SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Dec. 2, Lisa Sondhof, founder of Operation Gingerbread and the Youth Forward Foundation, joined more than 40 residents of The Wesley Community for an afternoon of holiday cheer and gingerbread house decorating.
Sondhof founded Operation Gingerbread in 2023 with the aim of cultivating a sense of community and spreading holiday cheer.
Sondhof’s Youth Forward Foundation is a Saratoga-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering disadvantaged and underrepresented youth by creating access to athletic, music, and academic opportunities. The foundation was launched earlier this year.
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa |The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is celebrating the 25th year of our annual Artisan Market, which will be open until December 24, 2025. The opening of the market, on Small Business Saturday, will feature holiday music performed by the Ballston Spa High School Orchestra, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. This annual market features exclusively handmade and handcrafted products created by local artisans. Items featured at the market will include soaps, lotions, ornaments, jewelry, syrups, scarves, ceramics, hats, and much, much more! The 2025 hours are: Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12 – 4 p.m.; Fridays 12 -5 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, December 13
Breakfast & Photos with Santa
Curtis Lumber, 885 State Route 67, Ballston Spa | 8 – 11 a.m. You and your family are invited to join us for a festive and fun breakfast and photos with Santa and his elves. For a suggested donation of $5 per person, you can be a part of spreading joy and supporting a great cause – the News Radio 810 & 103.1 WGY Christmas Wish that benefits local ill and homeless children in Upstate, NY. Bring your family and friends for a delightful breakfast provided by Crafted Catering and Events and meet Santa himself! Every breakfast purchase helps make the holiday season brighter for those in need in our community. No reservations required! If you would like a photo with Santa, please arrive anytime between 8 – 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit curtislumber.com or call 518-885-5311.
33rd Annual Holiday Cookie Sale
The Galway United Methodist Church, Corner of Rte. 147 and CR45, Village of Galway | 10 a.m. until sold out. This is the oldest and only continuously held sale in the area. The church is located at the. Sales will commence at 10 AM and continue until sold out. Come early for the best selection. Contact Sharyn Kalinkewicz at 518-928-0179 for information.
Santa’s Coming to Honda
Saratoga Honda, 3402 Route 9, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – Noon. Meet Santa and his horses and enjoy some holiday spirit at Saratoga Honda. Activities include: photos with Santa, hot cocoa, coffee and donuts, big horses. Free to attend, with a suggested donation of $10 for a photo with Santa. All proceeds go to Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga.
Photos With Santa
St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2776 Rte 9, Malta | Noon – 2:30 p.m. Free photos will be provided. Storytime with Santa. Live llamas dressed as elves! Annabelle’s food truck will be there.
Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance
the Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | 7 – 10 p.m. The dance is open to the public and ample free parking There will be a donation of $7 per person. Snack and refreshment will be provided. Dance to the music by Peacefull County Band (Adults Only). For more information call 518-490-2851.
Sunday, December 14
Henry Knox Noble Train of Artillery
1 Van Schaick Ave., Cohoes | 10:30 a.m. Join us for the ceremonial linstock hand off from Saratoga 250 to Albany 250 in honor of the 250th anniversary to commemorate the formidable, fearless, and successful winter of the 1775 journey of Henry Knox and the patriots who delivered the vital cannon artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to the high ground above Boston Harbor that caused the British to leave the city. The public is invited to watch the procession go by and then follow it to the mansion grounds. The festivities include time to interact with the regimental interpreters accompanying the sleds and see the draft animals. There will also be an open house with 18th century refreshments, musket and cannon firing demonstrations and a dedication ceremony at Noon. The event is free.
Monday, December 15
Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting
Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30 p.m. Our speaker is Phil Di Sorbo, the Director of the Senior Life Transitions Program at the Senior Center. He will talk on two topics 1) making our home safe for people with Parkinson’s and 2) how to transition from home to some sort of assisted living arrangement. All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there. Please contact us with any questions: Leader Gordon Blyth gordonsblyth@gmail.com 917-887-7980 or Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com. 518-810-8483.
Tuesday, December 16
Perogies Sale Pick Up
Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | Pick up 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Call ahead to order: potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese will be available. 518-363-0001. We will confirm all orders.
Wednesday, December 17
Chicken Parmesan Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: Chicken Parmesan, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner $15 (cash only).
Pickin’s
The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | Doors open at Noon, Jam runs from 1 – 3 p.m. Open to the public, free admission & ample free parking. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call Earl 518-348-9922 with questions.
Thursday, December 18
MS Support Group
Zoom or in Person: SAIL, 71 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. If interested, please contact Lou Ann at 518-793-9506.
HYBRID: Daytime Book Group: Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. A sweeping novel inspired by the untold history of women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth. Attend this program in person at the Library or from home on ZOOM. Registration is required only for those attending on ZOOM. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org
The Town of Greenfield Lions Club are selling fresh Christmas trees and wreaths at the corner of Route 9N and Wilton Road. Trees are $55 each, Plain wreaths $20 and wreaths with a bow $25. Lions are on site each weekend until Christmas. On weekdays tree sales are self-serve. A card reader will be available on the weekends for your purchases. Cash and checks also accepted.
Shop & Sip at The Artisan’s Market
The Saratoga County History Center presents a special evening of sipping. strolling and shopping at our 25th Annual Artisan’s Market. This holiday event will be held on Friday, December 19 from 4 – 6 p.m. Shop the creations of local artisans while enjoying sparkling water, hot cocoa, or soft drinks, and treating yourself to some complimentary sweets. Enjoy the opportunity to meet some of our amazing artisans, complete your holiday shopping, and see historic Brookside Museum decorated for the holidays. Shop a wide variety of handmade goods, including ceramics, soaps, jewelry, knitwear, holiday ornaments and more! Find something special for everyone on your list this holiday season and savor this special night at Brookside!
Winter Food Drive
The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is hosting a Winter Food Drive to benefit LifeWorks Community Action. As the temperatures turn colder, SCHC seeks to support our community by raising funds and gathering food items to support those facing food insecurity. Please join us in generosity this holiday season. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off during museum hours. Most needed items include canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, oatmeal, mac and cheese, canned tuna, canned chicken, and peanut butter.
Winter Solstice Sunrise Walk
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 8 a.m. Get ready for the shortest day of the year! Come for a walk to learn about how celestial movements impact the natural world. Register on our website or by calling the office at 518-450-0321. Our programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions.
Paws 2 Read
The Ballston Spa Public Library, located at 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa is delighted to announce a special holiday-inspired event on Saturday, December 20 at 11:30 a.m., featuring Georgie, the therapy dog. Children in grades K – 4 and their families are invited to celebrate the season while strengthening reading skills. Georgie, a certified therapy dog, will be available to listen as young readers share their favorite books or choose from a festive selection. The program helps build confidence, encourages a love of reading, and creates memorable moments. Participants will also be treated to a winter themed take ‘n make craft and special holiday goodie bag! First come first served. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 518-885-5022 or visit bspl.sals.edu.
The interior of the Saratoga Arms Hotel, decorated for the holidays. Photo provided by the Saratoga Arms Hotel.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Arms Hotel recently announced the launch of its new, limited-time holiday tea service, which will occur every Saturday this month (Dec. 13, 20, and 27).
The experience includes a selection of hot teas paired with a three-tier tower of sweet and savory finger sandwiches, tea cakes, and other treats. A special children’s tea menu will also be available.
Reservations must be made in advance at the following link: tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/a8887a6a-3716-46ff-ad7b-42328f250a71/reserve.
Saratoga County District Attorney–Elect Brett Eby today announced that Acting District Attorney Jennifer Buckley will remain with the office as Chief Assistant District Attorney, bringing with her decades of prosecutorial experience, deep community partnerships, and a proven record of pursuing justice for the county’s most vulnerable victims.
Buckley, a resident of Saratoga County for more than 40 years, began her service in the District Attorney’s Office on January 5, 2004. Since that time, she has been a leading prosecutor in the Special Victims Unit, concentrating primarily on sex offenses and crimes against children. Her leadership, expertise, and commitment to public safety have made her one of the region’s most respected prosecutors.
Buckley was appointed Bureau Chief in 2016, first overseeing the Major Crimes Bureau until the fall of 2023. In recognition of her exceptional skill and leadership in prosecuting sensitive and complex cases, she was appointed Special Victims Unit Bureau Chief in 2023. In both roles, she has worked closely with law enforcement and multidisciplinary partners to ensure comprehensive responses to violence, abuse, and exploitation.
“Jennifer Buckley has dedicated her career to protecting the people of Saratoga County, especially our most vulnerable,” said DA–Elect Eby. “Her experience, judgment, and compassion are unparalleled. I am honored that she has agreed to serve as Chief Assistant District Attorney, and I look forward to working alongside her as we continue the vital mission of this office.”
Throughout her career, Buckley has prosecuted numerous high-profile and violent felony cases, including child abuse, homicides, and serious sex offenses. Some of her major cases include:
• People v. Craig Ross: Obtained a conviction and 47-years-to-life sentence for Kidnapping in the First Degree and Predatory Sexual Assault against a Child.
• People v. Michael Mosher and Jeanne Mosher: Secured convictions on two counts of Predatory Sexual Assault against a Child, with each defendant sentenced to 40- years-to- life.
• People v. Stephen Lerario: Achieved guilty verdicts at trial for Attempted Murder 2nd and Assault 1st; defendant sentenced to 25 years.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Saratoga County in this new role,” Buckley said. “It has been my life’s work to seek justice for victims and support the safety and well-being of our community. I look forward to working with DA–Elect Eby and our dedicated staff to advance that mission.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the completion of a $3.4 million project that enhances motorist safety and improves traffic flow along a crucial travel route in Saratoga County that serves as a key gateway to the historic City of Saratoga Springs.
The project successfully reconfigured the former four-way, signalized intersection of New York State Route 29, Rowland Street, and Petrified Sea Gardens Road in the Town of Milton into a modern, single-lane roundabout. This new design effectively reduces congestion and minimizes potential points of vehicle conflict at a location less than three miles from Saratoga Springs’ bustling downtown district.
“Thanks to Governor Hochul’s unwavering leadership, New York continues to invest in smart, innovative infrastructure solutions that enhance safety and quality of life for communities across the state,” New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said. “The completion of this roundabout is a significant milestone that will improve traffic flow and safety for thousands of motorists daily, while directly addressing the need for better connectivity along a vital corridor. It also ensures that visitors and residents can travel more efficiently to popular destinations like the Saratoga Race Course and Saratoga Performing Arts Center – two of the Capital Region’s premier tourist destinations.”
State Route 29, also known as Washington Street, is a major east-west artery that connects neighborhoods in the Town of Milton to popular attractions and job generators in Saratoga Springs. Rowland Street is a key north-south local connector that provides access to residential communities and the Saratoga County Airport.
The new roundabout improves overall traffic conditions by reducing idling time and allowing vehicles to navigate the intersection more efficiently.
Roundabouts are engineered to maximize safety and minimize congestion. Compared to traditional intersections, traffic flows more freely, cutting congestion and commute times. Crashes at roundabouts tend to be less severe because they typically occur at slower speeds, with head-on and right-angle (T-bone) crashes essentially eliminated. They also remove the need for electric-powered traffic signals. Watch a video about how to safely navigate a roundabout.
The New York State Department of Transportation worked to minimize disruptions throughout the construction process to ensure smooth travel for all summer visitors and no impact on the start of the race season at the Saratoga Racecourse.
“The intersection of Rowland Street and Petrified Sea Gardens Road is part of one of Saratoga’s most vital routes,” U.S. Senator Chuck E. Schumer said. “Thanks to $1 million in federal funding from my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, we’ve paved the way for a safer roundabout that will improve traffic flow. Now, it will be easier for residents and visitors to reach the historic Saratoga Springs and travel throughout Saratoga County more easily and safely. I’m grateful that Governor Hochul is putting these federal dollars to good use to improve safety along this key gateway.”
“This new roundabout will improve traffic flow and enhance safety for Milton and Saratoga County residents at this important arterial for the 44th Senate District,” State Senator Jim Tedisco said. “Thanks to the NYS DOT for their work on this project.”
“The introduction of the new roundabout at NY Route 29, Rowland St., and Petrified Sea Gardens Rd. marks an important step in improving safety and easing congestion at one of Milton’s busiest intersections,” Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh said. “By providing smoother, more predictable traffic flow, it will help residents and visitors reach our area’s local attractions with greater ease. While any change to familiar routes can take time to adjust to, I believe this improvement will serve the community well in the years ahead.”
“Since our town is the third largest town within the county, it has become a very busy place,” Milton Town Supervisor Scott Ostrander said. “The traffic seems to have doubled in volume because of the growth explosion we are facing. Having NYS DOT put a roundabout on State Route 29 & Rowland Street in Milton has kept the traffic flow steady and without any backups. We are very fortunate for the roundabout, and we look forward to more roundabouts within our town because it is a very desirable town that lies just outside the City of Saratoga Springs. It’s a great place to live and raise a family.”
BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Department of Public Works (DPW) and CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA) will hold a Public Informational Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Saratoga County Fire Training Center (6010 County Farm Rd, Ballston Spa) regarding the proposed NYS Route 50 (Doubleday Avenue) at Northline Road (County Route 45) Intersection Improvement Project in the Town of Milton.
Individuals in attendance will be given the opportunity to ask questions and provide oral and/or written comments about the project. Representatives of CHA and the County will be available to discuss details of the project one-on-one.
Project goals are to enhance traffic flow, improve the safety of the intersection, and to upgrade pedestrian and bicycle facilities. CHA is evaluating options to achieve these goals. Options include replacing the intersection with a two-lane roundabout, sidewalks, and shared-use paths through the intersection or retaining the existing traffic signal and modifying the lane configuration, adding turn lanes on all approaches.
Construction of this project is scheduled for completion in 2027. This project is 80% federal and 20% county funded.
This meeting is part of ongoing efforts by Saratoga County to encourage public input into the development of transportation projects.
For more information regarding the public informational meeting, please contact CHA at (518) 453-8291 or EricWilliams@chasolutions.com.
Looney Tunes has only known one owner- her 96 year old mom who unfortunately had to change living situations that would not allow her to bring her kitty. She is obviously confused and is decompressing in her foster home. She is sweet and purrs when she is with her foster mom. She needs a quiet home with no other pets or young children. Looney Tunes would be a great addition for the person who is missing that something special in their home. She is also an expert at following her person from room to room, so you will always have a buddy with you. She is 8 years old, up to date on her vaccines and is microchipped.
Adoption applications can be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org and our phone number is 518-450-7013. Because Looney Tunes is in a foster home, a meet and greet would need to be scheduled. Her adoption fee is $175.
The DEC is advice alternative snow melt procedures due to corrosion caused by road salt.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today joined State and local officials to encourage New Yorkers to reduce the overuse of rock salt when possible, with “Don’t Be Salty, New York.”
Although applying rock salt on roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks helps to ensure the safety of those traveling by vehicle or foot, overuse of salt can be costly for consumers, degrade infrastructure, contaminate runoff that enters streams and waterbodies, and impact drinking water.
“It only takes one teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water,” Commissioner Lefton said. “We’re asking all New Yorkers to take common-sense precautions before using too much rock salt on their sidewalks, driveways, and other places around their homes and businesses to help prevent unknowingly harming our environment. ‘Don’t Be Salty’ can help save your money, keep you safe, and protect our waterbodies.”
To help protect water quality while maintaining public safety, DEC launched the “Don’t Be Salty, New York” public awareness campaign to help educate property owners, managers, communities, and snow and ice removal professionals about the impacts of rock salt and the various strategies that can be implemented to reduce salt use.
Consistent with a recommendation in the 2023 Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force report, DEC conducted a public survey in 2024 to better understand perceptions surrounding rock salt usage and make appropriate recommendations for reduction strategies to be applied throughout New York. Working with ADK Action’s “Clean Water Safe Roads” campaign, DEC developed the State’s multimedia campaign to expand beyond Adirondack communities and reach all New Yorkers.
In addition to increasing public awareness, DEC coordinates with colleagues at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Department of Health to ensure New York’s salt reduction priorities are incorporated and considered within agency programs. State agencies collaborate to align the work of programs and coordinate outreach and mitigation efforts.
In August 2025, NYSDOT announced a statewide expansion of its road salt management pilot program for the 2025-26 snow and ice season. NYSDOT takes the issue of road salt management very seriously, and for more than a decade has been a national leader in the effort to reduce the use of salt while still maintaining a safe and reliable transportation system. These efforts include but are not limited to enhanced training for snowplow operators, direct liquid applications in place of road salt, continuous evaluation of innovative equipment, and utilization of best management practices for reducing road salt. As a result, the statewide average application rate for granular salt was reduced to 172 pounds per lane-mile during the 2024-25 snow and ice season, down from the seven-year statewide average application rate of 194 pounds per-lane-mile.
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Our crews are among the finest snow fighting forces in the nation and part of what makes them so good is the commitment to not only maintain public safety but also to be good stewards of the environment. For more than a decade we have been working to minimize road salt use as much as possible, and the results speak for themselves. Now, it’s time to expand the battle. We encourage everyone to implement judicious salt management practices that minimize salt use while still maintaining safety. A less salty winter will mean a greener, healthier future for us all.”
DEC encourages all New Yorkers to use these “Don’t Be Salty, New York” best practices to save money, reduce rock salt pollution, and stay safe:
• Use Rock Salt Sparingly
• Shovel first, if possible, to clear snow and ice before applying rock salt. The less snow and ice there is to melt, the less rock salt is needed;
• Apply rock salt strategically. A 12-ounce cup full of rock salt is enough to treat 250 square feet, a 20-foot single car driveway, or approximately 10 standard sidewalk squares;
• Apply rock salt only where it is needed most, such as walkways, driveways, and steps;
• Use a spreader to evenly distribute salt. Avoid piling it in one area, as this can lead to more salt runoff.
• Monitor Weather Conditions
• Rock salt loses effectiveness below 15°F. Sand can be used for traction on ice during a cold snap (and can be swept up in the spring for reusing) or switch to a deicer made for colder temperatures.
• If a snow or ice storm is predicted, consider pre-treating surfaces with rock salt to prevent ice from forming.
• Consider Using Alternative Products
• Consider making your own brine solution at home by combining 3.5 cups of rock salt per gallon of hot tap water and stirring until all salt is dissolved. Let any gravel settle to the bottom. Pour the brine into a regular garden sprayer and spray in a zig-zag pattern over desired area. Save extra brine to use later.
• Use products from the GreenNY specifications listed on the OGS website.
Among the many impacts of rock salt overuse:
• Rock salt can run off into surface waters through snow melt and stormwater or leach into groundwater.
• Excessive rock salt in surface water can cause stress to, or kill, fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Rock salt washed off surfaces will accumulate in soils, which can kill vegetation or deplete plants of nutrients. Eventually, non-native salt-tolerant vegetation could move in and disrupt ecosystems.
• Salty roads attract animals like deer and moose (who love licking up the salt), increasing the probability of accidents and roadkill.
• The presence of sodium in drinking water is problematic for individuals with low-salt or limited-salt dietary restrictions. People on a sodium-restricted diet can experience health risks when exposed to elevated levels of sodium in their drinking water.
• Rock salt has corrosive properties that can corrode metals, including lead, copper, iron, and steel, from pipes and other infrastructure.
• These corrosive effects also impact cars, trucks, bridges, and roads resulting in approximately $5 billion dollars in annual repairs in the U.S. alone (USEPA)
• Households using private wells and small unregulated water systems are at the greatest risk of negative impacts from corrosion. Regulated public water systems sample for lead and copper and reduce corrosion if required.
