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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Costco Has Arrived 

(L – R: Joe Oblas, CEO of Founder Prosupps; Ron Vachris, CEO Costco; Joe Kakaty: Saratoga Local, Prosupps investor and board member.) 

After years of planning, the Albany Costco is a reality. Breaking records with 14,000 memberships before opening, the new store opened on August 6. 

Offering everything from tires to groceries and hearing aids, the new store is located at 1701 Western Ave.

Saratoga Bridges Raises over $60,000 during Annual Golf Classic


Jane Mastaitis, CAO of Saratoga Bridges, Addressing Golfers (Courtesy of Saratoga Bridges)

Saratoga Bridges, A Chapter of the Arc, New York, raised over $60,000 during their 23rd Annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic which took place last Monday, July 27th. Held at the McGregor Links Country Club, this event raised vital funds for Saratoga Bridges’ underfunded programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Saratoga County for more than 60 years. A portion of the proceeds also benefit the J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Scholarship fund, which is given to a Saratoga Bridges employee seeking to further their education in college.

The event honors the late J. Michael Fitzgibbons, a long-time Saratoga Bridges’ Board of Directors and community member who passed away in 2005. The Fitzgibbons family continues to play a large role in the golf committee and continues to uphold his legacy and his lasting impact here in Saratoga County.

Saratoga Bridges’ event season will continue with their 36th Annual Travers Day at the Races fundraiser at the Saratoga Racetrack on Saturday, August 29th at the Easy Goer Restaurant. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogabridges.org.

Saratoga’s First Annual Chocolate Milk Mile


(Runners Starting their Chocolate Milk Mile)

Despite the sweltering August heat, runners of all ages lined up at noon to participate in the first annual chocolate milk mile on the track of Saratoga Spring’s High School last Saturday. All proceeds went towards the Saratoga Springs City School District boys and girls cross-country programs.

Organizer and Saratoga High School alum, Cole Harris, had participated in a chocolate milk mile in high school, but was disappointed to see it discontinued when he went away to college.

“I think it’s a really cool event for the community and I’m happy to bring it back to the area,” said Harris.

All the chocolate milk for the fundraiser was donated by Stewarts shops. Participants drank 12 ounces of chocolate milk every time around the track, four times. 

Harris hopes to make the Saratoga chocolate milk mile a tradition.

Randi Morris Wins Silver


 Randi Morris throws opponent, blue uniform
(Courtesy of Roy Nanjo)

Ft. Lauderdale, FL— Burnt Hills High School Sophomore, Randi Morris from the Jason Morris Judo Center took a silver medal in the 70kg under 18 division at the Jr. US Open held at the Broward County Convention Center on Sunday, July 26.

Randi is the daughter of Olympic Silver Medalist, Jason Morris and Teri Takemori who was down there to coach Randi. This win was a sweet birthday present for Teri as she celebrated in Florida. Randi also moved up a category and took fifth place in the 70kg under 21 division. 

Saratoga Regional YMCA Invites Community to Participate in Time Capsule Project

As the Saratoga Regional YMCA (SRYMCA) celebrates its 160th Anniversary, the organization is inviting members, volunteers, staff, alumni, and community supporters to become part of history by contributing to a special 160th Anniversary Time Capsule. The Time Capsule will be sealed at a ceremony on Wednesday, August 26 at 10 a.m. at the Saratoga Springs YMCA.

The time capsule project is designed to capture and preserve the memories, achievements, stories, photographs, messages, and community spirit that have defined the YMCA for generations. Contributions will help tell the story of the YMCA’s impact on individuals, families, and communities throughout its 160-year history and create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Community members are encouraged to submit personal memories and stories, photographs, letters and messages to the future, YMCA achievements and milestones, mementos that reflect YMCA experiences, and other items that celebrate the YMCA’s history and community impact.

As part of the celebration, the SRYMCA is also hosting a Time Capsule Art Contest, inviting community members to create and submit original, two-dimensional YMCA-inspired artwork that shows how the Y has impacted their lives. One winning piece from each age group will be selected for inclusion in the time capsule (Ages 0-7, Ages 8-13, Ages 14-17, Ages 18+). 

Time capsule submissions will be accepted through August 20. Submissions may be dropped off at any Saratoga Regional YMCA branch location: Battenkill YMCA, Corinth Branch YMCA, Glens Falls Branch YMCA, Malta Branch YMCA, Saratoga Springs Branch YMCA, Wilton Branch YMCA. Items may also be mailed to: Saratoga Regional YMCA, Attn: Marketing Department, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Stories and photographs can also be submitted online at srymca.org.

“Over the past 160 years, countless individuals and families have built lifelong memories at the YMCA,” said Allison D’Antonio, Saratoga Regional YMCA Chief Executive Officer. “This time capsule gives our community an opportunity to share those experiences, celebrate our collective history, and leave a meaningful message for future generations.”

Short Film “Angels Among Us” Donated to Equine-Assisted Programs Nationwide as a Free Fundraising and Awareness Resource

The filmmakers behind “Angels Among Us”, a new 26-minute short film about the healing power of Thoroughbred horses, have announced that the film will be released free on YouTube and donated to equine-assisted programs and nonprofit organizations as a resource for education, awareness, community outreach, and fundraising.

Beginning Saturday, August 8, at 6:00 p.m., “Angels Among Us” will be available for free on YouTube, telling the inspiring stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed through equine-assisted programs while highlighting the extraordinary bond between humans and Thoroughbred horses. The movie can be viewed at, https://tinyurl.com/AngelsAmongUsMovie.

Rather than pursuing a traditional distribution model, the filmmakers chose to make the film freely available after its online premiere so organizations can use it to introduce new audiences to their missions, engage supporters, host community screenings, educate volunteers and donors, and inspire charitable giving.

“If this film helps even one organization reach new supporters or one person discover the healing that horses can provide, then it has accomplished exactly what we hoped,” said Executive Producer Jay Hanley.

Directed and produced by Saratoga-based filmmaker John Wager, Angels Among Us celebrates the work of equine-assisted programs and the people whose lives have been changed through their services. The filmmakers hope the film will serve as a lasting resource for therapeutic riding centers, veterans organizations, healthcare providers, schools, and nonprofits seeking to raise awareness of the impact horses have on physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

“Every person we met while making “Angels Among Us” reminded us that healing often comes in unexpected ways,” said Wager. “We hope this film shines a light on the extraordinary work of equine-assisted programs and helps them reach new audiences, inspire new supporters, and ultimately change even more lives through the remarkable bond between humans and Thoroughbred horses.”

Upcoming Events

Women + Wealth

Presented by The SHERO Fund. This full-day event is designed to spark meaningful conversations about the many forms of wealth women create throughout their lives. Through inspiring speakers, engaging discussions, practical takeaways, and intentional networking, we’ll explore how to build lives, careers, businesses, and communities that are both successful and sustainable. Tuesday, August 25, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall. For more information, visit https://sherofund.myflodesk.com/womensequalityday

20th Annual Car and Bike Show

On Saturday, August 15, the Clifton Park Elks Lodge will hold their 20th Annual Car, Truck and Bike Show. The Lodge is located at 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake. All years and makes of cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. We will present awards to the top vehicles. Fun, music, 50/50 Raffles, and great food. Come see the contestant vehicles! Contestant entry fee is $20; Spectators are free. Net proceeds support the NYS Cerebral Palsy Home Services Program and the Elks National Foundation.

Registration is from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and awards at 3:45 p.m. Rain Date is Sunday, August 16. For Information contact Brian Shelton at 518-956-1600.

Three Sisters Festival

The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum invites the public to the Third Annual Three Sisters Festival: A Celebration of Native American Culture, honoring the rich traditions, history, and heritage of our local indigenous communities. Festival highlights include captivating stories and traditional Native American lore presented by renowned storyteller Joseph Bruchac, Ph.D., an exhibit of Native American crafts and artifacts, and a guided tour of Brookside’s Three Sisters Garden. Visitors can also enjoy a bake sale supporting the museum’s historically themed gardens, as well as freshly popped popcorn and refreshing herbal iced tea. The program will be held at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, on Sunday, August 16, at 2 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call 518-885-4000 or visit BrooksideMuseum.org. 

This Week’s Events: Aug. 7-13

Friday, August 7

Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. A guided walking tour celebrating the rich history, glamour, and legendary stories of Saratoga Springs’ Gilded Age. Tour concludes at the Saratoga Springs History Museum inside the Canfield Casino. Participants should expect walking, standing, and some stairs. Tours run rain or shine. For tickets and information: www.saratogahistory.org.  

Summer Ghost Tours

Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The 90-minute guided tours explore the eerie legends, mysterious encounters, and haunted history connected to one of Saratoga Springs’ most iconic landmarks. Guests will explore the historic rooms and halls of the Canfield Casino while hearing tales of its glamorous past, mysterious reputation, and stories that refuse to rest. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.saratogahistory.org/summer-ghost-tours-2026. Tours are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

Fairy Homes from Nature

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 3 – 4:30 p.m. Join the Saratoga Springs Public Library to construct a natural fairy house to place in one of our educational gardens by the Welcome Cabin. Includes story time and all the supplies to create your own magical tiny garden home! Please register by calling the library at 518-584-7860 x 305.

Used Book Sale

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 4 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hosted by The Friends of the Library, the sale will feature a wide selection of gently used books and DVDs for readers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for your next favorite novel, children’s books, mysteries, cookbooks, or movies, there will be plenty of affordable treasures to discover. Proceeds from the sale support the Friends of the Ballston Spa Public Library organization.

One-man Musical – Impersonator

Saratoga Children’s Theatre, 615 Maple Ave., Suite 3, Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m. Join us for “Impersonator”, a heartfelt, funny, and unforgettable one-man musical that tells Spencer’s incredible story. Through live music, storytelling, and Elvis’s biggest hits, Spencer takes audiences on a deeply personal journey, pulling back the curtain on the world of Elvis tribute artists while sharing his own path of growing up in the spotlight. It’s a moving, entertaining, and completely unique theatrical experience you won’t want to miss. Tickets: ticketsource.com/spencerboyceproductions/t-yzenpaq. 

Saturday, August 8

Saratoga County Voter Hub

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 a Voter Information Hub. Residents can register to vote, obtain an Absentee or Early Mail ballot application, make changes to their address or party enrollment, get information on Early Voting dates and locations, and learn what will be on their ballot in November. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for public office. Learn more at lwvsaratoga.org. 

16th Annual Caboose Day 

Kings Station 4000 Rt 9N, Greenfield Center | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Town of Greenfield Historical Society event. The Train Station & Caboose will be open for tours. Vendors, bake sale, Greenfield History book, T-shirts, food, and drink will be for sale. A Scavenger Hunt for all ages and kid’s events throughout the day.  Many train events are planned.  Rain or shine. Also book a train ride from “Corinth Station to Kings” or the Special “Greenfield Flyer” by visiting CorinthTrain.com.

Markets at Round Lake

Village Green, 49 Burlington Avenue, Round Lake | 9 – 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Come and Celebrate the Makers Revolution and Sustainable Food Movement. We will be showcasing over 75 of the best and brightest Artisans in the local and regional Maker and Artisanal Specialty Food community. These Makers, who have been selectively juried, will bring forth the latest talent and hottest trends. Along with the Makers Market you will find a Food Market including food trucks and prepackaged foods, a Book Market, a Tiny Bookmaking Workshop and live music! More Information – including a full list of vendors is available at www.MarketsAtRoundLake.com. This is a free event and a fundraiser for the Round Lake Libraries.

Turning Point Festival

Fort Hardy Park, Canal St., Schuylerville | 4 – 9:30 p.m. The festival honors those who built this community, what the Battles of Saratoga achieved, when the turning point of the Revolution occurred, where it unfolded across the Hudson River corridor, and why this tradition continues to matter. Festival goers can expect live music, local food vendors, craft and artisan booths, historical displays, family activities, beverages from regional breweries and distilleries, and a fireworks finale over the Hudson River. It’s a full community showcase – part heritage tourism, part summer celebration, and entirely powered by volunteers. 

Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 7 – 11 p.m. The dance is open to the public, adults only.  There is ample free parking. A donation of $7 per person. Snack and refreshment will be provided, or bring a snack to share, your choice. Dance to the music of the E-Town Express. For more information call 518-490-2851. 

Sunday, August 9

Award Winning Gospel Singer Tammy Renee

Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd. Middle Grove | 8:30 a.m. Tammy Renee to lead worship. Tammy is an award-winning gospel singer who travels the country on a mission centered in love and connection, encouraging others through uplifting music and heartfelt messages.

Summer Sunday Strolls: Find Me in Congress Park

Meet at Congress Spring, covered pavilion on the south side of E. Congress Street inside Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Led by local author Patrice Mastrianni, the tour will include interesting facts and folklore. Among the many landmarks located in Congress Park, the tour will include the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial. Patrice will share the history of the Trasks and many other fascinating characters who left their mark on Congress Park. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Limited to thirty participants. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 518-587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation.org, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.

Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the Holocaust

Zoom Discussion | 7 p.m. A virtual panel discussion of the film Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the Holocaust a 2004 documentary. The film is directed by Daniel Anker and narrated by Gene Hackman. The film examines the treatment of the Holocaust in Hollywood films over a period of 60 years and the impact of the films on public perception and thinking and vice versa. The discussion is sponsored by Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs and supported by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York. Watch the film on YouTube before the panel discussion. How to Register Pre-registration is required. Enter the URL in your browser: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/VnUZBi4/HollywoodandtheHolocaust.

Monday, August 10

Back to School Fashion Show – Models Needed

The Dance Factory Dance Studio, Center Court by Fountain, Wilton Mall | 6:30 p.m. Join us for a back-to-school fashion show for girls and boys aged kindergarten through high school. No experience needed, pre-registration to participate is required. Interested children with parents or guardians must register in person.  We will provide information on what to wear, answer questions, and do a brief runway practice. This will be a fun and exciting event. A raffle and gift certificates for all participants! The fashion show will be on Monday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m.  For more information text Dianne at 518–253–1433.

Tuesday, August 11

MS Support Group

By Zoom | 5 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 27, at 11 a.m. by Zoom and in person at SAIL, 51 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury. For questions, please call Lou Ann 518-793-9506.

Summer Concert Series – The Rolling Pebbles and The Jazz Pebbles

War Memoria in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Celebrate the future of folk, jazz, and joyful music-making with The Rolling Pebbles and The Jazz Pebbles, two inspiring ensembles from the Caffè Lena School of Music, featuring dedicated young musicians age 10 to 16. Under the guidance of instructors Oona Grady, James Gascoyne, and Matt Griffin, these talented students have grown into a polished band with a deep appreciation for roots, folk, and acoustic traditions. In the event of rain, the concert will move to the covered back garden patio at the Heritage Area Visitor Center located at 297 Broadway. 

Society of American Magicians Meeting

S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham | 7 p.m.  The local group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets on the second Tuesday of each month. We welcome all people, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or pure entertainment to join us for a fun evening.  For more information about our organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit our web site: www.sam24.synthasite.com. 

Wednesday, August 12

Live Raptors: Birds of Prey 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. See live birds at the library and learn about their behaviors, adaptations, and different habitat challenges they face. Hosted by Silent Wings Raptors Rehab and Education, a program of the Wildlife Institute of Eastern New York. For all ages, with an adult. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org. 

Chicken and 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, vegetables, salad. Dinner: $15 (cash only).

Ziti Dinner Take-Out

Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd. Charlton | 4:30 p.m. until sold out.  The meal includes ziti, meatballs, salad, Italian bread, and brownie.  A vegan option will be available. Cost is $18. Your purchase will help support the needs of animals awaiting adoption at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. Tickets: Pre-sale at Mail ‘n’ More in Burnt Hills or at the church door on the day of the dinner.  

Thursday, August 13

Town of Greenfield Farmer’s Market

Middle Grove Town Park, 428 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 4 – 7 p.m. Every Thursday! Food trucks, live music, fresh produce, fresh flowers, candles, homemade breads, cookies, maple products, bounce houses, gift items, pickles, fresh lemonade, bird houses, Saratoga Mobile Library, jewelry, wreaths, woodworking, multiple dinner options, and so much more. Open to the public. Free admission. 

Upbeat on the Roof – Nice Hockey

On the Lawn Outside Tang Museum, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Nice Hockey is a donut-fueled indie-pop quartet from Schenectady, featuring Skidmore Psychology professors Dom Vuvan and Harrison Schmitt. The power-pop band was started by Dom and Chad and completed by Harrison and Eric. Their songs are charming and big-hearted, with stories about friendship, everyday life, chameleonic vibes, and how to survive the impossible. Before each concert, Tang Art Educators will offer Crafts on the Grass: art-making kits for kids starting at 5:30 pm. A different craft will be available each week. All projects are suitable for children ages 5 and older, with adult supervision recommended. Materials will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Free and open to the public. 

Experts Next Door: New York’s Great Lost Ballparks

Live on Zoom | 7 – 8 p.m. Musician and researcher Bob Carlin joins us to discuss his latest book. New York’s Great Lost Ballparks tells the story of New York playing grounds and ballparks of yesteryear. Organized by region and city, the book includes a complete list of New York’s historic ballparks in an easy-to-read guidebook format. Each listing includes the name and location of the park, the years in operation, the names of the professional clubs that called it their home, the park’s seating capacity, and a “Fun Fact” or two that distinguishes each locale. Bob will discuss some of his favorite discoveries and share more about the great lost ballparks across NYS.  Register: www.brooksidemuseum.org. 

Camp Sugar Plum Inspires the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

 The Sugar Plum Farm Foundation is helping children discover that their future is limited only by their imagination. 

This summer, students from ROOTS Academy – formerly Philip Schuyler Achievement Academy, the elementary school attended by Anthony “Tony” Malatino – spent their days at Camp Sugar Plum, where they built confidence through hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship, agriculture, leadership, and teamwork. 

At Camp Sugar Plum, children learn by doing. Campers care for farm animals, develop culinary skills, help operate the Sugar Plum General Store, and launch their first businesses through the camp’s signature Lemonade Wars challenge. Along the way, they develop practical skills in teamwork, problem-solving, communication, customer service, financial literacy, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the farm. 

“The Lemonade Wars is about much more than selling lemonade,” said Robin Malatino, founder of The Sugar Plum Farm Foundation. “It’s about giving children the confidence to dream bigger, the courage to try something new, and the opportunity to discover what they’re capable of. Because our campers attend the same elementary school that my late husband, Tony, once attended, their mantra is simple: ‘If Tony could do it, I can do it.’” 

Malatino added, “We aspire to inspire the next generation. If these children leave believing in themselves just a little more than when they arrived, we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do.” 

The Sugar Plum Farm Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing transformative educational experiences through agriculture, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning. By combining meaningful mentorship with real-world experiences, the Foundation empowers children to build confidence, develop lifelong skills, and imagine a future filled with possibility.

Dr. Joseph Greco Honored with 2026 Trailblazer Innovation Award

Dr. Joseph Greco, Director of Personnel Development for the district, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Trailblazer Innovation Award by ASBO New York.

Greco was recognized during ASBO New York’s Annual Awards & Inauguration Celebration, held as part of the organization’s Education Summit & Expo in Saratoga Springs. The Trailblazer Innovation Award honors school business officials who demonstrate exceptional creativity and innovation in school finance and management through initiatives that positively impact students, schools, and their communities.

Greco was recognized for implementing Saratoga Springs High School’s participatory budgeting initiative, which gives students a direct role in identifying school needs, developing proposals, creating budgets, and voting on projects that improve their learning environment. The initiative also provides students with hands-on experience in civic engagement by mirroring the local election process through the use of official ballots and voting machines.

“Joe is a natural leader,” Assistant Superintendent for Business Bobby Yusko wrote in his nomination. “A teacher at heart, Joe is always looking to help people learn and is never afraid to jump into something new.”

In recognition of the award, ASBO New York will donate $1,500 to the Saratoga Springs City School District to support the district’s participatory budgeting initiative.