October 2009 Archives

Click below to view the PDF Flyer of the Saratoga Fall Festival:

Saratoga Fall Festival

Picture downtown Saratoga Springs: A vibrant and active center that keeps the city running in a downturned economy. In a time when adding business and revenue is most important, both business owners and the city government are feeling strains.

The City's Public Safety building, set into the bottom of City Hall, is over 100 years old. Its physical plant is decaying to the extent that one candidate for office, Democrat Peter Connolly, recently described it as "an accident waiting to happen." A new, modern police facility has been a dominant issue in the 2009 electoral campaign.

The debate over Malta's downtown  development is a big issue in this year's local election. Although the city-like build-out approved by the Planning Board for Malta's downtown and the Ellsworth Commons project is in conformance with town code, many residents are unhappy with the plans.

Edward Miller, Independence Party candidate for Commissioner of Public Works allowed me to be his exclusive 'shadow' last weekend so that the readers of Saratoga Today could learn about the joys and struggles of a candidate campaigning for your vote; to chronicle what they go through in trying to get their message out in our City in 2009.

Running a political campaign is no doubt a daunting task.

For those who wish to leave the house for an hour, enjoy a premium hand-rolled cigar and escape life, look no further than Broad Street in Schuylerville.

For three years Rich and Tara Nimmo had been waiting to open the doors of their own winery. On October 1, they saw their dreams come to fruition.

In less than a week I will be heading off to the Northeast Regional Training Center of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). I am looking forward to the two weeks of intensive training with a CCI dog selected for me.

Lauren's a double crowd pleaser... when she's not dazzling thirsty fans from behind the bar at Wheatfields (where it is getting super-crowded for happy hours, especially on Fridays), she is wowing them on various regional theater stages.

If you're into enthusiastically applauding people's good intentions while completely questioning their sanity, have we got an event for you!

It's easy to root for people like Ryan Engelbrecht. Even with talent, the process of cutting through the clutter of several thousand independent artists who release CD's each year is daunting to say the least.

In our house the grill is not limited to summer cooking and burgers are an all-year-round delight on our table. In fact, my husband would prefer a burger to steak, any day. In my effort to change things up in the burger category, I experiment with different meats and also, spices.

Scotties: The number two Empire-Division Scotties face Guilderland on October 31, for the Class AA Semi-finals.

Despite a miserable, rainy first day, rowers set their strokes on a fish-head medal at the Head of the Fish Regatta, hosted by Saratoga Rowing Association.

Recently, Mayor Scott Johnson and I were at a family function and during our far too brief conversation he said something to the effect that he enjoyed reading my weekly articles because he did not consider himself to be an outdoorsman, and he learned from what I had to say.

Friday, October 16th, the Saratoga Catholic Saints faced the Canajoharie   Cougars in a competitive game.

Some may call it luck. Others may call it skill. However, the Saints varsity football team knew it was true teamwork that led them to their victory last Friday against their formidable foes, the Lake George Warriors.

Saratoga Springs - Edwin G. Mallory, Jr., 68, a resident of Route 29, died Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital.

Saratoga Springs - James Dennis Whitford of Nelson Avenue known by many as Jimmy or Whit, passed away Friday, Oct. 23, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital after a sudden illness.

Saratoga Springs - Alice Mary Flannigan, 75, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2009 after a long illness at Wesley Health Care.

Saratoga Springs -  passed away Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital. He was 41.

Saratoga Springs - John J. Miglucci, Jr. of Daniels Rd. passed away Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 at Albany Medical Center. He was 59.

Saratoga Springs City School District technology teacher Michael Gallagher has been recognized by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation and 3M for his exceptional instructional practices in the classroom and his professional leadership that inspires and motivates students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. He is also a teacher involved in Project Lead the Way and will receive a $1,000 cash award as part of the "Building the Future" Award Program. Congratulations, Mr. Gallagher!

For those who are traveling up or down Route 9N, Church Street, expect to wait in traffic, at least for the next two weeks.

This year's local election candidates are tackling big problem-resolutions and contentious issues to win their seat, but one local race sports more than the usual friendly candidate rivalries.

According to a Center for Disease Control H1N1 update, the virus is now widespread in 41 states, with the majority of cases identified in patients ages 24 and younger.

It's not every day that a charity drive can turn into a multifaceted lesson plan, but that's what second grade teachers at St. Clements Regional Catholic School have done with a school-wide project.

Local Dentist encourages kids to earn some cash by giving up their candy for a good cause

October is pumpkin season with every doorstep in town adorned with these beautiful orange decorations.

One aspect that makes this production special is that the 28 young performers (age 8-15) are doing something different than a standard play or musical that is part of everybody's school curriculum - not the same old, same old that your Aunt Edna and Uncle Charlie have dutifully seen your older siblings perform countless times.

In Jodie Fitz's perfect world, every child will have healthy meals and snacks that are faster to prepare than the time it takes for you to get thru the drive-thru at dinner time. That's because the kids are an important component of helping prepare the meals.

My friend's granddaughter Sydney kept telling me I should do my column on hamsters. I thought about it, but since I have never had a hamster, I knew I could only do it with Syd's help.

Older and younger league teams play both ends of the field: Collegiate Sprint Football League, Mighty Mites A Squad battle it out in Saratoga Springs

I got it! The ultimate solution to all of the problems and controversies that have been and still are swirling around every one of our outdoor issues.

The Saratoga Central Catholic varsity football team played their hearts out last Friday, October 16.

The Saratoga Springs varsity boy's soccer team held their Soccer Day clinic at Maple Avenue Middle School on Sunday, October 18.

Saratoga Springs - Henriette A. Waldinger of County Rt. 67 passed away Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 at her home. She was 92.

Greenwich - John (Jack) Carmody, 83, of Greenwich, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Monday, October 19, 2009 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Mechanicville - Giustina "Irene" Volpe of Saratoga Ave. passed away Friday, Oct. 16, 2009 at Wesley Health Care Center. She was 94.

Saratoga County politicians have their work cut out for them as November 3 quickly approaches.

"New York State is the ground-zero of the fiscal crisis," Governor Patterson said during a press conference in Albany on October 15.

Jonathan Greene, a recent Skidmore grad relocated from Seattle to attend school in Saratoga Springs. After matriculating as an Environmental Studies major and Business minor, he decided to stay in the area and do what he does best.

From now until October 31, Michele Riggi is celebrating Halloween right in her North Broadway front yard.

For those who want a good Halloween scare and support a good cause at the same time, Operation Adopt a Soldier, Inc. will be hosting their fourth annual haunted hayride and haunted house on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Gavin Park in Wilton.

What better way to celebrate a five year anniversary than moving into a bigger market? For Diane Palumbo and Erika Gallagher, co-owners of Plum and Crimson Fine Interior Design, this is just the path they took.

The Saratoga Springs City School District has received national attention on an issue that may not seem groundbreaking to many, but to one parent in the city, it's a cause for concern.

Rising dramatically on the palatial campus of Skidmore College, the Francis Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery (affectionately known as "the Tang") has just celebrated its ninth anniversary this month. The Tang is nothing short of a marvel, beginning with the striking building itself.

Here's a recipe for enjoyment:
Original crafted music that is classic Americana, grown locally. 1 part juke joint, 1 part honky-tonk, 1 part front porch and 1 part roadhouse - The Red Haired Strangers are just plain pleasing, but anything but plain.

When you step into Virgil's you are treating yourself to an in-town vacation.

"Foodie Heaven" descends upon Vapor Night Club on the grounds of Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on Tuesday, November 10 at 6 p.m.

At my house, as the temperatures cool and gardens wane, the need for comfort food and the need to use up all what remains in fresh tomatoes conspire to the making of this year's supply of Spaghetti Sauce.

Update on Rocky

The Thoroughbreds Golf team has had a strong season so far. Currently, the Thoroughbreds are ranked fourth in the Country for Division III.

It's been an exciting week for the Saratoga Catholic Saints. After a hard defeat against Lake George last Friday night, the Saints varsity football season is coming to a close.

It was a long drive to Schoharie but the Saratoga Central Catholic girls Varsity Volleyball team certainly pulled it off. Continuing their winning streak, the Varsity girls won the match against the Schoharie Indians in four sets.

Saratoga Springs - Charles L. Clough Sr. passed away Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 at his residence. He was 89.

Saratoga Springs - Gertrude Carpenter of Covell Avenue passed away Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital. She was 82.

Saratoga Springs - Gertrude Mangona Rodeno passed away Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa. She was 85.

Greenfield Center - Edward I. Damoretcki of Bump Hill Road died October 9, 2009. He was 83.

In April 2004, more than 60 years after World War II ended, the WWII memorial opened to the public in Washington D.C. honoring the 16 million who served in the war, the 400,000 who perished and all who supported the war effort at home.

Citing the most challenging budget situation the Saratoga Springs City Council has faced in "generations" Commissioner of Finance Kenneth Ivins, Jr. presented his 2010 Comprehensive Budget Plan at Tuesday's council meeting.

While next year's racing season may not be on the forefront of most Saratogian's minds, The New York State Racing Association announced exciting news for Spa City's summer 2010 Wednesday.

Malta Community Center Grand Opening

On Saturday, October 3, 2009 the Town of Malta held a grand opening for the new 19,000 square foot expansion to the David R. Meager Malta Community Center located at 1 Bayberry Drive in Malta. 

Next week more than 300 of the racing world's top executives will be in Saratoga Springs for the 17th annual International Simulcast Conference from October 12 through 14.

For many Waveland, Mississippi residents, Hurricane Katrina is a continuous catastrophe even four years after the violent storm devoured their city.

The Energy Information Administration released their annual energy outlook on Tuesday, October 6, with some good news for energy users across the country.

On October 1, John Berghammer and his wife, Melissa, became the proud owners of Ace Pest Control Specialists, Inc.

In 2009, it is estimated by the American Cancer Society that 192,370 women and 1,910 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While this news is terrifying, major technological advancements and increased awareness of the disease will help to save thousands of lives.

With so many enjoyable aspects of the change in the season, raking leaves and picking up the yard never seem to be acceptable and enjoyable fall tasks.

On October 8 and 9, 1871 the Great Chicago Fire swept through the growing metropolis killing 250 people, leaving 200,000 more homeless and scorching more than 2,000 acres of land.

The other day I was trying to have a snack that included chocolate chips, and when I walked into the room where the boys were watching Curious George, in order to sit and eat my snack and keep my eye on them at the same time, I watched in amazement as, first John, then Gabe, then Thomas, became aware that I had chocolate.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month, a 31 day campaign to support the individual stories, experiences and personalities affected by domestic abuse.

Like a tornado propelling in from Kansas, 12 year-old Carolyn Shields blew into our offices on Monday in between classes as a 7th grader at Maple Avenue and her final week of rehearsal.

An out-of-the-way jewel in Washington County is the Fort Salem Theater in Salem, New York. It is worth considering a journey there to see its "Fall at the Fort" Saturday cabaret Series, a set of seven performances which features performers from Broadway, Manhattan cabaret, national tours and television appearances.

Jennifer Herbs is the type of woman who is living the dream on two fronts. 

Home Made Theater opens their 25th season with a presentation of CURTAINS, a fun-filled zany valentine to the magic of theater, at the Spa Little Theater in the Saratoga Spa State Park. The show runs weekends October 16 through November 1.

Proprietor Joseph Mack invites all his friends and neighbors to come over and view his newest creation - the Seven Horse Pub, on the site of the former 43 Phila Street Bistro. Since acquiring the property in the spring of 2009, Mr. Mack and his crew has completely redone the interior of the building: installing a new custom  40+ foot red and white oak bar, tables, floors, bathrooms and kitchen.

Compliments of Tim Meaney, chef/owner, Beekman Street Bistro
One of the great pleasures of coordinating the Saratoga Farmers' Market is the relationships you build within the community. Tim Meaney, the chef and owner of Beekman Street Bistro, is one of our market's most faithful clients and one of our community's biggest supporters of local foods.

The ground breaking for the new Saratoga County Animal Shelter was an exciting moment for so many people that have been waiting at least three years for work to begin.

This Sunday, October 11, the Saratoga Rowing Association is hosting the first annual Schuylerskiff Regatta on the Hudson River in Schuylerville.

Coming off the green with a 16-1 winning streak, Saratoga Central Catholic's golf team is confident this season will be a hole in one.

As promised, the Saratoga Central Catholic varsity football team brought their A-game last Saturday afternoon at Whitehall. 

Thursday, October 1st, Saratoga Central Catholic varsity volleyball fans jumped to their feet when the Saint's defeated the previously untouchable Schenectady Christian team.

Thursday, October 1st, Saratoga Central Catholic varsity volleyball fans jumped to their feet when the Saint's defeated the previously untouchable Schenectady Christian team.

Saratoga Springs -  Peter Bradley Paquet passed away Monday, September 29, 2009 after a lengthy illness and a lifetime of inspiring others.

Saratoga Springs - Caroline (Carolyn) Groff Brown, 87, of Locust Grove Road passed away Monday, September 28, 2009 at Maplewood Manor Nursing Home in Ballston Spa, where she had been residing the past four months.

Saratoga Springs - Everett "Buzz" A. Kraus, Jr. passed away Monday, Oct. 5, 2009 at Albany Medical Center. He was 66.

Middle Grove - Norman C. Millington entered into the hands of the Lord on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 71.

Saratoga Springs - Janet A. Whitehouse of Allen Drive passed away Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 at home with her loving family by her side. She was 54.

Synergy is the name of the game that left Saratoga Performing Arts Center in the black for the 2009 season.

Last week's city budget workshop revealed a $6.5 million budget gap, projecting a near 40 percent tax increase in order to fill it.

For the second time, Saratoga County municipalities are sponsoring a special collection day for household hazardous waste on October 17.

The Bethesda Episcopal Church on Washington Street in downtown Saratoga Springs recently added a new member to its congregation: a state-of-the-art, computerized switching system organ.

On a daily basis I hold many titles: publisher, son, friend, boss, instructor... but the two I value most are husband and dad.  For this editorial I want to focus on my role as DAD.

For those who are looking to buy a new home, renovate their current home or just want to view new trends in housing are invited to come out over the weekend of October 2 - 4 to view a number of state-of-the-art homes in Saratoga Springs and support non-profit organizations.

It's not every day that someone can go to the gym to grab a cup of coffee and catch up with a friend, but once Saratoga Health and Wellness opens its doors, it's a very real possibility.

Patricia Marin, director of school services at The Prevention Council loves her job, and it is that love and dedication that earned her the title of New York State's Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP) of the Year.

It's no secret that the troubled economy has done damage to everyone's wallet, but coupled with a divorce, 17 credit cards and high interest rates, local businesswoman Dawn Warfield found herself way in over her head.

In this job market, you're lucky to get an interview let alone land a job. Candidates need to impress on paper and in person, so when it comes time for the big interview it's important to make sure you're dressed for the part.

How job seekers actually approach a job fair can greatly affect its outcome.  Maintaining a positive attitude and creating a professional image can help job candidates develop an aura of confidence that sets them well apart from other potential candidates.

It is an exciting time for animals and animal lovers in Saratoga County! This fall, construction begins for our new county animal shelter. The official groundbreaking Wednesday, September 30 at 11 a.m.

It's getting to the point that I rarely list a young musician's 'influences' or 'sounds likes' anymore, because it's mostly all the same: an unofficial count shows 18,246 female indie songwriters are would-be Ani DiFrancos; 9,485 are Fionas. On the Band scene nationwide, you have hundreds of thousands of Green Days, Coldplays, Phishs and Maroon 5s - you get the idea.

Because our region's hospitality industry has so many excellent people to choose from, we at Crowd Pleaser Central often have a hard time selecting who should be honored on any particular week.

A few short years ago, based on a rare recommendation from a friend named Ray who also was an open mic host, I learned about Amy Regan, at the time a Skidmore junior.

Paying homage to the former Grand Union Hotel in its name, and with the desire to embody the spirit of hospitality perfected by Conrad Hilton, the Union Grille opened inside the Saratoga Hilton hotel (534 Broadway - telephone (518) 583-3538) yesterday.

This past weekend at the Farmers' Market we had a wonderful culinary extravaganza, Toyota's Farm-to-Table Event. Nine local chefs paired up with 16 or so market vendors and provided an absolutely tantalizing array of samples in which to indulge.

There wasn't a quiet fan in the stands as the Saratoga Central Catholic Saint's Varsity Volleyball team climbed the step-ladder to the semi finals at this past weekend's Voorheesville Tournament.

The Saratoga Central Catholic varsity football team took a rough defeat to Rensselaer High School on Friday, September 25.

Kelsey Clechenko, age 26, has been figure skating for 18 years; she's performed in over 30 competitions, including the Empire State Games, the United States Figure Skating Adult National Championships, and the Ice Skating Institute Nationals, which she will be skating in this weekend for the second time.

My primary assignment as a free lance contributor for this newspaper is that of an "outdoors" writer. There are times, however, that I have approached topics that might seem to stretch this assignment a bit, but when I venture off into an area that might make some people wonder where I'm going, I've always managed to pull the topic back into my primary area. This might seem to be one of those incidents, and I hope I live up to my past performance.

Hudson, FL - Patricia Ann (Sam) D'Aluisio, formerly of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer and COPD.

Saratoga Springs - Mary Elizabeth McMartin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and dear friend, passed away Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital after a two- week hospitalization. She was 81.

Saratoga Springs - Mark Marra, 55, of Cayuga Avenue, Fishhouse, NY, passed away Monday evening, September 21, 2009, at Saratoga Hospital. Mark was born in Schenectady on August 4, 1954.

Amsterdam - Charlotte M. Grypa, 94, of Route 20 in Galway, died Monday, Sept. 21, 2009 at Mt. Loretto Nursing Home in Amsterdam following a short illness.

Ballston Spa - Mary Helen Tarity, formerly of Gansevoort, passed away Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 at Maplewood Manor. She was 89.

Saratoga Springs - Mary E. (Oliver) Bradley of Ballston Avenue passed away Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009 at her home with her loving family by her side. She was 62.

Saratoga Springs -  passed away Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital. She was 93.

Greenfield - Gary C. Priest of Bloomfield Road passed away Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. He was 48.

Saratoga Springs - John R. "Gumps" Desidoro of East Avenue passed away Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital. He was 86.