Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Become a 4-H Adirondack Youth Guide

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

The 4-H Adirondack Guides program is a chance to go camping, learn fire starting, map and compass skills, outdoor cooking, wildlife identification, hiking, and more! 

Youth between the ages of 12 and 19 will have the opportunity to go on two or three camping trips (if allowed by COVID guidelines) per year and attend environmental education programs once a month between the months of April-October. 

Enrollment for the year is $10 per youth, or $15-30 per family. Some events require a program fee to cover the cost of food, or canoe and campsite rentals. 

A free online New Guide orientation program will be held the evening of Thursday, January 28, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. All interested youths and their families are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required. 

For more information, call the 4-H Office at 518-885-8995, or email Greg Stevens at grs9@cornell.edu.

UPH Presents: Misty Blues

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Universal Preservation Hall presents a live-stream virtual concert Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. of Williamstown, MA recording artist Misty Blues. The group is celebrating the release of their 10th album in over two decades together. 

Following a live performance of their new album, “None More Blue,” the band will celebrate Black History Month with a performance of the “Queens of the Blues” soundtrack. The “Queens of the Blues” movie showcases the lives of four African-American female blues artists – Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton, Ruth Brown and Koko Taylor – who left an indelible mark on popular blues for generations to come. 

All original compositions on “None More Blue” were written during the pandemic and shed light on the creative connections band members were able to maintain in a primarily virtual and remote environment. The early single release from the album, “Nothing To Lose,” has taken the Roots Music Contemporary Blues Charts by storm. The album release date is Feb. 14. 

Tickets for the livestream event are $20 and available at: universalpreservationhall.org 

Live at Caffe Lena

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­— The music goes on at Caffe Lena. For information about how to livestream events from the café, go to: caffelena.org.

THIS WEEK: 
Friday, Jan. 22 | 8 p.m. Meadow Mountain Watch Party
Saturday, Jan. 23 | 7 p.m. Stephane Wrembel
Sunday, Jan. 24 | 7 p.m. Nellie McKay
Monday, Jan. 25 | 3:30 p.m. Teen Book Club
Tuesday, Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. Storytelling Night 

Northshire Bookstore Saratoga Presents: Northshire Live

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Northshire Bookstore Saratoga, which is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at its Broadway location, additionally offers a series of Northshire Live events, which can be experienced virtually several times per week from the comfort of your home.   

This week Edward Schwarzschild presents ‘In Security’ in conversation with Adam Johnson at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22; Bookseller Chat literary conversation takes place 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, and a special Saratoga Book Festival Online event at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, featuring a cook-along demonstration with Anna Francese Gass, author of Heirloom Kitchen: Heritage Recipes and Family Stories from the Tables of Immigrant Women. 

For more information about Northshire Bookstore Saratoga and how to view Northshire Live events, go to: northshire.com. 

Burnt Hills Man Wins Nashville Songwriters Association International Award

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

NASHVILLE — Each year, The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), along with presenting partners Martin Guitars and Strings and CMT hold an annual song contest inviting aspiring songwriters around the world to enter their songs and/or lyrics into one of two categories for a chance to win several incredible prizes including up to $5,000 cash and mentor sessions with some of today’s greatest songwriters.

Mark Giufre, of Burnt Hills, won the 20th annual contest’s Lyric-Only category with his entry “Cast Away.” As contest winner, Giufre was awarded a mentor session with legendary songwriter Tom Douglas, $2,000 cash, and Martin OME Cherry guitar. 

With nearly 3,000 entries, each of the total 21 placing songs advanced through several levels of judging with the final judging event taking place Spring 2020, where the Grand Prize-winning song was determined by a panel of elite judges. In the Fall of 2020, each of the winners connected via Zoom with their mentors, receiving valuable insight and inspiration to propel them into the new year. 

Mark Giufre is an educator from the small town of Burnt Hills.  He began his career teaching Kindergarten and currently works at a private school for students with autism and special needs. Mark’s love of country music and lyrics is rooted in his love of early country music from the fourth generation up to the great storytellers of today.   Mark’s motivation for writing is to tell a story.  He says, “The power of song lies in its ability, in only a couple of minutes, to tell a story that may span many years and evoke the strongest of emotions in the listener.”  His winning song Cast Away does just that.  It tells the story of the life and evolution of the relationship between a Father and a Son, but it goes far beyond that. It includes memories so many of us can relate to. Mark’s ultimate goal is to draw out memories that the listener may have forgotten about and give them something to relate to as they navigate life’s ups and downs. Another song he is currently working on titled “Pixiedust and Whiskey” alludes to life’s highs and lows and how we get through it all with a little bit of faith. His latest work, “If I Could Write A Country Song,” tells a story of fate, life and love that many may relate to. 

Established in 1967, NSAI is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization with more than 5,000 members spanning the United States and several foreign countries. Consisting of a body of creative minds, including songwriters from all genres of music, professional and aspiring, for over 52 years, NSAI has been committed to protecting the rights and future of the profession of songwriting, as well as carrying a commitment to educate, elevate and celebrate the songwriter, acting as a unifying force within the music community and the community at large. For more information, visit nashvillesongwriters.com.

January 22 – January 28, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, January 22

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.

Saturday, January 23

Turkey Dinner Drive Through
South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 4:30-6 p.m. 
This dinner will be a drive-thru/pick-up dinner, we will not be serving sit down meals inside. Dinners will be bagged and delivered to your car. Menu: Turkey, stuffing, potatoes & veggie, soup and a homemade dessert. We will not be able to take special requests. Dinners will be $12. We will be taking pre-orders and we are also offering delivery service. Our phone # is 518-793-1152.

Sunday, January 24

Build a Better Bowl – Primal Foods
Chow Bella, 50 West Ave, Saratoga Springs | 12 p.m.
Have you been thinking about feeding your dog raw food? Do you have questions? Come meet Chow Bella’s rep from Primal Pet Foods. Explore the many ways that adding fresh food to your pet’s diet can make them happier and healthier—whether they eat canned, kibble, raw, or a mix of all. They will have information, coupons and samples!

Monday, January 25

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

5-Part Grant Writing for Non-Profits Workshop
Online via 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 Remaining Dates: January 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.

Tuesday, January 26

Preschool Open House 
Saratoga Regional YMCA, Virtual Event | 6:30 p.m.
Our Preschool Open House will be done virtually. To sign up contact Colleen Girvin at colleen.girvin@srymca.org or 518 583-9622 ext. 114.

Wednesday, January 27

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

Moonlight Snowshoe Walk
Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort | 8 – 9 p.m.
In keeping with the requirement for smaller-size gatherings, we will be holding these moonlight walks with a limited group of participants. Registration is required, no walk-ins allowed. Please email info@wiltonpreserve.org or call 518-450-0321 to make your reservation. Event will be held weather-permitting, icy trails or cloud cover will cancel the event. Snowshoes are available for rental. Another walk will take place on Thursday, January 28 from 8-9 p.m.

Thursday, January 28

Vermicomposting 101: Learn about Composting with Worms
Online via Zoom | 6:30 p.m.
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.

Malta Food Fest: Support District Programs
HVCC’s TEC-SMART, Malta | 4:30 – 7 p.m. 
The Saratoga County Chamber will host the 2nd Annual Malta Food Fest. Sample delicious offerings, packaged in grab-and-go containers, from some of the best restaurants in Malta, Ballston Spa and surrounding communities. This year’s “boxed-to-go” dinner will be provided by Pizza Works, Bowled, The Hideaway, Esperanto, Nani’s Indian Kitchen, and Augie’s. Proceeds from the event will benefit Ballston Spa Partnership for Innovation in Education Fund as well as our local restaurants. New this year, participating restaurants will receive a portion of the ticket sales to help offset their costs. A silent auction of gift baskets, donated items and gift certificates will be held virtually as part of the evening’s activities. Safety protocols and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Tickets for the dinners are available at saratogacountychamber.simpletix.com/e/62874. For more information, please email Adrienne Snow: asnow@bscsd.org or Kelly Delaney-Elliott: kelliott@bscsd.org or call at 518-884-7195 ext. 1369. www.bscsd.org 

January 22 – January 28, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Fundraiser Takeout Fish Fry
Knights of Columbus #246, located at 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs, will be hosting a Fundraiser Takeout Fish Fry on Friday, January 29, from 5 – 7:30 p.m.  The menu will include Fried or Baked Haddock – $14; Fried Clam Strips – $12 (these meals come with French Fries, Cole Slaw, Tartar Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce); Shrimp Salad Special (comes with French Fries and Cole Slaw), Homemade Macaroni and Cheese – $5; New England Clam Chowder – $4 (8 oz. cup) or $6 (16 oz. container); Side of French Fries – $3; and Dessert – $2.  Orders will be taken by calling 518-584-8547 on Wednesday, 1/27, Thursday, 1/28, and Friday, 1/29, beginning at 1 p.m. and will continue through 4 p.m., except Friday, 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 meal is open to the public and, as usual, we thank you for your continued support of our events through these challenging times.

February Break Drama Camp
For ages 7 to 13. Runs 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 at: 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 Classroom 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 the months of 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 the website at: www.southernsaratogaartist.com. 

Skidmore Psychology Professor Receives Prestigious Award

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Corinne Moss-Racusin, associate professor of psychology at Skidmore College, has been awarded the 2021 American Psychological Association Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology for her innovative research on gender-based discrimination.   

Moss-Racusin is the only known recipient in the history of this prestigious award to be affiliated with a liberal arts college rather than a major research institution. Awarded to just a handful of researchers each year, the prize honors early-career scientists for exceptional work conducted in the first decade following completion of their doctorate.   

Her work has received coverage from The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, “ABC World News,” The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times and other outlets. She discussed some of her research in the feature-length documentary “Picture a Scientist,”  and she was invited to present her research at the White House in 2014. 

“Professor Moss-Racusin’s pathbreaking research and her strong commitment to the education of undergraduate students in the classroom and through collaborative research experiences exemplify the teacher-scholar model that is at the heart of Skidmore’s liberal arts mission,” said Michael T. Orr, Dean of the faculty and Vice President for academic affairs at Skidmore College. 

“Our College community is very proud of this well-deserved recognition for Professor Moss-Racusin and her efforts to address gender biases in STEM fields and to build a more inclusive society for all.” 

Plant Trees with Your Students: Saratoga Tree Nursery Seedling Program for Schools & Educators

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA — Applications are now being accepted for the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery’s School Seedling Program. From now until March 31, schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with students. 

Bundles of low-cost native seedlings are available to all interested customers in New York and bordering states through the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Spring Seedling Sale, as well.

Seedling shipments are made from mid-April through early May.

For assistance or questions, contact the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery at nysnursery@dec.ny.gov or call 518-581-1439.

School Bus Driver Opportunities in Ballston Spa

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District’s Transportation Department has ongoing openings for school bus drivers. 

The positions are ideal for parents of school-aged children or retired people who are looking for extra income. Positions offer a competitive hourly salary, a steady part-time job with school breaks, holidays, and summers off. Permanent positions offer the possibility of a regular route with health benefits. 

Drivers need to obtain a permit for a CDL license to begin the training program or possess a Class B license with Air Brake and Passenger Endorsements. No prior experience is necessary. 

For additional information visit www.bscsd.org/Page/279. Please contact the Ballston Spa CSD Transportation Department at 518-884-7140 to schedule an appointment with a representative.