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Live at UPH: The Outlaws, Brass Queens, Infamous Stringdusters, Hair of The Dog  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Universal Preservation Hall has announced a dynamic March lineup featuring four musical performances coming to Saratoga Springs. 

Kicking off the month, Southern rock icons The Outlaws will take the stage 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, bringing their classic Southern rock sound to UPH. With hits like “Green Grass & High Tides” and “There Goes Another Love Song,” the band has been a cornerstone of the genre since the 1970s. 

Next, Brass Queens bring their unique fusion of jazz, funk and pop 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8. This all-female ensemble is celebrated for its powerful brass arrangements and dynamic stage presence. 

The Infamous Stringdusters have redefined modern bluegrass with their innovative sound and storytelling prowess. They will be in the Great Hall 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13. Known for their intricate musicianship and engaging performances, the Grammy-winning group blends traditional bluegrass with contemporary influences.

Finally, Hair of the Dog will bring the festive spirit of Ireland to UPH with a hooley 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15. With their lively Celtic tunes and spirited performances, a perfect show for an early St. Patrick’s Day party. 

Tickets are on sale through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online by visiting atuph.org. Groups of 10 or more can get tickets by calling (518) 382-3884 x 139. 

Spa City Resident Named Executive Director at Opera Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Amanda Robie at Opera Saratoga. Image: Nua Photography Co.

SARATOGA SPRINGS  —Opera Saratoga has announced the establishment of a new executive leadership position. Amanda Robie, formerly the company’s Managing Director, has been appointed to the role of Executive Director. In this capacity, she will collaborate closely with the General and Artistic Director, as well as the Board of Directors, to shape and advance the strategic direction of the company.

A resident of Saratoga Springs, Robie began her career in opera as a mezzo-soprano, having studied voice at Bucknell University and The Boston Conservatory. A notable highlight of her performing career was her role as Cousin Hebe in Opera Saratoga’s 2013 production of H.M.S. Pinafore. In 2019, she joined Opera Saratoga as Managing Director.

“Amanda is an invaluable asset to Opera Saratoga, and both the Board and I are deeply appreciative that she has accepted this new leadership role,” Mary Birnbaum, General and Artistic Director said in a statement. “I am excited to continue our partnership and to work alongside her in shaping the future of Opera Saratoga, beginning with the 2025 Summer Festival, which will run from May 20 to June 29.”

For more information about Amanda Robie or subscriptions for Opera Saratoga’s Summer Season, visit our www.operasaratoga.org.

Mystifying Middle Schoolers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.



by Kate Morna Towne

“Mothering Boys”

Not only am I the mom of four former middle schoolers and one current middle schooler, but I’ve been teaching middle schoolers this year as well. I have been reminded of this article — which I wrote almost ten years ago — many times over the last few months and thought it might be helpful for some of you as well.

I read recently about two recent studies that focused on parenting middle schoolers (sixth- through eighth-graders) — one found that parents (especially mothers) of middle schoolers are more stressed than at any other time of their parenthood; the other said that parents’ confidence in their parenting abilities declines during the middle school years.* 

I hadn’t gone looking for information about parenting a middle schooler — an article discussing the two studies popped up in my Facebook newsfeed — but I felt like it made a little more sense of some things that have been going on here.

My two oldest boys are in this age range — one will be entering middle school next year, the other is going into seventh grade — and until this summer I’d been reveling in all the positives this new age brings. I watched my oldest boy navigate sixth grade last year — the first year of middle school for our whole family — and I was blown away by the huge, marked increase in independence in his academics and his real interest in and love for volunteering and community service, as well as increasingly interesting and fun conversational skills. I was already seeing those things when he stepped it up even more when my mother-in-law fell ill this past February — every Saturday for the last two months she was alive, my son tended to his grandmother by reading to her, washing dishes, staying out of the way if needed, and generally being a companion to my husband, who spent the entirety of every Saturday caring for his mom. My boy never complained, and seemed to really understand how important it was that he give his best.

But despite some really lovely behavior outside the house, my kids have always been prone to letting their standards slide when they’re in the comfortable environment of home. When my oldest was a toddler I remember asking the pediatrician why he was so well behaved outside the house and so hard to handle inside it? He told me then that it was because my son was comfortable at home — that we’d succeeded in creating the safe environment we always wanted our home to be for our kids, and so our boy knew that no matter how badly he behaved, we’d still love him. The first half of this summer was sort of like the middle-school equivalent of that, and I was so taken off guard that I wasn’t quite sure what to do. For better or worse, my gut reaction for every kind of bad behavior is to crack down, dole out punishments, and restrict privileges, with the goal of nipping bad behavior in the bud as quickly as possible. But not only did my usual course of action not seem to be working, I wasn’t even sure that it was the right approach in general. I’d seen in the last year the beginnings of the emergence of a man where my little boy had once been. I’d seen goodness and honor and integrity of a more mature kind showing itself. My way of dealing with small children seemed, all of a sudden, somewhat inappropriate for this fast-growing, quickly maturing young man.

What to do? About halfway through the summer, I felt that I’d had more than enough. I was at my wit’s end, I was tearing my hair out, I was yelling, I was crying … and then the most amazing thing happened! Just when I felt like things couldn’t possibly get worse (don’t laugh, you parents of older kids! I do know it can get worse), things all of a sudden got better. Like, a thousand times better. One hundred and eighty degrees better. 

All of a sudden, he started putting forth real effort to be patient with his brothers. To be accommodating to the ways in which I need things to run for smooth, peaceful days. To be self-sufficient and even proactive — he told me, for example, that for my birthday he was going to clean the front room. Cleaning and similar daily chores were one of the things we butted heads about the most at the beginning of the summer, and here he was, telling me he was going to do it on his own? Without prodding, pleading, or threatening? I admit I thought, “We’ll see,” and for the next week I did just that — I watched how every day he spent huge chunks of time doing the deepest of deep cleans. When it was done, we had a room that was immaculate — clutter-free, clean, cozy. Then he decided to move on to one of the bathrooms. Then I needed the other bathroom cleaned and asked if he would help me with it, and not only did he say yes right away, but he did more than what I asked.

The last half of this summer has kind of been like a dream! And I’ve made sure to tell him, as many times as I think of it, how grateful I am for all his attempts at helpfulness and self-control and good humor.

I’m not really sure what to expect going forward, which seems to basically be the idea with the middle-school age. The Wall Street Journal article that discussed the two studies described it thusly: “The turbulence that hits sixth- through eighth-graders often begins with the onset of puberty, bringing physical changes and mood swings.”* Turbulence, changes, mood swings, indeed.

I totally get it — I’m sure we all can, if we remember back to our own middle-school days. Remembering it’s not easy on the kids either is helpful! But I do know I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen so far, and the next time we hit a rough patch (as I’m sure you more experienced parents know will happen), I’ll spend a lot of time sitting in my clean front room trying to remember all the good things middle school can bring.

*Luther and Ciciolla. “What it feels like to be a mother: Variations by children’s developmental stages.” Dev Psychol. 2016 January; 52 (1): 143–154, and Glatz and Buchanan. “Change and Predictors of Change in Parental Self-Efficacy from Early to Middle Adolescence.” Dev Psychol. 2015 October; 51 (10): 1367-1379 as discussed in Shellenbarger, Sue. “Mom’s Middle-School Blues.” The Wall Street Journal. May 17, 2016; available at http://www.wsj.com/articles/moms-middle-school-blues-1463505537. 

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 20, 18, 16, 14, 13, 10, and 6. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

Kickstart Your New Year with Healthy Habits: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.


byDr. Matt Smith, DC

As the calendar flips to a new year, many individuals embrace the opportunity for renewal and self-improvement. The start of the year is an ideal time to reassess your health and well-being, setting actionable goals that can lead to sustainable lifestyle changes. Whether you aim to lose weight, increase your fitness level, or incorporate more nutritious foods into your diet, establishing healthy habits can significantly enhance your overall quality of life.

Here’s how to start off the new year on the right foot.

1. Set Realistic and Specific Goals

Your objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of vague goals like “I want to eat healthier,” aim for something specific like “I will incorporate two servings of vegetables in my lunch every day.” Divide your goals into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if you aspire to exercise more, start with 15 minutes of activity a day and gradually increase it as you build stamina.

2. Create a Balanced Nutrition Plan

Focus on incorporating whole, unprocessed foods into your diet. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats should form the backbone of your meals. Dedicate a portion of your week to planning and preparing meals. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of making unhealthy food choices onbusy days.

3. Establish a Regular Exercise Routine

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming, or cycling, find physical activities that you genuinely enjoy. This makes it easier to stick with a routine. Aim for a balanced workout regimen that includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises. This combination not only improves overall fitness but also keeps your routine interesting.

4. Prioritize Mental Health

Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine. These practices can help reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being. Consider reducing time spent on social media and screens, especially before bedtime. Instead, engage in activities that promote relaxation and self-care. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who encourage your healthy habits.

5. Get Quality Sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a calming bedtime routine, and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Make your bedroom conducive to sleep by keeping it dark, cool, and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains and white noise machines if necessary. Reduce caffeine intake in the hours leading up to bedtime and limit exposure to screens, as blue light can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

6. Monitor Progress and Adjust Accordingly

Keep a Journal: Document your meals, workouts, and emotional well-being. Journaling can provide insights into your habits, helping you see what works and what needs adjustment. Set a monthly check-in to assess your progress. This allows you to celebrate successes and make necessary adjustments to your plan. Understand that slip-ups are normal. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, focus on getting back on track with your healthy habits.

Starting the new year with healthier habits is not just about quick fixes or resolutions; it’s about cultivating a sustainable lifestyle that enhances your overall well-being. By setting realistic goals, focusing on nutrition, incorporating regular exercise, prioritizing mental health, ensuring quality sleep, and monitoring your progress, you can embark on a path toward a healthier, happier you. Remember, the journey to health is a marathon, not a sprint—embrace every step of the way!

Dr. Matt Smith has been a Chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for 36 years. He and his daughter Dr. Kevy Smith Minogue can be reached at 518-587-2064 or at MySaratogaChiropractor.com.

Developments Regarding the Corporate Transparency Act

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.



by Matt Dorsey

Multiple Court Cases Leave an Uncertain Landscape

In an article I wrote last February, I made note of Congress’ enactment of the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) on January 1, 2021.  The implementation of the CTA followed on January 1, 2024, when the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) promulgated a final rule detailing the filing requirements for the CTA.

As I noted in my article last year, the purpose of the CTA was to help protect our national security by giving the Treasury Department more information about corporate filings and the owners of companies who do business in the United States.  

The CTA requires certain business owners to file information with FinCEN with regard to their companies, however, last year the CTA was challenged in federal court in several states, including Alabama and Texas.

What happened in Alabama?

In the case of Nat’l Small Bus. United v. Yellen, a federal district court in Alabama held on March 1, 2024, that the provisions of the CTA were unconstitutional and could not be applied against the plaintiffs in that case.  That case, however, only applied to those plaintiffs and did not have nationwide effect.  

What happened in Texas?

In the case of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. Garland, a federal district court in Texas held that the provisions of the CTA were likely unconstitutional and issued a nationwide injunction against its enforcement.  Unlike the Alabama case, this injunction had nationwide effect and meant that companies were not required to file information with FinCEN.

Was the Texas case appealed?

Yes.  It was appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, where a motions panel of that Court stayed the nationwide injunction.  On December 26, 2024, however, only three days after the motions panel of the Court stayed the nationwide injunction, the merits panel of the same Court vacated the stay of the injunction, which meant that the injunction was back in effect.  What is the current status of the CTA?

After the merits panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated the stay of the injunction, the provisions of the CTA were no longer enforceable nationwide.  This is a temporary step, pending the Court’s later decision on the merits of the case.
What are the next steps in Court?

The federal government has submitted a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the nationwide injunction kept in place by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  Justice Samuel Alito, who handles emergency matters for the Fifth Circuit, has asked the plaintiffs in the Texas case to respond to the government’s request by today, January 10, 2025.

Why does all this matter?

The legal maneuvering regarding the CTA has been substantial and interesting (at least to lawyers) during the last year, but why does it matter to the general public?  It matters because the CTA requires information be filed for certain small businesses with FinCEN at the U.S. Treasury Department.  

When are the initial filings due?

For companies formed prior to 2024, the filings (prior to the nationwide injunction) were due by January 1, 2025.  For companies that were created in 2024, the filings were due within 90 days of when they were formed.  For companies that are created in 2025, the filings are due within 30 days of when they are formed.

What happens if a company does not file?

Penalties for willful noncompliance include civil penalties of $500/day while the violation continues and a criminal fine of up to $10,000 and/or two years in prison.

Who has to file and what is the process?

For answers to that question, I refer you back to my article published in the February 16, 2024 issue of Saratoga Today, which is available on-line.  In that article, I review the details regarding who has to file and the process involved.

Given the current uncertainty regarding the CTA, it is difficult to know what to do if you are required to file with FinCEN pursuant to the terms of the CTA.  FinCEN is currently keeping their filing portal open, so voluntary filings will be accepted if you wish to file.  Otherwise, if the CTA applies to you, you can await the outcome of the battle in the Courts – which has now made its way all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

When dealing with business compliance matters, it is always useful to seek counsel from attorneys who keep track of developments in the law.  This is advisable because failure to comply with CTA requirements, if they are reinstated, can result in significant fines and even possibly incarceration.

Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is a Shareholder with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. Over his twenty-eight 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.  

2025 Economic Outlook

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.



by Stephen Kyne, CFP
Sterling Manor Financial
for Saratoga TODAY

A double exposure image of skyscrapers with overlay of financial graphs, set against a blurred background, illustrating the concept of business growth

The markets in 2024 were dominated, largely, by AI/IT and the Fed. 

The S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 were up 23% and 25%, respectively. On the surface that may appear to suggest that stocks, in general, did very well, however a deeper dig shows that a huge share of returns were limited to a very few stocks.

The “Magnificent 7” stocks make up nearly 33% of the S&P 500 that you often see quoted, and nearly 50% of the NASDAQ 100, the other 493 and 93, respectively, make up the rest. Weighting in these indices is proportional to the size of the companies. If you flatten it out and take all 500 companies in the S&P at equal weight, you’ll find a return of only about 12% for the year, which paints a very different picture. Investors have plowed funds into these few names, at the expense of the broader market. 

Looking ahead to the new year, we are cautiously optimistic about US stock markets providing positive returns for 2025. Much will depend on the governing policies and priorities of the new administration, which we believe we’ll learn in rapid succession in the third week of January. 

It was announced by the President-elect that we’ll be re-naming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America”, as well as putting “substantial” economic pressure on Canada to surrender its sovereignty and become the 51st state. Once those very pressing issues are settled, maybe everything else will fall into place, and we can end this piece here. 

If only that were true…

Sideshows like these create unnecessary distractions and uncertainty for businesses and the markets. If there is one thing financial markets crave, it’s certainty. Volatility arising from this uncertainty is likely to affect domestic and international markets, as investors vacillate between bullish sentiment and defensive posturing. 

Word is beginning to circulate about a possible emergency declaration by the incoming President, which would give him extraordinary power to enact economic measures, which would continue to create uncertainty

It’s widely expected that we will see tariffs placed on imports from Canada, Mexico, China, and several other trading partners. The severity of these tariffs will determine to what degree they are inflationary and impact prices. In general, tariffs would be passed on to the consumer, and we believe companies will largely maintain their margins. If tariffs are too high, however, and the consumer capitulates, we have concerns about the longevity of the current bull market. 

Tariffs will likely be met with retaliatory tariffs, which could make US-made products comparatively more expense on foreign markets, exacerbating a situation already created by the strength of the US Dollar. The knock-on effect here may be cuts in production and a loss of US jobs. 

As discussed in last month’s piece, an immigration policy that would see the wholesale collection and deportation of undocumented workers would be incredibly disruptive to vital areas of the economy, especially agriculture and construction, and could weigh further on US markets. 

The election of Donald Trump has many assuming that the 2017 tax cuts will be renewed, as many are due to sunset and revert to their 2017 levels at the end of this year. We think this is probably a simplistic view, as the narrow majority in the House is comprised partially of fiscal hawks who are unlikely to blindly sign off on a set of tax laws which is expected to add more than $4.5 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion debt. 

This debate will happen, of course, only if and when Congress avoids default this year by raising the debt ceiling even further. The debt ceiling was temporarily suspended in June 2023, by the aptly named “Fiscal Responsibility Act.”

The Fed, which had the market waiting with bated breath for a rate cut for more than a year, finally gave in last year and reduced rates by 1% by year-end. It’s our belief that the Fed is unlikely to take any further action around rates until it has a firm understanding of the effects of new legislation and economic policies. We do not expect rates to come down dramatically in 2025, barring some economic or geopolitical calamity which necessitates it. 

In general, we believe there are more headwinds than tailwinds and that this year will be volatile, but overall positive for the US stock markets. We hope to see a healthy broadening of the market away from the “Mag 7” stocks; prudent fiscal, foreign, and domestic policy; and a Fed that continues to loosen. If those don’t materialize, we are optimistic that the US economy is on sound enough footing that it will win in spite of it all, but at the expense of international markets.

Remember that this piece contains forward-looking statements which are opinion, based on information currently available, and subject to change. As always, work closely with your Certified Financial Planner® professional to help ensure your financial strategy reflects your needs and the realities of the economic landscape, whatever they may be.

Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs.

Sterling Manor Financial, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide tax or legal advice, nor is it a third-party administrator. Consult your attorney or accountant prior to implementing any tax or legal strategies.

Week of January 10 – January 16 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

    This weeks events

jan. 10-16

Friday,
January 10

Intergenerational Drum Circle

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Beat the winter doldrums away in this free-flowing, drum circle. Bring your own drum. Library drums may be available. All ages are welcome! Register each person online or by calling 518-584-7860, ext. 304. Please note: Register each person and for each session online separately: February 14 – Pre-Flurry Festival Drum and Dance Celebration with M’Bemba Bangoura * Note this program begins at 4:00 PM

Saturday, January 11

Free Lunch

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

Full Moon Winter Party

Brookhaven Winter Park, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., Greenfield | 6 p.m. This is a fundraiser for the park. The $10 cost overs the cost of a cocktail of your choice at the bonfire from The View Restaurant. Guests will walk, snowshoe or ski along a lit path to a large bonfire on the golf course. Snowshoe and ski rentals are available the night of the event at our ski shop. The fun conti8nues after with live music and specials at The View Restaurant. No registration is required. Brookhaven Winter Park is the Town of Greenfield’s free Nordic ski and snowshoe park. This year the park added a winter rental and gift shop, Thursday through Sundays. Guests may rent both Nordic skis or snowshoes on a first-come, first-serve basis. The park features seven cross-country trails and two snowshoe loops, a total of 20 kilometers of trails.

Sunday,
January 12

All You Can Eat Breakfast

Gansevoort Volunteer Firehouse, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m. Menu: Eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits, sausage gravy, orange Juice, milk, and coffee. Donations: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors 55+, $10 Military and 1st Responders, $8 Children (age 6 – 12) Free kids under 6. 

The Capital Region’s Premier Wedding Show

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Join us for an unforgettable day filled with wedding inspiration, expert advice, and amazing vendors. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, groom, or part of a wedding party, this event is the perfect place to plan your dream wedding. Discover the latest trends in wedding fashion, decor, and more. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet top wedding professionals and make your special day truly unique. The event is free. 

Monday,
January 13

Intro to Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2:30 p.m. Curious about AI? Learn the basics of ChatGPT, how AI is used today, what its limitations are, and how it will shape the future. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Tuesday,
January 14

Bokwa Dance Moves

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Bokwa is a unique Dance Cardio fitness program that accommodates people of all ages and fitness levels. Participants dance structured movements based on letters and numbers and move to the sounds of popular music. No set choreography to learn. If you love to dance (like nobody’s watching), you will love Bokwa. If you can walk, you can do Bokwa. Get fit and have fun! Everybody can do Bokwa! Please register online, www.sspl.org. 

Wednesday, January 15

Academy for Lifelong Learning 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 Siri Allison presents, “I Didn’t See THAT Coming”. Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 12. If Saratoga Springs city schools are closed due to weather, that presentation will be postponed until February 19. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning or for a complete lineup of storytellers, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or call 518-290-6988.

Stuffed Shells 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: Stuffed shells, meatballs, sweet sausage, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for $15.00 (cash only). 

Astronomy Club 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway |6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Rich Horsch will present “Choosing a Telescope: First or Next.”  This group is open to adults and teens (middle school and older).  Registration is requested, but not required, by calling 518-882-6385.

Thursday, January 16

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. Register on our website www.wiltonpreserve.org or by calling the office at 518-450-0321. Our programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to weather.

Bingo

Town of Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | 1:30 p.m. Join the Ballston Area Seniors for Bingo every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Open to the public. Ask about becoming a member for only $15 for the year. Applications are online at ballstonmiltonseniors.com. 


Upcoming events:

Hannaford Reusable Bags Program to Benefit Academy of Lifelong Learning

By making a $2.50 community bag purchase, shoppers give a $1.00 back to a local nonprofit selected monthly by store leadership at 95 Weible Ave. location. Founded in 1992, the Academy is a nonprofit, membership organization whose members share a love of learning. A self-funded entity, A.L.L. is designed to offer lifelong learning and comradery among seniors. A.L.L. offers spring, fall and winter courses, Special Interest Groups, (SIGs) and special events that are held throughout the year. For more information, contact the Academy at 518-290-6988, email jeff@allsaratoga,org, or go to www.allsaratoga.org. 

Southern Saratoga County Art Exhibits

SSAS will be hosting Art Exhibits throughout the area. The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., will show a “Gentlemen’s Art Exhibit” featuring artists and members of SSAS, Brian Skanes, David Mayack, Frank Coletta, John Morrette and William Daisak during the months of January and February 2025. Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, will show the artwork of SSAS member and artist, Jane Morrison, during the month of January 2025.   Stop in and view these amazing artists. For further information about SSAS, visit: southernsaratogaartist.com

MLK Saratoga’s Annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend

The weekend kicks off Friday, January 17. This year’s theme is inspired by a 1967 speech Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave in Atlanta, GA. titled “Where Do We Go from Here?” Friday night Kickoff Party – a free evening of food, music and performances, hosted by Emcee Bakari Grady-Willis. There will be workshops, children’s programming, a Sunday Gospel service, exploring Restorative Justice, film screening and a special tribute to Odetta by Gina Coleman and Misty Blues at Caffè Lena, volunteer projects, and Monday afternoon’s Community Celebration, featuring a keynote address by author and Skidmore professor Dr. Tammy Owens, with inspirational music by Soulist Garland Nelson. Something for everyone.  Visit mlksaratoga.org for event details and updates.

Winter Concert Series: String Theory Trio

The String Theory Trio is a newly formed ensemble comprised of three friends, Brian Mooney, Dana Probeyahn-Smith, and Kathryn Tomlin who recently began exploring the repertoire that exists for two violins and a cello. They will be performing in the Long Room at The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa, on Saturday, January 18 at 3 p.m. The concert is open to the public and free, though donations are always appreciated, either online or at the event.

Prepare for Planting 2025 ReLeaf Workshop

Saratoga County 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd., Ballston Spa | 8:30 a.m. Check-In, Program begins at 9 a.m. Join the Eastern Adirondack ReLeaf Committee on January 22 for a half-day workshop on how to plan for your planting project. Attendees will learn how to find funding for planting projects, engage communities in planting trees, plant the right tree in the right place, and more. Program speakers are Christina McLaughlin – NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Duane Dickinson – National Grid and Caroline Rothaug – Sustainable Saratoga. Register: https://nysufc.org/releaf-workshops/. General public $20. Registration closes on January 17. 

America 250: The Ballston Connection 

A Documentary – A committee representing the Town of Ballston, Saratoga County has produced a documentary celebrating the Town’s role in the history of the American Revolution. “America 250: The Ballston Connection” will be screened at the Ballston Community Library, 2 Lawmar Lane, Burnt Hills at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 23. The program is free and open to all. It’s an opportunity to learn about the local heroes and, yes, the villains, of Revolutionary times!

Sheriffs Take Dip in B-Spa Pool

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


The day after Christmas, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team used the Ballston Spa School District swimming pool to conducted training exercises focused on underwater safety drills and search patterns for evidence recovery. Photo via the Saratoga Sheriff’s Office.

Empire State University Launches Online Spanish-Language Business Degree Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Monday, Empire State University announced the launch of SUNY’s first Spanish-language online degree program, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). The university will welcome its first cohort of students into this program in Fall 2025.

Developed in partnership with SUNY, Empire State University’s Spanish BBA program will be taught fully online and entirely in Spanish, with wraparound student supports, such as financial aid, accessibility, and tutoring, offered by faculty and staff who are native or near-native Spanish speakers. The university has hired new faculty and staff to support this program.

The Spanish BBA, a 124-credit program, will mirror its English-language counterpart, covering a range of courses including marketing, financial accounting, management principles, and resource management. The program will also offer a selection of general education courses in Spanish, including courses in science, math, humanities, the arts, and history. The program has been reviewed and approved by SUNY and the New York State Education Department.

“As someone who moved to the United States in search of educational and economic opportunity, I take great pride in seeing Empire State University embrace diversity by launching our first degree program fully offered in Spanish,” said Provost Rai Kathuria in a news release. “As New York’s only public online university, we are uniquely positioned to serve Spanish-speaking students regardless of where they live.”

For more information on the program, visit www.sunyempire.edu/president/spanish-bba/.

B-Spa Universal Prekindergarten Enrollment Begins Next Month

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District will begin enrolling students for its Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Program for the 2025-2026 school year next month.

The online registration form will be available on the district’s UPK web page beginning at 8 a.m. on February 10. The application deadline is March 28. Children who reside within the school district and are four years of age on or before December 1, 2025 are eligible.

In the event that there are more applicants than available spaces, all complete applications will be included in a random lottery that will be conducted at the close of the enrollment period. Those not selected in the lottery will be placed on a waiting list. All families who submit a timely application will be mailed acceptance/declination letters after the lottery. All complete applications received after the March 28 deadline will be placed on a waiting list in the order in which they are received. 

For additional information, visit the district’s Universal Prekindergarten Program web page at www.bscsd.org/departments/curriculum-instruction/2025-2026-universal-pre-kindergarten-program.