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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Albert Frank Callucci

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Saratoga Springs – Albert Frank Callucci, 82, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. He was born on August 14, 1943, in Utica, New York, where he spent his early years and graduated from Proctor High School.

Albert was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who placed his family at the center of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol (née Latella), and his cherished children: Lisa Brady (Pat), Frank Callucci, and Christine Joyce (Brian). He was a proud grandfather to Daniel, Patrick, and Erin Brady, and Kevin, Brendan, and Kate Joyce, each of whom brought him immense joy.

In his younger years, Albert had a deep love for music and especially enjoyed playing the piano, a talent he possessed by ear. Music remained a fond and lasting part of who he was.

Albert dedicated much of his professional life to the McDonald’s Corporation, where he worked for many years. He later continued his career with the J&J Corporation. In 2012, he was appointed as a member of the City of Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of colleagues through his strong work ethic and reliability.

Above all else, Albert will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle whose charismatic personality, infectious laugh, and wonderful sense of humor brightened every room he entered. His warmth, kindness, and laughter left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed by family and friends alike.

Relatives and friends may call from 11am-12 Noon on Friday, January 2 at St. Clement’s Church (231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Malcolm “Butch” Arpei, Sr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Saratoga Springs – Malcolm “Butch” Arpei, Sr., age 90, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 4, 1935, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Peter and Helena (Parish) Arpei. Malcolm proudly dedicated many years of service to the New York State Department of Transportation before retiring. 

Butch was the “go to guy,” he was always willing to help anyone that asked with nothing expected in return.  He enjoyed talking with anyone, you could be a stranger and start a conversion with him.  

Butch had a deep appreciation for history, particularly black powder cannons which he competed in many events. He held a strong interest in religion. He was thankful to St Clements Church for sending someone to his home weekly to give him communion and good conversation.

He also enjoyed camping and traveling, especially the many trips he shared with his beloved wife (Ginny) and family. He particularly enjoyed their trips to Italy where they visited the Vatican and their trip to England. Time spent with family was his greatest joy.  When his beloved wife became ill, he was by her side 24/7 to the end.

He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia of 64 years, daughter Ann Marie, grandson Patrick, son-in-law Doug, brothers John, Tom, Joe and sisters Mary and Kate.

He is survived by his sons, Peter Arpei (Bonnie) and Malcolm Arpei, Jr. (Dawn); daughters, Dianna Narbon (Jeff), Susan Arpei, and Lisa Maisal; sisters, Madeline Caprara and Joan Rogers; 13 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his memory.

The family would like to thank the many neighbors, especially Susan, Rick, and Jenny. Maggy his Postal Carrier for always watching out for Butch. The nurses on D2, Ella and David and Tiffany, ICU.  As well as, St Clements Church, Deacon Frank for their kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Alzheimer’s Disease Research at https://donate.brightfocus.org/adr/give

Calling hours will be held Friday January 16, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm immediately followed by funeral service at 12:00 pm at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY.   Burial will follow at St Peters Cemetery, West Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com. 

Laureen “Laurie” Kyne (Boege)

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Laurie passed away peacefully, and surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, December 15th, 2025, at age 67, after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Born in Harvey, IL on May 1, 1958 to Robert and Marjorie Boege, she spent her youth in Braidwood, IL where she loved her horses, before moving to Saratoga Springs upon the untimely death of her father in 1970. 

She attended and graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1976. Soon after, she met and married Michael Kyne, her husband of 48 years, and had three sons; Christopher, Stephen, and Robert, all of whom survive her. In life, she had many jobs, but only one career: raising her family. It was important to her that her boys never came home from school to an empty home. She loved her time spent boating on Saratoga Lake and the Hudson River, as well as sitting on the beach sand at Long Beach Island, NJ. Since retirement, she and Michael have lived in Ocala, FL. 

In addition to her husband and sons, she is survived by her mother, two sisters, two brothers, three grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 

Her family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and Community Hospice at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL for their compassionate care during her final days and hours. They did what they could, but God had other plans; He wanted her home. 

A private family remembrance will be held in the new year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Laurie’s name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at this link: http://support.pancan.org/goto/Laurie-Kyne.

ALPIN HAUS TO HOST SARATOGA RV SHOW JANUARY 8–11 AT SARATOGA CITY CENTER

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Alpin Haus, one of the Northeast’s largest outdoor recreation retailers, will host its annual Saratoga RV Show from Thursday, January 8, through Sunday, January 11, at the Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway. 

The four-day event is expected to attract thousands of visitors, providing a boost to downtown restaurants, shops, and attractions during the winter season.

Admission is free. Show hours are Thursday 2–8 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

“Our Saratoga RV Show is more than an opportunity to browse RVs; it’s a four-day event where visitors can explore the latest models, compare top brands, meet campground experts, and take advantage of show-only deals and giveaways,” said Alpin Haus President Andy Heck. “It’s a great way for families and adventure-seekers to plan their next trips while enjoying everything downtown Saratoga Springs has to offer.”

The show will feature a wide selection of new and pre-owned RVs, including top 2026 models.

Spotlight models include fifth wheels such as the Keystone Cougar Half-Ton, Grand Design Reflection 100 Series, and Grand Design Solitude, as well as travel trailers like the Forest River R-Pod Un-Mapped, Travel Lite Rove Lite Sport, Grand Design Imagine XLS, and Keystone Walkabout. 

Visitors can explore the latest designs, compare top brands, meet local campground representatives, and take advantage of exclusive show pricing and giveaways, including new RVs available for under $150 per month.

For more information about the Saratoga RV Show, visit www.saratogarvshow.com.

For more information on Alpin Haus, visit AlpinHaus.com.

HVCC North Offers Complete Degree Programs as Branch Campus

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

HVCC North, located in the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park (STEP) in Malta, NY, has been designated an official branch campus of Hudson Valley Community College by the New York State Education Department.

Consisting of two state-of-the-art buildings: TEC-SMART and the STEM Education Center, HVCC North will continue to offer students access to educational opportunities in the highly growing fields of healthcare, STEM and skilled trades in Saratoga County and throughout the North Country.

The branch campus will offer five complete degree programs on site as well as a variety of individual courses, non-credit study and student resources.

Coursework in the following programs can now be completed entirely at HVCC North:

• Clean Energy Management A.A.S.

• Electrical Engineering Technology – Electronics A.A.S.

• Electrical Construction and Maintenance A.O.S.

• Engineering Science A.S.

• Health Sciences Certificate

“The designation of HVCC North as a branch campus marks a very exciting chapter in our institution’s history,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Michael Brophy. “By extending our academic reach and offering select degree programs in full in Malta, NY, we are increasing access and creating new opportunities for learning in high-demand fields.”

December 19 – December 25 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, December 19

Holiday Book Sale

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | Through December 23. As you plan your holiday shopping, we hope you’ll visit the Friends Book Shop! Our seasonal sales offer great reads, unique gifts, and perfect stocking stuffers, all at affordable prices. Every purchase directly supports library programs and services, making your holiday shopping meaningful in more ways than one.

Women’s Basic Self-Defense

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 1:30 p.m. Join seasoned instructor and 6th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Lisa Boucher of Boucher Martial Arts, to learn simple, easy, and basic self-defense and awareness techniques for all abilities. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org. 

Shop & Sip at The Artisan’s Market

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 4 – 6 p.m. The Saratoga County History Center presents a special evening of sipping. strolling and shopping at our 25th Annual Artisan’s Market. Shop the creations of local artisans while enjoying sparkling water, hot cocoa, or soft drinks, and treating yourself to some complimentary sweets. Enjoy the opportunity to meet some of our amazing artisans, complete your holiday shopping, and see historic Brookside Museum decorated for the holidays. Shop a wide variety of handmade goods, including ceramics, soaps, jewelry, knitwear, holiday ornaments and more! Find something special for everyone on your list this holiday season and savor this special night at Brookside! 

Saturday, December 20

Winter Solstice Sunrise Walk

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 8 a.m. Get ready for the shortest day of the year! Come for a walk to learn about how celestial movements impact the natural world. Register on our website or by calling the office at 518-450-0321. Our programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions. 

Holiday Market Spectacular

Saratoga Farmers Market and Scene One Cinemas, Wilton Mall, 3065 Route 50, Saratoga Springs | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The farmers’ market begins at 9:30 a.m. with hot chocolate and stories with Santa until 11 a.m. Scene One will host a free ornament activity for families at 10 a.m. and offer a special showing of The Polar Express at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, it’s Ugly Sweater Day at the farmers’ market! Wear an ugly sweater and enter to win a prize at the market information table. The drawing will be at 1 p.m. Plus, our friends at the Saratoga Springs Public Library will have a reindeer craft for children and plenty of books to peruse and check out with a library card. Local vendors will have holiday offerings galore: the freshest vegetables, holiday meats, cheeses, bread, treats, and sweets, and everything delicious. Shop and find the perfect gift and holiday decor, all handmade with love.

Paws 2 Read 

The Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 11:30 a.m.  A special holiday-inspired event featuring Georgie, the therapy dog. Children in grades K – 4 and their families are invited to celebrate the season while strengthening reading skills. Georgie, a certified therapy dog, will be available to listen as young readers share their favorite books or choose from a festive selection. The program helps build confidence, encourages a love of reading, and creates memorable moments. Participants will also be treated to a winter themed take ‘n make craft and special holiday goodie bag! First come first served. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 518-885-5022 or visit bspl.sals.edu.

Photography Club 

Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | Noon. This month, club member Maria Goldsmith will take us on a Journey Through England as she shares photographs and stories from her recent trip abroad. Everyone is welcome to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information, please contact Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com. 

Sunday, December 21

All You Can Eat Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Clause

The Gansevoort Vol. Fire Department, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 a.m.  Horse drawn wagon rides will be available. Menu includes Eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits with sausage gravy, orange juice, milk and coffee. Donation: $12 adults, $10 Seniors 55+, Military and 1st Responders, $10 Children 6-12, children under 6yrs. are free. 

Monday, December 22

Teen Winter Games

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 8 p.m. Join teen librarian AnnaRae and the Teen Advisory Board for a festive and competitive night of games and activities! Enjoy tasty snacks, an indoor snowball fight, prizes for the night’s winners and more! Wear your coziest pajamas and get ready to dominate the competition. Psst… the parachute WILL be making an appearance. 

Register online to save your spot! Sspl.org. 

Tuesday, December 23

Family Movie: The Grinch

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 10 – 11:30 a.m. You’re invited to a matinee showing of Illumination’s take on The Grinch — drink hot cocoa, hang out and color! Feel free to bring blankets for comfy floor seating. Open to children and their families. No registration required.

Wednesday, December 24

Santa’s Playland 2025

Quick Response, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake | 5 – 11 p.m. Event is drive through only. Santa will be on site from 5 – 9 p.m. Open to the public Wednesdays – Sundays through January 4. Closed December 25 and January 1. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/quickresponserestoration. 

Thursday, December 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS

December 19 – December 25 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Holiday Hours at the Tang

We have special holiday hours during Skidmore’s winter break, a great opportunity for families and visiting friends looking for indoor things to do over the holidays. It’s also the last chance to see See It Now: Contemporary Art from the Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection before it closes January 4. From December 16 through January 18, the museum will be open Tuesday–Sunday, noon–5 pm. The museum will be closed December 23–25 and December 30–January 1. With free admission and warm galleries full of contemporary art, the Tang has become a go-to-spot for families and visiting friends looking for an indoor outing over the holidays. For more information, call the Tang Visitor Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit https://tang.skidmore.edu.

Christmas Trees and Wreath Sale

The Town of Greenfield Lions Club are selling fresh Christmas trees and wreaths at the corner of Route 9N and Wilton Road. Trees are $55 each, Plain wreaths $20 and wreaths with a bow $25. Lions are on site each weekend until Christmas. On weekdays tree sales are self-serve. A card reader will be available on the weekends for your purchases. Cash and checks also accepted.

Winter Food Drive

The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is hosting a Winter Food Drive to benefit LifeWorks Community Action. As the temperatures turn colder, SCHC seeks to support our community by raising funds and gathering food items to support those facing food insecurity. Please join us in generosity this holiday season. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off during museum hours. Most needed items include canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, oatmeal, mac and cheese, canned tuna, canned chicken, and peanut butter.

4-H Party for a Cause 

The Winter’s Edge Party for a Cause fundraiser will be held on January 17, from 6 – 10 p.m. at The Hideaway at Saratoga Lake Golf Course. Tickets for this event are $20 and include music by Electric Rodeo, 5 Raffle tickets & Light Refreshments (veggies, cheese, crackers, pepperoni). There will be a Silent Auction, Raffle Baskets, and a whole lot of fun. We will also have an open cash bar and a limited menu for additional purchases. Additional raffle tickets will be available as well. Many thanks to Harmony Veterinary Center for being our signature sponsor.  For tickets, visit https://cce.sc4h.org/party/ If you have any questions, contact Greg Stevens at the 4-H office at 518-885-8995 or grs9@cornell.edu.

Call for Local Folk or Irish Performers  

Come audition for an opportunity to showcase your talent during “Café Malta”, an intimate coffee 

house at the Malta Community Center on Friday evening, March 13. It’s lucky Friday the 

13th right before St. Patrick’s Day! We are looking for talented musicians, vocalists, and small acoustic 

bands, storytellers and/or dancers. Each acoustic act selected will play a short 10–15-minute set. 

Auditions are by appointment only.  Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director, at 518-899-4411 x 305 or 

theater@townofmalta.gov for more details or to schedule an audition.

Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski Rentals at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Don’t hibernate all winter! Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are great ways to explore the trails during the snowy season. Starting on January 3, cross-country skis, snowshoes, and micro-spikes will be available to rent every Wednesday through Sunday, the last day being March 15, weather permitting. Rentals will also be available on Monday, January 19, and for the full February school vacation week, from February 16 to 20. Adult and child sizes are available, meaning the whole family can enjoy the winter trails at Wilton Wildlife!

The rentals will be located at the Welcome Cabin at Camp Saratoga, located in Parking Lot #1 at 90 Scout Road in the Town of Wilton. Rentals are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids/students. Members of Wilton Wildlife have access to rental equipment at no cost. Rentals are available between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, with all rented equipment needing to be returned by 3:30 pm. Rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, visit the Wilton Wildlife website at wiltonpreserve.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @wiltonpreserve. Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s mission is to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological systems and natural settings.

Yaddo President Steps Down, National Search Underway for Successor

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Photo by Elizabeth Haynes, courtesy of Yaddo.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Yaddo President Elaina Richardson is stepping down from her post at the nearly 100-year-old artist residency.

The news was first reported in a New York Times article published Dec. 10 before Yaddo released its own statement on Dec. 12.

“With Yaddo strong and the board robust,” Richardson said, “I have decided that this is the right moment to step aside as president and let someone else bring fresh energy and ideas to this place we all love.”

Richardson served as president for 25 years, and Yaddo is now undergoing a nationwide search for her successor. Yaddo artists and board co-chairs Janice Y.K. Lee and Peter Kayafas are forming an internal committee to guide the transition. The process is expected to take about a year. Richardson will continue to lead Yaddo until the next president is chosen.

“From stabilizing our historic mansion to building new studios, growing our endowment, and guiding Yaddo through the pandemic, Elaina has reshaped Yaddo’s story,” the artist community said in its statement. “She has welcomed thousands of writers and artists through our gates, strengthening our mission with vision, grace, and generosity. We are proud of Elaina—and proud of Yaddo.”

Yaddo credited Richardson with the following achievements, among others:

• helping to secure Yaddo’s designation as a National Historic Landmark in 2013;

• overseeing the transfer of the Yaddo archival records to the New York Public Library;

• renovating and expanding Pigeon Barn into a live-work facility;

• restoring West House with upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, a wheelchair lift, and accessible bathrooms; 

• growing the applicant pool from 1,039 in 2000 to 2,662 in 2024;

• and increasing Yaddo’s endowment from $9 million to more than $38 million. 

Prior to becoming president of Yaddo, Richardson was editor-in-chief of Elle, one of the world’s most popular fashion and lifestyle magazines.

WSWHE BOCES to host CTE Works! on Dec. 18

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

WSWHE BOCES will host CTE Works! on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Saratoga Springs City Center. The one day interactive career exploration event will welcome students in grades eight through 12 from school districts across the WSWHE BOCES service area.

CTE Works! is designed to expose students to the world of work in the local region and highlight the wide range of career opportunities available close to home. Students will have the chance to explore high-demand industries, learn about career pathways and connect directly with employers and education partners.

Local employers will be on site to share information about their industries, demonstrate hands-on activities and discuss career pathways and workplace expectations.

“CTE Works! gives students the opportunity to explore real careers, talk directly with employers and begin to visualize their own future in the workforce,” said Michelle Maddalla, Principal for Innovative Programs. “This event helps bridge the gap between education and industry while showing students just how many opportunities exist right here in our region.”

Sponsors for the event include Albany Medical Health Systems, CSArch, DA Collins, Hollingsworth & Vose, Home of the Good Shepherd, Munter Enterprises Inc., Saratoga Honda, SEDC and TCT Federal Credit Union.

These sponsors, along with additional business partners, local colleges, career and technical education programs and educational pathway partners, will be in attendance representing a wide range of industries. Each organization will share information about career opportunities and employment pathways with students.

The snow date for the event is Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.