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CENTER STAGE

SEPTEMBER 2026

A Life Painted With Many Brushstrokes Meet Artist Wendy Ide Williams PUBLISHER / FOUNDER Stephanie Sittnick

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COPY EDITOR Elisabeth Allen WEBMASTER Tony Graveheart

Happy Anniversary to YOU! ADVERTISING SALES Stephanie Sittnick - Director of Sales ( 860) 227-8199 advertising@518mag.com

Lake Ridge Salutes 25 Years of Their Customer Base

pg. 14 CONTRIBUTORS Carol St.Sauveur Ferris, Karen Richman, Rona Mann Chandler Stevens, Lawrence White, Susan Brink, Crystal Cobert Giddens, Chef Armand Vanderstigchel, Alan B. Richer, Kirsten Ferguson

COVER

The Fenimore: Art Museum, Farm, & Country Village - A Visit To Another Time

“Colorful Launch” 20” x 36” Tom Myott As summer gracefully bids us farewell, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the vibrant world of the arts and the exquisite realm of fine dining. With the changing season comes an array of intriguing possibilities from art galleries bursting with creativity to culinary experiences that tantalize the palate.

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This time of year invites us to explore local art community, where creators showcase their masterpieces, and where every corner of a gallery tells a story waiting to be discovered. Imagine strolling through thoughtfully curated exhibits that capture the essence of summer’s fleeting beauty, igniting sparks of inspiration.

The Art Club A place where everyone is an artist

And let’s not forget the dining experiences.Restaurants are gearing up to unveil seasonal menus that highlight the freshest ingredients. Picture yourself savoring delectable dishes that celebrate summer’s bounty, each bite a reminder of the season’s vibrant flavors. As the days start to shorten, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the arts and fine dining. It’s a season of reflection and taste — one that encourages us to appreciate the beauty around us and the experiences that nourish our soul. Here's to enjoying every last moment of summer's warm embrace! Cheers to creativity, community, and the delicious journey ahead!

Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher

518 PROFILES 1624 Perth Road, Hagaman, NY 12086 518 Profiles LLC All rights reserved. All content of this publication including but not limited to text, graphics, and photos may not be reprinted or reproduced without written consent from the publisher. 518 Profiles is not held responsible for graphics or images submitted for contribution to this publication. Every issue is printed using 100% Soy based ink.

www.518PROFILES.com Vol 7 Issue 86

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ENCORE Sweet Nostalgia Back to School: Shoes & The Brannock Device

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LIFEspa

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Come Out and Play! Culinary Destinations:

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The Essex Factor September Events Events throughout the Capital Region

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A Life Painted With Many Brushstrokes Meet Artist Wendy Ide Williams by Rona Mann

She doesn’t label herself. She rarely even labels her style. As a matter of fact, Wendy Ide Williams doesn’t deal in stereotypes, hottest trends, or what’s popular at the moment. She positively refuses to be pigeon-holed. That would be too confining; for all her life, Williams has been a free spirit, tasting parts of life as though they were hors d’oeuvres at a giant cocktail party. Rather, she takes time to consider each piece before biting in, swirling it slowly around; then she keeps what works, and simply spits out the rest without regret. The only thing that has remained constant throughout every decade of her varied and colorful life has been her art, because Wendy Ide Williams has had it in her blood since birth. Although she now resides just south of Albany (population 3271, up just 3 people from the census 10 years prior!) in the tiny hamlet of Ravena, the Capital Region has always been the place to which she returned, regardless of how far she roamed for a time. Born in Troy, she has indeed roamed from New England to Europe, from Troy to Boston and back to Saratoga, then back to Boston, with a great education at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) thrown in. But for a long time, she felt she simply didn’t fit in. Her education? Many degrees in varied disciplines from both universities and in the school of hard knocks, but it made her the Wendy Ide Williams she is today: strong, feisty, fun, and with few regrets. Williams is a force with which to reckon, and then there’s all that painting, those ceramics, and all those many pots she was given. Let’s begin, for Wendy Williams is an ongoing story with many chapters.

“Yesternight the moon was round’ From canto 16 Divine Comedy. 72 x 36 2026 acrylic on canvas

“ASTHIR” acrylic on canvas. 40x30 2024

Following Williams’ life and career is almost as abstract as the art she produces through paintings and fine ceramics. She was never completely sure what she wanted to do following high school graduation, which is why the next several years became a veritable geographic hopscotch, taking her from Albany to RISD to Ireland to a winter session in England. Pursuing a dual major in illustration and painting, Wendy worked at RISD with important and influential artists like David Macaulay, who was a world-renowned illustrator and a Department Chair at RISD, and the late Louisa Chase, an influential painter who taught from 1975-79 and had a profound effect on the life and career of Williams. When Wendy finally returned to the Capital Region, her father pressed her to make a choice and follow a direction. “I had done independent studies in so many things for so long, I didn’t know what direction to take,” Wendy admitted, “so I did the next best thing. I went to graduate school at SUNY Albany and got an MFA in Painting. I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do, but I knew what I wanted was NOT to teach!” So, with an uncertain future and little direction, she acquired inexpensive living quarters in a warehouse, and that’s when serendipity turned her life – and her bank account - around for the better. “A friend gave me a whole bunch of pots, and I started painting on them. It took off like crazy. I went to shows

Yaddo

and immediately sold out everything I had brought with me. In fact, there was one show I went to in 1986 and came back with $60,000 in orders; that then became my bread and butter for the next eight years!” But like all good things, the lucrative years of painting on pots came to an end, and Williams next tried fabric design, writing books, and selling one-of-a-kind painted pots and plates to vendors. But then life took hold of her next turn. Wendy Ide Williams got sick. Very sick, and for maybe the first time in her life, the free spirit was not in charge. At first, doctors had no idea what was wrong, but finally the diagnosis came back as Lyme disease, which sapped the artist’s strength but could not damage her spirit. “Even though I was sick for a long time, I recovered enough to paint and would do so every day until I was well enough to go to Yaddo in Saratoga and work as an Artist in Residence.”(Williams had received Grants from both the Elizabeth Foundation and Yaddo). Yaddo is an artists’ community and a National Historic Landmark located on a 400-acre estate in Saratoga Springs. Its mission is to “nurture the creative process by providing an opportunity for artists to work without interruption in a supportive environment.” As Wendy gained strength, she

“Knobs and Surprise , repaint.” 30 x 30. Acrylic and Gouache on canvas 2026

“Motherheart” 38 x 38. Mixed media on canvas. 2025

“A new kind of blossom” 22x30 mixed media on paper 2024

“The mechanics of growth” 27 x 26. Mixed media on paper. 2025

11 next turned her thoughts in a completely different direction, deciding to become a nurse. “I did well, was an A student, but couldn’t keep up with what it took to become an RN because my body was still so weak. The faculty urged her to drop out and go on disability for a time, which proved to be the next turn in the road. Still, she kept painting because she has always been, at heart and in hand, an artist and could not stop. When Wendy went back to school, she chose to major in Psychology and today works part-time as a mental health therapist, specifically helping those who need to find strength and passion in their lives, especially those “outside the norm.”Sound familiar? Williams can relate, and through that relation and empathy comes her success. But does she still paint, you may ask? Does she still have blood coursing through her veins? Does she still breathe, observe, and love life? Although many would consider her work abstract, she cannot be pigeon-holed, so her art is both decorative and representational. The jars of her youth are now fine ceramic vases boasting vibrant colors, and more than occasionally, there are sets of eyes inside those vases peering out at the observer, sometimes playfully, other times quizzically, always challenging. The artist is both serious and whimsical, and this is well reflected in her work, particularly in her fine art ceramics. Her painting, which had never stopped throughout the decades, throughout her educational changes of heart, throughout her uncertainty of direction, even throughout the years of disabling illness, only served to power her forward to test new waters, to keep her palette fresh and with visual appeal as she became known and appreciated for her mixed media approach featuring explosions of color and titles that would make you reflect. And every so often, there is that one eye looking out at the viewer, taunting them to look in, look deeper into the ceramic piece, into the painting, into their lives. Yes, this is Wendy Ide Williams, an abstraction of her own making. Educated. Experienced. A product of her many brushstrokes. She does not paint with the intention to sell; she paints because she has to, it is part of her DNA, and it is what keeps her going. These days, she continues to find joy and peace working in her garden and speaks of it fervently and often. She incorporates her art into her mental health work, quietly communicating to her patients that, like abstract art, there is no right or wrong. But there is always that one eye looking out for them. And yes, in spite of her youthful protestations, she did wind up teaching at both Sage College and the Harmanus Bleecker Library in Albany, with that one eye always on the future. What will come next? This Fall, the work of Wendy Ide Williams will be featured alongside that of artist Liz Howe in a 2-person show at The Laffer Gallery, 96 Broad Street in downtown Schuylerville. Come visit this outstanding contemporary gallery of fine art from September 19th (reception 58PM) -October 25th. (518) 605-9021 http://www.wendyidewilliams.com Instagram Idegarden “Hopping light in my color” 72 x36. 2026 acrylic on canvas

Deliciously fun entertainment!

lakegeorgedinnertheatre.org In residence at

WAR AT HOME. A Legacy of Hope – 25th Anniversary Tribute to 9/11. Thursday, September 10, 2026. 7:00 PM 8:30 PM PJ FERGUSON & THE TENNESSEE STRANGE. Friday, September 11, 2026. 8:00 PM 10:00 PM ABBA REVISITED - Saturday, September 12, 2026. 8:00 PM 10:00 PM ROOMFUL OF BLUES! - Friday, September 18, 2026. 8:00 PM 10:00 PM WAILON: A tribute to REAL Country Music - Saturday, September 19, 2026. 8:00 PM 10:00 PM ALL IN THE FAMILY - "Live!" - Friday, September 25, 2026. 7:30 PM 9:30 PM. Saturday 2pm and 7:30pm

Chef Scott Ringwald and Bob McKenna

photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Happy Anniversary to YOU! Lake Ridge Salutes 25 Years of Their Customer Base by Rona Mann It has always been the norm that when a business is having a landmark anniversary, they usually go out of their way to shout from the rooftops, wave the banners, and

loudly proclaim, “It’s our 10th or 15th or 25th anniversary!” And then it generally ends there, perhaps with a few colorful balloons floating down.

Well, this is most definitely not the case with Bob McKenna and Scott Ringwald, co-owners of the Lake Ridge Restaurant in Round Hill. They are proudly shouting about an anniversary,

photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Lobster Betty - Butter poached lobster tail served over braised greens finished with a shallot sherry cream sauce

Goat Cheese, Walnut & Fig Crusted Salmon but it’s not just because it’s theirs; it’s yours as well. Because Bob and Scott have known for the past 25 years throughout the horror of the national 9-11 tragedy, and the terror that permeated a worldwide pandemic, and an economy that at times was less than stable, that it was YOU, their customers who were responsible for every day, every month, and every year in which they continued operating a successful, business that grew and grew. Yes, Bob’s front-of-house manner, which forged lasting customer relationships, coupled with Scott’s inventive and consistently reliable Chocolate Walnut

photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Red Curry Seafood Bolognese featuring sautéed shrimp, scallops, and lump crabmeat

Chateaubriand for Two culinary talents, has always been a part of the Lake Ridge experience. Still, the men have always praised their customer base above all else for their success. And now at the 25-year mark, it’s stronger than ever and growing. Twenty-five years ago, when many chefs were chasing city lights and high-traffic sidewalks, Bob and Scott chose a different path. These two men, who met as neighbors in Clifton Park and went on to forge a solid 25-year story of friendship, belief, and respect, picked a location that was just a little out of the way and required both a drive and a decision to come for the experience of this new restaurant. That gamble became the restaurant’s defining magic, and diners eagerly

Chocolate Decadence

photo by Stephanie Sittnick

sought it out. They booked weeks in advance, and over time turned their visit into an event. The Lake Ridge experience became a ritual for birthdays, anniversaries, and reunions, as well as everyday celebrations. From the beginning, Chef Scott and Bob held to the belief that food tastes different when tied to the landscape, so they built their business around local farms, seasons of the year, and the idea that a meal should always be celebrated whether marking a life chapter or any everyday conversation. From the earliest days of Lake Ridge, every plate was crafted with the knowledge that the people who would enjoy those plates had traveled

specifically for this experience, and it still is an experience. So the restaurant’s reputation grew through word of mouth, probably the most honest currency there is within the culinary world. Menus became memories with customers returning again and again for their own favorites. The classic, most popular offerings remained consistent and untouched. At the same time, Scott and his staff kept things fresh with new and delicious concoctions, honoring the past yet always looking ahead to the future.

Summer Salad Bostonian Shrimp features jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon and served with a maple Dijon horseradish dipping sauce

Always, it was the people behind the plates who added to the experience of Lake Ridge. The often unseen kitchen staff have always shared a common trait: they know that diners are not just hungry; they are expectant of a total experience, so the food is carefully crafted with that in mind. They know that the clientele at Lake Ridge is expectant of a signature meal. That’s why they’ve chosen this restaurant, traveled a bit to get here, and share a passion for the restaurant equally with the front-of-house staff. Years of hosting familiar faces have given the staff a memory for names and an Filet Mignon - grilled and topped with roasted shallot red wine demi glace.

photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Although it seems as though new restaurants continue to dot the landscape, some staying, some only here for a short time, the success of a restaurant is built on many things: talent in the kitchen, a welcoming atmosphere out front, strong management; but ultimately, it is a strong, loyal customer base that serves as the engine keeping everything running. In the case of Lake Ridge, their customers became their ambassadors, creating stability and forming its history. It is that stability that shaped the identity of this wildly popular place in Round Hill, turning a building with food and drink into a community hub. Even though Lake Ridge, like so many other businesses, had to face challenges throughout the years, it was the loyalty of their customer base that served to cushion those times, lending support, patience, and the hand of friendship. So, yes, do shout “Happy 25th Anniversary!” from the rooftops and wave the banners for Lake Ridge and their wonderful customers who elevated this restaurant for a quarter century and will continue to do so into the future. Lake Ridge Restaurant is located at Exit 11 just off the Northway, 35 Burlington Lane in the quaint village of Round Lake. RESERVATIONS, PLEASE! (518) 899-6000

anticipation of a favorite drink, how they like their meat cooked to perfection, which dessert makes them smile, and when to bring those extra spoons so the rest of the party can eagerly indulge. Although there are indeed “regulars” who make Lake Ridge “their” place, there are also customers who might only visit once or twice a year to celebrate a personal occasion. Yet, for both these diners and their parties, there is always the feeling of “coming home.” So this 25th anniversary marks not just a milestone, but a reflection point; and while there will be special menus and special events, the most meaningful will be quieter. It will be the daily work of continuing to relish the experience that makes Lake Ridge the beloved restaurant it is. It is also a renewal of the commitment to sustainability, local partnerships, and ongoing innovation. Every day at every meal, the Lake Ridge staff turns their dining room into a memory for someone. 25 years. A quarter century. No small feat in the rocky and often uncertain culinary world. It represents endurance, creativity, and a deep connection with the community. That’s why this anniversary is a celebration of everyone who has ever walked through the doors of Lake Ridge for the past 25 years. It’s a “thank you” for every glass that was raised, every off-key rendition of “Happy Birthday” that was sung, every person who celebrated a lifetime of hard work with a retirement party. It’s the newly engaged couple looking forward to what they hope would be a long and happy life together, to children celebrating graduations, confirmations, communions, and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. A huzzah to the person who just got that new job or earned a promotion, and a celebration for a life well-lived for someone no longer here but who made a difference in so many other people’s lives.

It’s THEIR Anniversary Too! When we were preparing this story on the fantastic 25th anniversary of Lake Ridge, Bob McKenna and Scott Ringwood, the two winningest partners in restaurant history, asked that we tell you who else has been behind their efforts for a quarter century, getting them to this moment. Cathy McKenna and Sherri Ringwood, the “steel walls of support” behind their husbands, were the first mentioned. They were followed by Manager Extraordinaire, Diana M., Chef Mike G., Guest Servers, Janel C., Lia C., and Nick B., Bartender to the stars, Bob D, and the extraordinary community of Round Lake who continued to bless these partners and Lake Ridge in so many ways. Twenty-five years ago, Bob and Scott found a building that was closed and lifeless and instinctively knew they could resurrect it and make it into a great restaurant. They were right, and with a good deal of sweat equity, a belief system that never quit from their families, a staff that few owners are blessed with, and a community of people who never stopped coming, we are here today to say, HAPPY 25th ANNIVERSARY, LAKE RIDGE!

BirdsofaFeatherStudioGallery.com

Seeking TWO additional exhibiting artist gallery members

©Elizabeth Krebs

Birds of a Feather

Studio

& Gallery

A Community of 50 Artists & Artisans

Monthly Exhibits | Workshops Tuesday through Saturday 10 to 5 and by chance or appointment

Email: birds@birdsofafeather.com

6375 Main Street n Chestertown NY Plein Air Festival and Exhibit registration on web site

Enjoy painting in Chestertown September 9–12

September 12–26 • Plein Air Exhibition October: Joy Muller-McCoola, Marika McCoola, Tam Doolittle

Fenimore Art Museum

The Fenimore: Art Museum, Farm, & Country Village - A Visit To Another Time By Carol St.Sauveur Ferris Located in Cooperstown, New York, are two must-see, beautiful, and historical properties. Both the Fenimore Art Museum and the Fenimore Farm and Country Village are stately country magic on the shores of Otsego Lake. The Fenimore Art Museum is located on the west side of the lake. It is an elegant neo-Georgian mansion built in 1930 by owner/builder Edward Severin Clark, on land originally owned by James Fenimore Cooper, a well-known novelist in the 1900s. In those early days, it was known as Fenimore House. Upon Clark’s death, his brother Stephen Carlton Clark donated the mansion and surrounding land to the New York State Historical Society in 1944. Years later, a stunning new wing was added to Fenimore House to exclusively house the Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection of American Indian Art donated in 1991. In 2017, Fenimore House was officially named The Fenimore Art Museum.

In contrast, Fenimore Farm and Country Village sits across the street from Fenimore Museum with views of the lake. Originally an agricultural property dating back to the 1790s, it was purchased by James Fenimore Cooper in 1813. It eventually became a sheep farm in 1829 when purchased by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Nelson. In the 1870s, it became a dairy farm when the Clark family acquired the property. By 1918, the farm grew to include Colonial Revival-style buildings designed by architect Frank Whiting. Still standing, many are on the National Register of Historic Buildings. In 1943, the property was known as The Farmers’ Museum, but as of 2024, it was officially renamed Fenimore Farm & Country Village. If you are fortunate to visit both properties, you will embark on wonderful journeys through early American history. At Fenimore Museum, the focus is on the visual arts and the culture of the times, both then and

23 now, while at Fenimore Farm & Country Village, an immersive experience into Early American life, history, and challenges will engage you. Each property also offers very different but equally beautiful venues for special events. “There’s a little something for everybody,” according to Kerri Green, Director of Marketing and Communication, and she is absolutely right.

Fenimore Art Museum is dedicated to “Welcoming and connecting people to our shared cultural heritage through exhibitions and programs that engage, delight and inspire.” To achieve their mission, the museum regularly hosts exhibits from their extensive collection of American fine art that illustrates early American

life. Artists include Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, Samuel Coleman, Robert Henry, and more. From their American Folk Art collection, a visitor can also appreciate the self-taught handwork of quilters, ship carvers, and more. At the same time, the Thaw Collection of American Indian Art provides an opportunity to see and appreciate the artistry of early native North Americans up to the present day. In addition, the museum is home

to an extensive photography collection that includes more than 100,000 images documenting the past as well as the evolution of photography itself. And in honor of the Coopers of Cooperstown, the museum displays some of James Fenimore Cooper’s personal effects and favored possessions. Currently, there are several wonderful exhibits to be enjoyed.

They include: • The Linda McCartney Retrospective: From the Light which closes on Monday, September 7, 2026. • In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape which closes on Monday, September 7, 2026. • Faded Elegance: Portraits of Havana by Michael Eastman which closes on Thursday, December 31, 2026. • Pints and Paintings: Thomas Cole and Frederic Church’s Tavern Sign with paintings on view through Thursday, December 31, 2026. • Boundless Spirit: American Folk Artat Fenimore Art Museum which closes on Thursday, December 31, 2026. • American Masterworks: which closes on Thursday, December 31, 2026. • The Thaw Collection of American Indian Art: a permanent exhibition. Besides the remarkable series of galleries that host these wonderful exhibitions, the Fenimore Museum building also houses an Auditorium,

a Study Center, a Research Library, an Education Room, the Museum Shop, and the Brimstone Bakery at Fenimore. Their Lakeside Terrace is a beautiful part of the building as well. In addition to the main building, the grounds are home to the Lucy B. Hamilton Amphitheater, the Bark House, the Log House, Fenimore Lakeside Path, and the Totem Pole. Each has an interesting history, and each contributes to an overall extraordinary experience.

The Empire State Carousel Brooks Barn, Lippitt Farmhouse, Sweet Marble Barn, Westmoreland Drive Shed, Brooks Granary and the Poultry House. The buildings were and are essential to village life.

Across the street is the charming and historic Fenimore Farm and Village—a real village of new buildings interspersed with original buildings. There’s the Fenimore Farm Store, the Main Barn, the Creamery, the Empire State Carousel, Todd’s General Store, the Westcott Shop, the Dimmock House, Filer’s School House, Morey Barn, Morey Drive Shed, the Blacksmith Shop, More House, Herkimer Kitchen and Woodshed, Crossroads Café, Bump Tavern, the Print Shop, Dr. Jackson’s Office, Dr. Thrall’s Pharmacy, the Law Office, Cornwallville Church, Pope Hop House,

When visiting this beautiful property, you are quickly immersed in the life and challenges that people faced during early American times. It was not an easy time for them, but the emphasis on family and community allowed families to manage and live their lives. Whether it was growing their food, building their homes, shoeing the horses, or mending fences, they were good neighbors and helped one another. Animals, such as horses, chickens, and pigs, coexisted with the villagers and can be seen and touched while strolling through the farm today. Visitors enjoy the close contact with them and the ability to witness their normal day-to-day life. It is a rare opportunity for most.

Fenimore Farm also hosts many events for all age groups that replicate Early American life, giving visitors a true glimpse and understanding of the times, while having fun during their visit. One of their recent signature events is Forged in Revolution: an Early Military Encampment. The event recreated the every-

Bump Tavern

The Lippitt Farmhouse

The Print Shop day life of an early military camp with individuals dressed in authentic uniforms and clothing. There were quilting demonstrations, patriotic cake baking, patriotic weaving, blacksmiths molding musket balls, and much more. Visitors were also able to dress in the clothing of the times for a picture opportunity, and if they stopped to listen, they could hear bugle calls as well. It was truly a remarkable experience for all and sure to be repeated. For the remainder of 2026, upcoming events will be equally engaging. They include but are not limited to the following:

For weddings and special events, both Fenimore Art Museum and Fenimore Farm provide unique settings and an expert staff. At the museum, there are several event locations to choose from, including the gardens and museum building, the auditorium, terraces, garden gazebos, beautiful expansive lawns including lakeside, and an amphitheater. At the farm, the Tavern, Tap Room, Cornwallville Church, the Louis C. Jones Center in the Main Barn and the Empire State Carousel are all wonderful options for ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, and receptions as well.

• Harvest Festival (September 12 - 13, 2026): Two days of animals, games, food, live music and much more.

The two properties are truly unique, educational, entertaining, and magical, but The Hops Field

• Blacksmith Weekend (September 26 - 27, 2026): Visiting smithies will demonstrate blacksmithing farm tools and more. • Scarecrow Village ‘Once Upon a Time’ (September 26 - November 1, 2026): An inaugural event featuring one-of-a-kind playful and or scary scarecrow creations, handmade by artists and creators, scattered about the village. • Tractor Fest (October 10 - October 11, 2026): Over 60 tractors put on a parade and demonstrate a tractor pull among other fun things for the kids to enjoy. • Glimmer Nights Holiday Light Show (November 21 - December 28, 2026): No less than an enchanting holiday light show extravaganza that will delight while enjoying a Holiday Market, Wassail Nights, a Winter Wonderland and so much more. Dr. Thrall’s Pharmacy

The Blacksmith Shop

guiding both properties to their current place as a must-visit destination was no easy task. It required vision, commitment, and hours of work by an enthusiastic and dedicated board with a visionary at the helm. That visionary has been Paul S. D’Ambrosio, President & CEO. In 2005, he became Vice-President and Chief Curator and later became its President and

CEO in 2011. Through the years, D’Ambrosio has shepherded the museum through transitions, renovations, and additions. What you see today has much to do with his commitment and will be his legacy as he retires this fall. However, taking his place will be his former student and colleague, Joshua Torrance. Torrance was a Folk Art intern in 1983 at the museum, and in 1984 became a full-time Associate Curator. He has been Senior Vice President since January 2026, ensuring a seamless transition and that both properties will continue to be in excellent hands. Fenimore Art Museum is located at 5798 Highway 80 (Lake Road), Cooperstown, New York. The museum is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. For exhibit,

event, and wedding information, visit www.fenimoreartmuseum.org Fenimore Farm is located at 5775 State Highway 80 (Lake Road), Cooperstown, New York. The farm is open for visitors Monday Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM. For exhibit, event, and wedding information, visit www.fenimorefarm.org.

The Country Village

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saratoga souvenirs

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stationery

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gallery featuring local and equine art

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hats

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office supplies s w e at s h i rt s

• caps

• •

custom framing

greeting cards gifts

vinyl

• candy • toys • novelties • and so much more!!!

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fine art restoration

The Art Club A Place Where Everyone is An Artist. By Carol St.Sauveur Ferris

photos by Stephanie Sittnick

Sometimes life gets in the way of your dreams, but it can also shape them as well. For Virginia Fretto, her dream was years in the making. Shaped by experiences that led her to explore many creative possibilities, she eventually found her calling. For those in Schuylerville and beyond, they couldn’t be luckier. Originally from Owego, New York, Virginia could hardly avoid the creative genes. Her mother was an architect, and her father was a custom home builder. Both her parents and grandparents encouraged creativity, which she loved. Exposed to a cross-section of the arts, including music and more, Virginia was known to create a variety of interesting things, including board games and jewelry, which the budding entrepreneur sold to classmates and friends. By the BSG Photography

time she reached high school, art classes were central to her education. Following high school graduation, Virginia first attended Northeastern University (NU) to study Psychology. The reason behind that initial career path was her desire to make a difference in the world through art therapy, but it wasn’t long before she discovered that the science piece was not for her. She then tried graphic design, and while at NU, she also enjoyed a co-op job opportunity with well-known Boston artist Mary Sherman, who was also her Studio Arts professor. That job led her to work as an assistant at the professor’s international artists residency non-profit, called TransCultural Exchange. Virginia later transferred to Massachusetts College of Art and Design (Mass Art) in

Boston to study Fashion Design. While there, she applied for and was accepted as a Brand Ambassador for Polo Jeans Co. at Macy’s, where she held a Sales and Merchandising position as their Women’s Denim Specialist. Virginia’s time at the famous store gave her a solid foundation in visual merchandising and a deep understanding of how to achieve sales goals, while creating an exceptional and positive experience for their customers. Years later, that experience would come in very handy. She graduated from Mass Art with a BA in Fashion Design in 2006. And like so many of us on life’s journey, she had no idea how her years studying the arts, fashion, and design coupled with unique work experiences that followed would become crucial parts of her future business. From 2007-2009, she worked at the corporate offices of Hearts On Fire diamond jewelry, then moved to Saratoga Springs, New York, married her college sweetheart in 2011, and had their lovely daughter in 2012. And if that wasn’t enough, she also founded Razimus Jewelry that same year. This custom jewelry company designed and created bracelets and other pieces using sustainable fabrics for the beautiful line. While not a business, Virginia did many pop-ups, booth events, and wholesale sales along with fulfilling e-commerce orders. All of it was incredibly exciting and exhausting for the young entrepreneur, wife, and mother, but slowing down was not an option for her; that is, until the pandemic arrived and changed the world. Because of the unknowns regarding COVID and the fact that she has Type 1 diabetes, Virginia stayed close to home and homeschooled her daughter. While she still designed and made beautiful jewelry, she also painted, sketched, and made art. She soon realized how much she enjoyed working with different media again. In 2022, she closed Razimus. When the pandemic shutdown finally lifted, she also helped out some fellow artists with their businesses. She was a studio assistant at Elisa

BSG Photography

35 Sheehan Fine Art. She also worked at Capital Interiorscapes, where she designed and created large-scale moss art pieces while also assisting with their social media. Virginia enjoyed both creative experiences and the camaraderie, which, upon reflection, made her realize just how much she enjoyed working with people again. The time spent also inspired her to develop a new business concept that would embrace and support all media expressions, while building a creative community of which she could be a part. With a lot of research, planning, and development, in addition to being introspective about her past work and future goals, Virginia concluded that an art supply store would be a great resource and destination for the local art community and beyond. Of course, this was not going to be just any art supply store. She planned to create a home away from home, where creatives or creatives-in-the-making could buy art supplies for sure, but also attend artist-led workshops, or maybe grab a kit and sit down to make art at the store alone or with others. It would also check all the boxes in her creative and giving soul. A dream come true, if you will. Virginia proceeded to do due diligence and, in time, found the perfect location for her new venture. She also had a name, The Art Club, a name that was not new to her. Years earlier, Virginia and her artist friends would get together regularly to share ideas and learn from each other. The group called themselves The Art Club. The club provided them with meaningful, in-person connections that are often missing for many creatives who typically work alone and conduct a great deal of business online. “Elisa and a couple of other of my girlfriends in the area who are artists - we would try to get together once a month to just bounce business ideas off of each other and about what's going on. It was kind of like a mastermind, and we called ourselves The Art Club. Later, when my daughter started at Schuylerville, they didn’t get as much art in middle school. So, I started taking her and a couple of her friends to visit my friends’ art studios and teach them different art techniques; and, of course, we called ourselves The Art Club.”

Slowly but surely, everything was coming together. “I really started to go down a lot of rabbit holes of what it would be like to jump into this art supply world. Because I had some prior experience with workshops, I thought that this would be a great way to build community with artist-led workshops too. So, all the ideas came together, and I have The Art Club now.” The Art Club officially opened on June 2, 2026, and had a grand opening on August 8, 2026. The store is a 1400 square foot space with two-thirds dedicated to art supplies and the remaining third for workshops. The layout is very flexible and can adjust to the needs of various workshops that Virginia holds. It is also stocked with USA-made and sustainable products for all types of art. Some of the products she beautifully displays and proudly offers include: • Handmade watercolors by Brighter Pigments in Utah • Golden Artist Paint Acrylics from New York • Paper made in the USA • General Pencil Company made in the USA • Paintbrushes USA • Higgins Acrylic Ink • Greeting Cards and Stickers designed by American Artists

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Besides flexible art supply displays to accommodate different store events, there’s a huge table as you walk in covered in paper that invites everyone to test colored pencils and other products to see if they like them. It has been a big hit with the kids who always love to draw and doodle on it, and sometimes you’ll even find their moms and dads doodling on it too! Virginia has also thoughtfully selected and bundled supplies into kits for kids and adults such as a Floral Sketching Kit, a Sticker Coloring Kit, and a Drawing Sketchbook Bundle. Then there are some great options listed on her clever Creativity Café Menu, including the Colored Pencil Platter, the Marker Main Course, and the Watercolor Sampler Side. They are attractively priced and provide everything a fledgling artist needs, plus a seat in the Creativity Café is waiting should they decide to stay and make some art. And in time, Virginia has plans for that Creativity Café menu to grow.

and workshops. To learn more about their supplies, workshops, and other upcoming events, visit them at www.theartclubshop.com, @theartclubshop on Instagram, or on Facebook at The Art Club Shop.

She also offers artist-led workshops that are tailored to different age groups and levels of artists. There’s an Acrylic Painting Workshop, a Kids Character Drawing Workshop, and an Adult Junk Journaling Workshop, to name a few, with many more to come. “The whole goal with this was to create a bright and happy place. I almost want it to feel like you're walking into a candy store, that kind of vibe, because I do feel like a lot of art stores are very bare bones, with just aisles of stuff. I want it to be more of an experience.” And just like the sign that hangs in the shop says, and Virginia truly believes, “Everyone Is An Artist.” So, make plans to visit The Art Club. Experience the pure joy of creating. Guaranteed, you will soon discover your artist within. The Art Club is located at 111 Green Street in Schuylerville, New York. Current shop hours are Tuesdays - Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM for shopping BSG Photography

Back to School: Shoes & The Brannock Device by Karen Richman

Back to School! It was an exciting time, a happy time, a sad time, and a scary time all rolled into a time I will never forget. It was exciting because it was a new year, a new classroom, new teachers, and brand-new notebooks, pencils, crayons, rulers, paste, and all that other “stuff” my parents would make sure I had before the first bell of the new year rang. It was a happy time, too, because I’d likely be seeing friends I might not have seen all summer long, so there would be plenty of chatter to catch up on. But it was a sad time, too, because it meant summer was over, and now there would be new rules from new teachers. Then came the scary part: whether there would be new subjects to learn that would be harder. Would that mean more homework and less free time, and perhaps scariest of all to young kids: who would I sit with at lunchtime, and will the new kids like me?

I don’t know how he did it without dropping the boxes, but he managed to pile them high, then roll with the ladder all the way back to where he started without once dropping a box...or himself from that ladder. He had pride in his job, as most people did back then. Even the man who came and picked up the trash twice a week had pride. His name was Louie. I don’t think anyone knew his last name because he called himself Louie the Garbageman and had that name embroidered right on his work shirt, where he loved pointing it out to anyone and everyone who would engage with him. But times have changed, and it’s often tough to find a true proud worker the way it was 50 years or more ago. Most shoe stores today don’t have salespeople who wait on you. You wait on yourself. Ah, but they do still have the Brannock devices under the benches, so you have to measure your own foot and hope you got it right. But going shoe shopping for a simple pair of sneakers and brand-new loafers you could put a penny in were all part of growing up, getting ready to go back to school, where you had brand-new everything, including, if you were lucky, brand-new friends to sit with in the lunchroom and show off your new shoes.

But first, there were the “visits.” The pediatrician’s visit to see if I'd gotten taller over the summer, whether I'd gained weight from all the hot dogs and ice cream I'd stuffed down, and, invariably, a shot or two to endure to prevent something or other. I hated it! That was followed by a trip to the eye doctor to read the silly chart that never changed and find out if I needed new glasses, which seemed to always change. Worst of all was a visit to the dentist, where I kept my fingers crossed the whole time, hoping there wouldn’t be a cavity to fill. But then came the trip to the shoe store. I actually liked that visit because it meant watching the man in the shirt and bow tie go through his paces. First up was measuring my feet, one at a time, to see if they had grown... and they usually had. The shoe store man would pull out this almost scary-looking contraption from under the bench I was sitting on. It was cold, hard metal, and had gadgets on both sides that could be moved up and down. The salesman would ask me to stand on it, first right foot, then left, while he adjusted the gadgets before announcing to my mother, “Yup, she’s gone up another half size.” The contraption is called a Brannock Device, named for its inventor, Charles Brannock of Syracuse, NY, who invented it 101 years ago, and to this day, it’s used in shoe stores all over the world. It is considered the gold standard in measurement, ensuring a proper fit in shoes of all kinds, from sneakers to stiletto high heels. After the man carefully measured my feet, he would climb an enormous wheeled ladder that was somehow affixed to the wall where the hundreds of boxes of shoes were stacked. Then he’d roll down row after row, selecting different styles in my size and in the styles my mother directed him to, style- and budget-wise.

Charles F. Brannock

Come Out and Play! By Crystal Cobert Giddens

There was a time when making plans was as simple as riding your bike to a friend’s house. You’d lean it against the garage, run up the front steps, knock on the screen door and ask the question every mother seemed to expect.

“Can Susie come out and play?” Sometimes the answer was, “She’ll be out in five minutes.”Sometimes it was an enthusiastic, “Of course!”Either way, you waited.Because whatever happened next was almost always worth waiting for.

No one asked where we were going. We didn’t have a plan. We didn’t need one. An empty yard became a baseball field. A cardboard box became a spaceship. A stick became a sword. Sidewalk chalk transformed an ordinary driveway into an entire world. Looking back, I don’t think we were just playing. I think we were practicing how to be fully alive. Somewhere between childhood and whatever we now call adulthood, that changed.

Not all at once. It happened quietly, settling over us like dust on an old photograph. We became busy becoming capable. We learned to be dependable, efficient, responsible. We built careers, raised children, cared for aging parents, answered emails, paid mortgages and filled calendars. We became remarkably good at carrying life. We just forgot that we were meant to enjoy it, too. The sidewalk chalk stayed in the garage. Not because it rained. Not because no one owned it. Because no one thought to take it out.

I wonder how many other things quietly wait for us. A deck of cards tucked into a kitchen drawer. A puzzle missing only a few pieces. Watercolors that dried up years ago. A fishing pole hanging in the garage. A bicycle collecting dust. Not because we don’t love them. Because somewhere along the way, we convinced ourselves there would always be time later.

The moments that stay with us are rarely the productive ones. They are the fully lived ones.

When was the last time an afternoon disappeared without you noticing? Not because you lost it to errands or scrolling. Because you

Perhaps that’s why this season feels like an invitation. Not to become someone new…to remember someone familiar. The person who once believed an empty afternoon was full of possibility. The person who didn’t need permission to laugh, explore or play.

September has always felt like a threshold.The mornings grow cooler. The light changes. Summer quietly begins to step aside while autumn waits patiently at the door.

So before every weekend fills with obligations and the holidays crowd your calendar… Build the bonfire. Throw the football. Carve the pumpkin. Take the long way home. Jump into the leaves, even if no one else does.Take out the sidewalk chalk. Not because you’re trying to become a child again. But because somewhere beneath the capable adult you’ve worked so hard to become is a part of you that never stopped needing joy. The world will ask for your efficiency tomorrow. Today… Come out and play.

were completely inside the moment. Maybe you were making soup while music played in the background. Maybe you were wandering through the woods without checking your watch. Maybe it was a card game that lasted longer than anyone intended because no one wanted to stop laughing. Maybe it was watching your grandchildren discover something ordinary as though it were magic. Time doesn’t disappear when we’re distracted. It disappears when we’re engaged. Children understand this instinctively. They don’t separate joy from productivity. Digging a hole, collecting rocks, building a fort or drawing on the driveway isn’t preparation for life. To them, it simply is life. Adults, on the other hand, become suspicious of anything that doesn’t produce a measurable result. We begin believing every hour should accomplish something. Rest starts to feel lazy. Play begins to feel indulgent. Wonder becomes something we admire in children instead of something we protect in ourselves. And yet science quietly tells a different story. Researchers have found that play lowers stress, strengthens relationships, keeps our brains adaptable, sparks creativity and helps regulate our nervous system. It isn’t a distraction from wellness. It is wellness. Maybe that’s why some of our happiest memories have so little to do with achievement. We remember catching fireflies. Skipping rocks. Building snow forts. Roasting marshmallows. Jumping into piles of leaves. Laughing until our stomachs hurt.

About the Author Crystal Cobert Giddens is a licensed esthetician, writer, and founder of FACES NEW YORK in Saratoga Springs. Her monthly LIFEspa column explores the connection between healthy living and the ordinary moments that make us human.

518 CULINARY DESTINATIONS:

The Essex Factor By Chef Armand Vanderstigchel

The Essex Resort & Spa A couple of months back, I was invited by a food company to attend a culinary exhibit in North Burlington, Vermont. We had the pleasure of being invited to lodge at “The Essex Resort & Spa“ located in Essex, Vermont. It was certainly a notable experience in terms of Dining, lodging excellence, amenities and beautiful surroundings of nature and meticulously cared-for farmstead gardens, flanked by an on-premise culinary school. Vowing to return, we found ourselves driving via 87 north exiting towards the Essex-NYCharlotte-VT Ferry to cross over into Vermont over Lake Champlain-a pleasant 25-minute crossing with lake-shore views. Essex, NY is a historic town in Essex County on the shores of Lake Champlain and was significant 1800s port with ship building and agriculture.

family and this unique farm together, on the perfect soil and clean water at the edge of Lake Champlain. Kristin’s books — The Dirty Life and Good Husbandry — tells the story of what it’s really like to raise food from sun, soil, and work in the Adirondacks. Today, they have over 20 team members working with them to feed over 100 yearround whole-diet CSA members, plus hundreds of other community members and travelers who visit the farm store. They are not certified organic, but follow or exceed the National Organic Standard. Any grain they feed their animals is grown here or certified organic. During our visit we bought beautiful organic sour-dough Bread delivered by Drifters Loaf from Keene Valley. Complementing the Breadfresh Eggs and Goat Cheese was purchased. Farmer Mark brought us over to the live-stock area with beautiful Jersey Cows and plentiful Duroc and Berkshire Pigs with spirited and

playful piglets! This is a great place to visit with the family. After the invigorating ferry ride, the compass was set north towards the Vermont version of the town of Essex, near Burlington. Entering the property of the Essex Spa Resort, one immediately is impressed for its scope, landscaping and beautiful architecture. The Essex Resort & Spa, seems to have thought out ingeniously how to create a truly memorable escape. There are so many well-thought-out amenities to accommodate various interests, especially if you are a foodie and well-healed

Speaking of agriculture, a must-stop enroute to the ferry is Essex Farm CSA on NY-22 in Essex. Essex Farm is a small farm in the Adirondacks that raises pastured and grass-fed meat, raw milk, dairy products, seasonal vegetables and fruit, which are offered through their year-round wholediet CSA, and at their farm store, just 1 mile from the Essex-Charlotte Ferry dock. We met with farmer Mark, who was originally farming in central Pennsylvania. He met his wife Kristin Kimball who was living in Manhattan-they married, built a

Essex Farm Store

Farmer Mark

Kitchen for cooking programs For entrees we elected the Peruvian Roasted Chicken, tossed with Marble Potatoes, Italian Olives, grilled Fennel and secret Green Aiolidelicious and quite a colorful presentation. The Butter Poached Blue Crab Risotto sounded like a deal-closer and lived up to its promise of a creamy Risotto folded with creamy Mascarpone, Asparagus morsels and preserved Lemonyummy to the last spoonful.

Lazy Goat Tavern traveler seeking a complete experience. The lodging aspect offers different size rooms in various buildings from traditional to complete suites, tastefully furnished in a New England fashion with cozy fire places for a winter stay. There is a full-service spa, with really great large swimming pools indoor /outdoor with excellent changing rooms enhanced with a sauna and steam room, which courteously are included in your overnight stay. We were impressed with the chef gardens, which brilliantly sustenance the menus of both restaurants and the inimitable culinary team-building activities, including couples cooking programs with award-winning chefs. There are two distinctive onsite restaurants, such as upscale dining at the signature 4 Diamond “Junction” restaurant or the more casual “Lazy Goat Tavern” with 30 taps featuring Vermont beers and a tempting menu. The Cook Academy provides hands-on programs for those eager to enhance their culinary skills at these locations. The Junction Restaurant is closed on Monday, so we opted for the Tavern for dinner and breakfast during our stay. The Duck Confit Salad was a shared first course, consisting of Radicchio, Pears, Fennel, Hazen Bleu Cheese, Maple Walnut and Greens tossed in a light Blackberry Vinaigrette crowned with a slow braised Duck Confit leg. A locally produced Burlington Brewery Brew was enjoyed under the moniker of “Strawberry Whale Cake”-a fruited Blond Ale with notes of Strawberry Jam, Morning Dew & Shortcake!

The following morning, we returned for breakfast on the outside patio adjacent from the “chef-garden," breaming with fresh Tomatoes, Zucchini, Apple trees and Organically grown Blueberry bushes, which to our delight were implemented in our Chia Seed Parfait adorned with house Granola, Coconut Milk and Chia Seeds. A good cup of Vermont coffee and a wild Mushroom Omelet complimented by breakfast Potatoes was enjoyed as second course. Driving back via Essex Farms near the Ferry on the New York side, was rewarded with hot loaves of just-delivered Bread and a gifted tray of Lavender plants from Farmer Mark who enjoyed our endearing enthusiasm about his farm and promise to return-yes! Peruvian Roasted Chicken

A Free Festival in Lake George

September 18 - 20

Learn more at www.lakegeorgearts.org

47 Month of September- Glens Falls • ”Art Speaks” Aug. 22-Sept. 26 featuring art in all media by regional artists #120, The Shirt Factory, 71 Lawrence St., Glens Falls (Gallery open Thurs.-Sat. 12-5) • NCA's 2nd Fl. Gallery: “Soft Worlds” fiber arts and needle felting by Bella Zhdanova, continues through September 26 at City Hall, 42 Ridge St, Glens Falls (Gallery Hours Mon.Fri. 8:30-4:30) • NCA Mezzanine Gallery: “Summer Show” NCA Members art exhibition continues through Sept.26 at THE QUEENSBURY HOTEL, 88 Ridge St. Glens Falls (Open Daily) For more Info about events visit: northcountryarts.org

Month of September Hudson Falls 9/10 War at Home - A Legacy of Hope – 25th Anniversary Tribute to 9/11. Thursday, September 10, 2026. 7:00 PM 8:30 PM 9/11 Shakey - PJ Ferguson & The Tennessee Strange. Friday, September 11, 2026. 8:00 PM 10:00 PM

SEPTEMBER EVENTS September 1 - October 9 Canajoharie The Oakroom Artists- Regional Art Gallery Show Formed in 1956, the group’s name derives from their original display location, “The Oakroom” at the Van Curler Hotel, which is now Schenectady County Community College. Oakroom Artists is an invitational membership association of professional artists based in New York State’s Capital Region. Their members represent a rich diversity of artistic expression, working in mediums such as painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, fiber arts, and mixed media. August 21 through October 9, 2026. Please join us as we welcome the Oakroom Artists back to our Regional Art Galleries, for the first time as a collective, since 2019! The Arkell Museum • 2 Erie Boulevard • Canajoharie, New York

9/12 ABBA Revisited - Saturday, September 12, 2026. 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 9/18 Roomful Of Blues! - Friday, September 18, 2026. 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 9/19 WailOn: A tribute to REAL Country Music - Saturday, September 19, 2026. 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 9/25 All In The Family - "Live!" - Friday, September 25, 2026. 7:30 PM 9:30 PM. Saturday 2pm and 7:30pm

September 2 - 26 Chestertown “Under A Summer Sky’ Create art with Plein Aire Artists. Opening Saturday September 12 - 4-6. Birds of a Feather Studio & Gallery, Main Street - 6375 Route 9 - Chestertown, NY 12817 Tuesday Saturday 10 to 5

Visit www.mystrandtheater.org for the full list of events. Strand Theatre, 210 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY, 12839. 518-832-3484

September 1 - 13 - Lake George A Storm Event. Yen Ha & Anna Rubin “A Storm Event” is composed of twelve works on paper by Yen Ha, each measuring 40” x 54”, and accompanied by a 17.5-minute electronic music composition by the composer, Anna Rubin. The drawings, composed of individual paint strokes in fluctuating patterns, are installed flat on the wall, without frames and thus without distraction. Rubin’s computer-generated composition accompanying the artwork incorporates synthesized sounds, field recordings and processed recordings of a poem “A Storm Event” – written and spoken by Ha in English, French and Vietnamese uniquely for the exhibition. The exhibition surrounds the viewer both visually and aurally in marks that appear to move on the page while sounds weave through the space. The combination of activated senses deepens the connection to the natural experience of a storm, reminding visitors of the ferocious energy of nature. The delicate materiality of the small strokes on paper is echoed in the pinpoints of sound rippling through the musical composition. Courthouse Gallery, 1 Lower Amherst Street, Lake George, NY. 518668-2616 September 1 Saratoga Springs Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll. Step into the elegance, intrigue, and unforgettable stories of Saratoga Springs’ Gilded Age. In partnership with the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, the Saratoga Springs History Museum invites you to experience Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll, a 90-minute guided walking tour celebrating the legends, lore, and lavish history of one of America’s most iconic resort cities. Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway Saratoga Springs

September 2 - 7 Schaghticoke The Great Schaghticoke Fair. Midway Thrills, Free Concerts, and Labor Day Family Traditions. This beloved Rensselaer County tradition delivers nonstop entertainment, thrilling midway rides, classic agricultural exhibits, and delicious fair foods for visitors of all ages. Soar to breathtaking new heights on the 33-meter-tall Giant Wheel imported straight from the Netherlands, catch high-octane demolition derbies and monster truck shows at the Grandstand, or enjoy top-tier live music on the Park Stage. With free everyday parking, free concert admission, and free entry for kids 13 and under, it's the ultimate family-friendly end-of-summer celebration. Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026 until Monday, Sep 7. Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, 69 Stillwater Bridge Rd. Schaghticoke, NY

September 5 - Schenectady Trinket Trading Event - Saturday, September 5 from 1-3pm. Connect with fellow collectors and trinket trolls at a free, communitycentered swap designed to bring people together and spark new friendships. Participants can bring small items—such as small figures, pins, stickers, and vintage finds—to trade with one another. This event is strictly trade-only, with no cash transactions permitted. Bear and Bird Boutique + Gallery. 160 Jay Street, Schenectady, New York 12305

SEPTEMBER EVENTS September 10 - Glens Falls Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Damn The Torpedoes" Welcome to the Rochmon Record Club. On Thursday, September 10th, Rochmon Record Club will converge at The Park Theater to listen to a defining masterpiece of American rock. Singer-songwriter Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers brought a defiant, heartland swagger to the radio like it had never been done before. The grit and genius of “Damn The Torpedoes” is evident from the breakout hit "Refugee", "Here Comes My Girl", "Even the Losers", "Don't Do Me Like That" and 5 more. Join us for an evening of music and community. Each show, our host Rochmon (Chuck Vosganian) takes the room on a high fidelity journey through classic albums spanning many genres and decades. Thursday, September 10, 2026, 7:30 PMThe Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY, 12801

September 12 - 13 Washington County The Annual County Bounty Tour Returns September 12 & 13 with Seven Incredible Stops Across Washington County One of Washington County's most beloved traditions is back! The 19th Annual County Bounty Tour returns Saturday and Sunday, September 12th & 13 , inviting visitors to experience the best of local agriculture through a self-guided adventure featuring seven unique farms, orchards, vineyards, and specialty destinations.For a complete list of participating stops, maps, hours, and event details, visit CountyBountyTour.com

September 12 - October 10 Saratoga Springs Disquiet features the work of Sara Alonge and Kevin Mosca. The two bring unsettling visual poetics to ideas of home and the familiarity of routine. Alonge explores the transitory nature of home and Mosca creates a fictionalized town, the two come together asking: what happens when the places we inhabit are more imagined than real? Alonge’s work focuses around impermanence and displacement of home, playing with a dichotomy of stability and instability. Using sculpture, photography, and painting she excavates samples of land from her previous dwellings creating reliquaries of these sites that exist only as ghosts in her memory. September 12th-October 10th, 2026. Reception: Saturday, September 12th 6:00-8:00 PM. Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.584.4132

September 12 - 24 - Saratoga Springs Youngworld: The Mantis Shrimp Matrix. An immersive, surround-sound multimedia installation by artist and musician Sarah Pedinotti, built from recycled and ocean-bound materials sourced in the Capital Region. The U.S. debut of an evolving project presented in Bangkok and Tokyo, reimagined entirely for Saratoga Springs.Dee Sarno Theater at Saratoga Arts. Reception: Saturday, September 12th 6:00-8:00 PM. Installation September 12-24 Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.584.4132

September 16 - October 31 Clifton Park Turn The Page Opening Art Reception: Friday, September 18th between 6-8pm. Join us for an evening of art and community celebrating our newest art exhibit. All are welcome. Turn The Page is on exhibit from September 16th - October 31st; visit us anytime during our gallery hours Wednesday-Saturday to experience this collection. The Blooming Artist Gallery, 675 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY, United States, 12065

September 17 - Glens Falls JAZZ NIGHT. Matt Niedbalski is back with his monthly Jazz Night featuring a rotating lineup of featured artists and favorite collaborators. Enjoy music from the farthest throes of the jazz genre, from the classics you already love to originals you’ll fall in love with. Doors: 6:30 PM - Show: 7:30 PM. Thursday, September 17, 2026 7:30 PM. Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY, 12801

September 17 - 20 Queensbury Adirondack Balloon Festival. Save the date! The 2026 Adirondack Balloon Festival is scheduled for September 17 - 20. Festival Reminders: No dogs, drones, remote-controlled aircraft, or smoking permitted. All balloon launches are weather-dependent and times are approximate. Whether you’re an early riser looking to catch a sunrise launch or planning to enjoy the glow of evening displays, the Adirondack Balloon Festival is a must-see celebration of flight and community. Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 until Sunday, Sep 20, 2026. Glens Falls, Queensbury, NY September 18 - Saratoga Springs "The Slambovian Circus of Dreams – Unplugged" in a rare trio performance by founding members of the band. Take a peek behind the "Slambovian Curtain" and experience the creative engine behind the band in this intimate performance. The Slambovians' connection with audiences taps into a greater human-ness. Charismatic frontman, Joziah presides center-ring with vocals "Soothing and bewitching as a snake oil tonic", joined onstage by founding bandmates Tink (accordion, cello, mandolin, flute) and the guitar-slinging skills of Sharkey McEwen, creating a show that constantly evolves. Friday, September 18, Time 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Doors Open: 7:30 pm Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 September 18 - 20 Lake George Jazz at the Lake: Lake George Jazz Weekend. Don't miss out on the Lake George Jazz Weekend, also known as Jazz at the Lake! All jazz and not-yet jazz fans are welcome to check out a variety of free performances throughout the three-day festival. Discover new voices, hear fresh interpretations of jazz traditions, and enjoy acclaimed artists in an intimate, open-air setting. Friday, Sep 18, 2026 until Sunday, Sep 20. Shepard Park, Canada Street Lake George, NY

September 19 - October 25 Schuylerville Wendy Ide Williams & Liz Howe. Inner / Outer, September 19 - October 25. The Laffer Gallery, 96 Broad St, Schuylerville, NY 12871