SARATOGA SPRINGS —Christine Michelle Holehan (Firlit), 75, of Utica NY, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, due to complications from a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Services are private. Memorial donations to Operation Smile (1-888-677-6453) or Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
MECHANICVILLE — Dean Majzoub, 70, passed away on January 10, 2025. Calling hours were held on January 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs, NY. Following the visitation, a graveside service was held in St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Edith DeConno passed away on January 6, 2025. The service was held on January 13 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs. Calling hours were held prior to the service. A graveside service was held on January 14 at Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
GREENFIELD CENTER —George A. Richards III passed away on January 5, 2025. A private funeral will be held at the discretion of the family. The son of George A. Richards Jr. and Priscilla M. Dunbar Richards, and is survived by his stepmother Vivian G. Woodard Richards. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Estelle Jensen, 86, passed away on January 5, 2025. A memorial service to celebrate Estelle’s life was held on Wednesday, January 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs. Calling hours were held prior to the service. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Habiba Ibrahim passed away on January 5, 2025. Calling hours were held on January 13 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs, NY. A funeral service followed. A graveside service was held in Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, NY. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Marjorie F. Bostwick (Mercer) passed peacefully at her home on January 7, 2025, after battling a lengthy illness. Services were held at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 on Sunday, January 12. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
This Week’s Events: jan. 17-23
Friday, January 17
Waldorf School Artwork Exhibit
Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Art is an integral piece of the Waldorf school curriculum and accompanies every subject, including geometry, math, social studies, or science. The artwork currently on view is selected from grades 1-8 and includes explorations of primary and secondary colors by the lower grades; studies of ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art by middle grade students; and observational paintings of flowers and birds, which is done at several grade levels. Our artwork will brighten your greyest day! The Visitor Center is open Tuesday – Saturday.
MLK Saratoga’s Annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend
Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. The weekend kick off! This year’s theme is inspired by a 1967 speech Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave in Atlanta, GA. titled “Where Do We Go from Here?” Friday night Kickoff Party – a free evening of food, music and performances, hosted by Emcee Bakari Grady-Willis. There will be workshops, children’s programming, a Sunday Gospel service, exploring Restorative Justice, film screening and a special tribute to Odetta by Gina Coleman and Misty Blues at Caffè Lena, volunteer projects, and Monday afternoon’s Community Celebration, featuring a keynote address by author and Skidmore professor Dr. Tammy Owens, with inspirational music by Soulist Garland Nelson. Something for everyone. Visit mlksaratoga.org for event details and updates.
Saturday, January 18
Beginner Cross-Country Ski Introduction
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 9 – 10 a.m. Are you looking to try a new recreational activity this winter season but don’t know where to start? Join our educators as they give you tidbits on how to cross-country ski, so you feel comfortable on the trails!
Genealogy and Local History
Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St. Schuylerville | 1 p.m. The book “Dear Mother…I Am the Only One Left” will be the theme of the program presented by author Russ VanDervoort, Waterford Town Historian. Charles Shepard joined the Union Army in December 1863. He fought in 7 major battles, was captured in 1864, and died in a North Carolina prison 5 months later. He had written numerous letters to family members during that time. Russ has gathered Charles’ real letters and added a fictional commentary by Charlie’s father, John Shepard, a Champlain Canal Teamster. The book shares John’s thoughts on the war and his own experiences as well as his son’s. The public is welcome. For information call 518-885-9309.
Winter Concert Series: String Theory Trio
Brookside Museum, Long Room, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 3 p.m. The String Theory Trio is a newly formed ensemble comprised of three friends, Brian Mooney, Dana Probeyahn-Smith, and Kathryn Tomlin who recently began exploring the repertoire that exists for two violins and a cello. The concert is open to the public and free, though donations are always appreciated, either online or at the event.
Ham Dinner
The Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church on 175 5th Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 4 – 6 p.m. A Ham Dinner – complete with homemade pies. All are welcome! Cost: Free will donation.
Sunday,
January 19
Two Towns – One Book Kick-off: Reid Kisselback, WNYT Meteorologist
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Halfmoon | 2 p.m. Meteorologist Reid Kisselback will discuss hurricanes and other weather events to kick off this year’s Two Towns-One Book (TTOB) events. The 2025 TTOB book selection is West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org
Monday,
January 20
Scavenger Hunt & Bonfire
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Stop by the Winter Lodge and pick a scavenger hunt flyer to complete while walking on the trails! Bring it back to the lodge for a small prize and enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa around the fire.
Tuesday,
January 21
Outlook for Construction 2025
SUNY Adirondack – Wilton Campus, 696 US-9, Gansevoort | 8 – 9:30 a.m. Join us for an insightful and engaging panel discussion as we explore the future of construction in Saratoga County, looking ahead to 2025 and beyond. This event, presented by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), brings together key industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of construction in the region. This is a must-attend event for anyone in the construction, real estate, or development sectors, as well as local leaders, planners, and community members interested in understanding the direction of construction in Saratoga County. Registration link: chamber.saratoga.org/events/details/outlook-for-construction-2025-42119?calendarMonth=2025-01-01
Wednesday, January 22
Prepare for Planting 2025 ReLeaf Workshop
Saratoga County 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd., Ballston Spa | 8:30 a.m. Check-In, Program begins at 9 a.m. Join the Eastern Adirondack ReLeaf Committee for a half-day workshop on how to plan for your planting project. Attendees will learn how to find funding for planting projects, engage communities in planting trees, plant the right tree in the right place, and more. Program speakers are Christina McLaughlin – NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Duane Dickinson – National Grid and Caroline Rothaug – Sustainable Saratoga. Register: https://nysufc.org/releaf-workshops/. General public $20. Registration closes on January 17.
Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series
Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Blvd., Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase. Storyteller Kate Dudding presents Helpers. Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 12. If Saratoga Springs city schools are closed due to weather, that presentation will be postponed until February 19. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning or for a complete lineup of storytellers, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or call 518-290-6988.
Chicken & Biscuits Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: Chicken & Biscuits, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad. Dinner for $15.00 (cash only).
Thursday, January 23
America 250: The Ballston Connection
Ballston Community Library, 2 Lawmar Lane, Burnt Hills | 6:30 p.m. A Documentary – A committee representing the Town of Ballston, Saratoga County has produced a documentary celebrating the Town’s role in the history of the American Revolution. The program is free and open to all. It’s an opportunity to learn about the local heroes and, yes, the villains, of Revolutionary times!
Greetings from the Great Camp: A History of the Adirondack Vacation
Zoom Presentation | 7 p.m. Join Connor Williams, scholar, teacher and the historian at Great Camp Sagamore (where he directs their history programming) as he answers questions, and discusses how environmentalism, opulence, industry, inequality, architecture and nature all intersected to produce the Adirondack Park (and the Adirondack vacations) we still connect to today. The event is open to the public. It is free for SCHC members, and $5 for non-members. Pre-registration is required through the website www.brooksidemuseum.org.
To Kill a Mockingbird Panel Discussion
Zoom Presentation | 7 p.m. A panel discussion of the 1962 award-winning film. The film is rich with memorable characters and thought-provoking subject matter that has made a lasting mark on cinema history. The program is part of Saratoga Jewish Community Arts’s social justice series. The film may be viewed free on Hoopla (registration with library card required), or it may be rented from Amazon or Apple. Advance registration is required. To register for this program, go to the SJCA Home Page by visiting https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/9HjgRFz/SJCAHomePage. A playbill and Zoom link will be sent to registrants about a day before the program, followed by a last-minute reminder shortly before the program.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Southern Saratoga County Art Exhibits
SSAS will be hosting Art Exhibits throughout the area. The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., will show a “Gentlemen’s Art Exhibit” featuring artists and members of SSAS, Brian Skanes, David Mayack, Frank Coletta, John Morrette and William Daisak during the months of January and February 2025. Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, will show the artwork of SSAS member and artist, Jane Morrison, during the month of January 2025. Stop in and view these amazing artists. For further information about SSAS, visit: southernsaratogaartist.com
Art in Public Places
Various Locations in Saratoga County | Art in Public Places is a Member-Exclusive program featuring art exhibitions online and in various locations around the Capital Region. This program gives local and regional artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their work while exhibiting in publicly accessible spaces. Visit these locations to throughout the area: Friends of the Saratoga Springs Library Café, Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, Saratoga Springs Public Library, Town of Ballston Community Library, Clifton Park Halfmoon Library, Saratoga Springs Train Station, and Country Corner Café. To view online visit www.saratoga-arts.org/Art-in-Public-Places All artworks are for sale and can be purchased online or over the phone at 518-584-4132.
Winterfest Celebration & 5 K Snowshoe Race
The Town of Greenfield Recreation Department will hold a Winterfest Celebration on Saturday, January 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookhaven Winter Park, at 333 Alpine Meadows Rd. in Porter Corners. The event will begin with a 5K snowshoe race. Families or individuals are invited to register for $20 a person at https://www.runreg.com/brookhaven-trails-snowshoe-race. Snowshoes are available for rental for $15 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors. A free community celebration follows the race and includes free horse-drawn sleigh rides, a snowman building competition, outdoor story time, food specials, live music and more.
Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale
On Sunday, January 26, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., the popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale will be held at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club on Elks Lane, off Marion Avenue. Admission is free with over 40 vendors, great parking, crafts galore, and lunch. Lots of shopping including necklace sets, earrings, Scentsey, Baby Burp Cloths, as well as household items, knitted and hand-made items, food treats, antiques and vintage items, and just about anything you can imagine. New vendors sign-up every month. A fun activity the entire family enjoys. All proceeds go to local charities. 8’ table and chairs $15. Email Debbie deborahozolins@gmail.com for information or to sign up for a table(s). Applications are available in the Elks lobby after 3 p.m. daily.
Garden Club Meeting-Save the Date
The Thymly Herb Garden Group will hold its monthly meeting Monday, January 27 at 11 a.m., at the 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa. If the Ballston Spa School District has a delay or closes that day, we will not meet. Mary Lyall will demonstrate the traditional Italian art of pasta making, incorporating herbs and vegetables. Following the presentation, there will be light refreshments and a meeting. The dues for the year to join the Thymly Herb Group are $20. First time attendance is free. Please RSVP with questions or let us know you will be joining us. thymlyherbmail@gmail.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District is seeking community input on candidates for the tenth annual Hall of Distinction. The program was designed to instill in students the concepts of achievement and excellence with the Hall of Distinction inductees serving as role models.
Potential candidates must have graduated from Saratoga Springs High School at least ten years ago and must exemplify the district’s educational philosophy through an outstanding social contribution to the broader community and/or outstanding professional contribution to, or achievement in, their field of endeavor.
A committee composed of community members, former and current high school administrators, and former and current high school teachers, will review the nominations and select the honorees. Individuals will be recognized in a ceremony at the high school this spring.
Nominations are accepted through the online Hall of Distinction Form. All forms must be submitted by January 31. For more information or to access the form, visit: www.saratogaschools.org/hall-of-distinction-nominees-accepted-through-january-31/.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs’ student art show is currently on display inside the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center downtown.
The artwork was selected from grades 1-8 and includes explorations of primary and secondary colors by the lower grades; studies of ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art by middle grade students; and observational paintings of flowers and birds, which is done at several grade levels.
The art will be on view at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway, until January 31. The Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
