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Author: Saratoga TODAY

$2 Million Non-Profit Covid Relief Fund

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA – The county Board of Supervisors this week launched a $2 million grant fund for non-profit organizations in Saratoga County negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had set aside the $2 million last year for a grant program for not-for-profit organizations, so this establishes the program, sets up the rules for what organizations can apply, who can be eligible for a grant, and also the framework of how much they can ask for,” said Saratoga Springs Supervisor Matt Veitch. 

The program is preparing to roll out and will presumably include specific instructions and an application on the county website. The county site may be accessed at: saratogacountyny.gov. 

“It is tied to COVID relief, so organizations will need to prove some hardship – lost revenue, loss of funds due to COVID,” Veitch said. 

The individual grants range from $500 up to $50,000.

How it will work: Requests, accompanied by the Saratoga County Non-Profit COVID Relief Grant Fund Application, will be submitted to the County Administrator’s office, which will then refer completed and qualified funding requests to the Law and Finance Committee
for consideration. 

Veitch is one of seven members newly appointed to the committee for 2022, which is chaired by Jonathan Schopf. (See: story page 10).  That Law and Finance Committee, which typically meets monthly in Ballston Spa, will subsequently recommend funding requests. The requests are then subject to the approval of the Board of Supervisors.

To contact the county administrator’s office, call 518-884-4742 or visit the website: www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/adminstrators-office. 

SPAC Announces 2022 Classical Amphitheater Season Featuring New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center this week announced the return of its resident companies — New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra — to their summer home in Saratoga in 2022.

The diverse season features SPAC premieres and debuts by women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) composers, choreographers, performers, and conductors, alongside iconic masterworks of the classical repertoire.

NEW YORK CITY BALLET returns with the full company from July 12 – 16, with its roster of more than 90 dancers under the direction of Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan, accompanied by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, led by Music Director Andrew Litton.

The Company will present four programs including the full-length story ballet A Midsummer Night’s Dream; an evening dedicated to 20th Century Masters highlighted by Merce Cunningham’s Summerspace, returning for the first time since 1967; and a program showcasing works by contemporary choreographers including new pieces by Jamar Roberts and Pam Tanowitz, and the return of Justin Peck’s In Creases, gracing the SPAC stage for the first time since its World Premiere at SPAC in 2012. Back by popular demand is also a special “NYCB On and Off Stage” presentation designed to introduce the season with an intimate, up-close look at selected excerpts from the Company’s repertory of ballets that will be featured during the residency.

“After two long years without the full New York City Ballet in residence at SPAC, it is tremendously exciting to be announcing the return of the full Company in July 2022,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, in a statement.

“It will be a perfect celebration of their return with timeless works of Balanchine and Robbins, SPAC debuts by Jamar Roberts and Pam Tanowitz, the return of Merce Cunningham’s Summerspace, beloved story ballet A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and NYCB On and Off Stage. The latter, born from the need to conform to COVID guidelines in 2021, was a format that was immensely popular with audiences. It will be a perfect kick-off to the residency – as both an intimate behind-the-scenes look at NYCB as well as a poignant reminder as to how far we will have come since March of 2020,” Sobol said.

THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA’s three-week residency (July 27 – Aug. 13) will feature Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin (Aug. 10–13) leading four programs including a finale featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Highlighting the residency is the return of world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma (Aug. 5) and violinist Joshua Bell alongside star soprano Larisa Martinez (July 29). Making their 2022 SPAC debuts is a diverse roster of artists including fourteen-time GRAMMY nominee Ledisi singing the music of Nina Simone (Aug. 3), pianist and NPR host Lara Downes (Aug. 4), soprano Angel Blue (Aug. 12-13), 26-year-old superstar violinist Randall Goosby (Aug. 11), and Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company, BalletX July 27), performing a new work choreographed by NYCB’s Tiler Peck.

Also featured will be more than a dozen SPAC premieres including the East Coast Premiere of Contact by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts composed for the genre-crossing ensemble Time for Three (July 28). SPAC’s popular film nights will also return to delight audiences of all ages as the Orchestra accompanies, live to picture, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban– in Concert (July 30) and The Princess Bride in Concert (Aug. 6).

“SPAC’s ambitious and artistically inspiring programming continues our effort to bring significant contemporary works and iconic classics that have never been performed at SPAC to our stage, while also presenting a record number of works by BIPOC and female composers throughout the season,” said Sobol.

Tickets will be available beginning on March 7 for members (tiered by level) and on March 16 for the general public. New for this season, evening performances will be held at 7:30 p.m.

SPAC will continue to monitor health and safety guidelines mandated by New York State and the CDC and will adjust ticketing and safety policies accordingly.

The season kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12 with NYCB On and Off stage. For a full detailed listing of performances, tickets, and other information, go to: spac.org.

SSCSD Realtor Information Night

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District will hold a virtual Realtor Information Event on Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. This presentation will include information about the school district, including an overawe of their educational and sports opportunities, elementary zones including the new flex zones, and the registration process. The WebEx link will be posted on the District website at www.saratogaschools.org. 

WSWHE BOCES to Hold Virtual Open Houses for CTE Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) program will hold virtual open houses on Jan. 19 and Jan. 20. Each open house will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 

CTE is a division of WSWHE BOCES that gives students the chance to master academics, as well as technical skills within a subject that interests them most. This year, CTE has twenty courses available to high school students entering their junior year in the fall of 2022. 

Virtual open house visitors will learn how CTE programs help students prepare for careers and college through hands-on learning, internships, and partnerships within business and industry. For more information and to register, visit careerandteched.org. 

CTE classes include Auto Body Repair, Automotive Technology, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice Studies, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Conservation and Forestry, Graphic and Visual Communications, Health Occupations, HVAC-R, Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Operation, Horse Care, Horticulture, Landscaping and Floral Design, Machine Tool Technology, Power Sport Technology, and Welding. 

Robert T. Marcil

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Marcil

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Robert T. Marcil, of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Sunday January 2, 2022.  He was born in Cohoes, NY on February 14, 1934 to Edward and Vivian (Chamberlain) Marcil.  After graduating from Saratoga High School in 1952, Bob enlisted in the Army.  Upon returning from service, he worked for General Electric before partnering in home building company Van Mar Builders. In his retirement Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He especially loved his Boston Red Sox.  Bob is survived by his 3 children, Daniel Marcil of Olympic Valley, CA, Derek (Brenda) Marcil of Stevenson Ranch, CA, Michaela (Tom) Kelly of Middletown, NY, and 4 grandchildren, Adrian Kelly, Quinn Kelly, Adriana Marcil, and Luca Marcil.

YMCA Family Programs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Youth Sports Leagues 

Soccer: A developmental league that combines practice and game time in one session. Volunteer parent coaches are needed. This league will be held at the Wilton Branch (indoors). Ages 3-4 yrs. will play from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Ages 5-7 yrs. will play from 9:50 to 10:15 a.m. Ages 8-10 yrs. will play from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. 

T-Ball: This league combines practice and skill building with a game at the end. Volunteer parent coaches are needed. This league will be held at the Wilton Branch (indoors) on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Sports Skills & Drills 

Little Rookies: This class introduces a different sport every week for children ages 3-5 years old. Classes will be held at the Saratoga Branch on Tuesdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m., or Saturdays, 9 to 9:30 a.m. Classes will be held at the Wilton Branch on Mondays, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., or Wednesdays, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. 

Basketball: The Y has classes for all ages and skill levels at the Saratoga Branch. Ages 4-5 yrs. will play on Mondays from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Ages 6-7 yrs. will play on Mondays from 4:50 to 5:30 p.m. Ages 8-10 yrs. will play on Tuesdays from 4:15 to 5 p.m. Ages 6-9 yrs. will play on Saturdays from 9:40 to 10:20 a.m. 

Beyond the Basics Basketball: Take your child’s game to the next level with this advanced class for ages 10 -13 yrs., Thursdays from 6 to 6:45 p.m. 

Volleyball: Learn the fundamentals of volleyball in this co-ed class for ages 10-15, Wednesdays from 4:15-5 p.m. 

Archery

Youth Intro teaches in the fundamentals of archery, including safety and equipment use, for ages 8-13 yrs. Intro will be held on Saturdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. or Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. 

Teen and Adult Intro are introductory classes for ages 14+, and will be held on Sundays from 3 to 4 p.m. 

Longshots Club is a program that teaches archery skills and introduces competition in a fun team environment for ages 10-16 yrs., and will be held on Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Programs for Young Children 

These programs are designed for a caregiver and child to engage in together, socialize, learn, and meet new friends. 

Roc-n-Tots and Baby Jamboree are fun music and movement classes at the Saratoga Branch. Roc-N-Tots is Wednesdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. for 18 months – 2 yrs. Baby Jamboree, for ages 6-18 months is Fridays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. 

Story Time is a class that combines a story with activities and an art project. Story time at the Wilton Branch is Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Story Time at the Saratoga Branch is Fridays from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. 

Mini Activity Play Group is a playgroup for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years. Each week the Y puts out gross motor activities for children to engage in. The playgroup at the Wilton Branch meets in the gymnastics studio on Mondays from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. The playgroup at the Saratoga Branch meets in the gym on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. 

Dance Classes 

Tiny Tutus: Children learn the basics of ballet in this beginner class for ages 3-5 yrs. Classes will be held on Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:10 p.m., and Saturdays, 10:15 to 10:55 a.m. or 11:05 to 11:50 a.m. 

Twinkle Toes: Ballet and tap basics are combined in this class for ages 4-6 yrs. Classes will be held Tuesdays, 5:15 to 6 p.m., or Saturdays, 12:05 to 1:05 p.m. 

Jazz: This beginner jazz class introduces a new dance style for children ages 6-9 yrs. Class will be held on Tuesdays from 6:05 to 6:50 p.m. 

All dance classes will be held at the Saratoga Springs Branch in the multipurpose room. 

The Saratoga Regional YMCA has programs for everyone from toddler and parent classes to youth sports, to teen and adult archery at both the Saratoga and Wilton Branches. Come check out everything that the Y has to offer to keep your family  healthy, active, and learning. Registration is open, and classes run from Jan. 17 to March 13. 

Varsity Ice Hockey: Recent Game Recaps

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BH-BL/BS V. Shenendehowa 

On Saturday, Jan. 8, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake/Ballston Spa faced off against Shenendehowa. Shenendehowa won the match-up 4-2. 

Jack Scalise and Gavin Tribley scored one goal apiece for BH-BL/BS, and goalie Alex Shear recorded 26 saves. 

Colin Palmer scored 2 of Shenendehowa’s 4 goals. Alex Dunkleberger and Nolan Sullivan scored one goal each. Keagan Linn, Brandon Stocker, and Sullivan (2) recorded assists. Goalie Mason Snider had 15 saves. 

BH-BL/BS is on the road on Friday, Jan. 14 to play Bethlehem at 7 p.m. 

Adirondack (GF/SGF/Warrensburg) v. Beekmantown 

The Adirondack Rivermen, made up of Glens Falls, South Glens Falls, and Warrensburg, lost a close game, 3-4, against Beekmantown on Saturday, Jan. 8. 

Jillian Willis scored 2 of Adirondack’s 3 goals, and John Attardo scored the other goal. Goalie Andy Buser had 36 saves. 

Beekmantown’s stats were not available. 

Adirondack will play La Salle next on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at Hudson Valley Community College. 

Saratoga v. Rye 

Saratoga’s most recent game was against Rye on Dec. 28. Rye defeated the Blue Streaks 9-1. 

Payton Borak scored the lone goal for Saratoga with an assist from Frank Klaus. Goalie Xander Clarke had 30 saves in 44 minutes of gameplay. 

Rye’s stats were not available. 

Saratoga is scheduled to play Bethlehem on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 6:45 p.m., and CBA on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m. Both games will be held at Weibel Ice Rink. 

Ballston Spa Pins Competition at Saratoga Invitational

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Ballston Spa Scotties Varsity Wrestling Team placed 6th, while Saratoga placed 7th at the invitational Saratoga hosted on Jan. 8. Eighteen local teams competed from across New York and Vermont, including a majority of local high school teams. Toga placed first with a team score of 186.0 and four individual wrestlers winning their championship matchups. Other team scores are as follows: 2 – Spaulding, VT (135.0), 3 – Windsor (126.0), 4 – Shenendehowa (114.0), 5 – Shaker (109.5), 6 – Ballston Spa (105.0), 7 – Saratoga Springs (92.0), 8 – Saranac (84.0), 9 – Mohonasen (72.0), 10 – Queensbury (62.0), 11 – Glens Falls (61.0), 12 – Averill Park (55.0), 13 – Canajoharie-Fort Plain (45.0), 14 – General Brown (39.0), 15 – South Glens Falls (29.0), 16 – Northern Adirondack (27.0), 17 – Schenectady (26.0), 18 – Corinth (20.0). 

Between Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs, three wrestlers made it to the championships; Ralph Kenney (Sophomore, Ballston Spa) was the only one to win his matchup, pinning Greg Green (Shenendehowa) in 0:35 in the 102 weight class. Sachiel Chuckrow (Senior, Saratoga Springs) lost to Mason McCombs (Windsor) in a 9-1 major decision in the 160 weight class. Darrien Insogna (Junior, Ballston Spa) lost to Ryan Stein (Shaker) in a 6-4 decision in the 215 weight class. 

Next up, Ballston Spa faces Averill Park and Saratoga Springs faces Shaker in league matches on Wednesday, Jan. 12. 

Coach Rich Johns Shares AWRA Mission with SSHS’s Athletic Leadership Group

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On the invitation of Saratoga Springs Athletic Director Nick McPartland, Coach Rich Johns recently met with the High School’s Athletic Leadership Group. Coach shared elements of his Act With Respect Always mission and his experiences as a teacher and coach at Saratoga. At the end of his presentation, Coach had a chance to meet and greet many of the students and have a photo taken with them. To learn more about AWRA, please go to the foundation’s website: www.actwithrespectalways.com