January 27th

Call for Local folk or Irish Musicians and Dancers Come audition for an opportunity to showcase your talent during “Café Malta”, an intimate coffee house at the Malta Community Center on Saturday evening, March 11. We are looking for talented musicians, vocalists, small acoustic bands, storytellers and/or dancers. Our show is before St. Patrick’s Day, so Irish tunes would be fun, but not mandatory. Auditions are by appointment only starting on January 30. Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director, at 518-899-4411 x 305 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details or to schedule an audition. We are also looking for 3-4 talented teen or young adult singing waiters. The Wizard of Oz The Maple Avenue Middle School Musical Club presents, “The Wizard of Oz” in the Trombley Auditorium at the Maple Avenue Middle School. All tickets are available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Show times are on Friday, February 3 and 10, at 7 p.m., Saturday, February 4 and 11 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fourth Annual Chocolate Festival The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association and the First Friday business participants are excited to present our Fourth Annual Ballston Spa Chocolate Fest on First Friday, February 3, 2017 from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Ballston Spa. Visitors will be able to purchase samples for a minimal cost of $1. There will also be a variety of First Friday activities going on in our local businesses. Launching Pad Productions, the Ballston Spa Middle School drama club, will also be presenting Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. For a full listing of participating businesses, chefs, and activities, please visit Ballston.org Local Family Commemorates Loss with Hope to Save Lives A local family is honoring the loss of a loved one by paying it forward in a unique way for the 20th year in a row. On Saturday, February 4, 2017, The Lant family from the Town of Wilton will host the 20th Annual John J. Lant Jr. Memorial Blood Drive at the Maple Avenue Fire Department, located at 613 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Started in 1997 by John and Beverly Lant after the loss of their beloved son, the blood drive was a tangible way for family and friends to honor John Jr. and give back to the community he loved. A volunteer fireman with Maple Ave. himself, John Jr. was dedicated to helping his neighbors and friends, so they’ve been honoring his memory ever since. Donors are encouraged to pre-register at redcrossblood.org. Gershwin Dinner Theatre Don’t miss this fun opportunity to hear the timeless music of George Gershwin performed by the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society. Scheduled for Saturday, February 4, 2017, experience the fun of a New-York style cabaret dinner theatre. Set in the elegant Vista Ballroom at the Van Patten Golf Club in Clifton Park, this great night-out-on-the-town begins with a sumptuous dinner at 6 p.m. and cash bar at 5:30 p.m. The performance starts at 7 p.m. The chorus will be accompanied by a four-piece jazz combo and will feature soloists, duos, and trios. Seating is limited and the last day to purchase tickets is January 27. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit our website at www.BHOS.us or call 518-416-4060. Saratoga’s Chowderfest Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest, February 4, 2017, is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Family-friendly, fun and utterly delicious, Chowderfest features more than 80 vendors—including Saratoga County’s best restaurants and caterers—who open their doors to the public and serve hot bowls of chowder to event goers. Sponsored by Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, the 19-year anniversary of Saratoga Chowderfest starts at approximately 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature live music, family-friendly activities and, of course, a wide variety of chowders.For more information, visit https://discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest. Saratoga Winterfest and Camp Saratoga Snow Shoe Races The Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, February 5 at 11 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Camp Saratoga 8k Snowshoe Race will be held on Saturday, February 18 at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park at 10:30 a.m. Go to www.saratogastryders.org to download an application or link to online registration at www.active.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. Saratoga Chamber Players Concert February 5 will feature a 3 p.m. concert with renowned flutist Susan Rotholz and pianist Margaret Kampmeier on the Skidmore campus in Filene Hall. They will perform works of Poulenc, Bach, Reinecke, Reynolds, Lucas Foss and Lowell Lieberman. A Meet-the Musicians reception follows the concert. For tickets and more information on the musicians, visit http://www.saratogachamberplayers.org/event/music-for-piano-flute/ Monthly Meeting The Catholic Daughters of the America’s, Court McLaughlin #422, will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be a Red Auction for Birthright. Members are asked to bring lightly used clothing, household items, toys, books, etc. The proceeds from the Red Auction will be added to the Birthright Baby Shower to be held in March. New members are always welcome to attend and see what the Catholic Daughters are all about. All meetings are held at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs. For more information contact Regent Aileen Thomas at 518-583-2905. Elijah – Call for Singers Burnt Hills Oratorio Society is recruiting singers for a performance of Mendelssohn’s choral masterpiece “Elijah”. The performance is Friday, May 19, 2017, 7:30 p.m. at Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College. Rehearsals are Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School Choral Room, starting February 7. Go online, www.BHOS.us to print out a registration form, or arrive early (6:30 p.m.) to register. Join us for great music, outstanding leadership, and a talented non-auditioned community chorus. This is an inspiring experience of music-making, learning, and fun. Go to www.BHOS.us or call 518-416-4060 to learn more. Walk-ins welcome. 10th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament The Quaker Volunteer Fire Department will host the 10th Annual Fire Department Ice Fishing Tournament on Saturday, February 11 on the Cove section of the Hudson River (based at Kim’s) at 882 Route 4 South of Schuylerville starting at 7 a.m. Registration starts at 5:30 a.m. The tournament is from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. There is a $20 entry fee. Preregistration is encouraged to be guaranteed a fishing spot. Please contact Kim Wilbur at 518-956-3516. Cash prizes for pike, perch and crapies. Door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Hot food and drinks will be available. For more information, visit www.qsfd.com. Cabin Fever BBQ The public is invited to A Cabin Fever BBQ on Saturday, February 11 at the Saratoga Knights of Columbus, located at 50 Pine Road in Saratoga Springs. Dinner will be served from 5 until 8 p.m. Cash bar will be available prior to the event at 4 p.m. The menu includes ribs, chicken, salad and dessert all for $15. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Knights of Columbus Home. For information or reservations, call 518-584-8547. Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe Join us on February 11, 6 – 9 p.m. at the popular and highly anticipated Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road. Luminaries will glow along 2.5 miles of groomed trails. Along the way you will find fields and forests, warming bonfires, and plenty of hot chocolate! The terrain is suitable for all levels and ages and includes a smaller 1 mile loop. Participants can drop-in anytime during the evening; no registration is needed. Snowshoes and cross-country skis will be available on a first-come first-serve basis in the I.P. Winter Lodge off of Parking lot #2. The rental fee is $5/ person for non-members. Parking will be directed by WWPP. This event is weather permitting. Please call or email for more information or if you are interested in volunteering for this event, 518-450-0321; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance The Saratoga/Wilton Ladies Auxiliary #161, is holding their annual Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, February 11 at the Elks Lodge, 1 Elk Lane in Saratoga Springs. The Band GRAVITY will be our entertainment for the night. The evening begins with cocktails/appetizers from 6-7 p.m., dinner 7-9 p.m., and entertainment from 9 - midnight .This years’ Valentine raffles will benefit the local Code Blue Shelter initiative. Our basket theme is based on different countries like Germany, England, etc. as well as our very popular Lottery Basket. Cocktail hour will feature a specialty drink surprise. Entrée choices are Prime Rib, Sliced Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Vegetable Lasagna; all served with salad, potatoes and vegetable. Buffet style desserts of Chocolate Mousse or Shortcake topped with Strawberries. Cost is $32 per person. Seating is limited. Checks, cash or credit card will be accepted as payment. Call Penny at 518-587-7597 to make your reservation. Deadline is February 5. Free Beginner Dance Lessons with Spa City Swingers Come check out different styles of partner dances on Friday, February 24, from 7 to 8 p.m., and see what makes it so much fun. No partner is necessary. Pre-registration is required. Call 518-899-4411 or log-on www.maltaparksrec.com to reserve your spot. For ages 12+. Trip to Turning Stone Casino Old Saratoga Seniors is hosting a trip to Turning Stone Casino on Friday, March 17, 2017. Departure from Saratoga Train Station at 6:15 a.m. or American Legion in Schuylerville at 6:45 a.m. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Return to Schuylerville approximately 8 p.m. Make checks payable to Old Saratoga Seniors, PO Box 60, Schuylerville, NY 12871. Deadline for sign up and money due is February 8, 2017. Any questions, please contact Mary at 518-584-7986 Fighting for Mya Fundraiser The American Legion Post 234, located at 23 Pleasant Street in Ballston Spa, will host a fund raiser for 15 year old sophomore, Mya, who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This benefit will take place on April 29, 2017 at 2p.m. All support will be greatly appreciated.