Genealogy & Local History
Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County will meet on Saturday, January 18, at 1 p.m. at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall, corner of Rt. 4 and Rt. 29 in Schuylerville. Program speaker will be Don Rittner, author and historian. Don is writing a book on the daily life of children at the Troy Orphan Asylum. The orphanage, a respite for desperate families, started in 1833 and functioned for well over a century. In 1942, it was renamed Vanderheyden and the focus evolved into supporting and educating young people who are faced with various life challenges. Public is welcome. For information call Ginny at 518-885-9309.
2020 Winter Storytellers Series
The Academy for Lifelong Learning presents the twelfth annual storytellers series every Wednesday through February 26. Join us on Wednesday, January 22 at SUNY Empire State College, located at 2 Union Ave., Room 126, Saratoga Springs, from Noon – 1 p.m. featuring storyteller Dan Berggren with “Songs & Stories of the Adirondacks.” Sponsored by Prestwick Chase at Saratoga. Free and open to the public. Postponed if Saratoga Springs city schools are closed or delayed. For more information, call the Academy at 518-587-2100, ext. 2415. www.esc.edu/all
9th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser
Saratoga Clay Arts Center is pleased to announce its 9th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser, to be held at the Center on Saturday, January 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Osteria Danny will be returning this year to defend their title of “Best Chili” for the 3rd time. In addition, SCAC welcomes local restaurants Sweet Mimi’s, Solevo, Morrissey’s, and Urban Roots to the competition. Guests purchase tickets to enter, choose a handmade bowl, enjoy live music and participate in the chili taste testing. A portion of the proceeds benefit the local cancer non-profit organization To Life. More information is available on our website saratogaclayarts.org.
2020 Cabin Fever Luncheon
The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote. The amendment states that the right of citizens to vote “shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Join Cabin Fever at Saratoga National Golf Club on January 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a celebration and dynamic discussion of the largest expansion of democracy in the history of our country. This year’s event will feature the meaningful turning points and key women shaping the suffrage movement - and what it means for key issues facing women today. Taking the form of a fireside chat, the discussion features four distinguished speakers in a forum moderated by the president of SISC, Tammy Arquette. Cost is $75. For tickets, visit soroptimistsaratoga.org/cabinfeverattend.
Indoor Craft & Garage Sale
On Sunday, January 26, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. the popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club will be held at 1 Elks Lane in Saratoga Springs. Admission is free with over 40 vendors; great parking, bargains galore, and lunch. We offer household items, sports equipment, hand-made items, clothing, jewelry, party vendors, pet supplies, food treats, 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 of each month: except December, May, June, July, and August. Next sale dates are February 23, March 22, and April 26. An 8’ table and chairs are just $15; call Linda at 518-289-5470 for more information or to sign up for a table(s).
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 from February 1 through April 15. To find the location nearest you, go to www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-227-7669 for assistance.
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.
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 and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County. For the month of January, Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd. is hosting 6 artists in the Center Gallery. David Mayack, Mary Mochrie, Neil Sergott, Jean Skanes, Tess Stoklosa and Grace Rogan will be exhibiting in an eclectic mix of artwork. For the months of January and February: Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main St., will host artist Faith Weldon. Catskill-Hudson Bank, 2452 Route 9, Malta is hosting artist William Daisak, and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Library, 2 Lawmar Lane, will host a variety of artists and members of SSAS. For further information about SSAS visit our webite: southernsaratogaartist.com.
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.
