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Nancy Sutin Honored for Lifetime Contributions to Capital Region

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Nancy Sutin (Courtesy of Tom Stock)

Longtime Saratoga Springs resident, Nancy Sutin, has been inducted into the Albany City School District’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her successful professional career and extensive community service.

The Class of 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place Oct. 3.

Born and raised in Albany and a 1968 Albany High School graduate, Sutin “has followed a proud family legacy of high achievement throughout her life, building an exceptional professional career in the law while also committing herself to serving her community,” the Albany City School District said in announcing the honor.

Her father, Nate Sutin, was inducted as a member of the district’s inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2009.

Nancy Sutin co-founded the four-piece folk band Focus, which played in Caffè Lena in Saratoga Springs. 

She graduated magna cum laude from the University at Albany in 1972 and earned a master’s from Brandeis University in 1976. During those years, she devoted time to various Jewish organizations and shared her lifelong love for swimming as a summer camp director in Maine. She graduated in 1984 from Albany Law School, where she was recognized with the prestigious Lillian Friedman Award for Excellence in Family Law. 

“Over the next nearly four decades, Nancy built a distinguished private family law practice, serving communities throughout the Capital Region. Her legal expertise and reputation for integrity led to her 2017 appointment as a state liaison between family attorneys and the state administrator in her judicial district,” the Hall of Fame website page notes.

“Beyond her professional practice, Nancy has been a tireless champion for non-profit organizations. From 2002-08, she served as board president of the Saratoga Independent School. During her tenure, she demonstrated exceptional stewardship by spearheading a capital campaign that secured $1 million in funding for the development of its Route 29 campus,” the district’s Hall of Fame website page continued. 

In addition, Sutin has devoted 16 years to Soroptimist International of Saratoga County. While president, she spearheaded the “Project Hope and Power” initiative, empowering victims of domestic violence to obtain their legal and financial independence. She is currently co-chair of the organization’s Secret Gardens Tour, its major fund-raiser.

Sutin served two terms as board president of Home Made Theater in Saratoga Springs, providing steady stewardship through significant periods of organizational transition. She also served on the board of the former Planned Parenthood of Northeastern New York.

“Through her legal career, visionary non-profit leadership and an unwavering commitment to the greater good, she has left an indelible mark on the Capital Region,” the district posted on its Hall of Fame website page. 

Saratoga Fall Festival Returns to Caroline Street

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Alliance announced the 2026 Fall Festival, a beloved local tradition marking its 25th anniversary this year.

The festival will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 24 in downtown Saratoga Springs, primarily on Caroline Street, with various attractions spread out along Broadway.

This year’s event will feature trick-or-treating throughout downtown, the popular Pumpkin Roll on Caroline Street, a Saratoga-themed Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, face painting, live entertainment and more.

Starting at noon, participating businesses will be candy-ready for trick-or-treaters as kids and parents are invited to dress up in costume and explore downtown Saratoga Springs.

At the same time, volunteers from The Dance Lab and the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club will help orchestrate the Pumpkin Roll on Caroline Street. Pumpkins, generously donated by Sunnyside Gardens, will be handed out at the top of Caroline Street, with hay bales donated by Vincek Farm set up to guide the pumpkins down the hill.

Families can pick up maps of downtown for trick-or-treating, as well as a list of riddles and clues for the Saratoga Themed Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, at the Visitors Center.

SCHEDULE FOR FALL FESTIVAL – Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026

* Schedules are subject to change

12 – 3 p.m. — Downtown Saratoga Springs

· Trick-or-Treating at participating businesses throughout downtown

· Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt on Broadway and surrounding areas

· At the top of Caroline Street and Broadway, participants are welcome to grab a pumpkin from one of our volunteers from The Dance Lab. At the bottom of Caroline and Maple, participants can pick up their gift certificates from Ben & Jerry’s and Strike Zone from a Saratoga Springs Rotary Club volunteer.

· Live Entertainment, Road Soda Pop 12-3pm – Salt & Char patio

· Traveling Entertainment: Sparkles the Juggler

· Face Painting at G. Willikers and the Saratoga Springs City Center

· Magic Matt (Magician) at Menges & Curtis

· Maple Valley Farms (maple cotton candy and other maple items) – Spa City Motor Lodge

· Saratoga Springs Police Department: Explore a police car on display in front of Lifestyles of Saratoga

· Witch Walk SOSA: Concluding the festival with a spirited dance on Caroline Street to end the festival at 2:50 p.m. Donations to the Witch Walk will go directly to our local animal shelters!

Saratoga Voices Choir Prepares for Upcoming Concert: “One Land, Many Voices”

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured.

Saratoga Voices Rehearsing for their Upcoming Concert, “One Land, Many Voices” at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School (Aidan Clark)

For the past month, choristers of Saratoga Voices have convened in the music room of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School on Wednesday nights for rehearsal.

Their next concert, “One Land, Many Voices,” will be held at the Universal Preservation Hall on Sunday, October 25, at 3 p.m. Artistic Director, Noah Palmer, has formed a diverse program of music representative of our nation’s unique history.

“We were looking for repertoire that would cover the beautiful tapestry of styles, historical periods and cultural areas representing the different peoples that are part of the American musical tapestry,” said Palmer.

For the past four years Palmer has been leading the choir in a new direction as the artistic director of Saratoga Voices. As he was beginning his tenure, the choir voted to change their name from The Burnt Hills Oratorio Society; Palmer cites a multitude of reasons for the name change.

“First of all, The Burnt Hills Oratorio Society is a quite long and burdensome name that is difficult to pronounce and remember,” said Palmer. Another reason “is that Saratoga is our home and that’s the big urban center we want to be connected to.”

But besides the logistical rationale, the change represents a wider scope for the choir. 

“Choral music in American has exploded in an amazing way in the last few decades, and a lot of what’s being written is secular music,” said Palmer. “So, part of the idea is expanding our identity beyond just the major large scale religious or sacred music.” 

However, the change does not represent a complete departure from traditional Christian Hymns, rather a choice to encompass contemporary choral compositions.

Take for example, “Ambe” by Andrew Balfour, who is of Cree descent which is sung in his native tongue.

The song requires the choir to work through technical aspects of singing in a foreign language through speaking the words phonetically and deciphering where to put emphasis.  

Palmer described the melody of “Ambe” as if you were constantly tripping over yourself, and as expected there were a few missteps. 

However, mistakes can yield gold, and with assistance from a lead piano maintaining the melody and rhythm, the group was able to find it. 

As a passive bystander in the rehearsal, it was clear why the choristers decided to forgo their free time to become a part of the whole.

When each voice of a different range and capacity finds its place in harmony, it is truly angelic.

The baritones lay the melody like a steam train fighting inertia to gain momentum. 

The altos and tenors, like yin and yang, meld together to fill space between the firing pistons. 

Finally, the sopranos complete the harmony, creating a swelling ethereal strain.

Then the bass drops away, releasing the tension, like a feather falling without a breeze. 

Evidently, this feeling is contagious.

Two years ago, Saratoga Voices began requiring an audition to join their choir. Peculiarly for the uninitiated, since requiring an audition, the choir saw an increase in membership. However, Palmer says it reinforces their credibility.

“Singers want to see a certain level of standard, and there’s a lot of choirs in this area to choose from,” said Palmer. “One of the things that especially younger singers want to see is they want to know that there’s a certain level of quality that the choir is going to bring and that they’re personally expected to bring.”

The choir will hold auditions for the 2026-27 season on Wednesday, October 14. Tickets to the “One Land, Many Voices” concert are $40.25 or $28.75 for seniors. For more information on joining Saratoga voices or to purchase tickets for their upcoming concert, go to saratogavoices.org.

Art for Good to Benefit Community

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Art is a powerful thing. It can lift your spirits and offer a new perspective.  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. 

The event will take place on October 25 at the Elks Lodge, 69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. In addition, there will be entertainment and free art lessons at Living Resources across the Street at 70 Beekman Street.

This project has been spearheaded by ceramic artists Nancy Niefield and Rebecca Cigal and was quickly embraced by fellow artists.   

Contributed art works by talented local artists will be sold for whatever people offer. Find a treasure, pay what you will. Proceeds will be given to the Franklin Community Center, the Frederick Allen Elks Lodge and SSADI. 

For more information, visit SaratogaArtDistrict.com. 

Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl 

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The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is hosting its 14th annual Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl on Saturday, October 17. This event starts at 3 p.m. at Druthers Brewing Company, 381 Broadway, with stops at bars throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. All proceeds from this event support the Foundation’s mission to promote the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscape heritage of Saratoga Springs.

The Pub Crawl begins at Druthers Brewing Company at 3 p.m., then crawls to Bailey’s Cafe, Gaffney’s Saratoga, The Grotto Tiki Lounge, and ends at Whitman Brewing Company. Pub Crawl participants will enjoy drink specials throughout the day, as well as light fare at Whitman Brewing Company. 

Participants can take part in an Architectural Scavenger Hunt to win a “Major Award.” Raffle tickets will also be available to win several prizes from local businesses. The crawl will culminate with an after party at Whitman Brewing Company where winners will be announced. 

Tickets are $35 for an individual, $60 for two people, and $120 for a group of four. All participants will receive a complimentary Pub Crawl t-shirt and pint glass with the purchase of tickets, while supplies last. The online registration deadline is Friday, October 16 at 9 p.m. Participants may also register on the day of the Pub Crawl at Druthers starting at 2:30 p.m. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit, www.saratogapreservation.org, or call (518) 587-5030. 

New Mural on Beekman Street

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Entertainment.

Mural Located at 70 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs (Aidan Clark)

A new mural on 70 Beekman Street has been completed by local artist, Juliana Haliti.

The project is part of Cultivating Havens for the Arts through Regional Murals (CHARM), a statewide creative placemaking initiative of Governor Kathy Hochul administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). 

“Having grown up near Saratoga, and now living close to and working on Broadway, I am so honored to be able to create this mural here. Especially in the iconic Beekman Street Arts district, which has and continues to cultivate a beautiful community for local artists,” said Haliti. “My practice focuses on the relationships between people, history of the land, and ecology, so to be able to create a piece that allows me to honor my own relationship with these things is incredible.”

Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet Announces New Fall Classes

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

 (Courtesy of Susan Blackburn)

The Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet (SSYB) announced the expansion of its programs this autumn with two new daytime class offerings starting October 22. The new classes are designed to bring the joy of movement to younger children and the local homeschooling community. Both programs will run as 8-class sessions on Thursdays at the SSYB studios located at 418 Geyser Rd. Suite 5, Ballston Spa.

 New Fall Class Offerings:

• Mommy & Me Dance (Ages 2–3)

o Schedule: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. (Oct. 22 – Dec. 17; no class Nov. 26)

o Description: A fun, engaging introduction to creative movement, simple dance steps, and playful music. Perfect for toddlers alongside a parent, grandparent, or caregiver to build coordination and confidence together. No prior dance experience is required.

• Intro to Jazz for Homeschoolers (Ages 5–9)

o Schedule: Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Oct. 22 – Dec. 17; no class Nov. 26)

o Description: This beginner-friendly class introduces students to basic jazz techniques, upbeat music, and fun choreography. It provides an encouraging environment for homeschooling students to develop rhythm, performance skills, and confidence.

Space is strictly limited for both sessions to ensure high-quality, individualized instruction. Families can learn more and register online by visiting www.saratogaspringsyouthballet.org

Alongside these new educational programs, the studio is proud to welcome renowned dance educator and performer Carrie Louise Putrello to its faculty. Putrello brings a wealth of professional artistry and an extensive background in dance education to the studio.

Her distinguished credentials include training at the prestigious School of Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati. She has been awarded scholarships from top-tier institutions, including the North Carolina School for the Arts, San Francisco Ballet School, and Ballet Aspen. In addition to her professional performance tenure with the Santa Monica Dance Company, Putrello has a long, accomplished career as a guest instructor and dance educator.

Autumn Sunday Strolls “Mail Order Houses of Saratoga” & “Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square”

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Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square
(Courtesy of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation)

Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and Madison C. Squires on Sunday, October 4 for the Autumn Stroll, “Mail Order Houses of Saratoga.” Explore the remaining Kit Houses along East and Pinewood Avenues as Madison guides you through this fascinating chapter of architectural history. A typical kit house could be shipped anywhere in the country, where the owner – or a contractor they hired – would assemble the thousands of pre-cut materials into a house. This tour meets at the NW corner of Lake and East avenues.

On Sunday, October 11, former SSPF Executive Director and State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner will highlight historic Franklin Square, our city’s oldest residential neighborhood. Today, it is a veritable showcase of American architectural history where stately homes and original buildings tell the story of the city’s early development. “Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square” meets at the NW corner of Division Street and Railroad Place.

The Foundation is grateful for the generous support of the 2026 Autumn Sunday Stroll series sponsor, Fridholm Painting. All Sunday morning tours begin at 10:30AM, last approximately 90 minutes, and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members.

For additional information on Sunday Strolls or to purchase tickets, call (518) 587-5030, email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org, or visit, saratogapreservation.org.

Saratoga Book Festival Returns

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The Saratoga Book Festival, now celebrating its sixth citywide celebration of books, returns October 1-4 to downtown Saratoga Springs, New York. This year’s festival includes a blockbuster lineup of talented writers and presenters. All programs over the weekend offer free admission. To learn more about festival authors, see the full schedule of interviews, readings, youth programs, and special events such as the annual Literary Night Market and Local Author Showcase, and Sunday KidZone, see saratogabookfestival.org

Highlights:

Julia Alvarez, internationally acclaimed writer (Visitations, The Cemetery of Untold Stories, In the Time of the Butterflies, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents) joins Northshire Bookstore’s Rachel Person for an interview and reading.

Chris Bohjalian, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Midwives, The Lioness, and The Flight Attendant, talks about his latest blockbuster hit The Amateur with Joe Donahue, host of WAMC’s The Book Show and Round Table.

Mai Corland, bestselling fantasy author, leads a romantasy tea and book chat with author Lauren Blackwood for tea and biscuits as they chat about their new fantasy/romance novels Verity Guild (Corland) and The Queen’s Bodyguard (Blackwood) with Caitlin Sheldon, SSPL Librarian.

Christine Kuehn talks about Family of Spies, the never-before-told story of her family’s shocking involvement as Nazi and Japanese spies during WWII and the pivotal role they played in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Matt Witten moderates.

Joan Lunden, former longtime host of Good Morning America, speaker, and bestselling author will appear in a headline event at Skidmore College’s Zankel Music Hall, to chat about her new book Joan Lunden: Life Beyond the Script, with three-time Emmy winner and local author Julie Chapman. 

Francine Prose, an acclaimed author of fiction and nonfiction and frequent faculty member of the New York State Summer Writers Institute, will speak about her new historical novel Five Weeks in the Country in a conversation with Halimah Marcus, a Yaddo artist, writer, and founder of Electric Literature on Saturday, October 3rd.

Coffee and Crosswords: Chandi Deitmer, Kate Hawkins & Erica Wojcik are friends who met over their love of crosswords. The three provide tips and inside info about creating and solving great puzzles. Led by Saratoga Living’s Natalie Moore. Free cup of coffee and a pastry for attendees!

Political Appetites, Culinary Historian Nancy Siegel uncovers foods that could signify whether your neighbor was Loyalist or Patriot in a wide-ranging talk with Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts. Samples of Federal Cake and Election Cake will be served.

Over a Ton! – 11th Annual Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured.

First Place Winner Josh Hilton Whose Pumpkin Weighed 2,123.5 lbs (Courtesy of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce)
(Left) Second Place Ernie Gustinucci, (Middle) First Place Jash Hilton, (Right) Thrid Place Tadd King
(Courtesy of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce)


The winner of the 2026 Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest was Josh Hilton of Nassau, N.Y, whose pumpkin weighed at an astonishing 2,123.50 lbs. Ernie Gustinucci of Jackson, P.A. took second plac; his pumpkin weighed 1821.50 lbs. The third-place pumpkin was grown by Tadd King of Freedom, N.Y., weighing 1674.50 lbs.