Saratoga TODAY December 13-19, 2019

LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 13 • Issue 50

• December 13 – December 19, 2019 • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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518- 581-2480

A GANGSTER’S PARADISE FORMER CITY POLICE CHIEF PENS HISTORICAL BOOK ABOUT SARATOGA’S NOTORIOUS GANGSTERS & GAMBLERS

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

Photo: Inside the Grand Union Hotel, courtesy of the Saratoga Springs History Museum.

Honor Roll Announced

Saratoga Springs & Galway SARATOGA SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS Sarah Adelson Lydia Akaka Perras Allen Sean Aminpur Joseph Amodio Elliot Armstrong Tice Arpey John Arthur Lauren Bailey Exavior Baker Christian Barscz Helena Bartlett Madelyn Barzee

Aminah Bashir Emilie Bauer Olivia Biasetti Megan Bissonette Griffin Biviano Daniel Blaisdell Isabella Bokan Alexander Bonacio Kyle Brady Justin Brooking Madeline Buck Aisling Byrne Catherine Cairns

Anthony Cammisa James Capone McKenna Carley Caleb Carpenter Milo Chambers Jackson Cherry Madison Clark Jordyn Clarke Gianna Cognetti Alanah Cohen-Tigor Luke Connolly Sophia Cook Eve Crossett continues on pg. 14

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Former city Police Chief Greg Veitch has published a new book that documents the history of Saratoga gangsters and concludes in the 1950s when 130 years of open illegal gambling in the city came to

an end. The argument could be made that along with other mid20th century events, such as the construction of the Northway and the sweeping project of Urban Renewal, going “legit” in a post-gangster Saratoga Springs contributed to the development of the prosperous city that exists in the present day.

See Story pg. 8

‘Tis the Season B’Spa Holiday Parade ... pg. 10 Dealing with Holiday Stress ... pg. 16 Holiday Food ... pgs. 22-23 Gift Guide ... pgs. 24-27 Religious Services ... pg. 29 Holiday Calendar ... pg. 31

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Neighbors:

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Snippets of Life From Your Community

INTERVIEW & PHOTO BY: Veronica Zabala

Who: Leonard Dilisio

Where: Saratoga Springs History Museum

Q. What do you do?

A. I’m a volunteer here at the History Museum and retired teacher.

Q. Where were you a teacher?

A. At the University of Delaware.

Q. What brought you to the area?

A. Grandchildren.

Q. How long have you lived here?

A. About 12 years.

Q. Do you like the area?

A. Very much.

Q. What brought you to volunteer at the history museum?

A. I wanted to do something for the community so I volunteer here, at the Visitor’s Center, and also at the hospital.

Q. How long have you been volunteering here?

A. About 5 years.

Q. What do you like best about it?

A. Meeting people from all over the world.

It’s very interesting.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

NEWS 3

Flower and Fruit Dinner Dance 2019 Photos SuperSource Media LLC.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Flower and Fruit Mission’s annual Snow Ball was held at Canfield Casino on Dec. 7, 2019. The fundraiser event was sold out, with 225 people in attendance.

Body & Soul provided live music and the Adelphi Hotel catered the dinner. The event raised $65,000 for the William J. Hickey maternity unit in Saratoga Hospital. To see more photos, visit our website at saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com.

President of Flower and Fruit Mission Heather & Brian Straughter.

Committee Members of the Flower and Fruit Mission.

Adirondack Trust CEO Charles Wait dances with Heather Mabee.

Saratoga Hospital CEO Angelo Carbone and his wife Kate.

Marc Goldin, Tina Nigro and Frank and Delores Parillo.

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OBITUARIES

Donald Brackett

Barbara Macica

WILTON — Donald Brackett passed away Monday, November 25. A funeral service was held Sunday, Dec. 1 at Compassionate Funeral Care in Saratoga Springs. Calling hours were held prior to the service.

Interment was held Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Saratoga National Cemetery.

For online condolences visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Barbara Macica passed away on Wednesday, December 4.

A funeral service was held Monday, December 9 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

Calling hours were held prior to the service.

For online condolences visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Honor Your Loved One Contact OBITS@

saratogapublishing.com

or Call 518-581-2480 Death Notice: $25 Standard Obituary: $50 Extended Obituary: $100

BALLSTON SPA — Margaret Osterhoudt, at 96 years of age, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

A funeral service was held Sunday, December 1 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., in Saratoga Springs.

For online condolences visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Francis Richardson

George E. Stevens

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Francis Richardson passed away Saturday, December 7. Funeral service was held Tuesday, December 10 at Compassionate Funeral Care in Saratoga Springs.

Calling hours were held prior to the service.Interment was held on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Saratoga National Cemetery.

For online condolences visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — George E. Stevens passed away Saturday, November 23.

A funeral service was held Sunday, December 8 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Calling hours were held prior to the service.

For online condolences visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Barbara E. Latham

Patrick J. Ryan

Diane L. (Gorham) Barnes

Catherine A. DeMartino

BALLSTON SPA – Diane L. (Gorham) Barnes, 53, of Ballston Spa passed away peacefully after a short illness surrounded by family.

Calling hours were December 8, 2019, funeral service was celebrated December 9, 2019 at Burke Funeral Home. Burial was private. Memorial donations may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter.

Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

GREENFIELD CENTER — Catherine A. DeMartino, 59, died unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019 at Saratoga Hospital.

Calling hours were December 7 at Burke Funeral Home followed by funeral home service and burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Homes

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Margaret Osterhoudt

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Funeral Homes

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­ — Barbara E. Latham, who turned 100 years of age last Easter Sunday, passed away December 8, 2019.

To abide by her specific wishes, there will be no viewing hours, but a graveside service at Greenridge Cemetery will take place in the spring.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Funeral Homes

BALLSTON SPA — Patrick J. Ryan, 76, passed suddenly December 9, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Calling hours were December 12, 2019 at Burke Funeral Home. The Order For A Requiem Eucharist will be 10 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2019 at Bethesda Episcopal Church followed by burial with military honors at GBH National Cemetery.

Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

Funeral Homes

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Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

COURT Claude V. Campbell, 32, of Greenfield Center, pleaded Dec. 5 to attempted criminal possession of a weapon felony, and misdemeanor DWI. Sentencing Feb. 6, 2020.

James A. Lorman, 32, of Watervliet, was sentenced Dec. 6 to 16 years in state prison in connection with the Feb. 24, 2019 charge in Saratoga Springs of criminal sexual act in the first-degree.

Ivan E. Joy, 52, of Moreau, was sentenced Dec. 5 to 1 year in jail, after pleading to felony criminal contempt.

Mark W. Conley, 68, of Clifton Park, was sentenced Dec. 5 to five days in jail and five years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, in Saratoga Springs.

Mona Nordstrom, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Dec. 5 to 9 months jail, after pleading to third degree assault, a misdemeanor.

Kristin N. Monsour-Devino, 33, of Queensbury, pleaded Dec. 4 to DWAI, in Malta.

Sentencing Feb. 13.

Jamie L. Waters, 29, and Angelica B. Prisco, 23, both of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Dec. 10 to charges filed against them, involving the abandonment of animals, and exposure of a child to a failure to provide sustenance to animals, according to Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen. Waters and Prisco maintained a Saratoga Springs apartment where they had numerous small animals – guinea pigs, chinchillas and rabbits among them – and subsequently left the animals in the apartment after relocating. They were both sentenced to three years of probation, restitution for the cost of the animals discovered by police at the abandoned residence, and directed to not own, foster, or care for animals during their respective probationary periods. With the collaborative efforts of the Saratoga Springs Police Department and the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, the animals were subsequently cared for and made available for adoption, Heggen said.

POLICE Morgan Reisinger, 22, of Clifton Park, was charged Dec. 8 in Saratoga Springs with

BLOTTER 5 misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, refusing to take a breath test, moving from lane unsafely, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident that allegedly took place in the early morning hours on Route 9.

Diane Berry, 55, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 8 with criminal mischief.

Ilnur Mason, 28, of Wilton, was charged Dec. 6 in Saratoga Springs with the misdemeanors: act in manner injure child, and criminal contempt; and the felony aggravated family offense.

Andrew Kazanjian, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 3 with assault in the third-degree, and criminal mischief.

Jacqueline Carey, 56, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 29 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor.

Shawn Hurlburt, 35, of Mechanicville, was charged Dec. 5 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, license restriction violation, and speeding.

Clarisa Gentile, 25, of Mayfield, was charged Nov. 30 with misdemeanor DWI, and moving from lane unsafely, after being involved in a property damage accident on Vanderbilt Avenue and Crescent Street in Saratoga Springs.

Robert Brown, 40, of Mechanicville, was charged Dec. 6 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Corey Bressette, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 30 with assault in the third-degree.

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6

NEWS BRIEFS

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

CCE Equine to Host Saratoga’s Annual Horsemen’s Social Locally Owned & Operated PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty | 518-581-2480 x212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell | 518-581-2480 x208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee | 518-581-2480 x201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com ADVERTISING Jim Daley | 518-581-2480 x209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey | 518-581-2480 x204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com Becky Kendall | 518-581-2480 x219 becky@saratogapublishing.com DISTRIBUTION Kim Beatty | 518-581-2480 x205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com Carolina Mitchell | Magazine DESIGN Kacie Cotter-Sacala Newspaper Designer, Website Editor Christian Apicella Advertising Graphic Designer Marisa Scirocco Magazine Designer EDITORIAL Thomas Dimopoulos 518-581-2480 x214 City, Crime, Arts/Entertainment thomas@saratogapublishing.com Veronica Zabala | 518-581-2480 x206 News, Business, Letters to the Editor veronica@saratogapublishing.com Lori Mahan | 518-581-2480 x203 Education, Sports lori@saratogapublishing.com Anne Proulx | 518-581-2480 x252 Obituaries, Proofreader aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

Email DESIGN@ saratogapublishing.com to subscribe to our weekly e-Newsletter!

ADVERTISING? NEXT MAGAZINE DEADLINE: Simply Saratoga Winter Edition: Dec. 20

Local news never looked this good!

Five Case Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: 518-581-2480 Fax: 518-581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Annual Horsemen’s Social will be held on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 from 6:30-9:30 p.m., at The Saratoga Winery. This social network was originated by the CCE Equine Leadership Committee to encourage horse people of all disciplines to gather and discuss the state of the industry, as well as to foster relationships within the equine community.

Participants will enjoy a wonderful BBQ meal and

drink ticket, along with great conversation, guest speakers and a silent auction to benefit the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Training Center. The Training Center supports yearround educational programming, as well as many 4-H Horse Clubs and their events.

CCE Equine is excited for new things to come in the 2020 year.

A Saratoga Horse Development Committee is being established with three core objectives:

1. Identify the needs of the Saratoga County equine community.

2. Assist in developing educational opportunities for the local equine community partnered with CCE Equine 3. Act as advisors/resources for local equine youth organizations such as 4-H. The Horsemen’s Social will be a great opportunity for community members to learn more about what the future holds for CCE Equine. Please call 518-885-8995

Image provided.

to register for the Horsemen’s Social by Feb. 8. Cost of tickets is $35. We hope to see you there!

For more information, contact Brieanna Hughes at bh548@ cornell.edu, 518-885-8995, or visit the CCE Equine Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cceequine/ or website: www.cceequine.com.

Saratoga Automobile Museum Revives Donate a Vehicle Program SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Automobile Museum has announced it is reviving their Donate a Vehicle program to help boost fundraising efforts to support exhibits and educational programming, such as the distracted driving initiative.

Vehicles that can be donated under the program include cars, trucks, SUVs, boats, campers and RVs. Vehicle age does not factor into what can be donated, nor does the roadworthiness condition.

The Museum will review vehicles offered for donation in two

ways: vehicles that will be considered for the Museum’s exhibit collection, based on their connection to our mission and collecting focus, and vehicles that will be sold. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of a donated vehicle will go directly to the Museum, and all vehicle donations are tax deductible for the donor.

The first vehicle donated under the revived program was a 1955 Ford Thunderbird. This vehicle was auctioned off, at no reserve, during the third annual Saratoga Auto Auction in Sept. 2019. All proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle

The first vehicle donated under the revived program. This 1955 Ford Thunderbird was auctioned off during the 3rd annual Saratoga Auto Auction in Sept. 2019. Photo provided. directly benefited the Museum. The Saratoga Auto Auction is the largest fundraiser for the Museum and is held at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

“We are grateful that the local community continues to support the Museum and its mission,” said Carly Connors, executive director.

“Our Donate a Vehicle program is another way for people to help fuel our educational programs by donating vehicles that they no longer need or use.”

For more information or to arrange to donate a vehicle, please visit saratogaautomuseum.org or call 518-401-5183.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

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Saratoga AOH Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Presents Golf Tournament Donations

Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Commodore John Barry Division #1, Saratoga Ancient Order of Hiberians, recently presented donations from their summer golf tournament to Mary's Haven, Saratoga Springs, and E.C.H.O food pantry Rock City Falls.

Pictured are Ed Kelley from AOH with Nancy Pompa (top photo) from Mary's Haven and Tony Zanella (bottom photo) from E.C.H.O food pantry. AOH is a not-for-profit Irish Catholic organization.

buy local IT TAKES YOU TO START THE TREND

STILLWATER — On Saturday, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day, a contingent of submarine veterans, family and friends of the Albany-Saratoga Submarine Base laid wreaths at the Saratoga National Cemetery for their departed members who are on Eternal Patrol. Photo provided by Michael Lynett , U.S. Navy (Ret.).

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NEWS

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

A GANGSTER’S PARADISE Former City Police Chief Pens Historical Book About Saratoga’s Notorious Gangsters & Gamblers continued from front page...

Veitch, whose family has resided in the Spa City for several generations, served in local law enforcement for a quartercentury, rising through the ranks to become Saratoga Springs’ police chief. Tuned in to a calling that insisted there were other things to do in his life, Veitch resigned his position as police chief in May. “Things have been good. I don’t miss it as much as I thought I would, but I felt called to go into the profession and I felt called to leave, so maybe that has made it easier,” he said, during a sit-down interview this week. “I don’t necessarily know what the future holds for me, but I was prepared to leave. In my life, I try to follow what I believe I’m hearing from above.”

One of the things he has worked on is continuing to historically document notorious gangster connections with the village and the city of Saratoga Springs during a period that spanned more than a century.

His previously published debut book, “All the Law in the

World Won’t Stop Them,” retells the history of the gamblers and gangsters of Saratoga from the early years as a village up through 1930. The new edition, published

by Shires Press, continues the history of Saratoga gamblers and gangsters with tales of bootlegging and liquor raids, gangland shootouts, political payoffs and police corruption.

The new book, “A Gangster’s Paradise: Saratoga Springs from Prohibition to Kefauver,” tells the story from the Prohibition Era t o the Kefauver Committee hearings in the 1950s. In May 1950, the Senate established a five-member Special Committee to Investigate Organized

put an end to the open gambling in Saratoga, to tell the story from beginning to end,” Veitch said.

“How did the book thing get started? When I was a little kid, 4 or 5 years old, The Veitch family had a reunion when we were selling the Old Bryan Inn. I can remember the older guys – my uncles and my father, telling me this story about my great-grandfather Sid and a mafia shooting, or a gangland shooting,” Veitch said. “It was about this guy who got shot and dumped at the hospital. When the police came and interviewed Sid about it, he said, ‘Look I was sitting in the front seat of the car. They shot the guy in the back seat of the car, so I didn’t see ‘nothing, I can’t help you.’

“When the police came and interviewed Sid about it, he said, ‘I was sitting in the front seat of the car. They shot the guy in the back seat of the car, so I didn’t see ‘nothing...’ ” Crime in Interstate Commerce.

Tennessee senator Estes Kefauver was selected as its chairman.

“My intent was always to write the story from the beginning of the village through the early ‘50s when the Kefauver investigation

“Now great grandpa Sid was kind of a rough-and-tumble guy, so the story’s believable. For years the only thing I knew about him was that story, and nothing else,” Veitch said. “So, I go away to college, I come back; I become a policeman and I get promoted to be a detective lieutenant and a detective calls me up out of the blue one day and says: hey, can you go check on a case from the 1980s?”

While searching through the archives he discovered some information about the case he had heard about as a child. “The murder of Adam Parillo 1936.

It was one sheet. My greatgrandfather is not mentioned at all. He’s not part of the story in any way. And (Parillo) probably wasn’t even shot in the car. My great-grandfather probably just told people that to make himself look tough,” Veitch said.

Nonetheless, he pulled together some newspaper clippings regarding the Parillo case for a presentation at the Saratoga Springs History Museum.

“It was about the most famous unsolved murder in Saratoga Springs history. When I was done talking, a guy walked up front and said to me, ‘You should write a book.’ Before that, I hadn’t even thought anything about it, but I did know there were other fascinating stories about Saratoga, so I started piecing these stories together,” Veitch said.

During his course of research – which was conducted strictly through historical resources like newspapers and not police files – it dawned on him that what he had was a 130-year story of open gambling and corruption. “Stories about what was going on: fixed horse races, bootleggers shooting at each other on Circular Street, just fascinating. I had so much stuff, I thought, you know, maybe I should write a book; get it down

and even if nobody ever reads it, at least there will be a place in the library where somebody can go and look at it,” Veitch said.

“I love telling stories, I love talking to people from Saratoga.

I like people stopping me on the street and saying, ‘Hey, my family did this during that time.’ I think I can write a couple of more books (in the future), but it won’t be about this.”

The new book features chapters with titles like “A Spasm of Violence,” “Trouble at The Track,” and “Prohibition at The Spa.” It includes historic photos and research notes.

“A Gangster’s Paradise” sells for $25. It is available at Northshire Bookstore, on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

For more information, go to: gangstersofsaratoga.com.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

NEWS 9

Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild Gifts $210,000 for Vital Healthcare Needs SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild presented the Saratoga Hospital Foundation with four checks totaling $210,000 at the Guild’s annual dinner on Thursday, Nov. 14. Three of the gifts were installments toward the Guild’s $900,000 pledge to support costs associated with vital healthcare services and supplies, which are already providing patient benefits at Saratoga Hospital and Saratoga Community Health Center.

The fourth gift was donated to

help cancer patients in need of financial assistance.

“We are immensely grateful for the Volunteer Guild’s generosity,” said Meredith Woolford, executive director of Saratoga Hospital Foundation.

Since its founding in 1948, the Guild has donated over $5 million to hospital projects and programs.

The Guild’s more than 250 active volunteers routinely contribute over 60,000 hours of services each year at Saratoga Hospital’s main campus and off-sites, including

Treasures Consignment Boutique and Thrift Shop, as well as the Saratoga Hospital Gift Shoppe.

Part of the donation helped bring “smart” intravenous (IV) pumps to all Saratoga Hospital facilities last year. IV pumps have long been used to deliver lifesaving fluids, such as insulin, and chemotherapy. New “smart” IV pumps are designed to ensure that patients receive the right medication at the right dose at the right time.

The result is enhanced safety and better outcomes.

Angelo Calbone, president and CEO of Saratoga Hospital, Meredith Woolford and Terry White hold up one of the four checks the Guild recently donated for vital healthcare services and supplies. Photo provided.

10

NEWS

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

2019 BALLSTON SPA

Holiday Parade and

Tree Lighting

Residents of Whoville enjoying the festivities.

Photos SuperSource Media LLC. BALLSTON SPA ­— The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association hosted its annual Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6.

The parade included fire trucks, floats, animals and performances from the Union Fire Company band members and Ballston Spa High School students. Santa also made an appearance and visited with kids. The parade highlighted the Toys for Tots campaign, in partnership with the Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corps, Saratoga County Sheriff Department and U.S. Marine Corps.

Ryah Dipaola, Lily Mastrella, Kinley Dipaola, Harper Dipaola are all smiles while watching the parade.

12

BUSINESS

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Software Company Expanding in 2020

by Veronica Zabala Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Canadian software company is expanding its Saratoga office in the coming year. Opin Software, founded in Ottawa in 2011, opened its first U.S. office in Saratoga Springs last year.

Opin Software is a digital agency specializing in web.

The company uses an open source content management system called Drupel to build websites and web applications for both private and public sector organizations. “The open source mentality is really a core part of our identity as an organization,” said Chris Liko, a Marketing Manager in the Ottawa office. “It [open source system] enables us to provide better projects to our clients because they don’t have

to waste money on licensing fees because Drupal is free software.”

When choosing the location for their first satellite office, Opin Software officials visited a few different Capital Region locations that they felt were similar to the city of Ottawa. “We

“We wanted to find a location that best represented who we are as a business...As soon as he stepped foot in the office in Saratoga, he said right away, ‘This is the place.’” wanted to find a location that best represented who we are as a business,” said Liko. “The CEO [Christopher Smith] had been visiting different office spaces in areas like Troy, Malta and Albany.

As soon as he stepped foot in the office in Saratoga, he said right away, ‘This is the place.’”

Opin Software’s current location on Regent St., Saratoga Springs.

Photos provided by Chris Liko.

One of the new hires brought on to the Saratoga office was Nicholas Longo, a Senior Account Executive. “I love the Saratoga office,” said Longo. “What really sold it for me was the culture and the city of Saratoga. The culture of the company really aligned with me.”

The company is hoping to add 5-7 new jobs in the coming year. “We operate in pods: people like project managers, designers and salespeople,” said Liko. “We’d like to organically create a new pod in that office.” Many of the current employees in the Saratoga office are from the Capital Region, and the company is recruiting at local colleges and job fairs for the new positions.

The bulk of Opin’s U.S. clients are in the Upstate region, meaning that an expansion will provide more web help and resources for local businesses. For more information on Opin Software, visit their website at opin.ca.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

BUSINESS BRIEFS 13

Local Healthcare Staffing CLA Site Announces New Senior Architect SARATOGA SPRINGS — federal, state, and local municipal Company Launches New CLA Site Landscape Architecture, projects and his technical & Planning, P.C. is experience on a variety of site Nurse Leadership Division Engineering pleased to announce the addition related projects and national SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stat Staff Professionals, Inc. has expanded its healthcare staffing to include interim nurse leaders.

The new division, which started mid-November, aims to bring nurses with years of leadership experience and expert knowledge to hospitals in critical need.

“Traveling around the country and talking with members of the healthcare field, I kept hearing of a need for nurses in leadership positions,” said Stat Staff Professionals CEO and Owner David Theobald MS, RN, CSP when asked about his decision to add the division. “It’s projected that one million RNs will retire by 2030 on top of the shortages we’re already facing. As a company, we are committed to helping to alleviate the shortages in the healthcare and healthcare education fields, and we can’t do that if we don’t address all the challenges that we can.”

Theobald and the team at Stat Staff Professionals worked with veteran nurse leader and interim CNO, Marie Martin, BSN, MS, RN, to ensure the new division will meet the expectations of nurse leaders as well as the hospitals.

“The interim nurse leader serves as a management consultant, bringing a valuable

sense of order and unity to healthcare organizations in changing times,” said Martin, explaining the importance and what it means to be a nurse leader.

“They add immediate, measurable value through years of experience and the many roles they have served. They are prepared to focus on and implement the values and mission of the organization.”

Theobald aims to address this new challenge with the same caring philosophy that he brings to the rest of the organization.

“Early on, we adopted Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, which emphasizes caring in the healthcare field, and Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert, which encourages nurses to make education a lifelong practice,” Theobald said. “Our focus is finding nurses who embody these philosophies so we can bring high quality expert leaders to at-need hospitals.”

Stat Staff Professionals, Inc. is a nurse-owned and nurseoperated professional staffing organization specializing in staffing registered nurses and allied health professionals. Stat Staff believes that highly qualified, compassionate caregivers are the key to the future of healthcare.

Find out more at: www.statstaffpro.com.

of Norman C. Ward, RLA, ASLA as Senior Landscape Architect.

Ward has over 15 years of experience as a landscape architect designing, managing and executing projects with construction values ranging from $10,000 to $32 million. He has a strong background leading multi-disciplinary teams through

master plans is a great asset to our highly technical and creatively talented team at CLA Site.

Ward is a member of ASLA and licensed in Arizona, Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, New York and Vermont. He holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University.

Norman C. Ward, RLA, ASLA. Photo provided.

Saratoga Partnership to Create Economic Development Plan for Ballston Spa SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, a Saratoga Countybased economic development organization, announced it has begun working with government, business and community leaders in Ballston Spa to develop a customized economic development plan that will help guide future growth in the village.

The effort is part of the Saratoga Partnership’s rapidly expanding Next Wave Communities initiative, through which the agency is creating tailored economic development plans that harness the individual strengths and assets of a municipality, address current needs and challenges, and create a roadmap to pursue

new opportunities. The Saratoga Partnership is currently leading similar efforts in the towns of Moreau, Galway and Malta.

The initial step in the process, now underway, is the launch of a survey designed to assess the community’s vision for Ballston Spa, identify both the advantages and obstacles to success, and seek ways to foster collaboration in crafting the plan. Residents, business owners, elected officials and other stakeholders are encouraged to complete the survey, which is available online at www. surveymonkey.com/r/XRZF9FL. The Saratoga Partnership will lead a series of activities to facilitate development of a comprehensive economic development plan,

including interviews with key government, business and community stakeholders; meetings with village officials to identify and map key strategic assets; and the convening of a workshop to develop a thorough SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis specific to Ballston Spa, which will include the presentation of three-, five- and 10-year economic development scenarios.

Following the conclusion of the process, the Saratoga Partnership will provide a written economic development plan that outlines and supports a collective vision for the village. Implementation of the plan will be conducted jointly by the Saratoga Partnership and the Village of Ballston Spa.

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EDUCATION

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

High School Honor Roll continued from front page...

Amalia CulpepperWehr Kathryn Cuneo Alex Czajkowski Joshua Czech Joshua D’Addio Aidan Dagostino Matthew Dahlen Nicholas Dahlen Joanna Dalton Mia D’Andrea Julianne Dardis Rian Davis Ryan Delaney Sydney DeLeonardis Anna Dennett James Dennis Dylan DeSimone Alexander Deutsch Emily DeVries Ethan Dietz David Diloreto Skylar Dinsmore Skyler Dorr Michael Drabkin Stephanie Duscher Robert Dybala Matthew Dys Liam Epstein Patrick Erway Adysen Farrell Adelle Feeley Kyra Fiber Sofia Figliomeni

SARATOGA SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS Braden Flanders Noah Flanders Kylie Folts Ashton Fox Corwin Freedman Peter Frolish Phillip Frolish Nicholas Gebo Ronan Gecewicz Danielle Geils Hudson Geistfeld Ryan Genter Zachary Gerhardt Sydney German Abigail Getz Eliza Gifford Foster Goff Orion Goodemote Avinash Goss Payton Graham Camilla Greene Mark Gregory Quentin Grieco Eric Griskowitz James Groseclose Abigail Guyon Devon Harrison Edward Hart Demi Hartz Ellie Hassey Marley Hawthorne McLaren Heck Lauren Hegener

Elizabeth Herman William Hill Matthew Hogan Jr Griffin Hogben Harrison Hogben Trinity Hogben Aidan Holmes Madison Hudson Taylor Hudson David Hunter Allison Hurt Issabella Hussey Samuel Jacob Natalie Jillson Aniyah Jones-Dowling Brendan Joyce Saskia Kamerling Clare Kelly Emma Kelly Sean Kempf Hannah Kern Avery Ketcham Evan Klotz Christian Kondo Ethan Kopraski Elliot Kramer Amanda Lamonda Anna Lansford Josef Laurer Jade Leal Cameron Lebed Rachel Lee Sophie Leidig

Michael L’Hommedieu Ayden Lipscomb Robyn Lloyd Jennifer Lowe Heidi Mackrodt Meaghan MacLellan Karleigh MacMillan Maia Mahar Kate Manor Nicholas Marron Phoenix Martens Joseph Martuscello Zachary Marx Renee Maslak Michael Masten Natasha Mather Mya Mc Farland Kelly McCormick Elizabeth McGinn Matthew McGourty Julia McGowan Katherine Mebert Jacob Meehan Karl Meidenbauer Kurt Meidenbauer Christian Mercado Jordan Mesquita Aidan Millens Morgan Millington Diego Montes Caroline Moran Saajid Muharis McKenna Mulholland

Sam Munro Joseph Murphy Shane Murphy Johanna Nally Casey Navin Sutton Nichols Jared Nightingale Kathleen O’Brien Makaela Oehler Connor Ogden Catherine O’Hara Robert Ott Ella Ouimet Melvin Palma Bronwyn Palmieri Greydon Parker Thomas Parrish Michael Pazderski Emily Pecora Charlotte Perella Regan Perella Megan Phelps Riley Phillips Natalie Piro-Felder Casey Powers Troy Prehn Caleb Quackenbush Leah Radovic Ryan Ragaini Alexa Rahman Joshua Ralston Caroline Reals Luca Reeder

Hannah Reese Samuel Resue Aidan Reynolds Spencer Ripchik Tessa Rivenburg Alexa Roberts Kristen Rodecker Abigail Rodriguez Olivia Rose Molly Ruff Vincent Sablich Yotham Sage Isabel Sartin Rebeka Sawka Victoria Sawka Margaret Scala Evan Schmid Sydney Schumaker Luke Shapiro Samantha Shapiro Elizabeth Siebeneck Luke Siewert Sarah Signor Lauren Skrandel Molly Smack Faith Smith Autumn Soukup Arleigh Soule Chloe Sova Jillian Sparano Mia Staley Cameron Steuer Jade Straus

Sophia Sulkin Caroline Susko Melissa Swiers Shaun Taber Kendra Teator Daniil Teteryatnik Shay Tracy Grant Travis John Trimmings Clayton Trumbull Grace Usack Anthony Valastro Olivia Vavasour Mark Verra Jackson Vick Skye Vilca Caleigh Wagner Aidan Waite Eloise Walsh Zeph Watkins Caleb Weber Olivia Weeden Chelsey Wertans Emily Whalen Lily White Kristia Wiegand Shaun Wiggins Emma Wrobel Tyler Zieker Samuel Zimmerman Wendy Zimmerman Arlo Zwicker Olivia Zwickle

GALWAY HIGH SCHOOL HONOR ROLL GRADE 9 Alaina Aschmutat, Kira Bishop, Brian Brink Jr., Matthew Colabello, Raelynn Cullen, Grace DeNisio, Brandon Garney, Connor Johnson, Zachary Kenyon, Sydney Mariani, Jillian Neahr, Spencer Newsom, Gavin O’Neil, Molly Oravsky, Jeremiah Paro, Kaelin Pitman, Tyler Sowle, Zane St. Louis, Eric Zelezniak

GRADE 10 Brian Alden, Karley Barkley, Seth Colflesh, Kylee Decker, Shanley DeRidder, Avery Gilman, Dylan Moules, Dalton Sargent, Caden Sherman, Myels P Shippey, Samantha (Sam) Webb-Horvath

GRADE 11 Arianna Allen, Lexie Bessette, Trevor Carnevali, Noah Flint, Joseph Hahn, Antonio Hart, Benjamin Jordan, Sean Morse, Anthony Powers, Brendan Shader, Matthew Smith, Milan Venditti, Michael Zelezniak

GRADE 12 Skyler Armer, Russell Cook, Kenneth DeRidder, Kenneth Hay, Nicholas Keller, Courtney Koehler, Kimberly Martin, Michelle McCray, Sierra Morris, Jaquline Pilczuk, Hayli Raylinsky, Carson Scribner, Garrett Shippey, Jake Sicard

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Children's Programs at Saratoga Arts are Back!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arts is again offering art programs for kids during school breaks. There will be varying programs for ages five through 14.

Imagination Rules for five to seven-year-old children, and

Camp Creativity for eight to 14-year olds.

Both programs will run December 26-27 and January 2-3.

To learn more or register, visit www.saratoga-arts.org/education/ school-break-summer-camp.

Ballston Spa Students Present Annual Winter Concerts

EDUCATION 15

Essay Contest for Capital Region High School Students SARATOGA SPRINGS/ ALBANY — Capital Region high school students are eligible to enter “How Our Veterans Protect Our Constitution and Why” essay contest, which is being sponsored

by Capital Region Patriot Flight.

Patriot Flight is a hub of the National Honor Flight Network that provides World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District Music Department is presenting several winter concerts during the upcoming weeks. The concerts are free, and members of the community are welcome at all venues.

The final High School Winter Concert features the High School Choirs and Jazz Bands and will be held on Thursday, Dec. 19. All performances begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium at 220 Ballston Ave..

The Middle School Winter Concerts conclude with the 6th Grade Band, Chorus and Orchestra performing on Monday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.

The Gordon Creek Elementary School will host their annual Winter Concert featuring the Orchestra, Band and Chorus in the Gymatorium, 50 Wood Rd., on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.

The Wood Road Elementary School will host a Winter Concert featuring the Orchestra, Band and Chorus on Jan. 9, 2020 at 7 p.m. in the school’s Cafetorium, 300 Wood Rd. The students from Malta Avenue Elementary School will present a Winter Concert on Jan. 14, 2020 at 7 p.m. in the Malta Avenue Auditorium at 70 Malta Ave.

Deadline to submit an application and a 300 to 500-word essay is Jan. 30, 2020. Applications are available at schools or can be downloaded at www.patriotflight. org or contact Lois Wilson at lwilson315@nycap.rr.com or call 518-732-2793.

Winners will be announced on March 20, 2020 at the Gateway Diner in Albany.

Saratoga County 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl Looking for Youth Interested in Everything Horse BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County 4-H offers a wide variety of unique opportunities for local youth. One such offering is the Horse Quiz Bowl, a distinctive program specific to 4-H members across the country. This fun and interactive activity provides kids from ages 8-18 the opportunity to compete in a “Jeopardy” style forum on equine topics ranging from tack and equipment to health and nutrition.

The Quiz Bowl teams are

Milton Terrace Melodies Choir. Photo provided.

Cold War veterans with a free one-day excursion to visit war monuments and other historic sites in Washington, D.C. Patriot Flight participants fly to and from the Albany International Airport.

The writers of the two best essays will win a one-day allexpense paid trip to visit memorials and historic sites along with the veterans in Washington, D.C.

created of four people each, and may participate in one of three levels; novice, junior and senior. Team practices began on Dec. 10 and are scheduled for every Tuesday. Participants are welcome to join any time of the year and will begin preparing for competitions on the regional, state and national levels.

The program is exclusively for 4-H members; HOWEVER, Saratoga County 4-H is always accepting new members and

registration is only $5. Horse Quiz Bowl practices will be held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. No horse experience necessary, just a willingness to learn and meet new people and enjoy yourself. Sign up any time to join a practice.

For more information about Horse Quiz Bowl, contact Brieanna Hughes. To register for Saratoga County 4-H contact Leland Butting at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County at 518-885-8995.

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by Meghan Lemery Fritz, LCSW-R

for Saratoga TODAY

HERE WE GO AGAIN! The holiday season has come upon us and stores have been reminding us since October how many days we have until Christmas. While this season can be a joyful one with family and friends, it is often a time full of anxiety, stress and self-abandonment for many.

During the holidays we fall into the trap of abuse amnesia.

We make up narratives in our mind that we can spend time with difficult family members because it’s the holidays and this is what

Families

all families do. We need to forgive and move forward and participate in a Hallmark movie script full of redemption and love.

The problem with this false narrative is that when we selfabandon to make room for unhealthy people because it’s “the holidays” we end up with a massive hangover of guilt, shame, depression, anxiety and anger.

The abuse amnesia has once again fooled us into believing all is well at the holidays because people will magically behave better than they normally do.

While I would love for this magic holiday dust to fall upon dysfunctional family dynamics the truth is people are who they are and expecting better behavior because it’s the holidays is engaging in abuse amnesia.

A wonderful quote I am reminded of often is by Dr. Maya Angelou: “When someone shows you who they are believe them the first time” Notice it doesn’t say, “When someone shows you who they are believe them but then expect a better person during the family Christmas party.”

True adulting means that we begin to see dysfunctional unhealthy family members for

TODAY

who they are. We don’t minimize, make excuses for or show up because we feel guilty. We face the reality that this is a toxic person and we make our holiday plans based on protecting our minds, hearts, spirits and overall physical health.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for what you choose to do during the holiday season.

You don’t have to make yourself feel awful to make others feel good. The best gift you can give yourself this Christmas is to take care of yourself and refuse

to engage in the abuse amnesia that loves to whisper in our ears that things will be better. Stop being disappointed in others for not being who you want them to be and radically accept they are who they are.

This acceptance will empower you to make decisions that work for you, versus making decisions based on pleasing difficult people.

This Holiday season give yourself the gift of love and protection instead of selfabandonment and abuse amnesia.

YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. To download your free audio class on protecting yourself from toxic family members this holiday season visit changeyourstoryllc.com.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Families

TODAY

CARING FOR

sick babies “MOTHERING BOYS”

by Katherine Morna Towne for Saratoga TODAY The baby was sick the weekend of the big snowstorm.

He had a little runny nose and the beginnings of a cough on that Saturday morning, but he was cheerful enough and some of the big boys had just gotten over a cold, so I wasn’t too worried.

That night he was up frequently with a deep cough and a nose so stuffy that the pacifier was difficult for him. He and I spent the second half of the night in an armchair, where I could prop him up a little while he slept (or didn’t sleep, both of us); propping him up seemed like it would help him breathe better. Sunday was more of the same, but worse— he was totally miserable, and felt like a furnace. I must have taken his temperature twenty times that day, so sure was I that he was well over 100. (Fortunately, despite how hot he was, his temps stayed in the 99.3-99.8 range.) We spent most of Sunday in that same armchair while he slept frequently but for only a few minutes at a time before his cough would wake him up and start him crying again. He hated when I gave him Tylenol and he hated when he sneezed all over himself and I had to clean him up.

When the kids are sick like this, I live in fear that the next hour will see a turn for

the worse. Some parents are comfortable handling even very bad sicknesses on their own, with no help from the doctor; I am not that parent. I have no qualms about calling the pediatrician’s office and talking to the triage nurse about any symptoms the kids are experiencing, and I do so frequently. I’m a huge fan of walk-in hours, and often decide during a rough night to bring the sick little one to the doctor first thing the next morning, “just in case.” I think my biggest fear is misjudging how bad a sickness is or how quickly it’s progressing— I’m afraid of waiting too long to seek help. As a result, I dread weekends when I have a child who is getting sick toward the end of the week; I’ll certainly call the on-call pediatrician and/or bring the child to Urgent Care if needed, but there’s nothing as reassuring as seeing our actual pediatrician in person.

So when the baby was so sick on that Sunday—and not only a Sunday, but a day so snowy that everyone was being encouraged to stay home and not go out in the deepening drifts—I tried not to panic. I reminded myself that I could bring him to the doctor first thing in the morning if need be. We had enough Tylenol.

Though he didn’t want to eat, he was happy to have juice, so I made sure he had plenty, whenever he wanted it. We rocked and he slept and woke and slept and woke and cried and coughed and I tried not to think of Diana Barry’s little sister in Anne of Green Gables, who had something that looked and sounded very much like what my own baby was enduring and nearly died because the snow prevented the doctor from getting to her sooner. (A mother’s mind is full of nightmares.)

But then, that night was maybe a little better, and he was a bit more cheerful in the morning,

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and school was cancelled and my husband’s office closed and the governor declared a state of emergency, so I thought it would be fine to wait another day to bring him to the doctor. Of course, as the morning went on, I started to worry again. He wasn’t as warm as he’d been the day before, but the coughing was worse, and he even threw up once because of it. He also started poking at his ears. By lunchtime I thought the roads didn’t look terrible and the storm seemed to be letting up, so I called the doctor’s office to see if I could get a same-day sick appointment—only to be told they had just closed because of the state of emergency.

What would Ma Ingalls do?

I wondered, as I rocked with my crying, coughing baby in the chair that afternoon. I bundled him up and took him for a walk in the stroller, thinking the cold air might be refreshing for him.

I gave him a bath, thinking the warm air might loosen his lungs. I gave him juice and more Tylenol.

But mostly my husband and I just took turns holding him. We were all so sad.

It wasn’t until a couple of days later that I thought to look up what to do for sick babies, so that the next time I couldn’t get to the doctor when I wanted to, I’d feel more confident about what to do. I found an article by WebMD called “Soothing Your Sick Child,” and its recommendations included: Plenty of liquids, plenty of rest, warm bath, elevate head, TLC (including holding, singing, and taking baby on a walk). Hey! I did all those things! And I was reminded of a few other things for the future (I can’t believe I forgot about the humidifier). I cannot even tell you how reassured I was to read that article.

My default will always be to run to the doctor any time I’m worried about my kids, and

I’m so grateful that we’re able to do so. But I’m pretty happy to know that whatever instincts or gut reactions I have as a mom aren’t that far off (at least in this case, and please remember that none of what I said here should be taken as medical advice. Ask your doctor!). (In case you’re worried, I did bring my little guy to the doctor on Tuesday, where

he was diagnosed with RSV/ bronchiolitis. We continued to rest/snuggle/juice and added in the nebulizer every few hours.

He’s doing much better!)

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 15, 13, 11, 9, 7, 5, and 1. Follow her at www.facebook. com/kmtowne23, or email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

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Families

TODAY

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR 5 WILLIAMS STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518-584-1621 FUN FRIDAYS ARE BACK! Friday Activities sponsored by Saratoga Life.

Serving Soup 12:30 - 1 p.m. | $2 per cup.

Friday, December 13 • Holiday Memory Cafe | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

A Memory Cafe is a social gathering of individuals living with changes in their thinking or memory and their caregivers, family, and friends. It is a place to relax, have fun, and meet others. We will enjoy refreshments, listen to classic holiday songs, and decorate cookies.

• “A Gangster’s Paradise: Saratoga Springs from Prohibition to Kefauver | 1 p.m.

Join author and former Saratoga Springs Police Chief Greg Veitch as he discusses, reads from, and signs his new book “Gangster’s Paradise.”

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES AT THE CENTER

Friday, December 20

• Holiday Breakfast Brunch 9:30-11 a.m. | $3 members. Please sign up.

• State of the Center: Member Meeting | 10-11 a.m.

• Sing-Along with Garland Nelson & Friends | 11 a.m.

ALZHEIMER’S AT THE CENTER • A local representative from the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York will be at the Saratoga Senior Center on Fridays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., to meet with individuals and families who need information, referral and support services. Please schedule an appointment with Katie Keary at 518-8674999, ext. 1680 or KgKeary@alz.org.

• “Memories in the Making” is a unique fine arts program for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias that offers a creative and non-verbal way of communicating and capturing precious moments through art.

NEW CLASS! “BEING WELL”

Mondays 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $2 Facilitated by Amejo Amyot, PH.D Being Well focusing on getting and staying healthy It will be a spirit, body, mind support group to bring hope to us as we age. Amejo will use guided meditation to raise spiritual wellness energy. And also address looking at letting “food be thy medicine” as well as other lifestyle issues of exercise, stress, sleep, gratitude, and hope.

FOOD PROGRAMS “GRAB & GO” MEALS ARE BACK! NEW REDUCED PRICING!

Every day at the Senior Center. See front desk for details.

Thank you to the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club for our new glass front refrigerator. Choose from assorted sandwiches, soups, side salads and more right from the front desk. Perfect for lunch or dinner!

HOLIDAY SEASON DINNERS MADE EASY “TAKE 5” TUESDAY TO-GO DINNERS

Meals By 5 Points Deli, Sponsored by Aubrey Guri Team $9.50/dinner. Pick up is 4-5:30 p.m. at the Center. Call 518-584-1621 by noon to place your order.

December 17: Shepherd’s Pie

VAN TRIPS HILDENE AT CHRISTMAS AND THE VERMONT COUNTRY STORE

Tuesday, December 17 Guided tour of the historic home of Robert Lincoln.

In 1912, the Lincoln Family spent Christmas Eve here, so when the estate hosts its holiday festivities, it is to evoke that evening. The sounds of Christmas resonate

throughout the home from the family’s Aeolian player organ and the windows are candlelit. After the tour, head to The Vermont Country Store for shopping and lunch.

Pay $33.50 at sign up. Please bring additional money for lunch and shopping. Leave the Center at 8:30am.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE PARK

Wednesday, December 18 The 23rd Annual Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park is an all-new, drive-through spectacular with more than 125 displays and scenes in Albany’s Washington Park. Pay $15 at sign up. Please bring additional money for snacks and shopping. Leave the Center at 5:15 p.m.

ALL ABOUT THE “SCHUYLER WOMEN”

Thursday, December 19 Start with a guided tour of the Schuyler Mansion, the elegant home of General Philip Schuyler, focusing on the Schulyer Women. The next stop is Albany Institute of History & Art for a gallery talk about the “Schuyler Sisters.” As the wife of Alexander Hamilton, Eliza had a front-row seat to events that shaped this country in the years immediately following the Revolution. There is no time for lunch between tours. Please eat breakfast and bring a snack/water. Have a late lunch at Albany Pump Station. Pay $34 at sign up, bring lunch money. Leave the Center at 10:15 a.m.

EXCURSIONS DISCOVER SPECTACULAR SOUTH AFRICA CULTURE & NATURE IN HARMONY

March 19 -31, 2020 • $5,199 Double South Africa’s cosmopolitan cities, posh resorts, expansive desert, magnificent wildlife and fertile wine country combine with a harmonious mix of many cultures to create a beautiful mosaic to discover on this fascinating tour.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Families

19

TODAY

Make Your Healthcare Wishes Known How to Ensure the Care You Get Aligns With the Care You Want due to moving, sickness, disability, new phone service, or death, it is advisable to update your Health Care Proxy every year.

WHEN SERIOUS ILLNESS ADVANCES, DO MY PREFERENCES MATTER?

by Phil Di Sorbo, MS for Saratoga TODAY In today’s confusing and complex health care environment, it is important for every one of us to make our goals and wishes for our care expressed and understood.

Where appropriate, this should be done in a manner that ensures those wishes will be respected.

This applies to people of all ages and all states of health. None of us knows when we might become incapacitated due to an accident or sudden illness.

WHY DO I NEED A HEALTH CARE PROXY? New York State provides the Health Care Proxy, a document that allows you to appoint a Proxy decision-maker should you loose decision-making capacity.

Proxy forms are available at most physician offices, and on-line.

The form allows you to designate another adult as your Proxy, as well as to name an Alternate. A critical factor in designating your Proxy is his or her understanding of what in fact you would want.

Be sure to discuss your underlying values and health care wishes and preferences. The Holiday Season is a great time for these conversations among family and close friends. Legal and medical advice is helpful in completing the form, but not required. Carefully choose your proxy, complete the form, have it witnessed, and make sure your health care providers, including the Hospital, have it in their records. Most States recognize and honor the New York document. Since the status of and access to your Proxy may change

If you have a very advanced serious illness, perhaps with only a year or two to live, New York State provides an actual medical order called the MOLST – Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment. This form allows your physician to order care that is aligned with your wishes should your heart stop. The order covers resuscitation wishes for when you have stopped breathing, as well as other care guidelines and instructions. Both you and your physician sign the MOLST. Signing a MOLST is not a snap activity. It is the culmination of thoughtful conversations about What Matters Most to you as your illness becomes terminal, and what your Goals of Care and Treatment Preferences are.

It will most certainly guide your end-of-life care when that time comes. While the Health Care Proxy is an advance directive, the MOLST is an actual medical order. MOLST’s are available in most medical offices.

WHEN SHOULD I RECEIVE “PALLIATIVE CARE?” When facing serious illness, it is also important to remember palliative care and Hospice.

Palliative care is a type of medical care while Hospice is a formalized healthcare program fully covered by most insurances. Palliative care is patient-centered care that focuses on quality of life and care of the whole person: physical, social, emotional, and spiritual.

The World Health Organization advises that palliative care should begin at the point of diagnosis of a serious illness, and be incorporated with all other care.

That means that palliative care becomes an extra layer of care and support, even while you are undergoing cure-oriented or disease-modifying treatments.

So don’t think that palliative care means Hospice – it doesn’t.

The application of palliative care before Hospice is one of the greatest needs today as progressive chronic illnesses are becoming epidemic and home care supports for seriously ill persons are increasingly inadequate. Palliative care has trained and certified specialists right here in Saratoga County, and it is also delivered by any physician in what is called “primary” or “generalist” palliative care. Congress last month passed legislation enabling more training in palliative care for medical students across the county.

WHEN SHOULD I CHOOSE HOSPICE? Hospice is a program of care at the end-of-life, appropriate when cure-oriented and diseasemodifying treatments are no longer effective. It is available when your life expectancy is 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course. So up-front discussions and planning with your doctor is critical. Actually, records show that many patients elect Hospice very close to the actual day of death. Hospice family members frequently say they wish they had brought Hospice in sooner. Dying is a normal part of living (none of us will get out of here alive!), and Hospice neither hastens nor postpones the dying process.

take the steps today to ensure that your wishes are known and respected Surveys show that the vast majority of Americans want to be cared for at home, and when the time comes, to die at home. But the majority of Americans still do not do so. Many find themselves in circumstances they swore they would avoid. So take the steps today to ensure that your wishes are known and respected: Have a current Health Care Proxy document on file with all your providers; speak with your doctor about a MOLST if your illness is very advanced; add Palliative Care to your treatment plan for a serious illness; and consider Hospice with your doctor as your life expectancy becomes short term.

Phil Di Sorbo is a hospice and palliative care consultant on 233 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

He served as Executive Director of Community Hospice for 26 years, including the founding of Hospice of Saratoga in 1987. He worked in hospice and palliative care capacities statewide, nationally, and in Africa.

He is currently active in expanding palliative care into mainstream healthcare earlier than end-of-life, working with area health systems.

He offers a navigation counseling service for seriously ill persons and their families, and can be reached at 518-755-1806 and pdisorbo@ fairpoint.net.

Shop Local Spend Local.

Eat Local Enjoy Local IT TAKES YOU TO START THE TREND

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Families

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

TODAY

Year-End Financial Planning

by Stephen Kyne, CFP Sterling Manor Financial

for Saratoga TODAY THE END of another year is rapidly approaching, and just as you cross items off your checklist and prepare your home for the winter, it’s also important to complete maintenance items to prepare your finances to close-out 2019.

The first piece of financial housekeeping will be to begin to gather documents you’ll be needing just after the new year to prepare your taxes. Compile receipts for medical bills, tuition payments, child care and charitable contributions, among others.

While many of us will no longer be able to itemize deductions due to the new tax law, there are credits for things like child care and education expenses which you may still be eligible for.

For those with large medical bills, mortgage interest, or who have been particularly philanthropic this year, you may still be able to itemize, so it is important to have those receipts handy.

When it comes to planning for your retirement, this is the perfect time to evaluate your contribution levels to your retirement plans at work. If you have the ability, and you’re not yet contributing to the maximum levels allowed, consider topping these accounts off to take advantage of the possible tax deduction this year, as well as the ability to simply squirrel as much away for the future as possible.

You may not be aware, but once you reach age 50, you are eligible for higher contribution levels than in prior years. So, if you’ve turned 50 this year, consider increasing your

contributions. For 401(k) plans, you can contribute an additional $6,000 to a max of $25,000 from $19,000 for those under 50. For SIMPLE plans, you get a $3,000 addition, up to a new max of $16,000. Take advantage of this opportunity to catch-up on contributions you may not have been able to make when you were younger.

on a combination of your age, and the closing account values from the previous year.

If you don’t think the government is serious about this, think again. If you fail to take the required amount (you can always take more), the government imposes a penalty of 50% of the amount you failed to take, plus taxes due!

The end of the year is a perfect time to review your various forms of insurance, including your home and auto.

Take note of various coverage limits and deductibles.

On the subject of milestone birthdays, if you turned 70 ½ in 2019, you’re going to start having to take withdrawals from IRAs and certain company sponsored retirement plans. These are called Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Your contributions to these accounts have been allowed to grow taxdeferred all this time, and now Uncle Sam wants his share.

Each year, from now on, you are going to have to take an RMD from these accounts, and pay taxes on the proceeds. The amount you are required to take changes each year, and is based

Even if you can’t itemize charitable contributions on your taxes, you may still be able to make those contributions on a pre-tax basis! If you direct your RMD to be paid directly from your IRA to your charity of choice, you won’t be taxed on that portion of the distribution. This is a great option if you are being forced to take an RMD that you don’t need, or if you are subject to the standard deduction.

The end of the year is a perfect time to review your various forms of insurance, including your home and auto. Take note of various coverage limits and

deductibles. If you can, consider a higher deductible in order to save on premium expenses.

Ensure that your homeowners coverage amounts reflect the value of your home. Your home has probably appreciated since you purchased it, but have you increased your coverage limits to keep pace?

An often-overlooked task is to review your beneficiary declarations each year. Families grow, as new members are added, and shrink with death and divorce, which means that beneficiary and Transfer-on-Death declarations can easily become outdated and no longer reflect your true wishes.

Since these declarations are a matter of contract, they will overrule what your Will may say.

So even if you’ve updated your will to exclude an ex-spouse, but you left them as beneficiary on your IRA, your new spouse won’t be able to inherit those assets, but the ex will, and it can’t be challenged in probate.

Your independent financial advisor is perfectly suited to help you mark most of these items off your list. Review your beneficiaries, gather tax documents, maximize funding of your various retirement plans, take required distributions, and review your insurance coverage with your advisor each year, to help ensure that your financial plan is well-tuned as you prepare to turn the page on 2019.

Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs and Rhinebeck.

Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sterling Manor Financial, LLC, or Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc., SEC registered investment advisors.

Sterling Manor Financial and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

21

SKI INJURY PREVENTION IT’S OFFICIALLY SKI SEASON! And with the start of ski season comes a group of skiers mentally ready to get on the slopes but not quite ready physically. Unfortunately, this group doesn’t even know they exist. This group is made up of skiers that are simply out of “skishape.” Some are physically fit and others have done next to nothing since last ski season. You may recognize yourself in this group, you typically “get in shape” by skiing.

These “out of shape” skiers are susceptible to injury. Ski injuries are most common at the start of the season and at the end of the day.

This is largely due to the lack of ski-specific training before the season starts. One of the most important steps you can take leading into and throughout the ski season is to start training now.

by Matt Goodemote, MPSPT, DIP. MDT

for Saratoga TODAY

Sitting out an entire ski season due to an injury can be devastating to a skier, and even more difficult to deal with when it was preventable.

Research has shown that working on strengthening exercises will reduce the rate of injury and also help improve performance in most (if not all) sporting activities. Skiers ski better when they are in shape, and ski-specific training will help you “get in shape” and “stay in shape.”

Today I am including the main areas I recommend every skier address when preparing for the ski-season:

The quadriceps are the group of muscles in the front of your thigh and probably the most used muscle group.

These muscles help to hold you in the “skiers position.”

WALL SQUATS

LUNGE HOLDS

SINGLE LEG DEADLIFT

BRIDGE WALKOUTS

Skiing downhill requires strength from your hamstrings and glutes as they help stabilize your body in the typical skier’s position. This position is known as a hip hinge.

3. CORE MUSCLES (i.e. abdominals, back, glutes and deep pelvic muscles) The skier position requires your core to hold you in the ideal position and to assist with your changes in direction and terrain. To protect you from injury, including knee injuries, you need your core to be conditioned.

Great exercises for the core include side planks. Start by holding the position for 30 seconds and do 3-5 times every other day. Another core exercise is called anti-rotation in kneeling. Perform 3-5 sets of 12-15 reps with a weight that is challenging but you are

• Sleep is one of the most effective strategies to reduce injury rates and improve sports performance...8-10 hours per night.

• Foam Rolling is an effective way to warm up tissue without negatively affecting performance.

• Hydration is essential for recovery and injury prevention. Water is the most important source of hydration. Sports drinks are often unnecessary in most cases, focus instead on the water!

2. HAMSTRINGS AND GLUTES:

A great exercise for the hamstrings and glutes is the one leg deadlifts. Perform 3-5 sets of 12-15 reps with a weight that is challenging but you are able to maintain proper form. Another example is the bridge walk-outs. Perform 3-5 sets of 5-10 reps.

In addition to exercise, it is important to take care of your overall well-being. We recommend the following additional strategies for injury prevention:

• Nutrition Matters. A well-balanced diet is the best approach. Proper nutrition can help us have a good day on the slopes and equally, good recovery meals can assist us in staying healthy!

1. QUADRICEPS:

A couple of great exercises for the quadriceps include squats and lunges. Start with safe exercises like sustained (i.e. isometric) wall squats and lunges.

Hold the position for 30 seconds 3-5 times. Perform twice a day to maximize results. Instead of holding for longer durations, try holding dumbbells to increase the difficulty.

able to maintain proper form. Finally, perform the “dead-bugs” exercise 3-5 sets of 15-20 reps.

SIDE PLANK

DEAD-BUGS KNEELING ANTI-ROTATION

At FysioFit Physical Therapy and Goodemote Physical Therapy, we would love to help you prevent ski-related injuries or help you to rehabilitate if you are already suffering from an injury Please follow our Instagram/Facebook pages for more information and check out our websites www.FysioFitPT.com and www.GoodemotePT.com for programs we offer. Or call 518-306-6894 for more information.

Food

22

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

The Farmers’ Market

Gift Guide Part 2: Gifts for Foodies

by Emily Meagher for Saratoga TODAY Photos by Pattie Garrett.

a atog Sar colate Cho Co.

WILTON MALL Bon-Ton/DMV Entrance Saturdays | 9:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Last week we showed you farmers’ market items that make great gifts for the holidays. This week, our guide to help you find great local gifts continues with what the farmers’ market does best: food!

The time leading up to Christmas can be stressful, with gifting opportunities left and right. First, there are stocking stuffers. These items are usually small, not too expensive, and should be shelf-stable. For a sweet item, try Slate Valley Farms’ miniature maple syrup containers, available in seasonal shapes like gingerbread men and log cabins. Or consider Saratoga Chocolate Co.’s chocolate Santas, peppermint bark, or truffles, for some indulgence.

What about treating your pet a little too? Mugzy’s Barkery has seasonally decorated, bone-shaped peanut butter biscuits for your dog to enjoy.

A local product always feels that much more special as a holiday gift. Our 50+ vendors offer an abundance of fantastic items, sure to please no matter what your loved one’s taste. In addition, several of our vendors (as well as the farmers’ market as a whole) offer gift certificates.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is 9:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. at the Wilton Mall. CDTA routes 450 (SchenectadyWilton) and 452 (Skidmore College-Wilton) offer regular Saturday bus service with many stops in Saratoga Springs (see cdta.org/routes-and-schedules).

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Apple Cider Serves: 1¼ gallons

INGREDIENTS:

• 5-7 cinnamon sticks

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• ½ cup fresh cranberries

• 1 gallon apple cider*

• 1 cup apple brandy* or other preferred alcohol beverage* (optional) OR 1 packet Mulling Spices from Healthy Gourmet Kitchen or Muddy Trail Jerky*

• 3 granny smith apples* • 1 orange • 1 Tablespoon allspice berries

s eak hP Hig tilling Dis

Then comes Christmas dinner, and if someone else is hosting you, it might be nice to contribute a local food item to the feast. The farmers’ market has many great farms that sell meats such as fresh lamb, poultry, beef, and even more specialty meats like goat. Christmas time also brings even more selection to the market - how good does a local beef rib roast sound?! For after dinner, a bottle of local liquor will be welcomed by all. High Peaks Distilling, Yankee Distillers, and Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery all offer a unique set of products ranging from whiskeys to gins to cordials.

yle Arg ese Che mer Far

Then comes Christmas morning, which always seems to arrive in the blink of an eye. Prepare by stocking up on local gifts from the farmers’ market any Saturday before Christmas. Several of our farms offer gift packages, such as Argyle Cheese Farmer’s cheese variety baskets, yogurt combos, and a set dubbed “The Argyle Mile” which is full of goodies made within one mile of their cheese house. Or give a gift that will last through the year with Argyle’s “Cheese of the Month Club” where the recipient will receive a locally made cheese every month.

Mulled

• ½ cup sugar

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Pour the apple cider into a large pot over medium-high heat.

2. Dice the apples and toss them into the cider.

3. Peel the rind off the orange in large pieces and toss them in the cider.

4. Add the allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, and the cranberries.

5. Add sugar and stir it around to dissolve.

Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Add the brandy if using, then simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Adapted from the recipe by The Pioneer Woman, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Christmas

Food

23

Around the world

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

Hello my Foodie Friends !

This time of year brings many family reunions, friendship gatherings, and special events that include great food and fun times. The holiday season is celebrated in myriad ways around the world. Every family has their own traditions that are rooted in cultural customs that go back for many generations. However, there is one similarity with these traditions that spans across the globe – food. Different cultures celebrate their holidays in different ways, but cooking and enjoying special foods and drinks is a tradition that transcends throughout the world and all religions.

Paella is one of our family’s favorite dishes and is the iconic rice dish of Spain. Cooked with care, but not requiring the fussy attention of a risotto, it’s the perfect way to cap off a happy holiday celebration. The dish has the further advantage of customization and built-in appropriateness for a couple of different special diets -- it naturally has no gluten and no dairy. Vegetarians may forgo the typical use of Spanish sausage and chicken, using a vegetable stock to cook the rice. Those that love seafood can find plenty to love going all seafood with a seafood stock to complement the required rice, saffron, tomatoes and olive oil.

Paella is a perfect party dish because it’s a one-pot meal, and because it feeds a crowd. Paella is a rice dish from Spain that has become very popular and is known around the world. It originated in the fields of a region called Valencia in eastern Spain.

Paella is meant to show off the rice itself and to highlight a few special ingredients. These can be vegetables, fish, shellfish or meat including sausage in seafood paella and you may also find chicken in it. Do not forget the saffron -- it is the essential spice of the dish.

Whatever paella you make, it should use short- or mediumgrain rice, which should be

cooked uncovered in a flavorful stock. Spanish Bomba rice is the best to use. It’s fun to make paella over a grill or on the stove.

However, it is important that you have the right pan for this dish; the Paella Pan! The Paella pan should be shallow and have sloping sides, which helps the rice cook evenly and develops more intense flavor. As the pans get larger, they grow in diameter rather than depth, which allows for more delicious socarrat. And like all authentic paella pans, they do not have matching lids (since paella is traditionally cooked in an open pan). We sell the traditional carbon steel pans and some stainless steel pans. Either will work well for you. A good pan has dimples on the bottom to serve several functions. They trap small amounts of liquid and thus promote even cooking, they make the pan rigid, and they prevent warping. Now what the heck is socarrat? When you make paella, socarrat is the caramelized bottom layer of rice that sometimes forms on the pan. Many people consider the socarrat the prized part of the paella. Also, there is speculation that socarrat has aphrodisiac powers, and that it is what fuels the passion of those renowned Spanish lovers. I myself am Irish, French and Italian so the passion is taken care of by the French and Italian parts. But I might like a little Antonio Banderas side of me

to crop up from time to time! How about: tu es muy bonita Paula? If you are not sure what dish to serve for your holiday meal; consider Paella. At Compliments to the Chef; Your neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery Store, located at 33 Railroad Place, we sell Paella pans and other cooking tools to help you with your holiday creations.

We are hosting a special event on Saturday, December 14 and December 21. The Bees are Back!!

We will have a tasting of honey and other honey products from Jen Dunn from Maypiary Farms from 1 to 3 p.m During the holiday season, the frantic pace of work and school life slows temporarily and we settle into the celebrations of the season. We toast the

h c n Lu FRIDAY

12/13

MONDAY

12/16

• Hot Turkey • Chicken with Sandwich Orange Glaze • Butternut Squash • Brown Rice • Warm Berry Crunch • Key Biscaybe Blend Vegetables • Pineapple

successes we’ve had in the preceding months, reflect on the life we’ve lived and rejoice with our loved ones. Create your holiday traditions. It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas!

Stop by for the holiday supplies you need to eat, drink and be merry with family and friends.

Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Happy Holidays.

Take Care, John & Paula For John & Paula’s Christmas Paella Recipe view the article online at saratogatodaynewspaper.com/food

Office for the Aging Lunch Program Served at the Saratoga Senior Center

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

12/17

12/18

12/19

• Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup & Oyster Crackers • Brussels Sprouts • Warm Biscuit • Peaches

• Baked Ham with Pineapple Sauce • Mashed Sweet Potatoes • Cauliflower • Plum Fruit

• Fiesta Meatloaf • Red Bliss Potatoes • Mexican Corn • Orange Whip

Menu Subject to Change. Coffee, tea and butter are served daily. The suggested contribution is $2/meal.

There is a $6 fee for guests under the age of 60. Please make checks payable to: Northeast Dining and Lodging, c/o Saratoga County Office for the Aging, 152 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

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Holiday GIFT GUIDE

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Holiday GIFT GUIDE

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Holiday GIFT GUIDE

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Holiday GIFT GUIDE

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RELIGION

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

* Handicap Accessible

Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton | 581-587-0623 acfsaratoga.com | Services: Sunday 8 and 10 a.m.

Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street, Corinth | 518-654-2521 cfumc@cnyconnect.net | Services: Sunday 11 a.m.

Adirondack Friends Meeting 27 Saratoga Avenue, South Glens Falls 518-793-3755 | adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Cornerstone Community Church 100 Saratoga Village Boulevard, #8, Ballston Spa 518-664-5204 | mycornerstonechurch.org Pastor Frank Galerie | Services: Sunday 10 a.m., 6 p.m.

Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne Street, Schuylerville | 518-695-6069 Rev. Scott Cutting | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9, Round Lake 518-877-8506 | office@corpuschristichurch.net Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8 and 11 a.m.

Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-584-6081 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Bacon Hill Reformed Church* 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill | 518-695-3074 Rev. Janet Vincent | Services: 10 a.m.

Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 518-692-7694 | 518-885-0876 | 1-800-22UNITE bahai.org | Public Meetings: 1st Tuesdays 7 p.m.

Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa 518-885-7312 | ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church* 101 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa 518-885-6886 | ballstonspaumchurch.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Barkersville Christian Church 7200 Barkersville Road, Middle Grove 518-882-6437 | barkersvillechristianchurch. com Pastor Pat Atwell | Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Bethesda Episcopal Church* 41 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 518-584-5980 bethesdachurch.org | The Very Rev’d Marshall J. Vang Services: Sunday 8 and 10 a.m.

Burnt Hills United Methodist Church* 816 Route 50, Burnt Hills | 518-399-5144 nybhumc.com | Pastor Holly Nye Services: Sunday 9, 10:30 a.m. | Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Calvary Capital District 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs | calvarycd.com Pastor Andrew Holt | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church 768 Charlton Road, Charlton | 518-399-4831 charltonfreehold.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park | 518-371-7654 ccrc-cpny.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church* 15 West High Street, Ballston Spa | 518-885-1031 Services: Sunday 8, 10 a.m., and 5 p.m.

Christian Restoration Ministries Senior Center: 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs 518-796-4323 | Pastor Pat Roach Services: Saturday 7 p.m.; Bible Study: Friday 7 p.m.

Eastern Orthodox — Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Lake | 518-212-7845 xcsavior.org | Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne Street, Schuylerville 518-695-6069 | faithchapelschuylerville.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 518-584-6301 fbcsaratoga.org | Services: Sunday 12 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa | 518-885-8361 bspabaptist.org | Services: 10:30 a.m. (9 a.m. in July and August); Sunday School: 9 a.m. (all ages) First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa 518-885-5583 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 518-793-2739 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East Street, Galway | 518-882-6520 galway-united-methodist-church.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (9 a.m. in July-Aug.) Grace Church 34 Third Street, Waterford | 518-237-7370 gracewaterford.com | Rev. Kathy Alonge-Coons Services: Sunday 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.

Adult Christian Education Program: 8:30 a.m.

Grace Fellowship Saratoga* 165 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-691-0301 | saratoga.gracefellowship.com Pastor: Mike Adams | Services: Sundays 9, 11 a.m.

Greater Grace Community Church 100 Saratoga Village, Building 17, Ballston Spa 518-899-7777 | thechurch@ggccmalta.org Pastor David Moore | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center | 518-893-7429 Services: 11 a.m.; Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. (all ages) Highway Tabernacle Church 235 Hudson Avenue, Mechanicville | 518-664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Hope Church 206 Greenfield Avenue, Ballston Spa | 518-885-7442 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. | Sunday School: 9 a.m.

Christian Science Church 107 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs 518-584-0221 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main Street, Clifton Park | 518-877-7332 Sunday 8:30, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146, Clifton Park 518-371-6611 | cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rte 50, Saratoga Springs | 518-587-0484 livingwaterscog.us | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 1 Glenmore Ave. Saratoga Springs 518-587-4796 | churchofjesuschrist.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Community Alliance Church 257 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa 518-885-6524 | Services: 10:30 a.m.

Congregation Shaara Tfille* 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-584-2370 | saratogasynagogue.org Services: Monday 7:30 a.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m.

Saturday 10 a.m., 3rd Friday Shabbat 7:30 p.m.

Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Avenue, Corinth | 518-654-9255, 518-792-0271 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Malta Presbyterian Church 118 Dunning Street, Malta 518-899-5992 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Avenue Extension, Malta 518-581-0210 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Middle Grove United Methodist Church* 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 518-581-2973 Pastor Jason Proctor | Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 100 Cresent Street, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-9441 Rev. Dr. Victor L. Collier | Services: 10 a.m.

New Life Fellowship* 51 Old Gick Road, ­­Saratoga Springs 518-580-1810 | newlifeinsaratoga.org.

Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Next Level Church Comedy Works: 388 Broadway Saratoga Springs 518-306-7133 | nextlevel.church/saratoga-ny-church Pastor Joe | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

St. Therese Chapel (RC) 1 Wilton-Gansevoort Road, Gansevoort 518-792-2276 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Northway Church 770 Pierce Road, Clifton Park | 518-899-1200 northwaychurch.tv | Services: 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

St. Thomas Anglican Church 242 Grooms Road, Halfmoon 518-348-0842 | thomasanglican.com Father John Bassett | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Old Saratoga Reformed Church* 48 Pearl St, Schuylerville | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. oldsaratogareformedchurch.org

Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2 Hutchins Road, Saratoga Springs | 518-885-5456 salchurch.org | Services: Sunday 8:20, 10:30 a.m.

Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa 518-583-1002 | Services: 10:30 a.m.

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs 518-526-0773 | saratogachabad.com

Olde Liberty Baptist 600 Route 67, Malta | oldelibertybaptist.com Services: Sunday 10, 11 a.m., 2 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) 571 Route 32, Quaker Springs | 518-587-7477 518-399-5013 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church* 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake | 518-399-5713 Services: Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Saratoga United Methodist Church* 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-3720 saratogaumc.com | Services: Sunday 9, 10:45 a.m.

Perry Road Baptist Church* 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs | 518-587-0711 Pastor Thomas Van McClain | Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-587-6951 | saratogasda.org Services: Worship: 11 a.m.; Sabbath School 10 a.m.

Pine Grove Community Church* 59 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs 860-942-7359 | Thegrovess.com Pastor Mark Kehrer | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Schuylerville United Methodist Church 51 Church Street, Schuylerville | 518-695-3101 sumethodist.org | Services: Sunday 11 a.m.

Porter Corner’s United Methodist Church* 512 Allen Rd., Porter Corner’s 518-893-2289 | Service: Sunday 9 a.m

Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 518-371-7964 | Services: Sunday 9 and 10:45 a.m.

Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church* 24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-6091 pnecchurch.org | Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Simpson United Methodist Church 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls 518-885-4794 | Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (ELCA) 4 Northcrest Drive, Clifton Park | 518-371-2226 poplutheranchurch.org | Sunday 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m.; Contemporary Worship: 1st, 3rd Sundays 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School: 9:15-10:15 a.m. (Sept.-June); ReachChristian Education for Adults 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs 518-584-3122 | soulsavingstationchurch.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Quaker Springs United Methodist Church* 466 Route 32, Schylerville | 518-695-3101 qsumc.com | Pastor Ben Lalka | Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Starpoint Church 410 21st Century Park Drive, Clifton Park 518-371-2811 | starpoint.church Services: 9, 10:30 a.m. and Noon

River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd., Malta Commons, Ste. 3 riverofhopefellowship.com | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Stillwater Christian Fellowship Liberty Ridge Farm, 29 Bevis Road, Schaghticoke 518-288-8802 | Services: 10 a.m.

Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter* 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-2375 Services: Saturday: 5 p.m.; Sunday: 7:30, 9, 11 a.m.

Stillwater United Church (Presbyterian U.S.A.) 747 Hudson Avenue, Stillwater | 518-664-7984 stillwaterunitedchurch.org | Sunday 10:30 a.m.

St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church* 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs | 518-584-6122 Weekdays: 8 a.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Sunday: 8, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Spanish Mass: 1 p.m.

Temple Sinai* 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-8730 saratogasinai.org | Shabbat Services: Friday 6 or 8 p.m. (rotating schedule); Saturday 10:30 a.m.

St. George’s Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park | 518-371-6351 stgeorge@csdsl.net | Services: Saturday 4:30 p.m.

Sunday 7:30, 9, 11:30 a.m.

Terra Nova Church* 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 518-833-0504 terranovachurch.org | Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

St. Isaac Jogues RC Chapel 716 Route 9P, Saratoga Lake | 518-813-5090 Father Patrick Rice | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

(Open Memorial Day to winter) St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church* 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center | 518-893-7680 stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m.

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church* 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa | 518-885-7411 stmarysbsta.org | Services: Saturday 4 p.m.

Sunday 8:30, 10:30 a.m., Noon St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church* 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls | 518-885-4677 sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com | Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 518-584-0904 | office@spalutheran.org Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 and 11 a.m.

The Salvation Army/ Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-584-1640 | Services: Praise & Worship 11 a.m.

Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort | 518-584-9107 tumcwilton.com | Rev. Jeff Stratton | Sunday 10 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs* 624 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-1555 uusaratoga.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Unity Church in Albany 21 King Avenue, Albany | 518-453-3603 Services: Sunday 9, 11 a.m.; Sunday School: 11 a.m.

West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Rd.,West Charlton | 518-882-9874 westcharltonupc.org | Rev. Thomas Gregg Sunday 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta | 518-583-4153 | Sunday 9 a.m.

Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Road, Wilton | 518-583-2736 wiltonbaptistchurch.com | Sunday 11 a.m., 6 p.m.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1 Grove Street, Schuylerville | 518-695-3918 Rev. Donna J. Arnold | Services: Sunday 8, 9 a.m.

Zen Buddhist Sitting Group Wilson Chapel, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs 518-421-2155 |Wednesdays 6:30 p.m

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019 RELIGION

Holiday Worship Services

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Christmas Oratorio at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs, 1 – 4 p.m.

A modern dance performance will be presented in our sanctuary with music by J.S.Bach. Presented by Beth Fecteau, this is a powerful and poignant portrayal of the Christmas story with dancers as the Holy Family, Shepherds, Magi, and an Angel. In between the two performances will be refreshments, carol singing, and the Christmas Fair. Tickets are $20 for individuals; $15 for seniors; children 13 and under are free (children must have a ticket, though).

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 A Winter Concert at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 5th Ave., Saratoga Springs, 2 p.m.

Featuring Saratoga Children’s Chorus.

Admission is free. Open to the public.

Christmas Concert Wilton Baptist Church, 755 Saratoga Rd., Wilton, 11 a.m.

Wilton Baptist Church is hosting a Christmas Concert which will include choir, vocalists, instrumentalists and hand chimes. Please arrive early for best seating.

Community Blue Christmas Service Grace Episcopal Church on 34 Third St., Waterford, 7 p.m.

The joy of the season is overshadowed by the grief over the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a marriage. If this is true for you this year or if you know someone for whom it is true, the Rev. Kathy Alonge-Coons encourages those who are feeling down to attend. This service is designed especially for those who are having a difficult time this Christmas season. The Rev. Bill Hinrichs will be guest preacher.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 Candlelight Festival of Carols Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Rd., Glenville, 7 p.m.

The Burnt Hills Oratorio Society invites you to gather your family and friends to be a part of this 2nd annual community festival to herald the Holiday Season. Experience the excitement of lifting your voice with others, accompanied by brass, organ, and percussion. Free admission for children 12 and under. $15 tickets for ages 13-21 available at the door prior to the performance. General admission $25, Seniors $20 (65 and up). For information about other BHOS events this year visit www.bhos.us.

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Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

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Holiday Calendar FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 Santa’s Play Land Open House

Quick Response Restoration, 2077 Rte. 9, Round Lake | 5 – 9 p.m.

Quick Response is transforming their property into a magical winter wonderland for the holiday season. A community favorite, this entire event is free, Friday and Saturday. Come visit with Santa and other costume characters. Take a ride on one of their “Quick Express” tractor drawn train rides or enjoy a horse and wagon ride. Children can also enjoy a selection of kiddie rides. Cookies, popcorn and hot chocolate will be served at no charge. For the safety of everyone parking is once again offsite. Please follow the signs and shuttle bus service will bring you to the property.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Home Made Theater, Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Spring | 7:30 p.m.

The saga of George Bailey, the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. His guardian angel descends on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him—by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born—that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. $19 Adults, $13 Children (age 12 and under).

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.homemadetheater.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Breakfast and Photos with Santa

Curtis Lumber, 885 Rte. 67, Ballston Spa 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. | Your family is invited to join for a scrumptious and fun breakfast with Santa and friends! Each breakfast is just a $5 donation to the WGY Christmas Wish. 810 WGY on-air personalities will be holding a live radio show and we’ll have pictures with Santa for the kids. For more visit: www.wgy.com or call Curtis Lumber at 518-885-5311.

Breakfast with Santa at the American Legion

American Legion, 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa 8 – 10:30 a.m. | Come join us for a Hot Breakfast with Santa Claus hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #234.

Children ages 12 and under are welcome.

27th Annual Cookie Sale

The Galway United Methodist Church, Corner of Rte. 147 and Ct. Rte. 45, Village of Galway | 10 a.m.

The public is invited to purchase holiday treats until sold out. This is the original cookie sale and typically features over 40 varieties of treats. Come early for the best selection. A variety of crafts will be available for sale as well.

Christmas Cookie Sale

Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sale will include homemade cookies, borscht by the quart, stuffed cabbage and limited amount of homemade stuffed clams. For information, please call 518-363-0001.

Winter Wonderland with the King

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Dec. 14-15. Welcome 10 award winning Elvis tribute artists as they headline the weekend’s event each night. During the day, join the contest where 20+ ETAs go head to head to win the cash prize and title of Grand Champion! Sunday morning also features an Elvis gospel show. This weekend will be backed by The Suspicious Minds Tribute Band. For questions, schedule, tickets or to register for the contest, visit KingFests.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Breakfast with Santa

Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs | 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Now featuring eggs to order, fruit cocktail, French toast, pancakes, potatoes, breakfast sausage and ham, corned beef hash, sausage gravy and biscuits, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, juice, coffee and tea. Donation Requested: Adults $9, Seniors and Military (active/ retired with ID card) $8, children 5-12 $7, under 5 free. Take-outs $9. Call 518584-2585 for more information.

Christmas Concert

Wilton Baptist Church, 755 Saratoga Rd., Wilton | 11 a.m.

Wilton Baptist Church is hosting a Christmas Concert which will include choir, vocalists, instrumentalists and hand chimes. Arrive early for best seating.

A Coig Christmas

Hubbard Hall, 25 E. Main St., Cambridge, 6 p.m. | Coig returns with their thrilling acoustic Celtic music from Nova Scotia in a brand new Christmas show! This concert will include classics like Silent Night and White Christmas, while also featuring great Celtic holiday tunes. Admission: $25 Adults/$10 Students 21 and under.

Christmas with the McKrells

Home Made Theater at Spa Little Theater 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.

Join us for an evening of Christmas favorites, Kevin’s trademark sound, and their popular rendition of A Visit from St. Nick (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas).

Tickets are $15.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 Candlelight Festival of Carols

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 Chanukah Party

Wilton Mall, Near JC Penney, Wilton 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Chanukah items will be on display until Dec. 29. Surprise entertainer.

For more Information call Rabbi Abba 518526-0773 or email saratorah@gmail.com or visit www.saratogachabad.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 Chanukah Wonderland

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Fun for the whole family. Enjoy donuts and hot latkes. For more Information call Rabbi Abba 518526-0773 or email saratorah@gmail.com or visit www.saratogachabad.com.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Road, Glenville | 7 p.m.

‘Tis the season for family and friends, memories and traditions, all beautifully wrapped in the glorious sound of music. The Burnt Hills Oratorio Society chorus invites you to its second annual Candlelight Festival of Carols. Great for all ages, this gathering includes many of your seasonal favorites, accompanied by brass, organ, and percussion. Children 12 and under free. $15 student (ages 13-21). $20 senior (65+). $25 general admission.

Tickets available online at bhos.us, by phone 518-416-4060, or at the door the day of the performance.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21

Chanukah Game Lunch

The Nutcracker

Trombley Auditorium, Maple Avenue Middle School, Saratoga Springs | 6:30 p.m.

The School of the Arts is delighted to perform their first full length adaptation of The Nutcracker. Second performance will be held on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. Guest artists include William Otto formerly of New York City Ballet, Johnny Martinez of Tango Fusion, and SOA Alumnus, Samuel Epstein.

They will dance alongside 80 local students from the Saratoga, Capital, and Vermont regions. Tickets available on Eventbrite. For more information visit dancemuseum.org/school or call 518584-2225, ext. 3008.

Saratoga Hilton’s 25th Annual “Breakfast with Santa”

The Saratoga Hilton; 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 8:30 a.m.

The event will feature a festive buffet breakfast, fantastic gift raffles and a visit from Santa. Doors open for seating and raffle tickets go on sale at 8:30 a.m. Entry for the event is $12 for adults, and $6 for children aged 4-12 years old (under 4 eat free). Proceeds will benefit Beyond My Battle. For more information, call 518-5844000 or visit www.thesaratogahotel.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 130 Circular St., Saratoga Springs Noon – 2 p.m. | Play games, enjoy bagels and lox, doughnuts and latkes. For more Information call Rabbi Abba 518-5260773 or email saratorah@gmail.com or visit www.saratogachabad.com.

Christmas Day Social

Embassy Suites at the Diamond Club Grill, 86 Congress St. Saratoga Springs 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. | No plans or alone for Christmas? Come join us for some holiday cheer! A great way to connect and meet new people. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the restaurant.

The more the merrier! For more information, call or text April Arnold Andreoli at 239-285-0026.

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Foal Patrol Kids On Friday, Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon, join the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame for a family-friendly open house celebrating season 3 of Foal Patrol, the Museum’s one-of -a-kind collection of live cameras following the daily activities of in-foal mares.

“Foal Patrol Kids!” will include a variety of fun and educational activities, as well as healthy snacks, giveaways, and special guests.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Foal Patrol website on Museum iPads to learn about the new in-foal mares, participate in an arts and crafts activity, ride an equipony, and see the HorsePlay!

Gallery to groom a life-sized stuffed animal horse, dress in jockey attire, and investigate objects related to the many careers associated with horse racing. Free admission.

LOCAL BRIEFS Cross Country Ski Trip This easy ski will take participants around Moreau Lake on the Nature Trail on Friday, Dec. 27 from 1 – 2:30 p.m., where a naturalist will point out signs of wildlife. Registration is necessary with 24 hours advance notice. Please call 518-793-0511.

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.

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 Rd., 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.

Senior Nutrition Program Christmas Special Saratoga County Office for the Aging sponsors the Senior Nutrition Program in Saratoga County. Part of the program is Congregate dining where persons age 60 and over can participate in a meal that is served at noon at several sites throughout Saratoga County. Meal sites are located in: Ballston Spa, Clifton Park, Corinth, Edinburg, Galway, Greenfield, Hadley, Halfmoon, Malta, Mechanicville, Moreau, Saratoga, Schuylerville, Town of Ballston and Waterford. Lunch is served Monday-Friday. Reservations are required at least one day in advance

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019 by noon. A registration form must be completed by each participant annually. No food/drink items can be taken to go. Participants will receive a monthly contribution letter; the suggested donation is $2 per meal. All are welcome and there are no income restrictions. Join in and make new friendships! Lunch menu: Stuffed Chicken Florentine, Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes, Capri Vegetables, Dinner Roll and Cheesecake with Cherry Topping. For more information and contact phone numbers of locations, please call Emma, at The Office for the Aging, 518-884-4996.

Southern Saratoga Art Society Exhibits Members of SSAS are exhibiting at various venues throughout the area for the month of December.

Stop in and see these exhibits and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County. For further information about SSAS visit southernsaratogaartist.com. Burnt Hills Library, 2 Lawmar Ln., Burnt Hills, is hosting four artists, Deb Hutchins, Valerie Woodward,

Judy Loucks and Carol Winterton.

Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main St., is showing the works of artist, Frank Coletta. Catskill-Hudson Bank, 2452 State Rte. 9, Malta, hosting artist, Eva Marie Loucks.

Zion Evangelical Luthern Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, is showing the work of artists, Rebecca Jenkins and Patricia Wade.

Urgent Need of Volunteers Got an hour? The Saratoga County Office for the Aging is in urgent need of volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound seniors in the Clifton Park/Round Lake areas. The Home Delivered Meal Program helps many seniors remain independent in their own homes.

Nutritious meals are prepared, packed and ready for transport. A training/orientation is provided.

Being a volunteer for this program can be a gratifying experience.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), helps recruit volunteers age 55 and over for many opportunities throughout Saratoga County. Learn more information, call Billie Jo at 518-884-4110.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

mark your 33 CALENDAR

This Week’s Events: DEC. 13 - 19 family friendly

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 Kids Night Out Lake Avenue Elementary School, 126 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Come support the Saratoga High School Girls Swim and Dive team at our Kids Night Out fundraiser. Drop your children off and go to dinner or get some holiday shopping done. Only $10 per kid -- all school-age children welcome. Snacks and drinks for sale for $1 each. Babysitting and activities provided by the Saratoga High School Girls’ Varsity Swim and Dive Team: Games, Legos, arts and crafts, movies. No pre-registration necessary—just sign your child in at the main entrance. Questions? Contact Paul Benzon at pbenzon@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Academy for Lifelong Learning Barnes & Noble Book Fair Barnes & Noble, Wilton Square, 3029 State Rte. 50, Saratoga Springs 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Greet Academy members at the door and receive an Academy voucher.

For more information about the Academy for Lifelong Learning at www.esc.edu/all or call Jeff Shinaman at 518-587-2100, ext. 2390.

Defensive Driving Class Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | New York State approved.

Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. December fee special $28. Class size is limited. A portion of the fee goes to Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church. Registration required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski at 518-286-3788.

Saratoga in Winter Photos by Kacie Cotter-Sacala

the night away. Member are asked to bring a snack to be shared. There is a $5 entrance fee for non-member. Check out our web page, www.ballstonareaseniors.com. If schools are closed the Center will be closed for the day.

members. If there is no snow, the program will take place without snowshoes. Registration is appreciated by calling 518-450-0321.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

Lake Bonita Hike

Dharma Meditation

Travel with Saratoga Arts to Spain Saratoga Health & Wellness Building, Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11:30 a.m.

Saratoga Arts is sponsoring a tour to Spain May 11-20, 2020 and invites you to a trip overview for “Spain: A Treasure Chest of Wonders” Explore one of Spain’s best kept secrets on this trip that begins in the north where you can discover the Basque Country with a visit to Bilbao and the seaside town of San Sebastián. On the way south to Madrid revel in the vistas and vineyards of the Rioja Region and the historic city of Segovia with its Roman ruins and medieval old town. Then on to the bustling metropolis of Madrid, whose highlights include a visit to its Royal Castle and the famous Prado Museum. From there we will enjoy an excursion to the famed city of Toledo, the city of three cultures: Jewish, Muslim and Christian. A special bonus is an overnight in one of Spain’s paradors, a historic building transformed into a hotel. The trip price is $3399 land only, double occupancy.

For additional information, go to www. goedventures.com, Contact goedventures@ gmail.com or call Mary at 607-387-3322.

9th Annual Members Juried Exhibition – Opening Reception Saratoga Clay Arts Center’s Schacht Gallery, 167 Hayes Rd., Schuylerville | 5 – 7 p.m.

The opening reception is always a wonderful community event, as many exhibiting artists are from the region. The exhibition will feature ceramic sculpture, utilitarian and decorative works by 18 artists and SCAC Members, selected from a national call for entry by guest juror Leigh Taylor Mickelson.

Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. The exhibition will go through Jan. 18.

Ballston Area Senior Monthly Dance Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa 7 - 10 p.m. | The dance is open to the public.

Peaceful Country Band will be providing the music. Come and enjoy the fun and dance

538 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs 9 - 10:15 a.m. | By donation.

Drop-ins are welcome.

Help Pack Boxes for your Military 891 Route 9, Wilton | 1 – 3 p.m.

We need help packing boxes for our men and women serving our country. This will be the last one before Christmas and we would like to get out as many as we can. We are also at Walmart on Rte. 9 in Queensbury this Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. collecting items.

Celebrate Jane Austen’s Birthday The Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 1 p.m.

The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) is hosting the annual celebration of Jane Austen’s birthday. This year’s festivities include a free raffle ticket for Austen-related items and an Afternoon High Tea with scones, biscotti, finger sandwiches, green salad, fresh strawberries and cream, and, of course, Jane’s Birthday Cake. A participatory group reading of reviews and comments about Jane Austen’s novels rounds out the celebration. The cost is $30 for JASNA members and $35 for non-members. Reserve your place by making a payment. Make check payable to JASNA NYS Capital Region and send to: JASNA, NYCR, c/o Nancy Duell, 56 Fifth St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

For additional information, contact Nancy at 518-321-1887 or ardhn23@netscape.net.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center, 605 Old Saratoga Rd., Gansevoort | 2 – 4 p.m.

This hike has a couple ups and downs that travel around Lake Bonita. It’s about 2+ miles and has some beautiful views of the Lake.

Keep your eyes peeled and you will see some lovely rock outcroppings and maybe some neat wildlife. Registration is required with 24 hours advanced notice, please call 518-7930511. Please meet and pay at the park office.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Guided Mindful Meditation Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Take a break from the daily grind and clear your mind. Led by professionals from One Roof Holistic Health Center. Sessions are free and open to the public and will be held on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Everyone is welcome! No registration required.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 Horse Explorers The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | A hands-on series intended to creatively educate children about horses by developing age-appropriate skills in art, literacy, science and math. Recommended for ages 3-6, the program will be staffed by the Museum’s educators. Free admission.

Upcoming Meetings

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16

Wellness Walk

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort | 11 a.m.

Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside every month. The walk is geared towards gentle exercise and is for participants at basic fitness levels. Call for more information. If needed, snowshoes will be available for rental 30 minutes before the program; free for members and $3 for non-

Wesley Health Care Center, Woodlawn Commons, 2nd floor, 156 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. | Free and open to anyone with Parkinson’s Disease, family members and friends. Guest Speaker: Jennifer Runkel, director of outpatient therapy at the Wesley Health Center. For more information call Kevin McCullough 518-222-4247.

34 ARTS &

Entertainment

“Over My Shoulder” – New Book Published by Joseph Cutshall-King SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joseph Cutshall-King has published “Over My Shoulder 2” - the second volume columns on regional history, commentary and personal reminiscences, originally published in The Post-Star.

The volume has 117 columns published from 1998 to 2000, delivering history with humor, and sometimes critical commentaries that span the region.

In addition to its historical aspects, the book includes the author’s own reminiscences of growing up in Saratoga Springs, Fort Edward and Ticonderoga, sharing loving memories of his own family, along with memories of grade school practice drills for the atomic bomb and the joys of eating paste in the first grade.

Over My Shoulder 2: A Collection of “Over My Shoulder” and “Passed Times” Columns published in The PostStar from 1994-2003; Volume 2: 1998-2000 (Copyright ©2019

by Joseph A. Cutshall-King; all rights reserved);

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Cats:

On Stage at Proctors April 28 - May 3

“Over My Shoulder 2” 213 pages; a production of Matchless Books; retail price

$11. The book is available locally at Northshire Books on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

SCHENECTADY — One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Schenectady from Apr. 28 to May 3 as part of a multiseason North American tour.

Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the record-breaking musical spectacular has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages and is now on tour across North America.

The original Broadway production opened in 1982 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre, where it ran for 7,485 performances and 18 years.

CATS was originally produced on Broadway by Cameron Mackintosh, The Really Useful Company Limited, David Geffen,

and The Shubert Organization.

The original Broadway production closed on Sept.10, 2000 and is currently the fourth longestrunning show in Broadway history. This marks the first tour of the first-ever Broadway revival of the iconic musical.

The first-ever, live-action film adaptation of CATS, produced by Universal Pictures and Working Title, will open on Dec. 20, 2019.

The revival of CATS is produced by The Shubert Organization, James L. Nederlander, The Really Useful Group and Cameron Mackintosh.

Tickets may be purchased at the Box Office at Proctors, 432 State St., Schenectady; by phone at 518-346-6204; and online at proctors.org. For more information, please visit CatsTheMusical.com

Sweet Honey In The Rock

CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS AT THE EGG ON SATURDAY ALBANY — Sweet Honey in the Rock will perform at The Egg at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, as part of the American Roots & Branches concert series.

Since its 1973 inception in Washington, D.C., Sweet Honey In The Rock has continuously evolved into international ambassadors of a cappella vocal and lyrical excellence and musical missionaries of equality, empowerment and education, peace, love, solidarity and nondenominational spirituality.

Revered most for their live

performances, Sweet Honey In The Rock has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious venues on almost every continent for royal command concerts and festivals.

At The Egg, Sweet Honey In The Rock will celebrate the holidays with a program of spiritual music from around the globe. Tickets to the concert are $39.50 and are available at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza, by telephone – 518473-1845 or online at www. theegg.org.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

ARTS 35 &

Entertainment

Maroon 5

Tedeschi Trucks Band Wheels Of Soul 2020 Tour at SPAC in July

Live at SPAC in September

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Maroon 5, with special guest Meghan Trainor, WILL STAGE A SHOW AT Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Sept. 6, 2020. Ticket price range: $39.50 - $149.50, and go on sale Friday, Dec. 13 at at LiveNation.com, or at Ticketmaster.com.

Hunter Mountain Country Music Fest in June DIERKS BENTLEY, LUKE BRYAN, THOMAS RHETT TO HEADLINE

HUNTER — TrailBlazer Country Music and Camping Festival, formerly known as Taste of Country Music Festival, announced the 2020 lineup for the eighthannual event returning to Hunter Mountain Resort on June 12-14.

Headliners Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett will take the main stage. Additional

artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Blanco Brown, Clare Dunn, HARDY, Jon Langston, Dylan Scott, Matt Stell, Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three, with more to be revealed in the coming weeks, will also perform at the festival.

Passes for TrailBlazer Festival go on-sale Dec. 13 at TrailBlazerFest.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tedeschi Trucks Band’s Wheels of Soul tour kicks off June 26th in TTB’s hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, and embarks on a fiveweek tour that will visit Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 2.

Wheels of Soul 2020 welcomes St. Paul and The Broken Bones, as well as TTB’s own talented keyboardist Gabe Dixon and his trio, to the sixth annual amphitheater run.

Led by the husband and wife team of guitarist Derek Trucks and vocalist/guitarist Susan Tedeschi, the 12-member strong Tedeschi Trucks Band has meticulously curated their flagship multi-band summer tour with the focus on putting together a spectacular triple bill and a true musical collaboration among the three bands to create a unique and unparalleled evening of music. Past guests have included Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings,

Los Lobos, The Wood Brothers and The Marcus King Band among several others.

Tedeschi Trucks Band Wheels Of Soul 2020 features St. Paul and The Broken Bones and Gabe Dixon. Tickets go on-sale Friday, Dec. 13 and range in price: $19.50 $129.50. Tickets available online at LiveNation.com or at Ticketmaster. com. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice.

Tickets subject to applicable fees.

36 ARTS &

Saratoga Stages Victorian Streetwalk

Entertainment

Annual Meeting, Photography Show Opening, and Holiday Reception at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park WILTON — Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park will host its annual meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, followed by the 2019 Annual Photography Show Opening and Holiday Gathering at 7 p.m.

The events will be held at the Preserve & Park’s Office at 80 Scout Road in Wilton. The annual meeting will be an overview of the activities of the Preserve & Park this year, including education, conservation, trails, volunteerism, fund development, and finances.

The Annual Photography Show Opening and Holiday Gathering will immediately follow the meeting and will include a variety of homemade refreshments. The Show will feature photographs from area photographers that highlight the beauty and mission of the

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.

There will be prizes awarded for the following categories; Best in Show, Best Nature in Winter, Best Nature in Autumn, Best featuring Conservation, Best featuring Education, Best featuring Recreation, Best Animal Shot, Best Karner blue butterfly, and Best Under-13.

For more information, call the Preserve & Park office at 518450-0321 or via email at info@ wiltonpreserve.org. For up-todate trail conditions or program information, please visit the Preserve & Park’s website at www.wiltonpreserve.org The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is a non-profit organization that conserves ecological systems and natural settings while providing opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Santa’s Cottage was opened for business with the guest of honor himself, and street carolers mingled with revelers in advance of the holdays in downtown Saratoga Springs Thursday, Dec 5, 2019. Photos by SuperSource Media, LLC.

Lee’s Shops at Wagner Square Home of

Plan to visit the most talked about Christmas & Gift Shop in Central New York!

Room after room of decorations & gifts. Nutcrackers & Smokers, Ornaments, Wreaths, Garland, Life Sized Animals and Santas, a Magical Visit for All!

24 Church Street, Canajoharie NY 13317

(exit 29 Thruway) • 518.673.0292 • LeesShops.com

www.facebook.com/2024churchstreet

OPEN 7 DAYS SAT-THUR 10-6 FRIDAY 10-8

Live Space Entertainment Proudly Presents

Christmas from Dublin

Rochmon Record Club Spins The Cars at Caffe Lena

Over 30 musicians, singers and dancers celebrate the Season!

Friday, December 13, 2019 Showtime: 7:30 pm

Tickets on sale now at www.thecohoesmusichall.org or 518-953-0630

TICKETS:

25 - $30

$

More info at www.livespaceentertainment.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It began with the dampenedstring downstrokes of Ric Ocasek’s rhythm-setting guitar, and subsequently conquered all corners of the globe… “I don’t

mind you coming here/ and wastin’ all my time…”

On Tuesday, Dec. 17, Rochmon Record Club will explore The Cars "Greatest Hits" album in a nice local tribute to the

legacy of Ocasek – the band’s lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter who died in September. Start time is 7 p.m. and tickets are $10.

For more information, go to: caffelena.org.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

ARTS 37 &

Entertainment

“A New Dimension”

Saratoga Arts Unveils Details of City New Year’s Eve Festival

Musical offering by First Night performer Drew Wardle at Saratoga Arts First Night Saratoga presser on Dec. 10, 2019

Written & Photographed

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Approximately 70 different performing groups, 30 different venue stages, and a new strokeof-midnight component inspired by the digital age will ring in the New Year in Saratoga Springs.

There will be variety: live music – from symphonic to rock ‘n’ roll, dancing, theater, and comedy and skateboard demos will be among this year’s offerings.

Billed as “First Night Saratoga 2020: A New Dimension,” the goal is to entertain and to inspire, while offering interactive possibilities for thousands of revelers of all ages. The Dec. 31 event will mark the 24th First Night gathering in Saratoga Springs and the 10th such event since it was taken on

by Saratoga Arts.

Registration Open for First Night Saratoga 5K Run

Joel Reed, executive director of Saratoga Arts, unveils First Night 2020 poster.

“We’re not just presenters of the arts, we encourage everyone to be engaged and to find the art within themselves.” - Joel Reed, executive director of Saratoga Arts, said Tuesday, unveiling this year’s event poster. First Night programmer Bobby Carlton stressed the desire to create an interactivity between performers and the public played a major role in organizing the Dec. 31 event, and to that point encouraged dialogue between festival attendees and performers when not on stage. There will also be a variety of dance events in which revelers can take part held in different locations.

The New Year’s Eve event will feature about 70 acts in more than 30 venues - about 230 sets over six hours - as well as a 5K road race which will kick off the night. New this year is an interactive “Digital Midnight” event that will replace the annual fireworks show. The audiovisual presentation will broadcast

Chris Weink, of radio station WEXT, steps out from the radio booth to discuss Sarat oga’s New Year’s Eve festival.

online and enable revelers to “enjoy midnight anywhere.”

Typically, more than 10,000 people ring in the New Year with Saratoga Arts and First Night Saratoga in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Admission, by way of a special First Night Saratoga button – is $20. That cost is $15 if purchased online or at Saratoga Arts, located on Broadway, through Dec. 25.

Free CDTA bus service will be available downtown. Children 12 and under are admitted to events free of charge. For more information, go to: www. saratoga-arts.org/first-night. For a more detailed list of performers and venues, please see next week’s edition of Saratoga TODAY.

Saratoga Arts Seeks Volunteers for First Night Saratoga 2020 SARATOGA SPRINGS — First Night Saratoga would not be possible without the help of over 250 volunteers. Last year, volunteers assisted in overseeing 30 performance venues, answering questions, and ensuring that over 10,000 revelers rang in the New Year in a fun and safe manner.

Volunteers are required to attend a one-hour training session on one evening in December.

All volunteers receive a free First Night Saratoga admission button, and a First Night poster.

Area Managers and Site Captains also receive a complimentary membership to Saratoga Arts.

First Night Saratoga

Get the jump early this year, especially if you have a favorite venue in which you would like to be placed. If you have questions, please contact Mary Henninger, First Night Volunteer Coordinator, 518-584-4132, ext. 208 or email: mhenninger@ saratoga-arts.org

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Arts' First Night 5k a family friendly event - begins at the Skidmore College gymnasium at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 and traces a 3.1 mile loop around the campus.

This is a moderately challenging course, including both hills and downgrades. Registration is $30 through Dec. 25. To register, visit www.saratoga-arts.org/first-night/ first-night-5k.

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38 ARTS &

Entertainment

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Weekend PLANNER

Shop Local Spend Local.

Enjoy Local

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 Santa’s Play Land Open House

IT TAKES YOU TO START THE TREND

Quick Response Restoration, 2077 Rte. 9, Round Lake | 5 – 9 p.m.

Quick Response is transforming their property into a magical winter wonderland. A community favorite, this event is free, Friday and Saturday. Come visit with Santa and other costume characters.

Take a ride on one of their “Quick Express” tractor drawn train rides or enjoy a horse and wagon ride. Children can also enjoy a selection of kiddie rides. Cookies, popcorn and hot chocolate will be served at no charge. Parking is once again offsite. Please follow the signs and shuttle bus service will bring you to the property.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 9th Annual Saratoga SantaCon

CRITERION

19 RAILROAD PL, SARATOGA SPRINGS

(518) 306-4205 12/13/19-12/19/19

AssistList - Audiodescr - cLosedcApt - reserved seAting - stAdium seAting - WheeLchAir AccessibLe

Star WarS: the riSe Of SkyWalker (PG-13) no pAsses ALLoWed JumanJi: the next level (PG-13) richard JeWell (r)

thu: 7:00, 10:30 (3d) thu: 6:00, 9:30

fri: 10:20 am, 12:30, 1:20, 4:10, 6:10, 7:00, 10:00 Sat & Sun: 10:20 am, 1:20, 4:10, 6:10, 7:00, 10:00 mOn - Wed: 12:30, 1:20, 4:10, 6:10, 7:00, 10:00 thu: 12:30, 1:20, 4:10, 7:00, 10:00 fri - Sun: 10:40 am, 1:40, 4:40, 7:50, 10:50 mOn - thu: 1:40, 4:40, 7:50, 10:50 fri - Wed: 3:20, 9:10 thu: 3:20 Pm

the aerOnautS (PG-13) dark WaterS (PG-13)

fri - Sun: 10:10 am, 1:10, 4:20, 7:20, 10:30 mOn - thu: 1:10, 4:20, 7:20, 10:30

a Beautiful day in the neiGhBOrhOOd (PG)

fri - Sun: 10:00 am, 12:40, 3:50, 6:50, 9:30 mOn - Wed: 12:40, 3:50, 6:50, 9:30 thu: 12:40, 3:50

frOzen ii (PG)

fri - Sun: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:00, 2:10, 3:40, 4:50, 6:30, 7:30, 9:00, 10:10 mOn - Wed: 1:00, 2:10, 3:40, 4:50, 6:30, 7:30, 9:00, 10:10 thu: 1:00, 2:10, 3:40, 4:50, 7:30, 10:10 fri - Sun: 11:40 am, 3:10, 6:40, 10:20 mOn - thu: 3:10, 6:40, 10:20

fOrd v ferrari (PG-13)

natiOnal lamPOOn’S chriStmaS vacatiOn (PG-13) a chriStmaS StOry (PG)

WILTON MALL

fri & Sat: 11:30 Pm Sat & Sun: 11:00 am

(518) 306-4707 12/13/19-12/19/19

3065 Route 50, Wilton

AssistList - Audiodescr - cLosedcApt - stAdium seAting - WheeLchAir AccessibLe Star WarS: the riSe Of SkyWalker (PG-13) no pAsses ALLoWed

Black chriStmaS (PG-13) JumanJi: the next level (PG-13)

thu: 7:00, 9:00 (3d) thu: 6:00, 10:00 fri - Sun: 10:50 am, 1:20, 4:50, 7:40, 10:10 mOn - thu: 1:20, 4:50, 7:40, 10:10 fri: 9:50 am, 11:00 am, 12:40, 2:00, 3:30, 4:00, 6:30, 7:00, 9:30, 10:00 Sat & Sun: 9:50 am, 12:40, 2:00, 3:30, 4:00, 6:30, 7:00, 9:30, 10:00 mOn - thu: 12:40, 2:00, 3:30, 4:00, 6:30, 7:00, 9:30, 10:00

PlaymOBil: the mOvie (PG)

Sat & Sun: 11:00 am

kniveS Out (PG-13)

fri - Sun: 10:00 am, 1:00, 4:20, 7:20, 10:20 mOn - thu: 1:00, 4:20, 7:20, 10:20

a Beautiful day in the neiGhBOrhOOd (PG)

fri - Sun: 10:10 am, 12:50, 3:40, 6:40, 9:20 mOn - Wed: 12:50, 3:40, 6:40, 9:20 thu: 12:50, 3:40

frOzen ii (PG) midWay (PG-13)

fri - Sun: 10:20 am, 1:10, 4:10, 6:50, 9:40 mOn - thu: 1:10, 4:10, 6:50, 9:40 fri - Sun: 10:40 am, 2:30, 6:20, 9:20 mOn - Wed: 2:30, 6:20, 9:20 thu: 2:30 Pm

Downtown Saratoga Springs | 1 – 7 p.m.

Once a year all the good little boys and girls of Saratoga Springs get dressed and full of cheer, because they know Saratoga SantaCon is here! Join the Biggest Pub Crawl in the Capital District. Dress up in festive Santa gear for a day of shenanigans and beer. Registration fee will is 5 or more non-perishable food items which will all go directly to the Franklin Community Center. Start at Harvey’s, then make your way to 9 other stops. Visit www.facebook.com/ events/1001984633496834 for more information.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Winter Wonderland With the King Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway | 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Welcome 10 award winning Elvis tribute artists as they headline the weekend’s event each night. During the day, join the contest where 20+ ETAs go head to head to win the cash prize and title of Grand Champion! Sunday morning also features an Elvis gospel show. This weekend will be backed by The Suspicious Minds Tribute Band. For questions, schedule, tickets or to register for the contest, visit KingFests.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Christmas Village Tour Porter Corners United Methodist Church 512 Allen Rd., Porters Corners | 2 – 4 p.m.

Everyone is invited to tour the Christmas Village at the Porter Corners United Methodist Church. There will be over 1,000 buildings and accessories filling half of the sanctuary. You can visit Bethlehem, Santa’s Village, Candyland, and more. There will be lights, music, movement - they have it all! The Village is open every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. and every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. until Christmas. Free admission, donations appreciated.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 The Christmas Carol Experience Canfield Casino & Saratoga Springs History Museum 1 East Congress St., Saratoga Springs | 4 – 6 p.m.

Come to Charles Dickens’ historic Victorian mansion for a very merry Christmas evening! The ghost of Christmas past will lead you on an journey into The Christmas Carol. Enjoy fine ale, wine, spiced cider, carols in the parlor and watch variations from the School of the Arts Nutcracker. Tiny tots can warm their bellies with hot cocoa and listen to holiday stories. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Saratoga Springs History Museum. Tickets may be purchased at Eventbrite.com

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

BALLSTON SPA 8 Charlton Rd., $200,000.

Lynn and William Johnson, Jr. sold property to William Johnson III. 32 Conifer Dr., $415,000.

James and Jennifer Kostrubanic sold property to Joseph and Pamela Starsia.

13 Knottingley Place, $390,000.

Joseph Burch sold property to Ronald and Janet Enfield.

59 Kasey Pass, Unit 59, $257,538. Brookview Court Inc./Pigliavento Builders DBA sold property to Ryan Legere and Diana Rivera Legere.

10 Tomaselli Court, $305,500.

Jason and Amber Reynolds sold property to Michael and Sandra Murphy.

CHARLTON 798 Charlton Rd., $257,000.

Craig Hayden sold property to Cartus Financial Corporation.

36 Komar Dr., $399,000.

Phil Rodriguez sold property to Jeremy and Jennifer Muir.

CORINTH 7 Wiley Way, $25,000. Terre Holdings LLC sold property to Foothills Builders LLC. 7 Wiley Way, $257,677.

Foothills Builders LLC sold property to Susan Scomillio.

31 Morgans Way, $35,000.

Chad Bardin sold property to Babson Homes LLC. 209 Maple St., $152,200.

Mark Mckiernan and Ethan McKiernan sold property to Blake Saunders.

343 Center St., $148,400.

Carl Dearborn and Paula Harris sold property to Donald and Renee Stafford.

3 Sixth St., $215,000.

Brienna Stiefel sold property to Steven Luttman.

95 Hunt Lake Rd., $70,000.

Daneen Neison (as Trustee) sold property to Mark and Linda Hillman.

11 Sycamore St., $4,500.

Robert and Cheryl Healy sold property to Michael and Susan Shamulka.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

8 Trout Pond Rd., $257,000.

Steven and Jennifer Briggs sold property to Robert O’Malley and Eileen Angelini.

768 County Rt 25, $122,000.

Robert Crist sold property to Timothy Fleming.

16 Mallery St., $200,000.

James and Rita Randall sold property to Bent Bar LLC.

GALWAY 1616 Mechanic St., $390,000.

CMH Homes Inc. sold property to Deborah and Gary Gauthier.

GREENFIELD 4050 NYS Route 9N, $150,000.

James Hidalgo and Rebecca Vega Hidalgo sold property to Joel and Taryn Burgess.

124 Howe Rd., $18,000.

Rosemary Lussier and Gerald Lucia (by Atty) sold property to Diane McKeon.

482 Sandhill Rd., $585,000.

Paul Pileckas and Laura Farrar Pileckas sold property to Stephen and Dawn Carr.

138 Porter Corners Rd., $65,000.

Charlotte Reome (by Exec) sold property to Lillian Johnson.

12 Annacrest Dr., $239,900.

Bradley Vogel sold property to Jacob Martinko and Danielle Rushford.

2 Bellflower Rd., $265,900. Arthur and Amy Zegers sold property to Scott and Kari McEntee.

495 Grand Ave., $315,000. David and Frances Fariello sold property to Paul Holzmann.

76 Arrowwood Place, $175,000.

Michele Chervenak sold property to Holly Daley.

18 Division St., Unit 513, $475,000. Maryann Goldstock sold property to Muhammad Chater.

31 Plum Poppy South, $461,869.

Marini Land Inc. sold property to Michael Dowen.

MILTON 79 West St., $201,400.

Kelly Kolnick sold property to Gage Walker.

35 Margaret Dr., $235,000.

Matthew Christopher sold property to Nicole Reo and Donald Buckley.

4 Stone Creek Court, $329,900.

Desiree and Sylvio Plourde, Jr. sold property to Samantha and Zachary Waterstram.

9 Rip Van Lane, $330,000.

Joel and Taryn Burgess sold property to Lorena Langdon.

1214 Goode Rd., $265,000.

Michael and Sandra Murphy sold property to Bryan Pirrone.

512 Leahy Lane, $217,691.

Gregory and Kara Geske sold property to Paul Fennessey.

404 Antler Court, $190,000.

Daniel and Christie Pizza sold property to Yong Shan Wu.

TOWN OF SARATOGA

194 Allen Rd., $319,000. Peter and Alicia Bevan sold property to Mark and Evaleen Fisher.

175 Burke Rd., $650,000.

Keith Kerrigan sold property to Meatball Martini LLC.

302 Wilton Rd., $32,000.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (by Atty) sold property to Kyle Bell.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

82 North Greenfield Rd., $210,000. Eric and Lila Bourgeois sold property to Anthony Mangano Delaney.

MALTA 235 Thimbleberry Rd., $193,000.

Felix Cantano and Alicia Aristizabal Osorio sold property to John Danison.

29 Glade Mallow Rd., $263,000.

Edward and Rebecca Niedziejko sold property to Michael and Denise Mooney.

9 Scotch Mist Way, $310,000.

Jeffrey and Rhea Doran sold property to Joanne Godkin.

86 Tamarack Trail, $160,000.

Dawn and Scott Wetsel (by Atty) sold property to Saratoga Homes LLC. 53 Monroe St., $495,000.

Donna Sweeney sold property to Vernon and Linda Myers.

290 Caroline St., $780,000.

Mary Cogan and Maureen Blaum (Co-Trustees) sold property to Michael and Nancy Ingersoll.

15 Granite St., $375,000. Lisa McDermott sold property to Matthew and Katherine Matrese.

52 Waterbury St., $655,000.

David and Barbara Iverson sold property to Gerard Heffernan and Sarita Jensen.

WILTON 1 Conklin Court, $413,650.

McPadden Builders LLC sold property to Anthony and Linda Fichera.

932 Saratoga Rd., $134,000.

Greenacres Capital Ventures LLC sold property to Hon A Lee LLC. 32 King Mills Rd., $222,600.

Thomas and Jodie Gurka sold property to Joshua Scott and Karen Viger.

39 2 Meghan Court, $400,000.

Andrew and Sharyn Minnick sold property to Erico Mattos and Ariene Pereira Afonso.

1, 4, 5, 8 Pine Park Place, $405,000.

VanVeghten Construction LLC sold property to Starlight Development Co. LLC. 5 Hammond Dr., $182,500.

Randall Mott sold property to Christopher and Jessica Iwinski.

762 Route 9, $210,000. Amos and Patricia Ernst sold property to Samir Kulkarni.

12 Dakota Dr., $249,900. MSLC Development LLC sold property to Damian Clute.

12 Nonchalant Dr., $198,500.

Janet Alessandrini (by Exec) sold property to Jose and Abigail Gonzalez.

40

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

SPACE RESERVATION DUE:

Monday | 5 p.m.

PUBLICATION DAY:

Friday

AD COPY DUE:

Wednesday | Noon

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call 518-581-2480 ext. 204

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD PHONE: 518-581-2480 ext. 204 FAX: 518-581-2487 EMAIL: CLASSIFIED@ saratogapublishing.com OR JUST STOP IN!

LEGAL NOTICES Notice of formation of limited liability company (LLC).

Name: 95 FIFTH LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York on NOVEMBER 18, 2019 under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Office location: Saratoga County.

Secretary of State of New York designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Secretary of State of New York shall mail a copy of the process to: King, Adang & Arpey, 340 Broadway, Suite 3, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: any lawful business activity not otherwise prohibited by the laws of the State of New York. 12/06, 12/13, 12/20, 01/03, 01/10, 01/17. 95854 Notice of formation of limited liability company (LLC).

Name: 99 FIFTH LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York on NOVEMBER 18, 2019 under Section 203 of the Limited

Liability Company Law. Office location: Saratoga County.

Secretary of State of New York designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Secretary of State of New York shall mail a copy of the process to: King, Adang & Arpey, 340 Broadway, Suite 3, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Purpose: any lawful business activity not otherwise prohibited by the laws of the State of New York. 12/06, 12/13, 12/20, 01/03, 01/10, 01/17. 95848 Notice of Formation of a New York Limited Liability Company. The name of the limited liability company is COLVIN TOWING SERVICES LLC. The date of filing of the Articles of Organization with the Department of State was November 8, 2019. The county in New York in which the offices of the LLC are located is Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served, and the Secretary Discover the world’s best walk-in bathtub from 5 Reasons American Standard Walk-In Tubs are Your Best Choice 1 2

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of State shall mail a copy of any such process served against the LLC to Jeremiah Sweeter, 2 Mystic Lane, Clifton Park, NY 12065. The business purpose of the LLC is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under the laws of the State of New York. 11/22, 11/27, 12/06, 12/13, 12/20, 01/03. 95648 Notice of formation of On-Demand Power and Electrical Services, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/24/2019 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 13 Deerleap Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/27, 12/06, 12/13, 12/20, 01/03, 01/10. 95732 Notice of formation of Glenham Farm, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 02/01/2017 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 57C Glenham Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/22, 11/27, 12/06, 12/13, 12/20, 01/03. 95654 Notice of formation of Elvents LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Sec. of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/04/2019.

Office: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to RDG Management Inc., 156 West 56th Street, 1203, New York, NY 10019. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/27, 12/06, 12/13. 95574

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

SPACE RESERVATION DUE:

Monday | 5 p.m.

PUBLICATION DAY:

Friday

AD COPY DUE:

Wednesday | Noon

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call 518-581-2480 ext. 204

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Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Puzzles Across 1 Workbench gadget 6 Antlered beast 10 Glasses, in ads 14 Popular depilatory 15 Campaign staffer 16 Rochester’s bride 17 Part of the soft palate 18 Lady of the knight 19 Concussions generally aren’t visible on them 20 Goal for some college-bound students 23 “What was __ was saying?”

24 Tie __ 25 Rat Pack member 29 Growing concerns?

33 Like a used hibachi 34 Record-setting slugger in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame 38 General on a menu 39 Gadgets 40 One of 34-Across’ 2,170 41 Ocular organs of cephalopods, say 43 Aspirin target 44 Nocturnal carnivore 45 Perambulates 47 Piece of cake 51 Poet’s contraction 52 Period needed to fulfill a request ... and a hint to words hidden in three long puzzle answers 58 Homey 59 Pack firmly 60 “__ making this up” 61 Spigot issue 62 Site with tech reviews 63 Trilateral trade agreement, briefly 64 Tag line?

65 Grinder 66 Speed units Down 1 Mötley __ 2 Fiery flow 3 Bleu hue 4 Placate 5 Beseech, as a deity 6 Anti-DWI gp.

7 Venetian valentine message

See puzzle solutions on page 46

See puzzle solution on page 46 8 Ones in charge, for short 9 Sixth-day Christmas gift 10 Workshop 11 One who likes to light up?

12 “__ go bragh!”

13 Chooses, with “in” 21 Two-front, as a Coast Guard rescue 22 Divans 25 Trunk piece 26 Put a value on 27 Words before “Yeah, you!”

28 Brubeck of jazz 30 Like much of New York 31 Company with a longtime travel guide 32 They often have guards 35 Self-help letters

36 Super-duper 37 1959 Ben-Hur portrayer 39 Let out gradually 42 Use an Enigma machine, say 43 “Black Swan” Best Actress Oscar winner 46 Bad bottom line 48 “No prob!”

49 Origami staple 50 Reason to trot 52 Corrida beast 53 Israeli weapons 54 Until 55 Scoop 56 Suffragist Lucretia 57 RR station predictions 58 Govt. health org.

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices.

This Week: Deductive, Inductive (Concerning types of reasoning:) Deductive means to reason from the general to the specific (top-down approach).

Example: All people need water to survive; Bob is a person; Bob needs water to survive.

Inductive means to reason from the specific to the general (bottom-up approach).

Example: Bob needs water to survive; Bob is a person; all people need water to survive.

Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@gmail.com

43

Sports Saratoga Blue Streaks Hockey Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Photos by SuperSource Media, LLC.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks varsity hockey team participated in the Don Kauth Memorial Tournament with games against Mamaroneck and Williamsville North at Weibel Avenue Ice Rink. Williamsville North took the W, 4-1 and Mamaroneck also took the win, 5-4.

Saratoga played Mamaroneck on Saturday, December 8. In the first period, Leary scored Saratoga’s first goal with an assist from Amodio; Mamaroneck scored twice from Torre and Mollin, both

assists by Delast and Spano with a second assist on the first goal. No goals were scored in period two.

Mamaroneck then scored twice again in the third period by Leicht, assist by Takaya, and Delast, assist

by Kelly. Saratoga also scored twice from Amodio and Sarver.

Mamaroneck won in overtime with a goal by Delast. Saratoga goalie Brad Blake had six saves and Mamaroneck goalie Madlyn Boyle had 28 saves.

The Blue Streaks played Williamsville North on Sunday,

December 8. In the first period, Williamsville North had one goal by Okulewicz with an assist by O’Donoghue; in the second period Ward scored two goals, each with a first assist by Ferenczy and Krier; Okulewicz had a second goal in the second period with no assist. Amodio scored the only goal for Saratoga Springs in the third period with assists by Detora and Lefebvre.

Saratoga goalie Brad Blake had 14 saves and Williamsville North goalie Henry Braun had 24 saves.

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LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 13

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Issue 3

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January 18 – January 24, 2019

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com •

518- 581-2480

THE FUTURE IS HERE: Artificial Intelligence Summit in Saratoga Springs

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com 518-581-2480 Five Case St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

SARATOGA SPRINGS — 5G. AI. Blockchain. The possible eradication of disease and abolishment of poverty. The potential wiping out of your job. So many questions. A free, city-based “Lunch and Learn” event with a focus on artificial intelligence will take place Thursday, Jan. 24 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

“The AI Opportunity: Developing an AI Ecosystem in Upstate New York” will include a panel discussion, and a Q & A session: What is artificial intelligence?

Why does AI matter? What opportunities does it present locally and regionally?

Panelists will share ideas, experiences, and viewpoints about AI technology, research and development, ethics, and policies and will be moderated by Michele Madigan, city Commissioner of Finance and chair of the Saratoga Springs Smart City Commission.

•

HATTIE’S MARDI GRAS Soiree Grosses More Than $150,000 See pg. 28

Blue Streaks Basketball

See Story pg. 9

Farm to School

12 YEAR STREAK

See pg. 33

insideTODAY Obituaries Business Property Transactions Religion Education The Farm-to-School program increases the volume and variety of locally grown and produced food in schools. It aims to improve student health and to educate young people about agriculture. See Story pg. 11

6 12-14 15 17 18, 19

Arts & Entertainment 26-29 Photo provided. See Story “Saratoga Gymnastics” pg. 37

Sports

33-39

44

Sports

Local Athletes

All Star�Moments

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Jr. NBA Scores

Spa City Gamblers Win Home Opener SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gamblers win 170-122 in home opener at Gavin Park on Saturday, December 7.

The Gamblers shot over 60% from the field and also from the

three-point line. Joe Cremo with 50 points and Shea Bromirski with 35. EJ Gallup added 29-1113 in what was his first tripledouble in professional basketball.

Being a new team, every time a

Gambler laces up, they have a chance to set themselves in the team record books. This team plays unselfish, pass-happy basketball and finishes from 25 feet and over.

Saratoga Regional YMCA Over 50 Basketball League Scores WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 Nemer Chryslers v. D’Andrea’s Pizza Nemer-66: Steve Brown-25, Pat Reidy-21 D’Andrea’s-43: Mike Morris-14, Rory Wilson-11

Mama Mia’s Restaurant v. Stephen’s Chryslers Jeep Dodge of Greenwich Mama Mia’s-47: Phillip Fitzpatrick-20, Lamont William-15 Stephens-37: Paul Gross-12, Pat Killian-10

Walton’s Sport Shop VS West Side West Side-53: Bob Theiss-14, Kai Hasani-13 Walton’s-41: Mike Bentley-14, Jimmy Parker-10

Turning Point Chiropractic v. Lazy Dog Cookie Co. Turning Point-78: Bob Hason-38, Mike Scanlon-17 Lazy Dog-72: Scott Clark-24, Todd Mcshane-18

Saratoga Regional YMCA /Saratoga Honda Youth Basketball Scores JR. DIVISION PBA v. Olsen’s Associates PBA-47: Nick Goliber-14, Stephon Lindsey-12 Olsen’s-29: Xavier Ruscio-12, Colin MacGregor-8

SR. DIVISION Pashley Construction v. Spa Café Pashley’s-65: Ziyair White-16, Quinn Frank-10, Nate Siewart-10

Blend Realty v. Cudney’s Cleaners Cudney’s-40: John Gerardi-16, Ian O’rourke-11 Blend Realty-31: Riley Baumeister-9, Finn Kelly-9, Eric Eckardt-5

Village Photo v. Vahanian & Associates Financial Planning Inc. Village Photo-55: Jacob Krygouski-13, Unique Steel-12 Vahanian &Associates-31: Thomas Maurer-9, Paul Steves-9, Carter Cigan-5

Local news never looked this good!

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E • FRE DENT DEPEN L • IN r.com • LOCA TODAYnewspape

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Volume

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Issue 20

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a TODAY by allowing the longtim kids to continu SARATO e practice e GA SPRING bottles This of selling of water week, S city Account— outside Commi and pencils Saratoga ssioner s Race Course.

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Celine Dion inspirations her biggest musical released g recently VanDenbur writing new is currently debut single, performs first EP and songs for her Region. the Capital across live g Madison VanDenbur of The Crossings performs at g” “homecomin Colonie in a May 14, 2019, on Tuesday, of Sunday’s in advance on the as a finalist appearance Idol” TV show.

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year, of Wilton last in the town n (DEC) bear sightings tal Conservatio t string of black t of Environmen Following a to an enforcemen State Departmen an educational mode the New York town website. to shift “from 12 posted to Wilton’s See Story pg. has again decided to a notice mode,” according

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DIVISION 1 PELICANS VS. BULLS Pelicans-23: Logan Janis-15, Chase Warren-6 Bulls-12: Jordan Belair-6, Will Fairs-2

KNICKS VS. CELTICS Knicks-22: Karsen Kolligan-8, Will Schaefer-6 Celtics-6: Gavin Spickler-4, Sam Harper-2

MAVS VS. LAKERS Mavs-22: Lee Lockrow-10, Colin McNulty-6 Lakers-10: Jackson Boivin-4, Spencer Ruggeri-3

KINGS VS. HORNETS Kings-21: Sean Britton-14, Gannon Britton-4 Hornets-12: Damon DeCelle-6, Tyler Ordon-4

DIVISION 2 MAGIC VS. MAVS Magic-27: Chris Sheft-10, Carson Engelhard-7 Mavs-12: Merrick Shea-6, Jayden Burke-2

THUNDER VS. KINGS Thunder-25: Aaron Stuart-10, Cole Whitman-9 Kings-24: Nick Humowitz-17, Tucker Hills-3

CELTICS VS. KNICKS Celtics-21: Rowan Lincoln-7, Max Sawicz-6 Knicks-18: James Voorhies-5, Palmer Tomkinson-8

MAGIC VS. KINGS Pelicans-28: Gavin LaFrance-17, Anderson Baird-2 Spurs-26: Bobby Morris-20, Braeden Stockwell-4

DIVISION 3 BULLS VS. PELICANS KNICKS VS. CELTICS Bulls-29: Noah Duilio-20, Knicks-22: Chase Billington-6, Chris Landers-4 Jake Schaefer-4 Pelicans 12: Will O’Donnel-2, Celtics-20: Evan Rosetti-11, Luke Dixon-2 Ryan Pickett-5 MAGIC VS. LAKERS Magic -32: Peyton Keegan-10, Josh Malo-8 Lakers -19: Bradin Stone-7, Pierce Byrn-5

DIVISION 4 SPURS VS. PELICANS Spurs-27: Max HamiltonJones-5, Olivia Baiman-5 Pelicans-25: Cooper Waltey-4, Charles DiDonato-6

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BULLS VS. THUNDER Bulls-42: Arion Rose-14, Lucas Ferro-13 Thunder-34: Jack Gulick-9, Thomas Maurer-13

PELICANS VS. KNICKS Pistons-39: Frankie Liniewski-10, Brandon Stimpson-12 Knicks-36: Trey Varcoe-16, Raymond Ellis-7

45

Sports JAMES PRASTIO:

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Photos provided.

by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — James Prastio, an 18-year-old senior at Ballston Spa High School, grew up surrounded by football. His father, James Sr., played semi-pro football during James’ childhood and signed James up for flag football as early as he could.

“I immediately fell in love with the game,” Prastio said, “I had such a passion and love for football and what it meant to be a part of a team and how close everyone was. It’s just something I’ve always loved.”

“He was the heartbeat of our team this fall. He is a very passionate athlete and loves Ballston Spa football. He was a 3-year starter for us, a team captain, and he also led our team in rushing and tackles,” Coach Jason Ohnsman praised.

Prastio has equally kind words for his coach: “He took a chance on me and that’s something that I am always going to be forever grateful for because without him taking that chance on me, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

Prastio got moved up to varsity his freshmen year for playoffs and has been a varsity player ever since.

“The team has suffered a lot of ups and downs. My group of friends, we’ve all played together since we were six years old. We all knew that this was the year we needed to turn it around and bring Ballston Spa football back into the light again. It was time to put Ballston Spa back onto the map,” he explained.

This past season, Prastio was a runningback and linebacker, but he has played different offense positions for the team; his freshman and sophomore years he was a wide receiver and in his junior year, he played tight end. He has no problem changing it up depending on the needs of the team.

“Playing a bigger role was important to me because I wanted to bring pride back to the community. Then this year we obviously had some success reaching the semi-finals and beating Amsterdam at home for a quarter-final game, which was the first time in 15 years that we’ve had a playoff game at home, and the first time in forever that we’ve won a playoff game. To have that be my last game on that field, it was surreal and amazing. I was so happy for the community and my team,” Prastio said.

“His biggest game this year was definitely our first-round home playoff game where he led

the way with 250 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns as well as 10 tackles in a 35-12 win. It was awesome for him to lead us in the first home playoff win in almost 10 years,” Ohnsman stated.

Prastio also letters in wrestling, where he won Class B last year; he also plays lacrosse and took home Section II All-Star last season.

However, football is his favorite.

“I like to hit people. I like the physicality of the sport and I especially love the brotherhood that it brings. I’ve been a part of

“They can measure a lot of things; they can measure your height, they can measure your weight, but there’s one thing they’ll never be able to measure and that’s heart. many teams for different sports and the bond that we had this year for football is something I’ve never felt on any team I’ve been on. I genuinely loved and cared about every single one of those guys,” he said nostalgically.

Prastio is undecided on which college to attend but he plans to study education so he can be a coach.

In his free time, he enjoys

hanging out with his friends and girlfriend.

When asked what his advice was for future teams, he said this: “They can measure a lot of things; they can measure your height, they can measure your weight, but there’s one thing they’ll never be able to measure and that’s heart. That’s something you always have to have and a lot of pride in what you do.”

46

Sports

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

Community

SPORTS BULLETIN Saratoga Recreation Department Happenings • Department Intro to Ice Skating Program: Learn ice skating basics or improve your skills. Everyone age 3-Adult is welcome.

• Skate Away at the Saratoga Springs Ice Rinks: Visit SaratogaRec.com for the schedule.

• Reach for the Rim with the Basketball Program: Everyone age 3-Grade 12 is welcome.

• Get in the Ring with the Boxing Program: Everyone age 8-15 is welcome. Learn proper boxing technique and receive conditioning tips.

• Meet at the Net with the Volleyball Program: Everyone age 8-14 is welcome. Develop your skills and learn the rules and strategy of the game.

Visit SaratogaRec.com for additional information and to download forms. Contact 518-587-3550, ext. 2300 or email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.

YMCA Youth Basketball Programs • YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE The Saratoga Regional YMCA Youth Basketball Program is for boys and girls entering grades 3rd through 12th. All skill levels are welcome. The league runs from December to March.

• All games will be played on Sundays • Member: $85 | Non-Membes: $170 • MINI SHOTS BASKETBALL (6-7 years) Using basketball drills, participants will learn the fundamentals of basketball - dribbling,

passing, shooting - and build muscle memory while increasing their hand/eye coordination.

• Min. 4 | Max. 10 • Tuesday, 4:30-5:15 p.m. or Saturday, 9:30-10:15 a.m.

• Member: $42 | Non-Members: $84 • SMALL SHOTS BASKETBALL (8-10 years) This program is designed for boys and girls to develop fundamental basketball skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, offense, and defense. Players will learn in a supportive, safe, and noncompetitive environment where focus is on learning the game, and having fun.

• Min. 4 | Max. 14 • Wednesday, 4-5 p.m. or Saturday, 10:15-11:15 a.m.

• Member: $50 | Non-Member: $100 • LITTLE SHOTS BASKETBALL (4-5 years) Participants will discover the fundamentals of basketball. The last class of the session will be a scrimmage that parents are welcome to participate in!

• Min. 4 | Max. 10 • Tuesday, 4-4:30 p.m. or Saturday, 9-9:30 a.m.

• Member: $40 | Non-Member: $80

Saratoga Arts First Night 5K SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Arts First Night 5k is a family-friendly event and a great way to start your New Year’s Eve celebration!

The event will begin at the Skidmore College gymnasium at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 and traces a 3.1-mile loop around the campus. This moderately challenging course will include hills and slopes before course exits the campus at Clinton St. and continues to Greenfield Ave., continuing up North Broadway and back to campus.

Puzzle solutions from pg. 42 Send your sports stories or briefs to Sports@Saratoga Publishing.com

This year’s giveaway will be a reversible day glow orange running hat with a fleece inside and moisture wicking poly outside. Hats are only available to the first 1200 registered runners.

This year’s race will not have a registration cap as there have been in previous years. As a result, there will even be day-of-race registration.

Check-In: Packet pick-up 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. the day of the race at Skidmore College Athletic Complex.

Parking, restrooms, and showers are available as well as refreshments after the race.

For more information and to register, visit www. saratoga-arts.org/first-night/first-night-5k.

2020 Skidmore Winter Baseball Clinic Registration SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kids ages six through 13 will be able to participate in a two-day baseball clinic at Skidmore College’s sports center. These clinics are designed to teach the basic fundamentals of hitting, fielding, base running, catching and pitching as well as advanced skills and techniques. This is a great opportunity to tune-up for the upcoming season.

Each night we will also finish with game competition.

Each day will consist of different aspects of the aforementioned skills. Players should bring their own gloves and bats.

The clinics will be held Tuesday, Jan. 14 and Wednesday Jan. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration is $100.

To register, contact Ron Plourde, Baseball Coach at Skidmore College.

Week of December 13 – December 19, 2019

47

Sports

SPORTS AT

A

GLANCE

LOCAL SPORTS SEASON SCHEDULE League games and matches this week are as follows:

Wrestling

■ Saratoga Springs (Girls) vs. Ballston Spa 7 p.m. at Saratoga Springs

■ Spa Catholic vs. Berlin 4 p.m. at Spa Catholic

FRIDAY, 12/13

■ Spa Catholic (Boys) vs. Stillwater 7:30 p.m. at Spa Catholic

■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. Averill Park 4:15 p.m. at Boulevard Bowl

■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Boys) vs. Averill Park 6 p.m. at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake

WEDNESDAY, 12/18

■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. Colonie 3 p.m. at Colonie

SATURDAY, 12/14

■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Girls) vs. Averill Park 6 p.m. at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake

■ Saratoga Springs vs. TBD TBD at New Paltz

■ Schuylerville (Boys) vs. Gloversville 7:30 p.m. at Schuylerville

■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. Colonie 9 a.m. at Colonie

WEDNESDAY, 12/18

■ Schuylerville vs. Duanesburg 8:30 a.m. at Duanesburg

■ Spa Catholic (Girls) vs. Stillwater 7:30 p.m. at Stillwater

WEDNESDAY, 12/18 ■ Saratoga Springs vs. Guilderland 6 p.m. at Guilderland ■ Ballston Spa vs. Schenectady 6 p.m. at Schenectady ■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. Columbia 6 p.m. at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake

MONDAY, 12/16

■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Boys) vs. CBA 7 p.m. at CBA ■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Girls) vs. South Glens Falls 5 p.m. at South Glens Falls ■ Spa Catholic (Boys) vs. Waterford-Halfmoon 7:30 p.m. at Waterford-Halfmoon

TUESDAY, 12/17 ■ Saratoga Springs (Boys) vs. Ballston Spa 7 p.m. at Ballston Spa

Ice Hockey

Bowling

■ Ballston Spa (Girls) vs. Colonie 6 p.m. at Ballston Spa

■ Schuylerville (Girls) vs. Hoosic Valley 6 p.m. at Schuylerville

■ Saratoga Springs (Girls) vs. Niskayuna 7 p.m. at Niskayuna

■ Schuylerville (Girls) vs. Scotia-Glenville 7 p.m. at Scotia-Glenville

■ Schuylerville (Boys) vs. Scotia-Glenville 7:30 p.m. at Schuylerville

MONDAY, 12/16

■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. Schenectady 4:15 p.m. at Schenectady

■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Girls) vs. Schenectady 7 p.m. at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake

■ Saratoga Springs (Girls) vs. Guilderland 7 p.m. at Guilderland

■ Ballston Spa vs. Columbia 4:15 p.m. East Greenbush Bowling Center

■ Saratoga Springs (Boys) vs. Niskayuna 7 p.m. at Saratoga Springs

■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Boys) vs. Schenectady 6 p.m. at Schenectady

■ Saratoga Springs (Boys) vs. Guilderland 7 p.m. at Saratoga Springs

■ Saratoga Springs (Boys) vs. Niskayuna 4:15 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone

■ Spa Catholic vs. Hoosick Falls 4 p.m. at Spa Catholic

■ Ballston Spa (Girls) vs. Columbia 6 p.m. at Ballston Spa

FRIDAY, 12/13

THURSDAY, 12/19

THURSDAY, 12/19

■ Ballston Spa (Boys) vs. Columbia 7 p.m. at Columbia

Basketball

■ Schuylerville vs. Glens Falls 4:30 p.m. at Schuylerville

■ Saratoga Springs (Girls) vs. Columbia 4:15 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone ■ Ballston Spa vs. Saratoga Central Catholic 4 p.m. at Saratoga Central Catholic

SATURDAY, 12/14 ■ Ballston Spa vs. Williamsville South 4:45 p.m. at Northtown Center

WEDNESDAY, 12/18 ■ Saratoga Springs vs. Shenendehowa 7:30 p.m. at Shenendehowa

Swimming/Diving SATURDAY, 12/14 ■ Saratoga Springs vs. Shenendehowa 10 a.m. at Skidmore

TUESDAY, 12/17 ■ Saratoga Springs vs. Shenendehowa 4:30 p.m. at Skidmore ■ Ballston Spa vs. Schenectady 4:30 p.m. at Ballston Spa

■ Schuylerville vs. Hudson Falls 4 p.m. at Hudson Falls

■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. Troy/CBA 4:30 p.m. at Troy/CBA

TUESDAY, 12/17

Gymnastics

■ Saratoga Springs (Boys) vs. Ballston Spa 4:15 p.m. at Ballston Spa ■ Ballston Spa vs. Saratoga Springs 4:15 p.m. at Saratoga Springs

TUESDAY, 12/17 ■ Saratoga Springs vs. Bethlehem 6 p.m. at YMCA Wilton

*All information subject to change due to weather.