Saratoga TODAY 9.21.18 by Saratoga TODAY

LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 12 • Issue 38

• September 21 – September 27, 2018 • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • 518- 581-2480 •

BIG PLANS FOR B’SPA by Marissa Gonzalez Saratoga TODAY

Public safety building rendering. Photo provided.

New City Charter Heads to Public Referendum in November by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The mayor-appointed City Charter Commission has completed their work on a 38-page document which proposes a new City Charter. The proposition goes to public referendum on Nov. 6. If approved, the new Charter becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2019 – effectively repealing the city’s existing 2001 Charter. A second part of the referendum seeks to increase the voting members of the City Council from five to seven. If that second

proposal is approved by voters – that referendum also takes place Nov. 6 – the addition of the two councilmembers-at-large will become effective Jan. 1, 2020. As such, city voters in November 2019 – the next scheduled vote to elect the council – could be headed to the polls to vote for seven council members, instead of the traditional five. It is anticipated there would be a list of candidates for council membersat-large on the ballot, and the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes would then serve as council members-at-large. See Story pg. 10

BALLSTON SPA — Between the news of a new Hannaford and a groundbreaking for a public safety building in the works, Ballston Spa has a lot going on. As previously reported, a public safety facility will be located adjacent to the Sheriff ’s Department/County Correctional Facility at 6010 County Farm Road in Ballston Spa. Groundbreaking is expected within the next two to three weeks according to County Administrator Spencer Helwig.

Completion will be sometime in 2020. The new public safety building that will house the 911 dispatcher, public health, emergency services, probation department, public health, and the sheriff ’s administrative staff, will be approximately 62,000 square-feet. The original projected cost of the building was initially $32 Million but according to Helwig based on the bids, the contracts the town will be awarded next month and the money that’s already been spent the total See Story pg. 9

BLUE STREAKS BACK IN ACTION

JAKE WILLIAMS

Junior • Quarterback

SEE THE FULL TEAM LINEUP PGS. 44, 45

Neighbors:

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Snippets of Life from Your Community

INTERVIEW & PHOTO BY: Marissa Gonzalez

Who: The Saratoga Santa

Where: Broadway, in front of G. Wilikers Toys Q. Are you Santa? A. You see my car? Q. Is this your summer ride? A. No, this is my year round ride. The Saratoga Santa! Q. What is Santa doing this time of year? A. Santa right now is getting prepared for the busy season coming up. Q. What are you doing on Broadway right now? A. I just stopped in to see my friends at G. Wilikers toy store. Q. What have you been up to this summer? A. Well this summer, I go to the racetrack a lot, I love the horses. I didn’t win but I had lots of fun. Q. I see you have something cool in your trunk, what is that? A. Oh that’s a couple of custom made dogs that one of my elves made. Q. What’s next for you? A. Oh I’m getting ready, making sure the elves are all on schedule, Santa has lots of work to do! I’ve vacationed all summer, now I gotta get down to business pretty soon. Q. So what do you love about being the Saratoga Santa? A. I love everyday of my life that I’m Santa around here at Christmas time. It’s my life! Q. Who’s your favorite Santa? A. I would say anyone that looks like the Coca-Cola Santa.

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

NEWS 3

6th Annual Pink Bows on Broadway Photos provided.

John Lavazza, Greg Veitch Elena Pasek Rick Zielinski.

by Marissa Gonzalez Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The ‘angel army’ of Floyd Warriors is getting ready for breast cancer awareness month this October with the 6th annual monthlong celebration of Pink Bows on Broadway. Floyd Warriors founder, Lisa Morahan is a cancer survivor herself and started ‘Pink Bows on Broadway’ as a way to not only celebrate survivors and pay tribute to those that have succumbed to the illness, but also celebrate the caregivers, nurses and physicians who are also affected by the disease. Morahan was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in 2009, just eight weeks after her mother passed away because of the same illness. At the time of her diagnosis Morahan had a oneand-half-year-old son. “I asked my surgeon; he was giving me some resources, support groups and people I could talk to… I was at a point of really being on the front lines. I felt like

I was going into war and I had to prepare myself and I just had to focus on what was most needed at the moment,” she said. “I’m the youngest of six, I had part of my family and I had a lot of friends, so a lot of people were coming forward wanting to help but it was a full time job trying to figure out who could do what when and trying to coordinate things,” she added. And so began the vision for Floyd Warriors; the theme was to provide real help in the home of people undergoing cancer treatment. Floyd Warrior’s slogan is “helping families cope with cancer, one household at a time,” but the motto is “dinner is done, dishes are clean and the kids are okay.” Cancer certainly crushes you, makes you surrender to yourself and to a higher power, then it gives you the ability to rebuild yourself. According to Morahan much of the angel army that makes up Floyd Warriors are individuals that have undergone cancer treatment as well. The volunteers

“helping families cope with cancer, one household at a time” will help by either connecting the family to a business that can fulfill the service they need, and funding it, or fulfilling the task themselves, whether it is making dinner, yard work or housekeeping. While pink bows line Broadway during the month of

October, names of individuals and businesses will be attached on a personalized tribute card; the donor can specify who the tribute honors. The cost for an individual sponsorship is $50 while the cost for a business sponsorship is $250. All proceeds from the campaign

will benefit floydwarriors.com, a non-profit organization. On Oct. 1 beginning at 9 a.m. Morahan and the angel army will begin putting pink satin bows on Broadway beginning at City Hall. For more information eamil info@floydwarriors.com.

NEWS BRIEFS

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Gratitude Grant Award Presentation Locally Owned & Operated PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty | 518-581-2480 x212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell | 518-581-2480 x208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee | 518-581-2480 x201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com ADVERTISING Jim Daley | 518-581-2480 x209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey | 518-581-2480 x204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com DISTRIBUTION Kim Beatty | 518-581-2480 x205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com Carolina Mitchell | Magazine DESIGN Kacie Cotter-Sacala Newspaper Designer, Website Editor Morgan Rook Advertising Production Director and Graphic Designer Marisa Scirocco Magazine Designer EDITORIAL Thomas Dimopoulos 518-581-2480 x214 City, Crime, Arts/Entertainment thomas@saratogapublishing.com Marissa Gonzalez | 518-581-2480 x206 News, Business, Letters to the Editor marissa@saratogapublishing.com Lori Mahan | 518-581-2480 x203 Education, Sports lori@saratogapublishing.com Anne Proulx | 518-581-2480 x252 Obituaries, Proofreader aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

Email DESIGN@ saratogapublishing.com to subscribe to our weekly newsletter! ADVERTISING? NEXT MAGAZINE DEADLINE: Healthy Saratoga - 9.21.18

Local news never looked this good! Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Phone: 518-581-2480 Fax: 518-581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Top row: Julie Slovic, Marianne McGhan, Ben Buffa, Peter Maynard, Pat Mansfield. Second row: Linda Walczak, Marge Mohrmann, Dora Lee Stanley, Sue Waghorn, Peter Gemellaro, Gerry Conboy. Seated: Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sept. 12, the Saratoga-Wilton Elks presented grants totaling $2,000 to three food pantry partners. A number of local politicians came to view the awards presentation; Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Peter Gemellaro, Legislative Analysts to Senator Kathleen Marchione, and Town of Wilton Supervisor Art Johnson. The Elks also received a citation from Senator James N. Tedisco “… to recognize and honor the accomplishments

of those...organizations who, through deeds and achievements, add significantly to the welfare and quality of life for their region and fellow citizens...and always strive to serve the people of their communities.” One year ago, the lodge saw that senior citizens living in the Saratoga area who are income eligible for food pantry items did not have transportation to get to the food pantries. To solve the problem the Elks entered into partnerships with

the Wilton Food Pantry, the St. Clements Pantry and the Franklin Community Center Food Pantry. They have delivered over 6,000 meals since the program started. The awards will help to keep the food pantry shelves stocked so that the 70 plus seniors that have now enrolled can continue to benefit from the program. For additional information contact Ben Buffa, Senior Outreach Committee Chairman at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge at buffa0506@gmail.com.

Ballston Spa Christmas Community Art Project BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa is getting ready for this year’s holiday season with the Christmas Community Art Project. The theme is “A Village of Friends” and will feature oversized gingerbread ornaments and holiday banners. The ornaments and banners are available now at the Ballston Spa Public Library, free of charge, for decoration by children of all ages. All ornaments and banners are due back at the library by Nov. 3 and will be used to decorate the village Christmas tree and the streets of Ballston Spa during the holiday season. Make sure materials are weather resistant. This community arts event is sponsored by the Village of Ballston Spa and Curtis Lumber. For more information contact Mark Blech at 518-742-6355.

Clifton ParkHalfmoon Library to Host Social Security Information Program CLIFTON PARK — The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library will be hosting a Social Security retirement information program on Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. for pre-retirees wanting to make a more informed claiming decision. The one hour program entitled, “Getting Serious about Social Security” is designed to help individuals better prepare for the financial challenges of retirement given the potential for living longer. The program is being offered as a public service by John N. Kalil, Jr., a Financial Advisor and the President of Retirement Solutions, LLC. The event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Seating is limited with pre-registration required in advance. To RSVP, please call the library at 518-371-8622.

Week of September 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 27, 2018

COURT Deborah M. Willson, 49, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Sept. 13 to attempted criminal possession fo a controlled substance. Sentencing Jan. 10, 2019. Kathleen M. Callahan, 57, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Sept. 13 to felony grand larceny. Sentencing scheduled Nov. 8. Nicholas M. Hall, 21, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Sept. 12 to use of a child in a sexual performance, a felony, in connection with an incident that took place in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled Nov. 7. Edward J. Brower, 49, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Sept. 12 to 1 to 3 years in state prison, after pleading to felony DWI and criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor. Nelson D. Bruno, Jr., 29, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to five years of probation, after pleading to felony burglary. Michael A. Rohm, 27, of Pottersville, was sentenced Sept. 11 to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI in Ballston Spa.

POLICE Shawn M. Renner, 55, of Galway, was charged Sept. 15 with criminal

contempt in the first-degree, a felony, and misdemeanor assault and endangering the welfare of a child, in connection with an alleged domestic incident. Jajuan A. Perez, age 28, Watervliet, was charged Sept. 14 with failure to stop at stop sign; equipment (tinted side wing windows); operating motor vehicle suspended registration- misdemeanor. Robert W. Rivers, age 35, Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 13 with criminal contempt first degree- felony; aggravated family offense- felony. Gregory M. Scott, age 23, Schaghticoke, was charged Sept. 13 with criminal trespass third degree/building or propertymisdemeanor; criminal mischief fourth degree/intent damages prop- misdemeanor. Christopher T. Kavanagh, age 31, Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 13 with criminal possession of controlled substance 5th- felony. Jordan M. Doughty, age 24, Stillwater, was charged Sept. 13 with criminal possession of controlled substance 5th- felony; unlawful possession of marijuana. Keachia F. Holmes, age 20, Malta, was charged Sept. 12 with petit larceny- misdemeanor.

BLOTTER 5 Brian E. Dailey, age 23, Gansevoort, was charged Sept. 12 with speeding - posted zone; registration plate display violation; driving while intoxicatedmisdemeanor; aggravated driving while intoxicatedmisdemeanor. John R. Bellon, age 25, Porters Corners, was charged Sept. 10 with criminal possession of controlled substance 5th- felony; criminal sale of a controlled substance 5th degree- felony. Janel S. Constantine, age 36, Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 10 with driving while intoxicatedmisdemeanor; fail to keep right; failed to signal a turn; aggravated driving while intoxicatedmisdemeanor. Heather L. Smith, age 33, Gansevoort, was charged Sept. 10 with disorderly conduct;

harassment second degree - physical contact; resisting arrest- misdemeanor.

control device; aggravated unlicensed operation third degree- misdemeanor.

Victor A. Maffetone, age 32, Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 10 with assault in the third degree/ intent physical injury- misdemeanor.

James F. Labarr, age 28, Gansevoort, was charged Sept. 6 with failed to stop at stop sign; fail to keep right; fail to comply with lawful order of the police; driving while intoxicatedmisdemeanor; refuse pre-screen test; criminal possession of controlled substance 5th- misdemeanor.

Carlos A. Solencarnacion, age 23, Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 10 with harassment second degree - physical contact. Claude V. Campbell, age 29, Portsmouth, Ohio, was charged Sept. 10 with criminal mischief in the third degree- felony. Hassan Saleh, age 29, Stillwater, was charged Sept. 6 with aggravated unlicensed operation third degree- misdemeanor. Jennifer J. Blanchard, age 51, Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 6 with fail to obey traffic

David Miner, age 52, Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 5 with driving while intoxicatedmisdemeanor; consumption of alcoholic beverages. Corey J. Melancon, age 30, Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 5 with speeding posted zone; aggravated unlicensed operation third degree- misdemeanor.

6 Lawrence S. Gordon

WILTON — Lawrence “Larry” S. Gordon, 83, a resident of the Town of Wilton, died on September 11, 2018 at Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by many members of his loving family. Larry was born on April 30, 1935, in Saratoga Springs, the son of Larry and Nellie Gordon. Larry was a lifelong resident of Saratoga County. He graduated from Perkiomen Prep School in 1954 and Syracuse University, NYS College of Forestry in 1963. He was the Director of Planning for Saratoga County for 33 years and served as President of the NYS Planner’s Association and as Regional Vice President of the National Association of Planning Directors. He was Planner Emeritus of the American Institute of Planning. Larry was the former Captain and a life member of the Greenfield/ Wilton Fire District and served as Saratoga County Deputy Fire Coordinator and Town of Wilton Emergency Services Coordinator. He also served as a NYS DEC Volunteer Forest Fire Warden and NYS DEC Volunteer Fire Foreman. He was a member of Lower

OBITUARIES Adirondack Search & Rescue (LASAR), having served as its President and Team Commander, and served as Vice Chair of the NYS Federation Search and Rescue. He represented the executive branch of NYS on the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission (NFFPC), a consortium of NY, the New England states, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces. He was active in Boy Scouting for over 50 years, having served on the Executive Board of the local council and as property chair for Camp Saratoga. He was also an honorary member of the U.S.S. Saratoga Association. He served two terms as Councilperson on the Wilton Town Board. A few of his other community activities were Wilton Fire Tower volunteer, Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park board member, NYS Mt. McGregor Facility Advisory Committee, U.S.S. Saratoga Decommissioning Ceremony, U.S.S. Saratoga Ship’s Bell & Commissioning Silver Service Restoration Committee as chair, U.S.S. Saratoga 1998 Reunion Committee as national co-chair and community liaison for the Saratoga National Veteran Cemetery dedication and for the Congressional Medal of Honor Reunion in Saratoga Springs. Larry was recognized by the local Boy Scout Council as the “Good Scout” (twice) and received the Silver Beaver Award. He was the first recipient of the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park Metamorphosis Award, LASAR Volunteer of the Year Award in 1999, LASAR President’s Award in 2016 and NFFPC Outstanding Service Award in 2017. Larry enjoyed traveling the

roads in the Adirondack Park, with friends and making new friends, to earn his Vagabond Award from the Adirondack 102 Club, and he especially enjoyed entertaining friends and visitors at the Cornell Hill Fire Tower with endless tales. But most of all he enjoyed working on ‘projects’ – at Camp Saratoga, in the Town of Wilton, throughout Saratoga County and beyond. Larry is survived by his wife, Patricia Watkins, son Robert, daughter, Lisa Beth, and son, Scott and Scott’s wife Christina, grandchildren Skyler and Jessica, sisters Laurie Zeh (Dale), Lynne Doyle (Dan) and Rhea Demory, and brothers Jan Scott (Anne), David (Kate) and Peter (Karen) as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Marie Towner, mother of Robert and Scott. He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Gordon, mother, Nellie Gordon, and stepmother, Jeanne Gordon. Relatives and friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Hudson Headwaters Health Foundation, 9 Carey Road, Queensbury, NY or Wilton Food Pantry, PO Box 2383, Wilton, NY. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SSARATOGA ARATOGA S SPRINGS PRINGS ∙∙ 584-5373 584-5373

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Mabel W. (Peggy) Biggie

Tara McGowan Goldman

PORTER CORNERS — Mabel W. (Peggy) Biggie, 92, passed away September 14, 2018. There will be a private service at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Donations may be made in Peggy’s memory to the Corinth Emergency Squad. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tara McGowan Goldman passed away September 16, 2018. Calling hours were Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 at Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, Sept. 21, 2018 at 10:30 a.m., St. Clement’s Church, Lake Ave., burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Burke & Bussing

SSARATOGA ARATOGA S SPRINGS PRINGS ∙∙ 584-5373 584-5373

William B. Riley

Margaret Ferrara

SARATOGA SPRINGS — William B. Riley passed away Sept. 17, 2018. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23 at Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, (518-584-5373). Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Ballston Spa. Burial to follow at noon, at Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Margaret Ferrara, 99, passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018 at Saratoga Hospital. Services are private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Burke and Bussing Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Burke & Bussing

SSARATOGA ARATOGA S SPRINGS PRINGS ∙∙ 584-5373 584-5373

Funeral Homes

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! SARATOGA COUNTY — The Community Hospice of Saratoga and Washington Counties is pleased to announce that the Pumpkin Carving Contest is once again going to be part of Touched by an Angel, which is being held on Oct. 18 at the National Museum of Dance. Sunnyside Gardens is donating giant pumpkins to be carved for the contest. Carving

Photo provided.

will be done on Oct. 16 and, Oct. 17 at Sunnyside Gardens located at 345 Church St. in Saratoga Springs. Voting will take place at Touched by Angel with 10 prizes

being awarded. Carvers should bring their own tools. For more information, please contact Gina Peca at 518-581-9727, ext. 8611 or gina.peca@sphp.com

16th Annual The Way We Were Car Show BALLSTON SPA — The Way We Were car show will be held Oct. 7 beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. on Front Street in Historic Ballston Spa. Rain date for the event is Oct. 14. Front Street in the village of Ballston will be blocked off from Milton Avenue past the Old Iron Spring to accommodate car exhibits and vendors. In addition to the classic and specialty cars on display, there will be live music

from Betsy and The ByeGons, a Kids’ Zone with bounce house and children’s activities, plus car related and other vendors. Food will be available throughout the show route from several restaurants, food truck and community organization vendors, including The Brickyard, MeMe’s Snack Shack, Spike’s Sauce, Ballston Spa Rotary and Ballston Spa Lions Club. Brookside Museum will hold demos from local EMS on its

lawn. The museum’s exhibits will be open to visitors. Judging begins at 9 a.m. with car trophies awarded at 3 p.m. Car exhibitors can pre-register by Sept. 30 for $15 or on the day of show for $20. There is no cost to spectators. All proceeds will benefit the community activities and efforts of the BSBPA. For more information, email bspacarshow@ballston.org, info@ ballston.org or call 518-885-2772.

Project Lift University Fundraiser SARATOGA SPRINGS — Franklin Community Center is hosting its 8th Annual Project Lift University, a benefit uniquely designed to raise funds for their after-school prevention program, Project Lift. Project Lift University, presented by Stacie and Michael Arpey, is scheduled for Sept. 27 and begins at 6 p.m. and ends 9 p.m. at Longfellows. Enjoy music by J Yager, a magician, tarot card reader, food and drinks, a large silent auction and a live missionbased auction. Project Lift is a free afterschool prevention program operated by Franklin Community

Center that offers a safe, caring and structured environment for youth in grades 1-5. The program’s unique approach heightens children’s social and emotional competence, builds positive decision-making skills and boosts self-esteem. Additionally, the program places strong emphasis on the prevention of tobacco, drugs, alcohol and bullying, and helps strengthen the bond between child, family, school and community. Ticket prices are $80 or $150 and can be purchased online at franklincommunitycenter.org or by calling Franklin Community Center at 518-587-9826.

NEWS

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Skidmore Alum Brews Teas and Booze Photos provided.

by Marissa Gonzalez Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Skidmore alum has taken a new twist on spirits and brought it to the national stage. Maria Littlefield, partner and president of Owl’s Brew graduated from Skidmore College in 2009 and by 2013 she and partner Jennie Ripps had already launched their own mixer called Owl’s Brew with the motto “drink wise.” Littlefield has even made it on to Forbes’ 30 under 30 list. Littlefield and Ripps began this venture simply by brewing teas and spirits and hosting “adult tea parties” for co-workers. Soon enough the two were being asked to partner with different liquor brands and serve at events like the Sundance Film Festival and New York Fashion week, “which sounds super glamorous except we were fresh brewing tea in buckets for a thousand people,” Littlefield said jokingly. “Skidmore and Saratoga are obviously near and dear to my heart. I spent a lot of time here,

and my friends and I still come up every summer,” Littlefield said. Littlefield is from Connecticut and now resides in New York City. Her grandmother is also a Skidmore alum, “So my whole family really loves Saratoga,” she added. During her senior year in the Spa City, Littlefield interned at Fingerpaint and even worked on sponsorships for the Polo field. “Because I lived here I feel like all of the places are really special to me. I have to go to Putnam (Market) every time I come,” Littlefield said. Owl’s Brew Radler, a beer mixed with tea and botanicals, launched in 2015. Littlefield said since spirit distribution is much more local, the strategy for the Radler was to focus on places both Ripps and Littlefield had a connection with, calling Saratoga a “hoot spot.” Every Thursday, Owl’s Brew is served at trivia night at the Saratoga Winery, and on Sept. 20 at a back-to-school Dress and Sip at Violet’s of Saratoga. Owl’s Brew was also a vendor at the Saratoga Wine and Food Festival that took place on Sept. 8, attended Taste

of Saratoga and held a few events with the Brentwood Hotel. The wise owl gave way to the concept of Owl’s Brew mixer and the Owl’s Brew Radler, “having flavor that gives you function,” Littlefield calls it. “That’s giving your body back something. Everyone wants to feel good about drinking,” she added. Ingredients in both Owl’s Brew products are clean and real, brewing the teas themselves in what Littlefield can only describe as huge tea bags. “We realized there was this whole world of mixing botanicals with spirits made these delicious really unique cocktails that instead of almost covering up a spirit,

Maria Littlefield and Jennie Ripps.

which a lot of us try to do, it almost enhances the flavor of a spirit but smooths it out,” Littlefield said.

Owl’s Brew can be found at Market 32, Minogues Beverage, Bailey’s Café and more.

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

NEWS 9

BIG PLANS FOR B’SPA continued from front page... project is now at $28,850,000. On Sept. 18 a $24 million bond was approved by the board of supervisors. It is a 15-year bond. The remainder, which is roughly $4 million, will be paid in cash according to Helwig. The idea to build a new public safety building was conceived 10 years ago and the project progressed through preliminary engineering but was eventually shelved due to growing financial obligations. At that time it was to maintain the County’s nursing home, Maplewood Manor, which has since been sold. “They’re going to start doing site work this week as soon as contractors start getting the equipment in and try to get as much of, the initial preparation for the building construction in place… They’ll be doing some work depending on how far they get before it gets too cold with the snow. That will dictate the other work that can be done through the winter,” Helwig added. As for the Hannaford, it is expected to be 38,000-squarefeet, and bring between 100 and

110 full- and part-time jobs. Sophia Morruso, Senior Planner for the Town of Ballston said “We have them returning in September so this is the third meeting that we’ll have with regards to the Hannaford site plan review. I think that the planning board has conducted the majority of the basic site plan, layout and design elements review. Where they’re really at, at this point, is navigating the engineering of the project and coordinating other agency approvals.” The next planning board meeting will take place on Sept. 26. “They’re definitely kind of headed toward the later part of their review process but they’re returning next week, and we anticipate continuing to review some of the details of the plan and also to start working through the engineering comments as well,” Morruso added. Those traveling on Route 50 in Ballston Spa may notice some roadwork near the planned Hannaford. However according to Morruso, the Hannaford site plan application was for retail use, but it is part of an entire PUDD (planned unit development district),

owned by Frank Rossi Sr., that establishes zoning for a larger contiguous area. Part of the plan and part of the PUDD requires the construction of a loop road so that it will immediately be serving Hannaford if and when they get approved. “They’ve recently done paving to it and are in the process of trying to dedicate the road to the town. We would certainly need the road to be functional in order for the site plan to be developed but in a way it’s a bit independent of that particular tenant; its really more part of that development plan for that whole area,” Marruso said.

Public safety building rendering. Photo provided.

NEWS

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

New City Charter Heads to Public Referendum in November continued from front page... Specifically, the Nov. 6 ballot will contain two separate questions about the Saratoga Springs City Charter. 1. Shall the Saratoga Springs City Charter be amended as proposed by the 2018 Charter Review Commission? 2. Shall the Saratoga Springs City Charter be further amended to provide for two (2) additional City Council members whose authority shall be legislative only? Voters who choose to approve the first question – changing the City Charter – may also vote on whether to approve the second question. The initiative – adding two council members-at-large, cannot be enacted without a “yes” vote on both questions. The 2018 Charter Review Commission was formed on March 6, 2018 by Mayor Meg Kelly with the goal of finding efficiencies and organizational improvements to better serve the people who live and work in the

City of Saratoga Springs. City Attorney Vincent DeLeonardis served as chairman of the Commission. This week, he sat down with Saratoga TODAY and discussed some of the proposed changes. Q. What is the status of the proposal? A. We have completed our review, drafted our proposed recommendations and filed that (on Sept. 6) with the city clerk. The document will now be forwarded to the county Board of Elections and it will be on the ballot on Nov. 6. It will be on the ballot, by the way, as two separate questions. Through our process of drafting proposed amendments, we have all of those incorporated into a draft charter relating to the first question that the voters will have: whether they will approve the Charter as amended by the Charter Review Commission. A separate question is whether they will further amend the Charter to incorporate the two additional at-large council members.

If they vote yes for question 1 to amend the charter, they will then vote on whether it will be further amended to address the two at-large council members, but if question 1 does not get approval, then question two does not go into effect. Q. How would the two at-large council members work? A. If approved by the voters, the two at-large council members will have legislative responsibility only and would not have any administrative or departmental responsibilities at City Hall. Q. Will they be paid positions? A. They would be, but salaries are to be determined by council. The amount of the salary is not contained in the Charter itself. The amount of any salary to be provided to the council members at-large would be established by the City Council in accordance with Local Law. That would be decided after the vote passes. (Note: at-large members would not have deputies). Q. Would the council members at-large attend every council meeting? A. They would be expected to. They will be full members of City Council. Q. What influenced the idea to consider expanding the voting council from five to seven members? A. I think as a commission we were aware of certain public concerns that the responsibilities of the five council members may prevent qualified citizens from seeking public office. So, there is

an opportunity to serve in city government as a member-at-large, and not be responsible for running a city department. It would enlarge the opportunity for individuals to participate in city government. They are charged with being fully involved in all voting procedures. They will be full members of the City Council, they just will not run a department. Q. Would there be a specific criteria or requirement for members at-large? A. No, it’s an elected position and it’s up to the people to decide who they put as members of the City Council. Q. What are your thoughts about the overall review process with the commission? A. I thought the process was positive. The commission worked well together, and we had a level of respect and professionalism that assisted in the process of getting things done. Q. What are some of the proposed changes to the Charter? A. Generally we’ve re-numbered and re-organized certain sections, provided amendments to the existing Charter - including new sections. and of course, there’s the separate and distinct question submitted in respect to council members at-large. More specifically, there are a number of things we did not change (such as) term limits. That was one thing that had been raised, but we did not make changes to it.

In a number of areas we eliminated things like specific job titles and outlined department functions. We’ve incorporated requirements related to the State of the City (Address) – that it be presented by the entire City Council, rather than just the mayor. We have also required that appointments to the Land Use Boards – including the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the DRC – which are still to be made by the mayor, will now be made with the advice and consent of counsel and will require a vote. And, the Rec Commission and the Recreation Department was moved from the Mayor’s Department to the DPW. Will there be Public Hearings? We did receive an invitation from SUCCESS – who is hosting an event at the Library on Oct. 3 – and so we accepted that invitation and we’re looking forward to presenting at the library on that date. We’re also reaching out to other organizations and entities for meetings. Note: The Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission will give a presentation on the proposed charter changes at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3 in the H. Dutcher Community Room of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. A Q&A session will follow. This meeting is being sponsored by SUCCESS and is open to the public.

Week of September 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 27, 2018

NEWS 11

Saratoga Peace Week Saratoga Springs Paving Schedule Begins Sept. 21 This Week

SARATOGA SPRINGS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The annual Saratoga Peace Week series of events steps off with a Peace Walk at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21 at High Rock Park. The week includes several events at the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church on Circular Street: a discussion with Michael Zanchelli of the US Institute of Peace takes place 7 p.m.

Sept. 22, and a familyfriendly Peace Fair will be held noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 23. The Saratoga Peace Fair and Concert Across America to End Gun Violence features live music, exhibits, and a community lunch, from 1 to 2 p.m. for a free will donation. The Saratoga Immigrant Coalition presents stories told by immigrant youth from local schools and colleges 6:30 p.m., Sept.

25 at the Spring Street Gallery. Saratoga Peace Week, which is celebrating its 10th year, continues to work on its mission of building a community of peace that works together for a more peaceful and just community, nation and world. For a full schedule of events, visit www.kateforer.wixsite.com/ pnecc/peaceweek.

The following streets are to be paved according to the schedule below. Monday, Sept. 24 Mill Grande Blvd from Cady Hill Blvd. to Dead End; Mill Truman Lane from Webster Street to Wright Street. Tuesday, Sept. 25 Mill Vichy Drive from Hathorn Blvd. to Skidmore Drive. Wednesday, Sept. 26 Pave Vichy Drive from Hathorn Blvd. to Skidmore Drive.

Thursday, Sept. 27 Pave Grande Blvd from Cady Hill Blvd. to Dead End; Pave Truman Lane from Webster Street to Wright Street; Pave Old Ballston Ave South from Northline Road to Dead End. Paving will begin at 6 a.m. and should be completed by 2 p.m. There is no parking of cars on the street during these hours, and driveway access/egress will be limited with potentially lengthy delays.

BUSINESS

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Impact of Agriculture and Agribusiness Tops $500M Annually in Saratoga County by Marissa Gonzalez Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — On Sept. 19 the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership economic development agency, released the first-ever Saratoga County Agricultural Index, which identifies the agriculture sector as a critical component of the county’s economy, generating more than $500 million in annual economic impact. That figure includes nearly $300 million produced by equine interests, including Saratoga Race Course, and more than $200 million in agricultural products, support services and commodities sold. At the event that took place at Ellms Family Farm in Ballston

Spa, business leaders, farmers and industry stakeholders gathered for the unveiling of the inaugural index. “The Saratoga County Agricultural Index paints a vivid picture of the vital role agriculture and agribusiness play in creating a vibrant Saratoga County economy,” said Marty Vanags, President of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. “We are committed to lending our support to sustain and grow this important sector by providing business and technical resources, enabling access to markets and capital, and promoting collaboration through incentives and marketing campaigns aligned with the needs of the farming community,” he said.

According to the Agricultural Index, Saratoga County ranks third among Capital Region counties in the number of farms, at 583; in annual agricultural output, at $83 million; in annual value of agriculture products and support services, at $125 million; and in market value of agricultural land and buildings, at $378 million. Dairy products represent the topselling agricultural commodities in Saratoga County, with the $772,000 per-farm value of milk produced at 23 dairy farms ranked first in the Capital Region and sixth in New York State. Total direct farm wages in Saratoga County were $27 million in 2017. Meanwhile, the equine industry is a significant player in the county’s agribusiness sector, according to the index. Saratoga Race Course accounts for 2,600 on-site jobs, generates $101 million in earnings and $237 million in sales. In addition, 64 private horse farms boast a total market value of $59 million. “The agricultural industry has been an important part of Saratoga County’s economy

Marty Vanags unveils the inaugural Saratoga County Agricultural Index. Photo provided.

for many years, and its positive impact is just as vital today,” said Edward Kinowski, Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

“We are committed to lending our support to ensure our agriculture and agribusiness sector continues to grow and prosper in the years ahead.” The Saratoga County Agricultural Index also included the results of a Pulse Survey that showed 71 percent of industry leaders and stakeholders described themselves as optimistic about the future of agriculture in Saratoga County. In addition, 94 percent strongly agreed or agreed that providing new incentives or creating mechanisms to support agricultural collaboration were needed, and 70 percent strongly agreed or agreed with the need for new branding concepts or marketing campaigns to sustain agricultural growth. A panel discussion featuring industry leaders and community stakeholders followed the presentation of the index. Panelists included Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner; Bill Peck of Welcome Stock Farm and Supervisor, Town of Northumberland; Rachel (Czub) McDermott of Whole Feeds of the Hudson Valley and Z-Hub in Moreau; and Jennifer Koval of Koval Brothers Dairy of Stillwater.

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

New South Glens Falls Shop Will Have Holistic Remedies

BUSINESS BRIEFS 13

Complexions Spa First in Area to Offer Cannabis Extracted CBD Oil Massage SARATOGA SPRINGS — Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness, with locations in Albany and Saratoga Springs, is the first spa in the Capital Region to add a Cannabidiol (CBD) oil massage to its menu of services. While CBD oil offers many healing properties similar to those found in marijuana, the CBD Oil used by Complexions is legal, safe, non-addictive and does not create the “high” associated with marijuana use.

Letter SOUTH GLENS FALLS — The Pretty Hot Mess will be opening to the public with a grand opening celebration on Sept. 22, at noon. The shop is located at 164 Saratoga Ave. in South Glens Falls. Owner Angel Isaac of South Glens Falls built a raging online business and is opening a physical location as a response to popular demand. The shop will carry the essential oil blends she is known for, including 'Calm Yo A** Down,' as well as CBD (Cannabidiol) oil products, fashion forward clothing, jewelry, tarot cards, crystals, Himalayan salt lamps,

stones and metaphysical gifts. A grand opening event date is to be determined. Improvements made to the space include renovated lighting, new flooring, fresh paint, restroom upgrades. Dr. Isaac has more than 20 years of experience in critical care and trauma medicine, and uses her experience to carefully research alternative remedies to help alleviate the symptoms of common ailments. She has her Master's Degree in Nursing and doctorate as a Nurse Practitioner and helps each client find the best holistic essential oil blends for their needs.

Combining hemp-based CBD oil, anti-inflammatory Arnica and LED phototherapy, this 90-minute therapeutic treatment utilizes techniques to relieve those suffering from chronic pain relating to a variety of health conditions. The CBD oil massage is not only an effective remedy for those with preexisting medical conditions, but it also acts as an excellent preventative tool for healthy individuals through its immune-building, calming, sleep-promoting properties.

TO THE

EDITOR

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week Saratoga Bridges was thrilled to celebrate Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week September 9-15 as it provided an opportunity to honor, showcase and express our appreciation to our dedicated, hardworking and skilled staff members. DSP Week is part of the American Network of Community Options and Resources national campaign. As president of Saratoga Bridges’ Board of Directors, I am thrilled to be able to say THANK YOU on behalf of our board members, management team and families. Our DSPs are devoted to the people we support each and every day. We are honoring them this week with various activities and want to recognize the fact that our dedicated employees give their energy, creativity and passion to their positions. However, they are often unrecognized throughout the community as true professionals. They provide invaluable services to the people we support and are responsible for their health, safety and emotional wellbeing. As they encourage our individuals to lead more meaningful, enriched, productive and independent lives, they truly make a difference. And yet they are not paid fair, living wages. Our limitations have resulted in a crisis as far as the number of vacant positions we have open and available. We have been fervently advocating for the BFair2DirectCare initiative because our elected officials need to understand that our workforce is essential, and their wages must be competitive. We strongly encourage them to give us the financial resources in which to do. Our DSPs deserve nothing less! In conclusion, I want to reiterate how much gratitude we have for our DSPs as they make a positive impact by ensuring that every day is full of possibilities.

Sincerely,

- DR. LAWRENCE FEIN, President, Board of Directors

NEWS

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

NOTES FROM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE by Todd Shimkus • for Saratoga TODAY

Giant Pumpkins Coming to Spa State Park

Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce I THINK IT WAS the fall of 2015 when Ned Chapman at Sunnyside Gardens first called me. He said that he wanted to meet and talk with me about Giant Pumpkins and the chance to host a festival that Cooperstown had decided to cancel. Fast forward to September of 2016, I am at Sunnyside Gardens watching as pumpkin growers from Saratoga County, New York State, and four other surrounding

states start arriving in trucks. Each truck is towing a trailer, and on each trailer is a giant pumpkin. They were bright orange, yellow, and green but they were all giant! The crew of volunteers, including Todd Brownell and Wayne Seelow, had to use forklifts to move these giant pumpkins from the trailers into the staging area for our first-ever Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest. Surrounded by a rope fence, the staging area quickly resembled the tailgating section at a football game. The pumpkin growers, their families, and friends taking the best seats to watch as each giant pumpkin was weighed. This first-time event had generated a couple of news stories earlier from local media outlets but nothing that would tip us off to the crowd that would show up that day. Because we had never hosted such an event, we had no photos of the giant pumpkins and little knowledge of how many pumpkins might be brought to this competition.

Photos provided | Carrlow and Colasurdo Photography

So the content available for us to do an effective digital ad campaign was limited. But the ads we created gained immediate and considerable attention. Within a matter of days, our online ads served via social media in partnership with Mannix Marketing had reached tens of thousands of people with hundreds of likes and shares. Now estimating crowds at a festival is not an exact science.

But there is no doubt that this first year event attracted more than 5,000 people. Last year for our 2nd annual Giant PumpkinFest, the weather was just as nice as the first year and we had a crowd estimated at more than 7,000 people, mostly families. With attendance numbers like this, we’re moving this year’s 3rd Annual Giant PumpkinFest to the Saratoga Spa State Park, on Sunday, September 30.

Once again, Ned Chapman and Sunnyside Gardens, with the help of Todd Brownell and Wayne Seelow, the Saratoga Spa State Park and the Spa City Farmer’s Market, will organize and host this giant pumpkin competition. We’re all again hoping for great weather, lots of giant pumpkins, and a big crowd. The Farmer’s Market will have lots of vendors on hand. We have sponsors like Stewart’s Shops who will be serving ice cream and Dizzy Chicken who will be serving chicken, mac n’ cheese, and pulled pork. Hoffman Car Wash will organize a “Corn Hole” tournament and Sunnyside Gardens will have Hayrides. There will be donuts, cider, apples and pumpkin treats and lots more. Attendance is free and there are plentiful opportunities to take a picture of your kids or a selfie of yourself with these giant pumpkins. For more details, visit www. saratogagiantpumpkinfest.com. And should you want to win your own 100 pound pumpkin, you can enter a free contest at www.ilovesaratoga.us where you will have to guess the weight of this year’s heaviest pumpkin. Let me assure you, it will be well above 100 pounds!

Week of September 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 27, 2018

EDUCATION

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Rich Johns to be Inducted to SUNY Adirondack’s Trailblazer Society SARATOGA COUNTY — SUNY Adirondack will induct five members to the Trailblazer Society, a new distinguished alumni program for the college on September 28 during Homecoming Weekend. Rich Johns of Saratoga Springs will be one of the first five to be honored. The path to success for many alumni began at Adirondack Community College. For the college, humble beginnings in 1961 in Hudson Falls led to a new campus in 1967 in Queensbury and a new name, SUNY Adirondack, in 2010. With the idea that paths unfold with twists and turns and that in life, success is derived from taking risks or changing direction, we have established SUNY Adirondack Trailblazers to celebrate the lives and careers of our distinguished alumni. A college lives through its alumni. Their success contributes to the college’s success and reputation. We seek to recognize outstanding alumni who provide an inspirational impact to our students from their accomplishments and service to their professions and communities. By honoring our former students,

we hope to inspire today’s students to strive for both personal and professional success. The college’s Distinguished Faculty evaluated and selected the inaugural class from a competitive pool of nominations. Induction Information: Rich Johns, a native of South Glens Falls, began his academic career at ACC in 1968 and transferred to the State University of New York at Potsdam, where he graduated in 1972 where he received The Minerva Award, their highest award given to an alumnus. Johns taught elementary and middle school, and he coached tennis at Saratoga Springs High School for 38 years. Under his guidance, Saratoga won 17 League Titles, nine Sectional Team Titles and holds the Section II record for Class AA with 85 consecutive wins and a record of 107– 2 during that period. He has won numerous awards as a coach, an Excellence in Teaching Award by the SUNY Albany Chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success in 2015 and 2016 and has been inducted into the SUNY Adirondack and SUNY Potsdam Halls of Fame as well as the Saratoga Springs School

in the Northwest Bay Conference Center in Adirondack Hall. Registration will begin at noon, with the lunch and program starting at 12:30 p.m. Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, email foundation@

Rich Johns. Photo provided.

District and the South Glens Falls Athletic and Community Pride Hall of Fame. Rich was humbled recently by being included in the 2018 Upstate New York Basketball Hall of Fame by receiving the John Cahill Community Contributor Award. Following his passion of personal character development, Johns started a “pay it forward” mission called Act With Respect Always. His charitable foundation has grown into a national model of all students and athletes to follow. The Trailblazer Networking Luncheon will be held on Sept. 28

sunyacc.edu or call 518-743-2243. Other Inductees: Sarah Ghent, ‘80 Dennis Harris ‘96 Steve Harmon ‘76 Brett Lange ‘91

Superintendent Patton’s Statement on Firearm Possession “District Administration is working with the Board of Education to make a decision regarding the authorization of qualified individuals to possess firearms on school district property while performing job duties. The authorization would allow certain members of the District’s security staff, who have retired from service as law enforcement officers and who have been deemed qualified and are licensed pursuant to the New York Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, to possess a firearm on District property while performing duties for the District. In the past, certain members of the District’s security staff, who were actively employed or retired from law enforcement, did possess a firearm on District

property. When District officials determined this practice was not in compliance with current law, grounds monitors were instructed to no longer possess a firearm on school property. The District is fortunate to have a long-standing working relationship with local law enforcement and to have the unique opportunity to hire highly qualified staff, many of which are current or retired members of law enforcement. The District takes this matter very seriously, and the safety and security of students is the District’s number one priority. The discussion has included a significant amount of research into what security options are available that will best meet the needs of our schools and community.”

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Home Made Theater Fall 2018 Children and Teen Acting Classes SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater announces fall acting classes for children and teens ages 7-16 starting in September and running into October. All classes are held on Saturdays, September 15, 22, and 29 and October 6, and 13 at the Spa Little Theater in the Saratoga Spa State Park and are taught by Kate Starczewski. Discovering Theater for students ages 7-8: Students will be encouraged to think on their feet while developing characters from their own imaginations, forming a foundation for future work with scripted material. Discovering Theater meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and costs $70. Elements of Acting for students ages 9-11: Students will begin the process of developing an acting "technique” in order to

begin building characters. Acting for Teens meets from 10:45 a.m. 12 p.m., and costs $75. Acting for Teens for students ages 12-16: Exploring various methods of acting, students will begin to make choices about what works best for them in the development of an acting technique and approach to character development. Acting for Teens meets from 12:15-1:45 p.m., and costs $80. Registrations are accepted over the phone, online at HMT’s web site, www.homemadetheater. org, or by mail. Class size is limited to 12 students, and reservations are accepted in the order they are received. Visit www.homemadetheater.org to obtain the Fall 2018 class flyer and registration form. Call 518587-4427 for further information or to receive a flyer by mail.

Statement on SUNY Chancellor Johnson’s Inauguration from Officer in Charge Mitchell S. Nesler SARATOGA SPRINGS — “On behalf of the students, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters and friends of SUNY Empire State College, our congratulations go to Chancellor Kristina Johnson for setting an ambitious, challenging and inspiring agenda for the entire SUNY system. “We are grateful for Chancellor Johnson’s leadership and applaud her emphasis on the need to reflect the diversity of the ‘most dynamic state in the Union’ as a way to achieve academic excellence, address the needs of the state’s economy and promote a stronger society. The chancellor’s remarks addressed the importance

of access to an affordable, innovative and individualized education, including ‘on-demand education,’ the right mix of online and onsite learning and serving nontraditional students, all of which are among the core strengths of SUNY Empire.” More than 2,700 green industry professionals are donating a full day’s work Wednesday, Sept. 19 to honor America’s military service men and women. Saluting Branches: Arborists United for Veteran Remembrance, a nonprofit organization, marks its fourth-annual day of service with the largest volunteer event in the tree care industry.

CTE Environmental Conservation and Forestry Students Honor Veterans in a Unique Way SCHUYLERVILLE — Millions of Americans pay their respects each year at national and state veterans’ cemeteries and properties. Saluting Branches brings together arborist experts to improve the beauty and safety of the trees located in these hallowed sites. With support by industry leaders; including Rainbow Treecare, ACRT, Inc., The Davey Tree Expert Company, STIHL®, SavATree, Petzl®, and others, Saluting Branches will be caring for thousands of trees at 51 VA national and state veterans’ cemeteries across the country this year. Environmental Conservation and Forestry Instructor Dennis Flynn and approximately 25 CTE students joined professional arborists from around the state for the 4th Annual Saluting Branches Day of Service, which took place on Wednesday, September 19. CTE students valued the opportunity to participate in the nationwide event to honor those who gave so much. Students performed tree care and site beautification using the skills they acquired in their CTE program and at the same

Photo provided.

time gain hands-on experience. The WSWHE BOCES was proud to support this effort. “I’m a fourth-generation veteran and am honored to participate and say thank you to our country’s finest by providing them the beautiful resting places they deserve,” said volunteer Will B. Another Saluting Branches volunteer, Stephen D., feels it’s “…important to show our respect and support for America’s heroes by giving back in this very tangible way.” Rainbow Treecare, located in Minnetonka, Minn., created the

Saluting Branches Day of Service in 2015. Since its inception, thousands in the industry have joined together to donate an estimated $4.5 million in services at veterans’ properties across the U.S. “We developed Saluting Branches as a green industry project to honor veterans and improve the environment through the science of tree care,” said Deb Peterson, Saluting Branches coordinator. “This is an important event for the arborist community and allows us to give back to those who have served us,” Peterson continued.

18 Home &

Fall:

garden

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GROW A LAWN

Written & Photographed by Peter Bowden for Saratoga TODAY THE SHORTER, COOLER DAYS of early September make it the ideal time to make permanent improvements to the condition of your lawn. In fact, turf experts agree that this is the best time of year to start a lawn from seed but time is limited. The first step is a quick pH test on the area to see if the soil is acidic. If it is, apply enough pelletized lime to bring the soil back to neutral. The folks at your local garden center can help you figure this out. If you ignore this step and start seed in acidic soil, you’ll find that the seeds will sprout nicely but the grass will

struggle to survive and establish itself. Since starting a lawn from seed is so labor intensive, don’t ignore this step. Once the lime is broadcast it is time for the grass seed. The best idea is to choose a blend that is specific to your need be it sandy, shady or sunny. Rough up the surface of the soil with a metal rake and then broadcast the seed evenly over the area at the recommended rate. Most folks overdo it and put down way more grass seed than is necessary. One or two seeds per square inch is just right. Premium grass seed isn’t cheap so there’s no need to seed too heavily. Once

the seed is down, I like to give the area another light scratching with the rake to put the seed in good contact with the soil. Now there are only a couple of steps left, but they are the most important steps of all. Remember this, no matter how good your seed is, it won’t germinate unless the area is kept moist contantly. It can’t be allowed to dry out, even for an hour. If the area dries out completely, the seed dehydrates and dies and it won’t restart. If that happens, you’ll have to buy more seed and start all over again. To help keep the seeds moist, you’ll want to lightly cover the seed.

The most common material used is a very light layer of shredded straw. The straw should be left down when the grass sprouts through it. Some folks try to rake up the straw, and they end up ripping out the young grass they worked so hard to get started. The straw will rot away and you’ll never know it was there. Even with the light layer of straw you’ll need to be vigilant... especially on any hot, breezy days. It might require light watering three or four times a day on some days. Just leave the sprinkler set up in the area for the month that it will take for the grass seed to sprout and grow some roots.

After a couple of weeks when the grass is up and growing, apply a starter lawn food to the area to get it well rooted before winter. A good starter food will be high in phosphorus. The middle number on the lawn food bag represents phosphorus...the nutrient in the food that stimulates root growth. If you need to start a new lawn from seed or just need to do some spot repairs, time is of the essence. Remember, it takes about 6-8 weeks to get a lawn to sprout and mature to the point that it can withstand the winter ahead. THANKS FOR THE READ!

20 Home &

garden

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

2018 Showcase of Homes Classic Home Award Winners Photos by Randall Perry Photography.

4 BRENTWOOD BLVD. SARATOGA SPRINGS BELMONTE BUILDERS • INTERIOR DECORATING Liberty Design – Chris Kwarta • INTERIOR FLOOR PLAN

2 MOSS CREEK, MIDDLE GROVE KODIAK CONSTRUCTION • EXTERIOR DESIGN • LANDSCAPING Brookside Nursery – Jesse Marco

12 IRONWOOD ST. BALLSTON LAKE HERITAGE CUSTOM BUILDERS

• WORKMANSHIP

• BEST KITCHEN Creative Designs Kitchens – Julia Day

• MASTER BATH

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

21 Home &

garden

2018 Showcase of Homes

Executive Home Award Winners Photos by Randall Perry Photography.

4 ROLLING GREEN, WILTON BELLA HOME BUILDERS • INTERIOR DECORATING Bennington Furniture Design Team - Andrea Chenier, Kaitlynn Johnson & Jeff Ture

• BEST KITCHEN Curtis Lumber Heather Bodnaryk

46 UNION AVE. SARATOGA SPRINGS - BONACIO CONSTRUCTION • EXTERIOR DESIGN

• LANDSCAPING Galusha & Sons/Cloverleaf – James Williams

• MASTER BATH

9 PERSIMMON PLACE, SARATOGA SPRINGS - WITT CONSTRUCTION • WORKMANSHIP

• INTERIOR FLOOR PLAN

22 Home &

garden

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

2018 Showcase of Homes Luxury Home Award Winners Photos by Randall Perry Photography.

5 MADDY GROVES RD. GREENFIELD CENTER - THE FORM COLLABORATIVE • EXTERIOR DESIGN

• LANDSCAPING Bayberry & Co. – Justin White

• WORKMANSHIP

• INTERIOR FLOOR PLAN • INTERIOR DECORATING: Susan Waldron Designs

• MASTER BATH

• BEST KITCHEN: Columbia Cabinets – Sarah McDonald

24 Home &

garden

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Sunny Start

to the Season

Written & Photographed by Megin Potter for Saratoga TODAY Autumn is here. The leaves are starting to change color and sprinkle down from the trees like confetti. Kids are beginning to pick out their Halloween costumes and Sunnyside Gardens is kicking-off their Fall Festival this weekend. The celebration, begun by Sunnyside Gardens’ owners Bonnie and Ned Chapman 30 years ago, was a gift to their then 7-year-old daughter. “My birthday is in October, so they decorated and my class came. That was the start of it,” said Heather Chapman. Sunnyside Gardens has turned the event into an annual tradition but now this party has grown into a festival lasting 45 days and attracting thousands of people. Seasonal Family Fun Cool, crisp air, gorgeous rich colors and warm comforting smells are the simple fall pleasures you’ll find when you step out of your car and into Sunnyside Gardens’ secluded fields. Just minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs, this 25-acre agricultural wonderland is so close by but very quickly gives you the feeling that you are much further away. “There’s so much area to go to. Sometimes the parking lot is full and we’re like, ‘Where are all the people?’ They’re out

in the fields, in the woods, out front, or in the store. It’s just really spread out so it doesn’t feel too crowded,” said Heather.

“We have feeders around but there’s so many in there, they’ll just come all around you,” she said.

A place for families to all feel welcome, the fall decorations here are wholesome and handmade instead of scary or gruesome.

A local hatchery has provided 300 butterfly chrysalises, so you may be lucky enough to see them hatching, as well.

“It’s just a nice relaxed atmosphere. Each place has its own niche. Because we are family- run and based, ours is geared toward young kids. They just want to be outside, run around and play,” she said.

The magic of trains is brought back to life through a massive indoor train set. Decorated in a variety of autumn scenes, the joy of searching the tiny towns and small figures is outmatched only by the bright blue ride-on train outside.

So Much to Do

“We have the only actual ride-on train. All year my daughter looks at it and touches it, just waiting for it,” she said.

Kids will find huge hay sculptures of their favorite characters from books and movies inviting them in to come and have some fun. The farm center is divided into different themed sections every year. This year, the side field has a “funny farm” theme filled with friendly animals. The woods are home to a variety of characters, including those from “Ghostbusters,” “Harry Potter,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “My Little Pony.” “The little kids immediately know who they are and run over to them,” said Heather. Children and adults alike delight in the butterfly house where monarch, painted lady, buckeye and swallowtail butterflies flutter freely.

Reviving Tradition Working at the garden center is different for Heather now that she has her own young children, 3-year-old Claire and 9-month-old Hannah Hensel. “It’s like a whole new beginning for them,” she said. The families that came when she was little are now coming back with their little ones, sharing their stories and creating memories for the next generation. Even though her sister often brings her 2-year-old, he still loves the fall on the farm. “My nephew stands there all day watching the train,” said Heather. continued to next page...

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

25 Home &

garden

What You’ll Find at Sunnyside Gardens FREE Fall Festival SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 31 • Largest selection of fall plants in the area • Pumpkin patch • “Hall of Flame” carved pumpkin tunnel • Corn Maze • “Munchkin Land” kid-sized fun field • Huge hay bale sculptures • Character cut-outs • Fall-themed indoor train set • Area’s only authentic ride-on train ($3/person) • Hayride through the woods ($5/person) • Butterfly House ($2/person) • Live Music (beginning October 4) • Cider donuts & apple cider • Retail shop Sunnyside Gardens 345 Church Street, Saratoga Springs Open Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 5: 30 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, call 518-584-1034 or go to www.sunnysidegardensllc.com.

continued from previous page... Although she has worked other places, Sunnyside Gardens is home. “It’s hard to go somewhere else when you’re still invested in it here. We live here, love it and I never think about doing anything else. When you’re away, you miss it,” she said. Her parents never expected their children to come back and work there she said, but she and her brother, Kip Chapman (who also runs a D.J. service), have done exactly that. Too Good to Stay Away The tastes of the Sunnyside Gardens Fall Festival are just too good to pass up, even after 30 years. “The donuts – I must eat at least two a day,” said Heather of the fresh, warm, soft confections. For Kip, it’s the cider that he finds irresistible. He said he likely drinks five cups of it every day. Both enjoy watching kids dancing to the live polka and bluegrass bands that come in to play on the weekends during the fall season. The band Adrenline Pumpkin even plays a song called “Uncle Ned” written just for their father, Ned Chapman.

It’s also fun for them to watch the faces of people walking through the “Hall of Flame,” a tunnel of 300 carved and lit foam pumpkins. Free to go into, they do match donations and give them to Saratoga Center for the Family. They also donate to the Community Hospice and the Franklin Community Center.

Saratoga Spa State Park. Sunnyside Gardens will be manning a booth at the event which features New York’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and is sponsored by the Saratoga Chamber Of Commerce, Saratoga Spa State Park, and the Spa City Farmers’ Market.

The Great Pumpkin

The biggest pumpkins they grow and sell at Sunnyside Gardens are 500 pounds. They offer a total of 20 different varieties of pumpkins in all sizes however, including the white moonshine, bumpy knucklehead, blue jarradale, striped pumpkins, and munchkins, among others.

Expert pumpkin carvers come in to Sunnyside Gardens to cut out the pumpkins sold at the annual “Touched by an Angel” Community Hospice fundraiser.

Their selection of fall plants is the largest in the area. Fall pansies, asters, decorative kale and Swiss chard sit alongside a collection of nearly 8,000 colorful chrysanthemums.

“These people are artists, what they do is really detailed,” said Heather.

“We’re all growers here. We plant, grow and sell them ourselves,” said Heather.

Sunnyside Gardens also plans to host a variety of fall events including a Pumpkin Paint and Sip night and a How to Make Gourd Birdhouses workshop. The Saratoga Pumpkinfest, which drew in 7,500 people last year, has gotten too big for their space and will be held Sunday, Sept. 30 on the front lawn area of the Lincoln Baths in

They also have the corn stalks, hay bales and other decorative elements that will make your home look like it was pulled from the pages of a catalog this season.

“We like to gear our donations towards helping kids because they shouldn’t miss out,” said Heather.

“We’re a one-stop shop. You can get your decorating, flowers, pumpkins and you can take the kids,” she said.

26 Home &

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Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

WOW...

Luxury at it’s Finest Don’t Miss Visiting 80 Brown Road by La Femme Home Builders in the 2018 Saratoga Showcase of Homes! Photos by Randall Perry Photography.

La Femme Home Builders, LLC Lisa Breen

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Rebuilding Together Saratoga County Announces Ticket Sales for its 15th Annual Dinner Saratoga County — Rebuilding Together Saratoga County is now selling tickets to its 15th Annual Dinner. The dinner will be held on October 11 from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs. All proceeds from the dinner will go to help homeowners in need in Saratoga County live independently in safe and healthy homes. Each year, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County looks forward to its Annual Dinner where community partners, businesses, volunteers and friends

come together to highlight the valuable work being accomplished to better the lives of low-income homeowners in our community. “We count down the days to our Annual Dinner each year. It’s our chance to gather everyone together to say thank you for the tremendous support we receive from the community,” says Lisa Mitzen, Dinner Chairperson. The evening’s activities include a dinner catered by Mazzone Hospitality, a silent auction, a mystery box raffle, and a live auction.

A short program will include the presentation of our Community Partner of the Year Award to Doug Ford of Curtis Lumber and our Volunteers of the Year awards to Tom and Anita Harris. Individual tickets are available for $100 each. Tables are available for purchase/ sponsorship. Tickets are available by calling 518-587-3315 or online at www.RTSaratoga.org. Principal Sponsors: Fingerpaint, Saratoga Eagle, Roohan Realty, Turbine Services Limited, Mazzone Hospitality, nePromo, D.A. Collins Companies, Saratoga National, KeyBank and Key Private Bank, Saratoga Honda, and Northeast Acura. Media sponsor: Saratoga Today For more information, please contact Rebuilding Together at 518-587-3315 or Michelle@ RTSaratoga.org or visit www. rtsaratoga.org. Rebuilding Together Saratoga County is a volunteer driven, registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that brings communities and volunteers together to make free repairs to the homes of low-income property owners, particularly older adults, individuals living with a disability, families with children and veterans, allowing them to live in warmth, safety and independence while respecting their dignity.

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

TOWN OF BALLSTON 13 Carriage Run, $566,200. Scott and Colleen Stevens sold property to Frank and Cheryl Dambrosio. 50 Cypress St., $324,801. Heritage Builders Group LLC sold property to Greg and Teri Delsignore.

CLIFTON PARK 13 Inverness Lane, $334,000. Richard and Charmaine Schaefer sold property to Christopher Fatone. 4 New York Court, $399,000. Qi Tan and Ying He sold property to Russell Pickett and Tara Johnson Maroney Pickett. 18 Fairhill Rd., $515,000. Scott and Joan Reich sold property to Haiyong Zhang. 10 Cathywood Court, $440,000. Mark and Carol Chaykin sold property to Lu Yuan and Muheng Zhang. 155 Wood Dale Dr., $226,000. Rubens and Christina Galchin sold property to Justin and Laura Galchin. 15 Cramecy Court, $277,000. Dominic Cilento and Stacy Newman Cilento sold property to Mark and Margaret Steurer.

29 Ashley Dr., $325,000. William and Victoria McCormick sold property to Ibrahim Barak. 1 Hilltop Hollow Dr., $375,000. Timothy and Tamara McArdle sold property to William Lebeau and Christina Bolton. 28 Chatsworth Way, $404,000. Dan Yang (Ind and as Agent) and William Bai (by Agent) sold property to James and Kari Pettinato. 19 Amity Pointe Court, $395,000. Dan and Ileana Hancu sold property to Julien Wertz and Nabila Hmami. 2 Pickett Lane, $135,000. ANW Holdings Inc. sold property to James and Sylvia Durante. 20 Denhelder Dr., $472,000. ER Land Development LLC sold property to Marnie Maciariello and Nicholas Rossetti.

CORINTH 44 Hummel Dr., $334,000. David Hummel sold property to Christopher and Lynn Shanks. 327 Center St., $150,250. Joel and Anneliese Marcotte sold property to Stephanie Maxwell and Jason Lagoy. 9 Adirondack Court, $265,900. Serge and Laura Roy sold property to Pamela Palmer.

Week of September 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 27, 2018

GREENFIELD 10 Pepper Lane, $112,450. Barbara Iuliano sold property to Janet Bulan. 158 Barney Rd., Clark Rd. Rear, $72,000. Greene Lumber Co. LP sold property to May Land Inc.

MALTA

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

TOWN OF SARATOGA Evans St., $69,900. Evans Street Land Trust sold property to American Battlefield Trust.

SARATOGA SPRINGS Staffords Bridge Rd., $120,000. Mark Harrison sold property to Feerick Custom Builders LLC.

5 Malcolm Ave., $21,542. Charles Hough (by Exec) sold property to AMJ2 Enterprises LLC.

97 East Ave., Unit 302, $463,500. Excelsior East LLC sold property to Benjamin Seisler.

31 Ventura Court, $85,000. Lecmor Residential LLC sold property to DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc.

138 Lincoln Ave., $895,000. RNRB LLC sold property to Brian Kelly and Laurie Doyle Kelly.

30 Arnold Rd., $290,000. William and Eileen Clute sold property to Thomas Moore.

48 Glenham Rd., $359,000. Gregory and Bonnie Boverman sold property to Randal and Katherine Hagen.

4 Pepperbush Place, $175,000. Michael Gailor sold property to David Barlow. 8 King Rd., $375,000. Stephanie Hemsworth sold property to Edwin and Jennifer DeGenhart. 49 Vettura Court, $343,306. DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc. sold property to John and Kathleen Winters. 13 Marions Way (unit 13), $219,900. Held Properties LLC sold property to David and Deborah Glagov. 11 Lot 5 Maple Forest Dr., $93,000. H and L Development LLC sold property to Darren Herbinger Construction LLC. 11 Lot 5 Maple Forest Dr., $369,900. Darren Herbinger Construction LLC sold property to Daniel and Jeanne Cornell (as Trustee). 35 Weston Way, $291,439. Barbera Homes Malta Springs LLC sold property to Wyer Kimberlin.

MILTON 114 Kayderosseras Dr., $336,500. Karen Smiley sold property to Donald and Toni Lynn. 254 West North St., $212,500. Gary Schirnhofer sold property to Westie Development LLC. 350 Leroux Rd., $390,000. Andris and Naomi Arens sold property to Joseph Albanese. 61 Huntington Way, $392,200. Brookview Court Inc. sold property to Joshua and Ashley Fitzgibbon.

14 Fowler Lane, $565,000. Frances Kelly sold property to Stephanie Steinhart.

23 Avery St., $384,900. Andrea Bush sold property to Max Poritzky and Nikki Yas. 5 Turner Dr., $336,000. Dun and Mei Zheng sold property to Hao and Yuchen Wang. 54 Sarazen St., $350,000. Phyllis Western (by Exec) sold property to Abigail Endres and Tobey Kellam. 38 Dyer Switch Rd., $585,000. Paolo Marone and Andrea Petronello Marone sold property to Cartus Financial Corporation. 61 Sarazen St., Rear, $440,000. Francis Zarro, Jr. sold property to Susan and Kevin Shaughnessy. 30 Whistler Court, Unit 414, $450,000. Richard White sold property to Austin and Stephanie Snow.

STILLWATER

191 Church St., $915,000. Saratoga Maple LLC sold property to Gage and Ashley Simpson.

307 NYS Route 423, $220,000. Dennis Hart sold property to Francesca Nastasi.

146 South Broadway, $448,078. Performing Asset Strategies LLC sold property to RLV Empire LLC.

27 Clinton Court, $214,500. Michael and Diane Farrell sold property to Scott Mayo.

140 Jefferson St., $360,000. Pamela Coleman sold property to Citlali Campos and Niels Rackwitz. 5 Ferndell Spring Dr., $237,500. Ashley Fitzgibbon sold property to Lori Clark.

106 Vanness Rd., $209,000. Stephen Streeter and Susan McNeil sold property to Riley and Alexis Pitcheralle. 144 Lohnes Rd., $200,000. Michael and Kirsten Pink sold property to Carly and Lucas Maciariello.

28 Brown Rd., $167,500. Rhea Demory sold property to 43 Brown Road LLC.

WILTON 12 Tawny Terrace, $60,000. T and G Associates sold property to DEC Development LLC. Wilton-Gansevoort Rd., $100,000. Schoolhouse Acres LLC sold property to Jeffrey and Elizabeth Mancini. 395 Wilton Gansevoort Rd., $210,000. Schoolhouse Acres LLC sold property to Jeffrey and Elizabeth Mancini. 6 Melanie Dr., $381,000. Andrew Wood and Stefanie Jackman Wood sold property to Devon Bruce.

29 19 Deer Run, $390,000. Dan and Michele West sold property to Brian and Denise Czerpak. 10 Conklin Court, $98,000. William and Judy Morris sold property to McPadden Builders LLC. 367 Northern Pine Rd. $230,000. John Casson sold property to Daniel and Heidi McGarvey. 20 Conklin Court, $90,000. William and Judy Morris sold property to McPadden Builders LLC. 9 Conklin Court, $90,000. William and Judy Morris sold property to McPadden Builders LLC. 39 Timbira Dr., $300,000. Kristine Orr sold property to Mark and Megan Davenport.

Food

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Fields of Flowers Brighten Lot 32

High Rock Park Wednesdays | 3 - 6 p.m. Saturdays | 9 - 1 p.m.

by Himanee Gupta-Carlson for Saratoga TODAY Photos by Pattie Garrett. Erin Luciani, owner of Lot 32 Flower Farm.

ON CHRISTIE ROAD, off Route 29, lie 500 acres, deeded to the McNaughton family in 1763. Erin Luciani and her husband purchased 84 acres of it six years ago, with a plan for Erin to grow flowers from March through October and spend winters with her husband Philip, a Navy fighter pilot, wherever he was deployed. After his retirement, they would build a home on the land. One night, while poring through historic records that a neighbor brought over, Erin

Luciani discovered the land they had acquired was Lot 32. In that moment, she knew the name of her farm: Lot 32. Lot 32 is the Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s newest vendor. Luciani joined the Saturday market in July, after a year of selling flowers at farmers’ markets in Greenwich, Cambridge, and Fort Edward. She offers cut flowers and prearranged bouquets. Stop by her stall on the south lawn and pick out blooms you like. Luciani will arrange them, or give you tips on

doing it yourself. The bouquets will stay fresh for a week if you change the water daily and make fresh cuts to the stems. The freshness of the bouquets is about the freshness of the flowers. Luciani grows all of her bouquet ingredients on an acre outdoors. She starts seeding in March with heat mats and grow lights, and transplants in May. Her busiest seasons are summers and falls when she works 14-hour days, doing four farmers’ markets as well as weddings and other events.

Luciani tending to flowers at Lot 32 Flower Farm.

“It’s a working farm,” she says. “Pretty because there’s flowers, but not glamorous.” And on a rainy morning, she adds, “muck boots are not a horrible idea.” Most of her flowers are annuals, planted close together to encourage the growth of tall stems. Many are flowering herbs, vegetables and grains, such as clary sage, millet, kale and basil. Luciani grew up in Los Angeles and taught math and science for 14 years. Her husband

grew up in Washington County. On a family visit in the winter, she fell in love with the area’s beauty. “I love having four seasons,” she says. “It creates a rhythm for flowers, for life overall.” The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at High Rock Park through October 31. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the FreshFoodNY app. For volunteer opportunities, email friends@ saratogafarmersmarket.org.

Fall Hand-Cut Flower Bouquet Courtesy of Erin Luciani, Lot 32 Flower Farm, this “recipe” for a hand-cut flower bouquet follows a simple formula of blending a sturdy “workhorse” flower such as zinnia with an “item of interest”, some spikes, some rounds, and some leafy greenery. Visit her stall at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market tomorrow and try it out. FLOWERS • 8 stems, Zinnia, in either one or two coordinating colors • 1 stem, cut flower Kale • 4 spikes of either Snapdragon or Clary Sage • 6-8 Scabiosa • 2-3 stems of either Bells of Ireland or Peony leaves PREPARATION 1. Grasp one zinnia in your hand, and with the other hand, select the cut flower kale. Place the kale stem against the zinnia stem, and turn the two together. 2. Add one spike of snapdragon/ clary sage to the zinnia and kale and turn again. 3. Add one scabiosa and turn. 4. Add one Bells of Ireland or peony leaf and turn. 5. Add another zinnia, and turn.

6. Repeat steps two through five until you have completed the bouquet. Cut the bottom of the stems, and place in jar or vase of fresh water. If you wish, you can loosely tie the flowers at the midstem, with floral twine or band them with a rubber band before placing in water. Keep bouquet out of direct sunlight. Change water daily and make a fresh cut to the bottom of the stems each time.

Food

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Through Thick or Thin

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

Hello

my Foodie Friends. The cooler autumn months are a great time to make those heartier dishes that stick to your ribs. One of our favorite dishes is Eggplant Parmigiana. When my wife Paula was at the end of her due dates for our children, she was always encouraged by the Italian women in the family to eat Italian food to induce her labor. We won’t promise you that by eating Eggplant Parmigiana you are guaranteed to go into labor, but according to some of the Old Italian wives’ tales, it may be just the trick to get your baby’s show on the road. Ironically enough, Paula did eat Eggplant prior to each time she went into labor (early or not). Making Eggplant Parmigiana can be a tedious task of slicing and prepping. Do you have a mandoline hiding in the back of your pantry, just begging to be used? Essentially, you can accomplish much of a mandoline’s work with a steady hand and a sharp knife. However, when slicing up zucchini ribbons,

slicing eggplant or shredding brussel sprouts, mandolines cut prep time down significantly and promise consistent, even results. And they’re fun to use! Especially when you need to create consistently thick or thin slices for your favorite recipe. At Compliments to the Chef we carry several different brands of mandolines. The OXO Good Grips mandoline is a perfect tool for home chefs. It is a trusty tool through thick and thin (produce). Slice or julienne cucumbers, potatoes and more with a turn of the comfortable dial on the Chef’s Mandoline Slicer. We also carry mandolines by Zyllis and the Asian style Benriner. Each mandoline includes a food holder that protects hands and the stainless steel blade quickly makes even slices. All blades store safely on board and are removable for easy cleaning. With this easy-to-use mandoline hands and fingers stay away from sharp blades at all times. Most mandoline’s come with three or four slicing blades beyond the basic blade. These allow you to slice paper thin, a little thicker (think potato chips), thick julienne (think french fries), and thin julienne. If you’re not sure how your blades will slice, invest in a few potatoes and try each setting out. It’s usually a good idea to have a few extra veggies on hand when you’re learning to use your mandoline as well so you can get the hang of the whole process. Enjoy making your favorite recipes with the use of a tool that can make life easier for you through thick or thin (slices). Stop by Compliments to the Chef located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga

Springs for cool tools for cooks. If you are waiting for a new little one to arrive (maybe try some Eggplant to get things moving along!!). Even not, Eggplant Parmigiana is delicious. Put on some Italian music and sing while you are cooking. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

SAVE THE DATE: “Pasta Making: Past and Present” Join us for a Pasta Making Demo at Compliments to the Chef on September 29 from 12-3 p.m. with Professor/Chef Rocco Verrigni.

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA INGREDIENTS

Yields: 8 Servings

• 2 ½ lb medium eggplants (about 3), cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick rounds using a mandoline or slicer • 3 ¼ teaspoons salt • 5 lb plum tomatoes • 1 ½ cups plus 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped • 20 fresh basil leaves, torn in half • ¾ teaspoon black pepper • ¼ teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 5 large eggs

• 3 ½ cups panko * (or Italian bread crumbs) • 2 oz finely grated ParmigianoReggiano (2/3 cup) • 1 lb chilled fresh mozzarella (not unsalted), thinly sliced

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Toss eggplant with 2 teaspoons salt in a colander set over a bowl, then let drain 30 minutes.

flakes and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.

2. While eggplant drains, cut an X in bottom of each tomato with a sharp paring knife and blanch tomatoes together in a 5-quart pot of boiling water 1 minute. Transfer tomatoes with a slotted spoon to a cutting board and, when cool enough to handle, peel off skin, beginning from scored end, with paring knife.

4. Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F.

3. Coarsely chop tomatoes, then coarsely purée in batches in a blender. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then add garlic and sauté, stirring, until golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomato purée, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and red pepper

6. Working with 1 slice at a time, dredge eggplant in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, letting excess drip off, and dredge in panko until evenly coated. Transfer eggplant to sheets of wax paper, arranging slices in 1 layer.

5. Stir together flour, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper in a shallow bowl. Lightly beat eggs in a second shallow bowl, then stir together panko and 1/3 cup ParmigianoReggiano in a third shallow bowl.

7. Heat remaining 1 ½ cup oil in a deep 12-inch nonstick skillet

h c n u

FRIDAY

21 • Chicken Salad (Cold Plate) • Potato Salad • Carrot Raisin Salad • Dinner Roll • Banana

MONDAY

• Rosemary Garlic Lemon Chicken • Rice • Brussels Sprouts • Peach Crisp

over moderately high heat until hot, then fry eggplant 4 slices at a time, turning over once, until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain. 8. Spread 1 cup tomato sauce in bottom of a rectangular 3 ½-quart (13- by 11- by 2-inch) baking dish. Arrange about one third of eggplant slices in 1 layer over sauce, overlapping slightly if necessary. Cover eggplant with about one third of remaining sauce (about 1¼ cups) and one third of mozzarella. Continue layering with remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano. 9. Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted and golden and sauce is bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes.

Office for the Aging Lunch Program

Served at the Saratoga Senior Center TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

• Roast Pork with • Baked Fish with Apple Glaze Creamy Dill Sauce • Bacon Mashed • Brown Rice Potatoes • Vegetable Trio • Butternut Squash • Apricot Whip • Dinner Roll • Maple Frosted Cake

THURSDAY

• Chicken Piccata • Roasted Potatoes • Mixed Vegetables • Fresh Orange

Menu Subject to Change. Coffee, tea and butter are served daily. The suggested contribution is $2/meal. There is a $6 fee for guests under the age of 60. Please make checks payable to: Northeast Dining and Lodging, c/o Saratoga County Office for the Aging, 152 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

LOCAL BRIEFS

The Moth Popular storytelling non-profit The Moth will lead three days of educational workshops on September 28 - 30 at Skidmore College, culminating in a StorySLAM event on September 30 at 7 p.m. in Skidmore’s Arthur Zankel Music Center. During the SLAM, ten students will take to the microphone and tell a five minute story about a personal transformation or metamorphosis. A Moth host will emcee the event, which will be recorded for possible broadcast on a future episode of The Moth Radio Hour — presented by PRX, the Public Radio Exchange, and airing on hundreds of radio stations — as well as on The Moth Podcast (free at themoth.org). The event is free, and open to the public, but tickets are required; visit www. skidmore.edu/zankel and click “tickets” at the left or call the Zankel box office at 518-580-5321. Repair Café Sustainable Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs Public Library are organizing the second Repair Café on September 29 from noon – 3 p.m. in the Dutcher Community Room. Repair Café is a free community event with the goal of helping people to repair broken objects to extend their life, keep things out of landfills, and foster an appreciation for the art of repairing things. Bring your broken items from home: lamps, hair dryers, clothes, bikes, toys, wood furniture, jewelry. Most things that are broken are welcome and can likely be repaired with the guidance of a knowledgeable Repair Café coach. We cannot guarantee that we can help you fix everything, but we are pretty sure you will have a good time while we try. Visit www.sustainablesaratoga. org/projects/zero-waste/repaircafe-saratoga-springs or email info@sustainablesaratoga.org for more information. Bus Trip / Fundraiser Notre Dame-Visitation Church Capital Campaign Fundraiser

Committee is hosting a trip to Seneca Falls Wineries. Enjoy a sampling at five wineries and one brewery with a buffet lunch at Ventosa’s on Saturday, October 13. Pickup at Wilton Mall at 6 a.m. and return approximately 9:30 p.m. Cost is $125. A perfect chance to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery and some wine and beer sampling, while we leave the driving to our bus driver. To reserve a seat, contact Darlene Bolduc at 518-339-3873 or Pat Temple at 518-338-2329. Saratoga High School Class of 1963 Announces 55th Class Reunion Mixers The class of 1963 from Saratoga High School will hold three informal mixers the weekend of September 28-30. Gatherings are scheduled for Friday, September 28 at the Parting Glass Pub, 40 Lake Ave., Saratoga at 5 p.m. A reunion mixer is also scheduled for Saturday, September 29 at Peabody’s Sports Bar, 39 Phila St., Saratoga at 5 p.m. A final gettogether breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, September 30, at 10 a.m. at Hattie’s Chicken Shack, 45 Phila St. If you are planning to attend or would like further information, contact JoAnn (Engle) Hughes at m52m61@ yahoo.com or call 518-526-0063. “The Ben 2018” Charity Golf Tournament The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund is teaming up with Berkshire Bank, Whiteman Chevrolet and Northeastern Fine Jewelry to host our upcoming charity golf tournament to be held on Friday, September 28 at Top of the World Golf Course in Lake George. Registration at 10 a.m. Shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. Entry fee is $125 per player with cart, 18 holes. Lunch is included at the turn and free keg beer, water and soft drinks. Guests welcome. Individuals will be paired with other players. Reception immediately follows with a 50/50 raffle, silent and limited live auction. All contributions go directly to those we serve, our children. To participate, contact William D. Osborn, President at benosbornfund@gmail.com, or call 518-792-4514. Visit www. benosbornfund.org for more information about the Ben Osborn Memorial Fund.

Nick’s Run to be Healed 5K The 9th Annual Nick’s Run to be Healed 5 K, to be held at Clifton Commons on September 30 is in honor of Ali Bawla. Ali is an active 7-year old who was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in May 2017. Ali is one of approximately 90 children in our area who are diagnosed every year. The Town of Clifton Park sponsored event will include a Kids’ Run, a 2-mile Walk, a 5K Run, a Zumba warm-up, kids’ carnival, and more. Day of registration starts at 10 a.m. Pre-registration ends on Wednesday, September 26 and price is $25 ($30 day of event). NFTBHF was started in memory of Nick Cammarata, who passed away in October 2008 from leukemia. Register at www. fighttobehealed.org. Book-Themed Pumpkin Decorating Contest Ballston Spa Public Library will hold a book themed pumpkin decorating contest. Entries will be accepted from October 2 – 30. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 31. Feel free to be as creative as you want with paint and glued objects, but please no carved pumpkins. There will be 3 age categories: ages 5-10, 11-15 and 16 – 100. Pick up any sized pumpkin, your favorite book character and get creative. Ballston Spa Public Library is located at 21 Milton Ave., (RT 50). For more information stop in, call 518-8855022 or visit ballston.spa.edu. Falling Leaves 5K Run The Falling Leaves 5K Run and Kids Fun Run will be on Saturday, October 6 at 10 a.m. in Ballston Spa. Registration by October 3 is $25, day of race $30. The Run begins and ends at Kelley Park near the Village Pool. Registrations can be made at Active.com or by sending a check to the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church at 101 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, NY 12020. The charity of choice again this year is the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition, with the funds earmarked for the two houses for homeless veterans in Ballston. Over the past two years we have been able to give back over $15,000 to this charity. All registered participants can

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018 win one of the many gift cards donated by local businesses. More information and registration forms can be accessed at www. ballstonspaumchurch.org/fallingleaves-5k-run.html. 4th International Flavorfeast On Saturday, October 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. you can enjoy an International tasting experience in Saratoga Springs. Feast on flavors from a variety of countries including France, China, Japan, Italy, Mexico, and America, among others, making this food event one of its kind. The Saratoga International Flavorfeast is a celebration of the worldly culinary styles that give this area its unique flair. It presents a feast for the senses and reflects the multicultural diversity of the region. Authentic dishes from foreign lands with something for everyone. Admission to Flavorfeast is free, where you can sample international dishes from various participating restaurants in downtown Saratoga Springs for $1 a sample. 13th Annual Angel Names Association Memorial Walk The walk will take place on Saturday, October 6 at the Saratoga State Spa Park in Saratoga Springs. The walk is being held in recognition of National Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Awareness month. Registration begins at Noon and the walk will follow at 1:15 p.m. The day includes children’s activities, light refreshments and prizes. Everyone is welcomed to attend this uplifting, free family event to walk and raise awareness of stillbirth, pregnancy loss and infant death. For additional information, visit www.angelnames.org, contact Michelle Mosca at mgmosca@ msn.com or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ angelnamesassociation/. “The Way We Were” Car Show On Sunday, October 7 come stroll the historic village of Ballston Spa, check out the hundreds of cars and trucks on display, and enjoy the live music, vendors and downtown businesses. It’s a great day for the whole family. Front Street will be blocked off from Milton Avenue past the Old Iron Springs to accommodate car exhibits and vendors. In addition to food and

merchandise vendors, the show will again feature a “Kids Zone,” located by the Old Iron Springs, which will feature free children’s activities. The event is free to spectators. Vehicle exhibitors can pre-register by September 30 for $15 per car or $20 the day of show. All proceeds will benefit BSBPA community activities and efforts. Pre-registration can be completed online at www.ballston.org. A printable, mail in registration form is also be available on the website. Rebuilding Together Annual Fundraiser Dinner Rebuilding Together Saratoga County will hold their Annual Dinner on October 11 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs. Hundreds of Rebuilding Together friends and supporters come together to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions the organization makes each year to people’s lives and in the community. Tickets are $100. Call 518-587-3315 or email michelle@ rtsaratoga.org for tickets. Veterans Recognition Brunch The Town of Malta Veterans Committee will be holding a Malta Veterans Recognition Brunch at Panza’s Restaurant on Saratoga Lake, Tuesday, October 16 from 10 a.m. – Noon. Malta Veterans and their family members are invited to this free event. All others may attend for $15 per person. To register for this event, call the Malta Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services at 518-899-4411. Calling All Artists The Community Hospice of Saratoga and Washington Counties is pleased to announce that the Pumpkin Carving Contest is once again going to be part of Touched by An Angel, which is being held on October 18 at the National Museum of Dance. Sunnyside Gardens is donating giant pumpkins to be carved for our contest. Carving will be done on Tuesday, October 16 and Wednesday, October 17 at Sunnyside. Voting will be done at Touched by An Angel with ten prizes being awarded. Carvers should bring their own tools. For more information, please call Gina Peca at 518-581-9727, ext. 8611 or email her at gina.peca@sphp.com.

Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018 Connecticut, Rhode Island and Canada have participated in the show. Antique trucks range from the 1910s to the 1990s. With new trucks on display from our Corporate Sponsors. Admission is $1 per person, children under 12 are free. A large flea market and swap meet during the show. No pets permitted. Rain or shine.

family friendly FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Ghost in the Yaddo Gardens Yaddo, 312 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 5 p.m. Experience the Spirit(s) of the Gardens. Feel the energy and creativity of the forces of the Earth. Share in the spiritual intrigue from Native Americans, Edgar Allan Poe, the Trask family and other contemporary visitors. Ghosts in the Yaddo Garden Tours will be held every Friday and Sunday evenings at 5 p.m., through October 28. Docent-led tours begin at the Yaddo Garden parking lot and last for approximately one hour. This tour is of the Yaddo Gardens and does not include the Yaddo Mansion. Cost is $10 per person (children under 12 are free). Private docent-led ghost tours may be arranged at a day convenient to your group. Contact Yaddo at 518-584-0746 or visit yaddo.org for more information.

Peace Walk Peace Pole in High Rock Park, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. On the International Day of Peace, join Jun-san of the Grafton Peace Pagoda to walk around the city for an hour, chanting and praying for peace. Simple supper to follow. For more details visit www.peace-ing.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 29th Annual Hudson Mohawk Antique Truck Show Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa 8 a.m. | Nearly 300 antique trucks from across New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Maine,

Community Fall Festival St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Join us for family fun. Games, candy and prizes, kids’ craft projects, food, face painting and more. Celebrate all the fun of fall with this free community event. No admission charge and the festivities are free.

14th Annual Museum Day Live The Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Dr., Glenville, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The museum will open its doors free of charge as part of Smithsonian magazine’s fourteenth annual “Museum Day Live,” a National celebration of boundless curiosity in which participating museums emulate the free admission policy at the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington DC-based museums. Museum Day tickets are available for download at Smithsonian. com/MuseumDay. Visitors who present a Museum Day ticket will gain free entrance for two people. One ticket is permitted per email address. For more information call 518-377-2191.

Saratoga 2018 Showcase of Homes Various locations throughout Saratoga County, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tour the beautiful homes with the latest in high-quality furnishings and fixtures as you explore the latest building techniques and products. Then you can cast your votes for the best homes in the people’s choice awards. The tour continues September 23 and September 29 – 30. Tickets are $20, valid for all six days. Children 12 and under are free. Currently on sale online at www. saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Also available at Adirondack Trust, Saratoga National Bank, Catskill Hudson Bank and Trustco Bank locations; Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa and

CALENDAR Queensbury; Roohan Realty in Saratoga Springs; Rebuilding Together Saratoga County - The Store in Ballston Spa; Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Moreau and will be available at any showcase home during tour hours.

Information Meeting: Trip to England Saratoga Arts Center, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 11:30 a.m. This tour uses the lens of one of England’s greatest writers to explore some of the finest examples of English heritage. Using the life and novels of Jane Austen as an inspiration, the tour will take travelers to old-fashioned villages, ancient churches and cathedrals, picturesque country walks, elegant eighteenth-century town buildings, magnificent country houses, and beautiful landscaped grounds and gardens. For more information email goedventures@gmail.com, visit goedventures.com, or call Mary at 607-387-3322.

7th Annual Autumn Leaves Chicken Barbecue VFW Post 420 Pavilion, 190 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, 2 – 5 p.m. The menu will include half chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob, roll, cole slaw, dessert and cash bar. Cost is $10 per person, take-out or eat in. For tickets or information call Tom or Linda at 518-584-8211. All Proceeds to Benefit Community and Veterans Projects of the Racing City Rotary Club and VFW Post 420 Auxiliary.

Potluck and Conversation Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 5:30 – 8 p.m. Measuring our Impact. Reflections on doing good, better with Michael Zanchelli at 7 p.m., from U.S. Institute of Peace. For more details visit www.peace-ing.org

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Saratoga Peace Fair and Concert to End Gun Violence Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs, Noon – 4 p.m.

40 exhibitors, live music, familyfriendly activities including an inflatable obstacle course for all ages to think about barriers to peace and fair trade items for sale. Community lunch and conversation 1-2 p.m. for free will donation. For more details visit www.peace-ing.org

Taste of Wilton Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Rd., Saratoga Springs, 1 – 4 p.m. In honor of the Town of Wilton’s Bicentennial year, the Taste of Wilton will showcase a collection of local farms, restaurants, wineries and distilleries under the tent at Gavin Park, rain or shine. Enjoy restaurant tastings utilizing fresh produce from farms paired specifically with them, live music by Larry Hooker, and artisan beverage makers. Food tickets are $1 each. Restaurant samples are priced in food coupons and range from $1 to $6. For more information, visit wiltonbicentennial.com/events/ taste-of-wilton.

Auditions for The Elves and the Shoemaker Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta, 6 – 8:30 p.m. The musical will be performed December 15 and 16. This heartwarming show has a beautiful musical score. Needed are teens, adults and kids (ages 8+) for this exciting show to be performed right in time for the holiday season. Auditions are also on Monday, September 24 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Auditions must be scheduled by contacting Malta’s Artistic Director Elyse Young at www. thea-ter@malta-town.org or calling 518-899-4411, ext. 305.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Remembering Ryall’s Beach Waterfront Park, 630 Crescent Ave., Saratoga Springs, Noon – 2 p.m. Bring your lunch and lawn chair, your stories, photos and memorabilia. Hosted by Mary Ellen Ryall, descendant of the founder and Mary Ann Fitzgerald, City Historian, 518587-2358 or maryann.fitzgerald@ saratoga-springs.org. Parking is limited, so please car pool. All are welcome. The Park is free

and open to the public. Rain date September 25. www.saratogasprings.org/583/WaterfrontPark-on-Saratoga-Lake.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Immigrant Stories: In Their Own Words “School Days” Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring St. Saratoga Springs, 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Saratoga Immigration Coalition. Stories from immigrant youth in local schools and colleges; the joys and struggles of immigrants and their families in coming to America. Seating is limited. Refreshments. For more details visit www.peace-ing.org

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Inner Peace Through Yoga Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. Join Bonnie Farrelly of the Yoga Mandali studio for restorative yoga and experience deep relaxation and mindfulness. Open to all levels. For more details visit www.peace-ing.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Lunch and Discussion: Food and Justice Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs, 12:30 – 2 p.m. Rev. Reilly, of the PresbyterianNew England Congregational Church leads discussion. Free lunch by Druthers with donation of non-perishable food. RSVP required. 518-584-1621. Sponsored by Saratoga Peace Week and the Saratoga Senior Center. For more details visit www.peace-ing.org

Upcoming Meetings

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 American Legion Post 70 Monthly Meeting 34 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m.

Send your calendar events to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.

34 ARTS &

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Entertainment

Balloons Take to the Hubbard Hall to Present “The Falling Sky This Weekend and the Rising” – Free Tickets to U.S. Veterans and Active Duty Military CAMBRIDGE — The new American opera, “The Falling and the Rising,” will be staged at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Hubbard Hall. The opera, based on the true stories of dozens of active duty soldiers and veterans, honors the spirit of military veterans and sheds light on the power of their often-overlooked stories. By librettist Jerre Dye and composer Zach Redler, the opera is based

Photo by Reid Coker

QUEENSBURY — The 46th Annual Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place Friday to Sunday, Sept. 21-23. Events, unless otherwise noted, are free and take place at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, 443 Queensbury Ave. Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday and the flight of 80 balloons launches from 5 to 6:15 p.m. A flight of up to 100 balloons launches 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. both

Saturday and Sunday. Saturday also features a 100-balloon flight from 5-6:15 p.m. and a "Lighting Up The Night" airport moonglow, featuring up to 30 balloons, at 8 p.m. All ballooning activities are weather dependent. A launch of up to 20 balloons is also slated to take place 5 p.m. Sunday at Crandall Park, Glens Falls. For a full list of events and activities, go to: www. adirondackballoonfest.org.

from an idea by Staff Sergeant Ben Hilgert. Created from compiled interviews from returning soldiers at Walter Reed National Medical Center, Arlington National Cemetery, and Fort Meade, “The Falling and the Rising” is an inspirational story of service, sacrifice, and connection inside uncertainty. Admission: $25 adults/$10 students 21 and under. Free to all veterans and active duty

members. For reservations contact the Hubbard Hall Box Office at 518-677-2495, ext. 311 or go to hubbardhall.org. To access free tickets for veterans and active duty members (and one guest each), choose the “Veteran or Active Duty Free” price option when registering at hubbardhall. org, call the Box Office. Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education is located at 25 East Main St. in Cambridge.

Capital District Jazz: New Fall Season of Jazz Opens on Spring Street Sept. 27

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Thursday, Sept. 27, Capital District Jazz (CDJ) kicks off its second season of the Jazz at the Spring series with the Giroux Brothers Quintet. The Giroux Brothers and

the new generation of young jazz musicians grew up with the entire jazz cannon available to them at the swipe of a screen via YouTube, Spotify and iTunes. They have listened to and shared music with musicians from down the street

to a half a world away, and this interaction has afforded them a musical vocabulary that is not constrained by one style or current trend. These young players have the freedom to blaze their own trail, reaching new audiences and their peers through the savvy use of tech and social media. They can be true to their musical selves. They can embrace the jazz tradition, or in the case of the Giroux brothers, bend the tradition and create something new. The Giroux brothers will be joined by Luke Franco on guitar, Dylan Perrillo on bass and Matthew Niedbalski on drums. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance via brownpapertickets.com/ event/3518676, and $20 at the door. Seating is general admission. Jazz at the Spring is held the last Thursday of each month at the Spring Street Gallery, located at 110 Spring St.

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

& ARTS 35

Entertainment

Super Dark Monday: Make This A Night to Remember

Saratoga Arts Presents Art in Congress Park Saturday SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fine art, local music and food highlight this weekend’s Art in the Park gathering. The event is the 20th annual such festival sponsored by Saratoga Arts and takes place 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 in Congress Park.

The art exhibition features nearly 80 artists from the greater Saratoga and Capital regions, displaying and selling their original two- and three-dimensional creations and personallydesigned and crafted functional art, including: drawing, painting,

ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and work in other media. Live music will be presented by Mike Grutka (1 p.m.), Sam Reed (2 p.m.) and Erin Powers (3 p.m.). The event also features face painting and a Kidz Art Zone.

Willie Nelson, Neil Young Perform at SPAC on Sunday

Blockhouses will play Desperate Annie’s as part of the Super Dark Collective series Monday, Sept. 24.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fronted by swatches of catchy, smooth, distort-o-chords with a snappy rhythm section and tuneful vocals to boot, Blockhouses are making their way through the northeast that stages a show in Saratoga Springs on Monday. The band - Guy Lyons with guitar and vocals, Christopher Peifer with bass, keyboards and vocals, and Jim Balga on drums – is touring in support of their debut album, “Greatest Hit Songs of All Time.” The group says their plan was hatched in a bar in Washington Heights in late 2013. Their local connections to this region run deep. Lyons was an original member of the Spa City’s own Figgs, and Lyons’ former

bandmate, Pete Donnelly, is tabbed with producer credits on Blockhouses debut album. The band’s mission, they say, is to bring high-energy, catchy, punk rock and roll tunes to the masses of N.Y.C. and beyond, and they wear their sonic glories on their collective sleeve, mixing together a varied inspiration via The Ramones and The Who, and Husker Du to The Only Ones, not to mention healthy doses of everyone from the Beatles to the Stones. A sonic sample and bio may be viewed online at: www.blockhouses.net. Blockhouses will perform Monday, Sept. 24 at Desperate Annie’s on Caroline Street as part of the Super Dark Monday series.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Willie Nelson led Outlaw Music Festival makes its way to the Spa City this weekend to stage a show at Saratoga Performing Arts Center Sunday. The summer-long tour, headlined by Willie Nelson and

Family, has featured a variety of artists at different stops on the ride - Van Morrison, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Alison Krauss, and Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, among them. Sunday’s festival features Neil Young + Promise of the Real, Sturgill Simpson,

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson + Promise of the Real, and Particle Kid. Nelson and Young previously shared the SPAC stage at the September 2013 Farm Aid concert. Sunday’s festival gets underway at 2:30 p.m.

36 ARTS &

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Entertainment

Caffe Lena to honor Al McKenney with Launch of Community Lunchtime Listening Hour by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Some people called him “Captain Fun,” others the “unofficial mayor of Saratoga Springs,” but the one sure thing of which you could be certain when running into Al McKenney on one of his strolls along Broadway, was you would hear a story you had never heard before. And he had a wealth of lifetime experiences from which to draw. McKenney had managed concert tours featuring musicians from David Bromberg to Clannad and performed emcee duties for the Smithsonian’s annual National Folk Festival, and Pete Seeger’s Great Hudson Revival. His voice is forever immortalized at Kent State

University on their KSU Folk Festival Recordings, which date back several decades. Beyond McKenney’s omnipresent suspenders, purple Caffe Lena T-shirt and similarly colored beret were the tales of musicians Utah Philipps or Rosalie Sorrels and memories of Lena Spencer, owner of the coffeehouse on Phila Street where so many memories have been made. When the then 26-year-old hitchhiked a ride from his native Massachusetts to land in Saratoga Springs in 1971, there was no going back. When McKenney died in the summer of 2015, he had amassed more than 1,000 vinyl records and hundreds of CD’s and music-related books. This week, volunteers at Caffe Lena began unpacking

the first 18 boxes containing the vinyl collection and placing them alphabetically in specially designed purple shelves, each standing nearly seven feet in height and located in the café’s entry area. First out: Joan Baez’s selftitled debut on Vanguard Records – in mono, no less and released in 1960, the same year Lena and Bill Spencer opened the doors of their café. Next came a slew of Louisiana Cajun compilations led by the 1934 Lomax Recordings and a handful of platters by Clifton Chenier. There was a large collection of albums by Joni Mitchell, by Hank Williams, and by Bruce Springsteen. More than a half-century of Bob Dylan recordings spread across the lobby floor. “The ‘D‘ space will probably

have to be larger,” surmised Caffe Lena Executive Director Sarah Craig, eyeballing dozens of record jackets whose vinyl grooves contained the original strains of “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Like A Rolling Stone,” to “Silvio” and “Gotta Serve Somebody,” live performances of “My Back Pages” and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” to cover renditions performed by The Byrds, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. The plan for the collection – named the Captain Fun Listening Library - is to share with the community the kicks the music delivers. Caffe Lena will host a Lunchtime Listening Hour one Friday each month, with the tentative hope to kick off the series the first Friday in October. The listening hour will take place

Ramblin' Jack Elliott’s “Bull Durham Sacks & Railroad Tracks,” an album from the Al McKenney collection, awaits placement in its new home. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will be a completely free event, curated by Chuck Vosganian aka Rochmon, and attendees are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch.

A BEATLE COMES TO SARATOGA Photos by SuperSource Media, LLC.

Ringo Starr flashes the peace sign, on stage at SPAC, Sept. 14, 2018.

Ringo and his All Starr Band performed at SPAC, Sept. 14. Band members include: keyboard player Gregg Rolie (left), Guitarist Steve Luthaker (center-left), Ringo Starr (center at the mic), bass player Graham Gouldman (center-right), and guitarist Colin Hay.

“They’re gonna put me in the movies...They’re gonna make a big star out of me…” by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fifty-three years to the day since the Beatles recorded a live performance of their song “Act Naturally” on the Ed Sullivan show, Ringo Starr revisited the tune at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center during an appearance with his All Starr (sic) Band. The two-hour-long, 24-song set was evenly split between a dozen Ringo-led tunes, and three songs

apiece performed by each of the four main other players of the ensemble. Ringo assumed vocal duties on songs once performed, if not written by The Beatles, including: Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox,” “Boys” – popularized by The Shirelles, and the previously mentioned “Act Naturally” - a tune originally recorded by Buck Owens. From The Beatles canon, Ringo tinkled some on the keyboards and sang “Don’t Pass Me By” and took mic in hand at center stage for “With A Little

Help From My Friends,” “What Goes On” – which he introduced as “the only song written by Lennon, McCartney and Starkey,” and “I Wanna Be Your Man” – which in 1963 the Beatles wrote for, and gave to, the Rolling Stones. Perhaps the night’s greatest joy was delivered in a full theater sing-along of “Yellow Submarine.” Starr, with a little help from his friends, returned to the venue for the first time since August 1989. At that time, his All Stars Band consisted of Joe Walsh,

The Band’s Levon Helm and Rick Danko, Dr. John, Billy Preston, and Clarence Clemons and Nils Lofgren, who were on hiatus from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. This time around, the ensemble featured prolific studio musician and Toto guitarist Steve Luthaker who led a performance of that group’s hits “Rosanna,” “Africa,” and “Hold the Line.” Guitarist Colin Hay revisited his time with the band Men at Work, singing “Who Can It Be Now,” “Down Under,” and “Overkill.” Original Santana keyboard player and vocalist Gregg Rolie revisited the songs “Evil Ways,” “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen,” and “Oye Como Va,” and 10cc songwriter Graham Gouldman added “I’m Not in Love,” “Dreadlock Holiday,”

and “The Things We Do for Love.” Starr, when he wasn’t at the lead mic at center stage, played drums throughout, aided by a second percussionist. Culling a quartet of ditties from his solo albums, Ringo revisited “It Don’t Come Easy,” “You’re Sixteen,” “Photograph,” and “Anthem” – the latter signifying one of the evening’s few tracks, if not the only one, written in the current century. Looking decades younger than his 78 years, the one-time Beatles drummer sported a colorful off-center screen T-shirt depicting a face reminiscent of Nina Hagen, a black blazer and jeans and pyramid-studded belt, a slew of bangles on his right wrist, a timepiece on his left and a gold “Peace” symbol around his neck.

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

& ARTS 37

Entertainment

week of 9/21-9/27 friday, 9/21:

monday, 9/24:

Zoso - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience, 7 p.m. @ Upstate Concert Hall — 518.371.0012

Open Mic Night, 7 p.m. @ Caffè Lena — 518.583.0022

Dave Gunning, 8 p.m. @ Caffè Lena — 518.583.0022 Matt Cosgrove, 9 p.m. @ Bailey’s — 518.450.1305 Eric Walentowicz Quartet, 9 p.m. @ 9 Maple Avenue — 518.583.2582

saturday, 9/22: Don Armstrong, 8 p.m. @ Caffè Lena — 518.583.0022 Ryan Montbleau, 8 p.m. @ Putnam Place – 518-886-9585 The Rich Clements Band, 9 p.m. @ Bailey’s — 518.450.1305 Pete Sweeney Quartet, 9 p.m. @ 9 Maple Avenue — 518.583.2582

sunday, 9/23: Outlaw Music Festival, 2:30 p.m. @ SPAC — 518.584.9330 Escape The Fate/ Slaves/ Famous Last Words/ Picturesque/ Set to Stun, 6 p.m. @ Upstate Concert Hall — 518.371.0012 Smokey Greene Band, 7 p.m. @ Caffè Lena — 518.583.0022

Super Dark Monday: Blockhouses/ Brain Medicine/ Bando Fuego, 9:30 p.m. @ Desperate Annie’s — 518.587.2455

tuesday, 9/25: Storytelling Open Mic, 7 p.m. @ Caffè Lena — 518.583.0022

wednesday, 9/26: Acoustic Blues Open Mic & Jam, 7 p.m. @ Caffè Lena — 518.583.0022 Beartooth, 7 p.m. @ Upstate Concert Hall — 518.371.0012 Open Mic Night, 9:30 p.m. @ Putnam Place – 518-886-9585

CRITERION

(518) 306-4205 09/21/18-09/27/18

19 RAILROAD PLACE, SARATOGA SPRINGS

ReseRved seating - stadium seating - WheelchaiR accessible BAD RePutAtion (R)

WeD: 7:00 PM

BlooDy DisGustinG PResents house on soRoRity RoW

thu: 7:00 PM sun: 2:00, 7:00 WeD: 2:00, 7:00

ReBel Without A CAuse (1955) PResenteD By tCM

thursday, 9/27:

FAhRenheit 11/9 (R)

Beppe Gambetta, 7 p.m. @ Caffè Lena — 518.583.0022

the house With A CloCk in its WAlls (PG)

The Wheel: Grateful Dead Tribute, 8:30 p.m. @ Putnam Place – 518-886-9585

liFe itselF (R)

FRi - sun: 10:05 AM, 1:00, 4:10, 7:20, 10:25 Mon - thu: 1:00, 4:10, 7:20, 10:25 FRi - sun: 10:50 AM, 1:30, 4:30, 7:10, 9:50 Mon - thu: 1:30, 4:30, 7:10, 9:50 FRi - sun: 10:20 AM, 1:20, 4:50, 7:40, 10:35 Mon - thu: 1:20, 4:50, 7:40, 10:35

the PReDAtoR (R) 2D BtX

FRi - sun: 12:00, 2:40, 5:20, 8:00, 10:30 Mon - thu: 2:40, 5:20, 8:00, 10:30 FRi - sun: 11:00 AM, 1:40, 4:20, 7:00, 9:30 Mon - thu: 1:40, 4:20, 7:00, 9:30

the PReDAtoR (R) A siMPle FAvoR (R)

FRi - sun: 10:00 AM, 12:50, 4:00, 6:50, 10:00 Mon - thu: 12:50, 4:00, 6:50, 10:00

unBRoken: PAth to ReDeMPtion (PG-13) White Boy RiCk (R)

WILTON MALL

3065 Route 50, Wilton

FRi - thu: 11:00 PM FRi - sun: 11:10 AM, 2:20, 5:10, 8:10, 10:50 Mon - thu: 2:20, 5:10, 8:10, 10:50

(518) 306-4707 09/21/18-09/27/18

stadium seating - WheelchaiR accessible AssAssinAtion nAtion (R) the house With A CloCk in its WAlls (PG) 2D BtX the house With A CloCk in its WAlls (PG) liFe itselF (R) the PReDAtoR (R) 2D BtX the PReDAtoR (R)

FRi - sun: 11:20 AM, 2:20, 5:00, 7:40, 10:40 Mon - thu: 2:20, 5:00, 7:40, 10:40 FRi - sun: 11:40 AM, 2:10, 4:40 Mon - thu: 2:10, 4:40 FRi - sun: 10:40 AM, 1:10, 3:40, 7:00, 9:30 Mon - thu: 1:10, 3:40, 7:00, 9:30 FRi - sun: 10:00 AM, 12:50, 4:10, 7:20, 10:10 Mon - thu: 12:50, 4:10, 7:20, 10:10 FRi - thu: 7:30, 10:00 FRi - sun: 10:50 AM, 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 Mon - thu: 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00

A siMPle FAvoR (R)

FRi - sun: 9:50 AM, 1:00, 3:50, 6:40, 9:40 Mon - thu: 1:00, 3:50, 6:40, 9:40

White Boy RiCk (R)

FRi - sun: 10:30 AM, 1:50, 4:50, 7:50, 10:30 Mon - thu: 1:50, 4:50, 7:50, 10:30

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Space Reservation Due: MONDAY, 5 P.M.

Publication Day: FRIDAY

Ad Copy Due:

WEDNESDAY, NOON

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE

classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Looking for volunteers for the Saratoga Senior Center to help Seniors in the community. Extremely flexible hours. We need volunteer drivers, computer assistance, friendly visiting, light yard work, etc. Reach out to our volunteer coordinator by calling 518-584-1621 or seniorcentervolunteer@gmail.com.

CABLE & SATELLITE TV Spectrum Triple Play! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855-977-7198

HOME IMPROVEMENT SAFE BATHROOM Renovations in just one day! Update to safety now. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 844-782-7096

DIVORCE DIVORCE $349 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person Application included if applicable. Separation agreements. Custody and support petitions. - 518-274-0380

ATTORNEY/LEGAL Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 866-951-9073 for Information. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.

FINANCIAL REVERSE MORTGAGE: Homeowners age 62+ turn your home equity into taxfree cash! Speak with an expert today and receive a free booklet. 1-877-580-3720

FOR RENT

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

DONATE YOUR CAR

PETS Curley’s Doggie Daycare For small dogs. Located in Malta (off the lake). Now taking new friends, full time or half day care. Lots of TLC. Feeding, bathing, training. Call 716-930-3735.

Wheels For Wishes

Make-A-Wish® Northeast New York WheelsForWishes.org Call: (518) 650-1110

GARAGE SALES

* Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.

Tool Sale – Sept. 22 & 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 106 Hanehan Rd., Schuylerville. Contractor and woodworking tools. Delta 10” table saw, drill press, PC router, Senco, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Paslode, PC pressure washer, Graco paint sprayer, Ftihl chain saw and weed eater, Park bike rack. Some are new, don’t miss this sale if you are a contractor or DIYSer. 5 FAMILY SALE - Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Household, furniture, lots of stuff. Clubhouse Dr., off Jefferson.

HEALTH VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! Call Today: 800-404-0244 Struggling with DRUGS or ALCOHOL? Addicted to PILLS? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 1-855-995-2069

MEDICAL SUPPLIES Do you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? Get your FDA approved CPAP machine and supplies at little or no cost! Free sleep supplement and sleep guide include! Call 866-430-6489!

MISCELLANEOUS A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call: 1-800-404-8852 SAWMILLS from only $4397.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 800 567-0404 Ext.300 Earthlink High Speed Internet. As Low As $14.95/ month (for the first 3 months) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology. Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1-855-970-1623

HELP WANTED JOB OPPORTUNITY: $17 P/H NYC - $14.50 P/H LI. If you currently care for your relatives or friends who have Medicaid or Medicare, you may be eligible to start working for them as a personal assistant. No Certificates needed. (347) 462-2610 (347) 565-6200

Cleaners Needed $500/ Weekly. Two Days Weekly: Monday & Friday Time Schedule: 10 AM -12PM. Email: job881@outlook.com

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Puzzles Across 1 Scale readings: Abbr. 4 Pau or Marc of the NBA 9 Roofing material 14 Snicker syllable 15 Essential acid, familiarly 16 Online cash-back deal 17 WSW’s opposite 18 Giveaway bags 19 Lone Star State 20 Painful reality that one doesn’t want to face 23 Bite-sized fish dish 24 Bond creator Fleming 25 “I thought so!” 28 Close enough to share intimate secrets 33 Didn’t toss out 34 Vigilant 35 2015 award for Steph Curry 39 Have a craving (for) 42 Crucifix letters 43 Skin irritations 45 Slips that promise payment 47 Features of many mountain roads 53 Walk-__: small roles 54 British ref. work 55 March b-ball tourneys, casually 57 1984 #1 hit for Cyndi Lauper 62 Nest sound 64 Start to type? 65 Chaney of horror films 66 Tapered boat 67 Five minutes past a quarter of 68 “Patience __ virtue” 69 Use up money 70 Cook, as mussels 71 Body art, briefly ... and, initially, a hint to this puzzle’s four longest answers Down 1 Stimulates, as an appetite 2 Basic training command 3 “Good grief!” 4 London airport 5 “I __ the opinion ... “ 6 In __: unmoved 7 New law student 8 Went berserk 9 Porky Pig’s girlfriend

See puzzle solutions on page 46

See puzzle solution on page 46 10 “Yeah, right!” 11 Financial shelter 12 Windy City “L” operator: Abbr. 13 Stag party attendees 21 23-Across tuna 22 Cheering word 26 Münster mister 27 Italian wine region 29 __ lime pie 30 Big primate 31 Laundry day target 32 Quarterback Manning 35 This, in Spain 36 Scattered, as seed 37 Uncorrupted 38 “Of course!” 40 Angler’s pole

41 Cashew or almond 44 Trod heavily 46 Solarium 48 Set eyes on 49 Responds well to change 50 Sales slip: Abbr. 51 Stick the landing, say 52 Stuffed Indian pastry 56 Parisian political body 58 Get the creases out of 59 Stew (over) 60 “When you hear the __, please leave your message” 61 Jazzy James 62 Emails a dupe to 63 WWII General __ Arnold

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices. This Week: Many, Much Many refers to countable items or units. Many students volunteered their time for the charity. Much refers to noncountable items or units. Low-octane fuel caused much of our car trouble. Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@gmail.com

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

SPORTS

Malta YMCA Grand Opening

Photo by SuperSource Media, LLC

by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, September 18, the Saratoga Regional YMCA officially opened the doors on the Malta YMCA. The new Y is approximately 35,000 sq. ft. of a 55,000 sq. ft. facility shared with Saratoga Hospital and includes an Early Learning and School Age Child Care Center as well as a Healthy Living Center. Andrew Bobbitt, Saratoga Regional YMCA’s CEO says he is excited to expand the Y’s mission in the community.

“The Y is more than a place to work out — we’re a place of community. With our new facility, we’ll be able to have even more of an impact in Malta and the surrounding communities as we can now serve up to 6,000 members. Of course, our members will have access to new machines and spacious exercise rooms, but there will be so much more. We’ll be offering early learning readiness programs for our smallest community members, before and after school care (B.A.S.E.), as well as some very exciting partnered programming with Saratoga Hospital.”

“We’d like to thank the major donors who supported this project: Stewarts and the Dake family, Adirondack Trust, the DeCrescente family, and Ballston Spa National Bank,” Bobbitt continued. “I said at the groundbreaking ceremony that synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. To us, this partnership is the exemplification of synergy. The Y and Saratoga Hospital are leading the way for community integrated health in our area. Times are changing and our approach to community health needs to

adapt. We at the Y, together with our community partners, are committed to finding better ways of improving the overall wellness of our community by considering the whole person: mind, body, and spirit,” said Alysa Arnold, President of Saratoga Regional YMCA Board of Directors. “This project really was touched by so many people... Really the roots go back to what is a philosophy of our board... That where appropriate, and where we can drive value, collaborating with a partner is really our preferred approach. We’ve found that that has worked very well on a number of occasions. This property is an excellent representation of partnering,” Angelo Calbone, President and CEO of Saratoga Hospital, said. The new Y features: • 8,700 sq. ft. Healthy Living Center • Early Learning & School Age Center (Full day childcare, preschool, B.A.S.E.) • Warm Yoga Room • MYZONE (Heart Rate

Monitoring System) • 65 Group Exercise Classes a week included in your membership • Dedicated Cycle Room • Private and Tranquil Massage Room • Family Inclusive Classes • KidzCare (A safe space for your child/children to learn and play while you work out!) • New Equipment • State-ofthe-art Playground Along with these new features, a membership at the Malta YMCA will also grant members access to all five Saratoga Regional YMCA locations (Battenkill, Corinth, Malta, Saratoga Springs and Wilton) as well as access to over 1,500 Ys nationwide. “This has an interesting feel to it in that hospitals tend to be a little sterile and aloof and the presence in the Y gave it a much warmer potential feel that may make people significantly more comfortable,” Bill Dake, Chairman of Stewart’s Shops, explained. “This has been a project years in the making,” Bobbitt stated.

SPORTS

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

SPORTS AT

GLANCE

FALL SPORTS SEASON IS HERE!

League games and matches this week are as follows: Football

■ Saratoga (Boys) vs. Averill Park 11 a.m. at Averill Park

■ Saratoga (Girls) vs. Shenendehowa 4:15 p.m. at Saratoga

■ Saratoga vs. Shenendehowa 4:15 p.m. at Saratoga

FRIDAY, 9/21

■ Saratoga (Girls) vs. Averill Park 11 a.m. at Saratoga

FRIDAY, 9/28

WEDNESDAY, 9/28

■ South Glens Falls vs. Gloversville 7 p.m. at South Glens Falls

MONDAY, 9/24

■ Ballston Spa vs. BH-BL 7 p.m. at BH-BL

■ Schuylerville (Girls) vs. Johnstown 4:30 p.m. at Schuylerville

■ Schuylerville vs. Columbia 7 p.m. at Columbia

TUESDAY, 9/25

■ Saratoga vs. Bethlehem 7 p.m. at Bethlehem

■ Ballston Spa (Boys) vs. Shaker 7 p.m. at Shaker

■ Schuylerville (Boys) vs. Glens Falls 4:30 p.m. at Morse Field

Volleyball

■ Spa Catholic vs. Cambridge 4:15 p.m. at Cambridge ■ Schuylerville vs. Amsterdam 6 p.m. at Schuylerville

■ Schuylerville vs. Gloversville 6 p.m. at Schuylerville

Field Hockey

MONDAY, 9/24

FRIDAY, 9/21

FRIDAY, 9/28

■ Ballston Spa (Girls) vs. Shaker 8:15 p.m. at Shaker

■ Ballston Spa vs. Troy 7 p.m. at Ballston Spa

■ Schuylerville (Boys) vs. Johnstown 4:30 p.m. at Johnstown

■ Schuylerville vs. Schalmont 7 p.m. at Schuylerville

■ Saratoga (Boys) vs. Troy 4:15 p.m. at Saratoga

■ Saratoga vs. Niskayuna 7 p.m. at Saratoga

■ Saratoga (Girls) vs. Troy 6:30 p.m. at Troy

■ Ballston Spa vs. Shaker 4:15 p.m. at Ballston Spa

■ Saratoga vs. Columbia 4:15 p.m. at Neutral Location

THURSDAY, 9/27

■ Saratoga vs. Troy 4:15 p.m. at Troy

WEDNESDAY, 9/26

Soccer FRIDAY, 9/21 ■ Spa Catholic vs. Hoosick Falls 4:15 p.m. at Chaz Dake Field ■ Schuylerville (Boys) vs. Queensbury 7 p.m. at Schuylerville

SATURDAY, 9/22 ■ Ballston Spa (Boys) vs. Guilderland 11 a.m. at Ballston Spa ■ Ballston Spa (Girls) vs. Guilderland 11 a.m. at Guilderland

■ Ballston Spa (Boys) vs. Columbia 4:15 p.m. at Columbia

■ Schuylerville vs. Mechanicville 4:30 p.m. at Schuylerville

■ Saratoga vs. Shaker 4:15 p.m. at Shaker

TUESDAY, 9/25

MONDAY, 9/24

WEDNESDAY, 9/26

■ Ballston Spa (Girls) vs. Columbia 4:15 p.m. at Ballston Spa

■ Spa Catholic vs. Mechanicville 4:15 p.m. Spa Catholic

■ Spa Catholic vs. Cambridge 4:15 p.m. at Cambridge

■ Schuylerville vs. Scotia-Glenville 6 p.m. at Scotia-Glenville

■ Schuylerville (Boys) vs. Glens Falls 4:30 p.m. at Morse Field

THURSDAY, 9/27

■ Schuylerville (Girls) vs. Glens Falls 4:30 p.m. at Schuylerville ■ Saratoga (Boys) vs. Shenendehowa 4:15 p.m. at Shenendehowa

■ Ballston Spa vs. Columbia 4:15 p.m. at Ballston Spa ■ Spa Catholic vs. Cambridge 4:15 p.m. at Cambridge

■ Saratoga vs. Bethlehem 4:15 p.m. at Saratoga

FRIDAY, 9/28 ■ Schuylerville vs. Johnstown 4:30 p.m. at Johnstown

*All information subject to change due to weather.

Send YOUR game schedules to sports@saratogapublishing.com

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

Spa Catholic Volleyball SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic Saints hosted the Berlin Mountaineers on Friday, Sept. 14. Saints won 3-0. Scores: 25-6,25-5,25-22. Highlights for the Saints: Elise Browell 17 service points 3 aces 15 assist; MaryClare Pikus 2 kills 2

blocks; Caroline Motler 6 service points 1 ace; Catherine Darcy 5 service points 2 aces 2 kills. Highlights for the Mountaineers: Brooke DeShane 6 service points 2 aces 1 kill Saints are 4-0 league and overall. Mountaineers are 0-4 league and overall.

SPORTS

SRYMCA Over 50 Basketball League 2018-2019: Announcement SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Regional YMCA Over 50 Basketball League will begin its 13th season. Sign-ups are now open at the Membership Desk of any SRYMCA Branch, or online

for YMCA Members at srymca. org. New Player Evaluation will be October 17. First Game schedule for October 31. Games are played Wednesday nights. Dues are

$130 for members and $260 for non-members. Sponsors and Team Captains are needed. For additional info call Paige Minear at 518-583–YMCA (9622), ext. 120 or visit srymca.org

Suburban Field Hockey Ballston Spa Boys Soccer BALLSTON SPA— Thursday, Sept.13, Burnt Hills Boys Varsity soccer team visited Ballston Spa. The score was 0-0 until the last minute of the game when Jeff Matthews scored assisted by Mikey Robyck. Final score 1-0 Ballston Spa taking the win. Saturday Sept. 15, Bethlehem boys varsity soccer team, ranked

#2 in NYS, visited Ballston Spa. Liam O’Connell scored a laser shot from 25 yards out to put BSpa on the board within the first five minutes, assisted by Jeffery Matthews. Bethlehem pressed hard for the remaining 75 minutes, but the Scotties held their ground and Bethlehem was unable put one in. Final score: 1-0 Ballston Spa.

Wednesday, Sept. 12: Nisky at Saratoga at The Dome Frist Half: Toga 4 v. Nisky 0 Haley Waghorn assisted by Kylie Folts Lindsey Frank - 2 goals and 1 assist Olivia Vukelic - 2 Katelyn Ginley - 2 assists Second Half: Molly Russell - 2 goals Olivia Vukelic - 1 assist Lindsey Frank - 1 assist

Final Score: Toga 6 v. Nisky 0 Corners: Toga-11 | Nisky -6 Shots: Toga 16 | Nisky 14 Toga Goalies: Kristen Rodecker and Emma Piccirillo - 6 saves Nisky Goalie - 6 saves Toga 4-1 | Nisky 3-2 Friday, Sept. 14: Gland at Saratoga at the Dome First Half: Toga 2 v. Gland 0 Lindsey Frank - 2 goals and 1 assist by Kylie Folts

Second Half: Molly Russell assisted by Lindsey Frank Hunter Yourch assisted by Lindsey Frank Final Score: Toga 4 v. Gland 0 Corners: Toga – 8 | Gland – 4 Shots: Toga 24 | Gland 4 Toga Goalies: Kristen Rodecker - 2 saves Gland Goalie: Jazlyn Jimenez - 15 saves Toga 5-1

SPORTS

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

MEET THE TEAM : Saratoga Blue Streaks Football continues to next page...

Photos by SuperSource Media, LLC

CHRISTIAN KONDO

TYLER MCALINDEN

PEYTON BALDWIN

DEVIN MCARTHUR

MAHDI ELSAWI

DAVID JENKS

GABRIEL ELSAWI

JAKE WILLIAMS

CHRIS KLIMEKA

REESE COUSINEAU

LUKE FULLER

Junior • Quarterback

Senior • Running Back

Junior • Wide Receiver

Senior • Wide Receiver

DION WILLIAMS

Senior • Wide Receiver

Senior • Running Back

Junior • Wide Receiver

Senior • Wide Receiver

Senior • Linebacker

Junior • Tight End

ETHAN KOPRASKI Junior • Quarterback/ Running Back

SHANE MURPHY

Junior • Wide Receiver

SAM CIRENZA

JAMES CAPONE

Senior • Running Back

NICK FRANK

Senior • Offensive Lineman

Senior • Wide Receiver

Junior • Running Back

Senior • Running Back

CARTER STEINGRABER Senior • Running Back

ASHTON CAPONE

MICHAEL UMSTEAD

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018 continued from previous page...

Senior ∙ Offensive Lineman

SPORTS

BRYAN KING

BRYAN CAMAJ

SPENCER CORNELL

KYLE BRADY

BRANDON CAMAJ

NICK PAOLONE

IAN VAN DYKE

DEVIN CROWE

Junior • Offensive Lineman

ELIJAH TAYLOR

SEAN KEMPF

DEVAUGHN BERRY

RYAN MCPADDEN

Senior • Wide Receiver

RYAN GENTER

Senior • Tight End

Junior • Offensive Lineman

Senior • Offensive Lineman

Junior • Wide Receiver

HEAD COACH TERRY JONES

Junior • Offensive Lineman

HARRY HOGBEN

Junior • Wide Receiver

ASSISTANT COACH RICH LOFINK

Senior • Offensive Lineman

DAN SPILLANE Junior ∙•Tight End

ASSISTANT COACH JON COONS

Junior • Offensive Lineman

Senior • Offensive Lineman

HUNTER REGELS

Senior • Running Back/ Punter

ASSISTANT COACH BOB BAKER

JOE BARAKAT

Senior • Offensive Lineman

MATT DYS

WILL BONACIO

DAN EATON

ASSISTANT COACH ERIC HAYDEN

SPORTS

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN Adult Sports and Fitness Opportunities at the Ballston Spa Schools BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Community Education Program is currently offering two adult sports opportunities from 8-10 p.m. with Co-ed Indoor Soccer held on Mondays and Men’s Basketball on Wednesdays. A 10-week session begins the week of September 24 and requires a $30 fee for district residents. The popular Walk About program is starting October 9 and provides a safe, indoor walking course for those interested in a low impact fitness activity. The program continues throughout the year when school is in session. A $15 registration fee is required for this program and nonresidents are charged $18 to participate. Walkers may join the program at any time throughout the session. Pre-registration is required, and fees are due at the beginning of each course. Those interested may register for courses by mail or in-person at the District Office, 70 Malta Avenue. Additional information regarding any of the courses offered is available online at www.bscsd. org or by calling 518-884-7195, ext. 1329.

Care 4 Cora Golf Tournament SARATOGA SPRINGS — Starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, the inaugural Care 4 Cora Golf Tournament will be taking place at Airway Meadows Golf Club. If you’re interested in golfing for Cora, you can register by phone at 518-792-4144 or by check via mail at 262 Brownville Road Gansevoort, NY 12831. Checks must be payable to Airway Meadows Inc. There will also be an after party from 5 to 7 p.m. Local musician Dylan Moran will provide the entertainment along with face painters, a bouncy house, food from Spring Street Deli, and shaved ice provided by Leftfield. Beer will also be provided by Druther’s, Decrescente, and Saratoga Eagle.

Catalogue for the Saratoga Fall Sale Now Online SARATOGA SPRINGS — FasigTipton has catalogued 226 entries for The Saratoga Fall Sale, the company’s mixed sale to be held on Monday, October 15 in Saratoga Springs.

Puzzle solutions from pg. 40 Send your sports stories or briefs to Sports@Saratoga Publishing.com

The sale will be conducted in the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion and begin at 10 a.m. Hips 1-56 will consist of broodmares and racing and/or broodmare prospects, and hips 57-226 are weanlings. All weanlings catalogued were foaled in New York. “This is an important sale for those who actively participate in the New York program,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “There is good quality among the broodmares, including several in foal to both proven and exciting young sires. We also have an attractive group of foals on offer once again, with 170 catalogued and strong sire power represented.” The catalogue may now be viewed online at www.fasigtipton. com/catalogues/2018/The-SaratogaFall-Sale/The-Saratoga-Fall-Sale-new. asp and will also be available via the equineline sales catalogue app. Print catalogues are available now.

Recreation Deptartment Volleyball: Due to closure of the Recreation Center, the volleyball program will be at a different location. Please visit

saratogarec.com and click on programs/ volleyball for updated information. Willie Davis will once again bring his knowledge and love of the sport to the court for the Fall volleyball clinic. The volleyball clinic runs Sept 19-Oct 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. Everyone age 8-14 is welcome to attend. The volleyball clinic provides skill development while teaching rules and strategies to become a better volleyball player. Water and sneakers are needed. Pickleball League: Due to closure of the Recreation Center, the Pickleball League has been cancelled. Refunds will be given. The Recreation Center apologizes for any inconvenience. Basketball: Basketball registration is on! Early Bird registration ends October 9! The Center will keep you informed of the locations of our Basketball program this season. Intro to Ice Skating: Join the early Fall Intro to Ice Skating session and get a jump on the season! Registrations are going on now for early Fall and Fall. Early Bird registration for early Fall ends September 24. Early Bird registration for Fall is Oct 1-Nov 5.

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2018

SPORTS

Pickleball League at Gavin Park Photos by SuperSource Media, LLC

by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY

WILTON — Pickleball, which has been at Gavin Park for the last nine years, takes place Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a whiffle ball, over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules similar to tennis, with a few modifications. Pickleball was invented in the mid-1960s as a children’s backyard pastime but has become popular among adults as well. It is only $3 for a resident and $5 for a non-resident. Alan Ross has been leading the Pickleball courts for the last three years as the communications

person and has been playing Pickleball for the last five years. “I handle the email list for communications, and right now we have over 135 on our list,” Ross explained. Ron Kermani, a Pickleball player for the last three years, joked that the group has made Ross “the Commissioner.” “It’s kind of like the small town where they don’t have an official Mayor or anything. I kind of assumed the email list, another gal was running it and she had a serious fire at her house about three years ago, so, I volunteered to temporarily take over. And that’s how that Commissioner bit came about, but I enjoy it,” Ross said. Gavin Park recently relined the outdoor tennis courts for Pickleball and marked two more on the basketball courts, now the Pickleballers have six outdoor courts and six indoor courts, where they play from midSeptember to mid-June. “It really caught on with

Pickleball league at Gavin Park.

seniors, which is why most of us are here,” Ross said, gesturing to the packed pickleball courts. “There are thousands of players now and it has been elevated to the point that it’s developed its own structure. There are national and international tournaments. It’s still neat because it’s a grass roots kind of thing and that’s how it’s grown here at Gavin. You’ll also find it at East Side Rec and Clifton Park Y, and in Queensbury,” Ross listed.

“Anybody who has played racket sports, it’s a natural transition. Or someone who hasn’t even held a paddle before, after a half an hour was loving it. It’s an easy game to pick up, the rules are very simple, and for $20 you can buy a paddle and balls at a store and get on the court,” Kermani said. “Within the first three months of when I started playing, I lost 20 pounds and I’ve kept it off,” Ross explained. “My legs and hips have

Alan Ross.

never hurt so much in my life,” Kermani laughed. Schools are now beginning to teach Pickleball as well. “It’s spreading,” Ross said excitedly. For information on Gavin Park’s Pickleball and more, visit townofwilton.com/departments/ parks-and-recreation. “We welcome beginners and usually one of the more experienced players will show them the basics and get them started,” Ross said.

Volume 12

•

Issue 38

•

September 21 – September 27, 2018

•

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

•

518- 581-2480

•

Free

Photo by SuperSource Media, LLC See "Malta YMCA Grand Opening" pg. 41

SPORTS

See "Pickleball League at Gavin Park" pg. 47

JDRF’S RIDE FOR TYPE I DIABETES Photo provided.

by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — 500 riders from 81 JDRF International chapters raised $1.476 million for type 1 diabetes research at Saturday’s Ride to Cure Diabetes in Saratoga Springs. Thirty local riders, including Tom Hoffman Jr., CEO, Hoffman Car Wash & Hoffman Jiffy Lube, raised $112,000 while representing the JDRF Northeastern New York chapter. The Northeastern New York chapter raised $113,50. The top ten for the Northeastern New York Chapter are: 1. Thomas Hoffman who raised $25,120. 2. Stuart Sacks who raised $11,600. 3. Michelle DiMeo who raised $5,751. 4. Ray Kimmelblatt who raised $5,696. 5. Todd Kincaid who raised $5,412. 6. Dave Nicastro who raised $5,065. 7. Denise Nicastro who raised $4,694. 8. Heather Messina who raised $3,371. 9. Brian Dwyer who raised $3,300. 10. Michael Ciaburri who raised $3,100.