Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Tonko, Blumenthal Reintroduce Bill to Go After Cyber Grinch Bots Snatching Up Toys this Holiday Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), today reintroduced their Stopping Grinch Bots Act, legislation which cracks down on cyber Grinches using bot technology to buy up entire inventories of popular goods only to resell them at exorbitant prices. These third-party sellers use bots to bypass security measures and manipulate online sales systems to buy toys, leading to some toys being almost impossible to buy online or in stores at retail prices.

Based on data from cybersecurity firm Imperva in its 2024 Bad Bot Report, bot-related hits on retail sites hit a record high last year, with almost 50 percent of internet traffic coming from non-human sources. These bots are also becoming increasingly sophisticated, using residential IP addresses and even AI to slip past security tools like CAPTCHAs, making this legislation more vital than ever.

“This holiday shopping season, Americans across the country are scouring stores, sites, and shelves for the perfect gift for their kids and loved ones,” Congressman Tonko said. “With prices already surging, the last thing parents, families, and small businesses need is cyber bot technology seizing the most popular items to sell them at outrageous costs. That’s where our Stopping Grinch Bots Act comes in. Our bill levels the playing field to prevent scalpers from sucking hardworking parents dry this holiday season. I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this bill and help ensure Americans can spend their time this holiday season with their loved ones, not competing against Grinches.”

“Grinch bots are squeezing holiday shoppers—automatically snapping up online inventory to resell popular products at predatory prices,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “Our measure blocks these bullying bots and gives parents a fair chance to buy gifts for loved ones at reasonable prices. By putting an end to bots’ holiday hijinks, our commonsense legislation will protect consumers, families, and small businesses from the cyber Grinches trying to steal Christmas.”

Bots are software programs that can automatically spot and snap up inventory on sale online. In a matter of seconds, third-party vendors can purchase hundreds of items, squeezing out parents and children. In 2016, Tonko, Blumenthal, and Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer’s (D-NY) Better Online Ticket Sales Act (BOTS Act) was signed into law to ban “ticket bots” that intentionally bypass security measures on online ticketing websites to unfairly outprice individual fans. This new legislation would apply the mechanism of the BOTS Act to e-commerce sites to ban bots bypassing security measures on online retail sites.

The Wesley Community Unveils in-house Nursing Home and Sub-Acute Rehab Therapy Team

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Wesley Community, a 37-acre senior living campus with more than 700 residents in Saratoga Springs, is enhancing the rehabilitation and therapy services offered at the Wesley Health Care Center as part of its ongoing commitment to deliver the highest quality of care to senior residents. 

The new in-house Nursing Home and Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Therapy Team, assembled and led by Linnea Heffner, includes more than 30 highly skilled therapists in various disciplines who are fully integrated into the Wesley Community working alongside nursing and medical staff. They specialize in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. 

“By bringing therapy services directly under our roof – rather than partnering with an outside provider – we can offer greater consistency, coordination and continuity of care,” said Wesley Health Care Center Administrator Marc Walker. “Wesley is focused on providing personalized and responsive rehab therapies to our seniors. As we implement these enhancements, we are confident relationships between residents and caregivers will grow stronger.”

The new in-house therapy team, now available six days a week, is additionally skilled at providing education and training on fall risks and gait and mobility for residents of Embury Apartments and Woodlawn Commons and provides evaluations in preparation for their return home. 

The physical therapy specialties offered by Wesley include orthopedics, sports medicine, back injuries, and neurological rehabilitation. Occupational therapy services include repetitive motion injuries, arthritic disorders, hand therapy, and custom splint fabrication. Speech services include language, articulation disorders, language disorders, and stuttering.

“I am so happy to join and lead the in-house rehab team here at The Wesley Community,” said Wesley’s Director of Inhouse Rehabilitation Linnea Heffner. “Each member of the team is deeply committed to the progress and well-being of the Wesley residents we serve, which I strongly believe will contribute to the healing process.”

Heffner earned a degree in Occupational Therapy from Maria College and has held a leadership role in that discipline for a decade.

Winter Wonderland Awaits at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

When school’s out, the fun is in full snowstorm at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (CMAS)! From December 19 through January 2, the Museum is transforming into a Winter Wonderland, filled with hands-on science experiments, creative art projects, and cozy storytelling sessions, all perfect for families looking to stay active and inspired during the school break. 

“Winter is a wonderful time to explore and learn together,” said Sarah Smith, Executive Director of CMAS. “Our Winter Wonderland week turns frosty days into magical memories, with every project designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection.” 

From gingerbread engineering to snowflake science, and ice cube races to Shrinky Dink art, the Museum’s Winter Break programming offers something new each day. Visitors can create a gingerbread person, build a snowman that won’t melt, learn how animals survive the cold, and even countdown to 2026 during the Museum’s family-friendly “Noon Year’s Eve” fundraiser celebration on December 31. 

The annual Noon Years Eve Fundraiser event will feature two separate opportunities to “count down” to the new year from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and then again from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Children will hear Junkmusic with The Junk Man, who creates music with 100% recycled materials (or junk!), compliments of the NYS Council of the Arts. 

Winter Break Week Schedule Highlights Include: 

Friday, December 19 

• Science Explorers (9:30 & 1:30) 

• Make a Gingerbread Man (11:00) 

• Storybook Science: Three Billy Goats Gruff (12:00) 

• Engineer a Gingerbread Trap (3:00) 

Saturday, December 20 

• STEAM Saturday 

Sunday, December 21 

• Make It! (2:00–3:00) 

Monday, December 22 

• Mindful Moments (9:30 & 1:30) 

• Storybook Science: How to Catch a Star (12:00) 

• Shrinky Dink Winter Art (11:00 & 3:00) 

Tuesday, December 23 

• Tuesday for Tots (9:30 & 1:30) 

• Storybook Science: Swimmy (12:00) 

• Snowflake Science (11:00) 

• Snowflake Art (3:00) 

December 24–25 Museum will be Closed for the Holidays 

Friday, December 26 

• Science Explorers (9:30 & 1:30) 

• Storybook Science: Aliens Love Underpants (12:00) 

• Animals in Winter (11:00) 

• Hibernation & Migration (3:00) 

Saturday, December 27 

• STEAM Saturday 

Sunday, December 28 

• Make It! (2:00–3:00) 

Monday, December 29 

• Melting Snowman (9:30) 

• Storybook Science: The Cat in the Hat (12:00) 

• Do You Want to Build a Snowman? (1:30) 

• Go Big or Go Gnome! (11:00 & 3:00) 

Tuesday, December 30 

• Tuesday for Tots (9:30 & 1:30) 

• Ice Escapades (11:00) 

• Storybook Science: Hansel and Gretel (12:00) 

• Ice Cube Races (3:00) 

Wednesday, December 31 Noon Year’s Eve Celebration from 10-noon and 1-3 pm, featuring Music from The Junk Man 

January 1 Museum will be closed for New Year’s Day 

Friday, January 2 

• Science Explorers (9:30 & 1:30) 

• Storybook Science: Little Red Riding Hood (12:00) 

• Animal Spotlight (11:00 & 3:00) 

Families can drop in for a single session or spend the whole day exploring exhibits, discovering science, and making memories that will last all season long. 

For admission details, memberships, and hours, visit https://cmssny.org/ or stop by the Museum at 65 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 

Empire State University Foundation Acquires Historic Clarke House in Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Empire State University Foundation has acquired the Clarke House, a historic 1832 Greek Revival property located at 46 Circular Street in Saratoga Springs, adjacent to the university’s 2 Union Avenue location. 

The Foundation purchased the property for $2.5 million, thanks in part to a $1.1 million gift from the property’s former owners, Cathy and Elliott Masie.  

The Clarke House will serve as a venue for donor cultivation, alumni gatherings, community engagement, and other official university functions. Situated on .85 acres in the heart of Saratoga Springs, the property features a beautifully preserved interior suitable for small receptions, a screened porch, landscaped gardens, and outdoor space for events. 

“This acquisition reflects the generosity of Cathy and Elliott Masie and the strategic vision of our Foundation board,” said Veronica Fitzgerald, vice president of advancement and executive director of the Foundation. “The Clarke House will allow us to deepen relationships with donors and community partners in ways that directly benefit our students through enhanced scholarship support and program funding.” 

The Foundation plans to begin renovations in early 2026, including HVAC upgrades, accessibility improvements, and historic preservation work. The property is expected to be operational by late summer 2026. 

“We are committed to preserving the historic character of this landmark property,” said Marian Conway, Ph.D., Chair of the Foundation Board. “We are working with the City of Saratoga Springs to ensure the Clarke House continues to be a treasured part of the community for generations to come.” 

The Empire State University Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises private funds to support student scholarships, academic programs, and university infrastructure.  

Shop & Sip at The Artisan’s Market

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga County History Center presents a special evening of sipping. strolling and shopping at our 25th Annual Artisan’s Market. 

This holiday event will be held on Friday, December 19 from 4:00 – 6:00PM. 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! The 2025 Artisan Market hours are Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12pm-4pm, Fridays 12 pm-5pm, Saturdays & Sundays, 11am-5pm.

Saratoga Casino Hotel Donates $120K

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

From left to right: Skip Carlson, vice president of external affairs at the Saratoga Casino Hotel; Maggie Fronk, CEO at Wellspring; and Colleen Carlson, director of sales at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. Photo via the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Casino Hotel recently commemorated Giving Tuesday by awarding a total of $120,000 to twelve Capital Region nonprofits at its annual Make A Difference holiday luncheon.

“Over twenty years later, this remains the event we look forward to most each year,” said Skip Carlson, vice president of external affairs at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. “Supporting organizations that enhance the lives of so many—our guests, our team members, and the community at large—is a core value of our company and something our owners deeply believe in. We’re honored to be able to contribute.”

Each of the following organizations received a $10,000 donation at the event:

AIM Services, Inc.

Capital Roots

The Donna M. Crandall Memorial Foundation

Folds of Honor

Franklin Community Center

Jake’s Help from Heaven

Saratoga Hospital/CHC

Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar

SNACpack Program (Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children)

Wait House

Wellspring

The Wesley Community

Wesley Community Hosts Operation Gingerbread

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo provided by The Wesley Community.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Dec. 2, Lisa Sondhof, founder of Operation Gingerbread and the Youth Forward Foundation, joined more than 40 residents of The Wesley Community for an afternoon of holiday cheer and gingerbread house decorating. 

Sondhof founded Operation Gingerbread in 2023 with the aim of cultivating a sense of community and spreading holiday cheer.

Sondhof’s Youth Forward Foundation is a Saratoga-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering disadvantaged and underrepresented youth by creating access to athletic, music, and academic opportunities. The foundation was launched earlier this year.

December 12 – December 18 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, December 12

Brookside Museum Holiday Market 

Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa |The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is celebrating the 25th year of our annual Artisan Market, which will be open until December 24, 2025. The opening of the market, on Small Business Saturday, will feature holiday music performed by the Ballston Spa High School Orchestra, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. This annual market features exclusively handmade and handcrafted products created by local artisans. Items featured at the market will include soaps, lotions, ornaments, jewelry, syrups, scarves, ceramics, hats, and much, much more! The 2025 hours are: Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12 – 4 p.m.; Fridays 12 -5 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, December 13

Breakfast & Photos with Santa

Curtis Lumber, 885 State Route 67, Ballston Spa | 8 – 11 a.m. You and your family are invited to join us for a festive and fun breakfast and photos with Santa and his elves.  For a suggested donation of $5 per person, you can be a part of spreading joy and supporting a great cause – the News Radio 810 & 103.1 WGY Christmas Wish that benefits local ill and homeless children in Upstate, NY.  Bring your family and friends for a delightful breakfast provided by Crafted Catering and Events and meet Santa himself!  Every breakfast purchase helps make the holiday season brighter for those in need in our community. No reservations required!  If you would like a photo with Santa, please arrive anytime between 8 – 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit curtislumber.com or call 518-885-5311.

33rd Annual Holiday Cookie Sale

The Galway United Methodist Church, Corner of Rte. 147 and CR45, Village of Galway | 10 a.m. until sold out. This is the oldest and only continuously held sale in the area. The church is located at the. Sales will commence at 10 AM and continue until sold out.  Come early for the best selection.  Contact Sharyn Kalinkewicz at 518-928-0179 for information.  

Santa’s Coming to Honda

Saratoga Honda, 3402 Route 9, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – Noon. Meet Santa and his horses and enjoy some holiday spirit at Saratoga Honda.  Activities include: photos with Santa, hot cocoa, coffee and donuts, big horses. Free to attend, with a suggested donation of $10 for a photo with Santa. All proceeds go to Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. 

Photos With Santa 

St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2776 Rte 9, Malta | Noon – 2:30 p.m. Free photos will be provided. Storytime with Santa. Live llamas dressed as elves! Annabelle’s food truck will be there. 

Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance

the Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | 7 – 10 p.m. The dance is open to the public and ample free parking There will be a donation of $7 per person. Snack and refreshment will be provided. Dance to the music by Peacefull County Band (Adults Only). For more information call 518-490-2851. 

Sunday, December 14

Henry Knox Noble Train of Artillery

1 Van Schaick Ave., Cohoes | 10:30 a.m. Join us for the ceremonial linstock hand off from Saratoga 250 to Albany 250 in honor of the 250th anniversary to commemorate the formidable, fearless, and successful winter of the 1775 journey of Henry Knox and the patriots who delivered the vital cannon artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to the high ground above Boston Harbor that caused the British to leave the city. The public is invited to watch the procession go by and then follow it to the mansion grounds. The festivities include time to interact with the regimental interpreters accompanying the sleds and see the draft animals. There will also be an open house with 18th century refreshments, musket and cannon firing demonstrations and a dedication ceremony at Noon. The event is free.

Monday, December 15

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting 

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30 p.m. Our speaker is Phil Di Sorbo, the Director of the Senior Life Transitions Program at the Senior Center. He will talk on two topics 1) making our home safe for people with Parkinson’s and 2) how to transition from home to some sort of assisted living arrangement. All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there. Please contact us with any questions: Leader Gordon Blyth  gordonsblyth@gmail.com 917-887-7980 or Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com. 518-810-8483.

Tuesday, December 16

Perogies Sale Pick Up

Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | Pick up 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Call ahead to order: potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese will be available. 518-363-0001. We will confirm all orders. 

Wednesday, December 17

Chicken Parmesan Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: Chicken Parmesan, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner $15 (cash only). 

Pickin’s   

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | Doors open at Noon, Jam runs from 1 – 3 p.m. Open to the public, free admission & ample free parking. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call Earl 518-348-9922 with questions.

Thursday, December 18

MS Support Group

Zoom or in Person: SAIL, 71 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. If interested, please contact Lou Ann at 518-793-9506.

HYBRID: Daytime Book Group: Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. A sweeping novel inspired by the untold history of women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth. Attend this program in person at the Library or from home on ZOOM. Registration is required only for those attending on ZOOM. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

December 12 – December 18 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

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.

Shop & Sip at The Artisan’s Market

The Saratoga County History Center presents a special evening of sipping. strolling and shopping at our 25th Annual Artisan’s Market. This holiday event will be held on Friday, December 19 from 4 – 6 p.m. 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! 

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.

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. 

Paws 2 Read 

The Ballston Spa Public Library, located at 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa is delighted to announce a special holiday-inspired event on Saturday, December 20 at 11:30 a.m., 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.

Saratoga Arms Hotel Launches Holiday Tea Service

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The interior of the Saratoga Arms Hotel, decorated for the holidays. Photo provided by the Saratoga Arms Hotel.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Arms Hotel recently announced the launch of its new, limited-time holiday tea service, which will occur every Saturday this month (Dec. 13, 20, and 27).

The experience includes a selection of hot teas paired with a three-tier tower of sweet and savory finger sandwiches, tea cakes, and other treats. A special children’s tea menu will also be available.

Reservations must be made in advance at the following link: tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/a8887a6a-3716-46ff-ad7b-42328f250a71/reserve.