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Author: Saratoga TODAY

PHISH At SPAC: More Than $3.5M Raised For Flood Recovery Efforts

SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than $3.5 million was raised as a result of two benefit concerts at SPAC by Phish to aid flood recovery efforts in Vermont and Upstate New York.  

Staged Aug. 25 – 26, both shows featured special pre-show acoustic sets with Phish’s Page McConnell and Trey Anastasio, while the Saturday, Aug. 26 performance saw Phish joined on stage by a surprise appearance from guitarist Derek Trucks.

The two concerts were additionally webcast for free at LivePhish.com and Phish’s YouTube channel, allowing fans around the world the opportunity to donate directly to The WaterWheel Foundation’s 2023 Flood Recovery Fund. 

Monies raised from both events include 100% of net proceeds from all ticket revenues and merchandise sales, as well as individual donations. Individuals can still donate to WaterWheel through PayPal at:  http://waterwheelfoundation.org.

Caffè Lena: Upcoming in September 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Caffe Lena celebrates 20 years of Poetry Open Mic with a 4-hour open reading, hosted by the legendary Capital Region poet Mary Panza.

All poets and spoken word artists are welcome to share their work, and each reader will have five minutes at the mic. Pre-registration required.

 Cassandra Kubinski in Concert: The Saratoga Sessions EP Release, on Wednesday Sept. 27, at 7 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton performs two shows – at 4 p.m. and at 7 p.m., on Sunday, Sept. 24. 

Singer/Songwriter/Climate Activist Vienna Teng performs at 8 p.m. on Friday Sept. 29 & Saturday Sept. 30, and at 7 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 1

Carlos Santana – Global Premiere of Documentary to Screen in September

ALBANY — Legendary guitarist and 10-time Grammy-winning global icon Carlos Santana will be feature in a new documentary screening this month.  

The film launches in theaters with a three-day premiere event – CARLOS: The Santana Journey Global Premiere Sept. 23, 24 & 27. The Global Premiere screenings include the CARLOS documentary plus exclusive introductory content featuring Santana and and two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Rudy Valdez (The Sentence, We Are: The Brooklyn Saints), plus music industry luminaries.

Santana has been a frequent performer at Saratoga Performing Arts Center – sharing stage billing with Eric Clapton (1975), Phish (1992), Bob Dylan (1993), the Allman Brothers band (2012), as well as numerous featured appearances as the sole headliner dating back several decades.  

As per current theatre listings, Spa City fans interested in attending the screening of the film will have to travel to Albany, however.  Local theaters showing the new documentary are Regal Colonie Center, Regal Crossgates, and Landmark Spectrum 8, according to listings.  

 For more information, the most up-to-date information about participating theaters worldwide, and to purchase tickets, go to: www.carlosfilm.com.

September 1 – September 7, 2023

John Oates Benefit Concert

An evening of songs and stories and horses! Oates was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004, and in 2014 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of Daryl Hall & John Oates. His memoir, Change of Seasons, was published in 2017. John is an avid horseman who believes in the mission we are serving here at THS and all proceeds from this concert will go to the betterment of horses in aftercare that are aiding to heal people right here in our community. Location: Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, 683 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 on September 8 at 7 p.m. The John Oates Concert is an open-seating event. 

Become a Sponsor to receive a reserved table! For tickets, visit www.thsaratoga.org. 

29th Annual Town of Greenfield Townwide Garage and Craft Sale

Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Rain or Shine. Sales d throughout town. Several events including a vendor/craft sale, Greenfield Lions Food and Lions Silent Auction, Greenfield Leo Club Food Drive all at 31 Wilton Rd. Kids eye screening for 6 mo. – age 7 at the Community Center from noon – 2 p.m. Email Lion Andrea Penamora at abishhop24@hotmail.com for a time slot. Other events at the Greenfield Center Baptist Church (Sat Only) include Saratoga County Animal Shelter adoption event, Birthright of Ballston Spa and Adopt-A-Soldier program. The Middle Grove Methodist Church is having a drive thru Chicken BBQ Sat 3 – 6 p.m. or until sold out. Maps available at the Stewart’s in Greenfield and Middle Grove, Greenfield Center Baptist Church, and Lions Info/Silent Auction Tent at 31 Wilton Road.

Meet The Breeds

September 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  at the 4-H Training Center, located at 556 Middle Line Rd. Ballston Spa. Open to Public-Free Event-Demonstrations-Vendors-Family Fun. Dog lovers’ opportunity to discover popular and rare breeds, while learning responsible dog ownership and fun activities you can do with your dogs. Learn about each breed’s historical purpose, traits and which breeds may be right for your family. Meet with local canine businesses including pet groomers and veterinarians. Call 1-518-885-8995 for more information.

Book Signing and Reading

Come to the Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave. on Saturday, September 9 at 1 p.m. for a book signing and reading with novelist and tv writer, Matt Witten. He will present his newest novel, Killer Story. Books will be available to purchase and sign. Fans of murder mystery novels and true crime podcasts are sure to enjoy this novel. Mr. Witten lived in Saratoga Springs, where he wrote four mystery novels, then moved to LA and began writing for TV: Law & Order, House, Pretty Little Liars, CSI: Miami, and other shows. This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit: bspl.sals.edu or call 518-885-5022.

Our Songs Remember

Saturday, September 9 at Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Saratoga Springs History Museum presents “Our Songs Remember,” a program of music and traditional tales drawn from the rich indigenous history of our Saratoga Region, including Abenaki, Mohican, and Haudenosaunee stories and songs. Presented by Nulhegan Abenaki tradition bearers Jesse and Joseph Bruchac of the Ndakinna Education Center, in tandem with the History Museum’s newest exhibit, First Saratogians. Reserve your free tickets at saratogahistory.org/events.

Equilibrium

A collaborative improvisation between the Rock City Falls Trio’s electric harpist Alex Chang, double bassist Jason Handron and percussionist Adam Forman and NYC-based visual artist Christian A. Mendoza. The performance is supported by a Saratoga Arts Community Arts Regrant and is the first of improvisation-based performances at The Barn at Rock City Falls that will feature interdisciplinary improvisation, highlighting the open collaborative process of music and live painting between the artists. September 9, 3 – 5 p.m. at The Barn at Rock City Falls, located at 710 Rt 29, Rock City Falls. RSVP required; limited seating. https://tinyurl.com/equilibriumimprov

Equine Advocates 22 Annual Gala 

An evening with Judy Collins, preceded by a live auction. Pre-performance Cocktail Party for sponsors and VIP Ticket holders. Saturday, September 9, 6 p.m. at PS21, 2980 State Route 66, Chatham, NY 120378. For more details, visit equineadvocates.org or call 518-392-0175. 

PS21/Performance Spaces for the 21st Century is a contemporary arts venue in the Hudson Valley presenting innovative programming by leading and emerging artists in music, dance, theater, contemporary performance, and the visual and multimedia arts.

Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance

Saturday, September 9 at 7 – 10 p.m.The dance will be at the Milton Community Center

310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. Open to the public and ample free parking. There will be a Donation of $5 per person.Snack and refreshment will be provided. Dance to the music of the Old Time Country Band. (Adults Only). For more information call 518-430-7029.

13th Annual Curtis Lumber Car and Truck Show

Sunday, September 10, 11a.m. – 3 p.m. 885 State Route 67, Ballston Spa.  

Join us for a great day of fun and beautiful show vehicles at one of the largest car and truck shows in the Capital Region!  Free for spectators.  All makes of cars, trucks, and tuners are welcome. (no cut-off years). $20 per pre-registered online show vehicle or $25 show vehicle registration day of show. 40+ awards and trophies will be awarded!  Music by DJ Jason La Juene of Raven Events, giveaways, face painting, balloon twisting, 50/50 raffle, food trucks, and more! Benefits WTEN Pet Connection. Leashed pets welcome. Details: www.CurtisLumberCarShow.com or on Facebook!     

Annual Chicken BBQ 

St. Therese Chapel in Gansevoort will hold their annual Chicken BBQ on Sunday, September 10 from 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. or sold out.  Dinners include half a chicken, corn on the cob, baked potato, coleslaw, and a homemade dessert.  Dinners $15/ea.  The Chapel is located at the intersection of RT 32 and Gansevoort-Wilton Rd.  For Reservations Call 518-792-2276.  Reserved meals must be paid for and picked up by 2 p.m.  

Fall 5-Week 4-H Shooting Sports Course 

Meets Every Tuesday evening, September 12 – October 10 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the 4-H Training Center located at 556 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa.Youth will learn the basics of Air Pistol, Archery, Muzzleloader, Rifle and Shotgun with a focus on Safety, Ethics, and Personal Responsibility. Open to Youth 12 years-old and older. To sign up, visit  https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=SC4HShootingSportsFall2023_241 or Contact Leland at glb76@cornell.edu for more information.

Donnybrook Open Golf Outing

Commodore John Barry Div. #1 Saratoga Springs. Friday, September 15, Airway Meadows Golf Course, rain or shine. Cost is  $100 per golfer by Sept. 8. Cash or checks payable to Saratoga AOH at P.O. Box 205 Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866. For more info see saratogaaoh.com. 

Registration at 7:45 a.m. Raffles, prizes, 50-50 , longest drive and closest to the pin. Includes 18 holes with cart, light lunch at the turn with award reception following featuring assorted wraps and BBQ chicken.

Annual Charity Golf Tournament 

Saturday, September 16 at Hales Mills Country Club, Johnstown. Cost is $125 per golfer, $500 for foursome. Includes: 18 holes of golf, cart and lunch. Registration is at 8 a.m. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. followed by players feast and awards ceremony at Village Pizzeria, 2727 Route 29, Middle Grove. 518-882-9431 or www.villagepizzeria.com.

A Self-Guided Walking Tour Honoring Local Families and Veterans

Bacon Hill Cemetery Association proudly presents “A Self-Guided Walking Tour Honoring Local Families and Veterans” on Saturday, September 16, (rain date Sunday, September 17) from 2-4 p.m.  Please join us as our re-enactors and speakers share the history of many Bacon Hill families and veterans.  Admission is free but donations are accepted and appreciated as we strive to keep our cemetery preserved.  The cemetery is located on Stonebridge Rd. directly across the road from the Bacon Hill Reformed Church at 560 Rte. 32N, Schuylerville, NY.  Parking is available at the church.

Sustainable Saratoga Volunteer Open House

Sunday, September 17, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Saratoga Springs Public Library- Dutcher Community Room. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about Sustainable Saratoga is welcome to attend. Find out about our current volunteer opportunities in Urban Forestry, Pollinator Protection, Land Use, Zero Waste, and Climate and Energy. We will start with a presentation about each of our 5 committees, followed by a meet and greet session where you can talk with our executive director, board members, and committee members.

Fall Rising Stars

Saratoga Children’s Theatre most popular program no offered as a morning class during the school year. Ages 3 – 6, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. These stars-to-be will learn to explore their creativity through music, storytelling, movement, and art. Both fun and educational, we have created our Rising Stars program to provide a warm and nurturing environment, giving campers a wonderful introduction to the theatre arts. A small performance will take place at the end of each week. Frozen Week – September 18, 20, and 22. Encanto Week – October 2, 4, and 6. Paw Patrol Week – October 16, 18, and 20. Cost is $95/week. To register, visit https://www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org/classes-workshops. 

Homesteading on a 1/2 Acre Class 

Sign-ups now available. Brookside Museum and the Milton Grange are offering 5 classes designed to help you start and be successful Homesteading. Five classes are set up to take you from starting your homestead, growing vegetables and protein and preserving them. Classes begin on Tuesday, September 19 – Tuesday, October 17, 6:30 p.m. Join us and register today. Space is limited and we are looking forward to seeing you.

Sons of ITAM Chicken BBQ

Hamburger/Hot Dogs & Salad served from noon – 4 p.m. Chicken BBQ, baked potato, and corn on the Cob served at 4 p.m. Tickets $20 per person. Saturday, September 23. I|TAM 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs. 

Community Rummage Sale and Savory Soups

Saturday, September 23,10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Charlton Freehold Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Need to make some space – get rid of things you don’t use?  Put up your items for sale to become somebody else’s treasure. Rent a table and space for $15. For information or to make a reservation call 518-399-2873 or email office@charltonfreehold.org.  Savory Soups: Stop and choose from a selection of savory soups to take home and enjoy on this first day of Fall.

2023 AFS Hearts for the Arts Festival

The Adirondack Folk School is hosting its annual Gala. Friends and supporters will gather for hors d’oeuvres, dinner, our ever-popular Silent Auction and our annual Patron of the Arts honor on Saturday evening, September 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hitching Post Café, 1256 Lake Ave., (9N) Lake Luzerne. Cost is $75 for members and $100 for non-members. Tickets for the event may be purchased through the Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, 518-696-2400.  Seating is limited guests, so please make your reservations early and give your dinner choice, prime ribs, salmon or vegetarian (includes dessert). Cash bar. www.adirondackfolkschool.org. 

Senior Trip to the Castles

Old Saratoga Seniors are hosting a trip to the Castles of New York.  This will be three days, 2 nights on October 4-6, 2023.  The cost will be $469 for members.  For more information and to reserve a seat contact Peg Jennings or Pat Temple at 518-338-2329.

Annual Fall Bazaar

For the Benefit of the Ballston Area Seniors Saturday October 7, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town of Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. Come out to our Fall Bazaar and get into the holiday spirit. Ther will be crafters, artisans, and product booths. Crafts, Country Café, Bake Goods, Books & Puzzles, Pie Table, Quilts & 50/50 Raffle. Raffle featuring Baskets with gift cards, services, assorted items, etc. Don’t have to be present to win. 

Crocheting 101 with Signature Elements

Saturdays in October at the Saratoga Children’s Theatre. Explore the latest TikTok trend with us and learn to crochet! Whether you are a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, come join Erin Signer and learn to use your hands in a new art form! In this class we’ll learn and understand the differences of wool and the mechanics as well as crocheting a scarf. You’ll be learning a tactile skill helps with anxiety in a tech saturated world! Class Schedule: October 7 12-2pm, October 14 12-1pm, October 21 12-1p.m.,

October 28 12-2 p.m. Class Fee: $65 (6 people max). One Time Kit Fee: $50 (Includes super washed, hand-dyed merino wool yarn, crochet hooks, stitch markers, darning needle, scissors, and an SCT notebook). Sign up before September and you will be able to choose your wool color between purple and green. Please email leigh@saratogachildrenstheatre.org with your selection. (Must be PAID prior to us accepting your color choice).

Malta Cultural Arts Festival – Call for Vendors

The Malta Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services is looking for craft and food vendors in celebration of artists of various cultures and art forms at the 2023 Malta Cultural Arts Festival to be held on Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. inside and outside the grounds of the David R. Meager Malta Community Center at 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta. Deadline for application submission is Thursday, September 25. Please contact the Malta Community Center AT 518-899-4411 or email kgottmann@malta-town.org for an application or additional information. 

The 26th Annual “Autumn Jewels” Judged Art Show 

Held at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., from October 3 to October 30. This show is sponsored by Southern Saratoga Art Society and is open to all area artists. Entries will be judged, and cash prizes awarded in both the fine arts and photography. An award reception for all artists, families and friends will be held on Monday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. For rules, entry fees, entry forms and where to mail your entry please visit: southernsaratogaartist.com or visit us on Facebook.

LIVESTRONG – Golf Scramble and Dinner

Friday, October 6 at Saratoga Lake Golf Course, 35 Grace Moore Rd., Saratoga Springs. 10 a.m. Golf scramble registration and lunch buffet. At 11 a.m. golf scramble shotgun and 5 p.m. LIVESTRONG Dinner. Proceeds benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. Contact Kirstin Swartz at 518-583-9622, ext. 108 or by email, kirstin.swartz@srymaca.org. 

Travel with the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) to an Italian Cooking School 

Have you dreamed of living in a seventeenth century palazzo nestled on a hilltop village in the romantic Italian countryside? ALL is sponsoring a gourmet retreat and cooking school November 11-18, 2023. We will tour a historic or culinary attraction each day and begin cooking late afternoons under the guidance of a professional chef before enjoying a four-course dinner with local wines each evening.   This small group experience includes all meals and six nights in a beautifully restored historic palazzo.  For more details, contact goedventures@gmail.com

September 1 – September 7, 2023

Friday, September 1

Historian Walking Tour: Ballston Spa Sensory Tour ?

Meet and End at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa. 10 – 11:30 a.m. Explore oft-forgotten details of a community’s history on this interactive tour with SCHC Director of Education, Anne Clothier. All ages are welcome to join us as we explore the history of Ballston Spa’s industries, hotels, schools, mineral springs, and more. The tour is approximately 1.25 miles. Dress for the weather – sturdy shoes and a water bottle are recommended. In case of truly inclement weather, we will enjoy a virtual tour indoors at the museum. Recommended donation is $10 per group (individual, couple or family).

Saturday, September 2

Cars & Coffee ?

The Town of Greenfield Lions Club are hosting a Cars & Coffee Event on Saturday September 2, at the Middle Grove Town Park, 430 Middle Grove Road, Middle Grove, NY from 8 to 11 a.m. Event is Free and is open to any car or truck, including daily drivers. There will be a 50-50 raffle and door prizes for entered vehicles. This event is being sponsored by Ryan’s Garage. The Greenfield Lions will be selling fresh breakfast sandwiches and coffee. The public is invited to check out the vehicles.

Saturday Morning Social ?

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 – 11 a.m.  The Museum will offer free admission during this time, thanks to the sponsorship from the Belmont Child Care Association. There will be complimentary coffee and doughnuts courtesy of Stewart’s Shops and water courtesy of Saratoga Water. The morning program will feature activities for kids by Amplify Horse Racing and a handicapping seminar by Tom Amello of Trackfacts. Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost: Free to attend.

The Jockey & Her Horse ?

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. Two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and New York Times reporter Sarah Maslin Nir and co-author Raymond White, Jr. will unveil their new book, The Jockey & Her Horse, Inspired by the True Story of the First Black female Jockey, Cheryl White. This special event, which features a book signing and reading. Free copies of the book will be provided for attendees under the age of 18 years old, while supplies last. At 10:30 a.m., the authors will read from the book, which has a target audience of ages 8-12. Organizations participating in the event virtually include the Ed Brown Society, the Compton Cowboys, Ebony Horsewoman, and Legacy Equine Academy.

Sunday, September 3

Summer Sunday Stroll, Skidmore’s First Home

Meets at the southeast corner of Spring and Circular Streets, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. This is the final tour. Debbie Studwell will tour the area formerly home to the Young Women’s Industrial Club of Saratoga, which would later become Skidmore College. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members.  Foundation members with stroll passes need to contact the Foundation’s office to book their tour.  For additional information or to purchase tickets to any of the upcoming strolls and events visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Marcy Dreimiller, Administrative Assistant at admin@saratogapreservation.org.

Monday, September 4

Last Day – Saratoga Race Course

267 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | Gates open at 11 a.m. The 2023 summer meet will come to a close on Labor Day with the traditional final feature race, the Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds, which affords racing fans a preview of potential standouts in next year’s Triple Crown series and Travers.

Tuesday, September 5

Monthly Meeting: The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA)

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd. Saratoga Springs | 5:45 p.m. Court McLaughlin #422 members gather for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments.  The meeting will begin 6:30 p.m. CDA is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. Please join us. Any questions? Contact our Regent Lucille Koch by phone or text at 516-319-4577. 

Wednesday, September 6

Academy Open House & Fall 2023 Course Preview 

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 2 – 3:30 p.m. Academy for Lifelong Learning invites you to discover what the Academy is all about. Hear from course leaders on the 20 noncredit fall courses being offered in and around Saratoga starting the week of October 2. Free and open to the public, snacks and light refreshments will be served. Register by emailing Academy Events Chair, Lois Pflomm at lpflomm@yahoo.com. For a fall course brochure, go to www.allsaratoga.org, call 518-290-6988, or email jeff@allsaratoga.org. 

Roast Pork 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: roast pork, mashed potatoes, vegetable, stuffing, applesauce, gravy, and roll, tossed salad. Dinner $15. (Cash only).  

Pickin’s Session ?

Ballston Area Seniors, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 9 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. Doors open 6 p.m. 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.

Poetry Reading ?

Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Caffè Lena will present a poetry reading by Rebecca Schumejda.  An open mic poetry reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m.  The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students. The featured reading will also be livestreamed. You can find a link for the livestream at caffelena.org. 518-583-0022.

Thursday, September 7

Galway Public Library’s Finance Committee Meeting

 2112 East St., Galway | 5:00. The public is welcome to attend. For more information, call 518-882-6385.

Concert on the Lawn: Scarlett Fever ?

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd. Clifton Park | 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us on the back lawn for an evening of music, welcoming Scarlett Fever, who play an exciting mix of classic rock and country music and fun. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Former NFL Player Gives Keynote Speech at Schuylerville Freshman Transition Day

Photo provided by Schuylerville Central School District.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Members of Schuylerville High School’s Class of 2027 recently participated in the district’s annual freshman transition summer event, which included a presentation by motivational speaker and former NFL player Ricky Sapp.

The event allows students to receive tours of the building and meet with teachers and counselors, according to a release on the district website.

Sapp was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He also played for the New York Jets and Houston Texans. He spoke to the students about viewing high school as a path to future success, the release states.

“I lived out my childhood dream of playing in the NFL, but one thing I will always have is my education,” said Sapp. “I hope you understand how important your education is. My advice for you is to figure out what you’re really passionate about. If you know what you want to do, I encourage you to go after it. If you don’t know what you want to do, I encourage you to try new things to find that passion. When you find your passion, it will never feel like work.”

Hudson Valley Community College and Russell Sage College Announce Partnership to Support Refugees

TROY — Hudson Valley Community College has announced it has been awarded a $25,000 “Every Campus a Refuge” (ECAR) grant to help support refugee resettlement in the Capital Region.

HVCC will partner with Russell Sage College, “to deliver housing, education, and essential support services to assist families as they relocate to the area,” according to a press release. 

In 2021, Russell Sage became the first college in New York State to partner with ECAR, while Hudson Valley is the first SUNY school to partner with ECAR, the release states.

“We are so pleased to partner with neighboring Russell Sage College to forge a unique partnership that will help refugee families resetting in the area and to become the first SUNY ECAR chapter,” said HVCC President Roger Ramsammy in the release. “Our goal is to ease the burden of resettlement and assist those in our own community who need essential education, language skills, job training and wraparound services to start building a new life. By collaborating with Russell Sage, we are bringing together the strengths of both colleges and plan to support ECAR families in a way that neither college could independently.” 

Russell Sage will provide temporary on-campus housing, while HVCC will provide a program coordinator and a variety of courses, including English as a second language, career preparation and high school classes, employment advice, and more, the release states. It also notes the schools will work with the U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants Albany Office (USCRI).

“This past year a number of refugees resettled by USCRI benefitted from the support of ECAR, specifically Russell Sage College, and we welcome and look forward to the opportunity to expand our partnership with HVCC,” said Dr. David Sussman, Director of USCRI Albany, in the release.

“Russell Sage College emphasizes its role in building healthier communities, and that mission includes welcoming newcomers to our community, who enhance the cultural landscape and provide us all with a deeper understanding of the world,” said Russell Sage President Christopher Ames in the release. “We are proud to partner with both ECAR and Hudson Valley in this work as it provides our students with opportunities to make a difference and helps them grow as citizens and future professionals.”

Local Businesses Collaborate to Provide Sneakers for Children

Photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, August 20, The Saratoga Winery hosted the first ever Sneakerfest, to benefit the Saratoga County Children’s Committees’ (SCCC) Back to School Program. 

The organizations collaborated with iRun LOCAL to provide sneakers for children as they prepare to return to school in September. Allo Saratoga also participated and set up activities, creating a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the afternoon. The event was wildly successful and was able to raise enough funds for over 30 pairs of sneakers for local children. This year, SCCC will provide over 60 children with back to school essentials – including backpacks, supplies, toiletries, clothing, and of course, sneakers. 

The goal is to equip students with the required school supplies to empower them and encourage a positive beginning of a new academic year.

Grand Opening Celebration of Expanded Space & Cafe at Vischer Ferry General Store 

REXFORD — Vischer Ferry General Store celebrates the opening of a new expanded retail space, along with the return of indoor seating in the updated cafe. 

Many items are made by local artists and makers and include greeting cards, candles, soaps, jewelry, home decor, vintage items and more.

The grand opening takes place 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. and includes free cider and donuts, bubble tea pop-up, and live music. 

VFGS is located at 357 Riverview Road, Rexford. For more information, call 518-579-0195, or email: info@vischerferrygeneralstore.com

Leadership Saratoga Accepting Project Proposals Through Sept. 8

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Leadership Saratoga program is seeking project ideas for the Class of 2023-2024. Sponsored by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the program is dedicated to the development of leaders who will serve their communities today and in the future.

Nonprofits serving Saratoga County are encouraged to submit a project proposal detailing their organization’s needs.

In past years, Leadership Saratoga groups have successfully completed projects such as marketing assessments, community engagement outreach, event planning, educational programming, awareness campaigns and website redesigns.

Proposals are reviewed by a subcommittee of the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board, which selects up to four projects for groups within the incoming class to complete as part of the months-long program.

A listing of projects completed in years past can be found on the Leadership Saratoga website at www.leadershipsaratoga.org/explore-program/previous-projects.

Project proposal applications should be submitted to Leadership Saratoga by Friday, Sept. 8. The 2023-2024 Leadership Saratoga program will run from September 2023 to May 2024.

More information about Leadership Saratoga and how to submit a project proposal is available at www.leadershipsaratoga.org.