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Patricia D. Cross

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Patricia D. Cross, 92, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, in Saratoga Hospital of natural causes. Born in Montreal, Canada to Charles and Ivy (Creates) Donoghue on August 23, 1933. She was the oldest of four children. 

Patricia married the love of her life, Roy D. Cross, in 1955. They were married for over 33 years until his passing in 1989. She was the mother of two children, Gregory and Jeffrey.

She is also predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Irene and Ivy, brother, Charles and her son, Jeffery. Patricia is survived by her son, Gregg and his wife, Debra, their two children, granddaughter Erica Lorenzo (son in-law Stephen Lorenzo), grandson Kevin and great granddaughter Vivienne (Erica/Stephen), who brought her immense happiness in her final years. She is also survived by Jeff’s three daughters, Samantha, Jessica and Sydney. She is further survived by her sibling’s spouses, Beryl and John, and ten nieces and nephews. 

In 1965, Patricia and Roy settled in Saratoga Springs, NY where they would spend the rest of their lives. 

She owned Patricia’s Card and Gift Store in the Arcade Building on Broadway (and a second location, for a number of years, on West Avenue) in Saratoga Springs. Patricia started the business in October 1966, a period in time when it was rare for women to own their own business. She had a great talent for being able to merchandise/display products and a special way of befriending her customers, other merchants and the community. Patricia ran her business for 22 years. In 1988, she sold the business to retire.

Unfortunately, Roy passed away in 1989 before they could begin to enjoy their retirement. 

In the 1990’s, she started the volunteering chapter of her life. Of course, Patricia began as a volunteer in a gift shop at Saratoga Hospital. In 2010, she was instrumental in helping design and merchandise the new hospital (and current) gift shop location. She often would encourage her grandchildren to come ‘work’ with her and teach them how to make change for customers. She would go on to volunteer at the hospital for over 20 years until she was unable to continue due to disability constraints. Patricia was recognized by the hospital for her over 23,000 hours of volunteer service time. She was also a volunteer, for over 20 years, at the annual Catholic Charities Saratoga Festival of Trees. She had a knack for creating and crafting, another thing she made sure to spread to her grandchildren, particularly around the holidays. In her free time, Patricia liked to crochet and knit and was particularly fond of reading, crossword puzzles, and Sudoku – always keeping her mind sharp.

Family was truly an important part of her life. She loved family gatherings and being updated on their lives. She liked to host gatherings and cook. We all have our favorite dishes. We still cannot replicate her brownies and cheesecake. The family has wonderful memories which will stay with us forever. She took great pride in sending greeting cards to her family members for all occasions. She tried to never miss an event. 

Patrica was a devout Catholic. Her faith was a large component of her life and provided her with great strength and courage as she dealt with physical disabilities in the last years. She has been a parishioner of Saint Peter’s Church since she and Roy moved to Saratoga.

A thank you to the Doctors, nurses and staff at Saratoga Hospital for their loving care.

A special thank you to the staff at Home of the Good Shepherd, in Wilton, NY for your love, kindness, compassion and dedication to your residents. Your care for Patricia brought us great comfort over these past two- and one-half years.

Sharon Drosky, God bless you. 

Relatives and friends may call from 5 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, December 9, at William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. 

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Wednesday, December 10, in The Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. Burial will follow at Saint Peter’s Cemetery, West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.

In lieu of flowers, Patricia contributed to cancer research causes and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Please contribute to these charities or others important to you.

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

Tonko Announces $5.45 Million+ in Federal Grants for Local Fire Departments & EMS Squads

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced the awarding of 13 federal grants totaling more than $5.45 million in funding for 11 Capital Region fire departments and EMS squads. The funding announced today comes from two Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant programs for Fiscal Year 2024 — the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

The following 5 departments will receive the following amounts of funding from the FY2024 SAFER program to support the hiring of new firefighters and bolster recruitment and retention:

• City of Schenectady Fire Department: $2,008,304

• Rotterdam-Princetown Fire District #5: $821,192

• Halfmoon Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Department: $635,886

• S.W. Pitts Hose Company of Latham, NY: $426,838

• City of Rensselaer Fire Department: $237,090

The following 8 departments will receive the following amounts of funding from the FY2024 AFG program to support improvements in equipment, operations, and safety:

• Round Lake Fire Department: $295,428

• Albany Fire Department: $266,181

• City of Schenectady Fire Department: $201,933

• Ravena Rescue Squad: $191,428

• Halfmoon Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Department: $137,142

• Glenville Fire District #2: $124,936

• Cohoes Fire Department: $85,714

• Voorheesville Fire Department: $27,450

Taken together, these significant grant awards will help recipients hire more firefighters, support essential training courses, improve recruitment and retention efforts, and purchase vital equipment like new turnout gear and personal protective equipment (PPE), turnout washer/dryer/extractors, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) face masks, and more. Last December, Congressman Tonko submitted letters to FEMA in support of the City of Schenectady Fire Department and Voorheesville Fire Department’s requests for federal funding.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve made it a top priority to ensure that our Capital Region firefighters and EMS squads have the resources, equipment, and support to continue serving our communities safely and effectively,” Congressman Tonko said. “These brave men and women put their lives on the line every single day to keep our families safe, and it is up to us as elected officials to make certain they are properly equipped to safely face the monumental challenges of their jobs. I’m proud to celebrate this significant federal investment in our local emergency responders, and I look forward to continuing my efforts to ensure our local fire departments and EMS squads have the tools and training they need to succeed.”

Each year, Congressman Tonko and his staff assist numerous local fire departments and EMS organizations by writing letters of support and helping to prepare their applications for these critical grants. Today’s announcement marks the completion of the competitive rounds of Fiscal Year 2024 SAFER and AFG funding, delivering a total of $5,459,522 for Capital Region emergency responders.

Earlier rounds of AFG funding for Fiscal Years 2021, 2022, and 2023 delivered nearly $3 million for departments in Albany, Ballston Lake, Burnt Hills, Colonie, Glenville, Greenfield, Latham, Menands, North Greenbush, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Scotia, South Glens Falls, Troy, and Watervliet.

In total, the Fiscal Year 2024 AFG and SAFER programs distributed 1,885 awards totaling $615.6 million in competitive grants for fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies nationwide.

Saratoga New Year’s Eve 2026 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Dec. 31, 2025  •  Jan. 1, 2026

The Saratoga New Year’s Eve celebration will kick off with free outdoor entertainment by DJ RVMBA on Ellsworth Jones Place, located just outside of the Saratoga Springs City Center, along with a spectacular fireworks display launched from the top level of the City Center’s parking garage. 

∅This portion of the event, held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve is designed to offer a family-friendly option that is available to the public at no cost.

Afterward, Saratoga New Year’s Eve ticketholders can enjoy an evening filled with a diverse array of live entertainment at multiple downtown venues including the Saratoga Springs City Center, Universal Preservation Hall and Caffe Lena. For tickets visit saratoganye.com

The festivities will conclude on New Year’s Day with the Saratoga First Day 5K, a fun tradition for runners and anyone looking to begin 2026 with a healthy activity. 

New for 2026, the First Day 5K is partnering with the Saratoga Springs Lions Club to support one of the club’s core missions of diabetic awareness and education. An optional donation for this cause can be made upon event registration. To register visit fc4events.com.


The Line Up

Saratoga Springs City Center

The Allman Betts Band

Maggie Doherty

The Belle Curves

Heard

Ally the Piper

Doc Horton

Glass Pony

UPH

Nicotine Dolls 

& More

Caffe Lena

Reese Fulmer and the
Carriage House Band


This year’s event was organized through a partnership between the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Discover Saratoga, the Saratoga Springs City Center, the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, the City of Saratoga Springs, Proctors Collaborative, Caffe Lena and the Saratoga Regional YMCA, along with support from sponsors Adirondack Trust Company, Druthers Brewing Company and the Saratoga Springs Special Assessment District. 

St. Clement’s Boys Basketball Scores

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Here are the scores for the Saratoga St. Clement’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) boys basketball teams:

St. Clements 4th: 37

Clifton Park 4th A team: 22

High Scorers

Luke Longo: 12

Vinny DuFusco: 10

St. Clements 4th: 36

Clifton Park 3rd A team: 24

High Scorers

Luke Longo: 16

Teddy Shmulsky: 8

22 Saratoga Student-Athletes Participate in National Signing Day

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


The Saratoga Springs High School student-athletes who participated in a National Signing Day ceremony on Nov. 12. Photo via the Saratoga Springs City School District.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Earlier this month, 22 Saratoga Springs High School student-athletes participated in a special National Signing Day ceremony, signifying their commitment to play sports at colleges and universities. 

Below is a list of the student-athletes, where they are going, and what sport they will play:

Ted Alba: Lacrosse at Farmingdale State

Sarah Berls: Girls Lacrosse at University of Connecticut

Lily Caramadre: Rowing at Stetson University

Jack Covell: Baseball at Suffolk University

Braeden Crowe: Baseball at SUNY New Paltz

Lucia DeVito: Soccer at LeMoyne College

Gianna DiMaggio: Diving at University of Richmond

Ava Goodman: Soccer at LeMoyne College

Olivia Goodman: Soccer at LeMoyne College

Emilia Hall: Field Hockey at Hamilton College

Mia Khazin: Field Hockey at Quinnipiac University

Cathryn Kolligian: Girls Lacrosse at University of Tampa

Alex Landau: Baseball at Siena College

Nia Law: Softball at RPI

Olivia Lill: Rowing at University of Central Florida

Esther Lodico: Field Hockey at Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Colin Mack: Baseball at Northeastern

Brady Mills: Baseball at William & Mary

Jack Rigabar: Baseball at Yale University

Kari Reilly: Rowing at University of Washington

Raul Rodriguez: Baseball at Miami Dade College

Edward Tolan: Lacrosse at RPI

The 39th Annual Victorian Streetwalk

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

December 4th

Come Downtown & experience why Saratoga Springs was voted… 

#1 Most Festive Christmas Town in the USA!

Saratoga Portrait Studio

As dusk falls, downtown Saratoga Springs transforms into an enchanting winter scene for the 39th Annual Victorian Streetwalk. 

On the evening of Thursday, December 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., Broadway becomes a pedestrian-only holiday promenade.

∅ PLEASE NOTE: Broadway will be closed to traffic from 5–9 p.m. between Broadway at the Saratoga Springs City Center through Washington Street heading South. 

The evening begins with a festive Tree-Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. in front of Putnam Market,
preceded by Santa & Mrs. Claus’ arrival with a… 

Trolley Parade accompanied by the Saratoga Springs Police Department, Saratoga Springs High School Cheerleaders, The Dance Lab performers and more! 

Then the magic unfolds…

Nearly Two Dozen Entertainment Sites along Broadway feature live music, choral performances, dance showcases, carolers in Victorian dress, and wandering street entertainers. Highlights include the Road Soda Pop band (at the Washington Street Stage), Lennox performing at Santa’s Cottage and the Abundant Life Church just outside City Center. Additional acts: Racing City Chorus inside the Adirondack Trust Co., St. Paul Lutheran Church Choir on the City Hall steps, John & Orion Kribs on Celtic Treasures, Tumblin’ Gap Trio and more. 

Storefronts become stages too—look for Ballerinas by Saratoga City Ballet in the windows of Caroline and Main, Piper, Petal + Hive, Gilded and Encounter; and a showcase by the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet at Lex & Cleo. 

Other experiences include Photos at Santa’s Cottage beside the tree (cottage open hours listed online), Festive Food and Treats (kettle-corn, hot cocoa, cotton candy), and… the “Festival of Trees” by Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties inside the City Center, Face-Painting, Balloon Artists, Crafts, Photos with Noel the Peppermint Pig at Saratoga Candy Co. and a cheerful Toys for Toga Toy-Drive Table in front of G. Willikers.

Revelers watch live ballerinas in the window of Violet’s during the 38th Victorian Streetwalk hosted by the Downtown Business Association on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Saratoga, NY. (Jim Franco/Times Union)

Please check back to our website as details are updated daily!  

www.SaratogaSpringsDowntown/Victorianstreetwalk

Major Supporters & Sponsors:

This event is brought to life by the generous support of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association and a strong roster of sponsors, including:

Santa Sponsor: 4 Pillar Funding 

Gingerbread Sponsors: Adirondack Trust Co.; On Call Plumbing and Heating, and
European Wax Center Saratoga Springs

Additional Supporting Sponsors:
Saratoga Candy Co.; Impressions of Saratoga; Lifestyles of Saratoga, LLC; Caroline & Main; Union Hall Supply Co.; Celtic Treasures; Scallions; G. Willikers Toys; Saratoga Springs City Center; Cudney’s Launderers & Dry Cleaning; Violet’s of Saratoga, Samantha Nass Floral 

In-kind sponsors: D.A. Collins; High Peaks Event Production; Munter Enterprises; Saratoga Springs Police Dept.; Saratoga Springs Dept. of Public Works, NYRA, Saratoga TODAY

November 28 – December 4 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Upcoming Events

Fall Food Drive

The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is hosting a Fall Food Drive to benefit Lifeworks Community Action. As winter approaches, SCHC seeks to support our community by raising funds and gathering food items to support those facing food insecurity. Please join us in generosity this holiday season. Funds can be donated directly to Lifeworks Community Action at their website, https://www.lifeworks.org/. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off during museum hours, Tuesdays-Sundays, from 12-4 p.m. Most needed items include canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, oatmeal, mac and cheese, canned tuna, canned chicken, and peanut butter. Donations will be accepted through January 1, 2026.

Stretch Your Budget Sale

On Friday and Saturday December 5 and 6, the Old Stone Church will hold its Stretch Your Budget sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 159 Stone Church Road (town of Milton) Ballston Spa. New and next to new items will be available for a cash donation.  Some new items will be priced.  For additional information call the church number 518-583-1002.  A parking lot is available behind the church.

Tang Baazar

Held at The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. This event brings student creativity into the marketplace, with more than 50 students selling wares, including art, jewelry, clothing, and pottery. Friday, December 5, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Free to attend and open to the public. While each student vendor will have their own payment system, visitors should expect most students to accept payments via Venmo. Tang publications will also be discounted for in-person sales. The book sale runs Tuesday-Friday, December 2–5; discounts apply to purchases made in the Museum, with no shipping available. For more information, contact the Visitors Services Desk at tang@skidmore.edu or 518-580-8080, or visit the Tang website at https://tang.skidmore.edu.

Holiday Opera “La bohème”

Celebrate the holidays with the original RENT — a story of young artists in love, from first blush to dying breath. This holiday season, Opera Saratoga invites you to be swept away by the romance, laughter, and heartbreak of Puccini’s timeless masterpiece, “La bohème.” In this special staged concert, the Skidmore Chorus and members of the Excelsior Vocal Ensemble joins forces with the most exciting rising stars from the Juilliard School and the Metropolitan Opera to bring to life the unforgettable arias, soaring ensembles, and rich choral moments that have enchanted audiences for generations. Single tickets are on sale now. The concert will be held on December 5 at 7 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall 

25 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs. Single tickets are on sale now at www.atproctors.org. 

Annual Holiday Market

Join us for our Annual Holiday Market at Balet Flowers & Design on Saturday & Sunday, December 6 and 7. Start your holiday shopping at our festive open house featuring local artisans, tastings from area vendors, snacks, and hot cider. Our holiday arrangements are handmade including wreaths, kissing balls, and boxwood trees. There will be local pottery, jewelry, soaps, gifts, sale items and so much more! Please bring a canned good to donate to a local food pantry. The event will be held in our Flower and Arts Barn as well as in our heated greenhouse. 5065 Nelson Ave Ext, Malta. Call 518-584-8555 or email baletflowers@gmail.com with any questions! We are open every day 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

November 28 – December 4 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events: NOV. 28 – DEC 4 

Wednesday, November 26

Santa’s Playland

Quick Response Restoration, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake | 5 – 11 p.m. Open to the public on Wednesdays – Sundays. Toys for Toga will be collecting donations on December 12 and December 13. The event will be open through January 4. Admission is free. Event is drive through only.

Thursday, November 27

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

24TH Annual Christopher Dailey Foundation 5K Saratoga Turkey Trot

Downtown Saratoga Springs, 8:30 a.m. Packet pickup will take place at the Saratoga Hilton on Wednesday November 26 between 4 – 8 p.m.  and Thursday between 6:30 – 8:15 a.m. The course starts at City Hall and finishes on the corner of Route 50 and North Broadway. Learn more and register here: https://www.christopherdaileyfoundation.com/turkey-trot-2022-1. 

Friday, November 28

Holiday Art, Craft & More 

Clifton Park Center Mall, Clifton Park | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fairs with over 50 amazing vendors attending along with live music. Additional dates: Saturdays December 13, Sunday December 14, Saturday December 20, and Sunday December 21. Free admission. Hosted by Friends & Families Muscular Disorders Foundation. We are also seeking community support for a non-perishable food drive to benefit the local food pantry; please drop off your donations at any of our upcoming events. For more information call or text Mark 585-519-1917.

Art Exhibition – A Brush with Magical Realism 

79 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs | 4 – 8 p.m. Artist Talk 6 p.m. and November 29 and 30 at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Kelly Jean Smith has created a new series of oil paintings made possible by a 2025 Saratoga Arts Regrant which explores narrative illustration, the singular female image, and the space between joy and sorrow through expressive color and playful composition. Future prints will be made available to benefit Pitney Farm Food Insecurity Program.  

Saturday, November 29

Pet Photos with Santa

Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event is open to pets, children and families. A $25. donation covers the sitting fee, digital downloading and printing rights. Services are being donated by Ashley Wilbur Photography. Photos will be sent within one week via email. Appointments strongly encouraged.  Walk-ins cash or check only. Register online. Gateway House of Peace is an end-of-life facility for those who have been diagnosed as terminally ill and have less than three months to live and who cannot stay comfortably at home. Twenty-four care is provided at no cost. Gateway receives no insurance reimbursements or public funding and relies on fundraising and community support.

50th Annual Holiday Craft Marketplace

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Packed with vendors selling handmade jewelry, specialty food items, and other crafts perfect for holiday gift-giving. In addition to gift shopping, you can bring the kids to visit Santa and enjoy free face painting with the elf volunteers! All proceeds help the Saratoga Center for the Family battle child abuse and neglect in the community. Each year, this nonprofit organization provides more than 3,000 children and families in Saratoga County with the support and counseling they need to cope with the wounds of domestic violence. For more information on the Holiday Craft Marketplace, visit https://saratogacff.org/craft-show.

Winter Wonderland Art Market

Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. There will be over 50 artists participating in this year’s event. Shop small this holiday season and find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list, all while supporting local artists and artisans. The market has everything from pottery to jewelry to paintings to candles. There will photo ops with the Grinch and the chance to have your gifts wrapped by Saratoga Arts’ staff. Check out the artists below who will be joining us on the day!

Brookside Museum Holiday Market 

Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa |The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is celebrating the 25th year of our annual Artisan Market, which will be open until December 24, 2025. The opening of the market, on Small Business Saturday, will feature holiday music performed by the Ballston Spa High School Orchestra, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. This annual market features exclusively handmade and handcrafted products created by local artisans. Items featured at the market will include soaps, lotions, ornaments, jewelry, syrups, scarves, ceramics, hats, and much, much more! The 2025 hours are: Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12 – 4 p.m.; Fridays 12 -5 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, November 30

Holiday Concert

Historic First Baptist Church, 45 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. As part of our new organ dedication concert series, experience classical and holiday favorites performed by a thrilling Horn Quartet accompanied by Organ. Featuring Gustav Holst’s Chorale from Jupiter from The Planets, G.F. Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah, J.S. Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and C.M. von Weber’s Overture to Der Freischutz. Holiday favorites include Angels We Have Heard on High, Arranged for Horn Quartet and Organ by Farrell Goehring, Joy to the World and O Come, O Come, Immanuel. Patrice Malatesttinic, Amy Baker, Sam Kennedy and Mallorie Meyer in concert with Organist, Farrell Goehring. Presented without charge to the public.  Donations gratefully accepted toward the Bell Tower Restoration.

Concert – Mozart & More 

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church | 3 p.m. Saratoga Chamber Players Concert  will feature cellist Ashley Bathgate, violinist Jill Levey and violist David Rose. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the show or visit, saratogachamberplayers.org. 

Monday, December 1

Galway Preservation Society Meeting

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | Doors open at 6:45, followed by this month’s program at 7 p.m. “School Days,” will be presented by Charlene DuBuque, Education Director at the Saratoga County History Center.  Charlene’s talk will highlight Galway’s one-room schoolhouses and their role in rural community life incorporating engaging personal stories. She will trace the evolution of education from colonial times to centralized school districts. Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge.  If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year.  Please join us for some fun and to learn more about our history.

Tuesday, December 2

Virtual Author Talk with Sue Hincenbergs 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Library ZOOM Program | 2 p.m. Buckle up for a wild ride and chat with debut author Sue Hincenbergs to discuss The Retirement Plan, in which the only thing standing between three best friends and a sunny beachfront retirement condo is their husbands. What ensues is a diabolical plan to collect on their spouses’ life insurance policies. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org. 

Catholic Daughters Meeting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd. Saratoga Springs | 5 p.m.  Members will gather to pray the Rosary, with refreshments and fellowship to follow. Our business meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.  If you are a practicing Catholic woman interested in joining us please plan to attend. Reminder to members, please bring an unwrapped toy for Christmas toy drive.

Wednesday, December 3

Baked Ham 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: Baked ham, Au Gratin Potatoes, Vegetable, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner $15 (cash only). 

Poetry Reading

Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. and the readings will start at 7 p.m. Caffè Lena will present a poetry reading by Carol Graser. An open-mic poetry reading will follow. Jeannine Laverty and Austen Halpern-Graser will be hosting. 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.

Pulp City Comedy

The Wood Theater, 207 Glen St, Glens Falls | 7 – 8:30 p.m. Get ready to laugh ‘til you cry as Pulp City Comedy, the Capital Region’s favorite improv group, hits the stage for completely unscripted, high-energy comedy!  No scripts. No safety net. Just fast, funny, fearless improv from a dynamic cast that includes seasoned performers, stand-up comics, musicians, artists, and actors—some trained for years, others freshly minted in the art of the unexpected. Together, they create something totally unique each and every night. Visit, https://www.pulpcitycomedy.com/upcomingshows for full details, updates, and ticket links.

Thursday, December 4

39th Annual Saratoga Springs Victorian Streetwalk

Downtown Saratoga Springs | 6 – 9 p.m. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with our traditional tree lighting ceremony, which will be especially heartwarming this year. The Saratoga Springs Cheerleaders and dancers from The Dance Lab will bring in Santa with a parade of holiday spirit! We are honored to have children from Make-A-Wish and their families join us to help light the tree, illuminating the holiday spirit and bringing joy to this festive season. Following the lighting, children will have the opportunity to visit Santa in his Cottage! Enjoy over 25 sites with free entertainment, music and sights to see. Celebrate until 9 p.m. throughout downtown Saratoga Springs and experience why we are proud to be the #1 Most Festive Christmas Town in the USA. Please visit www.saratogaspringsdowntown.com for more details.

New Principal for Schuylerville High

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Schuylerville High School is once again searching for a new principal after Mark Brooks resigned effective Dec. 1. 

The announcement was made by Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman on Nov. 24. The announcement said that Brooks was resigning for “personal reasons.” 

“I understand this news is unexpected but can assure you that the high school building and district will continue to run seamlessly during this time of transition,” Dr. Sherman said. “We wish Mr. Brooks the best moving forward.” 

In his place, Dr. Sherman said Mark Doody will serve as interim high school principal. Doody was the Hudson Falls Central School District Superintendent for 13 years and retired from the district in 2015. Since retirement, Doody has served in various interim roles throughout the state. 

Brooks’ hiring was approved by the school board in May 2025 to replace longtime principal James Ducharme who left Schuylerville in July to serve as superintendent for the Cambridge Central School District. Brooks’ first day at Schuylerville High School was July 1. 

Senior Ethan Passage earns Eagle Scout, highest honor in Boy Scouts of America achievement

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

A milestone more than a decade in the making, Schuylerville High School senior Ethan Passage earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America and an honor attained by only a small percentage of all Scouts nationwide. For Passage, the journey began in first grade as a young Cub Scout. 

By fifth grade, he had advanced into Boy Scouts, where he began working steadily toward merit badges, leadership milestones, and the ultimate goal he set for himself early on: Eagle Scout.

“It’s been seven years of hard work,” said Passage. “Being able to finish what I started means everything to me,” Passage said. “I gained a lot of friendships, and it was really about the people around me who helped me get there.”

To earn Eagle Scout, candidates must complete a capstone service project that demonstrates leadership, project management, community engagement, and perseverance. Passage knew he wanted his project to connect with his long-standing interest in animals, the environment, and public health. The inspiration struck during horseback rides along the Saratoga Siege Trail, a flat, half-mile walking trail that runs beside Fish Creek and connects Route 4 and Evans Street.

“I was riding the trail on my horses and getting eaten alive by mosquitoes,” Passage said. “It made me think—maybe there’s a way to help both the trail and the environment.”

Passage’s answer was bat houses, also the title of his project. He says New York’s bat population has been struggling in recent years, and lower numbers contribute to increased mosquito activity. Passage realized that providing safe nesting spaces could help support the bat population while also making the trail more enjoyable for residents and visitors. He proposed, planned, organized, and led the installation of 15 bat houses along the Saratoga Siege Trail.

Passage secured funding from donations—including contributions from his grandparents and mother—and used tools his family already had in their garage. The Village of Victory also played a key role, offering support as the project aligned with the village’s ongoing restoration efforts on the trail.

“It makes me very proud,” he said. “Seeing this project get done is definitely rewarding. When I walk down the trail and see the bat houses, I say to myself, ‘Wow, I did that!’”

Passage’s successful board of review is now complete and he is expected to be officially awarded the Eagle Scout rank by the beginning of the next calendar year. After graduating from Schuylerville, he plans to pursue a pre-veterinary bachelor of science degree, with the long-term goal of working in emergency veterinary care.