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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Week of January 30 – February 5, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Pub Nights 

The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge located at 1 Elks Lane in Saratoga Springs is expanding some Friday “Pub Nights” 5 – 7 p.m. to include entertainment 6 – 9 p.m. Enjoy music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s including Rock, Country, Swing, Pop and Motown. Presenting “The Classics” with the popular Wayne & Joey performing for your listening pleasure on Friday, February 6 and 20, Friday, March 6 and 20. Beat the winter blues by coming out to enjoy great food, fun and first-rate entertainment. Food available for purchase until 7 p.m. or until gone, cash bar available all evening. For information call Tom at 518-312-9859. Public Welcome.

11th Annual Chocolate Festival

The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA) invites the community to indulge at the 11th Annual Chocolate Fest on Friday, February 6, from 5 – 9 p.m., throughout the Village of Ballston Spa. This beloved pre-Valentine’s Day tradition transforms the village into a chocolate lover’s paradise, with local businesses and culinary talents serving up mouthwatering chocolate creations while shoppers stroll, taste, and vote for their favorites.

6 Hour Defensive Driving Course 

Saturday, February 07, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. Cost is $40 prepaid, $45 at door (a donation is given to the church). Call: 518-784-5009. 

27th Annual Chowderfest

Discover Saratoga is proud to announce the return of its signature winter event, the 27th Annual Chowderfest, taking place on Saturday, February 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Saratoga County. Presented by DeCrescente Distributing Company, Coors Banquet, Saranac, and Surfside, this beloved community event invites locals and visitors alike to sample 4 oz. servings of chowder for $2 each from roughly 80 Saratoga County restaurants and businesses. For event details, participating vendors, hotel specials, and shuttle information, visit DiscoverSaratoga.org/Chowderfest or call 518-584-1531.

Stained Glass Class

2-day Beginner/Intermediate Workshop, Student Choice, February 7 & 8.  Whether you have done stained glass or not, there is something for everyone in this two-day workshop. You can create a small spring garden, an abstract window frame, or a sun catcher selected from a book of patterns. When you enroll, please let us know if you have done stained glass before, and which type of project you would like to complete so we are sure to have plenty of supplies on hand.  All supplies included. Please bring goggles and gloves if you have them. No open toe shoes. Enrollment is limited. Class dates: February 7, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & February 8, 1 – 4 p.m. Instructor: Steve Rosenblum. Cost: $125. Note: if there is a different project you would like to work on, please let us know. Register through our website www.Baletflowers.com. 

Annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge #161 is holding the dance on Saturday, February 14 at the lodge at 1 Elks Lane in Saratoga Springs. The popular band Skippy and the Pistons will be our entertainment for the night. Cocktails from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and entertainment from 8 – 11 p.m. There will be raffle baskets. Entrée choices are prime rib, baked salmon, or eggplant parmesan, served with herb roasted potatoes, tossed salad, roll, and veggies. A cupcake tower with a variety of flavors will be offered for dessert. Cost is $60 per person. Reservations first come first serve. RSVP to Barb Ash at 518-955-4588 with entrée choice, number of guests and payment. Reservations are due February 6.

Lung Cancer Benefit for Kurt Haas Sr.

Hosted by Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Department, located at 1870 Rte. 32 N. Gansevoort, on Saturday February 21, 2026, from 4 – 7 p.m. All you can eat Spaghetti Dinner, $10 Adults, $5 Kids (4-12), Free for children 3 and under. Raffle baskets and 50/50 Raffle. Kurt has been serving the community for 51 years as a Fire Department Member. Help us as a community give back to Kurt. Every Dollar raised will help Kurt and his family with medical bills and expenses. For questions or pickup arrangements, please text/call Jonna Freeman 518-598-2804 or Stephanie Rosa 518-502-4325. 

Call for Local Folk or Irish Performers  

Come audition for an opportunity to showcase your talent during “Café Malta”, an intimate coffee 

house at the Malta Community Center on Friday evening, March 13. It’s lucky Friday the 

13th right before St. Patrick’s Day! We are looking for talented musicians, vocalists, and small acoustic 

bands, storytellers and/or dancers. Each acoustic act selected will play a short 10–15-minute set. 

Auditions are by appointment only.  Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director, at 518-899-4411 x 305 or 

theater@townofmalta.gov for more details or to schedule an audition.

Week of January 30 – February 5, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, January 30

An Evening with Clothing Scholar Henry Cooke

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. This talk examines how Continental soldiers often wore civilian clothing during the early Revolutionary War years (1775–1777), exploring the styles, materials, and regional influences of these garments, and how they reflected the soldiers’ backgrounds and the logistical challenges of outfitting an army in its infancy. This program is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Sponsored by Campaign for Saratoga 250th, His Majesty’s 24th Recreated, and SCHC at Brookside Museum.

Saturday, January 31

13th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saratoga Clay Arts Center announces the participating restaurants for its 13th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser. Five beloved local restaurants will compete for the coveted title of “Best Chili 2026,” with the winning chef receiving a handmade ceramic trophy crafted by artists from Saratoga Clay Arts Center. This year’s confirmed lineup includes: Thorn + Roots — returning 2025 Best Chili winner, 9 Miles East, Morrissey’s Restaurant, Noah’s Restaurant, and The Olde Bryan Inn. Proceeds from the event benefit three local organizations: Saratoga Clay Arts Center, To Life!,  and Wilton Food Pantry. Tickets may be purchased online at www.saratogaclayarts.org. 

Story Time and Activity Hour

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. A very special story time and activity hour with local author Farial English.  Farial will present her latest children’s picture book, “The Boy Who Wanted to Fly,” a story about a young boy with a large imagination.  Children and their families are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to listen to the story and complete a related craft.  Signed copies of the book will be available to purchase.  Registration is requested; please call 518-882-6385.

Souper Supper 

Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville | 3 – 6 p.m. Menu includes a variety of soup options for you to try, green salad, bread, and dessert. Walk-ins only, dine-in only. Free will donation.

Sunday, February 1

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is free with over 40 vendors, great parking and lunch available too.  Just about anything you can imagine might be offered.  There are lightly used children’s toys available and craft items too; as well as anything garage sale.  It’s a fun activity the entire family enjoys.  All proceeds go to the Elks Scholarship Fund.   An 8’ table with chairs is $15.  Email Debbie @ deborahozolins@gmail.com or call 518-226-5595 for information or to sign up for a table(s).  Applications are available in the Elks Lobby after 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Next sale dates are February 22, 2026, March 15, 2026, and April 26, 2026.

Recently Engaged?

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Let us assist you in your Wedding Plans! The Daily Gazette is hosting our 26th Annual Capital Region’s Premier Wedding Show! Register to win thousands of dollars’ worth of door prizes from our attending exhibitors. Plus…. The Daily Gazette gives away a $1,000 gift certificate to put towards your big day with any of the participating exhibitors. Don’t miss out on our Backyard Experience that we once again bring to you. Food trucks, picnic area, wine and beer sampling along with live music during the day. Registration is free – Capital Region’s Premier Wedding Show 2026. The Daily Gazette looks forward to assisting you with planning your big day!

Snowshoe Races

The Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, February 1 at 11 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park.  There will be no indoor facilities, and we will meet in the quadrangle near the restrooms.

The Camp Saratoga 8K Snowshoe Race will be held on Saturday, February 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. 

Registration for both events can be done online through www.runsignup.com with day-of onsite. A limited supply of Dion snowshoes is available to rent for $10 on a first come/first serve basis.  For more information about the above events visit www.saratogastryders.org.  Questions? Call Laura at 518-581-1278 or laura@saratogastryders.org.

Music and Delectable Munchies Fundraiser

15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls | 2 – 3:30 p.m. Help support Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church with repairing their roof. Enjoy live music with Mark Warner who plays guitar and sings oldies like John Denver, James Taylor and Jim Croce along with contemporary Christian songs like Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin and others. Door prizes, silent auction, along with decadent desserts for purchase. All proceeds support the roof replacement project. Invite your family and friends and come for a relaxing afternoon. Desserts are “sold” by donation and the music is free. Can’t get much better than that. The church is located at For more information call 518-793-1152.

Full Moon Snowshoe Walk

 Saratoga Spa State Park, Warming Hut | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Join the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park for an evening of fresh air, exercise and a full moon. After meeting at the Warming Hut, we will follow a loop on the golf course for the best viewing. Conditions permitting, bring your own snowshoes or use a pair belonging to the Park on a first come, first serve basis starting at 4:30 p.m. followed by the walk from 5 – 6 p.m.

Full Moon Hike

Camp Saratoga, Wilton Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 5 p.m. Are you interested in exploring Camp Saratoga at night? View nature in a new light as we walk the trails in moonlight. An unforgettable experience for all ages! Register: www.wiltonpreserve.org or call 518-450-0321.

Monday, February 2

Learn to Crochet 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6 p.m. Join us February 2 and 9 for this hands-on intro workshop to learn how yarn becomes a cozy creation. Materials and resources provided, no experience needed. Grades 6-12. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org. 

Galway Preservation Society Program

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | Doors open at 6:45, followed by this month’s program at 7 p.m. We will hear about Mitchell Sabattis (1823-1906), an Abenaki pioneer, considered by some to have been the greatest of all Adirondack Guides.  Dave Deuel, an academic in ancient languages and history, will regale us with tales of Sabattis’ impressive knowledge of the natural world, his wealthy clients and the game he hunted. Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge.  If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year.  Please join us for some fun and to learn more about our history.  

Tuesday, February 3

Catholic Daughters Court McLaughlin #422 Metting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs | 6:30 pm Members will gather at 5:45 pm for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments and fellowship. Business Meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 pm.  All members and practicing Catholic women interested in joining are welcome to attend…If you have any questions, please contact our Regent, Dawn Weber at 518-226-5641 or email at CDA422Saratogs@gmail.com. 

Wednesday, February 4

Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series

Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs | 12 noon – 1 p.m. 

Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase. 3 Storytellers: Nanette Levons presents Rain and The Best Time Ever, Gwenne Rippon presents My Mother the Queen, Carmen Ross presents My First Love and Wannabe. Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 11. If Saratoga Springs city schools are closed due to weather, that presentation will be postponed until February 18. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, to register for winter courses, 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.

Ham Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: baked ham, Au Gratin potatoes, vegetable, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Pickin’s

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 9 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. Doors open 6 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 and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call-Earl 518-248-9922 with questions.

Thursday, February 5

Experts Next Door: Captain Cook’s Hei Tikî Material Culture, Gift Exchange, and Looting in New Zealand During the Endeavour Voyage, 1768-1771 

Live on Zoom with Tillman W. Nechtman, Skidmore College, Department of History | 7 p.m. The specter of Empire haunts European museums. The correlation between museological collecting and imperial ideology is now widely taken for granted in academic circles, but the question of what is to be done with and in western museums that hold colonial collections persists.  This essay takes one small Māori hei tiki (RCIN 69263) from the Royal Collection as a case study to understand what the decolonization of imperial collections might look like.  Register online: brooksidemuseum.org. 

Something Rotten! JR 

Ballston Spa High School Auditorium, 220 Ballston Avenue, Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. Launching Pad Productions performs Something Rotten! JR. The Hit Show About the Creation of the World’s First Musical on February 5, 6, and 7 at 7:00 p.m. with matinees on February 7 and 8 at noon. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. Additional details are available on our website, www.bscsd.org.

Stacy Marzullo named next Schuylerville High School Principal

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Stacy Marzullo is to be hired as Schuylerville High School’s new Principal. She currently serves as principal of the elementary school. (Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District).

The Schuylerville Central School District Board of Education plans to appoint Mrs. Stacy Marzullo as the next principal of Schuylerville High School during its regular business meeting on Monday, Feb. 9, effective July 1. 

Marzullo currently serves as Schuylerville’s elementary school principal, a role she has held for the past three years. Since joining the district’s administrative team, she has played a key role in strengthening instructional practices and student support systems. At the elementary school, she helped revamp the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, aligning academic intervention systems with character education and Response to Intervention (RTI.)  

This work included implementing Walk to Read structures, strengthening AIS supports to provide more targeted skill-based intervention, and creating consistent opportunities within teacher schedules for professional learning and data review. These improvements have supported stronger instructional alignment across grade levels and a more proactive approach to meeting student needs.

“The Board of Education conducted an in-depth interview with Stacy, which resulted in unequivocal support for her being named the next high school principal,” said Board of Education President, Bernie Buff. “Stacy’s leadership is grounded in collaboration, consistency, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. She has a clear understanding of how a cohesive PreK–12 experience drives student success and has already made a lasting, districtwide impact. We are confident she will bring that same vision, strength, and leadership to Schuylerville High School.”

“I have always had a long-term commitment to Schuylerville,” said Marzullo. “Three years ago, when I pursued the elementary principal position, Schuylerville was the only district I considered because of its incredible reputation. Being selected to serve as principal of one of the top high schools in the area is a tremendous honor, and I’m truly grateful.”

To support a smooth and thoughtful transition, there will be a five-month period of intentional, transitional leadership. This overlap will help ensure continuity and stability at the high school, while allowing for purposeful planning and collaboration. Additionally, Stacy’s continued leadership as elementary principal through the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year will ensure a successful close to the school year for students, staff, and families.

“Stacy brings stability, continuity, and a deep understanding of our district to this role,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman. “She is a trusted leader who already knows our students, staff, and community, and that familiarity is incredibly important. Because she is not new to Schuylerville, she can step into the high school principal position with a clear sense of purpose and direction that will continue to drive student success.”

Prior to joining Schuylerville, Marzullo served as Director of Elementary Special Education (PreK–5) for the Niskayuna Central School District. In that role, she led the elementary special education department and served as the CPSE/CSE Chairperson for grades PreK–5, overseeing data-informed decision-making related to student programming, MTSS modifications, resource room services, and related service projections.

Earlier in her career, Marzullo worked for the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery County BOCES Special Education Division, serving first as a Curriculum & School Health Support Specialist for two years, and later as an Administrative Coordinator for two and a half years. She began her career as a classroom teacher in the Greater Amsterdam School District, where she spent seven years and also served as a fifth-grade curriculum leader.

“Stacy came to Schuylerville with an impressive resume and a wide range of leadership experience,” said Board of Education Vice-President Katie Brunson. “Over the past three years, she has built on that foundation in a meaningful way through her work at the elementary school. Her impact on students and staff has been clear, and the Board is confident that she is a natural choice to lead Schuylerville High School.”

As she transitions to the high school, Marzullo is eager to build on the connections she has already established, particularly with students she first worked with at the elementary level.

“One of the things I’m most excited about is continuing relationships with the first group of students I had as principal when they reach high school in the next year or two,” she said. “That continuity means a great deal to me.”

Schuylerville will now begin the important process of selecting its next elementary school principal. A committee will be formed to lead the search, ensuring that the next leader upholds the district’s commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and strong community relationships. The committee will include input from faculty, staff, parents, and administrators to ensure a thorough and thoughtful selection process. Schuylerville parents who are interested in being part of the committee can email Communications Director Taryn Kane (kanet@schuylerville.org) with their contact information by Feb. 13.

Professional Land Surveyors Discuss Advancements in Technology and Workforce Development at 67th Annual Conference

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Surveyors from across the northeast came together for networking opportunities and to see the latest products in land surveying technology

The New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors (NYSAPLS) is celebrating its 67th Annual Surveyors Conference and Exhibition at the Saratoga Springs City Center & Hilton Hotel. 

Hosted by the Eastern New York Society of Land Surveyors, the conference is attended by professionals from all over the Northeast, including from New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maine, and several neighboring Canadian provinces. As one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in the surveying industry, the conference has a guest list of approximately 700 participants, featuring a broad range of exhibits, seminars, educational courses, and social events.

New to New York this year, the NYSAPLS Education Committee is offering a National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) Certified Floodplain Surveyors course to help surveyors train to become a Certified Floodplain Surveyor. It is a sold-out event.

In addition to learning opportunities, the 67th Annual Conference offers great networking opportunities for both seasoned professionals and students who are new to the field. On January 27th, NYSAPLS hosted its Young Professionals & Alumni Social, giving graduates and current students from Alfred State, SUNY ESF Ranger School, and Paul Smith’s College a chance to meet potential employers, gain insights from industry experts, and share their experiences with their peers. It’s a well-attended event for aspiring surveyors.

To help students achieve their dream of becoming a land surveyor, NYSAPLS and its members raise funds annually for various scholarships, to encourage the next generation of land surveyors to get into the workforce. During the conference, NYSAPLS is hosting an awards ceremony and new licensee presentation, to recognize the scholarship recipients and highlight and congratulate the 47 newly licensed land surveyors entering the field. Fueling the future land surveying workforce, the scholarships are given to a number of students each year, spread throughout New York universities offering land surveying programs. 

Also highlighted this year is Stephen Miller, LS, NYSAPLS Member, WPAPLS, who is this year’s recipient of the Pillars of Excellence award. During the conference, Miller will be honored with the Surveyor of the Year award, which recognizes a professional land surveyor who has not only supported the land surveying profession, but also promoted it, contributing and enhancing the future of land surveying in New York.

The 67th Annual NYSAPLS Surveyor Conference and Exhibition is a huge success thanks to the support of NYSAPLS members, exhibitors, and sponsors. With over 30 courses and nearly 25 speakers, the conference offers many opportunities for New York land surveyors to learn, network, and connect with emerging surveyors in the industry. 

 Ballston Spa Middle School’s Launching Pad Productions Students to Perform Something Rotten! JR.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Launching Pad Productions is thrilled to celebrate its 25th anniversary with the hilarious musical comedy, Something Rotten! JR.

This year’s production promises to be a spectacular celebration of the drama club’s rich history and incredible talent. 

Launching Pad Productions presents Something Rotten! JR., the story of two brothers who set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway. Performances of Something Rotten! JR. begin February 5th at the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium. 

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. 

Something Rotten! JR. features large song and dance numbers and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given their own special moment in the show to shine. 130 students are participating in the cast and crew of this production featuring many standout performances including: Carter Kovarovic as Nick Bottom, Evan England as Nigel Bottom, Sonya Jendrasiak as Portia, Hartley Lucia as Bea, Claire DeRosa as Nostradamus, Mason Womer as Brother Jeremiah and Cooper Sausville as William Shakespeare. 

Something Rotten! JR. is presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized materials are supplied by, Music Theatre International 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY, 10019, 212-541-4684, mtishows.com.

“A Significant Milestone” for Saratoga Joinery

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo of Ben Knapp via the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Joinery, a nonprofit community woodworking shop, recently announced the promotion of Ben Knapp to director of shop operations and education, a newly-created, full-time position.

In his expanded role, Knapp will oversee all aspects of Saratoga Joinery’s educational programming, developing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum strategy that serves woodworkers at every skill level. His responsibilities include partnering with instructors to ensure continuity and excellence across all classes, while developing and teaching his own courses.

“Ben’s promotion represents a significant milestone for our organization,” said Tori Colarusso, executive director of Saratoga Joinery. “His vision for accessible, high-quality woodworking education aligns perfectly with our mission. We’re incredibly fortunate to have someone of Ben’s caliber leading our educational programs as we continue to grow and serve our community.”

In his new role, Knapp will serve as the primary liaison between Saratoga Joinery’s leadership and its instructors. He will also continue to manage day-to-day shop operations while expanding the organization’s class offerings to meet the diverse interests of its nearly 150 members.

Knapp’s promotion comes as Saratoga Joinery continues to expand its programming and membership base. Members can look forward to enhanced curriculum development, expanded class options, and strengthened instructor support under Knapp’s leadership, Saratoga Joinery said in a press release.

Dake Foundation for Children Partners with Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga to Fund Psychotherapy for Local Youth

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga recently announced a new partnership with The Dake Foundation for Children that will provide equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions for children and young adults up to age 21 who face financial barriers to accessing mental health care.

The partnership will allow participants to engage in equine-assisted psychotherapy alongside a licensed clinician from ECS Psychological Services, P.C. The program is modeled after Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s Freedom Rein Project, which provides equine-assisted psychotherapy to veterans and service members.

Founded by Gary Dake, president of Stewart’s Shops, The Dake Foundation for Children has supported local children with disabilities since 2009. In addition to providing individual support to children and families, the foundation’s Community Grant Program assists local nonprofit organizations in expanding access to inclusive and accessible spaces and programming. Through the latest round of community grants, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga was selected as one of the nonprofit recipients.

In a press release, Therapeutic Horses said that its new program will maintain a strong focus on transparency, documentation, and measurable impact. The number of children and young adults treated will be a key indicator of success, helping to ensure that every contribution directly supports accessible and effective mental health care.

Saratoga Chamber Names New Board of Directors Chair

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nil Ghoshal, president and CEO of Polyset, has been elected the 2026 chair of the board of directors of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. 

Ghoshal assumed the role on Jan. 1 after Tom Bellhouse of West Point Thoroughbreds completed 2025 as chair of the board. Bellhouse stepped in mid-year to fill a vacancy as chair, extending his term of service on the board to a seventh year in 2026 as he now becomes the immediate past chair.

“I am honored and excited to serve as the chair of the board for 2026, which promises to be a prosperous year for the Saratoga County Chamber and our local economy,” Ghoshal said. “This year the Chamber has already reintroduced Health & Wellness Week for the first time since 2020 and will return to hosting monthly networking mixers in partnership with our members throughout the county. We also look forward to marking the 40th anniversary of our Leadership Saratoga program, advocating for state funds to revitalize Mechanicville through the NY Forward program and welcoming the final Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to Saratoga Race Course with an incredible Belmont on Broadway celebration in Saratoga Springs.”

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s board has a total of nearly 30 volunteer members. New directors include Mike Gestwick of Bonacio Construction, Ryan McFadden of Henry Street Taproom, and Melissa Gleason of Nothing Bundt Cakes, who are all serving one-year appointments, as well as Michael Billok of Bond, Schoeneck & King; Jon Hitchcock of WNYT; Chris Lyons of AIM Services; Terri Stripling of Ten80 Education, Inc.; Najja Thompson of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.; Amanda Vitullo of National Grid; and Lisa Vollendorf of Empire State University.

Additional members serving on the Board in 2026 include Heath Ames of Cantina; Sue Commanda of Hudson River Community Credit Union; Matt Cudemo of Saratoga Casino Hotel; Maggie Fronk of Wellspring; Dan Graham of SM2 Development; Matt Gutch of Stewart’s Shops; Alexandra Gutelius of Clifton Park Halfmoon Library; Eric Hennessey of UHY Advisors; Dennis Kiingati of Hamlet & Ghost; Michael O’Connell of Adirondack Trust Company; David Rosenberg of Brix Wine & and Liquor; Bob Serafini of Quick Response; Elizabeth Stauderman of Skidmore College; Kim Tribley of Coffee Planet; Jill VanKuren of Saratoga Hospital; Melissa Ward of New Ward Development; and Andy Wise of Arrow Bank.

Bikeatoga Sets Records, Names New Board Members

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bikeatoga—a nonprofit dedicated to making functional cycling more inclusive, accessible, and safe—announced Monday that it had surpassed two of its records and added a pair of new names to its board.

The group’s volunteer mechanics refurbish used bikes in the basement of St. Peter’s Church and send them back out to the community on a “pay what you can” basis. In 2025, local residents “adopted” a record total of 775 bikes. According to shop manager Brad Beal, that’s more than double the number of bikes adopted five years ago.

The group’s annual Saratoga Foliage Ride also set a record in 2025, bringing in 208 riders from 14 states and Canada. Ride director Ed Lindner noted that nearly 60% of those riders came from either out-of-state or more than 100 miles away within New York State.

“Saratoga Springs is a natural bike tourism destination,” Lindner said. “We’re using the Foliage Ride to get the word out.”

Bikeatoga also announced the addition of two new board members at its annual January meeting: Tina Carton and Pamela DelSignore.

Carton is a grant development manager at ChargePoint, where she works on fostering the growth of clean transportation infrastructure in the U.S. and Canada. She was previously the director of sustainability for Saratoga Springs, where she oversaw the development of numerous green transportation projects including the Downtown Connector multi-use path, the Missing Links sidewalk program, and the Henry Street Bike Pilot.

Carton said she was “excited to join the Bikeatoga board as advocacy co‐chair” and was “looking forward to helping strengthen the local community by promoting safe, accessible, sustainable transportation networks that better connect neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and Saratoga Springs’ vibrant downtown.”

DelSignore is the finance and administration manager at the Southern Adirondack Library System, where her duties include client support services, project management, and finance. DelSignore said she looks forward to helping grow Saratoga’s biking community.

Visiting Chef Brings Filipino Cuisine to Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Image provided by Standard Fare.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Standard Fare will host acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ruby Felix-Curtis of Jersey City’s Next Door Provisions for a one-night-only Filipino menu takeover on Monday, Feb. 23.

For this special event, Felix-Curtis will prepare and present a curated prix-fixe menu designed to immerse guests in Filipino culture, tradition, and storytelling through food. 

“Ruby and I worked together for several years, and I’ve always been in awe of her creativity, her passion, and the heart she brings to her cooking,” said Zac Denham, owner/operator of Standard Fare. “Clark (Clark Gale, co-owner) and I have been eager to bring more authentic, globally-inspired cuisine to Saratoga, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to highlight a culinary gap in our community while sharing something truly special. Ruby has an incredible ability to tell stories through food while staying deeply rooted in her culture and values, and we’re honored to welcome her into our kitchen.” 

The event will feature one seating only at 7 p.m.