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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Dr. Lewis Emanuel Taub

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Dr. Lewis Emanuel Taub of 150 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, died on April 30, 2026. He was 100 years old.

Lewis was born on Dec. 30, 1925, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Morris and Florence Simon Taub.  He attended local schools in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn and was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School.  He attended Brooklyn College and received a degree in optometry from Columbia University.

On December 26, 1948, he married Marion “Sonia” Clesner, his beloved until her death and beyond.  They moved to Saratoga Springs in 1952 where he opened his office for the practice of optometry.  Sonia and Lewis raised their three children, Michael, Eric, and Sarah, in Saratoga.  Lewis continued in practice for 38 years, retiring in 1991.  When Sonia became ill, Lewis cared for her day and night for three years until she passed away in 2016.

In 2023, Lewis married his beloved second wife, Barbara Kass.  Barbara passed away in 2025.

Lewis was a life member of the American Optometric Association and a member of the New York Optometric Society.  In addition, he belonged to the Historical Society of Saratoga Springs and was a volunteer at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.  He loved skiing and sailing and helped found the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club.  In 1964, Lewis and Sonia became founding members of Temple Sinai, Saratoga’s Reform synagogue. 

Lewis loved to travel both internationally and domestically and had a lifelong goal of visiting all the US National Parks, which was only thwarted by the ongoing creation of new National Parks.

Lewis was a lifelong learner.  With Sonia, he attended dozens of Elderhostel educational retreats.  In his retirement, he audited more than 50 classes at Skidmore College and was granted an honorary certificate of achievement in 2016.

Lewis was a loyal, devoted husband and father – always a stable, loving foundation for his children in good times and bad.  His secret for a long life was to have a long memory for good times and a short memory for difficulties.  He enjoyed every day to the fullest. 

He is survived by two children, Michael and Sarah Taub; and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice, communityhospice.org.

Dennis “Denny” James Cummings 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Dennis “Denny” James Cummings, 79, of Saratoga Springs, New York, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, in St. Peter’s Hospital. Born on September 8, 1946, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Cummings.  

Denny proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War and remained deeply connected to the men he served alongside, attending reunions throughout the United States for many years. Those friendships and shared memories remained very important to him throughout his life. 

He was a graduate of St. Peter’s Academy in Saratoga in 1964. A carpenter by trade, Denny was known for his hardworking nature. Saratoga Race Course was truly in his blood. He held fond memories of the track where his father was employed, recalling as a child selling pencils to patrons. His lifelong passion for horse racing led him to become a part owner of several racehorses over the years. He could happily recite the names of every horse he owned and always ended with a smile, saying, “Nolita pays the bills.” During the summer months, he especially enjoyed visiting the stables and spending time with the horses, trainers, jockeys, and owners he admired so much. 

Denny enjoyed watching sports, was a loyal New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds fan, and loved playing golf with family and friends each summer. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Charis Cummings, who passed away in 2015. Their love was playful, warm and deeply genuine with a marriage marked by humor, kindness and unwavering friendship. 

A few years after Charis’s passing, Denny enjoyed spending time with his loving companion, Sandy Huening and family. Sadly, Sandy passed away in 2022, but Denny continued spending time with her family, enjoying holidays and a shared love of horses especially with Sandy’s granddaughter, Samantha. 

He is survived by his devoted close cousin, John “Jack” Cogan; his stepchildren, Dean Haskin and Ross (Keesha) Haskin and their families; brothers-in-law Donald (Donna) LeBuis, Dennis (Debbie) LeBuis, and Dennis Boomhower; several other cousins; many nieces and nephews; and his friends Mark and Joanne Elliot. 

In the last two years, as his health declined due to Alzheimer’s disease, Denny was lovingly supported by Jack Cogan, Amy Versocki, Judy Boomhower, and Sharon Forman. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Will Frohlich and Todd Koslik for the kindness and care they showed Denny. 

Relatives and friends attending the services are asked to gather at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery (200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY) at 11:15 am on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The funeral service with Military Honors will be at 11:30 am.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, 1003 New Loudon Road, Suite 201, Cohoes, NY 12047.

As Denny would say, “May the Horse be with you!”

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

This Week’s Events: May 22-28

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Senior Center Memorial Day Picnic BBQ

YMCA Pavillion, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1:30 p.m. Celebrate Memorial Day with a red, white, and blue outdoor BBQ, honoring those who have served. Enjoy live music from Bill Gervasio and a full picnic-style meal including BBQ chicken, hot dogs, corn on the cob, macaroni salad, pasta salad, chips, water, and strawberry shortcake. Cost is $12 per person. Please RSVP by calling 518-584-1621. Community partners, including Home of the Good Shepherd, MVP Health Care, Nascentia Health, WellCare, and Trinity Health Alerts—will be on site throughout the event. Guests are encouraged to stop by, meet them, ask questions, and learn more about the local support and services available to you and your family.

Saturday, May 23

History Caravan

Saratoga National Historical Park, Visitor Center, 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 9:30 a.m. Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center at 518-670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or X @SaratogaNHP. 

Curator’s Tour: Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 2 – 3 p.m. Throughout the month of May, we are welcoming visitors to our new temporary exhibition with guided tours led by our Executive Director and exhibition curator, Dr. Anne Hollmuller. Join Anne on a small group tour where she will discuss the history and evolutions of Luther Forest, our Luther-Mackay family archive, and the curatorial process. Members $0, non-members $5. 

Sunday, May 24

Honor and Remember

Bakersville Christian Church, 7200 Bakersville Rd., Middle Grove | 10:30 a.m. Please join us as we honor and remember those who have served. Honoring all veterans with special remembrance of those who make the ultimate sacrifice. The service will include a Battlefield Cross Ceremony. Taps will be played by Darren Munchback. A gift will be presented to all veterans in attendance. Pastor Dan Trolano will deliver the message: “The Ultimate Sacrifice”. The Patriot Guard Riders will be in attendance. 

Monday, May 25

In Memoriam

Saratoga National Historical Park, Visitor Center, 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 1 p.m. Visitor Center Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer reveals newly discovered stories of the lives – and deaths of Americans who perished in the Battles of Saratoga. A complete list of events can be found at go.nps.gov/saraevents. For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center at 518-670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or X @SaratogaNHP. 

Tuesday, May 26

Poetry Reading

Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. A poetry reading by Cheryl Clarke. 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, 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. 

Wednesday, May 27

Science on Tap

Common Roots Brewing Company, S. Glens Falls | 7 p.m. Restoring Coral Reefs: Science, Hope, and Climate Reality. Coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the sea, yet many are disappearing faster than we ever imagined. Rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and overfishing are pushing reefs toward a tipping point, but all is not lost. Around the world, scientists, communities, and practitioners are working to give reefs a fighting chance. https//sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-13. 

Roast Pork Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: Roast Pork, mashed potatoes, vegetable, stuffing, applesauce, gravy & rolls, tossed salad. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Photography Club 

Galway Public Library, Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. Club member Mark Hadley will be sharing his golden eagle photographs and giving a workshop on digital camera sensor and lens cleaning. Anyone interested in photography, regardless of their experience level, is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information, contact Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Thursday, May 28

MS Support Group

SAIL Building, 71 Glenwood Avenue Queensbury or by Zoom | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact Lou Ann 518-793-9506 for more information.

Spring Soiree at Camp Saratoga

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 5 – 8 p.m. A one-of-a-kind evening set against the picturesque backdrop of Delegan Pond. Ticket price is $75 with a $100 Soiree Supporter ticket for those wishing to support the event at a higher level. Limited tickets are available, so don’t waiot to make your purchase. www.wiltonpreserve.org. 

Chef in the Great Outdoors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.


Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

The beautiful weather is here, and it is time to enjoy the Great Outdoors as part of our Memorial Day weekend festivities. Everyone loves to cook outdoors during this beautiful weather season. I think you would agree it’s always lots of fun to cook outdoors, since everyone loves to get out of the kitchen and into the great outdoors to prepare a delicious meal. When I think about cooking outdoors, I am reminded of one of the funniest scenes in the movies. I love John Candy, especially his role in the movie “The Great Outdoors.” I still laugh when I think about the “Ol’ 96er” scene in the movie; this amusing scene involved the star’s attempt to consume “a 96-ounce prime aged-beef steak” — and earn his crowded table a free meal.  The scene includes the challenge of eating this much steak and Candy’s meat sweats, and the gurgling distress that Dan Ackroyd hears beneath his friend’s stomach. This movie scene remains one of my favorites. I think of it every time I cook outdoors.  There are other reasons I enjoy cooking outdoors. The scent of dinner sizzling on the grill and the joy of eating in the open air — cooking and dining outdoors are simple summer pleasures that deserve to be enjoyed. When you are cooking outside, preparing dinner is part of the fun instead of a chore that keeps you holed up in the kitchen alone. Family and friends can easily hang out and chat with whoever is stationed at the grill and can pitch in by prepping sides or gathering plates. With slow-cooked barbecue being an option for outdoor grilling, there are also grilling options to fall into the quick-cooking category. Think grilled veggies, kabobs and burgers — it’s so easy. There’s no reason you could not cook dinner on the grill most weeknights, especially if you have a quick-to-heat gas grill.

Grill Spatula and Grill Tongs: The use of tongs for outdoor grilling can help you maneuver your food on the grill. Not only will a good pair of tongs make for a much more enjoyable outdoor cooking experience, but it will make the whole process much easier, too. You can use tongs to flip burgers, chicken, steak, sliding veggies around, or turning items you make have on skewers.

Instant-read thermometer: Named because it gives a temperature reading very quickly, an instant-read thermometer is an essential food safety and sanitation tool. An instant-read thermometer consists of a stainless steel stem that serves as a temperature probe, and either a dial or a digital readout.

Grill cleaning brush: Grills work better when the surface of the grill grates is clean of food and carbon build-up. This means brushing the grill surface after every use. Using a nylon brush can help to not damage the surface of the grill grates. 

Skewers for Kabobs: One tool that can help those who are firing up in the backyard is the skewer. Creating food on a stick offers the ability to be creative and to offer various food choices for your family and guests. Serving food on a stick is not only convenient, but it’s also fun! Skewers can be made of bamboo, flexible stainless steel, or stainless steel. Finding the right skewer for your grilling mission is key, since skewers come in a variety of lengths and shapes, with handle embellishments and smart features.

Let’s BBQ together this season and enjoy the Great Outdoors. Stop in and share your stories, even the disasters!  There are always times when everything doesn’t go perfectly.  As in the movie, I’ve had my share of disasters, but the good times are worth it.  At one point I did not have a mustache (for a reason!).

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, located at 33 Railroad Place. We are Saratoga Spring’s true kitchen essentials store, for your culinary needs.  Quality tools for Quality results! We have an assortment of cool tools for grilling. Remember my Foodie Friends that: “Life Happens in the Kitchen or around the BBQ grill.”


Take Care, John & Paula

Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center & Saratoga Springs History Museum Launch 2026 Grand, Gilded and Glorious Walking Tour Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs History Museum, announces the return of its popular Grand, Gilded and Glorious historic walking tour series for the 2026 season.

“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with the Saratoga Springs History Museum to bring these unique Gilded Age experiences back for another season,” said Karen Verrigni, Director of the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center. “Together, we’re able to offer visitors and residents an engaging way to explore Saratoga’s rich history and architectural heritage.”

This 90-minute walking tour shares the stories, history, and architecture that helped make Saratoga Springs the playground of the rich and famous during the 1800s, offering a glimpse into the city’s celebrated Gilded Age era.

Participants will stroll from the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center through Congress Park before concluding with a guided tour of the historic Canfield Casino and admission to the Saratoga Springs History Museum (a $15 value).

Tours begin in June and will run Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. June dates include Fridays: June 5, 12, and 26, and Saturdays: June 6, 13, 20, and 27. The Visitor Center will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

From July 1 through October 17, tours will operate Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for youth ages 12–17. Children under 12 are free. Reservations can be made online at www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.

The tour begins at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway. Tours run rain or shine.

Exhibition openings, special events highlight Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from June 3-7 at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will open two new special exhibitions and host several exciting public events coinciding with the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from June 3-7. 

On Wednesday, June 3, the Museum’s latest exhibits, Capturing and Preserving Greatness: A Life’s Passion (The Photography and Historic Collections of Barbara D. Livingston, presented by Daily Racing Form) and A Discerning Eye: The Art of Sir Alfred Munnings (Selections from a Private Collection), open to the public. 

On exhibition in the Museum’s McBean Gallery, Capturing and Preserving Greatness: A Life’s Passion (The Photography and Historic Collections of Barbara D. Livingston, presented by Daily Racing Form) chronicles the remarkable photography career of Barabara D. Livingston, a six-time Eclipse Award winner, as well as several of the historic photo collections Livingston has acquired and preserved throughout her distinguished career. Livingston, the chief photographer at Daily Racing Form, co-curated the exhibit with Annie Davis, the Museum’s collections manager.  

The Museum’s von Stade Gallery will play host to A Discerning Eye: The Art of Sir Alfred Munnings (Selections from a Private Collection). This exhibit will feature a remarkable private collection of 29 Munnings paintings that explore a variety of subjects, demonstrating his versatility and mastery of the dynamic equine and human connection. Munnings (1878–1959) was a master of British sporting art who studied, rode, bred, and lived with horses, instilling in him an extraordinary perception of the equine form and spirit. The exhibit is guest curated by Teresa Longyear. 

Belmont Stakes Racing Festival events include a book talk and signing with Tom Durkin, Durkin-led tours of the Museum, the Belmont Bash at the Canfield Casino, Saturday Morning Social, the Belmont Family Fun Fest, a raffle for an ownership share in a West Point Thoroughbreds racehorse, Oklahoma Training Track Tours, and much more. 

Saratoga PLAN Earns National Recognition

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo of the Orra Phelps Preserve provided by Saratoga PLAN.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) recently announced it has renewed its land trust accreditation.

“Renewing our accreditation shows Saratoga PLAN’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in the Saratoga region,” said Robert Davies, executive director of Saratoga PLAN. “We are stronger as an organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. That renewed strength and effectiveness means special places – such as PLAN’s 13 public nature preserves and the agricultural land crucial to more than 30 local working farms – will be protected forever, making this area an even greater place to live, work, visit and play.”

Saratoga PLAN provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Saratoga PLAN’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts across the country now steward over 20 million acres – the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.

“We are proud to recognize Saratoga PLAN’s continued commitment to conservation excellence,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction that stands for excellence, trust and permanence. Saratoga PLAN is part of a network of accredited land trusts that are united by their strong ethical practices. Accredited land trusts inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities.”

Saratoga PLAN is one of 1,281 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census.

Since 2003, Saratoga PLAN has helped protect more than 14,000 acres of land.

Kentucky Derby Winner’s Mom Advocates for Wesley CNA Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Janet DeVaux (right) with her husband Adrian “Butch” DeVaux (left). Photo provided by the Wesley Community.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Community, a 37-acre senior living campus with more than 700 residents in Saratoga Springs, recently introduced an alternative to its traditional certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program that is generating results for stakeholders and participants.

Launched last September and featuring accelerated training, the new hybrid CNA program has yielded 43 new graduates, 98% of whom have passed the New York State CNA exam. There are currently 16 students enrolled in the session that began on April 20.

One of Wesley’s longtime CNAs is Janet DeVaux, the mother of Kentucky Derby-winning trainer and Saratoga Springs native Cherie DeVaux.

Janet credits her employment as a CNA at Wesley with providing financial stability for her family as they worked to build their stable training horses.

“Being a CNA has supported my family for the better part of the last 30 years while we trained horses,” she recalled. “Working at Wesley has been like having a second family. My residents immediately became family, and I am constantly given the opportunity to learn and to advance my training to better serve them.”

The paid hybrid training program is three weeks long and includes two weeks onsite to complete clinical, skill practice and skill-testing hours. It has replaced Wesley’s previous six-week CNA training program, which had been offered exclusively onsite.

Due to the accelerated class time of the hybrid CNA program, graduates are each assigned a mentor (DeVaux currently serves as one of the mentors) and undergo an orientation period to become familiar with the residents who they will assist with activities of daily living. A success coach is assigned and conducts weekly meetings during a four-week orientation. Graduates receive their own assignments following this period.

As a night shift worker at Wesley, DeVaux is aware of the importance of training new employees to join the workforce, at a time when there is a critical nursing shortage throughout the industry.

“The CNA program at Wesley has been producing some very nice results, which is encouraging, considering the increasing need for all facets of nursing care,” DeVaux said. “Becoming a CNA is a great option for anyone who is interested in launching a career in health care. Wesley’s comprehensive program provides everything needed to be awarded the necessary certification.”

Qualified candidates interested in becoming part of Wesley’s CNA team can apply online at: https://thewesleycommunity.recruitpro.com/jobs/310395-15755.html.

Saratoga Paint & Drip Announces Grand Opening at Wilton Mall

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

WILTON — Saratoga Paint & Drip—a veteran-owned business that offers alcohol-free painting experiences—recently announced the grand opening of its new studio location inside the Wilton Mall.

The move to the mall allows the studio to significantly expand its footprint and introduce immersive new features, including the Splatter Room, a forthcoming Dirty Soda menu, and enhanced event programming.

“We’re thrilled to officially celebrate our new home at Wilton Mall,” said owner Ryan Smithson. “This space allows us to grow our vision—creating a welcoming, creative environment where people of all ages and abilities can come together, make art, and have fun.”

Saratoga Paint & Drip offers its guests instructor-led painting, open studio time, private parties, and themed events. For more information, visit www.paintandsipstudios.com.

Week of May 22 – May 28, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON

Justin Bates sold property at 17 Knottingley Pl to Zachary Feldmaier for $640,000

MIVI Holdings LLC sold property at 99 West High St to Margaret Fleming for $120,000

CHARLTON

Fredi Morocho sold property at 706 Swaggertown Rd to Jessica Lockwood for $560,000

Frederick Castledine sold property at 4 Imperial Lane to Breannna Soto for $494,800

CORINTH

GKY Realty Group sold property at 229/231/23 Main St to Superior Remodelers NY LLC for $390,000

Mark Abinader sold property at 47 Locust Ridge Dr to Austin Calhoon for $425,875

GREENFIELD

Shawna Jenks sold property at 985 Murray Rd to Jill Smith for $160,000

Hunter Nezelek  sold property at 547 Middle Grove Rd to Malina Ross for $340,000

Freedom Mortgage Corp sold property at 33 Barney Rd to REO Home Services LLC for $144,677

MALTA

Michael Babbitt sold property at 18 Rt 9P to Devre Arkadie for $600,000

Michael Steves sold property at 10 Janes Ave to Carolyn Vopelak for $345,000

John Ryan sold property at 27 Hillman Loop to Brian Flynn for $490,000

Susan Furtonato sold property at 19 Saratoga Ave to Lisa Spring for $350,000

MILTON

Jarrod Prescott sold property at 249 Revere Dr to Kristy Cox for $386,900

SARATOGA

Ruth Mares sold property at 57 Myers Lane to Valarie Genchi for $285,000

ANW Holdings Inc sold property at 6 Phyllians Bluff to William Deluca for $300,000

Bruno Zarkower sold property at 3 Beach Court to Christopher Dunn for $875,000

Amy Koshgarian sold property at 77 Tamarack Trail to Johana Smith for $340,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 255 to Sherrie Shuket for $1,625,000

Charles Bedard sold property at 125 Union Ave C102 to Joseph Cardinale for $285,000

Kristopher Kvasnack sold property at 44 Curt Blvd to Jordan Gillman for $300,000

Matthew Dodge sold property at 30 Longwood Dr to Matthew Falvey for $1,500,000

Brett Sohns sold property at 5 Spring St Unit 202 to Antonio Lia for $910,000

Saratoga Vegas sold property at 33 Nelson Ave to Huddle Properties for $1,245,000

Catherine Geneti sold property at 12 Concord Dr to Nicole Takada for $620,000

WILTON

Frederick Volkman sold property at 13 Aberdeen Way to Robert McQueeney for $500,000

McPadden Builders LLC sold property at 6 Avalon Way to Donald Gearing for $909,352

James Motto sold property at 1 Cherry Tree Lane to Travis Tormey for $585,000