Calendar

Sunday, Dec. 29

DHARMA MEDITATION:

Dharma meditation at Saratoga Health & Wellness, 538 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, Sundays (9:00-10:15am). By donation. Drop-ins welcome. One Roof Saratoga: 518-5813180 Ext. 300, www.oneroofsaratoga.com.

Monday, Dec. 30

PUPPET SHOW: The Puppet People present “A Christmas Carol” at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 30 at H. Dutcher Community Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. in Saratoga Springs. A Charles Dickens holiday classic, this show features beautiful handcrafted marionettes, shadow puppets, gorgeous masks, lavish costumes, vivid sets, a professional soundtrack that includes many holiday favorites, and a giant 9-foot parade puppet. For children ages five and up. Join us for one of two shows: 11 a.m. Noon or 1 - 2 p.m. Pick-up free tickets in the Children’s Room beginning December 1, 2019. Limit: 8 tickets. www.sspl.org.

FOSTER PARENT MEETING:

A Foster Parent Informational Meeting will be held on Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. at the Saratoga County Department of Social Services Building, 152 West High Street, Ballston Spa. The department is in need of bilingual parents. The next certification class will be held in the spring. For more information call Jared LeGrand at 518-884-4157.

MOVIE MAKERS: Mondays, 3:30pm. Join us in making YouTube movies after school. Permission slips are required before filming. *There will be no Movie Makers on December 23. Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St. Schuylerville. (518) 695-6641.

FIDGET GROWS A PIZZA:

Book reading and pizza making Monday, December 30, 2pm. Fidget is very excited about growing her very own pizza garden. As the tomato plants ripen, Fidget is surprised to learn that her garden doesn’t actually grow pizza. Find out what happens in Fidget’s pizza garden & then make your own pizza right at the library! Registration required. Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St. Schuylerville. (518) 695-6641.

Tuesday, Dec. 31

NOON YEAR’S EVE: Tuesday, December 31 at 11:30 am Noon Years Eve Party. Bring your little ones to ring in the “noon year” at Northshire. For those whose bedtimes come well before midnight, we’ll be celebrating the end of 2019 with dancing, followed by a countdown and apple juice toast at noon. Party clothes are encouraged but not required. This event is free and open to the public and will take place at Northshire Bookstore at 424 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. For more information on this or other events, call 518-682-4200 or visit the Northshire Bookstore website at www.northshire.com.

END OF YEAR BASH: Tuesday, December 31 st , 2-4pm. Join us in celebrating another great year gone by, and the upcoming year ahead! Relax with some snacks, games (including video games), crafts, and a ball drop at 3pm. For kids and teens. Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St. Schuylerville. (518) 695-6641.

STORY TIME: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am. Children are invited for a story, a fun craft or activity, and then stick around to socialize with other families and open play. Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St. Schuylerville. (518) 695-6641.

FIRST NIGHT AT CMAS: First Night at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St. Saratoga Springs. December 31, 2019 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. All ages. Come and explore the museum during this afterhours time to celebrate the New Year as we take part in Saratoga’s First Night. There will be crafts and activities, live performances, and animal demonstrations. (518)5845540. Cmssny.org.

DANCETOPIA’S NEW

YEAR’S PARTY: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at CM School of Fine Arts | 17 Executive Park Drive, Clifton Park. Enjoy a wonderful night of fun and food including dance lessons, open floor dancing, games and prizes, a 50⁄50 raffle and a midnight champagne toast while watching the ball drop. $35 each, RSVP by Dec. 20 at (518) 383-6654 Ext. 1. performanceschoolofmusicarts.com.

NOON YEAR AT CMOST: Frozen Science, Tuesday, December 31st, 9:00AM – 1:00PM AT Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST), 250 Jordan Road, Troy, NY 12180. You won’t have to wait until midnight to celebrate the arrival of 2020 at CMOST. Ring in the “Noon Year” with laughter, learning and fun as we investigate the cool science of all things frozen. Activities include creating glitter slime, building ice castles, a festive selfie station, the last dance party of 2019, engineering a ball drop, snacks and more. Everything leads up to our a countdown to high noon and museum-wide parade. Suitable for all ages. All activities are included with museum admission. No need to preregister. New this year: all New Year’s Eve activities are included with museum admission: $8 per person, children under age 2 and CMOST members are free.

Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020

FIRST DAY HIKE/SHOWSHOE: Wednesday, January 1, at 11:00a.m.: ‘First Day’ Hike or Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Park. Meet at the Visitor Center for a scenic winter walk into the woods and along the escarpment. Afterwards warm up inside with hot chocolate. Dress in layers and wear warm winter boots. Appropriate for adults and children ages 8 and up. Register and reserve snowshoes to rent by calling 518-872-0800. In case of extreme weather, call the park office at 518-872-1237 to confirm conditions.

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020

MUSIC OF THE LAKEHOUSES: Thursday, January 2 at noon in the H. Dutcher Community Room at 49 Henry St. in Saratoga Springs. The Lake Houses of Saratoga were notorious not only for the gambling, but for the top notch entertainment and dining they offered. Local History Librarian Lorie Wies will share stories of several of the Lake Houses and some of the music that would have been featured. No registration required. Sspl.org.

FILM SCREENING: Saratoga Film Forum, “Angels are Made of Light” A beautiful and surprising film. This film shows a different side of Iraq; a return to normalcy that is inspiring and important. Date: January 2nd thru 5th (Thursday to Sunday). Time: 7:30pm - all screenings - Box office opens at 7pm. Place: Spring Street Gallery - 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs. Admission costs $8 Members and Students w/ID or$10 General Public. www.SaratogaFilmForum.org for advance tickets. Complimentary coffee, tea and cookies at all screenings.

ALL CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUP: All caregivers’ support group at Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church St., first Thursday of each month at 6:00pm. Free and open to all. Pre-registration required. Call Pierre for info/directions to meeting space 413-992-7012. www.oneroofsaratoga.com.

Friday, Jan. 3, 2020

LIBRARY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING: January 3rd at 4:00 pm, Main Library. Troy Public Library, 100 2nd St., Troy.

FILM SCREENING: Saratoga Film Forum, “Angels are Made of Light” A beautiful and surprising film. This film shows a different side of Iraq; a return to normalcy that is inspiring and important. Date: January 2nd thru 5th (Thursday to Sunday). Time: 7:30pm - all screenings - Box office opens at 7pm. Place: Spring Street Gallery - 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs. Admission costs $8 Members and Students w/ID or$10 General Public. www.SaratogaFilmForum.org for advance tickets. Complimentary coffee, tea and cookies at all screenings.

FREE YOGA FRIDAY: Join us for Gentle and relaxing yoga every Friday at the Presbyterian United Church of Schaghticoke from 7 pm until 8 pm. The Church is located at 16 Main Street in Schaghticoke. For more information, visit presbychurchmouse@yahoo.com.

ALL ABOUT ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS: Friday, January 3, at 10:00a.m.: All About Animal Adaptations at Thacher Nature Center. Join us to explore how our wild animal neighbors are able to live where they do, survive and thrive! We will be examining a variety of skins, skulls, feathers and bones to gain an understanding of their unique adaptations. We will also make an animal track guide to help you track your furry neighbors. Call 518-8720800 for more information.

Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020

FILM SCREENING: Saratoga Film Forum, “Angels are Made of Light” A beautiful and surprising film. This film shows a different side of Iraq; a return to normalcy that is inspiring and important. Date: January 2nd thru 5th (Thursday to Sunday). Time: 7:30pm - all screenings - Box office opens at 7pm. Place: Spring Street Gallery - 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs. Admission costs $8 Members and Students w/ID or$10 General Public. www.SaratogaFilmForum.org for advance tickets. Complimentary coffee, tea and cookies at all screenings.

Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020

ANNUAL LABEFANA VISIT:

Jan. 5, 3 p.m. Children learn about the LaBefana tradition and participate in crafts and a treasure hunt. LaBefana will make a small gift to each child. Help us keep this beautiful tradition alive. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A social follows. Reservations by 1⁄2 please. Free and open to the public. The American Italian Museum and Cultural Center is located at 1227 Central Avenue in Albany, NY. (518) 435-1979. www.americanitalianmuseum.org. FILM SCREENING: Saratoga Film Forum, “Angels are Made of Light” A beautiful and surprising film. This film shows a different side of Iraq; a return to normalcy that is inspiring and important. Date: January 2nd thru 5th (Thursday to Sunday). Time: 7:30pm - all screenings - Box office opens at 7pm. Place: Spring Street Gallery - 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs. Admission costs $8 Members and Students w/ID or$10 General Public. www.SaratogaFilmForum.org for advance tickets. Complimentary coffee, tea and cookies at all screenings.

BREAKFAST BUFFET:

Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge # 161 Breakfast Buffet. Eggs to order, Fruit Cocktail, French Toast / Pancakes, Potatoes, Breakfast Sausage and Ham, Corned Beef Hash, Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Scrambled Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Juice, Coffee and Tea. 8:30-11 am at 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs. Donation Requested: Adults $9.00, Seniors(62 Years) and Military (Active/ Retired with ID Card) $8.00, Children 5—12 $7.00, Under 5 Free. Takeouts $9. Call (518) 584-2585 for more information.

DHARMA MEDITATION:

Dharma meditation at Saratoga Health &Wellness, 538 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, Sundays (9:00-10:15am). By donation. Drop-ins welcome. One Roof Saratoga: 518-5813180 Ext. 300, www.oneroofsaratoga.com.

Monday, Jan. 6, 2020

SARATOGA RETIRED

TEACHERS: Saratoga Retired Teachers will meet on Monday, January 6, 2020, at noon at Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Avenue (Rte. 9P), Saratoga Springs. For membership information and luncheon reservations, call 518.587.5356.

Tuesday, Jan. 7 , 2020

NETWORKING BREAKFAST:

The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association will be sponsoring a Networking Breakfast on Tuesday, January 7, from 7:30-8:30 am, hosted by The Medbery Day Spa, 48 Front Street in Ballston Spa. The Medbery Day Spa is located inside the historic Medbery Inn on Front Street in Ballston Spa. Built in 1804, this 215 year old building has kept a wonderful secret hidden within the ground floor of its basement; the iconic

San Souci Mineral Spring. Located only at the hotel, this one-of-a-kind mineral springs flows directly into the Day Spa’s baths to give clients an invigorating and therapeutic experience. Cost for the breakfast is $5 with advance reservation—prepayment available at www.ballston. org or RSVP to info@ballston. org and pay at the door. Non-reserved walk-ins that morning are $10. Business and community members are welcome; you do not need to be a BSBPA member to attend this event. Membership information will be available. The BSBPA sponsors networking breakfasts every month throughout the year at different locations in Ballston Spa. The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, established in 1983, is a non-profit organization committed to making the Village of Ballston Spa a great place to live, work and visit. To learn more, visit at www. ballston.org. PRACTICE YOUR ITALIAN: Jan. 7 and 21, 1 p.m. Use it or lose it! Free and open to the public. The American Italian Museum and Cultural Center is located at 1227 Central Avenue in Albany, NY. (518) 435-1979. www.americanitalianmuseum.org. ENGLISH DART LEAGUE: 7 p.m. on Tuesday at The Parting Glass, located at 40-42 Lake Ave. in Saratoga Springs. www.partingglasspub.com. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 BAKED HAM, CHICKEN & BISCUITS DINNER: Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge # 161. Soup, Toss Salad, Baked Ham, Chicken and Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Rolls and Butter, Dessert, Coffee and Tea. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs. Donation: Adults $12, Seniors(62 Years) and Military (Active/ Retired with ID Card) $11, Children 5—12 $8, Under 5 Free. Takeouts $12. Cash bar available. Call (518) 5842585 for more information. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Cancer support group at Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church St, second and fourth Wednesday each month at noon. Free and open to all. Pre-registration required. Call Pierre for info. 413-992-7012. www. oneroofsaratoga.com. POETRY NIGHT: On Wednesday, January 8, Caffè Lena will present poetry reading by Rana Bita. An open reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 7pm and the readings will start at 7:30. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students Caffè Lena, 47

Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 583-0022, www.caffelena. org This event is usually held on the first Wednesday of the month, but because of the New Years Day holiday, it will be on the second Wednesday of the month for this month only. Rana Bitar was born and raised in Damascus, Syria. She is the author of A Loaf of Bread, (Unsolicited Press 2019), a requiem for the loss of her homeland that digs into the depth of anguish to excavate the collective human experience of grieving. Her poetry has appeared in The Deadly Writers Patrol, DoveTales, Earthen Lamp Journal, Pittsburgh Poetry Review, Magnolia Review and El Portal. Bitar studied medicine and immigrated to the United States in 1990. She specializes in hematology and oncology, and is currently practicing in Upstate New York. www.ranabitar.com. CHARISMATIC MASS & HEALING SERVICE: Presented by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Christ Our Light, 1 Maria Dr. Loudonville, NY. January 8, 2020. Time: 7:00 pm Prayer and Praise, 7:30 pm Mass and Healing Service to follow. Music by Joyful Heart. For information call Jack: 518-3346503. Infor.DSC.Albany@ gmail.com Web: AlbanyCCR.org. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020 SPECIAL LUNCHEON: The Hoosick Falls Senior Center, 69 Church Street, will host a Special Luncheon for residents 60 and over on Thursday, January 9 th at noon, with music entertainment by one of their favorites, Paul Slusar. All residents 60 and older are invited to come and dance, sing-a-long or just listen to the music. Please call (518) 686-7561 to sign up for lunch. IRISH SPEAKER: The Saratoga Ancient Order of Hibernians will present speaker Peter Moloney on January 9, 2020 at 7:30 at The Saratoga - Wilton Elks, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs. The topic will be BREXIT and Implications on the Peace Process. For more information: wwwsaratogaaoh.com. Friday, Jan. 10, 2020 FISH FRY FRIDAY: Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club at 121 NY-32 in Victory Mills will start Fish Fry Friday, on Friday January 10, 2020, at 4:30 - 7:00PM , and will continue every Friday through April 10, 2020. All are welcome, members and non-members. Menu: Fish Fry, Chicken Fry, Clam Fry, Popcorn Shrimp Fry, Buffalo Shrimp, Chowder, ask about our extra’s and beverages. You are welcome to eat in at our club house, or call ahead for take out. For more information call 518695-3917. ISRAEL’S GOLAN HEIGHTS TALK: B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation continues its popular “Synagogue Scholars” series with a presentation by Ed Rosen of Albany on the topography, demography and strategic importance of the Golan Heights. Rosen will present “Riding Through the History of the Golan” immediately following the congregation’s Friday, January 10, Shabbat service that begins at 8 p.m. B’nai Sholom is at 420 Whitehall Road, Albany. The service and program are open to all who wish to worship and learn. The Golan region of Israel has figured prominently in recent news, notably its formal recognition by the United States as a part of Israel. What are the Golan Heights? Why is this territory - not much larger than Rensselaer County - so strategically important? What is its demography and diplomatic history? How does it differ from the West Bank or Gaza? Rosen studied history of the modern Middle East and international relations at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. He is an active member of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and has traveled the Golan extensively, including hiking and by horseback last winter. Begun in 2004, B’nai Sholom’s “Synagogue Scholars” series spotlights individuals in the Capital Region Jewish community who are recognized scholars in their fields. For more information about the “Synagogue Scholars” series, visit www.bnaisholomalbany.org or contact the B’nai Sholom office: office@bnaisholom.albany. ny.us or 518-482-5283. FREE YOGA FRIDAY: Join us for Gentle and relaxing yoga every Friday at the Presbyterian United Church of Schaghticoke from 7 pm until 8 pm. The Church is located at 16 Main Street in Schaghticoke. For more information, visit presbychurchmouse@yahoo.com. FISH FRY: On Friday January 10th 2020, the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus will hold a Fish Fry Dinner. Dinners will be served from 5-7 PM. Menu; Fish Fry or Clam Roll Dinner ($10.00) served with French Fries or Onion Rings and Coleslaw, Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate and Dessert. Children $ 4.00. ( 5-10) menu includes Fish Sticks, French Fries or Onion Rings, Applesauce, Juice or Milk. Children Under 5 are Free! $8.00 for a Fish Fry or Clam Roll Only is available also! For information 518 783 0572 or www. lathamcoloniekofc.com/ events. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 SARATOGA SPRINGS AREA PRESCHOOL FAIR: 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 11 in the H. Dutcher Community Room at Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. in Saratoga Springs. The Saratoga Area Preschool Fair will include more than 20 area preschools. Information about the schools and programs will be available, as will school representatives to answer questions. Cosponsored by: The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Springs Public Library. Sspl.org. STOP THE BLEED TRAINING: The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office is taking preparedness a step further. They are teaming up with the Clifton Park Halfmoon EMS to teach another lifesaving initiative – Stop the Bleed training. The training will begin with Active Shooter training. This training will take place at the Town of Ballston Community Library on Saturday, Jan 11, 2020 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. To register, please call the library at 518-399-8174 or visit toblibrary.sals.edu MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID 101: For Older Adults and Those Dealing with Later Life Issues. Please join us on Saturday, January 11, 2020 for a free presentation entitled “Mental Health First Aid 101: For Older Adults and Those Dealing with Later Life Issues” from 9:00am-Noon at the Pastoral Center, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany and will be broadcast to the following sites for live viewing: Our Lady of the Annunciation/Queensbury and St. Edward the Confessor/Clifton Park. This presentation by certified instructor Brian Evers will help increase the understanding of mental health issues affecting the older adult population and to equip those who minister to them with the skills to provide stronger support to individual and families To register: https://www.rcda. org/2020Mini-Pres or Maria.Schollenberger@rcda. org, (518) 641-6818. All faith traditions welcome. Sunday, Jan. 12 DHARMA MEDITATION: Dharma meditation at Saratoga Health &Wellness, 538 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, Sundays (9:0010:15am). By donation. Drop-ins welcome. One Roof Saratoga: 518-5813180 Ext. 300, www. oneroofsaratoga.com. CONCERT: A Concert of Opera and Operetta Around the World - As part of the Schenectady Library “Beat the Snow” Winter Concert series, Bienvenida Baez, soprano, Elizabeth Lehmann, contralto, and Michael Clement, piano present a recital of opera and operetta with dramatic, romantic and celebratory selections in English, Italian, Russian, German, Spanish, French and Czechoslovakian January 12, 2:30 pm, in the McChesney Room of the Schenectady Library, 99 Clinton St, Schenectady, NY 12305, (518) 3884500. ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST: On Sunday, January 12th, 2020, Latham Colonie Council

Columbiettes and Knights of Columbus, 328 TroySchenectady Rd, Latham, N.Y. 12110, will host their “All You Can Eat Breakfast”! Serving from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Menu includes; Variety of Juices, Rolls, Sweet Breads, an Omelet Station, Pancakes, French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, Corned Beef Hash, Bacon, Sausage, Cereals, Bananas and Fruit Cup. Adults $9, Children 5-10 $4 and Children Under 5 are Free! For information 518 783 0572 or www.lathamcolonie. com/events. Monday, Jan. 13, 2020 DINING WITH DIABETES: Dining with Diabetes, a program for people with diabetes or prediabetes and their family members is being offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension at the Clifton Park/Halfmoon Library, Mondays, January 13, 20 and 27, 1:00-2:30 pm, and at the Saratoga Springs Library, Thursdays, January 16, 23 and 30, 12:00-1:30 pm. Register at the library website: cphlibrary.org, or sspl.org. These free programs are sponsored by the CPH Library and the Saratoga Springs Lions Club respectively. Participants will learn how to fit carbohydrates into a healthy menu, effectively use food labels, choose meals at a restaurant and adopt other healthy habits to help manage diabetes through healthy eating. Recipe demonstration and samples provided. For program details call Diane Whitten at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 518885-8995.