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Author: Kacie Cotter-Harrigan

From the Race Course to the Lake

Written by Kacie Cotter-Harrigan on . Posted in Sports.

While going to college at Siena, I have always worked every Friday night at Dicks Sporting Goods in Saratoga Springs. One of the best parts of the job is that you get to meet and discuss fishing and hunting tactics with people from all over the capital region. Over the summer, I had the chance to talk to one father and son duo who shared the same passion for fishing that I do.

They came to me one Friday night with a tangled fishing reel and explained that they did not know what to do about it. I could tell that they were new to fishing, but seemed to enjoy it as they said they were trying to get out every single night. 

We have all been there when first starting out and it can be overwhelming dealing with the various line tangles and “bird nests” as we like to call them. After I was able to free the tangled reel and explain to them how it happened, I realized that this was not the average father and son duo, but I just could not piece together who they were. They explained to me that they were just staying in Saratoga for the summer because of the Saratoga Springs Race Track. This still was not a dead giveaway as plenty of people travel to Saratoga Springs in the summer for the track. I knew I recognized this person from somewhere, but I just could not put the pieces together. 

When the father walked away to go look at lures, I asked his son what their last name was. He replied with “Alvarado,” and I knew in that instant that it was none other than Jockey Junior Alvarado. 

When he returned, I explained to him that I was a huge fan of horse racing and that we had a shared passion for fishing. It just so happened that Junior had won three races that day, including the “Perfect Sting Stakes.” After talking about horse racing for a bit, he explained to me that they had been fishing Lake Lonely every night, but just did not know the techniques to catch fish. As a New York State Licensed Fishing Guide, I knew I had to take these guys out and show them what Lake Lonely has to offer. So, we planned on fishing during a dark day the following week.

On Tuesday night, August 18, Junior and his son Adrian met me at Lake Lonely Water Sports for an evening of Bass and Pike fishing. Adrian told me that they had not caught a single fish since arriving in Saratoga Springs and I assured him that not only were we going to catch fish, I was going to make sure he caught the biggest fish of his life. So, we set out in my 18ft bass boat prepared to catch some fish.

Based on the time of year, I positioned the boat right on the edge of a weed bed where I knew the bass and pike were waiting to ambush anything that moved past them. The best part about this spot was that we had a view of the 15th hole on the Saratoga National Golf Course, which makes for an incredibly scenic backdrop. 

For this trip I wanted to let Junior and Adrian practice their casting, while I had some live bait out from the back of the boat. This way we had two different presentations that the fish would bite. I like using slip bobbers with live bait when taking people out so they can feel the excitement when the bobber goes under. It did not take more than five minutes before Adrian shouted, “The bobber!” and he was reeling in his first largemouth bass. After a good fight, Adrian had reeled in a very nice two-pound bass. Junior soon followed and shouted, “Fish On!” and caught the next fish using a crankbait. 

Fishing soon turned into a classic father and son contest as both Junior and Adrian were catching fish left and right. By the end, I think Adrian was able to take the title of “Fisherman of the Night” and left Junior wanting to catch more next time. Adrian had also caught the biggest fish of his life when he landed a 23” Northern Pike. We finished off the night with Adrian helping me drive the boat back, despite nearly knocking his Dad’s hat off. I can gladly say that Junior and Adrian will be back next summer to win some more races and catch some more fish.

Drew Ziehnert  is a New York State Licensed Fishing Guide and owner of Ziehnert Guide Service. Ziehnert is an English Education major from Siena College.

Trick or Treat: Halloween Memories

Written by Kacie Cotter-Harrigan on . Posted in Food.

Hello my Foodie Friends!

This year will be unique for many households in how to allow each of our little ones to take part in the festivities that surround Halloween. Throughout my neighborhood, many of the homes have decorated their yards with amazing creativity. It’s safe to say that these folks have been planning their Halloween decorations for some time now. These elaborate haunted house displays are quite breathtaking in their scale and really do bring happiness to all of us during a time when treating may be different for our trick-or-treaters. 

Looking back (many years) at Halloween memories, the Reardon household was the same when we were children as it is now — except back then there were only a few days a year that we were allowed to have candy and bad snacks.  My mother’s kitchen always had bowls of different kinds of fruits and vegetables depending on the season. There was never any candy, potato chips or bad snacks. If we wanted something sweet, it would be an apple or orange or tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden. Candy and snacks had not taken over America yet. When Halloween night arrived, my siblings and I would be almost too excited to eat our dinner before we went trick or treating. 

To get us to eat, my mother would try to do something creative with what we were having for dinner. On Halloween evening after eating dinner, the four of us would be off with orders to stay together “or else.”  I was told that — since I was the oldest ­— it was my job to keep a count on my brothers and sisters or I would lose my candy. When we got home we would brag about how much candy we had.  The next two weeks were spent dipping into our stash of candy. 

As you plan how to approach this Halloween, fill up your trick-or-treaters with something that will keep them warm during the chilly Halloween evening this year. Have fun with being innovative with simple recipes while creating your own Halloween memories with stories that can be told for years. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store to assist with your “scary” treats. Remember my Foodie Friends that “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”

 Take Care,
John & PaulaREARDON SpiderDogs

Halloween Farmers’ Market Style

Written by Kacie Cotter-Harrigan on . Posted in Food.

Visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market for perfect pumpkins to paint, carve, and cook, and to get a sack full of other Halloween treats too! Between now and October 31, come to the market at the Wilton Mall any Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. or Wednesday 3 – 6 p.m. to pick out products for constructing your own festive Halloween food, drink, and decor.

Halloween’s mascot is the pumpkin, and at the market, we celebrate this special squash in fresh baked goods, hot and cold beverages, decorations, dinners, and desserts; we even have unique, locally made, pumpkin-spiced marshmallows! 

The tradition of carving pumpkins dates to Irish immigrants who came to America to escape famine. Legend says that Stingy Jack was a thief and trickster who even fooled the devil into making a promise not to take his soul when he died. The devil kept this promise, but God wouldn’t let an unsavory person like Jack into heaven. With just burning coal in a turnip to use for a light, Jack’s been roaming the earth ever since. Because of this, children in Ireland put a glowing coal into a carved potato, turnip, or beet to frighten away Stingy Jack.

Once in America, pumpkins made the perfect lanterns. That is where we get Jack-O’-Lanterns. Big pumpkins make the perfect carved jack-o-lantern, while small sugar pumpkins are delicious for roasting to make puree for pies, dips, and pumpkin bread. Save the seeds of either to sprinkle with your favorite spice and roast as a quick crunchy snack.

If Halloween festivities are on your schedule, try these tricks for some healthy and unusual treats: Use a small pumpkin or another gourd as a bowl. Fill it with a sweet pumpkin dip accompanied by sliced apples on the side, or try a savory dip or hummus with vegetable sticks.

Another fun idea is to make kebabs of fruit, veggies, or cured meat and cheese. Stick them in a painted or carved pumpkin. It’ll make a wonderful centerpiece for your table.

And on Halloween itself, visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market! We will have prizes for festive costumes and our annual guess-the-weight-of-the-pumpkin contest. Before heading home, grab some veggies, a deliciously prepared dish, and a jug of sweet cider for a quick dinner on this spookiest evening of the year. And, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to win market products in our fall giveaways!

Saratoga Farmers’ Market runs at Wilton Mall 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our newsletter: www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/weekly-newsletter.

FM PumpkinDip

School Finds Creative Staffing Solutions

Written by Kacie Cotter-Harrigan on . Posted in Education.

In a school year like no other, where our lives and learning systems have been thrown into disarray, the Saratoga Springs City School district got creative about reorganizing their staff to meet the needs of this new normal.

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
The key for the district to move forward in these uncertain times has been to proactively identify innovative ways to utilize their existing resources and staff, said Maura Manny, Saratoga School City District Director of Community Outreach and Communications.

One of their main strategies has been to reallocate elementary teachers to serve as virtual instructors. Because the district has adopted a hybrid model of education this year (which also includes the 20 percent of students who have elected to learn remotely), they now have 23 classroom teachers who are now teaching virtually. In November, families will have the option of changing how they’ve elected to approach learning however, so the number of remote learners may soon change.

Another change on the horizon will involve the 4th grade students, who are now on a schedule that has them learning in-person two days a week and remotely for the remaining three days.

The district is planning to switch to a full five days of in-person instruction for these students. To accomplish this, they anticipate hiring additional temporary teachers in the coming weeks. These teachers will still be required to have all the appropriate certifications and credentials as tenured teachers. 

REVOLUTIONARY MEETINGS & SPACES
The educational model that Saratoga Springs has adopted has come with challenges, but also has its advantages. 

To adhere to social distancing protocols, staff interviews are held remotely.  Their hybrid schedule, combined with more parents and guardians providing transportation for their children, has eliminated the need for the district to hire additional bus drivers. 

School spaces will also continue to evolve to accommodate the 4th graders returning to a full-week of in-person learning. Non-traditional communal spaces will be transitioned into classrooms. 

SUBSTITUTE SHORTAGE STILL A LOOMING PROBLEM
Even before recent changes, all of the school districts in the area were seeing a shortage in substitutes. The problem of filling substitute vacancies has now expanded, with openings existing in a number of staffing positions. Teachers, monitors, aides, and other opportunities are all available. 

Partnering with the WSWHE BOCES to help address this need, a virtual information session will be held for interested candidates on Thursday, November 5th. Learn about the school districts, open substitute positions, and how to apply to be a substitute. Session times are 12 pm -1 pm OR 3 pm-4 pm. Pre-registration is required. For more information, go to  www.wswheboces.org/page/substitute-information-session.

Alpine Sport Shop Ski Giveaway to Benefit Double H Ranch Winter Adaptive Program

Written by Kacie Cotter-Harrigan on . Posted in Business.

This ski season Alpine Sport Shop turns 80!  It is not the year we had imagined to celebrate this milestone, though we are so grateful, as we continue to serve the greater Saratoga region and beyond as Saratoga’s ski shop!

Hosting Warren Miller’s  newest Ski movie in November has always been the kick-off to another ski season at Alpine Sport Shop. This year Warren Miller’s, movie, “Future Retro” will be held as a live stream movie event on November 7 at 7 p.m. We will all be in our own homes watching, but we will be watching it together!  With every streaming pass purchased through the link on Alpine Sports Shops’s website alpinesportshop.com $3 will be donated to Double H Ranch Winter Adaptive Program. 

Our gift giveaway just got better!…Including four pair of skis! From K-2, Rossignol, Nordica, and Volkl

Alpine Sport Shop…SKI giveaway!…With your $15. in store donation to Double H, you will receive a “Take Home Double H Raffle Pack” that includes popcorn, chocolate, and raffle tickets for your chance to win skis, helmets, googles and more! $4,000 in gifts will be given away, and with only 100 gift packs there are many chances to win…and they are going fast! 

The winners will be chosen on the night of November 7, in conjunction with Warren Miller’s movie, Future Retro.

For more information go to alpinesportshop.com

Staying Emotionally Close While Physically Distant

Written by Kacie Cotter-Harrigan on . Posted in Families Today.

With winter coming and climbing numbers of COVID-19 cases, we’re facing the prospect of several more months of isolation during this pandemic in order to protect our communities and flatten the curve. Unfortunately, isolation and loneliness can take a demanding physical and emotional toll. Loneliness is linked to a 29% greater risk of heart disease, 32% greater risk of stroke, 50% greater risk of dementia, and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.  

Long-term social isolation is a serious concern, and while it has been hard on everyone, it’s been especially distressing for older adults. Even before COVID-19, nearly one-fourth of Americans 65 and older were considered socially isolated. Now, with so many seniors staying home, away from family and friends because of the pandemic, that number is rising—and so are the health risks to an already vulnerable population. 

As a physician who specializes in geriatric care, I see the change in older patients who no longer have regular in-person contact with loved ones, and it’s heartbreaking. The situation is especially difficult for those with dementia, who don’t understand why they no longer have visitors. 

There are several simple things we can do for the active seniors in our lives, but relieving the loneliness of older seniors who may have a myriad of conditions has been very challenging for families. For seniors who are open to it, video chat platforms offer creative ways to enjoy each other’s company. Families and friends are playing board games, knitting, and watching the same television programs together in real time. 

Even before the pandemic, letters, phone calls, children’s drawings and photographs have always been important reminders to seniors that someone cares. Regular communication of any kind helps make your family member or neighbor feel included, heard, and valued. Such contact can mitigate feelings of isolation, worry, and loneliness for both of you.

The same level of interaction is not possible with adults who have a cognitive impairment or are declining. They may not be able to distinguish a face on a screen or understand who is on the other end of the phone call. These are adults who often respond best to someone holding their hand or singing softly near their bedside. Physically separating to protect these family members from infection is changing the quality of life for all involved and can feel painful for families. 

There is no one-fits-all solution to these situations. A good start is to sit down with your family, the physician, and caregivers involved to discuss options. Some families are choosing a single, designated person to be physically present regularly with their senior, taking extraordinary precautions. Others look for alternatives, such as music and headphones, or life-like toy pets for company. Some are recording their own voices, to help their loved ones feel close, such as with Simulated Presence Therapy. Caring for this population of adults is currently a national conversation that may inspire more solutions in the months ahead.   

We know the safest thing to do during this pandemic is to stay home, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up enjoying the company of our family, friends, and neighbors. While social distancing protects against infection, it doesn’t protect us from the consequences of being isolated for weeks and months at a time. Pick up the phone. Write a letter. Talk with your senior’s caregiver about options for increasing personal connection. We can make the pandemic a little easier to bear by staying as emotionally close as possible.

If you have any concerns that your family member or neighbor is more than lonely, perhaps experiencing depression, encourage them to call their primary care provider. Our primary care practices through Saratoga Hospital Medical Group offer behavioral health screenings, now, through telemedicine visits. 

Learn more about our primary care and behavioral health services at SaratogaHospital.org. 

Saratoga Y Saves the Swim Season

Written by Kacie Cotter-Harrigan on . Posted in Sports.

Six days before their season was set to start, the Saratoga Springs High School Girls Varsity Swim Team found out they weren’t going to have a pool to swim in. 

Normally, they’d train and compete on the Skidmore College campus, but this year, that was no longer an option. Luckily, the Saratoga Springs Branch of the Saratoga Regional YMCA was willing to step up as a safe alternative. 

“It really wasn’t a tough decision to make, even on such short notice.   When the school reached out to us, our pool had already been open for three months, our safety and cleaning protocols were already in place, we’ve been following all NYS guidelines since we reopened, and we have phenomenal staff here at the Y.  Therefore, I was extremely confident we’d be able to accommodate them quickly, and safely,” said Executive Director Steve Butler. 

TO SINK OR SWIM
Swimming is a sport that athletes typically train for year-round, but that hasn’t been a possibility for many who are competing this year. 

“Swimming has been one of those sports that it’s been very hard to keep active in. Finding a pool to practice in was very challenging over the summer and now, has been almost impossible,” said coach Josh Muldner. 

In addition to the Y creating the opportunity for athletes to practice and compete a healthy environment, it’s the commitment of the school staff, student athletes and their families that has made the 2020 season a reality. 

Swimmers are usually up early in the morning, practicing from 5:30 to 7:30 am, but this year, to fit them in the schedule without taking pool time away from Y members, or the Y swim team, the Stingrays, the 22 girls on the Saratoga Varsity swim team don’t begin working out until 8 pm. Their swim practice ends at 10 pm.

Another layer of complexity added this year has been that only two out of their six meets will be in-person, the others are hosted virtually, with the teams competing at separate sites and the results registered remotely. 

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SWIMMING WITH THE CURRENT
Despite these challenges, Muldner, who is in his 16th season as a couch and is also a counselor with the district, has remained hopeful. 

“You just don’t know what is going to happen and if it’s going to be the last time that you’ll be together. Every day that we’re together is a gift and the Y has allowed that gift to be possible,” he said. 

The team held their Senior Recognition Ceremony at the Y Pavilion this week. At this socially distant pool-themed reception under the lights, juniors shared their personal stories about how the team’s seven senior swimmers impacted their lives in a meaningful way. 

“These girls have grown up together and its very touching to hear them speak,” said Muldner. 

If conditions allow, in addition to their virtual meets, the Varsity Girls Swim Team will compete in the Suburban Council Championship meet on November 20th & 21st and a year-end award ceremony will be held. 

“Of course, this will be very different than what we’ve done in the past, but we’re very excited to be able to offer them something,” said Muldner.

Saratoga Yankees Clinch Championship

Written by Kacie Cotter-Harrigan on . Posted in Sports.

The Saratoga Yankees have won their third Saratoga MSBLChampionship in five years. 

Formed in 2013 by then Manager Marty Migliori, The Saratoga Yankees is one of 10 local MSBL teams. Nationally, the MSBL (Men’s Senior Baseball League) is the fastest growing adult amateur baseball organization in the country, with 3,200 teams and 45,000 members. 

Structured and well-run, the league is comprised of players looking for friendly competition who aren’t yet ready to retire into the world of community softball.

NO SURRENDER
The Saratoga Yankees’ current Manager, Jose Segura led the team, which fields players of all abilities age 28 and older, to their first tournament win in 2016, then again in 2018. In late September, they sealed their third Championship win. 

After losing the first game of the playoffs, the Saratoga Yankees were reinvigorated by a home run from Nick Paniccia and swept through the remainder of the finals, winning against the Cubs with timely hitting and flawless defense from short stop Joe Sleeman. 

“There were a lot of things the league did to make this happen. It would’ve been a long summer without baseball,” said coach and player Mark Hertel.

THE HUSTLE
The players on the Saratoga Yankees team wear many different hats. They have day jobs, families and other responsibilities, but spend two days a week during the summer season playing games on Saratoga baseball fields including at Geyser Park, East Side Rec (when it’s not under construction), and the Skidmore College campus. 

Membership fees are affordable and when needed, the team’s players, who are also local business owners, including Dan Bruno, of Bruno and Bruno Financial, and Sam Bottini, of Bailey’s Saratoga Bar and Eatery, help sponsor events. 

Hertel joined the Saratoga Yankees in 2016 when a co-worker at Global Foundries heard that he’d previously played college baseball for the University of Albany, and recommended joining the Saratoga MSBL team.

“I joined for the love of the game, because I was new to the area and wanted to meet new people. Since then, I’ve forged so many friendships I never would’ve had otherwise,” said Hertel.

THE PAYOFF – TEAM UNITY
Now, at age 52, Hertel’s role has evolved from playing to include coaching, as well. He’s even earned the nickname “Uncle Mark.”

“My biggest enjoyment is leading, teaching, and guiding the younger players. They really respect the knowledge I have. That’s my biggest contribution now,” he said.

With another championship under their belt for the Saratoga Yankees, the off-season will be a time for healing and mentally preparing before hitting the gym again this Spring. 

“That’s the secret to our success. We plan on sticking around for a while,” said Hertel.

For more information or to join the team, contact Ken Banker 518-470-7894. 

Bunker Hill Creamery Brings Quality, Old Fashioned Milk

Written by Kacie Cotter-Harrigan on . Posted in Food.

What the cows are giving is what you drink,” is how Kyle Depew describes the milk that Bunker Hill Creamery produces.

Bunker Hill Creamery, located in Cossayuna, is among the Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s newest vendors. The creamery began bringing milk to the Wednesday market in the summer and then was added to the market on Saturdays. 

Depew and his lifelong friend Dan Richards started Bunker Hill Creamery in 2008. Richards and his wife Erin own Richview Farms, which provides the milk to Bunker Hill as well as meat that the partnership also brings to the market.

Richview Farm is home to 300 animals and 75 dairy cows provide milk for the creamery. The creamery is located right on the farm, and milk is processed and bottled in small batches and then distributed for sale.

The milk coming from the creamery is minimally processed and is non-homogenized. What does that mean exactly? Kyle Depew explains that the milk undergoes low-temperature pasteurization that results in creamy milk with no separation of the milk and cream. Processed in small batches, the milk also maintains its nutritional value. This process makes Bunker Hill Creamery’s milk notable.

“We want people to be aware of the value in the bottle,” says Depew. Bunker Hill Creamery offers cream top whole milk, chocolate milk, and maple milk in half gallons and single servings. Their chocolate milk uses high-quality cocoa and is free from carrageenan and corn starch and their maple milk is sweetened with local maple syrup. 

In addition to milk, Bunker Hill Creamery brings a variety of cuts of Angus beef, pork, and veal. These products are sourced from their partnership with Richview Farms.

“When we started, we really wanted to do something new and different,” explains Depew. “Our biggest challenge has been finding the right opportunities to get our milk to the community.”

Bunker Hill Creamery is overcoming that challenge. Their milk is currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market on Saturdays as well as the Troy and Delmar Farmers’ Market, numerous Price Chopper and Hannaford locations, several local eateries and stores, and at farm stores at 167 Bunker Hill Rd. in Cossayuna and 144 N Rd. in Greenwich.

Customers can look forward to expanded offerings from Bunker Hill Creamery as they hope to offer reduced-fat milk, heavy cream, half & half, and other dairy products in the future.

Saratoga Farmers’ Market runs at Wilton Mall 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our newsletter www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/weekly-newsletter.

FM BunkerMac