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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Collaborative Effort To Preserve City’s Historic Character at 1869 Henry Lawrence House

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – A collaborative effort between the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and the recent purchaser of an Excelsior Avenue property is being hailed as a success in preserving the city’s landscaped heritage. 

Located at 182 Excelsior Ave., the property was sold by Louisiana Management, LLC – which acquired the 2.5-acre parcel in 2004, to Excelsior Ave Property Owner LLC for $1.35 million on March 20, according to Saratoga County Land Records. 

The LLC that acquired the property is associated with brothers Brian and Gregory Green, whose initial plans called for wholesale demolition of the historic buildings on the site. 

Upon learning about the plans for demolition and subsequent research of the property, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reported it learned of the significance of the 1869 Henry Lawrence House beyond its Gothic Revival architecture. After sharing this information with the new owners, they began to re-evaluate development plans to see if it was possible to retain the structures as part of their plan to construct apartments, according to the Foundation. 

“Many developers would have held forth on their original plans or walked away from the project – Brian did not.  He was willing to work on a creative solution that allowed for the development of apartments and the preservation of the buildings,” Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Foundation said, in a statement. 

Henry Haydock Lawrence acquired the Valley of Ten Springs, land that extended from what today is Loughberry Lake to Lake Avenue, in 1829. By 1858, Lawrence’s son, also named Henry, retubed and bottled the waters from Excelsior Spring and was selling them worldwide. In 1869, he built the distinctive Gothic Revival residence at the corner of Excelsior Avenue and Excelsior 

Through a series of meetings, a tentative agreement was made to would allow for key elements to be preserved. It required a reduction in the number of apartments built, significant changes to the site plan, and the subdivision of the property to allow the historic buildings to be made into six condos to make the project financially feasible, to ultimately move the project forward. 

 “We at Green Springs Capital are tremendously excited to begin construction on the new 182 Excelsior Avenue,” Brian Green said in a statement. 

“It has been quite a journey the past two years as our team has worked diligently to carefully design a development that will provide homes with exceptional quality while ensuring we honor Saratoga’s storied history. The process was not without its challenges, but in the end, we believe the project will be a huge success,” Green said. “The Lawrence House will be fully restored with six new condominiums and the newly constructed apartments will be home for 36 families. We are very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making this vision a reality.”

The Foundation added that it believes the final agreement and Planning Board approval will result in the long-term preservation of the 1869 Henry Lawrence House and its carriage house for generations to come. 

Dead Man’s Cove: National True Crime Podcast Features Case with Ties To Saratoga Dental Office

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

When local farmer Frank Vadney went out to inspect his fields at the edge of town in Bethlehem, N.Y. 43 years ago, he could not have expected to find a dead body on the corner of his property – but he did. Was this a murder? The body was so badly decomposed, the cause of death was uncertain. 

In the area that has since been referred to by the Vadney family as Dead Man’s Cove, the discovery of human remains in 1981 would be the start of an intriguing investigation – one that would go cold for decades. In 2013, Sergeant Adam Hornick of Bethlehem PD was tasked with researching the old John Doe computer entry made by his department. The journey to identify the body found on the Vadney Farm in 1981 takes Hornick through a web of unknowns, challenges, and obstacles. But his persistence pays off with the eventual identification of the ‘man without a name’ who had been buried long ago in a pauper’s grave in Albany County. 

Hornick recalls his journey using investigative processes, new technologies and gut instinct as he searches for a missing person who had never been reported missing. The episode, Dead Man’s Cove, is as much a story about the compassion of a police officer to the survivors of Bethlehem’s John Doe, as it is an account of advancements in DNA science, genetic genealogy and evolving state law. Former police chief Mark Spawn interviews Retired-Commander Adam Hornick about the case of Franklin Feldman in this week’s episode of APB Cold Case. 

APB Cold Case is a true crime audio podcast featuring unsolved missing persons and murder cases from across the country.

Episode Link – Dead Man’s Cove: Anatomy of a John Doe Case. Go to: www.APBColdCase.com. 

Michael Eck to Stage 60th Birthday Bash in Saratoga Springs on Friday, April 19

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roots scholar, multi-instrumentalist and Caffè Lena favorite Michael Eck will be staging his 60th Birthday celebration at Caffe Lena on April 19, and he’s bringing a full band AND a brand new album along with him. 

Eck, who first debuted at Caffè Lena in 1990 will be joined by an all-star ensemble featuring Rosanne Raneri, Kevin Maul – who’s flying in from Florida for the show, and Sten Isachsen and Bob Buckley of Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys. 

“A nifty little ensemble to accompany me on an evening of original chestnuts, new compositions and classic folk songs at my favorite venue,” Eck says. 

The new album is titled “Fermata,” and will be released in conjunction with the show. 

“A fermata is a musical notation. It looks like a bird’s eye and is sometimes called a hold. It allows the player discretion regarding the value of a note or a rest. To me, it speaks of freedom in music,” says Eck, who will spend the earlier part of the show date getting the design tattooed on his back. 

“Each of the characters singing these songs, whether myself, an addict in Kentucky, an old coin, a bereft wife or a bullet in a revolver, has been thrown an unexpected pause—a hold. And I know from pauses,” he says. 

Eck’s musical legacy in the region is lengthy – breaking in with the Albany punk scene of the early ‘80s with Glaze, to more recent collaborations with Ramblin Jug Stompers and Lost Radio Rounders. The release of Fermata comes 30 years after Eck’s debut, Cowboy Black, and along the way he has served as curator and host of WAMC’s American Roots Series at The Linda; assistant producer of the Music Haven Concert Series, and producer, host of fundraising concerts, and longtime board member at Caffe Lena, alongside among many other accomplishments. 

“It’s a celebration of my 60th birthday, and I hope you’ll join me,” says Eck. “I’m not old, I’m seasoned!”

The special Michael Eck and Friends performance will be staged 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, at Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs. For more info, go to: www.caffelena.org.

Schick Art Gallery At Skidmore College Hosts ‘Alchemy Of Light’ Exhibition Through April 26

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Schick Art Gallery presents “Alchemy of Light,” an exhibition that centers photography as an experimental medium through the work of eight artists who use light as a creative tool. In an age of quickly consumed digital images, these works ask the audience to abandon their preconceptions about photography and slow down. 

“Alchemy of Light” is co-curated by Teaching Professor of Art and Schick Gallery Assistant Director Trish Lyell and Schick Gallery Director Rebecca Shepard. 

The exhibition will run from March 29 through April 26 in Schick Art Gallery, on the second floor of Saisselin Art Building. 

All Schick Gallery exhibits and events are free and open to the public; visit the Schick Art Gallery website to learn more. 

April 12 – 18, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Propagating Matters – Revolutionary Teas

On Friday, April 19 at 2 p.m. join Master Gardener, Kathleen Royka, on the 249th anniversary of The Battles of Lexington and Concord, for a celebration and taste of Revolutionary Teas. The program will discuss the Boston Tea Party and its effects on the colonists, the plant Camellia sinensis (tea) and substitutes for tea, including local variations, after the Boston Tea Party. (And see how the Brookside gardens are faring after winter). Program is free and open to all. Any donations are gratefully received and will be used on the gardens.

Healthy Saratoga Weekend

Discover Saratoga is dedicated to showcasing the abundance of health and wellness offerings throughout Saratoga County. This extraordinary weekend coincides with the Mind Body Soul Market on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Mind Body Soul Expo on Sunday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., both hosted at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Dive deeper into wellness practices, holistic living, and discover the latest trends in the wellness industry. Learn more at mindbodysoulexpo.com. For more information about Healthy Saratoga Weekend and to see a complete list of participants, please visit www.discoversaratoga.org/events/healthy-saratoga-weekend/.

Art in Motion: An Earth Day Celebration

Saturday, April 20, 1 – 3 p.m. (Parade at 2:30 p.m.) 65 S Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Welcome to this all ages, family-friendly community arts event! Learn about the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly. Create a  butterfly, bird, or bee craft. Fabricate a flag. Join the rhythm band workshop. Watch the WitchWalk SOSA dancers. Listen to the EarthBeat drummers. Then join us for the parade! For additional information go to https://spirited-creation.info/Art-in-Motion or email flombar1@yahoo.com. Special thanks to fiscal sponsor Sustainable Saratoga, the Saratoga Arts Regrant Program, and collaborating partners The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, EarthBeat Music, and CREATE Community Studios.

Healthy Saratoga Weekend

Discover Saratoga is dedicated to showcasing the abundance of health and wellness offerings throughout Saratoga County. This extraordinary weekend coincides with the Mind Body Soul Market on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Mind Body Soul Expo on Sunday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., both hosted at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Dive deeper into wellness practices, holistic living, and discover the latest trends in the wellness industry. Learn more at mindbodysoulexpo.com. For more information about Healthy Saratoga Weekend and to see a complete list of participants, please visit www.discoversaratoga.org/events/healthy-saratoga-weekend/.

4th Annual Earth Day Team Up to Clean Up

The event will be held on Saturday, April 20 10 a.m.- Noon. (Rain date Sunday April 21) We will provide gloves, vests and garbage bags. Invite friends and family. Unable to join us? Pledge to clean up your own neighborhood! Your act will not only inspire and improve our community, but it will help to remove the ever-increasing threat posed by plastic waste which contaminates our water, soil, air, and wildlife. Thank you for helping to make this community a better place for all living beings now and in the future. Register here: https://forms.gle/LUxikuWZ984yan63A

Free Concert

The community of Saratoga Springs is invited to attend a free concert by The United States Army Field Band’s, “Jazz Ambassadors”, one of our nation’s premier military bands, direct from Washington DC! This concert will be on April 20th at 7:30pm at Universal Preservation Hall. The Jazz Ambassadors of the US Army Field Band is the official touring big band of the United States Army. The band’s diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals, and patriotic selections. The band has been featured in joint concerts with Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony Pops, the Colorado Pops Orchestra, and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. Come enjoy “America’s Big Band” at this free performance! 

23rd Annual Maple in April Festival

An outdoor, one day family fun even on April 27. French toast breakfast at the Hadley Senior/Community Center, 24 Maple St. at 8 a.m., maple sampling, a Backyard Sugar Makers Tasting Contest, Lil’ sugar dust-off Car, Truck and Vintage Tractor Show at the Hadley-Smead Park on Stony Creek Rd.  Food trucks, craft vendors, music, horse drawn wagon rides, the Roaming Railroad, street performers, Smokey the Bear, turn-your-own wooden wands with the Wizard, Farm Pets and activities for children including games, inflatables, face painting and pony rides. For more information email: info@hadleybany@gamil.com or vendors.hadleynyba@gmail.com for vendor application.    

Volunteer Tree Planters Needed

Help plant trees in the community. On Saturday, April 27, Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry

Project will hold its 10th year of TREE TOGA planting event, adding an expected 35 large-growing shade trees to the urban forest. Volunteer Tree Planters are needed. Volunteers will check in at Pitney Meadows Community Farm at 9:30 a.m. on April 27 and get a lesson in tree planting before heading off in small teams. Once the trees are in the ground, Tree Host homeowners and other volunteers provide the care that is critical to tree survival and the success of Sustainable Saratoga’s mission to preserve and expand Saratoga’s urban forest. To get involved in this family-friendly community event, sign up at

https://sustainablesaratoga.org/tree-toga/

Color Pop!

Saratoga Clay Arts Center is pleased to present COLOR POP!, a national juried exhibition of 60 functional and decorative works by 42 clay artists. Juried by prominent California potter and artist, Didem Mert, this exhibition features ceramic works that utilize color theory to express thoughts, ideas, and emotions.  The exhibition runs through April 27. Details online at www.saratogaclayarts.org. The Schacht Gallery is open Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and by appointment.  Located at 167 Hayes Rd., Schuylerville. Visit www.saratogaclayarts.org, call 518-581-2529 or email info@saratogaclayarts.org for more information.

Annual Meeting Briggs Cemetery Association

Held at 11 a.m. on April 27, at the cemetery located on Brookline Road, Town of Ballston. A business meeting and election of officers and trustees will be held. All lot owners and interested persons are invited to attend. The spring cleanup starts at 9 a.m. prior to the meeting. For more information email briggscemetery@yahoo.com

Saratoga Book Festival

The Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Saratoga Book Festival, in partnership with Literary Arts@SPAC and the Saratoga County Veterans Peer Connection program, announces it will present “Masters of the Air: An Evening with Donald L. Miller,” the acclaimed historian and bestselling author of Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany, on April 30 at 7 p.m. in the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga Springs. The inspiration behind the major Apple TV streaming series Masters of the Air, the book tells the gripping story of the American Eighth Air Force in World War II and the young pilots who flew the bombers that helped beat the Nazis and liberate Europe. Tickets and copies of the book are available now at https://saratogabookfestival.org/donald-l-miller-event/. Veterans are encouraged to sign up now for free passes on the Saratoga Book Festival website at https://saratogabookfestival.org/donald-l-miller-event/.

Seeing Crafters and Vendors

The Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church seeks crafters and vendors for its Spring Festival to be held May 11, from 10 am to 3 pm, at 768 Charlton Rd.  For information or an application, email:  office@charltonfreehold.org or call 518-399-4831.

23rd Annual Golf Classic

Hosted by the Saratoga County Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Leaders Association. This year’s event will take place on June 1, at the beautiful Fairways of Halfmoon Golf Course. We invite you to join us for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie with fellow golfers, all while supporting a great cause. Sponsorship opportunities range from $1200 to $130, and individual players can join for just $140. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to network, have fun, and make a difference in your community. To register, visit https://ccesaratoga.org/4-h-youth-development/4-h-annual-golf-classic 

Mostly Modern Festival

Returning to Saratoga for its fifth season from June 6 – 21, at the Arthur Zankel Music Center on the Skidmore College campus. There are 11 orchestral, vocal, and chamber concerts by festival and guest ensembles of mostly new music. The festival also hosts the Mostly Modern Festival Institute, a three-week intensive with a distinguished 50-member faculty for up to 30 composers and 100 instrumentalists, vocalists, and conductors. The festival’s brand-new dramatic vocal works initiative celebrates living composers, librettists, and singers and is creativity-driven and composer-forward.  Audiences will witness riveting world premieres in each concert, written by upcoming and professional innovative composers. For concert and ticket details, visit www.mostlymodernfestival.org/concerts

Craft Fair at Brookside Museum – Vendors Wanted!

The Saratoga County History Center is seeking vendors of handmade crafts, antiques, and farm products for the annual craft fair on Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  No mass-produced or commercially made items will be permitted. Spaces are available outdoors, with limited spaces available indoors.  This is a rain or shine event. Visit https://brooksidemuseum.org/event/2024-craft-antique-fair/ for more information or contact Beth Silvestri at bsilvestri@brooksidemuseum.org.

Tuscan Treasures: Art, Food and Wine from Lucca to Florence

Academy for Lifelong Learning Announces Tour to Tuscany Tuscany, November 10 – 18, 2024,  is an enchanting medley of Renaissance cities, rolling hills and terraced vineyards. This very special region offers a quintessential Italian experience. From olive groves and cypress alleys to the romantic villages perched on rocky outcrops, the landscape here has become a symbol of the country as a whole. We will spend three nights in Lucca and four in Florence. Special features include wine tastings, lunch at a Tuscan farm, a cooking class preparing a three-course dinner, guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery and visit to the Accademia to view the renowned David. The double occupancy price for air and land is $5775. For additional information, contact goedventures@gmail.com.

April 12 – 18, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, April 12

Poetry/Storytelling Open Mic

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 1 p.m. The program will begin with a reading by local poet Lale Davidson followed by the open mic. Each open mic participant has five minutes to read two short poems or one long one. Storytellers have five minutes to tell, narrate or perform their piece. Please be respectful of your fellow writers by reading for five minutes or less. Lite refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling 518-584-1621. Open to the public. Suggested donation: $5.

Saturday, April 13

2024 Sustainability Fair

Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free family-friendly event will allow attendees to explore the latest in eco-friendly topics and innovations and gives kids the opportunity to dive into fun and learning all day. An exciting opportunity for community members to discuss sustainability, connect with local sustainable businesses and organizations, and learn about innovative climate solutions and ways to get involved. For more about the event and activity schedule, visit https://sustainablesaratoga.org/2024-saratoga-sustainability-fair/

Brooks BBQ

Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Road, Wilton | 3 – 6 p.m.  Take out only. Dinner includes Half Chicken, Baked Potato, Coleslaw & Roll. $15 Cash and Venmo accepted. Send an email to TrinityUMCGlen@gmail.com or call 518-584-9107 or 518-727-8573.   Pre-order recommended.

Lasagna Dinner 

Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville | 4 – 6 p.m.  Meat and vegetarian lasagna, salad, bread, and brownies will be available.  The cost is $15 for adults, $8 for children 8 years old and younger.  The dinner will be take-out with limited seating to eat in.  Reservations suggested. Call Chris at 518-695-6638 for reservations.

Pancake Supper 

Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 5 – 7 p.m. Menu:  homemade buttermilk pancakes, sausage, Maple Valley maple syrup, milk, coffee, tea.  Ticket price: $10 (3 pancakes/3 sausage) $5 for children 12 & under (2 pancakes/1 sausage).  

Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance

Milton Community Center. 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa |7 – 10 p.m. The dance is open to the public.  Ample free parking. There will be a donation of $5 per person. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Dance to the music of Peaceful Country Band. (Adults Only). For more information call 518-490-2851. 

Underwater SeaPerch Robotics 

The Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The first session of a workshop series for teens in middle school and older.  SeaPerch is an international program that gives teens an opportunity to be part of a real-world engineering and design project to build an underwater ROV (robot).  Remaining sessions will be April 20, May 18, June 1, and June 15.  Attendance at every session is not required.  Please register by calling 518-882-6385.

Sunday, April 14

The Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage Annual Meeting

Gideon Putnam Room, Saratoga State Park Offices Admin Building, 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs | 1 p.m. This program is open to the public. Light refreshments will be available to guests. Learn about the many accomplishments The Friends have achieved over this past year and the exciting new endeavors in store for 2024, while enjoying music by Tom Smith, and the first program of the season: Saratoga County Poorhouse, presented by Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts. Guests will also hear about the monumental milestones we’ve celebrated over these past few years and our ambitious plans for the future. Followed by an official business meeting for Members only.

Monday, April 15

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. We will have a 50/50 and an open forum for our April meeting. Speakers are arranged for the next three meetings, so please save the Monday dates May 20, June 17, and July 15. Please contact with questions: Leader Gordon Blyth, gordonsblyth@gmail.com, (917) 887-7980. Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com 518- 810-8483.

Song Swap with Jeff Walton

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 7 – 9 p.m. Grab your favorite acoustic (or electric) instrument, bring your love of music, and join us for an informal song swap led by local musician, Jeff Walton. Feel free to bring your own tunes to play and share. No registration is required. 

Tuesday, April 16

Trivia Night

Anne’s Washington Inn 111 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 – 9 p.m. This event, hosted by Saratoga County History Center will support the programs of Brookside Museum. The event will include an Italian style buffet dinner generously provided by Mama Mia’s Restaurant, dessert, and coffee.  A cash bar for beer and wine will be available to our guests aged 21 and over.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will begin at 6 p.m.  Well-known local Trivia Night host Casey Blum, “That NY Trivia Guy” will open the friendly competition beginning at 7 p.m. Trivia categories will include questions on local history as well as the standard trivia topics. The cost for the evening is $40 per person. To register:  https:/brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/69015-history-center-trivia-night

Town of Greenfield Historical Society Meeting

Town of Greenfield Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center | 7 p.m. 

Program: Ice Harvesting hosted by Tom Ragosta, President of the Watervliet Historical Society and Watervliet City Historian. The program will include a brief history of ice harvesting during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as well as the process used in storing natural ice. The program will include a display of various artifacts used in the ice harvesting process. The event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday,
April 17

Pickin’ Session Afternoon Jam 

Milton Community Center 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 1 – 3 p.m. Open to the public, free admission, and ample free parking. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel and bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience, and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call 518-885-4229 with questions.

Prime Rib 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: prime rib, roasted redskin potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll. Cost is $15 per dinner. Cash only.

Astronomy Club

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  We will review our moon challenge results and photos taken during the solar eclipse.  Michael Noonan will give a presentation on “Amateur Astro Photography,” and he will share photos of his comet and star tracking experiences.  Teens and adults are welcome to join.  The session will end with stargazing.  What will we see this time?  Call 518-882-6385 to register. 

Two Towns-One Book Author Visit

Gowana Middle School Auditorium, Shenendehowa Campus, 970 Route 146, Clifton Park | 7 p.m. Cookbook author and renowned food critic Ruth Reichl joins us as part of our Two Towns-One Book events. Please note: Registration required. Call Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library at 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Medical Aid in Dying

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs, 624 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7 – 8:30 p.m.  Come hear Dr. David Pratt speak about the Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) bill. Learn how you can help pass this important legislation. Hosted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs and co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County. Register here for the zoom option: 

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEkcOqrrDIvEtGEEb

Vj5zMuEKv5JxVnGP72. 

For more information, contact Lucy Manning at lucymnnng@gmail.com

Thursday, April 18

Beginner Birding Workshop 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 – 7 p.m. Join Mark Silo and John Loz from the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society.  Attendees will learn about available resources before heading outside to look for birds to identify.  It is recommended to wear boots.  Please bring binoculars if you can.  For ages 8 through adult.  Please register by calling 518-882-6385.

Networking at Night 

Bailey’s Café, 37 Phila St., Saratoga Springs |5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The local business networking group “Networking at Night” will host a fundraiser, with 100% of the proceeds going to support Wellspring Saratoga. The event, with a suggested donation of $20, combines professional networking opportunities with a charitable cause, while also offering attendees the chance to engage with fellow professionals, enjoy a taco bar, drink specials, and participate in raffles and a silent auction. 

The Composting Evolution At The Market

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

The Friends of the Market, a group supporting the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, started a composting program seven years ago. The program started small but quickly had overfilled bins, and for years it was hosted by Jim Carlson and Himanee Gupta of Squash Villa Farm. Jim brought and hauled the bins back to their farm and incorporated the material into their compost piles, helping rejuvenate soil at their former Greenfield Center site.

In 2022, Gupta received an award through Empire State University’s Foundation that gave her funds to develop projects tied to her scholarly and mentoring work as a professor with Empire State; by that point, Squash Villa had moved to a larger site in Easton. Running the growing farm required more time and effort, and Gupta had hoped the compost collection could evolve into something new. That is how the Scraps to Soil program began.

“I always had had a dream to close the loop on the compost project and bring bags of soil back to market customers; soil created from the food scraps they brought to the market,” explained Gupta.

The market contracted with Hope LaBonty, owner of Loving Earth Compost, who brought bins to the market every Wednesday and Saturday during the outdoor market season. As part of the agreement, Loving Earth Compost turned the scraps into soil and then brought the soil bags to the market, where they were sold in October 2023. The program was popular, and frequent shoppers looked forward to this weekly service.

Recognizing the community’s support of the program, the board voted to take the profit from the soil sale and apply it to continue contracting with Loving Earth Compost for the winter market. Due to a shortage of funding, the market could only contract for one small bin at the indoor/winter market, which is commonly overflowing.

In an effort to continue to provide and expand this service to the community, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, a 501(c)3 organization, is planning a series of fundraising efforts to support the composting program, along with educational outreach and activities, a summer kids club and community festivals. One of our upcoming events to help fund these services will be in June with a Festival of Lanterns. You can support the market with a $25 donation or amount of choice by visiting the market on Saturday or email us at sfma.manager@gmail.com for more information on how you can contribute to the market.

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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BEARS Bonanza Event to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services (WSWHE BOCES) will host its first “BEARS Bonanza” event at the F. Donald Myers Education Center on April 12 from 9:30 a.m. until noon in celebration of Autism Awareness Month. 

BEARS is the acronym for BOCES Educating Autistic and Related Disorders Students. BEARS programs are designed primarily for students who have a diagnosis of autism, and are in grades K-12 and up to age 21. The programs serve students with disabilities resulting in multi-sensory or motor deficiencies and developmental lags in language, cognitive, affective and psychomotor areas. 

BEARS classes are in multiple locations but on this day, they will all come together to celebrate. Career and Technical Education students, related service providers, and volunteers will help create a safe and sensory-friendly festival for students. The day will include exploring trucks, making crafts, decorating cookies, participating in obstacle courses, enjoying face painting, petting animals in a small petting zoo, and listening to music by Jack of the Zucchini Brothers.

Local Author Releases Children’s Book

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Cover art for the children’s book “Brianna’s Brave Day at School” provided by author Francine Apy.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local author Francine Apy has released a children’s book, “Brianna’s Brave Day at School,” which is now available on Amazon. A virtual book launch will occur on Thursday, April 18.

The story is designed to open up a heartfelt conversation about adoption, set within the backdrop of a school day. It’s based on an event that happened to one of Francine’s children. 

“It’s a book crafted with love, aimed at nurturing understanding among our youngest readers,” Apy told Saratoga TODAY.

Apy is also the founder of SoulFilling, which was created to empower the adoption community with stories of resilience. “I started SoulFilling as a way to be a Beacon to the adoption community and beyond,” Apy said. “My mission is to make the conversation of adoption more conversational, mainstream, educational, at home, school, and in our communities. One way I can do this is through writing a children’s book.” 

To learn more about SoulFilling or to schedule a time for Apy to come to your local elementary school to read “Brianna’s Brave Day at School,” visit www.SoulFillingAdoption.com.

Apy also has a Mother’s Day special on the site, where a custom designed adoption pendant that Briana wears in the story can be purchased.

Spring Into Style: Discovering the Latest Eyewear Trends and Sales

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.

As the flowers bloom and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to refresh not just our wardrobes but also our eyewear collection. Spring is the perfect season to embrace new styles and trends, and what better way to do so than by exploring the latest frames and sales in eyewear? Whether you’re looking for a chic upgrade or a practical addition to your family’s eyewear arsenal, there’s something for everyone this season.

EMBRACING SPRING TRENDS

Spring brings with it a fresh wave of eyewear trends that effortlessly blend fashion and functionality. Here are some trends to watch out for:

Bold Colors: Say goodbye to muted tones and embrace vibrant hues that reflect the energy of spring. From electric blues to fiery reds and sunny yellows, bold colors are making a statement in eyewear this season.

Vintage-Inspired Frames: Retro never goes out of style, and this spring, vintage-inspired frames are making a comeback. Think oversized square frames, cat-eye shapes, and classic aviators with a modern twist. (Oppenheim)

Translucent Frames: Light and airy, translucent frames are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your spring look. Whether in subtle pastel shades or clear acetate, these frames offer a contemporary yet versatile appeal.

Sporty Sunglasses: With outdoor activities in full swing, sporty sunglasses are a must-have for the whole family. Look for frames with polarized lenses, wraparound styles for added coverage, and lightweight materials for comfort during active pursuits.

EXPLORING SPRING SALES

In addition to exciting new trends, spring brings fantastic opportunities to score great deals on eyewear. Many optical office and stores offer seasonal sales and promotions, making it the perfect time to update your eyewear collection without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for:

End-of-Season Clearance Sales: Optical boutiques often discount last season’s styles to make room for new inventory. Take advantage of these clearance sales to snag stylish frames at discounted prices. Since most new frames are released in March, April and May are popular times for sales of eyewear!

Spring Break Specials: Planning a getaway for spring break? Many eyewear retailers offer special promotions and discounts during this time, making it an ideal opportunity to invest in a stylish pair of sunglasses for the whole family. (Maui Jim!)

Exclusive Offers: Keep an eye out for exclusive spring sales and flash deals. Sign up for newsletters from your local eye doctor or follow your favorite brands on social media to stay updated on the latest promotions.

Bundle Deals: Most optical offices offer bundle deals for multiple purchases, allowing you to purchase multiple pairs of glasses at a discounted price. This is a great option when you are looking to update more than one pair of glasses like computer or sunglasses.

Conclusion:

As we welcome the warmth and brightness of spring, let’s embrace the opportunity to refresh our eyewear collection with the latest trends and sales. Whether you’re drawn to bold colors, vintage-inspired frames, or sporty sunglasses, there’s a style to suit every taste and need. Keep an eye out for spring sales and promotions, and don’t hesitate to treat yourself and your family to a stylish upgrade in eyewear. After all, seeing the world through trendy lenses is the perfect way to welcome the season in style.

Susan Halstead is a Nationally and NYS Licensed Optician and is the Owner of Family Vision Care Center at 205 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. FVCC has been serving Saratoga County since 1920 with Susan as the third owner. Susan can be reached for comments or questions via text or call (518)584-6111 or email Susan@familyvisioncarecenter.com