Local First Saratoga North Edition 120122

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center to Kick Off Annual Mitten Tree Program

Program encourages giving back to locals in need this winter season

SARATOGA - The Sara toga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center is excited to announce the launch of their annual Mitten Tree Program. Starting Saturday, November 26 through Saturday, December 31, members of the local community are invited to contribute warm winter wear to the Visitor Center Mitten Tree located at 297 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. All donations will benefit the following organizations: CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Franklin Community Center, and Shelters of Saratoga.

“As the holiday season approaches, we’re remind ed how important it is to give back,” said Karen Verrigni, director of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. “This annual tradition provides hundreds of pieces of win ter wear to those in need during the cold winter months. The kindness and generosity of our region is heartwarming!”

Instead of ornaments or lights, the tree is decorated with warm winter items such as hats, scarves, gloves, and of course, mittens. If you’d like to donate, the Visitor Center asks that you hang new or handmade items upon the tree. Visitor Center hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor Center will be closed on Wednesday, November 23 - Friday, November 25 in obser vance of the Thanksgiving holiday. In December, the Visitor Center will be closed the following

Please see MITTEN 10

Owner of historic site is unearthed

That appears to have gotten the agency to look into the matter. And they say they are confident that the state owns the Knob.

By RICK KARLIN

NORTHUMBERLAND — Stark’s Knob is a 170-foot-high promontory overlooking the Hudson River known for two things: its role in the Revolutionary War and its unique geolog ical features.

There’s a lot of history connected with the land that juts out over the river. There have also been long-standing questions about who owns the Knob — a question that may have just been solved.

Geologically, Stark’s Knob is unique in that it is a volcanic stem, or the core of an ancient volcano, and is the only one of its kind in New York.

The stem is believed to have come from an underwater volcano that was moved west as tectonic plates shifted millions of years ago.

It’s a “volcanic edifice,” said Ed Landing, a retired geologist with the State Museum in Albany. He has taken students and other geologists to the site for years and has advised those working to preserve and protect it.

Historically, it’s named for Revolutionary War Gen. John Stark who, from this point and other hilltops, held off the retreat of Gen. John Burgoyne’s army back to Canada, marking a turning point in the conflict.

“We’ve been utilizing Stark’s Knob as an educational resource for years,’’ Kate Morse, executive director at the nearby Hudson Crossing Park, explained in a letter about the site.

As for the ownership, it has been something of a mystery, with questions about where the deed was — until recently.

This month that was cleared up, thanks to a petition by historians and geologists, and after the Times Union made an inquiry.

The petition urging state action to pro tect its ownership was recently circulated, prompting local Assemblywoman Carrier Woerner to contact the state Education De partment about the matter.

“We have the deed and do not be lieve there is any bona fide dispute as to ownership of the property by (University of the State of New York). We are reviewing the histori cal filings, or lack thereof, with our attorneys,” museum spokeswoman Dora Ricci said in an email.

(USNY is a technical term for the state Education Department, museum and other connected entities.)

Additionally, Saratoga County Clerk’s Office employees recently found a duplicate copy of the deed in their archives after a query by the Times Union. It was given to the state in 1916 by the Towne and Hammond families, county officials say.

Despite how quickly the ownership ques tion seemed to have been buttoned up, own ership of the Knob has been an open question for years.

That’s because no one from the museum or Education Department ever physically filed the deed in Saratoga County.

Adding to the worries was a 1997 report that retired State Museum historian Phil Lord produced stating that the original transfer or deed appeared to have been lost.

Landing, though, found the deed in a museum filing cabinet in the mid-2000s, and he asked officials at the museum and the Ed ucation Department to file it with the county.

Filing was important because a neighboring landowner has been listed as the owner on a county tax map.

The site has seen some improvements over the years.

Junked vehicles have been removed from the bottom and simple markers about the his tory and geology of the spot have been put up. There’s also a metal plaque dating from 1938 atop the knob.

Some of the history has been revised since scholars now believe Stark placed his artillery

on another nearby hill that was mixed up in the mapmaking process.

Part of the Knob was mined in the 19th century for rock used in the state Barge Canal system, said Darryl Dumas, who runs a local heating, ventilating and air conditioning company and is grounds superintendent at the Hudson Crossing Park. Dumas lives nearby and is among the volunteers, including mem bers of the local Lions Club, who helped clear debris and junk from the site in the late 1990s.

Kids from a now-defunct private school in the area used to rappel down the quarry’s steep walls as part of an outdoor education class, recalled Dumas.

He was also among those urging state offi cials to file the deed. “It would be nice to get it fixed so we don’t have a discrepancy,” he said.

Aside from bureaucratic lethargy, it’s not clear why no one from the museum or Edu cation Department has ever actually driven the 30 miles to the Saratoga County’s clerk’s office to physically file the deed. That remains a concern among some who noted that the tax map still lists neighbor Dale Cox as the owner.

Landing recalled Cox in 2002 alleging that he had been paying taxes on the land. Cox didn’t return a call for comment.

County spokeswoman Christine

AG tells landlord to cease, desist

Saratoga Springs mobile home park owner denies that he is harassing tenants

By WENDY LIBERATORE

SARATOGA — After what it calls “a number of complaints,” the state attorney general’s office has ordered a landlord of a mobile home park on Saratoga Lake to “cease and desist your harass ment of tenants.”

The June letter, sent to attorney Justin Grassi regarding his client and Saratoga Lakeview mobile home park landlord Michael Giovanone, noted that Giovanone is “pro hibited from interfering with tenant’s privacy, comfort and enjoyment of a tenant’s home” as the ac tions could be considered harassment and a class A misdemeanor.

The letter, from Assis tant Attorney General Vinita Kamath, also stated that Giovanone “may not

threaten a tenant per sistently or suggest that the tenant must move out because they are behind in the rent” and that he “must provide essential services such as hot water or electricity, or to make necessary repairs in a timely fashion is a breach of the warranty of habit ability.”

The letter also noted that he cannot “refuse to renew a tenant’s lease because the tenant made a good faith complaint to the owner or to a govern ment agency about the tenant’s rights.”

The mobile home park has been part of a dispute since Giovanone bought the property in June 2021, a move that undermined the tenants who were planning to buy it in order to preserve their homes.

Giovanone’s plan for the 3.2-acre park was to close it and expand his adjoin ing Boat N RV Condos on Route 9P onto the property.

As part of the pur

chase, however, he agreed to allow tenants to remain for 60 months. But tenants have felt pressured to move, and one of those tenants, Angela Kaufman, is fighting back.

“One of the big concerns is he is not of fering to renew our leases,” Kaufman said.

“We are not required to sign a new lease, but he is required to offer them.”

Giovanone said that he has done nothing but help his tenants.

“If you can bring me a tenant who I have not treated with anything but respect, you can hammer me,” Giovanone said. “We have eight people living here, six of which are mov ing of their own volition. They are moving on to

better lives.” He claims that Kaufman is the reason people are moving. He also said the letter is “fake news” and “a witch hunt.”

“There is nothing for me to cease and desist,” he said. “We’ve done every thing on the up and up.”

Kaufman, who says she has been harassed by Giovanone after he tried to evict her and had her arrested for trespassing, said she complained about Giovanone to the attor ney general’s office, but was told they wouldn’t investigate unless other tenants came forward. She said others now ap parently have, considering Kamath’s referencing “a number of complaints.”

“I don’t want to speak for the AG’s office,”

Kaufman said. “But it seems it has reached the threshold to be investi gated.”

Giovanone’s mobile home park is on the town of Saratoga’s Planning Board agenda on Wednes day, Nov. 30. He is seeking a lot-line adjustment and site plan review for a special use permit at the park for his boat and RV storage facility. When asked if he was moving his business onto tenants’ lots before they move, he said that he is not and that he was preparing for its even tual transformation.

“The park has to be emptied,” he said. “There is no one to be infringed upon. The lot-line adjust ment will come after the park is closed.”

Stark’s Knob in Saratoga Co. a volcanic stem, played key role in Revolutionary War

Saratoga

WILL WALDRON / TIMES UNION

Darryl Dumas points to features on a Revolutionary War map of the area around Schuylerville at the top of Stark’s Knob in Northumberland. Please

LORI VAN BUREN / TIMES UNION ARCHIVE

Saratoga Lakeview Mobile Home Park in Saratoga Springs. The owner intends to use the property to expand his boat and RV storage facility.

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 biggest 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 assis tance to refugees, and other local non-profit causes.

“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 organizations.”

Mather expressed special 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-insecure elementary school students in Ballston Spa, basic school supplies for kindergarteners, local scholarships and awards, and a summer lunch program operated by the First Baptist Church in Ballston Spa.

Other programs supported by local Rotary funding in clude Ronald McDonald House, the Gift of Life pediatric surgical program at Albany Medical Center, and Shel terBox, a international partner of Rotary International that provides portable temporary housing to refugees displaced by war and natural disaster.

Rotary is an international service organization with nearly 35,000 clubs in communities across North Ameri ca and around the world.

Defensive Driving Class

SARATOGA - On Saturday December 10th, 2022

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 guide lines.

Classes are held at:

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 & can be made by calling Ray Frankoski @518-286-3788

Mask are optional - Class size is limited

Saratoga Lake Association Holiday Party

SARATOGA - The Sara toga Lake Association will celebrate it’s Holiday Party Friday December 16th at Canfield Casino from 6-9 pm. Festivites to include buffet dinner catered by 9 Miles East, prizes and good cheer. $30 member, $40 for non-members. For more information head to the website: saratogalake. org

Catholic Charities Hosts 27th Annual Saratoga Festival of Trees Event and the Annual Breakfast with Santa Returns

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

The Festival returns with a showcase of beau tifully decorated trees, wreaths and other holiday and gift items for pur chase. 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, Thursday, Dec. 1, 4-9pm; Friday, Dec. 2, 3-8pm; Saturday, Dec. 3, 12-7pm; 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 accom panied by an adult. Special admission pricing set at $5

will be offered on Thurs day of Victorian Street walk Weekend 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.saratogafestivalof trees.com/ or by calling 518-587-5000.

After a two-year pause, Breakfast with Santa re turns this year. There are three Breakfasts with San ta 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. Chil dren 2 and under are free. Adults must accompany children. Tickets include either the breakfast or sundae, a tour of the Festi val of Trees, a photo with Santa and access to a vari ety of children’s activities 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 advance only and can be purchased online at http://www. saratogafestivaloftrees. com/ or by calling 518-5875000.

Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, Sis ter Charla Commins said, “The Festival of Trees is the biggest fundraiser 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- popu lar Breakfast with Santa.

Proceeds will assist us in providing services 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.”

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 blue berry or French Toast. Eggs to order, home fries, bacon or sausage, toast, coffee and orange juice.

SKY Concert

QUEENSBURY - The SKY Family from Prince Edward Island will pres ent their Celtic Christmas Edition concert at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 18 at Oneida Community Church, 197 Sunnyside Road, Queensbury, NY This talented musical family group has appeared on national television shows and their music has been played on over 250 radio stations across Cana da and the United States.

Rev. Mark Bailey invites the public to attend the family-oriented program featuring Celtic fiddle mu sic, humor and inspiration. There is no entrance cost. A love offering will be taken for the SKY Family.

Info Contact persons: Holly Griffith, 518-7932276 and Debbie Geer, 518-796-2895

Southern Saratoga Art Society

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Artists and members of SSAS are exhibiting throughout the area. The Town of Clifton Park Lobby, 1 Town Hall Plaza, Tel.#: 518-371-6651, Ext. 240, will feature artist Faith Weldon during the months of November and December, 2022.

The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gal lery, 6 Clifton Common Ct., Tel.#:518-383-1343, will be hosting members of SSAS in a show called “Seasons”, which showcas es the elegance of Spring, the passion of Summer, the subtlety of Autumn and the harshness of Winter during the months of November and December, 2022.

The Mechanicville Li brary, 190 N. Main Street, Tel.#:518-664-4646, will feature artist, Karen Zimmer for the months of November and December, 2022. Visit these venues and enjoy the artwork of these various artists. For more information about SSAS visit our website: southernsaratogaartist. com or check us out on Facebook.

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 programs and projects in Haiti and Zimbabwe.

To Love A Child invites you to make a difference in a child’s life. Your help and generosity are greatly needed this year to support our vision and mission in helping impov erished 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 website www.toloveachild. net or by mailing a check to: To Love A Child Inc., PO Box 165, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Your support and gener osity is greatly appreciated.

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.

Peanut Butter Pop-Up: Lessening Food Scarcity in the Community

SARATOGA - The community volunteer organization

Youth² has a vision for the holidays that includes peanut butter and other non-perishable foods. Many people in the Capital Region and beyond are affected by food scar city and need items to fill their pantry shelves, especially during the holiday season.

Youth² is partnering with Shanna Goldman, the director of Oakwood Community Center in Troy, New York, to provide food for families in need in the cold days to come. It’s customary that 35-50 families come in once a week for food from the Oakwood pantry. Many families are saying that there are shortages in the food banks of non-perishable goods. This event aims to help with that. The pop-up is happening on Wednesday, December 14th from 3-6pm at 112 Spring Street. Youth² is accepting all donations of peanut butter, jelly, mayonnaise, tuna, beans, white rice, and macaroni and cheese. These items are to be funneled to Oakwood Community Center for distribution for families in need.

With the holidays fast approaching, this event is more important than ever. The Peanut Butter pop-up hopes to be able to bring the community and the greater Capital Region together through volunteer action for the holi days.

The Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association Monthly Meeting

SARATOGA - The Saratoga Springs Retired Teach ers Association will be holding their monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, December 6 at noon at Longfel lows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs. All retired K-12 teachers, BOCES teachers, and Teaching Assistants are welcome. For further information, cal

Diabetes Support Group

Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair

SARATOGA / WILTON - The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge will host a Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair on Sat., December 3rd from 10 am to 3 pm at the lodge, 1 Elk Lane. Admission is free and there will be over 30 craft and vendors tables displaying their wares for your shopping conve nience. We will also offer Raffles and Food for your complete shopping plea sure. This can be a family day or an excuse to get out with a friend and SHOP! Please come and enjoy easy Holiday Shopping and support your local Elks Fundraiser. Proceeds will be used toward our many community and charitable activities such as scholar ships, veteran programs, cerebral palsy, feeding our seniors and supporting the Code Blue Shelter

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

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

Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce FactoryOpen House

GANSEVOORT - Sun daes Best Hot Fudge Sauce will host an open house

and pop-up shop at their manufacturing facility on Saturdays December 3, 10, and 17 from 10am to 2pm. Celebrating 21 years in business, owner Katie Camarro and friends will be on hand with product displays and gift ideas for everyone on your list. Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce kitchen is locat ed in Gansevoort at 23 Northern Pines Rd, 12831, 1st floor, Bldg. 2, across from Saratoga Restaurant Supply. www.sundaesbest. com, (518) 584-4036.

Saratoga-Wilton Elks

Memorial Service

SARATOGA / WILTON - Saratoga-Wilton BPO Elks Lodge 161 will con duct their annual Memori al Service on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022 at 1pm.

The service is held nationwide at all Elks lodges on the first Sunday of December to honor the memory of each departed Elk. Locally the Elks and Ladies Auxiliary will re member sixteen deceased members.

The ceremony is open to the public and all are welcome. A light reception, hosted by the Elks Ladies Auxiliary will immediate ly follow at the lodge.

Questions and further information may be ob tained by calling Memorial Chairman Mark Phillips at 518-584-7464. Thank you

The Academy for Lifelong Learning Book Fair at Barnes & Noble

SARATOGA - Barnes & Noble is hosting a book fair to benefit the Academy for Lifelong Learning at their Saratoga Springs location in Wilton Square at 3039

Announcing “Between Heaven and Earth” Works By Rabbi Linda Motzkin

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

Rabbi Motzkin says: “My artwork combines cal ligraphed excerpts from the 3,000-year-old body of Jew ish literature with torn, scarred or otherwise blemished pieces of handmade deerskin parchment. All my work is informed by the tension between living as a flawed hu man being in this less-than-perfect world, while striving for something higher and better which may be unattain able. I live and work in the space between heaven and earth.”

Rabbi Motzkin, a Torah scribe, author, parchment maker, and an artist is to be celebrated on her solo exhi bition opening November 13 from 2 - 4 pm. The opening and gathering is also a celebration of Rabbi Motzkin’s retirement 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 proceeds from the sales of Rabbi Mot zkin’s artwork will benefit the Bread and Torah Project of Temple Sinai. Bread and Torah supports anti-poverty, social justice, and environmental 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 springstreet gallerylist@gmail.com. 48 hours notice is required for private tours or appointments.

Online

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Friday, December 9, 2022 , noon-1pm Register and join at this link: https://cornell.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tJ0sd-msqjojH90PQcYxuFAxxTbMi

wQKjXyE

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County will host an informal support group via Zoom for people with diabetes or prediabetes. The next meeting is Friday, December 9 at noon. There is no fee for the support group. Topics will vary and may be based on the interest of the group.

Route 50 on Saturday, December 10 from 9am to 5pm. It’s Barnes & Noble’s way of giving back to the community. A portion of the proceeds from your purchases on that day will benefit the Academy. Stop by the Academy’s table anytime between 9am and 5pm for a voucher. Just hand the voucher to the cashier at checkout or mention the Academy (A.L.L.). Share the news with family and friends and help raise money for Academy programs.

Founded in 1992, the Academy is a nonprofit, membership organiza tion of nearly 400 mem bers who share a love of learning. An indepen dent entity, A.L.L. offers non-credit courses and social activities for mature learners. A.L.L. also offers Special Interest Groups, (SIGs) and special trips and events that are held throughout the year. For more information, contact the Academy office at (518) 587-2100 ext. 2390 or go to www.esc.edu/all.

Wreath Ceremony

Planned for Village of Ballston Spa

Veteran’s Memorial

BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Spa House & Garden Club (BSH&GC) and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #234 will host a Wreath Ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 12 noon. The public is invited to attend this solemn event to honor deceased veterans during the holidays.

The Veteran’s Memorial is located on Low Street, adjacent to the Ballston Spa Library.

The Ballston Spa House & Garden Club is a mem

ber of the Federated Gar den Clubs of NYS. One of our missions is to promote civic beautification of the Village of Ballston Spa. We maintain several public gardens in the Village of Ballston Spa.

“In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxilia ry is to support The Amer ican Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, mil itary and their families, both at home and abroad.”

For questions about this ceremony, contact Marilyn Stephenson, BSH&GC at mcstephenson@nycap. rr.com or Melanie Ed wards, Auxiliary Presi dent, at number41@nycap. rr.com

Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge 161

Hosts a Roast Beef Dinner for Curbside Pick Up

SARATOGA / WILTON Wednesday, December 7, 2022, 4:30-6:00pm Call Monday Or Tues day Between 10am-Noon To Place An Order 518-584-2585Roast Beef, Roasted Redskin Potatoes, Vegetable, Salad, Roll, Gravy - Dinner For 2 /$30.00 (Cash Only)

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

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

Tricks To Trim Your Utility Bill

A rapid rise in the cost of living will undoubtedly prove to be one of the major stories of 2022. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, energy prices rose by 41.6 percent in the 12-month period that ended in June 2022, marking the highest 12-month increase since April 1980.

The significant spike in energy costs is somewhat mis leading, as the BLS considers motor fuel prices, which

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-person 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 appliances during off-peak hours. Accord ing 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 over all electricity use is low. Though this time changes depending on the season and can vary based on ge ography, 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 effectively.

• 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 keeping foods fresh and chilled. But various energy providers, including ConEd, recommend that consumers avoid packing a fridge too tightly. By allowing cold air to circulate within the refrigerator, the refrigerator 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 consum ers save money.

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

Popular Kitchen Flooring Materials

Kitchens have long been considered the most popular gathering spaces in a home. That popularity compels millions of homeowners to renovate their kitchens each year, and the return on those investments is often significant.

A number of variables, including the value of neighboring homes and how quickly homeowners sell their homes after a renovation, affect the return on investment with a given project. According to Remodeling magazine’s “2021 Cost vs. Value Report,” homeowners recouped roughly 72 percent of their investment in a minor kitchen remodel at resale. That’s a sizable return that outperformed other popular upgrades, including vinyl siding replacement and wood deck additions.

When renovating kitchens, homeowners will have to consider various components within the room, including the floors. Average flooring costs can be hard to calculate because they depend so heavily on homeowners’ choice of materials. The following are some popular flooring materials that homeowners can consider as they plan to reno vate their kitchens.

• Vinyl: Vinyl flooring is popular thanks in large part to its cost. According to the home remodeling experts at HomeAdvisor, vinyl flooring installation is much less costly than other types of flooring. But its budget-friendliness is not the only benefit of vinyl flooring, which HGTV notes is easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for fami lies that routinely confront spills and stains. HomeAdvisor notes that vinyl is the best waterproof material among all kitchen floors.

• Porcelain/ceramic tile: HomeAdvisor reports that the average cost to install por celain or ceramic tile flooring is between $885 and $2,994. That’s less than the average cost to install stone or wood flooring. Porcelain or ceramic tiles can be slippery when they get wet, though HGTV notes that some porcelain flooring tiles have been certified as slip-resistant by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Hardwood: It’s hard to beat hardwood when it comes to aesthetic appeal. Hard wood can be especially suitable in homes with open-concept floor plans that already have hardwood floors in surrounding rooms. HomeAdvisor notes that hardwood flooring installation can be costly, which might make it a less realistic option for budget-conscious homeowners. According to HGTV, engineered wood planks may be something to consider in the kitchen, as these are designed to be less susceptible to humidity and tempera ture. That’s an important component to consider in the kitchen, where temperatures can fluctuate while meals are being prepared.

• Stone: Natural stone tile is another popular kitchen flooring material. HomeAdvisor traces that popular ity to its wide variety of styles and price points, which make it a realistic option for homeowners working with budgets big and small. Stone tiles also provide a unique look because no two look the same, which might appeal to homeowners who want their kitchen floors to create a one-of-a-kind impression.

Kitchen flooring materials vary widely. That variety ensures there’s a material for any style and budget home owners are working with.

Strategic use of appliances in a home can help consumers reduce their energy bills by a significant amount.

Saratoga County History The First “American” Thanksgiving

Submitted by Sean Kelleher November 23, 2022

Sean Kelleher is the historian for the Town of Saratoga, the vice president of the Saratoga County History Center, and the vice chairman of the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission. Kelleher is a contributing writer to More Saratoga County Stories and Saratoga County

Stories

Most people remember the first American Thanksgiving being held by pilgrims at Plymouth in what is now Massachusetts in the year 1621. According to the story, the English colonists feasted for three days in the autumn of that year to celebrate their first harvest in the new world.

America’s first national Thanksgiving holiday however came more than 150 years later. It was declared by the Continental Congress to commemorate the victory of the American army of General Horatio Gates over British forces commanded by General John Burgoyne in Saratoga, New York on October 17, 1777.

The triumph at Saratoga, America’s Turning Point in the eight-year War of Inde pendence was the first time in world history an entire British army had been captured. What’s more, the victory reversed a long string of humiliating defeats for the 13 rebel lious colonies, including the loss of the American capital in Philadelphia.

Congress responded to the news of the Saratoga victory by appointing a committee consisting of Samuel Adams of Massachusetts, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, and Daniel Roberdeau of Pennsylvania to draft a report and resolution. The motion, which was adopted November 1, declared Thursday, December 18 as day for “Solemn Thanks giving and Praise” and “to inspire our Commanders both by Land and Sea, and all under them, with that Wisdom and Fortitude which may render them fit Instruments, under the Providence of Almighty GOD, to secure for these United States the greatest of all human blessings, INDEPENDENCE and PEACE…”

General George Washington issued orders for the holiday to be observed by the Con tinental Army. He wrote:

“Being the day set apart by the Honorable Congress for public Thanksgiving and Praise; and duty calling us devoutly to express our grateful acknowledgements to God for the manifold blessings he has granted us, the General directs that the army remain in its present quarters, and that the Chaplains perform divine service with their several Corps and brigades. And earnestly exhorts, all officers and soldiers, whose absence is not indispensably necessary, to attend with reverence the solemnities of the day.”

Reverend Israel Evans, Chaplin to General Poor’s New Hampshire brigade, preached at least one of the Thanksgiving sermons. Discourse Evans urged his listeners: “Oh give thanks unto the Lord our God, for a brave general, the commander in chief of all our armies. A general possessed of such unparalleled fortitude and patience, and not more patient, than meek, virtuous and humane. And if I am permitted to say anything of a character, which so much outshines the brightest encomiums the writer

Two Albany Med Health System Hospitals Get High Marks For Patient Safety

ALBANY - Two Albany Med Health System facili ties—Saratoga Hospital and Glens Falls Hospital—have earned high grades for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group for fall 2022.

The two hospitals lead the Capital Region, with grades of ‘A’ for Saratoga Hospital and ‘B’ for Glens Falls Hospi tal. These high marks place both hospitals in the top 25 percent of New York state facilities for this report.

“Our Leapfrog score reflects our culture of safety and 24/7 commitment to protecting patients from prevent able harm and errors,” Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Jill J. VanKuren said. “The ‘A’ grade is a tribute to our team and a source of assurance to our patients, who can be confident they’re receiving care at one of New York’s safest hospitals.”

BALLSTON SPA - The Saratoga County History Cen ter 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 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.

can offer: I will venture to say, that if you search for faults, in the conduct of that true patriot, and most excellent hero, you will find none, unless you call it a fault to exercise compassion and lenity towards those negligent and guilty offenders, who by their sloth and inattention to the best orders, counteract the wisest plans, and frustrate the best schemes of military discipline and policy. . . . Oh America, give glory to God for such a faithful hero! Then you saw him greatest when most without y.our aid. Collected in himself, he greatly resolved, with his few faithful followers, to be the barrier of liberty, or fall in its defence.”

An accurate account of how the hungry and ill-equipped Continental soldiers spent America’s first national Thanksgiving holiday can be found in the memoirs of Private Joseph Plumb

Martin:

“While we lay here there was a Continental Thanksgiving ordered by Congress, and as the army had all the cause in the world to be particularly thankful, if not for being well off, at least that it was no worse, we were ordered to participate in it. We had noth ing to eat for two or three days previous, except what the trees and the fields and forests afforded us. But we must now have what Congress said, a sumptuous Thanksgiving to close the year of high living we had now nearly even brought to a close. Well, to add something extraordinary to our present stock of provisions, our country, every mindful of its suffering army, opened her sympathizing heart so wide, upon this occasion, as to give us something to make the world stare. And what do you think it was, dear reader? Guess. You cannot guess, be you as much of a Yankee as you will. I will tell you; it gave each and every man half a gill [note: a gill is about four ounces] of rice and a table spoonful of vinegar!!

After we had made sure of this extraordinary superabundant donation, we were ordered out to attend a meeting and hear a sermon delivered upon the happy occa sion. We accordingly went, so we could not help it. I heard a sermon, a ‘thanksgiving sermon’, what sort of one I do not know now, nor did I at the time I heard it. I had something else to think upon. My belly put me in remembrance of the fine Thanksgiv ing dinner I was to partake of when I could get it. Well, we had got through the services of the day and had nothing to do but to return in good order to our tents and fare as we could. … So I had nothing else to do but to go home and make out my supper as usual, upon a leg of nothing and no turnips.”

Over the years, the word “thanksgiving” has evolved, originally Governors marked days of Thanksgivings by religious services to give thanks to God, or to celebrate a bountiful harvest. General George Washington frequently declared days of thanksgiv ing for the Continental Army. As President, Washington proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving in 1789. President Abraham Lincoln again established Thanksgiving as a national holiday during the Civil War, cementing the feast as an American tradition. In 1941, the date was established as the last Thursday in November.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns letter grades twice a year to nearly 3,000 U.S. general hospi tals based on over 30 measures of patient safety. Thirty percent of U.S. hospitals earned the highest rating of ‘A.’ Twenty-eight percent earned a ‘B.’

VanKuren and Glens Falls Hospital President and CEO Paul Scimeca view the Leapfrog results as an oppor tunity to share best practices for patient safety through out the Albany Med Health System.

“Quality improvement across the System occurs through collaboration. As we continue to work together, we are seeing many benefits,” Scimeca said. “The Albany Med Health System will continually evolve and improve in the future, and we look forward to working even more closely with Albany Medical Center, Columbia Memorial Health, and Saratoga Hospital.”

VanKuren emphasized the System hospitals’ shared commitment to excellent patient care and continuous

An area of the building damaged many years ago by a leaking roof was to be gutted and converted to bad ly-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 ex hibition about the county’s economic and social develop ment 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 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.

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 infor mation contact Barb Brod erson at 518-885-4229 or e-mail ballston.area. seniors2@gmail.com

quality improvement.

“Patient safety is a top priority for the entire System,” she said. “Our goal, through collaboration and sharing of best practices, is for all our hospitals to achieve the highest grade.”

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 518-2883565 if you are interested, and for more information. saratogaartist.com or visit us on Facebook.

Empty Stocking Project Begins

SARATOGA COUNTY - The Saratoga County Chil dren’s Committee is a nonprofit organization that helps children and families in Saratoga County. 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 purchasing gifts from the child’s “wish list”.

If you are willing to sponsor a child or for more infor mation please call Kathy Kelly at 399-6629 or go to our website www.saratogachildrenscommittee.org. Cash donations are always appreciated and may be sent to The Saratoga County Children’s Committee, P.O. Box 1254, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Christ’s Cupboard Food Pantry

BALLSTON SPA - Christ’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.

Saratoga

Bites -

Visit the Brookside Museum

BALLSTON SPA - Visit the Saratoga County Histo ry Center at the Brookside Museum for a mouthful of history! George Crum serves up his famous Saratoga chips in SCHC’s newest exhibit, “In the Saratoga Style: Potato Chips and Their Regional Folklore.” The chip exhibition comes in large part from the tasty collection of Alan Richer from Saratoga Lake, the greatest Ameri can collector of chips. Scoop up the history of Stewart’s Shops Ice Cream and learn of its founders, the Dake family, in the exhibit, “A Century of Ice Cream, a Cen tennial of the Dake family and Stewart’s Shops.” Enjoy the stories of Finger-Lickin’-Good Southern Charm through an oral history told by Anita Turner about the many black-owned restaurants in Saratoga Springs during the mid-1900s, including Hattie’s Chicken Shack, in the exhibit, “Black Experiences in Saratoga County: 1750-1950.” Finally, view a massive clambake held in Jonesville in 1922 through the presentation, “County Life in Photographs.” Get your filling of local history this autumn at the Saratoga County History Center, located at 21 Fairground Avenue in Ballston Spa, NY. Entry is complimentary.

The individual exhibits include:

“In the Saratoga Style: Potato Chips and Their Regional Folklore” (Open through December 23) – This is our newest exhibit, which explores the many stories that have claimed to explain the story behind the snack, from disgruntled customers to kitchen mishaps. The history of the legendary George Crum is examined, along with his experiences as a cook and outdoor guide of African and Native American ancestry. Learn more about this contender for the inventor of potato chips, along with other possible innovators who may have been responsi ble for the irresistibly crispy potatoes. This exhibit come largely from the collection of Alan Richer, America’s premier collector on the subject.

“A Century of Ice Cream, a Centennial of the Dake Family and Stewart’s Shops” (Open through Decem ber 23) – This exhibit celebrates the centennial of the famous company born in Saratoga County. In 1787, the Dake family began clearing farms in the hills of what became Greenfield. Three generations later, in 1921, dairy farmers Percy and Charles Dake responded to a changing economy (and America’s growing sweet tooth!) by shifting to ice cream production. True entrepreneurs, the Dakes sought other outlets for their talents, eventu ally becoming retailers. The chain they started in 1946 is now an anchor of northeastern New York and adjacent Vermont communities. Today, Stewart’s is perhaps Saratoga County’s most familiar contribution to the regional economy. The exhibit is made possible through the generosity of Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family.

Malta Ridge UMC Free Lunch

MALTA RIDGE - The Malta Ridge United Methodist Church will hold a Free Lunch on Sat., Dec. 10, 2022 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.

SBA Upstate New York District Office Seeks Nominations for National

Small Business Week 2023

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Do you or someone you know have what it takes to become America’s “Small Business Person of the Year” for 2023? If so, the U.S. Small Business Ad ministration (SBA) wants to hear from you.

The SBA is proud to announce that its Upstate New York District Office is ready to accept nomina tions for the 2023 Na tional and District Small Business Week Awards, including the annual Small Business Person of the Year Award.

Visit the SBA’s dedicated website at www.sba.gov/ nsbw to download forms, criteria, and guidelines for submitting a National nomination. The Upstate New York District Office award categories and guidelines can be found here or on the district’s website: https://www.sba. gov/district/syracuse

The SBA Awards given in celebration of Nation al and District Small Business Week include the following:

Upstate New York Dis trict Small Business Week Categories: Small Business Person of the Year (National and District)

Small Business Export er (National and District)

Minority Small Busi ness Champion or Busi ness of the Year

Veteran Small Business Champion or Business of the Year Women in Business Champion or Business of the Year

Rural Small Business Champion or Business of the Year

“I am pleased to expand our nomination catego

ries for the 2023 National Small Business Week awards in Upstate New York and look forward to celebrating the hard work of our district’s entrepre neurs,” said SBA Upstate New York District Director Bernard J. Paprocki. “I encourage members of the small business community to nominate leaders with demonstrated success in business and an impact on their community.”

The Upstate New York District Office must receive all nominations by electronic submission ONLY to the District’s BOX account found at www.sba.gov/nsbw no lat er 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 8, 2022

To obtain additional in formation, please contact Katrina Ballard at Katrina. Ballard@sba.gov.

The Upstate New York District Office of the U.S. Small Business Adminis tration serves 34 counties in Upstate New York throughout the Capital Region, Central New York, Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier.

Frederick Allen Elks LodgeHoliday Party

SARATOGA - Fred erick Allen Elks Lodge #609 Annual MERRIEST CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday, December 17th 5:00p-9:00p 69 Beekman Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

All are Welcome!

Join us for a wonder ful evening of Commu nity Good Cheer as we celebrate the holidays TOGETHER!! Live MusicFun Food - Cash Bar! www.FrederickAllen Lodge.org 518-691-2499

Capital Region Veterans Memorial Fundraising Continues

GLENVILLE - Efforts are continuing to create a Cap ital Region Veterans Memorial in a new 6.5 acre Legacy Park at Dutch Meadows Lane and North Ballston Road in Glenville, NY.

The Capital Region Veterans Memorial board of direc tors is trying to raise $1,000,000 or more to build a 4,000 square foot building to house a Veterans Café, visitor welcome center, museum, and computer technological services. The Legacy Park will have an amphitheater and a serene walkway with Military monuments, according to Mary Brandt, board president.

Monuments for World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan and Expedition aries will commemorate our fallen troops from Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washing ton counties.

The completed project will honor our deceased Veter ans while honoring and also serving our living Veterans, according to Ginny Barr, a board member.

The Veterans Café will be a place where Veterans, their friends and families, as well as the general public, can interact and share history and concerns, according to Justine Crowley-Duncan, board secretary.

Larry Zeglen, board vice-president suggested com bining two original ideas of a Veterans Café’, inspired by Richard’s Coffee House in North Carolina and a monu ment park, inspired by one in Utah.

To date the group has raised nearly $100,000, accord ing to Brandt.

There are a number of ways people can help fund the project. Donations can be made through its website at capitalregionveteransmemorial.org or by mail. Send checks to Capital Region Veterans Memorial, PO Box 2756, Glenville, NY 12325.

Or, by purchasing a brick paver for the walkways by the monuments. A 4” by 8” paver costs $100 and an 8” by 8” paver costs $200. You can honor a Veteran, a military unit, a group, a business or anyone and that will be en graved on the paver brick. To place an order on line, visit the website at capitalregionveteransmemorial.org, and click “Buy a Brick”

For more information, contact Mary Brandt at 518-495-2524 or marybrandt543@gmail.com

Al-anon/Alateen Meetings

CLIFTON PARK - Alateen is for young adults (10-18) whose lives are being 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 meet ings are a time for sharing with other young people and learning that they are not alone.

Friendships are formed and life becomes manageable. A reminder that Al-anon 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

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---Cho rus 11:15am---12:00---Ex ercise Tuesdays 10:00am---12:00---

Crafts

1:00---4:00pm---Mah jong 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 & Gen eral Meeting, followed by Bingo

1:00pm---4:00pm---Ta

ble Pool Fridays 9:00 am—12:00---Se

nior Craft Room 10:00 am—12:00-—

Computer Class

2:00---2:45pm---Exer cise

6:30---9:00pm---Table

Pool We will be keeping you updated in the news papers & meetings.

Michael Veitch to Discuss New Book Legacy Of Excellence: Thoroughbred Racing In Saratoga Springs 1956 to 2008

SARATOGA - Renowned author and racing histori an Michael Veitch will discuss his new book Legacy of Excellence: Thoroughbred Racing in Saratoga Springs 1956 to 2008 at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on Saturday, Dec. 10 at noon. Veitch will bring to life the stories of the on-track excellence of Saratoga racing during this period and the politics involved in the New York Racing Association’s franchise oversight of the track. A book signing will follow the presentation. The event is free to attend and books will be available to purchase.

Legacy of Excellence is Veitch’s third book in his popu lar Saratoga racing history series, following Foundations of Fame: Nineteenth Century Thoroughbred Racing in Saratoga Springs and Summit of Champions: Thorough bred Racing in Saratoga Springs 1901 to 1955.

Veitch covered horse racing for The Saratogian and its racing supplement, The Pink Sheet, from 1979 through 2017. He serves as chairman of the Museum’s Hall of Fame Historic Review Committee and is a member of the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. A former host of “Down the Stretch” on Capital OTB, Veitch’s writing has appeared in a variety of media outlets, including Daily Racing Form. He is also the co-author of The Travers: 150 Years of Saratoga’s Greatest Race.

Artisans’ Market Brookside Museum Holiday Market - Opened for the Season

BALLSTON SPA - Celebrate the holiday season at Brookside Museum during the 22nd annual Artisans’ Market which opens on Small Business Saturday, November 26, and will run through Saturday, December 24, 2022.

The annual market features only handmade/hand crafted 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 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 are:

Thursdays, 12pm – 5pm, Fridays, 11am – 6pm

Saturdays, 11am – 5pm, Sundays, 11am – 5pm

The 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. 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. l 518-584-1192.

It’s never too late (or cold) to think about a life on the water. Built in 2012, this home on Galway Lake comes with 75 feet of shoreline and a dock. (For those looking to bring a watercraft along, the lake is for non-gas motors only.) The kitchen, living room and dining areas are on an open-floor plan, with a sliding glass door leading to a patio. The lower level also includes a walk-out, stonecovered patio, once you cross the wine bar. Plenty of room for guests, with four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. (Bonus: For those coming with an RV, there’s a septic cleanout space and electric pedestal.)

Square footage; 1,812. -Galway Central School District. Taxes: $4,283.

Listing price:$749,900.

CONTINUED FROM 1

Rush, though, said the land is actually tax exempt.

And Woerner’s office said the Education Department’s lawyers are reviewing what could be a boundary discrep ancy dating from 1952 when lawmakers pushed back legislatively against an Education Department initiative to abandon the property. “It’s very murky,” an aide to Woerner said of the whole situation.

Either way, the petition, along with a call from Woern

HOROSCOPE

Week Of December 4, 2022

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Someone thinks you are up to a challenge this week, Aries. Dive right in and prove them correct. There’s much you’ll get done, but leave some time for leisure.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

There’s not much you can’t accomplish these next several days, Taurus. The key will be knowing just where to pull back so that you can do each job well.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Think before committing to a project that is expected to take a long time, Gemini. While you may have a lot of free time right now, that may not be the case in a few weeks.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, health concerns may come to the forefront this week, whether it pertains you or someone close to you. Empty your schedule so you can devote the utmost attention.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, despite many looming deadlines, you are surprisingly relaxed about all the things you need to accomplish. Maybe that is because you have a lot of help.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Some unexpected time off has dropped into your lap, Virgo. Figure out if a small vacation or weekend getaway might be just what you need right now. Then make it happen.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

A career change could be on the horizon, Libra. Do your research before you take the full plunge into new waters. Maybe test things out before making a firm commitment.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Home improvements could be coming soon, Scorpio. They’ll interfere with your daily schedule for a bit, but the results will be well worth any disruption.

SAGITTARIUS –Nov 23/Dec 21

Your hospitable nature is a perfect match for the entertaining you will be doing this week, Sagittarius. Expect a houseful of people on one or more days.

CAPRICORN –Dec 22/Jan 20

Spending certainly is up during the holiday season, but you may need to keep a closer eye on what is going on with your finances, Capricorn. Don’t lose sight of your budget.

AQUARIUS –Jan 21/Feb 18

A few interesting possibilities may come across your desk, Aquarius. Look at them with a critical eye and get a second opinion before moving forward.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Too many things seem like a priority right now, Pisces. You need to weed through all of your responsibilities and tackle the most urgent.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

DECEMBER 4

Tyra Banks, TV Host (49)

DECEMBER 5

Frankie Muniz, Actor (37)

DECEMBER 6

CoCo Vandeweghe, Athlete (31)

DECEMBER 7

Jon Moxley, Wrestler (37)

DECEMBER 8

Nicki Minaj, Rapper (40)

DECEMBER 9

Donny Osmond, Singer (65)

DECEMBER 10

Kenneth Branagh, Actor (62)

er’s office, seems to have gotten some forward motion on the matter.

Dumas credits the petition and Woerner’s involve ment.

“This is what it takes to get things going in the govern ment,” he said.

rkarlin@timesunion .com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU

MITTEN

CONTINUED FROM 1

days for the Christmas holiday: Saturday, December 24Tuesday, December 27. The Visitor Center will be closed Friday, December 30 and Saturday, December 31 for the New Year holiday.

For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga. org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center.

Hispanic and International Ministry at Clifton Park Center Baptist Church

CLIFTON PARK - Clifton Park Center Baptist Church offers an outreach program for Hispanics and Interna tionals in the area. It is a time of fellowship and Bible Study on Mondays @ 7:00pm. It is offered in English and in Spanish. The church is located at 713 Clifton Park Center Road in Clifton Park, NY. Please contact Rev. Damaris Cami-Staples at (518)371-6023 if you have any questions.

FREE Helplines 24/7

ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ABUSE AND PROBLEM GAMBLING 877-846-7369 or Text 467369.

CHILD ABUSE is when a person does serious physical injury, creates a substantial risk of serious physical inju ry or engages in sex with a child in their care and when a caregiver allows someone else to abuse the child in their care in a similar manner. 518- 474-8740.

CRISIS FOR FOOD, HEALTH, HOUSING, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, EMPLOYMENT AND TRANSPORTA TION: For non-emergency help for paying your bills or to help someone, get the most up-to-date information by calling United Way 3-digit number -211.

DOMESTIC ABUSE of an intimate partner is ‘ridi culing, humiliating, putdowns, isolating, manipulating, ordering, intimidating, threatening, beating, sexual coercion and controlling money’. The abused person, family member or friend can anonymously call one or more of these agencies: Unity House 518-272-2370; Equinox 518-432-7865; St. Peter’s Crime Victim Services 518-271-3257; YWCA NENY 518-374-3386; Wellspring 518-584-8188; National Domestic Violence Hotline 800799-7233.

HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH RELATION SHIPS: Dating, personal safety and supporting others. 866-331-9474 or Text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Human trafficking crime occurs when a trafficker uses fraud or coercion against a person to solicit labor or engage in commercial sex acts. If the person engaged in commercial sex is under 18 years, it is a crime even when force, fraud, or coercion is not used. 888-373-7888 or Text 233733.

SEXUAL ASSAULT: Eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone who knows the victim. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network 800-656.4673; Albany County sexual assault hotline 518-447-7716.

SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE offers confiden tial crisis and prevention resources for people in distress and their loved ones. Call 988 or 800-273-8255.

Waterford Gone with the Wind Film Expert to Hold Book Signing

SCHENECTADY - Gone With the Wind film expert Pauline Bartel will hold a book signing at the Open Door Bookstore, 128 Jay Street, Schenectady, NY, on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

She will sign copies of Gone With the Wind: 1939 Day by Day (Lyons Press, $19.95). Her new book chronicles the production, premieres, and reception of the iconic film from January 1, 1939 to December 31, 1939. Engag ing, daily, behind-the-scenes entries provide a snapshot of what was happening on and off the set.

According to Bartel: “Fans will enjoy following the drama and intrigue of Gone With the Wind’s production on each event’s exact date, especially in 2023 when the calendar matches the days of the 1939 calendar.”

For further information, contact the Open Door Book store at 518.346.2719. Visit the website at www.opendoor-bookstore.com

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KATHY GORDON, INGLENOOK REALTY INC.

The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house on Galway Lake has the dining room, kitchen and living room on an open-floor plan.

The living room, above; one of four bedrooms, at left. Below left, a lower level contains a wine bar that opens up to a ground-level deck. Below, the lower level.

LEIGH

Proceeds to Support Students and the Arts

COHOES - In 2004 The

Rotary Club of Cohoes started a collectible series of Christmas orna ments featuring historic landmarks in the City of Cohoes. This year’s ornament depicts the 1968 Cohoes High School. A portion of the proceeds for the sale of the 2022 orna ment will go to support the Cohoes Friends of the Arts Booster Club. The purpose of the Arts Boosters is to serve and support the stu dents and promote activ ities of the Cohoes School District Arts Programs.

The arts programs include visual arts, fashion design, building design, graphic design, writing, perfor mance, theater, chorus, band, and music.

Following are previous ornament designs in the series: 2004-the Cohoes Falls; 2005-the Harmony Mills; 2006-the Cohoes Music Hall; 2007-the Co hoes Mastodon; 2008-Co hoes City Hall; 2009-the Half Moon; 2010-Silliman Memorial Church; 2011the Van Schaick Mansion; 2012-Keveny Memorial Academy; 2013-Cohoes High School (dedicated in 1921); 2014-Cohoes Library; 2015-the former Cohoes Movie Theatre; 2016-Carlson’s Ice Rink; 2017-Erie Canal Locks; 2018 Cohoes Armory; 2019-Matton Shipyard; 2020-Cohoes 150th An niversary logo; 2021-St. Agnes Church. This year’s design is the Cohoes High School built in 1968. Cof fee mugs with the Cohoes High School design are also available for purchase.

Cost for ornaments is $20. Mugs are $10. To purchase ornaments or

mugs go to http://www. rotaryclubofcohoes.org for further information.

Ornaments and mugs are also available for purchase at Marra’s Pharmacy, 217 Remsen Street, Cohoes.

Living Nativity at Clifton Park Center

Baptist Church

CLIFTON PARKThe Clifton Park Center

Baptist Church invites the community to the Living Nativity with Christmas Carols on Saturday, December 3rd at 5:00 p.m. followed by hot cocoa and cookies. The Living Nativity will take place on the church’s lawn and then we will proceed to the church’s foyer to warm up and have some fellow ship together. Copies of the Christmas carols and candles will be provided to all. Clifton Park Center Baptist Church is locat ed at 713 Clifton Park Center Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065. For questions please contact the church’s office (518) 371-6023.

Country Knolls South/Renassaince

II / Woods Way20th Annual Toys For Tots Drive

CLIFTON PARK - Sat urday December 3, 2022 we will be holding our 20th Annual Toys for Tots Drive.

Teen “collection elves” will be going to door to door in the above neigh borhoods collecting new unwrapped toys.

The drive starts approx imately at noon. There will be drop boxes available through 12/4 at 3 Georgio Court and 43 Pepper Hol low Clifton Park.

If you or your teen would like to volunteer 2 hours on December 3rd please register with Mar garet Gregory by 11/28th.

Margregory3@hotmail or 518-588-3778

Thursday Musical Club Announces December

Concert

SCHENECTADY - The Thursday Musical Club will present “Christmas Peace” on Sunday, December 4th at 3:00 pm at the First Reformed Church of Sche nectady, 8 N. Church St. The program will feature John Rutter’s Dancing Day, a collection of traditional carols accompanied by harpist Karlinda Caldicott. Additional carols from France, Germany, Spain, and the Ukraine will be included.

Michaela O’Donnell, recipient of the Thursday Musical Club scholarship for a student at SUNY/ Schenectady, will perform. The chorus is directed by Julie Panke and accompa nied by Elinore Farnum, piano and organ. Tickets are $15.

Capital District Christian Women’s Connection December Luncheon

SCHENECTADY - The New York Capital Dis trict Christian Women’s Connection is sponsoring a “Bake Sale, Vendor & Craft Event” luncheon on Tues day, December 13, 2022 at the Guilderland Elks Lodge, 3867 Rte. 146 (Carman Road) in Schenectady, NY 12303 beginning at 11:30am and ending at approxi mately 1:30pm. Please be prompt.

Your reservation is necessary no later than December 8th and cancella tions are a must. Please call Nancy (518) 320-2649 or Mae (518) 895-8977 for res ervations. On the menu this month is a Virginia Baked Ham dinner with an alternative choice of Grilled Chicken Salad. The cost is $17.00 inclusive (cash only).

Our Speaker this month is Tasha Hud son from Amsterdam who will speak on “God Doesn’t Take U-Turns”. As for our Feature, it is time for our Annual Bake Sale. We will also have 4-5 vendors and crafters for Christmas shopping (different than those at November luncheon). Charlotte Palmeri will entertain us with song as our Music.

All are welcome - bring a friend!!

East Glenville Community Church to Host “One Starry Night”

GLENVILLE - East Glenville Community

Church, 335 Saratoga Rd (Rt 50), will host One Starry Night, an engaging family Christmas event open to the public on Saturday, December 10th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Enter the town of Bethlehem and experience what life was like when Jesus was born. It’s an interactive walk through living exhibits including a Bethlehem marketplace, the inn Joseph and Mary visited, and a nativity scene with real animals to see. Families and children are welcome! Free admission. For information see church website, www.egcchurch. org or call church office, (518) 399-3151.

Clifton Park Jewish Women’s Circle Will Host a Chanukah Party

CLIFTON PARK - The party will be just for the ladies “Friends, Fondant and Cookie Decorating!” At 7 pm on Monday, December 19th at Clifton Park Chabad. No affiliation on member ship necessary to join for this fun Chanukah eve ning. Chanukah Refresh ments will be served. No artistic skills required!! RSVP at cliftonparkch abad.com, or contact Leah at 5184950779clifton parkchabad@gmail.com

Check them out at your new Market 32 in Malta!

Marketing

simply great value, we have more than 300 Full Circle items across the store. Through Hearst’s vast network, I have the resources necessary to excel in my career. A HEARST COMPANY

&