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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Tissue Manufacturer Moving HQ to Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


The site of Morcon Tissue’s future corporate headquarters: 18 Division Street in downtown Saratoga Springs. Photo via Bonacio Construction. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Morcon Tissue, a manufacturer of napkins, towels, tissues, and other paper products, is moving its corporate headquarters to downtown Saratoga Springs.

The Albany Business Review first reported the news last month.

Morcon, which recently added restaurant chains Applebee’s and IHOP to its client list, will relocate to a 5,000-square-foot office at 18 Division Street. The company is currently hiring for several positions that will be based in Saratoga. 

Frameology Optical Opens in Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Frameology Optical celebrates its expansion to Saratoga County during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at its new 426 Maple Avenue location in Saratoga Springs. Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Blo Blow Dry Bar Location Opens in Clifton Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

CLIFTON PARK — Blo Blow Dry Bar, which bills itself as the world’s largest blow dry bar franchise, opened a location in Clifton Park at the end of January.

Located at 22 Clifton Country Road, the new bar will offer guests five signature styles on its hair menu, a la carte options, a variety of hair treatments, plus five signature makeup looks and a brand-new section of customized looks.

The new bar is owned and operated by local entrepreneur Carrie Faden. Faden is a former stay-at-home mom who dedicated years to raising her three daughters before diving back into the business world.

“From the moment I experienced Blo myself, I knew it was the perfect fit,” Faden said in a statement. “It combines my love for beauty with my desire to create a welcoming space where everyone feels pampered and uplifted. I can’t wait to share this experience with our guests and make Blo a beloved part of our community.”

Blo Blow Dry Bar is open Monday through Saturday (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Spa Catholic Hires New Chemistry Teacher

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo of Lou Marino via the Saratoga Catholic Central School.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic School announced on Monday that it has hired Lou Marino as their next chemistry teacher, starting in September 2025. 

Marino is a certified chemistry and biology teacher who has dedicated 26 years exclusively to teaching chemistry. He’s a veteran of Guilderland High School, where he taught science classes and coached a variety of sports, including football, bowling, baseball, and softball. Marino holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Master of Arts in teaching from Union College.

B-Spa Science Olympiad Team Headed to State Competition

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Members of the Ballston Spa High School Science Olympiad team pose with their medals after competing in the Capital Region Science Olympiad Tournament. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa High School Science Olympiad squad recently placed 3rd out of 19 teams at the Capital Region Science Olympiad Tournament. The successful finish qualifies them for the New York State competition at LeMoyne College on March 21 and 22. 

Ballston Spa students won medals in 18 out of 22 events and finished first twice. The first-place medal winners and their respective events include Lucas Guest and Tina Marie Mullins in “Anatomy & Physiology,” and Kayleigh Cassels and Molly Kaatz in “Bungee Drop”.

The Science Olympiad tournament is a rigorous, academic, interscholastic competition that consists of a series of individual and team events. The events are balanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers, and technology.

February 7 – 13, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, February 7

Waldorf School Open House

Lower and Middle School, 62 York Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 4 – 5:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org. 

10th Annual Chocolate Fest

Village of Ballston Spa, Various Locations | 5 – 9 p.m. Treat yourself to an evening of chocolate delights, hosted by the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA)! Participants will prepare small, sample-sized offerings for festivalgoers to taste and vote on as they explore the village. Whether you’re a restaurant, bakery, or culinary artist, this is your chance to showcase your chocolate-inspired creations in one of three delectable categories: Dessert (Sweet), Savory, and Chocolate Beverage. Entries from local chefs, bakers, chocolatiers, and businesses to be part of this year’s event are invited to participate. For more information, check us out at our website  www.ballston.org. 

Matilda the Musical

Maple Avenue Middle School, 515 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs | 7 – 9:30 p.m. 

The Maple Avenue Musical Club proudly announces its production of Matilda! Featuring 73 talented middle school students, this heartwarming show promises to captivate audiences of all ages with its inspiring story, vibrant music, and lively performances. Additional performances: Saturday, February 8: 1 & 7 p.m. Adults $10, Students and children $5. Purchase tickets online or at the door. 

Carnegie Hall Ensemble Connect Residency Performance 

Skidmore at Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall, Arthur Zankel Music Center, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m. Ensemble Connect, a group of the finest young professional classical musicians based out of Carnegie Hall, celebrates its 18th year.  Concert Program: SCHUBERT |”Quartettsatz” in C Minor, D. 703, KATHERINE BALCH | musica spolia (arr. for chamber ensemble; NY Premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall), KATHERINE BALCH | musica nuvola (NY premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall), LUCIANO BERIO | Ricorrenze for Wind Quintet,  BEETHOVEN | Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20. Visit the Arthur Zankel Music Center website for ticket details.

Saturday, February 8

Book Fair 

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. -4 p.m. St. Paul’s Christian Childhood center is holding an early childhood book fair, from I55 Book Fairs. Come shop a large selection of popular titles for the youngest book lovers. Proceeds from the fair go directly towards books for our classrooms. There will be a Used Book Sale running simultaneous, hosted by St. Paul’s Missions Team. Shop a large selection of donated books for adults and students alike. Proceeds from the Used Book Sale will benefit efforts to assist local service organizations. 

Camp Saratoga 8k Snowshoe Race

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10:30 a.m. If there is no snow and is at all possible, we may have a trail race instead. Go to www.saratogastryders.org to download an application or link to online registration at www.runsignup.com. A limited supply of Dion Snowshoes will be available at a $5 rental charge.  Email Laura Clark at laura@saratogastryders.org to reserve a pair or phone 518-581-1278. For information about the entire Dion Snowshoe Series and for snow updates visit www.dionwmacsnowshoe.com or on Facebook Dion WMAC Snowshoe Series. 

Glens Falls Vegan Festival 

Charles R Wood Theater, 207 Glen St., Glens Falls | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. A joyful, inclusive celebration of plant-based food and the vegan lifestyle. The public is invited to stop by this free event, enjoy some music, try some vegan food (including a French fry food truck) and learn about the vegan lifestyle. Offerings will include falafel, chili, cornbread, mac and cheeze, pizza, desserts, fries, and more. This is for anyone who is or isn’t vegan and is a cozy, intimate festival indoors. www.glensfallsvegan.com

Free Lunch

 Malta Ridge Methodist Church, 729 Malta Ave. Extension, Malta | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. A Lunch will be served at no charge.  All lunches include soup, a sandwich, beverage and dessert.  All are welcome. For additional information or directions please call the Church at 518-581-0210.

Winter Concert Series: Lark Strings

Long Room at The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa | 3 p.m. Led by Distinguished Artist-in-Residence at Skidmore College, Michael Emery, and including Jessica Belflower, Stephani Emery and André Laurent O’Neil. Lark Strings plays composers like Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart alongside the rock musicians they influenced. Each member excels in their own careers as musicians, from professionally training students to performing at world-renowned venues. Open to the public and free, though donations are appreciated, either online or at the event. Registration is strongly encouraged as we anticipate a high attendance rate for this event and seating is limited.  www.brooksidemuseum.org

Scavenger Hunt & Bonfire 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Stop by the Winter Lodge and pick a scavenger hunt flyer to complete while walking on the trails! Bring it back to the lodge for a small prize and enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa around the fire!

26th Annual Chowderfest

70 Local Establishments, Saratoga County | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This family-friendly event invites attendees to sample delicious 4 oz. servings of chowder for just $2 each. In addition to savoring incredible chowder, downtown Saratoga Springs will host live entertainment and activities for all ages. From musicians to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For a full schedule of events, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/events/chowderfest/chowderfest-happenings/.

Sunday, February 9

Annual Souper Bowl of Caring Chili Fest

The Middle Grove Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd. Middle Grove 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Join us for our Annual Souper Bowl of Caring Chili Fest. There will be a wide variety of homemade chili for $7 per quart.  Proceeds to benefit The Little White Church Blessing Box – a 24/7 food pantry located in the front of the church building.  

Big Game Party

Gurtler Bros. VFW Post 420, 190 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m. Join us for the 59th Championship Game between the AFC and NFC football conferences! The fun features, potluck dishes, drink specials and more. Brink a dish to share. We are located at. For more information, call VFW Post 420 at 518-584-9686, Bertha at 347-661-1251 or Louise at 518-796-4066.

Excelsior Vocal Ensemble- Winter Spirits

Bethesda Episcopal Church, 26 Washington St, Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m. Come hear the Capital Region’s newest choral group: a small vocal chamber ensemble dedicated to the highest caliber performance of historic and majestic great works.  After a successful premier this past summer, we are proud to offer “Winter Spirits.”  This concert traverses the centuries and features the Motet Jesu, Meine Freude by J.S. Bach and two works by Ralph Vaughan Williams in the English choral tradition:  Mass in G Minor and Serenade to Music.  Andrew Burger, Artistic Director. Tickets are available at https://www.saratoga-arts.org/event-6040195. 

Monday, February 10

Get FREE Audiobooks on Your Phone 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 10 a.m. Learn how to use the library’s free resources to access audiobooks with Libby and CloudLibrary. We will also go over how to set up Bluetooth connection to your headphones or speaker. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

The Heritage Garden Club monthly meeting 

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Street, Saratoga Springs |Noon. The Heritage Garden Club is a nonprofit garden club devoted to promoting flowers and plants, and civic and environmental improvements throughout Saratoga Springs. Guest speaker will be Tom Denny founder of the nonprofit SoBro Conservancy he will be presenting a program on “Regreening the urban landscape, one parcel a time.”  

The meeting is open to the public.  New members are always welcome and “you don’t have to have a green thumb to join.” Interested in becoming a member? Contact Sharon Mayer 518-258-1511 

Heritage GardenClub.Org

Tuesday, February 11

Moonlight Hike

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6 -7 p.m. Are you interested in seeing the Preserve at night? View nature in a new light, as we walk the trails in moonlight. An unforgettable experience for all ages! Or join us on Wednesday, February 12, 6 – 7 p.m. 

Wednesday, February 12

Windows into Waldorf

Lower and Middle Grade School, 62 York Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 – 10 a.m. Learn about the unique Waldorf approach from a seasoned teacher, see student presentations, and tour our school. For more information, visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org. 

Winter Storyteller Series

Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase. Storyteller Mary Murphy presents, Stories from a Baby Boomer. This is the last presentation in the 6-week series. If Saratoga Springs city schools are closed due to the weather, the presentation will be postponed until February 19. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or call 518-290-6988.

Chicken Parmesan Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: Chicken Parmesan, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. $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-16/

Thursday, February 13

Bog Meadow Trail Walk

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail – Meadowbrook Rd. entrance| Saratoga Springs| 10 -11 a.m. Take a walk to learn new information about the sights and sounds of one of your favorite Saratoga PLAN trails. Learn about the amazing ecology of a wetland and a forest habitat in the deep winter.

Regenerate Your Soil 

Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St. Ballston Spa | 1 – 2 p.m. Join the members of The Ballston Spa House & Garden Club for a wonderful program, ‘Regenerate Your Soil’ presented by Genoveffa Vitale, Vice President of Wild Ones of the Capital. The public is welcome. Learn about the process of restoring and enhancing the health, fertility and biodiversity of soil. We’ll discuss various methods that help to rebuild soil structure, increase organic matter content, improve water retention, and promote beneficial microbial activity, leading to healthier plants and ecosystems.

BINGO 

Town of Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 1:30 p.m. Play bingo with the Ballston Area Seniors, every Thursday. Open to the public. 

Credit Management for Young Adults and Their Parents 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway |6:30 p.m. Before taking out credit, it’s important to learn how it works and how to manage it properly.  This program is for parents and their teens who may be ready to apply for their first credit card or take out student loans.  Presented by the NYS Division of Consumer Protection.  Please register by calling 518-882-6385.

February 7 – 13, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Hoffman Carwash Fundraiser

Show Your Car Some Love this month and support Gateway House of Peace. Car wash vouchers will be on sale for the whole month of February. The vouchers will be emailed directly to you and can be scanned at the car wash! A portion of ticket sales will directly support our mission. Exterior wash: $14, full service wash: $44. Hoffman Car Wash operates 3 Full-Service Facilities in Colonie, Clifton Park, and Latham. http://www.hoffmanhelpinghands.com/fundraisers/GHOP

The 37th Annual Flurry Festival 

A multicultural bonanza of music, dance, and song. Held at the Saratoga Springs City Center and other nearby venues on February 14-16. Full or partial weekend tickets can be purchased online through February 7 or throughout the weekend at the door, with discounts available for seniors, under age 26, and military. Scholarship tickets are available for those in need, and children 12 and under are free. Learn more about the 2025 Flurry Festival and view performers and schedules at www.flurryfestival.org.

Genealogy and Local History

Heritage Hunters meet Saturday, February 15, at 1 p.m. at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St. in Schuylerville. “The Kathan’s of Saratoga County” will be presented by John Scherer, Town of Clifton Park Historian. Learn about Captain John Kathan (1702-1787), a Scotch Irish settler and Indian trader, who settled with his family in the Sacandaga Valley in 1820. Many offspring of the Kathan families still thrive in Saratoga County today. John Scherer is also Senior Historian Emeritus at the New York State Museum, and author of numerous books related to area history. He is descended from the Kathan’s. The public is welcome. For information, call 518-885-9309.

Showcase Fundraiser

Capital Region Festival of Theaters & Hubbard Hall Theater Company Showcase Fundraiser

Sunday, February 16, 2 – 4 p.m. at Hubbard Hall, located at 25 East Main Street, Cambridge. Join us for this special fundraiser event featuring scenes, songs, and surprises from upcoming productions by local theaters. Celebrate the vibrant theater community of our region while supporting the first annual Capital Region Festival of Theater and the revival of the Hubbard Hall Theater Company, marking the exciting return of community theater to Hubbard Hall. For more information, visit https://hubbardhall.org/event/crft-showcase-fundraiser/

February Break Drama Camp

Join Elyse Young for Drama Camp at the Malta Community Center, located at 1 Bayberry Rd., Malta. For ages 10-15. Activities include acting exercises, theater games, improvisation, vocal techniques, creative movement & dance, character analysis and arts projects! Campers will also rehearse and perform, complete with costumes and set pieces, on the last day of camp. Tuesday – Friday, February 18 – February 21; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. www.maltaparksrec.com or Malta Park & Recreation 518-899-4411.

Art in Public Places

Various Locations in Saratoga County | Art in Public Places is a Member-Exclusive program featuring art exhibitions online and in various locations around the Capital Region. This program gives local and regional artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their work while exhibiting in publicly accessible spaces. Visit these locations to throughout the area: Friends of the Saratoga Springs Library Café, Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, Saratoga Springs Public Library, Town of Ballston Community Library, Clifton Park Halfmoon Library, Saratoga Springs Train Station, and Country Corner Café. To view online visit www.saratoga-arts.org/Art-in-Public-Places  All artworks are for sale and can be purchased online or over the phone at 518-584-4132.

Brookmere Wedding Showcase 

Network Saratoga partners with Brookmere, 500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, in presenting the “Brookmere Wedding Showcase” on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This premier event presents the opportunity for engaged couples to explore Brookmere’s luxurious venue and enjoy stunning displays while connecting with top industry wedding professionals who will offer exclusive planning resources. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. To register, visit www.brookmere wedding showcase.com A show entrance fee of $10 per person will be collected with online registration prior to the show and a fee of $15 per person will be collected at the door.

Concert of Sonatas 

Saratoga Chamber Players celebrates the return of Artistic Director and violinist Jill Levy.  She is joined by pianist Margaret Kampmeier for a concert of Sonatas on March 2, 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue.  The program will include duos for violin and piano by Johann Sebastian Bach, Francis Poulenc and Robert Schumann. Tickets are available at www.saratogachamberplayers.org. Seniors $25, Adults, $30 and Students $20. The concert is supported in part by the NY State Council of the Arts with the support of the NY state Legislature, the office of the Governor and many individual supporters.

Community Rummage Sale

Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church is hosting a Community Rummage Sale, Soup and Chowder Sale on Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at 768 Charlton Road, Charlton. If you’d like to make space and get rid of some items not being used, come sell them!  Rent a table and space for $15.00.  for information or to rent a table/space email:  office@charltonfreehold.org or call 518-399-2873. Savory soups and chowder prepared in the church’s kitchen will also be available for sale.

Looking for Unique Vendors & Artisans

Ballston Area Seniors are gearing up for their Annual Bazaar on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Held at the Town of Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. What is your specialty? Pickles, Relishes, jams & jellies, or any handmade crafts are appreciated and welcome. We are looking for you to join us. Indoor spaces—8’Wx6’D are $ 30.00 indoor only are (first come, first serve basis and electrical outlets indoor are limited.) Outdoor spaces—12’Wx10’D are $ 25.00. To receive an Exhibit Contract and a Town of Milton agreement contact the Bazaar Vendor Coordinator Sue Heimburg we can e-mail out contracts. Sheim381@aol.com or Call—518-885-8037 / text message

Flurry Festival to Bring Thousands of Music and Dance Enthusiasts to the Spa City Feb. 14-16

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A multicultural bonanza of music, dance, and song lands at the Saratoga Springs City Center and other nearby venues on Feb. 14-16, for the 37th Annual Flurry Festival.

Over the course of the weekend, thousands of attendees from near and far will be immersed in dozens of traditional dance and music genres, including swing, blues, contra, square dancing, Cajun, Zydeco, English country, Balkan, Scandinavian, Latin, waltz, Scottish, fusion, hip-hop, international, Irish, balfolk, African, Appalachian, Asian, Crimean, and Haitian.

Friday afternoon begins with pre-festival Intensive workshops in Swing and Latin dance styles, for a few hours of focused classes. The main event kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday evening with this year’s new “Discovery Hour,” an array of 101 classes in which attendees can immerse themselves in learning a new style. 

The weekend continues with nonstop instruction and participatory dancing, including techno contra and fusion dances running into the early morning hours. 

Along with dancing, the festival features jam sessions, concerts, dance demonstrations, sing-a-longs, storytelling, yoga, instrumental and educational workshops, and teen showcases and jams. From medieval instrument demonstrations to hip-hop classes, anyone who enjoys music will find something unique to try out.

Saturday’s family programming will be free and open to the public at the Saratoga Springs Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and will include storytelling, maker activities, world dance, and music-making, with family concerts, singing, dancing, and activities continuing throughout the weekend.

The Flurry welcomes beginners and people of all ages and abilities, and instruction is offered at multiple levels. 

Full or partial weekend tickets can be purchased throughout the weekend at the door. Learn more about the 2025 Flurry Festival and view performers and schedules at www.flurryfestival.org. 

Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson to Perform at SPAC in August 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Bob Dylan returns to Saratoga Springs this summer. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Wilco, Lucinda Williams, and Waylon Payne will perform at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Aug. 2 as part of the 10th anniversary Outlaw Music Festival Tour. 

Since its 2016 inception in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the Outlaw Music Festival, led by Willie Nelson, has united music legends with current-day superstars in celebration of the outlaw spirit and genre-defying music. Artists have included Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, John Fogerty, John Mellencamp, Luke Combs, Neil Young, Phil Lesh, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Sheryl Crow, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, and others. 

This year’s milestone tour kicks off May 13 and will include 35 stops across 22 states.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, Feb. 7, via http://OutlawMusicFestival.com and http://ticketmaster.com. VIP packages will also be available.

Excelsior Vocal Ensemble Present “Winter Spirits” in Saratoga Springs Feb. 9 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS— The Capital Region’s newest choral group will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 at Bethesda Episcopal Church, 26 Washington St., Saratoga Springs. 

The small vocal chamber ensemble will present “Winter Spirits,”  a concert that traverses the centuries and features the Motet Jesu, Meine Freude by J.S. Bach and two works by Ralph Vaughan Williams in the English choral tradition. 

General admission is $25. For more information, go to: www.saratoga-arts.org.