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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Black Friday Saratoga Annual Shopping Event Celebrates 10 Years!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Black Friday marks the official start of the holiday shopping season across the country and Saratoga Springs prepares to welcome in the season with huge savings throughout the downtown area. On Friday, November 25, over 20 stores in downtown Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area will be participating in the Black Friday Saratoga 10th Anniversary event, offering a variety of discounts on the day after Thanksgiving. Most deals are spread throughout the day to encourage a safe, comfortable shopping experience.

Local merchants offer customers once-a-year savings in appreciation of their support of local business throughout the year. “Black Friday Participant” window signs and balloons will differentiate the storefronts who are participating. In celebration of 10 years, there will be a QR code on every Black Friday Saratoga Participant window sign. Shoppers can scan the code to register to win a giveaway package of $25 gift certificates to every participating business.

This year’s participating businesses are located on Church St., Broadway, Phila and Excelsior Ave., where one downtown Saratoga business participant recently relocated to. The list of businesses includes Beef Jerky Experience, Botanicals Spa, Caroline & Main, Celtic Treasures, Crafters Gallery, Dance Fire Saratoga Springs, The Dark Horse Mercantile, Divine Sole, Encounter Boutique, Frivolous Boutique, Impressions of Saratoga, iRun LOCAL, Lifestyles of Saratoga, Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, Off-Track Records, PaperDolls of Saratoga, The Pink Paddock, Saratoga Olive Oil Company, Sixth Generation Strings, Spoken Boutique, Tailgate and Party Shop, Union Hall Supply Company, Violets of Saratoga and Yellow Boutique. Sponsors include the Adirondack Trust Company, Stewart’s Shops, and The Richer Team at Hanna Commercial Real Estate. Media sponsors include Saratoga’s Star Radio, 93.3FM.

“We are extremely excited to celebrate the tenth year of Black Friday Saratoga,” said Fran Dingeman, owner of Network Saratoga LLC and organizer of the Black Friday Saratoga promotion for the past ten years. “We have the most participants we’ve ever had to help celebrate this anniversary year. Shoppers look forward to the event all year long as a chance to enjoy special offers in the stores they love and get a jump start on their holiday shopping! Many groups have made it an annual tradition to take advantage of the once-a-year savings and enjoy a day of shopping with family and friends in the beautiful surroundings of Saratoga Springs! What a great way to start off the holiday season!”

Retailers participating in the Black Friday Saratoga Group Sale are each offering their own custom deals and opening at a variety of different hours, with some opening as early as 6 a.m., and others opening later in the morning. Discounts in some stores are as deep as 50% off select merchandise. Businesses will be putting out their best incentives to come and shop their stores all weekend long and throughout the holiday season. For more information about the Black Friday Saratoga shopping event, go to www.facebook.com/blackfridaysaratoga.  A complete list of the businesses, their hours and their discount offerings will be listed on blackfridaysaratoga.com the week of Thanksgiving.

For additonal information visit www.networksaratoga.com.

Saratoga County Announces Multi-Agency Support Team to Respond To First Responders

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA —The county announced the formation of a multi-agency peer support team that provides mental health and post-traumatic incident response to first responders in need.

The Saratoga County Peer Support Team (SCPST) is the result of a collaboration between Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Saratoga County EMS Council. 

The trained team of 50 members across multiple agencies and responder disciplines, including EMS, fire, and law enforcement, stands ready to aid individual first responders in distress or groups in the aftermath of traumatic incidents.   

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), among others, report significantly elevated levels of anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation and attempts, addiction, and divorce among first responders.

Locally, within the past six weeks, during the team’s pilot, members conducted critical incident debriefings at five agencies and provided individual support and follow up to more than 20 individuals who responded to calls involving fatalities and first responder suicide. 

The Team is centrally coordinated and makes use of an existing communication platform. I Am Responding, used by first responders to ensure rapid notification and response in case of need. First responders may self-refer or be referred by agency leaders. 

Additional information is available through the Saratoga County EMS Council website at www.saratogaems.org.

Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting to Take Place Dec. 2

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Ballston Spa Holiday Parade. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA  —The Village of Ballston Spa will stage its annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Friday, Dec. 2 on Milton Avenue.

A home-town 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.  

Parade entries will be judged this year in the following categories: Best Emergency Vehicle Entry, Best Float Entry, Best Walking Entry, and the Brightest Light Award. 

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. 

The parade headlines a holiday themed “First Friday” in Ballston Spa. Home to unique shops, museums, and popular restaurants, Ballston Spa pulls out the stops for December’s First Friday by filling the village with a merry atmosphere. Many businesses will be open with special holiday activities and specials, while Ballston Spa High School singers and musicians as well as Union Fire Company band members perform carols on the street corners. Visit www.ballson.org 

Artisans’ Market Opening in B-Spa

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Brookside Museum’s 22nd annual Artisans’ Market opens Nov. 26. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — Brookside Museum’s 22nd annual Artisans’ Market opens on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, and will run through Saturday, Dec. 24.

The annual market features only handmade/handcrafted products created by local artisans.  Items include soaps, lotions, ornaments, jewelry, syrups, scarves, ceramics, hats, and more.  Shoppers can stroll through the market and visit the museum’s exhibits.

The Artisans’ Market is held at SCHC at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa. The market is open Thursdays through Sundays. 

For specific times and more information, go to: brooksidemuseum.org.

First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa Hosting Thanksgiving Bag Ministry

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa is organizing an ecumenical Thanksgiving bag ministry to provide items for a Thanksgiving dinner to families in need.

Families can sign up to receive a Thanksgiving bag through church food pantries at the following locations:

• First Baptist Church (202 Milton Avenue) Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. 

• Christ Episcopal Church (15 West High Street) Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday from 12 to 2 p.m., Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m.

• United Methodist Church (101 Milton Avenue) Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The signup period runs through Nov. 18. Distribution of the Thanksgiving bags will take place Nov. 21 from Noon to 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church at 22 West High St.

Last year’s Thanksgiving bag ministry provided over 100 dinners to families in need, according to a flier advertising the event.

A suggested list of items is also available for those who wish to donate to the Thanksgiving bags. Suggested items include:

• $10 gift card to a local grocery store or an 8-14 pound frozen turkey

• Two boxes of seasoned stuffing mix

• Two boxes of instant mashed potatoes

• Two cans of gravy (no glass)

• Three to four cans of vegetables

• One can of cranberry sauce

• One boxed dessert mix

Bags and turkeys can be delivered to the First Presbyterian Church on Nov. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations are tax deductible, the release says, if the receipt is saved and attached to a signed tax receipt available at the church on the dropoff date.

The First Presbyterian is also seeking volunteers to assist with distributing the bags on Nov. 21. Those who are interested can contact the Church at 518-885-5583 or email ballstonpres@gmail.com.

Saratoga Candy Co Celebrates One Year at Broadway Location

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Candy Co is entering it’s 24th holiday season. On Friday, Nov. 18, the store will have been in the 353 Broadway location in Downtown Saratoga for a year.

Good news! Saratoga Candy Co is staying put at this space. The original space at 5 Washington St. was torn down in May.

“Everyone is finding us just fine and the positive response to our space has been uplifting. Broadway baby!! Always knew we were meant for the bright lights of Broadway! Thanks for all the support. xoxo”

Invitation To Sing in Full Harmony with A Cappella Barbershop Chorus

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Racing City Chorus from Saratoga Springs is inviting any interested men of all ages from the Greater Capital District to sing with them during this holiday season. 

Instruction will be provided by Gary Glidden, the chorus director. Those interested who can attend several upcoming rehearsals will receive sheet music; for those who don’t read music, a personal CD with their part sung for them to memorize will be provided. Those interested need not be accomplished singers. 

Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings starting at 7:30 p.m. as follows:

Nov. 22: St. Edward the Confessor Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, off Northway exit 9 west.

Nov. 29 and Dec. 6:

PBA Clubhouse, 5 Bliven Way, Saratoga Springs, off Northway Exit 15 east.

A special Holiday Concert takes place Tuesday, Dec. 13 at the PBA Clubhouse in Saratoga Springs.

For more information, call John Senecal at 518-810-3322. 

George B. VanWagner

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — George B. VanWagner, 85, returned to the loving arms of his wife on November 11. 

He was born on December 20, 1936, in Saratoga Springs to the late Lyle and Florence (Stanford) VanWagner.

Left to cherish his memories is his daughter, Beth White-Hernandez and her husband Sonny; bonus daughter, Kim Mielke; grandchildren, Chad (Sarah) White, Tiffany (Sam) Sloan , Jayson (Jane) Richardson, Katie (Tom) Irish and Jessica Johnson; great-grandchildren, Dustin, Bethany, Justice, Lillian, Jenna , Jeffery, Jon, Samantha, Ethan, and Remington; great-great-granddaughter and little buddy, Ivana Lee Bushong; niece, Michelle Simpson; nephew, Scott Wardell; as well as many friends.

George is preceded in death  by his wife, Donna (Bunnell) VanWagner, the love of his life; parents Lyle and Florence (Stanford) VanWagner; and brothers, Lyle VanWagner and William VanWagner.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Saratoga Springs Police Department for the love and support that they have extended to the family at this time, being able to watch the force drive by his house in his last hour was such an honor.

George was an honorable man and will be cherished and missed forever. 

Family and friends may call from 6-8 p.m., Monday, November 21, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. in Saratoga Springs.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Compassionate Funeral Care. 

A graveside service will be held at Greenridge Cemetery, 17 Greenridge Place, Saratoga Springs  following the service. There will be a celebration of life at the Saratoga PBA range following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of George to The Saratoga PBA, P.O box 146 Saratoga Springs NY 12866.

For online condolences and to view the full obituary visit, www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

William J. Flannery

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON — William J. Flannery, age 83, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022, at home with his loved ones at his side. He was born on January 10, 1939, in Goshen, NY, the son of the late Thomas Flannery and Marjorie (Bailey) Flannery. 

William worked at Union IBEW 363 as a journeyman electrician. He learned his trade on aircraft carriers while in the Navy (1957-1962). He was also a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and a 64-year member of the Elks Club. 

William enjoyed golfing with his wife, family members, and his friends. He loved watching sports, particularly the Packers on Sunday afternoons. He loved traveling with friends and family, and as a huge Packers fan, some of his favorite visits were to Green Bay. Although shy, he loved socializing and meeting old and new friends. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Andrea; stepchildren; Staci Mannion (spouse Michael); Kelli Foley; and Michael Duff (spouse Jennifer). 

William is preceded in death by his son, Thomas Flannery. 

He loved visiting his daughter-in-law, Colleen and granddaughter, Tiffany Flannery Cleveland in Florida. In addition to Thomas, William also has three other children, William Flannery Jr., Sharon Flannery Barnes and Wendy Carswell, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Calling hours were held Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs. A celebration of life service followed.

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Fine Arts Photographer Show Honoring Veterans at Ballston in November

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON — Sue Clark will be the featured artists for the month of November at the town of Ballston Library Community Room Art Gallery. 

The exhibition titled “Some Gave All – Honoring All Veterans Photography Show,” features Navajo Code Talkers portraits, Southwest photography, a WWII panoramic photo barn find, local veterans information, books and memorabilia.

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, a Meet and Greet/Show and Tell/Veteran, Family, Community Sit and Reminisce Social Hour takes place 3 p.m. and from 5- 6 p.m. Grant Cottage staff speaker and actor Ben Kemp offers the presentation “A Veteran Speaks: Oscar Kemp of the 115th and the Grand Army, Healing after the War.”

The town of Ballston Community Library is located at 2 Lawmar Lane, Burnt Hills.