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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Week of January 9 – January 15, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

4-H Party for a Cause 

The Winter’s Edge Party for a Cause fundraiser will be held on January 17, from 6 – 10 p.m. at The Hideaway at Saratoga Lake Golf Course. 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.

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 – 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 1st 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!

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 9 – January 15, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, January 9

Saratoga RV Show

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Alpin Haus’ annual Saratoga RV Show; showcasing a variety of campers and motorhomes for families to tour. Exclusive raffles, giveaways, and local campground representatives will be featured as well! Raffles and giveaways are all outdoors and camping related, and the local campgrounds will be providing info on camping stays at their facilities. We’ll have a range of campers, from lightweight trailers to luxury motorhomes, all available to walk through. Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Free admission.

Saturday, January 10

Cabin Crafts

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 90 Scout Rd., Wilton | Drop In 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays during January, February, and March. Check the website for craft, wiltonpreserve.org. No registration is needed. Drop in at the Welcome Cabin in Parking lot #1.

Free Lunch

Malta Ridge Methodist Church, 729 Malta Ave. Ext. Malt | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The lunch includes soup, a sandwich, beverage and dessert – at no charge.  All are welcome. Due to the time of the year this is a “WEATHER PERMITTING” event. If there is snow or Freezing Rain the lunch will be cancelled and the next lunch will be on February 14.  The Church is located about 1/4 mile from RT 9 (go towards Saratoga Lake at the light on RT 9.  The light is about 1/3-mile South of Exit 13S of Interstate 87 on RT 9. For directions or questions call the church on the lunch date, after 10 a.m., 518-581-0210.

Tech Talk with Kristen 

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 1 p.m.  This informative, hands-on program is designed to help patrons access the library’s digital resources, Libby and Hoopla, with ease. During this session, patrons will learn how to link their personal devices—such as smartphones, tablets, Kindles or laptops—to the popular apps Libby and Hoopla. Kristen will guide attendees step-by-step through the setup process and demonstrate how to borrow and enjoy digital materials including eBooks, audiobooks and more! This program is ideal for beginners or anyone who wants a refresher on using digital library services. Open to the public; no prior tech experience required. Registration is required, limit of 10. To register, call 518-885-5022 or stop in to reserve your spot. 

Family Saturdays

Tang Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 2 – 3:30 p.m. This event features a project inspired by work on view in the exhibition Sheila Pepe: Where and When We Rest. Family Saturday: The Pillows Where We Rest gives participants the opportunity to explore the exhibition, discuss tools we use for rest, and create their own pillows from tote bags, ribbons, Velcro, and batting. Family Saturday programs emphasize creative cooperation through looking at artwork, discussing it, and engaging in a hands-on art activity. 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.

Sunday, January 11

Free Day at the World Awareness Children’s Museum

89 Warren St., Glens Falls | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visit the museum for free during our monthly Free Day, thanks to Stewart’s Shops and Stewart’s Holiday Match, and all who contributed! Donations are appreciated but not required. Free Days are generously sponsored by Stewart’s Shops and Stewart’s Holiday Match.

Monday, January 12

The Heritage Garden Club Meeting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Street, Saratoga Springs | 12 Noon.  The guest speaker for the for the meeting will be Stacey Simmons from Bob’s Trees and Garden Center, Galway, presenting a program on the ”Planting of Perennial Plants, Shrubs and Trees.”  The meeting is open to the public.  Interested in joining a garden club? Come join us, new members are always welcome.  You don’t have to have a green thumb to join our garden club.  Feel free to contact us at HeritageGardenClubSS@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook at Heritage Garden Club of Saratoga Springs.  

Tuesday, January 13

Ballston Creek Preserve Walks

409 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | 10 a.m. Learn about one of Saratoga PLAN’s newest preserves and how old farm fields have grown into a beautiful mixed conifer and hardwood forest, with occasional older growth trees. Registration is required for most of our programs at least one business day in advance. 

Register on our website 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.

Getting to Know Your iPhone 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 10 a.m. Don’t let your smartphone’s settings stump you. We’ll explore some of the common features of iPhones in this hands-on workshop. You’ll learn ways to interact with the touch screen, access important controls, and search for specific settings. We’ll also cover some tips and best practices for securing and maintaining your device. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.

Wednesday, January 14

Soroptimist Dinner Meeting Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6:30 p.m. Soroptimist means Best for Women.  Please join us where members and guests come together to advance our shared mission of empowering women and girls. Enjoy a meal while networking with passionate individuals, participating in meaningful discussions, and learning about upcoming community service projects. Our organization offers a wonderful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and make a difference in the lives of others. Please RSVP to connectsisc@gmail.com by January 12.

Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series

Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs |12 noon – 1pm. Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase. Storyteller Kate Dudding presents Laughing Fits: Tales to Tickle Your Funny Bone. 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.

Roast Pork 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: roast loin of pork, mashed potatoes, vegetable, stuffing, applesauce, gravy and roll, tossed salad. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Green Drinks!

Whitman Brewing Company, 20 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. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/green-drinks-25/

Soroptimist Dinner Meeting

Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Soroptimist means Best for Women.  Please join us where members and guests come together to advance our shared mission of empowering women and girls. Enjoy a meal while networking with passionate individuals, participating in meaningful discussions, and learning about upcoming community service projects. Our organization offers a wonderful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and make a difference in the lives of others. Please RSVP to connectsisc@gmail.com by January 12. 

Thursday, January 15

Writers Group

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 – 8 p.m. This group is a resource for individuals who want to explore and share their talents and aspirations as writers.  We provide advice and encouragement through constructive critique of complete or partial works shared with the group.  Writers of all skill levels and genres are welcome.  The group meets on the third Thursday of every month, and interested new participants are welcome.

How Waldorf Classrooms Help Children Rebuild Focus and Rhythm After the Holiday Break

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Courtesy of the Waldorf School

As students across the region return to school after the holiday break, many families notice familiar challenges: disrupted routines, trouble with focus and self-regulation, and difficulty easing back into routines.

Waldorf education emphasizes predictable daily and seasonal rhythms as a foundation for learning. Students at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs return to familiar routines that include movement, storytelling, artistic work, hands-on academic lessons, and outdoor activities that support self-regulation and sustained attention, particularly during the winter months.

Rather than immediately increasing academic demands, teachers focus first on reestablishing connection: to classmates, to teachers, and to the classroom. Lessons often begin with movement or music before transitioning into more concentrated work such as writing, math, science, or handwork.

This thoughtful return helps children feel grounded and capable as they resume school life, supporting not only concentration in the classroom but a healthy rhythm for learning overall.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs serves students and families from early childhood through 8th grade

SJCA Announces a Panel Discussion of the Critically Acclaimed Film Hidden Figures, Wednesday, January 21 at 7 pm on Zoom

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and the sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, is pleased to present a panel discussion of the critically acclaimed film Hidden Figures, on Zoom, Wednesday, January 21 at 7 pm.

The film is part of SJCA’s Social Justice series. The film Hidden Figures is a 2016 American biographical drama, co-produced and directed by Theodore Melfi and Allison Schroeder. It is loosely based on the book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly.

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.

The National Board of Review chose Hidden Figures as one of the top ten films of 2016.

Johnson is hired at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia in 1961. She becomes a pivotal figure among a small group of African American women colleagues, including Jackson and Vaughan. These talented women start out with two strikes against them: their race and their gender. They work in segregated facilities, are assigned menial mathematics calculations, and receive no respect from male colleagues.

Segregation shapes their daily experiences, particularly for Johnson. When her skills in analytic geometry are finally noticed, Johnson joins the Space Task Group that plots critical flight paths. Her white male engineers dismiss her contributions. However, when discrepancies arise in the IBM’s computer calculations, Johnson’s unparalleled mathematical skills become evident and indispensable. Her resolve, precision and diligence help ensure the success of the Friendship 7 mission with John Glenn aboard.

“Hidden Figures,” says Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of the SJCA series, “reveals the personalities and relationships among the three, presents their skills, and portrays continuing examples of their tough experiences, but never undercuts the broader fears and oppressions of this era.”

In real life, the three women continued to excel. Mary Jackson earned her engineering degree to become NASA’s first African American female engineer, while Dorothy Vaughn blazed trails as NASA’s first African American supervisor. Katherine Goble Johnson co-authored reports with the lead engineer and calculated crucial trajectories for the Apollo 11 and Space Shuttle missions.

In 2015, Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2016, NASA honored her enduring legacy by naming the Computational Building at Langley Research Center for her, a testament to her profound influence in mathematics and beyond.

Upcoming Events at The Clifton Park Halfmoon Library

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The following programs will be offered during the week of January 19-25. Details and registration information for each program can be found at www.cphlibrary.org or by calling 518-371-8622. 

Please Note: The Library will be closed January 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Preschool Story Time & Craft – Wednesday, January 21 at 10:30 am (Ages 3-5, with an adult. Registration required.) 

Sensory Story Time – Wednesday, January 21 at 4 pm (Ages 5-10, with an adult. Registration required.) 

Music & Motion – Friday, January 16 at 10 am (Ages 0-6, with an adult.) 

Saturday Story Time – Saturday, January 17 at 10 am 

ZOOM: Virtual Author Talk with Julia Hotz – Tuesday, January 20 at 2 pm 

Journalist and author Julia Hotz will discuss her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. Science shows that social prescribing is effective for treating symptoms of the modern world’s most common ailments. By integrating age-old medicines like art, nature, movement, and volunteer service into patients’ daily lives, social prescriptions are radically changing health and healthcare in more than 30 countries. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org 

Therapy Dogs for Adults – Wednesday, January 21 at 10 am 

De-stress and pet a therapy dog! All participants will be assigned a time slot for their visit. Please meet in the Cafe Area near the Circulation Desk to be assigned a time. For adults only. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org 

Radiant Morning Yoga – Wednesdays at 10 am: January 21-February 11 

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 

Read Digital Newspapers for Free – Thursday, January 22 at 1 pm 

Learn how to use library resources to access free newspaper articles from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Daily Gazette, NY Post, and more. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org 

Therapy Dogs for Teens – Thursday, January 22 at 4:30 pm 

De-stress and pet a therapy dog. Drop by the Teen Place to hang out with our furry friend, Sophie. Come alone or with a friend. For teens in grades 6-12 only. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org 

Silent Book Club (at MochaLisa’s Caffé, Clifton Park) – Thursday, January 22 at 6 pm 

Want to join a book club, but pick your own book? Then this book club is for you—come talk about your favorite books and read quietly in a group setting. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org 

Teen Nutrition: Healthy Smoothies – Friday, January 23 at 2 pm 

Have fun making your own smoothies with Brenna Kavakos from Saratoga County Cornell Cooperative Extension. Grades 6-12. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org 

FOL Used Book Sale – 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org 

Preview for Friends Members 

Friday, January 23: 11:45 am-12:45 pm 

General Public 

Friday, January 23: 1-5 pm 

Saturday, January 24: 10 am-4 pm 

Sunday, January 25: 12:15-4 pm 

Schuylerville senior receives inaugural Saratoga 250 scholarship

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Schuylerville senior Emma Battles-Foley received the inaugural scholarship from Saratoga 250 inc. 
(Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District)

For the past year, Schuylerville Central School District students have been actively engaged in the Saratoga 250th commemorative events, gaining meaningful connections to the region’s rich history and its lasting impact. One example of that connection is the recognition of a local student through a new scholarship opportunity.

Senior Emma Battles-Foley was awarded the inaugural Saratoga 250 Scholarship, honoring students who demonstrate an understanding of the significance of the Battles of Saratoga, often referred to as America’s Turning Point in the war for independence.

“The Saratoga 250 Scholarship connects the next generation to this pivotal moment in history, challenging students to explore how the outcome helped inspire America’s founding, influenced democratic movements around the world, and created a legacy that continues to shape society today. The scholarship not only supports educational pursuits but also reinforces the value of the freedoms earned by prior generations.” -Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc.

Gaffney’s Sold for $3.5 Million

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo by Adam Russell, provided by Roohan Realty.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Gaffney’s building on Caroline Street in downtown Saratoga Springs has been sold for $3.5 million, Roohan Realty announced on New Year’s Eve.

The property was purchased by an LLC controlled by Scott and Kristine Grodsky. The new owners have already begun repairs and improvements to bring the building up to code for residential tenants. Gaffney’s is expected to reopen this spring under new ownership.

With foreclosure underway, the property’s bills were “piling up” and the building needed attention, Roohan stated in a news release.

In May of 2024, Gaffney’s was initially listed for $4.6 million. 

The property, built in 1967, includes commercial space and ten rental apartments.

SPAC Seeks Summer Interns

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is seeking “passionate, curious, and creative” students and emerging professionals to work alongside its team this June-August in its programming, development, education, communications, and marketing departments.

Applications for the SPAC summer internship program will be accepted through Feb. 13. 

To learn more or to apply, visit spac.org/internships.

41-Acre Stillwater Farm Permanently Protected

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Aerial photo of Tanner Ridge Farm provided by Saratoga PLAN. 

STILLWATER — Local land trust Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) recently announced the permanent conservation of 41 acres of land known as Tanner Ridge Farm, located in the Town of Stillwater. 

The property, currently owned and operated as an equine boarding and training facility by Katie Ogden and Matthew Harris, will now remain agricultural land forever through a conservation easement which will be held by the Town of Stillwater.

Tanner Ridge is located adjacent to Questroyal North Farm, which was conserved by Saratoga PLAN late last year. These two properties, along with the neighboring Saratoga Battlefield National Park, encompass more than 4,500 acres of conserved land.

The farm sits within Saratoga County’s Agricultural District No. 1, which includes the towns of Moreau, Northumberland, Saratoga, Stillwater, and Wilton. Established under New York State’s Agricultural Districts Law of 1971, these districts are designed to encourage the continuation of agriculture.

In addition to its agricultural value, the conservation easement preserves the area’s scenic views. The project protects views from Saratoga Battlefield National Park, as well as from nearby roadways. The farm’s red barns, visible along New York State Route 423, are a feature of the landscape. 

“The land is beautiful here,” said landowner Katie Ogden. “I know that most of the surrounding farms leading to the battlefield are now conserved in some way. As the area grows, I have peace of mind knowing that this land will remain undeveloped. Growth is a good thing, but so is conservation. It’s a balance, really. It was very important to me that if I moved on, this place would remain farmland.”

Tanner Ridge also provides environmental benefits. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the property contains habitat with the potential to support monarch butterflies, bald and golden eagles, 19 species of migratory birds, and wetland ecosystems.

The conservation of Tanner Ridge Farm marks a major milestone for Saratoga PLAN, as it becomes the 33rd farm protected by the nonprofit conservation organization since its founding in 2003. 

“Saratoga PLAN is proud to have been able to work with the town of Stillwater to help Katie and Matthew conserve their beautiful farm and ensure the land continues to provide all the environmental, economic, and community benefits for generations to come,” said Rob Davies, Saratoga PLAN’s executive director.

First-Ever Saratoga Snow Day Coming Jan. 17

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Poster image provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A free, family-friendly, winter-themed event is coming to downtown Saratoga Springs on Saturday, Jan. 17: The first-ever Saratoga Snow Day.

The event will include a snowman scavenger hunt (participants will search for “festive snowmen” in local shops), a “fire and ice trail” that will feature winter-themed food and drink offerings from participating restaurants and bars, and a free family movie screening at the Saratoga Springs City Center at 11 a.m. (film to be announced).

The festivities will kick off with a flannel-themed party from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. at Night Owl on Friday, Jan. 16. Night Owl will also wrap up the celebration with an Apres Ski Party event on Jan. 17 that features DJs performing from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Winter educational programs will also be offered at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga on the 17th.

Downtown restaurants and venues such as Bailey’s Café, Cantina, Druthers Brewing Company, Hattie’s Restaurant, Henry Street Taproom, Kindred, Lucy’s Bar, Rhea, Scallions, The Bourbon Room, The Mercantile, Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar, and The Thirsty Owl will take part in the “fire and ice trail” experience.

“We’re thrilled to light up the winter season with an event that brings our vibrant Saratoga community together,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “Saratoga Snow Day highlights the warmth of local businesses and invites everyone to explore, shop, dine, and make winter memories in our walkable city.” 

For more details about Saratoga Snow Day, visit www.saratoga.org/public-events/saratogasnowday/.