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Volume 10 • Issue 32 • August 14 – August 20, 2015
Shear Greatness!
F R E E saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480
Featured Stories
Amazing Race Comes to Saratoga
Saratoga Springs Resident Selected for Basketball Hall of Fame by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fred Shear, a Saratoga County native who is a member of Siena College’s class of 1973, has received a major honor that caps off an impressive basketball career. He has been named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s (MAAC) Hall of Fame Honor Roll, and on October 17, he will be enshrined in “The MAAC Experience” exhibit in the Naismith
Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. Shear set numerous scoring and other records while at Siena, several of which still stand today. These records were established despite competing in an era when college players were only eligible to play for three years, and at a time when there was no 3-point scoring line or shot clock to inflate scoring totals. He is one of only four players in the college’s illustrious history to have his number (50) retired, and it hangs at the Times Union Center in Albany.
Shear is a long-time resident of Saratoga Springs with his wife, Christine. The couple will be celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. When asked about this latest honor, Shear exhibited a sense of gratitude and humility. “Obviously, the recognition is wonderful,” he said, “but I have to accept and acknowledge it on behalf of my coaches and teammates.” During Fred Shear’s time at Siena, the conference they played in See Shear Greatness pg. 44
See pg. 7
Fred Shear Scoring Against Iona in the early 1970s.
2 Days / $46.8 Million
How locals build a fantasy Fasig-Tipton stable
Hip # 34 by Tapit from the Denali Stud Consignment goes for $1.2 million on First Night of Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sales. Photo by Sharon Castro
Editor’s Note: The results are in and once again the numbers are staggering. The annual Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale saw 145 horses sold for a whopping $46.8 million dollars, a 40 percent increase over last year; and the highest sales total since the 2009 sales, which served as proof to many that the horse racing industry has rebounded strongly from the economic downturn. One colt sired by Tapit brought in the highest bid on Monday’s opening night, hitting $1.2 million. This was topped by a Street Cry colt, which fetched $1.4 million on Tuesday.
With these and many, many other six-figure prices being thrown around, it is easy to forget (except, perhaps, for the buyers themselves) that we are talking about real money here. For most of the crowd that swelled the grounds of Fasig-Tipton, those numbers remain the stuff of dreams. Our Marilyn Lane writes about her approach to enjoying the sales without needing a loan from the World Bank.
A Senior’s Guide to Medicare See pgs. 18-19
Inside TODAY Blotter 5 Obituaries 6 Families TODAY
Business 22-23 Winner’s Circle
25-30
Pulse 34-37 Sports 43-47
Weekend Forecast FRIDAY
83|62 SATURDAY
84|61 SUNDAY
See 2 Days / $46.8 Million pgs. 26-27
11-20
89|63
2
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Man on the Street “One of the many parking solutions the City is considering is paid parking. Would you pay to park on Broadway? If so, how much and for how long?”
Keren Rubin, from Samford, Connecticut (Left) “I wouldn’t pay at all.”
Arielle Rubin, from Saratoga Springs (Right) “I live here so I don’t have to park. But Saratoga is awesome because of their free parking. If it was paid it would have to be something really cheap, like 50 cents for three hours. No one really likes carrying change with them.”
Paul Ferris, from Dryden “Yes, I would, but I’m also old fashioned and I like to see things stay the same. I would pay $1.50 for an hour and several bucks for two hours. But I say leave it free. How many things are free anymore?”
Marie Vaugn, from Long Island “Well, it would certainly make money for the city. But I would refuse to pay for parking.”
Susan Fanch, from Saratoga Springs “I try to avoid paying. It’s hard to find parking as it is. Maybe have free parking only for residents of Saratoga? If parking is paid, they could have the first hour be free and then pay after that.”
Nate English, from Hillsdale, Michigan “Yeah, if parking was convenient and big enough to park my new truck. I’d probably pay a few dollars for several hours.”
Chris and Jess Giroux, from Smithfield, Rhode Island “No, I wouldn’t pay. I’d try to park anywhere I could for free.”
3
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Stories of Inspiration and Survival
Saratoga Regional YMCA Celebrates LIVESTRONG Program Photos by MarkBolles.com
Survivor Carol Bataglia
by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The skies had been gloomy all day, but the sun burst through just in time, sending shining rays of optimism down on all who were at the Union Gables Bed and Breakfast on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 11. The sunshine was welcome, but hardly necessary, as the attendees brought enough good cheer to brighten and enlighten anything. The occasion was a luncheon gathering of wellwishers and participants in the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program, who came together to share their experiences, but mostly to celebrate. Those who spoke, trainers in the program or cancer survivors, gave their own personal messages that were united in spirit under the keyword: HOPE. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week exercise program, offered at little to no cost, to help survivors improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships and improve their quality of life. Following a greeting by Interim CEO Kelly Armer, Lauren Frankford and Nicole Griffiths, two LIVESTRONG coaches, detailed their experiences. Frankford noted, “…for every story of hardship, there are 15 positive ones.” Griffith cited the inspiration of her father, who passed at an early age after a long struggle with cancer. “I now coach the program to give others what I wasn’t able to give my dad,” she said.
Cancer survivor Carol Bataglia lauded the LIVESTRONG program at the YMCA, saying “… it was helpful on so many levels. It truly ‘takes a village’ of support to move ahead on a cancer journey, and this program provides it.” Her story shows “you should never be afraid to ask for help.” Survivor Cindy Swaba observed that the LIVESTRONG program at the Saratoga Regional Y was an aspect of their program offerings that she did not know about prior to having cancer, but, once enrolled, found the staff and program so motivating that “… no matter how I was feeling (because of her treatment) I made the commitment to go to my classes twice a week.” Other speakers who shared stories of inspiration and survival included: Ann Lawton, a community liaison nurse at St. Peters Hospital’s Cancer Center; NYS Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner; Ellen Salerni, who is both a survivor and chair of the event committee; Susan Rhoades, development director at the Saratoga Regional YMCA and John Higgins, LIVESTRONG project manager. The community at large was motivated to help the program, as evidenced by the afternoon’s 57 silent auction items, which Armer said valued $12,000 collectively. The proceeds of this afternoon’s celebratory luncheon would fund the LIVESTRONG program into the future, and guarantee some measure of sunshine for those in the community facing cancer’s darkness. For more information about LIVESTRONG at the Saratoga Regional YMCA and their other programs, visit www.srymca.org
A toast to life and living strong!
Survivor Cindy Swaba
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WEEK IN REVIEW
Track Total Handle Increased by 20% SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) Board of Directors participated in a wide-ranging public meeting Wednesday, August 12, focusing on the success of the spring Belmont meet and the current Saratoga meet, during which total handle has increased by nearly 20 percent over the previous year. In his report to the Board of Directors, NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay outlined across the board increases experienced throughout the 2015 Saratoga meet thus far in comparison to 2014. For the first 15 days of the summer season through Sunday, August 9: — On-track handle rose 18.7 percent over 2014; — All-source handle rose 19.8 percent over 2014; — Food & beverage rose 25.6 percent over 2014; and
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Ducharme Named Assistant Principal
— Merchandising rose 27.4 percent over 2014. Robert Camoin, President and CEO of Camoin Associates, discussed his firm’s recent economic study of the Saratoga meet. The study, based on 2014 numbers, found that the Saratoga meet generates an estimated $237 million in economic activity and nearly 2,600 jobs across the nine-county territory that comprises the greater Capital Region. This figure represents a nine percent growth rate in economic impact and more than 30 percent growth in jobs since the most recent study was completed in 2011. The full report is available at www.saratogacountyida.org. NYRA also announced the appointment of thoroughbred owner and New York Giants Senior Vice President Chris Mara to fill an existing board vacancy. Mara is a partner in Starlight Racing. The next board meeting is scheduled for October 21 in New York City.
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EDITORIAL Norra Reyes 581-2480 x 203 Newsroom Manager, Business and Education Editor, Saratoga City norra@saratogapublishing.com Arthur Gonick 581-2480 x 206 Sports Editor, Saratoga County arthur@saratogapublishing.com Rebecca Davis 581-2480 x 214 Malta, Pulse, Food, News rebecca@saratogapublishing.com
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
James Ducharme. Photo provided.
SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Central School District is welcoming James Ducharme as its new assistant principal for Schuylerville Middle School and High School. Ducharme was appointed by the Board of Education at its June meeting. In his previous position, Ducharme was a school counselor at Cohoes High School (20072015). During his time at that school, he also worked as summer school administrator (2014), represented the high school on the distance learning advisory committee, and assisted in coordinating an
Alternative Learning Program that helps meet the needs of high risk high school students struggling academically, socially and behaviorally to succeed. In addition, Ducharme served as coach for Cohoes’ varsity football team and was involved in the Cohoes Career Connections program. Ducharme earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University at Albany, a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Sage Graduate School and educational leadership and administration certification from The College of Saint Rose.
Stepping Lively! Traditional Irish step dancers with The Boland School of Irish Dance perform trackside following the third race, as part of the Irish-American Heritage Day celebration at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 12.
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BLOTTER 5
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
CONVICTIONS Andrew A. Tyler, 44, of Galway, was sentenced to 1 year in Saratoga County Jail on August 3, on the charge of felony burglary in the third degree. Joseph B. McFall, 28, of Victory Mills, was sentenced on August 3 to time served and 5 years probation, on the charge of felony manufacture of methamphetamine in the third degree. David E. Orzechowski, 28, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced on August 3 to 2-4 years in state prison, on the charge of felony burglary in the third degree. Lauren Schultz-Przybylowicz, 27, of Hagaman, was sentenced on August 3 to 5 years probation and restitution, on the charges of felony attempted assault and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. Sean M. Mason, 31, of Cohoes, pled to the charge of felony driving while intoxicated on August 4. Sentencing is scheduled for October 5. Jerry N. Rogers, 31, of Moreau, pled to the charge of felony criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree on August 5. Sentencing is scheduled for August 31. Malina M. Singh, 21, of Lake Luzerne, was sentenced on August 10 to 2 to 6 years in state prison and 3 years of post release interlock device installation, on the charge of felony vehicular manslaughter in the second degree. Daequan Woods, 35, of South Glens Falls, was sentenced on August 10 to 2 years state prison and 1 year of post release
supervision, on the charge of felony attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree. Jonathan J. Rivera, 25, of Gansevoort, was sentenced on August 10 to time served and 5 years probation, on the charge of felony driving while intoxicated. John B. Bunch, 47, of Ballston Spa, pled to the charge of two counts of felony possession of a sexual performance of a child on August 10. Sentencing is scheduled for October 19.
ARRESTS Javier A. Damasi, 20, of Clifton Park, was arrested on July 27 and charged with promoting prison contraband in the second degree. Kevin D. Keller, 25 of Ballston Spa, was arrested on July 28 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Robin L. Coyle, 55, of Queensbury, was arrested on July 28 and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving the wrong way on a one way street, and failure to keep right. Julian J. Carden, 16, of Gansevoort, was arrested on July 30 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
Daniel P. Fallis, 23, of Broadalbin, was arrested on July 30 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, and a motor vehicle equipment violation. Tanner M. Hatch, 31, of Milton, was arrested on July 30 and charged with obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, unlawful imprisonment in the second degree, criminal mischief in the third degree, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Joel Rojas, 34, of Milton, was arrested on July 30 and charged with assault in the third degree and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the third degree. Troy V. Rogers, 24, of Providence, was arrested on July 31 and charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree.
and charged with driving while intoxicated, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and a motor vehicle equipment violation. Christine B. Lee, 19, of Gansevoort, was arrested on July 31 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. Phillip I. Barnes, 28, of Brooklyn, was arrested on July 31 and charged with four felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and four felony counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.
Danielle M. Stevens, 33, of Milton, was arrested on July 31 and charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Christian N. Mitchell, 26, of Albany, was arrested on July 31 and charged with two felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and one felony count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.
Justin M. Berardi, 26, of Ballston Spa, was arrested on July 31
Catrina E. Rodriguez, 24, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested
on July 31 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. Jared C. Wells, 25, of Troy, was arrested on August 1 and charged with two felony counts of criminal mischief in the second degree, two felony counts of criminal mischief in the third degree, felony criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, and obstructing governmental administration.
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OBITUARIES
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Lawrence LoMonico
Irma Mintzer
Carole Moreau
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Lawrence M. LoMonico, age 76, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at his home after a lengthy battle with leukemia and Parkinson’s. He was born in 1939, in Brooklyn, NY to the late Michael C. LoMonico and May Iannello LoMonico. Lawrence graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY. He entered Syracuse University where he graduated with a BA in Psychology and Marketing and an MS from the Newhouse School of Journalism. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1967 with the rank of Captain. He served at Shepard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX and Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, TX. Lawrence is survived by his loving wife, Scheryl, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage, together with daughters, Anne Du Bois (Scott Du Bois) of Port Perry, Ontario, Canada and Catherine LoMonico (Steven Greenblatt) of Wilton, NY, brother, Michael C. LoMonico and wife Fran LoMonico of Stony Brook, NY, sister-in-law Yvonne LoMonico of Valley Stream, NY, brother-in-law James Weaver and wife Palin Bree of Mineral Wells, TX, grandchildren: Samuel Du Bois, Antonia Du Bois, Max Greenblatt and Zoe Greenblatt, three nieces and one nephew. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to North Country Ministry, PO Box 11, North Creek, NY 12853 or to Saratoga Hospital Blood Bank, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Irma Roston Mintzer passed away peacefully at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by her family on August 9, 2015. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 25, 1922, to the late Viola Cohn and Max Roston. Raised in the tiny coal mining hills of Welch, West Virginia, she later attended and graduated from the University of Maryland where she met her love and late husband Dr. Joseph Mintzer. She had a lifelong passion for the arts, as a pianist and frequent attendee at SPAC. Her generosity of time and spirit extended throughout the community as a past president and lifelong member of Hadassah and a member of the Sisterhood of Congregation Shaara Tfille. In addition to her parents and husband, Irma is predeceased by her daughter Lisa Miriam. She is survived by her sister Helene Miller, daughter Loretta Ostrov and her husband Dr. Arthur Ostrov, son Steven Mintzer and his wife Kimberly Mintzer, nine grandchildren; Alyson Clark, Lucas Warnecke (Gina) Jamie Ostrov (Robin), Douglas Ostrov (Elissa), Nikole Gilet (Anthony), Justin Clark, Stephanie Ostrov, Heidi d’Esposito (Michele), Alex Mintzer, and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Tuesday August 11, 2015 at Congregation Shaara Tfille, located at 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York. Burial followed in the Jewish Community Center Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (584-5373). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish Community Center, 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Carole Dunson Moreau passed away on Monday, July 27, 2015. She was born on December 25, 1951 in Saratoga Springs to Elaine Waring and William Dunson. Carole graduated from St. Peter’s Academy (now Saratoga Central Catholic School) in 1969, earned her BA from Farleigh Dickinson College and M.Ed from SUNY Potsdam. She was married to Mark Moreau. They settled in and raised their three children in Canton, NY where Carole was a beloved English Teacher at Hugh C. Williams Middle School and Hugh C. Williams High School. Carole was known for her vibrant personality, generous spirit, engaging classes, and deep belief in the potential of all her students. She is survived by her husband, Mark, and her three children, Micah, McKenna and Madeleine. She left an indelible mark on everyone she knew. We will continue to share all of the joyful memories we have of Carole so that the joy she brought to this life will continue on through her friends and family. A memorial fund (CDM Memorial Fund) has been set up in her name at Adirondack Trust, 473 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. You can mail your support to that address or call Deann Devitt at 518-584-5844 for more information. Arrangments were under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.
Joan McLaughin SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joan C. McLaughin, age 76, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at Ellis Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 7, 1939 in Glens Falls, NY to the late Frederick and Catherine Kloss Richardson. Joan graduated from South Glen Falls High School and met the love of her life, Frederick McLaughin, in 1971 and they spent 44 wonderful years together. Joan is survived by her loving husband Frederick McLaughin, and they had a remarkable fun-filled life together, sister; Jane Marchewka (Walter), and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. A funeral service in honor of Joan was held on Monday, August 10, 2015 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. Friends and family gathered to remember her on Sunday, August 9, 2015 at the funeral home. Interment following the service of Joan was held at Gurn Springs Cemetery, Town of Wilton.
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Evelyn Arpey SARATOGA SPRINGS — Evelyn G. Arpey passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2015 at Wesley Health Care Center after a long illness. She was 83. Evelyn was born in Glens Falls, moving to Saratoga Springs as a young girl with her parents George and Mary Abdalla, and her sister Amelia Abdalla Palumbo, who predeceased her. She married her high school sweetheart William (Bill) Arpey, Jr in 1951 and they were happily married nearly 60 years until his death in 2011. The family would like to express profound gratitude to the tremendous and compassionate staff at Wesley and special family friend Marlene Redican. Relatives and friends gathered to remember her on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2015 by Rev. Thomas Chevalier at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs and burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., also in Saratoga Springs. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Elizabeth Pratt SARATOGA SPRINGS — Elizabeth (Warner) Pratt, 85, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at Saratoga Hospital. Born October 12, 1929 in Troy, NY, she was the daughter of the late Ruth Keeley. Betty grew up in Saratoga Springs where she attended Catholic schools. She married her beloved husband Thomas on July 25, 1948 and moved to Victory Mills where she spent most of her life raising their five children. Betty and her husband Tom spent their retirement years in Murrells Inlet, SC before returning to Saratoga Springs in 2013. Betty last worked for the Schuylerville School District in the Elementary School for many years until her retirement. She enjoyed playing cards, traveling, and spending time with her family. Betty was a wonderful mother and grandmother, always serving her family. She will be missed dearly and will remain in our hearts forever! In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Thomas B. Pratt Sr. on June 2, 2015 Survivors include two sons, Thomas (Cheryl) Pratt Jr. of Mayfield and Timothy Pratt of Saratoga Springs; three daughters, Terry (Patrick) Bennett of Queensbury, Betty Lynne (Jim) Gillen of Saratoga Springs, and Susan Pratt of Queensbury; eleven grandchildren, Tom and Clayton Pratt, Rachel (Kyle) Dow, Jennifer (Matt) MacDonald, Sarah (Raymond) Lopez, Timothy (Carmen) Pratt, Heather Tourtellot, Sean and Ryan Gillen, and Evan and Colin Signor; three great- granddaughters, one great-grandson arriving in October, and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held on Monday, August 10, 2015 at the Schuylerville United Methodist Church, 51 Church St., Schuylerville, with Pastor Al Johnson, officiating. Burial followed in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Friends and relatives gathered to remember her on Sunday, August 9, 2015 at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville, NY 12871. Memorials can be made in her memory to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 16 Wade Rd., No. 2, Latham, NY 12110.
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
NEWS 7
Wilton’s Comprehensive Plan The Amazing Race Casting Call in Saratoga Open for Public Comment The CBS reality show “The Amazing casting call is not for the upcoming backgrounds and lifestyles. It also by Eli King for Saratoga TODAY WILTON — The Thursday August 6 Wilton Town Board meeting featured a presentation of the town’s Comprehensive Update Plan which is currently open for public comment and may have implications for zoning, subdivisions, and land use to support the town’s growth and changing needs. Last updated in 2004, the Comprehensive Plan seeks to identify and lay the groundwork for long-term goals to uphold the town’s vision and quality of life. Similar to the 2004 version, the proposed update categorizes most of the recommendations into 7 planning areas: Parkhurst Road, Jones/Northern Pines, Wilton-Gansevoort Road, Dimmick Road, Edie Road, Exit 15, and Ballard Road Corridor. The document, which is available at www.TownOfWilton. com, covers topics ranging from mobility to green infrastructure, and suggests corridor studies of Routes 9 and 50, a redesign of the exit 16 bridge, and an assessment of a possible Exit 15A to ease congestion and delays at the current exit 15. Town Supervisor, Art Johnson, appointed the plan committee last September, which includes members from the town planning and zoning boards, and the town’s attorney. The group consulted with M.J.
Engineering and Land Surveying (based in Clifton Park), meeting twice a month while conducting their research and posting updates to the public. Supervisor Johnson described the process as “very open and transparent,” and indicated that while there are no “tremendous” changes, residents are encouraged to participate and voice their feedback as part of the process. The meeting also addressed a request to lower the speed limit (currently 55 mph) on Woodard and Nichols Roads, which is being evaluated by the Saratoga County Department of Public Works and the New York State Department of Transportation. Ryan Riper, the town’s Director of Planning and Engineering, indicated that it may be several months until a decision is made. In the meantime, a 2015 Traffic Planning Study was conducted to investigate traffic patterns and make recommendations for intersections like Carr Road and Northern Pines Road. The detailed report, which includes a five-year plan, is also available on the town’s website. A public hearing for the Wilton Comprehensive Plan update is scheduled for the next Town Board meeting on September 3. Questions and comments may be submitted on the town’s website until September 15 using a simple online form. For more information, visit www.TownOfWilton.com.
Race” is coming to Saratoga to look for people to travel around the world for the chance to win a million dollars. “The Amazing Race” casting call will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 22nd at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway. This
season, which debuts on September 25, but for a future one. Two-person teams are encouraged to get there early in case of crowds. An application form states that producers look for contestants who are outgoing, adaptable to new environments and have interesting
states that contestants should be in good mental and physical condition as the month-long race can be difficult and exhausting. Contestants must be 21 years or older to participate and have a valid passport. Semifinalists will be invited to L.A. for final interviews.
$500k in Body Cameras and Inmate Transports Proposed BALLSTON SPA — On Tuesday, August 11, the Saratoga County Public Safety Committee voted to forward two proposals to the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors for budget consideration. The first proposal was to equip deputies with body cameras; the second to meet increasing prison transport needs. “Transporting inmates or those accused of a crime to medical appointments, court appearances, and other correctional facilities has increased significantly,” said Public Safety Committee Chair and Clifton Park Town Supervisor Philip Barrett. “Over the years, the local and state police have ceased providing transport services, and
since it’s the County’s mandate, it falls to us to meet the challenge.” The proposal creates a transport team for the County Sheriff ’s department, utilizing a dedicated team of part-time transport employees so sheriff road deputies can focus their attention on patrolling and regular police work. The County can utilize existing vehicles, but the proposal would require an estimated $210,000 additional personnel cost. The proposal for the County to implement a body camera program is estimated at over $300,000 annually to cover the entire force, requiring 90 to 100 cameras. “That includes the cameras plus additional equipment, offsite
cloud storage of the video, personnel to manage and disseminate the videos, technical upgrades to the stations – including each substation around the County, it’s quite a massive undertaking,” said Barrett. The Committee believes cameras provide a full accounting of interactions between police officers and citizens, insuring accountability for everyone involved, and consider it an evolution of technology that makes sense. Given the high cost of both proposals, the Committee also recommended prioritizing the transport system over the body cameras, so as to ensure the Department has adequate resources for daily operations.
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NEWS
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Vets and Pets Newly Added to County Veterans Services by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY
abandoned animals find homes with veterans and be trained as Emotional Support Animals?” An Emotional Support BALLSTON SPA — Veterans returning from service often expe- Animal (ESA) is a companion anirience a multitude of emotions as mal that provides therapeutic they re-acclimate to civilian life, benefit of affection and companincluding a sense of loneliness and ionship for individuals suffering isolation, even when surrounded from various mental and emotional by loved ones. The Saratoga County conditions, such as anxiety or postVeterans Peer to Peer Mentoring traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “That therapeutic value, howProgram has recently added a new program, expanding upon the exist- ever, is not intended to take the ing services they provide, to meet place of services the veteran may need,” said Frank McClement, the needs of returning military. Earlier this year, Program Director of the Saratoga County Coordinator Amy Hughes began Veterans Services Agency. The new Vets and Pets Program exploring companion animals for veterans, and naturally thought is currently being offered to veterto work in partnership with the ans receiving services through the Peer to Peer Program. “It’s imporSaratoga County Animal Shelter. “Study after study has shown tant to connect a veteran with serthe therapeutic benefits of pet own- vices first,” said Hughes, “then the ership,” said Hughes. “What bet- mentoring program, and then a ter way than to have these lost or pet. It’s a gradual process that may or may not end in adoption, because it is important that there be a good match between the veteran and pet.” Veterans are asked to consider volunteering at the Animal Shelter, which gives the animals time to socialize with them. The program includes volunteer trainers who have offered to assist preparing the pets and veterans for their futures together, although pets do not have to be trained by a professional to be licensed as an Emotional Support Animal. The program also assists with fees and getting Drew Torres and Kaia, an American Stafford Terrier, bulldog and coonhound mix.
the animals registered as Emotional Support Animals, which protects these animals under federal law from no-pet policies in housing and other situations where the veteran would need the pet. “It’s mutually beneficial,” said Saratoga County Administrator Spencer P. Hellwig. “Not only do veterans have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of having an animal as a part of their lives, but the pets can lead a happy life with a home, companionship, and an owner who is willing to take on the responsibility.” Hellwig said the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, on a typical month, has about 100 dogs and 30 cats needing homes. Some are strays and some are from families who are no longer in a position to care for them. Giovanni Sorrentino of Malta was serving as a pilot in the Air Force as a First Lieutenant, stationed in Texas, when he was hurt in a training exercise that resulted in a L4-L5 vertebrae spinal fusion, requiring a titanium plate and three screws in his spine. “I can’t tell you what it was like to lose my wings and know I’d never fly again,” said Sorrentino. “I spent my whole life training to become a fighter pilot.” He was a mentee in the Peerto-Peer program, and is new to the Vets and Pets program. His dog, Mia, is a Morkie (a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and a purebred Maltese cross). “I actually got my puppy on my own and raised her as a therapy dog,” said Sorrentino. “The program helped me get her licensed so I can bring her with me out and about.
Photos by MarkBolles.com
Mia has been more powerful and therapeutic than any medication a doctor could write. There’s nothing like the emotional and physical support of a companion at all times. She depends on me and I depend on her. Vets and Pets provides the support of an animal that’s trained and certified, taking time with the shelter making sure you’re paired with an animal that is a good fit. Truthfully, the dog kind of picks you.” Matt Catlin of Niskayuna served in Giovanni Sorrentino and Mia, a Morkie (a purebred Iraq in 2006 as an E5 Yorkshire Terrier and a purebred Maltese cross). Sergeant, an Army medic. Currently he is a hyperbaric people. It’s fitting for the Peer to oxygen therapy technician at Albany Peer Mentoring to start providing a Memorial. His American Pit Bull service animal function to fill that Terrier was a stray dog at a Native needed emotional support.” American reservation in upstate The Saratoga County Veterans New York. “His name is Gwaho, pro- Peer to Peer Mentoring Program nounced WAH-hoe. It’s a Mohawk pairs established veterans with name that means wolf,” said Catlin. returning veterans who are experiCatlin added, “I had a difficult encing posttraumatic stress disortime when I came home. There was der (PTSD) or other re-acclimation no one in my life who could associ- challenges. Personalized and inforate with my experiences. They had no mal, these pairings yield relationidea what I went through. Nothing is ships intended to ease the transition like the experience over there, and I from combat to civilian life. couldn’t stop thinking about all the “It’s a great program, so patients I tried to save, and the ones needed,” said Catlin. “You’re with I couldn’t.” Catlin described how veterans start to lose their ability to socially interact, feeling isolated when surrounded by people who have not been through similar experiences. “What better way to regain social interaction than starting with a pet?” said Catlin. “They don’t judge you. When you make a mistake, they don’t make you feel bad about it. They support you through good and bad times, completely unconditionally, which is difficult to expect from Matt Catlin and Gwaho, an American Pit Bull Terrier.
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Left to right: Giovanni Sorrentino, Drew Torres, Amy Hughes, and Matt Catlin.
NEWS 9 peers who’ve worn the same uniform, had the same goals and ambitions to save the world, who can say ‘I understand your pain, and there is light at the end of the tunnel.’ Programs like this one helps veterans gain good coping mechanisms, and not slip into drugs or alcohol.” Drew Torres of Glens Falls served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps in communications and artillery. He is from Wilmington near Lake Placid, and moved to Glens Falls to study IT networking at Adirondack Community College, which is where he met Hughes and heard about the Peer to Peer Mentoring program. “I thought this could help me meet other veterans, people I can relate to, I guess because it’s easier to talk on the same plane,” he said. Torres and Kaia, an American Stafford terrier, bulldog and coonhound mix, are part of the Vets and Pets program, Torres has recently become a mentor in
the Peer to Peer program. “We go through training, learning how to talk with someone who has PTSD or anxiety issues,” he said. “When I first moved here there was no one to talk to. I would definitely have considered becoming a mentee if I had known about the program then. It makes a difference, one veteran helping another.” “The Saratoga County VA program is one of the best in the country,” said Sorrentino. “I went to one in Texas, in New York City, and here – and this program is unparalleled. I’m very grateful to be a part of it.” For more information about the Vets and Pets or Peer to Peer Mentoring programs, please call 518-884-4999 or visit www.veteranspeertopeer.org. For information about adopting a pet outside of the Vets and Pets program, call the shelter at 518-885-4113 or visit saratogacountyny.gov and navigate to the shelter page.
10
NEWS
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Saratoga’s Solar Future Looks Bright by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local governments around the nation are increasingly seeking ways to curb energy costs, and finally – between improved technologies and federal and state incentives – the reduction of a municipality’s carbon footprint has become both affordable and fiscally appealing. This is very good news for taxpayers, especially in a city like Saratoga Springs, with residents who are committed to lower energy costs without sacrificing environmental conservation and beauty. The Saratoga Springs City Council has launched two initiatives that will save homeowners, businesses, the City, and ultimately taxpayers significant energy and financial resources in the short and long-term. Additionally, the City has formed a Solar Access Committee to research additional solar energy opportunities.
Solarize Saratoga Solarize Saratoga is a volunteerdriven campaign sponsored by the City of Saratoga Springs, led by Mayor Joanne Yepsen, and New York State to make it easy and affordable for households and small businesses to “go solar” utilizing funds provided by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as part of the statewide NY-SUN Initiative. Community partners Sustainable Saratoga and Green Conscience Home and Garden have signed on to promote awareness of the campaign. “The community is coming together to make it easier and more affordable for Saratoga area homeowners and businesses to install solar PV systems,” said Yepsen. Combining the power of community with a smart group purchasing strategy, Solarize helps everyone learn about solar
technology, benefits, choices and financing options—together. The City selected two firms Apex Solar Power, headquartered in Queensbury, and Hudson Solar, headquartered in Rhinebeck through a competitive process to install solar PV systems in Saratoga Springs and adjacent communities. They are offering discounted group pricing for those who purchase solar before mid-October through the Solarize Saratoga program. Homeowners and businesses who sign up for solar installations by October 7 through the program will be able to take advantage of group rates below market prices. The more customers who sign up, the lower the price will be for all participants. Solarize Saratoga is a nine-month program. The enrollment period began in July 2015, with the last installations wrapping up in December of 2015. For more information, visit www.solarizesaratoga.org.
Spa Solar Park The City of Saratoga Springs awarded a bid to SunEdison in 2013 to work with the City to convert the City’s capped Weibel Avenue Landfill into a solar energy production site known as the Spa Solar Park Development. According to Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan in a report to the City Council, this is the City’s project, but SunEdison will build, own and maintain a 2 megawatt AC solar array on the City Landfill for an estimated 20 years. The 2MW solar array is estimated to generate electricity equal to about 35-40 percent of the City’s current electricity usage for municipal operations. Sun Edison’s financial model includes funding from NYSERDA as well as funding from the sale of electricity to the City. Since this is a “remote net metering” project, the actual electricity produced by the City’s solar panels will be directed to National Grid, which will provide a monetary credit to the City for amounts generated; the City, in turn, will pay SunEdison for electricity that is directed to National Grid through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). “The electricity price the City will pay to SunEdison remains the same over its entire course,” said Madigan. “The City saves money
when the PPA price is lower than the National Grid credit amount, which is the anticipated result. Regardless, having a 20-year price allows for long range budget planning, as well as reduces the City’s carbon footprint.” “There are tremendous opportunities through federal credits or state agencies like NYSERDA that enable local governments to save taxpayer dollars not only on their next electric bill, but for years down the line. Government at all levels should strongly consider this model as a way to save money, green the environment, and reduce our dangerous dependency on fossil fuels,” said U.S. Congressman (N-21) Paul Tonko.
Solar Access Committee At the June 2 City Council meeting, Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan announced the formation of a committee to review the solar landscape including advances in science, technology, and how other communities handle solar access in laws and regulations. “I do think there are more things to look at than what we’ve considered so far,” said Madigan. Saratoga Springs resident Larry Toole chairs the Solar Access Committee. He holds an undergraduate degree in meteorology and is also a board member with Sustainable Saratoga, but makes it clear that he is on the Solar Committee as a Saratoga Springs citizen. “I’m interested in helping the City best understand the solar landscape in today’s world, anticipating where we might be in the future,” said Toole. “That’s dependent on lots of things, certainly the projected growth in solar is going to be quite significant, such as the signs of global warming initiatives and state and federal regulations of emissions.” The goal of the committee is to provide context for that, as well as look at best practices regarding solar access rights, solar zoning issues, and other issues that other local governments have addressed. The committee will issue a report with recommendations in a couple of months. “In phase two of the Spa Solar Park there is potential for the City to add community solar,” said Toole. “This means that businesses and homeowners who do not have properties conducive to
solar panels could instead purchase solar power through the Spa Solar Park array, or some other future array.” Looking into the solar future, Toole sees a day when no trees will be cut back or down to avoid shading solar panels on roofs, no ordinances will need to be changed to manage infill shadowing of neighboring panels, and no homeowner or business will need solar panels on their roofs. “Historical buildings would even be able to have solar energy,” said Toole. “Everyone would be able to purchase clean energy through a community scale project.” For that to happen, however, New York State would have to pass legislation that require operational and billing changes in the power industry. “It’s inevitable that the power industry will have to go through a transformation in the next 20 to 30 years,” said Toole. “If President Obama’s mandate to the industry to reduce greenhouse gases by 32 percent by 2030 survives the courts, they will start owning more utility-scale renewable energy projects as part of their industry portfolio. When we’re 25 years down the road, 80 percent of the energy you buy from National Grid will be clean energy, so there won’t be a need to buy solar panels for rooftops. The power industry’s business model will change, but that has to start with net billing and they won’t do it unless required to by the state.” Toole said that most indications are that the state is moving toward authorizing a community solar future, and once that happens, Saratoga Springs is likely to jump on board. This scenario is one of many that could be included in the committee’s report to the City. “I’m excited about the potential of what the committee can do,” said Toole. “We have a good cross section of concerned citizens, businesses, people with expertise in earth science and solar technology, plus support from the City, so hopefully we con provide useful information to incorporate in the future. You combine the ebb and flow between the Solarize Saratoga concept of discounts on rooftop solar, plus City savings on the Spa Solar Park, and add community solar one day, and we still have only begun to see what a solar future for Saratoga can look like.”
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Families
11 TODAY
Curriculum, Character, and Caring Form Private Schools’ Core Saratoga Central Catholic High School
Saratoga Independent School
http://www.saratogacatholic.org/
http://www.siskids.org/
Serving students in 6th through 12th grade
A Catholic college preparatory institution, Saratoga Central Catholic High School starts the ball rolling for students with college as an end goal, said Principal Stephen Lombard. By arranging for college visitors, coordinating courses and extra-curricular activities, the school helps to organize and prepare students for college while keeping parents, who are more involved in the process than ever before, up-to-date and informed, said Lombard. This past spring, 37 graduating seniors received and accepted a combined amount $2,163,794 in scholarships for their post-secondary academic careers. The students were offered over six million in merit scholarships alone.
Serving students from 3 years old to 6th grade
According to Felice Karlitz, Director of Schools, Saratoga Independent School prioritizes the development of consistency, respect, and caring for others. Recognizing that children develop at different rates regardless of their chronological age, multiage classrooms help inspire a friendly school culture where each student is known and new students are easily assimilated without stigmas or bullying. Without textbooks (except in math), research, projects, and active sharing of ideas and opinions facilitate learning. Assessments, which Karlitz likens to dissertations more than traditional pencil and paper tests, demonstrate students’ deep understanding of the subject matter and ready them for accelerated learning upon leaving.
Malta Montessori School
Spa Christian School
http://www.maltamontessori.com/
http://www.spachristian.com/
Serving students 18 months to 12 years old
Serving students 3 years old to 7th grade
by Megin Potter for Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY — One of the best draws to Saratoga County for home-seeking families are the number of excellent school options in the area. The local public schools receive consistent high marks in the New York State report card, and the area’s private schools are known for their excellent numbers in college-bound, scholarship-winning graduates. Private schools offer a wide range of options that could never be found in public schools, such as foundational religious teachings, multi-age classrooms, and individually targeted curriculum. Many offer extended care for younger children at an hourly rate and financial aid to offset tuition costs. Following are highlights of area private schools:
“Children that come here are thirsty for knowledge,” said Kerry Henley, Malta Montessori’s Head of School. The teachers, who receive additional Montessori training, are not placed in the front of a classroom with rows of desks, but instead are seen as facilitators of students learning through multi-sensory, hands-on materials. Traditional grading structures are absent from the collaborative, multi-age environment where student learning is reinforced by their peers. The concepts of grace, courtesy and conflict resolution are imbedded in the school culture of peace.
“We want children to know they have a purpose, and the foundation of that is found in the Bible,” said Laurie Slater, who served as Spa Christian’s Head of Schools for 27 years. Teaching academic subjects from a Biblical perspective and integrating worship into the school day, Spa Christian strives to instill a sense of universal order and meaning in their students. In an environment filled with literacy, and without the pushing pressure of state testing, academics and foundational principles all come together to the benefit of the students, said Slater. “Because childhood is important and it’s working for the children,” she said.
St. Clement’s Regional Catholic School
Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs
http://www.stclementsschool.org/
http://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/
Serving students from 3 years old to 5th grade
Striving toward education for the mind and enlightenment for the soul, St. Clements Catholic School’s small classes allow each child’s individual learning style to be taken into account. Parent and community involvement is encouraged. Included in the academic curriculum are unique opportunities, such as preschool Spanish and computer technology integrated into the school day. In the continuing Lead the Way pilot program, for example, students use iPods to design and build functioning, task-oriented robots. All students have access to the new S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math) computer lab, as well.
Serving students from 18 months old to 12th grade
Open House: August 20, 2015 “The Waldorf educational style is the fastest growing private school movement right now,” said Matthew Kopnas, Director of Community Outreach and Development. By integrating arts, music, movement and practical skills throughout the curriculum, limiting homework, and limiting standardized testing solely to the SATs, students learn the material in a hands-on way. From the outdoor-based Forest Kindergarten to guided handwork, which includes knitting, housebuilding, ironworking and even stonecutting for older students, Waldorf focuses on melding well-rounded and grounded graduates. “These methods are used to teach skills such as focus, pattern recognition, and stick-to-it-iveness,” said Kopnas. “Developing a student’s empathy, intellect and physical body are all equally important,” he said.
12 Families TODAY
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Area Schools Announce Vaccine Changes by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY STATEWIDE — According to the New York State Department of Health, the state has changed its immunization requirements for entry into public schools effective with the 2015-16 school year. Among the changes are requirements that all children have their complete series of MMR, DTaP and polio immunizations prior to entering school. Previously, the final doses of each vaccine could be administered up until age 6. “August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and now is a great time to remind parents that immunizations protect not only our children but our general population,” said Janice McPhee, MSN, RN, NCSN, Ballston
Spa Central School District Health Leader, School Nurse, and President of the New York State Association of School Nurses. “Between the time a child is born and through the school years,” McPhee added, “vaccinations protect our children from a number of serious preventable diseases, such as the measles outbreak in California. Some children cannot be immunized because they are allergic or on chemotherapy or for some other medial reason cannot have the vaccine, so having other children around them who are vaccinated will protect those with compromised immune systems.” Earlier this year, a large, multistate measles outbreak was linked to cases in California’s Disneyland, affecting nearly 200 children
and adults according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No source was identified, but CDC analysis showed that the measles virus type in the outbreak was identical to the one that caused the large measles outbreak in the Philippines in 2014. That incident rekindled the national vaccination debate with new vigor on both sides. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), about a dozen states were weighing immunization exemption laws. All states currently require vaccines for students with exemptions for medical reasons, but other exemptions vary. Nearly all states exempt those who have religious beliefs against immunizations. Of the 20 states that allowed parents to opt out of vaccinating their children because of personal,
moral or other beliefs, two will no longer allow philosophical exemptions beginning in July 2016. Vermont became the first state to repeal its personal belief exemption (but not religious exemption) and California removed exemptions based on personal beliefs, which include religious objections. New York does not allow a personal belief exemption, but it does allow medical and religious exemptions in public schools. Private schools in New York State often have stricter rules, and do not allow any exemption of any kind. “Parents across the country want to keep their kids safe, happy and healthy,” said Paul Tonko, U.S. Representative, (NY-21). “However, the scientific and medical communities overwhelmingly dispute non-evidence based theories that vaccines are bad for our children. The existing framework of vaccination requirements has strengthened and protected public health for decades, and should continue to be followed.” McPhee noted that vaccination rules are carefully considered and
updated on the latest medical evidence, and encourages parents to check with their school nurses and pediatricians to make sure their children are up to date. “The changes we’re making require the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chicken pox) vaccines in order to enter kindergarten because they found it’s more effective to have the additional vaccine earlier than waiting for the booster in sixth or seventh grade,” said McPhee. “Teens and pre-teens need additional shots because some immunizations wear off over time, which is why there are some booster shots. Foreign exchange students have to comply with these requirements as well.” The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides information to parents and caregivers about vaccine safety through this link: http:// www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index. html. For more information about New York State immunization requirements, visit https://www. health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/recommended_vaccinations.htm.
CALLING ALL FREELANCE WRITERS Saratoga TODAY is seeking local freelance writers experienced in nonfiction news articles for occasional assignments covering sports, local government, business and general news. If interested, please send resume and writing samples to Norra Reyes at norra@ saratogapublishing.com.
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Families
13 TODAY
Disappointing ELA and Math State Test Results About 20% Opted-Out Statewide STATEWIDE — On Wednesday, August 12, the New York State Education Department (SED) released the results of the 2015 Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Math Tests. Overall, students across New York State have made little progress in ELA and math since 2013, the first year assessments were aligned to the Common Core. In ELA, 31.3 percent of all test takers in grades 3-8 scored at the proficient level (Levels 3 and 4) compared to 30.6 in 2014 and 31.1 in 2013. In math, 38.1 percent scored at that level from 36.2 in 2014 and 31.1 in 2013. In a statement released by the New York State United Teachers, NYSUT President Karen E. Magee said, “It would be a huge mistake to read anything into these test results. Whether they’re up or down, they tell us virtually nothing meaningful about students or their teachers. Student test scores based on poorly written, developmentally inappropriate Pearson tests, in a year in which record numbers of parents repudiated the state’s standardized testing program by ‘opting out,’ aren’t worth the paper they are printed on.” SED reiterated its commitment to strengthening professional development opportunities for teachers and will examine the data from the 2015 testing program to determine targets for enhanced professional development. “The transition to new learning standards is not easy, and success isn’t instantaneous,” State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said. “Teachers across the state are working hard to help students reach the high bar we’ve set for them. In fact, we’ve increased seven points in math in two years. Thousands more of New York’s students are on track to graduate high school prepared to do more rigorous math. Now is the time for the state and districts to make certain that students move to the next level. It’s clear to me that
we must do a better job of supporting our teachers and principals as they continue to shift their practice to the higher learning standards.” According to State data, approximately 80 percent of eligible test takers participated in the 2015 Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Tests; about 20 percent of eligible test takers opted out. In Saratoga County, that translated to nearly 2,600 students. “This year, there was a significant increase in the number of students refusing the annual assessments,” Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch said. “We must do more to ensure that our parents and teachers understand the value and importance of these tests for our children’s education. Our tests have been nationally recognized for providing the most honest look at how prepared our students are for future success, and we believe annual assessments are essential to ensure all students make educational progress and graduate college and career ready.” “We must also do a better job of explaining to parents the benefits of higher standards and annual testing,” Commissioner Elia said. “Since I became Commissioner, I’ve made it a priority to establish a dialog with parents so they better understand why we test. Annual assessments provide important information about individual students for parents and classroom teachers and allow us to keep track of how all student groups are doing. This year’s results show our scores are not yet where they need to be, but we will work to ensure continued improvement.” NYSUT Vice President Catalina Fortino said NYSUT is gearing up to work with Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, the Regents and Legislature toward a new teacher-principal evaluation system which is fair and meaningful, and designed to foster professional growth so educators can
One of the sculptures by Charles Keck beneath a street lamp in front of the New York State Education Department. Dedicated in 1913. Public domain.
better serve their students. She also pointed out the state Education Department is embarking on a review — with teachers and other educators — of the Common Core standards. “We need to recapture the joy of teaching and learning — for students and teachers,” Fortino said. “That’s going to take recognition that the misuse of student test scores in teacher evaluations was a mistake. We know now from research that student test scores are not a valid way to measure how a teacher is doing in the classroom, just as the state’s growth model has proven to be inaccurate, unstable and unreliable,” Fortino said. “We are committed to a fair evaluation system, which uses multiple measures and which helps New York’s already strong teaching force grow even stronger. NYSUT is looking forward to working collaboratively toward that goal.” Individual student score reports will be available to schools to share with parents in the coming
weeks. The reports provide parents with information about their child’s performance level (1, 2, 3, or 4) and their child’s performance compared to other children in the same grade across the state. To see sample score reports and to find resources for understanding the reports, use this link: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ assessment/ei/eiscorereportscc. html. New York State has completed five years of a 12-year phase-in of higher learning standards, which culminates in the requirement that students in the Class of 2022 and later pass Regents Exams aligned
to more rigorous standards at the proficient/college- and career-ready level (Level 3 and Above). The Class of 2022 begins grade 6 this fall. For students graduating prior to 2022, students scoring at Level 2 and above on the ELA and math tests are on track for current graduation requirements. Students scoring at Level 3 and above are on track to graduate at the aspirational collegeand career-ready level. A summary of the test results as well as individual school and district results are available at: http:// www.p12.nysed.gov/irs/pressRelease/2015800/home.html.
14 Families TODAY
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Swimmies or bust
by Kate Towne Sherwin for Saratoga TODAY
I know you’ll know what I mean when I say that there were certain things I was convicted of about raising kids before I became a parent. Before I had my own children, I was full of what was the right way to do things and what was the wrong way to do things, and all that’s fine
and important—I think you need to have a game plan, or at least a rough idea of childrearing—but there were so many things that changed when I actually had a real baby of my very own to take care of. Some things took longer than others to realize, though, and I would put swimming/water fun in the took-longer-than-it-shouldhave category. As a new mom, I was very opposed to any kind of flotationdevice “crutch,” as I saw it. I was sure that using swimmies (what I call any sort of life jacket/inflatable arm band/puddle jumper type of thing) would inhibit my children from learning how to swim. I imagined that if I let them wear swimmies in the water as tiny boys, then they’d end up having to turn down invitations to swim with friends when they were teenagers because they’d be embarrassed at still needing to use swimmies. “Once you start on swimmies, you can kiss actual swimming goodbye” was my mindset. I was very severe about this. We didn’t own a swimmy of any kind for the first eight years of our parenthood. We brought our three oldest boys to pools and lakes during the summers and tried to enjoy it but it was never what we hoped it would be and I was sort of beside myself with wondering what was wrong with our kids? My memories of growing up were full of swimming—my siblings and I loved to swim, loved the water, and I wanted that so much for my kids, and they were just not cooperating. I’ll admit I was a little opposed even to swimming lessons, because in all my memories of swimming fun from growing up, I don’t have one memory of taking swimming lessons. So therefore, swimming lessons were unnecessary.
Thank goodness my husband felt differently. I’ve written before about the swimming lessons at Skidmore that my boys have taken for the last several years—I really think starting those was the first turning point for our family. Finally we had a boy or two (etc.) who knew how to swim. But honest-to-goodness, bringing the kids swimming continued to be an absolute nightmare—one of those things that has one of the parents looking at the other with the “Remind me why we’re doing this again?” face. That is, until we discovered swimmies. I remember the day vividly. My brother, who has competed twice in the IronMan triathlon as well as many other triathlons, marathons, and athletic races and competitions of all kinds (he knows what he’s doing regarding swimming), brought his son swimming with my boys. His son, my nephew, was two— younger than my four oldest—and I watched my brother strap a swimmy on his little boy and off my nephew went into the water. He was fearless, he was safe, he had a ball. By that time, my oldest two boys were very proficient in the water, and my number three was nearly there, but my fourth—who’s a year older than my nephew— hadn’t taken lessons yet and was still at that scary stage where he loved to run into the lake and just … keep going. If we didn’t grab him before it was over his head, he’d just go right under. Every trip to the beach was stressful and panicky as we tried to keep an eye on our three-year-old daredevil (never mind his older brothers, who still needed supervision as they swam, and the baby, who needed supervision as he played on the beach). I watched my nephew in awe. I saw how relaxed my brother was,
how much fun he was having. I got a good look at that swimmy. And when my nephew was done swimming and my brother offered to let us use it for a little while if we wanted to, I said, “Yes please,” and strapped it on my boy, and I can’t even tell you how enjoyable the rest of the afternoon was. My boy, who’d been so eager to be out in the water with his brothers, was able to do so safely. He floated and kicked and jumped and yelled, “Mommy! I’m swimming!” and I thought I would just die of happiness right there. Fast forward two summers: I brought my boys to the lake just this week. My older three bubble around like big fish without swimmies, and my fourth and fifth bubble around like little fish with swimmies. (My sixth is wary enough of the sand and the water that until last week he wouldn’t let me put him down. But he’s making strides! He now likes to sit on the sand and dig with a shovel.) The difference between the summers of my early parenthood and this summer is huge: We’re not constantly worried that someone’s going to drown. We don’t have to cut swim trips short because we’ve absolutely had it with the stress. My husband and I enjoy our trips to the pools and beaches more than I thought was possible for parents of little ones. Maybe ten years from now you’ll find me writing that, yes, wearing the swimmies have now rendered my teenagers unable to swim without them and they’re the laughingstock of their peers. But I’m finding it really hard to worry about it too much, as I watch them confident and free in the water, enjoying the summer as only kids can. Kate Towne Sherwin lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband and their sons ages 10, 9, 7, 5, 3, and 1. She can be reached at sksherwin@hotmail.com.
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Families
15 TODAY
The Dating Game: How to Date with Confidence
by Meghan Lemery Fritz LCSW for Saratoga TODAY The dating game can be an exhausting, fear filled experience that leaves you feeling discouraged and hopeless. Having good boundaries and tools to navigate the nuances of the dating world are key to dating from a place of confidence versus fear. The first thing you have to have when you decide to get out there and mingle is a thick skin. Do not take rejection personally, rather, recognize that finding the right person for you means that you like yourself and think you are a great catch. If someone doesn’t return your call or rejects your offer for a date, give a prayer of thanks knowing that you are one step closer to meeting the person that IS the right one for you. Do not drive yourself crazy analyzing why someone didn’t call you or want to see you again; simply give yourself a pat on the back for being so brave and awesome and MOVE ON. You are not desperate and you don’t have to settle. Before you get an online profile or put yourself out there, do the work you need to do to like and accept yourself. This is the BEST gift you could ever give yourself and your future partner. Dating with confidence means that you really love and accept yourself. You know who you are, what your gifts and talents are and what areas you are focusing on to grow and learn. You aren’t afraid to be yourself and you will not alter who you are to accommodate someone else. Make the commitment to love and honor yourself so that you can date with confidence.
If you have low self-esteem and are struggling with deep seated issues of self-loathing, do not start dating. Get the help you need to heal so that you can be the partner you want to be. When you date from a place of fear and desperation, you will attract the wrong people into your life and the cycle will continue until you learn to treat yourself with respect, kindness and love. Intuition is key during the dating process. Trust your inner GPS to guide you and alert you if something seems off with a potential partner. Never override your intuition to accommodate someone else’s dysfunction. I work with many individuals who say they have trust issues. Often times they are told by the person they are dating they are “crazy” or have a trust issue. More often than not it’s not you with the issue, it is your intuition trying to get your attention and alert you that the person is not being honest with you. Trust your intuition over someone else’s opinion of you. If you are seeing someone who has an ex-spouse and talks despairingly about their ex, pay attention. Never spend time with someone who spends more time talking about their past than their present. Someone who is stuck in the past is a sign that the person is emotionally unavailable and unable to be a healthy partner. Anytime someone talks about their ex and refers to them as “crazy” is usually a red flag. This is often a sign that the person has some crazy traits in them as well. A mature, stable, emotionally available person will not give you all the gory details of their past break up. They will simply say it didn’t work out and move on. Don’t make the mistake of wasting your time with someone who is bitter about their past. Another red flag to be aware of is the “nice guy.” If someone consistently tells you, “I’m a good guy, you’ll see…” this is usually a sign that they have manipulative qualities and most likely an anger issue. An authentic genuine person has no need to convince you
they are good, they simply prove it in their everyday actions. A person that feels the need to tell you how wonderful they are usually has some sort of agenda and they will put pressure on you to get what they want. A great way to get a sense of someone’s character is to pay attention to how they treat wait staff. I can remember going on a date with someone who ordered a bottle of wine. He rudely told the waiter it was spoiled, then proceeded to order a different bottle and send that back as well. The waiter tried to politely explain that the wine was fine and my date stood up from the table and demanded the dinner be comped. Needless to say, there was not a second date. People will reveal to you what kind of character they have if you pay attention closely. Don’t be so preoccupied with making a good impression that you forget to evaluate if the person has a
solid character. Pay attention to how they treat others and how they talk about their friends and family. This will help you identify red flags quickly and easily. The dating scene can be very stressful and exhausting. Make sure you keep a sense of humor and don’t take yourself too seriously. Recognize it takes courage to put yourself out there. Have fun and don’t second guess yourself or overanalyze every piece of the date. Trust yourself to be able to know who is a good catch and who you
need to walk away from. Know that you are worthy of a healthy, loving, emotionally available partner. Don’t spend another minute doubting yourself and putting yourself down. Make the decision today that you will, above all else, commit to loving and accepting yourself, imperfections and all. You don’t have to be perfect, but commit to being YOU perfectly! You are worth it! Meghan Lemery Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA.
16 Families TODAY
Senior Calendar Saratoga Senior Center’s 60th Anniversary! SAVE THE DATE for these fabulous events to help celebrate this milestone! “The Sunrise Symposium”, Saturday, October 3rd at 8:30 am. Enjoy breakfast, documentary ‘Women of 69 Unboxed’ and an engaging panel discussion on senior’s stories. Local author Ray O’Conor will be discussing and signing copies of his book “She Called Him Raymond” -- A True Story of Love, Loss, Faith and Healing during World War II. The Saratoga Senior Center’s 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala at the Canfield Casino, Thursday, November 12th at 6pm. Join Honorary Chair and former news correspondent Stone Philips for an evening to celebrate the past, present and future of Saratoga’s Seniors. More information to come with special ticket pricing for Senior Center members over sixty!
SENIORS ON THE GO! NEW! The Big E: Sept. 18: Grab a friend and spend
the day at New England’s largest fair! Bring $10 for admission and additional spending money. Veterans, Active Military and active military families free with ID. Member $38/nonmember $58. Mohonk Mountain House: Sept. 30: A second bus has been reserved. We must fill the bus in order for it to go. Enjoy a deliciously prepared lunch & culinary talk at the historic Victorian castle in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Stroll, hike or relax on the porch. Member $75/nonmember $95. New York City: Dec. 9: Nothing beats NYC at Christmas time. Catch a show, marvel at all the beautiful window dressings. There is so much to do! Member $30/nonmember $50. 2016 Excursions “Sneak Peek Preview” Aug. 5th 11am Informational preview Discovering Poland, the Pacific Northwest’s Coastal Treasures, Spectacular South Africa
AT THE CENTER! Movies - New Time Fri., Aug., 14 at 10am. $2 members / $4 non, includes snacks. Please sign up! “St. Vincent.” A young boy whose parents have just divorced finds an unlikely friend and mentor in the misanthropic, bawdy, hedonistic war veteran who lives next door. Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy. Blood Pressure Clinic Wed., Aug., 19, 11-12. Book Club Tues., August 25, 3 pm. Discussing “Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War” by Karen Abbott.
COMING IN SEPTEMBER! Financial Fitness: Protecting Your Identity Sept., 10th 10-11am. This class will focus on strategies to avoid identity theft. Topics will include Internet scams, password protection, Internet security, and safeguarding your financial information. Presented by Saratoga Community FCU. Free & open to the public. Please sign up. Living Healthy - Chronic Disease Self-Management Program - Begins Sept., 15th, 9:30-12:00. A 6-week workshop presented by Office of the Aging. Educate & empower yourself with techniques to manage ongoing health conditions. Free & open to the public. Free training materials and light refreshments provided. Please sign up. Emergency Preparedness - Wed., Sept. 16, 10-12. The Red Cross will give a comprehensive overview on how to prepare for natural
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-584-1621 • www.saratogaseniorcenter.org
and man-made disasters, and how to respond and recover. Free & open to the public. Please sign up.
FYI! Summer Hours Changing! We will be closing on Fridays at 2:30 throughout August.
Make a Quartet of Santas - Begins Fri., Sept. 11th from 1-3pm. These adorable old fashioned Santas stand together and are weighted with beans. Betsy Chung will lead the workshop. All supplies are provided. $15
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Reminiscing Group Thurs. mornings at 8:30am, join friends & fellow members to reminisce about the good old days! Have a cup of joe and hang out!
SUPPORT GROUPS & SERVICES — Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group — Alzheimer’s Activity Group for your loved ones — Grief & Loss Support Group Support groups are held on the 3rd Thurs. of each month from 10:30-12:00. Caregivers can share with others while their loved ones attend the activity group. Free and open to the public. Sign up required for activity group.
Saratoga Springs Public Library 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-584-7860 • www.sspl.org
Books and Tea Reading Group - The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore Thursday, August 20, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Books and Tea is a monthly library book discussion group. Multiple copies of each month’s selection are kept in the Reading Group Choices collection on the first floor. Books may also be put on hold borrowed through Interlibrary Loan on our on line catalog or at the Information Desk. No registration required. Susman Room. Talkin’ Travers – And All Things Racing - Thursday, August 27, 7 – 8:45 p.m.
Award-winning turf writer Mike Kane, former communications director at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and a racing researcher for NBC Sports, moderates a panel of racing experts who will discuss everything from their view of the Travers, the famed Mid-Summer Derby, to major issues affecting the sport. Plans call for a celebrity jockey to join the panel. When it comes to racing and the Travers – just two days before the big race – the discussion is sure to be lively. Presented by the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. No registration required. H Dutcher Community Room.
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Families
17 TODAY
Choosing an Executor for Your Last Will and Testament What do they do and who do you pick? The executor has the duty to preserve your real estate so that it may be sold by your estate or potentially distributed to one of your beneficiaries. Your executor will pay any necessary mortgage payments, tax payments, utilities, or other associated costs out of estate funds. They will also make sure the property is insured and any necessary repairs or maintenance are performed.
by Matthew J Dorsey, Esq for Saratoga TODAY Most everyone knows that you need to name an executor in your Last Will and Testament, but unless you’ve acted as an executor yourself, you may not know what an executor actually does. As a result, you may not know who would be appropriate to serve as the executor of your estate.
Does the executor pay my bills after I die? Yes.
Who is the executor?
The executor pays all rightful claims against your estate. Your estate must remain open for seven months to allow possible parties with claims to come forward. The first bill the executor will make sure is paid is your funeral bill.
The executor is someone you name in your Will, who is appointed by the court to handle the administration of your estate.
Does the executor have to be a professional?
Does the executor handle my assets? After being appointed by the court, the executor “marshals” all of your assets – which means they control and protect them. For instance, if you had a bank account before you died, the executor closes out the bank account and places those funds in an account in the name of your estate.
Does the executor handle my real estate? Yes.
Many attorneys, accountants, or other professionals serve as executors, but you need not choose a professional to be your executor.
Who should I pick as my executor? You should pick someone who is organized and will work cooperatively with the attorney for the estate to ensure the administration proceeds smoothly.
Can I choose more than one executor? Yes.
You can have two or more
executors. You can also pick alternate executors so that if one is not available, a successor is available to do the job.
Does the executor get paid? The executor receives a statutory commission that is based on a sliding scale. For an estate of $500,000 the commission would be $19,000.00. For an estate of $1,000,000 the commission would be $34,000.00. Executors can elect to serve without commission, and in cases where family members are chosen, executors often forgo any commission.
Do I need to tell my executor I chose them? There is no legal requirement to do so, but as a practical matter you should.
That would give the person you chose the opportunity to advise you if they feel they cannot perform the job. It is also sensible to assemble a list of your assets and to advise the executor where that list is maintained. Choosing an executor for your Last Will and Testament is something that you should do with care. If you have questions about whom you should select, you should consult an experienced estate planning attorney in your area. Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is of Counsel to O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. Over his eighteen years of practice, he has focused in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and estate administration. Mr. Dorsey can be reached at (518) 584-5205 and mdorsey@oalaw.com.
18 Families TODAY
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Our Elders, Our Actions
Medicare
Challenging Hospital Discharge Decisions treatment and patients and family alike wish to be treated with care and compassion. If and when you or someone you know is in the position of being discharged from a hospital, you very well may want to keep a copy of the interesting facts I found about Medicare and what your rights are as a Medicare patient provided by CANHR (California advocacy for nursing home reform).
by Claire Colamaria for Saratoga TODAY Please raise your hand if you are confused and overwhelmed with Medicare, their insurance plans, how they work and what your rights are. Now, raise your hand if you want to know who is going to take the time to explain it all to you. Discharge planning has had my interest for years, I know the hospitals are under scrutiny to discharge under each diagnosis and treatment plan as quickly as they can, but seriously, what hospitals discharge department has the staff and time required to work with each and every family the way the system is designed to do and more importantly the way families would like to be handled. After all we are there for medical
Hospital Requirements Prior to Transfer to a Health Facility Before a hospital can transfer a patient to another health facility, the hospital must make arrangements for admission to the health facility. (22 Cal. Code of Regs. Section 70717 (f)(1)) The hospital must also have a determination from the patient’s physician that the transfer will not create a hazard to the patient. (22 Cal. Code of Regs. Section 70717 (f)(2)) In addition, the hospital must notify the patient, or the person legally responsible for the patient, or attempt to notify the legally responsible person over the 24-hour period prior to the patient’s transfer. (22 Cal. Code of Regs. Section 70717(f)(3)).
Medicare During a hospital stay, Medicare beneficiaries have important rights to receive the medical care they need. You have these rights whether you are enrolled in the original Medicare plan or a Medicare health plan. Hospitals have a strong financial incentive to discharge Medicare patients as quickly as possible. Medicare generally pays hospitals flat rates based on the type of medical problem being treated. If the hospital spends less money on your care than Medicare pays, it makes money, and vice versa. To protect you from being discharged too quickly, Medicare gives you the right to appeal hospital discharge decisions. It also requires the hospital to provide any discharge planning services you need.
Your Medicare Rights At or near admission, a hospital must give you the Important Message from Medicare. This Medicare notice explains that you have the right: — To receive Medicare covered services, including necessary hospital services and services you may need after discharge, if ordered by your doctor. You have a right to know about these services, who will pay for them, and where you can get them. — To be involved in any decisions about your hospital stay, and know who will pay for it. — To appeal if you think you are being discharged too soon. The notice also explains how to file an appeal.
Notifying You of Your Rights To make sure you are informed about your discharge rights in a
timely manner, hospitals must usually give you the Important Message from Medicare twice, once upon admission and again before discharge. The hospital must first give you the Important Notice from Medicare at or near admission, but no later than two days after admission. At that time it must ask you to sign and date the notice. The hospital must give you the original copy of the signed notice and keep a copy for its records. Before you are discharged, the hospital must give you another copy of the Important Message from Medicare. It must give you this notice as far in advance of your discharge as possible, but no more than 2 days before your planned date of discharge. The second notice is not required during very short hospital stays if the original notice was given to you within two days of your planned discharge date. If the hospital gives you the second notice on the date of your discharge, it must deliver it to you at least four hours before your planned discharge. The hospital must deliver the Important Message from Medicare to you in person. However, if you cannot understand the notice, the hospital must deliver it to your representative and ask him or her to sign it. Your representative can be someone who has legal authority to act for you, a family member or close friend.
Appealing Hospital Discharge Decisions Your hospital, doctor, or Medicare health plan will inform you of your planned date of discharge. If you think you are not ready to leave the hospital, tell your doctor and the hospital staff immediately about your concerns. Ask your doctor to advocate for your interests. Sometimes hospitals and health plans pressure doctors to arrange quick discharges.
You should request an appeal if your concerns about early discharge are not resolved. You can stay in the hospital and Medicare will continue to cover your stay as long as you file the appeal before you are discharged. Once you appeal, you will not have to pay for the services you receive during the appeal (except for charges like copays and deductibles). It is best to file your appeal on or just before the planned date of discharge. Ask for an “Immediate Review.” Your representative, such as a legal agent or family member, can file an appeal on your behalf. To file your appeal, call Livanta at 1–877–588-1123. Livanta is a “Quality Improvement Organization” (QIO) – a private organization working under contract with Medicare to handle certain appeals and other matters. Tell Livanta why you object to the planned discharge and provide any information that supports your appeal. For more information about Livanta or appeals, go to the Livanta web site at http://bfccqioarea5.com/ a5.question2.html After you file your appeal, the hospital (or your Medicare health plan) must give you a Detailed Notice of Discharge that explains the reasons it thinks you are ready to be discharged. The hospital will send a copy of your medical records to Livanta for its review. These appeals are completed quickly. Livanta will notify you and the hospital of its decision, usually within one day after it receives the necessary information. 1. If Livanta finds that you are not ready to be discharged, Medicare will continue to cover your hospital stay. 2. If Livanta finds you are ready to be discharged, Medicare will continue to cover your services until noon of the day after Livanta notifies you of its decision. Livanta must notify you of its decision by telephone and in writing.
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015 The written notice will describe additional options for appeal.
Discharge Planning Services Medicare certified hospitals must help patients arrange care needed after discharge. This service, called discharge planning, is usually provided by the hospital’s social work or discharge planning department. Contact the discharge planning department as soon as possible after admission. Discuss help and care you will need after discharge. Ask for recommendations and help in arranging necessary care and services. Request a copy of your written discharge plan and seek changes if necessary. Medicare certified hospitals must: — Determine if you need discharge planning assistance; — Identify services you need and their availability; — Assess whether you can get needed care where you had been living; — Discuss evaluation results with you; — Prepare and share with you a transfer summary that includes the treatment plan; — Use professional staff to deliver discharge planning services; — Ensure that necessary care and services are delivered upon discharge; — Prepare you and your family for discharge through education and counseling; — Transfer or refer you, along with necessary medical information, to appropriate facilities, agencies or outpatient services, as needed, for follow-up care. These requirements are found at Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 482.43 and Title 42, United States Code, Section 1395x(ee). Additional California hospital discharge planning requirements are established at California Health and Safety Code Sections 1262.5 –1262.6.
Discharge to Long-Term Care Facilities If you are in need of long-term care services, the hospital must provide you with contact information for at least one public or nonprofit agency or organization dedicated to providing
information or referral services to community-based long-term care options. This information must include contact information for the area agency on aging serving your county of residence, local independent living centers, or other information appropriate to your wishes and needs. The hospital should also identify local facilities and give you information about them. It must also identify affiliated health care providers so you will know if the hospital has a financial interest in the referral. The hospital cannot force you to go to any particular facility. Visit facilities under consideration and determine whether they meet your needs and expectations. Check CANHR’s website at www.canhr.org for nursing home lists and publications on how to evaluate facilities. If you are referred to a facility that has a record of poor care or is too far away, tell the hospital your concerns. You do not have to go to a facility that cannot meet your needs. Ask the hospital to help you gain admission to nearby facilities that meet your care standards. If you want Medicare or Medi–Cal to help pay for your care, now or in the future, limit your search to facilities that are certified by these programs. The hospital must allow you to stay if you need skilled nursing facility services but if a bed is not available in your area, Medicare covers hospital stays until a skilled nursing facility bed is located.
Families
19 TODAY
Refusing a Proposed Discharge If you are unhappy with a proposed discharge placement, explain to the hospital staff, in writing if possible, what you want. Ask to speak with the hospital Risk Manager and let them know you are unhappy with your discharge plan. If a hospital proposes an inappropriate discharge, you may refuse to go. Although you cannot stay in a hospital indefinitely, the hospital cannot discharge someone needing long-term care until it arranges safe and adequate follow–up care. California state policy and some local ordinances prohibit hospitals from discharging their patients to homeless shelters or to the streets. Remember, if the hospital is proposing to transfer the patient to a health facility, like a nursing home, it must “have arrangements” made for the admission. So if the patient makes it clear to the receiving health facility that the patient
will refuse admission, will not sign an admission agreement, and will not pay for any services, it is unlikely the hospital can claim that arrangements have been made.
Filing Complaints You can also file hospital complaints at the Department of Public Health (DPH). To make a complaint, call the district office of the DPH Licensing and Certification Division for your area.
Additional Resources Contact your local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) office for help with Medicare concerns. You can also contact Medicare directly at 1–800–MEDICARE (1–800–633–4227) or find resources on its web site at www. medicare.gov. To see the hospital discharge planning guide the federal government provides to hospitals,
which includes an extensive discussion of the requirements and best practices, see http://www. c m s . g ov / Me d i c a re / P rov i d e rEnrollment-and-Certification/ Su r ve y C e r t i f i c at i on G e n In fo / Downloads/Sur vey-and-C ertLetter-13-32.pdf I hope this helped sort out some of the confusion when you become faced with a hospital stay. If you are unsure of your discharge or need assistance setting up home care or placement into a particular level of care, please call me for guidance. I know I can take the worry and overwhelming related stresses off your plate. Here to Help, Happy to Help! Clare Colamaria, the founder of A Senior’s Choice, an eldercare consultant and family advocate – guiding families through eldercare transitions. To speak with Clare on a personal challenge or related topic, please call her at (518) 424-2527 or visit www.aseniorschoiceonline.com
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20 Families TODAY
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Q: What are my responsibilities with an Inherited IRA? A: There are a several key items to consider. The writer is a Retirement Plans Specialist at Fenimore Asset Management in Cobleskill, NY.
by Peter Sweetser for Saratoga TODAY
One mandatory distribution option is the life-expectancy method which requires you to withdraw certain minimum amounts — based on the previous year’s year-end balance divided by the life expectancy number the IRS provides — starting the year following the year of the owner’s death. Failure to withdraw the minimum amount before the year’s end will result in a 50 percent penalty instituted by the IRS in that year’s tax return. Another option is the five-year method which is only available if
the owner of the IRA died before they reached the age of 70.5. The five-year method requires that you withdraw the entire account by the end of the fifth year of the date of the deceased and there are no minimum withdrawal requirements. The third option is a full distribution in which you withdraw the full amount of the account. It is important to note that this method is subject to federal income tax based on your individual tax bracket. Due to the complex Inherited IRA rules, one size
the case of a neck or back strain or chronic pain. A more permanent consequence is the possibility of abnormal bone growth in the spine. This can occur when spinal bones change shape due to abnormal long-term pressures placed on them. Bones in the neck, middle and lower back can grow abnormally if they have too much pressure placed in one direction. As the bones change their shape, it becomes much more difficult to correct the problem. Although most postural neck and back pains are reversible with habitual changes, sometimes it is structural in cases such as scoliosis. This can often run in the family and is usually detectable before or during adolescence.
sure your child sits in an appropriately sized child-size chair, or a pneumatically adjustable chair. Remember the “Rule of 90’s.” Ears directly over the tips of your shoulders, hips flexed to 90 degrees, knees bent to 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor. Be sure the computer screen is directly in front of your face. Also, try to maintain a slight arch in your back by rolling your hips slightly forward. Feel free to assist this by placing a towel roll in the arched area. You can also try having your child sit on a physioball when completing homework or working on the computer. The instability of the ball forces core stabilization and good postural maintenance.
A couple simple exercises for your children to practice are:
How to help:
This is typically a time of especially poor posture. Have your child sit in a straight-backed chair instead of slouched back in the couch or crossed-legged on the floor leaning forward as if they cannot see the screen that is 4 feet away. And not even a joke, but if they still have to lean forward… have their eyes checked. Also, create time limits of play if necessary to promote movement out of the poor posture. For younger children who slouch when doing homework while performing writing tasks, tape the piece of paper in the proper position, this being directly in front of the child and straight. Mimic when necessary. As much as it may seem cruel to embarrass them, it can also be very effective in promoting your child to stand up or sit straight.
If you are a son, daughter, brother, sister, or close acquaintance to an IRA owner who has named you as their beneficiary, then it is vital that you understand the contingencies associated with Inherited IRAs. With Inherited IRAs you are not able to incorporate the assets you inherit into your personal IRA account so you must be cognizant of your three main distribution options.
does not fit all. Please speak with an investment professional and discuss what might be right for you. As always, I recommend including your accountant or tax preparer in the decision before you make a transaction. 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.
Poor Posture
by James B. Markwica, MS PT For Saratoga TODAY Poor posture is habitual. If you or your child demonstrates bad posture, it is highly likely that poor habits have manufactured it. We’re typically born with “normal” curves in our spine that naturally place us in “good posture.” That natural curve is negatively impacted over time due to static posturing and the fact that we and our children spend more and more time seated in a chair, learning in the classroom, working at the computer, watching television, doing homework or playing video games. It is only a matter of time before gravity begins pulling us forward, creating a protruding head, flattened neck, rounded shoulders and slouched lower back. Postural behaviors children learn today are habit forming and will affect them for life. Over time, poor posture can increase a child’s chances of injuring the spine as is in
Children do not often understand why posture matters because they rarely experience back pain, unlike many adults. Help your child recognize good posture and its impact on their overall growth and development. Lead by example! We know that posture is impacted by a combination of factors including good muscle control, strength and flexibility. So, involve your children whenever possible in activities that promote good posture. Get your child moving: swimming, dance, karate, gymnastics, skating, etc. Becoming involved with sports activities helps develop muscular skills as well as self-confidence which is often a strong influence in posture. Seating is often a significant factor leading to slouching. Make
Video Games:
— Sitting scapular retractions and depressions: put your elbows in your back pockets by pinching your shoulder blades back while pushing your elbows back and down. — “Superman” exercise: lay on stomach while lifting everything including your arms, legs, head and chest. Hold up while breathing for 3-5 seconds performing two to three sets of 10 repetitions — Finally, fitting up your child for school can be difficult when it comes to backpacks. But a poorly fitting pack loaded with books can significantly impair posture.
Picking the Backpack:
Here are 7 tips on choosing the pack best for your child.
1. A padded back will minimize direct pressure on the back
2. Wide padded shoulder straps
which will not hinder circulation to the arms which may cause numbness and tingling
3. Waist and chest belts to trans-
fer some weight from the back and shoulders to the trunk and pelvis
4. Multiple compartments to better distribute the weight in the backpack
5. Reflective material to enhance visibility at night
6. Lightweight backpack 7. Correct Size selection of the
pack is important as packs come in different sizes for different age children If you or someone you know suffers from pain or postural complications as described above, it is ill-advised to begin a new exercise program without consulting first with your physician, a physical therapist, certified athletic trainer, chiropractor, physiatrist or other specialist who regularly treats pain. If you would like to consult a physical therapist about an ergonomic evaluation, contact your local physical therapy clinic. James Markwica, MS PT is a New York State Licensed Physical Therapist at LaMarco Physical Therapy, 417 Geyser Road in Ballston Spa and 30 Gick Road in Saratoga Springs. For questions of follow-up, contact James at (518) 587-3256 or online at www.lamarcopt.com.
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
BALLSTON 288 Middleline Rd., $217,000. Jane Baum (by Exec) sold property to Brian and Christina Toth. 5 Brookline Rd., $136,000. Jack Westbrook (by Atty) sold property to High Rock Property Management. 19 Lawmar Lane, $230,000. Theresa Peca-Baker sold property to Robert and Erica Cable.
CHARLTON 9 Vines Rd., $245,000. Bruce and Lynette Timm sold property to Aim Services Inc.
CLIFTON PARK 10 Wildwood Ct., $400,000. Joseph Burke, Amanda Townsley and Elissa Campbell (as Trustees) sold property to William and Cameron Stephan. 19 Spruce St., $470,000. Cory and Jenna Schaeffer sold property to Cartus Financial Corporation. 19 Spruce St., $470,000. Cartus Financial Corporation sold property to Linda and Lloyd Kiefer. 58 Chatsworth Way, $370,000. David and Lauri Gagnon sold property to Robert and Karen Bradley. 8 Wall St., Unit 124, $225,000. Clifton Park Senior Living LLC sold property to Paul Warner (as Trustee). 14 Addison Way, $415,000. Brookfield Global Relocation Service sold property to Haifeng Sheng and Jing Qu. 54 Grant Hill Ct., $180,000. Darnelle Fitzpatrick sold property to DKJS LLC. 15 Mohawk Trail, $181,000. Timothy Fink sold property to Christina Bolton. 3 Huntwood Dr., $247,000. Richard Shostak sold property to Kevin Bailey and Heidi Edelmann. 8 Wall St., Unit 330. $290,000. Ann Marcelle sold property to Michael and Betty Connell. 607 Macelroy Rd., $284,000. David and Nancy Dibelius sold property to Jason and Sarah Woods.
PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
964 Route 146, $350,000. Lawrence and Mary Ellen Seitelman sold property to Class One Properties LLC.
GALWAY Lot 3, Hermance Rd., $45,000. Kurt and Pamela Mason sold property to Frank and Pamela Hoerauf. 5409 Parkis Mills Rd., $218,000. Derek and April Davis sold property to Joshua Cookfair.
GREENFIELD 197 Daketown Rd., $85,000. Gregory and Rebecca Kern sold property to Douglas Livingston and Kate Green. 146 Spier Falls Rd., $213,000. Gregg Mackey (by Exec) sold property to Eric Feder (as Trustee). 60 Squashville Rd., $240,000. Richard Case (by Exec) sold property to Brett Harris. 680 Coy Rd., $231,647. Tracey Reynolds sold property to Edgar Green. 405 Wilton Rd., $8,500. Karen Dake sold property to Conner Roohan.
MALTA 558 Route 67, $183,500. David and Suzanne Moore sold property to Alfred Corchia and Ashley Wormuth. 11 Pepperbush Place, $172,000. Daniel McGloine sold property to Kristen Jenny. 155 Thimbleberry Rd., $162,000. Michael Silvagnoli sold
property to Karen Urban and Nicholas Inco. 108 Arrow Wood Place, $162,700. Kathleen Revers sold property to Kenneth and Kathleen Stinton. 13 Ventura Court, $301,873. DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc. sold property to Timothy and Strausie Stephens.
MILTON 404 Antler Ct., $151,500. Richard and Suzanne Smith sold property to Daniel and Christie Pizza. 80 West St., $232,000. Anthony and Serenity Burzawa sold property to William Purcell. 161 White Rd., $925,000. Timothy Brown and Celeste Othmer-Brown sold property to Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co.
MOREAU 11 & 13 Sweet Rd., $75,000. Diverse Holdings Group Inc. sold property to McKenna Construction and Excavation. 397 Reynolds Rd., $75,000. Gwendolyn Nichols and Jennifer Glasheen sold property to James Greenwood. 25 2nd St., $96,500. Christine Morton sold property to Raymond and Katie Harris.
NORTHUMBERLAND 76 Baker Dr., $230,000. Jesse and Amanda Hoobler sold property to Jacob and Krystina Spiegel.
SARATOGA 25 Palmer Heights, $500,000. Michelle Merola sold property to Craig Cornwell. 250 Evans St., $117,000. Henry, Christina and Gordon Derby sold property to Kristine Garnsey.
SARATOGA SPRINGS 4 Sandspring Dr., $383,370. Thomas Keyser sold property to Steven and Laurie Cronin. 9 Clubhouse Dr., $240,000. Allyssa and Peter Provost sold property to Joshua and Nicole Lindy.
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40 Horseshoe Dr., $387,795. Ann Dreyfus sold property to Albert Cerrone, III. 41 Central Ave., $410,000. Nicholas and Lauren Poleto sold property to Laura Kleemeier. 321 Jefferson St., $127,500. Matthew Taylor and Kristen Taylor-Lambert (by Agent) sold property to McKenzie Estates of Saratoga Springs LLC. 87 Railroad Place, Unit 206, $716,500. Matthew and Jeanmarie Kearney sold property to Rabin Kayastha.
WILTON
15 Summerfield Lane, $725,000. Danny and Kathleen Revell sold property to Tara Stone.
10 Greylock Dr., $360,000. Patrick and Leigh O’Donnell sold property to Seth and Linda Coye.
39 Schuyler Dr., $325,000. Rosemary Brimhall (by Exec) sold property to Thomas and Susan Noonan.
9 Cherry Tree Lane, $375,000. Vincent and Dianne Santilli sold property to Mary Bethel.
73 Hathorn Blvd., $236,000. B and L Quality Homes Inc. sold property to Fran and Stanley Rauchweger. 88 Catherine St., $195,000. Keith Duell sold property to Mary Diehl.
8 Ryan Wood Ct., $225,000. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (as Trustee, By Atty) sold property to Janet Jameson. 17 Harvest Lane, $495,000. Michael and Tracey Tanner sold property to Michael Whitehead and Laura and Emanuela Toma.
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BUSINESS
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Wood Foundation Gifts $125k to Cancer Center Additional Matching Grant Could Bring Total Public/Private Funds to $375k by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY GLENS FALLS — Due to the generosity of the Charles R. Wood Foundation, the oncology pharmacy at The C. R. Wood Cancer Center could soon become a stateof-the-art-facility — again. “The Cancer Center opened in 1993, and I was there then,” said oncology pharmacist Sharon Geerts. “At the time, we had a nice, modern Center and things flowed well, but our volume has since multiplied, and cancer patients are living longer, plus there are new drugs and new targeted therapies in the last several years, so we’re seeing much larger volumes. We’ve added physicians, physician assistants, and we’ve simply grown out of the space.” The Wood Foundation has made a $125,000 gift to Glens Falls
Hospital to assist with the relocation and expansion of the oncology pharmacy — and has committed a second $125,000 Matching Grant Challenge, if area families and businesses combine to give an equal amount to the project. “Every dollar that you contribute to the oncology pharmacy project becomes two dollars, thanks to the Wood Foundation,” said Cindy Sherwood, Vice President of Development for the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation. “The original gift, plus community donations as we work toward getting the match, will provide a total of $375,000. This project will cost a little more than that, but we anticipate using some of the hospital’s capital funds as well. It is great that Charley Wood was so instrumental in getting us the Cancer Center to begin with, and here the Foundation is still working to help make sure the
Pharmacist Sharon Geerts of The C. R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital prepares chemotherapy drugs in the center’s onsite pharmacy. Photo provided.
facility continues to meet the needs of the community. We are more than grateful, and hopeful the community will meet the Challenge.” The oncology pharmacy at The C. R. Wood Cancer Center is where pharmacists prepare and dispense the chemotherapy drugs and other medications used by the center’s patients. It is currently 190 square feet, while the new one will be 540 square feet with a new clean room configuration that would bring compliance with upcoming federal regulations. The Center is working with the authors of the regulations so the new facility will meet the intent throughout the renovation process. All of the chemotherapy drugs are prepared in this one pharmacy, totaling about 42 percent of the hospital’s entire medication purchase. “You would be very surprised at how small it is,” said Geerts. “I’m looking forward to working in a state-of-the-art facility where I can process patient orders and adjunct medications that will not only be safe for the technicians and pharmacists that prepare them, but also for patients that receive them simply by the additional benefits of a well-streamlined process with modern efficiencies.” The newly expanded pharmacy will enable pharmacists to safely increase the amount of chemotherapy drugs they are able to prepare at any given time, providing improved service to patients at a time when patient volume at the Cancer Center is increasing. Donna Winchell, a senior manager at the Cancer Center, said, “We have one hood for preparing chemotherapy medications and
one for nonhazardous preparations. With the new pharmacy, we will have two hoods for chemotherapy medication preparation. There will be an overall increase to employee safety resulting from the evolution of new technologies and research that we will be able to implement.” Sometimes the packaging of medications shipped to the pharmacy has trace particles on them, and the renovations will help ensure employee safety by minimizing exposure to hazardous materials during handling. The new room will also include better environmental controls such as air exchanges and humidity levels, which will allow doses to be prepared with a longer shelf life. Currently, doses must be administered to patients within 12 hours. The optimized space with sterile compound needs will lengthen that. The late Charles R. “Charley” Wood, founder of Storytown USA (now The Great Escape theme park) and many other area hospitality businesses, established the Wood Foundation in 1978 for the purpose of helping area not-for-profit organizations. In 2001, Mr. Wood made a $1.4 million gift to the hospital, which led to the renaming of the Cancer Center in his honor two years later. “Once again the Wood Foundation has stepped to the fore with a gift that inspires others to give,” said Dr. John Schutze of Schutze Family Dentistry, Chairman of the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. “Just like Charley Wood himself, they make generous investments that multiply many times over for the good of our community.”
“More than 1,000 new cases of cancer are treated at Glens Falls Hospital each year, and the oncology pharmacy is an invaluable part of the care those patients receive,” said President and CEO Dianne Shugrue. “We are thrilled that the Wood Foundation has chosen to support this important project, and we look forward to our community’s help in meeting the challenge.” Anyone interested in making a gift in support of the Wood Challenge can give online at GlensFallsHospital.org, by calling the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation at 926-5960, or by sending a check to Glens Falls Hospital Foundation, 126 South St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. Glens Falls Hospital is a comprehensive integrated system of primary care, specialty care and hospital services, serving a sixcounty region of the southern Adirondacks. With 2700 employees, 535 physicians and other credentialed providers, and 27 regional health service locations, Glens Falls Hospital has the region’s longest-established employed physician group, including specializations in primary care, cardiology, endocrinology, hematology/oncology, internal medicine, nephrology, occupational medicine, otolaryngology, psychiatry, emergency and inpatient medicine, thoracic surgery, and wound healing. Patients are offered a wide range of inpatient surgical services, primary and specialty care, rehabilitative and diagnostic services, and community health improvement programs. For more information: GlensFallsHospital.org.
BUSINESS BRIEFS 23
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
September Creativity Conference
Joseph Balsamo served in the U.S. Merchant Marines. The article should have stated that Joseph Balsamo came over to the U.S. from Italy with the U.S. Merchant Marines. The sentence was corrected in the online version of the story on Friday, August 7.
Concealed Pistol Permit Courses
Beverly Downs. Photo provided.
LAKE GEORGE — The Creativity Coaching Association (CCA), celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is excited to present the 3rd International Creativity Conference in Lake George on September 25 – 27, 2015. The conference will bring together coaches and instructors from the CCA’s Creativity Coach Certification program to share the latest trends in creativity with artists, coaches and creative thinkers from around the world. The conference will take place at the historic Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center. Fort William Henry was the site of a significant event in the French and Indian Wars, as portrayed in James Fenimore Cooper’s novel, The Last of the Mohicans. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with other creatives during shared meals and enjoyable activities, including a fall cruise on Lake George and a Creativity Expo and Fair, where conference participants will display and sell their work. To learn more about the conference and enroll, visit the conference website: www.creativityconference2015.com
CORRECTION Last week’s edition of Saratoga TODAY (see Villa Balsamo page 8) incorrectly stated that
BALLSTON SPA — Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo announced that, following several months of discussions and planning between his office, County Court Judge James A. Murphy III, and representatives from County gun clubs and gun-owners, a pathway has been established for law abiding gun owners in Saratoga County to acquire an unrestricted pistol permit. Beginning Monday August 17, members of the public who have held a pistol permit in Saratoga County for a minimum of one year will be able to register for the Advanced Firearms Course which will be required of anyone wishing to obtain an unrestricted pistol permit in Saratoga County. This course was designed with input from all involved parties including several NRA Instructors from the various gun clubs. In a prepared statement, Sheriff Zurlo said, “I am extremely excited to be able to fulfill this promise to the residents of Saratoga County. My office has worked diligently for the past 18 months to improve processing times for pistol permits and amendments, which are currently the fastest they have been in many years. Through this collaborative effort we can now facilitate the issuance of an unrestricted concealed carry pistol permit to law-abiding citizens while ensuring that they understand, not just how to carry and shoot a handgun, but also the legal responsibility of carrying a firearm and the ramifications of their actions if they elect to use it. It is my firm belief that this training program will make our communities safer.”
Resident permit holders wishing to register for a course should visit http://www.saratogacountysheriff.org/pistol-permits-2/. On this page is a link to download an information packet on the Advanced Firearms Course as well as links to the various gun clubs and training centers to register for the courses. All courses are being offered and scheduled directly by the gun clubs. Prospective students should not contact the Pistol Permit Office about potential courses.
Public Hearing on $4.9m Facility SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) announced a public hearing will be held on Monday September 14 at 8 a.m. in regards to the AgroChem, Inc. manufacturing facility application put forth by Marcora LLC. The application requests IDA assistance associated with the construction of an approximately 35,200 square foot manufacturing facility located on approximately 4.82 acres on Freedom Way in the Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs. The applicant may be granted exemptions with respect to state and local sales taxes and real property taxes associated with construction of the facility. The applicant is also seeking exemption from the Mortgage Recording Tax associated with financing. The total cost of the acquisition, construction, and installation of the facility is estimated at $4,915,588. The IDA will hear all persons and accept written comments in relation to the location and nature of the proposed project at the day and time of the hearing, which will be located at Saratoga Springs City Hall, 474 Broadway in the City of Saratoga Springs. Copies of the application are available for public review during business hours at the Saratoga County Planning Department 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa.
Fingerpaint Named to Inc. 5000 List SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fingerpaint a full-service marketing agency based in Saratoga Springs with offices in Villanova, PA, and Scottsdale, AZ is pleased to announce it has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately held companies for a third consecutive year. The rankings are based on revenue growth over the past three years, during which time Fingerpaint has seen a 371 percent increase. “This distinction is an extraordinary accomplishment,” said Ed Mitzen, founder of Fingerpaint. “This ranking is a clear testament to the dedication of our staff and their commitment to provide top-tier solutions that move markets for our clients.” Fingerpaint adds this latest honor to a growing list of accolades that include being named to Medical Media and Marketing magazine’s Top 100 Agencies list, in addition to recognition of its creative work. Just this year, Fingerpaint has won 12 Hermes Creative Awards, seven American Advertising Awards and four Horizon Awards. The advertising and marketing industry had a staggering 201 percent increase of aggregate growth—the third fastest-growing industry on the list. For a compete list of results, visit http://www.inc.com/inc5000.
Chronic Disease Program Starts this Fall BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Office for the Aging is teaming up with the Center for Excellence to host a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program to help educate and empower those living with chronic illnesses. Those with conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes will find new ways to manage their disease through nutrition, exercise, medication management
and coping with stress and difficult emotions. There will also be free training manuals and light refreshments provided. A six-week workshop series at Shenendehowa Village, located at 300 Solomon Ave. in Clifton Park, is starting this fall. Each Wednesday, the workshop will meet from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Dates for the workshop are October 7, 14, 21, 28 and November 4 and 18. For more information or to register for a class, contact Janet Haskell at (518) 884-4110.
City Council Reappoints Smith SARATOGA SPRINGS — Amy Smith was reappointed to the Recreation Commission by the Saratoga Springs City Council on Tuesday August 4, where she has served since March 2011. Mayor Joanne Yepsen said, “Amy Smith brings her knowledge of marketing, sports programming and a desire to give back to the youth community to our Recreation Commission. We are delighted to continue to enjoy her commitment and experience in this role.” A native of Saratoga Springs, Smith has been involved in sports and recreation her entire life. She is a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and Hamilton College, and did her graduate work in Sports Management and Marketing at Springfield College. Smith has interned at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, and worked for ‘Advantage International’, a sports marketing company. While there, she worked on the IBM Olympic account during the 1996 Atlanta Games and the Sears account during their sponsorship of the WNBA inaugural season. Smith currently works at Saratoga Arms, focusing on the marketing and operations of the hotel.
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LOCAL BRIEFS Volunteer at the Saratoga Automobile Museum
Fall Activities Brochure Now Available on Registration Site The Town of Malta’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services Fall Activities Brochure is now available on our online registration site: www. maltaparksrec.com. Registration for your favorite activities has started! New classes, sports programs and special events are scheduled to begin in September. Please call the Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411 for more information.
Saratoga Arts Celebration Kicks off Next Weekend More than 100 artisans showing one-of-a-kind works in fine arts and crafts will be featured at the 7th Annual Saratoga Arts Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Museum of Dance located at 99 South Broadway. Juried exhibitors specializing in painting, sculpture, wood, wearable and decorative fiber, metalwork, leather, printmaking, glass, ceramics and art jewelry will share their unique talents at this annual event. In addition to showing their work, the exhibiting artists will be available on site to share their artistic process with patrons. There will be demonstrations, hands-on art projects and plenty of complimentary art supplies available for inspired children and adults to enjoy throughout the weekend event. The 7th Annual Saratoga Arts Celebration includes museum quality art, fun educational activities for childrennand adults, international cuisine, live music and dance performances. Admission to the festival is free, along with complementary admission to the museum. For information, visit SaratogaArtsCelebration.org or call (518) 852-6478.
From fun outdoor car shows to the very serious business of curbing distractive driving and keeping our neighbors and children safe, Saratoga Automobile Museum is dedicated to enhancing and improving the quality of life in the Saratoga region and beyond. We have volunteers who give several times a week, once a year, and everything in between. Any and all of their valuable time is greatly appreciated. Expertise is not required, that will come later. Our volunteers range in age from 14 to 98. Saratoga Automobile Museum offers volunteer opportunities in a myriad of areas including Museum docents, administration, collection maintenance, building and grounds, youth programming and more. It is a great place to connect with wonderful and passionate people who share common interests and who want to meet you. In addition to the satisfaction of interacting with and helping tens of thousands of visitors a year, our volunteers enjoy recognition events and activities including an all-volunteer lawn show and dinner, road trips to private car collections, a recognition reception with awards for service, discounts on bus trips to the New York Auto Show, and much, much more. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please go to: http:// www.saratogaautomuseum. org/overview/ and fill out an application or contact Jillian at Jillian@saratogaautomuseum.org for more details.
School Supplies Needed Franklin Community Center is in need of school supplies for children in the area. Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. or Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Franklin Community Center is located at 10 Franklin Street, Saratoga Springs. Items needed include: backpacks, binders of all sizes, colored pencils, crayons, markers, fine tip dry erase markers, scissors, plastic pocket folders, pencils, pencil sharpeners, loose leaf paper, highlighters, composition notebooks, headphones, glue sticks, erasers. For more information about Franklin Community Center please visit www.franklincommunitycenter.org
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
History, Legends, Lore and More Guided Walking Tour
9th Annual Clifton Park Elks Car, Truck and Bike Show
A 90-minute walking tour concentrates on historic Congress Park and the colorful characters that helped make Saratoga what it is. This guided tour of legends and lore will walk you through history while sipping the famous mineral waters and strolling through the Victorian Congress Park. Tours take place each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through August. Tours will take place rain or shine and leave from the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center located at 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. $5.00 per person, children under 12 are free. For more information, contact the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center (518) 587-3241, http://www. saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com/.
On Saturday, August 22, the Clifton Park Elks Lodge # 2466 will hold its 9th Annual Car Show. The Lodge is located at 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake, NY. All years and makes of cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. We have over 50 awards to registered vehicles. Fun, music, 50/50 raffles, and great food. Come see the contestant vehicles. Registration starts at 9 a.m. until noon and awards at 3:30 p.m. Contestant registration is $10; spectators are free. Rain date is Sunday, August 30. For Information call John Harrington (518) 518-322-1551 or Mike Bendetti (518) 495-0240 or visit the website: http://www.elks.org/ SharedElksOrg/lodges/files/2466_ Carshowflyer2015.pdf
Elderly Nutrition Program The Saratoga County Office of the Aging Elderly Nutrition Program is currently distributing the Farmers’ Market coupons to those who qualify. Coupons can be picked up at the Office for the Aging at 152 West High Street in Ballston Spa from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Coupons will also be available at the Office for the Aging information events throughout the county at various meal sites. For more information call (518) 884-4100.
Discovery Box Program Volunteers This mentoring program is designed to help young children improve their reading and understand what they have read. A Discovery Box is a decorated theme box that includes related books and language and art activities. Using the box, volunteers will work individually with a child, foster a love of books, help raise comprehension levels, and share the enjoyment of reading. We are looking for volunteers for the upcoming school year throughout Saratoga County. Volunteers would go in for about a half hour once a week. Orientation and support will be provided. This is a very rewarding opportunity to participate in. RSVP volunteers are men and women age 55 and older who use their lifetime skills to provide a great range of services to community organizations. If you are interested please contact Janet Haskell at (518) 884-4110.
The Stone That Started the Ripple The Stone That Started the Ripple, a play dramatizing a modernday reunion of four suffragists, written by local author Patricia A. Nugent, will be performed on Wednesday, August 26 at 7 p.m. in Filene Hall at Skidmore College. “The Stone that Started the Ripple” is a humorous yet historical representation of a reunion of the women who initiated the crusade for women’s right to vote. Using their actual words from the 1800’s, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, and Lucretia Mott offer commentary on the status of women’s issues today. A cast of five women, directed by Lezlie Dana, brings these important historical figures to life. Tickets are $15 each. To reserve a seat, send a check to Saratoga County League of Women Voters, c/o Mary Lou Classen, 4 Blue Spruce Lane, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Tickets may also be ordered directly online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ the-stone-that-started-the-rippletickets-17737920598. For more information, including group sales, call (518) 877-8874.
The Health, History and Horses Charity Gala The gala is presented by the Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Vicariate. Funds raised are distributed
annually to established charities in Saratoga and Warren/Washington Counties: Catholic Charities, food kitchens, shelters, and tuition support programs. Thursday, August 27, 2015, 6 -9 p.m. at Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY. Complimentary Beer & Wine for the first hour, hot & cold food stations, cash bar, live music, silent auction & four seasons basket raffle. Cost is $65 per person payable to Ladies of Charity. To purchase tickets visit, www.ladiesofcharitysaratoga.com. For more information contact Carol at (518) 584-7496. Attire is summer festive.
Run to the Finish Line to End Hunger – Food Drive On Friday, August 28 we will be holding a food drive at the Saratoga Race Track Community Booth. Donate 3 non-perishables to Saratoga EOC’s Food Pantry and receive a free giveaway from NYRA. Suggested items to donate are shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, pasta, peanut butter, cereal, rice, soup, and vegetables.
Run for the Horses The Sixth Annual Run for the Horses, which has been selected as a Saratoga Centennial Event, will be held Saturday morning, September 5, 2015 at the Orenda Pavilion at the Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs. The 5K course is certified and all proceeds benefit local non-profits that rescue and provide second careers or homes for ex-racehorses. The Run for the Horses begins with a 7 a.m. check-in and will benefit these locally-based organizations that rescue, rehabilitate, retrain and retire ex-racehorses. The Kids Fun Run will start at 8 a.m. and the 5K Race will start at 8:30a.m. There will be refreshments and prizes in all race/walk divisions. Runners finishing 19th and 15th place will each be presented with a Saratoga Centennial-shirt by members from the Centennial Committee. Pre-race registration for the event is $20. Race day registration is $25. For more information call Mary Abbruzzese at (518) 226-0028, or to register, please visit http:// www.trfinc.org/event/run-for-thehorses-5k/.
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
WINNER’S
25 CIRCLE
WINNER’S CIRCLE Saratoga TODAY Newspaper’s Guide to the 2015 Racing Season at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York
Can Any Horse Challenge Pharoah?
by Brendan O’Meara for Saratoga TODAY The first half of the 2015 horse racing season saw American Pharoah summit Mount Triple Crown. His ascension left no challengers in his wake, certainly none from the older division of horses. Then along came Honor Code, winner of Grade I Whitney. Honor Code, by the decommissioned AP Indy, surged to the top of the older horses and stands tallest as the one and only threat to the pharaoh’s throne. Honor Code bombed in from way off the pace to clip Liam’s Map at the wire. Javier Castellano, Honor Code’s punctual jockey, timed his run to perfection and hit the finish line right on time. “I don’t have anything to do on my horse; that’s his style,” Castellano said in a NYRA release. “At the three-eighths, I felt like he was going to go to the leader and at the quarter pole, he didn’t kick off. When he got to the eighth pole, he switched leads, on the right lead in the right place at the right time. He ran unbelievable, like he always does.” The win in the Whitney became further validation of Honor Code’s expeditious closing kick, also used in the Grade I Metropolitan Handicap and the Grade II Gulfstream Handicap. His greatest strength, in this case, could be his greatest weakness.
Honor Code, for all his talent, is a one-run horse. He’s a tennis player in possession of only a big serve, a wide receiver who can only run deep and a pitcher who can throw only heat. These attributes are dangerous in isolation, but somewhat easy to defend. A horse of Honor Code’s running style faces considerable hurdles that sit outside his circle of influence. A runner of his type needs a fast pace on the front end. In the Whitney, Honor Code benefited from a 46-second half-mile from the pacesetter. It would have been far more troubling had Honor Code failed at the finish line. Closers also contend with traffic. The bigger the field, the more potholes Honor Code can face. Slow horses, backing up horses, erratic horses, they all pose threats to the closer, ensuring that the line from Point A to Point B looks like loose spaghetti and not a straightened arrow. Arguments to the contrary will cite the nearly invincible Zenyatta, whose 19-1 record was a direct result of her indestructible late kick. She almost always swung wide into the center of the track sacrificing many lengths to those on the front end, yet she won 95 percent of the time using said strategy. But part of what made her deceivingly good was beating small fields of fillies and mares in 18 of those races largely in California, a gated horse racing community of sorts. Two of her races came against older male horses where she beat them in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2009 and, were it not for jockey error, could have/should have won in 2010. Blame Mike Smith. Smith, a Hall of Famer, is without question one of the best jockeys to ever live. He crumbled a bit under the pressure of Zenyatta’s win streak and let her fall too far off the pace, even for her. Smith, in this case, allowed Honor Code
to clip him and Liam’s Map at the wire in this most recent renewal of the Whitney. All too often the closer has tactics dictated to it instead of carpe diem-ing its trip around the oval. And that’s what makes American Pharoah almost impossible to beat and impossible, as a result, to rival. American Pharoah has at his disposal several pitches in his arsenal. His jockey (catcher?), Victor Espinoza, can call a different pitch depending on the situation. American Pharoah drew way outside in the Kentucky Derby? Let’s call an off-speed pitch and sit just off the leaders in the four-path. American Pharoah drew Post 1 down on the fence in the Preakness and there’s Category 5-rain falling?
Fastball, low and inside, adios, ticket punched to Noah’s arc. No tremendous pace threat in the 1 1/2-mile Test of the Champion at Belmont Park? Here’s a cutter on the inside edge taking it to the lead, though not quite as aggressively as he did in the Preakness. A couple of meatballs want the lead in the Haskell Invitational? American Pharoah throws a set up pitch, and then blows the cheese by them late in the count. This pitcher metaphor can go on and on, but you get the point. No matter who enters a race against American Pharoah, no matter the distance, the advantage always rests with him because he is so perfect. He has the perfect temperament, the perfect arsenal of running
styles, the perfect gait and the perfect stride. He does nothing wrong. He floats like a butterfly and stings with the power of a hive of bees. Some may say American Pharoah may have met his match. More accurately, Honor Code may not know what he’s gotten himself into. So to quote Walter White, from the great Breaking Bad, late in the show’s run, “If you don’t know who I am, then maybe your best course would be to tread lightly.” Brendan O’Meara, an awardwinning freelance reporter, is the author Six Weeks in Saratoga: How Three-Year-Old Filly Rachel Alexandra Beat the Boys and Became Horse of the Year, now out in paperback.
26 WINNER’S
CIRCLE
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
2 Days / $46.8 Million
How Locals Build a Fantasy Fasig-Tipton Stable “It was a war in there. It’s always a war in there.” — John Penagot, Racing Manager for Robert LaPenta
by Marilyn Lane for Saratoga TODAY You don’t have to spend a million dollars to buy yearlings at the FasigTipton Sales, and, in fact you don’t have to spend anything at all. At least, that’s the case for my longtime friend Marty Farnsworth and myself. We came up with the idea at the 2013 Saratoga Sale to select yearlings for a fantasy stable. We each ended up with two fillies and a colt and their accumulated real cost totaled nearly $4 million. If one of us had hit a “big horse,” that person
was going to treat the other to a trip to the 2015 Breeders’ Cup. If only one of us had chosen American Pharoah, we’d be going. But we’re not. Marty has had two starters from her trio and their combined earnings are something around $150,000. Neither of my fillies has made a start, and my Indian Charlie colt has earned little more than a visit from the veterinarian to assure his genes would not be passed on. Last year, my schedule didn’t allow time for shopping the sales, but this year I needed a vicarious pleasure, so our little game is on again. Our goal is to identify horses that will earn more in their racing careers than their accumulative purchase prices. That’s not an easy task. And this year, we’re going to
follow our mock purchases through their 4-year old seasons so we won’t know the lucky winner until New Year’s Eve 2018. As soon as the sales catalog is available, we begin to analyze pedigrees, and when the horses come to Fasig-Tipton, we start some physical evaluations. One catch, we never ask a consignor to present horses to us. We have far too much respect for their busy schedules and besides the sales are already tiring enough for these young horses. This is our fun and we would not want to make it intrusive —save all the trips in and out of their stalls for the real potential buyers. We’re already assured there are no weak individuals because the Saratoga Sale is a Selected Sale and representatives of Fasig-Tipton
have pre-approved each pedigree and conducted conformation inspections of every horse before they were accepted into the catalog. Like any venture, this exercise is only as rewarding as the effort you put into it, so we work hard at it. You would think we were spending real money. Well, there is one exception. We don’t call upon the repository. That’s a special office where the required radiographs of each horse are filed along with the results of their throat scopes. These scopes reveal if there might be any blockages that might hamper a horse’s breathing later on. It’s a standard part of the buying process to look carefully at these records or even have your own veterinarian take X-rays and/or do their own scopes. Our game is a
little handicapped for a lack of these records, but we wouldn’t dream of interfering with the needs of serious buyers. As larkish as it may seem, this is really a lot of fun and how can you not appreciate the potential of these finely bred Thoroughbreds? Marty was first to see one of her selections go in the ring. This Old Fashioned filly (#14) was lovely and her consignors, Woodford Thoroughbreds, valued her more than the bidders. She was RNA’d (Reserve Not Attained) at $145,000. It was a different story when Denali Stud led Marty’s second selection in. The bidding went fast on this handsome son of leading sire Tapit, and for $1.2 million Bridlewood Farm, Eclipse TB Partners and Robert LaPenta became the proud owners of hip number 34. My first selection sold a few hips prior. Consigned by Bluewater Sales, LLC was hip number 32, a big and powerful son of Hard Spun. He was a cribber (windsucker) and had
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
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Photos by Sharon Castro
For some people, the place to be is in the back, where auction action combines with socializing!
Hip # 49 sold for $750,000
I learned that earlier, I would have passed on him. It’s not that cribbers can’t become nice racehorses, many do. In fact, Game On Dude was a cribber… but I find the habit
One to watch? Hip # 32, a relative bargain at $160,000, was sold to Kenneth McPeek, who purchased champion Curlin for $57,000
annoying. My dampened spirits were at once lifted when Kenny McPeek signed the ticket for $160,000. Many of you will remember that Kenny
purchased Curlin as a yearling for $57,000. If only this chestnut can run like that chestnut! My hip number 49, also a son of Tapit, was purchased by John Ferguson, bloodstock agent for Sheikh Mohammed for $750,000. His consignor was Hunter Valley Farm and interestingly enough they also bred, prepped and sold The Factor, whose oldest crop are yearlings this year. The Factor is the sire of my number 1 pick in the sale, hip number 202. And Marty also had a filly by The Factor (hip number 183) on her short list. There must have been some kind of selection bias at work here, but it would be exactly that because the dam’s side weighs in so heavily in both Marty and my selections. The dam, in fact, was key in Marty’s next selection, hip number 50
- a Quality Road filly out of Cayuga’s Waters. This mare was a stakes winner of $194,422 and has already produced two stakes winners and the impressive Bill Mott-trained 2 yearold, Saratoga winner, Sage Hall. This filly was from the consignment of an old friend of mine, and I think you’ll appreciate that the great retirement program, Old Friends, got its start at Hurstland Farm, thanks to the vision and generosity of my friend, Alfred H. Nukols, Jr. That summed us up for Monday night’s sale and Marty had to dash back to her home near Cayuga Lake to cut the grass and pet the cat so she’ll miss Tuesday’s live auction, but you can bet she’ll be following her selections on Fasig-Tipton’s live feed. I’m going for my first filly on Tuesday night. Hip number 142 is by Pioneer of the Nile and out of a Pulpit mare. This lovely filly is consigned by Eaton Sales. Soon after Marty’s Curlin colt, hip number 146, will be presented by Darby Dan. This colt is what Marty terms “a piece of work,” and none of the handlers over at Darby Dan seemed ready to dispute that. He’s impish and immature, but that’s okay, the game goes
on until the ball drops in Times Square for 2019. I’ll have to stay late tonight to see my favorite colt of the sale go in just seven hips from the end of the 2015 sale. In the end, hip number 142 brought $375,000, and Marty’s Curlin, hip number 146, was sold for $145,000. And last but not least, that beautiful colt by The Factor (hip number 202) sold for $750,000. Next we’ll look for everyone to name these babies, and in a few years we hope we’ll have seen some great racing successes. But win or lose, these eight horses are ‘ours’, and with this surrogate ownership comes all the hope and sometimes the disappointment that goes with owning racehorses.
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News & Notes Week Four Highlights at Saratoga Race Course: FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 — Maker’s Mark Lake Placid: The day’s feature race is the Grade 2, $300,000 Maker’s Mark Lake Placid for 3-yearold fillies on the turf. — Taste NY: Craft Beer: Offering track patrons the opportunity to sample numerous craft beers produced exclusively by New York State breweries. The day’s featured breweries are Empire Brewing Company and Adirondack Brewery. The tasting will be held each Friday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion. Sampling fee applies. — NYRA Community Outreach Booth: The NYRA Community Outreach Booth will host Ladies of Charity Saratoga — a Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the sick, poor and otherwise marginalized populations in the community. Founded in 1982, the Ladies of Charity Saratoga work to carry out the organization’s
mission by raising funds and distributing them to local charities across Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, including soup kitchens, food banks, shelters and tuition support programs. — Saratoga Season Pass and Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day: All Saratoga season pass and season-long reserved seat ticket holders will receive a 10 percent discount at participating vendors in the Artist’s Village each Friday of the meet. The discount is available to season pass holders who present their season pass and to season ticket holders who show their new season ticket holder perks card at participating on-track locations.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 — Fourstardave Handicap and Adirondack Stakes: The day’s feature race is the Grade 2, $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap for three-yearolds and up at a mile on
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Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
the turf. The day’s card will also include the Grade 2, $200,000 Adirondack for 2-year-old fillies. — H. Allen Jerkens Day: The New York Racing Association, Inc. will pay special tribute to the man known reverently by the racetrack community as “The Chief ” during a day in honor of the late Hall of Fame trainer H. Allen Jerkens, who died in March following a legendary career. Jerkens trained 3,859 winners who earned nearly $104 million, placing him 11th and 14th, respectively, among trainers all-time. The day will include a named race in honor of Jerkens, as well as video tributes throughout the afternoon. Concession stands will offer a special 10 percent discount throughout the day on Coors Light, which was a favorite beverage of Jerkens. Fans are invited to visit the new Saratoga Walk of Fame, in which Jerkens is enshrined, to learn more about his legacy in racing and special connection to the Spa. — Fashion Saturdays: Designed to highlight the tradition of style and glamour in thoroughbred racing, the weekly event will feature various local fashion retailers and spas throughout the season. Prizes for the best-dressed man and woman will be awarded each Saturday afternoon, including participation in a trophy presentation for the Fashion Saturday race, presented by Saratoga Living. Participating shops include Circles, Hatsational by DEI, Lifestyles of Saratoga, The National and Rumors Salon & Spa.
— NYRA Community Outreach Booth: The NYRA Community Outreach Booth will host the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, a Saratoga Springs non-profit organization which cares for thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack. TRF currently cares for 900 retired horses and is the oldest and largest equine sanctuary of its kind in the world.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 — Saratoga Special: The day’s feature race is the Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special for 2-year-olds. — Taste NY: Food and Artisans: Returning for the 2015 summer meet, Taste NY: Food & Artisans is a lively on-track market of nearly 20 food and artisan vendors featuring products made exclusively in New York State. Products include jams, honey, baked goods and hand-crafted soap, amongst other items. The market will be held each Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion.
— Low Rollers Handicapping Contest: Sunday will feature the return of the Low Rollers Handicapping Contest, which allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play for $40, with $30 going towards live money and $10 to the prize pool. Participants must select five races on which to place live $2 win, place and show wagers on five different horses in five different races. Only Saratoga horses are accepted for contest play. Guests are invited to register on the first floor of the grandstand by the lower Carousel before post time for the day’s fifth race. The tournament will be held each Sunday of the meet. — NYRA Community Outreach Booth: The NYRA Community Outreach Booth will host The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for childhood cancer through partnerships, advocacy initiatives and its well-known head shaving events. St. Baldrick’s is recognized as an international platform for childhood cancer awareness and research funding, with 849 grants at
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
349 institutions around the world. Trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Javier Castellano will sign autographs at the Community Outreach Booth from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a minimum suggested donation to St. Baldrick’s.
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MONDAY, AUGUST 17 — Berkshire Bank Family Mondays: Monday will be highlighted by the newly expanded and enhanced Berkshire Bank Family Mondays, presented by Mister
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Softee from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion. The weekly family festival will enable families and children to experience and enjoy a wide array of games, attractions, and educational activities against the backdrop of historic
Hockey’s Stanley Cup Visits Saratoga Race Course SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Monday August 10, the New York Racing Association’s Community Outreach Booth hosted a special guest - one of the most iconic championship trophies in sports - the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup, as part of a fundraising effort to benefit the Double H Ranch. Kevin Dineen, a Warren County resident and assistant coach for the reigning NHL champion Chicago Blackhawks, arranged the Stanley Cup’s appearance. Hundreds of fans lined up to have their photo taken with the championship trophy at the Community Outreach Booth, located nearby the new Saratoga Walk of Fame and adjacent to the Jockey Silks Room Porch, with a $10 donation to the Double H Ranch. As a result, over $4,000 was raised. The Double H operates a year-round camp in Lake Luzerne, which is dedicated to providing specialized programs and support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses.
Photos by PHOTOCARDDAY.com
Saratoga Race Course, including the opportunity to pet a retired thoroughbred. Schools, PTAs and non-profit organizations will have an opportunity to fundraise for their operations during Berkshire Bank Family Mondays. Both the New York Racing Association and Berkshire Bank will supplement the money they raise each week with matching grants. The featured organization for the fourth Monday of the season is Chango Elementary School, part of the Shenendehowa Central Schools District. — NYRA Community Outreach Booth: The NYRA Community Outreach Booth will host Old Friends at Cabin Creek, which is a thoroughbred aftercare farm in Saratoga County. The volunteer organization is donationbased and works to provide a natural, forever home to retired equine athletes, while also offering the public an upclose and personal experience with thoroughbreds.
Lucas Miller, Johnny Miller, Chicago Blackhawks’ assistant coach Kevin Dineen and Madelyn Miller.
— Saratoga Season Pass and Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day: All Saratoga season pass and season-long reserved seat ticket holders will receive a 15 percent discount at select concession stands each Monday of the meet. Participating locations include Four Star Dave, Toga Burgers, Paddock Pizza, Finishline Sabrett, Sams and Clams and Panini. The discount is available to season pass holders who present their season pass and to season ticket holders who show their new season ticket holder perks card at participating on-track locations. — Low Rollers Handicapping Contest: A contest that allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play returns for a second day. Guests are invited to register on the first floor of the grandstand by the lower Carousel before post time for the day’s fifth race.
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Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
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Trip Handicapping: Bringing Past Performances To Life
by Tom Amello for Saratoga TODAY Past Performances (pps) are one of several tools available to handicappers for solving the racing puzzle. But past performances are flawed in that they are a static representation of a dynamic event. They show in numbers where a horse raced at each of several points of call up to the finish. But a horse race is a dynamic event. From bell to wire, these equine athletes are in constant motion under jockeys seeking to secure and improve position. Part of the task of handicapping is to bring past performances to life. Trip handicapping does that. Serious recreational and professional handicappers are different from casual fans when watching races. It’s all about the trip. Think of a horse race as a drive up or down the Adirondack Northway during commuting hours - too many cars going as fast as they can, many darting dangerously from lane to lane, seeking the advantage of a single car-length. This tension-filled trip is further complicated when behind, inside, or between 18-wheelers, lumbering recreational vehicles, or
Twin Bridges traffic. How was your most recent trip? Trip handicapping asks that question and more: In what ways did the trip affect how each horse ran? Additionally, how was each horse advantaged or disadvantaged by its trip? And finally, since a horse’s form and physical conditioning vary from race to race, does today’s performance represent an improvement or regression in the form cycle? The trip handicapper’s answers effectively evaluate today’s effort. Equibase racetrack chart callers are industry professionals charged with watching and creating not only the numbers for pps, but a verbal narrative describing each horse’s effort in the race. A long form narrative appears in official charts for each race; shortened notes appear in pps as a “comment” line. Some handicappers read the charts, most take into account the abbreviated chart notes. Trip handicappers are serious recreational and professional players who enhance their understanding of a race by calling and charting their own remarks. Chart callers emphasize the story of the race; trip handicappers emphasize ability demonstrated during the running, documenting trouble or lack of trouble. Trip handicappers pore over race replays hoping to harvest either next out winners or horses to play against. Some, not all, public handicappers are expert race watchers. Michael Kipness is a 40-year professional handicapper known as The Wizard whose selection sheet sells at Saratoga and at DRF. com. In town for the meet, on clear days Michael watches each race from the roof at Saratoga Race Course through high- powered binoculars. He pans the
entire field, focusing on the rear of the pack and moving forward. “My method in taking trip notes is to watch the race live, then watch the head-on shot for trouble at the start,” he said. “I study the stretch run to the finish to determine soundness and ability to stretch out in distance by the way they run through the wire, as well as trouble which cannot be picked up as clearly from the pan shot. I take into consideration the pace of the race, as well as the impact of pace on the outcome of the race and individual competitors. Horses are often aided or victimized by pace. Another consideration is track bias. However, the key to my notes is the hidden tough trips that are not easily identified. The pressure of racing between or among horses can affect the performance as much as an obvious check or a bumping incident that everyone sees. These are just a few of the nuances of race watching.” Paul Cornman is legend in the game as a race-watching handicapper and owner. Years ago he worked as chart caller for the now defunct Racing Times. During a seminar, a participant asked Paul which of his chart comments held the most meaning for horses racing next out. With a wry smile he offered, “Rated, restrained, late bid.” Cornman interpreted a jockey’s tight hold on a willing runner, followed by a meaningful move late in a non-winning effort a sign of ability and next out improvement. Trip handicapping is purposeful race watching. Most casual fans and recreational handicappers lack time to invest in trip handicapping. But those who do will arrive at the track with an edge. Those who don’t should follow the public handicappers who do. Those interested in learning more about the
art of watching a race might seek out Dan Illman’s DVD Trip Handicapping: Watching Thoroughbred Race Replays from DRF.com. Tom Amello began his Thoroughbred education over 50 years ago, learning the game from his father and uncle, two old-time New York punters who never met a favorite they could like! In 1984, Tom created his own database of New York trainers & horses that became the foundation for his Saratoga selection sheet, Trackfacts, which debuted at the 1989 Spa meet and continues to be available at Saratoga Race Course. In 1992, Trackfacts the OTB television
show debuted. Trackfacts Live covered New York and national racing. In addition, Tom has conducted numerous handicapping seminars and workshops, including participation in “Count Down to…” programs at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and the annual NYRA Open House at Saratoga Race Course. In 2013, Tom published Playing the Odds Board: Gateway to the Game, a guide that makes racing and betting easier to understand and more fun for those new to Thoroughbred racing. Tom is a member of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. Contact Tom at trkfacts@nycp.rr.ocm.
Sample Wizard Trip Notes Pre-Race Appearance:
+AP Good appearance -AP Poor appearance WASH Washed out FR Fractious
Types of Trouble:
SG RSHUP STD T+ AC NP
Slow gate Rushes up after slow start Mild trouble/lacks room Serious trouble Forced to alter course No push stretch
Pace of the Race:
CHA D STK MM MM+ MM- INH
Challenged for the lead Prolonged duel for the lead, or in later stages of the race Stalker behind the duel Middle move Middle move into hot pace Middle move into slow pace Inherits lead from collapsing rivals
Overall Performance:
CRU RPT BMW BWF PU+ PU- BO BI PR GR HR NLC
Crushed rivals, a decisive, impressive win Can repeat Big maiden win, Better than these but beat weak field Pulled up strong past wire Pulled up poorly past wire Bore out Bore in Poor ride Great ride Hard race No lead change
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015 choreography unique to the National Museum of Dance and her visit. Finally, join us after her talk to meet Whitney, and join her in an aerobic dance class. This event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the event beginning at 7 p.m. To register for the class, visit www.dancemuseum.org.
Family Friendly Event
Friday, August 14 Tuesday Tucks Me In Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. – Noon Join Author and Former Captain, Luis Carlos Montalvan, and his dog, Tuesday as they read and discuss “Tuesday Tucks Me In: The Loyal Bond Between a Soldier and his Service Dog”. Luis and Tuesday will also demonstrate ways in which Tuesday helps Luis take care of himself. For ages 4 and up. Northshire Bookstore will be present for those who wish to purchase copies of the book. For more events at the library, visit www.sspl.org.
Saturday, August 15 Jailhouse Rock 5K Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa, 8:30 a.m. Race to benefit Brookside Museum and the Saratoga County Historical Society. Registrations are accepted through day of race.
Whitney Thorne National Museum of Dance, 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. Whitney Thorne is a dancer, seen most recently on TLC’s hit show, My Big Fat Fabulous Life. After being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and struggling to find self-acceptance after gaining a large amount of weight from the disease, Whitney eventually turned back to her life-long passion for dance as a means of healing. Now that she is coping with her disease, her passion for the art is as strong as ever as she continues to learn to love herself and her body, and encourage others to do the same. Join Whitney as she talks to those in attendance about the ideals and values both she and her No Body Shame campaign hold true. In conjunction with her talk, Whitney will also be performing a piece of never-before-seen
Sunday, August 16 Breakfast Buffet Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs, 8:30 – 11 a.m. Fruit cocktail, French toast, pancakes, potatoes, breakfast sausage and ham, corned beef hash, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, juice, coffee and tea. Donation Requested: Adults $8, Seniors and Military (Active/Retired with ID Card) $7, Children 5—12 $6, Under 5 Free, Take-outs $8. Call (518) 584-2585 for more information.
Summer Stroll: Saratoga and the Civil War at Greenridge Cemetery Tour meets: Civil War Monument inside Sackett Gates, 10:30 a.m. Join Gloria May for a tour of Greenridge Cemetery commemorating the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. SSPF Members $5, NonMembers $8. Tours are rain or shine. Allow 90 minutes. Requires walking & standing and covers varied terrain. Pre-registration preferred.
Monday, August 17 Saratoga Casino and Raceway Monday Night Mile Saratoga Casino and Raceway, Harness Track, 5:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Saratoga History Museum. This unique race will be chip-timed, and runners will be grouped into timed heats based on their one-mile run time. Awards will be presented to the top three male and female overall winners and the top three in each age division. The first 250 entries are guaranteed a race t-shirt. Pre-registration fees are $25 through August 16 and $30 the day of the race. Online registration is available at www.saratogahistory. org/the-monday-night-mile.
Tuesday, August 18 Free Lunchtime Concert Saratoga Battlefield, 648 Route 32, Stillwater, Noon – 1 p.m. The race track in Saratoga
CALENDAR 31 Springs may be quiet on Tuesdays, but Saratoga Battlefield will be alive with music. Friends of Saratoga Battlefield will sponsor the free lunchtime concerts at Saratoga National Historical Park’s visitor center. Bring a lunch and listen to a different program each week: folk, traditional and martial music. The neighboring Adirondacks are the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River, and renowned for outdoor recreation. Once it was home to loggers, miners, farmers and hermits. Learn about their lives and work through songs presented by Tom Axtel and Neil Rossi. For further information about this and other activities please contact the park at (518) 670-2985, check the park website at www.nps.gov/sara or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SaratogaNHP.
New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, 1 p.m. State Senator Kathleen Marchione, Assembly Member Carrie Woerner and Mayor Joanne Yepsen invite you to participate. Register in advance at www.prepare.ny.gov.
Demonstration with Cathy Barrow Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 4 p.m. Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Practical Pantry: Recipes & Techniques for Year-Round Preserving. From the book’s introduction: “A walk through the weekend farmers market is a chance not only to shop for the week ahead but also to plan for the winter months. From the strawberries and blueberries of late spring to the peaches, tomatoes, and butter beans of early fall, Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Practical Pantry shows you how to create a fresh, delectable, and lasting pantry, a grocery store in your own home.” For more information visit, www.northsire.com.
Dark Days/Starry Nights Congress Park, War Memorial, 7 – 8:30 p.m. The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau will be presenting the Visitor Center free summer concert series in Congress Park in August. This week enjoy music by Rich Ortiz – An acoustic solo act featuring guitar, harmonica, pedal
bass, head turning vocals. For more information call (518) 581-3241 or visit www.discoversaratoga.org.
Wednesday, August 19 Grant and His Saratoga Connections Grant Cottage, 28 Mt McGregor Rd, Gansevoort, 1 p.m. Join Gloria May and Melissa Trombley-Prosch at Grant Cottage to learn more about the Saratoga people and places connected to Grant’s visits. This history is brought to life through pictures and stories, presented by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation in collaboration with the Friends of Grant Cottage.
Visual Tour Presentation of Southern Ireland
Local Town Websites Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road (518) 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street (518) 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road (518) 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com Town of Malta:
The Parting Glass Pub, 4042 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, 5:30 p.m. Explore Dublin, River Shannon, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle and more. Actual trip planned for April 2016. Limited seating, RSVP to Tony bucketlistvacationplanners@TWC. com or call (518) 265-9615.
2540 Route 9 (518) 899-2818 www.malta-town.org
Malta Summer Concert Series
City of Saratoga Springs:
Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Drive, Malta, 6 p.m. Fun, family concerts are provided by the Town of Malta Parks & Recreation Department, and are made possible by grant funding from the GlobalFoundries - Town of Malta Foundation, Inc. Concerts will take place on the front lawn of the Malta Community Center or inside the center if inclement weather occurs. Bring a picnic, blanket, and/or lawn chairs! Free admission.
Thursday, August 20 Free Concerts in the Park Wiswall Park, Front St., Ballston Spa, 6 – 8 p.m. The concert series, which is known for its diverse line-up of musicians, has a little bit of everything from swing to country to indie rock to a Beatles tribute band. The concerts run for 10 weeks. This week’s concert features The North & South Dakotas (Americana/Roots Rock).
Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road (518) 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org
474 Broadway (518) 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street (518) 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org Town of Stillwater: 881 N. Hudson Avenue Stillwater, NY 12170 (518) 664-6148 www.stillwaterny.org Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road (518) 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St, #1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov
Send your calendar events to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.
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Knowing Your ABCs Saturdays, 9 to 1 Wednesdays, 3 to 6 High Rock Park As part of our new “Meet Your Farmers & Makers” series, here is a Q & A with Christopher Castrio (CC), partner at Argyle Brewing Company. Keep reading to learn more about Argyle Brewing Company and their delicious, local craft brews!
(SFM) “Where were you born?” (CC) “Elmhurst, Illinois.” (SFM) “What was the first album you bought?” (CC) “Pink Floyd, Wish You Were Here.” (SFM) “If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?” (CC) “Sushi, specifically a salmon roll.” (SFM) “What is your guilty pleasure (travel, food, recreation, etc.)?” (CC) “Of the three – travelling.”
(SFM) “What is your favorite book?” (CC) “William Golding’s Lord of the Flies.”
recuperate from injuries sort of like Wolverine, you know? No matter what hits me I can be cured of it!”
(SFM) “If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?” (CC) “I always say I never want to go back in time, if I had the choice I would go forward in time.”
More on Argyle Brewing Company: Argyle Brewing Company (ABC) opened their doors on March 28th, 2014. Argyle, NY is a dry town so this “Farm to Glass” brewery is located at 1 Main St. Greenwich, NY. Its three partners, Chris, Matt, and Rich have a passion for beer and make an effort to support local farms. In fact, ABC operates under a New York “Farm Brewery” license, meaning the beer must be primarily composed of locally grown farm ingredients. The partners have over 30 years of brewing experience between them, so you’re in store for some really great, skillfully crafted beer when you visit Argyle Brewing Company. ABC crafts many tasty, truly New York State beers including their 100th batch, a limited edition Vanilla Porter. This special milestone was reached on July 28, 2015, so be sure to keep an eye out for the celebratory brew in the coming months!
(SFM) “What does your perfect day look like?” (CC) “All the bills would be paid, it would be sunny, partly cloudy, you know those big poofy clouds, 75-80 degrees, and not having anybody or anything needing anything from me.” (SFM) “If you could have dinner with anyone (past or present), who would it be?” (CC) “Abraham Lincoln.” (SFM) “How do you recharge?” (CC) “Let’s see, the best way I recharge is usually taking a nice ride on my motorcycle.” (SFM) “If you could have a super power what would it be?” (CC) “My kids [and I] talk about this all the time, for me it would be the power to
Here’s a list of what’s always on tap at Argyle Brewing Company: Blonde Ale — this brew was named for partner Matt’s daughter. It’s a smooth ale with mellow malty sweetness. For an excellent
shandy, mix “Cute Little Blonde” with some fresh lemonade! India Pale Ale — ABC’s IPA uses New York and Northwest hop varieties and has foundations of caramel malt, tobacco, and toasted bread crust. “Hop To It” has a lightly bitter and dry finish. Altbier — “Alter Your Brew” has a spicy hop bitterness, a dash of roasted barley, and German red wheat malt – giving the brew a nice amber haze. This is a crowd favorite! Oatmeal Stout — “Oat Me” has hints of dark chocolate and roasted coffee. With a light carbonation and rolled oats, “Oat Me” provides an enjoyable smooth mouth feel and is a great compliment to the bitter winters we know all too well here in upstate NY. Red Ale — “Red Ale” is an Irish style Red that is smooth, roasty, and also provides a nice smooth mouth feel due to the flaked barley ingredient. * In addition to delicious craft beer, ABC also has two awesome
Stainless Steel Growlers you can purchase to transport your beer. With racing season in full swing here in Saratoga, these shatter-proof growlers are the perfect solution for bringing your ABC beer to the racetrack (for the 21+ of course). In addition to the 1-liter growler, a larger 2-liter option is now available! You can also find lots of other cool “beer gear” on ABC’s website, at argylebrewing.com. Not only does ABC support local farms, they are also invested in the community! In April, ABC put on the “2nd ABC Run,” which helped raise $1,930 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Argyle Brewing Company can be found every Saturday at the Saratoga Farmer’s Market. Stop by their tent on the North lawn to sample what’s on tap, pick up a growler, and learn more about these delicious craft brews from Leah, who represents ABC at the Market. Better yet, take a ride over to their brewery in Greenwich, NY for a taste and a sneak peek of all of the “hop-pinings” in the tanks. Argyle Brewing Company is a brand new addition to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market family this summer season, and we are so happy to have them! Cheers!
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
FOOD 33
Unique Culinary Event Benefits Saratoga PLAN SARATOGA SPRINGS — Feast of the Fields takes place Thursday, September 17, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Saratoga National Golf Club to benefit Saratoga PLAN. Attendees will recognize local conservation heroes while enjoying the bounty of locally grown produce prepared by some of Saratoga County’s best chefs. Continuing its ten-year tradition, Feast of the Fields pairs area restaurants and farms in an effort to promote sustainable agriculture, support the regional economy and provide greater awareness of conserving area farms and the importance of buying and eating locally raised food. The evening will also include musical entertainment, a silent auction and a reception honoring local residents who have contributed significantly to the Saratoga region’s quality of life through conservation. This year’s honorees include:
Joe Finan – Saratoga National Historical Park
Ian Brower, Capital City Gastropub
Thomas Poultry Farm
Claire Haizlip – Champlain Canalway Trail
Thomas Gulbrandsen, Saratoga Marriott Courtyard and Excelsior Springs
Wm. H. Buckley Farm
Open Space Institute – Partner in conservation of Cocozzo Farm
Heidi Hoyt, Parkside Eatery & Black Diamond Caterers
New York State – McGregor Prison Land Transfer
Kim Klopstock, 50 South and Lily & the Rose
Willow Marsh Farm
Landowners – For the successful conservation of their land
Yono Purnomo, Yono’s and dp Brassarie
Mack Brin Farms
Each “conservation hero” honoree will receive a hand painted birdhouse created especially for them by a local artist. Following the reception, several of the region’s top chefs will showcase their talents using ingredients from area farms. Some of the featured chefs and farms include:
Leah Stein, Leah’s Cakery
Serendipity Farm
Chefs: Vivian Brammer, Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club
Farms: Old World Farm
Eric Tisaj, Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club Michelle Zawadzki, Druthers at McGregor Links Students, Junior ACF Chapter of Schenectady County Community College
Winney’s Blueberries
King Brothers Dairy West Wind Acres Saratoga Apple Pleasant Valley Farm Greenfield’s Forever Many additional food providers and farms will be showcased at tasting stations that include beer, wine, cheese, bread, flowers and culinary artisans. Saratoga PLAN is a nonprofit land trust that preserves the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County so these irreplaceable assets are accessible to all and survive for
future generations. PLAN assists landowners with fulfilling their conservation goals for their land and provides stewardship for over 3,600 acres of farmland, forest, natural habitat, trail corridors, historic places and water resources in Saratoga County. For the eighth straight year, Feast of the Fields will be set amid the beautiful grounds of Saratoga National Golf Club with spectacular views of 135 acres of forest and wetlands protected through a conservation easement held by Saratoga PLAN. Tickets for Feast of the Fields are $85 per person. Space is limited. Proceeds from the event will help to conserve farms, woods, waters and trails in Saratoga County. Additional information available online at www.saratogaplan.org or by calling 587-5554.
Somewhere, Someplace, Someone is using a Can Opener
by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends. We are a family of cat and dog lovers. We continue to have many years of enjoyment, love, and laughter in having a cat and a dog. Many stories out there are unanimous among people who have animals as part of their families. I cannot imagine my life without them. However, there are times during the day when their eating demands become questionable and challenging. I have often wondered if our cat knows how to tell time. It has become her daily regime at 4:45 a.m. to snuggle up to my chin while I am sound a sleep. Her soft, warm, fluffy body suffocating me, waiting for a glimmer of movement that may signify me waking to attend to eating time. As long as I do not move, I am safe to get another 45 minutes of sleep before responding to her urgent
demand for her morning feeding. The feeding ritual for cats always includes a couple of actions. The first is to convince us humans that they are starving to death and need to be fed immediately. The second is to make it so difficult to continue sleeping, that there remains no choice but for the humans to wake up. Pushing papers and various items off counters, crashing into walls, and creatively putting their paws under doors to loudly rattle them are among the processes used to alert us that it is indeed feeding time and we must meet the demands immediately. Waking our chocolate Labrador retriever also gives the cat additional support in getting us to respond. Once they have both successfully woken me up, I sleepily make my way down the stairs. I slowly grab the can opener and the food that will remedy the urgent cries from our feline as her tail signifies triumph. The sound of the can opener becomes a signal of the most favorite time of the day for both of them. Opening a can actually causes our cat to go from a deep sleep cat nap to the kitchen in seconds flat. There are many types of can openers. Often times the culinary connoisseur seeks to get the easiest and safest can opener they can for quick and efficient opening. Kuhn Rikon offers a can opener that has
an auto safety lid lifter making it possible to open a can and never touch the lid. Place the opener on the can and turn the knob. The tool automatically locks in place. The can opener cuts from the side leaving a smooth rim. It is safe and ergonomic creating a comfortable way of opening a can. The Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety lid lifter and can opener: — Automatically locks onto the can — Has a Stainless Steel cutting mechanism — Cuts from the side leaving the rim smooth, not sharp or jagged — Lid lifter jaws clamp on to remove the lid from the can and then releases into the trash with a push of a button This is a great tool to add to your collection of kitchen gadgets. This manual opener quickly does the job – especially when you are in a hurry to feed the special pets in your house. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen” – even for our furry family members. Somewhere, someplace, someone is using a can opener!! Take care, John and Paula
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Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
“Dracula’s Grandmother” Concludes at Fort Salem Theater SALEM — This weekend is the last chance to see Fort Salem’s run of “Dracula’s Grandmother: A Musical Fable.” The final two performances are Saturday, August 15 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 16 at 2 p.m. at the Fort Salem Theater, located at 11 East Broadway in Salem. Bram Stoker’s gothic vampire novel, “Dracula,” published in 1897, has fascinated audiences, playwrights, and movie makers alike. Shortly before publication, Stoker himself produced a one-time-and-one-time-only dramatic production of his story at London’s Lyceum Theatre. “Dracula’s Grandmother” takes off from that historical point. Stoker’s boss, Shakespearean actor Henry Irving, the first actor ever to be knighted, asks to play the title role and then starts demanding rewrites of the script. Mrs. Stoker, who hasn’t acted for years, insists on playing the female lead in order to keep the young girls away from her husband. The most celebrated actress of the era, Ellen Terry, not yet cast because the roles are for young women, begs Stoker to create a role for Dracula’s grandmother. The real dramatic debut of “Dracula” was a disaster. With mirth and melody, Jay Kerr presents this year’s world premiere musical as the fabulous explanation as to how such a sure-fire hit was dead on arrival.
David Braucher, Johnny Martinez and Rosie Spring in “Dracula’s Grandmother.” Photo provided.
“It’s hard to believe we did all this in nine days,” said Johnny Martinez, who plays Bram Stoker in the show. “I’m used to tours and community theatre. The tours rehearse for weeks, the community shows for months. It’s incredible how this came together so fast!” Fort Salem changes its summer attractions every one or two weeks and is often rehearsing one show on the same day another one is playing.
“The trick is to find talented performers who can roll with the punches and thrive in a hectic environment. Everyone in the Dracula cast is magnificent; they work well with one another and deliver during performances,” said Jay Kerr, Fort Salem’s artistic director. For tickets or more information, visit the theater online at fortsalemtheater.com or call the theater box office: (518) 854-9200.
Dark Day Sale at the Friends Book Shop When the horses aren’t running, stop by Saratoga Springs Public library for a Dark Day 10-cent paperback sale on August 18. It’s open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the H. Dutcher Community Room located at 42 Henry St. in downtown Saratoga. Members of the Friends of the Library also receive 50 percent off in the Book Shop. Plenty of great summer reads! Our reusable canvas grocery totes with the Friends logo (a horse reading a book) are available for $14 plus tax. One-stop shopping, courtesy of the Friends of Saratoga Springs Public Library. The shop accepts cash, credit card and checks.
35 PULSE
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Gala Raises $200k for Horses in Need Photos by Francesco D’Amico
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s gala, “The Foods of Anne Burrell,” took place Sunday, August 9 at Canfield Casino on the eve of the Fasig Tipton sales. Anne Burrell, the Food Network star who hosts “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef ” and co-hosts “Worst Cooks in America,” treated guests to an exceptional dinner. Specialty vodka drinks were provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka with select bourbon tasting by Maker’s Mark. A live auction was held that featured unique experience packages and stallion seasons. Proceeds from the gala go to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, which provides lifetime care for horses that can no longer be ridden due to age or illness. Susan & Richard Morell.
Kevin Bond & Claeana Mannino.
Vicky Shave.
Dr. Jerry Bilinski, the board of directors for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
Mike Bongiorno & Paul Manganaro.
Brooke Rennick & Celebrity chef Anne Burrell.
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Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Tango Gala at TNMD
Photos by Francesco D’Amico
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Dance held their Tango Gala on Saturday, August 8. This black tie event, hosted by Chairwoman Michele Riggi, is the museum’s largest fundraiser. Guests enjoyed music and dancing from TS Ensemble, dinner provided by Mazzone Hospitality and a special dance performance by Tango Pasion from Argentina. Awards were presented to Mark Morris and Rudolf Nureyev (the latter, posthumously) as they were inducted into the Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance. Dancer and actress, Chita Rivera was also recognized for her contributions to the arts and received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nicole Rich, Frankie Ecardt, Roslyn Riggi-Zecchini, Sandra Foley, Nicole Rifenbary, Patty Riggi.
Rochele Higgins & Amanda Nichols.
Michele Riggi with fashion designer Don O’Neille.
Jody Gazenbeek & Tango exhibit curator Anton Person-Gazenbeek.
Amy Raimo & Wayne Flores
Mark St-Pierre, Jisook Choi, Jean-Pierre Perron, Mary Ann Paratore.
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
37 PULSE
Learn, Create and Taste at Serendipity
Photos by Heather Bohm-Tallman.
Owner Patrice Mastrianni gets creative with kids at Serendipity.
Serendipity gives teens a much-needed place to socialize, create and eat together.
by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY
together into a striking piece of artwork. The result can be used for many things, such as jewelry or sun catchers. According to Mastrianni, there is nothing else like it offered in Saratoga. When it comes to the culinary aspect, Serendipity’s kitchen is user-friendly, well-made and has a striking appearance. Designed by Lisa Bates, the combination of subtle wood details and clean stainless steel makes for a bright and inviting setting for sharpening culinary skills. “The whole point is that it is flexible for multi-use,” said Mastrianni. Concerned about allergies? Serendipity may not be allergen free, but menus can be tailored
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Two of Saratoga’s biggest cultural staples, food and art, have been brought together in one place: the Serendipity Arts Studio. Offering unique culinary and art programs and parties for children, teens and adults, Serendipity is the newest place for a creative learning experience in Saratoga Springs. Located at 26D Congress Street, there was a soft opening last week. The grand opening is planned for August 18, with a ribbon cutting that begins at 4 p.m. The owner, Patrice Mastrianni, has been teaching children and adults for nearly thirty-five years. Mastrianni has a B.S. in studio arts from The College of St. Rose and has previously worked for the Saratoga Senior Center as program director, marketing
director and arts instructor. As the former owner of Creative Sparks Pottery in Saratoga, as well as being a past member of the Saratoga Downtown Business Association, Mastrianni has the perfect combination of art and business experience under her belt for Serendipity to flourish. “I love teaching and I love working with kids and adults alike,” Mastrianni said. “Art is such a therapeutic, stimulating thing to do. It’s as restful as it is rewarding. When people create, they feel a sense of accomplishment.” Serendipity has classes for all skill levels and for all ages. With art classes that cover how to make anything from fabric art to mosaics, there is something on Serendipity’s calendar for everyone’s artistic interest. Perhaps one of the most intriguing classes offered is glass fusion, where bits of glass are shaped into a design then put into a kiln that fuses them
to fit anyone’s dietary restrictions and great care is taken to prevent allergen contamination. Many guest artists and chefs will be coming to Serendipity to teach. If anyone has a special artistic or culinary skill, they are welcome to contact the studio to inquire about teaching a class. With so many diverse programs offered at Serendipity, it’s difficult to list them all. There are nights out for kids and teens each week where they cook their own dinner based around a theme, such as Italian, Mexican or “Grandma’s cooking.” Serendipity makes a night out with peers a fun and safe experience. For
preschoolers, there are the weekly classes titled “Little Artists” and “Little Chefs.” Small children learn art and food skills at their own pace with no stoves and no knives. Etiquette classes are also offered for children, teens and young professionals entering the business world. Mastrianni wants to develop day classes for stay-at-home moms and retired adults to share a common interest, socialize and learn something new. She also hopes to create classes centered on specific health concerns, such as gluten-free cooking and heart healthy foods, where a doctor and chef would collaborate on teaching a class. When asked why she opened Serendipity Arts Studio, Mastrianni replied: “learning and sharing brings people together. [Serendipity] fills a need. The town needed it and I was that person.” Serendipity Arts Studio is available for private parties, fundraising events and team building activities for office groups. Though it is not open unless there is an event going on, anyone can contact the studio for a tour or more information. To register for a class or book a party, visit serendipityartsstudio.com and click on “Calendar.” Gift certificates are also available for purchase online.
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Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
week of 8/14-8/20 friday, 8/14: Rich Ortiz, 8 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060 Good Sir, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 Driftwood, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Steve Candlen, 7 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Mikki Bakken, 7 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 The Dude Abides, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Rick Bolton + Jeff Walton, 5 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Off the Hook, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Franklin Micare, 6 pm @ Gideon Putnam — 584.3000 Ubuntu, 9 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 The Audiostars, 6 pm @ Horseshoe Inn — 587.4909 Slow Burn, 5:30 pm @ JP Bruno’s — 745.1180 Don Hoffman, 6 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Blue Hand Luke, 9 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Al + Kathy Bain, 6 pm @ Olde Bryan Inn — 587.2990 Emily Teller, 9 pm @ Peabody’s — 886.8673 Bobby Dick + Susie / Just Nate, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Mallett Brothers Band w/ High Peaks, 10 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 5 O’Clock Charlie, 8 pm @ Ravenswood — 371.8771 Abba, 6 pm @ Siro’s (Main Stage) — 584.4030 The Accents, 7 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Hair of the Dog, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Benjamin Franklin, 8:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Rich Ortiz, 6 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 DJ Heat, 8 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775 Rob Aronstein, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640
saturday, 8/15: The Blackouts, 8 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060 Modern Man, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Craig Todd, 8 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Gary Brooks, 7 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Radio Junkies, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Karaoke, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Chris O’Leary Band, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Aquanett, 6 pm @ Horseshoe Inn — 587.4909
Out Past 9, 9 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Jim Wilson Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 The Ideal Situation, 9 pm @ Peabody’s — 886.8673 Franklin Micare + Er Go Blu, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Stone Revival Band, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Master Cylinders, 6 pm @ Siro’s (Main Stage) — 584.4030 Moonshine Junkies, 7 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 NPG + Kip Chapman, 9 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775 Rob Aronstein, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640
sunday, 8/16: Bella’s Bartok w. Kaatskillachia, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Al Bruno, 9 pm @ Crown Grill — 583.1105 Sirsy, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Rich Ortiz, noon @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 TS Ensemble, 8 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Chris Dollard + Dan Sherwin, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 DJ Moon, 6 pm @ Siro’s (Main Stage) — 584.4030 The Refrigerators, 3 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Leaning South, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Rob Aronstein, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640
monday, 8/17: Erin Harkes, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ Horseshoe Inn — 587.4909 George Giroux + Franklin Micare, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 DJ Moon, 6 pm @ Siro’s (Main Stage) — 584.4030 Mediacrime, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Larry Finke, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640
tuesday, 8/18: Saratoga Stories: Magic + Loss, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Rich Ortiz, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Two Step Tuesdays, 8 pm @ Crown Grill — 583.1105 Open Mic with Rick Bolton, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Al Santoro Trio + Melissa Marshall, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563
The Off Track Band, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Mark Pratt, 5:30 pm @ Three Vines Bistro — 306.5881 Mike Purcell, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640
wednesday, 8/19: Muscle Shoals Music Review, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Toga Boys, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 The Heaters, 6 pm @ Horseshoe Inn — 587.4909 Masters of Nostalgia, 8:30 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Nancy Kamen & Bobby Dick + Susie, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Watchdog, 6 pm @ Siro’s (Main Stage) — 584.4030 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke, 9 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Christine Spero, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640
thursday, 8/20: Soul Session, 8 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060 North + South Dakotas, 6 pm @ Ballston Spa — Wiswall Pk. — Open Mic, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Matty Finn, 6 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Toga Boys, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Open Mic, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Skippy + The Pistons, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Rick Bolton, 6 pm @ Gideon Putnam — 584.3000 New York Players, 6 pm @ Horseshoe Inn — 587.4909 Hot Club of Saratoga, 7 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014 Franklin Micare + Rich Ortiz, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 JCHA, Sly Fox, Angels on the Fourth, Motorhome, 8 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Al Bruno, 8 pm @ Seven Horse Pub — 581.0777 TS Ensemble, 6 pm @ Siro’s (Main Stage) — 584.4030 Beatin’ the Odds, 7 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 JJ + the Impacts, 9 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Mark Pratt, 5:30 pm @ Three Vines Bistro — 306.5881 Here’s to the Heroes, 7 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775 Rob Aronstein, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
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Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE classified@saratogapublishing.com
Call (518) 581-2480 x204 AUTO DONATIONS
MORTGAGES
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Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
41 HELP WANTED
FOR RENT OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-6382102. Online reservations: www. holidayoc.com
ATTEND AVIATION COLLEGE Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance training. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7093
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Professional Residential & Commercial Business looking for a part time employee with full time potential. If you are reliable, trustworthy and take pride in your work, please phone Rebeka @ 518-894-4476.
FOR SALE So. Adirondack Lake Property! 111 acres - $222,900 3 hrs NY City, 40 mins Albany! Great deer hunting, huge timber value! Pristine Lake! Call 888-905-8847 woodworthlakepreserve.com Lakefront Woodlands- Abuts State Land! 43 acres- $219,900. Over 1,400 ft on unspoiled Adk lake! Beautiful woods, great hunting & fishing! Just west of Albany! 888-701-7509 woodworthlakepreserve.com Adirondack Lakefront Cabin! 30 acres- $299,900 Newly remodeled main cabin, 2 add’l camping cabins, 500 ft lakefront! 3 hrs NY City, 1/2 hr from Capital Region! Call 888-479-3394 Tour at woodworthlakepreserve.com
42
FUN AND GAMES Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Puzzles
Across 1 “Say it isn’t so!” 5 Slick 9 Japanese poem with 17 syllables 14 More than simmer 15 Natural skin soother 16 Caravan stop 17 ‘50s-’60s Ramblers, briefly 18 Grand Prix series designation 20 Brings in, as salary 22 Geeky types 23 Controversial Vietnam War defoliant 26 Onetime Leno announcer Hall 29 Salt, in France 30 “__ we there yet?” 31 Add to the staff 33 Serving at Popeyes 36 Gutter site 37 Avon or Fuller Brush work, e.g. 42 Too 43 Country bumpkins 44 “I hope you’ve learned your __!” 47 Pro vote 48 Little white lie 51 “__-hoo! Over here!” 52 What Al Capone led 56 Collar attachment for Spot 57 “MASH” setting 58 “Shh! Don’t tell!” and hint to what can precede the starts of 18-, 23-, 37- and 52-Across 63 Cheesy sandwich 64 Dance in a line 65 Actress Garr 66 Autobahn auto 67 Like a truck climbing a steep hill 68 Flower part 69 Tiff Down 1 White House family 2 Respect that’s “paid” 3 Coin with a buffalo, once 4 Designer Mary-Kate or Ashley 5 Klutzy fellow 6 U.N. worker protection gp. 7 Doone of Exmoor 8 Red Sea republic 9 “Texas” poker variety
See puzzle solutions on page 46
See puzzle solution on page 46 10 Very small batteries 11 Prefix with metric 12 Kith and __ 13 Exploit 19 Hankering 21 Button that gets things going 24 Sandwich cookie 25 Raring to go 26 Airline with famously tight security 27 Symbol of peace 28 Hair colorings 32 Vegetables in pods 33 The “B” in TV’s former The WB network 34 “Your point being...?” 35 Target city for Godzilla 37 Tyne of “Judging Amy” 38 Margarine
39 __ buco: veal dish 40 Scuba diving area 41 Not tight 45 Familiar adage 46 Evening, in ads 48 Inflame with enthusiasm 49 Marcos with a shoe collection 50 “Take a hike!” 53 Verifiable findings 54 “Snowy” wader 55 Sauce tomatoes 56 “Othello” conspirator 58 Here, in Le Havre 59 Truck weight unit 60 NBC late-night comedy hit 61 Before, in poetry 62 Tiny Dickens boy
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: Elicit, Illegal, Illicit Elicit means to bring out or draw forth. Illegal means unlawful. The band’s performances always elicit praise from the critics. It is illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving. Illicit means unlawful or prohibited. The council fined the firm because of its illicit activities. 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 August 14 – August 20, 2015
SPORTS 43
Looking Forward
by Tim Blodgett for Saratoga TODAY Are you the looking back at the summer days passing and lamenting all that you didn’t do? Are you hoping to fit everything in between now and Labor Day? Will you be putting your boat away in a few weeks and digging out your long johns, wool socks and winter parka because summer’s over? Winter’s coming, there’s no avoiding it, but great weather is here now and exciting outdoor opportunities for outdoorsmen of all types are just ahead. Summer’s not over by a long shot, the shame is that so many people equate the start of school year with the end of summer and the resumption of the old grind. I’m telling you that the fun is just beginning. Take the kids fishing, or go by yourself. You don’t have to plan an epic adventure - just head down to your favorite fishing hole and put a line in the water. The current dog days have made the water warm and the fish lazy, so fish lazily and recharge your outdoor spirit while you wait for the big one to bite. You should feel your stress evaporate and your blood pressure lower, if not, you’re taking it too seriously, LIGHTEN UP! If the big one doesn’t bite the first time, take heart in the knowledge that as the water starts to cool in the upcoming weeks, the fishing will get better.
Fall is a great time to go fishing. Find a quiet place, take a moment to close your eyes and absorb the sounds, smells and feel of your surroundings. You’ll notice things that make familiar surroundings seem less familiar and if you feel yourself drifting off, let it happen. It will do you a world of good. When you open your eyes, really see what’s around you. Most of us rely on our sight to give us the information we need to navigate in our busy world, but that’s not really seeing. You need to take in all that you see but not be distracted by the obvious. This takes some effort, but the reward is well worth it. I find that the more time I spend outdoors, the more detail I see. You don’t need to go any farther than a local park or nature trail. In the upcoming weeks, return to the places you visited, repeat your quiet observations and notice the changes over time. Hunters who are anxious for the small game and deer seasons to begin can benefit from the observational exercise outlined above. My own experience has shown me how blind I can be when I enter the woods. It takes time to re-tune your senses. Keep in mind what hunting is - the deliberate pursuit and ultimate harvesting of a game animal from its natural environment. You absolutely owe it to the animal, to yourself and to all other citizens to be at the peak of proficiency when you take the shot. So start practicing your skills and getting in shape right now. If you’re already scouting the woods and spending time on the range, you’re ahead of the game. Have confidence in your stand placement and leave the area alone for a few weeks, the deer will know if you check too often. Whether you hunt with a bow or a firearm, time on the range is important. No matter your experience level, it takes time to become familiar with your new equipment. Practice makes perfect only if you practice smart. Shooting a bow takes
muscle power. If you’re new or you haven’t picked up your bow since last season, swallow your pride, turn down the draw weight and don’t overdo it. Keep practice sessions short and concentrate on your form. Just because you hit the bulls-eye with your first three arrows doesn’t mean you’re good to go. Keep practicing so when the moment of truth arrives, you are able to make a single, well placed shot that puts your target on the ground. If you find that you need to have your bow serviced, get it to a shop right away because October 1 will be here before you know it and you don’t want your bow hanging on a repair rack when it could be with you. If hunting with a shotgun or rifle is more to your liking, the same advice applies. Skills get rusty and you need to polish them to perfection if you expect to succeed in the field. Plan on spending quality time on the range with “Old Betsy” or the new gun you plan to hunt with. Some people, even experienced shooters, will develop a flinch in anticipation of the noise and recoil
All Outdoors
of the shot. Take a .22 cal. rifle and practice the fundamentals of marksmanship by shooting a couple boxes of its inexpensive ammo. When you pull the trigger on your deer rifle afterwards, you will likely have cured yourself of flinching and will shoot more accurately. Also, practice at the skeet and trap ranges. Moving targets can be tricky to hit so it’s important to practice shooting targets moving at different angles. Finally, take time to get yourself ready physically for the hunt. A large part of hunting is often hiking. Use the time remaining before school starts to take the kids hiking on one of the many trails you can
find close by. Moreau State park, with its many trails, would be a great place to take the family and tune up at the same time. You will be glad you did when you get to the climbing, hiking and dragging parts of hunting. Look toward the future and see that there will be many opportunities for outdoor recreation on the water and in the fields. Tim Blodgett, owner of Saratoga Tackle & Archery, can be reached at (518) 584-3952. His store is located on Route 9P, Saratoga Lake next to the state boat launch. For further information, visit Saratogatackle.com or find Saratoga Tackle on Facebook.
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Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Shear Greatness!
Saratoga Springs Resident Selected for Basketball Hall of Fame Continued from front page was known as the “MECA,” short for Middle Eastern Collegiate Association. Many of Siena’s big rivals are the same as today – such as Iona, Marist and St. Peters, and… “Albany State, as it was known in those days,” Shear said. “We would play them twice a year, plus in a Capital District Basketball Tournament that had RPI and Union. Those games were always a struggle.” Most home games were played in Gibbons Hall on campus, which had a capacity of about 1,000. “Even
then, Siena fans had a mania about the team. With the fans so close to the action, it made for a real home court advantage,” Shear said. The bigger games were played in the Washington Avenue Armory, which seated about 5,000. “The alumni at Siena have always been supportive. Because so many graduates remain in the Capital Region, that also leads to lifelong relationships that I am proud to enjoy. That’s why this is such an honor. Any time you can represent Siena, it’s a great thing,” he said. “I always strived for consistency on both ends of the floor,”
Shear’s Number 50 is one of only four retired at Siena and hangs at the Times Union Center.
Shear said. That consistency is evidenced by his senior career scoring average of 20.3 – which is the same as his three-year average at Siena. But if Shear was consistent, it was consistently at a high plane. Consider these career highlights – a few selected among many: — He was the first 2-time basketball All-American in Siena’s history. — He is a member of the Capital District Basketball Hall of Fame, the Waterford/Halfmoon High School Hall of Fame (where he also set several records), and was the first player to be elected to Siena College’s Hall of Fame on his first year of eligibility (1978). — Shear was the fastest player in Siena history to score 1,000 points (52 games) and held Siena’s career total scoring record (again, without the 3-point line, playing less games per year and only three years) for 14 years. His biggest and most memorable win, Shear recalls, was his first as a senior. Named as Captain of the squad, “it was the very first game for (now legendary) Coach Bill Kirsch. We had to travel on the road at Seton Hall – a big time program that was coached by (now CBS’ NCAA Commentator) Bill Raftery. It was a great win to start off a great career for our Coach,” Shear noted. Now retired after over 30 years in sales for Kimberly Clark, Fred Shear continues to be active in basketball. He goes to games at his alma
Fred Shear today. He stays active by working with young students (10-year old twins Audra and Aidan) on basketball skills in the Ballston Spa School District.
mater Siena, as well as those for Waterford/Halfmoon and other area High Schools. He had high praise for current Saratoga Springs High School Coach Matt Usher, whom Shear coached when Usher himself was on the JV and Varsity squads at SSHS. And it is as a coach, giving back to the community, that Shear’s excellence continues to have a lasting impact. He has been an assistant coach in both the Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa School Districts. Currently, he can be seen on the sidelines for 2 AAU squads (under 16 and ages 13-14) in Saratoga Springs, and works on intensive skills with selected elementary students in the Ballston Spa School
District. “I do my best with young players. It’s great to work with them, they are very receptive and I find I can get them on the right path if I work with them before their habits are molded,” he said. Any young player would doubtless benefit from Fred Shear’s basketball expertise, but more importantly from his example as a role model. Enshrinement in The Basketball Hall of Fame is a fitting reward. When asked how it will feel to walk into the Hall on October 17 and see his exhibit, he said, laughing, “You know, I have to tell you. I’ve never been there! But I’m certainly looking forward to it.”
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
SPORTS 45
Those Who Can’t Teach – Criticize
by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY Lately, there has been much about “Common Core” in the news. The reason behind the push comes from a myth that a great number of politicians who think our public schools are failing the youth of America. Our own governor thinks he can push educators around with threats of dismissal from what he calls unqualified teachers because they can’t meet his standards and expectations of “Common Core” testing results. And this is done through Value Added Measures (VAM) - measuring the teacher’s contribution in a given year by comparing the current test scores of those same students in previous school years each year. In other words, teacher evaluation must be based on data from student test scores. Where does this come from? It comes from critics
who are looking from the outside in, who think that through the creation of rigid testing will answer any questions that they have about curriculum. I’m just shaking my head in disbelief! My parallel is that there was a time when many people questioned the value of interscholastic sports as part of school curriculum. Some still do, and I would like to make the comparison to what is happening with “Common Core” with a philosophical idea that scholastic athletics are an unnecessary frill in education. The idea of testing everything and VAM is out of control and out of bounds, because you cannot test human nature and social development. Some political leaders think they have the answers with their use of punitive threats to educators by holding test results over their heads and by extension, threats to the students. These threats are focused on the fact that there is no room for failure. My question is: Isn’t one of the best ways to learn through failure? Einstein even said that. As a retired educator and coach I experienced this scenario a few times during my career. It comes from those who are looking from the outside in, critics who live in glass houses. As a basketball coach, I have witnessed many situations where people who have a bit of knowledge of the game, maybe because they played, but have never coached, feel qualified to critique the coach. Consider the politician, who readily criticizes a system that he or she
knows very little about. But because they were students, and maybe have an arms length of college degrees, they become authorities and feel they’re qualified to change education to their way of thinking. Mind you, these people have never been in the classroom as teachers. There’s a parallel of disrespect to teachers and coaches that’s demonstrated by some people from the political system, or fan base who feel they have a just cause for an attack on teachers and coaches. If the students can’t score well on the test that’s administered through “Common Core,” then VAM kicks in on the educator. In other words: it must be the teacher’s fault. There is no VAM (Value Added Measures) in the evaluation of the coaches, but if the team can’t win games, it must be the coach’s fault - a parallel to teachers. There are different levels of talent, academically and athletically, that balances out through an adaptive-type of instruction for the different learning curves of each student. In correlation with athletic ability, the coach has to develop a means of implementation to the level of the players to achieve success on the athletic field. Year in and year out, each team has a different learning curve for recall and various levels of capabilities - and the classroom is no different. Each child has strengths and weaknesses, and in different areas of their intellect, for example, some struggle in math or the language arts.
A teacher, like a coach, has to work with these different levels of learning. If you have 24 students, or 15 players, it becomes the ultimate challenge: A demanding situation for the coach/teacher in order to get through to the individuals in the development of each student/ player. The teachers and coaches have the knowledge and training for the preparation to aid all of the students, or players, with the goal that “no child gets lost” in the process. Regarding “Common Core,” there is no single answer. Students are not robots and are programed to all perform at the same speed, or levels - this also holds true in sports. The reality has always been the ultimate challenge that the teacher/ coach has to find, for each individual, a way to help them understand concepts and lessons. Through their expertise, educators must discover the trigger for means of positive reinforcement. One goal is the necessity to make the students/players feel good about themselves, which can open a door of excitement and a hunger for learning for each child. Not every team I had won championships, not every player I had was a gifted athlete but some of those teams and players learned more about the game than the champions did. They learned that success isn’t always measured by how many games you’ve won; there was so much more about being part of the team. They learned that not being the best player isn’t a shameful experience. They learned about
sharing, the importance of teamwork, and being part of something special that they will carry around with them throughout their lives. In the classroom the students can have similar experiences, being part of a class with a caring teacher and classmates. If they had difficulty with school, but were in a classroom fashioned in a way to be able to feel more positive about themselves, they experienced success as a student. A caring teacher, who wasn’t under the gun to prepare them day in and day out for a stressful test, made school something to look forward to and to be excited about. An athlete might have difficulty coming to school every day, but because he, or she was part of a team, it made school more fun, and something to look forward to. There’s a real possibility that “Common Core” has done more harm than good for students. Not to mention the implementation of VAM for teacher evaluation, which has taken the joy of teaching away from the teachers. This is a problem for public education today, the interference from people of political influence who fit into the cliché: “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing!” It’s been said that those who are the biggest critics know the least! When political figures boast about how they took on the teachers’ unions, and won, they fail to see the harm that they have created which may take years to remedy. They’re fighting the wrong people.
Automotive Legend Peter Brock Named Honorary Chairman of Concours d’Elegance
Peter Brock. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Peter Brock, best known for his landmark design work on the Corvette Stingray and the Shelby Daytona Coupe, will be the Honorary Chairman of the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance weekend at the Saratoga Automobile Museum on September 25-27. The weekend, a collaborative effort between America’s foremost automotive publisher and the acclaimed automobile museum, will open on Friday, September 25 with an Adirondack drive and Lake George cruise, with
Brock scheduled to drive a Shelby GT-350 on the drive. Saturday’s double-header program will start with the Hemmings Cruise-In Spectacular, featuring all makes and types of cars, trucks and motorcycles, running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. That evening, the adjacent Gideon Putnam Resort will host the annual Concours banquet with Brock as the keynote speaker. The weekend concludes Sunday, September 27, with the prestigious Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance, featuring the nation’s premier vehicles, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Both show days will find Peter Brock meeting enthusiasts and signing autographs at a display of his most famous designs, highlighted by the appearance of a prototype Corvette Stingray provided by General Motors and a Shelby Daytona Coupe on loan from its Washington, DC owner. Information about registering for the Friday driving event and Lake George Cruise, the Cruise-In Spectacular and other events and exhibits at the Saratoga Automobile Museum can be found online at www. saratogaautomuseum.org.
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Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN Town of Malta Fall Activites Brochure Now Available The Town of Malta’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services Fall Activities Brochure is now available on their online registration site: www.maltaparksrec.com. Registration for your favorite activities has started! New classes, sports programs and special events are scheduled to begin in September. Call the Malta Community Center at (518) 8994411 for more information.
Tryout For Adirondack Hawks 16U Baseball The Adirondack Hawks Baseball 16U baseball team will be holding tryouts for the 2016 season on Saturday, August 15 at Gavin Park at 11a.m. The rain date is Sunday, August 16 at Gavin Park at 11 a.m. For more information contact Coach Campbell at scoopbobcmp@ aol.com.
Boxer Gerry Cooney To Meet and Greet This Saturday Heavyweight boxer Gerry Cooney will be appearing at James and Sons Tobacconists, 360 Broadway, Saratoga Springs this Saturday, August 15 from 6 to10 p.m. Cooney will be signing autographs, taking pictures and talking about some of his famous
Send your sports stories or briefs to Arthur Gonick, Sports Editor at arthur@saratoga publishing.com
boxing matches. Cooney has fought Heavyweight Champs Larry Holmes and George Foreman, among others. Cooney retired with a record of 28-3 with 24 knockouts and was ranked 53rd on Ring Magazines list of the greatest punchers of all time. In 1982 before a crowd of 32,000 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Cooney faced the unbeaten WBC World Heavyweight Champion Larry Holmes in a title fight of such magnitude that it was hyped on the cover of Time Magazine. Cooney fought valiantly before suffering defeat in round 13. The bout drew a then record gate of $7.29 million.
City of Saratoga Springs Ice Rink Open for Summer Fun Join us at the ice rink on Weibel Avenue. Family Skate, Open Public, Open Stick, Open Adult Hockey and Open Figure sessions are being offered. Call (518) 587-3550 x2300 or visit www.SaratogaRec.com for more information.
U.S. Figure Skating Champion Ryan Bradley To Give Seminar There will be a special one-day figure skating seminar featuring on-ice instruction by U.S. Figure Skating Champion, Ryan Bradley. The seminar is scheduled for August 24, at the
Houston Field House at RPI. Bradley, a fan favorite for his showmanship, is the 2011 U.S. National Champion, and a twotime U.S. Collegiate Champion. Bradley will work with skaters on various skills including spins, jumps and power stroking. Seminar registrants will garner competition tips and participate in off-ice instruction. This seminar is open to all, but most suitable for skaters working on single jumps or higher. The seminar is made possible by a collaborative partnership between three of the region’s largest figure skating clubs Albany, Hudson-Mohawk and Saratoga Springs. For more information, visit any of the Clubs’ websites or contact Mary Ellen O’Loughlin, president of the Saratoga Springs Figure Skating Club, at oloughlinssfsc@aol.com.
Saratoga Fall Youth Field Hockey Program The Saratoga Springs Booster Club will be hosting its fifth fall season of youth field hockey beginning on Sept 1 and ending on Oct 4. The program is open to youths in grades third through sixth – No experience needed. The program features practices working on fundamental skills and at least three play days with other area school club programs. The youth program brochure can be downloaded from the Booster Club’s website at www.eteamz.
Puzzle solutions from pg. 42
com/Saratogaf ieldho cke y1. Registration is now open and the cost is $95 for the fall season, which includes a team vest for new players. For more information please contact Jo-Anne Hostig, Saratoga head field hockey coach, at Tig10@ juno.com.
Saratoga Springs Recreation Department 2015 Fall Soccer Program. This program is open to children grades Pre K-12 and will run from September 5 to October 24. Players will be separated by grade and exposed to skill development based on age. Two volunteer coaches per team are needed. Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. or Saturday noon-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.SaratogaRec. com, call (518) 587-3550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.
Saratoga Blue Devils Baseball Tryouts Tryouts for the Saratoga Blue Devils 13-14U Gold Level Baseball Team will take place on Saturday, August 15, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Geyser Road Big Field (closest to the elementary school - park in the lot off Adams Road). The coaches are Jerry Faiola and Nick Kondo.
For more information contact Jerry at (518) 728-5413 or email jerryfaiola9@gmail.com.
Register for Programs at Wilton’s Gavin Park Junior NBA Registration - This program is open to boys and girls in grades 2 through 10. All skill levels, including beginners, are welcome, and everyone receives equal playing time. Registration for Wilton residents is open now and non-resident registration begins August 31. The deadline to register is September 25. The cost is $125 for Wilton residents, $165 for Saratoga Springs City School District residents, $175 for others, and includes a full uniform. Gorilla Basketball or Soccer – These programs are for children ages 4 through 6 who have little or no playing experience. Children learn the fundamentals in a fun and relaxed environment. Coaches teach the basics of the game by utilizing drills and small scrimmages. Each participant will receive a soccer ball or a basketball. Programs run on Sundays, October 4 – November 8. The cost for Wilton residents is $65/session; everyone else is $90/session. Registration may be completed online at: www.townofwilton.com, or in person at the Gavin Park Office. For more information, call the park office at (518) 584-9455.
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Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
Jockeys vs. Trainers: Hoops for a Cause Photos by MarkBolles.com
Trainer Todd Pletcher (r.) sets the defense.
Jockey Jacqueline Davis gets in the action.
Jockey Angel Cruz lays it in.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On the evening of Thursday, August 6, the Saratoga Springs Rec Center was abuzz with fans that packed the stands for a celebrity all-star game featuring jockeys versus trainers and horsemen. The jockey’s team, coached by Hall of Famer Angel Cordero, Jr. had a stellar crew including jockeys Jose Ortiz, Angel Cruz, John Velazquez, as well as Hall of Famer’s Pat Day and Chris McCarron… and one extremely tall ringer – Rashard Lewis, 6’ 10” of the NBA’s Miami Heat! The trainers, coached by Kiaran McLaughlin, had a squad that included a one-two punch of leading trainers Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown, and some notably assertive play by Joseph Migliore, the son of Saratoga favorite Richard. An appearance by Zayat Stables Racing and Stallion Manager Justin Zayat, son of Ahmed Zayat, owner of 2015 Triple Crown winning thoroughbred American Pharoah, fueled some “Pharoah-mania” speculation by some in attendance. Back at the game -- no doubt spurred on by Cordero’s pep talks, the jockeys were aggressive throughout the evening, and won the game with ease (67-58) for the first time in five years. But the biggest winner was the New York Chapter of the Race Track Chaplaincy and it’s programs at all three NYRA tracks. Nearly twenty owners and
syndicates contributed to sponsor the game and an additional $9,100 was raised from the fans via raffles and donations. Also, at halftime, The New York Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association presented a check for $10,000 towards replacement of the Chaplaincy’s van (“Bessie”), which has logged over 200,000 miles. The van is used to drive backstretch workers to doctor and dentist appointments, shopping trips, to run errands, and more.
Jockey Coach Angel Cordero, Jr. (l.) confers with his squad, which included the NBA’s 6’ 10” Rashard Lewis of the Miami Heat.
Volume 10 • Issue 32
See Learn, Create and Taste pg. 37
FREE
Week of August 14 – August 20, 2015
PULSE
See Gala Raises $200k pg. 35
Saratoga Children’s Theater Performs “Seussical: The Musical”
As part of a three-week long summer camp at the Saratoga Children’s Theater, campers will be performing “Seussical: The Musical” in the JBK Theater at Skidmore College this weekend. Performances will be Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15 with show times at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Performed by students between the ages of 13 and 18, “Seussical” is narrated by The Cat in the Hat who tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Who’s, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Campers in the “Seussical” cast are also invited to be a part of a trip to The National Performing Arts Festival held at Walt Disney World® Resort in February 2016. The Children’s Theater is currently fundraising and seeking sponsors for the program.
Photo by MarkBolles.com