Local First Twin Bridges Edition 020923

Discover the Night with the Albany Pine Bush

ALBANY - The public is invited to a variety of special events, programs and experiences being held by the Albany Pine Bush Preserve during the February 18-26, 2023 winter school break. The website AlbanyPineBush. org/discover-the-night contains all the details about this opportunity to explore nighttime in the globally rare Albany Pine Bush.

Visitors to the Discovery Center during the winter break can experience an extraordinary journey into the geologic history, plants, animals, restoration, human influence, scientific research and protection of the globally rare Albany Pine Bush. People can also explore the preserve website from home for videos about local wildlife, storytelling, community history and more. Interactive games, downloadable activities and nature craft instructions are also available.

On Wednesday February 22, from 4:30pm7:30pm there will be a special in-person event at the Discovery Center located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany. Visitors to Night at the Discovery Center can see the exhibits come to life. Highlights include live local wildlife programs, an augmented reality sandbox, crafts, a free Discover the Night activity kit and re-enactors that bring historic exhibits alive.

Executive Director, Christopher Hawver said, “Our team of remarkable educators have worked hard to provide programs and special events that are safe and fun learning experiences. Discover the Night is an exceptional educational resource for adults, families and teachers who are search-

Please see DISCOVER 4

Farm decries Colonie hurdles

Owners say town officials’ roadblocks hurt businesses

By STEVE BARNES

COLONIE — Eight years after opening Forts Ferry Farm, its owners have removed their farm stand and halted all future development for the public at the multimillion-dollar property and business in Lath-am because of what they characterize as a town bureaucracy of “archaic regulations and questionable values” that is “nearly impossible to navigate.”

The farm, which last year raised 25,000 pounds of produce across 300 varieties, will continue to sell its wares at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on Saturdays. But the property is largely closed to the public, ending programs including free public and school agricultural tours, wellness classes, live music, theme nights including pizza and movies, and events like Halloween parties and cruise-ins for classic cars.

The owners said they are so frustrated by roadblocks from town officials that they will be moving their farm stand to Columbia County, with a projected opening in midsummer. The farm will use its website to sell prepared foods, pantry items and farm-themed gifts, available for shipping or on-farm pickup.

Complaints about the Colonie bureaucracy from Forts Ferry Farm were echoed in interviews with multiple owners of small businesses who have had recent dealings with town regulators and inspectors. All of the owners said Colonie officials have created a climate that seems to welcome deep-pocketed developers, big-box stores and other national chains but regularly stymies independent owners.

Veronika DeGiovine, senior associate town attorney for Colonie, rejected the characterization of the town as unfriendly to small business.

“I think the town welcomes all business,” she said.

“I’ve seen apartment complexes go up faster than I could get a water line approved,” said Emma Hearst, who grew up locally, went to culinary school and returned to the Capital Region to open Forts Ferry Farm with her husband, John Barker, after a stint as chef and co-owner of an acclaimed restaurant in New York City. Barker’s brother James joined the farm as a partner in 2018.

Hearst is the daughter of Times Union publisher George R. Hearst III, who owns the 30-acre field on Forts Ferry Road where the farm is located. The farm leases the property, 70 acres total, from George Hearst. The Times Union’s vice president of operations and integrated services, Dan Couto, has an independent arrangement with the farm to be its chief liaison officer, in which role he has communicated with town officials about farm projects that are under dispute. (Neither he nor George Hearst had any involvement in this story.)

In addition to the water line, which has yet to be approved and is intended for crop irrigation and to provide water for chickens and two rescue steers, Forts Ferry Farm has battled with the town over its farm stand. Emma

Hearst said town officials seemed to decide last year, after seven years of it being open, that it didn’t meet the town’s definition of a farm stand. They have also had legal wranglings with the town over a sign, tours and other events, lighting and more.

In an online explanation of the decision to remove the farm stand, Hearst and the Barkers wrote that Forts Ferry Farm was “confronted with bureaucratic red tape at every stage of our growth.” They said bureaucracy and regulatory enforcement were by turns inconsistent and overzealous, resulting in “exorbitant costs in legal and professional services.”

Colonie town code defines a farm stand as being a seasonal business “without a permanent structure and only offering outdoor shopping.” In an interview, DeGiovine initially said Forts Ferry Farm met the definition when it opened because it sold its produce at “a table.” When told the farm stand since the beginning was a shed with a porch, doors, windows and electricity, DeGiovine said that meant it had been in violation of state and town building codes for seven years.

“The concerns that the town has specifically are safety concerns,” DeGiovine said. She said it is considered unsafe for the public and employees to be in a building that has not been inspected by the town and given a certificate of occupancy. “We’ve been asking them to comply with town and state building code for years,” DeGiovine said.

Hearst acknowledged the farm stand was not approved by the town and does not have a certificate of occupancy.

“We didn’t think we needed it,” she said. In a town where tax rolls show only 2 percent of the land is agricultural, “Their farm code is archaic,” Hearst said. “We grow year-round, and we need a place to refrigerate our produce. You can’t sell it by the side of the road on a table in the middle of winter — or in the middle of summer.”

Another farm stand in Colonie, Lansing’s Farm Market & Greenhouses on Lisha Kill Road, is also a building with doors, windows and electricity. It, too, does not have a certificate of occupancy from the town, said owner Al Lansing, who has been working on the eighth-generation family farm since 1964.

The battle between Colonie and Forts Ferry Farm over the roadside sign lasted 12 months, James Barker said.

“Our little $6,000 sign turned into a $20,000 sign after all the legal and professional fees were added on,” Hearst said.

Barker said the town was demanding a separate application for a zoning verification be submitted, along with a $105 fee, for every nonfarm activity, such as yoga, music, beekeeping workshops and even farm tours.

“Are farm tours within the town’s purview?” he said. Referring to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, Barker said, “As we understand it, anything farm-related is the

dominion of Ag and Markets, but the town just goes ahead and tries to regulate everything.”

Hearst said the town tried to stop construction of the farm’s greenhouses, backing off only when the farm’s lawyer proved it was the state agency’s jurisdiction.

“There’s so much overreach,” Hearst said.

A business owner familiar with the farm’s disputes with the town, and who for more than 30 years has run a company that provides services to other businesses, said, “It feels like the town is extinguishing what could be a really unique and an extraordinary quality-of-life improvement for Colonie residents.”

He was one of eight owners of small businesses in Colonie who said in interviews over the past week that they have had similarly exasperating run-ins with town officials. None except Hearst and the Barkers were willing to be identified for fear of retaliation in current or future business before the town, they said.

“My architect and site engineer were leery of working on the project specifically because it was in the town of Colonie,” said the owner of a business that has been trying for a year to expand its building. “They told me it would be easier to move (to another municipality).”

After her architect had to revise the plans multiple times, the bill quadrupled to $12,000, according to the owner.

“Not everybody is in a position to keep throwing money and time at dealing with the town,” the owner said. “It feels so hostile to small business, but they’re happy to have all the big chains come in.”

Another owner, who is in manufacturing, said town inspectors required that he rip up concrete to move a fixture half an inch. He said his general contractor included a line item in the project’s budget listed as a more colorful version of “Town of Colonie (Shenanigans),” adding $10,000. It was, the owner said, “for the weird processes, random cancellations, extra hand-holding and all the ridiculous other junk that the town requires.”

In further examples, the owner of a wellness business said approval for an expansion took four years; a hospitality company was told an existing outdoor feature could no longer be used; and the town insisted a beauty business

see FARM 4

Norlite plant oil spill report prompts DEC response

By LARRY RULISON COHOES

— The state Department of Environmental Conservation said it is investigating a reported oil leak at the Norlite plant in Cohoes last Thursday morning.

The DEC says it received a report of the spill at 9:18 a.m. last Thursday and that a DEC spill response team immediately went to investigate the incident.

DEC officials blamed equipment failure on a waste oil tank located in the facility’s equipment building for the leak of 200 gallons of waste oil onto the ground; 10,000 gallons were contained.

DEC investigators measured gas levels and air quality and found there were no impacts to the public from the spill.

The state agency will continue to evaluate the spill and investigate

whether there were any violations of state environmental conservation law.

Norlite makes aggregate from shale that is used in road and construction projects.

The plant has a history of violations with the DEC, which sued Norlite in a case that was also brought by the state attorney general’s office. Norlite is accused of emitting illegal emissions and dangerous silica dust into the air that has caused health problems for neighboring residents.

The company, which has said it is improving its public health measures, said that the oil spill was “contained to a small area” and “had no effect outside the Nor-lite property,” and said it is cooperating with DEC.

lrulison@timesunion.com A 518-454-5504 A @larryrulison

FORTS FERRY FARM PHOTOS

The expanded farm stand at Forts Ferry Farm as seen in summer 2022. Emma Hearst said Colonie officials seemed to decide last year, after seven years of it being open, that it didn’t meet the town’s definition of a farm stand.

Please

Senior February Dining Events at Colonie Senior Service Centers

COLONIE - Join us for a hot meal at The Beltrone Living Center Monday-Friday at Noon. This program is funded in part by the Albany County Dept. for Aging, NYS Office for the Aging, Administration for Community Living, Town of Colonie and participant contributions. Registration and Reservations are Required for this program. Call 518-459-2857 Ext 303 for Reservations.

Friday, February 3rd at 12:00 Noon: Come listen to vocalist Carla Page and enjoy lunch with the community! Lunch served will be a Garlic Herb Baked Cod w/Orzo Salad, Beet Carrot Salad, Sweet Potato Mash, juice and a cookie. Monday, February 20th at 5:00pm: Come enjoy a “Cabin Fever Cookout” and a lively performance by the Musicats Duo! They will play a tasteful blend of the Great American Songbook and Latin songs that includes jazz, blues, funk, swing, and Calypso musical styles!

Tuesday, February 21st at 12:00 Noon: Come hear Dr. Rhiannon Claus of Capital District Family Chiropractic (topic TBD) and eat lunch with the community. Lunch served will be Goulash, Garlic Bread, Green Salad, Fruit & a Cookie. 2/10

Tortellini Soup + ½ Roast Beef Sandwich 2/13 Lunch Pulled Pork Sandwich

2/14 Chicken Pesto Lasagna

2/15 Salmon Cakes

2/16 Spinach Frittata

2/17 Chicken Cacciatore

2/20 Shrimp Scampi

2/20 Dinner “Cabin Fever Cookout”

2/21 Lunch & Learn Goulash

2/22 Cream of Broccoli Soup + ½ Turkey Sandwich

2/23 Margherita Pizza

2/24 Sausage, Peppers + Onions Sandwich

2/27 Chicken Bacon Mac & Cheese

2/28 Meatloaf + Mashed Potatoes

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Ash Wednesday and Lenten Dinners

DELMAR - Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave, Delmar, will have Ash Wednesday and Lenten dinners and worship starting February 22, 2023 through March 29, 2023. Dinner is at 6:00 pm with Worship following at 7:00 pm. Please join us for dinner and/ or Worship during this Lenten season. If you have any questions, please contact us at office@blcdelmar.com or (518) 439-4328.

Stillwater United Church PRE-ORDER ONLY

Drive Thru Ham Dinner

STILLWATER - 747 Hudson Ave, Stillwater - Pick Up Ham Dinner on Saturday, February 25th from 4-6 p.m. The price is $15 and the menu includes Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw and Cherry Cobbler. Please call 518-664-7984 by Thursday, February 23rd to place your order. Leave name, phone number and number of orders. You will be contacted with your Pick-up time. Dinners can be picked up at the back of the church on Palmer Street and it will be brought to your car.

“Food Glorious Food”

LATHAM - Join Colonie Senior Service Center’s staff, visiting chef, foodies, and local food producers for a monthly book club and practicum all about food entitled “Food Glorious Food.” We will explore the serious side of food, how it’s produced, the economics and politics behind it, and the responsibility we have as consumers. This reading and discussion program will also entail some hands-on opportunities. Registration is FREE but will be limited. The group will meet the last Thursday of the month at 11 am in the community room at King Thiel Senior Community, 17 Elks Lane in Latham. We ask that participants plan on attending all scheduled sessions; February 23, March 30, April 27, May 25, and June 29.

Books Chosen for this Program are as follows:

-The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food by Dan Barber

-Diet Cults: The Surprising Fallacy at the Core of Nutrition Fads and a Guide to Healthy Eating for the Rest of Us by Matt Fitzgerald

-In Defense of Food:

An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan

-Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe

-How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health by Marion Nestle

This program is made possible with funding from Humanities New York. To register, please call Diane 518-459-2857 ext 305.

Latham-Colonie

K of C Lenten Fish Fryday Dinners

LATHAM - The Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fryday Dinners will begin on Friday February

24th , 2023 and continue every Friday thru April 7th, (with the exception of Friday March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day).

Serving from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Eat-In or TakeOut at 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.

Menu; Baked Fish

Dinner($15) served with Twice Baked Potato, Veggie, Coleslaw and Dessert.

Fish Fry ($15) or Clam Roll Dinners ($12) are served with French Fries or Onion Rings, Coleslaw and Dessert.

*Fish Fry Only $10, Clam Roll Only $8, New England Clam Chowder $5

Children’s Menu available for Eat in Only! (Call for Pricing) For Reservations, please call 518 892 3750.

Loss of a Spouse Grief Seminar

DELMAR - Widowed?

Help is here and hope is possible. Join us for a Loss of a Spouse Grief Seminar at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave, Delmar on Saturday, February 25th from 10:00 am12:00 pm. There is no cost or fee. Register at https:// bit.ly/blcgriefspouse or email derenches@blcdelmar for more information.

February Capital District Chapter Columbiettes Meeting

COHOES - On Sunday, February 26th 2023 at 1:30 pm, Capital District Chapter Columbiettes will hold their February Meeting at Cohoes Knights of Columbus Council, 255 Remsen Street, Cohoes, N.Y. 12047.

Capital District Chapter Columbiette President, Linda Cotch, will preside.

(Directions; I 787 Columbia Street Exit, West on Columbia Street to Remsen, South on Remsen Street.)

HELP for Parkinson’s Cabin Fever Dance Party

VOORHEESVILLE -

HELP for Parkinson’s, a local charity committed to helping those affected by Parkinson’s Disease live well, invites you to the Parkinson’s Cabin Fever Dance Party on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Dancing and fun starts at 7:00 PM. The event location is the Colonie Golf & Country Club 13 Country Club Ln. Voorheesville, NY. Meet old and new friends, eat, drink, have fun, and dance to the local band GB-five, knowing that you will be supporting the local Parkinson’s community. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive condition, for which there is no cure. The HELP for Parkinson’s organization’s mission is to bring local programs and resources, as well as relevant local and national information directly to those living here in the capital region dealing with Parkinson’s. Tickets are $40 per person and it includes light food and a cash bar. Information and tickets are available at www.helpforpd. org/march4th.

Myasthenia Gravis Support Group

LATHAM - Announcing an ongoing support group for individuals suffering from Myasthenia Gravis. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 11:00 AM at the Latham Fire Department , 226 Old Loudon Rd, Latham NY12110. Participation is free and is open to patients and/or their caregivers. Before attending, please call David Newkirk at (518) 725-7187 or (518) 251-2695 or Bill Van Dyne at (518) 281-6968 for more information.

South Colonie Dollars for Scholars

COLONIE - South Colonie Dollars for Scholars would like to announce that high school seniors who attend Colonie Central High School can now apply for scholarships offered by South Colonie Dollars for Scholars.

The application deadline is March 19, 2023. All scholarships are offered via our website, https://southcolonie.dollarsforscholars.org. or find our link on the Colonie Central High School home page.

Scholarship amounts will range from $250 - $2500. In 2022, the organization gave out 63 scholarships totaling $35,000. We anticipate to have approximately the same amount this year.

This chapter of the national non-profit Scholarship America, was formed in 2003 and has given out over $500,000 in scholarships since then!

For assistance, please contact Tami Sherry, Awards Chair, at 518-4411628.

Multi-Media Art Show of the Round Table Art Group

LOUDONVILLE -

The William K. Sanford (Colonie Town) Library will host a multi-media art show of the Round Table Art Group for the entire month of February 2023.

The show will display a range of multi-media pieces including paintings, photographs and needle crafts.

The Round Table Art Group includes artists from the Capital District.

Shrove Tuesday

Pancake Dinner

LOUDONVILLEGood Shepherd Lutheran Church 510 Albany Shaker Road Loudonville will be having a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner on Tuesday, February 21 from 4:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m. We will be serving pancakes, sausage, apple sauce, orange juice, milk, and coffee. The cost for adults is $6; children ages 5-12 are $4 and children under 5 are free. A portion of the proceeds will be going to Feeding America. For more information call Danny Patrick at (518) 477-5355.

Free Community Dinner

WATERFORD –A Free Community Meal will be served during a Messy Church gathering from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 at Grace Church, 36 Third St. Messy Church provides an opportunity for people of all ages to worship together in a fun and creative way. Fun activities with a Biblical theme are planned.

For information, call the Episcopal parish at 237-7370 or visit gracechurchwaterford.com.

The Rev. Kathy Alonge-Coons celebrates the Holy Eucharist at 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Deacon Denise Moore assists.

An Adult Christian Education program begins at 8:30 a.m. A coffee hour follows each service

Colonie Seniors

International Diners Club

February OutingMexican Anyone?

LATHAM - Join Diane on her next scheduled

Member experience ranges from years to decades of making art. Some members are formally trained while others are self- taught.

The show at the Sanford Town of Colonie Library (629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, NY 12211) will be open for viewing by all. Library hours of operation are 10 am until 8 pm on Monday through Thursday, 10 am until 6 pm on Friday, 10 am through 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm until 5 pm.

For more information about the show or the Round Table Art Group which meets each Monday at the Albany JCC on Whitehall Road, contact Diane L. Campion at proforganizr@gmail.com.

Clifton Park Winterfest 2023

CLIFTON PARK - Sat., February 11th 9:30-4:00

Community Groups will be on display at the Clifton Park Center Mall from Noon until 3:00pm The GREEN Committee will be showcasing the Clifton Park Transfer Station and the variety of recycling that occurs in town. There will also be recycling displays, an all-electric bus and town trucks, a home winterization demo, a composting demo, and the transfer station recycling programs that are available and free to Clifton Park residents.

February Cabin Fever

Wine & Cheese at WHMCC WATERFORD - Date: Friday, February 10 Time: 7pm - Location: Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center

El Charro Mexican Grill at 952 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham on Tuesday, February 21 at 4 pm (CSSC buses will Beltrone Living Center and King Thiel at 3:40 pm). When thinking about the history, community, and culture of Mexico, food is one of the first things that come to mind. At El Charro Mexican Grill, they take pride in offering authentic recipes rooted in various regions of Mexico. The cost of the meal $24, which includes shared appetizers, entrée (one of three choices chosen prior to the event), dessert, and coffee/ tea. CSSC Transportation Services are available for those who are unable to drive themselves. Please call Diane at 518-459-2857 ext 305 for additional information or to reserve your spot.

February Vacation

Bible Camp at Bethlehem

Lutheran Church

DELMAR - February

SonShine Vacation Bible Camp will be held on February 21 - 23 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave, Delmar. Children preschool age 4 through 5th grade will learn about the life of Jesus from Christmas to Easter! Cost is $5 per child and incudes three days of Bible lesson, crafts to take home, games, music and snack. There will be a celebration

(2 Museum Lane, Waterford NY 12188)

Admission: $15 a person

Ease that cabin fever with a fun night of sampling a variety of wines and cheeses at the museum! Hand-etched wine glasses are included in admission. This event will be the last chance to view the 2022 exhibit, Waterford Travel Through Time, on display in the main room. It will also be the last chance to view the Ralph Savage Art Display in full, as loans and additional displays in this room will be concluded.

Loudonville Church

Submarine and Soup Sale

LOUDONVILLE -

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 510 Albany Shaker Road Loudonville will be having a Submarine and Soup Sale on Saturday and Sunday February 11th and 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days. Full 12 “ submarines $9 and 6” subs $6. Delicious variety of homemade soups and chili available. Pint $4 and Quart $7. Cash and credit cards accepted. Proceeds will benefit the ministries of Good Shepherd including our Food Box in the parking lot. For more information call Danny Patrick at (518) 477-5355. Shaker Rd

Loudonville

Fire Department

Hosting an All You Can Eat Spaghetti

Dinner Fundraiser

COLONIE - Saturday, February 11th 4pm7pm. Includes: Spaghetti, Meatballs, Salad, Bread &

for families on Thursday, February 23rd from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Questions? Call us at 518-439-4328 or visit www.blcdelmar.com for more information and to register online.

The Capital District Genealogical Society of New York

Announces Monthly Presentation

CAPITAL DISTRICT

- Topic: Researching and Interpreting the People who were Enslaved in New Netherland and Colonial Albany...with a Focus on the Van Rensselaer and Schuyler Families

When: Saturday, February 25, 2023

Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Where: Online via Zoom

Speaker Heidi Hill is the historic site manager of Crailo and Schuyler Mansion State Historic Sites, where she has fostered interpretive growth since 2005.

The Zoom presentation allows a maximum of 100 participants. At this time only members are invited to register. On the 16th we will open registration to all if there are places remaining. See our website under meetings and events. Registration deadline is Thursday, February 23rd, 11:55 PM.

FREE Registration: https://www.capitaldistrictgenealogicalsociety. org/event_registration

Butter Drink and a cookie. $13 Adults, $12 Seniors, Children 5-12 $6 and Children 4 and Under Free. Discount for Military available with ID. Come and have a great breakfast and support our fire department. 550 Albany Shaker Rd. 518-458-1352

Jerusalem

Reformed Church

Soup Supper

FEURA BUSH - Jerusalem Reformed Church in Feura Bush, NY is having a Soup Supper on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Variety of homemade soups, hot turkey sandwiches, with homemade turkey dressing, and hot ham and cheese sandwiches. And homemade desserts. No reservations needed. Free will donations accepted.

Latham Colonie Columbiettes

February

Breakfast Buffet

LATHAM - The Latham-Colonie Columbiettes are hosting a Breakfast Buffet on Sunday, February 12th, 2023 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus Council, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.

Menu includes; Scrambled Eggs, an Omelet Station, Home Fries, Corned Beef Hash, Bacon and Sausage, Pancakes and French Toast served w/ Warm syrup, A Variety of Cereals and Juices, Bananas and Hot Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate.

$12 Adults, $6 Children (5-10) and under 5 Free! www.lathamcoloniekofc.com/dinners&events

Colonie Seniors Host a Night to Rock Out

COLONIE - Join us on Monday, February 13 at The Beltrone Living Center for great music and dancing with “Jade”, a Classic Rock band originated in 1971. They’ll play your favorite rock band tunes with an emphasis on love for Valentine’s Day, so come to sing and dance along. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring your sweetheart or come alone. Entry is free and open to the public. The concert begins at 6 pm. Doors open at 5pm.

The Half Moon Button Club Monthly Meeting

DELMAR - The Half Moon Button Club will meet on Monday, February 13, 2023, at the Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054. The social time starts at 10:00 a.m. followed by the business meeting at 11:30 followed by the program which will end at 2:00 p.m. Bring a bag lunch. Dessert will be provided. For more information call Kirsti at 518-869-8125. This is a free event. Everyone is welcome!

Local Magicians to Meet February 14th

LATHAM - The local group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets at 7:00 PM on the second Tuesday of the month at the S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY. We welcome all persons, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history,

collecting or purely entertainment to join us for a fun evening. For more information about our organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit our web site: WWW.SAM24. SYNTHASITE.COM.

Shenendehowa Neighbors

Connecting Presents

“Adirondack Love Stories and Songs”, an Afternoon of Mirth and Good Cheer

CLIFTON PARKFebruary 14, 2023, 1 PM to 2:30 PM at the Christ Community Reformed Church, 1010 NY 146, Clifton Park, New York.

Storytellers Joe Doolittle, Margaret, French, Jeannine Lafferty, and folk singer/troubadour Dan Berggren will share memories of love stories and other related tales that still rest, and indeed live in our beautiful Adirondacks. Admission is free to members and five dollars for non-members .

Shenendehowa Neighbors Connecting is a nonprofit organization connecting people, 55 and older to their neighbors and their community. SNC sponsors monthly educational and social programs, many of which are open to the publi.

Cohoes Knights of Columbus Breakfast

COHOES - 255 Remsen Street, Cohoes NY 12047

Breakfast Featuring An Omelette Station & Corned Beef Hash

February 19, 2023 • 8:30 to 11:30 • $10.00 Adult

Children: 6 to 10 $5.00, 5 and under FREE

REAL ESTATE / HOUSE OF THE WEEK

12 Grace Court, Troy

TThe home is an example of a Colonial Revival Foursquare, popular from the mid-1890s to late 1930s. here is no denying the corner lot home at 12 Grace Court in Troy packs some serious curb appeal. Guests are greeted by a soft blue shake-sided porch with tapered white columns accented by a bright red door and contrasting dark tongueand-groove wood ceiling.

Built in 1910, the home is an example of a Colonial Revival Foursquare. Popular from the mid-1890s to late 1930s, the American Foursquare incorporated elements of Prairie School and Craftsman-style homes and was tailored to maximize small city lots. A testament to the tech-nique, this renovated home includes 1,450 square feet, three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

The aforementioned red entry door opens to a living room with a gas fireplace and glossy hardwood floors that continue through to the adjacent dining area. There’s an updated full bath off the galley kitchen that features new cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a subway tile back-splash and granite countertop. Forced hot air heat and central air conditioning have also been added recently. The fenced-in backyard offers extended outdoor living space and ample privacy.

List price: $249,000. Taxes: $4,500. Contact Scott Roberts with Sterling Homes Inc. at 518-522-4232 for more information.

install accommodations that an expert consultant in the field said were not required, adding what the owner called “significant and unnecessary expense.” Details of these projects are being kept vague because the owners said they didn’t want officials to recognize their business and possibly retaliate.

Sean M. Maguire, director of planning and economic development for the town, referred questions to the town supervisor’s office, saying he was not involved in Forts

Ferry Farm matters. However, in a Jan. 2 email to the farm’s attorney, Maguire wrote, “We need to discuss the overall plan for the farm.” Supervisor Peter G. Crummey’s office referred questions to DeGiovine.

In a Sept. 7 email to Forts Ferry Farm, following up on questions about the farm stand, Donald W. DeLude Jr., senior commercial building inspector and commercial zoning officer with the Colonie Building Department, wrote that the farm stand was being subjected to scrutiny because it had been expanded beyond its original scope without approval, among other objections. He did not address the fact that the stand has been a permanent

HOROSCOPE

Week Of February 12, 2023

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You might feel caught up in a daze this week, Aries. Your mind continues to wander, but your thoughts will settle down soon enough.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Make an effort to bring more people onto your side, Taurus. You can’t possibly win everyone over, but others might be receptive to your ideas with the right approach.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

A sit down with a higherup could be in order soon, Gemini. Explain your attributes and what you have been doing for the company and make an effort to compromise, if necessary.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, you are still following through with resolutions to be more organized. Start slowly and build up to bigger projects when you gain confidence in your abilities.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Celestial energy has you temporarily doubting your abilities, Leo. Normally you are quite confident in your creativity. Give things a little time to settle down.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, excitement could be on the horizon. Caution is needed, but don’t hesitate to embrace the renewed vigor this development inspires.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, this week you may start micromanaging other people without even realizing it. You certainly want things to be in order, but sometimes you have to let others be.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Retail therapy has its allure this week, Scorpio. If you must buy, direct your

purchasing dollars toward a sweetheart for Valentine’s Day or another special occasion.

SAGITTARIUS –Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, ground yourself with the small luxuries in your life that bring you joy. This could be the company of friends or cherished mementos.

CAPRICORN –Dec 22/Jan 20

Misinformation seems to circulate with ease, but don’t believe everything you hear this week, Capricorn. You may need to do some factchecking of your own.

AQUARIUS –Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you could be tempted to indulge in a little gossip as the rumors start flying this week. Take the high road and resist the urge to join in.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, if you feel a little off your game this week, find a friend who can offer you a pep talk. That’s all you need to bounce back.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

FEBRUARY 12

Judy Blume, Author (85)

FEBRUARY 13

Robbie Williams, Singer (49)

FEBRUARY 14

Freddie Highmore, Actor (31)

FEBRUARY 15

Megan Thee Stallion, Rapper (28)

FEBRUARY 16

The Weeknd, Singer (33)

FEBRUARY 17

Chord Overstreet, Actor (34)

FEBRUARY 18 Dr. Dre, Rapper (58)

structure since the beginning.

DeLude added, “Going forward, anything above agricultural needs to have a zoning verification submission and possibly require review by other Town of Colonie departments and/or building permit submissions.”

Emma Hearst said officials seemed to be basing their enforcement on what they see on social media, saying that emails with questions and concerns from the town often included screenshots of posts from the farm’s online accounts.

“Since we started, the town has always been a little confused about our business,” Hearst said. “When we (introduced) our design for our barn in 2016, they said it looked like a restaurant, and they didn’t even know why we needed a barn. We’re a farm! They see something online and base their response on that instead of coming over to see what we’re doing. They’re continually operating through assumption, and the social media stalking is so unprofessional.”

James Barker said, “What we’re doing is the same thing that’s happening at farms all over the country.”

“Small farms need to find dynamic ways to generate revenue, capture public interest and leverage the big spaces we have to keep this operating as a farm,” he said. “Farms have tours. Farms have beekeeping classes. Farms have yoga. Farms have live music. But for some reason, in the town of Colonie, that’s not ‘farm-related.’ ” sbarnes@- timesunion.com A 518-454-5489 A @ Tablehopping A Facebook: SteveBarnesFoodCritic

DISCOVER

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ing for ways to engage with us and the natural world. We encourage everyone to explore some of the areas that interest you and discover all that is extraordinary about the Albany Pine Bush.”

The Center is located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany and is open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Pine Bush Community. For more information about Discover the Night, trails and other programs visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org or call 518-456-0655.

St. Mary’s Waterford, Lucky Bucket Extravaganza

WATERFORD - Spring Lucky Bucket Extravaganza at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Division and Sixth Streets in Waterford, Sunday, March 19th. From noon to 2:30 PM (doors will open at 11:30 AM). Drawings start at 1:30 PM. Enjoy refreshments while you decide which theme basket/container you would like to win. Admission is $7 and includes lunch, beverage, dessert and a door prize ticket. Tickets for basket prizes are available for purchase.

Writer’s Workshop at THE CENTER

COLONIE - Come practice the art of writing in a friendly and supportive environment. In the Library at The Beltrone Living Center. First and Third Tuesday of each month, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please call Caroline Barrett at 518-459-2857 x 327, cbarrett@colonieseniors. org

PHOTOS BY KRISTEN BORDONARO, SOPHIASABELLAPHOTOGRAPHY

SHANNON FROMMA

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

Crafters Wanted in Richfield Springs

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Applications are currently being accepted for two popular craft events in Richfield Springs--the 42nd Annual Friendship Craft Festival to be held on Saturday, June 10 in Spring Park and the 3rd Annual Fall Craft Fair scheduled for Saturday, October 7 at the Cullen Pumpkin, 587 Cullen Road. Both events are sponsored by the Church Of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs. For information and an application for both events go to www.rschurchofchristuniting.com or call Carla at 315-858-1451.

Penny Social at St. Michael’s Church

COHOES - St. Michael’s Church, Page Ave. in Cohoes will be hosting their Annual Penny Social on Sunday, March 5th . Doors open at 10:30am, tickets can be purchased starting at 11:00am and the games will start at 1:00pm. PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGES FROM PRIOR YEARS. Admission is free. Under NYS law you must be 18 to play. There will be food, desserts and beverages available. The church hall is handicapped accessible. Come and have a fun afternoon. For further information, please call Maria at 518 782-1203 or Michelle at 518 235-3292.

How To Host The Ultimate Watch Party

Watch parties provide great opportunities to get together with friends and family. Such gatherings can be centered around Hollywood awards shows, sporting events or even the finale of a popular television series. Regardless of what’s being watched, hosts can employ various strategies to make the party as fun and memorable as possible for themselves and their guests.

• Stock up on food and drinks. Even if the festivities won’t include a sit-down dinner, stock up on food and drinks so no one goes hungry or thirsty. If the event you’re watching is slated to begin shortly after dinnertime, consider hosting a potluck pre-event dinner. A potluck dinner helps take some of the burden off of hosts and the pre-event meal can be a great time to share thoughts and theories about the event everyone is there to watch. Provide plenty of nonalcoholic beverages like water, soda, tea, and coffee as well. Alcoholic beverages can be served, but hosts should keep everyone’s consumption to a minimum to ensure guests make it home safe.

• Prepare some event-specific treats. Some event-specific treats like cookies that look like baseballs or desserts designed to mimic the appearance of an awards show statuette can inject a little something extra into the party.

• Send guests home with event-specific party favors.

The Rise In All-Electric Homes

When asked to think of modern homes, many people might think of minimalism, neutral colors, open concept floor plans, and large windows without treatments. While each of those features are components of modern homes, just what qualifies as “modern” is ever-changing and often a reflection of what buyers are looking for. And lately, many buyers are looking for all-electric homes. A 2015 study by the U.S. Energy Information Administration found that the number of all-electric homes had increased over the previous decade. In fact, the EIA study found that 25 percent of homes in the United States used only electricity. All-electric homes are generally considered more environmentally friendly because they lessen homeowners’ carbon footprint by reducing their

Event-specific party favors also can be a nice touch that guests won’t soon forget. If you’re gathering to watch a big game on the gridiron, pass out foam fingers with league or team logos. If it’s the finale of a beloved television series, hand out show-related mementos that allude to a specific and important episode, character or plot point in the show’s history.

• Make sure everyone has a seat and some space. Before inviting guests, conduct a reasonable assessment of your viewing space and determine how many guests can fit and sit comfortably in the space. Events like games and awards shows tend to last several hours, and guests will want a comfortable seat and a little space to spread out. Tailor the size of your guest list to your available space.

• Upgrade your tech. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of many watch parties, and in the interim hosts’ tech might have fallen a bit behind the times. Shop around for new items if your television could be a few inches larger or your surround sound system could use an upgrade to make any audiophile proud. Guests will appreciate the high-quality images and sound, and hosts will enjoy the upgrades long after the party has ended.

• Fill the down time. A television show watch party

need for fossil fuels like natural gas. Electric heat pumps, induction stoves and electric fireplaces are just some of the technologies that can be found in all-electric homes. Though the design style of all-electric homes needn’t be modern, there’s no denying that the growing popularity of such homes makes them an option for homeowners with modern sensibilities.

may not have much down time, but games and awards shows will have some breaks in the action. Some fun games like bingo can keep guests engaged even when the action on the screen slows down.

Hosts can up the fun factor of watch parties with a few simple strategies to make the festivities feel unique.