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Author: Saratoga TODAY

‘It’s More Than a School, It’s a Community’: Spa Catholic Gives Back Locally

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Left to right: Saratoga Central Catholic students Ava Brown, Ronan Roe, Annie Munn, and Ethan Schwaner. Poto by Dylan McGlynn.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —At Saratoga Central Catholic School, giving back is simply part of the mission.

The school’s National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society recently concluded its food drive, donating over four carloads of food to the St. Clement’s food pantry on Lake Avenue. Up next is the annual ‘Toys for Tots’ drive, with each grade at the school tasked with donating different types of toys.

“We’re trying it differently this year, so that we get a wide variety,” said National Junior Honor Society advisor Susan Barbolt, listing Matchbox cars, Tonka trucks, art supplies, and plush animals as some of the requested items for certain grades.

The toys are picked up by local police and fire departments and are donated to local Toys for Tots drives.

“We try to do as much as we can, just right here,” Barbolt said.

“I think it’s good awareness for us, to recognize what we have and how we can give back to our community,” said senior Annie Munn, the school’s Student Council President and a member of the National Honor Society.

Barbolt, along with National Honor Society advisor Erin Crowther, help organize seasonal drives and donations, but they also host an annual ‘Hoops for Hope’ basketball game that Barbolt said is primarily led by the students.

“The ‘Hoops for Hope’, I will say, the students are the ones doing the fundraising,” said Barbolt. “Erin and I just kind of oversee the events for the day for the basketball tournament.”

‘Hoops for Hope’ sees teachers at Saratoga Central Catholic coaching students. Ronan Roe, a member of the National Junior Honor Society, said, “Everybody likes to play against each other.”

“We kind of talk to each other,” said Roe. “It’s like a rivalry.”

Ava Brown, another member of the Junior Honor Society, said the school sees recurring donations each year from some community members, saying, “We’re just thankful that everybody supports in this community.”

Barbolt said the basketball game serves to raise money for a local organization or family. Last year, the school raised over $11,000 for an employee of the school who was diagnosed with a terminal illness, she said.

“This year, we’ll be meeting probably before Christmas break to decide on our charity,” said Barbolt. “We have a lot of new ideas to make ‘Hoops for Hope’ bigger, and better.”

Senior Ethan Schwaner, a National Honor Society member, said it “definitely feels good” to be able to help the local community.

“It definitely goes to a great cause, and it’s part of our school’s mission,” said Schwaner. “We like to do community service a lot here, and I think the students find a lot of pride in doing it and they feel good about giving back. So it’s definitely a good motivation for them to help in any way they can.”

Brown said it feels good to help the community and “have everybody come together.”

“Our leaders here, and our mentors, they help us and show us how to help and how to support each other, and help us raise money for causes and donate,” Brown said.

Munn also said it is meaningful to be able to help “our own community, and organizations that we interact with and see on a day-to-day basis.”

“I like that we’re helping people that we see every day and live within our own town,” said Munn.

Barbolt said the student participation has been strong every year, saying students “really rally” around good causes.

“I’ve never been here a year where we haven’t had huge participation for any of the events that we’ve done,” said Barbolt. “The food drive was a huge success, and I’m going to speculate that the Toys for Tots will be the same response.

“It’s a great community to work at and to be a part of, because it’s more than a school, it’s a community.”

New Law Ensures Child Advocacy Centers Can Run Background Checks on Employees

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, announced that she sponsored and helped pass a new law to ensure both public and private child advocacy centers (CACs) can run background checks on current and prospective employees by using the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) (Ch. 611 of 2022). 

Under current law, only county-run CACs can access the register, while private and not-for-profit CACs cannot.

“Child advocacy centers are critical resources for young victims of sexual and physical abuse,” said Woerner, in a statement. “Children are the most vulnerable among us, and the bill I sponsored and helped pass into law will ensure that private and not-for-profit CACs are able to conduct thorough background checks on both prospective and current employees to better protect them. It’s imperative that child victims and their family members receive the aid they need in a manner that minimizes trauma, and this law helps to do just that.” 

Child advocacy centers (CACs) must comply with standards set by the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and respond to cases involving child victims of sexual abuse and serious physical abuse. 

To provide the services victims need, centers often rely on employment, contractual or volunteer arrangements with physicians and medical providers trained in forensic pediatrics, mental health professionals and victim advocacy personnel. As these professionals will be in close contact with the children, it is important that CACs be able to properly vet personnel through comprehensive background checks, including through inquiries to the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). 

Formerly, New York State did not grant equal access to the SCR to all advocacy centers. 

Suzanne Vega, The Music of Sam Cooke to Stage at UPH in Early 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Suzanne Vega, new Manhattan Skyline.
Photo: suzannevega.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In addition to a previously announced performance by Kronos Quarter slated for January, Proctors Collaborative has announced Suzanne Vega – a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s – and a show featuring the music of Sam Cooke will be staged at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs in early 2023. 

Suzanne Vega broke into national prominence after cutting her teeth in Greenwich Village clubs such as Kenny’s Castaways and The Bitter End in the 1980s. Nearly 40 years later, her self-titled 1985 debut album still stands the test of time for original music and lyrical storytelling. Vega will be joined on stage at UPH by her longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard, performing favorites from across her career on Friday, April 14. 

The influence of soul music pioneer Sam Cooke has spanned more than 60 years. Cooke, who had numerous popular hits as both a singer and a songwriter, was born in Mississippi in 1931 and died in 1964 at the age of 33.

Bradd Marquis will perform songs written and sung by Cooke, with a goal is to curate and narrate a show that entertains and informs of a historical time loaded with lessons about self-empowerment and social change that are still relevant and necessary to this day. 

“The Music of Sam Cooke – A Change is Gonna Come,” starring Bradd Marquis and the Magnificent will stage at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. on Friday, Feb. 17. 

Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors, in person or via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online at universalpreservationhall.org and proctors.org. 

Foreigner: Feels Like The Last Time

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Foreigner will launch their farewell tour next summer in Atlanta and will make an Aug. 1 visit to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center where they will be joined by Loverboy.

“The time has come,” Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen said in a statement. Hansen joined the band in 2005. Guitarist Mick Jones is the only remaining original member of the band, which formed in 1976. 

The tour will conclude Sept. 3 in New Jersey. Tickets: go to LiveNation.com.

The Streets of Saratoga: New Owen Wilson Film Announces April Screening

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Owen Wilson, in “Paint.” Photo: IFC Films

NEW YORK — IFC Films announced on Nov. 17 they are acquiring North American rights to a new comedy starring Owen Wilson that was partially filmed in and around Saratoga Springs in April 2021. 

IFC Films will release the film in theaters on April 28, 2023 and will stream exclusively on AMC+ later that year, as first reported by deadline.com. It is not known whether scenes that were filmed in Saratoga County will eventually show up in the completed version of the movie, which is titled “Paint.” 

Written and directed by Brit McAdams, actor Owen Wilson portrays Vermont public television painter Carl Nargle. 

“In every step of making the film, we’ve fought to team up with talented collaborators who are also good people,” said director and writer Brit McAdams, in a statement released Nov. 17. “From our first conversation, IFC felt like the perfect home for Paint, not only because of how much they love the film and how respected they are in the industry, but also because of who they are as individuals. We’re all beyond excited to have them add their signature to this picture.”

Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films, added: “We’re thrilled to finally work with the boundless and versatile talent of Owen Wilson, as he effortlessly brings Carl Nargle’s character to life from a savvy script and direction by Brit McAdams. PAINT has all the makings of a quotable comedic masterpiece, and we hope audiences of all ages are ready for a lot of laughs and a lot of heart.”

Go Van Gogh: Immersive Experience Extended to January

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience has been extended to Jan. 2.

SCHENECTADY — Nearly 100,000 people have experienced the immersive presentation of Van Gogh’s life and works since its opening in May at Armory Studios NY in downtown Schenectady, and organizers have announced the exhibit is being extended until Jan. 2, 2023. 

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, allows visitors to take a journey into Van Gogh’s life through cutting-edge 360-degree digital projections, a one-of-a-kind Virtual Reality (VR) experience, and a light and sound show. Visitors will be able to step into more than 300 of Van Gogh’s sketches, drawings, and paintings by using floor-to-ceiling digital projections, made possible by state-of-the-art video mapping technology.

Admission tickets start at $32 for adults and $19 for children. Discounted tickets are available for seniors, students, military veterans, families, and larger groups (over 9 people). 

Armory Studios NY is located at 125 Washington Ave.  Schenectady County has reserved over 200 free parking spaces located at the rear entrance to the Armory, providing direct access to the Van Gogh exhibit. For more information and tickets, go to: vangoghexpo.com/albany. 

Trevor Noah: Off The Record 2023 Tour Stages at Proctors In May

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Trevor Noah on tour, slated to perform at Proctors in May.

SCHENECTADY — After the success of an extensive world tour in 2022, comedian Trevor Noah is heading back on the road with his 2023 Off The Record Tour

The world tour kicks off with its U.S. leg on Jan. 20, 2023 at Fox Theatre in Atlanta, making stops across the U.S. in Austin, New Orleans, New York, and more. 

The show will be staged at Proctors in Schenectady on May 19. 

Noah returns to Netflix with another original comedy special, I Wish You Would, premiering globally this week.

For tickets, go online to: LiveNation.com.

November 25 – December 1, 2022

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting 

On Friday, December 2 the Village of Ballston Spa will become a winter wonderland. The parade steps-off on the north side of Milton Avenue at 6:30 p.m. and proceeds to West High Street. Following the parade, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will arrive on the back of an Eagle-Matt Lee Fire Company truck to light the tree in Wiswall Park. The parade will once again spotlight the Toys for Tots campaign, in partnership with the Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corps, Saratoga County Sheriff Department and the U.S. Marine Corps. Volunteers from these organizations will be on hand to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys from spectators along the parade route as well as at the tree lighting.

The Stretch Your Budget Christmas Sale 

Shop for your Christmas Gifts for a donation and enjoy a cup of coffee, punch, and cookies. NO dealers or used to give to other agencies. Sale is for families who need gifts for their own. Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Old Stone Church, 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa. Call Ann 518-885-4034 for questions. 

Breakfast with Santa ?

After a two-year pause, Breakfast with Santa returns this year. There are three Breakfasts with Santa on Saturday, December 3: the first scheduled for 8:30-9:30 a.m., then 10-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.; Sundaes with Santa follows from 1-2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. Children 2 and under are free. Adults must accompany children. Tickets include either the breakfast or sundae, a tour of the Festival of Trees, a photo with Santa and access to a variety of children’s activities for $1 per ticket. Activities include cookie decorating, face painting, manicures, ornament making, picture frame creating and letters to Santa. There will also be a Holiday Shop with gifts for purchase. Breakfast with Santa and Sundaes with Santa admission tickets are sold in advance only and can be purchased online at http://www.saratogafestivaloftrees.com/ or by calling 518-587-5000.

Adirondack Christkindlmarkt 

Come celebrate the holidays at The Adirondack Christmas Market 2022! Browse from more than 32 vendors in heated tents and enjoy live entertainment and beverages. The event will be held in Glens Falls City Park on December 2 from 3 – 8 p.m., December 3 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and December 4 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Holiday Craft Fair Fundraiser 

December 4 in the Greenwich High School Gym, located at 10 Gray Ave., Greenwich from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. We have over 60 vendors attending and will be having a basket raffle, specialty item raffle, and concessions with homemade hot foods & baked goods! Drawings take place at 2 p.m. Fundraiser for Greenwich Central School District Class of 2027 and 2028. Interested in being a vendor? Email stironi@greenwichcsd.org for more information. 

Jane Austen Birthday Tea

Hosted by the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA)-New York Capital Region on Sunday, December 11, Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Local author Heather Moll will discuss her latest novel, An appearance of Goodness, a murder mystery set at Pemberley. The mystery theme will continue with a discussion of the many Jane Austen mystery series. Cost is $40 includes a raffle ticket for Austen-related items, an Afternoon High Tea, and Jane’s Birthday Cake. Reserve your place by contacting jasnanycaptitalregion@gmail.com. Payment due before December 1. Payable to JASNA NYS Capital Region and send to: JASNA, NYCR, c/o Nancy Duell, 56 Fifth Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801. For additional information, contact Nancy at 1 518-321-1887 or jasnanycaptitalregion@gmail.com

November 25 – December 1, 2022

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Wednesday, November 23

Santa’s Playland 2022 ?

Quick Response Restoration, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake

5 – 11 p.m. | On select dates from November 23 – January 6 you can drive through our magical holiday lights display with the family. Open to the public on Wednesdays – Sundays. Mondays and Tuesdays are dark days for private community appreciation events. Toys for Tots and the US Marine Corps will be on site December 9 and 10 to collect new, unwrapped toys. Donations can be made from December 1 – 10. Admission is free! 

Thursday, November 24

Happy Thanksgiving! 

21st Annual 5K Turkey Trot ?

Saratoga Hilton Hotel,
534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

8:30 a.m. | You can register in person at the Saratoga Hilton Hotel on Wednesday November 23 from 4-8 p.m. There is no day of registration.  Packet pick up: Wednesday, November 23 from 4 – 8 p.m. or Thursday, November 24, 6 – 8 a.m.

28th Annual Ballston Spa Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Union Fire House
319 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa

Noon – 3 p.m. | Take outs are available, delivery available by contacting 518-937-8647 or 518-885-7121 on Thanksgiving. No cost, all are welcome.

Friday, November 25

Auditions for Xanadu

615 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs

Noon – 4 p.m. | Seeking performers ages 18 – 50. Xanadu is a hilarious spoof on one of Hollywood’s worst films. This production is campy and filled with lots of fun. Character acting is essential! Certain characters require additional special skills Performers will be seen in the order they arrive and should prepare approximately 16 to 32 bars in the style of the show. If you are unable to attend, video submissions will be accepted until 6 p.m. on November 25. Performances will be January 13-15. For more information, visit www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org 

Comedy After Dark

The Park Theater
14 Park St., Glens Falls | 8 p.m.

The Park Theater Foundation presents ‘Comedy After Dark’ featuring acclaimed New York City comedian and writer, Kevin McCaffrey. Kevin made his network TV debut on The Late Show with David Letterman, and currently appears on truTV’s Greatest Ever, truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest and Comedy Knockout, where he is a 2-time defending champion. Bring your friends and family along for an entertaining evening of fun and laughter! Tickets: Early Bird – $22| Day of Show – $25. Doors: 7:30 p.m. For further information and to purchase tickets, call 518-792-1150 or visit parktheatergf.com/events.

Saturday, November 26

Artisan Market ?

Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum,
21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa 

The market is open to the public through Saturday, December 24 and will be staffed by museum employees. Shop a wide selection of hand-crafted products created by local artisans, including soaps and lotions, ornaments, jewelry, spices and syrups, cutting boards, home décor, and much more! Thursdays noon – 5 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ClayWorks Holiday Sale 

Saratoga Clay Arts Center
167 Hayes Rd, Schuylerville

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and December 4, Noon – 5 p.m.  | Meet the Artists at SCAC – Studio Tours, Demonstrations, Ceramic Art for Sale — Functional and Sculptural, Refreshments. By appointment from November 27 – December 3. Please email: artistsofscac@gmail.com. Follow us on instagram @artistsofscac

The 47th Saratoga Holiday Craft Marketplace ?

Saratoga Springs City Center
522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Kick off your holiday shopping season while enjoying unique handmade crafts from over 145 artisans. Appropriately this day is designated as “Small Business Saturday.” The Marketplace features individual artisans displaying and selling their wares. Vendor items include home & holiday decor, blown glass, art, woodworking, jewelry, fiber art, fashion wear, food delicacies, pottery, photography, and many more unique items. 100% of the profits go to the Saratoga Center for the Family to prevent and treat child abuse, trauma & neglect. Come join us as we celebrate the holiday season in Saratoga. For full details and vendor Information, visit saratogacff.org/craft-show

Ham Dinner ?

South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls
4:30 – 6 p.m. | Menu: Ham Dinner with scalloped potatoes, vegetable, soup, and homemade dessert. Adults $12. We are encouraging pre-orders for drive-thru pick-up dinners and delivery is available. 518-793-1152

Sunday, November 27

Breakfast Buffet ?

ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs | 8– 11 a.m. 

$10 for adults, $9 for Seniors, $12 for take-out orders. Children under 5 are free. 

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale ?

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club
1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs

11 a.m. -3 p.m. | The popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale. Admission is free. Over 40 vendors, great parking, crafts galore, and lunch. household items, hand-made items, clothing, wreaths, food treats, body lotions, and just about anything you can imagine in time for Christmas. More crafters sign-up every month. A fun activity the entire family enjoys. All proceeds go to local charities.  8’ table and chairs $15; Call Debbie at 518-885-6506 or email dozolins@nycap.rr.com for information or to sign up for a table(s).

Monday, November 28

The Southern Saratoga Art Society Meeting

Blooming Artist Gallery, 675 Grooms Road, Clifton Park., Rexford Landing Plaza

6:30 p.m. | A special art demonstration hosted by the Featured artist will be Ilona Zabolotna demonstrating a “Coffee Painting” using her recently developed unique technique of brewed expresso as a medium. Her style flows much like watercolor and champions combining refined detail with pouring coffee and freely expressive splatter.  Her portraits are full of emotions with knowledge of anatomy. The demonstration is open to the public and made possible by Saratoga Arts through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. For more information about SSAS, visit: southernsaratogaartist.com

Tuesday, November 29

Giving Tuesday 

Ballston Spa Public Library
21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa
As a good faith effort, Ballston Spa Public Library will hold a special Giving Tuesday promotional for patrons. This is a one-day event. If a patron has any overdue items at home BSPL will waive any fines that are associated with that item. Any previous overdue fines or replacement fines do not qualify. For more information please call 518-885-5022 or visit bspl.sals.edu. 

Wednesday, November 30

27th Annual Saratoga Festival of Trees Preview Reception

Saratoga Springs City Center
522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

6 – 8 p.m. | The Festival returns with a showcase of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and other holiday and gift items for purchase. Festival proceeds will benefit the programs of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. Festival of Trees will be open on Thursday, December 1, 4 – 9 p.m.; Friday, December 2, 3 – 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 3, Noon – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, December 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, $5 for Seniors, $5 for ages over 10 and free for anyone 10 and under, when accompanied by an adult. Special admission pricing set at $5 will be offered on Thursday of Victorian Streetwalk Weekend after 5 p.m. Festival of Trees tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the Festival. Festival of Trees Preview Reception tickets can be purchased online at www.saratogafestivaloftrees.com or by calling 518-587-5000. 

Rochman Record Club Listening Party

The Park Theater,

14 Park St., Glens Falls | 7 p.m.

In partnership with Rochmon Record Club, The Park Theater Foundation presents a “Rochmon Record Club Listening Party.” Hosted by Chuck Vosganian, this listening party will focus on Bruce Springsteen’s third album, “Born To Run” (1975). Tickets: $12. Doors: 6:30 p.m. For further information and to purchase tickets, visit parktheatergf.com/events or phone 518-792-1150.

Thursday, December 1

2022 Victorian Streetwalk Weekend ?

Downtown Saratoga Springs

Our goal this year is to bring back tradition, while integrating elements that worked in recent years. We are planning to close down Broadway on December 1 from 6 – 9 p.m. for our Tree Lighting Ceremony. We are so thrilled to have Madison Vandenburg as our headliner on stage. And of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the cottage. There will be other live music downtown and performers strolling Broadway and so many other surprises not only on December 1, but throughout the weekend.

Holiday Lighted Nights ?

Washington County Fair
392 Old Schuylerville Rd., Greenwich 4:30 – 9 p.m.
Make Holiday Lighted Nights the start of a new holiday tradition! This drive-thru experience will be fun for the whole family. November 25 – 27, December 1 – 11, December 15 – 23, December 26 – 30, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m, each day.

Galway Public Library’s Finance Committee Meeting

2112 East St., Galway | 5 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend. For more information call 518-882-6385.

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge Donates to Scotties BackPack Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Ballston Spa CSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Gianleo Duca, Elks Lodge representatives Kim Turney (Past Exalted Ruler) and Exalted Ruler Wayne VanValkenburgh with Board of Education President Jason Fernau. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA —The Ballston Spa Central School District’s partnership program has again received generous funding from the Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619. Representatives from the organization presented their annual donation and received recognition from the district during a recent Board of Education meeting. 

The Ballston Spa Elks Lodge continues to be a consistent supporter of the Scotties BackPack Program. For the 2022-23 school year, they have increased their annual support to $6,500 to assist with supplying weekend meals to students who may otherwise go without. 

In collaboration with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, the district launched the Scotties BackPack Program in 2017, and currently serves students in all four elementary schools. The program provides easy-to-prepare food to selected students each week to consume throughout the weekend. 

Meeting nutritional needs helps ensure students are ready to learn when they return to school. The program originally provided weekend meals to 30 students and now serves more than 190 students in the district. 

The cost for one student for the school year has increased from $183 to $228 for the 2022-23 school year. This increase means an additional $9,000 will need to be raised to support the same number of students as last year. Revenue to support the program is raised by individual and corporate donations as well as through any available grant sources.