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Free Youth Showmanship Clinic June 10at Washington County Fairgrounds

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Image provided by Washington County Fair.

GREENWICH —The Washington County Fairgrounds and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Washington County are hosting a Youth Showmanship Clinic for all area youth exhibitors of dairy cattle, beef cattle, equine, sheep, goats, and poultry, at the Fairgrounds on June 10 starting at 9 a.m. Participants are not charged and need not be from Washington County or 4-H Members to join the event.

Each exhibitor will have a group of educators to take them through showmanship tips and tricks for their species, nutrition information, fitting, and much more. Youth are encouraged to bring their vetted animal to work with, but if they cannot bring their own, an animal will be provided to practice with. Lunch will be free for participants between the morning and afternoon sessions. 

In addition to the clinic, a Tack and Tailgate Sale will happen throughout the day. Booths for the Tailgate sale are available for $10.00 for a 10×10 booth under the roof. For more information and sign-up forms, please visit our website at www.washingtoncountyfair.com. The deadline for sign-up is June 1.

Saratoga Senior Center Calendar

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.

April Events at the Center! 

Live Music with Rod Driscoll 

Friday, April 14 • 2 p.m. 

$10. Pizza from 9 Miles East served! A lively & engaging concert featuring golden oldies and classic popular music from the 1930’s all the way to the 1960’s. Swing, sway and sing a long with Rod’s singing and guitar playing. Laugh along with his jokes, stories and off beat humor! Join us for a great afternoon of music and fun! 

Trivia Night!

Monday, April 17 • 5:15 p.m.

“Where all those useless facts you’ve been collecting can finally come in handy!” Pizza bites served. Bring your own beverage. Join us for fun, friendly competition! Prizes! Please sign up, seating is limited. $5. Sponsored by Humana.

PaL’s Meals To Go 

Prepared meals you just have to heat up. Pick up any time Monday or Tuesday between 9:30 & 3:30 p.m. Order by noon the Friday before.

Monday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 18: 

Baked chicken, roasted potatoes, carrots

Monday, April 24 and Tuesday April 25: 

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy

Tarot Card Reading

facilitated by Mary Shimp

Thursday, April 20 • 10-2 p.m.

$5 donation. Do you have some unanswered questions about your life? A tarot card reading provides insight into what the future holds. Call for a 15 minute appointment.

AARP Driver Safety Course

facilitated by Warren Lavery

Friday, April 21 • 9:30-4 p.m.

In-person at the Senior Center. $25 for AARP members and $30 for non-members. Payment by Check only, made out to AARP. Bring your drivers license and AARP card to the training. Bring your own lunch and beverage. Advance registration required, seating is limited. Call the front desk at 518-584-1621.

The Wild Irish Acres Step Dancers under the direction of Terri Hughes 

Sunday, April 23 • 4 p.m. 

A return visit from these lively dancers. Irish step

dance is a wonderful celebration of the arts and Ireland’s unique culture. Please sign up. 

Beading Workshop 

facilitated by Jerry Matthews

Monday, April 24  • 1:30 p.m.

$10 materials fee. Whether you are just beginning or an experienced beader, join Jerry to create beautiful and one of a kind jewelry. Please sign up, seating is limited.

Dine in Dinner – Old Bryan Inn

Tuesday, April 25 • 5:30 p.m.

Dinners are held at the Senior Center. $12 per dinner. Roast pork with Honey Sage Gravy. Please sign up. Sponsored by Humana.

ADVANCED DIRECTIVES WORKSHOP AND PANEL DISCUSSION

Wednesday, April 26 • 1:30 p.m. 

Light Lunch. 2 p.m. Film and Panel Discussion.

St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates -Palliative Care Partners in conjuction with the Saratoga Senior Center will be presenting the documentary film Extremis. Extremis is a short documentary that follows Dr. Jessica Zitter, an ICU and palliative care specialist who leads a hospital ICU team. The film addresses the challenges patients and families face when making decisions in the midst of a medical crisis. During the panel discussion following the film, we will be discussing the importance of advance care planning and serious illness discussions. RSVP is requested as seating is limited. Call the Senior Center at 518-584-1621

Controlled Chaos Improv Performance Troupe

Friday, April 28 • 3 p.m.

$5. Refreshments served. Do you love watching “Whose Line Is It Ayway?” Then this is the show for you. Controlled Chaos loves to “mix things up” by making each show unique in its selection of short-form games, in- cluding some they invented themselves. They are not afraid to try anything! 

Poetry Workshop

facilitated by Marissa, Senior Skidmore Student

Fridays • 2 p.m.

Love poetry? Marissa is bringing poetry to you in all different manners. Poetry bingo, make a song sonnet, share your favorite poems, learn some basic poetic tecniques and write a poem! Please sign up, seating is limited.

NEW! Massages facilitated by Zuzia

Wednesdays • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

$5 donation. Zuzia’s work is deeply relaxing and supports profound release, gently and effectively, of long.

How To Avoid Mosquitos Using a Natural DIY Repellent

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Families Today.

How to Avoid Mosquitos Using a Natural DIY Repellent 

With the change of seasons comes pesky ticks, mosquitoes and biting flies. Mosquitos can be quite the nuisance, producing itchy little bumps. However, on the rare occasion they have been known to be carriers of West Nile Virus (WNV). According to the New York State Department of Health, “Mosquitoes become infected (with WNV) when they feed on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals.” NYSDH also states that “In humans, WNV may cause a mild illness, but may also cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).” While these instances are rare, it is important to reduce the threat of disease and find ways to protect yourself as well as avoid the unpleasant side effects associated with mosquito bites.

Why Are Mosquitoes and Biting Insects Attracted to Us?

It has been said that mosquitoes will travel upwards of one to two miles in search of a meal (your blood) and they are mostly attracted to carbon dioxide emitted by humans and animals. The more carbon dioxide you emit, the greater the attraction.

Genetics are also said to play a role in how humans attract mosquitos. Individuals with higher concentrations of natural steroids and cholesterol on their skin, those who produce higher amounts of acids (uric) may be more likely to attract mosquitoes.

On the upside there are some tactics to reduce the likelihood of getting bitten. There’s also a simple and effective recipe to ward off these pesky critters. 

Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites
• Avoid wearing sweet smells, perfumes and colognes (especially those with nonanaldehyde-this will increase your chances of getting a bite by 50%)
• Avoid wearing black, cyan, red and orange. A recent study conducted by the University of Washington, found that black attracts mosquitoes the most, while colors like green, purple, blue and white may actually deter different species of mosquitoes.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, eating bananas and sweets, as these items sweeten up your blood and make you very attractive to these little vamps.
• Wear long sleeve tops and full coverage on legs, when outside during mosquito season.  Be careful not to wear loose clothing, when going outside, as loose clothes can trap insects, especially an issue for ticks.
• In addition to covering oneself, there are other options like bug repellants to help prevent bites, however avoid DEET where possible due to the potential toxicity and hazards linked to effects on the central nervous system.

Why to Avoid DEET Where Possible

DEET (also named N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is one of the key ingredients found in common on-the-shelf bug repellant products. DEET is an organic solvent used in plastic and rubber cements and paint removers. The Medical Sciences Bulletin, published by Pharmaceutical Information Associates Ltd. reported, “Up to 56% of DEET applied topically penetrates intact human skin and 17% is absorbed into the bloodstream.” DEET is absorbed by the skin and gut and the most serious concerns about DEET are its effects on the central nervous system. 

A Duke University study revealed that combined exposure to DEET and an ingredient called permethrin, a mosquito spray ingredient, can lead to motor deficits, as well as learning and memory dysfunction. Another 2009 study indicated that DEET is not only a behavior modifying chemical, but that it also inhibits cholinesterase activity, one of many important enzymes needed for the proper functioning of the nervous systems in humans, animals and insects, putting it in a class with other hazardous pesticides that have been shown to do the same.

Natural Repellents As An Alternative

Natural bug repellent has a long use throughout history. Some people swear by folk methods such as ingesting large amounts of garlic, however there is little evidence as to whether or not garlic is effective for everyone. Other proactive treatments include taking Vitamin B at least a month before mosquito season, but the jury is still out on this too. While it doesn’t hurt to try these, it is suggested to wear a bug repellant, and below is an easy recipe to get you started.

Essential Oils Used  to Repel Biting Insects

First off let’s explore some plant based ingredients and essential oils that are used in natural bug repellents to ward off mosquitoes and biting insects. All of these essential oils can be purchased at www.saratogabotanicals.com: lemon eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, geranium (also effective for ticks), pine, cedar, thyme, clove, patchouli, wintergreen, and tea tree (also effective for ticks).

The most effective essential oils for repelling mosquitoes include citronella, thyme oil, geranium, peppermint oil, cedar oil, patchouli and clove, which have been found to repel malaria, filarial and yellow fever vectors (in countries with these known risks) for periods of 60-180 minutes. The most effective for ticks are tea tree and geranium.

DIY Natural Bug Repellent Spray

When following this recipe it’s important not to make any essential oil substitutions without fully researching the individual oil and possible contraindications. Also safety first: Gloves, goggles, and protect your surfaces. Essential oils are strong and must always be diluted for use on the skin. The following essential oils were chosen because they are considered generally safe and non-toxic for use on people, with some exceptions. Recipes that will be used on children over the age of three should contain no more than 1% essential oils. Avoid use on children under the age of three years old. This  recipe contains approximately 2%. If you intend to use this on children, only use half of the amounts indicated for each essential oil. Avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding and always consult your doctor should you have a chronic medical condition or concerns regarding essential oil use.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz of carrier oil (jojoba, sunflower, olive oil, neem etc)

• 15 drops of citronella oil

• 15 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 10 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil

• 5 drops thyme essential oil

• 3 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

Pour carrier oils into desired container. Add essential oil drops. Shake well to incorporate ingredients and also before each and every use. Label your product and keep it out of reach of children. 

And voila! You’ve got a natural solution to ward off those pesky biters just in time for the spring and summer months!

Saratoga County Career Center Holding April Virtual Workshops: Free Career Workshops Provided by the GreaterCapital Region Career Centers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center, in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers, is holding the following upcoming free virtual career workshops:

April 18 at 10 a.m.: Overcoming Barriers. Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Saratoga and Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

April 20 at 11.: Completing Job Applications. Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

April 27 at 1:30 p.m.: Social Media. Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https://thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.

Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family Give $100,000 Grant for Expansion of 4-H Training Center

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo provided by Saratoga County 4-H.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga County 4-H is receiving $100,000 from the Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family for their 4-H Lead the Legacy Campaign to raise funds for a new educational facility at the Saratoga County 4-H Training Center in Ballston Spa. The Center is used by 4-H youth clubs and for community events and attracts over 12,000 youth each year. 

“It’s an honor that Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family Foundation found this project to be worthy of such a donation, but not unexpected. Stewarts has always been a strong supporter of agriculture and 4-H, including providing support for the original 4-H Training Center back in 1980. They continually see our ‘worth’ by funding countless projects through the annual Stewart’s Holiday Match Program,” said Gregory Stevens, 4-H Extension Issue Leader.

The facility is located at 556 Middle Line Road in Ballston Spa. Originally built in 1988, they have outgrown their current building. The new multi-functional facility will offer more space and will break ground in Spring 2023. The expansion will include 3,780 square feet of additional classroom space, a dedicated space for STEM space to host robotics teams, additional restrooms, and community event space. 

According to Susan Dake, Stewart’s Shops Foundation President, “Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family are longtime supporters of the 4-H, and we are proud to support the education they provide for our youth.”

Capitol District Supply Sold, But Operations Expect To Remain The Same

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo by Dylan McGlynn

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Longtime family-owned plumbing and HVAC business Capitol District Supply has officially moved under new ownership, but not much else is expected to change for the local company.

Capitol District Supply was purchased by N&S Supply, a Fishkill-based plumbing supply store, in March. Capitol Supply manager Adam Zima said the sale will allow the generation above him to retire while also allowing the company to maintain current operations and realize opportunities for future growth.

“We just had to figure out a way to allow the generation above me to retire,” said Zima. “We employ a lot of people, how do we keep everyone going? I think we found the right mix.”

N&S Supply is also a family-owned business, and incorporated in 1946, just one year after Capitol District Supply first opened. In addition to the sale, Zima purchased the real estate of Capitol Supply’s physical locations in Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Schenectady.

N&S itself is owned by Watsco, an HVAC distributor headquartered in Miami, Florida. Zima said Capitol Supply had a prior relationship with N&S, and that they will be left to continue operations mainly as usual moving forward.

“Watsco buys companies like us, and the point is to leave us alone and just provide us kind of the resources in the background,” said Zima. “The Nussbickel family still runs (N&S). There’s a corporate person in the background, but they have nothing to do with it. It’s still the Nussbickels, and that’s the whole point.”

“You could see what happened to them over the last three years. They technically sold, but they just grew the business and kept all their people. We’re doing the same thing.”

Zima said his father and uncles will have the opportunity to retire “in the near future,” and said the sale allows the company to remain stable in its operations and employees.

“We’re transitioning a bunch of things,” said Zima. “I get to keep all of our people, and I get to help them get more resources and help them grow. We have a ton of long-term people with us. At our Saratoga store, I’ve got a bunch of people who have worked for us since the ‘80s, and are still with us.”

Now, as owner of the company’s real estate, Zima said there will be some improvements he will look to make, including a new roof on the back warehouse in Saratoga Springs.

He also said that being part of a larger company will allow Capitol Supply more opportunities, including with green tax credits being adopted by New York State.

“There’s a ton of rebates and credits all geared toward HVAC equipment,” Zima said. “We now have access to different manufacturers and different lines that we didn’t have before, so that will be great to be able to really help contractors and help homeowners make their houses green. … We get to stay local, but I know in the background, I can better support the contractors when they’re doing big project work.”

Zima also noted it is meaningful for the company to continue operations in the area, 78 years after initially opening for business. He said he has strong memories and a strong connection to the area.

“I remember being in a hot tub, in a parking lot, in the summer of ‘86 for a grand opening,” said Zima. “That’s how far back we go. I was a little kid. … So I’ve got memories and a connection obviously to the building and to Saratoga.”

Property Transactions April 14 – April 20, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

This beautiful home at 55 Hillcrest Lane Wilton was listed by Kate Naughton of Roohan Realty and sold for $630,000.

BALLSTON

Karl Asmus Estate of sold property at 3 Beechwood Dr to Gitsit Solutions for $249,879

Brookview Court Inc sold property at 60 Arcadia Ct to Matthew Smith for $368,759

Jan Marchinkowski sold property at 40 Hickory Grove Lane to Daumont Rodriguez for $750,000

BDC Cornerstone Inc sold property at 76 Cornerstone Dr to Jill Mahoney for $398,405

Cunningham Companies of Ballston Spa sold property at 158 McLean St to James Gerboth for $435,000

CORINTH

James Dumoulin sold property at 138 Wilton Mountain Rd to Jared Holcomb for $300,000.

GREENFIELD

Linda Hamilton sold property at 325 Daniels Rd to Ricky Capasso for $505,000

Jeslyn Bell sold property at 14 Greenfield Manor Rd to Alan Schwedt for $300,000

James Hayner sold property at 2 Pine Robin Road North to Kelly Esposito for $164,000

MALTA 

Stewart’s Shops Corp sold property at 2505 Route 9 to Ramirez 9211 LLC for $750,000

Heidi Firstenchel sold property at 2125 Rt 9 to Wayne Beale for $315,000

Stephen Shaw sold property at 185 Cramer Rd to Nicholas Abate for $215,000

Stephen Shaw sold property at 181 Cramer Rd to Nicholas Abate for $205,000

MILTON

RSD  Development LLC sold property at 8 Jennifer Ln to Robert Semenza for $555,841

Mary Robinson sold property at 16 Meadow Lane to Dylan Robinson for $143,600

SARATOGA

Cerrone Construction LLC sold property at 216 Patriot Hill Dr to David Sprague for $503,000

Brandon Salvi sold property at 4 Mennen Rd to Aidan Zeledon for $160,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Diane Daly sold property at 77 South Franklin St to Timothy Holloway for $220,000

Deborah Burkehalter sold property at 73 Railroad Unit 304 to Thomas Miller for $715,000

Marci Dwyer sold property at 8 Ritchie Place to Marjorie Glowa for $656,000.

Regatta View LLC sold property at 22 Dartmouth Way to Dennis Graziano for $750,808

Kart Corp sold property at 252 Washington St to LAZ 252 Washington LLC for $1,079,000.

Kart Corp sold property at 252 Washington St to LAZ 252 Washington LLC for 600,000.

WILTON

Joanne Ernst sold property at 134 Ernst Rd to Douglas Aiken for $210,000.

Simulated Mass Casualty Training at Saratoga Spa State Park – Volunteers Sought to Portray Concertgoers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — New York State Park Police will conduct a simulated training exercise focusing on a mass casualty response on April 30, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). The training will focus on coordination and emergency response during several simulated scenarios envisioning an incident involving injuries to a large number of concertgoers at the venue.

The public should be advised that a noticeable increase in police presence will be visible throughout the exercises near SPAC inside Saratoga Spa State Park which begin on April 30 at 8 a.m. ending at 12 p.m. 

The exercise will involve personnel from Park Police, New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Saratoga Springs City Police and Fire Departments, local EMS Agencies as well as operations staff from Saratoga Spa State Park, Live Nation and SPAC. Additionally, Saratoga Hospital, Albany Medical Center and their regional partners will concurrently be exercising how the simulated event will affect their emergency plans.

The area around SPAC will be closed to the public. All area traffic will be alerted to the exercises at all entry points into the park. Weapons used during training exercises are incapable of firing a live duty round.

Park Police are seeking volunteers to portray concertgoers from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers should provide name, phone and email to contact information. Volunteers will need to provide a signed volunteer service agreement at the time of service. A copy is available at: parks.ny.gov/documents/inside-our-agency/PublicDocuments/PermitsVolunteerServiceAgreeme ntEnglish.pdf. 

Send completed volunteer agreements and questions concerning volunteers to ParksEmergencyMgmt-Exercises@parks.ny.gov. Refreshments will be available.

Gov. Hochul Announces Start Of $5.7 Million Complete Streets Project In Saratoga Springs 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Roadwork is underway on Union Avenue adjacent to Saratoga Race Course.
Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on April 5 that work is getting underway on a $5.7 million project to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety along Union Avenue in the City of Saratoga Springs. 

“Expanding bicycle and pedestrian access is an essential part of our commitment to invest in infrastructure that reconnects communities and provides new opportunities for recreation, tourism and economic growth,” Hochul said in a statement. “This Complete Streets project in Saratoga Springs will add to the charm of this historic upstate city and make it easier for residents and visitors to explore all that it has to offer without getting in their cars.” 

The project was planned and designed to fulfill the goals of the New York State Department of Transportation’s “Complete Streets” initiative to consider safe, convenient access and mobility for roadway users of all ages and abilities. 

Last August, the governor designated Union Avenue as “Marylou Whitney Way.” 

As part of the project, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will install a new sidewalk compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act on the north side of Union Avenue to connect Polk Avenue and the New York Racing Association Gate 16 with East Avenue. Five-foot-wide bike lanes will be painted in both directions between East Avenue and Henning Road.  

An approximately three-mile stretch of Union Avenue between East Avenue and the bridge over Saratoga Lake will be surfaced and new drainage structures will be added between East Avenue and Henning Road to improve storm water runoff. Westbound Union Avenue will be reduced to one lane during construction; however, no work will be allowed to take place during the summer racing season. The remainder of the work will resume after Labor Day. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by June 2024.

The Gold Gala to Raise Money for Childhood Cancer Families in The Capital Region

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SCOTIA — The Logan Strong Foundation (LSF), a locally-based childhood cancer non-profit, presents ‘The Gold Gala’, Friday, May 19 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Armory Studios in Schenectady.

The catered event features a spirits’ tasting, silent auction, DJ, dancing, photo booth and open bar. 

Proceeds from past events have been used for Amazon Wish List items, gas and grocery gift cards, cleaning services and individual fundraiser items and services. Recent donations to the Ronald McDonald House and Albany Medical Center are included in the work of LSF. 

Event organizers hope ‘The Gold Gala” will provide enough resources to serve up to 100+ families by the end of the year.

“My husband and I decided to create LSF in honor of our son”, said Jennifer Hendricks-Fogg, Founder and President, in a statement. “We know and understand what it’s like to feel your world crash down, and to live in the hospital for extended periods of time.”

Armory Studios, site of the inaugural event, is located at 125 Washington Ave., Schenectady and features over 90,000 square feet of production and studio spaces. 

Tickets are on sale now through May 1 and are limited to 250 attendees. Choose $125 per person or levels at $250 and higher to include a ticket donation to an area family whose lives are affected by the disease.  Sponsorships and silent auction donations are also invited up until the final ticket sale deadline. Visit: loganstrongfoundation.org/events/gold-gala. Learn about LSF and follow event updates on facebook.com/loganstrongfoundation