BALLSTON SPA — The following events will take place at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., in Ballston Spa: 

-Historical Sewing Sessions for Reenactors & those Looking to Volunteer at Saratoga 250 Events: Caps & Accessories, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. Come and enjoy an afternoon of stitching, tea, and camaraderie as we share information, resources, and ideas for clothing that can be worn during upcoming events related to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with a focus on caps and accessories. All are welcome to attend the free gatherings, but pre-registration is required. Email aclothier@SaratogaCountyNY.gov to sign up. 

-Frida Kahlo and the bravest Niña in el Mundo: an interactive children’s opera, at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8. Reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. This opera is appropriate for ages 5-11. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts and Saratoga County History Center presents a performance by Opera Saratoga, composed by Joe Illick with libretto written by Mark Campbell. The story is about Mariana, a young girl living in Mexico City in the late 1940s. Mariana’s family encourages her to have her portrait painted by the renowned artist, Frida Kahlo. Mariana is initially frightened, but is emboldened and charmed by Kahlo, the animals in her household including a monkey, a parrot and a dog, and a visit by the exuberant artist Diego Rivera. As Mariana sits for her portrait, she learns all about Frida’s life, and begins to understand the meaning of bravery. The 45-minute opera explores the art of Frida Kahlo as well as themes of courage and family. 

The concert is open to the public and free, though donations are always appreciated, either online or at the event. 

For more information, go to: www.brooksidemuseum.org

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Discover Saratoga announced the winners of the 26th Annual Saratoga Chowderfest, which was held Saturday, Feb. 8.

More than 109,000 bowls of chowder were served by 89 participating vendors, including 13 first-time participants. 

Consumers of the chowder voted for their favorites and winners were recognized in eight categories during the Annual Award Ceremony at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.  

The 2025 Chowderfest winners are:

• People’s Choice 500 bowls or less: Bentley’s Tavern

• People’s Choice 501-750 bowls: Ribbon Cafe

• People’s Choice 751-1,000 bowls: The Mill on Round Lake

• People’s Choice 1,001-1,500 bowls: The Wild Horse

• People’s Choice 1,501-2,000 bowls: Henry Street Taproom

• People’s Choice 2,001-3,000 bowls: Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar

• People’s Choice 3,001-4,000 bowls: Jacob & Anthony’s

• People’s Choice 4,001+ bowls: Druthers Brewing Company

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A story titled “Dam Project Addresses Drinking Water” that appeared on the front page of the Jan. 24-30 edition of Saratoga TODAY misclassified the current hazard class of the Loughberry Lake Dam. 

That version referred to the Loughberry Lake Dam as having an “Intermediate Hazard” classification. It was reclassified as “High Hazard” sometime during the past few years due to increased development.

A state DEC inspection classified the dam as a “High Hazard,” a based on the potential impact that a dam failure may have on downstream areas. By definition, the estimated consequences were the dam to fail: “may result in widespread or serious damage to home(s); damage to main highways, industrial or commercial buildings, railroads, and/or important utilities, including water supply, sewage treatment, fuel, power, cable or telephone infrastructure; or substantial environmental damage; such that the loss of human life or widespread substantial economic loss is likely.”  

The $9 million project to address aging infrastructure in a remediation of the deficiencies of the Loughberry Lake Dam initially got underway in October 2024 and is slated to continue to October 2025. 

GLENS FALLS — The Glens Falls Vegan Festival will be held starting at 11 a.m. on Feb. 8 at the Charles R Wood Theater. 

The event provides an opportunity for people to stop by a free event to enjoy some music, some vegan food, and to learn about the vegan lifestyle. 

The festival will feature a variety of vendors and offer plenty of different foods to try including: falafel, chili, cornbread, mac and cheese, pizza, desserts, fries, and more. 

Musical artists appearing at the festival include Paper Prince, Alicia Macier Vanscoy, and Joseph Biss.

The event will be held indoors and is located at 207 Glen St.  For more information, go to: www.glensfallsvegan.com. 

WIILTON — On Saturday, Feb.  8, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park invites families and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of fun, winter-themed events at Camp Saratoga. 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park continues its partnership with the Saratoga Stryders for the annual Camp Saratoga 8K Snowshoe Race. Taking place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., the event invites participants to race on snowshoes along the scenic trails of Camp Saratoga. 

For more information and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Gansevoort/CampSaratogaSnowshoeRace.

BALLSTON SPA, NY — The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during February:

February 11 at 10:30 AM: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. 

February 12 at 10 AM: Goal Setting – In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. 

February 20 at 11 AM: Completing Job Applications. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. 

February 21 at 10:30 AM: Networking – Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. 

February 25 at 11 AM: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. 

February 27 at 1:30 PM: Social Media – Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. 

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https://swwworkforce.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at 518-884-4170 for more information.  The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign. 

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo that the Sheriff’s Office and Saratoga County police agencies will participate in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving this Super Bowl. 

The campaign takes place Feb. 9- 10.

Alcohol consumption and impaired driving often increase during major sporting events like the Super Bowl, particularly around pre-game gatherings, halftime, and post-game celebrations, according to a statement issued by the sheriff’s office.  

According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 45% of all fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday in 2022 involved alcohol.

“Regardless of the final score, you can make sure you end up on the winning side by making a plan in advance,” Sheriff Zurlo said. “No excuses. Plan now and make the right call.”

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. You can help to make a difference by having a sober plan. Download the mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home via: www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp.