Winterfest at The Inn at Erlowest in Lake George
On Friday and Saturday, January 25-26 and Friday and Saturday February 1-2, The Inn at Erlowest will once again have their Winterfest. The event begins each Friday at 4 p.m. and continues to 10 p.m. with a cash bar, a light fare buffet available for purchase, a s’mores bar, dancing, vendors and demonstrations. The Saturday hours are noon to 10 p.m. Admission is free, but parking is limited. Parking vouchers are $10 per car. Call the Inn in advance at 518-668-5928 to have a voucher sent to you.
Indoor Craft & Garage Sale
On Sunday, January 27, 11-3 p.m. the popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale will again take place at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club off Maple Ave. on Elks Lane. Admission is free with over 40 vendors. Great parking, bargains galore, lunch, books, household items, sports equipment, hand-made items, clothing, jewelry, party vendors, pet supplies, and just about anything you can imagine may be found here. New vendors are signing up every month. Snow or rain, the sales go on and it is a fun activity the entire family enjoys. Come browse, visit, eat, or just get out of the house with a friend. All proceeds go to our local charities. All markets are held the fourth Sunday of each month, except December, May, June, July, and August. Next sales dates are February 24 and March 24. An 8 foot table and chairs are just $15; call Linda at 518-289-5470 for information or to sign up.
Understanding Theatrical Costume Interpretations of Early 1800s Clothing
Discover the challenge and joy of designing costumes for the Capital Repertory production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. The play’s time period, 1813, is a transitional period between the Empire and Romantic eras in costume history where we see such changes as the earlier simplicity of plain, light-colored muslin dresses replaced by vibrant colors and whimsical trims. Alyssa Opishinski, guest artist and lecturer at the Skidmore College Theater and Music Departments in theatrical costume design, history and construction, will use visuals to encompass a short history of the period as relevant to the costume history, as well as a survey of the garments worn by both men and women at the time. The event will be held at the Saratoga Springs Public Library on Sunday, January 27 at 1:30 p.m.
Science on Tap
Sustainable Saratoga, The Environmental Studies and Sciences Program at Skidmore College, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center invite you to join us for the next Science on Tap presentation. We have a new location in 2019, The Parting Glass. Join us for informal talks and discussions led by regional scientists and researchers. Monthly talks will address a diverse array of contemporary scientific research topics and debates. Kristofer Covey, from Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Program and the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, will be our speaker on January 29 at The Parting Glass. Kris will talk about “Three trillion and counting: What mapping global tree density taught us about science and the popular imagination.” Admission is free, all ages welcome. Plan to arrive by 6 p.m. to get settled so the talk can start promptly at 6:30 p.m. www.sustainablesaratoga.org/science-on-tap.
Natural Resource Inventory Workshop
The City of Saratoga Springs Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) invites the public to participate in an evening Natural Resource Inventory Workshop on January 31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Dutcher Community Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs. To help the city create a Natural Resource Inventory (NRI), the OSAC is soliciting your participation and opinions about the future of open space and natural resources in Saratoga Springs. This event is free and open to the public. Come for part or all of the evening’s activities. Residents and businesses as well as individuals from conservation commissions, watershed organizations, land trusts, open space, bike, and trail organizations are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Tina Carton, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
21st Annual Saratoga Chowderfest
Saturday, February 2, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. is Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest, 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. If you’d like to participate in or sponsor Chowderfest, please contact Connie or call 518-584-1531.
Repair Café
Join us Saturday, February 9 from Noon - 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library in the Harry Dutcher Community Room. Sustainable Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs Public Library are hosting another Repair Café: a free community event with the goals of repairing broken objects to extend their life and keeping things out of landfills.We cannot guarantee we can fix everything, but we are pretty sure you will have a good time interacting with your neighbors. Limit of two items. You are welcome to participate in fixing your item; you must remain present during the repairs. If you are handy and would like to be a repair coach, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information, including more details on what types of things we can likely help you fix, visit www.sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/zero-waste/repair-cafe-saratoga-springs. Learn more about the foundation at www.repaircafe.org
Lego® Americana Roadshow
Some of America’s most famous landmarks are temporarily moving to Crossgates – or at least, their LEGO replicas are. The LEGO Americana Roadshow, presented by MVP Health Care, is a free traveling roadshow stopping at Crossgates on February 9-24, marking its first Upstate New York appearance. The all-ages event will be open to the public, taking place throughout the upper and lower level of the mall, with a LEGO Play Area from 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays. Anchoring the festivities are ten large-scale replicas of iconic American buildings, including The White House, U.S. Capitol, The Statue of Liberty, The Liberty Bell and The Lincoln Memorial. LEGO Brickscapes will be placed throughout Crossgates and will feature an intricate level of detail and creativity in these six themed landscapes, such as Mount Rushmore and Duplo Castle. A LEGO Play Area is presented by MVP Health Care, where people of all ages can build whatever their heart desires. A scavenger hunt and activity map, where guests can answer questions while visiting each landmark and receive a free LEGO Americana collective card pack. For more details visit www.shopcrossgates.com.
Valentine’s Day Special
The Saratoga County Office for the Aging is having a Valentine’s Day Special on Thursday, February 14. Menu is as follows: Chicken Parmesan, pasta with sauce, zucchini and yellow squash, garlic roll, cheesecake with cherry topping and milk and coffee. The Senior Meal program is for people age 60 and over. A one-day reservation is required by noon to place a meal order. Lunch is served at noon. No food or drinks can be taken to go. All participants are required to complete an annual registration form and will receive a contribution statement in the mail. Suggested contribution is $2 per meal for those over age 60. There is a $6 fee for guests under 60, payable at the meal site. Senior dining sites are throughout Saratoga County: Ballston Spa-Doubleday Woods Apartments, Clifton Park Senior Community Center, Corinth Senior Center, Galway Town Hall, Greenfield Community Center, Hadley Senior Community Center, Halfmoon Senior Center, Malta Community Center, Mechanicville Senior Center, Moreau Community Center, Saratoga Senior Center, Schuylerville Town Hall, Charlton at Ballston Town Hall, Waterford Senior Center, and Edinburg Community Center. Please call the Home Delivered Meals Program at The Office for the Aging for more information and details at 518-363-4020.
Southern Saratoga Art Society
Artists and members of SSAS will be exhibiting throughout the area for 2019. Visit the various venues, enjoy the work of these local artists and support art in southern Saratoga County. Catskill-Hudson Bank, Malta Branch will host artist Allison Croote through February and the Halfmoon Branch will host Mechanicville artist, Jane Morrison for the same period. NBT Bank of Clifton Park is showing the works of artist William Daisak through February. Mechanicville Public Library, 190 N. Main St. is hosting artist Jean Skanes through February. Local artist Frank Coletta will be exhibiting at The Glen Eddy Senior Living Community, Niskayuna and the Zion Lutheran Church, Nott Terrace, Schenectady, during the month of February. Clifton Park Senior Community Center will host a one-woman show by artist Maria Tsai during February. Burnt Hills Library, 2 Lawmar Lane will host four artists, Jack Morgan, Richard Kitchen, Joan VanAlphen and Mary Fekete until May.
Volunteer for VITA
The Saratoga County EOC is looking for volunteers for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax help to eligible low and moderate income taxpayers, including filing their taxes electronically without fees. VITA is a program of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Last year, Saratoga County EOC helped over 200 families receive nearly $400,000 in state and federal tax refunds. By volunteering, you’ll make a critical difference in the lives of struggling families and local economy. We’ll work around your schedule as well as offer training. Please email our Angelo Calbone, our community services director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit saratogaeoc.org/volunteer-for-vita.
Wanted: Folks 55+
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. 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 our website at www.ballstonareaseniors.com for additional information and to view our newsletter.
The Saratoga Veterans Chorus
Male and female veterans, active, guard and reserve service members are invited to enjoy the camaraderie of a cappella harmony in a relaxed, informal setting. No auditions or public singing required. Instruction by a professional choral director. Free. Every Monday, 7 to 9 p.m., American Legion Post 70, 34 West Ave., Saratoga Springs. Contact Amy Hughes at 518-884-4999 for more information.
Seeking Tax Assistance Volunteers
TaxAide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for the coming tax season. TaxAide volunteers answer questions, prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1 to April 15 at various sites in the Capital District. One day per week, with flexible schedules. No experience required, computer experience is helpful for tax counseling. Volunteers also needed to greet taxpayers, review documents, confirm appointments by phone, or assist with computer hardware/software matters. Training is provided. Volunteers may be reimbursed for a moderate level of necessary travel expenses. For further information, contact www.nytaxaide.org
Lions Bottle Drive
Help the Lions Club continue to serve the needs of the Saratoga Springs community with special emphasis on sight, hearing and diabetes and help the environment by taking part in our year-long bottle drive/fundraiser. Bring all your bottles and cans to the user-friendly Minogue’s Beverage Centers with 4 convenient locations: 16 West Ave. and 624 Maple Ave. in Saratoga Springs, 2421 State Route 9 in Malta and 266 Quaker Rd. in Queensbury and donate your receipt to The Lions Club account at the check-out counter. Do Good, Feel Good! Thanks for your support.
