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Author: Saratoga TODAY

January 23 – January 29, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, January 23

Saratoga Film Showcase

Various location | Now in its second year, the weekend-long showcase on January 23 – 25 will feature 31 short films, nearly double last year’s lineup – with all but on filmmaker attending in person. The Saratoga Film Showcase offers a dynamic mix of film screenings, panels, live programming, and social gatherings designed to foster connection between artists and audiences. Tickets and additional information are available at: https://saratoga-arts.org/event-6473240. 

Book Sale

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 2 – 5 p.m. A used book sale in the program room at the library. The sale will continue Saturday, January 24, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Fill your bag for any monetary donation! 

Chili Dinner

The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church, 101 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa | 5 – 7 p.m. A Chili Dinner with chili from various restaurants competing for top prize. Adults $8, children 10 and under $5. Beverages and home-made desserts will also be available.  

Saturday, January 24

Mineral Springs Tour

Creekside Classroom, Geyser Loop Rd., Saratoga Spa Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 12 Noon.  Join a tour guide at the Creekside Classroom to learn about the mineral springs in the park. Cups will be provided for tasting the springs. Tours meet at Creekside Classroom at 11 a.m. today. Registration: Not required. For more events at the park, visit www.friendsofsaratogaspastatepark.org. 

Ham Dinner

The Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 5th Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. A Ham Dinner complete with homemade pies. Cost: Free-will donation. 

Sunday, January 25

Buffet Breakfast

ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 8 – 11 a.m. Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. $11 adults, $10 seniors, $6 children (children under 5 free), $13 take out orders. 

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.

Film: How to Save Democracy

Barn at Bassett House, 338 River Rd., Greenwich | 1 p.m. Saratoga Springs based filmmaker Michael Wayne’s 2025 feature documentary, How to Save Democracy. In the film, various democracy experts are interviewed; the people–Pulitzer Prize winners, journalists, authors, activists, constitutional scholars, and historians–all give depth and perspective on what it would take for the U.S. to realize the true promise of democracy. The film includes archival images and footage from the 19th and 20th centuries. Admission is $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Call 518-791-1659 to reserve a spot.

Monday, January 26

Useless Information: Fascinating True Stories from the Flip Side of History

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6 p.m. Come join author Steve Silverman, host of the popular Useless Information Podcast, as he shares a selection of his favorite stories including hard to believe true stories featuring local people. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org. 

Tuesday, January 27

Origin of Spa Park

Creekside Classroom, Geyser Loop Rd., Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 12 Noon. Hear about the natural history, geology, human history and societal shifts that have led to Saratoga Spa State Park as we know it today. If conditions allow, this brief talk inside the Creekside Classroom will be followed by a walk to one of the historic springs or buildings within the park.

Wednesday, January 28

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. Storyteller Kelvin Keraga presents Talking with Shadows. 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.

Science on Tap i

Common Roots Brewing Company, S. Glens Falls | 7 p.m. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. Speaker: Daniel Peterson. Title: Fake News on Social Media: Exploring Age Effects. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-9/

Sliced Turkey Breast 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: sliced turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetable, gravy, tossed salad, dinner rolls. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Photography Club 

Community Room of the Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. Our January meeting is set aside for the fourth year in a row to view the submissions to our member photo challenge: Your Best Photos of 2025. Please join us for this showing of the photography by our talented members. Anyone interested in photography, regardless of experience level, is encouraged to attend these relaxed, friendly gatherings. For more information, contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com. 

Thursday, January 29

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail Walks

Meadowbrook Rd. Entrance, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. Take a walk to learn new information about the sights and sounds of one of your favorite Saratoga PLAN trails. Learn about the amazing ecology of a wetland and a forest habitat in the deep winter. Register online at www.wiltonpreserve.org. 

Sow You Want to Be an Ecological Gardener?! 

Skidmore College Center for Integrated Sciences, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Join us for this free workshop and leave with the tools to plant your own native plant garden come spring. Come by any time between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Plant seeds this winter and have seedlings to plant or pot in spring. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and guide you in winter sowing best practices. To register: https://forms.gle/aTT2CD632AufXcX4A. Visit, https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/community-winter-sowing-workshop/

Children’s Museum at Saratoga Makes History with First-Ever Traveling Exhibit, Debuting Immersive Literacy Experience

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (CMAS) will mark a major milestone this month with the arrival of its first ever traveling exhibit , welcoming an immersive, storybook-inspired literacy experience on loan from the Minnesota Children’s Museum. The exhibit arrived Sunday, and is viewable this week. 

The approximately 500-square-foot exhibit represents a new chapter for CMAS, expanding how the museum brings fresh, engaging learning opportunities to families in the Capital Region. Designed to immerse children and caregivers in the worlds of classic children’s literature, the exhibit features environments inspired by The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, and Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill. 

Through hands-on exploration and shared discovery, the exhibit encourages children to experience stories beyond the page. The spaces are intentionally designed to spark curiosity, conversation, and play—reinforcing that literacy develops through meaningful interactions long before formal reading begins. 

“This exhibit is incredibly special for us, not only because of its focus on early literacy, but because it represents the first time we’ve brought a traveling exhibit to the Children’s Museum at Saratoga,” said Sarah Smith, Executive Director of CMAS. “As we continue to listen to our community and respond to how families use and experience the museum, we’re committed to keeping our exhibits dynamic. That means growing our permanent exhibits while also exploring new traveling opportunities like this one, which allow us to introduce new themes, perspectives, and experiences for our visitors.” 

The exhibit’s arrival also coincides with the Children’s Museum at Saratoga’s partnership with United Way of the Greater Capital Region, the official local program partner for Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to expanding access to books and reinforcing the importance of early literacy both inside and outside the museum’s walls. 

While the traveling exhibit invites families to experience stories through immersive play, the Imagination Library ensures that children can continue building that connection to reading at home, further strengthening the role of families and caregivers in a child’s literacy journey. 

The traveling exhibit reflects CMAS’s evolving approach to growth, balancing long-term investments in permanent installations with flexible, rotating exhibits that keep repeat visits engaging and relevant. It also opens the door for future partnerships with museums nationwide, expanding what CMAS can offer to the community it serves. 

The exhibit is currently open and viewable any time the Museum is open. 

For admission details, memberships, and hours, visit https://cmssny.org/ or stop by the Museum at 65 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

January 23 – January 29, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

13th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser

Saratoga Clay Arts Center has announced the participating restaurants for its 13th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser, taking place Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Saratoga Springs City Center. 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, The Olde Bryan Inn. Proceeds from the event benefit three local organizations: Saratoga Clay Arts Center, To Life!,  and Wilton Food Pantry. Registration is now open. Tickets may be purchased online at www.saratogaclayarts.org. 

Recently Engaged? 

Let us assist you in your Wedding Plans! The Daily Gazette is hosting our 26th Annual Capital Region’s Premier Wedding Show! This event is held at the Saratoga City Center on February 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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!

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. 

Full Moon Hike at Wilton Wildlife

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park invites community members of all ages to experience the beauty of nature after dark during its upcoming series of Full Moon Hikes. The next hike will take place on Saturday, January 31, at 5:00 p.m., offering participants a rare opportunity to explore the park’s serene winter landscape under the glow of the full moon.

Led by a knowledgeable environmental educator, each guided walk provides participants with insights into the unique habitats and wildlife that make Wilton Wildlife a regional treasure. The hikes will be held on the scenic trails of Camp Saratoga, located on Scout Road in the Town of Wilton.

These evening adventures offer a memorable and family-friendly way to appreciate the natural world in a peaceful, moonlit setting. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly and prepare for winter outdoor conditions.

Depending on weather conditions, the program will be conducted on snowshoes if snow is present; otherwise, attendees will enjoy a traditional trail walk. Free snowshoe rentals are available thanks to the generous support of Brookfield Renewable N.A. An additional Full Moon Hike is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, at 6:00 p.m.

To register, please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.

 For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the Wilton Wildlife website at wiltonpreserve.org or follow on Facebook or Instagram @wiltonpreserve. Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s mission is to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological systems and natural settings.

Saratoga County Announces Lifeguard Training Sponsorships Available for Youth Ages 15 to 17

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services has sponsorships available for residents ages 15 to 17 years old who would like to become lifeguards. The sponsorships will provide eligible residents with the opportunity to take the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training.

 Applications are available on the Saratoga County website at www.saratogacountyny.gov/DAYS.

 Those interested must participate in a pre-requisite swim at the Saratoga Springs YMCA (290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs) on February 1st from 1-3pm. This requirement will take approximately two hours. Participants will take part in swimming 300 to 500 yards continuously (depending on pool or waterfront certification), treading water hands-free, and retrieving a weight, both under time limits. 

Participants will be eligible to apply for sponsorship upon completion of these components. The deadline for singing up for the pre-requisite swim is through January 30th.

 Classes for the water skills portion of the Lifeguard Training will take place from February through April. 

 Students will be certified in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, AED and Water Rescue Skills. These classes will provide pool certification. Waterfront certification is available upon request and requires additional skills.

 The program is provided through funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

 For more information, please contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4101 or visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/DAYS.

Law Firm Expanding Presence in Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC has signed a lease for a bigger office in Saratoga Springs.

The new space, located at One Congress Plaza, is slightly more than 11,000 square feet, more than four times the size of Bond’s current Saratoga office. It’s expected to open in late spring 2026.

Bond is a sizable firm with more than 10 offices scattered across New York State, in addition to offices in Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Kansas. 

“We opened our first office in Saratoga nine years ago. Since then, we have seen consistent growth in client needs and in the number of attorneys needed to serve those clients,” said Michael Billok, member, in the Saratoga office. “This larger, modern space will enable us to recruit top legal talent, deepen our bench across key practices and continue to provide the best, high-quality service to clients in and around Saratoga.” 

Bond said in a press release that the expanded footprint will allow it to add attorneys and professional staff across locally in-demand practices, such as labor and employment, trusts and estates, real estate, immigration, and health care.

Saratoga Physical Therapy Associates Announces Staff Changes

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Front row, left to right: Senior Partners Matthew O’Neil and Michael Cudahy. Back row, left to right: Junior Partners Randy Baisy, Daniel Mackey, and Matthew Raco. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Physical Therapy Associates (SPTA), which has locations in both Saratoga Springs and Malta, recently announced the addition of new staffers.  

Daniel Mackey, DPT, in Saratoga Springs, and Randy Baisy, DPT, in Malta, both of whom hold doctorates in physical therapy from The Sage Colleges, have joined the practice as junior partners and will assume the roles of clinical managers in their respective locations.  

Matthew Raco, PTA, a clinician with SPTA for 20 years, has also become a junior partner and assumed the position of practice manager, and will continue to deliver patient care. 

“Mackey, Baisy, and Raco are determined to help patients overcome challenges and improve their quality of life,” said Michael Cudahy, a founder of SPTA.  

Cudahy and his fellow senior partner Matthew O’Neil will continue to see patients, as well as focus on the growth, outreach, and operations of SPTA.

CAPTAIN Community Human Services Announces Executive Leadership Transition

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Scott DeMarco, CAPTAIN Community Human Services’ new executive director. 

Andy Gilpin, the new director of strategic initiatives.

Photos via CAPTAIN CHS. 

CLIFTON PARK — CAPTAIN Community Human Services (CHS) recently announced that Scott DeMarco has been appointed its new executive director.

This planned leadership change comes as Andy Gilpin transitions from the executive director role, in light of his progressing ALS diagnosis, while continuing his work with the organization in a strategic leadership capacity. 

Gilpin has served as executive director since 2021, leading a period of growth and expanded impact across Saratoga, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties. Under his leadership, CAPTAIN CHS increased its reach by more than 30% and grew volunteer engagement to more than 26,000 hours annually, the organization stated in a press release. 

Gilpin has been with CAPTAIN CHS since 2010 and has worked in the nonprofit sector for nearly 24 years. He’s devoted much of his career to supporting runaway and homeless youth and strengthening community-based responses to crises. In addition to his role at CAPTAIN CHS, Gilpin also served as co-chair of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Runaway and Homeless Youth Advisory Committee, co-chair of the Capital Region Advisory Board on Youth Homelessness, co-chair of the Saratoga/North Country Continuum of Care Board, and co-chair of the Coordinated Entry Committee. 

“Serving as executive director has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Gilpin said. “Every day, I’ve been humbled by the resilience of those we serve, inspired by the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and grateful for the unwavering generosity of our supporters. CAPTAIN CHS has always been about neighbors helping neighbors, and I’m confident that spirit will continue to guide this organization into the future.” 

“Andy’s leadership has been transformative for CAPTAIN CHS,” said John Kuznia, chair of CAPTAIN CHS’s board of directors. “His vision, dedication, and compassion have positioned the agency for long-term success. We are deeply grateful for his continued leadership and expertise during this transition and beyond, and we are excited to welcome Scott DeMarco as CAPTAIN CHS’s next Director.”

Through more than 30 programs and services, CAPTAIN CHS aims to protect and nurture children and youth, strengthen families, connect seniors, resolve crises, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, support individuals with emotional challenges, and empower community members to build a brighter future for themselves and their neighbors.

Mildred (Millie) K. Leone (nee Whiting)

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Mildred (Millie) K. Leone (nee Whiting), formerly of 104 Ash Street passed away peacefully on Thursday January 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Wesley Health Care Center. She was 99.

Millie was born on November 27, 1926 in Oakfield, New York, the daughter of the late Ernest and Lillian Bowman Whiting. She was a graduate of Schuylerville High School Class of 1944. She moved to Saratoga Springs when she married her husband Mike Leone, in 1948.

In addition to her parents, Millie was predeceased by her husband Mike Sr., who passed away in 2000, her sons Mickey, Patrick and Lawrence and daughter-in-law Carol.

She is survived by her son Gary and his wife Theresa, daughter Kathryn and her husband Tom, and Maryjane along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

At the request of the family, there will be no calling hours.  

Funeral services were private and burial followed in the family plot in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.

The family wishes to acknowledge Wesley Health Care, especially the nurses, CNA’s, aides and staff of 4 Victoria, who were invaluable to our family and the care of our mother Millie.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

James Anthony Graczyk

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GANSEVOORT – James Anthony Graczyk, 65, passed away on January 18, 2026 from diabetes.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations to the American Diabetes Association, National Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association, your local food pantry, or your local animal shelter. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.