LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 11 • Issue 14 • April 8– April 14, 2016
Hospital Expansion:
President and CEO of Saratoga Hospital Angelo Calbone.
Saratoga Spring Commissioner of Public Saftey Christian Mathiesen.
A Warm Winter Weather’s Impact On Our Pocket
Saratoga County. In fact, prior to receiving 6 inches of surprise snow on April 4, only 10 inches fell over SARATOGA SPRINGS — Anyone the course of the entire winter. This that has lived “It’s better budget-wise for strange winter in Upstate New county residents. We can put that brought with York for some money back into the general fund it some intertime will know and do projects we may not have esting consethat this past quences for the been able to do otherwise.” winter was an local economy, anomaly. Record-breaking warm affecting businesses, local governtemperatures and sparse snowfall ment and winter activities, both posimade for a winter landscape of green tively and negatively. grass and blue skies throughout
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480
A Decision For Many In The Hands of A Few
by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY
SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga Hospital is a private, nonprofit entity that is responsible for providing much of the wellness, chronic, urgent and life-saving medical care needed in a county with a population of more than 226,000 people, as of the 2015 U.S. Census estimate. Anticipating future medical care needs, the hospital recently proposed an expansion. Members of the neighborhood surrounding the proposed expansion near the hospital’s Church Street location have raised concerns about the impact the expansion would have on their property values, the noise level, the traffic, and quality of life concerns.
The hospital and the neighborhood have had their lawyers appear before the Saratoga Springs City Council, and both have had their representatives and allies speak at public hearings, standing up and explaining their views in hopes of finding common ground. The one group that the City Council has not heard much from, however, is the largest group – the two hundred thousand people who do not reside in Saratoga Springs, yet count on Saratoga Hospital to be at peak performance 24 hours a day seven days a week. “I represent the 28,000 people of Saratoga Springs,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen. “We have a very active population of See Saratoga Hospital pg. 10
City Center Parking Structure Passes, 3-2
See pg. 34- 36
40 Years:
Center for the Family See pg. 32
Inside TODAY Blotter 5 Obituaries 6-7 Business 14-16 Families Today
19-27
Education 30-31 Pulse 42-45
by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY
See Warm Winter pg. 11
Voting Continues
Sports 51-55
Weekend Forecast by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY “The decision last night was an exciting move forward, not only for the City Center - but also for the business community as a whole. There was a huge response from civic leadership that proves the legitimacy of the need and quality of the project. The City Center is excited to continue to move forward with this project and bring it to reality so it can be an asset to the entire community. See City Center pg. 12
FRIDAY
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Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Man on the Street “If you could become a part of any TV family, which would you choose to join?”
“The Bunkers from All in the Family” — Sean Gilooly (left), from Saratoga Springs “The family on Alf” —Dave Iman (right), from Saratoga Springs
“The Geller family from Friends” — Mary Kate Rogan, from Saratoga Springs
“The Walking Dead family” — Anthony Sarti, from Saratoga Springs
“The Waltons” — Jacob Weakland, from Saratoga Springs
“Full House”— Sam Vogel, from Northborough, Massachusetts
“Any of the families on Modern Family” — Lauren White (left), from Rochester “The Grey family on Grey’s Anatomy”—Cassandra McMartin (right), from Albany
“The Griffins on Family Guy” — James Vanderhorn, with his pup Vaugn, from Saratoga Springs
“The Costanza family on Seinfeld” — Alex Wilson (right) , from Saratoga Springs “The Incredibles” — Brook Lossman (left), from Saratoga Springs
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
NEWS 3
Senator Marchione and FASNY Announce Firefighter Recruitment Initiative SARATOGA COUNTY — On Wednesday, April 6, Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I – Halfmoon) held a press conference at the State Capitol to announce the kick-off of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York’s (FASNY) annual “Recruit NY Weekend,” a statewide initiative that promotes the recruitment of new volunteer firefighters. Senator Marchione was joined by John D’Alessandro, Secretary for FASNY, and David Quinn, FASNY’s Chief Administrative Officer. “Recruit NY Weekend,” taking place Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24, is a
Senator Kathy Marchione (center) with Caitlin D’Alessandro (left), Firefighter/ EMT with Halfmoon Fire Rescue, and Danielle Haas (right), with the Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Department. Photo provided.
recruitment and retention initiative that highlights the need and benefits of becoming a volunteer firefighter. During the weekend, departments across the state are encouraged to
New York State Senator Kathy Marchione (pictured center, at podium) during the April 6 press conference at the State Capitol. Senator Marchione partnered with FASNY to kick-off of the upcoming "Recruit NY Weekend" initiative being held April 23-24. Photo provided.
open their doors and invite the community in. Open houses will provide information about the membership process, free training programs, responsibilities, and what a typical day for a volunteer firefighter involves. Individuals can learn about volunteering benefits, such as tax breaks offered by the state and some local communities. Senator Marchione also announced at the press conference that she has successfully secured $250,000 as part of the state budget to support the recruitment and retention of local volunteer firefighters. For more information about “Recruit NY Weekend,” visit its official website at recruitny.org.
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WEEK IN REVIEW
Adam Rupeka, Girlfriend Confirmed Dead in Mexico TROY — On Wednesday, April 6, State Department officials confirmed the death of Adam Rupeka, the man notorious for flipping off a Saratoga Springs Police Officer and flying a drone into the New York State Capitol. Rupeka, 36, and his girlfriend
Jennifer Ogburn, 26, were earlier charged with sexual abuse, and both were expected to show up at Troy City Court on Friday, April 1. They did not appear. The couple had recently posted a video of them supposedly crossing the Canadian border in an attempt
to escape from authorities. But a Mexican newspaper reported that the couple had died from an overdose in a Tijuana hotel room. Upon receiving confirmation, Troy Police officials said that all warrants will be voided by the courts.
Inmate Arrested for Attempting to Escape from Police at Saratoga Hospital SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Saratoga County jail inmate is facing charges for attempting to escape a deputy and harming a hospital worker while receiving treatment at Saratoga Hospital on Monday, March 28. Cole D. Vincent, 47, was taken to Saratoga Hospital
after claiming he needed medical treatment. While Vincent was being escorted out of the hospital after receiving treatment, he attempted to flee from the deputy escorting him, knocking down a hospital worker in the process. The deputy chased after the inmate
and tackled him to the ground. Vincent was subsequently charged with escape and assault. Vincent and the deputy were not injured, however the hospital employee endured injuries to the head and leg.
Motor Vehicle Accident in Ballston Kills Greenfield Center Man BALLSTON — A fatal motor vehicle accident occurred on Friday, March 25 after a man crossed into the left lane on Route 50 in Ballston. John E. Duane, 55, of Greenfield Center was driving on Route 50 when he crossed into the opposite lane, colliding with
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two other vehicles, one driven by Richard Madarassy, 68, of Glenville and the other by Maria Huggins, 69, of Scotia. Madarassy was accompanied by two passengers during the accident: Kimberly Nacy, 46, of Glenville and a 12-year old male. Duane suffered serious
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Obituaries, Business Briefs, Buzz
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Multiple Underage Drinking Arrests Made on April Fools Day in Saratoga Springs SARATOGA SPRINGS — An underage-drinking sweep occurred in Saratoga Springs on April Fool’s Day, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. 10 underage subjects attempted to use counterfeit IDs from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York and Rhode
Island to purchase alcohol at a handful of bars on Friday, April 1. Nine of the licenses were seized by authorities, following two arrests for a forged instrument (felony), two arrests for false impersonation, and one arrest for having another person’s ID, a total of 14 arrests.
Bridge on Lake Desolation Road Shut Down for Repairs GREENFIELD — The Saratoga County Public Works Department has announced that part of Lake Desolation Road in Greenfield has been shut down for repairs as of Monday, April 4. The bridge
over the Kayaderosseras Creek will be closed due to repairs until Friday, July 15. Drivers who use this part of the road are advised to take the signed detour route until the bridge reopens in July.
Saratoga Springs Pedestrian Struck by Moving Vehicle SARATOGA SPRINGS — An elderly pedestrian was hit by a car Friday, April 1. Carlos Tripp, 82, of Saratoga Springs was crossing Ballston Ave in Saratoga Springs at around 2 a.m. when he was struck by a vehicle operated by Cody
Gatzendorfer, 21, of Ballston Spa. Tripp was treated for injuries at Albany Medical Center and is expected to survive. Police do not believe that alcohol was a contributing factor, however the accident is still under investigation.
Northway Lanes Close during Monday’s Snowstorm SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Northway lanes between exits 16 and 17 were closed on Monday, April 4 as a result of a vehicle wreck. The lanes shut down at around 12:15 p.m. after a pileup that occurred due to the snowstorm. The accident involved
ten cars, two tractor trailers off the road and one van turned over on its side. The highway reopened about an hour later after the wreckage was cleared. Victims of the crash suffered minor injuries and were transported to the hospital.
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injuries, and was pronounced deceased at Albany Medical Center on Thursday, March 31. Huggins suffered injuries and was taken to Saratoga Hospital. Madarassy and the 12-year old were not injured, however Nacy withstood minor injuries.
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Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
COURTS: Kenneth A. Burt, III, 37, of Clifton Park, was sentenced on March 21 to 1 ½ – 3 years in prison, after pleading to the felony charge of criminal contempt in the first degree. William L. Weatherwax, 33, of Middle Grove, was sentenced on March 21 to 5 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Barry Bolden, 59, of Queensbury, was sentenced on March 23 to time served, after pleading to the felony charge of failure to register a change of address within 10 days. Cody W. Clements, 20, of Victory Mills, was sentenced on March 23 to time served and 5 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of assault in second degree. Brian M. Maniscalo, 38, of Pottersville, pled on March 23 to the felony charge of assault in the second degree. Sentencing is scheduled for May 18. Pierre C. Blair, no age given, of Queensbury, was sentenced on March 23 to 1-3 years in prison, after pleading to the felony charge of possessing a sexual performance by a child. Jessica D. Walerstein, 36, of Ballston Spa, was arraigned on March 23 on the charges of two felony counts of driving while intoxicated. Richard J. Benoit, III, 39, of Cohoes, was sentenced on March 24 to 2 ¼ – 4 ½ years in prison, after pleading to the felony charge of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Stephen D. Gizzi, 32, of Halfmoon, was sentenced on March 24 to time served and 5 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of criminal contempt in the first degree. Devin M. Chapman, 22, of Moreau, was sentenced on March 24 to 6 months in jail and 5 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of criminal mischief in the second degree.
Gerald E. Baumgartner, 39, of Malta, was arraigned on March 24 on the charges of felony aggravated driving while intoxicated, two counts of felony driving while intoxicated, felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the third degree. Thomas R. Kopach, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was arraigned on March 24 on 14 felony counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child. Beth A. Carson, 33, of Broadalbin, was sentenced on March 24 to 1 year in jail and 5 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Molly L. Dutrow, 21, of Gansevoort, was sentenced on March 24 to 1 1/3 -4 years in prison, after pleading to the felony charge of identity theft in the second degree. Gary L. Piskothy, 45, of Hudson Falls, pled on March 25 to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Sentencing is scheduled for May 20. Dillon J. Toliver, 29, of Broadalbin, was sentenced on March 25 to time served and 5 years probation, after pleading to the charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, and reckless driving. Alfred J. Peek, 54, of Scotia, pled on March 25 to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Sentencing is scheduled for May 20. William C. Kennedy, III, 43 of Clifton Park, was sentenced to 1 ½ – 3 years in prison, after pleading to the felony charge of criminal contempt in the first degree. Joseph W. Richards, 26, of Gansevoort, pled on March 25 to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Sentencing is scheduled for May 20.
BLOTTER 5 ARRESTS: Miley A. Thomas, 24, of Porter Corners, was arrested on March 15 and charged with driving while intoxicated. Charlotte A. Mosso, 52, of Malta, was arrested on March 15 and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC more than .08 of 1%, and passing a red traffic signal light. Frank M. Brogna, 31, of Clifton Park, was arrested on March 17 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and failure to yield at intersection. Michael J. MacPherson, 29, of Watervliet, was arrested on March 18 and charged with improper lane use, driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC more than .08 of 1%, and aggravated driving while intoxicated. Ryan P. Broe, 20, of Ballston Spa, was arrested on March 18 and charged with improper lane use, and driving while intoxicated.
Michael T. Bevins, 49, of Burnt Hills, was arrested on March 19 and charged with criminal contempt in the second degree. Donald B. Rock, 70, of Schenectady, was arrested on March 20 and charged with Petit Larceny Otis S. Williams, 42, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on March 21 and charged with disorderly conduct, trespassing, resisting arrest, and criminal nuisance.
Paul T. Hartz, 23, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on March 22 and charged with felony criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, criminal sale of marihuana in the fourth degree, and possession of a controlled substance outside its original container.
Joshua P. Spiezio, 31, of Wilton, was arrested on March 21 and charged with two counts of stalking in the fourth degree.
John L. Cogan, 19, of Fort Edward, was arrested on March 22 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, possession of controlled substance outside its original container, unlawful possession of marihuana, and two equipment violations.
Julie M. Wagner, 26, of Fort Lee, NJ, was arrested on March 22 and charged with failure to signal a turn, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree.
James B. Lawrence, 21, of Troy, was arrested on March 23 and charged with criminal trespassing in the second degree, criminal nuisance, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Eric J. Eggleston, 49, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on March 22 and charged with attempted assault in the third degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, and menacing in the third degree.
Christopher R. Gates, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on March 23 and charged with unlawful possession of marihuana, failure to stop at a stop sign, and an equipment violation.
6 Donna L. Giroux SCHUYLERVILLE — Donna L. Giroux, 69, a resident of Coveville Rd., passed away Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Saratoga Hospital. Born February 5, 1947 in Troy, she was the daughter of the late Lester Vanderwerken and Betty Minor. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband and best friend, Joseph A Giroux, Sr. Donna never remarried and awaited this day to be reunited with her “Buzzy.” Survivors include her children, Brion Condon of California, Joseph (Dawn) Giroux Jr. of Schuylerville, Tammy (Michael) Mallory of Schuylerville and Jodi (Joseph Jr.) Druzba of Rotterdam; 10 grandchildren, Brion and Chance Condon, Joseph III, Rebecca, Jimmy, and Cody Giroux, Stephanie and Jamie Sousie, Kirsten Mallory, and Joey Druzba III; one great-grandson, Owen John Hunt; half-brother, Edmund Vanderwerken of Waterford; and her loving animals, Sonny, Tinker and Thunder, bird Cranky Bear, and her cat Ike. Donna was the founder and owner of Schuyler Valley Brokerage which she operated from her home. Although her physical world was limited, her outreach was enormous. Donna touched many lives and always found a way to give all she had every day. She was an Ambassador of the Schenectady City Mission, an active donor to St Mary’s Church, St Jude’s, Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home, and to our Veterans. She was the recipient of an exceptional support award for her generosity to Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Donna was an avid supporter of many organizations for the happiness of animals. She loved her family especially her children who she helped in more ways than can be mentioned. She had a special bond with each and every one of them. She loved her “dumb blond” Dawn who cared for her so lovingly each and every day. Her “Boyfriend Druco” she shared quiet moments that only they understood. She appreciated the little things often dropped off by “Fred and Michael.” Her hobbies were endless, she filled each and every day with joy of puzzles, reading, movies and most importantly prayer. Her kindness and passion for always trying to do what was right will live in each person she knew and all that called her friend. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 6, 2015 at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave. in Schuylerville with Rev. Liam Condon, officiating. Burial
OBITUARIES followed in St. Peter’s Cemetery in, Stillwater. Family and friends gathered to remember her on Wednesday, April 6 prior to the service at the funeral home. A reception to celebrate Donna followed at Mechanicville-Stillwater Lodge 403, Park Avenue in Mechanicville. Memorials can be made in her memory to the General Schuyler Emergency Squad or Saratoga Hospital. Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com
Grace K. Fredette SARATOGA SPRINGS — Grace K. Fredette, of Congress Avenue died Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Elizabethtown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Elizabethtown, Kentucky. She was 90. Born in New York City on March 3, 1926, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Quinn) Scully. Grace grew up as the lively lastborn in the family. She had the lifelong gift of Irish wit, and a warm smile. In 1946, she met and married (Duane) Russell Fredette in Inlet, NY. In 1947, they settled in Saratoga Springs. While raising four remarkable children, Mrs. Fredette worked as a bookkeeper with Thomas Oil and Congress Gas and Oil Company from 1964 to 1999. She was a member of St. Clement’s Church, an avid reader and a lover of the Adirondacks. In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by her dear husband Russ; three sisters, Margaret Carpenter, Virginia Scully, and Frances Doughty; and two brothers, John and Edward Scully. She is survived by three daughters, Karyn L. Thomas of Saratoga Springs, Susan L. (Robert) Lesson of Radcliff, KY, and Melinda M. Allen of Colonie; one son, Russell (Diane) Fredette of Manhattan; grandchildren Jennifer, Tricia, Sean, Regan, Andrew and Kristina; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, especially William and Edward Doughty, Vivian Gripenburg and Terry and Pam Neilen. Relatives and friends gathered to remember her on Monday, April 4, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs.
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016 A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday April 5, 2016 in St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave. in Saratoga Springs. Burial followed at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road in Schuylerville. Online remembrance may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com. please add to survivors paragraph, after last name listed - (especially William and Edward Doughty, Vivian Gripenburg and Terry and Pam Neilen.
Jane A. Millis SCHENECTADY — Jane A. Millis, 80, of Schenectady, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Ellis Health Center, Schenectady. Born on May 23, 1935 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late James and Margaret Etes Migliucci and was a lifelong area resident. Miss Millis graduated from Saratoga Springs High School on June 23, 1953. She worked for many years for the General Electric Company at various locations including West Milton, Malta Test Station, and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL) and retired on May 31, 2000, following 40 years of service. In addition to her parents, Jane is predeceased by her three sisters, Angela Rossi, Margaret Chillairi and Marion Biffer and two brothers, Ralph Millis and Joseph Millis. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, James (Ava) Biffer of Bloomfield CT, Michael (Mary) Biffer of Saratoga Springs, Ann M. Boyle (late Edward) of Saratoga Springs, Richard Rossi Sr. (Marjorie) of Scotia and Joseph Rossi Jr. (Barbara) of Glenville. Jane enjoyed spending time with her great-nieces, Maria Barkley, Melissa Biffer and Sabrina Biffer and her great-nephew, George Biffer. Friends and relatives gathered in her name on Monday, April 4 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Funeral services were conducted at the funeral home, with the Reverend H. Thomas Chevalier officiating. Burial immediately followed in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
OBITUARIES 7
Jessica Wolf Goldin
Richard Jones
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jessica Wolf Goldin, born on September 25, 1918, in New York City, died peacefully at home in Saratoga on April 2, 2016. Daughter of Jenny and Jacob Wolf, Jessica was the youngest of eight children, five of whom survived into adulthood. Her father, Jacob, died when she was five. To support the family, her mother worked as a seamstress and traveled to the garment district to buy dresses for resale in her neighborhood. Jessica earned scholarships that propelled her to Long Island University for her BA, Columbia University for an MA in Spanish Language, and Middlebury for summer language study. Later, she earned a Fulbright to Burgos, Spain. In 1942, she married Abraham Goldin, whom she met while they were both teaching evening classes at Queens College: he biology and she English. During Abraham’s army posting in San Antonio, Jessica taught English as a second language to children. She went on to teach Spanish at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, Maryland and later to serve as tenured Associate Professor of Language and Foreign Studies at American University. She was a passionate teacher of Spanish language who also devoted herself to teaching and mentoring student teachers. Jessica started the Projecto Amistad program at American University, a groundbreaking community internship program that has continued until the present. In 1969, American University recognized her as the outstanding woman faculty member of the year. The center of Jessica’s life was her marriage to Abraham Goldin, a pioneer of cancer chemotherapy who dedicated himself to cancer research at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda. Jessica traveled widely with him as he collaborated with scientists in Japan, Cuba, Russia, Italy, Czechoslovakia, and elsewhere. Jessica is survived by two daughters, Laura Goldin of Acton, Massachusetts and Deborah Meyers (Roy) of Saratoga Springs, NY; three grandchildren, Katy Anna Goldin, Yael Lisa Meyers and Sarah Meyers Brent(Benjamin); and two great grandchildren, Abraham and Eli Brent, as well as a close extended family. Her family was her greatest joy. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Jessica’s devoted Saratoga caregivers, who allowed her to continue to experience joy and adventure in her last years and who eased her final days. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 5, at 2p.m. at the William J. Burke and Sons/ Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-5373. Donations may be may be made in Jessica’s memory to Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or a charity of your choice. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Mr. Richard Jones passed away on January 27 of this year. His funeral was held on Monday, February 1, 2016 at William J. Burke and Sons Bussing and Cunniff, Inc. Funeral Home. His burial will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at St. Columba Catholic Cemetery in Middletown, RI with Fr. Daniel Gray performing the Rite of Committal. Condolences may be posted at http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/palmbeachpost/richard-e-jones-condolences /177528702?cid=gbsrchres
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Wayne R. Hammill SARATOGA SPRINGS — “Papa” Wayne R. Hammill passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Albany Medical Center at the age of 77. Born on March 10, 1939 in Schenectady and raised in Rotterdam, he was the son of the late James Hammill Sr. and Virginia (Lenegar) Hammill. Wayne proudly served in the United States Air Force as an airplane mechanic following the Korean War. He loved to reminisce about his days in the service. In 1967 Wayne founded Saratoga Radiator and Air
Conditioning where he worked until his retirement in 2004. When not working, you could usually find him in his garage working on his cars, at car shows either showing, judging or swapping parts or spending time with his wife, Laura, at their camp on Lake Nancy. During retirement, his love for automobiles was kept alive as he served his community volunteering for the Saratoga Auto Museum. He was a member of the American Legion Adirondack Post 70, the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) whom he also served as registered Judge and a former member of the Wilton Rod and Gun Club. Wayne is survived by his wife Laura A. (Nevins) Hammill of Saratoga Springs; his three “girls,” Joyce Ann Elsey of Round Lake, Lynn Howard and her husband George L. Howard Jr. of Saratoga Springs and Michelle L. Payette of Burnt Hills; seven grandchildren, George L. Howard III (Jennifer), Michael J. Howard (Michelle), Jeffrey Howard, Alexandra Payette, Billy Smith V, Shane Hammill, Justin Hammill, Devin Hammill; two great-grandchildren, George L. Howard IV and Daniel Howard as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother James Hammill Jr. and his most beloved son, Richard “Ricky” Wayne Hammill. There were no public calling hours. A graveside service with military honors was held on Thursday, April 7 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Wayne’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, 2 Pine West Plaza Suite 205, Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205. Online remembrances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com
Rita A. Langtry
William T. Langtry
SCHUYLERVILLE — Rita A. Langtry, 77, a resident of Hayes Rd., passed away Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Saratoga Hospital. Born April 27, 1938 in Potsdam, NY she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Anna St. Dennis Soulia. Mrs. Langtry had worked as a bartender for several years at the Coveville Marina, American Legion Post #278, and the Saratoga Eagles Club. She was a member of the Old Saratoga Post #278 American Legion Auxiliary and the Saratoga Eagles Club Auxiliary. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, William T. Langtry who died Wednesday, March 30, 2016, 1 daughter, Lisa Langtry; and 2 sisters, Helen Gibson and Rosemary Lake. Survivors include 2 daughters, Linda Stockwell of Schuylerville and Karilee Begani of Tarpon Springs, FL; her brother, Charlie Soulia; 4 grandchildren, 4 greatgrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 2 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave. in Schuylerville. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be held at the Saratoga Eagles Club following the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of one’s choice. Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com
SCHUYLERVILLE — William T. Langtry, 78, a former resident of Schuylerville, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. Born January 22, 1938 in Ogdensburg, NY, he was the son of the late Clarence and Eva Delorah Langtry. Mr. Langtry was a harness trainer and driver for several years at the Saratoga Harness Track. He retired from the Department of Public Works in the City of Saratoga Springs. He was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club in Saratoga Springs. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Lisa Langtry. His wife of 56 years, Rita A. Langtry passed away Thursday, March 31, 2016. Survivors include his 2 daughters, Linda Stockwell of Schuylerville and Karilee Begani of Tarpon Springs, FL; 2 brothers, Raymond (Snookie) Langtry and Allen (Dianne) Langtry, all of Brier Hill, NY; 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave. in Schuylerville. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be held at the Saratoga Eagles Club following the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of one’s choice. Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc. com
8
OP/ED
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
From The Publisher’s Desk...
Winners & Whiners and the Minimum Wage
by Chad Beatty Saratoga TODAY Happy Spring everyone. I welcome you into this new season with a random stream of consciousness. These are simple ramblings from your local Publisher…
WINNERS
My eyes stung as the salty sweat dripped off my brow like a leaky faucet. All instincts told me to wipe my forehead, get a cold drink and take a break. But the ongoing cadence of my task master, expert motivator and tactical technician Tyrone Jackson, kept me pushing forward. I zeroed in and listened to his ongoing commands of 1, 1, 2…1, 1, 2. (the boxing code for jab, jab, cross.) The location was Saratoga Boxing and my 11-year-old son and I were there for our weekly training session. At the end of the round we savored every moment of our 60 second break. It was then that I was confronted with a parenting dilemma. He looked me in the eyes and said: “Dad, I am really not feeling it today.”
I had two options: tell him it was OK, and to call it quits for the day, or keep going. My response was simple and to the point: “Buddy, champions find a way to keep going, even when they aren’t feeling it. Just like anything else in life, success doesn’t come easy. Anyone can succeed when everything is going their way. But winners find a way to win in spite of adversity and setbacks. We finished our rounds and when all was said and done, we realized we were both a little stronger, and little wiser, and a little closer to our goals.
WHINERS
As many of you may have heard, our regional agitator Adam Rupeka, was found dead in Mexico. While I feel horrible for his family, I have to admit the first thing that came to my mind was ‘what comes around goes around.’ Rupeka was the capital region citizen who went around provoking cops and filming them, awaiting a response that would somehow deviate from protocol. Then, as was the case in Saratoga Springs, he would receive a settlement ($50,000). Also, he and his girlfriend were recently arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a teen girl. They have both been on the run since missing their court date. I imagine there was something very dark in his life driving him to this behavior, and my sympathy goes to those who loved him. Even the darkest among us still have a parent or sibling whose heart breaks.
MINIMUM WAGE
Whenever I think I have reached my capacity for dislike of Cuomo, he proclaims another edict and I dislike him more. At hand currently are his new minimum wage requirements. A quick synopsis: over the next few years the minimum wage downstate will go to $15 per hour, and upstate will go to $12.50 per hour. Let me make this crystal clear – I think everyone should make a living wage, and those who are truly incapable of working should receive assistance. But, the minimum wage is designed for entry level employees to begin their career. I find absolutely ZERO reason for a teenager operating a fryer to begin at $31,200 per year ($15/hr), plus benefits. This decision will have a catastrophic impact
on small businesses, and pricing will increase across the board as business owners scramble to protect their bottom lines. I can already hear some of you:“It shouldn’t be all about the bottom line. If business owners weren’t so greedy, the world would be a better place.” I have a news flash…business owners go into business to make a profit, just like you go to your job to make a profit. There is nothing wrong with making a profit; in fact it is a guiding principal to operating an ongoing sustainable company. Perhaps if I knew subsidies (which are designed for the bottom wage earners) would shrink, this would be more palatable. But the bottom wage earners will still be the
bottom wage earners; They will still get all of the subsidies; My taxes will still be sky high; and businesses and consumers will both suffer. Just for the record, I don’t solely blame Cuomo. I also blame the spineless members of the Legislature who are petrified to go against the grain and stand up for what they believe. In closing I will leave you with a few final thoughts… You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar; Positive thinking will ALWAYS accomplish more than negative thinking; If you want to rise above the crowd, you have to perform above the crowd. God bless.
Combating Apathy Civic Engagement in the Classroom by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY According to CNN’s 2012 exit poll, 18-29 year olds accounted for 18 percent of New York’s voters in the last presidential election. According to another CNN exit poll two years later, 18-29 year olds accounted for only 10 percent of voters in New York’s 2014 Governor’s race. Civic apathy at any age has long been a problem in this nation that was built on the idea that government would be run by the people, a people that have largely grown
quiet in voicing their concerns to elected leaders, especially at the local level. The answer to the question of whether the needs of the many should outweigh the needs of the few is often answered by whoever is paying attention and shouts the loudest. Saratoga Springs High School’s social studies department is trying to address that problem by introducing curriculum additions to their existing program. According to Social Studies Department Chairperson Ron Schorpp, the changes have been well received.
“We’ve been trying to revitalize civic education these past few years to go beyond history of government,” said Schorpp. “Every year, we register the senior class to vote and introduce them to public officials and their roles.” On Thursday, March 31, Congressman Paul Tonko addressed history students at the Saratoga Springs High School teaching auditorium, describing his role as congressman of New York’s 20th congressional district. Continued on page 32.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
9
Park it Here! To The Editor: The dedicated parking garage that the city adopted last night is well thought out, makes a lot of sense and will help this city greatly. I just don’t get what all the controversy is about. Especially one that divides a parcel of land and stretches over a street, oh my, it will look just like an airport! And everyone LOVES airports because they are so gorgeous. And the best part about a dedicated parking garage is that it will keep people from parking in town - isn¹t that what we want? Because if people don¹t park in town then no one would walk by any of the stores and buy something we don’t want any out-of-towners to buy something in our stores do we? That would hurt businesses - you know foot traffic is AWFUL for downtown businesses. And I’m so glad that we are building this garage before any other methods are explored about how to make parking more efficient in our city, just
think of all the money we will save by not exploring the revenue generating aspects - almost any other city in this country has parking meters! We are building this garage before virtually any bike lanes or pedestrian enhancements or mass transportation options have been explored and that’s a real good thing. TEN MILLION dollars will go a long way in beautifying this city with a glorious parking garage! This city has had a lot of good ideas, but the best one by far is to alleviate parking problems with a single-use parking garage. I mean, it seems that the whole country conspired to get rid of them except Saratoga Springs, and I’m so glad this city has held out. There is nothing more beautiful and helpful to our city as a single use-parking garage. I mean, we have several of them throughout the city and I never hear people say that they came to Saratoga for the wonderful restaurants, or the water, or the nightlife but I
UCC GOP candidates
The Republican candidate for US Senate Wendy Long spoke before members of the Upstate Conservative Coalition on Tuesday, April 5, at the Milton Community Center in Ballston Spa. She was joined by 20th District Congressional Republican Candidate Joseph Vitollo and representatives from the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. Photo by Franceso D’Amico.
Thoughts for 2016 Easter Day has passed but we all should remember it was a day of reflection. A new beginning of forgiveness and love. If only everyone would do just that. Forgive and Love. Do not hold too tight to yesterday or you will miss tomorrow and even the promise of a bright future. Suddenly, I feel the years, not physically but realistically. We should fall in love
with everyday life. The belief we normally take for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff or the silly rumors that tend to hour our feelings. They are not worth our time given to us. The winter was mild, Spring is in the air. The thoughts of summer and life goes on exactly as we make it. Enjoy these moments. Joan Gailor Saratoga Springs
ALWAYS hear them say that they think the parking garages are the best things about Saratoga, some even say that they are better than the museums in Paris. Really! The placement just couldn’t be better -I just love it! instead of extending High Rock Park in an area of the city that needs it, the parking garage will simply
cut the view and sun off from the park and the Mouzon House. NOW that is progress if I’ve ever seen it AND it’s just one block from Broadway! As far as resident’s complaints: Who needs them anyway? All they do is complain and get in the way of last century’s progress! I LOVE parking garages!
They are like a flower or a sunset - truly magic to behold. So count me in as converted – hallelujah! I’m a believer in parking garages. As a matter of fact - I will GIVE my money to build it. Charlie Samuels Saratoga Springs
10
NEWS
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Saratoga Hospital Expansion Continued from front page.
residents and for my part that’s a good thing. But we also have to balance that out as legislators. Anyone wanting to weigh in is welcome to come to the public hearings or reach out to us.” But as a service provider for the county, part of the job of a hospital administrator like Angelo Calbone, president and CEO of Saratoga Hospital, is to determine what that peak performance looks like today and in the decades to come. He and his staff painstakingly follow the ever-changing regulations coming down from the federal and state government; pay attention to the changing demographics and other healthcare predictors of the region they serve; weigh the national shortage of primary care physicians and other provider shortage areas; and track the snowballing advances in medical research and technology in order to anticipate the medical needs of their service area and be ready to meet them. The hospital has nearly tripled in size in the last decade according to Calbone. “We’ve been here for over a hundred years, long before the neighborhoods existed,” said Calbone. “It’s not like we woke up yesterday and decided to expand on Morgan Street.” Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety Christian Mathiesen disagrees. “Our message is the parcel on Morgan Street has always been zoned residential, and that property continues to be residential.” Nevertheless, the hospital’s rate
of growth and other healthcare factors had the hospital weighing expansion options for some time. Matt Jones of Jones Law Firm, representing Saratoga Hospital, said an opportunity presented itself in 2014 with the availability of the property on Morgan Street. The City of Saratoga Springs was working on its Comprehensive Plan at the time, and the hospital asked the Comprehensive Plan Committee to consider expanding the zoning designation there to INST [institutional] so as to bring the physicians and staff all under one roof in a medical facility near the hospital. “There were many things the Comprehensive Planning Committee disagreed on internally,” said Jones, “but not this. It was unanimously agreed upon by the committee, so it went to the City Council.” Ultimately, the City Council approved the Comprehensive Plan in June of 2015 with the redesignation intact. According to Mathiesen, however, the Council didn’t fully understand what they were voting on. “The change in the comprehensive plan map in 2014, and approved in 2015,” said Mathiesen, “was done without an awful lot of attention paid to that change. We weren’t awfully aware of what happened until the hospital came forward with its proposal.” Believing that so far everyone was on the same page, the hospital filed an application in August 2015 to amend the Planned Unit Development (PUD) to build a 75,000 square foot medical office, providing
further detail on its vision for expansion. Then it met with neighbors, the mayor and other members of the City Council in early September, and the amendment went before the planning board for an advisory opinion in October. “They found no adverse environmental impacts,” said Jones, “and they issued a favorable recommendation for the rezoning.” The matter returned to the City Council in early December and the public hearing process began. Then two councilmembers, Commissioner
John Franck and Mayor Yepsen, recused themselves January 19 of this year, 15 months after the expansion proposal process was brought to the attention of the City Council. “Recusals are very rare,” said Yepsen. “This is the first time I’ve had to do so in 11 years. The process is there for good ethical reasons. I was disappointed in not being able to take part in a vote on the proposal. I think the hospital is a critical entity of the community. We want to do what we can to help them grow. The neighbors
didn’t like the proposed size or location, so my planning staff has offered to meet with the hospital to help with options.” According to Mathiesen, the matter is simple. “Build up,” he said. “Looking at other campuses – Albany Med, St. Peter’s, Ellis – they all face the same problem of being inner city hospitals, and they solved it by building up.” Mathiesen believes the hospital has plenty of room to build parking garages rather than create large areas Continued on page 32.
New, Affordable Diabetic Eye Exam Program Launches
Left to right: Karen Foster, president of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club; John McDonald, Saratoga Springs Lions Club member, past chairman and current board member of the Lions Eye Institute at Albany; Dr. Yasmin Mali, ophthalmology resident at the Lions Eye Institute at Albany; Dr. Renee Rodriguez-Goodemote, medical director for the Saratoga Community Health Center; Kevin Ronayne, Saratoga Springs Lions Club member and treasurer, board member of the Lions Eye Institute at Albany, and Vice President, Operations and Facilities, Saratoga Hospital; Jim Flynn, Saratoga Springs Lions Club past president and current Lions Club Sight Chairman.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital recently announced a new diabetic eye exam program at its Saratoga Community Health Center, creating access to a vital vision diagnostic tool for all people in the Saratoga community, regardless of income. The new program is the result
of collaboration between the Saratoga Springs Lions Club, the Lions Eye Institute at Albany, and Dr. Peter Martin, a retired ophthalmologist from Hoosick Falls, who donated the exam equipment to the health center. “People with diabetes are at risk of losing their sight,” said Dr. Renee RodriguezGoodemote, medical director for the Saratoga Community Health Center. “The value of this type of specialized eye exam is quite literally the opportunity to preserve a patient’s eyesight. It is an understatement to say this program would only be possible because of the extraordinary generosity and support by all those involved in our community – Dr. Martin and his family, the Saratoga Springs Lions Club, and the Lions Eye Institute in Albany.”
The Lions Club facilitated the donation, had the exam equipment installed and calibrated, and donated additional funding for other required equipment in the new ophthalmology exam room at the health center. The Lions Club is also working with the Northeast Association for the Blind to bring low-cost vision exams and pre-school vision screening to the center. Appointments for a diabetic eye exam are required and can be made by calling the Saratoga Community Health Center at 518-886-5600. The health center is located at 24 Hamilton Street in Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Community Health Center, a service of Saratoga Hospital, provides high-quality affordable primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services for patients of all ages, regardless of income.
NEWS 11
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Continued from front page.
Impacts on the County Keith Manz, Commissioner of Public Works in Saratoga County, oversees winter services such as snow plowing and salting. He saw the impact of the warm weather first-hand. “Saratoga County has 360 miles of roads to plow. That’s 23 plow routes, 23 trucks, and 46 drivers that plow around the clock. That’s a lot of overtime and fuel,” said Manz. Overall, the county saved approximately $50,000 in fuel and $100,000 in labor costs this winter due to lack of snow. However, the biggest savings according to Manz was salt. Not only did the county switch over to treated salt, which functions at a lower temperature, stays on roads longer, and requires only half the amount of regular salt, they barely had to use it at all. In comparison to last year, the county saved an astounding $700,000 on salt alone. “We spent one million dollars last year on salt, and this year, we spent $300,000,” said Manz. “The salt we don’t use we stockpile in our salt shed, which holds about 6,000 tons. We try to keep it pretty full. All the salt we didn’t use will be saved for next year.” While the lack of snow may be bad for plowers and salters that rely on that paycheck each winter, they are not facing the burn out they felt after last year’s brutal winter. Also, the money saved will ultimately benefit the county and its taxpayers. “In general, it’s better budgetwise for county residents. We can put that money back into the general fund and do projects we may not have been able to do otherwise,” said Manz. “That money is dedicated to snow and ice control, so we do need to get approval from the committee and the board to use it for other things. My goal right now is to not use any of it until fall, then if something comes up that is a dire need, such as paving a road, we can fix it.” Few snowfalls can also impact local water supply. Snowpack (snow that has been compressed into the ground) is necessary to refill aquifers and groundwater tables. If snow is very light for a few winters in a row, it can result in drought. On the other hand, too much snow can result in flooding. As for this spring, Manz is not concerned at all just yet. “You want a nice snow melt in
A Warm Winter
spring to charge the underground aquifers, but we’re not worried about that yet because we’re unsure about how this spring will go,” Manz explained. “We want a wet spring with soaking rains, the type that recharges the groundwater and goes into the soil, not just runs off into lakes and streams.” Impacts on Businesses Alpine Sport Shop, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, felt the repercussions of this out-ofthe-ordinary winter on sales of ski and snowboard equipment, as well as sales of other cold weather gear like hats, gloves and apparel. “We are like ‘snow farmers,’ working a weather-dependent business. So yes, we feel the pain of a dry winter,” said Cathy Hay, who owns Alpine Sport Shop with her husband, Jack. “Sales are down, and our door didn’t open as often this year. We started off with great enthusiasm, but by mid-November, things began dropping back because it was so warm. It’s like, who is at the beach during a rainy, cold summer? It’s the same concept.” However, Alpine Sport Shop and the Hays aren’t letting one atypical winter keep them down. “We’re just going to continue doing what we do – focusing on customer service, our hands-on approach to retail and our great website,” said Hay. “Plans are that we’re coming back with great enthusiasm and doing it all again next year.” Similarly, ski mountains and resorts also took a hit. Andrea Jacobs, Entertainment Director at Gore
Mountain, noted how many customers were unhappy overall with this year’s skiing and snowboarding conditions. “Many people bought season passes in October when no one knew the kind of winter we would have. Pass holders were forced to come regardless of weather because they already paid for it. It definitely made an impact on the number of people coming for day passes,” said Jacobs. “In past years, people could do 20 runs. This year, they stuck around for three or four runs just to say they did it. But honestly, in spite of the fact we had little snow, Gore did a great job of making snow. We were able to make the most of the very little we had to work with.” Conversely, This past winter wasn’t all gloom and doom for local businesses. Many actually benefited, and are still benefitting, from the mild winter. Alpin Haus, which specializes in outdoor recreation, began installing its first pool of the season on March 14, a full month earlier than last year. Even with the snow on April 4, the early start to their season allowed them to react better to the unexpected weather. “This has been the earliest start of our season in 40 years,” said Jamie Georgelos, manager of the pool division at Alpin Haus. “The goal is to start the first week in April, so starting in March was a big feat for us. The lack of snow and lack of cold weather allowed us to use our excavation equipment sooner. The demand is up this year for pools as well. People
have been coming in much earlier than normal. They’ve been thinking spring all winter long.” Georgelos noted that Alpin Haus’ winter businesses, such as ski and snowboard gear, may have been hurt by the winter, but that it will boost summer businesses quite a bit. Since a large part of Alpin Haus’ sales come from pools, hot tubs, boats and RVs, the warm winter seems to have helped more than hindered business. Businesses in downtown Saratoga Springs also profited from the warm weather. John Baker, who has owned Gaffney’s on Caroline Street for 35 years, remarked how business is up and that this winter was the best weather-wise that he can remember. “Business is up six percent across the board, and our food sales are up by 20 percent,” said Baker. “We’re a month ahead as far as getting our outside set up. Our patio, which is Gaffney’s bread and butter, has already been opened a few times.” Besides Gaffney’s, most downtown businesses saw much more business than usual this past winter. Not only was travelling and parking easier, but people could walk and
shop throughout downtown without worrying about being exposed to extreme cold or excessive snow. Todd Garofano, President of Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, explained that while the warm winter resulted in canceling some activities, such as The 3rd Annual Saratoga Frozen Springs Pond Hockey Classic, many outdoor events downtown, such as Chowderfest and Flurry Festival, drew record crowds. “Chowderfest saw a huge increase in attendance, surging to over 45,000 people, a new all-time record,” said Garofano. “With a 50 degree and mostly sunny day forecast, we definitely saw more families with young kids and strollers early in the day. The lack of snowbanks on the sidewalks made it easier to get around.” This year’s winter undoubtedly left its mark on the local economy, both for better and worse. Some businesses prospered, both saving and making money, while others felt the sting of the peculiar weather’s impact. The only thing left to do is wait it out, enjoy our summer, and see what Mother Nature has in store for Upstate New York next year.
12
NEWS
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
City Center Parking Structure Passes 3-2 Continued from front page.
It was a long time coming but well worth the effort. It was truly the support of not just the client base, but also the incredible support of the business community that helped bring clarity to the council members of the financial viability of the project.” -Mark Baker, President, Saratoga Springs City Center “I am pleased that the vote to lease a portion of the parcel on High Rock to the City Center for their connected parking structure was successful. Clearly the majority of the City Council supported this project, and after more than 3 years, we have finally moved toward some finality with regards to this project. It felt good to finally have some action on at least one major project before this Council. Now it is time to do a feasibility study on the remainder of the lot and determine what, if anything, is next for the High Rock parcel.” -Michele Madigan, Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Finance
SARATOGA SPRINGS — By now, if you are at all interested or affected by this issue (which is nearly everyone in our market) you know what happened. For the sake of those who returned from a vacation in Bora Bora yesterday, let us say concisely that a 3-2 majority of the Saratoga Springs City Council on Tuesday, April 5 approved a resolution – “Authorization for Mayor to Sign City Center Parking Structure Leases” - which sets in motion the eventual development of a parking structure adjacent to the Saratoga Springs City Center on a portion of the city-owned parcel known generally as “High Rock.” For the record, Commissioners Madigan, Scirocco and Mathiesen voted in favor; Mayor Yepsen and Commissioner Franck voted against. Having said that, since a significant portion of the city is in a ‘groundbreaking’ mood, let us endeavor to break some new ground and go beyond the “he/ she voted this way and why,” reporting and explore some potential implications arising out
of this important vote. - Avoiding a train wreck: By taking action, any action actually, on High Rock, the city most likely averted the potential disaster of simultaneous projects (the High Rock structure as well as the Collamer lot) being under construction at the same time – with massive parking space losses
and dire consequences for both the City Center and surrounding downtown businesses. The City Center has estimated that its structure will take about eight to ten months to complete, the Collamer transfer is still under state scrutiny at this time. This potentially avoids or minimizes the possibility that a doublewhammy situation will arise, and people will not need to shake their heads and say, ‘why doesn’t our government think about things like this?” - The New Majority: Passage of the City Center parking resolution has officially codified what has been in place for some time. The City Council currently has four Democrats and one Republican, but for all intents and purposes, political parties are hereby dissolved. On this council, the lone Republican (Scirocco) combined with two Democrats (Madigan and Mathiesen); create a working majority in many cases like this where a given item is in dispute. Contrast this against former councils that for decades had a 4-1 Republican majority, and the lone dissenting vote frequently on resolutions was Democratic Commissioner of Public Works Thomas McTygue. As stated before, this coalition of Commissioners has been in place for some time, and even was a campaign issue in some quarters. Yet, all three were reelected, by sizable numbers actually, and they are governing
as if they were given a mandate by the electorate – which, in fact they were. Sometimes observing and reporting is little more than taking note of the fact that the sands are shifting – and shifting they are, indeed. Stay tuned. - What if they gave an RFP and no one came? For city council policy wonks, this is self-explanatory. While the City Center proposal proceeded through the land use boards, the city issued an RFP for mixed-use, multi-purpose developments on the same parcel. Two responses were submitted that, regardless of what you think of the merits, appeared to speak to the RFP’s stated goals, but were found to be lacking by a review committee. What the two respondents were trying to accomplish were ambitious given the parameters of the RFP. The question that arises is: Will other developers, looking at the two respondents’ experience (i.e.: a waste of time and resources) attempt to answer any future RFP for city-owned property? Time will tell - although High Rock was, by any measure the most valued and strategic undeveloped cityowned parcel remaining, it was by no means the only one. - Perseverance awards: Finally, regardless of your position on the City Center’s parking structure’s merits, a measure of respect has to be paid to the entities that saw the process through to this point - navigating the nuances, twists, turns, competing RFP’s, revelations of See next page.
NEWS 13
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Lions Club Enhances “Honor A Veteran” Memorial Day Program
Goal: America’s Best Thank You for Veterans
by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag. -“The Soldier” Father Denis Edward O‘Brien, Sergeant, USMC SARATOGA SPRINGS – As part of a program that was thick with reverence and gratitude on Tuesday, April 5, Lou Schneider, a Korean War Veteran and Saratoga Lions Club member delivered this quote. The gathering, at the Saratoga Springs Military Museum, was held to detail some new enhancements to a program that honors Veterans locally on Memorial Day weekend. The enhancements to the Lions’ “Honor A Veteran” program, to augment a successful Memorial Day Duathlon, now in it’s twelfth year, were presented by President of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club Foundation, Matt Jones; Co-Chair of the Saratoga Lions Memorial Day Duathlon, Bill Gibeault; Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan; and Saratoga WarHorse Executive Director and President. Katherine Pelham. Each of them also recounted
personal connections and tributes to Veterans in their respective families. The program will now have several new components, designed to create America’s Best Thank You: - A customized, personalized Flag program: a 12 x 14 inch, U.S. made flag with the name of a specific veteran on a ribbon, can be purchased online for $5 (visit HonorAVeteran.us). The flags will be displayed on a virtual “wall of honor” and they will be on display during The Lions’ Duathlon on May 29. Any individual or company that wishes to honor more than 10 Veterans may call 518-573-6191 to make direct arrangements. All proceeds from the flag program will go to Saratoga WarHorse. - Flag Tour: After being displayed at the Duathlon, the flags will be relocated to several sites around the city of Saratoga Springs. Locations will include the Visitor Center and a site at the Wesley Community. Other tour sites around the city are under consideration. - Four Veterans from Saratoga County will be selected for special honors – one each with service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq/ Afghanistan. Nominations are encouraged. These four Veterans will also be honored at a special luncheon on May 12, and they will serve as Honorary Race Marshalls at the Duathlon.
Several Saratoga Lions Club Members who are Veterans helped to develop the components of the enhanced Honor a Veteran program. Photo by Francesco D’Amico
- The Lions Veterans will host an honorary meet and greet with all Veterans at a VIP tent on Duathlon day. This will serve as an opportunity for young children and the community to talk with our Veterans and share their experiences. Among many interesting facts shared at the program, was a sobering one shared by Ms. Pelham: An average of 22 of our Veterans commit suicide every day. Today was a day of recognition and honor, but most of all, a reminder that we can never do enough to to extend that recognition and honor to those who make the ultimate sacrifice to assure the freedoms that we enjoy today.
Parking Continued from page 12.
potential off-the-record conversations (another story for another time), and other assorted roadblocks to get through the process to where we are today. Barring unforeseen circumstances, and potential litigation, shovels will shortly be put in the ground for the City Center’s Parking Structure. In that connection, you have to acknowledge Commission Madigan for sheparding the process through from the government side.
As far as Mark Baker, while he and others took great pains to state that this is “not Mark Baker’s project,” he was the visible face behind it, and therefore had much to lose. While he would be the first to say that this victory is for the City overall, it is certainly his too, and in large measure a capstone to a career as the City Center’s President. He guided the City Center through the land-use boards, made way-too-many presentations when requested, and kept a firm hand on the wheel.
I recall visiting him about another matter several months ago, when the prospects for the parking structure looked bleaker. After we were done with that, of course we had to talk about parking. I asked him, “So is this parking structure still a live issue?” “Why, yes!” He said. And so, it came to pass, by a 3-2 vote. To paraphrase my hero, Paul Harvey: Now you know…
14
BUSINESS
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Businesses Brace for Wage Hikes
by Eli King for Saratoga TODAY STATEWIDE — New York businesses can bank on the fact that minimum wage changes are imminent after legislation calling for increases passed 61-1 in Senate and were signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday. The scope and schedule of those changes, however, will vary depending on industry, geography, and the economy, with Cuomo’s five-year timeline for a unified $15 rate. “Statewide $15 minimum wage will lift the earnings of more than 2.3 million New Yorkers,” stated the website for Cuomo’s Campaign for Economic Justice. The wage plan works with a 12-week paid family leave policy
that will be implemented gradually and subject to pause based on the state’s future economic landscape. The plan’s many moving pieces, however - like different rates for residents of New York City versus the region of Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties versus the rest of the state - do little to comfort businesses already struggling amidst mounting financial burdens, inflation and a volatile economic climate. In Saratoga Springs, Putnam Market Co-Owners, Gloria Griskowitz and Catharine Hamilton understand the benefits and cost of the plan: “We have two options: change our business to employ fewer people, or raise our prices to cover the higher costs. We would have to eliminate 3 jobs, raise sandwich prices about $1.50, or some combination in between,” said Hamilton and Griskowitz in an email. “We believe in paying a living wage, we care deeply about the welfare of our staff, and we work hard to provide affordable benefits. In the end, our whole community will share in carrying the cost of the change...” Disappointed, concerned, and shocked is how Chamber President, Todd Shimkus,
described the overall sentiment of Chamber members. Citing the many pressures already faced by independently-owned businesses like regulatory costs, health insurance and workers compensation, Shimkus expressed the business community’s frustration over feeling left out of the process with their needs ignored. “Owners of local, independently owned businesses and nonprofit leaders are going to need to be more creative than they’ve ever been before to find ways to sustain their operations,”
said Shimkus. Creativity comes in the form of smoked meats and savvy spending at Harvey’s Restaurant and Bar on Phila Street, according to Bar Manager Barry Hendrickson. He says the business started planning for wage increases back in November. “Our reubens and pulled pork sandwiches - we used to buy them smoked,” explained Hendrickson. “Now we buy an un-smoked version of the same brand and smoke the meat here ourselves. We’re buying smarter
and being more efficient so cost increases don’t get passed on to you, the customer.” North of Westchester County, the minimum wage should reach $9.70 at the end of 2016 then increase .70 annually through 2020 ($12.50). From that point, the rate of increase to $15 will be determined by an indexed schedule set by the Director of the Division of Budget in consultation with the Department of Labor. The full text of the Senate Bill is available at www.nysenate.gov.
Equal Pay Day: Understanding the Gender Wage Gap
by Allie Capasso for Saratoga TODAY NATIONWIDE — Tuesday, April 12, is Equal Pay Day, a day to raise awareness for the wage gap between men and women. It was established by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) in 1996, an association of female volunteers that advocate against wage discrimination, founded in 1979. The day represents how far into the year women must work in addition to the previous 12 months in order to earn the same amount that their male counterparts earned that year. Mayor Joanne Yepsen of Saratoga Springs has long been a supporter of Equal Pay Day, advocating for the closing of loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and the implementing of fair pay policies in 2014. “I stand with women’s organizations and individuals to advocate for equal pay for equal work. That is only common sense,” said Yepsen. “It’s an economic issue; it’s a fairness
issue; and it effects a lot of families throughout NYS, including right here locally at home.” Throughout the nation on Tuesday, local activists will take part in rallies, campaigns and other programs and activities to raise awareness for, advocate against and discuss solutions for the inequality of wages between men and women. It has become tradition to wear red on Equal Pay Day to symbolize how women and minorities are “in the red” with their pay. Nationally, women are making around 81.1 percent of a man’s salary, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. One example listed by the Bureau shows that in 2015 the median weekly earnings for a male surgeon was about $1,915 and for a female surgeon around $1,533, a $382 weekly difference. Both have medical school loans, malpractice insurance costs, and retirement savings to make, but different salary levels to meet such expenses. Women in New York State, on average, are making 86 cents on the dollar compared to men in the state. Just looking at salaries in Saratoga County, median earnings for women is around $29,583 and is $40,901 for men, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The cause of the gender wage gap is widely debated. Educational levels are not the issue, because women – who make up nearly 50 percent of the workforce – are receiving more college and graduate degrees than men,
according to the U.S. Department of Education. Much of the difference in wages between men and women goes unexplained, which is why activists like those in the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) attribute it to sexism and discrimination. For this reason, these advocates are encouraging lawmakers to strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and to take more steps in abolishing wage inequality. New York State has recently been making efforts in closing the gap. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Women’s Equality Agenda in October 2015, a group of eight laws, including one that concerned the gender wage gap – the Achieve Pay Equity Law. This law, which went into effect January 2016, is an amendment to the state’s current Equal Pay Act. Under this law, employers must prove that a difference in pay is based on another reason besides sex, and must be consistent with the needs of the business. It also prevents employers from disallowing employees to disclose information on wages in order to decrease wage secrecy. Equal Pay Day is a day to honor how far activists have come since the Equal Pay Act of 1963, while also acknowledging that there is still a long way to go and fighting for a change. The NCPE encourages people to wear red on Tuesday, April 12 to show support for the fight to end wage discrimination.
16 Women in Business Group SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Women’s Business Group is holding its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 12, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Saratoga County Chamber offices located at 28 Clinton Street. The meeting is free of charge and open to all female members of Chamber member organizations. Monthly meetings are facilitated conversations around a variety of topics, impacting both personal and professional facets of life. These meetings are also a great way to connect with other members of the Chamber. There is no charge to attend these events. Thank you to Key4Women for sponsoring the 2016 Women in Business Group. Visit Saratoga.org to register.
BUSINESS BRIEFS Gifford Joins PEP
Patient Experience Project, she worked for Sansi North America, Ballston Lake, one of the largest global suppliers of LED video displays and LED lighting.
Digital Strategist Joins PEP
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Patient Experience Project (PEP), a full-service, patient-centric communications agency based in Saratoga Springs, has announced the addition of Kellie Gifford to its staff. Gifford has joined the PEP team as a project manager. In that capacity, she enables the agency to plan, execute, manage, and analyze the client’s marketing campaigns. Gifford earned a bachelor’s degree from Siena College, Loudonville. Prior to joining the
The Patient Experience Project (PEP) is a full-service, patient‐centric communications firm serving the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. PEP’s unique, nationally recognized approach centers around the collaboration of the foremost disease experts— patients themselves—to co‐create authentic programs and content for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Learn more about the Patient Experience Project at www.the‐ pep.com.
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016 and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ballston Spa Veterinary Clinic is located at 365 Saratoga Avenue (Route 50) in Ballston Spa. For more information call 518-885-5650 or visit www.ballstonspavet.com.
Wesley’s New Board Members
Wilde Joins Ballston Spa Veterinary Clinic
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Patient Experience Project (PEP) has announced the addition of digital strategist Bill O’Bryon to its team. O’Bryon has joined the PEP as Director of Digital Strategy. O’Bryon has more than15 years of digital strategy, production, and measurement experience. His digital expertise spans a wide spectrum from digital development, tactical planning, and interactive marketing to content strategy, analytics, and search engine optimization for branded and unbranded websites, CRM/ email campaigns, mobile/digital selling tools, as well as social and rich media. He is also an experienced front‐end Web developer. O’Bryon’s past accounts in the pharmaceutical industry have included Gilead, Genentech, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Alkermes, Celgene, and Abbott brands, among others. O’Bryon earned a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont.
BALLSTON SPA – Danielle Wilde, DVM, has joined the staff at Ballston Spa Veterinary Clinic. Prior to joining Ballston Spa Veterinary Clinic, Wilde practiced as a small animal veterinarian on Long Island. She also spent eight years as a veterinary technician in both private practice and shelter medicine. Wilde is especially interested in animal behavior, acupuncture, internal medicine and ultrasound. “We are very excited to have Dr. Wilde join our team,” said Eric Andersen, owner of the Clinic. “She has a true love for animals, which is really important to all of us here at the Clinic.” Wilde is originally from Brooklyn. She received her undergraduate degree from CUNY College of Staten Island in 2010 and her DVM degree from Ross University of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. The addition of Wilde comes as Ballston Spa Veterinary Clinic prepares to expand to being open 7 days a week. The Clinic launches its expanded hours on April 15 and will be open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Community recently announced Marie Glotzbach and Jesse Boucher have been appointed to the board of directors of The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs. Glotzbach brings a wealth of experience to The Wesley Community board. A theater educator for more than 40 years in five states, Glotzbach, a Skidmore College theater lecturer the past 13 years, serves on the Skidmore Cares executive committee and the Leadership Saratoga advisory board. She has served on numerous boards throughout Saratoga County and has been recognized for her community service, mentorship, and commitment to the arts. Like Glotzbach, Boucher joins The Wesley Community board as an extension of his longstanding commitment to Saratoga County. The President of Kodiak Construction for more than 12 years, Boucher is a volunteer project manager for Habitat for Humanity and a board member, and past president, of the Saratoga Builders Association. He has served on numerous local, regional, and state construction industry boards.
PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
BALLSTON SPA
HALFMOON
76 Beacon St., $259,454. Traditional Builders LTD sold property to Richard and Sandra Kaminski.
7 Colonial Dr., $266,500. Paul Thomas sold property to Brookfield Global Relocation Service LLC.
580 Goode St., $365,800. Northway Fellowship Inc. sold property to James and Colleen Dergosits.
7 Colonial Dr., $260,500. Brookfield Global Relocation Service LLC sold property to Jamie and Steven Carey.
120 Brookline Rd., $158,000. Clarence and Helen Allen sold property to Jamaal Bacon.
Harris Rd., $182,666. Gregory and Gary Mincher sold property to Eric and Eva Tanski.
1029 Route 50, $285,000. Margaret Grot sold property to Northeast Select Property Management LLC.
33 Mapleridge Ave., $250,000. Matthew and Allison Izbicki sold property to Justin DiPierro and John Gibson.
CHARLTON 2030 Cook Rd., $221,500. Claire Bolon (as Trustee) sold property to Michael and Amber Quinn.
CLIFTON PARK 11 Maple Ridge, $285,900. Deanna Plew sold property to Justin and Jacquelyn Whittington. 106 Stoney Creek Dr., $179,700. Anne Woods sold property to Erin Montrello.
9B Fairway Dr., $215,000. James French (by Exec) sold property to Photos and Stavroulla Soteriou. 82 Ridgewood Dr., $484,000. Robert Poisson, Jr. sold property to Brookfield Global Relocation Service LLC. 82 Ridgewood Dr., $484,000. Brookfield Global Relocation Service LLC sold property to Thirumalesh and Balasukanya Balaraman.
MALTA
187 Tallow Wood Dr., $181,200. Darci and Mark Carter sold property to Jordan and Laura Ivey.
Lot 1 Maiden Circle, $389,614. John Luke Development Co. LLC sold property to Kurt Foley and Alice Porter-Foley.
8 Tekakwitha Court, $134,500. Campbell Fletcher sold property to Julie Huether.
2 Maple Forest Dr., $325,000. Darren Herbinger Construction LLC sold property to Robert and Cynthia Louis.
485A Moe Rd., $346,000. Caruso Home Builders LLC sold property to Nathaniel and Jennifer Marshall. 6 Hidden Valley Lane, $183,174. Wells Fargo Bank (as Trustee by Atty) sold property to Timothy and Terri Boland.
CORINTH 4760 Route 9N, $37,000. Albert Guilder (by Ancillary Admin) sold property to Lynn and Ralph Green, Jr. 3 Liberty St., $24,500. Bayview Loan Servicing LLC sold property to William Freeman.
GREENFIELD 156 Wilton Rd., $185,000. Fannie Mae sold property to timothy Harris and Jessica Labello.
2 Maple Forest Dr., $93,000. H and L Development LLC sold property to Darren Herbinger Construction LLC. 3 Woodfield Ct., $331,675. Michaels Group LLC sold property to James and Maureen Murphy. 2213 Route 9, $106,000. Margaret Marr (as Trustee) sold property to Daniel Estep, Jr. 8 Thimbleberry Rd., $152,500. Melissa Ward sold property to Nicole Passante.
MILTON 17 North High St., $100,000. Ronald Westfall (by Exec) sold property to Seventeen N. High St. LLC.
254 Malta Ave., $149,900. Eric and Lisafaye Watson sold property to Thomas Danison.
MOREAU 8 Pine Valley Dr., $240,000. James McCarthy sold property to Patrick and Ashley Burke. 22 Marion Ave., $139,800. Henry Rose III sold property to Anthony Bruno and Jeffery Tennyson.
NORTHUMBERLAND 17 Schuyler Way North, $228,000. Jason and Lisa Hastings sold property to Seventeen SWN LLC. 40A Brampton Lane, $354,282. Galarneau Builders Inc. sold property to Randy and Heidi Mechanick.
SARATOGA 49 Morgans Run, $152,000. Kelli Rappleyea sold property to Randy Morris and Leeann Leque.
SARATOGA SPRINGS 28 Ferndell Spring Dr., $190,000. Barbara Brower sold property to Teresa Tozzi and Kyle Stultz. Union Ave., $99,000. 474 Meadow Road LLC sold property to Saratoga National Golf Club Inc. 20 Central Ave., $435,000. Timothy Ostrander sold property to Alexander Ciota and Keli Scott. 106 Hathorn Blvd., $169,000. Theresa Budesheim sold property to Jennifer Vinci. 3 Cleveland Ave., $275,000. Patrick and Ashley Burke sold property to Jessica Niles. 22 Karner Rd., $340,000. Gordon and Rachel Buchanan sold property to Paulette Azon. 291 Jefferson St., Unit 14, $257,000. Jaime Ritchey sold property to Erin Brennan.
STILLWATER 19 Towpath Rd., $175,620. Colonial Heritage Mobile Home Park LLC sold property to George and Rebecca Nolan.
10 Cambridge Ct., $300,000. Wayne and Karen Pensiero sold property to Leo and Sarah White.
WILTON 10 Ridge View Rd., $75,000. Thomas Roohan sold property to Patrick and Leigh O’Donnell. 25 Craw Lane, William and Judy Morris sold property to McPadden Builders LLC. 25 Craw Lane, $390,810. McPadden Builders LLC sold property to Matthew and Jill Smith. 5 Pulver Blvd., $222,900. Gerald and Priscilla Cutler sold property to Mark Janic and Pamela Hoyt. 38 Fairway Blvd., $282,000. Kenneth and Jennifer
17 Comstock sold property to Daniel Phillips. 106 Holly Lane, $110,000. US Bank National Association (as Trustee By Atty) sold property to Cherri and Wayne Shultes. 16 Seymour Dr., $325,000. Sylvia Koller sold property to Harry and Marianne Oettinger. 26 Cherry Tree Lane, $331,500. Bruce and Elizabeth Borroughs sold property to Matthew and Allison Izbicki. 4 Saw Mill Ct., $442,475. Smith Bridge LLC sold property to William and Laura Kyer. 14 Farmington Ave., $182,500. Todd and Allison Murray sold property to Ezra Watson and Jarunya Sudsadang-Watson.
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Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Families
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TODAY
Pages 19-27
Allergy Season and Your Eyes
by Susan Halstead, Optician
for Saratoga TODAY Spring has sprung and with it comes all kinds of fun particles mixing in with our air! Heaters get switched off and air conditioners get turned on, adding to the complicating issue of working inside all day in dry air and then heading outside to work in the yard or mow the lawn on weekends. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, no doubt you have experienced the watery, burning, itchy eyes that often accompany them. New Eye Drops. You will be happy to know that help is available at your eye doctor’s
office! New and improved medications for allergy sufferers are available with a prescription. Previously the drops that were available didn’t provide relief for a full 24-hours. Drug studies found that by strengthening the concentration of the active ingredients, the drops would provide relief as prescribed when used once daily. A side-effect of blur for up to 5 minutes after administering the drop, leads most doctors to recommend using them at bedtime. Keeping your contacts hydrated by using re-wetting drops that are compatible with soft contact lenses can also be very helpful. Non-contact lens wearers can also reap the benefits from using a lubricating, re-hydrating drop that is available over the counter. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for their recommendations when selecting the over the counter drop that is right for your symptoms. Drops that “bleach” the red out, may make your eyes look better but it is important to understand and treat the cause of the redness.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses. Other options to consider are daily disposable contact lenses to cut down on the residue that is inevitably left behind on a two-week or monthly disposable lens. Pollen, pet dander and other allergens don’t get the chance to build up on the lenses and therefore the eyes are much less irritated. Back-Up Glasses Not Just for Back-Up. Giving your eyes a break from contact lens wear during allergy season can go a long way in helping you to better cope! Consider updating your old eyeglasses and buying something that you would love to see and be seen in! Spring is one of the best times to purchase new frames, since everything is fresh and newly released! Many optical offices offer special savings events during the month of April to welcome in all the new eyewear choice. You Know What Happens When We Assume! Don’t just assume that your eye symptoms are allergy related. Some red-eyes require antibiotic drops for treatment. If only
one eye is affected and you are a contact lens wearer, you may have an abrasion which is much more serious and requires a visit to your eye doctor as soon as possible. If both eyes are red and you are experiencing discharge, you may have conjunctivitis, which also requires a specific eye
antibiotic prescription. Susan Halstead is a Nationally and NYS Licensed Optician and Owner of Family Vision Care Center on Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs, and can be reached for questions or comments by calling 584-6111 or emailing Susan@ familyvisioncarecenter.com
Rebuilding Together Saratoga County Awarded Several Grants from State and Federal Agencies to Provide Critical Repairs for Low-Income Homeowners SARATOGA COUNTY — Rebuilding Together Saratoga County has been awarded several large State and federal grants to help finance critical health and safety repairs for low-income homeowners in Saratoga County. These grants will enable Rebuilding Together to provide health and safety repairs for lowincome homeowners in scattered sites across Saratoga County at no
cost to the homeowners. Efforts will be focused on homeowners who are older adults, individuals living with a disability and families with children or active or retired members of the armed services. These repairs will preserve affordable homeownership for the households and ensure a safe and healthy living environment. Examples of recent projects include: modifying bathrooms
with low-threshold shower units; repairing floors; installing a stair glide; constructing a ramp; repairing or replacing a roof; repairing porch and stairs; and making energy efficiency improvements (windows, doors, and insulation). Interested homeowners or referral agencies can request an application by phone (518587-3315) or email (Michelle@ RTSaratoga.org).
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Families
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
TODAY
Senior Calendar…
Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga
5 Williams St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-1621
HAPPENINGS AT THE CENTER!
Ice Cream Social Friday April 8, 4-6:30pm Join us for a fun filled evening: • Music by Steve Keller: a little Frank, Tony and Sammy • Dancing • Light Fare • Ice Cream and Sweets $3 members/ $6 non-members Please sign up! Presented by SSHS Key Club Sponsored by Saratoga Community Tech Expo Friday, April 15, 12-4pm Simplify everyday tasks with technology! • Accessing your Patient Portal Online presented by Saratoga Hospital • Be Remembered -Online Memories, Stories and Photos -presented by Tunison Funeral Home • Online Prescription Refills and Management presented by Walgreens • Online and Mobile Banking presented by Saratoga Community FCU • Ordering Groceries Online • Computer Assistance Available After a short presentation, one on one
time is available to ask questions and get materials. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments served. April Dinner Tuesday, April 19 at 5:30pm “West Side Sports Bar and Grill” Sponsored by The Summit at Saratoga Start the meal with homemade chips Chicken Parmigiana, Ziti, Salad $10 per person. Members only.
ALSO AT THE CENTER!
Aerobics with Valerie FREE classes Tues and Thurs. April19, 21, 26, and 28., 11:30-12:15. Give this great class a try. Bring a friend and have some fun burning calories to music. Regular fee of $10 will resume in May. Biking Club Mondays at 10am sharp! Helmets & bikes required. Make a Mother’s Day Wreath Show your creative side! A very fun class with Marylou. Supplies provided. Bring your own special decorations. Free. Tues., Apr. 12th,
1-3pm. Book Club Tue., Apr. 26th at 3pm - Discussing “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. Movie $2 members / $4 nonmember, inc. snacks. sign up! Fri., Apr. 15, 1:00pm “Black Mass” starring Johnny Depp Computer, Phone, and iPad Help Students are in the house! Mon. Tues., Wed., Thurs., 3-4, Fri., 1-4. Sign up!
SENIORS ON THE GO!
Tue., April 12: Lunch Bunch: “Peaches Cafe” Stroll and shop Stuyvesant Plaza, then enjoy lunch at this iconic cafe. Leave at 9:30am. Pay $10 at sign up & bring $ for lunch and shopping. Fri., Apr. 15: Mass Moca: MASS MoCA is one of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. Explore at your own pace. Lunch on site. Pay $31 at sign up. Bring lunch money. Leave the Center at 9am. Tues., Apr. 19: Bowling: Saratoga Strike Zone: When was the last time you bowled? Join us and have some fun trying to knock
those pins down! Leave the Center at 10:30. Pay $1 at sign up for van. Bring $4 per game, max. of 2 games, shoes inc. Bring money for snacks or lunch. Fri., Apr. 22: Bennington, Vermont: A guided tour of eclectic Vermont arts & industry displays, including the world’s largest Grandma Moses collection. Then have lunch at TBD. Return for the step-on tour that includes the Old First Church, Robert Frost Gravesite, the Battle Monument, and a covered bridge. Pay $31 at sign up for van and tour. Bring lunch money. Leave at 8:45.
Tues., Apr. 26: “Walkway over the Hudson”: Celebrate Earth Day and take a walk over the historic Hudson River in Poughkeepsie. Interpretive signs and cell phone tour available. Walk 1.28 miles at your own pace. Lunch at Alex’s Restaurant. Pay $15 at sign up. Bring lunch money. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a water bottle. Leave the center at 8:30, return about 4-4:30. Thurs., Apr. 28: “Silver Foxes”: Join our men’s group for lunch. Pay $1 at sign up & bring $10 for lunch at the Skidmore Dining Hall. Leave the center at 11:45.
The Wilton Senior Center
18 Traver Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831 (518) 587-6363 Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am. - 3:00pm. Lillian Worth Senior Center is located in the Town Hall Complex. 18 Traver Road. It is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Center will be closed Christmas Day and when Saratoga Springs Schools are closed for inclement weather. Members must be 55 years of age. However, spouses younger than 55 may join and participate in all activities, but cannot vote until they reach age 55. Dues are $4 per year. Bus transportation to and from the Senior Center, the Mall, grocery stores and appointments is available by calling the Saratoga County Office of the Aging at 884-4100 before noon on the day before the transportation is needed.
Activities include: • Ceramics and Crafts Tuesday morning (except July and August) • Free Blood Pressure Clinics Third Tuesday of Month at 1:00 p.m. • Business Meetings First Tuesday of the Month at 1:00 p.m. • Day Trips (dinner + attraction) Monthly April through November (minimal fee) • AARP “55 Alive” March and September • Drivers Course Held twice a year ($10 fee) • Exercise Groups, Cards and other Games Tuesdays and Thursdays • Speakers Scheduled throughout the year • Live entertainment scheduled throughout the year • Videos scheduled throughout the year
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Families
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TODAY
What Happens if You Die Without a Will? Intestate Succession Rules in New York
by Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. for Saratoga TODAY Many people worry that if they die without a Will their assets will go to the State, which is known as an “escheat” of assets to the government. Thankfully, this is generally not true. The New York Estates Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) provides for a comprehensive process which allows your assets to pass to your closest relatives, if you die without a Will. Dying without a Will is known as dying “intestate.” The rules related to what happens if you die without a Will are known as the rules of “intestate succession.” Who receives your property depends on your family makeup at the time of your passing. Below is a chart that explains the most common rules of intestate succession in New York, pursuant to EPTL section 4-1.1. If you die without a Will and have no surviving spouse, no children, no parents, and no siblings that survive you, then your estate will be inherited by more distant relatives. In addition to what your family inherits under the rules of intestate succession pursuant to New York EPTL section 4-1.1, your family is also entitled to certain exempt property pursuant to New York EPTL section 5-3.1. It is important to remember that “your intestate estate,” for the purposes of the rules of intestate succession, is generally comprised of the assets that are titled in your name only at the time of your
death. Not included in your intestate estate is anything you owned jointly with someone else (i.e. a joint checking account) or anything you owned which was payable to a named beneficiary upon your death (i.e. an Individual Retirement Account – IRA). Although the State provides for rules of intestate succession, it is important to have a Will as part of your estate plan, because the rules of intestate succession may not be consistent with your wishes. For example, most married couples would like their entire estate to be left to their surviving spouse, even if they leave children behind. The expectation is that the surviving spouse would then provide for the children. As you can see from the chart, if you die without a Will and have a spouse and children, part of your estate will go directly to your children – which is quite likely inconsistent with your wishes. Even if you want some portion of your estate to be given to your children, you may not want your children to receive those assets outright. Pursuant to the rules
of intestate succession, anything that is inherited by your children is received by them directly and they have total control of the assets once they reach the age of eighteen. Most parents prefer to have their estate assets managed for the benefit of their children, until they reach a more mature age. A properly drafted Will can also allow you to take advantage of tax planning techniques that may reduce the taxability of your estate. In addition, if you have minor children, a Will can provide for your wishes regarding their
care if you pass away before they reach the age of eighteen. In your Will, you can nominate guardians of their property and persons who will act as their surrogate parents in the event you pass away during their minority. The rules of intestate succession in New York provide a “default” plan for the inheritance of your estate. Unfortunately, this default plan may not be consistent with your desires regarding the disposition of your assets or the handling of your family affairs. In order to ensure
If you die without a Will and you leave:
that these issues are properly addressed, it is important to have a Will in place. To discuss drafting a Will consistent with your wishes, you should contact an experienced estate planning attorney near you. Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is a Partner with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. Over his nineteen years of practice, he has focused in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and estate administration. Mr. Dorsey can be reached at (518)5845205, mdorsey@oalaw.com and www.oalaw.com.
Your estate goes to:
A surviving spouse Spouse inherits everything A surviving spouse and children Spouse inherits first $50,000 and ½ of the balance of your estate and your children get the other ½ Children but no surviving spouse
Children inherit everything
Parents but no spouse or children
Parents inherit everything
Siblings but no spouse, children, or parents
Siblings inherit everything
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TODAY
METLIFE PREMIER CLIENT GROUP SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNER TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL GUIDANCE IN TOWN/REGION
by Christopher Spratt for Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, MARCH 28, 2016 — Lambert & Spratt Financial Partners, an office of MetLife and a part of the MetLife Premier Client Group, is pleased to announce that Christopher Spratt has been certified as a Special Needs Planner by the MetLife Center for Special
Needs PlanningSM after completing the Center’s comprehensive training program. Spratt is now equipped to provide customized financial solutions for special needs individuals and families with special needs dependents throughout the capital region. “Individuals with special needs and families with special needs children face a unique set of financial considerations, governed by a variety of federal and state benefits laws,” said Spratt. “My training gave me a clear picture of current developments in the field, and I look forward to working with the special needs members of our community to help them navigate these considerations and achieve their financial goals.” “MetLife plays a pivotal role in the special needs community as a financial services provider and trusted source of guidance,” said
Kelly Piacenti, assistant vice president, MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning. “The training our Special Needs Planners undergo is rooted in the feedback we’ve received from our clients and our non-profit partners, and many of our planners have children or close relatives with special needs themselves. Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive services possible to all our clients as we work to help them build secure financial futures.” With the certification, Spratt is equipped to help special needs individuals and families with special needs children: • Ensure they receive the government benefits from Social Security and Medicaid that they are eligible for; • Understand legal and financial issues related to special needs planning, including the establishment of special needs
trusts and the creation of a Letter of Intent; • Determine how much is needed to provide lifetime quality care for loved ones. About the MetLife Center for Special Needs PlanningSM MetLife Special Needs Planners are knowledgeable about many facets of special needs financial planning, including eligibility for Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. By working with a qualified attorney, MetLife Special Needs Planners can help individuals and families address critical issues, including how to protect future government eligibility and ways in which a special needs trust can help fund lifetime care. Special Needs Planners work with local non-profit organizations and service providers to provide support and to secure the highest level of independence
for special needs individuals. National non-profit partners include The Arc, Autism Society, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, National Down Syndrome Congress, TASH, Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance and United Cerebral Palsy. About MetLife MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. Founded in 1868, MetLife is a global provider of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management. Serving approximately 100 million customers, MetLife has operations in nearly 50 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
Traveling with Special Needs
by Kimberly Jordan for Saratoga TODAY “Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller April is National Autism Awareness Month. It ends as summer vacation planning gets underway. For families with children on the autism spectrum, taking a vacation can bring a sense of dread. Autistic children do best with structure and routine, and a vacation—by definition—is anything but that. So many times, parents of children with special needs opt for staying close to home, rather than being adventurous and traveling somewhere new. Although, traveling with a child with autism may
require more planning and flexibility, it's just a different approach to family vacationing. Here are ways to make the trip easier and fun for the entire family. PLANNING Air Travel. Air travel means navigating a sequence of intimidating experiences, from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and a massive amount of strangers. Start with baby steps. Make your child’s first flight a short one. Always book a direct flight if one is available. Prepare your child. Review the travel process in detail. A great children's book to read that describes the sensations of air travel is "The Noisy Airplane Ride by Mike Downs." This rhythmic book offers a tour of the multiple sounds a child might hear before, during and after takeoff. Take a practice run. Contact your local airport and ask if they have an autism access program or Wings for Autism program in place. These programs allow families to take a practice run through airport security and boarding. There are numerous ones at major airports: Boston
Logan, Philadelphia International, JFK International and Newark International. Make Contact. Let your airline know as far in advance as possible that you’ll be flying with a child with autism. Notify them that you would like to pre-board. It is also a good idea to arrive at the departure gate early to make any request in person. Request bulkhead seats, which have more room and help eliminate the possibility of seat-kicking. Contact https://www.tsa.gov/travel/ special-procedures for additional accommodations. Pack essentials. To help avoid or manage meltdowns, bring as many familiar and adored items from home as possible. Try to focus on things that will distract and even relax your child. Bring favorite foods and snacks. Noisecanceling headphones can help drown out unfamiliar noises in the airport and on planes. Medications. Pack all needed medications in your carry-on luggage in case the checked bags are delayed or lost. Most liquids must meet the traditional 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage. However, liquid medication is one of very few items (including baby formula, baby food and breast
milk) which may be allowed in higher quantities, if declared beforehand and approved during the screening process. Bringing a note from your doctor on the medications may come in handy, as would an extra prescription in case one must be filled while on vacation. Destination. When it comes to choosing a destination, consider your child's desires as well as the wishes of the entire family. If possible, start with smaller, quieter locations and gradually build up to a big vacation to popular tourist destination if possible. Visiting a destination during the off-season can minimize the distractions associated with crowds and noise. Consider one of these destinations for your upcoming family vacation. Royal Caribbean Cruises. They provide trained staff to assist families with respite care, private activities and services on cruises. They will assist with all types of developmental, cognitive and intellectual disabilities. Disney Parks. Disney properties are the amusement parks most famous for accommodating guests with special needs. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/
guests-with-disabilities/ Surfside Beach, South Carolina - Surfside Beach declared itself the first-ever autism-friendly travel destination. They promote themselves as a low-key setting without the crowds found at nearby beaches. The town aims to create a judgment-free zone for autism families—a place where parents can relax because the community understands autism and caters to the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. Every family deserves a vacation and it is easier than you might think to enjoy a fantastic vacation with a child with autism. With plenty of planning, family discussions about the upcoming adventure and adjusting your sights to a level everyone can enjoy, you have the makings of a quality and memorable holiday. Kim Jordan is a Dream Maker/ Travel Agent with Magic of Mickey Travel. She is located at 18 Round Table Road in Saratoga Springs NY 12866. For more information, please call her at 251-753-2125 or email to KimJ@MagicofMickey. com. https://www.facebook.comKimJordanMagicOfMickeyTravel/
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Families
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TODAY
Spring Cleaning
Clearing out Toxic People From Your Life
by Meghan Lemery Fritz LCSW-R
for Saratoga TODAY When we think of spring cleaning we think of clearing out our closets, cleaning the windows, clearing out the garage and cleaning up the yard from the long winter. While this is necessary and important in keeping our lives organized and moving in the direction of positive change, it is also important to take time to spring clean the relationships in your life. Often times we can hold onto relationships we may have outgrown out of obligation or guilt. These types of relationships can fill us with bitterness, anger and resentment, causing us to feel weighed down and tired. Anything, including a relationship, that keeps you from growing and becoming your best self is not worth hanging onto. We attract people into our
lives based on where we are in our emotional state. If you have a lot of negative people in your life, its likely that you too are very negative, or, you may have a strong desire to help o fix people who are struggling, and that desire attracts you to chronically negative people. If you find yourself always surrounded by drama in relationships then you can be sure you at one time enjoyed drama. If it feels like you can’t stand it anymore then that is a good sign that you have outgrown the drama behavior and are ready to attract people who have an inner peace and light. If you have family members that you find you are always in conflict with or you are consistently offending and upsetting them in some way, you have a sign that it is time to let go of trying to please someone who is impossible to please. Don’t pressure yourself to stay in relationships with friends or family because you feel bad. If the relationship adds nothing to your life and leaves you feeling drained and upset it’s time to do some spring cleaning. This doesn’t mean you send out an email and let the toxic people know you’re letting them go in your newly enlightened state. This choice is more about outgrowing the behavior that initially bonded you to the person. You can simply recognize that
this relationship no longer adds to your life in any way and begin to separate yourself from the people, places and things that stunt your growth. This can be a tricky process when you are dealing with family members. In this case, when possible it can be helpful to let the person know that you feel drained by the constant drama or conflict in the relationship and that while you may love them as a family member, you are no longer willing to compromise your peace to accommodate their dysfunction. If the person is unable to hear your feelings in a productive way or understand your point of view they will become angry with you and possibly twist the situation and put it back on you. If this happens simply remove yourself from the conflict and make a pact that you will honor your peace above all else. Sometimes with family members it is not in your best interest to share how their behavior affects you and you must let go and move forward. Just because someone is family does not mean you have to have a relationship with them. Honor your boundaries and refuse to put yourself in situations that will lead to you feeling upset, drained and not good enough. Don’t let your friendship closet become stuffed with old friendships that are torn, stained and too small for you. Be willing
to love yourself enough to evaluate when it’s time to create distance, let go and make room for new friendships in your life that add light and peace. You are the company you keep- if you have a circle of negative people who live in drama and conflict and are constantly offended by other people, it’s time to let go. Take a look back at where you were in your life when the relationship started and chances are you too were in a heavy, dark space. It ’s tough to attract healthy people into your life when you are in an unhealthy place.
If you feel like you are constantly attracting “crazy” people into your life it’s time to look at why that works for you. The only way to change what you allow and attract into your life is to begin to change from the inside out. Begin to work on inner peace, conflict resolution and clearing out your own closet of old dysfunction. Take the time you need to evaluate and spring clean your friendship closet- YOU ARE WORTH IT! Meghan Lemery Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information email meghanlemery@ yahoocom
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Families
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
TODAY
Guidelines for Treating Back Pain
by Matthew Goodemote for Saratoga TODAY Over the last several weeks I have found myself repeating similar advice for my patients, and today I would like to share with those reading my understanding of resolving back pain. Just this afternoon I saw a patient that has been dealing with lower back pain for 10 years. His pain has worsened over the last two years and he has stopped doing activities that he thought contributed to his back issues. In addition, he has tried to add new activities into his routine to help him with his pain. Unfortunately nothing has seemed to help him up to this point. A lot of my patients through the years suffer from one of two mistakes when it comes to resolving back pain.
They either do too much, or they don’t do enough. I often say there is a fine line between helping and hurting, and knowing some guidelines helps. So I taught him my guidelines, the ones that have helped most of my patients throughout the last 19 years I have been a PT. I believe the starting point for EVERYONE with back pain is making sure they have full “mobility” of their spine. I believe it is far more important than strengthening (including the “core”) and I also believe that it is far more important than flexibility. So I created a slogan… “mobility first, stability (or strengthening) second and flexibility third. What do I mean by mobility? I mean specifically joint mobility, tissue mobility and overall movement mobility. When in doubt, move about! Too often people put the cart before the horse. We try to strengthen our muscles when we don’t even move well. Not only is this rarely effective, at times I think it may be counterproductive because using our muscles in a way that reinforces a faulty movement pattern only makes the pattern harder to break. I start EVERY patient of mine with a basic range of motion screen. This is the foundation for the guidelines
I provide my patients, and I use this method with all body parts. I focus on how the joints are moving and if they are moving well I immediately assess how the soft tissue is moving. If there are restrictions in the muscles for example I immediately work on the soft tissue to improve the tissue mobility. The single most important thing you can do to help yourself regarding your joints is to keep them moving. Avoiding movement is NOT a good plan and will often lead to more problems. I am not saying this lightly and I am not saying this about healthy joints only, I am saying this about all joints. The only exception would be after surgery when it is important to allow healing and to follow your doctor’s orders. I am not saying “force” movement, I am saying don’t avoid movement! The second most important thing to focus on when you have back pain is your posture. This was part of an article I recently wrote to help people find their proper posture. It is important for me to point out that we are all unique and have a unique posture that is right for us individually. The easiest way to find your best personal posture is to lift the sternum. Mobility is your friend, lack of movement is your enemy. But I realize that there are times when we have to sit and a lot of us have jobs where we work on computers. More and more studies are revealing the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle, specifically prolonged sitting. That being said,
for years I advocated standing to work and the popularity of standing desks is gaining momentum, but standing all day will create new issues and will likely fade in popularity as all fads do. Standing desks are NOT the solution. The solution is changing positions MOVE! (When in doubt move about.) The solution to office work is not just changing to standing. It is sitting for 15-20 minutes, standing for 15-20 minutes and continuously changing from one position to the next. I have been recommending standing desks that are also traditional sitting desks. The best case scenario is a desk where you can sit and stand and even better one that is set to a timer so you don’t have a choice to sit longer than 30 minutes, it automatically rises so you have to stand. Then after 30 minutes it automatically goes down so you have to sit again. The point is not to just stand all day. It is to move from sitting to standing and standing to sitting. If you are not able to move then it is important to focus your posture. So, when you are sitting, it is important to follow my slogan…”sit tall, or not at all.” The same applies for standin “stand tall or not at all.” Remember to lift your sternum and you can find your best posture easily. The last piece of guidance I use to help my patients is the simple, common sense advice… “go to the pain, not through the pain!” This is so important for the people that struggle to know what to do and what not to do. Often we think activities are “bad” for us, when in reality MOST are not bad at all, in fact most are “good” for us. Remember, I recommend more activity not less, (when in doubt move about!). I recommend people try things, and if they start hurting more from the activity then stop. I say things like, “do what feels good stop doing what feels bad.” But it is so important to know that if it
hurts today, it does NOT mean it will hurt tomorrow. So I encourage people to stay active and only stop something if it is making the condition worse. Keep trying activities but don’t try to “push through” the pain or ignore the pain. I think we can recover much faster by listening to and working with the body. So my patient today had a loss of motion when I screened him. I taught him a mobility exercise and his motion improved immediately. Then I recommended he start doing things that he stopped doing years ago because if they were the things that were hurting him then he should be getting better. He is getting worse, which means the activities he stopped were not the problem. Unfortunately he is still sitting even though this was one of the things that made him hurts the most. So I recommended he stop sitting when he hurt and to change how he was sitting to prevent the pain from returning while he sat. Finally, I recommended he stop trying too many things at once and instead focus all his attention on his mobility and posture. Then add ONE activity into the mix to test and see if that activity was in fact a problem. Once we know it isn’t an issue he can add another one. All the while focusing on mobility first. My guidelines are straightforward and often effective. Remember that mobility is the top priority. Finding the balance by doing enough to not provoke is easy when you listen to the body and gradually resume activities. Try to stay active and avoid ignoring and pushing through your pain. IF you need specific guidelines I would be happy to meet with you and offer my take on your situation. Thanks for reading my articles and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at (518) 332-4614 or email me at goodemotept@gmail.com
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Families
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TODAY
Q: With the stock market’s recent volatility, should I sell when prices drop and get back into the market when things are better? A: Similar to the value of my house, I have a long-term view of my investments and won’t sell simply because prices decline.
by Christopher J. La Porta, CFP
for Saratoga TODAY To put it in perspective, imagine someone ringing your doorbell every minute from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to tell you a price they would pay for your house even though it was not for sale. Would you sell? Would you sell if each time you opened the
door they offered you less and less? Obviously not – that would be irrational because you know the true value of your house. The same applies to stocks of high-quality companies – they have value despite their daily price movements. However, investors often perceive “value” in the stock market as “price” and forget the economic worth of the business attached to the stock. During sell-offs, markets can drop because of uncontrollable factors that are not purely economic in nature – despite sound companylevel fundamentals. Many perceive this day-to-day volatility as “risk,” but you certainly wouldn’t consider daily price movements as risk to your home’s value in the long run. Perhaps the longterm view real estate investors most often take could be a good lesson for stock investors.
Similar to your home, companies have actual economic value despite their stock price on any given day. They are not just pieces of paper or a blip on the computer screen. I look at the marketplace not as a stock market, but as a market of stocks. I favor high-quality U.S. businesses with strong cash flows, little if any debt, appropriate global exposure and excellent leadership. Ultimately, a stock’s performance depends upon the underlying company’s ability to grow economically – not how the market prices its stock on a daily basis. However, investors often let their emotions get in the way of rational decision making. They become fearful and sell when they should buy. The typical result is that they miss the market upswings and their gains are much less than what they would have been if they had just stayed
the course. Trying to time the market just does not work consistently enough to build wealth over the long term. Additionally, there is an overwhelming amount of research that shows that long-term investing — even through a stock market downturn — yields better results over the years than trying to time a decline, remove capital and return when “things are better.” In fact, studies of recent 20-year periods demonstrate that missing just 10 of the best days in the stock market over two decades can dramatically affect an investor’s rate of return. Solid, fundamental business characteristics do not make a stock impervious to daily price movements, and all asset classes fluctuate, including bonds and real estate. However, just as your home’s value can grow over
time, stocks of high-quality, financially sound companies also possess long-term growth potential. I believe that stocks are essential in order to outpace inflation and generate real wealth over the long haul. If you can focus on your financial goals and not shortterm stock market fluctuations, you can be successful. So as stock market volatility causes people to be fearful, I remain confident, invested in corporations that I feel are best suited to grow my assets and defend against true risk – the permanent loss of capital. Fenimore Asset Management is an independent investment advisory firm located in Cobleskill, NY since 1974. Fenimore’s affiliates are the Fenimore Private Client Group & FAM Funds – offering separately managed accounts and mutual funds. In-depth research. Insightful investing.
GIVE FIVE FOR LIFE! DORSEY RAISES MONEY TO FIGHT CANCER As a five-year survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, local attorney Matt Dorsey knows the importance of cancer research. To commemorate being cancer free for five years, he’s participating in the 2016 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Man and Woman of the Year fundraising campaign. Dorsey’s campaign theme is Give Five for Life because, in addition to being a five-year survivor, he is celebrating by running his 5th marathon on 5/1/16. “I know first-hand the importance of LLS’s work. Five years ago, I received life-saving chemotherapy treatments in my battle against Lymphoma. I’m here today – here for my family, my friends, and my community – because of the treatments developed with funding from LLS,” said Dorsey. Last year, LLS raised $32,500,000 nationwide to help people beat the challenge of Leukemia and Lymphoma. The money raised by LLS has made a tremendous difference.
Thirty years ago, the survival rate for people diagnosed with Leukemia was 34 percent. Through the research funded by LLS, significant progress has been made and that survival rate is now 60 percent. Dorsey joins fifteen other Man and Woman of the Year candidates working to raise funds this year. Their fundraising efforts will culminate in a Grand Finale Event at the
Renaissance Albany Hotel on May 13, when the man and woman who have raised the most money during the campaign will be announced. As part of the campaign, LLS honors a Boy and Girl of the year. The 2016 LLS Boy and Girl of the Year are Lucas Santoro and Kendra Sisco, Lucas is a 3-year-old boy, who lives in Cohoes and was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 2. Kendra is a 16-year-old
girl, who lives in Waterford and was diagnosed with Lymphoma at the age of 15. Both Lucas and Kendra are currently in remission and doing well. “I had the opportunity to meet Kendra and Lucas at the LLS Campaign Kick Off Event, and they’re both terrific kids. By raising critical dollars for cancer research, more and more people - people like me, people like Lucas, and people
like Kendra - will fight and win the battle against Leukemia and Lymphoma,” said Dorsey. As part of his fundraising campaign, Dorsey has a number of fundraising events planned in the next few weeks, including a Comedy Night, a Trivia Contest, a Karaoke Party, and Neighborhood Garage Sale. To learn more about these events, you can go to www. givefiveforlife.com or check them out on Facebook.
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Families
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
TODAY
Saratoga Polo School’s Kid’s Polo Camp They are encouraged to practice balance while holding the long sticks on a scale wooden horse form before going out into the manicured polo field on-site. “We all try to keep it safe; for us and for the horses,” said Dino. The well-trained Argentinian polo horses and
retired thoroughbred horses are gentle enough for beginners and have a sensitivity that children easily relate to. “I love her, she’s just like me,” commented one little girl about a horse named Goloso; because they both have a sweet-tooth, recalled Dino fondly.
Fast Path to Fun Polo isn’t just a game for the super-elite. “There is a lot going on with polo, it can be super-fashion, but we try to keep it down to earth here,” said Dino. The Saratoga Polo School teaches single classes and group
sessions in addition to the camp offerings. The Bloomfield Farm polo field is open to the public on Saturday mornings for community chukkers, as well. For those interested in learning more about the Saratoga Polo School go to http://www.saratogapoloschool.org/
by Megin Potter for Saratoga TODAY It was a love of horses and the game of polo that attracted Argentinian polo player Mario Dino to the region, and then inspired him to offer the Saratoga Polo School’s Kid’s Polo Camp for the first time this year. Dino opened the Saratoga Polo School in 2010 to teach students of all ages the passionate power present in polo. “What I want them to learn is how important it is to see the horse as a partner, as well as their teammates; and when that happens, things can become supergood,” said Dino, smiling. In addition to playing professionally, Dino has helped to coach the Skidmore Polo team and lead the EPIC Interscholastic team of area middle and high school students to the regional competition. In addition to their horsemanship skills, members were also recognized for their sportsmanship. Valuable Life Skills At the polo school, kids are given the valuable knowledge of how to play smart under pressure, while also gaining an attitude enriched with respect, responsibility, and the compassionate handling of animals. With more than two dozen horses and three friendly dogs running around on the expansive grassy meadows of the 120-acre Bloomfield Farm, they will get the advantages of riding out in the fresh air, while also learning some of the problem-solving skills that naturally come along with it. Hands-On Learning There’s a lot more to polo than the stomping of the divots. Students learn the rules of the game, horse anatomy and tack.
Saratoga Polo School’s Kid’s Polo Camp 18 Bloomfield Road, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866 For ages 9 to 14 years old No Experience Necessary June 27 – July 1, 2016 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost: $350/child Space is limited. For more information contact Mario Dino at info@saratogapoloschool.org
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Families
TODAY
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Added to my resume: Project Manager
by Katherine Morna Towne
for Saratoga TODAY I live in fear of my children coming home with long-term project assignments. (My apologies to my boys’ teachers! You’re all wonderful and you’re doing a great job—I love how each of my boys is learning and growing. This is about my weaknesses and failings as a mother.) The occasional help needed with daily homework is even sometimes more than I feel I can manage (probably because I always wait until after dinner to deal with it, just when all I want is for the day to be done). When I see an assignment come home that’s due in three weeks and involves more than the normal homework—something like a diorama of a habitat or a timeline that involves internet research—my immediate response is always to file the assignment sheet in my to-do file and not speak of it again until closer to the due date. This is how I work (procrastination is one of my lifelong nemeses. I’m actually writing this the day it’s due), and it does work—unbeknownst to me my mind clicks away, working out the problem, until one day it presents it to me as a lucid and peaceful thought. “Aha!” I’ll think to myself. “I think we should work on that project today, since it’s due in two days. There are those shoeboxes in the mudroom we can use and I just remembered where I hid the glue.” It would be one thing if the boy in question could manage the entire thing on his own. I’m a huge believer in encouraging independent work and I
actively (successfully) battle my frequent desire (born of fatigue) to give the answers to homework so it can just be done, but I also know that modeling a task first is a huge help when striving for independence and that if the boy has never made a diorama and lives in a house where he’s not allowed to use scissors, glue, markers, or the internet without adult supervision, he’s going to need my help. Do you all feel like you find that balance pretty well? Between helping too much and not helping enough? I think I tend to err on the side of “not enough,” so earnest am I in wanting to encourage the boys to stretch to reach high standards, a bit of pushing them out of the nest. I think we probably all have memories of schoolmates who had the reputation that their parents actually did their homework for them, and I really worry about that— not only about my kids having that reputation, but also about impeding their growth and stunting their potential if I were to help too much. My most successful and exhilarating academic memories are the projects or classes that were so difficult I was sure I would fail—I was forced to stretch out of my comfort zone and work harder than I ever had, panic hovering just there in my peripheral vision. (Yes, I was a grade-A nerd.) But again, I know I can’t just say, “Okay! You have a project to do, better get to it!” So I try to make it as collaborative as I can possibly manage so that I’m not the one coming up with the ideas and cutting out all the pieces so they’re perfect and making sure everything’s glued correctly. I admit I do all the computer work—I’m simply not comfortable with letting my elementary-age boys on the internet. But they sit with me and we discuss what I’m searching for and we agree on the images to print out or the information to include. The very best part, though, is when they are actually old enough to do it all on their own. What’s that? You moms of little ones don’t believe it
will ever happen? I know! But my sixth grader casually informed me not that long ago that he had a science project due just a few days later. I freaked out, I really did. “How could you spring this on me? Where’s the paper that has the assignment written on it, so I can read for myself what’s required and make sure all the boxes are checked off ? What do you mean you have to videotape it? I’m not sure we have that capability!” “Mom,” he said, with total calm. “I know what I’m going to do, I have it all figured out.” And he proceeded to show me (at my great insistence) the assignment sheet, which involved his science teacher approving each step along the way for the past few weeks: a few possible ideas, then the chosen topic, then the specific thesis, then the proposed execution. His teacher liked his idea and had given him the goahead and I was flabbergasted that it had all happened without my knowledge or assistance. “But how are you going to videotape it?” I asked, panic rising again. “I can do it on my computer,” he told me, referring to his school-issued Chromebook, and he said it matter-of-factly, like, no big deal. But it really was kind of a big deal, me putting up my hands and stepping back. Despite my constant hope that these boys of mine will turn into responsible, respectful, independent men, I wasn’t sure about this at all. But I watched him without interference, was amazed by his capableness, and rejoiced with him when he later discovered that he’d aced the project. I’m still in awe of this new, fantastic stage in my motherhood. I would have loved to have read this even just a couple of years ago, when every school project still required my intense involvement, so I hope it’s encouraging to all of you as well. Kids grow up and know how to do things! Who knew? Kate and her husband have six sons ages 11, 9, 7, 6, 4, and 2. She can be reached at kmtowne23@gmail.com.
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Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
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SARATOGA FILM ACADEMY THIS WEEK’S
SPOTLIGHT
Saratoga Children’s Theatre offers performance camps for ages 4-18 years. At Saratoga Children’s Theatre we hire dedicated professionals that will enhance your child’s awareness for the arts while enjoying a great summer camp experience, while enhancing your child’s self esteem. All Camps are held at St. Clements School, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, and Skidmore College, North Broadway Saratoga Springs. For more information and to read staff bio’s please visit www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org Before and After Care will be available for all camps.
For children who have a passion for performing arts, Saratoga Children’s Theatre summer camp is a dream come true.
RISING STARS camps (4-6 years) these stars-to-be will learn to explore their creativity through music, storytelling, movement, and arts. Both fun and educational, we have created our Rising Stars program to provide a warm and nurturing environment, giving campers the opportunity to gain a wonderful introduction to the theatrical arts. New this summer we will be offering half day and full day camps for the Rising Stars. RISING STARS 7 sessions July 4-8, 2016 FROZEN full day July 11-15, 2016 – Summertime Fun half day July 18-22, 2016 Doc McStuffins full day July 25-29, 2016 Fun on the Farm half day August 1-5, 2016 Disney Magic full day August 8-12, 2016 Squirm August 15-19, 2016 Go Fish All Rising Stars camos are one week 9am-4pm full day, 9am12noon half day. SCT KIDS camps (7-10 years) Campers will learn all
aspects of performance, and will have the opportunity to perform their show at the end of camp and they are open to the public. Campers will perform on stage at St. Clements Auditorium, Saratoga Springs. Camp hours are 9am-4pm; KIDS camps are 1 or 2 weeks. NEW this summer is 1 Play and 2 week camps.
KIDS CAMPS 4 Sessions
July 4-15, 2016 (Musical) The Tale of Pocahontas and John Smith July 18-29, 2016 (Musical) Annie August 1-12, 2016 (Play) Pan August 15-19 2016 (Musical) Jedi
SCT JUNIOR camps (10-13 years) Campers will learn
all aspects of performance, and will have the opportunity to perform in a show at the end of camp and they are open to the public. Campers will be educated in theater performance. NEW this summer is a 1-week Triple Threat camp and 3-21 Action camp for children who want to hone in on their acting skills. Campers will perform on stage at St. Clements Auditorium, Saratoga Springs. Camp hours are 9am-4pm. JUNIOR CAMPS 4 Sessions June 27-July 8, 2016 High School Musical Jr. July 1-12, 2016 Crazy July 11-15, 2016 Triple Threat July 18-29, 2016 Glee
To Advertise in the Summer Camp Guide
Call (518) 581-2480 SCT TEEN TROUPE camp (13-18 years) Campers will learn all aspects of performance, and will have the opportunity to perform in 4 shows at the end of camp at Skidmore College JBK Theater. Campers will have Master classes with Theater Professionals during their camp experience. NEW this summer is a one-week Audition Prep camp. Camp hours are 9am-4pm Camp will be held at St. Clements School for the first 2 weeks, the third week of camp is at Skidmore College. TEEN CAMPS 2 Sessions July 4 - 23, 2016 Grease August 1 - 20, 2016 Little Shop of Horrors Performances Location: Skidmore College’s JBK Theater
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EDUCATION
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
SSHS Sends Programming Best to Regional Competition CAPITAL REGION – The Saratoga Springs High School computer sciences classes had 25 students in grades 10 through 12 competed on Friday, April 1 in Siena College’s High School Programming Contest. The event brings talented students from high schools throughout the Capital Region to the campus to test their programming skills and problem solving abilities. Each high school is allowed to send one team. “The student’js program (on
Photos by MarkBolles.com
a Friday night!) from 5 to 8:30,” said Christopher Shanks, Saratoga Springs High School physics and computer sciences teacher. “There are 7 problems, and they work in groups of four. The fastest to solve as many as possible win. They range from beginner to upperclass college level.” Other participating schools included Shenendehowa, Guilderland, Niskayuna, North Colonie, Bethlehem, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, and more.
Left to right: Ian Starnes, Cam Smith, Christian Cianfarani, and Mathieson Theobald.
Christian Cianfarani logs into the game.
Left to right: Kylie Podeswa, Hannah Pendergast, Alyia Ruggles and Maya Clarke-Brunetto.
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Students Learn American Flag Protocols
EDUCATION BRIEFS
Mop-Dancing Under Hypnosis
by Danielle Morrone for Saratoga TODAY
BALLSTON SPA – The Ballston Spa Warriors were recently joined by Missy Payne and Mike Holloway, former Survivor contestants, as part of their commitment to make a difference in the community. Each month a group of Ballston Spa High School students, the Ballston Spa Warriors, gather together to complete the challenges Missy and Mike reveal as part of their national Warrior Project. March was Military Month, which allowed students the opportunity to support military men and women while learning about the sacrifices they make for their country. Two officers from the US Air Force instructed attendees
on appropriate flag etiquette and protocols. The students and staff had the opportunity to appreciate what the US flag represents as well as how to properly lower, fold, store, and raise the flag. April’s challenge focuses on learning more about and supporting homeless people in our local community. The students will collect refundable cans and bottles during April and donate the money raised to a family in our district without stable housing. Please visit the webpage at www.bscsd.org/High.cfm for more information or contact the Ballston Spa High School at 518-884-7150.
SSHS College Fair SARATOGA SPRINGS — On April 11, a college fair will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Blue Gym at Saratoga Springs High School. Representatives from over 140 colleges will be available to answer questions and provide information.
Students and their parents are invited to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about majors, campus setting, sports, selectivity, dorm life, and more. Please contact the school counseling office at 518-587-6690 if you have any questions.
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SARATOGA SPRINGS — At 7 p.m. on March 31, the Lowenburg Auditorium of Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) was buzzing eagerly as the assembled audience, mostly high school students, darted through the crowded aisles in search of friends and seats. Outside, seniors
were putting their names in a raffle to be hypnotized by comic hypnotist Michael Ray. Ray emerged in slacks and a lavender business shirt, and the audience burst into cheers. He began the two-hour show with a test to determine how susceptible the audience was to hypnosis, explaining that there were three types of people who could never be hypnotized, “…the stupid, the drunk and the stubborn.” From there, he put the 20 students chosen by the raffle under hypnosis, also calling up those in the audience who unwittingly went under. There was some debate over the final number of people onstage, but it was generally agreed that the number was in the 40’s. Ray declared that he’d never simultaneously hypnotized so many before. He then urged the hypnotized students to perform a number of acts, including but not limited to
temporarily removing their abilities to say their names and hypnotizing one student to think he was dancing at prom with a pretty girl – who happened to be a mop. The audience seemed convinced it couldn’t get better until, under Ray’s urging, the student even kissed the mop. Ray wrapped up the show with a Road-Runner and Wiley Coyote chase before releasing the hypnotized students. Many didn’t remember their hypnosis. Senior Alexandria Koshgarion, who was hypnotized from the audience, later recalled vague details of the show, but couldn’t remember initially walking onstage. “Thursday’s show didn’t disappoint compared to previous years,” said Rachel McDonald, senior, who had seen the show twice before at SSHS. “I was laughing the entire time. I’m really upset that I won’t be around next year to go to it. Maybe I’ll come home just to see it.”
Library Wins Arts Grant SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Public Library has been awarded a Saratoga Arts Council Community Arts Grant, and with the support of the Advocates for the Schuylerville Public Library, will offer free top-notch multicultural programs all summer long for children and families. The program is called Around the World: A Multicultural Arts Program and features children’s workshops and classes with local artisans and museums. Art
is a fantastic and fun way to introduce children to other cultures. The artists include: Rural Soul Studio, Go World Awareness Children’s Museum, Kilaarts with Kim Leahey, Saratoga Clay Arts Studio, Tang Teaching Museum, Asian Culture Chinese Dance, the Children’s Museum of Saratoga, Wild Irish Acres Dancers, and storyteller James Bruchac. All of these cultural art programs will be offered to children ages 4-12 with their caregivers free of charge. Make sure to check
out some of these enriching programs at your library this summer! Full program descriptions and a schedule are available at http://schuylervillelibrary. sals.edu. Call the library at 518-695-6641 with any questions. Saratoga Arts made this program possible with a Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
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NEWS
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Advocates Recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month Saratoga Center for the Family Celebrates 40th Anniversary SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Center for the Family, located at 359 Ballston Avenue, joined with local advocates and partners on Friday morning, April 1, to highlight their ongoing efforts in Saratoga County and recognize both the start of National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the organization’s 40th anniversary. Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, speaking at the event, urged people who suspect child abuse or neglect to report it. The hotline is 1-800-342-3720. Founded in 1976, Saratoga Center for the Family is a nonprofit organization providing abuse prevention programs, mental health services and victim advocacy to hundreds of children and families in Saratoga County.
The organization, originally called the Saratoga County Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, was formed in 1976 and was housed in space provided by the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church of Saratoga Springs. In 1976, the Daytime Circle Group of the PresbyterianNew England Congregational Church, led by Judy Ekman and Beverly Lazar, a concerned citizen, decided to focus on the issue of child abuse and neglect within the community. That year they formed the Saratoga County Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, which was housed in space provided by the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church of Saratoga Springs.
In 1983, the task force took the lead in forming what is now known as the Saratoga County Partnership for Safe Children, a coalition that was later responsible for establishing the Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center, a major program of the Center for the Family. In 1993, the task force changed its name to the Saratoga County Center for the Family to reflect its commitment to serving those who have been victimized as well as building stronger families and empowering individuals with a goal of preventing abuse. The Center moved to its current space in 2002.
Hospital Continued from page 10.
of surface parking. “They could save money with bulldozing and blacktop, but cheaper is not always better.” According to Calbone, the hospital is near done on its current footprint, and has already considered building up and adding parking garages. “Walk around here, and there aren’t a lot of options that aren’t very disruptive or expansive. When I say more expensive, we’re talking in the range of some $8 million plus.” Calbone is looking many years down the road and has to consider where to put infrastructure investments that will have the most community support long term. Should the Comprehensive Plan be changed
to make the zoning around the hospital exclusively residential, that decision will not only impact the current proposal, but proposals to come. “My broad reaction to where we ended up is that I can interpret this message to us as one general message,” said Calbone. “‘We want Saratoga Hospital to stop growing in the City of Saratoga Springs.’ We think that’s the message. No one has said it specifically, but we’re being told this is a residential neighborhood and we want to keep it residential. So what does that mean for us? We have to look elsewhere. We own a 140 acres in Malta. Do we need to look at our investments in that campus, as we look at our future development? I don’t mean that as a threat, it’s
The executive director is Deb Tomaso, who is retiring at the end of August after 20 years with the organization – first as a board member and then as executive director. The president of the Board of Directors is Jim Lombardo. Additionally, the Center’s Celebration of Hope 40th anniversary party and fundraiser will be held on April 13 at Longfellows. Information about the fundraiser can be found at www.saratogacff. org, and more about the variety of programs offered by the Saratoga Center for the Family, the staff and the board of directors can be found there as well.
Combating Apathy Tonko explained how his responsibilities are managed from working locally within his district, from meeting leaders and citizens to serving their interests in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tonko also spoke of his professional science and technology background and how that influences his initiatives in Washington. “The students asked about everything from terrorism to space research, super delegates to equal pay. Given his engineering background, there were many questions on technology and STEM education. He was there longer than originally planned, and when the event ended,
he was surrounded by students still asking questions,” said Schorpp. “Even though he was supposed to be meeting with the Alzheimer’s Association next, he stayed until every question was answered. I was definitely proud of the students and the kinds of questions they were asking, and appreciated the Congressman’s candid responses.” There were several elected officials that have visited with the students, including local Board of Education trustees. Schorpp explained that the educational goal is to help students realize the impact of these decision-makers on their everyday lives and the role individuals play in not only choosing those
leaders, but paying attention to what they are doing. “We’re moving away from it being just a classroom history course,” said Schorpp, “and making it more relevant. Local leaders, especially, impact quality of life issues, public safety, kids are going to see these local decisions every day in their lives.” The nearly 150 students and faculty participating in that discussion on Thursday experienced quality civic engagement first-hand, and hopefully with more programs like this one, they can continue those conversations in city halls and capitol buildings throughout their lives. Maybe this year’s CNN exit polls will reflect higher numbers of people of all ages taking the time to vote.
just a reality. We have to figure out what this means in terms of five year, ten year planning.” The hospital, like any other entity, understood its responsibility to go through the proper channels for this expansion, and spent time educating city officials and meeting with neighbors to meet that responsibility. “Is there the expectation that everyone understands what we are doing,” asked Calbone, “or just the individuals, decision makers like the City Council, appreciate the broad scope of our decisions and how it impacts the broader community and how it impacts the greater good?” Mathiesen said this expansion is really more about neighborhood impact than county-wide services impact. “The proposed location is
convenient but not necessarily crucial,” he said. “If they are able to provide these services in other ways, this is definitely not affecting healthcare county-wide. I think this is being overblown.” Mathiesen believes the hospital has not yet exhausted its options in Saratoga Springs, however. “They’ve [the hospital] made a significant commitment to being in Saratoga Springs, given the surgery center and new ICU,” said Mathiesen. “People have donated millions of dollars to bring about these changes assuming they are committed to that location. I think it would be irresponsible after all those donations to move to Malta.” Yepsen believes it’s possible to work something out. “This community needs a strong medical operation
and we will be very hurt as a community if the hospital doesn’t find a way to foster all their services and medical operations here,” she said. “What’s different here,” said Jones, “with two members having recused and with a number of neighbors having filed a protest petition, the hospital or anyone else would need four affirmative votes from the City Council. But, there are only three members available to vote on the zoning.” Calbone added, “Clearly we’re also frustrated by the fact that the loudest voices seem to carry the most sway in a conversation that has much broader implications.” With four votes not possible due to the recusals, the proposal remains unresolved.
Continued from page 8.
Saratoga Center for the Family Board President Jim Lombardo discusses how the nonprofit organization, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, has expanded its mental health counseling, victim advocacy and prevention programs. Behind him are Saratoga Springs Police Chief Gregory Veitch and Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, who are among the law enforcement agencies that partner with the Center to investigate child abuse and neglect cases at the Center’s child-friendly facility.
The Saratoga Center for the Family focuses on mental health counseling for children, families and adults, primarily at the Center. The Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center is the name for a program of the Center for the Family that brings together professionals in law enforcement, medicine and mental health to assist children and their families under one roof. The Saratoga for the Center also facilitates a monthly meeting of the Saratoga County Partnership for Safe Children, comprising representatives of a variety of agencies and organizations whose common mission is the protection of children.
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
33
Adirondack Trust Donates to Spring Rummage Sale Family Service Association The Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church at 175 5th Avenue will be having their Spring Rummage and Bake Sale on Friday, April
8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. – noon. Clothes, household items, and delicious baked goods for sale. See you there!
First Ever Breyer Fun Day at Impressions on Broadway
Left to right: Michael Murray, ATC Vice-President and Business Lending Officer; Kathie Duncan, ATC North Country Regional President; Kimberly Sopczyk, Family Service Association of Glens Falls, Executive Director; and Dawn Sumner, Family Service Association of Glens Falls, Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company announced this week that it has donated $1,750 to the Family Services Association of Glens Falls as part of its annual ATC Credit Card Donation. Once a year, The Adirondack Trust Company donates a percentage of the interest earned on credit card balances to a local, 501c(3) nonprofit organization. The
organization is selected as part of an ATC customer survey that is sent out annually and selected by ATC credit card customers. The Family Service Association of Glens Falls, Inc. is a nonprofit agency that provides services and support to families in crisis or in an emergency situation. Some of the services they provide are Infant Needs Program, Holiday Program, Special Needs Program, Emergency
Dental Care, Screening for Vision and Hearing, as well as provide a Food Pantry where in 2015, provided food in over 1,900 requests, which included more than 3,300 children. Executive Director Kimberly Sopczyk said, “We want to express our gratitude to The Adirondack Trust Company and their customers. Your generosity will help us keep our families safe, sheltered and fed. Thank you.”
Ben and Jerry’s of Saratoga Springs Serves Fans Fun Flavors and Free Ice Cream Ben and Jerry’s fans can mark this Tuesday, April 12 on their calendars as the 2016 Ben and Jerriest day of the year: Free Cone Day! For the past 37 years, Ben and Jerry’s has opened scoop shops to dish out free ice cream to fans, thanking them for being so uniquely awesome. The tradition has continued to grow, beginning in the small state of Vermont, and now spanning across the globe. Fans are invited to Ben
and Jerry’s at 34 Phila St., from noon to 8 p.m. to join in on the company’s long-time tradition of thanking fans for their commitment and ongoing support. The company was founded on the idea that business has not just the opportunity, but also the responsibility to give back to the community. Free Cone Day is a long standing tradition when it comes to benevolent acts, and as Jerry said, “If it’s not fun, why do it?”
This year the Saratoga store will be donating all of the tips collected for the day to Universal Preservation Hall. Additionally, Mayor Joanne Yepsen will kick off the event at noon as a celebrity scooper. Ice cream fans will be entertained from 5 – 6 p.m. with music from the group Gomni African Drumming as well as other surprises. See you there!
Impressions of Saratoga is so excited to announce our first ever Breyer Fun Day. Breyer Animal Creations was founded in 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, originally called Breyer Molding Company. They gained recognition when the company was commissioned by F.W. Woolworth to create a horse statue (now known as the # 57 Western Horse) to adorn a mantel clock. This event is free to all of our friends! We will be hosting a Breyer Model Show, make your own Model Horse craft project, visit with our live miniature
Horse mascot - UPSET, Pal-OMine who is the official mascot for Breyer Models, raffles, prizes and plenty more activities and events. Prizes There will be great raffles and giveaways throughout the day! Prizes include 2015 Breyerfest Limited Edition Models, Breyer Craft Kits, Classic Models, and More!! You can only enter the raffles on Breyer Fun Day May 14th from 10 to 2. Winners will be announced at the end of the day!
Saratoga Casino and Raceway Debuts New Company-Wide Community Initiative SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Casino and Raceway has unveiled a new community focused, company-wide initiative. “Hands For Hope” will provide opportunities for team members to get involved with hands-on volunteer projects and community causes that are important to them in the communities where they live. “Hands For Hope” represents all the things we do in the community,” said Tom Wiedmayer, General Manager at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “From support for the personal causes of our team members, to our annual charitable donations made to local organizations, to
the thousands of hours volunteered by our team members in their communities, “Hands For Hope” brings these things together and represents our belief in the importance of supporting the communities where we live and work.” “Hands For Hope” will allow for more employee involvement in ‘hands on’ community projects. Events planned for the upcoming spring season include home improvement projects in conjunction with Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, beginning with a yard cleanup for Mary’s Haven in Saratoga Springs on May 14.
RELIGION 37
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016 Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton 587-0623 | acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m. Adirondack Friends Meeting 27 Saratoga Ave, South Glens Falls 793-3755 | adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Regina Baird Haag, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne St, Schuylerville 695-6069 | Rev. Jason Proctor Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-6081 | Services: Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Bacon Hill Reformed Church* 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill | 695-3074 Rev. Janet Vincent | Services: Worship service 10 a.m.; Sunday School 10 a.m. Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 584-9679; 692-7694 | usbnc.org Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa | 885-7312 ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship, 10:30 a.m. Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-6886 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Bethesda Episcopal Church* 41 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs Bethesdachurch.org | 584-5980 The Very Rev’d Marshall J. Vang Services: Sunday 8:00AM & 10:00AM Calvary Capital District 17 Low Street, Ballston Spa | Pastor Andrew Holt Services: Sunday 10 am | calvarycd.com Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6611 | cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park | 371-7654 ccrc-cpny.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Christ Episcopal Church Routes 50 & 67, Ballston Spa | 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m. Christian Restoration Ministries Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams St, Saratoga Springs 796-4323 | Pastor Pat Roach Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Christian Science Church 107 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 584-0221 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Community Alliance Church 257 Rowland St, Ballston Spa 885-6524 | Services: Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Congregation Shaara Tfille* 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370 | saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 10 a.m. Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave, Corinth 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street, Corinth 654-2521 | cfumc@cnyconnect.net Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Cornerstone Community Church 516 Park Ave., Mechanicville | 664-5204 mycornerstonechurch.org | Pastor Frank Galerie Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9, Round Lake 877-8506 | ccorpusc@nycap.rr.com Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.;
Eastern Orthodox — Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Spa 786-3100 | xcsavior@yahoo.com. Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 584-6301 | Services: Sunday 11 a.m. First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-8361 | bspabaptist.org Services: 10:30 a.m. worship, 9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St, Ballston Spa 885-5583 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East St, Galway | 882-6520 galway-united-methodist-church.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (9 a.m. in July and August) Grace Fellowship Saratoga 165 High Rock Ave, Saratoga | 691-0301 saratoga.gracefellowship.com Pastor: Mike Adams Services: Sundays 9 & 11 a.m. Grace Brethren Church* 137 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa 587-0649 | Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore | 899-7777 thechurch@ggccmalta.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center | 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 a.m.; Church Service - 11 a.m. Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Road, Mechanicville | 664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Hope Church 206 Greenfield Ave, Ballston Spa 885-7442 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St, Clifton Park 877-7332 | Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Living Springs Community Church 59 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs 584-9112 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs 587-0484 | livingwaterscog.us Services: Sundays 10 a.m. Malta Presbyterian Church Dunning Street, Malta 899-5992 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Ave. Ext, Malta 581-0210 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Middle Grove United Methodist Church* 581-2973 | Pastor Bonnie Bates Services: Sunday 9 a.m. Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Corner of Jefferson St. & Crescent St. Saratoga Springs | 584-9441 Rev. Dr. Victor L. Collier, Pastor New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 | Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Road, Saratoga Springs 580-1810 | newlifeinsaratoga.org. Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.
NorthStar Church Gowana Middle School, Clifton Park 371-2811 | northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Old Saratoga Reformed Church* 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa 583-1002 | Services: Sunday 9 a.m.; Adult Sunday School 9 a.m.; Service 10:30 a.m. Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church* 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake 399-5713 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m. Sunday 8:15 & 10:15 a.m. Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church 24 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 584-6091 | pnecchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Quaker Springs United Methodist Church* 466 Route 32 South, Quaker Springs 695-3101 | qsumc.com Pastor Al Johnson Services: Sunday 9 a.m. River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd, Malta Cmns, Ste. 3 | 881-1505 riverofhopefellowship.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-6122 | Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., 1 p.m. Spanish Service St. George’s Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6351 | stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 8 & 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church* 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center 893-7680 stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church* 167 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-7411 | stmarysbsta.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon. St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church* 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680 | sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com Services: Sunday 8:30 am. St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-0904 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m. St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta | 583-4153 Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1 Grove Street, Schuylerville 695-3918 | Rev. Donna J. Arnold Services: Sunday 8 & 9 a.m. St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Road, Halfmoon st-thomas-of-canterbury.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2325 Route 50 South, Saratoga Springs 885-5456 | SALChurch.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.
Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 526-0773 | saratogachabad.com Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71, Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Saratoga United Methodist Church* Henning Road, Saratoga Springs 584-3720 | saratogaumc.com Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m. Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs 882-9384 | saratogasda.org Services: Sabbath School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11:30 a.m. Schuylerville United Methodist Church* 51 Church St, Schuylerville 695-3101 | sumethodist.org Services: Worship at 11am Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 Services: Sunday 9 & 10:30 a.m. Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Road, Rock City Falls 885-4794 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry St, Saratoga Springs Services: Sunday 10 a.m. www.SOULSAVINGSTATIONCHURCH.COM Stillwater United Church (Presbyterian U.S.A.) 747 Hudson Avenue, Stillwater | 664-7984 stillwaterunitedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Temple Sinai* 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 | saratogasinai.org Shabbat Services: Friday 6 p.m. or 8p.m. (rotating schedule) Saturdays: 10:30a.m. Terra Nova Church* 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 833-0504 | terranovachurch.org Services: Sunday 5:30 p.m. The Salvation Army/ Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-1640 Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise & Worship 11 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort 584-9107 | tumcwilton.com Rev Keith Mann Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-1555 | uusaratoga.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Unity Church in Albany 21 King Ave., Albany 453-3603 Services: Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Road, West Charlton 882-9874 | westcharltonupc.org Rev. Thomas Gregg, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Road, Wilton 583-2736 wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday 11 a.m.
* — Handicap Accessible
38
FOOD
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Saratoga Farmers’ Market Plans Workshops to Kick Off Spring Recipe: Mashed Parsnips and Potatoes with Chives Ingredients
Saturdays, 9 to 1
* Ingredients can be found at the market
Lincoln Baths, 65 So. Broadway Saratoga Spa State Park
• 4 pounds potatoes (yellow or white, but any variety will work well) * • 2 pounds parsnips * • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 cup heavy cream* • 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter • 4 tablespoons chopped chives *
by Jeremy Riccardi for Saratoga TODAY One of the joys of shopping at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is the opportunity to daydream about growing the food and producing some of the items that local farmers offer. This Saturday will offer visitors to the market a chance to find out what it takes through a series of free workshops. The workshops are a part of a Spring Festival that will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the market. They include sessions on: • Bee keeping at 9 a.m., with Rick Green, owner of Ballston
Directions
Lake Apiaries, a honey vendor. • Inoculating mushroom logs at 10 a.m., with Bobby Chandler of Mariaville Mushroom Men, a regular market vendor. • Fermenting, at 11 a.m., with Diane Whitten of the Cornell Cooperative Extension. • Growing greens, at Noon, with Sadie Ross, a horticulturalist and member of the Friends of the Saratoga Market. In addition to these special one-hour workshops, the Spring Festival also will offer children an opportunity to create an eggshell seed starter and to play with gummy worms and oreo dirt throughout the entire 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. market. These activities are being offered by the Friends of the Market and Serendipity Art Studio. The festival is part of the market’s effort to reach out to the local community, while celebrating spring in the process, said market director Julia Howard. “Spring is such an important time to plan for the next cycle of the year, which makes this the perfect time to offer this free event to our customers,” Howard said. “The
Recipe adapted from Tyler Florence’s Mashed Parsnips and Potatoes Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min 4-6 Servings Mashed Parsnips and Potatoes with Chives is a perfect seasonal side dish. The parsnip is a root vegetable closely related to the carrot and parsley. It is a biennial plant usually grown as an annual. Chives have a distinct onion taste and add a burst of color as a garnish. Peel and cut the potatoes and parsnips into even sized pieces. Put them into a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add a large pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer until the vegetables are fork tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small pot gently heat the cream and butter over low heat. When the vegetables are done drain them well. Put the vegetables back into the pot over medium heat. Gently stir them to remove any excess moisture; be careful not to burn them. While the potatoes and parsnips are still warm, press them through a potato ricer or food mill into a bowl. Add the warm cream a little at a time and beat with a wooden spoon until the potatoes are fluffy. Season with salt and pepper and gently stir in the chives. Serve immediately. festival is a way to help us end a fantastic winter season and usher in our summer market. It’s also a way to say thank you to the community for making the winter market such a success.” In addition to the activities above, representatives from Skidmore College’s Sustainability Program will offer information on composting and a demonstration, and members of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s master
gardener program will be on hand to offer information on and do soil testing for a $1 fee. Live music will be provided by American jazz pianist and vocalist Nancy Kamen . The market runs Saturdays through April 30 at the Lincoln Baths Building in the Saratoga Spa State Park. The first summer market will be 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 4 at High Rock Park.
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
FOOD 39
Ok We’ll Make Lamb! by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie friends! We would like to highlight a few pans today: All-Clad Chef’s pan, fry pan and Pasta pot! Rigatoni with White Beans, Lamb Sausage and Roasted Tomatoes This is a very adaptable home style pasta dish. The lamb sausage could be eliminated or replaced by another type of fresh sausage. If the goat’s cheese grating sticks from Coach Farm are unavailable, you could use Parmesano Reggiano. The white beans can be cooked and stored in their liquid up to a week ahead. For the white beans: • 1/2 cup dry, white Cannellini beans • 1-inch piece of leek, white and light green part only, split, rinsed, root end still attached • 2 thyme sprigs • 1 Italian parsley sprig • 1/2 bay leaf • 1/2 plum tomato • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt For the pasta: • Canola oil • 5 ounces fresh lamb sausage, removed from the casing • 2 cups bean liquid (from Cassoulet of White Beans recipe below) • Chicken or vegetable stock, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar • 12 ounces rigatoni • 16 tablespoons (8 ounces) unsalted butter • 1 recipe Roasted Tomatoes (see recipe), halved lengthwise, oil reserved • Chopped Italian parsley • 1 Coach Farm aged goats cheese grating stick For the beans: Discard any split beans or stones. Place the beans in a strainer and rinse under cold, running water. Place the beans in a container and add cold water to cover by 3 inches. Leave at room temperature overnight. The next day, discard any bean skins that have risen to the top of the water. Drain and rinse the beans and place them in a sauce pan. Cover the beans with cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Drain the beans in a strainer, rinse with cool, running water, then return the beans to the pan. Add the remaining ingredients except the salt, then add enough cold water to cover the beans by 1 1/2 inches. Place the pot over medium heat and slowly bring to just under a simmer. The beans should cook very gently- there should be movement to the water but bubbles shouldn’t break the surface-so adjust the heat as needed. Cook for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are about three-quarters cooked, they will have softened but still have a bit of bite left in them. Add the salt and cook until the beans are tender, about another 20 to 30 minutes. Pour the beans and their liquid into a container. Once they have cooled, remove and discard the herbs and vegetables. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, or for up to a week. Drain the beans in a strainer set over a liquid measuring cup of at least 2 cups in capacity. You need about 2
cups of liquid for the recipe. If there is not enough, add water, chicken stock or vegetable stock to make up the difference. Add the vinegar and place into an All-Clad stir fry or chef’s pan. Reserve the beans. For the pasta: Place a film of canola oil in a fry pan over medium high heat. Add the lamb sausage and sauté for about 5 minutes or until cooked through. Drain the sausage on paper towels and chop into small pieces. Set aside. Meanwhile, bring an All-Clad pasta pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta to cook. Place the pan with the liquid over medium high heat, bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid is reduced by about one- quarter. Add the beans, 4 tablespoons of butter, and the sausage. Cook, swirling the ingredients in the pan and allowing the broth to thicken slightly. When the pasta is almost done, drain it and add to the pan of sauce.
Stir in the remaining butter, a few pieces at a time, until the sauce is glossy and thickened and the pasta has finished cooking. Stir in the tomatoes. Toss in parsley and cheese to taste. Just before serving, drizzle the oil from the tomatoes over the top of the pasta and serve with additional
cheese on the side. Serves 4 So stop in to Compliments to the Chef at 46 Marion Ave and let me know what you think! Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen!” Take Care, Paula and John
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LOCAL BRIEFS
Cooking Classes Learn the core fundamental techniques of international vegetarian cooking. Using the freshest, healthiest seasonal ingredients, this class includes a discussion and demonstration of several essential culinary techniques and generous tastes of dishes prepared. Cost is $35 for each class and will be taught by Intaba LiffAnderson, one of the seasoned chefs at Four Seasons Café. Classes are each Sunday at Four Seasons, 120 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, from 4 – 6 p.m. For questions or to register, call (518) 587-4670 ext 2 and speak with Rich or email Richard@ fourseasonsnaturalfoods.com. 2nd Annual Wine Pull Fundraiser On April 15, Stillwater community Center will host its second annual wine pull fundraiser. Only persons 21 and older are allowed within the building at this time. Any community member wishing to donate a bottle or two of wine is more than welcome. The donor’s name and type of wine will be labeled on the bottle. Look for more upcoming information. Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting The Parkinson’s Support Group of Saratoga will meet at Woodlawn Commons, 156 Lawrence Street in Saratoga Springs on Monday April 18, at 2 p.m. This meeting is open to anyone with Parkinson’s Disease, family members and friends. For more information, call Joyce Garlock at (518) 885-6427 or Marilyn Merry at (518) 798-8947. Havurah Vatik April Event Mary Sanders Shartle, poet, fiction, and essay writer joins us to explore, in discussion and practice, why and how to share these stories on April 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Mary’s novel about a woman living alone in the Adirondacks, The Truth and Legend of Lily Martindale, published in 2014, has won a number of prizes. Mary teaches memoir-writing workshops all over Saratoga County. Of her
novice-writer attendees, Mary says that many, though not all, are seniors, and that “some are shy, some ebullient, and all are interesting.” That means you, too. A catered lunch will follow. This event will take place at Congregation Shaara Tfille, located at 84 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs. All Saratoga area seniors, 55 plus are welcome. RSVP by April 13; call the Temple Sinai Havurah Vatik reservation line at (518) 5848730, ext. 4. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Unique Approach to Healthcare Sarah LoBisco, ND, naturopathic doctor and functional medicine practitioner to present on new book highlighting a unique approach to healthcare. In celebration of the recent release of her new book, BreakFree Medicine: A Systematic and Integrated Guide to Balancing Your Body, she will be presenting at One Big Roof, A Center for Mindful Practices, on April 23. One Big Roof is located at 538 Maple Ave. (Route 9) in the Saratoga Health & Wellness Building (Across from Maple Ave. Middle School, just off Route 50, Saratoga Springs). The event will take place from 4 - 5 p.m. Admission: $5 donation requested to cover expenses.
Certification and individuals born on or after 5/1/96 must complete a boater education course in order to operate a boat. Upon completion, those under 18 will receive a Boater Safety Certificate and those over 18 may apply to NYS Parks for theirs. Ages 10+ Min/Max: 6/45. Fee: R $50, NR $55, SRR $25. For more information, call (518) 899-4411. 24th Annual Washington County Fiber Tour Drive from farm to farm through scenic Washington County and shop for handspun and dyed yarns, unique woven and knitted items, high quality fleeces, cuts of lamb, and more. Farms will be open on April 23 and April 24 from 10 a.m. -4 p.m (unless noted otherwise). Visit alpacas, bunnies, goats, sheep and lambs, llamas, and more - on the farm; and meet the farmers and their families. Watch spinning, knitting, weaving and felting demonstrations. Learn about raising the livestock and pets. For a list of participating farms, visit www. washingtoncountyfibertour.org.
Donny Elvis Fundraiser The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court McLaughlin #422, will present Donny Elvis on Saturday, April 23, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show and can be purchased at the door. Food will be available for purchase and there will also be a 50/50 Raffle and Chinese Auction. Proceeds are to benefit Mary’s Haven and Gateway House of Peace. Questions or information, contact Aileen Thomas @ (518) 583-2905.
Saratoga Friends Saratoga Friends is a social group for baby boomers who are new to the Saratoga area and are interested in making new friends to socialize with. We also welcome folks who are not new to the area but want to make new friends. This is not a dating or singles group. Couples and singles are welcome and there is no membership fee. Group members plan social activities based on their interests. You are welcome to join us in the Glasby Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library on Tuesday, April 26 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. For more info or questions contact newsaratogafriends@gmail. com or join our New Saratoga Friends Meetup group (also free; go to www.Meetup.com).
NYS Boater Safety Course Join instructor Allan Miller at the Malta Community Center on Monday, April 25 and Tuesday, April 26, at 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. for a comprehensive course on the fundamentals of safe boat operation. This is a required course for anyone operating a personal watercraft in NYS. All persons between the ages of 10 and 18 must have a NYS Boater Safety
Volkswalk Join the Empire State Capital Volkssporters for Fun, Fitness and Friendship! Volkswalk: Saratoga National Historic Park on Wednesday April 27 at 10 a.m. Register 30 minutes before start. The start point will be at the Saratoga National Historic Park Battlefield Visitor’s Center located at Route 32, Stillwater, NY. A Volkswalk’ is a leisurely walk
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016 (typically 10k or 6.2 miles. A 3 mile route is also offered) through a scenic and or historic area Sustainable Saratoga’s 3rd Annual Tree Toga Tree Planters & Tree hosts needed. Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry Project has scheduled its 3rd annual TREE TOGA planting effort for the morning of Saturday, April 30. Volunteers like you are the key to the success of this annual event. With your help, we can grow a green legacy that will benefit our great city for decades to come. TREE PLANTERS (a great family activity). Have fun being part of a horde of tree planters by volunteering from about 9 a.m. - noon on the morning of Saturday, April 30. TREE HOSTS (get a FREE TREE at your house). Volunteer to host a street tree in front of your house. Enjoy nurturing the young tree for the first two years, especially by keeping it watered during hot dry spells. In 2016, we are excited to be planting twice the number of trees that we did in the past two years. As in the past, we will plant 25 trees funded from the City’s DPW tree budget. This April, however, we will also be planting 25 additional trees, funded by donors who have given generously to the tree fund of Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry Project. To volunteer, or if you have questions, email us at trees@sustainablesaratoga.org 1st Annual Golf Tournament The Eagle Matt Lee Fire Company is proudly celebrating 200 years in providing protection to our residents who reside in our Fire District. The Eagle Matt Lee Fire Company #1 will be hosting their 1st Annual Golf Tournament at the Ballston Spa Country Club, located at 1366 West High St., Ballston Spa, NY. Price of $85 per person includes golf, cart, prizes and a BBQ dinner by Henry’s Grill. The event will be held on May 16, 2016 with a 12:00 shotgun. The proceeds from this tournament will be used to support our celebration on June 25th. Registration deadline is May 1, 2016. Please visit our Facebook page for more information or call Pat Morrissey at (518) 885-5272. 200th Anniversary Celebration Join Eagle-Matt Lee fire Company
No. 1 as they celebrate their 200th Anniversary on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds, Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa. A parade starts at 11:30 followed by rides, games, food, vendors and more. There will be a Jaws of Life live demo, Local DJ Hersh Productions, Big Sky Country from 4 – 9 p.m. and more. NYS OASAS to Launch New Training Program for Treatment of Gambling Disorder The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services has announced a new training program to aid mental health counselors in providing better treatment for problem gambling. The NYS OASAS will fund the Problem Gambling Training Partnership which will provide training on the assessment and treatment of gambling disorders to mental health counselors and other private practitioners across the state, and will increase access to support services for problem gambling. In addition, this program will also make efforts in public awareness of gambling disorders. This program is a collaborative project between the NYS OASAS and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG). The NYCPG will also be partnering with numerous other mental health organizations throughout the state. The training programs will begin in May. To sign up or learn more, visit www. oasas.ny.gov/gambling. Senior Nutrition Program Persons age 60 and over can participate in a meal that is served Monday – Friday at Noon at several meal sites throughout Saratoga County (Congregate Dining). Meal sites are located in: Ballston Spa, Charlton, Clifton Park, Corinth, Edinburg, Galway, Greenfield, Hadley, Halfmoon, Malta, Mechanicville, Moreau, Saratoga, Schuylerville, and Waterford. Reservations are needed at least one day in advance by noon. A registration form must be completed annually. The suggested donation is $2. For more information and contact phone numbers of locations, please call Billie Jo at The Office for the Aging (518) 884-4996.
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Family Friendly Event
Friday, April 8 Theater: Hecuba Bernhard Theater, Skidmore Campus, Saratoga Springs, 8 p.m. The American premiere of Maria Carr’s new version of the Euripides tragedy in which the queen of Troy, after its fall, is still a powerful leader in violent times. Directed by 1994 Skidmore graduate Ian Belton. Showing April 8 – 10, all shows at 8 p.m. except Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. $12 general admission, $8 students and senior citizens. For more information, call (518) 5805439
Saturday, April 9 Annual Milton Grange Garage Sale Milton Grange, 644 Rock City Falls Rd., Ballston Spa, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Proceeds from the garage sale are used to support programs in the community including the ECHO Food Pantry and vegetable plants for Head Start students. Please call Tony at (518) 584-8550 to make donation arrangements.
Annual Flea Market, Bake Sale and Luncheon Simpson United Methodist Church, 1089 Rock City Rd, Rock City Falls, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Baked goods, hot dogs, and soup for sale. Any questions call Welna at (518) 885-9316.
Conservation through the Lives of Adirondack Loons Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room. 49 Henry
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St., Saratoga Springs, 2 p.m. Dr. Nina Schoch will present “Conservation through the Lives of Adirondack Loons.” The presentation provides an overview of the Common Loon’s natural history and behavior and the conservation efforts of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. The event is free to the public. This program is sponsored by the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society. For more information, visit www. southernadirondackaudubon. org
Sunday, April 10
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32 south of the village of Victory, 8 – 11 a.m. Will be cooking breakfast and will continue on the second Sunday of each month all year. Eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, toast (white or wheat), pancakes (regular, blueberry, buckwheat, apple cinnamon), French toast, home fries, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Cost: adult $7, children $4, everyone is welcome. For more information, call (518) 6953917.
Ballston Spa United Methodist Church, 101 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The middle and high school youth of Ballston Spa United Methodist Church will be putting on a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to benefit a Week of Local Mission this summer. They will be raising funds for Mission Trip 2016 to Niagara Falls, NY. Dinner will consist of spaghetti & meatballs, salad, garlic bread, beverages and dessert. Cost for adults is $8, kids 10 & under: $5. For more information, call (518) 8856886.
Lasagna Dinner Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The menu will feature lasagna (meat or vegetarian) or baked ziti, tossed salad, Italian bread, choice of desserts and beverages. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 – 10 years of age. Children under 5 are free. Reservations are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Please call (518) 6956638. Take-outs are available. For more information, call (518) 695-3479.
Contra Dancing American Legion, 6 Clancy St., Schuylerville, 7 p.m. The Advocates for the Schuylerville Public Library will be hosting Contra Dancing. Dance instruction starts at 7p.m. and dancing will begin at 8 p.m. Open to all ages – this is a free event.
All You Can Eat Breakfast Ballston Spa Elks Lodge, 10 Hamilton St., Ballston Spa, 8-11 a.m. Breakfast Buffet includes scrambled eggs, sausage, home fries, French toast, pancakes along with eggs and omelets to order. Adults $7, Seniors (60 plus) $6, Children (4-10) $5. For more information, call (518) 885-1149.
Monthly Breakfast
ConsciousnessRaising Book Discussion Woodlawn Commons, 156 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs. 6 p.m. Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures is hosting a spiritual book discussion. All are welcome whether or not they’ve read. This month’s book is Power through Constructive Thinking by Emmet Fox. For more information, visit www. newthoughtnewyork.org or call (518) 423-3569.
Monday, April 11 Taste of Ballston Fundraiser for BSEF Ballston Spa High School, 220 Ballston Ave., Ballston Spa, 6 - 8 p.m. The Ballston Spa Educational Foundation is celebrating its 20 year anniversary with its Taste of Ballston event. Taste tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $10 for kids 12 and under. Check out
www.bspaedfoundation.com . Tickets are still available for purchase for the Taste of Tuscany raffle. You could win a trip for two to Italy! Drawing will be at the Taste of Ballston event.
Tuesday, April 12 Church Pieroghi Sale Christ the Savior Parish, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake, Pick up 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Potato/cheese, sauerkraut, Farmer’s cheese may be ordered. Call (518) 363-0001. Please get your orders in as soon as possible.
Saratoga Reads – Conversation with Ginny Gilder Gannett Auditorium of Palamountain Hall, Skidmore College Campus, 7 p.m. Saratoga Reads will wrap up its 12th year of public programming with a special event featuring a conversation with author and Olympic rower Ginny Gilder. Gilder will be interviewed by Skidmore Professor Jeffrey Segrave. A reception and signing will follow the event to celebrate a terrific 12th year of reading together as a community and the paperback release of Gilder’s book, Course Correction: A Story of Rowing and Resilience in the Wake of Title IX. For more information, visit www. northshire.com.
Actt Naturally 3rd Anniversary Fundraising Party Fifty South, 2128 Doubleday Ave., Ballston Spa, 5 p.m. Help us celebrate our third anniversary as a non-profit organization! We hope you will join us at the party! Live music, food and libations including Fifty South ‘Farm to Table’ menu items. Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle, $50 per person. For more information, visit www. acttnaturally.org.
Wednesday, April 13 Italian Sausage & Meatloaf Dinner Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Menu: Soup, tossed salad, Italian sausage, oven roasted potatoes/peppers, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetables, dessert, rolls and butter, coffee, tea. Donation requested: adults $10, Seniors and Military (Active/Retired with ID Card) $9, children 5- 12 $6, under 5 free takeouts $10, cash bar available. For more information, call (518) 5842585.
Bikes vs. Cars Filene Hall, Skidmore Campus, Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m. Bikeatoga is proud to offer the first Saratoga screening of Bikes vs. Cars, a thrilling documentary that premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in 2015. It explores the growing congestion problem in cities around the world and offers optimistic ideas for changing streets to accommodate all users. Skidmore, Empire State College, and Sustainable Saratoga are all co-sponsors. The film will be shown free of charge. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. A round table discussion follows the film.
Thursday, April 14 Interfaith Prayer Meeting Courtyard of Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 7:15 a.m. The Meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes no later than 8:30 a.m. Sign-in and continental breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. There are no charges or donations. All are welcome. For more information, call (518) 450-1615.
Send your calendar events to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.
PULSE
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Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Electric City Couture to Showcase NYS Designers SARATOGA SPRINGS — Electric City Couture and Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) will be presenting the 2016 Electric City Couture Fashion Show on Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17. This event will feature a bold mix of established and upand-coming regional designers for a full weekend of juried fashion entertainment. Electric City Couture was founded in 2010 to celebrate the art of fashion and to provide a platform to exhibit designers from New York State. This year’s event will consist of two full runway shows, each with a distinct theme that is part of a narrative that will play out over the course of the weekend. Saturday’s theme is “Shattered,” and will focus on a hard-edged look. V. Owen Bush of Glowing Pictures, a national live visual effects company, will provide dazzling interludes between designers, along with a vibrant soundtrack curated by Electric City Couture’s Music Director,
Nate da Great. On Sunday, the theme “Repose” will lean toward the organic. Set design elements will feature contributions incorporating the expertise of interior plantscape consultant Karen McGowan of Capital InteriorScapes. A “Hanging Gardens of Babylon” theme bathed in natural light from the 145-year-old stained glass windows at UPH will be a complimentary scene for the day’s designers who focus on natural materials, styles and finishes. Each event day will showcase different signature collections from designers. On Saturday, Claudia Crisan Calabria, Ane Amour, Eenvoud, Khymanyo Studio and Gamakache Black will be presenting their designs. Showcasing their designs Sunday are Vilma Mare’s Baltic Style, Toskiki and Maryszka, Frittelli and Lockwood in partnership with The Last Gentlemen Co., Marjolaine’s Touch, and Snider. Over 100 male and female
models will take to the runway over the weekend, with proceeds going toward restoration and renovation at UPH. “Universal Preservation Hall is excited to once again collaborate with Electric City Couture to promote NYS fashion,” said Campaign Director Teddy Foster. “It’s a win-win-win for local entrepreneurs, the regional economy and Universal Preservation Hall; and in direct alignment with our programming goals and cultural vision for the hall as Saratoga’s Living Room.” Additional events will include a VIP sneak preview cocktail event for sponsors and premium ticket holders on Friday night and the official Electric City Couture Afterparty at Embassy Suites with DJ Trumastr on Saturday night. The popular “Buy it Off the Runway” retail area, The POP UP! Shop, returns this year, giving attendees the opportunity to purchase directly from show designers following each event. On Saturday, April 16, the
Photo by Sarah Pezdek
show will begin at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, April 17, the show will begin at 3 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall, located at 25 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs. General admission is $25
for Saturday and $15 for Sunday, with VIP and premium packages available. For tickets and more information, visit universalpreservationhall.org and electriccitycouture.com.
The Gun Show:
A Range of Artistic and Historical Views on Firearms by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spring Street Gallery is hosting an exhibit featuring artwork, film screenings and discussions all focused on the topic of guns. “The Gun Show” will have its opening reception on Saturday, April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. The artists in “The Gun Show” use guns as a focal point for their work, and some even incorporate guns into the creation of the pieces. One of these artists is Samson Contompasis, who used a double-barrel shotgun to shoot at paint cans with a canvas set up behind them, inspired by the art of Beat author William S. Burroughs. The result is a modern, spontaneous splatter painting that radiates energy and celebrates entropy. “In lieu of being able to afford actual guns, I decided to paint them instead,” said Contompasis goodhumoredly. “Firearms are something I grew up around. My uncle took me out to shoot my first gun when I was seven. It was a .22 pistol. After that, I
had to know everything about them.” Contompasis began painting guns about 10 years ago. He was doing a lot of cityscapes, when he realized he was bored and needed a new creative spark. He finally decided to paint what he loved: weaponry. After that he followed his passion, resulting in work that is anything but predictable. He adds intense neon colors and metallic spray paint to bring a level of “absurdity” into his work, making deadly weapons look as playful as squirt guns. Other artists involved in the show include Michael Oatman, who will be presenting a 10-foot-high “gun case” in the form of a ladder. Rabbi Linda Motzkin’s drawings and Hebrew scripture on parchment that she hand-made from deerskin provided by Adirondack hunters will be on display, as well as artist Michael Millspaugh who will be presenting his series of quirky, hand-carved guntoting figurines. “I think this show is extraordinary,” said Contompasis. “The historical versus artistic information people
will be able to gather from this show comes from multiple viewpoints and experiences, a little bit of everything.” Community groups and historians will also be part of the exhibit. A public art piece created by members of the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church will serve as a remembrance of 2015’s 355 mass shooting incidents across the country. Arms historian Charles Wheeler will be presenting ornate, antique firearms dating back from the 1740s through the 1880s, and will also be hosting a workshop and discussion of historic firearms on Saturday, April 16. Furthermore, “The Gun Show” includes film screenings and discussions on the subject of guns, including “Bowling for Columbine” on April 12, “Peace Officer” on April 19, and “Armor of Light” on May 3. While the exhibits will share viewpoints about guns, the show is not driven by political agendas and seeks to include everyone, not just gun enthusiasts. “The media might have us
Samson Contompasis stands with his work, “Burroughs’ Alter.” Photo provided.
believe that ‘pro-gun’ and ‘anti-gun’ people are at irreconcilable odds in this country,” said Maureen Sager, Executive Director at Spring Street Gallery, in a press release. “But these divides do not seem to exist in the artists and people we’ve met while organizing this show. There are so many nuances – as well as deeply felt personal perspective and responsibility
– being presented here. We hope that these artists and groups will inspire new thought, understanding and conversations throughout the region.” For more information about “The Gun Show” and Spring Street Gallery, located at 110 and 112 Spring Street, visit springstreetgallerysaratoga.org.
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
43 PULSE
Shifting into the Spotlight: New Band Rocks Local Music Scene by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Red Shift, a brand new alternative rock band out of Glens Falls, is already packing the house at their shows. Whether they’re playing at Gugs in Glens Falls or at Putnam Den in downtown Saratoga, a Red Shift concert draws a crowd. Red Shift, formed by lead singer Tim Ortiz just over four months ago, is definitely taking off in the right direction. In late 2015, Tim Ortiz was struck with inspiration. He wrote material that he really liked, and called up the best musicians he knew to bring those songs to life. As a result, Red Shift was born, and is now made up of Kieran Dupper (guitar, synthesizer), Chad Jones (guitar), Andy Frasier (bass), Erich Hobus (drums) and Tim Ortiz (vocals, synthesizer, and guitar). All band members have been playing together in other bands since 1999 – Dupper
Saratoga Independent School Hosts Spring Gala SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Independent School (SIS) is holding their annual Spring Gala at Saratoga National Golf Club on Friday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. Located in a picturesque Adirondack-style campus, Saratoga Independent School is a private pre-K through Grade six elementary school with a mission to empower each student to become a confident learner capable of critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. SIS instills in students the values of leadership, respect and the important of community. All proceeds from the gala will help expand teaching resources and academic programs for SIS. “We know how remarkable SIS is for our children, and for the Saratoga community,” said event cochair Heath Ames. “The event on April 15 will be a true celebration of generosity and community.” To purchase tickets for the gala, visit sisspringgala2016.splashthat. com. For more information about Saratoga Independent School, visit siskids.org.
and Ortiz actually met in third grade and began playing music together early in high school. Now all together again as Red Shift, the band has found their musical niche with each other. “We’re so new but we’ve taken off really fast,” said Ortiz. “We went from not having a band at all to 800 Facebook likes in two months. Since we’ve known each other for so long, it’s easy working together.” Red Shift has already received radio airtime, with their music featured on 102.7 EQX, Hits 95.9, and 92.7 The Revolution. Their first single, “Around the Sun,” was recorded this past February. Now, the band’s goal is to have their first EP record out by early summer, which will feature “Around the Sun” as well as more new songs. “A lot of our songs are about questioning the nature of reality. We also talk about the idea of life being a dream, or a dream within a dream,” said Ortiz. “Our song ‘Around the Sun’ is about our impact on the environment and what we’ve done to it in the past 100 years, but that’s not the main theme for most of our music. I try to write about positive
Red Shift members (left to right): Kieran Dupper, Andrew Frasier, Erich Hobus, Chad Jones, and Tim Ortiz. Photo by Rachel Ortiz.
things. I wrote a song about my son, Atlas. I’ve written love songs about my wife. There are a lot of positive things going on in my life, so I’m not going to make negative songs just to sound edgy.” On Sunday, April 3, Red Shift recorded their first music video, directed by writer and filmmaker Micah Khan. Putnam Den allowed the band to go in and shoot the video for “Around the Sun” for most of the day. “There’s a lot of silhouette lighting [in the video], and we
use slow motion, which makes everything look cool,” said Ortiz. “Mainly, the video is just to show what we look like when we’re performing.” The video for “Around the Sun” will be released April 30, and the song will be on over 20 music sites, including iTunes, Amazon, Google and Spotify. But if you want to catch one of Red Shift’s live shows, they will be performing at Putnam Den on Friday, April 29 at 9 p.m., playing with Candy Ambulance, Mirk and Angels on the Fourth. On May
21, they will be playing at King Neptune’s in Lake George, and will be back up there for the village’s Friday on the Lake concert series in Shepherd’s Park on June 24. In the future, Red Shift has plans to play shows in Brooklyn, Boston and Burlington. Red shift’s single “Around the Sun” is currently available to listen to on YouTube and SoundCloud. For more information about Red Shift, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/redshifttunes.
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Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Newberry Medalist Kate DiCamillo Coming to Saratoga by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kate DiCamillo, award-winning children’s book author, will be at the Saratoga Springs City Center (522 Broadway) on Friday, April 15 to discuss and sign her new book, “Raymie Nightingale.” As one of only six people to ever win two Newberry Medals, DiCamillo is a powerhouse when it comes to writing compelling, touching stories for children and young adults. Children all over the country have read her famous novel “Because of Winn-Dixie,” which was made into a film in 2005. The book is even on many school’s English curriculum for its literary brilliance, and in 2007 the U.S. National Education Foundation named “Because of Winn-Dixie” in the “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children.” DiCamillo is also well-known for her Newberry winning novels “The Tale of Despereaux” and “Flora and Ulysses,” as well as “The Tiger Rising,” a National Book Award finalist. DiCamillo’s most recent book “Raymie Nightingale” is being released on April 12. The novel follows the story of the title character, Raymie, as she tries to win the Little Miss Central Tire Contest. Raymie believes that if she can win the competition, her father, who ran away with a dental hygienist, will see her picture in the paper and come home.
“Raymie Nightingale” by Kate DiCamillo will be available on April 12. Photo provided.
As Raymie becomes involved in the competition, she meets other contestants, Louisiana and Beverly, and learns how to overcome loss and loneliness, all while building unexpected friendships and learning her true potential. In an interview with DiCamillo, she describes the background of her new novel, how it came to be, and what’s next for her. Q: Where did you get the inspiration for “Raymie Nightingale?” How did it develop? A: Well, the first thing that popped into my head was the name of the contest: The Little Miss Central Florida Tire contest, and I wrote that down in my notebook. Soon after that, I wrote down “Raymie competes
in Little Miss Central Florida Tire contest?” in the notebook. So then, I had a character and an idea. And I thought, “Great! I will write a funny book about a Little Miss Contest.” But, almost as soon as I started writing, the story went in a different direction. Louisiana and Beverly showed up, and man, I didn’t expect those characters. Then, when I figured out why Raymie was competing (to bring her dad back), the story turned again. So, it was an adventure. Q: How long did it take you to write? A: About a year and a half. And a lot of drafts! Q: What are some of the themes you wanted to explore in the book? A: Eeek. I never think in terms of themes. I think in terms of characters. I just follow the characters. I can see that there are themes after the fact (usually when other people point them out to me), but I never put them there intentionally. Q: Why do you enjoy writing for children/young adults? How is it different than writing for adults? A: What I love about writing for kids is that you are duty-bound to end the story with hope. Also this: the sense of possibility. Anything can happen in a story for kids. And I love that. Q: What makes for a great story? What elements does it have to have?
Acclaimed children’s author, Kate DiCamillo. Photo by Catherine Smith Photography.
A: For me as a reader, what captivates me is love for the world and love for the characters. Q: What is next for you in your career? A: I’m working on another novel! And I’ve got another “Deckawoo Drive” book coming out this fall (a story about Baby Lincoln). Kate DiCamillo’s discussion and book signing event at the City Center on April 15 will take place at 6 p.m.,
with doors opening at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 for one seat /one book, $25 for two seats/one book, and $30 for three seats/one book. Tickets can be purchased at Northshire Bookstore, online at northshire.com or by calling 518-682-4200. Tickets are expecting to sell-out so get yours as soon as possible. For more information about Kate DiCamillo, visit her website at katedicamillo.com.
45 PULSE Chase Con Expo Announces Spring Show
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
SARATOGA SPRINGS – With interest in pop culture and comic book events continuing to rise, Chase Con Expo has just announced its spring show coming to the Saratoga Springs City Center at 522 Broadway on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 24, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chase Con Expo is dedicated to providing a family friendly comic and pop-culture event with celebrities, artists, gaming, cosplay, sci-fi, anime, panels, comic books, collectables, contests and much more. This will be the third Chase Con Expo to date; the event takes place each fall and spring. This spring’s guest star lineup includes actress Rochelle Davis, known for her role as Sarah in the 1994 film “The Crow.” Voice over artist D.C. Douglas, whose commercial work spans over 20 years, will also be at the expo to discuss his work, which includes the Resident Evil Series, “Dragon
Age II,” “Marvel vs. Capcom 3,” Netflix’s “Tiger,” “Mass Effect” series and more. Guest artists include Mike Raicht, a writer whose creator-owned work includes the graphic novel “The Stuff of Legend” which launched at #2 on the New York Times Graphic novel list. Raicht also has written stories for Marvel, DC Comics, IDW, Dynamite, and Th3rd World Studios, on titles including MAX Zombie, Hulk, SpiderMan, Batman, Superman, GI Joe, Godzilla, X-Files, Dark Shadows, Army of Darkness, and Finding Nemo Rusty Gilligan is another guest artist at Chase Con – he has been a fixture in comics since 1978 with credits including Marvel, DC, Big Bang, Image, Heavy Metal and more. His recent work includes “Captain America,” “The Avengers,” and “The Walking Dead,” as well as follow up artwork for “Night of the Living Dead,” “Alien,” “Firefly,” “Star Wars,” and many others.
Recently, Gilligan joined the trading card arena and has provided cards for Upper Deck, Cryptozoic Entertainment, Cult-Stuff and others. Gilligan will be offering exclusive promo cards and show art prints at the expo. One of the main attractions this spring is the 1966 Batmobile, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Like Chase Cons in the past, there will also be cosplay stars and contests, video game tournaments, and nearly a dozen panels. A Chase Con after party will take place Saturday at The Parting Glass Pub from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tickets range in price starting at $15 for a one-day pass, $25 for a weekend pass, and VIP packages and family 4-pack packages starting at $60. Go to ChaseCon. org to purchase tickets in advance and receive a link to the program book before the Con and free admission to the after party. For more information about Chase Con, as well as a full list of everything happening at the expo, visit chasecon.org.
A Taste of Ballston Spa: Foodie Fundraiser for Education
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Education Foundation (BSEF) will hold its annual fundraiser, “A Taste of Ballston Spa” on Monday, April 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ballston Spa High School, 220 Ballston Avenue. Guests will be able to sample delicious offerings from some of the area’s most popular restaurants and food vendors, including Local 388 Burger Bar, Sunset Café, Healthy Living Marketplace, Henry’s Irish Tavern, Pizza Works, Next Door Kitchen and Bar, Front Street Deli, 50 South, The Lily and the Rose Catering, Sushi Thai Garden, The Ripe Tomato American Grill, Alaturco Mediterranean Grill, Russo’s Grill, and Augie’s Italian Restaurant, just to name a few. There will be great prizes from Damn Good Jerky, Tri-City Valleycats, the Strike Zone and more. The final highlight will be the drawing for a trip for two to Tuscany, Italy. Tickets are available for the drawing while supplies last. The BSEF’s signature event raises money for educational enrichment for all students in the Ballston Spa School District. Since its inception in 1996, the foundation
has awarded over $320,000 in grants for programs, projects, technology and classroom equipment that enhance the learning experiences of students in grades K-12. Displays from past grant recipients will be on exhibit at the event, including the Ballston Spa district’s highly successful robotics team. Early-bird tickets for the taste at $25 per person are available for sale at bspaedfoundation.com. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $30 per person. Ticket price for students is $10. The Ballston Spa Education Foundation is a volunteer 501(c) (3) corporation whose purpose is to
support the mission of the Ballston Spa Central School district by raising and distributing resources for educational enrichment outside the realm of the daily operational needs of the district. For more information, visit bspaedfoundation.com.
Jennifer Rose, one of the cosplay stars that will be at Chase Con this month. Photo provided.
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Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
week of 4/8-4/14 friday, 4/8: Jeff Mrozek, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 Brooks Williams, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Rich Thomas, 7:30 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 In Spite of Ourselves, 7 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Dirt Cheap, 9 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Justin Joiner, 6 pm @ Diamond Club Grill 587.2022 Party of 3, 4 pm @ End Zone Sports Pub — 584.6460 Erin Harkes Duo, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 The Radio Junkies, 10 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 The Audiostars, 8 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Rob Lindquist Group, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Joe Finn, 6 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Steve Candlen Band, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Garland + Dollard Duo, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Particle + Kung Fu, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Rusty Edge, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Scott Garling, 9:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Rich Ortiz, 6 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 Russ Kennedy, 6:30 pm @ Thirsty Owl — 587.9694 New York Players, 8 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775
saturday, 4/9: Frankie Lessard, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 Caravan of Thieves, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Stretch, 8 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Dan Sherwin, 7 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Karaoke, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Out of the Box, 6 pm @ Diamond Club Grill 587.2022 Folding Money, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 The Master Cylinders, 10 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Darik and the Funbags, 8 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Pete Sweeney Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Dustin DeLuke, 6 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Danny Pravder Trio, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 George Giroux, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Half Step + Stephen L. Smith, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Amelia and Mike, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253
Forthlin Road, 9 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke, 9:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Pat Decker, 3 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 Allen + Azzaam, 6:30 pm @ Thirsty Owl — 587.9694 DJ Playground, 9 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775 Rob Aronstein, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640
sunday, 4/10: Dan Navarro/John Craigie, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 James Gascoyne, 6 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Live Jazz Brunch, 10 am @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563
monday, 4/11: Russ Kennedy, 6:30 pm @ Brook Tavern — 871.1473
tuesday, 4/12: Open Mic with Rick Bolton, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Annie in the Water, 9 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300
wednesday, 4/13: Carol Carroll’s Piano All.Stars, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 J Yager, 6 pm @ Diamond Club Grill — 583.1105 The Masters of Nostalgia, 8:30 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke, 9 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875
thursday, 4/14: Marcus Ruggiero, 7 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060 Open Mic, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Matty Finn, 6 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Open Mic, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 New Artist Showcase, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Chris Carey + Mike O’Donnell, 8 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Rich Ortiz, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Free Air w/ Eminence Ensemble, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916
48 It’s where NEED to be.
YOU
Publication Day: Friday
Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon
Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.
DIVORCE DIVORCE $349-Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person Application included if applicable. Separation agreements. Custody and support petitions. - 518-274-0380
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Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
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Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
It’s where NEED to be.
YOU
Publication Day: Friday
Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon
Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.
WANTED TO BUY Cash Paid for Record Albums! $$$ SEEKING CLASSIC ROCK, JAZZ, SOUL, MOTOWN, POP, 60’s thru 90’s LPs! Bigger collections welcome. I will travel to you and pay CASH! I am fair, knowledgeable, and easy to deal with. Call today to make an appointment. 518-330-1306 CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Up to $35/ Box! Sealed & Unexpired. Payment Made SAME DAY. Highest Prices Paid! Call Juley Today! 800-413-3479 www. CashForYourTestStrips.com
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Call (518) 581-2480 x204 ADOPTION
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Loving couple hoping to adopt a baby. Open, accepting, secure. Contact Sue and Gary at suegaryadopt@gmail.com; 516-234-7187; see our video at www.suegaryadopt.com.
HUNTING Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com
MONEY TO LEND Get funding now for your small business up to $2 million in as little as 2 days. Minimum 2 years in business. Call BFS Capital: 888732-6298 or apply online www. bfscapital.com/nyp
HELP WANTED Forklift Operators in Chemical Plant. 1st & 2nd Shift Avail. Overtime. Full benefits package; competitive wage. Paid time off. Nancy: 518-350-9726 EEO/AA Employer/Vets/Disability Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Career. Get Trained- Get Certified- Get Hired! Bulldozers, Backhoes & Excavators. Immediate Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits. National Average $18.00$22.00 1-866-362-6497 AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7093
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Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Puzzles ACROSS 1 Fall follower? 5 Ophidian menace 8 Brightness stats 11 Arts supporters 14 Frat letter 15 Akhenaten’s son 16 On the level 17 Battle of Khafji conflict 19 “Battle it out” quintet 20 Plasma particle 21 Loafer’s lack 22 Some audiobooks 23 Pro shop supplies 26 Opposite of bids 27 Kool-Aid alternative 28 “__ Eterno”: 2004 sports documentary 29 Boorish 30 Detergent with Oxi Booster 31 Bone: Pref. 32 “Seasons in the Sun” songwriter 33 Dot on an MTA map 34 “Love in the Time of __”: Garcia Marquez work 36 ICU staffer 39 “Can’t argue with that!” 41 Former car-financing org. 42 It may come after you 43 Court attire 45 Rooting sound 46 Hardly bright 47 “Agreed!” 48 Title girl in a 1965 #1 hit 50 Sushi topper 51 Mall draw 52 Sci-fi suffix 53 Signs of dissatisfaction 55 Appears ... and the contents of this puzzle’s circles? 57 “Missed your chance!” 59 Brief facilities? 60 Zing 61 Early Alaskans 62 Memphis-to-Nashville dir. 63 Year abroad 64 Payroll deduction, perhaps DOWN 1 The Police, most of the time
See puzzle solutions on page 54
See puzzle solution on page 54 2 Bit of deception 3 A, in Argentina 4 ISP option 5 Shoptalk 6 Treats as persona non grata 7 D.C. figure 8 Realization often preceded by “Whew!” 9 Charlatans 10 Hardly gloss over 11 Still-life subject 12 Swallowed one’s pride 13 Rodgers and Hart title lyric that precedes “I get no dizzy spells” 18 Roadside warning 20 James Brown memoir 24 Inclusive pronoun 25 Quartet member 29 One way to lighten the mood
32 Word before or after name 35 Key of Dvorak’s “New World Symphony”: Abbr. 37 Before 38 They can’t be beaten 40 Get Wired again 43 Fight in the sticks 44 Fred Astaire, by birth 48 President Francois Hollande’s birthplace 49 Whale relative 54 Bulldog fans 56 Facial spot 57 Brother of Jack and Bobby
Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling
Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices. This Week: Refrain, Restrain Refrain means to choose not to do something or partake of something. The students were asked to refrain from leaving class early. Restrain means to immobilize by force or forbid an action. The nurses had to restrain the patient in order to avoid injury. Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at davedowling59@yahoo.com
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
SPORTS 51
Celebrating a Great Year… and a Great Tradition SARATOGA SPRINGS — An awards banquet to celebrate another exemplary season, in which the Saratoga Springs High School hockey team added another Section 2 championship, as well as another State Final Four berth, was celebrated at the Saratoga Golf & Polo Club on the evening of Wednesday, March 30. While athletic achievement certainly took center stage, those on the team who achieved academic excellence while performing on the squad were given special recognition. The evening also spotlighted the team’s 11 seniors, which included three of the team’s four co-captains: Elliott Hungerford, Brendan Coffey and Josh Dagle. Those three, as well as seniors Ryan Hogan, Colin Paton, Garret Smith, Sean Holmes, Matt Russell, Austin Patterson, Danny Hobbs and Tom Fornabia, now join a new roster: that of esteemed Saratoga Hockey Alumni, part of a 40-year tradition that will be there to celebrate the great moments to come. -Arthur Gonick
Photos by MarkBolles.com
Building for the Future: The players who registered their first Varsity goal this season were given a puck commemorating the date and opponent. Left to Right: Eric Jess, Matt Shamberger, Sam Frey, Garret Smith
SSHS Hockey Booster Club President Mike Dagle (L) and the team’s first Coach, Rick Cabello (R), greet the gathering.
Coach Dave Torres celebrates with two award-winning seniors: (TOP) Elliott Hungerford received the Most Valuable Player Award. Hungerford was the CDHSHL Player of the Year. (BOTTOM) Senior Goalie Tom Fornabia received the Most Improved Player Award. Fornabia was also a First team CDHSHL All Star. Hungerford also received the 2016 Hobie Baker Character Award.
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SPORTS
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
Dodgeball: It’s Not Just For Your Kids Anymore! Ballston Spa Teacher Ready to Compete at UK’s Dodgeball World Cup by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA — The game you loved as a kid is about to take center stage internationally, and a Ballston Spa Phys Ed teacher is right in the middle of the excitement. Rob Immel, who has been teaching in the Ballston Spa School District for 11 years, along with three other Capital Region residents (Michelle Radley, Pat Cushing and Brett Granfors) will be members of Team USA, representing our country on a squad that will be venturing over to Manchester, UK for the Dodgeball World Cup on April 16-17. The inaugural Manchester 2016 World Cup will take place at the England National Basketball Arena (capacity 2,000). Competitive dodgeball is growing in popularity, even gaining support as a potential Olympic sport in the future. Team USA will face off against teams from Italy, England, Scotland, Malaysia, Sweden, Egypt, and Australia. Each team is composed of 10 men and 10 women. The four locals that earned spots on Team USA were hand picked from a top east coast amateur team, NY EMPIRE. Immel, who is the Captain of NY EMPIRE, enjoyed pointing out that the team always vies for a national crown and set a world dodgeball record for longest marathon play three years ago. “My students are really excited. They know my history with the game,” said Immel, who teaches grades 9-12 at Ballston Spa High School. “I’ve been involved with the game forever.” Indeed, in addition to logging five years with NY EMPIRE, Immel has ventured to Las Vegas to compete in the National Dodgeball Championships for the past 11 years. Rob and his wife Sara have three children: Adalynn (8), Talon (6), and Reven (2). He, the other members of the local ‘Fantastic Four,’ and other NY EMPIRE players also act locally to promote
the sport, running a program called ‘Hometown Dodgeball’ at the Sportsplex of Halfmoon. There is adult open league on Mondays and a youth league on Tuesday. Visit www. sportsplexofhalfmoon.com/ Leagues/dodgeballleagues/ or call the Sportsplex at 518-3830991 for more information. “The game itself is essentially the same that you remember,” Immel explained, “with a few twists.” You eliminate an opponent by throwing
a ball and striking them anywhere from head to toe. Your opponent avoids elimination by evading the ball, but they must stay on the court. If your opponent catches your throw, you are out. And it goes fast. “In our leagues, games last anywhere from 11 seconds to three minutes,” Rob said. The World Cup tournament will be staged in two phases. “The first day you play in kind of a round-robin format. Teams feel each other out.
Each game starts with six players per side – with five balls. The six are drawn from the roster, each coach trying to get the best matchup and learn about the other teams – generally saving their best players for the best teams. “The second day, the eight teams are seeded,” he continued, “in a format similar to the Elite Eight in the NCAA basketball tournament.” Eight teams go down to four, to two, and then a champion is
crowned. When you watch an international sporting event, it’s always more exciting to have a player with local or regional roots to cheer for. On the weekend of April 16-17, you’ll have four. Fantastic! The 2016 World Cup matches will be streaming live: they will be posted on www. planetdodgeball.com. To view a preview of the tournament, visit www.allaboutdodgeball. com/archives/874
The Capital District’s ‘Fantastic Four’! (L to R): Michelle Radley, Ballston Spa Phys. Ed. teacher Rob Immel, Pat Cushing and Brett Granfors are ready to rock in the Dodgeball World Cup in the UK this month
Rob Immel
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
SPORTS 53
Coaching: Is ‘Old School’ A Form of Bullying?
by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY Recently, there has been an intensive debate in the coaching profession concerning the treatment of athletes. Coaching styles are under the microscope, and part of the argument as administrators, coaches, psychologists, parents, and the athletes themselves try to agree on which coaching characteristics best fit the profession, or situation. ‘Old school’ coaching philosophy dictates that the athlete should be able to adjust to any coaching style to function to the expectations of their mentor. Failure to do so is blamed on the athlete, and is considered a form of weakness on the part of that individual. Often, the athlete will quit the sport to avoid confrontation with the coach. This scenario is defeating the purpose of coaching - a coach’s main focus should be to help the athlete grow as a player and as a person. A coaching philosophy is the signature of that coach’s style and consists of a mixture of the coach’s personal beliefs, goals, objectives, and standards. Most coaches know in their mind what their philosophies consist of, but ask them to convey this information, some might find it difficult to accomplish. An uneducated coach may respond with “my philosophy is to win!” This coach has no direction. Winning is great and promotes short-term job security, perhaps, but coaches have a higher calling than just winning. The chosen philosophy is a direct reflection of the style the coach employs. What can result from this choice is that the coach takes losing as a personal insult to their fractured ego. That can be the beginning of a negative environment with conflict developing between the
coach and his / her team, which can also trickle down to the individual athlete. The result is that the fun is gone for the athlete! So the questions are: How do modern coaches differ from coaches of the past? Do they differ at all? What can coaches do to reach their athletes and promote optimum performance? How can a coach earn respect from athletes without resorting to negative responses and punishments? Which coaching style or styles do athletes respond best to? I was known from being a boisterous coach – and at times I have been misunderstood by some people in the stands. Very seldom would I raise my voice to my players, as individuals, because I did not want to embarrass them. If I yelled out at all it would be related to team strategy. I admit that I was not very easy on referees and there were times, after a game, I regretted my demeanor. But never did I punish my teams for losing, or players for making mistakes. When that occurred, what I did in practices was focus on correcting what needed to corrected from the previous game, win or lose, my goal then was to prepare the team for our next contest. I learned throughout my career that kids or athletes do not make mistakes, or lose, on purpose. I was far from perfect, but my players’ well being was always a concern of mine, and teaching them fundamentals was usually a big part of my focus. I felt I couldn’t blame players for something they had no knowledge of, or skill to perform. My main job, as a coach, was to share my knowledge with them, and help them perform to the best of their abilities. Hopefully they had fun doing so. I can honestly say that as a coach of all the sports I have coached, that I never bullied my players, their well-being was at the top of my priority list. Let me use this outline with comparative characteristics of the two philosophies of coaching: Old School vs. New School. This comes from an article written and submitted by: W. Glenn Reese, Candidate for Masters Degree, USSA, under the guidance of Dr. Sally J. Ford, Chair of Sports Coaching, USSA. Coaches have stated, “I use the ‘old school’ style of coaching.” Do they really know what that means? When the term ‘old school coach’ is used, the following characteristics come to mind:
• Punish first, converse later • Atmosphere of fear of failure for the athlete • Immediate short-term respect • Knowledge of technical skills, but not tactical • Insisting on undivided attention when speaking • Intimidation of those who speak against the coach’s decisions • Demeaning motivation • Nonexistent relationships with the athletes and assistant coaches • Loss of an athlete’s attention due to negativity • Athletes quit due to poor treatment When an old school coach goes too far, the consequences can be disastrous, and becomes a form of bullying. Most successful new school coaches tend to be cooperative style coaches. Most athletes today want coaches who are open to their ideas and value them as people. Cooperative coaching allows for this empowerment of the athlete, while keeping the overall power in the hands of the coach. A prevalent trait of the new school coach is the thirst for knowledge. A new school coach is more open to change and adaptation than the old school coach. This does not mean that the new school coach is “soft.” This simply means that the new school coach is not as domineering. A new school coach seeks
to earn the respect of his/her athletes by demonstrating the knowledge they need to be successful. “A characteristic of effective coaches at all levels is continued ongoing learning and reflection. Virtually every portrait of great coaches shows them to be active learners, who engage in constant reflection,” (Gilbert and Jackson, 2004). Characteristics of a new school coach might be: • Positive relationship with athletes and other coaches • Stern but not offensive • Fresh ideas through open lines of communication • Increased participation due to coaching style • Increased tactical knowledge of athletes • Appreciation shown from athletes/ community • Gives and receives advice • Leads by example • Encourages initiatives of team leaders • Exhibits continued knowledge of the sport • Has opportunities for advancement into administration Not too long ago, I wrote a column relating to coaches who overreact as their style. Lately, it seems that there has been more controversy on how coaches treat athletes. The pros and cons are no different than they were 50 years ago. The
“pro” aspect of being coached by a person who is overly critical of athletes can evolve as a form of motivation by the athlete to prove the coach wrong, but this is a double negative. Some people might say, “deal with the fact that you have an ‘in-your-face’ coach, so, ‘suck it up!’” The con is obvious – a growing dislike for the coach and his/ her style of being mean spirited using condescending tactics that eventually becomes a total turn off for the athletes, and this feeling of disdain for the coach arises daily. What do I think? I truthfully don’t see a lot of success with the ‘Old school’ philosophy – it is basically non-productive. I know that there are some ‘Old School’ coaches who believe what they do is some form of reverse psychology. The proven fact is that the majority of the time, the simple truth in most situations is that form of psychological science just doesn’t work. The New school coach knows that communication needs to be positive, no matter the sport, and it needs to be a two way street. Yelling or screaming at someone is derogatory - it just reinforces negativism, and eventual disdain. Effective communication is about listening to the other side; in fact it’s one of the most humane aspects in all relationships, no matter the circumstance: athletically, or in everyday life.
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SPORTS
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN Gavin Park Happenings 2015 SPRING BREAKERS CLUB April 25 – 29 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. A school break program offered for grades K-6. Gym fun, crafts, movies, outdoor play and more! Participants are required to bring their own lunch w/drink. An afternoon snack will be supplied. Four -Day minimum required. Registration ends 4/15 or until program is full. Maximum capacity is 35 per day. Fee: Wilton Residents: $40 per day. Others: $50 per day. ZUMBA Ditch the workout, and join the PARTY! This Latin inspired workout program is not your typical workout. This workout will get you moving to music, while actually enjoying yourself. Pre-registration is required at least one business day prior. No drop-ins allowed (pre-registration required). BTW, Our gym has air conditioning! Fee per session: Wilton Res. - $45; Saratoga School Dist.- $55; Other- $60. Sessions are on Mondays from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. from May 2 June 13 and July 11 August 15. BEGINNER YOUTH TENNIS LESSONS Ages 8-12 - for those learning the basics Mondays and Wednesdays May 2 18 from 5:45 6:45 p.m.
Registration ends 4/29. Fees: Wilton Resident - $45; Saratoga School District Residents - $50; Other - $55 Register for these programs at Gavin Park or online: https://activenet018. active.com/wiltonrecreation/
Saratoga Springs Recreation Department Summer Clinics and Programs Registration for summer clinics and programs hosted by the Saratoga Springs Recreation Department will begin Monday April 11. The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department will again be offering an extensive and varied list of programs and clinics for Summer 2016. Choose from boys and girls basketball, volleyball, baseball, field hockey, tennis, boys and girls lacrosse, soccer, cheerleading, skateboarding, softball, track, running, sandlot baseball, flag football and ice skating lessons. Questions? Call 518 5873550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratogasprings.org.
Spring Into Spring with a New Bike! Bikeatoga will be holding its Spring Kids Bike Giveaway for Saratoga County children on Saturday, April 23 in Saratoga Springs – location
TBA (see below). Participants must make an appointment. Children must be present and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Throughout the year, volunteers refurbish bikes donated by area residents for distribution to children whose families lack the means to purchase bikes on their own. In the last five years, hundreds of bicycles have been collected, repaired, and distributed to children in the local community. Bikeatoga will be providing helmets and helmet fittings for any child receiving a bicycle. To make an appointment, please call 518-0306-6931 or email gsaratoga@gmail.com. Leave your name and phone number, and your call will be returned with an appointment time and the location of the Bikeatoga Workshop. Please visit www.bikeatoga.org for more information.
Ballston Spa School District Offers Community Swim Opportunities The Ballston Spa Aquatics Program is currently offering opportunities for public use of the pool during adult lap swimming sessions, from 6 -7 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and on Monday and Wednesday evenings. A family/open swim is also offered on Saturday afternoons from noon – 2 p.m.
Puzzle solutions from pg. 50 Send your sports stories or briefs to Arthur Gonick, Sports Editor at arthur@saratoga publishing.com
Additional opportunities are offered throughout the year, including adult Aqua Cardio classes and a Learn-To-Swim program in the spring. The Community Swim Program is open to district students, families and community members. District residents need to show identification and pay a $1 entrance fee to utilize the pool. Non-residents are admitted, as space allows, for a $2 fee. The pool is closed during swim meets, school vacations, emergency cancellations (i.e. snow days or early dismissals) and when school activities necessitate closure. Information is available online at www.bscsd.org, by clicking on the aquatics/pool button on the left side of the homepage. For more information, please contact the pool office directly at 518-884-7150 ext. 2324.
Malta Spring Activities Brochure Available The Town of Malta’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services Spring Activities Brochure is now available online at www.maltaparksrec. com. It is available at the Malta Community Center, and registration has begun for spring classes and programs. New classes, sports programs and special events are scheduled to begin in March. Please call
the Malta Community Center at 518-899-4411 for more information.
Sign up for City of Saratoga Springs Recreation Department Zumba Fitness Classes. Teens/adults ages 16 + are welcome to join. Session and drop in options available. Sign up at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue or visit www.SaratogaRec.com. Questions? Call 518-587-3550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.
Camp Malta Registration Now Open Registration for Camp Malta, full day camp, has begun and will run until June 8th. Space is limited! This program is for children entering grades K-5 in the fall, and is held at the Malta Community Center. It is a NYS Health Department licensed program that provides children with a fun, well-supervised summer experience. Participants enjoy summer days packed with fun activities such as; sports, crafts, games, movies, library time, special guest programs and field trips. For more information and registration forms, visit the Camp Malta page at www.maltaparksrec.com or call 518-899-4411.
Week of April 8– April 14, 2016
SPORTS 55
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Spring Events and Hours SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will be open on a Wednesday through Sunday schedule from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 30. The schedule through Labor Day: • May 31 through July 21: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday. • July 22 through Sept. 5 (Saratoga Race Course season): Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. The Museum has several events already scheduled for the upcoming months: • Book discussion and signing, “Bare Knuckles and Saratoga Racing: The Remarkable Life of John Morrissey,” by Brien Bouyea: Author Brien Bouyea discusses the life of John Morrissey, the founder of Saratoga Race Course and an undefeated bare-knuckle boxing champion who later became a twoterm United States Congressman and a New York State Senator, Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m. Event is free to attend and books will be available for purchase. • Student Art Show Opening Reception - grades 8-12: The senior “Horsing Around with the
Arts” exhibit, features numerous works from local students on display in the von Stade Gallery. The opening reception is Wednesday, April 27 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Countdown to the Triple Crown preview panel: Racing experts will review the key Kentucky Derby prep races and offer analysis on the upcoming Kentucky
The event is free to attend and there will be refreshments provided by Price Chopper. The artwork will be on display through May 31.
Derby and Triple Crown series. Video highlights of races such as the Santa Anita Derby, Florida Derby, Wood Memorial and others will be shown in the Hall of
Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Announces Inductees BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Athletics Hall
of Fame Committee today announced plans for its 2016 induction ceremony to take place on Saturday, May 7, from 2-5 p.m. at the Ballston Spa High School auditorium, located at 220 Ballston Avenue. A reception with light refreshments will follow at the school. The BSAHF recognizes Ballston Spa alumni who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in the field of athletics.
The 2016 Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame inductees are: 1. Carl Barney – “Old Timer” Athlete 2. Briana Borgolini - Athlete 3. Frank Cinella - Athlete 4. Steve Cook - Athlete 5. Joseph King - Coach 6. Olivio “Tete” Monaco - Athlete 7. Anthony Spensieri - Athlete 8. Arlington Uline – Athlete 9. 1954 Basketball Team - Team Members - Frank Ascenzo, Clarence “Daisy” Evarts, Jim Funiciello, Burton Green, Roy Hodsoll, Arthur Isenberg, Jack Leahy, Harry Monaco, Pasquale “Patsy” Monaco, Louie Thomas and Arlie Uline For more information visit ballstonspaathleticshalloffame.com
Fame, Saturday, April 30, 1 p.m. Event is free to attend. • The Derby Party: The Museum is hosting a special fundraiser event for the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7. Enjoy a sampling of local brews, wines and spirits, Kentucky-inspired dishes from Saratoga’s best restaurants and live music by Rich Ortiz. Participating vendors and sponsors include: Argyle Brewing Company, black dog DESIGNS, The Brook Tavern, Brown’s Brewing Company, Boca Bistro, Common Roots Brewing Company, Empire Merchants North, Druthers Restaurant & Brewing Company, Fetzer Vineyards, Fingerpaint Marketing, Hoppy Trails Brew Bus, Jacob and Anthony’s American Grille, Nemer Motor Group, North Country Flowers, Peabody’s Sports Bar & Grill, Saratoga Chips, Saratoga Courage Distillery, Saratoga Living Magazine, Saratoga Spring Water Co., Saratoga Trunk, Saratoga Winery, Springbrook Hollow Farm and Distillery, Studio di Luce, Swedish Hill Winery, Symphony Catering, The Thirsty Owl Wine Company, Woodford
Reserve and 1911 Spirits. Ticket prices: $25 Safe Driver (No consumption of alcoholic beverages), $40 Museum Members, $45 Early Bird Special, $50 Day of the Derby, $75 Membership Promo (enjoy the event and receive a discounted Individual Museum membership.) For tickets: visit www.regonline.com/thederbyparty or call 518-584-0400, ext. 109. • Belmont Stakes bus trip: The Museum’s annual trip to the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown. The trip includes bus fare, admission to the grandstand and a preferred seat near the finish line. The bus will depart for Belmont Park from the Museum parking lot at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 11 and will return from Belmont Park immediately after the Belmont Stakes. Space is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Payment must be included with your reservation to secure your place. Contact Cathi Jackson at (518) 584-0400 ext. 140 or email nmrom@racingmuseum.net for more information. For more information, visit www.racingmuseum.org
Tennis, Anyone?
SARATOGA SPRINGS – A sure sign of spring in these parts are weather-related postponements, so a double-dose of kudos are hereby extended to the Saratoga Springs High School Boy’s Tennis team, who made it onto the court in fine fashion and posted a 9-0 shutout against Niskayuna on Thursday, March 31, and followed it up with another 9-0 shutout on Mohonasen on Wednesday, April 6. Now that’s the way to start off the season! Good luck to Coach Tim O’Brien and his squad this year. Photo by MarkBolles.com