Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Mean Girls At The City Center

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Friday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 20 at 1 p.m., Home Made Theater’s Youth Conservatory will present Mean Girls Jr. at the Saratoga City Center. 

Based on the 2004 film, this musical from book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) is packed with keen wit, catchy score, and a sincere message for everyone.

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naive newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George, Cady and her friends devise a “Revenge Party” to end Regina’s rein with Cady going undercover as an aspiring Plastic. When the lines between the real Cady and her Plastic-self get blurred, she must find her way back to herself and her true friends.

Home Made Theater’s Youth Conservatory program gives kids an exciting, creative and supportive environment in which to experience the thrill and exhilaration of performing. No experience is necessary and children ages 12 to 18 of all levels are welcome.

The Director, Musical Director, and Costume Designer of Mean Girls, Jr. is Laurie Larson, who has directed over 20 Youth Theater Conservatory productions, as well as numerous other Home Made Theater’s productions including A Charlie Brown Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, 9 to 5: The Musical, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Charlotte’s Web, and this season’s The Lifespan of a Fact.

 Production staff for the show includes Choreographer Olivia Larson, Scenic Designer Kevin Miller, Lighting Designer Jacob Pickett, Sound Designer Tom Moeller, Properties Designer Maura Pickett, and Production Stage Manager Susan Turner.

Tickets for Mean Girls, Jr. are $15. Seating is general admission. Tickets may be purchased online at www.HomeMadeTheater.org, or by calling 518-587-4427.

Local Museums to Celebrate International Museum Day

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

GLENS FALLS — The Hyde Collection, Chapman Museum, and World Awareness Children’s Museum celebrate International Museum Day on Thursday, May 18. This day is meant to celebrate the importance of museums as they preserve the worlds natural and cultural heritage.

Each museum will offer free admission and extended hours. At each location, visitors can pick up their passport to International Museum Day. Collect a stamp in your passport by visiting each location. Once all stamps have been collected, you can enter to win a free Family Membership to one of these three organizations.

At the Chapman Museum, visitors can explore the exhibits and build their own family trees. The Chapman will be open for extended hours until 7 p.m. 

At The Hyde, visitors can play Gallery Games. There will be a number of prompts that lead visitors throughout the museum and engage with art and each other. 

At the World Awareness Children’s Museum, visitors can curate their own gallery with art from the Museum. Admission to the Museum will be free from 3-8 p.m. Note, free admission does not include registration to events and classes. CAMBRIDGE CAMBRIDGE — Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education has won $279,000 in NY State Council on the Arts funding in support of artist housing and updated sound equipment. 

The funds come from NYSCA and Governor Kathy Hochul’s $42 Million investment in Small and Mid-Sized Capital Projects for Arts and Cultural Organizations.

“Strengthening our creative sector increases tourism, boosts our economy, and enhances the rich heritage and cultural life of New York State,” Gov. Hochul said, in a statement. “These record grants will support a wide range of diverse and innovative projects at our arts and cultural organizations across the state, helping ensure all who visit will continue to have wonderful experiences for years to come.”

“In the last two years, with NYSCA’s extraordinary support, we have completed several facilities projects that have greatly improved patrons’ experiences, including new HVAC systems in three of our buildings and new restrooms in Hubbard Hall,” said Executive & Artistic Director David Snider, in a statement. “The addition of artist housing and new sound equipment are critical steps in our growth in serving our community and the field at large. We are so grateful for the Governor’s leadership and NYSCA’s amazing support on these projects. We could not do any of this without them or without the support of our local community. These additions will continue to make Cambridge a destination for artists and audiences.” 

The Lovejoy building on the Hubbard Hall campus will be restored and renovated to provide artist housing, while new sound equipment on the main stage will better support artists and audiences for years to come. The $279,000 will be matched by Hubbard Hall existing funds as well as an additional $100K yet to be raised over a three-year period. The hope is to complete the artist housing portion of the project by July 2024, with new sound equipment to be implemented later this year. New artist housing will strengthen Hubbard Hall’s ability to support artist residencies, develop new work, and bring world-class artists to Cambridge, for a variety of presentations and productions. 

Hubbard Hall plans to begin work on the artist housing in July. The architect on the project is Geoff Metcalfe of Keefe and Wesner, with engineering provided by Engineering Services of Vermont, LLC.

May 5 – May 11, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, May 5

Quilt Show ?

South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Quilts made by Wings Falls Quilters and Judged by Lorry Chwazik of Norwich, NY. Vendors, boutique, quilt challenge, block challenge, quilt raffle, $100 bill raffle, lotter tickets raffle. Admission is $7. Children under 6 free. Facebook: www.facebook.com/wingsfallsquilters. Show Chair, Debra Williams, 518-812-6395. Hotdog Fundraiser to benefit the Community Vegetable Stand, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. hosted by the Church Mission Team. The funds raised will help support the outdoor “Help Yourself” community vegetable stand. 

Annual Spring Weekend Yard Sale ?

Corner of Route 29 and 10 Schallen Road, Saratoga Springs | 10 – 6 p.m. each day. HOPE Animal Rescue will participate in the Yard Sale, May 5, 6, 7. Multiple Vendors will be in attendance!  Hosted by Mary Jane and Ed Sakos.

First Friday: School Art in the Community ?

Various locations, Downtown Ballston Spa | 4 – 7 p.m. Visitors can expect to see artwork created by students from pre-K to high school, on display in participating businesses throughout the downtown area. The Malta Ave Odyssey of the Mind team will be holding an ice cream fundraiser in Wiswall Park, with all proceeds going towards their trip to World Finals at the end of May. In addition to the art displays, visitors can enjoy food and drink specials at participating shops as well as special promotions. For more information on this event and other BSBPA activities, visit www.ballston.org or contact the BSBPA at info@ballston.org

Saturday, May 6

Annual Ballston Lake Clean Up Day ?

Ballston Lake Fire Department, Route 146-A, Ballston Lake | 8 a.m. Volunteers are welcome to join in by showing up to pick up their road assignments. The project involves doing a clean sweep of winter trash on local roadways in the hamlet of Ballston Lake and its environs. The Town of Ballston parks a large truck at the Ballston Lake Fire Department and at the Outlet Road Parking lot for volunteers to deposit their bags when they have finished their assignments. For more information, visit www.ballstonlake.org.

Spring Festival ?

The Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. In addition to visiting an array of items offered by crafters, vendors, and bakers, adoptable dogs from the Saratoga County Animal Shelter will also be present to anyone looking to give a loving pet a furever home!

I Love My Park Day ?

Moreau Lake State Park, 605 Old Saratoga Rd., Gansevoort | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Organized through Parks & Trails, NY.  Volunteer in this exciting event to help improve and enhance our local Moreau Lake State Park.  Variety of projects for all ages (large groups welcome).   To volunteer – you must register at PTNY.org. You are also required to fill out a Volunteer Service Agreement and Photo Release which is built into the online application. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided by The Friends of Moreau Lake. For more information call 518-793-0511. 

Open House/Volunteer Recruiting Day

The Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Museum invites everyone to join us free of charge that day and will open its doors to the public to view all the changes that have taken place in the past few years. Volunteers will be on hand to show you all their handiwork and introduce you to all aspects of what being an ESAM volunteer means. Volunteers are the backbone of all not-for-profit organizations. Meet current volunteers and see what opportunities await you. Also, learn about the incredible history of our facility and its historic collections. Must be 18 years+ to volunteer. Open to the public.

Saratoga Comic Con ?

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Show floor will include over 200 vendor and artist tables from all over the world, celebrities, guest artists, gaming, Super Smash Bros. tournaments, cosplay contests, panels, events, tattooing, bouncy house, and other pop culture fun! Tickets at the door on the days of the event will be kids 7-15 $17 either day; Adults 16+ $27 Saturday, $23 Sunday, and $45 weekend passes. No online specials can be purchased at the door. All children 6 and under are free. For more information, visit http://www.saratogacomiccon.com. Email at chaseconexpo@hotmail.com or call Samuel J. Chase at 518-260-1755

Backyard Composting Workshop

Pitney Meadow Community Farm, West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1 p.m. This event is co-sponsored by Sustainable Saratoga and Pitney Meadows Community Farm. Composting has a role to play in fighting climate change. Food scraps and yard waste produce methane when they decompose in a landfill; not so when composted. Composting also creates rich, organic material for use in your gardens. Join us to learn how you can reap these benefits by doing your own composting! In this workshop, we will describe the important basics of composting in clear and easy-to-understand terms. Registration is required: https://www.pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org/calendar/events

Sunday, May 7

Family Hike ?

Moreau Lake State Park, 605 Old Saratoga Rd., Gansevoort | 9 a.m. Family hikes are slower paced, easy-going walks intended to comfortably bring people together in nature. All ages and abilities are welcome to join in. The pace and path will be determined by the group at the time of the hike. At this time our trails are not able to accommodate strollers, however, we can stay to the roads making the hike more accessible. If this is something your party requires, please let us know when you sign up. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 for adults (18+) and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call or text 518-917-2174.

Monday, May 8

Saratoga Area Retired Educators Luncheon

Win Room of the Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway Saratoga Springs | Noon. All area retired K-12 public, parochial, private, BOCES teachers and other school related personnel are welcome. For further information, call 518-584-1192.

Tuesday, May 9

The Story of Plastic

Zoom Presentation | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. This documentary reveals the ugly truth behind plastic pollution and the false solution of plastic recycling. It explains how we got to our current global plastic pollution crisis and how the oil and gas industry has successfully manipulated the narrative around it. The Story of Plastic is a life changing, Emmy winning film depicting one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. Join David Sayer at 8:00 for questions and answers following the film. Please register in advance for this virtual meeting: Please register in advance for this virtual meeting: https://tinyurl.com/StoryOfPlasticFilm. Presented by the Capital District Chapters of the League of Women Voters of New York. 

Local Magicians Meeting

S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham | 7 p.m.

The local group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets on the second Tuesday of the month.  We welcome all persons, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or purely entertainment to join us for a fun evening.  For more information about our organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit our web site: www.sam24.synthasite.com. 

Wednesday, May 10

Poems We Love

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St. Galway | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Poetry lovers are invited to gather and read aloud favorite, previously published, poems. The group will be facilitated by Galway resident and poetry lover Susan Dufel. Suitable for adults, teens, and youth (under 12 who are good listeners are welcome with an adult), this program is designed for participation, but listeners are always welcome! To assist with planning, please be sure to register at 518-882-6385. More information about all library programs may be found at www.galwaypubliclibrary.org.

Chicken & Biscuits 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: chicken & biscuits, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad. $15 per dinner. (cash only).  

Thursday, May 11

Life in Bloom

Sunnyside Gardens, 345A Church St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Secret Gardens Tour Kickoff Party. Admission is free. Do some shopping, enjoy some lite fare and entertainment, and bid on some raffle baskets. Raffle proceeds and a portion of all sales will benefit women and girls through the work of Soroptimist International of Saratoga County. 

Writers Workshop Series 

Dionondehowa, 148 Stanton Rd. Shushan, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Dionondehowa.org Guided by Bonnie Hoag. Registration is required. $200 for the series. Remaining classes: Thursdays May 18 and 25. For questions and to register phone 518-320-0502 or email dionondehowa@yahoo.com. Participants in this series will be encouraged to be part of Writers Reading on June 1, 7 – 9 p.m. at the Greenwich Free Library, Greenwich. 

Benefit Auction and Social Evening 

Ballston Spa Elks Club, 10 Hamilton St. Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. The Friends of the Library are excited to announce an upcoming Benefit Auction and Social Evening. Enjoy finger foods, lite fare, and beverages, an all-star line-up of live auction items, raffles and more. Among the items up for auction are a weekend getaway, antique photographs of Ballston Spa, original painting by Stu Eichel, a custom portrait of your home or business by artist Pam Stendardi, fine jewelry and antiques, gift certificates, theme baskets and more. RSVPs are appreciated. For more information, visit https://bspl.sals.edu/ or contact Danielle and Jim Carter at 518-885-5046.

May 5 – May 11, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Famous Brown Bread and Bake Sale –  Spring has sprung, and our kitchen is, once again, steaming up just in time for Mothers’ Day!  Simpson United Methodist Church is having our semi-annual Brown Bread and Bake Sale.   Cost will be $8 per loaf.   Call 518-885-4794 to place your order.  Pick-up dates:  Friday, May 12 between 4 and 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 13 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls.  Bake sale on Saturday.  Please leave your name, telephone number and the number loaves you would like to reserve; and if possible, let us know if you will be picking up on Friday or Saturday.  A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order.  

You Can Grow Your Food in Containers Easily

Sue Beebe of Cornell Cooperative Extension will cover the basics to get you started and share grower tips for those with some experience. You will discover that you do not need any experience to be successful and how to provide fresh, quality food for your family. This program is brought to you by the Milton Grange. Bringing “Rural Lifestyle Living” through classes and lectures as a community service.

Breakfast will be served, RSVP is recommended. 518 885-6606. Free tomato plants will be distributed as door prizes. May 13, 8:30 a.m. Old Stone Church, 159  Stone Church Rd. Ballston Spa. 

2023 Historic Homes Tour

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, along with Honorary Co-Chairs Zane and Brady Carruth, will welcome spring with the 2023 Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, May 13th. This highly anticipated event held between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes of the East Side neighborhood of Saratoga Springs. Three private residences on Circular Street will be featured as well as a condominium in the Stone Abbey, 125 Circular Street, and Circular Manor Bed & Breakfast at 120 Circular Street. The tour will also include two private residences on Union Avenue and a “Rehabilitation-in-Progress.”  For more information or to purchase tickets and join to receive discounted prices, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030. For updates, please visit the Foundation’s Facebook page. 

Cerebral Palsy Fundraiser

Come join us Saturday, May 13, from 6 – 10 p.m. at the Saratoga/Wilton Elk’s Lodge.  “Celebrate Mom” with a free carnation to the first 100 Mom’s, donated by Dehn’s Flowers.   We are raising awareness and funds for the Cerebral Palsy Association of NY State.  We have “Amazing Mom” themed raffle baskets and a BBQ buffet.  Dinner will include chicken, macaroni salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. There will be a cash bar and yummy desserts too.  Dance to the beat of our favorite quartet Betsy and the ByeGons.  Cost is $25 per person.  For reservations call Judy at 518-587-5568 by May 9.  Give MOM a night to remember.  

What A Surprise

What A Surprise brings real experiences brought to life by professional actors: joyous moments, deep losses, and everything in between. This program, as others in their repertoire, will be followed by a Q&A session with the performers. The Braid’s new work of theater, What A Surprise, created by the NEXT Emerging Artist Fellowship, will be available live on Zoom on Sunday, May 14, at 7 p.m. To register and receive Zoom access to The Braid programming, What A Surprise, on Sunday, May 14 at 7:00 PM, email sjca.sjcf@gmail.com. Registration will be confirmed with an email, and you will be sent the access code two days before the program. Visit www.saratogasinai.org or www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org for more information.

Pierogi Sale 

Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake is having a pieroghi sale on Tuesday, May 16th.. As usual we will have potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese pieroghis. All pierogi orders are $12/dz. Previously, we were asked about uncooked pieroghis. We will accomodate. If you would like it that way. let us know.  Please call  518-363-0001.  P/U will be from 11:30-12:30 p.m. Stuffed clams available as well.

Heritage Garden Club Luncheon

The luncheon will be held on May 17 at Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, 301 Church Street, Saratoga.  Special guest speaker, Teddy Foster, Director of UPH, will present a program “From Condemnation to Restoration:  Universal Preservation Hall”. Luncheon selections include cobb salad,  a vegetarian choice, or Caesar salad with choice of salmon or chicken, bread, dessert, beverage, $35. includes gratuity, cash bar. The public is invited to attend.  Send check payable to Heritage Garden Club to Anne Hunscher, 209 Daketown Rd. Greenfield Center, 12833.  There will be many gift baskets available.  Guests are welcome!

The League of Women Voters Meeting 

The League of Women Voters Saratoga County will hold a virtual meeting via zoom on Wednesday May 17 at 7 pm to plan for future Meetups and events. Members and nonmembers are invited to join the  planning session to solicit ideas for topics and presenters for 2023-24 . All ideas are welcome at this session. To register for the zoom event. Please go to our website www.lwvsaratoga.org/events 

Shaken & Stirred Celebrity Bartender Party

The Shaken & Stirred Celebrity Bartender Party is an annual fundraiser for Universal Preservation Hall. Local businesses team up to compete against each other, bartending for the most tips. The team that raises the most during their shift wins. This year’s event will be 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, May 18 at the Saratoga National Golf Course. All proceeds raised go towards our education programs through the Collaborative School of the Arts, which is an incredibly important aspect of arts for youth in our area. For more information, go to universalpreservationhall.org. There is no cover charge for this event.

Hannah Arendt Virtual Discussion

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, presents a Zoom panel discussion of the 2013 film Hannah Arendt, by Margarethe von Trotta, on May 18, at 7 p.m. The film is available for free on Kanopy, free to subscribers of Chair Flicks, and for a $3.99 rental from Apple. Arendt coined the phrase “the banality of evil” to describe the ordinariness of the Holocaust’s perpetrators; a thinker and writer, often referred to as a philosopher, considered herself a political theorist. Registration is required at sjca.sjcf@gmail.com. www.saratogasinai.org; 

 www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org     

Brandtville Blues

A discussion filled with rare photos and riveting storytelling, Thursday, May 18, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., at the Saratoga Springs History Museum. Carol Daggs, author of “Saratoga Soul Brandtville Boogie,” is a fourth-generation Saratogian and descendant of the original residents of Brandtville, a historically African American farming community dating to the 1800s, located near the Spa State Park. An accomplished musician, entertaining speaker and Board Member at the History Museum, Daggs (and special guests!) will bring Brandtville alive. Free for Museum Members, $10 for the general public; tickets and details at www.saratogahistory.org/events.

Spring Fling Festival 

The Spring Fling Festival is benefiting the Adirondack Vets House, Inc by bringing our area’s businesses together to create a day of fun in the sun for everyone! Free admission, open to the public.  There will be pony rides and farm animals, bounce houses, a dunk tank, cornhole tournament, face painting, food trucks, candle making, local vendors, live music, raffle baskets, carnival games and more! The goal is to maximize attendance and support local business all while raising very critical funds for the Adirondack Vets House, Inc.  The Car Shoppe will be hosting the first Annual Spring Fling Festival on Saturday May 20 from Noon – 5 p.m.  Rain date is May 21, noon-5 p.m. The location is 1110 US-9, Queensbury.

Team Billy Ride and Walk for Research

The nineteenth annual Team Billy Ride and Walk for Research will take place on Sunday, May 21 at the Farmers’ Market at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs.  Three rides of 50, 25 and 10 miles will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a three mile walk through the historic district starting at 9 a.m.  The rides follow some of the most beautiful sections of Saratoga County, with the 50-mile bike ride through the Saratoga National Historic Park. On-site registration opens at 7:30 a.m. All donations are tax deductible and made payable to the National Brain Tumor Society. To register, donate or volunteer: www.teambilly.org  Phone: Cherie Grey 518-813-0449, cjgrey1@juno.com.

The Inaugural Yaddo Golf Invitational 

The Inaugural Yaddo Golf Invitational takes place on May 24 at the Saratoga National Golf Club, with Honorary Chair and special guest, Dottie Pepper. Golfers will enjoy 18-holes of golf plus carts, lunch, fun contests, and admission to the dinner and awards ceremony. Each golfer will receive a signed copy of Dottie Pepper’s book, Letters to a Future Champion: My Time with Mr. Pulver. Space is limited to the first 128 golfers. Reserve your foursome today! All monies raised from this event will benefit Yaddo’s historic Artist Residency programming. Not a golfer? Tickets are also available to join us for post-play dinner, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets and Sponsorship Information: https://www.yaddo.org/the-2023-inaugural-yaddo-golf-invitational/

Art Exhibit

The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Commons Ct., Clifton Park and SSAS will be hosting an exhibit in the Gallery during May featuring seven photographers and members of SSAS. Artists include Cheryl Jenks, Rebecca Jenkins, Denise Kornak, Meda Rigatti, Brian Skanes, Anup Sood and Bill Staudinger.  Town of Clifton Park Lobby, 1 Town Hall Plaza, Clifton Park, will be exhibiting the works of artist, Sherry Walkup, during the month of May.  Sherry paints mostly in oils and the exhibit will include some critters and flowers. Please visit these venues and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County.    For further information about SSAS visit our website: southernsaratogaartist.com or check us out on Facebook.

Free Learn to Fish Clinic 

The Town of Clifton Park is offering a free learn to fish clinic on Saturday, June 3, 9:00-12:30. For more information contact Mike Woerner at the town department of Parks and Recreation, 518-371-6667.

2nd Annual BBQ Fundraiser

Join us Sunday, June 4 from 1 -4 p.m. for a BBQ Chicken Fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of the Capitol Region. Hosted by 99 Restaurant & Pub! Fresh BBQ Chicken & fixins Raffles, 50/50 and Cash Bar. Rock Climbing wall, corn hole, Lyricism 101 RV and much more! Tickets are $25 per person, kids under 12 free. Join us at the VFW Post 420, 190 Excelsior Ave. Saratoga Springs. Buy your tickets online at BGCCCapitalArea.org/99 of at the door. All are welcome. Help to support this great organization! For more information call 518-307-2120,518-598-2856 or 518-879-7777.

Trip to Niagara Falls

The Olde Saratoga Seniors is hosting a trip to Niagara Falls on June 6-8, 2023 (3 days, 2 nights) The Price will be $469 per person double occupancy. Includes 2 breakfast 2 dinners, a tour of Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake, The Hornblower Cruise, Chocolate FX Tour, Niagara Falls view casino and bus transportation.  If you are interested, please contact Pat Temple, 518-338-2329 or e-mail patty61349@yahoo.com. This will be a first come first served list for the bus. For an itinerary and more information contact me.

Round Lake House and Garden Tour

On June 10, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. a tour of houses and gardens in Round Lake Village will benefit the historic Round Lake Auditorium. Included are tiny cottages, large Victorian era and brand new custom homes. We are featuring homes that have had recent renovation/construction/restoration projects. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased in advance at RoundLakeAuditorium.org or contact Lydia.A.Hoffman@gmail.com.  

The Ballston Spa Birdhouse Festival

Sunday June 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is June 18. The Ballston Spa Birdhouse Festival is looking for crafters and artist to participate in our Festival. The Birdhouse Festival promises to be a huge event, with over 1000 birdhouses decorating the village of Ballston Spa. It will be a huge draw for people all over the capital region. Artwork must be original and handmade. To participate send samples of your work to marklouisco@gmail.com and we’ll send you the application. 

7th Annual Swinging for the Arts

A 9-hole golf outing to benefit Saratoga Children’s Theatre. Join us at McGregor Links Country Club, located at 369 Northern Pines Rd. Wilton on Wednesday, June 14. RSVP by June 2. Format is Four Person Scramble 9 holes of golf, mulligans, contest holes, and pink ball contest. Sign-in begins at 4:30 p.m. Shotgun start at 5:30 p.m. Entry fee is $85 per person includes greens fee, cart rental, food, and a goodie bag. To register, visit https://www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org/

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.

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.

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

BSCSD Student Artwork in the Community – First Friday in Ballston Spa

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — Local art and accompanying activities will be presented in downtown Ballston Spa from 4 – 7 p.m. Friday, May 5, as part of the First Friday event “School Art in the Community.”

Presented by the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association in collaboration with the Ballston Spa Central School District,  visitors can expect to see artwork created by students from pre-K to high school on display in participating businesses throughout the downtown area. 

The Malta Ave Odyssey of the Mind team will be holding an ice cream fundraiser in Wiswall Park, with all proceeds going towards their trip to World Finals at the end of May. 

In addition to the art displays, visitors can enjoy food and drink specials at participating shops as well as special promotions. 

For more information, visit www.ballston.org or contact the BSBPA at info@ballston.org

Touch-A-Truck Offered in Ballston Spa on May 6

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa High School National Honor Society will host a Touch-A-Truck event at Gordon Creek Elementary School on May 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This family event offers kids of all ages the opportunity to explore a variety of different vehicles, such as fire, police, military and construction vehicles. 

There will be a horn free hour from 10-11 a.m. Admission is free and open to the community, but donations are welcome with proceeds to benefit the NHS Scholarship Fund. The event is held outside the Gordon Creek Elementary School at 50 Wood Road, Ballston Spa. 

For additional information, please contact Christina Carlson at ccarlson@bscsd.org or 518-884-7150 ext. 2368.

Ballston Spa CSD 2023-24 Proposed Budget and Vote Information

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa CSD Board of Education approved the proposed 2023-24 school district budget at the April 19 meeting. The proposed 2023-2024 budget is $104,232,811, which represents a 5.7% increase in expenditures over the 2022-2023 budget. The projected tax levy to support the 2023-2024 budget is $58,016,479 – which represents a 3.1% increase over the 2022-2023 tax levy. The adopted budget supports all current programs in place and adds additional staff support for both academic programs, as well as for struggling and accelerated students. 

The mandated School District Annual Budget Hearing was scheduled for May 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Ballston Spa High School Library. There are also two Community Budget Presentations being offered this spring for residents to learn more about the budget proposal. Interested voters are invited to attend on Tuesday, May 9 at the Malta Community Center or on Thursday, May 11 at the Milton Community Center – both at 6:30 p.m.

If a resident of the school district meets the definition of a “qualified voter” but has not registered to vote, (s)he must register to be eligible to receive a ballot.  A qualified voter may register with the county by contacting the Saratoga County Board of Elections, or at the district’s registration day on May 9.

Absentee ballots are available for voters who are unable to visit the polls on May 16. An application for the absentee ballot is available for pickup at the District Office or by calling 518-884-7195 ext. 1320. Absentee ballots must be received no later than 5 p.m. on May 16.

There are three Board of Education seats up for election this year, commencing in July 2023.

Voters will select from the following candidates at the polls: Katie Whittemore, Julia Routbort Baskin and Matt Dreher.  A Candidates’ Information night will be held on May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the BSHS Library for area voters to learn more about the candidates. 

District voters will also vote on three propositions on the ballot on May 16. Proposition I is the School Budget proposal for the 2023-2024 school year in the amount of $104,232,811. The second is for School Vehicle Replacement in the amount of up to $965,000 to purchase and replace school buses and vehicles. Proposition III is for the Ballston Spa Public Library in the amount of $62,102 towards the expense of operating the public library. 

The annual statewide School Budget Vote and Board of Education Elections will be held on May 16 from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. District residents vote at Ballston Spa High School (residents of the Towns of Ballston, Milton and Charlton) and the Malta Town Hall (residents of Malta).   

Additional information is on the district website and/or in the newsletter being mailed to district residents. Questions and/or comments may be sent via the comments section on the district website at www.bscsd.org or call the District Office at 518-884-7195.

Gardening with Peter Bowden: Flowering Trees

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Home & Garden.

Amalanchier

An event I especially look forward to every spring is the blossoming of the early-flowering woody trees and shrubs. Their flowering sequence is a regular as clockwork. The first to show color is the native Vernal Witch Hazel. Its small flowers can range form a pale yellow to a rusty red and are often overlooked since they are small and appear even while the last of the snow is melting.

Another native early flowering tree can’t be overlooked: the Amalanchier which is also known as Serviceberry. Amalanchier trees light up the forests with their clouds of brilliant white flowers long before there are any leaves on any of the trees. They are an important food for any early pollinators looking for a meal. Later, Amalanchier berries will feed the birds that have just arrived from their migration north.

A little later, the interesting Redbud trees flower. Unlike most trees, the Redbud’s clusters of tiny flowers appear all along the woody stems rather than at the tips. Its unique appearance always leads to folks flocking to buy them at the garden center during their bloom time. 

As the days rapidly lengthen and grow warmer, the progression of flowering trees accelerates, and we’ll enjoy all the apple blossoms. There are the fruit-bearing apples with their pink and white flowers. Along with them arrive their ornamental cousins, the flowering crabapples. Flowering crabapples can range in color from pure white to red and are a sight to behold at their peak flowering. 

In mid-spring the dogwoods arrive with their odd four-petaled flowers. The petals are actually bracts, or leaves that simulate flowers. At the center of the bract is the true flower that will eventually form the dogwood fruit which is prized by birds and people who enjoy making dogwood jam form them.

Late in spring we get to enjoy the large flowers of the Magnolias. The largest is the Saucer Magnolia with its large pink flowers. Star magnolias with their smaller form and pure white flowers are impossible to ignore. Lately, yellow magnolias like ‘Butterflies’ have regained popularity. The sight of a well-established 25’ yellow magnolia in full flower is not easily forgotten. Thankfully, they are becoming more readily available than they were ten years ago.

If you are interested in planting early flowering trees, make sure to start prowling the nurseries in March and April, and plant them early in the season to get them off to the best start. If you already have them, remember to do any pruning as soon as they finish their flowering cycle so that the new growth you stimulate will have a whole growing season to produce the buds they need for more flowers the following spring. 

Thanks for the read!

The Sugar Fairy Bakes Opens New Location In Malta

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

MALTA — The Sugar Fairy Bakes, LLC has opened its second brick and mortar shop in the town of Malta. The soft opening took place on Saturday, April 1. This new retail bake shop and coffee destination is located at 2110 Ellsworth Blvd. The shop is conveniently located on the corner of Rt 9, about one mile off Exit 12 of I-87.

The old fashioned from scratch bake shop offers a large variety of pastries, cookies and cakes, as well as breakfast sandwiches, and light lunch offerings. All items are made from scratch in the Mechanicville bakery, which is also the original storefront for The Sugar Fairy Bakes. 

In addition to the sweet eats, the new Malta bake shop is also a specialty coffee spot. The bake shop exclusively serves Moxxi Coffee, a locally-sourced brand. The Sugar Fairy Bakes offers cold brew and fresh hot brew as well as 13 flavors of iced or hot lattes, which are also available in latte flights. Custom cakes, catering needs as well as breads are all part of the vast menu offerings. This new bakery-coffee shop in Malta is open for breakfast, lunch and anytime treats, Tuesday – Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

“We are excited about our continued growth in this market,” said Stacie Blair, owner of The Sugar Fairy Bakes. “Malta has always been the goal destination for a brick-and-mortar shop and we are extremely grateful to the community members for welcoming us and supporting our growth as a small business.” 

A grand opening, which will also debut a 1,000 sq foot event and meeting space, will be held on June 24. The celebration will include a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. hosted by The Southern Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re all nostalgic for simpler times in our lives and in our fast-paced world I want to give my customers something different. I believe baking is a labor of love. Love that should be shared with others,” said Blair. “As a from scratch baker taught by grandma over 35 years ago, I bring these sweet memories to the bakery and use them as the foundation that we build on every day. Keeping with tradition we use real butter, real eggs, and never run short on passion. Time and circumstances have changed as my company has grown, but the foundation laid in 2019 has remained constant. The potential here is limited only by my imagination.”

Introducing Chick-Fil-A’s Capital Region Operators: Scott Payne & Will Potts

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

ALBANY — Chick-fil-A, Inc. has announced the operators of its two Capital Region locations, which will open this summer.

Scott Payne will work as owner/operator of the Clifton Park location at 304 Clifton Park Center Rd. Payne is a veteran who served as a pilot in the Marine Corps, and previously was the owner/operator of a Chick-fil-A in Purcellville, Virginia.

Will Potts will serve as owner/operator of the North Greenbush location at 502 North Greenbush Rd. Potts previously was the general manager at a Chick-fil-A location in Cheektowaga and participated in the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program.

In celebration of the openings, Chick-fil-A said it will donate $25,000 on behalf of each new restaurant to Feeding America, totaling $50,000 directed to support partners in the greater Albany-Schenectady-Troy area, according to the press release. The new locations will add approximately 200 jobs, the release says.