Call for Local Folk or Irish Performers
Come audition for an opportunity to showcase your talent during our annual “Café Malta”, an intimate coffee house at the Malta Community Center on Saturday evening, March 10, 2018. We are looking for talented musicians, vocalists, small acoustic bands, storytellers and/or dancers. Each acoustic act selected will play a short 10-15-minute set. Auditions are by appointment only the week of January 2-7, 2018. 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 adult singing waiters or waitresses to help serve dessert and coffee and perform an opening number.
Human Trafficking Awareness Evening
January 11, 2018 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa, in conjunction with Albany Presbytery, will be hosting a special Awareness Evening from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the church hall. John Kelly, Law Enforcement Coordinator for Saratoga Center for the Family will offer a presentation. The entire community, Ballston Spa area congregations and Albany Presbytery are encouraged to attend. Call Pastor Scott DeBlock at 518-885-5583 for details.
Hattie's 18th Annual Mardi Gras Benefit
Hattie's 18th Annual Mardi Gras Soiree to benefit AIM Services, Inc. On Saturday, January 13 from 6 – 10 p.m., get ready to dance along to music by Soul Sessions and Garland Nelson, enjoy delicious treats by Chef Jasper Alexander, and experience the “New Orleans of the north” with us! $100 per person. For details and to attend this event visit AIM Services, Inc.'s website and scroll down to Upcoming Events. AIM Services, Inc. is dedicated to supporting the "power of potential" in people of diverse abilities. Through community based services, advocacy, and education, dedicated professionals focus on supporting people in achieving their personal goals, while promoting a sense of self-confidence and independence. The event will be held at the Canfield Casino, 25 E. Congress St., Saratoga Springs. Cost is $100 per person. To register, visit www.formsmarts.com/form/1wm2?mode=h5.
Community Building Through Community Service - MLKSaratoga
People of all ages are encouraged to participate in volunteer projects around Saratoga Springs (Rebuilding Together, Shelters of Saratoga, Temple Sinai). Family oriented projects will be onsite at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Volunteer Opportunities: MoonCatchers Pad Project, Thinkpeace, ("give a hand, lend a hand") art and awareness project, CREATE Community Studio, Youth Squared, Saratoga's Humanitarian Youth for Transformation and Waldorf School of Saratoga. Registration begins on January 15, at 9:15 a.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library in the Dutcher Community Room. For more details or to pre-register online: MLKSaratoga.org. Lunch will be served to all participants at the SSPL (12:30 pm-1:30 pm).
CommUnity Commemoration of Dr. King
CommUnity Celebration of Dr. King. Hosted by Garland Nelson, on January 15 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Saratoga Music Hall, located at 474 Broadway, 3rd floor of City Hall, Saratoga Springs. Our weekend culminates with a special gathering featuring Taina Asili, NY-based Puerto Rican artist and activist, whose music and activism speaks to how racial, economic and climate injustice are inextricably linked. Other performances by the Arbor Hill Starlites, the Waldorf Community Chorus, SHYFT and others.
Deeper Than the Skin: Greg Greenway and Reggie Harris Celebrate MLK, Jr. at Caffe Lena
Singer-songwriter, storyteller, and activist Reggie Harris along with chart-topping folksinger Greg Greenway have a unique story. Born three days apart, they discovered well into their 30 year friendship that they both trace their ancestry back to the James River in Richmond, VA, where 300,000 captured Africans were brought ashore. With beautifully performed songs and words, they share a compelling story of racial injustice faced down with creative resistance, friendship, music and joy. The performance takes place on January 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22, $20 and $11. Caffe Lena is located at 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs.
Benefit Spaghetti Dinner
Danny MacMillan, a 12-year-old from Schuylerville, was diagnosed with E-Wing Sarcoma Cancer. Danny started chemotherapy and underwent surgery to remove the mass. After further testing they discovered cancer cells in the muscle tissue and it was decided that it would be best to amputate the leg. The surgery took place on January 2, followed by more chemotherapy and eventually a prosthetic leg. This has taken a big toll on the family emotionally and financially. The dinner will be held on January 19, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Schuylerville Elementary School cafeteria. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 for children 4-13 years old and children under 4 free. Dinner will include spaghetti, salad, bread, drinks and desserts, take out also available. We will also have raffles and a 50/50 drawing. If you are unable to make the dinner but would like to donate to the MacMillan Family, they have an account set up at Glens Falls National Bank, set up under the name "Team DanDan Benefit". This is the only legitimate account for Danny MacMillan.
2018 Cabin Fever Luncheon
Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC) is excited about our 2018 Cabin Fever event, themed, ‘Talk About It’, as we narrow our focus on human trafficking. A $32 billion annual industry, modern day trafficking is a type of slavery that involves the transport or trade of people, for work. The luncheon will be held on Saturday, January 20 at 11 a.m. at the Saratoga National Golf Club, located at 458 Union Ave., in Saratoga Springs. Cost is $75. For more information or to register visit www.soroptimistsaratoga.org/events/cabin-fever.
Fifth Annual Chocolate Festival
The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association and the First Friday business participants are excited to present our Fifth Annual Ballston Spa Chocolate Fest on First Friday, February 2, 2018 from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Ballston Spa. Visitors will be able to sample the variety chocolate offerings at designated Sweet Spots throughout the Village. Samples are a minimal cost of $1. In addition to Chocolate Fest, there will be a variety of First Friday activities going on in our local businesses, including art gallery openings, live music, artist demonstrations, and special promotions and sales just in time for Valentine's Day. For a full listing of participating businesses, chefs, and activities, please visit Ballston.org.
Chowderfest
The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau presents the 20th Anniversary Chowderfest on Saturday, February 3 at 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. in downtown Saratoga Springs. For more information visit www.discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest.
Annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance
The Saratoga/Wilton Ladies Auxiliary #161, is holding their annual Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, February 10 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 7-9 p.m., and entertainment and dancing from 9 to midnight. This year’s Valentine raffles will again benefit the local Code Blue Shelter initiative. We will have several raffle baskets with different themes and gifts offered; included will be our very popular Lottery Basket. Cocktail hour will feature a specialty drink surprise. Entrée choices are Prime Rib, Pork Loin with stuffing and gravy, or Vegetarian Risotto with eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes and zucchini; all served with salad, potatoes, rolls and vegetable. Buffet style dessert of Strawberry Shortcake will complete the menu. You and your special Valentine will have a great evening with an outstanding band and dinner for the reasonable price of $34 per person. Seating is limited; reservations opened to the public on January 12, 2018. Checks, cash or credit card will be accepted as payment. Ensure a “special evening” and give Penny a call now at 518-587-7597 to make your reservation and payment. Deadline is February 4 for reservations, if we still have seating available. I’m sure this evening will delight you and your “Special Valentine.”
Wanted: Folks 55+ to Enjoy BASC Social Activities
If you're over 55, a long-time or new resident in the area and looking to meet "young" 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 the Town of Milton, Village of Ballston Spa, Town of Ballston and other area municipalities are welcome to join BASC. Programs and activities include festive dinners, dances, Pickin' Sessions, bus trips, pot luck luncheons, crafts, movies, chorus, cards, bingo, billiards, Osteo Busters and Stretch & Fit exercise classes. Over 75 members attend the weekly Thursday pot luck luncheons which are often followed by speakers or other entertainment. Stop in around 11 a.m. any Thursday. Be our guest for your first pot luck lunch and learn more about BASC. Yearly membership fee is $10. Call Barb Broderson, Membership Chair, 518-885-4229 or visit www.ballstonareaseniors.com for additional information and to view our newsletter.
