. at the library.  We ask that you limit your performance to 5 minutes to allow time for all to share their talents.  Light refreshments will be available.  Please call 518-882-6385 with any questions.

Outdoor Summer Craft Fair

Home of the Good Shepherd, 400 Church St., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please join us for our summer craft fair. There are approximately 16 vendors including names such as Thirty-one, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Mary Kay and many more! Ben & Jerry’s will be on site selling ice cream, as well. This will take place between two buildings.

Saturday, July 27

Kilboy Was Here: The Erie Canal Balladeer 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 11 a.m. Join Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Education Director David Brooks as he talks about the Erie Canal as a place where people, their stories and songs passed along the way.  Registration is requested by calling 518-882-6385.

Sunday, July 28

Summer Sunday Stroll: Historic Fifth and Madison Avenues

Meet: Northeast corner of Nelson and Fifth Avenues, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Led by Debbie Studwell, this tour highlights the diverse architectural styles and historic development of this significant neighborhood near the Saratoga Race Course, showcasing Saratoga’s growth from the late 1800s to the 1940s. The properties featured on this tour are contributors to the East Side Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sponsored by Seeley Office Systems. 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.

Frederick Douglass Speaks on Democracy

Frederick Allen Elks Lodge, 69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. The Saratoga County History Center and the Saratoga Springs Black Elks have joined together to cosponsor a timely presentation by Frederick Douglass interpreter Nathan M. Richardson. Mr. Richardson will lead a conversation about the meaning of American democracy from the perspective of the renowned former slave turned writer, orator and abolitionist. Hear how his relationship with other abolitionists and several Presidents influenced his beliefs which remain important today. This event is underwritten by a generous donation from Frederic Sober Jr.  

Sounds of Summer

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 6 p.m. The Jazz Ambassadors as well as featured professional musicians from the local 506 of the American Federation of Musicians will be giving a free concert on the porch of the Brookside Museum. They will be playing under the baton of Dennis Searles, coordinator of Local 506 of the Music Performance Trust Fund.  Please bring your lawn chairs and a picnic dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening of music.

Tradition, Tradition: Song and Story 

Congregation Beth Shalom, 688 Clifton Park Center Rd. | 7 p.m. Spend an evening with talented storytellers, musicians, and singers presenting an array of age-old Jewish themes to capture your mind, warm your heart, and inspire your soul. Pre-registration is required. Register below. A $10 donation is requested at the door.

Monday, July 29

21st Annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic

McGregor Links Country Club, 359 Northern Pines Rd., Wilton |10 a.m. Join Saratoga Bridges for lunch, 18 holes of golf, contests, complimentary beverages on the course, dinner, golf apparel and goodie bags. We will host a small award ceremony for the best golfers (and the most honest golfer). This event is a great opportunity to network with other golf lovers and support Saratoga Bridges. To purchase tickets, please go to www.saratogabridges.org and click on fundraising events, then click on The J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic. Tickets are $225 per golfer or $900 for a foursome. Spaces are limited, so act quickly!

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 on August 5, 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, July 30

Virtual Author Talk with Dan Santat

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. Dan Santat will discuss “Graphic Novels are Life! Telling Your Own Story in a Graphic Novel.” Santat is an award-winning and bestselling author and illustrator. His artwork is featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels and he created the animated television show, The Replacements. Registration required for this Zoom program. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Wednesday, July 31

Sliced Fresh Chicken Breast 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: sliced fresh chicken breast with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cranberry sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner $15 each (cash only). 

Photography Club 

Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. Our speaker this month will be Gayle Bennett from Innerwoood Gallery in Ballston Lake, who will give tips and techniques for matting and framing photographs. We will also be reviewing photographs submitted for this month’s Photo Challenge: Bugs! on the ground or in the air. Anyone interested in photography regardless of their level of experience is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Thursday, August 1

Dragon’s Breath

The Sembrich, 4800 Lake Shore Dr., Bolton Landing | 10 a.m. A charming children’s opera by Adirondack resident and composer Evan Mack and librettist Joshua McGuire. The production is sung in English and appropriate for children pre-K to 6th grade. The opera is approximately 35 minutes long and will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience. The story follows a child named Alan who is finding ways to cope with his anger, personified as a Dragon. Rather than slaying the Dragon, Alan discovers the Dragon’s true nature and his ability to tame it. The opera is presented free of charge, though families are encouraged to make a reservation to receive event updates and help measure the impact of community programming. Reservations can be made at TheSembrich.org/festival, or by calling 518-644-2431.

Schuylerville School District Launches App

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SCHUYLERVILLE — On July 10, the Schuylerville Central School District launched ParentSquare, an app and communication system that keeps users updated on school news and announcements.

Parents and guardians can sign in to ParentSquare to activate their account and customize their communication preferences. All users are encouraged to download the free ParentSquare mobile app available on both the Apple Store and Google Play.

Users can choose to receive district news (information and announcements about school-building events, athletic events, musical performances, and the annual school budget/Board of Education election), as well as school delay and closure notifications.

Once downloaded, ParentSquare offers the following options:

Receive messages from the school via email, text, phone call or app notifications

Choose to receive information as it is sent or all at once with a daily digest that evening

Communicate in your preferred language

Parents and guardians who did not receive an email from ParentSquare on July 10 should contact the main office of their child’s school building to update their parent portal account. Additional ParentSquare questions can be directed to the district’s Communications Director Taryn Kane at kanet@schuylerville.org. 

ParentSquare has become increasingly popular locally, and is already used by the Saratoga Springs City School District. District officials have said that ParentSquare has helped them combat chronic absenteeism. 

Nathan George Hayes

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Nathan George Hayes passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by family. He was born on July 22, 1956 in Brookhaven, Long Island, NY.

After graduating from Schuylerville High School, Nathan served in the Navy for ten years. He was employed as a security guard for many years. He also played Santa Claus at Pyramid Mall.

Nathan’s passions in life were his family, friends, sports (especially the Mets), and music. He was a self-taught keyboard player and enjoyed playing any chance he got. He would play at the senior housing complex his mom lived in. The residents loved it! He would play often, and holidays were a favorite. He also played for his friends in the apartment complex that he lived in. Nathan also had a passion for keeping statistics on all sports. He loved to hear about his nieces and nephews and how they were doing in school and sports. Nature, dogs and squirrels were also a love of his. He even risked getting in trouble to feed the squirrels. 

He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Ima Hayes, his sister Susan, and his nephew Aiden Varney. Nathan is survived by his sisters Cynthia Bruce and Caroline Hayes, his brother John Hayes, sister-in-law Helen Hart Hayes, several nieces and nephews, several great nieces and great nephews, two great-great nieces and one great-great nephew, and several cousins.

Relatives and friends may call from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, August 2 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373). Burial, with military honors, will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road Schuylerville, NY. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com