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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Free Form Fibers Receives Pair of US Military Contract Grants

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Photo by Dylan McGlynn.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs-based company Free Form Fibers has received a pair of Small Business Innovation Research awards from the Department of the Navy and Air Force Research Laboratory.

Free Form develops high performance ceramic fibers, the company’s website states. The Navy contract is a Phase II award, and will see Free Form Fibers continue developing silicon nitride fibers, said CEO Shay Harrison.

He said the fibers can be utilized to protect interrogation equipment in hypersonic vehicles, naming jets, missiles, and drones as examples.

“This material, silicon nitride, is good for handling very high temperatures, but it also has the right electromagnetic properties, which means it transmits out the wavelength of the interrogation equipment,” said Harrison. “So it can send out signal and receive signal back.”

The company had previously completed Phase I, Harrison said, with Phase II entailing scaling up production and testing the fibers in proper environments.

“So when a jet is going Mach 5, Mach 8, you’re talking about temperatures that are 2,000 degrees Celsius,” Harrison said. “So we need to get some data about how the fibers work in the parts that are going to be used for this.”

Free Form’s contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory also deals with hypersonic vehicles, Harrison said, and is a Direct-to-Phase II SBIR Award. He said the company was able to receive the Direct-to-Phase II distinction as a result of the company’s past work with the U.S. Department of Energy.

“So we were able to leverage what we had done several years ago with the Department of Energy and translate it to this concept for cooling for these hypersonic vehicles,” said Harrison. “Basically, they’re looking for different ways to cool those really fast vehicles.”

Harrison said the contracts are meaningful, noting the company is transitioning to commercial manufacturing. Founded in 2006, Free Form Fibers originally operated in research and development, he said.

“We were a really good research and development shop for many years, and we decided about two, two and a half years ago, we’re ready to move out of that stage and become a manufacturer,” Harrison said. “We definitely had a great deal of credibility as an R&D shop, and we’ve been able to get through some doors because of that. Now it’s building that credibility as a manufacturer.”

He said the grant awards from the Navy and Air Force can allow the company to develop products that could then be included in commercial supply chains.

“We are working on the largest number of grants and grant revenue, right now, in our company’s history,” said Harrison. “… So this is another step in that commercialization process, but a really important one, because these are important things that needed to be solved, and they are trusting us to solve the challenge.”

Harrison noted the company has increased its production capacity in order to meet demand. He said it is exciting to see the company’s shift to commercial manufacturing.

“It’s very cool to be at this point, and seeing what we thought would be of interest to folks, with the purity of the materials and the different types of materials that we could make,” Harrison said. “It’s fun to be part of that process.”

Bank Appoints Zarrelli to Business Banking Relationship Manager

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Nick Zarrell. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Zarrelli to Assistant Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager.

In his new role, Nick Zarrelli will be responsible for maintaining, growing and servicing the company’s small business loan portfolio and growing relationships with longtime customers.

More information about Saratoga National Bank can be found online at www.saratoganational.com.

Saratoga Springs High School Named a 2023 NYSPHSAA School of Excellence

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School has been named a 2022-2023 School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA).

To earn the School of Excellence award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award, meaning the roster’s total grade point average must be 90 or above.

“The School of Excellence and School of Distinction Awards exemplify the mission of NYSPHSAA, education through interscholastic athletics,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “It is amazing to see the commitment to academic excellence from the schools, administrators, coaches, and student-athletes.” 

The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards is to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, 84 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 219 schools earned the School of Excellence Award. View the 2022-23 list of New York State School of Excellence recipients at nysphsaa.org.

To learn more about Saratoga Springs School District visit www.saratogaschools.org.

The “Nice Cream Social”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The “Nice Cream Social” party in celebration of Youth Squared’s 20th Anniversary. Photos by Lawrence White.

SARATOGA — The “Nice Cream Social” backyard party took place on Aug. 5, as a celebration of the accomplishments of the non-profit organization, Youth Squared, part of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. For 20 years, Youth Squared has been giving back to the greater capital region and beyond through various community events and outreach efforts.

The 20th birthday celebration showcased various youth, community leaders and the founder of Youth Squared, as accomplishments, memories, and next steps were discussed.

The celebration consisted of ice cream from Stewart’s (one of Youth Squared’s biggest supporters), speeches, a birthday song about the organization, and a vote on a new flavor name. For the months of August and September, the ice cream flavor “Youth Engage-MINT” will be seen in local Stewart’s Shops throughout Saratoga Springs in honor of the group’s accomplishments.

The party saw a collection of alumni and other community members come together to see what their actions had accomplished. A surprise gift of $20,000 was given to the organization to continue its youth philanthropic efforts.

For more information about Youth Squared, go online to www.youthsquared.org.

Girls on the Run Capital Region Fall Season Coaching Opportunities

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

CAPITAL REGION —Girls on the Run Capital Region’s fall Coach Registration is now open. 

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that inspires girls in 3rd through 8th grade to be joyful, healthy and confident. 

The 10-week program incorporates running to teach critical life skills, encourage personal development and foster team building and community service. Volunteer coaches utilize a curriculum to engage teams of girls in fun, interactive lessons. Teams meet twice a week for 75-90 minutes and the program culminates with all teams participating in a 5K event. 

Girls on the Run of Capital Region currently serves girls at over 20 sites across five counties. Volunteers provide critical leadership, and the non-profit organization is currently seeking coaches to facilitate the program. 

Coaches do not need to be runners but are required to be a minimum of 18-years-old to serve as a coach. All volunteer coaches must complete a background check and attend a training session. 

For more information about coaching and Girls on the Run Capital Region, visit www.gotrcr.org/coach. 

Girls on the Run Capital Region, Inc. was founded in fall 2013 as an independent, 501(c)3 council of Girls on the Run International and serves girls in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. Their first team of ten girls was held in spring 2014. 

Corinth Back To School Fair

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

CORINTH — The CARE Committee’s Back to School Fair will return on Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 4-6 p.m. in the Corinth Middle School parking lot.

Families will be able to choose from several resources offered such as free school supplies, donations of gently used clothing and an opportunity to get a free haircut at the event. Registration is required; visit www.corinthcsd.org. 

Community support behind the Back to School Fair includes Saratoga YMCA, Corinth PTSA, Saratoga Children’s Committee, and six local hair stylists providing their time.

A door prize style raffle will be open to all attending Corinth families – prizes to include a three month Family Membership at the YMCA, children’s bicycles and a gift certificate to the Ninja Lab. Many Corinth teachers are busy working behind the scenes to get ready for this event and will be at the fair to help distribute school supplies and say hello to many of their students.

Donations in support of this event and to the CARE Committee can be mailed to Kerry Giumarra, CARE President at Corinth Central School District at 105 Oak St, Corinth, NY 12822.

August 18 – August 24, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

The Annual Saratoga County Horse Farm Tour

Saturday, August 26, from Noon – 4 p.m. at two participating horse farms. This is a FREE drive-it-yourself event offered to the community, with a mission of promoting the equine industry and providing the public an opportunity to experience life on a horse farm. Horse lovers and families will delight in meeting different breeds of horses and get a behind-the-scenes look at the horses that reside here in Saratoga County. The participating farms are: Cross Timbers Ranch 122 Barney Road, Middle Grove and Mill Creek Farm 1019 County Route 70, Stillwater. 

49th Annual Saratoga County 4-H Walkathon

This is Saratoga County 4-H’s annual fundraiser to support the 4-H Training Center. There will be over two hundred youth and adults from Saratoga County involved in the event as both walkers and volunteers. All funds raised by the walkathon go to the 4-H Training Center located on Middle Line Road in Ballston Spa. It will be held at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds on August 26. Registration/Check In at 9:30 a.m., 5K Walk/Run starts at 10:15. Games and activities and fun to follow the walkathon.

Auditions for The Headless Horseman

Malta Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe will be holding auditions on Sunday, August 27 and Monday, August 28 for the musical production of ‘The Headless Horseman’, based on the classic ghost story by Washington Irving. The show will be presented at the Malta Community Center on October 28 & 29. Appointments are necessary and can be scheduled by contacting Elyse Young, Artistic Director at theater@malta-town.org or 518-899-4411, ext. 305.

John Oates Benefit Concert

An evening of songs and stories and horses! Oates was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004, and in 2014 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of Daryl Hall & John Oates. His memoir, Change of Seasons, was published in 2017. John is an avid horseman who believes in the mission we are serving here at THS and all proceeds from this concert will go to the betterment of horses in aftercare that are aiding to heal people right here in our community. Location: Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, 683 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 on September 8 at 7 p.m. The John Oates Concert is an open-seating event. 

Become a Sponsor to receive a reserved table! For tickets, visit www.thsaratoga.org. 

Equine Advocates 22 Annual Gala 

An evening with Judy Collins, preceded by a live auction. Pre-performance Cocktail Party for sponsors and VIP Ticket holders. Saturday, September 9, 6 p.m. at PS21, 2980 State Route 66, Chatham, NY 120378. For more details, visit equineadvocates.org or call 518-392-0175. 

PS21/Performance Spaces for the 21st Century is a contemporary arts venue in the Hudson Valley presenting innovative programming by leading and emerging artists in music, dance, theater, contemporary performance, and the visual and multimedia arts.

Annual Charity Golf Tournament 

Saturday, September 16 at Hales Mills Country Club, Johnstown. Cost is $125 per golfer, $500 for foursome. Includes: 18 holes of golf, cart and lunch. Registration is at 8 a.m. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. followed by players feast and awards ceremony at Village Pizzeria, 2727 Route 29, Middle Grove. 518-882-9431 or www.villagepizzeria.com.

Senior Trip to the Castles

Old Saratoga Seniors are hosting a trip to the Castles of New York.  This will be three days, 2 nights on October 4-6, 2023.  The cost will be $469 for members.  For more information and to reserve a seat contact Peg Jennings or Pat Temple at 518-338-2329.

Unique Vendors & Artisans

Ballston Area Senior Citizens Annual Bazaar on Saturday, October 7 at the Milton Community Center, located at 310 Northline Road Ballston Spa. What is your specialty? Pickles & relishes, jams & jellies, or any handmade crafts are appreciated and welcome. Vendors of all kinds will be accepted on first come bases for indoor spaces, until October 2. Indoor spaces– 8’W x 7’D are $30 indoor only are (electrical outlets indoor are limited). Outdoor spaces– 12’W x 10’D are $25. To receive an Exhibit Contract and Hold Harmless agreement and payment to reserve your space contact Sue Heimburg 518-885-8037 / text message with name and mailing address or e-mail sheim381@aol.com

Malta Cultural Arts Festival – Call for Vendors

The Malta Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services is looking for craft and food vendors in celebration of artists of various cultures and art forms at the 2023 Malta Cultural Arts Festival to be held on Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. inside and outside the grounds of the David R. Meager Malta Community Center at 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta. Deadline for application submission is Thursday, September 25. Please contact the Malta Community Center AT 518-899-4411 or email kgottmann@malta-town.org for an application or additional information. 

Travel with the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) to an Italian Cooking School 

Have you dreamed of living in a seventeenth century palazzo nestled on a hilltop village in the romantic Italian countryside? ALL is sponsoring a gourmet retreat and cooking school November 11-18, 2023. We will tour a historic or culinary attraction each day and begin cooking late afternoons under the guidance of a professional chef before enjoying a four-course dinner with local wines each evening.   This small group experience includes all meals and six nights in a beautifully restored historic palazzo.  For more details, contact goedventures@gmail.com

August 18 – August 24, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, August 18

National Aviation Weekend ?

Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Dr.,

Glenville | Friday, August 18 – Sunday, August 20. The weekend will feature many aviation activities, including tours of the museum’s extensive and unique collection of exhibits and historic aircraft, as well as special presentations and displays. Guided tours will be conducted each day, and you’ll be able to hop in some classic aircraft. Discovery flights will be available by Five Star Flight. Call Bill Faulkner to schedule a flight at 914-406-0376, or email flyboybill02@gmail.com. Fly-In – Pilots: Tower Frequency 121.3; Ground 121.9. Land at Schenectady County Airport and taxi to Richmor Aviation North. Tell them you are going to ESAM.

Saturday, August 19

Clifton Park Elks 17th Annual Car Show ?

695 MacElroy Rd, Ballston Lake
9 a.m. – Noon, Awards 3:45 p.m.

All years and makes of cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. We will present awards to the top vehicles. Fun, Music, 50/50 Raffles, and Great Food. Come see the contestant vehicles. Proceeds benefit the Elks National Foundation and the NYSEA Major Project Fund (Cerebral Palsy Home Service Program). Rain Date is Sunday, August 20. For Information contact Doug Simmons at 518-669-4588 or Brian Shelton at 518-956-1600.

Genealogy and Local History

Meet End of Ferry Dr., off Riverview Rd., Vischer Ferry

10 a.m. | Heritage Hunters will sponsor a summer walk. Parking will be at the edge of the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve. Clifton Park historian, John Scherer, will describe historic homes as he leads the group through the Vischer Ferry Historic District to the Amity Reformed Church cemetery located at 335 River Rd. There, at 10:45 a.m., Chris Nafis will describe the extensive work done on the newly restored cemetery. Lunch will be at Vischer Ferry General Store at noon. Public is welcome. Contact Ginny Humphrey for details at 518-885-9309 or bhumphre@nycap.rr.com.   

Happy Planner Social Hour

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa

1 p.m. | Whether you’re just curious about the process or have used this type of planner, this event is designed for those who want to venture beyond a traditional planner. A Happy Planner is a cross between a traditional planner and journal or scrapbook. Happy Planner and BSPL clerk, Heather, will show you all the basics of happy planner, such as choosing a planner, layout, budget, themes, customization, templates, finding inspiration and more. This event is free and open to people ages 16 and up. Registration is required by calling 518-885-5022 or stop in to reserve your spot.

Strand Theatre: Barbora Kolarova and Jonathan Newell ?

Strand Theatre, 210 Main St., Hudson Falls | 7 p.m.
Barbora Kolářová is recognized as one of the foremost young violinists to emerge from the Czech Republic, having received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her passionate performance, inherent musicality, and comfortable command on stage. Jonathan Newell is a classical pianist, composer, rock guitarist, bassist, singer, and impresario.  Join us for an evening of classical music featuring works by Scarlatti, Brahms, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and more! $15 general admission. $10 seniors and students. Tickets available at the Strand Box Office. For more information, visit www.mystrandtheatre.org.

Sunday, August 20

Summer Stroll: “Summer Cottages of North Broadway” ?

SSPF Executive Director Samantha Bosshart will lead “Summer Cottages of North Broadway,” a tour of beautiful North Broadway, highlighting the architecture and sharing entertaining stories of those who built and resided in the grand residences. This tour, sponsored by Olde Bryan Inn, meets at northwest corner of North Broadway and Van Dam Street in front of Witt Construction. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members.  Foundation members with stroll passes need to contact the Foundation’s office to book their tour.  For additional information or to purchase tickets to any of the upcoming strolls and events visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Marcy Dreimiller, Administrative Assistant at admin@saratogapreservation.org.

Sneakerfest ?

Saratoga Winery, 462 Rte. 29, Saratoga Springs | 1 – 3 p.m. The Saratoga Winery and the Saratoga County Children’s Committee (SCCC) today announced this fundraising event to benefit the SCCC’s back to school program. Sneakerfest will include free activities for kids provided by Allo Saratoga, child-friendly food concession stands, and outdoor space for yard games. Participants will have an opportunity to make donations to help outfit children with high quality sneakers, supported by iRun LOCAL.

Monday, August 21

Auditions for the Musical “The Lightning Thief”

Saratoga Children’s Theatre, 615 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs

5 – 7 p.m. | Performances: November 10-12 and 17-18. Open to all students ages 9 -18. Callbacks will take place on Thursday, August 24. All auditions, rehearsals, and performances will take place at 615 Maple Ave. The tentative rehearsal schedule is Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-7pm and Saturdays from 11-3, with the potential to add a few Friday rehearsals if necessary. If cast, there will be a $325 production fee to participate. For details contact the Saratoga Children’s Theatre at 518-886-8800. 

Time Travelers’ Experience 

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa

9 a.m. – Noon. | The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is offering local students an opportunity to travel back in time to uncover local history. We’ll explore the foods, games, chores, dangers, and challenges of five different eras. Discover how historians use archeology, documents, artwork, photographs, and folklore to find out how people lived long ago.  Each day will include a student-made snack, toys & games, and craft items to take home and keep. The program will run daily August 21 – 25, for students age 8-12, cost $100. Visit BrooksideMuseum.org or contact education@brooksidemuseum.org with questions or to register.

The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series ? 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, Parking Lot #1 and #2, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6:15 p.m. Monday evenings in August.  Registration is $5 day-of or $15 for all four races., Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.  For more information, call Laura Clark at 581-1278 or email laura@saratogastryders.org or visit www.saratogastryders.org.

Tuesday, August 22

Guided Trolley Tours ?

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m.

A 90-minute guided tour of beautiful, historic Saratoga Springs. Tours will run through Aug. 31, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Tickets are $25 per person. For advanced reservations, call 518-587-3241. Day of tickets, based on availability, can be purchased at the Visitor Center. No refunds for reservations cancelled less than 48 hours prior to start of tour. Cancellations can be made by phone or email at karen@discoversaratoga.org.

A Saratoga Stroll ?

297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

10:30 a.m. – Noon | Saratoga Springs was a playground of the rich and famous during the 1800s. This summer, visitors and residents alike can experience stories of the Spa City in the Gilded Age on a newly updated 90-minute guided walking tour presented by the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center and the Saratoga Springs History Museum. Led by experienced, knowledgeable guides, this tour takes participants from the historic Visitor Center through Congress Park and concludes with a full tour of the elegant 19th-century Canfield Casino. Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., $20. Tours run rain or shine. For reservations, call 518-587-3241.

Special Events – Elizabeth Huntley, Harpist ?

Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, 648 Rte 32, Stillwater | Noon 

Elizabeth Huntley is one of the Capital District/Saratoga/ Lake George Region’s busiest musicians, showcasing the harp’s versatility by performing a wide variety of music. Ms. Huntley has played for the Irish Tenors, Garrison Keillor, Josh Groban, Bobby Vinton, Barry Manilow, Melissa Manchester, Johnny Mathis, Manhattan Transfer, and Roger Daltrey. She is the principal harpist with the Glens Falls Symphony and has played with the Skidmore College Orchestra, along with orchestras and opera companies from here to Boston to New York and places in between.

Saratoga Summer Concert Series ?

War Memorial in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.  The Saratoga Summer Concert Series will take place Tuesdays in August. Each concert will be approximately 90 minutes. Rain Location: Inside the Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. This week’s performer Garland Nelson and Soul Session – A well-known (and loved) Saratoga staple.  Make sure you bring your dancing shoes! Sponsored by Spa City Motor Lodge. 

Wednesday, August 23

Stuffed Shells Dinner Take-out

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs

4:30 – 6 p.m. | Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: stuffed shells, meatballs, sweet sausage, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner $15. (Cash only).  

Thursday, August 24

Concert on the Lawn: Amy Powers ?

Clifton Park Halfmoon
Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 7 pm

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us for an evening of music on the Library’s Back Lawn featuring Amy Powers, a musician and songwriter from Upstate New York who covers a variety of genres from pop to folk. Some of her influences in music include Sara Bareilles, Brasstracks, and Baerd. In the event of rain, this program will be moved indoors.

Summer Concert Series ?

Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Dr., Saratoga Springs | 7 – 9 p.m. The Town of Wilton is proud to present its inaugural summer concert series. All concerts will be held at the large pavilion.  Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy free, live music with your neighbors and friends! This week’s featured band – Skippy and the Pistons. 

“Lexington” Author at Northshire Books Saratoga Aug. 24 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

“Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America’s Legendary Racehorse,” published in July.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Set against the background of the Civil War and filled with a cast of characters that includes a formerly enslaved Black trainer and a half-blind horse, “Lexington” provides a dramatic true story of the thoroughbred from which the book is named.  

The book was released in July and its author, Kim Wickens, will be visiting Northshire Bookstore Saratoga at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24.  

Wickens, a lawyer and dressage rider who grew up in Dallas, Texas, became fascinated by the legendary horse when she learned 12 of Thoroughbred racing’s 13 Triple Crown winners descended from Lexington. 

“Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America’s Legendary Racehorse,” ($28.99, Ballantine Books) is a story of the champion who gained international fame in the tumultuous Civil War-era South  and became the most successful sire in American racing history.

For more information, go to: northshire.com.  

Northshire Saratoga: Yaddo Presents Yepoka Yeebo – Anansi’s Gold – In Person Aug. 29

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Northshire Bookstore and Yaddo present an evening with author and journalist Yepoka Yeebo who shares the never-before-told story of how an audacious Ghanaian con artist pulled off one of the 20th century’s longest-running and most spectacular frauds. 

Yeebo will discuss the book with Kristy Davis. “Anansi’s Gold: The Man Who Looted the West, Outfoxed Washington, and Swindled the World” published this month by Bloomsbury Publishing.  

Some background: When Ghana won its independence from Britain in 1957, it instantly became a target for home-grown opportunists and rapacious Western interests determined to snatch any assets that colonialism hadn’t already stripped. 

A CIA-funded military junta ousted the new nation’s inspiring president, Kwame Nkrumah, then falsely accused him of hiding the country’s gold overseas. Into this big lie stepped one of history’s most charismatic scammers, a con man to rival the trickster god Anansi. Born into poverty in Ghana and trained in the United States, John Ackah Blay-Miezah declared himself custodian of an alleged Nkrumah trust fund worth billions. 

In “Anansi’s Gold,” Yepoka Yeebo chases Blay-Miezah’s ever-wilder trail and discovers, at long last, what really happened to Ghana’s missing wealth. 

The conversation takes place at Northshire Bookstore Saratoga, 424 Broadway, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29.