Saratoga with Kids

Trimmings, a Saratoga native, “always thought there is so much wealth here, so how are there kids that are really this hungry?” she says. After graduating from SSHS, Trimmings pursued her music career in college, eventually coming back to Saratoga to grow her family and her career in music education at Dorothy Nolan elementary and St. Clements church. Having always worked with children, whether at school, church, or home, she is very involved with the youth of the community. Her inspiration sparked SNACpack, “8 years ago, we brought a young man into our home... because I just knew something was off” she says. Turns out he came from a broken home and under his circumstances was unable to have enough food. She then I thought “I know there is one hungry kid, but if there is one, I wonder how many there really are?” “With this child’s blessing and his guidance... I was all in. To speak at each school and make the community aware” she says. When Karey presented the idea to the board of education, many were shocked because, “these are kids in Saratoga Springs, that walk by you, that sit by you and who literally do not have food on the weekends... yet are aware that the student next to them has $300 Nikes on” says Trimmings. “In a way they’re ghost children who are just not seen” which is why SNACpack works to change that. To “make these kids realize they have adults who care about them... and see them” she says. Over time, a support network has grown throughout school and the community, thanks to an amazing team of teachers, faculty and volunteers who make SNACpack “more than just food on a Friday afternoon... these kids are supported in many ways” says Trimmings. Such as including toiletries in bags, accommodating home deliveries, and having a team of social workers in every building with whom we work with to help these kids obtain additional services they may need. The process has become a weekly routine, every Saturday Karey orders food from the Northeast Regional Foodbank using donated money, “volunteers pick up the food on Thursdays and bring it to St. Clements... where volunteers pack bags of food... on Friday, the bags are brought to schools and a team in each building distributes them.” SNACpack’s start was a lightbulb moment for SSCSD to do better, “it was very eye opening and created a sense of empathy and compassion that wasn’t really there before” she says. In the future, Karey hopes to create a SNACpack sponsored scholarship to support these kids in further education, “because school can be a lot more challenging when you’re hungry.” As progress continues, it is necessary for Saratogians to continue supporting SNACpack, without your help, they could not help the range of kids they do. Go to www. SNACpackprogram.org to get involved, sign up for packing, or donate. Be the change and give back this holiday season. SF YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO VISIT

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TRADITIONS TO START THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

WRITTEN BY GINNY SMITH | PHOTOS PROVIDED

From the very first Christmas after my husband and I were married, we have built family traditions that officially serve as our Christmas opening ceremonies. Cutting our own Christmas tree is our first, and one of our longest running, family traditions. The tree in our living room is a reminder of the meaning of the season, and the joy it brings to spend the day together as a family choosing it.

As we’ve added dogs and children to our family, they have all become enveloped into our tradition and excitedly anticipate our tree cutting day as soon as we finish our pie on Thanksgiving Day. What was once a very simple tradition where my husband and I took a hand saw to a tree farm and brought home a tree has evolved into a full day of festivities as each family member has added a new wrinkle. Our middle child insists upon a big pancake breakfast before our tree cutting adventure. Our oldest reminds that seeing Santa and his reindeer at the farm is a vital part of the tradition. My husband swears that walking up and down the rows of trees will help us find the perfect one. I always love taking too many pictures. And our youngest happily goes with the flow—thank goodness we have one of those!

Over the years, we’ve solidified the routine of our collectively created tradition. My husband makes a pancake breakfast fit for a lumberjack so that our stomachs stay full while we are searching for our tree. We dress for the weather because, as the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” We pack up our saw, bungee cords, tarp, and cocoa, load everyone into the car, and turn on the Christmas music for the first time of the season.

Santa and his reindeer are always our first stop. Our kids love telling Santa their wish lists and getting a lollipop. Then we trudge out to the fields on foot or conveniently take a tractor ride to search for our tree. We’re always looking for something similar: a tree that smells good, with sturdy branches for our ornaments, and as tall as we can fit into our home (around 12 feet). The familiar scent of freshly cut pine brings back memories of our previous trips to the tree farm and excitement for this year’s tree. After looking at several rows of trees, they all begin to look the same to me. But it never fails that one family member will find a tree that has a little something special and we decide that it’s the one for us. After taking copious amounts of pictures, the arduous work of cutting the tree, dragging it to the baler, and lifting it on top of the car begins. With our tree secured to the roof, we head back home. Homemade pizza, a Christmas movie (usually, Elf), and a warm fire conclude our day of tree cutting festivities. And it starts to feel a lot like Christmas.

What are your traditions for the start of the holiday season? I’d love to hear them! Tag me @thesaratogalife on Instagram to share your experiences.

SF