COMPLIMENTARY LATE SUMMER 2012
FEATURED BUSINESS
SHAKER SHED
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A message from The late night sky this summer has been simply dazzling, filled with hundreds, indeed thousands of stars. We have been blessed with a celestial party in the sky this summer since early July. This season's dazzling sights included five planets that shinned so bright you have been able to see them without a telescope. Throughout July, Venus and Jupiter stole the show, as they showed bright in predawn sky. From our boat on the Mohawk River we got up while it was still dark and spent some time just gazing at the sky with our dogs. The river is so peaceful at night. The August sky is even more spectacular as 4 planets adorn our skies just after sunset throughout the end of the month. Saturn and Mars are in the west after sunset. Venus and Jupiter are in the east before dawn. With the constant running of daily life we sometimes forget to enjoy what is right in front of us. We all need to refuel and the best way to do it is to just stop for a minute; enjoy your family, play with your kids and pets. It is amazing how a little “down time” will help you become a better parent, business person, student or whatever it is you are trying to achieve. Don’t let the wonders of nature fly by you. And it doesn’t need to cost a fortune, the Town of Colonie has 850 acres of land for recreational use, with facilities such as the Colonie Mohawk River Park and Pool, MohawkHudson Bikeway, Town Golf Course, 14 Pocket Parks, The Crossings of Colonie Park, Schuyler Flatts, Boght Baseball Complex, the South Colonie Sports Complex, and North Colonie Soccer Complex. There are 14 Pocket (Neighborhood) Parks throughout the Town. The locations include Maplewood, Forts Ferry, Roesselville, Loudonville, West Albany Memorial Park, Lishakill, Allegheny, California Avenue, Egan Memorial, BurnsWhitney, Maywood, Latham, Palma, and Stanford Heights. Among the facilities located within the parks are tennis and basketball courts, volleyball courts, softball fields, and children's play areas. Colonie offers a perfect balance of “metro” and “rural”. You can be shopping in some of the finest stores in the Capital District and 10 minutes later you can be strolling through one of the many dedicated recreational areas that the Town of Colonie has committed their resources to for you to enjoy. Colonie really does offer the best of both worlds. Businesses are thriving because people want to live here! The Phillips family arrived in Albany, in 1886. They started out as steamfitters and locksmiths, surviving a record blizzard the year they arrived the Phillips steadfast with their dream to have a family owned business. The next generation expanded into the hardware business and survived the Great Depression and World War II, A. Phillips Hardware has competed successfully with the large chains by offering exceptional customer service and giving that “down home feel” to their customers. Today, Jon Phillips, fifth generation of the Phillips family; manages the family-owned business which has grown from its original steamfitter and locksmith shop to a seven store chain, with locations in Albany, Colonie, Delmar, Waterford, Altamont, Schenectady and Voorheesville. Trader Joe’s has earmarked Colonie as an up and coming community that will support their unique offerings of non-genetically modified ingredients and proprietary products. Their new store has been drawing people from all over the Capital District. In the entrepreneurial spirit Gino Mazzucco owner of One Step Above, opened the beauty salon at 800 New Loudon Rd and Stephen Bliven (19 years old!) owner of Gelato Fresco is now serving scrumptious Gelato in Colonie Center. The Town of Colonie is experiencing a wonderful insurgence of 21st century businesses that are focused on keeping the community healthy and prosperous. Team Our Towne Colonie is proud to be a part of that insurgence and we hope you enjoy reading about all the good things happening in Colonie. Enjoy! ~Cheryll Hill
WHAT OUR EXPERTS ARE SAYING... Kathi Johnson of New to You Today’s Consignment Shops Shannon K. Keyes, Key2Joy What is this thing called Chair Yoga? Smith’s 783.SEAL Seacoating Are You Getting Ripped Off? Steven and Christine Sbardella, 518Realty.com Who’s Your Real Estate Broker/Agent? Tom Nolte, Colonie Chamber of Commerce Colonie Chamber Update Vic Bernstein AAMS, Edward Jones Investments Brush Up on Your Investment Education
ABOUT THE COVER... Since 1942 Lanthier’s Grove, is home of the Capital Region’s original clambake. Located in Latham, Lanthier's offers a covered space for group outings and old-fashioned picnics, as well as take-out meals of all sizes. Bob Belleard and crew specializes in clambakes, lobster bakes, chicken barbecues and steak roasts. Photo courtesy of David Pieniazek. Comments – Cheryll 280.5260 • cheryllotc@gmail.com Sales – David 320.5383 • david@ourtownecolonie.com Design – Karen 883.3872 • kgarriso@nycap.rr.com
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Plan Your Next Summer Outing at
Starting Time 12:00pm Kitchen Open 12:00 to 5pm • Beverages12:00 to 8:30pm
Weekday Picnic Price List for 2012
Noon-5pm Weekdays
ALL YOU CAN EAT BEER & WINE INCLUDED
Hot Dogs, Meat Sauce, Sauerkraut, 1⁄4 lb. Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Pulled Pork, Sausage and Peppers, RAW CLAM BAR, Chicken Wings, Spare Ribs, Clam Chowder, Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, Potato and Pasta Salad, Pickles, Potato Chips, Watermelon, Cookie
Only $25.95/Adult •$16.95/Kids 5-12 years 4 Dunsbach Ferry Road Cohoes 1.5 Miles North of Latham Circle Route 9 (New Loudon Road) on Corner of Dunsbach Ferry Road / Across from The Century House Restaurant 1/2 Mile North of Route 7 & I-87
Don’t Forget - We Have Takeout!!!
(518)
785-0515
www.lanthiersgrove.com
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FROM THE DESK OF TOM NOLTE Why become a member of the Colonie Chamber of Commerce? Membership in the Colonie Chamber of Commerce provides exclusive opportunities that benefit you AND your bottom line! We understand that every business is different but the goal is to be successful no matter what your expertise. No matter how many employees you have, even if it is just you, our Chamber benefits will help you reach that goal. The Chamber works on behalf of our members with government advocacy for their business. We also sponsor candidate debates to allow voters the opportunity to be educated on the issues important to them and their business. The Chamber provides our members with health insurance options for their employees and families. The plans provided by CDPHP, MVP and BSNENY along with Guardian Dental are administered locally by the Chamber's Benefit Administrator, Catherine O'Connor. Members of the Chamber have many opportunities to meet and network with other businesses. Whether you attend our monthly mixers, take part in our councils and committees or belong to one of our referral groups we have on-going programs to get you and your business out there in front of clients, customers and colleagues. The Chamber's Annual Dinner, Office Appreciation Lunch, Golf Day, Day at the Track, Taste of Colonie Fundraiser and Restaurant Weeks are annual events that provide quality networking that members look forward to. The Chamber offers our members a great deal of marketing assistance for their business. Our web-site, e-newsletters, annual Business and Area Profile Directory and e-blasts provide continued information regarding your business to other members as well as our community. If you're a new business, the Chamber's Events and Programs Coordinator, Kelsy Nevins is someone you want to speak to regarding a grand opening and ribbon cutting - our members love the Chamber's BIG SCISSORS as well as the support we give by issuing a press release, inviting local politicians, business leaders and fellow members and making sure pictures of your event are seen. Business education is an important benefit to Chamber members. On a monthly basis we present seminars by local experts geared to businesses, large and small. Whether you want to utilize social media, learn everything about Quick Books, sell more, get organized, stop procrastinating, become your brand and more, these seminars are geared to teach, inspire and motivate you and your staff. The Chamber also works to provide discounted programs to our members. Businesses can save on things like their payroll services, their energy bill and credit card processing. They also save on additional goods and services for their professional and personal needs thru the Chamber's member-tomember discount program. These are just some of the ways that businesses benefit from their Colonie Chamber of Commerce membership. To learn about these benefits and more please feel free to contact the Chamber at (518) 785-6995 or check out our web-site- www.coloniechamber.org or stop by our office at 950 New Loudon Rd (Rt 9) in Latham and remember that your business is important to you and at the Chamber - “Colonie is our Business�. -Tom Nolte, President Colonie Chamber of Commerce
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BRUSH UP ON YOUR INVESTMENT EDUCATION You don’t need to have young children to be keenly aware that we’ve reached that “back-to-school” time of year. Whether you’re shopping for school supplies or not, you may want to take a cue from this season to think about getting a little more education yourself - specifically, investment education. Many people find the language of investing to be confusing, but with a little effort, you can learn important concepts and principles. And the more you know about investing, the better off you’ll be because, in the investment world as in other areas of life, knowledge is power. So take just a few minutes to read more on these basic investment concepts: GROWTH - You purchase some types of investments with the hope that their value will rise over time. Of course, over the short term, the prices of growth-oriented investments can and will fluctuate, sometimes substantially, and the preservation of your principal is not guaranteed. INCOME - When you invest in income-oriented or fixed-income vehicles, you receive income in the form of interest payments. The market value of fixed-income investments can also fluctuate, but if you hold them until maturity, you can generally expect to receive the original principal value. INVESTMENT RISK - When most people talk about investment risk, they are usually referring to the possibility of losing money - and that is indeed an ever-present risk. But all investments carry some type of risk. When you invest in fixed-income investments, for example, you may incur interest rate risk - the risk that the value of your investment will drop if interest rates rise. Or you may encounter purchasing power risk - the risk that your rate of return may not keep up with inflation. RISK TOLERANCE - Generally speaking, your risk tolerance refers to what type of investor you are. If you’re an aggressive investor, you may be willing to accept greater risk in exchange for potentially higher returns, whereas if you’re a conservative investor, you’ll take lower returns if you can receive greater preservation of principal. TIME HORIZON - Your investment strategy will be partially based on your time horizon - the number of years in which you plan to invest. Your time horizon will likely stretch into your retirement years. DIVERSIFICATION - Diversification is an important factor in investment success. By spreading your investment dollars among an array of investment vehicles, you can help reduce the impact of volatility on your portfolio, although diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss. While far from exhaustive, this list of investment terms can help you gain a clearer understanding of the “nuts and bolts” of investing - and perhaps encourage you to further your investment “education.” Vic Bernstein AAMS, Edward Jones Investments 960 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110 518-783-1590 This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
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CLEANING OUT THE CLUTTER Happy Summer, Everyone! As August slowly makes it's way towards the new school year, it's time to start attacking the clutter in your home. Begin with recycling newspapers and old magazines-are you really going to read that article from 5 years ago? Clean your desk and files and throw out any unimportant paper and envelopes. One by one, clean all the closets and junk drawers. Have a late summer yard sale and make a clean sweep of your basement, shed and garage. Donate any leftover useful items and clothing to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Make a list of what you want to accomplish and prioritize each project. The list will help remind you of where you are at and will keep you focused as you tackle each item. Work on only one or two at a time and don't worry about the others. Once you start accomplishing some current challenges, you can go back to your list to choose another one to work on. Communicate with your family the particular tasks ask for their assistancetry to assign each task to each family member. Include even small childrenthey will be beaming with pride as they help out! Vincent Coppola, Owner of Scrapster Scrap Metal Removal/Recycling Service For more information or to schedule an appointment call Vince at (518) 505-5055. Please visit their website at www.scrapster.com Scrapster is a locally owned business and is the Capital Region's premier NO COST scrap metal removal and recycling service. They also provide low cost junk/debris removal and clean outs. Everything is properly recycled, disposed, re-used or donated. Additionally, Scrapster is a New York State DEC approved collection site for the free drop off of computers, monitors, televisions and all electronic devices. Scrapster is insured, reliable, convenient and able to provide top Quality same day pick up when required.
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ARE YOU GETTING RIPPED OFF BY A CONTRACTOR? As a retired Colonie police officer and a reputable business owner, I feel compelled to try to inform people on how to identify a less than honest contractor. It continues to happen, even though contractor scams have been exposed in the local news. Keep in mind, some of these people are con artists, they play on your emotions and pressure you to commit to give them your money. They may “con”vince you to feel sorry for them, intimidate you, and/or give you an offer that you have to accept quickly to get this great “deal”. Some are desperate people and are in desperate need of your money. They may be good people, but they end up promising you the world and don't fulfill these promises. They end up cutting corners to put more money in their pocket and you don't realize this until long after you have paid them. Or, once they get a decent chunk of your money, they just don't show up to do or finish the work. Others get in over their head, either due to a lack of experience or they missed something at the time of the estimate. But rather than explain this to the customer and try to work something out, they become desperate and do what desperate people do… desperate acts.
WARNING SIGNS The contractor is using low budget soliciting methods. This may be an inexpensive ad, someone arriving on your property unannounced, cheap flyers on your door or mailbox or signs placed along the road where they have not done a job. The offer from the contractor seems to be a great deal. Remember, you do get what you pay for. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. The contractor offers you a today only price. This is a pressure tactic and you should wonder why this person is pressuring you. A lack of specific written information for the work that will be done. The work should be explained in detail, with a step by step process. You want this to compare apples to apples between contractors. There is a lack of a legitimate business name on any paperwork or advertising. You want this to check out the business for any past complaints. There is a lack of a legitimate business location, not a post office box. You want to see an actual street address. You will need this in case you need to pursue any legal action against the business. If you do have to pursue any legal action, you will most likely have to do this where the business is located. Be wary of someone from out of town. Verify the business name and
address with the phone book listing or internet search. The contractor can't provide insurance information. Every contractor with insurance at least knows the name of their insurance carrier and agent's name/location. This information can be easily verified with a phone call to the agent. Simply call the agent, tell them who you are dealing with and the work they are proposing to do. Most agents will verify this over the phone and your insurance company will be glad you did, especially if someone gets hurt on your property and/or causes property damage, due to the work being done and the contractor isn't insured. The contractor is operating with only a cell phone for a contact phone number. Cell phone numbers are easily changed and taken out of service, plus cell numbers don't help to verify where a contractor truly operates. The contractor refuses to provide personal identification. If you are unsure about a contractor, ask to see their driver's license. If they do provide identification, be sure to look at their picture on the license, compare that picture to their face to make sure it is in fact their license. Also, be sure to look at their address to see if it makes sense with their business information. Beware if the address is from out of the area or they give you some excuse as to why they don't have a license. The contractor's vehicle doesn't match with what they are offering. If they are proposing to do work which requires a specific type of vehicle, for example a truck, but they are not driving that type of vehicle, ask them what they will use to do the work. Beware of a vehicle with out of state plates. Also, keep in mind that vehicle license plates can easily be stolen and switched from another vehicle. A deposit is required to start the work. This may be acceptable if it is for a large project and the deposit is a small part of the total cost. If the deposit is for a significant amount of the total cost this should raise a red flag. You need to ask yourself why doesn't this person have the financial backing to do the work without a deposit? If the deposit is to cover the materials, then see if you can pay the supplier of the materials, when the materials arrive at your location. Again, you would want to ask yourself, why doesn't this person have any credit with their supplier? The payments are to be made by check to an individual, or cash. This is a sign that the
person does not have a legitimate bank account in the business name. Also, if you do this, you may not have any recourse against the business. The contractor doesn't have an established reputation at stake. If this is the case, what do they have to risk if you are not satisfied with the work? (Especially, after they have been paid.) The contractor can't provide references. You should ask for references from recent work and work from some time ago in your area. Keep in mind that references can be staged through friends and relatives. Don't rely on pictures either, pictures can hide flaws in the work, plus who knows if they are showing you pictures of work they actually did. You can't verify the contractor's complaint history with the Better Business Bureau. If a contractor has an established business he should have some type of rating with the BBB. If the rating is less than an A, look to see why. In all fairness, sometimes a contractor may have a complaint against them and not know about it. Or it has been resolved and not reported to the BBB. The BBB is also a good source for other agencies that can assist you, depending on your location and the type of work being done. The contractor has a negative history with the state attorney general. If the business is from out of state, be sure to check with that state also. These warning signs should be used only as a guide. Don't make your decision on a single sign alone. Chances are, if you go by this guide you will come across as an informed person, a less than honest contractor will most likely get scared off and move on to someone else. Remember too, if you are getting a bad feeling from someone, go with that feeling and call your local police. The police would rather get a call from you, even if you are wrong or there isn't much they can do. It is better to hear from you sooner, rather than after that person has moved on and ripped off one of your neighbors. Plus, if this person is legitimate, they wouldn't mind talking to the police anyway. Also, try not to let this person know you are calling the police. It works much better if they are surprised. What this all comes down to is the single question, “Can I trust this person to give me what I am paying for?” This is especially important in the pavement business, because there are many ways to cut corners without your knowledge.
Phil Trifaro, owner of 783-SEAL, Smith's Paving and Sealing • 518-783-SEAL (7325) • www.783seal.com
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Spend $25 or more at Cartridge World Latham and receive a $25 DOLLAR DINING DOUGH CARD FREE!
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I am a vegetarian and The Fresh Healthy Café is one of my favorite places to get delicious, healthy, and fresh smoothies (their fresh squeezed orange and apple juice are amazing too!). The Pomegranate Punch smoothie is a personal favorite. Pomegranate-blueberry juice, non-fat frozen yogurt, blueberries, and strawberries are all used in making this one. A recipe that is almost as good that I call the Fruit Kick is below. If you don’t have any pomegranate juice I have found that orange juice works well also. Low fat or light ice cream is a nice substitution for frozen yogurt too if that is what you have in the house.
Fruit Kick 3 tablespoons of blueberries 3 tablespoons of raspberries 3 large strawberries, leaves removed
3 tablespoons of pomegranate juice 1/3 cup of 1% lowfat or skim milk 1 tablespoon of honey
Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. This is a delicious and healthy snack. A little tip for other kids like me - it keeps parents happy because it’s healthy and you happy because it is SO GOOD! I encourage you to try making it yourself, but have your parents permission to use the blender! - Brie Di Pietro, vegetarian kid with a sweet tooth ;)
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WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED CHAIR YOGA? Yoga has become very popular in recent years, but has been around for thousands of years. Yoga has gained such mainstream recognition because it is… very flexible! This means there is a type of yoga for everyone. When people think of yoga, they often think of yogis who can bend and twist themselves into amazing positions. Sure this is yoga, but regardless of your physical condition, level of flexibility, age, or other limitations, there is a yoga that can offer you wonderful benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. If you don't see yourself using your legs as a necktie you may still reap the benefits of a regular practice by attending a Chair Yoga class. Chair Yoga is a modification of traditional Hatha Yoga (the yoga of physical processes and movement) which uses a chair to support and align the body. In this way, if you have difficulties with flexibility or balance, you have support. If you are fit and flexible, the chair can be used as a wonderful prop to aid you in surrendering and properly aligning the body. You explore to YOUR level of comfort, working to your ability with no competition. The most important aspect of participation is listening when your body gives you feedback and breathing deeply. If you can do that, you will enjoy Chair Yoga!
My dream is of a place in time where America will once again be seen as the last, best hope of Earth. -Abe Lincoln
In Chair Yoga, movements are made with intension and focus on the breath to stretch and strengthen the body. These movements called poses or “asanas” promote emotional release (especially tension), and stimulate proper function of organs and glands throughout the body. A regular yoga practice provides: • stress and pain relief; • increases strength; and • improves coordination, balance, flexibility, mobility, body alignment and posture, breathing, circulation. Explore the possibility that chair yoga may be just the “thing” for you! Shannon K. Keyes, Certified Hypnotist • Registered Yoga Instructor Key2Joy 145 Vly Road #6, Shaker Pine Plaza, Niskayuna, NY 12309 518-598-6968
FLIGHT OF LOCKS, WATERFORD In 1903 it was decided to enlarge the old Erie Canal, and in the eastern section the canal was moved into the Mohawk River by creating a system of dams and locks. When the Erie-Barge Canal opened in 1917, five large locks on the Waterford side of the canal replaced the original sixteen locks that had brought the old canal through Cohoes. The Erie-Barge Canal has 36 locks that lift a vessel from the Waterford level of 15.2 feet to the Lake Erie level of 565.6 feet. The most spectacular rise occurs at the Waterford flight of five locks near Cohoes Falls in the Mohawk River. These raise the level from 15.2 feet to 180 feet. The five locks occupy an area of 1.5 miles, and the lifts range from 32.5 feet to 34.5 feet. A park with picnic tables and a boat launch is located around these five locks. The Champlain Cross Cut Canal is alongside Barge Canal Lock 2. Directly north and south of Lock 2 is a stretch of the old Champlain Canal and its towpath. Information provided by the 2012 Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Coalition, Inc http://mohawktowpath.homestead.com/
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629 Albany-Shaker Road Loudonville (518) 458.9274 www.colonie.org/LIBRARY
PROGAMS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST/SEPTEMBER LIBRARY GENERATED PROGRAMS AUGUST 27: BE RED CROSS READY This is a presentation that teaches simple and effective steps people can take to protect themselves and loved ones during emergencies in under an hour. Be Red Cross Ready teaches participants to build an emergency preparedness kit, make a plan and stay informed. Suitable for all ages. Presented by the Preparedness Team from the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York. Reservations are required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314. At 6:30 PM. SEPTEMBER 13: OVERDRIVE DOWNLOADABLE EBOOKS Learn the basics of downloading digital ebooks from our free Overdrive service. You will learn the basics of the .pdf and .epub formats for digital ebooks and how to search for and check out titles from our digital catalog (digitalcollection.uhls.org). Downloadable Ebooks from our free Overdrive service can be transferred to PC's, Ipad's, and select eReaders, such as the Nook or Sony readers, as long as you have a valid library card number. Please note, the Kindle eReader is now compatible with the Overdrive downloadable service. Feel free to bring your laptop and/or eReader so that we can practice after class. Class size is limited and registration is required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314. From 2:00-3:30 PM.
SEPTEMBER 17: NOON BOOK REVIEW Talk 1300's Melody Burns will kick off our Noon Book Review series with a review of the new book What The (Bleep) Just Happened: The Happy Warrior's Guide To The Great American Comeback by Monica Crowley. At 12:15 PM.
SEPTEMBER 23 : FALL FILM SERIES: CHILDREN OF HEAVEN On the fourth Sunday of the next three months the Library will present a Fall Film Series.All films will begin at 2:00 PM.First up on Sunday,September 23rd,we will show “Children of Heaven” wherein two children concoct an elaborate scheme to cover up the loss of a pair of shoes in this family drama from Iran. The film earned enthusiastic reviews around the world and won the Grand Prix du Americas at the 1997 Montreal Film Festival. It was more popular with movie goers than the critics. Released in 1997. On October 28th,“The Kite Runner” will be screened. “Finding Neverland” director Marc Forster adapts author Khaled Hosseini's critically acclaimed novel about two childhood best friends forever torn apart as their country is ravaged by endless war and bitter strife in this 2007 movie which prompted numerous discussions as the book became popular for book discussion groups. Finally, on November 25th, “Caramel” will be shown. Caramel, released in 2007, is both an astute cultural study and a charming comedic drama from talented newcomer, Nadine Labaki, where a Beirut beauty salon serves as a microcosm of modern society in this look at liberated conversation in a conflicted society. At 2:00 PM.
SEPTEMBER 27: OVERDRIVE DOWNLOADABLE AUDIOBOOKS Come in and learn the basics of downloading digital audiobooks from our free Overdrive service. You will learn the basics of the MP3 and WMA formats and how to search for and check out audio titles from our digital catalog (digitalcollection.uhls.org). In general, if you have an MP3 player, a PC, an Ipod or a smartphone you can download audiobooks free of charge using your library card number. We will then transfer the digital title to an MP3 device. The Overdrive service is free of charge to use, as long as you have a valid library card number. Feel free to bring your laptop and/or players so that we can practice after class. Class size is limited to 8 participants and registration is required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314. At 10:00 AM. (Training/Conference Room)
SEPTEMBER 30 : SONNY AND PERLEY PRESENT SHE WROTE THE SONG: A TRIBUTE TO THE FEMALE COMPOSERS FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF POPULAR SONG Last December the musical duo of Sonny and Perley gave a wonderful “Great American Songbook” concert here. On Sunday
September 30th at 2:00 PM they will be returning with their program “She Wrote the Song: A Tribute to the Female Composers From the Golden Age of Popular Song.”This program, Sonny writes,“highlights music written or co-written by women composers, many of whom in the early decades of popular song had to struggle for recognition and acceptance in their field. Composers and lyricists being celebrated are Dorothy Fields, who co-wrote classics such as The Way You Look Tonight and I'm In The Mood For Love, Ann Ronell who gave us Willow Weep For Me, and Carolyn Leigh who penned the classic Young At Heart. Peggy Lee, Edith Piaf, and other significant international and contemporary composers may be included as well.”At 2:00 PM.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS AUGUST 3-30: LINDA TRACZ ART EXHIBIT The exhibit will be on display from August 3-30.
AUGUST 25: CAPITAL DISTRICT GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY: LOOKING FOR MY ANCESTORS Members and guests are invited to share surprising discoveries they made in researching their ancestors. Contribute your unusual findings or just listen for possible clues to breaking through your brick wall. German and Irish Special Interest Groups at Noon.The Computer Group begins at 1:00 PM followed by social time at 2:00 PM. The speaker/program begins at 2:30 PM.
AUGUST 29: RETIREMENT INCOME IQ Learn what you need to know when preparing for retirement. Discussion of key retirement issues to be aware of, including: spending vs. saving; pension plans; living longer; and inflation. Presented by representatives of MetLife Financial Services. Reservations are required and seating is limited; call the Information Desk at 810-0314. At 5:00 PM. (Training/Conference Room)
SEPTEMBER 8: PAST & PRESENT: EMBROIDERERS GUILD OF AMERICA A brief history of the guild, showing of samples of kinds of embroidery, and a question/answer session where items brought by guests can be shared and identified. Presented by Delta Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. At 1:00 PM.
SEPTEMBER 9: TINA LINCER ART EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTION The exhibit of oils and collages will be on view from September 4-27.The reception is from 2:00-4:00 PM.
SEPTEMBER 10: AARP of Colonie-Chapter 2873- At 1:00 PM. SEPTEMBER 10: HUDSON MOHAWK BIRD CLUB: BIRDING WHILE SOUND ASLEEP OR USING FLIGHT CALLS TO FOLLOW BIRD MIGRATION Many birds, including warblers and sparrows, migrate at night, and they call as they fly. Some species can be identified from their calls either by listening or by viewing sonograms. For several years David Martin has been following the progress of fall migration by recording nocturnal flight calls at two locations in Albany County. He detects hundreds of calls on some nights and many thousands of calls each season. He will show how to identify birds from flight calls and present some of his results on the migration individual species. He also will discuss the relationship of flight call counts to wind, weather and radar observations. One of his goals is to develop baseline values for the timing of fall migration, as such data could be useful for observing changes in migration timing in response to climate change. Speaker David Martin is a retired biochemist and neuroscientist. He is a lifelong birder and has been recording natural sounds for many years. Some of these recordings can be found on his website naturebits.org. He is one of the many former presidents of the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club. At 7:00 PM.
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SUMMER HAIR STYLING & BEAUTY FOCUS TIPS
Answers can be found on page 29
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Dossier 5. Wakefulness 10. Apiary 14. Out of control 15. Absurd 16. Auspices 17. Circuit 19. Nameless 20. Ottoman officer 21. Excuse 22. Filched 23. Delineate 25. Fertilizer ingredient 27. One more than nine 28. Precise 31. Continuation of the coat collar 34. Thick woolen fabric 35. Unruly crowd 36. Throat-clearing sound 37. Plank 38. Happy cat sound 39. Put clothing on 40. Gander 41. Zest 42. Canine tooth 44. Transgression 45. Fangs 46. Definitive 50. Brass musical instruments 52. Moses' brother 54. American Sign Language 55. Quaint outburst 56. Satisfactory 58. Countertenor 59. They make wool 60. Parasitic insect 61. Adolescent 62. Annoying 63. Exam
1. Unit of capacitance 2. Picture 3. Neighborhood 4. Barely manage 5. Fiddle 6. Eskimo 7. Dress 8. Disingenuous 9. Downwind 10. Fastball (baseball slang) 11. Uneducated person 12. Six-stringed instrument 13. Feudal worker 18. Dromedary 22. An upright in a wall 24. Bit of gossip 26. Chilled 28. Flooded 29. Legal wrong 30. River of Spain 31. Stow, as cargo 32. Greeting at sea 33. Pass into or through 34. Odontalgia 37. Car trunk (British) 38. Jests 40. "Comes and ____" 41. Goliath 43. Sinew 44. Lacking neatness 46. Stream 47. Expensive fur 48. Small islands 49. Shoe stud 50. Warmth 51. Leer at 53. Air force heroes 56. Venomous snake 57. Astern
Do you want instant & remarkable results on your summer stressed hair? Colored, highlighted or all natural, there are tons of beauty focus tips that are easy to achieve to bring you through the summer with style while maintaining the integrity of your hair. Two main focuses should be the day-to-day styling & your weekly TLC, which is any at home healing treatment. Day-to-Day, natural oils that accumulate are good frizz fighters in the humidity. Only lather up a few times a week & in between use a dry shampoo, like KMS Makeover Spray. Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo on cleansing days may leave you with out your favorite suds, but will lead to hydrated, stronger hair with less breakage. L’ANZA, a healing haircare company has created products that contain Flower Shield Complex with keratin, UVA/UVB protectors & anti-fade components naturally found in flowers. Using high performance products like these, sold in salons only may cost a little more initially, but in the long run, you are guaranteed Beautiful Hair! Hot summer day at the pool followed by a to-do-list longer than your pony tail? Try out a wet bun! The trick is to keep it looking wet even when it dries. Coat your tresses with a leave-in conditioner, like L’ANZA Color-Preserving Trauma Treatment, sleek back into hair-tie & mist down with a light hairspray for the finishing touch. Braids are styling the runways right now too! Follow the same steps, but don’t make it to neat. Gently tug on some random pieces for a more textured look, then when it dries & you take it down, you’ll instantly have soft subtle waves for the evening time! Maintaining the integrity of your hair starts at home & as stylists, it’s our job to educate you how to do this. With the increase of chemicals, thermal styling & environmental aggressors, over 80% of salon clients are seeking solutions. After your stylist does their job, you have to do your homework! In salon treatments are recommended 1x a month & at-home treatments are recommended 1x a week. Follow these guidelines, just like the celebrities do & you’ll have magazine-ready hair in no time! April Seyboth-McAllister, Owner & Stylist, A & Company Salon 518.482.4244 • 1321 Central Ave. Albany 12205
For Advertising Call David 320.5383 or Email david@ourtownecolonie.com
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FEATURED BUSINESS
945 Watervliet Shaker Road
518-869-3662 www.shakershedfarm.com A little Country in Colonie. Pictured left to right: Bridget Brizzell, David Brizzell, Laura Lind & Benjamin Brizzell
The Shaker Shed was founded in 1974 when David and Bridget Brizzell decided they would try to sell pansies off a wagon at the side of the road. Farming has always been a tradition in both founder’s families. In 1919, David's grandfather, William Brizzell, Jr., bought property in Loudonville, on which he farmed gladiolus, chrysanthemums, and other flowers. William's son Andrew inherited the farm and grew flowers and vegetables. Andrew passed down his interest in farming to his sons, including David, who peddled vegetables up and down the road, preparing for life as a store owner. Bridget’s family, the Colemans, also had a vegetable farm on Old Niskayuna Road. Circa 1935, Paul Coleman and his brothers purchased the land formerly owned by the Shakers. After the brothers left the business, Paul farmed the land with his nephew, Richard Hoeffer, who can still be seen working around the farm. Paul married Helen Norris, whose family owned a chicken farm on Albany Shaker Road. Paul's second daughter, Bridget, married David, and the rest is history.
Today, the family farms ten acres, has eleven greenhouses, bakes pies and cookies, sells crafts, gift items and small Amish furniture. They sell fresh produce and flowers, and also have a Café that that is open 9am - 3pm daily. No matter what the season is, spring through the holidays, Shaker Shed has what you need to beautify your gardens and homes; and fill your table with with fresh seasonal produce and baked goods. From seedlings to Christmas trees, Shaker Shed has it all.
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For Advertising Call David 320.5383 or Email david@ourtownecolonie.com
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$6 OFF ANY BRING IN 5 DRY CLEANING SHIRTS & THE ORDER OF $30 OR MORE 6TH IS FREE
Excludes Leather, Suedes, Tailoring and Same Day Service. Incoming orders only with coupon. Not valid with other offers. Expires 10/31/12. OTC August
Incoming orders only with coupon. Not valid with same day service or other offers. Expires 10/31/12. OTC August
For Advertising Call David 320.5383 or Email david@ourtownecolonie.com
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WHO’S YOUR REAL ESTATE BROKER/AGENT? Christine and I sat at an open house not long ago, we had a great turn out! As we spoke to the customers coming through, and asked a few questions, we realized something that shocked us! When we asked what they were looking for and what their price point was, location etc., they were all quick to answer with, for the most part, very definitive answers. All of these buyers primarily knew what they wanted. We asked them to supply the name of their real estate agent and company with which their agent was affiliated. To our amazement, most of these potential buyers had no idea the last name or the correct name of the company they were being represented by! Buyers and sellers get caught up in interest rates, down payments, and commission rates. At some point these are valid areas of concern. But don’t you think the agent’s name, company and qualifications, not to mention the reputation of the agent that they are putting all of their hard earned money in charge of would be an important fact! We aren’t talking about a sales person deciding which sweater looks best on you, this is your home, a 30 year commitment for most buyers and for many sellers an emotional transaction. They know nothing about the person in charge of making all this happen. What should buyers and sellers know about their Broker/agent before they hire them? Should you know how long they have been in the business? How about if they own real estate themselves? Have they ever been a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction? Choosing the wrong agent could be a detriment to you and cost you thousands of dollars and time.
You need an advocate, someone to tell you if what you want to purchase or sell is in fact saleable in the future. Real estate isn’t just about the commission, interest rates, or even prices. It is about choosing a sound investment that you can use and eventually sell when the time comes. Shouldn’t your Realtor/Broker be just as sound of an investment? We want to be your advocate! Don’t sign a contract until you have heard our honest opinion. We promise to be non bias, no matter what your situation is. We’ve sold hundreds of properties and know the local market. 518Realty is a locally owned brokerage located in the heart of Colonie at 1571 Central Avenue. We have a reputation of being honest, straight forward and always putting our clients’ interests first. This has enabled us to continually grow even in a tougher market. We primarily work by referral and are never too busy for clients. Whether you, or someone you know, is in the market or going to be shortly, please pass our info on to them and we will prove why we are considered Local Real Estate Experts. Steven and Christine Sbardella (518) 209-8221 • 518Realty.com
At twenty years of age the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment. -Benjamin Franklin
For Advertising Call David 320.5383 or Email david@ourtownecolonie.com
CONSIGNMENT SHOPPING IN TODAY'S WORLD If you haven't been consignment shopping lately then you may be in for a very pleasant surprise if you give it a try! Back in the “Old Days” consignment shops were unorganized, filled with cramped racks with mostly out-dated styles. The smell of moth balls filled the air, well worn shoes scattered the floors. Consignment stores were more like permanent Rummage Sales, well NOT ANY MORE! Today's Consignment Shops are usually run by very fashion conscious woman (and a few men). Well decorated, filled with organized merchandized racks separated into sizes, casual, dressy clothing that is not out-dated and has been inspected by the store owner for stains and cleanliness. You'll find current styles, many one-of-a-kind items; several with their original tags on them. At New 2 You you will walk through the door and feel as though you just entered an upscale boutique; until you look at the prices! Our fashions are updated less than 3 years old) clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry. We also carry some lovely home goods. We believe unwanted items deserve a second chance. What may not look good in someone else's home may be perfect for yours! You can save up to 80% on Banana Republic, Ann Taylor , Gap, Dooney & Burke, Ralph Lauren just to name a few. Let New 2 You be your first stop to find those wardrobe fill-ins, 1st date outfit, date night outfit, or an interviewing outfit. You can save money, look awesome, be totally in style AND receive personal style consulting by me ... Kathi Johnson-owner. Are your closets spilling over with clothes that aren't quite right for you? Would you like to make some extra $$$$?? Then get busy cleaning out your closets for fall!! Give me a call at 518.785.0028 to set up an appointment to bring in your gently worn (or that purchase that just didn't work out) fall/winter fashions and home goods that need a new home.
Answers can be found on page 22
Items must be clean, smoke-free and on hangers 3 years old or younger (No suits or long gowns accepted). I will take what I feel I can sell for you. We split the amount of the sale with you, we do the work and you collect money for your unwanted items. I keep your items displayed for 34 months. What doesn't sell you can either pick up or I will donate your items to The City Mission. New 2 You is located in the Peter Harris Plaza Latham, NY 12110 952 Troy-Schenectady Road. New 2 You • 518.785.0028 Open Tuesday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-4
Spot Color Page
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This is Cooper! He is a 3 year old neutered male, completely Vet checked and vaccinated (thanks to Sand Creek Animal Hospital!) He was neglected and unwanted, left alone to figure things out for himself. After a bit of formal training in our care, he has become an amazing dog, he just needs to be in a home who can handle a 92 lb. adolescent, not a good fit in a home with very young children or smaller pets. He is eager to please and wants desperately to be a companion to a dog lover! Please contact me, Tracy at HeartsHerd Animal Sanctuary at Tracy@heartsherd.com or 469-9220 for more information or to come visit him!
One of the most common calls we get at the animal hospital this time of year is from a client who just pulled a tick off their dog or cat. When it comes to ticks the most important things to remember are prevention, screening, treatment and what to do about cats. Due to the prevalence of tick borne disease in the Capitol District, we strongly recommend using flea and tick preventions year round. There are many different tick prevention available both through veterinarians and over the counter (at your local pet supply store) which can sometimes make the decision of what to use very difficult. We strongly recommend getting preventions through your veterinarian because it is very common to see reactions to the over the counter preventions. This is extremely important for cats because some of the products are very toxic to felines. It is also important to remember that while preventions are very good, none of them can stop one hundred percent of all tick attachment. That is why even with monthly prevention application, keeping your dog’s Lyme vaccine up to date is very important. The two most common tick borne diseases in the Capital District are Lyme and Anaplasmosis. We are able to avoid many Lyme exposures through the proper use of prevention in combination with vaccination. Currently Lyme is the only locally endemic tick borne disease that we have a vaccine for. There is not currently a vaccine available for Anaplasmosis. The clinical symptoms associated with Lyme and Anaplasmosis are generally similar. Decreased appetite, lethargy, fever and lameness are the most commonly reported issues and pets infected with Lyme are more typically symptomatic. Some patients come in very
painful and sick. Thankfully they usually respond quickly to antibiotics. Lyme disease in a small percentage of dogs can become Lyme nephritis where irreversible damage occurs in the kidneys. Anaplasmosis can affect the red blood cells if left untreated so screening is important. Believe it or not most pets that are infected with Lyme or Anaplasmosis are completely asymptomatic. That combined with the lack of vaccine for Anaplasmosis makes having your dog tested once a year for heartworm and tick borne diseases very important. At Sand Creek Animal Hospital we are currently using an in house snap test that will test for Heartworm, Lyme, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichia. The test can be completed in 8 minutes. Ehrlichia is another tick borne disease that we see occasionally in dogs that have traveled up from the south. It is not currently endemic in our area. The first time a dog tests positive for Lyme or Anaplasmosis they are treated with Doxycycline, an oral antibiotic, for 3 weeks. After treatment it is common for dogs to continue to test positive for the next few years, but with proper prevention application and vaccination we are usually able to get a negative test. Tick borne diseases at this time do not seem to be as big of a problem in cats. Cats can get ticks attached to them and the organisms can be transmitted to them but cats generally do not get sick from the infection. Despite the lack of disease development we do recommend the use of monthly preventions on cats. It is very important that products containing an insecticide called permethrin not be used on cats. They can have a very severe reaction including tremors, seizures, coma and eventually death if left untreated. Permethrin are present in many over the counter products so make sure you consult a veterinarian before applying any products to cats. David Sonnekalb D.V.M. • Sand Creek Animal Hospital 130 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY 12205 • 518-446-9171
For Advertising Call David 320.5383 or Email david@ourtownecolonie.com
Starting at $24,995
Starting at $11,995
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