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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Roohan Realty Introduces Lisa McLaughlin

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo provided by Roohan Realty.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roohan Realty has announced the hiring of Lisa McLaughlin as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.

Lisa was born and raised in Glenville, and later graduated from Marist College with a B.S. in Fashion Design and Merchandising. McLaughlin lived and worked in Manhattan for 23 years in both the fashion and real estate industries. During her real estate career in the city, she specialized in rentals and co-op/condo sales, according to a release from Roohan Realty.

In 2019, Lisa moved to Saratoga Springs with her husband and two kids. Lisa can be reached at 917.549.4841 or lisaemclaughlin@gmail.com.

Saratoga County Chamber Announces ‘Love Our Locals $20.23’ Campaign

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has announced the Love Our Locals $20.23 campaign will run from Friday, Nov. 3 through the remainder of the year. The campaign will promote and support local businesses and non-profit organizations throughout Saratoga County, according to a release from the Chamber.

From Nov. 3 through Dec. 31, when residents and tourists spend or donate $20.23 or more at a Saratoga County business or non-profit, they will be eligible to enter weekly gift card giveaways.

Individuals complete a short online form and upload a photo of their receipt of $20.23 or more for entry via The Saratoga County Chamber’s website. Each week, the Chamber will randomly select winners for gift cards to businesses across the county valued at $100.

Eligible purchases can include hair care, car repairs, home improvement projects, dry cleaning, hotel stays, dining at restaurants, concert tickets, snow removal, fitness club memberships, eyeglasses, flowers, toys and holiday decorations, and more, according to the release.

“This campaign played a crucial role in helping to boost the county’s economic recovery during and after the pandemic, and this year we hope it will continue to invigorate the small business community and help encourage folks to shop and support local,” said Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president Todd Shimkus in the release. “As 2023 comes to a close, we want to continue showing love to the local businesses and non-profit organizations that make our region so special.”

Ballston Spa Schools Offering Community Resource Fair

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photos provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.

BALLSTON SPA —The Ballston Spa Central School District will host a Community Resource Fair on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ballston Spa Middle School. The fair will be held in conjunction with the Scotties Closet, an annual event providing free clothing and items to families from the community.

This school community event provides an opportunity for families to meet members of local organizations who serve children and families, according to a release from the district. Community organizations will be available to share resources and discuss their programs in further detail. 

This event is organized by the district’s Social Workers and will be located in the hallway outside of the cafeteria by the school library. The Middle School will host Scottie’s Closet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Middle School Cafeteria.

The participating organizations include Life Works Community Action, Wellspring, CAPTAIN, Parsons, OCFS, McKinney Vento Liaison, and Saratoga County Public Health. Please contact Rebecca Flynt, Elementary School Social Worker, for additional information at 518-884-7290 or via Email at rflynt@bscsd.org.

WSWHE BOCES Hosting CTE Works! on Nov. 8

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, Nov. 8, local industry partners and WSWHE BOCES will host CTE Works! at the Saratoga Springs City Center. CTE Works! brings students from eighth to twelfth grade from school districts throughout the WSWHE BOCES service area to a one-day interactive career exploration event to expose students to the world of work in the local region and showcase the myriad of career opportunities available in their own backyard.

Local employers will be on hand to discuss pathways in their industries, what their company has to offer and show students hands-on activities as examples of their work, the release states.

“Combining real hands-on learning with established academic programming is essential to building 21st century skills so essential and in high demand throughout our region. We are committed to this on-going educational effort and proud to again support this year’s workshop and career opportunity,” said Greg Connors, President of the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, in the release.

Event sponsors, along with more than 30 additional business partners, colleges and educational pathway partners, will be in attendance representing industries in the area. Each one has numerous career opportunities, and they will be on hand to explain those to students.

October 27 – November 2, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, October 27

Fish Fry, Music, Dancing, Singing, and Halloween ?

Knights of Columbus,
50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs

5 p.m. | Fish Fry Dinner followed by Karaoke. We’ll be providing background music during the Fish Fry and then continuing at 7 p.m. with Karaoke/dance music after that. We’re having a Halloween theme and inviting people to wear costumes. Hope to see you there!

Silent Hunters ?

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton

7 – 8 p.m. | Owls are amazing nighttime hunters with adaptation to help them find and catch their prey. This special quiet program is intended for older participants, ages 16+ who are interested in exploring the owl’s nighttime habitat. Registration is required. To sign-up call the office at 518-450-0321, email at info@wiltonpreserve.org or visit the website at wiltonpreserve.org.

Carnegie Hall Ensemble Connect Residency at Skidmore ?

Skidmore College, Arthur Zankel Music Center, 815 North 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 16th year at Skidmore! Visit the Arthur Zankel Music Center website for event details. Concert Program: MISSY MAZZOLI | Still Life with Avalanche, BARBER | Summer Music, Op. 31, FRANZ SCHUBERT | Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667, “Trout”. Free and open to the public. 

Saturday, October 28

American Legion Monthly Meeting

Adirondack Post 70, 34 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. 

Savings, Health, and Comfort: Learn How to Take Advantage of Federal, State, and Utility Incentives 

Galway Public Library,
2112 East Street, Galway

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | In conjunction with The Climate Reality Project, a workshop to present practical ways for consumers to conserve energy while benefitting their lives by saving money and making their homes healthier and more comfortable. Please register for the program by calling 518-882-6385.

Animal Tracks, Trails and Lore ?

Saratoga Springs History Museum, Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
In this workshop, wildlife educator, storyteller, and Ndakinna Education Center Director James Bruchac, author of the popular Falcon pocket guide Scats & Tracks of the Northeast, will include track-based information on such regional mammals as fox, raccoon, deer, black bear, coyote, bobcat, moose and more. Along the way he will also share a few traditional Native legends pertaining to the animals. Through the use of his vast collection of plaster casts of various animal tracks and more, participants will greatly increase their chances of identifying the tracks of some of our area’s most prevalent and exciting creatures.

The Headless Horseman ?

Malta Community Center Stage, One Bayberry Dr., Malta

2 p.m. & 7 p.m. & Sunday, 6 p.m. 

Just in time for Halloween. The Town of Malta Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe presents ‘The Headless Horseman’, based on the classic ghost story by Washington Irving. The musical will be directed by Elyse Young. Call 518-899-4411 or visit Maltaparksrec.com for ticket information. ‘The Headless Horseman’ is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Services and sponsors to date include GLOBAL FOUNDRIES/ Town of Malta Foundation, Adirondack Trust/Amsure, Marriott Hotels and Suites, Levine & Levine.

Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl

Druthers Brewing company, 381 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

3 p.m. | All proceeds from this event support the Foundation’s mission to promote the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs. Tickets are $35 for an individual, $60 for a couple, and $120 for a group of four. The online registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. Participants may also register the day of the Pub Crawl at Druthers starting at 2:30 p.m. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit, www.saratogapreservation.org/calendar/pints-for-preservation or call 518-587-5030. To stay informed about the Pub Crawl, other upcoming events, and our preservation efforts, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Curb Side Chicken and Biscuit Dinner

Old Stone Church, 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa

4 – 7 p.m. | Dinners include chicken and biscuit with green beans, carrots, peas, gravy, cranberry sauce, and a choice of a slice of pumpkin, apple, or fudge pecan pie all for $12. To reserve your dinner call 518-522-4482 or 518-583-1002. Be sure to include the number of dinners, your choice of pie and time of pick up. For more information call Ann at 518-885-4034. We look Forward to seeing you there.

Motown Dinner Dance 

The Saratoga-Wilton Elks,
1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs

6 p.m. | The fabulous East Coast Players will be bringing music from the 60’s and 70’s. A cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m., followed by a soul food buffet dinner at 7 p.m. that will include Southern fried chicken, several side dishes, and desserts. The band will play from 8-11 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Elks Veterans Programs. The price is $40 per person. Reservations needed. RSVP to Barb Ash 518-879-8713 (leave voice message or text) with your number of guests and method of payment.

Sunday, October 29

Breakfast Buffet ?

ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs

8 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. Adults $10, Seniors $9, Children 10 & under $5 (children under 5 free), Take out orders $12.

Sunday Autumn Stroll: Indigenous People of Saratoga Springs ?

Meets at High Rock Park,
112 High Rock Ave.,
Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. 

Jamie Parillo, Saratoga Springs History Museum Executive Director, and Charlie Kuenzel, SSHM President, will lead this new tour highlighting locations in Saratoga Springs with significance to the area’s indigenous peoples. This tour ends at Congress Park. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to 30 and tickets must be purchased in advance. If tickets are still available the day of the stroll, they can be purchased at the tour’s meeting location. The cost per stroll is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Foundation members with stroll passes need to contact the Foundation’s office to book their tour. For additional information or to purchase tickets to any of the upcoming tours, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Marcy Dreimiller, Administrative Assistant, at admin@saratogapreservation.org.

Monday, October 30

Madness, Murder, Untimely Deaths, and Strange Coincidences ?

Greenridge Cemetery,
17 Green Ridge Place,
Saratoga Springs | 5 p.m.
Join the Foundation and Gloria May to get in the spooky Halloween spirit by exploring Greenridge Cemetery at dusk while unearthing tales of Saratoga’s most notable residents. This tour meets at the Sackett Gates entrance on Lincoln Ave. Tickets are $25 for SSPF Members and $30 for non-members and space is limited to forty. Complimentary stroll passes can’t be used for this special program. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Marcy Dreimiller, Administrative Assistant, at admin@saratogapreservation.org.

Tuesday, October 31

Moreau Overlook Hike ?

Moreau Lake State Park, 605 Old Saratoga Park, Gansevoort

10 a.m. | Join an educator on a guided hike up to the Moreau Overlook. Cost is $5.

Wednesday, November 1

Annual Breakfast

Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7:30 a.m. 

The Veterans Business Council of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual breakfast featuring a keynote by local veteran, author, and artist Ryan Smithson. Open to all to attend. Smithson’s keynote, War, Writing and Butterflies, will discuss his military service and how a writing assignment turned into therapy and a published memoir. Registration is $25 per person; proceeds will benefit the Veterans Business Council. Register online at saratoga.org.

BBQ Chicken Dinner Take-out

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club,
1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs

4:30 – 6 p.m. | Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: BBQ chicken, macaroni salad, baked beans, corn muffin. Cost: $15 per dinner. (Cash only). 

Pickin’s Session ?

310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa

6 – 9 p.m. | All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Open to the public, free admission, and ample free parking. Call 518-885-4229 with questions. 

Thursday, November 2

Campfire Chat and Astronomy Party ?

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton

6 – 7:30 p.m. | Have fun around the campfire while learning about the fall night sky. Local amateur astronomers will have telescopes for viewing the stars. Registration is required. To sign-up call 518-450-0321, visit  wiltonpreserve.org, or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

October 27 – November 2, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Art Show Opening at Uncommon Grounds 

On November 3 at 6 p.m. Local artist Danielle Marino and Author Ian Klepetar will be hosting a signing, reading and Q & A about their recent works: Limitless: Unearth Your Superhero Self and Where Do Missing Socks Go? Activities and games for the whole family. Bring a couple of lost socks. 

Ski & Snowboard Movie: ALL TIME

Alpine Sport Shop in Saratoga Springs will host Warren Miller’s new Ski & Snowboard Movie retrospective ALL TIME. Show time is Friday, Nov. 3, 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 Springs High School Alpine Ski Team and Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program.

Messages From Survivors

A powerful new exhibit about the Holocaust, survival, and resiliency to Mechanicville. In the exhibit, six short videos introduce the Holocaust through powerful personal stories of a family of Holocaust survivors. Six exhibit panels researched using the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s resources provide historical context for the video footage. The exhibit covers the family’s experiences from 1938 through the 21st century. Opening Night: Monday, November 6, 6 -8 p.m. at the Mechanicville District Public Library, located at 190 N. Main St., Mechanicville. All are welcome.

Green Drinks

Green Drinks! A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Green Drinks will be gathering at The Parting Glass, located at 40-42 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, on November 8, from 5 – 7 p.m. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Green Drinks – Saratoga Springs is held monthly.

A Tale of Two Generals: The Later History of the Benedict Arnold Monument at Saratoga Battlefield

Thursday, November 9, 6:30 p.m. Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center Theater, 648 Route 32

Stillwater. Benedict Arnold is a figure well-known to Americans and aficionados of the Battles of Saratoga. Less well known is General John Watts de Peyster, a resident of Dutchess County, New York, who paid for a special inscription to be added to the Arnold Monument on the battlefield. Join us to hear the colorful tale of this eccentric and scandalous nineteenth-century New York personality, who, like Arnold, found himself at the receiving end of nearly everyone’s ire. Reservations are required by visiting go.nps.gov/saraevents or emailing SARA_info@nps.gov. 

Travel with the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) to an Italian Cooking School 

Have you dreamed of living in a seventeenth century palazzo nestled on a hilltop village in the romantic Italian countryside? ALL is sponsoring a gourmet retreat and cooking school November 11-18, 2023. We will tour a historic or culinary attraction each day and begin cooking late afternoons under the guidance of a professional chef before enjoying a four-course dinner with local wines each evening.  This small group experience includes all meals and six nights in a beautifully restored historic palazzo. For more details, contact goedventures@gmail.com. 

Famous Brown Bread & Bake Sale

Simpson United Methodist Church, located at 1089 Rock City Rd, Rock City Falls, is having its semi-annual Brown Bread & Bake Sale just in time for Thanksgiving. Cost will be $8 per loaf.  Pick-up dates: Friday, Nov. 17 between 4 – 6 p.mm and Saturday, Nov. 18 between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bake sale on Saturday. Don’t miss out. Call 518-885-4794 to place your order. Please leave your name, telephone number and the number loaves you would like to reserve. And if possible, let us know if you will be picking up your order on Friday or Saturday. A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order. 

Nutcracker Tea

Presented by Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet on November 19, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Join us at the historic Canfield Casino for a whimsical event with tea, delicious treats, dancing, and holiday fun. Delight in a live performance from the Nutcracker Suite along with a reading of the Nutcracker Story. Children and families will enjoy holiday shopping from local vendors, and silent auctions. Don’t forget to take your photo with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy! Tickets are on sale now at eventbrite.com. For additional information, visit: www.saratogaspringsyouthballet.org

Lancaster Pennsylvania Bus Trip

The Olde Saratoga Seniors of Schuylerville is hosting a bus trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania on November 29 – December 1, 2023; 3 days, 2 nights for a total cost of $499 which includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, two Xmas shows and travel. For more information, please contact Peg Jennings at 518-275-5805 or Pat Temple at 518-338-2329.

More Violins, Less Violence – Can Music Heal The World? The Trouble Notes Live at Caffe Lena Nov. 2

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


The Trouble Notes perform in Saratoga Springs Nov. 2. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Trouble Notes bring their epic, colorful music to the Caffe Lena stage for a 7 p.m. performance Thursday, Nov. 2. 

Sonically situated somewhere between world folk, modern classical & tribal dance, the Trouble Notes’ music features an eclectic fusion across the entirety of the musical spectrum, bringing the traditions of Europe and the Americas together in their message of Unity in Diversity, and their belief of art and music being a force for healing in this world.

Their songs “Grand Masquerade’’ and “Never Dream Alone” have been featured in videos amassing millions of views worldwide. $5 of every More Violins, Less Violence Shirt sold will be donated to help children affected by violence and war crimes.

For more information and tickets, go to: caffelena.org. 

Home Made Theater Holds Open Auditions for Peter Pan Nov. 5-6

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater announces open auditions for their February/March production of Peter Pan, music by Morris “Moose” Charlap and Jule Styne, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green, and book by J.M. Barrie. This production will be directed by Dawn Oesch, with musical direction by Richard Cherry, and choreography by Johnny Martinez.

The auditions will be held on Sunday, Nov. 5 (children only) starting at 3 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 6 (adults, including Peter Pan) starting at 6:30 p.m. at Home Made Theater’s headquarters at the Wilton Mall (near Saratoga Hospital). Callbacks (by invitation only) will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

The primary cast consists of three adult men, two adult women, two boys, and one girl. There will also be ensemble roles available. All ethnicities and gender identities are encouraged to audition.

For the audition, adults (including those auditioning for Peter Pan) please prepare 16 bars of a song from a Broadway show. Children will be taught part of “I Won’t Grow Up” to perform. Readings will be provided. Bring a current photo (cannot be returned) and a resume.  

Be prepared to list all potential conflicts from the first rehearsal through closing (with the exception of Tech Week and performances, conflicts can be worked around if known about in advance). Rehearsals will start with a full cast read-through the evening of Sunday, Jan. 7. Performances are weekends Feb. 23 through March 3. For complete information, go to: www.homemadetheater.org. 

Books & Bangles – Musician/Author Susanna Hoffs In Conversation Nov. 9

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Susanna Hoffs, with Rickenbacker. Hoffs will discuss her debut novel and her life in the arts in a free event on Nov. 9 at the University of Albany. Photo: suzannahoffs.com. 

ALBANY — Singer, songwriter, actress, and author Susanna Hoffs will visit the University at Albany for an evening of conversation with WAMC’s Joe Donahue as part of The Creative Life: A Conversation Series. 

Free and open to the public, the event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at Page Hall on the Downtown UAlbany campus, 135 Western Ave. Books will be for sale and a signing will follow the conversation. 

Susanna Hoffs rose to fame in the 80s as lead singer and guitarist of The Bangles, an all-female band that blended ’60s garage rock, lush harmonies, and jangly guitars and released a string of hits including “Manic Monday” (1986), “Walk Like an Egyptian” (1986), a cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “A Hazy Shade of Winter” (1987), “In Your Room” (1988), and “Eternal Flame” (1989).

Hoffs is also the author of a bestselling debut novel, This Bird Has Flown (2023). Universal Pictures has acquired the movie adaptation rights to This Bird Has Flown. “As a lifelong fiction, film, and music junkie, writing the novel was the realization of a dream,” said Hoffs in an interview published in Deadline Hollywood. 

In addition to her work with The Bangles, Hoffs has released five solo albums. 

The Creative Life series is a major arts initiative of the University Art Museum, New York State Writers Institute, and UAlbany Performing Arts Center in conjunction with regional public radio station WAMC Northeast Public Radio. The Creative Life series brings leading figures from writing, music, dance, choreography, visual arts, architecture, theatre, and filmmaking to the University for conversation with Donahue about their creative inspiration, craft, and careers. Previous guests have included fiction writer Joyce Carol Oates, Broadway star Patti LuPone, Warhol film star Bibbe Hansen, high-wire artist Philippe Petit, art critic Lucy Sante and actress/comedian Jane Curtin.  

Radical Fiber: Tang Museum Exhibition Catalogue Celebrates Art, Science, Creativity, Learning

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Radical Fiber: Threads Connecting Art and Science exhibition catalogue, photo by Tang Teaching Museum.         

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College and Delmonico Books/D.A.P. announce the publication of Radical Fiber: Threads Connecting Art and Science, a catalogue that celebrates the overlap between art, science, interdisciplinary creativity, and collaborative learning in conjunction with the 2022 exhibition of the same name.

Edited by Tang Associate Curator Rebecca McNamara, Radical Fiber features a new artwork created by amateur and professional makers around the globe: the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef, part of the Crochet Coral Reef project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring. 

With a foreword by Dayton Director Ian Berry, the exhibition catalogue includes contributors who reflect the full scope of the cross-disciplinary project.

Radical Fiber: Threads Connecting Art and Science (224 pages; softcover; $50; designed by Barbara Glauber / Heavy Meta) is available from the Tang website at: tang.skidmore.edu.