Twin Bridges Edition | Thursday, December 30, 2021
Nonprofit that grew to feed hungry Comfort Food Community continues to expand mission to help fight food insecurity ByLINE: WENDY LIBERATORE
Mechanicville may alter its form of government City has five models running simultaneously ByLINE: KATHLEEN MOORE
MECHANICVILLE - The city may ditch the commissioner form of government in a sweeping change of government next year. Beginning in January, a city charter committee will begin reviewing changes that could be presented to the voters on the November ballot. The work must be finished by Aug. 8 to get on the ballot, said Commissioner of Accounts Mark Seber, who is chairing the committee. He's wanted to change the form of government for years, he said. "Right now we have five forms of government running simultaneously," he said. "We try to work together but..." He would like to change to a system with a mayor and a city council, similar to Schenectady, rather that continuing to pay commissioners to each run their own department. "It would be more efficient if we had somebody in charge," he said. He's undecided as to whether the ideal form would have a mayor in charge or a city administrator. "I kind of like the idea of a strong mayor. But we're a kind of small city. I'm not sure how many people would be interested in running for that position," he said. Currently, the mayor is paid $12,270 a year, reflecting a part-time role. But the accounts and public works commissioners are paid for full-time work, and are expected to be in the office during normal work hours, according to the charter. That suggests both should work full-time, which might discourage potential candidates, Seber said. "We need more younger people involved," he said. "People Please see GOVERNMENT 4
GREENWICH - On a Friday night in 2012, Maryann McGeorge and Sue Sanderson were volunteering at the Greenwich Youth Center in Village Hall when they heard a knock on the door. It was a woman who said she needed to find the food pantry. "We have nothing to eat, can you help us"? she asked. Sanderson said they were baffled. "We didn't know there was a food pantry," Sanderson said. "We gave her some ramen noodles and things we had there for her to have something to eat for that evening. The following Monday, we decided it would be important to know where the food pantry was." What they discovered troubled them. There was a food pantry in Village Hall, tucked upstairs off a narrow hallway. To access it, those in need had to call a number that most didn't know. And for those who did know it, they could only access nonperishable foods. Moreover, pantry clientele were only allowed to visit once a month. That motivated the socially minded couple to do
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Devin Bulger is executive director at the Greenwich Food Center, a pantry which is part of Comfort Food Community in Greenwich.
getting CFC where it is today was a lot of work. And one of their best and most pivotal decisions was the hiring of Bulger in 2014 as executive director, both women said. A native of Greenwich and a Loyola University Maryland graduate in finance, Bulger had returned to the area "bit by the social work bug" after working with the homeless in Denver. "I was doing homeless outreach, literally out in the street with a backpack, meeting people,
State sees a mass exodus Population falls to 19.8M, largest decline of any state in U.S., Census data show ByLINE: EMILIE MUNSON
In July 2020, Maria and Jayson Loushin finally made a change they'd been talking about for years. They sold their furniture, packed up their cars and three children, and moved from Staten Island to Palm Coast, Fla. "The pandemic wasn't our reason for leaving. It just gave us the opportunity to leave," Maria Loushin said. "We were able to work remotely and take our jobs with us. We were able to say 'now is the time' and 'let's do it.'" The Loushins were sick of long commutes to work on the train and ferry. They wanted to be closer to Maria's parents, who live in Florida. And they loved the easy access to their favorite place: the beach. The Loushins, who are documenting their move on YouTube, are building a house in a coastal community. They have noticed a fair number of New Yorkers in the area, distinguished by their license plates or Yankees caps. Locals have remarked about noticing an influx as well. Their experience aligns with a broader trend. Recently released estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show that hundreds of thousands of people moved out of New York during the pandemic. The data offer the first snapshot of the state's population loss since COVID-19 struck the state. From July 2020 to July 2021, New York's population fell by 319,020 people, the largest decline of any state in the country, according to Census Bureau estimates. At 1.6 percent, New York also had the largest percentage decrease in population of any state during that period. Only the District of Columbia had a higher percentage decrease. New York's declining population in the last year can be attributed to 352,185 residents moving out of New York, the Census Bureau estimated. According to the Empire Center for Public Policy, this shatters all out-migration records, exceeding New York's record annual migration losses during the late 1970s. Only California had more residents move out of its state from July 2020 to July 2021. Illinois was third. But those losses were offset by new residents more so than New York's. New York's population has now fallen below 20 million,
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something. They gathered four other like-minded souls to create Comfort Food Community, which today is a $1.1 million nonprofit devoted to providing healthy, fresh food that is easily accessible to those in need. But it is much more. CFC, as it is known, is also dedicated to reducing food waste, educating the community about nutrition and food preparation, and partnering with health care professionals to serve up food as medicine. Last year alone, CFC fed 13,000 people with its distribution of 500,000 pounds of food, all under their motto: "When everyone eats, all are nourished," Executive Director Devin Bulger said. Sanderson said everything CFC does is there in the organization's name. "Comfort is the security of knowing your next meal was available and the elimination of the anxiety of an empty stomach and knowledge that nutritious and healthy foods are available in the stores and at the school and when necessary in the pantry," Sanderson said. "Food is the essential ingredient, to make possible a healthy productive life. And community is the collaboration of the individuals and groups that bind individuals together. It strengthens the whole." But
trying to figure out what their situation was, what their story was and bring them back to stable housing," Bulger said. "I was also renting a plot with Denver Urban Gardens and I started to think how to make the connection between food, work, health and nutrition." A mutual friend who joined in the effort as a founding member of CFC introduced Bulger, who was at the time working at a Community Please see FOOD 4
to 19.8 million. From April 2010 to April 2020, New York's population grew by 4 percent, slower than the national average, Census Bureau data showed. But in one year from July 2020 to July 2021, the state has lost a large chunk of those gains made over a decade. Mark Castiglione, executive director of the Capital District Regional Planning Commission, said these census estimates are based DAVID DEE DELGADO / GETTY IMAGES on new methodology, New York's population is declining and Florida is among the many destinations due to the effects of where residents are fleeing. the pandemic, and only time will tell how they were concerned for their health being in accurate the estithe city during the pandemic. Jones, 46, has mates prove to be. But a shrinking population multiple sclerosis and is immuno-comprocould translate into negative impacts for the mised. He velieved he couldn't safely go to the state, including less tax revenue, contractgrocery store or leave their third-floor aparting school districts and fewer young people. "Addressing the Empire State exodus must be a ment in New York. "I was terrified to leave the house because I didn't want to get sick," Jones top priority of our leaders in 2022, said Justin said. "I didn't want my daughter to get sick." So Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United, Jones and his family moved to a house his wife a business and taxpayer advocacy group. He had inherited in Ferndale and soon bought suggested high taxes and the cost of living in the state were causing New Yorkers to relocate. their own three-bedroom house there, paying Gov. Kathy Hochul did not respond to a request less on their mortgage than they did to rent their one-bedroom apartment. They now can for comment. Early in the pandemic, change of safely play in their own backyard. With her address requests from the U.S. Postal Service child and husband, Zoha Rehmani relocated showed a surge of people coming from the from New York City in December 2020. They Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens to were tired of being locked in their "shoe box" Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady apartment during COVID-19 and had been counties. Since those early days, Facebook priced out of anything bigger in New York. So groups for New Yorkers relocating -- in-state they took the plunge and moved to a more afor out -- have proliferated. There are groups fordable apartment in Austin. After renting for for people considering moves to specific states or regions or for those trying to sort out where a year in Austin, Rehmani and her husband had and whether to relocate. Discussion boards hoped to buy a home. But now they're finding show people pondering destinations all over they can't afford the few homes available in the the county, international relocations or a hop hot housing market there. "Austin is not that from New York City to upstate. Chris Alan cheap," Rehmani said. "Why should I stay in a Jones moved with his wife and baby in May place that is just as expensive as New York but 2020 from Queens to Ferndale, Mich., because Please see CENSUS 4
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PAGE 2 | DECEMBER 30, 2021
Big hikes for three, but not the fourth Mechanicville Council assistant unhappy after she’s passed over ByLINE: KATHLEEN MOORE
MECHANICVILLE - City Council members were criticized last week for giving two of their four top assistants bigger raises than other city workers. As a result, they held another meeting Wednesday and voted to give out the same larger raise to one more of their assistants -but not the fourth one, who said she might find another job because of it. The mayor's secretary, top clerk at the commissioner of accounts office and the finance commissioner's deputy are getting raises of 7.25 percent to 9.25 percent. All other city workers were given a 2.25 percent raise. Commissioner of Public Safety
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Barbara McGuire proposed giving her top clerk the same raise, but the council voted that down, 3-2. McGuire said it wasn't fair to give out such large raises to only some of the top officials. "She deserves it but my clerk doesn't?" McGuire said. "She has 18 years (on the job) and she's the lowest paid. She has to work nights, she has to work weekends, she has to go out in public." Only Commissioner of Public Works Anthony Gotti voted with McGuire to give the same raise to clerk Kim Noonan. The other three members of the council voted no. However, they voted 4-1 to give the same raise to Deputy Commissioner of Accounts Emilia Foard. Voting no was Finance Commissioner Keith Johnson, whose deputy was given that same raise last week. Commissioner of
Accounts Mark Seber said that McGuire's public safety clerk position wasn't a big enough job to warrant a raise. "I don't think the work is there for that position," he said. McGuire added that Seber wanted that position to be part time. As for the one clerk who didn't get a raise, Noonan was watching from the doorway. "I'm not a happy camper, I'll tell you," she said after the vote. When she learned about the first two raises, she said, "I was very upset. I've been there 18 years. I do my job." Now there will be a rift among them, she predicted, adding that she's going to find another job. "It is what it is, but it's going to be a little different between me and all of them now," she said. "I'm just going to have to start looking and make my way out of here."
Anderson shone in spotlight TOP 10 STORIES - A look back at major local stories of 2021
Rookie pitcher helped Braves to a championship with 5 no-hit innings in World Series start, playoff dominance ByLINE: JAMES ALLEN
Injuries to his team's pitching staff hastened the timetable for Shenendehowa graduate Ian Anderson to make his Major League Baseball pitching debut with the Atlanta Braves on Aug. 26, 2020. The third overall pick in the 2016 draft did not disappoint as he allowed only a sixth-inning solo home run by Luke Voit in posting a 5-1 victory over the New York Yankees. Anderson's sparkling debut proved to be a harbinger of things to come. The 6-foot-3 right-hander made five more starts during the regular season in a campaign shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic. He also went 2-0 during postseason play. Still considered a rookie in 2021, Anderson became an even more vital member of the team. As the games became more important, Anderson proved more difficult for opponents to contend with. In a season where he made his first appearance on the injured list, Anderson saved his best outing for his final performance of the season in Game Three of the World Series against the Houston Astros. The 23-year-old,
mixing his fastball, curve and change-up masterfully throughout, did not allow a hit over five innings in earning the 2-0 victory. Poised to pitch in Game Seven if necessary, Anderson's services were not required as the Braves beat Houston 7-0 in Game Six to claim their first championship since 1995. Anderson, who helped lead Shenendehowa to a Class AA state championship in 2016, achieved something in his first full season in the major leagues the vast majority of players never experience by becoming a world champion. Across 24 starts during the regular season, Anderson won nine games and lost five times over 128\x{2153} innings work. He posted a 3.58 earned run average, struck out 124 batters and finished fifth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. But what has separated Anderson from so many others before him has been his ability to excel on the mound in postseason play. Like he did in 2020, Anderson went 2-0 during the playoffs. In eight career postseason outings, Anderson is 4-0 with a 1.26 ERA -- the second-lowest ERA for a pitcher's first eight career playoff starts since 1913. Asked to explain his ability to be calm in the most tense situations, Anderson said last month during a media gathering in Halfmoon, "I think there are guys with
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Clifton Park native Ian Anderson of the Atlanta Braves started Game Three of the World Series on Oct. 29 and was lifted after five no-hit innings.
more talent than me, without a doubt. Just the ability to be able to slow things down can save you so much. When you look at it and figure, how can I gain advantages from other things that I am not gifted with? That is one thing I would try to teach to younger kids. There are other things out there you can get advantages from. Some of my teammates were joking I was a 65-year-old, so, I just Please see ANDERSON 4
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AROUND YOUR COMMUNITY Girl Scouts from Clifton Park Troop 2499 Participated in Wreaths Across America CLIFTON PARK - Emma P. and Sophie C. from Girl Scout Troop 2499 participated in Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 19 by laying wreaths on the graves of veterans. Wreaths Across America began in 1992 at Arlington National Cemetery. Now, every December hundreds of thousands of wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves at National and State cemeteries each year to remind people to remember, honor and teach about our nation’s veterans and their families.
Cohoes Rotary Ornaments Feature St. Agnes Church COHOES—In 2004 The Rotary Club of Cohoes started a collectible series of Christmas ornaments featuring historic landmarks in the City of Cohoes. This year’s ornament depicts St. Agnes Church. A portion of the proceeds for the sale of the 2021 ornament will go to support the programs at the Connect Center for Youth, currently operating in the former St. Agnes Church. Following are previous ornament designs in the series: 2004-the Cohoes Falls; 2005-the Harmony Mills; 2006-the Cohoes Music Hall; 2007-the Cohoes Mastodon; 2008-Cohoes City Hall; 2009-the Half Moon; 2010-Silliman Memorial Church; 2011the Van Schaick Mansion; 2012-Keveny Memorial Academy; 2013-Cohoes High School; 2014-Cohoes Library; 2015-the former Cohoes Movie Theatre; 2016-Carlson’s Ice Rink; 2017-Erie Canal Locks; 2018 Cohoes Armory; 2019-Matton Shipyard; 2020-Cohoes 150th Anniversary logo. Coffee mugs with the St. Agnes design are also available for purchase. Cost for ornaments is $20. Mugs are $10. To purchase ornaments or mugs go to http://www. rotaryclubofcohoes.org for further information. Ornaments and mugs are also available for purchase at Marra’s Pharmacy, 217 Remsen Street, Cohoes.
Looking For New Baseball Umpires
CAPITAL DISTRICT Capital District Baseball Umpires Association is looking for new members for the 2022 season. If you think you have what it takes to be a baseball umpire, training classes are now forming. For more information, call Bob Umholtz at 518-986-5987 or go to cdbua.com
Mother Teresa’s Thrift Shop MECHANICVILLE - 52 Williams St, Mechanicville. 10 - 2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. Thank you for all of your support. Will be closed until Tuesday, January 11. Happy New Year.
Johnsonville Thrift Shop JOHNSONVILLE - The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, located at 22 Bridge St.,
Johnsonville, NY 12094, is open 9-12 every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month. Closed on holidays. Look for our sign at the corner of Route 67 and Route 111. We have a great selection of adult and children’s clothing, boots, shoes, coats, purses, special occasion and career clothing, jewelry, toys, linens, household and decorative items. Our well-organized book room has over 1,000 books available.
Al-Anon Meetings
CLIFTON PARK/ HALFMOON - If you are affected by a person’s drinking, Al-anon can help restore your sanity. We as a group, come together to share our experience, strength and hope and discover ways to live a happier life. The Wednesday meeting will be moving to Zoom at 6pm for the winter. Reach out to cmc. afg.123@gmail.com for any questions or to get the Zoom meeting sign in information. At this time the Sunday 4pm meeting at St. Edwards Church on Clifton Park Ctr Road is still an in-person meeting.
Frederick Allen Elks Lodge #609 New Years Ball SARATOGA SPRINGS Join us for our New Year’s Eve Black & White Ball. Music, Dancing, Hors d’Oeuvres & Cash Bar with a complimentary midnight champagne toast! Friday, December 31st, 8:00pm to 2:00am. Frederick Allen Elks Lodge #609, 69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. $20/ pp. To reserve and for more information: 518-691-2499.
Capital Region Social Happenings January Events and Concert Series CAPITAL DISTRICT - https://www.facebook. com/CapitalRegionSocial - CapRegSocialHappenings@gmail.com. Friday Night Events at 7 pm – Picnic at noon at 435 New Karner Road (Hanover Square Building) at “Hill” door entrance. Open to the public. Inside seating is limited. $12 pp and that includes beverages and snacks. Plenty of free parking. Handicap accessible. CDC & COVID compliant. Masks required on everyone. Be prepared to show your vaccination card as well as provide your phone number for contact tracing. Our inside seating is limited. Call 518-452-6883
Flexibility. Mobility. Recovery.
for more information. Friday Night – December 31: We starting with an early 6:00 pm New Year’s Eve Party for those that would like to be home early to watch the ball drop! Bring a finger food to share and be prepared for a few delightful surprises. This event won’t break your bank! $4 with finger food and $10 without. Non-alcoholic sparking toast included. Friday Night – January 7 at 7 pm: Special Event – BANNED BOOK NIGHT – Bring your favorite Banned Book to this event and share a passage from it. (Lists available on request or check the web). We’ll discuss the reasons for books being banned or challenged. $5 for all. Friday Night – January 14 at 7 pm: Lonnie Hons will perform toe-tapping Country Songs for us. Put your boots on and stomp along with music. Line dancing welcome! Performance starts at 7 pm. Friday Night – January 21 at 7:00 pm: Special Event: Going on the Cheap! Fashion and Food!!! Wear an outfit that you assembled from a thrift store for no more than $10 and show us your creation. In addition bring a dish to share that you prepared for no more than $2. This will be a fun night for everyone attending. Only $5 for all. If you decide not to participate in Fashion or Food then it’s $10 for the pleasure of watching the rest of us! Prizes. Friday Night – January 28 at 7 pm: The Back Porch Players will perform music that we all enjoy. Maybe even some sing-alongs. Performance starts at 7 pm. Sunday Night – January 30 at 7 pm: We’re kicking off our first dance of the year with a great DJ. Put on your dancing shoes and be prepare to strut your stuff on the dance floor. Music requests taken. Only $6.
Last Day Hike at Moreau Lake State Park
First Day Hike at Moreau Lake State Park
Southern Saratoga Art Society
GANSEVOORT Saturday, January 1st, 10am and 11am. Let’s get the new year started off right by joining Moreau staff for a lovely walk in the woods around the beautiful Moreau Lake. Spots are limited, please call 518-917-2174 to reserve yours. $5 for adults, kids under 16 free. Weather permitting. If there is ice or snow please come prepared with cleats or snowshoes. There is a limited amount of snowshoes available for rent. The warming hut will be open with a fire inside and out.
GANSEVOORT - Friday, December 31, 1pm. Join and environmental educator on a guided hike along the Red Oak Ridge trail to the Moreau Overlook. This will be a strenuous hike up to the overlook. It is a steep incline with a rocky section right before we reach the top. This will be about a 4+ mile hike. Please call 518-917-2174 to make a reservation. Cost is $5 for adults and $1 for children.
January Events for Seniors at The Center at CSSC COLONIE - Happy New Year from THE CENTER at CSSC! 2022 is looking bright and shiny from where we stand, and we’re planning many fun, enriching and energizing events. If you aren’t a member, consider joining! It’s $20 per calendar year, and it’s worth every cent. If you are already a member, it’s time to renew. You can mail a check to CSSC, 6 Winner’s Circle, Albany NY 12205, attention Caroline Barrett, or call 518-459-2857 x 327. We look forward to seeing you in 2022. January events include: Exercise: Seated Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Back Pain, Boot Kickin’ Line Dancing, New Year’s Groove, Tap Dancing, and Yoga for Mobility. Arts: Ukulele 101, Drumming 101, Impressions in Clay, Open Studio and Open Studio Crafting Travel and Trips: Clark Art Institute, Curtain Call Theater, Honest Weight Food Co-op Food Tasting and Shopping, Music at Noon at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Tour of Palace Theater and Lunch Free Club Events: Bingo, Cribbage, Bridge, Writer’s Workshop, Knitting, Book Club, MahJong Please call for dates and prices.
CLIFTON PARK - Artist Karen Woodin will be exhibiting at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Tel.#: 518383-1343. Her collection titled “A Moment in Time & Place” will be on exhibit during Jan. & Feb., 2022. Karen is an award winning landscape plein air artist whose paintings often capture a sense of place and moment in time through the effective communication of color, texture and composition with a delicate handling of details and water reflection. Artist Jean Skanes is exhibiting in the Town
Please send your news and photos to bulletinboard@crwnewspapers.com. Please include contact information. of Clifton Park Lobby, 1 Town Hall Plaza, Tel.#: 518-371-6651 during the month of Jan., 2022. Jean is a watercolorist who primarily paints landscapes. She prefers softer tones and light colors but occasionally works with a bolder palette. Both artists are members of SSAS. Stop in an visit these exhibits and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County. For more information on SSAS, visit: southernsaratogaartist.com
Valley Falls VFW New Year Breakfast VALLEY FALLS - Start the New Year with breakfast at VFW Post 1938, Poplar Ave, Valley Falls, NY on Sunday, January 2, 2022 from 8-11a.m. Menu includes eggs cooked to order, french toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon, toast, potatoes, biscuits with sausage gravy, fruit, juice, coffee and tea. Cost is $10 (age 13 and over), $5 (children 5-12), free (children under 5).
content and format, such as poetry, art and movies. Participants will learn about the types of classical and modern midrash that already exist and perhaps try their hand at creating their own. “Creating Modern Midrash” is open to the public. Registration is required. Cost: $20; for B’nai Sholom members, it is just $15. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with links to access the course. For more information or to register, contact the B’nai Sholom office: 518-482-5283 or office@ bnaisholom.albany.ny.us.
Ch. 60, Korean War Veterans’ Association January Meeting SARATOGA SPRINGS - The January meeting for Ch. 60, Korean War Veterans’ Assoc., will be held at 1:30 p.m. on January 6th at the VFW home in Saratoga Springs.. Best directions are to take the Arterial North of Saratoga, then take a right on Veterans’ Way. At the bottom of the hill take a left and the home is on the right. Veterans who served anywhere during the Korean War or in Korea at any time, spouses, widows, friends and relatives are all invited to attend. New members are always welcome. For further information or an application to join the organization, please contact Comm. Paul O’Keefe at 518-603-4186.
Saratoga Area Retired Teachers Meeting SARATOGA COUNTY - Saratoga Area Retired Teachers will meet on Monday, January 3, 2022, at noon at Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Avenue (Rte. 9P), Saratoga Springs. For membership information and luncheon reservations, call 518-587-5356.
New B’nai Sholom Course Examines Modern Ways Of Interpreting Ancient Text of The Torah ALBANY - A new course taught by Rabbi Danielle Weisbrot at B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation in Albany will look at creating modern midrash, the rabbinic interpretation of a passage or text from the Torah. “Creating Modern Midrash” will be offered four Wednesdays beginning Jan. 5, 7:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Midrash is a form of rabbinic “creative writing” that has been a classical method of giving Torah new types of meaning. It ranges from word play to mining details of Jewish law to imaginative tales that fill in the “gaps” in the Torah text. Over time, this practice has become not just more popular but more diverse in its
Free Open to the Community Workouts CLIFTON PARK FREE Open to the Community Event for ages 15 and Up January 8, 2022 at Arise Fitness! Located at 1707 Rte 9, Clifton Park, members of the community have an opportunity to kickstart the New Year with a FREE fitness bootcamp OR kickboxing class - no experience needed! Classes can be modified for ANY fitness level! 7:15AM & 8:15AM bootcamp; 915AM Kickboxing. All classes are 45 minutes. Pre-register now (spaces limited!) by contacting Olivia at info@arisefitnesscp.com , registering online www.arisefitnesscp.com, or by calling 518-280-7013 for more information.
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doesn't have everything New York has?" Missing the "East Coast culture," Rehmani and her family plan to move again to the Washington, D.C., area come summer, she said. Overall, the population of the U.S. grew by 0.1 percent from July 2020 to this past July, the lowest rate since the nation's founding, according the Census Bureau. The bureau attributed the slow growth rate to a reduction in immigration, decreased fertility and increased mortality due in part to the pandemic. "Population growth has been slowing for years because of lower birth rates and decreasing net international migration, all while mortality rates are rising due to the aging of the nation's population," said Kristie Wilder, a demographer in the Population Division at the Census Bureau. "Now, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this combination
has resulted in a historically slow pace of growth." During this one-year period, more people moved domestically to the South than anywhere else, while people relocated out of the Northeast and West, the Census Bureau found. Texas gained the most people in this period due to domestic in-migration and births. Idaho had the fastest annual percentage increase in population. But the vast majority of people stayed put in 2021, other census data released earlier this year showed. In fact, people moved at the lowest rate in more than 70 years in 2021. Some who left the Empire State are having second thoughts. Katey said she moved from New York City to Connecticut in June 2020, but now she is trying to move back. The Times Union agreed not to use her last name due to the nature of her work. She has more living space in Connecticut, but "it's so boring," and "non-diverse," she said. "I just don't have that much in common with soccer moms," she said. "I'm trying to go back as soon as possible."
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with young families, they can't do this. They have a job." Not everyone thinks it's a good idea. Resident Kim Dunn said it would lead to higher costs. "The DPW clerk, she doesn't run that place. You'd have to hire someone, probably more than $50,000," she said. As of Jan. 1, the DPW commissioner is paid $51,125. Other commissioners' jobs might also need to be replaced with paid staff, while the city council members would also get paid. Public Safety Commissioner Barbara McGuire was also not in support. "What is a city administrator with benefits going to cost the city? We can't afford it," she said. The date of the first meeting has not yet been set but will be in January. Public comment will be included at some of the meetings, Seber said.
(LORI VAN BUREN/TIMES UNION)
Executive Director Devin Bulger is seen taking an order over the phone at the Greenwich Food Center, a pantry which is part of Comfort Food Community on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 in Greenwich, N.Y. The person he’s talking to on the phone is quarantined because of COVID. Comfort Food Community is a food bank that has grown from a small space in a church to a large operation that includes local farms.
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Atlanta Braves pitcher Ian Anderson, a Shenendehowa graduate, signs autographs before the Albany FireWolves opener last Saturday at Times Union Center.
ANDERSON CONTINUED FROM 2
get a kick out of it. It is something that helps me out there, without a doubt, and I try and use it." On Dec. 16, Anderson, along with twin brother Ben, father Bob and mother Karen, spent the day at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown as a hat and ball worn by the Braves' No. 36 from his World Series victory were put on display along with other Atlanta mementos. "I think it is setting in now more than anything, kind of seeing it being at the Hall of Fame," Anderson said Thursday. "Seeing all the artifacts, this is baseball history. This is going to be part of baseball history forever. It is setting in more, what we were able to accomplish."
Supported Agriculture farm in Easton, to McGeorge and Sanderson. McGeorge said meeting him was transformational. "He embodied so much for us," she said. He was hired on part-time, and along with the board they created a path forward. "Right from the get-go, it's been intense," Bulger said. "We focused on things that could make an immediate impact that no one else was doing." Within that first year, they raised thousands of dollars, joined the Northeast Regional Food Bank in Latham, launched a backpack program so food insecure children and their families eat over the weekend, and planted a community garden with one area dedicated to replenishing the food pantry with fresh produce. The biggest change was the transformation of the food pantry. It moved out of Village Hall into St. Joseph's Hall. Fresh food and shopping carts, donated from Hannaford, were added. And those who visited shopped rather than received a handout. "We want to provide a pleasant and dignified shopping experience," Bulger said. "If it feels like a normal shopping experience, it's more respectful. Beside, they know what the best choices for their families are." Sanderson said that's important as poverty strips away choice. "It's not just addressing food insecurity, but food sovereignty, giving people back a choice to what they want to eat," Sanderson said. Sanderson recalled one woman coming into the pantry and taking her daughter's hand and saying, "Now I will teach you how to shop." "That was it for us," Sanderson said. "That is what we were supposed to do." McGeorge said that one woman, who visited the pantry, pulled her aside. "She said, 'For a long time I would go to bed a night and wake up, go downstairs and open my kitchen cabinets and there would not be anything in there. I was so worried about how we were going to find food and where we would find the money for any kind of food. Now I go to bed and every once in a while I go downstairs and open the cupboard and there is food in there. Good food. We are not going to die hungry.'" Bulger said there are endless stories like that and he's
Capital District Fly Fishers Annual Fly Tying Class
CLUES ACROSS 1. Loud cheer 5. Defensive nuclear weapon (abbr.) 8. Type of cell 11. Oblong pulpits 13. Pitching statistic 14 Uncommon 15. Liabilities 16. Thin, straight bar 17. Oh goodness! 18. Competitions 20. __ Jima, WW II battlefield 21. Professional assn. (abbr.) 22. Italian mountain range 25. Taking possession of 30. Used in cooking and medicine 31. Water (French) 32. Parent a child 33. Sun-dried brick 38. One point south of due east 41. Female fashion accessory 43. A way of making a copy of 45. A way to debilitate 47. Wings 49. Social insect 50. Dull brown fabrics
55. Indian musical pattern 56. N. England university 57. Portable stands for coffins 59. Iranian district 60. Envision 61. Passerine bird genus 62. Container 63. Falter 64. Tunisian city CLUES DOWN 1. Cool! 2. Passover offering 3. Swedish rock group 4. Collegiate military organization 5. Large nests 6. Beloved baked good 7. 1980s pop legend 8. Finger millet 9. Hillside 10. Surrender 12. Midway between south and southeast 14. Long, narrow strap 19. Discount 23. A type of cast 24. Large, tropical lizard 25. Half of “Milli Vanilli” 26. Single 27. Big truck
28. Midway between east and southeast 29. Et __: indicates further 34. Insecticide 35. Luke Skywalker’s mentor __-Wan 36. Cast out 37. Breakfast food 39. By reason of 40. One who makes thread 41. Baseball stat 42. Breezed through 44. Frothy mass of bubbles 45. Tony-winning actress Daisy 46. Made of fermented honey and water 47. Member of a Semitic people 48. Monetary unit of the Maldives 51. Run batted in 52. Makes publicly known 53. Disagreement 54. Soluble ribonucleic acid 58. Single-reed instrument See answer in back of paper.
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CAPITAL DISTRICT - 8 Sessions Various Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 pm - Jan. 12th, 26th, Feb. 2nd, 9th, 23rd March 2nd, 9th, 23rd, March 30th Makeup Session. Location: 5 Locust Lane, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Learn to Tie the following flies: Streamers Nymphs, Wet Dry, Terrestrials Caddis & Leaches, Deer Hair. Course Includes: ALL materials to tie 70 flies (5 each of 14 flies). Material give a way at the classes. Must have own tools, which are covered at the 1st session. Class size limited (First Come First Serve). For Information or Gift Certificate,Contact: Rodney Priddle (518) 421-6762 or flyrod@nycap. rr.com Paul Sinicki at (518)8858257 or cdflyfishers@ nycap.rr.com For Registration go to https://parksrec.egov. basgov.com/cliftonpark Or call (518) 371-6651.
Diabetes Support Group Online SARATOGA COUNTY - January 7, 12 pm is the next Diabetes Support Group sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County. This informal support group is held via Zoom for
happy the experience continues today at CFC's newest location at 2530 Route 40. A former restaurant, the center is open on Mondays and Wednesdays. Shoppers can take home as much bread and produce as they want, along with milk, cheese, yogurt, deli items, desserts and all the nonperishables that one expects at a pantry. To be eligible, one must be a resident and answer a few questions about age and household size. "We ask the essential questions for data tracking to know our customer well," Bulger said. "It's a regional food bank requirement. We don't ask any more information than that." CFC also opened a satellite center in the Cossayuna Fire House on Bunker Hill Road that is open Tuesday afternoons. In addition, CFC partners with farms to glean, wash and distribute excess produce, which they then bring to libraries and senior centers in Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties. CFC leads cooking classes to educate clientele. It also partners with health care facilities for its Food as Farmacy and Produce for Prescription programs that matches up those suffering with chronic illnesses with food that could provide optimal health benefits. Last summer, thanks to local community donations and grants funding, CFC expanded again. It bought the former ToyWorks factory where it has opened a food hub and distribution center to store nonperishables, as well as all its bins of fresh produce from local farms. The next step is to open a commercial kitchen in the building. "We started with the Greenwich-based programs and then we realized there was a bigger regional need," said Bulger, who is now full-time and manages a staff of seven and a pool of nearly 100 volunteers. "It's been a fast and furious eight years to get to this point. We have done it by being true to the mission." McGeorge credits the success of CFC to the community. "It's unbelievable," McGeorge said. "The volunteer ethic in this community is extraordinary. When we ask for human capital, there was never a time when people didn't step up. The friends and neighbors in this community make it work. It's the most important word in our name. We couldn't have done it without community support."
people with diabetes or prediabetes. Family members of those with diabetes are also welcome to attend. There is no fee for the support group. Topics will vary and may be based on the interest of the group. Contact Diane Whitten at 518-885-8995, or dwhitten@cornell.edu for more information. Register in advance for this meeting at: https://cornell.zoom. us/meeting/register/ tJcrcumprTgsHdTnnFQhaAk3DmT35kxzTfzR or with this QR code. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Latham-Colonie Columbiette Buffet Breakfast LATHAM - The Latham-Colonie Columbiette Buffet Breakfast will be held on Sunday January 9th, 2022, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, at the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus Council, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham. Menu includes; Scrambled Eggs, an Omelet Station, Home Fries, Corned Beef Hash, Bacon and Sausage, Pancakes and French Toast served w/Warm syrup, A Variety of Cereals and Juices, Bananas and Hot Tea, Coffee
or Hot Chocolate. $10 Adults, $5 Children (5-10) and under 5 Free! www. lathamcoloniekofc.com/ dinner&events
Volunteers Needed - Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association CAPITAL DISTRICT - The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association is recruiting volunteers to become new members. We welcome honorably discharged veterans to join the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association and Color Guard. The Honor Guard also joins directly with all active duty branches sharing in the ceremonial procedures. If you are interested in exploring membership, please go to www.snchga. org and read about our organization. If you feel the Honor Guard may be a good fit for you, complete an application and mail the required forms to the address on the application. If you would like to talk to someone before applying for membership, please email mjoly@nycap.rr.com with your information so you may be contacted or call 518-383-3214 (Mark Joly) or 518-253-3202 (Art Dutcher) to discuss your questions with an Honor Guard member.
DECEMBER 30, 2021 | PAGE 5
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Smart homes can make life at home more convenient, especially for remote workers. However, a recent report suggests many smart homes are vulnerable to cyberattacks. In its “Smart Home Report 2019,” the cybersecurity firm Avast revealed that just under 41 percent of the 16 million smart homes surveyed across the globe contained at least one vulnerable connected device. The Avast report found that 69 percent of vulnerable devices in smart homes were determined to be susceptible to attacks due to simple passwords or one-factor authentication. Two- or multi-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security and is a simple way to safeguard smart homes from cyberattacks. Two-factor authentication is a security process that requires users to provide two different factors to verify their identities. A password to log in to an account is typically the first factor users utilize. The second factor may be a cell phone number that users provide. In such instances, a code is instantly texted to the number provided when users attempt to log in. Once that code is entered, users can then access their programs and accounts. Two-factor authentication is not time-consuming, and users can typically expect to access files, accounts and apps within seconds of verifying their identities a second time. That makes two-factor authentication a simple and highly effective way to make smart homes less vulnerable to cyberattacks.
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food as possible can benefit from a little wintertime help. Penn State Extension suggests providing a variety of foods to attract the greatest number of species. Small, black-oil sunflower seeds are preferred by many smaller species of bird and have a high oil content that is nutritionally important for birds. Other sunflower seeds will be appropriate for blue jays and cardinals. Some other popular foods include white proso millet, thistle seed, niger seed, and peanuts. Consult a wild bird store, which likely sells a birdseed mix that enables you to place a variety of seed into one feeder. In addition to seed, suet, which is made from high-quality animal fat, is crucial for birds in the winter. Families can get crafty by spreading peanut butter onto pine cones and sprinkling seed on top. Hang the pine cones tied to pieces of string from tree branches for homemade feeders. Birds likely need a little help surviving the winter, when conditions can be bleak. Offering food and observing backyard visitors can be a great way to unwind on winter afternoons.
N GIO
Kitchens serve as the heart of many homes. Thanks to the popularity of open floor plans, kitchens also tend to be highly visible from nearby spaces, such as family rooms and even main entryways. A messy, cluttered kitchen can be an inefficient eyesore that’s visible from various locations in a home. That makes getting organized in the kitchen a worthwhile goal. The following are some tips to help homeowners organize their kitchens. Start with the utensils Utensils come in all shapes and sizes. Take inventory of your utensils, discarding or donating items you don’t use. Next, designate drawers or countertop storage solutions for the utensils you use most often. Place them within easy reach, and take into account your dominant hand for placement. Categorize your pantry Empty the pantry, paying attention to staples you regularly use. Then figure out a system for catego-
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The pristine, white backdrop of a snowy winter day can be a wonder to behold. While fresh snow on the ground can make for awe-inspiring landscapes, the absence of greenery amid the starkness of winter poses challenges for animals that do not ride out winter in a state of hibernation. Several bird species stay in colder climates over the winter. Red-winged crossbills, snow buntings, bohemian waxwings, evening grosbeaks, and cardinals are just some of the birds one may find while gazing outside on a chilly winter’s day. Birding in the winter can be a rewarding hobby because, despite the chilly conditions, birds tend to be easy to find in bare trees. Furthermore, the colder temperatures may keep many people inside, meaning neighborhoods, trails and parks can be very quiet, making it easier for those who brave the cold to see birds. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds indicates that winter is a difficult time of year for birds due to the weather and the scarcity of food. Furthermore, birds must consume a lot of food in a short amount of time to have the energy and body warmth to survive each day. Even birds that store food in caches or have developed special scavenging ITA strategies to find as much CAP L RE
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Tips to organize your cluttered kitchen
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• Establish a local support network. Support can be just as valuable as supplies when confronting power outages. The American Red Cross urges individuals to identify people who can help them during an extended power outage. Such individuals may help you stay at home or evacuate if the power will be out for a lengthy period of time. Support networks can include relatives who live in nearby towns, but also neighbors. A single street can be served by different substations and main power lines, so friends or neighbor across the street may keep their power when your house does not, or vice versa. When the power goes out, support networks can pool their resources in various ways, including sharing refrigerators or allowing neighbors without power to access the internet. Such support makes it easier for everyone to get through the outage with as little interruption to their lives as possible. • Print a list of important contacts. If the power is out, it’s only a matter of time before smartphones lose their battery power. Phones can always be plugged into vehicles to get a quick power boost, but that’s not the most practical way to keep phones charged, especially if local roads are closed. A printed list of important contacts, including nearby relatives like seniors who may be incapacitated, doctors and school officials, ensures people whose phone batteries have died can still contact their loved ones and other important individuals so long as they can use a neighbor’s or a loved one’s phone. • Learn to use your generator. Consumer Reports notes that improper operation of a generator can quickly prove deadly. If carbon monoxide concentrations are too high, individuals can lose their lives in as little as five minutes. And this is no insignificant threat, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 95 people died from generator-associated carbon monoxide poisoning in 2017. CR recommends operating generators at least 20 feet away from the house. Individuals should familiarize themselves with their generators upon purchasing them so they aren’t forced to endure a trial by fire when the power goes out. • Stock up on essentials. The Red Cross recommends keeping a two-week supply of nonperishable food and water in the house, making sure to date each container of water and replace it every six months. Keep some extra coolers in the house so food can be stored on ice before it spoils in the refrigerator or freezer. In addition, make sure there’s enough blankets in the house to keep everyone warm overnight, as it’s not safe to use outdoor heaters indoors. Stock up on battery-powered lights and candles to light the house at night, but make sure all candles are extinguished before going to bed. Extended power outages can be a nuisance. Planning for such outages in advance can make blackouts more manageable.
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Planning ahead can help make adverse situations more manageable. Such is the case when storms strike and the power goes out. Extended power outages may not be pleasant, but some proactive planning can make it easier to withstand blackouts.
rization that works for your household. Perhaps place all baking essentials together, such as flour, oil, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Maybe you need to designate a “kids corner” in the pantry where you keep fruit snacks, granola bars and breakfast cereals. Use uniformly shaped containers to store packaged foods so you’re not contending with oddly shaped boxes and bags. Use extra wall or ceiling space Large pots and pans can eat up cabinet space or clutter the inside of an oven for those who don’t have any other space. While your decorative enamel Dutch oven might fit nicely on a shelf or counter, cast-iron pans and skillets can be hung from durable hooks over an island or near the stove. Organize under the sink It can be difficult to keep cleaning products tidy and within reach. Try installing a short tension rod inside the cabinet and use it to hang spray bottles, rubber gloves and cleaning cloths. Use kitchen cabinet rollouts A shortage of storage space in cabinets can be remedied with rollouts. They provide additional capacity to cabinets and make it easier to find items, instead of having to dig at the back of dim cabinet recesses. Tame your container collection It’s tempting to save all of those take-out containers or empty margarine tubs for leftovers. But if there’s an avalanche every time you open up a cabinet to reach for a container, you probably have too many. Invest in one type of storage container so you can nest the containers and lids for ultimate organization. An organized kitchen is more attainable than it may seem. Some simple strategies can help homeowners make these home hubs less cluttered and more calming.
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OPINION
The High-Water Mark Of Biden-Era Progressivism By Rich Lowry
Joe Manchin and London Breed have nothing in common. One is an old-school Democratic senator from West Virginia, surviving and thriving in an increasingly red state; the other is the progressive mayor of San Francisco, a city that is a byword for cutting-edge left-wing politics. Yet both, in their own ways signaled that Biden-era progressivism has reached its high-water mark. Manchin, of course, delivered an emphatic thumbs down to Joe Biden's signature Build Back Better plan, while Breed reversed field on crime in a stunningly frank endorsement of law-and-order in a jurisdiction infamous for the opposite. The de facto pincer movement by the wildly different Democrats from wildly different parts of the country -- San Francisco is roughly 19 times as large as
the biggest city in West Virginia -- shows that the progressive tide that built in the Trump years is finally colliding with political reality and the real-world consequences of progressive extravagance. This doesn't mean that progressivism is spent obviously. It dominates the media, academia and almost all the rest of elite culture. At the same time, Democrat s st i l l cont rol t he elected branches of government in Washington. But a growing backlash against progressive excess has found expression in two notable acts of Democratic defiance. By now, the context of Manchin's "no" on Build Back Better is familiar. Joe Biden campaigned as a pragmatic Democrat only to reverse field after his election and develop a heroic image of himself as the next transformational Democratic presi-
dent in the line of FDR and LBJ. This drove the mistake of not realizing that Manchin or any other Democratic dissenter in the 50-50 Senate had the power to derail Build Back Better and accordingly scaling it back from the outset. Instead, the White House and congressional leadership acted as if Manchin could be cajoled or bullied out of his oft-repeated qualms. Perhaps Democrats will reu n ite w it h t he senator on a scaled-back spending bill in the new year, but the era of FDR fantasies is definitely over. Democrats should ask themselves, if they had a mandate to remake the country, why the entire project depended on the approval of a single conservative Democrat from West Virginia? Now, Democrats are looking down the barrel of a mid-term election wipe-out that could give the GOP a durable House ma-
Building The Wall Back Better Cal Thomas, Tribune Content Agency
During a debate with George H.W. Bush in New Hampshire in 1980, the moderator asked that Ronald Reagan's microphone be "turned off for the moment." Reagan was angry and said something that might be applied to the failure of the Biden administration to use materials lying unused in Texas paid for during the Trump administration for the purpose of constructing the border wall. Said Reagan, "I paid for this microphone." The clear implication was that since he paid for it, he ought to be able to use it. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas is making a similar argument. He believes the Biden administration, either to spite Trump, or because it is not interested in securing the border, refuses to use materials already paid for by taxpayers for the purpose of resuming construction of the wall. As a result, Abbott has ordered that construction resume, using state taxpayer funds and new materials. More than a $100 million of taxpayer money was spent on materials intended for the border wall during the Trump administration. They should be made available to Gov. Abbott, but the Biden administration won't allow it. President Biden canceled contracts for its construction after entering office last January. The Texas Department of Transportation is set to pay nearly $25 million for the construction of a nearly two-mile concrete barrier along the border in Eagle Pass. The Texas Tribune reports: "Under the project, the state has also contracted for a temporary fence near the right of way along State Loop 480, which the Department of Public Safety has designated a high-traffic area for illegal immigration." Officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety are patrolling parts of the border where federal border control officers cannot be found. Immigrants who cross are being charged with trespassing and put in jail.
Gov. Abbott has said: "The Biden administration has abandoned its responsibilities to secure the border and Texans are suffering as a result. The problems along the border are only getting worse due to President Biden's inaction. Property is being destroyed, deadly drugs and illegal weapons are being smuggled into communities throughout the state, law enforcement is having to redirect their resources, and county judges and mayors are facing skyrocketing expenses. Texas is doing more than any state has ever done to protect the border, but it is clear that more is needed. In the Biden administration's absence, Texas is stepping up to get the job done by building the border wall. Through this comprehensive public safety effort, we will secure the border, slow the influx of unlawful immigrants, and restore order in our border communities." As some media outlets (mostly Fox) show pictures of migrants illegally entering the country and new reports find some are coming from other than Central American countries, opinion appears to be shifting. A Fox poll last spring found an increase in the portion of respondents saying the migrants "hurt" the country and that attitude is seen across the board: "independents (+21), Republicans (+20), Whites (+18), men (+16), women (+14), Blacks (+11), and Democrats (+8) are more likely to think immigrants hurt rather than help." Abbott has created the equivalent of a GoFundMe campaign so he might have additional resources to complete the wall. The website is borderwall.texas. gov. I'm betting there are many Americans who would be willing to contribute, because they want to see the wall finished and stop the invasion. I would call the project "building the wall back better." Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Look for Cal Thomas' latest book "America's Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires and Superpowers and the Future of the United States" (HarperCollins/Zondervan).
jority that will put paid to any thought of BBB-style legislation for years. If Manchin said "enough" to big-spending federal aggrandizement, London Breed said it to the soft-on-crime consensus in blue cities that has led to spiraling disorder. The Bay Area, home to the smash-and-grab robbery and other routine offenses against basic human decency, has been Exhibit A. Concluding that even the tolerant people of perhaps the country's most tolerant city wouldn't put up with it much longer, Breed had her Howard Beale moment. In a speech clearly meant to set down a political and rhetorical marker, she called for an end to "the reign of criminals who are destroying our city." The Breed turnabout, from police-defunder a year ago to would-be Rudy Giuliani now, marks an end to the period af-
ter George Floyd's death when a nt i-p o l i c e s e nt i m e nt w a s ascendant. There are other signs that the progressive momentum is beginning to give way. A rightward shift among Latinos shows the limits of paint-by-the-numbers identity politics. That the left's response to the grassroots movement against critical race theory in schools has been to deny there is any critical race theory in schools speaks to a telling defensiveness. Next year, the Supreme Court may well knock out Roe and Casey, cornerstones of the progressive social agenda. Of course, the political and cultural war will continue apace. Still, December 2021 looks like an inf lection point when, as Breed put it in her speech, "the bull***t" finally got a reality check. Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review.
Defeat For The Build Back Better Plan Might Not Be Total Disaster For Biden Jonah Goldberg, Tribune Content Agency
You know that old tale about the guy stranded on a rooftop during a flood who beseeches God to rescue him? A neighbor in a rowboat comes and offers to rescue him. "No, I've asked God to save me," the man says. Then a police boat makes the same offer, and he gives the same reply. Finally, a helicopter arrives, same response. The flood claims the man and, when he gets to heaven, he berates the Almighty: "I had faith in you, but you didn't save me. You let me drown. Why?" God says: "What are you talking about? I sent two boats and a helicopter for you. What more do you want?" Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia may not be on a rescue mission from God, but the Democrats would be wise to see him that way. On Sunday, Manchin told Fox News' Bret Baier that he was a no vote on President Biden's "Build Back Better" plan. The response from the White House and Democrats was one of poorly contained fury and unbridled panic. It was a blow to the future of "democracy" and the death of Biden's domestic agenda and perhaps his presidency. A lot of this outrage is premised on the same misreading of political reality that led the Democrats to push the plan in the first place. When Biden was elected, the Democrats gained only one Senate seat and the GOP was expected to retain control of the Senate. But Donald Trump's meddling in two Georgia run-offs handed two seats and nominal control of a tied Senate to the Democrats. And yet, pressure from progressives and bizarre advice from some historians convinced Biden that the electorate craved a New Deal-style "transformative" agenda. "This agenda," Biden said last month, "the agenda that's in these bills, is what 81 million people voted for." Big, if true. A far more plausible take: Many people simply voted against Trump, or for a more competent approach to the pandemic or less drama from Washington or just because they're Democrats who would have voted for any Democrat. But Biden decided to govern as if the political winds were a gale at his back. If it were true that Americans were hungry for a new New Deal, Biden would have had coattails because the New Deal wasn't just popular according to some carefully worded polls. FDR's party gained 97 seats in the House and 11 in the Senate in 1932. In 2020, no Republican incumbent lost in the House (the Democrats lost 13 seats) and, pre-Georgia, the GOP lost only one Senate seat. That's no groundswell. t's funny, the same folks furious at Manchin keep saying that one senator from West Virginia shouldn't have the power to block Biden's transformative agenda also implicitly think that winning two Georgia seats validates that agenda. More importantly, Manchin wasn't one senator standing athwart Build Back Better, he was the 51st senator. Throw in Kyrsten Sinema, Democrat of Arizona, and it's 52 senators against, 48 for. So much for majoritarianism. Biden is a victim of surely one of the worst messaging screw-ups in recent political history. He got $1.9 trillion in spending at the beginning of his presidency for COVID relief. He successfully managed to do what Trump couldn't -- pass a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, with bipartisan support. Over $3 trillion in spending -- nearly twice the Obama stimulus and Obamacare price tags, combined -- is plenty for your first year in office. Biden could have -- and should have -- declared victory and swiftly pivoted to centrist initiatives and rhetoric that would help Democrats hold on to moderates and independents in the 2022 midterms. Instead, he opted to pander to the slice of the Democratic base that opposed him in the primaries. Now, by the standards he and congressional leaders set for themselves, he's got a disaster on his hands. The House Democrats he and Speaker Nancy Pelosi cajoled into voting for BBB will now have to defend their votes for a bill that was too radical and expensive to pass the Senate, at least according to their Republican opponents. Even now, the Democrats are still misreading political reality. The defeat of Build Back Better needn't be the disaster they are making it out to be. The defeat of healthcare reform (led by Hillary Clinton) in 1993 didn't grease the skids for Bob Dole winning the presidency in 1996. Instead, that policy failure -- along with the 1994 midterms -- prompted Bill Clinton to drag his party back to the center. The 2022 midterms are shaping up to be a Republican tsunami, but Biden has plenty of opportunities to avoid drowning in it. After all, that's why God sent him Joe Manchin. Jonah Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and the host of The Remnant podcast. His Twitter handle is @JonahDispatch.
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DECEMBER 30, 2021 | PAGE 7
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Silent Auction items needed for Shen Rowing’s Dinner & Silent Auction CLIFTON PARK - The Shenendehowa Rowing Annual Dinner & Silent Auction is scheduled for Saturday, March 5th, 2022 at the Terrace, Lighthouse Restaurant in Glenville. Promote your business or organization and become an auction item sponsor. More than 200 individuals are invited to this fundraising event. Your auction item will help the team move forward in achieving our mission of promoting the growth and prosperity of the sport of rowing through the support of local regattas on the Mohawk River, ongoing training, community service events and competition opportunities for middle and high school-aged rowers. The First National Bank of Scotia is a proud sponsor of this year’s silent auction. Call Shen Rowing at 518-331-7023 if you have an item or wish to sponsor this event. Auction items received by February 1, 2022 will be included in our virtual and in-person auction during February and March of 2022. “Magic on the Mohawk” is the theme for this incredible event celebrating all that this river has to offer for capital region rowers, boating enthusiasts and local businesses. Shenendehowa Rowing provides junior and master-level rowing programs all year-long on the Mohawk River.
Saratoga Springs Figure Skating Club Learn to Skate Program SARATOGA SPRINGS - We are the only area club to offer the US Figure Skating sanctioned program. Our instructors are experienced and approved through USFS, The program is open to all ages from 3-adult. We meet on Saturday mornings from 10-11. Our next 6 week session starts January 8th, Our Registration is open now and additional information can be found at www.SaratogaLearnToSkate.com.
Knitting at THE CENTER COLONIE - Knit one, purl one, chat! A friendly group, choose either time or both. Mondays 10 a.m. and Friday 1 p.m. 518459-2857 x 327, cbarrett@ colonieseniors.org
What is Domestic Abuse and What Can We Do About It? CAPITAL DISTRICT - Domestic abuse, also called domestic violence (DV) is one or more of these behaviors by one intimate partner towards another: threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, physical assault and sexual assault. It is a pattern of coercive control and exercise of power. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In New York state alone, the DV hotlines receive over 19,000 calls a day. DV is a culturally learned and socially tolerated public health problem which is like the proverbial elephant in the room which we don’t feel free to discuss. Myths about Domestic abuse dispelled * DV is a private matter between the partners. No. Domestic abuse is a crime, according to the Violence Against Women Act 1994/96 which offers equal coverage to women
and men. Left unchecked, it creates chronic stress in all the family members including the children and adversely affects their mental and physical health. * Only women are victims of DV - False. DV is the number one predictor of child abuse. Also, one in four men are abused by their partners but most don’t reveal it. Everyone in the abuser’s household, not only the victim, would be walking on egg shells, apprehensive of being abused any moment on flimsy grounds. In extreme cases, the abusers killed the entire family and then killed themselves. * DV happens only once or twice in a relationship. False. It happens repeatedly. Abusers usually escalate violent behaviors in frequency and severity. * The abusers can’t control their anger. - False. Angry abusers stop the violence when they hear a knock on the door and exercise restraint until there are no witnesses. They don’t abuse their coworkers or people at the stores. They behave well outside and strive to maintain a positive public image. * DV is caused by alcohol or drugs. - False. Most men who abuse their partners don’t drink or abuse drugs. Alcohol and drugs don’t cause abusive behavior but they reduce the inhibition of the abuser which may increase the severity of abuse. * DV happens to those with lower income/education. - False. The DV Hotlines receive calls, chats and texts from people of every socioeconomic class and religion, including the wealthy and highly educated. * If the abuser shows remorse and promises to behave, the abuse will stop. - False. Remorse and begging for forgiveness are ploys to temporarily pacify and perpetuate the control over the victim. The abuse mostly gets worse. * Boys who witness DV will grow up to be abusers - Only one in three boys who witness abuse become adult abusers. The majority of abused children raise their own children without violence. * The victim can just leave. - Abused women are in the greatest danger of severe or lethal attacks when attempting to leave or after leaving. They might have no safe place to go, can’t support herself and children, feels humiliated about the abuse, fears that her friends, family and community will blame her and for emotional or religious reasons. A survivor believes the partner’s promises to change and hopes for an abuse-free life. Safely ending a violent relationship requires a well though-out plan and preparation. The DV agencies offer help in this regard. What can we do about domestic abuse? - Each of us can take simple steps like: # 1 Empowering the victims by believing their experiences. They very rarely tell lies. # 2 Searching online for “Domestic Violence agencies near me” under quotes for their contact information and making it widely available at libraries, waiting rooms, restrooms etc.; learning from videos and articles on “bystander intervention techniques” online and applying the techniques to stop abuse if it happens in our presence. #3 Discussing media reports on domestic abuse with our friends and family, to bring awareness and eliminate the stigma around it. For FREE, anonymous, 24/7 help, you can contact one or more of the local DV agencies (refer #2 above) or the national ‘Domestic Violence Hotline’ at 1-800-
799-SAFE (7233), TEXT ‘START’ to 88788 or CHAT at https://www.thehotline. org/.
Risk and Ethics in the Attempt to Contact Extraterrestrial Intelligence CAPITAL DISTRICT - A second space age, generated in part by the rapid commercialization of space access, has stimulated interest in contact with intelligent beings on other worlds. This talk focuses on the moral, cultural, and risk factors associated with attempts to contact extraterrestrial intelligence. John W. Traphagan, a PhD in social anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh, is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. His books include Science, Culture, and the Search for Life on Other Worlds. This program will take place online, via Zoom, on Sunday, January 9th, 2022 at 1 PM. Current paid CDHS members will automatically receive an invite to the meeting via e mail. Any one who is not a paid member can attend. Simply log onto our Meetup Page, https:// www.meetup.com/Capital-District-Humanist-Society/ and use the RSVP function. The link to the meeting will then be available to you. The Capital District Humanist Society provides a supportive community for exchanging ideas, heightening our knowledge of the world and ourselves, fostering moral and ethical growth, and promoting the principles of secular humanism. CDHS is a member organization for people with humanist values. Our values include commitment to free inquiry, rational thought, life-long education, democracy, social concern, and fellowship. www.humanistsociety. net
January Regents exams a no-go State education chief says record COVID infections force cancellation of tests ByLINE: MIKE GOODWIN AND RACHEL SILBERSTEIN
ALBANY Regents examinations scheduled for January have been canceled because of the worsening pandemic, state Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said Tuesday. "New York set a daunting record last week with more COVID-19 cases reported in one day than ever before," Rosa said. "Once again, the January Regents exams cannot be safely, equitably and fairly administered across the state. We will continue to work with our schools, districts and stakeholders to ensure they have what they need to provide academic, social and emotional, and mental health supports for our students." The Education Department said no decisions have been made about Regents exams scheduled for June and August or any other state assessment exams. In light of the cancellation of the test, the Education Department will ask the Board of Regents to modify the assessment requirements students need to earn diplomas, credentials and endorsements. "Given the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, the recent acceleration in COVID-19 infections, and continuing upheaval the virus has caused in schools across the state, this decision is the right one," Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. "New York's students and provocative performances by regional artists, actors, & musicians. Saturday and Sunday are filled with a variety of workshops, speakers, interviews, and performances, as well as deepening conversations. Then, as part of our Day of Service, participate in a variety of volunteer projects, followed by our CommUNITY Celebration -- with soul-energizing Gospel music and keynote by the inspiring Bishop Dennis
Colonie Senior Service Centers is in Need of Umbrella Handypeople COLONIE - Are you interested in assisting senior homeowners in the Town of Colonie with such tasks as yard work, light carpentry, cleaning, painting, plumbing or snow removal while making some extra money? Then consider becoming an Umbrella handyperson. CSSC supports seniors throughout the community and the Umbrella program allows seniors to remain in their homes even when certain maintenance tasks are too tough to complete. Feel good about yourself while making a difference. Handypeople make their own schedule, working only when they want to. To learn more about Umbrella, please call Sharon at (518) 459-2857 ext. 302.
Annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend SARATOGA SPRINGS - January 14 - 17, 2022. Theme: “I have decided to stick with Love.” - MLK Saratoga’s 7th Annual Dr.King Celebration Weekend opens with the Dr. King Challenge on Friday night with profound
Proctor! Something for everyone -- FREE & open to the public. Check website after Jan. 2nd for details and virtual/in-person info. www.MLKSaratoga.org/ celebration
St. Mary’s Church, Waterford, Food Pantry WATERFORD - The Food Pantry of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Sixth and Broad Streets in Waterford, is open and
accepting new Waterford clients. To register, or for more information, contact Lynda at 518-237-8826. Returning clients should continue to contact the Rectory at 518-237-3131 on Monday mornings to sign up for the Tuesday distribution. The Food Pantry is staffed by volunteers of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church. The Pantry looks forward to seeing returning clients and to meeting new ones.
Send Us Your News
Jonesville United Methodist Church Food Pantry
CLIFTON PARK The Jonesville United Methodist Church Food Pantry is open each Friday from 9am-12 noon and serves residents of Burnt Hills/ Ballston Lake and Shenendehowa school districts.We are located at 963 Main Street, Jonesville,518-877-7380.
will continue to have access to high-quality coursework while allowing districts to prioritize the health and safety of our school communities." To ensure students are not harmed by the cancellation of the exams, the department will ask the Board of Regents to adopt emergency regulations regarding the assessment requirements students must ordinarily meet to earn a diploma. Under the proposed regulations, students who are planning to take one or more Regents tests during the January exam period at the conclusion of a course of study or makeup program would be exempt from the requirement to pass the exam. To qualify for the exemption, the student must meet one of these requirements by the end of the first semester of the 2021-22 school year: Be enrolled in a class that culminates with a January 2022 Regents examination and earn credit for that course of study. Complete a makeup program to earn course credit. Be prepared to take a required Regents exam to graduate at the end of the first semester. NYSED is developing additional guidance in the form of an FAQ and will issue that guidance in early January to address topics such as safety net options, mastery, honors and technical endorsements so that schools may determine which diplomas to grant to their graduates. New York State United Teachers said the exam cancellation is the right choice "given the unevenness of this school year with the pandemic still ongoing and the acute social-emotional needs of our students."
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Best Wishes to Councilwoman Sabo Mary Frances
Events, Dinners... Any Community News You Want Our Readers To Know About!
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email to: bulletinboard@crwnewspapers.com
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Saratoga National Historical Park to Receive $6.6 Million for Infrastructure Improvements Great American Outdoors Act funding will improve the Battlefield Tour Route STILLWATER – The primary visitor experience at Saratoga National Historical Park is about to benefit from $6.6 million in funding provided by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Extensive work on the park’s popular, self-guided battlefield Tour Road will begin in 2022 and result in increased accessibility and visible improvements to the parking areas, trailheads, walkways, seating, exhibits and viewing areas along the ten-mile-long route. Be sure to check the park website for information about temporary road closures during construction. “This project is an extraordinary opportunity to invest in our visitors and enhance their enjoyment and understanding of the Saratoga Battlefield and the events that took place here. It is a big step in preparing the park for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and interpreting the critical role that the Battles of Saratoga played in turning the tide of Revolution and changing the world,” said Saratoga NHP Superintendent Leslie Morlock. The current Tour Road experience is more than 50 years old. This renovation will expand physical access and safety enhancements for more than 100,000 visitors annually and eliminate $4 million of the park’s maintenance backlog. It will also be instrumental in preparing the park for the extra attention it will receive related to the upcoming 250th anniversary commemorations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and of the battles in 2027. The parking areas and walkways will be revamped at all ten tour stops to meet universal standards for accessibility, including seating with companion seating, new improved exhibits, and audio description provided on an app for public use. Modern outdoor exhibits will replace the existing informational waysides that are well beyond their intended design life. The 60 new exhibits will be constructed of durable steel, aluminum, and bronze. In addition to being more cost-effective by requiring less routine maintenance, the new exhibits will include replica objects and convey updated information about the battles, the landscape, multiple perspectives, and the roles of lesser-known participants to better connect visitors with the meaning and importance of the site. The design layouts are geared for easier reading; using added color contrast, appropriate fonts and font size, tactile bronze relief maps, braille, and installation heights that are beneficial for all visitors. Saratoga National Historical Park preserves, protects, and interprets the sites associated with the battles, siege, and surrender of the British forces at Saratoga. The park encompasses five sites including the Saratoga Battlefield, General Philip Schuyler’s House, Victory Woods, the Saratoga Monument, and Sword Surrender site totaling 3,579 acres. It was here in September and October 1777, during the American War for Independence, American troops battled and defeated the British invasion force. A British Army surrendered, for the first time in history, on October 17, 1777. This crucial victory secured essential foreign recognition and support and boosted the morale
of the American forces making it the turning point of the American Revolution. The project is being financed through GAOA’s National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides up to $1.9 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks and other public lands to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment for current and future visitors. GAOA, the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other construction funding sources are part of a concerted effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in national parks. For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or Twitter @SaratogaNHP.
American Legion Post 1450 Donates to Local Charities HALFMOON - American Legion Mohawk Post 1450 Commander John Lepine announced that the Post has made its annual Christmas donations of over $13,500 to local charities and non-profit organizations in December. Contributions totaling over $8000 were made to local family and youth oriented organizations such as The Saratoga Center for the Family, Regional Food Bank, CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Community Hospice, Double H Ranch, and Shenendehowa Helping Hands, St. Edwards Church Food Pantry and other local Food Pantries. Additionally, the post helped support our veterans by donating over $5000 to Stratton V.A. Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Program and Veterans’ Holiday Committee, The National Honor Guard, and the Homeless Men’s and Women’s Veterans Facilities in Ballston Spa. The donations were made possible through membership support, Bell jar, Monday Night Bingo and other fundraising activities during the year, and we sincerely thank all who continue to support
these activities. These annual December gifts are in addition to approximately $8000 in ongoing contributions made throughout the year in support of the community. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans’ organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. Post 1450 is one of the largest in membership in New York State. For information on joining please call the Post at 371-4463.
Learn to Skate in 2022 DELMAR - Online registration is now open for the Albany Figure Skating Club’s popular 8-week Learn to Skate program that starts on January 8, 2022. Group lessons will be held on Saturdays from noon to 2:00 pm at the Bethlehem YMCA (900 Delaware Ave., Delmar). This program provides beginning and advanced skating instruction for recreational skaters, figure skaters, and hockey skaters aged 3 to adult, and is a fun, safe way to learn to skate or to improve skating skills. Skating lessons also make a great gift! Skate rentals are available, and skaters do not need to be YMCA members to participate. For more informa-
LOCAL FIRST | TWIN BRIDGES
tion and to register, please visit the Albany Figure Skating Club’s website at www.albanyfsc.org, or email info@albanyfsc.org.
Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club Monthly Breakfast VICTORY - The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club invites all to join us at our Monthly Breakfast on
Sunday January 9, 2022, starting at 8:00AM through 11:00AM. Menu: Eggs cooked to order, Bacon, Sausage, Toast (White or Wheat), Pancakes (Regular, Blueberry, Buckwheat, Apple Cinnamon), French Toast, Home Fries, Orange Juice, Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate. Cost: $10.00 Adult, $5.00 Child. Everyone will be welcome to join us. 518-695-3917.
HOROSCOPE
Week Of January 2, 2022 ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Your finances need a little extra work, Aries. Start to focus on investments, money and other financial matters. Your mind is quick and you catch on quite fast. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Romance is on your mind this week, Taurus. This is the time to focus on solidifying your relationship with someone special in your life or to find that perfect match. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Matters involving work are at the forefront of your mind, Gemini. You may need to put in some extra hours on the job this week. Keep your head down and your efforts will be noted. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you may be longing for an encounter with your romantic partner, but other factors keep getting in the way of your date. You have to make romance a priority. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 An unexpected financial windfall lands in your lap, Leo. It is just the good news you need at this point in time. Start thinking about how to invest this unexpected gift. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Business and personal successes are coming your way soon, Virgo. It could be a project that brings you financial gain or the development of a new friendship. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, whether it’s a hunch or a tip from someone close to you, you have some valuable information that will come in handy in the coming days. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 A relationship reaches new heights, Scorpio. If you are unattached, you might find
a partner soon. If you have a significant other, he or she will become even closer. SAGITTARIUS Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, draw your closest friends together and plan a gathering where you can exchange ideas and rekindle friendships. It’s been a while since you socialized. CAPRICORN Dec 22/Jan 20 A long journey is in your near future, Capricorn. It may come by way of a muchneeded vacation, or you may make a move across country to follow a job or passion. AQUARIUS Jan 21/Feb 18 Finances dominate your week, Aquarius. This could be related to a pay raise at work or a personal investment that pans out. One way or another, success isn’t too far away. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, a business partner may contact you with some good news after returning from a trip. Prepare to join this person in a promising venture. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JANUARY 2 Dax Shepard, Actor (47) JANUARY 3 Eli Manning, Athlete (41) JANUARY 4 Jaeden Martell, Actor (19) JANUARY 5 Bradley Cooper, Actor (47) JANUARY 6 Irina Shayk, Model (36) JANUARY 7 Lauren Cohan, Actress (40) JANUARY 8 Genevieve Padalecki, Actress (41)
HOUSE OF THE WEEK
19 Washington Avenue, Schenectady
PHOTOS BY FIELD REALTY
The house was built in 1827 and then updated with Victorian style in the 1870s.
T
he final selection of 2021 is a brick row house in the Stockade. Originally built in 1827, it was made over in a Victorian style in the 1870s, when an entry foyer and the parquet floors were installed on the first floor. The original beams are visible in the basement, where the current owners built a bar. The house has three bedrooms and two and a half baths, and includes a guest suite on the third floor. There are beautiful finishes LEIGH throughout the house and a HORNBECK large, modern kitchen. The HOUSE OF property has a private brick THE WEEK courtyard and two-car garage. It is above the flood plain. Schenectady schools. Taxes: $7,691. List price: $449,900. Contact listing agent David Schwartz of Field Realty at 518-369-1359 for a showing.
n If
you have seen or own a particularly interesting home for sale to feature, send the address to lhornbeck@timesunion.com
n To
see more House of the week photos, go to Leigh Hornbeck’s Places & Spaces blog at http://blog.timesunion. com/realestate
Top to Bottom: living room has parquet floors and a marble mantel; one of three bedrooms; the basement bar. At far left is the kitchen.
DECEMBER 30, 2021 | PAGE 9
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Intuitive and Mindful Eating Class SARATOGA COUNTY - This Intuitive and Mindful Eating class is to help anyone who wants to reconnect with their bodies in order to find peace and happiness with their diet habits. This class will be taking place over Zoom on Thursday, January 13th, from 12:0012:30 pm. No fee, just scan the QR code. Presented by Julia Hotaling, Dietetic Intern with Sage Colleges, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Participants will learn what intuitive eating is, how to practice it, the barriers to intuitive eating, and how to integrate mindful eating into their meal times. This includes learning how to be present when eating, eating without any distractions, avoiding mindless eating, knowing how to listen to your internal hunger cues, and more. Time provided for Q&A. For program details contain Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County - 518885-8995, or email Diane Whitten at dwhitten@ cornell.edu
Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club Fish Fry Friday VICTORY - Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club will start Fish Fry Friday, Friday, January 14, 2022, at 4:00 - 7:00 PM , and continue every Friday thru April 15 2022. All are welcome, members and non-members. Menu: Includes but not limited to : Fish Fry, Chicken Fry, Clam Fry, Popcorn Shrimp , Buffalo Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Scallops, Chowder, Dinners are served with your choice of french fries or onion rings, coleslaw and sauce, ask about our extra’s and beverages. You are welcome to eat in at our club house, or call ahead for Take Out.518695-3917.
New York State Arms Collectors Association, Inc. Albany Gun Show™
CAPITAL DISTRICT - January 22-23, 2022. Empire State Plaza Con-
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MISC. AUTOMOTIVE DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 1-855-587-1166
AARON CONSTRUCTION Specializing in all phases of home remodeling & repairs. Snow plowing. Fully insured. 518-857-8354 or 518-371-1519 ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL Siena Grad. 25+ yrs. exp. No job too small. (518) 475-8782. www.accountingdave.com APPLIANCE REPAIR Washers, dryers, fridge, ranges, etc. Prompt, guaranteed repairs. Mike Horowitz (518) 477-8378
vention Center, Albany, N.Y. 450 Tables. Open To The Public. Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm.Daily Admission $8.00 Per Person. Children under 12 free - Must be accompanied by Adult• Senior Citizens $6.00.
The Mechanicville Area Community Services Center Presents Yankees vs Red Sox Bus Ride
MECHANICVILLE - Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM EDT. (Actual Event Time to be determined by MLB - additional information to follow). The Mechanicville Area Community Service Center is excited to offer community members a chance to enjoy the highly anticipated NY Yankees vs Boston Red Sox Season opener game! We have partnered with Yankee Stadium and will be able to offer affordable tickets and transportation to the NY Yankees vs Boston Red Sox MLB game opening weekend at Yankee Stadium. This event will be a bus ride fundraiser and proceeds will support MACSC and community members in need. Join us and enjoy the experience of a lifetime with your friends, family and MACSC team at Yankees Stadium for the NY Yankees vs Boston
$$CA$H$$ FOR JUNK CARS $100-$1000. FREE PICKUP (518) 914-8633 CHEAPER THAN DUMPSTERS Old appliances and furniture REMOVED FROM YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS. Small or Large jobs. CLEANOUTS. Call Bill the Junkman at (518) 256-6124. Credit cards accepted. C.L. HOME IMPROVEMENTS Taking care of all your window and remodeling needs. Neat & dependable. Fully ins. Free est. Rich (518) 528-7173 COMPUTER ISSUES? FREE DIAGNOSIS BY GEEKS ON SITE! Virus Removal Data Recovery! 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE, In-home repair/On-line solutions. $20 OFF ANY SERVICE! 855-385-4814 DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1855-434-9221 www.dental50plus. com/44 #6258 DIRECTV for $69.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. One year of HBO Max FREE. Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Call for more details! (some restrictions apply) Call 1-866-731-3285
Red Sox opening weekend game! Your ticket purchase will include: Yankee Bus ride from Mechanicville to Yankee Stadium, Ticket to NY Yankee vs Boston Red Sox Game (3 options available Field Level, Main Level or Terrace/Grandstand), 1 Hot Dog, 1 Beer or 1 Soft Drink and 1 NY Yankee Bag Pack. Your cost through MACSC: Field Level – $ 205.00, Main Level - $ 190.00, Terrace/ Grandstand - $180.00 . Contact Tammie Alikonis, 518-664-8322, talikonis@ mechanicvilleacsc.org
League of Women Voters of Saratoga County SARATOGA COUNTY - The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will present a virtual program by Peter Iwanowicz, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates NY and a Member of the New York Climate Action Council on January 12 from 6:30-8:00. He will present an analysis of the long awaited plan for the State of New York to implement New York’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals set forth in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act . The program is Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County & Sustainable Saratoga. To register go to the League
DIVORCE $389.00 - Uncontested Make Divorce Easy – only 1 Signature, Inc. poor person app. Info: (518) 274-0380 DUMPSTER RENTALS 12yd. & 14yd. available. Call Ray at N & R Tree and Property Services (518) 573-1133 Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-400-4965 FAST FIX HEATING and PLUMBING LLC 24 hr. service, fully ins. 26 yrs. exp. Installs/ replacements, tuneups, trouble shooting. Fixing all your heating & plumbing needs. (518) 256-1346 F.E. PALMA CONSTRUCTION Building, Remodeling, Renovations. Since 1985. Free est. Ins. o518-627-4344 c518-257-2880 Firewood/ Cooking Wood Exit 15N.com Lou "The Wood Guy" Rt. 50, Wilton. 24/7 FIX MY PHONE We fix phones & tablets. Located 1st level of Crossgates Mall in front of Pet Zone and Dave & Busters. (845) 321-1680
website, www.lwvsaratoga/events.
St. Matthew & St. Paul’s Lutheran Church ALBANY - 1500 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203 (across from Stuyvesant Plaza). (518) 464-2648. Join us every Sunday for worship at 10:00am followed by adult Bible study at 11:20am. Children are welcome in worship and Sunday School at 11:20am. Coffee and snacks provided each week. All are welcome!
2021 Pine Bush Perspectives Photo Exhibit inside & Outside at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve ALBANY - The 2021 Pine Bush Perspectives juried photo exhibit is currently on display both inside the Albany Pine Bush Preserve’s Discovery Center located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany and the along the Discovery Center’s outdoor entrance path. “Previous Pine Bush Perspectives exhibits have been inside the Discovery Center, but due to limited hours and capacity we decided to also display the exhibit outside,” explained Jackie Citriniti, Lead Educator and show designer. “Visitors are welcome to come and
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FRIDHOLM PAINTING Interior painting - 1 or multi-room projects. Popcorn & Cathedral ceilings. 2-story foyers & wallpaper removal. Make your appt. for your free est. for your 2021 ext. projects. Call us @ (518) 330-9507 or visit us at www.FridholmPainting.com. We Love What We Do! GLASS/SCREEN REPAIR Broken glass, torn screens repaired. Home repairs. Makes house calls. (518) 203-8595 HOUSECLEANING SERVICES Apts, Homes, Comm. Reliable, honest, Ins. Call Rose Cleaning Services (518) 496-4241 LICENSED ELECTRICIAN Everything from new service to switch or receptacle repair. All types of lighting instld. No job too big or small 518-782-1473 Never Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again! Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months! 844-649-4766 PAINTING SOLUTIONS Interior painting & staining. Wallpaper removal, wall repairs, taping. Res./Comm. Free est, fully ins. 518-986-1154 PJ’S CONSTRUCTION Windows, doors, remodeling, roof repair, small jobs. Quality work for quality price. Ins. (518) 527-3067 P.W. PAINTING All phases of painting & staining. Your int/ext painting residential specialist. Excellent workmanship. Great prices & reas. rates. Free est., fully ins., ref’s. (518) 396-0898
enjoy it however they’d like,” she continued. Each visitor views the Albany Pine Bush Preserve from a unique vantage point worthy of celebrating and sharing. The jurors, Denise Hackert-Stoner and Scott Stoner of Naturelogues, selected photographs that represent a diversity of content and vision. This collection of photographs gives a unique perspective of the globally-rare inland pine barrens. The public is also given the chance to vote for their favorite photo at www.AlbanyPineBush.org/photo-exhibit. The exhibit will be open through March 1, 2022
RLM CONTRACTING Decks, roofs, siding & painting. Remodeling, sheds & additions. Free estimates. (518) 450-3206 or (518) 914-8259 THE RELIABLE HANDYMAN A perfectionist. No job too small. All phases of home repair. Free est. I will show up! Call Joe (518) 261-0265 TREE & STUMP REMOVAL Brush hogging available. Free Estimates. Fully insured. Call Ray at N & R Tree and Property Services (518) 573-1133 UNSEASONED FIREWOOD 7 (+/-) cord load, cut, split & delivered. $1260. Call for area discount. Smaller loads avail. 518-692-2109
UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS Adult Community. Minimum 55 years old. Mohican Hill Apts, Ballston Spa. Spacious 1 BR. Washer, dryer hkups. Low heat costs. Fully sanitized. $795. No pets. (518) 885-4232
VACATION RENTALS OLD FORGE RENTAL COTTAGE – South side of Third Lake – Ride right from your door - All amenities. Winter rental December 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 - $6,500 plus utilities. See website: www. pinewoodcottageoldforge.com 315-822-6890 or 315-725-0876.
and is sponsored by the Friends of the Pine Bush Community. Friends’ treasurer Richard Naylor said, “The Friends are pleased to celebrate and recognize all of the photographers who captured so many exceptional perspectives of the Albany Pine Bush. We hope the images exhibited will inspire others to go afield with their camera and experience something new.”
Bridge at THE CENTER COLONIE - Come play with a friendly group. Tuesdays at 12:30. 518459-2857 x 327, cbarrett@ colonieseniors.org
Looking to Hire?
We Can Help! DIRECT MAILED TO 180,000 WEEKLY To place an ad in our paper contact: Jennifer Morrell • 518-526-6330 jmorrell@timesunion.com Heidi Gaschel • 518-965-1714 Heidi.gaschel@theadvertiser.us
PAGE 10 | DECEMBER 30, 2021
LOCAL FIRST | TWIN BRIDGES
LIBRARY EVENTS Waterford Library News WATERFORD - The Waterford Public Library will be closed Saturday, January 1, 2022 for New Years. Otherwise the library will operate regular service hours. Our digital collections are always available as well.
Mechanicville District Public Library MECHANICVILLE -190 N. Main St. Mechanicville, NY 12118 . 518664-4646. meclib.sals. edu - As the weather turns colder, take advantage of our E-Books, music and movies from home. Visit our website for more info! Registration for all programs is available on our website. Monday, January 1: Closed - Happy New Year! Weekly Story Time & Craft will resume on Tuesday, January 11th at 11:30 - All ages are welcome! Wednesday, January 12 at 4:30pm: No-Sew Snowmen for all ages. Friday, January 14 at 11:30am: Chris Bisceglia Judgement Day Saturday, January 15 at 9am: Board of Trustees Meeting Monday, January 17: Library Closed - Martin Luther King Day Wednesday, January 19 at 4:30pm - STEM DIY Snow Activity - All ages welcome! Wednesday, January 19 at 6:30pm via ZOOM: Garrett Jackson & A Brief Into to Shamanism & Guided Shamanic Journey Wednesday, January 26 at 5-7:30pm: Open House Gaming and Meetup - All Ages - Bring your own device or use ours, play chess, meet up with friends, or meet new ones! Monday, January 31 at 7pm: Wine Down Monday - January Book Club : The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is available on Hoopla. Register for our book club to receive a hard
January Dining Events for Seniors at CSSC
COLONIE - Join us for a hot meal at The Beltrone Living Center Monday – Friday at noon. This program is funded in part by the Albany County Dept. for Aging, NYS Office for the Aging, Administration for Community Living, Town of Colonie and participant contributions. This program is an equal opportunity provider. Suggested donation of $3, and registration and reservations are required. Call 518-459-2857 x 303. Menus Are Subject To Change January 3 – CLOSED January 4 – Swedish Meatballs January 5 – Greek Chicken January 6 – Eggplant Parmesan January 7 – Salmon Cakes January 10 – Meatloaf w/ Mashed Potatoes January 11 – Garlic Pizza w/ Ricotta & Broccoli January 12 – Pineapple Shrimp Stir Fry January 13 – Italian Sausage Sandwich January 14 – Chicken & Waffles January 17 – Spinach Frittata January 18 – Shrimp Pasta Primavera January 19 – Pulled Pork Sandwich January 20 – Chicken Marsala January 21 – Meat Lasagna January 24 – Macaroni & Cheese January 25 – Shepherd’s Pie January 26 – Stuffed Pepper
copy. Be sure to visit Del’s for your discounted wine pairings!
Upcoming Events at the Clifton ParkHalfmoon Public Library CLIFTON PARK - Holiday Scavenger Hunt at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library through December 31 - The hunt continues! Stop by the Children’s Desk to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, then look for holiday symbols hidden throughout the Children’s Library. For all ages. 518-371-8622 www.cphlibrary.org ZOOM: Happy “NOON” Year! - December 31 at 11:30 am - Celebrate the New Year--all of the fun with none of the yawning! Countdown begins at 11:59:30 am. The first 30 children to register can pick up a special activity bag to complete at home before the event. Registration is required to receive the Zoom invite to attend. 518-371-8622 www.cphlibrary.org Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Holiday Closings - December 31 & January 1 - The Library will CLOSE AT 5 PM on December 31 and will be CLOSED on January 1 for New Year’s Day. We will reopen on Sunday, January 2 at 12 pm. Our digital resources and online catalog can be accessed 24/7 by visiting our website. 518-371-8622. www. cphlibrary.org Library Board of Trustees Meeting - Monday, January 3 at 7:15 pm An organizational meeting of the Library Trustees will take place live on the Library’s YouTube channel. 518-371-8622 www. cphlibrary.org Crafts to Go - Pick up a bag of supplies and get creative at home! • January 4: Fairy Tale Trivia-for ages 5 and up, while supplies last. • January 5: Boredom Buster: DIY I SPY-for ages 4 and up, while supplies last. • JanJanuary 27 – Scalloped Potatoes w/ Ham January 28 – Pasta Fagioli w/ Sausage January 31 – Apricot Chicken Suggested contribution of $3 for lunch and $3 for entertainment. Special Events: Friday, January 7 at noon: Join us for an afternoon with the “One Man Band” Paul Slusar as he plays the keyboard, trumpet and a variety of other instruments. Lunch will be Salmon cakes with roasted potatoes, sautéed squash, and a cookie. Monday, January 10 at 5 p.m.: The Forgettable Four are coming back to The Beltrone with their fun harmonizing, songs and energy. Dinner will be a Cabin Fever celebration, with baked beans, fruit salad, corn and ice cream sundaes. Lunch and Learn on Thursday, January 20 at noon: Psychic Medium and Ghost Rescuer Michele Lyons Polito will be here to talk all things paranormal. Michele is a Colonie native who works locally connecting with spirit, working with ghost investigation groups, and is also a bagpiper. Lunch will be chicken Marsala, rice pilaf, green beans and sherbet. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Colonie Art League Virtual Holiday Show
COLONIE - Welcome to the 2021 Holiday Show and Small Works Sale and Happy Holidays from
uary 8: Art to “Gogh”— for adults; registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org HYBRID: Journaling for Adults - Wednesday, January 5 at 6:30 pm - Whether it’s in a notebook, blog, or sketchpad, journaling can help you lead a whole and fulfilling life. Join Janine De Tillio Cammarata for this workshop, in-person at the Library or from home on Web Ex. Registration is required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org Genealogy Assistance - Thursday, January 6, 11 am-1 pm - Lisa Dougherty, a skilled genealogical researcher, will help you with your questions, roadblocks, and other stumpers. Registration required. Email Lisa directly for an appointment: lisagene@ nycap.rr.com. 518-3718622. www.cphlibrary.org Therapy Dogs for Teens - Thursday, January 6, 6:30-7:30 pm - De-stress and pet a therapy dog! Attend with a sibling or a friend. Grades 6-12 only, please. Please sign up for ONE 15-minute appointment. 518-371-8622. www. cphlibrary.org HYBRID: First Friday Lecture-Stories & Memories of Clifton Park - Friday, January 7 at 10:30 am - John Scherer, Clifton Park Town Historian, will present excerpts from his new book, More Bits of Clifton Park History. Attend this program in person at the Library, or from home on ZOOM. Registration is required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org Movie: The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Sunday, January 9 at 2 pm - Join us for the Two Towns-One Book Kickoff Event with a screening of this beloved classic. This year’s book selection, Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts, explores the story behind Oz creator L. Frank Baum, his tenacious wife Maud, and the making of the iconic film after his death. All ages are welcome! Colonie Art League. Enjoy the online Holiday Show featuring amazing work from local artists. Cash prizes were awarded in 4 categories including one for an Emerging Artist. Special thanks to William Fillmore for judging this year’s show. Note: some art may be for sale. Then head over to the Small Works Sale filled with artwork that is no larger than 12x12 and priced at no more than $75. Interested buyers must contact the artist directly to purchase and arrange pickup. Show & Sale will be online through January 2022. Thank you for your support. www.colonieartleague. com.
Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center
CAPITAL DISTRICT - The addition of mobile sports betting in New York State has brought access to gambling to everyone’s pocket. Anyone in New York with a cell phone can now gamble 24/7 from anywhere. With the increase in access to gambling opportunities will inevitably come an increase in individuals, families and communities impacted by negative consequences. In response to increased access to gambling in NYS, NYCPG has launched a brand new, solution-focused resource in NYS that’s designed to highlight all of the ways New Yorkers can work together on this cause to reduce these negative consequences. StrongerThanYouThinkNY.org has something for everyone, whether
you’re in need of treatment, have a loved one struggling, or want to be a part of the solution on a community level. Problem gambling can impact anyone, and its effects go far beyond the individual. Relationships, employment, finances, and mental health all take a hit when gambling is no longer entertainment. Often the symptoms are invisible to others until they can’t be hidden any longer. It’s never too late to get help or become an advocate for this cause. For help with problem gambling, please reach out to the Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center at 518-801-1491 or email us at NortheastPGRC@ NYProblemGambling.org
Academy for Lifelong Learning at Saratoga Springs Offering 18, 5-week Courses this Winter SARATOGA SPRINGS The Academy for Lifelong Learning is offering its second winter term sponsored by Prestwick Chase with ten educational courses through Zoom as well as eight, in-person, outdoor and classroom offerings. Topics include Introduction to Classical Music, Global Literature, Italian Language, Music, 20th Century Local History, Snowshoeing & Hiking, American Revolution, Journal Writing, Drug Development & the FDA, Mah Jongg, Cooking, Painting, Writing from prompts, Ancient Game of Go, Intro to Taoism, Six Wives of Henry VIII, and much more. Wherever you are this winter, you can Zoom Academy classes. Brochures are available by request. Email jeff. shinaman@esc.edu or call (518) 587-2100 x2390 or go to www.esc.edu/all. Registrations will be accepted right up until the start of classes the week of
January 24. Some classes will sell out so sign up soon. Membership is $75 and goes through June 30, 2022. Five-week classes are $50 each. A spring term is also planned to start in mid-April.
2022 Town of Saratoga Calendars Now Available TOWN OF SARATOGA - The 2022 Town of Saratoga calendars featuring pictures from days gone by in the villages of Schuylerville and Victory and in the surrounding areas are now on sale. Calendar pages are sprinkled with close to 150 historical tidbits. The photos include Broad Street Schuylerville in the early 1900s, the 1951 confirmation students at Notre Dame Church, one of the last steam engines of the Saratoga & Schuylerville Railroad in 1947, the old one-lane iron Bryant’s Bridge, the Eustis wedding party in 1930, and seven other pictures from the Town’s past. You will learn that fire destroyed Prospector’s Bar & Grill and the Hotel Schuyler in 1997, struck the Dutch Reformed Church in 1831, the gristmill in Grangerville in 1938, the Glass Bakery on Broad Street in 1945, the Theater Bar in 1984 and the Liberty wallpaper plant in 1924. Other tidbits include the date the Visitation Church closed, the Quaker Springs Methodist church was incorporated, the Assembly of God Church was dedicated, the Dovegate Inn opened on Broad Street, the Old Saratoga Trading Post Museum closed, Schuylerville Central School District was formed, and a helicopter crashed and burned in Grangerville. Calendars may be purchased for $5.00 in Schuylerville at Byron’s Market, Saratoga Apple, Schuylerville Public
Library, Schuylerville Village Clerk’s office and at the Town Clerk’s office or at the Old Saratoga Mercantile and Olde Saratoga Home and Garden on Route 29 and from Pat Peck. The Old Saratoga Historical Association has produced the Town of Saratoga calendar for the past 37 years. Call Pat Peck, 518-584-4129, to arrange to have calendars mailed and to offer photos for the 2023 calendar. To support this sacred mission visit GatewayHouseOfPeace.org/ donate.
Seeking Tax Assistance Volunteers CAPITAL DISTRICT TaxAide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for the coming tax season. TaxAide volunteers answer questions, prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1 to April 15 at various sites in the Capital District. Volunteers typically participate one day per week, with flexible schedules to accommodate volunteer availability. No experience is required, but computer experience is helpful for tax counseling. Volunteers who do not wish to prepare returns are also needed to greet taxpayers and confirm appointments. Training is provided for all positions. Volunteers may be reimbursed for a moderate level of necessary travel expenses. For more information on how you can join our team in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties contact Communications Coordinator [your name], [your phone number or] at [your email address]. For further information, visit www.nytaxaide.org
Formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council
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LEARN MORE & APPLY TODAY! 518-288-3206 | lifeworksaction.org 518-288-3206 | lifeworksaction.org Some programs have income guidelines. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Some programs have income guidelines. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.