In honor of Women’s History Month, The Charlton School is proud to announce the appointment of four visionary leaders to our Board of Trustees, marking a significant milestone in its mission to empower and support the mental health of young women. These dynamic professionals join TCS at a critical juncture, bringing a wealth of expertise in clinical education, public health advocacy, finance, and community-centered leadership. 

Dr. Jill Ensminger, PhD, RN

Jill Ensminger brings over two decades of clinical, administrative, and academic excellence to the Board of Trustees. Currently serving as the Director of the Master of Science in Nursing Education Program at Niagara University, Dr. Ensminger is a recognized leader in nursing pedagogy and curriculum alignment with national accreditation standards. 

Her extensive leadership background includes serving as the Nursing Program Director at Siena College and as an Outpatient Clinical Educator for St. Peter’s Health Partners, where she has championed evidence-based practice and community health initiatives. 

A dedicated scholar and community advocate, she holds a PhD in Public Health from Walden University and has been actively involved in numerous boards and volunteer organizations, including BirthNet, the Maternal and Early Childhood Foundation, and now, The Charlton School. Her deep expertise in healthcare education and her commitment to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments will be invaluable assets to The Charlton School’s strategic governance.

Lindsey Haraden, Mohawk Honda 

Lindsey Haraden is the General Sales Manager at Mohawk Honda with nearly 13 years in the automotive industry. A Capital Region native and SUNY Oswego graduate, she began her career in hospitality before unexpectedly finding her passion in the car business. 

Haraden is also a strong advocate for mental health and actively serves her community through organizations that uplift women and families. As an avid supporter of the Suicide Prevention Foundation and organizations that support Veterans and animals, she is known for rallying friends, family and co-workers around causes that get people involved and making a difference. 

Lindsey is enthusiastic about supporting the mission and the students of The Charlton School and is eager to jump in and make connections to bring people to events on campus, as well as offering her unique insight and modern perspective for engaging a younger generation in philanthropy.    

Brandee Nelson, PE, LEED AP 

Brandee Nelson brings over 25 years of civil and environmental engineering expertise to the Board of Trustees, specializing in sustainable infrastructure and community-centered design. As the leader of Tighe & Bond’s Land Use Business Line, she works with communities, organizations, and businesses to solve complex challenges in infrastructure and development, ranging from enhanced ADA accessibility to green infrastructure.

Nelson’s extensive professional portfolio includes the design and construction of parks and recreational facilities, municipal facilities, and public and private developments. Beyond her technical career, Brandee is a dedicated civic leader, having served for seven years as the Chair of the Town of Great Barrington Planning Board and contributing her expertise to the Lake Mansfield Improvement Task Force. Her proven ability to balance infrastructure needs with community wellness and environmental stewardship makes her a vital addition to The Charlton School’s Board as they expand support for young women through the implementation of its campus master plan. 

Margaret (Peg) Trench, Principal, Turning Point Solutions  

Margaret (Peg) Trench brings more than 25 years of senior-level expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, and portfolio management to the Board of Trustees. As the Principal of Turning Point Solutions, an advisory practice focused on managing systemic risk, she leverages a career defined by leadership at the intersection of economics and finance. Recently retired as the Global Head of Scenario Analytics for Morgan Stanley, Peg was responsible for the firm’s macroeconomic stress tests and economic outlook. Her distinguished background includes senior roles with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and various major financial institutions, where she introduced groundbreaking innovations in portfolio risk management, macroeconomic scenario analysis, and climate risk. Peg’s deep understanding of complex systems and strategic risk will provide a steadying hand as we grow our programs and ensure a secure future for the young women we serve.

As an organization dedicated to fostering resilience and wellness, The Charlton School is thrilled to integrate the diverse perspectives of these four women—ranging from doctoral-level research in health services to hands-on experience in nursing and inclusive program development. Their collective commitment to service and excellence will strengthen the therapeutic learning community’s ability to provide a grounded, supportive environment for the next generation of women as they navigate their mental health journeys.

The City of Saratoga Springs Recreation Department is excited to announce its inaugural youth theater program, launching April 14, 2026.

The program will be directed by Anna Bonner, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School with years of drama experience and a deep passion for the performing arts. She’ll be joined by fellow high school drama club volunteers Finley Armstrong (Stage Manager) and Dante DePaulo (Choreographer). Together, they aim to create a supportive and inspiring space where local youth can step into the spotlight, build confidence, and discover more about themselves through theater.

The program’s first production will be Beauty and the Beast.

“Theater has always been an important part of my life, and I fell in love with it through a Rec Center program,” says Anna Bonner, Saratoga Rec Theater Director. “I want to give kids that same chance to fall in love with theater the way I did — in a healthy, supportive environment — while also coming full circle in my own love for the arts.”

The addition of a theater program marks an exciting expansion for the Rec Center. While the department has traditionally focused on sports programming, this new offering opens the door to creative arts opportunities and welcomes a broader group of participants.

The program is open to youth ages 8–14, and no prior theater experience is required. City and non-city residents are welcome, and every participant will receive a role. Auditions will take place on the first day in a low-stress, fun format that includes theater games and reading lines from favorite characters.

“We’ve been wanting to expand our offerings beyond sports for years,” says John Hirliman, Recreation Department Director. “We were waiting to find the right person to lead it, and Anna came in with both a plan and a purpose. She’s working closely with Hannah Hertik, our newest Program Coordinator and Camp Saradac Director, to get this program off the ground. With the two of them leading the way, it’s sure to be a program the community will remember for years to come.”

Event Details

Date: Tues & Thurs, April 14 – May 15 

Time: 4:00-6:00PM

Show Dates: Thursday, May 14 & Friday, May15 (participants will meet 4:00-8:00pm on show days)

*There will be a Tech Week 5/11-5/15 to prepare for the shows at the end of the week. 

Location: Saratoga Rec Center, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is seeking submissions for their 11th Annual Earth Day Essay Contest. Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 since 1970, brings environmental awareness to the forefront. Earth Day promotes increased environmental consciousness, community participation, and protection of the planet worldwide. 

The mission of Wilton Wildlife includes environmental education as a priority, and for more than a decade, the Essay Contest has given school-aged children in the community a chance to express their views, do research, and engage in ecological topics related to the climate crisis.

The theme for 2026 is “We Are One”. Students are invited to write their essays on the Earth being the home that all living things share, and how people can come together to share the valuable resources the Earth provides. Students can write about what they can do to help their communities protect the planet in any capacity. We may be different, living in different countries and cultures, but we are all here together, along with all living things that depend on clean soil, water, and air. We are all together, living on our one planet, Earth.

A panel of judges from Wilton Wildlife will review the essays and select winners in lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school, and high school levels to receive a cash prize and recognition. Runner-up and judges’ choice categories will also be chosen. High school entries must be no longer than 650 words; middle school entries must be no longer than 500 words; and elementary school entries must be at least 10 sentences. Accompanying illustrations are also encouraged. The contest winner from each of the four grade categories will receive a $50 cash prize!

The deadline for entries is on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Winners will be announced in May, and prizes will be awarded at the Annual Wildlife Festival on Sunday, May 31. Submissions may be mailed to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park at 80 Scout Road, Wilton, NY 12831, or emailed to info@wiltonpreserve.org by the deadline. Please include the student’s name, the name of the school, the student’s grade, and their teacher’s name. In addition, please include an email and a phone number, with each student’s entry.

The Annual Earth Day Essay Contest was initiated in 2016 by Wilton Wildlife with the support of two local educators, Betty McCanty and Jane Adams Wait, who helped serve as judges and who funded the prizes for the first years of the contest.

For more information, please visit the Wilton Wildlife website at wiltonpreserve.org, email info@wiltonpreserve.org, or call (518) 450-0321. Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s mission is to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological systems and natural settings.

Comfort Food Community (CFC), a nonprofit fighting rural hunger with innovative programming, is expanding its Farm 2 Library program to Saratoga Springs Public Library, Ballston Spa Public Library, and Round Lake Library – Malta Branch, in partnership with Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS). Fresh, nutritious, and local food will be accessible to anyone who needs it starting Wednesday, March 4, 2026. To celebrate this expansion, ribbon cuttings will be held at each new location. 

Farm 2 Library is designed to be low-barrier and open access for people who may not have access to other sources of fresh, nutritious food. This food is provided free of charge to anyone who needs it with no registration or proof of need required. “Farm 2 Library is built on the belief that everyone deserves easy, stigma free access to fresh, healthy food. By partnering with the Southern Adirondack Library System and local public libraries—trusted, welcoming spaces—we’re removing barriers and making it simple for anyone to pick up what they need, no questions asked,” said Laura Marx, Executive Director of Comfort Food Community. 

What began as a pilot program in 2017, starting with one library, has grown significantly, distributing over 42,000 pounds of food in 2025. CFC now serves 14 libraries across Washington, Warren, and Saratoga counties, providing fresh produce from our local New York State farm partners. 

Each week, libraries display a list of farms where the produce was grown to let people know where their food is coming from. Because this program depends on local farms and seasonal availability, there are often more uncommon items that are distributed like kohlrabi or celeriac, especially during the winter. 

“In New York State, our growing season is shortened during the winter due to colder temperatures and reduced daylight,” said Em Ambrose, CFC’s Food Access Coordinator. “We are able to access lots of high-quality storage roots, like carrots or sweet potatoes, during these months and get excited when April comes, when we start to see new availability from our producers for vegetables like fresh spinach.” 

CFC also shares weekly recipes featuring the produce distributed, helping people feel confident trying new foods and learning more about what is available when. 

“Expanding Farm 2 Library to three additional locations means more families across our region can access fresh, healthy food alongside the educational opportunities that empower them to thrive,” said Kim Bolan, Executive Director of the Southern Adirondack Library System.  “Today’s libraries are more than places for books — they are trusted community anchors that connect people to vital resources, lifelong learning, and one another. This initiative reflects exactly what libraries are here to do.”

To learn more about Comfort Food Community’s programs and how to get involved, please visit www.comfortfoodcommunity.org 

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is pleased to announce the Spring 2026 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This popular community lecture series highlights the rich history, culture, and traditions of Saratoga Springs through engaging presentations led by local historians, authors, and subject matter experts. 

All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public. Each program takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Dutcher Community Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, located at 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Due to the series’ popularity, advance registration is now required. Attendees are encouraged to visit the library website at https://www.sspl.org to register online or in person and to learn more about each presentation. Programs begin promptly at noon, and early arrival is encouraged. 

Spring 2026 Lecture Schedule: 

March 12, 2026: “Enter the Woman Politician” 

Join Dr. Lauren Kozakiewicz in celebration of National Women’s History Month as she explores the experiences of women in New York State politics during the 20th century. Using archival materials and interviews, Dr. Kozakiewicz examines the stories of eighty-eight women elected to the New York State Legislature between 1919 and 1992. Her presentation highlights both the challenges these women faced and the progress they achieved as they pursued political leadership roles. 

April 9, 2026: “The Universality of Katrina Trask” 

Join Rumara Jewett and Lezlie Dana, portraying Katrina Trask, for a compelling look at Trask’s vision for her home, Yaddo, as an artist’s residency. During this special program marking the 100th anniversary of the first artists arriving at Yaddo in 1926, attendees will gain insight into Trask’s personal interests, spiritual journey, and dedication to supporting the arts. Through her words and legacy, this presentation highlights the lasting impact of one of Saratoga Springs’ most influential cultural figures. 

May 14, 2026: “Finding Military Service Records and Unit Histories” 

Librarians Jim Gandy and Dan Salage of the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center will share effective strategies for researching military service records of New York veterans. This session will cover both New York National Guard records and those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as provide guidance on how to proceed when records cannot be located. 

June 11, 2026: “Dressing the Revolutionary Lady” 

As Saratoga County prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, join Caitlin Sheldon, Librarian and Historical Costumer, for a demonstration of fashionable women’s dress from the Revolutionary War era. Using historical images and handmade garments, Sheldon will illustrate the many layers and elements involved in 18th-century dress, offering a fascinating look at fashion during this pivotal period in American history. 

“We are very excited about this spring’s lineup of speakers and programs,” said Karen Verrigni, Director of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. “This series offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to explore Saratoga Springs’ rich history and the individuals and stories that have shaped our city. We invite everyone to join us for an engaging and inspiring season.” 

The Southern Adirondack Health Initiative works to remove barriers to affordable and high-quality healthcare for people living in the Southern Adirondack region of New York State by organizing free health clinics, providing information on low-cost prescription drugs and educating clinic patients on available options. From April 11–12, the initiative will host a free community health clinic offering a range of medical, dental, and vision services provided by licensed healthcare professionals and volunteers. Patients will receive care at no cost, along with resources and information to help them navigate ongoing healthcare needs.

Services Offered

Dental

• Cleanings

• Fillings

• Extractions

• Dental X-rays

Vision

• Complete Eye Exams

• Eye Health Evaluations

• Prescription Glasses Made on Site

Medical

• Physical Exams

• RX Consultations

• Women’s Health

• General Exams

• And More

Details

• The patient parking lot will open no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday night, April 10, and will remain open throughout the clinic weekend.

• Clinic capacity is often reached early in the day, especially for dental and vision services. Once capacity is reached, additional patients cannot be admitted. It is recommended to arrive in the morning, well before the clinic opens, for the best chance of being seen.

• If arriving early, patients should come prepared with their own food, water, medications, and weather-appropriate clothing. Bathrooms will be available at the parking site.

• Services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis; those seeking dental services are strongly encouraged to arrive as early as possible.

• All services are free and open to the public. No ID or insurance required.

• Click here for a FAQ.

• Click here for more information.

Volunteers

Volunteers are welcome to support the healthcare clinic. Both medical and non-medical volunteers are needed to help ensure the event’s success. Those interested in serving are encouraged to email info@southernadkhealth.org for more information.

The Academy for Lifelong Learning continues its 34-year tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults 55+ by offering twenty 6-week, noncredit courses starting in March and April. Registration will be open in-person at the free Open House at 2 p.m. on March 19 at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs, NY. More information and the course catalog will be available later that day at www.allsaratoga.org 

Catalogs will also be distributed to local libraries, YMCA’s and retirement communities or by request after March 19 at (518) 290-6988 or jeff@allsaratoga.org. Registrations will be accepted throughout the term until courses are full. Some courses will sell out. Annual membership is $75 and goes for 365 days from join date. Six-week courses are $50 each.  

Topics for these 20 volunteer-led, noncredit courses include music, literature, Tai Chi, Belly Dance Moves & Music, writing, hiking, Chinese history, iPhone basics, wildflowers, foreign policy, poetry, the Beatles, local walking tours, and a variety speaker series. Courses are offered on location in local classrooms or outdoors.

Founded in 1992, the Academy is a nonprofit membership organization whose members share a love of learning. A self-funded entity, A.L.L. is designed to offer lifelong learning and comradery among seniors. A.L.L. also offers a fall and winter term, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and special events held throughout the year. If you would like to support the Academy by becoming a member or for more information, contact the Academy at (518) 290-6988, email jeff@allsaratoga,org, or go to www.allsaratoga.org.