Local First Saratoga North Edition 010523

Saratoga Co. History Ctr. Launches “Saratoga History Happy

Hours”

BALLSTON SPA - Saratoga County History Center members are invited to our inaugural Saratoga History Happy Hour at the Real McCoy Beer Company in Ballston Spa. The Saratoga History Happy Hour is a series of three happy hour vibe programs at which local historians or experts weigh in on a variety of historical topics, share their insights, answer audience questions, participate in a trivia contest, and enjoy libations from a New York State craft brewery.

Sean Kelleher, SCHC vice president, explains, “Mike Schaffer of the Real McCoy Company approached us. With all the history at his site, the birthplace of the purported inventor of baseball, this will be a fun opportunity to learn about some of Saratoga County’s most intriguing historical accounts.”

The program takes place at the Real McCoy Beer Company, the historic birthplace of Major-General Abner Doubleday in Ballston Spa. The taproom is a legacy of America’s early aesthetic and historic charm, so you can enjoy historical stories and craft beers just like our ancestors. The Real McCoy Beer Company is located at 28 Washington Street in the village of Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

The agenda of the series is as follows:

January 26 – Real Life Crime is the focus with Waterford Historian Russ VanDervoort and SCHC Director of Education Anne Clothier.

February 9 – The Hamiltons and the Schuylers

Saratoga Springs distributes bottled water after pipe break

City residents are urged to boil all municipal water before consuming it

By MIKE GOODWIN AND PETE DEMOLA

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As crews resumed work Monday on the road where a water pipe burst Sunday, city officials handed out bottled water to residents. A boil water advisory remained in effect.

A steady stream of residents arrived Monday at Saratoga High School afternoon to receive bottled water

Crews repaired the ruptured water pipe on Sunday but continued to work Monday at the intersection of Excelsior and East avenues.

Despite the repairs, residents will likely have to boil water at least until Tuesday, city officials said. Boiling water should kill any microbes introduced into the water supply during the water main break.

The public health notice will only be lifted “after two consecutive days of satisfactory bacteriological sample results are submitted to and acknowledged by the New York State Department of Health Glens Falls District Office,” city officials said Sunday. All tap water for human consumption should be boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute and then cooled prior to use, the advisory said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to use bottled water for drinking or cooking if there is a boil water advisory, and also to avoid eating ice or using water from a refrigerator dispenser.

“The (Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works) is addressing a large water main break in the vicinity of Excelsior and East Avenue causing water pressure issues throughout most of the city,” city Department of Public Works Commissioner Jason Golub said Sunday morning. By early evening, Golub said the line was fixed and pressure restored for most residents.

Golub said “significant portions of the city” were impacted due to the size of the broken pipe. He didn’t think the rupture was related to recent roadwork in the area.

“I am not aware of any relationship,” Golub said. “Likely it is a very old water main, which is an infrastructure issue throughout the city.”

Partnership could mean new life

line

seven full-time.

RevRail was the ultimate winner in a bankruptcy court auction last spring after no buyer was found for the defunct railroad. RevRail closed the purchase earlier this month, Harte said.

By TIM ROWLAND ADIRONDACK EXPLORER

Revolution Rail Co. and Open Space Institute have entered into an agreement that could create a recreational trail on the old Saratoga and North Creek Railway line that connects North Creek with the town of Newcomb.

The railroad will stay open for any freight-hauling opportunities that might materialize, although the line has been largely unused since the old Tahawus titanium mines closed in the early 1980s. The deal would also maintain the environmental integrity of the route and prohibit the stockpiling of freight cars, as briefly occurred several years ago — to the chagrin of conservation groups.

Under the agreement, OSI has loaned RevRail, a North Creek rail-biking company, the $2.7 million needed to purchase the line. If, after several years, no demand for freight services materializes, OSI will have the option to purchase the railroad and, with RevRail, negotiate with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board for the right to develop a dedicated, multi-use rail trail.

RevRail founder Rob Harte said his company will also explore rail-biking and other recreational opportunities at the north end of the line in Newcomb.

“It’s gorgeous to go out over the track along the Opalescent River,” said Harte, whose North Creek operations attracted nearly 50,000 customers last year, and employed 40 people, including

The SNCR line penetrates 30 miles of backcountry in the heart of the Adirondacks, and for years has carried more legal intrigue than it has freight. Town officials have hoped freight service would return, luring new industry in the process. Recreational and environmental advocates have seen this as a long shot and believe the line, which hugs rivers and encompasses miles of Adirondack wilderness, can be the southern equivalent of the Lake Placid to Tupper Lake trail under construction.

OSI President and CEO Kim Elliman said the partnership with RevRail keeps a number of options open, including freight service, recreation or a combination of the two. The ground covered by the line “is pristine, storied Winslow Homer terrain, and some of the best scenery in the Adirondack Park” he said.

But Elliman said OSI is also sensitive to the economic needs of the community. “We are trying to preserve optionality for all uses,” he said. “We’re trying to be responsive to the local economy and the desires of the community.”

Prior to the bankruptcy auction, OSI had offered $1.5 million for the railroad, but a judge ruled it was ineligible to bid because it was not a working freight hauler. But the general trail plan was supported in court papers by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, which dismissed the idea that the line would ever be commercially viable in a traditional sense and argued that it should be declared abandoned.

An artifact of World War II, the Saratoga North Creek Railway was built by the federal government to haul titanium from the historic mining town of Tahawus. Today, the town is home to the popular Upper Works trailhead accessing the High Peaks from the south. OSI has already invested heavily in the Tahawus

area, saving land, refurbishing the Upper Works trailhead and preserving the story of the historic village of Adirondac.

When the mines closed, the railroad lost steam as well, although local leaders have hoped a viable railroad will seed new industry, as well.

The bankruptcy auction attracted two other bidders besides RevRail: a West Coast rail biking and scenic railroad company, and a New Mexico couple with a multiplicity of exotic ideas for the line, including “astro-tourism” and hauling out rare-earth minerals gleaned from old mine tailings. The couple won with a $3.3 million bid, but failed to pay a sufficient cash deposit as required by the trustee.

Through it all, local officials in Newcomb and Essex County have hoped the line could return to commercial viability. Essex County Supervisors Chair Shaun Gillilland acknowledged that it might not be viable, and if not, a rail trail is a suitable alternative.

“We’ve been through the paces trying to open it up and get commercial traffic going,” Gillilland said. “We’d still like to see if there’s anything out there, but we’ve done everything we can from the county’s point of view.”

WILL WALDRON / TIMES UNION

Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works crews fix the roadway Monday where a water main ruptured Sunday at the intersection of Excelsior and East avenues. The broken pipe triggered a boil water advisory for the city.

WILL WALDRON / TIMES UNION

Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim and fellow city officials help distribute bottled water Monday at Saratoga High School to residents affected by the boil water advisory.

$2.7 million loan from Open Space Institute will enable Revolution Rail Co. to buy North Creek-Newcomb connector

COURTESY OF THE REVOLUTION RAIL CO.

Revolution Rail, which has operated rail biking tours along the old North Creek to Tahawus line in the Adirondacks, will be able to purchase to buy the North Creek-Newcomb connector thanks to a loan from the Open Space Institute.

8th Annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend

January 13th-16th

SARATOGA - MLK

Saratoga’s 8th Annual Weekend of Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., His Legacy, and Our Ongoing Work Together Join us for a wonderful weekend of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a variety of events throughout Saratoga Springs that highlight this year’s theme: “Songs are the Soul of a Movement.”

Guest Artists & Events include DJ Hollyw8d (More Music Less Violence), Jae Gayle (How the Negro Got His Song), Restorative Justice in Schools, Erasing Space & Faces - The Legacy of Urban Renewal in Saratoga Springs (C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios), Jermaine Wells and the ILL Funk Ensemble (Freedom Songs, New and Old), the Nikara Warren Trio (Black Wall Street, album) and “Greatest Love of All: The Roots & Revolution of

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say in 2023... Without

Fear or Anxiety!

SARATOGA - NY Division E of Toastmasters International invites you to visit one of its many Eastern NY Clubs as a guest in the new year. Learn about Toastmasters International (TI) and its system “Pathways” that provides members with a custom-tailored program and targeted approach to better communication and leadership skills.

Clubs usually meet twice a month for just one hour each, offering curiosity seekers a chance to

Black Women in Pop,” with author, award-winning journalist, and producer Danyel Smith, creator and host of the Spotify-exclusive Black Girl Songbook. And, as always, volunteer projects and actions as part of the Dr. King National Day of Service!

Events are FREE & open to the public.

Details here: www. mlksaratoga.org/celebration-weekendCall: 518-306-1248

Academy for Lifelong Learning Offering 16 Winter Courses

SARATOGA - The Academy for Lifelong Learning continues its 30+ year tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults 55+ by offering sixteen, 5-week courses starting the week of January 23 Registration is now open. For a course brochure, go to www.esc.edu/all or www.allsaratoga.org Course brochures are also available at local

observe a meeting in person or conveniently online. Guests get to see what a typical meeting looks like and experience firsthand the Toastmasters hallmark warm and supportive atmosphere.Members often join initially to reduce severe anxiety and stress when speaking in front of others, and decide to stay oftentimes for years, to continually improve and help others achieve like success.

If you are looking for a proven program that yields the highest impact with the smallest investment of time, consider attending an upcoming TI meeting. Contact Division E today for Club and meeting information by visiting

libraries, YMCA’s and retirement communities or by request at (518) 2906988 or jeff@allsaratoga. org. Please note – some changes have been made. For the most updated version go to our website. Registrations will be accepted throughout the term until courses are full. Some courses will sell out. Annual membership is $75 and goes for 365 days from join date. Five-week courses are $50 each.

Topics for these volunteer-led, noncredit courses include music, literature, teas, Italian language, investing, variety speaker series, Art History and Anatomy, ancient game of Go, hiking, snow shoeing, Chinese writings, history, art at the Tang, science, and more. Join A.L.L. locally for classroom and outdoor courses, or from anywhere for Zoom options.

Founded in 1992, the Academy is a nonprofit, membership organization whose members share a love of learning. A self-funded entity, A.L.L. is designed to offer lifelong

Turftalkers website and completing the provided online contact form.

Capital Region

Veterans Memorial (CRVM) Fundraiser

SCHENECTADY - Mary Brandt, Board President of the Capital Region Veterans Memorial, has announced a fundraising Dinner at the Water’s Edge Lighthouse, 2 Freeman’s Bridge Road, Glenville, NY on January 28, 2023 for the benefit of the Capital Region Veterans Memorial to be located in the new Legacy Park of Glenville, NY.

A highlight of the event is the Silent Auction with a very exciting item to be raffled off. A FLIGHT for

learning and comradery among seniors, A.L.L. also offers a spring and fall term, Special Interest Groups, (SIGs) and special events that are held throughout the year. If you would like to support the Academy by becoming a member or for more information, contact the Academy at (518) 2906988, email jeff@allsaratoga,org, or go to www.allsaratoga.org.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival Event

GLENS FALLS - The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour showcases the best mountain films from the annual Festival in Banff, Canada held each October. This year, we are returning to the Charles R Wood Theater for 3 nights which provides an opportunity to see all the shows that are part of the World Tour. Come each night to see all the great films. The doors open at 6 pm. Come view the Mountain Art show featuring

TWO out of the Saratoga County Airport to a nearby Regional Airport. The flight will conclude with breakfast with the Pilot and all expenses are included. Many other items have been collected according to Ginny Barr, board member. Some other major items include a “Gaming Chair” and an Air Convection Oven. Auction items can be donated by calling Mary Brandt at 518-495-2524.

Bidding for this event will commence at 4 PM on Saturday, January 28th. Dinner will be at 5 and the evening will include an updated presentation on the progress of this important Capital District Project for Veterans. The cost is $40

local artists. Enjoy some refreshments while you peruse the raffle items that benefit ADK’s Summit Steward Program. Special door prizes for those that get there by 6:30. Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

We’re grateful for our local sponsors which enable us to keep the ticket price affordable. Please thank them for their support when you stop by their locations. Our sponsors are: Rocksport, Fountain Square Outfitters, the law office of Meyer, Fuller & Stockwell, Nemer Ford and Nemer Chrysler, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, Rick’s Bike Shop, Common Roots Brewery and Foundation, the Queensbury Hotel, and Local Motion PT.

Friday – Sunday, February 3-5, 2023 at 7pm (different films each night) 6 pm doors open for preshow including Mountain Art show, free popcorn, door prizes, Common Roots beverages, and more!

Charles R Wood Theater in downtown Glens Falls

per person and tickets can be purchased on line at CAPITALREGIONVETERANS.ORG

Malta Ridge UMC Free Lunch

MALTA - The Malta Ridge United Methodist Church will hold a Free Lunch on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the Church located at 729 Malta Avenue Extension, in Malta Ridge. A soup and sandwich lunch will be served at no charge from 11:30am to 1:30pm. All are welcome. For additional information or directions please call the Church at 518-581-0210.

The Largest-Circulation Print Newspaper in New York’s Capital Region

Published Every Thursday Distributed Weekly To 180,000 Homes

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Jennifer Morrell 518-454-5513 jmorrell@timesunion.com

DESIGN DEPARTMENT

Roberta Mullins Rick Mullins

CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT

Margaret Bunkoff 518-454-5503 Margaret.bunkoff@ timesunion.com classifieds@ crwnewspapers.com Fax: 518-454-5542

DISPLAY AD DEADLINE: Friday 4:00pm

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 1:00pm Twin Bridges Edition Monday 1:00pm Saratoga North Edition The Advertiser

Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The majority of the ads in this publication were created by and are the sole property of Local First and cannot be reproduced without express permission from the publisher.

and professional installation is even more important during the frigid winter months.

Campaign for Brookside Museum

BALLSTON SPA - The Saratoga County History Center at Ballston Spa’s Brookside Museum has launched its Annual Appeal, “Finish the Job,” with the objective of complete stabilization of the historic building in the coming year. The goal of the current phase, $45,000, will fund energy efficiency and long-postponed repair of space required for museum operations and care of its important collections. Two friends of the museum have pledged $15,000 to match an equal sum from the community.

Last year’s “Preserve the Porch” campaign exceeded its goal by more than $10,000. The building’s porch of six square columns in the Greek Revival style is believed to have been built in the late 1820s or early 1830s, replacing the 1792 original.

The top-quality restoration work of the porch is now underway and will be finished by year’s end.

“Finish the Job” will make the museum’s most economical operation possible. Its storm windows are 70 years old and do little to keep out the weather. Replacement with modern, efficient storms is planned before midwinter. New interior and exterior lighting, for the comfort of museum visitors and to reduce energy consumption, will use LED technology.

An area of the building damaged many years ago by a leaking roof was to be gutted and converted to badly-needed storage. Finally, since most of the museum’s galleries have been renovated, only two

floors must be repaired and refurbished.

Field Horne, president of the Saratoga County History Center, explains, “In late spring 2023, a permanent exhibition about the county’s economic and social development since First Nations times will be installed, thanks to funding from the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. “Finish the Job” will create a welcoming setting for the new exhibit.”

All gifts will be acknowledged with gratitude and donors will be counted as 2023 members. Contributions can be submitted through the www. brooksidemuseum.org link or by mail to SCHS, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, N.Y. 12020.

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) Monthly Meeting

SARATOGA - The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA), Court McLaughlin #422, will hold its monthly meeting on Saturday, January 7th at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs. Members gather at 9:00AM for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments at 9:30 until 10:00AM when the meeting will begin. CDA is one of the oldest and largest volunteer organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. Being a Catholic Daughter is a wonderful gift from God. Through CDA you can share your talents and gifts and work with other Catholic women who share faith and similar values. Please join us. If you have any questions feel free to contact our Regent, Lucille Koch at 518-644-4438.

The Global War for American Independence – Experts Next Door

BALLSTON SPA - The Saratoga County History Center (SCHC) announces a virtual presentation by Dr. Eliga Gould on the Global War for American Revolution. Dr. Gould will participate in the History Center’s popular virtual speaker series “Experts Next Door.” At 7 pm on January 31st, Dr. Gould will explain the global war for American independence and the role played by the battles of Saratoga in 1777. This is a virtual program presented on Zoom.

Dr. Eliga Gould is a Professor and Chair of the Department of History at the University of New Hampshire. Gould’s scholarship focuses on the American Revolution, emphasizing the revolution’s “outer” history in the Americas, Africa, Europe, and the wider world. His current book project, Crucible of Peace: The Turbulent History of America’s Founding Treaty, examines the least studied United States’ founding documents: the Treaty of 1783 that ended the American Revolutionary War. He is the author of Among the Powers of the Earth: The American Revolution and the Making of a New World Empire and co-editor of Empire and Nation: The American Revolution and the Atlantic World.

Sean Kelleher, Vice President of the Saratoga County History Center, says, “We are very fortunate to have Dr. Gould present our virtual “Experts Next Door” program. The American victory at Saratoga in 1777 could not have been achieved without foreign aid. After Saratoga, most people don’t realize that the fighting of the American Revolution includes Asia, Africa, and Europe.” The History Center is proud to support the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission, created by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors to recognize the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in Saratoga County.

The event, set to take place on Zoom, is open to the public. It’s free, but donations are highly valued. To register, please visit https://brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/51224-end-21

The “Experts Next Door” virtual speaker series was launched in the summer of 2020 and has featured specialists from various fields, from archaeology to gardening to mixology to history to teach. Please visit the History Center website at www.brooksidemuseum.org for more information.

Knights Of Columbus 246 Host Bingo

SARATOGA - KOC Hall, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs, every Wednesday evening. The doors open at 4:30, the kitchen window (which is staffed by the Catholic Daughters) opens at 5:30, games go on sale at 6:00, and the first game starts at 7:00. Every week, there is $1,500 in guaranteed prize money. Join us for an evening out and help to support our activities within the community.

Hudson-Mohawk Search & Rescue is Looking for Volunteers to Join our Team

CAPITAL DISTRICT - If you enjoy being outdoors in the wilderness, working with others to help people, follow directions well and have a willingness to learn, then our SAR team might be for you! Prior knowledge is helpful, but definitely not required as we provide the training. Check out our website at: www.humsar.org for more information.

Fish Creek Rod & Gun Club Monthly Breakfast

SCHUYLERVILLESunday, January 8, 2023 8:00 – 11:00 - 123 SR 32 Schuylerville, NY $10 Adults $5 Children

Come welcome the New Year with us.

Choose from: Pancakes, regular, buckwheat, apple cinnamon and blueberry or French Toast. Eggs to order, homefries, bacon or sausage, toast, coffee and orange juice.

The Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association Monthly Meeting

SARATOGA - The Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association will be holding their monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, January 10th at noon at Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs.

All retired K-12 teachers, BOCES teachers, and Teaching Assistants are welcome. For further information, call 518-584-1192.

Ballston Spa Comprehensive Plan to be Considered by Village Board

BALLSTON SPA - The Village of Ballston Spa’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee has completed its work, resulting in a plan to be considered by the Mayor and Village trustees at the Village Board meeting on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 7 pm in the Ballston Spa Public Library meeting room.

The steering commit-

tee, composed of village volunteers, met from late 2021 through 2022 to identify and study topics in order to create the final plan, supported by the Village Board, with assistance in preparing the plan documents from Behan Planning and Design. The Plan provides a vision and set of goals to guide the village in the next 10 years of its development.

Village Board meetings are open to the public. For more information on the Comprehensive Plan, contact steering committee chairperson Karen Martell at karenmartell27@ gmail.com or the Village Office at 518 885-5711, villageclerk@villageofballstonspa.org.

Capital District Fly Fisher Present an Introductory Fly Tying Class

CLIFTON PARK - Intro to Fly Tying (Ages 13 and up) First session covers materials, tools, safety and hands-on instruction on knots used in fly tying. Students MUST have their own tying tools, which will be covered at the first session, and have 2 weeks to obtain needed tools. By the end of the 8 sessions, each student should have all the skills needed to embark on a life-long hobby of fly tying. Date: Jan 11, 25, Feb 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8, 22, (March 29 for weather date)

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Site: Locust Lane Clubhouse - 5 Locust Lane, Clifton Park Fee: $85

Registration is online through Town of Clifton Park. You do not have to be a resident to enroll.

Instructor: Members

Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund Supports the History Center

Lend-A-Hand Grants an Exhibition on the History of Saratoga County

BALLSON SPA - Tthe Saratoga County History Center in Ballston Spa announced a $2,500 grant from the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund as part of their Lend-A-Hand program. The grant was presented at the Community Fund’s annual award reception and will support an immersive exhibition on the history of Saratoga County to open in spring 2023.

Field Horne, president of the SCHC, said, “This grant helps the History Center regain fiscal momentum with exhibitions, the lifeblood of a museum. The support of the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund makes possible the preservation and sharing of our county’s rich history.”

Maureen Walsh, SCHC Treasurer, said, “This grant represents the faith of the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund in the value of SCHC. We are delighted and honored. The funding will help SCHC deliver on its mission to bring a deeper understanding, for residents and visitors alike, of how the past informs and impacts our present and future in Saratoga County.”

With this grant and other support, the organization will create an exhibit with a lifespan of about a decade. An exhibition of this magnitude and quality should result in a steady audience and sustainable fiscal support. It will provide an engaging orientation for residents and visitors about the county’s history and be the basis for developing new public and school programs. This development should lead to additional partnerships with cultural and educational institutions and increase outreach to audiences and donors.

The Saratoga County History Center is dedicated to the preservation and sharing of the diverse histories of Saratoga County. In addition to the Brookside Museum, the History Center provides various innovative, exciting, and educational programs online and in-person across the county. Please check the website (www.brooksidemuseum.org) and social media accounts (@SaratogaCoHistory) for updates and announcements.

of Capital District Fly Fishers

Contact: Tom Passarelli tpassare@yahoo.com (518)-765-3389

Evan Lubin evan.Lubin@gmail.com

Defensive Driving Class at Saratoga Springs UMC

SARATOGA - On Saturday January 14th,2023 from 9 AM to 3 PM there will be a New York State approved Defensive Driving Class. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years & receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines.

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church 175 Fifth Avenue - Saratoga Springs New York 12866

Fee: $35.00 per person. Bring a friend fee is $30.00 each

Portion of fee goes to Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church.

Registration is required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski @518286-3788

As we are social distancing, a mask is required if you are not vaccinated. Class size is limit.

Saratoga–Wilton Elks Lodge 161 Meatloaf Dinner for Curbside Pick Up

SARATOGA/WILTONWed., January 11, 2023 4:30-6:00pm, Call Monday Or Tuesday Between 10am-Noon To Place An Order - 518-584-2585

Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable, Salad, Roll, GravyDinnerFor 2 /$30.00 (Cash Only)

February Break Drama Camp with Elyse Young

MALTA - Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department announces FEBRUARY BREAK DRAMA CAMP for ages 10-15 will run Tuesday, February 21 through Friday, February 24 from10:00am until 3:00pm. The camp will be taught by Malta’s Artistic Director Elyse Young and will include acting skills, vocal techniques, theater games, crafts, rehearsals and performance of a short play. Camp and performance will take place at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta. For more information, go online to www.maltaparksrec.com or contact Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department at (518) 899-4411.

Looking for Baseball Umpires

CAPITAL DISTRICTCapital District Baseball Umpires Association is looking for new members for the 2023 season.

Training classes are now forming. Please call Bob Umholtz at 518-986-5987 or go to cdbua.com for more information.

Al-anon Meetings

SARATOGA - Alanon meeting to support those living with an alcoholic, grew up with alcoholism etc… please join us at our weekly meeting: Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church 175 5th Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Every Tuesday: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Ballston Area Senior Citizens Joining

BALLSTON/MILTON - BASC Inc. If you are 55+ a resident of Saratoga County. Looking to make new friends consider joining Ballston Area Senior. Residents from surrounding Counties are welcome to join.

Stop in the Milton Community Center any Thursday 10:00 am—11:45 am to join. Our newsletter at ballstonmiltonseniors.com also has an application in it fill it out and mail it in.

For membership information contact Barb Broderson at 518-885-4229 or e-mail ballston.area.seniors2@gmail. com

67

his Victorian-style home contains three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a lot of charm. Country-mouse touches are seen throughout, from the small shed that houses the hand-operated water pump and the woodpost fence leading to the house, to the texture on the fireplace in the dining room. There are also features that you won’t see on every listing, including a summer kitchen and a barn on the 1.6 acre property. Gardens and other landscaping surround a koi pond and in-ground swimming pool in the backyard. Oil heat, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk schools. Square footage: 2,540. Taxes: $5,499.40.

SARATOGA - 408 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 12 p.m. - 9 p.m., Wednesday, January 11th

HOROSCOPE

Week Of January 8, 2023

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you are willing to take risks and never afraid to try new things. This benefits you as you seek new solutions regarding how to get things done.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, figure out a new goal to pursue and start to make a list of how to get to the finish line. You may need to recruit a few volunteers to help along the way.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, when a project at work lands on your desk, you may be ambivalent about it. You appreciate the challenge, but already have a long list of things to do.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Could this be the right time to think about making a career move, Cancer? The new year marks a fresh start, and perhaps you have had your eyes on a new work opportunity.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

There’s more than meets the eye this week when someone from your past suddenly pops up on your radar again, Leo. Learn all of the facts before you make assumptions.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, try to stay in the loop around the office. Doing so might pay professional dividends that could open the door to new possibilities.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You’ve been keeping quite busy, Libra, but don’t forget to make time to touch base with friends and loved ones from time to time. Keep those lines of communication open.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Patience is a virtue of which

you are in short supply recently, Scorpio. You have no control over the timeline on certain things and that can be frustrating. Wait it out.

SAGITTARIUS –

Nov 23/Dec 21

It’s time to tackle all of those tasks you have been putting since the end of last year, Sagittarius. If you need help getting organized, reach out to someone you trust.

CAPRICORN –Dec 22/Jan 20 Think about all the possibilities you have before you, Capricorn. When you consider all of the positives in your life, the negatives just may fade away.

AQUARIUS –

Jan 21/Feb 18

Your name is on the lips of so many people. That is likely because you are affecting change wherever you go.

Keep forging ahead because you are helping others.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Now that spending has ceased, take a closer look at how you can budget for the new year. Make your money work for you, Pisces.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY 8

Cynthia Erivo, Actress (36)

JANUARY 9

Nina Dobrev, Actress (34)

JANUARY 10

Rod Stewart, Singer (78)

JANUARY 11

Jamie Vardy, Athlete (36)

JANUARY 12

Jeff Bezos, Entrepreneur (59)

JANUARY 13

Natalia Dyer, Actress (28)

JANUARY 14

Dave Grohl, Singer (54)

is the focus with Saratoga National Historical Park’s curator, Christine Valosin.

March 16 – Saratoga Style Baseball, including the story of the Abner Doubleday House and Lefty Mulligan with town of Saratoga Historian Sean Kelleher and others.

The programs start at 6 pm. Tickets to the Saratoga History Happy Hour are $15 each and come with a craft beer or non-alcoholic beverage. These events are limited to Saratoga County History Center members. Advance purchase of tickets is required by visiting https:// brooksidemuseum.org/2022/12/saratoga-history-happy-hours/

Membership in the Saratoga County History Center starts at $25. You are invited to become a part of Saratoga County’s history and join our fantastic community of partners and supporters as a History Center Member! Visit the link to explore our different membership levels: https://brooksidemuseum.org/support-schs/new-individual-membership-page/

If you are interested in participating in the upcoming Saratoga History Happy Hours, join our email list https://brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/ events/51237-saratoga-history-happy-hour-mailing-list to stay current on all the latest Saratoga History Happy Hour news!

If the new owners are able to work out an agreement with the Surface Transportation Board for the creation of a trail, “we won’t get in the way,” he said.

“I am encouraged by the balance struck by this partnership between potential future use of the railroad and the environmental restoration of the Village of Tahawus, which I have been advocating for since 2018,” said Newcomb Town Supervisor, Robin DeLoria, who noted the option for a multi-use recreational trail for snowmobiling and hiking.

This story is from the Adirondack Explorer, a nonprofit news organization that covers the Adirondack Park. Its journalism is published in a bimonthly magazine and daily on adirondackexplorer.org.

Southern Saratoga Art Society

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Artists and members of SSAS are exhibiting at two locations during January and February, 2023. The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Commons Ct., Tel. #: 518-383-1343 will be hosting a show called “The Two Vals” and will feature the artwork of Valerie Woodward and Valerie Wolf. These unique artists will feature an eclectic mix of artwork and use of vibrant colors in landscapes, stilllife, paint pouring, realism to abstract, using acrylics, watercolor, pen and watercolor pencil collages just to name a few.

The Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, Tel.#: 518-664-4646 will feature artist Barbara Hurley. Barbara has been painting most of her life. She paints in acrylics, oils and watercolors and has taken many classes with various artists. Her exhibit includes portraits in oils and some recent works in Acrylics. Barbara will donate any proceeds from sales to the Round Lake Methodist Church.

For further information about SSAS visit our website: southernsaratogaartist.com or check us out on Facebook.

Ballston Spa UMC Food Pantry

BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church Food Pantry is open each Wednesday from 9:30 to noon and serves all of Saratoga County. We are located at 101 Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa.

n If you have seen or own a particularly interesting home for sale to feature, send the address to lhornbeck@timesunion.com

The home was built in the 1880s, and includes a barn on the property, seen above. There are three bedrooms, like the one at left, and a three-season porch, below. The dining room houses a gas fireplace, below left.

ROBERT KRISTEL-PRODUCTION HOUSE / PROVIDED BY GLOBAL MLS

This Victorian-style home sits on 1.6 acres and features gardens, a koi pond and in-ground pool.

Murder in the Canfield Casino: New Detective Board Game Benefits Saratoga Springs History Museum

SARATOGA - Murder in the Canfield Casino: New Detective Board Game Benefits Saratoga Springs History Museum

The Saratoga Springs History Museum has released a fun new board game just in time for the holidays: Murder in the Canfield Casino: The Saratoga Springs Historical Detective Game.

Players take on the role of historical figures from Saratoga Springs history and act as sleuths to solve the murder of Ms. Sara Toga in the Canfield Casino, Saratoga Springs’ most historic building. The game board is based on the floor plan of the Casino, and the suspects are prominent people from Saratoga Springs history, including: John Morrissey, builder of the Casino and founder of the racetrack; George Crum, inventor of the potato chip; and singer/actress Lillian Russell. All the potential murder weapons shown History Museum.

“This game was conceptualized during the pandemic shutdowns. I designed and wrote it, and sourced out the creative materials necessary to talented local people. We are so excited to have this finally come to fruition and be available for the holiday season,” says James Parillo, Executive Director of the History Museum.

Murder in the Canfield Casino retails for $49.95, with all proceedsbenefitting the Museum. The game is available at the Saratoga Springs History Museum Shop, Impressions of Saratoga, The Dark Horse Mercantile, G. Williker’s and The National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame’s Shop.

The History Museum has been located in the Canfield Casino since 1912 and serves thousands of visitors and hundreds of schoolchildren every year. The Museum’s three floors of exhibits tell the story of Saratoga Springs, and are always changing and improving. The History Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through December 18.

The Museum Shop will remain open December 19-23 for holiday shopping.

This game was made possible by Camelot Print and Copy Centers, The Adirondack Trust Company, Impressions of Saratoga, The Dark Horse Mercantile, Larry Ambrosino Design and Gail Stein Photography.

The History Museum can be reached at 518-584-6920, at www.saratogahistory.org, or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Recruiting AmeriCorps Volunteers 55+

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Community Caregivers has partnered with AmeriCorps Seniors and is actively recruiting volunteers who are 55+ join a national volunteer movement and help their neighbors.

Our volunteers provide support, at no charge, to older adults and individuals who need help to live safely and independently in their own homes. There are several flexible opportunities available such as grocery shopping and transportation. We currently serve Albany and Rensselaer counties.

For those that meet the income guidelines, there is even a modest stipend available.

If your organization currently utilizes volunteers and would like to find out how we can partner or if you’re interested and have questions, please send us a note at americorps@communitycaregivers.org .

Also, Visit Community Caregivers at www.communitycaregivers.org.

Brookside Museum Closed for the Winter Renovations and New Exhibition Being Installed

BALLSTON SPA - The Saratoga County History Center (SCHC) announced today that Brookside Museum exhibits will be closed through the end of March. The museum will be doing renovations and installing an immersive exhibition on the history of Saratoga County to open in spring 2023.

Field Horne, president of the SCHC, said, “This new exhibition of this magnitude and quality should result in a steady audience and sustainable financial support for the History Center. The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors’ fiscal support will allow for an engaging orientation for residents and visitors about the county’s history and be the basis for developing new public and school programs. This development should lead to additional partnerships with cultural and educational institutions and increase public and donor awareness.”

The History Center will carry on special events such as the presentation “Experts Next Door”. One of these presentations will take place January 31 at 7pm on Zoom and will feature Dr. Eliga Gould speaking on the Global War for American Revolution. In addition, the History Center has scheduled three “Saratoga History Happy Hours” as member-only events which feature local historians at the Real McCoy Beer Company in Ballston Spa.

The Irena Wooton Research Room holds thousands of documents about local history and genealogy, including the Heritage Hunters book collection. The Irena Wooton Research Room is open throughout the winter by appointment. To schedule an appointment, please email research@brooksidemuseum.org.

Christ’s Cupboard Food Pantry

BALLSTON SPAChrist’s Cupboard Food Pantry, located at the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa, 202 Milton Ave, has expanded our service hours. We are now open every Tuesday morning from 9-11am and every Thursday afternoon from 4:30-6:00pm.

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church Thrift Shop

BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church Thrift Shop is open on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 until noon. We are located at 101 Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa.

Fish Creek Rod & Gun Club Fish Fry Friday Eat-In or Take Out

SCHUYLERVILLE - The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club Friday night Fish Fry will be back for 2023. Fish Fry will start January 13 and run through April 7th We will be serving from 4:00pthm till 7:00pm. Various menu items are available From fried fish to chicken nuggets with French fries, Cole slaw and chowder also available. 518-695-3917

Eco-Friendly Actions Calendar

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Youth2 presents the 2023 “Eco-Friendly Actions” calendar to promote living in a sustainable manner for generations to come. Youth2 will post monthly on Facebook, Instagram and other local digital platforms simple lifestyle adjustments one can make to give back to our environment.

The organization has worked to create a methodical monthly plan for the upcoming year. Early in 2023, the calendar explores themes of land use, upcycling, and trees, but as the year progresses gardening, recycling, water use, and advocacy are also discussed.

Youth2 hopes to call attention to addressing practical worldly issues (protection of water, trees, etc.) in a manageable, doable and not overwhelming way. The purpose of this calendar is to educate more people in the Saratoga Springs region on easy environmental actions that can be accomplished to help to protect our environment. Through community action we can contribute to a better future.

SARAH BUCK Marketing & Data Analyst

HOME SOLUTIONS

Tips When Painting Shutters

There are many ways to give a home’s exterior a new look. Though it might not be as grand as replacing siding, repainting shutters affords homeowners a chance to try a bold new color or simply replace fading colors, and each option can make a home more appealing.

Homeowners who have never before painted shutters can consider these tips as they prepare to begin the project.

• Don’t go it alone. The most important step homeowners can take before beginning a shutter painting project is to enlist the help of a friend or family member. Someone to hold the ladder can make the project safer. Enlisting a third individual, working on the ground, who can take the shutters from the person on the ladder may be a wise move as well.

• Remove the shutters. When painting shutters, homeowners want to remove them from the house. It might seem easier to leave the shutters on and then paint them carefully with a brush, but that’s both time-consuming

and a potential safety risk. Some shutters are installed with fasteners that look like screws, but that appearance is misleading and shutters installed in this way cannot be removed with a drill or screwdriver. Homeowners should determine which material their shutters are made from, and then look for a corresponding removal tutorial on YouTube. Homeowners who can’t find one can contact the manufacturer or a contractor to determine the best way to remove the shutters.

• Clean the shutters prior to painting them. It’s likely been years since the shutters were last painted, and over that time they’ve no doubt accumulated a lot of dirt and mildew. Homeowners can try a garden hose to clean them, and if that doesn’t work a power washer may be needed. If using a power washer with wooden shutters, be especially careful, as the force of the power washer may damage the wood. Vinyl shutters, like vinyl siding, can typically handle a strong power washing without being damaged. Wooden shutters also will need to have old paint removed before they can be repainted. The experts at TrueValue® note that paint can be removed from wooden shutters with a sander or by applying a chemical paint stripper.

• Prime wooden shutters before painting. Though vinyl shutters won’t need to be primed unless the old paint is peeling, wooden shutters must be primed before they’re painted. Priming can be a tedious process, so homeowners should leave themselves ample time for this part of the project.

• Rent an airless sprayer to paint the shutters. Many hardware or paint stores rent airless sprayers, and these can be the quickest way to paint shutters. Professionals typically apply two coats of paint, and the first coat should be allowed to fully dry before the second coat

Upgrade Bathroom Safety Features

Bathrooms can benefit from updates that improve their form and function. While styles and color patterns may inspire bathroom renovations, improvements to safety also should be considered.

Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in a house. Bath and shower areas account for about two-thirds of accidental injuries in these spaces. Many other injuries involve the toilet. In 2008, a thorough investigation of bathroom dangers conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that mishaps near the bathtub, shower, toilet, and sink caused an estimated 234,094 nonfatal injuries in the United States among people aged 15 years and older.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable in the bathroom due to reduced mobility and flexibility, visual impairment and other factors. However, some key modifications can make bathrooms much safer for aging populations.

• Raised toilet seat: Install an ADA-compliant raised toilet seat. Standard toilet seats are roughly 15 inches high, but elevated seats can raise the bowl an additional two to four inches. Another option is to invest in risers that can be attached to an existing toilet.

• Grab bars: Seniors may use towel holders as grab bars, which don’t have stability and can dislodge from the wall. Install secured side grip bars by the toilet and inside the shower to make maneuvering easier.

• Water temperature: Seniors may be vulnerable to hot water temperatures. Lower the water temperature setting on the hot water heater. StaySafe.org recommends 120 F.

• Faucets: Change faucet handles to paddle-style handles rather than knobs. Knobs can be challenging to grip for those with arthritis in their hands. Also, handles that are easier for seniors to use can reduce the risk of the elderly losing their balance as they attempt to gain leverage to turn the water on and off.

• Nonslip mats: Nonslip mats or tape strips can be used in showers and tub bottoms, as well as outside of the shower to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Rugs should have rubberized, slip-resistant backing.

• Rounded corners: Choose counters and fixtures with rounded corners. Should a senior fall against something, the rounded corner may prevent serious injury.

• Shower benches and transfer seats: Benches and transfer seats make it easier getting in and out of the shower. Also, sitting while showering reduces the risk of becoming light-headed or losing balance.

• Walk-in tubs/showers: Minimizing the threshold to the shower or bathtub is an important safety feature. Some manufacturers make walk-in tubs with doors that secure and make watertight seals. Showers that don’t have a lip or tub to scale also are better for seniors.

• Lighting: Eyesight weakens over time, so improve lighting with combinations of overhead lighting and softer side lighting. Night lights or soft-glowing toilet lights can make it easier to get around the bathroom in the middle of the night.

These are just some improvements that can create safer bathroom environments for seniors.

Did You Know?

Certain home improvement projects are more complex than others. Projects that involve working with gas lines are among the most complicated and risky undertakings, and even seasoned do-it-yourselfers are urged to leave such tasks to certified professionals. According to Angi, the average cost to move a gas line is between $15 and $25 per linear foot, and homeowners can expect to pay an additional $1 to $10 per linear foot for pipe materials. A natural gas plumber can install, extend and repair natural gas lines and ensure that the project is completed safely, on time and within homeowners’ budgets.

Angi notes that the average cost to move a gas line is between $250 and $750 for the whole project. However, if a buried line must be excavated, that cost could run into the thousands of dollars.

is applied.

• Re-hang the shutters after they have fully dried. Only after the shutters have fully dried should they be placed back on the house. Employ the same buddy system when re-hanging the shutters, having one person hold the ladder and another pass each one up one at a time.

Painting shutters can give a home a fresh look without costing homeowners a lot of money.