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Author: Saratoga TODAY

More Than 1,200 Competitors Expected at Kelly’s Angels Mother’s Day Run/Walk

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Logo via Kelly’s Angels.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 1,200 runners and walkers are expected to participate Sunday, May 10 in the 14th annual Kelly’s Angels Mother-Lovin’ 5K Run/Walk at Saratoga Spa State Park.

Kelly’s Angels is an all-volunteer Capital Region charity that aids local children who have lost a parent or principal caregiver to cancer. It also helps families who are fighting serious illnesses.

Founded by NewsChannel 13’s Mark Mulholland in memory of his wife Kelly who passed away at 37, Kelly’s Angels provides grants to children, dozens of college scholarships to graduating high school seniors, and financial support to families struggling with a life-threatening illness.

This year’s Mother-Lovin’ 5K begins with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., a kids’ fun run at 8:45 a.m., and the 5k run/walk at 9:15 a.m. An awards ceremony will be held at 10:15 a.m. 

The event will be based at Saratoga Spa State Park’s Orenda Pavilion. Free parking will be available in the Saratoga Performing Arts Center lot off Route 50. There will be auctions, food, music, and more. New this year: all registrants get a free car wash from Hoffman Car Wash.

Registration for the run/walk is still open at https://zippy-reg.com/online_reg/?e=2406.

Toga Dynasty Wins Capital City Classic Championship

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Coaches Alex Shmulsky, Rob Difusco, and Justin Freebern. Players pictured left to right: Axel Ahlschwede, Vinny Difusco, Luke Longo, Jonathan Freebern, Sam Juidiciani, Teddy Shmulsky, Evan Lofink, JJ Rotondi, and Carter Freebern. Not pictured: Malcolm Grant and Antonio Takacs. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Toga Dynasty, a fourth-grade boys basketball team from Saratoga Springs, continued its impressive season last weekend, going undefeated to win the Capital City Classic Championship at a Syracuse Select event.

Head coach Alex Shmulsky said the championship run reflected the team’s growth throughout the season.

“This group keeps finding ways to battle,” Shmulsky said. “I’m proud of how hard they work, how much they’ve improved, and the way they continue to play for each other and have fun doing it.”

 Toga Dynasty opened the tournament with a 41-5 win over City Rocks Third Grade, then followed with a 42-40 victory over City Rocks Fourth Grade on a last-second shot to finish pool play unbeaten.

On Sunday, Toga Dynasty defeated Schoharie Valley Nitros 30-21 in the semifinal round to earn a spot in the championship game against D Squad.

The title game delivered the most dramatic moment of the weekend. Toga Dynasty trailed by 7 points with less than a minute to play before mounting a furious comeback. JJ Rotondi hit a last-second shot at the end of regulation to tie the game and send it to overtime, where Toga Dynasty completed the rally for a 46-44 championship win.

The tournament title was Toga Dynasty’s third championship of the season.

Malta-Based Writer Selling Latest Novel at Schuylerville Book Fair

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Cover of Malta writer Robert C. Conner’s latest novel The Detective and Dorothy Day via the author/Gatekeeper Press.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Malta-based writer Robert C. Conner will be selling copies of his four books, including the 2026 novel The Detective and Dorothy Day at the Boozy Book Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Old Saratoga American Legion (6 Clancy St. in Schuylerville).

Conner’s previous books include two biographies published by Casemate: General Gordon Granger: The Savior of Chickamauga and the Man Behind Juneteenth (2013) and James Montgomery: Abolitionist Warrior (2018). His previous historical novel was The Last Circle of Ulysses Grant (2018).

The Detective and Dorothy Day is historical fiction, a murder mystery set in 1975 in New York State, including as a major character, the co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. Conner lived at what was then the main Catholic Worker Farm in Tivoli for much of 1974 and 1975 and met Dorothy Day there.

More information is available at Conner’s website: https://robertcconnerauthor.blogspot.com/.

SPAC Announces 9th Annual Festival of Young Artists

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Photo provided by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center recently announced that The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists will return for its ninth annual event on Sunday, May 31 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Following the theme Seasons, this year’s event will celebrate cycles of growth, transformation, reflection, and renewal, while also commemorating 60 years of SPAC and its blossoming into a year-round organization. The festival will celebrate the collaborative creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region’s brightest young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists—all in support of SPAC’s mission to provide free and accessible arts programming for local youth.

Featuring students from local schools and organizations such as Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO), Capital District Youth Chorale, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, Capital District Arts Initiative, and the SPAC School of the Arts, the afternoon will include individual pop-up performances and art displays, culminating in a large-scale, coordinated production on SPAC’s stage. As part of the production, an original musical composition by Kingston Czajkowski (Grade 12, Cairo-Durham High School), will premiere on the SPAC stage, performed by the ESYO Symphony Orchestra and recorded for a later broadcast by media sponsor WMHT.

“This year’s Festival of Young Artists carries a special energy as we build on exciting new traditions launched last year, including our partnership with WMHT and the return of the Student Composer Contest,” said Dennis Moench, SPAC’s VP of education, in a press release. “As we approach nearly a decade of this festival, it continues to reflect a deep commitment to inclusivity—spotlighting the artistic achievements of hundreds of students from across our region and creating space for every voice, discipline, and creative perspective to be seen and celebrated.”

Kicking off at 2 p.m., SPAC’s grounds will be transformed into a festive celebration and will feature individual pop-up performances by student ensembles from the Capital Region, fine art displays, food stands, poetry slams, lawn games and immersive art activities, plus free ice cream provided by Stewart’s Shops. At 4:45 p.m., hundreds of young artists will gather to present a celebratory concert on SPAC’s main stage, featuring large-scale productions that combine music, song, poetry, visual art, and dance.

The event is free for the community. However, registration is required for admission. Visit spacfoya.org for details.

Pitch Your Podcast

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

MALTA — Bright Sighted Media—a podcast production company and creator studio located in the Innovation Center at Saratoga—is running a “Pitch Your Podcast” contest until May 21.

Creators are invited to step into the Bright Sighted studio to pitch their podcast idea on camera for a chance to win a 12-Month Momentum Studio Membership, a content creation package designed to help turn ideas into impactful, sustainable media brands. 

The grand prize, valued at more than $2,100, includes: two professional 4K video & audio recording sessions per month, bi-monthly group coaching with a podcast expert, monthly trainings with CEO Christine O’Donnell and industry leaders, access to a full resource library (templates, rate cards, growth tools), membership in a private creator community, and exclusive discounts on additional production services.

Those interested in entering the contest can book a 15-minute studio session at Bright Sighted Media and deliver a two-minute recorded pitch answering three questions: What’s your show?; Who is it for?; and Why does it matter right now?

Each session includes a guided setup and coaching moment, a professionally recorded pitch, the option for a second take, and official submission into the contest.

“This is about more than winning,” said Christine O’Donnell, founder of Bright Sighted Media in a press release. “It’s about giving people a platform to share meaningful stories, build something sustainable, and realize that their voice matters. We’re looking for ideas that can truly grow into something impactful.”

For more information, visit brightsighted.com/pitchyourpodcastcontest.

Concert at Saratoga Arts Pays Tribute to World War I Veterans

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

Image provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — From May 26 to 30, Musicians of Ma’alwyck will present “Under Four Flags” across New York State. The experience blends silent film with music shaped by World War I in honor of those lost in the conflict.

The film “Under Four Flags” (the flags represent America, France, Great Britain, and Canada) was shot in the summer of 1918, when Allied victory was far from assured. A new score by Max Caplan enhances the emotional progression of the film for today’s audience.

The concert opens with a work by Mihail Jora, written while he was recovering in a hospital after being wounded on the Eastern Front. His music is a personal response to the devastation of war.

The major work is Samuel Gardner’s piano quintet, composed after the death of violinist David Hochstein, who was killed on the Western Front in France in October 1918. Deeply heartfelt, the quintet serves as a musical memorial to Hochstein’s life. Gardner, an important violinist and recipient of the first Pulitzer Prize in Music in 1918, was also the grandfather of longtime Musicians of Ma’alwyck board member Eric Weiner.

“Under Four Flags” will be performed at Saratoga Arts on May 26. Tickets are available at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/concertticketing/event/underfourflags/.

Additional venues include: Temple Gates of Heaven in Schenectady (May 27), Star Theater in Cherry Valley (May 28), and Village Hall in Wyoming (May 30).

Tom Barker

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

HORSESHOE BAY, TEXAS – With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, I announce the passing of my precious Tom on April 19, 2026. He was a man who was known for his kindness, gentle spirit and fairness. He was of the old school, where his word was his bond. 

Tom grew up on his family ranch in Cherokee, Texas, where he learned to break horses, mend a fence and shoe a horse… he could do it all.  I, meanwhile, was in Brady, and was ready for a partner to walk through life with, so I prayed for a lifetime partner, not a husband, as some husbands come and go. Six months later a mutual friend introduced us on a blind date and the rest is history. 

I always told Tom, after Jesus, he was my greatest gift from God… and Tom was my gift for 41 years of marriage. Tom didn’t want to marry without being baptized, so before the wedding, he was baptized in the first Christian Church in Brady, and we were married there on September 28, 1985. 

After we married, Tom sold his ranching interest and moved To Brady, where he worked with me and my family at Evridge’s Furniture Store. While living in Brady, Tom decided he wanted to reside in a town where they had pretty golf courses. That’s when he found Horseshoe Bay, Texas and we have loved it for 29 years!

We moved to Horseshoe Bay and after being in several furniture locations in Marble Falls, Texas, we built Aladdin Home Store in Marble Falls and operated it for 20 years. Tom also owned several loan offices and storage units in Marble Falls. He also loved to dabble in acquisition and selling of properties. We retired in 2018 and enjoyed our retirement for 8 wonderful years. 

Tom loved his golf groups and learned to play quite well. He always said when you golf with a man, you get to know a man’s qualities, good or bad. 

Tom has enjoyed horse racing his entire life. Because of his love for the racing industry, we spent the last five summers in Saratoga, New York, attending the horse races every weekend. He loved his association with West Point Thoroughbreds and owned interest in several horses through them.

Tom also loved his Friday morning Links Men’s Bible Study Group. The bond these men share with each other is amazing!  Anytime Tom felt well enough, he definitely wanted to join them. 

When Tom’s cancer returned, friends would ask him how he was, and Tom always replied, “It’s not ok, but it’s going to be alright….” 

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary, his sister, Linda Klepper and her partner, Leland Harrington of Llano, Texas, her daughter Gina Robillard and husband Rick of Horseshoe Bay, and son, Carter Churchil. Also, brother Kim Barker, and wife Vicki of Cherokee, Texas, their son Bode Barker and wife Amber, their children Hunter Barker, Bode Barker Jr., and Sara Barker.  

In the last days of Tom’s life, he decided to donate his body for medical research to help find a cure for cancer. We were pleased that his body was received by UT of Houston’s McGovern Medical School, associated with MD Anderson, where Tom’s cancer journey began. 

We are all just passing through this life on earth …. and now my sweet Tom is up in Heaven.  I’m so thankful he’s no longer suffering and is healthy again…and in no pain.

I miss him so, and I just KNOW he’s watching the horse races with Jesus!!!

Services for Tom’s Celebration of Life will be at: Live Oak Pavilion- Horseshoe Bay Resort, Q112 Buffalo, Horseshoe Bay, Texas, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow. 

In honor of Tom, feel free to wear golfing theme or racetrack-inspired attire. Hats are optional but encouraged. 

 Tom loved horse racing and everything that came with it. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for memorial donations to: N.Y Racetrack Chaplaincy, PO Box 37191, Elmont, New York, 11003. nyrtca.org. 

This Week’s Events: May  8 – 14

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, May 8

2 for $1 Book Sale

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. -5 p.m. | Friends of the Saratoga Public Library will be holding 2 for $1 book sale that is open to the public. Proceeds generate funds for library enhancements and programs, offer affordable reading materials to the community, and provide a convenient avenue for recycling used books.

Famous Brown Bread Pick Up & Bake Sale

Simpson United Methodist Church, 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls | 4 – 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a. m. – 2 p.m. Pick-up Friday or Saturday.  Bake sale on Saturday.  

Horses for Mental Health Campaign 

Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. A joyful evening of art, film, and connection, showcasing resources that support mental well-being. A free event for the community. RSVP: thsaratoga.org/horsesformentalhealth

Saturday, May 9

Used Book Sale

Galway Public Library Parking Lot, 2112 East Street, Galway | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Sponsored by The Friends of the Galway Public Library.  There will be something suitable for everyone!  Your monetary donation fills your bag!  Come out and support the library!

Flea Market / Garage Sale

Town of Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sponsored by Ballston Area Seniors. We’ll have everything you can think of at this sale. Tables with a wide variety of items.

Gateway Mother’s Day Plant Sale

Gateway House of Peace, 4709 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or until sold out. Beautiful hanging baskets, potted flowers, annuals, veggies and more will be available. New this year will be items for sale from our Gateway Thrift Shop, including gardening tools, vases, flowered glassware, wreaths, spring related items and more. All proceeds benefit Gateway House of Peace which is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, caring residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home during their final days.

Adirondack Folk School Forge Fest 

The Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to attend for free. There will be blacksmithing demonstrations by Jonathan Nedbor and others.  Live forging contests with cash prizes for all levels of ability as well as open forge time.  Free Tailgating for selling and buying.  Iron-in-the-hat where tickets are sold for each lot with the winner determined by drawings.  Wood-fired pizza will be available for purchase.  Free T-shirts for all who register to participate in the forging contests.  For more information and to register go to AdirondackFolkSchool.org/events/. The Folk Fest is sponsored by the Adirondack Folk Blacksmiths.  

Horticulture Tour

Various Locations in Saratoga County | 10 a.m.  – 2 p.m. Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County for its first annual Horticulture Tour. This farm tour offers a unique opportunity to explore and connect with local horticulture producers, including greenhouses, cut flower farms, vegetable farms, and orchards.

Go behind the scenes with a mix of guided and self-guided tours, along with educational experiences and photo opportunities! Visitors will also have the chance to purchase plants to add to their collections or fresh produce to bring home. Free and open to the public.  Brochure available at the CCE office located at 50 West High St, Ballston Spa or one of the participating farms. Ccesaratoga.org. 

B.A.R.K. Ranger Program Lauch

Schuyler Estate, Schuylerville | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saratoga National Historical Park invites you and your pup(s) for the launch of our new and improved B.A.R.K. Learn what it means to be a B.A.R.K Ranger, explore the history of dogs at the Schuyler Estate, visit with park rangers, and get your pup officially certified! Features: Lucky Puppy Rescue, Out of the Pits, and Saratoga County Animal Shelter sharing their work to help animals and information about their adoptable animals. A B.A.R.K. Ranger fashion show at 1 p.m. Show off your pet’s style. Bonus points for American Revolution themed outfits! The best accessories your pup can wear is a six-foot leash with a poop bag dispenser attached.

2026 Historic Homes Tour

Various Homes East Side of Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, along with Honorary Chair Julie Furey, will welcome spring with the 2026 Historic Homes Tour. This highly anticipated annual event offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes and buildings. Private residences on Circular Street, Lincoln Avenue, Spring Street, and Caroline Street, among others, will be featured. For more information, to purchase tickets, or join to receive discounted prices, please call 518-587-5030 or visit www.saratogapreservation.org. 

22nd Annual Dog Day Celebration

Impressions of Saratoga, 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. H.O.P.E. (Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist) will be here with adoptable pets. Pet food and supply drive to benefit H.O.P.E.  Professional photos by Tracey Buyce Photography $20 donations, all proceeds go to H.O.P.E. Wellspring Saratoga will be here with their Safe Pet Partnership, a program to find foster homes for pets of those in an abusive situation. Battle of the Biscuits, your dog can participate in a treat taste testing activity to see which snack is the favorite!  Pet inspired candles and Mother’s Day candles with a portion of the proceeds will be shared between our participating non-profits.  Well behaved pets on leash are welcome! We want to keep everyone safe. 

Sheep To Shawl Community Day

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa | 1 – 4 p.m. The long-running interactive, lambs, farmers, herders, the famous Fred the Shearer, and the Rock Day Spinning Guild will assemble on Brookside Museum’s front lawn to demonstrate every facet of sheep raising, shearing, and spinning to produce the wool clothing that was so ubiquitous in early America. A hands-on, family-friendly event. Young and the young-at-heart will have fun petting the sheep, meeting farmers, and participating in demonstrations. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.  

Veterans Celebration 2026

373 Crescent Ave., Saratoga | 1 – 7 p.m. The Goat Brothers and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2586 proudly present this event. Live bands and food all day! The cost is $10 per person. Proceeds to benefit the local Adopt a Soldier in Wilton. Many of us have firsthand experience with or know a Veteran in need. Won’t you please lend a hand? Have a donation? Call 518-583-3398 or 518-507-6400 to arrange pickup. 

Sunday, May 10

Mother’s Day Breakfast 

Adirondack Post 70 of the American Legion, 34 West Ave. Saratoga Springs | 8 – 11 a.m. $12/person, kids under 8 are free.  

Monday, May 11

Escape Room: Downtime for Adults

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Teen Room, 49 Henry St. Saratoga Springs | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Adults of all abilities are welcome during this specially scheduled time. Try our craft stations that rotate weekly (coloring, painting, scratch art, etc.) and enjoy board games while socializing with other adults. There are also comfy spaces to sit and relax. No minors will be in the space during these adult-only hours. No registration required.

Tuesday, May 12

Adult Fitness Opportunity 

Ballston Spa High School Library, 70 Malta Ave., Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Adult No experience is required to participate. This short session includes 6 classes on Tuesday evenings and runs through June 23. Pre-registration is required and fees are due prior to the first class. To learn more or to register, visit our website, www.bscsd.org. Registration forms can be dropped off in person and/or mailed to BSCSD c/o Office of Community Relations and Program Support, 70 Malta Avenue Ballston Spa, NY 12020. For questions, please contact our district office at 518-884-7195.

MS Support Group

Zoom Meeting | 5-7:00 p.m. Contact Lou Ann 518-793-9506 for more information. 

Wednesday, May 13

Chicken & Biscuits 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 and biscuits, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Green Drinks

Whitman Brewing, 20 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs | 5-7 p.m. A casual and welcoming gathering for anyone passionate about environmental stewardship, conservation, and sustainability. Whether you work in the field, volunteer, or simply care about protecting our planet, this is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people in the community.

Thursday, May 14

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m. Finding Military Service Records and Unit Histories – Librarians Jim Gandy and Dan Salage of the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center will share effective strategies for researching military service records of New York veterans. This session will cover both New York National Guard records and those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as provide guidance on how to proceed when records cannot be located.

Painting in Nature Workshop – Still-life: Acrylic

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | Noon – 3 p.m. If you want to get outside, learn from an artist, and combine your love of art and nature, this is the workshop for you! Artist Page Darrow teaches the acrylic workshop. This program is appropriate for participants older than 13. All supplies will be provided. 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.

Welcome Back Spring

Harvest & Hearth, 251 County Rd. 67, Saratoga Springs | 6:30 p.m.  The Saratoga Lake Association celebrating its 90th anniversary is inviting members, non-members, friends and neighbors. Be sure to participate in the fun which will include a Saratoga Lake Trivia contest. Pizza and salad will be served, and a cash bar is available.  A $10 donation is suggested. See you there.

2026-2027 School Budget Vote on May 19

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Residents in the Saratoga Springs City School District will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to vote on the proposed 2026-2027 school budget for the upcoming year.

The proposed $166,095,679 budget includes a 3.85% tax levy increase, which remains below the state’s tax cap, reflecting the district’s continued focus on fiscal responsibility while maintaining strong educational programming.

2026-2027 Proposed Budget Highlights

As part of the budget development process, the district reviewed existing allocations to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies. Through staff reallocations and careful resource management, the district aligned staffing and programs with student needs while maintaining strong educational opportunities for students.

The 2026–2027 budget supports a range of initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of students while expanding opportunities across the district. Key highlights include the expansion of the Strategies Special Education Program to provide additional targeted support for students, the growth of the girls flag football program to include a modified level to increase access and participation, and the creation of a girls wrestling program through a merger, further expanding athletic opportunities. The budget also continues investing in academic programs that support student achievement and engagement.

In addition, the budget includes a $100,000 capital outlay project to replace the Blue Gym doors at Saratoga Springs High School as part of safety and security upgrades.

Also on the Ballot:

Bus Bond Proposition: This would authorize the school district to issue an estimated $2,413,000 in serial bonds to purchase eight 70-passenger buses, five 30-passenger buses, and three Suburban vehicles. State aid would reimburse the district for approximately 40 percent of the cost.

Board of Education Election: District residents will elect three individuals to the Board of Education for three-year terms. The candidates, in the order that they will appear on the ballot, are Lauren Allen, Anita Stabrowski, and Beth Braxton.

• Lauren Allen is an Assistant Professor at SUNY Empire State University with expertise in behavioral and school psychology. She completed advanced training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute through the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.  Lauren holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology, along with a B.S. in Psychology, from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is actively involved in the Saratoga Springs community and supports neuro-inclusive programming through partnerships with local organizations, while also serving in leadership roles in professional associations.

• Anita Stabrowski is a Saratoga Springs community member and retired public school teacher. She brings a strong background in education and a continued commitment to supporting students and schools. Anita earned her B.S. from Western Illinois University and her M.S.Ed. from the University of Rochester. She remains active in the community and regularly volunteers at city-hosted events.

• Beth Braxton, the current Board of Education Vice President, is seeking a second term. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Chair of the Counseling Division at SUNY Adirondack, with more than 20 years of experience in clinical and educational settings. Beth holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Richmond, as well as an M.Ed. in School Counseling and an Ed.S. in Mental Health Counseling from James Madison University. A Saratoga Springs native, she lives in the community with her husband and their three children and remains active in local organizations.

Students to Design Thrill Rides at Innovation Center’s 2026 Roller Coaster Camp

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Popular hands-on STEM camp returns July 13–16

The Innovation Center at Saratoga, Inc. is bringing back its high-energy Roller Coaster Summer Camp, taking place July 13–16, 2026, at the Innovation Center’s facility on Old Stonebreak Road in Malta, NY.

Designed for middle and early high school students, the four-day camp immerses participants in the science, engineering, and creativity behind roller coasters and theme parks. Working in small teams, students will learn core physics concepts, design their own rides, and build digital theme park experiences, culminating in a real-world visit to the Great Escape.

Camp registration includes:

• 3 days of hands-on learning in physics, math, and computer-based design

• Creative theming and design elements integrated into each team’s park

• 1 full day at the Great Escape, including lunch, refillable drink mug, and camp t-shirt

Based on a program developed by the Physics and Math departments at Clarkson University, the camp blends STEM learning with imaginative design. The Innovation Center’s instructors have been trained by Clarkson faculty, and campers will gain insight into how classroom concepts translate into real-world engineering.

“This camp is a unique opportunity for students to experience STEM in a way that’s both practical and fun,” said Beth Moeller, President of the Board of Directors. “They’re not just learning concepts—they’re applying them, collaborating, and seeing how those ideas come to life in a real theme park setting.”

The Innovation Center at Saratoga is a makerspace and innovation hub that will support inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs in the region. Programs like Roller Coaster Camp reflect its mission to inspire the next generation through hands-on STEAM education.

Learn more and register at https://innovationcentersaratoga.org/summer-camp/. 

The Innovation Center at Saratoga, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) developing a makerspace and community collaboration space supporting inventors, creators, and the innovators of the future. More information can be found at https://innovationcentersaratoga.org.