SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is proud to introduce Within Reach – a bold new tuition model that eliminates tuition barriers, guaranteeing inclusion, accessibility and transparency. The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs values diversity as a centerpiece for building a healthy community. Within Reach renews this commitment by adapting tuition to every unique financial situation.  For an instant estimate, visit  www.waldorfsaratoga.org/within-reach

SARATOGA SPRINGS — SUNY Empire State College announced the launch of its Empire Opportunity Program to provide targeted financial aid and enhanced academic support to open the doors to higher education for students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Unlike traditional Educational Opportunity Programs, SUNY Empire’s unique Empire Opportunity Program is open to students at all stages of life and learning to provide expanded access to college degrees for first-time entry students and returning adults alike. It also offers greater flexibility in supporting full-time or part-time study, allowing online, onsite, or blended study, and placing EOP students in a cohort of their peers to provide added support.

During its first academic year, 2020-21, the program will accept 60 students.

Participants will be able to study onsite at SUNY Empire’s Western New York campus in Buffalo – with additional locations to be added as the program expands – or online with SUNY Empire’s more than 110 online degrees and certificates, or through a blended learning approach. Whatever the mode of study, SUNY Empire EOP students will have dedicated academic support throughout their studies.

Dana Brown, academic advisor at SUNY Empire, was appointed director of SUNY Empire’s EOP. Director Brown will work with Tai Arnold, interim vice provost for Student Success, to implement programming and support that will ensure student success and strengthen retention. In coordination with SUNY Empire’s Chief Diversity Officer Elliott Dawes, the program will offer each SUNY Empire EOP student the opportunity to work with professionals and faculty around the college who will provide support, encouragement, and guidance for their undergraduate studies and beyond.

SUNY Empire EOP will offer the following benefits to participants:
• Targeted and ongoing financial assistance, such as stipends for full-time and part-time students to help with the overall cost of attendance.
• Enhanced additional academic support services from professional and peer tutors who work exclusively with Empire Opportunity Program students. 
• A dedicated student success mentor to provide guidance from enrollment through commencement. 
• Summer Orientation with workshops on topics like individualized degree planning and strategies for effective communication to prepare for success in college. 
• Specialized year-round EOP workshops on topics ranging from resume writing to self-marketing on social media. 
• Early Degree Planning to help students meet their personal, professional, and academic goals. 

“I could think of no better way to honor the legacy of Buffalo’s Arthur O. Eve, former New York Assemblyman and Deputy Speaker of New York State’s Assembly — a leader who tirelessly fought for the implementation of the Educational Opportunity Program — than to build on his legacy by creating an enhanced Empire Opportunity Program in Buffalo at SUNY Empire State College,” said SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras. 

“I’d like to thank Director Dana Brown and the staff and faculty at SUNY Empire for bringing this program to life, and I look forward to the difference it will make for hardworking New Yorkers in the years to come,” Malatras continued.

“Education is the great equalizer in our society,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. 

“Expanding the State’s efforts to help more students earn an advanced degree is an investment in our future. The Senate Majority has worked tirelessly to invest in education opportunities and help more New Yorkers unleash their full potential, and the Empire Opportunity Program will help advance that goal,” she continued.

“Education is a critical rung in the ladder of success, building a strong middle class and improving lives,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said. 

“I have been a supporter of the EOP program since my own college experience and have made programs like this a priority since becoming Speaker. This expansion to SUNY Empire will make it easier for New York’s students to get the education and support they need in the manner that best suits their lives – whether that’s on a campus, online or a combination of the two. As we look to the 2020-2021 budget, the Assembly Majority will continue fighting for programs like EOP that put college within reach for all New Yorkers,” Heastie stated.

“I commend SUNY Empire for recognizing the need to expand access to financial assistance to the students from disadvantaged communities in Buffalo and across New York state,” said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.

“Our students are determined to get their degree, and bring that perseverance to the workforce,” said Peoples-Stokes. 

“New York’s Educational Opportunity Programs, coupled with New York State’s student financial aid programs, have long helped to ensure that students who are economically and educationally disadvantaged succeed in college,” said New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares. 

“With the changing demographics of today’s college student, SUNY Empire State College’s new program will provide the same successful opportunities to the growing population of adult student learners and students at all stages of life,” Linares continued.

“On behalf of my family, I thank President Malatras for instituting the program at SUNY Empire State College for students at all stages of life,” said Leecia Eve, daughter of Arthur O. Eve. 

“As the Educational Opportunity Programs celebrate the achievements of the past fifty years, we pause to reflect on these past successes and look forward to the future of these life-changing programs that started when my father, former Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, developed the appropriations bill that gave birth to the programs that have transformed countless lives and communities for generations,” Eve said.

“SUNY Empire’s new EOP initiative will put a college degree within reach for many New Yorkers, especially adults and returning students, who may have thought a higher education was impossible,” said Director Dana Brown. “This is an important step toward achieving the full promise of higher education as a path to a better life for all, not just some,” Eve declared.

The program is supported entirely by SUNY Empire State College with assistance from the Empire State College Foundation.

To be eligible for the Empire Opportunity Program at SUNY Empire, applicants must be a New York state resident for 12 months prior to enrollment and meet the program’s academic and financial eligibility requirements. Learn more at esc.edu/eop.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Middle School recently welcomed the Rensselaer Engineering Ambassadors into the school to share research topics that they have studied at RPI and to inspire the students about the role of engineering and technology in society. Over 600 Middle School students participated in the science and engineering program during their science or technology classes. The college aged ambassadors taught the younger students an engineering lesson and provided a demonstration or a hands-on design activity. 

The Rensselaer Engineering Ambassadors are a group of RPI engineering students devoted to inspiring younger students with what they are doing in their chosen major, the newest technological breakthroughs in their field, and the obstacles yet to be overcome. This year’s topics that were presented to the different classes included Humanitarian Logistics, Designing an Athlete, Getting Into Orbit, Drag Force, and Safe Roller Coasters.

Ballston Spa Middle School invites the Rensselaer Engineering Ambassadors to visit each year to allow students to identify careers they can pursue as well as for them to learn what they will need to do over the next several years to achieve their goals. The Ambassadors provide invaluable perspectives and serve as great role models for the students.

The Ambassadors offer these hands-on demonstrations and short presentations at no cost to school districts due to the generosity of Rensselaer Schools of Engineering and Science and corporate sponsors such as United Technology Corporation, Rise High, Stewart’s Holiday Match Fund and The Bender Family Foundation. For additional information, please visit the RPI Engineering Ambassadors program website at engineeringambassadors.union.rpi.edu. 

BSBPA Scholarship Offered to Ballston Spa Senior

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA) is once again offering a $500 scholarship to a Ballston Spa High School graduating senior.

High school students who hold jobs in the community, while maintaining good standards in their schoolwork and deportment, should be recognized for their diligence and responsibility. The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated professionalism in his/her place of employment and responsibility in their school community.

Students can pick up the application information sheet at the Ballston Spa High School guidance office.  A printable version is also available on the BSBPA website, www.ballston.org.  All completed applications must be submitted to the guidance office by Friday, March 13, 2020. The applications will be reviewed by the BSBPA scholarship committee and the recipient will be announced at Ballston Spa High School’s Senior Awards Night in the spring.

If you are a Ballston Spa area business that has a BSHS senior working for you who fits the bill, please encourage them to apply for the scholarship.

The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, established in 1983, is a non-profit organization committed to making the Village of Ballston Spa a great place to live, work and visit. To learn more, visit at www.ballston.org.

Saratoga Springs Lions Club Announces 2020 Scholarship Opportunities

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Lions Club is proud to announce that scholarship applications for over $32,000 in awards are now available. These awards are available to graduating students from Saratoga Springs High School, Saratoga Central Catholic School, The Waldorf School as well as home instructed students pursuing post high school academic and vocational programs.

The range and number of scholarship offerings has been expanded and will be awarded based on the applicant field.  The scholarship categories include both two- and four-year Academic Programs and a vocational/technical post high school program.

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club Foundation-Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship is a new $10,000 scholarship this year.  This scholarship is in memory of Lion Jack Berkowitz.  The award will be given to the top scoring applicant in the 4-year Academic Program category. Additionally, Academic Program scholarships are also available in the amounts of $5,000 for four-year college programs and $2500 for two-year college programs.  Students enrolling in a Vocational/Technical or licensed post-high school program are invited to apply for a $2500 scholarship.

Finally, Leo Club seniors who have been members of the club for a minimum of 2 years are eligible to apply for a $2500 Leo Award Scholarship.

Application forms are available at saratogaspringslions.com/scholarships and at each eligible school’s Guidance Office.  Applications must be completed and submitted to respective guidance offices or they may be mailed to: Saratoga Springs Lions Club, Attn. Scholarship, PO Box 166, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 and postmarked by March 15.

For more information,  contact Lion Rick Tunison at:  rtunison@saratogaspringslions.com

Saratoga Builders Association Offering Two $1000 Student Scholarship Awards

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. is proud to announce their continued monetary commitment to education and will be awarding two $1000 student scholarship in 2020. One is the SBA Scholarship award and the second is the “Bob Best” Memorial Scholarship award. The organization makes these cash scholarships available annually to students who are planning to pursue a construction industry education. 

These scholarships are open to any high school senior or college undergraduate in Saratoga County who is planning to pursue a construction education at a 2 or 4-year accredited college or university or to students who would like to purchase tools and/or equipment for employment/career or to start a business in the construction industry. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must demonstrate current or past involvement in the construction field, including classes taken in high school or college, to be eligible for these awards. Each applicant must also submit a high school or college transcript or list of construction classes taken plus a short essay describing why they are interested in a construction industry career and what events led to this decision.

Applications for the Saratoga Builders Association Scholarship program must be postmarked on or before April 1, 2020. Only the first 25 completed applications will be accepted so please apply early. The winner and their school will be notified by June 1, 2020. To receive a scholarship application, please contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org. 

The Hawley Foundation for Children Offering Community Grants and Camp Awards: Over $100,000 Available

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Hawley Foundation for Children is now accepting funding requests from local organizations that serve the needs and improve the lives of children in Saratoga County, to receive Community Grants and Camp Awards totaling over $100,000.00.

Funding criteria includes:  Organizations must serve disadvantaged children in Saratoga County; programs to be funded must benefit, enhance, and enrich the quality of life for these children; and organizations must have a 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Downloadable applications are available at hawleyfoundation.org by clicking on Programs and then the appropriate program. Completed packets must be received by March 1, 2020.  Applicants will be notified in early April and funds distributed at an Award Ceremony on May 18.  For more information, please contact info@hawleyfoundation.org. 

In 2019, The Hawley Foundation awarded a total of $101,225.00, broken down into $43,725.00 in Community Grants and $57,500.00 in Camp Awards, to the following organizations for programs that best realized The Hawley Foundation’s mission: AIM Services, Ballston Area Community Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Catholic Charities Mentoring Program, Camp Saradac – Saratoga Springs Recreation Department, The Community Hospice Foundation, CREATE Community Studios, Dance Alliance, Double H – Hole in the Woods Ranch, The Fast Break Fund, Franklin Community Center, Glens Falls Area Youth Center, Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, Racetrack Chaplaincy of America, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, The Salvation Army, Saratoga Center for the Family, Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Town of Wilton Recreation Department, and Wellspring.

The Hawley Foundation for Children assists disadvantaged youth in our community.  In 1888, Augusta P. Wiggins began caring for a few children who were from families with limited income, not well-cared for at home or orphaned. She enticed several Saratogians to support her project and in 1891, the institution was incorporated, electing Rev. Bostwick Hawley their first President. In 1904, the Hawley Home opened its doors on Ludlow Street — eventually housing 34 children from Saratoga and Warren Counties. It operated for 61 years until 1965, when increasingly complex state regulations forced its closure.  The home was sold, an endowment was created, and The Hawley Foundation for Children was established. Since then, the mission has been to promote the health, welfare and education of children in Saratoga County.  The dedicated Board of Directors carries on this tradition to this day.

For more information, contact Julie Rodriguez at info@hawleyfoundation.org

Photos by Mary Guarnieri.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Last Saturday, Jan. 25, Saratoga Central Catholic held its Annual Winter Gala at the Holiday Inn. 200 attendees enjoyed an evening of dinner, dancing, fun raffles and an exciting live auction. SCC raised over $130,000 at this event. The proceeds will be used to enhance the prosperity of Saratoga Central Catholic School. 

SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County Fair announced that up to ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to current New York State high school seniors and also students enrolled in college.  The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs and the New York State Showpeople’s Association sponsor the scholarships. The qualifying students must be active at the Saratoga County Fair or the New York State Showpeople’s Association.  All applicants from Saratoga County must submit their applications through the Saratoga County Fair or NYSSA no later than Friday, April 3, 2020. Information is available at the Saratoga County Fair office, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa, through Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County and local high school offices.  Applications must be printed and completed from the web at www.nyfairs.org. For more information, contact the Saratoga County Fair office at 518-885-9701.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS — The South Glens Falls High School South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) is a student driven event that raises money for individuals, families, and organizations in need of financial assistance. With over 80% of the high school’s population participating in this two-day event, the students are trying to break last year’s record of $837,859! This event has grown into a celebration that brings the entire community together like nothing else, with activities taking place year-round. In its 42-year history, the Marathon Dance has raised over 8.1 million dollars for more than 530 beneficiaries – not just within South Glens Falls, but many surrounding communities as well. After reviewing roughly 180 applications, the student committee has selected the following as beneficiaries of SHMD 2020: 

The families of… 
Charles Aiken, Ryan Alger, Jennifer Annis, Lillian Baker, Janet Baker Pratt, David Bennett, Alice Charette, Esme Clark, Connie Himes, Nolan Jacox, Isabella Lauzon, Milana Lefebvre, Joshua McCane, Kelsey Murphy, Robert Murray, Robin Neumann, Nick Clark, Stephanie Rosa, Jennifer Ryan, Danita Shortte, Linda Tucker, Royce Younes.

Community Organizations… 
Adopt A Soldier Alzheimer’s Association, Angel Names Association, Buddies Blankets and Bears CAPTAIN Community Human Svc Dysautonomia International, Food for Thought, Gateway House of Peace, Habitat for Humanity, Kelly’s Angels, Inc., Moreau Community Center, Rebuilding Together Saratoga Co., The Open Door Mission, Upstate NY Autism Alliance, Veterans and Community Housing. 

The Marathon Dance Event, Supported Throughout the School Community 
The 2020 Marathon Dance will be held March 6 and 7 at the South Glens Falls Senior High School. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. Friday evening. Community members can donate to the dance in a variety of ways. Each of the 800+ students signed up to participate is required to collect a minimum of $150. You can choose to donate to an individual student’s total online, or the Marathon Dance in general, through the “Donate” tab on the website at www.shmd.org. The District’s middle and elementary schools also conduct Marathon Dance fundraising activities, including Ballard Elementary Cupcake Challenge, Harrison Avenue Mini-Marathon, Moreau Elementary Glow Dance, and Tanglewood Elementary Walk-A- Thon. Additionally, Oliver W. Winch Middle School is holding their annual basket raffle through March 3, with drawings March 6. Fifth graders and certain middle schoolers even have their own time slot to participate at SHMD! 

Donating Goods and Services to SHMD 
Members of the community and business owners can donate items to be auctioned during the dance itself. All Live and Silent Auction donations must be received no later than Friday, February 21. To donate an item, please contact us at Donations@SHMD.org. The South High Marathon Dance Inc. is registered with the state of New York as a charitable corporation and has been determined by the IRS to be a public charity under section 501 (c) (3). Accordingly, all donations are tax deductible. 

Community Fundraising Events 
Since September, numerous fundraising activities have taken place in support of this year’s dance, and many additional events, listed below, are scheduled to take place prior to March 6. For additional information regarding these fundraisers, and to learn of new events as they are established, visit the SHMD website, Facebook page at facebook.com/SHMDInc, or Twitter @shmdnow. All fundraising activities are subject to approval by the South High Marathon Dance Committee. If you find that an activity is not posted here and want to verify its legitimacy or if you are interested in conducting an event, please contact Events@SHMD.org. 

• Glens Falls National Bank through March 5
• Massie’s: February 3
• Josten’s: February 6 and 7
• Wicks from the Sticks: February 7, 22 and 27 
• Fitzgerald’s: February 8 and 27 
• Pretty Hot Mess: February 8
• Johnny Rocket’s: February 10 – 14 
• Coach’s Corner: February 10
• Craft on 9: February 11 

Activities and Fundraising at the Dance 
• Downtown Social DMB Night: February 15 
• Southy’s Soft Serve: February 21 and 22 
• Kingpin’s Alley: February 22
• Common Roots: February 22 
• Eagles Club: February 22
• Talk of the Town: February 24 
• Southy’s Pizzeria: February 26 
• Pizza Jerks: February 28
• St. Michael’s Breakfast: March 1 

Many fundraising activities are conducted at the dance itself. Activities include the annual cut-a-thon which will take place throughout the weekend, as well as the sale of Marathon Dance apparel, photos, hair wraps, face painting, ice cream and more. The annual 50/50 raffle provides an opportunity to be one of the many to win a $500 prize. The concession stand provides a variety of food and beverage options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The live and silent auctions will also take place during the dance. The silent auction begins Friday evening and ends early Saturday evening, followed by the live auction which begins at 6 p.m. 

Visiting the Marathon Dance March 6 and 7 
This event is open to the public from 7 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6, and any time after 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 7. Only registered participants, and others as indicated in the official schedule, are permitted on the gym floor. Additionally, seating is limited in the main Bulldog gym where the dance takes place; spectators may be directed to alternate viewing areas. Information regarding parking and shuttle buses is available on the website and Facebook page. Please visit the website at www.shmd.org, and follow SHMD on social media for additional information and to view the Marathon Dance live the weekend of the event! 

Student Chair Committee 
Natalie Barden, Hunter Clark, Jaime DeSimone, Jenna Farrell, Jillian Harrington, Savannah Kreppein, Bryce Law, Isabella Osborn, Austin Peltier, Aidan Taylor, Brooke Terry. 

Advisors/ Coordinators 
Dan Albert, Tom Myott, and Jody Sheldon.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College will host Be Instrumental — a musical instrument drive to benefit elementary school students in the North Country, including Ticonderoga Elementary School band program students. The drive will accept gently used brass, woodwind and percussion band instruments.  The drive began Wednesday, Jan. 22 and concludes Saturday, Feb. 8.

In tandem, Skidmore students hosted “Band-Aid” — a benefit concert on Jan. 25 at Lively Lucy’s in Falstaff’s Pavilion on the Skidmore College Campus. The event price of admission was an instrument or a monetary donation of any amount. All proceeds went toward the Be Instrumental drive.

When Evan Mack’s 10-year-old son came home from band practice and told him that some of his classmates were playing plastic instruments or instruments held together by tape, the senior teaching professor of music at Skidmore College was stunned. He also learned that many students could not afford to rent musical instruments.

Mack, an accomplished composer and pianist, teamed up with Michelle Hubbs, director of the Office of Community Service, as well as Skidmore students Madison Pappas ’22 and Neil Mellstrom ’20 to create Be Instrumental — an instrument drive aimed at giving the gift of music to children in Ticonderoga Schools. 

{loadmoduleid 268}

“Learning to play on a quality, working instrument is so important. When you give children a functional instrument, what you’re really giving them is the opportunity to explore what they’re capable of and to fall in love with music,” says Mack.

Skidmore students have been asked to bring gently used instruments that they no longer use back to campus when they return from winter break for the drive. “So many of our students have played an instrument at one point, in high school or even college, but no longer use that instrument,” says Mack. “These same instruments can now inspire a new generation of students.”

Several local businesses and organizations in the Saratoga region will help spread the word and encourage participation. Esperanto, Smashburger and Kru Coffee are offering incentives to those who support the drive. Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) will provide a special classical music package to whoever donates the most instruments. Cole’s Woodwind Shop and Saratoga Guitar & Music Center have volunteered to clean and prepare donated instruments before they are distributed to schools.

Ticonderoga Elementary school will be the primary beneficiary, but all surplus instruments will be distributed to other area schools.

For more information contact Evan Mack at emack@skidmore.edu.

NATIONWIDE — January 26 – February 1 will be National School Choice Week; this special week offers families around the country a look at all of their children’s options for education. 

Several options in New York State exist and they are: Traditional public schools, which is free for all children; Charter public schools, these are also free to attend, they provide traditional education with freedom to innovate; Magnet schools, also free to attend and they tend to focus on specific themes such as performing arts or mathematics; Online public schools, not free and parents considering this option would have to go through a private institution; Private schools are rarely free to attend but some offer scholarships, they may be faith-based; Homeschooling is permitted in all 50 states and does not cost anything.

There will be 2,300 statewide events happening during National School Choice Week to highlight each education option.

For more information visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com for a list of events in the area.

BALLSTON SPA — Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 358 in Ballston Spa honored two Ballston Spa teachers during a recent awards ceremony.  The Veterans of Foreign Wars offer a variety of nationally accredited awards and scholarships for both students and teachers. 

Megan LaRowe, a fifth-grade teacher at Gordon Creek Elementary School, and Dan Hornick, a Social Studies teacher at Ballston Spa High School, were awarded the Smart/Mahar VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year Award from the local post. 

The VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America’s history and traditions effectively. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award.

Congratulations to the Ballston Spa teachers receiving this notable recognition. Information about all of the scholarships and programs the Veterans of Foreign Wars have to offer can be found at VFW.org.