Calendar

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

Wednesday, Dec. 20 CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER; 12:15

p.m., Lunch & Learn: “Stay Younger Longer” by Brookdale Senior Living. A trip to see the Capital Lights in the Park in Albany leaves at 4:30 p.m. Cost $14 for members only. Wednesday activities include Exercise to Tape, Senior Investment Group, Social Bridge, Shabby Sheik Crafting, Memories to Memoirs, Living with a Loss, Hand & Foot, Dice 6-5-4, Crochet & Knitting, Poker, Osteo exercise. 6 Clifton Common Road, Clifton Park. Call 518-383-1343 for more information. Call extension 227 by noon the day before to make lunch reservations.

LUNCHTIME MEDITATION:

Held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Free and open to all. Sponsored by One Roof Holistic Health Center.

NYS 5-HOUR PRE-LICENSING CLASS:

The next NYS 5-Hour Pre-Licensing class will be offered Wednesday, December 20, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, December 23, 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 518-584-2221 or email RinkoDrivingSchool.com. A portion from the class cost is donated to the First Baptist Church.

SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER:

Make & eat holiday cookies while you share fun holiday traditions. Free and open to the public, hosted by Memory Cafe. 10 a.m., 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs.

VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS:

The Lake Placid Center for the Arts (LPCA) will light up the holidays with a special presentation of Lightwire Theater’s “A Very Electric Christmas.” The performance, which takes place live on stage, but in complete darkness will take place on Wednesday, December 20 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available by calling the LPCA Box Office at 518-523-2512 or online at www.lakeplacidarts.org.

Thursday, Dec. 21 BALLSTON AREA SENIOR CITIZENS:

9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., Craft, Cards, Billiards. 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lunch: bring a dish to share, meeting. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Bingo. Milton Community Center, 320 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. For more information call 518-8856740, visit www.ballstonareaseniors.com or Facebook Ballston Area Seniors. CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER: 1 p.m., Clifton Park Senior Community Choral Concert. Thursday activities include Exercise to Tape, Pool/Billiards, Chorus, Yoga, Watercolor & Sketch, Legal Assistance by appointment, Seton Health Seniorcize, Duplicate Bridge, Mah-Jongg, Pinochle and Bunco. 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Call 518-383-1343 for more information. Call extension 227 before noon the day before to make reservations for lunch.

ESYO PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE:

This special concert is among the most important for any Empire State Youth Orchestra percussionist, as you hear their take on the holidays. Come to the Massry Center for the Arts at The College of Saint Rose in Albany at 7 p.m. to hear the ESYO Youth Percussion Ensemble with the ESYO Repertory Percussion Ensembles. This event is free and open to the public with a suggest donation requested at the door.

FOSTER PARENT MEETING:

A Foster Parent Information Meeting will be held on December 21 at 4 p.m. at the Services Building, 152 West High Street, Ballston Spa. Saratoga County is in need of foster homes for school-aged children and teenagers. The next certification class will begin in spring, 2018. Please contact Kari Carroll or Stacey McVaigh at 518-8844157 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 518-5840400 ext. 120.

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS:

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. 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. 7 p.m., 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa.

Friday, Dec. 22 AMERICAN SOUP:

i Theatre presents “American Soup” in the Riggi Theater at the National Museum of Dance, a celebration of pop culture and the landmarks of history in the evolution of the American spirit. Warhol’s philosophy is juxtaposed with the adventures of two American families in Queens, living the country’s highs and lows, loves and disappointments. Live music from the 60’s to the turn of the millennium provokes a visit to where and who we were. Performances Friday and Saturday, December 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket reservations at 518 584-7780 or online at https://americansoup.brownpapertickets.com. Adults $25, Students $15.

BALLSTON AREA SENIOR CITIZENS:

2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m., Osteo-Busters. 6:30 p.m., cards and games. Milton Community Center, 320 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. For more information call 518-885-6740, visit www.ballstonareaseniors.com or Facebook Ballston Area Seniors.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA:

10 a.m., Busy Bees drop-in for ages birth-24 months. This open playgroup for the youngest visitors and their caregivers provides the space and activities for you to create an environment fostering early childhood development in a social setting. 11 a.m., Wiggles & Giggles, drop-in for ages 2-5. In this play program oung children can exploore the world around them through guided free play. 69 Caroline Street, Sarartoga Springs. Call 518-584-5540 for more information.

CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER:

Friday activities include Orchestra on the Common, Woodcarving, Tap Advanced, Ballet, Dominoes, Center Big Band, Diabetes Support Group, Bingo,

Lunch & a Movie, Beading Buddies, Scrabble, Osteo exercise. 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Call 518-383-1343 for more information. Call extension 227 before noon the day before to make reservations for lunch.

COMEDY’S BEST KEPT SECRET: Come see what happens when three Nationally touring Comedians embark on a two month road trip and perform on 50 shows in 50 days all to raise money for the Humane Society. Dan Frigolette @ danfrigolette (Boardwalk Empire, Totally Biased, Artie Lange Show) Brett Druck (Laughs on Fox) Meghan Walsh (Hoboken Comedy Festival) and Make Me Laugh Winner Mia Faith Hammond are Comedy’s Best Kept Secret -- amazingly talented comedians who haven’t made it into the limelight... yet. 7 p.m. Doors, 8 p.m. Show, Lark Tavern, 453 Madison Ave, Albany. $15 Pre Sale, $20 Door. Tickets: www.comedysbestkeptsecret.com.

SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER: Get in the holiday spirit with some classic holiday movies and cookie decorating. Cookie materials provided. Free and open to the public. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs.

Saturday, Dec. 23

AMERICAN SOUP: i Theatre presents “American Soup” in the Riggi Theater at the National Museum of Dance, a celebration of pop culture and the landmarks of history in the evolution of the American spirit. Warhol’s philosophy is juxtaposed with the adventures of two American families in Queens, living the country’s highs and lows, loves and disappointments. Live music from the 60’s to the turn of the millennium provokes a visit to where and who we were. Performances Friday and Saturday, December 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket reservations at 518 5847780 or online at https:// americansoup.brownpapertickets.com. Adults $25, Students $15.

COMEDY’S BEST KEPT SECRET: Come see what happens when three Nationally touring Comedians embark on a two month road trip and perform on 50 shows in 50 days all to raise money for the Humane Society. Dan Frigolette @ danfrigolette (Boardwalk Empire, Totally Biased, Artie Lange Show) Brett Druck (Laughs on Fox) Meghan Walsh (Hoboken Comedy Festival) and Make Me Laugh Winner Mia Faith Hammond are Comedy’s Best Kept Secret -- amazingly talented comedians who haven’t made it into the limelight... yet. Doors open 7:30 p.m., Comedy Works, 388 Broadway Saratoga Springs. $15 Pre Sale, $20 Door. Tickets: http://www.thecomedyworks.com/saratoga/.

NYS 5-HOUR PRE-LICENSING CLASS: The next NYS 5-Hour Pre-Licensing class will be offered Saturday, December 23, 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 RinkoDrivingSchool.com. A portion from the class cost is donated to the First Baptist Church.

SARATOGA SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET: Approximately 45 vendors will be attending the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday market at the Lincoln Baths, 65 S. Broadway, from November to April. Enjoy the 2nd floor Holiday Market through December 30. See http://www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/saratoga-farmers-marketvendors/ for a complete list of vendors.

Sunday, Dec. 24

MALTA RIDGE UMC: The Malta Ridge United Methodist Church will hold its annual Christmas Eve service on Sunday, December 24 at 7 p.m. at the church located at 729 Malta Avenue Extension in Malta Ridge. All are welcome. There will be no service Sunday morning.

OLD SARATOGA REFORMED CHURCH: Old Saratoga Reformed Church, Pearl and Burgoyne Streets, Schuylerville, will be holding its annual Candlelight Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ on Sunday, December 24, at 8 p.m. The Christmas Story will be read, carols and anthems sung, and the Christmas Message will be delivered by Pastor Joyce deVelder. Pastor Jennifer Legg will assist in the service. Worship will include traditional candle lighting during the singing of “Silent Night.” The sanctuary is handicapped accessible. All are welcome.

Tuesday, Dec. 26

BALLSTON AREA SENIOR CITIZENS: 9 a.m. to noon, Billiards, Crafts & Woodcarving. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Quilting. 12:30 p.m., Wifi Bowling. 1 p.m., Mahjong, Board Games & Cards. 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m., OsteoBusters. Milton Community Center, 320 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. For more information call 518-885-6740, visit www.ballstonareaseniors.com or Facebook Ballston Area Seniors.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: Tuesday for Tots: Happy New Year, 10 a.m. A special time for visitors ages 2-5 to gain preschool readiness skills in a fun and social environment. 69 Caroline Street, Sarartoga Springs. Call 518-5845540 for more information.

CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER: Tuesday activities include Exercise to Tape, LCR or Dice 3000, Pinochle, Pool/ Billiards, Duplicate Bridge, Tai Chi, Scrabble. 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Call 518-383-1343 for more information. Call extension 227 before noon the day before to make reservations for lunch.

Wednesday, Dec. 27

ACOUSTIC BLUES OPEN MIC: This months featured artist is Cafe Lena’s very own Open Mic host Sonny Speed, who will be jamming some hot Blues with a few fine players. Acoustic Jam to follow - All levels of playing are welcome. Sign-up 7 p.m., opening set 7:30 p.m. Admission $5. Café Lena,33 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at Saratoga Hospital. Free. Pre-registration required. Call Pierre Zimmerman M.S. at 413-992-7012 for more information. Sponsored by One Roof Holistic Health Center.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: Build a Fairy Garden Workshop, 10 a.m. for ages 4 and up. Join Sue DuBois from garden Goddess to learn about flower fairies, dance like a fairy and create your own Fairy Garden. Children will receive a starter container with soil, two plants, stone and a fairy or gnome to live in their Garden. Pre-register by December 26. $35 for museum members, $40 for future members. 69 Caroline Street, Sarartoga Springs. Call 518-584-5540 for more information.

CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER; Wednesday activities include Exercise to Tape, Senior Investment Group, Social Bridge, Shabby Sheik Crafting, Memories to Memoirs, Living with a Loss, Hand & Foot, Dice 6-5-4, Crochet & Knitting, Poker, Osteo exercise. 6 Clifton Common Road, Clifton Park. Call 518383-1343 for more information. Call extension 227 by noon the day before to make lunch reservations.

ROAST BEEF DINNER: Saratoga -Wilton Elks Lodge #161 presents a Roast Beef Dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs. Donation requested: Adults $12, Seniors/Military $11, Children 5-12 $8, under 5 free. Takeouts $12. Cash bar available.

SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER; Settle down from all the excitement of the holidays with a performance from Jeff Walton. Free and open to the public, sponsored by Memory Cafe. 10 a.m., 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs.

Thursday, Dec. 28

BALLSTON AREA SENIOR CITIZENS: 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., Craft, Cards, Billiards. 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lunch: bring a dish to share, meeting. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Bingo. Milton Community Center, 320 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. For more information call 518-8856740, visit www.ballstonareaseniors.com or Facebook Ballston Area Seniors.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: Music & Motion Workshop, 10 a.m. for ages 6-9. Join Tara Ellsworth from Sunshine Ballroom in Ballston Spa for a fun music and motion class teaching the basics of dance and motion through music and games. Pre-register by December 26. $5 for museum members, $10 for future members. 69 Caroline Street, Sarartoga Springs. Call 518-584-5540 for more information.

CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER: Thursday activities include Exercise to Tape, Pool/Billiards, Chorus, Yoga, Watercolor & Sketch, Legal Assistance by appointment, Seton Health Seniorcize, Duplicate Bridge, Mah-Jongg, Pinochle and Bunco. 6Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Call 518-383-1343 for more information. Call extension 227 before noon the day before to make reservations for lunch.

HORSE EXPLORERS: “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. This special Horse Explorers program during December break week is open to ages 3-12 Children are free to attend with a paid accompanying adult. For more information, please contact Karen Wheaton at 518-584-0400 ext. 118 or Sheileen Landrey at 518584-0400 ext. 120.

Friday, Dec. 29

BALLSTON AREA SENIOR CITIZENS: 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m., OsteoBusters. 6:30 p.m., cards and games. Milton Community Center, 320 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. For more information call 518-885-6740, visit www.ballstonareaseniors.com or Facebook Ballston Area Seniors.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: 10 a.m., Busy Bees drop-in for ages birth-24 months. This open playgroup for the youngest visitors and their caregivers provides the space and activities for you to create an environment fostering early childhood development in a social setting. 11 a.m., Wiggles & Giggles, drop-in for ages 2-5. In this play program oung children can exploore the world around them through guided free play. 69 Caroline Street, Sarartoga Springs. Call 518-584-5540 for more information.

CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER: 12:15 p.m., Lunch & Learn: John Welter on Introverts. Friday activities include Orchestra on the Common, Woodcarving, Tap Advanced, Ballet, Dominoes, Center Big Band, Diabetes Support Group, Bingo, Lunch & a Movie, Beading Buddies, Scrabble, Osteo exercise. 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Call 518-3831343 for more information. Call extension 227 before noon the day before to make reservations for lunch.

Saturday, Dec. 30

OLD FRIENDS AT CABIN CREEK: Old Friends at Cabin Creek’s Eighth Annual Birthday Party for the Horses will be held on Saturday, December 30 from noon to 3 p.m. at 483 Sand Hill Road, Greenfield Center. Visitors can taste delicious hot soups from local restaurants, visit with the 15 retired Thoroughbred racehorses, and of course, enjoy cake to help celebrate. This is a family-friendly afternoon outdoors. Suggested donation is $10, and all proceeds go to benefit the horses. The Gift Shop, offering photographs, art, jewelry and books will also be open. For more information, call 518-698-2377.

Sunday, Dec. 31

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: The Children’s Museum kicks off First Night New Year’s Eve activities by hosting a special event for children and their families. Count Down to First Night starts at 4 p.m. Children will set resolutions for the coming year, create time capsules, noise makers and a lantern to light the night ahead. There will be a countdown tot he beginning of First Night activities at 5:33 p.m. before a parade to the children’s activities at Lake Avenue Elementary School. Museum admission is free to First Night button holders starting at 4 p.m. 69 Caroline Street, Sarartoga Springs. Call 518-584-5540 for more information.

FIRST NIGHT 5K: First Night Saratoga is the most affordable, accessible, safe and exciting way to spend New Year’s Eve in the region. Most people arrive downtown around 6 p.m. when the entertainment officially starts, but for for the past nineteen years, a brave group of runners get a jump on the night at the Annual First Night 5k Roadrace. With their friends and family cheering them on, they don their best holiday running attire and gather at the Skidmore College gymnasium at 5:30pm, where the 3.1 mile loop around campus begins. Race registration is $30. Register online at https://www.zippyreg.com/online_reg/reg2017.php?e=980, or download a paper registration form from http://www.saratogaarts.org/sites/default/files/sites/default/files/ images/5K%20Registration%20form2017_0.pdf.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

RIFLE COMPETITION: The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club will start a 22 caliber rifle competition at the club house. You will need to bring your own rifle and ammunition. The first shoot will be Tuesday, January 2, 2018, starting at 7 p.m. The competition will continue every Tuesday for the month of January. For more information, contact the club house at 518-695-3917.

Wednesday, Jan. 3

WINTER STORYTELLERS SERIES: The Academy for Lifelong Learning presents the tenth annual storytellers series every Wednesday through February 21. January 3 features storytellers Carol and Kent Gregson with “Adirondack Living.” Sponsored by Prestwick Chase at Saratoga. Free and open to the public. Postponed if Saratoga Springs city schools are closed. For more information, call the Academy at 518-587-2100 ext. 2415. www.esc.edu/all.

Thursday, Jan. 4.

GREEN DRINKS: A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Harvey’s Restaurant and Bar (the “Library Room”), 14 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs. Cash bar. Happy Hour runs until 6:30 p.m. with 1⁄2 priced drafts, wines, and cocktails. Non-alcoholic drinks and food may also be ordered. For more information visit http://www.greendrinks.org/NY/Saratoga%20Springs.

KOREAN WAR VETERANS: The January meeting of the Adirondack Ch. 60, Korean War Veterans Assoc., will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, January 4, at the VFW home on Veterans’ Way, located off the arterial, just North of Saratoga Springs. Veterans who served anywhere during the Korean War or in Korea at any time, spouses, widows, friends and relatives are all invited to attend. For further information or for an application to join the organization, please contact Comm. Roger Calkins at 518-584-3037. Annual dues for Veterans are $10 and all others are $5. New members are always welcome.

Monday, Jan. 8

SARATOGA RETIRED TEACHERS: Saratoga Retired Teachers will meet on Monday, January 8, at noon at Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Avenue (Rte. 9P), Saratoga Springs. Prospective members, please call 518-587-5356 for membership information and luncheon reservations.