Alex Gailor was named an Eagle Scout at a ceremony Aug. 18 at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs. A graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, he will be attending the University of Buffalo. His Eagle Scout project was to build and erect three kiosks for the Scout Camp in Wilton.

L to R: Ernie, Gail and Alex Gailor and Exalted Ruler Tom Klotz

Shenendehowa High student Rachel Biernik's design has been chosen to advertise the Academy for Lifelong Learning's 20th anniversary this academic year. 

Rachel Biernik displays her winning poster design which is
being used to advertise the Academy for Lifelong Learning’s (A.L.L.) 20th
anniversary this academic year. A.L.L. membership and promotion committee
members Barbara McGrath (L) and Ann Gawler (R) flank Rachel, with A.L.L.
Executive Director Jo-Ellen Unger (L) and teacher Sallie Way (R) standing.

  

The Academy is presently accepting registrations for the fall term. Brochures are available at local
libraries, at the A.L.L. office, 111 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518587-2100, ext. 2415) and on the Academy’s web site: www.esc.edu/ALL.

Alan Richer, a local Saratoga Chip historian and collector, will present a lecture on the history of the Saratoga Chip at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21 at the Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring Street. 

Richer will speak on the origins on the Saratoga Chip as well as some of the mythology surrounding the invention of the potato chip.

In addition, he will discuss the people most closely associated with the development of this favorite snack food. He will also present the history and chronology of the Saratoga Chip as well as share an illustrated presentation of his extensive collection of chip memorabilia and collectibles. Richer will also provide some actual items from his collection allowing the audience to have hands-on experience with Saratoga's claim to fame as "Home to the Potato Chip." 

The lecture is $5 per person. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, call the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation at 518-587-5030 or email sboivin@saratogapreservation.org. Parking is available along Spring Street or in the 112 Spring Street building lot. For more information go to www.saratogapreservation.org. 

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.

Last month, members of the Orenda Garden Club visited Universal Preservation Hall, located at 25 Washington Street in downtown Saratoga Springs, to present a donation check of $1,000 to Teddy Foster, Board President of UPH. Longtime supporters of this historic arts and community events facility, the Orenda Garden Club's most recent gift is designated for landscaping that will be done to the Community Plaza, which is the front of the venue. As "orenda" is an Iroquois name meaning "magic power", it is not surprising to learn that the Orenda Garden Club has bestowed its "magic" on many worthy local charitable causes, and member of the UPH Board are grateful for their ongoing support. 

(L to R) Teddy Foster, UPH Board President, Brenda Morris and Judy Eastwood, Orenda Garden Club Co-Presidents, and members Rhoda Mimsker and Kathy DiSanto.

 BY Caitlin Morris

cmorris@saratogian.com

Two Saratoga County organizations — Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services and CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services — have been awarded funds from the Solutions to End Homelessness Program through the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

More than $15.7 million was granted to 67 organizations to aid people in crisis and to prevent homelessness, and 15 of those are in the Capital Region.

Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County received $63,144 in funding from the STEHP grant. Executive Director Maggie Fronk said the organization will use the money to continue its mission of providing women and families with the tools they need to leave abusive living environments. This includes providing food, housing and medical care.

Fronk said the DVRC does not only provide victims with financial resources, but guides them toward maintaining a sustainable, abuse-free future by improving their financial management skills and employment capabilities.

CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services was awarded $373,554 in funding from the STEHP grant. CAPTAIN stands for Community Action for Parents, Teens and Interested Neighbors, and its services are aimed at tackling youth homelessness, poverty, youth violence, underage drinking and drug use, academic failure and family dysfunction.

The organization is using the grant money to support its youth shelter in Malta and the Wait House in Glens Falls, which provides stability to homeless youths.

In addition to these programs, CAPTAIN provides an elementary and adolescent help line for youth and runs a program called Bike Works, which provides children with bicycles who would not otherwise own one and teaches them the basics of bicycle safety and maintenance.

For more information on Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County, go to www.dvrcsaratoga.org or call their office at 583-0280.