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Author: Saratoga TODAY

August 6 – August 12, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, August 6

Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino 
Saratoga Springs History Museum
1 East Congress St., Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m
Is the Canfield Casino haunted? Take a tour with guides who tell their personal experiences of the paranormal in the Canfield Casino. The Canfield Casino was featured on SYFY Network’s show Ghost Hunters and on the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Terrifying Places.  Reservations not required, but tours are limited to 20 people. Adults $15, Kids $9, under 6 free. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through August.

Diabetes Support Group Online
Zoom Presentation | Noon
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County will host an informal support group via Zoom for people with diabetes or prediabetes. The program will meet the first Friday of each month. Individuals can join by contacting Diane Whitten at 518-885-8995, or dwhitten@cornell.edu. There is no fee for the support group. Topics will vary and may be based on the interest of the group.

Family Fun Fridays
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa
2 – 4 p.m. | The events are free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. Take a playful trip back in time to the 18th century every Friday afternoon of the summer break. Children, along with their parents, are invited to join reenactors Erin and Henry in playing with reproductions of centuries-old toys and games. Also, Brookside Museum will be open on those days, 1-5 p.m.. there are four brand new exhibits, including the innovative “Social Life of Hats” display and the exhibition on Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family. Please visit the website www.brooksidemuseum.org for news and announcements. 

Movies in the Park 
Wiswall Park, Front St., Ballston Spa | 8:30 p.m.
The featured movie is Frozen II. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. This event is free. Rain date: Saturday, Aug. 7.

Saturday, August 7

Cars & Coffee Event 
Middle Grove Town Park | 428 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 8 – 11 a.m. 
The Town of Greenfield Lions Club will be hosting this free event. All cars and trucks welcome, even daily drivers. 50-50 raffle, door prizes, fresh coffee, donuts, and Lions Breakfast Sandwiches. Sponsored by Bryan’s Brew. All proceeds will stay in our community in support of Greenfield Lions Youth Programs and Town of Greenfield Youth Rec Programs. If you are interested in sponsoring a door prize for this event, please contact Lion bill Marzano at 518-461-9784 or email wmarzan1@nycap.rr.com for more information. 

Big Truck Day
Maple Avenue Middle School | 515 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us for a great morning of fun. Come check out some of the coolest big trucks in the area! Enjoy food and treats from your favorite local vendors. Truck Day is a primary fundraiser for the Children’s Museum. Money raised at this event makes it possible for the Museum to offer quality education programs and learning opportunities for children and families throughout our community. Send us a drawing of your best Big Truck. The first 50 applicants receive a FREE PASS to Big Truck Day! This year it’s not a contest, but passes are limited so act soon! Open to all students PreK to 5th grade! You can submit them online at www.cmssny.org/big-truck-day. You can purchase tickets online, as well. 

10th Annual Fallen Officers Memorial Ride
Spitzie’s Motorcycle Center, 1970 Central Ave., Colonie
Registration 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Join us for a 75-mile ride through 5 counties. The ride will honor Detective Sergeant Randall French, Special Operations Section, Troy Police Department, End of Watch, April 30, 2020 and corrections Officer Joseph A. Martini, Ulster County Sheriffs Department. Cost is $20 per bike & passenger. All vehicles welcome. Awards for best represented Blue Knights Chapter, Best represented Police Motor Unit and best represented Motorcycle Club. Food, drink, 50/50 drawing and raffles will be available at Nanola located on Route 9 in Malta. For more information contact Pat Fox 518-469-9201 or Lou somma 518-421-2921. 

Color Your Summer Arts Festival
Galway Public Library, 1221 East St., Galway
1 – 3 p.m. | The Festival is a showcase for the arts workshops which were held in July. There will be a display of chalk pastels made by our workshop attendees, along with talks and demonstrations by the instructor, local pastel artist Carolyn Justice. The festival also features a Belly Dance Performance and class demonstration by Sarah Best. All are welcome to attend and see the results of our summer workshops. Refreshments will be provided. Saratoga Arts made this program possible with a Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Outdoor Concert Series
Hubbard Hall Great Lawn, 25 E. Main St., Cambridge
6 p.m.  | Audiences are invited to bring their own blankets and chairs and enjoy a evening listening to some great music and musicians from near and far!  Arrive any time after 5 p.m. for the concert. Maximum 100 attendees allowed on the lawn. In case of rain, concerts will be performed inside Hubbard Hall for a maximum of 45 audience members with house opening at 5:30 p.m. No reservations. First-come, first-sit. Masks required for those unvaccinated.  See hubbardhall.org for more information.  This evening’s featured artist is Village Harmony. 

Sunday, August 8

Food Drive Breakfast
Ballston Spa Elks, 10 Hamilton St., Ballston Spa
8 – 11 a.m. | Bring two non-perishable food items for $1 off. Adults $7, Seniors $6, Kids $5. 

Monthly Breakfast
The Fish Creek Rod and Gun | 123 Route 32, Schuylerville | 8 – 11 a.m.
Menu: Eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, toast (white or wheat), pancakes (regular, blueberry, buckwheat, apple cinnamon), French toast, home fries, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Cost: $8 Adult, $4 Child. Everyone welcome. 581-695-3917.

Dharma Meditation
Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs 
9 – 10:15 a.m. | Dharma Meditation with Pierre Zimmerman includes inspirational topics that support emotional, cognitive, and ethical wishes for wellbeing. RSVP to Pierre by calling 413-992-7012 or emailing Pierre (pzimmie2@icloud.com) 24-hrs in advance. Masks must be worn at all times, and coronavirus safety measures, including distancing, will be practiced. A $10 donation is suggested. Pre-registration is required. Visit oneroofsaratoga.com

Spin Till You Dye
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  | Representatives from the Saratoga County-based fiber spinning group The Rock Day Spinners will gather at Brookside Museum to dye wool using natural dyes and demonstrate fiber spinning. A family-friendly event, free and open to the public.

Summer Stroll: Post Time
SE Corner of Nelson & Union Ave, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Georgia Horner explores the Saratoga Race Course along Union Avenue featuring the Reading Rooms, National Museum of Racing, Oklahoma Track, and Fasig-Tipton Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion. Tours last approx. 90 minutes and require walking on varied terrain. Tours will be limited to 30 and tickets must be purchased in advance. Cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Members who have received Stroll passes will have those honored for their value and will be required to pay the difference. Visit saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030 to purchase tickets in advance.

Summer Concert Series
Congress Park, War Memorial, 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
7 – 8:30 p.m. | Hot Club of Saratoga will be performing.  Gather your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy some of our area’s favorite performers. Free to the public.

Monday, August 9

Meet and Greet with Baby Goats
Southern Adirondack Library System, On the Lawn at Circular St., Saratoga Springs | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. 
Join Squashville Farm to meet and greet some of their baby goats!

The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series 
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, Parking Lot #1, Wilton | 6:15 p.m.
Monday evenings in August. Registration is $5 day-of or $20 for all five races. This is a low-key, all-outdoors event topped off by light refreshments and unusual raffle prizes. Bring your own water. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Current CDC and NYS guidelines will be followed. For more information contact Laura Clark at 518-581-1278 or laura@saratogastryders.org or visit saratogastryders.org.

Tuesday, August 10

“Saratoga Place to Be” Luncheon
Circa ’21 Restaurant at McGregor Country Club, 359 Northern Pines Rd., Wilton | Noon – 2 p.m. | Special feature: Greg Veitch, retired Saratoga Police Chief will share true stories of some of Saratoga’s nefarious past. Greg will bring his books for sale that he will personally sign for you. Speaker, Eileen Bank from Rome, NY shares, “The Wonder of Life.” Reservations necessary. Call Ellie at 518-584-3779 or Anita at 518-583-4043. Menu- summer picnic, includes meal, dessert and beverages. Presented by Saratoga Christian Women’s Connection. 

Wednesday, August 11

Pulled Pork/BBQ Chicken Dinner 
Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to place an order: 518-584-2585. Menu: Pulled pork, BBQ chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, corn bread. Dinner for 2 is $25 cash only. 

Thursday, August 12

Concert in the Park 
Old Iron Springs Park, 198 Front St., Ballston Spa | 6 – 8 p.m.
This week’s featured artist is Sirsy. 

August 6 – August 12, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

4-H Project Exhibition
In an effort to give 4-H youth an opportunity to demonstrate their impressive project work, Saratoga County 4-H is planning the “4-H Project Exhibition”. Experienced judges will evaluate entries and award ribbons for project work.  Public viewing of the exhibits will take place on August 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the 4-H Training Center in Ballston Spa. 

Eleventh Caboose Day and Car Show
Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, and Imports welcome on Saturday, August 14 at The Caboose at King’s Station, corner of Route 9N and Porter Rd., Porter Corners from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tour King’s Station and the restored caboose. Vendors, bake sale, hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries and drinks to benefit The Town of Greenfield Historical Society. Rain or Shine. For information, call Tom Clute at 518-580-0655, Louise Okoniewski at the Town Hall at 518-893-7432 or 518-796-4066. 

Reading & Book Signing by Matt Witten
Come to the Ballston Spa Public Library Saturday, August 14 at 11a.m. for a book signing and reading with author, Matt Witten. This will be an in-person event in the library’s community room.
Join mystery and TV writer, Matt Witten as he presents his new novel, The Necklace. Books will be available to purchase and sign. Mr. Witten lived in Saratoga Springs, where he wrote four mystery novels that were published by Signet, including Breakfast at Madeline’s. Then moved to LA and began writing for TV: Law & Order, House, Pretty Little Liars, CSI: Miami, and other shows. Set partly in Lake Luzerne, The Necklace is his first novel since he began writing for TV. Witten has been spending summers in Lake Luzerne for the past twenty-five years. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required, limit 30. To sign up go to the library, call 518-885-5022 or online at www.eventbrite.com/e/book-signing-and-reading-with-mystery-writer-matt-witten-tickets-162123723421 Ballston Spa Public Library is located at 21 Milton Avenue (Rt. 50) with its parking lot at the back of the building on Low Street.

Trap/Clay Shoot
Fish Creek Rod & Gun Club will host a Trap/Clay shoot on Sunday August 15, running from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Open to the public – Great time to introduce the youth to trap shooting for fun. Novice to Expert only $5 per round. We are located at 123 NY Rt 32 Schuylerville. Hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, and water will be available for purchase.

The Health, History, & Horses Charity Gala
Presented by Ladies of charity, Saratoga Chapter. Funds raised are distributed annually to establish charities in Saratoga & Warren/Washington Counties: Catholic Charities, food kitchens, shelters, and tuition support programs. The gala will be held on Thursday, August 19 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Longfellow’s Restaurant, located at 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs. There will be complimentary beer and wine the first hour, hot and cold food stations, cash bar, live music, silent auction, 4 seasons basket raffle, 50/50 raffle and racetrack t-shirt quilt. Cost is $75 per person payable to Ladies of Charity. Tickets can be purchased at ladiesofcharitysaratoga.com or contact Yolanda at 518-886-8064. Attire is Summer Festive.

Friday Pop-up Art on Beekman Street
Outdoor art displays with local artists and makers on the lawns and porches of the Beekman Street Art District, Saratoga Springs with refreshments and live music on Friday, August 20, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. shops and galleries open late. Rain late afternoon cancels event. 

Pancake Breakfast and Car Show
Help rebuild the grandstand!  Join us on August 22 from 8 – 2 p.m. at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds, located at 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa.  Breakfast will be served from 8 – 11 a.m., Car Show from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (registration 7:30 a.m.). 50/50 raffle and basket raffles. All proceeds for the rebuild of the Grandstand. $15 Entry fee for car show participants. Breakfast: $8 adult, $5 children 10 & under. 

Summer Lunch Program for Children
During the months of July and August the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa will sponsor a Summer Lunch Program for children living in and around the village.  Nutritious lunches will be made daily and distributed in seven locations. Volunteers are needed to assemble and distribute the lunches. Anyone who is interested in volunteering,  in making a financial contribution, or in obtaining an application or a menu can contact the church at 518-885-8361 or at bspabaptist202@gmail.com or bspabaptist.org. Please help to impact the children of Ballston Spa in a positive way.

Southern Saratoga Art Society Exhibit
Artists and members of SSAS are exhibiting throughout the area. Visit these venues and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County. For further information, please visit: southernsaratogaartist.com. Artist Roberta Moses is exhibiting her art during July and August at the Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main St., Mechanicville. Waterford Library, 117 Third St, Waterford is hosting artists Jack Morgan, Rebecca Jenkins and Patricia Wade during July and August. Artists William Daisak, David Mayak and Karen Zimmers are exhibiting their art at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Ct, Clifton Park. 

Tour Belgium and Holland with Saratoga Arts 
In April, just as spring begins, leave your daily routine behind and join Saratoga Arts in an art and history-filled visit to Belgium and Holland April 20-29, 2022. We will stay in Brussels and Amsterdam with excursions to nearby treasures and plan to taste as many gourmet chocolates as ten days permit. We will waffle or way through Belgium, learn about the history and magic of the medieval Belgian tapestries, travel to Bruges, Delft and Amsterdam for romantic waterways, revel in the beauty of the Dutch Masters and Van Gogh, and admire the colorful blooms of the seven million bulb flowers of the Keukenhof Gardens. Give yourself a chance to escape just for a while among the cultural and historical experiences of this small group tour. To receive a detailed itinerary, contact: goedventures@gmail.com.   

Flash Back Friday

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

Hello my Foodie Friends! 

Part of the American summer road trip can include visits to roadside diners. What is your favorite childhood memory of summer food? I have so many childhood memories of eating with my family. My father was a truck driver so he loved to travel and make a day of driving around the American landscape. We would mostly go through Vermont which is where he grew up. He loved stopping at a local diner as part of our day’s exploration. My father loved diners! The reason being that diners are best known for their history, tradition, an extensive menu selection, large portions of comfort foods at fair prices, quick service served with diner spirit and hearty meals. Chefs and cooks showcased their occupational skill and skillet set through offering huge portions of comfort food classics, while no- nonsense but friendly waitresses served as unofficial family to customers with their welcoming ways. Locals, many with townie and patriotic tendencies, interacted through face-to-face spoken words instead of through technological devices. Truck drivers sat at the counter after long days and nights of life on the road. White collar America, some as business travelers walking briskly over from the adjacent hotel, took that well-deserved break from another anticipated day in the rat race to lighten the day with some home-cooked food. Landscapers and construction workers with clean hands, for now, were hungry, immediately decisive on what to order, and needing to get to work soon. They wasted no time ordering food while showing a close camaraderie as if they were brothers. 

You see, there’s really nothing like eating at a good old-fashioned diner when traveling the small towns and back roads. The experience, quite simply, brings a wonderful slice of American tradition to the senses and taste buds that can only be fully realized by frequenting these local treasures. The diner is an icon of American culture located in almost every city and town. 

I read a fun article about diners on Reminisce.com with some pretty funny diner slang that let the short order cook know what to burn, what to wrack , and what to put a hat on. It is considered “short-order shorthand. As I read these I laughed, while bringing back memories of eating at a diner with my family. By the way; I still love stopping by some of the mainstay diners throughout the northeast. 

Here is a small sampling of the article. Try to guess what the slang means before you read the answer: 

Breakfast: 

Adam and Eve on a raft………………………(poached eggs on toast)

Burn the British………………………………(English Muffin, toasted)

Sinkers and suds…………………………… (Doughnuts and Coffee)

Wreck’em…………………………………….(Scrambled eggs)

Lunch

Bloodhound in the hay………………………(Hot dog with sauerkraut)

Two cows, make ‘em cry……………………(Two burgers with onions)

First Lady……………………………………(Spareribs)

Condiments 

Axel grease………………………………….(Butter)

Paint it red………………………………… .(Ketchup)

Warts………………………………………..(0lives)

Dessert

Eve with a lid on it…………………………(Apple Pie)

Fish eyes……………………………………(Tapioca Pudding)

Houseboat…………………………………..(Banana Split)

Nervous pudding……………………………(Jello) 

This summer, make food memories with your family. My childhood memories almost always include sitting at the table eating with my four siblings, and my parents. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your neighborhood kitchen and cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place to help you with your family culinary needs. Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” 

Take Care,
John & Paula

 REARDON SummerBurgers

Pop Concerts Return to SPAC This Month

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The following pop concerts are currently scheduled to take place at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. For ticket information, go to: spac.org. 

Aug. 15 – Hall & Oates/ Squeeze. 
Aug. 16 – Lindsey Stirling. 
Aug. 23 – King Crimson.
Aug. 24 – James Taylor/ Jackson Browne. 
Aug. 27 – Dead & Company. 
Aug. 28 – Lynyrd Skynyrd. 
Sept. 5 – Alanis Morissette/ Garbage/ Liz Phair. 
Sept. 12 – Outlaw Music Fest w/ Willie Nelson, Sturgill Simpson, Gov’t Mule, Margo Price. 
Sept. 13 – Maroon 5. 
Sept. 14 – The Black Crowes. 
Sept. 17-18 – Dave Matthews Band. 
Sept. 19 – Flogging Molly, Violent Femmes, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Thick. 
Sept. 28 – Jonas Brothers.
Oct. 3 – Zac Brown Band. 

Scheduled for 2022 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center: Doobie Brothers (June 16); Steely Dan/ Steve Winwood (June 21); Tedeschi Trucks Band (July 3); Rod Stewart / Cheap Trick (July 22); Backstreet Boys (July 23); Matchbox Twenty (July 31); Goo Goo Dolls (Aug. 19). 

TogaNola’s Snacks Feed Adventurous Souls

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

In 2015, Katie Rhodes began training for her first marathon. Constantly hungry from her busy schedule, granola bars became her go-to snack until she took a closer look at the ingredients she was putting in her body.

Most traditional granola bars are highly processed and packed with sugar. Looking to keep herself both full and healthy for her training, Katie decided to make her own granola bar using healthier ingredients and the Charlie Bar was born: a dark chocolate, apricot, and almond bar. Not long after, friends and coworkers began placing orders for bars and the personal venture became a business: TogaNola was formed. “With a mission to provide clean energy for everyone who aspires to be a better version of themselves,” says Rhodes.

In the past 6 years, TogaNola has expanded its range beyond its now 5 flavors of granola bars, adding granola clusters and “protein bombs” in a variety of flavors, like Maple Almond Butter and Blueberry & Ginger Sunflower Seed. All TogaNola products are free of gluten, dairy, and soy, and several flavors are vegan, so there are many options to accommodate dietary restrictions of all types. The business is committed to using locally sourced ingredients, compostable packaging, natural sweeteners (such as local honey and maple syrup), and small-batch baking. 

Whether it’s a hike on a warm summer morning or skiing on a cold winter day, granola is the perfect snack for all types of adventures. Rhodes can attest to that herself: TogaNola granola bars and clusters have accompanied Katie on countless trips including a single season round of the 46 High Peaks last winter. “The bars are hearty and easily transported in a mess free package. They don’t freeze solid, even in the freezing winter temperatures in the Adirondacks, which is crucial to support Katie on her big hikes,” says husband and co-owner Ken Rhodes.

TogaNola got its start selling at local farmers’ markets and has recently expanded to include an online store and partnerships with local businesses. Katie and Ken are excited to be joining the Saratoga Farmers’ Market as an opportunity to interact directly with their customers and meet other local vendors. 

TogaNola’s next adventure? Handmade, locally sourced dehydrated meals to fuel trips that span multiple days. Keep an eye out for this new product later this year at the farmers’ market, and stay full and fueled with TogaNola’s granola bars, clusters, and protein bombs, available every Saturday at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

FM SummerBerryParfait

Ugh – Slugs!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Home & Garden.

Summer of 2021 will not be remembered fondly by farmers and gardeners. 

July was one of the top 5 wettest on record. It hasn’t been very sunny or warm either. This has slowed the ripening of tomatoes and other vegetable crops. Even the annual flowers have been slow to put on their show this year.

There are a couple of critters that love “the wet” though: slugs and garden snails. They both like to munch on many of our favorite ornamental and vegetable plants. In the past, slugs and snails have been difficult garden pests to control. 

In the past, there was only one bait made and the active ingredient was metaldehyde. Metaldehyde was nasty stuff and was for use around ornamental crops but never vegetables, fruits or berries. It is also toxic to animals so I would never even consider using it. Metaldehyde has now been removed from the market…thank goodness!

There were also a variety of “old school” slug and snail control techniques. One option was plucking and drowning the slugs in soapy water. You’d need to wear gloves since slug slime isn’t something that you can wash off easily. 

There was also the dish sunk into the ground and filled with beer. The idea was that the slugs and snails are attracted to the beer (true) and would drop into it and drown. This method never worked well for me. I’d catch a few but it seemed like a terrible waste of beer. 

Another method was placing grapefruit rinds upside down in the infested area. The slugs and snails are attracted to the grapefruit rind and you’d find them under there in the morning and then drown them. It worked but you’d need dozens of grapefruit rinds if you wanted to catch enough slugs to make a difference. 

I never had much success with any of these methods in a year like the one we’re having this year. The demand for something safe and effective safe slug control finally led to a natural mineral-based slug control that is not only very effective but is totally safe to use in the berry patch and vegetable garden. It is iron phosphate. 

I’m most familiar with the iron phosphate slug and snail bait called “Slug Magic” but there are others available. Just make sure that the active ingredient is iron phosphate.

This stuff works great and is harmless to dogs, cats and all the wildlife except slugs and garden snails. You just sprinkle it around (according to the instructions on the package of course) and the slugs actually prefer it to the plants. It works fast too. Sprinkle it on in the evening (slugs feed at night) and by the next night you won’t see slugs around. Once they nibble a little Slug Magic, they stop feeding and crawl away to die. It really is almost like magic!

Thanks for the read!

Builder’s Corner: Building and Remodeling Post Pandemic

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Home & Garden.

Now is a good time to build or remodel as interest rates are at historic lows hovering around 3% depending on your credit score. Building and remodeling inquiries are also on the rise as the housing shortage continues. The pandemic has affected the supply chain of goods and services in virtually every sector of commerce. Building goods and materials are no exception. But the good news is that it’s still very doable whether you are considering building a new home or a remodeling project. There are many scenarios playing out in a seller’s market as well. Building new and remodeling are trending because many people find themselves dissatisfied with the current real estate inventory. When people buy a home that is not exactly what they want they will most likely want to remodel it. For others this is the best time to take the leap and build from scratch. This ensures that you will get most, if not everything, on your wish list. Chances are that regardless of your preference, you may need to work with a builder. 

Building and remodeling are still thriving post pandemic but just know that the lead times are growing. As a society we’ve all had to make various adjustments throughout this pandemic. But the silver linings continue to show through. We’ve reimagined what a classroom, workplace and community all look like. We have learned to change our habits and expectations in almost all facets of life. We along with our clients have also had to make some adjustments in building and remodeling homes regarding client selections and lead times. Cabinets, counter tops, appliances, flooring, and plumbing fixtures are all taking extended times for delivery. Simply put it takes a bit longer now to build or remodel a home now. Our industry has reset pre-pandemic build times on a typical house from 150-180 days to now needing 60–90-day extensions in many cases due to supply chain lag times. For example: Most Cabinet brands made in the USA were arriving in a five-week timeframe. Now we’re looking at approximately 15 weeks for delivery. Appliances that were once delivered in five to six weeks are now requiring 12–16-week lead times.  We’re working closely with clients to reset expectations and ensure that materials are ordered immediately to make those extensions as short as possible. 

Another challenge we worked through was the increased price of lumber at the height of the pandemic.  Thankfully lumber prices are coming down slightly now. Although they may not come down to pre-pandemic levels it’s reassuring to see the prices trending downward. We will continue to work with our clients to plan for the increase or redesign and/or adjust selections to stay within budget.

The pandemic has undoubtedly created challenges in all sectors of life with few exceptions. The silver lining is that we have all established a “new normal” in our lives. The building and remodeling industry is still thriving and ever evolving with newly established expectations. Don’t be afraid to build your dream home. Now is truly the time!

– Lou Galarneau, President Galarneau Builders

Explore a Career in Horse Racing: Amplify Horse Racing Education Tours Available at the Track

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Amplify Horse Racing, a nonprofit promoting education and careers in the thoroughbred industry, will be hosting five days of educational tours at Saratoga Race Course, in collaboration with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. 

The Amplify Saratoga Tours are great for middle, high school, or college students who are looking to explore careers in this vibrant sport, learn more about the horses and people of racing, and ways to be involved. 

The tours will begin at 8 a.m. and include a visit to the stable area to watch morning, training, learn from industry professionals, and visit a barn. There will be a break for lunch, and then the tour will reconvene at the races to visit the saddling area, learn more about industry jobs and thoroughbred aftercare, and watch the races. The tour will end around 4 p.m. 

It is free to register and will be limited to eight registrants per tour. Open to ages 12-15 (parents and guardians are welcome to participate). Available dates are Aug. 11, 13, and 15. 

To  register visit: https://forms.gle/63TAHb6eezDQAWRu6. 

Sundae on the Farm Agriculture Scholarship Winners

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County Agricultural Promotion Committee announced the winners of the Sundae on the Farm Agriculture Scholarship. The award was handed out at the Saratoga County Fair during the conclusion of the 4-H Dairy Show. Peter Bardunias, Senior Vice President, Community Advancement for The Capital Region Chamber, and member of the Agricultural Promotion Committee presented the awards. The scholarship is intended to alleviate costs associated with further education endeavors in the agriculture industry. 

Hannah (Lainey) Koval: Lainey grew up on Koval Brothers Dairy Farm in Saratoga County, and whether it was showing her cows at the fair, helping her parents in the barn, promoting local dairy products, or being a part of her local 4-H or FFA program, Lainey was always submerged in agriculture. She attends Cornell University for Agricultural Science with plans to concentrate in Business Management so she may, hopefully, return and work on her family’s dairy farm.

Michael Theobald: Michael came into the world of agriculture later in life through a flower nursery in Saratoga Springs. The owners themselves had an overflowing passion for the nursery business, which watered his own growing love for Agriculture. The experience helped him settle on pursuing an education in agriculture. He is attending SUNY Morrisville with his major in Agricultural Science. 

Blake Wadsworth: Agriculture was the base of some of Blake’s earliest memories. His day-to-day has always revolved around agriculture; from feeding calves to watching his dad milk cows before school in the morning. He is attending Cornell University. When not in school, he spends much of his time working on local dairy farms doing herd work. 

Community Care Pop-UP: “Emergency and Safety Kits”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Youth² – Youth Helping Youth has partnered with Rebuilding Saratoga to host a charity drop off event to support safety in our local community. The event “Emergency and Safety Kits” will be on Friday, Aug. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. at 112 Spring St. parking lot (entrance off Court St.)

This is Youth²’s 6th Community Care Pop-UP event. A station will be set up  to receive donations of kitchen fire extinguishers, 10-year smoke detectors, CO2 detectors, night-lights, first aid kits and travel hand sanitizers. The Pop-UP will happen rain or shine and will be a COVID-safe drop-off. 

Rebuilding Saratoga is an organization that provides critical home repair and accessibility modification for low-income Saratoga County homeowners. For more information about Rebuilding Saratoga visit www.rtsaratoga.org. 

Youth² is an organization based in Saratoga made up of both youth and adults working together to improve the lives of people around the world. Youth² provides financial and thoughtful support to youths and helps them turn their social action ideas into an impactful reality, both locally and globally. For more information visit www.youthsquared.org.