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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Spooktacular Drive-Thru Trick-Or-Treat Celebration at SPAC

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Spooktacular, a socially-distant alternative this Halloween with a drive-thru trick-or-treat celebration, will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31 on the grounds of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 

The two-day, family-friendly event will invite families to don their Halloween costumes and travel the SPAC grounds by car while collecting individually-wrapped candy from numerous stations represented by local companies and organizations. Each station will feature festive Halloween décor and will deliver candy to trick-or-treaters in a socially-distanced manner. 

Reservations are required and will be available in 15-minute increments for $6 per vehicle (plus applicable fees). Each vehicle may contain up to six people. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at mazzonehospitality.com. Reservations will be capped at approximately 500 vehicles per evening.

Proceeds from the Saratoga Spooktacular will benefit SPAC, which was forced to suspend programming this summer due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) global health pandemic. 

The event is presented by Mazzone Hospitality. 

All attendees will be required to wear facial coverings and maintain proper social distancing. Safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be strictly followed and enforced, as will New York State guidelines for events and gatherings.

Halloween Entertainment Presented by Home Made Theater

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater presents “Something Wicked Home Made This Way Comes” on Saturday, October 24. There will be three performances: noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

The family friendly event will feature singing, dancing, jokes, edible treats (while supplies last), and ghost stories performed by some Home Made Theater favorites, including Mike BelloT (Young Frankenstein), Marc Christopher (Shrek the Musical), and Melissa Lacijan (Mamma Mia), among others. 

Due to current state mandates, space is limited to 35 attendees per performance. Tickets are $10 per person, and must be purchased in advance. There will be no tickets sold at the door. 

The event will be held outdoors, in front of the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga Spa State Park. Rain date is Oct. 25. Audience members are asked to bring their own blankets or chairs. Expect to have your temperature taken and to fill out a brief health screening questionnaire.  Tickets can be purchased on Home Made Theater’s web site, www.homemadetheater.org.

Local Pick: Sky Furrows Release Debut Record

ALBANY — If you’ve been guilty of saying recently that nothing exciting is going on locally, take a brief moment to raise your hand, then plunge head-first into this self-titled debut from Sky Furrows — a journey of comfortable remembrances, emanating warmth atop a path you’ve somehow forgotten about, and leading you to a clearing you’re discovering for the first time.

Layers of sonic atmosphere ignited by Philip Donnelly, Mike Griffin and Eric Hardiman – members of Albany’s long-running psych rock unit Burnt Hills, and verses and voices by poet Karen Schoemer.

Go to: skyfurrows.bandcamp.com/releases

Saratoga Springs Charter Proposition on Election Day Ballot; Early Voting Locations Open Oct. 24

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Election Day is Nov. 3. In addition to national and regional elections, Saratoga Springs city voters may vote to amend the City Charter. 

Saratoga TODAY has prepared questions for submission to members of Common Sense Saratoga – a group in favor of Charter Reform, and Saratoga Works – a group in favor of keeping the current commission form of government. It is anticipated those questions and answers will be published in next week’s Saratoga TODAY newspaper.

Note: Early Voting will take place Oct. 24 – Nov. 1 at three Saratoga County early voting locations. Those locations are: 

• Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library: 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park 
• Board of Elections Building: 1st Floor, 50 W. High St., Ballston Spa 
• Gavin Park: 10 Lewis Dr., Wilton

Hours for early voting at Saratoga County sites. Those dates and times are: 

• Saturday and Sunday: Oct. 24 – 25: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 26: 12 – 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 28: 12 – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 29: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
• Friday, Oct. 30: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

(Early Voting times and locations: LWV of Saratoga County). 

Up to Six Months of Rent Assistance Available to Income-Eligible City Residents

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance Program – CEHAP, will fund up to six months of emergency housing needs for low-moderate income city residents preventing homelessness for those at risk, and rapidly rehousing those without adequate housing.

Applicants seeking emergency rental assistance must: be a City resident; be a low-moderate income household (80% Area Median Income or below: Albany Schenectady-Troy MSA); have a pandemic-related lapse in income; and  be in good standing with their landlord as of March 1, 2020. 

All CEHAP applicants must work with a Participating Provider to access funds. City-approved Participating Providers include: CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Catholic Charities of Saratoga County, Shelters of Saratoga, Veterans & Community Housing Coalition, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY (for those also requiring legal assistance), Salvation Army of Saratoga Springs, Transitional Services Association and Wellspring (domestic violence victims). 

Applications, eligibility guidelines, and Participating Provider contact information can be found on the City’s website: www.saratoga-springs.org 

CEHAP is administered by the City’s Office of Community Development, was funded by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 

Annual Pooch Parade in Virtual Format Oct. 16-18

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Wellspring hosts its annual Pooch Parade virtually this year, on Oct. 16, 17, and 18. 

The annual event raises awareness and funds for Wellspring’s Safe Pet Partnership Program, which assists victims of domestic violence by providing safe, temporary placement of family pets through a network of volunteer pet “foster homes” while clients transition to safe housing.  Abusers often use the love victims have for their pets as a control tactic, or even directly abuse the pets. Sometimes, victims of domestic violence will stay in an abusive situation out of fear of what might happen to their pets if they leave them behind. 

This year, instead of gathering to parade around Congress Park members of the community and their pooches are invited to register online with Wellspring and plan a walk around their neighborhood, park, or home sometime on October 16, 17, or 18. 

For more information about how this year’s event will work and to register, visit www.wellspringcares.org/pooch-parade.     

All donations made by participants in the Pooch Parade during registration directly benefit Wellspring’s programs and services. Participants can also register by mailing a check, made out to Wellspring, to our address at 480 Broadway LL20 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

October 10 – October 16, 2020

Eric Matson, 35, of Bolton Landing, was charged Sept. 22 in Saratoga Springs with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. 

Michael Siska, 30, of Lake Luzerne, was charged Sept. 22 in Saratoga Springs with assault, and criminal mischief – both misdemeanors. 

Douglas Cooper, 20, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 23 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and motor vehicle registration suspended – both misdemeanors, and unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Dennis Lescault, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 23 with aggravated family offense – a felony, and the misdemeanors: aggravated harassment, and criminal contempt. 

Jordan Woodward, 23, of Schenectady, was charged Sept. 24 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding. 

Mark Powers, 27, of Broadalbin, was charged Sept. 24 with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and moving from lane unsafely. 

Anthony Wells, 23, of Malta, was charged Sept. 25 with felony assault. 

Kevin Darragh, 61, of Wellfleet, Massachusetts, was charged Sept. 25 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding. 

Destiny Ozani Matari Ramirez, 23, of Galway, was charged Oct. 6 with two counts of assault and one count felony burglary. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office,  Ramirez entered and remained inside a neighboring apartment in Galway and assaulted a 24-year-old male and a 23-year-old female by using a taser on them, striking the male victim with a baseball bat, and then striking both victims with closed fists. The victims and the defendant were acquainted with each other for some time prior to the incident. The victims were treated at the scene by Galway Ambulance. Ramirez was stopped while fleeing the scene. 

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the indictment of several people suspected to be involved in a drug trafficking ring operating in Saratoga, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Warren Counties, and sourced by New York City dealers. The network of alleged dealers are accused of distributing heroin laced with fentanyl, and in some cases straight fentanyl that they were calling heroin, as well as powder and crack cocaine and illegal prescription pills. The 303-count indictment was unsealed Oct. 8 in Saratoga County Supreme Court. “Drug dealers do not limit their illegal activities to specific jurisdictions, and we have shown by this collaborative effort that law enforcement will rise to the challenge and protect our communities,” said Saratoga Springs Police Chief Shane Crooks. “This investigation is the direct result of the hard work done by members of the various agencies involved and shows just how effective law enforcement can be when working together.” The multi-agency investigation, code-named “Operation Red Dawn,” brought together the resources of state and local law enforcement agencies in a year-long investigation led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), including the City of Saratoga Springs Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the Schenectady Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police. The investigation led to the recovery of approximately 7  kilograms of cocaine, 70 grams of heroin, 120 grams of fentanyl, dozens of narcotic pills, and the seizure of $40,000. The indictment contains 303 counts, charging the defendants with suspected crimes in relation to their involvement in the narcotics trafficking operation, including operating as a major trafficker, and various felony counts of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance, as well as felony conspiracy in the second degree. The Attorney General’s Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (S.U.R.G.E.) Initiative to root out violent drug trafficking launched in 2017, and charges have been made against 554 alleged drug traffickers. Those charged in the indictment include: Pamela Backus, 46 years old, Greenfield Center, Jordan Blount, 29 years old, Ballston Spa, Angel Bracero-Ortiz, 47 years old, Saratoga Springs, Omar Childress, 46 years old, Schenectady, Unikia Cross, 37 years old, Saratoga Springs, James Daggett, 63 years old, Fort Edward,  Shawn Delmore, 49 years old, Waterbury, Connecticut, Erica Dubray, 27 years old, Troy, Nancy Dukes, 64 years old, Troy, James Eggleston, 52 years old, Hudson Falls, Lacy Enous, 44 years old, Troy, Noelia Fuentes, 51 years old, Saratoga Springs, David Garcia, 46 years old, Queensbury, Dorothy Gethers, 60 years old, Bronx, Kimberly Goodson, 51 years old, Queensbury, Dean Harlan, 38 years old, Albany, Richard Henderson, 31 years old, Bronx, Carlos Hernandez, 58 years old, Bronx, Clarence Jackson, 43 years old, Albany. 

October 16 – October 22, 2020

Fundraiser Take Out
Knights of Columbus #246 will be hosting a Fundraiser Takeout of Italian roasted half chickens on Friday, October 23, from 5 – 8.  In addition to the chicken there will be oven roasted potatoes, acorn squash, and a garden salad.  The cost of the meal will be $18, and dessert can be purchased for an additional charge.  To place your order, call 518-584-8547 on Wednesday, October 21, Thursday, October 22, on the day of the event between 1 and 3 p.m.  If the line is busy and/or you get the answering machine, please do not leave a message, as we may not receive it.  Just call back in a couple of minutes.  Thank you so very much for your continued support of our events.

Saratoga Recycles Day
Keeping it out of the landfill. The event will be held on October 24 in the SPAC parking lot, west side of Route 50, from 9 a.m. until noon. Cost is $5 per vehicle, $20 each for TVs and Monitors (please bring exact change to minimize the handling of money). Find full details at protocols: www.sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/zero-waste/recycles-day

Saratoga Elks Auxiliary Craft & Garage Sale 
Our change to the Monthly Sale was a hit last Saturday, so we have decided to have another outside sale on Saturday, October 24 from 11 – 3 p.m. We will hold the sale in the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club parking lot on Elks Lane.  Admission is free with over 30 vendors; parking is great, bargains galore, and friends.  We offer household items, sports equipment, hand-made items, clothing, fabrics, jewelry, party vendors, pet supplies, food treats, and just about anything you can imagine may be found here.  New vendors are signing up every month. An 8-foot table and chair are just $15; call Linda at 518-289-5470 for information or to sign up for a table(s).  All Covid-19 guidelines will be followed; people must wear masks and adhere to socially distancing guidelines. Tables are placed 6 foot apart with ample distancing in front of tables.  Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 25.

Ponies, Pumpkins and Pies
On Sunday, October 25, the community is invited to celebrate this beautiful time of year in Saratoga with an afternoon of Ponies, Pumpkins and Pies on a farm tour experience for the whole family. The inaugural event is a collaboration between the Saratoga-based Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Pitney Meadows Community Farm. Guests will enjoy a short Sunday drive around a winding pasture path full of ponies and preserved farmland.  The fun starts at noon and wraps up at 3 p.m. All guests must register in advance and remain in their cars throughout the event. The cost is $10 per car with the option to pre-order local pies and pumpkins.  Attendees are encouraged to add to the festive atmosphere by dressing in costume and each child will receive a goodie bag.  Link to event page here: www.trfinc.org/event/ponies2020. Link to full release here: www.trfinc.org/ponies-pumpkins-pies.

Pieroghi Sale
Christ the Savior Church, located at 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake is holding a pieroghi sale on Tuesday, October. 27. As usual we will have potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese pieroghis. Please order soon as we expect the orders to be larger than usual.  Please call 518-363-0001.Thank you for your patience at this time of COVID. Please wear your masks when you arrive. We follow all proper procedures for your safety.

Election Day Dinner Postponed
The Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church is postponing it’s annual Election Day Chicken and Biscuit Dinner for one year.  The church will still be supporting the School Pantry Program and ask that you consider mailing a contribution to The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York or donating on their website:  regionalfoodbank.net/donate-money

Fall Flea Market – Space Available
The Flea Market will be held November 14 at the Elks Lodge, located at 130 Bulson Rd., Greenwich, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the banquet parking lot, rain or shine. Limited spaces available. Call for an application today. You must bring your own set up. Sponsored by the BPOE Elks Auxiliary and proceeds donated back to our community by donations, scholarships, or friends in need. Please contact Donna Blair at 518-692-2347 or eccdb@verizon.net or Annette Arnold at 518-692-9387 for your application or details.

45th Saratoga Holiday Craft Marketplace
A virtual event on November 14 – 28. Start your holiday shopping with a virtual show on November 14 and culminating with specials offered on November 28 which is Small Business Saturday.  Find crafters from previous shows or a discover new ones.  These locally handmade items include Art, Quilting, Floral, Holiday Décor, Pottery, Baskets, Fashion, Woodworking, and more. Visit www.saratogacraft.org between November14-28 and click on the link to the show to begin your virtual shopping. All proceeds benefit the Saratoga Center for the Family in their mission to reduce and treat abuse,
neglect, trauma and mental health in our community’s children and families.

October 16 – October 22, 2020

Friday, October 16

Wellspring’s Annual Pooch Parade
Virtual, October 16, 17, 18 

In the interest of keeping our community safe (pets included), Wellspring is hosting our annual Pooch Parade virtually this year. This annual event raises awareness and funds for Wellspring’s Safe Pet Partnership Program, which assists victims of domestic violence by providing safe, temporary placement of family pets through a network of volunteer pet “foster homes” while our clients transition to safe housing.  This year, instead of gathering to parade around Congress Park we are inviting community members and their pooches to register online with Wellspring and then plan a walk around their neighborhood, park, home – wherever works! – sometime on October 16, 17, or 18. For more information and to register please visit www.wellspringcares.org/pooch-parade. 

Saturday, October 17

Soup-to-Go and Bake Sale 
Simpson United Methodist Church, 1089 Rock City Rd., Rock City Falls | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Choose between a variety of soups and sizes: $4 Single serve container, $6 medium size container, $10 family size container.  Then choose your desserts from our bake sale with delicious homemade goodies. $5 Bagged lunches to go will also be available. Any questions please call 518-885-4794

Genealogy Program
Dr. Thomas W. Jones will deliver a one-hour program via Zoom that will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. The topic will be “Out-of-State Workarounds for In-State Record Shortages.” It features the case study of Thomas Greenfield, a man who owned no land, and left no record of heirs. Dr. Jones will take viewers through the reconstruction of Thomas Greenfield’s family—two wives and 18 children—from direct and indirect evidence in DNA and in common and obscure records from national to local levels, mostly from states where Thomas never lived. Heritage Hunters members will receive the Zoom link in their emails. Non-members are invited and can request the link by emailing the organization’s president, Dave Peck, at davepeck208@hotmail.com.

9th Annual Outdoor Craft Fair
St. Luke’s on the Hill, 40 McBride Rd., Mechanicville | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (rain date 10/24)
Located at in the town of Halfmoon, off Pruyn Hill Rd. Handcrafted items only with 25+ crafters. Gorgeous basket raffles, outdoor booths only. Support local Artisans by shopping with us for unique gifts, home décor. Social distancing, face masks, contact tracing and limited occupancy. Outdoor booths only. Food Truck. Admission is free, lots of parking.

Sunday, October 18

SSPF Autumn Stroll: Saratoga’s Historic West Side
Gideon Putnam Cemetery, S. Franklin St., Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon

George DeMers will lead guests through the restored historic West Side to learn about Saratoga’s Irish and Italian immigrants who helped shape the history of this unique district. Tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Masks required and social distancing encouraged when possible. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non members.

Monday, October 19

No Sew Tie-Dye Mask Kit Pickup
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Info Desk | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Stop by to pick up a free No Sew Tie-Dye Mask kit (for ages 9+). Make sure to also watch our video tutorial on Facebook or YouTube. (kits are available while supplies last). 

Tuesday, October 20

Grief Share
South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls | 6 – 8 p.m.
GriefShare seminars and support groups are meant to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. The group is for anyone who has lost a loved one and is grieving. We will meet for 13 weeks (ending on December 29). For more information, call 518-793-1152. 

Wednesday, October 21

Comfort for Those Who Mourn
St. Luke’s On the Hill, 40 McBride Road, Mechanicville | 4:30 – 6 p.m.

This is a 6-week non-denominational Christian grief support group for all those grieving the death of a loved one. Ends December 2. We will meet in person using Covid guidelines for safe distancing in the Great Room. 518-664-4834. For further information, please see our website stlukesonthehill.org/events. You may register by phone or email: dcylynne@gmail.com

Recipe for Success: A Workshop for Food Entrepreneurs 
Virtually Via Zoom | 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County. The workshop will include speakers from Cornell University Food Venture Center, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, NY Kitchen Company Food Consultant, SCORE Business Marketing and Counseling, and more. Fee: $50 for the full day, or $30 for morning or afternoon session. Register by October 20: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/RecipeForSuccess_241 or contact CCE at 518-885-8995 or event coordinator, Diane Whitten, at dwhitten@cornell.edu. For more information visit www.ccesaratoga.org under Events tab.

Fall Canine Training Classes
4-H Training Center, 556 Middle Line Rd., Ballston Spa | Afternoon class

This program is open to youth enrolled in Saratoga County 4-H, ages 12-18. This course offers youth canine handlers of all ages and training levels the opportunity to learn about positive reinforcement techniques to better their canine and handler team. Each handler will evaluate goals and objectives to work on for five consecutive weeks. The cost for all five sessions is $25.  Dogs must be at least six months old and have current vaccinations for distemper and rabies.  Send proof with registration. Please call the 4-H Office at 518-885-8995 for more information or a registration form. If your child is not in 4-H, you may enroll your child today for only $5. Pre-registration with payment by October 16.  No phone registrations accepted. Only 10 participants per class. Registration, shot records, and payment must be submitted to hold your spot, first come– first served. Also held on Monday nights beginning October 26.

Roast Beef Dinner
Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Curbside Pick-up only. Menu: roast beef, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll, gravy. Dinner for 2, $25 (cash only). Call Monday and Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order, 518-584-2585.

Thursday, October 22

What’s On Your Bookshelf?
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Adult Programs Online Learning Zoom Web Presentation | 3 – 3:45 p.m.
Are you a book collector, or someone who has one or more books that are meaningful, collectible, life-changing, and/or cherished? Join us and share your favorite tomes and the stories associated with them with other book lovers! Please register at sspl.org. This online program uses the Zoom livestreaming platform. It will require access to a computer, mobile device with the Zoom app installed, and/or a phone for audio-only access. Registration with an email is required to receive information on how to connect. The email will be sent three hours prior to the scheduled start time of the program.