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Nancy Sutin Honored for Lifetime Contributions to Capital Region

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Nancy Sutin (Courtesy of Tom Stock)

Longtime Saratoga Springs resident, Nancy Sutin, has been inducted into the Albany City School District’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her successful professional career and extensive community service.

The Class of 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place Oct. 3.

Born and raised in Albany and a 1968 Albany High School graduate, Sutin “has followed a proud family legacy of high achievement throughout her life, building an exceptional professional career in the law while also committing herself to serving her community,” the Albany City School District said in announcing the honor.

Her father, Nate Sutin, was inducted as a member of the district’s inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2009.

Nancy Sutin co-founded the four-piece folk band Focus, which played in Caffè Lena in Saratoga Springs. 

She graduated magna cum laude from the University at Albany in 1972 and earned a master’s from Brandeis University in 1976. During those years, she devoted time to various Jewish organizations and shared her lifelong love for swimming as a summer camp director in Maine. She graduated in 1984 from Albany Law School, where she was recognized with the prestigious Lillian Friedman Award for Excellence in Family Law. 

“Over the next nearly four decades, Nancy built a distinguished private family law practice, serving communities throughout the Capital Region. Her legal expertise and reputation for integrity led to her 2017 appointment as a state liaison between family attorneys and the state administrator in her judicial district,” the Hall of Fame website page notes.

“Beyond her professional practice, Nancy has been a tireless champion for non-profit organizations. From 2002-08, she served as board president of the Saratoga Independent School. During her tenure, she demonstrated exceptional stewardship by spearheading a capital campaign that secured $1 million in funding for the development of its Route 29 campus,” the district’s Hall of Fame website page continued. 

In addition, Sutin has devoted 16 years to Soroptimist International of Saratoga County. While president, she spearheaded the “Project Hope and Power” initiative, empowering victims of domestic violence to obtain their legal and financial independence. She is currently co-chair of the organization’s Secret Gardens Tour, its major fund-raiser.

Sutin served two terms as board president of Home Made Theater in Saratoga Springs, providing steady stewardship through significant periods of organizational transition. She also served on the board of the former Planned Parenthood of Northeastern New York.

“Through her legal career, visionary non-profit leadership and an unwavering commitment to the greater good, she has left an indelible mark on the Capital Region,” the district posted on its Hall of Fame website page. 

Saratoga Fall Festival Returns to Caroline Street

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Alliance announced the 2026 Fall Festival, a beloved local tradition marking its 25th anniversary this year.

The festival will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 24 in downtown Saratoga Springs, primarily on Caroline Street, with various attractions spread out along Broadway.

This year’s event will feature trick-or-treating throughout downtown, the popular Pumpkin Roll on Caroline Street, a Saratoga-themed Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, face painting, live entertainment and more.

Starting at noon, participating businesses will be candy-ready for trick-or-treaters as kids and parents are invited to dress up in costume and explore downtown Saratoga Springs.

At the same time, volunteers from The Dance Lab and the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club will help orchestrate the Pumpkin Roll on Caroline Street. Pumpkins, generously donated by Sunnyside Gardens, will be handed out at the top of Caroline Street, with hay bales donated by Vincek Farm set up to guide the pumpkins down the hill.

Families can pick up maps of downtown for trick-or-treating, as well as a list of riddles and clues for the Saratoga Themed Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, at the Visitors Center.

SCHEDULE FOR FALL FESTIVAL – Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026

* Schedules are subject to change

12 – 3 p.m. — Downtown Saratoga Springs

· Trick-or-Treating at participating businesses throughout downtown

· Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt on Broadway and surrounding areas

· At the top of Caroline Street and Broadway, participants are welcome to grab a pumpkin from one of our volunteers from The Dance Lab. At the bottom of Caroline and Maple, participants can pick up their gift certificates from Ben & Jerry’s and Strike Zone from a Saratoga Springs Rotary Club volunteer.

· Live Entertainment, Road Soda Pop 12-3pm – Salt & Char patio

· Traveling Entertainment: Sparkles the Juggler

· Face Painting at G. Willikers and the Saratoga Springs City Center

· Magic Matt (Magician) at Menges & Curtis

· Maple Valley Farms (maple cotton candy and other maple items) – Spa City Motor Lodge

· Saratoga Springs Police Department: Explore a police car on display in front of Lifestyles of Saratoga

· Witch Walk SOSA: Concluding the festival with a spirited dance on Caroline Street to end the festival at 2:50 p.m. Donations to the Witch Walk will go directly to our local animal shelters!

Art for Good to Benefit Community

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Art is a powerful thing. It can lift your spirits and offer a new perspective.  It is with the community in mind that the Saratoga Springs Arts District Inc. (SSADI) presents Art for Good, a fundraiser to support local nonprofits while enhancing people’s lives through lovingly donated works of art. 

The event will take place on October 25 at the Elks Lodge, 69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. In addition, there will be entertainment and free art lessons at Living Resources across the Street at 70 Beekman Street.

This project has been spearheaded by ceramic artists Nancy Niefield and Rebecca Cigal and was quickly embraced by fellow artists.   

Contributed art works by talented local artists will be sold for whatever people offer. Find a treasure, pay what you will. Proceeds will be given to the Franklin Community Center, the Frederick Allen Elks Lodge and SSADI. 

For more information, visit SaratogaArtDistrict.com. 

Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is hosting its 14th annual Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl on Saturday, October 17. This event starts at 3 p.m. at Druthers Brewing Company, 381 Broadway, with stops at bars throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. All proceeds from this event support the Foundation’s mission to promote the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscape heritage of Saratoga Springs.

The Pub Crawl begins at Druthers Brewing Company at 3 p.m., then crawls to Bailey’s Cafe, Gaffney’s Saratoga, The Grotto Tiki Lounge, and ends at Whitman Brewing Company. Pub Crawl participants will enjoy drink specials throughout the day, as well as light fare at Whitman Brewing Company. 

Participants can take part in an Architectural Scavenger Hunt to win a “Major Award.” Raffle tickets will also be available to win several prizes from local businesses. The crawl will culminate with an after party at Whitman Brewing Company where winners will be announced. 

Tickets are $35 for an individual, $60 for two people, and $120 for a group of four. All participants will receive a complimentary Pub Crawl t-shirt and pint glass with the purchase of tickets, while supplies last. The online registration deadline is Friday, October 16 at 9 p.m. Participants may also register on the day of the Pub Crawl at Druthers starting at 2:30 p.m. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit, www.saratogapreservation.org, or call (518) 587-5030. 

A Guide to October Mischief

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.


Festivals, Corn mazes, Spooky tours and more!

Twilight Cemetery Tour “Madness, Murder, Untimely Deaths, and Strange Coincidences” 

On Sunday, October 18 at 4:30 p.m., join Gloria May for a rare opportunity to explore Greenridge Cemetery at dusk. Navigate the tombs and monuments while unearthing tales of Saratoga’s most notable residents who have resided at Greenridge since 1844. Come discover the final resting place of many individuals who made Saratoga Springs their home while getting in the spooky spirit of the season. There are many stories – from heartwarming to scandalous – tied to the people buried there. If you are brave enough, join us for this spooky walk where the truth of this tale, and many others, may be even more unsettling than ghost stories! This special program lasts approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours will be limited to thirty, and tickets must be purchased in advance.  The cost per tour is $25 for SSPF members and $30 for non-members. For additional information on this program, or to purchase tickets visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org. 

West Mountain’s Fall Festival

October 10-11, October 17-18 & October 24-25, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Scenic hay wagon and chairlift rides, fall food and beverage menus in the main lodge, local outdoor and indoor vendors, pumpkin painting and inflatables, live music, mountaintop picnic packages and yoga, aerial treetop adventure, and more! Please visit https://westmountain.com/fall-festival/ for activity tickets and information.

Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours

Come walk with us and hear the stories of Haunted Saratoga. Hear the stories that have lived on in our city for hundreds of years. They will enchant, entertain, and perhaps even scare you. Our 90-minute long walking tour will take you in search of the countless ghosts rumored to haunt the city. Total walking distance is less than a mile, covered at a very leisurely pace so that you can enjoy Saratoga’s many infamous ghosts and haunted locations. The tour covers parts of Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs. Specific meeting instructions will be sent by email when the tours are booked. Friday and Saturday through October. Cost is $25 adults, $15 for children.  HauntedSaratogaTours.com

 HAUNTED CORN MAZE

Are you wondering what comes out at night in the corn maze? Stop by and enter our Field of Screams Friday and Saturday nights in October to find out! You will never experience anything quite like the Field of Screams! Every twist and turn in the maze will hold a new surprise for you. As you navigate your way through the corn maze, with just a flashlight to light your way, anticipation and fear will build inside of you. There are demons and ghouls around every bend…masked men with chainsaws following behind you…haunted buildings within the maze to pass thru…and many more surprises that will make you laugh and cry.  The Haunted Maze is a unique experience that will have you coming back year after year.  We are the stalk of the town. Schuyler Farms, Route 29 – Schuylerville. Visit schuylerfarms.com for more details. 

NIGHTMARES AT LIBERTY RIDGE FARM

As the sun sets over Liberty Ridge, the Farm turns into a haunted nightmare. Featuring 5 haunted attractions, all at 1 location. Each attraction is scarier than the one before, sure to leave everyone who enters trembling with fear. Nightmares is a journey into the heart of darkness, where the only way to survive is to keep moving forward…For more information, or to buy tickets, visit LRFnightmares.com. 

HAUNTED HAYRIDES 

This year’s walk-through attractions include Brutality, Blood Moon Farm, Dead Root Dwelling, The Last Inn, Doom County FEARgrounds and Martin’s Memorial Hospital. Enjoy our midway Feartainment featuring interactive creatures, music, concession stand, souvenir stand, and photo booth. Book your reservation now online or by calling 518-884-9122. For more Information, visit https://doublemhauntedhayrides.com/reservations/

FRIGHT FEST

Weekends, through October 25. Fright Fest brings haunted attractions, scare zones, live entertainment, night rides, limited-time food and drinks, and immersive Halloween thrills to Great Escape after dark. For days, times, details and ticket information, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/fright-fest.

Boo Fest by Day

Weekends through October 25. Boo Fest brings family-friendly Halloween fun to Great Escape with festive daytime activities made for younger guests and families. This fall tradition gives kids and parents a fun way to celebrate the season together with special entertainment, themed activities, and favorite rides in a playful Halloween setting. Families can enjoy kid-friendly experiences like a costume contest for children 12 and under, a Trick-or-Treat Trail, a Halloween scavenger hunt, interactive dance parties, a hay maze, and arts and crafts at Boo Fest Central. With so much to do throughout the park, Boo Fest is a great way to make fall memories together and enjoy the excitement of Halloween without the scares. For details, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/kids-boo-fest.

Halloween Weekend Haunted House

Join us at The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 80 Main St., South Glens Falls, for a night of frights, screams & thrills as the Haunted House takes over Halloween weekend. October 30, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and October 31, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.  Dare to enter…if you’re brave enough! The scares are waiting! 

Her Self-Inflicted Decapitation

Friday, October 30, 6 – 8 p.m. at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa. Celebrate spooky season by attending the premiere of this horror short, directed by local filmmaker Noah Manglapus. Filmed exclusively at Saratoga County History Center, this short film offers a ghostly, behind-the-scenes view of Brookside Museum. Enjoy hot popcorn, soft drinks, and a good scare. Come in historical dress, a Halloween costume, or as you are. Screening with a director introduction and Q&A to follow. Tickets are $5.  

Concert by Candlelight

Hundreds of flickering candles, live music and a fairly spooky finale will set the stage for a fundraiser supporting Mostly Modern Projects (MMP), the Saratoga Springs-based nonprofit working to bring the music of today’s classical composers to audiences, musicians, and communities around the world. FAB5: Concert by Candlelight & Fall Fundraiser will take place on Friday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m. at Saratoga Arts in Saratoga Springs. Ticketing details are available at https://mostlymodernprojects.org/event/mostly-moderns-fab5-by-candlelight/. 

The Haunting History of Mt. McGregor Halloween Special

History can certainly be dark and spooky. Other than the death of a U.S. president, Mt. McGregor has had its share of tragedies. Join Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp on October 31 at 1 p.m. as he shares true tales of mystery and misfortune on the mountain from the last 150 years. Note: some program content involves discussing elements of death, self-harm, and suffering and may be considered too graphic for sensitive audiences. www.grantcottage.org. 

This Week’s Events: Oct. 9-15

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, October 9

Yarn Swap

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. Saratoga Springs | Are you a knitter, crocheter, or other crafter with an assortment of leftover skeins of yarn? Now’s your chance to send them off to good homes and pick up something new! Drop off your full skeins of yarn at the info desk now through October 14, then return on October 16 to pick out new-to-you yarn! Those without yarn to swap can still get yarn from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the 16th.

Saturday, October 10

29th Annual John J. Lant Jr. Memorial Blood Drive

Maple Avenue Company 4 Firehouse, 613 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Spring | 8 a.m.  – 1 p.m. Help save lives and keep John’s memory alive! To schedule your appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit, redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: CO4.

The 2026 Showcase of Homes – 30th Anniversary

Various Locations throughout Saratoga County | The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being proudly presented on October 10-11. Tickets are on sale now, cost is $25. This year’s tour includes 13 locations in Saratoga County from 12 award-winning builders. For more details, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Check us out on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM and follow all the updates on this year’s event!

Tom Indiano Memorial Ride

Meet at ITAM, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. KSU: 12 p.m.  Honor – Brotherhood – Never Forgotten – 20th Anniversary of the loss of Tom Indiano. In his honor we are putting together the scenic ride around Sacandaga Lake. Sponsored by Saratoga Springs Fire Fighters, benefiting Fire Fighters Community Fund. Registration: $20 per person. For information, contact Fred Whipple, 518-376-2892 or email frdwhpp@aol.com. 

Artist Talk 

Saratoga Arts, Main and Atrium Galleries, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 12 – 2 p.m. 

You’ll learn about the artist’s processes, inspiration, and ideas, with a chance to ask questions regarding their artwork. Our juried exhibitions highlight artists from the Capital Region, this is a great opportunity to both hear about their practices, meet and connect with the exhibiting artists. There will be a screening of Kevin Mosca’s new short film “The Birthday Party” after the talk. This is the last day to see the exhibitions!

Landscapes for Landsake Public Reception

172 State Route 372, Cambridge | noon-5 p.m. $10 admission includes a glass of wine or beer and priority viewing for online art as well as those hung in the barn.  Gallery hours will also be held on Sunday, October 11, noon – 4 p.m. with free admission.  Visitors are invited to browse and purchase artwork, meet fellow art and conservation enthusiasts, and learn more about ASA’s efforts to keep local farmland and forests protected. After the in-person event concludes, art purchases can still be made online from October 12 through November 15, at www.LandscapesForLandsake.com.  

Foliage & Furry Friends Pet Festival

Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton | 1 p.m. Join us for a day devoted to our belove pets. We are planning a range of tours, vendors, and of course, the stunning views of fall foliage. Bring your furry friend to learn more about local pet-related organizations and resources, and enjoy treats for both. Learn about the pets of the U.S. Grant family with a free 1 p.m. living history presentation. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to join fellow pet-lovers for a day on the mountain. www.grantcottage.org. 

The Wrong Question Project

Wellspring, 2816 US Route 9, Malta | 1 – 3 p.m. and 3 – 5 p.m. A survivor-led documentary exhibit that examines victim-blaming and the failures that can follow when survivors and families are asked to explain violence they did not cause. The exhibit brings together clothing, photographs, testimony, audio, video and other records. Some of the stories may be familiar. Others have unfolded much closer to home. Denise Huskins Quinn, whose experience with her husband, Aaron Quinn, was featured in Netflix’s American Nightmare, will attend. The exhibit also includes Gabby Petito’s story. Bevin Llanes, the mother of Meghan Kiefer, will join the event. Kiefer was killed in a domestic violence homicide on Long Island in 2021 by an abuser from Albany. Helen Travis will bring the story of her daughter, Brianna Craig, into the exhibit for the first time. Craig was a young mother murdered in Saratoga Springs in 2024.

Admission is free, but registration is required and space is limited. Details and registration are available at www.wellspringcares.org/events. 

Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 7 – 11 p.m. The dance is open to the public and there is free ample parking. There will be a donation of $7 per person. Snack and refreshment will be provided, or bring a snack to share, your choice. Dance to the music of the Peaceful Country Band (Adults Only). For more information call 518-490-2851. 

Saratoga Springs Fire Department Open House

Fire Station #1, 60 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1 – 4 p.m. Come meet your local heroes and see behind the scenes. Highlights include fire engine and ladder truck tours, firehouse tours, junior firefighter activities, refreshments, giveaways. Fund for the whole family, all ages welcome.

Sunday, October 11

Autumn Stroll: Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square

Meets at the NW corner of Lake and East Avenues | 10:30 a.m.  Join Carrie Woerner, NYS Assemblywoman and former SSPF Executive Director. The neighborhood is characterized by beautiful Greek Revival houses, which became occupied by wealthy part-time and full-time residents of the city as the population began to grow. As you walk through Saratoga’s oldest residential neighborhood, Carrie will share architectural insights and point out one of the city’s oldest remaining residences.  Approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 518-587-5030, email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org, or visit our website, saratogapreservation.org.

Pumpkin Palooza

Cookies & Cream/Finishing Touches/Eggs on the Run, 450 East High St. Malta | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Live music, face painting, pumpkin painting contest, loads of fun & games. Breakfast from Eggs on the Run plus hotdogs, hamburgers and Mac & Cheese Cider Donuts plus lots of other baked goodsm Chocolate Moonshine Fudge Ice Cream from Cookies and Cream featuring fall flavors like Pumpkin Cheesecake, Cider Mill and Caramel Apple plus Cider Donut Sundaes, Smores Sundaes and much more!  Games Galore: pickleball, ping pong, chess, tetherball, cornhole, giant connect 4, basketball and more! 

Bring the family, stay for the fun!

Monday, October 12

Autumn Birding Walk 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 90 Scout Rd., Wilton | 8 a.m. Join us on a morning walk through the Saratoga Sand Plains to see which birds are getting ready to migrate and see which ones will be spending the winter. Birding walks are made possible through the support of Brookfield Renewable. Registration is required for most of our programs at least one business day in advance. Register on our website or by calling the office at 518-450-0321. Our programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions.

The Heritage Garden Club of Saratoga Springs Monthly Meeting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Street, Saratoga Springs | noon.  Guest speaker will be Gregory Greene, local garden extraordinaire, presenting a program on “Putting Your Garden to Bed.”  The Heritage Garden Club provides education, resources, and national networking opportunities for its members to promote the love of gardening, formal design and civic environmental responsibility.  The meeting is open to the public. Interested in joining our club new members are always welcome.  You don’t have to have a green thumb to join our club. Check out our club at heritagegardenclubss.org or follow us on Facebook at Heritage Garden Club of Saratoga Springs.  

Lasagna Dinner

St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 3159 Rt 9N, Greenfield Center | 4 – 7 p.m. Sponsored by The Town of Greenfield Lions Club. Single Tickets are $15 each, with a Family 4 Pack for $50.  Take-out only. Options include regular, gluten-free or vegetable lasagna with green garden salad, dressing and roll. A dessert/bake sale by Girl Scout Troop #3889 will also be on site. Pre-sale tickets are recommended. Ticket can be ordered via email at TownOfGreenfieldLionsClub@gmail.com. 

Tuesday, October 13

Virtual Author Talk: David Epstein

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. David Epstein, author of three New York Times bestsellers—The Sports Gene, Range, and Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better-will discuss his latest book, The Power of Limits: How Constraints Drive Genius. David Epstein draws on science, research, and fascinating real-world case studies to demonstrate how constraints, boundaries, and structure can become powerful catalysts for ingenuity and mastery. Registration required; attendees are welcome to submit questions when registering. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

MS Support Group

Zoom Meeting | For information please call Lou Ann 518-793-9506 or 518-232-1128. 

Society of American Magicians Meeting

S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham | 7 p.m. We welcome everyone, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or purely entertainment to join us for a fun evening.  For more information about our organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit our web site: www.sam24.synthasite.com

Wednesday, October 14

Chicken Parmesan 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. Menu: Chicken Parmesan, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner: $15 (cash only).

Green Drinks

Whitman Brewing Company, 20 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Green Drinks! A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/green-drinks-october-14/. 

Schuyler House Candlelight Tours

Schuyler House, 4 Broad St., Schuylerville | 6 p.m. Experience the ambiance of an 18th Century house in the evening with a special candlelight tour through the Schuyler House! As you are led through the house, you will hear stories about life and events on the estate and the people who lived there. Candlelight tours are low light and may make walking through the house challenging for some visitors. Capacity limits will be in effect for safety and protection of visitors and the historic resources. Visit go.nps.go/saraevents for instructions to reserve your spot.

Thursday, October 15

Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy: A Curator’s Tour

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 2 – 3 p.m.  We welcome visitors to our temporary exhibition, Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy, with guided tours led by our director and exhibition curator, Anne Hollmuller. Join Anne on a small group tour of our new temporary exhibition, where she will discuss the history and evolutions of Luther Forest, our Luther-Mackay family archive, and the curatorial process. Tours are also available on November 5 and November 13 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are free for members, and $5 for non-members.  

Chicken BBQ Fundraiser

Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa | 4 – 6 p.m. Gateway will be holding their annual Fall BBQ.  Preordered and prepaid only orders can be picked up between 4- 6 p.m. Pre orders must be received before Monday, October 12. Go on line to preorder. No dinners are sold the day of. Dizzy Chicken dinners include half chicken, potato, coleslaw and cornbread. Every meal purchased helps support GHOP and the compassionate care we provide to residents and families free of charge. We do not receive any state or federal funding or insurance reimbursements.

Community Night 

Saratoga Outdoors, 490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 5 – 8 p.m. You’re invited! Stop by for a special Community Night. The evening will feature HikerBabes Southern Adirondacks, New York, who will be on-site sharing more about their mission and impact. 30% of all sales during this event will be donated directly to their organization. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a $100 Saratoga Outdoors gift card that will be raffled off. Come support their cause while shopping for quality outdoor gear!

Saratoga Arts 40th Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser

The Night Owl, 17 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 9 p.m. Forty years ago, Saratoga Arts began with the vision, determination and passion of one woman. That woman was Dee Sarno, the founder and first Executive Director of Saratoga Arts. The 40th Anniversary Celebration will bring together artists, community members, supporters and friends of Saratoga Arts for an evening celebrating both the organization’s history and its future. The event will feature farm-to-table food by Farmacy, an open bar with specialty cocktails, a silent auction and wine pull, and local artists and performers. A gothic-inspired theme will add a distinctive touch to the evening. Tickets are $150 and include food, an open bar and access to the evening’s festivities. Tickets are available at Saratoga-arts.org/events. 

Writer’s Group 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m.  This is a time for writers of all abilities to develop skills through writing activities and to share pieces being worked on, whether poetry, short stories, or a story chapter.  Sharing is a time of review, appreciation, and developmental encouragement.  Interested writers are welcome to attend even without something to share, as they can participate in the activities and provide insight to others.  Register at 518-882-6385.  The group meets on the third Thursday of each month.

Navigating Grief During the Holidays 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Facilitated by Gina Sabatini, Grief Coach/educator.  The holidays can be difficult when we’re grieving.  This class offers support, practical tools, and compassionate guidance to help you honor your loved ones, manage difficult emotions, and find moments of peace during the season.  $10 suggested donation.  Registration required at 518-882-6385.

Limited Liability Companies in New York – How they might be useful to you

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.

I have gotten a lot of questions lately regarding limited liability companies (LLCs).  I thought it might be a topic of general interest, so I assembled a set of questions and answers below describing this important legal tool.

What is an LLC?

An LLC is a legal entity that you can create pursuant to the laws of your state.  Every state in the country has an LLC statute. New York has the New York Limited Liability Company Law (NYLLCL).  You can find the text of the law here:  www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/LLC .

Why create an LLC?

The most common reason to create an LLC is to operate a business.  If you were a plumber, for example, and wanted to start a plumbing business, you could create “ABC Plumbers, LLC”.  People also often create an LLC to own investment properties.  For example, if you bought a duplex to rent out for income, you could create “ABC Properties, LLC” and take title to the duplex in the name of the LLC.

What is the benefit?

If you start the plumbing business in your own name or buy the duplex in your own name, all your assets would potentially be subject to the liabilities of the business or investment property.  For example, if you own the duplex in your own name and someone is injured there and sues you, they could potentially recover against all your personal assets.  Instead, if the duplex is held in an LLC, the person suing can generally only recover against the assets of the LLC.

Are there different types?

Yes.  In addition to LLCs, there are Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs).  PLLCs are created by licensed professionals in New York for their businesses.  For example, if you are a licensed architect in New York and wanted to create an LLC for your business, you could create a PLLC.

What is a Family LLC?

A Family LLC is not a different type of LLC in New York but is simply an LLC owned by members of the same family.  Family LLCs are sometimes used as part of an estate planning strategy to reduce the taxable estate of one of the family members.

How is an LLC created?

You create an LLC by filing Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State.  After the Department of State receives the Articles of Organization, you must publish a Notice of Formation in two newspapers once a week for six weeks.  The newspapers need to be newspapers designated by the County Clerk for that purpose.  In Saratoga County, the Saratoga Today newspaper is such a designated publication.  After the publication is finished, you need to file an Affidavit of Publication from each newspaper with the New York Department of State.

Any other requirements?

Yes.  Every two years after the LLC’s formation, you need to file a Biennial Statement and pay a $9.00 fee with the Department of State.  In addition, if your LLC is active in New York, you may need to file a Form IT-204-LL with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and pay a fee.  You may want to seek the assistance of an accountant regarding that requirement.

Is there more to do?

Ideally, after you create an LLC, you should have an initial meeting of the LLC members and adopt an operating agreement.  The LLC operating agreement is the equivalent of by-laws for a corporation, because it states the rules for the conduct of the company.  You should keep minutes of your initial meeting for your LLC’s records.  It is also generally a good idea to hold an annual meeting of the LLC each year.  Special meetings can also be held as necessary.

Do I need a lawyer?

You do not necessarily need a lawyer to create an LLC, but using a lawyer would be helpful in making sure that all of the legal requirements are taken care of.  A lawyer can also be of particular assistance in helping to draft an operating agreement that is appropriate for your business.

How about the name?

If you are interested in a particular name for your LLC, you can search the New York Department of State Business Entity database to see if it is available.  Here is a link to the database:  https://apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/  If the name is not already taken, it would potentially be available – subject to the approval of the Department of State.

Should I put my house in an LLC?

Generally speaking, you should not put your home in an LLC.  If you do so, it may jeopardize your eligibility for the STAR property tax exemption your eligibility for a capital gains tax exempt ion if you sell your home.

LLCs have a myriad of uses in New York.  You can use them to start a business, own investment property, and do estate planning.  To learn whether forming an LLC is appropriate for you, you should contact a legal professional with experience in working with this flexible legal entity.

Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is a Shareholder with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. Over his twenty-nine years of practice, he has focused in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and estate administration. Mr. Dorsey can be reached at (518)584-5205, mdorsey@oalaw.com and www.oalaw.com.  

Andy Rooney: A Lucky Life

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is proud to present Andy Rooney: A Lucky Life, an upcoming program exploring the life and times of the broadcasting legend and his connections to Ballston Spa. On October 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Saratoga County History Center, Award-winning journalist and biographer Paul Grondahl will offer a presentation tracing the arc of a true American icon. 

In his newly published biography, “Andy Rooney: A Lucky Life,” Grondahl describes Rooney’s early family history in Ballston Spa and how a smart-aleck Albany boy and academic failure at Albany Academy came of age as a Stars and Stripes reporter during World War II and transformed himself into the nation’s most popular commentator with 20 million viewers waiting for the end of 60 Minutes each Sunday evening to hear “A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney” and the beloved curmudgeon’s cranky musings. Grondahl will pepper his talk with Rooney witticisms and Everyman sensibility, present rare photographs, and offer revelations never made public before. Peter Osnos, founder of PublicAffairs Books and Rooney’s editor, called Grondahl’s book “the biography Andy Rooney deserved. A great read.” 

The book draws on interviews with Rooney and his family members, childhood friends, and 60 Minutes colleagues, as well as archival research and abundant quotations of Rooney’s own words through unpublished writings, personal letters, and pieces beloved by his legion of fans. Along the way, Grondahl uncovers new truths about Rooney’s long-term extramarital affair, the extent of his academic failure, and how his boorish behavior alienated him from close friends. This dark side of Rooney’s personality, however, is balanced by examples of deep loyalty, acts of kindness, and encouragement of young journalists. Here is the extraordinary life story of a man who contained multitudes.

Paul Grondahl is Opalka Endowed Director of the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany, State University of New York. His previous books include Mayor Corning: Albany Icon, Albany Enigma, also published by SUNY Press, and I Rose Like a Rocket: The Political Education of Theodore Roosevelt. As a staff writer at the Albany Times Union from 1984 to 2017, he won numerous local, state, and national writing prizes. He lives in Guilderland, New York. This event is presented with the support of Adirondack Trust Company. 

This event is free with registration, although attendees can pre-order copies of Andy Rooney: A Lucky Life on our website www.brooksidemuseum.org. Additional copies of the book will be for sale at the event, and a book signing will follow immediately after the program. 

Save the Date: Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs Autumn Festival

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs will host its annual Autumn Festival on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Lower and Middle School campus, located at 62 York Avenue in Saratoga Springs. This family-friendly celebration is open to the public and will feature a lively mix of seasonal activities and entertainment.

Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences such as rope making and wet felting, sheep shearing and pottery demonstrations, and a variety of games, crafts, and live music. Children and adults alike will delight in visiting with animals, sampling delicious food and baked goods, and browsing a selection of local vendors offering unique handmade items.

A beloved tradition at the school, the Autumn Festival brings together families and the broader Saratoga community to celebrate the harvest season with creativity, connection, and fun.

The event will take place rain or shine. Admission is free, and activities are suitable for all ages.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs serves children and families from early preschool through 8th grade. 

For more information, visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org or call 518-587-2224.

New York State Division for Historic Preservation Opens Its Doors at Peebles Island State Park  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The New York State Division for Historic Preservation will open the doors of its Peebles Island headquarters to the public for the first time in more than 15 years during a three-day Open House — Thursday, October 15 – Saturday, October 17, 2026. Free and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, the Open House will offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how New York preserves, protects and shares its history.   

The special event will feature recent projects and ongoing work of the Division for Historic Preservation (DHP), part of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Visitors are invited to explore the buildings and grounds of the Peebles Island Resource Center, meet with staff, participate in hands-on activities, watch demonstrations, hear presentations, explore specialty projects, and tour spaces. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to bring their curiosity and questions as they interact with archaeologists, historians, conservators, curators, historic preservationists, environmentalists, designers and technical experts. 

“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is making historic investments in preserving our past and finding new ways to connect people with the stories that shaped our state,” said OPRHP Commissioner Kathy Moser. “Peebles Island is where so much of the behind-the-scenes work to preserve and share New York’s history happens. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, there is no better time to open the doors at Peebles Island and give New Yorkers an insider’s look at the people, expertise and craftsmanship that bring our history to life.”   

The Peebles Island Resource Center is home to DHP, including the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the New York State Bureau of Historic Sites (BHS). SHPO administers programs such as the State and National Registers of Historic Places, historic rehabilitation tax credit programs, historic preservation technical assistance consultation and review, the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, archaeological expertise, historic preservation grants, resource surveys, education and outreach. The Bureau of Historic Sites provides museum and historic preservation technical support to New York’s state-owned parks and historic sites, including collections care, conservation of objects, preservation of historic buildings and landscapes, research, exhibitions, interpretive signage and educational resources.  

Located at 1 Delaware Avenue North, Cohoes, NY 12047, Peebles Island State Park sits at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers. The park offers fishing, spectacular river and rapids views, and miles of trails through a gently rolling and wooded landscape.  

Parking is available at the park but may become limited during the event. Carpooling is encouraged.