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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Skidmore Prevails in Three Playoff Games

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


The Skidmore College women’s soccer team celebrates after advancing to the Liberty League playoff semifinals. Photo by Matt Milless/Skidmore Athletics.

Women’s Soccer

Ella Stone delivered the game-winning goal to lift the fourth-seeded Skidmore College women’s soccer team past fifth-seeded Rochester Institute of Technology in a hard-fought 1-0 shutout battle and advance onto Friday’s Liberty League semifinals. The victory marked the first Liberty League Playoff victory for the women’s soccer squad since 2011. The Thoroughbreds will battle top-seeded Ithaca on Friday on the road at 1:30 p.m. 

Men’s Soccer

Will Devall stopped a pair of penalty kicks and Edo Ferrari scored the clincher as the Skidmore College men’s soccer team advanced to the Liberty League semifinal with a dramatic penalty-kick victory over visiting Ithaca on Tuesday afternoon. The third-seeded Thoroughbreds will next take on No. 2 St. Lawrence on Friday. The winner will advance to the championship on Sunday.

Field Hockey

Colby Paul struck late in the third while Victoria Bodnar recorded her tenth career shutout as the fifth-seeded Skidmore College field hockey team came out victorious in the Liberty League Tournament First Round against fourth-seeded William Smith, blanking the home team 1-0 to advance onto Friday’s semifinals. The Thoroughbreds will now head out to top-seeded Ithaca on Friday for a 4 p.m. matchup in the Liberty League Semifinals round.

An ‘Historic’ Event: Revolutionary Run Returns for 11th Year

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


A runner crosses the finish line of the 11th annual Saratoga County Revolutionary 5K Run. Photo provided by the county. 

SCHUYLERVILLE — On October 17, 1777, British General John Burgoyne’s army laid down their arms during the surrender of the British to the Americans. At the site of this historic event, on November 2, 2024, runners competed in the 11th annual Saratoga County Revolutionary Run for Veterans.

The 5K event featured live 18th century reenactors, a free kids fun run, music, and food. All proceeds benefited the Saratoga County Veterans Trust and Agency Fund, which supports projects dedicated to the welfare of our veterans, including training, education, healthcare, housing, and essential services.

Police & Fire Holiday Hockey Classic Returns

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


Photo from the 2023 Saratoga Springs fire and police Holiday Hockey Classic provided by Chris Stewart.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 6th annual Saratoga Springs Holiday Hockey Classic is set for November 16 at 6 p.m. at the Weibel Ice Rink. Firefighters and police officers from Saratoga Springs will square off in support of the Franklin Community Center’s Holiday Assistance Program. Admission to the game is free with the donation of a new and unwrapped toy (or monetary donation).

The Holiday Assistance Program is a longstanding tradition of the Franklin Community Center, supporting hundreds of local families every year. Last year, the Hockey Classic resulted in almost 1,000 toys collected and more than $2,000 in donations. 

Those who wish to donate but can’t attend the game can drop off toys at collection boxes at Fire Station #1 at 60 Lake Avenue, Fire Station #2 at 166 West Avenue, the police department at 5 Lake Avenue, and Kings Tavern at 241 Union Avenue. The collection boxes will be accepting donations until the morning of November 16. All collected donations will be delivered in early December to the Franklin Community Center via Saratoga Springs Fire Department and Police Department vehicles.

Racers Split Pair of Home Games

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The ABA’s Saratoga Racers won one and lost one last weekend in a pair of games at home.

On Saturday night, they defeated the Rochester Royal Ballers, 116 to 106. Shaheem Sanders led Saratoga with 36 points and 14 rebounds while two-time ABA All-Star Tobias Holmes added 20 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Big man Todd Spotswood had his second-straight double-double 12 points and 11 rebounds.

On Sunday afternoon, the Racers hosted the Herkimer Originals and suffered their first loss of the season, 140 to 120. Saratoga fell behind early but trailed by only 3 at halftime. In the third quarter, they briefly took the lead before succumbing to Herkimer’s 41-point fourth quarter. Tobias Holmes and John Ryals had 23 points apiece while Shaheem Sanders chipped in 22. Sanders also nabbed 21 rebounds in the contest.

Saratoga is now 2-1 on the season heading into a series of away games. On November 16, they’ll again play Rochester. On November 23, they’ll face off against the Binghamton Bulldogs. Then on December 1, they’ll have a shot at revenge against Herkimer before returning to Saratoga for a home game on December 7 against the Connecticut Surge. 

All Racers home games take place at Saratoga Central Catholic. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. 

Jethro Tull Guitarist Martin Barre Live at The Strand on Friday

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

HUDSON FALLS — Martin Barre, the legendary guitarist of the iconic rock band Jethro Tull, will perform “A Brief History of Tull” at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls. 

Barre, renowned for his formidable mastery of historic riffs, power chords and soaring melodic solos, celebrates the musical journey of Jethro Tull throughout the decades in his new show A Brief History of Tull.

The show will feature a special visual presentation that, together with the music, highlights the 50 years of Jethro Tull’s musical career.

Classic Tull hits played throughout the interactive performance include songs from legendary albums such as Thick As A Brick, Aqualung, Stand Up, Songs From The Wood, A Passion Play, Heavy Horses and many more. Barre will be bringing a spectacular show with his touring band, featuring Dan Crisp on vocals, Alan Thomson on bass and Darby Todd on drums.

Tix: $60/Orchestra Section, $50/lower level, $40/lower balcony, $30/upper balcony. $100 VIP Meet and Greet with Martin Barre and Dan Crisp. This is a ticketed event sold separately to the main show’s ticket and starts at 5:30 p.m. 

General admission tickets are available at the Strand Box Office or online at Brown Paper Tickets. VIP tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets. For more information and the ticketing links, visit www.mystrandtheatre.org.

The Strand Theatre is located at 210 Main St., Hudson Falls. 

Caffe Lena Presents: Truesongs at Spa Little Theater Nov. 16 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Caffè Lena, the historic Saratoga Springs music venue, has announced their line-up for this year’s TrueSongs, an annual event now in its fifth year. 

The performance brings to the stage true local stories of resilience and transformation, told through personal storytelling and original songs. 

Set to move from Caffè Lena to the Spa Little Theater to accommodate growing demand for tickets, the program spotlights six people from Saratoga County who have overcome significant life challenges. Each has been paired with one of Caffè Lena’s professional songwriters, who will create a moving, original song that captures the story. 

The public performance at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov.16 blends storytelling and live music.

“TrueSongs is about giving a voice to those who have faced extraordinary challenges and showing how, with caring support, those struggles can be transformed into hope and healing,” said Sarah Craig, executive director of Caffè Lena. “Every year, I’m moved by the courage of the storytellers and the powerful way our songwriters bring us into the emotional heart of experiences we would never otherwise know about.”

Spa Little Theater is located at 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs, across from the Hall of Springs on the SPAC property. 

This year’s stories include: A mother’s journey from Brazil to America to support her family, supported by TriCounty Literacy Volunteers.; A daughter’s experience caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s, with the support of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY.; A couple’s determination to remain in their home after one became wheelchair-bound, aided by Rebuilding Together Saratoga County; A military veteran’s recovery from life-threatening PTSD, facilitated by Alliance 180; A teen mother’s path to achieving her dream of becoming a nurse, supported by WAIT House; A refugee from El Salvador who now empowers others through Capital District Latinos.

Artist Information:   https://www.caffelena.org/truesongs/. Tickets:          https://www.eventbrite.com/e/truesongs-2024-lyrics-of-life-at-spa-little-theatre-tickets-1005261733907.    

Acoustic Duo Ryanhood Celebrates 20 Years of Virtuosity, Heart and Humor at Caffe Lena Nov. 10

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Ryanhood performs in Saratoga Springs Nov. 10.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Named ‘Best Group/Duo’ in the International Acoustic Music Awards, acoustic duo Ryanhood got their first break as street performers at Boston’s Quincy Market. It was there that they were spotted by a college booking agent and thrust into the college touring scene, where Campus Activities Magazine would name them “one of the most requested acts by college buyers all across the country.” 

They’ve since gone on to perform more than 1500 shows in 47 U.S. states and have shared stages with Jason Mraz, Matt Nathanson, Train, and many more. Cameron Hood’s rich and folky lead vocals, Ryan Green’s explosive guitar and mandolin riffs, and their airtight vocal harmonies prompted the Arizona Daily Star to call them, “a match made in radio heaven.”

Their most recent album, Under the Leaves, was named ‘Best of 2021’ by For Folk’s Sake.

Ryanhood, currently on tour celebrating their 20th anniversary together as a band, will perform 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10 at Caffe Lena Tickets are $25. Go to: caffelena.org. 

Ethnomusicologist To Perform Love Music of The Ottoman Middle East at Zankel Nov. 16

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Depiction of Ottoman musicians. Photo provided.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ethnomusicologist, performer, and educator Joseph Alpar explores the intertwined histories of Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the Ottoman Empire through music at Skidmore College’s Arthur Zankel Music Center. 

The event – free and open to the public, takes place 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Arthur Zankel Music Center’s Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall 

The central theme of the concert, Aşk: Music, Love, and Mysticism in the Ottoman World, is love — aşk in Turkish (pronounced ah-shk) — in all its forms. It will feature poignant songs of unrequited desire, lyrical wedding ballads about marital loyalty, bawdy tunes delighting in infidelity, driving Sufi and Jewish mystical songs about divine and earthly beloveds, and musical vignettes of everyday courtship, relationships, and separation. 

Saratoga Senior Center Calendar

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.


290 West Ave., Suite 1, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 • 518-584-1621

November Events at the Center! 

Events open to the public are detailed below 


Free Presentations (Open to the Public)

Updates on Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease   

Wednesday, November 13, 1 pm 
Presented by Dr. Kathrin LaFaver, Movement Disorder Specialist, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Neurology 

Dr. LaFaver will review new developments in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and share update from the International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders held in Philadelphia in September 2024. 

Preplanning Your Funeral     

Monday, November 18, 10 am  
Presented by William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home  

Preplanning is the practice of choosing in advance how you would like your funeral to be handled. This presentation will be an overview of pre-arranging your final wishes. Ranging from sharing your wishes to pre-funding funeral trusts (revocable and irrevocable). We are here to help answer questions, share our experience, and serve the community that we love. 

Self- Reflection      

Tuesday, November 19, 10 am  
Presented by Home Instead 

The Importance of Self-Reflection as we get older- Learn how gratitude, forgiveness and self-awareness play a role in our physical and mental wellness appropriate topics as we gear up for the holiday season! 

From Comfort to Closure       

Thursday, November 21, 1:30 pm   
Presented by Gateway House of Peace & Townley Wheeler Funeral Home 

Join Kathleen Lowes, former board member and owner of Townley & Wheeler funeral Home with Executive Director, Maggie Hasslacher, for their informative presentation about navigating the journey from hospice care to the funeral home. 

CDPHP Medicare Presentation        

Friday, November 22, 11 am    

Presented by Audrey Choiniere 

The presentation will discuss 2025 CDPHP Medicare Advantage Plan Options and Benefits. It’s a good presentation for anyone that may be considering making a change during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15th-December 7th). 

Senior Issues         

Friday, November 15, 10 am     

Presented by Barry Loffredo 

Staying sharp, memory, living alone, loneliness, death of a spouse, when to move, adjusting to this phase, meaningful engagement, ageism and more. 

Medicare Changes & Veteran Benefits Medicare Educational Event          

Tuesday, November 12, 1 pm     

Presented by Carl Barlow 

Join Carl Barlow with Advocate Health Advisors for an educational presentation for Veterans, spouses and their families on how Medicare works with Military benefits such as VA Healthcare, Tricare and ChampVA. Receive firsthand expert guidance from a fellow Veteran. 

Saratoga Hospital Senior Wellness Series          

Open to the Public – Please sign up 


Support Groups (Open to the Public)

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group   

2nd Friday of every month | 11 am – 12:30 pm.
Being a caregiver can present exhausting challenges and take a significant toll on your health. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. This support group provides an opportunity for caregivers to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or firsthand information about this disease.  

Alzheimer’s Support Group sponsored by Leon Goldberg’s Charitable Trust  

Memory Cafe     

1st Friday of every month | 11 am – 12:30 pm  
The memory café offers a supportive, welcoming environment for caregivers and their loved ones who are experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer’s or another dementia. You can expect a judgment-free zone, the opportunity to connect with others, and simple, yet meaningful and engaging activities. 

Parkinsons Support & Discussion Group      

3rd Monday of every month | 11 am – 12:30 pm  
Presented by Home Instead 

Facilitated by Gordon Blyth & Marie Thorne  

This is a community of people impacted by Parkinson’s designed to help you make meaningful connections, engage in important dialogue, find useful resources and build long-lasting relationships.  

Greif & Loss Support & Discussion Group       

2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month | 2pm – 3pm.    
Facilitated by Lois Streit 

Whatever type of loss you’ve suffered, there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. Any loss can cause grief. The purpose of this group is to provide friendship, understanding, and hope.  

Chit Chat        

Every Monday | 1 pm.     

This is a community of people impacted by Parkinson’s designed to help you make meaningful connections, engage in important dialogue, find useful resources and build long-lasting relationships.   Period (October 15th-December 7th). 

Saratoga Hospital Bariatric Support Group          

Monday, November 4, 6 pm – 8 pm      

The Bariatric Support Group is for patients who have gone through bariatric surgery or are considering surgery. No need to register, just
show up! 

The Gift of a Massage: A Gift That Feels Good to Give

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.

When it comes to meaningful gift-giving, a massage is something you can feel good about gifting. By giving a massage, you’re essentially saying, “Take some time for yourself.” It’s an invitation for the recipient to focus on their well-being—something that, in our busy lives, we don’t always take the time to do.

For the last 20 years, Nick Pavoldi and the staff at Bodywork Professionals have been providing massage and bodywork to the community. Over the years, he has witnessed the power of what a single gift certificate can do for someone.

“There is nothing like the feedback I get from someone who has had their first really great massage. Our gift certificates are often the first touchpoint for new clients. I’ve always loved making them special because I know, for some people, the session starts there. There is care and quality in our gift certificates, and that same thoughtfulness is reflected in the work we provide.”

With a massage gift certificate, the recipient has the flexibility to choose the type of massage that best suits their needs, whether that’s a deep tissue session for tension relief or a gentle relaxation massage for stress reduction. This freedom to personalize the experience is what sets Bodywork Professionals apart.

We believe in tailoring each experience to meet our clients’ unique needs, which is why we offer a comprehensive selection of modalities. Whether it’s the ancient technique of Thai massage, therapeutic cupping, gentle lymphatic drainage, supportive prenatal massage, soothing Swedish massage, or acupuncture, each session is designed to enhance well-being and support healing.

Pavoldi is a Structural Integration Practitioner and Certified Advanced Rolfer with nearly 30 years of experience practicing bodywork. “It’s important to me that the culture at Bodywork Professionals is one of learning and growth. We offer classes to staff and often share techniques and skills.”

Our mission is simple: to provide expert care, personalized treatments, and an experience that goes beyond expectations every single time.

Bodywork Professionals has three locations: Saratoga Springs, Latham, and Niskayuna. Call 518-MASSAGE.