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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Kurt Weill, Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel: Opera Saratoga Opens 2024 Season with Cabaret at the Mansion June 2

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Opera Saratoga opens its 2024 season with Cabaret at the Mansion, a showcase of the fabulous voices of this year’s Festival Artists at The Mansion Inn, located only minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs.

“These young singers are some of the best we’ve ever had in Saratoga Springs – they’ve won national awards, sung for big houses like Seattle Opera and many are going to Europe next year,” General and Artistic Director Mary Birnbaum said in a statement. “We are tremendously lucky to have them at Opera Saratoga, and I can assure you you won’t want to miss this chance to hear them in a beautiful, intimate setting.”

The showcase “Cabaret” features many favorites of the cabaret repertoire including highlights of German cabaret, headlining music of Kurt Weill and Arnold Schonberg, French cabaret like Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel, and music of the early American cabaret with pieces by Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter. Finally, a brand new take on the definition of cabaret, with selections by Ricky Ian Gordon, Tania León, and much more!

The performance at Saratoga’s The Mansion Inn is accompanied by a scrumptious buffet and refreshing cocktails prepared by their premier chef, Rick Beiber.

The event takes place Sunday, June 2.  Lunch at 1 p.m., Performance at 2 p.m. Dinner at 6 p.m., Performance at 7 p.m. Rain or shine, seating is on the porch, under a tent. 

The Mansion Inn is located at 801 NY 29 Rock City Falls. Web: https://www.themansionsaratoga.com/.

Tickets are available with or without the meal. Visit www.operasaratoga.org/cabaret for more information and or purchase tickets.

Festival of Young Artists at SPAC on June 2

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s “The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists” will return for its seventh annual event on Sunday, June 2 from 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

Following the theme Rhythm – an inspirational thread woven throughout SPAC’s 2024 season – the festival will celebrate the collaborative creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region’s brightest young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists all in support of SPAC’s mission to provide free access to enriching arts programs for local youth. 

Featuring students from local schools and organizations such as Empire State Youth Orchestra, Capital District Youth Chorale, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, Capital District Arts Initiative, and the SPAC School of the Arts, the afternoon will include individual pop-up performances and art displays, culminating in a large-scale, coordinated production on SPAC’s stage. As part of the production, an original musical composition by festival student, Lucia Vysohlid (Niskayuna HS, Grade 12), will premiere on the SPAC stage, performed by the ESYO Symphony Orchestra, Capital District Youth Chorale, and singers from Saratoga Springs, Schalmont, and Shenendehowa high schools. 

Kicking off at 2 p.m., SPAC’s grounds will be transformed into a festive celebration and will feature individual pop-up performances by student ensembles from the Capital Region, fine art displays, food stands, poetry slams, lawn games and immersive art activities, plus free ice cream provided by Stewart’s Shops. At 4:45 p.m., hundreds of young artists will gather to present a celebratory concert on SPAC’s main stage, featuring large-scale productions that combine music, song, poetry, visual art, and dance. 

This event is free to the community; however, registration is required for admission. Visit spacfoya.org for details. 

Week of May 24 – May 30, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, May 24

Mom Talk Friday – Ballston Spa Moms Group 

Community Alliance Church, 257 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa | 9:30 – 11 a.m. Melissa Gauy will be speaking on Belonging. Ballstonspamomsgroup.org

34th Annual In Bloom Saratoga: Petals, Plates & Pours Gala

Universal Preservation Hall, 25 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. LifeWorks Community Action presents the 34th Annual In Bloom Saratoga: Petals, Plates & Pours Gala. The evening of elegance, live entertainment and community spirit will be hosted by NewsChannel 13 anchor Mark Mulholland.

LifeWorks will present an unforgettable evening featuring live music by incredible local artists Garland Nelson and Soul Session, a delectable dinner crafted by Wandering Food Dude and a tasteful selection of cider, beer, and wine. Tickets are available at lifeworksaction.org. Tickets are $100 per person for general admission and $75 for young professionals aged 35 years and under. VIP Admission is also available.

Saturday, May 25

Voter Registration

Saratoga Farmers Market, 112 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will be offering Voter Registration tables. Residents can learn where to find information about polling places, information about registration, early voting, absentee voting, and pick up absentee voting applications and voter registration forms.

American Legion Monthly Meeting

Adirondack Post 70, 34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. 

Yard Sale Donations 

Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland St., Ballston Spa. Bring items May 25-June 6. Gently used and ready to be sold. Please be considerate, if you cannot sell it, neither can we! Items not accepted: televisions, computers, car seats, cribs, mugs, books, large appliances, upholstered furniture, and mattresses. The annual yard sale runs June 7-9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. All proceeds benefit Gateway House of Peace End-Of-Life Comfort Care.

Sunday, May 26

Saratoga Lions Club Duathlon and 5K Run/Walk

Saratoga Casino Hotel, 342 Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs | 8 – 10 a.m. The Saratoga Lions Club Duathlon (5k Run/15k Bike/5k Run) event and a separate 5k Run/Walk on Memorial Day Weekend. All proceeds go to the Saratoga Lions Clubs’ ongoing effort to help those with visual and hearing impairments along with aiding the community-at-large. We also celebrate our Veterans with our Honor-a-Vet program. Registration and additional event information can be found at: https://thememorialduathlon5k.com/

Monday, May 27

Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony 

Congress Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will co-host a Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at the War Memorial. Open to the public.

Annual Pie and Quiche Sale

Galway Village Park, Galway | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Glenville Hills Garden Club of Saratoga County will hold its annual pie and quiche sale on Memorial Day. Proceeds will fund the garden club projects, including community beautification and the sponsorship of students at environmental camps. 

Memorial Day Ceremony

Halfmoon American Legion, 275 Grooms Rd., Halfmoon | 11 a.m. Commander Charles LaFountain is pleased to invite the public. Ceremony to be held in the American Legion’s Covered Pavilion. The public is urged to attend and participate in this patriotic event to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our freedom. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.

Tuesday, May 28

After the Fire’s Monthly Meeting

Halfmoon Town Hall, Lower Newtown Rd., Halfmoon | 7 p.m. Volunteers Needed. After the Fire is a non-profit organization that helps Saratoga County Residents who have suffered a loss due to fire.  Families are provided with gift cards, a night’s stay at a participating hotel/motel, Red Cross referral, informational material, emotional support. etc. Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Anyone interested in learning more about After the Fire, or becoming a member, may attend a meeting, visit us on Facebook at www.afterthefire.org, or leave a message on voicemail at 518-435-4571.

Wednesday, May 29

Massage Therapists Open House and Job Fair

Saratoga Springs MediSpa, 7 Wells St., Third Floor, Suite 303, Saratoga Springs | 3 – 7 p.m. We want you to join our MediSpa staff. Tour our beautifully decorated, relaxing massage rooms. Meet and Greet: Visit with our award-winning expert team. Competitive base pay, commissions, and tips. No weekends. Refreshments. RSVP Today, 518-583-4019. 

Baked Ham Dinner Take Out

Saratoga – Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order, 518-584-2585. Menu: baked ham, Au Gratin potatoes, vegetable, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. Cost is $15 per dinner. Cash only.

Photography Club

Galway Public Library, Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. This month wildlife photographer Mark Hadley will be sharing practical wildlife photography techniques including the use of blinds and camouflage. We will also be reviewing photographs submitted for this month’s Photo Challenge: May Flowers/Spring Showers. Anyone interested in photography regardless of their level of experience is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Improv Spaces Music Festival

Round Lake Auditorium, 2 Wesley Ave., Round Lake | 6 – 9 p.m. Five days, May 29 – June 2, 25 musicians, and food. Opening night will feature an opening improvisation with Saratoga Springs poet laureate and native flutist Joseph Bruchac playing with drummer Steve Candlen as well as the premier of a new work with the local genre-blurring new music/jazz/indie rock ensemble Rock City Falls Trio who will present “WATER. a collaborative improv” with NYC-based visual artist Michael Miyahira (aka Mike Ming) performing action painting. Free to the public. Reserve seats online and learn more about the festival at: https://improvspaces.wordpress.com/2024-improv-spaces-music-festival/www.improvspaces.org

Thursday, May 30

Homeschool Karner Blue Butterfly Walk 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton| 1 – 2 p.m. Homeschooled children in grades K-6, accompanied by an adult, are invited to attend a Karner Blue Butterfly story, craft, and walk led by an Environmental Educator from Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Please dress for the weather. Register each child who will be attending, as space is limited. Park in Parking Lot #1 and meet across the street near the benches by the pond if the weather is nice; If not, under the covered pavilion. Register each child (adults do not need to register) online, in the Children’s Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, or by calling 518-584-7860 extension 305.

Whose Turn is it to Wash the Dishes?

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

This is Memorial Day weekend. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate so we can have our outdoor picnics to celebrate the holiday. I am so happy to see the sun and the warmer temperatures. The season between Memorial Day and Labor Day brings the opportunity to host many outside events. 

Having a picnic with family and friends on a beautiful day can be a time that creates those unforgettable moments and memories that last a life time. 

Each week we write about the fun of creating and cooking fabulous dishes. However, with making these dishes comes the mess and dreaded task of cleaning up which becomes someone’s responsibility. Many conflicts occur within a household on whose turn it is to wash the dishes. I remember in my childhood, years fighting with my four other siblings on who would be assigned the chore of doing the dishes. Having grown up in a household with five children, my mother ran a tight ship and made sure all of us were assigned cleaning duties. Fighting over who was going to wash the dishes was a common occurrence even after my mother made it clear whose job it was that evening. Through the years we learned that washing the dishes did not take that long when each of us helped out. When we shared and helped each other in our household chores, we then had plenty of time to go and do what we wanted afterwards. While doing chores and playing together, we became good friends; a friendship that still holds today. 

“You know you’re an adult when you get excited when there is a new sponge in the sink”. Author Unknown. To this day, believe it or not, I enjoy washing dishes. I love bringing home new types of items to help me with this chore. One of our favorite items we carry is the Jetz-Scrubz cleaning sponge. This sponge will not scratch even the finest surfaces. They can last for several months and can be cleaned in the top tray of your dishwasher. The sponge has a foam side that holds suds longer and has a scratch-free scrubber side for pots and pans. Jetz-Scrubz is also made in the USA. 

This Memorial Day weekend, whose ever job it is to wash the dishes and clean up, try out this really cool sponge!  Come visit Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery Store located on 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga where we have Tools for Cooks! Have fun cooking and cleaning up.  Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care, 

John & Paula

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Grilling made easy at the Farmers’ Market

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

Whether you’re starting your grilling game this weekend or you’re a year-round grilling enthusiast, Saratoga Farmers’ Market vendors have many products to make an easy, delicious meal.

At Longlesson Farm, you can shop for beef and pork products. “Sirloin steak is an excellent option,” says Christophe, the farm owner. “It’s a versatile cut—grill whole or make kabobs to feed a crowd.” For kabobs, Christophe recommends bringing the steak to ambient temperature, cubing it, and marinating it in olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper for one hour. Pair with your favorite grilled vegetables. 

May-K-Mark offers beef, pork, and veal products, and Ariel shares her grilling favorites. “Steaks are always great, but I love hot and sweet Italian sausage. We have veal chorizo and bratwurst that can feed a lot of people. And shaved sliced steak on the grill is clutch on busy dinner nights.”

Hepatica Farm brings pasture-raised chicken, and Melanie’s absolute favorite is grilled chicken breast bone-in. “Bone-in prevents the meat from drying out, and the breast is flavorful and juicy,” she explains. “Thighs are also delicious, and our packs of drumsticks are a great value.” Melanie’s go-to marinade is lemon, rosemary, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, and a little tamari. 

At Grazin’ Acres, Nate and Meghan have pork, chicken, and beef products. “Pork chops are always great and easy with salt, pepper, garlic, and oil,” says Nate. “Rib eye or NY strip steaks are other really good options. One of our family favorites is a whole chicken, halved and grilled slow and low at 200 degrees, and the chicken is juicy and just falls apart.”

Squash Villa Farm has simmering chicken and goat. Co-owner Himanee highly recommends rib chops and loin chops. “They are really easy to grill. Sear the meat and set the grill temperature to low to cook through. You can use a marinade or rub, but salt, pepper, and olive oil allow the flavor to shine.”

The Mushroom Shop LLC offers various mushrooms for vegetarian and plant-based grilling, and Elise recommends flavorful oyster mushrooms. “They are really easy to prepare. Just brush with your cooking oil of choice and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side.”

Regardless of what you choose to grill, vendors at the farmers’ market have incredible options. So get your spatula ready, plan your visit to the market, and get grilling tips from the experts. 

The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays in the food court of the Wilton Mall. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for previews of what’s fresh. 

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Mom Prom Raises Nearly $53K

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Mom Prom raised $52,800 for the Saratoga County Children’s Committee last month, making it the most successful event in its ten-year history.

Proceeds will go to helping the committee support children locally through programs and partnerships with other agencies, nonprofits, schools, and social workers. The prom has raised and donated $190,000 in the last nine years, and awarded $15,500 in school scholarships.

The Saratoga Mom Prom is described as a women’s night out filled with tacky dresses, dancing, and activities all in the name of charity.

The Saratoga County Children’s Committee is a volunteer organization that provides more than 1,000 children each year with emergency and basic needs, school supplies, clothing, holiday gifts, and more.

Skidmore Holds 2024 Commencement at SPAC

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo of Skidmore College’s 2024 graduation ceremony via the college’s website.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College conferred 650 degrees to the Class of 2024 during its 113th Commencement Exercises at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on May 18. 

Luis A. Miranda Jr. and Luz Towns-Miranda both received honorary degrees, and were among those to address the graduates. Rather than delivering traditional speeches, the couple engaged in a short dialogue. 

Towns-Miranda stressed the importance of empathy, noting how artists like the couple’s son and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda take every experience and empathize with multiple points of view through their work.

“Learn the systems, to use the systems, to improve the systems,” Towns-Miranda said. “Believe in the power of your vote and your activism to raise your voice. Use your energy, your skills, your talent to speak out against injustice, to create change where you see it is needed, and to uplift the underrepresented people in our communities.”

School Board and Budget Election Results

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Residents of the Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and Schuylerville school districts voted on school budgets and board members on Tuesday, May 21. Unofficial results were reported by the districts the following morning. All three districts had their proposed 2024-2025 budgets approved by voters. 

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs City School District residents approved the proposed $148,709,136 school budget for 2024-2025 by a vote of 3,150 to 781. The bus bond proposition was also approved, by a vote of 3,102 to 823. 

Three candidates were elected to the Board of Education: Deb Amory, Matt Kopans, and Connie Woytowich. Vote totals are listed below.

• Deb Amory – 2,503 

• Matt Kopans – 2,201 

• Connie Woytowich – 1,923 

• Amanda Ellithorpe – 1,794 

• Joe Sabanos – 1,425

Ballston Spa

Ballston Spa Central School District residents approved the district’s 2024-2025 budget proposal of $107,179,996 by a vote of 946 to 366. Voters also approved three other propositions on the ballot concerning school vehicle replacements, bus lift replacements, and the collection and contribution of $63,344 towards the operation of the public library. 

Two candidates were elected to the Board of Education: Jason Fernau and Fabrizia Rodriguez. Vote totals are listed below.

• Jason Fernau – 849

• Fabrizia Rodriguez – 655

• Tim Turbiak – 621 

Schuylerville

Schuylerville Central School District residents approved a $39.4 million budget for the 2024-25 school year by a vote of 671 to 295.

Voters also elected two members to the Board of Education: Jennifer Moreau (733 votes) and Robert Thivierge (649 votes).

Saratoga Motorcar Auction Adds “Iconic” Ferraris

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

A 1982 Ferrari 512 BBI and a 1994 Ferrari 512 TR have been added to the Saratoga Automobile Museum’s upcoming Motorcar Auction in September. Photos via the Saratoga Motorcar Auction website.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Automobile Museum’s 8th Annual Motorcar Auction added two consignments last week: a 1982 Ferrari 512 BBI and a 1994 Ferrari 512 TR. 

The 1982 Ferrari 512 BBI features sleek lines, a powerful Flat-12 boxer engine, and an original red exterior with a restored tan leather interior. The 1994 Ferrari 512 TR is the 512 BBI’s successor, and features a top speed of 195mph with original exterior and interior. The car is probably best known for being featured in both the hit TV series “Miami Vice,” and the 1994 video game “Need for Speed.”

“These iconic vehicles embody the spirit and and represent the rich heritage of the Ferrari brand,” said Bill Windham, Auction Director of the Saratoga Automobile Museum, in a statement.

The 8th Annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction will take place on September 20 and 21 at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. For more information, visit www.saratogaautoauction.org.

The Saratoga Automobile Museum exhibition, “Enzo Ferrari: An Obsession with Speed,” features nearly a dozen Ferraris, including a 1997 F310B driven by Michael Schumacher. The exhibition will run until October 28.