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Author: Saratoga TODAY

December 11 – December 17, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Victorian Streetscapes Cancellation Stamp 
The 2020 Victorian Streetscapes Cancellation Stamp will be available at the Saratoga Springs Post Office at 475 Broadway on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

28th Annual Holiday Cookie Sale 
The Galway United Methodist Church will hold its 28th Annual Holiday Cookie Sale on Saturday, December 19, 2020.  Cookies must be pre-ordered and paid for in advance.  Cookies will be boxed in 1 pound assortments and pick up will be available for drive through only in the church parking lot at the corner of Rte. 147 and CR45 in the Village of Galway.  Pick up will take place between the hours of 10 AM and noon on the 19th.  Contact Sharyn Kalinkewicz at 518-928-0179 for information, placement of orders  and/or payment information.

Indoor Classes
Have you Heard? The Town of Malta Parks and Recreation has started indoor classes.For the latest programs and events go to our website maltaparksrec.com

Friends Bookshop
Now open for 15-minute appointments, which can be made by calling 518-584-7860 ext: 333. The schedule is as follows: Monday – Thursday 12-5 p.m., Closed Fridays, Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.. Closed Sunday. bookbagshop@gmail.com

Volunteers Needed
Do you have a morning to spare? Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC), a nonprofit based in Ballston Spa, is looking for volunteers to help with its food programs on weekday mornings. Urgent needs include: 
• Pick-up assistants to ride-along and help retrieve donated food from local stores. Runs start in Ballston Spa and last from 8 – 11 a.m. Shifts are available Monday – Thursday. 
• Delivery drivers to bring food pantry packages to clients in Saratoga County. Shifts are available Tuesday through Friday mornings and routes begin in Ballston Spa. 
• Crew members to help prepare meals at the Soup Kitchen. Shifts are available Wednesday through Saturday mornings. 
Be part of neighbors helping neighbors. Apply online at saratogaeoc.org/volunteer, email volunteerdesk@saratogaeoc.org or call 518-288-3206.

Southern Saratoga Art Society
Artists and members of the Southern Saratoga Art Society are exhibiting this month at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, in Clifton Park.  Thirteen artists will present “A Fall Festival of Art,” an eclectic mix of artwork.  Please try to visit, late afternoon is best at this venue, and support the arts in southern Saratoga County.  For more information about SSAS visit  southernsaratogaartist.com.

December 11 – December 17, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, December 11

Monthly Dinner
Principessa Elena Society, 11-13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. 
Soups are available by the quart. Choose from Pasta Fagioli or Italian Wedding Soup. Only Take out will be available. Cost is $5 per quart. Open to the public, purchases made at the front door. 

Fundraiser Takeout Fish Fry 
Knights of Columbus #246, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs | 5-7:30 p.m.
This will be the last event until the beginning of Lent. Orders will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until we have run out. Menu: fried or baked haddock ($14) or fried clam strips ($12), shrimp salad special ($10), New England clam chowder ($4), macaroni and cheese ($5), and dessert ($2).  You may enter the building wearing a mask or call from the parking lot upon your arrival, give a description of your vehicle, and your meal will be brought out to you.  Thank you for your support.

Saturday, December 12

Defensive Driving Class
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
NYS approved. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to NYS Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Fee $35. Bring a friend and fee is $30 each. A portion of the fee goes to the church. Registration required by calling Ray Frankoski at 518-286-3788. Mask is required, and your temperature will be taken. Class size is limited. 

Academy for Lifelong Learning Barnes & Noble Book Fair
Barnes & Noble, Wilton Square, 3029 State Route 50, Saratoga Springs  | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Greet Academy members at the door and receive an Academy voucher. Shop and mention the Academy for Lifelong Learning. A percentage of your purchases will be donated to A.L.L. Enter the free raffle for a case of Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce. For more information, visit www.esc.edu/all or call Jeff Shinaman at 518-587-2100 ext. 2390.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
West Side Area | Starting at 4 p.m.
The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association and Stewarts Shops are bringing Santa to the children of Saratoga Springs. Catch a glimpse of Santa in your neighborhood as he travels through Saratoga Springs atop a tower ladder fire truck provided by King Enterprises. Follow Santa live on Facebook @downtownsaratogasprings. For more information visit www.saratogaspringsdowntown.com. 

Sunday, December 13

Saratoga Chamber Players Concert
Streamed Concert | 2020-21 marks the 34th season of the Saratoga Chamber Players (SCP) and we’re still at it.  Under the artistic direction of Jill Levy, SCP will once again bring us programs with seasoned, professional musicians. This concert season kicks off with the return of Jill on violin and cellist Ashley Bathgate in a December 13 concert to be streamed.  Pay what you will. www.eventbrite.com/e/contribute-click-on-tickets-tickets-127734729013

Monday, December 14

Paper Mache Ornament Kit
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stop by the library Children’s Desk or Info Desk to pick-up a free paper Mache ornament kit while supplies last (for teens and tweens).

Tuesday, December 15

Pierogi Sale Pick Up
Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
As usual we will have potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese pierogi. Please order soon as we expect the orders to be larger than usual. We also expect to have stuffed clams and borscht available.  Please call 518-363-0001. Please wear your masks when you arrive. We follow all proper procedures for your safety.

Havurah Vitik: Celebrate the Days of Chanukah
Zoom Event | 11 a.m. – Noon
Rabbi Boaz Marmon who now serves as rabbi of Congregation Shaara Tfille, will join us with a program featuring an exploration of the Hasmonean royal dynasty – descendants of the Maccabee leadership – and how the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Greeks played out in history. He will combine this look back at Jewish history with songs for the Chanukah season and spirit. Havurah Vatik in the time of Covid: Bring your own lunch; pajama bottoms welcomed; coffee or tea suggested. Nothing supplied but valuable information, exchange of ideas, opportunity to “see” friends and acquaintances. Zoom invitations will be included in the official flyer arriving by email. Zoom Meeting: us02web.zoom.us/j/83284806534?pwd=WnVPbGkrYjk5dTNvMDNOaldNbVZFZz09. Meeting ID: 832 8480 6534. Passcode: 684352

Wednesday, December 16

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Woodlands & Meadowbrook Area | Starting at 4 p.m.
Catch a glimpse of Santa in your neighborhood as he travels through Saratoga Springs atop a tower ladder fire truck provided by King Enterprises. Follow Santa live on Facebook @downtownsaratogasprings. For more information visit www.saratogaspringsdowntown.com. 

Thursday, December 17

20th Annual Artisan’s Market
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa | Noon – 4 p.m.
Thursday, Friday (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)  and Saturday (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) through December 24.  Shop a unique selection of locally crafted goods, including, soaps and lotions, cutting boards, ornaments, jewelry, dog treats and much more!  Each purchase supports local artisans and Brookside Museum.

Residents Vote “Yes” to Legacy Project

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­— On Tuesday, December 8, residents in the Saratoga Springs City School District approved The Legacy Project, a $129.7 million capital project referendum for improvements and renovations to all eight school buildings and the transportation facility. The final tally came in at 1530 votes to 364 votes. 

Once officially approved by the Board of Education, the Legacy Project will fund improvements to the buildings by prioritizing safety and security, educational spaces, energy and operational efficiencies.

“The District would like to thank the community for their support of this long-term investment in our schools and facilities.  I appreciate the feedback and collaboration of District stakeholders and the community during the last four years of the Legacy planning process,” said Dr. Michael Patton, Superintendent of Schools.

To learn more about The Legacy Project, go to www.saratogaschools.org

Local High School Senior Affects National Change

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul Tonko, one of just a handful of engineers currently serving in Congress, announced Dec. 8 his Artificial Intelligence Education Act passed the House as part of this year’s final National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 335-78. 

The bipartisan legislation would establish grants and other support to be administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help K-12 students develop artificial intelligence (AI) skills, experience and a deeper understanding of the ethics and social implications of this emerging field. 

The original idea for the bill was presented to Tonko by then – Shaker High School senior Nathan Wang, who is now a freshman studying biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

“We have only begun to scratch the surface of what AI can do to revolutionize our health care, manufacturing, technology and other fields that will drive America’s 21st century economic and technological growth,” Congressman Tonko said, in a prepared statement. 

“I was excited to receive this recommendation from Nathan Wang, who was a Shaker High School senior at the time, to expand K-12 training in AI education,” Tonko added. “I’m proud to say we introduced and advanced a powerful piece of legislation to deliver on Nathan’s vision. I remain hopeful that this inspiring bill will be signed into law this year, thanks in large part to the tireless work of our Science, Space and Technology Committee Chair Eddie Bernice Johnson, and I urge my colleagues to continue to support our efforts to open the doors to AI education to all of America’s students, educators and schools.” 

Tonko’s AI Education Act would ensure that artificial intelligence education is accessible to K-12 students, increase awareness of potential ethical, social, safety, and security risks of artificial systems, promote curriculum development for teaching topics related to artificial intelligence, and support efforts to achieve equitable access to K-12 artificial intelligence education.

Uber Launches New “Uber Connect” Service Throughout Upstate New York Ahead of Holidays

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

ALBANY — Uber announced Dec. 9 the launch of its new delivery service, Uber Connect, throughout upstate New York, allowing residents to easily send packages to others nearby. 

The company says the service will especially help those who are social distancing. Uber Connect allows users to send a broad range of items from their homes in a cost effective, same-day, no-contact manner. 

Users can send a wide range of items by simply requesting “Uber Connect” in their Uber app. This option is currently available in more than 25 cities in Australia, Mexico and the United States. Connect is part of Uber’s effort to look beyond food and grocery transportation, and to provide on-demand and scheduled last-mile delivery solutions for consumers and businesses alike. 

Here’s how it works: customers open their Uber app and look for the “Connect” option on their home screen. Once they select Connect they input the pickup and dropoff location and confirm the request. An Uber driver will then come to their house, pick up the package and deliver it for them. Connect was built to provide a contactless experience. Customers simply meet their delivery person at the curb after a request is booked, carefully deposit their delivery items in the vehicle and track the package as they would an Uber trip.

More information about Uber Connect can be found at uber.com. 

Restaurant Updates

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As winter weather forces outdoor diners indoors, and reduced capacity cuts into profits, area restaurants are scrambling to stay afloat.

Some area restaurants have made the tough decision to close for the winter months, with plans to reopen in Spring. One of those is Saratoga Springs long-time staple, Hattie’s Chicken Shack. They announced they will be closing for January and February. Hattie’s Chicken Shack in Wilton will remain open.

Joining Hattie’s is Prime at Saratoga National, Dunning Street Station, and Carson’s Woodside Tavern.

A recent post on Druthers Facebook page announced they are making major upgrades to their outdoor space to maintain outdoor dining during the winter.

Stewart’s Holiday Match Program Update: Over $640k Going to Local Charities So Far

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Holiday Match funds – which are collected from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day in each of the company’s 338 shops – had garnered more than over $320,000 customer donations through Sunday, Dec. 6, resulting in over $640,000 with the Stewart’s match.   

These donations stay local and fund local nonprofits; funding may go to a virtual library program, keeping the shelves stocked at the local food pantry or helping hungry kids at school. 

The Stewart’s Holiday Match Program has no administrative fees and donates 100% of donations received to charities in their market areas. The company matches each donation dollar for dollar and has been doing so for the past 34 years, raising over $30 million for local charities. 

Local children’s organizations are encouraged to apply for funding online at stewartsshops.com. The deadline for submission is Jan. 31, 2021. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. 

Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild Donates $180,000 for Key Hospital Projects: Organization Recognized as “Outstanding Fundraising Group”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild recently donated $180,000 as part of its continued support for three hospital projects: “smart” IV pumps, expansion of the cardiac and interventional suite, and renovations to Saratoga Community Health Center.

“Certainly, our lives have changed because of the pandemic, and we’ve had to make adjustments to keep our volunteers safe,” said Terry White, Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild president. “But COVID-19 is no match for our unwavering commitment to this hospital and our community.”

That determination—and a track record of raising more than $5 million for Saratoga Hospital over the years—earned the Guild the 2020 Outstanding Fundraising Group Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Hudson-Mohawk Chapter. The award recognizes a group of individuals who demonstrate “the true spirit of philanthropy through time, treasure and talent.”

The Guild’s recent $180,000 donation is the latest installment on three five-year pledges made in 2018 and totaling $900,000. This year’s gift includes: $100,000 toward a $500,000 pledge for smart IV pumps that enhance patient safety and outcomes; $40,000 toward a $200,000 pledge to support the expansion of the hospital’s Whitney-Hendrickson Cardiovascular & Interventional Suite; $40,000 toward a $200,000 pledge to help renovate and expand the hospital’s Saratoga Community Health Center. 

In addition to their fundraising efforts, during a typical year Guild volunteers donate more than 50,000 hours of service to Saratoga Hospital. Although most Guild activities have been curtailed during the pandemic, volunteers have found safe, socially distant ways to continue to support the hospital and community.

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge Delivers Goods, Meals for Homeless

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Members of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 recently delivered a variety of items to Shelters of Saratoga to help aid the homeless. 

Goods included: six tents, dozens of canisters of propane for outdoor heaters, long thermal underwear, socks, and hand and foot warmer packets. For this project, a $1,000 portion of an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant was used. 

Additionally, and unrelated to the Beacon Grant, the Lodge in late November donated 40 meals for the homeless, which volunteers from the Shelters of Saratoga (SOS / Code Blue) delivered to people locally.

Light Up Saratoga for the Holidays

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In lieu of the annual Victorian Street Walk, and the city’s First Night Saratoga celebration – both of which have been cancelled due to public health safety concerns – city residents and businesses are encouraging the community to illuminate the exterior of their homes with lights this holiday season.