OUR TOWNE
J.HUNZIKER
PAVING
FULLY INSURED
Full Service Asphalt East Greenbush, NY
10%OFF
Summer Special with this ad
FREE ESTIMATES
518-858-7917
www.jh unziker paving.com ~ jh unziker paving@y aho o.co m
Your Hometown Community Resource March 2013
A Note from the Editor...
OUR TOWNE SOUTHERN RENSSELAER & NORTHERN COLUMBIA COUNTIES MARCH 2013
Dear Our Towne Readers, I am sure you are looking forward to Spring and the time when we can open the windows, turn down the heat and pack away the sweaters & boots! Well, it is right around the corner! The first day of Spring is March 20th, and our advertisers are “planting the seeds” of what we have to plan for and enjoy during this beautiful time of year. Wether it be thinking about a new driveway or patio, or planting & buying Spring Flowers, this is a great time of year to start thinking about the world outside of our cozy home. Our Towne continues to grow with this March issue. This is my 6th issue, and I continue to welcome many new advertisers and writers. This month, I have increased the Our Towne distribution to include delivery to 3,000 more homes &businesses. Our distribution is now at almost 18,000! I continue to meet small business owners & professionals in our community that have a passion for their work. They impress and inspire me in my work to grow the Our Towne Community. The goal of Our Towne is to connect local businesses & customers. These neighbors can’t survive without your support. When you visit the advertisers in Our Towne, please let them know you saw their ad here! I thank you for reading Our Towne and helping me connect the community. I wish you all a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Happy Easter, Happy Passover &Happy Spring!
Jennifer Felts Owner, Our Towne www.ourtownerensco.com
OWNER/PUBLISHER/ EDITOR/ SALES/DESIGN
JENNIFER FELTS 518-380-1279 WWW.OURTOWNERENSCO.COM FELTS66@YAHOO.COM OUR TOWNE’S MISSION: OUR TOWNE SEEKS TO CONNECT LOCAL BUSINESSES TO LOCAL CONSUMERS BY HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST
SOUTHERN RENSSELAER AND NORTHERN COLUMBIA COUNTIES HAVE TO OFFER.
OF WHAT
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ~ OUR TOWNE IS PUBLISHED BY OUR TOWNE MARKETING & CONSULTING LLC. 3 LYNCH AVENUE, CASTLETON, NY 12033 PRINTED MONTHLY & DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE TO VIEW CURRENT & PAST EDITIONS ONLINE: WWW.OURTOWERENSCO.COM
Contributors KEN & DEBORAH LANE DR. DAVID STONE, DVM DR. PATRICK BERGMANN DR. JOE LAPINSKI VINCE COPPOLA ALLISON FELTS WAYNE EVANCOE
TIMOTHY SHEVY CATHERINE GRAZIANO DEAR ANGIE DARYL BART ROBERT HORAN PATRICK CIRAULO
DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISING & COMMUNITY EVENTS IS THE 20TH OF EVERY MONTH! TO
ADVERTISE OR LIST A COMMUNITY EVENT PLEASE CALL JENNIFER FELTS AT 518-380-1279 OUR TOWNE~ CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY
The OUR TOWNE Spotlight shines on...
J.HUNZIKER
BY JENNIFER FELTS
PAVING
Serving upstate New York for more than 10 years, J Hunziker Asphalt Paving values customers and takes pride in providing superior asphalt paving services. After working in the field for a few years, Jason Hunziker decided that it was time for him to start his own company. From East Greenbush, Jason bought his first truck at 24 years old. With a passion for his work and a strong work ethic, he has successfully grown his business in the Capital District. From his previous employers, he took the good & bad experiences and developed a company that now serves both residential & business customers. When I sat down to interview Jason, I could see that he is a very hard working man with a passion for what he does. “J. Hunziker is big enough to serve, and small enough to care.” His reputation in the paving business has allowed him to grow by leaps & bounds in the past few years. In addition to hundreds of residential customers, Jason has also paved the new Hannoush Jewelers Flagship store on Wolf Road, Joe’s Crab Shack in Latham, the Taco Bell in Lake George, The Ivy Spa, the 99 Restaurant & various Dunkin Donuts in the Capital District. And this is the short list. J. Hunziker specializes in Driveways, Parking Lots, Sealcoating, Basketball Courts, Excavating, Resurfacing, Digouts, & Decorative Concrete. What has led J. Hunziker Paving down this road of success? “We offer the highest quality services and know what it takes to meet your needs and surpass your expectations. Our team of professional and highly qualified staff, work hard to meet the customer's individual needs.” Our Towne is proud to highlight a local man with a successful local business! For quality and affordable paving services, consult with the Professionals at J Hunziker Asphalt Paving. Contact them today for a free consultation and estimate!
518-858-7917 www.jhunzikerpaving.com
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
3
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
5
Buds Florist and Greenhouses
Spring Open House March 24th 10:00am - 4:00 pm
Come in to view our own Easter Lilies, other
beautiful blooming Easter plants and an array of Fresh Spring Flowers!
Enjoy Refreshments
& Enter to win a door prize
Open Easter Sunday 10-3
1614 Route 9 Castleton On Hudson, NY 12033 http://www.budsfloristandghses.com (518)732-7563 ~ (800)437-8527
Spring Classes 2013 March 13th or April 17th at 6:30 pm
Learn how to make your own unique Spring arrangement to take home or give as a gift! Choose a Design, Container & Flowers $20 per class~ Join us for fun & laughter Call to reserve your spot today!
Irish Carnations & Arrangements are available for St. Patrick’s Day
Expires March 30th, 2013
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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THE FIRST BLOOM OF SPRING ALWAYS MAKES MY HEART SING
SPRING OPEN HOUSE March 24th Easter Lilies, Azaleas, Tulips, Hyacinths, Daffodils and More! (Arrive Week of March 18th)
Garden Seeds 20 percent off (Expires March 31, 2013)
Come and View the Spring Plants Growing! And Shop for Many Becker Bargains!
`/WNEJr6QRUQKNr5VQPGr*C[r5VTCYr2TQRCPG` 420 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush Across from Columbia Plaza 518-477-4163
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March 31, 2013
!CLEANING SPRING :AGAINYEAR OF TIME THAT IT’S…Backwards or forwards, March (and the somewhat warmer weather) can breathe some fresh air into your actually getting to at least one of your New Year’s resolutions: !ORDER IN HOUSE YOUR GETTING It’s important to get organized and stay organized. Keep in mind how great you will feel once you unburden yourself. Still collecting old dusty baskets for Aunt Mary? Is cousin Dave really going to fix that old lawn mower? Do you think your friend Nancy from work really needs another box of romance novels? Some ideas for making the process easier: 1.Separate your unwanted items into 4 groups: household garbage, useful items to donate like clothing, recyclables (scrap metal, electronics, glass, plastic, paper) and junk (broken stuff, old furniture, wood, etc.). 2.Start with one room like the kitchen which will go fast and provide instant satisfaction. 3.Make some easy decisions-If you’re not using something, get rid of it. Don’t plan for 10 years down the road when you “might” need it-trust me, when you finally get around to using (fill in the blank) it will be inevitable it was broken the whole time or you are missing half the pieces. 4.Let go of sentimentality. Now I am not going to throw away my wedding album even though I have only looked at it once in 10 years, but that pile of my old college and high school newsletters is kind of useless. Ditto the toys in the garage only the squirrels play with, since your kids are in college now. We can help. Scrapster is family owned local business which provides a NO COST scrap metal and appliance pick up and removal service. We also offer LOW COST junk removal and clean outs. Everything is properly recycled, disposed of or donated. We are convenient, reliable, insured, and we do all the work. Give us a call today at (518) 505-5055 or visit our website at www.scrapster.com. Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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WO ORD RD
OF
BY
MO OUTH UTH
D R . J O E L A P I NSKI N S K I , DDS
QR CODE SCAN FOR CURRENT REVIEWS OF LAPINSKI DENTAL
One of the funny things about being a Dentist is that I’m often not recognized out of my element. At work, I wear a mask and scrubs, a head lamp and funny looking magnifying glasses called loupes. It’s no wonder that when I’m in Target or at the gas station, I get those squinty looks like… ”I know I know him. Who is that?” It’s me - Dr. Joe, your Dentist. Truthfully, it’s the same for me. Every day, I see patients, sometimes in pain or maybe anxious and attempting to black out all memories of the dentist office by squeezing their eyes closed throughout the whole appointment. All the while, I’m focused on getting the job done quickly and efficiently and painlessly. So, admittedly, it’s no wonder we don’t recognize each other at the school basketball game or Hannaford or the bank but I’m also thinking “I know you too””. That’s what I love about being a dentist in a small community. I see patients out and about and you see me. I love that Lapinski Dental is able to support local sports teams, and go local restaurants and support local businesses. As a small business owner, I exist on the loyalty and kind words of our community members. My staff lives and works in this area, I live and work in this area and we make it a point to support the places and people who support us. Symbiotic some would say. Starting this month, I’ve developed a Support Local tab on my website, www.LapinskiDental.com. It will have links to many of the local folks who do business with me and vice versa. If you’re a patient and would like a link to your business from my new “Support Local” tab, just call my Office Manager, Daryl and she’ll help make that happen. And please know, that when I don’t recall your name and you don’t recall mine, I still appreciate you and your support of Lapinski Dental. April 1st is my 16th anniversary in business here in East Greenbush & I have you to thank for it. Please continue to ask your questions, check out the page, Like us on Facebook & and tell your friends that we’re always looking for a few new smiles! DrJoe@LapinskiDental.com
Our Schools Running Out of Time and Options - What YOU Can Do! On behalf of 47 public school districts in the Capital Region, I would like to thank the more than 1,500 parents, students, educators and community members who came to East Greenbush and Niskayuna to discuss the fiscal crisis facing our public schools. The events were powerful reminders of the passion our communities have for their schools and the eagerness to understand why our schools are forced to cut staff and programs at such an alarming rate. This was just the start of a conversation communities will have with their schools. The more people learn about our schools, the better advocates they can be for their children. I also want to thank the elected officials who not only attended but talked with community members long after the events. We were pleased to hear them pledge their support for public education. They are critical partners and communities are eager to work with them, not only to solve financial challenges but also to create educational opportunities. The purpose of the two events was to build a mutual understanding of our schools’ fiscal realities. Governor Cuomo often mentions that schools received a four percent aid increase last year and in his executive budget for 2013-14. That sounds reasonable. But it ignores the billions in state aid that’s been cut through the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), a cut to school aid that was intended to be a one-year fix to plug the state’s deficit. We are asking the state to end cuts that they intended to be temporary. Another year of GEA cuts will continue to eliminate student opportunities locally. We are also asking our leaders to provide adequate and equitable aid, and a meaningful measure of mandate relief – issues that also stand to diminish programs and services. More than 40 years after the State Commission on the Quality, Cost and Financing of Elementary and Secondary Education found that “the quality of a child’s education is determined by accidents of birth, wealth or geography,” little has changed in New York State despite numerous commissions, reports, lawsuits and court rulings on school aid. Where is the equity when residents living in poorer areas pay higher taxes for less robust educational programs while wealthy areas can spend as much as $50,000 per student? Students deserve the same educational opportunities regardless of their zip code. As for mandate relief, educators don’t understand why it’s been summarily dismissed as “a political non-starter”. When state leaders enacted the property tax cap, many said it would only work with corresponding mandate relief. But there has been no meaningful relief since the tax cap’s adoption. For years, educators have shared with their state representatives long lists of mandates that tie the hands of schools. These mandates increase costs and, in some instances such as mandated seat time, hinder the flexibility that schools need to change and improve education. Over the next month, lawmakers in Albany are expected to finalize next year’s budget. I encourage all community members to learn about these challenges facing their schools and consider becoming an advocate for their children by contacting their elected representatives. This could make a significant difference. Your elected representatives are engaged like never before on education due to recent regional advocacy efforts. They need to hear from residents that cuts to school aid need to stop, school aid must be distributed more fairly, and costly mandates need to be reformed. Advocacy can be as little as writing an e-mail to your representative, telling them what you love about your school. Or you can make an appointment to visit your representative in Albany to ask them questions. There are many ways to help. The more your representatives know about your school, the more invested they will be in helping your community’s children. To learn more about how to contact your elected representatives, visit www.educationspeaks.org for an Advocacy Toolkit with helpful information. By: Bob Horan, Schodack Central Schools Superintendant First of Three Informative Articles in the School Budget Crisis Series
Your home may be your biggest personal investment. One of the most important decisions you will make when buying or selling your home is who you will trust to assist and advise you. This month I would like to tell you a little about my credentials and that of my team member. I would also appreciate if you would e-mail me with questions and subjects that you would like to see addressed in future articles. You can send them to cgraziano@remax.net Cathy Graziano & Maria Mencarelli, “Team Excelsior”, at RE/MAX Capital will help you understand the process, navigate the details and keep you on track in today’s complex real estate market. Cathy has lived in the Capital District all her life and in East Greenbush for over 30 years. She has over 20 years’ experience in real estate & has been involved in millions of dollars of home sales and purchases since being awarded 1990 Rookie of the Year for her office. Having worked with numerous nationally recognized relocation companies, gives her experience relocating families across the county or across town. Cathy managed a local real estate office where she hired and trained some agents who are now quite successful in the field. Cathy is a member of the Greater Capital Region Association of Realtors, New York State (NYSAR) & National Association (NAR) of Realtors. She is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) & was president of the NYS GRI Chapter in 2001. Cathy currently serves on NYSAR’s Professional Standards Committee & Education Management Committee. Cathy is involved in the community as well. She served as a member & past president of the East Greenbush Central School District Board of Education. She is current president of the East Greenbush Education Foundation which awards Grants to college bound students & funds for student participation in summer enrichment programs in K-12. Maria grew up in the East Greenbush area. In addition to being a rea estate agent, she also brings 20+ years’ experience working in the legal profession, most of those years working as a Real Estate Paralegal. Maria says, “I take pride in the fact that I have exceptional real estate knowledge; I give outstanding personal service; I have expert product and area knowledge; I have superior communication skills; and I am dedicated to providing exceptional customer service.” If you have given any thought to moving or someone you know is considering buying a new home or selling their current home, call us! As full-time real estate professionals with Re/Max Capital., our business is built on personal referrals. It is our responsibility to provide exceptional service to our clients every step of the way, from the first contact, to the contract, to closing. Cathy & Maria have the experience to get the job done in today’s market. We would welcome the opportunity to earn your business. Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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Market Update for the Month Ending January 31, 2013 Presented by Kenneth & Deborah Lane of Center Square Asset Management
Off to a great start January got 2013 off to a great start. The S&P 500 Index was up 5.18 percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 5.91 percent. Resolution of the fiscal cliff sparked the best January market performance since 1997. The strong market action continued on good corporate earnings and in spite of mildly disappointing revenues: 71 percent of S&P 500 companies beat earnings expectations in the fourth quarter of 2012, but only 43 percent beat on revenues. Bonds lost ground over the month.The Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index declined 0.7 percent.Treasuries and investmentgrade corporates sold off, though municipals and high-yield posted positive performance. Though still low, Treasury yields are their highest levels since last April.
Signs of life in the U.S. economy On the whole, economic data was positive in January. Employment continued its recovery, with 155,000 jobs added in December, but leaving the unemployment rate unchanged at 7.8 percent. Retail sales continued to grow, and housing continued to improve, with prices increasing. Consumer spending was up 2.2 percent for the fourth quarter of 2012, and business investment rose 8.4 percent, more than reversing its 1.8-percent decline for the third quarter. Negatives included a drop in consumer confidence, driven by the tax increases in the fiscal cliff deal, and news that the economy had contracted 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012, stemming primarily from a sharp drop in defense spending. For 2012 as a whole, GDP grew 2.2 percent, up from 1.8 percent in 2011. So the recovery, while slow, continues. In summary, this doesn’t appear to be the start of a new recession.
Looking forward into 2013 For equities, the beginning of 2013 has mirrored that of 2012. While political and economic concerns remain, a sustainable economic recovery seems well under way. For bonds generally, the outlook appears far less favorable. Should the economy continue to improve, allowing government intervention in the bond market to be curtailed, it is likely interest rates will begin to rise and the 30 year bull market in bonds will likely come to an end. Nevertheless, overall signs for the U.S. economy and markets are positive. Investors should celebrate recent strong returns, maintain the equity allocation needed to achieve long-term goals, and perhaps restructure their bond allocation to better position themselves for a rising interest rate environment.
If you are interested in discussing how the current market outlook may affect you investments, please call Ken and Deborah Lane at 518-477-5468.Ken and Deb Lane are financial consultants of Center Square Asset Management located at 1651 Columbia Tpk in Castleton NY. They offer securities and advisory services as Registered Representatives of Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. They can be reached at 518-477-5468 or dlane@centersquareasset.com. Disclosure: Certain sections of this commentary contain forward-looking statements that are based on our reasonable expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The S&P 500 Index is a broad-based measurement of changes in stock market conditions based on the average performance of 500 widely held common stocks. The MSCI EAFE Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to measure developed market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a market capitalization-weighted index composed of company’s representative of the market structure of 26 emerging market countries in Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific Basin. It excludes closed markets and those shares in otherwise free markets that are not purchasable by foreigners. The Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged market value-weighted index representing securities that are SEC-registered, taxable, and dollar-denominated. It covers the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market, with index components for a combination of the Barclays Capital government and corporate securities, mortgage-backed pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities. The Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield Index covers the USD-denominated, non-investment-grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high-yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB+/BB+ or below.
Authored by the Investment Research Tem at Commonwealth Financial Network. © 2013 COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL NETWORK®
Maple Hill Music Parents Association holding its Indoor Garage Sale on Saturday, March 16, 2013, from 9-3, at Maple Hill High School. Household, holiday items, furniture, raffle items and baked goods will be available. All proceeds will benefit the children of the music program, which is consistently hit with budget cuts. We need gently used items, but cannot accept personal care items, clothing, magazines, televisions, computers, or stuffed animals. You can drop off items at Maple Hill High School on the following dates: Tuesday Thursday
Mar 5 Mar 7
6 – 8 PM 6 – 8 PM
We will even bring items in from your car in the drop-off lane for you! No need to unbuckle the little ones, or get cold or dirty! The Sale will be held on Saturday, March 16 from 9-3..
RCHR Awarded Grant Funds to Assist Rensselaer County Residents
The Rensselaer County Housing Resources (RCHR), will again have grant funding available to assist local residents with obtaining and maintaining their homes. RCHR has been awarded funds under three government programs, providing grant monies which can be used for downpayment assistance for first-time homebuyers, home rehabilitation projects, and home modifications to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Under the Access to Home Program, income-eligible homeowners and renters in Rensselaer County may be able to receive grant funding to make enhancements to their homes in order to increase accessibility. Home improvements include items such as building ramps and widening doorways. Applicants who are Veterans are particularly encouraged to apply and will find that the income eligibility limits are higher for them. The Homeowner Rehabilitation Program can assist income-eligible homeowners with home repairs such as health and safety repairs, roof replacement, structural, electrical, plumbing and heating system repairs or replacements, window replacements and energy efficiency measures. The Small Cities grant program can assist incomeeligible first-time home buyers with grants to be used for down payment and/or closing costs at the time of purchase. “We are pleased to again receive funding for these important programs that assist individuals in acquiring and maintaining their homes.” Said TRIP Executive Director Patrick Madden. These programs can be a lifeline for individuals who are striving to maintain their independence. ”Income-eligible Rensselaer County residents outside the City of Troy may apply for these grant opportunities. Applicants need to be income eligible and current on their mortgage, property taxes and homeowners insurance at the time of application in order to qualify. For more information about these grants or other homeowner programs, visit RCHR’s website at www.triponline. org/rural or call TRIP NeighborWorks® HomeOwnership Center at (518) 690-0020.
Come join one of the most popular dance studios in Upstate New York. Lorraine-Michaels Dance Centre (LMDC) has been serving the Capital District for the last 31 years. We offer a wide variety of dance and fitness classes at our Albany location including Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Hustle, Salsa, Argentine Tango, Hip Hop, Breakdancing, Kickboxing, Zumba, Line Dancing, Belly Dancing, Pole Dancing and more. The owner, Lorraine McTague, also teaches Beginner and Advanced Ballroom, Latin, and Swing classes in Kinderhook at the Village Hall on Friday evenings. You can join into the classes at anytime and do not need experience or a partner. Lorraine-Michaels Dance Centre is known for their welcoming desk staff, experienced instructors, and unbeatable low prices. The Centre provides Private Lessons and First Dance Wedding Packages. Instructors and rooms are available at all different times throughout the day to accommodate a student’s schedule. We also have private parties for birthdays, bachelorette celebrations, or other special events. You can request any style of dance for your party and an instructor will teach a lesson at the Dance Centre or at another location. LMDC has monthly Dance Parties that are held at in Albany. We offer mini dance lessons, demonstrations by instructors and students, refreshments, three rooms of dancing, and discounts on Beginner classes. Singles and Couples are welcome. Dance and fitness classes improve your life by burning calories, boosting yourself esteem and reducing stress. It is a fun way to socialize and meet new people. So what are you waiting for? Contact Lorraine-Michaels Dance Centre by calling 518459-2623, visit lorrainemichaelsdance.com, or like us on Facebook for more information. You can also stop in at 69 Fuller Rd in Albany, Monday through Saturday or check out the classes at the Kinderhook Village Hall, 6 Chatham St. in Kinderhook on Fridays.
TO
ADVERTISE OR LIST A COMMUNITY EVENT PLEASE CONTACT JENNIFER FELTS AT 518-380-1279
felts66@yahoo.com
OUR TOWNE~ CONNECTING YOUR COMMUNITY
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
13
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
www.kraftsbykim.com 395 Columbia Tpke, East Greenbush, 518.477.1274 Is SPRING I'm sure I am not the Ionly onehelp anticipating warmer if you are one ofand thosepositive people possibilities I have some Asit we beginyet? another “NEW” year can’t but think aboutweather. all the So new beginnings exciting news for you. The transformation from Winter to Spring has begun at Krafts by Kim. We recently went on a huge buying trip Happy AUGUST....If I am dreaming please me upof cause the months are flying by and I have so much to tell you. For those of you who are curious about thespecial 2013 can bring. Let’s start with thewake selling the store. We‘ve had many, many leads but we are still waiting for that Store Hours: Wed. &arrivals Fri. 10-5:30 to restock the store with amazing new product and designs. We await new daily and have added so many fabulous new items. future of the buildingto of walk Krafts bythrough Kim, we arethat still looking that perfect fact we have just reduced the price!!!!this If youisare interested please keep in things someone/someones door.forI know itwe isbuyer. just aIndisplayed matter of time. Ioftruly the year GREAT Thursday 10-6:00 Wait till youit does see not thehave beautiful "Spring" berry garlands which have on a fewEssentially our feel mantles. We have alsoforreceived primimind to be a craft/gift store. It can be whatever type business you have always wanted. a place where all your DREAMS come true.myis way for all of us. So remember if you or someone you know is looking for a beautiful business building please send them tive bunnies which some arehandmade by Arnettes Country Store. They are absolutely adorable. Collecting her fabulous designs Saturday 10-4:00 Once the building sell get ready forbe the aBIGGEST Sale Ever. So, then we will continue discounting merchandise (especially in our SALEbarn ROOM) and true!!! (Remember it does not have to craft store). This truly could beofyour new beginning. Dreams really do come something I myself isdoes definitely guilty of. We have added a until large assortment very powerful inspirational box signs, board signs Sunday 11-3:00 creating new designs the upcoming Fallbe months. For those of you curious thewreaths future ofplenty Krafts byof Kim, I willworking continue showcasing designs atsoarea and Billy Jacobs paintings. Oh, and lets not forget our to fabulous SPRING we have been on. giving The my colors will inspire you OK … so untilforwe sell I will continuing stock theabout store with decorating/gift ideas be sure to and with excitement for the months ahead. also been on our sale/overstocked furniture room. showsyou and also on-line once building haswonderful been sold...... visitwarm frequently cause youthenever know what you might haveWe tohave have….At theworking end of December we had the opportunity to drive to Many Colorodo/Wyoming to visit the kids for the holidays (only the 4th time driving this year). Amazing the distance of our items have beendifficult repriced toforsell. I encourage you tomoving stop by and see towhats new. I look forward to seeing all of This month is goingfor to be incredibly month ways. We are my daughter we go for our children. Iancouldn’t be prouder ofme thein so life that they have made for themselves. Thank you to all of you for your you real soon. Look many new pictures and activity onmany our FACEBOOK page. pursue her education inthat Bio-Medical which will building. also give heras opportunity to be closer sincere for Love toperfect all of Sciences you family we enter into another Year“. I can’t help abut think KraftsWyoming byconcern Kimtostill hasthem. not found buyerand foryour our Iftheyou or someone youtoknow“New has any interest of making dream her brother in Colorado. sure toyou/them. call the storesuch orHAPPY check the website (www.kraftbykim.com) for August Store will come Ifamilies would love toPlease speak MARCH, HAPPY SPRING & HAPPY EASTER!!!!! abouttrue the who havebewith experienced tragedies these past few months. You forever be in our thoughts and Life is certainly changing and each day I count my blessings to have accomplished so many amazing life hearts.Hours. HAPPY NEWalways YEAR!!!! STORE HOURS experiences. Please stop by and see me real soon and have a safe and happy rest of the summer...
RI. 10-5:30 WED.&&FFRIDAY WEDNESDAY 10-5:30 10-6:00 THURSDAY STORE HOURS: THURSDAY 10-6:00 10-4:00 SATURDAY Wed. & Fri. 10-5:30 / Thursday 10-6/ Saturday 10-4 / Sunday - closed for Summer/ Closed Monday & Tuesday SATURDAY 10:400 11-3:00 SUNDAY SUNDAY 11-3:00
Activities & Programs for Kids
Discovery Place Learning Center, LLC Check out our website for The Summer camp Schedule~ Coming soon! Call for available class openings!
March 15th Parent’s Night Out Open Workouts over February Break Pre-Registration Required
Book your Bouncer Birthday Party today!
Teaching children their way every day!
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ƛȶȷȺȲɀȳȼΎȯȵȳɁΎ̱˹̲ΎΎɇȳȯɀɁΎȽȺȲΎȾȯɀɂȷȱȷȾȯɂȳΎȷȼΎȺȳȯɀȼȷȼȵΎȵɀȽɃȾɁΎɂȶȯɂΎȴȽȱɃɁ If you ȽȼΎȳȯɀȺɇΎȱȽȻȻɃȼȷȱȯɂȷȽȼ˴ΎȺȳȯɀȼȷȼȵΎ˱ΎȾɀȽȰȺȳȻΎɁȽȺɄȷȼȵ˷ΎΎƬȶȳɇΎɅȷȺȺΎȺȳȯɀȼΎɂȽ cannot make ɁȳȾȯɀȯɂȳΎȴɀȽȻΎȾȯɀȳȼɂɁ˴ΎȷȼɂȳɀȯȱɂΎɅȷɂȶΎȽɂȶȳɀΎȱȶȷȺȲɀȳȼΎȯȼȲΎȴȽȺȺȽɅΎ it on the 28th, ȲȷɀȳȱɂȷȽȼɁΎȷȼΎȯΎȵɀȽɃȾΎɁȳɂɂȷȼȵ˷ΎΎΎƫȾȯȱȳΎȷɁΎȯɄȯȷȺȯȰȺȳΎȴȽɀΎȱɃɀɀȳȼɂΎɇȳȯɀΎȯɁΎɅȳȺȺ˷ please call to
Open House
schedule a &ƣȷȼȲȳɀȵȯɀɂȳȼΎƪȳȯȲȷȼȳɁɁΎƤȳȯɀȼȷȼȵΎƟɀȽɃȾɁ Enrollment
ƛȶȷȺȲɀȳȼΎȯȵȳɁΎ̲˹̴ΎȾȯɀɂȷȱȷȾȯɂȳΎȷȼΎȺȳȯɀȼȷȼȵΎȵɀȽɃȾɁΎɂȶȯɂΎȴȽȱɃɁΎȽȼΎȾɀȽȰ˹ personal tour ȺȳȻΎɁȽȺɄȷȼȵ˴ΎȱȺȯɁɁɀȽȽȻΎ˱ΎȱȽȻȻɃȼȷȱȯɂȷȽȼΎɁȹȷȺȺɁ˷Ύ January 28th 10:30 to 12:00 Openings for ΎƨȷȱȹΎ̲ΎȽɀΎ̴ΎȻȽɀȼȷȼȵɁΎȯΎɅȳȳȹ˷ All Ages for the 2012-13 school year
479-1110
Check out our r 749 Columbia Turnpike fo East Greenbush Website 013 between Enterprise & E. Greenbush Diner r2 Summe rm Owned & Operated by: Proga n atio Tery Duncan, Master of Science in Education Inform Lynn LaVoie-Stephens, Master of Arts in Speech Pathology
SATURDAY HOURS & INDOOR PLAYGYM Check website or facebook for information
www.discoveryplaceny.com
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
15
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518.462.7006 THE FRIENDS OF THE CASTLETON PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL HOST THEIR ANNUAL MEETING ON APRIL 17TH AT 7PM. DURING THIS MEETING WE REVIEW 2012, ADOPT A BUDGET FOR 2013 AND VOTE ON TRUSTEE/BOARD POSITIONS THAT ARE UP FOR RENEWAL. IF YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN BECOMING A TRUSTEE OR WOULD LIKE TO RUN FOR A BOARD POSITION, PLEASE CONTACT NINA MARTINO AT 732-0879
. ALSO~
THE APPLEBEE’S FUNDRAISER FOR THE FRIENDS OF THE CASTLETON PUBLIC LIBRARY WAS RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER. IT IS NOW SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH FROM 8AM-10AM. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE LIBRARY. PLEASE JOIN US FOR A GREAT CAUSE!
SCHODACK TOWN CLERK OFFERS ENHANCED SERVICES AS PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE OFFICE For the convenience of residents, Schodack Town Clerk Donna Conlin's office is taking Passport photos. This will allow people to get their picture taken at the same time they are submitting their applications. Ms. Conlin said, "People have asked us to do this for years. Now they can have one-stop shopping." Ms. Conlin became an official Passport Acceptance Facility in 1998 and has accepted thousands of passports since that time. As the camera and printer is portable, Ms. Conlin said she and her staff, Karen Vecchione and Lois Ciccolella, are willing to offer full, off-site services to local schools and travel clubs planning trips outside of the United States. The Town Clerk's office is located at 265 Schuurman Rd. Although the Town Clerk's Office is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., passport applications and pictures will be taken throughout the week between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. only. The cost of photos is $9.00. No appointment is necessary for either service.
For more information about this or other services, please call the Schodack Town Clerk's Office at 477-7590.
Glass Half Full By Daryl Bart I just survived a major age related tangent today. It was such a roller coaster that felt like a wish – that I thought if I didn’t write it down, it might not come true. So, Take a deep breath and gain some insight into my brain. So, it began with me feeling run down, my lingering left me unmotivated so I innocently started surfing around facebook and saw a post from someone I knew in high school. I did some fast math and realized my 28th year out of high school was fast approaching (I graduated in 1985). I was like GASP! WHAT? I feel 28! How could I possibly have graduated 28 years ago? Then a quick “OH MY GOD I’m going to be 45” in like 7 weeks. I have SO much work to do to be the best me. So, I turned to my hubby and asked “do I look older than these people?” to which he replied that he currently didn’t speak English. What else would a smart husband answer when his sick wife asks if she looks old? I immediately recommitted to aging as un-gracefully as possible without knives or needles, but lots of water, sunscreen & veggies. Then I pictured running into people who had heard my birthday was approaching and they would say “You don’t look 45”. If that happened I swear I wouldn’t argue, disagree or be picky about it. And, those few words would do wonders for my psyche. In turn I’d be motivated to try to look even better – which means I would make better meal choices & I’d definitely not skip that spinning class. Then my energy would go through the roof & I’d be smiling when I left the gym. Then, on the way to my car I’d realize I was across the parking lot from the library & I’d go find some new books to read and be inspired to write more. If I wrote more, there a chance I’d make some headway on my novel & I’d be amazingly proud of myself for living my dream at 45 years old.
Then I pictured that if I was writing and treating by body right & fighting aging with sunscreen and supplements, I’d be a happy parent. And, my kids would feel loved even more than Infinity. Then my husband would be proud that I was successfully multitasking and feeling good about myself. Then you know what happens when the hubby and wife are actually happy at the same time (wink, wink). The result would make home and work more pleasant (we also work together) and our staff and patients would feel our general happiness. By osmosis they would realize we love what we do and they would feel they worked or supported a great place. The patients would tell their friends that their dentist is the nicest person with a happy staff and while they once hated the dentist, now they actually liked going. We would then meet more new patients and business would be great. Ultimately my husband would think “my wife is awesome” & her turning 45 is the best year yet. Plus she (me) doesn’t even look it and she’s a great mom and she fits it all in. Then he couldn’t help but think that I deserved some special gift for my birthday. And he would consider buying me a present but would remember that I always say “I don’t need anything” plus I am a very bad present receiver because I am picky. But this time he would be ok with and instead he’d settle on selecting a beautiful bouquet of flowers that I could look at for weeks. The card would read “you look exactly like you did when we met” (even though that’s a little inaccurate since we met at a Halloween party – another story) and I would honestly say that turning 45 would be freaking awesome. I would tuck that card in my wallet and it will make me smile until the next big birthday, of which we will not speak or even think about because I’m too happy and not even feeling sick anymore. Exhale.
GOOD BUY BOOKS
19 Years of Experience
NEW & GENTLY READ BOOKS
330 Columbia Tpke. Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
479-BOOK (2665) 17
AN AFTERNOON
WITH
AUTHORS HOLLIS SEAMON
AND
TOBIAS SEAMON
On Sunday March 24, 2013, from 3-5 PM at the Kinderhook Memorial Library authors Hollis Seamon and Tobias Seamon will share readings from their latest books. Prizewinning writer and Friend of the Kinderhook Memorial Library, Hollis Seamon received critical acclaim for Body Work: Stories, “a sexy, edgy collection of stories about women on the brink” and for her mystery novel Flesh, “an attentiongrabber, a surprise on every page.” Hollis will read from and discuss her new story collection, Corporeality, recently published by Able Muse Press. Alan Davis has called this “a wonderful collection of stories, dazzling and unsentimental, full of everyday tragedies, fairy-tale motifs, and rambunctious, life-affirming characters.” For more information on Hollis’s books, go to www. hollisseamon.com Tobias Seamon’s first novel, The Magician’s Study, was praised by Booklist for its “stylistic inventiveness and skill with characterization…. Nothing short of breathtaking.” The poet, filmmaker and fiction writer will read from his new novella, The Fair Grounds, set in Kaaterskill and with a nod to Washington Irving. For more on Tobias’s books, go to www.tobiasseamon. com Hollis and Tobias will read from their books, followed by discussion, questions and comments. Chat with the authors and enjoy some refreshments. Books will be available for purchase and signing. For more information, please visit the Kinderhook Memorial Library website: http://www.oklibrary.org Friends of Kinderhook Memorial Library Kinderhook, NY 12106 Email: friends@kinderhooklibrary.org Contact: Laura Darman (518)-339-9302 or ldarman@malkinross.com
Simply Clean Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Residential and Commercial Quality Service at Affordable Prices Fully Insured Senior Discounts 15 years servicing the community David S. Troy, Owner/Operator 1010 Pine Street, Rensselaer, NY
518-479-4176 MEET HOLLY... THE PUURFECT KITTY OF THE MONTH...
I’m Holly, an 8 year old female brown tiger kitty. I was abandoned by my family when they moved and temporarily taken in by a nice woman. However, due to her landlord’s rules, I couldn’t stay and was brought to the rescue group. It was a difficult adjustment for me, but I’m hopeful I am given the chance to adjust again - this time to a forever home! I’m a very lovable, gentle kitty and I’ll thrive on your attention. I want to cuddle, purr, and sit on your lap. I like my scratching post, especially if it’s been rubbed with a little catnip! I can get along with another cat, but I could also be a single pet. Most of all I want to find a person or family to call my own, a forever home for me, the happy kitty! Like all Purrfect Companion kitties, Holly is up-to-date on routine shots, house trained and spayed.
For more information on Holly, please contact Maryann at 331-2221 or at kitties. purrfectcompanions@yahoo.com. Purrfect Companions is a non-profit, all volunteer rescue organization. We are always looking for good volunteers to help with the kitties or assist at our adoption clinics. If you’d like to donate a little time to these worthy animals, please give us a call at 463-8709. Our adoption clinics are held 12:30-4:00 most Saturdays and Sundays at Petco, Northway Mall, Albany NY. Stop by and see some of our other kitties! We know we have one that is just “PURRFECT” for you!
Letter of the Law. NO FAULT? NO PROBLEM. DIVORCE UNDER DOMESTIC RELATIONS LAW §170(7) Dear Friends: On October 12, 2010, the New York Domestic Relations Law was amended to allow for divorce where there has been an “irretrievable breakdown” in the marital relationship for a period of six months. To this point, New York was the only state in the country without a “no fault” ground for divorce. Prior to this, a New Yorker bringing a divorce action was required to allege that their spouse was guilty of cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment or adultery. The many folks whose marriages were not tainted by those horrible things, but simply wished to go their separate ways, had no alternative but to live separately under a judgment or agreement of separation for a whole year before a divorce could be obtained. Now, one seeking divorce needs only to allege that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. He or she need not make any allegations or offer any evidence that the breakdown was either party’s fault, or based on any particular event or series of events. It is important to note that the court cannot grant a judgment of divorce under this Section “unless and until” any and all issues relating to the equitable distribution of marital property, the payment or waiver of spousal support, the payment of child support, the payment of counsel and experts' fees and expenses and/or the custody and visitation with the minor children of the marriage have been resolved by the parties, or determined by the court. Thus, while amicable resolution of these issues is generally in the best interests of both parties in any divorce proceeding, in order to take full advantage of the relative ease and expediency of obtaining a divorce under DRL Section 170(7), cooperation is essential.
Although Section 170(7) is ideally applicable when a husband and wife have mutually agreed to end their marriage and have resolved all economic and custody issues, the “irretrievable breakdown” ground is also available to a party who is seeking a divorce over the objection of his or her spouse. While the statute requires only that “one party” state under oath that the marital relationship has broken down irretrievably for six months, this is not to say that the other party’s fate is sealed once the words are uttered. In any action for divorce, including actions brought pursuant to Section 170(7), there exists a right to trial by jury on the issue of grounds for granting the divorce. Thus, whether the marriage has broken down irretrievably is a question for the jury to decide. Remember, however, that the party seeking the divorce will not need to prove that the other party did anything wrong – only that the marital relationship has broken down irretrievably for the statutory period. In this sense, evidence of the cause of the breakdown (e.g., verbal/physical abuse) is virtually immaterial, while evidence of the effect of the breakdown (e.g., refusal to speak with one another) is paramount. In the event you should elect to pursue a divorce, be it
pursuant to Section 170(7) or otherwise, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Regardless of whether there are unresolved issues of child custody or support, divorce proceedings are heard and decided in Supreme Court, not Family Court. Also, no matter how amicable the divorce, a single attorney cannot represent both parties. In the event your spouse retains counsel to prepare documents of any kind or nature, I strongly urge you to seek an attorney to review them with you. The attorney he or she consulted is responsible for protecting his or her interests, not yours. See that you’re protected. Sincerely,
Mr. Shevy provides counsel to clients and advocates on their behalf in courts throughout the Capital District. He resides in East Greenbush with his family and canine friends, Benson and Delilah. Nothing herein should be construed as establishing an attorney/client relationship, but if you’ve got an issue requiring legal assistance, call or e-mail for a free consultation.
T I M O T H Y R. S H E V Y ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT L AW P.O. BOX 576 EAST GREENBUSH, NEW YORK 12061 518.892.2957 TIMSHEVY@GMAIL.COM
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
19
There is a new "village in the Village of Schodack. It is called The SPINNEY at Pond View, a "55 & better" active adult rental community, located off Miller Road, across from 2500 Pond View Medical Arts Building. "It look like a little village" says Linda Olthoff, one of the residents. With its varied roof lines, distinctive siding and shingles colors, The Spinney does not look like your regular apartment complex. Each cottage has been personalized with different garage doors and windows, even different coach lights by the driveways. "It's my place. It feels like home" adds Linda's husband, Don. The residents have the feeling of living in their own home, with their own attached garage with automatic door opener, their own private, covered front porch and private, rear patio or rear covered back porch. And, of course, all cottages are on one level for added privacy and quiet. Don Olthoff particularly enjoys all the shelving he has been able to install in his garage and its specially designed overhead loft for extra storage. Other amenities at the SPINNEY include walk-in showers with built-in seats for convenience and safety, a washer and dryer included in each cottage, ceiling fans in living and bedrooms, vaulted or cathedral ceilings, granite kitchen countertops and more..... The SPINNEY at Pond View attracts active adults who wish to downsize and simplify their lives. They no longer want the upkeep and repairs of a big house, but still want to maintain some independence. Some had retired to Florida and are coming back to this area to be close to the children and grandchildren. Others still hold a full time job but were seeking a more relaxed and enjoyable environment. Phase 1 at the SPINNEY is built and rented. Phase 2 is now completed, a total of 116 cottages. Phase 2 offers the same variety of floor plans as Phase 1: 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom and den, or 2 bedrooms, with a choice of 1 bath, 1 1/2 bath or 2 baths. A new Activity Coordinator has been hired and the use of the Welcome Center is in full swing. Some events are reserved for the SPINNEY residents, others are open for all. The workshops offer a chance to question an eye doctor about macular degeneration or glaucoma, or an opportunity to make your own Spring floral arrangement. To find out more about The SPINNEY, please call 518-479-0800 or email spinneypv@gmail.com. You can also check our website: www.thespinneyatpondview.com.
Y CIRCLE OF CHAMPS PROGRAM BY PATRICK CIRAULO
The Greenbush Area YMCA, we are much more than a gym where individuals can build a healthier body; we are a charitable organization that works to build healthy families and a stronger community. When any one of the Y’s 11,000-plus members walk through our doors, they see the pool, wellness center, the basketball courts, etc. What they often don’t see is the commitment and generosity of our staff, our volunteer board and the members themselves, who help families in need right in East Greenbush. In 2012, the Greenbush Y provided $141,000 in financial assistance and program subsidies. Every dollar stayed in our community and helped a family in need right in the Greenbush area. For example, over the summer, 800 kids attended the Y’s summer camp program. 1 in 5 of those kids could only afford camp thanks to help from Reach Out For Youth campaign.. Donations to Reach Out ForYouth also fund theY’s Circle of Champs program, which is dedicated to children and their families who have been affected by a life threatening illness. For so many of these kids, life is a series of doctor visits, hospital stays and medical treatments. It takes a tremendous toll on the entire family. The Circle of Champs program enriches their lives by offering events throughout the year such as Disney on Ice, holiday parties, laser tag, Siena games, the circus and UAlbany football games. The champs program will be new for the Greenbush Y but we have had many families participate at the Guilderland and Bethlehem Y locations. Starting In April the Circle of Champs program will be in every YMCA in the Capital Region. These Circle of Champs events mean fun, smiles, and laughter that brighten the lives of these courageous children and their families. In return, they give us hope, inspiration and a spirit worth far more than the donations that make the program possible. One person making one donation to help one family is like a ripple in a pond. The smallest act of kindness can make a big difference for someone, who may pass that along to help another, until it impacts the entire community. The Y asks that you to remember those less fortunate and make a donation to Reach Out For Youth. Please visit our website at www.cdymca.org to conveniently donate online. If you wish for your donation to go specifically the Circle of Champs program or if you know a family who may benefit from the Champs program, please call the Y at 447-2570 and speak with District Executive Director Patrick Ciraulo. Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
21
DEAR ANGIE, My kids are constantly asking for a dog. They keep promising me that they will take care of the dog and I will do nothing. What do you think? From: Not Sure in Valatie
Guidestones creates customized jewelry and accessories to help people focus on their personal goals. Natural gemstones have different energies that, when put together, tell a story about the wearer and his or her unique journey. Owner Alyssa Yeager explains how the idea for this business developed out of her 20 year hobby of jewelry-making and 8 years of practice as a music therapist. “I worked with so many professionals offering different types of healing, from art and music therapy to reiki and herbal medicine. I saw how each person responds best to unique treatments, and I began to learn about the healing properties of the gemstones.” Alyssa’s goal with Guidestones is to teach people how they can benefit from having gemstones in their lives. One of the first pieces she designed was a “Sanctuary” bracelet that helped her to stay calm and focused during her transition from a steady management position to the owner of her own company. Since then, she has developed pieces focused on everything from prosperity and weight loss to strength, guidance, and rebirth. These designs and many more are available for purchase at www.guidestonesjewelry.com “I choose stones that are both beautiful and meaningful. The stones that I carry and wear remind me every day what is really significant in my life.” In addition to selling customized jewelry, Guidestones now offers “Girls Night In” in-home parties where you can create your own gemstone jewelry and accessories, focused on the goals that are most important to you. Guidestones events include all the materials and instruction you need to design bracelets, necklaces, key chains, bottle stoppers, and more. No experience necessary! Material cost is per piece, and ranges from $10-$20. Hostess decides the location and time, and always receives a free gift. “People always tell me they had a lot more fun than they expected. They never thought they were creative before, but now they’re going home with their own personal gemstone designs.” To learn more, contact Alyssa at alyssa@guidestonesjewelry.com, 216-633-1006, or visit www.guidestonesjewelry.com.
Dear Not Sure, It will never happen. If you want a dog it has to be because you really want a dog. Don't ever get a dog or animal thinking that your kids are really going to take care of it. They just don't understand the responsibility of it all. They are at school all day and practice at night, parents are left to tend to the animals - Period!! Yes, they will tell you otherwise but it simply will not happen. On the other hand, I will say having a dog in the house is great for kids. It really does teach them responsibility and they always have someone to talk to. Don't get me wrong - You will still be doing the majority of the work. If you truly do not want a dog - Do Not Get One!! E-mail felts66@yahoo.com if you have a question for Dear Angie. Your identity will be anonymous.
TOWN OF EAST GREENBUSH SUMMER CAMP & EMPLOYMENT
2013
The community & Recreation services Department is pleased to announce the return of Summer Day Camp for 2013. Below is the link for the 2013 Summer Day Camp Application. Day Camp runs from July 8th-August 16th, Monday-Friday 9am-3pm and is broken up into two (2) Three week sessions. Additional policies will be handed out after the next board meeting (3/20/13) and will need to be signed by a parent/guardian prior to any child attending day camp. Camp is limited to 200 children per session so sign up today to secure your spot! Call The Department of Community & Recreation Services with any questions at 477-4194. The Department of Community & Recreation Services is now accepting summer employment applications for residents of The Town of East Greenbush. Applications can be found in the link provided or at The Community & Recreations Department at Town Hall. All applications for new employees must be submitted by Friday, April 5th 2013. Applicants must be residents of The Town of East Greenbush and must be 16 by June 1st to be eligible for employment. Contact The Community & Recreation Services Department with any questions at 477-4194.
Applications for Employment with the Town of Schodack Day Camp: Applications for employment will be available on this site and at the Schodack Town Hall beginning March 4, 2013. Completed applications are due back to the Town Hall no later than April 30, 2013. All applicants must be 16 years of age prior to the opening of camp. The 2013 camp season will run from July 8, 2013 through August 2, 2013. All applicants should be available to work all four weeks of camp. A current working card must be submitted with the application for applicants under the age of 18. Working cards may be obtained from your high school guidance counselor. Obtaining a working card is a lengthy process and should be started as soon as possible. For all applicants turning 16 between April 30th and July 8th, a working card for 15 years of age should be submitted with the application and replaced upon turning 16. Town of Schodack Day Camp: The Town of Schodack Day Camp will run from July 8, 2013 through August 2, 2013. The cost for the four weeks of camp will be $100.00 per child with a family rate for three or more children of $250.00. The camp is open to all Schodack resident children entering grades Kindergarten through eighth grade. The camp will once again offer busing to the different sites. The following sites will be used for camp: Kindergarten & 1st grade - Castleton Elementary School 2nd & 3rd grade - Castleton Elementary School 4th & 5th grade - Maple Hill Middle School 6th through 8th grades - Maple Hill Middle School Applications to attend the camp will be available online or at the Schodack Town Hall beginning May 1, 2013 and due back to the Town Hall no later than June 3, 2013. For further information please contact Youth Director Sheila Golden at youthdirector@schodack.org.
The Tween Book Review
Wonderstruck By: Allison Felts First of all, don’t let the size of Wonderstruck intimidate you. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick is a book that is told half in text, and half in original drawings. There are two stories taking place; the text tells about Ben, and the pictures tell about Rose. Even though the stories are set 50 years apart they are similar, and at the conclusion they collide with a happy twist! My favorite characters name was Rose, and her story was told in pictures. She was a child in 1927 and was deaf. Rose didn’t like being deaf. She lived with her father. Rose was creative, and missed her mother who was living in New York City as a successful actress. Rose’s story was about travelling to NYC to see family, and dealing with being deaf. The text story tells about Ben and takes place in 1977. Ben love’s stars and the galaxy; he has always had an interest with them. Ben’s mother died; he is now living with his cousins, but he is hoping to find his father who might live in New York City. Unfortunately, while searching for clues about his father ben gets struck by lightning. He is now deaf. Now this is hard for Ben to communicate on his quest for family just like Rose. In conclusion, each story (one in text, one in pictures) weaves back and forth to complete one narrative with a creative ending. I recommend Wonderstruck and other books by Brian Selznick like The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Although, I recommend this book is for readers 8 and up, and to anyone who likes adventure and realistic fiction.
David M.Wojeski, CPA Matthew S. Lindemann, CPA, CFE Angela F. Colvin, CPA Thomas J. O’Donnell, CPA
Financial Statement Services Forensic Accounting Services Business Valuations Litigation Support Mergers and Acquisitions Tax Services Estate & Retirement Planning Services 518-477-1102 phone 518-477-1302 fax
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
www.wojeskico.com 23
March Happenings East Greenbush Community Library www.eastgreenbushlibrary.com~ 477-7476
Events for Adults: All programs are free and open to the public. Due to limited space, registration is required for all programs, concerts & movies. Call 477-7476 or visit our webpage and use our online registration. Adult Winter Reading Program Finale Tuesday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. Come to our Winter Reading for Adults Program Finale! We’ll draw for prizes, have some refreshments, and give you a chance to talk about the great books you’ve read. REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MARCH 5. WETLAND CONSERVATION: What Do We Have to Lose? Sunday, March 3 at 2:00 p.m. Capital District Audubon and the Hudson River Estuary Program invite you to explore the diversity and values of wetlands in the Hudson Valley. Laura Heady from the Estuary Program will present a slide show on the variety of wetlands in the region, their economic and environmental benefits, and strategies for their conservation. The lecture will be followed by the short documentary, Liquidity: The Value of Wetlands, which was created by Hudson Valley native Jeanne Vitale and features interviews with regional environmental experts like William Schlesinger from Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and Michael Klemens of the Metropolitan Conservation Alliance. Greenbush Garden Club presents “From Mushroom Packaging to Garden Mulch” Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. Guest Speaker Sue Van Hook, Chief Mycologist at Ecovative Design, presents an informative program on mushrooms and fungi: their identification, how to cultivate them, and how they’re used in innovative ways as packaging to eliminate toxic styrofoam, in building materials, in automotive parts, and in furniture. Best of all, the end life of these products will be your compost pile. Mexico’s Copper Canyon: Train, Wildflowers, Hikes, and Culture Wednesday, March 6 at 2:00 p.m. Join Linda Ford for a presentation on the Copper Canyon region of Mexico that will show the spectacular scenery, the beautiful wildflowers, cultural and historical sites, and stories and photos of Linda’s contacts with the Tarahumara Indians. The Copper Canyon region of Mexico is four times larger than the Grand Canyon. This program will interest gardeners, botanists, hikers, birders, geologists, and anyone with a sense of adventure.
Triskele Sunday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m. “Triskele” (pronounced “Tris kay lee”), is a Gaelic band composed of four women whose vocal harmonies and instrumental arrangements bring traditional and modern Gaelic music to life with emotionally rich and dynamic impact. Band members are Noeleen Druckenmiller on vocals, guitar and bodhran, Sharon Wheeler on vocals and various instruments including guitar, mandolin, and accordion, Christine Whelan on vocals and bass guitar, and Jennifer Kilinski on vocals, flute and a variety of percussion. Triskele also makes it their mission in life to tithe a portion of their sales profits to a different charity each month. Free ticket required for this performance. Call 477-7476 to request yours. REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 17. New York State 8-Hour Safe Boating Course Saturday, March 2 AND 9 at 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. James Keenan, a state-certified instructor, will conduct this course. It is required for anyone at least 10 years old but younger than 18 who wishes to operate a motorboat, or anyone at least 14 years old who wishes to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) in New York State. There is no charge for the course, but anyone 18 years of age or older must submit a processing fee of $10 to New York State to receive a permanent safety certificate upon successful completion of the program. Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required. Registering for the first section each month registers you for the next week. Sign Language Classes Mondays, March 11 – May 6 at 7:00 p.m. (No Class on April 22) Student Intern Corinne Backus, who is studying Sign Language at Ulster County Community College and working towards certification as an interpreter for the deaf or hard of hearing will offer an 8-week course in the basics of sign language. Some highlights will include: the alphabet, background on Deaf Culture and types of Sign Language, the signing space and basic hand shapes, and basic signs taught by category: family, colors, days of the week, health. Class size limited to 15. Anyone who attended the previous series may not attend. REGISTRATION STARTS ON FEBRUARY 25. Budgeting for a Better Life and Planning for Retirement Wednesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. Budgeting for a Better Life will explore the importance of using a budget and show you how to create one. Planning for Retirement will present a 6-step process to help you enjoy a comfortable retirement. REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 20. Improving Your Credit Score & 10 Steps to Digging Out of Debt Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. Concerned about your credit score or debt? This back-toback presentation from Citizens Bank can help. Improving Your Credit Score and 10 Steps to Digging Out of Debt will help you get on the right path. REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 20.
March Happenings East Greenbush Community Library
www.eastgreenbushlibrary.com~ 477-7476 Greenbush Historical Society Presents Drop In Family Storytimes The Historical Society of Early American Decoration NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m. Lynne Richards, a Greenbush Historical Society board Thursdays @ 11:00 am OR 6:30 pm member. will discuss disciplines of early American decoraMarch 7 - March 21 tion, including country painting, stenciling on tin and wood, theorem painting, pontypool painting, reverse painting on Saturdays @ 11:00 am glass, clock dials and Victorian flower painting. Examples of March 2 - March 23 these early American crafts will be described and exhibited.
Author Readings from the New England Chapter of Sisters in Crime & Hudson Valley Writers Guild Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 pm Come support local talent. This program will feature a number of authors performing 5-minute readings from new or in-progress works. Free Monthly Movies at 6:30 pm: Wednesday, March 27: Robot & Frank
Events for Children: 1,2,3 Play With Me! (Parent/Child Workshop) Mondays, March 4 – March 25, 10:00 - 11:15 am Children ages 18 months - 3 years old Children enjoy free play time while parents and caregivers have a chance to chat and get acquainted. Each week a different community resource specialist (such as a nutritionist, a speech therapist, etc.) is available to answer any questions parents may have. There will also be an art activity and circle time! Please register in advance.
Events for Teens: TEEN TECH WEEK “Kinect” With Your Library! Wednesday, March 13 @ 3:30 pm Do you have what it takes to be the Fruit Ninja Champion? Space is limited, so register by 9:00 pm on Tuesday, March 12 so we order enough pizza! Major Ideas: College & Career Workshop Presented by HVCC PICK ONE SESSION: March 7• March 14 @ 2:30 pm Have you started thinking about college or careers yet? Are you confused about your options? Join us for a free workshop that will explore your interests and how they relate to college majors and career options. ADVANCE REGISTRATION is recommended, since there will only be space for 12 teens! Registration opens @ 9:00 am on February 4th.
Teen Library Council (TLC) & Jr. Friends Tuesday, March 5 at 3:30 pm Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is now the Teen Library Council (TLC)! Discuss and plan teen programming, collection Read Across America 2013 – Hats Off to Reading! development, and volunteer opportunities. What does this Saturday, March 2 @ 11:00 am mean? YOU (teens) get to tell what you would like to do at the Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with fun Dr. Seuss stories and library and which books, audiobooks, and magazines you want crafts! No registration required. Ages 3 and up. us to purchase. We will also discuss Teen Area decorations and policies. Plus, you get FOOD as payment when the meeting is Book Bunch over! Tuesday, March 12 @ 4:30 pm Join us for a special St. Patrick’s Day Book Bunch and celBYOB Book Club ebrate all things Irish and green. Please register in advance. Tuesdays @ 3:30 pm Kindergarten and up. Join us in the Teen Area for cookies and a book discussion. Bring Your Own Book – or at least be ready to talk about it! *Me, the Super Hero! MARCH 19: THEME: Sports (fiction or non-fiction) Thursday, March 14 @ 6:30 pm 1st grade and up. Join artist Mary Beth Dolan and create your own super hero The Library Board of Trustees Meetings will be held persona. Kids are asked to imagine themselves as a super on hero, and then draw themselves as the super hero they are! Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30 pm REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 4. *Cookies ‘n Books The Library will be closed on Sunday, March 31 for Tuesday, March 19 @ 4:30 pm the Easter Holiday 2nd grade and up. We are reading Captain Awesome to the Rescue by Stan Kirby. Pick up a copy of the book (it is yours to keep!) at the Children’s Desk. The illustrator, George O’Connor, will be visiting the library in April! Please register in advance. Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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ON-GOING EVENTS AROUND OUR TOWNE FIRST MONDAY
LEGO CLUB, CASTLETON PUBLIC LIBRARY. ARE YOU A LEGO FAN? BRING FRIENDS AND YOUR IMAGINATION TO THE LIBRARY ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 6 PM. WEDNESDAY CAFÉ THEO SPIRIT CIRCLE -- ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 583 CARNEY ROAD, CASTLETON FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BE PART OF A SPIRITUAL GATHERING, BUT DON’T NECESSARILY FEEL COMFORTABLE ASCRIBING TO THE RELIGIOUS OPTIONS AVAILABLE. ALSO FOR THOSE OF A PROGRESSIVE INTERFAITH NATURE IN THEIR CURRENT SPIRITUAL/RELIGIOUS PRACTICE. WE VALUE PEACE-LOVING FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND QUESTIONING. HELP GROW THIS CIRCLE OF PEACE WITH INTERFAITH DISCUSSION, SPIRITUAL MUSIC, PRAYER AND MEDITATION, AND TIME FOR FELLOWSHIP. WE MEET EVERY SECOND, FOURTH AND FIFTH WEDNESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. OPEN TO ADULTS AND OLDER TEENS. RSVP AND QUESTIONS: 518-931-4072 STORY TIME, NASSAU FREE LIBRARY 10:30-11:30 AM FRIDAYS CASTLETON LIBRARY,TEEN GAME NIGHT, CASTLETON PUBLIC LIBRARY, 85 SOUTH MAIN ST, 6:30 TO 8:30 PM, FREE. REFRESHMENTS, MOVIES. 518 732-0879. FIRST FRIDAY FREE REIKI...FREE REIKI ON THE 1ST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM 6:00 – 6:45 PM AT VENTURE INWARD, 568 COLUMBIA TURNPIKE, #16 VANDENHOUTEN SQUARE (BACK ENTRANCE), EAST GREENBUSH. REIKI IS A JAPANESE TECHNIQUE FOR STRESS REDUCTION AND RELAXATION THAT ALSO PROMOTES HEALING. IT IS ADMINISTERED BY “LAYING ON HANDS” AND IS BASED ON THE IDEA. 518-477-6566 WWW.VENTURE-INWARDCENTER.COM SATURDAYS FAMILY STORY TIME, E. GREENBUSH COMMUNITY LIBRARY, 10 COMMUNITY WAY, 11 AM. STORIES, SONGS, CRAFTS; ALL AGES. 518 477-7476. FIRST SATURDAY PIZZA & WING NIGHT IS BACK!! THE EAST GREENBUSH FIRE DEPT. PARK STATION, LOCATED AT 68 PHILLIPS ROAD IN EAST GREENBUSH, ONCE AGAIN BE HOLDING PIZZA & WING NIGHT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH, SERVING FROM 4:30 TO 7:30PM. HOME OF BIFF’S 10LB. PIZZA. DON’T FORGET OUR FAMOUS ANTIPASTA & MOZZARELLA STICKS TOO! ALL ARE WELCOME TO EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT. PHONE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 2PM; 477-6503 OR 479-4168. THIRD SATURDAY SCHODACK VALLEY PIZZA NIGHT WE RUN THE PIZZA NIGHT ON THE -3RD SATURDAY FROM SEPTEMBER TO MAY AT OUR FIREHOUSE AT 1553 SCHODACK VALLEY RD. THE HOURS ARE 5PM TO 8PM . FIRST SUNDAY ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST, THE CASTLETON FIRE HOUSE, LOCATED AT 11 GREEN AVENUE IN CASTLETON WILL BE HOSTING AN ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM 8AM TILL NOON (EXCEPT FOR OCTOBER). 2012 DATES ARE OCTOBER 14TH, NOVEMBER 4TH AND DECEMBER 2ND; 2013 DATES ARE JANUARY 6TH, FEBRUARY 3RD, MARCH 3RD, APRIL 7TH AND MAY 5TH. COST IS $7/ADULTS, $6/SENIORS AND $5/CHILDREN AGES 5 TO 11. PHONE 732-4342. SUNDAY LOVE LUTHERAN CHURCH NEWS WITNESS, EXTEND MERCY AS WE LIVE OUR LIVES TOGETHER AS GOD’S PEOPLE. COME JOIN US THIS SUNDAY AT LOVE LUTHERAN CHURCH, LOCATED AT MIDDLESEX ROAD AND PHEASANT LANE IN EAST GREENBUSH. PLEASE CALL 477-8685 FOR DIRECTIONS AND SERVICE TIMES.
OUR TOWNE recognizes the KIWANIS~ EAST GREENBUSH KIWANIS CLUB Since its inception in June 2010, the Kiwanis Club of East Greenbush has made a huge difference in the community and around the world, especially with projects related to children. Locally, it has put on fund-raisers to fund camp attendance for a local Girl Scout troop; sold Bells of Life at the mall and businesses to support the pediatric trauma unit at Albany Medical Center; collected books to be used as holiday gifts for local needy children through CoNSERNS-U; collected backpacks, lunch bags, school supplies and food for needy students and their families in the East Greenbush Central School District; and distributed literature about childhood asthma at the town’s Winterfest event. It sponsors the Key Clubs at Columbia High School and Tech Valley High School and collects aluminum flip tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Albany, which receives payment from the metal. It is also partners with the Jaime Adams Miracle League Field for young athletes with special needs. It has sponsored a banner there and volunteered to do gardening and cleaning. The club is holding a bowling fundraiser on May 17 to support the construction of a field house. On a larger scale, East Greenbush Kiwanis has raised awareness and funds for the Eliminate Project, Kiwanis’ global campaign with UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. It routinely collects used greeting cards that are sent to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, a haven for abused and neglected children that recycles the cards to make new ones as a fundraiser. Its annual comedy night fundraiser enables donations to places like Kamp Kiwanis, a non-competitive camp that mainstreams children with special needs in Taberg. Members of the club also march in Memorial Day parades, hide eggs at town Easter egg hunts, plant flowers on street corners, create soldier care packages and collect food for St. Paul’s Center, a shelter for homeless mothers and their children in Rensselaer. Last year, they cut the stars out of American flags no longer in useable condition and shipped them to USOs, deployed troops and VAs for soldiers and veterans to know that they are appreciated and not forgotten. Kiwanis International is a global volunteer organization of members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs—nearly 600,000 members strong—annually raise more than $107 million and dedicate more than 18 million volunteer hours to strengthen communities and serve children. Members attend regular meetings, experience fellowship, raise funds for various causes and participate in service projects that help their communities. The East Greenbush club has hosted divisional meetings and sent members to other clubs’ meetings, as well as state and international conventions. East Greenbush Kiwanis joins six other clubs in the Van Rensselaer Division: Castleton, Troy, North Greenbush, Hoosick Falls, West Sand Lake and Rensselaer. It meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at Spare Time Bowling Center at 570 Columbia Turnpike in East Greenbush.
CASTLETON-SCHODACK KIWANIS CLUB
The Castleton-Schodack Kiwanis Club is a Community service organization that has been providing support to our local community since 1939! Our 45 members are dedicated to a variety of service projects within the local community including: •We are the largest single supporter of the local food pantry The Anchor, which helps needy families throughout the community. •Sponsor the Clove Run road race which last year raised over $5,000 for the Anchor. •Raise funds for school supplies for needy children of the Schodack School District. •Raise funds for the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Unit at the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. •Provide scholarships to outstanding high school seniors, and other students in the areas of social studies, mathematics, and computer sciences. •Sponsor the Castleton Cub Scout Pack No. 253 and Boy Scouts Troop 53. •Sponsor a New Year's Eve Party for Senior Citizens in the community. We sponsor 3 youth service clubs in the Schodack School District, the Key Club at the High School, the Builders Club at the Middle School, and the K-Kids Club at the Elementary School. The purpose of these clubs is to help students develop leadership skills, to foster the development of strong moral character and to encourage them to learn that community service is an admirable quality to have throughout their lives. We are always looking for new members who would like to make our community a better place in which to live. Kiwanis provides the opportunity to enjoy fellowship with other people who are interested in serving the community, make new friends, and to have “fun” while helping to improve the community. If you are interested in learning more about Kiwanis, contact President Ed Brewer (428-6184) or visit the Club’s Web Site http://www.vanrensselaerdivision.org/Castleton Kiwanians are dedicated to changing the world, one community and one child at a time!
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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Four Paws Purveyors
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We care about your pet’s Health & Well-Being Grooming by Christopher~ 24 years of Experience 12 Broad St, Kinderhook In the Village Square
619-965-PAWS (7297) Open Monday-Saturday
OFF SHORE PIER
LAPINSKI DENTAL General & Cosmetic Dentistry
Fish Market & Restaurant Eat-in or Take Out
Welcoming New Patients
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Providing heathly, beautiful smiles for your entire family
We have the largest selection of both Fresh & Frozen Ƥ for both retail and wholesale customers OPEN MONDAY -SATURDAY ƛȺȯȻɁΎȴȽɀ Clams for ƞȯȺȺΎƫɂȳȯȻɁ˻ Summer Steams! Sea Scallops Cajun Catfish ƤȷɂɂȺȳΎƦȳȱȹΎ̳͘˷̸̸ΎȲȽɈ Little Neck $4.99doz ƬȽȾΎƦȳȱȹΎ̳͘˷̸̸ΎȲȽɈ Little Neck Clams Jumbo Shrimp Top Neck $4.99 doz ƛȺȯȻɁΎ̱̯̯ΎƛɂΎȰȯȵΎ̵̸͘ Clams 200 Ct bag $69 King Crab Legs Salmon in shell $8.99 doz ƧɇɁɂȳɀɁΎȷȼΎɁȶȳȺȺΎ̷͘˷̸̸ Home Made Seafood Salad Oysters Swordfish
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Sea Scallops HomeSteams made Clams for your Spring King Crab Legs Seafood Salad Little Neck $4.99 doz Clams 200 ct bag $69 6ZRUGÀVK Jumbo Shrimp Top Neck $ 4.99 doz Oysters in Shell $8.99 dz Littleneck Clams Salmon Off Shore Pier Restaurant
ƥȽȼ˹ƫȯɂɃɀȲȯɇΎ̰̰˶̲̯˹̶˶̲̯Ύ˱ΎƞɀȷΎ̰̰˶̲̯Ύ˹̷˶̲̯ Seafood Platter - $11.95
(lightly breaded fillet of Haddock, Tender Scallops, Tasty Shrimp & Strip Clams with tangy cole slaw & shore fries)
Crab Cake Dinner - $9.50 Scallop Dinner $11.95 Haddock Dinner - $9.95 Sole Dinner - $9.95 Bluefish Dinner - $8.50 Scrod Dinner- $9.95 Oyster Dinner -$11.95 Clam Dinner - $8.50 Tuna Dinner - $9.95
Cajun
Catfish Dinner - $8.50 Shrimp Dinner - $9.95 Fish Fry Dinner - $6.95 Chicken Dinner - $8.50 Trout Dinner - $8.50 Broiled Jumbo Shrimp Dinner - $11.95 Alaskan King Crab Dinner -$19.95
114 Troy Road ~ East Greenbush, NY
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ƥȽȼȲȯɇ˹ƫȯɂɃɀȲȯɇΎ̰̰˶̲̯˹̶˶̲̯ 637 3rd Avenue Ext. ~ East Greenbush
ƞɀȷȲȯɇΎ̰̰˶̲̯˹̷˶̲̯ ̷̱̲˹̸̷̷̯ 283-9880 OFFSHOREPIER.COM OFFSHOREPIER.com ̵̶̲Ύ̲ɀȲΎƙɄȳȼɃȳΎƝɆɂ͒ΎƝȯɁɂΎƟɀȳȳȼȰɃɁȶ Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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Spring Equinox Ceremony
FREE PC Cleaning With Any Other Work $35 Value
Guest Grandmother Jeorgina Larocque from the MI’kmaq People up in NB Canada she will be teaching March 22nd from 6:00pm-9:00pm and on the 23rd in the day 12:00- 3:00pm. The teaching will be in Castleton, N.Y. (either at my home or at the st. Pauls Church) Call Zelda Hotaling at 518 732-7440 or email pinetree444@msn.com. to reserve your spot. www.zeldahotaling.com She will be talking about the sacred stories,songs, medicine plants, earth grids, pipe ceremony, prayers to the earth, healing energies and more... Free will donation ~also~ Join us for a seven foot Dream Catcher at the Ceremony Go to “Shifts Happen� For more details, go to www.zeldahotaling.com and itAll walks of Life of all ages are welcome. Bring a Drum or something that you can drum on. Reserve your spot pinetree444@msn.com 518732-7440 This free event will be on March 23, 2013 from 6:00-8:30pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1583 Carney Road, Castleton, NY
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Thank you to Discovery Place Learning Center for sponsoring Kids Pages!
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Teaching children their way every day!
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St. Patrick’s Day Jokes for Kids: 1.Q: Why do frogs like St. Patrick’s Day? A: Because they’re always wearing green. 2.Q: Why would you never iron a fourleaf clover? A: Because you shouldn’t press your luck. 3.Q: Why can’t you borrow money from a leprechaun? A: Because he’s always short. 4.Q: When is an Irish potato not an Irish potato? A: When he’s a French fry. 5.Q: What do you call a fake stone in Ireland? A: A sham rock.
Easter Jokes for Kids Q: What do you call a bunny with fleas? A: Bugs Bunny Q: Where do bunnies go for new tails? A: To the retail store. Q: Why did the bunny go to the school dance? A: To do the Bunny Hop. Q: What do you call a dumb bunny? A: A hare brain. Q: Why shouldn’t you tell a funny joke to an Easter egg? A: It might crack up. Q: What kind of jewelry does the Easter Bunny wear? A: 14-carrot gold. Q: How does the Easter Bunny travel? A: By hare plane.
DON’T LET KIDNEY DISEASE RUN YOUR LIFE!
BY WAYNE EVANCOE CEO, RUBIN DIALYSIS CENTER, INC.
Since 1986, the Hortense and Louis Rubin Dialysis Center, Inc. has been pursuing our mission of “Providing Dialysis with Dignity.” With centers in Troy, Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs, N.Y., we serve a large region and deliver innovative care to many communities outside the Capital Region. Over the decades we have found that this mission focus has pushed our not-for-profit health care system to invest in the best, talented people as our caregivers. Well-trained, motivated professionals who believe in their clinical work usually give the best care to others needing it. They make a positive difference in dialysis patients’ lives every day. Dialysis is life-sustaining therapy, so it can be viewed as a required type of care, but it is the commitment of the professional staff delivering that care that makes the biggest difference. When individuals with chronic kidney disease reach what is called stage 5, they usually require dialysis to clean their blood of toxins and remove excess fluids. Their own kidneys can no longer perform that life-sustaining task. The nephrologists and staff at Rubin Dialysis have pushed the boundaries of traditional in-center hemodialysis to now include after-work dialysis shifts that start at 5 p.m. or later and run longer, until 11 p.m. or midnight. This allows working people the opportunity for longer, more beneficial treatments on hours that accommodate their desire to continue working. In 2012, our center in Saratoga Springs began offering nocturnal, in-center dialysis, during which a person comes in three times per week between 9 and 11 p.m. and receives dialysis treatment while sleeping until early morning. Many go to work or home after waking to do whatever they wish during their free daytime. The longer, slower treatment has made many patients feel less washed out and has given them more energy to pursue their work or family time. An evolution in our system since 1998 has been home hemodialysis, during which a patient may be trained to do his or her own care at home, with most doing treatments up to six times per week to increase the benefits of less fluid gains and far fewer diet restrictions. While some patients opt to do short daily treatments at their convenience during their day -- perhaps for three to four hours before work, after work or during the day -- many are opting for overnight treatments. Overnight or nocturnal dialysis therapy allows patients to receive extended care, but at home while they sleep. Since 1998, the Rubin Center has utilized remote Internet monitoring in a non-invasive way to monitor the dialysis machine data and patients’ treatment data as they care for themselves at home. A great feature is that even when patients do not have a partner to assist, we can train them at our centers, send them home with all equipment once they feel confident to use it, and then monitor them via the Internet observation station located in Saratoga Springs up to six nights per week. Patient and their families have given us great feedback on how much better they feel and how this type of home dialysis therapy can “give them their life back.” Our home therapy options team can provide much more information at our open houses; the next one is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at our Clifton Park Center. Call 518-831-6700 to register and plan to attend to learn all about options people have when facing dialysis in their lives. For more info, visit www.rubindialysis.org or like us on our new Facebook page! We mean it when we say, ‘”Dialysis on your schedule, not ours!” Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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All Aspects of Veterinary Medicine Boarding, Grooming & Daycare
Dr. Stone, Dr. Coger, Dr. Jones, Dr. Nelson and Dr. Green strive to provide the best possible medical care, surgical care and dental care for your cherished pets with compassion.
GOOD BY COMPARISON
I’m always afraid that I’m not being professional enough. That my office is not formal enough. And yet when operating properly, our office works better than some of the big name human referral facilities. It makes me proud. And sort of sad. Why is my office almost paperless and my MD’s still depends on that ratty manila folder? And what human MD can see a patient in his office at 9am, take xrays , evaluate bloodwork, call in a specialist, scrub for surgery, and be in recovery before noon? That’s integrated. I can hardly believe what we parents will tolerate. I’m playing the orthodontist/dentist/oral surgeon game with my daughter right now and--wow. All I’ve got to say. So many hoops. So little consideration. Very friendly and competent people—all of them, but missing 2 hours of school for a quick check of the brackets is just thoughtless. Today our luck was different. Went to the surgeon. My daughter goes in for a procedure—can’t get the IV catheter in.…try again…try again… try again…try again…now change plan. Alternate plan works fine and surgery is successful. At discharge Dr. reminds us that the IV sedation charge needs to come off the bill and that he will try tell someone…but we should check…Then the post op call on the ride home—I think they gave her the post op dose of pain meds, my wife doesn’t recall them giving any. No answer at the office, I leave a message—I’m going to the pharmacy for her pain meds. Get back an hour later and no call back. I call and after a few minutes find out that she had not had pain meds yet. Now, let me be clear, I would go back to this facility. I have days when I can’t seem to hit a vein. I have to change plans and flex with situations. I have to make sure to remind the front desk or technician to remove the cost difference from the original estimate. It just seems so sloppy. So dependent on me not letting a single ball drop. Then there are the things you can’t directly control like one post op nurse who remembers to tell clients when to start the meds and the other one who forgets and needlessly generates multiple phone calls. Not seamless. Expensive. Fifteen hundred for about 20 minutes work. It seems fair, I suppose. I suspect market value sets these prices and this was in the ballpark (major league). I didn’t shop around. My point here isn’t about money but that I need to find ways to humanize and streamline some aspects of my method of practice to be more user friendly. The biggest problem I had with the latest daughter experience was the sort of veneered quality of the staff. All the way up to but not including the surgeon. There was a slight Stepford quality that was a little chilling. Easy to confuse with professionalism. Again, they seemed really nice, very competent, and I’d go back--for something minor. I also got to appreciate the fear/apprehension everyone goes through leading up to and including the big day. As for things not going as planned, my daughter asked me what would be the worst part. I told her the IV would pinch a little but I’d be there and hold her hand. She took some comfort in my deep knowledge of medicine and surgery. And there I am, today, holding her hand as she crushes my fingers with tears streaming down clenched eyes as another person tries to thread her vein. Five tries. Poor child. I’m so sorry we didn’t lead with plan B given how well it worked and how noninvasive it was. You can be sure that today’s experience will stay with me and I’ll consider alternate plans and try to remove some of the stupid hoops you jump through and streamline our system. I’ll be working on it.
David Stone, DVM Bloomingrove Veterinary Hospital Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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