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Author: Saratoga TODAY

HMT to Hold Open Auditions for “New Jerusalem” on April 18-19

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater will hold open auditions this month for their July/August production of New Jerusalem by David Ives, directed by Dianne O’Neill. 

Auditions will be held through Zoom on Sunday, April 18 and Monday, April 19 from 7-9 p.m. All roles are open to actors of all ethnicities and gender identifications.

Baruch de Spinoza is a young merchant and the heir apparent of Saul Mortera, the chief Rabbi of Amsterdam. When the city accuses Spinoza of atheism, he is summoned to the synagogue to defend himself. Spinoza’s best friend, his sister, and the woman he loves are all drawn into the controversy, a historical event that shook up not only the entire Jewish community of Amsterdam, but changed Spinoza’s and Mortera’s lives—and all of Western thought—irrevocably. The play is a re-imagining of the interrogation and eventual excommunication of the young philosopher on July 27, 1656. In this eloquent and masterful drama, David Ives attempts to open the temple doors and let us listen in on a dispute whose philosophical and political echoes still reverberate today.

Production dates are Sunday, July 25 at the Congregation Shaara Tfille in Saratoga Springs, and Sunday Aug. 1 at the Congregation Beth Shalom in Clifton Park. There will be two performances each day. Rehearsals will start on Sunday, June 13 and will run Sunday through Thursday evenings.

Appointments for the Zoom auditions will be required. Excerpts from the play for audition purposes will be provided upon sign-up for a time slot. For a detailed flyer with character descriptions, or to sign up for an audition time, visit Home Made Theater’s website, www.HomeMadeTheater.org. For questions call 518-587-4427.

Saratoga Book Festival Online: Mark Harris in Conversation with Audrey Kupferberg April 22

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Public Library, Saratoga Book Festival, and Home Made Theater present “Mark Harris in Conversation with Audrey Kupferberg,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 22. 

In “Mike Nichols: A Life,” author and journalist Mark Harris offers the first full-scale biography of the celebrated film director, stage director, and improv comedian. Harris interviewed over 250 people for this book, including Elaine May, Meryl Streep, Stephen Sondheim, Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Tom Hanks, Candice Bergen, Emma Thompson, Annette Bening, Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, Lorne Michaels, and Gloria Steinem. In it, he gives an intimate and evenhanded accounting of success and failure alike; the portrait is not always flattering, but its ultimate impact is to present the full story of one of the most interesting, complicated, and consequential figures the worlds of theater and motion pictures have ever seen. He will be joined in conversation by film historian and WAMC commentator, Audrey Kupferberg.

Harris is the author of Five Came Back: A Story of Hollywood and the Second World War, and Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood, which was named a notable book of the year, by the New York Times and the American Library Association. 

This online program uses the Zoom livestreaming platform. It will require access to a computer, mobile device with the Zoom app installed, and/or a phone for audio-only access. Registration with an email is required in order to receive information on how to connect. The email will be sent three hours prior to the scheduled start time of the program. Register a: sspl.org.

Live and On Stage: Brisbin Gig to Benefit Bar People

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Showcasing his new full-length album “Blame it on Love,” Jeff Brisbin will stage a formal listening room setting 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 at Putnam Place.

The live event, which will include a slew of special guests, will also serve as a benefit fundraiser for BAR PEOPLE, to help support the local music scene affected by the pandemic. 

Capacity is very limited and tickets are $15. Reserve tix in advance at putnamplace.com. For more information about Jeff Brisbin and his music, go to: jeffbrisbin.com. 

A Pressing Engagement

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

Hello my Foodie Friends! 

There are many ways to make coffee. Our cups of coffee are very important to us since we start our days with that “necessary cup.” If you like coffee, you will find that you have many choices. You can spend lots of money to let other places make it for you. Many people find that their choice is a French press machine. People who use a press know and act like it is their own secret.  You can see it in the smile they have when they talk about it as they are purchasing one for a friend.  You can also see it in their frowns when they need one because the old one is lost due to a move or they are visiting here for an extended vacation and need one now!  My customers have many different passions for their favorite products but French Press people are knowledgeable and loyal. French Press coffee captures more of the flavor, aromas and oils from the coffee beans than drip coffee makers.  You lose a lot in a drip maker to the paper filter.  The difference between French press and drip coffee is that the grounds using a French press are steeped in boiling water while water just passes through the grounds in an auto or manual drip system. Grounds used for French press coffee must be larger and rougher. These grounds tend to release more caffeine, especially when steeped longer. Connoisseurs contend that this method of brewing produces a richer, fuller flavor. A serving that’s higher in caffeine may also have health advantages as well.

Once you have your press, here are the simple directions:
• Place the pot on a dry, flat surface. Hold the handle firmly, then pull out the plunger.
• Add a heaping tablespoon (7-8 grams) of coffee to the pot per 200 ml (6.7 oz) of water.
• Pour hot water—not quite boiling—into the pot, and gently stir.
• Carefully reinsert the plunger into the pot, stopping just above the water and ground coffee (do not plunge yet), and let stand for 3-4 minutes .
• Press the plunger down slowly, exerting steady pressure.

After each use, wash the pot with water and mild detergent, and dry thoroughly. Use coarse ground coffee. (remember fine will come through your screen).

You should probably consume your coffee within about 20 minutes as it could become bitter. Some people prefer it that way so whatever your tastes are is fine. You can also vary the strength by adding more or less coffee. If you remember, last week I talked about Tea and they also make a tea press which is catching on with Tea customers also.

Whereever your tastes take you, do what is best for you! Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store. Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

 Take Care,
John & PaulaReardon Crumb Cake Recipe

Spring Invites New Flavors from Local Farms

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

It felt so good to feel sunshine on our faces this past Saturday at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. 

From now through the end of April, the farmers’ market will be outside, weather permitting, in the Bon-Ton/Bow Tie parking lot at the Wilton Mall on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Current COVID guidelines still stand, so mask up, bring your shopping bags, and remember to social distance as we continue to ensure the safest (and freshest) shopping experience.

As we eagerly anticipate spring perennials like asparagus and rhubarb, they are still much too young to harvest as vibrant shoots have just recently broken through the earth. Even fiddleheads are weeks away from emerging. However, early spring offers an opportunity to savor the first tender greens that are getting their start in greenhouses and the last of stored crops like beets, kohlrabi, and radishes. Innovative farmers are also bringing hydroponically grown produce like cucumber, watercress, and herbs. And, some farmers work tirelessly to bring crops that grow year-round, like mushrooms. 

If you are eager to make spring meals, there are plenty of flavorful ingredients available at the farmers’ market. We feel inspired to share recipes for a fresh herbed salad and seared pork chops this week. Combining stored fruit and vegetables with freshly harvested greens, fresh farm eggs, and heritage meats is what spring cooking is all about. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For online pre-ordering and curbside pickup, visit localline.ca/saratoga-farmers-market.

PorkChopsRecipe

 

HerbedSpringSaladRecipe

April 16 – April 22, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, April 16

Pasta Fagioli Take-Out
The Principessa Elena Society
13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs | 5 p.m. – 7p.m.
This classic Italian dish of macaroni and beans will be available for $5 per quart.

Saturday, April 17

Zippy Chippy’s 30th Birthday Party
Old Friends at Cabin Creek
483 Sand Hill Rd., Greenfield Center | 12 – 3 p.m.
Reopening to the public to celebrate Zippy Chippy’s 30th birthday! Birthday festivities include a book signing with Artie Bennett, author of The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t, a drink truck, and live fiddle music. A donation of $10 for this event will be gratefully received. Masks are required. Hope you’ll join us! 

Sunday, April 18

Dharma Meditation
Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs
9 – 10:15 a.m. | Dharma Meditation with Pierre Zimmerman has returned to an in-person or live format at Caffe Lena! Meetings will be held each Sunday. Please RSVP to Pierre Zimmerman by calling 413-992-7012 or emailing pzimmie2@icloud.com 24-hours in advance. Masks must be worn at all times, and coronavirus safety measures, including social distancing, will be practiced. A $10 donation is suggested.

Monday, April 19

Wellness Walks
Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside. This walk is geared toward gentle exercise and those with basic fitness levels. This program will not take place in bad weather. Registration is required 24 hours in advance of the program. To register, call 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. Face masks are required to be worn throughout the duration of this program. 

Tuesday, April 20

Havurah Vatik April Event
A Zoom presentation | 11 a.m. – Noon. 
Presented by Elizabeth Vernon, a Lee M. Friedman Judaica Technical Services Librarian in the Judaica Division of the Harvard Library. Elizabeth will explore with us how the library documents all aspects of Jewish life: all time periods, all geographic areas, all languages. All the way down to ephemera and junk mail. Just what constitutes Judaica; how do you collect such a wide array of materials; what happens to them? What if you had a question about some arcane aspect of Jewish history, language, culture, religious practice? Ask Elizabeth! Join Zoom Meeting: us02web.zoom.us/j/83284806534?pwd=WnVPbGkrYjk5dTNvMDNOaldNbVZFZz09 Meeting ID: 832 8480 6534 Passcode: 684352

2nd Annual Spring Social – Town of Wilton Democratic Committee
Zoom Presentation | 7 – 8 p.m. 
Presented by Dr. Don Levy, Director of the Siena College Research Institute, home of the renowned Siena Polls. Dr. Levy’s topic will be “Polling and Politics In a Pandemic”. To attend, please RSVP via our ActBlue page: secure.actblue.com/donate/2021-wilton-social. While the event is free, suggested donations of $25 for households and $15 for students would be greatly appreciated. Your donation will support candidates running for office in the Town’s November 2021 election. Donations can be applied through the RSVP process on the ActBlue page.

Wednesday, April 21

Stuffed Shells Dinner
Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge
1 Elks Circle, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order, 518-584-2585. Menu: stuffed shells, meatballs, sweet sausage, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2, $25 (cash only). 

Volunteer Meetings
Zoom, Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park
80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6 – 7 p.m.
Get caught up on events and the latest programs and projects. Everyone is welcome, from those who are interested in learning more about volunteering to our longtime regulars! This event will be held virtually over Zoom. To register and get this link, please email volunteer coordinator, Erin, at emccabe@wiltonpreserve.org. Registration is required. To register, please contact the Park & Preserve Office via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org or by calling (518) 450-0321. Please provide your name, phone number, email and the number of people attending within your party. Registrations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the program. You will receive a confirmation email if you have been successfully registered. 

Alaska, the Last Frontier
Zoom Presentation | 7 p.m.
Join nature photographer, Peter Benoit, for a photographic journey through the natural wonder of American’s 49th state. Peter travelled to Alaska twice in recent years. His 2016 trip included a plane flight that landed on a glacier below the summit of Denali, the highest peak in North America. In 2018, he traveled by helicopter to Chinitna bay on the shores of Lake Clark National Park to photograph grizzly bears feeding on salmon. Peter Benoit is based in Queensbury, NY. Co-sponsored by the Adirondack Mountain Club. Please register online, sspl.libcal.com/event/6341326. 

Thursday, April 22

2021 AFS Quilt block Viewing Reception
Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne | 2 – 5 p.m. 
The quilt blocks are in and they’re spectacular!  Come see the magnificent blocks produced by our quilting friends from Plattsburg to North Carolina, and vote for your favorite.  This year’s theme, “Adirondack Mask-erade”, was chosen to represent our resilience to the pandemic. The public is invited to join us at a wine, cheese and hors d’oeuvre reception for our quilters the next day from 3 – 6 p.m. with a chance to vote. Raffle tickets for the finished quilt will be on sale at that time. The drawing will be held at the November Holiday Shop event. For more information call 518-696-2400.

Our World’s Water: An Earth Day Event 
Zoom Presentation | 7 p.m.
Water is essential for all living organisms. Join Malta resident, Mike Hensler, an Aries Chemical (water Treatment Company) consultant as he presents, Our World’s Water, a brief overview of water, why it’s special, what today’s problem is, tomorrow’s looming crisis and what we must do. Together we can unite to lead water initiatives that will save Our World. This is event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. To sign up go to: http://bspl.sals.edu and fill out the registration form. You may also sign up in person, call 518-885-5022 or email Ballston Spa Public Library: balweb@sals.edu.

Experts Next Door – Curing in the Mountains
Zoom Presentation | 7 p.m.
Executive Director of Historic Saranac Lake, Amy Catania will discuss Saranac Lake’s fascinating role in the research and treatment of tuberculosis, and how it relates to today’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.  Along the way, she will share tales of Saranac Lake’s history, including first-hand accounts from people associated with the research and treatment center. Episodes are free for SCHC members, and $5 for non-members.  Please register in advance at www.brooksidemuseum.org.  Registrants will receive a Zoom link and other relevant information.  For questions, please contact Isobel Connell at isobel@brooksidemuseum.org.

Woodcock Walks
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Learn about this silly-looking critter then take a guided walk at dusk. Join our educators on the trails through the meadows to watch their mating displays and listen for their calls. What makes these birds so unique? Register to find out! Registration is required. To register, email info@wiltonpreserve.org or call 518-450-0321. Please provide your name, phone number, email and the number of people attending within your party. Registrations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the program. You will receive a confirmation email if you have been successfully registered. Please note, facemasks are required to be worn throughout the duration of this program. 

Upcoming Dates: Ballston Spa Central School District

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Monday, April 19
Homecoming Week, Grades 9-10 BSHS

WEDNSDAY, April 21
Board of Education Meeting, Proposed Budget Presentation
High School Library | 7 p.m.

MONDAY, April 26
Homecoming Week, Grades 11-12 BSHS

THURSDAY, April 29
National Honor Society Induction/Junior Awards Ceremony
High School Auditorium | 7 p.m.

SSCSD Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs City School District is currently accepting contact information for the mailing list for the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program (2021-2022 school year). To be eligible for the program, children must be four-years-old on or before December 1, 2021, and must reside in the Saratoga Springs City School District. Visit www.saratogaschools.org/upk for more information.

Ballston Spa Music Department Receives National Recognition

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. 

Ballston Spa is one of the 4% of public school districts across the nation receiving the prestigious award in 2021. The district has received the recognition for five consecutive years, starting in 2017. 

The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Ballston Spa answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, music education during the COVID pandemic, and about community music-making programs.

This award recognizes that Ballston Spa is leading the way with music learning opportunities as outlined in the federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation designated music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children. The NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education Award and the state level implementation of the federal ESSA law bring attention to the importance of keeping music education part of curriculum offerings and available to all students. It also highlights music’s vital role in students’ overall success in school and the personal benefits of making music.

The district annually celebrates Music in Our Schools month during March with several special events, including an annual Pops Concert for the school community and acknowledging students who have performed in state and regional honors groups at a Board of Education meeting. The district extends congratulations to all the students, staff, and families, involved in the Ballston Spa music community. Additional information about the music program in the Ballston Spa schools is available on the department’s webpage or call 518-884-7150.

Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education and Budget Vote To Take Place In May

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs City School District will hold their Board of Education and Budget vote in May. 

The Board of Education (BOE) and Budget vote will take place this year on Tuesday, May 18. Petitions will be accepted until April 28, therefore a list of who is running will not be made public until April 29, the following day. 

Each year there are three BOE vacancies for three-year terms, and community members are encouraged to run for the seats on the board. Individuals who are seeking election to the BOE must submit a petition with a minimum of 50 signatures from district residents. 

Normally, the minimum number of signatures needed is 100, however Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order that small city school districts lower the minimum number of signatures needed this year. 

Petition packets can be picked up at the MacFadden Administration Building at 3 Blue Streak Boulevard in Saratoga Springs, or packets can be sent by mail or email. Interested candidates can get their petition through the mail or an email after filling out the Board of Education Petition form found on the school district’s website (saratogaschools.org/district, see Board of Education tab, Board of Education Petition Information). 

Completed petition packets are due to the Business Office by the deadline of April 28 at 5 p.m. On April 29, at 8 a.m., a drawing will be held for the order of the candidates on the ballot.

The proposed budget is expected to be adopted on April 20. The school district’s website states the following about its contents: 

“The 2021-2022 budget will be unique as it will reflect expenses related to COVID-19 and other costs associated with funding materials, supplies, technology and staffing for hybrid and remote learning during the pandemic as well as potential reductions in Federal and NYS aid.”

More information will be made available as the election and budget vote date nears. Any questions related to the Board of Education petition form may be directed to Brenda Roberts at 518-693-1450.