Displaying items by tag: saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS – A discussion about present-day feminism and the implications of technology will take place 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29 at the Tang Teaching Museum, on the campus of Skidmore College.

Tang Curator-at-Large Isolde Brielmaier will lead a group of innovative thinkers in the discussion titled “#feminism?: Activism & Agitation in the Digital Age.”

In recent years, many have argued that digital media has paved the way for “Fourth Wave Feminism” by offering key platforms for people to come together and organize hashtag campaigns and grassroots movements. Social media, specifically, has allowed people to share stories, maintain a safe space in which to define feminism by working through urgent issues, and enact social and cultural exchanges with others from around the world.

Joining Brielmaier will be Kimberly Drew - writer, curator, activist and social media manager at The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Natalie Frank, an artist whose paintings and drawings revolve around women’s bodies, desires, and narratives; and Amy Richards, a writer, producer, and organizer. Recently, Richards produced the Emmy nominated series WOMAN for Viceland and curated a series of talks to accompany Annie Leibovitz’s traveling exhibit WOMEN.

 “#feminism?: Activism & Agitation in the Digital Age” is part of the Accelerator Series at the Tang. The dynamic conversation series on big ideas and big issues seeks to find new entry points into discussions that veer from traditional paths. As an open and inclusive public forum for dialogue, exchange, and questioning, the Accelerator Series ignites a collective sense of intellectual curiosity and fosters thoughtful engagement with a deeper understanding of compelling issues that have the potential to spark radical transformations.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, go to: http://tang.skidmore.edu, or call 518-580-8080.

Return of the Dead

Dead & Company, featuring Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, John Mayer and Bob Weir with Oteil Burbridge & Jeff Chimenti will stage a show at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on June 11. Tickets are $149.50, $99.50, $75.50, lawn - $45, and are available online at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com or Charge By Phone at 1-800-745-3000.

SPAC to Host Quintet of Country Music Concerts

Promoter Live Nation has announced five country music concerts that will be staged at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center this summer, and sales of a “2018 Country Megaticket” that will allow fans to attend all five shows.

The concerts include: Keith Urban with Kelsea Ballerini on June 27; Rascal Flatts on July 7; Jason Aldean with Luke Combs and Lauren Alaina on July 15; Dierks Bentley with Brothers Osborne and Lanco on Aug. 5, and Luke Bryan with Jon Pardi and Morgan Wallen on Aug. 19.

The Megaticket sale begins Friday, Jan. 26 and goes through Feb. 24, and is as follows: Gold: $695 – Secure the same reserved seat to all five shows in sections 1-7 or 15-18 plus get one premier parking pass per show, per pair. Silver: $450 – secure the same reserved seat to all five shows in sections 8-14 or 19-30; Lawn:  $159 – spend an evening on the lawn with a ticket to all five shows. Tickets available at Megaticket.com. Shows will go on sale individually at later dates. Ticket subject to service charges.

Kuinka Performs at Caffe Lena Saturday          

Pacific Northwest band Kuinka performs at Caffe Lena 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 in advance of a 17-city tour through the western states. The dynamic string band’s new EP, “Stay Up Late,” will be released June 2. Tickets to the local show are $18 general admission, $16 members and $9 students and kids.

Funkadelic George Clinton Coming to the Mountaintop for 3-Day Fest

George Clinton, Sturgill Simpson, Alt-J, and Jack Johnson lead a musical cast of dozens slated to perform at this year’s three-day Mountain Jam concert, June 15-17, on Hunter Mountain.  

Mountain Jam will also feature yoga events, an Awareness Village with exhibits from not-for-profit organizations and a children's activity tent (those under 10 are admitted for free with a paid adult). Other activities include a Sky Ride offering scenic views of the Catskill Mouintains and North America's longest, highest zipline.

A three-day general admission pass is $184; a three-day pass with campground access is $219. For more information, go to: http://mountainjam.com/.  

Avant Folk Duo Bringing Sound and Verse to Saratoga and Schenectady

Billed as an “avantgarde folk duo,” and sporting impeccable influences that run the gamut from Laurie Anderson and Meredith Monk to Patti Smith, Anna & Elizabeth will be stage a show at Taylor Music Center at Union College on Feb. 23 and at Caffe Lena on April 20. The duo will performs new music from their upcoming Smithsonian Folkways debut, “The Invisible Comes to Us,” which is out March 30. Tickets for the Caffe Lena show are $22 general admission/ $ 20 members, and $11 students and kids.  

The Championship Tour at SPAC

Kendrick Lamar with special guests: Schoolboy Q, Sza, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, Sir, Lance Skiiwalker and Zacari, will perform at SPAC June 9. Tickets are $125, $89.50, $49.50, $39.50, lawn $35 and available online at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com or Charge By Phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Sawyer Fredericks to Perform Sunday on Live TV Fundraiser

ALBANY - Singer-songwriter Sawyer Fredericks will perform live during the #518Gives televised fundraiser to benefit the Center for Disability Services on Sunday, Jan. 28.

Fredericks is scheduled to appear at 5:40 p.m. and 6 p.m. and the broadcast airs from noon to 7 p.m. from the Radisson Hotel Albany, 205 Wolf Road, in Colonie. The all live, all local show airs on WXXA/FOX23 (cable channel 8, or check listings). All proceeds support the Center and its divisions, Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center, Life Quality Solutions Incubator, Prospect Center in Queensbury and St. Margaret’s Center in Albany.

The Center is celebrating 76 years of service to the community in 2018 and offers opportunities for achievement, hope and innovation to people with disabilities and their families. Text 518Gives to 41444 to donate or give online at www.cfdsny.org. Call 518-459-7070 to make a pledge that day to benefit the Center. For more information, search #518Gives, or go to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @cfdsny.

SCHUYLERVILLE – One thousand one-of-a-kind bowls have been crafted and five area chefs are busily comingling spices in preparation of Saturday’s 7th annual Chili Bowl at the Saratoga Clay Arts Center.

The five chefs, each of whom showcase their culinary talents at area restaurants, are making 30 gallons of chili each.

“That’s 150 gallons in total” says Jill Fishon-Kovachick, who founded Saratoga Clay Arts Center in 2011. What does 150 gallons of chili look like? “I have no idea,” she says, with a laugh, “but we’ll need it.”

The event has grown in popularity in each of its first six years and attracted approximately 700 people in 2017.  The cost of admission: $2, or the donation of two non-perishable food items. Samples of chili will be distributed at the event and a vote-for-the-best chili competition will be held. Defending champion Pat Brown of the Brook Tavern, will face competing chili chefs Jonathan Quinn of Osteria Danny, Dave Zuka of Ravenous Creperie, Michele Morris of Scallions and Brian Bowden of R&R Kitchen and bar.  

More than 1,000 one-of-a-kind hand-crafted chili bowls will be available for the event. The bowls usually retail for $25 to $100. For this event, organizers say: fill the bowl, eat the chili, and keep the bowl for $20. 

“We’ll also be raffling off one of my pieces,” says Fishon-Kovachick, a ceramic artist and collector who first began working with clay at the age of 11, after attending an educational summer camp at Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp in Connecticut. 

A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit the Wilton Food Pantry, and To Life! The latter is a local organization that serves a 10-county area and tasked to educate the community about breast cancer detection, treatments and related health matters, and to provide support services to breast cancer patients, caregivers, family and friends.

The Wilton Food Pantry provides the equivalent of 30,000 meals annually. More than one-third of those served by the pantry on Ballard Road are children. The highest non-perishable food items on its list include: peanut butter, canned fruit, bottles of 100 percent fruit juice, juice boxes and canned tuna or salmon.

Advance registration, with specified reserve time slots, may be made online at saratogaclayarts.org. Those registering in advance may also select and pre-pay online for bowls and simply pick them up when attending the event. Last-minute walk-ins to the center are also welcome without pre-registration.

The event takes place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27. Saratoga Clay Arts Center is located at 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville. Robonics Reggae Band, known for their warm weather inspired rhythms and quirky steel-drum renditions of tunes like the theme from “The Godfather” and “Mission Impossible,” will provide live entertainment. 

COURT

Eric J. McIntosh, 27, of South Glens Falls, pleaded Jan. 18 to felony attempted assault, in connection with an incident in Corinth. Sentencing scheduled for March 6. 

Nicholas J. Valick, 34, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Jan. 18 to 2-1/2 to 5 years state prison, after pleading to promoting prison contraband, a felony. 

Nathan K. Stone, 27, of Middle Grove, was sentenced Jan. 18 to 5 years state prison, after pleading to felony burglary, in connection with an incident in Milton. 

POLICE

Daniel P. Maloney, age 23, Scotia, was charged Jan. 18 with criminal mischief in the third-degree - a felony. 

Rachel L. Arata, age 31, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 18 with misdemeanor DWI, and fail to keep right. 

Madeline A. Meisner, age 21, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 9 two felony counts grand larceny, and one felony count criminal possession of stolen property. Meisner was also charged Jan. 18 with identity theft in the first-degree, and grand larceny – both felonies, and one misdemeanor count petit larceny. 

Brittany A. Matthey, age 32, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 18 with criminal mischief and attempted criminal obstruction of breathing – both misdemeanors. 

Kimberly A. Schultz, age 47, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 18 with three misdemeanor counts criminal possession of a controlled substance, and fail to keep right. 

Steven W. Harris, age 47, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 17 with criminal trespass – a misdemeanor. 

Mark W. Balthazar, age 28, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 17 with assault, and reckless endangerment – both misdemeanors. 

Klyne P. Clark, age 21, Corinth, was charged Jan. 17 with misdemeanor DWI, and unreasonable speed, after being involved in a property damage accident. 

Ashley C. Roberts, age 31, Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 17 with misdemeanor DWI, speeding, and fail to obey traffic control device, after being involved in a property damage accident. 

William J. Kinisky, age 58, Cohoes, was charged Jan. 17 with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs, and two counts passing a red light. 

Darrick D. Conners, age 44, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 17 with criminal trespass, and obstructing governmental administration. Both charges are misdemeanors.

Jeremy J. Nicholas, age 24, and Candace A. Board, age 25, both of Saratoga Springs, were each charged Jan. 17 with two felony counts criminal possession of a controlled substance and one felony count criminal possession of marijuana. A search of the Hamilton Street apartment they shared resulted in the seizure of over $5,400 cash, one ounce of powdered cocaine, and 1-½ pounds of marijuana, according to Saratoga Springs Police. Both were arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $15,000 cash, or $30,000 bond.    

Edward J. Brower, age 48, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 10 with felony DWI and felony aggravated unlicensed operation, two felony counts and one misdemeanor count criminal possession of a controlled substance, following a police stop for a traffic violation.
According to Saratoga Springs Police, Brower was allegedly found to be intoxicated and was arrested for DWI and operating a motor vehicle while his privilege to do so was revoked in New York State. The charges are felonies based upon Brower’s previous driving record.  He was also found to be in possession of over ten grams of powdered cocaine - which was broken down into numerous smaller packets - and in possession of a small amount of concentrated cannabis. 

Nicholas M. Hall, age 20, Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 12 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Michael J. Hodson, age 27, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 10 with resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and obstructing governmental administration second – all misdemeanors.

Antonio V. Quesada, age 52, Burnt Hills, was charged Jan. 10 with criminal trespass – a misdemeanor. 

Christopher E. McNamara, age 47, Schaghticoke, was charged Jan. 10 with felony grand larceny and misdemeanor petit larceny.

Anika D. Powell, age 26, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 10 with assault. 

Dylan K. Vella, age 24, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 8 with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal tampering, and criminal mischief - all are misdemeanors.

by Thomas Dimopoulos

Saratoga TODAY

City Council

- The City Council this week unanimously approved two additions to the city’s existing Rules of Conduct for Council meetings. The first identifies agenda items determined to not require council discussion – which are typically singularly listed on the “regular meeting agenda” and require line-reading - and instead places them on the “consent agenda” - which is approved en masse. The move is expected to result in some time-saving measures during public council meetings.      

The second addition allows the mayor the authority to declare an immediate meeting recess should the conduct of any person “impede the Council from conducting public business.” If order cannot be maintained following the recess, the council meeting may then be declared adjourned, until a future date. 

- The Saratoga Springs Recreation Commission, a 7-member mayor-appointed board of community volunteers, announced the following programs and leagues will take place 2018: Registration for the recreation department’s Soccer League and Spring Program will begin Jan. 29.  Volunteer coaches and paid referees are needed.

Camp Saradac registration begins Feb. 26 for city residents, and March 19 for all residents. 

Future registration dates: Summer programs - April 9; Fall soccer – June 4; Fall programs – Aug. 6; Intro to Ice and Basketball – Sept. 4, and winter 2018 program registration begins Nov. 5.  

- Mayor Kelly announced the State of the City address will be held at the Saratoga Springs City Center at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1. Kelly also thanked the City Center of waiving the venue usage fee.

- Supervisor Matt Veitch reported a Jan. 9 meeting was staged with the Saratoga County Capital Resource Corporation to enable low-interest financing for a new science building at Skidmore College. The amount of financing asked for was $35 million, up to a $42 million cap, Veitch said. The overall cost of the new building is anticipated to be approximately $65 million. “So, we’re providing low-interest financing for about half the project,” Veitch explained.

CRC provides financing for expansion and construction projects and had previously been involved in the financing and re-financing of local developments such as the expansion at Saratoga Hospital, the updates to the Raymond Watkins apartments and for a St. Peter’s Hospital project. The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the measure Tuesday, Veitch said.

Planning Board

The city’s Planning Board is scheduled to consider a variety of large-scale proposal applications this week. They include:

- Rip Van Dam, 353 Broadway. Site plan modification: increasing room count from 142 rooms to 152 rooms; slight reduction of footprint, bringing building to the sidewalk; eliminating proposed sixth-floor ballroom and replacing it with a pool and a restaurant.   

- Adelphi Hotel Partners, owners of property at 19/23 Washington St.: SEQR consideration of lead agency status and coordinated review for construction of 62,567 square-foot hotel and spa.

- Ballston Avenue Townhouses, at 96 and 116 Ballston Ave/ Route 50. Residential construction, site plan review. 

- Spencer Subdivision, Kaydeross Park Road and Arrowhead Road. Proposed 22-lot residential subdivision totaling approximately 12.63 acres.

- Regatta View, Phase 3, Union Avenue & Dyer Switch Road & Regatta View Drive: Site plan review for construction of 24 residential units within the Interlaken PUD District.

- 79 Henry Street: renovation of building. The renovation had initially received Planning Board approval in 2014; there are proposed changes to the approved building design.

- Earlier this month, the city Zoning Board of Appeals upheld its May 2017 interpretation that a proposed new Code Blue permanent shelter on Walworth Street is zoning compliant. The Planning Board is expected to rule on the project’s final approval, although that vote did not appear among the Board’s agenda items this week. The Planning Board is slated to next convene for a full meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 1 at City Hall.

COURT 

Michael C. Norton, 59, of Hadley, was sentenced Jan. 12 to 20 years-to-life after pleading to murder in the second-degree, in connection with the death of his wife at the couple’s home in Hadley in May 2017. 

Alycia M. Andreadakis, 43, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Jan. 12 to five years of probation, after pleading to felony burglary. 

Erica M. Jukna, 35, of Mechanicville, pleaded Jan. 11 to felony DWI in Malta. Sentencing scheduled March 7. 

Victor C. Mattson, 39, of Rotterdam, was sentenced Jan. 11 to 8 years state prison, after pleading to second degree robbery, a felony, in the town of Ballston.

Alonte J. White, 26, of Albany, pleaded Jan. 11 to first degree robbery in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled March 6. 

Jennifer E. Villanova, 19, of Clifton Park, pleaded Jan. 11 to felony DWI in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled March 7. 

Trevor L. Klock, 31, of Buffalo, pleaded Jan. 8 to felony DWI in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled March 8. 

Matthew T. Lloyd, 29, of the town of Saratoga, pleaded Jan. 8 to disseminating indecent materials to minors, and attempted assault – both felonies. Sentencing scheduled April 9. 

POLICE 

Brian F. Egan, age 52, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 13 with criminal contempt and aggravated harassment. 

Henry Davis, age 54, Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 13 with petit larceny.

Jordan A. James, age 25, Troy, was charged Jan. 13 with misdemeanor DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana, improper lane use, and fail to keep right. 

Casey M. Noviello, age 25, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 13 with misdemeanor DWI and aggravated DWI, and failure to keep right. 

John D. Honeycutt, age 28, Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 13 with misdemeanor DWI, and failed to signal a turn.

Jennifer E. Brower, age 32, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 12 with criminal possession stolen property, a felony.

Jeffrey L. Woodbeck, age 39, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 12 with petit larceny- a misdemeanor, and felony grand larceny.   

Phillip C. Little, age 57, of Ballston Lake, was charged Jan. 13 with felony assault, obstructing governmental administration, and menacing – both misdemeanors, in connection with an alleged domestic incident in the town of Ballston. Little is accused of threatening another person with a broken glass, of physically interfering with deputies investigating the complaint, and of causing physical injury to a deputy during the course of the investigation, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy suffered a broken finger.

Shareen Murray, 42, Tyairral C. Murray, 24, Janae C. Shaw, 23, and Namon D. Johnson, 24 – all from Troy, were charged on the suspicion of a larceny that occurred at the Victoria’s Secret at the Wilton Mall on Jan. 8. Shareen Murray was charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property, misdemeanor conspiracy and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.  She was also found to be a fugitive from justice from Pennsylvania for a parole violation, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Tyairral Murray was charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property, misdemeanor conspiracy and was also found to be a fugitive from justice from New Jersey for a parole violation. Johnson was charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property, misdemeanor conspiracy and was also found to have an active warrant for his arrest from Oneida County for dangerous drugs. Shaw was charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property, misdemeanor conspiracy and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Alexandra M. Waters, age 28, Amsterdam, was charged Jan. 8 with misdemeanor DWI, failed to stop at stop sign, failed to signal a turn.

Elizabeth P. Navarette, age 67, Malta, was charged Jan. 7 with aggravated unlicensed operation – a misdemeanor, failed to stop at stop sign, failed to signal a turn.   

Thomas C. Landy, age 53, Albany, was charged Jan. 7 with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal mischief in the third degree - a felony.   

Darrick D. Conners, age 44, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 5 with criminal trespass – a misdemeanor. 

Matthew F. Rickard, age 26, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 5 with criminal mischief - a felony. 

I was 12 years old and sprawled across the back seat of the family station wagon – a big-finned, hardtop machine with wicked tail lights and heavy metal side panels painted the color of wood. Dad sat in the driver’s seat, directly in front of me, losing his mind.

My sister and I had reached the age when promises of ice cream sodas and enticement of egg creams in exchange for orderly behavior – can you just sit still, for five minutes, please! – no longer carried significance. If we were going to be bribed into silence, it was going to take cash. Five bucks apiece, to be precise. Our palms dutifully greased with paper greenbacks depicting a serious-looking Abe Lincoln, we giddily trotted into the department store. It was a momentous occasion: each of us setting out to purchase our first record album. Dad waited in the car. My sister chose an album by The Beatles: love, love, love, blah, blah, blah. I made a beeline for the new releases. The Rolling Stones. Sticky Fingers.

I cradled it in my arms, this inspired 12-inch by 12-inch platter, double-wrapped in an opaque shopping bag, the contents within filled with strut and swagger and songs about slave-owners and demon lives and drugs, salivating Pavlovian dogs, mad, mad days on the road and nightdreams of sins and of lies and living after we’ve died. 

“Beatles, very nice,” said dad, during the unveiling of the albums in the family station wagon. “And you?”

He gazed over the back of the album jacket first, which was festooned with a bright sticker that depicted a big red mouth and a long unfurling tongue. It was the album’s front side that got the more immediate reaction. Here was a near life size snapshot of a human torso wearing a pair of jeans upon which was fixed a working zipper. When unzipped, the jacket revealed an inner-jacket picture of a pair of cotton briefs. To this day I’m not sure what dad said when examining the zipper-front, other than the sound of the words seemed to emanate from somewhere deep in the gut. The jargon itself was a mash-up of words that mixed phrases from the Old Country, new American slang and some otherworld language yet-to-be invented. 

Of course, immediately, I was hooked.

“God knows what I’m on about on that song,” Mick Jagger told Rolling Stone magazine many years later, when asked about his lyrics for the album’s first track, “Brown Sugar.” “It’s such a mishmash,” Jagger said.  “All the nasty subjects in one go.”

The Rolling Stones debuted a rough working version of “Brown Sugar” at the Altamont festival in 1969 - the first song in the setlist performed immediately after that infamous stabbing captured in the film “Gimme Shelter.” Despite the karmic baggage, when it was finally released as a single a year-and-a-half later, it climbed up the American charts and all the way to number one, displacing Three Dog Night’s six-week cling to the top of the charts - with “Joy to the World” of all things - and provided a daring counterpoint to chart-topping snoozers by Carole King - “It’s Too Late,” James Taylor -“You’ve Got A Friend,” and the Bee Gees’ “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” - that would soon follow.       

“Sticky Fingers” begins, as most good things do, with a succession of scything Keith-chords, adds a dose of heavy horns, and a killer rhythm section highlighted by the booming of Charlie bass-drum beats, as Mick Jagger releases the pent-up verse: Gawlko slayship bownfocottan feels/ sawld in-a-mawket-down in New Awleens…  

The album was released at an important time in popular rock and roll history: the Beatles had broken up, Bob Dylan a recluse and the trippy-hippy ‘60s were over. ‘Sticky Fingers’ boasts 10 songs in all, and not a throwaway tune in the bunch. There is the acoustic beauty of songs like “Wild Horses” and “Moonlight Mile,” the Gram Parsons-inspired country-rock-and-tonk of “Dead Flowers,” the heavy horn and musical jam explorations of “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” and the solemn hair-on-your-neck at attention moodiness of “Sister Morphine.”

The Rolling Stones classic 1971 album "Sticky Fingers" is the focus of the next Rochmon Record Club Listening Party, which takes place Tuesday, Jan. 16 at Caffe Lena. I can’t wait to see and hear what Rochmon’s got lined up for the night. Doors at 6:30 p.m. and show time is at 7. A word of advice: If you want a seat, get there early. A $5 donation is suggested. Donations go to the restoration funds of Caffe’ Lena and Universal Preservation Hall.

Who: Bill Cole.

Where: Phila Street.

How long have you had a woodwind shop? 

Forty years. I started out in Watervliet and about 15 years I moved up to Saratoga Springs.

How did you get into the business?

A teacher encouraged me to go to school for music. I was drawn to one program specifically that taught band instrument repair. Music instrument technology trained you how to fix instruments: woodwinds, brass and strings. When I got out I started my own shop, temporarily. Forty years later, here I am.  

It's a niche market, isn’t it?

Even within my field I have a niche. Most music stores go after the big school accounts, and although I’m very happy to work on school instruments, I’m really targeting the pro horns. So, I get customers from across the country. It’s a special market and one I enjoy.

Have you ever had a brush with fame?

Over and over again. I have a book, about 300 pages, I hope to write it someday of all the things that have happened over 40 years. You’re standing right here next to Garth Hudson’s saxophone; he’s a friend of mine and we’ve had a lot of correspondence with Garth and The Band. Dave Matthews Band – we work on Jeff Coffin’s instrument when he comes to town. Chicago. Jethro Tull. Those are the big guys, but the real honor is working for the professional musician who’s playing (locally at jazz clubs) – because you know their passion for playing is so important. To be a part of that is great.

Do you play?

I don’t play professionally. Both my son and I play when we fix the instruments, but our job is to fix them; their job is to play them.   

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

An engineer or an architect. To this day I look at the buildings that are going up and I just marvel at them. I’ve always had a passion for that. 

What are some of the best things Saratoga Springs has to offer?

When I have customers who come into town for the first time and looking for some direction about what to do, I tell them go to SPAC, have a picnic, and on the way back go to Congress Park and visit the museum; they’re going to get some nature, they’re going to get some history and then all you have to do is walk down the street and see the beautiful buildings that have been built, the beautiful buildings that have been restored. Saratoga just has something for everybody.

Who would portray you in a movie about your life?

I would say Johnny Depp, ha. He would have to shave his head and gain some weight – but I think he could nail it. Plus, he’s one of my favorite actors.   

COURT

Michael R. Hands, 51, of Greenwich, pleaded on Jan. 5 to two felony counts of criminal sexual act in the third-degree. Hands, a former Catholic priest, admitted he engaged in sexual conduct with a child less than 17 years-of-age last summer in the town of Charlton, according to a statement issued by the Saratoga County District Attorney’s office. Hands was previously convicted in 2002 and 2003 of sexual abuse related charges with victims under the age of 17, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services Registry of Sex Offenders. Sentencing scheduled March 2. 

Devon J. Krisanda, 22, of Ballston Lake, was sentenced Jan. 5 to two years in state prison after pleading to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony. 

Kile W. West, 22, of Milton, was sentenced Jan. 5 to two-to-six years in state prison, and one-to-three years in state prison – to run concurrently, after pleading to attempted felony possession of a forged instrument, and felony burglary, respectively. 

David J. Ball, 29, of Schuylerville, was sentenced Jan. 5 to four months in jail after pleading to felony rape in connection with an incident in Mechanicville.

William K. Hutton, 52, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Jan. 4 to 60 days in jail and 5 years of probation after pleading to felony DWI, in Ballston Spa. 

Nickolaus K. Davis, 20, of Orangesburg, pleaded on Jan. 4 to criminal possession of a firearm, a felony, in connection with an incident in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled April 27. 

Bruce E. St. Gelais, 21, of Troy, was sentenced Jan. 2 to 13 years in state prison after pleading to felony robbery. 

Garrett M. Weatherwax, 24, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Jan. 3 to 1-1/3 to 4 years in state prion after pleading to attempted sexual performance by a child, in Malta. 

Noah J. Hughes, 27, of Scotia, pleaded on Jan. 3 to felony attempted burglary, in Wilton. Sentencing scheduled Feb. 28. 

POLICE

Celestino G. Moreira, age 54, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 4 with aggravated harassment in the second-degree, a misdemeanor. 

Corey A. Pacher, age 26, Queensbury, was charged Jan. 3 with misdemeanor DWI, failed to signal a turn, and misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Connor J. Pressley, age 18, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 2 with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs – a misdemeanor, and unsafe backing, after being involved in a property damage accident. 

Kevin D. Keller, age 27, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 2 with criminal possession of marijuana fourth degree, and criminally using drug paraphernalia – both charges are misdemeanors.

Gerardo E. Esquivel, age 37, Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 1 with two misdemeanor counts criminal mischief. 

James R. Schietzelt, age 72, Saratoga Springs was charged Jan. 1 with two misdemeanor counts assault in the third degree/intent physical injury. 

Dominick M. Martin, age 31, Saratoga Springs was charged Jan. 1 with criminal mischief third degree - a felony. 

Christina E. Krowel, age 21, Buffalo, was charged Dec. 31 with misdemeanor DWI, failed to stop at stop sign, and failed to signal a turn. 

Francis H. Jennings, age 43, Saratoga Springs was charged Dec. 31 with misdemeanor petit larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property fourth - a felony. 

Logan J. Troumbley, age 18, Corinth, was charged Dec. 30 with three misdemeanor counts criminal possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Ute Phelan, age 51, Saratoga Springs was charged Dec. 30 with criminal mischief fourth degree/intent to damage property - a misdemeanor. 

Toby R. Boyea, age 59, Saratoga Springs was charged Dec. 30 with criminal mischief fourth degree/intent to damage property - a misdemeanor.

Sean F. McClendon, age 25, Saratoga Springs was charged Dec. 28 with aggravated unlicensed operation third degree - a misdemeanor, and speeding.   

Lawrence E. Mullins, age 43, Rock City Falls, was charged Dec. 28 with misdemeanor DWI and aggravated DWI, speeding, and operating unregistered motor vehicle on highway. 

Kenneth D. Sephas, age 57, Corinth, was charged Dec. 28 with misdemeanor petit larceny. 

Philip J. Meredith, age 52, Saratoga Springs was charged Dec. 28 with criminal possession of a weapon third degree- a felony, and menacing second degree - a misdemeanor.

Robert B. Mosher, 41, of Wilton, was charged Dec. 27 with Criminal Sex Act First Degree, and Sex Abuse – both felonies. Mosher is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a 12-year-old female in Wilton who was known to him, over the course of several months in 2017. He was sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail/$50,000 bond. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – One day after being sworn in, the newly elected City Council convened for its first regular Tuesday night meeting at City Hall on Jan. 2. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the newest members of city government - Public Safety Commissioner Peter Martin, Supervisor Tara Gaston and Mayor Meg Kelly, were the first to arrive.

Mayor Kelly – the 21st mayor in the city’s 102-year history and its fourth woman mayor -  made six appointments to three boards: Tom Roohan was appointed chairman of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority, Stephen “Sully” Sullivan the Authority’s vice-chair and Mark Torpey re-appointment as chairman of the Planning Board, among them.   

Two residents speaking during the meeting’s public comment period. One proposed the council pursue ideas for the development of an indoor recreation facility (despite that one recently was constructed on the city’s south side); another requested specific monetary detail regarding the definition of “affordable housing.”

Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan announced the city received more than 900 property-tax prepayments (380 online and 533 in-person) totaling almost $2.9 million during the final week of the 2017 calendar year. “Hopefully, you’ll be able to take the deduction,” Madigan said. “That’s still to be determined.”

Tuesday night’s meeting ran a total of 32 minutes, which, if not an all-time record for brevity, had to be close to one. We may never see one like it again in our lifetimes.   

This week at the Planning Board:

Spencer Subdivision.  Belmonte Builders is proposing a 22-lot residential cluster subdivision totaling approximately 12.63 acres on property located between Arrowhead Road on the west and Kaydeross Park Road on the east. The proposed lots will vary in size from approximately 10,000 square feet to 16,700 square feet in size. As part of the proposal, approximately 5.2 acres of open space will be created - 1.1 acres located east of the proposed lots along Arrowhead Road and west of the proposed lots on Julians Way, and approximately 4.1 acres located west of Kaydeross Park Road, north of the proposed lot development.  The proposed lots will be served by municipal water from the city - for which new water mains will be provided – and will be served by public sanitary sewer.

Ballston Avenue Townhouses. Ballston Ave. Partners has submitted a sketch plan for discussion regarding a proposed town house development at 96 and 116 Ballston Ave.