SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, supported by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern NY and sponsored by Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, presents a panel discussion of the 2015 documentary Colliding Dreams by American filmmakers Joseph Dorman and Oren Rudavsky on April 28 at 7 pm on Zoom.

 Few ideas in the modern era have had as much impact on the world as Zionism. Colliding Dreams recounts the movement’s dramatic history, one of the most controversial and urgently relevant political ideologies of today. 

 “What does the future hold – what’s the solution?” SAID Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of SJCA, in a statement “We hear all the time, ‘it’s complicated.’ That perspective shows an inciteful awareness of the countless interlocking pieces in this history — and offers little guidance or a route to resolution.”

 Colliding Dreams can be viewed free of charge on Kanopy (registration with a library card required). It can also be rented from Apple, Google Play and You Tube. 

 The panel discussion will be held on Zoom on April 28 at 7 p.m. To register go to the SJCA Home Page www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, supported by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern NY and sponsored by Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, presents a panel discussion of the 2015 documentary Colliding Dreams by American filmmakers Joseph Dorman and Oren Rudavsky on April 28 at 7 pm on Zoom.

 Few ideas in the modern era have had as much impact on the world as Zionism. Colliding Dreams recounts the movement’s dramatic history, one of the most controversial and urgently relevant political ideologies of today. 

 “What does the future hold – what’s the solution?” SAID Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of SJCA, in a statement “We hear all the time, ‘it’s complicated.’ That perspective shows an inciteful awareness of the countless interlocking pieces in this history — and offers little guidance or a route to resolution.”

 Colliding Dreams can be viewed free of charge on Kanopy (registration with a library card required). It can also be rented from Apple, Google Play and You Tube. 

 The panel discussion will be held on Zoom on April 28 at 7 p.m. To register go to the SJCA Home Page www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org. 

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors approved a variety of resolutions during its monthly meeting held Tuesday, April 16 at the county complex in Ballston Spa. 

Among the resolutions approved: 

-The County entered into an agreement with Callanan Industries, Inc. for construction of the New Fixed Base Operator Terminal Phase 3- Apron project, at the Saratoga County Airport at a cost up to $947,357.50.  In 2022, the Board authorized the acceptance of an Upstate New York Economic Development and Revitalization Grant from the New York State Department of Transportation for the project. 

-An agreement be executed with Esoteric, LLC for the provision of providing a four-day UTK hostage rescue training course in Saratoga County to include tactics, techniques, and procedures employed when dealing with hostage rescue. The contract will be in effect April 1, 2024 through March 31,2025, at a cost up to $18,975. 

-Execute all necessary documents and agreements with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice for the acceptance of a NYS DCJS Law Enforcement Equipment Program Grant in the amount of $89,190 for the term of April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. The funds are intended to be used to provide for the purchase of uniforms (nearly $50,000), equipment (just over $20,000), and training services (just over $19,000) for the Special Operations Team of the Sheriff’s Office. 

– The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to proclaim “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week” in Saratoga in late April. 

“We must do everything we can to show survivors that hope— the belief that the future will be better—is not just tangible but within their reach,” according to the resolution. “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week encourages all people to ask themselves the question: How would you help a victim of crime?” 

The proclamation is to reaffirm Saratoga County’s commitment to continuing to support a victim service and criminal justice response that assists all victims of crime – not just during Crime Victims’ Rights Week, but throughout the year.

A certified copy of the Resolution was forwarded to the New York State Crime Victims’ Task Force, Wellspring, Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, MADD, The Prevention Council, Saratoga Center for the Family, and Parents of Murdered Children.

SCHUYLERVILLE —The Saratoga County 250th Commission announced the 3rd Annual Women in War Symposium will be held on May 4 from 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Old Saratoga American Legion Post, 6 Clancy St. in Schuylerville. As an enhancement to the Symposium, a bus tour of historic sites will be offered May 5.

General registration for the symposium is $130 and includes a light breakfast and buffet lunch. The guided bus tour is $75 and includes a box lunch.  Those interested can register for both the symposium and tour or just one event by visiting the Saratoga250 website, www.saratoga250.com/events/annual-women-in-war-symposium. 

The Women in War Symposium features dynamic speakers who will present on topics related to the roles women played during the American Revolution. Whether patriot or loyalist, wealthy or impoverished, females were deeply affected by the war in all aspects of their lives. Additionally, exhibitors, book-signings, augmented reality demonstrations and more will be on display throughout the day. 

Departing from Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, Sunday’s event will be a curated tour with expert guide Pat Niles. The tour will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., highlighting several lesser-known stories of women in the Saratoga Campaign. 

SPEAKERS: Christine T. Valosin: Revolutionary War Women at Schuyler’s Saratoga Estate, 1775 – 1783; Friederike Baer: With the Battle of Saratoga our Misfortunes Began, Friederike Riedesel in the War for American Independence; Vincent Albert Carretta: Phillis Wheatley Peters on War and Peace; Elizabeth Mauer: Martha Washington Goes to Camp; Holly A. Mayer: Taking Fire: Margaret Corbin at Fort Washington; Bruce M. Venter: Head of Faculty and Master of Ceremonies.

America’s Turning Point is a multi-year celebration of Saratoga County’s pivotal role in the American Revolution culminating in 2027 with the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga. To register or for more information, visit www.Saratoga250.com.

SCHUYLERVILLE —The Saratoga County 250th Commission announced the 3rd Annual Women in War Symposium will be held on May 4 from 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Old Saratoga American Legion Post, 6 Clancy St. in Schuylerville. As an enhancement to the Symposium, a bus tour of historic sites will be offered May 5.

General registration for the symposium is $130 and includes a light breakfast and buffet lunch. The guided bus tour is $75 and includes a box lunch.  Those interested can register for both the symposium and tour or just one event by visiting the Saratoga250 website, www.saratoga250.com/events/annual-women-in-war-symposium. 

The Women in War Symposium features dynamic speakers who will present on topics related to the roles women played during the American Revolution. Whether patriot or loyalist, wealthy or impoverished, females were deeply affected by the war in all aspects of their lives. Additionally, exhibitors, book-signings, augmented reality demonstrations and more will be on display throughout the day. 

Departing from Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, Sunday’s event will be a curated tour with expert guide Pat Niles. The tour will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., highlighting several lesser-known stories of women in the Saratoga Campaign. 

SPEAKERS: Christine T. Valosin: Revolutionary War Women at Schuyler’s Saratoga Estate, 1775 – 1783; Friederike Baer: With the Battle of Saratoga our Misfortunes Began, Friederike Riedesel in the War for American Independence; Vincent Albert Carretta: Phillis Wheatley Peters on War and Peace; Elizabeth Mauer: Martha Washington Goes to Camp; Holly A. Mayer: Taking Fire: Margaret Corbin at Fort Washington; Bruce M. Venter: Head of Faculty and Master of Ceremonies.

America’s Turning Point is a multi-year celebration of Saratoga County’s pivotal role in the American Revolution culminating in 2027 with the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga. To register or for more information, visit www.Saratoga250.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — City Mayor John Safford on April 16 proclaimed Hayden Shields and Sophie O’Donnell Day, and honored the Saratoga Springs High School seniors with the keys to the city for saving a life of a car accident victim one year ago in Saratoga Springs.

On the afternoon of April 13, 2023, Shields and O’Donnell were driving south on West Avenue when another car traveling in the opposite direction suddenly swerved into their path and crashed into a utility pole. 

“Fortunately Mr. Shields and Ms. O’Donnell suffered no injuries, and they might have chosen at that moment to drive on just as many other nearby vehicles were doing. They chose instead to do something very different,” reads the proclamation. “They parked their vehicle, dialed 911 to immediately report the accident, and then rushed to the scene of the accident to see if there was anything they could do to help.” 

Following the reading of the proclamation, Shields and O’Donnell received a standing ovation at City Hall. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — City Mayor John Safford on April 16 proclaimed Hayden Shields and Sophie O’Donnell Day, and honored the Saratoga Springs High School seniors with the keys to the city for saving a life of a car accident victim one year ago in Saratoga Springs.

On the afternoon of April 13, 2023, Shields and O’Donnell were driving south on West Avenue when another car traveling in the opposite direction suddenly swerved into their path and crashed into a utility pole. 

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 “Fortunately Mr. Shields and Ms. O’Donnell suffered no injuries, and they might have chosen at that moment to drive on just as many other nearby vehicles were doing. They chose instead to do something very different,” reads the proclamation. “They parked their vehicle, dialed 911 to immediately report the accident, and then rushed to the scene of the accident to see if there was anything they could do to help.” 

Following the reading of the proclamation, Shields and O’Donnell received a standing ovation at City Hall. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs, will host its annual gala at the Lodge at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday, May 11 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Proceeds from this year’s Party Under the Palms will support Wesley Health Care Center’s Life Enrichment Program, which provides meaningful social and therapeutic activities for Wesley residents. 

Auction items will include a six-person reserved picnic table, with admission, for the sold-out Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 8 as well as for Friday, June 7, courtesy of The New York Racing Association, Inc. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be held at historic Saratoga Race Course for the first time ever.

Founded in 1972, The Wesley Community was established as a long-term senior care community.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —LifeWorks Community Action presents the 34th Annual In Bloom Saratoga: Petals, Plates & Pours Gala May 24 at Universal Preservation Hall.

The evening of elegance, live entertainment and community spirit will be hosted by NewsChannel 13 anchor Mark Mulholland.

LifeWorks will present an evening featuring live music by local artists Garland Nelson and Soul Session, a dinner crafted by Wandering Food Dude and a selection of cider, beer and wine. The event begins at 6 p.m. 

LifeWorks Community Action, established in 1965, has stood as a beacon of hope for the underprivileged in Saratoga County and the Northern Capital Region. The organization’s efforts have alleviated poverty and provided critical support in various facets such as food security, utility aid, childcare, and overcoming language barriers. Tens of thousands of individuals and families have navigated through tough times with the aid of LifeWorks, embarking on paths towards economic security.

Tickets are $100 per person for general admission and $75 for young professionals aged 35 years and under. VIP Admission is also available.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at: Sponsorship opportunities are available: https://givebutter.com/InBloom24.

Tickets to attend the event are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-bloom-saratoga-petals-plates-pours-gala-dinner-drinks-and-dancing-registration-820282877167?aff=oddtdtcreator. 

LAKE GEORGE — Local Revolutionary War hero General Peter Gansevoort, who commanded Fort George at Lake George during the crucial year of 1776 and led a successful defense of Fort Stanwix in central New York the following year to help pave the way for the Continental Army’s ultimate defeat of General Burgoyne at Saratoga, will be the subject of the presentation “Peter Gansevoort: A Hero and His Legacy”, on Saturday, April 27 at the Holiday Inn Resort Lake George, beginning at 11 a.m.

The featured speaker will be historian Michael P. Barrett, Vice President of the Board of Trustees for Albany Rural Cemetery, where General Gansevoort is buried. 

The program is sponsored by the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance and is free to the public. Attendees are asked to register prior the event at info@lakegeorgebattlefield.org with the number of seats needed.

A member of the Albany County militia as the American Revolution got underway, Peter Gansevoort’s Dutch family connections propelled General Philip Schuyler to commission him in the Continental Army. Gansevoort participated in the 1775-76 invasion of Quebec prior to serving at Fort George. In 1777, he was the Colonel commanding Fort Stanwix who successfully defeated Burgoyne’s western flanking movement, greatly aiding the Continental forces’ ultimate success at the Battles of Saratoga. 

For those who can’t attend on April 27, the presentation will be recorded and made available afterward on the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/@LakeGeorgeBattlefield.