Mayors Message August 17, 2012

It is hard to believe how quickly the summer is going by but a lot of things have been happening in Menands during these summer months. The youth summer park program, under the direction of Brianna Coughlin, is winding down. The kids had a great time going on field trips, having their own version of the Olympics, including Opening Ceremonies which I had the pleasure of attending, and other activities in the park.  I would like to thank Brianna and her counselors for their dedication to our youth and providing a fun and safe program for the kids.

The Summer Concerts in the Park concluded last week. We were very fortunate with the weather cooperating this year, leading to an attendance ranging from 100 – 500 people per show. I began organizing the concerts about 10 years ago and they have grown each year and provide a great opportunity for friends and neighbors to come out and relax at our beautiful park, while listening to great music and enjoying food and beverages provided by the Menands Fire Dept. A special thanks to the MFD for their continued participation at the concerts and their commitment to our Village. I look forward to seeing everyone again next year for the 2013 Summer Concert Series.

I would also like to acknowledge our Village Gardener, Dianne MacFarland. It has been a hot and very dry summer but Dianne managed to keep the plants around the Village growing and looking great. The Village thanks Dianne for her hard work.

On an economic front, Key Bank, located at 280 Broadway, is undergoing renovations to their building, including a new handicap ramp at the entrance. Also, Dunkin Donuts, located at 60 Broadway, has reopened after closing to remodel their store. The Village is pleased with the commitment of both businesses to the Menands community.

I continue to visit area businesses and there are two that I want to highlight this time. Both establishments I frequent often and consider hidden gems to our Village.  The Other Co. Restaurant located at 698 N. Pearl Street was established in 1985 in the Loudon Plaza. In 1999, Sharon, a waitress at The Other Company, purchased the business and operated it at that location for 9 years. In 2008, Sharon, along with her partner Ellen Milkas, purchased their present building, which includes an outdoor patio. As proprietors, they, along with their friendly staff, enjoy making the restaurant a place where people meet, friends gather and everyone is made to feel like family. The Other Company Restaurant has become well known for fresh home cooked meals, homemade soups and daily specials. They are open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch and can accommodate private parties.

Poppy’s Place, located at 327 Broadway, has been a hometown pub and owned by the Henderson family of Menands since 1974. Larry and Pat Henderson, along with all of their children, have worked in the business in one capacity or another throughout the years. Today, Debbie (oldest daughter of Larry and Pat) along with her husband Nick DiBiase have taken the business into their own hands, maintaining the feeling of a family orientated business by employing  their daughters, cousins and nieces. They strive to serve good food and drinks in a friendly atmosphere for a reasonable price. They also have offered on and off premise catering for over 25 years. When people come back to Menands to visit family the place to go and meet up with friends is Poppy’s Place. They are opened 6 days a week for lunch and dinner, including homemade soups and daily specials.

Tradition in my family became breakfast at The Other Co. after Sunday mass and pizza and wings from Poppy’s on Friday nights. If you have not had an opportunity to visit either of these establishments I would encourage you to give them a try and start your own traditions.

Until next time,

Mayor Meg