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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Casino Hotel to Host Racing Under Saddle Event

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, Oct. 17, Saratoga Casino Hotel will host a “Racing Under Saddle” exhibition race during its matinee racing program. The race, sponsored by the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association (SHHA), will have an estimated purse of $6,000 which will be equally distributed among the participants. 

Racing Under Saddle (RUS) is immensely popular in many European countries. Also known as Monte Racing, RUS involves Standardbred racehorses (usually trotters) being raced under saddle instead of pulling a sulky. Wagering is not permitted on RUS races in the United States. 

This year, all participants in the RUS event are women. Michelle Crawford, spokeswoman for the RUS group, said “Since the race is being held in October, we decided to make it a breast cancer awareness race. The blanket awarded to the race winner will be black and pink.”

Crawford added, “RUS puts a spotlight on the versatility of the Standardbred horse. After racing, many Standardbreds go on to succeed in a variety of disciplines including Dressage, English, and Western pleasure, pleasure driving, and hunting/jumping. Standardbreds really can do it all.” 

Saratoga Casino Hotel looks forward to hosting this exciting RUS event and hopes it will draw a large crowd. Fans in attendance will have an opportunity to enter to win a photo in the winner’s circle or a ride in the starting car, sponsored by the SHHA. 

Local Librarian, Old-Time Banjo Player Hits Caffe Lena Stage with a New Book And Show

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local librarian and old-time banjo player Dan Hubbs – who has published a book inspired by his work as a building superintendent in Tribeca in the early 1980s – bring a live show to the Caffe Lena stage next month. 

The new poetry book, “Downtown Super Tells All,” provides the inspiration for the live performance on Nov. 13, when he will be joined by Frank Orsini (fiddle, mandolin) and JP Hubbs (keyboards).

These shows are produced by the Folklife Center of Crandall Public Library, with the support of the New York State Council on the Arts. The publication of the book – edited by local writer Mary Jablonki and with cover art by local artist Rumara Jewett- and the musical series are made possible by a grant from the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust.

The live event takes place 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. Note, Caffe Lena has returned to full capacity, and In order to ensure everyone’s safety the café is requiring proof of vaccination for all attendees.

For more information, go to: www.caffelena.org 

Turn, Turn, Turn to June 2022 – Roger McGuinn to Stage Show at The Egg

ALBANY — From the melodious interpretation of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” to re-inventing Pete Seeger’s collaboration with the Book of Ecclesiastes and seemingly a million other points beyond,  the twang of Roger McGuinn’s Rickenbacker is as much a part of the 20th Century American Songbook as any, and more so than most. 

The frontman of The Byrds will perform a solo show during his historic tour of songs and stories when he stages a concert at The Egg next June. Roger McGuinn: Saturday, June 11, tickets: $39.50. 

The Egg has also announced the addition of shows by Sarah Jarosz – on Dec. 3, and Marty Stuart on  Jan. 30, early in the new year. 

Tickets are on sale online at www.theegg.org, by telephone at 518-473-1845, or in person at The Egg Box Office 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

New Tang Museum Exhibition Opens Oct. 16, Reimaginations in Drawing, Sculpture, Animation

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College announces the fourth exhibition in a series that invites an artist to reimagine a community space in the Museum.

Lauren Kelley: Location Scouting, opens Oct. 16 and runs for two years. Lauren Kelley, an artist and curator, will reshape the Tang’s mezzanine by combining meditations on travel with snapshots of everyday life in her drawings, sculpture, and stop-motion animation videos. Using plasticine, toys, and souvenirs, Kelley’s videos conjure worlds that are malleable and unfixed, inhabited by robust protagonists whose quirks stem from efforts to correct the asymmetrical relationships they encounter. Accentuating the off-kilter, Location Scouting speaks to the shifts and rifts inherent in navigating today’s post-pandemic landscape. 

The installation is also the setting for a series of transformations over time, created in collaboration with sculptor Margarita Cabrera, animator Jennifer Levonian, and performance artist Autumn Knight. Each guest artist’s interest in place, narrative, and audience will inform the direction of a new stop-motion animation produced collaboratively by Kelley and Skidmore College students to be screened during the last months of the show in 2023. 

Lauren Kelley: Location Scouting is organized by Rachel Seligman, Assistant Director for Curatorial Affairs and Malloy Curator, in collaboration with the artist and is supported by the Friends of the Tang. 

The Tang Teaching Museum is located on the campus of Skidmore College. Museum hours: Thursday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. Thursdays. For the latest visitor guidelines, visit www.tang.skidmore.edu 

Laffer Gallery Opening Reception, New Exhibit Unveiled Oct. 16

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Laffer Gallery will open a new exhibit, “9th Annual Upstate Invitational” on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 96 Broad St. in Schuylerville. 

The exhibit will run through Nov. 21 and will feature artwork by regional artists Jon Gernon, Susan Stuart and Phyllis Kulmatiski.

“Our annual Upstate Artists exhibition is a great way to showcase, side by side, works by some of Upstate New York’s emerging and accomplished artists. Each year, we have a new juror, and the Annual Upstate Invitation is the showcase of the talented artists who are selected Best in Show during a given year,” said Erik Laffer, owner of The Laffer Gallery, in a statement. “We’re excited to present the work that captured the imagination and earned the appreciation of 2020 juror George Dirolf.”

An opening reception will be held at The Laffer Gallery from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Comedian Bill Burr Announces Summer 2022 Show at SPAC

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Grammy-nominated comedian Bill Burr will stage a show at Saratoga Performing Arts Center Aug. 27, 2022 as part of his lengthy North American arena and amphitheater tour. 

Burr achieving success in TV and film as well as on stage, recently seen in a guest role on the hit FX on Hulu series, Reservation Dogs. He has released a live, vinyl, double album, “Bill Burr Live From Madison Square Garden,” and later this year will see his animated Netflix series, “F Is For Family,” premiere its fifth and final season – starring Bill, Laura Dern, Justin Long and Sam Rockwell in the cast. 

Composer Marks JFK Assassination Anniversary with Live Original Work at Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Composer and multi-instrumentalist Gary Schall will perform at Saratoga Arts in November, marking the anniversary of the JFK Assassination with his composition, “Memory of an Own.” 

Written for piano, voice and marimba and composed in memory of his teacher James Preiss, a member of the President’s Own Marine Band, who distinguished himself as one of the 19 drummers to perform at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy.

Schall, who calls Saratoga his new hometown, was at the age of 19 invited to join the Grammy-winning ensemble of acclaimed minimalist composer Steve Reich. 

In the decades since, Schall remained on the cutting edge of the music world, recording Reich’s landmark works, as well as composing his own music for experimental instruments like the metallic 31-toned Zoomoozophone and the patented Tap Dance Instrument – a wood and brass multi-timbre floor that turns tap dancing into music. 

Shows will take place 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 at Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway. Tickets are $10. Tickets & Information, email: @Schallmusic.com 

Based on CDC guidelines and the dynamics of Saratoga Arts as an educational facility, full indoor masking and proof of vaccination is required for this performance.

October 15 – October 21, 2021

Southern Saratoga Art Society Show
SSAS is hosting a group art show for members at the Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, “A” Gallery, Moe Rd, Clifton through Oct. 25. Twelve artists will display their works in mediums of oil, acrylic, pastels, mixed media, watercolor, acrylic on foil and colored pencils.  The subjects covered stretch from abstract expressionism to realistic landscapes and a lot in between.  Participating artists are Jack Morgan, Valerie Wolf, Kristine Kelly, Barbara Aldi, Karen Zimmers, Rita Helie, Roberta Moses, Joan Van Alphen, Carol Winterton, Diane Pollock, David Mayack and Barbara Buckly.  Come in and view the exciting show with the talented artists from Clifton Park and neighboring towns.

Saratoga County Stories
A major achievement for the History Center and the Roundtable, comprised of 58 short articles, the collection is a veritable who-what-where-when-and-why of Saratoga County history.  Contributing authors include familiar names of local historians, as well as many regional “history buffs.”  Two in-person events: Saturday, Oct, 23, 2-5 p.m. at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa and Sunday, Nov. 7, 2-4 p.m. at Historic Grooms Tavern in Clifton Park.  The public will be able to meet contributing authors and the editorial team, purchase copies of the book, and have their editions signed.  For more information, or to pre-order books, go to brooksidemuseum.org or email Jim Richmond of the Saratoga County History Roundtable: saratogacohistoryroundtable@gmail.com. 

Galway Photography Club 
Next meeting will be held on Oct. 27 at the Galway Public Library, located at 2112 East St, Village of Galway, 6 p.m. These monthly meetings provide a safe, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere for those interested in photography to share their photographs and learn how to improve their technical and artistic skills. This month club members Jason Cromie & Dave Waite will be offering practical tips for creating family holiday greeting cards from taking the photos to how to order cards online. Following CDC guidelines, masks and social distancing are required in the library building. For more information contact: Dave Waite, davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Turkey Dinner Take Out
Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Rd, Gansevoort, will hold a take-out only Turkey Dinner Oct. 30, from 4 to 6 p.m.  Price is $12 per adult, $6 per child. Dinner by pre-order only.  To place an order call 518-683-8195 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Cut-off date for orders is Oct. 27. On Oct. 30, please arrive at Trinity UMC, remain in your car, wear a mask and have exact payment. A Trinity UMC volunteer will take your payment and bring your dinners.

October 15 – October 21, 2021

Friday, October 15 

Congress Park Walking Tours
Saratoga Springs Visitors Center

297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
Learn about the fascinating history of “The Queen of Spas” with a leisurely walk through Congress Park.  Our experienced guides will tell you the story of what journalist Nellie Bly called “The wickedest city in America.” You’ll hear about our “magic water,” the tragic story of the Trask Family and the history of the Saratoga City Museum. Tours are given Thursday-Saturday at 10:30 a.m. through the end of October.  Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children. Book online at www.walkingsaratoga.com 

Fundraiser Dinner 
Principessa Elena Society

11-13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. 
To benefit Saratoga Children’s Museum, curbside pickup only. Open to the public. Menu: Pasta with sauce, meatballs with sauce, sausage with sauce, salad, Italian bread, butter. Cost is $10. 

Saratoga Book Festival
Saratoga Springs City Center

522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.
Russell Banks will provide the opening keynote address to kick off the festival.  On Saturday there will be upwards of a dozen author events around downtown Saratoga at various venues including the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Saratoga Arts, and Caffe Lena, spotlighting emerging local and regional authors, poets, children’s book authors and illustrators, along with nationally known bestselling authors upstate New York readers love and appreciate.  A diverse range of authors, genres, and formats like panels, moderated discussions, interactive programs, accompanied by author readings, signings, and more.” For more information, visit: www.saratogabookfestival.org 

Saturday, October 16

Fly-In Breakfast
Empire State Aerosciences Museum

250 Rudy Chase Dr., Glenville | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. 
Pancakes, French toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, juice, coffee, tea, fruit and more. Breakfast is open to the public. At 10 a.m., Vermont Aviation Historian Brian Lindner will present a talk about Vermont’s most infamous air disaster, “B-24 Liberator Bomber Crash on Camel Hump Mountain” that killed nine Air Force crewmen while on a training mission in 1944. Pilots: Tower Frequency 121.3; Ground 121.9. Land at Schenectady County Airport and taxi to Richmor Aviation North. Tell them you are going to ESAM.

Genealogy Day 
Zoom Presentation | 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County will offer a series of four genealogy talks in one day featuring certified genealogist Margaret R. Fortier. Lost in Translation: Deciphering Foreign Names, Places and Documents; Bay State (Massachusetts) Bonanza:  Four Centuries of Vital Records, An Identity Case Study; French-Canadian Genealogy.  Cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. The $25 will include HH membership for 14 months, access to the free monthly meeting programs, bi-monthly newsletters, and can share their family search names in a listing distributed annually. For registration form and zoom link, pleqase call Ginny at 518-885-9309 or email bhumphre@nycap.rr.com

2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes
Various Locations | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Presenting an outstanding lineup of magnificent homes on display in Saratoga County this year, and they are also planning other special events surrounding this milestone event anniversary. Tickets are $25 each and conveniently available online, at any showcase home, and other locations. Children under 12 are admitted free. Every ticket purchased will be entitled to receive one free commemorative Showcase of Homes shoe bag tote at the first home you visit. October 17 is the last day of the tour. www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com 

Jump Into Fall
Pitney Meadows Community Farm

223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pitney Meadows and the Waldorf School present Jump Into Fall, a family celebration of the season. The festival will have interactive activities for children, music and stories throughout the day, sheep shearing, a drum circle to join in, a scavenger hunt through the farm woods, and so much more! There will also be healthy snacks from some local restaurants, a community-supported bake sale, and lots of wonderful like-minded businesses will be joining the event! Admission is free, you just have to pay-to-park. $12 pre-pay or $15 day of the event. Contributions will support both organizations, foster future collaborations, help Pitney Meadows to grow and distribute produce donations to neighbors in need, and support the Waldorf “Within Reach” tuition assistance program. Sponsorship from Four Seasons Natural Food, Adirondack Trust Company, and Stewarts Shops.

6th Annual Soup-er Saturday
South Glens Falls United Methodist Church

15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls
11:30 – 1 p.m. | This Fundraiser will be a drive-thru/pick-up luncheon. We will be making three soups in our Church kitchen. Customers will get three bowls of soup (one of each) plus bread & dessert. Soups will be packed and delivered to your car. The price will be $8. We will be taking pre-orders. Our phone # is 518-793-1152. Contact the church for details. 

Takeout Meatloaf Dinner 
Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton St, Ballston Spa

4 – 6 p.m. | The menu will include salad, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, roll, and homemade dessert. The cost is 2 for $25 or $15 each (cash only). Preorder strongly encouraged, place your order at 518-885-1149 by October 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. or email dinners2619@gmail.com. Limited quantities available at the door. Proceeds support Elks Charities.

Sunday, October 17

Wild Ones Program
Zoom Presentation | 2 p.m.

Local chapter of the Wild Ones: Native plants, natural landscapes, all-volunteer, non-profit organization. The focus is to promote the practice of using native plants in landscapes to preserve biodiversity in the area. Master Gardener Martie Teumim will give a presentation through Zoom on ‘Gathering Native Plant Seeds from Your Own Backyard’. She will show you how to harvest, save, and plant native seeds found in your own backyard. The talk is free. Please register at mteumim@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link for the talk. 

Monday, October 18

Commemoration of the American Victory at Saratoga 
Fort Hardy Park beach, Ferry Street, Schuylerville | 9:30 a.m.

Join the School, Village and Town for the 244th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga surrender with cannons, patriotic speeches, wreath laying, reenactments, and the tradition 13 toasts. 

Academy for Lifelong Learning Fall Courses
The Academy for Lifelong Learning continues its tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults 55+ by offering 11 classroom/outdoor courses and 10 Zoom courses in their second fall session. Courses are five weeks. Registration is open now. Course brochures are available at local libraries, YMCA’s and retirement communities or by request at 518-587-2100 x2390 or jeff.shinaman@esc.edu or at www.esc.edu/all. Registrations will be accepted throughout the term until full. Annual membership is $75 and goes through June 30, 2022. Five-week courses are $50.

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group
Ballston Area Community Center, 20 Malta Ave., Ballston Spa | 1 p.m. 

Mark Boudreau, personal trainer at MY GYM, in Ballston Spa, will be speaking on Exercises for Parkinson’s patients. He will show us some exercises so wear comfortable clothing. The meeting is free and open to anyone dealing with Parkinson’s Disease, their families, friends, and caregivers are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Kevin McCullough 518-222-4247 or Marie Thorne 518-810-8483. 

Tuesday, October 19

Pierogi Sale Pick Up
Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake

Pick up 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  | As usual we will have potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese pierogies. All pierogi orders are $10/dozen. We will also have a limited supply of stuffed clams for purchase.  Please call to place your order 518-363-0001. 

Fall 2021 Dancing Through Time Virtual: The Golden Age of Hollywood
Zoom Presentation | 1 – 2:15 p.m.

A unique six-week series on Tuesdays through Nov. 16. Each 75-minute class begins with a virtual tour with film clips by Hollywood poster collector Mike Kaplan followed by a 55-minute thematic movement class for all level participants. Cost is $10 per class. Oct. 19 class is “Vamping on the Vaudeville Stage with Robin Gifford.” Registration is now open at www.dancealliance.org/dancing-through-time-registration 

Malta Rocket Test Station 
Round Lake Library, Malta Branch

1 Bayberry Dr., Malta | 6:30 p.m.
Malta Town Historian Paul Perreult will talk about the Malta Rocket Test Station where early rocket motors, including the captured German V-2 rockets were tested in Luther Forest. Masks are required and advanced registration at roundlakelibrary.org or 518-682-2495 is requested.

Town of Greenfield Historical Society Meeting
Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd. Greenfield Center
7 p.m. | Program: Saratoga PLAN – Casey Holzworth, a member of Saratoga PLAN’s Palmertown Guidance Committee and staff at NYS Parks, will update us on the exciting things that are happening in the Palmertown Range and the Sarah B. Foulke Friendship Trails. This planned network of trails in Northern Saratoga County, emphasize celebrating friendship, building community, and connecting people from all walks of life to nature and to each other. If you have a friend, neighbor, or family member interested in this program please bring them along. Non-members are always welcome.

Wednesday, October 20

Olde Saratoga Senior Citizens Meeting
Town Hall, 35 Spring St., Schuylerville | Noon

A sandwich luncheon, dessert will be provided.  There will be a Teacup Auction. New members and guests are welcome. Any questions or for more information contact Pat Temple at 518-338-2329

Chicken Parmigiana
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 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: Chicken Parmigiana, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2, $25. Cash only. 

BINGO
Knights of Columbus #246, 50 Pine Rd, Saratoga Springs 
4:30 p.m. | Due to the ongoing concerns regarding Covid, masks must be worn, temperatures will be taken at the door for all workers and patrons, and only the larger room will be open for players. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., food service will start at 5:30 p.m., bingo cards will be sold at 6 p.m., and the first game will be at 7 p.m. There will be a limited food menu available.

Thursday, October 21

Korean War Veterans Luncheon
The Parting Glass, Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs 

12 p.m. | Hosts are Jean and Paul Nolan. Veterans who served anywhere during the Korean War, in Korea at any time, spouses, widows, friends and relatives are all invited to attend. Please call your reservation in to the Nolan’s at 518-893-3379 by Tuesday, October 19. For further information or an application to join the organization, please contact Comm. Paul O’Keefe at 518-603-4186.  Annual dues are $10 for veterans and $5. for all others.

Saratoga Springs MediSpa GRAND OPENING 
7 Wells Street, Saratoga Springs | 3-6 p.m. 

Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, the office of board-certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon Steven Yarinsky, MD, announces the Grand Opening of their newly expanded MediSpa. Offerings include refreshments, prize drawing and procedure/treatment booking specials. The event launches a new menu of services, including couple’s massage, CBD oil massage, advanced medical skin care facials, body treatments and will offer spa packages that cater to those seeking some “me” time as well as special packages designed for two, such as the “Forever Friends Massage & Facial Package”.  Please RSVP 518-583-4019 weekdays before 4 p.m. 

Expert Next Door Series
Zoom Presentation, | 7 p.m.  Join Eric Schnizter, military historian, and park ranger at Saratoga National Historical Park, as he presents his talk: “My Zeal and Cause for My Country: Benedict Arnold in 1777.” Register www.bit.ly/3ihLwdE 

Scents of Autumn

Hello my Foodie Friends! 

I love the scents of autumn. Everyone has a favorite season. It’s the one that makes them feel energized or serene. For me I have a favorite smelling season. While spring is my favorite part of the year visually, autumn is my favorite smelling season. My nose hits overdrive when October rolls around, and it has nothing to do with allergies. There’s a reason we love the smell of autumn. Think of all of the spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice. This is also why we covet fall-themed desserts. Cinnamon is the earthy spice that we all love in the fall and winter. I take it to the next level and add cinnamon sticks to the slow cooker with sliced oranges and a good amount of water. They simmer all day, and my home smells like a warm hug. Pies and autumn go hand in hand. Taking someone a pie represents love and comfort and pies are a wonderful way of bringing people together. Pies seem to generate a nostalgic longing for days gone by and simpler times. During the end-of-the-year holiday time, pie is a seasonal reminder of nature’s bounty and even though there is a pie to celebrate almost every month of the year, the fall is when they shine the brightest. Who doesn’t love the smell of a pie baking in the oven!!

Having the right tools to bake a pie is important. Virtually all pie-making equipment will prove useful for other baking chores as well, so each piece will be sure to earn its keep. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, these are the pie-making essentials. It is difficult to make a great pie without a great pie plate. Pie plates come in a variety of styles, and the differences aren’t just aesthetic—a pie plate’s material, thickness, and color all affect the final product.

A pastry brush is the easiest way to apply a thin, even egg wash over pies with a double crust, like a classic apple pie. Choose between the natural (or thin nylon) bristles or the thicker silicone style.

If you’ve always felt anxious about rolling out pie dough, it’s worth playing the field to find a rolling pin that makes you feel confident in the kitchen. While choosing the best rolling pin is a highly personal process, I love the simplicity of a French pin, which is lighter and more maneuverable. After you’ve rolled out pie dough, a sturdy bench scraper will make quick work of any mess. It will scrape up all the flour and stubborn dough scraps left behind, helping you clean up in a few easy swipes. Plus, it’s handy for dividing blocks of dough without scratching the counters.

Hopefully, trying out fall pie recipes is at the top of your list of things to do this season. Making pies is a classic way to enjoy the season’s best flavors while pleasing your sweet tooth. Not much can beat the tastiness of a homemade pie! 

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. Pick up the cool tools for cooks to help you with your Autumnal delights.  Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care,
John & Paula