BALLSTON SPA —The Saratoga County History Center will premiere its newest film – Vischer Ferry, a Forgotten Crossroads, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa.  

On April 25 at 7 p.m. the film will be available for viewing at the Vischer Ferry Firehouse, 360 Riverview Road and a third showing is set for May 5 at 1 p.m. at Grooms Tavern, 290 Sugar Hill Road in Clifton Park.

This third in a series of Forgotten Crossroads films created by the History Center highlights Vischer Ferry, a quaint village along the original path of the Erie Canal in the southern section of the Town of Clifton Park. Originally established by Dutch settlers long before the American Revolution, it grew into a bustling community of families whose economic livelihood was tied to the canal. “The importance of Vischer Ferry during the 19th century is still evident today” said Jim Richmond, film director, in a statement. “Its streets are lined with Greek Revival homes, that gives the village a unique look back at a bygone era.”   

As with the History Center’s previous films on Rock City Falls and Bacon Hill, the story of this crossroads is captured through interviews with three generations of local residents, who shared their proud history and memories as well as their plans for the future. 

Registration for the events at Brookside Museum and the Vischer Ferry Fire House can be made at brooksidemuseum.org/events/2024-04/. 

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County Animal Shelter will hold a Blooming Bonds Adoption Day Event 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 at 6010 County Farm Rd, Ballston Spa. 

Those looking to add a furry member to their family are encouraged to attend the special occasion. No appointments are necessary.

The Saratoga County Animal Shelter currently houses 20 dogs, each with their own unique personality, ready to bring happiness to their future families. In addition, there are a diverse range of more than 10 cats, all longing for a loving environment to call their own. There are also six guinea pigs available for adoption.

To ensure a smooth adoption process, potential adopters should fill out the application ahead of time at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter’s website (saratogacountyanimalshelter.com/adopter-profile). This will help shelter staff and volunteers understand potential adopters’ preferences and match them with the perfect companion.

The Blooming Bonds Adoption Day Event is a family-friendly event where attendees can spend quality time with the shelter’s furry friends. 

To streamline the adoption process during this event, the shelter will accept cash or check payments only. The shelter also encourages people to bring dog or cat food or cat litter to the event for donation to a local food pantry. Attendees should not bring pets to the event. 

Potential adopters are encouraged to visit the Saratoga County Animal Shelter website for a sneak peek of the adoptable animals and their profiles. For more information visit www.saratogacountyanimalshelter.com.

BALLSTON SPA — A tree tapping ceremony was held last week at Hop City Maple in Ballston Spa to celebrate the beginning of New York’s maple season. The event was hosted by the Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association. Maple apple pie and other treats were served to attendees, courtesy of Mourningkill Bake Shop.

Originally begun as a backyard hobby in 2013, Hop City Maple has evolved into a full-fledged business. Owners John and Emilia Medick have overseen the operation’s expansion, which now includes around 750 taps. The company was recently designated a New York Grown and Certified producer.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Alpine Sport Shop participated with Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and celebrated Leap of Kindness Day 2024. Thanks to the generosity of their customers and the Saratoga Springs community, hats and socks will be donated to Captain Community Human Services. For every hat and pair of socks purchased at the Alpine Sport Shop the week of February 29, the ski shop matched it, and then some! Bill Lupin, volunteer and Community Engagement Manager for Captain Community Human Services received a filled basket from Cathy Hay, co-owner of the Alpine Sport Shop. Hats and socks will be shared with those who can use them. The items and the kindness are much appreciated! Thank you to an extended community… you gave back!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Saturday, April 27, Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry Project will hold its 10th year of Tree Toga planting event, adding an expected 35 large-growing shade trees to the urban forest.

Volunteer Tree Planters are needed to help plant trees in the community. 

Volunteers will check in at Pitney Meadows Community Farm at 9:30 a.m. on April 27 and get a lesson in tree planting before heading off in small teams to their assigned locations across the city. Once the trees are in the ground, Tree Host homeowners and other volunteers provide the care that is critical to tree survival and the success of Sustainable Saratoga’s mission to preserve and expand Saratoga’s urban forest.

“This April’s Tree Toga will bring the total number of trees planted in the past 10 years to over 400.” said Sustainable Saratoga Urban Forestry Project Chair Caroline Rothaug, in a statement.

To get involved in this family-friendly community event, sign up at sustainablesaratoga.org/tree-toga.

GLENS FALLS — Earlier this month, the Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) donated $20,000 to the Glens Falls Area Youth Center in support of educational and recreational programs for local at-risk youth.

“Our donation to the Glens Falls Area Youth Center reflects a decade-long commitment to youth programs that seek to enrich the lives of children and provide financial assistance to local families in need, ensuring everyone has access to critical developmental programs regardless of their ability to pay,” said HRCCU CEO Sue Commanda in a statement.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation on Monday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. for the virtual program “Urban Renewal: Through the Eyes of a Child with Joy King.” 

The program will highlight Urban Renewal in Saratoga Springs from 1962 to 1986, during what was one of the largest urban changes in the city’s history. 

The federal Urban Renewal program provided funding to clear “blighted” areas to allow for redevelopment and displaced the largely Black community from the West Side. 

Joy King, whose family has resided in Saratoga Springs for seven generations, will share her and her family’s memories. 

Additionally, there will be a screening of the documentary “Erasing Spaces and Faces: The Legacy of Urban Renewal in Saratoga Springs” from C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, an organization that uses art to promote freedom, expression, personal growth, and community connection. A conversation will follow about the current initiatives that local organizations, artists, and community members are taking to foster social change. 

The program will take place on Zoom for a suggested donation of $10 or more. For additional information or to register for the virtual program visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030. Everyone who pre-registers for this program will be emailed a Zoom link in advance and will receive a link to the recording.  

Greenfield — Brookhaven Winter Park, the Town of Greenfield’s cross-country skiing and snowshoeing park, is having a 5K Snowshoe Race on March 2 at 10 a.m. The cost is $25 and includes a long-sleeved athletic shirt and prizes and giveaways. The fun continues after the race at the View Restaurant at Brookhaven. 

Registration links are at greenfieldny.org and runreg.com. 

Brookhaven Winter Park is a free Nordic ski and snowshoe park, featuring 20K of trails. It is located at 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., just ten miles from Saratoga.