AARP/TaxAide Services
The AARP TaxAide program will begin providing free tax preparation services for low-and-moderate income residents in Saratoga, Washington and Warren Counties. The TaxAide program is sponsored by the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the IRS. TaxAide preparers are trained in federal and state tax regulations and are certified by the IRS. Free tax preparation services will be available through April 15. To find the location nearest you, go to www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-227-7669 for assistance.
Italian Night Fundraiser
Join us at Knights of Columbus, located at 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs from 5 – 8 p.m. for a fundraiser to help our community in need. Menu includes: pasta fagioli (cup $3/bowl $5), Chicken Parmesan ($16), chicken meritato ($18), braciola ($18), lasagna ($15), fruitti di mare ($20). All meals served with salad and bread. Open to the public.
18th Century Chocolate House at Brookside Museum
The Saratoga County Historical Society will celebrate the opening of its 2020 season with a Chocolate Festival at Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St, Ballston Spa on Friday, February 7 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Discover the fascinating and delicious history of Chocolate! Savor delectable samples of hot chocolate and taste sweet treats of the Colonial Era. View demonstrations of how chocolate was prepared in the 18th century. The Chocolate delights will be served by historical interpreters in Colonial clothing. Tickets $25 per person, $40 for two, $5 discount for SCHS members. Ages 21 and up. Pre-registration encouraged; seating is limited. To purchase tickets visit brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/17874-2nd-annual-colonial-chocolate-party or call the museum at 518-885-4000.
Seventh Annual Chocolate Festival
The 7th Annual Chocolate Fest is taking place on First Friday, February 7, from 6-9 p.m. Area restaurants, bakeries, and chefs will compete to showcase their talents and tastes by preparing small, sample sized chocolate offerings in up to 3 categories: Dessert (Sweet), Savory, and Chocolate Beverage. These chocolate treats will be judged by a panel of our First Friday Fanatics as well our visitors in Fan Favorite competition. Visitors can pick up a ballot form at any participating business and head to their favorite "Sweet Spot" shops, restaurants, and chefs to sample a $1 chocolate taste. While savoring these chocolate treats, visitors will enjoy a variety of First Friday activities going on throughout the Village, including art gallery openings, live music, artist demonstrations, and special promotions and sales just in time for Valentine's Day. Complete listing of events at Ballston.org.
Camp Saratoga 8K Snowshoe Race
A snowshoe race on February 8 at 10:30 a.m. will be held at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, located at 80 Scout Rd. in Gansevoort. Age 65 and Over and 12 and under. Free lunch for athletes, volunteers and guests. Go to www.saratogastryders.org to download an application or link to online registration at www.runsignup.com . A limited supply of Dion Snowshoes will be available at a $5 rental charge. Email Laura Clark at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve a pair or phone 518-581-1278. For information about the entire Dion Snowshoe Series and for snow updates visit www.dionwmacsnowshoe.com
Winter Craft Fair
Held at the Sweet Basil Restaurant, 1012 Rt. 9, Queensbury, on Saturday, February 8. This craft fair will have over 20 crafters and will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The craft fair is free to attend.
Annual Sweetheart Dance
The Saratoga/Wilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary is holding their annual Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, February 8; at the Elks Lodge, 1 Elk Lane in Saratoga Springs. By popular demand, the Band GRAVITY will be our entertainment for the night. The evening begins with cocktails/appetizers from 6-7 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., and entertainment from 9 p.m. - midnight. This year’s Valentine raffles will again benefit the local CODE BLUE Shelter initiative. The Ladies will be raffling off wonderful baskets that they create with donations from the community and our generous Auxiliary members; including our popular Lottery Basket. This year’s entree choices are Prime Rib, Chicken Parmesan or Risotto (with eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes & zucchini), served with tossed salad, rolls, and corn. Strawberry Shortcake will be served buffet style all for only $35.00 per person. Cocktail hour will feature a specialty drink surprise. You and your special Valentine will have a great evening with dinner and “GRAVITY” to entertain with lots of dancing from 9-12 for the reasonable price of $35.00 per person. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis with seating limited. RSVP to Barb Ash (518) 584-0694, cell (518) 879-8713 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your entrée choice, number of guests and method of payment. Checks, cash, and credit cards are accepted.
Pajama Party Fundraiser for Pediatric Oncology
It’s a pajama party at the premier award-winning Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs and you’re invited. The event will be on February 8, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person. Proceeds will support our year-round programming for local pediatric oncology patients. Pajama attire encouraged. For more information on how to support, get involved and/or register, go to: ballsfest.org.
“Happy Heart” Luncheon
Join us February 11 from noon to 2p.m. Longfellows Restaurant, Rt 9P, Saratoga Springs. Special Event: A re-gifting party! Bring in a gift you received for Christmas or whenever in exchange for another gift! Gifts should not be wrapped, retail value between $5 to $10. Speaker: Elaine Miller from Campbell, NY is the author of 2 books. She will speak about her inspiration to write and the benefits of writing at any time of your life. Menu: Hot Turkey & Mashed Potatoes or Vegetable Lasagna. $19 inclusive. Reservations Necessary by February 7. Call Ellie at 518-584-3779. Presented by Saratoga Christian Women’s Connection.
Art Exhibit
Members' Hall Show "Barbara Garro in Abstract" at Saratoga Arts, located at 320 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, for the month of February 2020 with a Druthers Reception, located at 381 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, on Saturday, February 15 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Game Night
Simpson United Methodist Church, located at 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls (.4 mi s of Rte. 29), is hosting another Game Night on Saturday, February 15, from 5 - 7:30 p.m. All in the community are welcome to attend. Bring your favorite game and a dish to pass, or just bring a dish to pass and join in the fun and fellowship. Any questions call Kevin at 518-309-3306.
February Break Drama Camp
February Break Drama Camp at the Malta Community Center is now open to students ages 7-15. All campers will be involved in character selection, costuming, acting and performing our work for invited guests the last day of class. Older actors will also have the opportunity to learn backstage and stage management skills (if interested). Camp also includes theater games, crafts, acting skills and fun. This camp, headed by Malta’s Artistic Director Elyse Young, runs Tuesday – Friday, February 18 - 21 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Call the Malta Community Center at 518-899-4411 for additional information or register online at www.MaltaParksRec.com.
Beatles Concert Cabaret
Treat yourself to a great all-in-one experience as the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society Chorus entertains you with the iconic songs of the Beatles. Set in the elegant Vista Ballroom at the Van Patten Golf Club, located at 924 Main St. in Clifton Park, this grand affair begins with a delectable Chef's Buffet and cash bar, followed by a choral cabaret featuring solo voices from the BHOS family. Tickets sold only in advance. Due to popular demand, BHOS is now offering three performances, Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29 at 5p.m., and Sunday, March 1 at 1 p.m. This event has never failed to sell out, so buy your tickets early. Seating is limited and the last day to purchase tickets is Monday, February, 24. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Society’s website at www.BHOS.us or call 518-416-4060.
Sweet Sound of Song
The Saratoga Chamber Players will hopscotch across the globe on March 1 at 3 p.m. with 3 outstanding artists at the United Methodist Church, Henning Road & 5th Ave., in Saratoga Springs. Soprano Charlotte Dobbs, bass baritone Andrew Padgett, and pianist Renana Gutman will take us from Dørumsgaard's Norway to Fauré's France, from Rachmaninoff's Russia to John Ireland's England and to the United States of Barber and Williams. The musicians will explore the poetry of nature through song with the piano in a significant role. Tickets are adults $25; seniors $20; and students $15. To purchase tickets, visit www.saratogachamberplayers.org.
Trout Unlimited Conservation Banquet
Open to everyone. The banquet will be held at The Century House in Latham on March 7. Tickets are on sale now on the Clearwater Chapter’s website www.clearwatertu.org. Reservations can be made up to March 1 by contacting TU members Chris and Erika Cook, 565 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs or email Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Dinner, cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and award recognition, along with a live auction, silent auction, bucket raffles, card raffles and door prizes. A Grand Prize Drawing of a 12 ft. Kevlar Hybrid Canoe by Hornbeck Boats will be drawn at the banquet. All proceeds from this event benefit local “on the ground” conservation projects that support coldwater fisheries resources. TU is actively seeking donations of goods and services, as well as fishing gear and flytying materials from their members and the public for their Conservation Banquet. If you are interested in donating, please contact Chair Scott Parker at 518-894-4661 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Veterans Breakfast Clubs
Veterans and their friends are welcome at the following Veterans Breakfast Clubs: Tuesdays: 8 a.m., Alexis Diner, 294 North Greenbush Road, North Greenbush, 518-286-2603. First and third Wednesdays each month: 9 a.m. Bellevue Cafe, 2630 Broadway, Schenectady. Thursdays: 8 a.m. Schodack Diner, 1842 Columbia Turnpike, Castleton. Thursdays: 9 a.m. IHOP, 611 Plank Road, Clifton Park. Third Thursday every month: 9 a.m. Malta Diner, 2476 Route 9, Malta. Fridays: 8 a.m. Gateway Diner, 899 Central Ave., Albany.
Bus Trip to Turning Stone
Olde Saratoga Seniors are hosting a bus trip to Turning Stone Casino, Verona, NY on Monday, March 16. Bus leaves Saratoga Train Station at 6:15 a.m.or American Legion, Schuylerville at 6.45 a.m. and returns approximately 8:30 p.m. Can play Bingo or Casino Bonus. Cost is $10 for Senior members or $15 for non-members. Please mail check to PO Box 60, Schuylerville, NY 12871 or contact Pat Temple, 518-338-2329.
Vendors Wanted for Stop and Shop
Wilton Emergency Squad is having a Spring Stop and Shop on Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the General Schuyler Building, 901 Route 29, Saratoga Springs, NY. Looking for vendors. We usually have approximately 40 vendors, raffles, refreshments and much more. Contact Jennie McReynolds at 518-338-2709.
Crafter Wanted
An experienced crafter, to teach Ballston Area Seniors various crafts, on some Tuesday mornings at the Milton Community Center, located at 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. If interest, call Madeline at 518-587-7076 for details.
Bus Trip to Niagara Falls
Still seats available for the Olde Saratoga Seniors Bus trip to Niagara Falls, two nights three days on Thursday, May 28 - Saturday, May 30, 2020. Package includes round trip transportation, 2 nights’ accommodations at the Sheraton Niagara Falls, 2 breakfast buffets, 2 dinners, 1 is a dinner theater, admission to the Herschel carousel factory, 1 ride on the carousel, 1 day of local Guide service, admission to the Niagara adventure theater, admission to the maid of the mist. Stop at Seneca Casino, stop at the Niagara power Vista, and baggage handling. Price for double two people in room, two beds $588 each. Total payment due by March 31, 2020 but must sign up as soon as possible. For an itinerary and additional price for one, three or four people per room, contact Pat Temple, 518-338-2329.
Southern Saratoga Art Society Exhibits
Artists and members of the Southern Saratoga Art Society will be exhibiting throughout the area during 2020. Please try to visit these venues an support the arts in Southern Saratoga County. For further information about SSAS, visit our website: southernsaratogaartist.com. Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd, will host a one-woman show in the Center Gallery during February titled "From Abstraction to Flow" by artist Valerie Wolf. Her works will feature many bright colors to lead us through the long winter and include samples of both abstracts and flow method. NBT Bank, 9 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park is hosting artist Carol Winterton during the months of January and February. Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, will show the works of artist Faith Weldon for the months of January and February. Catskill Hudson Bank, 2452 State Route 9, Malta is hosting artist William Daisak during January and February.
Ballston Area Seniors Chorus
We are looking for new members who enjoy singing. We are a fun group who rehearse a program which we then take out to local nursing and rehabilitation homes, who are always delighted to sing with us. We rehearse on Mondays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Milton Community Center. Come and join us.
Social Activities for Seniors
If you’re over 55, a long-time or new resident in the area and looking to meet active seniors, check out the Ballston Area Senior Citizens (BASC). BASC sponsors many activities at the Milton Community Center located at 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. Residents from surrounding communities are welcome to join. Programs and activities include Festive Dinners, dances with live bands, “pickin’ sessions”, bus trips, weekly luncheons, exercise classes, chorus, crafts, etc. Stop in any Thursday at 11 a.m. and join us for lunch. Yearly membership fee is $10. Call Barb Broderson, Membership Secretary at 518-885-4229 or visit www.ballstonareaseniors.com for additional information.
Transportation Drivers Needed
RSVP- Retired Senior Volunteer Program, helps recruit volunteers age 55 and older for many opportunities throughout Saratoga County. We are currently looking for Transportation Drivers to take seniors to and from medical appointments. We provide the vehicle, gas, and trip details with directions. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or hearing about the MANY other volunteer opportunities, please call Billie Jo 518-884-4110.
