complimentary
February 2012
OUR TOWNE
Complimentary
Our Towne Your Hometown Community Resource
Rensselaer County’s Community Resource The Local Education Issue
The Th h 33rd rd dG Grade rade d TTeam eam att Castleton Castl tletton El Element Elementary l tary in in Schodack: Sheila Golden, Suart Morse & Amy Puccio photo by Catherine Sager
Love
INSIDE Great Local Teachers & Schools! Rensselaer County’s Hidden Gems Love & Romance this Valentine’s Day
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
Table of Contents
EDITOR’s NOTE
Our Towne O T Rensselaer R l County C t February 2012
Dear Reader, I remember all my favorite teachers. I had Mr. Hixon and Mr. Vergow in elementar y school . This was back in the sev enties and w e had a lot of fun doing pla ys and art projects . I n fourth grade, I was luck y enough to have the amazing Miss Cohen, always fair and always creative with her spelling bees , the game of ENGLISH, and research projects that in volved cooking. I n high school, it was the coolest teacher – the art teacher Mrs. Dodge, who taught me that adults c ould get it and she gave me the freedom I needed at the time. I also had an amazing Principal in High school, Mr. Butterworth, who made a lasting impression on my rebellious soul by giving consequences but doing so with justice in mind. The thread that ties these educat ors together for me is their sense of fairness and their abilit y to treat kids with respect. They saw me as a person – not just a k id. A valuable lesson, one which I have never forgotten. Of course I cannot f orget my favorite teacher of all time – that would be my partner Darren Rosenbaum! I am r eally excited about Our Towne’s February issue featuring great teachers, great schools, and an interesting article about questioning the wisdom of Race to the Top. Don ’t worry, we haven’t forgotten that Valentine’s Day is this month and we have a gift section to give you some ideas about pampering the one you love. As always enjoy and let our advertisers know you saw them in Our Towne. Sincerely, Debbie
In Every Issue Community Calendar (20-21) Wellness (34-36) Kid’s Pages (26-29) Message from the Vet (14) Your Home Guide (12-16) Real Estate (12) Hidden Gems Series - Everybody’s Cafe (18) Book Review (23) Feature ~ Education Making American Schools Innovative Again (4-5)
Great Local Teachers (10-11) Great Local Schools (32) Choosing a Preschool (30) St. Jude the Apostle School Teacher Honored
Meet a Local Teacher (31) Feature - Love & Romance The Feng Shui of Romance (35)
Publisher/ Editor/ Sales/Design Debbie Gaylord 518-641-9330 debbie@ourtownerensco.com www.ourtownerensco.com Our Towne’s Mission Our Towne seeks to connect local businesses to local consumers by highlighting the best of what Rensselaer County and the surrounding areas have to offer. All Rights Reserved ~ Our Towne is published by Our Towne Marketing & Consulting LLC, 1077 Schodack Landing Road, Schodack Landing, NY 12156; 518-641-9330. Published monthly and distributed free of charge.
Submissions If you are interested in being a contributor in Our Towne please see our website for editorial calendar and/or send submissions ideas to: debbie@ourtownerensco.com
Contributors Darren Rosenbaum, Dr. David Stone, DVM, Dr. Amy Cole, Richard Morell, Diane Lehmuler Hardy, Lynn Catelotti Bridgette Chandler, Danielle Morris, Dr. Patrick Bergmann, Dr. Joe Lapinsk
Nancy Gildersleeve Lori King-Kocis Lynn LaVoie-Stephens Terry Duncan Catherine Sager (Photography) Audra Bently
Sales Debbie Gaylord Linda Scutari
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February 2012
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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The Education Issue Making American Schools Innovative Again by Darren Rosenbaum As a classr oom teacher, I k now how challenging it is t o remain creative in the test crazy world of public education. While some would say that 2012 isn’t any different than 1998 or 1980, when it c omes to keeping students motivated, on task and int erested in test driven subject matter, the old days represent ‘simpler’ times. Now, add all the outside influences today’s teacher are forced to compete against, which run the gamut fr om smart phones to political mandates to New York’s overreliance on test data, and man y of us in the profession feel the deck stacked against us. Ultimately, keeping one child attentive and involved (let alone 30+!) is a monumental task and w e’re operating at a disadvantage. As this public ser vant sees it, politicians and bureaucrats shouldn’t meddle in how best to teach our children. Case in point: the No Child Left Behind Act, or NCLB. Signed into law on January 8th, 2002, NCLB set benchmarks for increasing student achiev ement by measuring ‘adequate yearly progress’ (AYP) and r equiring each stat e to administer annual standar dized tests for all students. Regardless of the variables in every child’s life, NCLB assumed we could improve educational outcomes by collecting and analyzing data from tests often given to a child only once a year. Call it the ‘snapshot approach’ to education. F rom that point on public education became increasingly competitive, which is not how schools, administrators, teachers and states should ever be judged. The reality is that while modest gains were shown in some subjec t areas and grade levels, NCLB set nearly unattainable goals and failed in its aim 4
February 2012
of helping our k ids become proficient in reading and math. The law of unintended consequences also pr evailed and, instead of being cr eative educators who help our k ids think and problem solve, it’s now clear that NCLB pressured classroom teachers across the nation to ‘teach to the test’. Sadly, in some high pr ofile scandals, most notably with the A tlanta Public Schools, teachers felt compelled to alter their students test answers so AYP would be met. As it turns out, Atlanta was not an isolated incident. This past No vember, the Department of Education began to offer states a ‘flexibility waiver’ in exchange for “serious state led efforts to close achiev ement gaps, promote rigorous accountability, and ensur e that all students ar e on a c ollege or career ready track”. To date, 11 states have applied for this waiver with up to 28 more expected to apply this spring. With education r eform a priorit y and NCLB on the way out, Pres. Obama announced a new pr ogram called ‘Race to the Top’ (RTTT) in July 2009. U sing $4.35 billion in federal money as a lure to tempt cash strapped states, the Administration claimed RTTT would only reward states that ‘raised academic standards, improved teacher quality and expanded the r each of char ter schools.’ While differences exist be tween NCLB and R TTT, Obama’s plan utilizes the ‘carrot and stick’ approach, offering or withholding monetar y rewards to force change. So how has R TTT affected New York public schools? The headline fr om the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) press release from
August 24, 2010 sa ys it all; “New York Wins Nearly $700 M illion in Race to the Top Competition”. What did w e do t o get this money? Simply establish ‘a new teacher and principal evaluation system that makes student achiev ement data a substantial c omponent of how educators are assessed and supported.’ You’ll notice that ‘student achievement data’, or t est scores, are now more significant in det ermining how a teacher is evaluated. So where does high stakes testing lead and is this the direction we should be heading? An answer might come from an article on South Korean education reforms I recently read in TIME Magazine titled, ‘Teacher, Leave Those K ids Alone’. Written by Amanda Ripley, the article exposes how the South Korean government is “changing school testing and university admissions policies to reduce student str ess and r eward softer qualities, like creativity.” According to Ripley, relentless high-stakes testing for high school and college entrance exams has Korean leaders worried ‘that unless its rig id, hierarchical (education) system starts to nurture more innovation, economic growth will stall’. In fact, current President Lee Myungbak stated at his 2008 inauguration that "One-size-fits-all, governmentled uniform curriculums and an education system that is locked only onto the college-entrance examination are not acceptable". Nevertheless, many Koreans argue that this system, which pushes ‘tweens’ and teens to study 14 hours a day 6 days a week to get into the best high schools, has allowed students to ‘consistently outperform their counterparts in almost ev ery country in reading and math’.
We can’t lose sight of the fact that American creativity and innovation has been the envy of the world for decades. I know this because of experienc es I had when the ‘Our Towne Team’ worked as teachers in South Korea from 1995 to 1998. One particular memory I ha ve was ent ering the vast Kyobo Bookstore in downtown Seoul for the first time. As I walked down the long hallway towards the main doors I noticed dozens of framed pic tures of Nobel Laureates from the w orld over, but in par ticular, the Unit ed States and Europe. As I neared the end of the hallway, I noticed a few spots that appeared to be intentionally unused. I asked some students about these open spots and was told they w ere being r eserved for the first few Koreans who won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Living in that vibrant and energetic country, I was surprised not a single Kor ean had been honor ed to that point. A fter some discussion, my students set aside their pride and remarked that their educational sy stem produced great memorizers, but not the creative thinkers and inno vators that America had.
Fast forward 15 years and in a strange twist, South Korea and other Asian nations are, as Ripley writes, “pushing to make schools more ‘American’”, while “U.S. reformers render their own schools more ‘Asian’”. In fact, Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan “speak glowingly of the enthusiasm S outh Korean parents have for educating their childr en, and they lament how far U.S. students are falling behind”. In the end, a nation lauded year after year for world beating test scores is moving away from high stakes testing while we commit ourselves to what could be decades of standardized testing and the dreariness of rote memorization. It should make you wonder....
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
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GREAT LOCAL TEACHERS Who Is Your Favorite Teacher? Chances are if you were asked, you could name your favorite teacher. The one who made learning fun, believed in you and your unique abilities. Maybe she led the drama club in the production of the Wizard of Oz, or coached you in soccer, or stayed after school with you until you aced your math test. Maybe it was the college professor who indulged you in philosophical discussions about the complex meaning of life. Teachers are important heroes in everyone’s lives and Our Towne’s February issue is dedicated to all the great ones, the devoted ones, the funny ones, the intellectual ones, the creative ones: all those who teach our children even in the midst of increasingly challenging demands placed on them to improve test scores. Today it is more difficult than ever to be a teacher, balancing pressure from above and parental expectations while more difficult content that is being required of the students at a younger age. To honor teachers we asked readers to nominate great local teachers so we could learn about what makes them special in the eyes of the most important people – their students. There are too many great teachers to include every single one in one issue of Our Towne so we focused on a few amazing teachers on two teams, one from Castleton Elementary school and one Genet Elementary
School.
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February 2012
GENET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1st Grade Team: Carol Willis, Joe Gleeson,; Andrea Baird, Karen Treibor, Leia Nardacci, Kristina Frugis, Tina Rudzinski, (not shown)
GENET ELEMENTARY - East Greenbush, NY “Mrs. Treibor instills a love of language by her lovely nature of
making this grade fun. She sings, raps, dances, hops, rhymes, twirls, laughs, jokes, and hugs! Mrs. Treibor’s students learn confidence and security to express their opinions because she has created a safe environment in her classroom to share and be heard. -Holly Blaise and Gabriella Coleman (Our Towne readers) At Genet Elementary School in East Greenbush, it is all about the team... The first grade team that is. When former student Gabriella Coleman wrote to Our Towne to rave about her teacher, Mrs. Treibor said she couldn’t take all the credit. She said that her success in the classroom wasn’t individual but determined by her teammates. They include Carol Willis, Reading; Joe Gleeson, Special Ed; Andrea Baird, Teaching Assistant, Special Ed; Kristina Frugis, Reading; Leia Nardacci, 1st Grade Teacher; Tina Rudzinski, 1st Grade Teacher, (not shown) “We all bring something different to the table,” says reading teacher Carol Willis. Special Ed teacher Joe Gleeson added that she loves collaborating with other adults. One of areas where teamwork pays off for the kids is a morning intervention program that allows the team to pinpoint where children need help. They work together to decide who needs what and then they group children with others who need the same help. It is highly individualized and allows the teachers to work individually and in small groups with students where they need it most. “It is more intense than the regular classroom,” said Leia Nardacci. The team agreed that block scheduling at the elementary level is extremely helpful. Within the language arts block, the class may shift from literacy to phonics to writing but stays focused within a clear theme. The team says they are using more and more technology. The smart board is an amazing tool that helps students learn more interactively. The new math program used by the school connects parents to what is going on in the classroom with an online component. It’s not an understatement to say that Genet students and parents are lucky to have this team in place.
CASTLETON ELEMENTARY Schodack, NY
Stuart Morse, Amy Puccio and Sheila Golden are part of the 3rd Grade Team at Castleton Elementary school. The team says they love their work. They all agree that teaching is different every day, even minute to minute, which keeps it exciting. Working together, mapping their curriculum and constantly changing and updating is also key to their success. While the curriculum may be uniform, each teacher’s style and each student’s individual personality requires extreme creativity and flexibility. “Change is good but cookie cutter expectations are not; developmentally not all kids are the same,” says Mrs. Puccio.
Mrs. Amy Puccio Castleton Elementary School, 14 years teaching
Mrs. Sheila Golden, Castleton Elementary School, 24 years.
Its a good thing she enjoys change. She has taught every grade at the elementary school. Each year is so exciting because there is a new group of students with different personalities and learning styles, helping her remain enthusiastic and creative.
Full of energy and always ready with a kind smile, she is a good listener that understands that the world of elementary students (or anyone for that matter) should not be black and white.
Quote: “If I can make the experience in school successful for even one student I may change their attitude about learning and that makes it worhwhile.” She says that it is patience with her students that is key to her ability to be a good teacher. And she has a lot of it. This week she is making homemade icecream with her class! Mr. Stuart Morse Castleton Elementary School, 15 years teaching
Quote: “I have been lucky to have great kids, parents, administrators and phenomenal mentors. When I started teaching the state had a 3-year mentoring program. It helped me with the nuts and bolts of teaching.” Mrs. Golden says she is constantly trying to improve as a teacher and each year she tries to improve some specific area of what she does. * Read more about Our Towne’s conversation with Mrs. Golden on page 31.
As the only male teacher in grades K-3 at Castleton Elementary, Mr. Morse says some students really need his teaching style. Quote: “Teaching is a lot like working on a plane engine while flying it.” Mr. Morse says that his greatest talent is his organizational skills. His team teachers agree; he keeps them on task.
The Schodack SCENE a local blog
Schodack Castleton Everyday News & Events An online publication
http://thescene-thescene.blogspot.com
“Mr. Morse will always be my favorite teacher because he shows that he loves to teach and learn.”
- Kate Harrington, 3rd Grade CES
Catherine Sager, Managing Editor (518) 732-0382 catherine.sager@yahoo.com
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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his year’s color is here-- drum roll please. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for Tangerine Tango! Sounds like a nice New Years cocktail! The color has the drama of red and the friendly refreshing feel of yellow. This color would be a great accent color in a neutral room. Add this color to your window treatments in your kitchen to give it some pizzazz f or the New Year! We have plenty window treatments you can select from! Here are some other ideas to think of when decorating your space for the New Year: Furniture Arrangement: Putting all your furniture against the wall is not ALWAYS the best option. I f you have a nice open living room space for example, you might think of placing a couple of chairs in the center of the room along with a sofa and c offee table-- let those windows stand out! Change: the junk r oom into a st ylish user friendly spac e—no space should be wasted! Utilize it wisely! Lighting: Lighting makes a BIG difference to the overall effect of a room---it is able to add a ton of warmth to a space. Here are the types of lighting to be concerned with: ambient (general or overhead), task (pendant, under-cabinet or reading) and accent (table and wall). Illusion of Space: To make a room seem bigger than it is, place
mirrors across from windows. Another trick is to paint the small room the same color as the next room. You want your spaces to flow and have a seamless look. Wall Art: Hang your pictures in unique layouts on your walls—it will make people that enter your home actually pay attention to the art work more. Placing items where you wouldn’t necessarily expect them is sometimes the best and most unique thing y ou can do in design. Three is your number: When accessorizing try to decorate using three items—not in a row but in a triangular pattern. Keep in mind these tips ar e not only g reat for decorating, but these are also great tips to keep in mind when y ou resell your home. May these tips bring about peace and tranquility in your home this New Year! For more inspirational ideas, please stop by East Greenbush Window Coverings today and we’ll get you started in the right direction! East Greenbush Window Coverings is located at 568 Columbia Turnpike; 477-9025; open M-F 9-5:30 & Sat 10-2; www.EastGreenbushWindowCoverings.com
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518.462.7006
Congrats to Season’s Best Contracting
They won the Our Towne Small Business Drawing at Key Bank in Schodack See their new ad on page 12 Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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HIDDEN GEMS Local Businesses You May Have Missed Everybody’s Cafe 674 Columbia Turnpike ~ East Greenbush, NY 479-CAFE Have you ever stopped by Everybody’s Café on Columbia Turnpike in East Greenbush? I had driv en by a number of times be fore the cheer y neon light that flashes “OPEN” finally drew me in to try it out. Now I am among the many regulars that cannot resist the mouth-watering cinnamon buns, divine egg frittatas, or premium coffee served in oversized mugs. Inside the converted old house, the décor is vintage, with old formica kitchen tables and vinyl chairs that c ould have been in my grandmother’s kitchen in the 1950s . Beyond the c ounter, there are three rooms so it is easy t o find a nice private seat. I t is also a tr eat to view the lat est gallery show displayed on the walls, which are covered by original artwork created by local artists and photographers. They rotate the exhibit. I love to meet people here for coffee, breakfast or lunch. There are usually no cr owds, the food is supremely fresh and then of course there are the irresistible cinnamon buns with the home made icing that really does taste like my grandmother’s. I cannot pass by without wanting one for dessert. The chefs and owners are sister and brother team Nicole and Mac Willet. They whip up some of the best home c ooking in town. N icole opened E verybody’s twelve years ago because there wasn’t a local caf é where people c ould hang out unless they wanted to trek to Albany. She sa ys at first it was more about desserts and coffee but it grew into lunch and the food just took off. Of course, I know
Everybody’s Cafe Owner Nicole Willet exactly why – It is delicious! But it helps that they use all fr esh and natural ing redients. Today they ar e open fr om 7-3 M onday to Friday, Wednesday evenings until 8pm, when they ser ve homemade dinners, and Saturdays 8am to 2pm. They also do catering. I n my business, I am often out and about with m y computer so another cool aspect of Everybody’s that I love love love is that I can use the unlimited Internet access and they do not mind if I stay longer than 30 minutes! The best thing about E verybody’s café is the people . If you happen to stop by in the lat e morning you will be sur e to see the group of distinguished gentlemen who meet r egularly to discuss life in general and an y other topic that interests them. In some ways Everybody’s Café is like the Cheers of East Gr eenbush, or something like that. Definitely one of our ar ea’s HIDDEN GEMS!
“The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club” 18
February 2012
Treat the Love of Your Life with a Visit to Shampoodle! U-Do-It just $13 Just bring your dirty dog everything else is supplied!
We Will Do It!
Leave the mess with us!
We will wash your dog in an hour or less.
(Appt. necc. we only do a pup at a time)
GROOMING
For pups that need a trim or full cut Your Pup Will Look Amazing! Appt. necc.- Cert.Groomer does 1 dog at a time only-
No kennels - No Stress! Ready in less than 2 hours Delmar has added a NEW Grooming Salon!
Play Group for puppies or good dogs
Thursday at 6pm. $6 per session or pay as you go! Call Shampoodle at 371-6600 We’ve had a fun day at Doggie Day Camp!!!
Training Facility
Have your pup as tired as you are after a long day at work but they’ll be tired after having fun all day! Affordable * Supervised Play* Convenient just off exit 8 of the Northway. Lots of room to play - walks outside. Full or 1/2 days Do it Yourself & We Do It Hours Are...
Training & Classes for Every Pup Young or old, experienced or not Whether you want to train your pup or just have fun...our trainers can help!
Call Shampoodle at 371-6600
Mon-Fri 11-7, Sat 9-5, Sun 10 - 5 (Grooming starts at 8 am)
266 Delaware Ave Delmar 368-3260 behind Finishing Touch – next to CVS
Also Plaza 8 1536 Crescent Rd. Clifton Park 371-6600 just off exit 8 of the Northway in the plaza with CVS
www.shampoodledogwash.com
Shampoodle!
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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Community Calendar ~ February 2012 Bill Skerritt Featured At Sand Lake Center for The Arts Gallery The Gallery at the Sand Lake Center presents an exhibit from Jan. 1 - Feb 15 of the the wonderfully complex visual world of master printmaker Bill Skerritt. Location Details: Sand Lake Center for the Arts, Sand Lake, NY FEB: Kid Stuff : Great Toys from Our Childhood Slinky®s, Wooly Willys, Whee-los, Magic Eight Balls, Magic Yo-Yo’s, Etch A Sketch®, Spirographs, Colorforms, Matchbox® Cars, PEZ Dispensers, LEGO®s, Erector sets, Lionel Trains, Tonkas, Hot Wheels, Frisbee®s, G.I. Joes, BarbieTM Dolls, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, and Mr. Potato Head brought hours of fun and entertainment to kids throughout the 1950s and 60s. Kid Stuff, an interactive exhibition based on the book by David Hoffman, takes us back to the age of tailfins and vinyl records with more than 40 vintage toys, which reveal a fascinating look at invention and innovation, social history and industrial growth, play and entertainment. Location Details: Albany Institute of History & Art, Albany, NY (518) 463-4478, Feb 3-5: Saratoga Winterfest 2012 Don't miss Chowderfest 2012 in downtown Saratoga! Chowderfest is a highlight of the Winterfest weekend... SARATOGA SPRINGS NY – Winterfest is a popular annual event in Saratoga Springs, bringing the spirit of winter to the Spa City with a weekend of live music, special events, great entertainment– and, of course, Chowderfest! Winterfest 2012 runs the weekend of February 3rd-5th, 2012. Each year the festival draws crowds of people excited to attend the annual festival and the great events it brings to the Spa City. The weekend includes a Winterfest Wine Tasting, Chowderfest 2012, and much more! There will be all kinds of fun and entertainment going on throughout the Spa City all weekend long. Check out our Saratoga events calendar for more details. Don’t miss the 15th Annual Winterfest in Saratoga 20
February 2012
1st Friday Of Albany Repeats every month on the Friday until Fri Aug 03 2012 .Family Celebrating The Arts and Culture of New York's Capital with First Friday! The first Friday night of each month. Beginning at 5PM, featuring numerous gallery openings, one-night shows, local shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Best of all, 1st Friday is an entirely free event. The Upstate Artists Guild 247 Lark Street Albany, NY, 12210 Phone: (518) 694-3090 1stfridayalbany. org info@upstateartistsguild.org Feb. 4 on Glass, Snyder’s and Reichard’s lakes Ice Fishing Contest (edit) Time: All day or non-timed /Ice Fishing Contest February 4th, 2012 - SAND LAKE — The Bailey Mt. Fish & Game Club 27th annual ice fishing contest will be held 6 a.m.-2 p.m. . If the ice is bad, the contest will be held Feb. 11. There is a $10 entry fee. For information and rules, call 283-2056 or 283-7309. Sand Lake, Sand Lake, NY, 12153 Cool Science 1:00 pm FEb 4 Where: The Children's Museum of Science and Technology FREE ADMISSION What's so cool about the cold? Join CMOST as we investigate the science of winter. We'll learn why it's colder out this time of year, why it gets dark so much earlier and we'll take a look at some of the adjustments that animals in the environment make to deal with the cool, cold winter. Ages 4+, Free for CMOST Members, $2.00 Non-members, plus admission to The Museum. Pre-registration is required. 5182352120 CMOST, 250 Jordan Road, Troy, NY, 12180, us Feb. 9th, East Greenbush Business Alliance Wine and Cheese Networking Event - Good Buy Books, 330 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush. (Members and Potential Members welcome) contact: 479-2665 to rsvp. PIZZA & WING NIGHT FEBRU ARY 11th....4:307:30 East Gr eenbush Fire Dept. P ark Station Phone Orders Accepted after 2:00 4776503....479-4168 Valentine Special...Meatball Subs & Boxes of Chocolate Covered Strawberries Also for Sale
Feb 11: Discovery Place Learning Center Parents Night Out, February 11th: contact 479-1110 or visitwww.discoveryplaceny.com KJ’s Parent’s Night Out - February 17th
contact kjsgymnastics@msn.com Celebrate V-day while your kids are working out and having fun!!
Rensselaer Public Libary Schedule
Fibromyalgia Pain reduction– Wednesday, February 15 at 6:30 PM The East Greenbush Chiropractic office will discuss ways to manage Fibromyalgia. Please sign up. Rensselaer History and F amily Research– Wednesday, February 29 at 6:30 PM City Historian Charles S emowich will talk about the history of this area and how to find more about local families. One-on-one Computer tutoring– sign up for an appointment to have individual attention learning to use the computer. Please let us know if you have a par ticular subject you want to cover when you sign up. The Friends of the Rensselaer Librar y are always looking for more members. Their next meeting is Thursday, February 16th at 6:30 PM in the Library. Science Fun!– Saturday, February 18 from 1-2. Do some cool and exciting experiments with Marcia. Ages 8 and up. Sign up is required. Mardi Gras!- Tuesday at 2 P M. Learn about how “Fat Tuesday” is celebrated in New Orleans and ar ound the world. Ages 6 and up. Rocks and Minerals– Thursday, February 23 at 6:30 PM. Love rocks? Come learn more about them! Leap Year drop-in craft– stop by on Wednesday, February 29 to make a craft for leap day. The Library is locat ed across from the Amtrak parking lot on East Street in Rensselaer. For more information, log on t o www.rensselaerlibrary.org or call 462-1193.
The Third Annual Mac-n-Cheese Bowl In Albany NY, Sat, Feb 18, 2012 Albany Marriott, Wolf Road, Colonie, NY Cost: $15 for adults/ $5 for kids age 5 to 12 / Free under 5 Mac 'n Cheese is a favorite food of all ages! Come to the Albany Marriott in Colonie and taste 30 different varieties of the dish, prepared by local restaurants. Then, vote for your favorites! This is a kid-friendly event! Children can even vote for their favorites too. There will be two sessions, starting at both 11 am and at 12:30 pm. Admission will be limited to 1,200 people per session. An introduction to reading the stories left by fox, deer, rabbits and other forest dwellers in the snow. Meet at Park Office. Beginners’ class ideal for children. $3/person includes snowshoe rental. Registration required. Grafton Lakes State Park DAR Antiques Show and Sale (edit) Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm DAR Antiques Show and Sale Sunday, Feb 19 11:00a to 4:00p at The Academy of the Holy Names, Albany, NY 41st Annual Antiques Show and Sale Tawasentha Chapter, NSDAR Academy of the Holy Names 1075 New Scotland Road Albany, New York Winter Recess Program Winter bird monitoring and count (edit) Time: 1:00 pm Monday, February 20, 2012 01:00 PM Grafton Lakes State Park(Saratoga/Capital District Region) Join our parks avid bird lovers in observing the winter bird populations and monitoring nesting sites within the park. Learn all about our diverse feathered population! Make your own pine cone bird feeder to bring home! Meet at Park Office. 3/person includes snowshoe rental. Phone: (518) 279-1155 Registration: Required Location Details: Grafton State Park, Grafton, NY, 12082 Lego Build Off (edit) Time: 2:00 pm February 20th, 2012 -
TROY — The Lego Build Off will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Troy Public Library, 100 Second St. For ages 6 and older. For information and to register, call 274-7071. Location Details: Troy Public Library, 100 Second Street, Troy, NY, 12180, us
Troy Night OUT When: Fri, Feb 25, 2011 | 5:00 PM to 9:00
PM Downtown Troy, NY Cost: FREE ADMISSION A fun evening of dining, music, art, and shopping in historic Downtown Troy, NY! Troy Night Out is a monthly arts and cultural event that takes place the last Friday of EVERY month in downtown Troy from 5 - 9 PM. The event regularly draws over 1,000 people onto the streets of Troy, and attendees are able to enjoy over 30 art events, 15 music venues, and over 20 fine restaurants as well as unique boutiques of all varieties. The Troy Trolley as it makes the rounds of the city, providing free transportation to all event attendees and stopping at major event destinations. Free parking is available on-street and in several city garages.
dren age 12 and under FREE Vendors from throughout the Nor theast display and sell gems , jewelry, minerals, lapidary equipment, f ossils and much more. Kidz Expo at the Plaza - March 3, 10-5 Empire State Plaza *see ad on pg 3 for details!!
VACATION WEEK CAMPS!! KJ’s Gymnastics contact kjsgymnastics@msn.com Get a Jump on St. Patrick’s Day...........
Irish Night fundraiser to benefit the Parish of St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph, Rensselaer / Music provided by Irish folk favorite Who’s Your Paddy? Saturday, March 3rd, 4PM to 11PM Mc Manus Center, 50 Herrick Street, Rensselaer Admission $10 per person Delicious pub food including Reuben and Rachel sandwiches and beverages will be available for purchase For tickets or more information, stop by the Parish Office or call 465-0932 ext. 17
The RPI Shuttle is available for RPI students only, providing transportation between campus and Monument Square every hour (during academic year only). Maps highlighting all of the evening's activities are available here and at all participating venues and businesses. More information visit: http://w ww.troynightout.org/ For More Information Call: (518)279-7997 18th Annual James C ampbell Memorial Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show and Sale Saturday, February 25 and Sunda y, February 26 10 a.m.–5 p .m. 4th Floor Adults Children Admission Fee: $4/Adult; Chil-
ONLINE & IN PRINT
OUR TOWNE’s Monthly Community Calendar
Our Towne is building up its MONTHLY CALENDAR and invites community members to email calendar events. Its always FREE! Please email your listing (including date, time, and a brief description) to: debbie@ourtownerensco.com
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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January 2012
East Greenbush Community Library
10 Community Way East Greenbush 477-7476
www.eastgreenbushlibrary.org 2nd Trivia Night Wednesday, February 29 Friends of the East Greenbush Library Doors Open at 6:30 pm; Games start at 7:00 pm COST: Pre-registration: $5.00 per person At the door: $10.00 per person All Friends of the Library: $5.00 per person 5 rounds in 5 different categories with mini-games in between. Teams: 3 person minimum / 6 person maximum Individuals without a team will be matched at the event. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Library Free Adult Programs & Talks: Classical Concert with Flute & Cello, Sunday, February 5, 2:00 p.m. Yvonne Chavez Hansbrough, flute, and Jonathan Brin, cello, will present a classical concert of music for flute and cello duo. (Sponsored by the Friends of the East Greenbush Library) Managing Stress and Enhancing Health Monday, February 6, 7:00 p.m. Studies show a direct relationship between increased stress levels and disease. Dr. Amy Burelson of East Greenbush Chiropractic will discuss the 7 divisions of the Wellness Wheel and how each one is equally important in your life.
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February 2012
Gardens of Kauai, Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 p.m. If you’ve had enough of upstate winter, you’ll be sure to enjoy this presentation by Teresa Murphy, Greenbush Garden Club President and Master Gardener for Cornell Cooperative Extension, on the breathtaking gardens of Hawaii . Sponsored by the Greenbush Garden Club. Spotlight Players Play Reading: Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley Sunday, February 12, 2:00 p.m. This Pulitzer Prize-winner is a deeply touching and funny play about three eccentric sisters from a small Southern town rocked by scandal when Babe, the youngest, shoots her husband. Directed by Joy Perret.
Children’s Programs: Registration for all February Break Programs begins on Wednesday, February 1st February School Break Programs Game Day at the Library! Tuesday, February 21 @ 2:00 pm; Ages 5 and up. Join us for some fun rounds of Book Bingo, and then play a board game or the Wii for an afternoon of gaming fun at the library. Registration required. Mo Willems Fun Flicks Wednesday, February 22 @ 10:00 am; Ages 3 and up. We will be watching short movies based on our favorite picture books by author Mo Willems. Watch “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” and more! We will be making a craft after the movies. Registration required.
Alliance of Destiny, Sunday, February 26, 2:00 p.m. Tricia Shaw from Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will present Family Movie Night the story of the Mohawks who Thursday, February 23 at 7:00 lived at Fort Hunter . pm Movie to be announced. Registration required. All programs are free and open to the public. Due to limitations on space, registration is required for all programs, concerts & movies. Call 477-7476 or visit our webpage www.eastgreenbushlibrary. org and use our online registration.
Science Around The House – An Interactive Program by Steve “The Dirtmeister” Tomecek, Friday, February 24 @ 2:00 pm, Ages 5 and up. Join scientist and award-winning author and science celebFree Wednesday Night Movies: rity Steve “The Dirtmeister” Tomecek as he takes a wild and wacky look at some of FEBRUARY 1 @ 6:30 pm – the radically cool science that Jumping the Broom (In celebration of Black History happens in everyday life. Using some “dirt cheap” materials Month) found in most homes, Steve will demonstrate how science FEBRUARY 22 @ 6:30 pm – has an important role to play Crazy, Stupid, Love in art, music, sports and many
of the other activities that we normally take part in. Registration required. Drop In Family Storytimes NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED Thursdays @ 11:00 am OR 6:30 pm,February 1 – March 29 (no storytimes February 23 or March 15) Saturdays @ 11:00 am February 4 – March 31 Book Groups Mother/Daughter Book Group @ 7:00 pm Girls and their mothers (or grandmas, aunts, etc.) are invited. 5th graders and up Monday, February 6: Savvy by Ingrid Law Cookies N’ Books @ 4:15 pm 2nd & 3rd graders. Beginning chapter book readers are invited to enjoy book discussions and crafts. Tuesday, February 7: The Littles by John Peterson NEW * Saturday Book Club* Saturday, February 25 @ 1:00 pm, Join us for a new book club where kids can get together and talk about books! There will also be snacks and activities. For 4–6 graders. Call the library to check on the book for the month.
SAND LAKE CENTER FOR THE ARTS Concert at Sand Lake Center for the Arts on Feb. Feb 11 presents Chris Shaw and Bridget Ball at 8pm. Tickets $25pp. Reservations at 518-674-2007 or www.slca-ctp.org. The Center is located at 2880 NY 43, Averill Park, NY. Gallery at Sand Lake Center for the Arts presents Averill Park Central School District Student Show from Feb. 16 - March 31. Kindergarten to grade 12 Free and open to the public artist reception on Feb. 19 from 1 - 3pm. Call 518-674-2007 or visit www.slca-ctp.org. The Center is located at 2880 NY 43, Averill Park, NY. Sundays at the Center present Irish Step Dancing with members of the Farrell School of Irish Dance on March 4 at 1:30pm. $5pp. Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day just a couple of weeks early with this very special opportunity. The Center is located at 2880 NY 43, Averill Park, NY.
THE ART OF REIKI CLASSES Contact Joyce 271-7802 to register ART-Advance reiki Training- Sunday, February 12th, 9am -5 pm, t otal cost $225, includes manual . Take your reiki practice to a deeper spiritual level. Receive an attunement and mast er symbol, experience a moving meditation, practice reiki, learn about crystal healing grids and have the oppor tunity to purchase crystals for your crystal grid. Contact Joyce to register 271-7802, pre- requisite Reiki II certificate, $75 deposit required in advance. RMT- Reiki Master Teacher- Sunday, February 19th & Monday, February 20th-2 day class- 9 am- 6 pm cost, $650. Reik i Master Teacher Training. You will receive the M aster attunement and mast er symbol, and learn how to give all Reiki attunements for all level classes including the healing attunement. Class size will be limited so you must register early. Pre- requisites are Reiki I,II,III. C ontact Joyce 2717802 to register.
Good Buy Books
New and Gently Read Books 330 Columbia Tpke. 479-BOOK (2665)
Good Buy Books February
Book Review Impatient with Desire The Lost Journal of Tamsen Donner By Gabrielle Burton
This extraordinary novel from award-winning author Gabrielle Burton captures the struggle of a historical heroine in her attempt to balance adventure, love, and family. Tamsen donner was a pioneer in 1846 in more ways than one. After months of preparation and research, she and her husband George, along with their five daughters and eighty other pioneers, headed west on the California-Oregon Trail in eager anticipation of new lives in California. But everything that could go wrong did… and an American legend was born.
Calendar Saturday, February 11th 9:00 – 10:00 AM Valentine’s Day at the Store Stories, a craft and a snack with Miss Kim Free. Reservations required. Saturday, February 18th 9:00 – 10:00 AM Mardi Gras at the Store Hear a story, make a craft, share a snack with Miss Kim Free. Reservations required. Thursday, February 9th 6:00 - 7:30 PM Greenbush Area Business Alliance Networking Bring your business cards for a small business networking event Free & open to local business owners
Saturday, March 3rd 9:00 – 10:00 AM :Dr. Seuss-a-braThe Donner Party. We may think tion at the Store. Hear a tale we know their story – a caution- or two, make a craft & share ary tale of starving pioneers a snack with Miss Kim Free. trapped in the mountains perReservations required. forming an unspeakable act to survive – but Impatient with Desire brings to life a woman and a love story behind the myth.
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
February 2012
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A MESSAGE FROM THE VET ~ Dr. David Stone, DVM Last Thoughts on WHY Some thoughts on last months ’ parting subject of--why. (I apolog ize in advance for the boring and selfish nature of this article—go ahead and use this page t o start the w ood stove—I promise that next month will be something like “Funny things heard at the vet office”!). I just r ead a book about the subjec t of why and it goes on and on and on about the importance of businesses k nowing their why. The author talks about how the truly great companies clearly c ommunicate their why to their employees, who in turn feel honored to share the goodness of their c ompany with the w orld. These great companies wear their why on their cuff and we latch on more like believers than consumers. He discusses the wa y these first customers are early adopt ers and, like disciples, spread the good news of the business thr oughout the ear th. Nonanalysists like m yself call it “word of mouth.” Every business owner knows its value. We crave it. I n most cases it ’s our
main form of advertising. We also k now that one bad w ord will tra vel much further than one good w ord. S o we guard against the bad as best we can. I believe it’s the origin of “the customer is always right” motto. I know why I started my own place. I know why I’m a vet. The way my father knows why he’s a carpenter. As a kid, every day before school, I’d eat breakfast as he drank coffee and made his list or sketch or materials calculations. Everyday he’d tell me what he had lined up for the day. Maybe we were just chatting, but I think he was t eaching me t o make sure I love what I do. And I do . F or a business , this c oncept of why has different implications. I t involves more than just me and m y family. Why make a hospital? The outward is all the usual of : I want t o be my own boss, I want t o decide ho w things ar e done, I want to build equity for my future, I want t o be a ment or for my children, etc. Normal stuff. You don’t need to start a hospital f or any of that. Star t a land-
scaping business and call your own shots and be suc cessful. And do a g reat job. And love your work and your clientele. I think most of us small business o wners try to do all of the abo ve. I think w e live and breathe our why. I f you don’t intuitively know the why of who you’re doing business with then y ou probably aren’t a very loyal customer. ...continued....next page
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Shampoodle Mon-Fri 11-7, Sat 9-5, Sun 10 - 5 (Grooming starts at 8 am) Snow closings will be same as school closings at Shenendahowa for Clifton Park & Bethlehem for Delmar.
266 Delaware Ave Delmar 368-3260 behind Finishing Touch – next to CVS
Also Plaza 8 1536 Crescent Rd. Clifton Park 371-6600
www.shampoodledogwash.com
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February 2012
Pet Pages Training - Puppy Classes - Boarding - Day Care - Grooming
Dr. David Stone
283-2700 Corner intersection of Rt. 4 & 43 Bloomingrove Rd. Exit 8 off I-90
Personally, I want ed to make something that I r eally liked—a hospital where I would like t o bring my pet. Then I want ed a place where I could influence how people are treated by each other. Lastly, I want ed to make a plac e where I w ould like t o physically be. Result of all of the things that I set out t o do… there’s no result…we’re getting there. There’s 10 million ways in which we fall short. Daily. Every day I find myself thinking that I could have handled many things better. Not cases, usually, but people—be it staff or clients, each day is challenging. One of the little mantra ’s around here is that we should treat every person as though they ar e part of our personal family . When we share shoes there becomes less division. Suddenly less judgment occurs. Suddenly gossipy situations turn helpful. Suddenly we don’t harm ourselves by being callous t o others. Kind of utopic and unreasonable, but no one says a mantra has to be rational . The book I was r eading was all about suc cessful companies that have taken that original passion of WHY and infused it into their culture. The classic examples are Apple and Harley and S outhwest. C ompanies with clear wh y’s. He also points out the inevitable --when companies grow beyond the consistent daily influence of their creator. He sa ys that it will c ome to pass that success will lead to decision making that is based upon all r easonable available data and that when decisions ar e made based upon statistical and economic rationale, that the original why is no longer in charge. So how is growth managed? Personally, I try to hire people I like a lot. I spend some time telling them how I like things done and what my expectations are. Then I count on them t o work with this in mind. It doesn’t always work—it’s a rough system. Sometimes we don’t see exactly eye to eye. Sometimes I don’t handle the same situation the same wa y—which creates confusion. I need to be utterly consistent. The problem is that I seldom see an y situation as an y other situation. Most things seem unique t o me. The reason I don’t jump on board a product as soon as it comes out is not the same reason I’m not vaccinating all my canine patients against parainfluenza virus. For different reasons I think all dogs who liv e in this area should be t ested every single year for heartworm/ lyme/ehrlichia/anaplasma. Not ev eryone agrees. Not ev ery
vet agrees. I’ ve seen negativ e consequences for not t esting yearly and I would run the test. Simple. The last guiding principle of our hospital is: what w ould I do if it were my pet? That goes from how we greet pets to what we recommend to how a body is handled af ter death. Whatever the why may be, we all intuitively know to cushion the head of a deceased animal being wrapped for cremation. To be respectful. As though they are our own. When we’re not, we know we are “doing wrong.” Our mantra should be simpler than the ones above. It should be 4 words and should apply to everyone in every job. DO THE RIGHT THING. If you do the wrong thing, recognize and fix. That goes for me. That goes for you. David Stone PS: I once heard a philosopher say to the question of why…why not? Apparently that’s the only correct answer.
THE PET GALLERY Let Us Pamper Your Pet Grooming Boarding Daycare
WE WILL TREAT YOUR PET LIKE FAMILY New $5 OFF Grooming or Clients First Day of Day Care FREE Only
On Rt 9 Columbia/Rensselaer County Border (just south of exit 12, I-90)
518 732-0200 ~ www.rensselaerpetgallery.com
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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KID’s PAGES Teaching children their way every day!
Gymnastics, inc
A State of the Art Gymnastics Gym
Now Enrolling 2012 -2013
Preschool & Toddler Learning Groups Ages 24 mos to 5 yrs
REGISTRATION
Ongoing for Session 3
Valentine Kid’s Night Out February 11, 5-8pm
Booking Birthday Parties
e-mail:
beginning March 2012 Information on Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Available Soon
kjsgymnastics@msn. com for details Strength * Flexibility * Balance * Focus * Confidence * Courage * Determination
479-1110 749 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush between Enterprise & E. Greenbush Diner Owned & Operated by: Terry Duncan, Master of Science in Education Lynn LaVoie-Stephens, Master of Arts in Speech Pathology
VACATION WEEK - Camps & Open WorkOut call for dates and times
Parents Night Out - February 17th 3143 Route 9 Valatie 518-758-2554
SATURDAY HOURS & INDOOR PLAYGYM Check website or facebook for information
www.discoveryplaceny.com
Have you met Otto the Auto?
www.kjsgymnastics.com • •
Hi! My name is Otto the Auto, traffic safety robot for AAA Hudson Valley. My job is to visit area schools, teaching safety tips to children 4-8 years old. Since I can’t get to every school, I need every parents’ help. We’re more than halfway through the school year but it’s always a great time review the following safety tips with your child. For Students Who Walk to School.... • Use sidewalks & crosswalks • If no sidewalk is available; walk facing traffic as close to the grass as possible. • Keep all loose items in zipped back packs. This will reduce the need to retrieve items dropped in roadway. • Always wait for the School Crossing Guard. • Always STOP, LOOK (all-ways), & LISTEN before crossing any street. Walk with a friend. • Wear bright colors; reflective materials on jackets or backpacks is a big plus! For Students Who Take the School Bus.... • Never walk or play in the street, including at the Bus Stop. • Never run toward, or away from the School Bus. 26
February 2012
KJ
’s
Discovery Place Learning Center, LLC
•
When crossing the street, getting on or off the bus, stay out of the Bus Driver’s ‘blind spots’. Always make eye contact with the Bus Driver and cross only after the Bus Driver gives you a signal. Never kneel on bus seats, or stand in the aisle, while bus is in motion.
Help Otto spread his safety message!
Your child can enter AAA's Annual Traffic Safety Poster Program. This contest brings out the cr eativity in students fr om grades K-12, as they cr eate posters that illustrate traffic saf ety slogans. Hurry, entry deadline is M arch 27, 2012. Winners will join us at an award ceremony! Get full details at AAA. com/Otto.
If you or your child has a traffic safety message for Otto, email him at otto.the.auto@aaahv. com. Learn more at AAA.com/Otto.
Why do bears hibernate?
KID’s FUN PAGE
DISCOVERY PLACE LEARNING CENTER, LLC 7HDFKLQJ FKLOGUHQ WKHLU ZD\ HYHU\ GD\
Bears that live in the southern part of the country, like Florida, may not hibernate at all. The reason bears hibernate is because there is no food available for them. There is food available all year long in Florida. *Courtesy of the American Bear Association
479-1110 749 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush Between Enterprise & E. Greenbush Diner
Arts & CRAFTs Make M k a Winter Wi t Bird Feeder PINE CONE STYLE: Smoosh peanut butter with spoons onto the pine cones. Then roll the cone in birdseed, tie a string to the top end, and it is ready to hang outside. BOWL STYLE: To make a bowl feeder, punch three holes evenly spaced around the top edge of the plastic bowl, fill the bowl with bird pudding (recipe below), and tie strings through the holes for hanging. *Read more: http://www.care2.com
Submit Your Original Artwork for our Kids Page! MARCH CHALLENGE: Draw a picture of a Leprecan! scan it and email it by February 17 to: debbie@ourtownerensco.com *also interested in your craft ideas!
PIANO FOR SPECIAL KIDZ
Complete Selection of Instruments, Supplies & Books
teaching students of all ages & abilities beginners welcome
LESSONS ~ Any Age ~ Any Level drums, guitar, bass, brass, woodwins, voice & more Private & Group Lessons Availalbe
Master Class: Jim Wieder
Dee Cucinotta
The Roots of Rock-in-Roll & Art of Telecaster Playing
BA Music MS Special Education
Coming Saturday March 10 at 3 pm
Come see us at the 2012 Kidz Expo on March 3 at the Empire State Plaza!
www.piano4specialkidz.com
Woodland Hill Montessori School in North Greenbush, NY
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For more information please call (518) 429-6380 or email rpetro57@gmail.com visit www.rockysmusicstudio.com
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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Kids Page Sponsored by
Black bears that live in Minnesota (where the VSWS is) sleep in a den for as long as 6 months each year. Cubs are born while the mother is hibernating.
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February 2012
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
29
MORE....GREAT LOCAL TEACHERS doing great things! CHOOSING A PRESCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD by Lynn La-Voie Stephens & Terry Duncan
This time of year, many preschool programs begin the enrollment process for the upcoming school year. There are so many models for early childhood education with many excellent choices in this area, that the process can sometimes be overwhelming for parents. Below, we’ve listed some of the important factors to consider when choosing an early childhood experience for your child. When you tour a program or attend an Open House, look for some of these qualities and most importantly, ask questions. 1. What are the teacher’s qualifications? Nursery and preschool programs should have qualified staff whose backgrounds include formal education as well as experience working in the field with young children. 2. How inviting is the classroom environment? The classroom should be clean and the teachers should be friendly, greeting children at eye level and by name whenever possible. The classroom should be decorated with children’s original artwork. Beware of picture-perfect art projects! Ask yourself, what did the child learn from this project and how much of this was done by the child? Children’s artwork should show off their skills and/ or creativity at their own level so no two projects should look alike. 3. What is the program’s curriculum? Some programs use a formal curriculum, such as the Montessori Method, while others may develop their own curriculum. The curriculum in a program may be developmental, which focuses on learning through play, or academic, which is more structured with direct teaching of letters and numbers. When examining the program’s curriculum, look for a variety of activities that are age-appropriate (tabletop activities, pretend play, arts and crafts). Activities should be fun and should target a variety of developmental areas throughout the day, including: gross motor, fine motor, language and communication, social skills, and knowl30
February 2012
edge and thinking. 4. How does the teacher actually teach? Look for a balance between direct teacher instruction and child-directed activities that includes learning from the environment. Children should not be expected to sit for long periods of time. They should spend most of their time playing with other children and working with materials in the classroom. Teachers should work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group throughout the day. Worksheets are useful when used occasionally and appropriately or if a child has a particular interest in this type of activity. 5. How do the children learn letters and numbers in a play-based program? Young children learn best through play. Look for a program that integrates the academic skills required for Kindergarten into everyday experiences, such as taking attendance or serving snack. 6. How does the program adapt for children with different skill levels? A program with qualified, experienced staff should be able to individualize your child’s learning throughout the day. Look for a program that encourages children of different levels to work together while allowing the children to learn without limits. 7. When are books used in the classroom? Ask teachers if books are simply present on a bookshelf or if reading is part of the classroom routine each day. Children should have the opportunity each day to explore books alone or with friends and to hear a story read to the class or a small group of children. Often times, books are a central theme in a classroom, with the daily activities relating to the vocabulary or setting in the story thereby enriching your child’s learning experience.
8. How will I know my child is safe and well-cared for? Following an initial transition period, your child should be happy to attend the program. Teachers should be available to families and willing to work with families to meet the needs of the children. Ask about the program’s health and safety policies to prevent injury and illness. Most importantly, trust your instincts.
Lynn LaVoie-Stephens & Terry Duncan are two amazing local teachers who opened their own preschool , Discovery Learning Center, LLC!!
Meet A Local Teacher
Sheila Golden
has twenty-four years
of teaching under her belt and is almost a veteran teacher. She says what she loves about her job is that each year she gets a different set of children and watches them grow as individuals. She says some students even come back
as teachers or parents! Mrs. Golden has taught every grade from 1st - 4th, although she is certified through 8th grade. Her specialty is Social Studies but surprisingly she loves teaching math. As a child she was never good at math until college when she worked really hard to understand concepts. Because it did not come easily, she is able to help students who struggle with math. Mrs. Golden is not only a teacher at Castleton Elementary school but she was also a student once upon a time. She started school in 1969 and says a lot has changed. She used to go home for lunch. Her Mom didn’t work so there was always someone waiting at home. She says today things are much different for kids in her classes. There is more content to learn and more extra-curricular activities for elementary school students. One of the key things she tries to teach her 3rd graders is time management. Another modern difference is the use of technology, like smart boards which help with interactive
learning. Every classroom at Castleton Elementary school is equipped with one.
About 3rd graders: “They are on the edge. They come in young and through the year they find their independenc e by the time they go to 4th gr ade. They are moving into the w orld of friends and school. Mrs. Golden is a bundle of energy. In addition to being a wife and a mother of a fourteen-year-old daughter, and twenty-one year old stepson, she coaches soccer, cheerleading and track. Mrs. Golden attributes her success over the years to her mentors, specifically, Mr. Jim Gibbons, Mrs. Candi Stuart, and Pat & Geri Snyder. “They taught me the nuts and bolts of teaching before I even had children of my own.” She recalls once having this great paper mache project she was going to do, and Mrs. Stuart suggested breaking it down by having stations instead of handing every student scissors and glue all at once. Mr. Snyder, a former teacher and coach at Schodack taught her that “the world isn’t black and white, its shades of gray.” What you see on the outside may not reveal the whole person or what is going on in their home life. As a teacher and a coach it is her responsibility to take care of her students and athletes and see them holistically. Mrs. Golden never says ‘No that is wrong’. Instead, she asks her students, ‘Why did you think that?’ Then she listens. From Mrs Golden’s perspective, teaching is an honor. She says she never forgets she has someone’s most valuable possession, their baby, in her room. “Education is something we do together (with parents).”
If they say it Can’t be Done. Bring It Here.
Jewelry Repair Center 1629 Columbia Turnpike Schodack, NY
4 Bench Jewelers on Premises
477-6555
Custom Designs, Laser Welding, Eyeglass Repair, Ring Sizing, Stone Setting, Diamonds, Jewelry Sales, Costume Jewelry Repair Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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GREAT LOCAL SCHOOLS NEWS....
Schodack Graduates Return to Offer Advice by Jason McCord Recent graduates returned to Maple Hill High School on January 6 to offer advice to current students, faculty and staff. The visit was an effort the distric t has made in r ecent years to reach out to graduates to help current students understand the challenges of college while helping school officials learn what they can do to better prepare students for college. "Our alumni did a great job and were well received by students and faculty," said H igh School Guidance Counselor Teresa Hebert. Gathering before juniors and seniors in the High School auditorium, 11 alumni f ormed a panel t o answer questions from students. Questions ranged fr om "How much time do y ou spend studying?" to "What if you don't like your roommate?" Alumni told students t o expect more reading, writing and individual study time . They also enc ouraged students t o get involved in activities outside of academics at college to help organize their time and meet people. Alumni then met with facult y and staff to discuss what helped them be prepared for college and what the distric t could do to
better prepare future graduates. Graduates talked about the benefits of tak ing college level courses in high school . They said courses like Advanced Placement and College in the High School not only provided valuable college credit in advance but prepared them for the rigor of college classrooms. Graduates also discussed the impor tance of writing and r esearch. While the consensus was that they were better prepared for writing assignments than most of their c ollege peers, they said those were critical skills that need to be a focus. The district would like to thank our returning alumni Molly Austin, Erica Bilodeau, Emily Bonin, Erica C ecala, Dan Croft, Patrick Curtin, Abbi Hicks, Loren Hiser, Anna Racz, Stephanie Racz and Dennis Strainge.
St. Jude the Apostle School Nurturing & Educating since 1953 St. Jude the Apostle School is located in a beautiful suburban neighborhood, centrally located between Troy and the R.P.I. Technology Park. Our school is in a relaxed, secure setting, perfect for fostering childhood development. Located one mile from HVCC and less than one mile east of Troy. St. Jude offers a competitive academic program following a New York State Standards Based Curriculum. Upon graduation, many of our students secure academic scholarships to some of the areas private middle and high school programs. In addition to our core curriculum we offer in our PreK-6 program, spanish, technology, music, art, instrumental program including violin, viola and cello, library and physical education. A program of extra-curricular activities is available after school hours including mini-mesters of enrichment activities. For the convenience of working parents, our Community After School Enrichment Program operates on every regular school day beginning at 2:30 PM and ending at 5:30 PM. Regular staff members at St. Jude supervise the program. St. Jude the Apostle School provides a quality educational program combined with the morals and values necessary for the world today. We offer grades K â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 and full day and half-day Pre-K for 3 & 4 year old children. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, call Dr. Cathleen A. Carney, Principal at 283-0333.
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Students are provided with c ounseling, introduced to positive role models fr om the community, and paired with jobs that compliment their school schedule . It’s all designed to foster an environment where By Sammy DeLuca Lindberg students can build c onfidence in themselves and bec ome motivated in their Students are “dropping in” to a program at studies, as well as help students manage East Greenbush Central School District’s any social, emotional or ec onomic chalColumbia High School that is helping lenges that, f or many, act as a barrier t o them stay in school , stay motivated and success at school. graduate. The program, called Operation Graduation, is w orking to raise the “We wanted to make sure students didn’t school’s graduation rate by offering stu- fall through the cracks ,” said C olumbia dents an alternative to dropping out and High School Principal John Sawchuk. “We a way to address their personal obstacles were seeing students lea ve school f or a to earning a diploma. variety of r easons. Poor attendance was often a factor, as well as issues at home or “The idea is that w e encompass the stu- the need to leave school to find employdent not just academically , but as a ment. Operation Graduation is an out- ofwhole,” said special education teacher Me- the-box approach to help make school lissa Mancino, who heads instruc tion for work for these students.” Operation Graduation students. “To make it easier for students to meet attendance Technology also pla ys a r ole in helping requirements, we shortened their school students make the most of their school day and created a relaxed and warm fam- day. The students utiliz e a c omputerized ily environment where they can c ome in, learning program, called No vaNET, to feel comfortable and learn without discomplete classes and catch up on missed traction.” credits. The program works by identifying the areas where a student needs instruc-
EGCSD Operation Graduation
St. Jude the Apostle Teacher Honored as Year’s Most Distinguished Teacher by Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany by Dr. Angela Carney When one thinks of a teacher, the attributes that typically come to mind are knowledge, wisdom, understanding, patience, kindness, generosity and, of c ourse, a sense of humor . When one thinks of a special teacher that has impacted their life in a memorable way, this t eacher has one attribut e that truly separat es them from the r est and that attribut e is selflessness. S elflessness of heart and spirit, the willingness to give of themselves to their students each and every day they walk into the classroom. When one thinks of these attributes, one automatically thinks of Miss Kristine Reardon, Third Grade Teacher at St. Jude the Apostle School in Wynantskill. Miss Reardon was recently honored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany as this y ear’s Most Distinguished Teacher. In an awards ceremony, recently held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, Miss Reardon was honored by Bishop Howard Hubbard. The Superintendent of Schools, parents, students and co-workers gathered for this momentous occasion. Miss Reardon’s classroom environment, which is Christian, caring, fair and conducive to mutual respect remains the hallmark of her career. The high regard and passion she holds f or teaching and learning is imparted to her students on a daily basis.
tion most and adjusting c oursework accordingly, allowing the student t o complete rigorous courses in short order. “Students have shown a v ery positive response to Operation Graduation,” continued Mrs. Mancino. “One of the most obvious examples has been att endance. Students are here every day and some even come in early or stay late when they don’t have to. That says a lot about their attitude toward being here.” On the morning of F riday, January 13th, five students were awarded their diplomas during a special graduation ceremony. The graduates are (L-R): Tayler Woodcock, Abbey Slaga, Felicia Sitterly, Katelyn Rodier, and Suzanne P el-
ton.
Dr. Cathleen A. C arney, Principal of St. Jude the Apostle School, nominated Miss Reardon for this award. In so doing she stat ed: “We are fortunate and blessed to have Miss Reardon on our staff. We may never know the glorious reaches of her w ork, but we can guess at them. Through her powerful example of joyful love and years of selfless service rendered, we know that there are young people who are making the world a better place and doing so because one day they had a teacher who truly believed they could. Her name is K ristine Reardon. For there are those who will do the w ork and seek the glor y and ther e are those who work quietly, never seeking anything for themselves, never looking for a public ack nowledgement, never asking for appreciation….this is the mark of a true person of humilit y and selflessness….this is K ristine Reardon….truly a most distinguished teacher. Photo - Miss. Reardon with student and Bishop Howard Hubbard
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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WELLNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY
February is Dental Health Month by Joseph Lapinski, DDS Our bodies and systems are all connected. When you visit the dentist…an oral examination can reveal a lot about what is going on in your body, showing signs of many illnesses, nutritional deficiencies and infections. Each person is unique but changes in the teeth and gums may indicate a larger systemic problem. Some of these issues may be but are not limited to: • Heart Disease: Plaque buildup on teeth has been linked to plaque in arteries.
tist. Early detection is always the best. Your dental professional may suggest that you consider a visit with your physician. Improving diet along with better overall health can lead to a healthier mouth. Brushing & (yes) Flossing will get rid of the some bacteria in the mouth which can lead to a healthier you. For additional resources & links visit www.ADA. org. Email me your dental questions at DrJoe@LapinskiDental.com
• Diabetes: There is a higher incidence of periodontal disease in diabetics and may lead to tooth loss.
LAPINSKI DENTAL
• Vitamin deficiencies: Patients may feel as though they have burned their tongues with certain vitamin deficiencies • Celiac Disease: Nutrition deficiis can cause weakened enamel & repeated tooth fractures. • GERD (Acid Reflux): Certain wear patterns on teeth can be seen. Untreated reflux can lead to esophageal cancer. • Eating disorders and Alcohol abuse: Certain wear patterns on inside surfaces of the teeth can be seen. Rampant decay, gum disease and other hygiene concerns are common.
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Naturopathic consultation services for individualized lifestyle & nutritional support for both adult and pediatric population. Other services include homeopathy, botanicals, nutraceuticals, gentle naturopathic detoxification, and mind-body support. For more information and to set-up a free 15 minute consultation, please contact Dr. Cole: 77 Troy Rd, Suite E East Greenbush, NY 10261 amycolend@gmail.com
518-701-4587 www.amycolend.com 34
February 2012
Five Feng Shui Tips to Attract Romance into Your Life by Diane Lehmuler-Hardy of designsense
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, let’s get ready for love. Clean Your Room! (Mom knew what she was talking about) Clutter blocks ch’i from movely freely throughout your room, don’t let it get stuck under piles of dirty laundry or trapped under your bed. Blocked ch’i prevents you from moving forward in your (love) life. Make Room for Love. Your bed should be in the “commanding position”, as far as possible from the door but with a clear view of the doorway. Make sure there is enough space around your bed for each person to move freely. Choose furniture with curves and smooth lines, if your furniture does have sharp corners consider draping a piece of soft fabric on top. Choose Your Colors Wisely. You want your bedroom to be welcoming and inviting, choose warm colors like peach ,cocoa, khaki and cream; or for a more tranquil feeling, try soft greens and blues and the palest of lilacs. Now add in accents of Feng Shui “passion colors” pink and red. Think sheets, candles, pillows; any shade of red or pink will do, burgundy, mauve, magenta. Think in Twos! If you are single and looking for love, decorate your bedroom as if you already have a partner. That means two nightstands, two lamps and enough pillows for two. Scatter other “pairs” around your room, a pair of candles (pink or red), two ceramic cherubs and artwork that depicts love. Avoid anything that is solitary, a vase with a single flower or a photograph with just one person, you want to create “couples energy”. Invite Romance by placing images of love in the southwest corner of your bedroom. Try two pink candles side by side, a red or pink heart shaped box, two red roses in a beautiful vase, artwork depicting a couple or pair of swans or doves. If you are looking for love, place romantic pictures (flowers, cherubs, lovers) on the wall you first see upon entering your room and on the wall you look at while in bed.
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Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
35
WELLNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Cholesterol and Heart Health by Dr. Amy Cole Most people get their cho lesterol levels checked on a regular basis t o ensure it is not getting too high. Cholesterol is a major c omponent of cell membranes. I t also pla ys a role in hormone pr oduction (including sex hormones and the stress hormone c ortisol) and vitamin D production, thus making it important for our bodies. Cholesterol is also important for tissue repair.
Below are some dietary interventions that may be helpful:
Cholesterol becomes a problem when the lo w density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad cholesterol” becomes oxidized in the body . Oxidized LDL can cr eate plaque build-up in the ar teries leading to cardiovascular problems. Hence, when LDL becomes too high doctors become concerned and ways to decrease cholesterol level are discussed.
• Eat small frequent meals throughout the day. • Don’t skip breakfast. • Eating a whole food diet to minimize oxidized LDL. • Eggs are typically okay to consume. (There are some people that may react to eggs) Eggs are packed with numerous other important nutrients and so t ypically I do not r ecommend restricting egg consumption unless the individual does have a sensitivity to eggs. • Avoid Trans fats. • Beef is best c onsumed if it is g rass-fed, grass-finished beef. Grass-fed beef has been sho wn to have a high c ontent of omega-3 fatty acids. • Include nuts in the diet especially walnuts , almonds, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts. • Avoid foods that may lead to inflammation in the body including sugars and any foods you may be sensitive to.
When tissues become inflamed, cholesterol levels will rise to aid in repair. Cholesterol may also increase in response to stress and so it is impor tant to not only addr ess the issue of the elevat ed cholesterol, but it is also important to address inflammation and stress level. A nutritional approach should aim to address all of these aspects
Proper dietary changes should be tried bef ore any supplementation or herbals are added in. There are many nutritional supplements and herbals that ha ve been studied and ha ve been found to help decr ease the lev el of cholest erol. Supplements and herbals should be chosen on an individual basis . Str ess management techniques should also be discussed.
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ʭ ɸʆʍʊʆʗʊʏʈ ʚʐʖʓ ʔʚʎʑʕʐʎʔ ʭ ɫʎʑʐʘʆʓʊʏʈ ʚʐʖ ʕʉʓʐʖʈʉ ʂʄʕʊʗʆ ʄʂʓʆ ʭ ɮʆʍʑʊʏʈ ʚʐʖ ʓʆʂʄʉ ʚʐʖʓ ʈʐʂʍʔ
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www.schodackchiropractor.com Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ debbie@ourtownerensco.com
February 2012
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Life Lessons Learned While On The Job by Lori King-Kocsis When I was in my early 20's I worked at an interior design office. It was there that I was honored with my first mentor. Her name was Joan Townley. I interviewed with Joan and had waded through snow (in high-heels and a skirt). I was delighted by this woman who had a British accent, a charming laugh, every hair on her head in place and she was wearing a very stylish outfit. Joan hired me and told me later that she was impressed with me! She told me that she thought I must have really wanted the job, to show up for an interview in a skirt, during a snowstorm. Then, there was George; Joan's husband, who also worked at the design company. George smoked a lot and hung out in the warehouse. He cursed and spit. I was perplexed by that relationship. They were like night and day. I could always tell though, how much he loved Joan (and she loved him). Joan came in every day dressed to the nines, she would compliment me on my clothes and would talk to me like a person not a "staffer". She would share
stories with me about her past and she shared some of her best business advice (and much of it was about how to work with other people). I began to hear rumblings of things that weren't going well between the business partners (there were 4, two men and Joan and her husband, George). One day, Joan came to work, dressed in a beautiful red dress. She went to her office and picked up a photo, then stopped by my desk and apologized for the awfulness of what had happened, and what was to become of the company. The other two owners were able to take over the company. And they did. I am forever grateful to Joan, for showing me how to work with people in a civilized manner, dress like you "mean it" and to speak to people, not at them. There was one parting image of her and a comment that she made that has stayed with me. That last day in the office, leaving the business she loved, she wore a beautiful red dress. As she left the building, she said to me that when Queen Mary of
Scots was on her way to her beheading, underneath her robes she wore red. She wore red so no one would be able to see her blood. Lesson One: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the small things get in your way from the WHY. (even if it means â&#x20AC;&#x153;dressingâ&#x20AC;? for an interview though the weather isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in your favor). Lesson Two: Be open to the idea of having a mentor or a sponsor. They will provide you with lessons and learning that could save you years of time. Lesson Three: Take the high road. Even when you feel youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been wronged, when you take the high road you will always feel good about how you behaved â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and, as with Joan, you will leave a lasting impression on how to handle tough situations. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to love! Have a Happy Valentines Day! (I dedicate this column to Joan Townley and her love, George, may they rest in peace). Lori King-Kocsis, founder of LKK Creative Connections and Capital Region Moxie Executive of the national Moxie Exchange Movement.
Fasten your seatbelt, sister. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bold. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fun. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re high impact.
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M
oxie is a national business and professional organization where authentic, wicked-smart women share business savvy and drive business results. Events with The Moxie Exchange Movement are Â&#x2DC;Â&#x;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Ä&#x161;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â?ȹ Â&#x2019;Â?Â&#x2018;ČąÂ&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x;Â&#x160;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ&#x2019;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x160;Â&#x153;Ç°ČąÂ&#x152;Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2019;Â?ČąÂ&#x152;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Â&#x;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Â&#x153;Â&#x160;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Ç°ČąÂ&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x17E;Â?Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;ČąÂ&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â?ČąÂ&#x160;Â&#x17E;Â?Â&#x160;Â&#x152;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x17E;Â&#x153;ČąÂ&#x160;Â&#x152;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;ÇŻČą Â&#x17D;Â&#x160;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â?Ç°ČąÂ&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â&#x153;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2019;Â&#x203A;Â&#x160;tion, momentum and results - thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Moxie! Moxie Exchange Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month from 3:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 pm (New Member Orientation is 3:00-3:30) at The Standard, Crossgates Mall, Albany, NY
Contact Lori King-Kocsis, Capital Region Moxie Exec lorikk@moxiemovement.com or go to
www.moxieexchange.com 38
February 2012
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February 2012
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February 2012
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