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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Week of October 25 – October 31, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events:   oct. 25 – 31

Friday,
October 25

13th Baskets for Ben – Ben Osborn Memorial Fund  

Queensbury Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6196, 32 Luzerne Rd., Queensbury | 6 p.m.  The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund is a 501 C3 charity created in memory of CPL Ben Osborn killed in Afghanistan, to fund “children with need” in Saratoga, Warren, Washington and Essex Counties in conjunction with their school districts.   Enjoy our live auction, great company, delectable foods and desserts, entertainment and a cash bar for a $20 ticket!  www.benosbornfund.org; or call 518 792-4514.   

Open Mic Coffee House

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | 6 – 7 p.m.  Artists are asked to bring a selection of poetry, a short story, or music to share.  Sign-ups for five-minute time slots start at 5:30 p.m. at the library.  We ask that you limit your performance to 5-10 minutes to allow time for all to share their talents.  Light refreshments will be available.  Please call 518-882-6385 with any questions.

Reflections in Song – Canal Songs and Stories

Brookside Museum 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa | 7 – 8:30 p.m. George Ward, folklorist and singer, “Canal Balladeer”, will present a program of historical and personal songs and stories reflecting two hundred years of New York State’s canals and their people. Join George on a relaxing Friday night as he takes us back in time through the wistful voices of the past.  His performance will include songs he has performed at folk festivals, in concert halls and coffeehouses, canal side, and on tour boats for fifty years. This event is free to attend but donations are gratefully accepted.

Carnegie Hall Ensemble Connect Residency

Skidmore College, Arthur Zankel Music Center, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs |7:30 p.m. Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect returns for its annual October residency. Ensemble Connect, a group of the finest young professional classical musicians based out of Carnegie Hall, celebrates its 17th full season at Skidmore!  Visit https://www.skidmore.edu/news/2024/1010-ensemble-connect.php   for event details.

Saturday, October 26

Barnes & Noble Bookfair for the Academy for Lifelong Learning

Barnes & Noble, Wilton Square, 3029 Route 50, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Enjoy early holiday shopping for books, music & movies, stationery & gifts, toys & games – something for everyone on your list. Academy greeters will be on hand with vouchers and a free raffle. By presenting the voucher to your cashier, A.L.L. will receive a percentage of your purchases. 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.

After the Fire Donation Drive 

475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | Saturday and Sunday. Join us in supporting After the Fire with a donation drive. After the Fire aids families affected by fire in Saratoga County. See a list of needed items on our events calendar, www.cphlibrary.org. 

Barnes & Noble Bookfair for the Academy for Lifelong Learning

Barnes & Noble, Wilton Square, 3029 Route 50, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy early holiday shopping for books, music & movies, stationary & gifts, toys & games – something for everyone on your list. Academy greeters will be on hand with vouchers and a free raffle. By presenting the voucher to your cashier, A.L.L. will receive a percentage of your purchases. 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.

Holiday Craft Fair 

St. Edward the Confessor Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park. | 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Knights of Columbus Council 11064 is showcasing regional crafters and artisans for our indoor Holiday Craft Fair. The event includes raffle baskets, a light food concession, free parking and free admission.

6-Hour Live Defensive Driving

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Spring | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Save 10% on Auto Insurance for 3 years and reduce 4 points off record. 10-minute morning break and ½ hour for lunch – bring your own or step out.  No formal testing. Cost: $40 prepaid or $45 at door. Limited seating, please pre-register. A donation is given to the church. Call: 518-784-5009 or register online: www.facetofacecourses.com. Instructors: Victor Bujanow and Deborah Harpine. 

1780 Invasion Kiosk Opening

Trieble Park, Corner Rt 67 and Middleline Rd., Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. America’s Revolution in Upstate NY went well past the Saratoga Campaign in 1777. Join Reps from the Towns of Milton and Ballston, and Saratoga County, and members of the Saratoga Chapters of the DAR and SAR with Revolutionary War Reenactors at the open of this heritage site. The ceremony will include a color guard of the Saratoga Battle Chapter Sons of the American Revolution executing a musket fire salute in period uniforms.  This event and the new kiosk will draw attention to and educate the public about important people, places, and events related to the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.  For more information contact Michael Golden at mgolden1775@gmail.com. www.saratoga250.com

Ham Harvest Supper

Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville | 4 – 6 p.m. Menu: baked ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, squash, Dutch kraut, roll, and dessert. The cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children. Take-out reservations are recommended, and there will be limited indoor seating. Call 518-695-6638 to reserve your dinner. 

Sunday,
October 27

Indoor Craft and Garage Sale

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale. Admission is free. Over 40 vendors, great parking, bargains galore, and lunch.  A variety of shopping: necklace sets, earrings, body lotions, clothing, household items, knitted and crocheted gifts, hand-made items, antiques, vintage items, hand-painted rocks, food treats and more.  All proceeds go to our local charities.  An 8’ table and chairs are just $15.  Email Debbie at dozolins@nycap.rr.com  for information or to sign up for a table(s).  Applications in the Lodge lobby after 3 p.m. daily.  

Breakfast Buffet

ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs | 8 – 11 a.m. Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 children 10 & under (children under 5 free), $12 take-out orders.

Autumn Sunday Stroll: Summer Cottages of North Broadway

Meets: Northwest corner of North Broadway and Van Dam Street in front of Witt Construction | 10:30 a.m. Led by Executive Director Samantha Bosshart. Explore the beautiful architecture of these impressive homes and learn about the people who built and lived in them during Saratoga’s summer seasons. With the fall foliage as a backdrop, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy both history and scenery. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email shedge@saratogapreservation.org.

Monday,
October 28

Documentary: “America 250: The Ballston Connection”

Town Meeting Room at Ballston Town Hall, 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa | 6:30 p.m. This film recounts the stories of the heroes (and one villain) whose local actions played a major role in the American Revolution.  Open to the public.  For further information, contact Ballston Town Historian Rick Reynolds at rreynolds@townofballstonny.org or call 518 490 2730.

Tuesday,
October 29

An All-Poe Evening: History, Hauntings and Hysteria!

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 8:30 p.m. It starts with Saratoga Room Librarian/Archivist Michelle Isopo’s slide presentation on her recent exciting discoveries documenting Poe’s time spent in this area. Hang around for Librarian Katie Ranno showing a both scary and funny rendition of Poe’s “The Raven,” courtesy of The Simpsons, to be followed by the 1963 film “The Raven” with Vincent Price and Boris Karloff (more silly than scary!) There will be treats and some uncanny Poe-themed trivia! No registration required.

Wednesday, October 30

LifeWorks Community Action’s Weatherization Day 

315 Stone Church Road, Lot 46, Ballston Spa | 9 a.m. – Noon.  This event will showcase the essential services of our Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps low-income families improve their home energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance living conditions. The event will feature weatherization demonstrations, including air-sealing, window replacement, insulation, and more. Local and state government representatives will be in attendance, and media interviews with LifeWorks staff and homeowners will be available. Please RSVP by contacting Sharon Trzaskos at 518-683-2833 or sharon@borgosmarketing.com. We hope to see you there!

Meatloaf Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. For curbside pickup only. Call Monday and Tuesday between 10 a.m. and noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll, gravy. Dinner for $15 (cash only). 

Photography Club

Galway Public Library, Community Room 2112 East Street, Galway| 6 p.m.  This month Linda E. Eastman, editor of the Kitten Angels Calendar, will be presenting “Photographing your Pet,” where you will learn about posing, lighting, and setting the stage for photographing your animal friends. Anyone interested in photography regardless of their level of experience is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Thursday, October 31

Picturing History: A Primer for Understanding Fine Art during the Era of the American Revolution

Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 6:30 p.m. This program explores the different forms of two-dimensional 18th century artwork media, spurs awareness of pitfalls, and investigates shocking deceptions related to Revolutionary War drawings and paintings. Presenter Eric Schnitzer is a park ranger at Saratoga National Historical Park. Reservations required by emailing sara_reservations@nps.gov

Saratoga Veterans Chorus Rehearsal

American Legion Post 70, West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. All veterans of the Nation’s armed forces, including current active, Reserve, and Guard service members, are cordially invited to learn more about the camaraderie of choral singing in a “no audition” informal setting. Rehearsals are twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Choral instruction by a retired music educator. For more information contact Scott at 518 885-1326.

Upcoming events

Ski & Snowboard Movie Benefit: 75

Alpine Sport Shop in Saratoga Springs will host Warren Miller’s New Ski & Snowboard Movie 75, which celebrates 75 years of ski movies! Show time is Friday, November 1, at 7 p.m., at the Trombley Auditorium, Maple Avenue, Middle School, 515 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. Tickets are $15 purchased in store, in person at Alpine Sport Shop, 321 Clinton St. Saratoga Springs and $20 at the door, the night of the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  All profits will benefit Saratoga High School Alpine Ski Team and Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program.

Antique Fishing Expo

Saturday, November 9 at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Presented by the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club (NFLCC) at Holiday Inn 232 Broadway Saratoga Springs. $10 Admission, kids 12 and under are free. Largest Fishing Show in the Northeast. Items include Vintage Fishing Lures, Rods, Reels, Bobbers, Decoys, Files, Signs, Ephemera and more… For more information, visit https://nflcc.org

Annual Fall Bazaar

For the Benefit of the Ballston Area Seniors. Saturday November 9, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Town of Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. Come out and get into the holiday spirit. There will be vendors & crafters of all kinds. Country Café, Bake Goods, Crafter, Books & Puzzles, Thrift Room, 

A Quilt Raffle & 50/50 Raffle. Raffle featuring Baskets of assorted items & gift cards, & services.

You do not have to be present to win.

Sustainable Saratoga Open House

Sunday, November 17, 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library- Dutcher Community Room

Anyone interested in learning more about Sustainable Saratoga is welcome to attend. Find out about our committees in Urban Forestry, Pollinator Protection, Land Use, Zero Waste, and Climate and Energy. We will start with a presentation about each of our 5 committees, followed by a meet and greet session where you can talk with our executive director, board members, and committee members.

Saratoga Based Dance Instructor Wins “Dancing With The Capital Region Stars” Competition

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Liana Bonavitta and Johnny Martinez winning first place dance competition. Photo provided.

ALBANY — Saratoga based dance instructor, Johnny Martinez, won the “Dancing with the Capital Region Stars” Oct. 18. 

The event took place at the Desmond Hotel and featured professional partner dance instructors from the area paired with local celebrities and competing against each other.  The evening attendance was 400 strong and included a wide range of dances such as: Swing, Waltz, Salsa and Cha Cha.

Maritinez, co-director of Tango Fusion Dance Studio in Saratoga, was partnered with former local TV sports anchor Liana Bonavitta. They performed their award winning ChaCha to the song “ Shut Up and Dance.” Their first-place routine included theater jazz, hip hop, lifts and ChaCha of course. 

For more information about Johnny Martinez, go to – http://www.tangofusiondance.com.  

Musicians Of Ma’alwyck Making Saratoga Springs Debut Nov. 1; Work of Bach Nov. 4

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Musicians of Ma’alwyck Spa City debut.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Step into the dark allure of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries at 7:30 pm on Friday, Nov. 1, at Bethesda Episcopal in Saratoga Springs, with Musicians of Ma’alwyck’s Mayhem & Madness: Musical Intrigue from the 18th Century.

From music of Leclair, the reigning French violinist of the 1700s, whose 1764 murder was never solved, to Gatayes, guitar teacher of the unfortunate Marat, found stabbed to death in his bathtub, to instrumental arrangements from the madcap opera Martha of Flotow, Musicians of Ma’alwyck celebrates the season with a fun, irreverent and intriguing program. 

Bethesda Episcopal Church is located at 26 Washington St, Saratoga Springs. Tickets $25 per person. Go to: https://musiciansofmaalwyck.org/. 

A second concert, “A Bach Multimedia Extravaganza,” will take place at Bethesda Episcopal on Monday, November 4 at 7 p.m., features Brian Hoffman, organist, and the 1967 Baroque-inspired Casavant Frères pipe organ at Bethesda Episcopal. Brian Hoffman presents the works of J.S. Bach. For more information on this event, go to: www.brianhoffmanorganist.com. 

Known For Her Victorian Paintings & Scenes Of Saratoga Life: Karin Vollkommer Show Opens This Weekend

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CAMBRIDGE — Karin Vollkommer is having a show of her paintings at the Valley Artisan’s Market Small Gallery in Cambridge, with an Opening Reception 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.

Vollkommer started painting in 1976.  Her specialty was old barns and farms in the upstate New York area.  Her painting “1880 Billboards” was chosen for the 1978 Regional Art Show and was exhibited at the Albany Institute of History and Art. 

 In the 1980’s Vollkommer’s design work was featured at the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City and for the past 34 years she has painted many of the historic icons in Saratoga Springs. The artist’s paintings are recognized with a unique Victorian style from a bygone era.

“Paintings and Other Works” by Karin Vollkommer, will be on exhibit through Nov. 18 at Valley Artisan’s Market Small Gallery, 25 E Main St. Cambridge. Go to: https://www.valleyartisansmarket.com/. 

Saratoga Spa State Park, City of Saratoga Springs Recognized as Most Important Historic Spa Town in North America

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Bathrobe Walk at Saratoga Spa State Park. Photo provided.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The first-ever International Spa Heritage Festival drew hundreds of people to Saratoga Spa State Park for a series of events that took place Oct. 8 – 10.  

Event host Saratoga Spa State Park welcomed a delegation from the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), which represents Europe’s historic spa towns. 

During the event, the EHTTA scientific committee announced its recognition of Saratoga Spa State Park and the City of Saratoga Springs as the most important historic spa town in North America. 

The EHTTA scientific committee includes expert architects and professors from across Europe, including its president, Mario Crecente, a professor of Heritage Tourism Management at the University of Coruna (Spain) and founder of Crecente Asociados, a company specializing in activating and creatively using heritage resources for tourism. 

Crecente, NYS Parks Commissioner Randy Simons, SPAC President Elizabeth Sobol, and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner were among the conference speakers, and City Mayor John Safford was ceremonially presented with a bathrobe by three European mayors representing spa towns in Croatia, Spain, and Italy. 

Additional events included a community festival organized by the Spa City Farmers Market featuring local goods, live music, exhibits from the Saratoga Public Library, and the National Bottle Museum, and the first-ever Bathrobe Addicts event in the U.S., where the 30-member European delegation donned bathrobes and waved their respective national flags as they paraded around the Roosevelt Campus. For more information, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/saratogaspa. 

New Yorker Cartoonist and Author Featured In Saratoga Springs Event Nov. 12 

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — New Yorker cartoonist and author Ken Krimstein, whose most recent publication I the graphic novel “Einstein In Kafkaland: How Albert Fell Down the Rabbit Hole and Came Up with the Universe,” will be featured in an event at Temple Sinai at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, presented by Skidmore College.

Krimstein reveals the untold story of Einstein and Kafka’s time in Prague together, which recently garnered praise from NPR Online: “At its heart, Einstein in Kafkaland is the story of ordinary genius. It unwraps the ways in which genius so often arises out of ordinary circumstances. Perhaps even more compellingly, the book tracks how unimaginable discoveries develop following exchanges with others — friends and family, colleagues and nemeses, neighbors and role models.”

More details about the event are here:  https://www.saratogasinai.org/events/sjcf-a-cantors-tale-film-discussion-789-292-
194-575-595-580-861-296-658-507/

Ski & Snowboard Movie Benefit: 75

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SARATOGA SPRINGS —Alpine Sport Shop in Saratoga Springs will host Warren Miller’s new Ski & Snowboard Movie 75, which celebrates 75 years of ski movies. 

Show time is Friday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m., at the Trombley Auditorium, Maple Avenue, Middle School, 515 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. 

Tickets are $15. purchased in store, in person at Alpine Sport Shop, 321 Clinton St. Saratoga Springs and $20. at the door, the night of the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  

All profits will benefit Saratoga High School Alpine Ski Team and Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program.

SPAC Announces Free Community Event: Culinary Conversation with Indigenous Food Expert Mariah Gladstone

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced its CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative will continue with A Culinary Conversation with Indigenous Food Expert Mariah Gladstone at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at The Pines at SPAC. 

Moderated by SPAC President & CEO Elizabeth Sobol, the discussion will explore the relationship between cultural identity, health, and native plants and animals; the history of Indigenous foodways and pre-contact ingredients, and how to incorporate these foods into contemporary dishes. Preceding the discussion and Q&A, attendees can enjoy complimentary Adirondack Chaga Tea by Saratoga Tea & Honey and sunflower maple cookies and dark chocolate seed brownies by lead sponsor Franklin Square Market. 

Gladstone is an indigenous cookbook author and the founder and CEO of Indigikitchen, an online cooking show dedicated to revitalizing Indigenous food systems, or “pre-contact” foods that once offered sustainable nutrition before colonization. Gladstone also offers cooking classes and demonstrations, school residencies, and educational lectures. Using foods native to the Americas, Gladstone gives viewers the important tools they need to find and prepare food in their own communities, connecting Native people to their cultures, and supporting healthier ecosystems, bodies, and families. Her recipes fuse traditional ingredients in unexpected ways, creating dishes like butternut bison lasagna, salmon cornmeal cakes, and pumpkin-seed brownies.  

The event is free to attend, however seating is limited. Register at spac.org. 

New Saratoga Hotel Names Executive Chef

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Hotel Brookmere, a resort-style property opening soon in Saratoga Springs, announced earlier this month that Christopher Smith will serve as its executive chef. Smith will oversee all culinary operations for the hotel and its Regent Restaurant and Bar. 

With over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, Smith is spearheading a modern interpretation of the classic French bistro for the property, blending local, fresh ingredients to create a neighborhood gathering spot for locals and hotel guests. 

Most recently, Smith served as executive chef at Alloro Vineyard in Oregon. Prior to that, he spent four years overseeing culinary operations at the Allison Inn Spa in Oregon. Chef Smith also played a key role at Willows Lodge in Washington, where he was named one of Zagat’s “30 Under 30” and received a Rising Star nomination from the International Chefs Congress.

Phinney Design Group Opens New Office in Franklin Square

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Mike Phinney, Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, State Senator Jim Tedisco, and Saratoga Springs Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi join other members of the community in a ribbon-cutting ceremony held outside the new Phinney Design Group office in Franklin Square. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Phinney Design Group celebrated the grand opening of its new Construction Management Division office at 1 Franklin Square in downtown Saratoga Springs on Tuesday afternoon. The ribbon-cutting ceremony also celebrated the unveiling of renovated residential apartments on the upper floors of the Greek revival building.

“The opportunity to restore such a remarkable building, turning it into both a cutting-edge office space and modern apartments, reflects our firm’s dual passions: preserving history and driving innovation in construction,” said Mike Phinney, founding principal architect of Phinney Design Group, in a statement.

Founded in 2002, Phinney Design Group is a multi-disciplinary architecture, interior design, green building consulting, and construction management firm with a focus on sustainable and environmentally responsible construction methods.