Beautification
I want to extend a very special thank you to all those involved in creating the beautiful Fall display on Broadway. This project was spearheaded by our Director of Eco Dev, Bill Giering, who continues to come up with ideas to spruce up Broadway, in an effort to further attract businesses into Menands as part of his Economic Development agenda. Bill enlisted the help from our Village Gardener, Dianne MacFarland and our DPW. With donations from farmers from the Menands Farmers Market and assistance from Ralph and Hooter, an idea turned to reality. If you haven’t seen the display yet, I would encourage you to take a special trip to check it out. The display is located on the island along Broadway, near True Value Hardware.

Congratulations
I would also like to congratulate Mancini’s Restaurant, for the beautiful landscaping project that they recently created. It has a very inviting outdoor seating area, with a well executed design surrounding it. We are very pleased with the dedication and pride Mancini’s has shown and we thank them, and all of the businesses who maintain and improve their curb appeal, for their commitment in doing business in Menands. The landscaping at Mancini’s is a nice complement to our Fall display and both look great.
Some other news regarding eateries in Menands:
Poppy’s Place has reopened on Saturday’s and is a fun place to watch college sports, while enjoying a great lunch. Also, the Other Co. is open again on Sundays for breakfast. I recently had their Belgium waffle and it was delicious. Tuscan Pizza has completed the expansion of their shop in Mid City Shopping Plaza, allowing for additional seating and a salad bar. If short on time, don’t forget about Subway, Sun Fei Chinese, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Dunkin Donuts along Broadway.

Economic Development
This week I will have an opportunity to tour Simmons Machine Tool and I look forward to seeing how their business operates. I will give an update in my next message. I truly enjoy visiting the various businesses in Menands to see how they operate and meeting their staff. For a small Village, the diversity of businesses in Menands is intriguing.
I had hoped to be able to share some news in this message on the potential for a few new businesses but plans are not far enough along yet so hopefully there will be news by my next message.

Community
On Friday, September 27th, the Menands St. Patrick’s Club will be hosting a ham dinner at the Menands Fire House. Details are in this Newsletter. The Club will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2014 and this dinner is to raise funds to help offset costs during next year’s celebrations.
Please take time to stop by the Fantastic Fall Festival on Saturday, September 28th being held at the Menands Park. Further details are also in this Newsletter. This Festival is being coordinated by many volunteer Village residents to support the son of Menands Police Officer John Murphy. There will be things to do for everyone and a great way to spend an afternoon with your family while supporting one of our own.
Also, on November 9th, Menands Cares volunteers will be hosting a Military Appreciation Parade/Picnic to honor the men and women of our armed forces. Please mark your calendars and plan to come out and support our troops by watching the parade along Broadway and joining us at The Menands Farmers Market after. All veterans from the Village are invited to participate. Further details will follow. It is events like these that make Menands such a special place to live.
Until next time,
Mayor Meg