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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Let Freedom Read: 60 Years of Banned Books Event at Library Oct. 5

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sixty Years of Banned Books will be hosted by Caffè Lena at the Saratoga Springs Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. in celebration of National Banned Books Week.

In partnership with the American Library Association, “Let Freedom Read” will feature seven local authors: Dr. John Brueggemann, Carol Graser, Patricia A. Nugent, James Preller, Dr. Minita Sanghvi, Dr. Gerald Stulc, and Stephen Williams. They will read from the top-banned books from each of the past seven decades, such as Slaughterhouse Five, Fahrenheit 451, and Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem The Hill We Climb. 

Original music will be performed by Dan Berggren and Reese Fulmer. Videos advocating the freedom to read will also be shown, including a video message from bestselling author Salmon Rushdie. 

“Banned Books Week” was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores and schools. The annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.  

Retired Glens Falls Post-Star editor Ken Tingley will serve as the emcee and introduce each of the writers.

Attendance is free, but reservations are recommended; last year’s program sold out. To support the Little Liberty Library in Caffe Lena’s courtyard, attendees are invited to donate a banned book. For more information and to reserve a seat, visit https://sspl.libcal.com/event/10667478.

Notebook: Saratoga Board of Supervisors Monthly Meeting  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — During its monthly meeting, held Sept. 19 at the county complex in Ballston Spa, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors announced the acceptance of two grants from the NY State Department of Health totaling approximately $670,000 overall, authorized more than $30 million in spending to three health providers related to medical insurance costs to cover county employees for the 2024 calendar year, and announced a series of countywide proclamations to be initiated in October.      

Acceptance of Funding, Grants

• The Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act Grant: $67,437, for the term through March 31, 2024. The Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act (ATUPA) regulates the sale of tobacco and vaping products to restrict their access by youth and young adults, including banning the sale of flavored vapor products, ending price discounts on tobacco and vapor products, banning exterior display of tobacco and vapor product ads near schools, stopping shipment and delivery of cigarettes and vapor products to private residents, increasing retailer penalties for tobacco sales violations, and raising the minimum legal sale age to purchase tobacco and vapor products  

• Immunization Action Plan Grant.  Acceptance of the NYSDOH five -year grant in the amount of $118,680 per year, through March 31, 2028, totaling $593,400. Grant funding shall be used to reduce and eradicate vaccine preventable diseases in adults and children by eliminating barriers to the receipt of the immunizations. 

• Acceptance of $343,450 in funding from the New York State Office for the Aging, for the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services. The funding will assist with the Senior Nutrition Program, Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly, senior transportation, and mandatory caseworker conference fees, among other items. 

Medical Insurance Costs for County Employees

The Board authorized an agreement with Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. for the provision of medical and prescription health care insurance and administrative services for County employees for the 2024 calendar year at a projected cost of $25,884,468.25.

Authorized to execute any and all agreements required with MVP Health Plan, Inc. of Schenectady, for the provision of medical and prescription drug health care insurance for Medicare eligible retirees from County employment under MVP’s Medicare Advantage Plan for the 2024 calendar year at a projected cost of $3,816,471.98.

Authorized an agreement with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Inc. for the provision of dental health care insurance for County employees and the offering of voluntary dental health care insurance plans to County retirees, for the 2024 calendar year at a projected cost of $925,696.75. 

Proclamations

•The Board proclaimed Oct. 7 – 13 as “National Fire Prevention Week” In Saratoga County, and encourages all residents to plan and practice a home fire escape for Fire Prevention Week 2023. Home fires caused 2,285 civilian deaths in the United States in 2022, according to the National Fire Protection association (NFPA), and fire departments in Saratoga County responded to 899 residential fire alarms of which 372 were reported structure fires. 

•The Board proclaimed the month of October 2023 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in Saratoga County and urges all of our citizens to support and participate in on-going programs designed for the reduction and elimination of domestic violence. Each year more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence; on a typical day, domestic violence hotlines nationwide receive over 20,000 calls.  

One community member requested to speak during the public input session of the monthly county meeting. 

Darlene McGraw, of Halfmoon, suggested Saratoga initiate a reporting App for county residents to inform community leaders of street signs being down, and requested the county institute a smoke-free and vape-free policy in the vicinity of county buildings. 

September 29 – October 5, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

50 Castleberry Dr. in Wilton was listed by Tamara Valentine from Roohan Realty and sold for $300,000

BALLSTON

Edward Swanson sold property at 234 Round lake Rd to Amanda Dealo for $275,000

Brookview Court Inc sold property at 31 Arcadia Ct to Megan McCormack for $356,469

Kathryn Schneider as trustee sold property at 7 Sycamore St to Terri Allen for $401,500

CORINTH

Louis Faraone sold property at 91 Main St to Michaela Bovee for $220,000

Brendon Emery sold property at 1 Mill Creek Rd to Paul Posson for $410,000

GALWAY

Lisa Letourneau sold property at 2467 Galway Rd to Jason Barnes for $402,000

Frederick Puliafico sold property at 3011 South Shore Dr to Joann Gallucci for $235,000

GREENFIELD

Denise Richards sold property at 74 Bump Hill Rd to Adam Favro for $460,000

ANW Holdings Inc sold property at 30 Middle Grove Rd  to Chris Burby for $125,000

MALTA 

John Fogarty sold property at 1143 Laural Lane to Joseph Guerette for $350,000

Gail Kyler sold property at 76 Riley Cove Rd to Kimberly Lenoci for $1,400,000

Wilma Mosely sold property at 64 Pepperbush Place to Cameron Crouse for $289,000

SARATOGA

CMH Homes Inc sold property at 8 Louden Rd to Daniel Orza for $437,982

SARATOGA SPRINGS

McInski Properties LLC sold property at 2220 rt 50 South to Towaway LLC for $790,000

John Hamelin sold property at 160 East Ave to David Sherwood for $685,000

Mark Hover sold property at 43 Long Alley to James Manuele for $770,000

Sandra Lee Peculis sold property at 116 West Ave #305  to Merav Yarkoni for $690,000

Chloes Way LLC sold property at 35 Chloes Way to Cobblehill Development LLC for $275,000

Cobble Hill Development LLC sold property at 35 Chloes Way to Daniel Guzman for $849,000

Christine Paradiso sold property at 68 Trottingham Rd to Kathleen Allen for $310,000

Thomas Rein sold property at 13 Sunset Dr to Roy Rotheim for $350,000

Maria Lucchese sold property at 14 Rolling Brook Dr to Martin Hellwig for $1,475,000

John Witt sold property at 36 Hyde St to David Crenshaw for $1,900,000

Fiona Benyon sold property at 5 Furlong St to Robert Bruno for $610,000

WILTON

Carl Flanders sold property at 9 Carr Rd to Marta Baxter for $412,000.

Berkshire Bank Hires Rob Nichols as SVP of Business Banking

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Rob Nichols. Photo provided by Berkshire Bank.

ALBANY — Berkshire Bank has announced the hiring of Rob Nichols as SVP, Business Banking Team Leader.

Nichols joins Berkshire with over 33 years in commercial banking, a press release states. At Berkshire, Nichols will lead the sales team for business banking within Central and Eastern New York, Berkshire County (MA), and Southern Vermont. Nichols’ background covers a range of corporate and commercial banking leadership and management positions, including overseeing Business Banking departments at Citizens and First Niagara banks, the release states. Most recently, he served as the chief credit officer for a community bank.

Nichols resides in the Albany, New York region. He is currently a member of the Executive Committee and treasurer for the Capital District YMCA.  He also serves as a member of the board for the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce, and teaches Entrepreneurship Finance at Siena College, according to the release.

Schuylerville Middle School Holds Third Annual Friday Festivities

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided by Schuylerville Central School District.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville Middle School wrapped up the first full week of school with its third annual Friday Festivities Positive Culture event.

Students in grades 6-8 gathered together to receive an introduction to all the middle school has to offer. As a way to encourage involvement outside the school day, students were introduced to the various clubs and organizations they can join.

Students selected five clubs they wanted to learn more about, and attended presentations with advisors throughout the building. They also learned about athletic offerings, mental health supports, and the National Junior Honor Society, according to a release on the district website.

The day ended with a student and staff relay event on the turf field, and popsicles. Students were also introduced to the ‘Gotcha’ ticket program, where teachers will catch kids doing great things, and their tickets will be entered into a prize drawing each month, the release states.

“We always emphasize positivity and kindness go a long way in the middle school,” said Assistant Principal Maddie Wright in the release. “Our Friday Festivities event was a great opportunity for students to build connections with each other and staff, and start the year off on a great note.”

WSWHE BOCES Students Participate in Saluting Branches Day of Service

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photos provided by WSWHE BOCES.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sept. 20, WSWHE BOCES Environmental Conservation and Forestry Instructor Dennis Flynn, along with 18 of his students, joined professional arborists from around New York State for the ninth annual Saluting Branches Day of Service.

Students performed tree care and site beautification using the skills they’ve acquired in their Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. One of 51 sites in the national event, it was the only one in New York State, according to a press release.

Senior Isabelle Edmond of Mechanicville said she was glad to give back to the community and make the cemetery more attractive for visitors.

“We volunteered to take down some trees and prune some trees in order to better help the resting place of veterans and their families,” said Edmond in the release.

During the day, students partnered with industry experts, and were able to pick up tips and make connections.

Roman Gaddeau is a veteran of the Iraq War and an alumni of the program who came back to help Instructor Dennis Flynn, the release states. He said he enjoyed being a chaperone for this special day.

“I think this is important for students, the different generations, especially since the older generations are going away,” Gaddeau said in the release. “The younger generations need to learn about their contributions.”

Instructor Dennis Flynn says he feels proud to support the cemetery.

“Not only are the students getting hands-on experience but they are helping their community,” said Flynn in the release.

Flynn said that several students have family members who are buried at the cemetery and that was another motivation for them to volunteer. This is the seventh year his program has joined in the effort, the release states.

September 29 – October 5, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, September 29

Donny “Elvis” Romines ?

Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m.  Donny will be performing at to benefit The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Tickets are $15 at the door. Raffles, 50/50, cash bar and eat before or bring your own food. Showtime is 7 p.m. For more information call Helen at 518-745-7821.

Saturday, September 30

Flavors of the Fall Bake Sale ?

Malta Ridge United Methodist Church, 729 Malta Ave. Ext., Malta Ridge | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Baked goods will be available for purchase. Come, bring a friend, join us for coffee/tea and conversation while enjoying a homemade baked goodie.  A love offering basket will be available for the café.

Superheroes Unite ?

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 65 S Broadway, Suite #105, Saratoga Springs | Join us for a heroic day of play, in partnership with Nickelodeon and ACM (Association of Children’s Museums)! Get ready to unleash your superpowers and dive into the exciting world of superhero science. There will be a range of activities that are sure to ignite your curiosity and imagination. From making superhero masks to learning about electricity and its role in superpowers, you’ll discover the science behind these incredible abilities. In the week leading up we’ll have all kinds of fun superhero themed programs. Magnet Science, Invisibility Art, Leap & Fly, and All About Arachnids are all going to be happening during the week! For more information, visit cmssny.org

Fall for All ?

Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton | 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Step into a world of wonders celebrating the Victorian era with a retro-futuristic twist! Join us for a day filled with magic, history, and enchantment. Discover the grandeur of the Victorian era, infused with marvels, and experience the allure of Mt. McGregor. Prepare to be enchanted by an array of enthralling attractions and experiences that celebrate the essence of the Victorian era: Tintype Photographer, Civil War Medical Reenactor, Grondahl’s Wizard Workshop, Live Owl Encounter, Identify the Artifact Table, Victorian Era Magician, Victorian Lawn Games, Food Truck. General admission to the event is free. Rain date: Sunday, October 1. For more details, visit www.grantcottage.org

6th-annual Adirondacon Tabletop Gaming Convention ?

Charles R. Wood Theater,
207 Glen St., Glens Falls
10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Play board games, card games, role-playing games and more. Adirondacon 6 has even more to offer than before. The convention will be taking over the entire Charles R. Wood Theater, and will feature highlights such as structured game time slots, open play/an epic lending library of over 500 titles, 2 dexterity tournaments, wargaming, and several play-to-win games. The Crandall Library Teen Center will be on-hand helping to run some games, and Sunday will feature a Kids’ Corner with some family-friendly favorites. Sunday’s hours are from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  For more information, visit www.adirondacon.com

2023 AFS Hearts for the Arts Festival

Hitching Post Café, 1256 Lake Ave., (9N) Lake Luzerne
5:30 p.m. | The Adirondack Folk School is hosting its annual Gala. Friends and supporters will gather for hors d’oeuvres, dinner, our ever-popular Silent Auction and our annual Patron of the Arts honor. Cost is $75 for members and $100 for non-members. Tickets for the event may be purchased through the Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, 518-696-2400.  Seating is limited, so please make your reservations early and give your dinner choice, prime ribs, salmon or vegetarian (includes dessert). Cash bar. www.adirondackfolkschool.org.

Sunday, October 1

Autumn Stroll: Mail Order Houses of Saratoga

Meet at the Northwest Corner of Lake and East Avenues, Saratoga Springs |10:30 a.m. Madison Squires will highlight the “Kit House” era – a time when the average person could not only put a check through the mail, but order and receive an entire house as well. This tour features houses on East and Pinewood avenues. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty and tickets should be purchased in advance. If additional tickets remain, they can be purchased the day of the tour at the meeting location. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. 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 strolls and events visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518- 587-5030, or email Marcy Dreimiller, Administrative Assistant, at admin@saratogapreservation.org.

The Art of Music

Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saratoga Arts is excited to host Albany Pro Musica for The Art of Music, an exclusive season preview reception. Celebrate the intersection of art and music with a delicious brunch and a sneak-peek of Albany Pro Musica’s upcoming season, featuring a performance by the APM Chamber Singers, commentary by Maestro José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, and access to the galleries. For more information, visit albanypromusica.org/artofmusic.

Art in Public Places

Various locations throughout Saratoga County | Saratoga Arts, Art in Public Places is a Member-Exclusive program which showcases the work of local artists in publicly accessible locations, across the Capital Region. Please visit any of these 7 locations to see the work of local artists. Saratoga Springs Public Library, Saratoga Springs Visitor’s Center, Country Corner Café, Saratoga Springs Train Station, Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library (Site A), Friends of the Saratoga Springs Library Café, and Town of Ballston Community Library. For more information about this exhibition visit saratoga-arts.org/October-Art-in-Public-Places. 

Monday, October 2

Fall Rising Stars – Encanto Week ?

615 Maple Ave., Suite 3, Saratoga Springs | Saratoga Children’s Theatre most popular program now offered as a morning class during the school year. Ages 3 – 6, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (October 2, 4, and 6) from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. These stars-to-be will learn to explore their creativity through music, storytelling, movement, and art. Both fun and educational, we have created our Rising Stars program to provide a warm and nurturing environment, giving campers a wonderful introduction to the theatre arts. A small performance will take place at the end of each week. Cost is $95/week.

Galway Preservation Society Meeting

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road Galway | 7 p.m. 

The program “Galway Fire Company” will be given by Kevin Barkley, former Galway Fire Chief.  This year the Galway Volunteer Fire Company celebrates their 100th anniversary, having been incorporated in 1923.  Please join us to hear more of our local history and the story of our Galway Volunteer Fire Company. The meeting will be held at the Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Rd., Galway.  The meetings are always open to the public, free of charge.

Tuesday, October 3

The 26th Annual “Autumn Jewels” Judged Art Show 

Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery,  6 Clifton Common Blvd., Clifton Park. This show is sponsored by Southern Saratoga Art Society and is open to all area artists, from October 3 to October 30. Entries will be judged, and cash prizes awarded in both the fine arts and photography. An award reception for all artists, families and friends will be held on Monday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. For rules, entry fees, entry forms and where to mail your entry please visit: southernsaratogaartist.com or visit us on Facebook.

Exploring an Eclipse ?

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 4 p.m. Let’s learn about a solar eclipse! The Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci) will present some fun facts and activities. For grades 3-5. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

The Catholic Daughters of America Monthly Meeting

Knights of Columbus,
50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs

Members of Court McLaughlin #422, gather at 5:45 p.m. for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments until 6:30 p.m. when the meeting will begin. We welcome all women who would like to come together in a supportive, prayerful, and charitable way. In addition, Sunday, October 15 is Catholic Daughter Sunday and Court will gather for 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Greenfield Center, followed by brunch at a local diner.

Wednesday, October 4

Chicken & Sausage 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. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: sauté chicken, sausage, in a pink sauce over linguini, tossed salad, garlic toast. Cost: $15 per dinner. (Cash only).  

Pickin’s Session

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | 6 p.m. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel and bluegrass are welcome to participate. Open to the public. Free admission and ample free parking. Jam suns at 6:30 – 9 p.m. If you don’t play, become part of the audience, and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share, beverages provided. Call 518-885-4229 with questions. 

Presentation: Katherine Flickinger Dockstader 

Galway Public Library,
2112 East St. Galway | 6:30 p.m.
Susan Dufel’s presentation on Katherine Flickinger Dockstader’s life, legacy and photography. “Kay,” one of the original “46er’s” and the first secretary of the local chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, is the library’s October Featured Artist. An exhibit of her early black and white photos of the Adirondacks, taken beginning in the 1930s, is on loan from the Kelly Adirondack Center at Union College and may be viewed at the library during open hours.  More information about all library programs is found at www.galwaypubliclibrary.org.

Lecture: The Battle Over Israel’s Fragile Democracy

Skidmore College, Gannett Auditorium, Palamountain Hall | 7:30 p.m. In his public talk, Professor Avi Rubin will offer some observations on the judicial overhaul and its context from a socio-legal perspective. In addition, he will share his personal experience as a university professor teaching “sensitive” topics in a volatile political period and as an active participant in the greatest street protests Israel has ever known.  Admission is free and open to the public. www.skidmore.edu/greenberg-residency/index.php 

Thursday, October 5

Ballston’s Sacrifice in the War with Mexico 

Long Room at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. | A program by John Cromie and Dave Waite on the Mexican War and the local men who sacrificed their lives in the struggle. A donation of $5 per registration is recommended to support the programs of the Saratoga County History Center. Please register at brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/62146-war-in-mexico

September 29 – October 5, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

LIVESTRONG – Golf Scramble and Dinner

Friday, October 6 at Saratoga Lake Golf Course, 35 Grace Moore Rd., Saratoga Springs. 10 a.m. Golf scramble registration and lunch buffet. At 11 a.m. golf scramble shotgun and 5 p.m. LIVESTRONG Dinner. Proceeds benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. Contact Kirstin Swartz at 518-583-9622, ext. 108 or by email, kirstin.swartz@srymaca.org. 

Fundraiser Fish Fry Friday

Knights of Columbus Council #246, located at 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs, Fish Fry Friday will resume on October 6 from 5 – 7 p.m.  Orders may be placed by calling 518-584-8547 on the Wednesday or Thursday before or on the day of the event from noon through 3 p.m.  Menu: Fried or Baked Haddock ($15) or Fried Clam Strips ($12), which come with French Fries, Cole Slaw, Tartar Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce; New England Clam Chowder ($13 – quart; $7 – pint); Macaroni and Cheese ($5); French Fries ($3); and Dessert ($2) when available.  Payment may be made by cash or check made out to “Columbian Association.”

Malta Cultural Arts Festival 2023

Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Dr, 518-899-4411. Performances and workshops indoors and outdoors, celebrating the cultural diversity of Malta and surrounding communities! Artists include: Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra, Asian Culture dance Troupe, Motoko & Echu, Narthalaya School of the Arts, Rural Soul Music and Reggie Harris. www.maltaparksrec.com for schedule. Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the NYS and the NYS Legislature.

Saratoga International Flavorfeast

On Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the popular Saratoga food festival returns to downtown Saratoga Springs. Attendees can travel the streets of downtown Saratoga Springs and experience a feast of flavors from around the globe, while enjoying multi-cultural street performances throughout the day. International flags that line Broadway herald the annual event’s return. Beginning at 11 a.m. Flavorfeast “passport-maps” displaying a layout of participating restaurants/businesses can be picked up on the corner of Broadway and Division Street. The map will also be available on the www.saratogaflavorfeast.com website to print the night before the event. This map will help eventgoers plan their day’s itinerary of travel to a variety of local restaurant destinations for $2 food samples from countries of origin. For details, visit www.saratogaflavorfeast.com

‘Elktoberfest’ Beverage Tasting and German Food Fundraiser 

The Clifton Park Elks are hosting ‘Elktoberfest 2023’, an Octoberfest fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy, on Saturday, October 7. The charitable event will be held from Noon to 6 PM at the Elks Lodge, 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake. There will be beverage tastings, authentic German food, music, and games for a great cause!!! Come for lunch & dinner! See the attached image for the list of participants. Proceeds will benefit the Home Service Program of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State. Tickets are $20 for 10 tastings: $15 for Elk members (cash only). Proof of age is required. For information contact us at Elktoberfest@cliftonparkelks.org or call 518-877-5200.

Free One Day Festival

“Caffè Lena @ SPAC” Returns for a Free One Day Festival on the Charles R. Wood Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center with performances by Upstate, Los Sugar Kings, Soggy Po’ Boys, Amythyst Kiah, and The Clements Brothers, Saturday, October 7 from Noon – 5:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring in food, drink, blankets, and lawn chairs for the concerts. Food concessions will also be available. The concerts will take place rain or shine. Visit spac.org and caffelena.org for details.

Brews & Mews

Presented by Mean Max Brew Works at 193 Glen St., #2, Glens Falls, Saturday, October 7, 1 – 4 p.m. Enjoy a purr-fect afternoon Sipping delicious craft beer and meeting adoptable cats and kittens from North Shore Animal League America’s Adirondack Region Cat Adoption Center. Take a chance to win a beautiful handmade quilt. $1 of each beer purchase goes directly to the adoption center. Donate items for a chance to win gift certificates. www.animalleague.org/adirondackregion. 518-409-8105

The 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes

Proudly presented over two fall weekends this year on October 7-8 and October 14-15. Tickets are $25 and this year’s edition has 10 locations on display. New this year are two showcase locations in Lake George! Participating award-winning builders in this year’s event; Belmonte Builders, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, DSG Construction and Remodeling, Kodiak Construction, R & M Homes, The BDC Group, Whitbeck Construction and Witt Construction. Tickets are available at all Adirondack Trust branch locations, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa & Queensbury, Saratoga National Bank, Glens Falls National Bank and Roohan Realty on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Tickets are always conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or can be purchased online through the website at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. As always, each showcase ticket holder will receive a free shoe/tote bag at the first home visited!

“The Way We Were” Car Show

Downtown Ballston Spa will soon become a classic car enthusiast’s dream. Taking place Sunday, October 8 on Front Street. In addition to all the cars and trucks, there will be food and merchandise vendors, a kid’s zone with a bounce house and activities, live music, and a trophy presentation at the end of the day. Pre-registration for show cars is now open by visiting www.ballston.org. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are also currently available for businesses and organizations that would like to be a part of the show. The event is free to spectators. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, October 15. To learn more about “The Way We Were” Car Show, visit www.ballston.org.

Bus Trip to New England Air Museum

The Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville, is now accepting reservations for a Bus Trip to the New England Air Museum taking place on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Located alongside Bradley International Airport, in Windsor Locks, CT, the New England Air Museum is the largest aerospace museum in the region. The Museum houses over 80 aircraft and an extensive collection of engines, instruments, and artifacts in three large display hangars and an outdoor display area. Open to the public. Bus will depart at 8:30 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. To register please call:

 518-377-2191 to book a seat.

Crocheting 101 with Signature Elements

Saturdays in October at the Saratoga Children’s Theatre. Explore the latest TikTok trend with us and learn to crochet! Whether you are a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, come join Erin Signer and learn to use your hands in a new art form! Class Fee: $65 (6 people max). One Time Kit Fee: $50 (Includes super washed, hand-dyed merino wool yarn, crochet hooks, stitch markers, darning needle, scissors, and an SCT notebook). Sign up before September and you will be able to choose your wool color between purple and green. Please email leigh@saratogachildrenstheatre.org with your selection. (Must be PAID prior to us accepting your color choice).

Goat Brothers 29th Annual Swap Meet

Motorcycle show, hot rods/classic cars welcome, live entertainment, motorcycle parts and accessories, gifts, and novelties. Doors open at 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission $10, under 12 free. Food and beverages available. October 7 at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa. For more information call 518-583-3398 518-507-6400. Or visit, www.goatbrothers.com

1st Annual Saratoga Foliage Ride 

Presented by the Saratoga Regional YMCA and Bikeatoga. Get on your bike and enjoy peak foliage, riding some of our most scenic routes at the most beautiful time of the year. Along the way you’ll see history and horse farms, pumpkins, cider donuts and more! Buffet breakfast, event T-Shirt, full sag support and YMCA day pass. October 7-8, Saratoga Regional YMCA 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Two Days and Six Routes! To register, visit https://www.bikereg.com/saratoga-foliage-ride

Apple Pie Social

The Wilton Heritage Society will hold its annual Apple Pie Social on Sunday October 8, from 1-4 p.m.

at the Museum at 5 Parkhurst Rd. Wilton.  A generous slice of Apple Pie with cheese for a suggested donation of $7.  Curbside pick-up is still available as well as limited indoor/outdoor seating.  Whole pies will be available for sale at 3:30 pm unless they are sold out.  All pies are now baked by Smith’s Orchard Bake Shop. 

Annual Fall Fest

Camp Stomping Ground, Middle Grove, in partnership with the Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Rotary Club and Immersion PT, is gearing up for its much-anticipated Annual Fall Fest on Monday, October 9. This year’s event promises an exciting day of outdoor adventure, music, delicious food, and community engagement. Kicking off at 10 a.m. with a 4K run/walk.  Community members, families, and pets of all ages and abilities are invited come out to run, walk or dance though a new four-kilometer trail. Afterwards, the festivities will continue with live music, a delectable array of food options and refreshing drinks. For more information about Camp Stomping Ground’s Annual Fall Fest, please visit www.campstompingground.org or contact Laura Kriegel at laura@campstompingground.org.

Zoom Film Discussion

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and sponsorship of Temple Sinai presents a Zoom discussion of Leona, a feature-length film debut of Mexico City-based director Isaac Cherem on Monday, October 9 at 7 p.m. Although Leona is a work of fiction, the situations it presents are based on actual events. It is concerned with the assimilation of Jews, who are often forced to migrate into a new society for their safety or security, and who risk leaving behind their religion and traditions. The film may be viewed on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. Films such as these are sometimes also available from your local library.

Registration is required in advance through sjca.sjcf@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org or www.saratogasinai.org.

Dine for a Cause

On Thursday, October 12 from 4 – 9 p.m. dine at Brooks Tavern, located at 139 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs. 25% of the evening’s food proceeds go to Saratoga Children’s Theatre. Reservations are recommended, 518-871-1473.

Saratoga Book Festival

The third annual Friends’ Saratoga Book Festival will take place October 12-15, bringing together more than 60 talented authors from near and far for a celebration of reading. The multi-day festival features big-stage presentations, intimate conversations, engaging workshops, a Literary Marketplace, Local Author Showcase, KidZone, and more. The main festival day is Saturday, October 14. All events are free except when noted. The Saratoga Book Festival is the marquee community event of the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to raise funds and provide support for library programs and services. The goal of the festival is to encourage a lifelong love of reading.  For details, visit saratogabookfestival.org

Fall Rising Stars – Paw Patrol Week

615 Maple Ave., Suite 3, Saratoga Springs | Saratoga Children’s Theatre most popular program now offered as a morning class during the school year. Ages 3 – 6, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (October 16, 18, and 20) from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. These stars-to-be will learn to explore their creativity through music, storytelling, movement, and art. Both fun and educational, we have created our Rising Stars program to provide a warm and nurturing environment, giving campers a wonderful introduction to the theatre arts. A small performance will take place at the end of each week. Cost is $95/week. To register, visit https://www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org/classes-workshops.

The Thymly Herb Garden Group Monthly Meeting

The meeting will be on Monday, October 16, beginning at 10 a.m. at the 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa.  If the Ballston Spa School District has a delay or closes that day, we will not meet.  The theme will be “Putting Your Garden to Bed”. Members and guests are asked to participate and share garden smarts, secrets, and suggestions on how to put your garden to bed for the winter.  Following the presentation, there will be refreshments, a meeting and an Herb of the Month talk.  Dues for the year to join the Thymly Herb Group are $20.  First time attendance is free.  New members are welcome.

Motown Dinner Dance

The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 is holding a Motown Dance Party on Saturday, October 28, at the Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs.  The fabulous East Coast Players will be bringing the 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. 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.

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

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.

Glens Falls Symphony 2023-2024 40th Anniversary Concert Season Kicks-off Oct. 8

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Glens Falls Symphony Concert Orchestra. Photo provided.

GLENS FALLS —The Glens Falls Symphony 40th Anniversary returns to the Glens Falls High School Auditorium with its season-opening “Musical Adventure” at 4 p.m. on Oct. 8. 

Opening Night features Opening Night features mezzo-soprano MaryAnn McCormick, and the works Short Ride in a Fast Machine/ John Adams, Sea Pictures/Edward Elgar, Symphonic Dances/ Sergei Rachmaninoff. 

 “Autumn,” on Nov. 12, features Michael Emery, concertmaster; violin and music by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzola, as well as Le Tombeau de Couperin by famed French composer Maurice Ravel. “Holiday Pops” will be staged Dec. 10. 

The season continues to May 5, 2024. For a full schedule and more information, go to: theglensfallsymphony.org.

Two Local Authors, Two New Books – In-Person at Northshire Oct. 5

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Lale Davidson and M.G. Bell will both be showcasing their respective new novels, Thursday, Oct. 5 at Northshire Bookstore Saratoga.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —In scenic Saratoga Springs, ghosts of a dark capitalist past awaken and challenge a young woman’s powers. 

Thus kicks off the enticing invitation to Lale Davidson’s newest book, Beyond Sight.  

Add to this, the inaugural foray into the world of novels by M.G. Bell – Cursed Towns of Jericho.

An in-person speaking and book-signing event featuring both authors will be staged at 6 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.