Rose Mary Hesling
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rose Mary Hesling, age 89, passed away on February 3 at Wesley Health Care Center. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
Author: Saratoga TODAY
Richard M. Garrison
GREENFIELD CENTER —Richard M. Garrison died February 4. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 9 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Family and friends may pay their respects from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
Dr. Mark Joseph Levenson
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Mark Joseph Levenson, 77, died peacefully at home with his loving family by his side, February 2, after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma. Friends and family are invited to a celebration that will be held on February 15 at 550 Waterfront, Saratoga Springs from 4-6 p.m.
25th Annual Chowderfest: To Take Place Saturday, Feb. 10
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 25th Annual Chowderfest will be held 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.
“It’s the 25th year of Chowderfest in Saratoga Springs. There will be 80-plus participating restaurants and vendors, there will be live music, kids’ activities, collectable hats and shirts for sale.” Saratoga Springs Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran told the City Council last month.
“The anticipated attendance is between 30,000 and 40,000 in downtown Saratoga. We are ready to bring these crowds into the community to celebrate. Knock on wood we get great weather and I’m certainly looking forward to seeing everybody. We’re going to show the world this is a community that knows how to welcome guests and to show them everything this city has to offer,” Moran said.
The family-friendly event invites participants to savor 4 oz. chowder samples at $2 each from more than 80 Saratoga County establishments.
In addition to chowder, downtown Saratoga Springs will host live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Free shuttles from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. will be available at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Exclusive 25th-anniversary long-sleeve shirts ($15 or $17 for XXL), beanies ($10) and collectible spoons ($5) will be available for purchase at the Saratoga Springs City Center and Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center while supplies last.
“For 25 years, Chowderfest has woven itself into our community’s fabric as a cherished tradition. Join us as we mark this milestone with surprises and unforgettable flavors – it’s destined to make history,” Darryl Leggieri, president at Discover Saratoga said in a statement.
Voting will take place online at discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest/vote. One vote per device will be accepted and voting closes at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced at 6 p.m. at Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.
Discover Saratoga is also conducting a promotion during Chowderfest which allows attendees who download the new mobile app and check-in at participating establishments to earn entries into a drawing for $1,000 in gift cards to Saratoga businesses and restaurants. One winner will be chosen.
The Discover Saratoga mobile app is free and available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information regarding Chowderfest, visit discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest or call 518-584-1531.
Annual Flurry Festival Set for Feb. 16-18 in the Spa City
The 36th annual Flurry Festival is coming this month.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The 36th Annual Flurry Festival will take place Feb. 16-18 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
Over the course of the weekend, thousands of attendees will be immersed in dozens of traditional dance and music genres, including swing, contra, blues, square and line dancing, Cajun, Zydeco, English country, Balkan, Scandinavian, Latin, Scottish, tango, fusion, international, Irish, balfolk, African, Appalachian dance, and more.
“The festival is a national treasure among certain communities,” said Jonathan Greene, Program Curator of the festival, in a statement. “People travel from all over the country, even some from abroad, to experience this one-of-a-kind festival. It’s that classic thing where locals don’t always know what we have here.”
More than 300 performers and teachers will present 221 sessions, including concerts, demonstrations, dance instruction, instrument workshops, jams, storytelling, singing, and participatory dances.
Different types of participatory dances are done solo, partnered, or in community groups, and there’s no need to come with a partner as switching is common for many styles. Non-dancers or musicians will be able to participate by attending jams, performances, sing-a-longs, and educational workshops.
Families can join in simple American and international dances, listen to multicultural stories, and attend concerts, Stuntology, and a crankie show. Other youth activities include singing, movement, body percussion, and improv workshops, along with world dance, a Wizard of Oz puppet show and puppet-making workshop, a teen music showcase, and teen jams.
Full or partial weekend tickets can be purchased online through Feb. 11 or throughout the weekend at the door, with discounts available for seniors, under age 26, and military. Scholarship tickets are available for those in need, and children 12 and under are free.
Learn more about the 2024 Flurry Festival and view performers and schedules at www.flurryfestival.org.
Applications Available for The Hawley Foundation For Children Community Grants And Camp Awards
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Hawley Foundation for Children is accepting funding requests for its Community Grants and Camp Awards.
Local organizations that assist youth in our community and best realize the Foundation’s mission of promoting the health, welfare and education of children in Saratoga County are invited to apply no later than March 1, 2024, at HawleyFoundation.org. Funding criteria includes but is not limited to: Organizations must serve disadvantaged children in Saratoga County; Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) non-profit status; Programs to be funded must demonstrate the ability and commitment to benefit, enhance and enrich the quality of life and well-being of children.
In 2023, The Hawley Foundation awarded over $150,000 to the Saratoga County community towards Community Grants, Camp Awards, College Grants to high school seniors who are college-bound or vocational-oriented, as well as returning college students, and as discretionary funds to assist children on a case-by-case basis who are in financial need and reside in Saratoga County.
Applicants will be notified in early April and funds distributed at an Award Ceremony in May. For more information, contact info@hawleyfoundation.org.
Golf Club Unveils “VP Suites” Simulators
CLIFTON PARK — Van Patten Golf Club unveiled its “VP Suites” golf simulators last Thursday. Using the aG Curve Golf Simulators created by aboutGOLF, players can tee-off virtually at a variety of acclaimed courses, such Pebble Beach Golf Links, while also obtaining ball data such as speed, carry distance, and backspin.
“This is a pivotal moment for us, and we’re eager to share our vision for the future of golf at Van Patten,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Golf at Van Patten Golf Club, in a statement.
To learn more, visit www.vanpattengolf.com/vpsuites.
WMHT to Premiere Original Documentary Featuring Gospel Music in the Capital Region
Photo provided.
ALBANY — WMHT Public Media will hold a free, public screening for the premiere of its new documentary, Echoes of Praise: Gospel Music in NY’s Capital Region.
The event takes place 6 p.m. on Feb. 9 at The Linda, WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Ave., Albany, featuring preview clips of Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s GOSPEL and companion concert Gospel LIVE! and will conclude with a live performance by The Heavenly Echoes Gospel Band. The event is free, but registration is required at: https://bit.ly/48UuQ3W
The WMHT documentary was produced to complement the Black History Month launch of Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s four-hour PBS docuseries GOSPEL, and provides a window into local gospel music in NY’s Capital Region. It showcases several area congregations with deep connections to gospel music, including Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, Friendship Baptist Church in Schenectady, and Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist Church in Albany. It will premiere on WMHT at 9 p.m. on Feb. 12.
Racing City Chorus – Quartet Singing Valentine
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs based Racing City Chorus is now accepting your order for Singing Valentines for Wednesday, Feb. 14. A barbershop quartet dressed in tuxedos, will serenade your special someone with a love song, deliver a rose and a sampler of chocolates.
Quartets will go to their workplace, school, restaurant, nursing home, residence or other venue in the Saratoga region and surrounding area.
Rusty Senecal, president of Racing City Chorus states, “this is a great way to provide a unique and lasting gift to your loved one.”
Visit racingcitychorus.org for more details. Contact 518-504-SING (7464) to order your Singing Valentine.
