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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Santa’s Magical Express Returns for 12th Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Santa’s Magical Express will operate Nov. 24 – Dec. 23.

ALBANY — The 12th season of Santa’s Magical Express, which opens to the public Nov. 24, announced Yankee Trails. 

Those ready for holiday cheer will have an opportunity to help retrieve Santa’s hat from Jack Frost – and save Christmas! Along the way, children can write a letter to Santa, meet beloved characters like Frosty, Mrs. Claus, Ebenezer Scrooge, Sprinkle, Twinkle, & Santa’s Head Elf, Winky, with special appearances from Senator Schumer, Albany Mayor Sheehan, Lindsay Lohan, Darth Vader, and others.

Santa’s Magical Express runs through Dec. 23. The 100-minute shows are every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night with tickets available for varying times between 3 and 5 p.m. until 7:40 p.m. A full list of showtimes and tickets may be referenced online. Tickets range from $24 to $49 with select showtimes eligible for discounted tickets.

Back after popular demand, is the Live-On Tour version of Santa’s Magical Express that is just 60 minutes, designed for some of Santa’s younger elves. This show will perform two matinees on Dec. 9 and 16 at noon and 2 p.m. and departs from Crossgates Mall. Tickets for the Live-On Tour Santa’s Magical Express are $24 per person and also have discounts available.

For more information about Santa’s Magical Express, visit santasmagicalexpress.com.

Brookside Museum Holiday Market Opening for Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum announced the annual Artisan Market will be opening on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25 and will run through Saturday, Dec. 24.

The 23rd annual market features only handmade/hand crafted products created by local artisans. Items include: soaps, lotions, ornaments, jewelry, syrups, scarves, ceramics, hats and more. 

The Artisan Market is held at SCHC @ Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa. 

The 2023 hours are: Tuesday-Thursdays, 1–5 p.m.; Friday, Noon–5 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Set for Dec. 1

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Fire truck, 2022 Ballston Spa Holiday Parade. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — The Village of Ballston Spa plays host to the annual Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1 on Milton Avenue.

A hometown-style tradition, this December favorite typically draws hundreds of spectators to Ballston Spa to watch the brightly decorated floats, fire trucks and community groups parading through the village. 

The parade steps-off at 6:30 p.m. on the north side of Milton Avenue and proceeds to West High Street. Following the parade, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will arrive on the back of an Eagle-Matt Lee Fire Company truck to light the tree in Wiswall Park.  

The event is free to spectators. To learn more about the Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, visit www.ballson.org.  

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Presents“ Classic Bars of Yesterday”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

D’Andrea’s, back in the day. Photo provided. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation presents “Classic Bars of Yesterday” 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, with Carol Godette. 

This virtual program will highlight popular establishments D’Andrea’s, The Hub, and The Rafters. Step back in time to the 1970s and 1980s when the three iconic bars shaped Saratoga Springs’ nightlife and what made these locations so memorable. 

Carol Godette, a former schoolteacher and author, shares her memories of the places that brought people together not only for a drink, but also to connect, play games, and dance. 

This virtual program will take place on Zoom for a suggested donation of $10 or more. For additional information or to register for the virtual program, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030. Everyone who pre-registers for this program will be emailed a Zoom link in advance and will receive a link to the recording.

In addition to the virtual program, The Brook Tavern, 139 Union Avenue, will be hosting their popular “Dine for a Cause” event to benefit the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The Brook Tavern will donate 25% of all food sales that evening, both dine-in and takeout, as part of our Giving Tuesday celebration.

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.

28th Annual Saratoga Festival of Trees Runs Nov. 29-Dec. 3

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Catholic Charities‘ Festival of Trees returns Nov. 29. Photo by Scott Bergmann Photography

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties hosts their 28th annual fundraiser – The Festival of Trees – from Wednesday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

The festival returns with a showcase of decorated trees, wreaths and other holiday and gift items for purchase.

Tickets are $10 per person, $5 for Seniors, $5 for ages over 10 and free for anyone 10 and under, when accompanied by an adult. Special $5 admission pricing will be offered on Thursday the Victorian Streetwalk.

Festival proceeds will benefit the programs of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. 

Event hours are as follows: Festival of Trees Preview Reception, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 6-8 p.m.; Festival of Trees, Thursday, Nov. 30, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 1, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. -7 p.m, and Sunday, Dec 3, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. 

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the festival. Preview Reception tickets can be purchased by calling 518-587-5000.

Additionally, there will be two Breakfasts with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 2 – at 8:30 a.m. and at 10 a.m. Sundaes with Santa follows from 11:30-1 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. Children 2 and under are free. Adults must accompany children. Tickets include either the breakfast or sundae, a tour of the Festival of Trees, a chat with Santa, and access to a variety of children’s activities for $1 per ticket. Tickets for these are sold in advance only and can be purchased by calling 518-587-5000.

The Festival of Trees is the biggest fundraiser and community event of the year for Catholic Charities. 

November 18 – 24, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga County Court

Craig N. Ross, Jr., 46, of Ballston Spa, was arraigned on a nine-count indictment Nov. 17. The indictment charges Ross with felony kidnapping in the first-degree, felony assault in the second-degree, two felony counts of sexual abuse in the first-degree, four felony counts predatory sexual assault against a child, and endangering the welfare, of a child, a misdemeanor. Through his attorney, Ross entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment. Ross was sent to jail without bail and is scheduled to return to court Dec. 21.  The charges are in connection with incidents alleged to have taken place in the towns of Moreau and Milton Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, following the disappearance of a 9-year-old girl who went missing Sept. 30 while on a bike ride in Moreau Lake State Park. An AMBER alert regarding the disappearance of the child was subsequently issued. 

 Zachary W. Currier, 28, of Milton, pleaded Nov. 9 to felony criminal contempt, charged Aug. 14-25, 2023 in Milton, Greenfield, and Saratoga Springs, and felony aggravated family offense, charged in September.  Sentencing Jan. 5, 2024. 

Molly E. Wroblewski, 46, of Ballston Lake, pleaded Nov. 15 to felony DWI, charged June 2023 in Stillwater. Sentencing Jan. 8. 

Michael D. Hepp, 35, of Troy, pleaded Nov. 13 to felony robbery, charged January 2023 in Halfmoon. Sentencing Jan. 22. 

Emily Burke, 33, of Greenfield, pleaded Nov. 9 to felony criminal contempt, charged June 2023. Sentencing Jan. 9. 

William S. Davis, 42, of Fultonville, NY, was sentenced Nov. 9 to 1-1/3 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to failure to register as a sex offender, charged April 2023 in Malta. 

Anthony J. Hawkins, 31, of Albany, pleaded Nov. 9 to felony DWI, and misdemeanor reckless endangerment, charged June 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing Jan. 9. 

Juan E. Esqueda, 46, of Glens Falls, was sentenced Nov. 9 to 1 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to felony DWI, charged May 2020 in Moreau. 

Thurman Jones, III, 38, of Green Island, pleaded Nov. 16 to felony DWI, charged April 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Jan. 18. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department

The Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on Nov. 19 reporting that deputies responded to a stabbing call on Myers Lane in Schuylerville at 5:31 p.m. on Nov. 17.  “Investigation into the incident revealed that a verbal argument between two people known to one another resulted in one of them being stabbed to his neck by the other,” according to the statement. “There is no danger to the public and the investigation is ongoing currently.” The victim, who was not named, was transported by EMS to Albany Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of serious injury. 

NY State Police

On Nov. 12, at about 9:25 p.m., State Police of Saratoga responded to the intersection of Galway Road and Middleline Road in Milton, for reports of a two-car crash. One of the drivers was identified as Matthew G. Peck, 45, of Saratoga Springs.  Peck was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was transported to SP Clifton Park for processing, where he recorded a 0.13% BAC. According to police, further investigation discovered Peck has had a previous DWI conviction in the last 10 years. He was issued tickets returnable to the Milton Town Court on Nov. 28, and released to a sober third party. No one was injured during the crash.

Interfaith Memorial Service

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Photo provided.

The staff of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes realize how difficult it is dealing with the holiday season for the first time following the loss of a loved one. For this reason, we extend our thoughts to you during this season. Also, in memory of all those served this past year, we invite you to an inter-faith Memorial Service and tree lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at 7 p.m. 

The service will be held at a NEW LOCATION: the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. This service will be a gathering ministered by local pastors and rabbis, as well as singing and playing of both Jewish and Christian music. This memorial will attempt to give you a chance to start the season with prayer for both you and your loved one.

Following the service, there will be a tree lighting ceremony, which will extend everyone an opportunity to place a memorial ornament on the tree. The ornament will be provided and a reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

We do wish you the best during this holiday season. Feel free to call the funeral home number listed if you need local transportation to and from this memorial ceremony. 

Sincerely,

Mark Phillips, Tom Armer, Dan DeCelle, Nick DeCelle, Jeremiah Thompson, Stephanie Nelson, Anthony Morris, and Melissa Shipley (518-584-5373)

Bonita Design

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bonita Design, 81, earned her wings on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at home with her loved ones by her side, after a 7-year battle with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. A lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs, Bonnie married her high school sweetheart, Patrick, and they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage together.

Together, they had two children and opened their home to raise four more children, including two nieces and one nephew. She showered each and every one of them with love, kindness, and faith. Bonnie’s passions were her family and adored children. She devoted her time and energy into making each one feel special, valued, and truly loved.

Bonnie worked alongside her beloved husband at their family restaurant, Uncle Sams. Later she worked professionally in the Saratoga County Administrative Office, Saratoga Springs City Court, and the New York State Unified Court System. Upon retiring, she started her favorite position, as nanny to two small children.

Bonnie championed the underdogs, broken-hearted, and lost souls. Her calming mannerisms and open heart would be a balm to their souls. People were drawn to her ability to be non-judgmental and understanding. Her ability to listen intently and discern the true underlying issues gave her strength to help many onto better pathways of life. Her immense love of family, sense of humor, and infinite heart will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her mother Muriel Sutton, father William Sutton, mother-in-law Columbia Design, and father-in-law Samuel Design. Bonnie is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Patrick, her two children Samuel (Jennifer) Design and Patricia (James) Design-Dorey, three grandchildren, whom she adored, Alex (Ashley) Design, Cody Design, and Ashley (Robert) Hannan, great-grandson Jackson, nieces Sandy (Howard) Pinsley, Gerianne (John) Hoffman, nephew Paul Batchelder, sister-in-law Columbia (Ed) Rudolph and her three siblings. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Bonnie may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online remembrances may be made at www.armerfuneralhome.com

Janet T. Campbell 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Janet T. Campbell died peacefully at her home on November 19, 2023 after a brief illness. At the family’s request there will be no services. Memorial donations to the Church of St. Peter, Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Saratoga Builders Association Donates Proceeds of $70,000 From The 2023 Showcase Of Homes To Local Charities

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


From Left to Right: Barry Potoker, Executive Director & Showcase Co-Chair – Saratoga Builders Association; Jovita Wenner, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties; Mark Johnson, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders & President – Saratoga Builders Association; Michelle Larkin, Executive Director for Rebuilding Together Saratoga County; Lisa Licata, Sterling Real Estate Group & Showcase Co-Chair

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Builders Association presented proceeds totaling $70,000 from the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. The Saratoga Builders Association announced that the total contribution to our local charities from this area’s premiere new home tour event is now over $1.5 million dollars.

The 2023 edition of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes had 9 homes from 11 builders on tour this year – Belmonte Builders (2), DeGraff Bloom Custom Homes, DSG Construction & Remodeling, Kodiak Construction (2), R & M Homes, Whitbeck Construction, and Witt Construction. Congratulations to R & M Homes for winning the People’s Choice Award for Executive Home and Witt Construction for winning the People’s Choice Award for Luxury Home. This year’s event attracted over 2500 visitors to these beautiful new homes, which were on display over two weekends. In what has become an autumn tradition in our area, the Saratoga Builders Association is dedicated to this long running show being an integral part of the fabric in our fall season.

About the Showcase of Homes

This annual community event is made possible with the generous support of over 75 corporate and media sponsors. The 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, celebrating 27 years of exceptional homes, was held on October 7-8 and 14-15. Two of the homes were located outside Saratoga County and the proceeds benefited two local charities – Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. For more details on the homes, builders, award winners, and virtual tours of every home, please visit the interactive website at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

About the  Saratoga Builders Association

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the well-being and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, visit saratogabuilders.org or contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org.