SARATOGA SPRINGS —Members of The Welsey Community – a 37-acre senior living campus with more than 700 residents in Saratoga Springs – have enjoyed a happier holiday season thanks to the thoughtfulness of two local boutique gift shop co-owners and the generosity of the greater Saratoga Springs community.

The inaugural Adopt a Grandparent program was launched on Black Friday, Nov. 24, as part of a holiday giving campaign by Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile Co-Owners Maddy Zanetti and Marianne Barker. Shoppers of both stores purchased and personalized $20 gift tags through Dec. 17 that were used to buy gifts for residents of the Wesley Community. As many as 400 gift tags were purchased, making it possible to provide every resident with a gift. Holiday gift bags were distributed during Hanukkah and just prior to Christmas. 

Going forward, Zanetti and Barker said they plan to offer the Adopt a Grandparent program annually.

Visit ImpressionsSaratoga.com for further information about the Adopt a Grandparent program or call 518-587-0666. www.thewesleycommunity.org

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 Beverly Lawson delivered more than 84 dozen cookies, baked by members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs, to Duane Vaughn, Executive Director of Shelters of Saratoga, for distribution to the more than 120 people receiving services from SOS. 

Vaughn said that the cookies, carefully packaged in gift bags of seven cookies each, are often given as gifts by Shelters patrons. He said that the homeless population nationally has increased by more than 12% this year and in Saratoga Springs, the Code Blue population, served by SOS, is twice as large as it was one year ago. Vaughn and Associate Executive Director Stephanie Romero and Facilities House Manager Jess Thompson, who helped distribute the cookies, expressed their gratitude to the twenty or so bakers from the UUCSS who prepared the gift bags, and they agreed that the need to care for the homeless population is always present.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Nearly 800 people attended The Warren Miller ski movie benefit event, “All Time.” The event was held at the Trombley Auditorium at the Saratoga Springs Middle School.

Hosted by the Alpine Sport Shop, the event was staged to bring together the local ski community and raise money for worthy causes. 

Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program, and Saratoga Springs High School Alpine Ski Team each received a check from the Alpine Sport Shop for $3,643.88.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet presents the Nutcracker at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 16 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec 17 at the Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany.

This year, 115 young dancers ages 5-17 will grace the stage.

General admission tickets are $35; for seniors and students cost is $28; children under 3 get in for free. All ticket proceeds directly support the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

The Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany is located at 1400 Washington Ave., Albany.

Tickets available at ssyballet.ticketleap.com/the-nutcracker/

MECHANICVILLE — Nothing warms the heart during the holidays quite like pets and Santa.

On Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Car Shoppe Malta will host its second annual Santa Paws event. All are welcome to bring their pets for a photoshoot with Saint Nick. The $5 fee for the experience will be donated to the Saratoga Springs-based H.O.P.E animal shelter.

The Car Shoppe Malta is located at 2215 US-9 in Mechanicville. For more information about H.O.P.E., visit hopeanimalrescue.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Support local artists this holiday season by purchasing unique gifts at Saratoga Arts’ makers’ market. The event will take place throughout the Saratoga Arts building, 320 Broadway, from Dec. 8 -10. 

Event schedule: 

Friday, Dec. 8, 4-8 p.m.: Live music from Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle, tastings from Nine Pin, Ledge Rock Winery, and Walt Whitman Brewery, and an appearance by the Grinch.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: A family-fun day. Kids activities from mural painting, warm beverages, and tasty treats. An appearance by the Grinch.

Sunday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: A family fun day. Kids activities from mural painting to printmaking, warm beverages, and tasty treats. 

Saratoga Springs — The 37th Victorian Streetwalk presented by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association held it’s annual event Thursday, Nov. 30. Broadway was closed off to celebrate this festive time of year with the city’s tree lighting ceremony, Victorian costumes, carolers, a visit from Santa, The Saratoga Festival of Trees held at the City Center, live musical performances and more. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —130 Thanksgiving food baskets were made for local families during this year’s Operation Turkey initiative. Culinary students from the F. Donald Myers Education Center, as well as members of the Saratoga Wilton Kiwanis Club, prepared the meals. The baskets were then delivered to families in need, seniors, shut-ins, and area shelters, according to the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services (WSWHE BOCES). 

“Our program has had a long tradition of supporting the community through this effort,” said Chef Celeste David in a statement. “Helping address food insecurity is an important issue for our students since they are training to work in the hospitality industry.”