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September 2009 Archives
Barring any further cutbacks, efficiencies and/or revenue increases,
Saratoga Springs city home owners are facing a property tax increase
that approaches a 40 percent rise over 2009 levels.
Saratoga County residents were confused last Thursday, September 17,
when the White House announced President Obama's decision to visit HVCC
and not Global Foundries in Malta, as presumed.
The 2009 Saratoga Native American festival continues the mission of the
2006 and 2007 Saratoga Native American festivals to educate the public
on the history and cultures of New York State's indigenous peoples.
Congratulations to the following Saratoga Today readers, who each won a pair of admission tickets to Saturday's Harvest Fest:
- Stephanie Decelle
- Kate Maynard
- Patrick Harrington
- Alexandra Crooks
Mandy Creighton and Ryan Mlynarczyk's 12,000 biking journey across the U.S. brought them to Ballston Spa, where they stopped to grab a cup of coffee and repair a flat tire.
Take a Child Outside Week is in mid swing, as youngsters across the City embrace nature and the great outdoors.
The Saratoga Chamber Players open their 23rd season this evening with
two performances featuring music that influenced Edgar Degas.
This super friendly superwoman is reflective of the good-natured vibe
that radiates from the staff of that oasis on Broadway (which descended
by way of Mexico) known as the Cantina Restaurant.
The expression 'everything old becomes new again' has never been more true than here in our history-loving town.
Score one for the independents!
D'Andrea's pizza, a Caroline Street institution and Saratoga Today's
2009 "Local's Choice" readers poll winner for 'Best Pizza' in the
region, has opened a second outlet for their unique cuisine in Ballston
Spa on Tuesday, September 22.
This week at the Saratoga Farmers' Market is special. Not only is the summer bounty still plentiful making for great food shopping, but we are also hosting a very special event - Toyota's Farm to Table Tour.
My friend and fellow animal lover, Angel, asked me to go with her to
visit Estherville, a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter in Greenfield
Center. I had never been there before, but I had heard about the place.
The Adirondack Phantoms began training camp on Wednesday, September 23 at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
In only a couple more weeks, I'll be in the mountains of Colorado on my
first-ever elk hunt along with two of my hunting buddies. Needless to
say, I can't wait. The preparation and the anticipation are already
getting to me.
Saratoga Springs - Margaret Priester Pitney passed away on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital. She was 86.
Saratoga Springs - Ruthie Mae Ballestero passed away suddenly on
Monday, September 21, 2009 at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa in the
company of her beloved daughter Jamie. She was 80.
Saratoga Springs - James Walter Parham, a long-time resident of
Saratoga Springs and a World War II veteran, passed away Wednesday,
Sept. 16, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital. He was 87.
Saratoga Springs - Dr. Thomas Nugent Gorman, D.V.M., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009 after a brief illness. He was 76.
Wilton -- William H. Ebert Jr. went to be with his God and other loved ones Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009.
Saratoga Springs - Levrett G. Dupell completed his earthly journey and
was joyfully welcomed into eternity on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009.
Mechanicville - Mary D. "Sissy" Sipperly of Saratoga Ave. passed away
on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital, Troy, NY. She was
83.
Gansevoort - Trung V. Huy Nguyen, a 2007 graduate of Saratoga High
School, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Sept. 3. He was 22 years
old.
Del Ray Beach, Florida - Hannah Frager Israel died Friday, Sept. 4,
2009 in Delray Beach, FL, after enjoying a grand life of 88 years.
Second Capital Region Store Opens Today; Several More Planned Including Downtown Saratoga Springs
'Juicy Burgers and More,' a home-grown upscale franchise celebrated their first anniversary at its flagship Ballston location (in the Milton Center Plaza at 15 Trieble Avenue) on September 8, and economy notwithstanding, has big plans for expansion throughout the Capital Region in the next few years.
Weight Watchers is an organization in the community and of the community. The company takes this mission very seriously, and works to find new opportunities for members to participate in the life and vitality in their local cities, towns and villages.
At 10:39 AM Thursday morning Saratoga Springs City Police responded to a report of a robbery at the Citizen's Bank located inside the Hannaford Supermarket at 95 Weibel Ave.
Stewart's Shops Philly Vanilla ice cream is the best in the world.
The judges for the upcoming World Dairy Expo 2009, to be held in Madison, Wisconsin, rated Stewart's Philly Vanilla Ice Cream number one.
The City Council met for its regular meeting last Tuesday. Mayor Scott Johnson presented the Public Works agenda for Commissioner Anthony Sirocco, who was absent.
Hannaford Supermarkets announced on September 14 that it is in discussions with local officials about plans to build a store in Malta, N.Y.
The 2009 edition of the Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival will take place at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa, N.Y., on Sept. 18 and 19. This is the first time in more than a decade that the event, which draws thousands of guests each year, has changed its location.
The third Annual Civil War Encampment is taking place on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Congress Park.
The difference between having a dream and having ambition is getting the job done. Skidmore College senior Eric Silverman knows what it's like to have ambition.
If I were to ask one hundred people if they thought their own life was anything special, I would predict that ninety nine would say "yes, so many things have happened in my life, I know no one else in the whole world is the same as me and that makes me special." All ninety nine would be wrong.
I will not grow old today. I have too much to do and I need the time. Many sunsets to see and many early morning lights to enjoy, sunrises, birds singing and above all, God's vast universe to cover.
Our senior population is growing! The seniors of today and tomorrow are healthier and more active than any senior population before. Not only are the advances in technology and medicine changing the life expectancy and the quality of life, but also our seniors today are more educated and understand the importance of having touch and movement in their lives.
As flu season is quickly approaching, Saratoga County has announced local flu clinics for county residents.
The Shelters of Saratoga Neighborhood Preservation Program offers emergency home repairs to residents who are 60 and older through the RESTORE Program.
Entertainment and sightseeing hotspots are destination hotspots for senior citizens. By booking a group or private tour with Upstate Transit of Saratoga, senior citizens can travel to destinations throughout New York State and across the country with excitement and ease.
The typical bustling gym setting is geared for a younger, more fitness-confident clientele, and can be intimidating for some who don't fit that mold.
This Labor Day I had the pleasure of attending a Slow Food Potluck held at Sheldon Farms in Salem, NY.
As the leaves begin to turn and the mornings become chilly, I am reminded that before long it will be winter. With winter comes less activity for humans and pets. With less activity we all are more likely to put on a few extra pounds. Some advice is worth repeating so I am rerunning an article I wrote last March about the problem of pet obesity:
It happens so consistently that you can set your watch by it.
An hour before the gig, two well-dressed men in throwback fedoras come in and unload their stuff leisurely...it's a quiet time now, a time to greet the owners and a few early arrivals. A leisurely pace till show time.
These two came together from different lands halfway around the world specifically to teach you to have rhythm!
Ballston Spa native returns home to conduct concert
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors is honoring Saratoga County-area Veterans by presenting a free performance of the United States Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus on Friday, September 25 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). This performance of "The Musical Ambassadors of the Army" begins at 7 p.m. and features a variety of music including marches, overtures and patriotic selections. Free tickets to this performance are available at Saratoga County Stewart's Shops and Saratoga County Town and City Halls.
All-day Celebration on Saturday, September 26 to Spotlight Local Farming, Community, Commerce and Music.
The issues surrounding the need for investment in our local economy have crystallized for many in recent years. An awareness that expending energy to bring our food across the country, for instance, is an even less-sustainable proposition in a down economy, but an inefficient system under the best of circumstances. "Keeping dollars local" is a buzz-expression that one hears more often than ever, yet making that come to fruition is not something that happens passively. It takes a conscious commitment to action, which is proceeded by arming oneself with the knowledge of the issues, and effective strategies to make it happen.
On Saturday, September 19, the 4th Annual Barbeque Jazz Fest, benefitting the building fund for the historic Frederick Allen Lodge at 69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. at their neighbors, The Principessa Elena Society at 13 Oak Street.
Two important golf tournaments will be taking place and they are always part of my fall golfing agenda. One tournament is a National event while the other is a local golf tournament that has become a tradition for area golfers.
For those of you who have read my articles prior to this one, you should know by now that I can't even spell "politically correct" much less act like it. I have in front of me on my desk a plaque that says "I just wish my mouth had a backspace key." That pretty well sums up my behavior when it comes to thought and speech. I've always told people that what is in my brain is coming out of my mouth. I wasn't born with any kind of a filter in between. So if I tread on a few toes this week, please take this into consideration.
Sports Scoreboard:
Women's Soccer: 9/12: vs. Westfield State College (tie: 0-0) 9/13: vs. Husson College (win: 2-0)
Football: 9/18: Schuylerville vs. Corinth, 7 p.m. 9/18: Saratoga at Albany, 3 p.m. 9/24: Ballston Spa vs. Albany, 7 p.m. 9/25: Saratoga at CBA, 7 p.m.
Football: 9/11: Saratoga Springs vs. Colonie (win: PF 31, PA 13) 9/12: Schuylerville at Cambridge (loss: PA 41, PF 7) 9/12: Ballston Spa vs. Shaker
Premature controversies spiked over President Barack Obama's back to
school intentions, but past the hype an important message was delivered
to students across the country.
The campus at Skidmore College has been bustling with activities over
the past week with freshmen and transfer students starting a new
chapter in their lives.
Kindergarten is a special time for families. In most cases, children
are heading off for a full day away from their parents all week long.
Not only is this a transition for the children, but also the parents.
Dining hall food isn't typically a campus highlight, unless your
palette drives your college decision to Skidmore. Although the Ivy
League-caliber school is an academic top choice for many students, the
college's dining services are also high ranking.
September 11, 2001 is forever burned into my mind. I still remember my exact location when I heard the news.
On the consumer's end, a gallon of milk is more affordable than ever;
from the dairy farmer's perspective, bargain prices have distributors
milking them for all they've got.
Saratoga Salsa and Spice is continuing to up the ante for claim to have the original Saratoga Potato Chip.
Ask most people on the street what they were doing on September 11,
2001 between 8 am and when they watched the news and they will probably
be able to tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing.
Most women, and men, associate horrific pain and discomfort with
natural childbirth, which is why epidurals are commonly seen as a
saving grace for expectant moms. Yet, drugs are not the only solution
to surviving childbirth; many women are turning to a natural
alternative: medical hypnosis.
When I take stock of the things I think I'm doing right as a mom, I find I'm pretty happy with many of the ways I mother
Probably the most common complaint among adults at some point in their
lives is the complaint of tightness or pain in the neck. While such a
condition obviously has many causes, there are a number of
modifications or stretches you can do to minimize or eliminate your
pain.
In an effort to provide support and reduce costs to families with
children with disabilities, the
Warren-Saratoga-Washington-Hamilton-Essex BOCES center has opened the
doors to a new middle school for children with special needs just in
time for the new school year.
Several times a week, Vida and I go visiting at the nursing home where my Mom has been for the past four years.
For Lisa Piccirillo, the past 5 years have been a wonderful and
exhilarating experience. Lisa built a strong performing foundation
during her college years here, eventually becoming part of the 2004
graduating class at Skidmore College.
Approaching The Jonesville Store is akin to feeling the effects of
pilates; a sense of well-being and stress-relief pervades your being. I
don't live here, but I know I am home.
Why wait? Yes, the season's over, and it is only about 180 days till spring.
My husband and I were married about eight and a half years ago. It was
a second marriage for both of us, so we didn't walk into it without
understanding that each of us should not only understand, but accept
the needs of the other.
Schuylerville parents filled classrooms at the Junior-Senior High
school on Wednesday night, September 9 for Meet the Coaches Night and a
special seminar about athlete diets.
Saratoga Springs - Marion C. Sullivan passed away Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009 at the Saratoga Hospital. She was 89.
Middle Grove - Harry F. Nutting peacefully entered God's embrace on
Saturday, Septem-ber 5, 2009, at home surrounded by family after a long
illness.
Saratoga Springs - Frank C. Allen passed away Thursday, August 27,
2009, at Saratoga Hospital two weeks after being diagnosed with liver
cancer. He was 66.
Theodore "TED" John DiPonzio crossed over in Spirit and Love, in the
loving arms of his wife, Natalie, Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at their
residence in Ballston Spa.
When Rachel Alexandra steps out onto the dirt at Saratoga Race Course
on Saturday, September 5th she will bring onto the track a legacy of
speed and grit, which she comes by naturally.
On the high school tennis court no cuts means every player is fit for
the team, but not every coach is cut out for winning a USTA Starfish
Award.
A taste of Italy is headed to Saratoga in conjunction with the first-ever Saratoga Wine and Food and Fall Ferrari Festival.
A single day in March of 2011 could increase the Town of Saratoga's
population by 1,200 residents, if Schuylerville residents decide to
change the village name.
Journey and Heart Defy Age at SPAC
To commemorate the historic challenge of 3-year old filly Rachel
Alexandra's running against older horses in the Woodward Stakes at
Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, September 5th, artist Nick Martinez
will be offering a limited edition of both canvas and high-quality
print recreations of his original painting "Rachel Alexandra at
Saratoga."
We generally enjoy all our hospitality people, but this one's a
favorite. The first time we met, she had me rolling on the floor inside
of 5 minutes.
These guys are headed everywhere, Charlie!
Saratogians are familiar with Michele Riggi's ever growing, four-legged
entourage, but what they may not know is how her seemingly eccentric
collection of Chihuahuas has inspired a philanthropic project.
According to the New York State Department of Education, Saratoga
Springs High School and Ballston Spa High School are among 499 schools
and 35 districts state-wide that are in need of improvement.
After a long and trying international economic downturn, it seems as though things are starting to turn around--at least in the Capital Region.
In an effort to become more environmentally conscious, Hayes Paving and Pallette Stone are trying newer, greener products.
The 2009 Parade of Homes gives a sneak peek of new designs and trends in the housing industry.
The era of massive McMansions has officially ended; these days
Americans are thinking smaller and spending less on oversized living
spaces.
These last days of August and beginning of September have brought out
the full crop of melons to our area and are in great supply at the
Farmers' Market.
Fifty-thousand French horses, charging down a hill in Agincourt toward
the small band of Englishmen fighting for Henry V in 1415, inspired no
more thrills than the eight horses who will contend at the Saratoga
battlefield on September 5th in the 56th running of the Woodward Stakes.
A busy schedule has limited my opportunities to attend the races but
nothing will keep me away from watching Rachel Alexandra run in the
Woodward.
The race meet is running out and its overall success is hinging on the final Saturday.
There are too many photos and descriptions of shelter animals that need
homes! How can I pick just six for this week's pet page?
The Mohawk-Hudson chapter of the Sports Car Club of America hosted
their 6th solo series autocross event of the season on August 30 at the
Wilton Mall parking lot.
Most of the non-golfing public look at us golfers as a serious lot,
void of humor and all business. But if the truth be known, there are
humorous incidents happening all the time.
Every morning when I first open my email, I find a host of things that
have been forwarded to me by friends and people I've known and worked
with from all around the world.
Greenfield Center - Evelyn L. Fuelner of Greenfield Center passed away
peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2009, while under her daughter's care
at their home on Route 9N north of Greenfield Center.
Saratoga Springs - Rita M. (Conway) Pitman passed away Monday, Aug. 24, 2009 at Wesley Heath Care Center. She was 89.
Saratoga Springs - Ann L. Ramsey passed away Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital. She was 66.
Saratoga Springs - Doris May Perry passed away peacefully, Friday,
August 28, 2009 at Glens Falls Hospital after a brief illness. She was
84.
Saratoga Springs - William J. Zorn, Sr. of Second Street passed away
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 at the Samuel Stratton VA Medical Center in
Albany following a long illness. He was 84.
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