SARATOGA SPRINGS — Drawing upon collective inspiration with their project Old Friends Beckoned, Matt Steckler, Yayoi Ikawa, Lonnie Plaxico & Tony Lewis present an evening of original jazz 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Caffe Lena.
Using original scores as a canvas, the quartet strives has been described as “delightfully eclectic” by Downbeat and “inspired by greater artistic depth,” in Jazz Times.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Top-selling female country pop artist Shania Twain announced a final series of summer 2025 tour dates across the U.S.
Produced by Live Nation, the limited run will kick off on Saturday, July 19, in Buffalo, at Darien Lake Amphitheater, with a next-night staging in Saratoga Springs at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 20.
Tickets: livenation.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery will be open during Skidmore College’s winter break with special hours.
Through Jan. 19, the Tang Teaching Museum will be open Tuesday–Sunday, noon–5 p.m., except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
The coming weeks offer visitors the last chance to see many current exhibitions:
• Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld, the epic exhibition that occupies both floors of the museum, through Jan. 5
• Elevator Music 50: Andrej Bako—Love Letter to the Deep, a sonic exploration of sperm whale interactions and miscommunications between animals and humans, through Jan. 19
• Recent Acquisitions, work by Julia Bland, Tom Burckhardt, Misha Japanwala, Ronny Quevedo, Amanda Ross-Ho, Sara VanDerBeek, through Jan. 19
• Toshiko Takaezu: Gifts from Toshiko, a stunning tribute to an artistic legend, through Jan. 26
The mezzanine exhibition Yvette Molina: A Promise to the Leaves, a popular two-year project now in its second year, will be on view through Sept. 14, 2025. Other galleries will be closed in preparation of the opening of the exhibitions Everforward, Neverback on Jan. 25 in the Winter Gallery, and a field of bloom and hum on Feb. 14 in the main galleries on both floors.
Regular museum hours resume Jan. 21. Admission to the museum is free. For more information, call the Tang Visitor Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit https://tang.skidmore.edu.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Area legend David Greenberger will be appearing with The Huckleberries Sunday, Jan. 19 in an exclusive event at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.
Greenberger, perhaps best known for 32 years of publishing his periodical – The Duplex Planet – which was borne out of his conversations with nursing home residents, beginning in 1979. The magazine led to a plethora of recordings and performances of monologues and music.
Greenberger’s new release, “My Autobiography Vol. 1,” features music and monologues culled from Greenberger’s own life and observations, voiced by more than two dozen participants.
At Universal Preservation Hall on Jan. 19, attendees will be treated to a showcase of the magic that lies in the art of conversation. With a specialty in sparking lively and spontaneous dialogue with all whom he meets, Greenberger’s latest artistic venture is a playground of conversation filled with knock-knock jokes, not-so-rhetorical questions and observations about the world akin to that of a child’s imagination and wonder.
For more information and tickets, go to: https://atuph.org/event/david-greenberger-the-huckleberries-celebrate-universal-preservation/.
This Week’s Events: Dec. 20-26
Friday,
December 20
Book Sale
Friends Bookshop/Coffee Shop, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 25% off all items in the bookshop and 50% off hot beverages in the coffee shop, until December 22.
Santa’s Cottage
Putnam Market, 431 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 4 – 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. Bring the kids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus in Saratoga! You can also submit a letter to Santa via the mailbox located outside the front door. Free admission.
Spa City Holiday Faire
Spa City Farmer’s Market, 65 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 4 – 8 p.m. Finish up all of your Holiday shopping at the Spa City Holiday Faire! As you shop hand crafted artworks, quality crafted items, candles, farm soaps, fresh and fabulous farm goods, and so much more… there will be holiday music, good eats, and hot beverages to get you in the holiday spirit. Join us for a wonderful evening of shopping, music, delicious foods, and more!
iTheatre Saratoga’s 3rd Annual Holiday Music Event
Saratoga City Music Hall, 474 Broadway Saratoga Springs | 8 p.m. This year’s theme – Colorful Christmas! A unique evening of classic “colorful” songs along with some holiday favorites performed by a top notch group of musicians and dynamic vocalists. Cash bar, wine, soft drinks, and snacks are available to enhance your enjoyment of the festivities. Get in the spirit, avoid the crowds, and shop local. Last minute holiday gifts courtesy of local artisans. https://itheatresaratoga.ticketspice.com/colorful-christmas-holiday-music-event
Saturday, December 21
American Legion Monthly Meeting
34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. Adirondack Post 70 will meet.
Book Release and Signing
Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway 11 a.m. A book release and signing for writer and historian Dave Waite’s latest book, A Place Called Pauley. Dave will share his experiences as a writer and read excerpts from some of his stories. Both A Place Called Pauly and his first book, Thrilling Attractions and Weird Wonders will be available that day. Dave can be contacted about this event at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com.
Winter Solstice Walk
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 1 – 2 p.m. We are getting ready for the shortest day of the year! Come for a walk to learn about how the celestial movements impact the natural world.
Sunday, December 22
Holiday Shopping Spree
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Holiday sale, Friends Book Store, 25 % off all items. www.sspl.org.
Santa’s Playland
Quick Response, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake | Wednesday – Sunday 5 – 11 p.m. Drive through our magical holiday lights display featuring hundreds of dazzling, animated light displays, set to cheerful holiday music, right from the comfort of your car. Each night through January 6. Santa is on site through December 22.
Monday, December 23
Holiday Stories and Songs
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 10 a.m. Join us for holiday-themed stories, songs, and an activity at the Clifton Park Center Mall. For all ages, with an adult. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org
Tuesday, December 24
Artisan’s Market Final Day
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 12 – 4 p.m. Handcrafted products created by local artisans. Everything from natural soaps and lotions to unique ornaments and jewelry, pottery and photography – simply the best that our community has to offer. Hours: Tuesdays – Thursdays 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Fridays 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 25
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Thursday, December 26
Holiday Lighted Nights
Washington County Fairgrounds, 392 Old Schuylerville Rd., Greenwich | 4:30 – 9 p.m. Come out to the Washington County Fairgrounds for holiday magic! From the comfort of your car, enjoy a drive-thru attraction that’s over a mile and a half long with light displays to a curated list of holiday music favorites. Visit the Holiday Square for hot drinks, warm apple cider donuts, the Fair Store, a Holiday Market featuring local artisans, and the big man himself, Santa’s workshop! Wagon rides are also offered on certain nights. Get tickets: https://washingtoncountyfair.ticketspice.com/2024-holiday-lighted-nights
Upcoming Events
The Mural Opening
The Children’s Museum, 65 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 4 – 5:30 p.m. Join us on December 28 at The Children’s Museum for the exciting opening of our vibrant new mural, featuring a fun array of aquatic animals! To celebrate, we’ll host a hands-on workshop where you can create flying fish lanterns using paper bags, guided by the talented Frank Lombardo. Enjoy complimentary water, fish crackers, and seaweed snacks while learning about the artistic journey behind the mural. We’ll also share the life story of Ed Koch, the artist who hand-carved and painted the 200+ wooden fish hanging in our hall. Don’t miss the slideshow showcasing the making of the mural!
Cloaks and Greatcoats – 18th Century Outerwear
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. Join well known historical clothing expert, Henry Cooke on January 3, to learn how people kept warm in the 18th century and view original and replica garments. Learn about capes, cloaks and greatcoats in the late 1700s. By looking at original and replica garments, as well as artwork from the era, participants will discover the materials, construction techniques and fashionable styles of outerwear for men and women. The event is free and open to the public, though donations are always welcome. (In case of inclement weather, please check with Brookside Museum). This event has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the 24th Regiment of Foot in North America and is supported by the Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to highlighting the importance of the Saratoga Region during the American Revolution.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On November 9, Saratoga Springs-based author Francine Dingeman was awarded the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award silver medal in the category of Learning Order (Alphabet/Counting Books) by the Jenkins Group of Traverse City, Michigan for her book “The Animal Menagerie.”
The book, written by Dingeman and illustrated by Marta Maszkiewicz, is an A to Z picture book filled with characters from the animal kingdom. It was written to entertain and educate children ages 4-7 by introducing dozens of new words into their vocabulary. Each letter of the alphabet comes to life with illustrations and story vignettes.
Since receiving the award, Dingeman’s book has gone into a First Edition, Second Printing and is available in a variety of local Saratoga shops such as Saratoga Outdoors, G. Willikers, Celtic Treasures, Impressions of Saratoga, The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Gift Shop, Accents at Allerdice in Malta, and Play Hollow in Ballston Spa. “The Animal Menagerie” can also be found online at FrancineDingeman.com.
BALLSTON
Barbera Homes Kelley Farms LLC sold property at 18 Paddock Place to Michael Shine for $786,787
Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 15 Linden Ct to Patrick Allen for $494,027
CORINTH
Joan Smead sold property at 381 West Maple St to Frederick Gurney for $120,000
Louise Kirkpatrick sold property at 308 Oak St to Raymond Clothier for $329,500
Justin Bliven sold property at 44 Locust Ridge Dr to Robert Mitchell for $385,000
Kristina Barbuti sold property at 42 Wiley Way to Mary Ann Fegert for $399,900
GALWAY
Michelle Gullett sold property at 5390 Jockey St to Tara Hagen for $465,000
PLP Development sold property at 1325 Ridge Rd to Kathleen Carmichael for $400,000
Petra Nygard sold property at 5850 Parkis Mills Rd to Daniel Cooper for $663,000
MALTA
Gabriella Farrick sold property at 156 Arrow Wood Pl to George Almekha for $315,000
Briana Foley sold property at 3 Sand Spurrey Rd to Maria Gyory for $342,500
Clayton Boevers sold property at 8 Mallard Cove to Vincent Deangelo for $555,000
Michelle Smith sold property at 3 George Ave to Matthew Burton for $187,000
Susan Gold sold property at 111 Thimbleberry Rd to Evangelos Moisidis for $323,450
MILTON
Jonathan Feibus sold property at 3 River Rock Dr to Brianna Foley for $517,000
Patricia Ahrens sold property at 7 Pine Brook Rd to Terry Davis for $675,000
Franklyn Bushey Jr sold property at 36 Pinehollow Dr to Ashley Lontrato for $419,900
Christopher Shambo sold property at 181 West North St to Rural Housing Service for $221,312
SARATOGA
JDLC Inc sold property at 1241 NYS Rt 9P to Donna Olson for $500,000
SARATOGA SPRINGS
Jessica Hurley sold property at 59 Winners Circle to Robert Paduano for $410,000
Adelphi Owner II sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 352 to John Fedors for $900,000
Albany Sand Road II LLC sold property at 43 Phila St to Peter Spitalny for $1,500,000
WILTON
Jan Soron sold property at 17 Hearthstone Dr to Robert Photos for $535,000
Lauren Morgan sold property at 10 Carr Rd to Krista Polumbo for $420,000
Marnie Messitt sold property at 38 Greylock Dr to Danielle Nazzaro for $675,000
Edie Road LLC sold property at 28 Cannon Royal Dr to Adam Fitch for $300,000
Forest Grove LLC sold property at 81 Daintree Dr to Sindre EK for $674,984
Michele Riggi as exec sold property at 41 Old Gick Rd to Turbine Services LTD for $500,000
by Thomas Dimopoulos
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Showcasing enhanced accessibility, structural improvements, and a restored pavilion, the State Seal Spring was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting reopening ceremony attended by local and regional officials and representatives last week.
Located in the Saratoga Spa State Park and accessible via Geyser Loop Road, the newly restored three-spigot spring adjacent to the Creekside Classroom marks one of two State Seal Spring locations; the other being across from the Automobile Museum and near SPAC just off Route 50, and among the more than a dozen other differing springs in the park.
The restoration marks the successful completion of the Saratoga Capital Region State Park Commission’s Access for All Campaign, which raised over $100,000 to fund accessibility improvements across regional State Parks and Historic Sites. The specific cost of the spring renovation was about $62,000, and marks a public-private partnership with the Saratoga Lions Club, Saratoga/Capital Region State Park Commission and the Friends of Spa Park, among others.
Key improvements include the rehabilitation of the original stone fountain and plumbing, ADA-compliant parking and sidewalk access, and enhanced drainage. Additional amenities include new benches and a restored park pavilion.
The State Seal water runs 40 to 60 feet deep through a layer of sand near the earth’s surface. Comparatively, the Island Spouter Spring mineral spring nearby drops through sand, shale, and limestone 300 to 400 feet thick and is indicated by a different taste.
“Our objective is not just for able-bodied people to be able to come to the spring and enjoy the park, but we wanted to make it accessible to the handicapped and the visually impaired,” Phil Klein, representing the Saratoga Springs Lion’s Club, told those in attendance at the spring re-opening ceremony. The Lion’s Club is currently looking at putting together a voice-activated system that explains details about the springs for those hearing and visually impaired, Klein added.
The State Seal Spring is the second spring renovated this year. The Coesa Spring project was completed in July.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Coach Rich Johns, a former Saratoga Springs teacher and tennis coach for nearly four decades, shared his “Act With Respect Always” message with an audience of more than 150 people as part of the winter Intro to Hoops program for K and 1st graders at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center last month.
A record-setting 80 kids (known as “Frogs” in the program) registered this year. Coach Johns’ message to the Frogs emphasized kindness and empathy while introducing his “What’s your 99” concept. At the end of Johns’ presentation, the Frogs serenaded him with their chant: “We are the frogs, the mighty mighty frogs, ribbit!”
The hoops program, under the leadership of Head Coach Ron Lewis, now in his 13th year, has grown from 25 participants 10 years ago to now occupying the entire Recreation Center. The program’s focus is on fun and fundamentals.
WILTON — Operation Adopt a Soldier located in Wilton, delivered 122 Shoe Box Christmases to all the veterans in the Veterans Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts last week.
The Shoe Christmas were wrapped by volunteers of OAS and the boxes consisted of fruit, warm hat and gloves, small Christmas Tree, stuffed animal, and many other items.
