Calendar

EDITOR’S NOTE: This calendar is being regularly updated to reflect all event cancellations and postponements. However, it is recommended that readers contact event organizers before they attend. For the most updated version of the calendar, please visit saratogian.com. Tuesday, Feb. 9

LIBRARY MEETING: Stillwater Public Library presents its Library Trustees Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 7:00 pm.

All meetings on Zoom. Please contact the library for the Zoom invite (518) 664-6255.

VEGETABLE GROWING:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County will be hosting a Free Vegetable Growing Series via zoom. All classes in the series will be held from 12:15pm-1:15pm. On Feb. 9 , join Master Gardener Charlie for Seed Starting to learn about the basics of starting vegetables from seed. On Feb. 16, join Susan Beebe, Agriculture Issue Leader, for Soils 101 to learn about which types of soils to use when vegetable gardening. On Feb. 23, join Jessica Holmes, Consumer Horticulture, for Container and Raised Bed Gardening to learn about which vegetables grow best in containers and how to start a raised bed garden. Go to the events page on http://ccesaratoga.org/ for more details and choose one or all of the classes you would like to attend. Upon registration, you will receive a zoom link within 24-hours of the class. If you would like more information, please contact Jessica Holmes at jmh452@cornell.edu or 518885-8995.

ONLINE COOKING CLASS:

Need a new way to break bread together in the age of COVID? B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation in Albany will present an online cooking class with Deanna Fox, renowned food journalist and Times Union and WAMC contributor, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 4:30-6 p.m. Join Fox via Zoom as she hosts a cookalong featuring two Persian recipes with Jewish roots that can easily be re-created at home. Log-in using the Zoom link and cook with

Fox in your own kitchen as she guides you in making Gundi, a traditional Persian meatball soup (can be made vegetarian); and Zoulbia, a sweet fried dough spiced with saffron, cardamom and rose water. Participants will be provided a shopping list, a materials list and recipes for the class so those who want to cook-along can obtain the ingredients in advance. The cooking class is open to the public. Cost: $18 per screen. Registration and payment by Feb. 5 required to receive the Zoom link. Visit www.bnaisholomalbany.org or contact the B’nai Sholom office to register or for more information: office@bnaisholom.albany.ny.us or 518-482-5283. HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENT: On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the Sand Lake Historical Society will present the story of Adam Blake, Jr. virtually at the Sand Lake Town Hall in Averill Park. Adam Blake, Jr was the adopted son of a former slave who was in the employ of Stephen Van Rensselaer. Adam Blake, Jr, despite little formal education, went on to become one of most succeful businessmen and entrepreneurs of any race in 1800s Albany. Perhaps best known for his Albany Kenmore Hotel. While Kenmore was being built, Mr Blake managed the newly reopened Hikes Averill Park Hotel in the Tow of Sand Lake! Blake will be portrayed by Donald Hyman, Albany educator and writer who is well-known for his many performances in the Capital District acting community. Due to COVID, the performance will be telecast on Spectrum Cable TV channel 1303 at 7 pm. and live streamed online (available later for playback) via https://townhallstreams. com/towns/sand_lake_ny. We hope to offer seating as the date draws nearer; please call 518 527-9926 for additional information. COVID precautions will be followed. Like us on Facebook or at Sandlakehistory.org.

ONLINE KNITTING & HANDCRAFTING MEET UP: Join our informal online knitting and handcrafting meet up 9:30am - 10:30am on Tuesdays. This online gathering is a perfect opportunity to knit, embroider or do other handwork while chatting companionably with others who are working on their own projects. There will be no instruction, but we welcome the opportunity to show and share our creations. New members welcome. Please register online. This online program uses the Zoom livestreaming platform. It will require access to a computer, mobile device with the Zoom app installed, and/ or a phone for audio-only access. Registration with an email is required in order to receive information on how to connect. The email will be sent three (3) hours prior to the scheduled start time of the program. Please see the Zoom instructions for joining a meeting if you have any questions. More information about this Saratoga Springs Public Library program is available online at www.sspl. org.

GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION CLASS:

The Gifts of Imperfection Class – six Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Engage, experience, and evolve—take your reading from theory to practice in this interactive class that explores Brené Brown’s book, “The Gifts of Imperfection.” Be challenged to cultivate the courage, compassion, and divine connection it takes to embrace your “imperfections’’ and recognize that you are always enough. Suggested donation: $20 per class. Hosted by Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures via Zoom. For more information, visit our meetup.com group Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures, call (518) 366-9918, or visit www. newthoughtnewyork.org. BLOOD DRIVE: An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the Everett Road Blood Donation Center, located at 33 Everett Rd. in Albany. More information is available online at www.redcrossblood.org. Wednesday, Feb. 10 CHICKEN & BISCUITS DINNER: Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge #161 presents a Chicken and Biscuits Dinner for curbside pick up Wednesday, Feb. 10, 4:30-6 pm. Call 518-584-2585 Monday or Tuesday between 10amnoon to place an order. Menu includes Chicken and Biscuits mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll. Dinner for 2 is $25. Cash only.

LIBRARY MEETING: Stillwater Public Library presents its Friends’ of the Library meeting Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 pm. All meetings on Zoom. Please contact the library for the Zoom invite (518) 664-6255. VALENTINE LUNCHEON: The New York Capital District Christian Women’s Connection is sponsoring a “Be My Valentine” luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 at the Guilderland Elks Lodge, 3867 Rte. 146 (Carman Road) in Schenectady, NY 12303 beginning at 11:30am and ending at approximately 1:30pm. CDC and State Covid-19 recommendations will be adhered to along with a limit of 43 reservations (50 but includes Planning Team, Speaker, Feature & Music). Your reservation is necessary no later than Feb. 5 and cancellations a must. Please call Nancy (518) 869-0642 or Carol (518) 869-5253 for reservations. On the menu this month is a Roast Beef w/Mashed Potatoes dinner with an alternative choice of Grilled Chicken Salad. The cost is $17.00 inclusive (cash only please). Our Special Feature this month is Erich Ruger from Sugar Oak Farms, a family-owned maple syrup business located in Malta. They specialize in everything Maple! Our Special Speaker is Peggy Traester from Broadalbin who will speak on “Rx – Prescription for Joy”. Special Music will be Pastor Andrew & Sherri Strickland, Village Missionaries, guitar & singing. All are welcome - bring a friend or your significant other.

INTERFAITH STORY CIRCLE:

Interfaith Story Circle – Stories of Moments of Embarrassment, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, 7:15 – 8:45 pm via Zoom. No one likes being embarrassed, but this occasional feeling is part of the cost of admission to being human. And, sharing a story of your embarrassment may also be the fastest route to making a connection with another person, since embarrassing moments are touchstones of humility for us all. Join us for a down-to-earth evening of laughter and commiseration about those moments we ordinarily might rather forget. Guest teller, Father Scott VanDerveer, spent 20 years discerning what God was calling him to do with his life and had a number of jobs (corporate regional manager, grant writer for a hospice home, school bus driver) followed by a seven-year career in teaching before he was ordained a Catholic Priest in 2013 at the age of 38. Fr. Scott is now the pastor of St. Mary’s in Coxsackie and St. Patrick’s in Ravena and loves using storytelling as a bridge connecting ancient wisdom to modern life. Join us to share your stories related to the theme, or just come to listen. Either way, you will be warmly welcomed. Free and open to the public. For more information or to register and receive a Zoom link to join the virtual circle email ifsc@ withourvoice.org. Zoom links will be sent at noon on Feb. 10. www.WithOurVoice.org/ ifsc.

GOOD NIGHT ZOOM:

Stillwater Public Library presents Good Night Zoom Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. Get ready for bed and then snuggle up and listen to stories by Ms. Carol on Zoom. Registration is required. Visit http://stillwater.sals.edu to register for children’s programs.

BLOOD DRIVE: An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at the Everett Road Blood Donation Center, located at 33 Everett Rd. in Albany. More information is available online at www.redcrossblood.org.

Thursday, Feb. 11 DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE:

Under the direction of Mayor Kelly, the Saratoga Springs Mayor’s Office will host a drive-thru food drive at the Vanderbilt Avenue Recreation Center Feb. 11-13. The food drive will benefit the Franklin Community Center and the Mother Susan Anderson Women & Children’s Emergency Shelter (funded and operated by the Saratoga Springs Soul Saving Station Church). The initiative supports the City’s invaluable community partners in the goal of ensuring that every Saratoga Springs family has access to the food they need. The Mayor’s Office requests that those who wish to contribute items to the food drive arrive at the Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Ave. during one of following drop-off times: 2 – 6 pm on Thursday, Feb. 11; 2 – 6 pm on Friday, Feb. 12; or 9 am – noon on Saturday, Feb. 13. Visitors should enter the Rec Center parking lot from Vanderbilt Ave., and stop in the traffic circle near the back entrance. They may then exit their vehicle (wearing a face mask!), and place their donation in an available cart. A staff member from the Mayor’s Office will then transport the donation inside. The beneficiary organizations have requested donations of the following items: Toilet paper, paper towels, Feminine hygiene products, Laundry detergent (pods), Dish detergent, Shampoo and conditioner, Canned fruits and vegetables, Canned tuna and chicken, Individually wrapped snacks, Pasta, Mac and cheese, Frozen meat, Fresh produce Juice/ juice boxes, Peanut butter and jelly, Body wash, Large sized diapers, condiments, pet food (Wet and dry), Coffee, Oatmeal packets, Rice.

GOOD NIGHT ZOOM: Stillwater Public Library presents STEAM Time - 2nd Thursdays at 6:30pm. What better

way to try something new and exercise those brains! Children in grades 3 and up can register by phone (518664-6255). More information is available online at stillwater.sals.edu.

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP:

Saratoga Clay Arts Center will present a virtual workshop from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11 called Happy Handbuilding, The Sequel: A Deeper Dive with Hayne Bayless. Our first session in October covered the basics: slabs for plates and bowls, extrusions for drinking vessels, as well as decorative techniques like slip stencil printing and latex resist. The new session will explore these ideas further, tackling more complex extrusions such as teapot handles and hinges, and moving on to multiple-color stenciling, and stretched slab decorating. We’ll do a teapot this time, as well as a slab vase and a stacking box. This will be a more in-depth look, but the first session isn’t a prerequisite for the second one. Registration is available online at www.saratogaclayarts.org. BLOOD DRIVE: An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11 at the Everett Road Blood Donation Center, located at 33 Everett Rd. in Albany. More information is available online at www. redcrossblood.org.

Friday, Feb. 12 DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE:

Under the direction of Mayor Kelly, the Saratoga Springs Mayor’s Office will host a drive-thru food drive at the Vanderbilt Avenue Recreation Center Feb. 11-13. The food drive will benefit the Franklin Community Center and the Mother Susan Anderson Women & Children’s Emergency Shelter (funded and operated by the Saratoga Springs Soul Saving Station Church). The initiative supports the City’s invaluable community partners in the goal of ensuring that every Saratoga Springs family has access to the food they need. The Mayor’s Office requests that those who wish to contribute items to the food drive arrive at the Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Ave. during one of following drop-off times: 2 – 6 pm on Thursday, Feb. 11; 2 – 6 pm on Friday, Feb. 12; or 9 am – noon on Saturday, Feb. 13. Visitors should enter the Rec Center parking lot from Vanderbilt Ave., and stop in the traffic circle near the back entrance.

They may then exit their vehicle (wearing a face mask!), and place their donation in an available cart. A staff member from the Mayor’s Office will then transport the donation inside. The beneficiary organizations have requested donations of the following items:

Toilet paper, paper towels, Feminine hygiene products, Laundry detergent (pods), Dish detergent, Shampoo and conditioner, Canned fruits and vegetables, Canned tuna and chicken, Individually wrapped snacks, Pasta, Mac and cheese, Frozen meat, Fresh produce Juice/ juice boxes, Peanut butter and jelly, Body wash, Large sized diapers, condiments, pet food (Wet and dry), Coffee, Oatmeal packets, Rice.

EXPERTS NEXT DOOR:

Saratoga County History Center’s popular “Experts Next Door” series continues in 2021 with a varied line-up, putting Saratoga residents in dialogue with local and national celebrities. Feb. 12, 7pm: “A Virtual Chocolate House.” Paul Supley, proprietor of the

Van Wyckes 18th Century Chocolate Haus, will explore the rich (and delicious!) history of chocolate in the 18th Century. Participants will receive information about how to create their own mouthwatering concoctions prior to the event. Thus, they can sip their creations while enjoying an engaging presentation on the social history of chocolate from the comfort of their own homes. Each event requires pre-registration. Free for SCHC members, $5 for non-members. Registration is available through www. brooksidemuseum.org.

Any questions or inquiries should be directed to Dr. Michael Landis, Public Programs Manager, Saratoga County History Center, at mlandis@brooksidemuseum.org.

FISH FRY FRIDAY: Fish

Fry Friday at the Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club is back from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday through April 10 at 123 Route 32, Victory Mills. We have expanded our clubhouse and invite you to come see our new addition. You are welcome to eat in or call ahead for take out (518-695-3917). Menu for dinners: Fish Fry, Chicken Tenders, Clam Strips, Popcorn Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, Scallops and Chowder.

Ask about our extras and specials and beverages. Everyone is invited, COVID-19 rules will apply.

BLOOD DRIVE: An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12 at the State University of New York Health Sciences Campus, located at 1 University Place, Rensselaer. More information is available online at www.redcrossblood.org.

BLOOD DRIVE: An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12 at the Everett Road Blood Donation Center, located at 33 Everett Rd. in Albany. More information is available online at www.redcrossblood. org.

BLOOD DRIVE: An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb.

12 at the American Red Cross of Eastern New York, located at 33 Everett Rd. in Albany. More information is available online at www. redcrossblood.org.

TGIF FRIDAYS: Stillwater Public Library presents

TGIF Fridays every Friday at 3 pm. This is your change to just hang out and be a kid for a couple of hours. Any teens in 6th grade and up are welcome to join us in our Zoom room for chat and games! Call (518) 6646255 for zoom invite. More information is available online at stillwater.sals.edu.

Saturday, Feb. 13 DRIVE-THRU FOOD

DRIVE: Under the direction of Mayor Kelly, the Saratoga Springs Mayor’s Office will host a drive-thru food drive at the Vanderbilt Avenue Recreation Center Feb. 11-13. The food drive will benefit the Franklin Community Center and the Mother Susan Anderson Women & Children’s Emergency Shelter (funded and operated by the Saratoga Springs Soul Saving Station Church). The initiative supports the City’s invaluable community partners in the goal of ensuring that every Saratoga Springs family has access to the food they need. The Mayor’s Office requests that those who wish to contribute items to the food drive arrive at the Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Ave. during one of following drop-off times: 2 – 6 pm on Thursday,

Feb. 11; 2 – 6 pm on Friday, Feb. 12; or 9 am – noon on Saturday, Feb. 13. Visitors should enter the Rec Center parking lot from Vanderbilt Ave., and stop in the traffic circle near the back entrance. They may then exit their vehicle (wearing a face mask!), and place their donation in an available cart. A staff member from the Mayor’s Office will then transport the donation inside. The beneficiary organizations have requested donations of the following items: Toilet paper, paper towels, Feminine hygiene products, Laundry detergent (pods), Dish detergent, Shampoo and conditioner, Canned fruits and vegetables, Canned tuna and chicken, Individually wrapped snacks, Pasta, Mac and cheese, Frozen meat, Fresh produce Juice/ juice boxes, Peanut butter and jelly, Body wash, Large sized diapers, condiments, pet food (Wet and dry), Coffee, Oatmeal packets, Rice.

WINE & CHOCOLATE COFFEE HOUSE:

Music, humor, poetry and storytelling presented by the Universal Unitarian Church of Saratoga Springs.Featuring Adirondack folk Musician, Dan Berggren; storytellers Christie Keegan and Margaret French. Prose/ poetry readers; Dick Wilkinson, Nedra Stimpfle, Tena Brunnell and Barbara Kass. Peter Marinio is the amazing emcee. Also included is a mini auction of wine and luscious desserts. Online Zoom Date: Valentine’s

Eve - Saturday, Feb. 13 7 to 9 p.m. To purchase tickets: https://uusaratoga.breezechms.com/form/13Feb21. Questions? Contact Bev at 518-587-0403.

POT PIE DINNER: Family Size Chicken Pot Pie Dinner (Feeds family of four) Nineinch homemade flaky crust Loaded with chicken, fresh vegetables, cream, herbs and spices. Also included: Caesar salad, homemade cookies. Take and Go. $20 Cash or MC/Visa. Preorder only. Order deadline Wednesday, Feb. 10. Pick up 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Waterford Knights of Columbus, 76 Grace St., Waterford. To order please call 518-801-2506.

CHICKEN PARMESAN DINNER: Saturday February 13th, 2021 , Chicken Parmesan Dinner. Unfortunately, as with most events this year, the Covid-19 Pandemic has affected the Columbiettes ability to host their Annual Charity Fundraiser which enabled them to support their charitable endeavors throughout the community. The success of the Take Out Dinners has encouraged them to sponsor a Chicken Parmesan Dinner, prepared by Steve and Jude Chiera, on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus Council, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110. Menu; Chicken Parmesan, Penne Pasta, Salad, Bread and Dessert. $15.00 per person. Serving from 4:30pm 6:30pm. For Reservations 518 892 3750 (please indicate pickup time). Masks and social distancing are required. www.lathamcoloniekofc.com/events.

BLOOD DRIVE: An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Everett Road Blood Donation Center, located at 33 Everett Rd. in Albany. More information is available online at www.redcrossblood. org.

Sunday, Feb. 14 SNOWY SLOW ROLL:That’s

right, the popular “Slow Rolls” are back again with the good folks of Bicycle Benefits, Impressions of Saratoga, Palette Cafe, Bikeatoga, Pint

Sized, and The Dark Horse Mercantile for some cozy bike rides. A “Slow Roll” is a leisurely bike ride around Saratoga Springs with a group of bike enthusiasts while remaining socially distant and COVID conscious. You will see parts of Saratoga you may not have in a while and enjoy the company of others you love the outdoors and biking!

The ride will be guided by Bikeatoga looping through quiet and safe neighborhood streets. The pace will be suitable for families too! The winter “Slow Rolls” will last approximately 1 hour. Remember to dress warmly and wear a mask. Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase at Palette before and after the bike ride. Plus, Pint Sized will be offering $1 drafts after the ride for any participants 21 and over who would like to grab a refreshing brew. Anyone who participates will also receive a coupon to Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile! This ride will be a Valentine’s themed ride- don your red, pink, purple and come on out on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. at Palette Café (493 Broadway Downtown Saratoga Springs) for a lovely roll around town. Bundle up and remember your mask! Rides are scheduled for the last Sunday of each month for 2021. Let us know you’re coming and spread the word by “Going” to our Facebook event.

MONTHLY BREAKFAST:

The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club invites all to join us at our monthly breakfast. Newly constructed addition to clubhouse. COVID-19 rules will be in effect on Sunday Feb. 14, 8 to 11 a.m.. Menu: Eggs cooked to order, Bacon, Sausage, Toast (White or Wheat ), Pancakes (Regular, Blueberry, Buckwheat, Apple Cinnamon), French Toast, Home Fries, Orange Juice, Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate. Cost: $8 Adult, $4 Child. Everyone will be welcome to join us. 518-695-3917.

Monday, Feb. 15 BLOOD DRIVE:

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15 at the Ballston Spa Elks, located at 10 Hamilton Place in Ballston Spa. More information is available online at www.redcrossblood.org.