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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Feb. 23:  Virtual Discussion of the Film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Jewish Community presents a Zoom discussion of the film If Beale Street Could Talk, the 2017 academy award winner directed by Barry Jenkins and based on James Baldwin’s 1974 novel of the same name at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23.

The film is the story of a young black couple’s (Tish and Fonny) romantic dreams come crashing down against the powerful reality of white society.

 Registration is required for the Zoom discussion, which can be made at sjca.sjcf@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org or www.saratogasinai.org.

SPAC Announces CulinaryArts@SPAC: Family Meal! with Holistic Health Coach Barb Biagoli

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces its first family-style CulinaryArts@SPAC event: Family Meal! with holistic health coach and nutrition consultant Barb Biagoli from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 5. 

Designed to cultivate healthy appetites and palates with meal planning strategies, recipes, and activities for the whole family, the event includes a 90-minute whole foods family meal-planning workshop for adults at the SPAC School of the Arts, and “Food as Art” activities for children at the neighboring Children’s Museum at Saratoga, culminating in a festive all-inclusive family-style dinner at The Pines at SPAC. 

Kicking off at 3 p.m. at the SPAC School of the Arts, Biagioli will lead a 90-minute whole foods family meal-planning workshop for adults who want to cook healthier meals at home. Topics will include: how to add more whole plant foods to your plate, how to build your own seasonal whole foods meal at home, how to plan, prep, and batch cook for the week. Biagoli will offer resources, handouts, and recipes to simplify making healthy meals for every night of the week. Attendees are encouraged to bring their calendars or planners. 

 While parents participate in the pre-dinner workshop, children ages 5-12 are invited to participate in “Food as Art” activities like cabbage watercolor painting at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, led by Museum and SPAC Education staff. SPAC Education team members will escort the children to and from the museum, adjacent to SPAC School of the Arts, in coordination with the adult workshop. While this program is recommended for children ages 5-12, children of all ages are welcome. Any child under the age of 5 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

Attendees will then gather for an all-inclusive family supper on the SPAC campus, from 5 – 7 p.m. to enjoy dishes including chickpeas three ways, chicken fajitas and tacos, and kid-friendly red lentil dahl. Wine, craft beer and mocktails will also be served. There will be activities for restless diners and a special “dessert surprise,” inspired by artist Jackson Pollock, that participants will help create. Recipes will be available to recreate at home. 

Tickets cost $50 per adult and include admission for one child under the age of 12. Tickets for each additional child under 12 cost $25. Visit spac.org for details. 

Noel Gallagher/ Garbage Stage at SPAC This Summer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Garbage, live in Saratoga Springs July 8.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds  – Gallagher was main songwriter, lead guitarist and occasional lead vocalist of Oasis – will be joined by Garbage for a co-headlining tour of North America this summer. 

The tour, produced by Live Nation, features special guest Metric and will kick off in the state of Washington June 2, and play at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 8. 

Garbage and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will be supported by Metric. 

 Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feb. 17. Go to: livenation.com.

TV Sensation Big Time Rush at SPAC This Summer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Big Time Rush at SPAC in July.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Big Time Rush – an overnight sensation in 2009 with the launch of the Nickelodeon television series Big Time Rush, hits the road with special guests Jax and Max for their “Can’t Get Enough Tour” June 22. 

They will stage a show at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 3. 

Following the premiere of the TV series, Big Time Rush went on to release three studio albums and performed across the globe, including five tours from 2011 to 2014. Tickets at: livenation.com. 

February 17 – February 23, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, February 17

The Flurry “Winter Roots” Festival ?

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

The Flurry “Winter Roots” Festival will be held February 17-19. This winter’s Flurry will offer over 100 sessions of live music and dance for all. Adult prices range from $38-$145.  More information about tickets, the schedule of sessions, performers, and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.flurryfestival.org. View details of the covid policy at www.flurryfestival.org/winter-covid-policy.

Fish Fry Fridays ?

Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 123 NY-32, Victory Mills | 4- 7 p.m.

Friday Night Fish Fry will be back for 2023. It will run through April 7. Various menu items are available from fried fish to chicken tenders with French fries, Cole slaw and chowder also available. For more information call 518-695-3917.

Carnegie Hall Ensemble Connect Residency Performance ?

Skidmore College, Arthur Zankel Music Center, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m.

Visit Ensemble Connect, a group of the finest young professional classical musicians based out of Carnegie Hall, celebrates its 16th year at Skidmore. Concert Program: JENNIFER HIGDON | Dark Wood, MOZART | Quintet for Piano and Winds in E-flat Major, K. 452, MICHI WIANCKO | 7 Kinships (NY Premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall), R. SCHUMANN | Piano Quintet. Tickets are available for purchase at the box office. 

Saturday, February 18

Fly-In Breakfast ?

Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Enjoy an assortment of pancakes, French toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, juice, coffee, tea, fruit and more. The breakfast is open to the public. At 10 a.m. Ken Haefner will discuss what it was like to work at the GE Flight Test Center (ESAM) in the 1960’s.  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.

World War II Home Front Years 

Town of Saratoga Town Hall,
12 Spring St., Schuylerville
1 p.m. | A Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County talk by Saratoga Springs Historian Mary Ann Fitzgerald will document for us what happened during those World War II Home Front years, including some unexpected tragedies. More than a thousand volunteers, from all over Saratoga County, gave vast hours of service to support the war effort between 1939 and 1951. Public is welcome. For information, call 518-885-9309 

Sunday, February 19

All You Can Eat Breakfast ?

Gansevoort Firehouse,
1870 State Route 32N, Gansevoort

8 – 11 a.m. | Menu includes: eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fires, biscuits and sausage gravy, orange juice, milk and coffee. Donations: $12 adults, $10 Seniors 55+, $11 Military and First Responders, $8 children ages 6 – 12. Kids under 6 are free. 

Monday, February 20 

Saratoga Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room,
49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

1 p.m. | “Driving Evaluations” with speaker Donna Stressel, OTR/L, CDI, CDRS, Sunnyview Rehab Hospital. Contact:  Kevin McCullough saratoga.parkinsons@gmail.com
518-222-4247, Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com

Tuesday, February 21

February Break Drama Camp with Elyse Young ?

Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department announces February Break Drama Camp for ages 10-15 will run Tuesday, Feb. 21 through Friday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The camp will be taught by Malta’s Artistic Director Elyse Young and will include acting skills, vocal techniques, theater games, crafts, rehearsals and performance of a short play. For more information, go to www.maltaparksrec.com or contact 518-899-4411.

Sled Dogs of Denali National Park ?

Ballston Spa Public Library,
21 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa

1 p.m. | Kids in grades kindergarten through 3rd grade will learn about Sled Dogs of Denali National Park. Participants will listen to a Denali National Park Ranger Zoom talk about the jobs and lives of sled dogs. Then kids will partake in associated crafts and activities. Limit 20. Registration is required. Please stop in or call 518-885-5022.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate Sundaes  

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

Town of Greenfield Historical Society program focuses on the Best Hot Fudge Sauce that began in Greenfield in 2001 and is going strong today. Owner Katie Camarro will share highlights of the company’s 20+ year journey of making our world a sweeter place. Rumor has it that refreshments will be provided by Sundaes Best. Yes, Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce will be available for purchase. You don’t want to miss this meeting! All are welcome to attend.

Wednesday, February 22

Scrapbooking for Kids ?

Ballston Spa Public Library,
21 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa

1 p.m. | Turn those pictures on your phone into a one-of-a-kind scrapbook! Join Mary from Mary’s Memory Maker as she shows you how to create your very own scrapbook. Kids are asked to bring 10-15 printed out pictures to the event. They can be on a theme (a vacation, your pets, friends) or they can be random pictures. This free event is designed for kids in grades 5-8. Limit 10. Registration is required. Stop in or call 518-885-5022.

Fried Fish Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 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: fried fish, mac and cheese, tartar sauce, cold slaw, roll. Dinner for 2 / $30. (cash only).  

Galway Photography Club

Galway Public Library, Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. After our January meeting was canceled due to weather, we rescheduled Schenectady Daily Gazette Photographer Erica Miller to speak to our group and share some of her photographs. Our meetings, which are held year-round on the last Wednesday of each month, provide a safe, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere for those at all levels of photography to share their photography and learn how to improve their technical and artistic skills. For more information contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Thursday, February 23

Code Ninja Camp ?

Ballston Spa Public Library,
21 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa

1 p.m. | Kids in grades 3 through 5 are invited to attend Computer enthusiast of all abilities will learn all about coding with our friends from Code Ninjas. Limit 12. Registration is required. Please stop in or call 518-885-5022.

February 17 – February 23, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Fish Fry Friday 

Knights of Columbus Council #246 will once again be hosting Fish Fry Friday each Friday throughout Lent, February 24 through April 7, 5-7 p.m. Advance call-in of orders on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between the hours of noon and 3 p.m., beginning on Wednesday, February 22. The menu will include Fried or Baked Haddock ($15) or Fried Clam Strips ($12), each with French Fries, Cole Slaw, Tartar Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce; Macaroni and Cheese ($5); New England Clam Chowder (pint – $7/quart – $13); Single Order o French Fries ($3); and Dessert ($2 – when available). Call 518-584-8547 to place your order or for more information. 

Basket Party

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa, will host a Basket Party February 24 – 26. Pre Sales begin Friday, February 24- 4 – 7 p.m., Saturday, February 25- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. and Sunday, February 26- 9 a.m.-noon. Drawing to begin at 1 p.m.  Three levels of ticket packets available, special raffles and 50/50.  No admission fee, food available for purchase. For information call 518-884-8012.  Proceeds support Elks Charities.

Schoharie Crossing Presentation

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway, will host a program presented by Schoharie Crossing on February 25 at 11 a.m. The topic is Strange History from Along the Erie Canal at Schoharie Crossing. Participants are encouraged to register at 518-882-6385. For more information, visit  www.galwaypubliclibrary.org. 

A Winter Concert: Return of the Duos

Saratoga Chamber Players is pleased to announce a winter concert on Saturday February 25, at 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, in Saratoga Springs. The program will bring together Jill Levy, violinist, and Artistic Director, with Margaret Kampmeier, pianist.  With music spanning four centuries, treat yourself to the Classical sweetness of Franz Schubert, the contemporary Turkish delight of Kamran Ince, the modern French birdsongs of Olivier Messiaen and the passionate, modern inventiveness of Richard Strauss. Tickets are $20-$30, available at the door or on the website.

For more information visit www.saratogachamberplayers.org

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale 

On Sunday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. the popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale will be held at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club on Elks Lane. Admission is free. Over 40 vendors, great parking, crafts galore, and lunch. Household items, hand-made items, clothing, food treats, body lotions, and just about anything you can imagine. New vendors sign-up every month. A fun activity the entire family enjoys. All proceeds go to local charities. 8’ table and chairs $15; Call Debbie 518-885-6506 or email dozolins@nycap.rr.com for information or to sign up for
a table(s).

Irish Celebration

Hosted by the VFW Post 420, located at 190 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs on Saturday, March 4 from 6 – 10 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m. Music featuring Maggie’s Clan, buffet and drink specials. All for a donation of $10. All are welcome. Call 518-584-9686 for more information, leave message. 

Parkinson’s Cabin Fever Dance Party

Help for Parkinson’s, a local charity committed to helping those affected by Parkinson’s Disease live well, invites you to join us on Saturday, March 4. Dancing and fun starts at 7 p.m. The event location is the Colonie Golf & Country Club, 13 Country Club Ln. Voorheesville. Meet old and new friends, eat, drink, have fun, and dance to the local band GB-five, knowing that you will be supporting the local Parkinson’s community. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive condition, for which there is no cure. The HELP for Parkinson’s organization’s mission is to bring local programs and resources, as well as relevant local and national information directly to those living here in the capital region dealing with Parkinson’s. Tickets are $40 per person, includes light food and a cash bar. Information and tickets available at www.helpforpd.org/march4th.

Irish Family Festival

The Saratoga Ancient Order of Hibernians will hold the Saratoga Irish Family Festival from 1 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 at the Saratoga -Wilton Elks, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs (Rte 9 North from Rte 50) The event will feature music, dancing, and raffles. Admission is a $10 donation at the door, children under 12 are free. Light fare will be available for an additional price. For information visit wwwsaratogaaoh.com.

Corning Museum of Glass Trip

A one-day trip on Wednesday, April 19, open to the public. Explore this amazing glass museum right in our own backyard. Optional sandblasting workshop available, must pre-register. Lunch on your own at the museum cafe. After the museum, wander around the quaint town of Corning for the afternoon. Member price $80. Non-member price $105. Optional sandblasting workshop- add $14. Call the Saratoga Senior Center at 518-584-1621 to sign up.

Ballston Spa Science Olympiad Team Goes to State Competition

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa High School Science Olympiad team placed third at the Capital Region Science Olympiad Tournament, which was recently held at Ballston Spa High School. Eighteen high school teams from throughout the Capital Region competed in the tournament.  

Ballston Spa students won medals in 19 out of 23 events including first place in five of the events. The first-place medal winners and their respective events include Maddie Burns and Lee McKinley in “Write It Do It” and “Trajectory,” Maddie Burns and Max Amodeo in “Chemistry Lab,”  Maddie Wilson and Jax Skylstad in “Rocks and Minerals,” and Max Amodeo and Riley Box in “Flight.”

Their successful finish qualified the team for the New York State competition at Le Moyne College on March 17 and 18. The team is coached by High School science instructors Theresa Rousseau and Jim Poirier.

The Science Olympiad tournament is a rigorous, academic, interscholastic competition that consists of a series of individual and team events which the students prepare for throughout the year.  The events are well-balanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers and technology. The team of 15 students competed in 23 events which range from the construction of a rubber band propelled plane to college-level pen-and-paper assessments.

Schuylerville Middle School Students Experience Hands-On Revolutionary War Lesson From Ft. Ticonderoga Educators

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided by Schuylerville Central School District.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville Middle School seventh-grade students got a unique opportunity to see life through a Revolutionary War soldier’s eyes, during an in-person visit from Ft. Ticonderoga educators. 

All of Rebecca Nesbitt’s social studies students experienced the “A Soldier’s Life” presentation, given by Johanna Hambly and Nathan Schultz. The engaging 45-minute program incorporated history, geography, and math to provide context to the daily experience of American soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Students explored the equipment and food of soldiers and discussed the challenges of equipping and feeding an army in a remote location.

“One of the things I really like about programs like this is kids often have trouble conceptualizing what happened so long ago,” said Nesbitt. “This program is hands-on and makes it real.”

Students also had an opportunity to examine high-quality reproductions of items that soldiers carried during the Revolution, as well as try on clothing. The program aligns with Schuylerville Middle School’s Revolutionary War curriculum, which is taught to all seventh-grade students.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Accepting Applications for 2023 Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship for Saratoga County High School Seniors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is accepting applications for the 2023 Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship, an annual award recognizing young leaders and volunteers throughout Saratoga County. 

The scholarship, awarded in a one-time amount of $1,000, will be presented in May to a high school senior from Saratoga County who has demonstrated a record of academic excellence and exemplary service to the community along with a strong interest in pursuing future studies in history and/or the arts. 

Mr. Cantacuzene served on the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees for 30 years and contributed to the Museum in various capacities. A stalwart supporter of thoroughbred racing, the arts, and public service, Mr. Cantacuzene passed away in 2016. 

High school seniors interested in applying for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship are asked to submit an essay of no more than 750 words detailing their community service and its rewarding aspects. Applicants should also describe how the subjects of art and/or history have influenced their educational pursuits. 

Questions pertaining to the scholarship should be directed to Matt Reichel at mreichel@racingmuseum.net or 518-584-0400 ext. 118. The entry deadline is April 7.

High school seniors in Saratoga County applying for the Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship can pick up the application form at their school’s guidance office or download it from the Museum’s website here at racingmuseum.org. 

The application and essay should be submitted to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs. The materials may also be emailed to mreichel@racingmuseum.net or submitted in person at the Museum during business hours. 

Local Athletes Seek To Become The Next ‘American Ninja Warrior’

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Four local athletes will compete this summer for a chance to be named the next ‘American Ninja Warrior’.

Geoff Snyder, André Patnode, Jenson Little, and Nicole Van Oort, all of whom coach or train at the Saratoga and Albany Ninja Labs, were selected to compete in the upcoming seasons of the CBS show ‘American Ninja Warrior’, where contestants attempt to complete a series of obstacle courses.

Three of the four contestants have been selected to compete in past seasons as well. Snyder competed in Season 9, while Patnode and Little competed in Season 14. Little also competed on the show during Season 10.

“Honestly, I’ve just been working since then to get back and give it one more try,” said Snyder, who is the head team coach and a co-owner of Ninja Labs. “I never felt like I did as well as I could have. Since 2017, I’ve just been continuing to work out, to train, hoping that one day they would give me a call again.”

Patnode said he was a fan of the show, and got into competition after the opening of a local Ninja gym.

“I told myself when I turn 50, I want to try out for the show,” said Patnode, who has been selected in two consecutive years. “With Ninja, I just felt accepted. No matter how good you do or how bad you do, they are there to support.”

Little, who will be competing for the third time, said he will “know what to expect” this year.

“I know that I just need to go out and prove myself, because I know I am capable of it,” said Little.

To apply for the show, prospective contestants fill out an application and film a three-minute video discussing why they would be a good selection for the series.

“It’s basically a three-minute video about who you are, what you do, how you train, what makes you stand out, and why you’d be a good contestant,” said Snyder.

Snyder said he discussed his friend Kevin Bogus, who passed away last year. Bogus worked with Snyder in the Fort Plain Central School District, and was a trainer at the Albany Ninja Labs.

Snyder said shortly before Bogus passed away, the two had a conversation about the previous year’s auditions for American Ninja Warrior. Snyder said he had not been selected, and was unsure if he would apply in the future.

“He was like, ‘Geoff, you’ve got to keep going, man,” said Snyder. “I don’t know if he had anything to do with it, if the stars aligned, but it seems to be happening here. To get one more shot at it, it’s hard to kind of put it into words how you feel.”

Patnode said that his video this year began with him skydiving out of a plane in an ‘American Ninja Warrior’ shirt. Last year, he scaled a silo in Ballston Lake for the video’s opening. Patnode also said he discussed his late mother.

“She was my biggest supporter, my biggest fan, and I know she’s going to be with me on this whole journey,” said Patnode. “This is giving me motivation, that she’s going to be with me and watching me. She’s going to be there.”

Little said that he spoke about his experience as a transgender man, saying it would be meaningful to be able to show representation within the sports world.

“For me to get out there and show that there are trans athletes, and we are in sports and we should belong in sports,” Little said. “To show kids and other adults that we should be allowed in those spaces means everything to me.”

Snyder stressed that simply being selected does not guarantee a competitor will be featured on the show. He said that his run in Season 9 of the series was not aired. Patnode and Little said the series used some footage of them for teasers at the beginning of the show, but also did not air their runs.

“Oftentimes, you have a less than 1% chance of being picked each year, because there are so many applicants,” said Snyder. “Just to have the opportunity to compete and be a part of it is an incredible experience.”

The qualifying round will take place at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, California, beginning in mid-March. 

Contestants who finish in the top portion of the qualifying round advance to the semifinals, which will be filmed at the same location at Universal Studios. Finishers in the top portion of the semifinals advance to the finals, filmed in Las Vegas.

And the opportunity to compete again, and to do so alongside familiar faces, “is just a really awesome thing to have,” Snyder said.

“That’s just the cherry on the sundae,” said Snyder. “We train together a lot. For all of us, this is something that we’ve all been shooting for.”