Capital Region Living - Sports 2025

CAPITAL REGION LIVING

THE SPORTS ISSUE

THE PERFECT UNION

Union College ice hockey finds a new home at the M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor. BY

TERESA GENARO | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MEGAN MUMFORD

FLAG FOOTBALL TOUCHES DOWN IN THE 518 ANA GOLD & CLAIRE HUTTON ON GOING PRO

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inside

THE SPORTS ISSUE

The Front

9 S TARTING LINEUP: LOCAL PRO TEAMS

12 PO WER PLAYER: JEFF BUELL

15 12 UNDER 12: GREYSON JAMES ANGLEY

The Back

45 C ALENDAR: 13 RIDES, RACES, AND SPORTING EVENTS GOING ON THIS FALL BY GRACIELLA DORSEY

50 HOROSCOPE: SIGNS OF THE TIME S BY CHANTAL MARIE

52 RE CIPE: CLANCY’S TAVERN’S PIZZA BIANCA DI LIZ

55 CROSSWORD: BATTER UP BY NATALIE MOORE

56 BEFORE YOU GO: ROCK, CURRENT, BANKS BY JOHN GRAY

ADVERTISING SECTIONS

22 COVER STORY: MILESTONE ON THE MOHAWK

Schenectady’s M&T Bank Center ushers in a new era of Union College ice hockey. BY TERESA GENARO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN MUMFORD

26 TREND: FIELD NOTES

Flag football takes over upstate New York. BY SARA FOSS

28 STAR POWER: DOUBLE TROUBLE

Capital Regionites Claire Hutton and Ana Gold on going pro. BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX

33 COMMUNITY: BEYOND BASEBALL

Where to play table tennis, roller derby, and cricket in the Capital Region. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAKOTA GILBERT

40 ON THE ROAD: GO BILLS!

How to spend a weekend in Buffalo during football season. BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX

16 WEDDINGS

43 REAL TORS GUIDE

44 HOME IMPRO VEMENT

54 FOOD & DRINK

ON THE COVER Union College ice hockey players Carter Korpi, Jill Willis, Cameron Korpi, and Troy Pelton, photographed by Megan Mumford. Shot on location at M&T Bank Center in Schenectady, NY.

The Marriage of Beauty and Function

By GNH Designer Jacqueline Newell

At GNH Lumber & Home, we believe a great kitchen should be more than a workspace—it should be a masterpiece. GNH Designer Jacqueline Newell brought this vision to life on a Lake George home by seamlessly blending exquisite style with intelligent functionality. From the initial concept to the final detail, our Kitchen & Bath design team works with you to create a space that is perfectly tailored to your life and style. Start your project with Jacqueline or any member of the GNH design team and let us help you find the beautiful, functional kitchen of your dreams.

Greenville | Windham | Latham

CAPITAL REGION LIVING

Natalie Moore EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kathleen Gates

DESIGNER Linda Gates

SENIOR WRITER Cierra Orlyk

EDITORIAL INTERN Graciella D orsey

CONTRIBUTORS

Natalli Amato, Lisa Arcella, Phat X. Chiem

Samantha Decker, Jeff Dingler, Sara Foss

Dakota Gilbert, John Gray, Teresa Genaro

Chantal Marie, Megan Mumford

Konrad Odhiambo, Kathleen Willcox

Teresa Frazer PUBLISHER

Tara Buffa SALES MANAGER

DIRECTOR OF SALES, SARATOGALIVING Annette Q uarrier

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Tina Galante

Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIRMAN

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CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

VOLUME 22, NO.5 | FALL 2025

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THE FRONT

LIKE A PRO

The Capital Region may not have any major league teams, but that doesn’t mean that professional sporting events aren’t going on here all year long. Here are six pro teams to know about—and when and where to catch them in action.

BASEBALL 1. TRI-CITY VALLEYCATS

HOME STADIUM: JOSEPH L. BRUNO

STADIUM (TROY)

SEASON: MAY TO AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

Founded in 2002 as part of the New York-Penn League, the Tri-City ValleyCats are now in the Frontier League—the longest operating independent baseball league in the country, which feeds the most players annually to MLB than any other independent league. Since the team’s founding, 117 former ValleyCats have reached the MLB. One notable ValleyCats alum? Longtime Houston Astros secondbaseman Jose Altuve. Local fans love ValleyCats games not only for the high-level baseball, but also for the regular fireworks shows and theme nights. tcvalleycats.com

FOOTBALL

2. ALBANY FIREBIRDS

HOME ARENA: MVP ARENA (ALBANY)

SEASON: MARCH TO JUNE

The Albany Firebirds started play in 1990, quickly becoming the most successful Albany arena football franchise in history. The team relocated to Indiana in 2000, and after that, several other arena football teams came and went through Albany, including the Albany Empire, which collapsed due to financial mismanagement under controversial owner Antonio Brown. Now, the Firebirds are part of the new Arena Football

COOL CATS The Tri-City ValleyCats were affiliated with the Houston Astros before a reorganization of minor leagues in 2020 prompted their move to the independent Frontier League.

THE FRONT

» your starting lineup «

One (AFO) league. In the league’s inaugural season, the team went undefeated and won the Arena Crown Championship. Two hours before select home games, South Pearl Street (right outside of MVP Arena) comes alive with a pregame party involving live music, food trucks, vendors, games, and activities. firebirdsaf1.com

HOCKEY

3. ADIRONDACK THUNDER

HOME ARENA: HARDING MAZZOTTI ARENA (GLENS FALLS)

SEASON: OCTOBER TO APRIL

The Adirondack Thunder is a professional hockey team in the East Coast Hockey League that has affiliations with the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and AHL’s Utica Comets. The team emerged in 2015 when California’s Stockton Thunder swapped places with the Adirondack Flames, but the franchise itself stretches back to 1990 under several names and homes. Home games are typically played on Friday and Saturday nights. During the season, 98.5 WCKM hosts its “On Center Ice” radio show with Thunder players at O’Toole’s Restaurant & Pub in Queensbury every Monday night that the team is home. echlthunder.com

BASKETBALL 4. NEW YORK PHOENIX

HOME COURT: ARMORY STUDIOS (SCHENECTADY)

SEASON: LATE FEBRUARY TO MAY

The New York Phoenix are the newest professional basketball team to come to the area; their inaugural game was on February 28, 2025. In their first season, they finished first in The Basketball League (TBL) North Atlantic Division, qualifying for the playoffs. nyphoenixbasketball.com

5. ALBANY PATROONS

HOME COURT: WASHINGTON AVENUE ARMORY (ALBANY)

SEASON: LATE FEBRUARY TO MAY

The Patroons have a choppy history dating back to 1982 in Albany. In 1993, the team, at that time known as the Capital Region Pontiacs, relocated to Connecticut. The Albany Patroons picked back up from 2005-2009,

ending with another hiatus. The most recent iteration of the Patroons has been playing in The Basketball League since 2018. albanypatroonsbasketball.com

LACROSSE

6. NEW YORK ATLAS (FIELD LACROSSE)

HOME STADIUM: CASEY STADIUM (ALBANY)

SEASON: LATE MAY TO AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER

The New York Atlas was one of the six founding members of the Premier Lacrosse League for the 2019 season. Their mascot—a bull—was inspired by Wall Street’s

Charging Bull statue and the hardnosed nature of New York sports. premierlacrosseleague.com

FAREWELL, FIREWOLVES (BOX LACROSSE)

The box lacrosse team, which began play in the 518 in the 2021-2022 season, is relocating to Oshawa, Ontario for the 20252026 season. This marks the second time a National Lacrosse League franchise has relocated elsewhere from Albany (the first being the Albany Attack, which moved to San Jose after the 2003 season). While fans are disappointed, the logistics which be undeniably better for the team, which consists of many Torontonians who have faced challenges flying directly to Albany. Leaving their latest stomping grounds of MVP Arena, the FireWolves will now play at the Tribute Communities Centre.

THE FRONT

JEFF BUELL’S NEXT FRONTIER

The prominent local developer has his sights set on what would be his most ambitious project ever: a soccer stadium in the middle of Albany.

BY SARA FOSS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DORI FITZPATRICK

Jeff Buell is one of the Capital Region’s leading real estate developers—and an avid cyclist.

When he bikes through Albany, Schenectady, and Troy, he sees the many projects he’s had a hand in—the numerous old buildings that have been rehabbed and turned into apartments, offices, and retail space.

“It’s a nice, 50-mile ride, and I go past significant, impactful projects in each one

of the downtowns,” says Buell, a charismatic 44-year-old with a passion for urban living.

“It makes me smile.”

His rides also remind him of projects that never came to fruition, like his plan for turning Central Warehouse, the hulking eyesore that looms over Albany’s skyline, into a mixed-use residential-commercial space. That project was too expensive, and demolition on the building began in August.

“That’s the nature of the things I work on,” says Buell. “Sometimes they’re not

STADIUM SEEDING “You can’t have a thriving region when your biggest city’s downtown is visited, on average, a couple of times a year by people,”

Buell says. “That’s why we need to do something ridiculous, like build a soccer stadium.”

going to work. Sometimes the numbers don’t work. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. That’s the one thing we need a lot more of in this region: people trying.”

Buell can point to a track record of success that includes more than two

dozen real estate projects totaling more than 1,000 new apartments and $250 million. His accomplishments include converting Albany’s long-vacant Kenmore Hotel into 93 upscale apartments, and the revitalization of the 500 block of State Street in Schenectady, a downtown strip transformed into apartments, restaurants, and medical office space.

These days, Buell is focused on what would be his most ambitious undertaking yet: bringing a mixed-use development with an open-air professional soccer stadium to an expanse of Albany dominated by parking lots and empty buildings. He is a member of a group that intends to submit a proposal to the economic development agency Capitalize Albany that would remake the area.

Last year, ESPN announcer Rebecca Lobo was roundly criticized by City officials and civic boosters for saying there’s nothing to do in Albany on national television during the women’s NCAA basketball tournament at MVP Arena. Buell is among those who believe Lobo had a point—that the city’s downtown, with its overabundance of office buildings and parking lots, is not the lively hub of arts, dining, and entertainment that it should and could be.

“You can’t have a thriving region when your biggest city’s downtown is visited, on average, a couple of times a year by people,” Buell says. That reality, he continues, is “why we need to do something ridiculous, like build a soccer stadium.”

A Troy native who still calls the city home, Buell never had any intention of becoming a real estate developer. His career began as a reporter at the Troy Record. He then went to work for the City of Troy, eventually serving as economic development coordinator.

In 2012, Buell founded his own real estate development firm, Sequence Development. He merged with Redburn Development in 2017, making name for himself with his passion for repurposing historic buildings. Buell left Redburn at the end of 2024 and is now, in his words, “out bootstrapping again.”

In Buell’s eyes, the Capital Region abounds with opportunities for people who want to make a difference by breathing life into dormant buildings and rundown streets. “People have been living in clustered cities for millennia now,” he says. “Why would that change? The more we can create new things in our cities, the more people will return to them.”

12 UNDER 12

UP TO THE CHALLENGE Greyson

GREYSON JAMES ANGLEY

It can be easy to take for granted our physical and mental capabilities—to forget that the things that come so easily to some don’t for others. But even at 8 years old, Greyson Angley isn’t the kind of person who forgets. When he heard about Colonie Little League’s Challenger Program, he knew he had to be a part of it. The program, which takes place every year from May to June, is designed for kids ages 5 and up who aren’t able to participate in other divisions of Little League baseball due to physical and mental disabilities. Greyson went to every game he could, pairing up with a buddy each time and assisting them with all things baseball, including rules, catching, and when to run. And he loved every minute of it.

“I like helping out in my community and being able to give kids with special needs an opportunity to do things that they didn’t think they would be able to do,” he says. “It’s important to me that everyone has the same opportunities to do the things they want. When I help someone, they get stronger and better, and that means a lot to me knowing I can help make a difference.”

James Angley shares his love of baseball with kids with disabilities by participating in Colonie Little League’s Challenger Program.

Smile, It’s Your Wedding Day!

Most people wouldn’t consider a dentist a “wedding vendor,” but according to Dr. Andrew T. Frank of Albany Smiles Dentistry, perfecting your smile should be considered right alongside your photographer, venue, and caterer. “What better time to improve your smile than for your wedding day?”

Dr. Frank asks. “We’ve helped many couples as well as family members of brides and grooms have confident and radiant smiles on their special day. Beautiful smiles to help create beautiful memories.”

As one of the Capital Region’s top cosmetic and general dentists, Dr. Frank’s pre-wedding work ranges from small

Dr. Andrew T. Frank is ready to help you transform your smile in time for you to say “I Do.” 1816 Western Avenue, Albany |

enhancements such as whitening to full smile makeovers including veneers, clear braces, crowns, bonding, and/ or gum contouring. Thanks to cuttingedge technologies employed by Albany Smiles, smile transformations that wouldn’t have been possible just 10 years ago are commonplace today. Call Albany Smiles, or book a consultation online; Dr. Frank won’t stop until both he and the patient are happy and smiling.

“You find the perfect dress, perfect photographer, and perfect venue,” he says. “Why not have the perfect smile and feel your best on your big day? Improving your smile is an investment that is enjoyed well after your wedding day!”

Off the Beaten Path

For many couples in search of the perfect wedding venue, the Saratoga Winery seems too good be true. “The No. 1 question we get asked when couples first come to tour the space is ‘Do we really get the entire venue? What’s the catch?’” says owner Annie Brill. “The answer is: There is no catch! Our couples have full access to the entire Winery property, inside and out, and they can use the space however they envision.”

That property includes the intimate barrel room, the rustic wine barn, a covered deck and patios, and an expansive backyard which can be utilized à la carte for smaller weddings or altogether for events with 200-plus guests.

And while the venue itself is enough to make you want to say “I do,” it’s the quality of service that really makes a wedding at the Winery shine.

“Our couples always talk about the ease of planning with us before the wedding day, and how seamless and stress-free the actual day is,” Brill says. “It’s always fun to take a couple’s vision

and make it a reality. Oh, and at every single wedding we serve, we always get rave reviews about our food from both the couple and their guests!”

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Glow Up for “I Do” with Lucie Capek, MD

The Latham practice was voted best Medical Specialist & MedSpa in the Capital Region.

Every bride wants to feel radiant on her wedding day—and every groom deserves to look and feel his best, too. The team at Lucie Capek, MD Plastic Surgery & MedSpa understands how important it is to feel confident in your skin, especially when all eyes—and cameras—are on you. Whether you’re preparing for your walk down the aisle or celebrating as a parent or guest, the experienced team is ready to help you look naturally refreshed and feel your absolute best.

Dr. Lucie Capek has been serving patients in New York’s Capital Region since 1996, earning a reputation as one of the area’s most trusted and skilled plastic surgeons. In a field historically dominated by men, Dr. Capek stands out as one of the few female plastic surgeons in the region—known for her artistic eye, refined technique, and deeply personalized approach to patient care. Her surgical expertise includes cosmetic procedures of the face, breast, and body, with particular recognition for her transformative facelifts, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, Mommy Makeover procedures, natural breast augmentation, and fat transfer techniques.

Procedures are performed in her state-of-the-art, Quad A-accredited surgical suite—Capek Surgical Arts (CSA)—where

patients receive exceptional care in a private, comfortable environment without the need for a hospital. This advanced facility prioritizes safety, and allows for a higher degree of discretion and personalized care. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, you’re in expert, compassionate hands.

If you’re preparing for a special occasion but aren’t considering surgery, Capek MedSpa offers a full spectrum of non-invasive aesthetic solutions to help you achieve a radiant glow. Voted Best MedSpa in the Capital Region, Dr. Capek’s practice offers advanced treatments such as Botox®, dermal fillers, facials, lasers, microneedling, and more. Every treatment is performed by highly trained aesthetic professionals who were personally mentored by Dr. Capek. What truly distinguishes the MedSpa is physician oversight. It is among the few facilities in the area with a board-certified plastic surgeon overseeing all treatments to ensure optimal safety and results.

Whether you’re the bride, the groom, a proud parent, or a special guest, Dr. Capek and her award-winning team are dedicated to helping you look beautiful, feel confident, and be camera-ready. It’s no surprise that Dr. Capek was voted Best Medical Specialist in the Capital Region— many couples trust her practice to help them shine on one of life’s most unforgettable days.

Mazzone Hospitality: The Capital Region’s Caterer

After more than 40 years of providing the 518 with unforgettable dining experiences, Mazzone is still raising the bar.

There’s a reason so many wedding venues choose to work exclusively with Mazzone Hospitality, which has been the Capital Region’s leader in catering and hospitality services for more than 40 years.

“Our reputation for excellence, professionalism, and personalized service makes us a trusted partner,” says Justine Ochal, vice president of sales and client relations. “From start to finish, we take full ownership of the guest experience— allowing our venue partners to rest easy knowing everything is in expert hands.”

Mazzone currently provides catering services for venues all across the 518, from the Hall of Springs in Saratoga to The Wire Event Center in Coxsackie. The company’s newest exclusive partner? Albany’s historic Kenmore Ballroom, a grand yet intimate space dripping in romantic, “Bridgerton-esque” charm. While the caterer offers an extensive standard menu, clients of the Kenmore and other Mazzone-catered venues love the fact that practically everything is customizable.

But event catering is only the beginning of Mazzone’s services. The home-grown empire also offers event design services, including event styling and luxury rentals—everything from high-end linens and innovative lighting to curated décor to match any aesthetic. And there’s more.

“Besides the amazing weddings and personalized special events, Mazzone Hospitality offers so many more delicious experiences,” says Brian Molino, director of culinary. “Prime, our award-winning restaurant at Saratoga National Golf Club, showcases exceptional food for lunch and dinner, and when the weather cooperates the outdoor dining space is second to none. Our seasonal offerings at Fasig-Tipton and the 1863 Club at the Saratoga Racetrack are a couple of other unique ways to experience Mazzone Hospitality’s top-notch hospitality. To enjoy MH on a daily basis, thousands of local patrons don’t have to go far. Prime Dining is our corporate cafe solution providing creative fresh food in many of the premiere companies around the Capital Region.”

“Customization is where we truly shine,” says Ochal. “Whether it’s live cannoli stations on the dance floor, a custom-designed welcome display, or a re-creation of a family recipe, our culinary team can bring any vision to life. We work across various price points and accommodate weddings of all sizes.”

And while there are so many facets to what Mazzone does, there’s one guiding principle that’s kept the company relevant and revered all these years. “Exceeding expectations is at the core of everything we do,” says Ochal. “Our team is committed to maintaining the culture of care, detail, and excellence that Mazzone Hospitality was founded on.”

(FROM LEFT) In addition to catering, Mazzone offers design services including event styling and luxury rentals; the Kenmore Ballroom is Mazzone’s newest exclusive partner; outside the historic Kenmore Ballroom; (INSET) a sunset over Saratoga National Golf Club.

(Kenmore Ballroom, Kenmore door) HITLIN PHOTOGRAPHY); (Saratoga National) MOLLI HENDRICK

Inn Style

Historic charm meets modern amenities at The Inn at Saratoga.

In a city known for historic buildings that have been painstakingly preserved to maintain the charm of a bygone era, one structure stands out from the rest. The Inn at Saratoga has been hosting visitors to Saratoga for more than 180 years, making it the oldest continuously operating lodging house in town. But even with all that history, there’s still more in store for the Inn at Saratoga. Specifically, your wedding.

“The vibe of the Inn is really for a couple who’s not super traditional,” says GM Lauren Hayward of the Inn’s wedding offerings. “The ballroom has a very formal and historic feel to it, while the courtyard—which is a fully private, enclosed space—really feels like a garden party with walls of ivy and flowers and sparkling white lights.”

The Inn specializes in intimate weddings of 95 guests or fewer, as well as rehearsal dinners and showers. The lavish ballroom is the typical setting for weddings, though from May through October, the tented courtyard can host up to 107 people. “For most larger weddings, couples use a combination

of both of those spaces,” Hayward says. “For example, they may have the ceremony outside in the courtyard, with their cocktail hour under the tent, dinner inside the ballroom, and then dancing and late-night food outside again.”

When you book your wedding at The Inn at Saratoga, you’re getting more than a venue. The Inn provides catering for all events, and works with area cake shops Bread Basket and J&S Watkins to help couples pick out their dream cake. Catering options include plated dinners, buffet dinners, vegetarian and vegan options, and even the aforementioned late-night station (think: grilled cheeses, ice cream sundaes, or a slider bar). The Inn at Saratoga team also serves as day-of support staff for the couple. “Our sales manager takes care of everything on our end,” Hayward says. “We have very few couples who feel the need for a day-of coordinator outside of our staff.”

And the best part? The Inn at Saratoga is staffed by locals who care deeply about making your big day the best it can be.

“We genuinely love hosting weddings,” Hayward says. “We love having those special moments and memories as part of the Inn’s continuing history.”

At

Sister Act

Zappia & Fryer General Dentistry, sisters Kendra Zappia and Morgan Fryer treat their employees—and patients—like family.

It’s not every day you find a dental office that genuinely cares about your wellbeing. It’s also not every day that you encounter a local business run by family members. Zappia & Fryer General Dentistry—run by sisters Kendra Zappia and Morgan Fryer—encompasses both, with a highly qualified team dedicated to making patients feel listened to and understood.

Though the Mechanicville natives had similar educational paths (they both attended Siena College, then went on to receive their D.D.S. degrees from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine), the sisters didn’t join professional forces until 2016, when Fryer transformed Zappia’s practice—established in 2009— to Zappia & Fryer.

What’s it like working with your sister? Both fun and rewarding, according to Fryer. “We know what the other is thinking, and have similar treatment philosophies—but can also still learn from one another,” she says.

They certainly don’t do it alone, though: It’s the office’s 11 team members who make the practice what it is today. “They truly care about our patients and each other, and they always have positive attitudes,” says Zappia. “Any given day in our office, you’ll hear them laughing and see them hugging patients and creating relationships.”

This is what sets Zappia & Fryer General Dentistry apart from other practices in the area—beyond providing top-tier dental services (including cosmetic and restorative services perfect for

couples looking to get their smiles wedding day–ready), its team members see their patients as people, not just appointments. “Our team is constantly giving advice, sharing book recommendations, fixing zippers, watching kids and pets in the office, and more—all with smiles on their faces,” Fryer says.

Why is the team so inclined to go above and beyond for its patients? The secret might just be in the team culture. “We love doing team lunches to celebrate birthdays, engagements, births, and other milestones,” Zappia says. “On top of that, every fall we take a team trip to the city, and in the winter we all have a spa day. We’ve also done vision board sessions to help us support each other not just professionally but personally, too.”

It’s only natural, then, that this mutual sense of respect, appreciation, and fulfillment carries over into each team member’s relationships with their patients—which is exactly what Zappia intended from the start.

“I’ve worked for other dentists before, and I didn’t like that I couldn’t treat the patient or team the way I thought they deserved to be treated,” says Zappia. “That motivated me to create a dental experience and environment that’s different than the rest, and that makes both patients and team members feel heard, valued, and respected.”

Stop dreading the dentist, because a better, more compassionate experience exists—and it starts with Zappia & Fryer General Dentistry.

518.869.1138 | zappiafryer.com | info@zappiafryer.com

Say ‘Yes’ to the Dress

The family-run Danielle’s Bridal, located just outside of beautiful Saratoga Springs, has been helping brides find that perfect dress for more than 30 years.

“Your experience trying on dresses and finding your dream dress is what we feel is most important,” says Danielle’s owner Tracie Daus. “Being able to take as much time as you need to find your dream gown alongside your family and loved ones is a memory you will have forever. The fact that we are able to play a small part in that is such an honor.”

In addition to a broad range of wedding gowns, including a variety of styles from different designers and the newest dresses for every season, Danielle’s carries tuxes, bridesmaid gowns, and mother-of-the-bride dresses. An onsite seamstress is also available

to help you through the customization and finalization process.

“We hope to help as many brides as we can find their dream wedding gown for their perfect day,” Daus says. Danielle’s is open Tuesday-Sunday; book an appointment to ensure you receive dedicated time and the best experience possible.

CENTER ICE First-year forward Troy Pelton, who’s from Clifton Park, and senior forward Carter Korpi, who’s from Michigan, inside the new M&T Bank Center; (opposite) the exterior of the

cover story

MILESTONE ON THE MOHAWK

SCHENECTADY’S BRAND-NEW M&T BANK CENTER IS NOW OPEN— AND IT’S POISED TO USHER IN A NEW ERA OF UNION COLLEGE ICE HOCKEY.

BY TERESA GENARO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN MUMFORD

arena, which is located at Schenectady’s Mohawk Harbor.

hen Union College President Elizabeth Kiss called the new M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor a “game changer” at the venue’s ribbon cutting this past August, she was speaking metaphorically. Yes, the location of the College’s men’s and women’s home ice hockey games will literally be changing, but what Kiss was referring to is the transformational effect the state-of-the-art arena will have not only on Union athletics, but the city of Schenectady as a whole.

An idea that’s been five years in the making, the M&T Bank Center is the most recent project in development titan The Galesi Group’s ongoing effort to revitalize Schenectady’s Mohawk Harbor. The Galesi Group acquired the site, the former home of the American Locomotive Company, in 2010, and eight years later received $12 million in tax credits for cleaning it up as part of New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program. Today the Harbor is an exemplar of public-private partnerships that’s home to a 60-acre masterplanned community complete with hundreds of apartments, condos, and townhouses; two hotels; 100,000 square feet of harborside retail and dining space; an outdoor amphitheater for live music; 50 dock slips for daily or seasonal rental; and Rivers Casino, one of New York State’s first licensed casinos. Oh, and now the M&T Bank Center, an arena whose identity has been intertwined with Union College hockey since its conception.

For 50 years, Union’s ice hockey teams have been playing at the Union Street campus’ Messa

Rink. Originally named Achilles Rink in honor of benefactor Rev. H. Laurence Achilles, Sr., it was renovated and renamed in 2003 for alumnus

Frank L. Messa, who donated $1.5 million to the project. The Messa Rink did the trick—it was Union’s home ice when the men’s team made history by winning the Division I NCAA National Championship in 2014. But by the early 2020s it had become a relic of a bygone era, marked by endearing yet woefully uncomfortable wooden bleachers for fans.

Before the pandemic, David Buicko, president and CEO of The Galesi Group, began talking locations for a new rink with Union Athletic Director Jim McLaughlin and then-President David Harris. “We had the choice of redoing Messa or building a new facility,” Buicko says.

“We worked with the city of Schenectady, the state, the county, and Union, and we came up with this plan. The needs of the hockey teams were part of our planning process.”

For women’s team senior Stephanie Bourque, who’s been playing at Messa for three years, the move to Mohawk Harbor is exciting, but bittersweet.

“It’s a little bit sad because I loved playing at Messa,” says the New Brunswick, Canada native. “I’d never seen a rink like it, with its circle roof, and I fell in love with it when I saw it. It’s also a really loud rink, so we could always hear the fans.”

At the same time, Bourque recognizes the opportunities the new arena will give her team in terms of recruitment, even if she won’t be there to reap the rewards. “It’s going to be a huge selling point for our program,” she says.

“It’s going to help us grow both the men’s and women’s programs.”

Though the men’s team has played at the top level of college hockey since 1991 and the women’s team has been Division I since 2003,

it wasn’t until 2022 that the College was able to offer athletic scholarships. Those affiliated with the hockey programs hope that the combination of scholarships and the new rink will boost recruitment and potentially lead to another national championship.

“It’s really, really exciting,” says men’s team Head Coach Josh Hauge, who will be behind the bench for his fourth season this year. “It’s game changing. It’s program changing.”

There’s that phrase again.

Hauge came to Union after seven seasons coaching at Clarkson University. Both institutions play in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), so he’s spent more than a decade coaching at Messa, for either the home or the visiting team.

“We came here for one game when I was at Clarkson,” he says. “My wife was pregnant, and we went as a family. The bleachers were a little bit uncomfortable, there weren’t enough bathrooms, and the concessions were limited. This new building solves it for the fan experience.”

The concessions at M&T Bank Center will be run by the Mallozzi Family, which also provides food service at Rivers Casino and owns Villa Italia and Johnny’s, both in Schenectady. The new arena will also include luxury suites and a dedicated student section in front of which opposing goalies will play for two periods each game.

Though the facility will be used for more than just hockey games, the Union stamp

is ubiquitous and deliberate. The design scheme prominently includes the College’s garnet and white colors, and Union’s championship pennants are already hanging from the rafters. In the locker rooms, the team logo dominates the carpeting, the benches, and the storage units.

“We’re going to be adding additional graphics to the locker rooms,” says women’s coach Tony Maci, who’s returning for his second year at Union. He too came to Schenectady after coaching at Clarkson.

“There will also be a trophy display in the public area.”

While students and other fans will welcome the front-facing improvements, the players are most looking forward to the behind-the-scenes amenities.

“It feels professional,” says men’s team forward Parker Lindauer, a senior from Madison, WI. “We’ve got our own weight room that we won’t need to share with other teams. We’ve got cold tubs and hot tubs. It’s going to be really beneficial to us as players.”

Maci concurs. “The facility has everything we need,” he says. “We’ve got lots of amenities we didn’t have at Messa. There are kitchens in the players’ lounges and TVs everywhere so we can hit the video side of things. There are also study areas so that players can do their academics there.”

Though the women’s team had a losing record last year, second-year forward Jill Willis is bullish on the upcoming season.

“We’re building off what we did last year,” says Willis, who’s from South Glens Falls. “The scholarships and the new rink are putting us in the right direction, and I’m excited for the freshmen to come in and have the same mindset.”

The new rink is something of a blank slate. It’s still full of new-car smell, and at this point still a little antiseptic—something that both teams know will change as soon as they can get in there to make the space their own.

“We’ve started talking about things like posting our values and the pillars of our Union team in the locker room,” says senior defenseman Nick Young.

“We want to build on the traditions that brought Union a national championship,” adds Lindauer. “And at the same time, we want to create our own traditions—maybe some sort of celebration with the fans that we didn’t have before.”

SOPH LAUNCH (clockwise, from top left) Sophomore goaltender Cameron Korpi is a transfer from the University of Michigan; sophomore forward Jill Willis laces up her skates in the new women’s locker room; Korpi will join his brother, Cameron, on the Union team; Korpi and Willis, who’s from South Glens Falls.

The regular season for Union’s hockey teams runs from September through February, with league championships taking place in March. The women’s team takes the ice for the first time on September 26 at 6pm against Franklin Pierce, and the men will take on West Point on October 5 at 5pm. But the players won’t be the first ones to break in the new arena; at press time, country star Lee Brice was scheduled to perform at the Center on September 6. Brice’s opening act—the actual first person to perform at M&T Bank Center ever—will be David J, a graduate of Schalmont High School.

Going forward, the venue will continue to host concerts and conventions, and the ice surface will also be open to youth hockey teams, adult leagues, and public skating.

“This is meant to be a community facility,” says Buicko. “I’d like to work with city kids in Schenectady, so that they have access, too.”

The players share that perspective.

“I’m super excited,” says Young, who’s from Raleigh, NC. “This will help bridge the city and us, giving us the opportunity to work on more projects. I’m really excited to make a difference on and off the ice.”

The arena will seat 2,200 people for hockey games and 3,600 for other events; unlike Messa Rink, it will also sell alcohol, and it has a parking lot, which could encourage tailgating before games.

Buicko has stated proudly that the $55 million project came in on time and on budget, two achievements for which elected officials repeatedly praised him at the August 14 ribbon cutting. But while those business markers are one measure of success, the same officials are hoping that the arena at Mohawk Harbor will also provide intangibles, both for the team and for the city.

“Hopefully,” Governor Hochul said at the ribbon cutting, “we’ll be sending off Olympic and professional athletes right from this very location.”

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, who represents the city of Schenectady, was also in attendance. “It’s the next chapter in Schenectady’s comeback story,” he said of the project. “This event center is where dreams will be chased, history will be made, and our community is going to come together in ways we have only imagined.”

Women’s player Willis puts it more succinctly.

“It’s like all those other million-dollar arenas,” she says. “I can’t believe it’s ours.”

October 7

Project Griddle: The Versatile Art of Grilling on a Flattop

November 15

Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria

December 4

Potluck Desserts: Joyful Recipes to Share with Pride

Ozoz Sokoh

Justin Burke

Steven Raichlen

trend FIELD NOTES

More than 150 years after the invention of football, girls are donning cleats for varsity flag football games across the country. The Capital Region is no exception.

BY SARA FOSS

Until two years ago, Jaya Stewart had never played a school sport. Now she’s a championshipwinning athlete.

The Albany High senior is a member of the school’s varsity girls’ flag football team, which won the Section II Class A championship last spring against Shenendehowa High School. Like most members of the squad, Stewart was new to the game, though she had played football recreationally with her brother.

“I just wanted to try something new,” says Stewart, who’s a running back on offense and a safety and corner on defense. “I love the people I met. It just makes me want to play even more. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Flag football—a variation of regular football where, instead of tackling, players remove a flag from the ball carrier to end a down—is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Participation has surged in the Capital Region, where it’s a new varsity sport for girls, and opportunities to play for local leagues and youth organizations are on the rise. In the spring of 2026, Russell Sage College will launch the first intercollegiate women’s flag football team in the area.

In 2024, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA)

began recognizing flag football as a girls’ high school state championship sport. There are now more than 230 high school girls’ flag teams statewide.

“We haven’t been doing girls’ flag football for very long, and just to see the growth in popularity has been amazing,” says Robert Zayas, executive director of the NYSPHSAA. “It’s been phenomenal to see how many kids are participating.”

At Albany High, 80 girls tried out; 30 made the team. “Every young lady I walked past in the hall was interested,” recalls head coach Decky Lawson. “Once people realized we were going to play flag football here, the news spread like wildfire. Everybody wanted their shot to show their athletic skills.”

Football has long been America’s most popular sport, so perhaps it’s not surprising girls want in on the action. The appeal is simple: Flag football is a lot of fun. “Maybe girls always wanted to play, but the tackle side was intimidating,” says Albany Assistant Coach Rachel Swann. “Once that was removed, they were like ‘OK, it’s my time.’”

Jon Coons, head coach for the flag football team at Saratoga Springs High School, notes that prior to flag becoming a varsity sport, there were only three spring sports for high school girls: lacrosse, softball, and track and field. “There was a demand for another spring sport,” he says.

Coons is also a coach for the Saratoga boys’ football team, which plays in the fall. He decided to coach flag when his daughters said they wanted to play. “It’s awesome that girls can share the sport of football with their brothers or their dad,” he says.

Flag football has gotten a big boost from the National Football League through its NFL FLAG program, the largest youth flag football program in the US. NFL teams cover start-up costs for schools to establish teams, allowing them to purchase equipment and uniforms. The New York Giants provided a $30,000 grant to support Section II teams; in other parts of the state, the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills have stepped up.

This past spring, there were 16 flag football teams competing across Section II, which covers the Capital Region—up from 12 teams in 2024.

Although girls are driving the explosion in flag football at the high school and college

levels, there are opportunities for boys to play through clubs and other organizations, too. In the past decade, concerns about the long-term health repercussions of head injuries and concussions have prompted

some families to embrace flag as a safer alternative to tackle.

Advocates for flag football predict it will keep growing, as more teams come online and more clubs and rec leagues are formed. “This is something we really want other schools to adopt and potentially implement,” Zayas says, “because we do see that it’s having a positive impact on student athletes.”

FLAG’S DAY (from top) Saratoga’s Keegan Reinhart runs the ball; Albany players Jaya Stewart and Evangeline Blake; (opposite, from top) Blake runs for a touchdown; Saratoga’s Elana Temple jukes out a defender; Albany High School’s 30-player squad.

star power DOUBLE TROUBLE

CAPITAL REGION NATIVES CLAIRE HUTTON AND ANA GOLD MADE IT TO THE PROS AT A TIME WHEN MORE EYES ARE ON WOMEN’S SPORTS THAN EVER BEFORE. AND THEY’RE ALREADY MAKING WAVES.

BY KATHLEEN

WILLCOX

In April 2024, history was made when, for the first time ever, the NCAA women’s basketball championship game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes drew more viewers than the following night’s men’s championship game. The occurrence was credited to what media outlets called the “Caitlin Clark Effect”—millions of viewers tuned in to see if generational talent Caitlin Clark, who’d recently blown up on social media, could win her team its first NCAA title.

While the hype surrounding Clark was certainly warranted—despite not winning the championship game, she was picked first in the WNBA draft a week later—her rise to stardom came precisely at a time when women’s sports needed a hero. A national conversation that started in 2016 with the US National Women’s Soccer Team filing a complaint about pay inequalities with the US Men’s National Team had bubbled over in 2021, when videos showing disparities in the training facilities provided for the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments went viral on social media. In both cases, the excuse was made that men’s sports attracted more viewers than women’s sports did, and therefore more revenue. Following the 2024 NCAA tournament, that argument didn’t fly anymore.

Today, the US women’s soccer team players earn as much as their male counterparts, bars dedicated to showing women’s sports have been popping up across the country, and the number of sponsorship deals for female athletes has been growing at a rate that far outpaces the relative growth of male athlete sponsorships. But there’s still much work to be done. Caitlin Clark’s first-year salary with the WNBA was around $70,000. The first-year salary for Zaccharie Risacher, the NBA’s 2024 No. 1 draft pick, was $12.6 million.

Poised at the top of their respective games in an era when women’s sports are getting more attention than ever are Claire Hutton and Ana Gold, two young Capital Regionites who are proving that you don’t need to have XY chromosomes to get paid to play sports.

Hutton, who was once a standout soccer star at Bethlehem High School, is now 19 and in her second season with the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City

Current. In her rookie season, the midfielder started in 19 of her team’s 20 matches and was a finalist for the 2024 NWSL’s Rookie of the Year award.

Unlike Hutton, Ana Gold, a 2021 Ballston Spa High School grad who made a name for herself on the softball field, played four years of college ball at Duke before finding her way to the pros. This year, the infielder joined the Blaze, one of four founding teams in the fledgling Athletes Unlimited Softball League, which was formed as a new way for the

GOLD STANDARD “My advice to young athletes is to work harder,” says Ana Gold, whose AUSL Rookie of the Year card is above. “Always work harder, because someone else is working just as hard”; (opposite) “My heroes are my parents,” says Claire Hutton, seen here playing for the Kansas City Current. “I give them all the credit for who I am as a person and a player, and could never thank them enough for the endless support and love they give to me and my brothers.”

world’s best players to compete professionally. In her first season with the Blaze, Gold was named Rookie of the Year.

When asked what initially sparked their interest in their respective sports, both Gold and Hutton credit an older brother.

“My whole family played baseball,” says Gold. “It was just part of our everyday lives. I started when I was around 5, and when I was 10, I switched to softball. I watched my brother, who was my hero, get recruited to play at Boston College, and I decided I wanted to follow the same path. When I was recruited to Duke University in the beginning of my junior year of high school, it felt like the culmination of years of hard work. But hard work I loved.”

At Duke, Gold played in 232 games and posted a .306 career batting average. She was a three-time All-ACC and two-time NFCA AllRegion selection, and garnered both All-ACC Academic Team and ACC Honor Roll recognition. In 2024, she became the first Duke player in history to hit two grand slams in a single game, and that season led her team to the Women’s College World Series for the first time ever.

Going pro was a dream, but Gold knew it was a longshot in a sport like softball.

“The pro world was so small, it was hard to tell if it was even a possibility,” she says. But when the AUSL began drafting college players to participate in its inaugural season, Gold

landed a coveted golden ticket signifying her selection to the league.

“Being a pro softball player feels like a dream come true,” she says. “And it never would have happened without my family, teammates, and my coaches from start to finish.”

Hutton, too, fell for soccer because of her brother, who’s 18 months older than her.

“I was 4 years old at the time, but being a younger sister, I always wanted to do what my older brother did,” Hutton says. “I begged my parents to get me a pair of cleats and add me to the team.”

Hutton was too young to join her brother’s team, but her parents found another one nearby. “From that moment, my love for the game sparked and I have never looked back,” she says.

At the age of 10, Hutton met Betsy Drambour, a local soccer legend who played for the US Women’s National Team in the 1980s. Since then, the pair have remained close—so close, that Hutton has her on speed dial.

“Betsy is one of—if not the—most selfless people you will ever meet,” Hutton says. “She is the ultimate soccer guru and has helped me dream bigger and see possibilities larger and wider than I could have even imagined.”

In 2018, Hutton made her varsity debut as a seventh grader; by the time she was a junior, she’d started competing on Bethlehem’s boy’s team. She graduated a year early and joined the Kansas City Current as a 17-year-old. Since then, she’s been called up to play with the US Women’s National Team on several occasions, including for a July 2025 match against Canada in which she scored her first international goal.

“Scoring my first international goal was the ultimate ‘pinch-me’ moment,” she says. “The best part of it all was that my family and Betsy were there. Having that moment to share with them was nothing short of extraordinary.”

Though they may not be household names with the power to uproot long-standing athletics industry norms like Caitlin Clark (yet!), Hutton and Gold are contributing to the long-overdue rise of women’s sports purely by dedicating their young lives to the pursuit of athletic excellence. But the fact that the tide is changing right as they reach the pinnacle of their careers hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“It is about damn time,” Hutton says of the rising support for women’s sports. “The recognition for female athletes is now starting to be put at the forefront and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this generation.”

CURRENT EVENTS (from top) Claire Hutton was one of three Kansas City Current players called up to play for the US Women’s National Team this past summer; Ana Gold played for Duke University before joining the Blaze.

BEYOND BASEBALL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAKOTA GILBERT

Sure, the 518 is home to traditional American sports of all sorts: baseball, football…You name it. But there’s so much more to explore when you look beyond the basketball court. Turn the page to see how Capital Regionites of all stripes are channeling their athletic energy into the more niche sports of table tennis, roller derby, and cricket.

TABLE TENNIS

ALBANY

In Asia, table tennis is a serious sport, with youth programs, professional leagues, and tables available in public parks and community centers. China has named table tennis the country’s national sport, and a Chinese table tennis player has won gold in every Olympics since the sport’s Olympic debut in 1988.

The US, on the other hand, has never even medaled in table tennis at the Olympic Games. And it makes sense why: There aren’t many opportunities to play in the US. Michael Krajeski wants to change that.

“I started out at Hudson Valley Community College, and I joined the ping pong club,” says Krajeski, who grew up playing football and running track. “It was so welcoming, and from a social aspect, it felt so inviting. I wanted to pass that along, so after I graduated, I was like, ‘Where are there places in the community to play?’”

When his search came up fruitless, Krajeski took matters into his own hands. In 2022, he launched All+ Table Tennis with four tables and a dream. All+ now operates with 12 tables out of Elks Lodge #49 off Albany’s Madison Avenue a few nights a week, offering open play, leagues, lessons, and tournaments for players of all abilities. (Intimidated? He’ll help match you up with an opponent of similar ability.) You can sign up to be a member for $55 a month and receive unlimited open play access, prepay for 12 discounted days, or pay $10 per visit.

All+ has already partnered with local colleges to provide student discounts and with organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation to make their tables available to a wider audience. Krajeski says his next frontier is connecting with public schools, possibly on summer camps, and, most importantly, finding a dedicated, full-time space for All+.

“Everybody tells me, ‘Oh, I used to play back in the day; I had a table in my basement,’” Krajeski says. “We love to see people’s eyes light up when they get back into it. Or even when they learn it for the first time, and they find out they love it. They’re part of the community from that point on.”

—NATALIE MOORE

ALL-NIGHTER “We’re open for five hours a night,” All+ founder Michael Krajeski says. “And believe it or not, some people play for four or five hours.”

DERBY DAYS Watch the AASRD team in action at their next bouts on October 11 and November 15 at the Washington Avenue Armory.

ROLLER DERBY

ALBANY

hen people think of roller derby, they often think of performances in which elbows are thrown and skaters are slammed over the rails. Sure, it’s a full-contact sport— but Lindsay Boris, skater and Public Relations Committee Chairperson for Albany All Stars Roller Derby (AASRD), wants you to know it’s so much more than that.

Boris discovered AASRD in 2014 after meeting a skater in a kickboxing class who invited her to a bout. “It was love at first sight,” she says. “To find a full-contact women’s sport I could play was amazing—growing up, there was never that opportunity for me.”

She tried out, made the team, and began AASRD’s 90-day new skater program—despite having undergone leg surgery just months earlier. “I watched my friends get rostered, but I wasn’t there yet,” she recalls. “I just would not give up.” Her perseverance inspired her derby name, Di Tryin’.

Beyond having creative names, skaters are encouraged to express themselves through different accessories, hairstyles, and makeup. It’s part of what makes attending and participating in bouts so fun— along with raffles, vendors, crowd games, snacks, drinks, and a DJ.

A core tenet of AASRD, which is a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, is community service: Raffle prizes benefit local charities, skaters volunteer together at animal shelters and food banks, and the team co-hosts Albany’s Santa Speedo Sprint every year, donating funds raised to the Albany Damien Center. Because of AASRD’s community spirit and inclusive nature, Boris recommends the team to anyone looking to find their people. “When people first hear about roller derby, they think they could never do it, or that it’s too hard or tough,” she says. “Yes, there’s definitely a skill to it, and you have to put in the work to learn it, but it’s not a scary space to be in. We’re a really lovely, wonderful, welcoming group of people.”

Not your thing? That’s fine, too. Become a nonskating official, help set up for bouts, or, as Boris says, “Just come and watch us. We’d love to have you.”

—CIERRA ORLYK

CRICKET

SCHENECTADY

hen it comes to watching sports in the Capital Region, the first thing that comes to mind might be attending a football game at MVP Arena or baseball game at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. If it were up to Michael Hinrichs and Ashok Adikoppula of the Capital District Cricket Association (CDCA), attending a cricket match would take its rightful place on that same list.

Massively popular in India, Europe, and throughout the Commonwealth countries, cricket, a distant cousin of baseball that’s played with a flat bat and two wickets instead of four bases, is the world’s second most popular sport with an estimated 2.5 billion fans. And yet here in upstate New York, most people don’t even know the rules. Fueled by grassroots organizing and a sheer love for the game, the folks behind the CDCA have been dedicated to promoting cricket in our region since 2015.

“There are hundreds of teams in New York City,” says Adikoppula, “But as you step out a couple of hours, you’re barely able to find a single team. We thought there was a huge potential here.”

That hunch proved to be correct. What started as cricketers meeting for games in public parks across Albany turned, over time, into a thriving community of players that eventually drew attention on a national level.

Now, our region is home to the NY Ovals cricket facility—a 1,260-seat venue that made history as the first natural turf cricket facility in the northeast region of the United States.

Located at 4281 Amsterdam Road in Schenectady, the NY Ovals hosts the Women’s and Men’s National Teams as well as youth and adult leagues. With education at the heart of the CDCA’s mission, both the organization and the facility serve as a welcome point for anyone in the area who’s curious about the game.

“There will be a lot of parents, coaches, and volunteers who will be more than willing to explain the game to somebody who hasn’t grown up playing,” says Adikoppula. His invitation to the community? “Just come and enjoy the sport.”

—NATALLI AMATO

TICKET TO CRICKET This past summer, Schenectady’s NY Ovals cricket facility played host to the USA Women’s U19 Nationals.

CALLING THE SHOTS

a

Go Bills!

It’s

football season, and there’s only one place you want to be: Buffalo. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend in the City of Good Neighbors.

BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX

Buffalo, NY is well worth a trip any time of year— the second-largest city in New York boasts a sprawling waterfront, charming architecture, and an impressive art scene. Not to mention, it’s the birthplace of the world-famous Buffalo wing.

But let’s get real, people: If you’re planning a trip to Buffalo, you might as well time it around one of the Buffalo Bills home games. Whether you’re a born-and-raised on the road

Quarterback Josh Allen directs

play for the Buffalo Bills; (inset) an embroidered pin from Stitch Buffalo.

member of the Bills Mafia, are harboring a not-so-secret crush on QB Josh Allen, or have always dreamed of smashing a folding table with your body, football season is the time to go, as long as you’re willing to weather the cold. Here’s how to spend a long weekend in the home of some of the NFL’s most dedicated fans.

STAY

After your long drive out (does anyone actually enjoy traveling on I-90?) you’re going to want to land somewhere welcoming and fun. Stay where Bills fans from all corners of the country stay: The Buffalo Airport Hotel, which is the official hotel of the Bills Backers of Buffalo. Obviously, there’s an onsite sports bar, and transportation to and from home games is available.

For a more polished experience in a landmark building in the heart of downtown, consider Curtiss Hotel, with its luxuriously appointed rooms, casual upscale restaurant, rooftop bar, and urban hotsprings, an oversized, mineral-infused hot tub heated to 102 degrees year-round.

EAT

When in Buffalo, Buffalo wings are a must, and you might as well get them from the place where they were invented. In 1964, while Dominic Bellissimo was bartending at Anchor Bar, he asked his mother, Teressa, to whip up a snack for his friends, and the rest is history.

Another classic comfort food that hails from this city is Beef on Weck: carved roast beef on a salted hard roll studded with caraway seeds. Schwabl’s, a historic restaurant dating back to 1837, and Charlie the Butcher, run by Buffalo’s “first family of meat,” offer particularly toothsome versions.

And then there’s Buffalo-style pizza, a lesser-known hybrid of New York City’s iconic foldable slices and Chicago’s deepdish delicacy that also gets the thumbs-up from pizza aficionados. Go straight to Bob and John’s La Hacienda for what’s widely regarded as the best version in town.

EXPLORE

Looking for a fun way to spend Game Day Eve? Head over to Buffalo RiverWorks, a 60,000-square-foot industrial-style complex offering everything from a high ropes course to a brewery in an abandoned grain elevator.

Also worth a visit is Stitch Buffalo, a textile center and shopping experience dedicated to empowering refugee and immigrant women through the sale of their handmade wares. One such product? The Flinstones-inspired fur hats worn by Water Buffalo Club 716 (look it up).

If you’re heading to Orchard Park for the big game, make a pitstop at Chestnut Ridge Park, home to the famous “Eternal Flame,” a naturally occurring flame fueled by a natural gas leak behind a waterfall.

And if you’re in Buffalo for football and football only, be one of the last fans to explore the current Highmark Stadium before the new stadium opens for the 202627 season with a three-mile tour through the stadium’s private spaces, press box, and the field itself.

WATCH

Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for. Get hyped for the home team at one of Buffalo’s legendary tailgates. If you don’t know where to go, consider getting tickets to the Buffalo Red Zone Tailgate by Gameday Hospitality, which offers allinclusive food, drinks, live entertainment, games, and more, without the hassle.

Don’t have tickets or prefer to watch the action from the warmth of a packed pub?

Head to BriarBrothers Brewing Company, which serves $5 pints during all Bills games, or Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill for its “starting lineup” of apps like Pretzel Stix, stuffed banana peppers, and fried ravioli.

But chances are, if you went all the way to Buffalo to see the Bills, you’re going to Highmark Stadium, come rain, shine, or blizzard. Just don’t forget your mittens.

Anchor Bar

Charlie the Butcher

Curtiss Hotel

The “Eternal Flame” at Chestnut Ridge Park

Buffalo RiverWorks

Highmark Stadium

CAPITAL REGION LIVING

2025 Agent Spotlight

If you’re reading this magazine, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve got some stake in Capital Region real estate—you either own a home here or want to own a home here. And it makes sense: The 518 is one of the hottest housing markets in the state. But when it comes time to buy or sell a home, do you have someone in your corner who will guide you through the confusing process and make sure you get the best price? These local agents are standing at the ready to help make your home ownership dreams happen.

Cindy Quade

Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner

GRI RSPS CSP New Home Sales Expert

Signature ONE Realty Group

c 518.376.2965 | cmquade32@gmail.com

FUN FACT I rode Hunters and Jumpers growing up and at one time owned five horses. I originally wanted to be a veterinarian, but realized I only really wanted to pet the animals.

Marykay Greenfield

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

SRS, SRES, CIPS, GRI, ABR

Signature ONE Realty Group

c 518.598.6911 | marykgreenfield@gmail.com

FUN FACT I was fired from waitressing at a diner because my timing was off for serving. I then sat down and had them serve me lunch, paying with my tips!

Jennifer Matteo

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Signature ONE Realty Group

c 518.221.5926

signature1jenny@gmail.com

FUN FACT Having owned 29 businesses, I consider myself a serial entrepreneur. My goal is always to help people live their best lives.

Anna Bochenek DiRaddo

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

SRES® – Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

Relocation Certified | Hunt Real Estate

c 518.605.6456

anna.bochenekdiraddo@huntrealestate.com

FUN FACT I'm funny, and I speak Polish and French, and people enjoy being around me. I also donate 5 percent of my commission to your favorite charity.

Mary Canova

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Gabler Realty

c 518.929.9797

marycanova7@gmail.com

FUN FACT I am a mother of four grown children, all of whom are off the payroll! I love to shop and I am a Top 50 Realtor in the Capital Region.

Rebecca Cavalieri

Licensed Real Estate Agent, REmotion Team Leader

Gabler Realty

c 518.210.4916 | rebecca@gablerrealty.com

FUN FACT I am a Top 50 Realtor in the Capital Region and host of Selling the 518, which airs nationally on HGTV and the Travel Channel and locally on NBC and FOX.

Paula Rice

Associate Real Estate Broker

Gabler Realty

c 518.522.2825 | paularicesells@gmail.com

FUN FACT I have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. Most of my business comes from referrals. I love referrals and work hard for them. I’m a Top Producer year after year.

Michaela Norris

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Gabler Realty

c 518.944.3909

mnorris@gablerrealty.com

FUN FACT I grew up on a farm riding horses, and I love to garden with my husband and daughters.

Home Improvement

THESE SIX LOCAL COMPANIES ARE READY TO HELP YOU TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO A HOME THIS SUMMER.

Caribbean Pools and Spas

The Attanasio family, owners of Caribbean Pools and Spas, have been in the concrete and swimming pool game since the early 20th century, when Cosimo Attanasio learned the trade in Naples, Italy. He passed his expertise onto his descendants, who immigrated to the US and now operate a successful, Schenectady-based company specializing in in-ground and above-ground pools, renovations, and service. Whatever your vision, Caribbean Pools can make it a reality. 1223 Fort Hunter Road, Schenectady | caribbeanpoolsny.com | 518.356.4364

Cypress Pools & Spas

Escape to paradise in your own backyard with a pool by Cypress Pools & Spas. Having served the Capital Region for more than three decades, the Cypress Pools team realizes that investing in a swimming pool is a big decision, so aims to make the process as easy as possible. No matter your vision, Cypress pools can make your dream backyard a reality. Call today to get started.

115 Wade Road, Latham | cypresspoolsandspas.com | 518.783.5232

L. Browe Asphalt Services

L. Browe Asphalt Services has served thousands of residential and commercial customers in the greater Hudson Valley with installations that are built to last because of correct elevations and subtle detailing that ease the job into the land. The end product is a true, level, aesthetically pleasing job with artistic curves and superior function that completes and enhances the entire property setting. Request a free quote today. Rensselaer | broweasphalt.com | 518.479.1400

Redbud Development

Redbud Development is a landscape contracting company specializing in the custom design and quality installation of residential improvement and development projects. Using a creative and collaborative approach, Redbud helps clients imagine and build exterior environments—everything from in-ground pools to outdoor kitchens—that connect seamlessly with their interiors to reflect the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle. Call today to schedule your no-cost initial consultation.

2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton | redbuddevelopment.com | 518.691.0428

Schenectady Floor Covering

Having served the Capital Region for more than 50 years, Schenectady Floor Covering has built its business on its reputation for customer service and low prices backed by solid warranties. The company’s 9,000-square-foot showroom has all the top brands, plus all the latest styles, colors, and designs. Schenectady Floor Covering specializes not only in carpet, but also hardwood, ceramic tile, area rugs, laminate, and vinyl flooring.

1910 Maxon Road Ext., Schenectady | schenectadyfloorcovering.com | 518.372.5664

Wolberg Lighting Design & Electrical Supply

Are you looking to renovate this summer? Take your home to the next level with a lighting plan that integrates comfort, control, and energy. Talk to the lighting experts at Wolberg’s Albany or Saratoga showrooms for the best guidance in lighting terminology, types of lighting, and choosing the right LED bulbs. The helpful staff can show you how to use lighting to make your home safer, or help you create a dramatic design statement. Multiple Locations | wolberg.com | 800.342.4304

Game On!

BY GRACIELLA DORSEY

SEPTEMBER 12-14

USA BMX Northeast Gold Cup Finals

TRI CITY BMX

The USA BMX National Series is headed to the Electric City for what’s bound to be an electric display of speed and athleticism. Watch as some of the best racers in the country navigate a track known for its tight turns and long straights. usabmx.com

SEPTEMBER 18

RMHC Golf Tournament

SARATOGA LAKE GOLF CLUB

For a more laid-back sports experience, join Capital Region business and community leaders and sign up for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region’s golf tournament at the scenic Saratoga Lake Golf Club. Included in the price of a ticket: two flights of golf, cocktails, and dinner. rmhcofalbany.org

SEPTEMBER 19

Albany Ride for Missing Children

IMPACT ATHLETICS

Help raise awareness of missing and exploited children—and support child safety education initiatives—by taking part in the Albany Ride for Missing Children, a 100-mile cycling event that takes participants all over Saratoga County. Along the way, you’ll visit schools and pay respects to law enforcement and families of missing persons. albanyrfmc.org

your pick from our long list of services offered at Kiskis Tire. We offer complete replacement and repair services, including oil changes, brake repairs, NYS inspections, tires, electrical repairs, tune ups and more.

Our superior and professional customer service is supported by high recommendations and repeat business. Call us for personal service. We

FORE A CAUSE RMHC of the Capital Region will host a golf tournament at Saratoga Lake Golf Club on September 18.

SEPTEMBER 22

Head of the Hudson ALBANY ROWING CENTER

Now in its 36th year, the Head of the Hudson rowing event will bring together hundreds of high school, college, and club competitors from the Capital Region and beyond to race in 30 different events on the Hudson River. albanyrowingcenter.org

SEPTEMBER 27

Great Pumpkin Challenge

SARATOGA SPA STATE PARK

Whether you sign up for the 5K, 10K, or Kid’s Fun Run, you can’t go wrong with the Great Pumpkin Challenge, a run/walk/roll through the Spa State Park featuring costume and pumpkin-decorating contests that raises funds for Saratoga Bridges, an organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. saratogabridges.org

OCTOBER 4

UAlbany v Stonybrook Football

TOM & MARY CASEY STADIUM

The University at Albany’s Great Danes will compete against their rival, Stonybrook, in a can’t-miss home game. Players are expected to be on their A-game after a bye week. ualbanysports.com

OCTOBER 10

RPI Men’s Hockey Home Opener

HOUSTON FIELD HOUSE

Kick off college hockey season in the Capital Region at the matchup between RPI and Miami, going on at 7pm at Houston Field House. Can’t make the Friday night game? The teams match up again on Saturday at 6pm. General admission tickets are $18. rpiathletics.com

OCTOBER 11-12

Saratoga Fall Foliage Ride

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Experience autumn in Saratoga Springs by bike at this October’s 3rd annual Saratoga Foliage Ride—or should we say rides? Choose from six different routes of different lengths that will take you through fields and farmlands across the twoday event. Don’t miss the pre-ride meet-up at Whitman Brewing on Friday night! bikeatoga.org

OCTOBER 12

Mohawk Hudson River Marathon & Half Marathon

NISKAYUNA COMMUNITY CENTER

Enjoy the stunning views of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers during the peak fall season. The course’s slight elevation decline makes the half-marathon race perfect for first-timers. mohawkhudsonmarathon.com

OCTOBER 17-18

Union Women’s Hockey

Ice Breaker Tournament

M&T BANK CENTER

Check out the new M&T Bank Center, the new home of Union hockey, at the women’s team’s early-season home tournament. The Garnet Chargers will be joined by Wisconsin, Vermont, and Saint Anselm for what’s sure to be some top-notch competition. unionathletics.com

Welcome home to Wellness.

A 55+ Active, Adult Community

Come learn more about our SpinneyLife lifestyle and wellness program!

● Craftsman-style cottages

● 1 Floor Living

● Attached Garages

● Cable & Internet

● 24 Hour Maintenance

● Private Porches & Patios

● Washer & Dryer in Unit

● Trash Removal

● Pet Friendly

● Guest Cottages

New cottages coming soon!

Schedule a tour Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM 518.689 0162

The Spinney at Van Dyke in Delmar

NOVEMBER 1-2

Adirondack Sports Winter Expo

ALBANY CAPITAL CENTER

vandykeleasing@livewellgroup.com TheSpinneyatVanDyke.com Kitchen Hours

Welcoming sports-lovers of all kinds is Adirondack Sports’ winter expo, featuring 150 exhibitors, 10,000 attendees, and $10,000 in prizes. Learn about local winter sports programs, join a club, or do your Christmas shopping; alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more sports and activities will be represented! adksports.com

NOVEMBER 15

High School Cross Country Championship

QUEENSBURY HIGH SCHOOL

MONDAYFRIDAY

New York State’s most talented young runners will go head to head in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s cross country state championship taking place at Queensbury High School. Opening ceremonies kick off at 8:45am, with racing taking place throughout the morning and early afternoon. nysphsaa.com

NOVEMBER 29

Troy Turkey Trot

TROY

11:30am–2:30pm & 4:30pm–9:30pm SATURDAY 3:00pm–9:30pm Closed Sunday Bar Hours

MONDAYFRIDAY 11:30am–9:30pm SATURDAY 3:00pm–9:30pm Closed Sunday Location

269 OSBORNE ROAD, LOUDONVILLE 518-459-6364

Reservations highly recommended. draymonds.com

Save the date (luckily, it’s an easy one to remember!) for the historic Troy Turkey Trot, going on in downtown Troy on Thanksgiving morning. The 10K kicks off at 8am, followed by the Grade School Mile at 9:30am and the popular 5K at 10am. troyturkeytrot.com

Classic Shed and Patio is a local, family-run business specializing

Adirondack furniture, rose arbors, porch swings and more.

Classic Sheds

Signs of the Times

BY CHANTAL MARIE ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT RISKO

& Scorpio!

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 22

You’re being asked to return to yourself, Libra. The busy pace of life is slowing just enough for you to hear the whispers of your own inner wisdom. You may feel the urge to retreat, simplify, and be more intentional with your energy. Let that be OK. It’s a time for healing, for recalibrating your body and spirit, and for releasing patterns that no longer honor your wellbeing. Not everything needs to be fixed; some things just need space to breathe. Focus on the peace within and let that be your guide.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 23–NOVEMBER 21

You’re coming into alignment with what truly lights you up, Scorpio. Your creative energy is returning, and so is your desire to be seen for who you are, not just what you do for others. As you release the need to carry everyone else’s expectations, you free yourself to follow your joy. Relationships are shifting as well. You’re being called to seek out community and connection that nourishes you. Surround yourself with people who reflect your growth and remind you of your magic. You don’t have to do this alone.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21

There is something sacred about the way you’re rebuilding your foundation, Sagittarius. You’re being asked to examine what truly matters at your core and whether the life you’re building reflects that truth. There may be emotional weight around family, home, or your sense of belonging, but clarity is coming. You are entering a new chapter in your career or public life, and the decisions you make now will ripple outward for months to come. Stay grounded, stay intentional, and trust the timing of your becoming.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22–JANUARY 19

You’re seeing things more clearly now, Capricorn. Whether through new information, unexpected insight, or a simple shift in perspective, something is clicking. You’re letting go of old stories and opening yourself up to a more expansive way of thinking. There’s a deep call to speak more honestly, love more fully, and live more intentionally. This season is about realignment, not reinvention. The truth has always been in you. You’re just more ready than ever to start living by it.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 20–FEBRUARY 18

You’re learning how to care for yourself in a new way, Aquarius. Not in the surfacelevel, to-do list kind of way, but in the soul-deep, energyhonoring way that changes everything. You’re reevaluating your relationship with security, with trust, and with giving and receiving. Your inner world is being transformed, and that’s beginning to ripple into how you show up in your outer world. Let yourself be in process. Let yourself evolve gently. You’re not behind—you’re exactly where you need to be.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 20

You’re shedding the versions of yourself that were rooted in survival, not soul. There’s a return happening, Pisces: back to your heart, your intuition, and your magic. You may find yourself reflecting deeply on your closest relationships and reimagining what it means to feel seen, safe, and supported. This is a tender but powerful time of self-discovery. You’re not losing yourself; you’re uncovering who you’ve been all along. Let your truth be your anchor. Let your softness be your strength.

IT’S ELECTRIC Actor Ryan Gosling, a Scorpio, turns 45 on November 12. While it’s been more than a decade since the Hollywood heartthrob touched down in the Electric City, locals still remember him for his role in 2012’s The Place Beyond the Pines, which was set and filmed in Schenectady.

ARIES

MARCH 21–APRIL 19

The time for quiet reflection has arrived, dear Aries. You’re being drawn inward to let go of the narratives and emotional baggage that no longer serve your growth. What has been buried deep within is ready to be released. You’re learning how to show up for yourself in a new, more grounded way. There’s power in stillness and clarity in simplicity. You’re setting new rhythms for your health and daily life that support your long-term growth. You don’t have to do it all, just what truly matters. The real glow-up is happening inside.

TAURUS

APRIL 20–MAY 20

You are reconnecting with what lights you up and fuels your vision for the future. Relationships are shifting, and with them, your sense of what’s worth your time and energy. Not every connection is meant to last, and that’s buried deep within. Let go with grace so you can make room for the people and projects that reflect who you are now. You’re also being invited to bring more joy and creativity into your world. Find time to celebrate, flirt with life, and invest your energy into what feels fun and fulfilling.

GEMINI

MAY 21–JUNE 20

There’s a shift happening around your public image, career, and overall direction, Gemini. You may be questioning whether the roles you’ve taken on still feel true to who you are. This season invites you to shed any expectations that aren’t yours and to realign with a path that feels deeply fulfilling. You’re being asked to reconnect with your roots, redefine what stability looks like, and build a foundation that actually feels good to come home to. Trust that the path ahead becomes clearer the more honest you are with yourself.

CANCER

JUNE 21-JULY 22

You’re being called to expand, but this time it’s less about chasing and more about becoming. Old beliefs and outdated ways of thinking are falling away, clearing the path for a deeper, more authentic vision of your life. Your voice is growing stronger. The way you speak your truth, the way you connect, the way you dream: It’s all evolving. Let yourself be seen in new ways. Not everyone will understand your growth, but the ones who matter will. Stay rooted in your truth and keep moving forward.

LEO

JULY 23–AUGUST 22

The deeper layers of your life are being stirred, Leo. This is a time of emotional clarity and powerful release. What you’ve been holding onto out of habit or fear is ready to be set free. This could come through financial decisions, intimate conversations, or moments of personal truth. You are realigning with your core values and learning to trust yourself in new ways. There is strength in being selective about what you decide to give your energy to. Choose the slow burn of alignment over the quick fix of distraction.

VIRGO

AUGUST 23–SEPTEMBER 22

You are stepping into a new version of yourself—one that feels more honest and more whole. You’ve done the work to see what’s no longer aligned, and now you’re ready to let it go. This is a season of self-renewal, not because you need to become someone else, but because you’re finally honoring who you really are. Your relationships are also shifting. Some may deepen; others may drift. Trust the flow. What’s leaving is making space for deeper, more nourishing connections. You are allowed to take up space, just as you are.

CHANTAL MARIE is a full-time astrologer, tarot reader, and life coach. Find her full list of services on her website: akashiccrystalhealing.com

Hold the Sauce

At T.G. Clancy’s Tavern & Fare, cooking is an art, not a science. Don’t expect exact measurements or precise instructions for this white pizza from the Saratoga bar’s new food menu, but you can expect a whole lot of flavor.

PIZZA BIANCA DI LIZ

SERVES: HOWEVER MANY PEOPLE YOU WANT IT TO

INGREDIENTS

Cornmeal

GUS’S HOT DOGS

Proudly serving mini hot dogs and hamburgers with

for

Place your order online and have the iconic flavor of Gus’s delivered from our window to your door.

Pizza dough

Stracciatella cheese

Mozzarella cheese

Bacon

Arugula

S easoned olive oil

Parmesan cheese

Fig jam

Balsamaic glaze

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Take dough out of fridge and bring to room temperature (30-60 minutes).

2. While you’re waiting for the dough to warm up, cook bacon until crispy and crumble.

3. Preheat oven to 500-525 degrees.

4. Lightly dust your pizza peel or pan with cornmeal.

5. On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a large, flat circle.

6. Top the dough with stracciatella, mozzarella, and bacon.

7. Bake until cheese is bubbly and crust is extra crispy.

8. S eason arugula with olive oil.

9. When pizza is done cooking, let it sit for a few minutes before topping with the seasoned arugula, a sprinkle of parmesan, and drizzles of fig jam and balsamic glaze.

Elsasser’s Beim 111

166 Brownell Road, Greenwich | 518.531.4777 | elsassers111.com

Did you know you can get authentic Alsatian food, which blends French and German culinary traditions, right in Greenwich? Elsasser’s Beim 111 is the brainchild of Manhattanite and Saratoga sommelier Christopher Bischoff, who has curated an impressive menu including sauerbraten, schnitzel, spätzle, cordon bleu, and flammkuchen (crème fraiche–based flatbread). Elsasser’s is a winning option for a night out…But don’t take our word for it: This year, the restaurant was voted one of the best European eateries in the entire Capital Region!

Canali’s Restaurant

126 Mariaville Road, Schenectady | 518.355.5323 | canalisrestaurant.com

Canali’s Restaurant, which once again was named Best Schenectady County Restaurant by CRL readers, has been providing customers with wonderful Italian cuisine at its Rotterdam location for more than 75 years. Relax in the well-appointed dining room, entertain special guests in the beautiful private room, pick up takeout on your way home from work, or let Canali’s cater your next affair—whatever you choose, you know you’ll be enjoying authentic, delicious Italian dishes and exemplary customer service.

FOOD & DRINK GUIDE

Volcano Asian BBQ and Hot Pot

2309 Nott Street East, Niskayuna | 518.666.3888 | volcanoalbany.com

Dinner at Volcano Asian BBQ and Hot Pot isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. That’s because while you’ll get all the raw ingredients for an Asian feast, it’s up to you to cook them. (Don’t worry—the menu comes with instructions for how long to cook each item.) Choose hot pot, BBQ, or both, and then select the ingredients you’re in the mood for—all parties will get two hours of all-you-can-eat dining. Still not sure how it works? Check out the Niskayuna restaurant for yourself this fall.

Celadon Thai Restaurant

675 Grooms Road, Clifton Park | 518.982.0108 | celadonthaicliftonpark.com 860 Loudon Road, Latham | 518.250.5551 | celadonthaialbany.com

Searching for authentic Thai food right here in the 518? Look no further than Celadon, home of the Capital Region’s best Thai cuisine. Offering a curated selection of favorites like Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Panang Curry, and Pad See Ew, Celadon has become known for its friendly staff, delicious food, and reasonable prices. With two locations in the Capital Region, Celadon is a no-brainer for takeout, delivery, or in-person dining for both lunch and dinner.

Batter Up

BY NATALIE MOORE

ACROSS

1. ___ and tell

5. Stitch site

9. Vodka brand founder’s nickname

10. Superstore coming soon to Syracuse

11. S queeze ___ (make something fit)

12. Geek

13. Clifton Park sch. district

16. Male deer

18. Palindromic pop group

22. Stroll

23. Night ___ (opposite of an early bird)

50. Eager, in olden times

52. Hockey’s Bobby

53. Train one’s biceps, perhaps

54. List of options

55. Comedy

57. Authentic

58. “I’ll take a ___ at it”

60. Dressed in

62. Follow sneakily

63. Birds that can run 30mph

64. Stare at

65. Opposite of borrowed

DOWN

1. Smell bad 2. 5-D own or 46-Down,

Colgate competitor Sometimesdangerous precipitation “When in ___...” Contact resulting in a 44-Across What 5-D own, 22-Across, and

gift idea!

5 levels of high ropes & more in Thacher Park near the Visitor Center! Open May to October. Walk-ins welcome! Get

before you go...

IROCK, CURRENT, BANKS

BY JOHN GRAY

t was a long-standing joke that their high school swim team was the only one in the state that required a lifeguard on duty. They were that bad, coming in last at the state competition every year.

A few weeks after the season ended, and another coach quit in disgrace, the boys were summoned to the parking lot.

There, leaning against the yellow bus, was old man Finnegan. After 37 years as the school’s head custodian, Brian Finnegan retired to his rocking chair, spending much of his free time fishing in the river that cut like a snake through the mountains.

For years, he quietly watched the boys’ swim team fail, so,

when he heard they were without a coach, he raised his hand and offered to help under one condition. The boys would have to do as told without exception.

The bus took the team 20 minutes away, stopping by a swamp on the edge of town.

“That is your team,” he said pointing at the mucky water, stinky and still. “No shape. No direction.”

They then drove to the river where Finnegan fished. As they climbed off the bus, they saw a rope stretched from one side of the water to the other.

that the water was only three feet deep and that if the current was too strong, they need only stand up and grab the rope.

“How far is it?” another asked.

“Fifty yards each way,” he replied. “But with the current, it’ll feel twice that.”

The boys did as instructed, all making it across, but on the return swim each faltered and chose to stand, grabbing for the rope, just as Finnegan knew they would.

Once on the shore, he passed out towels and a single piece of paper for them to sign.

agree to eat a healthy diet, except for one “cheat day” each week, between then and the start of swim season.

They would avoid distractions and focus on schoolwork and the team.

They would also agree to swim 16 laps, five days a week, at the local YMCA.

“It’s hard to get time in the pool there,” a boy with red hair explained.

“Not at 5am, when the manager promised to keep it free for you boys,” he answered.

“FIVE AM?” one questioned sharply.

“The price of victory, paid in advance,” Finnegan said, his expression hard as a stone.

He then pointed towards the river and said, “Rock, current, banks. Say it. Loud.”

The boys answered in unison, “ROCK, CURRENT, BANKS.”

As they boarded the bus, one of the boys asked, “What does that mean?”

Finnegan smiled wryly. “A year from today you’ll understand.”

Exactly one year later to the day, the proud swim team returned to the river’s edge holding the trophy that came with the state championship. Without prompting, the boys joyfully jumped into the river, swimming across and back with ease.

Finnegan pointed toward the river. “Rock, current, banks.”

He explained: “The rock is an obstacle, so the water flows around it just as you did with the distractions in your own lives.”

“The current is consistent; like your diets and training.”

“And the banks?” a boy asked.

“I want you to swim across and back,” he said.

A couple of the boys chuckled before one said, “We’ll drown.”

Coach Finnegan explained

“What’s this?” one asked.

He explained that it was a contract, not between them and him but among themselves. They would all

“The banks support the water, giving it direction and speed, as you did for each other.”

The retired janitor added, “You boys are the banks. The river flows in you.”

HAVE A FAVORITE HAIRDRESSER IN THE CAPITAL REGION? A GO-TO SPOT FOR A LATE-NIGHT MEAL? WHAT ABOUT A TV NEWS TEAM YOU CAN’T START YOUR DAY WITHOUT?

SHOW THEM YOUR LOVE AND VOTE IN THE 2026 BESTIE AWARDS

WITH MORE THAN 200 CATEGORIES spanning from coffee and cookies to law firm and landscaper, the Capital Region’s longest running “best of” awards are back! When you vote in the Besties, you aren’t just selecting from a dropdown menu of preselected options. You’re actually writing in your vote—with no input from the CRL team given. We then compile the votes and divide them into two categories: People & Places and Food & Drink. Pick up a copy of the People & Places issue in March 2026, and the Food & Drink issue in May 2026!

ONLINE BALLOTS ARE OPEN OCTOBER 15–NOVEMBER 30

Voting in the Besties is one of the best ways you can show your support for your favorite local businesses. Save this link ’til October 15, or follow CRL on social media to be the first to be the first to know when Bestie voting goes live. Each week of voting, one lucky voter will WIN A $50 GIFT CARD to a local restaurant. THE FINE PRINT: Please keep the answers local. Votes nominating chain stores/restaurants will not be tallied. Only one completed ballot per valid email address will be counted.