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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Parks-Bentley Nativity Exhibition Opens Nov. 30

SOUTH GLENS FALLS— The Historical Society of Moreau and South Glens Falls opens its annual exhibition of nativity sets from around the globe on Nov. 30. 

This year’s exhibition, titled “A Chorus of Nativities” organizes the creches in each room of the historic house around song titles from favorite Christmas music. From angels as the centerpiece of the Victorian parlor, to humorous and children’s holiday songs in the front entryway, the exhibition will highlight more than 100 sets from its nativity collection. 

A Chorus of Nativities will be on display from noon to 4 p.m. on Nov. 30, as well as Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 and 27. Admission is $7; children under 12 years of age are admitted free with a paying adult. Private group tours will be made available by appointment with a $7 per person charge and a minimum fee of $50 per group. Those interested in a private tour are asked to email parksbentleyplace@gmail.com with group details.

For more information about Parks-Bentley Place, visit the Society’s website at parksbentleyplace.org.

Annual Wreath Ceremony Dec. 6 at Ballston Spa Veteran’s Memorial 

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa House & Garden Club (BSH&GC) will host a Wreath Ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial at noon on Friday, Dec. 6. 

The public is invited to attend the solemn event to honor deceased veterans during the holidays. 

The Veteran’s Memorial is located on Low Street, adjacent to the Ballston Spa Library. 

The ceremony is an annual event conducted by the Garden Club. For questions about this ceremony, contact Marilyn Stephenson, BSH&GC at: mcstephenson@nycap.rr.com. 

The Schuyler House:A Tale of Destruction and Rebirth


Schuyler House – Rebuilt 1777

by David Wickerham | Sponsored byThe Saratoga County History Roundtable. Contact The Saratoga County History Roundtable at: saratogacohistoryroundtable@gmail.com

As the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga approaches, the story of General Philip Schuyler’s house stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of early Americans during the Revolutionary War. Located in Schuylerville, New York, this historic estate embodies the struggle, sacrifice, and determination that shaped a new nation.

A Strategic Estate Destroyed The Schuyler House originally stood as a grand estate along the confluence of Fish Creek and the Hudson River. Built around 1763, it functioned as the fulcrum of Schuyler’s agricultural and milling empire, supporting local agriculture and the fledgling economy of the area. The Schuyler family was instrumental in developing the Village of Saratoga—now known as Schuylerville—into an agricultural and industrial hub that relied on milling, farming, and fishing. Fish Creek was central to this development, housing the milling and fishing operations that sustained the Schuyler estate and served the broader colonial community.

The Schuyler House endured its first destruction during King George’s War, demonstrating the vulnerability of such strategic sites during periods of conflict. However, it faced its most significant devastation during the American Revolutionary War. On October 10, 1777, British Lieutenant General John Burgoyne made a fateful decision after retreating from the defeat at the Battles of Bemus Heights; he ordered his troops to burn the Schuyler House and 24 surrounding buildings. This act was not random, but a calculated military strategy known as “scorched earth.” By destroying the estate, Burgoyne aimed to deprive American forces of valuable resources and damage their morale.

British Lieutenant William Digby noted that they burned the house “to prevent a lodgment being formed behind it.” The destruction was extensive, targeting the main house and the mills, barns, and storehouses crucial to the local community.

Rebuilding with Determination  No sooner had the smoke cleared than Schuyler began to plot the rebuilding of his home. In a letter to Colonel Varick dated October 12, 1777, Schuyler expressed the urgency of his mission. He wrote that he had sent enslaved individuals to the ruins of the burned house to salvage iron nails and other structural supplies essential for the construction of the new house, as iron was scarce during the war. Schuyler emphasized his commitment to rebuilding, stating, “I intend immediately to have my mills rebuilt and some house erected.”

Construction commenced a mere two weeks after Burgoyne’s surrender on October 17, 1777. Schuyler mobilized a diverse labor force, which included carpenters and engineers from American General Gates’ army, local craftsmen, prisoners of war, and enslaved individuals from his estate. The inclusion of enslaved individuals in this labor force highlights the complex and often painful legacy of slavery in American history. Their forced labor played a critical role in the reconstruction efforts, reminding us of the moral contradictions that characterized the pursuit of liberty during the Revolutionary era.

The salvage and reuse of materials from the ruins were vital; timber from the estate’s upper sawmill—the only structure left intact—provided the backbone for the new construction. Iron nails, hinges, and stone salvaged from the ruins were utilized, illustrating an early example of resourcefulness and respect for the historical significance of the original structure.

The rebuilding efforts were impressively rapid. It is reputed that the house was reconstructed in only ten to sixty days after the fire. This collaboration between Schuyler’s mobilized workforce and the military personnel underscores the community’s collective determination to restore what had been lost.

According to Schuyler’s letters, the house was completed in a rough state by November 30, 1777. On November 4, he informed Congress of his progress, saying, “In less than twenty days, I shall nearly complete a comfortable house for the reception of my family.” In a letter to a friend, Schuyler detailed the construction timeline: “On the first instant [November 1] I began a house, on the 19th I had two rooms and Cellar Kitchen finished, and on the 30th Instant I shall discharge my carpenters.” Furthermore, in a letter to John Jay in November 1777, he reflected on his aspirations for a quieter life, expressing his enthusiasm for country living and his intent to distance himself from the “noise and bustle” of public life.

The new house was notably different from the original; smaller and more modest, it measured just sixty by twenty feet. Schuyler described it as “cheaply and speedily erected.” In an incredible display of efficiency, he aimed to complete a “comfortable house for the reception of my family” within twenty days, demonstrating not only his determination but also his practical approach to rebuilding in the face of adversity.

A Complex Historical Landscape The rebuilding process reveals the complex social fabric of revolutionary America. The workforce included local laborers, captured British soldiers skilled in masonry, and enslaved individuals whose forced labor was critical to the construction. This nuanced history serves as a reminder that the pursuit of liberty coexisted with the brutal reality of slavery, and it compels us to recognize and honor the legacy of enslaved individuals whose contributions are often overlooked.

An Unexpected Diplomacy Perhaps most remarkable was Schuyler’s interaction with Burgoyne after the surrender. Despite the destruction of his estate, Schuyler hosted the defeated British general in his Albany mansion, demonstrating a remarkable sense of military honor and diplomacy typical of the era. This act was more than mere courtesy; by treating his enemy respectfully, Schuyler showcased the emerging American leadership’s commitment to principles beyond vengeance—a subtle but important strategy in garnering international support for the revolutionary cause.

A Living Memorial Today, the Schuyler House is a museum within Saratoga National Historical Park. Visitors can walk through a structure that literally contains layers of history—from the original stones and timbers to the marks of patriot labor, British craftsmanship, and the often-overlooked contributions of enslaved workers. The house is more than a building; it’s a microcosm of the Revolutionary era, embodying the complex interplay of military strategy, personal sacrifice, and the ongoing struggle for freedom.

A Legacy of Resilience As Saratoga approaches its 250th anniversary, the Schuyler House reminds us of the values that shaped our nation. It stands as a powerful symbol of resilience—of the ability to rebuild, adapt, and move forward in the face of tremendous challenges. The story of this house is ultimately a story of hope. It speaks to the unbreakable spirit of those who fought for independence, who saw beyond immediate destruction to a future of possibility. In its stones and timbers, we can still hear the echoes of a revolution that transformed a collection of colonies into a new nation.

As we commemorate this milestone, the Schuyler House invites us to remember not just the grand moments of history but also the daily acts of courage, adaptation, and resilience that truly define a people’s journey to freedom.

“I see” said the turkey

Homemade Roasted Thanksgiving Day Turkey with all the Sides


Hello  my Foodie Friends!  

It is amazing to think that the holiday season is here. Planning for family gatherings and meals can be a stressful time during this time of year. We strive for the Norman Rockwell experience of perfect times, perfect food and respectful conversation. Reality is for many people, family gatherings during the holidays are rarely stress-free.  I tell my Thanksgiving story every year because it is one that we reflect on and smile.  Thanksgiving would not be complete without my real-life story of Grandma and the Turkey.  It was 1993 when our children; Johnny age 2 and Aubrey 5 months old at the time, would make the annual trek with Paula and I to Grandma and Grandpa’s house to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and watch football. To begin; let me explain I am a Giants fan and so is my mother-in-law. Therefore, watching the Cowboys is not one of our favorite things to do. However, her son is and so is my sister-in-laws husband.  Yep, two Cowboy fans in the same house and they do not like each other!  I love football so I watched but the room was silent because the two brother-in-laws do not speak to each other.  They were holding their feelings down to make my mother-in-law happy.  As the game was being watched, my mother-in-law was busy making a huge feast for all to enjoy.  She was very nervous because she wanted everyone to get along.  We always ate after the game and this particular game one was a tight one. Most Cowboy fans may want to stop reading now.  With just seconds left in the game, the Miami Dolphins lined up to make a game winning field goal and it was blocked by the Cowboys. The brothers-in-laws were silent. I wanted to groan with disappointment, but held back because of the tension.  All of a sudden one of the Cowboys (Leon Lett) chased the block field goal and touched it. “Oh nooo!” Well, the Dolphins got another chance to kick the field goal and won. Half of the house wanted to celebrate but my mother-in-law and I remained solemn. It has been called the greatest Thanksgiving Game ever played. As the game ended, my mother-in-law continued working with my Paula to complete the many dishes all cooking at once. There was a shout from the kitchen and Grandma announced that she had lost her glasses and could not see without them. Immediately, each of the brothers-in-laws was pressed into service to find the glasses. These were not just any glasses; they were big and black and hard to lose but there were no glasses to be found. We looked everywhere. Grandma was close to tears when she asked me to check on and baste the turkey.  This was a big turkey at 28lbs and it smelled great.  I grabbed my son Johnny and the baster, which he took charge of, and opened the oven to show him the turkey.  He said “look Daddy, the turkey can see better”. Yep, he found the glasses neatly melted in perfect harmony with the bird so it looked like he had eyes!  I started laughing and everyone joined in. Needless to say we had ham and lasagna but no turkey.  It didn’t matter because the rest of the day was perfect. 

Through the fun and sometimes stressful events that can happen during the holidays – especially when we want it to be perfect; it can turn out to be a wonderful family gathering. Among our greatest and most treasured memories are the ones that are based in the kitchen or around a meal. As you get ready this season for your festivities and feasts, stop into Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. Pick up roasters, basters, thermometers, and more for your meals. You can have that Norman Rockwell family gathering. Have a beautiful Thanksgiving Day. Remember, my Foodie Friends that “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.   

Take Care,
John & Paula

Week of November 29 – December 5,  2024


Upcoming Events

Southern Saratoga Art Society

SSAS will be hosting artists and members throughout the area.   The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., will show artwork at SSAS’s annual Themed Show, “Artwork Inspired by a Song “ during the months of November and December. Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, will show the artwork of SSAS member, Faith Weldon, during November. The Town of Clifton Park Hall Lobby, 1Town Hall Plaza, is showing the artwork of SSAS member, Cheryl Birmingham during November. Artist and member of SSAS, Cheryl Jenks, is showing her artwork at Soave Faire, Broadway, Saratoga Springs during the month of November.

Annual Holiday Show

We’re gearing up for our annual holiday show this year at Balet Flowers & Design! Get ahead with your holiday shopping at this open house community event. We’ll have local artisans in our greenhouse as well as in our flower and arts barn, tastings from local vendors, sharable snacks, and hot cider. All handmade holiday arrangements, wreaths, pottery, jewelry, soaps, scarves – and more! Please bring canned goods to donate to the food pantry and help others this season. Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 5065 Nelson Ave Ext., Malta. 518-584-8555.

Winter 2024 Kids Bike Giveaway

December 7 at St. Peter’s Church, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring your children by to select a new to them bike from our stock of refurbished bikes. All are welcome to come, the recipient must be present with a responsible adult. Donations are encouraged but not required. Our entrance is at the rear of the church facing Hamilton Street at the top of the parking lot. Contact us at info@bikeatoga.org or text us at 518-290-0746 for more information.

Winter Faire 

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs will be hosting a Winter Faire on Saturday, December 7 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at 62 York Avenue in Saratoga Springs. 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

12th Annual Laying of Wreaths

Please join us on Saturday, December 7, 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.

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!

Trip to Turning Stone

The Olde Saratoga Seniors are planning a trip to Turning Stone Casino for a Classic Christmas Spectacular. Combines 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. Cost will be $49.  Thursday, December 12.  Bus leaving at 8 am from American Legion, Clancy St., Schuylerville with stop on way to Casino arriving around 10:15 am and stop on way home arriving around 7:30 p.m. Contact Peg Jennings at 518-695-6861 or 518-275-5805 to reserve a seat on the bus.

Jane Austen Birthday Tea 

The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA)-New York Capital Region is hosting the annual celebration of Jane Austen’s birthday on Sunday, December 15, 1 – 4 p.m. at the Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. Registration fee of $40 includes a free raffle ticket for Austen-related items, an Afternoon High Tea, and, of course, Jane’s birthday cake. Reserve your place by contacting jasnanycaptitalregion@gmail.com and making a payment before December 1st. Make check payable to JASNA NYS Capital Region and send to: JASNA, NYCR, c/o Nancy Duell, 56 Fifth Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801. For additional information, contact Nancy at 1 (518) 321-1887 or jasnanycaptitalregion@gmail.com.

Celebrate the Season

Saratoga Chamber Players celebrates the season on Sunday December 15, 3PM with dazzling string sextet arrangements of Mozart’s Symphonie Concertante in Eb Major, K364 and Strauss’ Metamorphosen, TrV 290.  Saratoga United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-season-of-sextets-tickets-950934620047?aff=oddtdtcreator For more information and musician bios visit https://www.saratogachamberplayers.org/

This Week’s Events:     nov. 29-dec.5

Friday,
November 29

Black Friday Saratoga

Various Locations, Downtown Saratoga Springs | All Day. This is a Black Friday shopping event centered around downtown Saratoga Springs, offering a variety of deals and discounts in a select group of local shops and eateries. Black Friday Saratoga supports “shopping local” on the busiest shopping day of the year. It has become an annual event that hundreds look forward to as an opportunity to get a jump start on their holiday shopping, while enjoying the historic charm of downtown Saratoga Springs. For information on participants, open hours, and individual deals, go to blackfridaysaratoga.com.

Saratoga Bridges Black Friday Job Fair

Wilton Day Program, 690 Route 9, Gansevoort | 2 – 4 p.m. Shop for your next career and make a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in Saratoga County. No appointments required; just come in and learn more about our job opportunities. A recruiting specialist will be available to answer questions about job openings. We offer competitive benefits and pay, opportunities for advancement, paid training, and flexible hours! Plus, there will be a bake sale where all proceeds benefit Saratoga Bridges programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. For more information about our current job opportunities, please visit www.saratogabridges.org and click on “Current Opportunities.”

Saturday, November 30

Holiday Sale 

Old Saratoga Reformed Church, Corner of Burgoyne and Pearl Street, Schuylerville | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. We will have lots of Holiday themed items for sale, as well as raffle baskets, and a bake sale. For questions, call the office phone at 518-695-3479.

Pet Photos with Santa

Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland St., Ballston Spa | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit and support Gateway House of Peace by bringing your pets to meet Santa. This event is open to children, pets, and families; appointments strongly encouraged. While walk-ins are welcome, we cannot guarantee how long your wait will be. We encourage you to book an appointment to secure your spot. Walk-in donations are accepted as cash or check only. Your $25 donation covers your sitting fee, digital download and printing rights. Gateway House of Peace is a not-for-profit organization serving persons with terminal illness who are diagnosed with three months or less to live. Contact: Allison Drapeau, adrapeau@gatewayhouseofpeace.org or 518-450-1273. 

Winter Wonderland Art Market

Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Support local vendors: Discover unique, handcrafted gifts from local artists and crafters. From jewelry to candles, there’s something for everyone on your list! Gift Wrapping Station: Let us help you finish off your gift! For a modest donation, we’ll wrap your gifts. Photos with The Grinch: Capture the holiday spirit with a fun photo op! Art Activities: Get creative with a hands-on art activity for all ages. We will have a printmaking activity and craft for kids! Don’t miss out on this festive celebration of art and community!

Sip & Shop

Brookhaven Golf Course, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd. |10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Town of Greenfield will hold a “Sip & Shop” event. The new holiday bazaar will combine a winter market and a holiday social opportunity that is free to the public. The event will benefit the Greenfield Elementary School Home School Association, its parent teacher group.

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 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, November 30 to Tuesday December 24.  

Sunday,
December 1

2024 Winter Photography & Hiking Series

SPAC Parking Lot, Section A, Route 50, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.  Led by Saratoga nature photographer Louis Valenti. This series of photo hikes is open to beginner photographers and will explore the uniqueness and beauty of the Geyser Creek trail. The Photo Hikes will be held every Sunday through December 22, 2024. Each hike will provide photographic opportunities and will introduce participants to key fundamentals of photographing nature. Please come prepared for a 1.4-mile hike including appropriate clothing, footwear, camera or iPhone. This series of photo hikes is free. Reservations required. Contact Louis Valenti at 518-438-1141 or email LouisValentiPhotography@gmail.com.

Annual Memorial Service 

Saratoga-Wilton B.P.O.Elks # 161, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 1 p.m.  The ceremony will honor fourteen members that have died this past year and is open to the public. All are invited to attend and following the ceremony, a light social will be hosted in the lounge. No reservations are necessary. Further information can be obtained by calling Memorial Chairman, Mark Phillips at 518-584-7464.

Monday, December 2

Galway Preservation Society Meeting

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Program starts at 7 p.m. which will focus on sharing memories and stories of winter activities and holidays of yesteryear.  Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge.  If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year.  Please join us for our December meeting!

Tuesday, December 3

Chestwood: 150 Years of History & Preservation

Zoom Presentation, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation | 7 p.m. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the storied Second Empire residence at 432 Grand Avenue. This program will feature an introduction by local historian Carol Godette, followed by a presentation from homeowners, Kristi Krulcik and Marco Anichini. Kristi and Marco will share fascinating stories about the past residents, the Slade and Snyder families; information about the architect – Gilbert Bostwick Croff; highlight architectural features and discuss their passion for preservation. Suggested donation of $10 or more. To register, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030. All registrants will receive a Zoom link in advance, as well as access to the program recording.

Wednesday, December 4

ZOOM: Virtual Author Talk with Dr. Jeffrey Post

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, emeritus curator of the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection, will talk about The Smithsonian National Gem Collection Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels, which explores the scandals, mysteries, and human stories behind the world’s greatest gems, including the Hope Diamond, Star of Asia Sapphire, Carmen Lucia Ruby, Hooker Emerald, and Blue Heart Diamond. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Poetry Reading

Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Caffè Lena will present a poetry reading by Effy Redman. An open mic poetry reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students. The featured reading will also be livestreamed. You can find a link for the livestream at caffelena.org.  518-583-0022.

Chicken & Sausage Riggies 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: Chicken, sausage, diced tomatoes in a pink sauce over penne pasta. Dinner for $15 (cash only). 

Pickin’s  Session

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 9 p.m. Open to the public, free admission and ample free parking. Doors open 6 p.m. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel and 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 518-885-4229 with questions.

Thursday, December 5

38th Annual Victoria Streetwalk

Downtown Saratoga Springs | 6 – 9 p.m. The Victorian Streetwalk is the Downtown Business Association’s way of welcoming the Holiday Season with a Christmas Tree Lighting followed by live music and other festivities throughout downtown. The tree lighting ceremony will take place in front of Putnam Market at 6 p.m., Santa & Mrs. Claus will be at the cottage. The Festival of Trees will be inside at the Saratoga Springs City Center ($5 admission for Victorian Streetwalk evening). 

Schuylerville Lacrosse Player Signs with LeMoyne


Schuylerville senior Ollie Bolduc at his signing ceremony. Bolduc has committed to playing lacrosse at LeMoyne College. Photo via the Schuylerville Central School District. 

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School Senior Ollie Bolduc has officially signed with LeMoyne College to play Division 1 Lacrosse, with plans to major in criminal justice. 

A four-year varsity starter, Bolduc has already surpassed 300 career points, with the possibility of breaking the existing Schuylerville record. Bolduc was a First Team Foothills Council All-Star sophomore and junior year, and a Second Team Foothills Council All-Star his freshman year. In 2024, he was All-State Second Team Attackman.

“Those accomplishments speak to Ollie as a player, however, they don’t really talk about how genuine of a human being he is,” said Schuylerville High School Lacrosse Coach Morgan Cornell in a statement. “It’s been a pleasure to coach him and watch him grow into the athlete and young man that he is today. He’s worked so hard to be able to reach his goal of going to a division one school.”

“Once I played for Coach Cornell, he made me love the game more than I ever have in any sport,” Bolduc said. “I want to thank my parents and brother for always being there for me, as well as Coach Cornell and Coach Richard. It’s awesome that I get to play college lacrosse in New York and follow in some incredible Schuylerville lacrosse athletes’ footsteps.”

Schuylerville Lacrosse Player Signs with LeMoyne


Schuylerville senior Ollie Bolduc at his signing ceremony. Bolduc has committed to playing lacrosse at LeMoyne College. Photo via the Schuylerville Central School District. 

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School Senior Ollie Bolduc has officially signed with LeMoyne College to play Division 1 Lacrosse, with plans to major in criminal justice. 

A four-year varsity starter, Bolduc has already surpassed 300 career points, with the possibility of breaking the existing Schuylerville record. Bolduc was a First Team Foothills Council All-Star sophomore and junior year, and a Second Team Foothills Council All-Star his freshman year. In 2024, he was All-State Second Team Attackman.

“Those accomplishments speak to Ollie as a player, however, they don’t really talk about how genuine of a human being he is,” said Schuylerville High School Lacrosse Coach Morgan Cornell in a statement. “It’s been a pleasure to coach him and watch him grow into the athlete and young man that he is today. He’s worked so hard to be able to reach his goal of going to a division one school.”

“Once I played for Coach Cornell, he made me love the game more than I ever have in any sport,” Bolduc said. “I want to thank my parents and brother for always being there for me, as well as Coach Cornell and Coach Richard. It’s awesome that I get to play college lacrosse in New York and follow in some incredible Schuylerville lacrosse athletes’ footsteps.”

Spa Catholic Volleyball Players Named All-Stars

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Two Saratoga Central Catholic volleyball players have been named 2024-25 Wasaren League All-Stars, and two more Saints received honorable mentions for their successful seasons.

Emery Moser was named to the Wasaren League First Team. Moser led the Saints in assists (158), aces (102), and blocks. Margaret Crowe made the Second Team after leading her team in kills (90) and earned aces (71). 

Gia Roche received Honorable Mention after finishing second on the team in kills (83) and kills per set (1.1). Casey Cassier also received Honorable Mention after recording 50 kills and 65 digs this season.

Gladys E. Trasente


SARATOGA SPRINGS — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gladys E. Trasente, 88, on November 15, 2024. Calling hours were November 20 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass was November 21 at St. Clements, followed by burial in Greenridge Cemetery. To leave condolences, please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com

Mary Lou Hall


SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Lou Hall, 85, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024. Mass was held November 15 at St. Clement’s Church, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery’s Peaceful Meadows. Memorial donations to Saratoga Springs Children’s Museum, an organization that was very special to Mary Lou. https://cmssny.org/ Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com