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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Christmas Book From New Capital Region Publisher Comes to Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Cover image of “The Woodcutter’s Christmas” book provided by Galpon Press.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new independent book publishing imprint based in the Capital Region is releasing “The Woodcutter’s Christmas” in time for the holiday season, and the book’s author and photographer will visit Saratoga Springs for a special signing event at the Northshire Bookstore during the Victorian Streetwalk from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4. 

The new, deluxe edition of “The Woodcutter’s Christmas” from Galpón Press is set between the serene beauty of winter in Vermont and the gritty streets of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The story explores the contrast between “nature’s slow, steady rhythms and the disposable culture of contemporary society.” The book was originally published 25 years ago but has long been unavailable.

The original book by Brad Kessler features a new selection of Dona Ann McAdam’s original photographs with an updated text also by Kessler. 

Kessler is also the author of “North” (2021), “Goat Song” (2009), “Birds in Fall” (2006), “Lick Creek” (2001), and editor and co-creator of “Deep North: Stories of Somali Resettlement in Vermont” (2023). His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Kenyon Review, The New Yorker, and Literary Hub.

McAdams, whose career retrospective exhibition opened at Pratt Manhattan galleries this past spring, is the author of the photographic memoir, “Black Box” (2024). She has exhibited her work at the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and many other institutions. She and Kessler, her husband, live on a goat farm in Vermont.

Based out of a shed (“galpón” in Spanish) on Filmore Farm in Washington County, Galpón Press is part of the newly formed Filmore Projects LLC.

At UPH: “Poinsettia Pops” and New Vice President

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Image via the Universal Preservation Hall.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra will perform selections from festive orchestral favorites during the “Poinsettia Pops” shows on Dec. 6 and 7 at the Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) in Saratoga Springs. 

The orchestra will fill the Great Hall at UPH with seasonal favorites such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and selections from “The Nutcracker.” 

One hour before each performance, guests can enjoy a pre-concert talk with Artistic Director/Conductor Glen Cortese and special guest vocalist Kimberly Hawkey. Children under 18 are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets and details are available at sssony.org.

In other UPH news, Proctors Collaborative announced on Wednesday the appointment of Marisa Flynn as its new vice president of programming, marketing, and communications. Flynn has nearly two decades of experience in entertainment, brand leadership, and business development. She joined Proctors following her role as vice president of business development at the Oak View Group, where she led efforts to grow partnerships and uncover new revenue driving and guest experiential opportunities across arenas, performing arts centers, colleges, and cultural attractions. 

As VP, Flynn will oversee the organization’s programming strategy following Jean Leonard, who served in that capacity before becoming the president of Proctors Collaborative. Flynn will lead efforts to strengthen the Collaborative’s presence across its venues — Proctors in Schenectady, Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, and Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs — and expand its commitment to bringing performances, community engagement, and arts education to the Capital Region.

At the Tang Museum: Launch Party for Tibetan Art Book

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

The front cover of the book, “Forms of Awakening: Tibetan Art from the Jack Shear Collection.” Photo provided by Skidmore College.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College will host a book-launch party for “Forms of Awakening: Tibetan Art from the Jack Shear Collection” on Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Arthur Zankel Music Center Lobby. Following the celebration will be a free 7:30 p.m. performance by Tenzin Choegyal and Attacca Quartet.

With a clothbound cover and endpapers drawn from the artworks inside, “Forms of Awakening” is three books in one: a full catalog of Jack Shear’s gift of Tibetan art to the museums at Vassar College, Williams College, and Skidmore College; a scholarly volume of essays exploring the possibilities of engagement with Tibetan visual culture (both within and beyond the classroom); and documentation of the exhibitions at Vassar, Williams, and Skidmore.

Free tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are available at www.skidmore.edu/zankel/events.php.

Upcoming Events

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Week of November 14 – November 20 , 2025

Famous Brown Bread & Bake Sale

Leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping, and Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching.  This means it’s time for Simpson United Methodist Church’s to hold our semi-annual Brown Bread & Bake Sale.   Cost is $8 per loaf. Pick-up dates: Friday, November 21 between 4 – 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 22 between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Bake sale on Saturday.  Our address is 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls, NY.  Call 518-885-4794 to place your order.  Please leave your name, telephone number and the number of loaves you would like to reserve; and if possible, let us know if you will be picking up on Friday or Saturday.  A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order.  Thank you. 

6 Hour Defensive Driving Course

Saturday, November 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. Cost $40 prepaid, $45 at door. A portion of the fee is donated to the church. 518-784-5009 or www.facetofacecourses.com. 

Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair 

Held at Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove on Sat., November  22 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Homemade pies and lunch available for purchase.  To sign up for space ($25 donation) call Lisa at 518-779-9141. 

Saratoga Comic Con

Saratoga Springs will host its 11th year on its pop culture comic con platform on November 22-23. Growing larger, also expanding into the Hilton Hotel attached to the Saratoga Springs City Center! Tickets are on sale now. For more information on Saratoga Comic Con please visit http://www.saratogacomiccon.com.

Week of November 14 – November 20 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events: 

Friday, November 14

Chicken Parm Dinner

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church, 101 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa | 4:30 -6:30 p.m. or until sold out. Take-out only. Please call 518-885-6886 to order. Cash only.

Saturday, November 15

Ethnic Food, Bake Sale & Craft Show

St. George Church, 55 Main & Second St., South Glens Falls | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Greek, Syrian, Romanian and American: stuffed grape leaves, Kibbeh, meat & spinach pies, Tabbouleh, hummus, Syrian bread, baklava, pies, cakes, cookies and many more foods and desserts. For more information, visit www.sgforthodox.org, or call 518-792-2359. 

Holiday Craft Fair and Bake Sale

Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Road (Exit 16 off the Northway), Wilton | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Featuring artisan crafted items and homemade baked goods. Direct sale vendor representatives in attendance also.

Genealogy and Local History Heritage Hunters

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 1 p.m. Kathy Craine, a former National Park Service employee, will offer a visual walk-through of the immigration processing at Ellis Island with images from the National Archives, the Library of Congress and the National Park Service. Kathy will guide us through changes made to both the island and buildings to accommodate the flow of immigrants at the busiest port of entry in the United States. About 12 million people arrived between 1892 and 1954. Public is welcome to the program. For info call 518-885-9309. 

Operation Toy Train

101 Canty Rd., Greenfield | 2 p.m. Operation Toy Train will be arriving to Greenfield for an official kick-off to the holiday season and this year’s Greenfield “TOGether Gift Drive.” Santa & Mrs. Claus will be joined by Buddy the Elf, some local leaders and other friends on a Saratoga Corinth & Hudson holiday train. The event is free and should last approximately 45 minutes. Cocoa and cookies will be distributed and there will be plenty of opportunities to take photos. When the train arrives, a boxcar will open to reveal the local band Rustic Spirit and a short concert. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Sounds in Winter III Concert – Stringwynde

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 3:00-4:30PM

The third season of the “Sounds in Winter” concert series will debut with a performance by Stringwynde. This musical duo features flautist Melanie Chirignan and harpist Darhon Rees-Rohrbacher, who have performed together for many years and embrace a wide variety of music. The afternoon’s program will include selections from American Folk music as well as waltzes from the “Gilded Age.” 

Ham Dinner

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Fall | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Meal includes:  Ham & Scalloped potatoes, soup, beverages and Homemade desserts. Adults $12. We are encouraging pre-orders for Pick-up & Delivery dinners. Call 518-793-1152. 

Sunday, November 16

All You Can Eat Country Breakfast

Gansevoort Firehouse, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m.  Menu includes: Eggs cooked to order, Omelets, Pancakes, Hash, French Toast, Home Fries, Biscuits with sausage gravy, orange juice, Milk and Coffee   Donation: $12.00 adults, $10. Seniors 55+, Military and 1st Responders, $10.00 Children {6-12}, children under 6yrs. Free.

Veterans Stand-Down

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free haircut, medical/dental screening, veterans’ benefits, food, clothing, toiletries, housing assistance, financial assistance and much more. This event is for all veterans, veteran networking and the community that supports veterans. For more information, call Dom Dominguez, 808-352-6477. 

Monday, November 17

The Thymly Herb Garden Group Meeting

 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  If the Ballston Spa School District has a delay or closes that day, we will not meet.  There will be a short herb of the month presentation by a member. There will be a presentation by a member on “Seed Intellectual Property Rights”. Following the presentation, there will be light refreshments and a meeting.  Dues for the year to join the Thymly Herb Group are $20. Please RSVP with questions or to let us know you will be joining us. thymlyherbmail@gmail.com. 

Free Audiobooks for Your Phone 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. Get an overview of Libby and CloudLibrary to learn how to use these free resources to access audiobooks on your mobile device. Then at 4 p.m. join us to learn how to Download Ebooks for Free. Get an overview of Libby and CloudLibrary to learn how to use these free resources to access audiobooks and ebooks and magazines on your mobile device. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org. 

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting 

The Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30. It is an open meeting to share ideas and ask questions. All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there. Please contact us with any questions: Leader Gordon Blyth  gordonsblyth@gmail.com 917-887-7980 or Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com 518-810-8483.

Tuesday, November 18

Pierogi Sale

Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | Pick Up 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese will be available. Call to place your order at 518-363-0001. We will confirm orders.

Graphite Range Community Forest Walk

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd. Wilton |10 a.m. Learn about the community forest which is one of Saratoga County’s newest properties while exploring its interesting flora, fauna, and history. Learn about the community forest which is one of Saratoga County’s newest properties while exploring its interesting flora, fauna, and history. 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.

The Town of Greenfield Historical Society Meeting

25 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center | 7 P.M. The program is “Traveling the Mother Road, America’s Route 66: An Adventure Presented by Joanne and Rick Reynolds” US Route 66 had its official beginnings in 1926 when the Bureau of Public Roads began the nation’s first federal highway system. Hear about the development of businesses all along the route and Americans desire for a road trip. This presentation is the story of their personal and professional road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.  This presentation is an examination of the story of this road.   All are Welcome. 

Wednesday, November 19

Saratoga Bridges to Host Blood Drive

16 Saratoga Bridges Blvd., Ballston Spa | Noon – 5 p.m. Saratoga Bridges will be hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross. Donations will take place in the second-floor conference room at their administrative building. For more information about the blood drive and to register for a timeslot, please visit www.redcrossblood.org/give and use the sponsor code “SARATOGABRIDGES.” Every successful blood donor will receive free A1C testing and an exclusive pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks (while supplies last)!

Pickin’s 

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | Doors Open at Noon, Jam runs 1 – 3 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call 518-885-4229 with questions.

Sliced Turkey Breast Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. For curbside pick up only. Call Monday and Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order 518-584-2585. Menu: sliced turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetable, gravy, tossed salad, dinner rolls. Dinners $15/ea. Cash only. 

Free Community Meal

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 5 – 6 p.m. Come join us for food and fellowship. Held every third Wednesday of each month. This month we are serving Chili & Cornbread.

Soroptimist International of Saratoga 

Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5:30 p.m. Community members are invited to an Information Hour to learn how the organization empowers women and girls through education and opportunity. Attendees will meet members, hear about local and global projects, and discover ways to get involved. All are welcome to attend this informal session and explore how Soroptimist Saratoga makes a positive difference locally and worldwide. For more information email connectsisc@gmail.com. 

The Astronomy Club 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m.  The presentation will be Target Seeking in Stellarium: Search for and Observe Celestial Objects. 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.

Science on Tap

Common Roots Brewing Co., South Glens Falls | 7 p.m. Speaker: Thomas Ryan, Skidmore College: “Checking in on the Neighbors — curious social behavior in tree swallows” Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-8

Thursday, November 20

MS Support Group Meeting

Zoom or In Person, 71 Glenwood Avenue, Queensbury | 11 a.m. -1 p.m. If interested, please contact Lou Ann at 518-793-9506.

Peter and the Starcatcher

Ballston Spa High School Auditorium, 220 Ballston Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. The Ballston Spa High School Troupe proudly presents Peter and the Starcatcher, a breathtaking, imaginative play that explores how a nameless orphan becomes the boy who never grows up. Additional Performances will take place on November 21, and 22 at 7 p.m., with a special matinee on Saturday, November 22 at 1 p.m.. With a talented student cast, inventive staging, and dynamic ensemble storytelling, Ballston Spa’s production promises to be a visually captivating and emotionally resonant experience for audiences of all ages. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors, available at the door or online at https://ballstonspa.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200505074

Is It Fair?

Zoom Presentation | 7 p.m. Is it fair? How well does our county government represent you? “ 

Explore the various types of county legislative bodies allowable under NYS Law, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the way the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors currently functions. Jeff Wice, Senior Fellow at the New York Law School and Director of New York Elections, Census, and Redistricting Institute joins us. Event Is open to the public. Register at LWVSaratoga.org/events.

Saratoga Springs School District Unveils New Safety Plan

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The safety of our school community is always the district’s top priority. In accordance with state regulations, all school districts are required to develop and maintain districtwide safety plans. These plans outline broad concepts, policies, and procedures to help ensure the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors, including the number and types of safety drills conducted each year.

The 2025–2026 Districtwide Safety Plan was previously adopted at the August 21 Board of Education meeting. However, following the recent signing of Desha’s Law, which requires all school districts to establish a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP), an update has been made to our existing plan.

Community members are invited to view the plan on the District’s website. Community members are invited to review the plan and share feedback by completing the District Safety Plan Feedback Form by December 10.  The plan is scheduled to be approved at the January 8, 2026 Board of Education meeting.  

Poet and storyteller Joseph Bruchac visits Schuylerville 4th graders

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Joseph Bruchac hi fives a 4th grade student 
(Courtesy of Schuylerville School District)

Thanks to a grant from Parents as Education Partners (PEP), Schuylerville’s 4th grade students had the unique opportunity to meet Joseph Bruchac, a celebrated poet, author, and Native American storyteller. 

Bruchac, a proud citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, uses his heritage as inspiration for his writing. Through his stories and poems, he works to share and preserve the voices and traditions of Native peoples across the country.

During his visit at Schuylerville, Bruchac captivated students with stories, readings, and wisdom drawn from both his poetry and his life experiences. He encouraged young writers to see poetry as a way to remember important moments, connect with people they know, and make writing worth reading through revision.

“If you want to write, write every day,” he told the students. “And remember, revision makes writing worth reading.”

Bruchac also shared his musical talents by playing the Native American flute and revealed to students that he also holds two black belts in martial arts. 

Joseph Bruchac plays the flute for students as part of an event focusing on writing (Courtesy of Schuylerville School District)

Throughout the course of his career, Bruchac has authored more than 180 books. His numerous accolades include the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature, a National Endowment for the Arts writing fellowship, a Rockefeller Humanities Fellowship, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers’ Circle of the Americas.

“A good story and a good book for kids has two elements to it,” said Bruchac. “One is that it’s entertaining. But two, it teaches. You can learn a lesson from a story, you can learn a lesson from a poem, you can learn a lesson from a book. And often you don’t recognize what that lesson is at the time you read it or hear it. In fact, a funny story—earlier this year, I was at a school and there was a sixth-grade teacher who came up to me and said, ‘Mr. Bruchac, when I was in fifth grade, you came to my class and told a story I never forgot. I still remember that story.’ She paused and said, ‘And I just figured out the lesson last week.’”

Bruchac generously donated copies of his books to the school—ensuring his words and teachings will continue to inspire students for years to come.

“We extend a heartfelt thanks to PEP for making this memorable and meaningful experience possible,” said Schuylerville Elementary School Principal Stacy Marzullo. “And an additional thank you to Mr. Bruchac for sharing his stories, music, and passion for poetry with our 4th graders.”

Middle school students explore career pathways through virtual reality

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

An Eight Grader uses a VR headset to explore the medical field in a an event at the Schuylerville Middle School
 ( Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District)

Eighth graders had the chance to step into the future thanks to an innovative partnership with the New York State Department of Labor (DOL). 

Under the guidance of Middle School Technology teacher Mark Belden, students donned virtual reality (VR) headsets to explore a range of potential career pathways in fields such as culinary arts, healthcare, carpentry, and electrical transmission maintenance. The immersive simulations, facilitated by DOL representatives, gave students a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in various skilled trades and professional environments. 

Belden’s involvement with the Department of Labor began last summer when he participated in the New York State Department of Labor Teacher Ambassador Program—a professional development initiative designed to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs. Through that program, he learned about the VR technology and immediately saw its potential for his students.

I’m always trying to find something new or different that we haven’t done before,” said Belden. “It’s important for adults to get outside our comfort zones so kids aren’t afraid to do the same.”

“It’s an amazing opportunity for our students,” added Schuylerville Middle School Principal Katie Elsworth. “Not only do we teach our kids to read and write, but we have to prepare them for the real world. Giving them exposure to careers that are out there—right here in the classroom—is just an incredible experience.”

For eighth-grader Harrison Griffiths, the VR experience was more than just a lesson—it was a meaningful opportunity to explore a possible future in the medical field. Through the VR headset, Harrison took part in a knee surgery simulation, navigating the tools and procedures of an operating room.

“I couldn’t really be in a hospital room doing that at my age,” he said. “But it was so realistic—it was really fun to do.”

Belden hopes the annual VR experience becomes a staple of the Schuylerville technology curriculum. His goal is to continue the program with each new class of eighth graders, providing them with a meaningful and engaging opportunity to consider their futures before high school begins.

“The next four years will go quickly,” he said. “Before that sneaks up on them, I want to give them a chance to think about different options. This kind of activity helps kids come out of their shells and try new things—it’s a different kind of fun, and that’s when real learning happens.”

Veterans Business Council Holds Annual Breakfast

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The Veterans Business Council of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce held its annual breakfast honoring veterans on Nov. 5 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs. More information about the VBC and its mission is available at saratoga.org. Photo provided by the chamber.

Love Our Locals Campaign Kicks Off

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce kicked off its Love Our Locals $20.25 campaign with a mixer on Oct. 30 at the Van Patten Golf Club in Clifton Park. Photo provided by the chamber.

CLIFTON PARK — The 2025 Love Our Locals campaign officially launched on Oct. 30 and will continue until the end of the year, Dec. 31. The annual campaign by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is part of an ongoing effort to support local businesses and nonprofits.

During the campaign, customers can shop at, dine in (or take out), pay for a service, donate to, or hire a local Saratoga County business or nonprofit—and if they spend $20.25 or more, they’ll have the chance to win $100 in gift cards from Saratoga County businesses.

To enter:

1. Spend or donate $20.25 or more at any Saratoga County business or non-profit organization from now through Dec. 31.

2. Take a photo of the receipt, including the purchase total and name of the business or non-profit organization.

3. Provide contact information and upload the receipt photo through the chamber’s online form.

Each week during the campaign, the chamber will randomly select winners for $100 in gift cards to businesses from across the county. Winners will be notified and also will be posted on the chamber’s social media channels and on the Love Our Locals website.

To learn more or to submit a receipt, visit www.saratoga.org/love-our-locals/.