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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Coming Soon to Saratoga: Al Roker and an Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Images via Northshire Bookstore.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Emmy Award-winning author Deborah Roberts will stop by the Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga on Feb. 7 with her husband, famous weather anchor Al Roker, to discuss “Sisters Loved and Treasured.”

In her new book, Roberts, an ABC News journalist and New York Times bestselling author, curates a collection of conversations, meditations, and anecdotes from her own sisters, celebrity friends, and everyday people who share deeply personal accounts of how their relationships as sisters shaped their lives.

Roberts previously authored the bestselling “Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life.” She also co-wrote “Been There, Done That: Family Wisdom for Modern Times” with her husband.

Also visiting Northshire (on Feb. 20) is Oscar-nominated filmmaker John Sayles, whose latest book “Crucible,” is described as a “complex and sweeping historical novel about Henry Ford and his attempt to rule not only an automotive empire but the rambunctious city of Detroit.”

Sayles (a Schenectady native) has twice been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and once for the National Book Award. He has written eight novels. His most popular film, “Lone Star,” was released in 1996 and starred Chris Cooper, Kris Kristofferson, Frances McDormand, and Matthew McConaughey.

Tickets for both author events are available at www.northshire.com/upcoming-events.

UPH Announces New Shows: Soul Asylum, Broadway Tunes, Naked Magicians

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) recently announced an eclectic lineup of upcoming performances that include a Grammy-winning rock band, classic Broadway tunes, and even naked magicians.

UPH will present Sing Along Broadway on Feb. 5, inviting audiences to take part in an interactive concert celebrating popular songs from the Broadway stage. The performance encourages audience participation as singers and hosts lead numbers from classic and contemporary musicals.

JJ Grey & Mofro will bring their signature blend of Southern soul, blues, funk, rock, and roots music to the UPH stage on Feb. 13.

On Feb. 20, the Naked Magicians will bring their Las Vegas act to the Spa City with an adults-only show that combines comedy, audience interaction, and illusions. Fresh off sold-out performances around the globe, the duo presents a humorous take on magic.

On April 9, Croce Plays Croce will celebrate the catalog of Jim Croce while his son A.J. Croce showcases his own musicianship. The performance features classics alongside original material, offering audiences an evening of storytelling, piano-driven music, and legacy.

Soul Asylum’s acoustic show will bring their alternative rock sound and decades-spanning catalog to UPH on April 26. The group is perhaps best known for its 1993 hit “Runaway Train,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song, as well as its musical contributions to three classic Kevin Smith films: “Clerks,” “Clerks II,” and “Chasing Amy.”

Tickets for these shows are currently on sale through the Box Office at Proctors in person, via phone at (518) 346-6204, or online by visiting atuph.org.

Week of January 16 – January 22, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Book Sale

A used book sale in the program room at Galway Public Library, located at will be held on Friday, January 23 from 2 – 5 p.m. and 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, will be having a Chili Dinner with chili from various restaurants competing for top prize. The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. on January 23.  Adults $8, children 10 and under $5. Beverages and home-made desserts will also be available.  

Saratoga Film Showcase

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 gathering s designed to foster connection between artists and audiences. Tickets and additional information are available at: https://saratoga-arts.org/event-6473240

Beginner Maple Syrup Course

Have you ever wanted to make your own Maple Syrup? Join the Milton Grange and Corell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County on January 24 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Located at the 4-H Training Center, 556 Middle Line Rd., Ballston Spa, NY 12020. We will be teaching the basics on how to make maple syrup on a small scale geared toward beginners. This hands-on class will cover identifying trees to tap, how and when to tap a tree your trees, a basic at home set up, syrup grades and products, including a taste test. 

Class size is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Total cost is $30, $45 for two people, which includes a pancake lunch with your choice of meat and beverage along with a sample size bottle of syrup to go home with you. Contact Jessica Luse at jmh452@cornell.edu for more information or questions. Registration is due on January 16.

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale

Sunday, January 25, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. the popular Saratoga Wilton Elks Indoor Craft and Garage Sale will be held at the Lodge at 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs. 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 pm Monday through Saturday.  Next sale is February 22, 2026, March 15, 2026, and April 26, 2026.

Sow You Want to Be an Ecological Gardener?! 

Join us for this free workshop and leave with the tools to plant your own native plant garden come spring. Thursday, January 29, 5 – 7 p.m. Come by any time between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Skidmore College Center for Integrated Sciences. Plant seeds this winter and have seedlings to plant or pot on 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/

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!

Snowshoe Races

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

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

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

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

Lung Cancer Benefit for Kurt Haas Sr.

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

Call for Local Folk or Irish Performers  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Week of January 16 – January 22, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, January 16

11th Annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend

Skidmore College Case Center, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5:30-7:30 p.m. MLK Saratoga and Skidmore College Present: The Inaugural MLK Weekend Celebration Student Arts Showcase. Dr. King-themed artwork from students in the Saratoga Area will be shown and performed live. Will also feature crafts, face-painting, music and refreshments. All are welcome!

Saturday, January 17

Love is the Greatest Force: The Theory and Practice of Nonviolent Resistance

Frederick Allen Lodge, 69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m.  – 12:30 p.m. Local activists will present a workshop to demonstrate, teach and discuss non-violent resistance and protest. The lodge was chartered in 1925 by Frederick Joseph Allen, the first Black employee in Saratoga’s Public Works Department.

Genealogy and Local History

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St. Schuylerville | 1 p.m. Heritage Hunters will meet. JPV Oliver will lead the program, “George Washington & Saratoga: It’s Complicated.” John will take a humorous look at our 1st President and his involvement with Saratoga County. John has worked as a museum history guide and speech writer and publishes his musings every day at LoucheLife.substack.com.  Program is free and the public is welcome. For information call 518-885-9309. 

Family Saturdays

Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. An art-making program in collaboration with MLK Saratoga, as part of their Dr. King Celebration Weekend. This year’s celebration is inspired by a quote from Dr. King: “Love is the greatest force in the universe; it is the heartbeat of the moral cosmos.” Free and open to the public. Programs are suitable for children ages 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions. No registration is required; supplies are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Turkey Dinner

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Menu: Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, veggie, soup and homemade dessert. $12 for adults. Preorders are recommended for pick up and delivery. 

4-H Party for a Cause 

The Hideaway at Saratoga Lake Golf Course, 35 Gracemoore Rd., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 10 p.m. at. Tickets for this event are $20 and include music by Electric Rodeo, 5 Raffle tickets & Light Refreshments (veggies, cheese, crackers, pepperoni). There will be a Silent Auction, Raffle Baskets, and a whole lot of fun. We will also have an open cash bar and a limited menu for additional purchases. Additional raffle tickets will be available as well. Many thanks to Harmony Veterinary Center for being our signature sponsor.  For tickets, visit https://cce.sc4h.org/party/ If you have any questions, contact Greg Stevens at the 4-H office at 518-885-8995 or grs9@cornell.edu.

Hubby Jenkins of the Carolina Chocolate Drops Concert

Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 8 p.m. Hubby Jenkins is celebrated for his riveting performances that honor and illuminate the African American roots of old-time American music. Currently, the show is sold out. To be added to the waiting list, send an email to sales@caffelena.org with your name, contact info and # of tickets you’re looking for. Free live stream available. Sign up at caffeelena.org.

Sunday, January 18

All You Can Eat Country Breakfast

Gansevoort Firehouse, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m. Menu: Eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, hash, biscuits with sausage gravy, orange juice, milk, and coffee. Donations: $12 adults, $10 seniors 55+, military and 1st responders. $10 children 6 – 12, children under 6 free. 

Moral Cosmos

AME Zion Church, 122 Crescent St., Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Morning Gospel Service at featuring the music of the Heavenly Echoes: a prominent, long-running Southern-style gospel group from the Capital District.

Civil Minds Think Alike

Frederick Allen Lodge, 69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs | 2 – 4 p.m. Workshop led by Saratoga Springs High School students, exploring Dr. King’s values and how they connect with and inspire today’s youth.

Monday, January 19

Dr. King Day of Service

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Honor Dr. King by participating at service projects ranging from collecting non-perishable food items; blanket making and food collections for pets in local shelters; the Mooncatcher project to make renewable menstrual management kits; repairing gently used books for donation, and more. Local community organizations will also be there sharing their stories and missions. Light lunch catered by Jackson Soul Catering following the service projects at 12 noon.

Dr. King Weekend Community Celebration

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1 – 2 p.m. Featuring opening music by Soulist Garland Nelson, local speakers, and a keynote address by Minister Steven Boxley.

Winter Fun Days Scavenger Hunt & Bonfire 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa around the fire! Stop in the Welcome Cabin for a scavenger hunt sheet to complete while on the trails to claim your prize! Register on our website, www.wiltonpreserve.org or by calling the office at 518-450-0321. Our programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions.

Tuesday, January 20

Intermediate English Class

In Person or Online, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. 

If you have mastered some basic English, but still struggle to understand or to speak fluently, this class level is for you. We will practice English listening, speaking, reading and writing through a variety of exercises. Join this class and learn with others who are improving their English! Please register online, www.sspl.org. 

Wednesday, January 21

Radiant Morning Yoga

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 10 a.m. Get up and get moving with this refreshing and relaxing morning yoga class with certified yoga instructor Miki Vysohlid. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org. 

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 Eileen Egan Mack presents Voice of the Mountains: Jeanne Robert Foster An Adirondack Legacy. 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.

Stuffed Shells 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: stuffed shells, meatballs, sweet sausage, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Astronomy Club 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m. The presentation will be Winter Constellations. The Club is open to adults and teens (middle school and older).  Registration is requested, but not required, by calling 518-882-6385.  New members are welcome.

Hidden Figures Film Panel Discussion

Zoom | 7 p.m. The film is part of Saratoga Jewish Community Art’s Social Justice series. The film Hidden Figures is a 2016 American biographical drama. The film follows three actual African American women mathematicians – Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson — who challenged stereotypes and racial barriers at NASA during the Space Race. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/dwKBJlE/HiddenFigures

Thursday, January 22

MS Support Group Meeting

By Zoom and in person at SAIL, 71 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact Lou Ann Holt 518-793-9506 for more information.

Curator’s Tour of Family Forms

Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Noon. Tour led by the exhibition’s co-curator Corinne Moss-Racusin, Professor of Psychology at Skidmore, and Izzy DeSantis, Kiki Pohlad ’13 Curatorial Assistant.

Experts Next Door: Write, Fold, Seal: Letter Writing in the Victorian Age with Catherine Golden

Live on Zoom | 7 p.m. Long before e-mail, Facebook, and Instagram, letter writing was the only way to communicate. The recipient, not the sender, had to pay to receive a letter at the time of delivery. Postage rates in early Victorian Britain were so high that many people dreaded the postman’s knock. But all that changed in 1840 with the Penny Post. In this Zoom presentation, we will journey to Victorian England to learn about the first adhesive postage stamp, called the Penny Black, and a method for prepayment, which quickly became the model for other nations including the United States. To register, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org/events

 Maple Avenue Middle School Presents: Frozen

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Maple Avenue Musical Club is proud to announce its upcoming musical production of FROZEN, showcasing the exceptional talents of Saratoga Springs Middle School students in a captivating performance that promises to charm audiences of all ages. 

Performances: 

Friday, January 30 at 7pm Saturday, January 31 at 1pm + 7pm 

Friday, February 6 at 7pm Saturday, February 7 at 1pm + 7pm 

At Maple Avenue Middle School’s Trombley Auditorium 515 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 

For the first time ever, audiences in our area will experience Frozen in its full musical glory—performed by an extraordinary cast of middle school talent. With performance rights newly released, our students are among the very first in the region to bring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and the kingdom of Arendelle to life in the complete musical, featuring the show-stopping songs, sweeping story, and magical theatrical moments that captivated Broadway audiences. 

At the heart of Frozen is the powerful tale of two royal sisters—one wrestling with the growing force of her icy powers, the other determined to mend the bond that once held them together. When Elsa accidentally plunges their kingdom into an eternal winter, Anna sets out on a daring journey to save her sister and restore Arendelle, encountering rugged mountain men, charming reindeer, and warm-hearted snowmen along the way. 

This landmark production promises a thrilling, heart-filled event for families, theater lovers, and Frozen fans of all ages. 

The students have been diligently rehearsing under the guidance of Maple Avenue Musical Club Director, Candace Calvin, since November 2025 to bring this magical story to life. The musical features a talented cast and crew of 66 students, impressive musical numbers, and a theatrical design that will bring this beloved musical to life. 

“This ensemble has worked so hard over the past several months to put together an outstanding show,” said Candace Calvin, the director of the musical. “From vocals to costumes, props and sheer talent, we are so excited to share this performance with our community. Please come out and support this cast of young actors.” 

Ticket Information: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students & children. Tickets can be purchased online or with the QR code. Tickets will also be available at the door. 

All proceeds from ticket sales go towards supporting Maple Avenue Musical Club’s future productions. 

Sponsorship and Donations: Individuals or businesses interested in supporting the production should feel free to contact Michaela Brown at: m_brown2@saratogaschools.org. Contributors will be listed in the program. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Frozen at Maple Ave! 

SSHS Hall of Distinction Nominations Accepted Through February 20

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga Springs City School District is seeking community input on candidates for the eleventh annual Hall of Distinction. The Saratoga Springs City School District Hall of Distinction provides a wonderful opportunity to honor and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the graduates of our school district.

The program was designed to instill in our students the concepts of achievement and excellence with the Hall of Distinction Inductees serving as exceptional role models. Their personal accomplishments, either to their individual fields of endeavor or to the broader community, exemplify what our students may attain through initiative and commitment. 

Potential candidates must have graduated from Saratoga Springs High School at least ten years ago and must exemplify our District’s educational philosophy through an outstanding social contribution to the broader community by making a difference in the lives of others; and/or outstanding professional contribution to, or achievement in, their field of endeavor.

A committee composed of community members, former and current high school administrators, and former and current high school teachers will review the nominations and select the honorees. Individuals will be recognized in the spring at Saratoga Springs High School which is tentatively scheduled for June 2, 2026.

An online Hall of Distinction Form is available at https://forms.office.com/r/cAtAnpG8Y3. All recommendation/application forms must be submitted by February 20, 2026. For more information about the Hall of Distinction, please visit the Saratoga Springs City School District’s website at saratogaschools.org.

Ballston Spa Central School District to Begin Enrolling for 2026-2027 UPK Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Ballston Spa Central School District will begin enrolling students for its Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program for the 2026-2027 school year on February 9, 2026. Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) is a state and federally funded program offered to families FREE of charge, regardless of income status. Children who have birth dates between December 2, 2021 and December 1, 2022, and are residents of the Ballston Spa Central School District are eligible to apply. A child who is age-eligible to attend kindergarten is not eligible for the UPK program. 

For additional information, visit the district’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program web page at https://www.bscsd.org/departments/curriculum-instruction/2026-2027-universal-pre-kindergarten-program. For questions about the registration process, please contact the District Registrar at registrar@bscsd.org or (518) 602-0256. 

For general UPK questions, please contact the Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at upk@bscsd.org or (518) 884-7195, ext. 1374. The online registration link form will be available on the BSCSD UPK web page at https://www.bscsd.org/departments/curriculum-instruction/2026-2027-universal-pre-kindergarten-program at 8:00 am on February 9, 2026. The application deadline is March 27, 2026. 

For the 2026-2027 school year, agencies that will partner with the district to provide full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten classrooms are Advanced Therapy, Ballston Area Community Center, Childtime (Ballston Spa and Mechanicville locations), LifeWorks Head Start, Little Achievers Child Care and Learning Center. Parents are provided the opportunity to indicate their preference regarding UPK sites, and the district makes efforts to match parent preference to placement determinations; however, parents are not guaranteed placement at the site they prefer. 

In the event that there are more applicants than available spaces, all complete applications will be included in a random lottery that will be conducted at the close of the enrollment period. Those applications not selected through the lottery process will be placed on a waiting list. All families who submit a timely application will be mailed acceptance/declination letters after the enrollment period has closed. Complete applications received after the March 27, 2026, deadline will have fewer options for placement and may be placed on a waitlist for programming if all current spots have been filled. 

Parents of potential 2026-2027 UPK students are invited to attend the BSCSD UPK Parent Information Night on January 21, 2026, from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm in the Milton Terrace/Wood Road Cafeteria, 100 Wood Road, Ballston Spa. Representatives from the school district and community-based sites will be present to answer questions and provide more information about the Ballston Spa CSD UPK program. Adults only please. 

If your child is age-eligible to attend kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year, please contact registration@bscsd.org for information on registering.

Pitney Meadows Community Farm Announces New Agritourism Partnership With Farmstead Catering, Bringing “Seed-To-Celebration” Weddings & Gatherings To Saratoga Springs, Ny

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Pitney Meadows Community Farm is pleased to announce a new chapter in its mission-driven work: beginning in 2026, the nonprofit Community Farm will begin hosting weddings and gatherings on its historic 166-acre property, in partnership with Farmstead Catering. This collaboration marks an intentional expansion into the agritourism sector, inviting couples, families, guests, and groups to gather and celebrate not only their special day but also the land that nourishes the community year-round. 

Bookings for the 2026 weddings and gatherings are now open. Couples and groups interested in learning more about offerings or beginning the planning process with Farmstead Catering are encouraged to reach out through our website: www.pitneymeadows.org/agritourism 

“A gathering on a working Community Farm is more than a venue choice, it’s a relationship with the land,” said Brooke McConnell, Executive Director of Pitney Meadows Community Farm. “As stewards of this land, we’re excited to invite guests into the rhythms of our farm, the seasons, and the food that grows here.”

At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief in place, community, and the power of truly local food. Farmstead Catering, created and led by Dillon Klepetar, has built a reputation across 

New York and New England for a culinary approach that honors both the land and the people who steward it. For every celebration, ingredients will be grown and raised primarily at Echo Farm, Farmstead Caterings’ home farm in the Adirondacks, and Pitney Meadows, with thoughtfully chosen supplemental sourcing from within a defined local radius. This collaboration is rooted in delivering one-of-a-kind experiences driven by professionals who are dedicated to farming as a source of community nourishment. Both Pitney Meadows and Echo Farm practice regenerative, pasture-based, and organic methods, ensuring that each plate is an expression of their shared values. It’s a partnership that reflects not only exceptional culinary craft but a commitment to supporting and uplifting our regional agricultural community. 

“Every time people gather, something special happens,” shared Dilon Klepetar of Farmstead Catering. “When we cook with ingredients grown here—at Echo Farm, at Pitney Meadows, and by our local farm community—the meal becomes part of that experience. It reflects the season, the people, and the landscape. That’s the heart of every celebration for us. Our clients don’t invest in a product, but an everbearing process.” 

Pitney Meadows’ expansion into weddings and gatherings reflects the farm’s broader vision for community-centered agritourism. Proceeds from wedding events directly support the nonprofit’s mission to promote food sovereignty, ecological stewardship, engaging educational programs and opportunities, and access to locally grown food in the Saratoga region. Guests who attend a wedding at Pitney Meadows become part of the farm’s larger story… one grounded in community, sustainability, and love for the land. 

“There’s something special about celebrating a wedding on a working Community Farm,” said Jori Wekin, Farmstead Catering’s Event Planner and Coordinator. “Guests will feel it the moment they arrive… the openness, the generosity of the land, the sense of connection. Together with Pitney Meadows, we’re able to offer couples a day that feels grounded and a shared reverent experience.” 

Bookings for the 2026 season are now open. Couples or groups interested in learning more about offerings, touring the farm, or beginning the planning process with Farmstead Catering are encouraged to reach out through our website www.pitneymeadows.org/agritourism or contact farmsteadcatering@gmail.com

Saratoga Arts Unveils New Look After $2 Million Renovation

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business, Featured.


Photos via the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.


Saratoga Arts opened its doors to the public last weekend, revealing the results of a $2 million, year-long renovation project. The center, located at 320 Broadway, has a wide variety of events on its 2026 schedule, including yoga classes, candle making, the Saratoga Film Showcase, screen printing, collage felting, artist lectures, and the Feb. 6 launch of the “Dream Logic” exhibition. The center features, among other things, multiple studio-style classroom spaces, a dedicated printshop, rehearsal and music studios, a gallery and exhibition space, and a black box theater for film, music, theater, and special events.

Adirondack Trust Awards $97,150 to Lend-A-Hand Grant Recipients

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund announced recently that its Independent Advisory Committee has awarded Lend-A-Hand Grants to dozens of local nonprofits.

The Community Fund’s Autumn Giving Match Campaign raised more than $94,000, which has been matched by the Adirondack Trust Company. 

The grants were presented at the Community Fund’s Annual Lend-A-Hand Grant Award Reception on Dec. 10 in Saratoga Springs. 

Lend-A-Hand Grant Awards for 2026 projects were provided to 37 different organizations, including: AIM Services, Belmont Child Care Association, Bikeatoga, Camp Abilities Saratoga, Children’s Museum at Saratoga, Franklin Community Center, Operation Adopt-a-Soldier, Pitney Meadows, Saratoga Bridges, Saratoga Center for the Family, Saratoga Children’s Literacy League, Saratoga County Children’s Committee, Saratoga Pride, Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar, Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs, Shelters of Saratoga, The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa’s Summer Lunch Program, The Wesley Community, and Wellspring. 

“The awarded grants will support programs for a wide variety of needs, and will include the areas of the arts, education, health, and family activities,” said Joyce Ure, volunteer chair for the Independent Advisory Committee. “Thank you to the organizations, volunteers, and donors who provide support, time, and hard work throughout the year. We are honored to be a part of this process.”