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Author: Saratoga TODAY

A Shayna Maidel Staged Reading June 18 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival presents a staged reading, directed by Dianne O’Neill, of the 1984 powerful, poignant, and relevant play A Shayna Maidel, at 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, June 18, at Temple Sinai at 509 Broadway.

The play is Barbara Lebow’s family drama about two sisters reunited after years of separation caused by the World War II Nazi Holocaust.

This play is as important today as it was when it was first performed in 1984, said Phyllis Wang, the Cultural Festival coordinator. It makes connections between past and present, especially because it underscores how vital it is to better comprehend history to best inform our future, she said.

The two sisters, Luisa and Rose, meet in 1946 after a separation of almost 20 years, one who survived the concentration camps and the other brought up in America. Rose has lived in New York for so long she has no memory of her sister Luisa and certainly no understanding of what her sister experienced in those years. It is a deeply personalized study of sisterhood, family, and a crisis of faith.

A $10 donation is requested. Registration required. A hybrid performance may be available at 7 p.m. with sufficient registration. Register at sjca.sjcf@gmail.com. Learn more at: www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org www.saratogasinai.org. es a stop at The Great Hall at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, on Sunday, Oct. 15. 

Patel, named as one of Variety’s prestigious “10 Comics To Watch” of 2023, has charted a path from sold out comedy clubs to major theaters. His most recent self-produced special “Lucky Lefty” about his experience having testicular cancer “for three business days” is his third in the past two years. 

His first writing job came after Chris Rock saw him perform standup and hired him directly to write for The Academy Awards in 2016 and tour with him. Since then, he has written for “Saturday Night Live,” “A Little Late with Lilly Singh,” The White House Correspondents Dinner, and was a producer for “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.” 

General on-sale begins on Friday, June 16 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com.

Comedian Nimesh Patel “Fast & Loose” Coming to UPH  

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Comedian and Emmy-nominated writer Nimesh Patel announced his 37-city Fast & Loose Tour kicks off in London, U.K., on Sept. 1, and includes a stop at The Great Hall at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, on Sunday, Oct. 15. 

Patel, named as one of Variety’s prestigious “10 Comics To Watch” of 2023, has charted a path from sold out comedy clubs to major theaters. His most recent self-produced special “Lucky Lefty” about his experience having testicular cancer “for three business days” is his third in the past two years. 

His first writing job came after Chris Rock saw him perform standup and hired him directly to write for The Academy Awards in 2016 and tour with him. Since then, he has written for “Saturday Night Live,” “A Little Late with Lilly Singh,” The White House Correspondents Dinner, and was a producer for “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.” 

General on-sale begins on Friday, June 16 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com.

Ne-Yo, with Robin Thicke, Mario at SPAC Sept. 14

SARATOGA SPRINGS — NE-YO this week announced his Champagne and Roses Tour 2023 with Robin Thicke and Mario as special guests, will go on a 15-city tour that includes a Sept. 14 date at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 

NE-YO, R&B hitmaker, songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, has sold a cumulative 20+ million adjusted albums worldwide. His debut single, 2005’s “So Sick,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, the Motown Records/Compound Entertainment recording artist has racked up a collection of hits including “Sexy Love,” “Closer,” “Because of You,” “Miss Independent,” and “Push Back” [feat. Bebe Rexha and Stefflon Don]. 

General on-sale Begins on Friday, June 16 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com

June 16 – June 22, 2023

THIS WEEK’S MEETINGS

Monday, June 19

Saratoga Parkinsons Support Group Meets

Saratoga Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs | 1 p.m. This month’s speaker is Dr. Robert Fox Neuro Optometrist. The meeting is free and open to the public. For further information contact: Kevin McCullough saratoga.parkinsons@gmail.com (518) 222-4247 or Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com (518) 810-8483.

Wednesday, June 21

Board of Trustees Meeting

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St, Galway | 6:30pm. The agenda and other documents will be available prior to the meeting on the library website: www.galwaypubliclibrary.org. The public is welcome to attend. More information at 518-882-6385.

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Friday, June 16

Historic Cornell Fire Tower ?

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10 a.m.  – 3 p.m. Climb a towner without climbing a mountain. Visit the Historic Fire Tower for the aerial view of Camp Saratoga and the historic reproduction of a fire ranger cabin. For safety reasons, the tower will be closed in inclement weather. No registration required. Park in lot # 3. 

Fridays in the Garden ?

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. A return of our popular program from last year, Fridays in the Garden. Kathleen Royka will present “Step Into a Colonial Dooryard Garden.”  This program will take place outside, in the beautiful gardens of Brookside Museum, weather permitting.  As ever, questions and discussions about any aspect of gardening, historic or otherwise, will be welcome.  The program is free and open to the public, but registration and donations are greatly appreciated! https://brooksidemuseum.org/event/friday-in-the-flowers-step-into-a-colonial-door-garden/

Italian Buffet Fundraiser ?

Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Come support the Children’s Museum at Saratoga and have an amazing meal. Our friends at Principessa Elena have been champions of the Museum for over 30 years. They are hosting this fundraising dinner for the Museum and hope to raise at least $3,000 for education programs and supplies. Only 200 meals available. To purchase tickets: https://cmssny.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/list/italian-dinner-fundraiser

Saturday, June 17

Fly-In Breakfast?

Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Dr., Glenville | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.  Enjoy an assortment of pancakes, French toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, juice, coffee, tea, fruit and more. Open to the public. At 10 a.m., Malta Town Historian, Paul Perreault will present “From Malta to the Moon”. In 1945, the U.S. Army brought the captured German V-2 rocket program to Luther Forest so that scientists and engineers could recreate the facilities that the Germans had built at Peenemunde. Fly-In if you would like. Pilots: Tower Frequency 121.3; Ground 121.9. Land at Schenectady County Airport and taxi to Richmor Aviation North. Tell them you are going to ESAM.

Celebrating Sanctuary: Saratoga’s Thoroughbred Aftercare ?

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Free admission. Celebrating Sanctuary brings awareness to therapy horses, thoroughbred retirement, and the organizations that lead these efforts. The day’s family-friendly activities will take place in an open house setting and visitors will get to meet thoroughbreds in person. The event will give visitors an opportunity to learn about equine sanctuaries and how they make a difference in horses’ lives. Will also feature a children’s book reading by Maddy Zanetti, a visit from Upset the miniature horse, and a presentation by the New York Thoroughbred Breeders. For more information, visit www.racingmuseum.org or call 518-584-0400.

Genealogy & Local History

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St. in Schuylerville | 1 p.m. Heritage Hunters meeting –  An Ancestor Mystery Solved through DNA, will be the program topic. Toby Kirschman’s company, DNA Investigations, helped an adoptee identify his biological father and many of his family members. Toby will demonstrate how genetic genealogy was helpful. She is a veteran DNA analyst from the California Department of Justice DNA laboratory. She started her business in Saratoga Springs in 2020 to bring genetic genealogy education and services to law enforcement and the community. Public is welcome. For info call 518-885-9309.

‘The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree’ ?

Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Dr., Malta | 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 18 at 2 p.m.  There are limited seats available for Malta Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe’s ‘The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree’; produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Services; directed by Elyse Young.  Tickets can be purchased at www.maltaparksrec.com.  Call Malta Parks and Recreation at 518-899-4411 for additional information.  Sponsors: Global Foundries/Town of Malta Foundation, Adirondack Trust Company/Amsure, CT Male Associates, Ballston Spa National Bank, Fairfield Inn and Suites/Home 2 Suites and Levine & Levine.

Takeout Sausage, Pepper & Onions Hoagie

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa | 4 – 6 p.m.  The menu will include Sausage/peppers & onions Hoagie, potato salad, baked beans, veggie, and dessert. The cost is 2 for $22 or $13 each (cash only). Preorder strongly encouraged, to place your order email dinners2619@gmail.com or call 518-885-1149 June 16, between 4- 6 p.m. Limited quantities available at the door. All are welcome.

Barbour & Bourbon Night

Dark Horse Mercantile, 445 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 4 – 8 p.m. The Dark Horse Mercantile will be celebrating their five-year anniversary with this new event. Wine tasting provided by Old Tavern Farm Winery. Bourbon tastings and nibbles, Barbour raffle, SWAG, and prizes. Barbour jacket waxing demo with waxing specialist Jeffrey Brown. Upset and Jim Dandy book signing. You can learn more about the event on The Dark Horse Mercantile’s social media, or contact the store 518-587-0689.

Sunday, June 18

99¢ Single Scoop Cones for Everyone on Father’s Day ?

Various Stewart’s Shops | All Day – Bring Dad to any Stewart’s Shop today and enjoy a single scoop ice cream cone for just 99¢! In celebration of all dads, and their corny jokes, everyone can enjoy a single-scoop ice cream cone for only 99¢ this Father’s Day. This is a great opportunity to try a new seasonal flavor at the ice cream counter; there are so many options for you and Dad to choose from! New seasonal flavors include Strawberry Sunrise Sherbet, Brownie Points, Peanut Butter Pie, Very Berry Shortcake, Daily Grind, and fan-favorite Salted Caramel Cheesecake! If Dad likes a classic flavor, grab a 99¢ Vanilla or Strawberry cone.

John Huppuch Memorial Kids Fishing Derby ?

Lake Lonely, Fraternal Order of Eagle’s, 373 Crescent Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hosted by The Fraternal Order of Eagles to take place on Father’s Day, rain or shine. Free for children 14 and under. Participants should bring their own poles – there are a few for those who need them. Bait will be supplied. Prizes will be awarded. Hot dogs, chips, beverages will be free for those in attendance and their families. Sponsors of this Annual event deserve thanks! They are: Fraternal Order of Eagles, Wilton Elks Chapter 161, SSFD, SSPD, NYS ENCON, D & D Marine, Wiggly Worm, Saratoga Today, Saratoga Basspointers. 

Summer Sunday Stroll ?

Meet at: NE Corner of Nelson and Fifth Avenues, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. 

Historic Madison and Fifth Avenues – Deborah Studwell will lead a tour of these grand residential streets which are lined with elegant Victorian and Craftsman houses near the Saratoga Race Course. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members.  For additional information on these summer strolls or to purchase tickets to any of these upcoming tours visit ww.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Nicole Babie, Membership & Programs Director, at nbabie@saratogapreservation.org.

Annual Strawberry Shortcake Social ?

Heritage Museum, 5 Parkhurst Rd, Wilton | 1 – 4 p.m. The Wilton Heritage Society will hold its annual Strawberry Shortcake Social. Same great strawberries, homemade biscuits, and freshly whipped cream.  Curbside pick-up is still available as well as limited indoor/outdoor seating.  Large orders of 4 or more can be preordered by calling 518-583-3645.  Cost is $7 per generous serving.  Exact change is greatly appreciated.

A Shayna Maidel

Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 3 and 7 p.m. The play is Barbara Lebow’s moving family drama about two sisters reunited after years of separation caused by the World War II Nazi Holocaust. A $10 donation is requested. Registration required. A hybrid performance may be available at 7 p.m. with sufficient registration.  From another vantage point, A Shayna Maidel is an important piece of work because it highlights a piece of post WWII history that is easily forgotten and continues to impact those who experience war today, including a sizable proportion of our veterans. Register at sjca.sjcf@gmail.com. Learn more at www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org www.saratogasinai.org

Monday, June 19

Nature on the Move?

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside. This walk is geared towards gentle exercise and those with basic fitness levels. Registration is required. Visit our website at wiltonpreserve.org, call the office at 518-450-0321, or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

Narcan Training

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Participants will be trained in how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer nasal Narcan. Learn how to save a life in just 10 minutes. Free Narcan kits will be provided. Free and open to the public. This training is presented by the BSBPA, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Saratoga County Department of Health, Saratoga County Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, the Village of Ballston Spa, and the Brookside Museum. To receive further information about Narcan Training in Saratoga County, please contact the Saratoga County of Health at 518-584-74660.

Juneteenth Program

Zoom Presentation | 7 p.m. Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for “Historic Preservation & Lost Histories of Saratoga Springs.” In celebration of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, the Foundation is pleased to partner with Dr. Myra Young Armstead of Bard College for a community conversation about Black history in Saratoga Springs, the effects of Urban Renewal, and the role historic preservation plays with lost histories within a community. This virtual program will take place on Zoom for a suggested donation of $10 or more. For additional information or to register for the virtual program visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030.

Tuesday, June 20

Havurah Vatik – “PAPER CLIPS’”

Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  The Making of a Children’s Holocaust Memorial. All Saratoga, Glens Falls, Clifton Park, Washington Co., Jewish seniors 55 plus are welcome, vaccination required; masks optional. Lunch and a movie! See the documentary film, “Paper Clips,” the story of how a class of middle schoolers honored Holoaust victims. A catered lunch follows the program. Call the Temple Sinai Havurah Vatik reservation line at 584-8730, ext. 4.

“The Anonymous People” Movie 

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Recovery Advocacy in Saratoga will be showing the movie. This is a feature documentary film about the millions of Americans living in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs, and the film that started the recovery movement here in Saratoga. Free of charge and refreshments will be provided.  

Summer Concert ?

200 Park Place, Mechanicville | 6 – 8 p.m. tunes in Talmadge, sponsored by The Mechanicville Library. Live music, food, dance. Tonight’s concert, Tailspin – 80’s and 90’s Rock. www.meclib.sa.s.edu. 

Wednesday, June 21

Afternoon Jam

Ballston Area Senior Center, Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | 1 – 3 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & 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.

Baby Back Ribs 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: Baby Back Ribs, baked beans, cold slaw, corn bread. $15 per dinner. (cash only).  

Thursday, June 22

Stillwater Summer Concert: Doc Benson Band ?

Stillwater Post 490 Legion, 1 Legion Rd., Stillwater | 6:30 p.m. Come check out the jams on the pavilion, every 2nd and 4th Thursday all summer long. Bring a lawn chair, a snack, sit back, relax, and enjoy the tunes. Free admission. 

June 16-June 22, 2023

Yoga in the State Park Summer Classes

Join us June, July, and August for weekly Yoga in the Spa State Park Summer classes.  Classes are donation based and are held under the brick arches of the Park and Recreation Administration Pavilion (behind the Spa Little Theater). Bring your mat and yoga props.  We do have mats and blocks available.   For more information and our summer class schedule, Visit our Facebook page, Yoga in Spa State Park. Email Amy DeLuca for more information acddesigner@gmail.com. 

Donations Wanted

The Old Stone Church is accepting donations for its annual lawn sale at 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa, NY. Donations can be left in the back on the ramp. Accepting Household Items and Clothing.  NO Mattresses, Car Seats, Exercise Equipment, TV’s, Old Phones, Cribs, Bassinets, Golf Clubs, Bowling Balls or Skis. Call Ann @ 518-885-4034 for more information.

Craft Fair – Vendors Wanted

The Saratoga County History Center is seeking vendors of handmade crafts, antiques, and farm products for the annual craft fair at Brookside Museum on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  No mass produced or commercially manufactured products will be permitted.  Spaces are available outdoors, with limited spaces available indoors.  The fair is a rain-or-shine event. Visit https://brooksidemuseum.org/events/2022-craft-fair/ for more information, or contact Beth Silvestri at 518-885-4000 or bsilvestri@brooksidemuseum.org.

Energy Workshops for Teens/Adults

Sunday, June 25 (also July 30 and August 27). SR at Wellness Center at Roosevelt II, Saratoga State Park, 37 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs, Feeling stressed?  Tired and drained?  Looking for ways to stay healthy?  Dr. Kate Kellman, DMQ, PhD & Linda Davin are presenting Workshops to teach people how to manage their energy with Chinese Medicine.  Ancient cultures have worked with it for 5,000 years.  Would you like to learn to work with yours?  Take one, two, or all three Workshops (Ages 15+)!  Cost: $135/Workshop or $380/all three.  Register at:  www.deep-connections.com 518-775-7798.

Lake Smart

A SLPID Community Event at Dock Brown’s Tent at Browns Beach, Sunday, June 25 from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Enjoy dock Brown’s Food Truck, meet your neighbors in the Saratoga Lake community, learn about Saratoga lake ecology, fishing population, and tournaments, and meet your Marine patrol. Presentations by the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District, Saratoga County Seriff Marine Patrol on specific laws to Saratoga Lake. Saratoga Tackle and Archery on Saratoga Lakes fish population, regulations, and tips for professional and amateur anglers and local fish tournaments. Free raffle prizes from local businesses, must be present to win. 

Free Fishing Days June 25 and 26

Residents and non-residents who are 16 and older* can fish without a freshwater fishing license or recreational marine fishing registration (*Kids under 16 can always fish for free!). The perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, to get back into the sport, or to take a friend or the whole family along to fish! Even though a license is not needed, all other fishing regulations apply. In Saratoga County fishing gear can be borrowed from the Town of Greenfield in Greenfield Center, call 518-893-7432, or from the Waterford Public Library, call 518-237-0891. More information, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/44804.html, or Google – NY DEC Learn to Fish.

Southern Saratoga Art Society Meeting

The next meeting of SSAS will be held at Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Commons Ct., Clifton Park at 6:30 p.m., Tel.#, 518-383-1343.   Corey Pitkin will be doing a Pastel demonstration.   Corey’s beautiful and memorable artwork features the precision of the old masters paired with uniquely emotional subjects.  His award-winning work has been featured in both national and international publications and he is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America.  For more information, please visit his website: https://www.coreypitkin.com  This meeting is open to the public and all are invited.

“Stellar – Shine Jesus’ Light” Vacation Bible School

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  June 26 – June 30  

Give your children a week of positive, Christ-centered experiences, grow their faith, and build meaningful relationships!  Each day your child will come home with a big smile, a stronger faith, and singing their hearts out with the songs that they will be learning each day!  There will be snacks, crafts, games, and skits, too. There are opportunities for children, youth, and adults, so go to www.spalutheran.org/vbs or call 518-584-0904 for more info and to sign up.  Free and open to all, donations are appreciated. 

The Story Behind Burke Funeral Home

The Saratoga Springs History Museum hosts a program Thursday, June 29, at 7 p.m. on the rich history of Saratoga’s oldest continuously operating funeral home: William J. Burke and Sons, established 1893. Speakers Carol Godette, Mark Phillips and Jacqueline Bunge will discuss Victorian-era mourning and funeral customs, William Burke’s involvement in the embalming of President Grant, and more. Historic images and artifacts from the speakers’ private collections will illustrate the talk. Admission: Free for History Museum Members, $10 for non-Members. Tickets and details: www.saratogahistory.org/events (518-584-6920; 1 E. Congress Street in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park)

28th Annual Saratoga Soroptimist Secret Gardens Tour

A dozen gardens in varying sizes and styles in Saratoga Springs and Wilton are featured 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 9. Purchase $25 advance tickets at www.soroptimistsaratoga.org or at Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, Cudney’s Cleaners retail locations, and Faddegon’s Nursery in Latham. Day-of tickets for $30 will be sold while supplies last from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, 297 Broadway. Garden descriptions and suggested driving directions are provided with purchase. Ticket sales support women and girls, including Wellspring. Questions? Email secretgardensinfo@gmail.com.

21st Anniversary “Blackjack” Gala 

The Saratoga Automobile Museum is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 21st Anniversary “Blackjack” Gala, set to take place on July 2, 7 – 11 p.m. at the museum located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs. This momentous event promises an incredible evening of celebration, entertainment, and philanthropy, all in support of the museum’s mission to promote community, automobile education and safety. To purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities visit https://www.saratogaautomuseum.org/ Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Megan Hennessey at 518.401.5185 or email megan@saratogaautomuseum.org.

The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series 

Held at 6:15 p.m. Monday evenings in August—August 7, 14, 21 & 28.  Registration is $5 day-of or $15 for all four races., Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.  For more information, call Laura Clark at 581-1278 or email laura@saratogastryders.org or visit www.saratogastryders.org.

The Health, History, & Horses Charity Gala

Presented by Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Chapter. Funds raised are distributed annually to established charities in Saratoga & Warren/Washing counties: Catholic Charities, food kitchens, shelters, and tuition support programs. Thursday, August 17, 6 – 9 p.m. at Saratoga Winery, 462 route 29, Saratoga Springs. Complimentary Beer & Wine the 1st hour, hot and cold food stations, cash bar, live music, silent auction, 4 seasons basket raffle, 50/50 raffle and racetrack t-shirt quilt. Cost is $75 per person payable to Ladies of Charity. Attire: summer festive. Tickets: www.ladiesofcharitysartaoga.com. Contact Yolanda at 518-886-8064.  

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

Artist Exhibit

Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Commons Ct., and SSAS will be hosting an exhibit during the months of June and July featuring the work of artist Frank Coletta. His artwork will include realistic landscape drawings in pen and ink depicting the beauty of the Hudson Valley area and flower drawings in colored pencil and ink. Mr. Coletta is an accomplished artist who has shown nationally and locally. The Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, will host artist Bill Daisak during June, July, and August. For further information about SSAS visit our website: southernsaratogaartist.com or check us out on Facebook.

Unique Vendors & Artisans

Ballston Area Senior Citizens Annual Bazaar on Saturday, October 7 at the Milton Community Center, located at 310 Northline Road Ballston Spa. What is your specialty? Pickles & relishes, jams & jellies, or any handmade crafts are appreciated and welcome. Vendors of all kinds will be accepted on first come bases for indoor spaces, until October 2. Indoor spaces– 8’W x 7’D are $30 indoor only are (electrical outlets indoor are limited). Outdoor spaces– 12’W x 10’D are $25. To receive an Exhibit Contract and Hold Harmless agreement and payment to reserve your space contact Sue Heimburg 518-885-8037 / text message with name and mailing address or e-mail sheim381@aol.com

Fifty-Four Students Complete Early College Career Academy

Maureen VanBuren Memorial Scholarship Winners with the VanBuren Family, from left: Bernice Osherowitz, Corey Hyde, Robert Brisbin, Jaelyn Cutright, Zachary Smith, Ronald VanBuren. Photo provided by WSWHE BOCES.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Early College Career Academy (ECCA), a partnership program between the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton Essex BOCES and SUNY Adirondack, held its Completion Ceremony at the Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls on June 8. 

Fifty-four students from 20 school districts were recognized in the company of family members, friends, WSWHE BOCES and SUNY Adirondack staff and faculty, BOCES Board of Education members and honored award presenters. 

This was the ninth class to complete this unique program that provides students with focused studies in the fields of Advanced Manufacturing, Business and Entrepreneurship, Information Technology / Computer Networking and New Media. Students in the programs are exposed to the latest technologies used in these industries, earn industry-recognized certifications, and participate in work-based learning activities that include job shadowing, mentoring by industry experts and real-world industry challenge projects.

Twelve students from the ECCA group were part of the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) program. This unique, six-year program gives high school students the experiences, practical skills, qualifications and credentials they need to secure rewarding careers in technology-based industries.

Industry partner speakers were Nicholas Molik, Director of Sales and Marketing at INOC Data Centers as well as Tara McCaughey, Workforce Development Lead at GlobalFoundries.

Several students plan to continue their education at SUNY Adirondack. Others will enter the workforce or technical training. A majority will continue their studies at the following colleges; American University, Bentley University, Castleton University, Clarkson University, College of Saint Rose, Hudson Valley Community College, Lynne University, RIT, Siena College, SUNY Adirondack, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Polytechnic, University of Connecticut, Vermont Technical College, Virginia State University.

Awards were presented to several students for Citizenship, Leadership and a SkillsUSA Scholarship.

Four Maureen VanBuren Memorial Scholarships were also awarded. The scholarship is named after the late Maureen VanBuren, who was the Special Projects administrator for ECCA. Each year, the VanBuren family travels to the completion ceremony to deliver the scholarships. 

Awardees were, Robert Brisbin (Advanced Manufacturing), Zachary Smith (Business & Entrepreneurship), Corey Hyde (Information Technology) and Jaelyn Cutright (New Media). Each received a $1,000 scholarship for the “passion they have demonstrated to their field of study and their plan to further their education through college or technical school.”

Schuylerville Community Theater Awards Scholarships

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Community Theater has announced the recipients of this year’s scholarships. Applications were open to graduating high school seniors from a Saratoga, Warren, or Washington County school who plans to pursue a college degree in Music, Dance, Drama, or Theater Arts.

The SCT Vicki Wolfe Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500 has been awarded to Christopher Buettner, son of Kevin and Karla Buettner of Gansevoort. Christopher will graduate from Schuylerville High School and will attend SUNY Fredonia seeking a BFA in Musical Theater.

Nicholas Noyes, who will graduate from Mechanicville High School, has been awarded the SCT June Corbett Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500. Nick is the son of Brian Noyes and Jamie Thompson and will attend Hudson Valley Community College for a degree in Theater Arts.

The SCT Edward ‘Ted’ Shuster Scholarship, in the amount of $300, has been awarded to Rhiley Sausville, who will graduate from Greenwich High School. The daughter of Bruce and Katherine Sausville, Rhiley will be attending SUNY Schenectady seeking a Music Performance degree.

The committee wishes to congratulate these talented seniors and wish them well as they pursue their future musical goals.

Ballston Spa Students Earn New York State Seal of Biliteracy 

Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.

BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa High School once again provided the opportunity for graduating seniors to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB), with over 50 students qualifying in the Class of 2023. The NY State Education Department established the NYSSB in 2012 to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English.

The NYSSB is awarded by the Commissioner of Education to students who meet criteria established by the Board of Regents and who attend schools in districts that voluntarily agree to participate in the program. Starting in 2016, the NYSSB is affixed to the high school diploma and transcript of graduating students attaining the NYSSB.

“We are very happy for these students who are receiving this credential,” said Superintendent Dr. Gianleo Duca. “We are very proud of their culminating project showcases that demonstrate the students’ strength in language. This accreditation is a testament to the hard work of the students and the teachers through six years of language study that will serve them well in college, the work force, and beyond.”

The State Education Department further notes that the intent of the NYSSB is to: affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society; encourage the study of languages; identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers; provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission; prepare students with twenty-first century skills; and recognize the value of world and home language instruction in schools.  

The recognition of attaining biliteracy becomes part of the high school transcript and diploma for qualifying students and is a statement of their accomplishment for future employers and college admission. Ballston Spa students will receive the seal on their diploma at graduation ceremonies on June 22 at 4 p.m. at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Additional information on the NYSSB is located on the New York State Seal of Biliteracy website at http://sealofbiliteracy.org/new-york.

Saratoga National Welcomes New Residential Mortgage Originator

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company has announced that Dina Trahan recently joined the residential lending team.

In her role as Residential Mortgage Originator, Ms. Trahan helps clients with their home-financing experience and guides them through the mortgage application process.

Trahan is based in the Latham Century Hill Business Development Office, which serves the greater Capital District. She has more than 30 years of experience in residential mortgage services and is past president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Northeastern New York. 

Trahan is active in her community and currently serves as a member of the Brunswick-Brittonkill Central School District Board of Education. Originally from Troy, she currently lives in Melrose.

Leadership Saratoga Applications Open For The Class Of 2023-2024  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Applications are now being accepted for those interested in being a part of the award-winning Leadership Saratoga program.

Sponsored by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, this popular program is dedicated to the development of leaders who will serve their communities today and in the future.

The purpose of Leadership Saratoga is to inform and educate members of the community who want to ensure its success by giving of their time, talents, energy and expertise. This is often in a volunteer capacity, such as serving on a board of an impact sector organization, a board of education, a land use board, or becoming an elected official.

The 2023-2024 Leadership Saratoga program will run from September 2023 to May 2024.

The application period, including interviews, is open through June 23.

Anyone interested in learning more about Leadership Saratoga or considering applying to be a member of the class of 2023-2024 can visit www.LeadershipSaratoga.org for additional information.