Saratoga Springs, NY – August 26, 2025 – The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is excited to announce the return of their Fall 2025 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This community lecture series is designed to highlight the rich history, culture, and traditions of our city. 

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. at the Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and to register for the event online or in person https://www.sspl.org.

2025 Fall Season:

Thursday, September 11, 2025:

“A Veteran Speaks: Oscar Kemp of the 115th NY and Grand Army”

The Civil War is one of the most studied conflicts in American history, but much of the emphasis is on battles, leaders, and soldiers during the four years of war. What happened to the survivors? What were their stories, and how did they transition back into civilian life?  Many of the veterans joined fraternal organizations for support, the largest being the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Join Civil War veteran Oscar Kemp (portrayed by relative and Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp) as he recounts his war experiences with the 115th NY and then discusses the experience of veterans after the war and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Thursday, October 9, 2025:

“75 Years: The History of the Saratoga Springs Public Library”

Let’s Celebrate 75 Years!

Michelle Isopo, Archivist and History Librarian of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, will share the story of the library’s 75-year history. From the opening of the first free library in 1950 to the current three-story library in the heart of Saratoga Springs, she will highlight changes, staffing updates, and programming adaptations made to meet the needs of the community.  Cake and coffee will be available for the celebration!

Thursday, November 13, 2025

“Saratoga’s Gilded Age”

The Gilded Age of American history was an interesting time that produced an enormous gap in wealth in the country. During this period Saratoga Springs was the summer playground for the ultra-wealthy. Join Charlie Kuenzel as he highlights our city’s role during this period and describes how we grew and flourished from the influence of the wealth of the day.

Thursday, December 11, 2025:

“A Portrait of Nelson Cook: A Saratoga Springs Artist”

Nelson Cook was a prolific and talented portrait artist in mid-19th century Saratoga Springs. His portraits include prominent Saratogians such as Rockwell Putnam, son of Gideon Putnam, members of the Van Deusen and Walworth families and many more. His works are housed in countless museums and private collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Saratoga Springs history Museum has over 20 of his works in its collection. James Parillo and Charlie Kuenzel will discuss Cook’s life, his struggles and show a selection of his works in the museum collection.

“Our fall season honors our past with topics and tales from a timeline of history, including distinctive people, interesting places and an illustration of human paradox,” said Heritage Area Visitor Center Director, Karen Verrigni. “We are grateful for our speakers, our partners at the library, and the attendees who continue to support this popular lecture series. Through collaboration, we are proud to offer free, high-quality programming that enriches our community.”

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until March 31; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April 1 through December 31. For more information visit, www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.

On Sunday, August 31, at 10:30AM, join George DeMers for 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.

The Foundation looks forward to hosting its annual Autumn Sunday Strolls, which kick off on Sunday, September 14 and continue through Sunday, October 19. Full series announcement coming soon!

For additional information or to purchase tickets to any of the upcoming strolls and events, visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call (518) 587-5030.

Saratoga Bridges is gearing up to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the beloved, family-friendly Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run! The Great Pumpkin Challenge began in October of 2000 with just over 100 runners passionate about raising funds for Saratoga Bridges’ programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since then, the Halloween-themed race has gained popularity throughout the Capital Region, hosting as many as 2,000 runners and walkers from all over New York State and beyond. 

Saratoga Bridges hosts four annual fundraisers each year to raise much needed funds for programs and services not funded through Medicaid or New York State, such as their arts programs and Family Support Services. The Great Pumpkin Challenge is the last of the four fundraisers for the organization, which will take place on Saturday, September 27th at Saratoga Spa State Park. The event also includes a costume contest and voting for the pumpkin decorating contest, with pumpkins decorated by people receiving services from Saratoga Bridges.

The 5K and 10K race starts at 9:30 am, but runners are encouraged to stop by early and enjoy the delicious baked goods, fresh fruits, and more donated by local businesses and made by Saratoga Bridges’ very own residential houses. Once they’ve completed the run, participants can relax in the pavilion and help themselves to more treats while awaiting the results of the race. After the 5K and 10K races, the Kids Fun Run will take place! Once the results are finalized, there will be an awards ceremony where the overall winners and top runners in each age group will be announced. 

The first 1,200 registrants will receive a long sleeve T-shirt with the special 25th Anniversary race logo. This year, after the race, runners may bring their Great Pumpkin Challenge race bib to Druthers in downtown Saratoga Springs for a free beer! Valid only on race day, September 27, 2025. 

“We are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th year of this special event,” shared Jane Mastaitis, Saratoga Bridges CEO.  Mastaitis has been a part of the race since its inception. “Part of what makes the Great Pumpkin Challenge unique is that the 5K and 10K both start at the same time. Everyone runs the 5K together, then the 5K runners peel off to the finish line and the 10K runners keep going. This is great when you have people in the same group or family running different races. The race is wonderful for families, friends, and coworkers to get together and enjoy a beautiful fall day in the park. There’s something for everyone at the Great Pumpkin Challenge, and we look forward to this great day for a great cause!”

To register for the 25th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge, visit www.saratogabridges.org and click on the Great Pumpkin Challenge button on the home page. The registration fee is $25 through September 14th; any registrations after that date will be $30 through September 23rd, when online registration ends at 5pm. Registration for virtual runners is $30 per person and kids can participate in the Kids Fun Run for only $10!

Saratoga Bridges, A Chapter of the Arc, New York, has been a steady resource and champion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Saratoga County since its inception in 1953, after a group of parents worked together to create a rightful place in society for their children. Today, Saratoga Bridges provides housing, day services, transportation, clinical care, employment coaching, family support, arts classes, and more to over 600 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Saratoga County.

A retired New York State Trooper from Saratoga Springs has died from a 9/11 related illness. 

Retired Sergeant Frederick Scheidt died on Aug. 13 at the age of 67 of cancer, according to his obituary. 

Originally from Greenwich, Connecticut, Scheidt joined the State Police in 1979 and served for 30 years, eventually settling in the Saratoga Springs area and retiring in 2009. He is survived by his wife, son and two grandchildren. 

Scheidt is one of 34 State Troopers to die from illnesses related to 9/11, according to the New York State Trooper Police Benevolent Association. This number makes it the second most common type of line of duty death experienced by Troopers since the agency’s founding in 1917 and the most common line of duty death in the nearly 24 years since the attacks. Scheidt is the fourth Trooper from Saratoga County to die from illnesses related to the attacks. 

The attacks on Sept. 11 represented the single deadliest day in US history for both law enforcement and fire personnel. 72 law enforcement officers were killed in the attacks, the majority coming from the NYPD which lost 23 members and the Port Authority Police which lost 37. In addition, four members of the New York State Office of Tax Enforcement, three members of the New York State Office of Court Administration, one fire Marshall, one member of the FBI, one member of the Secret Service, one member of the New York Fire Patrol and one member of the EPA were all killed in the attacks. 

On the fire department side, 343 members of the FDNY were killed along with six on-duty EMS providers and two volunteer EMTs who responded to the disaster on their own. 

In the years since, however, the number of first responder deaths from 9/11 related illnesses have surpassed those from the attacks. In addition to the 34 State Troopers, NYPD lists over 370 officers who’ve died as a result of illness, the FBI lists 29 agents who died and the FDNY has lost over 360 members. 

The losses are due to the toxic debris first responders and residents were exposed to while working and living near the site of the attack. According to the CDC’s World Trade Center Health Program, the attacks exposed people to over 300 chemical hazards, 14 physical hazards and 26 hazards that could result in mental health issues down the road. Of the 400,000 potential exposures, over 145,000 have signed up for health monitoring through the program. 

The most common ailment faced by those in the program is cancer with over 48,000 certified reports. Other ailments include respatory illnesses like asthma and COPD, and mental health conditions like PTSD and depression, among other conditions. 

As for Scheidt, his funeral was held Aug. 21 in Saratoga Springs. In advance of the funeral, Saratoga closed streets and restricted parking along the processional route. 

WILTON — In a watershed where road salt runoff is steadily degrading water quality, the Town of Wilton has emerged as a model for innovation and environmental responsibility. 

Under the leadership of Highway Superintendent Mike Monroe, the Wilton Highway Department has implemented a series of first-in-the-region measures to reduce salt use — a move applauded by the Saratoga Lake Association (SLA) and environmental advocates.

Earlier this year, Wilton completed the calibration of all 14 of its large dump trucks used for winter salt spreading, with technical assistance from WIT Advisors. Each truck now has a precise chart in its cab showing the number of pounds of salt applied per lane-mile, tailored to that truck’s unique hydraulic setup. Monroe said this will allow operators to apply exactly the right amount of salt for each storm, improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Wilton also equipped four trucks with “live edge” plow blades, which better conform to the road surface and allow operators to turn down the auger control on final cleanup passes. Monroe plans to install these blades on all large trucks in 2026.

In another major step, Wilton fabricated and installed a 2,600-gallon brine tank and dispenser on a straight truck. This will enable the town to pretreat main roads with brine — a strategy shown to reduce overall salt usage — during the 2025–26 winter season.

Monroe’s work comes as the Skidmore College Environmental Studies and Sciences Capstone Report, funded by the SLA, warns that chloride levels in Saratoga Lake and its tributaries are at or near toxic thresholds for aquatic life. The study found that road salt runoff from municipal and state highways is a major contributor, with chloride concentrations in some tributaries exceeding 10,000 parts per million during winter peaks.

SLA President, Dr.Jim DeMasi, praised Monroe’s leadership, saying, “Mike Monroe has set the gold standard for municipal highway operations in the Saratoga Lake watershed. He’s proving that safety and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. We hope every municipality in the watershed takes notice and follows Wilton’s lead.”

For Monroe, the effort is about more than technology. “Calibration, training, and brining are just tools in the toolbox,” he said. “The real goal is to keep our roads safe while protecting the lake and our drinking water. We can do both — and do it better than before.”

With winter approaching, all eyes in the region will be on Wilton’s roads — and on the results of Monroe’s forward-thinking approach.

The Galway man charged with threatening the family of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson allegedly threatened to shoot ICE agents in Saratoga Springs. 

Shane Daley of Galway was allegedly found with emails threatening that he would shoot ICE agents in Saratoga Springs, according to court documents. 

“If someone in a mask without proper law enforcement identification aggressively approaches me anywhere in Saratoga Springs, they better have their affairs in order as they’re going to catch two slugs from a legally owned firearm,” Daley allegedly said in the email “ if you want shootouts in your city, feel free to continue doing nothing. But I’d rather leave in a body bag than in cuffs so consider the above message. Hope no one catches a stray!” 

The court docs didn’t indicate who the email was sent to or whether they would lead to official charges. 

The emails came as a result of a visit to Daley’s home by U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services officers. While at the home, officers found a loaded shot gun, numerous beer cans throughout his home and vehicle, nitrous oxide containers known as “whip-it” — a means of inhaling the substance for recreational use — and quantities of marijuana. 

Daley was initially charged with cyberstalking after he left four messages threatening the wife of murdered United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. According to court documents, Daley made several graphic threats to the family, saying that Thompson deserved his death and his family deserved the same. 

“You deserve to due begging for your life on the cold concrete, just like your pathetic [expletive] [ expletive] of a [ family member]” Daley allegedly said, among other threats and insults in the messages.

While Daley initially asserted that he hadn’t made the calls in interviews with FBI agents, he later said it was possible given his heavy drinking around the time the threatening calls were allegedly made. Agents were able to match his voice with that on the calls as well as match phone records which came from a phone Daley said he was the sole user of, according to court documents. 

Daley was initially held in the Albany County jail, due to the belief that he was a danger to the public. During a hearing on Aug. 19, Daley was ordered released from the jail and into the custody of an addiction treatment facility with an electronic monitoring device attached. 

Daley will next be in court upon completion of the program.

Discover Saratoga is excited to share that Saratoga County has been nominated for the second year in a row as “Best Place to Visit for Fall” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 

This recognition celebrates everything that Saratoga County has to offer in the fall months, from its vibrant autumn scenery to seasonal attractions that entice visitors from all around. Voting is open to the public now through 11:59 am EDT on September 8, 2025.

“We are always excited to see our beautiful home, Saratoga County, recognized on a national level,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “Saratoga is and has always been able to capture so much of what makes fall in a small destination special. Last year, we came in 7th in the nation; this year, we’re hoping to make the top five.”

While many know Saratoga County as a summer destination, the county comes alive in the fall with gorgeous fall foliage throughout the County’s parks and trails and scenic fall views across Saratoga Lake. Autumn visitors of all ages can partake in classic fall activities like

apple picking, corn mazes, and other farm-fresh fun. For those looking to get spooky,

Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours and Ghosts of Saratoga Guided Trolley Tours share the ghostly history surrounding Saratoga Springs.

This fall also marks an important milestone as Saratoga prepares for the upcoming Saratoga 250 commemoration. In October, visitors can step back in time to honor the pivotal Battles of Saratoga with engaging heritage events such as Siege Weekend and the Surrender Ceremony in Schuylerville—bringing history to life where it happened.

To vote for Saratoga County as the Best Place to Visit for Fall, readers can visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/saratoga-county-new-york/ and cast their ballot once per day until polls close at 11:59 am EDT on September 8. The top 10 winners will be announced on September 17 at noon.

For more information about the 10Best Awards and to see the full list of winners across multiple categories, please visit www.10best.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services is seeking volunteers for its Gather & Dine meal site at the Saratoga Springs Senior Center (290 West Ave, Saratoga Springs).

Volunteers will assist the food service helper with setting up the dining room for lunch, serving meals, and clearing tables. This important program helps seniors aged 60 and older receive a delicious meal each weekday and engage with others in the community.

Volunteers can choose a flexible schedule that meets their availability, committing to as little as once a week or as much as five days a week. Volunteer hours are from 11:30AM to 1PM, with meals served at 12PM sharp, Monday through Friday.

Becoming a volunteer is easy. Interested individuals should contact Nutrition Coordinator Christopher Vesic at the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4996. Training and orientation are provided to all volunteers.

Saratoga Springs, NY – The Saratoga Automobile Museum is proud to announce the return of its signature fundraising event, the 9th Annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction, taking place September 18 through September 21, 2025, on the grounds of the Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Now in its ninth year, the Saratoga Motorcar Auction has become one of the Northeast’s premier collector car auctions, attracting consignors, bidders, and enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. 

More than 350 consignments are expected to cross the block this year, ranging from affordable classics and enthusiast favorites to million-dollar supercars. Alongside the vehicles, attendees will find an outstanding selection of automobilia including restored gas pumps, vintage porcelain signs, neon signs, and other unique collectibles.

The weekend offers more than just the auction. Guests can enjoy an electric atmosphere filled with community spirit, food trucks serving local favorites and gourmet bites, and a wide array of automotive vendors offering parts, accessories, memorabilia, and expert services. As always, 100 percent of proceeds directly benefit the Saratoga Automobile Museum and its mission to celebrate, preserve, and share the rich history of the automobile.

Kicking things off in true style, the Thursday evening Fast Lane VIP Concert features Soul Session performing live on the grounds of the Saratoga Casino, set amongst the cars. This high-energy performance will set the tone for the weekend, combining music, engines, and excitement into one unforgettable night.

In the lead-up to the Auction, consignors are invited to the season’s final Drive In and Consignment event on Wednesday, August 20, from 5–7 PM at the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Prospective consignors can cruise up in their cars, meet one-on-one with an Auction specialist, sign a consignment contract, and have professional images taken of their vehicle all in one evening.

For more information about the exhibition, including ticketing and museum hours, please visit www.saratogaautomuseum.org.

Event Schedule:

Thursday, September 18: Auction Preview (12 PM – 5 PM)

The weekend begins with a chance to stroll the rows, take your time, and get an up-close look at the incredible lineup of consignments.

Thursday, September 18: Fast Lane VIP Concert with Soul Session (6 PM – 9 PM)

An unforgettable evening as Soul Session takes the stage on the grounds of the Saratoga Casino, surrounded by cars and the energy of the Auction weekend.

Friday, September 19: Auction Day 1 (2 PM)

The action launches with consignments crossing the block in a fast-paced afternoon of excitement.

Saturday, September 20: Auction Day 2 (10 AM)

Saturday brings even more horsepower and high-energy bidding, with everything from classics to supercars rolling across the stage.

Sunday, September 21: Post-Auction Sale (10 AM)

Vehicles that did not meet reserve during the live auction may still be available, offering buyers a second chance to make a deal.