Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

SSHS Honors Class of 2023 at Commencement

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School celebrated the graduation of 492 members of the Class of 2023 on Friday, hosting its commencement ceremony at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Class president Clare Hegener, student council president Evan Griffiths, and student speakers Abigail Bundy and James O’Connell spoke during the ceremony, according to a release on the district website. Superintendent Michael Patton, SSHS Principal Michelle Tsao, and chemistry teacher Devin Scott also spoke.

The Yaddo Medals were awarded to Abigail Bundy and Jacob Munter. Each year, the prestigious Yaddo Medals are awarded to one female and one male from the graduation class who have excelled in scholarship and school citizenship, the release states. Katrina Trask began the tradition of presenting the Yaddo Medal, crafted by Tiffany & Company, in 1912.


Photos by Super Source Media Studios

Saratoga Catholic Class of 2023 Valedictorian & Salutatorian

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic School has announced its valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2023.

The Saratoga Catholic Class of 2023 Valedictorian is Jessica Barnes. Barnes plans to attend The University of Rochester with a major in biology.

The Saratoga Catholic Class of 2023 Salutatorian is Aidan Dunne. Dunne plans to attend The University of Tennessee, Knoxville to major in chemical engineering.

Saratoga Catholic Celebrates Class of 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photos by Super Source Media Studios

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic School honored the Class of 2023 with its annual commencement ceremony at St. Clement’s Church on June 23. 

28 students received their diplomas from the school during the commencement ceremony. SCC principal Christopher Signor, Class of 2023 Advisor and Spanish teacher Susan Barbolt, Dean of Student Life & Coordinator of Affairs Maria Izzo, Class of 2023 Valedictorian Jessica Barnes, and Salutatorian Aidan Dunne spoke during the commencement.

Diocese of Albany Superintendent of Schools Dr. Giovanni Virgiglio, Very Rev. Robert Longobucco of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, and Very Rev. James Ebert of St. Clement’s Church also spoke during the ceremony.

The commencement included a special presentation from Leo Quinn, a member of the Saratoga Catholic Class of 1986.

Quinn’s great-uncle, also named Leo Quinn, was valedictorian of the St. Peter’s Academy Class of 1923, but tragically drowned four days before the ceremony. At Friday’s commencement, Quinn read his great-uncle’s original speech from 100 years prior.

Upcoming Events

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

28th Annual Saratoga Soroptimist Secret Gardens Tour

A dozen gardens in varying sizes and styles in Saratoga Springs and Wilton are featured 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 9. Purchase $25 advance tickets at www.soroptimistsaratoga.org or at Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, Cudney’s Cleaners retail locations, and Faddegon’s Nursery in Latham. Day-of tickets for $30 will be sold while supplies last from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, 297 Broadway. Garden descriptions and suggested driving directions are provided with purchase. Ticket sales support women and girls, including Wellspring. Questions? Email secretgardensinfo@gmail.com.

Celebration of Summer

The Saratoga Area Retired Educators Association invites all retired Saratoga Area educators, teaching assistants, librarians, and school support staff members to attend our social. This fun event will provide you with the opportunity to mix and mingle with other educators, meet some of our members and learn about the monthly luncheon meetings of our organization. The event will be held at the Parting Glass in Saratoga Springs from 4 -7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12. There will be a $5 cover charge collected at the door.  Snacks will be provided and there will be a cash bar. For more information and to RSVP please call 518-569-0395.

Homestead: You Are Here – Opening Night

Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. On July 14, multi-disciplinary artist Yuko Edwards’ on-going series Homestead: You Are Here will be on view in our Atrium Gallery this summer. The series began when the artist was a resident of Saratoga Springs and took solo walks throughout the inner-city. On those walks, Yuko saw reflections of her own family in the landscape, memories from the past as well as possible new futures. The photographic works raise questions of belonging and evoke the existence of the Black community and its energy.  www.saratoga-arts.org.

Adirondack Greek Festival

The 14th Adirondack Greek Festival will be hosted by St. George Church, 55 Main St., South Glens Falls. On Thursday, July 13 from 4 – 8 p.m., enjoy souvlaki and gyro sandwiches and pasties outside under the tent. Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15 from noon – 7 p.m., enjoy our full festival days with more authentic Greek food/dinners and pastries, music, entertainment and church tours. Free admission and parking. OPA! No on-line or phone orders will be taken for this event. www.sgforthodoxchurch.org. 

Dinner and Casino Night

Benefiting Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. Entertainment, cocktails, dinner, and casino games. Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is a nonprofit organization supporting vulnerable racehorses and people in leading a safe and meaningful life by nurturing the horse-human connection through therapeutic programming. We invite you to join us for our inaugural gala hosted by Tony and Robin Malatino on Saturday, July 15, 7 – 11 p.m. at Sugar Plum Farm, located at 96 Gilbert Rd., Saratoga Springs. RSVP by July 1. Attire: wear what makes you happy. Sponsorships available. VIP Reserved Dining Seating, $250 each including 300 casino chips, general tickets, $200 each, including 200 casino chips. Visit www.thsaratoga.org/events or call Meg at 518-290-6240 ext. 101. 

Veterans Picnic

Free to Veterans and their families. B.P.O.E. support for our Veterans dates back over 100 years and continues today because our mission is still the same, “to provide aid and comfort to any veteran in need.” Join us as we bring our mission to our community by attending the Veterans Picnic on Sunday, July 16, 2 – 4:30 p.m. at Saratoga Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Circle, Saratoga Springs. Food, fun and games. Contact John Safford, jsafford3@gmail.com 

The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series 

Held at 6:15 p.m. Monday evenings in August—August 7, 14, 21 & 28.  Registration is $5 day-of or $15 for all four races., Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.  For more information, call Laura Clark at 581-1278 or email laura@saratogastryders.org or visit www.saratogastryders.org.

The Health, History, & Horses Charity Gala

Presented by Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Chapter. Funds raised are distributed annually to established charities in Saratoga & Warren/Washing counties: Catholic Charities, food kitchens, shelters, and tuition support programs. Thursday, August 17, 6 – 9 p.m. at Saratoga Winery, 462 route 29, Saratoga Springs. Complimentary Beer & Wine the 1st hour, hot and cold food stations, cash bar, live music, silent auction, 4 seasons basket raffle, 50/50 raffle and racetrack t-shirt quilt. Cost is $75 per person payable to Ladies of Charity. Attire: summer festive. Tickets: www.ladiesofcharitysartaoga.com. Contact Yolanda at 518-886-8064.  

Travel with the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) to an Italian Cooking School 

Have you dreamed of living in a seventeenth century palazzo nestled on a hilltop village in the romantic Italian countryside? ALL is sponsoring a gourmet retreat and cooking school November 11-18, 2023. We will tour a historic or culinary attraction each day and begin cooking late afternoons under the guidance of a professional chef before enjoying a four-course dinner with local wines each evening.   This small group experience includes all meals and six nights in a beautifully restored historic palazzo.  For more details, contact goedventures@gmail.com

Artist Exhibit

Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Commons Ct., and SSAS will be hosting an exhibit during the months of June and July featuring the work of artist Frank Coletta. His artwork will include realistic landscape drawings in pen and ink depicting the beauty of the Hudson Valley area and flower drawings in colored pencil and ink. Mr. Coletta is an accomplished artist who has shown nationally and locally. The Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, will host artist Bill Daisak during June, July, and August. For further information about SSAS visit our website: southernsaratogaartist.com or check us out on Facebook.

Unique Vendors & Artisans

Ballston Area Senior Citizens Annual Bazaar on Saturday, October 7 at the Milton Community Center, located at 310 Northline Road Ballston Spa. What is your specialty? Pickles & relishes, jams & jellies, or any handmade crafts are appreciated and welcome. Vendors of all kinds will be accepted on first come bases for indoor spaces, until October 2. Indoor spaces– 8’W x 7’D are $30 indoor only are (electrical outlets indoor are limited). Outdoor spaces– 12’W x 10’D are $25. To receive an Exhibit Contract and Hold Harmless agreement and payment to reserve your space contact Sue Heimburg 518-885-8037 / text message with name and mailing address or e-mail sheim381@aol.com

June 30 – July 6, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, June 30 

Fish Fry Friday ?

Knights of Columbus Council #246, located at 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs |  5 – 7 p.m. This event will require advance call-in of orders on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of that week between the hours of noon and 3 p.m.  Call 518-584-8547 to place your order or for more information. A set number of orders will be scheduled for pickup at 5 p.m. and at intervals of every 15 minutes thereafter until sold out, so make sure to schedule early.  As always, thank you for your support and helping us to continue our good works in the community. 

Saturday, July 1

Cars & Coffee  ?

Middle Grove Town Park, 430 Middle Grove Road, Middle Grove, 8 – 11 a.m.  The Town of Greenfield Lions Club are hosting the event. Free and open to any car or truck, including daily drivers. There will be a 50-50 raffle and door prizes for entered vehicles. This event is being sponsored by Ryan’s Garage. The Greenfield Lions will be selling fresh breakfast sandwiches and coffee. The public is invited to check out the vehicles. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.   

Voter Registration

Saratoga Farmers’ Market, 112 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will be offering Voter Registration tables July 1, 15, and 29. Residents can learn where to find information about polling places, information about registration, early voting, absentee voting, and pick up absentee voting applications and voter registration forms. 

Sunday, July 2 

Summer Sunday Stroll  ?

Meet at the northwest corner of Division Street and Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m.

Carrie Woerner, NYS Assemblywoman and former SSPF Executive Director, for “Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square.” Tour this architecturally rich area in Saratoga’s oldest residential neighborhood. Tour, sponsored by Engineering America Co. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information on these summer strolls or to purchase tickets to any of these upcoming tours visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email nbabie4@saratogapreservation.org.  

21st Anniversary “Blackjack” Gala 

The Saratoga Automobile Museum, 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Spring | 7 – 11 p.m. This momentous event promises an incredible evening of celebration, entertainment, and philanthropy, all in support of the museum’s mission to promote community, automobile education and safety. To purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities visit https://www.saratogaautomuseum.org/ Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Megan Hennessey at 518.401.5185 or email megan@saratogaautomuseum.org. 

Monday, July 3 

Outdoor Baby Bounce ?

Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs | 10 – 10:30 a.m. Outdoor Baby Bounce introduces babies 0-24 months (with an accompanying adult) to a variety of early literacy skills like enjoying simple books, songs, finger plays and sensory activities. Siblings are also welcome to attend. Please bring blankets for sitting on the grass. This program will take place on the lawn. In the event of rain or high heat index, the program will be held at the library in the Crawshaw Story Room. 

Tuesday, July 4 

Congress Park History Tour  ?

Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Learn about the fascinating history of “The Queen of Spas” with a leisurely walk thru Congress Park. Tours are held Tuesday – Saturday. Our experienced guides will tell you the stories of how Saratoga became “The Queen of Spas” in the 19th Century. The tragic story behind the Trask Family and the Spirit of Life statue.

The history of the Saratoga City Museum and its notorious reputation as the highest rolling gambling casino in the US. How the city rallied to restore the historic Spit and Spat statues. Tour is 90 minutes in and about 1/2 mile in length. Price is $20, Children under 12 free. Phone or text to 518-832-3796.  

Wednesday, July 5 

Wacky Wednesday: Outdoor Water Fun?

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 10 a.m. Get ready to get messy or just have some wacky fun on the Library’s Back Lawn! Each week will feature a new activity. For preschool-grade 5, with an adult. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org 

Free Concert Series ?

Malta Community Center, Front Lawn, 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta | 6 – 8 p.m. Motion Blur – The band is a culmination of a fun atmosphere, high-energy rock, and musical excellence that shows off the full potential of the music and the musicians. Wednesdays, Rain or shine.  

Poetry Reading ?

Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Caffè Lena will present a poetry reading by Jill Crammond. An open mic poetry reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. and the readings will start at 7 p.m. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students. The featured reading will also be livestreamed. You can find a link for the livestream at caffelena.org, 518-583-0022. 

Take A Bite  ?

Downtown Glens Falls | 5 – 7 p.m.  A summer food festival every Wednesday through August 9. Restaurants offer small plates priced from $1 to $5 while guests stroll through downtown enjoying live entertainment and music. Plus, there will be bounce houses in the park each week. Sponsored by the Glens Falls Collaborative. For more information, visit https://glensfallscollaborative.com/take-a-bite/ 

90th Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corp. 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St. Galway | 6:30 p.m. A program on the history of Adirondack CCC Camps. Speaker Marty Podskoch is a retired teacher and the author of 11 books, including Adirondack Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: Their History, Memories and Legacy of the CCC. Those interested in attending the program are encouraged to register at 518-882-6385. More information about the CCC and other library programs is available at www.galwaypubliclibrary.org.

Chicken Parmigiana Dinner Take-out

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: Chicken Parmigiana,  penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Cost $15 per dinner. (cash only).   

Thursday, July 6 

Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Star Septet ?

Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 8 p.m. Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars featuring Mike Rodriguez (trumpet), Steve Wilson (saxophone), Steve Davis (trombone), Mimi Fox (guitar), Bill Cunliffe (piano), Todd Coolman (bass) and Dennis Mackrel (drums). For tickets: www.tix.com/ticket-sales/zankel/7074

Single Tickets on Sale for Two Capital Repertory Theatre 23-24 Subscription Shows 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

ALBANY — Single tickets for “What the Constitution Means to Me” and “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” are on sale. Both shows are part of Capital Repertory Theatre’s 23-24 subscription season. Subscriptions, which include “Sweat,” “Three Mothers,” Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” as well as a cross-venue show at Proctors, are still available. 

 “What the Constitution Means to Me,” by Heidi Schreck, will be at the REP Sept. 15 – Oct. 8. The smash Broadway hit kicks off the new season at theREP with a special production. 

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas,” by Colin Escott, will be at theREP Nov. 24 – Dec. 24. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together again to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Sun Records, donned with Christmas tree, garland and mistletoe, rings with the sounds of the season and the chart toppers that made the four famous. 

Each show will feature certain special nights throughout their runs, including a post-show champagne toast on opening night, Chef’s Table featuring local restaurants, an ASL performance, Thirsty Thursday and a pre-show behind-the-scenes presentation. Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online at capitalrep.org. 

Opera Saratoga 2023 Summer Festival Opens This Weekend 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Opera Saratoga opens summer season at Universal Preservation Hall this weekend. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Opera Saratoga’s 2023 Summer Festival Lineup will staged June 30 to July 9 at Universal Preservation Hall. 

The three summer offerings, the madcap Tony-award winning musical, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” the classic comic bel canto opera “Don Pasquale” and the world premiere of Clarice Assad and Lila Palmer’s family opera “The Selfish Giant.” 

Showtimes, all at UPH on Washington Street, are:

Gentleman’s Guide: Friday, June 30 @ 7:30 pm, Sunday July 2 @ 2 pm, Thursday, July 6 @ 7:30 pm, Saturday, Jul 8 @ 7:30 pm. 

Don Pasquale: Saturday, July 1 @ 7:30 pm, Friday, July 7 @ 7:30 pm, Sunday, July 9 @ 2 pm.

The Selfish Giant: Saturday, July 1 @ 11 am, Saturday, July 8 @ 11 am.

For more information and tickets, go to: operasaratoga.org.  

Applications Accepted through July 8 for Saratoga County Fair Pageant

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Saratoga County Fair Pageant 2022. The Saratoga County Fair opens this year on Tuesday, July 18. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA —Applications for this summer’s Saratoga County Fair Pageant are open. The divisions this year are for ages 12 months to 25 years old.

The Saratoga County Fair will take place July 18-23 at the Fairgrounds, located at 162 Prospect St. in Ballston Spa.  

A four-page entry form is available for download at: saratogacountyfair.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dept.-R-Pageant-Entry-Form.pdf. Entry fee is $15 and the deadline for entries is July 8.  

For more information about the fair, go to saratogacountyfair.org or call 518-885-9701. 

Tang Museum: Upbeat on the Roof Summer Concert Series Kicks-Off July 6

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College has announced its line-up for the Upbeat On The Roof series. 

The long-running Thursday night concert series is presented July 6 through August 17. Concerts are staged on the grounds of the Tang. 

Attendees are invited to bring chairs, blankets, and picnics. Music starts at 6 pm. 

• July 6: Blue Ranger: Folk

• July 13: The Age: Neo-Soul

• July 20: Hot Club of Saratoga: Gypsy swing

• July 27: Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra: Latin jazz

• August 3: Zan and the Winter Folk: Anthemic folk

• August 10: Veena Chandra: Indian classical music on sitar and tabla

• August 17: Nathan Meltz and the House of Tomorrow: Agit-pop

UPH Announces First Rainbow Prom in Support of the Local LGBTQIA+ Community 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Proctors Collaborative will be hosting its first Rainbow Prom at Universal Preservation Hall in September, when the LGBTQIA+ community and allies ages 16+ are invited to commemorate a prom night in a safe, inclusive space. Photographers will capture the memories as everyone dances the night away to popular music from the 80s, 90s, 00s and today. 

The event takes place 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at UPH in Saratoga Springs. 

UPH is also asking participants to post their promposals on Instagram with the hashtag #UPHRainbowProm for a chance to win a free drink voucher. 

Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online at universalpreservationhall.org.