SLA again offering boater safety course Boating safety courses will be offered in the spring and summer. The first course will be on May 9th (location to be deter-mined) and the second in June (date and location to be determined). If you are interested in signing up for one of the sessions please contact Tom McDowell at: ( ThomascMcDowell@aol.com). Last year’s sessions were so popular that some people had to be turned away, so please let Tom know if you wish to attend.

Shore Lines The Saratoga Lake Association

P.O. Box 2152 Ballston Spa, NY 12020

www.saratogalake.org http://www.facebook.com/saratogalake/

www.saratogalakecam.com April 6, 2015

Editors: Julie Annotto Sharon Urban sinnidi@aol.com urbans@nycap.rr.com

Join the Events Committee for our 6th Annual Good Morning Breakfast at

Mangino’s Ristorante on Route 9P Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. It’s been a very long, cold & snowy winter !

Reconnect with your neighbors, friends and some new faces as we gather together to enjoy Mangino’s wonderful

breakfast buffet again this year ! The cost this year is $18 per person & includes tax and tip. With the passing of SLA's new by-laws, the

Events Committee can no longer subsidize the cost of events.

Please send your reservation & check (made payable to SLA) by SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH to:

Dianne Fedoronko – c/o SLA PO Box 2152 – Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Hosted by Francine Baker & Laura Guillerault We hope to see you there !

Message from the President A committee of SLA Board Members Chaired by Walter Supley and comprised of Vice President Tom McDowell, Tim Blodgett, Karl Hardcastle Jennifer Kotch and Beau Stallard are working on producing a new waterproof map of Saratoga Lake and Fish Creek. The map will include lots of useful information includ-ing fishing guidance. It will also include an App for your mobile device. We are looking for sponsors, particularly businesses and associations along Saratoga Lake and Fish Creek. We already have several commitments and are tar-geting at least twenty. Sponsorships are $150. A second location owned by the same sponsor is $125. The prices for non-SLA members will be $25 higher.

continued page 2

Signs of Spring

“Welcome Spring!”

THE SPLENDORS OF SPRING are on the way. A great opportunity to take photos to share. Submit your fish tales, neighborhood news, events, look backs are interesting as well as places you have travelled. Your ideas, issues or concerns, tips, updates are of interest to our members as well. Use your imagi-nation! Be creative! This is your newsletter. Submissions to Julie at sinnidi@aol.com by April 17 by noon.

Board of Directors Alan Richer, President richer.alan@gmail.com Robert Eastman, Secretary and Government Relations—Stillwater bobeastman@verizon.net Joseph Equale, Treasurer and Government Relations—Saratoga Springs jaecpa@yahoo.com Tim Blodgett, Outreach Committee saratogatackle@aol.com Georgia Hinchman, Membership Chair gtbythewater@aol.com Karl Hardcastle, Outreach Committee khardcass@nycap.rr.com Jennifer Kotch, Outreach Committee Saratoga County Water Quality Control & Friends of the Kayaderosseras liaison Michelle Merola, Insurance and by-laws mmerola@hodgsonruss.com Nora Perkins, MD norawperkins@gmail.com Beau Stallard, Outreach, Paddle Safety stallb43@yahoo.com Walter Supley, Web-master, Government Relations, Malta walter@thecreativeadvantage.com

President, con’t Sponsors will have their business location highlighted on the map and a list of sponsors will include their telephone and e-mail address. These maps last several years so do not miss out on your opportunity to highlight your business or association. Please contact any of the committee members at your earliest convenience if you are interested in being a sponsor. See contact information this page. Chris Chase, Vice President of the Saratoga Rowing As-sociation, met with the SLA Board of Directors at our March 26th Board meetings to identify avenues of opportu-nities for our two organizations to collaborate. Participation in our Spring and Fall road-side clean-ups and water chest-nut pulls are two areas where agreement was quickly achieved. Other areas are being identified and explored including enhancing our efforts to promote each others ac-tivities. We are already working on an overview of the His-tory of Saratoga Lake with the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club. Thanks to Chris and the SRA for taking the time to meet with us in such a constructive manner and thanks to Board members Tim Blodgett and Beau Stallard for reach-ing out to Chris. We now have 578 members and a significant portion has taken advantage of our new multi-year membership. A big shout out to Membership Chair Georgia Hinchman for all of her hard work. As a point of clarification, we have a number of Homeowners and other Associations that are members. These memberships do not encompass all mem-bers of the respective associations and we strongly encourage all of the individual members of the associations to join the Saratoga Lake Association so that you can take advantage of the many membership benefits. Dock Brown's will be hosting the 1st Annual Polar Plunge & Family Fun BBQ on April 18th from 2-6pm to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Man and Woman of the Year Candidates Dana Moraci & Dante Gallucci. This family event will include raffles, food and music, bounce houses and face painting. This looks like a great time for a most worthwhile cause. Our breakfast at Mangino's is scheduled for May 2nd. We recognize the significant price increase but we are precluded from subsidizing purely social events. See http://www.mountainmanoutdoors.com/saratoga-paddlefest.html for details about the upcoming paddle safety classes being sponsored by the Mountain Man Outdoors at Fish Creek Marina on May 2nd and 3rd. See inside Shore Lines for the boat safety classes that Martin Harding and Mazzotti are sponsoring. Contact Vice President Tom McDowell at thomascmcdowell@aol.com if you are interest-ed in the boat safety course. The Spring road-side clean-up has been set for Saturday, May 16th. Details are in Shore Lines. Please contact Chair Tonya Trombley if you are interested in participating

continued

at tonya.trombley@oldcastle.com. We will be issuing certificates for volunteering so bring your children who may want to include this on their resume. The Business Directory, which will be on-line only on our web-site, saratogalake.org is being updated. If you have not already provided your information or not yet rejoined, now is the time to do so to ensure you are included. SLA is now a member of the Southern Saratoga Cham-ber of Commerce that sponsored this year's Winterfest at Brown's Beach. We are excited about working with them on future events. Earlier this year, SLA joined the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. SLPID has scheduled fireworks for July 3rd. SLA will be promoting a ring of fire. As plans are finalized, details will be made available through Shore Lines. Thanks to Board members Nora Perkins for suggesting and research-ing the best means to do this in a safe manner and to Board member Tim Blodgett for suggesting the use of ex-pired boat flares.

Alan Richer President, SLA

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2015 SLA Events

April 23, 2015 Board Meeting

April 30 to May 3 New York State Federation of Lake Management Conference, Hamilton, NY

May 2,3 Paddle Fest Paddle Safety Course

May 2, Breakfast at Mangino’s 9:30 am

May 6, Boat Safety Course, (location TBD)

May 30, 2015 –Waterfront Park Dedication

June 2015 Boat Safety Class (date TBD)

June 13, 2015, Spring Roadside Clean-up

June 16, 2015 Cocktail Party

June 25, 2015 Board Meeting

July 3, 2015 Fireworks by SLPID

July 15, 2015 Annual Meeting

July 23, 2015 Board Meeting

August 8, 2015 Breakfast at Track

August 2015 Evening at the Furniture House

September 10, 2015 - Overview of the History of the Lake at Saratoga Public Library

September 13, 2015 Goodbye Summer Party

September 24, 2015 Board Meeting

October –Fall Roadside Clean-up

October 22- Board Meeting

November 17 -20, 2015 North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) 35th International Symposium in Saratoga Springs, New York.

December 10, 2015 Holiday Party at Panza’s

SLA Adopt-A-Highway

DATE CHANGE

Due to the many activities happening in May, Regattas/ Brown’s Beach Grand Opening, etc. the 2015 Spring Roadside Clean-Up effort has been rescheduled for the second Satur-day of June. We would appreciate the assistance of anyone who might be able to donate a hour or two of their time on Saturday, June 13th, 2015 – we will gather at 9am at the South End Stewart’s (on the corner of Route 9P and Lake Road), where we will have an energizing snack, sign in and then break up into small teams that will fan out to pick-up the trash and debris which has gathered over this past winter.

Also note that orange D.O.T. trash collection bags can be provided in advance to any individuals who will not be able to participate on the 13th, but would like to pick-up the accumulated debris in the vicinity of their residence or along specific portions of the road around the lake. Please contact Tonya Trombley at 518-727-8941 or tonya.trombley@oldcastle.com if interested in participat-ing, for additional information regarding this spring’s scheduled clean-up or for early delivery of orange D.O.T. bags.

Want Water? Saratoga Glen Hollow Water Company

Many requests for information with regard to pub-lic water come in to Shore Lines. This issue has been on the table for many years. We asked Bob Iovinello, owner of Saratoga Glen Hollow Water Company to give us an update: “In 2014 we had four existing homes hooked up on Route 9P, one in Saratoga Point and five in Winding Brook estates. In 2015 we had two more at Saratoga Pointe. We also had water service for the Saratoga Glen Park and Brown's Beach. We are eager to continue on Route 9P. However, we need more guaranteed water commitments from the homeowners up to the town of the Saratoga/Stillwater town line.” If you are interested and want more information, contact the Saratoga Glen Hollow Water Company at: sghwsc@gmail.com.

Do You Have a Piece of Saratoga Lake History? The Board is in the process of consolidating all of the SLA records and documents into one location. Materials have been unearthed everywhere — not just at Town Hall, but in basements, garages, storage rooms, etc., of former board mem-bers. If you are in possession of any documents pertaining to SLA, would you please contact Board Member Bob Eastman at bobeastman@verizon.net. He will make arrangements to collect them.

3

Tom and Pam Giammattei recently returned home to their Cedar Bluff Court residence after spending two months at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, Florida. They enjoyed getting together several times with their lake neighbors Paula and Nancy Quenelle.

In her recent State of the City, Mayor Yepsen said that Saratoga’s new Waterfront Park on Saratoga Lake will open in the spring. Watch for news of its grand opening. To read Mayor’s Yepsen’s entire State of the City, visit the city website at www.saratogasprings.org.

From the Division of Consumer Protection

For tips on how to safeguard your identity, visit the New York Department of State's Division of Consum-er Protection at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer protection or call (800) 697-1220 for more information.

Recycling process streamlined in Saratoga County

The Channel 10 News lake camera on the southern end of Saratoga Lake can be accessed on the internet at www.saratogalakecam.com. Thanks to member Steve Bleznyk for programming and maintaining this view of the lake.

As we approach another summer season, it’s a good time to make sure your mailboxes and house numbers are correct and visible. There have been several changes in the numbering system over the years and incorrect numbers can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

http://blog.timesunion.com/green/nys-announces-aquatic-invasive-species-prevention-program-for-

Timely Topics

Trout, salmon fishing seasons open Wednesday

Dock Season is

Approaching

It may not seem like it today, but before long we will see docks going in. There are many residents who ask us if we can recommend someone who in-stalls docks. If you know of anyone who installs docks, please send their names and contact information to Julie at sinnidi@aol.com.

2014 Ice Out Date

Last year the ice went out on April 13. Think we will meet that

date this year?

You can pick up a free copy of “Simply Saratoga,” a Saratoga Today publication. Managing Editor Chris Bushee features an article on Saratoga Lake. The publication is available in many local venues, includ-ing supermarkets.

4

Real Estate News

Good to Know

One of the most important dynamics to be considered when you decide to sell your home is to recognize the im-portance of the Seller being able and willing to think like a Buyer. A property will eventually sell for a price that is deter-mined by the existing pool of potential Buyers who estab-lish the property’s value primarily based upon: location, design, amenities and condition; availability of comparable (competing) properties: and economic conditions that af-fect real property transactions. Sellers need to understand that most Buyers focus on purchasing a house, not so much your home. Generally, Buyers initially view the purchase of the house as a “commodity” to which they will add their personal touch-es to make it their home. Therefore, factors such as: the price that the Seller originally paid; the Seller’s expected net proceeds; and the amount the Seller has spent on im-provements will have little or no influence on how a Buyer views the true market value of a property. Ideally a property is not “priced” for sale but rather “positioned” among comparable properties offered for sale based on location, size, design, amenities and condition. This helps to reflect and reinforce the property’s true val-ue. Overpricing can be risky; it can limit the number of Buy-ers exposed to the property; slow the sales process result-ing in additional expenses and frustration. If a property should sell above the true market value, it may not ap-praise and the Buyers might not ultimately be able to se-cure a mortgage. A sound approach in establishing the true value of a prop-erty would be to consider various categories of listings: the inventory of ACTIVE (alternative properties currently of-fered for sale); sales of properties SOLD over the last three months. PENDING sales can also be considered to gain some additional market insight (although the final sales price is not yet available); a review of EXPIRED listings can also be a good indication of what has not sold which most likely is due to not being positioned properly in terms of the asking price. It is also important to take an apple to apples approach. This could require adjustments for such features as a finished basement or swimming pool. Outlined are examples of property listings in the Sara-toga Lake area that include NEW, ACTIVE, PENDING, and SOLD listings. These properties meet the following criteria: properties SOLD within the last (6) six months. They also must have: lake views; and water/dock rights and/or Lake Frontage.

continued

Status Address Price Bed/Bath Sold 6 Autumn Lane $1,575,000 4/4.1 Active Lot #2 Brown Road $1,300,000 3/3.1 Active 736 Route 9P $1,150,000 5/3.1 Active 774 Lake Avenue $1,049,000 4/3.1 Active 120 Meadowbrook Road $995,000 3/2 Pending 4 Cedar Bluff Court $990,000 4/4.1 Active 102 11th Street $850,000 3.2 Sold 1235A Route 9P $814,000 5/2.1 Active 1231 Route 9P $775,000 5/4 Active Lot #5, Brown Road $769,900 4/2.1 Active 54 Shore Avenue $615,000 5/3 Sold 570 Route 9P $605,000 5/3.1 Active 1344 Route 9P $499,900 3/1.1 Active Lot #9, Brown Road $499,900 3/2.1 Active 20 Riley Cove Road $475,000 4/1.1 Sold 1241 Route 9P $459,000 2/2.1 Active 1191 Route 9P $456,000 3/1.1 Active 113 4th Street $444,900 4/3.2 Active 88 Lake Shore Dr. $439,000 3/1 Active 2 Creek Bend $399,900 3/2 Sold 1220 Route 9P $397,000 3/2 Pending 18 Lake Avenue $389,900 3/2.1 Active 538 Union Avenue $379,000 3/1.1 Sold 94 Lakeshore Drive $378,000 3/1.1 Active 87 Rodgers Lane $349,900 3/1.1 Active 12 Windermere Road $325,000 3/3 Sold 1119 Route 9P $280,700 3/1.1 Sold 1258 Route 9P $255,000 2/1.1 Sold 633 Route 9P $235,000 2/1.1 Active 122 9th Street $230,000 3/1 Active 4174 Silver Beach Rd. $200,000 2/1 Active 107 4th Street $185,000 2/1

Source: Information as of 3.31.15 from the Capital Region Multiple Listing Service and the accuracy of the information are based solely on correct reporting of those responsible offices and individuals. If you’re motivated to sell your Saratoga Lake property, now is a great time to start the process. The benefits of lake living can be best appreciat-ed as we finally experience warmer weather and the increase in lake activi-ty. Inventory levels of houses offered for sale are relatively low. time to think like a Buyer and prepare your house to best meet the needs of a potential Buyer who will be motivated to purchase your proper-ty and make it his or her home. Thomas "Zealie" Van Raalte Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Blake, REALTORS 376 Broadway Saratoga Springs NY 12866 Bus: (518) 584-0060 ext. 232 Cell: (518) 928-3224 Fax: (518) 587-4292 zvanraalte@bhhsblake.com

5

Let me first thank all of

you who left tidbits for me

after your picnics. I espe-

cially want to express my

deep appreciation to the

homeowners who did not

cover their garbage cans

tightly. It made my life

much easier. I want you a

to know how much I look

forward to another sum-

mer, and once again getting

to play “dodge the broom.”

See you soon!

“sitting at the lunch counter before it closes”

Photo by Bob Eastman

Who remembers The Old Homestead Restaurant and Inn? Probably not too many out there. It was a popular night spot located on Brown Road and was on the borders of the towns of Stillwater and Saratoga. It was the place to go from the 1920s through the 1960's. It was run by the Brown family and it is said (though not confirmed) that they were related to the Browns who began Brown's Beach. (submitted by Stillwater Historian Linda Palmieri)

Project Easter Bunny 2015 “A Hopping Success!”

Over 300 Easter Baskets were prepared and delivered to several cancer organizations by floydwarriors.com on March 30th and 31st. Today's Limousine donated the service of their Pink Escalade to make the deliveries. Today's Limo is a proud partner of floydwarriors, donat-ing not only the use of their vehicle for this program, but on a monthly gives renters the option of choosing floydwarriors as the recipient of 10% of the pink limo's proceeds. Thank you Today's Limousine and ALL who helped make this year's Project Easter Bunny possible!! Final destinations for the Easter Baskets included CR Wood Center, Mollie Wilmot ROC at Saratoga Hospi-tal, The Community Hospice of Saratoga, Samaritan Hospital, The Hope Club of Latham, NYOH of Amsterdam, Rexford and Albany.

A Look Back Saratoga Rowing Association

The season opens with the spring regatta on April 24th with Friday night racing for the Liberty League Championships. This regat-ta is a collegiate NCAA qualifier for the Liberty League women’s pro-grams. The next morning, April 25th, is the beginning of the annual Saratoga invitational regatta. The

Saratoga invitational features high school row-ing programs from across the northeast and Canada. With over 1200 boats scheduled to race on Saturday and Sunday, this is one of the largest spring regattas in the country. The spring regatta seasons continues the following weekend, May 2nd and 3rd with two more re-gattas. For complete regatta dates and infor-mation, visit www.saratogarowing.com. (source: Simply Saratoga)

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Saratoga Plan

preserving the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County

www.saratogaplan.org

Join PLAN in supporting the third annual Bacon Hill Bonanza Road Race, Walk and Fun Run on April 11. The events, which will all be staged from historic Bacon Hill Reformed Church north of Schuylerville, will raise money for steeple repairs and Saratoga PLAN. Register soon for the 5K and 10K race, which feature home-made pies to be awarded to the winners of each age group. Click here for more information.

exercise your imagination building fairy houses in the woods

Join us to create magical spaces for fairies and their friends using natural materials from the landscape. This family friendly workshop will be held at the Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve in Saratoga Springs on April 9.

upcoming volunteer opportunities:

April 11 - Bacon Hill Bonanza April 24 - GE's Earth Day Celebration April 25 - Earth Day Stewardship at PLAN's Preserves May 16 - Clifton Park's Open Space Day June 21 - Sundae on the Farm

Contact Us | Phone: 518-584-5554| info@saratogaplan.org

Last year, Mayor Joanne Yepsen's administration made the long-awaited rejuvenation of The Waterfront Park a top priority. With funding from the New York State De-partment of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, and with the help of local landscape engineers The LA Group, the city is overseeing a substantial improvement to this beautiful lakeside property. The newly re-modeled park with feature improved parking and accessibility; a reinforced shoreline; additional picnic space and a host of aesthetic improvements that will enhance the look and feel of the park. A grand re-opening is tentatively being planned to take place in mid-late May.

Waterfront Park to Open this Spring

“Spring is here. . . . time to go back to

work.”

7

Round-About Malta by Paul Sausville, Supervisor

Two of the long term priorities for the Town have been boating access to Round Lake and the restoration of Brown’s Beach on Saratoga Lake. Working with the NYS Depart-ment of Environmental Conservation and the Town of Stillwater we are pleased to report that both goals are being achieved. Last summer we cut the ribbon on the new Round Lake boat access off Route 9 which provides 11 parking spaces for boaters to launch small boats for fishing, sailing and kayaking. This was funded by the DEC at no costs to the Town. In June, the Town will cut the ribbon on the Round Lake Preserve, a 120 acre ecological park of boardwalks, fishing docks, and canoe launches. The Preserve provides a pristine wildlife observatory for family who enjoy paddling, fishing and serenity. This summer, plans are to re-open Brown’s Beach on Saratoga Lake. Brown’s Beach which was the only public swimming beach on the lake, closed in 2007. Local residents remember the glory days of Brown’s Beach when it was de-scribed as a beautiful sandy beach offering facilities for swim-ming, picnicking, boat launching, amusement and dining. This beach is located physically in Stillwater and so Stillwater has agreed to the construction of the beach. GlobalFound-ries has committed $3 Million for the benefit of both Malta and Stillwater residents once Fab 8.2 is launched. These lake access opportunities are now a reality. In our next newsletter we will be reviewing more than a dozen other recreation opportunities – trails, ball fields, ecological areas and playgrounds that the Town has been working on over the past 10 years. We hope that you enjoy these amenities this summer for they were built just for your use.

Malta Dog Park Eastline Romp and Play Dog Park Com-mittee has set the date for the Second Annual Dog Day Out for May 30, 2015 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Dog Park. The fee for a vendor table is $25. The dog park is located at 584 Eastline Road. The annual fee is $7 fort residents and $15 for non-residents. License, rabies vaccination, insurance and signed waiver are required.

Kayaderosseras Creek Bridge Repair The bridge carrying North Line Road over the Kaya-derosseras Creek at the Malta-Saratoga Springs line will undergo a $1 million repair this year. Work on the heav-ily-traveled bridge will start June 1 and be completed Sep-tember 30. The contract requires that the bridge be closed for no more than 30 days. Detours will be set up for motorists to use Routes 9, 67 and 50. Except for this short clo-sure, traffic will be maintained. Federal and state funding is paying 95 percent of the cost. The remaining 5% is covered by Saratoga County. The bridge is heavily used by people traveling between the Northway and the developments north of Ballston Spa and on the west side of Saratoga Springs.

Veteran’s Honor Flight Flight Dates: April 28 and May 30

If you know of a World War II or Korean War Veter-an living in Malta who served in either conflict and who has not participated in an Honor Flight, please let us know. The Honor Flight program flies our heroes to Washington, DC to experience and reflect together at their memorials. As a result of generous funding from the GlobalFoundries/Town of Malta Foundation, all participating Malta Veterans and their guardian will be flown free of charge to participate in this flight of a life-time.

Saratoga Springs will be celebrating a centennial to mark 100 years of the city’s governing charter. The list of events that are planned over the summer are numerous, so be sure to visit their web site for up-to-the-minute news: http://www.saratoga.com/aboutsaratoga/centennial/events/

8

Navigation Law on Saratoga Lake (as we approach a new season of boating and recreation, it may be benefi-cial to all of us to know the navigation laws that pertain to Saratoga Lake. This covers Saratoga Lake to Stafford's Bridge)

SPEED: - No vessel may be operated over 45mph. - No vessel may be operated over 25mph a half hour after sunset, and a half hour before sun-rise. DISTANCE: - No vessel may be operated within

200 feet of the shore, dock, pier, raft, float, or any anchored/moored vessel in a way that creates a wake that unreasonably interferes with the shoreline, dock, pier, raft, or float. - If a vessel may be operated in a way that complies with the restrictions above, the vessel may not operate at more than 5mph (exception: water skiing when taking off or landing). DOES NOT APPLY to vessels competing in or practicing for boat races through bona fide clubs or racing associations with 15 days prior written notice given to law enforcement. DOES NOT APPLY to federal aviation agency licensed aircraft. The actual law as it stands reads: Special provisions relating to speed on Saratoga Lake: 1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter or any inconsistent local laws, every pleasure vessel operated on Saratoga Lake, located in the towns of Malta, Saratoga and Stillwater, and the city of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, shall be operated in a careful and prudent manner, in such a way as to not unreasonably interfere with or endanger any vessel. The vessel shall be operated at a speed exceeding forty-five miles per hour. No pleasure vessel operated on Saratoga Lake shall be operated at a speed exceeding twenty-five miles per hour between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. 2. In addition to the waters of Saratoga Lake, the provisions of this section shall apply to Fish Creek from Saratoga Lake to Stafford’s Bridge. Notwithstanding subdivision one of this section the five miles per hour speed zone at the state route 9-P state boat launch, in effect prior to the effective date of this section, shall remain in full force and effect. 3. No vessel shall be operated on Saratoga Lake within two hundred feed of shore, a dock, pier, raft or float or an anchored or moored vessel in a manner or at such a speed that causes a wake that unreasonably interferes with or endangers such shoreline, dock, pier, raft or float or anchored or moored vessel, but in no event at a speed exceeding five miles per hour, unless for the purpose of enabling a person engaged in wa-ter skiing to take off or land.

continued

4. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vessel competing in or practicing for a regatta or boat race over a specified course held by a bonafide club or racing association, provided that due written notice of the date of the race has been given to the appropriate law enforcement agencies at least fifteen days prior to such race, pursuant to the provisions of section thirty-four of this chapter, and all provisions of such section have been complied with. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any federal aviation agency licensed aircraft.

Boat Safety Checklist

As the ice melts from the lake, boaters around the region are eagerly anticipating the open water and the start of boating sea-son! With that excitement, it’s easy to overlook some boating basics, however a little planning now can avoid a dangerous situa-tion in the future. New York State has specific boating safety equipment regula-tions, and failure to comply can result in costly tickets. Before heading out on the water, check the NYS safety equip-ment requirements for your specific watercraft. Although this list is not all-inclusive, it’s a great quick reference to assure your boat has all the equipment you may need for a safe boating sea-son.

Valid Registration – required for all mechanically propelled watercraft. Boat registrations are valid for 3 years. They can be renewed online, by mail, or in person at the DMV.

Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets) – One device for each person on board or towed behind the boat PFDs must be U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs must be worn by anyone under 12 years of age

Throwable Flotation Device – required for motorized water craft >16 feet

Sound Producing Device – required for all mechanically propelled watercraft

Anchor and Line – required for all mechanically propelled watercraft

Fire Extinguisher – 1-3 required (depending on length of vessel)

Visual Distress Signal – Required for vessels >16 feet Boat Flares expire after 3 years!!!*** If your flares are older than 3 years, they should be replaced

Navigation Lights – Required for night navigation or limited visibility

Recommended Equipment – Paddles, oars, dock lines, marine radio/cell phone, tool kit, flashlight, fenders, first aid kit, spare fuel, spare fuses, GPS or lake map/chart *** Keep your expired flares for the upcoming Saratoga Lake Ring of Fire on Friday, July 3rd (will coincide with SLPID fire-works display) – more information to follow! (submitted by Board Member Nora Perkins)

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Boat wash station planned for Saratoga Lake

By Paul Post, The Saratogian, 3/29/15

Plans are in the works for a Saratoga Lake boat washing station similar to those on Lake George. A mandatory inspection and decontamination program began last year on Lake George to prevent the spread of invasive species, and the state has budgeted $1 million for a similar, but voluntary effort throughout the Adirondack Park this year. The Saratoga Lake station, near the state boat launch, will not be mandatory. Although not within the park, Sara-toga Lake is extremely busy and many boaters who go there also visit Lake George and other water bodies in the re-gion. “It’s great that Saratoga Lake is taking on this kind of responsibility,” said Tracey Clothier, an LA Group consult-ant to the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement Dis-trict. “It’s very exciting.” The wash station is a joint project between SLIPD and the state parks system, and should be in place before sum-mer, said Clothier, who advises SLIPD on watershed is-sues. SLIPD and parks officials are expected to meet this week to hammer out details. The state parks department operates the launch, near the Route 9P bridge, and is paying for the station. It will be staffed by parks employees and students in the Paul Smith’s College lake stewardship program. Students, paid by SLIPD, have conducted boat inspections at the launch for many years. The most prevalent invasive species in Saratoga Lake are Eurasian milfoil, curly pond leaf, water chestnut and zebra mussels. Several years ago, SLPID waged a three-year, $1 million campaign to eradicate milfoil. Since then, it’s been spend-ing $100,000 per year for spot chemical treatments in areas where the nuisance weed grows densest. “We have the lake analyzed at the beginning and end of each season,” SLPID Chairman Ed Dweck said. “The more we can do to get rid of these things, to at least control them, the better off we’re going to be for the whole coun-try.” Before boaters enter the lake, student inspectors look for visible signs of invasive plant material, ask owners where they’ve been most recently, and when. Students also try to educate boaters about the importance of controlling invasives, and things they can do to prevent their spread. In Lake George, boats that show visible signs of invasive material must be washed and decontaminated. It’s hoped that a station on Saratoga Lake will encourage boaters to do the same thing.

Last year, the state Department of Environmental Con-servation adopted a “Clean, Drain and Dry” law that re-quires boaters to take reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of invasives before entering any water body. Student inspectors have no enforcement powers, but can report boaters that ignore the law to authorities. The DEC and state parks system have similar, but sepa-rate regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species. However, a comprehensive state law has been approved that applies to all public boat launches in the state. DEC is currently drafting regulations to meet the law’s require-ments, which will take effect sometime this summer. Aside from environmental concerns, invasive species have a negative economic impact by deterring recreation and tourism, although some anglers say removing milfoil from Saratoga Lake has hurt bass fishing by eliminating the cover fish look for. Eighteen invasive species have been identified within the Adirondack Park, but 200 have been detected else-where in New York outside the park. “The more we are able to control the transport of inva-sives between waterbodies, the cleaner all of our lakes will remain,” said David Wick, Lake George Park Commission executive director. “Saratoga Lake is second only to the Hudson River for waterbodies visited by boaters prior to arriving at Lake George. It also had one of the highest rates of boats requiring decontamination coming to Lake George, largely due to zebra mussels attached to the hull. The commission applauds state parks and the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District for taking active steps towards aquatic invasive species prevention in our region.”

Saratoga Lake Sailing Club Announces

Our First Open House May 30th an 31st, 2015

12-5pm Come see what were are all about and give sailing a try!

Registration required. Please register at SaratogaSailingSchool.org. Click on registration site and

choose the SLSC Free Sailing Day. Contact us at info@saratogasailingschool.org

for more information. We are looking forward to meeting our neighbors.

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News from Saratoga Tackle

Never fear, Spring is here!

by Tim Blodgett Spring has finally sprung, at least according to the calen-dar, so leave those cold and dreary thoughts behind and start planning for some fun. Looking out your window, you might think I’m being overly optimistic. As I write this, the view out my window is arctic and the snow banks by the driveway still hide my wife’s car. Despite what it looks like, a change can be felt in the air that tells us that better days are near. As a matter of fact, I’m looking forward to the muddy, dingy snow, damp, rainy and generally gross weeks to come because they will be a welcome change to what we’ve had for the last few months. We’ll start seeing new visitors at our birdfeeders and buds swelling on the trees. Maple sap will flow and Crocuses will bravely push up through the frosty ground and offer their flowers for our enjoyment. I was even happy when I smelled a skunk last week because when they emerge from their dens, you know spring is around the corner. Spring may officially be here, but I won’t give it my full endorsement until I see red winged blackbirds and hear spring peepers. For many anglers, the April 1st opening of trout season marks the beginning of spring. Deep snow and swollen streams won’t make this an easy kickoff to the season but if it was easy, it wouldn’t be as much fun. Catching a trout in the conditions we are likely to see will be a challenge and

any trout you do catch will be a trophy no matter what the size…... I will probably hit the stream close to my home just to say I did if conditions permit, but my stream fishing will likely wait until the snow is reduced to isolated patches in the

woods and fiddle heads start to emerge (more on that at a later time). What I will try to impress upon you is to use extreme caution if you venture out to your favorite stream. A fall in water, whose temperature may be hovering in the low 40s, will certainly rinse away your enthusiasm and could be a perilous experience, especially if your waders fill with water. More than one fishing career has ended that way so use good sense and caution when negotiating slippery banks and rocks. If you take children out early in the season, it’s a good idea to have them wear a PFD when they are near the water. Hypothermia is the other thing to worry about if you get a good soaking, so don’t go swimming with the trout.

continued

Speaking of PFDs, state law requires that all boaters wear a personal floatation device, regardless of age, be-tween the dates of November 1st and May 1st. Failure to do so will earn you stern words and a ticket from the authorities. Take the time now to prepare for the upcoming season. If you’re anything like me, you’ve allowed your tackle to become disorganized since last season. I’ve taken bits and pieces of trout, panfish and ice fishing tackle from their appropriate boxes and made a hash out of it all. Organize your tackle now and replace dull or rusted hooks. Some-times favorite lures disappear, especially if you have young anglers in your household. It’s better to find out now than on the banks of your secret fishing hole. The one thing I can’t stress enough in your preparation is to CHANGE YOUR LINE! Trusting last year’s line is one of the best ways to frustrate, and ultimately, disappoint yourself. The only thing connecting you to the fish on the hook is your line. UV exposure and hard use weaken monofilament fishing line. New line will be stronger, cast better and have greater knot strength than the stuff on your reel now. Do yourself a favor and re-spool so you don’t have to tell the same tired old story about the one that got away. Instead, take that fish home and panfry it in butter, herbs and fresh squeezed lemon juice! Finally, to avoid complications with the law, check your fishing license to see if it’s still valid. Last year, fish-ing licenses changed and now expire one year from the date of purchase. It used to be easy to keep track of when all licenses expired on September 30th. Check it right now while you’re thinking of it, I’ll wait……….. Good, now you know. If you didn’t find it, get a replacement. Don’t wait to the last minute. If you want, you can go to DEC’s web-site at www.dec.ny.gov and click on the link to license sales and issue yourself a new license from the comfort of your favorite easy chair. DEC will send you your license in the mail. While you’re there, check for new rules and reg-ulations for this fishing season. There are quite a few changes with many applying to specific bodies of water or counties. Remember that Striped Bass will start running up the Hudson River soon and Turkey season opens May 1st. I’m sure you can justify a new addition to your gear, a new

striper combo or camo perhaps? You’ll think of something. Until next time, be safe and enjoy your time outdoors.

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Protecting our Waterways Stormwater runoff from construction sites, homes, road, parks and commercial developments can transport sedi-ments and dissolves nutrients to our rivers and lakes. Nutri-ents act like fertilizer, increasing aquatic plant growth and algae blooms which in turn can reduce oxygen available for fish. Turbidity decreases visibility, impacts habitat and fish health, and increases the cost of treating drinking water. All of our water bodies are at risk. What can we do to keep our waters clean? Fix oil leaks on vehicles; Clean up after your pet; harmful bacteria from waste

can be washed into rivers and lakes; Drain your swimming pool only when a test kit does

not detect chlorine levels; Have your septic system inspected by a professional at

least every 3 years and pumped as necessary (usually every 3-5 years).

Do not flush or pour down the drain household chemi-cals like paint, pesticides, oil and antifreeze. Instead, participate in household hazardous waste collection events.

Reduce pesticide and fertilizer use. More isn’t better, careful application of the proper amount is more effec-tive;

Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar;

Vegetate bare soil; Direct driveway and roof runoff into vegetated areas to

eliminate washouts and erosion. Don’t have an appro-priate area? Build a rain garden.

Many soil disturbance activities require a permit from the town in which one lives. Call your local town offices when planning your project to find out if one is required. Some exceptions include installation of fences and signs, home gardening and agriculture. If you observe a chemical sheen, odor, heavy sedimentation in water ways or dirty runoff coming from construction sites, please call your local town office to see if a law is being violated.

Eyesores are a Problem

There is an entire code dedicated to the maintenance of property which has been adopted by the state of New York and is produced by the International Codes Council (ICC). The Property Maintenance Code contains several provisions which are enforced at the local level by code enforcement officers in each jurisdiction of the state. In addition most jurisdictions have also adopted local laws dealing with unsafe, vacant or abandon structures. The state code is intended to provide minimum re-quirements to safeguard public safety, health and general welfare as they are affected by the occupancy and mainte-nance of structures and premises and applies to both resi-dential and non residential structures. When a structure or equipment is found to be unsafe, or when a structure is found to be unfit for human occu-pancy, such structure shall be condemned pursuant to the provisions of the code. An unsafe structure is one that is found to be dangerous to the life, health, property or safe-ty of the public or occupants of the structure by now providing minimum safeguards to protect or warn occu-pants in the event of fire or because the structure is in dan-ger of partial or complete col-lapse. A structure that is unfit for human occupancy when it is unsafe, unlawful or is in dis-repair, lacks maintenance, un-sanitary, vermin or rat infest-ed, contains filth and contami-nation, lacks ventilation, illu-mination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by the code or because the location of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or the public. If you have an issue with a structure in your neighbor-hood, or desire additional information, please call your local Code Enforcement Office in your community.

Installation of support piers (larger than 12” in diameter) and cribs for docks or boathouses; Placement of fill for access, construction or structure installation; Excavations associated with construction activities a and dredging for navigation channel establishment or maintenance. In all cases, it is advisable to check with the DEC be-fore starting a project along the lakeshore. If you have questions about ongoing projects that you feel will impact the lake negatively, don’t hesitate to make inquiries. It is everyone’s job to be a caretaker of Saratoga Lake.

Permit Information for Shoreline Structures There are many guidelines for building, filling, or any work along a shoreline, and most cases are individually evaluated, but some general guide lines include: . . . . .A Protection of Waters Permit is required for excavat-ing or placing fill in navigable waters of the state, below the mean high water level, including adjacent and contiguous marshes and wetlands. Some examples of activities requiring a permit are:

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It's almost paddling season again, and FoK has tenta-tively scheduled the annual scouting trip for April 18th. We will be checking the creek for strainers and sleepers, and clearing a path (where we can) for paddlers while still leaving shade and cover for fish. If you would like to be part of this expedition, please read more about it at FoK’s website, www.kayadeross.com, and if it still sounds like fun, con-tact Dave Stern. The date may change depending on wa-ter and weather conditions, so check the website or Face-book page a day or two before. Thank you for helping us with this very important

Creek Tenders Paddle

2015 - Earth Day’s 45th anniversary - could be the most exciting year in environmental history. The year in which economic growth and sustainability join hands. The year in which world leaders finally pass a binding climate change treaty. The year in which citizens and organizations divest from fossil fuels and put their money into renewa-ble energy solutions. These are tough issues but we know what’s at stake is the future of our planet and the survival of life on earth. On Earth Day we need you to take a stand so that together, we can show the world a new direction. It’s our turn to lead. So our world leaders can follow by example. For more information visit: http://www.earthday.org/

earthday2015page2

Earth Day Events at the Saratoga Battlefield April 19 Songs of Nature 1:30-2:30, Visitor Center Popular singer and musician Linda Russell returns to the park with her guitar! Come join and sing along to songs about nature, animals, and the Earth Day movement. April 25 Raptors Rock! 1:30-3 p.m., Battlefield

Designated by the Audubon Society as an “Important Birding Area” in NY, Saratoga Bat-tlefield is a top destination for birding in Sara-toga County. Wildlife educator and rehabilita-tor Trish Marki will bring a selection of raptors — owns, hawks, falcons—for you to meet up

close and to hear about where they live and how they sur-vive in their habitat.

April 25 Sunset Walk — Woodcock Aerial Displays 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Battlefield Join park naturalist Linda White, meeting by the

flag pole at the visitor center parking lot for a walk to Tour Stop 5 and back (1.5 miles each way). See amazing aerial displays by woodcocks, listen for owls, and look for deer or foxes. Please bring a flashlight, water, insect repellent, and wear sturdy shoes. (Event cancelled if raining).

Stillwater’s Town-Wide Clean-Up The residents in the Town of Stillwater have the oppor-tunity to beautify their properties. The last scheduled clean

up opportunity has been scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the Town Highway Garage on Lansing Road. The transfer station of non hazardous debris will be collected

for a nominal fee from 7:00 A.M. until 2 P.M. Nothing can be left at any other time!!

Accepted items: Brush (bundled and nothing larger than 3 in diameter); Leaves (Bagged); White Metal (appliances); Furniture and other Non-Hazardous Material; Lumber; Garbage; Items NOT accepted: Paint, Tar, Oil, Gas, Chemicals or such containers, Batteries Carload: $5 Pick-up: $10 Single Axle Dump Truck: $20

NO TIRES WILL BE ACCEPTED! TV’s and COMPUTERS ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTED! FREON MUST BE DRAINED FROM ALL APPLIANCES!

PROOF OF RESIDENCE IS REQUIRED!!! Please direct any questions or concerns pertaining to collec-tion items to Stillwater’s Town Clerk, Sue Cunningham by telephoning her at 664-6148, ext. 2.

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State Officials: Brush Burning Prohibited through May 15

The Saratogian, March 23, 2015 Even though some fields are still encrusted with snow, state officials are reminding New Yorkers that residential brush burning in towns with less than 20,000 residents is prohibited through May 15 because of the risk of spring wildfires. Brush burning is prohibited year-round in larger towns. Department of Environmental Conservation Commis-sioner Joe Martens says open burning is the largest cause of spring wildfires in the state. New York has had strict rules on open burning since 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The rules allow residential brush fires in rural towns dur-ing most of the year, but prohibit such burning from March 16 through May 15. Campfires using charcoal or firewood are allowed. Martens says the number of spring fires has decreased from 3,297 in 2009 to 1,425 in 2014.

28th ANNUAL COLONIE PBA FISHING TOURNAMENT

The Colonie PBA will once again be holding its 28th Annual PIKE – PICKERAL – WALLEYE fishing tourna-ment on FRIDAY MAY 15TH 2015 at Saratoga Lake. The format this year will be the same as last. The tournament will START at 5:00 AM and the WEIGH IN will be from 12 NOON TILL 12:45 at the NYS BOAT LAUNCH on Rt. 9P at SARATOGA LAKE. We will be weighing your best 3 fish (pike, pickerel, wall eye). Food and drink will be pro-vided at the SARATOGA EAGLES CLUB immediately after the weigh in. Once again we will have prizes for the largest catch and raffle prizes. The price this year will re-main at $30.00 per person. Contact JOHN RICCITELLI at 786-1020 for entry forms and tournament rules. I have retired from the police department so I can NO LONGER be reached through the PD. Make checks payable to: COLONIE PBA 119 Latham Ridge Road Latham, NY 12110

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 1ST 2015.

SPRINGTIME SPLASH

1st Annual Polar Plunge And family Fun BBQ

April 18, 2015 2 p.m.-6 p.m.

All food and drink to benefit Leukemia’s Lymphoma Society

Man & Woman of the Year Candidates: Dana Moraci & Dante Gallucci

http://www.mwov.org/pages/uny/alb15/dmoraci http://www.mwoy.org/pages/uny/alb15/dgallucci

$15 Recommended Entry Donation

Plus: Raffles * Bounce Houses * Face Painting Live Music by the Audiostars

Hosted by Chrissy Cavotta of 92.3 Visit our Facebook Page: Plunge into Spring: Dock

Brown’s 1st Annual Polar Plunge and Family Fun BBQ

Sponsored by: Dock Brown’s, DeCresente Distributors & Quick Response

Stafford’s Bridge Road Over Fish Creek to be Rehabilitated

Saratoga County has initiated a bridge rehabilitation project for Stafford’s Bridge because of the bridge’s dete-riorated condition, history of structural flags, and maintenance issues. With no nearby stream crossing, this bridge is vital to local residents and businesses. The new structure will consist of two 10 foot wide travel lanes, two 5 feet wide shoulders and one 5 foot raised sidewalk on the west side. The eastern sidewalk will be eliminated to make room for widened shoulders to accommodate bicycles. Traffic will be maintained for the duration of con-struction by using staged construction. There will be one lane open. Construction is anticipated to begin in May 2015 and be completed by September 2015.

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Carbon Monoxide Detectors are Driving us Nuts

Tom Rinaldi, Commissioner Stillwater Fire District

I have something that’s driving me nuts, so let me get

on my soap box. Carbon Monoxide detectors or alarms have a limited life — they do not last forever. But the purchasing public has been left uninformed. Carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm when they sense a certain amount of carbon monoxide in the air over time.

Different types of detectors are triggered by one of three types of sensors;

Biomimetic sensor: A gel mimicking human hemoglo-bin changes color when it absorbs carbon mon-oxide and this color change triggers the alarm.

Metal oxide semiconductor: When the silica chip's circuitry detects carbon monoxide, it lowers the electrical resistance, and this change trig-gers the alarm.

Electrochemical sensor: Electrodes immersed in a chemical solution sense changes in electrical currents when they come into contact with carbon monoxide, and this change triggers the alarm.

Once the alarm sounds, the carbon monoxide detector

must be placed in a carbon monoxide-free environment to reset itself. That is the reason why you are instructed to take the de-tector outside in free air to reset the unit or it may go into alarm again. Unfortunately the first problem is that most purchasers do not read the instruction manual thoroughly, which is in very small print. Most instruction manuals will explain the dan-gers of carbon monoxide (CO), they will explain where to best mount detectors, what the alarms mean and vaguely mention that all detectors have a limited life. In researching detectors the longest life sensors available today may last as long as ten years for a premium unit. The AVERAGE life of a carbon monoxide detector is five to seven years. It’s the sensors that have a lim-ited life. Even the gas detectors that the fire department uses that cost thousands of dollars need to have their sensors re-placed periodically. That’s why there is a requirement that fire department gas detection units require sensor replacement based on a failure rate determined by frequent, manufacturer’s recom-mended, calibration. An excerpt from one of the carbon monoxide manufacturer’s states: “CO alarms have limitations. Like any other electronic device, CO alarms are not fool-proof. CO alarms have a limited operational life. You must test your CO alarm weekly, because it could fail to operate at any time. If your CO alarm fails to test properly, or if its self-diagnostic test reveals a malfunc-tion, immediately have the unit replaced. This alarm will not monitor CO levels while in an error condition.” This would hardly get your attention; “CO alarms have a limited operational life” means they wear out and when they wear out they fail into alarm. When they fail into alarm,

the homeowner has no clue what is wrong and calls the fire department thinking they have a CO condition in the house. Naturally this occurs at 2:30 in the morning so now the family gets ushered out of the house and into the family car at 2:30am, the fire department comes thinking they have a CO condition. Although we don’t come lights and sirens if there is no reported illness, fire department protocols dictate that we don full protective clothing and self contained breathing apparatus just in case it’s an actual CO condition and make entry into the structure to take readings with our more sophisticated gas detectors. In nine out of ten responses we find no readings, take down the CO detector, turn it over and discover the detector is more than 7 years old. Oh by the way, the manufacture date is stamped on the back of the de-tector in small font. After so many calls it’s like crying wolf, although the potential exists and we have encountered actual dangerously high CO concentrations due to defective heating equipment though most calls are false alarms due to outdated sensors. We can never assume that there is no CO; each call has to be treated as the real deal. The problem is after go-ing to so many of these false calls many volunteers no longer bother to respond to the calls anymore, resulting in short staffing. It’s not right that the fire service is providing educa-tion for carbon monoxide detectors, one detector at a time. In addition, the State of New York has passed legislation re-quiring CO detectors in all commercial occupancies, especial-ly restaurants as a result of an unfortunate incident in Suffolk County which caused the death of one restaurant employee and the sickening of 30 others including the responding para-medics. The issue in this instance was a malfunctioning water heater flue pipe in the basement of the establishment. Per-haps localities should commit more resources to code enforce-ment. The first problem is that all of the carbon monoxide manufacturer’s state that their detectors are for “residential use” so the question will be, what’s approved for “commercial use” especially in restaurants where there is the possibility of the presence of grease laden vapors. We’ll wait for the next chapter to be written, but you can bet the fire departments will be responding to more CO detector calls, potentially many of them false.

Now, what can we do to help solve this problem? There needs to be clear language by the manufacturer’s that carbon monoxide detectors have an expiration date, not a definitive date but they can certainly provide expectation of obsolescence within a range. The expiration date range could be printed on the front of the detector instead of a manufac-ture date on the back in small font. There needs to be a con-certed effort by the manufacturers, the fire service organiza-tions and the media to educate people that CO detectors do not have an infinite life span. Purchas-er’s need to be educated and as a result we can cut down on the number of false alarms which has resulted in a profound complacency within the fire service. We have to stop educating the public one CO call at a time.

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