Community organizations across the Greater Capital Region have an opportunity to receive funding to help more residents access the technology, skills and support they need to fully participate in today’s increasingly digital world. The Digital Equity Coalition of the Capital Region (DECCR), in partnership with United Way of the Greater Capital Region, is accepting applications for a new grant opportunity that will distribute $400,000 to community organizations working to bridge the digital divide.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities, such as libraries and senior centers. The initiative aims to help Capital Region residents overcome barriers to reliable internet, technology, digital literacy, and essential online services.

Applications are open now and will be accepted through September 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Addressing a Growing Need Across the Capital Region. 

President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region Peter Gannon says, “access to devices and reliable internet connectivity is critical in today’s digital first world.”

“For families already struggling with rising costs, affordable access to technology can help close the affordability gap by connecting them to critical services, employment opportunities, and resources that support financial stability and their wellbeing. This grant opportunity will help bridge the digital divide by connecting people with the resources, technology, and support they need to navigate an increasingly digital world,” Peter Gannon concluded. 

Reliable internet access and digital skills have become essential to everyday life. Applying for a job, accessing healthcare, completing schoolwork, finding housing, managing finances and connecting with government services increasingly require people to be able to navigate the digital world. Yet not every Capital Region resident has equal access to the necessary devices, connectivity, skills or technical support.

The new funding opportunity is designed to strengthen organizations already serving capital region residents and help expand their capacity to address those barriers.

Eligible projects may include efforts that:

• Provide internet-enabled devices such as laptops, computers and tablets

• Deliver digital literacy and technology training

• Offer technical support and device assistance

• Improve the accessibility of digital content and online services

• Help residents access employment, education, healthcare and government resources online

Priority will be given to projects that expand access to internet-enabled devices, strengthen digital literacy and skills, provide technical support, and make digital content and online services more accessible throughout New York’s Capital Region. This includes Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington Counties. Any organization is welcome to apply, but priority will be given to organizations working in the capital region. 

The Innovation Center at Saratoga announces its first Community Collaboration Project: a multi-week initiative where anyone from the community can help design, construct, and assemble a fully functional, full-size pinball machine from the ground up.

Pinball machines represent a rare intersection of diverse disciplines, combining 3D printing, physics, woodworking, electronics, software, and visual art. This project breaks down the process into distinct, hands-on phases. Participants are welcome to join for the complete journey or join into the specific stages that match their personal interests and skills, whether that involves drafting game rules, wiring solenoids, fabricating the cabinet, or illustrating playfield graphics. No prior pinball fabrication experience is required. The program will include classes in CNC routing, large format printing, 3D printing, Autodesk Fusion, soldering, and microcontrollers.

The multi-stage program will take participants through core milestones including conceptual game design, structural woodworking, playfield prototyping, circuit assembly, and final testing. The finished product will be a complete, operational pinball machine created entirely through community teamwork.

To kick off the initiative, The Innovation Center at Saratoga will host an open Information Session on Saturday, September 19 at 1:00 PM at 16 Old Stonebreak Road, Malta, NY. The session will outline the project roadmap, break down each phase, and provide details on how community members can register and get involved.

For more details about the project or to RSVP for this free information session, visit https://innovationcentersaratoga.org/pinball or email us at info@innovationcentersaratoga.org.

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is excited to announce the Fall 2026 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This community lecture series highlights the rich history and culture of our county.

All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public and take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the H. Dutcher Community Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street. Due to the series’ popularity, advance registration is now required. Attendees can register online or in person through the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Presentations begin promptly at noon, and early arrival is appreciated.

Fall 2026 Schedule:

September 10, 2026 – “Charlie’s Heroes: The Charles Siciliano Sr. WWII & Korean War Veterans Photo Collection”

Retired Associated Press reporter Chris Carola tells the story of Mechanicville’s large and unique collection of photographs of WWII and Korean War veterans, all 600-plus of them taken at the bar inside a popular tavern by its owner in the 1940s and early ’50s. Featuring servicemembers from Mechanicville, Saratoga Springs, and other nearby communities, the collection is a “frozen in time” tribute to local WWII and Korean War veterans.

October 8, 2026 – “The Battles of Saratoga and the 18th Century Soldier”

James Parillo, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, will explore the Battles of Saratoga, a pivotal point in world history. In 1777, a young American Continental Army defended the Hudson Valley against an invasion of British and German soldiers from the north. The two armies clashed near Stillwater, New York, that fall, resulting in the surrender of General Burgoyne to General Gates on October 17, 1777. Dressed as an 18th-century soldier, Parillo will discuss the Saratoga campaign, why the American Army was victorious, and dispel myths about events prior to and following the battles.

November 12, 2026 – “Veterans and Community Housing Coalition”

Presented by Marian Eck, Director of Community Engagement, and Diane Nazzaro, Executive Director, this presentation highlights the mission and programs of Veterans and Community Housing Coalition, showcasing how its housing and support services help veterans achieve stability and independence. Learn how community involvement through partnerships, donations, and advocacy directly impacts the lives of the veterans they serve. The program will also feature live music by singer/songwriter Jeff Brisbin, who will perform “Foreverly,” the title song from his album of the same name. The song and album inspired the name of VCHC’s Foreverly House, which provides a safe and supportive home for homeless female veterans, including mothers with children. Brisbin’s performance will add a meaningful musical element to the program while highlighting the story and purpose behind Foreverly House.

December 10, 2026 – “Chestwood: A Portrait of Saratoga Through the Lives and Legacy of a Victorian Farmhouse”

For many Saratoga residents, Chestwood is either a mystery or completely unknown—a lone Victorian farmhouse surrounded by modern homes. Long before the neighborhood grew around it, Chestwood and its barns sat on hundreds of acres of farmland just over a mile from Broadway. Through original photographs, maps, and discoveries from their research, Kristi Krulcik and Marco Anichini will paint a portrait of Saratoga through the two families who lived at Chestwood over the last century and a half. They’ll explore the property’s connections to Saratoga’s architectural boom, the creative circles of Yaddo, and the racing world, as well as how uncovering its history is inspiring preservation efforts and guiding Chestwood’s next era.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the dedication of our speakers, the support of our partners at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and the continued enthusiasm of everyone who attends,” said Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center Director Karen Verrigni. “Their combined efforts help us continue offering engaging, high-quality programs that celebrate and connect our community.”

For more information, please contact the Heritage Area Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241 or visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com

The U.S. News and World Report has released its 2026-2027 Best High Schools report, which includes data on nearly 18,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Schuylerville High School currently ranks top 10% percent in the state, and the top 5% in the region.

• Albany, NY metro area high schools: #2 (out of 49 high schools)

• State: #92 (out of 1,383 schools)

To calculate the rankings, U.S. News uses the following factors: college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, graduation rate, and underserved student performance.

“We are incredibly proud to be ranked among the top high schools in New York State and second in the Albany metro area,” said Schuylerville High School Principal Stacy Marzullo. “These results speak to the strong academic programs and supportive learning environment we work to provide for every student. As I step into my new role as high school principal, I am incredibly honored to lead a school with such a strong foundation and look forward to building upon the success of our students, faculty and staff.”

Maria College has received a transformational $500,000 gift from the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Inc. to establish the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund.

The endowed fund will provide annual scholarship support for students enrolled in Maria College’s nursing programs. Established in perpetuity, it will be administered through Maria College’s Office of Financial Aid and will benefit students for generations to come.  

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to carry forward the legacy of Julia O. Wells,” said Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale. “Our students embody her commitment to the nursing profession and service to our community. We are honored the foundation has entrusted the college with continuing this important work. The foundation board members’ leadership and stewardship have been marked by excellence and dedicated service.”

The gift builds on the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Inc.’s longstanding commitment to advancing nursing education. Over the years, the foundation has awarded nearly $5 million in scholarships to high school and college students, enabling thousands of aspiring nurses to pursue their education.

“Today is a deeply meaningful moment for our board members and me,” said Kathleen B. Santarcangelo, president of the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Inc. “For decades, our focus has been entirely on investing in nurses, who are the backbone of our healthcare system.

“While it’s time to close the chapter on the foundation itself, we are ensuring that Julia’s spirit and our commitment to ‘growing nurses’ will live on in perpetuity,” she continued. “We are placing Julia’s legacy into the hands of Maria College. We are thrilled to partner with the college to support the next generation of nurses. We look forward to the incredible impact these students will make in the nursing profession and in their communities.”

The foundation traces its roots to Julia O. Wells, a 1918 graduate of the Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses in Albany. Wells spent her career as a nurse before establishing a lasting gift to support nursing education. Her generosity led to the creation of the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc.

The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library will hold its annual Library Budget Vote and Trustee Election on Thursday, September 10 at the Library, between 7 am and 9 pm.  

Registered voters, both renters and property owners, living in the library district are eligible to vote. Voters must be registered at least 30 days prior to the vote. Residents of Clifton Park will also vote on one open trustee position; Halfmoon residents will vote on one of the two open trustee positions created by the expiring terms of two incumbents.

Incumbent Jason DiGianni of Clifton Park has submitted his petition and declared his intention to run for the Clifton Park trustee position. Incumbent Jennifer Schlegel of Halfmoon has also submitted her petition and declared her intention to run for the open Halfmoon trustee position. 

Those who are unable to vote in person on September 10 can find an Absentee Ballot application online at www.cphlibrary.org or at the Library. In order for ballots to be mailed, applications must be received by the Library no later than the close of business on Tuesday, September 1.

The Library Board consists of 11 trustees; 7 representing Clifton Park and 4 representing Halfmoon.  Trustees serve a five-year term, attend monthly board meetings, serve on assigned committees, and contribute their expertise to benefit the Library and the served community. 

The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, located in Southern Saratoga County, provides materials, programs, and services to the residents of Clifton Park and Halfmoon. The Library at 475 Moe Road in Clifton Park is open seven days a week and can be reached by phone at 518-371-8622 and online at www.cphlibrary.org

Saratoga County History Center, Saratoga Pride and Pride Stories Collaborative are excited to host an upcoming virtual program, Lavender, Red, White, and Blue: Sites of LGBTQ Revolution in New York State. 

During this talk, and in accordance with the United States Semiquincentennial, Dr. Jeff Iovannone, an expert in LGBTQ heritage conservation, will move beyond standard narratives of American revolution and urban LGBTQ history to highlight sites of LGBTQ revolution across New York State. Taken collectively, these sites evidence New York State’s rich LGBTQ heritage, the contributions of LGBTQ people in shaping New York’s history, and the fact that LGBTQ and American history are one and the same. This talk will be held live on Zoom on August 27 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are free with registration. 

Jeff Iovannone is a social historian from upstate New York who specializes in conserving LGBTQ history through the built environment. He holds a PhD in American Studies from the University at Buffalo and a Masters in Historic Preservation Planning and LGBTQ Studies from Cornell University, where he was awarded the Biddy Martin Graduate Prize for LGBTQ research. Iovannone currently works in the Survey and National Register Unit of the New York State Division for Historic Preservation. 

Saratoga Pride promotes the safety and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community in Saratoga County by increasing visibility, building allyship and creating educational opportunities. Saratoga Pride’s year-round programming includes sports leagues, a book club, support groups, networking, and educational programming. To learn more, visit www.saratogapride.com

Pride Stories Collaborative is a community-driven initiative dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and sharing LGBTQIA+ stories of Saratoga Springs and surrounding communities. The Collaborative fosters intergenerational dialogue, community storytelling, and public engagement to make visible the lives, spaces, and experiences that have shaped the region’s LGBTQIA+ past. Founding partners include Saratoga Pride, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, Skidmore College, SUNY Empire State University, and the Saratoga Springs Public Library www.saratogapride.com/stories/

Tickets and more information are available online at brooksidemuseum.org