Author: Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Pitney Meadows Community Farm, in partnership with Sustainable Saratoga, is launching a new, city-funded Community Compost Program located on-site at the Pitney Meadows Community Garden. The initiative is designed to reduce food waste, educate residents on sustainable composting practices, and create a closed-loop system that benefits both the environment and local food systems.

The pilot program will accept its first 50 individuals and families this season, with plans to expand later this summer after an initial trial phase. Interested city residents are encouraged to sign up online.

“By transforming food waste into a local resource, we can reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, cut emissions from long-distance transport, and nourish the very soil that feeds our community,” said Brooke McConnell, executive director of Pitney Meadows, in a news release.

A kickoff event at 223 West Avenue at noon on May 24 will include the first community compost training session led by Sustainable Saratoga. The training will cover best practices for home composting and how to properly use the new secure, food scraps drop-off site at Pitney Meadows. 

The finished compost will be used to fertilize Pitney Meadows’ community garden and agricultural fields, which provide food to local families, pantries, senior centers, and shelters. 

For more information, visit www.pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org/community-compost.

BALLSTON SPA — Author David Handy will discuss his latest book, “I Think I Shall See a Hundred Battles: The Civil War Letters of Captain Luther M. Wheeler,” at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa on Wednesday, June 11, at 7 p.m.

Handy will recount the tale of the young captain Wheeler using correspondence sent during his time in the 77th Regiment of the Union Army of the Potomac. The collection of letters to his mother, brothers Frank and Wendell, and his sister Abigail give a deep insight into the experiences of Captain Wheeler, as well as a glimpse of life in Saratoga during the war years. 

Wheeler wrote about military life, Union war strategy, the carnage of battle and aftermath, the Emancipation Proclamation, slavery and contrabands, army commanders, and the role of Providence in the war. Luther also eagerly sought news from home, especially of his friends’ doings and who was courting who.

Handy is an Upstate native and a graduate of Union College, where he studied 19th century American history.

Registration for the event is now open at https://brooksidemuseum.org/events/.

Pink Paddock recently celebrated 20 years in business with a ribbon cutting and party.

“The party was incredible!  So many long- time friends, as well as many new friends, came out to celebrate with us.” said owner Kim Burton.

“The store was filled all day with happy shoppers who enjoyed the festive atmosphere…We also hosted a shop and share & raffled 3 Lilly packages all benefiting Mohawk Hudson Humane Association.  We were able to raise $1,555.00 for a charity near and dear to my heart!” Burton added.

Congratulations to the team at Pink Paddock on 20 amazing years.