Our Towne Colonie December 2014 by Kevin Hotaling Our Towne Northeast

To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

COMPLIMENTARY

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DECEMBER 2014

www.OurTowneColonie.com

IS INVESTING WORTH THE RISK?

NEED AN EDGE?

How many times have you asked yourself that question? Many of the decisions you make – changing jobs, moving to a new home, buying a car – involve risks.

WHETHER YOU’RE ONE PERSON trying

to plan for retirement, or a growing business looking out for your employees, sometimes your goals seem just out of reach. Fortunately, The Principal® can help. We offer a wide range of services, from investments, insurance and retirement plans to full benefit packages. In fact, we’ve been putting the very best solutions within reach for more than 130 years.

So, with us, even your toughest financial challenge may be, well, a slam dunk. Lawrence M. Dillon, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® & Scott Powhida, Managing Director Senior Financial Representatives Princor Registered Representatives Financial Advisors 637 New Loudon Road, Suite 1 | Latham, NY 12110 (518) 724-1700 dillon.lawrence@principal.com | powhida.scott@principal.com

YOU’RE ONE PERSON trying ©2014 Principal Financial Services, Inc. “The Principal,” “Principal Financial Group,” the retirement, Edge design,“We’ll Give You an Edge”or and the illustrateda character aregrowing registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc. Insurance products from the Principal Financial

Group are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in New York) king out your employees, and Principalfor Life Insurance Company. Securities offered through Princor Financial ®

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Just like those decisions, the decision to invest also involves risk, including the possible loss of money. However, making an informed decision to assume some risk also creates the opportunity for increased rewards. The higher the risk, the higher the potential for reward. The lower the risk, the lower the potential for reward. What investments are right for you depends on your: Retirement goals – You’ll need 75% or more of your pre-retirement income to maintain your lifestyle when you retire. Time horizon – If you’ve got ten or more years until retirement, you may want to take more risk since you have the beneﬁt of time on your side. The key is starting early. Why Diversify? By now, you’ve probably read or seen on television news about how some retirement plan participants lost most or all of their portfolios. So how did these hard working, retirementconscious people lose their entire nest egg in the blink of an eye?

The answer is simple. They didn’t diversify.

wide range of services, from The participants who lost everything invested 100% or a majority of their retirement assets in one investment option full benefit packages. In fact, or a single investment like company stock. In other words, they put all of their eggs in one basket. Therefore, when

investment fell in value, so did130 their entire retirement account. However, if these employees had diversiﬁed their reachthe for more than years. investments (if permitted by their plan,) the impact on their retirement savings would not have been so signiﬁcant, and

so devastating. nge may be, well, a slam dunk.

So, what exactly is diversiﬁcation? ® cation or investing in a variety of different asset classes (stocks, bonds, etc.) helps to spread risk and helps you Diversiﬁ FC , CLU & to avoid putting all of your eggs in one basket. Experts agree that a balance of different assets classes is the best route to tor meet your retirement goals. ®

ves

Studies show that over 90% of the total return variation of your portfolio is determined by your asset allocation decisions.

Free review | Latham, NY 12110 (518) 724-1700 Call Scott or Larry from the Principal Financial Group for a no-cost, no-obligation review of your retirement plan powhida.scott@principal.com investments.

al Group,” the ered service pal Financial n New York) or Financial rincipal Life, , IA 50392.

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Lawrence M. Dillon & Scott Powhida Principal Financial Group 637 New Loudon Road Suite 1 Latham, NY 12110 (518)724-1700

To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

What’s in Your Closet?

When most people find out that I have devoted my entire adult life (I am almost eligible for Medicare) to searching for, researching and organizing scraps of paper, rare books and a trove of art and antiques the line of questioning follows a wellworn path. What’s the most expensive item you have or have ever had? What should I collect? What’s hot? With those queries in mind I thought it would be fun to compile an overview of “expensive” items that have sold during the last year or two. I only WISH I had owned them! 1. 1932 Patek Philippe gold pocket watch with 24 features besides telling time (star chart, perpetual calendar, etc.) sold for 21 million. 2. 1938 Action Comics #1, the first ever to feature Superman, sold for 3.2 million.

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

RARE BOOKS, AUTOGRAPHS SILVER, LOCAL HISTORY STYLISH OBJECTS...

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3. Andy Warhol’s 1960 “Triple Elvis” sold for 81.9 million. 4. 1906 painted iron mechanical bank with a clown twirling a female figure and a standing harlequin at their side brought $216,000. 5. Six liter bottle of Macallan “M” single malt whiskey sold for $628,205.

111 Remsen Street ◆ Cohoes ◆ 518.326.2061 www.HolzmanAntiques.com

6. New York State stoneware butter churn with cobalt decoration of four marching Civil War soldiers brought $402,500.

A SAMPLING FROM THE HOLZMAN CLOSET

7. First edition, first issue of Walt Whitman’s book of poetry, Leaves of Grass, fetched $305,000

• 1777 receipt for dues at an Albany billiards club • 1870’s stereoview photograph of Nantucket whaling • Mid-19th c. mahogany and brass spyglass • Bronze sculpture by Margot Einstein, Albert’s stepdaughter • 1880’s wall clock from T.G. Timpane, Jeweler Cohoes, NY • 1926 book on the motion picture industry signed by Thomas Edison • 1765 British pamphlet defending the Stamp Act and the right of the British to tax the Colonists • 1990 Aids Benefit poster for an event at QE2 in Albany signed by Allen Ginsberg • Coin silver sugar tongs made by Albany silversmiths Shepherd and Boyd c. 1820 • 1720 J.B. Homann map of North America with a goldmining scene involving Native Americans • 1863 copies of the newspaper The National AntiSlavery Standard • Two 1980 paintings of Cohoes Falls by living Albany artist Harry Orlyk • An occupational shaving mug for a railroad telegrapher

8. 1976 Apple-1 computer sold for $905,000 9. 1954 dress Marilyn Monroe wore for the film The Seven Year Itch commanded 4.6 million 10. 16th c. Chinese porcelain cup, 3.1” diameter and decorated with chickens, sold for 36 million. So what is to be gleaned from the above list? Probably not much other than the fact that there are people out there with a lot of disposable income and they collect, but they collect the best in any category---what’s hot is what is truly rare!

Mention that you heard about us here and you will get 20% off any single item. Dennis Holzman Antiques

111 Remsen Street Cohoes • 326.2061 www.holzmanantiques.com

www.OurTowneColonie.com

Message From

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY You may recall in a previous publisher’s column, that I had worked for General Electric Plastics, at the Selkirk plant for 21 years. Before the start of my career with GE Plastics, I had been a public school teacher. I left the education field and traveled the country, playing guitar and staying in campgrounds. Ah, to be young and carefree again… When I returned from that excursion, I took a job at GE Selkirk, not as a GE employee but as a contractor cleaning offices in the evening. Hey, it was a job and gave me a paycheck, although not a very big one. Long story short, about 6 months later I started working for GE Plastics Selkirk as a contractor in the production area on rotating shifts and was eventually hired as a full time GE employee. In an ironic twist of fate, about 2 years later, I was promoted to a day job working as a Site Customer Service Rep and began filling up the same waste baskets that 24 months earlier I had emptied as a cleaning contractor. Everyone has a story and now you know a little about mine. Back to the topic at hand: Small Business Saturday. When I was employed by GE Plastics Selkirk, I often thought, “GE is sure putting a lot of people to work in the world.” If memory serves me correctly, at that time, the entire GE Company employed about 330,000 people globally, and at GE Plastics Selkirk we employed about 770. I thought it was pretty good for the local economy. As the owner of a publication that has a goal to help small local businesses succeed, I recently did some data crunching to see just how many small businesses are in the area the Our Towne Colonie serves. I looked to see how many, small businesses, with most having 5 or less employees, are active in the Colonie, Latham, Loudonville, Cohoes and Watervliet area. To my surprise there are over 2700 small businesses just in these areas. Let me see……if you take these 2700 small businesses and multiply by an average of 3 employees each…wait!…wait!… it’s a big number

so I have to take my shoes off to continue adding…. WOW!!! There are 8100 people gainfully employed and supported by local small business. That’s 10.5 GE Plastics Selkirk plants just within reach of this publication. All of these small businesses as a whole are the engine of our local economy. Well, now I’m wearing a new hat, the Small Business hat. Hey, don’t get me wrong. I’m glad we have large employers here in the Capital Region who contribute to our regional growth and recovery but I’m very proud that we have so many small businesses keeping our local labor force gainfully employed. Hopefully you were able to participate in the Small Business Saturday movement. If you were, GREAT! As we all move forward toward the holiday season and the upcoming New Year, take some time and make some purchases to support our local economy by shopping small and buying local. Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday season with your families and loved ones. Kevin Hotaling Owner and Publisher, Our Towne Colonie

WHEN YOU SHOP SMALL

AT INDEPENDENT, LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES OF WHAT YOU SPEND STAYS RIGHT IN YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTING LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICES

52%

SALES CONTACTS: Kevin Hotaling Owner / Publisher • 518-598-3081 • ads@ourtownenortheast.com Mark Slocum Advertising & Marketing Consultant • 518-522-2644 • Mark@ourtownenortheast.com Jim Gulli Advertising & Marketing Consultant • 518-857-9546 • Jim@ourtownenortheast.com

To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

OH THE SNOW IS COMING...... SOME TIPS TO GET READY!

Before the winter storm strikes, it’s important to know the weather terminology that may appear across the bottom of your television screen or on the local radio station. Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter weather may affect the surrounding area within the next 36 to 48 hours. Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather conditions are on the way or will begin within 24 hours. Take cover and be prepared. Blizzard Warning: Blinding snow and dangerous wind chills are expected for several hours. Sustained winds of 35 mph are expected to sweep the area. A traveler’s advisory is issued if driving conditions are expected to be dangerous or slow moving. Here are some other tips to help you prepare for winter storms: Winterize your car long before the first snowfall hits. Winter weather is unpredictable and may surprise you early in the season. Prepare a disaster kit for your vehicle that includes: Shovel Sand Tow chain Jumper cables Screwdrivers, pliers and a knife Ice scraper and snow brush

Spare change Blankets/sleeping bags Small can and waterproof matches for melting snow Windshield washer anti-freeze High calorie, non-perishable food items Warm clothes that can be layered Compass and map Cell phone and charger Winterize your trees and bushes by trimming long branches. The ice and wet snow that accumulates on branches can cause damage to your home, car or neighbors. Salt and shovel walkways often. Drain your pipes if you go on vacation or experience a power outage to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. Make certain that each family member has warm winter gear, including a winter coat, gloves, hat or scarf and waterresistant boots. Keep your gas tank full in the winter months to protect your fuel line from freezing. Have your cell phone charged. Stock an ample supply of logs that can be reached easily during a storm if you have a wood burning fireplace. Find out more at The Lyden Group Insurance Agency Call (518) 877-7018 or e-mail steve@lydengroup.com

One of our custom new ers j switch ed the ust ir Hom Incom e Auto I e Property a , nsuran nd ce and over $ 500 an saved nu With h igher l ally! evels o cover f What age! can w for yo e do u?

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217 Remsen St ◆ Cohoes, NY 12047 ◆ (518) 237-2110 www.marrarx.com rx@marrarx.com

Meeting Medication Challenges as You Age According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 75 percent of people older than 65 have more than one chronic health problem. So, at this stage of life, it’s common to take many different drugs. The problem is it can be hard to keep track of more than one drug and how your body responds to medicines can also change as you age. Challenges like these may explain why one-third of hospitalizations among older patients are due to drug-related problems. Communicating well with your doctor and pharmacist can help you stay safe and ensure your drugs work the right way. Each person’s situation is unique so make sure you and your family get the personal one on one attention you deserve. In the meantime, here are some ways to manage common challenges you may face: 1. Multiple meds. It helps to use one pharmacy for all your prescriptions and refills. That way, we can check for potential interactions between your medications. And we can suggest supplements that would be safe for you to take along with those drugs. Bring us a list of all your prescription and over-the-counter medications and vitamins and supplements. Let’s discuss ways to synchronize or simplify your medication schedule. Ask about our refill reminder program—you never need to miss a dose and we can reduce repeat trips to the pharmacy and reduce your medication costs. If you notice any side effects, tell your doctor and us right away. This can be a reaction to a drug or a combination of drugs. It may also be due to an interaction with alcohol or certain foods. 2. Forgetfulness. You may find it helpful to write down your medication schedule. Note the day and time to take each drug, and what it’s for. Include special instructions such as whether to take the drug with food and where to store it. Special pill boxes may also help. Also, set a daily routine and tie it to another well-ingrained habit. For example, if you need to take a medication at night, keep those pills near your toothbrush. We have tools to help you in this area – just ask! 3. Cost. On fixed incomes, many older adults are concerned about the high cost of medications. First of all, know that skipping doses or not filling your prescription is not a safe solution. You need to take the drug exactly as directed as your doctor assumes you are taking your medicine as prescribed. We can help you to reduce costs many ways including generic medications, extended day’s supply, prescription assistance programs and many more tools – just ask! 4. Swallowing or dexterity problems. Do you have trouble swallowing pills or opening pill bottles? Together, we can come up with a solution. For example, easy-to-open containers are okay if there are no children in your home. And, you may be able to take a liquid medicine instead of pills. Check with me first before chewing or crushing tablets. As you can see, there are many things to keep in mind when it comes to taking medications safely. Check with us at the pharmacy as we are here to help, as we have been doing for over 84 years! Marra’s……More than a Pharmacy….We’re Family!

To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

Marra’s Pharmacy... and so much more...

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More than a pharmacy. We’re family. 217 Remsen St. • Downtown Cohoes, NY 12047 • (518) 237-2110 www.marrarx.com • email us at: rx@marrarx.com

www.OurTowneColonie.com

869-2448 | WWW.BARNSIDERRESTAURANT.COM | 480 SAND CREEK ROAD, ALBANY

“Delivering a delicate balance of food, service, and atmosphere” Voted Best Steakhouse & Best American Restaurant by Metroland Magazine and Capital Living Region.

Purchase One Entree and Recieve One 50% off Dinner on your Birthday 50% off entree must be of equal or lesser value than other entree purchased. Valid on parties of two or more. Acutal date of birthday only.

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To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

www.OurTowneColonie.com

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A HA!! SO THAT IS WHAT THOSE LITTLE PESKY FLIERS IN MY PANTRY ARE!! With colder weather and Thanksgiving right around the corner, you may have stocked your pantry with all of the ingredients you’ll need for some holiday baking. Also in your pantry, you may have noticed some unwanted guests, namely pantry moths, taking residence in your whole grains, flour, cereal and dry pet food. Pantry moths, grain moths, flour moths are all common names for the Indian Meal Moth, a pesky and pervasive pest that can infest many of the items found in your kitchen or pantry.

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

EMPIRE SKATE PLAZA When: Fri, Nov 28, 2014 until Sat, Feb 28, 2015 | 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Where: Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York Cost: FREE ADMISSION

Now in its 4th year, the tremendously popular Empire State Plaza Ice Rink is open daily November 28 through March, from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (closed for maintenance from 3 p.m - 4 p.m.) and skating is free! Located in the shadow of the majestic State Capitol, amenities include a full-service snack bar and a skate lounge with lockers and music. Rentals are available whenever the rink is open and Many times, the infestation has started by the time cost $3 for children under 12 and $4 for adults. The you even bring the products home. Warehouses and 2014-2015 season will feature an assorted line-up of storage areas are a prime location for Indian Meal events including free rental Fridays, instructional Moths, especially in the bulk shipments they receive. clinics, hockey exhibitions, children’s entertainers, live music and more! Female moths can lay up to 400 eggs, which hatch in Tentative Calendar of Ice Rink Events: just a week and feed on your flour, rice or seeds. A handful of generations of pantry moths can inhabit a home in a year. Since the sole mission of a pantry moth EVERY FRIDAY – Hannaford Free Rental Friday is to reproduce, it’s important to halt the infestation as November 28 – Opening Day (11am-8pm) November 29 – Learn To Skate Clinic (9am-11am) quickly as possible. December 7 – Tree Lighting Ceremony (1pm-8pm) Here are a few tips to take back control of your kitchen December 19 – Holiday Skate (6pm-8pm) or pantry: December 27 – Learn To Skate Clinic (9am-11am) January 4 – National Trivia Day (1pm-4pm) • Dispose of all contaminated food. January 31 – Learn To Skate Clinic (9am-11am) February 3 – Rock ‘N Roll Skate (11am-8pm) • Be sure to keep all pasta, flour, cereal and other dried February 14 – Valentine’s Day Skate (11am-8pm) pantry food items in airtight glass containers rather February 21 – Try Hockey For Free With USA than the original cardboard or paper packaging. Hockey (9am-11am) February 28 – Learn To Skate Clinic (9am-11am) • Pantry moth stages (egg, larvae, adult) are unable March 8 – Last Day Of Skating (11am-8pm) to tolerate temperature extremes, so freezing or microwaving suspect foods provides an alternative to trashing it. • Vacuum and clean with hot, soapy water the shelves, corners and floor of your pantry. Keeping pantries clean and free of crumbs will help to prevent future infestations. • Stop the breeding cycle with the use of non-toxic, pesticide-free TERRO® Pantry Moth Traps. These sticky traps include a pheromone lure that attracts and traps the male pantry moth, preventing further breeding in your kitchen. Phillips Hardware • www.ShopPhillips.com Altamont • Colonie • Delmar Schenectady • Voorheesville • Waterford

1212

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1st Annual Cohoes WINTERFEST Announced Spindles on Remsen Wine Bar, in conjunction with the Choose Cohoes organization, is proud to announce the first annual WINTERFEST BLOCK PARTY. This family friendly event is designed to bring the community together in beautiful downtown Cohoes on Remsen Street. This event will be held on Sunday December 14, 2014 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, in the first block of Remsen Street closest to Coloumbia Street. Ample parking is available in several downtown parking areas and along the rest of Remsen. Music and entertainment will be provided by the All Paul Show, the areas #1 Beatles tribute band. Rounding out this festive event will be food, crafts and antique vendors. Hot chocolate, a Winterfest staple will also be available. We are also expecting a surprise visit from the “big holiday man himself”---Santa. To finish out your enjoyable afternoon, local favorite entertainer Frank Jaklitsch will be performing your favorite Irish and Christmas music at Spindles beginning at 5:00pm. Set a remider on your phone so you don’t miss it! For more information contact: Spindles On Remsen Wine Bar at 237-3816

Cohoes Public Library 169 Mohawk Street Cohoes (518) 235-2570 HOURS: Monday: 10am-8pm Tuesday: 10am-5pm Wednesday: 10am-8pm Thursday: 10am-5pm Friday: 10am-5pm Saturday: 10am-4pm Closed Sundays & Holidays

COME EXPLORE THE COHOES PUBLIC LIBRARY... AVAILABLE RESOURCES • Books, eBooks, eReaders, Newspapers, Magazines • DVDs, Books on CD, • Pre-loaded books on MP3 players • Free Wi-Fi Hot Spot • Public Computers & Printer • Copier, Scanner, & Fax Machine • Free Online Children’s ebooks • Museum Passes • Community Room • Fishing Rods

www.CohoesPublicLibrary.org

To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

SHARE YOUR “BOUNTY” WITH YOUR LOVED ONES It’s almost Thanksgiving, a holiday that once celebrated the harvest season. Although many of us today may not be directly connected to agriculture, we still gather on Thanksgiving with our loved ones to share whatever “bounty” we may have. But this practice doesn’t have to begin and end with food. Why not incorporate the spirit of sharing into your overall financial strategy? Here are a few suggestions for doing just that: ◆ Make financial gifts. You could give shares of stock to your loved ones, or perhaps give them money to help fund their IRAs. (They must have earned income, however, to be eligible to contribute to an IRA.) You can give up to $14,000 per year, per recipient. If you are married, you and your spouse can each give up to the $14,000 yearly limit. Invest in your children’s future. To help your children meet the high costs of higher education, you might want to invest in a college savings vehicle. One option to consider is a 529 plan. When you contribute to a 529 plan, your earnings are subject to tax-free growth potential and distributions are free of federal taxes, provided they are used for qualified higher education expenses. (Keep in mind, though, that Section 529 plan distributions not used for these qualified expenses may be subject to income tax and a 10% penalty.) Furthermore, if you invest in your home state’s 529 plan, you may receive state tax incentives. Tax issues for 529 plans can be complex, though, so you’ll need to consult with your tax advisor about your situation. Another benefit of 529 plans: You control the assets right up to the point at which they are actually used. So, if you have been putting away money for a particular child (or grandchild) and he or she decides against college, you can easily switch to another beneficiary. ◆ Review your insurance policies. If something were to happen to you, is your life insurance sufficient to take care of your family? In other words, would there be enough money available to pay off your mortgage, send your children to college and help your surviving spouse meet at least some of his or her retirement expenses? A financial professional can help you determine if your life insurance is sufficient for your needs. ◆ Consider involving your family with your estate plans. To help ensure your wishes get carried out the way you intended, consider keeping family members informed of your estate strategy, which could involve your will, living trust, power of attorney and other legal documents. And don’t forget to keep your beneficiary designations up to date on your retirement accounts and your life insurance policy. So if you’ve gone through changes in your family situation, such as a divorce or remarriage, work with your professional team, including your financial advisor and your tax and legal advisors, to make ensure your investment strategy aligns with your estate goals. Once the turkey is eaten and the football games have ended, Thanksgiving will draw to a close. But consider these strategies sharing your “bounty” with your loved ones all year long — and throughout your lifetime. Kevin J Pittz, Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 1721 Central Avenue, Albany • 518-869.9088

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Dedicated to working with small businesses to help them grow and become successful. “You must be very patient, very persistent. The world isn’t going to shower gold coins on you just because you have a good idea. You’re going to have to work like crazy to bring that idea to the attention of people. They’re not going to buy it unless they know about it.” – Herb Kelleher

December Sudoku Answers on Page26

Expecting Holiday Stress?

Are you experiencing “holiday stress?” Are you concerned about being perfect when you get together with family or about having the “perfect” gift for someone? Then you have or are worried about expectations (the act of anticipating something). Expectations result in stress and constant preparation for situations, which may or may not happen, instead of finding the joy in the present moment, whether it’s at the holidays and any time of the year. Expectations often strengthen the “inner critic,” the part of you that judges you and makes you incredibly hard on yourself, blocking your ability to see your unique qualities and special gifts. If you find yourself trying to live up to the expectations of others (and expect others to do the same), harshly judging yourself, living in a pressure cooker of increasing stress, you are not alone. Many people feel this way and there is a way to release expectations, self-judgment, and attachment to outcomes, which allows you to relax, and enjoy the holidays and everyday more fully. Consider hypnosis! Hypnosis is a wonderful way to release expectations, break or change habits, and focus on what you want, not on what you don’t want. It is a great way to feel better and improve your self appreciation. This is what Joan B. of Watervliet, NY had to say about hypnosis, expectations, and stress: “I am letting go of things that used to drive me crazy. I am letting go of old resentments; getting excited over life again. This has changed my life! I am getting back my joy! I am blessed to have found you.” Isn’t it time you felt good about yourself? Do you want to feel the joy of the holidays and every day? Then call now to schedule your FREE hypnosis screening, 518-598-6968.

SHANNON KEYES CIUCEVICH

Certified Hypnotist, Registered Yoga Teacher Key 2 Joy, Inc. 145 Vly Road, Suite 6 Shaker Pine Plaza Colonie, NY 12309

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To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

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We’re a family business!

CANADEL – BERMEX – SALOOM – ZIMMERMAN – LYNDON – AMISCO – TRICA – TEMPO

113 REMSEN STREET, COHOES

233-8244 Easy Access from 87, 787 and Rt. 9

We’ve built our reputation specializing in quality kitchen and dining furniture. Selling at our best prices.

STORE HOURS:

Mon., Wed. & Fri. 10-5:30 Tues. & Thurs. 10-8 Sat. 10-5 • Sun. 12-4

TablesChairsAndMore.com

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� �AL CE N� �� O �U �� CHING BO T�CHA $$$$ PARTY & MUSIC RENTALS INC.�

Looking for a New, Exciting &�EASY� Fundraising Opportunity for Your:� School - Grade or Class� Student Council� PTA - PTO� Fire Company� Youth Athletic Organization� Church�

WANT TO MAKE SOME MONEY FOR THE KIDS IN YOUR SCHOOL AND HAVE

Favorite Charity�

HOST A� BOUNCING DISCO� SOME FUN AND SEE HOW� EASY� IT CAN BE!� What is it?�

We bring to your facility:� *Up to 3 bounce rides� *A Complete 1000 Watt DJ System� * With appropriate favorite songs your guests love� * Disco Lights� *Concessions� * Cotton Candy, Sno Cones, Popcorn� *A 2nd DJ System with Karaoke Songs�

How are funds raised?�

By ticket sales for the event (like a dance) and� through concession sales.�

What does the organization need to provide?�

1. 1-2 hours of planning - (We have done this many times)� 2. Volunteers - Could be Parents, Faculty, Staff or Students�

Did we mention your volunteers are minimal and are needed for only 3-4 hrs?�

3. The Facility� 4. A willingness to try something NEW with a proven track record�

CALL KEVIN AT�:

767-2222�

How do I get started?�

� � � � �

Fully insured� Clean - sanitized rides� Super friendly service� Family owned and operated� Satisfaction guaranteed!�

WHILE DOING IT? WE ARE CURRENTLY BOOKING FUNDRAISERS FOR THIS WINTER SEASON. CALL TODAY AND SEE HOW EASY IT IS

Visit us at: www.BounceRide.com�

Empire State Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival

When: Sun, Dec 7, 2014 | 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Where: Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York Cost: FREE ADMISSION

The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) invites you to join in the fun at the annual SEFCU Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival at the Empire State Plaza. This family-fun annual event has something for everyone with a full day of indoor and outdoor activities, including: A chance to meet Santa Ice sculpture demonstrations A holiday arts and crafts fair Skating demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club Live music Train rides around the Empire State Plaza concourse A holiday rock and skate with Electric City Horns The tree-lighting ceremony begins at 5:15 and concludes with a fireworks show. The event also coincides with the Taste NY Holiday Expo at the New York State Museum, which has a $5 admission and the Great Train Extravaganza in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, admission $7, kids under 12 free.

To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

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Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

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Price Chopper Capital Holiday Lights Now Open!! The 18th Annual Price Chopper Capital Holiday Lights begins another season with more days and special events. See the lights twinkle and glow in Washington Park…Enjoy “Christmas in Albany”, the theme for the newest edition of the Lights that opens nightly at 6 p.m. now through January 3rd 2015. Joining the Lights to showcase all that is grand about Albany at the holidays, will be The Reverberators, singing their hit song, Christmas in Albany, on Nov. 30, Dec. 7 & 21. The group’s song, “Christmas in Albany”, has become a regional favorite and they’ll be performing live in the lake house four evenings for those in attendance. All proceeds from Price Chopper Capital Holiday Lights benefit the crime-prevention programs for the youth of the Albany Police Athletic League, (PAL). This year’s Price Chopper Capital Holiday Lights features more than 125 illuminated displays and scenes throughout almost 2 miles of historic Washington Park. The Lake house, full of crafts and plenty of refreshments, is open nightly, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The last night the Lake house is open will be on Tuesday, December 30. In addition to live music, crafts and holiday lights that you’ll never forget, there will be reindeer visiting on Dec. 3, 10, 16 & 23 before Santa leaves for the North Pole. Plus, the Jolly Old Elf himself will be in the Lake house for visits with girls and boys through Dec. 23 as well. Horse-drawn carriage rides are offered Thursday through Sunday evenings at the Madison Avenue entrance to Washington Park by Dreaming Tree Farm. For more information or reservations (suggested), contact Dreaming Tree Farm at 518-312-6387. The hours for Price Chopper Capital Holiday Lights are Sundays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $15 per car, $25 for 10-18 passenger vehicle (including limos and RVs), $50 for 19-28 passenger capacity vehicles, $75 for school buses and $100 for commercial coaches. For more information and the most up-to-dateschedule, visit www.albanycapitalholidayLights.com or call Albany PAL at 518-435-0392.

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

Memory Gardens CEMETERY & MEMORIAL PARK The Capital Region’s Premier & Most Affordable Non-Prot Memorial Park • GARDEN OF PARADISE OR CREMATION NICHE SPACES - ONLY $400.00 EACH! • BRONZE MEMORIALS - CUSTOM DESIGNED • $550.00 GRAVE LINERS • ONE YEAR INTEREST-FREE FINANCING AVAILABLE! • CREMATION & CASKET BURIAL OPTIONS AVAILABLE • PRE-PLANNING & FLORAL PLACEMENT SERVICES 983 Watervliet Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12205 (518)869-9506 email: info@memorygardens.org

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To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

The Memorial Concert Band of Colonie Holiday Concert When: Wed, Dec 10, 2014|7:30 PM to 9:00 PM Where: Colonie Central HS Auditorium (off Sand Creek Road, Colonie) Cost: FREE ADMISSION The annual Holiday Concert of The Memorial Concert Band of Colonie will be held on Wednesday December 10, 2014 at 7:30 at Colonie Central High School. Music Director Doug Dougherty has assembled a program featuring classical selections and a wide variety of music for the holiday season. Featured pieces are selections from the Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky and selections from The Nutcracker by Tschailowsky. The Holiday music offers a variety of pieces from many traditions, such as The Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol by famed band composer Percy Grainger. Familiar seasonal songs are arranged in a jazz format for In the Christmas Mood. For More Information Call: (518) 764-2712

««« THE AMERICAN www.OurTowneColonie.com VALUES CLUB CROSSWORD «««

December Crossword

October 8, 2014 “Drink Up!”

ACROSS 1 Watson’s creator

41 One who’s hardly an

4 Plant in a sedating

8 14 16 17 18

20 21 23 27 30 32

36 37 38

drink Slams in celebration, as a football It might show a single scene Strike zones? Get rich quick Alabama town with many connections to the civil rights movement Like fall days that aren’t unseasonably hot or sad and drizzly King Arthur’s foster brother Root word? Shade seen at the beach Big name in SUVs Total d-bag Philosopher who wrote “anxiety is the dizziness of freedom” Much-hated episode of “How I Met Your Mother” 1998 HBO biopic Member of the brass Campus party maneuvers, and features of six answers in this puzzle

45 49 52 53 54 56 57 59

61 64 67 68 69 70 71

urbanite J. Edgar Hoover’s alma mater Yankee vanquisher, in 2014 Prepared to build Crash cause, often Sign Foils, perhaps, as a villain Tecmo fighting game, popularly Tree afflicted by phloem necrosis Hermann who wrote “The Glass Bead Game” Succeed Upstate New York vacation spot Goat cheese Character on Splash Mountain Least straight Takes, with “for” Twin killings, on a scorecard DOWN

1 Word with an

often omitted or extraneous apostrophe 2 One may get laid on a horse 3 Make sure progress, as troops

We are more heavily taxed by our idleness, pride and folly than we are taxed by government. Benjamin Franklin

by Tyler Hinman, edited by Ben Tausig Difficulty level: l l l l l

Answers on Page 26

4 Scapegoat for

5 6 7 8 9

11 12 13

15 Address at boot

some dumb New England Patriots fans Was broached Big name in coupon mailings Mention Used a behind “Find more great clues like this in the author’s ‘Winner’s Circle Crosswords’!,” e.g. “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” villain Shickelgrubermeiger (c’mon; I’m sick of the “Casablanca” clues) Role-playing game pioneer Gary Look over Down and slightly right, briefly

22 24

25 26 28 29 31 33 35 39

55 58 60 61 62 63

64 65 66

31 35 38 42

33 36

37 40

48 50 51

NES game) Tea room sight Scorecard blemish Sorted Place for the English to go Period Whisperings A major third above B Successfully prank Something to fall in or out of Total d-bag “Charlie’s Angels” director “So it WAS you!” Apt shortening for a city currently mired in bankruptcy Wall St. deal Space in the record, say Cousins of ums

18 19

42 43 46 47

40 Sites for drawers 41 ___ Baseball (classic

camp Their motto is “Through Adversity to the Stars”: Abbr. Marketing term for some sushi Football coach Bill Parcells’s nickname (not a standard sushi option) Princess with prominent buns Prefix from the Greek for “heaven” Ration in the field, for short Atlanta health org. Streaming annoyance Race for Odin, Thor, etc. Encourage Took a dip (I can never believe this is actually a word)

45 51

52 55

59 63

56 60

To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

End of Season Bike Sale! We’re blowing out all 2014 bicycles to make room for the 2015 models arriving daily.... FREE SPRING LAYAWAY ON ALL BIKES!!

Off Season Service Special!

$10 Off Tune-Up

With this coupon. Expires 2/28/15 Not valid with other offers, specials and/or promotions

Earn BARN BUCKS now through 12/24/14

Get $5.00 in Barn Bucks for every $25.00 you spend!

299 Ontario St Cohoes ◆ 518.238.BIKE (2453) ◆ bikebarncycles.com

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FEATURED BUSINESS

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Tables Chairs and more… is a family run specialty kitchen and dining store. We have been in business over 24 years in historic downtown Cohoes. Our store sells some of the best quality furniture in the Capital District. Most of our items are produced in the USA and Canada. Our 3 floor showroom is filled with different styles. Because we are a small family owned and operated business, we take pride in allowing YOU, our Customer to customize your own dining set and make it uniquely suited to your families’ wants and needs. Some of your

home.

Most of our quality Manufactures use catalyzed wood finishes that resist spills and stains so your table will continue to have that “new look” for many years after delivery to your

To help you better understand the “more” part of our name, we also feature the LARGEST SELECTION OF BAR AND COUNTER STOOLS in Upstate New York!

specific choices can include: size, shape, color, leg STYLE ◆ SELECTION ◆ QUALITY ◆ PRICE! style, pedestal and self-storing leaf just to name Come in and see for yourself, you won’t be a few. This flexibility allows us to create just the disappointed. right table for you.

To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

12/31/14

RESERVE YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY WITH US TODAY!

12/31/14

Carpet Cleaning Special

Years! 5 2 g n i t a lebr Ce

2 Rooms & Hallway Or 12 Stairs

Always Clean Interiors CARPET and UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SERVICE Since 1989

(518) 925-5245

Old School Deep Cleaning 2 Step Process. We scrub carpets & steam extract so carpets dry quicker. Must be under 250 sq. ft. Expires 12/23/14.

Upholstery Cleaning Special Sofa & Chair

Up to 12 ft. Expires on 12/23/14.

Tile & Grout Cleaning Special

Seniors & Veterans take an extra 10% Off!

Most credit cards accepted.

Other Services We Oﬀer: • High Pressure Washing • Air Duct Cleaning • Hardwood & Laminate Cleaning • Carpet Repairs & Restretching • Tile Repairs & Regrouting or Stain Sealing • All Flooring Installations

Clean & Seal Grout

255

We can make tile & grout look new!

Up to 120 sq. ft. Expires on 12/23/14.

www.OurTowneColonie.com

Clean Your Gutters (or let Doug do the dirty work for you!) Doug’s

PROTECT YOUR HOME from:

Mold & Mildew • Ice Damage Foundation Cracks & Leaks Warped Siding • Basement Flooding Ice Damage • Insect Breeding

BEFORE

AFTER

Properly working gutters are vital to the overall well-being of your home. Leaking and build-up of debris can cause a number of problems which could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Gutter Referral Program

$25 Cash Card

Give Doug a call and protect your home from these see dppw.com for details serious problems. Our staff is always prompt, professional, clean and courteous. And, after a job well done, we finish every project with a complete clean-up. No new mess left behind. If you are not happy, we are not happy.

Call today to book your cleaning

(518) 465-4138 www.dppw.com

se. i c re nal. P . an ssio ed e l C rofe sur P y In l Ful

The Painting Bug

You Can Paint!

NEXT CLASS SCHEDULED AT:

HOBBY LOBBY

873 Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110

Saturday December 6, 2014 10am - 3pm Snowbound Cabin www.PaintingBug.com

M a G akes Giftreat !

To register Call Janice at 852-9160

To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

621 Albany-Shaker Road Loudonville (518) 458.9274 www.colonie.org/LIBRARY Climate Change Talk Dr. Christopher D. Thorncroft will present a Noon Talk on Climate Change on Friday, December 5th, at 12:15 PM. Dr. Thorncroft is Chair of the UAlbany Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Thorncroft received his PhD from the world renowned University of Reading, England and has studied climate related issues for over 20 years. He has published dozens of articles in top meteorological journals, and was recently awarded a SUNY 4E Network of Excellence Awardees for “Climate Change and Extreme Weather in NYS and its Impact on Inland and Coastal Flooding” and a grant from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a project entitled “Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel”. Adirondack Mountain Club Open House On Sunday December 7th at 1:30 PM, the public is invited to this event, showcasing the many benefits and rewards of membership in the Adirondack Mountain Club. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet experienced hike leaders, paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts to learn more about the Club’s efforts to promote conservation, advocacy, recreation, education and stewardship of the state’s wilderness areas. Refreshments will be provided. Adirondack Mountain Club: Favorite Local Hikes and Northern Flora and Fauna The Adirondack Mountain Club is back on Tuesday, December 9th at 6:00 PM for a two-part program featuring an education session on Favorite Local Hikes. Come prepared to share a favorite hiking spot that is close to the Capital District. Most of us have some favorite places that are lesser-known. Bring photos and maps, if you have them, to share. The program: on Northern Flora and Fauna follows with Dr. Nancy G. Slack, noted botanist, professor, 46er, skier, paddler and, oh yes, author of Adirondack Alpine Summits, Field Guide to the New England Alpine Summits and scores of other works about the flora and fauna of the northern U.S., Canada and Europe. Her expertise is world recognized and her photos are magical! Woody Guthrie: A Voice of the Dust Bowl Saturday, December 13th at 2:00 PM: A performance, including singing and harmonica playing, based on the program that Woody Guthrie had on the radio, on which he performed country ballads with another singer, Maxine Crissman. Performers/writers Vincent Barbalace and Laura Campagna wrote the script in the format of a radio show set between the years 1937 and 1938, on radio station KFVD, in Los Angeles, featuring stories of the Dust Bowl, as well as Dust Bowl songs. The performance is for all ages. Christmas Stories With Barbara and Paul Richer Storytime isn’t just for kids this month! Join us for some adult Christmas stories a la the radio show Selected Shorts on Thursday night, December 18th, at 7:00 PM. Local actors Barbara and Paul Richer will be reading some classic Christmas stories and poems by Truman Capote, Dylan Thomas, O. Henry, Charles Dickens, plus a few other surprises. About Barbara and Paul: Barbara has acted, over the years, in many of the Community and Dinner Theaters in the Capitol Region. She met her husband Paul in the former

Empire State Youth Theater. As BenefActors, they went on to do several fund raising productions for area not-forprofits including the Albany Medical Center Aids Treatment Center and the Capital Region Gay and Lesbian Community Council. For over seven years, Barbara either Chaired or acted as Design Coordinator for the Vanguard/Albany Symphony Designer Showhouse. Barbara also was President of Vanguard/Albany Symphony, Inc. for three years. She currently looks forward to working with the Colonie Library to bring various “Theater and the Arts” programs to Colonie TV, the educational and government access television station operated by the library. Watch for the initial interview with David Allan Miller, Maestro of the Albany Symphony during the months of November and December. Says Paul: “I had my first major role in a play in 1946. I was 12 years old. Since then I have probably appeared in 125 plays, wherever I have lived: Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Germany, West Africa, and the Capital District and Mid-Hudson Valley of New York State. The theatre has blessed my life, and I would like to believe that I have given something of value back in exchange for that blessing.” He once traveled to Italy to play Eddie Carbone in A View From the Bridge for an International Community Theater gathering. In our area, you may know Paul from playing Salieri in the Schenectady Civic Theater production of Amadeus and Morrie in the Curtain Call Theater production of Tuesdays With Morrie. Barbara and Paul are thrilled to share the holidays with all of you. WW II Film Series Continues Our American Cinema and WW II series continues this month, hosted by Lenny Zapala – film expert and Director of the Menands Public Library. On Thursday night December 11th at 6:30 PM, the 1941 Abbott and Costello comedy Buck Privates (plus a newsreel and a short from that time) will be shown. The film also features the Andrews Sisters. It’s been said (whether true or not) that Japan used Buck Privates as propaganda – to demonstrate to its troops the incompetence of the U. S. Army! For purposes if his introduction to the film, Lenny is putting Buck Privates in the category “Hollywood Warns the Nation” as he sees the film as 1940’s pop culture preparing America for war. Chinese Film/Discussion Series Continues I-Hsin Wu, Adjunct Professor of Sociology at UAlbany and a member of the NYS Office for the Aging’s Targeting Workgoup working with the Chinese-American community, is currently hosting a four-part film/discussion series titled “Introducing Chinese Culture Through Chinese Films” which began last month. This month’s movie is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on Monday, December 15th, at 6:30 PM (upcoming: The Joy Luck Club on Monday January 26th and Eat Drink Man Woman on Monday February 23rd ). Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was on over 100 critics’ Best Picture of the Year lists and won four Academy Awards. About the movie: “Two master warriors are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword is stolen. A young aristocrat prepares for an arranged marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. As each warrior battles for justice, they come face to face with their worst enemy – and the inescapable, enduring power of love. Set against 19th-century China’s breathtaking landscape, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the action-packed, box office smash from acclaimed director Ang Lee and featuring stunning martial arts choreography.”

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3 Super-Easy Things Your Bike Mechanic Wishes You Would Do So what if you’re not a virtuoso when it comes to repairing your bicycle? You can still perform some routine maintenance that will not only save you money but also prolong the life of your bike.

pivots. This often over-looked, high corrosion area, is what allows the front and rear derailleurs to pivot freely. Smoothing your cable and derailleur flow will have you shifting like a pro.

Ed Agans owner Cycling & Fitness in some of the simple see customers doing

III. Wipe off that disgustingly gooey chain!

of Bike Barn Cohoes reveals things he’d like to for their bikes.

When mechanics talk about lubing a chain, what we mean is adding lubrication in between the side plates and under the center roller. Lube any place else serves no positive purpose. Unless you consider a I. Clean and grease your seatpost. grotesquely embarrassing mess a positive, then you Few things are more frustrating, time-consuming, or go for that greasy chainring tattoo on your right calf. easily preventable than a stuck seatpost. What every Wipe it or wear it! Happy Trails! cyclist should do is to mark your seatpost height with some electrical tape, pull out the seatpost, clean it, Be sure to apply chain lube in the right place. grease it, and then re-install it. Ride away content Anytime you lube your chain you should let it soak in with the knowledge that you’ve staved off your for a few minutes and wipe off as much of the excess mechanic’s wrath for a bit. Do this at least twice a as possible. Then wipe the chain off again after your season. Or else. ride. And again after the next ride. There’s no need to

II. Lube your bottom bracket’s cable guide and add more lube until your chain starts squeaking. the Derailleur Pivots I tell my clients to keep a rag on the shelf next to their Want to improve your shifting dramatically in 30 shoes. When you get home and take your shoes off, seconds? That little trough that your derailleur cables grab the rag and wipe off the chain. Your right calf glide onto needs some attention. Otherwise it gets will thank you for it, too. gummy from your sports drink and crusty from road Ed Agans grime. Add a couple of drops of oil on it every time you Bike Barn Cycling & Fitness lube your chain and don’t forget about the derailleur

299 Ontario St Cohoes 518.238.BIKE (2453) bikebarncycles.com

To Advertise Call ◆ Kevin 518-598-3081 ◆ Mark 518-522-2644 ◆

Jim 518-857-9546 ◆ Email to: Ads@OurTowneNortheast.com

Joes Hillside Auto & Collision Center HAS YOUR CAR BEEN DAMAGED IN AN ACCIDENT? We know it’s important for you to have your car repaired to it’s original condition....

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George Rozell Painting Over 15 years of experience!

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