Calendar

See more Calendar listings at www.saratogian.com/community. Submit items two weeks in advance to calendar@ saratogian.com.

Monday, Sept. 25 CLIFTON PARK SENIOR CENTER:

Biweekly Bingo games begin today and Monday Morning Discussion Group meets at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 518-383-1343 ext. 227 to reserve lunch. For Senior Express transportation call 518-371-4444.

COMMUNITY FORUM ON HOMELESSNESS:

Andrew Lindner, PhD, Associate Professor from the Skidmore College Department of Sociology, will present findings from a survey of homeless individuals conducted this year at a community forum to be held at in the Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, on Monday, September 25, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Representatives from Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) will also be on hand to discuss how the findings are being used to guide strategic planning and what the community can do to help reach the goal of “functional zero homelessness” by the year 2020. For more information, please contact Michael Finocchi, Shelters of Saratoga at 518-581-1097 or mfinocchi@sheltersofsaratoga.org.

COMMUNITY HOSPICE VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT:

The Community Hospice serving Saratoga and Washington Counties are in need of volunteers who are available to make friendly visits and to provide emotional support to Hospice patients and their families. An Information session will be held on Monday, September 25, at 11 a.m. at the Greenwich Library (Hedbring Community Room) 148 Main St. Greenwich. A required 25-hour volunteer training will be provided at the end of October. Please call 581-0800 to register.

IMMIGRANT STORIES:

The Saratoga Immigration Coalition sponsors the first of a series of immigrant story-telling evenings on Monday, September 25, at 6:30 p.m. at Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St. in Saratoga Springs. The public is invited to hear firsthand the experiences of immigrants and their families in coming to America; why they came, what made them stay, the trials and tribulations. The event will be held in lieu of the Caffe Lena open mic night. There is no charge for admission. Seating is first come first serve and doors will open at 6:15 p.m. For more information call 518-727-7941 or visit the SIC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ Saratoga-Immigration-Coalition-458540114506608/. JAKE SLAUGHTER MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT: Take part in a beautiful day of golf to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York at Wolferts Roost Country Club,120 Van Rensselaer Blvd, Albany. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., tournament begins at 11 a.m. A new unique format will be presented this year: the course will be composed of nine regulation holes and nine Par 3s, and each Par 3 will have a local pro golfer or local celebrity. Also new this year, teams will be assembled in fivesomes and the start time of 11am, followed by the Awards Reception from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (note new time). Your day on the course will still include amazing food stations and wine tastings. Contact Susan at 518-456-7501 or skaczynski@epilepsyneny.org to register, or for more information. For more details, visit www.epilepsynenygolf.com.

MECHANICVILLE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY:

Farmers’ Market, 4 p.m to 7 p.m. Celebrate Your fREADom,, 6:30 p.m. Celebrate your fREADom with a night of crafts and games inspired by ‘banned’ books. Please stop by the Library or call 518-664-4646 to sign up. Introduction to Meditation, 6:30 p.m. This event includes a guided mantra meditation. Please note, there is a registration fee of $5 to attend this class. Please stop by the library or call 518-6644646 to sign up. Mechanicville District Public Library 190 N. Main St. Mechanicville.

MOREAU LAKE STATE PARK:

Cottage Park Hike, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. About 4+ miles round trip, this steep climb will prove to be a good workout. You will enjoy a comfortable pace on the climb to the top. While walking along you will see some great views overlooking the Hudson River. Please bring a lunch and water to enjoy on the trail. Reservations are required with 24 hours advanced notice; please call 518-793-0511.

REMEMBERING RYALL’S BEACH:

Bring your lunch & a lawn chair, your stories, photos & memorabilia. Hosted by Mary Ellen Ryall, descendant of the founder,and Mary Ann Fitzgerald, City Historian. Noon to 2 p.m., Waterfront Park, Crescent Avenue, Saratoga Lake. Rain date, Tuesday, Sept. 26th. Parking is limited, so please car pool. For more information call 518587-2358 or email maryann. fitzgerald@saratoga-springs. org.

WILTON WILDLIFE PRESERVE:

Pre-K Nature Hour, “Monarch Butterflies,” 10:30 a.m. This monthly program is for the youngest explorers (ages 3-6 years old), using children’s love of nature to teach simple concepts. Adults are expected to attend. This is an outdoor program so please come dressed for the weather. The program includes a short walk, a simple nature craft, and a healthy snack. Preregistration is required at info@ wiltonpreserve.org or 518450-0321.

Tuesday, Sept. 26 BROUWER HOUSE:

On Tuesday, September 26 at 4 p.m., the Schenectady County Historical Society, together with the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at the 1731 Brouwer House, SCHS’s newly acquired Stockade property. Light refreshments and beverages will be served, and tours of the home and garden will be offered. The community is invited to join in celebrating this exciting acquisition and in ushering in a new chapter in Schenectady preservation, tourism, and education. The Brouwer House is located at 14 North Church Street, Schenectady.

CLIFTON PARK SENIOR CENTER:

Flu Shot Clinic sponsored by Rite Aid at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 518-3831343 ext. 227 tor eserve lunch. For Senior Express transportation call 518-371-4444.

FAIRY GARDENS: Sue Ann

DuBois of Garden Goddess Sense and Sustainability will be presenting “The Magic of Fairy Gardens” at Saratoga Springs High School as a part of Saratoga Spring’s Continuing Education Program. This is a basic level course- no experience needed; imagination is required. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in room D120. Cost $15, materials fee $30. More information can be found at https://saratoga.cr3. rschooltoday.com/public/ home. INN AT SARATOGA: Drank the Gold, American, Irish folk duo. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING: The National Council for Behavioral Health certifies individuals throughout the nation, including Mental Health Association in New York State Inc. (MHANYS), to provide Mental Health First Aid courses to prepare their communities to help individuals who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Project Aware team will be offering the Mental Health First Aid program in the Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties. A Saratoga County training session will be held on Tuesday, September 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library- 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs. Register at www.MHANYS.org, or contact Joelle Monaco at 518-434-0439 or Jmonaco@mhanys.org with any additional questions. MOREAU LAKE STATE PARK: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Leave No Trace Workshop. This course will get people familiar with the seven leave no trace principles and how they can reduce their impact when they are using the outdoors. Please bring your own lunch. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.,Spring Overlook Hike to the top of the Palmertown Range for spectacular views of the Luzerne Mountains and the Hudson River. Bring a snack, H20 and a lunch to enjoy at the overlook. Reservations are required with 24 hours advanced notice for each event; please call 518-7930511. NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY: The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is proud to be a National Voter Registration Day partner. On September 26, LWV Saratoga County will register voters at the following locations: Schuylerville Public Library, 10 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Town of Ballston Community Library, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Clifton ParkHalfmoon Public Library, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Skidmore Case Hall, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; SUNY Adirondack Wilton Campus, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saratoga Hospital, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Ben & Jerry’s Saratoga Springs, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Bowtie Cinema, Saratoga Springs, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Co-Sponsors of the day are SUNY Adirondack and Donate for Life New York. For inquiries about National Voter Registration Day, please contact: Kathy Koebrich at k718malta@ hotmail.com. PEACE CORPS RECEPTION: Mango Tree Imports, a global fair-trade gift shop, invites the public to a reception in honor of area Peace Corps volunteers on Tuesday, September 26 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the store at the Saratoga Marketplace, 454 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The event is part of Peace Week activities in Saratoga Springs. SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER: AARP Safe Driving presented by Allan Miller, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $20 AARP members; $25 non-members. Must have valid NYS driver’s license. 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs. SCHOHARIE CROSSING: Fort Plank Historian Ken D. Johnson presents, “Indiana Jones and Fort Plank: The Cleaner Side of Archaeology,” on Tuesday, September 26. Ken takes the audience along on his search for the fortress in which his ancestors served during the American Revolution. Johnson is the author of “The Bloodied Mohawk: The Revolutionary War in the Words of Fort Plank’s Defenders and Other Mohawk Valley Partisans.” This free program will be held in the Enders House adjacent to the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Visitor Center on Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter. There will be a brief Friends of Schoharie Crossing meeting prior to the presentation and there will be refreshments available. For more information, please call the Visitor Center at 518-829-7516, or email SchoharieCrossing@ parks.ny.gov. SKIDMORE COLLEGE: David Huron, Arts and Humanities Distinguished Professor at the Ohio State University, lectures on “The Science of the Sublime: How Music Takes Your Breath Away” at 4:30 p.m. in Davis Auditorium. Judith Enck, former EPA administrator for New York, New Jersey and other regions, speaks on “The Federal Assault on the Environment” at 6:30 p.m. in Filene Auditorium, Filene Hall. John J. Collins, Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale University, gives the Jacob Perlow Lecture, “The Invention of Judaism: Torah and Jewish Identity,” at 8 p.m. at Davis Auditorium. For more information call 518-580-5320 (Huron) or 518-580-5593 (Collins).

Wednesday, Sept. 27

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Held the fourth Wednesday of each month at Saratoga Hospital with Pierre Zimmerman M.S. Free and open to all; preregsitaration required. Call Pierre for more information at (413) 992-7012. CAPITAL DISTRICT YOUTH PIPE BAND: The Capital District Youth Pipe Band invites families to attend an Open House at 7 p.m. at Celtic Hall, 430 New Karner Rd, Colonie. The Pipe Band teaches kids ages 8 to 18 how to play bagpipes and Scottish drums in small group lessons on Wednesday evenings. Students become members of the youth pipe band, which competes at Scottish Games and Irish Festivals all over the Northeast and performs in parades throughout the Capital District. The band travels to Scotland every two to three years to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. Email info@cdyouthpipeband.com for more information. CLIFTON PARK SENIOR CENTER: AARP Smart Driver Course at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 518-383-1343 ext. 227 tor eserve lunch. For Senior Express transportation call 518-371-4444. COMMUNITY HOSPICE VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT: The Community Hospice serving Saratoga and Washington Counties are in need of volunteers who are available to make friendly visits and to provide emotional support to Hospice patients and their families. An Information session will be held on Wednesday, September 27, at at 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs. A required 25-hour volunteer training will be provided at the end of October. Please call 581-0800 to register. FOSTER PARENT MEETING: A Foster Parent Information Meeting will be held on September 27 at 4 p.m. at the Services Building, 152 West High Street, Ballston Spa. Saratoga County is in need of foster homes for school-aged children and teenagers. The next certification class will begin in fall, 2017. Please contact Kari Carroll or Stacey McVaigh at 518-884-4157 for more information. INN AT SARATOGA: Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey, Acoustic Duo. 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. LWV ICE CREAM SOCIAL: The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County invites county residents to join them at an “Ice Cream Social Meetup” on Wednesday, September 27, in the Adirondack Trust Community Room, (35 Church Street, Saratoga Springs) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Any area residents, both men and women, interested in learning more about the LWV and its programs and activities are invited to attend the first LWV Meetup of the Fall. Jennifer Wilson, LWV New York State Program and Policy Director will address the group and preview what we can expect from the next legislative session. For further information, contact the LWV Saratoga at 518-728-0237 or email info@lwvsartoga.org. MECHANICVILLE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY: Evening Book Discussion Group, 7 p.m. Discuss “The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry” by Grabielle Zavin. A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over--and see everything anew. Mechanicville District Public Library 190 N. Main St. Mechanicville. MOREAU LAKE STATE PARK: Composting Basics, 11 a.m. to noon. Have you ever wondered how to compost? What is composting? How does it benefit our environment? This presentation discusses these questions, what you can and can’t compost and demonstrates the park’s own composting bin. Reservations are required with a 24-hour advanced notice, please call the park office at 518-793-0511. When you arrive pay at the office for the class then we will head down to the nature center for the discussion. SARATOGA FARMERS MARKET: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., High Rock Park Pavilions, Saratoga Springs. Approximately 30 vendors will be attending the midweek market from May to October. See http://www. saratogafarmersmarket.org/ saratoga-farmers-marketwednesday-vendors/ for a complete vendor list. SOUTHERN ADIRONDACK AUDABON SOCIETY: Matthew Perry of the Utica Peregrine Falcon Project will share a multimedia presentation of his work on Wednesday, September 27, with a program starting at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library on Henry Street in downtown Saratoga Springs. This free program is sponsored by the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society and is open to the public. TOWN OF MALTA: The Malta Economic Development Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, September 27, at 6 p.m. at the Malta Town Hall, 2540 Route 9, Malta. The meeting is open to the public. WILTON WILDLIFE PRESERVE: New volunteer orientation, 5:45 p.m. at the Park office, 80 Scout Road. There will be a brief presentation on the history of the organization and work that we do in the areas of conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. There will be a question and answer time and refreshments. Preregistration is encouraged at info@wiltonpreserve.org or 518-450-0321. Volunteer meeting, 7 p.m., 80 Scout Road. Refreshments will be served beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 28

BALLSTON SPA FARMERS MARKET: Thursdays 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. through September 28 in Wiswall Park, at the corner of Front Street and Low Street in the Village of Ballston Spa. Admission to the market, music, and activities are all offered to the community at no cost. For more information, please contact the market sponsor, The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, at 885-2772 or visit their website www.ballston. org. CHAMBER ORIENTATION & MIXER: The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce to The Mansion Inn of Saratoga, in Greenfield, for an orientation and mixer on September 28. From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., there will be an orientation facilitated by Chamber President, Todd Shimkus, for all new and existing members interested in learning more about the Chamber. From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., there will be an opportunity to network with your fellow members to help expand your business network. $5 registration fee. Register at http://chamber. saratoga.org/events/details/member-orientationmixer-25579. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: 10:30 a.m., Science Explorers drop-in for ages 3 and up. Join this popular weekly program to discover the different ways in which science is all around us. 11 a.m., Block Lab for ages 3 and up supports criticial social and congitive skills through team building, creative thinking and problem solving. Free with museum admission. 69 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs. Call 518-584-5540 for more information. INN AT SARATOGA: Jeff Walton, Acoustic Folk Rock. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. MECHANICVILLE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY: Daytime Book Discussion Group, 2 p.m. Discuss “The Glass Castle: A Memoir” by Jeannette Walls. This book is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. Mechanicville District Public Library 190 N. Main St. Mechanicville. MOREAU LAKE STATE PARK: Ridge Run Hike, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This moderate (about 3.5 miles round trip) hike up to the ridge is a bit steep for about a mile but then the ridge is rather flat. This is a nice hike that also takes you past the overlook of Moreau Lake, where you can stop and have lunch. If you’re lucky enough you may get a chance to see some wildlife. Reservations are required with 24 hours advanced notice; please call 518-7930511. PROJECT LIFT FUNDRAISER: A fundraiser to benefit the Franklin Community Center’s Project Lift University, presented by Informz, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Longfellow’s Inn, 500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Enjoy live music, beer, wine, amazing hors d’oeuvres, music by Rich Ortiz, a live auction led by Chad Beatty, and a Southern Tier Distillery & Embar Ciderworks Tasting. Ticket prices $75 per person, $140 per couple, $50 junior admission (under age 30). Tickets can be purchased at Franklin Community Center, or over the phone or at https://secure. web-payment-software. com/fcc/donations2/. To learn more about Project Lift, visit http://www. franklin community center. org/fundraising-events/ project-lift-university/. SARATOGA SPRINGS HALL OF FAME: The Saratoga Springs History Museum will induct Gene Corsale and Sonia Taub into the Saratoga Springs History Hall of Fame on Thursday, September 28 at 7 p.m. at the Canfield Casino. This event is part of the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust Program series. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and the Museum will be open to visit. For more information visit www. saratogahistory.org or call 518-584-6920 x 102. STORIES OF YOUR LIFE: Local author and workshop facilitator Mary Sanders Shartle will be the Hadley Luzerne Historical Society’s guest presenter for the 7 p.m. “Stories of Your Life” workshop at the Kinnear Museum of Local History, 52 Main Street, Lake Luzerne. The main purpose of the workshop is to encourage adults and seniors to start writing down their stories. Ms. Shartle provides the tools and provides suggestions for continuing after the workshop. The class is free of charge, warm, fun and supportive. It requires only pad and pencil. All ability levels are welcome. For further information, please contact Maureen Jones at 518-654-7731. WOMEN’S PRESS CLUB AWARDS: The Women’s Press Club of New York State (WPCNYS) will confer local and national women of distinction with its awards at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, at the WPCNYS’ Annual Awards and Scholarship Dinner at Treviso by Mallozzi, located at the Italian Community Center in Albany. Given the popularity of the honorees, which include Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and MSNBC anchor Chris Jansing, the WPCNYS has opened ticket sales to the public. Tickets are $46 for members and $49.50 for non-members. Details regarding meal selection and the strict refund policy are available on the reservations page. Please note that tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations may be made through Event Brite at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/annualawards-scholarship-dinnertickets-36517940142.

Friday, Sept. 29

INN AT SARATOGA: Mike O’Donnell, Acoustic Guitar, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. K OF C FISH FRY: The Fish Frys are back. $11 ($12 takeout) Your choice of baked or fried with coleslaw and french fries. Also available, homemade mac & cheese, clam chowder and dessert. 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs. MECHANICVILLE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY: Stop in every Friday from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. to enjoy a children’s movie in the library’s children’s area. No registration required, requests accepted. Mechanicville District Public Library 190 N. Main St. Mechanicville. Call 518-664-4646, fax 518664-8641 or visit http:// mechanicville.sals.edu for more information. OCTAGON BARN STAR PARTY: Join miSci and the Dudley Observatory for an astronomy lesson and dark sky observing at the Octagon Barn in Delanson. The program includes a 1 hour talk on “Globular Clusters: Great Balls of Fire,” by Ron Barnell (AAAA/HESO), followed by night sky observing if the weather is clear. Amateur astronomers and families are invited to bring binoculars or telescopes. Telescopes will also be set up for public use. Cost: Free (donations graciously accepted). 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Knox Octagon Barn, 588 Middle Rd, Delanson. SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER: Every Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., farmer Cliff Samson, as well as Lloyd and Ann Helman will be at the center bringing you fresh quality vegetables and fruit grown right in Ballston Spa! Selection will grow as the season progresses. Food Stamps accepted. Sponsored by Centers Health Care. 2 p.m., “Dear Diary” Presented by Kim Harvish

from the Chapman Museum. A look at local activities and customs through the words of four local diaries spanning 18551920. $2/members $5/ non-members. 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs. SKIDMORE FILM SCREENING: A screening of “Forgotten Farms” at 6 p.m. in Gannett Auditorium will be followed by a panel discussion with the directors and local farmers. For more information call 518-580-5878. YADDO GHOST TOUR: Experience the spirit(s) of the garden. Feel the energy and creativity of the forces of the earth. Share in the spiritual intrigue from Native Americans, Edgar Allen Poe, the Trask Family and other contemporary visitors. Tours are held in the garden only (not the Mansion) Friday and Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. through October 29. Docent led tours begin at the Yaddo parking lot and last approximately one hour. Cost $10/person (children 12 and under free). Contact Yaddo at 518-584-0746 or www.yaddo.org for more information.

Saturday, Sept. 30

ANTIQUE CLOCK AUCTION: An Antique Clock Auction will be held at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, from 10 a.m. to noon, with a preview from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Public invited free of charge. Consignments welcome. No buyer’s or seller’s premiums. Payment and NYS Sales Tax are between the buyer and the seller. Coffee and donuts for a free will donation. Over 400 lots in all. For more information or to consign clocks, call Peter Elmendorf at 518587-4435.Those consigning items should drop them off before 8 a.m. Sponsored by Rip Van Winkle Chapter 40 of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. AURIESVILLE SHRINE BUS TRIP: Catholic Daughters of the Americas is sponsoring a Bus Trip to The Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs, Auriesville, on Sat. September 30. The bus leaves Notre Dame Visitation, Schuylerville at 8 a.m. and picks up at the Wilton Mall Dick’s at 8:15 a.m. Mass at 11 a.m. with Fr. Marty Fisher. Bring your own lunch. Plan your own day, Itinerary and map available. $25 per person. Registration and information: Patti, 518-507-6452, Marie, 518-695-5609 or Lois, 518-695-3385. BALLSTON SPA FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon through September 30 in Wiswall Park, at the corner of Front Street and Low Street in the Village of Ballston Spa. Live music is featured at Saturday markets as well as children’s activities at selected markets. Admission to the market, music, and activities are all offered to the community at no cost. For more information, please contact the market sponsor, The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, at 885-2772 or visit their website www. ballston.org. BLESSING OF ANIMALS: The New Skete Monasteries in Cambridge invite you and the animal you love to their annual blessing of the animals in celebration of the Feast of Saint Francis. Arrival starts at 2 p.m., blessing service is at 3:30p.m. Refreshments of the season to follow. All animals must be on a leash or in a secure pen at all times for the safety of the participants and other animals. Free and open to the public. www.newskete.org or 518-677-3928 ext. 214. COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: “The Mass Story: Rehabilitation Dialogue with Story Agents and Witnesses,” 8:30 a.m. to noon, Murray-Akins Dining Hall, 2nd floor, Skidmore College. Local storytellers who have been personally affected by mass incarceration will speak and engage in dialogue with community leaders and audience members on creative strategies to strengthn communities and improve the criminal justice system. To sign up as a storyteller and/or dialogue participant, RSVP to mdocs@skidmore.edu. For more information call 518-580-5274. K OF C FUNDRAISER: On Saturday, September 30, the Saratoga Springs Knights of Columbus will host the Annual Dinner and Auction to support local veterans’ needs. The fundraiser donates all proceeds to Stratton VA Medical Center, Saratoga War Horse, and Ballston Spa Homeless Shelters for Vets. This event will take place at Knights of Columbus Home, 50 Pine Road. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Chinese Auction closes at 7:30 p.m., Silent Auction closes at 8:30 p.m. Thousand of dollars of donated auction items offered during dinner. Dinner tickets $20, $36 for two, $140 for a table of ten. For more information call Lavern Utter at 518584-0034 or the Knights Hall at 518-584-8547. PIEROGHI BENEFIT DINNER: Christ the Savior Church, 249 Eastline Road, Ballston Lake is sponsoring a pieroghi & sauerkraut/ kielbasi dinner on Saturday, September 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Takeouts will be available. Cost is $10 for adults; $6 for children 6 to 12. Stuffed clams should also be available in limited quantity for sale that day. Proceeds go to International Orthodox Christian Charities especially designated for hurricane relief. For more information, please call 363-0001. SARATOGA FARMERS MARKET: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., High Rock Park Pavilions, Saratoga Springs. Approximately 65 vendors will be attending the Saturday market from May to October. See http://www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/ saratoga-farmers-marketvendors/ for a complete vendor list. SARATOGA SHOWCASE OF HOMES: The 2017 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is proudly presented over three weekends beginning September 16-17. This year’s edition is another blockbuster event with 18 locations from 14 of our area’s finest builders on display in Saratoga County. Proceeds from the Showcase of Homes will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. A $20 ticket allows you to visit all of these beautiful new homes over all six days. Each showcase ticket holder will receive a free shoe/tote bag at the first home visited. Tickets are always conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and can be purchased online at www. saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. SUICIDE PREVENTION FUNDRAISER: A Suicide Prevention/Tribute to Chris Cornell fundraiser will be held at the recently renovated Trick Shot Billiards on Route 9 in Clifton Park on September 30 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Four awesome bands have been booked so far: Iudica, Under The Den, Matthew Pryce,and Revenge/kiss tribute. In between each set, enjoy music from all of Cornell’s projects through a vintage pair of Bozak monitors - a treat all in itself. Cover charge is $20 for adults and $5 for children (cover charge also includes unlimited billiards during the event). There will many items up for raffle, as well as a Chinese Auction. Every dollar raised goes directly to the local chapter of Suicide Prevention/Awareness. For more information visit https:// www.facebook.com/ events/1898912448 80638/.

Sunday, October 1

BREAKFAST BUFFET: Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 presents a Breakfast Buffet, now featuring eggs made to order, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1 Elks Lane, Route 9, Saratoga Springs. Donation requested: Adults $10, Seniors/Military $9, Children 5-12 $8, under 5 free. Takeouts $10. Call 518-584-2585 for more information. CANINES CROSSING: Working dogs and their trainers will be featured at the Canines Crossing at the Park event on Sunday, October 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community members are invited to Hudson Crossing Park (just north of Schuylerville) to watch demonstrations of working dogs, including search and rescue dogs, canines that detect low blood glucose, water dogs, guide dogs and canines used by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The event will also include storytelling, a presentation on safe hiking with your dog, food from Revolution Café, face-painting and more. In addition, Hudson Crossing Park will present an award package in its dog of the year contest; entries can be submitted on the park’s website (www.hudsoncrossingpark.org). Attendees are asked to enjoy the demonstrations without bringing their own canines. A $5 donation is suggested. For more information on this event, please go to www.hudsoncrossingpark. org, call 518-350-PARK (7275) or email info@hudsoncrossingpark.org. CLIFTON PARK SENIOR CENTER: The annual Basket Party takes place at 1 p.m. Tickets are just $8 per person. Bring your ticket and receive 20 free auction tickets! Sandwiches and dessert will be included. This event is open to the public and tickets must be purchased in advance at the Center, as space is limited. For more information please call 518-383-1343. 6 Clifton Commons Court, Clifton Park. DOWNSIZING FOR SENIORS: The Lutheran Care Network/Coburg Village and Good Samaritans/ WheatRidge Ministries present “Downsizing” with Antoinette Wallace, Executive Director Coburg Village OT/L, MBA, LNHA, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church Saratoga Springs, 149 Lake Avenue. After age 50 people like to prepare for approaching retirement and the “golden”years of leisure by downsizing - now the kids have flown the coop and the mortgage is as good as paid off, there is no need to be maintaining such a large house. Downsizing can be an emotional roller coaster but there are many ways to prepare for this complex process. This Program is free, including a light lunch at noon before the presentation at 12:30 p.m. Register in advance with Laura Stewart at office@spelcss.com or 518584-0904 (press 4). SARATOGA SHOWCASE OF HOMES: The 2017 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is proudly presented over three weekends beginning September 16-17. This year’s edition is another blockbuster event with 18 locations from 14 of our area’s finest builders on display in Saratoga County. Proceeds from the Showcase of Homes will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. A $20 ticket allows you to visit all of these beautiful new homes over all six days. Each showcase ticket holder will receive a free shoe/tote bag at the first home visited. Tickets are always conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and can be purchased online at www. saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.