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Author: Saratoga TODAY

“Aulcie” – Documentary Livestream Dec. 20-22

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Congregation Shaara Tfille and The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs will live stream the documentary “Aulcie” by Israeli twice academy-award winning filmmaker Dani Menkin from Dec. 20 – 22.  Aulcie Perry, an African American basketball player from the Newark ghetto, does not make it to the NBA, but he comes to international glory in the holy land by changing the country and himself forever.

In 1976, Aulcie Perry was playing basketball in Harlem when scouts from Maccabi Tel Aviv spotted and signed him. Aulcie moved to Israel, led the team to their first European Championship with an upset win and had what one Sports Illustrated writer described as “the most extraordinary season in its remarkable history.” A year later, he converted to Judaism, changed his name to Elisha Ben Abraham and became an Israeli citizen. Aulcie began dating Israeli supermodel Tami Ben Ami, further establishing him as Israel’s biggest star and the country’s power couple.  His rise to fame was precipitous, and his relationship with supermodel Tami Ben Ami became the subject of relentless media attention, solidifying his status as one of Israel’s biggest stars. 

Yet, behind the scenes, he had a growing drug addiction which culminated in his arrest and imprisonment for narcotics smuggling.  His charmed life came to a dramatic halt. While imprisoned, Aulcie was not only forced to confront his own demons but suffered the loss of long-time girlfriend Tami to cancer.

Open to the entire community, email likebertrand518@gmail.com to obtain the live streaming link. 

YMCA Winter Program Registration Begins Dec. 22

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Mini Active Kids Club (2-3 years) Experience a variety of games and activities in a small group setting. One parent only can accompany their child. Saturdays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Members $40/Non-Members $60.

Tiny Tutus (3-5 years) Build on the basics of ballet through imaginative and creative movements, positions and combinations. Saturdays, 10:10-10:55 a.m.; or 11:05-11:50 a.m. Member $60/Program Member $100.

Twinkle Toes (4-6 years) Improve on the fundamentals of ballet while establishing tap basics to develop balance, coordination, and rhythm. Saturdays, 12:05-1:05 pm. Member $60/Program Member $100.

Soccer (3-4 years) Intro to soccer games and drills. Parental involvement is encouraged. Thursdays, 4-4:30 p.m. Members $40/Non-Members $50.

Soccer (5-7 years old) Play on a co-ed team. Thursdays, 4:35-5:15 p.m. Members $50/Non-Members $50.

T-Ball (4-6 years) Learn the basic skills and game play. Saturdays, 12-12:30 p.m. Members $40/Non-Members $70.

Little Rookies (3-5 years) Learn and play a variety of different sports each week. Parents participation is encouraged. Saturdays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Members $40/Non-Members $70.

Basketball (4-5 years) Introduction for boys and girls. Mondays, 4-4:30 p.m. Members $40/Non-Members $60.

Basketball (6-7 years) Learn the fundamentals.  Mondays, 4:40-5:20 p.m; Saturdays 12:45-1:25 pm. Members $40/ Non-Members $80.

Basketball (8-10 years) Develop fundamental skills. Tuesdays 4:15-5 p.m.; Saturdays 1:35-2:20 p.m. Members $55/Non-Member $90.

Beyond the Basics: Next level skills. 10-13 years, Saturdays, 3-4 p.m.; 14-17 years, Saturdays, 4-5 p.m. Members $70/Non-Member $100.

Custom Basketball Training. One-on-one or training in groups is available. 

Youth Intermediate Volleyball (10-14 years) Co-ed. Wednesdays 4:15-5 p.m. Members $60/ Non-Members $90.

Leadership Club: Teens (8th through 12th grade) plan and organize projects with an emphasis on community service. 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month. 6-7 p.m. Free with Family or Youth Membership.

All winter programs run Jan. 4 to Feb. 21. For more information, go to srymca.org.

Saratoga Winter Rec Program Registrations Open

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Form a new skate of mind with the Saratoga Springs Recreation Department’s Intro to Ice Skating Program. Learn ice skating basics or improve your skills. Ages 3 to adult. Tuesdays and Saturdays from Jan. 5 until Feb. 13. $60 for residents/$80 non-city residents.

Develop your skills, learn the rules and strategy to serve up your best in their Volleyball Program. Ages 8 -14 years. Jan. 6 through Feb. 10. $55 residents/ $65 non-city residents.

Join the Pickleball League and ace the court. Ages 18+. Jan. 10 until March 7 (no play Feb. 14). $45 residents/ $65 for non-city residents. Space is limited. 

The Rec’s nine pickleball courts are ready for Drop-In Pickleball. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-11am. Participation is limited and is on a first come, first-served basis. Days/times are subject to change. $3 residents/ $4 others.

Basketball Programs: Tiny B’ball is a parent/child activity that introduces participants, ages 3 to 5, to the sport of basketball through games and activities. $55 residents/ $65 non-city residents. Intro to Basketball for participants in grades K-1st. Boys and Girls programs for Grades 2-8 build on skills. $60 residents/$80 for non-city residents. Space is limited. Volunteer Coaches are needed. All session fees increase $25 beginning Jan. 1. Participants must wear a mask at all times. 

One-hour Racquetball Rentals are available. $5 residents/ $10 others. 

Some programs require you to create an account and register for a Rec Card prior to arrival. Visit www.SaratogaRec.com, or contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions.

December 18 – December 24, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, December 18

1980’s-90’s Holiday Music Dance Party
Saratoga Springs Public Library Zoom Presentation | 7 – 8 p.m.
DJ Costa Rica, Troy Lester, presents a 1980s – 90s Holiday Music Dance Party – Whether you celebrate a holiday or not, if you are trimming your tree, or lighting your menorah, lighting your kinara, or celebrating the winter solstice, join us for an entertaining family-friendly retrospective dance party and kick it old school! Registration with an email is required in order to receive a Zoom link three (3) hours prior to the start time of the program. Please register online. www.sspl.org

Saturday, December 19

Holiday Farmer’s Market
Wilton Mall Food Court, 3065 NY 50, Saratoga Springs | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Featuring 50+ vendors selling a full range of locally produced items including fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, artisanal products, and holiday gift items. Masks required. For more information visit www.saratogafarmersmarket.org. 

Pop Up Holiday Market
Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 4 p.m.
Shop local this holiday season and help support local artists. Masks and social distancing required.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
East Side Area starting at 3 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. 

28th Annual Holiday Cookie Sale 
The Galway United Methodist Church, Corner of Rte. 147 and CR45, Village of Galway | 10 a.m. – Noon
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. Contact Sharyn Kalinkewicz at 518-928-0179 for information, placement of orders and/or payment information.

Sunday, December 20

A Joyful Noise!
Caffe Lena, YouTube Live | Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Gospel Music director & Soulist Garland Nelson leads Lena’s Inspirational Voices gospel choir for an afternoon of joyful noise. Songs range from traditional gospel and contemporary church music to soulful pop classics. “Hymnals” are provided, and audience participation is downright thunderous. It’s impossible to stay quiet or in your seat as Garland Nelson stirs up the Spirit!

Monday, December 21

Song Swap with Jeff Walton
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Zoom Presentation | 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Please join us for an informal song swap led by local musician, Jeff Walton. Feel free to bring your own tune to play and share. Please register online at www.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 (3) hours prior to the scheduled start time of the program.

Tuesday, December 22

Storytelling Night
Caffe Lena, YouTube
Featuring Kate Dudding, Sandor Schuman & Betty Cassidy. The show will feature some of the finest storytellers from around the Capital Region who often serve as the featured artists for these monthly open mics.

Wednesday, December 23

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
South Side, Jefferson St. and Union Ave. South Area starting at 2 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. 

Chicken Cacciatore Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pick up only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: chicken cacciatore, orecchiette pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2 cost $25. (cash only). 

Thursday, December 24

20th Annual Artisan’s Market
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa | Noon – 4 p.m.
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.

December 18 – December 24, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

New Year’s Eve Prime Rib Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs, 4:30 – 7 p.m. For curbside pick-up only on December 31. Call Monday, December 21 or Tuesday, December 22 between 10 a.m. and Noon to place your order. 518-584-2585. Quantities are limited. Menu: Shrimp Cocktail, tossed salad, prime rib of beef, twice baked potato, vegetable, roll. Dinner for 2/$70 cash only, dinner for 1/$40 cash only. There will be no dinner on Wednesday, December 30.

Winter Acting Classes and Camps
Town of Malta Parks and Recreation announces in person Winter Acting Classes and Camps in January and February. All classes will be taught by Malta s Artistic Director Elyse Young and will include acting skills, vocal techniques, theater games, rehearsals, and performance. Classes take place at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta. After School Drama for ages 6-10 will run Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. for 6 weeks starting January 7. Acting Academy for ages 10 to 14 will run 5 weeks for 1 ½ hours on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. starting January 12. February Break Drama Camp for ages 7 to 13 will run Tuesday, February 16 through Friday, February 19 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. All classes and camps will be performed on Malta Community Center Stage virtually for invited guests. No shared props or costumes. Students must wear a mask when not performing. For more information, including COVID 19 protocols and registration information go online at www.maltaparksrec.com or contact Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department at 518-899 4411.

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.

Middle School Online Enrichment

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Wilton — The WSWHE BOCES Enrichment Resource Center is offering an Online Enrichment Program for Middle School Students in grades 6-8. 

Courses include digital photo manipulation and basic cell animation; an introduction to DNA (where students learn the history of how it has been used and the future of this science); cybersecurity, internet safety and the career paths connected to it; and have a chance to get in on the action during mock trials.

This six-week program will be held on Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 6, 2021. Tuition includes supplies. 

For more information, email giftedresources@wswheboces.org, call 518-581-3585, or visit www.wswheboces.org/enrichment.

Saratoga Springs Lions Club Announces 2021 Scholarship Opportunities

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Lions Club is proud to announce that scholarship applications for more than $32,000 in awards are now available. Students graduating from Saratoga Springs High School, Saratoga Central Catholic School, The Waldorf School, as well as homeschooled students pursuing post-high school academic and vocational programs are invited to apply. Application forms are available online at www.saratogaspringslions.com/scholarships and at each eligible school’s Guidance Office.  Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2021.

Student-Run Fundraiser: Hoods House of Hoops

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Schuylerville — Logan Methven, a 7th grader at Schuylerville Middle School is asking you to donate your redeemable cans/bottles to help support Hood’s House of Hoops, a recreation center in Albany. 

Owned by his basketball coach, Jamil Hood, Hood’s House of Hoops will be a safe place for the community in the Arbor Hills neighborhood, where he is hoping to offer reading programs, youth services, and senior activities, in addition to coaching and mentoring.

They are currently in need of building renovations and resources (books; kitchen appliances; etc.).  To donate cans/bottles for collection, call or text Jeff Methven at 518-232-8474. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Checks should be made out to Hoods House of Hoops. 

Community Emergency Corporation Donates Bleeding Control Kits in Ballston Spa

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Top Photo: Deputy Diana Buehler, Principal Gianleo Duca, SRO Director Ken Cooper, District Health Leader Colleen Ferlo, CEC Chief Tim Thomas, Deputy Jonathan Becker, Sheriff Michael Zurlo outside of Ballston Spa High School. Photo provided.
Bottom Photo: CEC Chief Tim Thomas, Deputy Chief Daryl Clifford, Deputy Jonathan Becker, School Nurse Diane Sabanos RN, St Mary’s Principal Lynn Fitzgerald, District Health Leader Colleen Ferlo RN, Deputy Diana Buehler outside St. Mary’s School. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corporation recently donated Bleeding Control Kits to the Ballston Spa Central School District for use in the district’s six buildings and also provided a kit for the St. Mary’s School.  The kits are to be utilized during emergencies before first responders are able to reach the scene.

“The partnership between the District, the Community Emergency Corporation, and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office continues to benefit our students and staff in our focus on maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment in our schools. While we hope that our student support network, practice drills, “See Something Say Something” approach, and our overall planning will help us avoid traumatic situations, building a skill set in our students and providing our staff with the tools to react quickly to such a situation gives us that much more confidence in our readiness if one were to occur. Simply put, today’s donation can help save lives,” said Ballston Spa CSD Superintendent Ken Slentz.

The donation is a continuation of their commitment to school safety, which has also included adding STOP THE BLEED® instruction to Physical Education classes and the school district’s nursing team. 

Ballston Spa Middle and High School Resource Officer Deputy Jonathan Becker coordinated the donation along with the school district’s Health Leader, Colleen Ferlo and Athletic Director, David Sunkes.

Property Transactions: December 12 – December 18, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON

Nicole Coady sold property at 11 McMaster St to Trenton Dunbar for $304,000.

Alec Buniak sold property at 35 Lancaster Court to Chad Harrison for $375,000.

BDC Cornerstone LLC sold property at 17 Cornerstone Dr to Roger Pfeiffer for $269,000.

Geoffrey Raylinski sold property at 3 Gartner Dr to Elyse Ruane for $267,800.

Rosetti Acquisitions LLC sold property at 4 Pasture Place to Robert Imburgio for $306,192.

Richard Kupferman sold property at 30 Remsen St to Remsen Street Partners LLC for $170,000.

Barbera Homes Kelley Farms LLC sold property at 28 Stablegate Dr to Alexander German for $600,000.

Andrew Joslin sold property at 2 & 4 William St to Robert Behan for $200,000.

Brookview Court Inc sold property at 13 Kasey Pass to Brandon Moore for $292,879.

CORINTH

Jay Catalano sold property at 39 Locust Ridge Dr to Jennifer Michelle for $288,000

Shirley Harrington sold property at 4875 Rt 9N to Jeanne Kayes for $169,900.

GREENFIELD

Karen Nagler sold property at 391 Wilton Rd to Robert Smith for $335,000.

Kevin Hanna sold property at 73 Brigham Rd to Lorraine Fiorino for $286,668.

Stacey Huth sold property at 33 Locust Grove Rd to Eduardo Zubieta for $250,000.

MVB Bank Inc sold property at 104 & 11 Wilton Rd to 104 110 Wilton Rd LLC for $495,000.

Kenneth Cleveland sold property at 9 South Greenfield Rd to Greenfield Vet LLC for $225,000.

Gregory Tillou sold property at 2 Lower Meadow Lane to Benjamin Burnett for $670,000.

Brian Benjamin sold property at 479 Locust Grove Rd to Lawrence Doriguzzi for $585,000. 

Kimberly King sold property at 219 Locust Grove Rd to Abbie Archibald for $305,000.

John Bokus as trustee sold property at 32 Mill Rd to LPC Properties for $170,000.

Marie Weeks sold property at 4 Ashlor Dr to Kaitlyn O’Neil for $395,000.

MALTA

Bagramian Group LLC sold property at 28 Arrowwood Place to Wayne Cheslick for $254,000.

Kim Scott sold property at 35 Pepperbush Pl to Karen Verrill for $196,000

Kristen Thompson sold property at 58 Thimbleberry Rd to Carmen Romano for $235,000.

Daniel Mitchell as trustee sold property at 108 2nd St to Arthur Sassone for $170,000.

Christopher Staszak sold property at 12 Rockrose Way to Daniel Oliver for $420,000

Federal Home Loan Mortgage sold property at 72 Blue Spruce Lane to Jennifer Soccio for $229,900

SARATOGA

Gregory Hampson sold property at 141 Ruckytucks Rd  to Beau Stallard for $280,000

John Martis sold property at 7 Pond St to Upstate Property Buyers LLC for $134,000.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

John Witt sold property at 30 Whistler Ct #411 to Matthew Stefanik for $540,000

Kimberly Allen sold property at 18 Regatta View Dr to David Deutsche for $540,000.

Jesse Carda sold property at 139  W Circular St to Alexander Caldwell for $350,000.

Mark Holowach sold property at 3 Maria Lane to David MacFarland for $525,000.

David Rose sold property at 56  Union Ave #3 to Paul Steciuk or $490,000.

Constance Carroll sold property at 57 Bensonhurst Ave to Perey Rousseas for $302,000.

Mary Brooks sold property at 1 Empire Ave to Kurt Kimmel for $260,000.

Joseph Deberardinis sold property at 316A Ballston Ave to Rocco Verderosa for $325,000

Domenick Marchesiello sold property at 14 Schuyler Dr to Eric Hirschmann for $537,500

William Cole sold property at 56 Union Ave #8 to Kathleen McCarthy for $390,000.

Oak Ridge Development LLC sold property at 33 Jenna Jo to Beechwood Saratoga LLC for $480,000.

Alice Kenney sold property at 1 Wagon Wheel Trail to Jeanna Kratzert for $230,000

Lawrence George sold property at 7 Oak Ridge Blvd to Sean Connors for $865,000

Garrett Penistan sold property at 2 Meadow Lane to Robert Famiglietti for $280,000.

Barbara Waite sold property at 2 Stable Lane to Amy Latta for $730,000.

Dude LLC sold property at 20 Mitchell St to William Simchick for $635,000.

WILTON

Raymond Stephens sold property at 1 Hanover Rd to Christina Tartaro for $226,000.

Andrew Kambourelis sold property at 102 Traver Rd to Talia Brower for $252,245.

Patricia Harrison sold property at 712 & vac Rt 9 to Mario Mancini for $360,000.

Jason Kerns sold property at 330 Louden Rd to Ciana Cici for $305,000.