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Saratoga Schools Education Foundation to Host First-Ever Pizza Wars on March 4

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

The Saratoga Schools Education Foundation is excited to announce its first-ever Pizza Wars, taking place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Saratoga Springs High School Cafeteria from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This family-friendly event will bring together community members, students, and families for a night of fun, food, and friendly competition. Attendees will sample pizzas from local favorites and vote for Best Sauce, Best Crust, and Best Overall Pizza. Participating restaurants include Pizza Etc, Pope’s Pizza, Caputo’s Pizzeria, West Avenue Pizza, Rustic Pizza and Eats, D’Andrea’s, and 9 Miles East.

Tickets are available for $5 online in advance, with a limited number sold for $7 at the door. Each ticket includes pizza samples from all participating vendors.

Proceeds benefit the Saratoga Schools Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the Saratoga Springs City School District. The Foundation funds innovative programs and grants for educators to enhance student learning and achievement through creative practices.

“Pizza Wars is a delicious way for our community to come together while supporting student success,” said Maura Manny, Director of Community Outreach and Communications. “We are thrilled to feature local restaurants and give attendees the opportunity to vote for their favorites.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit:  https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pizzawars12866/.

NYRA Hosting Belmont Job Fair on Feb. 26

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) recently announced it will host a job fair on Thursday, Feb. 26 to recruit employees for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course.

The job fair will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on the first floor of the 1863 Club. Applicants should enter through the Wright Street entrance (Gate 8) with parking available in the 1863 Club lot.

Prospective workers will be able to meet with NYRA, Dyehard Fan Supply, Integrated Staffing, and Levy Restaurants, among others. Positions will include restaurant hosts and staff, premium experience team, mutuel clerks, cashiers, merchandise clerks, customer service, maintenance and grounds crew, white caps, parking attendants, and security guards.

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and have New York State Certified Working Papers. Prospective security guards, cashiers and betting clerks must be at least 18 years of age to apply; security guards must have a high school degree or GED. All applicants must present a photo ID and Social Security card or I-9 alternative.

For more information, visit BelmontStakes.com.

Lago by Druthers Opens Free Public Ice-Skating Rink on Saratoga Lake

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

Photo of the new ice rink at Lago by Druthers provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Lago by Druthers has officially opened a free ice-skating rink on Saratoga Lake.

The outdoor rink, measuring 90’ x 120’, is located at 550 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs and is open to skaters of all ages. Guests are asked to bring their own skates. 

“With such a cold winter, we wanted to give the community a free place to come together and enjoy the season,” said Chris Martell, president of Druthers Brewing Company. “From skating on the lake to warming up by the fire with hot cocoa, it’s all about getting people outside and making the most of the winter in Saratoga.” 

Lago also has multiple outdoor fire pits where guests can enjoy a drink and watch the skaters. In addition to Lago’s full menu, hot cocoa, both boozy and non-alcoholic, will be available for purchase. 

Skating hours will be Monday – Thursday 3-7 p.m., Friday 3-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m., and Sunday 12-7 p.m. The rink will be open weather permitting.

A Valentine’s Day Love Story: “We Created a Family”

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


Tom and Sue met on a blind date in Rochester in 1955 and married shortly after (The Wesley Community)
70 years after first meeting, Tom and Sue are still married and currently live in The Wesley Community ( The Wesley Community).

“We created a family.”

Those were the first words Tom shared when reflecting on his 70-year marriage to his wife, Sue. Simple words, but they carry a lifetime of devotion, resilience, and love.

Their story began in 1955 with a blind date. Tom had just returned home after being stationed overseas in the Navy for 19 months. A friend had a date in Rochester, New York—and that date happened to have a friend named Sue. Three months and one day later, Tom and Sue were married. As Tom put it best, “When you know, you know.”

Marriage quickly taught them the meaning of commitment. After their wedding, Tom was stationed in Washington, D.C., while Sue remained in Rochester. They stayed connected the old-fashioned way through letters, and Tom would hitchhike during breaks to see her. On one unforgettable trip, Tom hitched a ride while clutching a giant carnival teddy bear thumb out, a bear bigger than the luggage. It wasn’t every day a driver saw a sailor and his oversized passenger headed off in the name of love.

Tom went on to earn his teaching degree through the GI Bill at SUNY Brockport while Sue worked for the Rochester Telephone Company. Later, Tom earned his master’s degree in social work and transitioned from a career in teaching to a career in social work with the New York State Department of Social Services. In 1972, Tom’s work brought them to the Albany area, where they settled in Clifton Park and purchased a new home. The excitement of that moment —especially seeing the fireplace—has stayed with Tom all these years, a symbol of the life they were building together.

Together, Tom and Sue raised three children, Jeannie, John, and Jeff. Building a family was deeply meaningful to them both. Sue had been raised by her aunt and uncle after losing her parents at a young age, and Tom grew up with divorced parents, with his father living far away. Creating a close, loving home was something they truly cherished.

While raising their children, Sue also built a successful career selling Avon, a job she found both rewarding and fulfilling. Tom eventually retired from the New York State Education Department, where he led a staff of 50 in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment. In his free time, Tom enjoyed golfing and proudly scored a hole-in-one, but just as meaningful to him was volunteering with Hospice, where he offered comfort and kindness to those in need.

Their life together was filled with seasons of joy. Winters were spent in Florida, and summers were enjoyed at their camp on Sacandaga Lake, a place still treasured by their family today. Eventually, with encouragement from their children, Tom and Sue moved to Woodlawn Commons so they could have additional support as they aged.

As Sue’s health needs increased, she transitioned to Wesley Health Care Center. Tom visits her, holding her hand, reminiscing about their journey, and reflecting on the family and life they built together.

Marriage, Tom shared, isn’t always easy. “It has its ups and downs,” he said. “You keep working on it, and you don’t give up on one another.”

This Valentine’s Day, Tom and Sue’s story reminds us that love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, holding on, and building a life together, one day at a time. 

NYRA announces stakes schedule, logo and Prices for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival

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

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will run from June 3 through June 7th

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the stakes schedule for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will be held at Saratoga Race Course from Wednesday, June 3, through Sunday, June 7.

Highlighted by the 158th edition of Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, June 6, the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will include 10 Grade 1 races among 18 graded stakes across five days of world class competition.  

With a new and re-imagined Belmont Park to open for live racing on September 18, 2026, the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will return to their Long Island Home beginning in 2027.

Tickets and hospitality offerings for the final edition of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. EST on Thursday, February 12 at BelmontStakes.com. 

Pricing for Belmont Stakes Day general admission tickets is unchanged from 2025: $75 for adults and $20 for children ages 4 to 12. Admission is $30 for adults on Friday, June 5, and $10 on all other festival days. Admission is free for children 12 and under on each day other than Saturday, June 6.

Fans may purchase a five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival admission bundle for $120 at a combined savings of more than 10 percent.

A blockbuster Belmont Stakes Day at Saratoga awaits fans on Saturday, June 6, with a program to include six Grade 1 events among seven graded stakes headlined by the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets and featuring the Grade 1, $1 million Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap; the Grade 1, $1 million Resorts World Casino Manhattan; the Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur; the Grade 1, $500,000 Woody Stephens presented by Mohegan Sun; the Grade 1 $500,000 Just a Game presented by Resolute Racing and the Grade 3, $400,000 True North. 

As in 2025, NYRA will raise the curtain on the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival with an Opening Day dedicated to New York-breds on Wednesday, June 3. The special New York Showcase Day program will offer six $200,000 events exclusively for horses foaled in the Empire State, including the Mike Lee, the Bouwerie, the Commentator, the Critical Eye, the Kingston and the Mount Vernon. 

In total, the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will offer 25 stakes races worth $11,075,000 million in purses. For additional details and the full stakes schedule, visit BelmontStakes.com/schedule.

FOX Sports is the television home of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, providing viewers across the country with its Eclipse Award-winning coverage of all five days of the Festival. 

The Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will once again be contested at 1 1/4 miles in 2026 rather than the traditional 1 1/2 miles due to the configuration of Saratoga’s main track.

NYRA unveiled the official logo for the race on Feb. 10. The logo builds on the visual foundation established over the prior two years. Centered around the Marylou Whitney Entrance at Saratoga, the image features three flags to acknowledge the conclusion of an unprecedented period when Saratoga played host to the Belmont Stakes.

Saratogian Battles the Elements in FOX Survival Competition Show

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured.

Photo of Katie Kratovil (center) with her sisters Carly (left) and Emily (right) provided by FOX.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In everyday life, Katie Kratovil is a 29-year-old administrative assistant who lives in Saratoga Springs. But on TV, she’s a rugged survivalist building shelters, rationing food, and keeping an eye out for bears—all while competing for a grand prize of $250,000.

On season two of “Extracted,” a FOX reality series currently airing on Monday nights, Kratovil is tasked with braving the elements while her two sisters, Carly and Emily, observe her via 24-hour camera feeds and try to send her provisions delivered by drones. 

For Kratovil, who said she’s “definitely not a survivalist type person,” some training and preparation was necessary.

“I definitely trained more physically than mentally,” Kratovil told Saratoga TODAY. “I built a shelter in my backyard. I practiced my firemaking. I watched a lot of YouTube videos, specifically Luke from the Outdoor Boys. I upped my step count to 15,000 steps a day. I knew I was going to be walking around in the woods, so I wanted to make sure that my body was used to taking that many steps. Really, [I did] as much research as humanly possible that I could to figure out the best way to live out in the wild.”

Kratovil’s sisters also had their own preparations to make before appearing on the show. From the (relative) comfort of an indoor studio, Carly and Emily competed against the family and friends of other survivalists to secure valuable supplies. Some family and friends chose to take a more cutthroat approach to the competition, while others utilized their diplomatic skills. Kratovil and her siblings prepared by expecting the unexpected.

“Our main strategy was to be really strong,” Kratovil said. “We wanted to be really strong competitors, but we’re kind of limited in how much we can talk about because you don’t really know what to expect. You think you know what to expect from watching season one, but at the same time, you know you have no idea what’s going to happen. So you kind of have to strategize for everything and plan for everything.”

While Kratovil slept outside, hoping to avoid any encounters with rats or snakes, her sisters were forced to keep an eye on her via the camera feeds. Unable to directly communicate with their sister, Carly and Emily at times feared for their sibling’s wellbeing.

“I was afraid to watch [Katie] struggle because she can’t talk to us or see us, so I was scared that she really needed help,” Carly said.

But despite some intense moments, the sisters all agreed that appearing on “Extracted” served as a familial bonding experience

“We’ve never experienced anything like this,” Emily said. “It brought us a lot closer, not just the three of us, but our entire family and our friends.”

“It’s really such a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Carly said.

“One of my personal hopes, coming out of this whole experience, is inspiring people to put themselves out there and just apply for it and do it,” Katie said. “I mean, we’re three relatively normal people. I just stumbled upon an Instagram ad and thought, ‘You know what, I might as well apply. I have nothing to lose.’ So, I think anyone could do it if they really put their mind to it. I totally would recommend it. I hope they call us again.”

“Extracted” season two airs on Mondays at 8 p.m., with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu.

Saratoga Jazz Festival Returns: Lineup, Info, Headliners, Under-the-Radar Acts

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured.

Photos of Patti LaBelle and The Revivalists provided by SPAC.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The annual Saratoga Jazz Festival will hold its 49th iteration at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28.

Overall, the fest will feature 22 musical acts (13 of whom will make their Saratoga Jazz Festival debuts), headlined by the “Godmother of Soul” Patti Labelle and multi-platinum rock collective The Revivalists. Labelle last performed at the festival in 2009. The Revivalists will make their Saratoga debut this summer. 

“We have been thinking about [Labelle] on and off over the last couple of years,” festival producer Danny Melnick told Saratoga TODAY. “Last year, she did this really big arena tour with Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan, and she closed all those shows. The reports were amazing and the videos that I saw online were amazing. When thinking about this year and the fact that we’re at the 49th festival, we really wanted to have a legendary artist who has a history with the festival.”

Labelle sharing headlining duties with The Revivalists speaks to the festival’s ability to reach across generations and genres. 

“The Revivalists are a new, really hot band right now that have been growing and growing, particularly coming out of the pandemic, becoming bigger and bigger, playing much bigger places and selling tickets,” Malnick said. “We really wanted to get a band that we felt would be exciting for the audience and new to the festival.”

Saratoga Jazz Fest’s roster of performers is diverse and deep, with acts performing everything from soul to funk to roots rock to, of course, jazz. A few highlights include blues guitar virtuoso Christone “Kingfish” Ingram; Afro-Cuban funk group Cimafunk; soul-inflected rhythm and blues band The Dip; jazz vocalists Dianne Reeves and Cécile McLorin Salvant; contemporary jazz leaders Terri Lyne Carrington and Lakecia Benjamin; and Cuban piano master Gonzalo Rubalcaba with his First Meeting Quartet featuring Chris Potter, Larry Grenadier, and Eric Harland.

The festival will also commemorate two musical milestones. The Miles Electric Band, making their SPAC debut, will celebrate Miles Davis’ centennial. And the returning Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars will salute the centennial of John Coltrane.

“As we approach nearly 50 years of this storied festival, we remain committed to presenting a vibrant, wide-ranging line-up that honors jazz traditions while amplifying bold new voices,” said Elizabeth Sobol, the CEO of SPAC. “From legendary performers and centennial celebrations to festival debuts and cutting-edge artists, this year’s Saratoga Jazz Festival offers so much to discover.”

Two of Melnick’s picks for under-the-radar acts and up-and-comers include Eddie 9V (“He could be the next Tom Petty”) and Tyreek McDole (“I think the audience is going to be super surprised and knocked out to hear this young guy sing the way he does”). Both will perform on the Charles R. Wood “Discovery” Stage.

In addition to two non-stop days of music across two stages, festival attendees can also enjoy a host of amenities including new and diverse food offerings, a fine arts and crafts fair, and artist merchandise signings. Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages, as well as lawn chairs, blankets, tents, and lawn umbrellas. Parking for the event is free. Performances will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27 and at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 28.

Tickets go on sale beginning on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. to SPAC members (tiered by level) and on Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. to the general public. Tickets start at $89 and will be available online at www.spac.org.

2026 SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL LINEUP: 

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Amphitheater:

Patti LaBelle

Miles Electric Band: Celebrating Miles Davis’s Centennial

Cécile McLorin Salvant

The Dip 

Gonzalo Rubalcaba First Meeting Quartet with Chris Potter, Larry Grenadier & Eric Harland

Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science

Charles R. Wood “Discovery” Stage:

Bill Frisell Trio featuring Thomas Morgan & Rudy Royston with special guest Gregory Tardy

Orrin Evans Trio featuring Luques Curtis & Mark Whitfield, Jr.

Tyreek McDole

Ana Popovic

Avishai Cohen Big Vicious

Brass Queens

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

Amphitheater:

The Revivalists

Dianne Reeves

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Cimafunk

Lakecia Benjamin

Charles R. Wood “Discovery” Stage:

Eddie 9V

Alexa Tarantino Quartet

Kyle Roussel

Sasha Dobson

Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars 

Celebrate John Coltrane’s Centennial featuring Jimmy Greene, Clay Jenkins, Steve Davis, Dave Stryker, Miki Yamanaka, Todd Coolman & Quincy Davis 

State reports Increased Rates Increased Rates of Bullying in Schools.

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Education, Featured.

A new report has been released by the State Comptroller’s Office showing increased rates of bullying in New York State Schools. 

The report, which includes data from 2017-18 school year through the 2023-24 school year, shows that while rates of violent incidents have declined since the pandemic, rates of bullying have trended upwards. 

Statewide, schools reported .9 incidents of assault per 1000 students, .5 weapons offenses per 1000 students and .1 sexual offenses reported per 1000 students. This is down from 1.2 assaults, .7 weapons offenses and .3 sexual offenses. 

Drug offenses, meanwhile, saw a spike post pandemic but showed year-to-year declines in the latest data. Statewide, the Comptroller’s Office reported 6.5 drug offenses per 1000 students in 2023-24, down from 7.2 in 2022-23. Alcohol offenses meanwhile went from .6 offenses per 1000 students in 22-23 to .5 per 1000 in 23-24. 

While rates of drugs, alcohol and violence declined in New York, bullying did not decline. Across the State, New York reported 18.2 incidents of bullying per 1000 students in 2023-24, compared to 9.4 incidents in 2018-2019 and 17.2 incidents per 1000 in 2022-23. The Comptrollers Office noted that bullying had the highest number of total reported incidents. 

In terms of how Saratoga Springs and surrounding area did, in 2023-24 Ballston Spa reported eight incidents of bullying, nine incidents of cyberbullying, two assaults, two weapons possession incidents, one bomb threat, 35 drug incidents, three alcohol incidents and one threat of violence. 

This equated to 2 incidents of bullying, 2.3 cyber bullying incidents, nine drug possession incidents, .5 assaults, .5 weapons possession incidents and .7 alcohol incidents per 1000 students. 

As for Saratoga Springs, the school district reported 3 bullying incidents, 0 cyberbullying incidents, 0 assault or weapons possession incidents, 50 drug possession incidents, four alcohol possession incidents and four threats of violence in 2023-24. 

Per thousand students, Saratoga Springs saw .5 incidents of bullying, 8.6 drug incidents and .7 alcohol incidents per 1000 students. 

While Schuylerville saw the highest bullying incidents, it had the lowest alcohol and drug abuse incidents of the three school districts. Across all levels, the district saw 16 bullying, seven incidents of cyberbullying, two drug possession incidents and 0 alcohol incident in 2023-24. It also saw 0 assaults or weapons possession incident. 

Per 1000 students, Schuylerville saw 11.9 incidents of bullying, five incidents of cyber bullying and 1.5 drug incidents. 

In their report, the Comptroller’s Office noted that data may be underreported and may not reflect current conditions at the school. 

“Stakeholders should keep in mind, however, that a school reporting zero incidents through the SSEC report may have records of individual disruptive and violent incidents that are stored locally,” The report stated. “For example, records of an individual incident involving fighting or bullying would be maintained by the district if it resulted in disciplinary action, even if school officials determined the incident did not meet the threshold for SSEC reporting.” 

Already the numbers have brought about calls to action from one local politician, State Senator Jim Tedisco (R-44), who called on the legislature to pass a law that would require school districts to districts to notify parents if their child is being bullied. The bill, named “Jacobe’s Law” is named for a 13-year-old boy who died by suicide in 2015 after severe bullying. 

“We ask a lot of parents right now as it relates to being involved in their children’s education,” Sen. Tedisco said.  “Shouldn’t parents be made aware of threats of violence to their children so they can take the action they deem appropriate and have input on decisions of how best to protect their children’s safety? Unfortunately, due to a loophole in state law, many parents are not being kept informed about incidents of bullying taking place in the institutions we trust to educate and look after the safety and well-being of our children each day,” 

The bill was first introduced in 2016 and has been reintroduced in every legislative session since 2019. To date, however, it has never made it out of committee.

Green Island Man Arrested for Assaulting Corrections Officers.

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

A Green Island man has is facing additional charges after he allegedly assaulted three corrections officers at the Saratoga County Jail. 

Jamier Walker was charged with three counts of 2nd degree assault. He allegedly attacked the officers while being transported from one cell to another after he allegedly assaulted another inmate. 

The three officers were struck in the face. One was treated by jailhouse medical staff, one sought treatment at the Malta Med Emergent Care and the third did not require treatment. 

Walker was arraigned in the Milton Town court and remanded back into custody.