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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet presents the Nutcracker Dec. 16-17. 
Photo by Susan Blackburn Photography.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet presents the Nutcracker at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 16 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec 17 at the Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany.

This year, 115 young dancers ages 5-17 will grace the stage.

General admission tickets are $35; for seniors and students cost is $28; children under 3 get in for free. All ticket proceeds directly support the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

The Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany is located at 1400 Washington Ave., Albany.

Tickets available at ssyballet.ticketleap.com/the-nutcracker/

Star Radio Hosts Talk Live With Santa

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga’s Star Radio is hosting their annual Talk Live With Santa show airing December 19 and 20 starting at 6 p.m. each evening. Tune in to listen to local children and their parents broadcasted live to chat with Santa. Submissions for air time are closed.

Saratoga’s Star Radio is your local radio station. Broadcasting on 93.3FM in Saratoga Springs. 1160am across Albany & Saratoga Counties. For more info visit www.starsaratoga.com

Winter Solstice Walk at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

WILTON — On Sunday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 pm, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding a Winter Solstice Walk to help people celebrate the shortest day of the year. Participants will learn about how celestial movements impact the natural world. 

The walk will take place on the trails of Camp Saratoga on Scout Road in the Town of Wilton. If there is snow, the program will take place on snowshoes. Free snowshoe rentals will be available 15 minutes prior to the program provided by a grant from the Common Roots Foundation. If there is no snow, the program will be a trail walk.

Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

Walks, Bonfires, Eagle Watch & December Events at Moreau Lake State Park

MOREAU — Follow the soft glow of the luminaries on a beautiful walk in Moreau Lake State Park at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. The Friends of Moreau Lake State Park will be serving up hot chocolate (bring a mug) at the Warming Hut where you can gather around the bonfire and enjoy the camaraderie. BYO s’mores ingredients (and maybe extra to share) No sign-ups are necessary. There will be a $5 program fee per vehicle, payable by cash or check upon arrival. Questions? Call 518-793-0511.

Additional events at Moreau Lake State Park, 605 Old Saratoga Road. Gansevoort, through December: 

Wednesday, Dec. 20 and Dec. 27, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Eagle Watch. Join a park educator on a convoy-style journey along the Hudson River to try to spot local Bald Eagles. We will be getting in and out of vehicles at a few locations and, with a little luck, viewing the eagles through binoculars and a scope so make sure to bring your hat and gloves. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 per adult (18+) and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.

Thursday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. Winter Solstice Bonfire. Celebrate the winter solstice with a nighttime bonfire. A time to appreciate what is lost to the frost and remember what is promised by spring. Bring cups, plates, and a fork because we will be making hot chocolate and tinfoil dinners over the fire. The cost is $5 for adults and $1 for kids (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please register 24 hours in advance at 518-793-0511.

Monday, Dec. 25 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Christmas Day Walk. Bundle up and join an educator on an easy-going, family friendly walk next to Moreau Lake. We may hear and see birds, 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.

Friday Dec. 29 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Nature Collages. Stop by the Nature Center to join us in recycling old magazines to make nature collages; a fun way to create art out of things we may throw away. An engaging activity where we can talk about all the cool creatures that may come across the pages. The cost is $5 for adults and $1 for kids (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. You can register in advance at 518-793-0511.

December 9 – 15, 2023

Saratoga Police

Ryan Barton, 30, of Mechanicville, was charged Dec. 1 with criminal obstruction of breathing, and menacing. 

Daniel Bonesteel, 55, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 30 with obstruct governmental administration, and disorderly conduct. 

Duana Savage, 54, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 30 with assault. 

Anthony Allen, 46, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 30 with criminal possession, and criminal sale, of a controlled substance.

Miaya Hazel, 18, of Ballston, was charged Nov. 30 with petit larceny, criminal tampering, and burglary. 

Jamel Daniels, 23, of Glenville, was charged Nov. 29 with criminal tampering.

Stephen Parker, 44, of Milton, was charged Nov. 28 with petit larceny. 

Ciera Bratis, 31, of Anthol, N.Y., was charged Nov. 26 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, circumvent interlock, and inadequate lights violation. 

Phillip Shambo, 22, of Lake George, was charged Nov. 26 with DWI, and driving wrong direction on one-way street. 

Alyssa Carota, 23, of Moreau, was charged Nov. 26 with DWI, refusal to take breath test, with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, and license restriction violation. 

Matthew Washburn, 34, of Hudson Falls, was charged Nov. 25 with criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense. 

Alexandra Rychik, 25, of Ballston Spa, was charged Nov. 25 with DWI, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, and operating an unregistered vehicle.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office announced Dec. 1 that three arrests were made in connection with a Nov. 17 stabbing that occurred in the Village of Schuylerville. Ryan M. Danaher, suspected of having caused serious physical injury by stabbing a person in the neck with a knife, was arrested in the Town of Queensbury, following the issue of an Arrest Warrant. Danaher, 36, was charged with Assault in the First-Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third- Degree, both felonies. He was sent to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail. Ruthann E. Danaher, 53, was charged pursuant to a traffic stop in the Town of Malta for her involvement in allegedly assisting Ryan Danaher to evade arrest. She was charged with Hindering Prosecution in the Second- Degree, a felony. Kevin T. Relyea, 57, was also charged pursuant to the traffic stop involving Ruthann Danaher in the Town of Malta. While Deputies were taking Ruthann into custody, Relyea is alleged to have recklessly driven his vehicle at the Deputies on scene, according to the sheriff’s office. Relyea was charged with felony Reckless Endangerment, and Resisting Arrest – a misdemeanor.

Saratoga County Court

Brandon W. Brunell, 29, of Greenfield Center, was sentenced Dec. 1 to 3-1/2 years in state prison/ 2-1/2 years post-release supervision, after pleading to felony criminal possession of a weapon, charged April 2023 in Saratoga Springs. 

Anthony W. Beddow, 35, of Ballston Lake, pleaded Nov. 30 to attempted criminal possession of stolen property, a felony, charged October 2023 in Malta. Sentencing Feb. 1. 

Herbert L. Marlow, 76, of Clifton Park, was sentenced Nov. 30 to 1 year local incarceration, and 10 years probation on each charge, after pleading to two charges of possessing a sexual performance by a child. 

William R. Burden, 31, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 60 days incarceration and 5 years probation, after pleading to attempted assault in the second-degree, charged August 2022 in Ballston. 

Austin J. Parent, 28, of Schuylerville, pleaded Nov. 30 to failure to register as a sex offender, charged August 2023 in Malta. Sentencing Feb. 1. 

NY State Police

On Nov. 30, at about 12:09 a.m., State Police of Wilton responded to the reports of an unconscious driver in a running vehicle stopped in the roadway on Ballard Road in Wilton. The vehicle was located, and the driver was identified as Patrick L. Clifford.  Clifford was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was transported to SP Wilton for processing, where he recorded a 0.20% BAC.  Clifford was issued tickets returnable to the Wilton Town Court on Jan. 2, 2024, and released.  

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office STOP-DWI Underway for Holiday Season

SARATOGA COUNTY —Saratoga County police agencies and STOP-DWI coordinators will participate in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo announced this week.

“The holidays are a time for celebration,” Sheriff Zurlo said in a statement. “If you’re going to drink or use drugs, decide right now that you won’t get behind the wheel. A funeral is not the type of gathering we want your family to attend.”

The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign began Dec. 13 and will run through Jan. 1, 2024.

A downloadable mobile app – “Have a Plan” – enables citizens to be able to find a safe ride home. The app may be found at: www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp 

John (Jack) O’Brien 

WILTON – John (Jack) O’Brien died December 6. The service will be at 12 p.m. December 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours are 10 a.m. to 12 noon prior to the service, followed by a graveside service with military honors at 1:30 p.m. at Gerald B. H. Solomon National Cemetery. For condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Andrea Koleda 

WILTON — Andrea Koleda passed peacefully at home on November 3, 2023 surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring 2024; all will be notified with details as they are made available. Condolences and memories of Jack may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Marilyn Rae Pitts

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Marilyn Rae Pitts, 89, passed December 6, 2023, after battling multiple failures related to her cancer and its treatments. Calling hour 10-11 a.m., Dec. 18, Mass 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, Saratoga Springs. Burial to follow in Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com

Nancy Elizabeth Moran

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Nancy Elizabeth Moran, 76, passed away peacefully 12/7/23 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by her family. Calling hours were 12/14 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass: 11 a.m. Friday, 12/15 at St. Clement’s followed by burial in Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Clement’s Church (stclementschurch.com) burkefuneralhome.com