Local First Saratoga North Edition 112422

Network Saratoga Announces 2022 Business Participants in Black Friday

SARATOGA - Black Fri day marks the official start of the holiday shopping season across the coun try and Saratoga Springs prepares to welcome in the season with huge savings throughout the downtown area. On November 25th, a select group of over twenty stores in down town Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area will be participating in a group sale promotion, offering a variety of discounts on the day after Thanksgiving. Most deals are spread out all day long to encourage a safe, comfortable shopping experience.

Local merchants look forward to this day as an opportunity to offer customers once-a-year savings in appreciation of their support of local business throughout the year! “Black Friday Participant” window signs and balloons will differen tiate the storefronts of the businesses who are partic ipating in the Black Friday Saratoga 10th Anniversary event. In celebration of 10 years, there will be a QR code on every Black Friday Saratoga Participant window sign. Shoppers can scan the code to register to win a giveaway package of $25 gift certificates to ev ery participating business!

This year’s participat ing businesses are located on Church Street, Broad way, Phila and Excelsior Ave., where one downtown Saratoga business partic ipant recently relocated to. The list of 26 includes Beef Jerky Experience, Botanicals Spa, Caroline & Main, Celtic Treasures, Crafters Gallery, Dance Fire Saratoga Springs, The Dark Horse Mercantile, Divine Sole, Encounter

Lights, Camera, Transparency

Oh, the irony: The town of Malta, home to the Luther Forest Technology Campus and a “Tech Valley” success story, can’t find some one on staff who knows how to work a camera.

Public meetings aren’t being livestreamed in Malta any more, and observers say that old meetings have been removed from the town You-Tube channel. Meanwhile, $70,000 in video equipment the town bought to lives tream meetings has been gathering dust for months.

We know, we know, no one likes to read instruction manuals. But some residents are feeling like town leadership is less than com mitted to open, transparent governance.

One reason they’re feeling testy is that the town’s tech woes have been tangled up with its handling of a planned development district on Saratoga Lake. Originally, developers of the South Shore Marina project dangled promises of a public canoe and kayak launch in exchange for a variance to build condos on the lake. Then they scrapped that offer and instead suggested cutting off all public access to Saratoga Lake from Malta in exchange for paying the town an undisclosed sum of money — a proposal that left residents howling.

The town’s livestream cameras shut off last summer during a particularly angry meeting

about the Saratoga Lake project. And the meetings that were taken off the town You-Tube channel con cerned that same project.

Town Supervisor Mark Hammond says they just “haven’t gotten the bugs worked out” with the new livestreaming equipment yet, and he notes that the town does not have a designated IT person.

Mr. Hammond gave pretty much the same answer last summer, when the town videos were taken off You-Tube, frustrating some residents who weren’t able to make the live meetings but were following actions on the South Shore Marina. “Part of the challenge for us is we don’t have an actual person whose job is to do this,” Mr. Hammond said at the time, adding: “... Everything is not a conspiracy.”

Well, that’s true. Some things, however, are enough to raise a reasonable pair of eyebrows.

In July, the Malta planning board unani mously rejected the development as having no public benefit — only to have the Town Board override the decision, with Mr. Hammond suggesting the planning board didn’t give the project a fair shake and saying “ it will be good

for the town.”

Know what else would be good for the town? Public participation and transparency. If Malta’s leaders don’t want people tossing around conspiracy theories, they need to try harder not to look like they’re dodging the public gaze. They need to remember that this is the people’s government, not their own private board of directors. And they should welcome, not thwart, public engagement.

We understand why opponents of the South Shore Marina project feel like they want to keep an eye on it. And in the meantime, Hud son Valley Community College broke ground in Malta this summer on a facility to help train people for tech jobs — if nothing else, maybe they can reserve a few classroom seats for town employees.

Making holiday joy ‘no matter what’

All-volunteer staff works to provide year-end gifts

By WENDY LIBERATORE

SARATOGA SPRINGS

— In 1947, a young social worker saw a need — a need to spread some holiday joy to the three dozen children who were consigned to the city’s institution for underprivi leged children.

Thus, Jean Barr decid ed to purchase Christmas gifts for the children, who lived out their days, some briefly and some for years, at the Hawley Home, an orphanage and respite for indigent children. And with the help of six other benev olent women — Philly Dake, Elizabeth Foy, Alice Reeves, Mildred Rock well, Carol Serotta and Jane Wait — Barr raised a fund and purchased gifts for all of the children. It was so gratifying, she and her partners decided to form an organization, the Saratoga County Chil dren’s Committee, and do it every year, under the banner of Empty Stocking Project.

“We started very small, with just a few,” Barr told the Saratogian in 1986. “Then we just kept spreading the word and each year it got bigger.”

Now, 75 years later, the committee, which became a private nonprofit in 1962, still thrives. This year, co-chair Gail Veitch

expects to touch the lives of close to 1,000 children by supplying parents who are struggling financially with holiday gifts for their children. And it’s all done with volunteers.

“We don’t have a brick or mortar (office),” said Veitch, who has been a member of the committee for more than 30 years.

“We don’t have paid staff. We are a completely vol unteer group of women.”

Not surprisingly, November is one of its busiest times of year for the 45-or-so-member committee. In October, they sort through the hun dreds of referrals that the committee receives from partnership organizations like the Franklin Com munity Center, LifeWorks Community Action, Saratoga County Early Intervention, Saratoga Mentoring, Wellspring and public school counsel ors and nurses. The list is long and the need is great. From there, the commit tee goes about matching children with sponsors.

“We have beautiful people who sponsor the children,” Veitch said. “We call them friends.”

Those friends are sup plied with a list of clothing sizes and toys that the children, all of whom remain anonymous, might like. Some sponsors pro vide for the same family year after year, others come in for only one year, others for just one child. Of course, there are others

who donate money so that the committee can fill in the gaps. Once the marriage between children and sponsors is done, it’s time to shop.

“We give them a month to shop and they get back to us by the end of November,” Veitch said. “We go through the bags, make sure everything is the right size, make sure there is nothing in there that is a choking hazard or could cause allergy problems.”

The committee then brings the unwrapped gifts to the referring agency or school, which then gives the gifts to the parents, giving them a chance to see what the gifts are and wrap them themselves.

“It’s heart wrenching,” Veitch said. “The parents feel they are failing their children and we would like to give them a chance to wrap the gifts, to give them back ownership.”

While organizing the holiday gifts is the group’s biggest project, Veitch said the committee is working all year. The organization also hosts a back-to-school program where they pro vide necessary supplies and clothes. There are the special requests that come in year-round.

“We will have different requests for coats, boots, bedding,” Veitch said. “For example, the kids moved up from Florida to live with grandparents and they have no winter cloth

ing or they need a bed or a mattress. The organization makes a re quest and we fill it the next day. … We’ve gone into a mattress store and begged. If we can’t get someone to donate it, I’ll call the treasurer and we will buy it. Most of the time, peo ple are very generous.”

They also provide scholarships for summer camp for children – both day and sleepover stays, sometimes at specialty camps for the arts or sports.

“So far, we have never turned anyone away,” Veitch said. “Really, it’s on us to help children, no

matter what.”

Since the committee is removed from the process, they don’t have the joy of seeing the children open their presents or be surprised by a new pair of shoes or a bed. The found er, Barr, didn’t either, but she found the mission just as gratifying.

“Personally, I was Please see SARATOGA 10

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JEFFREY SCHERER / TIMES UNION

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHILDREN'S COMMITTEE

The Saratoga County Children's Committee got its start with the Empty Stocking Project, which provides holiday gifts to nearly 1,000 children.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHILDREN'S COMMITTEE

The Saratoga County Children's Committee collects school supplies for needy children each year.

the Job” Campaign for Brookside Museum Launched

BALLSTON SPA - The Saratoga County History Center at Ballston Spa’s Brookside Museum has launched its Annual Ap peal, “Finish the Job,” with the objective of complete stabilization of the historic building in the coming year. The goal of the cur rent phase, $45,000, will fund energy efficiency and long-postponed repair of space required for muse um operations and care of its important collections. Two friends of the muse um 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 build ing’s porch of six square columns in the Greek Revival style is believed to have been built in the late 1820s or early 1830s, re placing the 1792 original. The top-quality resto ration work of the porch is now underway and will be finished by year’s end.

“Finish the Job” will

The Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association Monthly Meeting

SARATOGA - The Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association will be holding their month ly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, December 6 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.

make the museum’s most economical operation pos sible. Its storm windows are 70 years old and do lit tle to keep out the weath er. Replacement with modern, efficient storms is planned before midwinter. New interior and exterior lighting, for the comfort of museum visitors and to re duce 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 per manent 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 Supervi sors. “Finish the Job” will create a welcoming setting for the new exhibit.”

All gifts will be ac knowledged with gratitude and donors will be counted

Empty Stocking Project Begins

SARATOGA COUNTY

- The Saratoga County Children’s Committee is a nonprofit organization that helps children and families in Saratoga Coun ty. The Empty Stocking Project provides holiday gifts and necessities to about 900 children and teens each year. Generous people and organizations sponsor a child by pur chasing gifts from the child’s “wish list”.

If you are willing to sponsor a child or for more information please call Kathy Kelly at 399-6629 or go to our website www.

as 2023 members. Con tributions can be sub mitted through the www. brooksidemuseum.org link or by mail to SCHS, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ball ston Spa, N.Y. 12020.

Annual Rotary Club Christmas Tree Sale To Return To Normal

BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Spa Rotary Club is pleased to announce that it will have 600 Christmas trees for sale this year in its tree lot at the Curtis Lumber on Route 67 in Ballston Spa, starting Friday, Nov. 25.

The number of trees available in the annual sale is a return to normal after a 2021 season in which the club had significantly fewer trees than usual, due to a national Christmas tree shortage.

The tree sale is the big gest fundraiser of the year for the Ballston Spa Rotary Club, with proceeds used to support local efforts to address hunger among Ballston Spa Central School District students, international assistance to refugees, and other local non-profit causes.

saratogachildrenscommit tee.org. Cash donations are always appreciated and may be sent to The Sara toga County Children’s Committee, P.O. Box 1254, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Southern Saratoga Art Society

SARATOGA COUNTY - The Southern Saratoga Art Society will meet on Monday, November 28, 2022 , 6:30 p.m., and have a special art demon stration hosted by the Blooming Artist Gallery, 675 Grooms Road Clifton Park., Rexford Landing Plaza. Featured will be

“We are thrilled to have an adequate supply of trees again,” said Rotary Club President William Mather Jr. “We know a lot of families have a tradition of supporting community organizations by buying their holiday tree from Rotary, and the sales are vital to what we do to sup port community organiza tions.”

Mather expressed spe cial thanks to Rotarians Pete Champagne and Doug Ford for their extensive work to secure this year’s supply of trees, despite weather-related shortages and higher prices.

The trees for sale this year will be a breed called Fralsam, a hybrid between Fraser Fir and Balsam trees. Prices will vary with tree size, starting at $80. The tree lot will be open daily until Dec. 23 or until all the trees are sold. The lot opens at 11 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends.

Programs that benefit from the funds raised through tree sales include weekend food backpack programs for food-inse cure elementary school students in Ballston Spa,

artist, Ilona Zabolotna demonstrating a “Cof fee Painting” using her recently developed unique technique of brewed expresso as a medium. Her style flows much like watercolor and champions combining refined detail with pouring coffee and freely expressive splatter. Her portraits are full of emotions with knowledge of anatomy.

The demonstration is open to the public and made possible by Saratoga Arts through the Commu nity Arts Regrant Pro gram, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New

basic school supplies for kindergarteners, local scholarships and awards, and a summer lunch pro gram operated by the First Baptist Church in Ballston Spa.

Other programs sup ported by local Rotary funding include Ronald McDonald House, the Gift of Life pediatric surgical program at Albany Medi cal Center, and ShelterBox, a international partner of Rotary International that provides portable tempo rary housing to refugees displaced by war and natural disaster.

Rotary is an interna tional service organization with nearly 35,000 clubs in communities across North America and around the world.

Holiday Wreath Sale Fundraiser

BALLSTON SPA - Gate way House of Peace will be holding a wreath sale on Saturday, November 26th from 10am - 3pm!

479 Rowland St. Ball ston Spa, Wreath without a bow: $20, Wreath with a homemade bow: $25 Cash or check only, please!

York State Legislature. For more information about SSAS, visit: south ernsaratogaartist.com

Fish Creek Rod & Gun Club

Monthly Breakfast

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

Come join Santa from 9:00 – 11:00

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

Published Every Thursday Distributed Weekly To 180,000 Homes

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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.

SARATOGA - The Racing City Chorus from Saratoga Springs, NY is inviting any interested men of all ages from the Greater Capital District to sing with us this Holiday Season.

This is a wonderful opportunity for those of you who have never sung in full harmony with an a cappella barbershop chorus before to sing some beautiful Holiday songs and bring enjoyment to others during this special time of the year, It’s really quite simple. If you are available and can attend several of our upcoming rehearsals, then we’d love for you to perform at least two songs with our large chorus.

Instruction will be pro vided by Gary Glidden, our chorus Director. You will receive sheet music, and for those who don’t read music, we will provide a personal CD with your part sung for you to memo rize. The tunes are easy to learn as you are likely to be familiar with them. You do not have to be an accom plished singer. It really will be a lot of fun, we promise!

Rehearsals are TUES DAY evenings starting at 7:30PM as follows: 11/29 and 12/6 PBA Clubhouse, 5 Bliven Way, Saratoga Springs, NY, off Northway Exit 15 east.

We have planned a special Holiday Concert for you and your family on Tuesday, December 13th. at 7:30PM at the PBA Clubhouse in Saratoga Springs, and you will be on the risers singing with us. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Don’t miss out on this

thrilling opportunity at no cost to you! Bring a friend.

*see www.RacingCi tyChorus.org for Covid protocol

Questions? Call John Senecal at 518-810-3322

Save $$$…

Lots of Them

CAPITAL DISTRICTIt’s that time again. Rotary Club is selling SaveAround coupon books still at the same price as previous years, $25. You can buy now and start using now… good until end of 2023. You can send as gift to your friends/family here and out of town and state for the their area. Don’t wait, call 518-878-0883 for your books.

Announcing

“Between Heaven and Earth” Works by Rabbi Linda Motzkin

SARATOGA - Spring Street Gallery is honored to present “Between Heaven and Earth, works by Rabbi Linda Motzkin on view November 13 through December 19, 2022.

Rabbi Motzkin says: “My artwork combines calligraphed excerpts from the 3,000-year-old body of Jewish literature with torn, scarred or otherwise blemished pieces of hand made deerskin parchment.

All my work is informed by the tension between living as a flawed human being in this less-than-perfect world, while striving for something higher and better which may be unat tainable. I live and work in the space between heaven and earth.”

Rabbi Motzkin, a Torah scribe, author, parchment maker, and an artist is to

Saratoga Builders Association Donates Proceeds of $48,000 from the 2022 Showcase Of Homes To Local Charities

SARATOGA - The Saratoga Builders Association is ex cited to present proceeds totaling $48,000 from the 2022 Saratoga Showcase of Homes to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. The Sara toga Builders Association is proud and fortunate to have been able to contribute nearly $1.5 million dollars to our local charities from this area’s premiere new home tour event.

The 2022 edition of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes had only 5 homes on tour this year due to labor and ma terial shortages - Belmonte Builders, DSG Construction & Remodeling, Kodiak Construction, Trojanski Builders and Witt Construction. This year’s tour attracted about

Ballston Area Senior Citizens Activities

BALLSTON/MILTON - BASC Inc. If you are 55+ a res ident 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 ballston miltonseniors.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

be celebrated on her solo exhibition opening No vember 13 from 2 - 4 pm. The opening and gathering is also a celebration of Rabbi Motzkin’s retire ment from Temple Sinai in downtown Saratoga Springs where she and her husband Rabbi Jonathan Rubenstein have served as co-rabbis together since 1986. Rabbi Jonathan Rubenstein will be retiring this year as well.

A portion of the pro ceeds from the sales of Rabbi Motzkin’s artwork will benefit the Bread and Torah Project of Temple Sinai. Bread and Torah supports anti-poverty, social justice, and envi ronmental programs on a local and global scale, and other charitable causes.

Spring Street Gallery is open to the public. To make an appointment, purchase artwork, or for any other questions or concerns, please text or call Belinda Colón at 518-290-0660 or email the gallery at springstreetgal lerylist@gmail.com. 48 hours notice is required for private tours or ap pointments.

Gateway House of Peace Winter Coat Sale

BALLSTON SPANovember 26th Time: 10am To 3pm Location: 479 Rowland St. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Fund raiser - ALL PRO CEEDS GO TO GATEWAY HOUSE OF PEACE Gateway House is a donor driven End of life home

That cares for local resident & families during loved ones final days

Main Street Studio in Charlton Hosts Holiday Market

CHARLTON - Don’t miss Main Street Studio’s two-day Holiday Market on November 25 & 26 from 9am - 5pm each day. Find a curated selection of unique jewelry and handmade gifts for the kitchen and home by local potters, woodworkers, fabric artists and farmers in the town’s repurposed fire station. Main Street Studio is a new art/craft studio, gallery, and com munity learning space, located at 786 Charlton Road in historic Charl ton. For more informa tion, visit www.main streetcharlton.com.

Artisans’ Market Opening Soon Brookside Museum Holiday Market Opening for the Season

BALLSTON SPA - Cel ebrate the holiday season at Brookside Museum during the 22nd annual Artisans’ Market which opens on Small Busi ness Saturday, Novem ber 26, and will run through Saturday, December 24, 2022.

The annual market features only handmade/ handcrafted products created by local artisans. Items include soaps, lotions, ornaments, jewelry, syrups, scarves, ceramics, hats, and much more! Shoppers can stroll through the market and visit the museum’s exhibits about the history of the Saratoga Chip and Dake Family/Stewart’s Shops.

Beth Silvestri, the Brookside Museum retail

2500 visitors to these beautiful new homes, which were on display over two weekends. In what has become an autumn tradition in our area, the Saratoga Builders As sociation is dedicated to this long running show being an integral part of the fabric in our fall season.

About the Showcase of Homes

This annual community event is made possible only with the generous support of over 75 corporate and media sponsors. The 2022 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, celebrating 26 years of exceptional homes, was held on October 8-9 and 15-16. All the homes were located throughout Saratoga County and the proceeds benefit ed two local charities - Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. For more details on the homes, builders, award winners, and virtual tours of

manager said, “Every year the Artisans’ Market gets better! This one-of-a-kind shopping experience offers a variety of unique items, making holiday shopping simple. Each item sold supports both the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum and local artisans!”

The Artisans’ Market is held at SCHC at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

The 2022 market hours: Thursdays, 12pm – 5pm Fridays, 11am – 6pm Saturdays, 11am – 5pm Sundays, 11am – 5pm

The History Center is dedicated to the preserva tion and sharing of the di verse histories of Saratoga County. In addition to the Brookside Museum, the History Center provides various innovative, excit ing, and educational pro grams online and in-per son across the county.

This is the last chance to see the museum’s popular A Century of Ice Cream, a centennial of the Dake family and Stewart’s Shops and In the Saratoga Style: Potato Chips and Their Regional Folklore exhibits.

Saratoga – Wilton

Elks Lodge 161

Stuffed Shells Dinner for Curbside Pick Up

SARATOGA / WILTON

Wed, Nov. 30, 2022 4:30-6:00 pm

Call Monday And Tues day Between 10am-Noon To Place An Order, 518-584-2585

Stuffed Shells, Meat balls, Sweet Sausage Tossed Salad, Garlic Toast DINNER FOR 2 /$30.00 (CASH ONLY)

Stretch Your Budget Christmas Sale at the Old Stone Church

BALLSTON SPA - De cember 2nd Friday and December 3rd Satur day from 9 A.M - 3 P.M.

The Stretch Your Budget Christmas Sale at the Old Stone Church, 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa. Shop for your Christ mas Gifts for a donation and enjoy a cup of coffee, punch and cookies. NO dealers or used to give to other agencies. Sale is for families who need gifts for their own. Call 518-8854034 Ann for questions.

ClayWorks

Holiday Sale at Saratoga Clay Arts Center

SCHUYLERVILLEMeet the Artists at SCAC Studio Tours, Demonstra tions, Ceramic Art for Sale -- Functional and Sculp tural and Refreshments

November 26th, 2022 10am - 3pm December 4th, 2022 12pm - 5pm or by appoint ment from November 27th -December 3rd

Please email: artistsofs cac@gmail.com

Address: Saratoga Clay Arts Center 167 Hayes Rd, Schuyler ville, NY 12871

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church Food Pantry

BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Spa United Meth odist 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.

every home, please visit the interactive website at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

About the Saratoga Builders Association

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the well-being and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, re modelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is com mitted to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, please visit www.saratogabuilders.org or contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518.366.0946 or bpotoker@sara togabuilders.org.

rose more than 60 percent in the 12-month period ending in June 2022, part of the energy category. However, during that same period, electricity prices rose by nearly 14 percent while natural gas prices increased by 38 per cent. Both of those increases were more significant than the more publicized rise in food prices, which rose by right around 10 percent.

Families need to eat and many professionals now must return to in-per son work after years of pandemic-related remote working, which means they must confront higher fuel costs. That leaves little room to save money in those areas. However, there are ways for families to reduce home energy costs without adversely affecting their quality of life.

• Run applianc es during off-peak hours. According to the United States Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the best time to use appliances in a home is when overall electricity use is low. Though this time changes depending on the season and can vary based on geography, the DOE and the EPA both note that after 9 p.m. and before 9 a.m. are generally the off-peak hours in most areas.

• Strategically use your shades and blinds. The energy providers at ConEd estimate that about 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Strategic use of curtains, shades and blinds can keep heat out on hot days, thus allowing homeowners to turn the thermostat up on their air conditioning units in summer. Opening curtains, blinds and shades on winter mornings and afternoons will allow more sunlight in, allowing homeowners to control heating costs more effec tively.

• Reorganize your refrigerator. There are plenty of contradictory strategies regarding how best to store foods in a refrigerator so the unit consumes as little energy as possible while still keep ing foods fresh and chilled. But various energy provid ers, including ConEd, rec ommend that consumers avoid packing a fridge too tightly. By allowing cold air to circulate within the refrigerator, the refriger ator won’t need to work as hard, and thus consume as much energy, to keep foods cool. It’s important to note that the opposite should govern how the freezer is packed. Packing frozen items tightly in the freezer will help the refrigerator work a little less hard.

• Turn off the lights. Estimates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicate that electricity for lighting accounts for around 10 percent of electricity consumption in homes. A concerted effort to turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used can help consumers save money.

Rising utility bills are compelling millions of people to seek ways to trim their energy consump tion. Thankfully, there are many ways to do that without upsetting daily routines.

Brookside Museum’s “Finish

Campaign on Giving Tuesday and Saratoga County History Center

Announces

Special Thank You Gifts for Giving Tuesday

BALLSTON SPA - The Saratoga County History Cen ter at Ballston Spa’s Brookside Museum will be providing special thank-you gifts on Giving Tuesday, November 29, 2022 , as part of its annual appeal, “Finish the Job.” Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement driven by individuals, organizations, communities, and chari ties in countries all around the world.

The “Finish the Job” annual appeal has the objective of complete stabilization of the historic building in the coming year. Its 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.

“Finish the Job” will make the museum’s most eco nomical operation possible. Its storm windows are 70 years old and do little to keep out the weather. Replace ment with modern, efficient storms is planned before midwinter. New interior and exterior lighting, for the comfort of museum visitors and to reduce energy con sumption, will use LED technology. An area of the build ing 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 renovat ed, only two floors must be repaired and refurbished.

The impact of Giving Tuesday goes well beyond charitable donations. It inspires giving in all its forms from encouraging kindness to raising money for local non-profits and celebrating generosity. The movement is an opportunity for global unity through the power of generosity.

In collaboration with Giving Tuesday, the “Finish the Job” annual appeal will provide special thank you gifts to contributions above $25. SCHC will be providing spe cifics and updates on all SCHC social media platforms. All gifts will be acknowledged with gratitude and donors will be counted as 2023 members. Contributions can be submitted through the www.brookside.org link or by mail to SCHS, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, N.Y. 12020.

To Love a Child Announces Annual December Angel Match $15,000 Challenge

CAPITAL DISTRICT - To Love A Child, Inc., a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization announces its Annual Angel Match $15,000 Challenge. This event kicks off on Giving Tuesday November 30th and will extend thru December 31st.

Two anonymous “angels” have pledged to match every donation during the month of December up to a $15,000 total. Donations assist people suffering from abject poverty—those deprived of basic human needs; including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health care, shelter, and education. Donations will be used to support local families in our community as well as pro grams and projects in Haiti and Zimbabwe.

To Love A Child invites you to make a difference in a

Ballston Area Seniors

BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Area Seniors will be meeting at the Town of Milton Community Cen ter, 310 Northline Rd. ev ery Thursday at 10:00am To play cards, use the craft room & play pool or just socialize. Lunch is at 12:00 noon. A Congregate Meals, Monday –Friday at 12:00 noon—1:00 pm. Reserva tion are required the day before your meal, call 518884-0163.

At lunch the BASC Members may participate in Congregate Meals OR bring your own lunch, your choice. We will have pizza every third Thursday of the month.

Coffee and hot water for tea will be available. New information on weekly activities

Mondays 9:00 ---12:00---

Table Pool 10:00---11:00am---Chorus 11:15am---12:00---Exercise Tuesdays 10:00am---12:00---Crafts 1:00---4:00pm---Mahjong Wednesdays 9:00---12:00—Senior Craft Room 12:30 pm---3:00 pm--Quilting First Wednesday of each Month Pickin’s 6:30pm9:30pm Thursdays 12:00---Lunch & Gener al Meeting, followed by Bingo 1:00pm---4:00pm---Table Pool Fridays 9:00 am—12:00---Senior Craft Room 10:00 am—12:00-—Com puter Class 2:00---2:45pm---Exercise 6:30---9:00pm---Table Pool We will be keeping you updated in the newspapers & meetings.

child’s life. Your help and generosity are greatly needed this year to support our vision and mission in helping im poverished children. Over the past 13 years we continue to change lives through our journeys and your support.

Donations can be made on PayPal by visiting the web site www.toloveachild.net or by mailing a check to: To Love A Child Inc., PO Box 165, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Your support and generosity is greatly appreciated.

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Presents “A Taste Of Saratoga: Restaurants Then and Now”

SARATOGA - Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for “A Taste of Saratoga: Restaurants Then and Now” at 7:00PM on Tuesday, November 29, Giving Tuesday. This virtual program will highlight restau rants, both past and present, located in Saratoga Springs, New York. Featured restaurants include Pennell’s, Lou’s Luncheonette, The Ash Grove Inn, Ma DeMartino’s, Lil lian’s and more. This event is being held as part of Giving Tuesday, an internationally recognized day of philan thropy that takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. “The Foundation is excited to participate in Giving Tues day to encourage people to give back to their community and help preserve places that matter,” said Membership & Programs Director Nicole Babie.

Carol Godette, a former school teacher and author, will present and share selections from her Simply Saratoga articles on Zoom. “For years, Saratoga Springs has been home to beloved family-owned and operated restaurants that have been cherished for generations. I’m excited to share the history about Pennell’s – Saratoga’s oldest con tinually running restaurant that is celebrating its 100th year – as well as other restaurants that have offered residents and visitors of Saratoga Springs unique expe riences, delicious recipes, and unforgettable memories,” said Carol Godette. Special guest Craig Wilson, before becoming a distinguished columnist for USA Today, was a features writer for The Saratogian. He frequent ly lunched at Lou’s giving him first hand insight into a profile he wrote on Lou Goldsmith. Craig will be sharing one of his columns along with other remembrances and insights of his years in Saratoga.

This virtual program is offered for a suggested dona tion of $10 or more. Thanks to the support of deJonghe Original Jewelry, the Foundation will host a raffle of a “Spirit of Life” 14k gold pendant and necklace in celebra tion of Katrina Trask. Anyone who donates $50 or more to the Foundation by November 29 will be entered for a chance to win.

In addition to the virtual program, The Brook Tavern, 139 Union Avenue, will be hosting “Dine for a Cause” event to benefit the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation on Thursday, December 1. The Brook Tavern will generously donate 25% of all food sales that evening, both dine-in and takeout, as part of our Giving Tuesday celebration.

For additional information or to register for the virtual program visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030. Everyone who pre-registers for this program will be emailed a Zoom link in advance and will receive a link to the recording.

Al-anon/Alateen Meetings

CLIFTON PARKAlateen is for young adults (10-18) whose lives are be ing affected by someone’s drinking.

A new group is forming at St. Edward the Confessor 569 Clifton Park Ctr Rd, 4 pm each Sunday. The meetings are a time for sharing with other young people and learning that they are not alone.

Friendships are formed and life becomes manage able. A reminder that Alanon continues to meet at the same time and location on Sunday.

There is also an Al-anon meeting each Wednesday, 6 pm at St. Mary’s Church, Crescent, 86 Church Hill Road. Any questions may be directed to: cmc.afg.123@gmail.com

Code Blue Saratoga to Open

SARATOGA - Shelters of Saratoga to open the Code Blue winter emergency shelter beginning 10/27/2022 until April 2023. The agency operates the NYS mandat ed winter shelter for Saratoga County.

Beginning Thursday and continuing until April 2023, the program will provide nightly shelter from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. Additionally, on days when the temperature drops below 32 degrees, daytime respite with a navigation center where community partner agencies provide client services will be available. Services this winter have ex panded to include case management, which provides the means for guests to move out of homelessness.

SHELTER LOCATION: 4 Adelphi Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Phone: 518-581-1097 ext. 500

CONTACT CODE BLUE: 518-581-1097, ext. 500

About Shelters of Saratoga - Shelters of Saratoga’s mission is to transform the lives of our neighbors facing homelessness through supportive services, safe shelter, and a path to independence. The Saratoga County based human services agency has been providing homeless care since 1991. Shelters of Saratoga operates Saratoga County’s Code Blue program, a New York State mandat ed program that protects people who would otherwise remain unsheltered during winter weather.

To get involved or donate, visit: www.sheltersofsaratoga.org

Ballston Area Seniors Chorus is Looking For a Piano Player

BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Area Seniors Chorus is looking for a piano player to help us with rehearsals and concerts.

We meet on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Milton Community Center 310 Northline Rd. in Ballston Spa, NY. We are looking for new members who enjoy sing. Do come and join us.

Please call Alison Bodle at 518-288-3565 if you are interested, and for more information.

saratogaartist.com or visit us on Facebook.

REAL ESTATE / HOUSE OF THE WEEK

257 Devenpeck Road, Canajoharie

This late 19th-century farmhouse estate on 80 —count ‘em, 80 — acres has four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, all within just under 2,000 square feet of living space. Outdoors is for an adventurer with an eye for remodeling, namely with the postand-beam barn that could be converted into an event space. Some pastures are tillable for first- and second-cut hay. Inside has all the creature comforts one would need, including a six-burner Viking stove and custom cabinets in the kitchen, a first-floor library and hardwood floors throughout. Propane and oil heating, with a gas fireplace. Canajoharie schools.

Taxes: $6,766.

Listing price: $724,900.

For more information, contact Howard Hanna broker agent Jill Cunningham at 518-225-8205.

SARATOGA

Veitch agreed.

grateful that people would open up their pockets and hearts,“ she told the Sarato gian.

“We really stay in the background,” Veitch said. “The families don’t know it is us. But we hear about how the child lit up when they saw a bike. We know we are chang ing lives.”

"It’s heart wrenching. The parents feel they are failing their children and we would like to give them a chance to wrap the gifts, to give them back ownership.”

— Gail Veitch

HOROSCOPE

Week Of November 27, 2022

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

This week no one can help you but yourself, Aries. You have to figure out a way to get to the bottom of a problem on your own. But then the reward will be twice as sweet.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

There are a few obstacles in your path this week, Taurus. But nothing you can’t get around. If you have a few people help you out, your work will be even easier to manage.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, when a current plan of attack isn’t working out quite right, you may have to approach it from a different direction. A new angle can bring with it a new perspec tive.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

You may need to push your self a little further this week to make up for lost time, Cancer. Hunker down and get things done. There’s rest to have on the other side of the effort.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Turning a blind eye to a certain situation will not make it go away, Leo. It will only postpone the inevitable, which is getting it handled. Don’t procrastinate any longer.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Others may not want to hear the truth, but you’re still go ing to offer it up, Virgo. Forge ahead even if you may lose some friends in the process.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Think twice before you act this week, Libra. It’s easy to take the path ahead right now, but there may be some other way to go that could prove more rewarding in

the long run.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you are looking for a change but you don’t know what that should be just yet. You may have to try on a few different shoes before you find the right fit.

SAGITTARIUS –Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius birthday season is in full swing right now, so you are in a festive mood. That will continue right into the holidays, when you may be the life of the party.

CAPRICORN –Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you can change if you want to. It just requires a little effort right now to figure out the path you want to take. Brainstorm a few ideas and you can find a goal.

AQUARIUS –Jan 21/Feb 18

Keeping secrets will only work for so long. Aquarius. Sooner or later the truth will be revealed and you will need to come clean. Take the high road from the start.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

After a few bumps, you find your groove, Pisces. Super visors will recognize your efforts and perhaps give you the notice you deserve.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

NOVEMBER 27

Bill Nye, Scientist (67)

NOVEMBER 28

Karen Gillan, Actress (35)

NOVEMBER 29

Russell Wilson, Athlete (34)

NOVEMBER 30

Ben Stiller, Actor (57)

DECEMBER 1

Robert Irwin, Reality Star (19)

DECEMBER 2

Britney Spears, Singer (41)

DECEMBER 3

Ozzy Osbourne, Singer (74)

BLACK FRIDAY

Boutique, Frivolous Boutique, Impressions of Saratoga, iRun LOCAL, Lifestyles of Saratoga, Mountainman Out door Supply Company, Off-Track Records, PaperDolls of Saratoga, The Pink Paddock, Saratoga Olive Oil Compa ny, Sixth Generation Strings, Spoken Boutique, Tailgate and Party Shop, Union Hall Supply Company, Violets of Saratoga and Yellow Boutique. Sponsors include the Adirondack Trust Company, Stewart’s Shops, and The Richer Team at Hanna Commercial Real Estate. Media sponsors include Saratoga’s Star Radio, 93.3FM.

NYSCA Funds Expansion of Educational Programming at the History Center

BALLSTON SPA - Today, the Saratoga County History Center in Ballston Spa announced a $10,000 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts Regrowth and Capacity Grants. The grant will increase staffing hours for the History Center education staff. The History Center offers a variety of educational programs, serving children and adults.

The responsive funding of NYSCA is providing nearly 1000 organizations with over $13 million in recovery support in FY23, as part of their historic FY93 $90 million in grant making and $150 million in multi-year capital support.

“This unprecedented funding continues our invest ment into the vital role that the arts contribute to the health of our economy, our communities and our citi zens,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “As we continue our comeback, we applaud the strength and innovation of arts organizations across the state and are all the better for their hard work and dedication.”

The History Center offers in-person and distance learning opportunities to help local schools, teachers, students, and families continue their educational jour ney. The History Center works with elementary, middle, high school, and college students to provide Social Stud

The kitchen features a six-burner Viking stove and custom cabinets. The library, at left, is on the first floor; below left, one of four bedrooms. The home sits on 80 acres, below.

Retailers participating in the Black Friday Saratoga Group Sale are each offering their own custom deals and opening at a variety of different hours, with some opening as early as 6am, and others opening later in the morning. Discounts in some stores are as deep as 50% off select merchandise. Businesses will be putting out their best incentives to come and shop their stores all week end long and throughout the holiday season. For more information about the Black Friday Saratoga shopping event, go to www.facebook.com/blackfridaysaratoga. A complete list of the businesses, their hours and their discount offerings will be listed on http://blackfridays aratoga.com/ the week of Thanksgiving.

ies, history, and some STEM content.

Field Horne, president of the SCHC, said, “This grant helps the history center expand opportunities from pro viding professional development for teachers, such as a partnership with the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, to working with elementary school students in Ballston Spa.”

“We are delighted and honored. This funding will help SCHC fulfill its mission and expand the reach of our talented educators,” said Isobel Cornell, 2nd Vice-Presi dent of SCHC. “Thank you to the New York State Coun cil. We are immensely grateful for the support of the Governor and the Legislature.”

“NYSCA applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature for their historic investment of $240 million for the nonprofit arts and culture sector,” said Mara Manus, Executive Director of NYSCA. “As we continue rebuilding the arts across our New York, the Saratoga County History Center will play a vital role in the renewal of our state’s economy and creative ecosys tem. Congratulations on your award from the entire NYSCA team.”

“The Council congratulates the Saratoga County His tory Center on their grant award! These grants are from the people of New York State, for the future of New York State,” said Katherine Nicholls, Chair, NYSCA. “Arts and culture are crucial to the health of our citizens and the economic vitality of our communities, and we recognize the contributions of NYSCA grantees to the lives of all New Yorkers.”

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

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.

PHOTOS BY JIM PICTURE

The house at 257 Devenpeck Road in Canajoharie has four bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

Catholic Charities Hosts

27th Annual Saratoga Festival of Trees Event and the Annual Breakfast with

Santa

SARATOGA - Catholic Char ities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties invites the local community to unwrap the magic of the holiday season at their 27th annual fundrais er – The Festival of Trees – on Wednesday, November 30 through Sunday, December 4, at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

The Festival returns with a showcase of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and

other holiday and gift items for purchase. Festival proceeds will benefit the programs of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

The Festival of Trees event hours vary as follows: Festival of Trees Preview Reception, Wednesday, November 30, 6-8pm; Festival of Trees, Thurs day, Dec. 1, 4-9pm; Friday, Dec. 2, 3-8pm; Saturday, Dec. 3, 127pm; and Sunday, Dec 4, 11-2pm. Tickets are $10 per person, $5 for Seniors, $5 for ages over 10 and free for anyone 10 and under, when accompanied by an adult. Special admission pricing set at $5 will be offered on Thursday of Victorian Streetwalk Week end after 5pm. Festival of Trees

tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the Festival. Festival of Trees Preview Reception tickets can be purchased online at http://www.saratogafesti valoftrees.com/ or by calling 518-587-5000.

After a two-year pause, Breakfast with Santa returns this year. There are three Break fasts with Santa on Saturday, December 3: the first scheduled for 8:30-9:30, then 10-11 and 11:30-12:30; Sundaes with Santa follows from 1-2pm. Tickets are $10 each. Children 2 and under are free. Adults must accom pany children. Tickets include either the breakfast or sundae, a tour of the Festival of Trees, a photo with Santa and access

to a variety of children’s activi ties for $1 per ticket. Activities include cookie decorating, face painting, manicures, ornament making, picture frame creating and letters to Santa. There will also be a Holiday Shop with gifts for purchase. Breakfast with Santa and Sundaes with Santa admission tickets are sold in ad vance only and can be purchased online at http://www.saratogaf estivaloftrees.com/ or by calling 518-587-5000.

Executive Director of Catho lic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, Sister Charla Commins said, “The Fes tival of Trees is the biggest fund raiser and community event of the year for Catholic Charities.

With decreasing funding and increased need, it is becoming more difficult to assist people in the tri-county communities who have been seriously impacted during these difficult times. This festive and magical event has been greatly modified in the last few years because of COVID, but this year we are reinstating all of the Festival’s activities, including the ever- popular Breakfast with Santa. Proceeds will assist us in providing ser vices to individuals and families across the ages. We are sure the generosity of our communities will continue to support this wondrous holiday event and we are grateful.”

• Assisting with EDI setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

• Assisting with warehouse management and ERP systems.

• Working with Vendors to replenish IT supplies.

• Willingness to travel between Campbell, NY and Glenville, NY plants as needed. We seek a proactive, energetic, professional self-starter with excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively with multiple departments. This position will also require a high level of confidentiality for all tasks. Apply online at: www.belgioioso.com

Electrician/HMI/PLC - Campbell, New York

The primary responsibility of the Electrician/HMI/PLC is to install, service and troubleshoot plant equipment, including but not limited to complex electrical controls, wiring and lighting systems. The Electrician/HMI/PLC will also complete preventative maintenance assignments and respond to line and equipment calls. All duties are performed while adhering to our high expectations for producing a superior quality product and maintaining operational efficiency, as well as food safety/quality and safety standards.

Qualified candidates will offer a minimum of 5 years’ hands-on industrial electrician work experience to include:

• 110 through 480-volt alternating current equipment.

• Obtaining measurements and readings using a variety of electrical and mechanical testing instruments.

• Performing pipe bending and installation of electrical conduit, equipment, feeders, branch circuits, motors and lighting.

• Performing Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Predictive Maintenance (PDM).

• Coordinating maintenance work with other sections, contractors and engineers; estimating time, materials and equipment required for repairs; examining various electrical systems and making recommendations for new equipment, repairs and modifications.

• Maintaining records of maintenance and repair work; preparing reports, documentation, and correspondence.

• Drawing and reading electrical and mechanical schematics, blueprints and/or diagrams.

A HEARST COMPANY

In addition, we seek a candidate with solid communication and team work skills as well as a self-starter with a passion for continuous improvement. Strong Microsoft Excel proficiency and experience with a CMMS system. Manual dexterity is required for operating machinery/tools as well as the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Candidates must be willing and able to work a variety of shifts and/or weekends. Completion of an electrician apprenticeship and/or Electrician technical degree is preferred but not required. Candidates with dairy plant experience will be given special consideration. Apply online at: www.belgioioso.com

privilege of serving them week-in and week-out.

Technical Support SpecialistBased in Campbell or Glenville, New York

JOIN A COMPANY AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION WHO INFORMS, INSPIRES AND IS EVER EVOLVING. JOIN US AND ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. SCAN THE CODE AND APPLY TODAY

In the spirit of the season, we give thanks to our Price Chopper and Market 32 teammates. Their unwavering efforts to feed our community and keep us safe are appreciated. We also want to express our fondness for our loyal guests who allow us the privilege of serving them week-in and week-out