SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP) will host its 4th Annual Golf Tournament on Sunday, May 31 at the Saratoga Lake Golf Club.
The event will raise critical funds to support NYLEAP’s no-cost mental health, peer support, training, and wellness services for first responders, military veterans, and their families.
NYLEAP is a nonprofit created by first responders for first responders. The organization provides support to law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, corrections officers, dispatchers, military veterans, and family members. Its mission is to improve mental health and wellness while reducing the impacts of trauma, PTSD, cumulative career stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, family strain, and suicide within the first responder and veteran communities.
“First responders and veterans spend their lives showing up for others during some of the worst moments imaginable,” said Matthew Carpenter, PhD, vice president of NYLEAP. “This tournament gives the community an opportunity to show up for them. Every sponsorship, donation, and golfer helps NYLEAP continue providing free, confidential, peer-based and clinically informed support to those who need it.”
Funds raised through the tournament will directly support NYLEAP programs, including Post Critical Incident Seminars, Critical Incident Stress Management, peer support training, wellness education, and access to behavioral health resources. NYLEAP’s services are offered at no cost to participants, removing financial barriers for those seeking help after traumatic events, cumulative occupational stress, or personal crisis.
Community members, businesses, agencies, and supporters are invited to participate as golfers, sponsors, donors, or volunteers. All charitable donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
For more information about sponsorships, registration, or donations, contact Matthew Carpenter at (585) 676-4444 or carpenter@nyleap.org, or visit www.nyleap.org.
Photo of New York Dynamo Head Coach and General Manager Ron Kuhl provided.
CLIFTON PARK — The New York Dynamo, a tier 1 hockey program based at the Capital Arena in Clifton Park, is gearing up for a second season that will run from September 2026 to March 2027. To that end, they recently announced the extension of their Head Coach/General Manager, their efforts to revamp their home ice rink, and the commitment of three of their players to collegiate hockey programs.
HEAD COACH/GENERAL MANAGER EXTENDED
Ron Kuhl recently accepted a two-year extension with the Dynamo. He will be at the helm for the upcoming season and the 2027-28 campaign.
Kuhl originally began as Dynamo’s Assistant Coach at the start of the 2025-26 season. However, a midseason shakeup to the coaching staff provided Kuhl with the opportunity to take the reins as head coach. New York finished with a 14-16 record under Kuhl’s tutelage, an improvement from a 6-16 start.
In 1993, Kuhl started coaching hockey in the New York’s Capital Region. He has spent the last 30-plus years coaching, instructing, and developing players at every age level from youth to pro. In 1997, he founded Excel Hockey Inc. and became an owner of the Hockey Hut Training Center in Clifton Park. Kuhl also delivered the 2001 National Championship to Hudson Valley Community College.
“I appreciate the faith that the ownership has placed in me to build this brand-new program,” Kuhl said. “We have a wonderful group of players returning from last year’s team, and we have a tremendous amount of new talent coming in. Our expectation is to win the league, and we are excited to get started and have a full offseason of planning and preparation. This program is going to be exciting for the community, and we are looking forward to long term success.”
ICE RINK REVAMPED
The Dynamo rebuilt Rink 2 at Capital Arena towards the tail end of their inaugural National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) season as part of a 42-day construction effort.
Overall, the construction fully renovated 17,000 square feet in Rink 2.
These types of investments have been an ongoing strategy from a busy two years under new ownership.
“The commitment by ownership to ensure we are a leading program in the NCDC was proven again by the arena upgrades,” said Kuhl. “Brand new second-level viewing areas, weight room, NCDC locker room, dasher boards, and benches with six-foot glass around the entire rink is incredible.”
The project broke ground on March 4, and the rink was completed on April 15.
THREE PLAYERS COMMIT
Three players from the Dynamo’s inaugural 2025-26 NCDC team have committed to collegiate hockey programs. Will McDonald heads to Beloit College, Eric Truesdell advances to Misericordia, and Louis Sweenor stays in-state at SUNY Plattsburgh.
McDonald, a native of Wisconsin, returns to his home state after a successful campaign. The 20-year-old forward paced the team with 52 games played and three powerplay goals. The right-hander was second in points (32) and goals (16).
Truesdell played 49 contests on the ice, compiling nine points (3+6). The Warnerville, New York, product collected an assist in two of New York’s three overtime victories.
Sweenor was second on the team in assists (26) and points (32) last season. The 19-year-old supplied the go-ahead goal in New York’s 2-0 win over the Springfield Pics on March 14 at Capital Arena, ending a scoreless tie with 4:56 into the third period.
“I really enjoyed my season playing for the Dynamo NCDC team — it was a privilege to be a part of starting something new,” Sweenor said. “It also gave me access to amazing people and coaches who helped push me to get better and take that last step to play college hockey. I am very eager to start my college career and couldn’t have picked a better place…to play [than] in front of my hometown.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will celebrate the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 16, with a special watch party at the museum. The free event will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The Preakness Watch Party will feature a food truck from Ted’s Fish Fry with food for purchase, as well as a cash bar with beer and wine and non-alcoholic options.
Brien Bouyea, the museum’s communications director, will lead a handicapping seminar and host a trivia contest between each race for the chance to win a prize.
Online pre-registration is active until May 16 at 12 p.m. Those who preregister will receive a free gift when they check in at the event.
Those interested in registering can do so here: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/Preakness-Watch-Party.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Healthy Kids Day—a free, family-friendly community event focused on fun, fitness, and healthy living—will take place at the YMCA’s Saratoga Springs branch at 290 West Ave on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event is open to the public, and families and children of all ages are welcome.
Healthy Kids Day features an afternoon of active and engaging activities including bounce houses, tennis, preschool and toddler activities, family Zumba and yoga, slime wars, a kids fun run, a floating obstacle course, and more. Community partners (including the Racing Museum, Saratoga PLAN, and the Saratoga Racers basketball team) will also be onsite sharing interactive activities and resources.
For more information, visit https://srymca.org/healthy-kids-day.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — “The Hayley Williams Show” recently unveiled its expansion across North and Latin America, which includes a stop at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Sept. 12.
The North American leg will feature support from Magdalena Bay and Rico Nasty, while singer-songwriter Annie DiRusso joins the lineup for Latin America and Puerto Rico. $1 from every ticket sold in North America will directly benefit REVERB & Support+Feed.
In the U.S., the tour uses Ticketmaster’s Face Value Exchange to help fans get tickets at the original price. Tickets will be non-transferable and can only be resold on Ticketmaster at face value. In New York, where laws prevent resale restrictions, tickets can be transferred but Ticketmaster will still honor Hayley Williams’ terms by keeping resale prices at face value on its site.
For the last few months, Hayley Williams has been touring her most recent album “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.” The tour has been a celebration of her critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated album, which she’s played in full each night. The full North American, UK and European tour legs sold out in seconds, and featured numerous surprise guest stars.
“The Hayley Williams Show” will feature material across all three of the singer’s solo albums, as well as some surprises.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, May 19 from 5 to 7 pm, Saratoga Arts will dedicate its main art gallery to the Dake Family and Stewart’s Shops.
Longtime supporters of Saratoga Arts throughout its 40-year history, the Dake Family and Stewart’s Shops most recently contributed $400,000 towards the arts organization’s $2 million building renovation.
“This instrumental gift has helped Saratoga Arts realize its next iteration as the community arts center for our region,” said Saratoga Arts.
CHARLTON — This spring, neighbors, families, artists, and first-time makers are gathering at Main Street Studio to build a cast of giant parade puppets celebrating the history and spirit of Harmony Corners, a historic hamlet in the northeastern corner of Charlton.
The puppets—which include four large square-dancing backpack figures, a fiddle player, giant strawberries, and a two-person cardboard buffalo—will march in the 2026 Charlton Founders’ Day Parade on Sunday, June 7.
The project is organized by Main Street Studio, a member-supported community craft studio located at 786 Charlton Road in Charlton, right on the parade route.
Unlike floats built behind closed doors, every puppet and prop in Main Street Studio’s procession is constructed by volunteers in open-community build sessions. Participants need no prior experience, just a willingness to cut, glue, sew, or paint alongside their neighbors.
“Whether you have two hours or the whole spring, there’s a place for you in this project,” said Jason Nemec, co-founder of Main Street Studio. “We’ve had kids, grandparents, experienced artists, and total beginners, all working side by side. That’s what makes it special.”
The build sessions are led by local artists Matt Paul, Maria DeAngelo, and Renee Johnson, who are guiding volunteers through papier-mâché sculpting, foam construction, fabric printing, and costume making. The puppets are constructed from recycled materials like newspaper, cardboard and foam, PVC pipe, fabric, and paper-mâché.
The parade entry’s centerpiece—a two-person cardboard buffalo—is a nod to one of Harmony Corners’ most cherished stories.
When the Harmony Corners Volunteer Fire Department purchased a 1929 Buffalo fire truck, completely overhauled it, and entered firematic competitions, that small farming community went on to win first place at the Central New York State Firematic Drill Team Association championship. The buffalo has been painted on Harmony Corners fire trucks ever since. This year, the department celebrates its 100th anniversary.
“How many people drive past the Harmony Corners firehouse and wonder why there’s a buffalo on the truck?” asked Nemec. “Creating these puppets is our way of making sure those stories don’t get lost.”
Remaining community build sessions are free and open to all ages; no experience needed. Saturday sessions continue on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on May 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. A Tuesday evening costume-making session with Renee Johnson is scheduled for May 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. All sessions are held at Main Street Studio at 786 Charlton Road.
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | Preview for Members only 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. General Public: Friday, 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, 12:15 – 4 p.m. For more information call 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.
Saturday, May 16
Annual Meeting of East Line Union Cemetery
Village of Round Lake Village Hall, Post Office Building, 49 Burlington Ave., Round Lake | 10 a.m. The meeting is open to all lot owners. All lots / gravesites should be neat and orderly in keeping with the overall nature and appearance of the cemetery by lot owners who are responsible for removing dead or wilted flowers, holiday decorations, etc. Donations to the cemetery for repairs and general upkeep are gladly accepted and can be sent to the East Line Union Cemetery, Inc. at P.O. Box 111, Round Lake NY 12151. For more information email EastLineUnion@Gmail.com or call Craig Tolosky, Sec.-Treas. at 518-888-4805.
Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tower
Camp Saratoga, Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Looking for a scenic view without having to climb a mountain? Come visit the Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tower, Saturday and Sunday. The fire tower is open, weather permitting. No registration is needed.
Art in the Park
Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public! Join us for our art fair. Over 70 artists participating in the event selling and discussing their work. The event will also feature live music and food! A dance performance by the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company at 12:30 p.m. Rain date is May 23.
ADK Tabletop Day
Sandy Hill Arts Center, Hudson Falls | 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. A one-day event open to people of all ages and skill levels, focused on modern board games, Role-Playing games, and more activities related to tabletop gaming. Special events this year will include a panel called “Gamemastering 101”, with tips and tricks for running games and a live roleplaying “Call of Cthulhu” event at 7pm. Additional highlights are Gamer Yard Sale tables, convention and gaming-related items for sale, and door prizes and raffles. Visit our website: www.adirondacon.com.
Genealogy and Local History
Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 1 p.m. Heritage Hunters will meet. JPV Oliver will lead the program, “George Washington & Saratoga: It’s Complicated.” John will take a humorous look at our 1st President and his involvement with Saratoga County. John has worked as a guide at the Saratoga County History Museum, is a former speech writer and publishes his musings every day at LoucheLife.substack.com. Program is free and the public is welcome. For info call 518-885-9309.
Ham Dinner
Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa | 4 – 6 p.m. Menu: Scallop Potatoes, veggie, roll and dessert. Cost for one is $17 and two for $30. Please call 518-885-1149, by Friday May 15 to reserve your dinner.
Preakness Stakes Watch Party
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7:30 p.m. Featuring a food truck from Ted’s Fish Fry with food for purchase, as well as a cash bar with beer and wine and non-alcoholic options. There will be a handicapping seminar led by Brien Bouyea, the Museum’s Hall of Fame and Communications Director, and Preakness trivia between each race for the chance to win a prize! FREE to attend! Receive a free gift with preregistration! Online pre-registration is active until May 16 at 12 p.m. Register: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/Preakness-Watch-Party. There are no physical tickets for this event. Pre-registered names will be on a check-in list at the door on the day of the event. Walk-ins are welcome!
Suye and Her Nieces: WWII on Mt. McGregor with Jackie Pardon
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 – 8 p.m. Japanese-born Suye [SEE-yay] Narita (1901-1984) was the live-in caretaker of Grant Cottage, Wilton, for many decades. During WWII, Narita was declared an “enemy alien” and placed under house arrest at the Cottage. After her sister died in a U.S. internment camp in Arizona, her nieces Frances and Nancy came to join her on Mt. McGregor. Will include a reading of an account of this time written by her niece, Frances Ogasawara. Register at brooksidemuseum.org.
Sunday, May 17
Breakfast Buffet
ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs | 8 – 11 a.m. All are welcome. Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. $11 adults, $10 seniors, $6 children 10 & under, children under 5 free, $13 take out orders. This will be our last breakfast until September.
All You Can Eat Country Breakfast
Gansevoort Fire House, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m. Menu includes: eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits with sausage gravy, orange juice, milk, and coffee. Donation: $12 adults, $10 Seniors 55+ and Military and 1st Responders, $10 children age 6-12, children under 6 yrs. old are free.
Monday, May 18
GLP-1s Demystified
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6 p.m. Taken a GLP-1 or curious? Join registered dietitian Emily Horstman for evidence-based strategies to optimize and protect your whole-body health while on these medications. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.
Tuesday, May 19
Pierogi Pick Up
Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Place your order for Potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese pierogi. You can call 518-363-0001 or email at ctspierogis@gmail.com.
Digital Skills Series: What is AI?
Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | Noon. Participants will explore the basics of AI, or artificial intelligence, through a live educational Zoom presentation presented by AARP Senior Planet. Following the presentation, library staff will lead an interactive discussion and demonstration of several popular online AI tools. Attendees will have the opportunity for hands-on practice and guided exploration of AI resources, along with time for questions and answers. The program is designed to help adults better understand emerging technology and how AI tools can be used in everyday life. This program is open to all adults. Registration is required and space is limited to 12 participants. To register or learn more, call 518-885-5022 or stop in.
Bokashi Composting Workshop
Pitney Meadows Community Farm, 223 West Ave., Saratoga Sprigs | 5:30 p.m. Discover how to transform everyday kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost using the Bokashi method—an efficient, low-odor system that’s perfect for apartments, small homes, or anyone looking for a simple, sustainable solution. Whether you’re new to composting or looking to expand your eco-friendly practices, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to get started right away.
Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center | 7 p.m. Our speaker will be Sarah Welch. She is the Saratoga County Fair Historian and will be telling us about the fair’s history. Please join us, all are welcome. Admission is free.
Wednesday, May 20
Pickin’s
The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Open to the public, free admission & ample free parking. Doors open 1 p.m. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call Earl 518-348-9922 with questions.
Chicken and Sausage Riggies 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, sausage, diced tomatoes in a pink sauce over penne pasta, tossed salad, and garlic toast. Dinner $15 (cash only).
Refashioning Saratoga, with Caitlin Sheldon
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 – 8 p.m. For anyone who has ever wondered what it would look like if the dresses in historical photographs came to life, this program explains how one such photograph of Saratoga Springs inspired a month-long recreation project. Covering the design and construction process, and revealing the finished garment and how it’s worn, this program on Victorian clothing will appeal to makers, history buffs, and fashion enthusiasts alike. Register at Brooksidemuseum.org.
The Town of Greenfield: A Forgotten Crossroads Film
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa 7 – 8 p.m. The Saratoga County History Center is pleased to announce the release of the fourth film in our Forgotten Crossroads series. The Town of Greenfield highlights the history, memories and aspirations of the community as brought to life through engaging conversations with twenty local residents. By focusing on the largest town in Saratoga County the film highlights the diversity of the resident’s experiences and expectations which are captured in the Town’s motto “Better TOGether.” Register at Brooksidemuseum.org.
Sky Gazing Party
Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 7:30 p.m. Join the Astronomy Club for a Sky Gazing Party. Bring your telescope or use one of ours. Come enjoy snacks and conversation while you view nature. This event is for all ages, and kids are encouraged to participate. Registration is requested at 518-882-6385.
Thursday, May 21
Community Night at Saratoga Outdoors
490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 8 p.m. The evening will feature Bikeatoga, who will be on-site sharing more about their mission and impact. 30% of all sales during this event will be donated directly to Bikeatoga. 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.
Plant This Not That
Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Over 200 Native Plant Swaps for a More Sustainable, Pollinator-Friendly Garden – Join Sustainable Saratoga and SoBro Conservancy for an upcoming book talk with author Elise Howard. Many traditional, non-native garden plants don’t support our bees, butterflies, birds, and other creatures. Native plants are more likely to thrive, because they evolved as part of the local ecology. They often require less maintenance and don’t depend on pesticides and fertilizers. This savvy guide will help gardeners that are ready to make the switch hit the ground running. For details, visit Northshire.com/event.
Community Blood Drive
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. That’s why St. Clement’s is on a mission to help save lives by hosting a blood drive on Friday, May 29 from 12 to 5 p.m. at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Senior Center Memorial Day Picnic BBQ
Friday, May 22 at 1:30 p.m. at the YMCA Pavillion, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs. 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 518-584-1621. 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.
Plant Sale
The Heritage Garden Club of Saratoga Springs is having a Plant Sale on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to sold-out. The sale will be held at the Italian American Center, 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs. There will be a wide variety of perennial plants, annuals, and several herbs available. The sale will also feature garden crafts made by members of the Heritage Garden Club. Come early for the best selections.
Pollinator Palooza
Join Sustainable Saratoga for Pollinator Palooza, a native plant sale and pollinator education event, on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (rain date May 31). Native pollinators (bees, butterflies, etc.) are in drastic decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Planting native plants provides essential food and habitat for native pollinators. It is often challenging to find native plants, but at Pollinator Palooza, you can shop our selection of over 30 native plant species at Oligny’s Country Gardens, 390 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd, Gansevoort. Just 10 miles from downtown Saratoga Springs.
Cash or check only.
25th Annual 4-H Scholarship Golf Classic
Hosted by the Saratoga County 4-H Leaders’ Association at the stunning Fairways of Halfmoon Golf Course! This event is not just about swinging clubs; it’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a day of golf while making a significant impact on our community’s youth. And don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned golfer—come as you are! We’ll pair you with fellow enthusiasts, ensuring you have a blast regardless of your skill level. Your participation is key, and together, we can make a huge impact! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Greg Stevens at the 4-H office at 518-885-8995 or grs9@cornell.edu. More information is also available at www.sc4H.org.
Annual Ladies of Charity Garage and Bake Sale
The sale will be held at the Italian American War Veterans, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs on May 31, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. A variety of items and baked goods will be available. Rain or Shine.
Spring Antiques Festival & Flea Market
The first Spring Antiques Festival & Flea Market is coming to the Clifton Park Elks, 695 MacElroy Rd, Ballston Lake, NY 12019 on Sunday, May 31, 9am-4pm. Spring vendors will be offering antiques & collectibles, crafts, and flea market items. Outdoor vendor spaces are still available. Food will be offered by the Elks and several vendors. There will be vendors inside and outside. This is a rain or shine show with free parking and no admission fee. For more information or to receive a vendor application, please email jshinaman@nycap.rr.com Facebook.com/fallantiquesfestival.
Christian Business Men’s Connection Luncheon
Join us on June 3, noon – 1 p.m. for the CBMC Saratoga Springs Luncheon, a highly anticipated in-person event that brings together business professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders from various industries. The VFW Post 420, located at 190 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, will be our gracious host for this gathering and Tinney’s Tavern will be catering for the event. Our guest speaker will be Daniel Marek, a health teacher in one of the largest and most acclaimed school districts in the capital region. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. For more information and to get your ticket, visit https://events.cbmc.com/register/saratoga-luncheon/28MNZS44N.
Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group
There will be no meeting in May for the Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group, but we will meet again on Monday, June 15 at 2:30 at The Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs. 518-584-1621. All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there. Please contact us with any questions:
Leader Gordon Blyth, gordonsblyth@gmail.com, 917-887-7980 or Co-Leader Marie Thorne, softballmom300@yahoo.com, 518-810-8483.
What can fireflies teach us about the future of community life, ecological stewardship, and the health of the landscapes we inhabit?
Open space advocate and SoBro Conservancy founder Tom Denny will explore that question Tuesday, May 26 at the Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn in a public presentation hosted by the Saratoga Torch Club.
Denny’s talk, “Got Fireflies? Thoughts on Partnering with Nature to Strengthen the Web of Life,” will describe how communities can work more thoughtfully with nature to create healthier, more connected communities.
The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a guided tour of the SoBro Triangle, the innovative ecological restoration and pollinator habitat that SoBro Conservancy established at 209 South Broadway in 2022. That will be followed by a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn and dinner at 6 p.m. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m.
One of Saratoga Springs’ leading voices for ecological restoration and civic stewardship, Denny has also helped lead efforts ranging from Sustainable Saratoga’s Tree Toga plantings to broader conversations on the Open Space Advisory Committee about Saratoga’s natural resources and open-space preservation in our Greenbelt.
At the center of his recent work is the once-vacant 0.2-acre gas station parcel at 209 South Broadway that SoBro Conservancy has been transforming into a vibrant ecological garden since it took ownership of the parcel in 2022.
SoBro Conservancy’s team of conservation advocates and volunteers has created one of Saratoga’s most visible experiments in community-led regreening. What had long been a barren scar along one of Saratoga’s busiest corridors is now alive with pollinators, birds, native trees and perennials, and public activity.
The project has become a model of civic partnership. Volunteers prepped and planted the garden beds and installed irrigation systems. BOCES students built a tool shed funded by Rotary. City agencies, nonprofits, local businesses, and residents have all contributed expertise, funding, labor, and imagination to the effort.
The result is a living demonstration of what Denny describes as working “with nature to strengthen the web of life”.
Using the presence — or absence — of fireflies as a symbol of environmental health and ecological balance, Denny will reflect in his remarks on the ways native landscapes, pollinator habitats, urban forestry, trails, and thoughtfully designed public spaces contribute not only to environmental sustainability, but also to human well-being and community identity.
Dinner reservations — at $40 per person — may be made by emailing Richard Lynch at torchman999@gmail.com by Friday, May 22, 2026, with your dinner selection. Menu options include Tortellini & Broccoli Alfredo or New England Crusted Cod.
To attend Denny’s presentation only, the suggested donation is $10.
The Moreau and South Glens Falls Historical Society, headquartered at Parks-Bentley Place in South Glens Falls, opens its 2026 season with a special video exhibition about Moreau and surrounding areas in the time of our nation’s Declaration of Independence. In addition, this summer’s exhibition will include a display of “History Mysteries” arranged throughout the Parks-Bentley house, which was erected in 1776 by Daniel Parks.
In addition to the video and exhibition, which will be on display throughout the summer, there will be an educational program focused on the Underground Railroad. This event, Escape to Freedom, is scheduled for July 18th at 12:30 pm and is free to the public. Attendees, especially children, will have the opportunity to participate in simulation of what it was like for slaves working on plantations and follows the slaves as they escape to freedom in the North. Also included is information found on Underground Railroad quilts and a visit to the hiding place in the main house where slaves might have stayed to escape capture.
Parks-Bentley Place is open to the public on Saturdays from noon – 4 pm from May 16 through mid-September. Features of the historic complex include the 1766/1830 house, an 1812 one-room schoolhouse, an 1800s tool shed and a fully equipped summer kitchen.
The Historical Society, housed at Parks-Bentley Place, also provides educational programming throughout the year. Groups interested in requesting a presentation are asked to call Nancy at 518-636-3856.
The Historical Society maintains its headquarters at Parks-Bentley Place at 35 Ferry Boulevard in South Glens Falls. This historic home is one of the three oldest buildings in South Glens Falls but is the only one open to the public. Free tours are available during open hours; donations are appreciated. Private tours are available for $5 per person (minimum of $75 for groups).
For more information about Parks-Bentley Place, visit the Society’s website – parksbentleyplace.org.
