SARATOGA SPRINGS —The 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes will take place Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 12-13
Sponsorship opportunities are available at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com, under the sponsorship tab.
Last year $70,000 was raised and over the past 27 years, the community event has contributed over $1.5 million dollars to the organization’s two favored local charities – Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.
For more details on the 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, visit: www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Grievance Day is Tuesday, May 28 and a “How to Grieve your Assessment” class for 2024 will be held in the Saratoga Springs City Council Room at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. this Tuesday, May 14.
Those interested in attending the class must sign up by Monday, May 13, and can do so by calling 518-587-3550 Ext. 2551 or 2552.
The Starbucks location at 351 Broadway has reopened after several years of renovations. The coffee shop closed in 2021 but its status was unclear for some time. The revamped interior includes a screen that displays the status of every order. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
Centrica Business Solutions, a company that “helps organizations balance the demands of planet and profit,” opened a new location in Ballston Spa last week at 2111 Ellsworth Blvd. The occasion was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony organized by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Super Source Media.
The Spa Cafe on Broadway will close on Friday, May 17. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spa Café on Broadway, a breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Saratoga Springs, is closing its doors on Friday, May 17, owner Darin Palmetto announced last week.
“This decision took a lot of thought and deliberation, but I have come to realize that I can no longer sustain the business in any form due to circumstances that are beyond my control,” Palmetto wrote in a social media post. “We hope that everyone will have a chance to come by in the coming few weeks so that we may say goodbye in person.”
The Spa Café, located at 480 Broadway in the Collamer Building, opened in 2019.
DZ Restaurants and Wolf Hollow Brewing celebrated the launch of the Italian-style Pilsner “Thoroughbreds” at Forno Bistro in downtown Saratoga Springs last Wednesday. A portion of sales support backstretch workers. The event also featured celebrity jockey bartenders. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
More than 100 students performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) Spa Little Theater on Wednesday, May 1 as part of SPAC’s “Access the Arts” education program. Photo by Rebecca Loomis.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 100 students of all ages and abilities from AIM Services and several local chapters of The Arc New York performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) Spa Little Theater last Wednesday morning as part of SPAC’s “Access the Arts” education program.
The students danced, sang, and did improvisational comedy in front of a packed and lively crowd. The final performance share was the culmination of 10 weeks of music, dance, and improv theater classes that were curated for the students at the SPAC School of the Arts.
“The success of the Access the Arts program is significant because it epitomizes our mission as an organization,” said Jess Bien, Director of SPAC School of the Arts, in a statement. “Our program welcomes the diverse talents and unique perspectives of adults with disabilities, proving that when barriers dissolve, creativity thrives. Through the transformative power of the arts, we get to see a world of inclusion, access, and shared joy. Together, we’re not just creating art—we’re shaping a more inclusive, vibrant community where everyone’s voice is heard and celebrated.”
Launched in 2023, SPAC’s “Access the Arts” initiative is part of its mission to provide free access to the arts and inclusive programs for people of all ages and abilities.
Empire State University held its 2024 commencement last week in Albany. Photo provided by Cherie Haughney.
ALBANY — Empire State University held its 2024 commencement on Friday, May 3 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany.
Members of the class of 2024 collectively live in 57 different New York State counties, 22 U.S. states and territories, and 67 countries around the world. They ranged from age 18 to 77. 67 of the graduates were military-affiliated students, including active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, spouses, and other dependents.
The ceremony featured student speaker Em Wasserman, who received a bachelor’s degree in social science with a concentration in human rights advocacy. Wasserman is the university’s Student Government Association president and recipient of the 2024 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence.
“I feel incredibly privileged to be here with you to celebrate and honor our hard work and dedication as students, often with so many compounding responsibilities,” Wasserman said. “We stand on the brink of a new chapter ready to embark on journeys that will continue to shape our futures and our narratives. Each of us has a story to tell, and my story of perseverance is only one of the many powerful stories in this room.”
Low back pain is a common condition that can be uncomfortable and debilitating for many individuals. When managing low back pain, using ice or heat can be a simple and effective way to alleviate discomfort. However, knowing when to use ice versus heat is crucial for optimal pain relief and faster recovery.
Ice Therapy:
Ice therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is typically recommended for acute injuries or sudden flare-ups of pain. Ice is also indicated whenever there is radiating pain into your buttock or down your leg. Leg pain indicates there is swelling and inflammation around the nerve as it exits between the vertebrae in your low back. Applying ice helps to reduce inflammation, numb the area, and slow down nerve conduction, which can help to alleviate pain. At our office we recommend to our patients to gently apply an ice pack to their low back for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours from the time you wake up in the morning until you go to bed at night, shoot for 8-10 times per day during the initial stages of low back pain.
Heat Therapy:
Heat therapy, or thermotherapy, is beneficial for chronic low back pain or muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, muscle cramps, Osteoarthritis and Spinal Stenosis. Heat helps to improve blood flow, relax muscles, promote healing and improve range of motion of delicate spinal joints. At our clinic we suggest using a heating pad, hot bath, or hot water bottle with a moist washcloth on the lower back for 15-20 minutes at a time, every 2-3 hours all day long. It is essential to avoid applying heat for extended periods or sleeping with a heating pad to prevent burns or skin damage.
When to Use Ice or Heat:
It is important to understand when to use ice or heat for low back pain. In general, ice is recommended for acute injuries or recent-onset pain, such as a sudden muscle strain or sprain, or when you have buttock and leg pain. Heat is more suitable for chronic stiffness, muscle tightness, and degenerative arthritic conditions. It is crucial to listen to your body and adjust the therapy based on your symptoms.
Precautions and Tips:
While ice and heat therapy can be beneficial, it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure safety and effectiveness:
1.Always use a cloth barrier between the skin and the ice pack or heating pad to prevent skin damage. 2.Limit the application of ice or heat to 15-20 minutes at a time to avoid complications. 3.Do not use heat on an acute injury or areas of swelling, as it can worsen inflammation. 4.If you have circulatory issues or diabetes, consult with your doctor before using ice or heat therapy.
Conclusion:
Ice and heat therapy are valuable tools for managing low back pain and promoting recovery. By following the above recommendations, you can effectively use ice and heat to alleviate discomfort, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall well-being. Remember to listen to your body, seek professional guidance when needed, and incorporate these simple yet effective therapies into your low back pain management routine.
Dr. Matt Smith has been a Chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for the past 37 years. He and his daughter Dr. Kevy Smith Minogue can be reached at www.mysaratogachiropractor. com or call 518-587-2064.
