Foal Patrol Kids
On Friday, December 27 from 10 a.m. to Noon, join the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame for a family-friendly open house celebrating season 3 of Foal Patrol, the Museum’s one-of -a-kind collection of live cameras following the daily activities of in-foal mares. “Foal Patrol Kids!” will include a variety of fun and educational activities, as well as healthy snacks, giveaways, and special guests. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Foal Patrol website on Museum iPads to learn about the new in-foal mares, participate in an arts and crafts activity, ride an equipony, and see the HorsePlay! Gallery to groom a life-sized stuffed animal horse, dress in jockey attire, and investigate objects related to careers associated with horse racing. Free admission.
Geyser Trail Snowshoe
Enjoy a guided snowshoe at Saratoga Spa State Park, on December 27 at 1 p.m. on one of our most beloved trails. This moderate, three-mile hike will wind through valleys, fields and forests, giving the visitor a unique view of the park and its many features. Please call 518-584-2000, ext. 116 for more information.
Cross Country Ski Trip
This easy ski will take participants around Moreau Lake on the Nature Trail on December 27, from 1–2:30 p.m., where a naturalist will point out signs of wildlife. Registration is necessary with 24 hours advance notice. Please call 518-793-0511.
Contradance
Join on Saturday, December 28 at 6:40–10 p.m. for Contradance, held at the Southern Saratoga County YMCA, 1 Wall St., Clifton Park. Come dance to the live music of Up Front Session: Joel Roesenberger on Celtic harp and piano accordion, Nancy Bakemeier on fiddle, John Guay on hammered dulcimer and Vonnie Estes on keyboard. Dances will be taught and called by Joan Savitt. Easy to learn, beginners welcome. No partner needed. Lesson starts at 6:40 p.m.; dance begins at 7 p.m. Price is $11 ($10 for seniors and DFO members, $9 for YMCA members, $8 for students w/ID, $7 for dancers under age 14.) For weather cancellations, check the calendar at www.danceflurry.org
Pre-K Story & Snowshoe
Join us on December 30 at the Creekside Classroom in Saratoga Spa State Park at 11 a.m., for nature stories and snowshoeing! This is a snowshoe outing for our youngest visitors. We will read nature themed stories before venturing outside to explore the nearby forest on snowshoes. After the lesson participants are welcome to warm up and enjoy hot cocoa by the fire. Snowshoes are available for children and their care givers, but supplies are limited. Registration is required. Please call 518-584-2000, ext. 116 to register and reserve a pair of snowshoes. This program is appropriate for ages 2-5. Registration: Required
A Christmas Carol
On December 30, The Puppet People present “A Christmas Carol,” a Charles Dickens holiday classic at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, located at 49 Henry St., in Saratoga Springs at two different time slots, 11 a.m. – Noon and 1 – 2 p.m. 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 5 and up. Pick-up free tickets in the Children’s Room. Limit: 8 tickets.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
For those whose bedtimes come well before midnight, Northshire Bookstore will be celebrating with dancing, followed by a countdown and apple juice toast at noon on New Year’s Eve. The party will begin at 11:30 a.m. Party clothes are encouraged but not required. Northshire Bookstore is located at 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.
22nd Annual First Night Saratoga 5K Run
Begin the First Night celebration right by joining the run before the huge New Year’s event. Start and finish on the beautiful Skidmore campus. The first 3/4 mile is a gradual uphill on the perimeter road. The course exits the campus at Clinton Avenue and continues to Greenfield Avenue, continuing up North Broadway and back to campus. This is a moderately challenging course, including both hills and downgrades. Registration is $30 through December 23, $35 through December 30, and $40 on race day. Entry fees are nonrefundable and non-transferable. To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/NY/SaratogaSprings/SaratogaArtsFirstNight5k.
First Night 2020
As one of the oldest and largest First Night celebrations in the country, First Night is the most affordable, accessible, family-friendly, safe and exciting way to spend New Year’s Eve in the region. Join over 15,000 revelers as Saratoga Arts hosts dozens of regional and touring performing groups in thirty venues throughout Historic Downtown Saratoga Springs. Starting with the 5K road race at Skidmore College, culminating with the fireworks in Congress Park at midnight, and packed full of live music, dance, comedy and magic in between, this event will be a highlight of your outgoing year. Begins at 6 p.m.
Ballston Area Seniors Chorus
We are looking for new members who enjoy singing. We are a fun group who rehearse a program which we then take out to local nursing and rehabilitation homes, who are always delighted to sing with us. We rehearse on Mondays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Milton Community Center. Come and join us.
Social Activities for Seniors
If you’re over 55, a long-time or new resident in the area and looking to meet active seniors, check out the Ballston Area Senior Citizens (BASC). BASC sponsors many activities at the Milton Community Center located at 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. Residents from surrounding communities are welcome to join. Programs and activities include Festive Dinners, dances with live bands, “pickin’ sessions,” bus trips, weekly luncheons, exercise classes, chorus, crafts, etc. Stop in any Thursday at 11 a.m. and join us for lunch.Yearly membership fee is $10. Call Barb Broderson, Membership Secretary at 518-885-4229 or visit www.ballstonareaseniors.com for additional information.
Tax Assistance Volunteers
TaxAide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for the coming tax season. Volunteers answer questions, prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1 to April 15 at various sites in the Capital District. Volunteers typically participate one day per week, with flexible schedules to accommodate volunteer availability. No experience required, but computer experience is helpful for tax counseling. Volunteers who do not wish to prepare returns are also needed to greet taxpayers and confirm appointments. Training is provided for all positions. Volunteers may be reimbursed for a moderate level of necessary travel expenses. For more information on how you can join our team in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties, contact Communications Coordinator Gail Carroll, 518-541-3173 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information, visit nytaxaide.org
Southern Saratoga Art Society Exhibits
Members of SSAS are exhibiting at various venues throughout the area for the month of December. Stop in and see these exhibits and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County. For further information about SSAS visit southernsaratogaartist.com. Burnt Hills Library, 2 Lawmar Ln., Burnt Hills, is hosting four artists, Deb Hutchins, Valerie Woodward, Judy Loucks and Carol Winterton. Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main St., is showing the works of artist, Frank Coletta. Catskill-Hudson Bank, 2452 State Rte. 9, Malta, hosting artist, Eva Marie Loucks. Zion Evangelical Luthern Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, is showing the work of artists, Rebecca Jenkins and Patricia Wade
Transportation Drivers Needed
RSVP- Retired Senior Volunteer Program, helps recruit volunteers age 55 and older for many opportunities throughout Saratoga County. We are currently looking for Transportation Drivers to take seniors to and from medical appointments. We provide the vehicle, gas, and trip details with directions. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or hearing about the MANY other volunteer opportunities, please call Billie Jo 518-884-4110.
