Local First Saratoga North Edition 040623

Shootout grand juror ‘rushed’

“I’m ashamed that we did not do our job properly”

By WENDY LIBERATORE

Saratoga Springs.

It is unclear if any of the other grand jurors on the case expressed similar concerns.

Saratoga Sustainability Fair

SARATOGA - Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College invite you to join us for the Saratoga Sustainability Fair on Sunday, April 16, from 10-4 at Skidmore College in the Case Center. The Sustainability Fair is a free community event celebrating sustainability awareness and opportunities. Come check out sustainable resources all in one spot and help make our community a more sustainable place to live and work.

Our KEYNOTE speaker

– JEN KRETSER, Director of Climate Initiatives for The Wild Center and manages the award-winning Youth Climate Program AND ELODIE LINCK.

Spend some time in our exhibitor hall, where you will find resources on renewable energy, zero waste, sustainable gardening, social justice, alternative transportation, food production and security, natural resource protection, energy efficiency, sustainability efforts in Saratoga Springs, and much more.

The day’s offerings also include an electric vehicle (EV) car show and an opportunity to test drive an EV. As well as a Repair Cafe. Bring a broken item and save it from the landfill.

https://www.skidmore. edu/sustainability/events/ fair.php

BALLSTON SPA

— A member of the grand jury that indicted a Vermont sheriff’s deputy for attempted murder last week has sent a letter to a top court official criticizing the grand jury process — saying that they feel “we rushed through our decision with little thought after hearing many days of complicated evidence.”

“The law applying to this case was also very obtuse and hard to understand,” the unidentified, but verified juror wrote to the Saratoga County Office of Commissioner of Jurors. The juror wrote the letter had been sent “to highlight what bothered me and get it off my chest.”

The letter, filed Friday in Saratoga County Court, contradicted Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen’s claims last week that the “grand jury investigation and decision were neither rushed nor reached lightly, as it took a considerable amount of time to identify and compile and review testimony, evidence and information surrounding the events of Nov. 20, 2022” — the date of the early morning melee in downtown

The defense attorneys involved in the case were not immediately available for comment. However, Heggen said in a statement that she is “confident that the grand jury process was done in compliance with laws of the State of New York.”

“Further, while I would like to respond to and answer the numerous questions I have received today regarding those proceedings, those very same laws expressly prohibit me from commenting further on the specifics of any grand jury presentation,” she said in a statement. “I stand by my Office’s presentation and await the judicial review.”

The part-time Vermont deputy from Glens Falls, Vito Caselnova, and a Utica barber, Alexander Colon, allegedly engaged in a gun battle on Broadway during a 3 a.m. dispute that spilled into Caroline Street, the city’s nightlife hub. Saratoga Springs police responded to the gunfire, and shot Caselnova as he allegedly leveled his gun at the police and did not drop it after being repeatedly commanded to do so. His girlfriend, Cali Brown, was also shot and has announced her intention to sue the city.

Caselnova was indicted March 28 on eight charges that include attempted murder, assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and possessing a firearm in a sensitive location. He was also charged with two counts of possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device and harassment.

Colon and two other friends who allegedly got into a physical altercation with Caselnova before the shooting began were all charged with one count of misdemeanor assault. They are set to be arraigned April 25 in Saratoga Springs City Court.

It is unclear if the juror’s letter will affect the prosecutions of Caselnova, Colon and the two other Utica men, whom the Times Union is not identifying as they are charged with misdemeanors. However, County Court Judge James A. Murphy III directed the district attorney’s office to provide a copy of the letter to all of the attorneys involved.

Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety James Montagnino, who has worked as a principal court attorney and assistant district attorney in Westchester County, said the juror’s letter is “a very serious matter” and “could ultimately result in dismissal of an indictment.”

“It would therefore be inappropriate for me to make any public statement on this issue,” Montagnino said Monday. “Having served the New York State Unified Court System for 26

Burnt Hills’ Tse a student of game

JOYCE BASSETT

This column is sponsored by Times Union Women@Work, the Capital Region’s network of business and professional women. Join today at: https://womenatworkny.com

Galvanized by the success of baseball players Kelsie Whitmore and Olivia Pichardo, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School junior Maddie Tse knows no limits.

Just ask her what position she’ll play as a member of the Spartans’ varsity baseball team.

“I mainly play outfield but I’m a pitcher and I can catch. I’ve been catching in the bullpen. I also play third base. Anywhere they need me really,” she said.

She started playing baseball as an 8-year-old and developed her skills in the Burnt Hills youth baseball program. She’s played field hockey and was a kicker on the varsity football team for the Spartans, but baseball is her true love.

Making her high school varsity team was a goal she felt she could achieve through hard work playing along her longtime teammates, but that work is just beginning.

“I’m looking to hopefully play D-III baseball in college. But if not, I still want to play club baseball,” she said.

Why baseball?

At 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds, she’s small compared to the boys on varsity. And honestly she isn’t quite sure why she chose baseball and not softball as her primary sport.

“I kind of just fell in love with the game. At first I hated it,” she said. “I didn’t like it at all and then something just clicked and I can’t get enough of it.”

“I played softball when I was 6 or 7. It was just like T-ball,” she said.

Her parents signed her up for baseball the following year simply as a matter of family convenience. Her older brother Jackson was playing and her father, Victor, was deployed as an Army Reservist. Playing on the same fields would be easier for her mom, Sara, who was juggling parenting while working as a physician’s assistant.

“My brother was a big influence on my love for baseball. We played outside all the time and he helps me train,” she said.

An avid Yankees fan, she knows her baseball history, including the women who have paved the way on the diamond.

“Kelsie Whitmore is the first woman to play in the Atlantic League. Olivia Pichardo was the first woman to play D-I baseball as a walk-on at Brown University,” she said.

She’s also a fan of Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach professional baseball and founder of Baseball For All, which hosts an annual all-girls national tournament.

“Too many girls are still told they can’t play baseball because they are girls,” Siegal says on her website. “I founded Baseball For All to empower girls to believe in themselves and to keep playing the game they love. I fear if you tell a girl she can’t play baseball what else will she think she can’t do? I then worry what else boys will think girls can’t do?”

At Burnt Hills, as she rose through the youth developmental and high school levels of a baseball system, that has never been an issue for Tse. Growing up in Glenville, her coaches and teammates have embraced her as a baseball player her entire life. She’s earned spots on allstar teams and last year experienced what the future may hold: playing baseball on an all-female team.

As a member of the NY Wonders on the roster of the New York Girls Baseball organization, she traveled in 2022 to Vero Beach, Florida, to play in an elite development tournament at Jackie Robinson Training Complex.

She also plans to compete in nationals for the Wonders in July at the Ripken Experience ballpark in Elizabethtown, Ky.

“It’s pretty much set in stone that I’ll be going to the tournament. It will be the second all-girls tournament I’ve attended. It’s an awesome experience,” she said.

Meanwhile, she will play her first season of high school baseball while cheering for her Yankees. She’s interested in seeing how the new MLB baseball rules will impact the game.

“I think they’re interesting,” she said of the new rules. “It will definitely speed the game up, but it’ll be interesting to see the repercus-

COURTESY OF SKYE MOREY HERITAGE

Maddie Tse pitches for the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School Spartans JV team against CBA in April 2022.

Free April Vacation Programs

at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

WILTON - There is plenty to do with Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park for April Break. Wilton Preserve has free events scheduled for all ages and the 25 miles of trails owned by the Department of Environmental Conservation, Saratoga County, and Town of Wilton will be open to the public. As a bonus, the Historic Cornell Fire Tower will be open on April 15 and 16 from 10am to 3pm. Check the full schedule below.

Nature on the Move

Monday, April 10, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Nature on the Move is a fast-paced walk that happens every other week throughout the year. For this special day, the group will climb the Fire Tower and learn about its history.

Spring Discovery Walk

Tuesday, April 11, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Take a walk through

Local Students

Work to Limit the Spread of Invasive Fish in NYS

CAPITAL DISTRICT

- Emma Willard School offers a program called STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) 10, where students work in small groups on a project together for the entire school year. A group of motivated students including Ella Daley, Nadia Mitic, Olivia Berkman, and Roz Kurd focused on the research of invasive fish species found in our waters. They studied the harmful actions of these fish and found out ways to help our community to increase awareness about

the meadows, forests, and wetlands of Camp Saratoga. An environmental educator will guide the group through the changes of spring.

Bog Meadow Brook Walks

Thursday, April 13, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Interns shared with Wilton Preserve and Saratoga PLAN have developed information about the sights and sounds of Bog Meadow Brook. Watch the ecosystem develop as the seasons change during this weekly walk series.

Woodcock Walk

Thursday, April 13, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Learn about this silly-looking critter then take a guided walk at dusk. As the group moves through the meadows, we will watch for their mating displays and listen for their calls.

Tree ID at Congress Park

Friday, April 14, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Learn to identify the

this problem and to help take positive action.

Research about the invasive fish revealed the damage they do to the environment and our local ecosystem. Through a program at Cornell CALS called “Fish Tracker”, the team will send collected water samples to test the eDNA to determine which invasive species are found in our regional waters. In addition to testing the water the team decided to raise awareness of limiting the spread of invasive species.

Invasive species are non-native so they don’t have natural predators to regulate their quick, growing population and they diminish the food supply for the native fish.

local trees based on their bark and buds. Review the difference between coniferous and deciduous trees then enjoy a short craft. This program is run through the Saratoga Springs Public Library. To register, call the library at (518) 584-7860 ext. 303.

Woodcock Campfire

Chat

Friday, April 14, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Each month features a chat around the campfire to learn about the native species of the Saratoga Sandplains ecosystems, how these animals are threatened, and what we can do to help their conservation. While we chat, hang out around the fire for cocoa, s’mores, and cookies! This program is funded by the Common Roots Foundation.

Registration is required. Space is limited. To register please visit our website, wiltonpreserve. org, and click on the “Our Programs” tab, then “Calendar of Public Events” to access the online registration form. For more infor-

One of the current issues is the Round Goby fish, which is already in New York waters. The Round Goby is a small fish so it is not an issue of being a top predator but is a problem because they eat native fish eggs, specifically the smallmouth bass. The Smallmouth Bass only lays eggs once a year and the Round Goby is diminishing their population by inhibiting the reproduction success rate. Another big current issue is that of the Snakehead fish which is a non-native top predator, which kills and eats all the native species. The team wants to emphasize the impending issue of the Blue Catfish to New York State. If these fish got into New York waters, their diet

mation, please contact the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve. org. For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the Preserve & Park’s website at wiltonpreserve.org. The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is a non-profit organization that conserves ecological systems and natural settings while providing opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation.

Saratoga County History Center

Calendar Listings

SARATOGA COUN-

TY - April 13 – 7 pm 2nd Annual Public History Awards. Saratoga County History Center will host the second annual Saratoga County Public History Award ceremony. The 2022 winners are Paul Perreault and Charlie Kuenzel. Selected by a committee of historians and educators, Perreault is a retired high school

of mussels, which filter our waters, would lessen the purity and clarity of our waters.

The student team came up with the idea to sell merchandise that raises awareness and all the proceeds will be donated to the Natural Heritage Trust. The Natural Heritage Trust works on the preservation of native species and one of the ways they do this is limiting the spread of invasive species. The team proposed their idea to Youth2Youth Helping Youth (youthsquared.org) and wrote a grant proposal for financial support to design and purchase merchandise. They received a $500 grant. The merchandise is a canvas bag with a custom

Saratoga Springs

Heritage Area Visitor Center

Spring

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series

SARATOGA – The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is excited to announce the launch of their Spring 2023 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This community lecture series is designed to highlight the rich history, culture, and traditions of our city.

All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public. Each program takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs

principal and current Malta Town Historian, while Kuenzel is a retired Earth science teacher and current President of the Saratoga Springs History Museum. This celebration will be held at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Please register at https://brooksidemuseum. networkforgood.com/ events/54955-2nd-annual-saratoga-county-public-history-award

Fish Creek

Rod & Gun Club

Fish Fry Friday

Eat-In or Take Out

SCHUYLERVILLE -

The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club Friday night Fish Fry will be back for 2023. Fish Fry will start January 13 and run through April 7th We will be serving from 4:00pthm till 7:00pm.

Various menu items are available From fried fish to chicken nuggets with French fries, Cole slaw and chowder also available. 518-695-3917

design done by Ana VanPlew, one of the students at Emma Willard School. The team plans on raising awareness at their school and at the Sustainability Fair on April 16th, from 10am-4pm, at Skidmore College in Case Center.

Come join us to learn more and help take social action to keep our waters healthy!

Grief Hope and Healing Program

HALFMOON - 7 Weeks, Church of the Resurrection, begins April 14th at 6pm . Halfmoon Town Hall - Registration required. Please visit crsaratoga.org to contact us for more information.

Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The program can also be accessed virtually. Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and guidelines https://www.sspl.org.

2023 programs:

Thursday, April 13, 2023: The Lakehouses at Saratoga Lake presented by Lorie Wies, Local History Librarian, retired Thursday, May 11, 2023: The Spa State Park: The Formation of one of Saratoga’s Greatest Assets presented by Charlie Kuenzel

Thursday, June 8, 2023: Erasing Spaces and Faces: The Legacy of Urban Renewal in Saratoga Springs presented by the Erasing Faces and Spaces Project Team

The Saratoga Springs

Heritage Area Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until March 31; April 1 –December 31, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information visit, www. saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.

New Style and Old Tyme

Fiddling with the Adirondack Fiddlers

SCHUYLERVILLESunday April 16th 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. American Legion Hall, Clancy St. Schuylerville, NY All fiddlers and musicians young and old and Public welcome. Round and square dancing. Food Available. For more information call (518) 274-6817

Adirondack Post 70 of the American Legion Meeting

SARATOGA - Adirondack Post 70 of the American Legion will hold its monthly meeting on Saturday, April 22nd , 2023, at 10AM. 34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

Ancient Order of Hibernians Speaker Presentation

SARATOGA - Commodore John Barry Div. #1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians presents William H. Payne author of A Stone of The Heart. A memoir of his great uncle Paddy Delany and his service in the Irish War of Independence and the ensuing Irish Civil war in County Mayo, 1917-1922

7:30 PM Thursday April 20,2023 at Saratoga -Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9 (near 4 Marion Ave. via GPS) Saratoga Springs N.Y For more information http:/wwwsaratogaaoh. com

Knights of Columbus

Lenten Fish Fry

SARATOGA - Knights of Columbus Council #246 will once again be hosting Fish Fry Friday each Friday throughout Lent, 2/24 through 4/7, 5:00-7:00 pm. However, the event will resume with advance call-in of orders on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between the hours of 12:00 noon and 3:00, beginning on Wednesday, 2/22. The menu will include Fried or Baked Haddock ($15) or Fried Clam Strips ($12), each with French Fries, Cole Slaw, Tartar Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce; Macaroni and Cheese ($5); New England Clam Chowder (pint - $7/quart - $13); Single Order o French Fries ($3); and Dessert ($2 - when available). Call 518-584-8547 to place your order or for more information. A set number of orders will be scheduled for pickup at 5:00 and at intervals of every 15 minutes thereafter until sold out, so make sure to schedule early. As always, thank you for your support and helping us to continue our good works in the community.

50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866

518-584-8547

The Capital District Humanist Society

Presents:

The Latest “Word” on Neurodegenerative Diseases

CAPITA DISTRICT

- Neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease, etc.) together affect about 12% of the population. Their

effects are debilitating and demoralizing for those affected, and can be devastating for their families. While there are attempts at treatment, there are no cures for these diseases.

Benjamin Wolozin, MD, PhD, is a professor of Pharmacology, Neurology and the Program in Neuroscience at Boston University School of Medicine, and an Elected Fellow of the American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science. He is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics to treat Alzheimer’s disease and ALS. He received his MD/ PhD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He has published 180 papers to date, and has received numerous awards throughout his career. This program will take place online, via Zoom, on Sunday, April 9th , 2023, at 1 PM.

ANY ONE WHO IS NOT A CURRENT PAID MEMBER of CDHS CAN ATTEND. Send an e mail request to: CDHS. Albany@gmail.com, several days prior, or log onto our Meetup page: https://www.meetup.com/ Capital-District-Humanist-Society/. Click on Join, then on Attend, and use the RSVP function and the link will be available to you. To learn more about us please go to: www.humanistsociety.net

HOPE Dog & Cat Adoption Event

SARATOGA - Location:

H.O.P.E. Adoption Center, Wilton Mall at Saratoga, 3065 Route 50, Saratoga Springs NY Date: Saturday, April 8, 2023

Franklin Community Center Receives

Funding

for Project Lift

SARATOGA - Franklin Community Center was recently awarded several grants in support of its Project Lift program; $500 from the Town of Greenfield Lions Club, $3,000 from the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, $5,000 from the Stewart’s Holiday Match, $9,000 from The Christopher Dailey Foundation and $14,000 from The Hawley Foundation for Children. Project Lift, created in 1984 as a free after school program, addresses the growing need for youth to have prevention-based conversations as well as the opportunity to enhance their social and emotional skills. The funding assistance will support the impactful program as well as provide for the ancillary services offered to the Project Lift students and their families.

Franklin Community Center is blessed to have these organizations as partners. Thanks to all of their long-standing grant support, the students who attend our after-school program are able to benefit from the Back to School Backpack program, Holiday Assistance, Food Assistance and Camp Assistance. Said Colleen O’Connor Potter, Project Lift Program Director, “Helping children develop social and emotional skills is the heart and soul of our program and we are pleased to have the commitment of these organizations in supporting our work. Being able to rely on this generous funding helps Franklin Community Center meet our goals in providing fun and impactful experiences for each of our Lift students. We are so appreciative and look forward to many more years working together with these great community organizations.”

Project Lift works directly with students in grades 1st to 6th in the Saratoga Springs City School District. The program serves up to 175 children and their siblings in all 6 elementary schools and the middle school, with support to the students’ families. Services include Camp Assistance, which offers scholarships for participants enrolled in Project Lift the experience of attending summer camp. The goal is to offer students a place where they may learn about and better understand themselves in a safe, supportive, and relaxed natural environment. Providing camp opportunities to children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds helps the students to constructively learn independence and safe risk-taking, build relationships with peers and reap the benefits of connecting with nature. Community members interested in learning more about supporting the program and the services provided, can find more information on our website at www.franklincommunitycenter.org.

May & June Lacrosse Programs for Girls

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Capitalland lacrosse will be running a girls MAY & JUNE lacrosse program. Players can chose to play on Tuesdays night, Sunday afternoons or BOTH. All programs will start on May 16 and end on June 25. Each group will play for an hour and a half each day/night. Levels include: a co-ed K – 5th learn to play program; girls instructional programs for beginner & novice players grades 3rd - 10th, an advanced program for players in graders 6th –8th and one for 9 - 10 who want to refine their game while being introduced to more advanced techniques. All age level will be separated and a scrimmage will be held each night. For more information go to www.capitallandlacrosse.com or e-mail us at chad@capitallandlacrosse.com.

Time: 11am to 2pm

Come meet the many adoptable pets of H.O.P.E. Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 11am-2pm, at the H.O.P.E. Adoption Center located at the Wilton Mall. Many of the Dogs and Cats listed on our webpage will be available to meet.

You can start the adoption process today by filling out an adoption application online at hopeanimalrescue.org/forms.

League of Women Voters of Saratoga County Holding a Meeting on Electrifying the Empire State

CAPITAL DISTRICTLeague of Women Voters of Saratoga County is holding a meeting, via zoom, on Electrifying the Empire State with all-electric, emissions free homes, on April 12th from 7 to 8:30 pm.This event is open to the public. Link to the meeting and additional Information may be found at the League website lwvsaratoga.org/events . This meeting is co-sponsored by the LWVs of Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer Counties.

Join research scientist advocate and climate activist Anshul Gupta for a presentation focusing on the science, technology, economics and politics of building electrification in New York State.

The League of women voters is a non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. It is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle, and in practice

Hudson Crossing Park Event Easter Weekend

BALLSTON SPA - Grab your leash, grab your pup, and head to Hudson Crossing Park for the best K9 Easter egg Hunt around! HCP invites family members of the four legged variety to have a special K9 Easter Egg Hunt all of their own. Plastic eggs are “hidden” throughout the park and packed with treats courtesy of Lazy Dog Cookie Company of Ballston Spa, special trats provided by Homestead Animal Hospital! Supported by Elanco and Merck

Your donation online is appreciated ($10 per dog suggested donation or feel free to give extra for those who can’t).

*HCP volunteers/Egg Bunnies visit the park throughout the day to refill/re-hide to try to ensure visiting pups have the chance to “hunt.”

Come experience part of an epic, all-encompassing journey as a Christian by attending Easter services at the Community Alliance Church at 257 Rowland St. in Ballston Spa. Good Friday service is April 7th at 6:30 pm and Easter Sunday service is April 9th at 10:30 am.

Fish Creek Rod & Gun Club

Monthly Breakfast

SCHUYLERVILLESunday April 9, 2023

8:00 – 11:00 • 123 SR 32

Schuylerville, NY

$10 Adults $5 Children

Choose from: Pancakes, regular, buckwheat, apple cinnamon and blueberry or French Toast. Eggs to order, homefries, bacon or sausage, toast, coffee and orange juice.

The Next Generation Needs You. Be a Mentor.

SARATOGA COUNTY - The Saratoga Mentoring Program has been matching caring adults with children in Saratoga County for 29 years! Mentors can make a profound difference in the life of a child. Studies show that young people with mentors have more positive outcomes in school and in the community. Mentors are screened and trained before working with a child. Mentors meet with their mentees once a week for about 2 hours. In order to develop trust and consistency, a 1 year commitment is required. For more information visit our website at www.saratogamentoring.org or call 518-581-1487. Saratoga Mentoring is a program of Catholic Charities.

Community Alliance Church

Easter Services

BALLSTON SPA - Come experience part of an epic, all-encompassing journey as a Christian by attending Easter services at the Community Alliance Church at 257 Rowland St. in Ballston Spa. Good Friday service is April 7th at 6:30 pm and Easter Sunday service is April 9th at 10:30 am.

The Burnt HillsBallston Lake

Women’s Club

April Meeting

BURNT HILLS - The April meeting of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Women’s Club will be held at the Burnt Hills Methodist Church on Route 50 on April 10 at noon. The program will be “Independence with Aging Vision” presented by the Northest Association of the Blind. All are welcome to attend.

Q.U.I.L.T., Inc.

Monthly Guild Meeting – April 14th

CAPITAL DISTRICT -

Q.U.I.L.T., Inc. is a not-forprofit guild of quilters interested in learning about the art of making quilts. For the April meeting, members and guests join on Zoom at 9:30 to greet fellow quilters. A brief business meeting begins at 9:45 which will be followed by a lecture entitled “Batting: What’s Inside Matters” from Stephanie Hackney, Director of Sales & Marketing, Craft and Retail Hobbs Bonded Fibers. This lecture offers quilters and other creatives a chance to learn all about fibers and batting.

Preregistration is

required on the Q.U.I.L.T., Inc. website https://www. quiltinc.org/ to receive the Zoom link. Please join us!

Green Drinks

SARATOGA - Green Drinks! A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability.

WHEN: April 12, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm

WHERE: The Parting Glass, 40-42 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs

DETAILS: Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. https:// www.facebook.com/ events/231382042639792

Zen Practice Day at Skidmore College on April 15th

SARATOGA - Spend a day practicing Zen with visiting Zen teachers Roshi Robert E. Kennedy, Sensei Amy Yee and Sensei Russ Michel. The day will include sitting meditation, walking meditation, chanting, teacher talks, lunch, and Q & A. No experience necessary; all are welcome. Full day participation only please, 9 am to 4 pm. The $20 registration fee includes lunch and tea breaks. There is a strict space limit, so if interested, register soon. Questions? Email Holley Hodgins, hhodgins@skidmore.edu

Sponsored by the Skidmore College Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. To Register click on this link and choose “Create an account and register.” https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_ page.aspx?ek=0010-000501ad575296ae4f50ba0991d120cb8416

Ballston Are Seniors Pickin’ Session

BALLSTON SPA - Wednesday, April 19, 2023

At the Milton Community Center 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa, NY

Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking.

Time: 1:00pm to 3:00 pm

All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/ western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate.

If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call 518-885-4229 with questions.

REAL ESTATE / HOUSE OF THE WEEK

776 Riverview Road, Rexford

SHANNON FROMMA

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

YThis contemporary Rexford home, built in 1985, contains 5,200 square feet of living space. ou’ll find a postcard-perfect scene from most any window in this week’s seven-bedroom, fourbathroom contemporary home. Set on the banks of the Mohawk River with panoramic views, the home’s 3-acre preserve-like property features a mix of hard and soft landscaping, a gazebo, waterfall and private hiking trails. Nature’s palette extends inside the home’s 5,200 square feet of living space that features light hardwood floors, a large kitchen lined with sage-green cabinetry and an extended dining area that looks out to the river. There’s also plenty to see from the expansive third-floor family room that boasts a cathedral ceiling and exposed

beams. There is an HOA fee of $54 a month, which covers use of common areas and maintenance of nearby trails near the river. List price: $1,200,000. Taxes: $19,837. Reach out to Jean Maloney, broker and owner of 21st Century Properties at 518-378-5478 or co-listing agent Jamie Gervais, 518-817-7531.

Anthony M. Gucciardo

Vendors Wanted: Annual Spring Craft Fair

SARATOGA - The Saratoga-Wilton Elks #161 Auxiliary is holding their Annual Spring Craft Fair on Sat, April 22nd at the Lodge at 1 Elk Lane in Saratoga from 10 to 4 PM. An eight foot table and two chairs in a 6 x 8’ space is $40. Admission will be free with ample parking. There are 36 spaces available and we are accepting a wide variety of crafters on a first come first serve basis. If you know of anyone you think would be a great addition please share this notice with them. For more information or to signup, contact Debbie at dozolins@nycap. rr.com or 518-885-6506.

HOROSCOPE

Week Of April 9, 2023

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, your emotions may cloud your judgement in the days to come. It’s better to seek the advice of a third party who can guide you without the added drama.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Messages from the universe could come across as confusing or vague, Taurus. You might need someone with cosmic intuition to help you sort out what is going on.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

A stagnant energy has been surrounding you lately, Gemini. Fortunately, you are able to brush that away soon enough and feel rejuvenated.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, if you haven’t devoted enough time lately to taking care of yourself you might awaken this week with a foggy head. Take care of yourself.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Responsibilities could have you feeling overburdened, Leo. The trick is to ask others to lighten your load. There are bound to be several volunteers willing to lend a hand.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, try not to compare yourself to others this week. Everyone is unique, with his or her own strengths and weaknesses. An unfair comparison could dampen your spirits.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You might find it challenging to articulate your feelings to a romantic partner, Libra. If you stumble over saying the words, why not write them down, instead?

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Sometimes your pragmatic side gets into a tussle with your optimism, Scorpio.

Being a realist doesn’t have to mean you give up hope. There are many things that can go your way.

SAGITTARIUS –Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, while you may feel like sleeping the week away, awaken to the possibilities before you. Numerous opportunities await, so answer the door when they knock.

CAPRICORN –Dec 22/Jan 20

It is alright to feel uncertain about what the heart wants, Capricorn. Not everyone has things all figured out. Ponder your likes and dislikes to determine your path.

AQUARIUS –Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, messy work and small mistakes can sabotage all of your hard work thus far.

Buckle down and focus on the details. Have someone check that everything is perfect.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

People around you may be more temperamental than usual, Pisces. Avoid offering any unsolicited advice until things quiet down.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

APRIL 9

Kristen Stewart, Actress (33)

APRIL 10

Mandy Moore, Singer (39)

APRIL 11

Alessandra Ambrosio, Model (42)

APRIL 12

Saoirse Ronan, Actress (29)

APRIL 13

Allison Williams, Actress (35)

APRIL 14

Chris Wood, Actor (35)

APRIL 15

Luis Fonsi, Singer (45)

SHOOTOUT

CONTINUED FROM 1

years, I have complete confidence in the ability of our judicial system to handle this matter appropriately.”

The juror also wrote in the letter that an assistant district attorney spoke with the grand jury at least twice off the record, telling them “he wanted to finish on a specific day” but that they shouldn’t “feel rushed.”

“On one occasion, the ADA suggested coming in on a Friday to get done, and the jury foreman objected forcefully saying ‘I have a job,’” the juror wrote. “All of this put undue pressure on us to come to a decision.”

The juror claimed they now have trouble sleeping over the matter and concluded, “I feel ashamed that we did not do our job properly after hearing all the testimony.”

It Works!-Free Program for Parents/Caregivers

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren and Washington Counties will be offering “PS: It Works! Parenting Program” on five consecutive Tuesdays beginning April 25, 2023 from 12 noon to 1:30pm via zoom. This free program is designed for parents/caregivers with children from toddlers to teens who want to learn how to help guide the children in their care in a supportive way. Basic parenting skills will be explored in this fun, interactive class. To register contact Roxanne Westcott 518-668-4881 or email rmw38@ cornell.edu.

ALL IN

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sions on players not being used to them.” Spoken like a true student of the game. Joyceb10 bas-sett@gmail.com A @joyceb10bassett A timesunion.com/author /joyce-bassett

Malta Cemeteries Announce Annual Meeting

(1.) The Malta Ridge Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting on Saturday April 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Malta Ridge United Methodist Church at 729 Malta Avenue Extension. All lot owners, descendants and anyone interested in the cemetery are encouraged to attend.

(2.) The Malta West Ridge Cemetery Association (a.k.a. Hall’s Corners Cemetery) will hold its annual meeting on Saturday April 15, 2023 at 10:30 AM at the Malta Ridge United Methodist Church at 729 Malta Avenue Extension. All lot owners, descendants and anyone interested in the cemetery are encouraged to attend. The Sons of the American Legion, Post 70 Monthly Meeting

SARATOGA - The Sons of the American Legion, Post 70, will hold a meeting on Saturday, April 22nd , 2023, at 11AM. 34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs.”

Cerebral Palsy Fundraiser

SARATOGA / WILTON - Come join us Saturday, May 13th, from 6-10PM at the Saratoga/Wilton Elk’s Lodge. “Celebrate Mom” with a free carnation to the first 100 Mom’s, donated by Dehn’s Flowers. We are raising awareness and funds for the Cerebral Palsy Association of NY State. We have “Amazing Mom” themed raffle baskets and a BBQ buffet. Dinner will include chicken, macaroni salad, coleslaw, baked beans and cornbread. There will be a cash bar and yummy desserts too. Dance to the beat of our favorite quartet Betsy and the ByeGons. Cost is $25 per person. For reservations call Judy at 518-5875568 by May 9. Give MOM a night to remember.

PHOTOS BY JON MANSBERGER

Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge 161 Hosts a Stuffed Shells Dinner for Curbside Pick Up

SARATOGA - Wednesday April 12, 2023

4:30-6:00 pm - Call Monday And Tuesday Between 10am-Noon To Place An Order 518-584-2585

Stuffed Shells, Meatballs, Sweet Sausage, Tossed Salad, Garlic Toast - Dinner For 2 /$30.00 (CASH ONLY)

Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance

BALLSTON SPA - On Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

The dance will be at the Milton Community Center

310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa, NY 12020

The dance is open to the public and ample free parking. There will be an entrance fee of $ 5.00. Snack and refreshment will be provided.

Dance to the music of the Peaceful Country Band. For more information call 518-430-7029

Dr. Roger Landry Lunch and Learn on Aging Successfully

SARATOGA - The Academy for Lifelong Learning is hosting “Empowering Adults to Take Control of Their Own Aging” Lunch and Learn on Friday, April 14, 11am-2pm, at the Holiday Inn – Saratoga Springs, 232 Broadway. Admission is $45 ($40 for Academy members) and includes a plated lunch. For registration information and form, go to www.allsaratoga.org or call the Academy office at (518) 290-6968. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, the event will feature two, 45-minute presentations: “Game Plan for Healthy Longevity” and “Resilience” with a served lunch in between.

Dr. Roger Landry is a preventive medicine physician who specializes in empowering older adults to take control of their own aging. He is the author of Live Long, Die Short: A Guide for Aging Successfully. As a lecturer,

researcher, and consultant, he has written extensively and is frequently called upon as a media consultant on the topic of successful aging. Dr. Landry is a powerful voice for what is possible as we age.

Founded in 1992, the Academy for Lifelong Learning is an independent, self-funded nonprofit membership organization providing non-credit academic programs and social activities for adults. For more information or to view the spring course brochure, go to www.allsaratoga.org

The Briggs Cemetery Annual Meeting

BALLSTON - The annual meeting of the Briggs Cemetery will be held at 11 a.m. on April 29, 2023, at the cemetery located on Brookline Road, Town of Ballston. A business meeting and election of officers and trustees will be held. All lot owners and interested persons are invited to attend. The spring cleanup will start at 9 a.m. prior to the meeting. For more information email briggscemetery@yahoo.com.

Academy

for Lifelong Learning

Offering

Spring Courses

SARATOGA - The Academy for Lifelong Learning Saratoga Region continues its 30+ year tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults 55+ by offering thirty-five, 5-week courses starting the week of April 10 and the week of May 15. Registration is now open. For a brochure with registration form, go to www.allsaratoga.org

Course brochures will be available at local libraries, YMCA’s and retirement communities or by request at (518) 290-6968 or Lora@allsaratoga.org.

Registrations are being accepted throughout the term until courses are full. Some courses will sell out. Annual membership is $75 and goes for 365 days from join date. Five-week courses are $50 each. Courses are held outdoors, by Zoom, or in community classrooms including at SUNY Adirondack’s Wilton location.

Topics for these volunteer-led, noncredit courses include music, literature, variety speaker series, art history and anatomy, Italian, ancient game of Go, hiking, biology of aging, farm tours, local authors, grocery shopping tips, current events, dining out, history, local media professionals, global warming, opera, poetry, local walking tours, writing, museum tours, and more.

Dog & Cat Adoption

Event at the Wilton Mall

WILTON - April 22; 11am – 3pm near HomeGoods

Animal League America and HOPE Rescue

Ask you to please join us!

50% off adoption fees

Donate a “kitten season” item for a free raffle ticket entry.

Did You Know?

Home renovations can improve a home in many different ways. Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms have long been popular projects, but are they the most popular renovations? According to data from Realm, which analyzed the top 10 most popular projects from roughly 2.8 million listings and permit filings in the United States in 2022, certain projects are more popular than others. Nationally, the most common home renovations include interior painting, exterior painting, finishing a basement,

installing or replacing windows, and bathroom remodeling. Houzz polls have unveiled that renovating kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and porches, balcony and deck projects are among the most popular. According to the Canadian lifestyle resource Icy Canada, which culled various data points and sources, window and door upgrades, kitchen and bath remodels and deck projects are the most popular renovations in Canada.