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Home Made Theater: On The Air Series Starts March 14

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater (HMT) in Saratoga Springs presents On The Air: A Series of Radio Melodramas Online. The series of three radio plays have all been adapted by D. Burgoyne O’Neill and include Fleecing the Flock and The Cheesecake Factory by Beverly Baxter, and Magic Merle’s Miracle Makeover Mush by Shauna Ratapu.

The series features the talents of a repertory company of five local actors: Toni Anderson Sommo, Ryan Palmer, Jennie Sinnott, PJ Sommo, and Terri Storti. Barry Streifert will be the Foley artist.

The series will be online starting with Fleecing the Flock at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 14, with new episodes on March 21 and 28. Each episode will be available on demand after its airdate and time.

This series of plays follows the format of classic radio melodramas. They are chock full of the key elements of Melodrama like word play and classic stock characters, such as dastardly villains, damsels in distress and dashing heroes. They will be presented in an online format rather than audio only, which opens a window into the creative process of these old-time classics.

“We have all been craving the revival of theater and being part of the creative process once again. This event allows us to remind our audiences that we are still here, trying to find ways to safely get back to you, and we really need and miss you” said Eric Rudy, the General Manager for Home Made Theater, in a statement.

Home Made Theater is a non-profit Community Theater based in Saratoga Springs whose goal is to enrich the cultural life of the Capital Region and beyond by offering a range of programming created by professionally minded artists, providing the opportunity for exciting and rewarding participation in all aspects of theater created by and for the diverse community in which we live.

This is a virtual event that you can log into from the comfort of your own home on your schedule. The suggested minimum donation is $10 per episode or $25 for all three. For more information on how to access this online event visit www.homemadetheater.org or call 518-587-4427. 

March 12 – March 18, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, March 12

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 13

Tang at Home Studio: Cut It Out!
Online Via Zoom | 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. We’ll explore Nina Chanel Abney’s eye-catching work Whet, on view in the exhibition Never Done: 100 Years of Women in Politics and Beyond. Using spray paint and vinyl stencils, Abney explores race and identity through colors, figures, text, abstract imagery, and symbols taken from the internet, social media, and popular culture. We will create our own colorful collaged artworks that reflect our view of a world full of powerful, positive, and inclusive messages. For more information and to register, visit tang.skidmore.edu/calendar/1396-tang-at-home-studio-cut-it-out.

Saratoga Clay Arts Center 2nd Annual National Juried Exhibition 
Saratoga Clay Arts Center, 167 Hayes Rd., Schuylerville | 5 – 7 p.m. 
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 renown 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 is online and in person and runs through April 24.

Sunday, March 14

The Caterpillar Hunter Virtual Show 
All Day Event Online
The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company will be bringing a wonderful virtual performance for children and their families. Based on the beloved character of the late Steve Irwin, the Caterpillar Hunter shrinks himself and sets off to explore the terrain, pursuing elusive bugs and strange herbage in the wild recesses of a common North American vegetable garden. Join in his exciting backyard adventure! This program is ideal for children ages 4 and up. This online program will require access to a computer or mobile device. Registration with an email is required to receive information on how to access the video. The email will be sent three (3) hours prior to the schedued start time of the program.Please register online, www.sspl.org. Available through March 21.

Monday, March 15

March Madness Basketball Kit 
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate March Madness by picking up a free basketball kit at the library. Each kit includes supplies to make a craft stick basketball launcher and origami hoop, a middle grade/teen book bracket and copies of the NCAA official brackets. Kits are available while supplies last, for age 9+. 

Tuesday, March 16

Havurah Vatik
Zoom Meeting | 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=WnVPbGkrYjk5dTNvMDNOaldNbVZFZz09. Meeting ID: 832 8480 6534 Passcode: 684352

Virtual Horse Symposium
Online via Zoom | 7 p.m.
CCE Equine is excited to host our 2nd Virtual Horse Symposium for three weeks in March, 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 atwww.facebook.com/cceequine/ . Registration for both events can be found online at:  https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=CCEEQUINE_241. 

Wednesday, March 17

Drive-Thru Food Pantry
BSNB Corporate Plaza, 990 State Route 67, Ballston Spa | 9:30 a.m. – while supplies last.
Sponsored by the Ballston Spa National Bank in cooperation with the Regional Food Bank.  This event is first come, first serve. The volunteers will be following the CDC guidelines, by wearing masks, gloves and social distancing.

St. Patrick’s Day with the McKrells
Caffe Lena Virtual Event | 7 p.m.
Spend your St. Patrick’s Day at home with the McKrells! Saratoga’s own Kevin McKrell has been the leading force in the regional Celtic scene for the past three decades. He’s a masterful entertainer and musician who has played festival stages and clubs around the globe with the bands he founded, Donnybrook Fair and The McKrells. Admission is free.

Thursday, March 18

Fast Fashion Discussion
Online via Zoom | 6:30 p.m.
Sustainable Saratoga invites you to join in a discussion 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. 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 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.

March 12 – March 18, 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.

Thomas Walks for CP
A virtual walk for Cerebral Palsy. Supporters are asked to join the Thomas Walks for CP Facebook event page, and walk 3.2 miles throughout the month of March, in honor of March 25 which is Cerebral Palsy Awareness day. Anyone who wishes to donate, may do so as well through the event page, with proceeds going to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Walkers are encouraged to wear green, take a selfie or a group picture, and post it on social media using the hashtags #ThomasWalks4CP and #GoGreen4CP. 

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 https://sspl.libcal.com/event/6341325. 

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 NY 12065. 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 send an email to RodneyPriddle@gmail.com. Please include Name (names), Phone number, 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 sign-ups are available on the Washington County Fairground website or by calling 518-692-2464.Thoughout 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 take place on the grounds. Whether you have been around horses or just getting started this event is sure to have something for everyone!

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 www.southernsaratogaartist.com. 

Direct Care Volunteers Needed
The Gateway House of Peace, an 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 online lifeworksaction.org/volunteer.

Let the Stories Begin

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

Hello my Foodie Friends! 

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner.  My mother, who was Italian, used to say “Everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s day.” My father, who was Irish, always agreed because if he didn’t he ran the risk of not getting her delicious Corned Beef and Cabbage and a cold tall glass of beer. My dad’s best friends were all my Mom’s brothers and nephews, who were all very Italian. On this holiday, he was treated almost as though it was his birthday.  He loved celebrating the day. He would get all of the family members to sing Irish songs and drink green beer. There were always very “interesting” stories to be had as well. So here is to all of our “Irish” lads and lassies.

Is your St. Patrick’s Day incomplete without a pint of green beer? If you have been enjoying an emerald-colored beer at the bar year after year and now want to make it at home, it may just surprise you how easy it actually is. Green beer is a novelty that American drinkers have latched onto and it has quickly become the drink to have each and every St. Patrick’s Day. There is something appealing about turning everything green on the Irish holiday and beer just happens to be one of the most popular items to play with.

There is no trick to making green beer and it requires no special bartending skills. It is, quite simply, a light-colored beer that has a drop of green food coloring added to it. The flavor does not change, only the color. It should be noted that if you want to drink like a real Irishman and celebrate the Emerald Isle’s heritage, nothing is more appropriate than a pint of Guinness or a shot of Irish whiskey. Any beer will work when making green beer; however, some produce a brighter green color than others.

To get the greenest of beers, begin with a light-colored brew. This includes any of the popular American lagers like Budweiser, Miller, Busch, or Coors. Those are favorite beers and, given the novelty aspect of green beer, may be the best choice.

However, do not forget about all of the great pale-colored craft beers, the amazing German pilsners, and any of the other higher quality beers that are available today. The beer market is vast and there are many more choices than those from the giant breweries.

If you would like to play around with a darker beer, you will find an interesting effect. Stouts and other dark beers have a rich color that is not transparent enough to allow the green food coloring to give that signature emerald green beer look.

However, the body of the beer will turn darker and have a slight evergreen hue in the right light. The coolest part is the head because the foam will pick up the food coloring and, though it may not last long, take on that green color. Green beer is fun and food coloring is cheap, so feel free to play with it.

At Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, we carry various types of glasses to help accommodate your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Traditional Irish toasts are a must on St. Patrick’s Day, so you’ll want to be ready with a list of toasts under your lucky green belt if you’re called upon to utter a few wise, witty or wry words of Irish good cheer before the beer disappears. Stop by for any of the items you need to make your Corned beef and cabbage or the Irish Soda Bread to go with it. Wishing you all a Happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day. Share the stories of days gone by. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

 Take Care,
John & PaulaREARDON IrishSodaBread

Elms College Names Local Students to Dean’s List

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

PORTER’S CORNERS /CHICOPEE, MA — The College of Our Lady of the Elms has named Kyle Powell and Elaina Vilar, of Porter’s Corners, to the dean’s list for the fall 2020 semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. To qualify, a full-time student must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher, without incompletes. Elms College, founded in 1928, is a co-educational Catholic college offering a liberal arts curriculum.

Schuylerville Student Artwork Accepted into Festival of Young Artists

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Schuylerville — Four Schuylerville High School students’ artwork was accepted into the 2021 Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists juried art show at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center).

Work by Rachael Stortz, Graciella Zullo, Meghan Cowles, and Reagan Hutchinson was selected for the 2021 show, the theme of which is metamorphosis. 

In collaboration with WSWHE BOCES 2021 Talent Unlimited Contest, the 2021 Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists online gallery exhibition will launch this month featuring visual, literary, and performing arts from high school students residing in 11 New York State counties. For more information, go online to spac.org/festival-of-young-artists.

Ballston Spa High School Class of 2021: Valedictorian & Salutatorian Honorees

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Valedictorian: Sabrina Hu
Sabrina Hu is the Class of 2021 Valedictorian of Ballston Spa High School.  She has excelled in a rigorous course load and will receive a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science.  By starting high school level courses in middle school, Sabrina has taken 8 AP classes, 2, 2 year IB classes, 4 CHS courses. Sabrina’s cumulative GPA is a remarkable 98.967. 

Sabrina is a College Board’s National Merit Scholarship Commended Student and is a AP Scholar with Honors. She has been a three season athlete participating in indoor and outdoor track and also cross country where she has received her first varsity letter as a freshman.  She is a varsity member and Co-President of the Science Olympiad team which the team has qualified for states the past 2 consecutive years. Sabrina has personally placed in the top 6 at Science Olympiad regionals in every event that she has participated in. Additionally, Sabrina has volunteered over 200 hours in the community, many of her recent volunteer efforts have been at the Saratoga EOC soup kitchen. 

Sabrina is a well-rounded individual who will be pursuing a degree in biology in college.  Ballston Spa knows Sabrina will be successful in her future, due to her work ethic, perseverance and personal drive.

Salutatorian: Chloe Reisinger
Chloe Reisinger is the Class of 2021 Salutatorian of Ballston Spa High School.  She has excelled in a rigorous course load and will receive a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science.  By starting high school level courses in middle school, Chloe was able to enroll in 8 AP classes, 4 IB classes, and 4 CHS/UHS classes.  Chloe’s cumulative GPA is a remarkable 98.852. 

Chloe has a love for learning and last summer studied biology at the Harvard Summer Program.  She is also a very talented writer and was published in the Young Writers of America “Scary Sagas” book and was chosen as the local winner for the Voice of Democracy Essay Scholarship from the VFW Post 385.  Additionally, she shines as a theatrical performer and has been able to share her talents in many musical theater shows, including staring as Sophie in Mamma Mia. Chloe is also a dedicated athlete and has been a member of our girls’ lacrosse team since her freshmen year. 

Chloe is a very bright and ambitious individual who plans to pursue a career in medicine and will be pursuing a degree in Biochemistry or Cellular and Molecular Biology.  Ballston Spa knows Chloe will be successful in her future endeavors due to her work ethic, personal drive, and caring personality.

Seniors Deserve Five-Star Treatment

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.

It seems like every consumer product these days is rated on a one to five-star scale. Visit your favorite shopping website or store and you cannot help to notice that almost every item imaginable is rated using this star system. But many people do not realize that Medicare Advantage plans are also rated on a five-star scale, reflecting their quality and performance.

So, what makes a Medicare Advantage plan five stars?  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers Medicare, reviews Advantage plans each year. Its ratings are based on factors such as: how a plan helps members stay healthy; how it assists in managing long-term health conditions; responsiveness and care; achievement of member satisfaction; and overall customer service. Given the importance of these factors toward an individual’s health, we think every senior should know their Advantage plan’s star rating and keep track of how it changes from year to year.

Here in the Capital Region, we are fortunate to have two insurers offering five-star plans to Medicare beneficiaries in 2021. This is no small matter, as nationally the CMS only awarded 21 insurers the coveted five-star rating this year. In fact, being awarded a five-star rating is such a remarkable achievement, that CMS permits Medicare beneficiaries living in a five-star plan’s area one opportunity to enroll in the plan anytime during the year.

With several five-star plans available in the Capital Region, and the opportunity to join not limited by an enrollment period, no senior in our area should settle for an Advantage plan that they are unhappy with or that does not meet the highest standards. If you feel that your Medicare Advantage experience is not measuring up or could use improvement, please contact Bruce or Logan at Blue Chip in Saratoga at 518-584-8057 or visit our website at www.1bluechip.com. 

We would be happy to walk you through the five-star coverage options available in our region and answer any questions on this important topic.

Bo Goliber Joins AIM Services, Inc. as Chief Development and Communications Officer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —  AIM Services, Inc., one of the area’s largest providers of services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities has announced that Bo Goliber has joined the non-profit organization as its first chief development and communications officer. 

Goliber will lead the existing fundraising and marketing efforts at AIM Services, fine-tuning its strategy and enhancing its development team and brings nearly two decades of marketing, public relations, fundraising and development experience in the nonprofit sector coupled with experience in corporate philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility. 

She most recently spent eight years at Fingerpaint, a national health and wellness marketing agency managing their company-wide philanthropy efforts. Prior to that, she spent nearly a decade with Franklin Community Center as development and community relations coordinator and as a board member.

For more information about Aim Services, go to: aimservicesinc.org

Roohan Realty Welcomes Jaime Williams

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jaime Williams has joined the team at Roohan Realty as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.

For over 17 years, Williams has worked at Franklin Community Center, a non-profit human service agency located in downtown Saratoga Springs. She was involved in program management, fundraising and development. In addition to her involvement with Franklin Community Center, Williams serves on the Board of Directors for the Ballston Spa Education Foundation. Originally from Massachusetts, Williams moved to Ballston Spa in 2003. 

Roohan Realty, located at 519 Broadway, is celebrating 52 years of serving the community’s residential and commercial property needs. Williams can be reached at 518-226-9478 or:  jaime@roohanrealty.com.