Saratoga TODAY December 15 - 21, 2023 by Saratoga TODAY

LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 17 • Issue 50 • December 15 – December 21, 2023 • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • 518- 581-2480

Celebrating a Century of History SARATOGA Caring: Maternity Services’ A History of Patriotism 100-Year Anniversary at sugar, tires, and other products by Dave Waite to support the war effort. Other Saratoga Hospital for Saratoga TODAY steps that both young and old in OF

Photos provided. See Story pg. 9

The move into World War II by the United States brought about many changes for this country’s citizens. The most important was in the lives of the sixteen million men and women who served during those years and of course the over four hundred thousand who gave their lives, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Back at home communities coped with rationing of gasoline,

this country were asked to take were buying war bonds and collecting scrap metal and rubber. Likely the most unusual item was the collection of milkweed pods, something desperately needed by the navy for life preservers. As we will see, in Saratoga County, both adults and young people stepped up and did their part to harvest milkweed and help protect the lives of our servicemen and women. See Story pg. 2

Saratoga Jazz Fest ‘The Local Branch’ 2024 to Feature Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Opens on Broadway Laufey, Samara Joy, Stanley Clarke Embracing the American spirit through artisan leather goods, provisions, and apothecary

The 47th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will return for a full two-day and two-stage festival experience on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, 2024 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The event will feature a roster of 22 musical groups and 10 festival debuts. Stanley Clarke (Photo: Onodera Taka). See pg 8

Photo provided. See Story pg. 12

History

SARATOGA

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

A HISTORY OF PATRIOTISM: LOCAL KIDS “HELP SAVE OUR FIGHTING MEN!” by Dave Waite | Sponsored by The Saratoga County History Roundtable Contact The Saratoga County History Roundtable at: saratogacohistoryroundtable@gmail.com continued from front page... Only hours after Pearl Harbor, Japan attacked the Philippines and the American forces stationed there then. This successful invasion gave Japan control of the Dutch East Indies’ oil reserves and access to abundant raw materials in the region. One of these resources was kapok, a fiber obtained from the kapok tree that grows in the rainforests of Asia. The fiber, light and very buoyant, was used in life preservers by both the military and civilians. As a replacement for this critical component of life vests was needed, the American industry began searching for likely alternatives. The most effective substitute was milkweed floss, with tests showing that a pound of this fiber would keep an adult afloat for over 40 hours. Milkweed was quickly given the status of a wartime strategic material and the government allocated funds for its collection and processing. Soon the call went out to pick milkweed pods, with open mesh bags being distributed to schools in regions where milkweed was prevalent. In Waterford, a drive to pick the pods was organized by the local Lions Club, with members of area Scout Troops, 4-H Clubs, and students from the Waterford Schools pitching in. As an incentive to participate the Waterford Lions Club offered prizes of three dollars, two dollars, and one dollar to boys and girls who collected the greatest number of filled bags. With one-half million pounds needed to make life vests for the military in 1944, every bag picked was vitally important. In the spring of 1945, the milkweed pods that had been collected locally were brought to the Saratoga County Fair Grounds in Ballston Spa for shipment to the processing plant in Michigan. The eight thousand bags that had been collected from Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties would provide enough floss to fill four thousand life vests for the military. Overall,

Photo provided by The Saratoga County History Roundtable.

New York State collected enough pods to exceed its goal of gathering enough milkweed to fill over a quarter million life jackets. The milkweed needed to be picked before they broke open and scattered the floss, leaving only a small window of opportunity to collect the pods. Once filled, the mesh collection bags were hung outside to dry, with two bags needed to fill one life vest. In many counties, it was the 4-H Club agents who oversaw the work of distributing the collection bags. One example was Samuel B Dorrance the agent for Rensselaer County who passed out two thousand of these open mesh bags. In a newspaper account of his efforts, published in the September 15, 1944, Troy Record, he gave these instructions for collecting the pods: When the seeds are brown, the pods are ready for picking but definitely not before, as they will mold, he said. “Those in the northern part of the county are not yet ready. It isn’t necessary to examine each pod if a test shows that the majority of the seeds are ripe. He continued with the necessity of leaving the bags out to dry for at least two weeks, preferably hanging them from

a fence at least a foot off the ground, after which they could be brought indoors. Dedicated to the slogan of “Don’t Let Our Sailor’s Sink” 4-H boys and girls roamed the countryside collecting milkweed from fencerows and open fields. Lifelong Saratoga County resident Marion Crandall shared this memory of that time while growing up in Bacon Hill, a farming community near Schuylerville: In the orchard there were a lot of milkweeds… they needed kapok for the war…for life preservers... it was a 4-H project, so we went to the orchard, picked milkweed pods, and put them in big onion bags, mesh bags. The efforts of the young people in Bacon Hill were a success, as by September of 1944 they had collected eleven bags of milkweed pods. With the close of the war in September of 1945, collection of milkweed floss was no longer necessary, and the program was ended. While it is impossible to count the number of lives that were saved through this work by the children of Saratoga County, what they accomplished was vitally important to the war effort and even now we can look back with pride at what they achieved.

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

NEWS

Saratoga Springs Police Department Awarded Certificate of Accreditation

Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Police Department was formally awarded its first-ever Certificate of Accreditation by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), city Public Safety Commissioner Jim Montagnino announced on Dec. 7. This represents a major milestone for the Department, as it has demonstrated that it has met and maintains 111 separate rigorous State standards

of excellence in recruitment, training, operations and management, Montagnino said, highlighting Chief Tyler McIntosh, Lt. Angela McGovern “and the many other members of the Department who put in enormous effort in completing this task.” Lt. McGovern was separately awarded a Certificate of Achievement by DCJS for her work towards accreditation. “This milestone has eluded our city for two decades. In just

six months on the job, however, Chief McIntosh led his team to the successful completion of this mission,” the commissioner said. The City Charter of Saratoga Springs has mandated a plan to achieve State accreditation for its Police Department since January 2004. Accreditation is also among the 50 Points of Police Reform adopted by the City Council pursuant to former Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order in 2021.

Saratoga County History Center Issues Initiative Launched to Call for 2024 Award Nominations Bring Physicians to Rural BALLSTON SPA — The understanding of the history of org/2023/12/history-centerand Underserved Areas of Saratoga County History Center Saratoga County. issues-call-for-2024-awardat Brookside Museum has The Public History Award nominations/ by Jan. 15, 2024. Upstate New York issued a call for nominations is designed to recognize the Submissions should include a WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) launched its J-1 Visa Program in collaboration with New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont to make quality healthcare accessible to rural America by easing the visa requirements for nondomestic physicians who trained in the U.S. if they agree to practice in underserved areas, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, announced Dec. 5. “Following my advocacy, the Northern Border Regional Commission will launch its J-1 Visa Program to help provide rural and underserved areas across Upstate New York and the North Country with accessible, quality, and affordable healthcare helping to alleviate the physician shortage,” Stefanik

said, in a statement. NBRC will recommend the U.S. Department of Homeland Security waive what is known as the “two-year home-country physical presence requirement” for eligible physicians seeking to work at healthcare institutions and practices within the NBRC territory. The purpose is to help alleviate a physician workforce shortage disproportionately affecting rural America. In July 2022, Stefanik led her colleagues in a letter specifically calling on the NBRC to implement a J-1 visa waiver program that would allow nondomestic physicians trained in the U.S. to work in health professional shortage areas or medically underserved areas within the NBRC’s area of jurisdiction, according to a statement released by Stefanik.

for its third annual Saratoga County Public History Award. Each year the SCHC confers the award on two individuals who have made a significant contribution in preserving, interpreting, researching, publishing, promoting or otherwise extending knowledge and

long-standing efforts of those who share a passion for Saratoga County history, and to encourage others to become involved in local history projects and activities. Nominations for 2024 winners can be submitted to the Saratoga County History Center at brooksidemuseum.

short biography of the nominee, a description of their contributions and references. The Award Selection Committee will review and select winners by March 1. An award ceremony will be held in April at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa to honor the award recipients.

OBITUARIES / NEWS

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Andrew C. Manz III

Charles L. Burling

Albert John Dewey Jr.

Nancy Elizabeth Moran

Marilyn Rae Pitts

ALBANY — Andrew C. Manz III, 92, of Saratoga Springs passed into eternal life on December 11, 2023. A funeral home service will be at 2 p.m. on Sat. Dec. 16, 2023 at the Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

YORK, PA — Charles L Burling (Chuck) died suddenly December 9, 2023. A resident of Gansevoort and Saratoga from 1991-2013. Calling hours 10-11 a.m., December 16, 2023 at Burke Funeral Home. Service at 11, burial in Greenridge Cemetery following. Memorial donations to Liberty Foundation (Amsterdam, NY) or Keystone VHF Club of York Pennsylvania. www.burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Albert John (Joseph) Dewey Jr, 73, passed away Dec. 11, 2023. Visitation from 4-7 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 20 at Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway. Mass is 10 am, Thurs. Dec. 21 at St. Clement’s Church. Burial will at 11:30 a.m. at GBHS Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. Remembrances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nancy Elizabeth Moran, 76, passed away peacefully 12/7/23 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by her family. Calling hours were 12/14 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass: 11 a.m. Friday, 12/15 at St. Clement’s followed by burial in Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Clement’s Church (stclementschurch. com) burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Marilyn Rae Pitts, 89, passed December 6, 2023, after battling multiple failures related to her cancer and its treatments. Calling hour 10-11 a.m., Dec. 18, Mass 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, Saratoga Springs. Burial to follow in Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com

Andrea Koleda

John (Jack) O’Brien

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office STOP-DWI Underway for Holiday Season SARATOGA COUNTY — Saratoga County police agencies and STOP-DWI coordinators will participate in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo announced this week. “The holidays are a time for celebration,” Sheriff Zurlo

said in a statement. “If you’re going to drink or use drugs, decide right now that you won’t get behind the wheel. A funeral is not the type of gathering we want your family to attend.” The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign began Dec. 13 and will run through Jan. 1, 2024.

A downloadable mobile app – “Have a Plan” – enables citizens to be able to find a safe ride home. The app may be found at: www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp

WILTON — Andrea Koleda passed peacefully at home on November 3, 2023 surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring 2024; all will be notified with details as they are made available. Condolences and memories of Jack may be shared at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

WILTON – John (Jack) O’Brien died December 6. The service will be at 12 p.m. December 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours are 10 a.m. to 12 noon prior to the service, followed by a graveside service with military honors at 1:30 p.m. at Gerald B. H. Solomon National Cemetery. For condolences visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

BLOTTER

SARATOGA POLICE

that three arrests were made in connection with a Nov. 17 stabbing that occurred in the Village of Schuylerville. Ryan M. Danaher, suspected of having caused serious physical injury by stabbing a person in the neck with a knife, was arrested in the Town of Queensbury, following the issue of an Arrest Warrant. Danaher, 36, was charged with Assault in the First-Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third- Degree, both felonies. He was sent to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail. Ruthann E. Danaher, 53, was charged pursuant to a traffic stop in the Town of Malta for her involvement in allegedly assisting Ryan Danaher to evade arrest. She was charged with Hindering Prosecution in the Second- Degree, a felony. Kevin T. Relyea, 57, was also charged pursuant to the traffic stop involving Ruthann Danaher in the Town of Malta. While Deputies were taking Ruthann into custody, Relyea is alleged to have recklessly driven his vehicle at the

Ryan Barton, 30, of Mechanicville, was charged Dec. 1 with criminal obstruction of breathing, and menacing. Daniel Bonesteel, 55, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 30 with obstruct governmental administration, and disorderly conduct. Duana Savage, 54, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 30 with assault. Anthony Allen, 46, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 30 with criminal possession, and criminal sale, of a controlled substance. Miaya Hazel, 18, of Ballston, was charged Nov. 30 with petit larceny, criminal tampering, and burglary. Jamel Daniels, 23, of Glenville, was charged Nov. 29 with criminal tampering.

aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, circumvent interlock, and inadequate lights violation. Phillip Shambo, 22, of Lake George, was charged Nov. 26 with DWI, and driving wrong direction on oneway street. Alyssa Carota, 23, of Moreau, was charged Nov. 26 with DWI, refusal to take breath test, with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, and license restriction violation. Matthew Washburn, 34, of Hudson Falls, was charged Nov. 25 with criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense. Alexandra Rychik, 25, of Ballston Spa, was charged Nov. 25 with DWI, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, and operating an unregistered vehicle.

Stephen Parker, 44, of Milton, was charged Nov. 28 with petit larceny.

SARATOGA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Ciera Bratis, 31, of Anthol, N.Y., was charged Nov. 26 with

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office announced Dec. 1

5 Deputies on scene, according to the sheriff’s office. Relyea was charged with felony Reckless Endangerment, and Resisting Arrest - a misdemeanor.

SARATOGA COUNTY COURT Brandon W. Brunell, 29, of Greenfield Center, was sentenced Dec. 1 to 3-1/2 years in state prison/ 2-1/2 years post-release supervision, after pleading to felony criminal possession of a weapon, charged April 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Anthony W. Beddow, 35, of Ballston Lake, pleaded Nov. 30 to attempted criminal possession of stolen property, a felony, charged October 2023 in Malta. Sentencing Feb. 1. Herbert L. Marlow, 76, of Clifton Park, was sentenced Nov. 30 to 1 year local incarceration, and 10 years probation on each charge, after pleading to two charges of possessing a sexual performance by a child.

William R. Burden, 31, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 60 days incarceration and 5 years probation, after pleading to attempted assault in the second-degree, charged August 2022 in Ballston. Austin J. Parent, 28, of Schuylerville, pleaded Nov. 30 to failure to register as a sex offender, charged August 2023 in Malta. Sentencing Feb. 1.

NY STATE POLICE On Nov. 30, at about 12:09 a.m., State Police of Wilton responded to the reports of an unconscious driver in a running vehicle stopped in the roadway on Ballard Road in Wilton. The vehicle was located, and the driver was identified as Patrick L. Clifford. Clifford was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was transported to SP Wilton for processing, where he recorded a 0.20% BAC. Clifford was issued tickets returnable to the Wilton Town Court on Jan. 2, 2024, and released.

NEWS BRIEFS

Locally Owned & Operated PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty 518-581-2480 x212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee 518-581-2480 x201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com ADVERTISING Jim Daley, Advertising Director 518-581-2480 x209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey Ad Sales, Classifieds, Calendar 518-581-2480 x204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com DISTRIBUTION Kim Beatty 518-581-2480 x205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com DESIGN Kacie Cotter-Harrigan Creative Director, Graphic Designer Kelly Schoonbeck Ad Designer, Web & Social Media EDITORIAL Thomas Dimopoulos City, Crime, Arts/Entertainment 518-581-2480 x214 thomas@saratogapublishing.com Jonathon Norcross Business, Education, Sports 518-581-2480 x219 jnorcross@saratogapublishing.com Anne Proulx Obituaries, Proofreader 518-581-2480 x211 aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

Walks, Bonfires, Eagle Watch & December Events at Moreau Lake State Park MOREAU — Follow the soft glow of the luminaries on a beautiful walk in Moreau Lake State Park at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. The Friends of Moreau Lake State Park will be serving up hot chocolate (bring a mug) at the Warming Hut where you can gather around the bonfire and enjoy the camaraderie. BYO s’mores ingredients (and maybe extra to share) No sign-ups are necessary. There will be a $5 program fee per vehicle, payable by cash or check upon arrival. Questions? Call 518-793-0511. Additional events at Moreau Lake State Park, 605 Old Saratoga Road. Gansevoort, through December: Wednesday, Dec. 20 and Dec. 27, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Eagle Watch. Join a park educator on a convoy-style journey along the Hudson River to try to spot local Bald Eagles. We will be getting in and out of vehicles at a few locations and, with a little luck, viewing the eagles through binoculars and a scope so make sure to bring your hat and gloves. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 per adult (18+) and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511. Thursday, Dec. 21 at 6

p.m. Winter Solstice Bonfire. Celebrate the winter solstice with a nighttime bonfire. A time to appreciate what is lost to the frost and remember what is promised by spring. Bring cups, plates, and a fork because we will be making hot chocolate and tinfoil dinners over the fire. The cost is $5 for adults and $1 for kids (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please register 24 hours in advance at 518-793-0511. Monday, Dec. 25 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Christmas Day Walk. Bundle up and join an educator on an easy-going, family friendly walk next to Moreau Lake. We may hear and see birds, animal tracks, shells, feathers; there’s no telling what nature might gift us with. There is no fee for this walk. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511. Friday Dec. 29 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Nature Collages. Stop by the Nature Center to join us in recycling old magazines to make nature collages; a fun way to create art out of things we may throw away. An engaging activity where we can talk about all the cool creatures that may come across the pages. The cost is $5 for adults and $1 for kids (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. You can register in advance at 518-793-0511.

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Winter Solstice Walk at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park WILTON — On Sunday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 pm, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding a Winter Solstice Walk to help people celebrate the shortest day of the year. Participants will learn about how celestial movements impact the natural world. The walk will take place on the trails of Camp Saratoga on Scout Road in the Town of Wilton. If there is snow, the program will take place on

snowshoes. Free snowshoe rentals will be available 15 minutes prior to the program provided by a grant from the Common Roots Foundation. If there is no snow, the program will be a trail walk. Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.

Star Radio Hosts Talk Live With Santa

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga’s Star Radio is hosting their annual Talk Live With Santa show airing December 19 and 20 starting at 6 p.m. each evening. Tune in to listen to local children and their parents broadcasted live to chat with

Santa. Submissions for air time are closed. Saratoga’s Star Radio is your local radio station. Broadcasting on 93.3FM in Saratoga Springs. 1160am across Albany & Saratoga Counties. For more info visit www.starsaratoga.com

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Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Local Ski Community Gathers for Ski Movie Benefit Event

Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet presents the Nutcracker Dec. 16-17. Photo by Susan Blackburn Photography.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet presents the Nutcracker at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 16 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec 17 at the Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany. This year, 115 young dancers ages 5-17 will grace the stage. General admission tickets are $35; for seniors and students

cost is $28; children under 3 get in for free. All ticket proceeds directly support the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. The Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany is located at 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. Tickets available at ssyballet. ticketleap.com/the-nutcracker/

Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program, and Saratoga Springs High School Alpine Ski Team, recipients of a recent benefit event held in Saratoga Springs. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nearly 800 people attended The Warren Miller ski movie benefit event, “All Time.” The event was held at the Trombley Auditorium at the Saratoga

Springs Middle School. Hosted by the Alpine Sport Shop, the event was staged to bring together the local ski community and raise money for worthy causes.

Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program, and Saratoga Springs High School Alpine Ski Team each received a check from the Alpine Sport Shop for $3,643.88.

NEWS

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Two-Day Saratoga Jazz Fest to Feature Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Laufey, Samara Joy, Stanley Clarke SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 47th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will return for a full two-day and two-stage festival experience on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The event will feature a roster of 22 musical groups and 10 festival debuts. The line-up is co-headlined by contemporary artists Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Laufey, and Samara Joy, alongside jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his band N*4Ever, Terence Blanchard Sextet and Coco Montoya. Also highlighting the lineup is the next generation of jazz stars - Yussef Dayes, Joey Alexander, Miguel Zenon, Tia Fuller, Theo Crocker, Helen Sung and Sara Caswell, and electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands Cory Henry, Cimafunk, The New Orleans Groove Masters and Pedrito Martinez Group. The annual festival is produced by Danny Melnick, president of Absolutely Live Entertainment. Founded in 1978 by jazz impresario George Wein, Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is the fifth longest-consecutiverunning jazz festival in North America. Initially founded as “the Newport Jazz Festival at Saratoga” the weekend event was renamed Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival in 1998. Headliner Lake Street Dive

will make their festival debut on Saturday, June 29. As heard on their critically acclaimed album “Obviously,” the Bostonbred band possesses a keen talent for combining sociopolitical commentary with immediately catchy pop gems. Returning following her triumphant festival debut in 2023 is Samara Joy, and returning by popular demand to headline the festival on Sunday is singer and pianist Norah Jones. “The one to watch” on Sunday’s line-up for her festival debut is Laufey, a 24-year-old Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter whose modern jazz sound has won her both a GRAMMY nomination and millions of fans on TikTok. Music icons returning to the festival include jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his exciting new band N*4Ever, which is a celebration of his long-time collaborator Chick Corea and their time together in Return to Forever; opera composer Terence Blanchard with his Sextet, and blues guitar virtuoso and vocalist Coco Montoya. Representing the next generation of jazz talent on the stage is composer and drummer Yussef Dayes, jazz pianist Joey Alexander - who will celebrate his 21st birthday at the festival, jazz pianist and composer Helen Sung, and jazz violinist Sara Caswell.

Highlighting the weekend is also today’s most electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands including progressive R&B artist Cory Henry, Cimafunk, The New Orleans Groove Masters featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis & Shannon Powell, Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez with his band and Olatuja!, which reunites Alicia and Michael Olatuja in music. In addition to two nonstop days of great music on two stages, fans can also enjoy a host of amenities including a new craft beer tasting village, in partnership with New York State Brewers Association, new and diverse food offerings, a fine arts and crafts fair, and artist CD signings. Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages, as well as blankets, tents and lawn umbrellas. Parking for the event is free. Performances will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29 and at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 30. 2024 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival Line-Up: SATURDAY, JUNE 29 Amphitheater Lake Street Dive; Samara Joy; Yussef Dayes; Joey Alexander Trio with special guest Theo Croker; Cimafunk with special guest Pedrito Martinez; The New Orleans Groove Masters featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis & Shannon Powell. Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage - Tia Fuller;

StanleyClarke, once famously depicted spray-painting musical notes on the walls of a NYC subway station (“School Days”), nearly a half-century later emerges from the ocean calm with a stand-up bass. (Photo by Sakurai Toshi).

Norah Jones returns to Saratoga with an appearance at the two-day jazz festival June 29-30. (Photo by ShervinLainez).

Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra; Theo Croker; Coco Montoya; Harold LopezNussa; Sara Caswell Quartet. SUNDAY, JUNE 30 Amphitheater - Norah Jones; Laufey; Stanley Clarke N4Ever; Terence Blanchard Sextet; Cory Henry. Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage - Pedrito Martinez Group; Miguel Zenon Quartet; Olatuja!; Helen Sung presents Quartet; Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars Centennial Celebration of Max Roach, Bud Powell & J.J. Johnson featuring Clay Jenkins, Steve Wilson, Steve Davis, Mike Moreno, Bill Cunliffe, Todd

Coolman & Dennis Mackrel. Tickets for the festival start at $80 and will be available to SPAC members Dec. 14 (discounted depending on tiered level) and be made available to the general public online at spac.org on Jan. 5. Two-day passes are also available for a savings of $20 off per pass (offer ends June 15 and can’t be combined with other discounts). Children 12 and under receive 50% off tickets in the amphitheater and are free on the lawn. Full-time students with a school issued ID receive 25% off tickets in the amphitheater, or $28 on the lawn (student ID must be presented at will call).

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

NEWS

Celebrating a Century of Saratoga County Adopts Caring: Maternity Services’ $410.1 Million Budget for 2024 100-Year Anniversary at Saratoga Hospital by Thomas Dimopoulos Board also voted to approve the development & heritage tourism); Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Dec. 17, 1923, the Saratoga Hospital Maternity Unit officially opened for patients, made possible through contributions of businesses and individuals active in the Saratoga community, including the Saratoga Racing Association, which was to become NYRA in 1955, and equipped with furniture provided by the Flower and Fruit Mission, an organization that today still actively supports women’s health services at Saratoga Hospital. On Dec. 17, 2023 the Saratoga community is invited

to join this centennial celebration, which will include remarks from Jill VanKuren, Saratoga Hospital President & CEO, Dr. Amy Knoeller, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group - OB/ GYN & Midwifery, and Sarah Bunzey, Director – Women’s Health Services. Participants are encouraged to bring a box of diapers to donate to Wellspring Saratoga. Cupcakes and light refreshments provided. The celebration will take place from 2-3 p.m. at Saratoga Hospital in the Main Lobby, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs.

BALLSTON SPA — During a special board meeting held at the county complex on Dec. 13, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2024 county budget. The $410.1 million spending plan points to an increase of more than $32 million over this year’s adopted budget and marks the first county plan to top $400 million. By comparison, the annual approved plan was approximately $297 million in both, 2016 and 2017, before climbing to more than $319 million in 2018. During the meeting the

execution of multiple agreements with a variety of public benefit organizations in exchange for the services they provide. To that point, the 10 highest dollar amount appropriations are: $1.475 million - Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Saratoga County (for county Farm Guide update and Stormwater Management Services; $400,000 - Discover Saratoga (economic development); $325,000 - Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (economic development); $300,000 - Campaign for Saratoga 250th, Inc. (economic

$142,000 – Saratoga County Soil & Water Conservation District (soil and water conservation); $105,000 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (pilot marketing campaign and economic development); $100,000 – Regional Food Bank of N.E. N.Y. (addressing food insecurities); $90,000 – Saratoga Center for the Family (child abuse services); $60,000 - Capital District Regional Planning Commission (regional studies); $60,000 – Capital Region Chamber of Commerce (tourism & economic development).

NEWS

The Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness Approves Final Report; Plans to Meet with New Council in 2024 by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness, an ad hoc committee formed in February and charged with suggesting a potentially permanent site for a homeless shelter and navigation center, approved its final report to the city at its meeting Nov. 27 at City Hall. The 11-member Task Force was initiated In February 2023 by city Mayor Ron Kim, and saw its board appointed by most of the currently seated City Council members and Supervisors. The ad hoc group began by evaluating more than two dozen potential sites across the city, eventually whittling that number down to a handful of locations, with a 3.7-acre lot on Lake Avenue/ State Route 29 ultimately being selected as the primary suggested site for

a permanent homeless shelter. The vacant lot is located between the Northway overpass and a Stewart’s Shop near Weibel Avenue, and had earlier this year been listed for sale at $800,000. Alternative sites highly ranked included a parcel at 153 South Broadway. That property stands in close proximity to two temporary shelters in the city, but the owner is reluctant to sell the property; 1.6 acres at 3290 Route 9 / Top Hill motel; a 1-acre property at North and East Ave., and 260 Maple Ave./ Gateway Motel, which extends to 1.5 acres. Each of the potential venues suggested offer some set of challenges that includes everything from Land Use Board review to area variances required (although the latter would seem unnecessary were the city to outright purchase the property), proximity or lack thereof to venues currently providing social services, access

to public transportation, and, given the track record of previous attempts made: opposition from some area residents when a site is ultimately selected. Finalizing a location and identifying funding sources including what level of support may be provided by the county – are still matters to be discussed. Those discussions are anticipated to continue in the new year with the new city government. Two of the five members of the City Council, and one of two Supervisors representing the city at the county level, will be seated in those positions for the first time. “Our next step will be to reach out to the mayor-elect (John Safford) in end of January beginning of February – they meet the first and third Tuesdays, so hopefully in early February we can be in front of the new City Council,” said Committee co-chair Tom Roohan.

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Police Seek Public’s Help Looking for Two Males in Suspected Early Morning Heist on Broadway

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — City police are asking for the public’s help regarding a suspected burglary they say occurred early Tuesday morning. At approximately 5 a.m. on Dec. 12, officers were dispatched to Lola Saratoga at 372 Broadway where they discovered a glass door broken and merchandise missing from the store that, according to the store’s website, is known for its luxury designer consignment handbags, accessories and shoes. “The Investigations Division was contacted and processed the scene and have conducted interviews of witnesses to the

burglary,” police said in a statement released this afternoon. “Video of the incident show that the suspects entered and left the business in under two minutes.” Authorities are focusing for two male suspects who arrived and left in a dark colored sedan, leaving the scene driving north on Broadway towards the Route 50/ Route 9 arterial. Anyone who may have information regarding the incident is asked to contact Investigator John Guzek at jguzek@saratogapolice.org. Additionally, any video footage relevant to the case can be uploaded at: SaratogaSpringsPDNY.evidence. com/axon/community-request/ public/lolasaratogaburglary

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

This week’s beautiful townhome at 1 Sicada St in Saratoga Springs listed by Jane Mehan from Roohan Realty and sold for $606,000.

BALLSTON Donald Rose sold property at 34 Forest Rd to derek Callen for $380,000 Erika Ryan sold property at 87 Scotchbush Rd to Debra Bigelow for $450,000 Barbera Homes Kelley Farms sold property at 27 Stablegate Dr to Fnu Rahul for 550,000 Kristopher Frutschy sold property at 281 Lake Rd to Christie Foss for 620,000

CORINTH Yolanda Gill sold property at 150 County Rt 10 to Joshua Clothier for $179,000 Michael Shamulka sold property at 324 First St to Lorna Moffre for $334,900

GALWAY Jean Audy sold property at 1939 New York 29 to Kathryn Weller for $350,000

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Wilmington Savings Fund Society sold property at 1271 Hermance Rd to David Priess for $105,000

Sean Mansfield sold property at 289 Meadowlark Dr to Quinton Jensen for $340,000

Constance Boardman sold property at 12 Sundance Dr to Barbara Marshall for $715,000

RSD Development sold property at 2 Encore Dr to Mark Williams for 120,000

Marcus Fuller sold property at 75 Arrowhead Rd to Elaina Richardson for $2,500,000

SARATOGA

Richard Devall sold property at 59 Franklin St to 59 Franklin Street Holdings LLC for $730,300

Sogonha Incorporated sold property at 145 US Rte 4 to Andrea Martin for $220,000

GREENFIELD

Sandra Sullivan sold property at 1158 NYS Rt 9P to Henry Tomasiewicz for $1,1500,000

Darrell Johnson sold property at 36 Canyon Crossing to Andrew Titus for $490,000

Paula Gardner sold property at 274 Hayes Rd to Robi Komalan for $564,500

MALTA

Brian Seymour sold property at 256 Rt 32S to Hunter Dupont for $219,900

Devin Kenney sold property at 5 Weston Way to Sierra King for $469,900 Craig Cornwell sold property at 14 Essex St to Lisa Hunter for $410,000

MILTON Pennymac Loan Services sold property at 6 Park Place to Alan Russell for $107,000 James Cope sold property at 347 Saratoga Ave to 347 Saratoga Ave LLC for $219,000 Anthony Mori sold property at 133 Bath St to Frank Kennedy for 284,000

Resolute Development sold property at 6 Anthony Lane to Steven Earle for $955,746 Austin Phillips sold property at 58 Gates Ave to Codi Sladovnik for $199,900

SARATOGA SPRINGS Richard Amendola sold property at 4 Joshua Rd to Timothy Latchford for $1,200,000 Laurie Sudigala sold property at 9 Magnolia Dr to Aubrey Crist for $890,000

Northavsbcc sold property at 51 Vanderbilt Ave to Christian Cloutier for $485,000 Robert Bruno sold property at 997 East Ave #301 to Caitlan Blydenburgh for $379,007 David Harris sold property at 77 Van Dam St to AMC2001 LLC for $535,000 Judith Carnavale sold property at 14 Garnside Rd to Brian Gaetano for $275,000

Martin Morey sold property at 11 Eastman Ave to Derby Stallion LLC for $285,000 Mathew Adair sold property at 210 Ballston Ave to Chen Yuanzaho for $335,000 Mark Hofmann sold property at 52 Bryan St to Risa Cohen for $825,000

WILTON Terra Firm LLC sold property at 430 Daniels Rd to Andrew Hirschklau for $139,900. Manuel Morse sold property at 21 Whispering Pines Rd to Susan Hedge for $230,000 Erik Schieman sold property at 21 Saw Mill Ct to Susan Chew for $899,000 Christopher Harrison sold property at 2 Daffodil Dr to Erik Schiemann for $1,349,000 Michael Blake sold property at 2 Palmer Terrace to Sarah Graham for $289,500

BUSINESS

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

The Local Branch Opens on Broadway

by Megin Potter

for Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Forged on the roads and trails that cross this country, The Local Branch has now opened at 447 Broadway, in Saratoga Springs, selling Americana that touches on the nation’s culture and folklore. Founded in San Franciso in 2009 by Blaine and Mackenzie Vossler, The Local Branch specializes in small-batch, Americanmade products. Working with more than 100 vendors, the space is stocked with handmade pieces that resonate with nostalgia. “It’s sourcing with a story – items with a soul,” said Mackenzie.

A Shared Experience Located in the former home of Saratoga Coffee Traders (which originally opened in 2006, and closed in October), The Local Branch’s soft opening on Saturday came after just one month of renovations to the building. “I love making sure people feel welcome and inspired by the products. I set the palette and the tone so that it has a communal soul similar to what a coffee shop does,” said Mackenzie. While structural supports were added and the floors refinished, most of the changes to the shop have been cosmetic. By layering colors and textures amid aged wood displays and salvaged antique light fixtures, Mackenzie’s grandmother’s rugs ground the space, while in the back corner a brass National Cash Register (like the one her father had) sits refurbished and ready to ring up this curated assortment of consciouslymade products. Conscious Consumerism In an effort to move away from the pitfalls of fast fashion and overconsumption,

before having their two children, Hawk, 6, and Wylie, 2, the Vossler’s spent two years traveling the country and creating goods from a mobile workshop inside an Airstream trailer. “I’m inspired by outdoor adventures, hiking, camping, farming, and those activities that are part of our shared identity as a people,” said Blaine, who, after a brief stint studying at New York University, turned his artistic talents to screen printing apparel. Influenced by Indigenous American ideals, rituals, and values, Blaine’s hand-drawn designs honor their heritage with bold bison, detailed images of the moon, and natural elements. Stylish, Functional Heirlooms After finding a free sewing machine by the side of the road, Blaine began creating functional, heirloom-quality items by applying the traditional skill of leatherworking to solve modern problems. Tired of sitting on his wallet during those long hours on the road, Blaine made The Local Branch’s stylish underarm holsters, which provide a unique utilitarian way to carry your phone, wallet, passport, or other essentials, so that they’re easily accessible when you’re on the go – whether you’re sitting or standing. Before leaving for a fourmonth excursion on the Pacific Coast Trail, Blaine created the Crossroads Backpack Tote – a

leather tote bag that seamlessly transitions into a backpack. The Local Branch’s blanket capes (with leather buckle closures) are also extremely versatile - they can be worn as a scarf, then laid on the ground to watch concerts and festivals. A Caring Community of Creators In 2018, the Vossler’s traded their mobile workshop for a brick-and-mortar store in Skaneateles (located in Central New York). Finding their dream home nearby, the 1854 Kester Homestead Barn, a rambling Victorian on 10 acres in Onondaga County, also once housed their leatherworking shop, but now operates exclusively as a wedding venue. The Local Brand’s manufacturing has been moved to a warehouse in the area that once belonged to Mackenzie’s parents (who were also entrepreneurs). Introduced to Saratoga by friends who attended Skidmore College, it has been the city’s vibrant music scene, happening night life, historic charm, and small town feel that keeps them coming back, said Blaine. The Local Branch, which emphasizes the importance of shopping small and buying local, is currently looking to hire a store manager and shop keepers for their Saratoga store. “Here, you get to work with friends who care about the products and the stories behind them,” said Brand Manager Sidney Glass.

Photo provided

Just in Time for the Holidays In addition to Blaine’s work, The Local Branch collaborates with a network of blacksmiths, weavers, jewelry makers, and other craftsmen to offer an assortment of sustainable items for the outdoorsman or homesteader in your life. Stop in and start an instore Wish List filled with super soft tees, sweatshirts, socks and other apparel, cabin blankets, belts, wallets, canvas bags, candles, books, kitchen provisions, apothecary items, and more, or grab a few goodies from the Stocking Stuffer Bar (including leather ornaments and key clips) just in time for the holidays. Customized initials and monogramming can be completed on leather items in 2-3 weeks. The Local Branch, 447 Broadway, Saratoga Springs is open every day 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Follow them @TheLocal Branch on Instagram, on Facebook @ TheLocalBranchApparel, and order online at thelocalbranch.co

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Lillyann Hansen Joins Julie & Co. Realty SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julie & Co. Realty announce Lillyann (Lilly) Hansen as the newest member of its brokerage in Saratoga Springs. Born and raised in the southern region of New York, Hansen has a background in medicine and science with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology/

PreMed. Hansen has joined the Julie & Co. Realty team as a Residential Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. She is also a member of the National Association of Realtors and Greater Capital Association of Realtors. For more on Julie & Co. Realty visit juliecorealty.com.

Lilly Hansen. Photo provided.

Discover Saratoga Named Smart Meetings 2023 Platinum Choice Award Winner SARATOGA SPRINGS — Discover Saratoga has announced that the convention and tourism bureau has been selected as a 2023 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Awards winner. “We are incredibly honored to receive the esteemed 2023 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award,” said Darryl Leggieri, Discover Saratoga president in a statement. “This achievement reflects our unwavering

commitment to hospitality in Saratoga County. I would like to thank our dedicated hospitality partners for their outstanding service, and everyone who contributes to making Saratoga a premier destination for meetings and events.” Now in its 21st year, the prestigious Platinum Choice Awards have honored the hospitality industry’s top-ranked hotels, venues, and destinations every December with a list of

hospitality partners that deliver the highest standards of overall excellence. These outstanding performers were nominated and voted on by meeting professionals and judged to be the best-ofthe-best by the Smart Meetings editorial team and travel industry professionals. Platinum Choice winners are featured in the December issue of Smart Meetings and will be showcased on the award-winning smartmeetings.com website.

WMHT Announces the Election of Board Officers and New Trustee TROY — WMHT Public Media announced the election of its board leaders and new trustee. The new slate of officers elected include: Shelby Schneider, Deputy Director, New York State Economic Development council, has been re-elected Chair; Del Salmon, Attorney, The Salmon Law Firm, has been elected Vice Chair; Gwen Wright, Community Leader, has been elected Secretary, and Karen Carpenter, President and CEO, Vanderheyden, Inc., has been elected Treasurer. “I am both honored and

humbled to be re-elected to the position of Board Chair,” said Shelby Snyder, in a statement. “WMHT’s mission to enrich our communities with programs and services that advance education, culture and civic engagement, empower individuals, celebrate our diversity, and reveal what we have in common – has never been more relevant than it is today.” The officer slate will be joined by newly elected trustee and health coach and former WNYT anchor Dr. Benita Zahn. Zahn joins the WMHT board with 40 years of commercial TV

news experience, that included a previous stint as host WMHT’s long-running HEALTH LINK program. After earning her MS and DPS/ Bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute at Albany Medical College, she now works as a nationally certified health coach for Capital Cardiology, co-hosts the podcast EVERYTHING THEATER and writes about health for a number of local magazines/newspapers. The officers and trustees began their terms Dec. 1, and bring the number of board members to 24.

EDUCATION

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Two Local Children’s Books Honored with 2023 WINNIE Awards SARATOGA SPRINGS/ ALBUQUERQUE, NM — On November 19 the EQUUS Film & Arts Fest announced the winners of their 2023 WINNIE Awards in Albuquerque, NM. Two local children’s books, “Upset, The Original Dark Horse”, and “Jim Dandy, A Dark Horse on a Dark Day” were both granted WINNIE awards. Written by local author Maddy Zanetti and illustrated by local artist Gretchen Tisch the children’s books have been a fan favorite in the area. EQUUS Film & Arts Fest was founded in 2013 by Lisa Diersen to highlight and reward creative efforts in film, music, advertising, and literature that pay homage to the horse. Maddy Zanetti, co-owner of Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile with partner Marianne Barker

own Upset, the miniature Dark Horse. Together they take him on the road and around Saratoga. The legend of Upset beating Man o’ War in 1919 is what inspired The Dark Horse brand and her stories. Gretchen Louise Tisch is an Artist and owner of Feathered Antler, a boutique located on Broadway. Her shop is filled

with her hand painted fashion and home decor that doubles as her Art Studio. The original book, “Upset” won the WINNIE Award in Children’s Book category while “Jim Dandy” received an Honorable mention. “Upset” is based on the infamous thoroughbred aptly named Upset who beat the previously

Maddy Zanetti, author and co-owner of The Dark Horse Mercantile and Impressions of Saratoga. Photo provided.

Gretchen Louise Tisch, local illustrator and artist and owner of Feathered Antler. Photo provided.

undefeated Man o’War in Saratoga in 1919. “Jim Dandy” tells the story of the 100-1 longshot that ran in the 1930 Travers Stakes against Gallant Fox. Though he had never won a race he never gave up, and with a little motivation from his friend, Upset, Jim Dandy learns that it is not just luck that gets him across the finish line. Each

page is filled with vibrant works of art and a twist on the real story of Upset. Some creative license was taken to tell the stories. Upset teaches everyone to believe in themselves even if they are the longshot or the “Dark Horse.” For more on the EQUUS Film & Arts Fest visit www. equusfilmfestival.net.

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Empire State University National Museum of Racing Launches Honors Class of 2023 in Free Reading Program for Students Albany Ceremony by Jonathon Norcross Saratoga TODAY

Dec. 9 marked the first graduating class under the new designation as Empire State University, formally SUNY Empire State College. Photo provided.

ALBANY — Empire State University celebrated the class of 2023 on Dec. 9 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, where 259 graduating students attended the event. The event marks the first graduating class under the university’s new designation as Empire State University, formally SUNY Empire State College. President Lisa Vollendorf was in attendance. Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2023 collectively live in 60 different New York state counties, in 27 U.S. states and

territories, 27 countries around the world, and range from ages 19 to 76. Graduates traveled from across the state, country, and even the world to attend the ceremony, with four students traveling from the Dominican Republic to walk across the stage. Empire State University was founded in 1971 as the innovative campus of the State University of New York. SUNY Empire’s 97,000 alumni are teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their communities and their fields. Visit www. sunyempire.edu.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has launched a reading initiative called “Readers Up!” The free program allows teachers throughout the county to receive one of three books about horse racing. Once students have read the book, the Museum will offer either inperson or virtual presentations of museum artifacts. “We recognize that some schools may lack the time or resources to visit us, so we’ve decided to bring elements of the Museum experience to them,” said museum educator Matt

Logo provided by Discover Saratoga

Reichel in a statement. “Readers Up! is a remarkable program that both encourages reading and connects students with our sport in new and unique ways.” The three books included in the program are the illustrated children’s book “The Long

Shot,” the novel “The Jockey and Her Horse,” and the biography “Ruffian: Burning from the Start.” The program is sponsored by Stewart’s Shops. To learn more about Readers Up!, visit racingmuseum.org/ education/readers.

Holiday

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

GUIDE

buy local IT TAKES YOU TO START THE TREND

CALL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE IN OUR HOLIDAY GUIDE: 518-581-2480

Holiday

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

GUIDE

THINK BIG & SHOP SMALL!

Please mention us by name when frequenting one of these local businesses

Food

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Holiday Gatherings Muddy Trails

Bourbon Peach Smash

SATURDAYS 9:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.

WILTON MALL FOOD COURT by Jodie Fitz

Photos by Pattie Garrett.

oliday gathering ideas are limitless; it’s a time to celebrate everything, from the ugly sweater to the cookie swap and everything in between.

What makes a good gathering? A lot of things, but here are a few to consider: •The people you spend it with; keep the list tailored to the ‘good list.’ •Consider a theme with some fun activities mixed in. Add a festive game that gets everyone involved and laughing like a holiday ‘minute to win it,’ try a simple ornament swap, and maybe add a gag gift/white elephant game that surprises your guests at every turn.

•The menu! It’s probably the most essential part of the party. •Always overestimate and plan on having more than enough because leftovers are better than empty trays. Have containers or take-home bags to share; everyone will enjoy a snack the next day. •Consider a themed cocktail – they are festive and memorable in a good way (wink). •Contemplate a theme: international, appetizers only, dessert only, etc. If you’re curious how the

for Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Farmers’ Market can help, visit the vendors with your event in mind and consider shopping fresh and local finds. Cocktails: The market has wines and spirits to discover, like Galway Rock Vineyard & Winery, New Scotland Spirits, Saratoga Apple, and Yankee Distillers. Some of the vendors have great mixed-drink ideas to consider. International Nibbles: Save time and purchase pre-made items from Vashti’s Caribbean Delights, Euro-Delicacies, or Pierogi, Pierogi, or Pyroogi. Veggie Tray Prep: Grab your fresh veggies from Gomez Veggie Ville, Lovin’ Mama Farm, Owl Wood Farm, or Squash Villa Farm. Then get your dip mix from Muddy Trail Jerky Co. Charcuterie Board Planning: Start with cheese by visiting Argyle Cheese Farmer and Nettle Meadow. You can add jerky meats from Muddy Trail Jerky Co. and nuts and nibbles from Healthy Treats. Visit Meg’s Media for your own unique wooden board base. Sweet Treat Tray: Visit Goodway Gourmet, Katie Bakes Gluten-Free, NightWork Bread, Parchment Bakery, and Sweet Treats by Jennifer for all kinds of yummy bites. Chips & Dip: Muddy Trail Jerky Co. has an assortment of dip mixes. Whatever your holiday gatherings look like, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is where to start shopping!

This recipe, like most cocktails, is very adjustable to your tastes; use more mint or bourbon or ginger beer, or less of everything, make it the way you like it. You could use more soda or ginger beer instead of bourbon to make it alcohol-free.

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market YIELDS: 8 servings

ASSEMBLY

FRUIT

• A few macerated peach slices

• 1 large very ripe peach, pitted, very thinly sliced

• 3 to 4 fresh mint leaves

• 1/2 cup sugar • 1/2 cup water

• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) syrup from peaches

• 1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar*

• 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) bourbon*

• Pinch of salt

• Splash of chilled seltzer or ginger beer

• Ice

INSTRUCTIONS:

FOR THE FRUIT: Place peach slices in a jar, cover with sugar, water, 1-2 tablespoons vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Place lid on the jar, give it a swish/shake until mixed, and let chill in the fridge for 3 hours, overnight, or up to 1 week. TO MAKE A COCKTAIL: Use a fork to remove a few macerated peach slices from syrup and place in the bottom of a glass with a few mint leaves. Muddle them together, smashing them into smaller pieces. Add syrup from peaches and bourbon and stir. Add ice cubes and finish with seltzer or ginger beer. Recipe by the Smitten Kitchen, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from November through April at the Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs or the mall interior. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket. org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Food

“Cookies ARE MADE OF BUTTER & LOVE”

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

Hello my Foodie Friends!

It is officially the holiday season baking frenzy time. What better way to celebrate and get into the spirit than to share your baked treats with family and friends? Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit

quite like making a mess in the kitchen with sugar, flour, and all of the sprinkles. As my wife and I exchanged childhood memories of making cookies, Paula shared that one year as a teenager, she made 72 dozen cookies. My stories were a bit more adventurous (due to five siblings trying to share a kitchen and help make cookies). Each year around this time, my mother would stock up on bags of flour and sugar to begin the process of making her treasured holiday cookies and goods. They were always a special treat in our family. Many of her recipes were handed down through generations before. Worn index cards have been handed down and shared with my siblings with recipes written in her perfect cursive;

I am reminded of the winter days where we would watch her drop heavy balls of dough onto the floured counter in the kitchen and vigorously roll out the sticky batter until it was thin enough for cookie cutters. She would roll out the dough and try to give the five of us equal amounts that we could squeeze through our hands and attempt to help make shapes with. In an effort to keep each of us focused, my mother would give each of us a specific duty that ultimately created the end result of a cookie recipe. My sisters were given the task of gathering, measuring, and putting the ingredients into a bowl; my youngest brother would stand on a chair and help my mother mix the ingredients. I was the keeper of the rolling pin and had the

CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIES

See EASY ICING RECIPE & DECORATING TIPS on saratogatodaynewspaper.com

INGREDIENTS • 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed for rolling and work surface

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 1 large egg, at room temperature • 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS Make sure you have allotted enough time (and enough counter space!) to make these cookies. The cookie dough needs to chill, the cookies need to cool completely, and the icing needs 24 hours to completely set. If enjoying right away and hardened icing isn’t a concern, you’ll only need about 3–4 hours to make these. MAKE THE COOKIE DOUGH: 1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside. 2. In a large bowl beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using), and beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine. 3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. Dough will be a bit soft. If the dough seems too soft and sticky for rolling, add 1 more Tablespoon of flour. 4. Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Place each portion onto a piece of lightly floured

parchment paper or a lightly floured silicone baking mat. With a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use more flour if the dough seems too sticky. The rolled-out dough can be any shape, as long as it is evenly 1/4-inch thick. 5. Lightly dust one of the rolled-out doughs with flour. Place a piece of parchment on top. Place the second rolled-out dough on top. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours and up to 2 days. 6. Once chilled, preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2–3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Carefully remove the top dough piece from the refrigerator. Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used. Repeat with second piece of dough. 7. Arrange cookies on baking sheets about 3 inches apart. Bake for 11–12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating. Recipe Courtesy of sallysbakingaddiction.com

responsibility of scooping the dough (based on what recipe we were making), while my other brother would select which cookie cutter we were going to use. The assignments did not always result in a well-oiled machine. Usually, heated words over who gets to stand closest to the mixing bowl would end with powdered sugar poofing all over the floor. Power struggles would occur between each of us on who would crack the egg, who got to hold the rolling pin, and who would do the doughscooping (just try to pry that cookie scoop out of my hands). Santas, candy canes, Christmas trees, holiday bells, reindeer, snowmen, gingerbread men and women, and stars were our favorite shapes to create with cookie cutters. Decorating the cookies was always the most fun with sprinkles and icing. By the time the first batch came out of the oven, my brothers and I would wander off to play, while my excited sisters stayed around to help sprinkle sugar on warm cookies. How my Mom put up with us, I’ll never know. However, the cookies were so good that five children

-NORWEGIAN PROVERB

would be very quiet in order to receive a child’s handful of warm cookies. Our creations may not have been the most artistic, but they sure were delicious. This holiday season, use the secret weapon of cookies to win over your family. Stop in to see us at Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs. We have a large assortment of baking supplies to help with making everyone happy. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

Have fun baking and sharing your delights with those you love.

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Puzzles Across 1 Where to hear cutting remarks? 6 Tiff 10 “The one over there” 14 “Gotta run!” 15 Sharpen 16 Corned beef __ 17 There’s an element of doubt to it? 19 Crazy about 20 Prosecco kin 21 Start to matter? 22 Sing smoothly 23 There’s an element of romance to it? 26 Increased 29 Carving of a Polynesian god 30 “Hips Don’t __”: Shakira hit 31 “Yikes!” 33 Nana alternative 37 __ pressure 39 Keebler baker 41 Gazpacho, por ejemplo 42 Fla. coastal city 45 “The Daily Show” correspondent Lydic 48 Fellows 49 __ Bradley bags 51 If nothing else 53 There’s an element of mystery to it? 57 Leg joints 58 Target on a putting green 59 “Got it” 63 Walkman descendant 64 There’s an element of humor to it? 66 Course catalog? 67 Father of Eros 68 Shoyu flavor 69 Cold spell 70 Action at the track 71 Analyze grammatically Down 1 Dancer/YouTube star JoJo __ 2 Reddit Q&A sessions 3 Ann Taylor __ 4 One end of some commutes 5 Org. with Giants and Titans 6 Tibia 7 Coastal city on the Iberian Peninsula 8 Choose, as a successor

See puzzle solutions on page 30

See puzzle solution on page 30 9 Uniform number for Sue Bird 10 Decade that is less than a decade away 11 Location of Hoan Kiem Lake 12 __ Martin: British car 13 Flip-flop 18 Habitat for humanity 22 Celebratory slice 24 Big fuss 25 __ sum: bite-sized Chinese fare 26 Range for yodelers? 27 Nutrition regimen 28 Profound 32 Outdated 34 NYC home of Frida Kahlo’s “SelfPortrait With Cropped Hair” 35 Chimps and gorillas 36 Desire

38 Really got going 40 Like skeleton racers, seemingly 43 Some concert merch 44 Mistakenly hit reply all, e.g. 46 Trusty mount 47 __ de la Cité: Paris landmark 50 On dry land 52 Puzzle 53 Leafs (through) 54 How contracts are usually signed 55 “Bleeding Love” singer Lewis 56 Cleaner sold in green canisters 60 Rocket 61 Shady bunch? 62 Singer Brickell 64 Taxi 65 “You betcha”

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: Tendon, Ligament A tendon is the fibrous tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. A ligament is the strong connective tissue that connects bones or cartilage at a joint. 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

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Holiday Worship Services

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This Week’s Events: DEC. 15-21 🙂 = family friendly FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 Holiday Shopping Sale Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Browse through our wide selection of books and choose any book from our shop for 25 percent off! From captivating novels to thrilling mysteries, we have something for every reader. Not only will you be expanding your personal library, but you’ll also be supporting the Saratoga Springs Public Library and its programs. December 15 until December 23.

Artisan’s Market

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Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa Noon – 5 p.m. | Discover a variety of locally made items, perfect for your holiday shopping. Support local artisans and the Saratoga County History Center. The hours are Tuesday – Thursdays 1 – 5 p.m., Fridays noon – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open through December 24.

Christmas Lights 2023 – Santa’s Playland

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Quick Response, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake | 5 – 11 p.m. Wednesdays – Sundays through

January 6. Free admission. Santa will be on site nightly unless otherwise announced. And this year for some extra cheer, there will be $100 giveaways every night we are open! Watch for signs as you drive through the lights!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Sip n’ Shop Holiday Art & Craft Fair Park Manor Hotel, 7 Northside Dr., Clifton Park | 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Cash bar for wine and champagne and Basket Raffles. Fundraiser for Friends and Families Muscular Disorders Foundation 501(c)3 not-forprofit organization dedicated to increase the quality of life and independence of children and adults with any type of neuromuscular disorders, MD, CP, Lupus, MS, ALS, Parkinson plus over 100 other disorders/diseases as well as empowers their families, through advocacy, education, and medical financial assistance in your community and throughout New York State. For more information, please call or text Mark at 585-519-1917

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 All You Can Eat Breakfast

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Gansevoort Volunteer Firehouse, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m. A visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause plus, horse drawn wagon rides. Menu: Eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits, sausage gravy, orange Juice, milk, and coffee. Donations: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors 55+, $10 Military and 1st Responders, $8 Children (age 6 – 12) Free kids under 6.

Gift Wrapping Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Bring your gifts and we will wrap them for you, by donation. We will also have live music for your enjoyment.

Saratoga Chamber Players Concert

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Saratoga United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m. Saratoga Chamber Players’ violinist and Artistic Director Jill Levy joins cellist Annabelle Hoffman and pianist Margaret Kampmeier to celebrate

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Beethoven with a Piano, Violin and Cello trio featuring his 12 Variations on a Mozart theme from the “Magic Flute”, his Sonata no. 7, and the famous “Archduke” Piano Trio. A concert preview will be held for Wesley residents on December 16. For information and tickets: www. saratogachamberplayers.org

Live Nativity Trinity Methodist Church, Ballard Rd., Wilton | 3 p.m. Follow the star from Exit 16 of the Northway or Ballard Rd. off Rt 50 to the Church.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 Nature on the Move Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton 10:30 a.m. – Noon | Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside. This walk is geared towards gentle exercise and those with basic fitness levels. This program will be walking with snowshoes, weather permitting. Free snowshoe rentals will be available 15 minutes prior to the program provided by a grant from the Common Roots Foundation. Registration is required at least one business day in advance. Visit our website at wiltonpreserve.org, call the office at 518-450-0321, or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.

Saratoga Area Retired Educators Monthly Luncheon Holiday Inn, Win Room, 232 Broadway Saratoga Springs Noon | All area retired K-12

public, parochial, private, BOCES teachers, librarians, teaching assistants and other school-related personnel are welcome. For further information, call 518-584-1192.

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group December Meeting Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Holiday Party and Bingo Bring a little something to share. Cider and water will be provided. Don’t forget your bingo chips or 25 items to cover your card. We will have some prizes. The meeting will be held in a new venue at Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, 518-584-1621. Contact with questions: Leader Gordon Blyth, contact information is gordonsblyth@gmail.com, 917887-7980. Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@ yahoo.com 518- 810-8483.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Cocoa and A Christmas Carol Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 7 – 8:30 p.m. | Stop in for some hot cocoa and listen to the recording of Neil Gaiman reading Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the New York Public Library in 2013. The entire story is 1.5 hours long, so stay for some or all of the story, pull up a chair, and enjoy some cocoa or tea with a neighbor! No registration required.

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Roast Beef Dinner Take Out Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs 4:30 – 6 p.m. | Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: roast beef, roasted redskin potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll, gravy. Cost: $15 per dinner. (Cash only).

Board of Trustees Meeting Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Any questions can be directed to Debra Flint, Library Director, at 518-882-6385.

Holiday Concert Dee Sarno Theater, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 7 p.m. | Join us for fun, festivity, community connection, delicious vittles, and most importantly, music! Local songwriters and artists Cassandra Kubinski, Ria Curley with Chuck Lamb, and Marcus Ruggiero, join forces to showcase a colorful, poignant, entertaining mix of their original songs, plus unique versions of holiday favorites. A festive, fabulous atmosphere. For tickets, visit https:// saratoga-arts.org/events/

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 Winter Solstice Walk

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Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton 6:30 – 7:30 | We are getting

ready for the shortest day of the year. Come for a walk to learn about how the celestial movements impact the natural world. This program will be walking with snowshoes, weather permitting. If you do not own snowshoes, no worries. Free snowshoe rentals will be available 15 minutes prior to the program provided by a grant from the Common Roots Foundation. Registration is required at least one business day in advance. Visit our website at wiltonpreserve.org, call the office at 518-450-0321, or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.

Light in the Darkness First Presbyterian Church, 22 West High St., Ballston Spa 7 p.m. | Christmas can be a painful time. The constant, inescapable refrain about the happiness of the season reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. Broken or lost relationships, employment and financial insecurity, poor health, depression--all of these can be more difficult as the nights lengthen and the cold intrudes. Recognizing that Christ came to comfort those who struggle with sadness and pain, First Presbyterian Church will host a community service of scripture, prayer, music, and candle lighting to invite God’s Word to shine light into our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background (or no religious affiliation) is welcome.

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Upcoming Events

Sounds in Winter Concert Series As part of the Sounds in Winter concert series, the Lark Strings will be performing in the Long Room of Brookside Museum on Saturday, December 30 at 3 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Please register at brooksidemuseum. networkforgood.com/ events/64889-sounds-inwinter-concert-lark-strings . The Lark Strings, composed of three local, professional musicians, Jessica Belflower and Heather Chan (violins) and Brian Axford (piano and guitar), will present an

energetic program mixing classical music heavy-hitters with American fiddle icons.

Gratitude Workshop Tuesday, January 2, 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom. Join New Thought New York as we joyously welcome the year 2024 with gratitude, an intentional, mindful practice that positively impacts your life circumstances and experiences. This workshop invites participants on a new journey into gratitude, beginning the year by setting into motion a harmonizing, balancing and orderly cause for all that follows in 2024. Suggested donation: $20. To

Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, Wednesday, January 3. Noon – 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase. Storyteller Nancy Marie Payne presents Ruslan and Ludmilla by Alexander Pushkin. Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 7. Snow date February 14. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or call 518-290-6988.

Arts & Entertainment

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

2023 Winter Jewish Film Festival Featuring 19 Films Kicks Off Dec. 17 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Congregation Shaara Tfille, The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga has announced the 2023 Winter Jewish Film Festival Dec. 17 – 31 featuring 19 films that may be able to

stream directly into homes. The selected films include documentaries and notable international feature movies, which have been showcased in major Jewish film festivals around the country. The films

include noted international releases such as: Haute Couture (France), Lost Transport (Germany), Our (Almost Completely True) Story (USA), My Father’s Secrets (France), First to Stand: The Cases

and Causes of Irwin Cotler (Canada), Israel Swings for Gold (USA), and many more. Pre-registration is required to access the films and the registration fee is $18, which provides access to all the films. Payments are payable on-line at the synagogue’s website: saratogasynagogue.org. (Use the PayPal

donation link; select ‘other’; note “film festival”); in person at the synagogue office at 84 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs. For additional information about registration and the film festival, contact Barbara Opitz at: barbaraopitz47@gmail.com or call 518-428-2703 or the synagogue’s office at 518- 584-2370.

Holiday Concert at Saratoga Arts Dec. 20

Holiday concert with Cassandra Kubinski, Ria Curley with Chuck Lamb, and Marcus Ruggiero.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Original songs and holiday favorites will be featured in the festive and fabulous atmosphere of Saratoga Arts showcasing the talents of Cassandra Kubinski, Ria Curley with Chuck Lamb, and Marcus Ruggiero.

The event takes place 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 in the Dee Sarno Theater of the Saratoga Arts building, on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. VIP (with early entry), and general admission tickets are available. Go to: saratoga-arts.org.

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

Hank Williams Jr. at Saratoga in August SARATOGA SPRINGS — Singer-songwriter Hank Williams Jr. has scheduled a stop during his 2024 on Aug. 23 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Supporting act Whiskey Myers is also slated to perform. Tickets on sale online at LiveNation.com.

Afro-Cuban Roots and Indie Jazz Duo OKAN Debut At Caffè Lena

Image: Live at SPAC in August: Hank Williams, Jr., and Whiskey Myers.

Heart & Soul Tour 2024 – Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire, to Play SPAC In July SARATOGA SPRINGS — Chicago, formed in 1967 and having recorded 38 albums, and Earth, Wind & Fire – formed in 1969 and having released 23 albums, bring their co-headlining tour across North America to Saratoga Springs next summer. The “Heart and Soul Tour 2024” will stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center July 24. For tickets, go to: livenation.com.

Okantomi Tour : Okan perform début at Caffe Lena on Jan. 10.

Heart & Soul, live at SPAC next summer.

Broadway’s Record-Breaking, Tony AwardWinning Musical Smash Coming to Proctors SCHENECTADY — CHICAGO will be on the MainStage at Proctors April 19-20, 2024 for three performances. Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction,

she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines. The cast of CHICAGO features Katie Frieden returning as Roxie Hart, Kailin Brown as Velma Kelly, Connor Sullivan as Billy Flynn, Illeana “illy” Kirven returning as Matron

“Mama” Morton, Robert Quiles as Amos Hart and J. Terrell as Mary Sunshine. Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at 518-346-6204 MondaySaturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online at proctors.org. Groups of 10 or more can get their tickets by calling 518382-3884 ext. 139.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — With stops at Toronto Winter Jazz, WNYC Studios, The Kennedy Centre and Milk Boy In Philadelphia, Juno-Award winning duo OKAN appear for the first time in Saratoga Springs. The show will be staged 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 at Caffe Lena. Fusing Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration, resistance and love, OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in their

Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. With vocals in Spanish, English and Spanglish, OKAN is led by the Cuban-born violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist and vocalist Magdelys Savigne, both Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominees. OKAN’s third full-length album, Okantomi, was released by LulaWord Records in August 2023, melds Afro-Cuban forms including sacred Lacumi chants and rhythms with virtuosic jazz and classical performances. Tickets, go to: caffelena.org.

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Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

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PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TODAY! PHONE: 518-581-2480 ext. 204 EMAIL: CLASSIFIED@ saratogapublishing.com 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs

LEGALS NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NAME: JEGARG LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/20/2023. 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 the process to the LLC c/o Lauren E. Sharkey, Esq., Cioffi Slezak Wildgrube P.C., 1473 Erie Blvd., 1st Fl., Schenectady, NY 12305. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15/2023. 11673 NOTICE: FORMATION OF HUNTER NP IN FAMILY HEALTH PLLC. Art. of Org. filed w/ NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/5/23. Ofc. Loc.: Saratoga Co. SSNY designated as agent for service of process. SSNY to mail copy of process to PLLC at its principal bus. loc., 621 Kirchner Rd, Dalton, MA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15/2023. 11674 Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company. The name of the Limited Liability Company is Sorano’s Wildlife Services, LLC. The date of filing of the Articles of Organization with the Department of State was October 19, 2023. The county in New York in which the office of the company is located is Saratoga. The principal place of business for the Limited Liability Company is: 7 Pettis Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the company upon whom process may be served, and the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the company served upon him

or her to Andrew M. Sorano, 7 Pettis Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831. The business purpose of the company is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under the Laws of the State of New York. 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15/2023. 11682 Notice of formation of Halfmoon Delivery LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 9/29/2023 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: PO Box 22 Round Lake NY 12151. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15/2023. 11684 Notice of formation of Melissa Kahl Art LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 09/28/2023. 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’s registered agent at: Zenbusiness Inc, 41 State Street, Suite 112, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15/2023. 11699 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). Name: Grimes Enterprises of Saratoga, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/8/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Grimes Enterprises of Saratoga, LLC, PO Box 2306, Gansevoort, NY 12831. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a limited liability company may be formed under section 201 of the Limited Liability Company Law.11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023. 11733 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHRISTINE’S BOUTIQUE OF NEW YORK, LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Articles of Organization of Christine’s Boutique of New York, LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on April 18, 2023.The county within the state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Saratoga County. The street address of the principal business location is 1155 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa, New York 12020. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is 1155 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa, New York 12020. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities. 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023. 11738 Notice of formation of BFG Hospitality LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on November 8, 2023, 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: 104 Dan’s View Road, Saratoga NY 12866 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023. 11740

Harker & Associates, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11775

Notice of formation of Stump Solutions, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/31/23 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: 210 Oak Ln Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023. 11742

Notice of Qualification of Tysers Live Insurance Brokerage Services LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on, 11/17/2023. 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: Harker & Associates, PLLC, 36 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11777

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). Name: Cannabis Wellness, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/15/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Cannabis Wellness, LLC, 201 Northline Road, Ballston Spa, New York 12020. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a limited liability company may be formed under section 201 of the Limited Liability Company Law. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11766 Notice of Qualification of Tara Hill Insurance Services, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York on, 11/17/2023. 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:

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Name of the LLC is: MILLIE KENNEDY, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 16, 2023. Office Location: 255 Evans Street, Victory Mills, New York 12884, County of Saratoga. Under section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law the secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the secretary of state shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 255 Evans Street, Victory Mills, New York 12884. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the LLCL. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11779

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

LEGALS Notice of formation of Holy Moses Hospitality, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/08/2023. 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: Angela Moses 219 Center St, Corinth, NY 12822. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11780 Notice of formation of SKG Technologies, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/11/2023 Office: Saratoga County. Jason Guzzo has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of the process should be mailed to the LLC at 7 Lindenwood Drive, Ballston Lake, New York 12019. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11783 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company. Name: Nebula Energy LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/14/2023. 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 at 13 Barcelona Dr., Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11784 Benson’s Pet Center of Saratoga, LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/04/2021. Office in Saratoga Co. SSNY desig. Agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1 #086, Buffalo, NY 14221. Purpose: General. 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22, 01/05/2024. 11786 Notice of formation of Harbor Strategies LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/20/2023 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: 5 Berkshire Drive, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11791 Notice of formation of PAPERROOTSCO, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 09/28/2023 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: 85 Pepperbush Pl, Malta, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11800 Notice of formation of 45 Greenwood Ave LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 08/09/2023. 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: 10 Lonesome Pine Trail, Gansevoort, NY 12831. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11806 Notice of formation of R J Alexander Enterprises, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/27/2023 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: 24 Moore Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11809 Notice of formation of LAURA MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/04/2023. 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: 12 MIA WAY PORTER CORNERS, NY 12859. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11810 Notice of formation of YSPK Properties LLC . Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on October 4, 2021, 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: 1555 Crescent Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12/2024. 11811 Notice of Formation of Deno Coaching and Consulting LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/30/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 123 Canal Rd, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19/2024. 11844 MetaMemes, LLC, filed articles of organization with the NY Secretary of State on 12/2/2023. The office of the LLC is located in Saratoga County. Kesavan Sampanthar is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NY Secretary of State shall mail copy of process to Kesavan Sampanthar at 9 Anthony Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Company is organized for any lawful purpose.12/08, 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19/2024. 11846 Notice of formation of MZ Handyman LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/20/2023 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: 228 PARK AVE S NUM 877359, New York, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 11847

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 39-41 WALTON STREET, L.L.C. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 5, 2023. 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, 10 Town Square Suite 200, Chatham, New Jersey 07928. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024. 11864 Notice of formation of AIR COMMAND SOLUTIONS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/30/2023. 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: BRYAN W SOMMERS, 459A GANSEVOORT RD. FORT EDWARD, NY 12828. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024. 11884 Notice of Formation of PLLC. Name: Pellegrino Psychological Services, PLLC (the “Company”). The Articles of Organization of the Company were filed with the Department of State on July 07, 2023. The Company office is located in Saratoga

County. The Secretary of State has been designated as Agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of process to the Company at 23 Magnolia Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The purpose of the Company is to engage in the practice of the profession of psychology in New York State. 12/15, 12/22/2023, 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024. 11895 NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Department of Central Services of Saratoga County will receive sealed bids in person or electronically through the Empire State Purchasing Website until 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 28, 2023, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for Liquid Bituminous Material and Liquid Calcium Chloride, as per specification 23-PWBMCC-42R. Bid forms and instructions are available at the Department of Central Services, 50 W. High Street, Ballston Spa, NY between 9:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (telephone 518-885-2210) or at the Empire State Purchasing Group website www.empirestatebidsystem. com) Saratoga County, through its Department of Central Services, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids. JOHN T. WARMT, Director of Purchasing Saratoga County 12/15/2023, 11900

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

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YOU

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Sports

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

National Museum of Saratoga Fire Dep’t, Racing and Hall of Fame Adirondack Thunder Seeking Auction Items Puck-Drop Through the Holidays for Feb. 3 Fundraiser

GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Thunder return home Friday, Dec. 15 against Newfoundland and Saturday, Dec. 16 when they will face off against against Worcester. Saturday is also Teddy Bear Toss Night in conjunction with the Saratoga Fire Department to benefit The Salvation Army. Watch the Saratoga Fire Department battle the Worcester Fire Department at 1 p.m. The Thunder take on the Railers at 7 p.m. Bring your Teddy Bears to throw on the ice when the Thunder score their first goal. After a pair of road games on Dec. 17 and Dec. 20, the team returns to home ice at

Jeremy Brodeur, son of goaltender Martin Brodeur, makes one of 35 saves during the Adirondack Thunder’s 2-1 victory over the Reading Royals at Cool Insuring Arena on Dec. 6. Photo provided.

Cool Insuring Arena to host games on Dec. 22, 23, 30 and 31, when a special New Year’s Eve puck-drop at 5 p.m.

For more information and tickets, call the front office at 518-480-3355 or go to: echthunder.com.

Bull Riding’s World Championship Race at MVP Arena Dec. 29-30

Games

Fun And

ALBANY — For the second consecutive season, PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) elite Unleash The Beast will compete in the Capital Region, bucking into MVP Arena in Albany on Dec. 29-30. For two nights only, 40 of the best bull riders in the world will go head-to-head against the sport’s rankest bovine athletes, showcasing the ultimate showdown of man vs. beast. As one of the initial events of the 2024 season, riders will be vying for crucial points in the early race for the 2024 PBR World Championship and accompanying $1 million bonus. Tickets, go to: MVParena.com.

Professional Bull Riders compete at MVP Arena Dec. 29-30. Photo Andy Watson, Bull Stock Media.

Puzzle Solutions See puzzles pg. 20

Image provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will play host to the second annual “Countdown to the Triple Crown” fundraising event on Saturday, Feb. 3. This winter fundraiser, scheduled exactly three months prior to the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024, will feature dozens of silent auction items and an online auction of unique items and experience packages to benefit the Museum. The Museum, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is asking for support from the thoroughbred racing industry and businesses throughout the Saratoga Springs area and nationally to help make this event a success. Businesses are encouraged to donate an item, experience, or gift card. Contributing businesses will be promoted by the Museum leading up to the event through the Museum’s social media

channels and through database distribution. Additionally, the Museum will provide contributing businesses with two complimentary tickets to the event. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. On Feb. 3, guests can attend the event in person at the Museum from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or bid on special packages online. The early-bird event at the Museum will feature beer, wine, soda, light refreshments, and entertainment. Cost to attend the event is $15 for Museum members and $30 for non-members. Many of the auction items will be displayed throughout the Museum galleries during the event. For more information about the event or donating an item or experience, please contact Maureen Pasco at 518584-0400 ext. 109 or mpasco@ racingmuseum.net.

Week of December 15 – December 21, 2023

Sports

How to Prepare for Ice (Fishing!) Season

by Drew Ziehnert

for Saratoga TODAY As winter approaches and the temperature begins to drop, it is time to start preparing for the upcoming ice season. Whether you ice fish a few times a year or daily, being prepared for the season can have a huge impact on your success. Staying organized and making sure all your gear is ready to go when the ice hits can ultimately make the season more enjoyable and make you more effective on the ice. There is nothing worse than getting to your spot and seeing that your ice auger blades are dull, or your flasher’s battery won’t hold a charge anymore. Ice Rods, Reels, and Line After the ice is gone and it’s time for open water fishing, most of us just find a safe place to put our winter gear until it’s time to ice fish again. The hope is that everything is exactly how we left it, but there’s always the possibility that equipment broke and needs to be replaced before the season starts. Rod, Reel, & Line Checklist: •Make sure all rod guides, blanks, tips, and reel seats are in working condition •Make sure reels are in working condition (Oil if they feel sticky or stiff from sitting) •Depending on the feel of the line and how much you ice fish determines the urgency of whether you need to change your ice line out or not •Line Test: Run your old line through your fingers and if it feels like the line is nicked or rough, it’s better to play it safe and just replace it. If it feels smooth, then you should be alright for another season. •In the winter, your line is more susceptible to nicks from sharp ice edges and is spooled on smaller reels leading to more

coiling and memory issues. So, if it is in your budget to replace your line every year, it’s beneficial. Pro Tip: Record/write down what line you have on your reels (lb test, color, type) so you know what you need to order if you run out. Tip Ups: Running Tip Ups on the ice is a highly effective way to cover water and catch fish that are keyed in on live bait. Although a tip up has just a handful of parts, they do require maintenance and a yearly check to ensure they will function properly. Tip Up Checklist: •Inspect each tip up and ensure there are no parts/bolts missing (If there are, order replacements and always get extras) •For cross style tip ups such as Heritage Lakers or Frabill Stick Tip Ups, always make sure to pull lightly on the spool to ensure it hasn’t become loose (I have had spools fall off when fish take hard runs, or the line gets wrapped around the reel). •Make sure the tighteners/nuts aren’t rusted out and you can still tighten them down (you can also make a bag to bring with you on the ice with extra tighteners just in case one falls off). •Inspect the trigger mechanisms and reels; grease if they don’t move freely (for fish like lake trout and Atlantic salmon you want there to be as little resistance as possible when they are taking line). •Check your flags to make sure they are still intact and will not fall off •Tip Up line test: Do the same thing you did with your ice line to your tip up line to make sure it feels smooth and check for wind knots Tackle Organization Tackle Organization can be extremely important so that when you need to make quick lure switches, you know exactly where they are. It also helps you see what lures and tackle you need to get for the upcoming season. Tackle Checklist: •Check over your lures and make sure the hooks are still sharp and nothing is rusted •If there are specific lures that are proven fish catchers, it is a good idea to have at least 1-2 extras because chances are at some point you will lose one

•Have a variety of hooks, split shots, and swivels for live bait applications such as tip up fishing and slip bobber fishing (I also keep some extra treble hooks in my tackle box for when treble hooks get bent out) •Organize different tackle boxes depending on what you’re using them for or even the species your targeting •Write down the lures you are missing and what you need to get for the upcoming season •For tackle boxes the best ones I’ve found to stay extremely organized are the Rapala Utility boxes that have slots for tungsten jigs and the Plano Edge boxes (these seem to prevent rust the best) Ice Augers and Ice Blades Having sharp ice blades can make setting up on the ice a lot easier and can get you fishing faster. There are a lot of variables that determine when you need to get your blades sharpened and some things you can do to improve their longevity. Power Augers are becoming increasingly popular and simple, battery/auger maintenance will ensure they will run right. Ice Auger and Ice Blades Checklist: •Make sure you have an Ice auger blade cover (using your ice auger as a walking stick without a blade cover can dull your blades extremely fast). •If you’re using a power auger, you want to make sure you can start it a few times at home before thinking about using it on the ice. If it’s a gas auger, make sure it has fresh fuel (you want to run the highest octane if possible). If it’s an electric auger, make sure the batteries are charged and will hold a charge. •Check your auger blades for visual defects like nicks or burrs (Usually ice blades will stay sharp about 2-3 seasons if used properly). •Drop off old blades at your local bait shop to get sharpened before the season starts Fish Finder/ Electronics/Batteries Fish Finders and flashers on the ice have become somewhat of a necessity and can be a useful tool to locate and stay on fish. It is extremely important to put them away properly at the end of the season to ensure they

will be ready to use next winter. Fish Finder/Electronics/ Batteries Checklist: •At the end of the season you want to unplug your batteries from your sonar units, so they are not pulling a charge throughout the offseason. •You want to leave your batteries fully charged before unplugging them (If you can, charging them every 60 days or so when not in use can ensure the batteries will always hold their maximum charge). •Make sure you charge your batteries with the recommended charger (New flashers are coming with lithium batteries that need to be charged with a specific charger to prevent damage to them). •Check over your fish finder/ flasher to ensure they have no parts missing, so if there is you can order it in time (Check over your knobs, cords, screen, battery connections, and transducer). •Clean the fish finder/ flasher screen with a soft cloth and a mild detergent to ensure the screen has no scratches or dust. Warm Gear & Safety Gear I cannot stress the importance of wearing the right gear on

the ice to ensure that you are comfortable while ice fishing in the harshest conditions. You want to make sure you cover all the places where heat is likely to escape your body. Having the proper safety gear with you will also give you the reassurance that if something went wrong you have the tools to save yourself or someone else while on the ice. Warm Gear & Safety Gear Checklist: •Go through all your ice clothing (bibs, jackets, gloves, hats, boots) and make sure there are no rips or holes from last season (make sure all ice clothing is stored in an area where mice cannot get into it) •If your gear needs to be cleaned this is also the best time to clean it (certain bibs and jackets require handwashing). •Try on your boots and if they are waterproof, make sure they are still waterproof because keeping your feet dry is crucial. •Make sure all your early ice safety gear is in order and functioning (spud bar, ice picks, ice cleats, throw rope, extra warm clothes, etc.) Drew Ziehnert is owner/operator of ZiehnertGuideService.com

Volume 17 • Issue 50 • December 15 – December 21, 2023 • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • 518- 581-2480 • Free

See "Ski Movie Benefit Event" pg. 7

See "Two Local Children’s Books Honored" pg. 14

ANNUAL BREAST CANCER WALK RAISED A RECORD-BREAKING $64,000 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hosptial announced the annual MechanicvilleStillwater Breast Cancer Walk in October 2023 raised a recordbreaking $64,000. Proceeds from the event will benefit Saratoga Hospital’s Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center, alongside the American Cancer Society of the Capital Region and the NYOH Community Cancer Foundation. This annual cancer awareness walk provides generosity and support to help make a difficult time a little easier for cancer patients who receive care at these facilities

Photo provided.