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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga County 4-H Announces Winners of Youth Video Challenge

BALLSTON SPA – Saratoga 4-H staff delivered trophies to winners of the Youth Video Challenge for the Virtual Saratoga County Fair. 4-H members were asked to submit videos about the animal species they would typically bring to the Saratoga County Fair. The Video challenge provided youth an opportunity to showcase their animals and knowledge of the species they care for. Educators and animal science professionals judged the videos on Wednesday, July 22 and winners were awarded on Thursday the 24. 

The Saratoga County Fair is the most anticipated event of the year for 4-H members. Youth work year round to breed, care for, and prepare their animals to be shown at this annual event. In the past, around 200 youth across the county participate in animal shows, species including: dairy cattle, beef cattle, horses, rabbits, sheep, goats and more. Youth and their animals are judged for cleanliness, animal confirmation, genetics, and other aspects of animal health. The cancelation of the Saratoga County Fair was devastating, yet youth came together to exhibit their animal in a fun and educational way. 

The Youth Video Challenge for the Virtual Saratoga County Fair had three categories, Cloverbud, ages 8 and under, Jr., ages 9-12, and Sr., ages 13-18. Cloverbuds receive participation awards and first, second and third place trophies were given to the top three videos submitted. 

Trophy Winners are as follows: 

Senior Division: 

First– Kohlby Himelrick with his Goat 

Second– Julia Bodien with her Rabbit 

Third- Collin Anderson with his Sheep 

Junior Division 

First– Eva Anderson with her Rabbit 

Congrats to our winners! Despite the County Fair being canceled, Saratoga County 4-H has been working to create and renew our diverse educational opportunities to fit the changing educational climate. For more information about 4-H Animal Science opportunities, please contact Brieanna Hughes at bh548@cornell.edu or visit our website at ccesaratoga.org.

July 31 – August 6, 2020

Build Bunk Beds for Children

Please join us on Saturday, August 8 to build bunk beds for children at St. Luke’s on the Hill, 40 McBride Rd., Mechanicville, 8 a.m. set up, 9 a.m. build. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a group of volunteers dedicated to finding those children who are sleeping on the floor or otherwise unwanted conditions and delivering hand-built bunk beds free of charge. Come be a part of the teams building bunk beds for children. 

Live Chamber Music Benefit

A Benefit at SPAC’s Pines Pavilion on Friday, August 28 and repeated Sunday, August 30. Both concerts start at 3 p.m. You are invited to join the Saratoga Chamber Players for a LIVE chamber music experience at the Pines, SPAC’s new open-air, covered pavilion. The concert is a benefit in support of SCP’s musicians. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance online at eventbrite.com/o/saratoga-chamber-players-25178185141 First come-first served. In order to provide an intimate musical experience, to offer shelter from the weather, and maintain appropriate social distancing, there will be a strict limit of 25 attendees at each performance. For more information visit, www.saratogachamberplayers.org. 

9th Annual Jane Austen Retreat

Join the Jane Austen Society North America (JASNA)-New York Capital Region for the 9th Annual Jane Austen Retreat at Wiawaka Retreat Center for Women on Lake George, New York, on August 28-30. Participants will join scholars and enthusiasts in
exploring Austen’s world through facilitated discussions, viewing and discussion of a filmed adaptation of “Lady Susan,” and special sessions led by the featured presenters, concluding with a Box Hill Picnic. The cost of retreat attendance is $25 for JASNA members and $30 for non-members. To register for the retreat, please make check payable to JASNA NYS Capital Region and send to: JASNA NYCR, c/o Nancy Duell, 56 Fifth St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. For additional information on the Retreat, contact Nancy at 1 (518) 321-1887 or ardhn23@netscape.net.

July 31 – August 6, 2020

Friday, July 31

Pond Exploration Hours 
Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort 10 a.m. – noon
Catch and identify aquatic animals with environmental educators! Registration is required, no exceptions. Call 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. Participants will be limited so proper social distancing can be followed. Staff will sanitize all equipment. Pond Exploration Hours are Thursday and Friday through August 21, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

22 Annual Virtual Travers Wine Tasting Fundraiser 
Online at  www.lifepathny.com | 6 p.m.
Thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors have found themselves alone, with little to eat, and almost no way to socialize. We need your help to ensure that the vital work of LifePath can continue – meals can be delivered and programs to provide socialization are conducted. This year we’re going virtual! Please join us in the comfort of your own home, as we raise a glass for seniors to celebrate and support LifePath’s Annual Travers Wine Tasting. Your support will make a big difference in the lives of the older adults in the Capital District. 

Saturday, August 1

Washington County Antique Fair
Washington County Fairgrounds, 392 Old Schuylerville Rd., Greenwich | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Come to the fairgrounds for the Antique Fair and Flea Market. With an average of 220 vendors, you will be sure to find what you are looking for.  Sunday, August 2 hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  For details, visit fairgroundshows.com. 

Sunday, August 2

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Summer Stroll
North Broadway and Van Dam St., Saratoga Springs 10:30 a.m. 
The Good Life – North Broadway: Meet at the northwest corner of North Broadway and Van Dam Street (in front of Witt Construction). Executive Director of SSPF, Samantha Bosshart, will lead a tour of the grand Queen Annes along this famed corridor. Tickets must be purchased in advance and space is limited. Visit saratogapreservation.org/calendar/summer-strolls 

Monday, August 3

Movie Night at the Farm: Rocky (PG)
Pitney Meadows Community Farm, 223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.
Along with the movies ($10 per car), we’ve got local chefs cooking up amazing food, from small charcuterie boxes to vegetarian picnic boxes for four, and pulled-pork sandwiches, veggie skewers, ice cream sandwiches, and much more, plus cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages to keep you cool. And popcorn, of course! Movie begins at 8:45 p.m. We have space for only 150 cars, distanced for safety, so book now; tickets will go fast!  Rain date: Wednesday 8/5. Get tickets and pre-order food here: secure.qgiv.com/for/pmn 

Tuesday, August 4 

Lunchtime Concert Series
Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m.
This week’s featured concert: Smokey Greene and the Greene Brothers. Free event.

Wednesday, August 5 

Roast Pork Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs  4:30 – 6:30 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, and roll, tossed salad. Dinner for 2 $25 (cash only). 

Poetry Night
Caffe Lena Poetry Night Live Stream | 8 p.m.
Recorded in the listening room and broadcast live for the community to enjoy. Picking up its regular slot on the first Wednesday of the month, Caffe Lena’s poetry night will feature our regular host, Carol Graser, and 3 local writers: D. Alexander Holiday, Marilynn McCabe and Elizabeth Gordon. For more information, visit www.caffelena.org. 

Thursday, August 6 

Ballston Spa Concerts in the Park
Iron Spring Park, Front St., Ballston Spa | 6 – 8 p.m.
The BSBPA presents the 2020 Concerts in the Park summer concert series in Iron Spring Park on Front Street. This free concert series is a signature summer event in Ballston Spa. It’s a great family friendly event made possible by the Ballston Spa Summer Event Sponsorship Fund. Bring your blanket & chairs to the park for a great evening of live music in the village! This week’s concert features the Union Fire Company Band.

George Lawrence Greene

George  Lawrence  Greene 

SARASOTA, FL – George Lawrence Greene of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Smoke Rise, Kinnelon, NJ and Saratoga Springs passed away July 16, 2020. George was laid to rest at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Friday July 24, 2020. Please visit burkefuneralhome.com

July 25 – July 31, 2020

COURT

Juan A. Vasquez, 46, of South Glens Falls, was arraigned and pleaded not guilty in Saratoga County Court July 24 to the felony charges murder in the second-degree, tampering with physical evidence, and the misdemeanor: criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

POLICE

Keegan Farrell, 20, of Greenfield Center, was charged July 21 in Saratoga Springs with felony burglary.

Perry Dow, 56, of Lake Luzerne, was charged July 21 in Saratoga Springs with assault in the second-degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth-degree, and menacing in the second-degree. 

Kelly Lion, 52, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 21 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance in a non-original container. 

James Altamirano, 39, of Ballston Spa, was charged July 21 in Saratoga Springs with criminal trespass in the third-degree, a misdemeanor. 

David Dechants, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 21 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third-degree. 

Scott Brennen, 41, of East Syracuse, was charged July 23 in Saratoga Springs with the misdemeanors: criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal contempt, and the violations: improper license plates, operating an unregistered vehicle, inadequate plate lamp – equipment. 

Joseph Benford, 32, of Elgin, was charged July 24 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and failure to use designated lane. 

Candace K. Myers, 46, of Milton, was charged July 22 with aggravated unlicensed operation-alcohol and driving while ability impaired by drugs, after State Police responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident on Lewis Road in Milton. When a Trooper arrived, they found that the vehicle had left the roadway and struck a tree. Witnesses at the scene observed the driver exit the vehicle and leave on foot. Troopers were able to identify the driver.

Joseph H. Rogers, II, 31, of Granville, was charged July 26 with failing to report change of address or status within 10 days as a sex offender, and offering a false instrument for filing in the first-degree. He was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail, or bond. 

Matthew Mackley, 41, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 13 with criminal mischief in the second-degree, a felony. 

Chad Lang, 46, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 13 with petit larceny misdemeanor. 

Sally Apolinsky, 22, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 14 criminal tampering, possession of graffiti instruments, and making graffiti. All charges are misdemeanors. 

Copy of Greenbelt Trail: Part of a Bigger Plan

SARATOGA — Saratoga Greenbelt Trail Map Update, as unanimously approved by the City Council.The Geyser Road section of Saratoga Greenbelt Trail is being constructed and the downtown connector section is anticipated to go under construction next year. The updated map was created to reflect these changes. 

In trail-related news, the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) is initiating a program to support a feasibility study to develop new multi-use trails in the Capital Region, the city announced this week. The new program is designed to implement the Capital District Trails Plan, which was released in 2019. The plan outlines a vision for developing a 300-mile regional trail network. The Saratoga Greenbelt Trail was included in this plan. 

This network is part of the region’s long-range transportation plan, New Visions 2040. CDTC has set an ambitious goal of constructing 10 miles of trail per year in order to develop this seamless, connected network by 2040.

The Capital District Trail System attracts about 1.7 million visits annually. The implementation of the Trails Plan is projected to attract an additional 1.1 million visits and could remove 17,4900 peak-hour vehicle trips. A 300-mile network would have an impact of $48.9 million per year in total economic activity in the region, according to the CDTC. 

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“Caffè Lena @ SPAC” Returns to Premiere “Mavis 80, A Newport Folk Revival” to be Streamed on SPAC Grounds July 31

 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that “Caffè Lena @ SPAC”  will return to premiere a special, limited screening of ‘Mavis 80, A Newport Folk Revival’ on the SPAC Grounds at 8 p.m. on July 31. The broadcast, which was previously recorded live in Los Angeles at The Theatre At Ace Hotel on May 22, 2019, is exclusive to Newport Folk Festival and “Caffe Lena @ SPAC.” 

The SPAC lawn is the only place where the concert will be streamed in person, with a limited capacity of only 50 people, and with carefully mapped out, socially-distanced seating and rigorous COVID protocols.

“This is a very emotional moment for us, to be able to open our gates again for the communal enjoyment of great music-making. To be able to partner with Caffè Lena and Newport Folk Festival around artists like Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty and Deva Mahal — all SPAC Jazz Fest favorites — makes this event incredibly meaningful,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 

The broadcast ‘Mavis 80, A Newport Folk Revival,’ is the premiere of Mavis Staples’ 80th birthday celebration in Los Angeles, following shows in New York and Nashville. Staples was joined by Jason Isbell, Phoebe Bridgers, Brandi Carlile, M. Ward, Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison, Dawes’ Griffin and Taylor Goldsmith, Benjamin Booker, Ben Harper, Lucius, Trombone Shorty, Joe Henry, Son Little, the War & Treaty, and more. The show was produced by Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. and proceeds from the “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” screening will support the Foundation’s music education programs. 

 This “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” event will take place rain or shine around SPAC’s new concession building, “The Pines,” and its new HD screen. Designated 10X10 lawn spaces will be allocated and reserved for ticket buyers. Tickets are available to purchase for $25 as a box, which seats up to two people.  All guests are required to purchase tickets in advance at https://nvite.com/caffelena/f1f59; tickets will not be available for purchase at the door. Guests are permitted to bring chairs, blankets, factory sealed water bottles and essential personal items.  Food and alcohol are not permitted on the grounds, however Mazzone Hospitality will be on site to provide food and beverage options. 

All attendees will need to enter through the Hall of Springs Gate and are required to complete a health screening questionnaire upon entry. Guests are required to wear a face mask at all times unless situated in their reserved box. Restrooms will be available with social distancing and enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols in place in accordance with recommended guidelines. Visit spac.org for additional details.