Santa visits AIM Services, friends and volunteers decorated trees
Courtesy AIM Services (2021)
Santa visited AIM Services, Inc. to meet the staff and the people who use the many life skills services that AIM offers. The organization—volunteers, staff and individuals who use the services—lit trees and showed them off to Santa Claus. (Santa's incognito name is Neil Farrington, and Santa's Helper is Tom F.)
From AIM Services, Saratoga Springs: It may have been a record warm day for December, but AIM Services channeled their holiday spirit and held a tree decorating event and lighting celebration outside their office. People who are supported in AIM’s residential and community programs decorated 25 trees and were greeted by staff as they stopped by to see their masterpieces lit up for the first time, while also enjoying homemade cookies, hot cocoa and an outdoor visit from Santa. AIM Services, Inc. is one of the Capital Region’s largest service providers for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, providing a wide range of customized person-centered support through residential and community-based services, advocacy, and education.
Schuylerville: Solstice Fest is on and ready to roll
A new winter tradition in Schuylerville is ready, says an official with the group. The Winter Solstice Festival is set for Saturday Dec. 18, says MaryAnna O’Donnell, owner of Saratoga Gluten Free Goods in Schuylerville. The event runs 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Hudson Crossing Park. O’Donnell says she is feeling more confident that the village itself along Broad Street will be lit with luminaries, after heroic levels of volunteer effort.
O’Donnell has been ill and suddenly realized just how much was left to do before the day. She had sent an emergency email on Thursday to a broad list of people, including FoothillsBusinessDaily.com.
"All the volunteers have just kind of rallied,” she said during an interview today. "It's ready to go tomorrow."
The event website says to “Welcome the return of the light with the Schuylerville Winter Solstice Festival!”
Luminaries will decorate businesses and homes throughout the Village of Schuylerville starting at dusk, with dinner specials at local eateries and holiday sales available in shops along and around Broad Street. Hours will vary by business.
Hudson Crossing Park will hold a luminary walk within the park from 4 to 6 p.m., with snacks and hot cider available at the HCP pavilion, as well as a special performance by the EcoDance Youth Ensemble of their work in progress, "Wishes for the World" at 4:15pm.
This event is free and open to all, with donations to HCP gratefully accepted.
“I’m hoping it will become an annual event,” O’Donnell said.