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Author: Saratoga TODAY

ITheatre Saratoga’s Holiday Music Event Returns to Saratoga Music Hall – Dec. 20 & 21

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Colorful Christmas Dec. 20, 21 at Saratoga Music Hall.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — iTheatre Saratoga’s Holiday Music event returns to Saratoga’s historic Music Hall for a pair of performances at 8 p.m. on Dec. 20-21. 

This year’s theme – Colorful Christmas – features a unique evening of classic “colorful” songs along with some holiday favorites performed live. 

iTheatre’s Holiday Music event was conceived by iTheatre Saratoga Artistic Director and playwright Mary Jane Hansen to put a new spin on the typical Holiday concert with a different theme for each year. 

This year’s Colorful Christmas band features Emmy nominated composer Will Severin of acclaimed fusion act Crazy Swedes on guitar and vocals. Severin has performed in Broadway orchestra pits, as well as stages across the country in addition to serving as chairman of iTheatre Saratoga. On drums and vocals is George Snyder; Wayne Hawkins is at the keyboards, Josh Gordon on bass and Abby DeGregory on vocals. 

Cash bar (beer, wine, and soft drinks) will be available. Saratoga City Music Hall is located at 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Tickets available at: https://itheatresaratoga.ticketspice.com/colorful-christmas-holiday-music-event. 

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2024 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events:   

     Dec. 6-12

Friday,
December 6

Here For You

Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  A House of Prayer Through Advent. Our sanctuary will be open for peaceful, self-guided prayer and meditation through December 24. Give yourself a break; find peace and respite during this busy season and spend some time with God. The sanctuary will be open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5 – 7 p.m. Please enter through the front door. The church is handicapped friendly. All are welcome!  

Annual Wreath Ceremony

Veteran’s Memorial, Low St., Ballston Spa | Noon. The Ballston Spa House & Garden Club will host the Wreath Ceremony. The public is invited to attend this solemn event to honor deceased veterans during the holidays. The Ballston Spa House & Garden Club is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of NYS. One of our missions is to promote the civic beautification of the Village of Ballston Spa. For questions about this ceremony, contact Marilyn Stephenson, BSH&GC at mcstephenson@nycap.rr.com

Book & DVD Sale

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St, Galway | 1 – 5:30 p.m. A sale of used fiction, mystery, and children’s books, as well as DVDs.  Stock up for the winter!  Your monetary donation fills your bag!

24th Annual Holiday Artisan Market

Brookside Museum, located at 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | Join us this holiday season for the 24th annual Holiday Artisan Market featuring only handmade/ hand crafted products created by local artisans. Items include soaps, lotions, ornaments, jewelry, syrups, scarves, ceramics, hats and much more! Not only is the market perfect for your holiday shopping needs, it is also an investment in our community. All the proceeds from this year’s market will go to local artisans and the Saratoga County History Center, helping to both ensure the continuation of artisan work and the preservation of history in Saratoga County. 2024 Artisan Market Open Tuesdays – Sundays through December 24. Hours: Tuesdays – Thursdays, 12 p.m. – 4.p.m., Fridays 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, December 7

HOLIDAY SALE

Unitarian Universalist Congregational Meeting House, 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. –  3 p.m. Crafts, cards, baked goods, preserves, silent auction, live music, a fire pit with s’mores and more! Call Bev with questions, 518-587-0403. 

Winter Faire 

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, 62 York Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Families can come enjoy homemade soups and breads, hot cocoa, fresh brewed coffee, festive baked goods while listening to live, instrumental music and carols. Crafts for children include beeswax candle dipping, making a wool-roved angel and creating holiday cards and decorations from natural materials. www.waldorfsaratoga.org

Elks Hoop Shoot Basketball Free Throw Shooting Competition

Saratoga Springs Recreation Center, 15 Vanderbilt Ave., Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This event is free and open to boys and girls ages 8 – 13. Boys and girls will be divided into separate divisions and by age groups. Participants’ eligibility will be determined as of their age on April 1, 2025. Pre-registration is not required. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Local winners will advance to the District Championship, and can advance to Regional, State and National Championship competitions. For more information, please contact the Director of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Hoop Shoot, Steve Dorsey, at 518-369-1985.

12th Annual Laying of Wreaths

Please join us at noon, at one of the following locations as we honor those who have served our country: Galway Town Hall, Galway Junior-Senior High School, Galway Village Park, Gideon Hawley Park in Charlton, Scotch Church Cemetery, Providence Town Hall. Sponsored by the Glenville Hills Garden Club and partial funding by Bob’s Trees.

12th Repair Café

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 1 – 4 p.m. We will have coaches available to help you fix your lamps, small appliances, computers, leather, jewelry, or sew/hem your favorite item of clothing or beloved stuffed animal. We can’t wait to see you! https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/repair-cafe-4/

Abstract Space

Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. A stunning new art exhibit showcasing a diverse collection of abstract artwork by talented regional artists. Through the lens of abstraction this dynamic exhibit provides visitors an opportunity to experience how contemporary artists interpret and transform visual space. This opening reception will offer guests the chance to meet the artists, discuss their work, and enjoy light refreshments in the company of fellow art enthusiasts. Free and open to the public. A portion of sales will benefit Code Blue. The exhibit is open Tuesday – Thursday, 4 – 7 p.m. Sundays 1 – 4 p.m.  through January 4.

Sunday, December 8

Monthly Breakfast

Fish Creek Rod & Gun Club, 123 NY-32, Schuylerville | 8 – 11 a.m. Santa will be joining us again this year. He is waiting to hear if you have been naughty or nice. Menu: choose from pancakes – regular, buckwheat, apple cinnamon and blueberry or French toast. Eggs to order, home fries, bacon or sausage, toast, coffee and orange juice. $12 adults, $6 children.

The Greenwich Holiday Craft Fair 

Sunday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Greenwich High School gymnasium. Admission to the event is free. There are over 50 vendors attending. There will also be a Basket Raffle, Ed Levin Specialty Item Raffle and Concessions. Get in the holiday spirit, shop local, and support small businesses as well as the GCS students!

Monday, December 9

Holiday Shop & Taste 

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave., Suite 1, Saratoga Springs | 2 – 6 p.m. Please join us for our second annual craft and vendor fair at the Center. Stop by and get some of that holiday shopping done early. Holiday Shops will feature art pieces, ornaments, greeting cards, books and more!

Tuesday, December 10

Bokwa Dance Moves

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Bokwa is a unique Dance Cardio fitness program that accommodates people of all ages and fitness levels. Participants dance structured movements based upon letters and numbers, and move to the sounds of popular music. No set choreography to learn. If you love to dance (like nobody’s watching), you will love Bokwa. If you can walk, you can do Bokwa. Get fit and have fun! Everybody can do Bokwa! Free. Please register online at www.sspl.org.   

Wednesday, December 11

Roast Pork Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. for curbside pickup only. Call Monday and Tuesday between 10 a.m. and noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: roast pork, mashed potatoes, vegetable, stuffing, applesauce, gravy and roll, tossed salad. Dinner for $15 (cash only).

Green Drinks! 

The Parting Glass, 40-42 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. A “green gathering” sponsored by Sustainable Saratoga for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

Green Drinks – Saratoga Springs is held monthly. While this is a networking event, solicitation is not allowed.

Thursday, December 12

Trip to Turning Stone

American Legion, Clancy St., Schuylerville | 8 a.m. The Olde Saratoga Seniors are planning a trip to Turning Stone Casino for a Classic Christmas Spectacular. Combining the hottest hits from the 50s & 60s along with the classic Christmas songs you’ve come to adore with an included casino bonus. You will receive a $25 slot bonus and $5 meal credit. The cost will be $49.  Contact Peg Jennings at 518-695-6861 or 518-275-5805 to reserve a seat on the bus.

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture: “The Kayaderosseras Patent”

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | Noon. Lorie Wies, a retired local History Librarian, will be discussing the settling by Europeans in the Saratoga region and why it was not possible until the resolution of the Kayaderosseras Patent. The story of the 70-year process is marked by corruption, greed and intrigue…. a fascinating tale!

Holiday Foods

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

What is your favorite holiday food? It is difficult to think of the holiday season and not think of all the holiday food – the alluring treats – both sweet and savory – that accompany all the celebrations. Many of us celebrate the holidays with unique foods that have been passed down for generations. We may serve them at a special occasion or on special days of the season. What is better than family and friends coming together to eat something delicious that you have eaten together for years? The bonding comes in the preparations, eating of the food and the magic of bringing friends and family together. 

Holiday foods create familiar scents. Think about the aroma’s that trigger that holiday feeling for you; wafts of fire-place smoke, pine needles, sugary cinnamon, roasted turkey, pies baking in the oven, and sugar cookies, all that mingle together in your nose. These fabulous aromas create feelings of nostalgia that quickly turn the corner to the holiday scene. 

We all probably have a holiday food that makes us smile. I know this is true for me. I probably have at least ten or more! Most of my favorite holiday foods take me back in time where food traditions were made at my parents, aunts, uncles and cousins’ homes. 

My mother had the unenviable task of making all this magic happen almost by herself. My father would leave for work every day at about 4:00 am and return at 7:30 p.m. six days a week. This would leave my mother to go about her day trying to keep five children motivated to be nice instead of naughty. Her day started at the same time as my fathers and ended well after he went to bed. In earlier stories I referred to my mother having a super power and that was cooking and baking. Her baking powers would come into play during the holiday’s when she would use baking to wake up would be the three little boys named John, Danny and Billy. She would start with apple pies and then her pumpkin pies Her apple pies were my favorite. However, the pumpkin would be a close second. When those aromas entered our room, we would awaken with big smiles and wide eyes. We would sit right up in bed, inhale deep and proclaim “moms baking pies”! Then there was a race for the bathroom to get cleaned up and dressed for breakfast. The problem was, how do you eat oatmeal or cream of wheat while pies are baking? My mother would then tell us if we ate all of our breakfast then we’d get a taste of her pie. We were easy as pie! 

With the holidays, people travel to that place in their minds where the first words that pop are almost always food related. The idea of food evokes memories. The traditions that have come before now meld with my own family food memories that take me to my own home the place where my wife and I cook into the late evenings preparing holiday treats and meals with holiday music blaring really loud.  I love these feelings and memories.  It is part of the magic of the holiday season which enforces the point that holidays and food go together

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 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. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, located at 33 Railroad Place for the holiday supplies you need to eat, drink and be merry with family and friends. Stop by and share your holiday food memories with us. Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. Happy Holidays and 

Take Care,
John & Paula

 Baking Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

It’s officially baking season and time to determine what will get baked, what won’t, when you need them, who you’re going to share with, cookie platter party debuts and all of that good old-fashioned holiday frenzy.

It’s important to know your cookies!  As corny as that sounds, some cookies can be made ahead, some doughs can be prepped and frozen and each recipe is different, but can include time-savers to reduce the hectic element of the prep.

After all of the hard work, time and expense put into baking you want to make the cookies last as long as possible throughout the holiday sharing season. 

Tips and Tricks for holiday cookie storage:

Store soft cookies with a slice of bread; this isn’t recommended for harder cookies like biscotti.

Store cookies in an airtight container.

Layer the cookies in the container with parchment paper in between each layer.

Keep the cookies in a relatively cool temperature, protected from air and sunlight.

Decorate cookies just prior to serving with the extras; frosting, sprinkles, etc

Store bar cookies in their original pan with a tight cover; or, slip the cooled pan into a large snap and seal type storage bag if needed.

Baking Supplies that can be found at the Market:

Apples & applesauce: Saratoga Apple

Baking Kits:  Katie Bakes GF

Eggs: Hepatica Farm, Holly and Vine, Jireh Organic & Livestock, Kokinda Farm, Squash Villa Farm

Dairy Items (buttermilk, yogurts, butter): Argyle Cheese Farmer

Honey: Ballston Lake Apiaries and Slate Valley Farm

Jams:  Kokinda Farm

Maple Syrup: Grazin’ Acres and Slate Valley Farm

Vanilla extract: Muddy Trail Jerky Co

Want to Skip the Baking?  Visit these vendors…

Baked with Love by Sabreen

Bakery Suzanne

Caliva Cookie

Great Northern Bakery

Katie Bakes GF

Night Work Bread

Parchment Baking Company

Sweet Treats by Jennifer

Note: Holiday guests including local artists, authors and crafters will be joining the regular 50+ weekly vendors at the market for the next several weeks.  

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Wilton Mall in the food court area. The Holiday/Winter Market takes place from November 2nd through April 26th. Find us online a www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

Skidmore Raises $30K for Local Nonprofits“25 Days of Charlton” campaign image provided.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Members of the Skidmore College Community gather to donate items to Skidmore Cares Friday, November 22, 2024 to local organizations. (Sarah Condon-Meyers / Skidmore College)

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College students, faculty, staff, and alumni raised around $30,000 and collected nearly 5,000 items — food, toiletries, school supplies, and household products — for community organizations as part of its Skidmore Cares initiative.

For the third consecutive year, Skidmore College Trustee James Zankel ’92 matched proceeds from Skidmania ’74 — a Skidmore musical tradition offering unique spins on musical hits from 50 years ago. This year’s sold-out performances raised approximately $30,000, with half contributed by Zankel through The Zankel Music Fund.

This year’s concert paid tribute to music from the year 1974. One of the songs performed at the concert was “Scarlet Begonias” by the Grateful Dead, which contains the lyric “Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand, everybody is playing in the Heart of Gold band.” 

 “Those words resonate deeply with me and speak to the very ethos of this magnificent tradition,” Zankel said in a statement. “It is paramount that we be good neighbors to one another. Coming together in song, especially during the holiday season, allows our college to deliver on that promise with intention and joy.”

Beneficiaries of the donations include Franklin Community Center; Habitat for Humanity, Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties; LifeWorks Community Action; Mary’s Haven; Salvation Army; Saratoga Center for the Family; Saratoga Springs City School District PATHS program; Shelters of Saratoga; and Wellspring.

Charlton School Launches“25 Days” Campaign

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


“25 Days of Charlton” campaign image provided.

BURNT HILLS — On December 1, The Charlton School, a non-profit therapeutic learning community for young women in grades 8-12 who are facing significant mental health challenges, launched its 25 Days of Charlton campaign. The effort is designed to raise awareness and funds while offering a virtual presentation of stories that will be shared daily throughout the month of December.

The 25 stories were captured from across the campus of The Charlton School, and they feature a mix of testimonials from various staff, students, alum, parents and community partners. Each narrative shares a unique perspective, but the common theme throughout is the spirit of The Charlton School that inspires growth and fosters connection.

 “We’ve become one of the leading mental health communities for adolescents, and yet so many people still don’t know we are here and how we can help,” said Alex Capo, executive director of the school, in a statement. “We’re excited for people to see this campaign and learn more about the exceptional people who make it all possible.”

Located in southern Saratoga County, The Charlton School provides a structured approach to therapeutic services and campus life, while also offering students a hands-on, experiential New York State High School Curriculum.

 To learn more about the campaign or to donate, visit www.25daysofcharlton.org. Donations up to $10,000 made before December 31 will be matched.

Empire State University Celebrates 100K Graduates

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Empire State University recently announced that 100,000 students have graduated from the school. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate the milestone of 100,000 alumni and to honor each person’s unique educational journey,” said President Lisa Vollendorf in a statement. “For more than 50 years, Empire has delivered high-quality, innovative education to learners of all ages. We look forward to welcoming our next 100,000 alumni in the coming decades.”

As part of its celebration, Empire State University held a 24-hour $100,000 for 100K Alumni fundraising campaign on November 25. A total of $138,611 was donated by 138 contributors.

Saratoga Seniors Offered “Instant Admission”to SUNY Adirondack

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


SUNY Adirondack Timberwolf mascot Eddy Rondack high-fives Saratoga Springs High School students at an event last month. Photo via the Saratoga Springs City School District.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School seniors have been offered “instant admission” to SUNY Adirondack for the Fall 2025 semester. 

Graduating Blue Streaks learned more about SUNY Adirondack from President Kristine Duffy at an event last month. At the gathering, students received acceptance packets, branded merchandise, and directions on how to proceed.

“We are thrilled to facilitate the college admissions process for students, removing barriers and making higher education more accessible,” Duffy said in a statement.

The instant admission offer was also extended to hundreds of local high school seniors in five area school districts, including Queensbury, Glens Falls, South Glens Falls, and Hudson Falls. SUNY Adirondack College Access and Enrollment Systems advisors worked directly with school counselors so students did not have to fill out applications.

“Your hard work should be in the classroom, not during the application process,” Duffy told students.

After being accepted, students interested in attending SUNY Adirondack can fill out an online form, selecting the field of study they wish to pursue and indicating if they are interested in one of SUNY Adirondack’s dual acceptance programs. Under those agreements, students who are accepted at SUNY Adirondack are also accepted to University at Albany, SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury, or SUNY Cobleskill. When the students complete requirements for an associate degree at SUNY Adirondack, they then seamlessly transfer to their selected four-year university without a second application process.

“These agreements help take the stress out of applying for college, and make the journey to a bachelor’s degree smoother,” Duffy said. “We hope more high schools become interested.”

NBT Bank Opens Malta Location

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Branch Manager Shawn Bennett (center) cuts the ribbon to officially open NBT Bank’s Malta office on Monday, November 18. Photo provid

MALTA — NBT Bank celebrated the unveiling of its new office at 51 Luther Forest Boulevard in Malta on Monday.

“NBT Bank has seen tremendous growth in the Capital Region,” said Regional President Al Testa in a statement. “We’re looking forward to serving this active community while further expanding our service network along New York State’s semiconductor chip corridor.”

The new 1,325-square-foot retail office is co-located next to a Stewart’s convenience shop. In addition to providing a meeting space to connect with NBT financial experts, the office features a drive-through, 24-hour ATM, and night drop services.

Saratoga Arms LaunchesLimited-Time Holiday Brunch Service

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Arms Hotel will be featuring limited-time Holiday Brunch service on Saturday and Sunday mornings between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Seatings are from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Menu items include cranberry spice pancakes, vanilla eggnog challah french toast, and fresh berry crepes with chantilly cream and chocolate hazelnut drizzle. Special cocktails include Holly Jolly Citrus (vodka, elderflower liqueur, orange juice and a splash of prosecco garnished with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme), Snow Globe Toast (prosecco, a touch of cranberry juice, fresh cranberries, and fresh rosemary), and Cider Maple Old Fashioned (bourbon, pure maple syrup, apple cider, orange bitters, cinnamon stick garnish).

Reservations can be made online at https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/a8887a6a-3716-46ff-ad7b-42328f250a71/findTime.