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Author: Saratoga TODAY

A Yiddish World Remembered: Virtual Discussion Group

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Zoom panel discussion of “A Yiddish World Remembered” will be held at 7 p.m. on April 11. 

The 2002 Emmy-award winning documentary by Andrew Goldberg originally aired on Connecticut PBS. It interviews elderly survivors who remember the shtetls from their childhood and includes vintage photos and archival films from various sources.

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a grant from The Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and co-sponsored by Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, will present the discussion. 

The documentary takes a realistic and enlightening look at this unique and all-but-vanished way of life, both the wistful memories and the abject poverty and peril. For those in rural communities, there was often no running water or electricity. For many, anti-Semitism was a part of daily life. But for everyone, crowded conditions and poverty seemed to prevail. Despite these trials, through the eyes of individuals interviewed, we learn that Jewish communities were close-knit and often even joyous places to live. 

“As the world was changing during a rapid period of modernization and industrialization in the late 19th century,” said Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of Jewish Community Arts, in a statement. “The political and economic climate became gravely impactful and their shtetl world began to break apart. Close to two million Jews left Eastern Europe and went to the U.S. and other places in search of opportunity. However, for many others, who could not or would not abandon the old country, the fragile shtetl life continued, finally disintegrating in the throes of the Holocaust.”

Registration required for Zoom discussion. Please email  sjca.sjcf@gmail.com.

Local Chorus Puts Technology to Use to Sing Safely

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The last time the members of Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus sang harmonies together was March 2020. The 28-member chartered chorus of Sweet Adelines International has remained active – learning new songs, producing a virtual choir video and holding online rehearsals via Zoom, but members missed singing together. 

Utilizing microphones and an FM transmitter, two dozen members of the group, under the guidance of chorus director Jennifer Hunter, got together with wireless microphones in the parking area of the Knights of Columbus in Saratoga Springs to sing in the same location. 

Following months of research, the launching of a fundraising program to purchase needed equipment, and with safety procedures in place, members sat in the comfort of their own cars and participate in a rehearsal heard over their car radios.   

The chorus hopes to continue the rehearsals and is considering car performances in the places it often performs, such as nursing homes and local events. Saratoga Soundtrack is a championship a cappella women’s chorus dedicated to musical excellence.  For more information about the chorus, go to: saratogasoundtrack.org. 

Wine & Dine for the Arts Goes Virtual to Continue Support of Regional Arts Organizations

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

ALBANY — The Wine & Dine for the Arts event typically held in January in-person has become a virtual event called Wine & Dine and Cook! The virtual cooking show series will begin with a pilot episode, 5 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 17.

In its twelfth year, the Festival chose to restructure the nonprofit’s method of support to keep everyone safe, and still raise much-needed funds for the arts in the region.

The pilot episode will feature national celebrity Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr., as he demonstrates a live cooking recipe from his kitchen. Host Ric Orlando will be joined by Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, producing Artistic Director at the Rep, representing the regional arts organizations, live from Different Drummers Kitchen in Stuyvesant Plaza.

Show organizers are currently working on three additional shows to complement the 2021 season. 

Tickets are available on the Festival’s website. Attendees will be able to add-on ingredient boxes, paired wine & spirits, merchandise, and delivery to complete the experience, and cook along with their favorite chefs while at home. Learn more about the event and special guests online at: albanywinefest.com.

Nacre Dance Group Announces New Virtual Choreography Program in Contemporary Dance and Classical Ballet

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A series of Contemporary Dance and Classical Ballet virtual choreography labs will be presented by Nacre Dance. 

The program will run April 13 – May 18, and consists of six sessions that meet one time per week, focused on providing the fundamental tools used to create choreography for both contemporary and Classical Ballet. 

Students will receive individual instruction in their selected area of study (Contemporary or Classical Ballet) from professional choreographers as well as collaborate with other dance students.  The workshop is perfect for dance students looking to prepare a choreography piece for college, build a portfolio, or prepare extracurricular programming submissions. 

The virtual lab will use Zoom to provide large group, small group, and one-on-one instruction. 

Registration for the Virtual Choreography Lab is now open. For more information, visit nacredance.org or email info@nacredance.com. 

April 2 – April 8, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, April 2

Takeout Fish Fry
Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton St., Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The menu will include fish fry, fries, and coleslaw. The cost is $10 (cash only). Beverages available for an addition $1. To place your order call 518-885-1149 or simply email BPOE2619@verizon.net. Additional quantities available at the door while supplies last. Proceeds support Elks Charities. Ballston Spa Elks will proudly make a donation to the Union Fire Station while their annual Fish Fry is on hold this year.

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 fry, clam fry, popcorn shrimp fry, buffalo shrimp, and chowder. Ask about our extras and specials and beverages. Everyone is invited, Covid 19 rules will apply. 

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. 

Thee Mr. E Band
VFW Post 420, 130 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m.
Food is available and great drink prices. All are Welcome. We practice social distancing. Support our Veterans and local music. For inquiries call 518-584-9686.

Saturday, April 3

K9 Easter Egg Hunt
Hudson Crossing Park, Route 4, Schuylerville
Grab your leash, pup, and head to Hudson Crossing Park for the best K9 Easter Egg Hunt around! HCP invites family members of the four-legged variety to have a special K9 Easter Egg Hunt all their own. Plastic eggs are “hidden” throughout the park and packed with treats courtesy of Lazy Dog Cookie Company of Ballston Spa! Social distancing is necessary. Please take the eggs that you find home with you. Your donation online is appreciated. $10 per dog suggested donation. CDC guidelines will be followed. The event will also take place on Sunday, April 4. Visit www.hudsoncrossingpark.org/upcoming-events/2021/4/3/k9-easter-egg-hunt. 

Mind Body Soul Expo
Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Come discover, explore, and experience 130+ Health, Wellness, and Holistic Vendors, demonstrations, interactive exhibits, 16 Free presentations and lectures, 8 Free classes and workshops, 8 stage performances, local Saratoga businesses, Free samples, Healing and Meditation Room (upstairs with elevator access) and much, much more. We will be in the entire venue (upstairs and all of downstairs).

Sunday, April 4

Happy Easter!

Monday, April 5

Wellness Walk
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside. This walk is geared towards gentle exercise and those with basic fitness levels. This program will not take place in bad weather. To register, please contact the Park & Preserve Office via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org or by calling 518-450-0321. Please provide your name, phone number, email and the number of people attending within your party. Registrations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the program. You will receive a confirmation email if you have been successfully registered. Facemasks are required to be worn throughout the duration of this program.

Free Farmland Access Workshops
Virtual Class | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County and Saratoga PLAN have collaborated to bring a series of three Farmland Access Workshops. Designed for farmland owners and those looking to purchase farmland or diversify their farming operation. To close the series, Dustin Lewis of Saratoga County Soil and Water Conservation District along with Jessica Holmes and Nicolina Foti of CCE Saratoga present Farmland Evaluation. In this workshop, participants will learn how to find the best fit between agricultural land and farm operation. The workshops are free and open to all. To register, please contact Nicolina Foti, CCE Saratoga Agricultural Coordinator, at nvf5@cornell.edu or call the office 518-885-8995. To learn more about other events offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, please visit ccesaratoga.org and for more information on Saratoga PLAN and their work, please visit www.saratogaplan.org.

Tuesday, April 6

Dining with Diabetes
Zoom Presentation | Noon
A program for people with diabetes or prediabetes and their family members offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County. Participants will learn how to fit carbohydrates into a healthy menu, effectively use food labels, choose meals at a restaurant, and adopt other healthy habits to help manage diabetes through healthy eating. Recipe ideas provided. Time provided for Q&A. Diabetes and Covid19 will be discussed. Diane Whitten, Cornell Cooperative Extension nutrition educator, will present helpful tips and facilitate discussion, guest speakers will include a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. For help with Zoom or other program details contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County- 518-885-8995, or email Diane at dwhitten@cornell.edu.

Frog Watch
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Learn how to identify frogs and toads by sight and sound as their season rapidly approaches! Take a walk with our educators around vernal ponds and listen for their calls. Register by calling the library at 518-584-7860 ext. 305. Registrations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the program. You will receive a confirmation email if you have been successfully registered. Please note, facemasks are required to be worn throughout the duration of this program.

Wednesday, April 7

Nesting Birds
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 11 a.m. – Noon
Take a hike to look for nesting birds, followed by a craft. Can you make a nest better than a bird? Let’s find out! This program has a $3 supply fee. Registration is required. To register, please contact the Park & Preserve Office via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org or by calling 518-450-0321. Please provide your name, phone number, email and the number of people attending within your party. Registrations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the program. You will receive a confirmation email if you have been successfully registered. Please note, facemasks are required to be worn throughout the duration of this program.

Roast Pork Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pick-up only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order 518-584-2585. Menu: roast pork, mashed potatoes, vegetable, stuffing, applesauce, gravy, roll and tossed salad. Dinner for 2, $25 (cash only). 

Thursday, April 8

Planning and Planting a Herbal Medicinal Garden
Zoom Presentation | Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Join Herbalist Lise Fuller for a webinar addressing the necessary steps for planting and enjoying a beautiful, yet practical, medicinal herbal garden. Topics covered will include placement and design of garden, selecting the proper plants based on location, garden maintenance, and how to preserve and prepare your herbs. Registration is required to receive the Zoom connection information. Please register online at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, www.sspl.org. 

April 2 – April 8, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Defensive Driving Class
On Saturday April 10, 2021 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. there will be a New York State approved Defensive Driving Class. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle Guidelines. The class will be held at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, located at 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. There is a fee of $35 per person. Bring a friend and the fee is $30 each. Portion of the fee goes to the church. Registration is required and can be made by calling Ray Frankowski at 518-286-3788. 

Auditions for Robin Hood
Malta Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe – Auditioning children (ages 10+), teens and adults, Sunday April 11 from 2 – 4 p.m. or Monday April 12 from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta.  Especially needed: Teen and adult men! Auditions will be scheduled in small groups and by appointment only. All Covid-19 protocols will be explained when requesting your appointment. Rehearsals will begin April 19 and run most Monday and Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons until performances. Performances are tentatively slated over two weekends, June 12 and 13, and June 19 and 20, subject to Covid-19 limitations at the time.  Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director at theater@malta-town.org or 518-899-4411 ext. 305 to schedule your audition appointment or for additional information.

Pierogi Sale
Christ the Savior Church, located at 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake is resuming a pierogi sale on Tuesday, April. 13. As usual we will have potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese perogies. All pierogi orders are $10/dozen. Please order soon as we expect the orders to be larger than usual. We also may have stuffed clams.  Please call 518-363-0001.Thank you for your patience at this time of COVID. Pick up will be from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Please wear your masks when you arrive. We follow all proper procedures for your safety.

Sign up for the Saratoga Elks Auxiliary Craft and Garage Sale 
Monthly Sale will be an outside sale on Saturday, April 24, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday, May 22, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The sale will be in the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club parking lot on Elks Lane.  Admission is free with over 30 vendors; parking is great, bargains galore, and friends to meet.  We offer household items, sports equipment, hand-made items, clothing, fabrics, jewelry, party vendors, pet supplies, food treats, and just about anything you can imagine.  New vendors are signing up every month. An 8-foot table is just $15; call Linda at 518-289-5470 for information or to sign up for a table(s). You may bring folding chairs for your convenience.  All Covid-19 guidelines will be followed; people must wear masks and adhere to socially distancing guidelines. Tables are placed 6 foot apart with ample distancing in front of tables.  Rain dates are Sunday, April 25 and Sunday, May 23.

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 noon. 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 e-mail 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 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!

Southern Saratoga Art Society
Two featured artists during the months of April and May 2021 in The Gallery of the Clifton Park Senior Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., Clifton Park.Faith Weldon and Joan VanAlphen are well known throughout the area, both are members of various art groups and won numerous awards for their pieces. Faith works in several mediums including watercolors, fluid acrylics, collage, and pastels.She is inspired by the outdoor world and developing paintings from her imagination. Some of her works include Victorian Ladies, wine bottle collages and musicians. Joan paints in both oils and watercolors.Her passions include abstract painting and working in acrylics. She especially enjoys painting landscapes and flowers. SSAS member Neil Sergott will be exhibiting at the Mechanicville Public Library, 190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville during March and April.His subject matter is taken from the local Hudson River Valley Region.Neil is an accomplished photographer who has a keen eye for finding beauty in this marvelous region.Stop in to view these shows and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County.For more information, visit www.southernsaratogaartist.com. 

Ballston Spa Teams Compete at Championship Tournament

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — Two Ballston Spa Central School District FFL Challenge Teams competed at the Hudson Valley Qualifying Tournament on March 27. The Golden Creators and Motors in Action teams consisted of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, while other teams at the tournament were made up of 7th and 8th graders. 

The teams were given the opportunity to share their innovation projects, robot design, and teamwork during a presentation with judges. For their innovation projects, the Golden Creators proposed a phone app to help people exercise more by presenting challenges that requires movement to collect coins. Motors in Action designed a sensor mat and wristband to track exercise movements. 

Feedback from the judges was very positive. They were impressed with the challenges the teams overcame this year to be able to compete in the tournament – they had been meeting virtually since October due to the pandemic – and encouraged them to continue as a team, noting that they would be very successful in future years. Although, neither of the teams won awards in the core judged areas, the Golden Creators were recognized with a Head Referee award for showing the most excitement and fun while learning. 

SIS Hosts Virtual Information Session

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Come see Saratoga’s top-rated independent school, Saratoga Independent School (S.I.S.). S.I.S. provides an excellent education to students in Pre-K through Eighth Grade, and enrollment has begun for the 2021-22 school year. 

On Tuesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m., S.I.S. will host a Virtual Information Session for prospective families. During the Virtual Information Session, families will hear from Lisa Brown, Head of School, Colleen Fortune, Admissions Liaison, and a faculty member from each division of the school – Pre-K, Elementary, and Middle School. The team will discuss the S.I.S. curriculum and programs, and answer questions about the school. For more information and to register, please visit www.siskids.org/admissions/open-house.cfm.

Advanced registration for the Virtual Information Session is required. Upon registration, you will be emailed the Zoom link. Registrations can be made online or by contacting Colleen Fortune, Admissions Liaison, directly at cfortune@siskids.org or 518-583-0841. S.I.S. is also happy to schedule private tours with families at any time. 

Spa City’s Whitman Brewing Named Top 10 In USA Today Ranking

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Whitman Brewing, located on Lake Avenue in downtown Saratoga Springs, was named among top new breweries in the country by USA Today’s “10Best” ratings. 

In its rankings, USA Today explains:  Craft breweries are opening in record numbers in the United States, hundreds each year. USA TODAY 10Best wanted to find the best new breweries in the country, ones founded in the past three years, so we asked our readers to vote for their favorites. A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.

Walt & Whitman Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs ranked #8 overall. 

Opened just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the brewery has navigated the last year, creating a safe environment for its patrons. Integrating its craft beer menu with a distinctive food menu that features Detroit style pizza, the brewery also features a full coffee shop.

Will Crager, co-owner and founder of Whitman says: beer at Whitman is not just something you can have a discussion over, but something that you can have a discussion about. It will challenge you to think about beer in a different way – as a foundation of culture and conversation. Conversation will not end here. It will extend into discussions on the space and the vibe. Stories of the photos on the wall. Discussions about music, history, art, poetry, and politics. Discussions amongst friends and family. And, yes, even discussions with the stranger sitting to the left or right of you at the bar.

For more information, go to:  waltandwhitmanbrewing.com

American Heart Association: Men Go Red for Women Raises $38,837

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

ALBANY — For six weeks, they wore red every day. They shared educational messages and raised money to change the statistic that heart disease is a woman’s No. 1 health threat. 

The Men Go Red for Women campaign concluded on Friday, March 19, and the six participants raised a total of $38,837.00. 

The top three fundraisers were: Sean Moloney of Merrill Lynch, who raised $13,008.28; Dave DeMarco of Saratoga National Bank and Trust and Arrow Financial, who raised $10,806.72 and Brain Sheldrick of CAP COM Federal Credit Union, who raised $8,722.40. Charles Amodio of Ferraro, Amodio and Zarecki CPAs; Miguel Molina of Bank of America; and Sean Willcoxon of Mazzone Hospitality were the other Men Go Red participants. 

Nicole Leonard and Jackie Sheffer, both of Merrill Lynch, co-chaired the campaign, which is part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign. That campaign raises awareness about women’s heart health, and funds to improve women’s health. 

The men will be honored at the 2021 Go Red for Women Luncheon on Nov. 12.