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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Barbara Bongard

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Barbara Bongard, a member of a prominent family in New York thoroughbred racing and breeding, passed away at Albany Medical Center on December 16, 2023. She was 87.

Born September 23, 1936 in New York City, she was the daughter of her late parents Bertram F. Bongard, her father and Rojean R. Bongard, her mother. Barbara was predeceased by a brother Bertram Jr. and a sister Ellen. She and Ellen operated Rojan Farms in Pine Plains, NY and later in Northumberland in Saratoga County.

Barbara received her undergraduate degree from Skidmore and went on to receive her master’s at Smith College in Massachusetts.

Barbara taught physical education at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY and at Bronxville and Scarsdale both in Westchester County. As a field hockey coach she enjoyed numerous winning teams during her career.

She also enjoyed reading and handicapping.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke and Sons/Bussing & Cunniff, Inc. Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to: TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc., P. O. Box 21028 Floral Park, NY 11002 or to New Vocations, 719 Dolan Lane, Lexington, KY 40511 

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

Pickleball Popularity Surges in Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Photo from the Saratoga Springs Parks & Recreation Department

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The trendiest sport in America right now is pickleball, and the Saratoga region is paddling furiously to keep up with demand.

“We’ve been watching the sport grow like crazy in Saratoga Springs,” said Brandon Mackie, co-founder of the Pickleheads website. “We’re seeing new courts being built all over. East Side Rec Field now has 10 dedicated courts and Wilton Town Gavin Park has 10.” Mackie also said that searches for pickleball in the Saratoga area have increased 213% since April.

A number of regional locations are now hosting pickleball games, including the Saratoga Recreation Center, the Saratoga Regional YMCA, McGregor Links Country Club, The Paddocks of Saratoga, and the Burgess Kimball Memorial Park.The Malta YMCA branch hosted its first pickleball tournament earlier this year, and a Legacy Pickleball Club location is set to open soon in Ballston Spa.

But how exactly does one explain the public’s voracious appetite for this sport? “The most important thing that happened at the [recreational] player level is that the sport is really easy to learn,” Mackie said. “Our theory is that COVID was an important catalyst for this.”

According to Mackie, COVID turned the primarily indoor sport of pickleball into an outdoor game played at gyms, churches, and recreation centers. “I think we’ve just seen a snowballing of it over the last year,” Mackie said. “So now, depending on what data you believe, between ten and forty million players have tried the sport.”

According to Pickleheads, pickleball has seen a 158.6% growth rate over the last three years and has become “the fastest-growing sport in America.” There are now around 400 places to play pickleball in New York State, with dozens scattered throughout the Saratoga region.

To learn more about pickleball or to find a court, visit www.pickleheads.com. 

County Accepting Applications for $111K in Youth Team Sports Funds

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County has exactly $111,278 available for youth team sports programs, and applications are now open for those seeking a piece of the pie. Eligible programs include community organizations and nonprofits.

To learn more or to complete an application, visit www.saratogacountyny.gov and navigate to the Youth Services page. Then, click “Youth Team Sports Grant Program.” 

For additional questions, contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100 or email rrobarge@saratogacountyny.gov.

All applications are due by December 29.

You Saw Him In Saratoga Springs For 20 Years, He’s Just Published His Debut Novel

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Michael Grant, has published his debut novel, The Limited Edition Bicentennial Cadillac Convertible Joy Ride. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRNGS — Local residents may remember Michael Grant from his time in the community as co-operator of Saratoga Coffee Traders, as a photographer, as the co-curator of the Empire Film Festival, or in any of the other innumerable things the “accidental serial entrepreneur” entertained in and around Saratoga Springs. 

Now, add NOVELIST to the list. 

“Eve stormed across The Deerwood parking lot to fetch her paycheck, the magenta stripe in her dark hair twisting with the pounding fury of every step…”  

So begins Grant’s 472-page debut novel “The Limited Edition Bicentennial Cadillac Convertible Joy Ride,” newly published by Wordbinders Publishing, an imprint of Journey Institute Press.

“It’s a strong story that’s getting high praise from early readers, and I’m hoping that Saratogians and beyond will discover it,” says Grant, who these days lives in Connecticut with his husband, artist Jon Galt.

“Our 20 years in Saratoga were indelible, of course,” says Grant, “and part of my new novel takes place there.”  

The story takes place over the course of a week when a 16-year-old learns a dark family secret and then absconds with an elderly resident desperate to escape her managed care facility. The unlikely pair hit the road in search of the truth in a rare and pristine 1976 convertible Cadillac.

In a unique twist, the car itself serves as the omniscient narrator for the story. 

The car as narrator?

Early versions of the story were told in first-person using two narrators, Grant explains. “My husband asked if there was a way to simplify it with a singular narrator, and I jokingly said the only one who knows everything is the car. He said, ‘so what if it’s the car telling the story?’ 

“I immediately rejected the idea, fearing correlations to My Mother the Car and Herbie, but then I set my ego aside and considered it. It couldn’t be a talking, haunted or magical car,” Grant says.  “I’ve owned 19 cars in my short life, and every time I sold or traded one, I felt like I was saying goodbye to a friend who seemed to know me. I channeled that feeling, solidified the device, and then proceeded to completely rewrite the entire novel from this new perspective.”

The novel is available at a variety of bookstores, including via Northshire Bookstore Saratoga, and through the author’s website at: michaeljaigrant.com. 

HMT: Open Auditions for The Humans Jan. 3-4

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater will hold open auditions for their April production of The Humans, written by Stephaen Karam and directed by Erin Nicole Harrington.

The auditions will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 3 and Thursday, Jan.  4, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Home Made Theater’s headquarters at the Wilton Mall (near the Saratoga Hospital annex, across the hall from Home Goods).

Rehearsals will begin on March 4 and will generally be held Monday through Thursday evenings. Rehearsals will be held at Home Made Theater’s headquarters in the Wilton Mall. Performances will be April 19 – 21 and 25 – 28. All performances will be held at the Dee Sarno Theater in Saratoga Arts.

For the audition please bring a current photo (cannot be returned) and a resume. Be prepared to list all potential conflicts from the first rehearsal (with the exception of tech week and performances, conflicts can be worked around if known about in advance).

For a detailed flyer with character descriptions and other audition information visit www.homemadetheater.org.

Chambers Music: Rock & Recitation in Memory of Josh Chambers at Caffe Lena Jan. 5

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Josh Chambers. Photo: caffelena.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — An annual celebration of the music of classical guitar prodigy, rock band leader, poet, playwright and theater director Josh Chambers will be staged at Caffe Lena Friday, Jan. 5. Show time is 7 p.m.  

Performers include: Dave Bengle, Radio Junkies, and Michael Eck. 

Chambers, a Washington County native and Saratoga Springs resident died in 2021 at the age of 45. 

All proceeds from the event will benefit Caffe Lena, where Chambers often performed with his rock band, Throwdown Bouquet and developed his theater company, Fovea Floods, which later moved to New York City. 

Tickets: caffelena.org. 

December 22 – 28, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Snow Much Fun: Crafts and Games

For kindergarteners through fifth grade on Friday, December 29 at 1 p.m. Kids will partake in wintery STEM activities and Minute to Win It type games and crafts at the Ballston Spa Public Library, located at 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa. Goodies will also be served. Registration is required, limit 20. Call 518-885-5022 or stop in to sign up. 

Sounds in Winter Concert Series

As part of the Sounds in Winter concert series, the Lark Strings will be performing in the Long Room of Brookside Museum on Saturday, December 30 at 3 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.  Please register at brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/64889-sounds-in-winter-concert-lark-strings. The Lark Strings, composed of three local, professional musicians, Jessica Belflower and Heather Chan (violins) and Brian Axford (piano and guitar), will present an energetic program mixing classical music heavy hitters with American fiddle icons.

Monthly Meeting

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA), Court McLaughlin #422, will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 2, at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs. Members gather at 5:45 p.m. for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments until 6:30 p.m. when the meeting will begin. CDA is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. Please join us. Any questions? Contact our Regent Lucille Koch by phone or text at 516-319-4577.

Gratitude Workshop

Tuesday, January 2, 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom. Join New Thought New York as we joyously welcome the year 2024 with gratitude, an intentional, mindful practice that positively impacts your life circumstances and experiences. This workshop invites participants on a new journey into gratitude, beginning the year by setting into motion a harmonizing, balancing and orderly cause for all that follows in 2024. Suggested donation: $20. To sign up and receive Zoom link and class materials, fill out the contact us form at www.newthoughtnewyork.org.

Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series

Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, Wednesday, January 3. Noon – 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase.

Storyteller Nancy Marie Payne presents Ruslan and Ludmilla by Alexander Pushkin. Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 7. Snow date 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 call
518-290-6988.

Senior Technology Workshop

Mechanicville District Public Library, 190 N. Main St., Mechanicville, January 4 at 9:30 a.m. In this hands-on workshop, we will cover the ins and outs of protecting your information online. Learn about safe browsing, recognizing online scams, and when it is okay to share your information. Whether you’d just like to surf the web, use email, or shop online, this program will be invaluable.  There is no cost to attend and you may register by phone! Call us at 518-664-4646

American Architectural Style Talk

Ballston Spa Public Library, Community Room, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa. John Cromie will take us through Ballston Spa’s Historic District on an exploration of American Architectural styles through each period’s politics, educational and social assumptions, technology, and decorative arts. Join us if you have an older home, love history or are passionate about community character. January 11 at 7 p.m.  Free admission & light refreshments provided. 

December 22 – 28, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, December 22

Holiday Shopping Sale ?

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Browse through our wide selection of books and choose any book from our shop for 25 percent off! From captivating novels to thrilling mysteries, we have something for every reader. Not only will you be expanding your personal library, but you’ll also be supporting the Saratoga Springs Public Library and its programs. December 15 until December 23. 

Spa City Farmers’ Market Holiday Faire ?

Saratoga Spa State Park, 65 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs

4 – 8 p.m. | Mark your calendars, and get ready to finish up all your Holiday shopping. 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!

Christmas Lights 2023 – Santa’s Playland ?

Quick Response, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake

5 – 11 p.m. | Wednesdays – Sundays through January 6. Free admission. Santa will be on site nightly unless otherwise announced. And this year for some extra cheer, there will be $100 giveaways every night we are open! Watch for signs as you drive through the lights!

Saturday, December 23

Holiday Lighted Nights ?

Washington County Fair, 392 Old Schuylerville Rd., Greenwich | 4:30 – 9 p.m.

Running daily through December 30, enjoy a night of holiday magic. This drive-thru holiday tradition will be fun for the whole family as you drive through over a mile and a half of holiday magic, taking in giant lighted displays featuring holiday favorites as well as community-created displays by Greenwich FFA, Washington County Cornell Cooperative Extension and the History Museum Committee while listening to your favorite holiday music provided by IHEART Radio. The path and displays change each year, so each year is a new experience! For tickets, visit washingtoncountyfair.ticketspice.com/holiday-lighted-nights

Sunday, December 24

Artisan’s Market – Last Day ?

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Discover a variety of locally made items, perfect for your holiday shopping. Support local artisans and the Saratoga County History Center. Hours: Fridays noon – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Monday, December 25

Merry Christmas! ?

Christmas Day Walk ?

Moreau Lake State Park

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Looking for something different to do this Christmas day? Bundle up and join an educator on an easy-going, family friendly walk next to Moreau Lake! We may hear and see birds (maybe even an eagle!), animal tracks, shells, feathers; there’s no telling what Nature might gift us with. There is no fee for this walk. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, December 26

Kwanzaa Begins ?

Red Oak Ridge to Moreau Overlook Hike ?

Moreau Lake State Park | 11 a.m. 

This guided hike of about 2 miles will take us up the Red Oak Ridge to the Moreau Overlook, down to the Nature trail and back to the office. Wear warm, waterproof boots, and bring microspikes. If you don’t have them, they may be borrowed at the office. Cost is $5, reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Wednesday, December 27

Winter Storytelling and Crafts ?

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

10 – 11:30 a.m. | Enjoy some winter-themed stories with Storyteller Jeannine Laverty followed by a family/children’s craft activity. This program is suitable for children ages 5 and up, accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

Baby Back Ribs 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: Baby Back Ribs, baked beans, cold slaw, corn bread. Cost: $15 per dinner. (Cash only).  

Photography Club 

Galway Public Library, Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. 

This month, club member Jim Witte will be giving a presentation on Astrophotography, with practical advice on taking photographs of celestial objects using a telescope. We will also be viewing photographs from this month’s Photo Challenge “Pets.” Anyone interested in photography regardless of their level of experience is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Thursday, December 28

Knee-high Naturalist ?

Moreau Lake State Park

10 – 11 a.m. | Geared toward children aged 2-5, (siblings welcome) Knee-high Naturalist is a fun introduction to nature. We meet in the Nature Center where we begin by reading a book or two and then take a short walk together outdoors, keeping our eyes open for animal tracks, shells, feathers, and other signs of the natural world around us. Dress for the weather. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.

Winter Inspired Mini-Masterpieces ?

Ballston Spa Public Library,
21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa

1 p.m. | Kids in grades 6 – 9 will learn about such art techniques as pointillism and artists like Keith Haring. They will then paint three different paintings on small canvases. No art experience necessary. Registration is required, limit 10. Free and open to the public. Stop in or call to register 518-885-5022.

Stories and Songs with the Snow Sisters  ?

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Join the Snow Sisters for a holiday-themed program of singing, stories, and games, with photo opportunities at the end of the program. Presented by Hill City Ice Queen Princess Parties. Participants are invited to dress in princess attire if they’d like. This program is for families and recommended for ages 3-8. Please register online at www.sspl.org 

Winter Courses Open to Adults 55+

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Thirteen six-week courses are available for adults 55 and older, thanks to the Academy for Lifelong Learning.

The courses begin the week of Jan. 22 and cost $50 each. A course catalog is available at allsaratoga.org. Catalogs can also be found at local libraries, YMCA locations, and retirement communities.

The volunteer-led courses cover subjects such as literature, Italian, the Biology of Aging, writing, history, horse racing, space, and more. Courses can be attended on site, or via Zoom.

Registration is currently open by mail. For more info, visit allsaratoga.org, call 518-290-6988, or email jeff@allsaratoga.org.

Adirondack Trust Awards $84K to Nonprofits

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo provided by Celia Vincek 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund (ATCCF) awarded $84,070 in grants to 38 local nonprofits this month.

Some of the Lend-A-Hand Grant recipients included A Dapple a Day Equine Center, Camp Abilities Saratoga, Family Services Association of Glens Falls, First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa Summer Lunch Program, and Shelters of Saratoga.

“The awarded grants will support programs for a wide variety of needs as a whole, and will include the areas of the arts, education, health, and family activities,” said Colleen Carlson, Volunteer Chair for the ATCCF Independent Advisory Committee. “Thank you to the organizations, volunteers, and donors who provide support, time, and hard work throughout the year,” Carlson said. “We are honored to be a part of this process.”