SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — The Saratoga Lake Association (SLA) is calling on all municipalities within the Saratoga Lake watershed to adopt urgent measures to reduce road salt use, following the release of a new study that documents patterns of chloride pollution that could threaten the lake’s long-term health.
Conducted by a team of Environmental Science seniors and Faculty at Skidmore College and sponsored by the SLA, the comprehensive study of watershed-scale salinity patterns found that road salt runoff—primarily from urban areas such as Saratoga Springs and Malta—is significantly elevating chloride concentrations in tributaries feeding Saratoga Lake. The Saratoga Springs storm sewer outflow can exceed 4,000 parts per million (ppm) of chloride, while conductivity readings more than 10,000 µS/cm were recorded, indicating levels known to be toxic to aquatic life.
“This is a wake-up call,” said John Cashin, SLA Board Member. “The scientific evidence is now unequivocal: road salt is polluting our lake. Municipal leaders must act now to protect the health of our watershed.”
The study further revealed that there was an expected positive relationship between the amount of development in the watershed and both chloride and conductivity levels. Tributaries such as Spring Run and Geyser Creek—both flowing from the heart of Saratoga Springs and corresponding with the areas of highest road density—were identified as major contributors of salt pollution entering the lake.
SLA provided funding for ten state-of-the-art conductivity sensors that enabled continuous monitoring throughout the winter of 2024–2025. The study’s findings reinforce growing concerns across New York State about the ecological toll of winter deicing practices. Though Saratoga Lake has historically been considered a recreational and ecological gem, the data now show meaningful interventions, like those recommended by the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Taskforce, should be considered by the municipalities in the Saratoga Lake Watershed.
Public sentiment appears to be ahead of policy. A community survey conducted alongside the study found that 94% of respondents support the use of alternative snow and ice removal methods, provided safety is maintained. “Residents are ready for change—they understand the stakes,” said Cashin. “What’s needed now is municipal leadership.”
The SLA is urging local governments to:
• Implement best practices in salt application, including calibrating equipment and using brine pre-treatment.
• Apply for DOT Grants for funding of road salt reduction initiatives.
• Reduce overall salt use in sensitive watershed areas.
• Increase public education around the environmental consequences of road salt.
• Partner with SLA and other stakeholders to expand monitoring and promote coordinated watershed management.
“We commend the Skidmore students for their rigorous, timely research and are proud to have supported their efforts,” Dr. James DeMasi the SLA President said. “Their work gives us the data—and the mandate—to move forward.”
The Saratoga Lake Association encourages all residents to read the full study and join in advocating for environmentally responsible winter maintenance practices. The future of Saratoga Lake depends on the collective action of our communities today.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The highly anticipated Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, taking place for the second year at the historic Saratoga Race Course, begins on Wednesday, June 4 and concludes on Sunday, June 8. The festival will include 27 stakes races with purses totaling $11,275,000, the richest purses and highest number of stakes offered since the launch of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in 2014. To celebrate the festival, Saratoga Springs is hosting a variety of events throughout the week.
Tuesday, June 3
Embrace the Belmont II (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) brings the community together to learn basic handicapping and explore the 2025 Belmont Stakes field. The event is designed to help local business owners, professionals, and residents deepen their understanding of horse racing. Last year’s event at the National Museum of Racing sold out, so this year, Embrace the Belmont II is moving to a larger venue: the Universal Preservation Hall. The emcee is Donna Brothers, an NBC Sports analyst who just covered the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
Wednesday, June 4
Belmont on Broadway, a free concert on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, is slated for June 4, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with performances by Gin Blossoms and Uprooted. Broadway will be closed from Van Dam to City Hall most likely all day Wednesday starting early in the morning to install the stage.
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s latest exhibits, “A Look Through the Eyes and Life of Charlotte C. Weber” and “Greg Montgomery: 40 Years of the Travers Poster,” will open to the public. In the Museum’s McBean Gallery, “A Look Through the Eyes and Life of Charlotte C. Weber” chronicles the legacy of Charlotte Weber, who established Live Oak Stud in Ocala, Florida. The exhibit also explores her passion for art, philanthropy, and business, as well her roles as a leader and trailblazer in various disciplines. The Museum’s von Stade Gallery will host “Greg Montgomery: 40 Years of the Travers Poster,” one of racing’s most iconic series of artwork. Montgomery began producing annual posters for Saratoga Race Course’s Travers Stakes in 1986.
Bradley Chance Hays Live Painting at the Spa Fine Art Gallery is a special live painting event featuring celebrated Western artist Bradley Chance Hays occurring from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Chance will be in the gallery creating original work in real time—offering a rare glimpse into his expressive, high-energy process. Known for his bold depictions of horses and the American West, Hays brings a contemporary edge to a classic subject matter. The event is free and open to the public—stop by, meet the artist, and experience the creative spirit that kicks off Belmont Week.
Thursday, June 5
The Belmont Gala at the Canfield Casino will feature fine dining, live music, and a celebration of sportsmanship beginning at 7 p.m. The event will recognize the connections of 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch: owners Belmar Racing and Breeding LLC, Pine Racing Stables, R. A. Hill Stable, Two Eight Racing LLC, West Paces Racing LLC, trainer Danny Gargan, and jockey Luis Saez. Tickets can be purchased here: racingmuseum.org/events/belmont-gala.
Sports Illustrated’s Revel at the Races comes to the Belmont Stakes for the first time. In partnership with The New York Racing Association (NYRA), this event will be headlined by G-Eazy and take place at The Night Owl in downtown Saratoga beginning at 7 p.m. The event offers a high-energy night of live music, premium hospitality, and immersive brand activations that bring fans closer to the sports moments they love. Tickets are available at BelmontStakes.com/Revel.
Farm Brewery Tour & Tasting at Dancing Grain Brewery from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. includes a stroll through the scenic fields of Dancing Grain on a guided farm and brewery tour, a curated tasting of craft beers, and a farm-fresh lunch prepared by 9 Miles East. For more information, visit https://dancinggrain.com/.
Friday, June 6
Belmont Bites and Brews (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) will be an open house event at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame featuring food trucks, local brews, and more. The event is free to attend. Participating vendors include Slidin’ Dirty, Screaming Eagle, Ted’s Fish Fry, and 80K Catering. New Scotland Spirits will also be on hand for a whiskey tasting.
“Famous Fillies” Preview Reception featuring Lisa Palombo at the Spa Fine Art Gallery from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibition celebrates the most legendary female racehorses in history. Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the great Ruffian, this collection honors the spirit and power of champions like Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra—fillies who redefined excellence on the track. This event is open to the public and reservations are optional.
Horse of a Different Color: A Belmont Special with Live Music at Saratoga Paint N Sip celebrates the opening of the 2025 Saratoga Race Track and the Belmont Stakes with a colorful horse. No painting experience necessary. For more information, visit www.paintandsipstudios.com/.
Behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Saratoga Race Course at 9:30 a.m. offers a rare opportunity to explore the oldest and one of the most iconic sporting venues in the United States. Led by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s Executive Director Samantha Bosshart, this special walking tour will take participants through both the public and lesser-known sides of the Saratoga Race Course. Highlights include iconic locations such as the Grandstand and Clubhouse, including the Oklahoma Training Track, as well as areas not usually open to the public—the original 1847 Race Course, and Horse Haven. Tours begin at the Whitney Viewing Stand at the Oklahoma Training Track. Reservations are required and space is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030.
Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. is a 90-minute guided walking tour designed to entertain and enlighten both visitors and residents with the famed stories of the Spa City. Saratoga Springs was the playground of the rich and famous during the 1800’s and provides the stories of this gilded period of history. For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/.
Saturday, June 7
The Belmont Stakes Saturday Morning Social (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will feature complimentary coffee and doughnuts (courtesy of Stewart’s Shops) and complimentary Saratoga Water. Admission to the Museum is free from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday Morning Social programming will include a special Belmont Stakes handicapping seminar with Mike Beer from Daily Racing Form at 10 a.m. Artist Greg Montgomery will also be on hand to sign copies of his 2025 Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes posters (available for purchase).
Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. is a 90-minute guided walking tour designed to entertain and enlighten both visitors and residents with the famed stories of the Spa City. Saratoga Springs was the playground of the rich and famous during the 1800’s and provides the stories of this gilded period of history. For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/.
Sunday, June 8
The Belmont Family Fun Fest (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will include games, food, animals, and more in a vibrant open house setting. Highlights will include a bounce house and slides; complimentary ice cream, popcorn, and cotton candy; a hammer strike game with prizes; magical feats from the spectacular Mr. Twisty (at 11 a.m.); a towering rock-climbing wall; a menagerie of animals; a face painting station; and a bird show from the Silent Wings Raptor Rescue. The event is open to all ages and is free to attend.
Behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Saratoga Race Course at 9:30 a.m. offers a rare opportunity to explore the oldest and one of the most iconic sporting venues in the United States. Led by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s Executive Director Samantha Bosshart, this special walking tour will take participants through both the public and lesser-known sides of the Saratoga Race Course. Highlights include iconic locations such as the Grandstand and Clubhouse, including the Oklahoma Training Track, as well as areas not usually open to the public—the original 1847 Race Course, and Horse Haven. Tours begin at the Whitney Viewing Stand at the Oklahoma Training Track. Reservations are required and space is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030.
Some additional Belmont Stakes Racing Festival items of interest:
• The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame satellite facility at the Saratoga Race Course’s Walk of Fame will be open daily during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
• The Past is Present, a mural by artist Celeste Susany in celebration of 75 years of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, will be complete and accessible for viewing on the Museum exterior on Ludlow Street.
• Contemporary Equine Art Display and Box Draw Art Sale (Monday, June 2 through Wednesday, June 4): In the spirit of the Belmont Stakes, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is hosting a display of original contemporary art created by five renowned equine artists: Robert Clark, Lisa Palombo, Jocelyn Russell, Steve Skipper, and Celeste Susany. Visit the Museum June 2 through June 4 to enter your intent to purchase one of these unique pieces. Proceeds from each piece of artwork are shared with the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and the artist.
BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during the month of June:
June 4 at 10 a.m. and June 5 at 10:30 a.m.: Resume Development – This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring it to match the job and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you. Facilitated by Rensselaer & Columbia-Greene and Schenectady.
June 5 at 11 a.m. and June 18 at 1:30 p.m.: Transferable Skills – Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired which can be used in a different job. Make it easy for employers to see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Learn ways to research the employer’s needs then identify and show them that you have these skills. Facilitated by Warren and Schenectady.
June 9 at 12 p.m.: Broadview Financial Well-Being – Your budget is a key that opens doors, guiding you to your money goals. Get ready to take control of your finances and your future! Find out how to organize what you make, spend, and save; set goals to save up, spend down, look ahead; harness the power of mindful spending; and identify budget tactics that work best for you. Facilitated by Broadview and Schenectady.
June 10 at 10:30 a.m.: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady.
June 11 at 10 a.m. and June 24 at 1:30 p.m.: Goal Setting – Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: “if you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Find out how to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington and Albany.
June 11 at 10:30 a.m.: Civil Service – Join us for a workshop on navigating the civil service system in local governments! This session will cover essential steps to secure a civil service job, focusing on the hiring process. Participants will learn about competitive examinations and local government positions and how to prepare for them. Facilitated by Schenectady.
June 17 at 10:30AM and June 18 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications – Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Schenectady. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.
June 20 at 10:30AM and June 25 at 10:30 a.m.: Networking – Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Warren and Albany. Facilitated by Schenectady.
June 24 at 11 a.m.: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.
June 26 at 1:30 p.m.: Social Media – Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.
Registration is required for all workshops. Visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/workforce to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.
Saratoga Springs — The Wesley Community is celebrating one of its own after LeadingAge New York bestowed its highest honor on Wesley CEO J. Brian Nealon at a conference on Tuesday, May 20 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
Nealon’s four-decade-long career at The Wesley Community began in 1985 when he assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer. In 2003, he was appointed to Chief Executive Officer and has continued at the helm of the continuum-of-care campus since that time. Nealon was enthusiastically nominated by staff and peers for the prestigious 2025 LeadingAge New York award.
The Lawrence E. Larson Memorial Award of Honor is a tribute to the late Lawrence E. Larson, the association’s first chairman, for his distinguished service, dedication and foresight in aging services. The annual award is given to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the field and is a recognized leader at the state and national level, with a reputation for humanitarian achievement and professional vision.
“I am absolutely humbled to be the recipient of this deeply meaningful award. To be recognized this way by colleagues, friends, staff and family members of Wesley residents is truly a highlight of my career,” Nealon said. “Lawrence Larson’s enduring legacy has been an inspiration to all of us who are privileged to do this work. I will be forever grateful for this special honor.”
Nealon, a native of Latham, NY, received an accounting degree from UAlbany in 1977. He initially worked as a Medicaid auditor examining the books of nursing homes. His career path led him to Teresian House, a nursing home in Albany, where he worked for six years prior to his arrival at Wesley in 1985.
LeadingAge New York is a member of the eponymous national association comprising 5,600 non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing policies and conducting research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age. It annually recognizes the extraordinary dedication and contributions of its members at different levels of leadership and service in the field of long-term health care.
“There is no one who more embodies personal leadership and commitment to the field of long- term care than Mr. Nealon. Not only has he successfully led The Wesley Community for over 40 years, he has done so through tumultuous times, times of uncertainty in the field, times of overwhelming challenges that would have defeated a lesser person,” said Christopher R. Lyons, Chief Executive Officer of Aim Services, Inc. “The Wesley Community would not be the leader in long-term care that it is in our community without Brian… Great Leaders are authentic, they walk with a clarity of purpose and character that is genuine; that’s Brian Nealon. I am honored to be his colleague and blessed to be his friend.”
“Brian speaks from the heart when speaking to the staff, and he means it. When talking, he makes it so we all understand what he is speaking about, and sometimes the conversations are not easy, but Brian does it with compassion and grace. It opens up the conversation so anyone feels they can ask a question. Not all CEOs can manage that. Brian does this every single time,” said Patricia Seber, Director of Independent Living, Woodlawn Commons at The Wesley Community.
“Brian’s leadership is characterized by a rare combination of vision, empathy and action. He is a tireless advocate for our residents, ensuring their well-being and dignity are always prioritized. He also fosters a positive and supportive work environment where every staff member feels valued and respected,” said Meghan Glowa, Director of Human Resources, The Wesley Community.
For more information about The Wesley Community visit www.thewesleycommunity.org/.
Photo provided by the New York Racing Association (NYRA).
SARATOGA SPRINGS — If there’s one thing track-goers love, it’s a free giveaway.
The New York Racing Association announced this week that opening day of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on June 4 will include 10,000 “I Love NY-Breds” baseball caps up for grabs.
Admission gates open at 11 a.m., with first post scheduled for 12:40 p.m.
The caps are meant to celebrate New York Showcase Day, which will feature six $200,000 events exclusively for New York-breds, including the seven-furlong Mike Lee for sophomores; Bouwerie at the same distance for sophomore fillies; the nine-furlong Commentator for 3-year-olds and up; and the Critical Eye at the same distance for females 3-years-old and up. On the turf, there will be a pair of 1 1/16-mile events, the Kingston for older horses and the Mount Vernon for older fillies and mares.
New York Showcase Day will also shine a spotlight on the state’s agricultural industry, with food and beverages made exclusively in New York State. Fans will have the opportunity to sample and purchase craft beer, wines, spirits, and food at the Taste NY Pavilion. The Pavilion will operate from noon to 5 p.m., and will feature products from Whitman Brewing, Speckled Pig Brewing, The Albany Distilling Company, Keuka Spring Vineyards, Country Corner Cafe, and Toga Nola, among others.
New York Showcase Day will also feature the Mendelssohn Club, an Albany-based choral group, which will perform “New York, New York”.
The Saratoga Automobile Museum Ready to Welcome 1,000+ Vehicles—With Special Muscle Car Section, EV Ride & Drive, and Corvette Excitement Still in the Air ( Courtesy of Saratoga Automobile Museum)
SARATOGA SPRINGS — After poor weather postponed the original event date, the Saratoga Automobile Museum’s Spring Auto Show is all set for its new date: Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saratoga Spa State Park.
Over 1,000 cars, trucks, and motorcycles are expected on the show field. As a special incentive, the 1,000th registrant will receive a PLUS Museum Membership valued at $150, offering unlimited admission to museum exhibits and programs for a full year.
“Along with the membership, we’re going to reserve a display space right next to me in the award area for the 1,000th entrant’s car, truck, or motorcycle,” said show MC Ron Hedger. “I’m looking forward to interviewing him or her, along with our trophy winners selected by the judges.”
With the Muscle Car Show now taking place on the same date, the museum is creating a dedicated display area for all pre-registered Muscle Car entries—giving these American powerhouses the attention they deserve.
Another exciting addition to this year’s event is the EV Ride and Drive — brought to you by ENYCAR. Guests will have the opportunity to test drive participating electric and hybrid vehicles throughout the day. Whether you’re curious about EV technology or ready to make the switch, this hands-on experience is a must for forward-thinking drivers.
While the Spring Auto Show was rescheduled, the 2025 Corvette Sweepstakes drawing was held on the original date of May 10. The Museum is pleased to announce that the winner of the brand-new Corvette and $20,000 in cash is Philip Ting, entry #126936. Congratulations to Philip and thank you to all who supported the museum by entering!
To accommodate the expanded field, new judging classes have been added for 2025, ensuring all types of vehicles are recognized. The awards ceremony begins at 1 p.m., with Hedger interviewing winners across nine judged categories, culminating in the prestigious Best in Show.
Advance registration is available now at www.saratogaautomuseum.org for just $20, a $5 savings off the day-of rate. All registrants receive two museum admissions, including access to the featured exhibit Speed – Style – Legacy: The Corvette Story in the newly opened Golub Gallery.
The show remains free to spectators and includes a full lineup of vendors, food trucks, and sponsor displays from Alfa Romeo of Albany, Northeast Acura, Saratoga Honda, Porsche of Clifton Park, and Mohawk Collision Center. On-field registration and parking open at 8 a.m. on the museum’s spacious event field along the Avenue of the Pines.
For more information visit saratogaautomuseum.org or contact Megan Hennessey at 518.401.5185, megan@saratogaautomuseum.org.
JWV Post 36 members render the hand salute at the graves of fellow JWV members and congregants of Congregation Shaara T’Fille during the Post’s annual flag placement in recognition of Memorial Day. (Photo courtesy JWV Post 36).
A flag placed on the grave of a veteran by members of the Jewish War Veterans Post 36 in the Congregation Shaara T’Fille cemetery. Photos by Aidan Cahill
Members of Jewish War Veterans Post 36 placed 50 flags at the graves of veterans and congregants interred at the Congregation Shaara T’Fille cemetery as part of their annual recognition of Memorial Day.
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is an American Jewish veterans’ organization created in 1896 by American Civil War veterans to raise awareness of contributions made by Jewish service members.
Jewish War Veterans has an estimated 7,000 members, ranging from World War II to current conflicts as well as active-duty personnel. It is the oldest active national veterans’ service organization in the US.
Photo of Yaddo by Elizabeth Haynes, courtesy of Yaddo.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Yaddo, the famed artists’ retreat in Saratoga Springs, has unveiled its programming for the 2025 summer season, which includes a special appearance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant.
The scheduled events include:
The Nature of Art, a series of talks that kicks off June 19 with Ian Berry of the Tang Teaching Museum (additional dates: July 10, August 7, and September 18);
Wine & Roses, offering live classical music paired with regional wines (runs July 17, July 31, and August 14);
The Art of Wellness, select Sunday yoga classes in the gardens through October;
The 2025 Yaddo Golf Invitational on June 3 at the Saratoga National Golf Club;
The annual Yaddo Summer Benefit on June 26, featuring guest of honor Natalie Merchant;
A rare open house will close the season on September 27, offering the public a behind-the-scenes look at Yaddo’s mansion and grounds (details forthcoming).
All the events benefit Yaddo, a nonprofit retreat that has hosted thousands of artists that have collectively earned 83 Pulitzer Prizes, 1 Nobel Prize, 13 Academy Awards, 71 Emmy Awards, 34 MacArthur “Genius” Fellowships, 71 National Book Awards, 500+ Guggenheim Fellowships, and 16 Tony Awards.
The Yaddo Gardens, the only part of the property open to the public, will welcome visitors from June 9 through October 9.
For tickets, event details, or to learn more, visit Yaddo.org.
Renderings of a renovated Spa Little Theater via Phinney Design / the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced last week a $17.5 million fundraising campaign—the largest fundraising effort in SPAC history—in anticipation of its upcoming 60th anniversary next year. The capital campaign would allow SPAC to renovate its historic Spa Little Theater to the tune of $12 million.
“Launching our Four Seasons Campaign is an exciting next step that will bring us into the future, raising funds to completely renovate and restore Spa Little Theater for the first time in its 100-year history and supporting our year-round artistic and educational programming for years to come,” said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s chief executive officer, at the organization’s annual meeting.
As part of the quiet phase of the campaign, which launched in 2024, Stewart’s Shops/the Dake Family gave the lead gift of $1 million to support these initiatives.
“In 1966, members of the Saratoga community came together to build SPAC. Sixty years later, we are asking the Saratoga community to help ensure that all we have created here together endures well into the future,” said Susan Law Dake, a SPAC board member and Four Seasons Campaign chair.
The theater renovation would be the first time that the 500-seat venue has undergone a major facelift since it was built in 1935. The redesign will be “fresh and accessible” while maintaining the venue’s “acoustic and historic integrity,” SPAC said.
Christopher Shiley, president of SPAC, said that since taking over operations of the Spa Little Theater in 2022, SPAC has presented more than 100 events at the venue, welcomed more than 35,000 guests, and expanded the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s season to a year-round residency. The theater has also been used as an event space for cultural, community, and corporate partners.
The project will include 17,125 square feet of interior and exterior renovations, including:
a new floor plan and accessibility measures;
theater upgrades (including updated seats);
increased ADA seating;
a new stage floor;
an environmentally-efficient HVAC system;
a new lobby layout with an increased number of renovated and accessible restrooms;
an updated box office;
a new bar/café;
a multipurpose community room with an adjacent outdoor patio;
a new artist suite and dressing rooms.
The project has been awarded a $2.2 million capital grant from Empire State Development through the Regional Council initiative, and $2 million pursuant to the most recently enacted New York State budget thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State Parks, and the New York State Legislature. Additional funding has been provided by the SPAC board and other private donors and family foundations.
A groundbreaking is slated for September 2025, with a reopening planned for late fall of 2026 to celebrate the conclusion of the 60th anniversary season.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The annual Abigail Jenks Memorial Day Ruck will return this year to raise funds for a Saratoga Springs High School scholarship that is awarded to graduating seniors who are enlisting in the U.S. Military, attending a service academy, or demonstrating a commitment to service—especially those involved in the arts.
The event was founded to honor Specialist 4th Class Abigail Jenks.
“The Abigail Jenks Memorial Day Ruck is in memory of a local hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Vincent Sablich told Saratoga TODAY.
A ruck is a military-style training exercise that involves walking or jogging with a weighted backpack. The course winds just under 3 miles through Gavin Park and is meant to be a reflective experience, not a race. A small rucksack with a symbolic brick will be provided with registration, representing the weight carried by service members. Participants are welcome and encouraged to bring their own backpack or vest, and they can choose to walk or jog while rucking.
The ruck will begin at 9 a.m. at 10 Lewis Road in Saratoga Springs, near the large pavilion.
To register for the event, visit www.zippy-reg.com/online_reg/index.php?e=2246.
