Calendar

See more Calendar listings at www.saratogian.com/community. Submit items at least two weeks in advance to calendar@ saratogian.com.

Friday, Nov. 24

ALBANY INSTITUTE: The Albany Institute of History & Art in Albany will be decorated and ready to welcome locals and out-of-area guests to the museum for “Home for the Holidays” on Thanksgiving weekend. The popular free admission weekend is one of the kick-off holiday events in the Capital Region. Once again, it will be packed with festive decorations and fun activities that will appeal to the entire family. Major sponsors for the weekend include Omni Development Corporation, Inc. and M&T Bank. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 125 Washington Avenue, Albany. For more information about the Home for the Holidays Free Thanksgiving weekend, please visit the museum’s website: www. albanyinstitute.org. BLACK FRIDAY SALE: The Friends of Saratoga Springs Public Library have a Black Friday Sale on Friday, November 24. Everything in the shop is 50%-off at the Friends Book Shop from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Get some great used books, CDs, audio-books, DVDs for adults, teens and children! The horse-themed logo on the Friends’ canvas grocery totes make a nice gift for $10. Cash, credit cards & checks accepted. The Friends Book Shop is on the 1st floor of the library, located at 49 Henry Street in downtown Saratoga Springs. For more information, call the Friends Book Shop at 518-584-7860, ext. 333. KNOCKERBALL: Knockerball is a new type of sport combined with soccer to make a fun way to run around and not get hurt if you bump into someone. It is performed inside a single chamber inflatable sphere with inner handles

and shoulder straps. The participant’s legs are free to run. The St. Luke’s Recovery Resource Center will sponsor a Knockerball Soccer Game on Friday, November 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Halfmoon Town Sports Fields next to the Halfmoon Town Hall off Route 236, near the intersection of Harris Road. Call Dr. Mark Polsinello at 518-441-6634 to register your 3-6 person team. The $150 registration fee benefits the St. Luke’s Recovery Resource Center (RRC). NATIONAL MUSEUM OF

RACING: The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will be offering free admission each Friday from 2 p.m. to close through the end of the year. The museum is located at 191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. THAT 70S NIGHT: An amazing Concert starring Joe Ventura from Eden Cafe. Joe and his guitar will entertainus with tributes to such legends as The Eagles, John Denver, The Beatles and many more. This event starts at 7p..m, sponsored by Singles Outreach, at 435 New Karner Road, Colonie. Price is $6. Bring a snack to share. For further information call 518452-6883.

Saturday, Nov. 25

ALBANY INSTITUTE: The Albany Institute of History & Art in Albany will be decorated and ready to welcome locals and out-of-area guests to the museum for “Home for the Holidays” on Thanksgiving weekend. The popular free admission weekend is one of the kick-off holiday events in the Capital Region. Once again, it will be packed with festive decorations and fun activities that will appeal to the entire family. Major sponsors for the weekend include Omni Development Corporation, Inc. and M&T Bank. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 125 Washington Avenue, Albany. For more information about the Home for the Holidays Free Thanksgiving weekend, please visit the museum’s website: www. albanyinstitute.org. HOLDIAY MARKETPLACE: The 42nd Annual Saratoga Holiday Marketplace will be held at the Saratoga Springs City Center from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 115 selected artisans will showcase and sell their wares, including woodworking, photography, blown & fused glass, food delicacies, natural skincare, fiber art, spun cotton, pottery, holiday décor and too many other unique unusual items to list. The $5 admission and all proceeds benefit the mission of the Saratoga Center for the Family to prevent and treat child abuse, trauma and neglect. Celebrate Small Business Saturday at this show of individual handcrafters.

LOST SPEEDWAYS: 2011 American LeMans Series driving champion Chris Dyson has been added to the November 25 Lost Speedways program at the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Dyson joins his father Rob to discuss the 200 mph Lola B0⁄86 Mazdapowered endurance racer they recently donated to the museum. Other presentations include a discussion of the landmark 1967 racing season by Ken Parrotte, Randy Hedger’s look back at his years as NASCAR’s head chassis inspector and post-race teardown supervisor, Ron Hedger recalling Labor Day races at Syracuse in the 1950’s and early 1960’s and an interview segment with car owner Randy Ross and driving star Dickie Larkin. The traditional memorabilia display kicks off the program at 11 a.m. Presentations begin at 1:15 p.m. The Museum is located on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga Spa State Park, just off Exit 13n of the Adirondack Northway. More information on Lost Speedways is available online at www.saratogaautomuseum.org.

NYS 5-HOUR PRELICENSING CLASS: The next NYS 5-Hour Pre-Licensing class will be offered Wednesday, November 22, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, November 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, 45 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs. The cost for the class is $40. To Register: call John Rinko at 518-5842221 or email Rinko Driving School.com. A portion from the class is donated to the First Baptist Church. SARATOGA FARMERS MARKET: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lincoln Baths, 65 S. Broadway, Saratoga Spa State Park. Approximately 45 vendors will be attending the Saturday market from November to April. See http://www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/saratogafarmers-market-vendors/ for a complete vendor list. SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: On November 25 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m, Mechanicville District Public Library will host local vendors and crafters. Drop in and check out handmade items from Alyssa’s Hairbows, Chunkjewels, CrowHill Country Crafts & Primitives, Jamberry, The Lovely Knitter, Suzie Q Crafts, Thirty One, Thoughtful Gardener... and more. If you are a small business owner who would like to join in this event event, please call 518-6644646 or email MDuell@sals.edu. The Mechanicville District Public Library is located at 190 N. Main St. Mechanicville.

Sunday, Nov. 26

ALBANY INSTITUTE: The Albany Institute of History & Art in Albany will be decorated and ready to welcome locals and out-of-area guests to the museum for “Home for the Holidays” on Thanksgiving weekend. The popular free admission weekend is one of the kick-off holiday events in the Capital Region. Once again, it will be packed with festive decorations and fun activities that will appeal to the entire family. Major sponsors for the weekend include Omni Development Corporation, Inc. and M&T Bank. Noon to 5 p.m., 125 Washington Avenue, Albany. For more information about the Home for the Holidays Free Thanksgiving weekend, please visit the museum’s website: www.albanyinstitute.org. BREAKFAST BUFFET: Fundraiser for the American Legion, including Scrambled Eggs, Home Fries, Sausage Links, Bacon, Toast, Milk and Juice. 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., while it lasts, American Legion Post #278, 6 Clancy Street, Schuylerville, $6 per person. HOLIDAY TRAIN: Beginning in Montreal, Quebec, on November 25 and 26, respectively, two trains will make the festive journey, travelling through both the U.S. and Canada to bring holiday cheer to 182 communities along Canadian Pacific’s network. At each event, the Holiday Train provides a box car stage, a line up of great musical talents and a corporate contribution to the local food bank. The Holiday Train arrives in Mechanicville at the parking lot adjacent to the CP tracks, at the corner of Park and Railroad Street, at 5:45 p.m. The train arrives at the Amtrak Station in Saratoga Springs at 7:20 p.m. INDOOR CRAFT/GARAGE SALE: Come check out Christmas shopping at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club off Maple Avenue on Elks Lane on Sunday, November 26, from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. With the Christmas season coming quickly, extra vendors are on hand for Christmas shopping. Admission is free, over 40 vendors, parking is great, bargains galore. There will be pizza and other lunch choices to enjoy. All proceeds go to local charities. Tables available for $15, call Linda at 518-2895470 for more information. MEMORY TREE LIGHTING: The Galway Lioness Club’s 23rd Annual Memory Tree Official Lighting will be held in the Village Of Galway Park on Sunday, November 26, at 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Sacandaga Road and Galway Road. Following the Official Tree Lighting, the group will go to the Galway United Methodist Church, across from the park, for the reading of the names of those to be remembered, Christmas Carols and light refreshments. Names of those to be remembered may be added through December 22. There is a $1 donation request for each name submitted, payable to the Galway Lioness Club P.O. Box 502 Galway, N.Y. 12074. The names will be added to the Memory Tree Book, in a special case located in the Gazebo in the Park. The Memory Tree will be lit through January 1, 2018. For further information, please contact Lioness Donna Sowle 518 882-1347. SUNDAY MEDITATION: Buddhist meditations and teachings from all three traditions (Tibetan, Zen, and Vipassana) are offered Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at One Big Roof, Center for Mindful Practices,538 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs in the Saratoga Health & Wellness Building.

Monday, Nov. 27

CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER; Persistent Assistants: Lunch & Learn, noon. 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. For more Monday activities, see the online newsletter at http://bit. ly/2y22D9Y. TRAVEL PRESENTATION: La Fédération Franco-Américaine du NY presents their 2018 trip, “Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park”, August 25-September 2, 2018. A free travel presentation will take place on Monday, November 27, at 5:30 p.m. at Plaza Travel Center, 623 New Loudon Road, Latham. RSVP by email or phone. Contact Lisa LaForest at lisa@plazatravel.net or 518-785-3338.

Tuesday, Nov. 28

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: Tuesday for Tots, 10 a.m. This drop-in for ages 2-5 is a special time for young visitors to gain preschool readiness skills in a fun and social environment. Drop in between 10 a.m. and noon for a changing variety of hands-on art and skill-building activities with friends. 69 Caroline Street, Sarartoga Springs. Call 518-584-5540 for more information. EXPERIMENTAL AVIATION ASSOCIATION: The Adirondack Chapter 602 of the Experimental Aircraft Association will hold its monthly general membership meeting at 7 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month at the C&R restaurant on Route 29. The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in aviation. For more information, visit www.eaa602.org. GIVING TUESDAY: Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation on Tuesday, November 28, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at The Barrelhouse, 68 Beekman Street, to recognize the all of the hard work that the Foundation has done over the last 40 years. 20% of all food and drink purchases as well as 100% of pours from Saratoga Brewing Company specialty keg will be donated back to the Foundation. Can’t come to The Barrelhouse? Donate to the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation online or by phone at 518587-5030. TUESDAY TALKS: Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site conducts its third annual Tuesday Talk series to recognize New York State History Month this November. On November 28 Amanda Massie, Curator for the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation’s Bureau of Historic Sites and Valerie Balint, former curator at Olana State Historic Site, embark on a culinary journey that links technology to food tastes and availability through an illustrated lecture, period reproductions and a tasting. All presentations are free of charge and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Enders House at Schoharie Crossing, 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter. Refreshments will be provided and donations are always appreciated. For information about this event and more, please call the Visitor Center at 518-829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site’s Facebook page.

Wednesday, Nov. 29

ESCV VOLKSWALK: Crossgates Mall walk. Register at Athleta, 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany, from 9:30 a.m.-9:55 a.m., start at 10 a.m. There are 5 and 10 K options available. Contact albanymallwalk@walkescv.org for additional info. PULMONARY FIBROSIS SUPPORT GROUP: The first meeting of the Saratoga County Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Support Group will be held Wednesday, November 29, from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Health and Fitness Center, 2nd floor 6 Care Lane, Saratoga Springs. The support group is free and open to IPF patients, their family members, friends and caregivers. IPF is a rare condition that causes scar tissue to grow inside the lungs. It affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States. Meetings will typically feature an educational presentation as well as discussion with others affected by IPF. For more information contact Marie or Susan at the Health and Fitness Center at 518-8865676. WOODLAND MANAGEMENT: A presentation on woodland management is scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, at Proudfit Hall, next to the Bancroft Library, 181 Main Street in Salem. The program will be led by state forester Rich McDermott who works with private landowners to develop stewardship plans, and administer the 480 and 480a tax law programs for Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties. The free program covers forest management plans, the 480a tax law program, boundary posting, timber trespass, consulting foresters, selling timber, DEC programs and EQIP cost share programs available for landowners. There will also be a question and answer period. Registration is requested and may be done online at: www. agstewardship.org, or by calling 518-692-7285.

Thursday, Nov. 30

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: On Thursday, November 30, the Chestertown Rotary Club is hosting a career opportunity event at 7 p.m. at the North Warren Central School Auditorium.In attendance will be representatives of several Union Trades, and local and regional employers. These organizations will be available to discuss apprenticeships, internships and other employment opportunities. This event is aimed at young men and women in Warren and southern Essex Counties who enjoy working with their hands and want to explore opportunities beyond the college route. For more information please email chester.rotary12817@gmail.com CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: Science Explorers, 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 and up. The November theme for this popular weekly program is “Engineering in a Bag.” 69 Caroline Street, Sarartoga Springs. Call 518-5845540 for more information. HORSE EXPLORERS: Recommended for ages 3-6, “Horse Explorers” is a hands-on series intended to creatively educate children about horses by developing age-appropriate skills in disciplines including art, literacy, science and math. “Horse Explorers” will take place each Thursday morning beginning Nov. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Museum’s Horseplay Gallery. The programs will run through December. Children are free to attend with a paid accompanying adult. For more information about “Horse Explorers,” please contact Karen Wheaton at 518-584-0400 ext. 118 or Sheileen Landrey at 518584-0400 ext. 120. PEREGRINE SENIOR LIVING: Program Specialist Mary Moller, MSW, CAS, from Albany Med’s Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, will cover how caregiving doesn’t end when your loved one transitions to a higher level of care. She will focus on caregiver self-health and wellness and how this continues to be an important part of the caregiving journey. 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m., Peregrine Senior Living at Clifton Park (formerly Beacon Pointe Memory Center),1 Emma Lane, Clifton Park. A Q&A will follow the presentation. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP call Lauren at 518-371-220 or email lcarpenter@peregrine-companies.com. SHEN NEIGHBORS CONNECTING: Shenendehowa Neighbors Connecting is a group of residents exploring establishing a Village in Southern Saratoga County. A Village is a network of members who are connected to one another and to support services to make independent living both feasible and enjoyable. You can learn more about Shenendehowa Neighbors Connecting at 2 p.m. on November 30 at the Clifton Park Halfmoon Library. Along with information about establishing a village in Southern Saratoga County, Nancy Varley will present a brief program about her recent trip to India. For additional information, call 518-371-7729 VICTORIAN STREETWALK: Thursday night, November 30, is the 31st Annual Victorian Streetwalk, presented by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association in downtown Saratoga Springs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Carolers will serenade the crowd beginning at 5:45pm as the children wait for Santa and Mrs. Claus who will arrive on horse and carriage (Saratoga Horse & Carriage) escorted in by Santa’s elves. The Honorable Mayor Joanne Yepsen will light the tree at 6:00 p.m. Santa, Clara, elves and Rumple Dumple will visit with children throughout the evening in the beautiful Santa Cottage which will be in the center of Broadway. Please visit www.saratogadowntown.com for a full schedule.

Friday, December 1

BALLSTON SPA HOLIDAY PARADE: The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association’s annual Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting takes place, Friday, December 1. The step off time is 6:30 p.m, proceeding on Milton Avenue and ending in Wiswall Park on Front Street with Santa lighting the Christmas tree. The parade has become a hometown-style holiday tradition, with fire trucks, floats, animals, kids and Santa parading down the main street of the village. The parade spotlights the Toys for Tots campaign, in partnership with the Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corps, Saratoga County Sheriff Department and U.S. Marine Corps. Volunteers will be on hand to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys from spectators along the parade route as well as at the tree lighting. CELEBRATING SILVER BANQUET: The Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) at SUNY Empire State College is celebrating its 25th year with a special “Celebrating Silver” Banquet on Friday, December 1, from noon - 4 p.m., at the Gideon Putnam Hotel. Academy members and friends past and present are invited to attend. Admission is $30 and includes a sit down lunch, entertainment by Bobby Dick, dancing, great raffles, and a cash bar. Reservations close November 20. For more information and a reservation form, please contact the Academy at jeff.shinaman@esc.edu, 587-2100 x2390. FREE KIDS CRAFTS: Greenwich Elks Lodge is excited to share this seasonal Friday afternoon crafting event, featuring supervised paper crafting, snacks and more, free of charge to school-age children and their siblings in Argyle, Cambridge, Salem and Schuylerville. 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Greenwich Elks Lodge, 130 Bulson Road, Greenwich. Registration is important to assure that enough supplies are available for everyone. To register, contact Amy Jordan at stampwithamy@live.com. GAVIN PARK TREE LIGHTING: On Friday, December 1, you are invited to attend the Town of Wilton’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Gavin Park. The fun begins at 6 p.m., with holiday songs led by Glenn Dorman at the piano, Frosty, Rudolph and Santa’s elves. At 6:30 p.m., the lights will go up on Gavin Park’s beautiful Colorado Spruce tree. Then, at 6:45 p.m., Santa will arrive to meet and greet the crowd. The fun will continue inside the Dailey Gym, where Santa will hand out candy, treats, and gifts. There will be holiday movies for the little ones and more opportunities for everyone to sing songs of the season. Refreshments will be served from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Maple Avenue Fire Department makes the night possible, with assistance from the Wilton EMS, the Bread Basket, Fresh Market, Hannaford, and Saratoga Springs Water Company. The evening is sponsored by Applebee’s. NIGHT OF LIGHTS: The Schenectady County Historical Society is lighting up its galleries after dark to kick off the holiday season. Celebrate with the Night of Lights, an exclusive evening of radiant fir trees, live music, great food from Wagon Train BBQ, La Strada Pizzeria & More, and Villa Italia Bakery, a raffle, a cash bar, and more. This event is a fundraiser for both the SCHS and the YWCA NorthEastern, NY. Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m., 32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady. Tickets are $15 at http://schenectadyhistorical.org/trees/?mc_cid=135bea0bf1&mc_eid=a1bb3b2359. SARATOGA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL: Saratoga Independent School’s PreK, Wrap-Around Program and Kindergarten teachers will hold a mini Open House on December 1 at 459 Lake Avenue, designed to give current and prospective parents information about our excellent Kindergarten and Pre-K programs. In addition, plans will be shared about the development of a fullday Pre-K/Junior K program for the fall of 2018. A 10:30 am session is for current SIS parents. A 1:30 pm session is for current SIS parents and prospective parents. Drop-ins are welcome. To learn more about Saratoga Independent School, visit www.siskids.org. SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER: 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., monthly breakfast. Admission $5. 11 a.m., Charitable Giving – Year-End Gifting with Debra Verni of Herzog Law Firm. Free and open to the public. 1:30 p.m., Holiday Speed Friending. Like speed dating, but for making friends! Meet a new network of people to hang out, travel or simply chat with. Free and open to the public. 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs.

Saturday, Dec. 2

BLUE CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER: The Saratoga Children’s Theatre announces their Blue Christmas Fundraiser, on Saturday, December 2, at the Saratoga Music Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a light dinner (included), and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Raffle baskets and 50⁄50 raffle will be available. This two act reproduction of Elvis on tour features multi award winning Elvis Tribute Artist, Mathew Boyce, and his 28 piece Suspicious Mind Orchestra. Tickets: $40 for adults, $35 for seniors, and $15 for students. Help support Saratoga Children’s Theatre during this night of music and fun. For more information and tickets, please visit www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org, or call 518-430-7423. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA) presents the annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 2, from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. in the gymnasium of St. Mary’s School, 40Thompson Street. A delicious pancake breakfast will be provided courtesy of the Eagle Matt Lee and Union Fire Companies. Children and their families will enjoy activities, live performances and a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cost for the breakfast is $5 per person and reservations are not necessary. CHRISTMAS BAKE/ CRAFT SALE: On December 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a Christmas Bake/ Craft Sale at the Wilton United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Road, Wilton. The church is approximately 1⁄3 mile east of Exit 16 of the Northway (I87). For sale will be homemade baked cookies, breads, candles, homemade crafts and other interesting gifts. Lunch will be available. The church is handicapped-accessible. A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Join Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church for a dramatic reading, in costume, of Charles Dickens’ beloved “A Christmas Carol.” There will be wassail at the entrance, music throughout, special scenery and trappings to help create a Victorian London setting for this favorite tale of the miserly Scrooge and his discourse with the three Spirits: Past, Present, and Future. This is a version created by Dickens himself, usually presented in parlors of his day. Families with children are encouraged to attend. There will be a toothsome (look it up!) take-home surprise at the end! Admission at the door is by free-will donation, suggested donation $10. 7 p.m., 175 Fifth Ave. (corner of Henning Rd.), Saratoga Springs. FAIR TRADE MARKET EXPO: The first Saturday in December is once again the day when Capital Region residents have the opportunity to join the fight against worldwide poverty while getting all their holiday shopping done in one location. This year’s market will feature 17 vendors and projects including several vendors with roots in Saratoga Springs. The expo is hosted by New Life Fellowship Church and The Bosnian Handcraft Project. Admission is free. For more information call 518-5801810. GIFTING THE ADIRONDACKS: This is the day when the community is invited to the Adirondack Folk School to share some holiday goodies and a cup of something warm to ward off the Adirondack chill. It’s your chance to shop for some of the amazing items made by AFS instructors and other local artisans. Please stop by 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and end a very fine 2017 season while raising a toast to new things ahead for 2018. GINGERBREAD HOUSES: The annual Gingerbread House construction at the Mechanicville District Public Library will be held on Saturday, December 2, at 11 a.m. You bring graham crackers and a can of white frosting and the Library will supply the rest. Kids’ PaintA-Pic follows at 12:30 p.m. Ages 5+ are invited to create their own canvas painting. Supplies are included. At the same time, adults can create a collage of images, pictures, and affirmations of your dreams and goals. Supplies are provided. Please register for any of these events by calling 518-664-4646. HOLIDAY SALE: In conjunction with Schuylerville’s village-wide Celebration of St. Nicolaas, Old Saratoga Reformed Church, Pearl and Burgoyne Streets, will hold a Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 2, from 8 a.m. -2 p.m. New and gently used Christmas items will be available, including Hallmark decorations and collectables. There will also be a basket raffle, a bake sale, and much more at bargain prices. For more information, call the church office at 518-6953479, 9 a.m. - noon, Monday through Friday.