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Author: Saratoga TODAY

December 15 – 21, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

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.

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.

December 15 – 21, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, December 15

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. 

Artisan’s Market ?

Brookside Museum,
21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa

Noon – 5 p.m. | Discover a variety of locally made items, perfect for your holiday shopping. Support local artisans and the Saratoga County History Center. The hours are Tuesday – Thursdays 1 – 5 p.m., Fridays noon – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open through December 24.

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 16

Sip n’ Shop Holiday Art & Craft Fair 

Park Manor Hotel, 7 Northside Dr., Clifton Park | 10 a.m. -4 p.m.

Cash bar for wine and champagne and Basket Raffles. Fundraiser for Friends and Families Muscular Disorders Foundation 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to increase the quality of life and independence of children and adults with any type of neuromuscular disorders, MD, CP, Lupus, MS, ALS, Parkinson plus over 100 other disorders/diseases as well as empowers their families, through advocacy, education, and medical financial assistance in your community and throughout New York State. For more information, please call or text Mark at 585-519-1917

Sunday, December 17

All You Can Eat Breakfast ?

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

A visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause plus, horse drawn wagon rides. 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.

Gift Wrapping

Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Bring your gifts and we will wrap them for you, by donation.  We will also have live music for your enjoyment.  

Saratoga Chamber Players Concert ?

Saratoga United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m.  Saratoga Chamber Players’ violinist and Artistic Director Jill Levy joins cellist Annabelle Hoffman and pianist Margaret Kampmeier to celebrate Beethoven with a Piano, Violin and Cello trio featuring his 12 Variations on a Mozart theme from the “Magic Flute”, his Sonata no. 7, and the famous “Archduke” Piano Trio. A concert preview will be held for Wesley residents on December 16.  For information and tickets: www.saratogachamberplayers.org

Live Nativity

Trinity Methodist Church, Ballard Rd., Wilton | 3 p.m. Follow the star from Exit 16 of the Northway or Ballard Rd. off Rt 50 to the Church.

Monday, December 18

Nature on the Move

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

10:30 a.m. – Noon | Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside. This walk is geared towards gentle exercise and those with basic fitness levels. This program will be walking with snowshoes, weather permitting. Free snowshoe rentals will be available 15 minutes prior to the program provided by a grant from the Common Roots Foundation. Registration is required at least one business day in advance. Visit our website at wiltonpreserve.org, call the office at 518-450-0321, or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.  

Saratoga Area Retired Educators Monthly Luncheon

Holiday Inn, Win Room, 232 Broadway Saratoga Springs

Noon | All area retired K-12 public, parochial, private, BOCES teachers, librarians, teaching assistants and other school-related personnel are welcome. For further information, call 518-584-1192.

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group December Meeting

Saratoga Senior Center,
290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Holiday Party and Bingo – Bring a little something to share. Cider and water will be provided. Don’t forget your bingo chips or 25 items to cover your card. We will have some prizes. The meeting will be held in a new venue at Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, 518-584-1621. Contact with questions: Leader Gordon Blyth, contact information is gordonsblyth@gmail.com, 917-887-7980. Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com 518- 810-8483. 

Tuesday, December 19

Cocoa and A Christmas Carol

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

7 – 8:30 p.m. | Stop in for some hot cocoa and listen to the recording of Neil Gaiman reading Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the New York Public Library in 2013. The entire story is 1.5 hours long, so stay for some or all of the story, pull up a chair, and enjoy some cocoa or tea with a neighbor! No registration required. 

Wednesday, December 20

Roast Beef 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: roast beef, roasted redskin potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll, gravy. Cost: $15 per dinner. (Cash only).  

Board of Trustees Meeting

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m.  The meeting is open to the public.  Any questions can be directed to Debra Flint, Library Director, at 518-882-6385.

Holiday Concert

Dee Sarno Theater, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

7 p.m. | Join us for fun, festivity, community connection, delicious vittles, and most importantly, music! Local songwriters and artists Cassandra Kubinski, Ria Curley with Chuck Lamb, and Marcus Ruggiero, join forces to showcase a colorful, poignant, entertaining mix of their original songs, plus unique versions of holiday favorites. A festive, fabulous atmosphere. For tickets, visit https://saratoga-arts.org/events/ 

Thursday, December 21

Winter Solstice Walk ?

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

6:30 – 7:30 | We are getting ready for the shortest day of the year. Come for a walk to learn about how the celestial movements impact the natural world. This program will be walking with snowshoes, weather permitting. If you do not own snowshoes, no worries.  Free snowshoe rentals will be available 15 minutes prior to the program provided by a grant from the Common Roots Foundation. Registration is required at least one business day in advance. Visit our website at wiltonpreserve.org, call the office at 518-450-0321, or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

Light in the Darkness

First Presbyterian Church,
22 West High St., Ballston Spa

7 p.m. | Christmas can be a painful time. The constant, inescapable refrain about the happiness of the season reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. Broken or lost relationships, employment and financial insecurity, poor health, depression–all of these can be more difficult as the nights lengthen and the cold intrudes. Recognizing that Christ came to comfort those who struggle with sadness and pain, First Presbyterian Church will host a community service of scripture, prayer, music, and candle lighting to invite God’s Word to shine light into our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background (or no religious affiliation) is welcome.

National Museum of Racing Launches Free Reading Program for Students

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Logo provided by Discover Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has launched a reading initiative called “Readers Up!” The free program allows teachers throughout the county to receive one of three books about horse racing. Once students have read the book, the Museum will offer either in-person or virtual presentations of museum artifacts.

“We recognize that some schools may lack the time or resources to visit us, so we’ve decided to bring elements of the Museum experience to them,” said museum educator Matt Reichel in a statement. “Readers Up! is a remarkable program that both encourages reading and connects students with our sport in new and unique ways.”

The three books included in the program are the illustrated children’s book “The Long Shot,” the novel “The Jockey and Her Horse,” and the biography “Ruffian: Burning from the Start.”   

The program is sponsored by Stewart’s Shops.

To learn more about Readers Up!, visit racingmuseum.org/education/readers.

Empire State University Honors Class of 2023 in Albany Ceremony

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Dec. 9 marked the first graduating class under the new designation as Empire State University, formally SUNY Empire State College. Photo provided.

ALBANY — Empire State University celebrated the class of 2023 on Dec. 9 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, where 259 graduating students attended the event.

The event marks the first graduating class under the university’s new designation as Empire State University, formally SUNY Empire State College. President Lisa Vollendorf was in attendance.

Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2023 collectively live in 60 different New York state counties, in 27 U.S. states and territories, 27 countries around the world, and range from ages 19 to 76. Graduates traveled from across the state, country, and even the world to attend the ceremony, with four students traveling from the Dominican Republic to walk across the stage.

Empire State University was founded in 1971 as the innovative campus of the State University of New York. SUNY Empire’s 97,000 alumni are teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their communities and their fields. Visit www.sunyempire.edu.  

Two Local Children’s Books Honored with 2023 Winnie Awards

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS/ ALBUQUERQUE, NM — On November 19 the EQUUS Film & Arts Fest announced the winners of their 2023 WINNIE Awards in Albuquerque, NM. Two local children’s books, “Upset, The Original Dark Horse”, and “Jim Dandy, A Dark Horse on a Dark Day” were both granted WINNIE awards. Written by local author Maddy Zanetti and illustrated by local artist Gretchen Tisch the children’s books have been a fan favorite in the area.

EQUUS Film & Arts Fest was founded in 2013 by Lisa Diersen to highlight and reward creative efforts in film, music, advertising, and literature that pay homage to the horse. 

Maddy Zanetti, co-owner of Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile with partner Marianne Barker own Upset, the miniature Dark Horse. Together they take him on the road and around Saratoga. The legend of Upset beating Man o’ War in 1919 is what inspired The Dark Horse brand and her stories.

Gretchen Louise Tisch is an Artist and owner of Feathered Antler, a boutique located on Broadway. Her shop is filled with her hand painted fashion and home decor that doubles as her Art Studio. 

The original book, “Upset” won the WINNIE Award in Children’s Book category while “Jim Dandy” received an Honorable mention. “Upset” is based on the infamous thoroughbred aptly named Upset who beat the previously undefeated Man o’War in Saratoga in 1919. “Jim Dandy” tells the story of the 100-1 longshot that ran in the 1930 Travers Stakes against Gallant Fox. Though he had never won a race he never gave up, and with a little motivation from his friend, Upset, Jim Dandy learns that it is not just luck that gets him across the finish line. Each page is filled with vibrant works of art and a twist on the real story of Upset. Some creative license was taken to tell the stories. Upset teaches everyone to believe in themselves even if they are the longshot or the “Dark Horse.”

For more on the EQUUS Film & Arts Fest visit www.equusfilmfestival.net.

WMHT Announces the Election of Board Officers and New Trustee

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

TROY — WMHT Public Media announced the election of its board leaders and new trustee. The new slate of officers elected include: Shelby Schneider, Deputy Director, New York State Economic Development council, has been re-elected Chair; Del Salmon, Attorney, The Salmon Law Firm, has been elected Vice Chair; Gwen Wright, Community Leader, has been elected Secretary, and Karen Carpenter, President and CEO, Vanderheyden, Inc., has been elected Treasurer.

“I am both honored and humbled to be re-elected to the position of Board Chair,” said Shelby Snyder, in a statement. “WMHT’s mission to enrich our communities with programs and services that advance education, culture and civic engagement, empower individuals, celebrate our diversity, and reveal what we have in common – has never been more relevant than it is today.” 

The officer slate will be joined by newly elected trustee and health coach and former WNYT anchor Dr. Benita Zahn. Zahn joins the WMHT board with 40 years of commercial TV news experience, that included a previous stint as host WMHT’s long-running HEALTH LINK program.  After earning her MS and DPS/ Bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute at Albany Medical College, she now works as a nationally certified health coach for Capital Cardiology, co-hosts the podcast EVERYTHING THEATER and writes about health for a number of local magazines/newspapers. 

The officers and trustees began their terms Dec. 1, and bring the number of board members to 24.

Discover Saratoga Named Smart Meetings 2023 Platinum Choice Award Winner

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Discover Saratoga has announced that the convention and tourism bureau has been selected as a 2023 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Awards winner. 

“We are incredibly honored to receive the esteemed 2023 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award,” said Darryl Leggieri, Discover Saratoga president in a statement. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to hospitality in Saratoga County. I would like to thank our dedicated hospitality partners for their outstanding service, and everyone who contributes to making Saratoga a premier destination for meetings and events.”

Now in its 21st year, the prestigious Platinum Choice Awards have honored the hospitality industry’s top-ranked hotels, venues, and destinations every December with a list of hospitality partners that deliver the highest standards of overall excellence. These outstanding performers were nominated and voted on by meeting professionals and judged to be the best-of-the-best by the Smart Meetings editorial team and travel industry professionals.

Platinum Choice winners are featured in the December issue of Smart Meetings and will be showcased on the award-winning smartmeetings.com website.

Lillyann Hansen Joins Julie & Co. Realty

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Lilly Hansen. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julie & Co. Realty announce Lillyann (Lilly) Hansen as the newest member of its brokerage in Saratoga Springs.

Born and raised in the southern region of New York, Hansen has a background in medicine and science with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology/PreMed.

Hansen has joined the Julie & Co. Realty team as a Residential Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. She is also a member of the National Association of Realtors and Greater Capital Association of Realtors.

For more on Julie & Co. Realty visit juliecorealty.com.

December 15 – 21, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

This week’s beautiful townhome at 1 Sicada St in Saratoga Springs listed by Jane Mehan from Roohan Realty and sold for $606,000.

BALLSTON

Donald Rose sold property at 34 Forest Rd to derek Callen for $380,000

Erika Ryan sold property at 87 Scotchbush Rd to Debra Bigelow for $450,000

Barbera Homes Kelley Farms sold property at 27 Stablegate Dr to Fnu Rahul  for 550,000

Kristopher Frutschy sold property at 281 Lake Rd to Christie Foss  for 620,000

CORINTH

Yolanda Gill sold property at 150 County Rt 10 to Joshua Clothier for $179,000

Michael Shamulka sold property at 324 First St to Lorna Moffre for $334,900

GALWAY

Jean Audy sold property at 1939 New York 29 to Kathryn Weller for $350,000

Wilmington Savings Fund Society sold property at 1271 Hermance Rd to David Priess for $105,000

GREENFIELD

Darrell Johnson sold property at 36 Canyon Crossing to Andrew Titus for $490,000

MALTA 

Devin Kenney sold property at 5 Weston Way to Sierra King for $469,900

Craig Cornwell sold property at 14 Essex St to Lisa Hunter for $410,000

MILTON

Pennymac Loan Services sold property at 6 Park Place to Alan Russell for $107,000

James Cope sold property at 347 Saratoga Ave to 347 Saratoga Ave LLC for $219,000

Anthony Mori sold property at 133 Bath St to Frank Kennedy for 284,000

Sean Mansfield sold property at 289 Meadowlark Dr to Quinton Jensen for $340,000

RSD Development sold property at 2 Encore Dr to Mark Williams for 120,000

SARATOGA

Sogonha Incorporated sold property at 145 US Rte 4 to Andrea Martin for $220,000

Sandra Sullivan sold property at 1158 NYS Rt 9P to Henry Tomasiewicz for $1,1500,000

Paula Gardner sold property at 274 Hayes Rd to Robi Komalan for $564,500

Brian Seymour sold property at 256 Rt 32S to Hunter Dupont for $219,900

Resolute Development sold property at 6 Anthony Lane to Steven Earle for $955,746

Austin Phillips sold property at 58 Gates Ave to Codi Sladovnik for $199,900

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Richard Amendola sold property at 4 Joshua Rd to Timothy Latchford for $1,200,000

Laurie Sudigala sold property at 9 Magnolia Dr to Aubrey Crist for $890,000

Constance Boardman sold property at 12 Sundance Dr to Barbara Marshall for $715,000

Marcus Fuller sold property at 75 Arrowhead Rd to Elaina Richardson for $2,500,000

Richard Devall sold property at 59 Franklin St to 59 Franklin Street Holdings LLC for $730,300

Northavsbcc sold property at 51 Vanderbilt Ave to Christian Cloutier for $485,000

Robert Bruno sold property at 997 East Ave #301 to Caitlan Blydenburgh for $379,007

David Harris sold property at 77 Van Dam St to AMC2001 LLC for $535,000

Judith Carnavale sold property at 14 Garnside Rd to Brian Gaetano for $275,000

Martin Morey sold property at 11 Eastman Ave to Derby Stallion LLC for $285,000

Mathew Adair sold property at 210 Ballston Ave to Chen Yuanzaho for $335,000

Mark Hofmann sold property at 52 Bryan St to Risa Cohen for $825,000

WILTON

Terra Firm LLC sold property at 430 Daniels Rd to Andrew Hirschklau for $139,900.

Manuel Morse sold property at 21 Whispering Pines Rd to Susan Hedge for $230,000

Erik Schieman sold property at 21 Saw Mill Ct to Susan Chew for $899,000

Christopher Harrison sold property at 2 Daffodil Dr to Erik Schiemann for $1,349,000

Michael Blake sold property at 2 Palmer Terrace to Sarah Graham for $289,500

Celebrating a Century of Caring: Maternity Services’ 100-Year Anniversary at Saratoga Hospital

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

Photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS —On Dec. 17, 1923, the Saratoga Hospital Maternity Unit officially opened for patients, made possible through contributions of businesses and individuals active in the Saratoga community, including the Saratoga Racing Association, which was to become NYRA in 1955, and equipped with furniture provided by the Flower and Fruit Mission, an organization that today still actively supports women’s health services at Saratoga Hospital. 

On Dec. 17, 2023 the Saratoga community is invited to join this centennial celebration, which will include remarks from Jill VanKuren, Saratoga Hospital President & CEO, Dr. Amy Knoeller, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – OB/GYN & Midwifery, and Sarah Bunzey, Director – Women’s Health Services. Participants are encouraged to bring a box of diapers to donate to Wellspring Saratoga. Cupcakes and light refreshments provided. 

The celebration will take place from 2-3 p.m. at Saratoga Hospital in the Main Lobby, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs.