Saratoga County History Center is proud to present the first event of our “Sounds in Winter” concert series on November 15 at 3:00 P.M, with a performance by Stringwynde in the historic Long Room at Brookside Museum. Stringwynde is a musical duo, featuring flautist Melanie Chirignan and harpist Darhon Rees-Rohrbacher, and has performed together for many years and embraces a wide variety of music. The afternoon’s program will include selections drawn from American Folk music as well as waltzes from the Gilded Age. These concerts are sponsored jointly by the Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts, and the Saratoga County History Center, with funding provided by the American Federation of Musicians Music Performance Trust Fund and a grant from Saratoga Arts. Admission is free, however registration is required.
The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse histories of Saratoga County. The History Center offers a variety of innovative, exciting, and educational programming. Please visit the website (www.brooksidemuseum.org) and social media accounts (@saratogacountyhistory) for news and announcements.
Schuylerville senior Shane Barraclough earned national honors from the FAA for his equestrian work (Courtesy of Schuylerville High School)
12 Schuylerville FFA members proudly represented their chapter and community on the national stage at the 2025 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, IN, bringing together thousands of students, educators, and agricultural leaders from across the country.
Schuylerville High School senior Shane Barraclough earned one of the highest honors in agricultural education — being named a National FFA Proficiency Winner in Equine Science Placement. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional achievement and skill development through students’ Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs; hands-on experiences that allow students to apply classroom learning to real-world agricultural work.
State-winning proficiency applications advance to the national level, where they are reviewed by panels of judges. Each application is evaluated on specific criteria including the student’s goals, progress, skills gained, and overall impact.
Applications are ranked gold, silver, or bronze, with the top four gold applicants in each area named national finalists. Finalists then participate in panel interviews with judges who assess their leadership, technical understanding, and personal growth within their chosen field.
After final scoring, one student from each proficiency area is selected as the National Winner, a distinction representing the highest level of accomplishment within agricultural education.
“This is one of the most celebrated moments of the year for FFA members nationwide,” said Schuylerville FFA Chapter Advisor, Mary Foote. “Shane’s recognition as a National Proficiency Winner marks not only a personal milestone for him, but also a proud moment for the Schuylerville FFA Chapter, which continues to provide students with opportunities to explore their passions and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.”
The Equine Science Placement category provides students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working within the horse industry under the supervision of an employer. These experiences may include horse care, anatomy, nutrition, health management, breeding, and facility operations — helping students build real-world skills while contributing to a thriving agricultural sector.
Barraclough’s award-winning SAE took place at his family’s farm, Saratoga Glen Farm, which specializes in breeding and raising foals for clients looking to develop future champions. Each year, approximately 35 mares give birth to foals that are raised for auction, supporting the ongoing development of elite thoroughbred bloodlines. Barraclough began working on the family farm in seventh grade, starting with simple chores like feeding and grooming mares. Over the years, his role has evolved dramatically. Today, he is entrusted with critical responsibilities, including administering most medications, monitoring horse health, recognizing early signs of illness or lameness, and even making strategic breeding decisions alongside his parents.
Barraclough’s daily work includes feeding, grooming, stall cleaning, and maintaining detailed health and development records for each horse. He also assists in coordinating breeding schedules, evaluating young horses, and preparing them for auction. Through this extensive hands-on experience, Barraclough gained a deep understanding of equine management, farm operations, and the business aspects of thoroughbred breeding and sales.
“Working in this environment deepened my understanding of thoroughbred breeding and sales, while also giving me the opportunity to contribute to the success of Saratoga Glen Farm,” he said. “When I got announced as a National FFA Proficiency Winner, I was shocked and proud at the same time. I knew that my hard work had paid off. This prestigious award will not only help me with college, but also with any of my future aspirations.”
Schuylerville High School Class of 2021 graduate, Patrick McGloine, has been selected as one of two recent Saint Michael’s College alumni to receive a prestigious Fulbright fellowship for the coming year. Fulbright scholarships are highly competitive international grants given to students, scholars, professors and young professionals to study, research or teach overseas. McGloine will begin his Fulbright fellowship in Vietnam this fall, continuing his commitment to environmental sustainability and international collaboration. Reflecting on his time at Schuylerville, McGloine credits several teachers with shaping his academic curiosity and love for learning.
“Genuine connections with teachers like Mr. Burleigh and Señora Wilson helped me become a better critical thinker and stay invested in class,” said McGloine. “In particular, Mr. Burleigh made physics fun and interesting, which definitely contributed to my eventual physics minor. This ability to connect with mentors was invaluable at St. Mike’s as I found professors who cared for and advocated for me throughout the application process.”
McGloine also said that his involvement in extracurricular activities at Schuylerville played a key role in his personal growth.
“Extracurriculars like the environmental club and cross country were great outlets for my interests,” he said. “I continued both in college, which helped me channel my passion for the environment into real-world experiences.”
The Fulbright Program—established in 1946 to promote mutual understanding between the United States and other nations—awards approximately 8,000 grants annually to scholars, students, and professionals in more than 160 countries. Among its distinguished alumni are Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, and heads of state.
McGloine, a Schuylerville High School’s Class of 2021 Top Graduate, went on to graduate summa cum laude from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with minors in Physics and Mathematics.
While at Saint Michael’s College, McGloine immersed himself in academic, athletic, and leadership experiences that strengthened his global perspective and commitment to sustainability.
In summer 2024, he was selected for the Global Citizenship International Internship Program, completing an internship with Vietnam’s Institute for Circular Economy Development, where he researched agricultural sustainability and macro plastic transport. His upcoming Fulbright research will build on this work by studying how rainfall influences the movement of macro plastics.
The BSEF is preparing for their annual online auction and is looking for donations from local restaurants and shops to help support innovative projects across the Ballston Spa school district. Gift cards, goods, services and experiences are welcome! Every dollar raised from the auction directly supports our district students and classrooms.
Donations are due by November 18, 2025. To learn more or to make a contribution, please contact bspaedfoundation@gmail.com.
Saratoga Springs, NY — This November, the Saratoga Springs History Museum invites the public to step into the shadows of one of the most haunted places in America for “A Spirited Evening: A Paranormal Experience at the Haunted Canfield Casino” on Thursday, November 6, from 6:00–10:00 PM.
The Canfield Casino, famously featured on Ghost Hunters and the Travel Channel’s Most Terrifying Places in America, opens its doors for one night only, offering guests an unforgettable mix of gourmet dining, chilling stories, and encounters with the unknown.
The evening begins with cocktails and a lavish buffet dinner provided by Salvato’s and Wandering Food Dude, followed by an interactive paranormal presentation by Dan and Lauren Perez, The Radikals. Guests will be introduced to their traveling collection of occult artifacts, each with a mysterious and often unsettling backstory. A ghost theory discussion will follow, led by Jamie Parillo, Museum Director, and Matt Derway of the Olde Saratoga Paranormal Group.
Ticket Information
• General Admission: $150 per person
• Museum Members: $140 per person
Tickets are available now at https://www.saratogahistory.org/spirited-evening
On Mondays, November 3 and 17, from 10:30 am to noon, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will hold its bi-weekly Nature on the Move walks. These walks are led by one of Wilton Wildlife’s volunteers, Linda Hovious, along with an Environmental Educator.
These walks enable participants to explore the trails with like-minded individuals and appreciate the beauty of nature as the seasons change. These walks are geared towards gentle exercise and are appropriate for adults at basic fitness levels.
The group usually covers about 1.5 miles of trails. Nature on the Move happens every other week, year-round.
Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, or for up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org or on Facebook or Instagram @wiltonpreserve.
For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. Wilton Wildlife’s mission is to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological systems and natural settings
Parents as Education Partners (PEP) raised $40,285 during its 2025 fundraising effort — a major step toward PEP’s goal of purchasing a new full-size basketball court with multipurpose hoops. This project, totaling $72,000, will provide students with an upgrade from the current half court and create new opportunities for school and community recreation.
PEP would like to give special recognition to its Silver Sponsor, Stone Bridge Iron and Steel, Inc. for their generous donation, a contribution that helped push this year’s fundraiser over the $40,000 mark.
“On behalf of the entire PEP board, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for helping make this year’s Fun Run such a huge success!” said PEP President Christine Barbeau. “It was an incredible day filled with smiles, teamwork, and school spirit. The new format, with grades running together and families cheering from the sidelines, was so special.”
Barbeau added that the success of the Fun Run represents more than just dollars raised — it’s a reflection of the strong sense of connection within the school community.
“We’re so grateful for the time and effort that make days like this possible, fostering a positive, connected environment for our students,” she said.
This November, the Saratoga Automobile Museum will celebrate the legacy of American performance with Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle, a major new exhibition showcasing sixteen of Pontiac’s most iconic performance machines.
Opening Wednesday, November 5, the exhibition traces the rise of the muscle car through Pontiac’s defining models—from the original GTO that started it all to the Firebird and Trans Am that carried its spirit for decades.
To mark the occasion, the Museum will host a special Exhibit Reception on Thursday, November 13, from 5 to 7 PM, where guests can enjoy light refreshments, mingle with fellow enthusiasts, and experience the exhibition up close.
At the heart of the show is a stunning lineup of Pontiac GTOs, including multiple examples of the legendary GTO Judge in its most striking factory colors: Liberty Blue, Carousel Red, Orbit Orange, Granada Gold, and Lucerne Blue. Visitors will encounter the 1964 Tempest GTO that sparked a movement, the refined 1967 model, and the show-stopping Judges of 1969 to 1971 that turned performance into pop culture.
Adding to the excitement, the Museum will feature the 1966 Pontiac GTO Monkeemobile, one of the most recognizable custom cars ever built for television. Created by customizer Dean Jeffries for The Monkees TV show, the Monkeemobile perfectly captures the playful energy and over-the-top creativity that defined the muscle car era.
The exhibition also explores how Pontiac’s image shaped a generation. In the Museum’s Orientation Theater, guests will find digital reproductions of more than 30 vintage Pontiac advertisements by Art Fitzpatrick and Van Kaufmann, courtesy of the GM Heritage Collection. These vivid, stylized scenes helped define Pontiac as more than a car—it was confidence, freedom, and attitude on wheels.
The Waldorf School recently held its annual Fall Festival (Courtesy of the Waldorf School)
Students, families, staff, and members of the community gathered together for the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs’ annual Fall Festival on Saturday.
Attendees enjoyed a crisp autumn day filled with laughter and the simple joy of being together. The event included favorite activities such as sheep shearing, hands-on pottery, butter-making, gem mining, blacksmithing, and pumpkin decorating, as well as live music, delicious food, and a festive pie and cake auction.
Children delighted in the puppet show presented by the teachers, while parents and visitors had a chance to connect and experience the community spirit that defines the school.
The school would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the families, friends, and local businesses whose donations and support brought warmth and abundance to this year’s festival.
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs serves children and families from early preschool through 8th grade.
For more information, visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org or call 518-587-2224.
The Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library (FSSPL) will celebrate the Library’s 75th anniversary with a special after-hours “Diamond Jubilee” Dessert & Cocktail Reception on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 7:00–10:00 p.m. on the Library’s main floor. “We’re excited, humbled, and grateful to be celebrating the staff, trustees, and supporters who’ve made the past 75 years of library service to the Saratoga Springs community possible,” said Library Director Ike Pulver, “and we look forward to many decades of service to come.”
The week of October 19th is also National Friends of Libraries Week. “What better way to end the week than with a celebration of our Library’s 75th Anniversary,” said Jennifer Allen, Executive Director of FSSPL. “This after-hours celebration is our way of honoring the people and partners who make the Library thrive, and inviting everyone to support our next chapter.”
As part of National Friends of Libraries Week, and the Library’s 75th Anniversary, the Friends Annual Appeal will launch. Funds raised through the appeal and the 75th Anniversary event will help the Friends continue to fulfill their mission of supporting the Library’s programs and services – including beloved community initiatives such as Saratoga READS! and the Children’s Summer Reading Program – ensuring that the Library remains a vibrant resource for learning, creativity, and connection for generations to come.
What to Expect
• Library open after hours for a one-night-only celebration
• Live 50’s music throughout the evening
• Strolling magic by Magic Matt
• Dessert bar, candy bar, and a grazing station
• Cash bar by Little Lucy’s Mobile Bar (beer, wine, seltzer) + one free drink ticket for each attendee
• Raffle baskets and signature cocktail samples from Pick Six Vodka and One With Life Tequila
• 50’s attire encouraged; enter at Putnam Street entrance
Tickets & Information
• Visit friends.sspl.org/events for details, to purchase tickets online, and to support the Friends Annual Appeal
• Tickets can also be purchased in the Friends Book Shop
