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Saratoga National Historical Park – Special Events in September

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga Battlefield. Photo by Super Source Media.

STILLWATER — Saratoga National Historical Park continues its 2023 special events program in September. 

Programs include: 

• History Caravans on Tuesdays, Sept. 12 and 26, 9:30 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Park. Volunteers lead caravan-style tours of the Saratoga Battlefield.

• Continentals Return to Saratoga Battlefield on Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield Tour Road Stop 2. Soldiers of Colonel Thomas Marshall’s 10th Massachusetts Regiment return to Bemus Heights at Saratoga Battlefield.

• 18th Century Medicine on Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitor Center Lawn. Volunteer Joe Craig explains the Healing Arts at the time of the Revolutionary War.

• Loyalist Refugee Encounters, Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield Tour Road Stop 9. When considering the American Revolution, many only think of two sides, the British and the Americans. Yet there is another important and often neglected contingent, those who chose to maintain their loyalty to England. 

• Battle of Freeman’s Farm Walking Tour, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1 p.m. Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield Tour Road Stop 6. Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives a guided tour of Freeman’s Farm, the place where most of the first battle of Saratoga was fought on Sept. 19, 1777. No sign-up required; those interested should meet at the Freeman Farm parking lot (stop 6); the tour will last for about one hour.

• “Are we there yet?” Saturday, Sept. 30, 10:30 – 11: 30 a.m. Visitor Center. Join Park Ranger Bill Valosin for an introduction to map and compass use. Discover the essential workings of a compass, what a map is, and how to use these tools together to find your way.

For more information, go to: go.nps.gov/saraevents. 

University at Albany: 2023-24 Department of Music and Theatre Performances

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

ALBANY — The University at Albany Department of Music and Theatre has announced its performances for the 2023-24 season. Offering concerts by guest artists, faculty and students, the Music Program will present 23 performances. The Theatre Program will mount three full productions offering five to six performances of each show plus its annual festival of new plays.  

All performances by the Department of Music and Theatre take place at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center on the main University at Albany campus at 1400 Washington Ave. 

The season begins with Viva Mexico on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. Pianist Max Lifchitz celebrates the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month performing a recital featuring music by Mexican composers, and on Thursday, Oct. 12 the ending of Hispanic Heritage Month by performing a recital featuring dance-inspired music from the Americas, titled: Tangos & More.   

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams: Wednesday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 22. This poetic drama, about the choices in the life of a young artist, made the yet-unknown playwright an overnight sensation. It’s an American classic: envisioned for our world today and our unique theatre in the round.

UAlbany Symphony Orchestra & Concert Band – Sunday, Oct. 22. Two of the University’s large ensembles present a shared program.

The Choral Hour – Saturday, Oct. 28. The UAlbany Chamber Singers and Community Chorale perform separately and combined in a program of music from a wide array of styles and culture.

For the complete schedule of the Department’s performances November and beyond, go to: www.albany.edu/pac/department-music-and-theatre-performances.  All tickets purchases must be made on-line at www.albany.edu/pac.

CulinaryArts Fall Series at SPAC: Joy of Oysters, Mushroom Experience 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces its innovative CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative will continue with two events slated for this fall at The Pines at SPAC. 

Kicking off the series on Oct. 13 from 6-9 p.m. is The Joy of Oysters, featuring cocktails and culinary delights including oysters prepared in a variety of ways and conversation with The Joy of Oysters author Nils Bernstein and WAMC Northeast Public Radio’s Joe Donahue. There will also be live oyster shucking on site by Chef Megan Diehl of Pop-up Oyster Bar Company. 

Nov. 4 from 5-8:30 p.m., will feature The Mushroom Experience, spotlighting the beauty of fungi through a mushroom forward multi-course dinner, mushroom-infused cocktails, and thematic visual art and music experiences, in partnership with Collar City Mushrooms.

 “Our latest CulinaryArts@SPAC series will fuse expert-led conversation, responsibly sourced food and drink, and a completely unique experience for our community to explore both the ‘joy’ of oysters and the many fascinating and delicious facets of fungi,” Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of SPAC said in a statement. “Our hope is that these events will introduce new communities to SPAC’s ethos of connecting deeply to art, culture, nature and one another.” 

Tickets to attend The Joy of Oysters are $95 and include drinks and tastings along with admission to the conversation. Tickets to attend The Mushroom Experience are $125 and include the multi-course supper, drinks and gratuity. Visit spac.org for details. 

A Walking Tour Exploring Gilded Age, WPA Era Architecture in Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Star Spring in Saratoga Springs, located in the Congress Park/East Side area, at/near Circular Street and Spring Street. Courtesy private collection.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —On Saturday, Sept. 16, the Slate Valley Museum will offer “Historic Architecture of Saratoga: Elements of Both Landscape and Built Architecture,” a walking tour in Saratoga Springs.

The museum’s guest curator and researcher Bob Isherwood will lead the tour through the historic district of Saratoga’s Congress Park area and the adjoining East Side Neighborhood. Isherwood will approach this location as an example of some of the themes around city planning and the use of slate in the post-Civil War/Gilded Age period.

The walking tour will conclude with a picnic lunch (bring/buy our own) on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa State Park where attendees will be able to view the WPA era architecture of Dwight J. Baum and others mentioned in the One Painting, Many Stories exhibition.

The tour will begin at 10:15 a.m. and last until 1:30/2 p.m. The event is rain or shine, with the picnic dependent on the weather conditions. This is primarily a walking tour with variations of street and sidewalk conditions. Those planning to attend should dress for walking and the weather. 

The cost to attend is $20 per person, or $15 per person for members of the museum. The group size is limited. RSVP and pre-payment are required by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Call the museum at 518-642-1417 to register.

Hubbard Hall Center Announces New National Partnership with The Drama League of New York City

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

CAMBRIDGE — Hubbard Hall has announced it has struck a new national partnership with The Drama League of New York for directing residencies at the Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education in Cambridge.

During week-long residencies, artists will come to the campus to develop their directing craft, using the Hubbard Hall campus, as well as various sites around the village of Cambridge to create new work that will be available to view for free by the community at the end of each residency.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Drama League on the Beatrice Terry Directing Residency and the Next Stage Residency to bring some of the best and brightest early career directors to our campus every summer,” Hubbard Hall Executive & Artistic Director David Andrew Snider said in a statement. “This collaboration will allow us to further support artists and the field at large, while bringing great art and artists to our rural community.”

Applications are now open  for the artist development programs collectively called The Directors Project, which feature significant expansions for the 2024 class, including a first-ever international fellowship for emerging directors with the Rose Theatre in London, UK; Obie Award-winning Keen Company to produce DirectorFest, offering historic Off-Broadway debuts for the Drama League’s Stage Directing Fellows; new partnerships with Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education; and the establishment of The Drama League Film Fund to assist stage directors looking to expand their work into film and television.

For more information about Hubbard Hall and its programs, go to: hubbardhall.org. 

Global, Jazz, and Classical Artists Highlight 2023-24 Spa Little Theater Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Spa Little Theater season kicks off Oct. 8 with Pilobolus and continues through next May – when Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel return to conclude the 2023-24 programming schedule, Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced this week. 

In between, a robust slate of global, jazz, classical, and pop offerings will be staged.  

“While we have continued to expand our programing outside of the summer months in recent years, being able to inhabit the Spa little Theater year-round has opened up new possibilities for our year-round line-up of programming. Our 2023-24 season is a diverse and rich mix of incredible artistry offering everything from jazz to global to classical music along with full modern dance productions,” SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol said in a statement. 

Tickets for the 2023-24 Spa Little Theater season, as well as discounted multi-ticket packages are available at: spac.org. 

The programming kicks off with Pilobolus on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 2 and 7 p.m. Pilobolus’s new Re: Creation Tour reminds us that play and creativity are fundamental to the human experience and that stories are alive and breathing and can teach, comfort, and connect us to ourselves and each other. Building on the success of their critically acclaimed Big Five-OH! Anniversary tour, Pilobolus moves confidently into the next half century of creation and performance. Alongside groundbreaking new pieces, the company breathes new life into beloved works from the past to create an experience both timely and timeless. Tickets cost $35-$75. 

Avi Avital & Hanzhi Wang – Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, 7 p.m. Mandolinist Avi Avital will make his SPAC debut alongside star accordionist Hanzhi Wang, in a truly unique program that will showcase each artist’s incredible virtuosity. Tickets cost $30-$55. 

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, American Panorama – Saturday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. Led by CMS Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han, this program will feature a roster of 13 musicians in a special performance of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring along with works by Dvořák and American Composers Arthur Foote and Harry Burleigh. Tickets cost $35-$65. 

Säje – Saturday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Vocal supergroup, säje, is the brainchild of vocalist/composers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. Traversing a vast array of compelling original material, beloved jazz standards, and contemporary re-imaginings of artists such as The Bad Plus, YEBBA, and Björk, the all-female collective has demonstrated their devotion to thoughtful, sophisticated original compositions and heartfelt covers. Tickets are all general admission and cost $33. 

Kings Return, We 4 Kings – Saturday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m. Kings Return is back by popular demand following their SPAC debut last spring. The unique, harmonizing group turned internet sensation captures the essence of an old-school a cappella quartet with sounds inspired by gospel and R&B. Tickets cost $25-$55.

Time for Three, Home for the Holidays – Saturday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Defying convention and boundaries, Time For Three stands at the busy intersection of Americana, modern pop, and classical music. In addition to their arrangements of Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Led Zeppelin and others, the trio featuring Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), will present special arrangements of holiday favorites including The Christmas Song, Edelweiss, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and a special Hanukah MashUP. Tickets cost $35-$65.

Kat Edmonson, Holiday Swingin’! – Sunday, Dec. 17, 4 p.m. Kat Edmonson and her band will perform Yuletide favorites along with Kat’s originals for a magical holiday evening celebration. Tickets cost $25-$55.

Coming in 2024: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Instrumental Array – Saturday, March 9; BalletX – Saturday and Sunday, March 16-17; TISRA: Zakir Hussain with Debopriya Chatterjee and Sabir Kahn – Saturday, March 23; Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Wu Han, David Finckel and Chad Hoopes – Saturday, May 11.  

Visit spac.org for additional details.  

September 8 – September 14, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Donnybrook Open Golf Outing

Commodore John Barry Div. #1 Saratoga Springs. Friday, September 15, Airway Meadows Golf Course, rain or shine. Cost is $100 per golfer by Sept. 8. Cash or checks payable to Saratoga AOH at P.O. Box 205 Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866. For more info see saratogaaoh.com. Registration at 7:45 a.m. Raffles, prizes, 50-50, longest drive and closest to the pin. Includes 18 holes with cart, light lunch at the turn with award reception following featuring assorted wraps and BBQ chicken.

Take-Out Barbecue Dinner

The Saratoga County History Center will hold a drive-thru Miller’s Backyard Barbecue dinner on Friday, September 15, from 3 – 6 pm.  There will be a choice of a half chicken OR half pound pulled pork dinner for $15. We will also be serving a beef brisket dinner for $20 available by pre-order only.  All dinners include a baked potato, coleslaw, and corn bread. Mac & cheese is available for $5.  All proceeds help fund public education and children’s programs at the museum.  Meals can be picked up at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa. Past barbecues have sold out quickly, so we strongly recommend that you visit our website at brooksidemuseum.org/event/millers-backyard-barbecue-3/ or call 518-885-4000 to reserve dinners in advance. 

Annual Charity Golf Tournament 

Saturday, September 16 at Hales Mills Country Club, Johnstown. Cost is $125 per golfer, $500 for foursome. Includes: 18 holes of golf, cart and lunch. Registration is at 8 a.m. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. followed by players feast and awards ceremony at Village Pizzeria, 2727 Route 29, Middle Grove. 518-882-9431 or www.villagepizzeria.com.

Front Porch Music Fest ‘23

Saturday, Sept. 16, 1-4 p.m. Spring Street (Court St. to Nelson Ave.), Saratoga Springs. Free & open to the public. Join us for a delightful afternoon of regional musicians playing on 15 front porches of Saratoga’s Spring Street (between Court St. & Nelson Ave.)! Family-friendly fun, with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cart & Spring Street Deli specials. Plus lots of neighborly “good will” sharing!  Come ready to show your love by tipping the artists who will share their talent. FB Event: https://fb.me/e/1gtWdwYdE

A Self-Guided Walking Tour Honoring Local Families and Veterans

Bacon Hill Cemetery Association proudly presents “A Self-Guided Walking Tour Honoring Local Families and Veterans” on Saturday, September 16, (rain date Sunday, September 17) from 2-4 p.m. Please join us as our re-enactors and speakers share the history of many Bacon Hill families and veterans.  Admission is free but donations are accepted and appreciated as we strive to keep our cemetery preserved. The cemetery is located on Stonebridge Rd. directly across the road from the Bacon Hill Reformed Church at 560 Rte. 32N, Schuylerville, NY.  Parking is available at the church.

16th Annual Tasting on the Hudson

Schuylerville Lions Club 16th annual Tasting on the Hudson will be held  at Hudson Crossing Park on September 16, 3 – 6 p.m. The park is located at County Rd 42 at the Champlain Canal Lock #5, in Schuylerville. Tickets are $40 through Eventbrite.com or $50 at the door. The Schuylerville Lions Club provides eye exams, glasses, hearing aids and other community help to those in need, this is their only fundraiser.

Sustainable Saratoga Volunteer Open House

Sunday, September 17, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Saratoga Springs Public Library- Dutcher Community Room. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about Sustainable Saratoga is welcome to attend. Find out about our current volunteer opportunities in Urban Forestry, Pollinator Protection, Land Use, Zero Waste, and Climate and Energy. We will start with a presentation about each of our 5 committees, followed by a meet and greet session where you can talk with our executive director, board members, and committee members.

Fall Rising Stars

Saratoga Children’s Theatre now offeres as a morning class during the school year. Ages 3 – 6, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. These stars-to-be will learn to explore their creativity through music, storytelling, movement and art. A small performance will take place at the end of each week. Frozen Week – September 18, 20, and 22. Encanto Week – October 2, 4, and 6. Paw Patrol Week – October 16, 18, and 20. Cost is $95/week. To register, visit www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org/classes-workshops. 

Havurah Vatik

Exploring Jewish Origins: Los Sephardim, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs. All Saratoga, Glens Falls, Clifton Park, Washington Co., Jewish seniors 55 plus are welcome! Vaccination required, masks optional. Exploring Sephardic Roots and Ladino, language of Sephardic Culture, with local linguist Carla Gordon. A catered lunch follows the program. RSVP by Sept. 14: 518-584-8730, ext. 4.

Homesteading on a 1/2 Acre Class 

Sign-ups now available. Brookside Museum and the Milton Grange are offering 5 classes designed to help you start and be successful Homesteading. Five classes are set up to take you from starting your homestead, growing vegetables and protein and preserving them. Classes begin on Tuesday, September 19 – Tuesday, October 17, 6:30 p.m. Join us and register today. Space is limited and we are looking forward to seeing you.

Homesteading on a ½ Acre

Sons of ITAM Chicken BBQ

Hamburger/Hot Dogs & Salad served from noon – 4 p.m. Chicken BBQ, baked potato, and corn on the Cob served at 4 p.m. Tickets $20 per person. Saturday, September 23. I|TAM 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs. 

Community Rummage Sale and Savory Soups

Saturday, September 23,10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Charlton Freehold Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Need to make some space – get rid of things you don’t use?  Put up your items for sale to become somebody else’s treasure. Rent a table and space for $15. For information or to make a reservation call 518-399-2873 or email office@charltonfreehold.org.  Savory Soups: Stop and choose from a selection of savory soups to take home and enjoy on this first day of Fall.

2023 AFS Hearts for the Arts Festival

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 on Saturday evening, September 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hitching Post Café, 1256 Lake Ave., (9N) Lake Luzerne. 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 guests, so please make your reservations early and give your dinner choice, prime ribs, salmon or vegetarian (includes dessert). Cash bar. www.adirondackfolkschool.org. 

Senior Trip to the Castles

Old Saratoga Seniors are hosting a trip to the Castles of New York.  This will be three days, 2 nights on October 4-6, 2023.  The cost will be $469 for members.  For more information and to reserve a seat contact Peg Jennings or Pat Temple at 518-338-2329.

Annual Fall Bazaar

For the Benefit of the Ballston Area Seniors Saturday October 7, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town of Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. Come out to our Fall Bazaar and get into the holiday spirit. Ther will be crafters, artisans, and product booths. Crafts, Country Café, Bake Goods, Books & Puzzles, Pie Table, Quilts & 50/50 Raffle. Raffle featuring Baskets with gift cards, services, assorted items, etc. Don’t have to be present to win. 

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).

Malta Cultural Arts Festival – Call for Vendors

The Malta Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services is looking for craft and food vendors in celebration of artists of various cultures and art forms at the 2023 Malta Cultural Arts Festival to be held on Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. inside and outside the grounds of the David R. Meager Malta Community Center at 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta. Deadline for application submission is Thursday, September 25. Please contact the Malta Community Center AT 518-899-4411 or email kgottmann@malta-town.org for an application or additional information. 

The 26th Annual “Autumn Jewels” Judged Art Show 

Held at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., from October 3 to October 30. This show is sponsored by Southern Saratoga Art Society and is open to all area artists. 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.

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. 

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

September 8- September 14, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, September 8

John Oates Benefit Concert

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, 683 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs

7 p.m. | An evening of songs and stories and horses! Oates was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004, and in 2014 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of Daryl Hall & John Oates. His memoir, Change of Seasons, was published in 2017. John is an avid horseman who believes in the mission we are serving here at THS and all proceeds from this concert will go to the betterment of horses in aftercare that are aiding to heal people right here in our community. The John Oates Concert is an open-seating event. For tickets, visit www.thsaratoga.org. 

Saturday, September 9

29th Annual Town of Greenfield Townwide Garage and Craft Sale

Various locations throughout town | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Several events including a vendor/craft sale, food, silent auction, kids eye screening (6 mo. – 7 yrs.), animal shelter adoptions, Birthright, Adopt-A-Soldier. Maps available at the Stewart’s in Greenfield and Middle Grove, Greenfield Center Baptist Church, and Lions Info/Silent Auction Tent at 31 Wilton Road. Also on Sunday, September 10 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., rain or shine. The Middle Grove Methodist Church is having a drive thru Chicken BBQ Sat 3 – 6 p.m. or until sold out.

Historian Walking Tour: Jonesville

Jonesville United Methodist Church, 963 Main St.,
Clifton Park | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Join Clifton Park Town Historian John Scherer for a brief walking tour of the historic hamlet of Jonesville, followed by a tour of the Jonesville Rural Cemetery.  We will also visit some interesting monuments and hear about several early settlers at the cemetery that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Recommended donation is $10 per group (individual, couple or family), but please input the expected number of people in the group so that we can keep track of numbers.  To register, visit our website at brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/58835-historians-walking-tours-jonesville-sept-9th-2023.

Free Lunch ?

The Malta Ridge UMC, 729 Malta Ave. Extension, Malta Ridge | 11:30 a.m.  – 1:30 p.m 

A soup and sandwich lunch will be served at no charge. All are welcome. For additional information or directions please call the Church at 518-581-0210.

Meet The Breeds ?

4-H Training Center, 556 Middle Line Rd., Ballston Spa

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Open to Public-Free Event-Demonstrations-Vendors-Family Fun. Dog lovers’ opportunity to discover popular and rare breeds, while learning responsible dog ownership and fun activities you can do with your dogs. Meet with local canine businesses including pet groomers and veterinarians. Call 518-885-8995 for more information.

Book Signing and Reading

Ballston Spa Public Library,
21 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa

1 p.m. | A book signing and reading with novelist and tv writer, Matt Witten. He will present his newest novel, Killer Story. Books will be available to purchase and sign. Mr. Witten lived in Saratoga Springs, where he wrote four mystery novels, then moved to LA and began writing for TV: Law & Order, House, Pretty Little Liars, CSI: Miami, and other shows. Free and open to the public. For more information visit: bspl.sals.edu or call 518-885-5022.

Our Songs Remember ?

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room,
49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs | 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum presents a program of music and traditional tales drawn from the rich indigenous history of our Saratoga Region, including Abenaki, Mohican, and Haudenosaunee stories and songs. Presented by Nulhegan Abenaki tradition bearers Jesse and Joseph Bruchac of the Ndakinna Education Center, in tandem with the History Museum’s newest exhibit, First Saratogians. Reserve your free tickets at saratogahistory.org/events.

Equilibrium

The Barn at Rock City Falls, 710 Rt 29, Rock City Falls

3 – 5 p.m. | A collaborative improvisation between the Rock City Falls Trio’s electric harpist Alex Chang, double bassist Jason Handron and percussionist Adam Forman and NYC-based visual artist Christian A. Mendoza. The performance is supported by a Saratoga Arts Community Arts Regrant. RSVP required, limited seating. https://tinyurl.com/equilibriumimprov

Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance

Milton Community Center,
310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa

7 – 10 p.m. | Open to the public and ample free parking. There will be a Donation of $5 per person. Snack and refreshment will be provided. Dance to the music of the Old Time Country Band. (Adults Only). For more information call 518-430-7029.

Sunday, September 10

Breakfast Buffet 

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa
8 – 11 a.m. | All you can eat Breakfast Buffet. The menu will include pancakes and sausage, French toast, eggs made to order, world famous omelets, home fries, toast, coffee, and juice. Adults $9. Seniors $8 and Kids $5 (cash only).

Defensive Driving Class

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church,
175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Fee: $35 per person. Bring a friend fee is $30 each. Portion of fee goes to Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church. Registration is required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski at 518-286-3788. As we are social distancing, a mask is optional. Class size is limit.

Autumn Sunday Stroll – Down in the Valley: Exploring the Gut

Meets at the Northwest corner of Putnam and Spring Streets at the Hathorn Spring
10:30 a.m. | Alexandra Morgan will explore the area behind Broadway known as “The Gut,” which was home to many working class and Jewish families who provided important contributions to the community. Tours will be limited to thirty and tickets must be purchased in advance.  The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members.  For additional information on these summer strolls or to purchase tickets to any of these upcoming tours visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Marcy Dreimiller, Administrative Assistant, at admin@saratogapreservation.org.

13th Annual Curtis Lumber Car and Truck Show

885 State Route 67, Ballston Spa

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Join us for a great day of fun and beautiful show vehicles at one of the largest car and truck shows in the Capital Region!  Free for spectators.  All makes of cars, trucks, and tuners are welcome. (No cut-off years). $20 per pre-registered online show vehicle or $25 show vehicle registration day of show. 40+ awards and trophies will be awarded!  Music by DJ Jason La Juene of Raven Events, giveaways, face painting, balloon twisting, 50/50 raffle, food trucks, and more! Benefits WTEN Pet Connection. Leashed pets welcome. Details: www.CurtisLumberCarShow.com or on Facebook.   

Annual Chicken BBQ ?

St. Therese Chapel, Route 32 and Gansevoort-Wilton Rd., Gansevoort | 11 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Dinners include half a chicken, corn on the cob, baked potato, coleslaw, and a homemade dessert.  Dinners $15/ea.  For Reservations Call 518-792-2276.  Reserved meals must be paid for and picked up by 2 p.m.  

Monday, September 11

Galway Preservation Society Meeting

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Rd., Galway

6:45 p.m., a brief business meeting will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a program on “The Trevett & Sons Chair Factory” given by Bob Wemple, Providence Town Historian.  Mr. Wemple will present the history of the Trevett & Sons Chair Factory which was located in the town of Providence.  The factory was in operation from the mid-1800s until early 1923, making thousands of chairs.  Please join us. The meetings are always open to the public, free of charge.    

Tuesday, September 12

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Saratoga Senior Center,
290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs

10:30 a.m. | Join us to cut the ribbon on the beautiful new Saratoga Senior Center with all the people who helped bring the community to this new center.

Fall 5-Week 4-H Shooting Sports Course 

4-H Training Center 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa
4 – 7 p.m. | Meets Every Tuesday evening, September 12 – October 10. Youth will learn the basics of Air Pistol, Archery, Muzzleloader, Rifle and Shotgun with a focus on Safety, Ethics, and Personal Responsibility. Open to Youth 12 years-old and older. To sign up, visit  https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=SC4HShootingSportsFall2023_241 or Contact Leland at glb76@cornell.edu for more information.

Wednesday, September 13

6 Hour Defensive Driving Course

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, Community Room l, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The cost is $35 per person.  You can pay on the website: safetycouncilny.com  or  pay the morning of your class. There are only 40 spots open per class, so make sure you get on the list before it fills up.  A half hour lunch break, (bring your own lunch & beverage).  Call Patty Patrick Henry at 518-316-9726 to sign up.  Leave  message and  phone number. Next class is Friday September 22, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Stuffed Chicken Breast 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: boneless stuffed chicken breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cranberry sauce, roll and tossed salad. Dinner $15. (Cash only).  

Saratoga Preservation Foundation’s Annual Meeting

Music Hall at City Hall, 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
5 p.m. | Annual Meeting of Membership & Board of Directors, which includes board of director and officer elections, and Preservation Recognition Award Ceremony. The Preservation Recognition Awards recognize those who have preserved the architectural heritage of Saratoga Springs. The public is invited to attend a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the Annual Meeting and Preservation Recognition Awards which will start promptly at 5:30 p.m.

Green Drinks

The Parting Glass, 40-42 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m.

A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Green Drinks – Saratoga Springs is held monthly. This is a networking event, solicitation is not allowed.

Ice Cream Social

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

6:30 – 8 p.m. | The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is hosting an ice cream social.  This informational meeting is open to the public and will provide details about voter registration events, candidate forums and the League’s work. This event will be a fun way to get acquainted with League members and find out more about what we do. 

Thursday, September 14

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series

Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St, Saratoga Springs
Noon – 1 p.m. | “First Saratogians: The History and Traditions of the Indigenous Nations of the Saratoga Region”, presented by Dr. Joseph Bruchac, Executive Director of the Ndakinna Education Center, and Saratoga Springs Poet Laureate. The program can also be accessed virtually. Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and guidelines www.sspl.org.

CPR Class for Teens

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St. Galway | 6 – 8:30 p.m.

For ages 12 – 17. The library’s Teen Advisory Board presents this CPR Class, which is hosted by Calderwood Training Solutions. Registration is required; call 518 882 6385. Those who would like to receive a Red Cross Certification card for taking the course, at a cost of $25 to the attendee, must notify Ms. Julie at the library by September 11. More information about all library programs may be found at www.galwaypubliclibrary.org.

CAPTAIN CHS to Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Youth Shelter

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

CLIFTON PARK — CAPTAIN Community Human Services (CHS) has announced a celebration honoring the 25th anniversary of their Runaway and Youth Homeless Shelter.

The event will be held Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Doc’s Tavern at Brown’s Beach Resort, according to a press release.

“We’re so excited to celebrate the rich history of our Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter,” said CAPTAIN CHS Executive Director Andy Gilpin in the release. “The Youth Shelter has been a staple in our community, serving local teens in crisis 24/7/365 since it opened its doors in 1998.” 

Located in Malta, the temporary shelter serves “youth under 18, with a primary focus on ages 13-17 who are homeless, runaway, facing a housing crisis, or in an otherwise unsafe situation,” the release states.

“Our Youth Shelter plays a truly pivotal role in the lives of the lives of kids that stay here,” continued Gilpin. “We are focused on family reunification with all our efforts. Our primary goal is to not only find a healthy and permanent home for youth, but to also find and connect them to the resources and support they need to build a brighter future.” 

Staff at the Youth Shelter provide services such as case management, transportation to and from school and appointments, and involve them in activities. Staff will attempt to reconnect youths with their families or find an alternative permanent living arrangement, according to the release.

“Our Youth Shelter meets a critical need in the community,” noted Gilpin. “We’re one of only two Youth Shelters serving the areas north of Albany – the other being WAIT House in Glens Falls and one of only two Youth Shelters for youth under 18 in the entire Capital Region and points north.” 

The Youth Shelter serves Saratoga, Washington, Warren, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Mont-gomery, and Fulton Counties. Over 25 years, the Youth Shelter has served more than 2,700 youth from the Capital District, North Country, and Mohawk Valley.

CAPTAIN CHS launched the 25th Anniversary Fund this summer, with Gilpin noting in the release that the shelter’s roof and HVAC system need to be replaced, and said they are hoping to purchase a 12-passenger van, among other improvements.

“While this is a wonderful celebration of the life-changing opportunities the Youth Shelter gives our local teens, it is also a reminder of how important it is that our doors remain open,” continued Gilpin.

The 25th Anniversary Fund has a goal of $115,000, and has currently raised over $70,000, the release states.

“It is only because of the support and commitment of our community that this Youth Shelter opened,” concluded Gilpin. “And it’s because of that same dedication we know we’ll reach our goal, building a foundation for the next twenty-five years of making a difference.”

Tickets to the event are $75 and available for purchase at www.captaincares.org/youthshelter.

Saratoga Voices Awards Vocal Scholarships

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BURNT HILLS — Saratoga Voices hosted its 26th Annual Vocal Scholarship competition at Saint Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs. Of eight applicants performing selections from the standard song repertoire, Joshua Hoyt from Stillwater High School (first place) and Emma Nobes from Niskayuna High School (second place) won $1,500 and $1,000 scholarships, respectively.

The students’ voice teachers are Michael Lotano and Carla Fisk. The competition was judged by Heather Baird and Dr. Kathleen Slezak.

Dr. Slezak is the choir director at Bethesda Episcopal Church in Saratoga Springs, and Heather Baird has recently retired from teaching choral ensembles and vocal lessons at Shenendehowa High Schools East and West. She is also on the advisory board of the Eastern New York Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). 

Joshua Hoyt and Emma Nobes will both attend The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. 

Nobes intends to study Music Education to become a music teacher, and Hoyt will study Musical Theater with an interest in performance as well as producing and directing musicals.

For more information on Saratoga Voices’ Scholarship Program, visit saratogavoices.org.