Rana, Yannick at SPAC. "Tipping Point" for Saratoga Lake.
Congratulations to BOCES August graduates.
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TOP: The latest from SPAC—Oh, what a night!
BELOW: BOCES graduates finish their high school and are off to…
BOTTOM: “We’re at a tipping point,” says Cristina Connolly of the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District as another HAB hits the water.
Tonight’s SPAC show is a U.S. exclusive
Yannick is back, and top pianist Beatrice Rana came from Italy just for us — oh, what a night.
By: Abby Tegnelia
Between Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s return to SPAC (for two nights only!), and being the only U.S. stop this summer for one of the most talked-about pianists, it’s a great night to head over to SPAC.
George Balanchine stans (including New York City Ballet diehards) know The Firebird ballet, but the music alone is dramatic and wonderful. Tonight’s evening begins with Igor Stravinsky’s score in all its glory.
Then Italian pianist Beatrice Rana takes the stage. Her SPAC return is the the first time in more than a decade (and second time ever).
“The first time she performed here she was brand-new on the scene,” SPAC President Christopher Shiley tells the Dispatch. “Since then, she's gone to have an amazing solo career.”
Rana will perform Rachmaninoff’s dazzling Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
“She's considered one of the top solo pianists of her generation,” Shiley says. “She's put out incredible albums. She's also based in Italy and is not Stateside very often — we are actually her only summer date in the States this year. We’re really excited to have her back with us.”
To close out the show, Nézet-Séguin will lead the orchestra through the rarely-performed Second Symphony by William Grant Still.
Keep reading about SPAC!
Renée Fleming leads free talk on healing through art
Who is Laufey? (Gen Z takes over SPAC tonight.)
Philly Orchestra brings in the young guns for a stellar Week 1
BOCES high school equivalency graduation
Celebrating the Power of Perseverance: HSE Graduation 2025
From a press release
WSWHE BOCES held its annual graduation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, to celebrate students who earned their High School Equivalency diplomas. The graduating class included both adult and youth learners who completed the requirements to pass the GED exam, an announcement from the school system says.
Nearly 100 people attended the event, including graduates, their families and friends, as well as WSWHE BOCES administrators, board members, instructors and staff.
“Every step you take from here is a step toward that future,” said District Superintendent Dr. Turina Parker. “Keep learning, keep growing, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The world needs your talents, your ideas, and your unique skills.”
Among this year’s class, one graduate will join the United States Navy, two will attend SUNY Adirondack, and one will begin studies at Siena College. Several other graduates are pursuing college opportunities or job training classes.
In the High School Equivalency Preparation Program students learn at their own pace with individualized instruction depending on their needs. The program empowers learners of all ages to pursue further education or career training, helping them build confidence and achieve their goals.
Click here for more: High School Equivalency Preparation Program.
Munis looking to feasibility study of Saratoga Lake
“We’re at a tipping point.” SLPID Executive Director Cristina Connolly
The City of Saratoga Springs, the towns of Stillwater, Saratoga and possibly Malta, will apply for a grant through the Hudson River Valley Greenway Planning Grant Program, for a project known as Saratoga Lake Dock Management Feasibility Study.
The $30,000 grant will be matched at $10,000 each by the localities for a total $70,000 to cover a feasibility study for more than just docks.
“It’s a study of the shoreline,” said Cristina Connolly, the executive director of the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District.
“We’re at a tipping point here, with the weather and development around the lake,” she said.
On the Saratoga Lake Boaters Facebook group page, people are complaining
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