Saratoga TODAY May 22 - May 28, 2026

LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 20

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Issue 21

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May 22 - May 28, 2026

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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518- 581-2480

Girls G.O.A.T. $20K Intercepted Welfare Check Saves Senior’s Savings

Saratoga Central Catholic basketball player Sophia Ryan celebrates with her family after scoring her 1,000th career point in a game against Lake George on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo provided by Athena DiLorenzo-Ryan.

See Story pg. 33

See Story pg. 11

The Votes Are In SPAC Origin Story

• Education Budget Roundup •

How a Rockefeller and a Newspaper Created the Venue

• Saratoga Springs • Ballston Spa • Galway • Schuylerville See Story pg. 19

Gov. Nelson Rockefeller mounts a bulldozer during the June 1964 SPAC groundbreaking ceremony. Photo provided by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).

See Story pg. 24 & 25

History

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OF

SARATOGA

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

The Survival of Josiah Stratton

by Dave Waite | Sponsored by The Saratoga County History Center Contact The Saratoga County History Center at: saratogacohistoryroundtable@gmail.com Dave Waite has written many articles on upstate New York history, and has recently published two anthologies, Thrilling Attractions and Weird Wonders, and A Place called Pauley. Dave is also a videographer for several films produced by the Saratoga County History Center, including the Forgotten Crossroads series.

He can be reached at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com When Josiah Stratton was laid to rest in the Galway Village Cemetery in 1904, he left behind a life of service to his county, survival in war, and dedication to family spanning his 94 years on earth.

His story is also one of tragedy and survival that should have ended his life 30 years too soon.

For Josiah Stratton, life in Saratoga County began when he moved to Saratoga Springs from Gratton, Windham County, Vermont, in the summer of 1846.

Short in stature and weighing only one hundred pounds, Josiah was well known as a peaceful and inoffensive man, but one with a will that refused surrender.

When the call went out for volunteers to defend the country in the Civil War, Josiah immediately stepped up and in December of 1861, volunteered for three years’ service in New York’s 77th Infantry, the “Bemis Heights” Regiment.

When he joined up, Josiah, then fifty-one years of age, left behind in Saratoga Springs his wife, Laurencia, and his three daughters, 15-year-old Sarah, 11-year-old Collista, and their youngest, Ella, age 8.

After spending that first winter serving in the defenses around Washington, the 77th was assigned to the 6th Corps, where, by May of 1862, they had fought at Yorktown and Williamsburg, followed by heavy

fighting at Antietam, where thirtytwo of their comrades were lost or wounded. In May 1863, the now battle-hardened troops of the 77th Infantry sustained heavy losses during the assault on Mary’s Heights, part of the Chancellorsville campaign.

At the end of 1863, Josiah was discharged due to disability, suffering from rheumatism so severely that he lost use of his left hand.

Only weeks after his medical discharge, Josiah Stratton re-enlisted in the 77th Infantry and then went on to serve until the end of the war.

During his second enlistment, the 77th fought in the Battle of the Wilderness and played a key role as part of the Union’s 6th Corps in the Siege of Petersburg and afterward in the pursuit of the Confederate army. As the 77th Infantry was present in Appomattox during the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, it is possible that Josiah Stratton witnessed this historic event. The 77th New York Infantry was mustered out of service on June 27, 1865, and Josiah returned home.

Soon after returning from the war, Josiah moved his family to West Galway in Saratoga County, where he took up farming, supplementing his income as a tin peddler and gatekeeper at the Amsterdam Reservoir, what we now know as Galway Lake. By the early 1870s, with their daughters all grown and gone, the couple continued life in Galway, with Josiah often staying in a small cabin at the dam on the reservoir where he rented boats and sold food and cider to those who visited the area.

On Wednesday, May 20, 1874, sixteen-year-old William Betts and his twenty-one-year-old brother Charles Franklin arrived at the reservoir looking to spend the day

fishing. When they approached Josiah Stratton to rent a boat, he reminded them of money they owed him from past visits. Franklin responded with a profane tirade of verbal abuse that ended the discussion, and the two took a boat and rowed out onto the lake.

When the Betts brothers returned from fishing, they demanded food from Josiah.

Having nothing but cider available, Stratton opened a cask with a small hammer, which he set on the counter to pour their drinks. In an act of senseless brutality, Franklin grabbed the hammer and attacked Josiah, fracturing his skull in seven places. Having survived the attack and still conscious, their victim lay helpless as they rifled through his pockets, robbing him of five dollars and an old pistol. When they were satisfied that they had gotten everything of value, they fled, leaving Josiah in a state of near death behind the counter.

With what was later called “commendable pluck,” Josiah somehow found the strength to crawl from his store to the house of his son-in-law, George Webster, a distance of nearly half a mile away, Though physicians were quickly summoned, they could do little for the wounded man, and gave him no chance of recovery.

Though in critical condition, Josiah swore out a warrant for the arrest of both Franklin and William, and it was given to Constable Robert Shaw to be carried out.. When Shaw spoke to their father, Carmi Betts, he learned that while William was somewhere nearby, Franklin had not returned after going fishing at the reservoir. After getting assurances that Cami would bring William in for questioning, the constable left.

Fishing on the Galway Reservoir Photo provided by Saratoga County History Center

The following week William stood before Galway Justice Crouch, who sent him to be held at the County Jail in Ballston Spa. After William Betts was examined and locked up, and Josiah Stratton still hovering between life and death, a search was started for Franklin Betts.

It took until June 6th, seventeen days after his assault on Josiah Stratton, for Franklin Betts to be captured. While the authorities had assumed that he had fled to either Hamilton or Warren Counties, in reality, he had headed further east to Whitehall on the lower edge of Lake Champlain. Once there, he stole a wagon and team, which he drove along the canal to Troy. From there, he exchanged the wagon for a horse and turned west, ending up in Hagadorn Mills in the town of Providence, just north of his family’s farm. He was soon seen in the vicinity of a barn, and during a careful search, he was found hidden in a large barrel he had pulled down over himself.

On July 20th, Betts had a short taste of freedom when he and two others escaped from the Ballston Spa Jail. After one of the prisoners overpowered a guard and took his gun, the three slipped out through an unlocked door. With officers and bystanders in close pursuit, the three headed towards the nearby fairground and the woods beyond.

What the pursuers did not realize was that one of the escapees had separated himself from his companions and, pretending to be part of the crowd, directed the posse toward the other two and then snuck away in the opposite direction. Betts and his companion were quickly caught, but the third man was never apprehended.

Franklin Betts was sentenced to five years and four days in prison in October of 1874, and during his imprisonment was found to be insane and transferred to Auburn Prison in Auburn, New York. Only a short time after he was released, Betts committed suicide by drowning himself in the Sacandaga River near Batchellerville.

After Franklin was found guilty in the attack on Josiah Stratton, his brother William was exonerated of all blame in his brother’s actions and discharged.

William later married and moved to Gloversville, where he took up work in a sawmill.

Over the days and weeks after the assault, Josiah Stratton, whose death was considered inevitable, made a miraculous recovery. For the next 30 years, Josiah and his wife continued to live in Galway for the rest of their lives, and on his passing in 1904 at the age of ninetyfour, he was the oldest member of Galway’s E. B. Carpenter Grand Army of the Republic Post.

BLOTTER

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

May 13, 2026. 12:38 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Homeless individual on charges of 3rd degree criminal tampering and 3rd degree criminal trespassing. Arrest occurred on Church Street.

Springs Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Arrest occurred on Lincoln Avenue.

May 13, 2026. 9:33 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of 3rd degree criminal tampering, disorderly conduct, operator leaves scene of property damage accident, speed not reasonable and prudent, failure to keep right on a two lane road, 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, moving from lane unsafely, DWI- first offense, and failure to stop at a stop sign. Arrest occurred on Lake Avenue.

May 15, 2026. 8:33 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an individual on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and a seat belt violation. Arrest occurred on Lincoln Avenue.

May 15, 2026. 10:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterford resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense.

Appearance ticket issued.

May 17, 2026. 4:00 a.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor act in a manner to injure a child less than 17, and felony aggravated DWI: a child passenger less than 16- first offense.

Appearance ticket issued.

May 13, 2026. 4:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Amsterdam resident in the Town of Malta on charges of felony 2nd degree burglary: illegal entry of a dwelling and misdemeanor criminal mischief: intent to damage property. Central arraignment.

Original incident reported on May 9 in the Town of Stillwater.

May 16, 2026. 1:30 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Greenfield resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation: permanent revocation. Arrest stemmed from a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Route 9 and Spider Falls Rd.

May 17, 2026. 4:12 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an East Dorset Vermont resident on charges of moving from lane unsafely, unregistered motor vehicle, refusal to take a breath test and operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense. Arrest occurred on Spring Street.

May 16, 2026. 3:08 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higherfirst offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a two-vehicle accident on a connecting road.

May 17, 2026. 9:47 p.m.- New York State Police a South Glenns Falls resident in the Village of South Glenns Falls on charges of misdemeanor reckless driving. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a fatal accident on Interstate 87 in the Town of Malta on Oct. 1, 2024.

May 15, 2026. 11:42 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony criminal contempt: prior conviction within last five years and felony aggravated family offense- more than one offence within five years.

Held- no bail.

May 15, 2026. 2:53 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Malta on charges of 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon: previous conviction and 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Held- no bail.

May 16, 2026. 11:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense.

Appearance ticket issued.

May 15, 2026. 8:33 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and failure to stop at a stop sign. Arrest occurred on Lincoln Avenue.

May 17, 2026. 3:18 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, DWIfirst offense and improper right turn at an intersection.

Arrest occurred on Putnam Street.

May 15, 2026. 8:33 p.m.- Saratoga

May 17, 2026. 4:08 a.m.- New

York State Police arrested a Bennington resident on charges of 2nd degree obstruction of governmental function, 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd degree criminal tampering and 2nd degree assault.

Arrest occurred on Spring Street.

May 18, 2026. 1:27 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Watervliet resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury.

Appearance ticket issued.

May 18, 2026. 4:13 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugsfirst offense, two counts of misdemeanor act in a manner to injure a child less than 17, and two counts of felony aggravated DWI: with a child passenger less than 16- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

3

OBITUARIES

4 Mary Frances Perks Zabala

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY - Mary Frances Perks Zabala, age 93, beloved wife, mother, friend, and coworker, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family after a brief illness, on the morning of May 12, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Mary was born in Lake Placid, NY on October 18, 1932. She moved to Saratoga as a child with her mother, Alice, a native of Saratoga. Mary lived at 101 State Street and cherished Saratoga Springs, easily making friends and maintained a lifelong friendship of 90 years with Barbara White Smaldone.

Mary graduated from Saratoga High School in 1950. She met Steve, the love of her life, through her friend who arranged a ride home for Mary after her shift as a switchboard operator at the phone company. Their first date was at the St. Clements Grotto shrine to the Blessed Mother, where Mary brought her mother

along—a story her children found so humorous. Mary and Steve were married on September 16, 1951, in St. Clements Church.

They settled in their family home, where they raised five children and lived for the rest of their lives.

They were the longest-standing married members of St. Clements Church, having married in the original church below the school.

They renewed their vows on their 50th anniversary just days after 9/11, and their 70th anniversary was featured in The Evangelist Newspaper. Mary was always actively engaged in both her work and the community.

She contributed to St. Clement’s Church and School, hosting around 60 priests, brothers, a bishop, and was recognized by the Redemptorist for her care of the St. John Neuman Residence confreres. Mary also supported St. Peters/Saratoga Central Catholic, was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America for over 75 years, a founding member of Our Ladies of Charity, participated in the annual Festival of Trees, and served as Republican Committee Woman in Saratoga County.

Mary’s career included working in the admissions office at Skidmore College, then she became the first woman acting Commissioner of Jurors for Saratoga County. She later worked for Saratoga DPW, supporting Tom McTygue and Sam Downing, and interfacing with Mary Lou Whitney’s assistant to help organize the annual Whitney Stakes Gala. Mary looked forward to receiving Mary Lou’s Christmas

card the day after Thanksgiving each year. Mary completed her professional career as a real estate agent enjoying helping people find their forever home.

Mary was known for her kind, caring, and generous personality.

She consistently demonstrated warmth and understanding toward others, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer support to those in need. She loved traveling to visit friends in Massachusetts, enjoyed trips to Cape Cod, Atlantic City, vacations in Europe, Hawaii, wintering in Myrtle Beach for 18 years, taking up golf, and finding great shopping deals. Mary was known for her apple pie making from a tree in the backyard and last summer made a record amount of 27 and shared with family, friends and even her doctors.

Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband of 74 years; Steve whose passing was a little over 8 months ago. Her mother Mary Alice O’Connell Perks, her father Walter C. Perks, her brother Charlie W. Perks, and her uncle Charles O’Connell.

Her legacy lives on through her children: Steve (Stephanie) Zabala, Gerard (Lynn) Zabala, Bob (Barbara) Zabala, Maryanne Zabala, Patti (John) Di Stasio; grandchildren James, Stephen, Micol, Nicholas, Graceanne, Veronica, Suzanne, Dana, Derek, beloved grand dog Schuyler and 14 great-grandchildren and her niece Joanne Zabala.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 11am to 12pm on Saturday, May 23, at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, followed by a Mass of Christian

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Burial at 12pm.

Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Catholic Charities 142 Regent St., Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, St. Clement’s Church 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, and St. Clement’s School 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. *Make a note on check memo field – In Memory of Mary Zabala.

Online condolences may be offered at burkefuneralhome. com.

The family wishes to thank Mary’s devoted caregivers over the last few years: Rebecca Leonardo, Heather Barton, Stephanie Zabala, Heidi Laramie-Adams, and Liz Benton.

Additional gratitude goes to Saratoga Palliative Care (Dr. John Pezzula, Mitch Forshey, PA) for their loving care, Saratoga Hospice Services, Saratoga Cardiology (Dr. Singh), Dr. Nicholas Kondo, Carl Sgambati and Saratoga Family team, Dr. Alex Gartner of Center for Clear Hearing. In addition, Bob Lee, Carol Ann Micari and the team at the Brook Tavern, and Morton’s Adam Marra and his team for their kindness to Mary and Steve and always greeting them warmly.

WalterJ.Gurren,Jr. SARATOGA SPRINGS – Walter J. Gurren, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2026, with his family and “guard dog” Cooper at his side. Burial with military honors took place on May 14, at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to Estherville Animal Shelter, 100 Russell Road, Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Please visit www. burkefuneralhome.com.

Maureen Olsen SARATOGA SPRINGS, NYMaureen Olsen, age 82, passed away on May 16, 2026, at The Home of the Good Shepherd. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York 12208. Please visit www. burkefuneralhome.com.

Robert McCaughey MONROE, NYRobert McCaughey, age 84, passed away at his home on May 10, 2026. Visitation 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday May 30, at Burke Funeral Home followed by funeral home service. Memorial donations to the Thoroughbred Retirement Fund (trfinc.org). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Obits cont. on pages 22 & 23

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

NEWS

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New Saratoga Lake Studies Show Road “Run for the Rosies!”

Salt Threat to Water Quality — Local by floydwarriors.com Highway Departments Recognized for June 14 from 10am to for stage 3 cancer she needed help 2pm EDT with her baby and realized no canLeadership and Innovation East Side Rec Park (Track) cer support group gave actual real The Saratoga Lake Association (“SLA”), in collaboration with the Environmental Studies Department at Skidmore College, has released a series of new scientific studies documenting the growing impact of winter road salt on the water quality, soils, and aquatic ecosystems of Saratoga Lake and its watershed.

The reports, completed during 2025 and 2026, found elevated chloride and conductivity levels in tributaries and within Saratoga Lake itself, confirming that road salt pollution has become a persistent environmental issue affecting the lake system year-round. The studies also concluded that chloride from road salt accumulates in soils, groundwater, tributaries, and lake sediments over long periods of time and may contribute to the mobilization of heavy metals in aquatic environments.

Importantly, the Saratoga Lake Association emphasized that the studies are not intended as criticism of local highway departments but rather demonstrate the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in balancing public safety with environmental protection.

“Some municipalities in the Saratoga Lake watershed have shown meaningful leadership and a willingness to adopt modern salt reduction technologies and practices,” said John Cashin, Board Member of the Saratoga Lake Association. “These highway departments deserve substantial credit for recognizing the issue and proactively implementing improvements while continuing to maintain safe winter roads.”

The studies highlighted the efforts of the highway departments in the Towns of Wilton, Greenfield, Malta, and Saratoga for adopting or advancing best management practices designed to reduce unnecessary salt use.

Among the accomplishments recognized: • The Town of Wilton Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Mike Monroe has implemented

extensive salt reduction initiatives, including the use of salt brine systems, computerized application technology, GPSassisted spreading calibration, and “live edge” segmented plow blades that adjust to varying road surfaces and reduce waste. Wilton has also incorporated environmentally safer additives for lowtemperature applications.

• The Town of Greenfield Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Darren Barss continues advancing a comprehensive sustainable salt reduction strategy developed with WIT Advisers. Greenfield is transitioning toward liquid applications and installing GPS-integrated metering systems on its fleet. The Town is also upgrading Road Weather Information System (RWIS) stations that provide real-time pavement and atmospheric data to improve application precision.

• The Town of Malta Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Roger Crandall has participated in regional salt reduction initiatives and continues evaluating technologies and operational practices including “live edge” plow blades designed to optimize application rates while maintaining roadway safety.

• The Town of Saratoga Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Ryan Campbell demonstrated one of the strongest downward trends in municipal salt purchases over the 2019–2026 study period, suggesting meaningful progress in salt management practices.

The Skidmore studies found that tributaries associated with

developed areas and heavily traveled roadways showed the highest conductivity and chloride concentrations. Researchers documented winter runoff spikes at levels considered harmful to aquatic life and warned that chloride pollution can remain in freshwater systems for decades.

The SLA also released a separate analysis of municipal road salt purchase data from the four municipalities contiguous to Saratoga Lake.

The data showed that approximately 82,861 tons of road salt were purchased between 2019 and 2026. At the same time, municipal costs for road salt have risen sharply, reinforcing that salt reduction strategies can provide both environmental and financial benefits.

The Saratoga Lake Association stressed that safer and more efficient winter road management practices are achievable through modern technology, calibration, brining, operator training, and better real-time weather data.

“These highway departments are proving that environmental stewardship and public safety are not mutually exclusive,” Cashin said. “Their willingness to innovate should serve as a model throughout the Saratoga Lake watershed and across New York State.”

The Saratoga Lake Association and Skidmore College plan to continue monitoring Saratoga Lake and its tributaries in future winter seasons to better understand long-term chloride accumulation and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing reduction efforts.

226 Lake Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 “Run for the Rosies!” is a 4K FUN RUN honoring all caregivers and volunteers who help families while battling cancer. Rosie’s iconic face and encouraging message of “You Can Do It!” embodies the spirit of rolling up sleeves to join in and get the job done! All proceeds raised will help Saratoga-based cancer support organization floydwarriors. com, a 501 c3 not-for-profit whose driving mission is “Helping Families Cope With Cancer, One Household at a Time” by providing real help in the home by way of meals, cleanings, and gifts for kids. floydwarriors.com was established in 2009 by cancer survivor, Lisa Morahan. While in treatment

hands-on help in the home. This inspired her to create floydwarriors. com, providing an avenue for individuals who want to help others an easy way to “Log In and Help Out”.

PRIZES FOR BEST ROSIELOOK-ALIKE and GOOD OL’ AMERICAN TEAM SPIRIT $25 to participate Sponsorships available!

Check-In- 10am-noon 11am- FAST START for Real Runners Noon- Start for Strollers (literally!) and less competitive walk/joggers 1pm- Awards Ceremony Contact info@floydwarriors. com for questions. Visit Eventbrite/ RunfortheRosies to register as a participant or sponsor today!.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Amateur Photographers Invited to Submit Photos Locally Owned & Operated PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty 518-581-2480 x212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee 518-581-2480 x201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com ADVERTISING Jim Daley, Advertising Director 518-581-2480 x209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Thomas Beaury Advertising Sales 518-581-2480 x252 tbeaury@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey Ad Sales, Classifieds, Calendar, Obituaries 518-581-2480 x204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com DISTRIBUTION Kim Beatty 518-581-2480 x205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com DESIGN Jocelyn Lucey Graphic Designer Madison Teator Ad Designer, Web & Social Media EDITORIAL Aidan Cahill City, Crime, Education 518-581-2480 x214 acahill@saratogapublishing.com Jonathon Norcross Business, Sports Arts & Entertainment 518-581-2480 x219 jnorcross@saratogapublishing.com PROOFREADER Anne Strauss astrauss@saratogapublishing.com Send your calendar events to calendar@saratogapublishing.com

Email DESIGN@ saratogapublishing.com to subscribe to our weekly e-Newsletter!

ADVERTISING? NEXT MAGAZINE DEADLINE:

Equicurean - Travers June 12th

Local news never looked this good!

2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: 518-581-2480

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Amateur Photographers are invited to take some photos and submit them to the Photography Exhibit at the Schuylerville Garden Club’s Annual Standard Flower Show. The show entitled “America the Beautiful” will be held on July 11 and July 12 at the Town Hall, 12 Spring Street in Schuylerville, NY. The photography section is

entitled “Across the Country.”

The classes are as follows: Class 1 “In the Country” – A landscape scene from anywhere in the USA Class 2 “In the Water” – A water scene from anywhere in the USA Class 3 “In the Garden” – A close-up of a single flower.

All photos must be the

work of the exhibitor. Photos must be 8 x 10 inches matted in a white 11x14 inch mat. Photos must be pre-registered. For details and an entry form, visit www.schuylervillegardenclub. com or call Nancy Derway, Photography Chairman, at 518-796-4797 campderway@ yahoo.com.

In past years, the Photo

Exhibit has been enjoyed by the Flower Show attendees with prizes being awarded by public voting. In addition to the Photo Exhibit, the show will include Horticulture and Floral Design competition classes, plant, glove and bake sales, a benefit table with prizes and special exhibits.

Refreshments and admission to the show will be free.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Announces the Return of the Belmont Pledge: Dedicated Trainers Commit a Portion of Belmont Festival Earnings to Support Retired Racehorses The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), the nation’s oldest and largest Thoroughbred retirement organization, proudly announces the return of the Belmont Pledge, an initiative led by a dedicated group of trainers committed to supporting retired racehorses beyond their racing careers.

Trainers Michael

McCarthy, George Weaver, Whit Beckman, and Amelia Green have once again pledged a portion of their earnings from the Belmont Festival to benefit the TRF and its mission of providing dignified lifetime care to retired Thoroughbreds. ”I am heartened by the support from Michael, George, Whit and Amelia,” said, Maggie

Sweet, Executive Director. They were all eager to take this pledge for the second year in a row, which shows their awareness of aftercare as a natural part of a racehorse’s lifecycle. We hope other forward-thinking trainers, owners, and jockeys will join our pledge.”

The TRF currently provides dignified lifetime

care for hundreds of retired Thoroughbreds across the country, many of whom live two decades or more beyond their racing careers.

The TRF invites additional trainers, owners, and jockeys to become part of the Belmont Pledge and stand behind the long-term responsibility of Thoroughbred aftercare.

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Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Meet Tater!!

There are cats that come along that remind us more of a dog than a cat. That is what has happened with this adorable kitty named Tater. He was brought to HOPE from a concerned neighbor after he was visiting his front door and being fed for weeks. The home was a bit remote and the person had seen multiple animals that are predatory to cats and luckily we were able to take Tater in. He is a fantastic cat! He loves attention, adores people of all ages, including young, respectful children. He will roll around on the ground to get belly rubs and we feel that he will fit right in on the couch while watching your favorite movie. He will be an indoor only cat going forward and he will not worry where his next meal will come from ever again. We are not sure how he would do with dogs but he may be ok with other cats with proper introductions. He is so intent on receiving pets that this is the best photograph we could

take of him. He is much more handsome in person. Tater is estimated to be 5 years old, is neutered, tested negative for FIV and FeLV and has had his first distemper vaccine.

The HOPE Pet Adoption Center is located in the Wilton

Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment.

Online adoption applications may be filled out at our website www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

For any questions give us a call at 518-450-7013.

photo

OF THE

WEEK

spring 2026

Saratoga “Spring” in Full Bloom Photo By Jack Burger Contest photo submissions close May 27. One photo will be chosen each week.

Email your photo to: Design@SaratogaPublishing.com

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Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Puzzles Across 1 Warby Parker array 7 Shipping inquiry 13 Wine gadget 15 Flow swiftly 16 Like many Basquiat works 18 Swahili for “trouble” 19 Baby gear that allows safe snuggling 21 Booking.com option 22 Some farm ruminants 23 Takes steps?

25 “In order to be, never try to __”: Camus 26 Bang-up stuff 27 Product with a leprechaun mascot 29 Puts on the spot?

30 Privileged ones 31 Booties 32 Did a cobbler’s job 33 Figure on Sweden’s 100-krona note 34 Chastise 35 Refuse to help in the garden?

37 Soak (up) 40 Make sound 41 Water choice 42 “Wipeout” host John 43 So far 45 Great heights 47 Brought down the house 49 Least likely to pop open 50 French endearment 51 “Toodles” 52 Boggy 53 Less likely to ramble Down 1 Moen product 2 Celebrity 3 Creative gift 4 Posts 5 Extension that makes something smaller?

6 Raison d’être 7 Old film channel 8 Freedom to __: rights of public access 9 Routinely insured against a crash 10 Collapsed dramatically 11 Prizes 12 Domains

See puzzle solutions on page 34

See puzzle solution on page 34

14 Prepares to go home 17 Sets of slides 20 “Video Games” singer Lana Del __ 24 Time to enforce bedtime 27 Italian ride, casually 28 “The Little Mermaid” star Bailey 29 Dessert ingredient also called ube 31 One of the two major Sanskrit epics in Hinduism 32 __ nerve 33 Is underhanded

34 All over the lino, perhaps 35 Deep fissures 36 FDR power project 37 Meals that tell a story of liberation 38 Bodysuit 39 Tacos al __ 42 More likely to win the annual Gerber Photo Search, perhaps 44 Forecast no.

46 You, once 48 Like some reno projects

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices.

This Week: Leak, Leek

Leak refers to the escape or passage of something.

All of the water leaked out of his canteen while he was hiking.

Leek refers to an edible plant (part of the onion family).

Rick grew beets, tomatoes, and leeks in his garden.

Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@gmail.com

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

NEWS

9

District Attorney Eby Announces Guilty Plea in Major Narcotics and Ghost Gun Trafficking Case Saratoga County District Attorney Brett R. Eby announced today that Tamaryn H. Bennett (DOB: January 1, 1999) has pled guilty in Saratoga County Court before the Honorable James R. Davis to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class “A-II” Felony in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 220.18(2), and Criminal Manufacture, Sale, or Transport of an Undetectable Firearm, a Class “D” Violent Felony in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 265.50(2).

The guilty plea is the result of a lengthy investigation into the trafficking of large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as the manufacture and sale of undetectable firearm components, commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” The investigation also uncovered the manufacture and distribution of machine gun conversion devices capable of converting semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.

The criminal activity occurred within the City

of Saratoga Springs and the Town of Day. Over the course of a four-month investigation, the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office Narcotics Unit, in coordination with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted numerous controlled purchase operations targeting the defendant. Upon completion of these operations, law enforcement executed search warrants at the defendant’s residences in Saratoga Springs and Day. These searches resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of crystal methamphetamine, heroin, and additional controlled substances in pill form. Authorities also recovered numerous 3D-printed highcapacity magazines, 3D-printed Glock-style lower receivers, and 3D-printed machine gun conversion devices commonly used to produce ghost guns.

Additional items seized included two assault rifles, a silencer, ammunition, 3D printers, and computer software and hardware used in the manufacturing of ghost gun components.

“This case demonstrates the early success of our newly established Special Investigations and Narcotics Bureau led by Chief Meghan Horton, which was specifically created to dismantle large-scale drug and weapons trafficking operations in Saratoga County,” said District Attorney Eby. “Through proactive investigations and strong partnerships with our law enforcement agencies, we are already making a measurable impact in removing dangerous individuals and illegal contraband from our communities.”

District Attorney Eby added, “Those who traffic in deadly narcotics such as crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, while simultaneously manufacturing and distributing illegal ‘ghost guns,’ pose an extraordinary threat to public safety. My office remains committed to seeking significant state prison sentences for these offenders to hold them accountable and to deter others from engaging in this dangerous and unlawful conduct.”

This case was prosecuted

by Special Investigations and Narcotics Unit Chief Meghan A. Horton, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Mark Sauter. The investigation was led by the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office Narcotics Unit, with critical support from the

U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Tamaryn H. Bennett is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15, 2026, and is expected to receive a determinate sentence of 12 years in New York State Prison before the Honorable James R. Davis.

View the Paper Online:

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

10

NEWS

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Snapshot: Convoy Carrying the Remains of 44 Individuals Affiliated with the Continental Army Rolls Through Saratoga A convoy carrying the remains of 44 people found at the site of a Continental Army Hospital in Lake George made it’s way through Saratoga County enroute to be reburied in Lake George.

The convoy was comprised of retired military vehicles, police from various agencies and bikers from the Patriot Riders. It arrived in Saratoga Springs on the morning of May 20 and stopped briefly in front of city hall before continuing to Lake George.

It was met by members of the public and various civic organizations. While stopped, reenactors and veterans were asked to gather for a group photo.

Here is a look at the convoy as it made its way North.

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

NEWS

11

“When you get a box like Sheriff’s Office Warns of Scams Targeting the this, it looks like Christmas.”

Elderly after Funds Intercepted A Sheriff ’s Office investi- change things on her computer disrupted fraudulent activity in Saratoga Springs VFW gator and a Homeland Security and see through her web camera Saratoga County. Last month, Assembles 98 Care Packages Investigations (HSI) special – and convinced her that they their joint efforts were able agent recently conducted a wel- had mistakenly given her too to intercept and return over for Troops Deployed Overseas fare check of an elderly resident much money when refunding $433,000 in stolen scam funds

The VFW partnered with Adopt a Soldier to send nearly 100 care packages to troops serving abroad. Most of the boxes are destined for the Middle East or Europe (Courtesy of VFW Post 420).

by Aidan Cahill Saratoga TODAY

While the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may be over, Saratoga Springs’ veterans aren’t forgetting those still deployed across the world.

On May 16, the Saratoga Springs chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) filled boxes with coffee, hygiene products, snacks and other items as part of the VFW’s day of service. The boxes are being sent to troops currently deployed overseas through Operation Adopt a Soldier, a Saratoga Springs based charity that sends care packages to those overseas.

Over 30 volunteers from the VFW, Boy Scouts, and Espey Manufacturing & Electronics filled 98 boxes to send overseas.

The event started at 9:00 a.m. but volunteers worked quickly, only stopping to await more supplies to finish filling the boxes. While it’s unclear which country specifically the boxes will go to, representatives from Operation Adopt a Soldier said that based on zip codes, most will go to the Middle East or Europe.

To fill the boxes, the VFW collected $2300 in donations and received support of Espey whose donation alone covered the cost of 58 boxes.

Post Commander Jon Cheico. who served in the Navy on an aircraft carrier during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield said that the packages help boost morale for troops

deployed overseas by giving them a little taste of home and let them know they’re not forgotten.

“These are things that soldiers or sailors would really appreciate being deployed for such a long time overseas,” Cheico said.

“When you get a box like this, it looks like Christmas.”

While the majority of U.S. military personnel are stationed at home in the United States, an estimated 213,315 active duty, reserve and National Guard Troops are stationed overseas, according to data from the Defense Manpower Data Center.

This number does not include those on temporary assignments or deployments in support of contingency operations.

Cheico said the decision to support Operation Adopt a Soldier came due to the War in Iran, officially named “Operation Epic Fury” by the Department of War. This Operation has killed 14 American troops — seven due to enemy action, six due to accidents and one due to illness — and injured an additional 406 service members.

As for the VFW, The Saratoga Springs post serves 380 members, with 300 being locals and around 80 or 90 being part-year or outof- town members.

Looking ahead to other events, on June 24, at 6 p.m. the organization is hosting a meeting of the Saratoga County Peer to Peer Group, Saratoga County Veteran Support Officers and other VFW posts to help veterans with any issues they may have with VA benefits and claims.

in the town of Moreau after it was discovered that she had attempted to ship $20,000 hidden in books to an address in California. When the elderly resident answered the door, she appeared to be distressed and told the law enforcement officers she was expecting to get picked up by a friend. She asked the investigators if she could speak with them later. The investigator and special agent noticed the woman had a cellular phone at her side and that she appeared to be on a live call.

They quietly advised the woman that they believed she was being scammed and the victim informed them that someone was coming to pick up $20,000 in cash from her at any moment. She explained that she had received a notification through her email regarding a PayPal account charge for a purchase she had not made and contacted the number on the email to rectify the situation.

The scammers – posing as PayPal employees – convinced the woman to download a remote access app on her computer and mobile phone – which allowed them to view and

the bogus purchase. As a result, they convinced the victim to ship $20,000 hidden in books to California, as well as drive to a virtual cryptocurrency machine in Massachusetts where she was directed to deposit $20,000.

Luckily, that transaction could not be completed, and the victim drove back home.

After the failed cryptocurrency purchase attempt, the scammers arranged for a courier to come pick up $20,000 from the woman’s residence. Fortunately, this plan fell apart because of the Sheriff ’s Office and HSI’s prompt response and commitment to preventing fraud and swiftly contacting victims to prevent loss.

It was later discovered that the courier had shown up soon after the arrival of the investigator and special agent and left the area before being detected. The investigation is ongoing.

This case is just one example of the fraudulent activity targeting our elderly residents.

The Sheriff ’s Office and HSI are committed to preventing citizens from becoming victims, and this is just one example of how the partnership has

to two residents of Saratoga County. This includes a $245,000 wire transfer being sent from a resident of Halfmoon to what they believed was a title company, and a $188,000 bank teller check being sent from a resident of Clifton Park to what they believed was the Federal Trade Commission. In both cases, the scams were foiled, and the funds were recovered and returned to the victims.

In the coming months, several community outreach programs educating the residents of Saratoga County will be occurring throughout the county presented jointly by the Sheriff ’s Office and HSI. Currently they have scheduled the following: •Wednesday June 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Halfmoon Senior Center, 287 Lower Newtown Road, Waterford.

•Tuesday June 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Clifton Park Elks Lodge, 695 Mac Elroy Road, Ballston Lake.

Please stay tuned for additional course locations. PayPal is not suspected to have been involved in, associated with or affiliated with the scam described herein in any way.

12

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

BALLSTON Justin Bates sold property at 17 Knottingley Pl to Zachary Feldmaier for $640,000 MIVI Holdings LLC sold property at 99 West High St to Margaret Fleming for $120,000

CHARLTON Fredi Morocho sold property at 706 Swaggertown Rd to Jessica Lockwood for $560,000 Frederick Castledine sold property at 4 Imperial Lane to Breannna Soto for $494,800

CORINTH GKY Realty Group sold property at 229/231/23 Main St to Superior Remodelers NY LLC for $390,000 Mark Abinader sold property at 47 Locust Ridge Dr to Austin Calhoon for $425,875

GREENFIELD Shawna Jenks sold property at 985 Murray Rd to Jill Smith

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

for $160,000 Hunter Nezelek sold property at 547 Middle Grove Rd to Malina Ross for $340,000 Freedom Mortgage Corp sold property at 33 Barney Rd to REO Home Services LLC for $144,677

MALTA Michael Babbitt sold property at 18 Rt 9P to Devre Arkadie for $600,000 Michael Steves sold property at 10 Janes Ave to Carolyn Vopelak for $345,000 John Ryan sold property at 27 Hillman Loop to Brian Flynn for $490,000 Susan Furtonato sold property at 19 Saratoga Ave to Lisa Spring for $350,000

MILTON Jarrod Prescott sold property at 249 Revere Dr to Kristy Cox for $386,900

SARATOGA Ruth Mares sold property at 57 Myers Lane to Valarie Genchi for $285,000 ANW Holdings Inc sold

property at 6 Phyllians Bluff to William Deluca for $300,000 Bruno Zarkower sold property at 3 Beach Court to Christopher Dunn for $875,000 Amy Koshgarian sold property at 77 Tamarack Trail to Johana Smith for $340,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 255 to Sherrie Shuket for $1,625,000 Charles Bedard sold property at 125 Union Ave C102 to Joseph Cardinale for $285,000 Kristopher Kvasnack sold property at 44 Curt Blvd to Jordan Gillman for $300,000

Matthew Dodge sold property at 30 Longwood Dr to Matthew Falvey for $1,500,000 Brett Sohns sold property at 5 Spring St Unit 202 to Antonio Lia for $910,000 Saratoga Vegas sold property at 33 Nelson Ave to Huddle Properties for $1,245,000 Catherine Geneti sold property at 12 Concord Dr to Nicole Takada for $620,000

13 WILTON Frederick Volkman sold property at 13 Aberdeen Way to Robert McQueeney for $500,000 McPadden Builders LLC sold property at 6 Avalon Way to Donald Gearing for $909,352 James Motto sold property at 1 Cherry Tree Lane to Travis Tormey for $585,000

BUSINESS BRIEFS

14

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Saratoga Paint & Drip Kentucky Derby Winner’s Mom Announces Grand Advocates for Wesley CNA Program Opening at Wilton Mall WILTON — Saratoga Paint & Drip—a veteran-owned business that offers alcohol-free painting experiences—recently announced the grand opening of its new studio location inside the Wilton Mall.

The move to the mall allows the studio to significantly expand its footprint and introduce immersive new features, including the Splatter Room, a forthcoming Dirty Soda menu, and enhanced event programming.

“We’re thrilled to officially celebrate our new home at Wilton Mall,” said owner Ryan Smithson. “This space allows us to grow our vision—creating a welcoming, creative environment where people of all ages and abilities can come together, make art, and have fun.”

Saratoga Paint & Drip offers its guests instructor-led painting, open studio time, private parties, and themed events.

For more information, visit www.paintandsipstudios.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Community, a 37-acre senior living campus with more than 700 residents in Saratoga Springs, recently introduced an alternative to its traditional certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program that is generating results for stakeholders and participants.

Launched last September and featuring accelerated training, the new hybrid CNA program has yielded 43 new graduates, 98% of whom have passed the New York State CNA exam. There are currently 16 students enrolled in the session that began on April 20.

One of Wesley’s longtime CNAs is Janet DeVaux, the mother of Kentucky Derbywinning trainer and Saratoga Springs native Cherie DeVaux.

Janet credits her employment as a CNA at Wesley with providing financial stability for her family as they worked to build their stable training horses.

“Being a CNA has supported my family for the better part of the last 30 years while we trained horses,” she recalled. “Working at Wesley has been like having a second family. My residents immediately became family, and I am constantly given the opportunity to learn and to advance my training to better serve them.”

The paid hybrid training program is three weeks long and

Janet DeVaux (right) with her husband Adrian “Butch” DeVaux (left).

Photo provided by the Wesley Community.

includes two weeks onsite to complete clinical, skill practice and skill-testing hours. It has replaced Wesley’s previous six-week CNA training program, which had been offered exclusively onsite.

Due to the accelerated class time of the hybrid CNA program, graduates are each assigned a mentor (DeVaux currently serves as one of the mentors) and undergo an orientation period to become familiar with the residents who they will assist with activities of daily living. A success coach is assigned and conducts weekly meetings during a four-week orientation. Graduates receive their own assignments following this period.

As a night shift worker at Wesley, DeVaux is aware of the importance of training new

employees to join the workforce, at a time when there is a critical nursing shortage throughout the industry.

“The CNA program at Wesley has been producing some very nice results, which is encouraging, considering the increasing need for all facets of nursing care,” DeVaux said. “Becoming a CNA is a great option for anyone who is interested in launching a career in health care. Wesley’s comprehensive program provides everything needed to be awarded the necessary certification.”

Qualified candidates interested in becoming part of Wesley’s CNA team can apply online at: https://thewesleycommunity. recruitpro.com/jobs/31039515755.html.

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

BUSINESS BRIEFS

15

Charity Returns to Saratoga; New Saratoga PLAN Jam BandLocal Beneficiary Needed Earns National Recognition

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

Photo of the Orra Phelps Preserve provided by Saratoga PLAN. y.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) recently announced it has renewed its land trust accreditation.

“Renewing our accreditation shows Saratoga PLAN’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in the Saratoga region,” said Robert Davies, executive director of Saratoga PLAN. “We are stronger as an organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. That renewed strength and effectiveness means special places - such as PLAN’s 13 public nature preserves and the agricultural land crucial to more than 30 local working farms - will be protected forever, making this area an even greater place to live, work, visit and play.”

Saratoga PLAN provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Saratoga PLAN’s lands will be protected forever.

Accredited land trusts across the country now steward over

20 million acres - the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.

“We are proud to recognize Saratoga PLAN’s continued commitment to conservation excellence,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission.

“The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction that stands for excellence, trust and permanence. Saratoga PLAN is part of a network of accredited land trusts that are united by their strong ethical practices. Accredited land trusts inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities.”

Saratoga PLAN is one of 1,281 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census.

Since 2003, Saratoga PLAN has helped protect more than 14,000 acres of land.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It’s been nearly two years since the Western Sun Foundation, a charity run by fans of the jam band Goose, raised a record sum for Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. And now, with Goose storming the SPAC stage on Fourth of July weekend, the charity is back and ready to raise more funds for a local nonprofit.

A golf tournament dubbed “Red, White & Birdies” will be held at the Saratoga Spa Golf Course on Independence Day. It’s a sequel of sorts to “Goose on the Green,” the fundraising golf event held at the same course in 2024, when Goose last played at SPAC. But this time, everything promises to be bigger. Two years ago, 18 tee times were available.

This year, there will be at least 20. Two years ago, Western Sun was a relatively new charity supporting a relatively new band.

This year, all that’s changed.

“We’re getting more awareness and we’re getting more trust,” Western Sun’s president Sarah Blazincic told Saratoga TODAY. “We used to have to fully explain what our mission was and what our intentions were to the community, and now people know us. People are trusting and knowing what we do and what our mission is.

We less have to convince people that we’re up to good because they have seen the proof.”

In 2024, the proof was $7,500 raised by Western Sun for Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. At the time, the sum was the fan-run charity’s largest gift yet. But Western Sun likes to spread the love around and generally doesn’t donate to the same nonprofit twice within two years. That means they need another beneficiary for their upcoming “Red, White & Birdies” event.

Beneficiaries need to be based in the Capital Region and meet the following criteria:

• Classified as a “Public Charity” with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (individual or private foundations are not eligible) • Operating budget less than $1,000,000 • Focuses on one of the following areas: music education; music therapy; safety, health, and personal wellbeing of women and children; or climate action and environmental sustainability Finding smaller charities to serve as beneficiaries can be a challenge, at times, for Western Sun. In 2024, the charity connected with Therapeutic Horses thanks to an article published in Saratoga TODAY (not that we’re bragging or anything).

This year, the prize is still up for grabs. (Who knows, perhaps someone reading this will score the bag.)

Since Goose last played SPAC, their charity has grown exponentially, much like the band itself, which sold out Madison Square Garden for the first time in 2025.

“Each year, we have grown anywhere between 30 and 50% year over year from the last year,” Blazincic said. “We are rapidly growing, and we keep thinking it’s going to plateau.

We thought this is the year it would plateau, but it turns out it’s just going higher and higher.”

Western Sun was launched by a group of Goose fans in 2022.

The Goose community, akin to

Image provided by the Western Sun Foundation.

the Phish and Grateful Dead fan bases that came before it, often attends multiple shows every year, obsessing over the setlists, solos, and sound mixes of each tour. Phish’s Mockingbird Foundation and the Grateful Dead’s Rex Foundation both served as examples for Goose fans looking to give back.

“We decided to take this big energy that was Goose and the music we get from it, transform that into action, and raise money for the communities that we’re traveling through,” Blazincic told Saratoga TODAY in a 2024 interview.

Local organizations that meet the criteria listed above can contact Sarah Blazincic at westernsunfoundation@gmail. com. The deadline to determine a beneficiary is June 1.

16

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

17

EDUCATION

18

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Saratoga Heritage Exhibition openings, special events Area Visitor Center & highlight Belmont Stakes Racing Saratoga Springs History Festival from June 3-7 at the Museum Launch 2026 National Museum of Racing and Grand, Gilded and Hall of Fame The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will open two new special exhibitions and host several exciting public events coinciding with the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from June 3-7.

On Wednesday, June 3, the Museum’s latest exhibits, Capturing and Preserving Greatness: A Life’s Passion (The Photography and Historic Collections of Barbara D. Livingston, presented by Daily Racing Form) and A Discerning Eye: The Art of Sir Alfred Munnings (Selections from a Private Collection), open to the public.

On exhibition in the Museum’s McBean Gallery, Capturing and Preserving Greatness: A Life’s Passion (The Photography and

Historic Collections of Barbara D. Livingston, presented by Daily Racing Form) chronicles the remarkable photography career of Barabara D. Livingston, a sixtime Eclipse Award winner, as well as several of the historic photo collections Livingston has acquired and preserved throughout her distinguished career. Livingston, the chief photographer at Daily Racing Form, co-curated the exhibit with Annie Davis, the Museum’s collections manager.

The Museum’s von Stade Gallery will play host to A Discerning Eye: The Art of Sir Alfred Munnings (Selections from a Private Collection).

This exhibit will feature a remarkable private collection of 29 Munnings paintings that

explore a variety of subjects, demonstrating his versatility and mastery of the dynamic equine and human connection. Munnings (1878–1959) was a master of British sporting art who studied, rode, bred, and lived with horses, instilling in him an extraordinary perception of the equine form and spirit. The exhibit is guest curated by Teresa Longyear.

Belmont Stakes Racing Festival events include a book talk and signing with Tom Durkin, Durkin-led tours of the Museum, the Belmont Bash at the Canfield Casino, Saturday Morning Social, the Belmont Family Fun Fest, a raffle for an ownership share in a West Point Thoroughbreds racehorse, Oklahoma Training Track Tours, and much more.

Glorious Walking Tour Season

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs History Museum, announces the return of its popular Grand, Gilded and Glorious historic walking tour series for the 2026 season.

“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with the Saratoga Springs History Museum to bring these unique Gilded Age experiences back for another season,” said Karen Verrigni, Director of the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center. “Together, we’re able to offer visitors and residents an engaging way to explore Saratoga’s rich history and architectural heritage.”

This 90-minute walking tour shares the stories, history, and architecture that helped make Saratoga Springs the playground of the rich and famous during the 1800s, offering a glimpse into the city’s celebrated Gilded Age era.

Participants will stroll from

the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center through Congress Park before concluding with a guided tour of the historic Canfield Casino and admission to the Saratoga Springs History Museum (a $15 value).

Tours begin in June and will run Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. June dates include Fridays: June 5, 12, and 26, and Saturdays: June 6, 13, 20, and 27. The Visitor Center will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

From July 1 through October 17, tours will operate Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for youth ages 12–17.

Children under 12 are free.

Reservations can be made online at www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.

The tour begins at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway.

Tours run rain or shine.

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

EDUCATION

19

School Board Election Results: Voters Pass all Budgets in Saratoga County

by Aidan Cahill Saratoga TODAY

Voters in Saratoga County have once again gone to the polls and cast their votes, this time to approve budgets for Saratoga County’s 12 school districts.

While voters overwhelmingly approved all budgets, the decision to purchase electric buses turned out to be somewhat more controversial, with Ballston Spa approving a measure to purchase a bus by less than 100 votes and Galway rejecting the proposal outright.

From buses to libraries, here is a snapshot of School elections in Saratoga County.

Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Springs overwhelmingly passed its two resolutions on the ballot. The first of these resolutions was the budget which totaled $166,095,679 and increased the tax levy by 3.85%.

It funded programs such as girls wrestling and upgrades to facilities. This measure was passed by a vote of 1526 to 509.

The second measure was a ballot initiative which would have the school district issue $2,413,000 in bonds to purchase eight 70 passenger buses, five 30 passenger buses and three SUVs with state aid reimbursing 40% of the cost.

This measure passed 1529 to 375.

The final measure on the ballot was the Board of Education election. Three people — Lauren Allen, Anita Stabrowski and

Beth Braxton — ran for the three seats up for grabs. All were elected to the school board with Braxton receiving the most votes with 1567.

Ballston Spa. In Ballston Spa the election there were four propositions on the education ballot this year. Voters overwhelmingly approved three out of the four resolutions of the ballot.

The first, prop one saw voters approve of a $113,742,988 budget with a 3.9% increased tax levy. This was approved 885 to 300.

Prop two will see $1,620,100 spent to purchase and replace existing vehicles within the district. This measure was passed by a vote of 892 to 292.

Prop four was for the library. It authorized the district to collect $65,902 and contribute it to the Ballston Spa Public Library. It received the highest approval from voters passing by a vote of 991 to 194.

The final proposition, prop two, was the most controversial. It would see the district purchase a new electric bus by a vote of 624 to 559, the closest of any vote in the district. The purchase is made in advance of a state requirement that all buses purchased after June 30, 2027, be electric with gas and diesel buses phased out completely by 2035.

The final item on the ballot was electing three people

to the Board of Education. The three candidates — Matthew Dreher, Katie Whittemore and Julia Routbort Baskin —were all elected to the board with Dreher receiving the most votes at 917.

Schuylerville While Schuylerville may have had a lower turnout than Ballston Spa or Saratoga Springs, it still approved its budget by a wide margin. Prop 1, which would see a $40.8 million budget and a 2.99% increased tax levy was passed by a vote of 378 to 121.

Like Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs, it also decided to upgrade it’s fleet of buses, leasing eight 65 passenger buses for $1,334,500 across the next five years. This measure was passed 395 to 103.

Like Ballston Spa, Schuylerville also voted to approve a budget for its library with voters approving a $446,000 budget 413 to 83.

Galway The only district in Saratoga County where voters rejected a ballot measure was in Galway. The district which

covers the parts of the Towns of Galway, Providence, Milton and Charlton, passed its $27,688,682 budget by a vote of 383 to 239 and voted to purchase three diesel or gas school buses by a vote of 425 to 197.

The lone proposition voters

rejected was spending $445,000 to purchase an electric school bus and charger. This provision was rejected by a majority of voters 373 to 248.

Full election results for all 12 districts will be available on saratogaTODAY.com

Food

20

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Spring on the Farm HIGH ROCK PARK SATURDAYS 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS 3 - 6 p.m.

by Barb Biagioli for Saratoga TODAY Photos by Barb Biagioli.

I

n May, the farms surrounding Saratoga awaken into their busy season. Fields that sat quiet through winter begin filling with rows of greens. Frost still clings to the morning fields, but the green returns anyway — first in rows of spinach and arugula, then in the muddy tire tracks of tractors heading back into the fields.

Greenhouses fog with warmth before sunrise, and handwritten roadside signs begin appearing again: fresh eggs, spring greens. The air carries the scent of damp soil, fresh-cut grass, and lilacs blooming beside old barns.

Across the region’s farms, spring is no longer a promise — it’s finally in motion.

As the growing season gets underway, local farmers are deep into the rhythms of spring — planting, harvesting, and preparing for the busy months ahead. We spoke with a few farmers about what spring looks like on their farms.

Mark Bascom and Lindsay Fisk of Owl Wood Farm shared: “Spring on the farm is always exciting and full of hope. We plant our first seeds indoors at the end of February to have vegetables ready for opening day at market.

Once the snow melts, we begin preparing field beds by removing old crop debris and adding compost to feed the soil and plants.

“The garden is beautiful this time of year with bright green transplants and no weeds in sight.

The strawberry plants are full of blossoms, which takes vigilance on cold nights to prevent frost damage. We’re also busy in the tunnels, taking out cold-

hardy greens and transplanting cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and ginger.”

Laurie Kokinda of Kokinda Farm said: “We’ve cleaned up the gardens, removed debris, and gently tilled the soil. We’re setting up water lines for irrigation and putting up fences. I’m hilling potatoes and fertilizing everything with natural fertilizers and organic plant food. We also have many chickens producing eggs, and chicks will arrive midway through the summer to help supply eggs through winter. We’re maintaining black raspberries, currants, peach trees, pear trees, and rhubarbs.

Rotation planting is also a top priority right now, so we have produce throughout the season.”

Ariel Garland of May-K-Mark shared: “Spring means lots of babies — all our beef cattle are calving, so that’s always exciting. We check on the cows twice a day to make sure the moms don’t need any help. Then we tag the calves and

let them do their thing.

We’re also doing lots of fence checking to prepare for rotational grazing. Right now, all the cattle are in one pasture, but soon they’ll start moving from pasture to pasture. Over on the dairy farm, we’re spreading manure and getting the pasture ready for the dairy cows to graze.”

In a region where farmland still stretches beyond back roads and small towns, it’s easy to forget how special it is to have access to fresh, seasonal food grown just miles from home. Throughout the spring, local farms provide more than produce for market tables — they offer a direct connection to the land, the season, and the people who care for both.

The Saratoga Farmers Market is open Wednesdays, 3–6 PM, and Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM, at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga. Visit saratogafarmersmarket.org to sign up for the weekly newsletter and follow the market on Facebook and Instagram.

Ramp Pesto

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES Ramp season is almost over — don’t miss the chance to enjoy this spring favorite while it lasts.

INGREDIENTS: *Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market • 2 cups ramp leaves*

• ½ cup parmesan cheese

• ½ cup walnuts

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ cup olive oil*

• 1 tsp Himalayan salt

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Prepare the ramps by washing off any remaining dirt.

2. In a food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse or blend until desired consistency is reached. It should be creamy. Serve with spring veggies, on pizza, with pasta or your favorite sandwich.

Recipe by Barb Biagioli

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Food

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CHEF IN THE Sticky Ribs

Great Outdoors

Here is a delicious recipe. It may not be the “Ol’ 96er” but it is a fantastic outdoor recipe to serve.

INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup light brown sugar • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon chili powder

by John Reardon

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

for Saratoga TODAY

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Hello my Foodie Friends !

The beautiful weather is here, and it is time to enjoy the Great Outdoors as part of our Memorial Day weekend festivities. Everyone loves to cook outdoors during this beautiful weather season. I think you would agree it’s always lots of fun to cook outdoors, since everyone loves to get out of the kitchen and into the great outdoors to prepare a delicious meal. When I think about cooking outdoors, I am reminded of one of the funniest scenes in the movies. I love John Candy, especially his role in the movie “The Great Outdoors.”

I still laugh when I think about the “Ol’ 96er” scene in the movie; this amusing scene involved the star’s attempt to consume “a 96-ounce prime aged-beef steak” — and earn his crowded table a free meal. The scene includes the challenge of eating this much steak and Candy’s meat sweats, and the gurgling distress that Dan Ackroyd hears beneath his friend’s stomach. This movie scene remains one of my favorites. I think of it every time I cook outdoors. There are other reasons I enjoy cooking outdoors.

The scent of dinner sizzling on the grill and the joy of eating in the open air — cooking and dining outdoors are simple summer pleasures that deserve to be enjoyed. When you are cooking outside, preparing dinner is part of the fun instead of a chore that keeps you holed up in the kitchen alone. Family and friends can easily hang out and chat with whoever is stationed at the grill and can pitch in by prepping sides or gathering plates. With slowcooked barbecue being an option for outdoor grilling, there are also grilling options to fall into the quick-cooking category. Think grilled veggies, kabobs and burgers — it’s so easy. There’s no reason you could not cook dinner on

• 1 teaspoon paprika • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • One 3-pound slab baby back ribs • 2 cups BBQ sauce

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. 2. Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, 2 teaspoons salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl.

3. Place the ribs on a piece of foil large enough to fold over and seal, then place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the dry rub all over the top of the meaty side of the ribs. Wrap the foil around the ribs and seal tightly so that no juices can escape during baking. Bake until the meat is tender and can easily be pulled away from the bones with a fork, about 2 hours.

the grill most weeknights, especially if you have a quick-to-heat gas grill.

Grill Spatula and Grill Tongs: The use of tongs for outdoor grilling can help you maneuver your food on the grill. Not only will a good pair of tongs make for a much more enjoyable outdoor cooking experience, but it will make the whole process much easier, too. You can use tongs to flip burgers, chicken, steak, sliding veggies around, or turning items you make have on skewers.

Instant-read thermometer: Named because it gives a temperature reading very quickly, an instant-read thermometer is an essential food safety and sanitation tool. An instant-read thermometer consists of a stainless steel stem that serves as a temperature probe, and either a dial or a digital readout.

Grill cleaning brush: Grills work better when the surface of the grill grates is clean of food and carbon build-up. This means brushing the grill surface after every use. Using a nylon brush can help to not damage the surface of the grill grates.

Skewers for Kabobs: One tool that can help those who are firing up in the backyard is the skewer. Creating food on a stick

offers the ability to be creative and to offer various food choices for your family and guests. Serving food on a stick is not only convenient, but it’s also fun! Skewers can be made of bamboo, flexible stainless steel, or stainless steel.

Finding the right skewer for your grilling mission is key, since skewers come in a variety of lengths and shapes, with handle embellishments and smart features.

Let’s BBQ together this season and enjoy the Great Outdoors. Stop in and share your stories, even the disasters! There are always times when everything doesn’t go perfectly. As in the movie, I’ve had my share of disasters, but the good times are worth it. At one point I did not have a mustache (for a reason!).

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, located at 33 Railroad Place. We are Saratoga Spring’s true kitchen essentials store, for your culinary needs. Quality tools for Quality results! We have an assortment of cool tools for grilling. Remember my Foodie Friends that: “Life Happens in the Kitchen or around the BBQ grill.”

Take Care, John & Paula

4. Heat the BBQ sauce in a small pan over medium heat until warm. Remove the ribs from the oven and open the foil pack. Remove the ribs from the foil and pour any juices that have accumulated into the BBQ sauce and mix to combine.

Continue to simmer the sauce until thickened, about 7 minutes.

5. Heat a grill or grill pan for cooking at medium-high heat.

6. Slice the ribs into 1-bone pieces. Brush all over with the BBQ sauce. Place the ribs on the grill and cook until grill marks appear, a few minutes on each side. Brush with more BBQ sauce and remove from the heat, then serve with the remaining BBQ sauce on the side.

Recipe courtesy of Molly Yeh at foodnetwork.com

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CALENDAR

This Week’s Events: MAY 22-28 FRIDAY, MAY 22 Senior Center Memorial Day Picnic BBQ YMCA Pavillion, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1:30 p.m. Celebrate Memorial Day with a red, white, and blue outdoor BBQ, honoring those who have served. Enjoy live music from Bill Gervasio and a full picnic-style meal including BBQ chicken, hot dogs, corn on the cob, macaroni salad, pasta salad, chips, water, and strawberry shortcake. Cost is $12 per person. Please RSVP by calling 518-5841621. Community partners, including Home of the Good Shepherd, MVP Health Care, Nascentia Health, WellCare, and Trinity Health Alerts— will be on site throughout the event. Guests are encouraged to stop by, meet them, ask questions, and learn more about the local support and services available to you and your family.

SATURDAY, MAY 23 History Caravan Saratoga National Historical Park, Visitor Center, 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 9:30 a.m. Looking for a more indepth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center at 518-670-2985, visit www. nps.gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or X @ SaratogaNHP.

Curator’s Tour: Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 2 – 3 p.m. Throughout the month of May, we are welcoming visitors to our new temporary exhibition with guided tours led by our Executive Director and exhibition curator, Dr. Anne Hollmuller. Join Anne on a small group tour where she will discuss the history and evolutions of Luther Forest, our Luther-Mackay family archive, and the curatorial process.

Members $0, non-members $5.

SUNDAY, MAY 24 Honor and Remember Bakersville Christian Church, 7200 Bakersville Rd., Middle Grove | 10:30 a.m. Please join us as we honor and remember those who have served. Honoring all veterans with special remembrance of those who make the ultimate sacrifice. The service will include a Battlefield Cross Ceremony. Taps will be played

by Darren Munchback. A gift will be presented to all veterans in attendance. Pastor Dan Trolano will deliver the message: “The Ultimate Sacrifice”. The Patriot Guard Riders will be in attendance.

MONDAY, MAY 25 In Memoriam Saratoga National Historical Park, Visitor Center, 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 1 p.m.

Visitor Center Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer reveals newly discovered stories of the lives – and deaths of Americans who perished in the Battles of Saratoga. A complete list of

events can be found at go.nps. gov/saraevents. For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center at 518-670-2985, visit www.nps. gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or X @SaratogaNHP.

TUESDAY, MAY 26 Poetry Reading Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. A poetry reading by Cheryl Clarke. An open-mic poetry reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m.

The host for the event will be Carol Graser, 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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Science on Tap Common Roots Brewing Company, S. Glens Falls | 7 p.m. Restoring Coral Reefs: Science, Hope, and Climate Reality. Coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the sea, yet many are disappearing faster than we ever imagined.

Rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and overfishing are pushing reefs toward a tipping point, but all is not lost.

Around the world, scientists, communities, and practitioners are working to give reefs a fighting chance. https// sustainablesaratoga.org/event/ science-on-tap-13.

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Menu: Roast Pork, mashed potatoes, vegetable, stuffing, applesauce, gravy & rolls, tossed salad. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Photography Club Galway Public Library, Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. Club member Mark Hadley will be sharing his golden eagle photographs and giving a workshop on digital camera sensor and lens cleaning.

Anyone interested in photography, regardless of their experience level, is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information, contact Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@ gmail.com

THURSDAY, MAY 28 MS Support Group SAIL Building, 71 Glenwood Avenue Queensbury or by Zoom | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Contact Lou Ann 518-793-9506 for more information.

Spring Soiree at Camp Saratoga Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 5 – 8 p.m. A one-of-a-kind evening set against the picturesque backdrop of Delegan Pond.

Ticket price is $75 with a $100 Soiree Supporter ticket for those wishing to support the event at a higher level. Limited tickets are available, so don’t waiot to make your purchase. www.wiltonpreserve.org.

Dr. Lewis Emanuel Taub

Roast Pork 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.

SARATOGA SPRINGS Dr. Lewis Emanuel Taub of 150 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga

Springs, died on April 30, 2026. He was 100 years old.

Lewis was born on Dec. 30, 1925, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Morris and Florence Simon Taub.

He attended local schools in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn and was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School.

He attended Brooklyn College and received a degree in optometry from Columbia University.

On December 26, 1948, he married Marion “Sonia” Clesner, his beloved until her death and beyond. They moved to Saratoga Springs in 1952 where he opened his office for the practice of optometry. Sonia and Lewis raised their three children, Michael, Eric, and Sarah, in Saratoga. Lewis continued in practice for 38 years, retiring in 1991. When Sonia became ill, Lewis cared for her day and night for three years until she passed away in 2016.

In 2023, Lewis married his beloved second wife, Barbara Kass.

Barbara passed away in 2025.

Lewis was a life member of the American Optometric Association and a member of the New York Optometric Society. In addition, he belonged to the Historical Society of Saratoga Springs and was a volunteer at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. He loved skiing and sailing and helped found the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club. In 1964, Lewis and Sonia became founding members of Temple Sinai, Saratoga’s Reform synagogue.

Lewis loved to travel both internationally and domestically and had a lifelong goal of visiting all the US National Parks, which was only thwarted by the ongoing creation of new National Parks.

Lewis was a lifelong learner.

With Sonia, he attended dozens of Elderhostel educational retreats.

In his retirement, he audited more than 50 classes at Skidmore College and was granted an honorary certificate of achievement in 2016.

Lewis was a loyal, devoted husband and father – always a stable, loving foundation for his children in good times and bad.

His secret for a long life was to have a long memory for good times and a short memory for difficulties. He enjoyed every day to the fullest.

He is survived by two children, Michael and Sarah Taub; and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice, communityhospice.org.

Send your upcoming local event briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Dennis “Denny” James Cummings

Dennis “Denny” James Cummings, 79, of Saratoga Springs, New York, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, in St. Peter’s Hospital. Born on September 8, 1946, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Cummings.

Denny proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War and remained deeply connected to the men he served alongside, attending reunions throughout the United States for many years. Those

friendships and shared memories remained very important to him throughout his life.

He was a graduate of St. Peter’s Academy in Saratoga in 1964.

A carpenter by trade, Denny was known for his hardworking nature. Saratoga Race Course was truly in his blood. He held fond memories of the track where his father was employed, recalling as a child selling pencils to patrons.

His lifelong passion for horse racing led him to become a part owner of several racehorses over the years. He could happily recite the names of every horse he owned and always ended with a smile, saying, “Nolita pays the bills.” During the summer months, he especially enjoyed visiting the stables and spending time with the horses, trainers, jockeys, and owners he admired so much.

Denny enjoyed watching sports, was a loyal New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds fan, and loved playing golf with family and friends each summer.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Charis Cummings, who passed away in 2015. Their

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CALENDAR love was playful, warm and deeply genuine with a marriage marked by humor, kindness and unwavering friendship.

A few years after Charis’s passing, Denny enjoyed spending time with his loving companion, Sandy Huening and family. Sadly, Sandy passed away in 2022, but Denny continued spending time with her family, enjoying holidays and a shared love of horses especially with Sandy’s granddaughter, Samantha.

He is survived by his devoted close cousin, John “Jack” Cogan; his stepchildren, Dean Haskin and Ross (Keesha) Haskin and their families; brothers-inlaw Donald (Donna) LeBuis, Dennis (Debbie) LeBuis, and Dennis Boomhower; several other cousins; many nieces and nephews; and his friends Mark and Joanne Elliot.

In the last two years, as his health declined due to Alzheimer’s disease, Denny was lovingly supported by Jack Cogan, Amy Versocki, Judy Boomhower, and Sharon Forman. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Will

Frohlich and Todd Koslik for the kindness and care they showed Denny.

Relatives and friends attending the services are asked to gather at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery (200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY) at 11:15 am on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

The funeral service with Military Honors will be at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, 1003 New Loudon Road, Suite 201, Cohoes, NY 12047.

As Denny would say, “May the Horse be with you!”

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

Robert Lawrence Pitman SARATOGA SPRINGS, NYRobert L. Pitman, 67, passed May 16, 2026. Mass will be at 12 pm, Thursday, May 28 at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, followed by burial in family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave. Memorial donations to St. Peter’s Church, Stained Glass Window Restoration. For full obituary visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Obits cont. from page 4

Send your upcoming local event briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.

Arts & Entertainment

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Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

How a Rockefeller and a Local Newspaper Created SPAC

by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

THE SPIRIT BEHIND SPAC Nelson Rockefeller had every advantage in life, descended as he was from the nation’s first billionaire.

Opulent estates, an Ivy League education, and colossal sums of money were at his disposal.

But he was also dyslexic, and for much of his life, he didn’t realize he had a learning disability. He believed that his IQ was simply not as high as those around him. This resulted in some intellectual humility. Rockefeller—as governor of New York from 1959 to 1973 and then vice president of the United States from 1974 to 1977—surrounded himself with the best experts his vast fortune could buy.

But Rockefeller’s dyslexia also meant that he struggled with pre-written speeches, a burden for someone so often in the spotlight. Though not typically known for his oratory skills, there were off-the-cuff moments when his passion rendered him eloquent.

One such moment arrived during a heated budget debate with a fellow Republican, who argued that because state spending needed to be reduced, the state council on the arts would have to take a hit. Rockefeller

rejected the idea and then uttered these memorable words: “Let me ask you a question.

What is government all about?

What is life in this nation all about if it’s not centered around our culture? You indicate that these issues of dance and the arts have nothing to say to us, but they are absolutely the essence that holds our culture together… This isn’t silliness.

This is what we’re all about.”

Rockefeller’s sentiment, spoken decades ago, is in many respects embodied by the existence of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), which is celebrating its 60th season this summer.

“If you think about Rockefeller and his view of society, he really looked at the arts as the foundation of a democratic society,” said SPAC’s CEO Elizabeth Sobol. “I’d love to think that spirit permeates what we do.”

“People forget now what a radical departure it was 60-plus years ago for a state government, or for that matter, the federal government, to invest tax dollars in culture,” said Rockefeller’s biographer Richard Norton Smith. “Saratoga was, in a lot of ways, an experiment. And I think [Rockefeller] would be very, very pleased with the way it’s evolved.”

THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER THAT STARTED IT ALL

Before Nelson Rockefeller became entwined in the creation of SPAC, there was an editorial that sparked the idea of a performing arts venue in Saratoga Springs.

Duane LaFleche of the Knickerbocker News, a nowdefunct newspaper based in Albany, caught wind of the idea of hosting a summer festival for the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Ballet in Vermont. LaFleche had a different idea.

“It seems strange, somehow, that a New York Orchestra and Ballet should have to look out of the state for a summer home,” LaFleche wrote in his 1961 editorial. “Wouldn’t the State Reservation at Saratoga make a nice location?”

With the idea now out in the ether, prominent Saratogians converged to manifest it. One of those manifesters was another newspaperman, Fred Eaton, publisher of The Saratogian. According to him, “the idea for a performing arts center started with an editorial in The Albany Knickerbocker News, a speech by then State Sen. Eustis Paine, and telephone calls to two people from Saratoga Springs resident Robert N. McKelvey, then with the state commerce department in Albany.”

The idea spread from one interested party to

another—McKelvey, the Adirondack Trust Company, The Saratogian, Yaddo, Leonard Bernstein (then musical director of the New York Philharmonic), and Charlie Dake of Stewart’s Shops all played their parts. A veritable who’s who of Saratoga power players had coalesced around the idea. Then, Gov. Rockefeller entered the stage.

RO CKEFELLER’S INFLUENCE “At a January dinner at the Governor’s Mansion, I got Gov. Rockefeller’s ear and explained our problem – we needed an angel,” Eaton wrote. “His $1.2 million from the Martha Baird Rockefeller [Fund] was a huge stimulus.”

The precise total donated to SPAC’s creation by the Rockefeller family varies from source to source, but all agree that it was substantially more than $1 million (which is equivalent to $11 million today).

“The governor’s support was wholehearted,” states SAPC’s 50th anniversary commemorative book, published a decade ago.

“A lot of things had to come together for the Saratoga Art Center to exist, and it never would have happened, in my opinion, if Nelson Rockefeller had not been governor of New York at that point,” said Smith.

Saratogians also turned out their pockets, committing to fund the entire $1.8

million construction estimate. Again, the Spa City elite (such as the Dake family and Marylou Whitney) stepped up to the plate. By the time they were done, millions had been accrued.

As money fell into place and plans advanced, SPAC was hit with a curveball: the New York Philharmonic decided to present its summer concerts in Central Park, leaving the future SPAC without an orchestra. But Richard “Dick” Leach, then the executive director of SPAC, came to the rescue, securing a commitment from the Philadelphia Orchestra instead. After the New York City Ballet also formally committed to the project, the time had come for a suited Nelson Rockefeller to hop aboard a bulldozer for the groundbreaking ceremony.

THE IMPACT ON SARATOGA SPRINGS Initially, it made sense that an arts center housing two New York institutions (the Philharmonic and Ballet) should be located in New York.

But there were other reasons to build a center in Saratoga.

In 1966, when SPAC first opened, a New York Times article labeled Saratoga Springs “a city in decline.”

“The 1950s were a bleak Continued on Page 25

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

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How a Rockefeller and a Local Newspaper Created SPAC Cont.

Continued from Page 24 time for Saratoga Springs,” agrees SAPC’s 50th anniversary book.

According to the Saratoga Springs History Museum’s executive director, James Parillo, the Spa City back then was “struggling to redefine itself.”

Saratoga’s collapse stemmed from a confluence of factors. Tourism declined, in part because it changed. The Victorian era, in which visitors spent weeks or months in summer destinations like Saratoga, had ended. So too had the era of gambling. By 1953, all illegal casinos in town were kaput, which sent many service workers packing. Use of the Spa hydrotherapy facility had been declining for at least a decade.

Major hotels along Broadway had become vacant behemoths.

The city needed a shock to its system. And then SPAC arrived.

“When SPAC came in 1966…they would start attracting a new audience into Saratoga,” Parillo said. “That’s the real kick that we needed to get going.”

It was, as Nelson Rockefeller declared at SPAC’s groundbreaking, a “new era for Saratoga.” His brother Laurance Rockefeller called it a “rebirth.”

THE LAUNCH On June 30, 1964, SPAC broke ground. Around 1,000 people attended the ceremony.

“When the Performing Arts Center is completed two years from now, we will have here a unique combination of spa, park, and cultural center whose contribution to the recreational, aesthetic, and economic life of this state will be of major significance for generations,” Rockefeller predicted in his remarks.

The governor also reiterated his firm belief that government should “encourage the arts.” “[Government’s role] is not to dominate the arts, but to lend encouragement and support,” Rockefeller said.

In 1967, after SPAC had concluded its first year of operation, Rockefeller saluted the Saratogians who joined forces to make the venue a reality.

“As impressive as its appeal has been in the international worlds of music, the dance, and the other arts, even more

Fred Eaton, publisher of The Saratogian, with Gov. Rockefeller and the governor’s wife, Happy Rockefeller. Eaton and the Rockefellers were instrumental in creating SPAC. Photo provided by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).

Gov. Nelson Rockefeller mounts a bulldozer during the June 1964 SPAC groundbreaking ceremony. Photo provided by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).

exciting has been the complete acceptance given the Performing Arts Center by the citizens of Saratoga Springs,” Rockefeller wrote in a statement published by The Saratogian.

“They have contributed heavily of their time and money to make the Center an overwhelming success. But they also have supported the Center by attending the performances with warm and enthusiastic applause.”

60 years later, the applause hasn’t died out.

At “This Place Loves You Back,” a photography exhibit unveiled earlier this month at The Pines at SPAC, one testimonial from a veteran SPACgoer read: “I am 93 years old,

my husband and I attended the opening night of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ I have only missed two opening nights since that time, bringing my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many friends. It has been a great pleasure.”

Mary Ann Fitzgerald, who watched Rockefeller break ground in 1964, shared similar sentiments with the Times Union a decade ago when SPAC celebrated its 50th season.

“SPAC is the crown jewel in Saratoga,” she said. “I can sit out on the lawn, gaze up at the stars, listen to the rush of Geyser Creek and hear some of the greatest musicians in the world. You can’t beat that.”

In the 1960s, a crowd of SPAC attendees pack the venue’s lawn. Photo provided by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).

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Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Skidmore Showcases Student Talent with SPAC Annual Meeting Senior Art Exhibition Highlights CEO’s

Decade of Leadership

by Ava Goodemote Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On May 7, Skidmore College opened an exhibit highlighting all projects that the numerous Studio Art majors completed for their senior theses. The exhibit was open to the public until May 16, allowing the community to come together to admire the work of young artists.

The artworks themselves were a mix of different mediums, including oil paintings, photography, animation, sculpture, graphite, and fabrics. These mediums allowed the students to best convey their emotions in a way that clicked with them and resonated with the public.

Each work expressed a layer of vulnerability, individual talent,

Photo by Ava Goodemote.

and emotion that added to the overall magic of the work without needing words or an explanation. The artists let the viewers decide how the piece speaks to them based on their own interpretation of the project.

One artist stood out from

the rest, Oliver Frontini. He constructed a massive sculpture that was allotted a separate space, allowing viewers to marvel in its beauty. The sculpture included three life-sized sculptured men, each having uncannily accurate features. The work was raw and original, gathering a decent crowd to observe the show of talent.

The entire exhibition was a wonderful showcase of both Skidmore and local talent, with the community uniting to support Saratoga’s very own Studio Art seniors. The variety in works and skill sets allowed for the audience to get a wide range of sensations and feelings as they walked through the exhibit.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — At its annual meeting on May 14, staff of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) reflected on the past decade of transformations as the organization celebrated 10 years of leadership under CEO Elizabeth Sobol.

“Anniversaries invite reflection as well as celebration,” said Sobol at the annual meeting.

“They ask us to look back with clarity and honesty—and forward with courage and resolve. Because sixty years ago, the creation of SPAC was exactly that: an act of bold and audacious imagination.”

Reflecting on SPAC’s evolution over the past decade, Sobol continued, “Ten years ago, we were the stewards of something extraordinary—but also something at risk. And so, we asked ourselves: what would it mean to be as bold now as SPAC’s founders were then? Over the past decade, we have transformed this campus—honoring its history while preparing it for the future. We have evolved from a seasonal presenter into a year-round institution, bringing life, learning, and artistic expression into all four seasons.”

Throughout the meeting, leadership reflected on SPAC’s transformation over the past decade into a year-round cultural organization. Since Sobol’s arrival in 2016, SPAC has expanded its programming, grown its educational reach, renovated and reimagined its campus, and launched new initiatives

devoted to increasing accessibility, wellbeing, and connection.

Today, SPAC welcomes approximately 500,000 visitors annually and contributes an estimated $105 million in annual economic impact to the region, according to a 2023 study by Camoin Associates.

SPAC leadership highlighted the growth of its education initiatives, which have expanded from serving 5,000 students annually in 2016 to more than 60,000 individuals today in partnership with over 150 schools and community organizations throughout the Capital Region.

Leadership reflected on the launch of SPAC School of the Arts in 2021, which expanded access to arts education and creative learning opportunities. Additional initiatives highlighted at the meeting included a new collaboration launched last fall with Pilobolus and the Skidmore College Dance Department exploring the relationship between creative movement, social connection across generations, and wellbeing.

Additional initiatives discussed included expanded partnerships with Capital District Latinos, Double H Ranch, AIM Services, the Backstretch Employee Service Team, and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, as well as continued growth of flagship programs including Classical Kids and the SPAC Dance Project.

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

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Scenes from Caffe Lena’s Sing in the Streets Friday Night Art Markets Music Festival Return to Beekman Street

This Summer

by Ava Goodemote Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — This past Sunday was alive with the sounds of music and laughter as the streets of Saratoga were replete with makeshift stages in order to host Caffe Lena’s fifth annual Sing in the Streets Music Festival.

The weather was blue skies and sunny. Lots of people were out mingling, with kids running by with ice cream dripping from sugar and waffle cones. The event provided an opportunity for shops and restaurants to rein in more customers.

The main stage was located at the intersection of Phila and Henry Streets, and the performances began with Tops of Trees, a funk group from Saratoga Springs. They got the crowd dancing and moving early on. The main stage was surrounded by local vendors and neighboring restaurants where attendees could watch the performance from their tables. People stuck their heads out of their balconies from the apartments above to watch as the crowd gathered.

Another stage located on Broadway began with a folk-punk duo by the name of High Tea. They had raw and original vocals, with their lyrics holding a deep sense of connection and emotion.

People stopped by to listen as they passed along on Broadway.

The children’s stage was set

Sing in the Streets Music Festival attendees gather outside Caffe Lena on Phila Street. Photo by Ava Goodemote.

Patrons listen to Kevin McKrell at The Parting Glass. Photo by Ava Goodemote.

up at Ben and Jerry’s, and provided a more family-friendly environment for the festival.

Kids were able to sit and play with each other in the front row as their parents held their strollers and ice creams behind them.

Finally, Kevin McKrell performed at The Parting Glass, where the entire room was filled with viewers taking a break from the hot sun. McKrell’s catchy and upbeat music felt right at home in the Irish tavern.

All in all, the festival was a

success and a phenomenal way to spotlight performers via a shared joy of music and dance.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Friday Night Art Markets are back on Beekman Street in the Saratoga Springs Arts District, offering a way to spend summer evenings surrounded by art, music, and community.

Held on the third Friday of each month from May through September, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., this family-friendly series invites visitors to experience the neighborhood at its most vibrant.

“The Summer Friday Art Markets help the Beekman Street Arts district by bringing in steady crowds that support local shops, galleries, and restaurants,” said Caroline Haladjian, owner of The Beekman Atelier. “They give new artists an affordable way to show their work and gain fans without needing their own expensive studio. This regular teamwork builds a strong reputation for the area, making it known as the go-to spot for art

Image provided.

and creativity in Saratoga.”

Participants can stroll along Beekman Street and explore 25 visiting artists presenting a range of handmade goods and original artwork. Galleries and shops throughout the district will be open late. Refreshments from the Sundry Coffee Camper will be available while local musicians fill the streets with live music.

Future Friday Night Art Markets will take place on June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, and Sept. 18. Rain dates will be on Saturday.

28

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

AD SPACE RESERVATION DUE: Monday | 5 p.m.

AD COPY DUE: Wednesday | Noon Publication Day: Friday

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE CALL 518-581-2480 EXT. 204 CLASSIFIED@SARATOGAPUBLISHING.COM

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TODAY! PHONE: 518-581-2480 ext. 204 EMAIL: CDURFEY@ saratogapublishing.com 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs

LEGALS Notice of formation of Simmons PN Consulting LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/27/2026 Office: Brandy Simmons has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 31 Outlook Dr S, Mechanicville, NY 12118.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19/2026. 16882 POWER GEN INSULATION SERVICES, LLC. Notice of formation of the above Limited Liability Company (“LLC”).

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State (“NYSS”) on 3/27/2026.

Office location: Saratoga County. NYSS is designated the LLC’s agent against whom process may be served and shall mail a copy of such process to: Dreyer Boyajian, LLP, 75 Columbia Street, Albany, New York 12210. Purpose: any lawful act. 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026. 17018 Notice of formation of MICHELLE M MARCHAND NURSE PRACTITIONER IN PSYCHIATRY, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with New York State Dept. of State on 03/30/2026. The County within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is located in is Albany. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is to the limited liability company at 10 Smith Lane, Voorheesville, NY 12186, Company is organized for any lawful purpose. 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026. 17022

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.

Name: Greenfield Estates Media LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 4/1/2016, Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 50 Walker Drive Greenfield Center NY 12833. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026.

17029 Notice of registration of WISTER INSURANCE SERVICES LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/13/2026.

Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to: c/o 3H Legal Services, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026. 17035 Notice of Formation of Healthy Living Clifton Park LLC, Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on March 31, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC at c/o 222 Dorset Street, South Burlington, VT 05403.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026.

17036 Notice of formation of Upstate Retro Clothing, LLC. Articles

of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/02/2026 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 49 Front St, Ballst4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026.

17030

copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 10 Tuckers Ln, Mechanicville New York 12118. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the LLCL. 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026. 17048

Notice of formation of Terra Firma Restoration Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with New York State Dept. of State on 03/02/2026.

The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is located in is Saratoga. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State Shall mail process is to the limited liability company at Tierney E. Doyle-Mollnow, 733 Waite Rd., Clifton Park, NY 12065. Company is organized for Specialized procurement and project management firm focused on ground restoration and site stabilization services.

4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026. 17031

Notice of Formation of Bobby The Builder LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/11/2026. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 3 Connor Dr. South Glens Falls, NY 12803.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026. 17065

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name of the LLC is: GARAGE WORKS, LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on March 7, 2025. Office Location: 10 Tuckers Ln, Mechanicville, County of Saratoga. Under section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. The secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the secretary of state shall mail a

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Katie LaTerra Homes LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on March 20, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, 7 Cottage St Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026.

17076 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Cottage & Park LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 7, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as

agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, 7 Cottage St Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026. 17075 Notice of Formation of Art Club LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on December 30, 2025. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC: Virginia Fretto, 111 Green Street, Schuylerville NY 12871.

Purpose: Retail Art Supply Store. 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/2026. 17082 Notice of formation of XPO ENTERPRISES, LLC Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (SSNY) on 5/27/2003.

Office Location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process may be served, SSNY shall mail service of process (SOP) to the LLC, 720 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866, USA. Purpose is any lawful purpose. Duration date 12/31/2043. 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/2026. 17101 Notice of Formation of MK PaperWorks LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 02/12/2026 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 89 Woodlawn Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22,

29

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

5/29/2026. 17100 Notice of Formation of limited liability company (LLC). Name: Higgins & Sons, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/17/2026. County within this state, in which the office of the limited liability company is located: Saratoga County. Street address of principal business location is: 1 Saunders Road, Ballston Lake, New York 12019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Higgins & Sons, LLC, 1 Saunders Road, Ballston Lake, New York 12019.

Term: Perpetual. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/2026.

17136 Notice of formation of POWDER RUN AT GORE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/24/2026 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to: The LLC, 74 Warren Street, Ste. 1, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/2026. 17138 Notice of Formation of Spa City Greenhouse LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/18/2026. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 38 Jamison Dr. Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/2026. 17141 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: THE 2026 SECRET CONNECTION FILLY THOROUGHBRED, LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 10, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, DANIEL F. COLLINS, 32 Furlong Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/2026. 17146 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: THE 2026 SEA ISLE FILLY THOROUGHBRED, LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 10, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, DANIEL F. COLLINS, 32 Furlong Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/2026. 17145 Notice of Formation of Downtown Retreat LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 4/19/2026 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 201 Washington Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5/2026.

17148 Notice of Formation of The Persimmon Club, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 2/21/2026.

Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 24 Maxwell Drive #1075, Clifton Park, NY, 12065, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/2026. 17164 Legacy Collaborative LLC filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 21, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall

mail a copy of process to: 202 Ushers Rd, Round Lake, NY 12151. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/2026. 17178 Notice of Formation of TrainingVault.co LLC .

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/10/2026 Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 5 Southside Dr, Suite 11-187, Clifton Park, NY 12065 .

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5/2026. 17196 Notice of Formation of McDugan Properties LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on January 12, 2026. Office: Saratoga County.

SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 29 Casablanca CT. Clifton Park New York 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5/2026. 17201 DiVirgilio Consulting Services LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 4/23/26.

Office: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 165 Braim Road, Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5/2026. 17220 Notice of formation of Lumino Labs LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 02/04/2025 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 6 Cedar Lane, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5/2026. 17230 Notice of formation of Jillian Bennett, PT PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/12/2026 Office: Saratoga

County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 2077 Mechanic St, Galway NY 12074. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12/2026.

17266 Notice of Formation of LLC - Articles of Organization for HERC’S HEATING AND COOLING LLC were filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/03/2026. Office located in Saratoga County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent upon which process may be served and a copy shall be mailed by the Secretary of State to the LLC at 164D Eastwood Dr, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Purpose: for any lawful activity for which limited liability companies may be formed under the law. Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12/2026.

17268 Notice of formation of Shine on the Green, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/19/2025. Office location: Saratoga County.

SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Shine on the Green, LLC: Post Office Box 183, Round Lake, NY 12151.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

17289 Notice of Formation of Ink Cocoon LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/26/2026. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 13 West Drive Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12/2026. 17287 Notice of formation of Daris Properties, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the New York State Dept. of State on 04/23/2026. The County in which the office of the LLC is located is Saratoga. The Secretary of State is designated

as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of process to LLC, 2142 U.S. Rte. 9, Round Lake, NY 12151. The LLC is organized for any lawful purpose. 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19/2026. 17348 Notice of Formation of Essential Skills LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on April 15, 2026. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 378 NY Route-423, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19/2026. 17349 Notice of Formation of Shaunessy Boss LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/30/2019. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served.

A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 30 Hearthside Drive Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19/2026. 17359 Notice of Formation of Ekta Shokeen Arts LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on May 5, 2026. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served.

A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 14 Fairview Lane, Mechanicville, NY 12118. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19/2026. 17363 Notice of Formation of The Rexford Press, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on May 5, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 815 Riverview Road, Rexford, NY 12148. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5,

30

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

6/12, 6/19/2026. 17337 Notice of Formation of All in the Details NY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 05/09/2026 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 238 Round Lake Rd. Ballston Lake, NY 12019.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2026. 17408 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY. NAME: SSKS HOLDINGS LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 15, 2026. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, c/o The LLC, 22 Liz Ann Drive, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2026. 17425

PUBLIC NOTICES

GARAGE SALE Multi-Family – great variety of items.

The Greens at McGregor off Carr Rd. and Cobblehill Drive, Wilton.

Fri. 5/22 and Sat. 5/23, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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Advertising Sales Representative Growing regional media company seeking a motivated sales professional to help local businesses grow through print, digital, social media, video, events, and custom marketing solutions. Compensation includes $20/hour base pay, mileage reimbursement, commission, and average annual earnings of approximately $70,000.

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Department of Central Services will receive sealed bids in person or electronically through the Empire State Purchasing Website until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for Supplemental Carbon Chemicals, as per specification 26-SDSCC-1.

Bid forms and instructions are available at the Department of Central Services, 50 W. High Street, Ballston Spa, NY between 9:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (telephone - 518-885-2210) or at the Empire State Purchasing

Group website (www. empirestatebidsystem.com) Saratoga County, through its Department of Central Services, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids.

JOHN T. WARMT Director of Purchasing Saratoga County 5/22/2026, 17428 NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Department of Central Services will receive sealed bids in person or electronically through the Empire State Purchasing Website until 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2026, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read

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Bid forms and instructions are available at the Department of Central Services, 50 W. High Street, Ballston Spa, NY between 9:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (telephone 518-885-2210) or at the Empire State Purchasing Group website (www.empirestatebidsystem. com)Saratoga County, through its Department of Central Services, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids.

JOHN T. WARMT Director of Purchasing Saratoga County 5/22/2026, 17434

Regional Sales Representative Precision Valve & Automation, Inc. (Halfmoon, NY) seeks Regional Sales Representative. Responsible for developing new customer relationships in assigned geographic territory. Req 50% of time in office/working remotely, and 50% of time devoted to domestic travel in assigned sales territories to customer & potential customer sites.

Travel duration 3-5 days. Telecommuting is permitted. Req Bach in Business Administration or a related field. 2 yrs exp in business development or sales, incl 2 yrs exp: Presenting technical product and service information to customers to increase RFP turnaround; Working with distributors across various territories; Conducting trials and product placement at customer sites; and Improving market shares through strong customer relations. RATE OF PAY: $99,590/year. For more details and to apply, visit the following website and search for the position: https://www.pva.net/careers/

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Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

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Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Sports

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Spa Catholic Saratoga Rowers Qualify Player Earns Allfor Youth Nationals State First Team Honors

Saratoga Central Catholic basketball player Sophia Ryan celebrates with her family after scoring her 1,000th career point in a game against Lake George on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo provided by Athena DiLorenzo-Ryan.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It’s been a season of smashed records, championship victories, and career-defining achievements for Sophia Ryan and the Saratoga Catholic Lady Saints basketball squad.

This week, Ryan earned All-State Class D First Team honors, capping off a season that included the Saints’ firstever Section 2 Class D championship and Ryan surpassing her program’s all-time career scoring record.

On March 7, Spa Catholic narrowly defeated the two-time defending champions Northville, 43 to 41, in a game that was

decided in its final moments.

The victory clinched the Lady Saints’ first sectional title. Ryan led the way with 30 points, netting almost 70% of her team’s point total. It was a dominant performance but an unsurprising one from a standout who once told Saratoga TODAY that she most admires players who can maintain their composure in big moments.

Earlier in the season, Ryan broke Patti King’s career scoring record, set in 1980, of 1,031 points. Ryan also holds the school records for most points in a single game, and the most three-pointers made in a single game.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Five student-athlete boats from the Saratoga Rowing Association recently qualified for the USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida. The event will take place June 11-14.

Boys Squad Rowers & Coxswains: Kazuki Borchardt, Abbie Bertani, Josh Murnan, Daniel Arnason, Ashton O’Sullivan, Parker Mansfield, Ryan McHugh, Sam Corp, Ian Dodds, Jacob Dorflinger, Andre Salazar, Keegan Reynolds, Paul Kuhles, Dylan Hollis, Colin Amicone-Ren, Callan Johncox, Graham Klein, and David Eddy.

Girls Squad Rowers & Coxswains: Erika Miller, Stella Dansie, Katie Oke, Caroline Jackson, Sophie Sampanthar, Olivia Lill, Kari Reilly, Izzy Loviza, Meghan Kempf, Lily Caramadre, Malia Sanchez, Rylie Sheldon, Steph Dierna, Emma Brimhall, Sabrina Maglienti, Ariden Kelly, Emma Rittershausen, Cat Fedoroff, Alex Tobrocke, and Grace Zumpano.

Photos provided.

Sports

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Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Tours Galore: NYRA and Song Hill Offer Behind-theScenes Looks at Horse Farms

Games

Fun And

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) recently announced the return of its popular summer morning excursion, reimagined for 2026 as the Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours (formerly known as the Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours) with a refreshed lineup that spotlights aftercare and welcomes the program’s first stallion operation.

This year’s series introduces two new participating farms, including a leading aftercare organization and a stallion farm, and welcomes back two longtime favorites.

The 2026 series will get underway on Opening Day of the Saratoga summer meet, Friday, July 3, and continue weekly through the final Sunday of the season, Sept. 6. Tours are offered every Thursday through Sunday during the summer meet except for Saturday, July 4, and Saturday, Aug. 29 (Travers Day).

This year’s new-look weekly lineup features Old Friends at Cabin Creek on Thursdays, marking the program’s first dedicated aftercare partner; Old Tavern Farm on Fridays; Sugar Plum Farm on Saturdays; and Ironhorse Stallions on Sundays,

introducing the tour’s first stallion operation.

The Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tour experience includes a buffet-style breakfast at Saratoga Race Course available from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. against the backdrop of morning training on the main track.

Fans then board a CDTA trolley at 9:15 a.m. for a scenic roundtrip ride to that day’s featured farm, where they will experience a 60 to 90-minute guided tour, before returning to Saratoga for an afternoon of live racing.

Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. A portion of proceeds from each ticket sold will be earmarked to support the New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) scholarship fund.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at NYRA.com.

One of the major additions for 2026, Old Friends at Cabin Creek, is an aftercare facility that provides a lifetime sanctuary for retired racehorses. Nestled in the countryside of Greenfield Center, fans can experience a picturesque ride each Thursday and an intimate look at equine retirement.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet several of the farm’s beloved

and accomplished residents, such as 2018 New York-bred Horse of the Year Diversify, whose resume includes graded stakes wins in the 2018 Whitney and Suburban and 2017 Jockey Club Gold Cup. Fans will also get to see 2007 New York Horse of the Year Naughty New Yorker; 2011 Preakness Stakes participant King Congie; and 2006 Gotham Stakes winner Like Now, all while learning about the importance of aftercare.

Sundays feature Ironhorse Stallions, marking the tour program’s first dedicated stallion farm and providing fans with access to one of New York’s most compelling sires, Bucchero. A dual graded stakes-winning sprinter, Bucchero made 31 career starts and has since developed into a leading sire, whose offspring include Book’em Danno, winner of the 2025 Eclipse Award for Champion Male Sprinter.

Now standing in New York after five seasons in Florida, Bucchero enters this next phase of his stallion career as a cornerstone of Ironhorse Stallions.

Located in nearby Schuylerville across from the scenic Hudson River, Ironhorse Stallions represents a full-circle moment for Bucchero, who was originally purchased and raced by the Ironhorse partnership.

The stallion has quickly risen to prominence, finishing as the leading sire by earnings in New York in 2025. Known for his versatility, consistency, and ability to produce open-company runners, Bucchero was just recently named 2025 Sire of the Year on May 11 by the NYTB. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Bucchero while

Puzzle Solutions See puzzles pg. 8

A chestnut colt sired by Omaha Beach snacks on some food at Old Tavern Farm during a 2025 New York Racing Association (NYRA) breakfast and breeding farm tour. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

learning about modern stallion management, breeding strategy, and the expanding influence of New York’s breeding program.

Additional details about the 2026 Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours, including a full schedule and ticket information, are available at NYRA.com.

Song Hill Thoroughbreds Opens Farm Gates for Public Walking Tour Experience Song Hill Thoroughbreds will soon welcome guests to its working thoroughbred farm for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes walking tour.

The tour, to be held on the day before the 2026 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 5 at the farm’s Saratoga County location at 290 County Road 75 in the town of Stillwater.

The guided experience offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the world of thoroughbred racing from the ground up — beginning with breeding and foaling through the development and training process that prepares horses for the racetrack.

Guests will tour the farm grounds, visit barns, and meet broodmares and foals while learning about the daily operations of a professional thoroughbred breeding and racing facility. The event is designed for both longtime racing enthusiasts and newcomers interested in learning more about the sport and the care involved in raising elite equine athletes.

“This tour gives people a chance to experience the heart of Thoroughbred racing up close,” said Grace Bond of H. James Bond Racing Stables. “We’re excited to share the work, dedication, and passion that go into developing racehorses from the very beginning.”

The outdoor walking tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Comfortable footwear is recommended. Doors open at 9:45 a.m., and free parking will be available onsite. Attendees should note that participation involves visiting an active horse farm and requires acknowledgment of the farm’s liability waiver.

For tickets and additional information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ song-hill-thoroughbreds-walkingtour-tickets-1989111368649.

Week of May 22 - May 28, 2026

Sports

Saratoga Soccer Fans Gear Up for World Cup: Local Watch Parties Announced SARATOGA SPRINGS — As the world prepares for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup to return to North American soil for the first time in over thirty years, the Saratoga Springs chapter of the American Outlaws is inviting the local community to join the excitement. Starting this June, the chapter will host a series of inclusive, family-friendly watch parties at Bailey’s Saratoga, creating a dedicated hub for both lifelong fans and newcomers to the sport.

With interest in soccer reaching record highs across the Capital Region, the American Outlaws Saratoga Springs aims

to provide a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for fans to cheer on the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT).

“Our goal is to bring the passion of the stadium right here to Saratoga Springs,” said Chris LaPointe, president of the local American Outlaws chapter. “The World Cup is a unique event that brings people together from all walks of life. We want to ensure our community has a central place to celebrate, connect, and support the team together.”

The American Outlaws is a nationwide nonprofit social organization dedicated to supporting

the United States National Soccer Teams. With over 210 chapters across the country, the organization provides a community for fans to gather, travel, and foster a permanent, dedicated fan base for soccer in the U.S. To follow the organization and see updates on events, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AOSaratoga.

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