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SPAC Announces “Sounds of the Season” Holiday Series

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Photo of Irish ensemble Danú by John D. Kelly.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) recently announced the return of its popular “Sounds of the Season” holiday series from Dec. 12–14, featuring the acclaimed Irish ensemble Danú, rising jazz sensation Stella Cole, and, as previously announced, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performing Bach’s Complete Brandenburg Concertos.

“Each December, ‘Sounds of the Season’ brings together extraordinary artists and our Saratoga community in celebration,” said Elizabeth Sobol, CEO of SPAC, in a news release. “From Irish holiday traditions to Bach’s masterworks and the Great American Songbook, the series highlights music’s timeless power to connect us. This year, we are especially thrilled to extend that celebration into Zankel Music Center at Skidmore while our Spa Little Theater undergoes renovation.”

Kicking off the series on Dec. 12 is Danú with “An Emerald Isle Christmas,” following their sold-out “Sounds of the Season” appearance in 2022. Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú delivers a mix of ancient Irish music with a fresh, original repertoire. For over two decades, their musicians (praised by The New York Times for performances ranging “from fierce fiddle reels to pensive ballads”) have toured globally, performing on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki, and vocals in both Gaelic and English. Featuring celebrated vocalist Nell Ní Chróinín and the vibrant flair of Irish step-dancers, Danú will bring the traditions of Ireland to the festive season.

Highlighting the series on Dec. 14 is the SPAC debut of rising jazz sensation and viral star Stella Cole. With a voice that bridges generations, Cole has cultivated over 1.7 million social media followers through her fresh interpretations of timeless songs by iconic artists, including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Nat “King” Cole. Her performance will feature her upcoming single “Merry Christmas, Darling,” along with her interpretation of beloved holiday selections from her EP “Snow!” highlighted by a duet with Tony Award-winner and “Glee” TV star Darren Criss.

Previously announced, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will present Johann Sebastian Bach’s six Brandenburg Concertos in their entirety on Dec. 13. A holiday tradition at Lincoln Center, the Brandenburgs are described by The New Yorker as “joyous, effervescent, and yes, festive.”

The announcement marks the continuation of SPAC’s expansion into year-round programming. The events will all be held in the Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall in Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College while the Spa Little Theater undergoes renovations. Tickets are already available for purchase for members (tiered by level) and will go on sale on Oct. 20 for the general public. Visit spac.org for additional details.

Proctors Collaborative Transitioning to New System

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SCHENECTADY — Proctors Collaborative recently announced that it will transition to the software Tessitura, a nonprofit customer relationship management platform, beginning Jan. 12, 2026.

Tessitura unifies ticketing, fundraising, memberships, education programs, and analytics into one system used by hundreds of arts and cultural institutions worldwide. The new platform will impact the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra, Universal Preservation Hall, and Opera Saratoga. For the organizations, staff will use Tessitura to manage patron data, process tickets, run reports, and send communications. For patrons, the transition should result in a smoother online experience to manage accounts, purchase tickets, access benefits, and more.

“This change is about putting our patrons first,” said Philip Morris, CEO of Proctors Collaborative, in a news release. “Tessitura stood out as the most intuitive, secure, and adaptable platform for the arts, and it will allow us to provide a more seamless experience for our audiences.”

Patrons with existing accounts will see their tickets and information automatically transferred to Tessitura in January. Only minimal action will be required, such as resetting passwords and, in some cases, updating stored payment information.

Local Artists Donate Work to Benefit Community

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Image provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Arts District (SSADI) will present Art for Good, a fundraiser to support local nonprofits, on Oct. 25 at the Elks Lodge (69 Beekman Street) between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Contributed art works by local artists will be sold for whatever people offer. Proceeds will be given to the Franklin Community Center, the Frederick Allen Elks Lodge, and SSADI. The project is spearheaded by ceramic artists Nancy Niefield and Rebecca Cigal. There will also be entertainment and free art lessons at Living Resources across the Street at 70 Beekman Street.

For more information, visit SaratogaArtDistrict.com.

Ensemble Connect Returns, Will Perform Free Concert

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


The Ensemble Connect fall 2025 group. Photo by Fadi Kheir.  
  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ensemble Connect—a group of young professional classical musicians from Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute—has returned to Skidmore College for its fall residency, part of a biannual program now in its 19th year. 

The public is invited to attend a culminating concert on Friday, Oct. 24 featuring some of the most compelling voices of chamber music: Arvo Pärt’s “Da pacem Domine” and “Quintettino,” Janáček’s “Mládí,” and Shostakovich’s “Piano Quintet, Opus 57.” The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College. The event is free and open to the public, though tickets are required. For more information, visit www.skidmore.edu/zankel/.

Ensemble Connect is a two-year fellowship program that prepares young professional classical musicians for careers that combine musical excellence with teaching, community engagement, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Skidmore and Union Colleges Announce Collaborative Dance Residency

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Baye & Asa, “The Bank.” Photo courtesy of the artists.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore and Union colleges will co-host a two-day residency with acclaimed dance duo Baye & Asa on Oct. 29 and 30. Both events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

• Advanced beginner/intermediate dance technique class: 5–6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, Henle Dance Pavilion, Union College.  

• Film screening and discussion: 7:30–8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, Old Chapel, Union College. Featuring Baye & Asa’s short film “Second Seed,” followed by a discussion moderated by James A. de Sève, artist-in-residence and co-director of Union’s film studies program.

Baye & Asa is a movement-based performance company led by Amadi “Baye” Washington and Sam “Asa” Pratt, childhood friends from New York City. Their shared educational history is the mother of their work with Hip Hop and African dance languages as the foundation of their technique and informing the way they confront contemporary dance, theater, and film. Recent honors include a 2025 choreography fellowship from the New York State Foundation for the Arts, Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” and the Harkness Promise Award.

Reprise Reprises “Tweezer Reprise” Reprises

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Chris DeAngelis, bass player for the Phish tribute band Reprise, jams at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs on Oct. 11. The band recreated Phish’s famed Sunday show at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 27, 2025, which featured a number of reprises of the song “Tweezer Reprise.” Photo by Super Source Media for Saratoga TODAY.

A Guide to October Mischief; October 17 – October 23 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours

Come walk with us and hear the stories of Haunted Saratoga. Hear the stories that have lived on in our city for hundreds of years. They will enchant, entertain, and perhaps even scare you. Our 90-minute long walking tour will take you in search of the countless ghosts rumored to haunt the city. Total walking distance is less than a mile, covered at a very leisurely pace so that you can enjoy Saratoga’s many infamous ghosts and haunted locations. The tour covers parts of Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs. Specific meeting instructions will be sent by email when the tours are booked. Friday and Saturday through October. Cost is $22 adults, $10 kids under 12. HauntedSaratogaTours.com

Trunk or Treat

Saratoga Regional YMCA, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1 – 3 p.m. On October 18 get dressed up in your Halloween best and come enjoy some family fun at our 7th Annual Trunk or Treat family event. Members of the community, businesses, YMCA staff along with local police and fire will decorate their cars for a safe and accessible trick or treat experience for everyone. Free & open to the public! Decorate your trunk and bring candy to share with all our families who’ll be trunk or treating (families decorating their trunk are asked to provide their own candy).

Trunk or Treat

Join us on Friday, October 24, from 4 – 6 p.m. at Clifton Common for a hauntingly fun time! Dress up in your favorite costume and spirit your way from trunk to trunk! Free community event.

Simpson UMC’s Trunk or Treat Halloween Celebration

Simpson United Methodist Church, located at 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls, is having a Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration on Saturday, October 25 from 1 – 3 p.m.  We’d love to fill the parking lot with as many participating vehicles as possible.  All you need to do is decorate your vehicle and be ready to hand out candy to all the ghouls, ghosts, goblins and fairy princesses who come Trick-or-Treating.  Hope to see you on 10/25 (costumes optional)!  

ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE 

The Fraternal Order of Eagles presents the 20th Annual Haunted House on Friday, October 24, 6 p.m. and Saturday, October 25 from 5 p.m. at 80 Main St., South Glens Falls.  Walk through maze, bonfire and seating, movie and snacks, live band on Saturday and much more. 

STILLWATER FALL FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 25, Noon – 4 p.m. Organized by the Stillwater Public Library. Various locations in the village of Stillwater. Free family event with games, activities, trick (and truck) or treat, haunted fire house, and dance party at 3 p.m. So much going on – don’t miss it! 

Halloween Murder Mystery

 Come support Operation Adopt A Soldier at their annual Halloween murder mystery with the Adirondack Flatline players as they present “Unhappy Homecoming-Rescue from Mulligan’s Island” on Saturday October 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the American Legion on 34 West Street in Saratoga. Dress in your Halloween costume for judging. Enjoy a ziti meatball dinner with salad, rolls and dessert as well as a basket raffle and a 50/50.  Cash bar will be available. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door.  Come have fun with friends while supporting a great cause and see if you can figure out who did it? For more information or for tickets, call Mike at 518-322-5521.

HAUNTED CORN MAZE

The Haunted Corn Maze at Schuyler Farms is Back! Dare to enter the Schuyler Farms Haunted Corn Maze, where your worst nightmares lurk around every corner. As the sun sets over the fields, the maze transforms into a twisted trail of terror filled with horrifying surprises, creepy creatures, and spine-chilling screams. Friday & Saturday Nights in October with live actors, special effects, and all-new scares for 2025!  Food, drinks & fun await before and after the fright! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just love a good scare, the Haunted Maze at Schuyler Farms is the must-visit Halloween event in the Capital Region. But beware… once you enter, there’s no turning back. Schuyler Farms, Route 29 – Schuylerville. 

Visit schuylerfarms.com for more details. 

NIGHTMARES AT LIBERTY RIDGE FARM

As the sun sets over Liberty Ridge, the Farm turns into a haunted nightmare. Featuring 5 haunted attractions, all at 1 location. Each attraction is scarier than the one before, sure to leave everyone who enters trembling with fear. Nightmares is a journey into the heart of darkness, where the only way to survive is to keep moving forward…For more information, or to buy tickets, visit LRFnightmares.com. 

HAUNTED HAYRIDES 

This year’s walk-through attractions include Brutality, Blood Moon Farm, Dead Root Dwelling, The Last Inn, Doom County FEARgrounds and Martin’s Memorial Hospital. Enjoy our midway Feartainment featuring interactive creatures, music, concession stand, souvenir stand, and photo booth. Book your reservation now online or by calling 518-884-9122. October 3-4, 10-12, 17-19, 23-26, and October 30 – November 1. For more Information, visit https://doublemhauntedhayrides.com/reservations/

Ghosts of Saratoga Trolley Tour

2 starting points: The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway or The Saratoga Springs History Museum, Congress Park | 7 – 8:30 p.m. This 90-minute tour blends history, folklore, and the paranormal for an unforgettable fall evening. Guests will ride the trolley through Saratoga’s most storied streets, hearing ghostly accounts documented by renowned ghost hunter David Pitkin and other investigators. The night culminates with a walk through the Canfield Casino, widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the region. From cold spots and eerie footsteps to unexplained figures, countless visitors have reported chilling encounters in its historic halls. Additional tours October 9, 16 and 23. Tickets: $35 – Advance reservations required. For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.saratogahistory.org/ghosts-of-saratoga-trolley-tour. 

Greenfield Fall Festival 

October 25 at Brookhaven Golf Course, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., Porter Corners. The free event includes an Oktoberfest 5K Fundraiser to help support Brookhaven Winter Park, at 10 a.m. (register at skireg.com)  followed by a full afternoon including trick or treating, Giant Pumpkin Contest and more. The afternoon festivities are from 1 to 5 p.m. Call 518-893-7432, ext. 307 to reserve a cart and participate in the fun. No registration is necessary to attend the free event.

Greenridge Cemetery Tours

Murder, Madness and Mayhem. Walk with us through Saratoga’s Greenridge Cemetery and hear the stories of untimely deaths by suicide, murder or accident. A young mother killed by her husband, a solider dies by friendly fire, and a prominentpolitician who shoots himself in the head are but a few stories of the graves we will visit. Every Saturday in October 4 p.m. Visit hauntedsaratogatours.com to sign up.

Halloween Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino

Prepare yourself for a night of spine-tingling chills and ghostly encounters at the Saratoga Springs History Museum’s Halloween Ghost Tours! For one night only—October 30th—the doors of the legendary Canfield Casino creak open to reveal the mysteries that lurk within… if you dare. Enter If You’re Brave Enough…This isn’t just any historic building—it’s one of the most haunted places in America. As you wander the Casino’s shadowy halls, you’ll hear bone-chilling stories of the spirits who still roam within—tales that will leave you questioning what’s real and what lies beyond. Perfect for thrill-seekers, history lovers, and anyone who dares to meet the Casino’s haunted past. A Halloween Eve experience you’ll never forget. Thursday, October 30, 5 – 7 p.m. (tours depart every 20 minutes). For tickets, visit www.sratogahistory.org/events. 

FRIGHT FEST

Terrifying haunted mazes, sinister scare zones, exhilarating live shows, and specialty food & drink. Scare zones, live shows, and most rides included with park admission; Food, drink, haunted mazes and merchandise require separate purchase. For days, times, details and ticket information, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/fright-fest.

3rd Annual Masquerave

October 25. Dancers, get ready for a night where mystery meets music! Step into the enchanting world of Universal Preservation Hall, transformed for one unforgettable Halloween-inspired masquerade. This is a night to lose yourself in rhythm, lights, and electrifying beats. Headlining the evening is AK SPORTS, the internationally renowned techno artist celebrated for their genre-defying productions and dynamic, high-energy live sets Supporting the headliner, our phenomenal lineup features DJ Prophet, The Front Room, and Ronnie Rave, delivering a seamless mix of house, techno, and those sick rave vibes that will keep the dance floor alive all night. This event is 21+ with valid ID. Thanks to Harding & Mazzotti, Dancers can enjoy a Free Rideshare Home via Uber, ensuring a safe and worry-free night. We encourage Dancers to embrace the masquerade spirit with Masquerade-style masks or Halloween costumes—let your creativity shine! For details and tickets, visit https://www.allofus.events/event-details-registration/the-3rd-annual-masquerave.

Halloween Party

The Children’s Museum of Saratoga, 65 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs.  Join us for a spooktacular afternoon on Sunday, October 26 from 1 – 4 p.m. Our Halloween party is packed with face painting, festive fun, hands-on activities, and plenty of playful surprises woven into our regular hours. We hope to see you and your little pumpkins for a fun afternoon that is sure to make the best Halloween memories. Costumes are encouraged! Members are free, regular admission is $14.

Trunk or Treat Halloween Party

Join us on October 25 from 2–4 p.m. to celebrate Halloween at Brookside Museum with our festive Trunk or Treat Halloween Party! Kids will enjoy trick-or-treating, a spooky story time, and a scavenger hunt learning activity with historical twists. Children can also take part in Halloween-themed games and crafts, decorate their own pumpkin on site with a small fee for pumpkins, and show off their costumes in a parade beginning at 3:30 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome to join. Live Halloween music will be provided by the Scotties Quartet, a talented string ensemble from Ballston Spa High School. Parental supervision is required. This is a drop-in event. Free admission. Parental supervision is required. Rain date: October 26, 2–4 p.m.

October 17 – October 23 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Upcoming Events

2025 Baskets for Ben

Pumpkins are frosty, football season’s here, and the Ben Osborn Memorial Fund Angels are busy creating baskets and you’re invited to attend! Held at the Queensbury VFW Post 6196 on Friday, October 24. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. to a Silent Auction featuring baskets of gifts for your home, car, entertainment, overnight accommodations, sports, art, foods, spirits, crafted goods, golf packages, store and restaurant gift cards, beauty and spa items and a Monahan Firepit. The gifts are donated by the very kind hearts of our region who support Ben’s Fund & desire to help our local kids in need. All proceeds benefit Ben’s Fund, a regional 501-C3 charitable organization with no administrative costs, created in loving memory of CPL Benjamin D. Osborn of Queensbury.  

Saratoga Senior Center Annual Open House 

Saturday, October 25 | 9 AM – 1 PM. Open to the Public, Sponsored by Home of the Good Shepherd.  

Discover the heart of Saratoga’s senior community! Our Open House offers a full morning of fun, learning, and connection. Enjoy free tours, health screenings, presentations, and interactive demos, plus ice cream, breakfast, and lunch – all with live music and special guests. For more information, to RSVP for events, or to become a member, call (518) 584-1621 or visit www.saratogaseniorcenter.org. 

Art for Good

Helping our community piece by piece. It is with the community in mind that the Saratoga Springs Arts District Inc. (SSADI) presents Art for Good, a fundraiser to support local nonprofits while enhancing people’s lives through lovingly donated works of art. Contributed art works by talented local artists will be sold for whatever people offer. Find a treasure, pay what you will.  October 25, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Fredrick Allen Elks Lodge, located at 69 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs. In addition, there will be entertainment and free art lessons at Living Resources. Proceeds benefit Franklin Community Center, The Frederick Allen Elks Lodge and the Saratoga Springs Arts District, Inc. For more information visit SaratogaArtDistrict.com. 

Malta Repair Café

Fix It, Don’t Trash It! Join Our NEW Malta Repair Café on Saturday, October 25, 1 – 4 p.m. at the Innovation Center at Saratoga in Malta. Bring your wobbly chairs, favorite lamps, torn clothing—even that beloved stuffed animal—and let’s fix them together! On October 25, the Innovation Center at Saratoga invites our community to a FREE Repair Café. Volunteer repair coaches will help you mend everything from electronics and jewelry to textiles and small appliances, no reservation needed!

https://innovationcentersaratoga.org/classes/#!event/2025/10/25/repair-cafe

Southern Saratoga Art Society 28th Annual Autumn Jewels Show

October 1 to October 31, at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., Clifton Park. This is a Judged Show featuring cash prizes for Artwork and Photography and is open to the public.  A reception and Award presentation will be held on Monday, October 27, 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center.    Deadline for entry is Friday, September 19.  For entry forms and fees go to: www.southernsaratogaartist.com.  

Antique Fishing Expo

NFLCC presents the Antique Fishing Expo at the Holiday Inn, located at 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 

The event will be held on Saturday November 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $10 Admission, Veterans and kids 16 and under are Free/ Largest Fishing Show in the Northeast. Items include: Vintage Fishing Lures, Rods, Reels, Bobbers, Decoys, Files, Signs, Ephemera and more.

Visit the Amazing Islands of the Azores 

The Academy for Lifelong Learning of Saratoga Springs is sponsoring a ten-day tour to the Azores May 11 – 20, 2026. Lately referred to as “the new Iceland” and “the Hawaii of the Atlantic,” a non-stop five-and-a-half-hour flight from NYC transports you to this remote region of volcanic islands off the coast of Portugal. Hidden waterfalls, mythical hot springs and lush tropical gardens invite visitors to enjoy its beauty. If you love gardens, wineries, tropical floral displays and soaking in naturally heated geothermal springs, this trip is for you. Package price for land and air based on double occupancy is $5,990. Contact goedventures@gmail.com for additional information.

October 17 – October 23 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events: OCT. 17-23

Friday, October 17

Surrender Day Bus Tour

Tour Begins: Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center, Hudson Crossing Park, 30 Ferry St., Schuylerville | 1 p.m. The Saratoga250 Commission invites the public to a guided bus tour commemorating the 248th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga. The tour visits key Revolutionary War sites, including Freeman’s Farm, Bemis Heights, the Saratoga Monument, and the Sword Surrender Site. Open to all ages. Reservations are required; seating is limited. Parking at Fort Hardy Park. Register at saratoga250.brightrtravel.com/events/surrender-day-bus-tour.

Saturday, October 18

9th Annual Saratoga Recycles Day

SPAC Parking Lot, west side of Route 50 | 9 a.m. – Noon. Sponsored by Adirondack Trust Company. There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle (cash or check – please bring exact change). TVs are an additional $20 recycling fee per item. Please visit our website for additional details. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/…/saratoga-recycles-day/.

Heritage Hunters 2025 Annual Genealogy Conference

Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Robert Cameron Weir, will address a new development in family tree hunting with Artificial Intelligence for Genealogists: the Best of What’s Available Today, and later guide us through a favorite topic of both new and experienced researchers with 10 Genealogical Brick Walls You Will Face (and How to Demolish Them). After lunch, which is included in the cost of the conference, Lisa Dougherty will speak about tips and tricks for using Ancestry.com, and Help! My Ancestry Family Tree Is a Mess!, which she guarantees will encourage much discussion. For Heritage Hunters members, the cost is $25. Non-members pay $40. For more information, and to register for the conference, please contact Ginny Humphrey at 518-885-9309.

8th Annual Veterans Memorial Ceremony

Halfmoon Town Park, 162 Route 236, Halfmoon | 10 a.m. The public ceremony will pay tribute to the courage, service, and sacrifice of Halfmoon’s veterans, their families, and all those who have stood beside them in times of war and peace. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to a special luncheon in the Town Park Clubhouse to continue the fellowship and reflection. Please note: Event seating is limited; residents are encouraged to RSVP by contacting the Town Supervisor’s Office at 518-371-7410 ext. 2200.

Wheel of the Year

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 1-3:30 p.m. Join SCHC and Janis Fallon, a Rensselaer County Master Gardener, in the Wheel of the Year. Our ancestors celebrated the arrival of fall with Mabon on the autumn equinox in September and Samhain in October. Learn about these fall celebrations – the traditions, festivals, symbols, and their traditional plants. The first portion of the workshop will be a presentation and in the second portion we will make a few herbal remedies to assist us in the darkening, cooling days of fall. Each person will make their own dream pillow, essential oil scent perfume stick, as well as an Easy Rest Tea to take home. This class is $25 per person. For more information or to register, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org. 

Roast Beef Dinner

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 4:30 – 6 p.m. We will be serving Roast Beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, French onion soup, coleslaw & homemade desserts. Adults $12. We are encouraging pre-orders for Pick-up & Delivery dinners.

Southern Gospel Music

Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd. Middle Grove | 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Join us for an evening filled with good southern gospel music performed by the Shirah Brothers.  The Shirah Brothers are a Southern Gospel Trio based in middle Tennessee.  The group has performed at major gospel music events and venues, including the National Quartet Convention, Dollywood, and Graceland. There will be light refreshments served. This is a “by donation only” event!  Donations to support Local Community Outreach.   

Sunday, October 19

All You Can Eat Breakfast

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

Autumn Stroll – Historic West Side

Meets: entrance of Gideon Putnam Burying Ground, South Franklin Street | 10:30 a.m. Join George Demers on this stroll that will be centered around the culturally rich history of the West Side region of Saratoga Springs. Historically, the West Side was home to the African American and immigrant communities in the city. The success and survival of the West Side can be attributed to the African American, Irish, and Italian owned businesses which existed there. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain and are limited to thirty. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information or to purchase tickets visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org

Monday, October 20

The Thymly Herb Garden Club Meeting

4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 1p.m. We will be making a small, free-form Hypertufa container.  There will be a $5 materials fee for non-members. Dues for the year to join the Thymly Herb Group are $20. Following the presentation, there will be light refreshments and a meeting. If the Ballston Spa School District has a delay or closes that day, then we will not meet. New members are always welcome. Please RSVP with questions or to let us know you will be joining us. thymlyherbmail@gmail.com.

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group

The Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs |2:30 p.m. Our speaker, Amy Souky, owner and treating clinician at Speech and Swallowing Solutions, will present on helping people with Parkinson’s manage speech and swallowing issues. 518-584-1621, 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.

Language Exchange Café

MochaLisa’s, 22 Clifton Country Rd., Suite 44, Clifton Park | 6 p.m. Interested in practicing a language? Join other language enthusiasts at MochaLisa’s Caffé in Clifton Park. Pair up with a partner who is proficient in your target language and get practicing. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Meet the Candidates

Zoom Webinar | 7 and 8 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will moderate “Meet the Candidates” forums in advance of the general election for the Commissioners of Accounts and Public Works, Saratoga Springs. Register at lwvsaratoga.org/events. 

Tuesday, October 21

Pierogies – Pickup

Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. Potato/cheese, sauerkraut, farmer’s cheese and (very limited) sweet potato pierogies will be available. You can call 518-363-0001 for the orders. We will confirm orders. 

What Was and What Is 

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School, 88 Lakehill Rd., Burnt Hills | 6:30 p.m. The premier showing of a documentary video, “What Was and What Is: The Communities of Burnt Hills and Ballston Lake and their School District, 1938-1940 and 2025” is based partly on newly-discovered 16 MM film from the years 1938-40 in the communities of Burnt Hills and Ballston Lake and their school district.  That original 1938-40 footage, edited and annotated, is followed by some of the same scenes in the year 2025. A must-see for anyone who loves to see how community and school life have changed over time.  The video documentary was produced and directed by Ballston Town Historian and former BHBL teacher Rick Reynolds with videographer and editor Dave Waite from Galway.

Wednesday, October 22

Medicare 101 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 1 p.m. New to Medicare? This class will review the whole Medicare program from parts A, B, C, and D to the rules of enrollment. We will cover plan structure and differences, as well as prescription coverage options. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Roast Pork Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: Roast Loin of Pork, mashed potatoes, vegetable, stuffing, applesauce, gravy & roll, tossed salad. Dinner: $15 (cash only). 

Here Comes the Sun

Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Bill McKibben talks with Joe Donahue about his book, Here Comes the Sun. It’s a fresh, urgent call to solar-powered justice and a conversation recorded live for The Book Show. Tickets required—don’t miss it! Sustainablesaratoga.org. 

Meet the Candidates

Zoom Event | 6:30 and 8 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will moderate “Meet the Candidates” forums in advance of the general election for the Mayor and Commissioner of Finance, Saratoga Springs. Register at lwvsaratoga.org/events.

Thursday, October 23

Community Job Fair

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 3 – 5 p.m. Meet representatives from several local businesses who are seeking to grow their workforce. Apply for jobs on the spot. Use the library computer and printing area if you need to print your resumé. Applicants should be prepared with resumés for impromptu interviews or to schedule interviews. Up to 20 businesses and organizations will participate.

BSNB and The Charlton School Announce New Partnership to Benefit Students

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

In a joint effort to combat the growing deficit of financial literacy among young people, The Charlton School is pleased to announce an exciting and multifaceted partnership with Ballston Spa National Bank that will equip students with access to technology and educational resources to enhance essential money management skills.

The connection between The Charlton School and BSNB spans back several decades. This new partnership comes at a time where the therapeutic learning community is looking to strengthen its Corporate Partnership opportunities to create sustainable and strategic growth, while also offering its corporate supporters a chance to enhance their own community goals.

“At BSNB, we believe that strong communities are built by investing in the next generation,” Christopher Dowd, President & CEO of Ballston Spa National Bank said. “Partnering with the Charlton School on this multi-year investment enables us to advance our mission of financial wellness and support the health and resilience of these young women who will one day be leaders in our community.”

The $20,000 pledge from BSNB will begin before the end of this year and carry through 2028. The growing financial institution recently launched a financial wellness and education platform to offer resources that integrate real-world financial and life literacy into the classroom to supplement existing content. 

In addition to supporting The Charlton School’s mission for young women with mental health concerns, this commitment allows students and educators an opportunity to offer feedback and insight regarding the new financial resources while continuing a purposeful connection between the two organizations.   

“At the Charlton School, our goal is to nurture both the emotional well-being and the future readiness of our students,” Alex Capo, LMHC, Executive Director of The Charlton School said “This partnership with BSNB is especially meaningful because it recognized financial literacy is not just a skill, but a pathway to independence and long-term stability. We are grateful to BSNB for their investment in our young women and working together, we look forward to helping them take this next important step in life,” 

The Charlton School and BSNB’s multi-year commitment ensures that students will have consistent access to tools that will build confidence, improve financial wellness, and provide a strong foundation for their next chapter.

“This partnership with BSNB has been fostered as both of our organizations are embarking on a time of strategic growth,” said Bo Goliber, Chief Strategy and Impact Officer at The Charlton School. “Each of us remains committed to the relationships that have gotten us to where we are today, and the mutual commitment to strengthening our communities is something we’ve always shared. It is a pleasure to continue our meaningful partnership while also opening opportunities for our students to learn from the professionals at BSNB about financial literacy.”