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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Letters to the Editor

Mayor Safford recently argued for narrowing the Design Review Board’s authority with the goal of providing relief to ordinary homeowners trapped by ‘permanent preservation.’ His argument relies on hypothetical instances that do not match the Board’s actual record.

Design Review only applies to limited areas of Saratoga Springs, not the city as a whole. Outside of those limited areas, demolition doesn’t involve the board at all. Within those districts, Design Review minutes indicate that demolition applications are uncommon and are regularly approved for garages, sheds, and additions – often unanimously. The cases with the most significant preservation consequences are redevelopment proposals brought forth by corporations or developers (such as Stewart’s), not ‘ordinary homeowners’ maintaining their homes.

If the Mayor’s objective is to ease the burden on homeowners, start with processes that ordinary homeowners encounter. In his January 2024 State of the City address, Mayor Safford said the Building Department’s goal was to reduce “wait time for a majority of permits to a range of four to six weeks.”

Has that goal been met?

The Mayor should be honest about who most stands to benefit from crippling the DRC. The real beneficiaries are development interests.

– Chris George

Saratoga Springs

Blotter Report

August 19, 2026. 9:53 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of DWI-first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Released to third party.

August 20, 2026. 10:05 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Queensbury resident in the Town of Malta on charges of felony criminal contempt and aggravated family offense. Held no bail. Original incident occurred on April 25. 

August 20, 2026. 2:53 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of 1st degree felony possession of a forged instrument. Released on own recognizance.

August 20, 2026. 9:26 p.m.- New York State Police arrested two Cohoes residents in the Town of Malta on charges of felony 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance: 500 milligrams of cocaine, and two counts of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance tickets issued.

August 20, 2026. 10:05 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Lake resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony DWI: previous conviction within the last 10 years, felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, misdemeanor circumvent interlock device, misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Released to third party. 

August 20, 2026. 11:42 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

August 21, 2026. 12:15 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a single vehicle accident on Route 9.

August 21, 2026. 12:41 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Greenfield Center resident in the Town of Milton on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense and two counts of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued. 

August 21, 2026. 3:14 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued.

August 21, 2026. 4:25 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Marlboro resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of felony 2nd degree grand larceny- amount exceeds $50,000. Released on own recognizance, original incident occurred on March 12 in the Town of Northumberland.

August 21, 2026. 5:36 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the City of Mechanicville on charges of misdemeanor prohibited sale of alcoholic beverage and unlawful dealing with a child: alcohol. Appearance ticket issued.

August 21, 2026. 5:57 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Queensbury on charges of misdemeanor act in a manner to injure a child and two counts of felony predatory sexual assault of a child: specified offence against a child less than 17 years of age. Held- no bail. Original incident reported on December 21, 2025. Investigation pending. 

August 21, 2026. 7:01 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Village of Ballston Spa on charges of misdemeanor prohibited sale of alcoholic beverage and unlawful dealing with a child: alcohol. Appearance ticket issued.

August 21, 2026. 7:25 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Lake resident in the Town of Ballston on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. 

August 22, 2026. 12:10 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Rock City Falls resident in the Town of Clifton Park on four counts of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance tickets issued.

August 22, 2026. 12:35 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cambridge resident in the Village of Schuylerville on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

August 22, 2026. 1:52 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

August 22, 2026. 11:49 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the village of Schuylerville on charges of misdemeanor act in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and misdemeanor sexual misconduct. Cash bail.

August 22, 2026. 7:53 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

August 22, 2026. 8:23 p.m.- New York State Police arrested three individuals — two from South Glens Falls and one from Saratoga Springs — in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance tickets issued. 

August 23, 2026. 9:38 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident and a Rock City Falls resident in the Town of Malta on multiple charges. The Rock City Falls resident was charged with misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and two counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. The Ballston Spa resident was charged with two counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance tickets issued.

August 23, 2026. 10:35 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

August 24, 2026. 12:11 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

August 24, 2026.  2:13 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ft. Lauderdale resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

August 24, 2026. 7:40  p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Broadalbin resident in the Village of Galway on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- 1st offense and misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Appearance ticket issued.

August 24, 2026. 11:35 p.m. New York State Police arrested a Green Island resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor unlawful purchase of body armor and criminal personation- pretends to be public servant. Appearance ticket issued. 

Step Into Fall Feeling Better: How Proper Foot Support Can Make a Difference

As summer winds down and schedules start filling back up, many of us find ourselves spending more time on our feet. Whether it’s heading back to work, getting the kids ready for school, enjoying the final weeks of summer, or simply staying active, foot comfort can have an impact on how we move through the day.

That’s where The Good Feet Store comes in.

With locations in Clifton Park and Colonie Center, The Good Feet Store helps customers explore personalized arch support solutions designed around their feet, shoes and daily activities.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, customers can visit the store for a personalized fitting and learn more about the different types of arch supports available.

For someone who spends long hours standing at work, an active golfer or walker, or someone simply looking for more support throughout the day, finding the right fit can be an important part of staying comfortable and active.

The experience starts with taking the time to understand each customer’s individual needs. From there, a Good Feet specialist can help identify options that work with different shoes and activities.

And with a newer location now serving the Clifton Park community, local residents don’t have to travel far to learn more.

As fall approaches, it may be a good time to think about something we often overlook: our feet carry us everywhere. Taking care of them can be an important part of keeping ourselves moving.

Stop into The Good Feet Store in Clifton Park or Colonie Center to learn more and experience a personalized fitting.

The Good Feet Store

Clifton Park
22 Clifton Country Road
Clifton Park, NY 12065

Colonie Center
131 Colonie Center
Albany, NY 12205

Kindred Spirit Music Series at Saratoga Arts

The next session in the Kindred Spirit Music Series will be hosted by Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle on Monday, Aug 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Saratoga Arts. This event is free and open to the public. 

Gibson and Staudle are award-winning songwriters and singers. The duo has been performing for fifteen years, both regionally and nationally. Together they play originals and favorites with a variety of instruments such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, and harmonica.

The Kindred Spirit Music Series is held on the last Monday of each month presented by Our Lodge Foundation, which supports the Saratoga Springs community through cultural, educational, civic, and charitable programs. Each month’s themed session includes music to reflect on, songs performed by regional musicians, and sing-alongs of familiar pieces that have helped us overcome as well as remember the joy of simply being.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Saratoga Springs History Museum Announces Second Annual Spirited Evening at the Historic Canfield Casino

The Saratoga Springs History Museum invites the community to experience an extraordinary evening of history, mystery, and paranormal exploration at the Second Annual Spirited Evening: A Paranormal Experience at the Historic Canfield Casino, taking place Thursday, November 12, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Held inside one of Saratoga Springs’ most iconic historic landmarks, Spirited Evening brings together perspectives on the paranormal, an interactive investigation, dinner, and a silent auction—all while raising important funds to support the Saratoga Springs History Museum.

For more than 150 years, the Canfield Casino has witnessed fortunes won and lost, elegant celebrations, quiet griefs, and generations of everyday human life. Its remarkable history has long-inspired stories, questions, and curiosity about what may remain within its walls.

This year’s Spirited Evening will feature keynote speaker Kelly M. Ballard, a fourth-generation Intuitive Medium with more than 25 years of experience working with Spirit.

Ballard’s keynote, “The Spirited Canfield Casino: A Medium’s Perspective on Ghosts, Spirits, and the Energy That Remains,” will explore what ghosts and Spirits may be, why energy can linger within historic locations, and what it can mean to understand—rather than fear—the activity that people have reported experiencing in places like the Canfield Casino.

As Saratoga Springs begins looking toward the fall season, the Museum encourages guests to reserve their places early for this special annual event. General Admission tickets are $150, with special Museum Member tickets available for $140.

Proceeds from the event support the Museum’s ongoing educational projects, materials, programs, exhibitions, and events, helping the Museum continue its work preserving and sharing the remarkable history of Saratoga Springs.

Something Evil is Coming to the Malta Drive-In Theatre

Get ready for the horror to jump out of the big screen and right up to the windows of your car during “Night of Evil: Haunted Night at the Malta Drive-In Theatre” on Saturday, August 22nd. Horror enthusiasts will be treated to a double-feature of “Insidious: Out of the Further” (PG-13) and “Ice Cream Man” (NR) while live scare actors haunt the theatre.

Lock your doors because local haunt production company Booo365 will be live on the grounds of the theatre with malevolent demons, a sinister ice cream man and his evil clown friends.

“We are thrilled to return to the Malta Drive-In Theatre this summer after two very popular Haunted Nights last year,” said Dan Barner, Owner of Booo365. “There is no need to wait until fall for a night of scares, we are ready to get the screams started now.”

Movie-goers are encouraged to interact and take photos with the creatures that Booo365 will be unleashing at the haunted drive-in. Tickets are available online now at www.maltadrivein.com or at the box office starting at 7:00pm on Saturday, August 22nd.

The Malta Drive-In Theatre is located at 2785 Route 9 in Malta. For more information, call 518-587-6077 or visit www.maltadrivein.com.

Saratoga Arts Presents: In This Moment

Improvisational Group “In This Moment (Courtesy of Mark Kleinhaut)

Saratoga Arts is hosting a night of improvisational music inspired by poetry that explores autumnal transformation, moments of reflection, and the enduring strength of hope and community on Friday, September 25 starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door available at eventbrite.com.

Poems drawn from the works of Fenton Johnson, Walt Whitman, Sara Teasdale, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, will evoke musical performances from an ensemble of master musicians known as “In This Moment.” Poetry is their springboard for improvised music that is natural, effortless, and willing to ride the freely flowing currents of spontaneity without set arrangements, roadmaps or conventional song forms.

Poetry will be read by Kristina Kulin, and will feature musical performances by Shiri Zorn, Mark Kleinhaut, Ed Green and Brian Melick.

Kulin has explored the art of performance as a dancer, actress, singer, public speaker, and musician. She is the founder and creative director of Lit Night, a series of literature appreciation events which she curates around a different theme each month.

Zorn is an innovative jazz vocalist whose fresh and intercultural sound reinvents the standard jazz repertoire as we know it. She layers American Songbook tunes with Middle Eastern influences and unexpected time signatures.

Kleinhaut is a guitarist who focused this past decade almost entirely on improvised compositional performance in small group and solo formats.

Green, on cello, brings musical wisdom from a lifetime of experiences beginning as a trombonist in New York City big bands and the pits of Broadway theaters to being a first call bass player in the Capitol Region to the intimate voice of the cello where Ed now finds his passion and expression.

Melick has been professionally involved in music for over 50 years,the depth and breadth of his experience as a percussionist, performer and recording artist provides a near limitless palette of rhythms, textures and bending of time and space.

“We are a Constellation” Exhibit to Debut at Tang Museum

Mark Thomas Gibson, Reconstruction, 2025 (Courtesy of Mark Gibson Studio)

The Tang Museum at Skidmore College presents Mark Thomas Gibson: We Are a Constellation, a solo exhibition in which the Philadelphia-based American history painter connects recent American history with the responsibilities of citizenship today. It will be on view from August 22 through January 3, 2027.

A recurring figure in Gibson’s work is the Town Crier—a stand-in for the artist who rings a bell and delivers urgent announcements to fellow citizens. At the Tang, the Town Crier will move beyond Gibson’s pen and paper into the gallery. At 2 p.m. each day the gallery is open, a Skidmore student will enact the role of Town Crier and deliver two announcements: news from that date 250 years earlier and news from the present day. Together, the performances will create a record of this important year while asking how history is remembered, narrated, and made.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a monumental, three-part American flag that debuted at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in 2025. Unfolding like the panels of a comic strip, the work features the flag transformed into choppy waves on one side and the Town Crier in the role of Paul Revere, sounding an alarm about threats to American democracy on the other. 

The exhibition takes its title from We Are a Constellation, a 2024 painting in the Tang collection that presents individual stars in the night sky connected to form an image of the United States. This symbolizes how we can be connected as citizens through voting.

“I’ve followed Mark’s work since Black Pulp!, the 2016 exhibition he co-curated with fellow artist William Villalongo,” said Ian Berry, Dayton Director and curator of the exhibition. “His art insists that history is neither distant nor settled, and I love that our students can become Town Criers each day, connecting news from the past with the events shaping our lives now. During the nation’s 250th anniversary and an election year, the exhibition asks us to be active, engaged citizens.”

This Week’s Events: August 21-27

Friday, August 21

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall and 9/11 Memorial Wall

Crandall Park, Glens Falls | 10 a.m. Opening Ceremony. The walls will be on display August 21 – 23. This powerful tribute honors the more than 58,000 men and women who lost their lives in service during the Vietnam War, and provides an opportunity for remembrance, education, and healing. Alongside it, the 9/11 Memorial Wall honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, offering visitors a place to reflect on that day as well. Event information and donation links can be found at www.VietnamWallGF.com. For questions, please contact Nancy Turner, Warren County Supervisor at nancyturnerward3@gmail.com.

Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. A guided walking tour celebrating the rich history, glamour, and legendary stories of Saratoga Springs’ Gilded Age. Tour concludes at the Saratoga Springs History Museum inside the Canfield Casino. Participants should expect walking, standing, and some stairs. Tours run rain or shine. For tickets and information:   www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/

Summer Ghost Tours

Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The 90-minute guided tours explore the eerie legends, mysterious encounters, and haunted history connected to one of Saratoga Springs’ most iconic landmarks. Guests will explore the historic rooms and halls of the Canfield Casino while hearing tales of its glamorous past, mysterious reputation, and stories that refuse to rest. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.saratogahistory.org/summer-ghost-tours-2026. Tours are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

Saturday, August 22

Voter Hub

Saratoga Farmers Market, 112 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 9 – 1 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will be offering a Voter Information Hub. Residents can register to vote, obtain an Absentee or Early Mail ballot application, make changes to their address or party enrollment, get information on Early Voting dates and locations, and learn what will be on their ballot in November.

The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for public office. Learn more at lwvsaratoga.org.

Front Street Art Fair

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 12 – 4 p.m. During the Front Street Art Fair, drop into Brookside for a special afternoon of art and music. On our front porch, coloring pages will be available for children and adults. Inside the museum, families and children can visit the History Hunters Hangout and play with historical games, clothing and toys. Visitors can enjoy the cool and quiet of our galleries, and visit our temporary exhibition, Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy. Stroll through our historically themed gardens as ambient music plays, creating a sensory experience, and see the new offerings in our museum shop, created by local artisans and crafters. This event is free and open to the public. Register: brooksidemuseum.org. 

Compost Workshop

Pitney Meadows Community Farm, 223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1 – 2:30 p.m. Join Pitney Meadows Community Farm and Sustainable Saratoga. Listen to a panel discussion and get your questions answered with local compost experts: Hope LaBonty, owner of Loving Earth Compost, Kelli Timbrook, Site Manager at Casella Resource Solutions, and Nick Klemczak, Executive Director of Schenectady County Soil & Water Conservation District. Plus enjoy a tour of the Saratoga Springs Community Compost on the Pitney Meadow Community Farm grounds.

Sunday, August 23

Summer Sunday Strolls: Horsin’ Around North Broadway

Meet: In Front of Witt Construction, 563 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. In this updated tour, Executive Director Samantha Bosshart is joined by Brien Bouyea of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to highlight those associated with horseracing and the beautiful architecture of North Broadway. This engaging stroll explores the deep ties between Saratoga Springs’ famed North Broadway and the city’s rich horse racing heritage. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Limited to thirty participants. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 518-587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation.org, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.

Sounds in Summer: The Jazz Ambassadors

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 5 – 6:30 p.m. Started at the end of the Pandemic, these popular concerts feature the “Jazz Ambassadors,” performing under the leadership of Dennis Searles. All the participating musicians are from the Greater Capital District. The Ambassadors will be performing in a variety of jazz genres and showtunes from the beautiful front porch of the Brookside Museum.  Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. The lawn is shady after 5! This event is free and open to the public. Register: brooksidemuseum.org. 

Monday, August 24

Artist Demonstration

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park | 6 p.m.  Southern Saratoga Art Society

award winning, local artist, Lisa David, will be offering a short demonstration at the She will demonstrate the importance of composition in paintings, then offer suggestions/critiques.  Attendees are encouraged to bring a painting or drawing.  This demonstration is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, August 25

Women + Wealth

Universal Preservation Hall, 25 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Presented by The SHERO Fund. This full-day event is designed to spark meaningful conversations about the many forms of wealth women create throughout their lives. Through inspiring speakers, engaging discussions, practical takeaways, and intentional networking, we’ll explore how to build lives, careers, businesses, and communities that are both successful and sustainable. For more information, visit https://sherofund.myflodesk.com/womensequalityday. 

Rood & Riddle Tour

63 Henning Road, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. Explore a one-of-a-kind equine medical facility at Rood & Riddle Hospital! Serving the community since 2013, Rood & Riddle provides equine patients with quality medical care and excellent service. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is proud to partner with Rood & Riddle to offer guests an inside look at the fascinating world of equine science and health. A Q+A session with your guide will follow the tour. We are pleased to offer this tour at no cost to our guests, thanks to the support of the New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund.

Innovative microMoCA Art Gallery Opening 

SoBro Triangle Ggarden, 209 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 p.m. Join us in the garden to celebrate the opening of Saratoga’s first community-access micro-gallery, featuring an inaugural exhibition of watercolors by Brenda Verardi.  Founded by Emily Tironi and funded by the Community Arts Regrant Program administered by Saratoga Arts, microMoCA Saratoga commissions artisan builders to create micro-galleries in which rotating exhibitions will showcase the work of emerging artists from underserved communities.  SoBro Conservancy is proud to host the first of microMoCA’s 2026 installations, which will make art accessible to the community beyond the traditional gallery.  The vision is to feature artists focused on nature and the environment.  For more information, contact micromoca.saratoga@gmail.com.

250 Years of Marching Toward Equality

Crandall Library, 251 Glen St., Glens Falls | 6:30 p.m. It will trace the history of women’s status in this country from its founding in 1776 until today. Action items will be offered as well for attendees who want to become more politically active. It is scheduled on the eve of Women’s Equality Day, as designated by President Nixon in 1972. Yet, due to a continued lack of women’s legal status under the U.S. Constitution, it has been considered a token gesture. To attend the free 90-minute program, register on Crandall Library’s website under Upcoming Events.

Summer Concert Series – Soul Session

War Memoria in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Soul Session is a high-energy musical ensemble that will have audiences dancing all night long. Led by Garland Nelson, recipient of the 2019 Eddies Award for Best R&B Vocalist, Soul Session was also named the 2019 Eddies Award winner for Best Band in the Capital Region. Founded on the belief that soul music is God’s multicultural lifeline, Soul Session delivers an unforgettable performance. In the event of rain, the concert will move to the covered back garden patio at the Heritage Area Visitor Center located at 297 Broadway. 

Wednesday, August 26

Meatloaf 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: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, roll, gravy. Dinner: $15 (cash only).

Photography Club 

Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. This month, our speaker is Sandra Peters, with a presentation titled: You have a store of Pictures! But What’s Next? Our meetings are open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend these relaxed, friendly gatherings. For more information, contact Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com. 

Saratoga & the Civil War: The 115th “Iron-Hearted Regiment” at War

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 7 – 8 p.m. During the Civil War, Colonel Simeon Sammons received authority to recruit a regiment in the counties of Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Saratoga, with headquarters at Fonda. On August 26, 1862, the 115th regiment mustered into the service of the United States for three years. Join local historian David Brooksin an exploration of the history of the “Iron-Hearted Regiment.” Learn of their unique experiences as they traveled from Upstate New York to Virgina and on to the Deep South and back. Discover the battles they faced on the front line and those experienced from within. Register: brooksidemuseum.org. 

Thursday, August 27

MS Support Group Meeting 

Zoom Program or in person at SAIL, 51 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury | 11 a.m.  For questions please call Lou Ann 518-793-9506.

Town of Greenfield Farmer’s Market

Middle Grove Town Park, 428 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 4 – 7 p.m. Every Thursday! Food trucks, live music, fresh produce, fresh flowers, candles, homemade breads, cookies, maple products, bounce houses, gift items, pickles, fresh lemonade, bird houses, Saratoga Mobile Library, jewelry, wreaths, woodworking, multiple dinner options, and so much more. Open to the public. Free admission. 

Community Pint Night 

Dancing Grain, 180 Old West Rd., Gansevoort | 5–8 p.m. An evening of local beer, community, and giving back! We’re excited to be the beneficiary of Community Pint Night, with 10% of sales donated to Sustainable Saratoga to support our work building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Saratoga Springs. Bring your friends, grab a pint, and support sustainability in our community. We’ll see you there! https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/community-pint-night-at-dancing-grain/. 

Upbeat on the Roof 

On the Lawn Outside Tang Museum, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Before each concert, Tang Art Educators will offer Crafts on the Grass: art-making kits for kids starting at 5:30 pm. A different craft will be available each week. All projects are suitable for children ages 5 and older, with adult supervision recommended. Materials will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Free and open to the public. 

Junk Journaling Club

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 – 8 p.m. Have you wanted to try a new craft?  This is your opportunity to try Junk Journaling, a fun, personalized scrapbook and journal rolled into one.  You will learn to create using materials like paper scraps, junk mail, magazines, and food boxes.  Please bring items you wish to create or decorate with.  Cost per class is $5.  Registration is requested at 518-882-6385.

True Storytelling

Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. An evening of live, personal true stories performed by a talented troupe of storytellers — and inspired by the renowned storytelling organization The Moth. “Moth” stories are true, as remembered by the storyteller. Moth storytelling originates from The Moth, a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 by novelist and poet George Dawes Green in New York City, inspired by his childhood experiences of storytelling on Georgia’s St. Simons Island. The concept involves telling true, personal stories in a live setting, often based on a theme. The Moth Radio Hour airs weekly on more than 500 public radio stations. To listen to past episodes and learn more about The Moth, click below: https://www.themoth.org/about. Pre-registration is required. Click the QR code or the link below or enter the URL in your browser: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/ddSFyCO/LivingTheJewishExperience

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Schuylerville High School #2 in Albany Metro Area

The U.S. News and World Report has released its 2026-2027 Best High Schools report, which includes data on nearly 18,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Schuylerville High School currently ranks top 10% percent in the state, and the top 5% in the region.

• Albany, NY metro area high schools: #2 (out of 49 high schools)

• State: #92 (out of 1,383 schools)

To calculate the rankings, U.S. News uses the following factors: college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, graduation rate, and underserved student performance.

“We are incredibly proud to be ranked among the top high schools in New York State and second in the Albany metro area,” said Schuylerville High School Principal Stacy Marzullo. “These results speak to the strong academic programs and supportive learning environment we work to provide for every student. As I step into my new role as high school principal, I am incredibly honored to lead a school with such a strong foundation and look forward to building upon the success of our students, faculty and staff.”