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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Clay Arts Center CLAYFEST Opens Saturday

Clayfest opens Nov. 19.
Pictured: created by Alec Smith.

SCHUYLERVILLE – Saratoga Clay Arts Center’s Schacht Gallery presents CLAYFEST, a national invitational exhibition celebrating the holiday season with a compilation of functional pots and decorative works by nineteen established clay artists from across the country. 

The exhibition opens on Saturday, Nov. 19 with a public opening from 5-7 p.m. and runs through Dec. 31. 

The exhibition features a diverse exhibition of functional and decorative pottery – cups, mugs, bowls, teapots, pitchers, vases – as well as ceramic jewelry and holiday ornaments. Participating artists include Ian Bassett, Lakyn Bowman, Brian Chen, Lyndee Deal, Amy Halko, Carla Hughes, Bri Larson, Heidi McKay Casto, Lisa Orr, Brent Pafford, Naomi Peterson, Nadia Rosales, Dwayne Sackey, Masa Sasaki, Alec Smith, Mark Tarabula and Jenna Vanden Brink.

Founded in 2011 by clay artist and educator Jill Kovachick, Saratoga Clay Arts Center is a ceramic art center located at 167 Hayes Rd, Schuylerville. The Schacht Gallery is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. -4 p.m. and by appointment.

Visit www.saratogaclayarts.org  call 518-581-2529 or email info@saratogaclayarts.org for more information. 

NY Animal Foundation Named for David Cassidy Rescues Former Racehorse

NEW YORK/SARATOGA SPRINGS — I Think I Love You Animal Foundation, Inc.  – a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in New York created in memory of David Cassidy – was contacted through their Facebook page that former racehorse Dixieland Squall was on her way to a kill pen in a matter of days. 

The 19-year-old thoroughbred had a long career that included 12 starts with 1 first place finish, 1 second place finish and 2 finishes in third place. The mare was trained by I Think I Love You Animal Foundation board member Gary Contessa and bred, and once co-owned, by late actor and singer David Cassidy for whom the I Think I Love You Animal Foundation was founded.

Once made aware of the situation, the Foundation worked quickly and on Nov. 11 purchased the mare.

Following the Foundation’s rescue, horseman Rick Schosberg provided transportation to South Haven Stables in Cleveland, Tennessee where Dixieland Squall is now safe and will quarantine for 30 days. The Foundation’s next step will be to find her a forever home.

“The Foundation’s mission is to save horses and other animals from unknown futures. With horses like Dixieland Squall and others we have stepped in to help, we are doing just that,” said horse trainer and Foundation board member Gary Contessa. 

“This is a very important rescue for our Foundation as it involves a horse bred and once co-owned by David Cassidy himself. How could we not step in and allow the horse to live out her natural life in honor of the person we founded the Foundation for?  said Barb Collentine, President of I Think I Love You Animal Foundation. “David Cassidy was an advocate for appropriate thoroughbred aftercare. We were all thrilled to continue to honor his legacy of hard work with horses both on and off the track.” 

I Think I Love You Animal Foundation was created in memory of the late actor and singer David Cassidy, and provides financial support to animals in need of sanctuary or medical attention, especially retired thoroughbred racehorses who require rescue from emergent situations.

For more information, go to: www.ithinkiloveyou.org.

Arlo Guthrie Coming to The Egg

ALBANY — The Egg has announced that Arlo Guthrie HAS been added to its 2023 performance series.

Anyone who has had the good fortune to attend a performance by Arlo Guthrie knows that while the songs are wonderful – it’s the stories that really make the show something really special.  

Guthrie stopped performing concerts in 2020 – but now confessing that “retirement was fun while it lasted” he returns to the stage with a new spoken word show – “What’s Left Of Me” –  moderated by author, music historian and former director of the Grammy Museum Bob Santelli – and will include rarely seen video footage and audience Q&A.As the oldest son of Woody & Marjorie Guthrie.

Arlo first made his appearance onstage at age 13, made music history with the composition “Alice’s Restaurant” and a legendary performance at Woodstock. After 60 years on the road there is a lot to talk about.

The show takes place April 21. Tickets are $59.50 and $49.50 and are on sale online at www.theegg.org or by telephone at 518-473-1845, or in person at The Egg Box Office Monday – Friday from 11 am – 3 pm.  

Nacre Dance Group to Stage Christmas Oratorio at UPH, Nutcracker at The Egg

Nutcracker, Nacre Dance Group. Photo: Lydia Huibregtse.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nacre Dance Group presents two dance classics this holiday season that unites dancers from various Capital Region dance studios with visiting artists. 

Dance festivities begin at the Universal Preservation Hall on Sunday, Dec. 11 – at 4 and 7 p.m. – with Christmas Oratorio. Nacre Dance Group’s production is based on modern dance pioneer Charles Weidman’s later version of “Christmas Oratorio,” which opened in 1961 to wide critical acclaim and has remained a much-loved classic work of modern dance.  

Weidman’s masterful choreography combined with Bach’s passionate music brings a moving portrayal of the Nativity this holiday season. 

The ensemble’s Nutcracker will also be performed at The Egg in Albany at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17.

For tickets and more information, visit www.nacredance.org.  

In Remembrance of David Bruce Cassidy (April 12, 1950 – Nov. 21, 2017)

David Cassidy & Shelley Murphy. Photo provided.  

David, 

I remember you for the man you were. Simple yet elegant. 

Years ago, you reached out to me as I welcomed you into my life. 

It took two soulmates to find each other in a crazy world and we did. 

You will forever and always remain my best friend and lover. 

My funny Valentine. 

Memories etched in my mind forever and missing you more than ever. 

Love, Shelley Murphy

November 18 – 24, 2022

Auditions for Xanadu

Seeking performers ages 18 – 50. Xanadu is a hilarious spoof on one of Hollywood’s worst films. This production is campy and filled with lots of fun. Character acting is essential! Certain characters require additional special skills. Rehearsals are November 26 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at our studio at 615 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. Performers will be seen in the order they arrive and should prepare approximately 16 to 32 bars in the style of the show. If you are unable to attend, video submissions will be accepted until 6 p.m. on November 25. Performances will be January 13-15. For more information, visit https://www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org 

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale 

On Sunday, November 27, from 11 a.m. -3 p.m. the popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale will be held at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club on 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs. Admission is free. Over 40 vendors, great parking, crafts galore, and lunch. household items, hand-made items, clothing, wreaths, food treats, body lotions, and just about anything you can imagine in time for Christmas. More crafters sign-up every month. A fun activity the entire family enjoys. All proceeds go to local charities.  8’ table and chairs $15; Call Debbie at 518-885-6506 or email dozolins@nycap.rr.com for information or to sign up for a table(s).

Artisan Market – Craft Vendors Wanted

The Juried Artisan Market is held at Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave Ballston Spa. The market is open to the public from Saturday, November 26 through Saturday, December 24 and will be staffed by museum employees. SCHC @ Brookside Museum handles all sales tax and pays vendors 60% of the sale price of their items. Booth fees are $30 for a 4’x4’ area and $45 for a 4’x6’ area. A limited number of booths with electricity are available for an additional $10 per booth. Vendors must provide a typed (preferably digital) inventory list. Vendors are responsible for their booth set up; tables and shelving will not be provided by SCHC @ Brookside Museum. Applications can be downloaded at https://brooksidemuseum.org/events/artisans-market/ and can be emailed to bsilvestri@brooksidemuseum.org or mailed to: Brookside Museum, Attn: Beth Silvestri, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa, NY 12020

The Southern Saratoga Art Society Meeting

Monday, November 28, 6:30 p.m., and have a special art demonstration hosted by the Blooming Artist Gallery, 675 Grooms Road Clifton Park., Rexford Landing Plaza. Featured artist will be Ilona Zabolotna demonstrating a “Coffee Painting” using her recently developed unique technique of brewed expresso as a medium. Her style flows much like watercolor and champions combining refined detail with pouring coffee and freely expressive splatter.  Her portraits are full of emotions with knowledge of anatomy. The demonstration is open to the public and made possible by Saratoga Arts through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. For more information about SSAS, visit: southernsaratogaartist.com

Giving Tuesday 

As a good faith effort, Ballston Spa Public Library (BSPL) will hold a special Giving Tuesday promotional for patrons on Tuesday, November 29. This is a one-day event. If a patron has any overdue items at home BSPL will waive any fines that is associated with that item. Any previous overdue fines or replacement fines do not qualify. For more information please call (518) 885-5022 or visit bspl.sals.edu. BSPL is located at 21 Milton Avenue (Rt. 50).

Southern Saratoga Art Society Exhibits

The Town of Clifton Park Lobby, 1 Town Hall Plaza, Clifton Park will feature artist Faith Weldon during the months of November and December. The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Common Ct., Clifton Park will be hosting members in a show called “Seasons” showcasing the elegance of Spring, the passion of Summer, the subtlety of Autumn and the harshness of Winter during the months of November and December. The Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville will feature artist, Karen Zimmer for the months of November and December. Visit these venues and enjoy the artwork of these various artists. For more information about SSAS visit our website: southernsaratogaartist.com or check us on Facebook.

Jane Austen Birthday Tea

Hosted by the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA)-New York Capital Region on Sunday, December 11, Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Local author Heather Moll will discuss her latest novel, An appearance of Goodness, a murder mystery set at Pemberley. The mystery theme will continue with a discussion of the many Jane Austen mystery series. Cost is $40 includes a raffle ticket for Austen-related items, an Afternoon High Tea, and Jane’s Birthday Cake. Reserve your place by contacting jasnanycaptitalregion@gmail.com. Payment due before December 1. Payable to JASNA NYS Capital Region and send to: JASNA, NYCR, c/o Nancy Duell, 56 Fifth Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801. For additional information, contact Nancy at 1 518-321-1887 or jasnanycaptitalregion@gmail.com

Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 6:30 p.m. The Village of Ballston Spa will soon become a winter wonderland. The parade steps-off 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 parade will once again spotlight the Toys for Tots campaign, in partnership with the Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corps, Saratoga County Sheriff Department and the U.S. Marine Corps. Volunteers from these organizations will be on hand to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys from spectators along the parade route as well as at the tree lighting.

ClayWorks Holiday Sale 

Saratoga Clay Arts Center, 167 Hayes Rd, Schuylerville | Meet the Artists at SCAC – Studio Tours, Demonstrations, Ceramic Art for Sale — Functional and Sculptural, Refreshments. November 26, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., December 4, 12 – 5 p.m. or by appointment from November 27 – December 3. Please email: artistsofscac@gmail.com. Follow us on instagram @artistsofscac

November 18-24, 2022

Friday, November 18

Nature Discovery Walk?

Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve, Rowland St., Ballston Spa
10:30 a.m. | Join our interns for a walk at the Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve for a stroll through the forest and to the creek. Learn about how the animals that make their home in the forest and watershed are preparing for the winter in this fall walk. Registration is appreciated. Call 518-450-0321 or at www.wiltonpreserve.org. 

Fall 2022 Famous Brown Bread and Bake Sale

Simpson United Methodist Church, 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls | Pick up 4 – 6 p.m. Also, Saturday, November 19 between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bake sale on Saturday. Cost will be $8 per loaf.  Call 518-885-4794 to place your order. Please leave your name, telephone number and the number of loaves you would like to reserve; and if possible, let us know if you will be picking up on Friday or Saturday. A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order.

LARAC Holiday Shop ?

7 Lapham Place, Glens Falls

5 – 7 p.m. | Opening event, at which attendees will receive a 5% discount on purchases. Members receive 15 % off. The Holiday Shop will be open through December 24. It features handmade items from more than 50 regional artists. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday with extended hours until 6 p.m. on Thursdays.

She Kills Monsters ?

MainStage, Saratoga Children’s Theatre, 615 Maple Ave., Suite 3, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.

For the first time, SCT is producing a play on our MainStage, and we couldn’t be more excited about it! This is a story of high schooler Agnes Evans as she deals with the death of her younger sister, Tilly. When Agnes stumbles upon Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and ’90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. Additional production dates are Nov. 19, 7 p.m. and Nov. 20, 2 p.m. Tickets available at stage.com/saratogachildrenstheatre. Rated PG-13.

Saturday, November 19

Fly-In Breakfast ?

Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Dr., Glenville | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

All you can eat breakfast. Enjoy pancakes, French toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, juice, coffee, tea and more! Open to the public. Join us at 10 a.m., as local Flight Instructor, Steve Borbee, will speak on his experiences in Panama during Operation “Just Cause” of 1989. As part of a Special Tactics Squadron, he secured the landing zone for the inbound combat forces. A 21-year USAF veteran, Steve served with the NYSP for 20 years as a firearms instructor, sniper and road Trooper. A Glenville resident, he instructs at Richmor Aviation and is a Trustee of ESAM. Fly-In if you would like. Pilots: Tower Frequency 121.3; Ground 121.9. Land at Schenectady County Airport and taxi to Richmor Aviation North. Tell them you are going to ESAM.

Annual Christmas Craft and Vendor Fair ?

The Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd. | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

A variety of crafters and vendors will present at our small but mighty church. Lunch (soup & sandwiches) will be available to purchase. Come join the fun and get some shopping done. 

American Legion Meeting

American Legion, 34 West Ave, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m.

The Adirondack Post 70 of the American Legion will hold its monthly meeting, 

Holiday Fair — Food, Crafts and More ?

Unitarian Universalist Church, 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs |10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The event will take place in the parking lot. Enjoy a fire pit, hot chocolate, and s’mores as you shop. For questions call 518-587-0403. 

Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce Factory – Open House ?

Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce Kitchen, 23 Northern Pines Rd. Gansevoort, 1st floor, Bldg. 2

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Open house and pop-up shop at the manufacturing facility. Celebrating 21 years in business, owner Katie Camarro and friends will be on hand with product displays and gift ideas for everyone on your list. Additional dates December 3, 10, and 17. www.sundaesbest.com, 518-584-4036.

Genealogy & Local History

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 1 p.m.

45 years ago the library became the recipient of a special collection of books and other items with references to Saratoga County found in works all over the world. Dr. Bruce M. Manzer, a former Ballstonian, had spent 17 years on the project and continues adding to his work. Library Director Andrea Simmons will explain Manzer’s Bibliography. Attendees will be able to view the non-book items as well as the books in the collection. Public is welcome. For information call Ginny at 518-885-9309.   

Chicken Parm Dinner Take Out

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton St., Ballston Spa

4 -6 p.m. | Menu: salad, chicken parmesan, pasta, garlic bread, dessert. Reserve your dinner at dinners2619@gmail.com or call 518-885-1149, Nov.18, 4-6 p.m. Cost is 2 for $25 or $15 each. Limited quantities available at the door. Proceeds support Elks Charities.

Clayfest ?

Saratoga Clay Arts Center’s Schacht Gallery, 167 Hayes Rd., Schuylerville | 5 – 7 p.m.

A national invitational exhibition celebrating the holiday season with a compilation of incredible functional pots and decorative works by nineteen established clay artists from across the country. The exhibition runs through December 31. The work will also open online. Details can be found online at www.saratogaclayarts.org.

Fundraising Comedy Show

Saratoga Holiday Inn,

232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

Dinner 6 p.m. Show 8 p.m. North Country Comedy Tour – Fundraising show for After the Fire, Inc. A volunteer, non-profit organization helping people in Saratoga County who have been victims of fire in their home. EMCEE – Emcee is Mikael Gregg, Headliner is Brad Lowery, Feature is Pat DaBiere. Dinner & show $60. Show only advanced sale $25. Show only at the door $30. Call 518-581-1823 to reserve your tickets now. 

The Park Presents: The Suitcase Junket 

The Park Theater, 14 Park St., Glens Falls | Showtime 7:30 p.m.

Dubbed “a master of musical imagination” by NPR World Cafe, The Suitcase Junket is multi-instrumentalist Matthew Lorenz. What instruments he requires, Lorenz builds from scratch and salvage. What parts five players would perform, he performs alone. The spectacle of his one-man set bears constant comparison to legends of showmanship, brilliance, madness, and invention. The Suitcase Junket is an absolute talent you won’t want to miss! Tickets: Early Bird – $22 | Day Of Show – $25. Doors open at 7p.m. For further information and to purchase tickets, visit parktheatergf.com/events or phone 518-792-1150.

Sunday, November 20

Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet Nutcracker Tea ?

Canfield Casino, 25 Congress St., Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. A whimsical afternoon with tea, delicious treats, dancing, and holiday fun. Children and families will enjoy holiday shopping from local vendors, basket raffle and silent auction. Delight in live performances from the Nutcracker Suite along with a reading of The Nutcracker Story. Don’t forget to take your photo with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy! Tickets on sale at eventbrite.com. Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet (SSYB) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. For more information, contact Info@saratogaspringsyouthballet.org or call 518-306-4037 or visit www.saratogaspringsyouthballet.org. 

Monday, November 21

The Thymly Herb Garden Group Monthly Meeting

4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd., Ballston Spa

10 a.m. | Our presenter will be Laurie Freeman, a retired biology professor, naturalist, herbalist, yoga instructor and hiking enthusiast. She will discuss how to make herbal infused oils and how to use them. A demonstration of making healing salve and lip balm included. Also, there will be refreshments, a meeting and an Herb of the Month talk by a member. Dues is $20/year to join the Group. New members always welcome. RSVP to thymlyherbmail@gmail.com

Parkinson’s Support Group

Saratoga Public Library,
49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs

1 p.m. | Topic: Kristi LaMonica Ph.D – Young Onset PD and its Impacts on Women and PD Avengers the story of her path to diagnosis! For more information, call Kevin McCullough saratoga.parkinsons@gmail.com 518-222-4247 or Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com 518-810-8483.

Tuesday, November 22

After the Fire’s Monthly Meeting

Eagle Matt Lee Firehouse on Washington St., Ballston Spa

7 p.m. | After the Fire is a non-profit organization that helps Saratoga County Residents who have suffered a loss due to fire. Families are provided with gift cards, a night’s stay at a participating hotel/motel, Red Cross referral, informational material, emotional support. Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in learning more about After the Fire, or becoming a member, may attend a meeting, visit us on Facebook at www.afterthefire.org, or leave a message on voicemail at 518-435-4571

Spread the Holiday Cheer with Racing City Chorus

St. Edward the Confessor Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park | 7:30 p.m. The Racing City Chorus from Saratoga Springs is inviting any interested men of all ages from the Greater Capital District to sing with us this Holiday Season. This is a wonderful opportunity for those of you who have never sung in full harmony with an a cappella chorus before to sing some beautiful Holiday songs. Remaining rehearsals are on November 29 and December 6 at 7:30 at the PBA Clubhouse, 5 Bliven Way, Saratoga Springs. See www.RacingCityChorus.org for Covid protocol. For questions call John 518-810-3222.

Wednesday, November 23

Santa’s Playland 2022 ?

Quick Response Restoration, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake

5 – 11 p.m. | On select dates from November 23 – January 6 you can drive through our magical holiday lights display with the family. Open to the public on Wednesdays – Sundays. Mondays and Tuesdays are dark days for private community appreciation events. Toys for Tots and the US Marine Corps will be on site December 9 and 10 to collect new, unwrapped toys. Donations can be made from December 1 – 10. Admission is free! 

Thursday, November 24

Happy Thanksgiving! 

“Here’s Looking at you, Kid”

Hello my Foodie Friends!   

We hope everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving. The holiday season is a great time to reminisce and bring up the stories that are told time and time again. Many family traditions have to do with holidays and holiday food and the stories that soon become part of our traditions. These traditions can strengthen family bonds, contribute to your childrens’ identity and well-being, and create lasting memories. 

While we sat around the kitchen table, my wife Paula brought up a story about our time together before having children. That is when our one baby was our dog Bogie. He was named after Humphrey Bogart and he loved to roam between our house and our neighbors next door. This was before invisible fences, and we didn’t have the money for a regular fence. Bogie was a German Shepherd/Black Lab mix puppy when we rescued him. His color was pure black, and he grew very fast to 100 lbs. of muscle. He was the happiest dog in the world and loved by both our family and our friends next door, Ron and Deedy, whose children were now grown. Bogie could make anyone feel like they were his favorite person in the world. He would go over to visit Ron and Deedy every day. They were passionate foodies and were always cooking something fabulous. Bogie would wander over to their house and always came back carrying leftovers which were usually a big steak or ham bone. They loved him as much as we did. Bogie would, however, test your love from time to time by taking food that wasn’t offered to him. There was the Halloween party that stopped dead in its tracks as all of our guests watched in amazement as Bogie took an entire pizza down the hallway and quickly devoured it. He never stole food from Ron and Deedy until one day when his thievery reached legendary status on Thanksgiving 1989. There was a knock on our door, and it was Ron. He had his head down and in a sad voice he said, “John, Bogie stole two of the mincemeat pies I had baked for Thanksgiving.” I responded to Ron with a mixture of denial and embarrassment; “are you sure, how do you know”? Ron said he put his pie on the roof of his brand new 1989 Mercury Marquis, which had three miles on it, in the garage to cool. When he opened the garage door to go out, he forgot to close it. When he came back, there were no pies. However, there were paw prints on the hood of his beloved Marquis. Those prints then headed in the direction of our house. Ron and I then found the empty, perfectly cleaned, pie tins. I apologized and offered to pay for the pies, but Ron laughed and told me not to worry. He said he would have to think of a new place to cool his pies and remember to close the door next time. Although it has been many years since this happened and Ron has passed away, we can still hear Ron’s voice as he would always tell this story like it happened yesterday. 

Wondering what Bogie did that infamous day after eating the pies and where did we find the dog after his caper? He was curled up by Paula’s legs in the kitchen sleeping it off. I think this was “the start of a beautiful friendship.”

At Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, we carry everything you need to make your favorite pie or dessert this season, including cooling racks (versus the roof of a Mercury Marquis), pie chains, pie plates, and all of your baking cool tools. Keep your pies safe! Enjoy the holiday season baking and making forever interesting memories. Stop by and shop for your traditional holiday season culinary needs at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. When you get a moment, raise a glass and proclaim: “Here’s Looking at you Bogie!” Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” 

Take Care, John & Paula

Foods for Good Health at the Farmers’ Market  


Owl Wood Farm

The best way to stay healthy during cold and flu season is to take preventative steps before you feel that first sniffle. If you become sick, resting, staying hydrated, and getting proper nutrition are some of the most important things you can do to feel better and recover faster.

Many locally grown and sourced foods are packed with immune-boosting nutrients to keep your body strong, healthy, and ready to fight infections.

Vitamin C is primarily associated with a strengthened immune system and may help to reduce cold and flu symptoms. Brussels sprouts, potatoes, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme are high in vitamin C and currently available from local farms.

Pasture-raised chicken is available at the farmers’ market and can be boiled down to make nutrient-dense broth. Bone broth/stock is rich in minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids and has many health benefits. To get started, place 1 gallon of water, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2-4 pounds of bones and meat, and salt and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 12-24 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the broth will taste and the more nutritious it will be.

Freshly harvested leafy greens like spinach and kale can also help boost your immune system as they contain vitamins E and C. A green smoothie or a raw salad can offer a daily dose of these essential, health-building vitamins.

Whether you’re looking to alleviate a cough or boost your immune system, honey is an excellent food to consume on its own or in a cup of tea. Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bee products such as propolis and bee pollen are high in zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Garlic has been used in alternative medicine for centuries. Scientists have found that plant compounds in garlic are immune-supportive and anti-inflammatory even when consumed raw in small doses. 

Turmeric, a spice well known as an ingredient in curry, contains a chemical called curcumin, which might reduce swelling. Tumeric is also regarded for its antioxidant and antiviral properties. It’s also grown locally!

While no food alone can cure sickness, eating the right foods may help support your immune system and relieve certain symptoms. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

Schuylerville Csd Donates 350 Pounds Of Candy To Troops

Photo courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Students and staff at the Schuylerville Central School District recently teamed up to donate 350 pounds of Halloween candy to the Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops program.

Collection boxes for the candy were placed at the main entrances of each of the Schuylerville school buildings, and the contents were collected and weighted each day. Following the collection, the candy was shipped to the Shawn M. Farrell Reserve Center in Saugerties, where it will be repackaged and sent to troops across the United States and abroad.

Students of teacher Amy Jordan helped collect, weigh, and package the candy before it was mailed. PEP and Effective Schools provided the funds to mail the candy to the Treats for Troops warehouse. 

Soldier’s Angels is a national nonprofit organization that provides aid and comfort to the men and women in the military. The Treats for Troops program allows communities and schools to collect leftover candy from Halloween to be sent to those serving in the military, home and abroad.