The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (CMAS) capped off a record-breaking summer of feeding minds and bellies with a Summer Bash on August 21, to celebrate the success of the Summer Meals Collaborative and a landmark two-year commitment from GlobalFoundries to fund STEM education for underserved children. 

Since early July, more than 700 visitors have joined CMAS on site through the Summer Meals Collaborative. In addition to nutritious lunches for children, each visit offered hands-on STEM and art activities designed to inspire curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. 

GlobalFoundries’ two-year funding ensures these science activities and take-home kits will continue next summer and throughout the school year, reaching children across the Capital Region who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities. 

“We believe that learning should be nourishing in every sense of the word,” said Sarah Smith, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum at Saratoga. “With the help of GlobalFoundries’ support, we’re giving kids the fuel they need in healthy food and inspiring, hands-on science to imagine, explore, and see themselves as the innovators of tomorrow.” 

This fall, CMAS and GlobalFoundries will launch an expanded outreach program, bringing interactive lessons on light and color, size, and coding to schools and community events throughout the Capital Region. The initiative aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by making STEM accessible, engaging, and fun for all children, regardless of background. 

“Investing in STEM education is an investment in our future workforce and in the communities where we live and work,” said Hui Peng Koh, senior vice president and general manager, GF Malta. “By partnering with CMAS, we’re helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover their potential, whether they’re building a robot, exploring the science of color, or coding their first program.” 

The Summer Meals Collaborative is a partnership with United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) and Hunger Solutions New York, and local community partners across the Capital Region, including the Saratoga Springs City School District who provides the summer meals at the Children’s Museum site.

The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library will hold its annual Library Budget Vote and Trustee Election on Thursday, September 11 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 three open trustee positions, and Halfmoon residents will vote for one open trustee position.

Incumbents Suzanne Dugan and Cornelia Mogor, and newcomers Rose-Robin Lamb and George Berry of Clifton Park have submitted their petitions and declared their intentions to run for the three Clifton Park trustee positions. Incumbent Jennifer Schlegel of Halfmoon has also declared her intention to run for the open Halfmoon trustee position.

Those who are unable to vote in person on September 11, 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 2.

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. 

What do you do with a broken radio? Or with a lamp that won’t work? Or with a favorite shirt that is ripped? Toss it? No way! Schuylerville Public Library is organizing a Repair Café on Saturday, September 20th from 10am until 12pm. 

At Schuylerville Public Library (52 Ferry Street) on Saturday September 20 everything centers on making repairs. Starting at 10am and ending at 12pm, various volunteer repair experts will be available to help make all possible repairs free of charge. Most tools and materials will also be on hand. People visiting the Repair Café will bring along their broken items from home. Limit of two items per person. Small appliances, lamps, hair dryers, radios, clothes, toys… anything that is broken and small enough to carry is welcome and can more than likely be repaired. The Repair Café specialists almost always have the know-how. 

By promoting repairs, the library wants to help reduce mountains of waste. According to Library Director Caitlin Johnson, “By repairing instead of tossing, we lessen the strain on our environment.” 

Interested in volunteering for this event, as a repairer? Simply contact Caitlin Johnson at cjohnson@sals.edu or 518-695-6641. Schuylerville Public Library wishes to organize a Repair Café on a regular basis. News about dates of up-and-coming editions will follow as soon as possible! 

Repair Café Foundation 

The Repair Café concept arose in the Netherlands, in 2009, and was formulated by Martine Postma, at the time an Amsterdam-based journalist/publicist. In 2010, she started the Repair Café Foundation (see Repaircafe.org). This foundation provides support to local groups around the world wishing to start their own Repair Café. The foundation also supports the Repair Café in the Schuylerville Public Library.

Schuylerville is the latest Saratoga County School District to adopt a state mandated phone ban in schools. 

The policy was adopted on Aug. 18 and details both how students are supposed to store their devices and the potential consequences for violating the policy. 

Under the policy, students in elementary school are required to store their devices in their lockers if they bring them to school.  While the lockers don’t have locks built in, students can bring their own personal locks under the condition that they submit the key or combination to the school. 

In addition to phones, students are barred from bringing in smartwatches, tablets and all headphones and earbuds — both wired, and Bluetooth enabled devices. 

Students in middle and high school have a similar policy. Students are required to keep their phones off and in their lockers during the school day. Under the policy, students aren’t allowed to use their phones during rest period including lunch, study halls and in the hallways in between classes. 

Students who need to contact their parents can do so in the main offices of their respective schools. Parents can also contact the school and request to speak to their student. 

The policy also laid out the consequences of violation. 

• 1st Offense: Student or teacher brings phone to office where it is held until the end of the day.

• 2nd Offense: Student or teacher brings phone to office where it is held until a parent/guardian can pick it up.

• 3rd Offense: Student or teacher brings phone to office where it is held until a parent/guardian can pick it up, student is assigned a detention.

• 4th Offense: Student or teacher brings phone to office until parent/guardian can pick it up, further consequences are provided at the discretion of the administration.

Saratoga Springs, NY – On Sunday, August 24 at 10:30AM, join the Foundation’s Executive Director, Samantha Bosshart, for “Horsin’ Around North Broadway.” This engaging stroll explores the deep ties between Saratoga Springs’ famed North Broadway and the city’s rich horse racing heritage. Discover the connection between prominent racing families—like the Jeffords, Chenery, and Phipps—and the grand summer cottages of this historic neighborhood. As racing season enters the final stretch, it’s the perfect time to explore Saratoga Springs’ blend of health, history, and horses. Take the tour in the morning, then head to the Saratoga Race Course to see racing history be made. The tour meets at the northwest corner of North Broadway and Van Dam Street, in front of Witt Construction. 

Next Sunday, August 31, at 10:30AM, George DeMers leads the season’s final Summer Sunday Stroll, “Historic West Side.” Explore the diverse historic West Side neighborhood where Saratoga Springs’ Irish and Italian immigrants and Black community lived. The tour will highlight the settlement of this neighborhood, its rebirth as an arts district, and the rehabilitations that took place in the early 2000s. In addition to highlighting the historic architecture of this area, George will discuss the history of its residents, restaurants, stores, and clubs as well as the impacts of Urban Renewal and revitalization efforts.  The tour meets at the entrance of Gideon Putnam Burying Ground, located on South Franklin Street.

 The Foundation is grateful for the generous support of the 2025 Summer Series Sponsors: Druthers Brewing Company, and Stewart’s Shops. All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to 30 participants. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Foundation members with stroll passes need to contact the Foundation’s office to book their Sunday Summer Stroll before the date they choose.

With the start of classes just around the corner, Ballston Spa Central School District is the latest school district to enact a state-mandated man on cell phones and other personal electronic devices. 

Under the policy, students in middle and high school are expected to keep their mobile devices turned off and, in their lockers, while students in elementary school will be required to keep the devices in their backpacks. 

Students who need to contact their parents though out the day can use a phone in the main office of each building while parents can reach out to their specific child’s school if they need to contact them. 

The policy also outlines specific exceptions: 

• Where necessary for the management of students’ healthcare after approval by building administration;

• If authorized by a teacher, principal, district, or BOCES for a specific educational purpose;

• For translation purposes;

• On a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by the building administration, for student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and wellbeing of a family member; or

• In the event of an emergency, with approval of the building administration;

• Where required by law;

• If a student’s IEP or 504 plan deems it necessary.

In addition, when students are on field trips, whether students have their phones out will be left to the discretion of the teacher in charge of the trip. 

WSWHE BOCES held its annual graduation ceremony on Thursday, August 7, 2025, to celebrate students who earned their High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas.

The graduating class included both adult and youth learners who completed the requirements to pass the GED exam.

Nearly 100 people attended the event, including graduates, their families and friends, as well as WSWHE BOCES administrators, board members, instructors and staff.

District Superintendent Dr. Turina Parker addressed the graduates and commended their determination and resilience.

“Every step you take from here is a step toward that future,” said Dr. Parker. “Keep learning, keep growing, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The world needs your talents, your ideas, and your unique skills.” 

Graduates’ future plans include entering the workforce, enrolling in college and pursuing additional certifications in the career fields they aspire to join. Among this year’s class, one graduate will join the United States Navy, two will attend SUNY Adirondack, and one will begin studies at Siena College. Several other graduates are pursuing college opportunities and finalizing their next steps.

The WSWHE BOCES HSE Preparation Program provides students with a supportive and flexible path toward earning a high school equivalency diploma. Students learn at their own pace with individualized instruction depending on their needs.

The program empowers learners of all ages to pursue further education or career training, helping them build confidence and achieve their goals.

For more information about the High School Equivalency Preparation Program, visit https://www.wswheboces.org/apps/pages/HSE

Tang Museum Celebrating 25th Anniversary with Returning Acts

The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College announces the final concert of the 2025 Upbeat on the Roof concert series with Hot Club of Saratoga on Thursday, August 21, at 6 pm.

Hot Club of Saratoga, Upstate New York’s premier gypsy swing ensemble, specializes in the timeless sounds of Django Reinhardt and the vibrant atmosphere of 1930’s Paris. Their music brings the magic of hot swing to life, and they are known for their captivating performances. Whether you’re a fan of gypsy jazz or simply looking to experience something unique and delightful, the Hot Club of Saratoga is sure to deliver an unforgettable musical experience.

This summer, the Upbeat series will be celebrating the Tang’s 25th anniversary with a slate of all returning acts. Hot Club of Saratoga also performed at the Upbeat on the Roof in 2014, 2016, and 2023.

Before each concert, Tang Museum educators will offer Crafts on the Grass: art-making kits for kids starting at 5:30 pm. A different kit with a craft project will be available each week. All projects are suitable for children aged 5 and up, with adult supervision. Materials will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Upbeat concert series began in summer 2001 on the roof deck of the Tang building. The series became so popular, however, that the concerts came off the roof and onto the lawn. The Upbeat on the Roof name remains. Visitors are invited to bring blankets, camping chairs, food, and drink to picnic on the lawn; plenty of parking is available in the lot adjacent to the museum.

The Tang galleries will be open before and after the concerts. In the case of inclement weather, the art-making activities and concerts will be held inside the museum.

Admission is free. The Tang is on the campus of Skidmore College. The main entrance is at 815 N. Broadway in Saratoga Springs. For more information, please call the Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit https://tang.skidmore.edu/visit.

BALLSTON SPA, NY – The Saratoga County Department of Aging & Youth Services has extended the deadline for applications for Youth TEAMS Programming funding to August 19, 2025. Municipalities, nonprofit, and community-based organizations with programs that provide team sports programs for youth may be eligible for funding.

Youth Team Sports (YTS) is grounded in the principles of positive youth development. It is intended to provide support to local team sports programs across New York State in communities where such programs may be scarce or under-resourced.  YTS has a sole focus on team sports.  For the purposes of YTS, a “team sport” is defined as an organized physical activity in which groups of two or more individuals compete with two or more opposing individuals. 

 Programs eligible for funding must meet the criteria below:

• Provide team sports activities for youth under age 18 in under-resourced communities.

• Operate in New York State.

• Demonstrate basic competency in the areas of governance, monitoring and evaluation, partnership, and financial stewardship.

• Have a child protection policy in place that includes adherence to local city, agency, school district, and state child protection guidelines.

• Have the ability to collect registration data, including participant demographic information, as required by OCFS in a manner that allows for accurate reporting of anonymized aggregate data.

 Organizations, expenditures, and activities not eligible for funding are the following:

• For-profit organizations or businesses.

• Private foundations, as defined in section 509(a) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

• Organizations that discriminate based on age, ethnicity/race, political affiliation, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or other disability, national origin, or any protected characteristic under local, state, and/or federal law.

• Research or project-planning activities.

• Elite or private sports camps, programs, or teams.

• Endowments, memorials, budget deficits, or fundraising activities.

• Religious organizations whose sports programs do not have a secular and community focus.

• Lobbying, political, or fraternal activities.

• Capital projects.

Funding is made available through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 

Required forms and additional information about funding eligibility requirements and grant eligibility criteria are available on saratogacountyny.gov/youth. For more information, please call (518) 884-4100.

The Saratoga Children’s Literacy League (SCLL), founded in August 2023, proudly announces that it has gifted more than 20,370 books to children across Saratoga County.

Dedicated to fostering a love of reading, SCLL collects gently used children’s books, hosts community book-mending workshops to restore them to like-new condition, and distributes the books to local children, free of charge.

Building on this momentum, SCLL is excited to share that a Book Bus Project is in the works, bringing books directly into neighborhoods across the county. The organization hopes to debut the bus during its 2nd Annual Sunday Supper for Literacy fundraising event, scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2025.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.saratogaschildrens
literacyleague.org