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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Skidmore Spring Schedules Announced

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Image via Skidmore Athletics.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College has revealed its sports schedules for the spring 2024 season. Below are the opening days for each team.

•February 13: men’s lacrosse @ Emerson College

•February 24: women’s lacrosse at home vs. Cortland

•February 25: men’s tennis @ St. Lawrence

•March 2: women’s tennis at home vs. Bucknell

•March 2-3: baseball @ Baruch & St. Joseph’s Brooklyn

•March 4-5: men’s golf @ Savannah Invitational

•March 9-16: softball @ THE Spring Games in Kissimmee, Florida

•March 30: rowing at home vs. Union College

For more dates and details, visit skidmoreathletics.com.

Schuylerville Launches Bowling Team

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Photo of the Saratoga Strike Zone bowling alley by Jonathon Norcross.

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Central School District’s Special Olympics Unified Sports program is expanding this month to include bowling. Teams will be a mix of people with and without disabilities. According to the district, students with limitations in adaptive areas (players) will be paired with other students (partners). No experience is required to participate.

Schuylerville’s team roster is currently being built. Practices will begin on Monday, January 22 at the Saratoga Strike Zone bowling alley. Buses will depart Schuylerville at 2:30 p.m. and return to campus by 4:30 p.m. Students in grades 9-12 who are interested in joining, either as a player or partner, should send an email to unifiedsports@schuylerville.org.

Adirondack Thunder Player Named All-Star

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

All-star graphic of Patrick Grasso by the Adirondack Thunder.

GLENS FALLS — Patrick Grasso, captain of the Adirondack Thunder, has been named an ECHL all-star, and will play in the 2024 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic on January 15.

Grasso earned his all-star status with 13 goals and 7 assists through 29 games. He was also named ECHL Player of the Week for December 5-11 for scoring six goals in three games against the Norfolk Admirals.

Albany & Saratoga Fred Astaire Dance Studios Hosts Annual Student Showcase Jan. 21

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) in Albany and Saratoga are teaming up for their students’ annual showcase, “Once Upon a Dance” at noon on Sunday, Jan. 21, at the Albany Marriott, 189 Wolf Rd., in Albany. 

The showcase highlights the students and their successes throughout the year and provides an opportunity to share the beauty of dance with the community, while benefiting a good cause.

This year’s showcase will provide partial proceeds to the Capital District Women’s Employment & Resource Center (WERC), in honor of National Mentoring Month, an observance that was instituted in 2022. The WERC provides quality workforce development services to help women return to the workforce and build their economic and personal independence.

For tickets and information on the showcase, visit the eventbrite page at: www.eventbrite.com/e/once-upon-a-dance-tickets-779875858687

For more information on Fred Astaire Dance Studios Saratoga Springs, visit fredastaire.com/saratoga-springs. 

January 12 – 18, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, January 12

Fish Fry Friday ?

Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 123 State Route 32, Schuylerville | 4 – 7 p.m.

Menu: All dinners are served with coleslaw and sauce also your choice of fries or onion rings: fish fry, chicken tenders, lamb strips, popcorn shrimp, coconut shrimp w/special dipping sauce, buffalo shrimp. Extras: all previous items plus, jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks, fried mushrooms, bowl of chowder or quart of chowder, red (Manhattan) or white (New England). Beverages are available. Eat in at our club or call ahead for take out 518-695-3917. All are welcome.

2024 Dr. King Celebration Weekend ?

Please join us for MLK Saratoga’s Annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend, to celebrate and reflect on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events span the entire weekend of January 12-15. This year’s programming offers something for everyone in our community! All events are free & open to the public. For details on all the events, visit www.mlksaratoga.org/2024-dr-king-celebration-weekend. 

Saturday, January 13

Beginner Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Introduction ?

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton

9 – 10 a.m. | Come join our educators as they give you tips and tricks on how to cross-country ski, so you feel comfortable on the trails on your own! January 13, 14, 27 and 28. This program will be on cross-country skis and snowshoes, weather permitting. Snowshoe rentals are made available for public programs courtesy of the Common Roots Foundation grant. Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To sign-up, please email info@wiltonpreserve.org, visit the website at wiltonpreserve.org to fill out the registration form, or call the office at 518-450-0321.

Lantern Making Workshop ?

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 65 South Broadway Saratoga Springs |11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Join us for an enchanting Lantern Making Workshop with the incredibly talented Frank Lombardo! Bring your little ones and get ready to embark on a creative journey as Frank guides them through the magical world of lantern making. Ignite their imagination and watch as they bring their very own lanterns to life! Cost is $12. 

Free Lunch ?

Malta Ridge Methodist Church, 729 Malta Ave. Extension, Malta Ridge | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

A soup and sandwich lunch will be served at no charge. All are welcome. For additional information or directions, please call the church at 518-581-0210.

Medicare Education for Seniors

Saratoga Springs
Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 2 – 3 p.m.

Join us for an informational seminar to educate seniors about Medicare, Part A, B, and D, to review Medicare Supplemental plans, and to review Medicare Advantage plans, Part C. Free admission. Please register online www.sspl.org. 

Sunday, January 14

All You Can Eat Breakfast ?

Gansevoort Volunteer Firehouse, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m. 

Menu: Eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits, sausage gravy, orange Juice, milk, and coffee. Donations: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors 55+, $10 Military and 1st Responders, $8 Children (age 6 – 12) Free kids under 6.

Monthly Breakfast ?

Fish Creek Rod & Gun Club, 123 NY-32, Schuylerville

8 – 11 a.m. | 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.

Monday, January 15

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Storytime ?

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 65 South Broadway Saratoga Springs | 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Join us for special Storytime sessions where we’ll share stories that honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Invite your friends and family to join us for a memorable Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Nature on the Move 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve,
80 Scout Rd., Wilton
10:30 – Noon. | Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside and embrace the winter. This walk is geared towards those with basic fitness levels. Ages 16+ only. Snowshoe rental will be available 15 minutes prior to the program at $3 a pair. Registration is required at least 1 business day in advance. To register, email info@wiltonpreserve.org or visit wiltonpreserve.org/education/calendar. 

Tuesday, January 16

Town of Greenfield Historical Society Meeting 

Town of Greenfield Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center | 7 p.m. Program: Ice Harvesting Hosted by Tom Ragosta, President of the Watervliet Historical Society and Watervliet City Historian. The program will include a brief history of ice harvesting during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as well as the process used in storing natural ice. The program will include a display of various artifacts used in the ice harvesting process. All are welcome to attend. Note: if Saratoga Springs School system is closed due to bad weather, we will cancel.

Wednesday, January 17

Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series

Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m. 

Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase. Storyteller Kelvin Keraga presents Voices from the Shadows. Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 7. If Saratoga Springs City Schools are closed due to weather, that date will be postponed to February 14. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or 518-290-6988.

Pickin’ Session Afternoon Jam 

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa

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 518-885-4229 with questions.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner Take Out

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club,
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. 518-584-2585. Menu: Boneless stuffed chicken breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cranberry sauce, roll, tossed salad. Cost: $15 per dinner. (Cash only). 

Board of Trustees Meeting

Galway Public Library,
2112 East Street, Galway

6:30 p.m. | The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Galway Public Library will meet. The meeting is open to the public. Any questions can be directed to Debra Flint, Library Director, at 518-882-6385.

Thursday, January 18

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail Walk

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail, Meadowbrook Rd. Entrance, Saratoga Springs

10 – 11 a.m. | Take a hike with our educators to learn new information about the sights and sounds of your favorite Saratoga PLAN trails. Learn about the amazing ecology of a wetland and a forest habitat in the deep winter. You are bound to discover amazing things! Snowshoe rentals are made available for public programs courtesy of the Common Roots Foundation grant. Registration is strongly encouraged at least one business day in advance due to winter parking limitations. To sign-up, please email info@wiltonpreserve.org, visit the website to fill out the registration form, or call the office at 518-450-0321.

Let’s Finish What They Started

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is launching its 2024 campaign for women’s equality. Titled “Let’s Finish What They Started,” the event will showcase famous feminists from American history as well as feminist writer Jen Deaderick, author of She the People: A Graphic History…of The Unfinished Road to Women’s Equality. The Saratoga Springs Public Library is a co-sponsor of the evening. For more information, visit www.lwvsaratoga.org; to register, visit www.sspl.org/events.

Colum (Joseph) O’Brien

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON — Colum (Joseph) O’Brien died peacefully at home on January 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Colum was born on March 17, 1944, in Dublin, Ireland, to Patrick and Bridget O’Brien. Colum grew up in Ireland surrounded by the family chaos of 11 children. He served his apprenticeship as a jockey in Lambourne, England, and met the love of his life, Jacqueline (Ward) while visiting home in 1961. Colum and Jackie started a long-distance love affair that included many love letters between them. Colum came to the United States in 1964 to work with his brother Leo and eventually emigrated fully in 1966. He was with his older brother Leo, and soon joined by another brother Michael. Together they became known on the riding circuit as the “Jumping O’Briens” and they successfully fulfilled their dreams of becoming steeplechase jockeys. 

On February 3, 1968 Colum and Jackie wed in Middleburg Virginia, and their first daughter Michele was born in Leesburg, Virginia in December of 1968. Their second daughter, Colleen, arrived in February of 1974. In 1978, Colum switched careers and became a thoroughbred horse trainer. He started training at Belmont Park, in Elmont, NY. Training and riding his own horses were Colum’s passion and calling in life. Throughout his 40-year career as a horse trainer, he traveled the East Coast winning races, mostly in New York. His favorite place to train and race was Saratoga Springs. He was a true horseman and loved to ride the horses that he trained, in fact, he continued to ride well into his early 70’s. He retired from training horses in 2017 and left Elmont to retire in Saratoga Springs with his wife Jackie.

To know Colum, was to love him. He was a charismatic man who loved to talk to everyone. He enjoyed sharing his views and laughing with all. His pride and joy were his three daughters, Michele, Colleen, and Tara (who arrived in August of 1980). His greatest achievement was ensuring that his daughters got the best education possible. All three girls went on to college and had successful careers. Colum never met a stranger, he welcomed all into his barn and his home.  He gave many of today’s leading riders their first shot. He loved everything about the horse industry and loved to travel to farms to see the young horses and how they were developing. He also made sure to find the retiring horses he trained loving second careers or homes.

Colum’s greatest skill was unconditional love, both with his wife, his daughters and his grandchildren. One of the unique aspects of this love was involving his whole family in his career as a horse trainer. Jackie often brought the three girls to the barn to “help” out when they were younger. As his daughters got older, they worked with their Dad at the barn on the weekends and school holidays. All three of his daughters spent time with him and learned every aspect of the business. He taught them how to ride, but most importantly he shared his passion and love for horses with them. The O’Brien family was always together at the barn and at the races. And when Colum won a race, it was a family affair and celebration. He continued that tradition of sharing his love of horses with his three grandchildren, Bridget, Keellyn, and Angelo. Many mornings you would see him proudly giving his grandkids pony rides around his barn.

Colum is survived by his wife Jacqueline (Ward), his daughters Michele (Angelo Vescio), Colleen (Jay Cummings), and Tara, and his grandchildren Bridget and Angelo (Vescio) and Keellyn (Cummings). In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at www.trfinc.org.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

A mass service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at St. Peter’s Church, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at www.trfinc.org.

Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Schuylerville Student Wins Heisman Scholarship

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Image via Schuylerville Central School District

SCHUYLERVILLE — Three-sport student-athlete Anika Buff has been named the 2023 School Winner for the Heisman High School Scholarship, the Schuylerville Central School District announced in December. The award recognizes “outstanding scholar-athletes who exhibit leadership qualities in their school and community.”

Buff, a senior, played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse all four years of her high school career. She was captain of the soccer team during her senior year, and was also treasurer of the Varsity Club. 

“I’d like to thank my coaches, my family, and my teammates,” Buff said. “Their support has helped me to keep working to get better and help the team as a whole.”

Empire State University MBA Program Ranked #1

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Image via Empire State University

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Empire State University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has been ranked first in the Capital Region for the third straight year by the Albany Business Review.

The school offers MBAs in business management and health care leadership. More than 400 students enrolled in the Fall 2023 MBA program.