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Opera Saratoga Launches New Virtual Education Program Featuring World Premiere of The Selfish Giant

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Opera Saratoga announced last week that the company has converted its popular in-school OPERA-TO-GO tour into an interactive, virtual program this year to ensure safety for all while continuing to provide a unique and enriching arts education experience. 

The new program will feature the digital world premiere of The Selfish Giant, a new one-act opera based on the short story by Oscar Wilde, written by Brazilian-American composer Clarice Assad and librettist Lila Palmer, commissioned by American Lyric Theater in New York City specifically for young audiences. 

“While we love visiting schools and introducing children to opera, proceeding with an in-person tour this winter and spring would not only be impractical, but also irresponsible. Safety must come first. However, we are still committed to providing access to the performing arts to students as well as robust arts education resources to educators – whether they are teaching virtually, in person, or in some combination of the two,” company artistic and general director Lawrence Edelson said in statement.

 Over the past six months, Opera Saratoga has re-envisioned the OPERA-TO-GO program as a digital initiative that will be available for free to educators for their students.  The program will be available to schools in late February, and is comprised of the following elements:

 • Opera Saratoga is creating a series of short video lessons on opera, aligned to New York State Common Core Standards in Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and English/Literature at grade levels from K-5, as well as the National Social Emotional Learning Standards. For each grade level, there will be a series of 6 videos, each 10 to 15 minutes in length, available for use in class, or for at-home viewing. Each video is accompanied by a comprehensive teacher’s guide that includes details of the alignment to State standards, and grade appropriate follow-up activities for students.

• Opera Saratoga is making a professional audio recording of the new opera THE SELFISH GIANT, by composer Clarice Assad and librettist Lila Palmer, based on the short story by Oscar Wilde. This recording will be fully integrated into the digital curriculum, providing opportunities to explore subjects including adaptation (how a short story becomes an opera), the role of the librettist, the role of the composer, collaboration, how words and music come together to create sung theater, the textual and musical “building blocks” of opera, and how opera is produced on stage.

• Using the recording, students will have the opportunity to make their own film versions of THE SELFISH GIANT by creating art that reflects the story and music. A scene-by-scene breakdown of the dramatic action of THE SELFISH GIANT will be provided to each class participating in the program, along with very clear, grade appropriate instructions. Students will be assigned specific moments of the opera to illustrate in a manner appropriate to their age/grade level, through drawing, painting, collage, or digital photography. Opera Saratoga will then create films of THE SELFISH GIANT, synching the recording of the opera to the art created by the students that bring each scene to life. Each school or class will have the opportunity to create their own versions of the film. In the spring, these videos will be completed and made available to share with family members as well as on each school’s website and social media channels. Opera Saratoga will also create an online library of student-created films of the opera, which will be hosted on the company’s website. 

Educators interested in offering this program to their students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 should register at www.operasaratoga.org/virtual-education no later than Jan. 22.

Opera Saratoga is able to provide free access to the entire video lesson series with educational support materials for all teachers and all schools. However, as the company does have limited capacity to create the opera-video projects, this portion of the program will be limited to schools in Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Essex, Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady counties, and will be limited to the first 50 schools or classes that register for the program. 

Opera Saratoga, formerly known as Lake George Opera, began with a production of Die Fledermaus at the Diamond Point Theatre on July 5, 1962, playing to an audience of 230. The Company now calls Saratoga Springs home and performs for more than 25,000 people annually. Opera Saratoga celebrates its 60th Anniversary this season. For more information, visit www.operasaratoga.org

Soroptimist International Of Saratoga County Kicks-Off Community Awareness Campaign

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC), a chapter of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), has commenced a ten-month community awareness campaign in celebration of the national club’s 100-year anniversary. 

Soroptimist means “best for women.” The global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training needed to achieve economic empowerment. In Saratoga, SISC has been active since 1979.

The 100-year anniversary theme, “Bright Past, Brilliant Future,” captures the respect for and memory of incredible women who had the foresight and courage to become Soroptimists and pursue the best for women, and those who carry on the tradition today. Drawing attention to the club’s impact, SISC will showcase its work locally and globally – with the intent of strengthening bonds with our community’s businesses, professionals, and those who can benefit from our programming. 

In January, SISC presents “This is Us: Soroptimist,” showcasing the history of the organization in our local community – from the roots of the club in 1979. SISC’s first president, Sondra Silverhart, said in a prepared statement: “Our first goal was to set up a two-bedroom apartment for women experiencing domestic violence. As a newly formed group of motivated women, we raised $2,500, a lot of money in those days. Assisting women experiencing domestic violence remains a goal today in this Chapter.” For more information, go to: www.soroptimistsaratoga.org; Facebook: @SoroptimistofSaratogaCounty; Instagram: @SoroptimistSaratoga; soroptimistsaratoga@gmail.com. 

January 15 – January 21, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Vermicomposting 101: Learn about Composting with Worms
Thursday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m., via Zoom. Bill Richmond, owner, and chief worm wrangler at the Adirondack Worm Farm, located in Washington County, uses the science of vermicomposting to turn waste products into a super-charged, all-natural plant fertilizer, using the power of worms. Bill’s presentation will teach you how you can reduce the amount of garbage you send to landfills and boost the health and vitality of your plants and backyard garden through the remarkably simple process of vermicomposting. Register in advance for this meeting. To register, click the link and sign up using Zoom. us02web.zoom.us/…/tZMpceCtrz8sEtz. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Winter Acting Classes and Camps
Acting Academy for ages 10 to 14 will run 5 weeks for 1 ½ hours on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. starting January 12. February Break Drama Camp for ages 7 to 13 will run Tuesday, February 16 through Friday, February 19 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. All classes and camps will be performed on Malta Community Center Stage virtually for invited guests No shared props or costumes. Students must wear a mask when not performing. For more information, including COVID 19 protocols and registration information go online at www.maltaparksrec.com or contact Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department at 518-899-4411.

Teen Animal Ambassadors Program 
Saratoga County 4-H is excited to announce a new teen program. We are seeking dedicated teens looking to advance in the animal science field. This program will provide youth with skills in sciences, language arts, and creative thinking; all aligning with different aspects of animal industries and sciences. Meetings will be held once a month with opportunities to learn from professionals in the field and work on projects. Animal Ambassadors will complete one project in the course of a year, individually, as well as work as a team to prepare and run animal shows at the Saratoga County Fair. This program is designed to prepare teens for higher education and careers in the animal industries. Applications are due February 1 and are available on our website: ccesaratoga.org/4-h/animal-ambassadors. This spring, Saratoga County 4-H will be offering other Animal Science programs in addition to Animal Ambassadors. For more information on programs such as: Incubation and Embryology, Canine Training, Agricultural in the Class Room and other animal science clubs call our office today at 518-885-8995 or email our Animal Science Educator at bh548@cornell.edu

Lake George Winterfest
For four weekends in February, you can enjoy the socially distanced safe outdoor events such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, winter “fat tire” mountain biking and more while dining and relaxing in the Lake George area. Your wristband will unlock the activities you have signed up for in advance online and will also be your ticket to horse-drawn carriage rides around Lake George and hot cocoa stations. The website where wristbands will be on sale is coming soon: www.lakegeorgewinterfest.com. 

Southern Saratoga Art Society
Member Carol Winterton will feature her art in a one-woman show during January and February 2021 in the Gallery at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. 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.  For more information about SSAS please visit: southernsaratogaartist.com. 

January 15 – January 21, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, January 15

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Charlton School, 322 Lake Hill Rd., Ballston Lake | 11 a.m.
Join The Charlton School, a therapeutic learning community, for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The ceremony commemorates a $200,000 donation from the Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund for the renovation of the campus chapel into a therapeutic Arts Center. The chapel renovation is the kick-off to a long-term school capital campaign called The Next Chapter. Participants can view the ceremony by going to the school’s Facebook page @charltonschool.

Dr. King Celebration Weekend
Online: mlksaratoga.org/celebration 
This year’s theme is “Let’s Talk Saratoga! – Changing the Conversation.” The event lineup includes a series of conversations moderated by community leaders, clergy, activists, and experts. Families and friends of all ages will find an event or activity to plug into. MLK Saratoga’s “Our Story” Treasure Hunt, available on the website, is a self-guided adventure to unravel more of our “color-full” history of people woven into Saratoga Springs’ past, including the home (now restaurant) of the first woman of color to graduate from Skidmore College, the restaurant started by a black woman in 1938 that survived the city’s urban renewal in the late 60’s; and the site of 20th century Hasidic boarding houses and thriving Jewish commerce. Adults and kids alike will learn something new about the health and history of people who walked this land in centuries past. Please see mlksaratoga.org/celebration for complete event details and links. Registration is required for some programs with limited capacity. ww.mlksaratoga.org

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 through April 10.

Fundraiser Takeout Italian Dinner
Knights of Columbus #246, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7:30 p.m.
For $18, you will have your choice of Lasagna, Braciola, or Chicken Parmesan, served with pasta, salad, and rolls. Orders must be called in ahead of time to 518-584-8547 on Wednesday, January 13 and Thursday, January 14, between 1 – 4 p.m. Orders will also be taken on Friday, the day of the event, beginning at 1 p.m. until we run out. 

Saturday, January 16

Words Have Power
Yaddo’s Zoom | 7 p.m.
In partnership with MLK Saratoga and Yaddo, Northshire Bookstore is delighted to present two Yaddo luminaries in conversation as part of Dr. King Celebration Weekend: bestselling author Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes and multimedia visual artist, playwright, and author Shay Youngblood.  Zoom link available with registration www.yaddo.org/words-have-power

Sunday, January 17

Winter Discovery Walk
Camp Saratoga North, Wilton Wildlife Preserve
80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Join Wilton Wildlife Preserve for a guided hike all about winter exploration and discovery. Look for animal tracks and learn about different plant and animal adaptations for winter survival. Meet at Camp Saratoga North and dress for the weather. Snowshoes are available for rental for the program. If there is no snow, the program will take place without snowshoes. Reservations are required, please email info@wiltonpreserve.org or call 518-450-0321.

Monday, January 18

Roots of Black Music in America
Zoom Presentation | 11 a.m. – Noon
Join educator and performer Karlus Trapp as he celebrates Martin Luther King Day by taking you on a joyful 100-year interactive journey, tracing the roots of Black Music in America. Geared for all ages, Karlus combines music performance with history in a fun, engaging, and educational manner. Presented via Zoom, with registration required. A Zoom account is not required. Please register online at www.sspl.org.

Tuesday, January 19

Havurah Vatik
Zoom Event | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Hearing Connection – Hearing Care is Health Care. Have a Listen to Dr. Robin Solomon, A Board-Certified Audiologist, on the Importance of Hearing Healthcare. We will hear some very important information about our hearing and its care. With many years of experience and extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating hearing loss, Robin is the founder of Hearing Care Resources, LLC, a diagnostic and rehabilitative Audiology practice for Saratoga County, located in Wilton. Robin stresses the critical connection between hearing and communication. She emphasizes patient and family education as well as providing the most up-to-date technology in hearing devices. Join Zoom Meeting us02web.zoom.us/j/83284806534?pwd=WnVPbGkrYjk5dTNvMDNOaldNbVZFZz09 Meeting ID: 832 8480 6534 Passcode: 684352

Wednesday, January 20

5-Part Grant Writing for Non-Profits Workshop
Online Zoom | 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Planning, budgeting, research and introducing your organization to grant-makers. Writing, submitting and follow-up.  Beginner and intermediate level.  Online Zoom Dates: January 20, 22, 25, 27, 29 Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m. Cost: Regular rate $150.  Use promo code UU01 for discount rate of $100. Presented by:  Nonprofit Works – Proceeds will benefit UUCSS (Unitarian Universalist Church of Saratoga Springs) More information and to register:  www.nonprofitworks.com/events/event/grants-skillshare-series. Questions: paul@nonprofitworks.com or call 518-581-8841.

Chicken Marsala Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Menu: chicken marsala, long grain wild rice, vegetable, salad, roll. Dinner for 2/$25.00. Cash only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. and Noon to place an order, 518-584-2585.

Saratoga Student Named Among Science Scholars

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Society for Science announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. 

Each of the 300 scholars and their schools will be awarded $2,000 each, including Ava Herzog, 17, from Saratoga Springs High School, for her project titled “The Effect of the Retinal Degeneration Mutation rd1 on Circadian Locomotor Activity and Nesting Behavior in Mice.”

The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from 1,760 applications received from 611 high schools across 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and 10 countries. Scholars were chosen based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search provides students with a national stage to present original research and celebrates the hard work and discoveries of young scientists who are bringing a fresh perspective to significant global challenges. Research projects cover topics from bioinformatics to public health and energy efficiency.

On Jan. 21, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. From March 10-17, all 40 finalists will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron.

The full list of scholars can be viewed at www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2021-scholars

Property Transactions: January 9 – January 15, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON

Matthew Call sold property at 5 Frank St to Diane Gagliarrdi for $293,000.

Thomas Lowe sold property at Goode St to Farm Raised LLC for $177,000.

Thomas Lowe sold property at Goode St to Farm Raised LLC for $330,000.

Ryan Legere sold property at 59 Casey Pass to Margaret Chevalier for $258,500.

John Russell sold property at 15 Lakehill Rd to Dawn Hunt for $148,000.

Matthew Shambo sold property at 457 Devils Lane to Robert Lewis for $439,900.

CORINTH

Meredith Fiel sold property at 4880 Rt 9N to Jamaldine Oulacha for $128,000.

Luke Petteys sold property at 65 Locust Ridge Rd to Brett McMurray for $212,000.

Mark Lamkins sold property at 13 Fifth St to ET Corinth Properties LLC for $123,000.

Land Logic sold property at 222 Center St to ET Corinth Properties LLC for $162,000.

GREENFIELD

Jason Beach sold property at 3540 Boyhaven Rd to Michael Emery for $540,000.

Benjamin Tucker sold property at 273 South Greenfield Rd to Robert Campbell for $340,000.

MALTA

Marini Land II Inc  sold property at 118 Plum Poppy N to Richard Schuler for $440,200.

Martha Almgren sold property at 177 Arrowwood Pl to Sara Sweeney for $280,000

Farone Amedore LLC sold property at 63 Ordelia Lane to Susan Powell for $339,250.

Dean Stratis sold property at 21 Hillman Loop to Robert Rinken for $349,900.

Joan Keil as trustee sold property at 96 Wineberry Lane to James Tietz for $280,000

Elizabeth Deveno sold property at 2591 State Route 9 to Rhett Croteau for $365,000

Scott Walrath sold property at 47 Yachtsmans Way to Ron VanAlstyne for $645,000.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Wallace Elton sold property at 36 Curt Blvd to James Wright, Jr. for $225,000.

146 Middle Ave LLC sold property at 8 Vanderbilt Ave to Louis Recchia for $415,000.

Patricia Izzo sold property at 202 Lake Ave to TradeWinds Holdings LLC  for $309,000.

Tyler Demarco sold property at 59 Curt Blvd to Erin Graney for $240,000.

Janet Equale sold property at 4 Beach Ct to Heidi Galli for $620,000.

Timothy Rapp sold property at 10 Bingham St to Maxamilian Abbott for $345,000.

Mark Young as trustee sold property at 20 Longwood Dr to Amy Rabanal for $450,000.

Joseph Devivo sold property at 7 Eastman Lane to Keith Johnston for $312,000

Samantha Schmitt sold property at 14 Hyde St to Christopher Shand for $600,000

Maureen Sager sold property at 154 Regent St to BAMF Realty Group LLC for $745,000.

WILTON

Jean Hoins sold property at 71 Traver Rd to Joseph Scalo for $285,000.

Gregory Taylor sold property at 31 Apple Tree Lane to Simon Radu for $410,000.

Sonoma Grove LLC sold property at 49 Berkeley Way to James Hanley IV for $566,288

Frank Gallo sold property at 16 Rose Terrace to Michael Mauriello for $930,000.

Jeffrey Mancini sold property at 25 Apple Tree Lane to Zachary Prodrick for $350,000.

Stewart’s Shops Expands: Fuel Distribution with Red-Kap Asset Purchase; Stewart’s Express Shops

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Shops have acquired the assets of Red-Kap, which include eight convenience stores, four car washes and their fuel distribution to more than 75 dealers.

Stewart’s Shops will maintain the branding of the Mobil, Citgo, and Sunoco stations and will convert two of the Red-Kap locations into traditional Stewart’s Shops. The remaining six locations will become ‘Stewart’s Express’ shops. These smaller shops will have limited product offerings and will not serve hand-scooped ice cream. 

 “Stewart’s Shops has always respected and admired the integrity of the family-owned Red-Kap organization. This is primarily a fuel distribution transaction, and we look forward to extending our support to the distributor and dealer network,” Stewart’s Shops president Gary Dake said in a statement.

The eight convenience stores are located in Albany, Baldwinsville, Berne, Hudson, Rensselaer, Saratoga Springs, Castleton, and Loudonville and are already undergoing conversions into Stewart’s Shops and ‘Stewart’s Express’ locations and will be completed in 2021. 

Founded in 1945, Stewart’s Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga Springs, with over 345 Stewart’s Shops located in 31 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont. 

The Downtowner Closed for Winter and Undergo Renovations

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­­— The Downtowner, a reimagined mid-century motor lodge located on Broadway is closed for the winter to undergo extensive exterior renovations and an interior refresh. 

Saratoga-based architecture and design company, Phinney Design Group, will lead the $1.5 million exterior renovation project while Massachusetts-based creative studio Elder & Ash enhances the interiors. 

Since reopening after a redesign in 2018, The Downtowner has been operated by Lark Hotels, a hotel brand and operating company with properties on both the East and West Coasts. The Downtowner anticipates reopening in 2021.

 “In our view, there’s no better location, from which to experience all that Saratoga Springs has to offer than the corner of Broadway and Division streets, which is essentially the 50-yard line of Broadway,” said Lark Hotels CEO, Peter Twachtman, in a statement.  “We look forward to revealing the hotel’s new look, and reopening our doors to locals and visitors in the spring.”

Dr. Zachary Criswell Joins Saratoga Hospital’s Surgical Podiatry Practice

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Zachary Criswell, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, has joined Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Surgical Podiatry.

 Criswell comes to Saratoga Hospital from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where he was a clinical instructor in the Department of Medicine. He also was an attending physician at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, a Rutgers clinical affiliate in Paramus, NJ.

Criswell earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Pennsylvania and completed an internship and residency at University Hospital in New Jersey. He went on to complete a surgical fellowship, with an emphasis on lower extremity sports medicine and arthroscopy, at Palo Alto Medical Foundation in California. Criswell is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He sees patients at Saratoga Hospital Medical Offices – Wilton Mall. 

Last week, Saratoga Hospital was designated a Center of Excellence for Antimicrobial Stewardship, in recognition of its best practices in prescribing antimicrobials and fighting drug resistance. It is the first in the region—and one of 109 organizations nationwide—to earn this designation from the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 

Saratoga Hospital Saratoga Hospital recently completed a $5 million expansion of its central sterile processing department to accommodate significant growth in complex surgical procedures at the hospital and its Saratoga Surgery Center in Wilton.

The renovations increased the central sterile processing space by about 80% and added the latest disinfection and sterilization equipment.

Assemblywoman Woerner: Priorities For 2021 Legislative Session

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, announced priorities for this year’s legislative session, continuing her efforts to support upstate families, businesses and communities. 

“While it’s a relief to finally put 2020 behind us, we certainly have our work cut out for us in 2021,” Woerner said, in a statement.  “As we enter a new year and new legislative session, I’m ready to hit the ground running to help our families rebuild from the unprecedented challenges we’ve faced in the last year and move toward a brighter future. From investing in small businesses to strengthening upstate broadband access, I’ll continue fighting for policies that help our region and state move forward.” 

 Measures in the 2021 legislative session specified by Woerner include: require that insurance coverage payment for telehealth services are reimbursed at the same rate as in-person appointments to help expand access to health care in underserved, and especially rural, communities across the state (A.9667 of 2020); provide equitable and sufficient school funding, as well as help districts control costs by permanently granting the waiver for small group insurance plans at schools; invest in broadband infrastructure and improve broadband access statewide (A.8823 of 2020); strengthen the state’s food supply chain, especially meat production, to reduce our dependence on national and international sources; establish the Clean Fuels Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s transportation sector (A.5262-A of 2020); ensure family members of individuals with developmental disabilities have the assistance they need to continue supporting and caring for the individual throughout adulthood (A.6658 of 2020); authorize mobile sports betting and support the state’s equine industry to ensure its breeding and racing remains an industry leader; and stand with our military service members by allowing them to digitally request and complete an absentee ballot (A.8780 of 2020) and enhancing veterans’ STAR exemption for career military members.