Local First Twin Bridges Edition 122222

Colonie Senior Service Centers Announces January’s Healthy and Local Cooking Class

COLONIE - Each month

Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc (CSSC) offers a cooking demonstration highlighting “the best of local” for seniors (55+). As the area’s largest nonprofit senior organization, CSSC offers a wide array of senior programs and services including educational, and health and wellness opportunities.

Join Award Winning Chef Aneesa Waheed, owner of Tara Kitchen, on Tuesday, January 31, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to learn from an area expert about why Moroccan cuisine is so special. The class will take place at CSSC’s King Thiel Senior Community, 17 Elks Lane in Latham.

Moroccan cuisine is the cuisine of Morocco, fueled by interactions and exchanges with many cultures and nations over the centuries. Moroccan cuisine is a mix of Arab, Berber, Andalusi, and Mediterranean cuisines, with minimal European and sub-Saharan influences. For nearly a decade, Tara Kitchen has served Moroccan food that is for everyone. It’s worldly but accessible comfort food packed with flavor. Vibrant, not fiery, it is seasoned with spices that Please see CLASS 6

A look at airports and carriers that deliver most reliable flights

A Times Union analysis of flight data may help travelers avoid delays, cancellations

By ALEXANDRA HARRIS

Travel plans can get turbulent during the holidays, but insights from flight data may help travel arrangements go smoother.

The Times Union analyzed data obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media to help air travelers plan for the holidays. Data from FlightAware, which tracks air travel worldwide, discloses canceled flights and delays by each airport and carrier. Whether travelers are looking for cancellation rates of major airlines or assessing smaller carriers, the data is here to help decide which ticket to choose and when to schedule the flight.

The data also offers an illustration of the worldwide political landscape. As travel bustles around most of the globe, silent flight patterns over some countries accentuate underlying political turmoil.

Which airport serving New York is the most reliable?

The analysis looked at flights originating from airports serving New York, including La-Guardia, Albany International, John F. Kennedy International, Stewart International and Newark Liberty International.

“The number one cause of delays and cancellations is normally weather,” Kathleen Bangs, spokesperson for FlightAware and a former commercial airline pilot, said.

But other factors can contribute.

In the summer and fall of 2021, airlines had major days-long episodes of high cancellations and delays due to computer network failures, Bangs said. Earlier this year, the COVID-19 omicron variant caused widespread airline and airport employee absenteeism. Still, the weather has the biggest impact day to day.

Albany International Airport ranked at the top of the pack for avoiding delays. While cancellation rates were roughly similar across the five airports, Stewart International had a 10 percent higher rate of delayed flights.

The key is constant communication be-

tween all airport departments, which includes airport management, airlines, airport operations and air traffic control, Doug Myers, director of public affairs at Albany International Airport, said.

“If we know of an issue, we can rally the forces to remedy that issue.”

The Airport Authority regularly meets with the teams at Albany International with the goal to resolve potential issues before they impact airline arrival and departure times.

During winter months, it is essential for the airport and airline de-icing operations to work in concert, in addition to coordinating refueling, Myers said. Major improvement projects also sped up the flow of passengers to their airline gates, which included a redesign of the security checkpoint within a $100 million expansion of the main terminal.

“A lot of the on-time performance of an airline depends on if it arrives on time, and we’re not responsible for that,” Myers said. “There’s nothing I can do about a late aircraft.”

Which airline has proven the most reliable?

When weighing the prices of different airlines and luggage options, the reliability of the carrier also comes into question.

Across the five New York area airports, JetBlue Airlines had the most scheduled flights, but it also had the highest rate of delays among the major carriers in the area. In contrast, Delta Airlines and its subsidiary, Endeavor Airlines, had the lowest rate of delays among carriers with the most scheduled flights.

Bangs said differing rates can be observed between regionals and major carriers. Since the pandemic, the regional carriers have lost a lot of pilots who have moved to jobs with major carriers due to higher pay and perceived better working conditions. That left the regionals short on pilots, and she said it’s a time-consuming process to find, hire, replace and train those pilots.

Music hall gets green aid

$2M from state will boost Cohoes theater’s energy efficiency

By KENNETH C. CROWE II

COHOES — Nearly $2 million worth of state grants will help the city button up the Cohoes Music Hall to stop energy leakage and convert the historic building at the north end of Remsen Street into an energy-efficient, all-electric structure.

Making the city energy self-sufficient while preserving the three core historic city-owned buildings — City Hall, the Cohoes Public Library and the music hall — have been among the goals of Mayor Bill Keeler’s “Cleaner Greener Cohoes” and “Restore Historic Cohoes” initiatives.

“It’s a big step forward,” Keeler said Friday of the $1.38 million grant from the state Energy Research and Development Authority. Later in the day, it was announced that the city received a separate $500,000

grant from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

The project will replace natural gas burning equipment with ground source heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow systems, add dedicated outdoor air systems for ventilation, and address insulation, lighting and other energy-efficiency measures.

NYSERDA said once the work is completed the building will be carbon neutral.

“The project, part of a comprehensive restoration of this regionally significant historic theater building, could become a model for other facilities, particularly those in designated disadvantaged communities like Cohoes for which these facilities are vital local and regional cultural and economic resources,” the authority’s description said.

Cohoes was one of 10 grant recipients around the state receiving $12 million overall under the state’s Carbon Neutral Community Economic Development program.

The city plans to supply the electricity for the music hall through its floating solar project that is underway at the city reservoir. Energy generated by the array will be used by the city for other energy needs, too.

Keeler said the transformation of the music hall into an energy-efficient building will help meet the city’s environmental goals while showcasing it as a historic performing arts center.

HBO’s “The Gilded Age” filmed at the

More than 100 cities have lost a third or more of their air service in the past year due to regionals cutting flights, she said.

On a daily or weekly basis, what impacts an airline’s delays or cancellations is the location of their hub, Bangs said. Hurricanes can have an outsize impact on Delta due to its Atlanta base of operations, while Pacific Northwest storms have a large impact on Alaska Airlines, which is based in Seattle. Airlines have multiple hubs in addition to their main base, and having a weather system hit that hub can cause widespread problems.

What can you do to cut the chances of complications?

“Travel early in the morning,” Myers said. “It’s the best time to travel — the planes are already here, and they’re already ready to go.”

He also said to give yourself time between connecting flights. If one flight ends up delayed, you may still be able to make the connecting flight.

When fliers arrive early enough — Albany requests anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours before flights — they’re able to board on time, Myers said. Different airlines have varying policies, but he said a late passenger could delay the flight by a few minutes.

The city is replacing the historic roof and windows at City Hall at 97 Mohawk St. It has received grants to make repairs and upgrades at the library building at 10 Cayuga Plaza.

Over the last two-and-a-half years, the city has obtained $24.5 million in various grants to fund its environmental and historic preservation initiatives along with other projects, said Joe Seman-Graves, the city planner. Seman-Graves and Theresa Bourgeois, the city director of operations, have pursued most of

WILL WALDRON / TIMES UNION

The terminal at Albany International Airport on Aug. 11 in Colonie. Albany International ranked at the top of the pack for avoiding delays in an analysis looking at flights originating from airports serving New York, including LaGuardia, Albany, John F. Kennedy International, Stewart International and Newark Liberty International.

Cohoes Music Hall for the upcoming second season of the series.

KENNETH C. CROWE II / TIMES UNION

Seen here is the interior of the Cohoes Music Hall, viewed from the stage earlier this year. NYSERDA said once energy efficient work is completed, the building will be carbon neutral. It will help the city attain environmental goals, the mayor said.

10th Annual Toys for Toga Campaign Delivers 2,600 Toys, Including

$24k

in Gifts For Teens, to 3 Local Organizations

Saratoga County Program Is Also Making a $7,600 Cash Donation

MECHANICVILLE -

The 10th annual Toys for Toga campaign is proud to announce it has donated over 2,600 toys, including $24,000 in gifts for teenagers, to the program’s 3 local beneficiaries.

Death Wish Coffee Company donated the teen-specific gifts for the first time this year. The gifts included gaming consoles, sporting goods, headphones, bedding, gift cards and more.

“Each year, I grow more amazed by the community’s support for Toys for Toga,” said Eric Donovan, Community Engagement Director for Death Wish Coffee Company. “With everyone’s help, we are making the holidays brighter for so many local children, including local teens who we were able to specifically help for the first time this year.”

Today, Toys for Toga organizers delivered the toys to the program’s three beneficiaries: Franklin Community Center in

Senior December Dining Events at Colonie Senior Service Centers

COLONIE - Join us for a hot meal at The Beltrone Living Center Monday –Friday at noon. This program is funded in part by the Albany County Dept. for Aging, NYS Office for the Aging, Administration for Community Living, Town of Colonie and par-

Saratoga Springs, CAPTAIN Community Human Services in Clifton Park, and the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center.

“It’s always an amazing feeling to see the smiles on the faces of the organizations we help with this program,” said Carmine DeCrescente III, Vice President of DeCrescente Distributing Company, which distributes toy collection bins, creates marketing materials, and administers the program’s GoFundMe account.

“Their staff members work so hard all year long and we are happy to extend a helping hand when they need it most. On behalf of everyone at DeCrescente, thank you to all our toy-drop off locations and everyone who helped make this holiday season extra special for local kids.”

Toys for Toga is spearheaded by several Saratoga County businesses, including DeCrescente Distributing Company, Discover Saratoga, Death Wish Coffee Company, Druthers Brewing Company, and Quick Response Restoration.

“This program was designed to help bring joy to local children in need during the holiday season,” said Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga, another founding member of the Toys for Toga

ticipant contributions. This program is an equal opportunity provider. Suggested donation of $3, and registration and reservations are required. Call 518-459-2857 x 303. Join us for a hot meal at The Beltrone Living Center Monday-Friday at Noon. This program is funded in part by the Albany County Dept. for Aging, NYS Office for the Aging, Administration for

program. “Each year, I am amazed by the outpouring of toys and monetary donations from the local community. I’d like to personally thank every person and business who participated in Toys for Toga this year, and years past. I’m so grateful to live and work in a community where people give so generously.”

In addition to the toys, Toys for Toga has raised over $7,600 in cash to donate to the 3 beneficiaries.

Of that cash donation, $2,500 was raised through the sale of Druthers Brewing Company’s signature Toys for Toga NEIPA beer.

This year’s beer, which was aged on tangerines for a juicy, citrusy flavor, was available on draft at several Saratoga County bars, and available in 4-packs at beverage centers and grocery stores across the county.

Over $4,500 was raised through Toys for Toga’s GoFundMe page. The page will remain up for the rest of the holiday season and those who would like to contribute can still do so at: www.gofundme.com/f/ toys-for-toga-2022

We would like to specifically thank Gail Dunmyer, one of Death Wish Coffee’s biggest fans, who raised over $3,000 for the GoFundMe this year.

Andy Gilpin, Executive Director of CAPTAIN Community Human

Community Living, Town of Colonie and participant contributions.

12/23 Meatball Sub 12/26 Closed Day After Christmas 12/27 Cornflake Chicken 12/28 Oven Baked Fish Sandwich 12/29 Oregano Lemon Chicken 12/30 Beef & Broccoli w/Brown Rice

Services said, "The holiday season is especially challenging for many of our local families. Every parent hopes for a big, bright smile on their child's face when they tear open the wrapping paper and see what's inside. Through the generosity of our community, there will be hundreds of smiles come Christmas morning and much hope for our families going into the new year."

Franklin Community Center Development Director Mary Beth McGarrahan said, "We are so grateful to be included in the annual Toys for Toga toy drive and fundraiser and we thank all who donated toys and money this year. This has brought hope to so many, exhibiting what the holiday spirit truly means. We are fortunate to live in a very special community of caring people and we would like to thank everyone who contributed. Thank you as well to DeCrescente, Quick Response, Death Wish Coffee, Druthers and Discover Saratoga for organizing this tremendous effort and helping to fulfill the Christmas dreams of less fortunate children, who might otherwise have gone without."

Megan Quillinan, Executive Director of the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center said,

Community Caregivers’

Lunchtime Chat

Schedule: December 2022

ALBANY - All are welcome! Please dial-in to hear about interesting topics – it’s free and easy to join! Simply call 518-992-6661. 2021 Western Avenue, Suite 104, Albany NY 12203 Website:

“Toys for Toga embodies all that it means when we say #ittakesacommunity. It is heart-warming to see local businesses partner with community organizations to support so many during the holiday season.

This year, MACSC with the help of Toys for Toga, will be able to help over 400 children from local school districts.”

Toys for Toga would not be possible without the 80+ local businesses who helped collect toys, sell beer, and promote our GoFundMe page. A full list of participating businesses can be found below.

Thank you to Forno Bistro, which donated $600 from sales during November’s Discover Saratoga Annual Restaurant Week.

The Horseshoe, Nanola, The Hideaway, Iron’s Edge and more held special events at their locations to encourage toy drop offs and fundraising and we greatly appreciate their efforts this year!

Businesses who would like to participate in Toys for Toga next year are encouraged to contact Roberto Cruz, Communications Manager at DeCrescente Distributing at r.cruz@ddcbev.com or 518-539-2035.

www.CommunityCaregivers.org Email: info@ communitycaregivers.org Friday, Dec. 23 - 1 pm Topic: Icelandic Adventures Tuesday, Dec. 271 pm, Topic: The Life of Peter Drew

Speaker: Peter Drew, Musician, Composer, Writer and So Much More! Friday, Dec. 30, 1 pm, Topic: Happy New Year! Fun Facts and More

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

Published Every Thursday Distributed Weekly To 180,000 Homes

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

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

DESIGN DEPARTMENT

Roberta Mullins Rick Mullins

CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT

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

DISPLAY AD DEADLINE: Friday 4:00pm

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

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

AROUND YOUR COMMUNITY

Looking for Baseball Umpires

CAPITAL DISTRICTCapital District Baseball Umpires Association is looking for new members for the 2023 season. Training classes are now forming. Please call Bob Umholtz at 518-986-5987 or go to cdbua.com for more information.”

St. Luke’s on the Hill Presents the Holiday Service Schedule:

MECHANICVILLE· December 18 - 3:00 p.m.

Blue Christmas service · Christmas Eve - 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. services

Christmas Day9:00 a.m. service

New Year’s Eve4:00 p.m. service

New Year’s Day9:00 a.m. service

All are welcome!

40 McBride Road (off Pruyn Hill Road, Halfmoon Halfmoon/Mechanicville, NY 12118 518-664-4834; slonthehill@gmail.com

Alplaus UMC

Christmas Services

ALPLAUS - Christmas Eve Service is Saturday 12/24 at 7pm . This year we are keeping it simple and traditional: Christmas Carols and Candles. As always, all are welcome. Christmas Day is on 12/25, a Sunday! Yes, we will gather to worship on Christmas morning at our usual time (10:15am). This will be an informal day to gather together to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Yes, you can wear your Pajamas if you want to. No, we will not have Coffee Hour that day, but you are welcome to bring your cinnamon rolls

(or something similar) with your coffee into the sanctuary.

(The Church building is handicapped accessible, with a ground level entry and an elevator to the Sanctuary)

Alplaus UMC, 1 Brookside Place, Alplaus 12008

Unity Lutheran Church Christmas Eve and Christmas Services

ALBANY - Come Join Us! Unity Church welcomes all to participate in our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Christmas Eve is a Family Candlelight Service at 5pm and Christmas Day Worship at 10:00 AM.

Unity Lutheran Church, 1500 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203

All Saints Episcopal Church Christmas Eve and Christmas Services

ROUND LAKE - 3 Simpson Avenue, Round lake Candelight Christmas Eve Service 7pm Christmas Day Service 10am

*Both services ~ holy eucharist - All are welcome!

Senior Christmas Sing Along at St. Mary’s Church

CRESCENT - St. Mary’s Church, Crescent will be hosting a Christmas Sing Along as our December Senior Tuesday event on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 1:00 PM in our church hall. Carla Page, a local professional singer known for her ability to sing oldies from the 30’s through the 70’s, will lead us in an afternoon of singing Christmas carols

and other songs familiar to all of us. We hope to see you that day for a fun celebration of the holidays. Please feel free to bring a few Christmas cookies or other dessert to share with the group.

Waterford Knights of Columbus Breakfast Buffet and Omelet Station

WATERFORD - Buffet featuring our famous Omelet Station, Eggs cooked to order, Pancakes (Plain or Blueberry), French toast, Sausage, Bacon, Seasoned Home Fries, Toast, coffee, tea, orange and apple juices. Take a chance to win the 50/50 drawing.

Each paid breakfast enters you to win a free breakfast!

WHEN: Sun., Jan. 8th, 2023, 8:00am – 11:00am Every 1st Sunday of the Month

WHERE: K of C Hall, 76 Grace Street, Waterford waterfordkofc.org or call 518-237-9330

$12.00 adult - $6.00 children (Children under 4 free)

The Latham-Colonie Columbiettes are Hosting a Breakfast Buffet

LATHAM - Sunday, January 8th, 2023, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus Council, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.

Menu includes; Scrambled Eggs, an Omelet Station, Home Fries, Corned Beef Hash, Bacon and Sausage, Pancakes and French Toast served w/Warm syrup, A Variety of Cereals and Juices, Bananas and Hot Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate.

*$12 Adults, $6 Children (5-10) and under 5 Free! www.lathamcoloniekofc. com/dinners&events

Local Magicians to Meet January 10th

LATHAM - The local group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets at 7:00 PM on the second Tuesday of the month at the S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY. We welcome all persons, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or purely entertainment to join us for a fun evening. For more information about our organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit our web site: WWW.SAM24. SYNTHASITE.COM.

Capital District Fly Fisher Present an Introductory Fly Tying Class

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

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Site: Locust Lane Clubhouse - 5 Locust Lane, Clifton Park Fee: $85 Registration is online through Town of Clifton Park. You do not have to be

a resident to enroll.

Instructor: Members of Capital District Fly Fishers

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

Evan Lubin evan. Lubin@gmail.com

THE CENTER at Colonie Senior Service Centers Announces an Open House

COLONIE - The Open House is January 13 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. THE CENTER is a place for individuals 55 years of age or older to learn, grow, exercise and be creative.

Best of all, it’s a place to have fun! We are so excited about these offerings, in celebration of the New Year and of all things new and exciting. Please note, $20 membership is due in January.

Come and mingle, meet instructors and learn about THE CENTER at CSSC. At our January Open House, there will be information about wellness and fitness classes, artistic and creative events and club happenings, too. The open house is a great chance to see where classes are held and tour our building. Start your journey in staying active, connected and healthy in 2023!

There will also be music, crafts, snacks and fun. Free for all. Call 518-4592857 x 327 or cbarrett@ coloniesenior.org.

Capital Region Veterans Memorial (CRVM) Fundraiser

SCHENECTADY - We are having a Fundraiser at the Waters Edge Lighthouse, 2 Freemans Bridge

Road, Schenectady on January 28th 4-5 Silent Auction and Cash Bar. 5PM Buffet Dinner Seafood Stuff Sole, Chicken Parm, Potatoes, Fruit and Toss Salad, Coffee and Dessert. 50/50, Small presentation and Silent Auction winners. $40pp; all proceeds to benefit the CRVM.

Please visit our website at: Capitalregionveteransmemorial.org

To purchase tickets and honor our Veterans and their families. Please email: thecrvm@gmail. com

If you have any questions or would like to donate an item for our Silent Auction.

American Legion Breakfasts

Back in January

DELMAR - American Legion - Blanchard Post 1040 - 16 W. Poplar Drive Delmar NY

Sons of the American Legion Monthly Breakfast Buffet- all you can eat** Adults $12, Children $6 (under 12)

Enjoy our extensive buffet which includes omelet stations, breakfast sandwiches, eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, pancakes, and more. Includes beverages (coffee, tea, juices)

Proceeds used to fund our various projects and programs that directly support our Veterans.

January 29, 2023 from 9 to 12-noon (and February 26th and March 26th)

Thank you for your support to the Veterans - we look forward to seeing you!

*elevator and ADA restrooms on site

Recruiting AmeriCorps

Volunteers 55+

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

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

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

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

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

Hispanic and nternational Ministry at Clifton Park Center Baptist Church

CLIFTON PARK - Clifton Park Center Baptist Church offers an outreach program for Hispanics and Internationals 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.

The Boys and Girls Club of Albany Hosting an Adult Bible Study

ALBANY - Each Thursday at 6:00 P.M. The address is 21 Delaware Avenue.

For further info please call 518-885-3149.

HOROSCOPE

Week Of December 25, 2022

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Cleaning and organizing can wait for another week, Aries.

This week you should focus on having fun with your family and friends Enjoy the respite from work.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, work is on your brain, but it could be because you’re wired to focus on getting things done. Work is important, but remember to make time for other things as well.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Your bank account may not be as healthy as it could be, Gemini. Tuck those credit cards away and cut back on purchases for the time being to set things straight.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

You have been feeling less motivated of late, Cancer. That is likely due to the breakneck speed that you have been going for some time. Slow down and enjoy the break.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, practicality is your middle name. The next few days you may be focused on whimsy and imagination. It could be all the feelings the holidays are bringing up.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Planetary energies could be affecting those around you and their reception to your ideas, Virgo. Remain patient that things will tip in your favor after some time has passed.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Your thoughts this week are about setting goals for the future, Libra. Not that you haven’t already been doing your share of planning, but now you’re firming up those plans.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, issues with your professional life may be on your mind. It could be time to make a major change in the days to come. Are you ready to move in a new direction?

SAGITTARIUS –Nov 23/Dec 21

New responsibilities have left little time to spend with your significant other, Sagittarius. Carve out moments to snuggle if you cannot get out to a romantic meal or movie.

CAPRICORN –Dec 22/Jan 20

Have you been plotting a move, Capricorn? Make sure your real estate research is up-to-date and you’re ready to take the plunge. This move may be a big one.

AQUARIUS –Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, perhaps you have made a few big purchases lately and feel like your budget has taken a hit? Add up receipts and you may find it’s not as bad as you had thought.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

This is a good time for a change of perspective, Pisces. Maybe you have been looking at things all the wrong way. Switch things up.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

DECEMBER 25

Jimmy Buffett, Singer (76)

DECEMBER 26

Jared Leto, Actor (51)

DECEMBER 27

Bill Goldberg, Wrestler (56)

DECEMBER 28

John Legend, Singer (44)

DECEMBER 29

Diego Luna, Actor (43)

DECEMBER 30

LeBron James, Athlete (38)

DECEMBER 31

Gabby Douglas, Gymnast (27)

EMPLOYMENT

TOWN MANAGER

TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT

The Town of Manchester, Vermont seeks an engaging, collaborative and experienced Town Manager. Manchester (pop. 4221) is a charming and vibrant New England community located in the Northshire of Bennington County, surrounded by the Green Mountain National Forest and close to several resorts. The Town has a thriving tourist and retail economy and strong tradition of community engagement.

The

seasonal part-time employees, administers an operating budget of $6.25 million, and oversees all financial, public works, public safety, personnel, economic development, recreation, and community relations matters for the Town.

A detailed job description and position announcement are posted at https://manchester-vt.gov/employment-opportunities/.

Salary range is $95,000 to $125,000 commensurate with experience and education and includes an excellent benefits package. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, management experience, preferably in municipal government, and substantial knowledge of municipal government operations, the duties of municipal officials, and state and federal law provisions affecting municipalities.

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information with three references by January 3, 2023 to municipal. recruitment@vlct.org with “Manchester Manager Search” as the subject line. E.O.E.

Town Manager reports to the Town’s five-member selectboard and is responsible for the Town’s daily operations. The manager directly supervises approximately 34 full-time and 80

ithout seeing the photos with this listing, it would sound fairly typical: A three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom home a little less than 2,000 square feet, on almost an acre of land. But when you see how that square footage is contained, maybe your jaw does what mine did and drops a little.

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

The North Church was built in 1867 and has been transformed to become a modern home. There are original touches that play up the church’s charm, like wood beams framing the 30-foot ceilings, the bell hanging from the tower and beautiful stained glass windows throughout the house. The majority of the interior has newer features,

from the deck and outdoor fireplace to the modern kitchen and bathrooms. It comes fully furnished, so turnkey is the keyword. New HVAC and septic systems. Taxes:$2,500. Listing price: $795,000. For more information, contact Erin Sipowicz, of the Erin Sipowicz Team of Howard Hanna Real Estate, at 518-307-6348 or erinsipowicz@howardhanna.com.

What destinations had most delays and cancellations?

Out of the busier domestic airports, the flights with the highest rate of delays were headed to Palm Beach, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami in Florida, and Portland, Ore.

As some New Yorkers venture out to visit families around the world, some destinations experience higher rates of cancellations and delay complications.

Nearly half of flights to Turkey experienced a delay — the worst rate of delayed flights for countries with at least 1,000 scheduled flights. Turkey was followed by Ecuador, Qatar, Guatemala, Brazil and Portugal.

Canada experienced the greatest rate of cancellations at 6 percent, followed by domestic flights in the U.S. and then by Israel, Ecuador and Puerto Rico.

Iceland claimed the spot for the most reliable flights when it came to avoiding delays.

In addition to climate, Bangs said labor can account for some of the different international rates. Over the summer in Europe, major airports like Amsterdam and Germany had to put limits in place for how many

passengers could fly on the airlines as they could not get enough ground workers and security employees to process travelers.

“This was an unusual case of airports — instead of airlines — limiting how many passengers could fly,” Bangs said.

When did delays and cancellations peak?

While delays have significantly improved since their peaks during summer and are trending downward, they spiked upward around December 2021.

Typically, Bangs said there are high delays and cancellations in the summer because it’s popular for travelers and unpredictable thunderstorms and widespread cold fronts.

In 2022, she said they observed the highest days from January to March due to not one but two Nor’easters hitting the eastern seaboard. Major ice storms across the great plains and even south into Texas required huge preemptive cancellations by the airlines and even airport closures.

Where have N.Y. flights been heading since 2021?

The most popular destination is within the U.S. with more than 680,000 flights scheduled from a New York area airport. The flights flew the most to airports in Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Orlando and Boston.

The top five international destinations are Canada, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Puerto Rico.

The data also portrays tumultuous times marked by war and pandemic restrictions. Over Ukraine, the flashing pulses of activity quieted. The U.S. Department of State travel advisories list Ukraine as a “Do Not Travel” country, among 18 others.

the grants the city has received.

› kcrowe@- timesunion.com A 518-454-5084 A @ KennethCrowe