Stories for September 2012

Photo Gallery: Burnt Hills rolls past Gloversville

Burnt Hill-Ballston Lake stomped Gloversville with an efficient offense and a stout defense. The Spartans scored 54 unanswered points to win 54-7 on Sept. 29.

South Colonie proposes $4.4 M project

School officials say building work is safety related and necessary, vote Oct. 10

Roof reconstruction and asbestos removal are two of the main focuses for a capital project plan in the South Colonie Central School District, which voters will have a say on come Wednesday, Oct. 10.

A film with class

Nisky’s 50th reunion spurs documentary shot across country

It started as an idea to produce a video for a class reunion, but ended up as a documentary chronicling the struggles and triumphs of a generation.

Burglar ID’d by Rotterdam homeowner

A Rotterdam resident who witnessed a burglar fleeing from her home allowed police to make a swift arrest of a Schenectady teenager for two burglaries.

Thursday round-up: Niskayuna handles Shaker

Parzych's two goals pace Silver Warriors in victory

Anka Parzych scored twice to lead the Niskayuna girls soccer team past Shaker 4-1 in Thursday's Suburban Council North Division game.

Nisky to collect $15k for botched pipes

Flat sewer pipes will need periodic cleaning, money won’t cover replacement

Several years after sewer pipes were improperly installed, the Town of Niskayuna will be seeing some monetary compensation — but not nearly enough to correct the problem.

Glenville man arrested on sexual assault charges

Police arrested a 55-year-old Glenville man for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact without their consent.

Schenectady County makes move to break tax cap

Legislature calls for public hearing to keep options open for county manager

After several years cutting or keeping taxes flat, Schenectady County has taken the initial step to override the state-mandated tax cap.

EMS merger pitched

Report recommends Bethlehem, Delmar combo, but does not name savings

A new report recommends the merging of Bethlehem’s volunteer ambulance agencies by the end of the year, but the two groups targeted feel the timetable is unrealistic.

A decade of dogs and cats

Sand Creek Animal Hospital cuts ribbon on new and expanded offices

Cats, dogs and other furry pets can now fully extend their paws at a much larger and newer location for the Sand Creek Animal Hospital, now at 130 Wolf Road.

Presentation outlines Glenville’s budget woes

Supervisor details initial outlook on next year’s fiscal plan

Revenues are not keeping pace with expenses in Glenville, and residents will again bear the majority of the disparity through a tax hike, albeit one below the state tax cap.

Police: Man approaching children a misunderstanding

Mohonasen Central School District officials on Wednesday, Sept. 19, sent home a letter to parents regarding claims of a suspicious man allegedly approaching children, but police said it was a misunderstanding.

Sports poll: Who would you trust to score the winning goal in a boys soccer game?

It's the final five minutes of a boys soccer game. The score is tied. Who would you turn to for the game-winning goal?

Supreme ‘Rain’

Local playwright sees national recognition for her children’s play

A Niskayuna native has been writing plays for local theaters since she was a teenager, and after being recognized for a script about tamales her passion for drama isn’t cooling off.

Last call at Carney’s

Tavern to close doors after three decades in Ballston

Carney’s Tavern is set to close on Saturday, Oct. 20, with an open house celebration and live entertainment. The closing is to come on the community landmark’s 30th anniversary.

Ghents Road debate drives on

Neighbors and  developer clash as town prepares for legal battle

Residents of Ghents Road in Rotterdam are again calling for the town to suspend permits issued for a construction project.

Editorial: The prophecy as foretold

This edition appeared in the Sept. 26, 2012, edition of The Spotlight, Bethlehem/Guilderland edition.

POV: A garden’s September swan song

This Point of View column appeared in the Sept. 26 and 27, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.

Editorial: Sunny? Pack an umbrella

This editorial appeared in the Wednesday, Sept. 26, edition of The Spotlight.

Missteps mark RCS Library move

Library served notice to vacate by village months before ready

After a multi-month struggle, the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Community Library will stay in its space within the Ravena Village Building until the end of the year, still several months before library officials deem ideal for a move.

Limited number of tickets available for Shen-Shaker game

In anticipation of a large crowd for Friday's football game between Shaker and Shenendehowa, the North Colonie Central School District is conducting pre-game ticket sales through Friday afternoon.

Four years of love

Community reaches out as Colonie family mourns daughter

In the four short years of her life, Rita Rizk taught her parents how to be patient, and more importantly, how to be happy.

Monday round-up: Niskayuna outlasts Saratoga

Silver Warriors strike twice in second half to post North Division victory

The Niskayuna girls soccer team scored both of its goals in the second half to defeat Saratoga Springs 2-0 in Monday's Suburban Council North Division game.

Reinhardt keeps his lead

Cunningham gives support to opponent, absentee count shifts committee results

Bill Reinhardt is the official Democratic candidate for Bethlehem Town Board.

All in the family business

Home Style Pizza tries out new format in Latham at Portofino’s

Portofino’s Italian Restaurant opened on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 831 New Loudon Road, next to LaQuinta Inn & Suites. The owners got their start in the business 39 years ago as Home Style Pizza on upper Union Street in Schenectady.

Homes among the pines

PLAN’s newest preserve located within conservation subdivision

The Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve consists of uplands, wetlands and woods. It also contains the Meadow Vista housing development, a 21-unit project sitting on a city conservation subdivision zone contains more than 50 percent open space. The more than one mile of preserve trails are open to the public.

Bethlehem budget calls for tax increase

Plan includes loss of 16 positions and 8 percent tax hike

The supervisor's tentative budget would close a $3.5 million gap with no layoffs or major service cuts, but would end funding to Colonial Acres Golf Course.

Boys soccer: Suburban showdown ends in draw

Grable's goal helps Shen pull even with Bethlehem

Shenendehowa and Bethlehem are no closer to determining which is the better Suburban Council boys soccer team than they were before Saturday's showdown.

Friday round-up: Niskayuna defeats Columbia

Silver Warriors extend winning streak to four games

The Niskayuna boys soccer team extended its winning streak to four games by defeating Columbia 3-1 in Friday's Suburban Council game.

Football: Shaker survives scare in Schenectady

Griffin's interception seals seven-point win

The Shaker football team needed some late-game heroics to win its fourth game of the season.

Thursday round-up: Schmid leads Shen past Mohonasen

Plainsmen tune up for Saturday's battle against Bethlehem

The Shenendehowa boys soccer team tuned up for Saturday's Suburban Council battle against Bethlehem by beating Mohonasen 2-0 Thursday in Rotterdam.

Colonie budget said to be under tax cap

Details will come at Sept. 27 presentation of tentative plan

Town of Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan will present her 2013 tentative budget at a Town Board meeting Thursday, Sept. 27, and she says the plan stays within the state 2 percent tax cap.

Giving service the royal treatment

Latham native taking compassionate thinking on the road as Miss USA Ambassador

To her complete disbelief, this past July Alyssa Paulsen won first place at the USA Ambassador Pageant, earning the title Miss USA Ambassador.

Curry Road Plaza hits stumbling block

Golub land acquisition complicates Columbia’s plan; late bids tossed

Another snag has cropped up in Rotterdam's efforts to redevelop the blighted Curry Road Plaza, even after a clear bid winner emerged.

Blessed Kateri students get unexpected break

Heavy rain floods private Niskayuna school, cleanup stretches two days

Snow days are already being wiped out at one local school after a bout of intense rain swept through the region.

Mohon warns of suspicious man

Mohonasen Central School District officials on Wednesday, Sept. 19, said they received a report a man may be approaching children at or around bus stops and asking for directions. The man has asked children to meet him at another location so he can give them free bicycles, officials said.

County sales tax plan not a crowd pleaser

Distribution to suburbs remains flat as city’s increases $600k

A new agreement sets how county collected sales tax will be distributed for the next eight years, but some local officials say towns aren’t getting a fair cut.

Ballston councilman resigns

The Town of Ballston has a seat to fill effective immediately. According to Supervisor Patti Southworth, Councilman Jeremy Knight sent a certified letter to the town clerk yesterday stating his resignation.

Haunting beauty

Yaddo Garden Association hosts ghost tours of Spa City grounds

Many visitors of the gardens at the Yaddo Artist’s Retreat in Saratoga Springs say there is a “mysteriousness” to the place and that they sometimes don’t feel quite alone there. The Yadoo Garden Association is holding tours this fall to tell the ghostly tales.

A purrfect cause for local girls

Kitten Angels floats on donations to put thousands of kittens in homes

Judie Janco began Kitten Angels in Delmar nearly 11 years ago. The organization works through animal control and the watchful eye of residents. Any wild cats that are found within Bethlehem with kittens are rescued by the group.

Learning center project gets OK from town

Spotted Zebra expansion to allow after-school, weekend hours and activity center

Questions arose regarding the safety of children at a planned expansion of the Spotted Zebra Learning Center and Bizzy Beez Activity Center at a Colonie Planning Board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 11, but the body ended up giving the green light to the project.

Wednesday round-up: Shen ends Bethlehem's win streak

Plainswomen's pressure too much for Lady Eagles

The Shenendehowa girls soccer team turned in a dominating performance in Wednesday's 2-0 Suburban Council victory at Bethlehem.

Cross country: Saratoga dominates Suburban super meet

Saratoga Springs dominated the first Suburban Council "super meet" Wednesday at Saratoga Spa State Park.

Sports poll: What football team is in greatest danger of losing in Week 4?

We have reached the midway point of the Section II football season, and there are several teams who have yet to lose a game. But which of these four teams is in the greatest danger to suffer its first loss of the season this week?

Schenectady County lockup is top tier

State Sheriff’s Association awards correctional facility accreditation

The Schenectady County Correctional Facility was recently awarded the New York State Sheriff’s Association Accreditation, an honor held by less than half of jails statewide.

UPDATE: Tkaczyk dominates Dem race in 46th Senate

District’s Green Party results show Tkaczyk as likely winner

Cecilia Tkaczyk considerably won the Democratic primary in the 46th Senate District by receiving more than half of the votes in the three-way race.

Nine tips for recovering from a financial setback

Spotlight on Finance

Murphy’s Law states: “If something wrong can go wrong, it will go wrong, and at the worst possible time.” If you’re currently experiencing a financial setback, chances are you’re shaking your head in agreement. However, here’s another law of probability that provides levity. It comes from the pages of quantum mechanics, and it states: “if it can happen, it will happen,” and while it doesn’t rule out the financial setbacks most of us inevitably go through, it at least accounts for the possibility and high probability of financial recovery.

Ronald McDonald House set to expand

Pediatric care expansion means more families for charity to help

Albany's Ronald McDonald House celebrated its 30th anniversary by announcing plans for an expansion on Thursday, Sept. 13.

POV: Public schools are under pressure

This Point of View column appeared in the Sept. 19 and 20, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.

Letter: Lack of political signs a refreshing sight

This letter appeared in the Sept. 19, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.

Letter: 5K race in Slingerlands turns out terrific

This letter appeared in the Sept. 19, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.

Letter: Time for town Dems to unite as one group

This letter appeared in the Sept. 19, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.

Letter: Senior Service Centers diverse and energetic workplace

This letter appeared in the Sept. 19, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.

Editorial: Highway robbery

This editorial appeared in the Sept. 19 and 20, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.

Photo Gallery: Saratoga takes on Albany in Football

Albany traveled to Saratoga to take on the Blue Streaks but stumbled 47-25 on Sept. 14.

Timebanks deal in unique currency

Capital District groups see members exchanging skills, time with one another

When the economy began to go south in 2008, Emily Rossier started to think about the meaning of money.

Nursing home report paints bleak picture

Maplewood Manor fate yet to be decided while county looks to fill empty beds

Saratoga County officials, facing dwindling reserves and a stubborn recession, are simultaneously faced with decisions regarding both the long-term and short-term future of the Maplewood Manor nursing home.

BC lobbies for school DARE officers

Town’s compost facility operates in the red, marketing of product discussed

The Town of Bethlehem is considering making changes to two community programs on its way to a balanced 2013 budget.

Mixed opinions on BC bond

District eyes bevy of repairs and improvements; additional forum to come

Bethlehem Central School District officials are continuing to seek feedback from the community about bonding for facilities upgrades, and on a Monday, Sept. 10 forum, it was clear there is mixed opinion about the idea.

UPDATE: Breslin wins by sizable margin

Fahy wins crowded 109th contest comfortably, faces Danz in November

Voters within the newly redrawn 44th Senate District made their voices heard.

Oktoberfest planners hope for sun

Glenville to host third annual German festival, with more attractions for kids and teens

Attendance at last year’s Oktoberfest in Glenville was washed out as Mother Nature rained on the festivities, but event organizers this year are planning for the worst and hoping for the best.

Model club’s spirit is full scale

Men of Capital Area Model Boat Association make The Crossings their home water

Peter Meixner, 70, is the commodore of the Capital Area Model Boat Association (CAMBA), where he races radio-controlled, miniature sailboats with about 20 other men in the pond at The Crossings of Colonie.

Colonie salutes first responders

Events began on anniversary of 9/11, continues to honor all who “Keep Us Safe”

Colonie seniors had a chance to honor the community’s first responders firsthand at the annual “Remembering Those Who Keep Us Safe” event on Wednesday, Sept. 5.

Walk aims to bring light to darkness

Saratoga Out of the Darkness walk honors victims of suicide

The Out of the Darkness Walk for R.I.T.A. drew about 1,000 participants and raised $100,000 last year. This year’s goal is to attract1,200 walkers and raise $125,000 to support the Capital Region Chapter of the Foundation of Suicide Prevention, host of the event.

Road race offers new hope

Success of 5K leads to formation of regional nonprofit venture

For the fourth year in a row, one group of local practitioners is giving back to the community by helping in the fight against cancer.

Nod to the old sod attracts thousands

Irish 2000 Festival to be held at county fairgrounds

On Sept. 14 and 15, the opportunity to get your Irish eyes smilling will present itself at the 16th Annual Irish 2000 Festival. The two-day festival is known to draw tens of thousands of guests and is built around musical artists that this year include Kevin McKrell, Hair of the Dog and the Screaming Orphans.

UPDATE: Steck clinches Dem line in 110th Assembly

Whalen secures Independence line over three Dem challengers

Phillip Steck emerged the winner in a four-way Democratic primary for the 110th Assembly District after a spirited rally, according to unofficial election results.

Soares secures office for four more years

Incumbent Albany County District Attorney David Soares beat out Democratic primary challenger Lee Kindlon.

Tkaczyk wins Dem line in 46th Senate

District’s Green Party write-in likely unclear for some time

Cecilia Tkaczyk dominated the Democratic primary for the 46th Senate District and received nearly half of the total votes in the three-way race.

Thursday round-up: Bethlehem edges Burnt Hills

Teal strikes twice in battle of defending Sectional champs

Tara Teal scored two goals to lead the Bethlehem girls soccer team past Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 3-2 in Thursday's Suburban Council action in Delmar.

Bethlehem Town Board race tight

Reinhardt over Cunningham 1673-1580, absentee ballots to decide winner

There is no clear winner in the primary race for Bethlehem Town Board.

Senate race too close to call

The new lines delineating the 43rd State Senate District haven’t proven themselves in favor of incumbent Roy McDonald or his challenger Kathy Marchione in the Sept. 13 Republican Primary race for the open seat.

Election night dispatches

Dispatches from the field on Primary Day.

ELECTION RESULTS: PRIMARY 2012

Results will be updated as they become available after polls close at 9 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 13.

Primary Day 2012

Voters headed to the polls to make their choices in primary contests across the Capital District.

Race in the 111th heats up

GOP points to speaker’s troubles while Dems focus on tax record

Voters won’t be casting any primary ballots in the newly redrawn 111th Assembly District, but the bell has been rung and general election candidates are already jousting.

BC sticking to reduced bus stops

Troubles attributed to normal hiccups

Bethlehem Central school officials said this year’s plan to consolidate bus stops has gone smoother than previous attempts, but it is still too early to tell if the new system will last.

Police officer hospitalized after Pearl St. scuffle

A 21-year-old Colonie resident was arrested Sunday, Sept. 9, when she injured an on-duty police sergeant on North Pearl Street, Albany police said.

Foodies scuttle to Joe’s Crab Shack

Patrons start lining up night before at Latham’s newest eatery

Hundreds of hungry, crab-loving customers waited outside for hours at the grand opening of Joe’s Crab Shack on Monday, Sept. 10, in Latham.

SCCC project getting finishing touches

New music building unveiled, final construction under way

Schenectady County Community College now has a building that reflects the caliber of the music program it hopes to present, and it is striking a chord with faculty members.

Fun on the farm awaits visitors

Self-guided tour features a variety of Clifton Park farming operations

What has become an annual tradition to recognize the changing of the seasons in Clifton Park will be taking place Friday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Sept. 16. Farm Fest will see area farms opened to the public for a self-guided tour of the town’s agricultural offerings. Activities include animal rides, hayrides, farm tours and food samplings.

Photo Gallery: Burnt Hills vs Schalmont Football

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake defeats Schalmont 34-0 in a clash of defending Section II champions from different classes. Photos by John and Joseph McIntyre

11 years later, the final stanza

Lighthouse 9/11  ceremony marks an end to father’s poem

For some, Sept. 11 is day to pause in remembrance, but for one father it is a day he can never forget.

A new hope through road race

Success of 5K leads to formation of new, regional nonprofit venture

For the fourth year in a row, one group of local practitioners is giving back to the community by helping in the fight against cancer.

Sports poll: Which boys soccer team will win the overall Suburban Council title?

We move from girls soccer to boys soccer for this week's Spotlight Sports Poll question. We want to know which team will be the overall champion of the Suburban Council.

Police: Teen in standoff threatened to commit suicide

A portion of Eastern Parkway in Niskayuna was closed off and neighbors were evacuated as police negotiated for several hours with a suicidal teenager possessing a loaded firearm.

Art and friendship on display at quilt show

Group prepares to hold biennial event featuring founding members

Two hundred works of art will be on display later this month in Schenectady, and it is something fans of the medium will get wrapped up in.

The forum with an empty seat - Updated

On Thursday, Sept 6, The League of Women Voters hosted a Meet the Candidates Public Forum for those seeking the Senate seat in the 43rd District. The venue was the Maple Avenue Middle School and the event took place at 7 p.m.

Concert helps keep building alive

Rest Fest brings three days of music to St. Joseph’s Church

Eighteen bands, a collective of friends and community members, gathered in the decommissioned historic St. Joseph's Church over three days for the third annual Restoration Festival (Rest Fest).

POV: Think senior living for career start

This Point of View article appeared in the Sept. 12 and 13, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.

Editorial: When listening isn’t enough

This editorial appeared in the Sept. 12, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.

Tuesday round-up: Niskayuna edges Burnt Hills

Parzych scores eventual game winner for Silver Warriors

Anka Parzych's goal midway through the second half proved to be the game winner as Niskayuna hung on for a 3-2 victory over Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake in Tuesday's Suburban Council North Division girls soccer game in Niskayuna.

County extends occupancy tax

Convention center debate crops up in split vote, lawmakers eye tax cap legislation

The Albany County Legislature passed an extension of the county’s 6 percent hotel occupancy tax at a Monday, Sept. 10, meeting, but not before talk turned to the stalled Albany County Convention Center.

Keeping up with the farmers next door

Milton seeks Farmland Protection Plan

The Milton Farmland Protection Committee has been working on a plan for over a year. Milton’s previous Town Supervisor, Frank Thompson had approached Sanford Becker, president of the committee and owner of Winterwood Horse Farm to set up the group. There are five board members on the committee, including Jaime O’Neill of the Saratoga County Planning Department.

Invasive species enters Schenectady County

DEC confirms city homeowner’s discovery of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

An invasive species was confirmed as being spotted for the first time in Schenectady County on Monday, Aug. 20, by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Boys volleyball: Shen sweeps Shaker

The Shenendehowa boys volleyball team improved its record to 3-1 with Monday's 3-0 Suburban Council victory over Shaker.

High school golf: Saratoga Catholic keeps streak alive

The Saratoga Central Catholic golf team improved its record to 8-0 with Monday's 11-4 Western Athletic Conference victory over Duanesburg at Saratoga Spa State Park.

Guilderland Basketball Club for Girls announces tryouts

The Guilderland Basketball Club for Girls is holding tryouts for its 2012-13 Capital District Youth Basketball League season.

Update: We are back from the GoDaddy.com outage affecting our local websites

We are back. This afternoon our sites were not reachable by many of you because we were part of the fall out from the cyber attack at GoDaddy.com.

Suicidal man sets himself on fire, saved by police

An unnamed Schenectady man doused himself in gasoline and was allegedly ready to take his life, but police intervened and rescued the man.

Marchione bows out of debate

Kathleen Marchione, who is challenging incumbent Roy McDonald in the Republican primary, announced she would not be attending the event after Edward Gilbert, who is challenging Marchione on the Conservative line, was invited. Marchione accused the two candidates of colluding against her.

Cross country: Guilderland girls impress at home invitational

Burns leads Lady Dutch past Shen for team title

The Guilderland girls cross country team ended a long drought at the Guilderland Invitational Saturday at Tawasentha Park.

Boys soccer: Bethlehem cruises past Guilderland

Henning's two points off the bench pace Eagles

Matt Henning might be the fourth striker listed on the Bethlehem soccer team's depth chart, but he played like a top-flight forward Friday.

Planned Parenthood cleared for return to Shen

Group was banned from sex ed last year, abstinence advocates decry decision

On Tuesday, Aug. 28, the board adopted a Comprehensive Sexual Health Curriculum that clears the way for Planned Parenthood representatives to return to the classroom as guest speakers. That was a recommendation returned by the district’s Health Advisory Council.

Time to go Greek

St. George church holds annual festival featuring culture

Two tons of food fuels a festive three-day celebration of culture that invites people to go Greek for at least a few days.

In packed race, hopefuls look to stand out

Seven 109th Assembly candidates meet in forum, pitch platforms

A crowded field of Democratic candidates for the 109th Assembly District made efforts to differentiate their positions to voters one week before a primary that will see most of their bids ended.

Former Nisky Friendly’s to be demolished

Move said to clear the way for more ShopRite Square  revitalization

Officials in Niskayuna hope the demolishing of a vacant building in the budding ShopRite Square will hasten the shopping center’s revitalization.

Local stock car driver killed by tree

A 29-year-old local race car driver was killed Thursday when a tree he had been cutting down struck him, according to Coeymans police.

Dashing through the woods

Malta 5K has grown over three years to an event for the whole community

The Third Annual Malta Business and Professional Association 5K will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 8:30 a.m. The race is the brainchild of the BPA’s Paul Loomis and has grown into a full day of activities, including a parade and exposition.

110th Assembly hopefuls face off

LWV holds candidate forum for Dem and Indy primaries; GOP and Dem differences shown

The Albany County League of Women Voters and Spotlight Newspapers on Wednesday, Sept. 5, hosted a combined primary candidates forum for the Independence and Democrat parties the 110th Assembly District.

Flood victims remember Irene

One year after disaster, most are back in homes, but effects linger

A year after floodwaters from Tropical Storm Irene ripped through their communities, residents gathered to celebrate progress and a return to a new normal.

Niskayuna’s drinking water takes top honors

Guilderland takes second place in state after tie at regional contest

The Town of Niskayuna on Thursday, Aug. 30, was announced the winner of the 26th annual New York State Drinking Water Taste Test. The Town of Guilderland captured second place.

Thursday round-up: Nickles saves Bethlehem

Goaltender stops 17 shots to help Lady Eagles beat Guilderland

The Bethlehem girls soccer team got the upper hand on defending Suburban Council South Division champion Guilderland in the race for first place.

Girls swimming: Ballston Spa handles Shaker

Paris Walkowiak wins two individual events for the Scotties

The Ballston Spa girls swimming team defeated Shaker 100-80 in Wednesday's Suburban Council home meet.

Scout looks for helping hand

Eagle project at Blanchard Post need supplies to finish cleanup

Local Boy Scout Joe Garry has been working hard to earn his Eagle Scout award before the summer ends, but to finish he needs the community’s help.

Prelude to full plates

Afternoon of music to benefit in-need food pantry

Local musician and composer Wally Jones will be hosting a concert with the help of 14 other local artists to benefit the Venture Churches Food Pantry at the First Reformed Church of Bethlehem on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Tully survives Afghanistan suicide bombing

Local attorney awarded Purple Heart, recovering from injuries

National Guard Lt. Col. Mathew Tully was awarded the Purple Heart after surviving a suicide bomber attack on his unit serving in Afghanistan.

DA candidates lock horns

Incumbent, challenger have opposing views of county’s state of affairs

With just one week until primary day, the two Democratic candidates for Albany County district attorney made their cases to voters at a candidate forum Wednesday, Sept. 5, that saw more than a few heated exchanges.

Back to school for Shen students [photo gallery]

Students embarked on their first day back to schoolwith filled backpacks and smiles to boot at Karigon Elementary School in the Shenendehowa School District. Shen schools started back on Wednesday, September5.

Fall Festival returns to SPAC

Annual fundraiser has new facets this year

Visitors to the 2012 Saratoga Wine & Food and Fall Ferrari Festival on Sept. 7, 8 and 9 will be able to enjoy the park’s grounds along with some world-class cuisine, cars, fashion and of course, wine. Proceeds from the event will help support SPAC’s classical programs and educational components.

Boys volleyball: Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake beats Shen in four games

Dan Symer's 12 kills pace Spartans

The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake boys volleyball team defeated Shenendehowa 3-1 in Wednesday's Suburban Council match in Clifton Park.

High school golf: Saratoga Catholic remains perfect

Kayla Szeckely's 41 leads Saints past Duanesburg

The Saratoga Central Catholic golf team defeated Duanesburg 11-4 Wednesday in a battle of undefeated Western Athletic Conference squads at Schenectady's Stadium Golf Course.

Confusion surrounds forum

Event cancelled, but two 46th Senate District candidates show

A forum for the three Democratic primary candidates for 46th Senate District was called off hours before it was scheduled, but two candidates still showed up.

Work underway to form ‘friends’ for parks

Proponents say Bethlehem group would be long-term endeavor

A small group of Bethlehem residents are hoping to form a nonprofit group to help out the Parks and Recreation Department.

Candidate Forum Tonight in Colonie

DA and 110th Assembly candidates will appear tonight, Sept. 5, in Colonie.

Board candidates lay out priorities

Dems diverge on the details, agree change needed on budget

Budget and economic development were the main discussion points at a recent forum between the two Democratic primary candidates for an open Bethlehem Town Board seat.

Slim pickings for orchards

Growers try to make the best of a devastating apple season

Although a late frost in the spring has damaged a large portion of the area’s apple crops, local growers are still urging families to keep their annual tradition of visiting an apple farm this fall.

Sports poll: Which girls soccer team will win the overall Suburban Council title?

From football, we now delve into girls soccer for this week's Spotlight Sports Poll. The topic is which team will have the best record in the Suburban Council this season (and thus, the No. 1 seed for the Section II Class AA playoffs).

Girls tennis: Shaker handles Ballston Spa

Mukerti, Behrens win singles matches

The Shaker girls tennis team posted a 6-3 Suburban Council victory over Ballston Spa Tuesday.

Consumers turn to professional organizers

Industry experts say business is growing as life becomes more complicated

“The industry is growing because of the need for organizing services,” said Mary Dykstra, member director for NAPO based in Mount Laurel, N.J. “Too much stuff, too much information, too many activities, downsizing of businesses and more to do in less time are not going away.”

A new chef joins family business

More Perreca’s hires SCCC grad, young chefs beef up downtown offerings

As one family business expands its restaurant and refines it fare, the reins are in the hands of someone outside the family for the first time.