Beginning February 1, high school seniors attending private or public school within the Saratoga Springs City School District can apply for scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 from the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation.
Applicants must pursue a degree at an accredited 2- or 4-year college or post-secondary vocational educational institution. Students’ financial need, extracurricular and work activities, community service, and academic performance are all considered when reviewing applications.
In 2025, the Foundation awarded scholarships totaling $101,000 to fifteen students.
“All eligible individuals are encouraged to apply,” said Beth Post, President of the Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to offer this opportunity to local students, who have demonstrated time and again their impressive commitment to improving themselves and their communities through school and service to others.”
Established in 1997, the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation raises funds to support the post-secondary education and vocational training of graduates from public and private high schools in the greater Saratoga community.
Scholarship applications must be uploaded to the Foundation’s website by the postmark deadline of April 1. Finalists will then be invited to interview with the Rotary Club’s scholarship committee.
Photo of a “Midsummer’s Night Dream” provided by SPAC.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) recently announced that its 2026 New York City Ballet (NYCB) residency will run from July 8 to 11.
The residency will feature the full-length story ballet “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” which was the first performance presented on the SPAC stage at the venue’s grand opening in 1966; George Balanchine’s “Serenade”; Jerome Robbins’ “Opus 19/The Dreamer,” set to Prokofiev’s feverish concerto; and a new work by NYCB Principal Dancer Tiler Peck, which will have its world premiere as part of NYCB’s 2026 Spring Gala.
The New York City Ballet will bring its roster of more than 90 dancers under the direction of Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan, accompanied by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, led by Music Director Andrew Litton.
“As SPAC celebrates its 60th anniversary season, our historic partnership with New York City Ballet feels more meaningful than ever,” said Elizabeth Sobol, CEO of SPAC. “The return of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’—the very first performance presented on the SPAC stage in 1966—brings us beautifully full circle, honoring the legacy that has shaped this venue for six decades.”
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is Balanchine’s full-length adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most cherished comedies. Inspired by the music of Mendelssohn, Balanchine captures the play’s infinite colors: the bumbling comedy of the Rude Mechanicals, the feisty feuding between Titania and Oberon, the romantic confusion of the young lovers chasing each other through the Athenian forest, and of course the mischief-making Puck. Featuring a large cast of children from the Capital Region, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was the first wholly original full-length ballet Balanchine created in America and is one of the most popular ballets in NYCB’s repertoire.
“We love returning to our summer home every year, and for this 60th anniversary season, the performances feel especially significant,” said New York City Ballet Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan. “‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is one of our most treasured ballets, and with its deep connection to SPAC, we are happy to be able to bring it to Saratoga audiences for this milestone year. Performing the ballet in Saratoga, surrounded by the beautiful park and in the open air, is always a special treat for the entire Company, and we are thrilled, once again, to have dozens of young students from the local area join us onstage for these special performances.”
Highlighting the season are two performances dedicated to works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and NYCB Principal Dancer Tiler Peck. The program opens with “Serenade,” the first original ballet George Balanchine created in America, and one of New York City Ballet’s signature works. Returning to SPAC for the first time since 2008 is Jerome Robbins’ “Opus 19/ The Dreamer.” Originally choreographed in 1979 for Mikhail Baryshnikov and Patricia McBride, the ballet for 14 dancers is set to Prokofiev’s “Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major,” which has become one of the most beloved works for violin in the classical repertoire.
Closing the program is the SPAC premiere of a new work by NYCB Principal Dancer Tiler Peck, her second commission for New York City Ballet, which will have its world premiere at the Company’s Spring Gala in May 2026. The work will be set to Édouard Lalo’s score “Symphonie Espagnole in D Minor,” with costumes designed by Robert Perdziola, and lighting designed by Brandon Stirling Baker.
Widely recognized as one of the most versatile artists of her generation, Peck made her choreographic debut at the Vail Dance Festival in 2018 and choreographed her first piece for NYCB Concerto for “Two Pianos” during the 2024 Winter Season. She choreographed for the feature film “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” and has choreographed and appeared in the TV series “Tiny Pretty Things” and “Ray Donovan.” She also curated the program BalletNOW for the Los Angeles Music Center, which is captured in the feature documentary film “Ballet Now,” and is the subject of PBS’s Great Performances documentary, “Suspending Time.”
In an effort to increase access to these performances, SPAC will again offer special promotional ticket programs exclusive to the New York City Ballet residency. As part of this initiative, SPAC will continue its “$40 under 40” ticket offer, inviting individuals up to 40 years old to enjoy $40 tickets inside the amphitheater. To make access to world-class performance more affordable for families, SPAC will continue two special promotions including a $99 Family Four Pack, which includes four amphitheater seats, and an expansion of its “Kids in Free” program. The program, which currently allows children 12 and under free access on the lawn with an accompanying adult and 50% off amphitheater tickets, will extend to kids ages 16 and under for New York City Ballet performances. Visit the Ways to Save page on spac.org for all offers, discounts and exclusions.
Tickets will be available on Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Visit spac.org for details.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Opera Saratoga recently announced casting for its 2026 festival season, marking the company’s 65th anniversary with a diverse slate of opera, musical theatre, new works, and community-centered programming. Performances will take place primarily at the Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.
The season opens with “Happy End” by Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht, and Elisabeth Hauptmann, presented in collaboration with The Glimmerglass, Seagle Festival, and Finger Lakes Opera on May 28 and 30. The production is directed by Mary Birnbaum and conducted by Robert Ainsley, with dramaturgy by Kelley O’Rourke. It features Ana Karneža and Gregory Feldmann, with additional casting to be announced.
Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d’amore)” will be presented June 21-27, directed by John Giampietro and conducted by Nicolò Sbuelz. The cast includes Shelèn Hughes Camacho (Adina), Wonjin Choi (Nemorino), Dasol Lee (Dulcamara), Joseph Parrish (Belcore), and Fantine Douilly (Gianetta). The chorus will include festival artists Sarah Rachel Bacani, Maya McGuire, Christopher Kirby Saunders, Kayla Sconiers, Joshua Thomas, Minghang Wang, and Adam Wells.
Opera Saratoga will also present a fully staged production of “My Fair Lady,” with music by Frederick Loewe and book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, running June 20-28. Directed by Mary Birnbaum (with choreography by Julia Eichten and music direction by Adam Nielsen), the cast features Christine Taylor Price (Eliza Doolittle) and Bill Army (Henry Higgins), alongside Sadie Spivey, Maiya Williams, Nathan Romportl, Nazrin Azlan Alymann, Daniel Esteban Lugo, and Jack O’Leary.
New work development continues with workshop performances of “Drift,” by composer Alyssa Weinberg and librettist J. Mae Barizo, June 21 & 26. The workshop is directed by Caili Quan and conducted by Christopher Allen.
Concerts will include “Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein at the Mansion,” programmed by Laurie Rogers with buffet lunch or dinner May 31; weekly Wednesday Portrait concerts at Saratoga Arts May 20 & 27 and June 3 & 10; Opera Saratoga’s gala on June 4; and the Capital Region Composers Concert on June 27, featuring the music of composers from the Capital Region and a roster of local singers.
In addition, Opera Saratoga’s family show remixes music for the mainstage and offers kids a free interactive encounter with music theatre on June 21 & 23.
Affinity nights include Pride Night on June 24, “40 and under” night on June 25, and Opera Saratoga’s alumni weekend June 26-28.
Tickets and subscriptions for the 2026 festival season are available at atuph.org or by calling the Box Office at Proctors (518) 346-6204.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Beer Summit will return on Saturday, Feb. 21, bringing local favorites such as Artisanal Brew Works, Whitman Brewing, and Active Ingredient Brewing Company to the Saratoga Springs City Center.
New to the 14th iteration of the Saratoga Beer Summit will be expanded offerings that include hard seltzers, craft ciders, and malt beverage cocktails—in addition to the traditional variety of ales, lagers, IPAs, and seasonal brews.
“The Saratoga Beer Summit has always been about bringing people together over quality beverages,” said Jake Demmin, VP of sales at Townsquare Media. “By expanding our selection to include seltzers, ciders, and malt cocktails, we’re ensuring that everyone can find something they love, whether they’re a hophead or prefer something lighter and fruitier.”
Attendees of the summit will have the opportunity to sample dozens of beverages from local and regional producers, meet the makers behind their favorite brands, and discover new favorites. The event will also feature food from Speckled Pig, live music, and vendor booths.
For more information, including vendor lists, tickets, and the event schedule, visit saratogabeersummit.com.
QUEENSBURY — UHY—one of the nation’s largest professional services firms providing audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services—announced Wednesday its expansion into Upstate New York with the addition of Queensbury-based certified public accounting firm CMJ LLP.
CMJ’s legacy complements UHY’s commitment to serving as an advisor to the construction, automotive, manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail, and professional services industries, both regionally and nationally.
CMJ founders Paul A. Curtis and William A. Jeffreys joined UHY as partners, and the CMJ team will transition to UHY as part of the combination.
“Joining UHY gives our clients access to broader national services and resources and the ability to deliver even more impactful, personalized guidance,” said Jeffreys and Curtis. “UHY’s client-first approach and commitment to excellence align with our values at CMJ, and together we are well positioned to expand services, grow throughout Upstate New York, and help clients tackle their most pressing challenges.”
Founded in 1988, CMJ provides accounting, tax, and advisory services across Upstate New York and beyond. The firm’s client base serves clients with expertise in domestic, multi-state, and international matters. CMJ is skilled in the formation, operation, and structuring of all business entity types, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, and offers experience in succession planning, as well as merger and acquisition advisory services.
In addition to CMJ joining UHY, Alex W. Cruden III and Craig A. Cruden of Cruden & Company, CPAs PLLC, have joined UHY’s Albany office along with their team. Cruden is a respected Upstate New York firm recognized for its expertise in tax, accounting, and assurance services. Cruden’s gaming, automotive, broadcasting, real estate, retail, and family-owned and closely-held client portfolio aligns with UHY’s sector focus.
UHY is a top 25 accounting firm in the U.S. with more than 40 offices and over 2,000 team members. Their focus is on combining local knowledge with national, regional, and international skills and resources.
UHY’s presence in New York began in Albany in 1964 as Urbach, Kahn, and Werlin PC. UHY is derived from a combination of the names of the founding firms that started an international network in 1986 that included London’s Hacker Young. Today, UHY is a national and global firm with offices in the Northeast in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The addition of CMJ and Cruden to New York’s Upstate Region is another strategic step in UHY’s commitment to middle-market leadership and providing services from Manhattan to the Canadian border.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 announced this week that it has received an Elks National Foundation (ENF) “2026 Impact Grant Renewal” for $10,000 to partner with Wellspring to help provide services for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, teen dating violence, and elder abuse.
This is the fifth time a $10,000 ENF Impact Grant Renewal has been awarded to the Elks, who have now supported Wellspring to the tune of $50,000.
Saratoga-Wilton Elks will shop and deliver to Wellspring requested critical items such as gas cards, CDTA bus passes, support for the food pantry, security bars and cameras, cell phones and minutes, bedding, personal care, cleaning items, and more.
GREENFIELD CENTER — Twin Leaf Farms will host a special New York State Maple Weekend event on March 21 and 22.
The family-friendly event will include a $5 pancake breakfast, guided farm tours, live maple-making demonstrations in the sugarhouse, local vendors, and live music.
New York State Maple Weekend is a statewide event that provides an opportunity for the public to visit local sugarhouses and experience firsthand how pure New York maple syrup is made. Guests can learn about the traditions and modern processes of maple sugar making, explore working farms, and taste maple products straight from the source.
Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — At a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Spring Back Chiropractic celebrated the expansion of its space and services offered at 28 Clinton Street in the Spa City.
Spring Back bills itself as a patient-centered clinic that evaluates each person through a holistic lens. Each treatment combines spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, nutritional recommendations, and educational tips tailored to each individual. More information is available at www.springbackchiropractic.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Schaefer, author of the recently-released horror novel “Trad Wife,” will host the writing workshop “How to Kill Your Darlings (And Then Resurrect Them)” at Botanica Books on March 8.
Attendees can learn how to look at their writing with an objective, critical eye so that they can determine what prose, characters, and subplots are working (and which aren’t).
The workshop will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration is required. To save a spot, visit www.botanicabooks.com/workshops-events.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Comedian John Mulaney will perform at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SAPC) on July 31 as part of his stand-up tour, “John Mulaney: Mister Whatever.”
Tickets will go on sale on Friday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m.
Mulaney is a four-time Emmy Award, Critics Choice Award, and WGA award-winning writer, comedian, and actor. Most recently, Mulaney can be seen as the host, writer, and executive producer of his Netflix talk show “Everybody’s Live.” He can next be seen in the feature film “Madden,” an upcoming biographical sports drama about John Madden directed by David O. Russell.
