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Are You Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone?

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.

“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there…” – Author Unknown

The comfort zone is a unique place where one feels safe, in control, and content. Who wouldn’t want to stay there? A person who chooses to grow and evolve. That’s who!

So, what does it take to leave the zone?

1. Commitment
Resolving to remain on the growing edge of life, at any age.

2. Desire 
Seeking to identify meaningful ways to expand your lifestyle, attracting the new experience, people, and opportunities you’ve been hoping to find.

3. Willingness
Spontaneously opening up to new possibilities, giving yourself permission to try something new out of the ordinary. 

4. Confidence
Arriving at a place where you know you are ready and feel the task is achievable. Possessing a positive attitude and approach. 

5. Prepared
You’ve done your research to determine if your goal is realistic and how to proceed. At this juncture you need to be humble and ask for the emotional, technical, or physical support you need to be successful.

6. Opportunity
Are you looking for a once in a lifetime experience or seeking an ongoing experience? Sometimes you simply are unaware of what piques your interest until the right opportunity comes along. It may take the form of a group or venue. Other times, you may be the catalyst who initiates the process via a blog, newsletter, or a newly formed group. What truly matters is that you watch for clues and respond to opportunities that arise.

7. Acceptance
Be kind to yourself. Avoid forced outcomes, unnecessary pressure, and unrealistic expectations. Release control. Trust the process. Accept the outcome without judgement.

Remember growth takes time, patience, and persistence. If you enjoy a new activity, stick with it. Otherwise, move onto the next experience. Proceed at your own pace, build up your skills and confidence. Maybe start with a small step. Do something you feel very comfortable doing. Then move on to an unfamiliar task. 

There are not rules; it’s a growth process. 

Attitude is everything. 

This is the way I’ve always done it. I am not going to change. There is nothing new for me! VS. I’m choosing to open myself up to a new way of doing things. With the right information, tools, and support I can accomplish anything. There is a whole universe to be explored and enjoyed just waiting for me. 

The decision is yours This is your unique life.

Stay on the sidelines and play it safe, Or Take a leap of faith, try something new, and grow!

The Persian mystic Rumi one said, 

“When you go to a garden, do you look at thorns or flowers? Spend more time with the Jasmine.”

Step up! Step out of your comfort zone. I wish you a joyful, interesting …and fragrant life!

Patricia Frances Palmer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

MECHANICVILLE ­— Patricia Frances Palmer, 94, passed July 2, 2021 at Wesley with her family by her side. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, July, 12, 2021, 11 a.m. All Saints on the Hudson South Church (St. Paul’s), Mechanicville. Burial to follow at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to Alzheimer’s Association. burkefuneralhome.com

The 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes: NEW DATES for the Tour this Fall!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Saratoga Springs — The 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee announced a change to this year’s originally scheduled tour dates.  Celebrating 25 years of exceptional homes, this annual tradition will now be presented over five beautiful fall days on October 9, 10, 11 and October 16, 17.  This yeat’s event features a spectacular line-up of 13 locations from our region’s finest builders for the area’s premiere new home tour event.

Saratoga Builders Association’s Executive Director Barry Potoker commented,  “Unfortunately due to material shortages, longer lead times on supplies and labor issues, the Showcase Committee along with input from the builders has determined that the tour dates need to be moved out in order to have a successful event. We need to be flexible and are confident this extra time will allow all builders to completely finish their new homes so they can safely open to the public. In addition, the tour has been shortened to two weekends beginning in October and includes the Monday, Columbus Day holiday.”

The Saratoga Builders Association hopes that these necessary changes to the traditional schedule will meet the challenges of the current situation. Thank you to all generous sponsors and the twelve award-winning builders committed to this year’s event; BDC Group, Beechwood Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, Bonacio Construction, Caruso Homes, Kodiak Construction, McPadden Builders, R & M Builders, Trojanski Builders and Witt Construction. 

Over the past 24 years, this community event has contributed over $1.3 MILLION dollars to two local charities. Proceeds from the Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County www.rebuildingtogethersaratoga.org and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties www.glensfallshabitat.org.

For more details on the 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Follow on Facebook for all the updates!

About Saratoga Builders Association

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the well-being and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, please visit www.saratogabuilders.org. 

The Bell with a Story to Tell

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in History.

Hundreds of cars drive down McMaster Street in Ballston Spa on a daily basis, but few may notice the beautiful old bell that sits silently on display in front of Building 1 of the Saratoga County Complex.

This bell hung in Saratoga County’s third Courthouse which was erected in 1890 and stood on the location where Building 5 is today (50 West High Street). The bell was purchased from the Clinton H. Meneely Bell Company in Troy, New York for just over $800. The inscription on the exterior reads:

Saratoga County Court House

1791-1891

Equal Justice to All

Nullus Liber Homo Capiatur 

County Building Committee

George L. Thompson

William W. Sweet

Stephen C. Medbery

The Latin phrase “Nullus Liber Homo Capiatur” means “Let no free man be seized.” The pealing of the bell was most likely a common background noise in the village, though it seems not everyone was thrilled with its melody. A small mention in The Schuylerville Standard published shortly after the bell was installed noted, “People who have been in the habit of hearing the cheery sound of the old court house bell at every session of court, are now called together by the lugubrious tones of the new bell.” (The Schuylerville Standard October 28, 1891) Like it or not, the bell rang frequently. Besides being rung when court was in session, it was almost certainly used on special occasions and may also have signaled the time.

Thanks to newspaper articles, we know it was also used to alert village residents of danger. In December of 1892, accused murderer Martin Foy used a fake revolver consisting of a tin foil-covered stick to threaten the jailer into handing over the keys. Foy was able to unlock the door and escape onto High Street. According to the Buffalo Currier, “County Clerk Grose, who saw the escape, at once rang an alarm on the courthouse bell and over 100 men started after the fleeing desperado up Remsen Street and across lots to McDonald’s grove, half a mile south of the village, where he attempted to conceal himself in the brush.” (Buffalo Currier, December 16 1892). Thankfully, he was captured in short order. Incidentally, he was found by none other than Tommy C. Luther, well-known proprietor of the White Sulphur Springs Hotel.

On an early morning in August 1894, the courthouse bell rang feverishly to let villagers know that four prisoners had escaped the jail and were loose on the streets of Ballston Spa (Niagara Falls Gazette Aug 17, 1894). They had filed the lock off their cell door and tied bed sheets together to slide down the wall and run away.

Over time, the bell was probably used less and less, being replaced by more modern means of communication and time pieces. By 1961, the stately courthouse building over which the bell hung had begun to show its age and there was concern over the strength of the walls in the bell tower. The county decided to remove the 2,500 pound bell to ensure the safety of the public in making sure the structure did not fail. A contractor from Saratoga Springs was hired to remove the bell and as part of his payment, he would be allowed to keep it for salvage. Ballston Spa residents, nostalgic for the sounds of the old bell, disagreed with this plan and came up with their own solution. The Ballston Spa Village Board paid the salvager $500 to save the bell from being scrapped and decided to display the bell within the village. A fundraiser collected $400 which was to be put toward purchasing a base or pedestal once the location question was settled.

While awaiting that decision, the bell was removed and stored on the second floor of the Ballston Spa Village garage on Thompson Street. In 1968, tragedy struck. On Friday, March 8, the village garage caught fire and was completely destroyed. However, the bell fared far better than the highway equipment stored inside. It was a bit worse for wear but still in one piece.

Then Director of Planning, Larry Gordon, had the bell removed from the rubble at the site of the garage and put plans in motion to finally give the tired old bell a place in the sun at the new Saratoga County Municipal Complex on McMaster Street. Two years later the 1891 courthouse bell was unveiled and dedicated on July 4, 1970. The Ceremony included Town of Charlton Supervisor Fred Hequemburg as Master of Ceremonies and several
other speakers.

This year marks the fifty-first anniversary of the bell’s relocation to McMaster Street where it still resides, despite a massive fire and the threat of the smelter’s pot, thanks to a group of citizens concerned with its preservation.

July 9 – July 15, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, July 9

12th Annual Adirondack Greek Festival
St. George Church, 55 Main St., South Glens Falls
Noon – 7 p.m. | Take-out only. Friday, July 9 and Saturday, July 10. Gyros, Souvlaki, Greek fries, Greek burger (new), Spanakopita, Souvlaki dinners w/rice, Moussaka, salad, Baklava and assorted pastries, soda and water. 518-792-2359. www.sgforthodox.org. Social distancing and masks optional. 

Photographing the Beauty Around Me
Zoom Course | 2:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Saratoga County Office for the Aging is excited to offer a new, free program for 55+ residents of Saratoga County. A 6-week zoom course designed to teach older adults to capture digital photographs of their environments and the people they encounter on a daily basis. Participants will learn and hone basic aim-and-shoot skills. By the end of this class, students will have an appreciation for what makes a great photograph. No previous photography skills are required. The course will be held every Friday through August 13. Pre-registration is required. Please RSVP to Christina Krowel via phone; 518-884-4998 or email; ckrowel@saratogacountyny.gov.

Saturday, July 10

Tag Sale
American Legion Post #278, 6 Clancy St., Schuylerville
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Clothing, toys, holiday decor, multiple kitchen items, etc. (too much to list)
Numerous items for everyone. Please drive around back for entrance. We will have hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill for purchase from 11am – 2pm. The sale will also be held on Sunday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please come out and support our American Legion.

Defensive Driving Class
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church | 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New York State approved. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years & 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. 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, and your temperature will be taken upon entry. Class size is limited. 

Saratoga Veterans Chorus Open House
American Legion Post 70 | 34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 1 and 3 p.m.
The Saratoga Veterans Chorus invites veterans, active duty, Guard and Reserve service members and their families to an open house to learn more about the chorus and its activities. Strawberry shortcake will be served. The chorus provides an opportunity for male and female veterans of America’s Armed Forces to experience the joy of a cappella singing in an informal environment. While public performances of the National Anthem and patriotic music will be scheduled, no participant is ever required to sing publicly. Instruction is by Penny Schiek, a retired music educator and accomplished choral director. For more information contact Amy Hughes at 518 884-4999.

Sunday, July 11

Monthly Breakfast
The Fish Creek Rod and Gun | 123 Route 32, Schuylerville | 8 – 11 a.m.
Menu: Eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, toast (white or wheat), pancakes (regular, blueberry, buckwheat, apple cinnamon), French toast, home fries, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Cost: $8 Adult, $4 Child. Everyone welcome. 581-695-3917.

Community Market & Open Mic
Nemer Jeep Plaza, 615 Maple Ave. Saratoga Springs
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Come enjoy an outdoor market partnered with our neighbor Artisanal Brewing with local vendors (candles, jewelry, art and so much more!) AND an Open Mic where anyone can get up and sing or have their bands perform live! There is no fee to attend the market, just come by and enjoy!

Summer Stroll: Mail-Order Houses
NW Corner of Lake & East Ave., Saratoga Springs
10:30 a.m. – Noon | Join the Foundation for this brand-new tour! Madison C. Squires will lead a tour of houses on East and Pinewood Avenues, highlighting the “Kit House” era – a time when the average person could not only put a check through the mail, but order and receive an entire house, as well. Assembly Required! All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours will be limited to 30; tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Members who have received complimentary Stroll passes will have those honored for their value of $10 and will be required to pay the difference of $5. Visit saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030 to purchase tickets in advance!

NYC Ballet Musicians & Friends – Chamber Music Concert
Bethesda Episcopal Church | 26 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs | 4 p.m.
NYC Ballet Musicians & Friends, led by artistic director Luellen Abdoo, return to Saratoga Springs for their 23rd season, celebrating the return of the ballet to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center after the 2020 hiatus. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person. All donations will go directly to the musicians. All are welcome! Reserve your seat at: bethesdachurch.org or call: 518-584-5980

Master Class with David Prottas
National Museum of Dance, School of the Arts Studio 2 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. 
David Prottas, Broadway actor/dancer and former NYCB corps de ballet member, will combine elements of classical ballet and theatricality set to a musical playlist of everything from contemporary pop to show tunes. This class is designed for beginner/intermediate “Ageless Dancers.”  Zoom price: $10 or In-person: $15, limit of 15 people, pre-register by July 9. Registration: nationalmuseumofdance.org/calendar. Masks and social distancing required. 

Monday, July 12

Fairytales and Fantasies Mini Drama Camp
Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta | 1:30 – 3 p.m. 
For Ages 4-7 from July 12-16. Explore the land of Make Believe with princes and princesses, royal guards, dragons, kings, queens and more! Theater games, acting skills, rehearsals, and crafts. Performance on the last day of class includes costumes and scenery, and will be presented to invited guests. Masks will be worn in accordance with NYSDOH guidelines. Instructor: Elyse Young. For more information and to register visit www.maltaparksrec.com or call 518-899-4411.

Tuesday, July 13

Lunchtime Concert Series – Red Canna
Downtowner Hotel Parking Lot, 413 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Noon | Red Canna- chamber jazz group playing the original compositions and arrangements of pianist/composer Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius and a selection of other modern composers. Free. Chairs provided. Donations appreciated. 

Brooks BBQ Fundraiser
Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs | 3 – 6 p.m.
To Benefit the Saratoga Senior Center. Curb side and bulk delivery. Chicken dinner $14 and Rib dinner $16. Dinners come with baked potato, coleslaw and dinner roll. Bulk orders 10+ available for delivery. Purchase tickets by calling 518-584-1621 or at the front desk. Sponsored by CDPHP. 

Giffy’s Chicken BBQ 
Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa
4 – 6 p.m. | Carry out only. The menu will include ½ Chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, roll, and cookie. The cost is $13 (cash only). Presale tickets required. For ticket information email Dinners2619@gmail.com or leave a voice message at 518-885-1149. Proceeds support Elks Charities.

Wednesday, July 14

Chicken Parmigiana Dinner 
Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday Between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: chicken parmigiana, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2 is $25.00 cash only. 

Malta Summer Concert Series 2021
Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Drive, Malta | 6 – 8 p.m.
Concerts are free to attend on the front lawn. Bring a picnic, blanket and /or chairs and enjoy! This week’s featured artist is Big Medicine. 

Thursday, July 15

Concerts in the Park
Lions Music Park, Front St., Ballston Spa | 6 – 8 p.m.
This week’s featured artist is The North & South Dakotas. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. We will follow any continuing New York State guidelines for safe public gatherings that may be in effect at the time of the event. These may include social distancing measures, face masks and limited capacity in the park.  Free to the public. 

July 9 – July 15, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Summer Lunch Program for Children
This summer during the months of July and August the First Baptist of Ballston Spa will sponsor a Summer Lunch Program for children living in and around the village.  Nutritious lunches will be made daily and distributed in seven locations.  Volunteers are needed to assemble and distribute the lunches.  Anyone who is interested in volunteering in some way in making a financial contribution, or in obtaining an application or a menu can contact the church at 518-885-8361 or at bspabaptist202@gmail.com or bspabaptist.org.  Please help to impact the children of Ballston Spa in a positive way.

Janice Dean Book Signing
New York Times Best Selling Author, Janice Dean is the senior meteorologist at Fox News, and serves as the morning meteorologist on Fox and Friends. The event will be held at Encounter, located at 482 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, on July 17. A VIP Pre-signing meet and greet at 9 – 10 a.m. Limited to 50 people. Janice to speak. Lite refreshments Receive: two autographed books: “Make your Own Sunshine” & “Mostly Sunny.”  Enter to win: Encounter Gift Card, Samantha Sung Dress Gift Basket, plus 20% Encounter purchases on July 17. VIP Pre-Sales is: $50 – nonrefundable. Book Signing is from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Pre-register cost of (1) book: $25 (Save $5 Ends July 2). Enter to win: Encounter Gift Card, Gift Basket, plus 20% encounter purchases on July 17. Day of Event:  Day of Book Signing Cost of (1) Book: $30. A portion of proceeds will go to Multiple sclerosis (MS) and a charity of Janice’s choice. 

Christmas in July Craft Fair
Middle Grove United Methodist Church, located at 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove is having a Christmas in July Craft Fair Saturday, July 17 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Crafters/vendors please call Lisa Biss at 518-779-9141 or 518-584-1016. 

3rd Annual Plein Air Art Show and Sale
The “Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park” invite all art lovers to the Spa Park Administration Building Arcade on Sunday, July 25, from 3 – 5 p.m. to see and purchase “Plein Art” paintings created that day in gorgeous Saratoga Spa State Park. Refreshments will be served, and painting sales will benefit the Friends and the Plein Air artists. Join us to enjoy it all.

Public Art Demonstration
Southern Saratoga Art Society is hosting a free and open to the public demonstration by artist Mark Tarabula on Monday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.  To register please visit: southernsaratogaartist.com. Mark Tarabula is a 2021 Artist in Residence at the Saratoga Clay Arts Center.  SCAC promotes the ceramic arts provides a place for people to explore the medium of clay, hone and develop their skills and be part of a community.  Mark will demonstrate how to throw a vase, mug, bowl and plate and describe the basic forms of throwing and how to do the process. 

Workshop for Farmers
Cornell Cooperative Extension is holding a workshop to educate farmers about two new serious pests that are now in our region – tall waterhemp and the soybean cyst nematode.  The workshop is July 27 from 1-3:15 p.m. at 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd., Ballston Spa (info and registration at tinyurl.com/6h4uuyv9). Two NYSDEC pesticide applicator credits can be earned.  Dr. Lynn Sosnoski (Cornell Univ.) will teach farmers how to identify tall waterhemp as well as its other pigweed relatives. Farmers will also learn its biology and management.  Dr. Jaime Cummings (Syngenta) will discuss the biology and management of the soybean cyst nematode, the costliest soybean pest in the United States.  There is no charge to attend the workshops, but pre-registration is required.  All applicable covid-19 precautions will be followed. To register and for more information, go to the website provided or contact the Central NY Dairy, Field Crops, Livestock Program for the Ballston Spa meeting (cnydlfc@cornell.edu, eas56@cornell.edu, 315-866-7920).

Southern Saratoga Art Society Exhibit
Artists and members of SSAS are exhibiting throughout the area. Please try to visit these venues and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County. For further information about SSAS, please visit: southernsaratogaartist.com. Artist Roberta Moses is exhibiting her art during July and August at the Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville. Waterford Library, 117 Third Street, Waterford is hosting artists Jack Morgan, Rebecca Jenkins and Patricia Wade during July and August. Artists William Daisak, David Mayak and Karen Zimmers are exhibiting their art at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. 

Hearts of the Adirondacks Festival
Join us on Sunday, August 1 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Adirondack Folk School, located at 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne. The event will include make your own ice cream sundaes on the back porch, hot dogs and fixings hot off the grill, demonstrations of traditional Adirondack crafts, fireside storytelling, shopping at the Adirondack Folk School Gift Shop, musical performances, plus, our annual silent auction. It is the best in the Adirondacks and features items made by Adirondack Folk School instructors and artisans from throughout the region.  Auction open 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The spectacular result of this year’s quilt challenge will be displayed, and raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Admission is free, charges apply for food and purchased items. 

The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series 
To be held at 6:15 p.m. Monday evenings in August—August 2, 9, 16. 23 & 30.  Registration is $5 day-of or $20 for all five races. This is a low-key, all-outdoors event topped off by light refreshments and unusual raffle prizes.  Please bring your own water. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.  Current CDC and NYS guidelines will be followed. For more information, call Laura Clark at 518-581-1278 or email laura@saratogastryders.org or visit www.saratogastryders.org.

Big Truck Day
Join us for a great morning of fun on August 7 at Maple Avenue Middle School. Come check out some of the coolest big trucks in the area! Enjoy food and treats from your favorite local vendors. Truck Day is a primary fundraiser for the Children’s Museum. Money raised at this event makes it possible for the Museum to offer quality education programs and learning opportunities for children and families throughout our community. Send us a drawing of your best Big Truck. The first 50 applicants receive a FREE PASS to Big Truck Day! This year it’s not a contest, but passes are limited so act soon! Open to all students PreK to 5th grade! You can submit them online at www.cmssny.org/big-truck-day. You can purchase tickets online, as well. 

Summer 2021 Tang at Home Studios, July 18 – August 15

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College announces Tang at Home Studio series for the summer. These online art activities bring the Tang experience into participants’ homes every Sunday from July 18 to Aug. 15 starting at 11 a.m. 

Tang at Home Studio gives kids and their families the chance to explore their creativity, make new things, and share their artwork with peers. Each online session lasts one hour and includes a guided exploration of an artwork, information about the artist, and a hands-on art project led by Sunny Ra, The Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs, with assistance from Skidmore College student interns. 

To ensure a fun sharing environment, registration is required. The live Sunday sessions are best suited for kids ages 5-12 and their adult companions, but everyone is welcome. 

Registration opens on the Tang website on the Monday before each Sunday session. Then you can explore, learn, and prepare materials. On the Sunday from 11 a.m. – noon, we will gather on Zoom to discuss our ideas about the artwork, engage in an art-making activity, and share our creations. For the best experience, log in via computer instead of a mobile device, if possible. This will enhance each participant’s ability to view artwork and videos, and to engage in conversations with one other.

How do I register?

Registration will be available through a link posted on the Tang website at tang.skidmore.edu on Monday for that week’s session. Registration is free. To register, you will be asked for your name, email address, the number of participants, the name or names of your child or children, their ages, and your ZIP code. Once you register, you will receive project instructions, a list of materials, and a link to Sunday’s Zoom meeting. Register early, as space is limited.

Questions? Contact Sunny Ra, The Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs, via email at sra@skidmore.edu.

The schedule begins July 18: Scrolled Stories, exploring artworks by Pakistani American artist Shahzia Sikander and discuss how she combines Indo-Persian manuscript painting with contemporary art practice in a wide range of forms including painting, drawing, animation, and installation. After looking at her works, we will create our own scroll-styled artwork that tells our own unique story.

The museum also has announced the return of in-person Family Saturdays. Each 90-minute session features a close-looking exercise at a work of art, an art-making activity, and a moment to share new creations. These multigenerational events are for children 5 and older with a parent, grandparent, or other guardian. Family Saturdays will run from July 17 through Aug. 14. There will be two sessions each week starting at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with each session capped at five children with one adult each. Reservations are required. For more information, visit tang.skidmore.edu/calendar/category/17-family-saturdays. 

Saratoga Hospital Gala Returns Aug. 4

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Hospital’s 39th Annual Gala will be held Aug. 4 on the grounds of Saratoga Casino Hotel. 

Presented by Julie & Co. Realty, LLC, and Bonacio Construction Inc., the fundraiser supports high-quality, affordable healthcare by benefiting the hospital’s Saratoga Community Health Center.

 The Gala is one of the Capital Region’s largest, most successful charitable events. It is known far and wide for its enticing auction items and creative themes—this year “School Spirit.”

“The 2021 Gala will have a true homecoming feel to show that we are back and better than ever,” Gala Co-chair Julie Bonacio said, in a statement. “We have infused the essence of school spirit throughout our lineup, with a tailgating-themed menu and games, a sports bar tent and décor dripping in Saratoga Hospital’s colors of purple and gold.” Bonacio is co-chairing the event for the fifth time and this year is joined by Co-chair Aimee Dake and longtime Honorary Chair John Hendrickson.

The Gala is a significant source of support for Saratoga Community Health Center, the only facility of its kind in greater Saratoga. The center provides primary care, dental, behavioral health and addiction medicine services to patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Demand for care continues to grow, resulting in more than 25,000 patient visits each year.

Gala live auction items include box seats for the Travers Stakes, an exclusive party at Cantina’s new rooftop, vacations to St. John island and Cape Cod, a Lake George getaway, a fantasy sports experience to a major league game or PGA tournament, and much more. Guests and registered bidders can also bid, via mobile devices, on a variety of silent auction items.

The event will be held at the Saratoga Casino soccer fields from 6-9 p.m.; the live auction begins at 7:30 p.m. Reservations cost $175 per person ($125 for those ages 21-35). Auction item details, reservations, mobile bidding registration and additional event information is available at www.saratogahospitalgala.org. For questions, email lgreenaway@saratogahospital.org or call 518-583-8663.

Saratoga Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga County’s leading healthcare provider. The foundation secures, manages and distributes charitable gifts to support the mission of Saratoga Hospital. Over the years, the foundation has raised more than $55 million for Saratoga Hospital programs and facilities, all of which benefit the people of the Saratoga region. For more information, visit www.SaratogaHospitalFoundation.org.   

Laffer Gallery Hosts Opening Reception Saturday

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SCHUYLERVILLE — For the first time in 16 months, Laffer Gallery, located at 98 Broad St. in Schuylerville, will be hosting an opening reception. The event takes place 5-8 p.m. Saturday, July 10, and the featured artist is Wendy Ide Williams. Masks are not required for those fully vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, masks are required. Go to: www.thelaffergallery.com 

Floating Music Experience

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Accessible only by boat, the Saratoga Lake Association and Soul Session Edu-tainment, Inc. presents a community good will concert to take place Sunday, July 11 at 1:30 p.m. at Fish Creek in Saratoga Springs.

Solo and tandem kayak and paddleboat (SUPs) rentals are available through the Kayak Shak. Kayak areas will be marked off as well as boat pass-through lanes.  Safety and social distancing  protocols will be maintained.

The event is weather permitting.