Calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 18

MILTON FIRE DISTRICT NO. 1: Milton Fire District No. 1 will hold their end-of-year meeting on Tuesday, December 18, at 7 p.m. at the Rock City Falls Station, 1119 Rock City Road, to discuss business before the District.

SCIENCE ON TAP: Join Artisanal Brew Works for craft beer and informal talks and discussion led by regional scientists and researchers every month. On December 18, Dr. Corinne Moss-Racusin of the Skidmore College Psychology Department presents “The biases that blind us; how gender stereotypes limit opportunities for women in STEM.” 6 p.m., 41 Geyser Road, Saratoga Springs. Admission is free but tickets are required due to space limitations. For tickets, go to https://tinyurl.com/yccahtqh or search “science on tap saratoga” at Eventbrite. com.

Wednesday, Dec. 19

CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER: Lunch & Learn, “Aging Successfully with Vision Loss,” presented by Cheryl Lawyer, Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, 12:30 p.m. Free; reservations required. Call 518-383-1343 to register. To Love a Child Foundation Service Project to benefit young women in Haiti and Zimbabwe, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Donate your time, skill or supplies (darkcolored cotton, flannel, fleece and terrychoth, thread, plastic snaps, etc.) 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. ESYO PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES: Hear the Empire State Youth Orchestra Percussion Ensembles take on the holidays at 7 p.m. at the Massry Center for the Arts at the College of St. Rose, 1002 Madison Avenue, Albany. Adults $10, students/seniors $5. To purchase tickets, please visit: https://esyo.org/ programs/concerts-events. LUNCHTIME MEDITATION: Free and open to all on the first and third Wednesday of each month. 12:30 p.m.,Saratoga Springs Public Library. Presented by One Roof Saratoga. LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS: 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 on the longest night of the year. Everyone, regardless of church background (or no religious affiliation) is welcome. 7 p.m., 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa. For more information call 518-8855583

or visit ballstonpresby. org. ROAST BEEF DINNER: Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 presents a Roast Beef Dinner from 4:30 p.m.

–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. SAME STORY, DIFFERENT

VOICE: The 13 th Annual Telling of “Same Story, Different Voice,” features four tellers – Linda McKenney, Nancy Marie Payne, Claire Nolan and Kate Dudding – with four different versions of Beauty and the Beast. A discussion of the different tellers’ approaches to the story will follow the tellings. Free and open to the public; please bring a potluck dessert to share. 6:15 p.m., Albany Public Library Delaware Branch, 331 Delaware Avenue, Albany. For more information visit www.story-circle.org or call 518-383-4620.

Thursday, Dec. 20

DUDLEY OBSERVATORY: Every Thursday, rain or shine, join miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, for “Evenings at the Dudley Observatory”. Educators from the Dudley Observatory at miSci will operate their14-inch telescope inside the roll-top roof observatory, allowing visitors to see stars, planets, galaxies, and more each night. In the event of poor weather, there will be hands-on activities indoors. The observatory at 15 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, will be open from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. through March 7, 2019. miSci galleries will be open continuously from 9a.m. until the observatory closes. Access to the observatory or activities is free with museum admission ($12 Adult, $10 Senior, $8 Child, free for miSci members). SARATOGA LAKE P.I.D.: Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month. This month’s meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. on December 20 at the Malta Town Community Center, Route 9, Malta.

Friday, Dec. 21

CHRISTMAS CAROL SING: Simpson United Methodist Church hosts a Christmas Carol Sing on Friday, December 21. Even if you have the bah-humbugs, catch the holiday spirit by sharing your voice singing joyous Christmas music, then enjoy some hot chocolate and goodies with

family and community. 5 p.m., 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls, .4 mile south of Rt. 29. CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER: Swing band concert, 1 p.m. 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Free and open to the public. SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER: Holiday Festivities begin with breakfast from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (please RSVP). Holiday cookie decorating and holiday movie at 10 a.m. Soup will be served at 12:15 p.m. Holiday Sing-a-long with Garland Nelson from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. All for one admission price of $5 at 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs.

Saturday, Dec. 22

NYS 5-HOUR PRE-LICENSING COURSE: The next NYS 5-Hour Pre-Licensing course will be offered Saturday, Dec. 22, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs. The cost for the class is $40. To register, call John Rinko at 518-584-2221 or email RinkoDrivingSchool.com. A portion of the cost will be donated to United Methodist Church. SARATOGA SPRINGS

FARMERS’ MARKET: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Lincoln Baths building, 65 South Broadway. With more than 50 vendors, market-goers will be able to shop for a wide variety of local products year-round. The Holiday Market features local artisans, crafters, and specialty foods from November 3 to December 29. For a complete list of winter vendors, visit http:// www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/saturday-winter-vendors/.

Sunday, Dec. 23

CAPITAL DISTRICT YOUTH

CHORALE: Now in its 36 th season, the Capital District Youth Chorale is a talented group of singers ages 9-17 from forty public and parochial schools who meet weekly at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland and perform at least six local concerts each year. They perform their annual holiday concert, featuring holiday music from the Renaissance to Broadway, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 23, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at Albany. Adults $10, seniors and students $5. GRACE CHURCH (WATERFORD): The Rev. Kathy Alonge-Coons celebrates the Holy Eucharist at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Sundays at Grace Church, 34 Third Street, Waterford. Deacon Denise Moore assists. An adult Christian Education program begins at 8:30 a.m. A coffee hour follows each service. For more

information, call the Episcopal parish at 518-237-7370 or visit www.gracewaterford.com. HOLIDAY DANCE: Put on your dancing shoes and celebrate the Holiday season with dancing to music from D.J. Brian Zapel from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Colonie Elks Lodge, 11 Elks Lane, Latham. $12 per person. Sponsored by Singles Outreach Services Inc. For more information visit www.SinglesOutreach.org. SUNDAY MEDITATION: Cultivating compassion & wisdom. Sunday morning meditation 9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at One Big Roof, 538 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Health & Wellness Building (across from the Maple Avenue Middle School, just off Route 50). By donation. No experience necessary. All are welcome. SUNNY SUNDAYS: Sunny Sundays are your opportunity to take a safe glimpse at the sun. Educators from the Dudley Observatory at miSci will operate their 14inch telescope inside the roll-top roof observatory, allowing visitors to safely look at the sun and search for sunspots. Other objects such as the moon and planets may also be visible. In the event of poor weather, there will be hands-on indoor activities instead. The observatory will be open from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. every Sunday through December 30. miSci galleries will be open continuously from noon – 5 p.m. Access to the observatory or activities is free with museum admission ($12 Adult, $10 Senior, $8 Child) at miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Trinity United Methodist Church of Wilton holds Worship and Sunday School every Sunday at 10 a.m. Choir meets at 9 a.m. Youth group follows worship. Nursery provided. 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort. Contact Pastor Jeffrey Stratton at 518423-8195 for baptisms and weddings.

Monday, Dec. 24

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP: Join Kelly Duheme, IBCLC, in collaboration with Saratoga Midwifery, Myrtle Street Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Saratoga WIC for a free monthly support group to connect with other breat feeding mothers, share struggles, celebrate successes and offer guidance and support to mom and baby throughout their breastfeeding journey. Please bring a blanket/floor map. Expectant mothers, grandmothers and siblings up to age 5 are also welcome. 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Saratoga Hospital First Floor Classroom, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs. For more information call 518-580-2049.

Wednesday, Dec. 26

ACOUSTIC BLUES OPEN MIC: Saratoga Acoustic Blues Society’s own Sonny Speed, a NYS Blues Hall of Fame inductee, is the featured artist at this month’s Acoustic Blues Open Mic and Jam at Café Lena. All levels of playing are welcome. Sign-up 7 p.m., opening set 7:30 p.m. at 33 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs. Admission $5. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month in Saratoga Hospital’s C-1 Conference Room. Free. Pre-registration required. Call Pierre Zimmerman M.S. at 413-992-7012 for more information. Sponsored by One Roof Holistic Health Center. HALFMOON TRANSFER STATION: In observance of the Christmas holiday, the Town of Halfmoon Transfer Station will be closed on December 25. To better serve the residents of Halfmoon, the station will be open Wednesday, December 26 from 8 a.m. – noon. Normal hours of operation are Tuesdays 8 a.m. – noon, Fridays noon – 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 322 Route 146, the site of Town Highway Garage.

Thursday, Dec. 27

DUDLEY OBSERVATORY: Every Thursday, rain or shine, join miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, for “Evenings at the Dudley Observatory”. Educators from the Dudley Observatory at miSci will operate their14-inch telescope inside the roll-top roof observatory, allowing visitors to see stars, planets, galaxies, and more each night. In the event of poor weather, there will be hands-on activities indoors. The observatory at 15 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, will be open from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. through March 7, 2019. miSci galleries will be open continuously from 9a.m. until the observatory closes. Access to the observatory or activities is free with museum admission ($12 Adult, $10 Senior, $8 Child, free for miSci members).

Friday, Dec. 28

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING: To celebrate the second season premiere of Foal Patrol on December 28 the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame hosts a Foal Patrol Kids! Open house from 10 a.m. to noon at 191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Activities include a visit with a real mare and foal in the museum parking lot (weather permitting), coloring and crafts in the Sculpture Gallery, an anatomy lesson featuring a real horse skeleton, guided exploration of the Foal Patrol website, healthy snacks and much more. For more information, call 518-584-0400 or visit www.racingmuseum.org. Follow Foal Patrol online at www.foalpatrol.com. PRE-NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: Don “The Soul Man” Hyman is the featured guest performer on a full evening of treats and entertainment starting at 7 p.m. at 435 New Karner Road, Hanover Square, Colonie. $10 per person. Use the Hill Street Entrance. Sponsored by Singles Services.

Saturday, Dec. 29

BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR HORSES: The ninth annual birthday party for the horses at Old Friends at Cabin Creek, a 501 c(3) non-profit organization, will be held on Saturday, December 29, from noon – 3 p.m. at 483 Sand Hill Road, Greenfield Center, less than 20 minutes from Saratoga Springs. Participating restaurants will provide a variety of delicious soups for guests to enjoy as they tour the facility and meet the horses. There will be birthday cake for everyone and the Gift Shop will be open. Suggested donation $10 per person. All proceeds go toward the car of the horses. For more information call 518-698-2377 or visit www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com. CLIFTON PARK CONTRA DANCE: The Capital District YMCA – Southern Saratoga Branch hosts a contra dance from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, December 29, preceded by free dance instruction for beginners at 6:40 p.m. at Southern Saratoga YMCA, 1 Wall Street, Clifton Park. All dances are taught by Joan Savitt. Live music by the Up Front Session Band. Adults $11, DanceFlurry organization members $10, seniors $10, YMCA members $9, high school or college students with ID $8, dancers under 14 $7. Sponsored by Dance Flurry Organization.

Sunday, Dec. 30

GRACE CHURCH (WATERFORD): The Rev. Kathy Alonge-Coons celebrates the Holy Eucharist at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Sundays at Grace Church, 34 Third Street, Waterford. Deacon Denise Moore assists. An adult Christian Education program begins at 8:30 a.m. A coffee hour follows each service. For more information, call the Episcopal parish at 518-237-7370 or visit www.gracewaterford.com. SUNDAY MEDITATION: Cultivating compassion & wisdom. Sunday morning meditation 9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at One Big Roof, 538 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Health & Wellness Building (across from the Maple Avenue Middle School, just off Route 50). By donation. No experience necessary. All are welcome. SUNNY SUNDAYS: Sunny Sundays are your opportunity to take a safe glimpse at the sun. Educators from the Dudley Observatory at miSci will operate their 14inch telescope inside the roll-top roof observatory, allowing visitors to safely look at the sun and search for sunspots. Other objects such as the moon and planets may also be visible. In the event of poor weather, there will be hands-on indoor activities instead. The observatory will be open from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. every Sunday through December 30. miSci galleries will be open continuously from noon – 5 p.m. Access to the observatory or activities is free with museum admission ($12 Adult, $10 Senior, $8 Child) at miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Trinity United Methodist Church of Wilton holds Worship and Sunday School every Sunday at 10 a.m. Choir meets at 9 a.m. Youth group follows worship. Nursery provided. 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort. Contact Pastor Jeffrey Stratton at 518423-8195 for baptisms and weddings.

Monday, Dec. 31

FIRST NIGHT 5K: The Saratoga Arts First Night 5K is a great family-friendly way to start your New Year’s Eve celebration. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Skidmore College gymnasium, it traces a 3.1 mile loop around the campus, exiting at Clinton Avenue to continue to Greenfield Avenue, then up North Broadway and back to campus. Limited to 1,500 runners. Registration fee $30 through December 23, $35 through December 30. All registered runners receive a First Night Saratoga commemorative shirt. To sign up and for more information, visit https:// runsignup.com/Race/NY/ Saratoga Springs/ SaratogaArts First Night5k. FIRST NIGHT SARANAC LAKE: All-ages celebration of the arts, featuring 18 performers, including the Gibson Brothers, performing at nine venues from 6 p.m. – midnight, ending with a unique snowflake drop and fireworks. Admission: adults 19 and older $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the show; teens $10; children 12 and under free. Visit www. First Night Saran ac Lake. org for more information, and look for more details on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Wednesday, Jan. 2

HALFMOON TRANSFER STATION: In observance of New Year’s Day, the Town of Halfmoon Transfer Station will be closed on Tuesday, January 1. To better serve the residents of Halfmoon, the station will be open Wednesday, January 2, from 8 a.m. – noon. Normal hours of operation are Tuesdays 8 a.m. – noon, Fridays noon – 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 322 Route 146, the site of Town Highway Garage. LITERARY EVENT: On Wednesday, January 2, Caffe Lena will present a screening of collaborative videos/poems created by Mary Kathryn Jablonski and Laura Frare, hosted by Carol Graser. An open reading will follow. Doors will open for sign-ups at 7 p.m. and the readings will start at 7:30 p.m. at 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs. General admission $5, free for students. For more information call 518- 583-0022 or visit www.caffelena.org. LUNCHTIME MEDITATION: Free and open to all on the first and third Wednesday of each month. 12:30 p.m.,Saratoga Springs Public Library. Presented by One Roof Saratoga. WINTER STORYTELLERS SERIES: The Academy for Lifelong Learning presents the 11 th annual storytellers’ series Wednesdays from January 2 through February 20. On January 2, storyteller Joe Doolittle presents “Stories of Echoes of Old Saratoga.” Noon – 1 p.m., SUNY Empire State College, 2 Union Avenue, Room 126, Saratoga Springs. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase at Saratoga. The event will be postponed if Saratoga Springs city schools are closed or delayed. For more information call the Academy at 518-587-2100x2415, or visit www.esc.edu/all.

Thursday, Jan. 3

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP: A caregivers’ support group with Pierre Zimmerman, MS, meets on the first Thursday of each month at Saratoga Hospital. The group is free and open to all, but pre- registration is required. For more information and directions to the meeting space, call Pierre at 413-992- 7012. Presented by One Roof Center for Holistic Practices. DUDLEY OBSERVATORY: Every Thursday, rain or shine, join miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, for “Evenings at the Dudley Observatory”. Educators from the Dudley Observatory at miSci will operate their14-inch telescope inside the roll-top roof observatory, allowing visitors to see stars, planets, galaxies, and more each night. In the event of poor weather, there will be hands-on activities indoors. The observatory at 15 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, will be open from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. through March 7, 2019. miSci galleries will be open continuously from 9a.m. until the observatory closes. Access to the observatory or activities is free with museum admission ($12 Adult, $10 Senior, $8 Child, free for miSci members). GREEN DRINKS: Green Drinks is a “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Drop in at Harvey’s in the Library Room at 14 Phila Street on the first Thursday of every month between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to meet new people, learn about local green initiatives, and share what you’ve been working on. 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. KOREAN WAR VETERANS: The January meeting of Ch. 60, Korean War Veterans’ Association, will be held on Thursday, January 3, at 1:30 p.m. at the VFW home at the bottom of Veteran’s Way, off the arterial just north of Saratoga Springs. Veterans who served anywhere during the Korean War, in Korea at any time, spouses, widows, friends and relatives are all invited to attend. New members are always welcome; annual dues are $10 for veterans and $5 for all others. For more information or a membership application, please contact Comm. Roger Calkins at 518-584-3037.

Friday, Jan. 4

CLIFTON PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER: The Center’s Diabetes Support Group meets on the first Friday of each month, facilitated by Saratoga County Public Health Services. 11 a.m. – noon, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Call 518-383-1343 for more information.

Sunday, Jan. 6

BREAKFAST BUFFET: Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 serves a Breakfast Buffet from 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Sunday, January 6, at 1 Elks Lake, Saratoga Springs. Donation requested: adults $9, seniors/ military $8, children 5-12 $7, under 5 free. Takeout $9. Call 518-584-2585 for more information. BREAKFAST BUFFET (WATERFORD): Waterford Knights of Columbus serves an all you can eat breakfast and omelet station on the first Sunday of each month from 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the K of C Hall, 76 Grace Street. Adults $8, children $4, under 4 free. Each paid breakfast ticket enters you in a chance to win a free breakfast at a later date. Call 518-237-9330 for more information. LABEFANA VISIT: During the Annual LaBefana visit to the American Italian Heritage Museum, children will learn about the LaBefana tradition and participate in crafts, while LaBefana makes a small gift to each child. 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., 1227 Central Avenue, Albany. A social follows the event. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This free event will only take place if there is sufficient interest. Please make reservations by January 4 by calling 518-435-1979. For more information email info@ americanitalianmuseum.org or visit www.americanitalianmuseum.org.

Monday, Jan. 7

SARATOGA RETIRED TEACHERS: Saratoga Retired Teachers will meet on Monday, January 7, at noonat Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Avenue (Rte. 9P), Saratoga Springs. For membership informationand luncheon reservations, call 518-587-5356.

Tuesday, Jan. 8

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY: American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 70

holds its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8, at 34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs. SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS: The local group of the Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets at 7:30p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226Old Loudon Road. All persons 16and older with any interest in the art of magic are welcome. For more information about the organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit www.SAM24.SYTHASITE.COM.

Wednesday, Jan. 9

ITALIAN DINNER: Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 serves an Italian Dinner with Fettucine Alfredo, baked ziti and much more from 4:30 p.m. – 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. MECHANICVILLE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY: Hudson River Photography Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Mechanicville District Public Library 190 N. Main St. Mechanicville. Call 518-6644646 or visit meclib.sals.edu for more information. PICKIN’ SESSION: Amateur and professional musicians are invited to play solo, background, or join up with a group for a fun session with extemporaneous, off-the-cuff music. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. Free to the public; please bring a snack to share. Please note: if schools are closed for the day the Center will also be closed. Check out www. ballstonareaseniors.com for more information.

Friday, Jan. 11

FISH FRY FRIDAY: Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club’s Fish Fry Fridays continue through April 19, with fish fry, clam fry, chicken fry, popcorn shrimp fry, buffalo shrimp, chowder and more. Eat in or take out. 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., 121 NY-32, Victory Mills. Call 518-695-3917 to order takeout. Q.U.I.L.T. INC: This month’s guild meeting includes a general meeting and trunk show starting at 9:45 a.m., featuring “Sweet Jane – Quilting with Precut Fabrics” with Sue Pfau, followed by Quilting 101 with Arcyce Elmore, Kathy Ewart and Carole Ju on Bindings at 12:30 p.m. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. at Delmar Reformed Church, 386 Delaware Avenue, Delmar. Free for members; $5 donation requested for non-members. Please note: if Bethlehem schools are closed or delayed for 2 hours or more due to weather, the meeting will be cancelled. For more information visit www.quiltinc.org.

Wednesday, Jan. 16

LUNCHTIME MEDITATION: Free and open to all on the first and third Wednesday of each month. 12:30 p.m., Saratoga Springs Public Library. Presented by One Roof Saratoga.

Saturday, Jan. 19

MECHANICVILLE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY: The Board of Trustees meets the third Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. The public is always welcome. 190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville. For more information, call 518-664-4646; fax 518664-8641 or visit http:// mechanicville.sals.edu.