Saratoga TODAY December 18-24, 2020 by Saratoga TODAY

LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 14 •

Issue 51 • December 18 – December 24, 2020

How to Maneuver the COVID-Slide

Photo courtesy of Cheryl’s Lodge Outreach Center. See Story pg. 14

Plans Approved for Nursing Home Closure; Residents to Be Relocated

The Saratoga Center for Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care Photo provided. See Story pg. 10

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • 518- 581-2480 •

Contact Tracing On The Way by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA — In March, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors authorized $1 million to be directed to battling the spread of COVID-19. There were 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saratoga County at the time. In May, the Board authorized Saratoga County Administrator Spencer Hellwig to hire as many as 50 Contact Tracers at the rate of $25 per hour – the costs to be paid from the appropriated $1 million fund. Seven months later, with the number of cases nearing a total of 4,000 in Saratoga County, $800,000 of that $1 million has

remained unused, and only 23 Contact Tracers employed. “We authorized 50 Contact Tracers. In November it came to my understanding that we only had 23 Contact Tracers,” says Tara Gaston, one of two city supervisors who represent Saratoga Springs at the county level. “Whether anyone in leadership knew about it, I don’t know, but that’s when I learned we had only hired 23. Before that, it hadn’t been discussed. And it was about this same time that we determined that New York State which had promised us to be able to use their Contact Tracers – was going to limit our access. So, it became an even larger concern,” she says. See Story pg. 10

FOOD PANTRIES How to Give, How to Get

Photo courtesy of Franklin Community Center. See pg. 8

History

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

SARATOGA

COMMUNITIES TRANSFORMED BY TANNERY FIRE

by Timothy Starr | Sponsored by The Saratoga County History Roundtable

Contact The Saratoga County History Roundtable at: saratogacohistoryroundtable@gmail.com

oday the crossing of Middle Line Road and Geyser Road contains a few houses and a small parking lot to access the Kayaderosseras Creek. But in the mid-1800s, it was the site of a thriving hamlet of several hundred inhabitants called Milton Center. Locally renowned Revolutionary War Lt. Colonel James Gordon became an early entrepreneur after the war. He built one of Milton’s earliest gristmills on the creek by 1800 as well as other small mills to the south in the Town of Ballston. Attracted by the water privileges of the Kayaderosseras at that point, Milton Center grew to a sizable settlement. Within a few decades it even had its own post office, sawmill, stores, a hotel, and a Mission Chapel of Christ Church. Seth Rugg established the Rugg Spinning Wheel Factory around 1830. It reportedly supplied all of the spinning wheels for the northeastern part of the country. Rugg’s nephew David Stenner established a small tannery nearby. A man named Samuel Haight arrived on the scene and would go on to have a dramatic impact on local area history. Haight was born in Troy, NY on October 22, 1832. After receiving a good education, he joined his father’s tannery business in Troy. In 1858 he married Helen Vassar (“a young lady of brilliant attainments”) of the famous family of Poughkeepsie which founded Vassar College.

Bull’s Head Tannery Employees in Ballston Spa. Photo provided.

Approaching the age of 40, he decided to strike out on his own and relocated to Saratoga County in 1870, assuming ownership of the former Rugg tannery from John Jacobs in Milton Center. Before long, Haight had greatly expanded operations by adding new buildings and using modern processing techniques. The main building was 50 feet long and 100 feet wide, consisting of a multitude of subsections and additions. The bark mill, boilers, engine, etc. were in the center, the tannery vats were to the west, the currying shops were in the rear, and the finishing department was in the east end and on the second floor. The well-kept property was described by the Ballston Journal as containing large buildings “two stories in height with basement, and are in good repair throughout, their exterior neatly painted, thereby giving the appearance of a first-class situation, as indeed it is. It is the largest manufactory of the kind in the country.” At its peak, the factory employed 150 men. In December 1881 a large fire destroyed most of the business. It was discovered by night watchman Charles McCarty on the second story near the elevator. The only other person in the building was engineer James Fitzpatrick, who was just getting up steam for Monday’s shift. Within a few minutes the entire main building was engulfed in flames which could be seen in Ballston Spa five miles away. The stables and office were also burned, but the nearby residences, store, dry-houses, and Literary Society’s hall were all saved. The total monetary amount of the loss was estimated at a whopping $125,000, but Milton Center would soon lose much more. Rather than rebuild the tannery as it was, Haight decided to move the plant

to Ballston Spa to take advantage of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad that operated through town. Within just a few years of the tannery’s removal, the hamlet had almost become a ghost town, as most of the workers moved closer to Ballston Spa to continue their employment. Haight lost no time in rebuilding his enterprise since his products were in high demand, and insurance covered 90 percent of his losses. By the end of 1882, the tannery was in full operation. The events of Haight’s death in October 1891 were somewhat mysterious. After his son Theodore made a recovery from a long illness, Haight and his wife sought to refresh themselves with a long drive in the country. While riding, he was attacked by a pain which stayed with him for the rest of the day. He fell asleep that night and never woke up, remaining unconscious until 6 p.m. the following day, when he expired. Within 15 years of the move to Ballston Spa, the tannery was one of the largest in the nation thanks to the efforts of Haight’s two sons, H. Vasser and Theodore. The firm was reorganized in 1899 when it was purchased by American Hide and Leather. In that year it employed 350 people and had sales of about $750,000. It was an immense complex, comprising over 25 buildings and covering several acres of land on both sides of Gordon Creek. After a century of operations in the town of Milton, the tannery finally closed its doors in 1960. Timothy Starr is an independent historian and author. One of Timothy Starr’s 16 local history books is entitled “Lost Industries of the Kaydeross Valley,” which details the Milton tannery and many other industries throughout the town of Milton and Ballston Spa. Tim can be reached at Tstarr71@gmail.com

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

NEWS 3

Christmas in Old Saratoga by Charlie Kuenzel for Saratoga TODAY

s we approach Christmas 2020 we sometimes forget that the holiday traditions we celebrate today in Saratoga Springs have not always been in practice, especially during the 1800’s. A walk around Saratoga Springs in the 19th century would have not offered glimpses of decorated-lighted houses, lawn inflatables and the names of Rudolph, Grinch and Frosty. It was a different time and a different village. Christmas in the 1800’s in Saratoga Springs would have been enjoyed by a smaller year-round population. Much of the historic stories that we enjoy about early Saratoga are rooted in the wealthy visiting during the summer months. December would have been a very different environment. The population of the village was only between 2,000-6,000 residents in the winter, and that represented a more working-class population, with a few wealthy residents. Most working-class families would not have started to put up Christmas trees in their homes until after the Civil War. Queen Victoria of England helped to make the Christmas tree a main decoration starting in 1841. Victoria had married Prince

Albert from Germany and he insisted on the tradition he was used to in his native country. London newspapers covered the decorating of their tree in 1848 and word of this event didn’t get notoriety in American until 1849. Even then it was considered to be a tradition that the wealthy would enjoy. It took about 15 years until the common man would embrace this tradition in America. The Christmas trees of today are usually illuminated by many white or colored electric lights. We must remember that Edison did not apply for a patent for this invention of the incandescent light bulb until January of 1880, so the early illumination was by small candles placed on the branches. Even the tradition of a White House Christmas tree wasn’t started until 1889, when President Benjamin Harrison put up a tree. The New York Times covered the event and described not only the ornaments but the presents under the tree. A main figure of Christmas today is of course Santa Claus. Santa is also a late comer to the Christmas party. The word Santa Claus is English coming from a Dutch word “Sinterklaas” for the patron saint of the Dutch, St. Nicholas. Stockings were hung on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, December 5th. A poem published in 1821 suggests that St. Nick had

a sled pulled by a reindeer. When Clement Clark Moore wrote the famous poem “The Night Before Christmas” in 1823 he had changed the sleigh to be pulled by 8 reindeer and named each one. A drawing of St. Nick did not appear until noted cartoonist Thomas Nast showed Santa Claus in a sleigh visiting a Union Army Camp in January of 1863. Nast’s drawings were so popular that he continued them for many years and over time added a red suit and a North Pole workshop with elves. So, Christmas in early 19th century Saratoga was different compared to our traditions of today. By the beginning of the 20th century the trees, lights and names were starting to change until we have a closer resemblance to our view today. Even during this terrible pandemic, Saratoga residents have found ways to continue to innovate and celebrate the holiday. Enjoy the holiday season and as Clement Moore wrote,” Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.” Charlie Kuenzel taught at Saratoga High School for 36 years and was co-owner of Saratoga Tours LLC for 19 years. Author, lecturer and currently President of Saratoga Springs History Museum, Charlie loves Saratoga History and can be reached at charleskuenzel@hotmail.com

Cartoonist Thomas Nast was the first to draw Santa Claus; his imagery heavily influencing how St. Nick is depicted today. This cartoon “Merry Old Santa Claus” was seen in Harper’s Weekly 1881.

OBITUARIES

Ellen R. Bongard

Sally A. Evans

NORTHUMBERLAND — Ellen R. Bongard, member of the New York Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Industry, passed away on Dec. 7, 2020 at her home. She was 77. Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs. Burke &may Bussing Remembrances be made at Funeral Homes burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sally A. Evans, 79, entered into eternal life December 8, 2020. Burial will be at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2020 at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke Funeral Burke & Bussing Home in Saratoga Springs. Please Homes visitFuneral burkefuneralhome.com.

STILLWATER — Catherine Mildred “Mooie” (DeCelle) Schell, 95, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 11, 2020. No calling hours. A memorial mass will be held on a future date. Burial will be private at the National Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Stillwater Public Burke & Bussing Library, PO Box 485, Stillwater, NY Funeral Homes 12170. burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373 she lived with her former husband Thomas Gardner in the Adirondacks, where she was a social worker. The Gardners moved to Saratoga Springs in 1977, where Andrea embraced the community and raised her daughters Ashley and Rachel. She dedicated her life to serving on numerous boards and committees, exploring the natural environment, enhancing her own historic property, and appreciating the cultural breadth of the city. Andrea showcased her love of people through her work at the Saratoga Springs City Center, ultimately as Director of Sales, helping to draw droves of visitors to the downtown she loved. Gracious and gregarious, Andrea fostered friendships across a wide and diverse spectrum of people, whether at a PTA meeting, playing pickleball, at a party, or in the pool. She treated all people with respect, always affirming their value, and her friends share that being around Andrea’s “calm, curiosity, and light” both improved their lives and propelled them to live up to the best self she saw in them. One friend

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373 described Andrea as “devoted” to her passions, especially her children and grandchildren, as well as to the beauty and well-being of Saratoga Springs. Another quoted her as emphasizing that she wanted to “leave the world a better place for her grandchildren.” Andrea was also known for her ingenuity, was a wiz with a toolbox, had a green thumb, and loved a good dirty martini. She loved to dance, spend time on horseback, and float down the river in a canoe. She had an innate gift for interior design and had overseen the renovations of several historic properties, including her own home. In her younger years she sailed from Hawaii to California, windsurfed choppy waters, skibummed in Vail and the Alps, and cycled through Europe, ultimately burning her luggage on the tarmac favoring the weight of her new bicycle. One friend recalls that in 1991, Andrea began joining a group of women participating in fitness weekends at Camp Chingachgook, in Lake George. “Andi made sure

Funeral Homes

S S ∙ 584-5373 Andrea Holcomb Gardner ARATOGA PRINGS

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Andrea Holcomb Gardner, aged 71, passed away at home in Saratoga Springs on Dec. 8, 2020, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer, which she faced with the dignity, courage, intelligence, ferocity, pragmatism, and grace that were hallmarks of her too-short life. The daughter of Roberta Cole and Albert Holcomb, Andrea was a Michigan native and attended Seaholm High School and Western Michigan University. In the 1970s,

Funeral Homes

Catherine (DeCelle) Schell

Funeral Homes

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

Eugene Wade SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eugene Wade, 73, passed away at his home in Largo, FL, on December 10, 2020. He was born on April 8, 1947 in Saratoga Springs. Gene lived there all his life but he and his wife enjoyed spending their winters in Florida. Gene was a Vietnam veteran and proudly served in the United States Army. He served proudly from 1966-1968. Following his honorable discharge from the Army he was employed by General Electric for over 40 years in Schenectady, retiring in 2009. He married Madeline Wardell in 1968 and they recently celebrated 52 years together. Gene was predeceased by his parents Richard (Downing) Wade and Corabell (Kimball) Wade. He is survived by his wife Madeline; daughters Marisa and Sheila (Wade) and husband Richard Hall of Maryland; two brothers William (wife Diane) of Saratoga and Charles Wade of California; his nieces Tammy Tidwell, Wendy we all survived the itinerary of hiking, ropes courses, tennis, and camp activities, reveling in the sheer joy of our freedom.” Andrea knew how to play. She joined friends in tennis, pickleball, and mahjong, and excelled at jigsaw puzzles, Scrabble, and crosswords. She loved pre-performance picnics at SPAC, where she was a life member, weekend getaways, and breakfast at the farmers’ market. She rarely declined an invitation and was a witty and animated partner in discussions of politics, gardening, the arts (especially dance), travel, and relationships. Andrea was a second mother to many and gave sage advice. She was sought after as a loyal companion for both her mystery and her openness. She was known to say she did not take the blessings in her life for granted. She was president of her investment club (The Divas) for nearly 25 years, a generous Christmas host, and frequently the driver to the club’s winter retreat at Big Wolf in the Adirondacks. In sub-zero temps, her trusty Subaru was the only one to start. Andrea traveled the world, joyfully undertaking adventures in the Yucatán, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Portugal, Paris, Italy, Peru, Belize, Roatan, and the Alps. Despite her pursuit of adventure, she was never happier than at her own hearth in Saratoga Springs, into which she welcomed all comers with a grace and openness that made her the centerpiece of her family and tribe of friends. One said, “She was

Paige and Stacy Adams; and nephew William Wade Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Gene to any local animal rescue organization. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at William J. Burke & Sons funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). A funeral home service will begin at 11 a.m. (due to NYS Executive Orders and Covid-19 protocols, the funeral service will be limited attendance). Burial with military honors will take place at 12 p.m. Wednesday, December 23 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville. Burke & Bussing Online remembrances may be Funeral Homes made at burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373 SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

the archetypical hostess, but most of all, she was our rock.” Andrea possessed a notion for how life should be. For her, every stranger was a potential friend, every person had an important story, and every problem had a solution she could navigate with clarity and calm. She took pride in the process of life. She found joy in the mundane and comedy in crisis. She valued experiences over outcomes and lived her life with simple abundance. One close friend said, “There are two kinds of people: those who knew and loved her, and those who wish they knew her.” Andrea is survived by her daughters, Ashley Gardner (Kevin Wood) and Rachel Gardner (Alejandra Bernal); grandchildren Devon and Riley GardnerWood; sister-in-law Jeanette Holcomb, nephews Scott (Melissa) Holcomb and Chad Holcomb, her companion of several decades, Tim Shoen; her platonic life partner Deborah Koransky, and her former husband, Thomas Gardner, along with an infinite collection friends and loved ones. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Gary Holcomb. While no gathering is currently planned to memorialize Andrea due to COVID-19, the family plans to meet with friends to joyously celebrate her life sometime in 2021. In lieu of flowers, please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com for memorial donation information, to sign the guest book and share photos and memories.

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

COURT Robert W. Rivers, 37, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Dec. 8 to aggravated family offense, a felony. Sentencing scheduled March 8, 2021. Adam J. Ross, 39, of Greenfield Center, was sentenced Dec. 10 to 1 year in jail, after pleading to felony DWI, in Saratoga Springs. Eileen M. Wesley, 62, of Scotia, pleaded Dec. 10 to felony DWI, in Ballston. Sentencing scheduled Feb. 16. Melissa R. LaPoint, 41, of Moreau, pleaded Dec. 9 to felony DWI, felony aggravated DWI, and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, in Wilton. Sentencing Feb. 16, 2021. Messiah J. Pompey, 25, of Halfmoon, pleaded Dec. 4 to promoting a sexual performance by a child, a felony. Sentencing Feb. 18, 2021. Patrick Colon, Jr., 34, of Hagaman, was sentenced Dec. 3 to 1.5 to 3 years in state prison, after

pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, a felony, in Mechanicville. Bruce Stanley, 76, of Halfmoon, was sentenced to 90 days in jail, after pleading to sexual abuse in the first-degree, in Halfmoon. Todd M. Baker, 37, of Mechanicville, pleaded Dec. 7 to criminal contempt in the first-degree, a felony, in connection with an incident in Stillwater. Sentencing Feb. 28.

POLICE Chad M. Cruger, 21, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 11 with two felony counts burglary and two felony counts criminal mischief, in addition to the following misdemeanors: petit larceny, criminal tampering, criminal possession stolen property, possession of burglar tools, and three misdemeanor counts criminal mischief. City police said in the early morning hours on Friday, Dec. 11, officers on patrol discovered a burglary at Roma

BLOTTER 5 Foods, on Washington Street. An investigation showed there had been forced entry and items taken from inside the business. Shortly afterwards, a burglary in progress was called in from a residence on Newton Avenue, which is in close proximity to the Roma’s burglary. Officers who responded to the Newton Avenue call, which was a burglary to a locked shed, allegedly located Cruger at that scene. Cruger is accused of being involved in both incidents and was additionally found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for criminal mischief in an unrelated incident. Cruger was arraigned on all offenses and sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail, or $50,000 bond.

Hector Martinez, 22, of Schenectady, was charged Dec. 5 in Saratoga Springs with assault in the thirddegree, and aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor.

Jamar Wilson, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 4 with the felonies: criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense, and the misdemeanors: criminal contempt, acting in manner injure child, and criminal obstruction of breathing.

Karen Pagano, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 3 with misdemeanor petit larceny.

Emeline Weir, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 2 with felony burglary. Victor Maffetone, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 2 with felony burglary. Kenneth Hughes, 35, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 2 with criminal trespass misdemeanor. Devan Hildebrandt, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 2 with felony burglary, and misdemeanor assault.

Devin Hayes, 24, of Gansevoort, was charged Dec. 3 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, misdemeanor

aggravated DWI, and speed not reasonable and prudent. Yaw Acheampong, 27, of Schenectady, was charged Dec. 3 with rape in the firstdegree, in Clifton Park. Acheampong is accused of having sexual intercourse with a female who was physically helpless, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office. He was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash, or $10,000 bond. James L. Salvo, 49, and Amie L. Sorey, 44 – both of Schenectady, were arrested Dec. 7 following a lengthy investigation into an alleged grand larceny that occurred on Sept. 13 at the Singlecut Brewery located at Fairchild Square in the town of Clifton Park. Salvo and Sorey are accused of having entered a construction trailer located at the business and stealing over $3,000 worth of numerous construction tools. They were each charged with one count grand larceny in the third-degree.

NEWS BRIEFS

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

American Heart Association Warns of Snow Shoveling Health Hazards Locally Owned & Operated PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty | 518-581-2480 x212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell | 518-581-2480 x208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee | 518-581-2480 x201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com ADVERTISING Jim Daley | 518-581-2480 x209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey | 518-581-2480 x204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com DISTRIBUTION Kim Beatty | 518-581-2480 x205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com Carolina Mitchell | Magazine DESIGN Kacie Cotter-Sacala Newspaper Designer Newspaper Ad Designer Website Editor

ALBANY — The American Heart Association says that for most people, shoveling snow may not lead to any health problems. However, the association warns that the risk of a heart attack during snow shoveling may increase for some, as the combination of colder temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart. People who are outdoors in cold weather should avoid sudden exertion, like lifting a heavy shovel full of snow. Even walking through heavy, wet snow or snow drifts can strain a person’s heart. For those who are sedentary, or people with existing heart conditions like heart failure, high blood pressure or cholesterol, the increased workload on the heart from activities such as shoveling of heavy snow, can put them at higher risk for heart attack—where a clot blocks blood flow to a heart artery causing the heart muscle damage

or tissue death. This is a lifethreatening medical emergency. To help make snow removal safer, the American Heart Association has compiled a list of practical tips: Take frequent rest breaks during shoveling so you don’t overstress your heart; Don’t eat a heavy meal prior or soon after shoveling; Use a small shovel or consider a snow thrower; Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling; prevent hypothermia - dress in layers of warm clothing, which traps air between layers forming a protective insulation. Wear a hat because much of your body’s heat can be lost through your head. Learn the heart attack warning signs and listen to your body, but remember, even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.

2021 Town of Saratoga Calendars Now Available Calendars Produced by The Old Saratoga Historical Association SARATOGA — The 2021 Town of Saratoga calendars featuring pictures from days gone by in the villages of Schuylerville and Victory and in the surrounding areas are now on sale. Calendar pages are sprinkled with close to 150 historical tidbits. The photos include the Schuyler Hose Company in new turnout gear in 1987, the Periard family of Victory Mills, the 1954 champion VFW baseball team, a Knights of Columbus meeting, Schuylerville FFA members in 1964, and seven other pictures from the Town’s past. You will learn that fire struck the village firehouse in 1947, the gristmill in Grangerville in 1938, the Visitation Church in 1871, the Quaker Springs hotel in 1899, and the Liberty wallpaper plant in 1924. Other tidbits include

FF 200 O

f se o cha t pur irlif the ny sta a

the date the last cotton mill machines moved south, Saratoga County was formed from Albany County, the General Schuyler Pantry opened, Schuylerville Central School District was formed, and a helicopter crashed and burned in Grangerville. Calendars may be purchased for $5 in Schuylerville at Byron’s Market, Saratoga Apple, Schuylerville Public Library, Schuylerville Village Clerk’s office and at the Town Clerk’s office or at Old Saratoga Mercantile and Olde Saratoga Home and Garden on Route 29. The Old Saratoga Historical Association has produced the Town of Saratoga calendar for the past 36 years. Call Pat Peck, 518-584-4129, to arrange to have calendars mailed and to offer photos for the 2022 calendar.

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Marisa Scirocco Magazine Designer Magazine Ad Designer EDITORIAL Thomas Dimopoulos 518-581-2480 x214 City, Crime, Business Arts/Entertainment thomas@saratogapublishing.com Megin Potter Education, Sports Anne Proulx | 518-581-2480 x252 Obituaries, Proofreader aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

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Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

Wilton Scout Troops: Building Bridges

Social Distance Gets Soul on Sonic Saturday in the Spa City

Photo provided.

WILTON — The two local Scout Troops for Wilton, 4024B (Boys) and 4024G (Girls) built a new trail bridge at Moreau Lake State Park on Mud Pond Trail. The project was Jackson Ellnor’s Eagle project, and was supported by the park, both BSA Troops, members of Friends of Moreau Lake State Park, and members of the community. Over the course of two weekends in November the bridge went from a plan to a fully functional completed bridge. This is the second Eagle Project completed in conjunction with

Moreau Lake State Park in the past two years. The other was Evan Schmid’s project of rebuilding a lean-to within the park that was completed last year. Additionally, both the Boys and Girls Troops did a fall clean-up at Dorothy Nolan Elementary school, and also helped a few seniors in the area with their clean-up earlier this fall. The Boys Troop also collected items from the community for the Adopta-Soldier program and helped package the items for soldiers deployed around the world.

Garland Nelson. Photo by SuperSource Media.

SARATOGA SPORINGS — Billed as “the ultimate social distancing concert - in motion,” local musician Garland Nelson and the Soul Session band will perform live music atop of a slowmoving flatbed truck Saturday. The event takes place noon to 1 p.m., and again 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, down Broadway, onto Lake Ave., then onto Circular, and back again. Left: Map to the musical road.

NEWS

LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES SARATOGA SPRINGS

• Saratoga Springs EOC Soup Kitchen Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church: 24 Circular St. 518-584-2597. Mon–Sat 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Sun 3– 4 p.m. Serves to anyone who needs food in any county. • Franklin Community Center: 10 Franklin St. Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m., by appointment only. 518-587-9826. Serves to anyone who needs food in any county. • Salvation Army 27: Woodlawn Ave. 518-584-1640. Sign up online on Facebook or call ahead to set up order and they will deliver. Facebook: search salvation army of Saratoga Springs. Serves all Saratoga County residents. • St. Clement’s Food Pantry: 231 Lake Ave. Procedure: building is closed to the public, pre-packed bags. Clients are asked to drive around the church to the side pantry door. Their protein/meat request and family size will be taken, clients will remain in their vehicle and bags will be brought out to them. Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 9–12 p.m., Contact: Marianne McGhan, office: 518-581-9805. Available to all Saratoga County residents.

BALLSTON SPA

• Christ Episcopal Church: 15 West High St. 518-602-0004. No appointment necessary, pull up wait by door: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 10 a.m. – Noon, Wed 5–6 p.m. Available to Ballston Spa School District Residents. • EOC Food Pantry: 39 Bath St. 518-288-3206. Call for appointment. Delivery only. Available to all Saratoga County residents. • First Baptist Church: 202 Milton Ave. 518-885-8361. No appointment; show up during business hours: 1st and 3rd Tues. 9–11 a.m., Thurs. 4:30– 6:30 p.m.; 1st Sat 8–10 a.m. Available to all Saratoga County residents. • United Methodist Church: 101 Milton Ave. 518-885-6886. No appointment necessary, just wait in parking lot: Wed. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

COVID-19 Tracker; Weekly Update

2.3%

CLIFTON PARK

• Harvest Church Food Pantry: 303 Grooms Rd. 518-628-3663. Call ahead to schedule time. Available to Southern Saratoga Residents (exit 10 and south) with a call from social services representative. • Karyl’s Kupboard CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services: 5 Municipal Plaza, Suite 3. 518-371-1185. Call ahead to schedule time. Mon, Tues, Thurs: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Available to all Saratoga County residents.

CORINTH

• Corinth Community Cupboard: 6 Fourth St. 518615-9564. No appointment. Park on street in front and go to door. Tues. 2-5 p.m., Wed 6-8 p.m., Thurs. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and Fri. 2-5 p.m. Available to all counties.

GALWAY

• Greater Galway Food Pantry: 2167 Galway Rd. 518-882-1316. Thurs 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Just show up and honk. Available to all Saratoga County residents. Available once a month.

GREENFIELD

• Greenfield Community Center Food Pantry: 25 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center (next to town hall). Wed 1:30–3:30 p.m. Just show up. Available to all Saratoga County Residents.

ROCK CITY FALLS

• ECHO Food Pantry St. Paul’s Church: 771 Route 29. Tues 9–11:30 a.m. Just show up. Serves Rock City Falls residents.

SCHUYLERVILLE

•Schuylerville Area Food Emergency Relief (S.A.F.E.R.): 12 Spring St. 518-507-6043 (Emergency: 518-932-2219). Mon. and Fri. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Call ahead to order. Wait in parking area. Available to Schuylerville School District residents only.

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

SOUTH GLENS FALLS

• South Glens Falls Moreau Community Center: 144 Main St. 518-792-6007. No appointment necessary. Mon–Fri 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Just show up, bring ID and piece of mail from the month SGF school district. If need delivery, call 518-792-6007, ext. 12 or 19. South Glens Falls School District only. • Pine Knolls Food Pantry, Pine Knolls Alliance Church: 641 Gansevoort Rd. Pantry is in ranch style home on property of church. Pull in parking lot. 518-793-7101. No appointment necessary. Just show up with ID & food is brought out to cars. Sat 9-10:30 a.m. Open to all counties.

STILLWATER

• United Church: 747 Hudson Ave. 518-664-1231. Mon & Wed 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Thurs 5–7 p.m. Just wait in car in parking lot on Palmer Avenue which is behind church. Available to residents in any county.

WILTON

• Wilton Food Pantry Trinity United Methodist Church (Annex): 155 Ballard Rd. 518-350-4456. Existing customers go on website and order online. New customers show up and you will get application. Wed 6–8 p.m., Sat 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Available to Town of Wilton and surrounding areas. The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York works to alleviate hunger and prevent food waste by accepting large donations of food from the food industry and distributing those donations to charitable agencies that feed hungry people. The Regional Food Bank serves Food pantries, Soup kitchens, Emergency shelters and other venues in 23 counties, including Saratoga. For more information about the Regional Food Bank, or to donate, go to: regionalfoodbank.net. For more Saratoga County food pantries and resources, go to: saratogacounty.gov.

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

BUSINESS 9

Adirondack Trust Company ‘Continues To Thrive,’ According To Bauerfinancial SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company has once again secured a 5-Star rating from Bauerfinancial, the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm. A five-star rating indicates that the bank excels in areas of

capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality and much more. Earning and maintaining this top rating for 58 consecutive quarters puts Adirondack Trust in the most prestigious bracket as an Exceptional Performance Bank.

Bauerfinancial, Inc., based in Coral Gables, Florida, is the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and

credit unions since 1983. No institution can pay for or opt-out of a BAUERFINANCIAL rating. Star ratings are all available for free at bauerfinancial.com. The Adirondack Trust Company is an independent,

locally-owned and operated, community bank offering a wide variety of business and personal financial services. The bank has more than $1.4 billion in assets and 13 branch offices. The bank’s website is AdirondackTrust.com.

BUSINESS

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

Plans Approved for Nursing Home Closure; Residents to Be Relocated by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga Center for Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care, a 257-bed facility formerly operated by the county as Maplewood Manor, is anticipated to close early in the new year. The state Department of Health approved a plan submitted by the leadership of Saratoga Center for Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care to close, said DOH spokesman Jeffrey Hammond. “According to the approved plan, all of the residents will be

relocated to other long term care facilities as soon as possible. DOH will monitor the facility as closure activities commence to help minimize the impact of this closing on the community, and to make sure every resident is relocated to an appropriate level of care,” Hammond said, in a prepared statement. After learning of the potential closure, Ballston Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh sent a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state DOH Commissioner Howard Zucker, dated Dec. 11, requesting the nursing home closure “be extended appropriately, in consideration of

the current pandemic.” Walsh called the deadline for closure, which is Feb. 15, 2021, a challenging one, even under the best of circumstances. “With the pandemic, this type of major transition could be unsafe for residents or worse yet, deadly,” Walsh wrote. “Transferring these residents to facilities within the required 50-mile radius necessitates that they will be entering facilities with active COVID cases.” The Saratoga facility has thus far reported no COVID-19 positive resident cases. “Given the recent surge in

cases in Saratoga and nearby counties, many facilities are not accepting new admissions. This may result in residents having to relocate far from home and far from family supports. I do not question the business judgment of the owners and operators of this facility to make the business decision to close. However, I remain very concerned about the health, safety and well-being of these vulnerable residents,” said Walsh, reporting that 87 residents will be required to relocate. “Allowing sufficient time for residents to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and for the holiday

surge in cases to dissipate, would be a reasonable accommodation,” she added. The Saratoga Center for Rehab & Skilled Nursing Care, is located at 149 Ballston Ave. According to the DOH, the center will continue operations until the last resident is “placed in the most appropriate level of care,” that a full range of appropriate services for all patients/residents must be provided throughout the entire closure process, and that the closure plan must include provisions for the maintenance, storage and safekeeping of patient/resident medical records.

Contact Tracing On The Way: Supervisors Approve Move to Hire Additional Contact Tracers, PPE and Masks for County Distribution continued from front page... “I do think mistakes have been made - some at the individual level, and some as a result of the Board of Supervisors not setting this forth as a priority,” Gaston says. “When the request was made for 50 Contact Tracers, we were under the impression that was sufficient, and we were also under the impression that if it was insufficient someone would come and tell us.” There are 21 municipalities represented by 23 supervisors from all across Saratoga

seated at the county board. “We have not done what we should have done. I should have done better. We all should have done better.” On Dec. 15, Gaston introduced a measure to allow the hire of 25 additional Contact Tracers – which would bring the allowable number of hires up to 75 in all – as well as 5 Supervising Contact Tracers. That number of 75 would bring the number of county Contact Tracers in line with the Johns Hopkins standard of about 30 Tracers per 100,000 people, as well as allow

a slight buffer zone should any workers step down. A second measure she introduced targets $100,000 of the $800,000 remaining in COVID county funds for the purchase of PPE and masks for distribution in the community. The $100,000 PPE allotment is broken down this way: $75,000 targeted for masks to be distributed to the general public in the community; $25,000 specifically set aside for any form of PPE – masks, gowns, gloves, or face shields – targeting the local population at higher risk like EMS workers, police officers, and “communities of lower economic power,” Gaston says, such as those who are unhoused. Saratoga Springs City Supervisor Matt Veitch expressed his support for both resolutions. The county Board subsequently approved both measures. After spiking in the spring, local infection rates subsequently were reduced and remained below 1 % through most of the summer.

The 7-day rolling average COVID19 positive infection rate doubled from 0.6% on Oct. 1 to 1.2% on Nov. 1 in Saratoga County. From Nov. 1 to Dec. 1, it more than tripled to 3.8%, and has subsequently continued to rise – by mid-December climbing to near 6%, the highest 7-day average rate registered in Saratoga County since April. Contact tracing helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 by rapidly interviewing positive patients, identifying and alerting their close contacts to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Here’s how it is designed to work: When a person tests positive, a COVID Contact Tracer works with the person to identify and reach out via phone and text to anyone they’ve been in contact with while infectious to trace and contain the spread of the virus. People who have come in close contact with someone who is positive are then asked to stay home and limit their contact with others. The Tracer will also connect

persons infected with support and resources they may need through quarantine, such as help getting groceries or household supplies, child care, medical care or supplies. Saratoga County’s contact tracing program operates 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. This week’s vote by the Board authorizes the additional hiring of up to 25 Contact Tracers at the rate of $25 per hour, and up to five Supervising Contact Tracers at a rate of compensation of $30 per hour. On Nov. 19, the county’s Department of Public Health posted a flyer indicating it was seeking individuals interested in working as Contact Tracers. A subsequent notice, posted Dec. 11, indicated a large number of applications had been received and that no new applications were being accepted. It is unclear whether the Board’s actions of Dec. 15 would trigger a new “Contact Tracers Wanted” request. The Dec. 11 post informs: Please check back on Dec. 18 for an update. The Saratoga County website may be found at: saratogacountyny.gov.

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

BUSINESS BRIEFS 11

Equitas Realty Relocates Wellspring Welcomes Talia Cass as New Communications Director SARATOGA SPRINGS — After nine years in downtown Saratoga, Equitas Realty has moved to a new location at The Wilton Mall. According to broker/ owner, Janet Besheer “The Covid pandemic created a ‘new normal’ for real estate. It forced us to embrace technology at a high level in order keep clients and agents safe. As a result, we learned we not only could succeed remotely, but succeed at an even higher level.” The Equitas Realty and Equitas Realty Management offices are now located at 3065 Route 50, Suite 59, Saratoga Springs, inside

the entrance between Home Goods and Healthy Living Market. “The Wilton Mall offers an opportunity to take advantage of the changing face of malls around the country that are transforming from retail-only to becoming microcosms of the community. We are enjoying the visibility, abundant parking, ample security and plenty of room to be socially distant,” says Besheer. “Equitas Realty is looking forward to seeing and serving members of the Saratoga community at our new location.” For more on Equitas Realty visit www.equitasny.com.

Lotus Analytics Announces New Chief Operating Officer WARRENSBURG — Following the company’s recent overhaul of diversified products & services, Lotus Analytics announced that Jim Cripps has been appointed as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer. Lotus Analytics is a leading Global technology initiative backed by real and artificial intelligence. Cripps joins Lotus Analytics as the new COO with more than 20 years of experience in the evolving business solutions environment. He has held numerous executive level and operational leadership roles

which included various functions across Business Development, Marketing, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications. At Lotus, Cripps will leverage his experience growing companies both organically and through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Lotus Analytics is a global organization, headquartered in Warrensburg and employs hundreds of professionals who consult, collaborate with, provide guidance and deliver a variety of services to clients across multiple verticals and geographies around the world.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Wellspring, the domestic violence and sexual assault services resource for Saratoga and Washington County residents, welcomes Talia Cass to the organization as the new communications director. Cass comes to Wellspring with more than 6 years of experience in communications and marketing. As communications director, Cass will be responsible for disseminating the Wellspring brand, educating the public on the complexities of relationship and sexual abuse and promoting the many crucial services the organization provides survivors. Additionally, she will champion Wellspring’s community engagement effort, which includes facilitating educational programs with Saratoga county school-aged youth and adults. Cass, a 2014 College of Saint Rose graduate, most recently served as an account strategist

for Overit Media in Albany. Prior to Overit, she worked with multiple non-profit organizations including Discover Saratoga (also known as the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau) and Proctors. During her time as a director of marketing and communications for Discover Saratoga in 2017, Cass began volunteering with Wellspring as part of their community engagement committee. She is passionate about ending domestic violence and sexual assault in our community and advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. Wellspring’s mission is to support survivors and engage the community to end relationship and sexual abuse. Each year, Wellspring’s crisis intervention and survivor services support more than 1,000 clients— providing safe housing to adults and children either fleeing or homeless because of domestic violence, as well as comprehensive

Talia Cass. Photo provided.

support in the form of counseling, legal advocacy, and case management. Wellspring staff provides prevention and education programs to schoolaged youth, as well as training and education programs for parents, faith-based congregations and professional organizations. To learn more about Wellspring’s mission, services and programs, visit www. wellspringcares.org, call their office at 518-583-0280 or reach their hotline at 518-584-8188.

Send business breifs to business@saratogapublishing.com

BUSINESS

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

NOTES Chamber of Commerce from

by Todd Shimkus • for Saratoga TODAY

A Special Message About the COVID 19 Vaccine

Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce There was a table and two chairs in the corner just outside the small cafeteria. A painted mural covered the walls on two sides of this table. If you looked at a photo of my mom, Amy Shimkus, and me sitting at this table with the mural in the background on December 26, 2019, you might think we were at an outdoor café in Paris. We weren’t.

Instead, this was my mom’s first day as a resident on 2 Victoria, the Wesley Community’s memory care unit and we were sitting just outside of her new room. My mom looked back and forth down a short corridor to our right and the long corridor in front of us. Each corridor had lots of people walking around. The floors were spotless. Everyone seemed very friendly. My mom looked at me with a quivering chin and glossy eyes. “Todd, I don’t belong here. Please, I’m not ready for this,” she pleaded with me. Honestly, none of us were ready for this. Not her. Not me. Not my two younger sisters, Tracy and Trisha. Not my mom’s two sisters nor her six grandchildren either. We were sitting at this table the day after Christmas. Normally a day to return gifts that you

didn’t want or clothing that didn’t fit. But the day after Christmas, in 2019, I was bringing my mom to her new home. A place where experts could manage her Alzheimer’s and keep her safe. Looking at my mom struggling, anxious, sad and upset, it felt like Christmas just one day earlier had never happened. When a parent or someone you love has Alzheimer’s, you have to accept the fact that a lot of things are out of your control. For her to be safe, she needed help. We didn’t want to wait too long and risk her getting hurt or worse. We knew the heroes at The Wesley could take better care of her. We were making the right decision. That didn’t make this day any easier. To make everyone in the family more comfortable, I promised that I would visit my

mom every day. I did just that for 77 days straight. My visits helped my mom adjust to her new home. My visits helped her to stay in touch with those she loved. Each of these 77 visits started and ended with a hug. I learned early on to say “see you later” at the end of each visit because this reassured her that I’d be back. On Thursday, March 12, 2020, I visited my mom in person. I gave her a hug when I arrived. I gave her an even bigger hug before I left. The Wesley was going into lockdown that day to stop the spread of COVID 19. I didn’t know exactly when we’d be allowed back in to see my mom. Safe to say that I never expected that I would not be able to hug her again this year. The heroes at The Wesley have been amazing. They setup virtual visits for all of us. They offered window visits starting in the spring. But under New York’s protocols, no one from our family has been able to sit with her without a mask, to give her a hug, to hold her hand, or to share a cup of coffee and a chocolate chip cookie with her in 281 straight days now - - not on her birthday, Mother’s Day, or Thanksgiving. Next week, we will add Christmas to this list.

Amy Shimkus I’m sharing this story because we’re starting to see the distribution of vaccines that can stop the spread of this virus and keep all of us safe. I hope as the vaccine is offered to more and more people that everyone will say yes. Saying yes to get vaccinated will help us to save our local businesses, to keep our schools open, to see our favorite local attractions come to life again, and to put local people back to work. Saying yes will make it possible for me and my family to visit in person with my mom and to give her a hug again. So if you are at all on the fence on whether or not to get vaccinated, please look at the photo of my mom, Amy Shimkus, on this page. She will get vaccinated as soon as possible and so will I. We hope you will too!

Week of December 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 24, 2020

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

CORINTH Jay Catalano sold property at 39 Locust Ridge Dr to Jennifer Michelle for $288,000 148 Nelson Ave, Saratoga Springs $1,100,000

BALLSTON

Shirley Harrington sold property at 4875 Rt 9N to Jeanne Kayes for $169,900.

GREENFIELD

Nicole Coady sold property at 11 McMaster St to Trenton Dunbar for $304,000.

Karen Nagler sold property at 391 Wilton Rd to Robert Smith for $335,000.

Alec Buniak sold property at 35 Lancaster Court to Chad Harrison for $375,000.

Kevin Hanna sold property at 73 Brigham Rd to Lorraine Fiorino for $286,668.

BDC Cornerstone LLC sold property at 17 Cornerstone Dr to Roger Pfeiffer for $269,000.

Stacey Huth sold property at 33 Locust Grove Rd to Eduardo Zubieta for $250,000.

Geoffrey Raylinski sold property at 3 Gartner Dr to Elyse Ruane for $267,800.

MVB Bank Inc sold property at 104 & 11 Wilton Rd to 104 110 Wilton Rd LLC for $495,000.

Rosetti Acquisitions LLC sold property at 4 Pasture Place to Robert Imburgio for $306,192.

Kenneth Cleveland sold property at 9 South Greenfield Rd to Greenfield Vet LLC for $225,000.

Richard Kupferman sold property at 30 Remsen St to Remsen Street Partners LLC for $170,000.

Gregory Tillou sold property at 2 Lower Meadow Lane to Benjamin Burnett for $670,000.

Marie Weeks sold property at 4 Ashlor Dr to Kaitlyn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil for $395,000.

MALTA Bagramian Group LLC sold property at 28 Arrowwood Place to Wayne Cheslick for $254,000. Kim Scott sold property at 35 Pepperbush Pl to Karen Verrill for $196,000 Kristen Thompson sold property at 58 Thimbleberry Rd to Carmen Romano for $235,000. Daniel Mitchell as trustee sold property at 108 2nd St to Arthur Sassone for $170,000. Christopher Staszak sold property at 12 Rockrose Way to Daniel Oliver for $420,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage sold property at 72 Blue Spruce Lane to Jennifer Soccio for $229,900

SARATOGA Gregory Hampson sold property at 141 Ruckytucks Rd to Beau Stallard for $280,000 John Martis sold property at 7 Pond St to Upstate Property Buyers LLC for $134,000.

Barbera Homes Kelley Farms LLC sold property at 28 Stablegate Dr to Alexander German for $600,000.

Brian Benjamin sold property at 479 Locust Grove Rd to Lawrence Doriguzzi for $585,000.

Andrew Joslin sold property at 2 & 4 William St to Robert Behan for $200,000.

Kimberly King sold property at 219 Locust Grove Rd to Abbie Archibald for $305,000.

John Witt sold property at 30 Whistler Ct #411 to Matthew Stefanik for $540,000

Brookview Court Inc sold property at 13 Kasey Pass to Brandon Moore for $292,879.

John Bokus as trustee sold property at 32 Mill Rd to LPC Properties for $170,000.

Kimberly Allen sold property at 18 Regatta View Dr to David Deutsche for $540,000.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Jesse Carda sold property at 139 W Circular St to Alexander Caldwell for $350,000.

Alice Kenney sold property at 1 Wagon Wheel Trail to Jeanna Kratzert for $230,000

Mark Holowach sold property at 3 Maria Lane to David MacFarland for $525,000.

Lawrence George sold property at 7 Oak Ridge Blvd to Sean Connors for $865,000

David Rose sold property at 56 Union Ave #3 to Paul Steciuk or $490,000.

Garrett Penistan sold property at 2 Meadow Lane to Robert Famiglietti for $280,000.

Constance Carroll sold property at 57 Bensonhurst Ave to Perey Rousseas for $302,000.

Barbara Waite sold property at 2 Stable Lane to Amy Latta for $730,000.

Mary Brooks sold property at 1 Empire Ave to Kurt Kimmel for $260,000. Joseph Deberardinis sold property at 316A Ballston Ave to Rocco Verderosa for $325,000 Domenick Marchesiello sold property at 14 Schuyler Dr to Eric Hirschmann for $537,500 William Cole sold property at 56 Union Ave #8 to Kathleen McCarthy for $390,000. Oak Ridge Development LLC sold property at 33 Jenna Jo to Beechwood Saratoga LLC for $480,000.

Dude LLC sold property at 20 Mitchell St to William Simchick for $635,000.

WILTON Raymond Stephens sold property at 1 Hanover Rd to Christina Tartaro for $226,000. Andrew Kambourelis sold property at 102 Traver Rd to Talia Brower for $252,245. Patricia Harrison sold property at 712 & vac Rt 9 to Mario Mancini for $360,000. Jason Kerns sold property at 330 Louden Rd to Ciana Cici for $305,000.

EDUCATION

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

How t o Maneuver the COVID-Slide

by Megin Potter for Saratoga TODAY

f you are worried that the 2020 spring slide, missed school days, remote learning, and this year’s other numerous stressors, are causing your child’s education to slip - have no fear, because across the region, tutoring help is here! “Helping a student to be engaged with their education and to learn the basic reading, writing, and math skills, puts them on a path for later success in life. The sooner they get on that path, the better,” said Fern Hurley, Program Director, CAPTAIN Community Health Services.

Meeting Learning Needs in Changing Times Under-resourced and under-engaged kids in the Shenendehowa Central School District are finding the help they need at Cheryl’s Lodge, CAPTAIN’s outreach center in Clifton Park.

They’ve made numerous changes to adapt to the changing times. They’ve exchanged their large communal tables for individual desks, added computers, and boosted their Wi-Fi capabilities. They’ve also limited their afterschool program, which at its’ peak capacity last year served 40 students, down to just 15. Middle and high school students receive help at staggered times and remote learners are seen for a couple hours, two days a week, to help them catch up. “Kids are happy to have someone explain problems to them if they don’t understand the directions or the teacher’s expectations,” said Hurley. What’s still needed there are volunteers willing to help. Expertise in a specific subject area is not required. “The smile on their faces when the kids get done with their assignments says everything,” she added. For more information, go to captaincares.org.

CAPTAIN Community Human Services program in Clifton Park. Photo courtesy of Cheryl's Lodge Outreach Center.

School Districts Offer Solutions The Ballston Spa Central School District provides two unique mentor/tutor programs with extra instructional support for their McKinney Vento students (those considered homeless because they are without a fixed, regular, and adequate residence) and their English Language Learners. The district’s Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) program addresses academic needs and provides behavioral supports within the school day for students.

At the secondary level, there are specific staff office hours available for students, as well as additional assistance opportunities (for example, with Math Lab). At the elementary level, the Academic Intervention Service (AIS) providers and teachers offer extra support during WIN (What I Need) time each day to students. For students with extended absences (due to illness or other reasons) additional tutoring options are available. For more information, go to www.bscsd.org/Page/166

Students Step Up When they need help, the Saratoga Springs City School District encourages students to first talk to their teachers. There is afterschool help time offered two days a week and currently, at the secondary level, Wednesdays are being used as a support day. The school’s Kaleidoscopes Peer Mentoring Program, for grades 6 through 11, arranges free online or combined tutoring help from other students. Whether your child needs help with classroom assignments, instrumental lessons, or just someone else their own age to connect with, this is the place to find it. The district guidance office also offers scholarship and financial aid support, mindfulness essential skills, and self-care tips for caregivers. For more information, go to www.saratogaschools.org.

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Community Emergency Corporation Donates Bleeding Control Kits in Ballston Spa

Deputy Diana Buehler, Principal Gianleo Duca, SRO Director Ken Cooper, District Health Leader Colleen Ferlo, CEC Chief Tim Thomas, Deputy Jonathan Becker, Sheriff Michael Zurlo outside of Ballston Spa High School. Photo provided.

Middle School Online Enrichment WILTON — The WSWHE BOCES Enrichment Resource Center is offering an Online Enrichment Program for Middle School Students in grades 6-8. Courses include digital photo manipulation and basic cell animation; an introduction to DNA (where students learn the history of how it has been used and the future of this science); cybersecurity, internet

Saratoga Springs Lions Club Announces 2021 Scholarship Opportunities SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Lions Club is proud to announce that scholarship applications for more than $32,000 in awards are now available. Students graduating from Saratoga Springs High School, Saratoga Central Catholic School, The Waldorf School, as well as

CEC Chief Tim Thomas, Deputy Chief Daryl Clifford, Deputy Jonathan Becker, School Nurse Diane Sabanos RN, St Mary’s Principal Lynn Fitzgerald, District Health Leader Colleen Ferlo RN, Deputy Diana Buehler outside St. Mary’s School. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corporation recently donated Bleeding Control Kits to the Ballston Spa Central School District for use in the district’s six buildings and also provided a kit for the St. Mary’s School. The kits are to be utilized during emergencies before first responders are able to reach the scene. “The partnership between the District, the Community Emergency Corporation, and the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office

continues to benefit our students and staff in our focus on maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment in our schools. While we hope that our student support network, practice drills, “See Something Say Something” approach, and our overall planning will help us avoid traumatic situations, building a skill set in our students and providing our staff with the tools to react quickly to such a situation gives us that much more confidence in our readiness if one were to occur. Simply put, today’s

donation can help save lives,” said Ballston Spa CSD Superintendent Ken Slentz. The donation is a continuation of their commitment to school safety, which has also included adding STOP THE BLEED® instruction to Physical Education classes and the school district’s nursing team. Ballston Spa Middle and High School Resource Officer Deputy Jonathan Becker coordinated the donation along with the school district’s Health Leader, Colleen Ferlo and Athletic Director, David Sunkes.

safety and the career paths connected to it; and have a chance to get in on the action during mock trials. This six-week program will be held on Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 6, 2021. Tuition includes supplies. For more information, email giftedresources@wswheboces.org, call 518-581-3585, or visit www. wswheboces.org/enrichment.

homeschooled students pursuing post-high school academic and vocational programs are invited to apply. Application forms are available online at www.saratogaspringslions. com/scholarships and at each eligible school’s Guidance Office. Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2021.

Student-Run Fundraiser SCHUYLERVILLE — Logan Methven, a 7th grader at Schuylerville Middle School is asking you to donate your redeemable cans/bottles to help support Hood’s House of Hoops, a recreation center in Albany. Owned by his basketball coach, Jamil Hood, Hood’s House of Hoops will be a safe place for the community in the Arbor Hills neighborhood, where he is hoping to offer

reading programs, youth services, and senior activities, in addition to coaching and mentoring. They are currently in need of building renovations and resources (books; kitchen appliances; etc.). To donate cans/ bottles for collection, call or text Jeff Methven at 518-232-8474. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Checks should be made out to Hoods House of Hoops.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR OUR NEXT ROUND OF CANDIDATES FOR

Athlete of the

1 Week

They can be a STAND-OUT or STAND-BY, a SUPERSTAR, or a SUPER TEAMMATE. Send us your suggestions. Any and all sports welcome. Send: Athlete Name | Sport | Brief Description to: cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com Put ‘Athlete of the Week’ in the Subject

Holiday Gift Guide

Week of December 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 24, 2020

Holiday Gift Guide

RELIGION

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton | 518-587-0623 acfsaratoga.com | Services: Sunday 8 and 10 a.m.

Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street, Corinth | 518-654-2521 cfumc@cnyconnect.net | Services: Sunday 11 a.m.

Northway Church 770 Pierce Road, Clifton Park | 518-899-1200 northwaychurch.tv | Services: 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

St. Therese Chapel (RC) 1 Wilton-Gansevoort Road, Gansevoort 518-792-2276 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Adirondack Friends Meeting 27 Saratoga Avenue, South Glens Falls 518-793-3755 | adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Cornerstone Community Church 100 Saratoga Village Boulevard, #8, Ballston Spa 518-664-5204 | mycornerstonechurch.org Pastor Frank Galerie | Services: Sunday 10 a.m., 6 p.m.

Old Saratoga Reformed Church* 48 Pearl St, Schuylerville | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. 518-695-3260 | old-saratoga.rcachurches.org

St. Thomas Anglican Church 242 Grooms Road, Halfmoon 518-348-0842 | thomasanglican.com Father John Bassett | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne Street, Schuylerville | 518-695-6069 Rev. Scott Cutting | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9, Round Lake 518-877-8506 | office@corpuschristichurch.net Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8 and 11 a.m.

Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-584-6081 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Bacon Hill Reformed Church* 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill 518-695-3074 | Rev. Janet Vincent Services: 10 a.m. | Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Eastern Orthodox — Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Lake | 518-212-7845 xcsavior.org | Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne St., Schuylerville | 518-695-6069 faithchapelschuylerville.org | Sunday 10 a.m.

Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 518-692-7694 | 518-885-0876 | 1-800-22UNITE bahai.org | Public Meetings: 1st Tuesdays 7 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 518-584-6301 fbcsaratoga.org | Services: Sunday 12 p.m.

Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa 518-885-7312 | ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa | 518-885-8361 bspabaptist.org | Services: 10:30 a.m. (9 a.m. in July and August); Sunday School: 9 a.m. (all ages)

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church* 101 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa 518-885-6886 | ballstonspaumchurch.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Barkersville Christian Church 7200 Barkersville Road, Middle Grove 518-882-6437 | barkersvillechristianchurch. com Pastor Pat Atwell | Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Bethesda Episcopal Church* 26 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 518-584-5980 bethesdachurch.org | Rev’d Charles Wallace Services: Wed. 12 p.m., Sat. 5 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. & 10 a.m., Mid-day Prayer: Monday-Friday 12 p.m. Burnt Hills Baptist Church 193 Kingsley Rd., Burnt Hills | 518-399-5740 burnthillsbaptistchurch.org | Pastor Mark Dorr Sunday 10 a.m.; Adult Bible Study: Sunday 9 a.m. Burnt Hills United Methodist Church* 816 Route 50, Burnt Hills | 518-399-5144 nybhumc.com | Pastor Holly Nye Sunday 9, 10:30 a.m. | Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Calvary Capital District 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs | calvarycd.com Pastor Andrew Holt | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church 768 Charlton Road, Charlton | 518-399-4831 charltonfreehold.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park | 518-371-7654 ccrc-cpny.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Christ Episcopal Church* 15 West High Street, Ballston Spa | 518-885-1031 Services: Sunday 8, 10 a.m., and 5 p.m. Christian Restoration Ministries Senior Center: 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs 518-796-4323 | Pastor Pat Roach Services: Saturday 7 p.m.; Bible Study: Friday 7 p.m. Christian Science Church 107 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs 518-584-0221 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Church of Christ at Halfmoon 250 Pruyn Hill Rd., Mechanicville | 518-670-3005 cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com | Sunday 10:30 a.m. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 1 Glenmore Ave. Saratoga Springs | 518-587-4796 churchofjesuschrist.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Community Alliance Church 257 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa 518-885-6524 | Services: 10:30 a.m. Congregation Shaara Tfille* 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-584-2370 | saratogasynagogue.org Services: Monday 7:30 a.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m. Saturday 10 a.m., 3rd Friday Shabbat 7:30 p.m. Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Avenue, Corinth | 518-654-9255, 518792-0271 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa 518-885-5583 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 518-793-2739 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East Street, Galway | 518-882-6520 galway-united-methodist-church.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (9 a.m. in July-Aug.) Grace Church 34 Third Street, Waterford | 518-237-7370 gracewaterford.com | Rev. Kathy Alonge-Coons Services: Sunday 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Adult Christian Education Program: 8:30 a.m. Grace Fellowship Saratoga* 165 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-691-0301 | gracefellowship.com Pastor Isaac Denton | Services: Sundays 9, 11 a.m. Greater Grace Community Church 100 Saratoga Village, Building 17, Ballston Spa 518-899-7777 | thechurch@ggccmalta.org Pastor David Moore | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center | 518-893-7429 Services: 11 a.m.; Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. (all ages) Highway Tabernacle Church 235 Hudson Avenue, Mechanicville | 518-664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Hope Church 206 Greenfield Avenue, Ballston Spa | 518-885-7442 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. | Sunday School: 9 a.m. Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main Street, Clifton Park | 518-877-7332 Sunday 8:30, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rte 50, Saratoga Springs | 518-587-0484 livingwaterscog.us | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Malta Presbyterian Church 118 Dunning Street, Malta 518-899-5992 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Avenue Extension, Malta 518-581-0210 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Middle Grove United Methodist Church* 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 518-581-2973 Pastor Jason Proctor | Services: Sunday 9 a.m. Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 100 Cresent Street, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-9441 Rev. Dr. Victor L. Collier | Services: 10 a.m. New Life Fellowship* 51 Old Gick Road, Saratoga Springs | 518-580-1810 newlifeinsaratoga.org. | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Next Level Church Comedy Works: 388 Broadway Saratoga Springs 518-306-7133 | nextlevel.church/saratoga-ny-church Pastor Joe | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa 518-583-1002 | Services: 10:30 a.m. Olde Liberty Baptist 600 Route 67, Malta | oldelibertybaptist.com 518-885-4211 | Sunday 10, 11 a.m., 2 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m. Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church* 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake | 518-399-5713 Services: Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. Perry Road Baptist Church* 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs | 518-587-0711 Pastor Thomas Van McClain | Sunday 10 a.m. Pine Grove Community Church* 59 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs 860-942-7359 | Thegrovess.com Pastor Mark Kehrer | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Porter Corners United Methodist Church* 512 Allen Rd., Porter Corners 518-893-2289 | Service: Sunday 9 a.m Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church* 24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-6091 pnecchurch.org | Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (ELCA) 4 Northcrest Drive, Clifton Park | 518-371-2226 poplutheranchurch.org | Sunday 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m.; Contemporary Worship: 1st, 3rd Sundays 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School: 9:15-10:15 a.m. (Sept.-June); ReachChristian Education for Adults 9:30-10:15 a.m. Quaker Springs United Methodist Church* 466 Route 32, Schylerville | 518-695-3101 | qsumc.com Pastor John Iseman | Services: Sunday 9 a.m. River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd., Malta Commons, Ste. 3 riverofhopefellowship.com | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter* 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-2375 Services: Saturday: 5 p.m.; Sunday: 7:30, 9, 11 a.m. St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church* 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 518-584-6122 | www.stclementschurch.com Services: Weekdays 8 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 10, 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. St. George’s Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park | 518-371-6351 stgeorge@csdl.net | stgeorgescp.org Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9, 11:30 a.m. St. Isaac Jogues RC Chapel 716 Route 9P, Saratoga Lake | 518-813-5090 Father Patrick Rice | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. (Open Memorial Day to winter) St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church* 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center | 518-893-7680 stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. St. Luke’s on the Hill 40 McBride Rd., Mechanicville Contact: 518-664-4834 | stlukesonthehill.org Dave Haig, Rector | Services: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8 & 10 a.m. | For Summer Worship Schedule please visit our website. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church* 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa | 518-885-7411 stmarysbsta.org | Services: Saturday 4 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church* 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls | 518-885-4677 sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com | Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m. St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church* 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 518-584-0904 | office@spalutheran.org Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 and 11 a.m. St. Peter Lutheran Church* 2776 Route 9, Malta | 518-583-4153 | Sunday 9 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1 Grove St., Schuylerville | Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m. 518-695-3918 | ststephens-schuylerville.com

Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2 Hutchins Road, Saratoga Springs | 518-885-5456 salchurch.org | Services: Sunday 8:20, 10:30 a.m. Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs 518-526-0773 | saratogachabad.com Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) 571 Route 32, Quaker Springs | 518-587-7477 518-399-5013 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Saratoga United Methodist Church* 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-3720 saratogaumc.com | Services: Sunday 9, 10:45 a.m. Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-587-6951 | saratogasda.org Services: Worship: 11 a.m.; Sabbath School 10 a.m. Schuylerville United Methodist Church 51 Church Street, Schuylerville | 518-695-3101 sumethodist.org | Services: Sunday 11 a.m. Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 518-371-7964 | Services: Sunday 9 and 10:45 a.m. Simpson United Methodist Church 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls 518-885-4794 | Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs 518-584-3122 | soulsavingstationchurch.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Starpoint Church 410 21st Century Park Drive, Clifton Park 518-371-2811 | starpoint.church Services: 9, 10:30 a.m. and Noon Stillwater Christian Fellowship Liberty Ridge Farm, 29 Bevis Road, Schaghticoke 518-288-8802 | Services: 10 a.m. Stillwater United Church (Presbyterian U.S.A.) 747 Hudson Avenue, Stillwater | 518-664-7984 stillwaterunitedchurch.org | Sunday 10:30 a.m. Temple Sinai* 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-8730 saratogasinai.org | Shabbat Services: Friday 6 or 8 p.m. (rotating schedule); Saturday 10:30 a.m. Terra Nova Church* 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 518-833-0504 terranovachurch.org | Services: Sunday 9 a.m. The Salvation Army/ Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-584-1640 | Services: Praise & Worship 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort | 518-584-9107 tumcwilton.com | Rev. Jeff Stratton | Sunday 10 a.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs* 624 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 518-584-1555 uusaratoga.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Unity Church in Albany 21 King Avenue, Albany | 518-453-3603 Services: Sunday 9, 11 a.m.; Sunday School: 11 a.m. West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Rd.,West Charlton | 518-882-9874 westcharltonupc.org | Rev. Thomas Gregg Sunday 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Road, Wilton | 518-583-2736 wiltonbaptistchurch.com | Sunday 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Zen Buddhist Sitting Group Wilson Chapel, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs 518-421-2155 | Services: Wednesdays 6:30 p.m * Handicap Accessible

Holiday Worship Services

Week of December 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 24, 2020 RELIGION

mark your 20 CALENDAR

local BRIEFS

limited. Menu: Shrimp Cocktail, tossed salad, prime rib of beef, twice baked potato, vegetable, roll. Dinner for 2/$70 cash only, dinner for 1/$40 cash only. There will be no dinner on Wednesday, December 30.

Winter Acting Classes and Camps

New Year’s Eve Prime Rib Dinner Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs, 4:30 – 7 p.m. For curbside pick-up only on December 31. Call Monday, December 21 or Tuesday, December 22 between 10 a.m. and Noon to place your order. 518-584-2585. Quantities are

Town of Malta Parks and Recreation announces in person Winter Acting Classes and Camps in January and February. All classes will be taught by Malta s Artistic Director Elyse Young and will include acting skills, vocal techniques, theater games, rehearsals, and performance.

Classes take place at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta. After School Drama for ages 6-10 will run Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. for 6 weeks starting January 7. Acting Academy for ages 10 to 14 will run 5 weeks for 1 ½ hours on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. starting January 12. February Break Drama Camp for ages 7 to 13 will run Tuesday, February 16 through Friday, February 19 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. All classes and camps will be performed on Malta Community Center Stage virtually for invited guests. No shared props or costumes. Students must wear

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020 a mask when not performing. For more information, including COVID 19 protocols and registration information go online at www.maltaparksrec. com or contact Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department at 518-899 4411.

Volunteers Needed Do you have a morning to spare? Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC), a nonprofit based in Ballston Spa, is looking for volunteers to help with its food programs on weekday mornings. Urgent needs include: • Pick-up assistants to ridealong and help retrieve donated

This Week’s Events: DECEMBER 18 - 24 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

1980’s-90’s Holiday Music Dance Party

East Side Area starting at 3 p.m. Catch a glimpse of Santa in your neighborhood as he travels through Saratoga Springs atop a tower ladder fire truck provided by King Enterprises. Follow Santa live on Facebook @ downtownsaratogasprings. For more information visit www.saratogaspringsdowntown.com.

Saratoga Springs Public Library Zoom Presentation | 7 – 8 p.m. DJ Costa Rica, Troy Lester, presents a 1980s - 90s Holiday Music Dance Party - Whether you celebrate a holiday or not, if you are trimming your tree, or lighting your menorah, lighting your kinara, or celebrating the winter solstice, join us for an entertaining family-friendly retrospective dance party and kick it old school! Registration with an email is required in order to receive a Zoom link three (3) hours prior to the start time of the program. Please register online. www.sspl.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 Holiday Farmer’s Market Wilton Mall Food Court, 3065 NY 50, Saratoga Springs 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Featuring 50+ vendors selling a full range of locally produced items including fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, artisanal products, and holiday gift items. Masks required. For more information visit www.saratogafarmersmarket.org.

Pop Up Holiday Market Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 4 p.m. Shop local this holiday season and help support local artists. Masks and social distancing required.

S I M P LY S A R AT O G A . C O M E v er ything

you expect to find in our award winning magazine…plus more!

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE TODAY!

28th Annual Holiday Cookie Sale The Galway United Methodist Church Corner of Rte. 147 and CR45, Village of Galway 10 a.m. - Noon | Cookies must be pre-ordered and paid for in advance. Cookies will be boxed in 1-pound assortments and pick up will be available for drive through only in the church parking lot. Contact Sharyn Kalinkewicz at 518-928-0179 for information, placement of orders and/or payment information.

food from local stores. Runs start in Ballston Spa and last from 8 - 11 a.m. Shifts are available Monday - Thursday. • Delivery drivers to bring food pantry packages to clients in Saratoga County. Shifts are available Tuesday through Friday mornings and routes begin in Ballston Spa. • Crew members to help prepare meals at the Soup Kitchen. Shifts are available Wednesday through Saturday mornings. Be part of neighbors helping neighbors. Apply online at saratogaeoc.org/volunteer, email volunteerdesk@saratogaeoc.org or call 518-288-3206.

musician, Jeff Walton. Feel free to bring your own tune to play and share. Please register online at www.sspl. org. This online program uses the Zoom livestreaming platform. It will require access to a computer, mobile device with the Zoom app installed, and/or a phone for audio-only access. Registration with an email is required to receive information on how to connect. The email will be sent three (3) hours prior to the scheduled start time of the program.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 Storytelling Night Caffe Lena, YouTube | Featuring Kate Dudding, Sandor Schuman & Betty Cassidy. The show will feature some of the finest storytellers from around the Capital Region who often serve as the featured artists for these monthly open mics.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23 Santa Claus is Coming to Town

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

South Side, Jefferson St. and Union Ave. South Area starting at 2 p.m. | Catch a glimpse of Santa in your neighborhood as he travels through Saratoga Springs atop a tower ladder fire truck provided by King Enterprises. Follow Santa live on Facebook @ downtownsaratogasprings. For more information visit www.saratogaspringsdowntown.com.

A Joyful Noise!

Chicken Cacciatore Dinner

Caffe Lena, YouTube Live | Noon – 1:30 p.m. Gospel Music director & Soulist Garland Nelson leads Lena’s Inspirational Voices gospel choir for an afternoon of joyful noise. Songs range from traditional gospel and contemporary church music to soulful pop classics. “Hymnals” are provided, and audience participation is downright thunderous. It’s impossible to stay quiet or in your seat as Garland Nelson stirs up the Spirit!

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs 4:30 – 6 p.m. | For curbside pick up only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: chicken cacciatore, orecchiette pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2 cost $25. (cash only).

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 Song Swap with Jeff Walton Saratoga Springs Public Library Zoom Presentation | 7 – 8:30 p.m. Please join us for an informal song swap led by local

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 20th Annual Artisan’s Market Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa Noon – 4 p.m. | Shop a unique selection of locally crafted goods, including soaps and lotions, cutting boards, ornaments, jewelry, dog treats and much more! Each purchase supports local artisans and Brookside Museum.

Food

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

Comfort Foods

for Christmas by Himanee Gupta-Carlson for Saratoga TODAY

SATURDAYS 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Wilton Mall | Food Court

hort days, long nights, and frigid wind chills characterize our winter holidays, even without a pandemic.

This kind of weather offers an excuse to forgo extensive meals and focus on what is elegantly simple: dishes that require few ingredients and few steps to prepare. With foods from our local farmers, elegance is easy. Think roast chicken. Pick up a half or whole chicken at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, fresh or frozen. If frozen, thaw. If fresh, immediately wrap the breast and wing in aluminum foil and roast in an open pot at 450 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Remove the pot from the oven, cool the oven down to 325 degrees, unwrap the foil, put a lid on the pot, and continue cooking for an additional 15-17 minutes a pound, usually about 50 minutes for a three-pound chicken. You can add salt and pepper, lemon, herbs, or any other seasonings to the chicken beforehand. But farm-raised chicken is delicious as is. While the chicken is cooking, consider adding mashed potatoes. Wash potatoes and scrub skins of debris. Boil until soft or cook in an instant pot. Then, melt butter or heat oil in a stovetop pot. Add potatoes, and mash until they’re of a consistency you like. Salt, pepper, herbs, and milk can enhance the flavor. Carrots, turnips, and beets tossed in oil and seasoned with salt and pepper can roast nicely as your chicken cooks. Or try boiling these nutritious root vegetables on the stove until fork tender and tossing in a half or quarter head of cabbage toward the end. Finally, try onion soup. Warm 5-6 cups of chicken stock (or any other meat stock or vegetable broth) in a soup pot. While the stock is simmering, thinly slice about five medium-sized onions. Cook with oil or butter in a skillet at medium-low heat until the onions have caramelized, about 25 minutes. The key is to get the onions soft but to stir often so they do not stick to the pan. Turn the heat down and add a tablespoon of flour. Toss well, then add to simmering stock, stirring gently to dissolve the flour. Serve with toasted bread and sliced cheese. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter: www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/weekly-newsletter.

Pleasant Valley Farm. Photo by Pattie Garrett.

French p u o S n Onio

Photo by Pattie Garrett.

YIELDS: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: *Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• 2½ pounds yellow onions*

• Freshly ground pepper

• ½ cup white wine*

• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• 8 baguette slices, toasted*

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil

• 3 Tablespoon flour • 8 cups of beef, chicken, or vegetable broth

• 1½ cup to 3 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese (1/4 to ½ cup per serving)

• 1 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Cut onion into thin evenly-sized half-moon slices. Should yield about 6 cups of onion slices. 2. Melt butter with oil in a pan over medium-low heat. 3. After the butter foams up and then settles down, add the onions and stir to coat with the butter. 4. Cover the pan and cook for 15 minutes on low heat. 5. Remove the lid. The onions should have wilted down. Stir in salt, a generous amount of pepper, and sugar. 6. Turn the heat up to medium and cook, uncovered and stirring every few minutes, until the onions are deeply browned. 7. As the onions turn a deep walnut color, heat the broth in a separate pan. 8. Add 3 Tablespoons flour to the caramelized onions and cook, stirring for about 1 minute. 9. Add the hot broth to the caramelized onions and bring to a boil. Add wine if using. Lower the heat and partially cover the pan. Cook gently over low heat for at least 1 hour or until the broth is slightly reduced. 10. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Divide the soup between oven-safe bowls or use a deep casserole dish. Top each with a slice of toasted baguette and sprinkle grated cheese in a thick layer over the bread and up to the edge of the bowl. 11. Place the bowls on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish, if not using oven-proof bowls. Bake until the cheese is thoroughly melted. 12. Turn the oven from bake to broil and broil the soup for 1 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. NOTES: Top with minced shallots, onions, or crispy bacon. Add thyme with wine and sprinkle over the soup before baking. Recipe by The Kitchn, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table.

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

Food

What Goes Around

Stays Around

Hello my Foodie Friends !

When I was a young boy the holiday season was my family’s favorite time of year. Of course my parents used it to its full potential to keep three boys by John Reardon and two girls in line. Our biggest thrill was the chance to go downtown and for Saratoga TODAY peek into the storefront windows seeing the latest toys and letting Santa, Mom, and Dad know what we wanted under the tree. For myself and my brothers, it was especially hard to refrain from becoming the Three Stooges avoiding our usual antics and teasing of each other. If we didn’t get along then we risked getting nothing and my Dad was a man of his word. We also loved this time of year because Mom and Dad became a dynamic team and focused on our happiness instead of the day-to-day problems they faced with finance issues that were typical of the middle class back then. It seemed like Mom and Dad knew every shop owner by their first name and all the shop personnel always fussed over their children. Shopping downtown was a magical event for us. The snow covered trees, merchant’s store fronts decorated with animated figures, holiday lights, decorations, and music. Each of us would run free to pursue the treasures that we wanted from Santa. We loved every store. For us a clothing store was a place that kept us from the toys. However, the clothing store mom loved was located on the top floor of one of the downtown buildings and you needed an elevator to get to it. An ELEVATOR!!! Do any of you remember what the older style elevators were like? It was like a carnival ride. It even had an elevator operator (what I wanted to be when I grew up). Several of our downtown buildings in Saratoga Springs still have the old style elevators. At the end of our shopping day, we would have a wonderful meal as a family, sitting exhausted filled with memories that would last a life-time. We would like to thank all of our Foodies for shopping Local this year! Shopping locally helps you connect with the people in your community and learn more about what is going on around you. When people come in my store during the holidays they call out to me and exclaim; “Hello John, we are some of your

ime r P d e t s u r C MustardGlaze a r i e d a M Rib with

This holiday season; visit our beautiful city of Saratoga Springs and all of the unique shops within the city for those special treasures. Make it an event where you actually spend time with people (and not the computer) to select those special gifts to give. At Compliments to the Chef, we have really cool tools for your favorite foodie. Having the right tools to prepare your recipe is the key to making a pretty good dinner a great one. It’s much easier to cook when you are equipped with high-quality utensils that make your job as fun and easy as possible.

Here is a delicious Holiday Recipe to serve during our chilly evenings to help keep the shoppers ready for an exciting holiday season.

INGREDIENTS • 1 bone-in beef rib roast (about 5 pounds) • 1/2 cup stone-ground mustard • 6 small garlic cloves, minced • 1 tablespoon brown sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pink peppercorns, optional VEGETABLES: • 2 pounds medium Yukon

Gold potatoes, cut into eighths (about 2-inch chunks) • 4 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 medium red onion, cut into eighths (with root end intact)

Foodie Friends!” Economically, spending money locally, gives back to the community. Shopping should be an enjoyable experience with interactions that leave us feeling good versus feeling like we have to do a chore. I find that’s far more likely to happen when I’m patronizing local independent businesses. Learn and experience product quality and durability, getting expert advice without having to waste time doing your own research. Aside from the experience, physical contact with an item makes people feel more certain about a purchase decision. When you go to a store, you know what you’re getting. The price is there. There’s no shipping fee. You can see the item, hold the item, and get the instant gratification you desire from buying the item. Savor the sights, sounds and smells of the season while shopping. During the holidays the shops are filled with festive decorations, sounds and smells. When you step through the doors and hear “Jingle Bells” or “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” playing throughout the store, you can’t help singing along as you walk around. I think we all need this type of cheer considering the current times we are challenged with.

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar • 1 teaspoon brown sugar • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon pepper MADEIRA GLAZE: • 1 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 medium fennel bulb, cut into eighths

• 1/2 cup Madeira wine

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• Cracked pink peppercorns, optional

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Let roast stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 450°. Combine mustard, garlic, brown sugar, salt and, if desired, peppercorns; brush evenly over top and sides of roast but not over bones (mixture may seem loose but will adhere). Place bone side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Place pan on middle oven rack; immediately reduce heat to 350°. Roast 1 hour. 2. Toss potatoes, carrots, onion and fennel with next 5 ingredients. Arrange vegetables in a single layer in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan on lowest rack of oven. Roast meat and vegetables, stirring vegetables midway through baking, until meat reaches desired doneness (a thermometer should read 135° for medium-rare, 140° for medium and 145° for medium-well), about 1-1/2 hours. Cover roast loosely with foil during last 30 minutes to prevent overbrowning. Let stand 15 minutes before carving. 3. Meanwhile, for glaze, combine balsamic vinegar, Madeira wine and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 15 minutes. Let glaze cool to room temperature. Serve roast with vegetables and glaze and, if desired, pink peppercorns and fennel fronds.

Paula and I look forward to the holidays every year with our children. Unfortunately, due to COVID – we will not have our son with us who lives in California. This is a sacrifice many of us are making this holiday season. Cherish your moments together and stop by and fulfill your holiday culinary needs at Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs. This holiday season; shop local and nab those ideal gifts for the ones you love. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

24 Arts &

Entertainment

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

“Aulcie” - Documentary Livestream Dec. 20-22

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Congregation Shaara Tfille and The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs will live stream the documentary “Aulcie” by Israeli twice academy-award winning filmmaker Dani Menkin from Dec. 20 - 22. Aulcie Perry, an African American basketball player from the Newark ghetto, does not make it to the NBA, but he comes to international glory in the holy land by changing the country and himself forever. In 1976, Aulcie Perry was playing basketball in Harlem when scouts from Maccabi Tel Aviv spotted and signed him. Aulcie moved to Israel, led the team to their first European Championship with an upset win and had what one Sports Illustrated writer described as “the most extraordinary season in its remarkable history.” A year later, he converted to Judaism, changed his name to Elisha Ben Abraham and became an Israeli citizen. Aulcie began dating Israeli supermodel Tami Ben Ami, further establishing him as Israel’s biggest star and the

country’s power couple. His rise to fame was precipitous, and his relationship with supermodel Tami Ben Ami became the subject of relentless media attention, solidifying his status as one of Israel’s biggest stars. Yet, behind the scenes, he had a growing drug addiction which culminated in his arrest

and imprisonment for narcotics smuggling. His charmed life came to a dramatic halt. While imprisoned, Aulcie was not only forced to confront his own demons but suffered the loss of long-time girlfriend Tami to cancer. Open to the entire community, email likebertrand518@gmail.com to obtain the live streaming link.

T he Magic of Christ mas 2020

Local TV Special Broadcasts This Weekend ALBANY — The Albany Symphony and WNYT NewsChannel 13 present The Magic of Christmas 2020, featuring holiday music performed by The Albany Symphony Brass Choir and Symphony Percussionists, Capital Region youth and performing arts groups, and special guests. The television special will air 7-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 on WNYT, Channel 13, and 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 on WNYA, My4. The show will be hosted by Albany

Symphony Music Director David Alan Miller and NewsChannel 13 Anchor Benita Zahn. Featured performers include: Albany Symphony Brass Choir and Percussionists - performing at the Palace Theatre, The Music Studio, Empire State Youth Orchestra Jazz and Percussion Ensembles, The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, Northeast Ballet Company, and students from the City School District of Albany. “During these challenging

times, the members of the Albany Symphony and I are so delighted to partner with our friends at WNYT and Benita Zahn to bring the magic of the holidays to our entire Capital region community,” Miller said, in a prepared statement. “We are thrilled to feature so many talented young people from throughout our region and the wonderful organizations that nurture them year-round. We hope the whole community will join us in celebrating the beauty of the season.” The television show was inspired by the Symphony’s popular live Magic of Christmas performances held annually at the Palace Theatre. Due to COVID-19, The Magic of Christmas has been reimagined this year as a virtual celebration featuring holiday favorites, including “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Sleigh Bells,” a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and selections from “The Nutcracker.”

Arts & 25 Entertainment VIRTUAL GALLERY Experience Yaddo in Sound SARATOGA SPRINGS — CALL FOR STUDENT ART The Grand Manor and adjacent

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

artist residences may temporarily be closed in response to COVID19, but Yaddo continues on. Every other Thursday, the artist colony airs Shadow Yaddo – a 30-minute audio production series that features some of the world’s great artists in conversation, performance, and song. Hosted by Yaddo President Elaina Richardson and available via Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, the just-broadcast Episode 7 features a “we bring the cocktail party to you” theme with interdisciplinary artists James Hannaham and Mark King – who discuss, among other things, quarantine fashion, while The Lazours duo share their music, and author Rick Moody: Life Coach offers advice for the holidays, accompanied by the jubilant soundtrack Darlene Love in full seasonal song. At its physical space in Saratoga Springs, Yaddo was forced to reschedule all those who were

from

FORT HUNTER — Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host a virtual Student Art Exhibit on the theme of “Water’s Reflections: Seeing the Past in the Present.” This will be a juried show for students in elementary, middle, and high schools within New York

State. The call is extended until Jan. 3 and works should represent the theme with connection to our shared history and the Erie Canal. For more information, please visit the Schoharie Crossing NYS Parks website: www.parks.ny.gov/ historic-sites/schohariecrossing.

519 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Shadow Yaddo, a new episode airs every other Thursday.

on the calendar for a residency, cut pay of some senior staff, and cancel on-site fundraising events - a loss of over $600,000 in revenue. “The plan is for all of us to come out the other side of this with resilience, to have Yaddo remain a leader in the field, and

to return to ‘regular life’ when it is safe to do so,” offered the organization’s co-chairs Janice Y.K. Lee and Peter Kayafas, in a letter released earlier this year. For more information about Yaddo, its virtual projects, news and events, go to: Yaddo.org.

Virtual Online Marketplace Features Fine Art & Craft by Beekman Street Artists SARATOGA SPRINGS — With just a click from the comfort and safety of your home you can view and purchase the work of talented local artists and support the Saratoga Springs art community. This holiday season, the Saratoga Springs Art District (SSADI) presents the Beekman Street Arts District Online Holiday Marketplace. The 8th Annual Beekman Street Art Fair, a yearly event celebrating the local arts community and showcasing the art of regional artists, was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Pivoting in these challenging times, the Online Holiday Marketplace provides the opportunity to browse and buy a variety of fine art and crafts created by the artists of Beekman Street and beyond. The new website features work of a group of unique and accomplished artists, and includes: jewelry, painting, wearables, ceramics, pottery, and home decor. Local pick up is offered along with direct shipping. The Marketplace is accessible through the Beekman Street Art District website at SaratogaArtDistrict.com

Schoharie Crossing

Brittany Alexander Lic. Real Estate Salesperson

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Frances “Fran” Ryan Lic. Real Estate Salesperson

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Jane Mehan

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519 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Kate R. Naughton

Lic. Asociate Real Estate Broker

518.587.4500 Ext. 111 518.441.8527 Cell 518.587.4509 Fax knaughton@roohanrealty.com RoohanRealty.com

519 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Painting by Eden Compton, among the works available at the Beekman Street Arts District Online Holiday Marketplace.

Michelle Mebert Lic. Real Estate Salesperson

518.587.4500 Ext. 108 518.248.9446 Cell 518.587.4509 Fax mmebert@roohanrealty.com RoohanRealty.com

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LEGALS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York, will conduct a public hearing, pursuant to section 3.1.4 of the City Charter, on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 2:55 p.m., or as or as soon thereafter as the matter can be reached, by video conferencing, in the City of Saratoga Springs, New York, to hear all persons who wish to speak either for or against, adding to the 2021 Capital Budget and Capital Program additional sums for the NY Power Authority Energy Efficient Program – City Street Lights. This increase is for energy-efficient LED lighting and other additional improvements to street lighting in numerous locations in the city, including reviewing and auditing current street lighting register, designing a conversion solution, procuring and selecting an installation contractor, ordering materials, overseeing installation, coordinating proper disposal of existing fixtures, and providing au updated street lighting registry. Dated: December 16, 2020 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK By: John P. Franck, City Clerk 12/18, 12/24, 101597 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 225, ARTICLE IX, SECTION 225-94 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY,

ENTITLED “VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC – SCHEDULE XXIX – ALTERNATE-SIDE-OFSTREET PARKING” BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, NY, as follows: SECTION 1: Section 225-94 of the Code of the City of Saratoga Springs, NY, entitled “Vehicle and Traffic – Schedule XXIX – Alternate-Side-Of-Street Parking” is hereby amended to add the following to subsection “A”: NAME OF STREET Walworth Street FROM Washington Street TO Cherry Street TUE, THU, SAT PARKING ON (side) West SECTION 2: This ordinance shall take effect the day after publication as provided by the City Charter of the City of Saratoga Springs, NY. ADOPTED: 12-15-2020 VOTE: 5 - 0 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK By: John P. Franck, City Clerk 12/18, 101591 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Blue Ridge Specialty LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/05/2020. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process

against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, PO Box 3646, Omaha, NE 68103-0646. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 12/18, 12/24, 01/08, 01/15, 01/22, 01/29. 101534 Notice of formation of Nicolina Holding LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the NYS DOS on 12/7/2020. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC at 18 Park Ave., Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 12/11, 12/18, 12/24, 01/08, 01/15, 01/22. 101496 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. DNA Investigations, LLC was formed, and Articles of Organization were filed with the Department of State of New York on November 24, 2020. The office is located in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served; the SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 27 Karner Dr., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The LLC will operate in perpetuity for any lawful purpose. 12/04, 12/11, 12/18, 12/24, 01/08, 01/15. 101448 Notice of formation of PQ Capital Group LLC. Articles of Organization filed with

the Secretary of State of New York on 11/23/2020. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 28 Sydney Hill Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/04, 12/11, 12/18, 12/24, 01/08, 01/15. 101433 Notice of formation of Revibe Travel LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/27/2020 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 16 University Street, Schuylerville, NY 12871 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/04, 12/11, 12/18, 12/24, 01/08, 01/15. 101403 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Glamorgan Kennel and Labradors. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on November 16, 2020 Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC, 1173 Ridge Road, Broadalbin, NY 12025. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/04, 12/11, 12/18, 12/24, 01/08, 01/15. 101413

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company. Name: G and Chris Tree Service LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on September 22, 2020. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designed as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC at 7 Prestiwck Ave, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 11/20, 11/25, 12/04, 12/11, 12/18, 12/24. 101263 Notice of formation of 102 Route 29N, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/12/2020 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 7 Chestnut Hill Dr., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/20, 11/25, 12/04, 12/11, 12/18, 12/24. 101230 Notice of formation of Ebb & Flow Dynamics, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/9/20. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: 219 Whitetail Ct. Ballston Spa, New York 12020. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 11/13, 11/20, 11/25, 12/04, 12/11, 12/18. 101153

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

Puzzles Across 1 Island top 11 Beaver young 15 Dreamer of Greek myth 16 Short race, briefly 17 Celebrated 1981 bride 18 Kyrgyzstan range 19 Italian sonnet closing 20 One may be mounted close to a grille 22 Never encountered before 25 Sleeper’s path 26 Didn’t lose at all 30 Athlete’s best effort 32 “Breaking Bad” org. 33 City on the Arno 34 Hardly the best smoke 35 Filing aid 36 Item on many a diner check 38 Jazz piano style 40 Greek letter 41 White water 45 Early philosophical hot spot 46 Columbo, for one: Abbr. 47 Point of view 48 Sidestep 49 Formal wear 51 One way to think 53 Experiment with Zener cards 55 Tree with green-skinned fruit 60 Opposite of bueno 61 United Nations goal 64 King Harald’s father 65 Obsolescent media 66 Flier over Hawaii 67 Island bottom Down 1 Jungfrau setting 2 Stuff of legends

3 Name you might see while listening to Muzak 4 Follow the game? 5 Trip up 6 Address 7 Dines on 8 Part of TGIF 9 Sign of trouble 10 Beaux Arts __: longtime chamber music group 11 Arboreal marsupial 12 Countertop option 13 Captain, say 14 Stops pumping momentarily?

21 Receive with a shake, maybe 23 Brewery fixture 24 Narcissist’s issue 26 One flying without a plane? 27 January clearance 28 Where there’s a will, usually 29 Equal footing 31 Hit opposite 34 Bean of “Game of Thrones” 37 Make room on a drive 39 Gun in neutral 42 Org. that runs the FedEx Cup Playoffs

43 Misfortune 44 __ volente 48 Makes adjustments 50 Hot spot 52 Beehives, e.g. 54 Promotional handouts 56 Watered down 57 Longtime MLB star Big __ 58 HP rival 59 Old U.S. region? 62 Nutritional abbr. 63 Fleur-de-__

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices. This Week: Gild, Guild Gild means to cover with a golden appearance. The beautiful Canadian sunset gilded the grass in the valley. Guild refers to an association of trades people. Steven Spielberg is a member of the Directors Guild of America. Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@gmail.com

Puzzle Solutions

Sports

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

State of WINTER SPORTS

by Megin Potter for Saratoga TODAY

fter completing a successful Fall Season, the start of Winter sports this week has area high schools navigating another new set of challenges. “It was a season that was successful for the Suburban Council across all the sports. The stance the entire league took was to protect the season. It was not intentionally more strict than what anyone else was doing. We took all the guidance from the State and local agencies, and used our professional judgement to do what we felt was the right thing to do,” said Nicholas McPartland, Athletic Director for the Saratoga Springs City School District. Attorney Advertising

Abused by Clergy in New York?

Saratoga Blue Streaks varsity hockey team in the Don Kauth Memorial 2019 Tournament. Photo by Super Source Media.

High-Risk Sports Postponed Indefinitely

to have these, as so many other opportunities have been lost for our kids this year,” said McPartland.

On Friday, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announced the postponement of all high-risk sports until authorization is granted by state officials.

Virtual Meets & No State Championships

The New York State Department of Health has determined basketball, boys’ lacrosse, competitive cheerleading, football, ice hockey, volleyball, and wrestling to be high-risk. On Dec. 11, it was announced that high-risk winter sports would begin on Jan. 4. The increase in COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates across the State however, has now postponed the start-date of high-risk sports indefinitely.

DO YOU KNOW THESE MEN?

Others Given the Go-Ahead Low- and moderate-risk sports began practices this week.

Chester Misercola

Thomas E. Neary

In Saratoga Springs, these include bowling, girl’s gymnastics, Alpine and Nordic skiing, and boys’ varsity swimming/diving (modified is not being offered at this time due to a lack of swimming pool availability).

John Phillips

“While preventative measures have been put in place in our school, we are still working through some of the hurdles that have come up. For the indoor sports, there is inherently a little bit of risk involved, but we felt it was important to salvage the opportunity Robert J. Post

Joseph R. Romano

Henry C. Sewall

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Low- and moderate-risk sports began practices this week in Saratoga Springs, including Alpine and Nordic skiing.

Safety concerns associated with increased travel, venue capacity limitations, and social distancing restrictions has also led NYSPHSAA to cancel the 2021 Winter State Championships. “When examining the feasibility of Winter State Championships, it became apparent that travel and overnight accommodations would create a unique challenge for our member schools,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “At this time, we must prioritize maximizing student participation without a focus on championship events.” Echoing this sentiment, as well as the desire to protect local businesses, families, and others in the community, school-to-school competitions will be adjusted accordingly. Bowling and swimming meets will be held virtually until at least Jan. 31. While the details of the girls’ gymnastics matches are still being determined, competing teams will likely have staggered start times to allow for equipment cleaning and sanitizing. The start of the Fall 2 Season in March, and the 2021 NYSPHSAA Spring State Championships remain scheduled at this time.

Week of December 18 – December 24, 2020

Sports

COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN Saratoga Winter Rec Program Registrations Open Form a new skate of mind with the Saratoga Springs Recreation Department’s Intro to Ice Skating Program. Learn ice skating basics or improve your skills. Ages 3 to adult. Tuesdays and Saturdays from Jan. 5 until Feb. 13. $60 for residents/$80 non-city residents. Develop your skills, learn the rules and strategy to serve up your best in their Volleyball Program. Ages 8 -14 years. Jan. 6 through Feb. 10. $55 residents/ $65 non-city residents. Join the Pickleball League and ace the court. Ages 18+. Jan. 10 until March 7 (no play Feb. 14). $45 residents/ $65 for non-city residents. Space is limited. The Rec’s nine pickleball courts are ready for Drop-In Pickleball. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-11am. Participation is limited and is on a first come, first-served basis. Days/times are subject to change. $3 residents/ $4 others. Basketball Programs: Tiny B’ball is a parent/child activity that introduces participants, ages 3 to 5, to the sport of basketball through games and activities. $55 residents/ $65 non-city residents. Intro to Basketball for participants in grades K-1st. Boys and Girls programs for Grades 2-8 build on skills. $60 residents/$80 for non-city residents. Space is limited. Volunteer Coaches are needed. All session fees increase $25 beginning Jan. 1. Participants must wear a mask at all times.

YMCA Winter Program Registration Begins Dec. 22 Mini Active Kids Club (2-3 years) Experience a variety of games and activities in a small group setting. One parent only can accompany their child. Saturdays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Members $40/Non-Members $60. Tiny Tutus (3-5 years) Build on the basics of ballet through imaginative and creative movements, positions and combinations. Saturdays, 10:10-10:55 a.m.; or 11:05-11:50 a.m. Member $60/Program Member $100. Twinkle Toes (4-6 years) Improve on the fundamentals of ballet while establishing tap basics to develop balance, coordination, and rhythm. Saturdays, 12:051:05 pm. Member $60/Program Member $100. Soccer (3-4 years) Intro to soccer games and drills. Parental involvement is encouraged. Thursdays, 4-4:30 p.m. Members $40/Non-Members $50. Soccer (5-7 years old) Play on a co-ed team. Thursdays, 4:35-5:15 p.m. Members $50/Non-Members $50.

One-hour Racquetball Rentals are available. $5 residents/ $10 others.

T-Ball (4-6 years) Learn the basic skills and game play. Saturdays, 12-12:30 p.m. Members $40/NonMembers $70.

Some programs require you to create an account and register for a Rec Card prior to arrival. Visit www.SaratogaRec.com, or contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@ saratoga-springs.org with questions.

Little Rookies (3-5 years) Learn and play a variety of different sports each week. Parents participation is encouraged. Saturdays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Members $40/Non-Members $70.

Basketball (4-5 years) Introduction for boys and girls. Mondays, 4-4:30 p.m. Members $40/NonMembers $60. Basketball (6-7 years) Learn the fundamentals. Mondays, 4:40-5:20 p.m; Saturdays 12:45-1:25 pm. Members $40/ Non-Members $80. Basketball (8-10 years) Develop fundamental skills. Tuesdays 4:15-5 p.m.; Saturdays 1:35-2:20 p.m. Members $55/Non-Member $90. Beyond the Basics: Next level skills. 10-13 years, Saturdays, 3-4 p.m.; 14-17 years, Saturdays, 4-5 p.m. Members $70/Non-Member $100. Custom Basketball Training. One-on-one or training in groups is available. Youth Intermediate Volleyball (10-14 years) Co-ed. Wednesdays 4:15-5 p.m. Members $60/ NonMembers $90. Leadership Club: Teens (8th through 12th grade) plan and organize projects with an emphasis on community service. 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month. 6-7 p.m. Free with Family or Youth Membership. All winter programs run Jan. 4 to Feb. 21. For more information, go to srymca.org.