Join Me at the National Pitt-Hopkins Awareness Day at Flatbread Social 9/18

Flatbread Social in Saratoga Springs is hosting a fundraiser to celebrate National Pitt-Hopkins Awareness Day on Wednesday, September 18th from 5-9pm. Pitt-Hopkins is a rare developmental disorder, impacting breathing and intellectual development, among other things.

In support of a local child that is living with Pitt-Hopkins, Cecily DiNuzzo, Flatbread Social will be donating a portion of the night's sales to the Pitt-Hopkins Research Foundation. They’ll also be raffling off prizes, gift cards, and other giveaways. So come on down, have some dinner and drinks, and help support the cause!

It's Apple Picking Season!

September is here and that means local apple picking spots are opening, keep reading to find out more about our favorite local spots and when you can visit for some apples and maybe a cider donut (or three). 

Riverview Orchards: 660 Riverview Road, Rexford (518) 371-2174

Saratoga Apple: 1174 Route 29, Schuylerville (518) 695-3131

Bowman Orchards: 141 Sugar Hill Road, Rexford (518) 371-2042

DeVoe's Rainbow Orchards: 1569 Route 9, Halfmoon (518) 371-8397

Indian Ladder Farms: 342 Altamont Road (Route 156) Altamont (866) 640-PICK

Hicks Orchard: 18 Hicks Road, Granville (518) 642-1788

Tallis and her friend Bodhi at Riverview Orchards

Get Air Crossgates Ticket Giveaway!

Last month we celebrated my five year old’s birthday at Get Air Trampoline Park at Crossgates Mall and it was SO fun! Get Air had something for everyone in our family, and that’s no easy feat given the age range is from 3-12! But they all were fully entertained the entire time, trying out all of the features like the Ninja Activities. the foam pits, the kiddie court and so much more. Throughout the month Get Air has a ton of great family events to check out as well, like their Sensory Jump and Toddler Time (find out more about those here) so there truly is something for anyone in the family.

Today Mini City is giving away a 5-pack of jump passes to Get Air at Crossgates Mall. To enter just comment below and one winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, September 18th! Big thanks to Get Air for sponsoring this giveaway!

click the button below to see their complete schedule and more park info

2019 Nutcracker Auditions for Northeast Ballet Company 9/14

The 2019 Nutcracker Auditions for Northeast Ballet Company will be held on Saturday, September 14th starting at 12pm at the GE Theater at Proctors in Schenectady.

CHILDREN MUST BE AGE 5 on September 14 to audition and be considered for a role.

12:00 - 1:00 pm Children Roles (ages 5-8)

1:00 - 2:30 pm Children Roles (ages 9-12)

2:30 - 3:30 pm Act 1 Adults

3:30 - 5:00 pm Variations (ages 13 and up) - Ladies, please bring pointe shoes


Northeast Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Making its annual return to the MainStage is everyone’s favorite holiday ballet. Enter a world of Christmas dreams to the joyous music of Tchaikovsky in this annual year-end favorite. Join the Sugar Plum Fairy, the heroic Nutcracker Prince and the evil Rat King in this whimsical celebration of the season.

Joining the 2019 Northeast Ballet production are New York City Ballet principal dancers: Lauren Lovette and Taylor Stanley.

Choreographer and teacher Darlene Myers began her professional career with Pennsylvania Ballet Company. She toured the United States, dancing works of Balanchine, Butler and Sokolow. Ms. Myers went on to teach classical ballet, modern, jazz and choreography at Union College for 20 years, and at the State University of New York at Albany for five years, prior to opening her own ballet school.
In 1990 Darlene Myers founded Northeast Ballet Company, the resident ballet company of Proctors, and continues to serve as Artistic Director.

For more info click the button below:

Moreau Lake State Park Nature Fest 2019 9/14

NatureFest is a day to learn about nature, build a birdhouse, paint a pumpkin, go for a horse drawn wagon ride, listen to Blue Grass music, eat tasty food, bid on Intarsia Art, and HAVE FUN! From 10am to 3pm at Moreau Lake State Park, free admission.

Fairy House Decorating for Kids at Pitney Meadows Community Farm 9/14

Kids from ages 5+ can join us at the Community Gardens at Pitney Meadows Community Farm on Saturday, September 14th from 10am to 12pm to decorate their very own mini fairy houses with Fairy Garden artist Jess Clauser. They'll be able to decorate 2 houses-one to bring home and one to be displayed during the Fairy Fest on September 21st (click HERE for info on Fairy Fest). $15 fee includes all materials. Pitney Meadows Community Farm is located at 223 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Class size is limited to 20. To sign up click the button below:

Fall Crafts at Saratoga Spa State Park 9/16

Come make some fall themed crafts at the Creekside Classroom at Saratoga Spa State Park on Monday, September 16th from 10am to 12pm! This program is appropriate for ages 2-10. Please call (518) 584-2000 Ext. 111 for more information.

Tours for Tots at The Hyde Collection 9/12

Stop by The Hyde Collection on Thursday, September 12th from 10:30 to 11:30am for Tours for Tots. Children ages 5 and younger learn about a work in the Museum, then spend time in the Art Studio making their own creations. The Hyde Collection is located at 161 Warren Street in Glens Falls. Click the button below for more info:

Horse Explorers at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame 9/12

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame presents “Horse Explorers,” a hands-on series intended to creatively educate children about horses by developing age-appropriate skills in art, literacy, science and math on Thursday, September 12th from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM. Recommended for ages 3-6, the program is staffed by the Museum’s educators. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is located at 191 Union Ave in Saratoga Springs.

Mini City Spotlight: Waldorf’s Free Drop-in Playgroups

Waldorf’s Free Drop-in Playgroups Offer Perfect Opportunity To Test the Pre-school Waters for Infants to 3-Year-Olds

Kids tend to grow like tomato plants in the heat of the summer. If that babe-in-arms you knew this past spring is beginning to look like more of an active toddler suddenly, you may be wondering if some social engagement outside of the home may be appropriate for him or her this fall. The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is offering the perfect opportunity to test the waters with their free drop-in playgroups beginning in September.

Waldorf education began 100 years ago this fall in Germany, and The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs has been offering this unique educational approach to our region since 1981 as the only pre-K through 12 independent school in Saratoga County. The Waldorf approach incorporates a deep understanding of child development and what a child needs (and doesn’t need) during certain phases of their development in order to reach their full potential as a whole human being.

All of the school’s early childhood programs — serving children from infancy through age 6 — have a distinct feeling of beauty, calm and rhythm, allowing the child to develop a secure attachment to the world and explore it through all of their senses at their own pace. The classrooms are full of natural light and simple, creativity-enhancing toys made of wool, wood, cotton and other natural materials. Traditional academics, such as reading and arithmetic, are not taught in a traditional sense, but through language-rich stories and circle games, clapping and skipping, healthy brain and body development are enhanced to lay the best foundation for academic learning in grade school and beyond. Children are also afforded ample opportunity for free play with each other — enhancing social skills, collaboration, creative problem solving and self-direction that will serve them for life.

The school’s drop-in playgroups began this past May, and proved so popular that the school will offer them again this fall, with two currently scheduled for September 19 and 26 at 9:30 a.m. and more likely to be scheduled later in the fall. Each playgroup session is free and open to the public for birth to three-year-olds with a caregiver and provides a taste of the school’s more formal parent-child classes.

“​Parents spend much of their days keeping up with all the needs of their children. In our playgroups parents can enjoy a break by sitting around the edges of the room and bringing their attention to the children as they play,” notes Katherine Scharff, a longtime early childhood educator at the school and Simplicity Parenting ​® ​coach. The playgroup time also includes observation time, some time to share, lap and finger games, snack for the children and outside playtime.

Other early childhood programs at the school include parent-child classes offered weekly in six-week sessions based on demand and whole-year pre-school and kindergarten classes for either two or five days a week based on age. Classes are held at one of two campuses. At the Waldorf ​Early Childhood Center across from Eastside Recreational Park on Lake Avenue, children experience intimate and nurturing classrooms and a play yard and gardens within a friendly neighborhood setting. Located on Spa State Park land, the Forest Kindergarten campus features numerous forested hiking trails and ample yard space for climbing, gardening, digging, playing, and working. A restored farmhouse provides a nurturing indoor space for a nutritious organic lunch, rest, and respite from extreme weather.

For more information on The Waldorf School’s drop-in play groups or any of their other early childhood programs, visit their website at ​www.waldorfsaratoga.org/earlychildhood​ or call or email their admissions office at 518-587-2224 or ​admissions@waldorfsaratoga.org​.

Waldorf September Drop-in Playgroups:
September 19, 9:30 a.m. at the Forest Kindergarten, 45 Kaydeross Ave. West September 26, 9:30 a.m. at the Early Childhood Center, 212 Lake Ave.

Also save the date for a special Waldorf Autumn Festival celebrating 100 years of Waldorf Education worldwide! Saturday, October 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pitney Meadows Community Farm

Final POP Club of the Season at the Saratoga Farmers' Market 9/11

Join the Saratoga Farmers’ Market today, Wednesday 9/11 from 3-6pm at High Rock Park in Saratoga Springs, for the Saratoga Farmers' Market's final Power of Produce Club for the season! This week we have local author Jessica Kane (3-4pm only) to read from her book "Feed It To The Worms", a food-and-fun-filled educational activity, a scavenger hunt, and a prize for every child that participates to celebrate the end of an amazing POP season. Children who participate are also given a $2 POP coin to spend on fresh fruit and vegetables at the market, and they will earn a stamp in their POP Passport (4 stamps = a prize!). It's all about farm, food, and nutrition education for all ages and abilities! Behold the power of produce! Free, no registration required.

2019 Nutcracker Auditions for Northeast Ballet Company 9/14

The 2019 Nutcracker Auditions for Northeast Ballet Company will be held on Saturday, September 14th starting at 12pm at the GE Theater at Proctors in Schenectady.

CHILDREN MUST BE AGE 5 on September 14 to audition and be considered for a role.

12:00 - 1:00 pm Children Roles (ages 5-8)

1:00 - 2:30 pm Children Roles (ages 9-12)

2:30 - 3:30 pm Act 1 Adults

3:30 - 5:00 pm Variations (ages 13 and up) - Ladies, please bring pointe shoes


Northeast Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Making its annual return to the MainStage is everyone’s favorite holiday ballet. Enter a world of Christmas dreams to the joyous music of Tchaikovsky in this annual year-end favorite. Join the Sugar Plum Fairy, the heroic Nutcracker Prince and the evil Rat King in this whimsical celebration of the season.

Joining the 2019 Northeast Ballet production are New York City Ballet principal dancers: Lauren Lovette and Taylor Stanley.

Choreographer and teacher Darlene Myers began her professional career with Pennsylvania Ballet Company. She toured the United States, dancing works of Balanchine, Butler and Sokolow. Ms. Myers went on to teach classical ballet, modern, jazz and choreography at Union College for 20 years, and at the State University of New York at Albany for five years, prior to opening her own ballet school.
In 1990 Darlene Myers founded Northeast Ballet Company, the resident ballet company of Proctors, and continues to serve as Artistic Director.

For more info click the button below:

Lavish Llama Painting Event at Saratoga Paint and Sip Studio 9/8

There's going to be a whole llama fun going on at this paint and sip event at Saratoga Paint and Sip Studio (80 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs) on Sunday, September 8th from 2-4pm.

Not artistically inclined? That's ok! A local artist will instruct you step by step, making it easy to complete this piece of art! At the end of the night, you'll take home a one-of-a-kind painting and hopefully a new found talent! Cost is $35 per person, click the button below to register.

Malta Community Day 9/7

For 31 years, the Town of Malta has offered this event for friends and neighbors to come together in celebration. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another and with local groups such as businesses, non-profits, and service organizations. Come out and show your hometown pride and enjoy the festivities and fun!

The day includes:

• Musical Entertainment

• Kids' Activities

• Business & Non-Profit Booths

• Fire Trucks & Demonstrations

• Food For Sale

• And Much More!

For more information, contact the Town of Malta's Department of Parks, Recreation & Human Services at (518) 899-4411.

Breastfeeding Support Group at Saratoga Hospital 9/7

Join Kelly Duheme, IBCLC, in collaboration with Saratoga Midwifery, Saratoga OBGYN at Myrtle Street, and Saratoga WIC, for a FREE support group to connect with other breastfeeding mothers at the Breastfeeding Support Group on Saturday, September 7th from 10-11:30am.

We will celebrate our successes, share our struggles, and offer guidance and support to help both mom and baby throughout their breastfeeding journey. Expectant mothers are encouraged to attend, and the group is open to all mothers regardless of delivery location. Grandmothers and siblings (up to age 5) are also welcome.

Please bring a blanket/floor mat. No registration required. For more information, please call 518-580-2049.

Paint a Kindness Rock at Palette Cafe 9/7

Get creative and inspirational with your mini! Join us for a Palette art project and paint Kindness Rocks this Saturday, September 7th from 10-11am at Palette (493 Broadway, Saratoga Springs).

Free for kids under 6 and supplies will be provided. Bring your own rock if you happen to have the perfect rock, but we will have rocks available! Your kiddo’s message of positivity and inspiration can go home with you or live here in our Inspiration Garden at Palette.

Movies in the Park - Mary Poppins 9/6

Join in for movies under the stars in Wiswall Park in Ballston Spa! This FREE event is fun for the entire family! Mary Poppins will be featured on Friday, September 6th starting at 7pm. Bring chairs or a blanket and we'll take care of the rest! Wiswall Park is located at 39 Front Street in Ballston Spa.

The 3rd Annual Saratoga Grandparents Day 9/8

Join The Wesley Community at The Saratoga Springs City Center (522 Broadway Saratoga Springs) for the 3rd Annual Saratoga Grandparents Day celebration on Sunday, Sep 8th from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting memories through activities for all generations to enjoy! The fun-filled afternoon includes carnival style games, balloon art, a magician, fun photos, a reading of Lucky’s Adventure in Saratoga, a reading of She Called Him Raymond and more.

Admission is Free; however donations will be accepted at the door. The first 100 Grandparents and Great Grandparents to enter receive a special “Grandparents Giveaway” bag, and have the chance to win door prizes!

All proceeds from this event will benefit The Wesley Community, a non-profit organization located in Saratoga Springs that cares for older adults.

New This Year – Saratoga’s Greatest Grandparents Club! 

Nominate your Grandparent or Great-Grandparent to be a part of our Greatest Grandparents Club, Class of 2019! We are looking for 10 of Saratoga’s Greatest Grandparents and we need your help. Complete the form below and tell us why YOUR Grandparent is the GREATEST Grandparent.

The Class of 2019 Greatest Grandparents Club will be drawn randomly from all submitted nominations and those selected will be recognized during the formal program at Saratoga Grandparents Day at The Saratoga Springs City Center on National Grandparents Day, September 8th.

We ask that all grandparents entered reside within driving distance of Saratoga Springs and are able to attend the event to be recognized.

Nominations close on Thursday, September 5 at 4 pm and winners will be informed prior to the Event to ensure that they can have their whole family there to celebrate.

The Greatest Grandparents Club will be chosen at random from the nominations provided.

Childbirth Preparation Series at Saratoga Hospital Starting 9/4

This class will take place over four consecutive Wednesday evenings: September 4, 11, 18, 25 from 7-9pm.

The Childbirth Preparation Series at Saratoga Hospital is a four-class series designed to educate expectant parents on their options during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. We will discuss having a healthy pregnancy, the work of labor and birth, coping with labor, options for medications and other interventions, being an active participant in your care, the role of the birth partner, and the first 48 hours after birth. The series will include discussions, films, hands-on opportunities, and a tour of Saratoga Hospital's Labor & Delivery Unit. Cost is $75.

Registration is required. Please call 518-580-2450 or register online at saratogahospital.org/classes. 

POP Club for Kids at the Saratoga Farmers' Market: Feed it to the Worms with local author Jessica Kane 9/4

The Power of Produce Club for Kids (POP Club) is back for a 4th season thanks to the support of the Christopher Dailey Foundation! POP Club is a free 12-week program held on Wednesdays at the farmers' market. Children may show up any time between 3-6 pm to participate in a fun, educational activity. Children who participate are given a $2 POP coin to spend on fresh fruit and vegetables at the market, and they will earn a stamp in their POP Passport (4 stamps = a prize!). POP Club will begin on Wed, June 26 and will run through Wed, September 11. This season, we have an incredible lineup of activities offered by a variety of hosts. It's all about farm, food, and nutrition education for all ages and abilities! Behold the power of produce! For more info, click the button below: