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Author: Saratoga TODAY

March 10 – March 16, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, March 10

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.

Fish Fry Friday ?

Knights of Columbus Council #246, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs

5 – 7 p.m. | Fish Fry Friday will run throughout Lent, February 24 – April 7. Advance call-in of orders Wednesdays – Fridays between noon – 3 p.m. Menu includes 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 of French Fries ($3); and Dessert ($2 – when available). Call 518-584-8547 to place your order or for more information. 

Lazy Dog Helping Horses Benefit ?

Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak Street, Saratoga Springs

6 – 10 p.m. | The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) will be the beneficiary of a dinner Hosted by Principessa Elena Society. The Lazy Dog Cookie Company of Ballston Spa will feature its new “Horse Bitscuits” (sic) and a percentage of sales profits will benefit the TRF, the nation’s oldest and largest Thoroughbred aftercare and sanctuary organization. The Saratoga Springs-based TRF is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The Utica, NY-inspired menu for this dinner is: Chicken Riggies, Utica greens, tomato pie, salad, and dessert. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased in advanced at www.trfinc.org/event/lazy-dog-helping-horses/

Saturday, March 11

Defensive Driving Class

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Fee: $35 per person. Bring a friend fee is $30 each. Portion of fee goes to Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church. Registration is required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski at 518-286-3788. As we are social distancing, a mask is required if you are not vaccinated. Class size is limit.

Cat and Dog Adoption Clinic

H.O.P.E. Adoption Center, Wilton Mall at Saratoga, 3065 Route 50, Saratoga Springs

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Come meet the many adoptable pets of H.O.P.E. Saturday, February 11th from 11am-2pm at the H.O.P.E. Adoption Center located at the Wilton Mall. You can start the adoption process today by filling out an adoption application online at hopeanimalrescue.org/forms.

Free Lunch ?                                                      

The Malta Ridge United Methodist Church, at 729 Malta Avenue Extension, Malta Ridge

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | A soup and sandwich lunch will be served at no charge.  All are welcome.   For additional information or directions please call the Church at 518-581-0210.

Winter Tree Identification Walk ?

Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 1 p.m.

With no leaves on the trees, how do we identify them? Find out the differences between trees with needles and trees with leaves then determine the type of tree based on bark. Programs have limited capacity and require registration at least one business day in advance. Please email info@wiltonpreserve.org or register or visit wiltonpreserve.org for more information. 

Ballet at the Bar Fundraiser

Artisanal Brew Works, 617 Maple Ave., in Saratoga Springs
2 – 7 p.m. | Ballet dancers, ages 12-18, will represent Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet (SSYB) this May at the Regional Dance America Northeast Festival. SSYB was accepted as a new Regional Dance America Northeast member company. It is the only ballet company in the Capital Region and New York state to have been accepted into the organization. SSYB dancers will be traveling to Harrisburg, PA to attend the festival. During the festival, participants attend master classes, seminars, and college roundtables, as well as perform each evening. Residents can support these young dancers at “Ballet at the Bar,” $1 from each draft beer, wine or cocktail will be donated to SSYB.

Sunday, March 12

All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet ?

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa

8 – 11 a.m. | Enjoy pancakes and sausage, French toast, eggs made to order, world famous omelets, home fries, toast, coffee, and juice. Adults $9, Seniors $8, Kids $5. Join us on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Proceeds support Elks Charities.

Monthly Breakfast ?

Fish Creek Rod & Gun Club, 123 NY-32, Schuylerville
8 – 11 a.m. | Menu: choose from pancakes – regular, buckwheat, apple cinnamon and blueberry or French toast. Eggs to order, home fries, bacon or sausage, toast, coffee and orange juice. $10 adults, $5 children.

Monday, March 13

Nature on the Move ?

Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside and embrace the winter. This walk is geared towards those with basic fitness levels. Ages 16+ only. Snowshoe rental will be available 15 minutes prior to the program at $3 a pair. Registration is required at least 1 business day in advance. To register, email info@wiltonpreserve.org or visit wiltonpreserve.org/education/calendar

Tuesday, March 14

Grief Share

South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls

Flexible times available. GriefShare seminars and support groups are meant to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. The group is for anyone who has lost a loved one and is grieving. We will meet for 13 weeks. Call Roberta at 518-338-3152

Wednesday, March 15

National Craft Month: Adult Crafternoon

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Celebrate National Craft Month at the Library. Drop in for this freestyle craft program–no instruction provided. A large variety of supplies will be provided, and the possibilities are endless! 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Olde Saratoga Seniors Meeting

Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | Noon | This will be a sandwich luncheon. Dessert will be provided.  The Elementary School bank will perform.  All are invited.  Call Pat 518-338-2329 if additional information is needed.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner Take Out 

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: Corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, roll.  Dinner for 2 / $30. (Cash only).  

Lower Adirondack Search & Rescue Volunteer Meeting

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6 p.m. Karen Wood, K9 Officer for the Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue Unit, will be our guest speaker. She will talk to us about training canines for recovery and how canines assist humans in field. Email info@wiltonpreserve.org to register. This event is free. 

Galway Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St, Galway | 6:30 p.m.

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.

Thursday, March 16

Navigating Emotional Wellness Youth Workshop 

Galway Public Library,
2112 East St., Galway | 4 p.m. Join Stacey Kozak, M.S. Ed Life Transition and Mindful Parenting Coach, for a free seminar where children will learn strategies for managing BIG emotions, improving self-esteem, and creating healthy routines.  This program will help participants, ages 8-12, explore through creative arts and mindfulness.  Registration is required at 518-882-6385. More information on library programs is available at: www.galwaypubliclibrary.org.

Wellspring, Skidmore College Bring Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Megan Twohey to Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Wellspring, the domestic violence and sexual assault resource for Saratoga County, is partnering with Skidmore College to bring New York Times reporter and best-selling author Megan Twohey, to Skidmore’s Arthur Zankel Music Center on Monday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. for a public event. 

In 2017, Twohey and fellow reporter Jodi Kantor published a report about former movie producer and now convicted felon Harvey Weinstein, detailing an overwhelming number of sexual abuse allegations. 

Their investigative journalism led to Weinstein’s firing and helped fuel the #MeToo movement started by activist Tarana Burke. Twohey and Kantor subsequently authored a book which chronicled their report about Weinstein, titled “She Said.” The book was published in 2019 and adapted into a film of the same name in 2022. The pair, along with Ruby Shamir, later published “Chasing the Truth” for younger readers aspiring to investigative journalism.

Twohey, who has focused much of her work on the treatment of women and children, will take the stage at Skidmore to share her experience about breaking the story, its aftermath, and the anti-sexual violence work that is still to be done. 

“At Wellspring we talk to people who are victimized by sexual harassment and abuse daily. We know this happens here, and we want to help,” said Wellspring CEO Maggie Fronk. “We hope this event will help attendees better understand the obstacles victims face when speaking their truth about sexual harassment and why believing them is so important.” 

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.wellspringcares.org/she-said. 

Prior to April 10, Wellspring will host a public viewing and discussion of the film “She Said” at their building in Malta. For more information visit www.wellspringcares.org/she-said 

South Glens Falls High School Drama Club to Present ‘Tuck Everlasting’

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Photo by Lauren Hunn of www.laurenkeepstime.com.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS — The South Glens Falls High School’s annual musical production for the 2022-23 school year, “Tuck Everlasting,” will be held on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1. 

Performed in the South Glens Falls High School auditorium, the show will begin at 7:00 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. A 2:00 p.m. Matinee is also scheduled for Saturday. 

“Tuck Everlasting” is based on the children’s novel of the same title written by Natalie Babbitt and features music by Chris Miller, lyrics by Nathan Tysen, and a book by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle. This production is presented through special arrangements with Concord Theatricals. 

Student troupe members traveled to New York City on two occasions during the rehearsal process to workshop with original Broadway cast member Heather Parcells and lyricist Nathan Tysen.

Featuring the on- and off-stage talents of 52 South Glens Falls students, including Eva Reece (Winnie Foster), Daniel Cormie (Jesse Tuck), Nathan Burrell (Miles Tuck), Seth Shortte (Hugo), Sophia Belden (Mae Tuck), and Lily Carpenter (Man in the Yellow Suit). Directed by Mrs. Betsy Stambach-Fuller and assisted by Mrs. Tina Hayes and Mr. Avi Stark. Music Direction by Mr. John Benware with Choreography by Ms. Elisabeth Hutter. 

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door or online at sgfstage42.ludus.com. The Box Office will open one hour prior to curtain. Seating will be assigned. Concessions will be available to purchase during a fifteen minute intermission.

The Stakes Are High At The 2023 Battle Of The Books, March 13

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —  A love of reading and books will be on full display on March 13 when over 475 students on 65 teams from 18 local school districts compete in the 2023 “Battle of the Books.” 

This event, which is coordinated by the WSWHE BOCES School Library System, begins with the first rounds at 8:45 a.m. at SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury. The snow date is March 14. Finals for each grade will be in the Scoville Learning Center starting at 11:00 a.m.

Students in grades 3-6 prepared for the Battle of the Books for many months by reading a total of 10 fiction and non-fiction books. The teams, which consist of 15 or fewer students each on the day of the competitions, have tested themselves on every kind of detail imaginable, from the plot to the dedication. During the competition, five students on the team will have 20 seconds to answer a recall question, responding with the title and author of the book. Teams may switch players mid-way through the battle if they so choose. There are 31 questions per round for each battle.

“After two years of virtual events, we are happy to be back in-person. The competition engages students, encourages them to choose books they might not read on their own, and opens up a whole new side of reading for them,” says WSWHE BOCES School Library System Coordinator, Kerrie Burch. “Students who participate love it. They make new friends and connections with their peers.”

For all competitions, there are volunteer “readers” who ask the students’ questions and make the decisions on accepting challenges. Each grade level competition is set up in a bracket system where a first, second, and third place team is determined in the end. Each of the winning teams is awarded a banner to bring back to their schools that can be displayed.

Saratoga Senior Center Calendar – March Events at the Center! 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.

PaL’s Meals To Go 

Prepared meals you just have to heat up. Pick up any time Monday or Tuesday between 9:30 & 3:30 pm. 

Monday, March 13 & Tuesday, March 14: Shepherd’s Pie 

Monday, March 27 & Tuesday, March 28: Eggplant Parm with Ziti

Call or stop by the front desk to order. Orders must be placed by noon the Friday prior. $12 per dinner.

BROOKS BBQ 

Tuesday, March 21 • 3:30-6 p.m.

Choose from Chicken Dinner $14 or Rib Dinner $20. Dinners include baked potato, coleslaw & dinner roll. Drive through pick up, skip finding a parking space and getting out of the car! Bulk Orders Delivery available for orders of 10 or more. We will deliver to your home or office! Day of sales will be available, while they last. Call the Center to order: 518-584-1621

Live Irish Music with Tim O’Shea & Friends 

Thursday, March 23 • 1 p.m. 

Experience the music of Ireland’s west coast with a master of the genre, Killarney’s own Tim O’Shea! His musical repertoire draws from the dance music of his native Sliabh Luachra and West Kerry folk traditions. Scones and coffee served. Please sign up, $5.

Long Term Planning Expo

Friday, March 24 • 1-3 p.m.

Hear brief presentations and meet with representatives from Advisors Insurance Brokers, Burke Funeral Home, Herzog Law Firm, KeyBank, and more. Get updates on the latest in long term planning from estate planning, mortgages financial planning and more. Refreshments served. Sponsored by Highmark Northeastern New York. 

SilverSneakers and Renew Active Expo 

Monday, March 27 • 1-3 p.m.

How can you get free classes at the Senior Center and the YMCA? Meet with Medicare Advantage representatives about SilverSneakers and Renew Active eligibility. Meet with Aetna, CDPHP, High- mark, Humana and WellCare. Sponsored by Key Bank.

50th Anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown Win presented by Brien Bouyea, National Racing Museum

Thursday, March 30 • 2:30 p.m. 

Secretariat is a superior athlete with unmatched celebrity status. In 1973, Secretariat swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes to claim the coveted Triple Crown, breaking the 25-year drought and setting track records that stand to this day. Learn more about Secretariat’s award-winning career. Please sign up, $10

ONE-DAY BUS TRIPS
Open to the public

Supported by a Lend-A-Hand grant from the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund

Corning Museum of Glass 

Wednesday, April 19 | 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. Sponsored by Highmark Northeaster New York Member Price $80. Non-member price $105. Optional sandblasting workshop- add $14.

New York City – A Day on Your Own!
Wednesday, May 24 | Enjoy a beautiful spring day in Manhattan! Spring in New York is the best time of the year. It’s warmer and everything is blooming.  Sponsored by CDPHP. Member Price $60. Non-member price $85

Mystic, CT  

Tuesday, July 18 | Mystic is a quintessential Connecticut coastal town that is historic, charming, and bustling with tourists. Step on the deck of the Charles Morgan, the last of the American mighty whaling fleet, and check out what lives in the waters around Mystic at the Mystic Aquarium and more. Member Price $60. Non-member price $85

West Point Tour and Brotherhood Winery 

Thursday, September 21 | Guided tour of the story of West Point, its role in the Revolution, its famous history, and more. Lunch and wine tasting at Brotherhood Winery. Member Price TBD. Non-member price TBD

5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs • 518-584-1621

Continuum Wealth Advisors Expands Advisory Team in Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

James T. Cox. Photo provided by Continuum Wealth Advisors.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Continuum Wealth Advisors, an SEC-registered investment advisor with offices in Saratoga Springs, has announced the addition of James T. Cox, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ to the firm’s wealth management team.

James has been working in the financial industry for more than 12 years and is excited to bring his skillset to a fast-growing firm. As a Certified Financial Planner™, he provides clarity to his clients’ financial lives.

“I am excited to join one of the premier boutique financial planning firms in the Capital District. I am impressed with the passion, knowledge, and experience that Tim, David, and Jen use to serve their clients. I believe my experience and focus on financial planning will be a strong fit with this firm that will help propel us forward,” Cox said about the move.

“We are very excited to welcome James to Continuum Wealth Advisors. With James joining our team, we will be able to expand the scope of our services and help more families in the Capital District,” said Tim Smith, who founded Continuum Wealth Advisors in 2010.

Saratoga County Senior Nutrition Program to Benefit in Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program During the Month of March

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

BALLSTON SPA — This March, when you buy a Fight Hunger Bag at the Ballston Spa Hannaford on Rossi Way, you’ll be contributing to the Saratoga County Senior Nutrition Program.

The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services has been selected once again by local Hannaford store leadership as the benefiting organization in the Fight Hunger Bag Program for the month of March. Donations made through this program will directly benefit the Saratoga County Senior Nutrition Program, which provides healthy meals to participating seniors throughout Saratoga County.

The Senior Nutrition Program helps Saratoga County seniors remain independent while providing those individuals with daily nutritious meals. The home delivered meal program serves those who are primarily homebound and in need of nutritional support. The Gather and Dine program offers dining at eight meal sites throughout the county, giving seniors the opportunity to socialize with others in their community.

For every $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag purchased, Hannaford sends a $1 donation to an organization local to the Hannaford in which it was purchased. During the month of March, the Saratoga County Senior Nutrition Program has been chosen to receive $1 for every Fight Hunger Bag purchased at the Hannaford on Rossi Way in Ballston Spa.

For more information about the Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program, please visit hannaford.bags4mycause.com.

HRCCU CEO Sue Commanda Named to Board of Directors for Women Presidents’ Organization

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Sue Commanda.
Photo provided by HRCCU.

CORINTH — The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) recently announced the election of Sue Commanda, Chief Executive Officer of Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU), as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Commanda will serve as a Board Observer in 2023 before officially joining the WPO Board of Directors once existing board members reach their respective term limits.

Commanda is the CEO and Chief Information Security Officer of Hudson River Community Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Corinth with more than $350 million in assets.

As the WPO’s governing body, the Board of Directors guides the organization toward a sustainable future led by sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, while ensuring the organization is equipped with the necessary resources to advance its mission.

Dr. Nicoleta Daraban Named Medical Director and Chief of Cardiology at Saratoga Hospital

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nicoleta Daraban, MD, who has served as director of Saratoga Hospital’s diagnostic center for nine years, has been named medical director and chief of cardiology at Saratoga Hospital.

Dr. Daraban will oversee all inpatient and outpatient cardiology services, in collaboration with other members of hospital leadership. She will continue to lead the diagnostic center.

Dr. Daraban earned her medical degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania, and completed an internship and residency at New York – Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. She went on to complete a fellowship in interventional cardiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas.

Daraban is board certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Disease, the American Board of Internal Medicine with subspecialty certification in cardiology, and the National Board of Echocardiography. She sees patients at Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Cardiology. To make an appointment, please call 518-886-5080.

Former Druthers Chief Brewing Officer Files Lawsuit Against Company

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The entrance of Druthers’ Saratoga Springs location.

ALBANY — George de Piro, the former chief brewing officer at Druthers Brewing Company, has filed a lawsuit against the company, according to a petition filed in the New York State Supreme Court in Albany.

De Piro is a shareholder of all four Druthers locations, according to the petition. The petition states that de Piro is aiming to examine the company’s books and records in order to determine “the financial condition of the entities.”

Druthers has locations in Saratoga Springs, Albany, Schenectady, and Clifton Park. de Piro owns 13 to 15% shares of each Druthers location, according to the petition.

The petition states that “a dispute arose” between de Piro and other members of the company in March 2021.

The petition claims de Piro has made requests for various records in recent months and has not received them, claiming that Druthers “have provided incomplete responses focusing on the breakdown of the relationship and failing to turn over necessary documents.”

The petition states that de Piro is seeking information regarding “potential self-dealing,” in the selection of construction contracts, the use of company-owned apartments and vehicles, and “no-show jobs.” de Piro also alleges the Druthers Board of Directors has not held annual meetings “for in some cases well over a decade.”

De Piro sent a demand letter to Druthers on Nov. 25, 2022, asking to inspect corporate documents. The petition states that Druthers’ CEO Chris Martell told de Piro’s lawyers on Dec. 15 via email he would “respond comprehensively” by the second week of January.

According to the filed petition, de Piro has not yet received the documents. de Piro also requested that the company purchase his shares, citing “other disputes,” which was refused, according to the petition.

Neither Martell or de Piro returned requests for comment for this report.

De Piro is represented by Matthew W. Lizotte and Donald J. Feerick, Jr. of Feerick Nugent MacCartney, PLLC in Nyack. de Piro is asking the court to permit he and his attorneys to receive and inspect the requested documents, that a referee be appointed to supervise “the provision of access and disclosure by Respondents,” and awarding costs and fees associated with the prosecution.