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SPAC Announces 2023 Spring Season in the Spa Little Theatre

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces its first-ever spring season in the Spa Little Theatre with a robust slate of offerings featuring live theatre, jazz, folk, global and classical music. 

Highlighting the series are the SPAC debuts of Aquila Theatre for two productions of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (March 11) and Grammy-nominated a cappella group Kings Return (March 31), making their Capital Region debut, in addition to the return of global music ensemble Banda Magda (May 4). 

Also featured as part of the spring season is the return of Caffe Lena @ SPAC, performing in Spa Little Theatre for the first time to present The Steel Wheels (April 2) and The Brubeck Brothers Quartet (April 23). The previously announced year-round residency by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will also continue with two special programs, highlighted by a finale performance by Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel (March 18 and May 13).  

The announcement follows SPAC’s fall and holiday concert series in the Spa Little Theatre and is part of SPAC’s mission to present year-round programming that extends beyond the traditional summer months. 

First up in the programming is AQUILA THEATRE in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.  on Saturday, March 11. Tickets cost $33-$68. 

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Voices of the Americas. Saturday, March 18. Tickets cost $45-$65 and are available now at spac.org. 

Kings Return. Friday, March 31. The vocal band of brothers — Gabe Kunda, Vaughn Faison, J.E. McKissic & Jamall Williams, fuses gospel, jazz, R&B/Soul, and classical music. Based in Dallas, Texas, Kings Return’s popularity grew when they began posting videos to social media from the stairwell where they rehearse. The group has now amassed almost 10 million views across all platforms. Tickets cost $33 and are all general admission. 

Caffe Lena @ SPAC: The Steel Wheels. Sunday, April 2. A Virginia-based Americana band with a strong bluegrass underpinning, The Steel Wheels explore deeply rooted yet fresh folk rock sounds.  Tickets cost $35.40-$44 and are available at spac.org, caffelena.org.  

Caffe Lena @ SPAC: The Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Sunday, April 23. With Dan and Chris Brubeck as the foundation, guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb, complete this dynamic quartet. Although the Quartet’s style is rooted in “straight-ahead” jazz, their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues and world music. Tickets cost $41.85- $53.68 and are available at spac.org, caffelena.org.  

Banda Magda. Thursday, May 4.  Following their SPAC on Stage debut in 2019, Banda Magda will return to Saratoga with all new music and their global sounds that range from samba to French chanson, from Greek folk tunes to Colombian cumbia and Afro-Peruvian lando. Their songs capture the best of mid-century pop ballads and cinematic arranging, drawing on the band’s global background and unchained musicality. Tickets cost $33 and are all general admission. 

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, An Evening with David, Wu Han & Arnaud. Saturday, May 13. Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel and violinist Arnaud Sussman perform Beethoven and Dvořák to close the CMS spring season. Tickets cost $45-$65 and are available now at spac.org. 

Permanent Homeless Shelter: Problem Solved, Problems Arise

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

The Saratoga Senior Center on Williams Street in Saratoga Springs, on Jan. 25, 2023. The site is proposed to house a permanent 24/7 year-round shelter, tentatively slated to open in the late spring. A meeting will take place Monday at Saratoga Central Catholic School. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Plans are underway to site a permanent 24/7 year-round shelter at the soon-to-be-vacated Senior Center on Williams Street. 

City Mayor Ron Kim originally announced the comprehensive initiative to address the city’s homelessness last October, and the City Council unanimously approved a resolution in favor of the project. 

The location is the longtime home of the Saratoga Senior Center, a structure developed by the city on city-owned property in the 1970s. The timeline of the shelter’s opening is tentatively slated for late spring, and is dependent on the components of the existing Senior Center relocating to a new venue at the Saratoga Springs YMCA property at 290 West Ave. 

The search for a permanent shelter site has been ongoing for nearly a decade. The Williams Street plan is something city officials and Saratoga County officials began discussing early in 2022. The current lease for the temporary Code Blue shelter on Adelphi Street runs through April 30 at a cost of $8,000 per month. 

The city resolution approved in October calls for the development of “a state-mandated Code Blue Shelter, a navigation center, and a full-time low-threshold shelter on the property.” 

The specific definition of a “low barrier shelter” and of a “navigation center” vary from state-to-state. Recent legislation in California details “navigation centers” as providing temporary room and board while case managers work to connect homeless individuals and families to income, public benefits, health services and permanent housing or other shelter. 

Meanwhile, having a “low barrier” points to things such as eliminating curfews and not requiring background checks, sobriety or mandatory treatment. 

It is not clear at this time whether any of these points would be put in effect in Saratoga Springs. 

The Dilemma

Some members of the nearby Saratoga Central Catholic School have expressed concern regarding the siting of a “low barrier” shelter in close proximity to children. The topic “caused an uproar” when it came up for discussion during a general meeting last week staged by the Saratoga Central Catholic Security Committee. 

“As a committee, we have been talking about the homeless shelter on-and-off for a little while,” said committee member Kevin Zacharewicz. “We’re religious people, we’re Catholic people, so we’re not against the homeless shelter; we’re just against the location of the homeless shelter. We don’t feel that it should be basically touching the property, or be near our kids, our school,” he said. 

The group met with Shelters of Saratoga Executive Director Duane J. Vaughn on Dec. 20, Zacharewicz said. “We talked about that it would be between basically 40 people on the average a night in the summertime, and 60 people an average a night in the wintertime. … We talked about if he does any background checks on his clients, the homeless. He kind of said no.

“We have to help these people out. We get that,” Zacharewicz said. “We understand all this, but again, the location is just not the right mix, and it caused an uproar, obviously, at the school meeting.” A meeting regarding the matter is scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30 in the school gymnasium. 

City Mayor Ron Kim said this week that discussions with local school and church officials are ongoing and that the city is cognizant of mitigating any impact the center may have on them, and how that materializes is a matter to be decided with future conversations.    

“Code Blue” shelter and shelter services are provided to the homeless community whenever inclement winter weather temperatures are at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, inclusive of National Weather Service calculations for windchill. Motivated to action in the wake of the death of a city woman exposed to a winter’s elements on a December night in 2013, a temporary homeless emergency shelter was launched in Saratoga Springs that Christmas Eve at St. Peter’s Parish Center. A series of temporary winter shelters have followed. 

In addition to becoming a permanently sited 24/7 “Code Blue” shelter, the city had expressed some interest in also pursuing the possibility of adding about 40 affordable housing apartments in an adjacent space on the parcel that would assist residents in their transitioning process – a continuum of care with the ultimate goal of helping people move from homelessness to sustained housing on their own.        

(Reporter Dylan McGlynn contributed to this report.)

Eric Church Adds August SPAC Show to The Outsiders Revival Tour

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eric Church will perform live at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Aug. 24. 

Joining “The Chief” across varying dates are Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Koe Wetzel, Lainey Wilson, Midland, Parker McCollum, Travis Tritt, Elle King and Paul Cauthen, plus Jackson Dean, Morgan Wade, Muscadine Bloodline, Shane Smith & The Saints, Hailey Whitters, Ray Wylie Hubbard and The Red Clay Strays.

Joining Church on his Saratoga date will be special guests Lainey Wilson and the Red Clay Strays. 

“When I approach touring, I’m always inspired by a new experience, a new way to gather, to express ourselves sonically and visually. Whether it’s solo, in the round, double down; being able to bring a different perspective has always brought out our best creatively,” Church said, in a statement. “Well, we have never done an outdoor summer tour. Never headlined amphitheaters. Never brought a summer experience to your town that featured artists we want to share the summer with. Until now. See you in the season of sunshine with some fellow outsiders that shine brightest when the sun goes down.”

For more information visit EricChurch.com. 

17-year-old From Brooklyn Journeys the Appalachian Banjo Trail to Café Lena Feb. 19

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Nora Brown stages a show at Café Lena on Feb 19.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In her 17 years, Nora Brown has been featured on NPR All Songs Considered, delivered a highlight performance at Newport Folk Fest, played Philly Folk Fest and AmericanaFest, and appeared in a variety of podcasts including WNYC’s Dolly Parton’s America.

Brown will showcase her take on Appalachian banjo music in a performance at Caffe Lena Feb. 19. 

She plays old-time traditional music with a particular interest in eastern Kentucky and Tennessee banjo playing. Along with the banjo and guitar she also sings traditional unaccompanied ballads from southeast Appalachia and beyond. And counts among her mentors John Cohen (legendary filmmaker and New Lost City Ramblers member), bluegrass legend Alice Gerrard, and her original teacher, Shlomo Pestcoe, who first started teaching Brown ukulele when she was 6. 

Her new album, just released, is titled “Long Time To Be Gone.” For ticket and show information, go to: caffelena.org. 

Dave Matthews Band: New Album, Summer Tour Stages Two Shows at SPAC

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Dave Matthews Band, on tour and live at SPAC this summer. Photo: Sanjay Suchak.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Coinciding with the release of their 10th studio album, Dave Matthews Band embarks on a four-month tour that will stage a pair of shows at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in July.  

The tour kicks off May 9 in Mexico City, performs regionally at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens (June 9), Hartford’s Xfinity Theatre (June 10), Darien Lake Amphitheater (June 14), and in Mansfield, Massachusetts (June 17), before zagging across the Midwest and eventually swinging back east for a pair of shows in Saratoga Springs July 14-15.    

On May 19, Dave Matthews Band will release Walk Around The Moon – the band’s follow-up to their 2018 album, Come Tomorrow. The first single from the album, “Madman’s Eyes,” was released this week. 

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Feb. 17.

For more information, go to: livenation.com, or davematthewsband.com. 

Capital Repertory Theatre Presents the World Premiere of “Secret Hour” 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

ALBANY — “Secret Hour,” the winning play from the 10th annual NEXT ACT! New Play Summit in 2021, will begin to stage its world premiere at Capital Repertory Theatre with an opening on Tuesday, Jan. 31, and run through Sunday, Feb. 19. The play was written by Jenny Stafford and will be directed by Margaret E. Hall. 

Married couple, Kate and Ben, a workaholic ethics professor, and an unemployed programmer have invented the perfect game for getting to the truth called “Secret Hour.” What started as a fun game to become closer as a couple, turns the tables and puts the couple to the test as to whether knowing the whole truth is really a good thing. When an automobile accident unexpectedly reveals Kate’s deepest and darkest secret, her marriage spins out of control. A delicious adult puzzle about lies and the games we play to keep life moving along on cruise control and what happens when the forces of the universe– or at least human nature– make sure we take the wheel and keep our eyes on the very bumpy road ahead. 

A cast of three, all NYC actors, making their debut at theREP, is led by Marina, Joshua David Robinson, and Whit K. Lee. 

Playwright Jenny Stafford is the winner of the 2021 NEXT ACT! New Play Summit. Her work has been featured at Lincoln Center (The Lyrics of Jennifer Stafford), Joe’s Pub, Ars Nova, 54 Below, Prospect Theatre, Barrington Stage and elsewhere. 

Opening night is Tuesday, Jan. 31. Performances continue through Sunday, Feb. 19. Regular performance times Jan. 27- Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with matinees 3 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday and 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 8. 

Tickets range from $27 – $62. For tickets and information, call the Box Office 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 518-346-6204 or visit capitalrep.org.  

Kidz Bop Slate 2023 Tour Stop at SPAC This Summer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — KIDZ BOP announced its brand-new tour, KIDZ BOP Never Stop, in partnership with Live Nation, will travel to 37 cities across the U.S. and Canada this summer, including Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Sunday, July 9. 

The KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour introduces four new KIDZ BOP Kids – Jackson, Kiya, Shila, and Tyler – who will perform today’s biggest hits live on stage. The tour announcement coincides with the release of ‘KIDZ BOP 2023,’ including pop hits like “Anti-Hero,” “About That Time,” “Sunroof,” and “Late Night Talking.” Fans can expect to hear songs from ‘KIDZ BOP 2023’ and other pop hits performed by the KIDZ BOP Kids. 

The family-friendly show will feature new songs, choreography, special effects, and the return of the Daddy Dance Off, giving dads the chance to show off their best dance moves on stage. KIDZ BOP has sold more than 23 million albums and generated over 8 billion streams globally since 2001. 

Tickets go on sale beginning on Friday, Jan.  27 at KIDZBOP.com and LiveNation.com.

January 27 – February 2, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, January 27

Red Cross Blood Drive

VFW Post 420, 190 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs | 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Appointments are available through the Red Cross Donor App on-line.  For more information. Contact Heidi Underwood 757-358-3291. Plenty of parking. Come in a support your Community!

HAM Radio Technical Course 

Galway Public Library,
2112 East St., Galway | 6 – 9 p.m. The Library will host the course presented by members of the Fulton Montgomery Amateur Radio Club. Additional Sessions will be held on January 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and January 29, 1 – 4 p.m. The $50 fee includes the test, a year’s membership in the Ham Radio Club if you pass, and a pdf manual. Participants should bring their lunch on Saturday. A HAM radio startup kit is available for $38. Maximum of 10 participants, so registration is required, 518-882-6385. More information is available on the website: www.galwaypubliclibrary.org.

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 nuggets with French fries, Cole slaw and chowder also available. For more information call 518-695-3917.

Saturday, January 28

Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce Factory – Open House ?

23 Northern Pines Rd, 1st floor, building 2, Gansevoort

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce will host an open house and pop-up shop at their manufacturing facility. Celebrating 22 years in business, owner Katie Camarro and friends will be on hand with product displays and gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. www.sundaesbest.com, 518-584-4036.

Aviation Adventures ?

The Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville |  1 – 3 p.m. | Students ages 10 – 17 years old may join us for “Aviation Adventures” the last Saturday of each month from January through June.  This first class will focus on our two C-130 Hercules: “The Greatest Plane Ever!” Class on February 25 will talk about the Harrier: the “Jump Jet” and March 25 we will examine the OH-6 Cayuse: the “Little Bird.” Call 518-377-2191 ext.10 for a registration form.

Meatloaf Dinner ?

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

4 – 6 p.m. | Dine in or take out. The menu will include salad, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable, roll, and homemade dessert. The cost is 2 for $27 or $17 each (cash only). Preorder strongly encouraged, place your order at 518-885-1149, January 26 & 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. or email dinners2619@gmail.com. Limited quantities available at the door. Proceeds support Elks Charities.

Turkey Dinner ?

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

4:30 – 6 p.m. | We will be serving a full Turkey dinner including stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and veggies with home-made desserts. This dinner will be a sit-down meal in the Dining room. We will also have dinners for pick-up; bagged and delivered to your car. We are encouraging pre-orders for pick-up and delivered dinners. Our phone number is 518-793-1152. We are also offering delivery service. Meals will be $12. 

Sunday, January 29

H.O.P.E. Cat Café ?

H.O.P.E.  Pet Adoption Center, Wilton Mall, 3065 Route 50, Saratoga Springs | 1 – 4 p.m. Come cuddle with adoptable kitties at the H.O.P.E. Pet Adoption Center in Wilton Mall between Wiggle Worms Playland and Saratoga Hospital Medical Offices. Coffee, tea, and snacks are included with admission, as well as a H.O.P.E. 20th Anniversary mug! Cost is $20. Reservations are recommended online at hopeanimalrescue.org or call us at 518-450-7013.

Monday, January 30

Nature on the Move ?

Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Come enjoy nature with others. 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, January 31

Experts Next Door

Virtual Zoom Presentation | 7 p.m.

The Saratoga County History Center (SCHC) “Experts Next Door” virtual presentation by Dr. Eliga Gould. Dr. Gould will explain the global war for American independence and the role played by the battles of Saratoga in 1777.  Dr. Eliga Gould is a Professor and Chair of the Department of History at the University of New Hampshire. The event, set to take place on Zoom, is open to the public. It’s free, but donations are highly valued. To register, visit brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/51224-end-21

Wednesday, February 1

Olde Saratoga Seniors Meeting

Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | Noon

This meeting will be a casserole luncheon.  Bring a dish to pass.  The Wilton Emergency Squad will be doing a demo on the AED that is located in the Town Hall. Everyone should know how to use this. All are welcome, new members, guests and current members.  For information contact Pat at 518-338-2329.   

Roast Beef 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: roast beef, roasted redskin potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll, gravy. Dinner for 2 / $30. (cash only).  

Poetry Reading

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

Thursday, February 2

Galway Public Library’s Finance Committee 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | 5 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend. More information: 518-882-6385.

January 27 – February 2, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Chocolate Fest

The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association is excited to announce our 8th Ballston Spa Chocolate Fest, on Friday, February 3 from 4 -8 p.m. We are currently announcing sponsorship opportunities as well as a call for Chocolate Chef entries. Area restaurants, bakeries, and chefs are all welcome to compete to showcase their talents and tastes by preparing small, sample-sized chocolate offerings in 3 categories: Dessert (Sweet), Savory, and Chocolate Beverage. These treats will be judged by Chocolate-fest goers.  While savoring chocolate treats, visitors will enjoy a variety of First Friday activities going on throughout the Village, including live music, artist demonstrations and special promotions just in time for Valentine’s Day. A complete list of events can be found at Ballston.org. 

Free AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

AARP Foundation will provide free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program at the Ballston Spa Public Library every Friday, February 3 – April 14. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. Tax-Aide will provide taxpayer assistance through interaction with IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteers in two short same day, in-person meetings to exchange documents. For more information including what type of service is available, which documents you need to file your taxes, and to schedule your appointments stop in or call 518-885-5022. Appointments required. The library is located at 21 Milton Avenue (Rt. 50) with its parking lot behind the building on Low Street. 

24th Annual Chowderfest

Discover Saratoga is excited to announce the 24th Annual Chowderfest, one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. This fun, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, February 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event goers will have the opportunity to enjoy 4 oz. samples of chowder for $2 at participating Saratoga County establishments and vote for their favorite. This event is coordinated by Discover Saratoga and presented by Saranac and White Claw. Free shuttles to downtown Saratoga Springs will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Saratoga Casino Hotel. For more information, including a list of participating chowder vendors and discounted hotel rates, please visit discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest or call 518-584-1531.

Poetry Workshop: The Creative Fire of Folklore 

 On Saturday, February 4 and 11 at 11 a.m., published poet Susan Comninos will discuss and employ techniques for incorporating elements of your community’s folklore into identity-based poems that can function as your “origin stories.” Come prepared to try your hand at techniques for folding family sayings, stories, and more into poetry that’s at once individual and universal. This event is funded in part by Poets & Writers with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Mid-Winter Lights Festival

Everyone is invited to join us on Saturday February 4 to Brighten the Night in the Saratoga Springs Arts District at Beekman Street. Drop-in lantern-making, suitable for all ages, starts at 4 p.m. at CREATE Community Studios, 70-B Beekman Street; materials provided. At 5 p.m., we’ll take a lantern-lit guided stroll through the neighborhood. (Note: We will be using battery operated candles; no open flames allowed.) We’ll make stops at a couple of historic locations. There will be a bit of music, including sing-along songs. There may even be some dancing! We’ll return to the start for the closing ceremony. For more information, call Frank Lombardo 518-290-0494.
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Countdown to the Triple Crown

This new event on Saturday, February 4, will feature hundreds of silent auction items and an online auction of unique items and experience packages to benefit the Museum. Guests can attend the event in person from 5 to 8 p.m. or bid on special packages online. The early-bird event will feature beer, wine, soda, light refreshments, and entertainment by Rich Ortiz, as well as screenings of the 16-minute signature film “What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame” at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Cost to attend is $10 for Museum members and $25 for non-members. Many of the auction items will be displayed throughout the Museum galleries during the event. To purchase tickets, call 518-584-0400 or visit: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/Countdown-to-the-Triple-Crown 

Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk

To be held on Sunday, February 5 at 11 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Winterfest will be held outdoors opposite the Administration Building. Bathrooms in Wired Coffee Shop.  Camp Saratoga 8k Snowshoe Race will be held on Saturday, February 11 at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park at 10:30 a.m. May have an indoor facility for this one depending on COVID. It there is no snow, and is at all possible, we may have a trail race instead. Go to www.saratogastryders.org to download an application or link to online registration at www.runsignup.com. A limited supply of Dion Snowshoes will be available at a $5 rental charge.  Email Laura Clark at laura@saratogastryders.org to reserve a pair or phone 518-581-1278. For information about the entire Dion Snowshoe Series and for snow updates visit www.dionwmacsnowshoe.com

Cabaret Dinner Theater: 100 Years of Broadway

Join us for our 2023 Cabaret, celebrating 100 Yeas of Broadway. Tickets include a delicious Chef’s Buffet while listening to the wonderful music of Broadway. Saturday, February 11 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m. at the Vista Ballroom, Van Patten Golf Club, 924 Main Street, Clifton Park. For tickets or more information go to www.saratogavoices.org/events or call 518-416-4060. 

Annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance

The Saratoga/Wilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary is holding the dance on Saturday, February 11 at the Elks Lodge, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs.  The Band GRAVITY will be our entertainment. Cocktails/appetizers  6-7 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., and entertainment 9 p.m. – midnight. The raffles will benefit Foreverly House (Veterans Community Housing Coalition Home for Female Veterans with Children}.  Entree choices are Prime Rib, Stuffed Chicken, and Spinach Lasagna; served with roasted potatoes, tossed salad, roll, and green beans. Dessert is a cupcake tower with a variety of flavors.  Cost: $45 per person.  Reservations are first come first serve with seating limited.  RSVP: Sandy Hennigan 518-232-4049 or sandytoga@hotmail.com with entrée choice, number of guests and method of payment.  Checks made out to the Ladies Auxiliary or cash are preferred.  

New York Grown and Certified Workshop 

Join Schoharie County Office for Agricultural Development, Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD), and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets on February 15 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for the workshop.  It will include information addressing the process to apply, benefits of certification, exclusive grant, and marketing opportunities, and more. The program offers opportunities for traditional dairy, livestock, and produce farms, but also for less conventional producers (fresh cut flowers, maple, honey, firewood, craft beverage ingredients, craft beverage production and more). Applications available at https://certified.ny.gov/get-certified. Early registration is encouraged. A light lunch will be provided for those who attend in person. You can attend via Zoom or join us in person at 287 Main St, Schoharie.

February Break Drama Camp with Elyse Young

Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department announces February Break Drama Camp for ages 10-15 will run Tuesday, February 21 through Friday, February 24 from10 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. Camp and performance will take place at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta. For more information, go online to www.maltaparksrec.com or contact Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department at 518-899-4411.

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

Southern Saratoga Art Society Exhibits

Artists and members are exhibiting during January and February.  Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady is hosting three artists, William Daisak, Karen Zimmer, and Carol Winterton. The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Commons Ct., Clifton Park will be hosting “The Two Vals”, Valerie Woodward and Valerie Wolf, featuring an eclectic mix of artwork and use of vibrant colors in landscapes, still-life, paint pouring, realism to abstract,  The Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville will feature artist Barbara Hurley. Barbara paints in acrylics, oils and watercolors.  Barbara will donate proceeds from sales to the Round Lake Methodist Church.  For further information, visit: southernsaratogaartist.com or check us out on facebook.

Schuylerville Middle School Students Participate in Ballston Spa Birdhouse Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District.

SCHUYLERVILLE — For the next six weeks, all seventh and eighth grade Schuylerville Middle School students will participate in the fifth annual Ballston Spa Birdhouse Program, an opportunity to experience production woodworking on a large scale.

The initiative, supported by Arts and Science Creating Community, Inc. (ASCC), began with a lumber donation from Curtis Lumber, a sponsor of the project. Schuylerville Middle School Technology teacher Mark Belden and his students received a delivery of enough wood to build 300 birdhouses. Belden says the hands-on experience, at no cost to Schuylerville, will be invaluable.

“With the current cost of supplies increasing, this is huge for us,” said Belden. “Plus, I always talk to the students about opportunities for their futures, and now here is a local company coming in, encouraging careers in this industry. It’s awesome.”

“We have created this program to support the WorkForce initiative, to support the trades as a realistic option for students once they finish their education,” added ASCC Executive Director, Mark Blech.

Students helped unload the lumber off the Curtis Lumber truck and will get to work immediately, spending the rest of January and the month of February on the project. Once completed, the birdhouses will be distributed to community members to decorate and be put on display throughout the Village of Ballston Spa from May to October.