SARATOGA — Stewart’s Shops is offering a buy one, get one free deal for a single scoop of its “Civility” ice cream flavor. The special runs through Feb. 4. The “Civility” flavor features  a salty caramel swirl and “no nuts.” 

“We brought back Civility ice cream as a reminder that we may think differently but we can still respect each other and maybe even share an extra scoop or a smile,” said Stewart’s Shops president Gary Dake in a statement.

BALLSTON SPA —The 2024 Ballston Spa Chocolate Fest, hosted by the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, will take place on Friday, Feb. 2 from 4– 8 p.m.  

Stroll the Village of Ballston Spa for $1 chocolate tastings from over 20 chocolate chefs/venues. Then, vote for your favorites in 3 categories: Dessert – Savory – Beverage. The event will also feature chocolate-themed activities, artist demos, special promotions and sales.

If your business is interested in participating in Chocolate Fest, visit www.ballston.org/events/chocolate-fest to sumbit the application form. The entry fee is $20 for members and $40 for non-members, and will be paid by the business. 

If you are an independent chef or a business that is looking for a chef, email the Chocolate Fest committee and they can help match you up: chocolatefest@ballston.org

If you are interested in being Chocolate Fest Sponsor, email the Chocolate Fest committee: chocolatefest@ballston.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College invite sustainability-minded for-profit businesses and non-profit community organizations to apply to be exhibitors at the third annual Saratoga Sustainability Fair.

The Saratoga Sustainability Fair will take place 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

 “The Saratoga Sustainability Fair is an exciting opportunity for community members to discuss sustainability, connect with local sustainable businesses and organizations, and learn about innovative climate solutions and ways to get involved,” said Kelsey Trudell, Sustainable Saratoga’s Executive Director, in a statement. “Planning is underway for the 2024 Sustainability Fair, and we have now opened the call for vendors to table in the exhibit hall.”

To apply for your non-profit organization or for-profit sustainable business to participate in the exhibit hall visit sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/saratoga-sustainability-fair/. Interested sponsors should contact: kelsey@sustainablesaratoga.org

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Members of The Welsey Community – a 37-acre senior living campus with more than 700 residents in Saratoga Springs – have enjoyed a happier holiday season thanks to the thoughtfulness of two local boutique gift shop co-owners and the generosity of the greater Saratoga Springs community.

The inaugural Adopt a Grandparent program was launched on Black Friday, Nov. 24, as part of a holiday giving campaign by Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile Co-Owners Maddy Zanetti and Marianne Barker. Shoppers of both stores purchased and personalized $20 gift tags through Dec. 17 that were used to buy gifts for residents of the Wesley Community. As many as 400 gift tags were purchased, making it possible to provide every resident with a gift. Holiday gift bags were distributed during Hanukkah and just prior to Christmas. 

Going forward, Zanetti and Barker said they plan to offer the Adopt a Grandparent program annually.

Visit ImpressionsSaratoga.com for further information about the Adopt a Grandparent program or call 518-587-0666. www.thewesleycommunity.org

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 Beverly Lawson delivered more than 84 dozen cookies, baked by members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs, to Duane Vaughn, Executive Director of Shelters of Saratoga, for distribution to the more than 120 people receiving services from SOS. 

Vaughn said that the cookies, carefully packaged in gift bags of seven cookies each, are often given as gifts by Shelters patrons. He said that the homeless population nationally has increased by more than 12% this year and in Saratoga Springs, the Code Blue population, served by SOS, is twice as large as it was one year ago. Vaughn and Associate Executive Director Stephanie Romero and Facilities House Manager Jess Thompson, who helped distribute the cookies, expressed their gratitude to the twenty or so bakers from the UUCSS who prepared the gift bags, and they agreed that the need to care for the homeless population is always present.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Nearly 800 people attended The Warren Miller ski movie benefit event, “All Time.” The event was held at the Trombley Auditorium at the Saratoga Springs Middle School.

Hosted by the Alpine Sport Shop, the event was staged to bring together the local ski community and raise money for worthy causes. 

Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program, and Saratoga Springs High School Alpine Ski Team each received a check from the Alpine Sport Shop for $3,643.88.