The Town of Greenfield recently unveiled a new “little library” built by Girl Scout Troop 3613 outside the Greenfield Town Hall. 

The troop of 15 girls began the project three years ago when they were students at Greenfield Elementary School. They are all now Girl Scout Cadettes and are approximately 13 years old. The girls worked to raise nearly $1,000 to produce the small outdoor library stand. Fundraising included Girl Scout cookie sales, a dine-to-donate event at The View Restaurant at Brookhaven and hosting a kid’s night out event.

The 4 X 2 foot library has a peaked roof that resembles an open book and a plexiglass front door. The library will hold an estimated 40-50 books. The library will be registered with the national nonprofit, that features more than 200,000 locations across the country with the goal of making books more accessible to people of all ages. 

“We love to see even our youngest Greenfield residents contributing to building our TOG community,” said Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch. “These girls made a very honorable goal as young children and saw their community project through until its end. We are pleased to place this beautifully constructed book sharing box in front of Town Hall for all residents to enjoy.”

The girls partnered with Kurt Zeisler Designs, owned by the father of one of the scouts, to design and build the structure themselves. Their work included drafting designs, sanding, painting, as well as using a table saw, nail guns, and screw drivers.

“It was important to us that our troop give something back to the town they all have grown up in,” said Troop Leader Jill Blackman. “We hope to inspire reading and inspire others that anyone can make a positive impact on their community.”

The girls started the project to attempt to earn the national Girl Scout Silver Award, but the rules informed the project did not meet the small group size requirement and did not qualify. Girls Scout Troop 3613 is led by Greenfield residents Jill Blackman, Susie Dumelin and Jennifer Zeisler, and the troop is excited to be giving back to the community regardless.

William Wallace is a big, beautiful orange and white kitty who has had some tough luck come his way. He was adopted in 2021 and unfortunately would not accept the new cat into his home in 2025, so the difficult decision was made to return him to HOPE to find a better fit for him. At first, he was confused about being back at the cat adoption center, but now he has come out of his shell and loves all of the attention he is getting. He is so sweet and loves to give headbutts. He is ready to find his forever home where he can be the only cat to spoil. It is our hope that he never has to find another home after his adoption. He deserves that and so much more!

The Pet Adoption Center at Wilton Mall is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 and by appointment. Our phone number is 518-450-7013 and adoption applications can be found at www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

Merv was found on the streets as a stray and brought into a veterinarian’s office in the capital district. It was determined that he may have been born with only one eye, but that doesn’t slow him down. He is about 1 year old, neutered and up to date on vaccines. He loves attention and to be with people, but he loves dogs just as much, so having a cat-loving drooler in the home is a plus. He has a ton of energy and loves toys with catnip. It seems as though he has had a tough beginning, so now it’s time to find his happily ever after.

We come across a lot of amazing kittens at an animal rescue, but sometimes kittens create an immeasurable mark on your heart. That is how it is with sister’s Penny and Pearl. They were rescued from a difficult situation and through it all have been nothing but sweet and cuddly. After their spay appointment and coming off of the anesthesia, they were the loudest two kittens that I have ever encountered. We decided to put them together even though it is usually recommended to keep them apart for 24 hours. Once they were reunited, these two kittens instantaneously huddled together. This is why we need them to be adopted into a home where they will be together forever. As many are aware, having 2 kittens is so much easier than having one. Penny and Pearl are 4 months old, updated on vaccinations and tested negative for FIV and FeLV. They are patiently awaiting their forever home. Come visit them at HOPE (Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist) located in the Wilton Mall near the Saratoga Hospital entrance. We are open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Adoption applications can be found at www.hopeanimalrescue.org

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fillies on Phila, a wood-fired pizza restaurant that opened earlier this year, has announced some changes to its menus and hours.

According to the eatery’s Front of House Manager Angela LaBombard, starting Sept. 30, Fillies will be offering brunch Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.; there will be a new tailgating menu in effect during brunch; lunch will no longer be served on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the new opening time for those days will be 4 p.m.

The new tailgate menu will include calamari, deviled eggs, chili cheese nachos, wings, steamers, Philly cheesesteak bao buns, and more. The brunch menu will feature ricotta pancakes, brioche French toast, brunch smash burger, prime rib hash, breakfast enchiladas, and oven-baked frittata.

Fillies on Phila is one of a handful of new restaurants that either have opened or will open on Phila Street this year. Other additions include Standard Fare, Familiar Creature, and the forthcoming Noah’s Italian Chophouse. Filles is located at 39 Phila Street.    

Sylvester and Felix are roughly 3 & 1/2 months old and are just about the cutest kittens you can find. They purr as soon as they are picked up and love cuddles. They are typical kittens, in that they love to eat and play but will settle down once their bellies are full or they have tired themselves out. They have very sweet dispositions and will snuggle up with each other during nap time. They would be fantastic with children and with proper introduction would most likely be ok with dogs. They are vaccinated, neutered and tested negative for FIV and FeLV. The adoption fee for a bonded pair is $350 and the adoption application can be found at www.hopeanimalrescue.org. Sylvester and Felix are ready to find their forever home.