SCHUYLERVILLE — McCarthy’s Zark’s Angels Hair Salon has opened the doors to a new location, only located one door down from their old shop.

This new location allowed the family styled barbershop to re-open their doors after closing them on March 21. Owner of McCarthy’s Zark’s Angels Hair Salon Shelly Squire and her daughter Erika Squires attempted to open their doors earlier in the pandemic, but found it impossible to safely service their clients.

“When we came back to work, I would work the morning shift then Erika would come in and work the afternoon shift,” Shelly Squires said. “With our requirements we had to be six-feet-apart, could only allow so many people in the space…
we couldn’t give a safe space for our cliental.”

In Shelly Squires and Erika Squires’ previous place, the barbershop chairs were too close together and after attempting shower curtains, walls and shields between the two chairs, they admitted defeat shortly after and shut their doors. However, a year prior they had spoken to the building landlord Jim Parisi about opening a larger location on the other end of the mini-mall. 

Squires said renovations started in January, and the shop has officially been opened for two weeks. More than doubled the size of their old location, the Squires’ also included a better air quality system, which larger stores do have to installed per COVID-19 regulations. However, Squires said she added it for a different reason.

“One of the biggest things when you work in this industry is the odor. The odors from hairspray, colors, gels, bleach and people have their own perfumes. We put this really great filtration system and exchange so the air is clean,” Squires said.

She first met previous owner of the barbershop Zark McCarthy in 1986 when she learned styling techniques and hair cutting tricks while working for him. He later sold the salon to Squires, and she cut down to her roots and became the only worker at the salon. Squires daughter Erika Squires later joined the salon.

“We were in this tiny place that was designed for just me, and we both worked there for six years,” Squires said. “We have this really amazing clientele. They are loving, kind and positive clients.”

Since opening their doors two weeks ago, Squires said she missed working next to her daughter the most. 

“We really missed working together and we just work well together. We are not the same person but we have fun with each other and just understand each other,” Squires said.

The best way to reach Zark’s Angels is by calling Shelly Squires at 518-369-1403 or Erika Squires at 518-469-2252. Their salon is located at 118 Broad St., Schuylerville. For more information and details on Zark’s Angels visit https://www.bestprosintown.com/ny/schuylerville/zarks-angels-/

In early August, my wife and I escaped to York Beach, Maine, for a few days. One late-afternoon, we walked the Marginal Way and found our way to a local restaurant along the shore.

We sat outside socially distanced from another couple. There was an adjacent outdoor patio where there were three people sitting together at a table above us. I looked closely at the man’s hat at the table nearest us and sure enough it was from Saratoga. It had a NYRA logo on the back.

When he turned a little, I yelled out to him asking how he got the hat. He turned and smiled noting that he typically goes to Saratoga with his wife every year but not this year. They love the community but the lack of fans at the Saratoga Race Course had sent them to the Maine coast instead.

Just then, the three people on the patio overheard us say that we lived in Saratoga. So now they chimed in with a similar story. They visit Saratoga every year but not this summer.

The next day as I was reading a book on the beach. I saw a person walking up from the freezing cold water. He looked familiar but I doubted it was who I thought it might be. A little later, I noticed him just to our right side with two kids digging a big hole.

Yes, I knew him. He lives in Edinburg. We’ve worked together for the last five years on Saratoga’s Giant PumpkinFest.  I yelled over to him and we ended up talking for 30 minutes. 

Not sure about your friends on Facebook, but a lot of mine spent time in Maine this summer. You know who you are.

For us, it made sense. Maine is an easy drive. It has a beach. You can spend nearly the entire day outside. Maine was NOT on New York’s quarantine travel list. Nor did we have to quarantine going there. I read two books – – The Great Halifax Explosion and A Woman of No Importance. I bought both books at Northshire Bookstore before I left. They both were amazing stories, one from World War I and the other from World War II, which I had never heard before. 

The people working there and visiting there appeared to be taking the right precautions. We marveled actually at the fact that nearly all of the young children we saw were wearing masks and didn’t seem to be complaining. My wife and I were actually thanked by a person who said he worked for the town just for wearing our masks as we left the beach one day. 

No fans at the Saratoga Race Course. No NYC Ballet or Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC. No Live Nation Concerts. No Saratoga Casino. No Yaddo Gardens. No Caffe Lena. Very few small weddings. Very few youth sporting events. So many more people unemployed than in prior years. So many states with sky high rates of COVID 19 that they couldn’t come here.

Generally summer is a time when local businesses look to thrive. The summer of 2020 for many local businesses is one they had to work harder than ever just to survive. The same will be true this fall and winter. It’s about surviving, not thriving.

We, as a community, are going to have to take collective action to help save our local businesses. We’ve already learned that we can be stronger together. We survived a near complete economic shutdown. We’ve made considerable progress slowing the spread of COVID 19 locally. 

Skidmore College has now opened safely which will help our local economy. The City Center’s parking structure will be operational in time for the Holiday season. The Saratoga Casino is open and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has reopened after a $20 million modernization. 

The City’s motto is Health. History. Horses. Health has always come first. Now with summer over, we have to expand this definition of health to include our economic health as well as our individual wellness. This means a focus on doing our part to help our local independent businesses. Let’s help them survive this fall and winter so that we can all thrive again.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In an effort to give back to those caring for the most vulnerable population during the coronavirus pandemic, Dunkin’  delivered nearly $2,000 in gift cards to support frontline healthcare workers at The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs.

The delivery was designed to express appreciation for the staff and their work to keep aging adults healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic. The gift cards will be distributed to nurses and staff members who have been working around the clock to care for residents at the senior living campus.

“Our Capital Region franchisees want these local heroes to know that we have their backs and they can count on Dunkin’ to help keep them running,” said Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Eric Stensland. “Dunkin’ is proud to give back and support these frontline healthcare providers who continue to work hard to care for the elderly in our community.”

The delivery marks Dunkin’s latest initiative in an ongoing effort to support frontline employees and volunteers during the pandemic. Since mid-March, Dunkin’ has donated thousands of baked goods, coffee and gift cards to first responders, nurses, food pantry employees, coaches and child care staff.

“We are so thankful for this generous donation from Capital Region Dunkin’ franchisees,” said The Wesley Community Chief Executive Officer J. Brian Nealon. “The last several months have been challenging for everyone and these gift cards will provide our staff members a special thank you as they continue to provide exceptional care to our many senior residents on campus.”

The Wesley Community is a non-profit senior living campus that serves more than 700 patients. For nearly 50 years, Wesley has provided seniors with a variety of levels of care including independent living, assisted living, long-term care, outpatient therapies, short-term rehabilitation and home care.

The Wesley Community’s unique blend of community living, caregiving and resident enrichment activities ensures the highest quality service at every stage of life. The continuum of care model provides a distinct resource to aging individuals and their families in Upstate New York.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julie & Co. Realty is pleased to welcome Kathie A. Spangler to our growing brokerage. 

A real estate professional since 2004, Kathie A. Spangler, Associate Real Estate Broker, is known for integrity, diplomacy, and professionalism in all her dealings. She has first and foremost strived to be someone in whom her clientele and colleagues can put their trust and faith. Every transaction, she believes, is always about her clients. “You are the driver, I am the passenger who’s there to guide, educate, and provide the best service possible.” 

It is the mission of Julie & Co. Realty, LLC to provide our clients with an exemplary experience, by the utmost attention to detail. Our agents will provide accurate, up-to-date market conditions, skilled analysis, and sound real estate advice. We will continue to provide our agents with innovative new ideas and tools that will benefit both the agent’s and client’s expectations. 

For more information, call 518-350-SOLD (7653), email info@juliecorealty.com or visit www.JulieCoRealty.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital has once again been awarded Magnet recognition for nursing excellence—the highest national honor for professional nursing practice.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center, which administers the Magnet Recognition Program®, announced Saratoga Hospital’s redesignation last week. It marks the fourth time the hospital has attained Magnet status.

“The Magnet Recognition Program holds hospitals to the highest standards, and that makes a difference to everyone who turns to us for care,” said Mary Jo LaPosta, Ph.D., R.N., chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care and organizational excellence at Saratoga Hospital.

She emphasized that, although it’s awarded by ANCC, “Magnet designation isn’t just for nurses. It acknowledges the culture of excellence that permeates the entire Saratoga Hospital organization.”

Because of the program’s emphasis on new knowledge and continuing education, Magnet hospitals tend to have a higher percentage of nurses with advanced degrees. That is true at Saratoga Hospital, where nurses are encouraged to continue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree and to pursue specialty certifications.

LaPosta gives much of the credit to the community and its support for Saratoga Hospital’s Nursing Scholarship Program. “Each year, community generosity helps us sustain a nursing workforce whose knowledge, skills and compassion have a direct, positive impact on patient care,” she said.

The gold standard for nursing excellence, Magnet recognition is considered when the public judges healthcare organizations. In fact, U.S. News & World Report’s annual showcase of “America’s Best Hospitals” includes Magnet recognition in its ranking criteria for quality of inpatient care.  

Saratoga Hospital is a U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Hospital for 2020-2021, placing first in Northern New York, third in the Albany region and twenty-second in New York state. The hospital has been a Magnet facility since 2004, when it became the first in the Capital Region to attain this designation. Statewide, 30 hospitals have been awarded Magnet recognition. Two are in the Capital Region.

“To earn Magnet designation even once is a significant achievement,” LaPosta said. “To attain Magnet status four times sends a powerful message about the caliber of our nurses and our organizationwide commitment to the highest quality patient care.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Abigail and Keir Neighmond have joined Saratoga Hospital Medical Group Primary Care – Scotia Glenville. Each has nearly two decades of experience caring for patients of all ages.

The couple comes to Saratoga Hospital from Freeman Health System in Joplin, Missouri. The move is a homecoming of sorts for Keir Neighmond, who was raised in the Capital Region and has family here.

“Saratoga Hospital recognizes that primary care is of primary importance, so we constantly strive to increase access to these vital services,” said Dr. Richard Falivena, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer at Saratoga Hospital. 

“In Abigail and Keir Neighmond, our community gains two physicians who share Saratoga Hospital’s commitment to patient-centered care–and who already have a strong connection to the region. They are a wonderful addition to our primary care team.”

Both Neighmonds earned their medical degrees from the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Abigail Neighmond completed an internship and residency at Des Peres Hospital, now St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital, in St. Louis. She is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.

Keir Neighmond completed an internship and residency at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, now Mercy Hospital St. Louis. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Both physicians are accepting new patients. For an appointment, call 518-399-7723. To learn more, go to www.primarycarescotiaglenville.org.

CLIFTON PARK — Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. is proud to announce that Real Estate Salesperson, Merle O’Connor has joined our team.

O’Connor joined Miranda Real Estate with five-years of experience. Her core value system revolves around helping people, which is why real estate is the industry for her. 

For help buying or selling your next home, contact O’Connor direct at 518-893-0572 or merleoconnor24@gmail.com. Miranda Real Estate is located at 1482 U.S. 9 in Clifton Park and can be reached at 518-348-2060.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —
Dr. Robert Donnarumma has been named chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Saratoga Hospital, responsible for care at the hospital’s Alfred Z. Solomon Emergency Center and urgent care centers in Wilton and Queensbury.

He also will continue to serve as medical director of Saratoga Hospital’s COVID-19 testing tent, a responsibility he took on in March when the hospital launched its pandemic-related testing services.

“Donnarumma has demonstrated the skill, dedication and leadership to head one of our most critical and visible service lines,” said Richard Falivena, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer at Saratoga Hospital.

Donnarumma’s new responsibilities will also include serving as medical director of Saratoga Hospital’s stroke program. In addition, he will remain medical director of the hospital’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Program and Saratoga Hospital’s representative on the Regional Medical Advisory Committee.

A graduate of Cornell University, Donnarumma earned his medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla. He completed a residency in emergency medicine at the School of Medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where his clinical rotations included a regional trauma center, a children’s hospital, community hospitals and an inner-city tertiary care center. He also has a Master of Public Health degree, with a specialization in health policy and management, from New York Medical College.Donnarumma is board certified in emergency medicine. He joined Saratoga Hospital in 2013.

Dr. Lorelei Bourla has joined Saratoga Hospital to lead the latest addition to its multidisciplinary medical group: Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The new practice provides care for patients of all ages who have asthma, allergies and other conditions caused by problems with the body’s immune system. These types of disorders are on the rise. Although most cannot be cured, treatments can help relieve and manage symptoms.

“These conditions can take a toll on individual and community health,” said Falivena. “Our new practice will increase access to care for these patients and help them improve and enjoy day-to-day life.” 

“Bourla is an excellent choice to launch this effort,” he added. “She has the clinical expertise and takes the time to get to know and understand the ‘whole patient,’ not just his or her condition.”

Bourla earned her medical degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. After an internship and residency at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, she completed a fellowship in adult allergy and clinical immunology at National Jewish Health in Denver. She is board certified in allergy and immunology and in internal medicine.

Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Allergy and Immunology is located at 3044 Rte. 50, Saratoga Springs. For an appointment call 518-886-5814. To learn more, go to www.saratogahospital.org.

ITHACA — Cornell University’s Milk Quality Improvement Program has awarded Stewart’s Dairy in Saratoga Springs top honors in New York state’s annual fluid milk competition, conducted on behalf of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The Cornell program serves as the state’s official judging group. Stewart’s, which also won for best-tasting chocolate milk, topped a field of 21 dairies from across the state; results were announced Aug. 25.

“Congratulations to our dairy processors and our dairy farmers behind these fantastic products,” said Richard Ball, commissioner for the Department of Agriculture and Markets. “We know New York produces some of the best milk there is, and I am honored to join Cornell in sharing these stories of success with all New Yorkers.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the awards were presented online rather than on the traditional Dairy Day at the New York State Fair. 

“This annual milk competition is unique in that it considers the overall quality of fluid milk products throughout the entire time the product is on the market by assessing various characteristics, including – most importantly – milk flavor,” said Kathryn Boor, the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Stewart’s won the competition five times previously, most recently in 2017, and has finished second twice. Garelick Farms of Rensselaer was the runner-up in the overall fluid milk category. The dairy won last year and in 2015.

Ithaca Milk of Interlaken won the top small-processor award for 2020; it won the same award in 2018.

Stoltzfus Family Dairy of Vernon Center won the flavored-milk category for its pasteurized, non-homogenized mocha and latte “cream line” milk.

Established in the early 1970s, Cornell’s Milk Quality Improvement Program (MQIP) is directed by Boor. It is funded by New York State dairy producers through the New York State Dairy Promotion Order Advisory Board, a group selected by the commissioner to promote New York milk and dairy product consumption.

In the last 12 months, the Voluntary Shelf-Life Program, part of the MQIP, received 362 pasteurized fluid-milk samples, performed more than 4,800 microbiological tests and 675 sensory evaluations on those samples, according to Nicole Martin, the MQIP’s associate director.

Samples are subjected to microbial analyses, freezing point tests, fat determination and sensory evaluation, according to Rob Ralyea, a senior extension associate in food science.

New York has nearly 4,000 dairy farms that produce nearly 15 billion pounds of milk annually, making it the nation’s fourth-largest dairy state, according to the Department of Agriculture and Markets. The dairy industry is the state’s largest agricultural sector, contributing nearly half of its total agricultural receipts.

New York is the only state to hold a regular milk-quality review for its dairy producers; it has done so since 1979.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Strike Zone bowling alley officially opened their doors this past week, placing precautions in place to bring safety and fun back to the community. 

Nick Stanislowsky, general manger at Strike Zone, said they are excited to be able to open their doors and ensures any guests will feel safe.

“When I heard the news [of reopening] I was ecstatic, it was like Christmas morning,” Stanislowsky said. 

He explained some safety and cleaning precautions the alley has put in place. Guests will notice some laminates on the floor that encourages people to keep their distance as soon as they enter the front door. 

“We are using every other lane so you won’t be right next to somebody, there will always be a lane in between,” Stanislowsky said. “Then after everybody is done using the lane we go through a clean off the bowling balls, including the holes, and disinfect the tables and keypads. Everything that gets touched will get disinfected.”

The alley is still welcoming larger size parties for events. Conveniently located just off Broadway, Strike Zone is the perfect entertainment fun spot for all kinds of indoor activities. Their bowling alley features 34 lanes, all with automatic bumpers if needed along with a state-of-the-art light and sound show. The alley also offers bowling leagues and tournaments for people who want to test their skills.

“We are just extremely excited to get back open and hopefully bring some fun and normalcy back,” Stanislowsky said.

The bowling alley is located on 32 Ballston Ave and can be reached at 518-584-6460.