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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Central Catholic Girls’ Varsity Basketball

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Saratoga Central Catholic v. Mechanicville Girls’ Varsity Basketball: Mechanicville Girls’ Varsity Basketball beat Saratoga Central Catholic, 64-33, in Saturday’s (Feb. 27) game. The leading scorer for Mechanicville was Chloe Goverski with 20 points. Amy Disiena contributed 13 points, and Sara Fitzgerald also contributed with 12 points. Leading scorer for Saratoga Central Catholic was Ryleigh Dempsey with 14 of the team’ points.

Saratoga Central Catholic v. Galway Girls’ Varsity Basketball: Saratoga Central Catholic Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team won Tuesday’s away game against Galway, 53-29. The leading scorer for the Saints was Ryleigh Dempsey with 20 points. Ashley Upson had 12 points. The leading scorer for the Golden Eagles was Ryan Ripepi with 14 points.

Conversation: Community Impact of Performing Arts in Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — An online town hall style discussion with arts leaders will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9. The topic will be Performing Arts, and the conversation will address community impact, accessibility, and new ideas for Saratoga. Free and open for community participation. The Zoom link is: skidmore.zoom.us/j/97421919818.

The Sembrich Announces All-Outdoor 2021 Summer Festival

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

BOLTON LANDING — The Sembrich has announced the schedule for “Nature & Music,” its all-outdoor 2021 Summer Festival. 

This year, visitors will gather under a performance tent on The Sembrich’s beautiful lakeside property to explore the enchanting mix of nature and music in an all-outdoor series. Events include a variety of musical and artistic traditions, including opera, chamber music, folk music, and Shakespearean theater, all performed against the backdrop of Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains. 

“A year without live music – this past year has been like no other,” says Suzanna M. Bernd, The Sembrich’s Executive Director, in a statement. “The Sembrich is looking forward to hosting the return of live music to Bolton Landing.  Audience members’ and performers’ safety is paramount in our hearts and minds, so we will have social distancing and other protections in place.” 

Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own portable folding chairs or use those provided by The Sembrich. Health and safety regulations prescribed by the CDC and the State of New York will be strictly enforced. 

Highlights of the outdoor 2021 Summer Festival include: The Alfred Z. Solomon Masterwork Series, The Touba Family Foundation World Music Wednesday Concerts, A Beethoven Gala, Music for the Great Outdoors, and Rowing by Moonlight, among others. 

 The Sembrich is located at 4800 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing. For more information, visit www.TheSembrich.org call 518-644-2431 or email: Office@TheSembrich.org.

Nature & Music Calendar of Events

Sunday, June 13 @ 3 p.m. Young Performers’ Showcase
Monday, June 21 @ 7:30 p.m. Film: Crescendo (2019)
Monday, July 5 @ 7:30 p.m. Film: Brasslands (2013)
Wednesday, July 7 @ 2 p.m. Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band
Saturday, July 10 @ 6 p.m. The Lark Ascending: Violin and Nature
Saturday, July 17 @ 2 p.m. Rowing by Moonlight with Composer Peter M Wyer
Monday, July 19 @ 7:30 p.m. The Cunning Little Vixen (2003) 
Wednesday, July 21 @ 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. Seagle Festival Children’s Opera: The Three Bears
Saturday, July 24 @ 6 p.m. Front Porch: The Living Earth
Wednesday, July 28 @ 2 p.m. Moscow Nights
Monday, Aug. 2 @ 7:30 p.m. Film: The Maestro (2018)
Wednesday, Aug. 4 @ 6 p.m. Under the Mulberry Tree
Saturday, Aug. 7 @ 6 p.m. Music for the Great Outdoors
Wednesday, Aug. 11 @ 2 p.m. Nature, Our Gentlest Mother
Sunday, Aug. 15 @ 6 p.m. Call of the Wild: Horns of The Philadelphia Orchestra
Monday, Aug. 16 @ 7:30 p.m. Film: Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles (2019)
Wednesday, Aug. 18 @ 2 p.m. The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc
Saturday. Aug. 21 @ 6 p.m. Songs to the Moon: Mad Scenes, Love Songs and Other Lunar Events

Wednesday, Aug. 25 @ 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. Under the Greenwood Tree: Shakespeare in Nature

Saturday, Aug. 28 @ 6 p.m. A Beethoven Gala

Monday, Aug. 30 @ 7:30 p.m. Film: Blinded by the Light (2019)

Tang Museum Presents Artist Nick Cave Free Online Lecture March 11

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College presents acclaimed artist Nick Cave – who will deliver the fourth annual Winter/Miller Lecture online – at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11. The event is free and open to the public. Register via Zoom.

Cave, a Chicago-based artist, creates works that span the visual and performing arts, with sculpture, textiles, sounds, and movement. His well-known Soundsuits blend sculpture, fashion, and performance, evoking ceremonial garb while also concealing race, gender and class. Soundsuit performances have occurred at venues across around the world, including in Chicago, Detroit, Hong Kong, New York, Sydney, Australia, and at the Tang for the Museum’s grand opening celebration in fall 2000.

Last month, a controversy involving Cave’s “Truth Be Told” was resolved in the artist’s favor. His 25-foot banner that spells out “Truth Be Told” was on the façade of The School, an art space in Kinderhook, owned by New York City gallerist Jack Shainman, leading up to and after the 2020 election season. 

The village mayor had demanded the work be taken down, calling it a sign that violated village codes. The zoning board, however, voted unanimously that “Truth Be Told” is a work of art.

This online event is free and open to the public. You may register now for the Zoom event at skidmore.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UVLxxgz3R2KJ18nJXAGnxw. 

For more information, call the Tang Visitor Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit tang.skdimore.edu.

March 5 – March 11, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, March 5

Owl Prowl 
Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Participants ages 5 and older along with a parent or caregiver will assemble at the main parking lot of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, learn owl calls and then go for an Owl Prowl walk to listen for these nighttime predators. Bring snowshoes if you have them, otherwise the Park will have loaners for your use. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather as this will be a totally outdoor experience. Register online at sspl.org or by calling the Saratoga Springs Public Library Children’s Room at 518-584-7860, ext. 305.

Fish Fry Friday
Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 121 NY-32, Schuylerville | 4 – 7 p.m.
We have expanded our club house and invite you to come see our new addition. You are welcome to eat in or call ahead for take-out, 518-695-3917. Menu for dinners: Fish Fry, Chicken Tenders, Clam Strips, Popcorn Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, Scallops and Chowder. Ask about our extras and specials and beverages. Everyone is invited, Covid 19 rules will apply. Every Friday thru April 10.

Fundraiser Takeout Fish Fry 
Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Menu: Fried or baked haddock – $14; fried clam strips – $12 (includes French fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce, and cocktail sauce); shrimp salad special (includes French fries and coleslaw), homemade macaroni and cheese – $5; New England and Manhattan clam chowder – $7 (pint) or $13 (quart); side of French Fries – $3; and dessert – $2.  Orders will be taken by calling 518-584-8547 each week prior to the event on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, beginning at 1 p.m. and will continue through until 4 p.m., except for Fridays, which will continue right up until the event or we run out of food.  Pickup starts at 5 p.m. and every 15 minutes thereafter.  You are welcome to come into the building with a mask, or you may call from the parking lot upon your arrival with a description of your vehicle and your meal will be brought out to you.  The event will be held each Friday during Lent through April 2.

Saturday, March 6

Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Fair 
Virtual Event | 10 a.m. -4 p.m. 
The Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Fair is hosted by Community Advocates for a Sustainable Environment. The Fair will have an exhibition hall, speakers, workshops, and affinity groups. Free to the public. Exhibitors and attendees register at: http://www.caseonline.org. Contact Becky Meier at: beckyjmeier@gmail.com or 518-781-4686.

Sunday, March 7

Music and Meditation for Lent Series
Bethesda Episcopal Church, 26 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs | 4 p.m. 
Join us Sunday afternoons for a series of contemplative recitals played by illustrious local concert artists. We are delighted to welcome jazz pianist Chuck Lamb on March 7. Freewill donation requested. Advanced registration is required to reserve a seat to meet COVID requirements. Please visit www.bethesdachurch.org to register.

Monday, March 8

Winter Wellness Walks 
Camp Saratoga North, Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort | 10 a.m.
Get outdoors biweekly to enjoy the beauty of winter with like-minded people. Wilton Wildlife Preserve’s Winter Wellness Walks cover 1.5 miles of gentle terrain. If needed, snowshoes will be available for rental 30 minutes before the program. If there is no snow, the program will take place without snowshoes. Registration is required to meet COVID requirements. To register, call 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org

Tuesday, March 9

Panera Bread Fundraiser for Saratoga Automobile Museum
Panera Bread, 3070 NY 50, Saratoga Springs | 4 – 8 p.m.
Order online at panerabread.com and enter code PRFUND at checkout. You can also bring the flyer or show a digital version to the cashier when ordering at the cafe to ensure the Museum receives a portion of the proceeds.

Community Conversation on Performing Arts
Online via Zoom | 7 p.m.
The Saratoga Springs Arts Commission in partnership with Skidmore College invites the public to the next online town hall style discussion with arts leaders. Moderated by Lisa Kolosek, Independent Curator, and Jason Ohlberg, Assistant Professor, Skidmore College Dance Department, the conversation will address community impact, accessibility, and new ideas for Saratoga. The panelists are:  Chris Shiley, Senior Director of Artistic Planning, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Teddy Foster, Director, Universal Preservation Hall, Jill Levy, Artistic Director, Saratoga Chamber Players, Eric Rudy, General Manager, Home Made Theater, Lisa Jackson-Schebetta, Associate Professor and Chair, Skidmore College Theater Department. Free and open to all. The Chat will be open for community participation. The Zoom link is: skidmore.zoom.us/j/97421919818

Wednesday, March 10

Chicken Parmigiana Dinner 
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pick-up only. Call Monday and Tuesday between 10 a.m. and Noon to place an order,  518-584-2585. Menu: chicken parmigiana, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2 is $25. (cash only). 

Thursday, March 11

Experts Next Door
Virtual Event | 7 p.m.
Get ready for St. Patty’s Day with an evening of craft cocktails. The celebrated team of mixologists at Saratoga Springs’s Hamlet & Ghost will take guests on a tasty trip through cocktail history, share their experiences serving the Saratoga community, and offer tips on home bartending. Registrants will receive a list of ingredients to have on hand so they can mix distinctive and delectable drinks in real time with the best bartenders in town.  Each event requires pre-registration.  Free for SCHC members, $5 for non-members.  Registration is available through SCHC’s website: www.brooksidemuseum.org.  Any questions or inquiries should be directed to Dr. Michael Landis, Public Programs Manager, Saratoga County History Center, at mlandis@brooksidemuseum.org. 

March 5 – March 11, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

The Saratoga Springs Public Library Friends Book Shop
Good news! The Book Shop is now open for business and taking appointments. Call 518-584-7860, ext. 333 to set up your visit during our temporary hours: 
Monday-Thursday: 12 to 5 p.m. 
Friday-Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Donations are also now accepted, by appointment only, on weekdays at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.

Saratoga Clay Arts Center 2nd Annual National Juried Exhibition 
Saratoga Clay Arts Center presents PLAYING WITH FIRE: Altered Atmospheres, a national juried exhibition of 68 functional and decorative works by 59 clay artists who play with fire. Juried by renowned Massachusetts-based potter, Mark Shapiro, the selected works have been plucked from altered atmospheres – those changed by wood, smoke, salt, or the like. The exhibition opens on Saturday, March 13 online and in person, with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m., and runs through April 24, 2021.

Havurah Vatik
On March 16 from 11 a.m. – Noon, get the inside scoop on our very own Jewish Federation of NENY: What is it, what does it do, how does it do it? We are joined by Rob Kovach, President and CEO of Jewish Federation of Northeastern NY and by Phyllis Wang, Campaign Chair and Chair Elect of the Federation. They will discuss how Federation tackles and meets its goals of meeting the breadth of needs for the whole Jewish community. Fundraising, of course, but Federation is really an essential umbrella organization. To join the Zoom Meeting:  us02web.zoom.us/j/83284806534?pwd=WnVPbGkrYjk5dTNvMDNOaldNbVZFZz09Meeting ID: 832 8480 6534 Passcode: 684352

Virtual Horse Symposium
CCE Equine is excited to host our 2nd Virtual Horse Symposium for three weeks in March beginning on March 16 and ending April 1. This program is offered for adult horse owners, business owners, and horse enthusiasts in the Capital Region and beyond. Topics include: Sound Development of Young Horses, An introduction to Liability Risks: New York’s Agricultural Tourism Act and Negligence in the Horse Industry, Equine Law: Legal Issues for Participants in the Horse Industry, and more! Each session will be hosted virtually via zoom at 7 p.m. Educational packets optional. Following the symposium, there will be a virtual family-fun equine trivia night on April 2. Contact Brieanna Hughes with questions at bh548@cornell.edu, 518-885-8995, or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/cceequine. Registration for both events can be found online at:  pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=CCEEQUINE_241. 

Fast Fashion
Sustainable Saratoga invites you to join in a discussion at 6:30 p.m. on March 18 of the true costs of clothing and goods that we buy. Jennifer Coulombe, sustainability consultant and lecturer at Skidmore College, will lead a discussion of the toll the fashion industry takes on garment makers and the environment. Fast fashion is the idea of quickly producing fashion trends and mass-producing them at low cost, accounting for $35.8 billion in sales in 2019. Through the lens of the True Cost documentary, which exposes key issues within the garment industry, to its after-effects on river and soil pollution, we will explore and discuss the various issues with fast fashion. We will also explore a brief history of fast fashion and various approaches to consider so we can be more conscious consumers. Attendees are encouraged to watch the documentary True Cost in advance of the webinar, but all are welcome. You can view the documentary on tubi, YouTube (youtu.be/nxhCpLzreCw), Amazon Prime, or at truecostmovie.com. Register in advance for this discussion. To register, click the link and sign-up using Zoom. us02web.zoom.us/…/tZYlcu6tqT0qGN3MV… After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom session. 

Forest Pests and Their Potential Impact on the Adirondacks
On Wednesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. via zoom, join Tammara Van Ryn, a long-time member of the Glens Falls/Saratoga Chapter ADK and Program Manager for the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program for a fascinating discussion of forest pests that have the potential to dramatically alter the Adirondack landscape. To register through the Saratoga Springs Public Library, visit sspl.libcal.com/event/6341325. 

Southern Saratoga Art Society
SSAS member Carol Winterton will feature her art in a one-woman show during the month of March 2021 in the Gallery of the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., Tel.# 518-383-1343. Carol has been painting for over 30 years, originally starting in pencil, chalk pastel and watercolor.  She has since branched out into acrylics and water-soluble oils, occasionally using more than one medium on a piece.  She states that painting gives her joy, satisfaction, and relaxation. Stop in and see this exhibit and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County.   For more information about SSAS please visit the website at: www.southernsaratogaartist.com.

Fly Casting Clinic
The Capital District Fly Fishers will be holding its annual Fly Casting Clinic, Saturday, May 1 at the Town of Halfmoon Park, with a rain date of Sunday, May 2. The park is located at 162 Rte. 236 Halfmoon. The clinic runs from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Come learn to cast or get help to improve your casting skills.  If you have a rod, bring it. If you do not one will be provided. There is a $20 fee to cover cost. For information about the fly casting clinic contact Rodney Priddle 518-421-6762, Paul at 518-885-8257 or cdflyfishers@nycap.rr.com. All participants must wear a mask and have eye protection. To register email RodneyPriddle@gmail.com. Please include name (names), phone number, and if you are an experienced caster or new to fly casting.

Horse Tack Swap Meet
To celebrate the completion of the new Horse Arena the Washington County Fairgrounds will be kicking off the 2021 season with a Horse Tack Swap Meet on Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Many have spent 2020 organizing barns, attics, and basements, now take the final step and get rid of your gently used horse-related tack and equipment! Businesses and Non-Profits with equine-related business and services are welcome to apply for booth space as well. Booth Spaces are $10 for a 10×10 booth – set up a table or bring your horse trailer or truck to display your items for sale. Booth signs ups are available on the Washington County Fairground website or by calling the Fairgrounds at 518-692-2464.Though out the day equine demonstrations on equine care and equine-related events presented by the Washington County Draft Animal Association and the Tri-State Liberty Club will be happening throughout the grounds. Whether you have been around horses your whole life or just getting started this event is sure to have something for everyone! 

Direct Care Volunteers Needed
The Gateway House of Peace, and end of life home that provides hospice care and emotional support to families managing with the last few months of life, is in great need of licensed or retired health care volunteers capable of providing direct care. Other volunteers are needed as well, for facility management and event planning support. Please contact Executive Director, Bethany Gonyea at bgonyea@gatewayhouseofpeace.org for more information. 

Volunteer for VITA
LifeWorks Community Action, formerly Saratoga County EOC, is looking for volunteers for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which brings hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax returns to the community every year. The VITA program offers free tax help to eligible low- and moderate-income taxpayers, including assistance filing their taxes electronically without fees. No experience required; training is provided. We’ll work around your schedule. We also have a critical need for VITA volunteers who speak Spanish. To get started, call 518-288-3206, email volunteerdesk@lifeworksaction.org or visit lifeworksaction.org/volunteer.

South High Marathon Dance 2021 Update

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Glens Falls — In October 2020, the South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) announced the date of their 44th annual event, previously scheduled for the first full weekend of March, would be pushed back two months, but no decision has yet been made as to what SHMD 2021 will look like.

In January 2021 SHMD gathered ideas from students, alumni, and members of the community through a two-week ThoughtExchange. 

SHMD has conducted a preliminary review to determine which are feasible and which require further assessment. All options will be approved by the South Glens Falls Central School District, the South High Marathon Dance Inc., and the County of Saratoga Public Health prior to commencement of the event.   

The South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) has an important mission of enhancing the quality of life for individuals, families and charitable organizations in the area who are experiencing monetary hardship or emotional distress due to life-changing serious, long-term medical or sudden catastrophic events. 

For additional information, find them on Facebook facebook.com/SHMDInc, on Twitter @shmdnow, or go to shmd.org.

Saratoga Builders Association Offering Two Student Scholarship Awards

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) will be awarding two student scholarships in 2021: the SBA $1000 Scholarship award and the $500 “Bob Best” Memorial Scholarship award. 

These scholarships are open to any high school senior or college undergraduate in Saratoga County who is planning to pursue a construction education at a two or four-year accredited college or university or to students who would like to purchase tools and/or equipment for employment/career or to start a business in the construction industry. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must demonstrate current or past involvement in the construction field, including classes taken in high school or college, to be eligible for these awards. Each applicant must also submit a high school or college transcript or list of construction classes taken plus a short essay describing why they are interested in a construction industry career and what events led to this decision.

Applications for the Saratoga Builders Association Scholarship program must be postmarked on or before April 1, 2021. Only the first 25 completed applications will be accepted so please apply early. The winner and their school will be notified by June 1, 2021. To receive a scholarship application, please contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org. 

Leslie Morlock Named Superintendent of Saratoga National Historical Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

STILLWATER ­— National Park Service Regional Director Gay Vietzke has named Leslie Morlock as superintendent of Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater. Morlock begins her new role on March 28.

“The victory at Saratoga changed the entire course of the American Revolution,” Vietzke said. “The park has an important role to play as we get closer to America’s 250th birthday in 2026. Leslie’s background in planning, visitor use management and partnerships provides a crucial skill set needed to lead the park as we approach this milestone.”

Morlock comes to Saratoga from Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area where she served for eight years as chief of strategic planning and project management. During this time, she oversaw a variety of programs, including safety, lands, leasing, project management and environmental compliance. Morlock spearheaded the planning effort for the park’s newly released Visitor Use Management Plan. Prior to joining the National Park Service, Morlock worked for county governments in Colorado, Pennsylvania and New York and as an archeologist in the private and public sectors. She started her career at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Morlock holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and environmental studies from Grinnell College and a professional graduate certificate in Leadership for Public Lands and Cultural Heritage.

Morlock is originally from southeastern Minnesota and has been living in the Pennsylvania-New York region for the last 19 years. Leslie, her husband, Jim, and their dog Murphy are looking forward to taking on the 100-mile challenge exploring the trails at Saratoga.

New Childcare Center to Open Summer 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) announced this week that its new childcare center serving families and children of the backstretch community at Saratoga Race Course is scheduled to open in summer 2021.

The 4,300-square-foot childcare center will be located on the Oklahoma side of the Saratoga backstretch. Funded by Michael and Lee Dubb, the facility will be named Faith’s House in honor of Faith Dubb, mother of BCCA founder and board chairman Michael Dubb.

Faith’s House will provide child care and early education programs for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children. The center will be open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate the schedules of backstretch workers and horsemen. 

The anticipated summer 2021 opening coincides with the annual summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, which brings approximately 950 backstretch workers and their families to the Spa. The opening of the new center is contingent upon licensing approval from New York State and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.