Saratoga Springs — The Saratoga Builders Association (SBA) and Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association (CRBRA) were thrilled to invite industry professionals, local leaders, legislators, and community members as we celebrate the launch of the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition (NCTWC) at their joint mixer. 

This event took place on April 10TH at the Hilton Garden Inn in Clifton Park. The 200 attendees included professionals from diverse business segments, and special guests Saratoga Springs Mayor, John Safford; Assemblywoman, Carrie Woerner; Assemblywoman, Mary Beth Walsh; and Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, Phil Barrett showing their support for this important initiative. 

Attendees enjoyed an evening filled with valuable networking opportunities, updates on the Coalition’s progress in furthering the agenda to promote careers in the trades with local schools.

“It was a great event and helped me understand the many programs this Coalition is offering students to educate them about career opportunities in the trades. Our kids need this,” expressed one attendee. 

“We are excited to bring together stakeholders from across the region to celebrate the launch of the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition,” said Doug Ford, President of NCTWC. “By collaborating with local schools, leaders, and legislators, we aim to promote the trades as a viable and rewarding career option for the next generation.” 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sustainable Saratoga announces NO MOW MAY, joining the nation-wide effort to encourage all homeowners, farmers, municipalities, highway departments and businesses to rest their lawnmowers through the end of May to help our highly at-risk pollinators.

Populations of pollinators and insects are being impacted the globe. Pesticides and habitat loss are the primary killers of these vital insects who pollinate 70 of 100 USA major crops. In 2021, 45% of bee colonies in the US were lost. Since 1998, 88% of Monarch Butterflies disappeared in the Eastern US and 95% of Monarchs have perished in the Western U.S.

NO MOW MAY is a fundamental assist for the Bees enabled by not cutting the pollen portals of the Clover, Violets, and Dandelions in May. 

Letting lawns go natural through the end of May will allow the bees, moths, butterflies, and other pollinators to safely exit their winter ground homes and find the only nectar nourishment available during late April and early May.

Sustainable Saratoga has NO MOW MAY lawn signs available for people to place on their yard announcing support of the effort. Signs come with a $10 requested donation and will be available at pick-up locations in Saratoga Springs and Stillwater. Signs can be purchased online by following this link https://checkout.square.site/merchant/C7QAGAQH1KW5M/checkout/KNMAPSQLCY2DNBMNBUPA3ZL4 or by emailing pollinators@sustainablesaratoga.org. Pick up only; signs cannot be shipped

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The inaugural Healthy Saratoga Weekend takes place this weekend. 

Discover Saratoga is presenting the event, showcasing the abundance of health and wellness offerings throughout Saratoga County. 

Healthy Saratoga Weekend features rejuvenating spa experiences to invigorating outdoor activities, farm-to-table cuisine, and everything in-between.

“This event truly embodies our community’s unwavering dedication to health and wellness. We invite everyone to join us in exploring the diverse array of health and wellness offerings in our vibrant county by visiting participating businesses,” said Discover Saratoga President, Darryl Leggieri in a statement.

The weekend event features the Mind Body Soul Market 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 at 37 High Rock Ave. – located on the bottom level of the City Center parking garage and Flat Rock Park next to the garage. Free events will be presented with local artisans featuring health, wellness & holistic modalities, crystals, food, live music, workshops and more. 

On Sunday, April 21 the Mind Body Soul Expo takes place 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center, located at 522 Broadway. The event is open to the public and features free admission to the wellness, health and holistic expo. 

For more information about Healthy Saratoga Weekend and to see a complete list of participants, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/events/healthy-saratoga-weekend/. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and the Saratoga Joinery host “On this Spot: 69 Caroline Street” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18. 

Join Carol Godette at 69 Caroline Street where she will discuss the various uses of the 1880s brick duplex, from its early functions to its newest iteration as Saratoga Joinery, a community woodworking space, with a presentation and behind-the-scenes tour.

Originally, 69 Caroline Street was a multi-unit apartment building. Over time, it was adapted to serve different community needs as a holistic care center, a boardinghouse, a French restaurant, and a medical practice. Most recently, it was the Children’s Museum at Saratoga, cementing itself into the memories of countless children and families over two decades. 

After the museum moved to the Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Joinery reimagined the space as a community woodworking shop. 

Saratoga Joinery is a community woodworking shop with a mission to make woodworking accessible to all.  Their shop at 69 Caroline Street is fully equipped with high-quality machines and tools and provides 8,500 square feet of bright, clean workspace to the community. More information can be found at www.saratogajoinery.org.

“The lack of skilled tradespeople is a huge concern across the country when it comes to historic preservation. The emergence of a specialized woodworking space like this is truly encouraging. Educating our community about traditional trades, such as woodworking, will greatly benefit our community,” said Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, in a statement.

This program, benefiting the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and Saratoga Joinery, is limited to 45 people. Tickets cost $20 for members of these organizations or $25 for non-members. Visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030 for more information.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arms Hotel has launched a new pop-up dinner series. 

The first event featuring a Whitman Brewing Co. beer dinner took place on Thursday. Upcoming events include a four-course Cooperstown Distillery spirits dinner on April 18, and a wine pairing dinner courtesy of Bocage Champagne Bar on May 9. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — According to Skidmore College, more than a dozen of its students have been working with RISE Housing and Support Services to help individuals impacted by homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, and other life challenges.

Skidmore provides students to RISE through Social Work Department field placements, internships, independent study, and full-time and part-time positions.

RISE’s Executive Director, Sybil Newell, is a Skidmore alumna. Newell, Skidmore students, RISE staff, and volunteers all helped prepare the 24/7, low-barrier homeless shelter on Adelphi Street that opened last year. Students have also been helping to support shelter operations since the facility opened.

The shelter offers 36 beds, a communal area with a TV and couches, a dining area, access to warm showers, laundry facilities, lockers, a counseling office for staff, and a yard with picnic tables and a basketball court.

www.riseservices.org

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Three hundred authentic Saratoga Racehorse Shoes will be hidden in Saratoga Springs, with the return of the Saratoga Hidden Horseshoes event, which staged its inaugural happening last year. 

The 2024 season kick-off takes place will take place on Beekman Street Friday, April 19, in advance of Launch Day – on Saturday April 20 in Congress Park.  

Horseshoes are presently being hidden in Saratoga Springs public parks and trails.  All horseshoes will be accessible between ground and reachable level in the “finder’s keepers” activity; Find a shoe and it is yours to keep.

Saratoga Arts made the program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

For more event information, go online to: saratogahiddenhorseshoes.com.