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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Dinner and A Movie: Park Theater Presents It’s A Wonderful Life Dec. 16

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

GLENS FALLS — The Park Theater will host a ‘Dinner & A Movie’ night Dec. 16, featuring the 1946 Christmas classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

There will be a special 3-Course Prix Fixe menu presented by Executive Chef, Matthew J. Delos featuring a selection of holiday dishes, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests will be able to choose from a selection of entrées including rosemary roasted prime rib of beef, roasted breast of turkey, and butternut squash ravioli. All meals will be served with a mixed baby green salad, as well as cranberry bread pudding for dessert.

The Park Theater is proud to offer a state-of-the-art fresh air ventilation system with MERV 13 filters for their indoor space, and is closely following all NYS and CDC guidance to maintain your utmost safety. There will be limited seating and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Upon the purchase of a ticket, guests will receive a follow-up email prompting them to select meal choices for their party. 

Tickets are $60 per person. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner service will begin at 5:30 and the film will begin at 6:30. Go to: www.parktheatergf.com, or phone The Park Theater Box Office at 518-792-1150. 

Rochmon Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Tuesday Dec. 15

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Rochmon Record Club hosts its last listening party of 2020 Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Caffe Lena, featuring a look back at the amazing artists who left the planet this year: Bill Withers, John Prine, Mac Davis, Trini Lopez, Joseph Shabalala and Kenny Rogers, among others. 

The event, streaming live from Caffe Lena, is free, but registration is required. Go to: caffelena.org. 

Call For Artists

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

LAKE GEORGE — The Lake George Arts Project’s Courthouse Gallery invites regional and national, emerging and established artists to submit exhibition proposals. Preference is given to experimental or non-traditional work created in the last two years. 

Exhibition proposals must include 10 to 12 images of recent work, resume, and statement/bio. Proposals can be submitted online now through Jan. 31. 

The Lake George Arts Project was established in 1977 to offer comprehensive programs in the arts. Its mission is to provide exposure and income opportunities to professional and emerging artists, and to provide quality arts programming for the residents and visitors of the Lake George region. 

Please visit: www.lakegeorgearts.org/annual-call.htm for guidelines.  Questions? call LGAP at 518-668-2616 or laura@lakegeorgearts.org. 

National Museum of Racing & Hall Of Fame: Call For Submissions Juried Photography Exhibition

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has announced the return of its juried photography exhibition program, Photo Finish. The Museum is now accepting submissions for consideration from both amateur and professional photographers of scenes depicting thoroughbred racing in America for their third annual exhibition. 

Racing scenes, portraits (both human and equine), whimsical, morning workouts, retired racehorses, etc., are all welcome; it is up to the photographer to interpret the theme and be as creative as possible. 

The Museum also welcomes photographs documenting what racing was like during the pandemic in this unusual 2020 season. Photographs for consideration must be submitted by May 10, 2021. A panel of judges representing both the racing and arts communities will select the photographs for the exhibition, which will open in November 2021 in the von Stade Gallery.

Application forms will be available at the Museum front desk and can be downloaded at: racingmuseum.org/sites/default/files/PhotoFinishForm-2020.pdf

Questions? Contact Curator Victoria Reisman at VReisman@racingmuseum.net or 518-584-0400 ext. 113. The second annual Photo Finish exhibition will remain on display in the von Stade Gallery through Jan. 31, 2021. The online exhibition will be available on the Museum website through Summer 2021. 

December 11 – December 17, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Victorian Streetscapes Cancellation Stamp 
The 2020 Victorian Streetscapes Cancellation Stamp will be available at the Saratoga Springs Post Office at 475 Broadway on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

28th Annual Holiday Cookie Sale 
The Galway United Methodist Church will hold its 28th Annual Holiday Cookie Sale on Saturday, December 19, 2020.  Cookies must be pre-ordered and paid for in advance.  Cookies will be boxed in 1 pound assortments and pick up will be available for drive through only in the church parking lot at the corner of Rte. 147 and CR45 in the Village of Galway.  Pick up will take place between the hours of 10 AM and noon on the 19th.  Contact Sharyn Kalinkewicz at 518-928-0179 for information, placement of orders  and/or payment information.

Indoor Classes
Have you Heard? The Town of Malta Parks and Recreation has started indoor classes.For the latest programs and events go to our website maltaparksrec.com

Friends Bookshop
Now open for 15-minute appointments, which can be made by calling 518-584-7860 ext: 333. The schedule is as follows: Monday – Thursday 12-5 p.m., Closed Fridays, Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.. Closed Sunday. bookbagshop@gmail.com

Volunteers Needed
Do you have a morning to spare? Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC), a nonprofit based in Ballston Spa, is looking for volunteers to help with its food programs on weekday mornings. Urgent needs include: 
• Pick-up assistants to ride-along and help retrieve donated food from local stores. Runs start in Ballston Spa and last from 8 – 11 a.m. Shifts are available Monday – Thursday. 
• Delivery drivers to bring food pantry packages to clients in Saratoga County. Shifts are available Tuesday through Friday mornings and routes begin in Ballston Spa. 
• Crew members to help prepare meals at the Soup Kitchen. Shifts are available Wednesday through Saturday mornings. 
Be part of neighbors helping neighbors. Apply online at saratogaeoc.org/volunteer, email volunteerdesk@saratogaeoc.org or call 518-288-3206.

Southern Saratoga Art Society
Artists and members of the Southern Saratoga Art Society are exhibiting this month at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, in Clifton Park.  Thirteen artists will present “A Fall Festival of Art,” an eclectic mix of artwork.  Please try to visit, late afternoon is best at this venue, and support the arts in southern Saratoga County.  For more information about SSAS visit  southernsaratogaartist.com.

December 11 – December 17, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, December 11

Monthly Dinner
Principessa Elena Society, 11-13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. 
Soups are available by the quart. Choose from Pasta Fagioli or Italian Wedding Soup. Only Take out will be available. Cost is $5 per quart. Open to the public, purchases made at the front door. 

Fundraiser Takeout Fish Fry 
Knights of Columbus #246, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs | 5-7:30 p.m.
This will be the last event until the beginning of Lent. Orders will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until we have run out. Menu: fried or baked haddock ($14) or fried clam strips ($12), shrimp salad special ($10), New England clam chowder ($4), macaroni and cheese ($5), and dessert ($2).  You may enter the building wearing a mask or call from the parking lot upon your arrival, give a description of your vehicle, and your meal will be brought out to you.  Thank you for your support.

Saturday, December 12

Defensive Driving Class
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
NYS approved. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to NYS Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Fee $35. Bring a friend and fee is $30 each. A portion of the fee goes to the church. Registration required by calling Ray Frankoski at 518-286-3788. Mask is required, and your temperature will be taken. Class size is limited. 

Academy for Lifelong Learning Barnes & Noble Book Fair
Barnes & Noble, Wilton Square, 3029 State Route 50, Saratoga Springs  | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Greet Academy members at the door and receive an Academy voucher. Shop and mention the Academy for Lifelong Learning. A percentage of your purchases will be donated to A.L.L. Enter the free raffle for a case of Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce. For more information, visit www.esc.edu/all or call Jeff Shinaman at 518-587-2100 ext. 2390.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
West Side Area | Starting at 4 p.m.
The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association and Stewarts Shops are bringing Santa to the children of Saratoga Springs. Catch a glimpse of Santa in your neighborhood as he travels through Saratoga Springs atop a tower ladder fire truck provided by King Enterprises. Follow Santa live on Facebook @downtownsaratogasprings. For more information visit www.saratogaspringsdowntown.com. 

Sunday, December 13

Saratoga Chamber Players Concert
Streamed Concert | 2020-21 marks the 34th season of the Saratoga Chamber Players (SCP) and we’re still at it.  Under the artistic direction of Jill Levy, SCP will once again bring us programs with seasoned, professional musicians. This concert season kicks off with the return of Jill on violin and cellist Ashley Bathgate in a December 13 concert to be streamed.  Pay what you will. www.eventbrite.com/e/contribute-click-on-tickets-tickets-127734729013

Monday, December 14

Paper Mache Ornament Kit
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stop by the library Children’s Desk or Info Desk to pick-up a free paper Mache ornament kit while supplies last (for teens and tweens).

Tuesday, December 15

Pierogi Sale Pick Up
Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
As usual we will have potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese pierogi. Please order soon as we expect the orders to be larger than usual. We also expect to have stuffed clams and borscht available.  Please call 518-363-0001. Please wear your masks when you arrive. We follow all proper procedures for your safety.

Havurah Vitik: Celebrate the Days of Chanukah
Zoom Event | 11 a.m. – Noon
Rabbi Boaz Marmon who now serves as rabbi of Congregation Shaara Tfille, will join us with a program featuring an exploration of the Hasmonean royal dynasty – descendants of the Maccabee leadership – and how the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Greeks played out in history. He will combine this look back at Jewish history with songs for the Chanukah season and spirit. Havurah Vatik in the time of Covid: Bring your own lunch; pajama bottoms welcomed; coffee or tea suggested. Nothing supplied but valuable information, exchange of ideas, opportunity to “see” friends and acquaintances. Zoom invitations will be included in the official flyer arriving by email. Zoom Meeting: us02web.zoom.us/j/83284806534?pwd=WnVPbGkrYjk5dTNvMDNOaldNbVZFZz09. Meeting ID: 832 8480 6534. Passcode: 684352

Wednesday, December 16

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Woodlands & Meadowbrook Area | Starting at 4 p.m.
Catch a glimpse of Santa in your neighborhood as he travels through Saratoga Springs atop a tower ladder fire truck provided by King Enterprises. Follow Santa live on Facebook @downtownsaratogasprings. For more information visit www.saratogaspringsdowntown.com. 

Thursday, December 17

20th Annual Artisan’s Market
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa | Noon – 4 p.m.
Thursday, Friday (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)  and Saturday (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) through December 24.  Shop a unique selection of locally crafted goods, including, soaps and lotions, cutting boards, ornaments, jewelry, dog treats and much more!  Each purchase supports local artisans and Brookside Museum.

Residents Vote “Yes” to Legacy Project

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­— On Tuesday, December 8, residents in the Saratoga Springs City School District approved The Legacy Project, a $129.7 million capital project referendum for improvements and renovations to all eight school buildings and the transportation facility. The final tally came in at 1530 votes to 364 votes. 

Once officially approved by the Board of Education, the Legacy Project will fund improvements to the buildings by prioritizing safety and security, educational spaces, energy and operational efficiencies.

“The District would like to thank the community for their support of this long-term investment in our schools and facilities.  I appreciate the feedback and collaboration of District stakeholders and the community during the last four years of the Legacy planning process,” said Dr. Michael Patton, Superintendent of Schools.

To learn more about The Legacy Project, go to www.saratogaschools.org

Local High School Senior Affects National Change

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul Tonko, one of just a handful of engineers currently serving in Congress, announced Dec. 8 his Artificial Intelligence Education Act passed the House as part of this year’s final National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 335-78. 

The bipartisan legislation would establish grants and other support to be administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help K-12 students develop artificial intelligence (AI) skills, experience and a deeper understanding of the ethics and social implications of this emerging field. 

The original idea for the bill was presented to Tonko by then – Shaker High School senior Nathan Wang, who is now a freshman studying biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

“We have only begun to scratch the surface of what AI can do to revolutionize our health care, manufacturing, technology and other fields that will drive America’s 21st century economic and technological growth,” Congressman Tonko said, in a prepared statement. 

“I was excited to receive this recommendation from Nathan Wang, who was a Shaker High School senior at the time, to expand K-12 training in AI education,” Tonko added. “I’m proud to say we introduced and advanced a powerful piece of legislation to deliver on Nathan’s vision. I remain hopeful that this inspiring bill will be signed into law this year, thanks in large part to the tireless work of our Science, Space and Technology Committee Chair Eddie Bernice Johnson, and I urge my colleagues to continue to support our efforts to open the doors to AI education to all of America’s students, educators and schools.” 

Tonko’s AI Education Act would ensure that artificial intelligence education is accessible to K-12 students, increase awareness of potential ethical, social, safety, and security risks of artificial systems, promote curriculum development for teaching topics related to artificial intelligence, and support efforts to achieve equitable access to K-12 artificial intelligence education.

Uber Launches New “Uber Connect” Service Throughout Upstate New York Ahead of Holidays

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

ALBANY — Uber announced Dec. 9 the launch of its new delivery service, Uber Connect, throughout upstate New York, allowing residents to easily send packages to others nearby. 

The company says the service will especially help those who are social distancing. Uber Connect allows users to send a broad range of items from their homes in a cost effective, same-day, no-contact manner. 

Users can send a wide range of items by simply requesting “Uber Connect” in their Uber app. This option is currently available in more than 25 cities in Australia, Mexico and the United States. Connect is part of Uber’s effort to look beyond food and grocery transportation, and to provide on-demand and scheduled last-mile delivery solutions for consumers and businesses alike. 

Here’s how it works: customers open their Uber app and look for the “Connect” option on their home screen. Once they select Connect they input the pickup and dropoff location and confirm the request. An Uber driver will then come to their house, pick up the package and deliver it for them. Connect was built to provide a contactless experience. Customers simply meet their delivery person at the curb after a request is booked, carefully deposit their delivery items in the vehicle and track the package as they would an Uber trip.

More information about Uber Connect can be found at uber.com. 

Restaurant Updates

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As winter weather forces outdoor diners indoors, and reduced capacity cuts into profits, area restaurants are scrambling to stay afloat.

Some area restaurants have made the tough decision to close for the winter months, with plans to reopen in Spring. One of those is Saratoga Springs long-time staple, Hattie’s Chicken Shack. They announced they will be closing for January and February. Hattie’s Chicken Shack in Wilton will remain open.

Joining Hattie’s is Prime at Saratoga National, Dunning Street Station, and Carson’s Woodside Tavern.

A recent post on Druthers Facebook page announced they are making major upgrades to their outdoor space to maintain outdoor dining during the winter.