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A Legacy of Leadership and a Vision for Tomorrow: CAPTAIN CHS Honors Andy Gilpin for His Years of Service and Welcomes Scott DeMarco as Executive Director

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

CAPTAIN Community Human Services (CAPTAIN CHS) hosted a special evening honoring its past and celebrating its future on Thursday, February 26, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Van Patten Golf Club (924 Main Street, Clifton Park, NY 12065). 

The event honored outgoing Executive Director Andy Gilpin for more than two decades of service and welcomed Scott DeMarco as he stepped into the role. Guests enjoyed a light dinner, cash bar, and live musical quartet while gathering in recognition of the compassion and commitment that power CAPTAIN CHS’s mission. 

Since becoming Executive Director in January 2021, Gilpin has guided CAPTAIN CHS through a period of meaningful growth. Under his leadership, the organization strengthened homelessness prevention efforts, expanded family support programming, enhanced services for homeless and runaway youth, and deepened partnerships throughout Saratoga, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties. 

During this time, CAPTAIN CHS has helped hundreds of households remain safely housed, provided thousands of hours of volunteer-powered support, assisted countless families in achieving greater financial stability, and ensured children and seniors had access to food, shelter, and critical services when they needed them most. 

“Serving this community through CAPTAIN CHS has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Gilpin. “This work has always been about people: neighbors helping neighbors. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters.” 

DeMarco, who assumed the role earlier this year, brings a collaborative leadership style and a commitment to advancing the organization’s impact. 

“I’m honored to follow in Andy’s footsteps,” said DeMarco. “CAPTAIN CHS has built a culture rooted in dignity, compassion, and action. My focus is on strengthening that foundation: listening to our community and ensuring that every person who turns to us feels supported and empowered.” 

The evening included reflections on CAPTAIN CHS’s journey, recognition of Gilpin’s leadership, and looking ahead at the organization’s strategic priorities, including its current capital campaign, Building Brighter Futures.

“This is more than a leadership transition,” added Gilpin. “It’s a moment to celebrate the resilience of our community and the shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.”   

Governor Hochul Announces $3.8 Million New York State African American Heritage Grant Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Governor Hochul today announced a $3.8 million new grant program to support and promote the history and achievements of African Americans and people of African descent throughout the State. The New York State African American Heritage Grant Program (NYS AAH) will provide grants to assist nonprofit organizations and local governments in documenting, interpreting, and preserving places and stories of historical and cultural importance to the African American experience in New York.

“At a time when crucial elements of public history are under assault from Washington, New York State is stepping up to the stories of all of our residents. This new grant program will help expand the ways we teach, preserve, and celebrate Black history in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “We look forward to working with community partners to foster a greater understanding of Black New Yorkers’ contributions to our state.”

Funded through a state appropriation to the Commission on African American History, the grant program was created to educate the public about sites and people connected to a broad spectrum of Black history across New York. All eligible projects must focus within the period from 1627, when the first enslaved Africans arrived in New Amsterdam, to 1975, the latter part of the Black Arts and Black Power movements.

There are two project categories in the grant program: education projects and capital projects. Up to $2.8 million will be available for education grants to support education, interpretation, programming, research, and/or documentation projects that highlight, uncover, uplift, and amplify the contributions and history of African Americans in New York State — with a maximum award of $150,000. Up to $1 million is available for capital grants that support pre-development planning and design, construction, or a combination of both for existing buildings, structures, or sites related to African American heritage– with a maximum award of $200,000. Detailed information about the grant program is available at parks.ny.gov/grants.

The New York State African American Heritage Grant Program is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), Division for Historic Preservation, in partnership with the New York State Commission on African American History (Commission) and the New York State Department of State (DOS).

March Full Moon Hikes at Wilton Wildlife

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park invites community members to experience the beauty of nature after dark during its upcoming series of Full Moon Hikes. The next hikes will take place on Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3 at 6:00 p.m., offering participants a rare opportunity to explore the park’s serene winter landscape under the glow of the full moon.

Led by a knowledgeable environmental educator, each guided walk provides participants with insights into the unique habitats and wildlife that make Wilton Wildlife a regional treasure. The hikes will be held on the scenic trails of Camp Saratoga, located on Scout Road in the Town of Wilton.

These evening adventures offer a memorable and family-friendly way to appreciate the natural world in a peaceful, moonlit setting. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly and prepare for winter outdoor conditions.

Depending on weather conditions, the program will be conducted on snowshoes if snow is present; otherwise, attendees will enjoy a traditional trail walk. Free snowshoe rentals are available to program participants thanks to the generous support of Brookfield Renewable N.A. 

To register, please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.

SSHS Drama Club Presents “Newsies”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga Springs High School Drama Club is proud to present Newsies, the high-energy Broadway musical inspired by the hit Disney film. Directed by Bob Berenis, the production features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by Harvey Fierstein.

Newsies tells the inspiring story of young newspaper sellers who band together to stand up for what’s right, bringing audiences an unforgettable performance filled with powerful music, dynamic choreography, and themes of courage, friendship, and determination.

Performances will take place in the Loewenberg Auditorium on:

• Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m.

• Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, March 14 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors (65+).

February 20 – February 26, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, February 20

Annual Chili Dinner Fundraiser

Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Dept., 1870 Rt. 32N, Gansevoort | 6 p.m. Hosted by The Friends of Moreau Lake. Donation: $10/member; $12/non-member; kids 10 and under free.  RSVP Required: call Park office 518-793-0511. Volunteers needed- chili chefs needed! (bring in slow cookers), also sides, desserts.  Call the office to sign up 518-793-0511.   Please check our website for more information: friendsofmoreaulake.org Guest Speaker will be – Maria Brown, MS, PWS, GISP Have You Thanked a Bat Today?  Maria brings audiences behind the scenes of real bat research.  Engaging, visually rich presentation!

Saturday, February 21

Saratoga Senior Center Cabin Fever Open House

290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. FREE & Open to the Public in partnership with the Saratoga YMCA. Shake off the winter chill and spend a Saturday exploring two of Saratoga’s community hubs. Current members and newcomers alike are invited to tour both facilities, try sample classes, and enjoy a lively, welcoming day designed to encourage movement, creativity, and connection. Additional activities will be announced ahead of the event. Perfect for anyone looking to stay active, meet new people, or simply get out of the house this winter.

Genealogy and Local History

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 1 p.m. Heritage Hunters will meet. The Town of Malta historian, Tom Williams, will talk about Katherine Anne Porter, winner of a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award. She was once an artist at Yaddo and owned a home in Malta. Porter was most famous for her novel Ship of Fools. Tom will follow up his presentation with a discussion on Malta resources available for research. The program is co-sponsored by the Saratoga County History Center and will be available on the Center’s YouTube channel. Public is welcome to the program. For information, call 518-885-9309.

Repair Cafe’

Innovation Center at Saratoga, 16 Stonebreak Rd., Malta |1 – 4 p.m. A free Repair Café. Volunteer repair coaches will help you mend everything from electronics and jewelry to textiles and small appliances, no reservation needed! Fix It, Don’t Trash It! Reduce waste and give your items a second life. Learn repair skills from local experts. Connect with fellow DIY enthusiasts and creatives in the community. 

Lung Cancer Benefit for Kurt Haas Sr.

Hosted by Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Department, 1870 Rte. 32 N. Gansevoort | 4 – 7 p.m. All you can eat Spaghetti Dinner, $10 Adults, $5 Kids (4-12), Free for children 3 and under. Raffle baskets and 50/50 Raffle. Kurt has been serving the community for 51 years as a Fire Department Member. Help us as a community give back to Kurt. Every Dollar raised will help Kurt and his family with medical bills and expenses. For questions or pickup arrangements, please text/call Jonna Freeman 518-598-2804 or Stephanie Rosa 518-502-4325. 

Pork Roast Dinner

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Pork roast with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, soup, applesauce and homemade dessert. Adults $12. We are encouraging pre-orders for drive-thru, pick-up and delivery dinners.

Sunday, February 22

Breakfast Buffet

ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs | 8 – 11 a.m. Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. $11 adults, $10 seniors, $6 children (10 and under), Children under 5 are free, $13 take-out orders.

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is free with over 40 vendors, great parking, bargains galore, and lunch available too.  Just about anything you can imagine might be offered.  There are lightly used children’s toys, craft items; as well as anything garage sale.  It’s a fun activity the entire family enjoys.  All proceeds go to the Elks Scholarship Fund.   An 8’ table with chairs is $15. Email Debbie @ deborahozolins@gmail.com or call 518-226-5595 for information or to sign up for a table(s).  Applications are available in the Elks Lobby after 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Next sales are March 15, 2026, and April 26, 2026.

Monday, February 23

Garden Club Meeting-Save the Date

4H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The monthly meeting of Thymly Herb Group will meet. We will not meet if the Ballston Spa Schools are closed. There will be a short talk by a member about her gardening experience at the Brookside Museum. The presentation this month will be a demonstration of natural dying and printing on fabric by Maeve Kane, a noted local printing artist. Following the presentation, there will be light refreshments and a meeting.  Dues for the year to join the Thymly Herb Group are $20.  Please RSVP if you are attending or have questions to thymlyherbmail@gmail.com.

Tuesday, February 24

Virtual Author Talk

Live Webinar, ZOOM, 2 p.m. Tom Crouch, a Smithsonian veteran of almost 45 years, will discuss his book Smithson’s Gamble, a look at how the Smithsonian Institution defined a role rooted in curiosity and exploration–and helped shape the nation’s developing identity. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.

Wednesday, February 25

Chicken Marsala 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: Chicken Marsala, long grain wild rice, vegetable salad, roll. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Silent Hunters

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 5:30 p.m. Owls are amazing nighttime hunters with adaptations to help them find and catch their prey. This special “quiet” program is intended for older participants, ages 16+, who are interested in quietly exploring the owls’ nighttime habitat. Registration is required for most of our programs at least one business day in advance. 

Register on our website or by calling the office at 518-450-0321.

Photography Club

Community Room of the Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. This month, club member Linda Eastman will share images from her extensive portfolio in a presentation titled “Life in Lindaland.” Anyone interested in photography, regardless of their experience level, is encouraged to attend these relaxed, friendly gatherings. For more information, contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com. 

Science on Tap

Common Roots Brewing Company, South Glens Falls | 7 p.m. Title: Turning All Citizens into Scientists using Paper and Cell Phones. Speaker is Kim Frederick. Admission is free and all ages welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk starts promptly at 7 p.m. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-10/

Thursday, February 26

MS Support Group

ZOOM or in person: SAIL, 71 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury. Contact Lou Ann for more information at 518-793-9506. 

Sipping for Seniors Fundraiser

Bailey’s, 37 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Support the Saratoga Senior Center while enjoying a bite and beverage.  Sipping for Seniors is a community give-back partnership that turns a night out downtown into direct support for the Senior Center’s programs, promoting connection, independence, and well-being for older adults. Guests who dine at Bailey’s on February 26 will help support the Center through 20% of all food and beverage sales donated throughout the day, along with 100% of bartender tips from 5 – 9:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to mention the fundraiser to their server and bartenders.

Raise A Glass for Retired Racehorses

Henry Street Taproom, 86 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 10 p.m. Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is hosting a night of food, fun and friends. Join us for hearty pub bites that go beyond simple hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar featuring fun specialty cocktails, and a raffle filled with thoughtful local prizes. Most importantly, it’s a chance to come together as a community and support the retired racehorses who make the work of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga possible every day. Grab a drink, share a table, and raise a glass to the herd that gives so much back. Tickets are $55 for an individual or Bring a Friend with two tickets for $100. No program. No pressure. Just a meaningful night out for a great cause. All proceeds benefit Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga and our mission of helping horses and healing humans. THSaratoga.org. 

Lenten Vespers Service Series 

Presbyterian United Church of Christ, 24 Circular Drive, Saratoga Springs | 7 – 8 p.m.  518-584-6091, puccchurch.org. @puccchurch.

February 20 – February 26, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Gateway House of Peace Open House

Gateway House of Peace, located at 479 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa will be holding an open house on Saturday, February 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the public to learn more about our mission. Whether you have a heart for caregiving or a desire to serve your community, we invite you to connect with our mission of providing compassionate end-of-life care in a peaceful home-like setting, Come and tour the house and learn meaningful ways that you can get involved. We have volunteer opportunities for BOD membership, caregiving, thrift shop, events committee and planning   Light refreshments served. Snowdate is Saturday, March 3rd. All are welcome.

Stained Glass Box with Lid Class

2-day beginner/intermediate workshop, February 28, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and March 1, 1 – 4 p.m.  Whether you have done stained glass or not, there is something for everyone in this two-day beginner/intermediate workshop. You can create a box with a lid for your keepsakes or choose from an abstract window frame, or a sun catcher selected from a book of patterns. When you enroll, please let us know if you have done stained glass before, and which type of project you would like to complete so we are sure to have plenty of supplies on hand.  All supplies included. Please bring goggles and gloves if you have them. No open toe shoes. Enrollment is limited. Instructor: Steve Rosenblum. Cost: $125. Note: if there is a different project you would like to work on, please let us know. Register through our website www.Baletflowers.com.

The Tubman Story: Harriet’s Fight for Human Rights

This engaging one-hour pre-recorded presentation will be shown on Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 a.m. Join speaker, Kimberly Szewczyk from the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park to learn about Harriet Tubman’s 92 years of life in service. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped to freedom and then risked her life repeatedly to lead others to safety through the Underground Railroad. The Ballston Spa Public Library is proud to offer this meaningful program in observance of Black History Month and encourages community members to attend. Free and open to the public. Registration is required. Please call 518-885-5022 or stop into the Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Avenue.  Parking lot on Low Street.

Braided Heritage: Tracing the Roots of American Cuisine

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announces a special free community program on March 7 at 3 p.m. featuring renowned culinary historian, James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame winner and star of the Netflix docuseries High on the Hog, Dr. Jessica B. Harris. Free to attend, however, space is limited. Visit spac.org for details or to register.  For more information visit spac.org.

Call for Local Folk or Irish Performers  

Come audition for an opportunity to showcase your talent during “Café Malta”, an intimate coffee 

house at the Malta Community Center on Friday evening, March 13. It’s lucky Friday the 

13th right before St. Patrick’s Day! We are looking for talented musicians, vocalists, and small acoustic 

bands, storytellers and/or dancers. Each acoustic act selected will play a short 10–15-minute set. 

Auditions are by appointment only.  Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director, at 518-899-4411 x 305 or 

theater@townofmalta.gov for more details or to schedule an audition.

Annual 4-H Shooting Sports Course

The course begins March 10 and will be held every Tuesday evening through April 14. This program is open to all youth ages 12 and older. Participants will learn the safe and ethical use of firearms and shooting equipment across multiple disciplines, including Home Firearm Safety, Shotgun, Smallbore Rifle, Muzzleloader, Archery, Air Pistol, and Hunting & Outdoor Skills. Sessions will be held at the 4-H Training Center, located at 550 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa, NY. All equipment, ammunition, and personal protective equipment are provided. Youth must be current Saratoga County 4-H members or enroll prior to participating. The course fee is $50, with an additional $5 enrollment fee for new 4-H members. Please note that all participants must be enrolled in 4-H. If you have any questions, please contact Leland at glb76@cornell.edu.

8th Annual Clue Murder Mystery Night

Join us for an unforgettable 21+ evening of intrigue, strategy, and Revolutionary-era drama — complete with interactive gameplay, a full-course meal, and access to our Silent Auction featuring coveted house seats to Hamilton on Broadway. Whether you’re competing as a colony, rewriting history, or just coming for the vibes, this is one of our most fun (and most important!) fundraisers of the year. Every ticket supports Saratoga Children’s Theatre and helps us continue providing incredible programming and scholarships for our young performers. Tickets available at Eventbrite.com. 

Bus Trip to Aqueduct Racetrack

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders are partnering on a bus trip to historic Aqueduct Racetrack for Wood Memorial Stakes Day on Saturday, April 4. This year’s edition of the Wood Memorial — a Grade 2 race for 3-year-olds on the Kentucky Derby trail — will be the final time the event is held at Aqueduct before moving to the new Belmont Park in 2027. Tickets are $75 for Museum and NYTB members and $90 for non-members and are on sale now here: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/Aqueduct-Bus-Trip. 

Ballston Spa Science Olympiad Team Headed to State Competition

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Ballston Spa High School Science Olympiad team placed 2nd at the Capital Region Science Olympiad Tournament which was recently held at Ballston Spa High School. Nineteen high school teams from throughout the Capital Region competed in the tournament.  

Ballston Spa students won medals in 19 out of 23 events including First Place in three of the events.  The first-place medal winners and their respective events include Lucas Guest and Sonja Mankes in “Astronomy”, William Hu in “Robot Tour” and Arnie Balajadia and Liam Brooks in “Bungee Drop”.  

The team’s successful finish qualifies them for the New York State competition at LeMoyne College on March 20th and 21st, 2026. The team is coached by high school science instructors Dede Koryto and Jim Poirier.

The Science Olympiad tournament is a rigorous, academic, interscholastic competition that consists of a series of individual and team events which the students prepare for throughout the year. 

The events are well-balanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers and technology. The team of 15 students competed in 23 events which range from the construction of a rubber band propelled helicopter to college-level pen-and-paper assessments.  The regional tournament is organized by a team of professionals from throughout the region that are passionate about helping students explore their interests in Science and Technology beyond the classroom.

Ballston Spa Announces Top of Class

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education, Featured.

Ballston Spa has announced its top performing students in the Class of 2026.  
(Courtesy of Ballston Spa Central School District)

Ballston Spa High School Principal Matthew Robinson has announced Lucas Guest as the Valedictorian and Nicholas Sharp as the Salutatorian for the Class of 2026.

Lucas Guest: Valedictorian of the Class of 2026

Lucas is a dedicated scholar who has excelled in an extremely rigorous and challenging course load who will complete seventeen college level courses.  Due to his dedication and love of learning Luke will receive a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science. His cumulative GPA is an outstanding 99.75. 

Luke has served as Student Council President for three years, is a ten-time regional medalist and two-time state qualifier for Science Olympiad, for which he has been Treasurer and Vice-President, and was chosen as Captain for the Varsity Cross-County team. Music has been a central thread of Luke’s life, teaching himself the piano and guitar, then continuing to challenge himself in different music communities, including his involvement with the Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble. 

Luke will pursue a degree in Physics with aspirations to teach future generations.  He approaches challenges with thoughtful determination and collaborates gracefully with those around him. His ability to lead while uplifting others reflects both emotional intelligence and genuine kindness. Ballston Spa knows Luke will be successful in his future based on the impact he has made on our school and community. 

Nicholas Sharp: Salutatorian of the Class of 2026

Nicholas has sought extremely rigorous coursework and has excelled with natural ability. Nick completed sixteen college level courses and achieved a perfect score on the ACT. Nick will graduate with a remarkable cumulative GPA of 99.71 and will earn a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science. 

Nick is a Sub team Captain of the Robotics team, four-year member of the Varsity Cross-Country and Track and Field teams, and Boy Scouts Senior Patrol Leader. With over 270 community service hours, he is projected to achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank this year. Nick has greatly contributed to the field of engineering by creating a Java programming course and assisting in instructing students and community members for the past three summers. Nick is also a member of both the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. 

Nick’s aspirations to pursue a major in Computer/Software Engineering are supported by his exceptional skills, creativity, and passion for technology.  He is not just academically brilliant, but also compassionate, hardworking, and a natural leader, who will be greatly missed in the Ballston Spa community.

Top 10 Graduating Seniors for the Class of 2026. 

1. Lucas Guest. Cumulative GPA: 99.75 

2. Nicholas Sharp. Cumulative GPA: 99.71

3. Lillian Frederick. Cumulative GPA: 99.18 

4. James DeLorenzo. Cumulative GPA: 99.111

5. TinaMarie. Cumulative GPA: 98.967 

6. Sonja Mankes. Cumulative GPA: 98.877

7. Logan Purcell. Cumulative GPA: 98.762

8. Alexa Cushing. Cumulative GPA: 98.315 

9. Alexandra Beck. Cumulative GPA: 98.315

10. Eric Lumley. Cumulative GPA: 98.196.

Saratoga Springs Rotary Club & Education Foundation Invite Applicants for 2026 Scholarships

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Beginning February 1, high school seniors attending private or public school within the Saratoga Springs City School District can apply for scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 from the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation. 

Applicants must pursue a degree at an accredited 2- or 4-year college or post-secondary vocational educational institution. Students’ financial need, extracurricular and work activities, community service, and academic performance are all considered when reviewing applications. 

In 2025, the Foundation awarded scholarships totaling $101,000 to fifteen students. 

 “All eligible individuals are encouraged to apply,” said Beth Post, President of the Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to offer this opportunity to local students, who have demonstrated time and again their impressive commitment to improving themselves and their communities through school and service to others.”

Established in 1997, the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation raises funds to support the post-secondary education and vocational training of graduates from public and private high schools in the greater Saratoga community.

Scholarship applications must be uploaded to the Foundation’s website by the postmark deadline of April 1. Finalists will then be invited to interview with the Rotary Club’s scholarship committee.

SPAC Announces 2026 New York City Ballet Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Photo of a “Midsummer’s Night Dream” provided by SPAC.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) recently announced that its 2026 New York City Ballet (NYCB) residency will run from July 8 to 11. 

The residency will feature the full-length story ballet “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” which was the first performance presented on the SPAC stage at the venue’s grand opening in 1966; George Balanchine’s “Serenade”; Jerome Robbins’ “Opus 19/The Dreamer,” set to Prokofiev’s feverish concerto; and a new work by NYCB Principal Dancer Tiler Peck, which will have its world premiere as part of NYCB’s 2026 Spring Gala. 

The New York City Ballet will bring its roster of more than 90 dancers under the direction of Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan, accompanied by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, led by Music Director Andrew Litton.

“As SPAC celebrates its 60th anniversary season, our historic partnership with New York City Ballet feels more meaningful than ever,” said Elizabeth Sobol, CEO of SPAC. “The return of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’—the very first performance presented on the SPAC stage in 1966—brings us beautifully full circle, honoring the legacy that has shaped this venue for six decades.”

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is Balanchine’s full-length adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most cherished comedies. Inspired by the music of Mendelssohn, Balanchine captures the play’s infinite colors: the bumbling comedy of the Rude Mechanicals, the feisty feuding between Titania and Oberon, the romantic confusion of the young lovers chasing each other through the Athenian forest, and of course the mischief-making Puck. Featuring a large cast of children from the Capital Region, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was the first wholly original full-length ballet Balanchine created in America and is one of the most popular ballets in NYCB’s repertoire.

“We love returning to our summer home every year, and for this 60th anniversary season, the performances feel especially significant,” said New York City Ballet Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan. “‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is one of our most treasured ballets, and with its deep connection to SPAC, we are happy to be able to bring it to Saratoga audiences for this milestone year. Performing the ballet in Saratoga, surrounded by the beautiful park and in the open air, is always a special treat for the entire Company, and we are thrilled, once again, to have dozens of young students from the local area join us onstage for these special performances.”

Highlighting the season are two performances dedicated to works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and NYCB Principal Dancer Tiler Peck. The program opens with “Serenade,” the first original ballet George Balanchine created in America, and one of New York City Ballet’s signature works. Returning to SPAC for the first time since 2008 is Jerome Robbins’ “Opus 19/ The Dreamer.” Originally choreographed in 1979 for Mikhail Baryshnikov and Patricia McBride, the ballet for 14 dancers is set to Prokofiev’s “Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major,” which has become one of the most beloved works for violin in the classical repertoire.

Closing the program is the SPAC premiere of a new work by NYCB Principal Dancer Tiler Peck, her second commission for New York City Ballet, which will have its world premiere at the Company’s Spring Gala in May 2026. The work will be set to Édouard Lalo’s score “Symphonie Espagnole in D Minor,” with costumes designed by Robert Perdziola, and lighting designed by Brandon Stirling Baker. 

Widely recognized as one of the most versatile artists of her generation, Peck made her choreographic debut at the Vail Dance Festival in 2018 and choreographed her first piece for NYCB Concerto for “Two Pianos” during the 2024 Winter Season. She choreographed for the feature film “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” and has choreographed and appeared in the TV series “Tiny Pretty Things” and “Ray Donovan.” She also curated the program BalletNOW for the Los Angeles Music Center, which is captured in the feature documentary film “Ballet Now,” and is the subject of PBS’s Great Performances documentary, “Suspending Time.” 

In an effort to increase access to these performances, SPAC will again offer special promotional ticket programs exclusive to the New York City Ballet residency. As part of this initiative, SPAC will continue its “$40 under 40” ticket offer, inviting individuals up to 40 years old to enjoy $40 tickets inside the amphitheater. To make access to world-class performance more affordable for families, SPAC will continue two special promotions including a $99 Family Four Pack, which includes four amphitheater seats, and an expansion of its “Kids in Free” program. The program, which currently allows children 12 and under free access on the lawn with an accompanying adult and 50% off amphitheater tickets, will extend to kids ages 16 and under for New York City Ballet performances. Visit the Ways to Save page on spac.org for all offers, discounts and exclusions.

Tickets will be available on Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Visit spac.org for details.